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China opposes any tariff deal that comes at its expense: commerce ministry

Xinhua) 09:35, July 04, 2025

BEIJING, July 3 (Xinhua) -- China firmly opposes any country making trade deals at the expense of Chinese interests, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

Spokesperson He Yongqian made the remarks in response to a media query regarding the trade deal between the United States and Vietnam, noting China is evaluating relevant development.

She said that the U.S. imposition of so-called "reciprocal tariffs" on its trade partners is a typical act of unilateral bullying, a practice China has consistently opposed.

The spokesperson added that China supports efforts by other countries to resolve trade differences with the United States through consultations on equal footing, but firmly opposes any country reaching a deal at the expense of China's interests.

"If such a situation arises, China will take resolute countermeasures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests," she said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Airport travel can be a pain over holiday weekends. But the Reno Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) says this year is expected to be just as busy as last year.

They expect 16,000 passengers over the 6th and 7th of July.

To put those numbers into perspective, they have 10,000 to 12,000 passengers on typical days.

Nicolle Staten, the Public Affairs Manager for the Reno Tahoe Airport Authority, says, "We know every year we're going to be busy during this time. We look at last year and we compare so we can be ready for everybody. We are looking at pretty much the same amount of travelers as last year, so not a big increase."

During holiday weekends such as this one, the airport makes sure they staff up and have therapy dogs around the airport ready to give you comfort.

As a reminder, Real IDs are in effect, so if you don't have one, you should bring your passport with you, or else TSA may give you additional screening and delay your time getting through security.

You'll also want to arrive early to make sure you stay on time.

There has also been a lot of construction around the airport, but RTAA says there aren't any projects going on right now that will impact passengers.

Staten goes on to explain, "You're going to start seeing some construction, but nothing too impactful at this time. Luckily our next project is also going to be our concourses, so starting in 2026, you're going to start seeing construction, but nothing too big happening right now."

We also asked some passengers passing through the airport what their plans for the weekend were.

Jordan Davis and Kylie Rowe tell us their plans: "We're heading to Utah; we're going to go to Stadium of Fire Rascal Flatts, so we're excited. You took all the words out of me! I didn't even get a chance; we are that excited for this trip! We even dressed the part."

Gavin and Griffin Vernon-Smith tell us about their plan to go to Hawaii: "I'm going to get surfing lessons on my birthday, which is on July 8th, and we're also traveling for the 4th of July, too."

Jordan Davis and Kylie Rowe go on to say, "We're going to my sister's house. We're so excited to see the family and see the cousins. Papa will be there. We're excited for the BBQ, and we're excited to go get into some water and do some fun 4th of July celebrations."

They also told us a little about their experience getting to the airport: "It was busy driving here to the airport. We got through the lines pretty quick, and so now we just have to make that flight."
On Wednesday, Reno Police arrested an area elementary school employee for allegedly sexually assaulting a child under the age of 10 around 20 years ago.

62-year-old, Taji Hillson had her first court appearance on Thursday.

It was a bail hearing, and the judge set her bail at $5 million with no 10% cash option. Her next court date is scheduled for July 10.

She's facing charges of Sexual Assault against a Child Under 14-years-old, and Sexual Assault and Lewdness by Person over 18-years-old with a Child Less than 14-years-old.

2 News Nevada obtained the probable cause documents for her arrest.

We want to let you know what we are about to share with you is quite disturbing.

The documents reveal that it was someone in her family who Hillson was allegedly assaulting.

According to the arresting officer, on April 30, the victim in the case, a woman, went to the Reno Police station to file a sexual assault report.

The victim provided text messages to officers, where Taji Hillson allegedly admitted to drugging and touching her inappropriately.

The documents claim Hillson to be a PE teacher at Roy Gomm Elementary School. The Washoe County School District shared with us that she was a substitute employee who started working there in 2022.

Since she's a substitute, she's an at-will employee and not on a contract, so her employment ended on June 13. Since she was arrested, she is not eligible for re-employment.

Detectives with the Reno Police Sex Crimes Unit started the investigation into Hillson in May.

On June 25, the police brought in Hillson for questioning. The lead detective said in the documents, "I explained to the defendant that the door was unlocked, and she did not have to speak with me and was free to leave at any time."

Hillson supposedly admitted to sneaking Benadryl into the victim's food and then touching her when she was sleeping.

Hillson told police she did this throughout the victim's childhood, but most frequently from ages six to 12. The documents indicate Hillson doing the same when the victim was an adult when she finished college.

The probable cause papers say that Hillson confessed to touching at least a dozen other children that were mainly family in North Carolina. She also allegedly said she touched a two-year-old boy in the last few years. It's unclear in the documents whether that was here in Reno or in North Carolina.

On July 1, the victim said that Hillson placed an apology letter in her mailbox.

In that letter allegedly Hillson admitted to giving the victim two to three times the recommended dosage of Benadryl to "control" the victim.

The documents end by saying that all crimes were committed secretly and only recently came to light.

Reno Police Chief, Kathryn Nance, says that parents should be having the uncomfortable conversations with their children.

"So, I think it's opening the lines of communication, creating a safe space for that child to come forward if something happens and then taking those accusations and the things the child says seriously," the Chief said.

Reno Police say they don't believe there are any victims at Roy Gomm Elementary School at this time.

"We are currently evaluating what other allegations might have been made against that person in other jurisdictions or maybe locally to ensure that we do have that complete picture," Chief Nance said.

RPD says if you have any other information or believe you or anyone else may have been a victim to call their non-emergency line 775-334-2677 or contact Secret Witness by calling or texting a tip to 775-322-4900.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Washington Nationals outfielder James Wood became the third player to announce he will take part in the Home Run Derby.

The derby will be held on July 14, the night before the All-Star Game, at Truist Park in Atlanta. Wood joins Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. and Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, who leads the majors with 33 homers, in the contest.

Wood went 5 for 5 with his 23rd home run in Thursday night's 11-7 win over the Detroit Tigers.

He's the third Nationals player to take part in the Home Run Derby, joining Juan Soto (2022) and Bryce Harper (2013 and '18).

I mean it's cool. It's definitely special, Wood said of his selection. It's something not a lot of guys get to do so I'm just super honored and excited for it.

The 22-year-old Wood has 12 homers that have been hit harder than 110 mph. It's the second most in the league behind Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani's 13. Wood also has four that have gone longer than 445 feet.

Wood was acquired from San Diego in August 2022 as part of the blockbuster deal that sent Soto to the Padres.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
MONROE TOWNSHIP, N.J. (AP)  The pilot of a skydiving team encountered mechanical issues that prompted an emergency landing at a small New Jersey airport but could not get the plane stopped at the end of the runway, the company said in a statement Thursday.

Skydive Cross Keys said the plane was at an altitude of about 3,000 feet (900 meters) when the problem arose. Fifteen people were aboard the plane, and as of Thursday afternoon three remained in critical condition at a New Jersey hospital and five others were listed as serious.

The single engine Cessna 208B radioed about having engine trouble after takeoff and crashed on landing around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Cross Keys Airport, about 21 miles (34 kilometers) southeast of Philadelphia, authorities said. An initial report posted Thursday by the Federal Aviation Administration said the aircraft, with 14 passengers and one crew member, crashed while returning to the airport after a runway excursion into trees.

Monroe Township Police Chief John McBride said he was among the first rescuers to arrive at the crash, finding most of the victims out of the plane and crawling on the ground. Some were still trying to remove their parachutes.

Fire crews had to cut down trees to get to the wreckage, which McBride said was completely mangled, just beyond repair. It just looked like a big pile of metal. Less-injured victims were tending to more seriously hurt people. Some were screaming in pain and victims were covered in jet fuel.

It was chaotic, McBride said at a Thursday news conference. Officers are hollering for assistance, trying to calm everyone down.

Cooper University Hospital spokesperson Wendy A. Marano said all eight of the patients at the hospital in Camden suffered blunt force trauma, including injuries to their extremities and soft tissue damage. Township emergency officials had said three victims were taken to Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill, but the hospital's spokesperson said that while its emergency medical responders treated victims at the scene, none were taken to Inspira facilities.

Only one of the 15 people refused medical treatment. McBride said that when he told the man he had a facial injury and needed care, his response was: Itll be something cool to tell the ladies later.

In its statement, Skydive Cross Keys said three people were unhurt and none of the injuries is thought to be life-threatening. It said the plane was up-to-date on scheduled maintenance and had recently been inspected by the FAA. The company described the unnamed pilot as experienced.

The plane did try to circle back and attempt a landing, we are told, but was unsuccessful in that attempt, Andrew Halter, with Gloucester County Emergency Management, said during a news conference Wednesday night.

Just the fact that we have 15 people that are still with us here today, some with minor injuries, I think is fantastic and remarkable, he said.

Halter said the aircraft is owned and operated by ARNE Aviation out of Virginia and leased to Skydive Cross Keys. A message seeking comment was left Thursday morning for ARNE Aviation.

Federal agencies are investigating the crash.

Scolforo contributed from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Maryclaire Dale from Camden, New Jersey.
OMAHA, Neb. (AP)  Tyler Sherman, a nurse at a rural Nebraska hospital, is used to the area's aging farmers delaying care until they end up in his emergency room.

Now, with Congress planning around $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts over 10 years, he fears those farmers and the more than 3,000 residents of Webster County could lose not just the ER, but also the clinic and nursing home tied to the hospital.

Our budget is pretty heavily reliant on the Medicaid reimbursement, so if we do see a cut of that, itll be difficult to keep the doors open, said Sherman, who works at Webster County Community Hospital in the small Nebraska town of Red Cloud just north of the Kansas border.

If those facilities close, many locals would see their five-minute trip to Webster County hospital turn into a nearly hour-long ride to the nearest hospital offering the same services.

That's a long way for an emergency, Sherman said. Some won't make it.

Already struggling hospitals would be hit particularly hard

States and rural health advocacy groups warn that cutting Medicaid  a program serving millions of low-income and disabled Americans  would hit already fragile rural hospitals hard and could force hundreds to close, stranding some people in remote areas without nearby emergency care.

More than 300 hospitals could be at risk for closure under the Republican bill, according to an analysis by the Cecil G. Sheps Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which tracks rural hospital closures. Even as Congress haggled over the controversial bill, a health clinic in the southwest Nebraska town of Curtis announced Wednesday it will close in the coming months, in part blaming the anticipated Medicaid cuts.

Bruce Shay, of Pomfret, Connecticut, fears he and his wife could be among those left in the lurch. At 70, they're both in good health, he said. But that likely means that if either needs to go to a hospital, it's going to be an emergency.

Day Kimball Hospital is nearby in Putnam, but it has faced recent financial challenges. Day Kimball's CEO R. Kyle Kramer acknowledged that a Senate bill passed Tuesday  estimated to cut federal Medicaid spending in rural areas by $155 billion over 10 years  would further hurt his rural hospital's bottom line. Roughly 30% of Day Kimballs current patients receive Medicaid benefits, a figure thats even higher for specific, critical services like obstetrics and behavioral health.

An emergency means Im 45 minutes to an hour away from the nearest hospital, and thats a problem," Shay said. And he and his wife wouldn't be the only ones having to make that trip.

Youve got, Im sure, thousands of people who rely on Day Kimball Hospital. If it closed, thousands of people would have to go to another hospital, he said. Thats a huge load to suddenly impose on a hospital system thats probably already stretched thin.

Experts say the bill's $50 billion fund for rural hospitals isn't enough

Rural hospitals have long operated on the financial edge, especially in recent years as Medicaid payments have continuously fallen below the actual cost to provide health care. More than 20% of Americans live in rural areas, where Medicaid covers 1 in 4 adults, according to the nonprofit KFF, which studies health care issues.

President Donald Trumps $4.5 trillion tax breaks and spending cuts bill, which passed Thursday, would worsen rural hospitals' struggles by cutting a key federal program that helps states fund Medicaid payments to health care providers. To help offset the lost tax revenue, the package includes $1.2 trillion in cuts to Medicaid and other social safety net programs  cuts they insist only root out fraud and waste in the system.

But public outcry over Medicaid cuts led Republicans to include a provision that will provide $10 billion annually to buttress rural hospitals over the next five years, or $50 billion in total. Many rural hospital advocates are wary that it won't be enough to cover the shortfall.

Carrie Cochran-McClain, chief policy officer with the National Rural Health Association, said rural hospitals already struggle to break even, citing a recent American Hospital Association report that found that hospitals in 2023 got nearly $28 billion less from Medicaid than the actual cost of treating Medicaid patients.

We see rural hospitals throughout the country really operating on either negative or very small operating margins," Cochran-McClain said. "Meaning that any amount of cut to a payer  especially a payer like Medicaid that makes up a significant portion of rural provider funding  is going to be consequential to the rural hospitals' ability to provide certain services or maybe even keep their doors open at the end of the day.

Kentucky is expected to be hit especially hard

A KFF report shows 36 states losing $1 billion or more over 10 years in Medicaid funding for rural areas under the Republican bill, even with the $50 billion rural fund. No state stands to lose more than Kentucky.

The report estimates the Bluegrass State would lose a whopping $12.3 billion  nearly $5 billion more than the next state on the list. That's because the bill ends Kentucky's unique Medicaid reimbursement system and reduces it to Medicare reimbursement levels.

Kentucky currently has one of the lowest Medicare reimbursement rates in the country. It also has one of the highest poverty rates, leading to a third of its population being covered by Medicaid.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a two-term Democrat widely seen as a potential candidate for president in 2028, said the bill would close 35 hospitals in his state and pull health care coverage for 200,000 residents.

Half of Kentuckys kids are covered under Medicaid. They lose their coverage and you are scrambling over that next prescription, Beshear said during an appearance on MSNBC. This is going to impact the life of every single American negatively. It is going to hammer our economy."

Haigh reported from Hartford, Connecticut.
KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. (AP)  A team of scientists from the University of Miami, the Florida Aquarium and Tela Marine in Honduras is working together to transplant crossbred coral fragments onto a reef off Miamis coastline that was devastated by coral bleaching two years ago.

Theyre looking for ways to help reefs survive increased ocean temperatures caused by global warming and climate change.

Its the end of a very long process," Andrew Baker, professor of marine biology and ecology at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School and director of the Coral Reef Futures Lab, said Tuesday as divers planted the corals off Miami.

The plan of introducing corals from the Caribbean evolved over the past few years.

"We had this idea that we really needed to try to help Floridas coral reef by introducing more diversity from around the Caribbean, recognizing that some of the biggest threats to corals, like climate change, are really global phenomena and if you try to have Floridas reefs save themselves on their own, we could give them some outside help, Baker said.

Coral breeding has also been done in Hawaii, where in 2021, scientists were working to speed up the corals evolutionary clock to breed super corals that can better withstand the impacts of global warming.

Why crossbreed with corals from Honduras?

Baker's group teamed with the Florida Aquarium and Tela Marine, bringing in fragments of corals from a warm reef off of Tela, Honduras, which spawned in tanks at the aquarium.

We were able to cross the spawn from those corals, the sperm and the eggs, to produce babies. One parent from Florida, one parent from Honduras, Baker said.

They chose the reef off of Tela because the water is about 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer than the water off the coast of Florida.

And yet the corals in those environments, and especially the Elkhorn corals, are really thriving, Baker said.

He noted that there are extensive beds that are hundreds of meters long, full of flourishing Elkhorn.

And yet they survive there despite really warm conditions and also quite nutrient-polluted waters, Baker said.

The conditions are similar to those Florida will face over the next century, Baker said.

It's also the first time international crossbreeding of corals has been permitted for planting onto wild reefs.

So we're really excited to see how these do, he said.

The hope is the corals will be more thermally tolerant, which Baker and the team will be testing throughout the summer.

What are Elkhorn corals?

Elkhorn corals are some of Florida's most iconic species and are valuable because they form the crest of the reef, Baker said.

And the reef is what protects shorelines from storms and flooding. So if you have healthy Elkhorn coral populations, you have a great reef that is acting almost like a speed bump over which waves and storms pass and dissipate their energy before they hit the coast, he said.

Elkhorn corals are in serious decline, thanks in part to the coral bleaching in 2023 and warming sea temperatures, Baker said.

While coral get their bright colors from the colorful algae that live inside them, prolonged warmth causes the algae to release toxic compounds. The coral ejects them, and a stark white skeleton  referred to as coral bleaching  is left behind, and the weakened coral is at risk of dying.

Weve lost maybe more than 95% of the Elkhorn corals that were on Floridas reefs at that point, Baker said.

Some of the corals spawned in the Florida Aquarium's laboratory arrived there in 2020, said Keri ONeil, director and senior scientist with the aquarium's Coral Conservation Program.

She said more fragments from Honduras and Florida will continue to live at the center.

We hope that every year in the future we can make more and more crosses and continue to figure out which parents produce the best offspring, O'Neil said.

How do they plant the corals on the reef?

The tiny Elkhorn coral fragments were placed onto small concrete bases along the reef on Tuesday.

Weve arranged them in a certain way that we can compare the performance of each of corals, Baker said.

The team will study how the corals that have a Honduran parent compare to the ones that are entirely from Florida.

"But its really the future that were looking to and in particular, a warming future and a warming summer, how these corals do and do they have more thermal tolerance than the native Florida population, because thats really what the goal of the whole project is,'' he said.

Baker said it's the most exciting project he's worked on during his 20-year stint at the University of Miami.

Hope for the future

If the corals thrive, it could provide a blueprint for working across the Caribbean to share corals.

This is a project about international collaboration, about the fact that our environment really doesnt have closed borders, that we can work together to make things better in the world, said Juli Berwald, co-founder of Tela Coral. And it shows that when we talk to each other, when we work together, we can really do something that might be life-changing, not just for us but for the corals and the reefs and all the animals that rely on the reefs.

This story corrects Celsius to Fahrenheit conversion in paragraph 9 and also fixes Tela Coral to Tel Marine in most references.

Frisaro reported from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Donald Trump says he didn't know the term shylock is considered antisemitic when he used it in a speech to describe unscrupulous moneylenders.

Trump told reporters early Friday after returning from an event in Iowa that he had never heard it that way and never heard that the term was considered an offensive stereotype about Jews.

Shylock refers to the villainous Jewish moneylender in Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice who demands a pound of flesh from a debtor.

The Anti-Defamation League, which works to combat antisemitism, said in a statement that the term evokes a centuries-old antisemitic trope about Jews and greed that is extremely offensive and dangerous. President Trumps use of the term is very troubling and irresponsible.

Democrat Joe Biden, while vice president, said in 2014 that he had made a poor choice of words a day after he used the term in remarks to a legal aid group.

Trump's administration has made cracking down on antisemitism a priority. His administration said it is screening for antisemitic activity when granting immigration benefits and its fight with Harvard University has centered on allegations from the White House that the school has tolerated antisemitism.

But the Republican president has also had a history of playing on stereotypes about Jewish people.

He told the Republican Jewish Coalition in 2015 that you want to control your politicians and suggested the audience used money to exert control.

Before he kicked off his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump drew widespread criticism for dining at his Florida club with a Holocaust-denying white nationalist.

Last year, Trump made repeated comments accusing Jewish Americans who identify as Democrats of disloyalty because of the Democratic leaders' criticisms of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Critics said it perpetuated an antisemitic trope about Jews having divided loyalties and there being only one right way to be Jewish.

On Thursday night in his speech in Iowa, Trump used the term while talking about his signature legislation that was passed by Congress earlier in the day.

No death tax, no estate tax, no going to the banks and borrowing some from, in some cases, a fine banker and in some cases shylocks and bad people," he said.

When a reporter later asked about the word's antisemitic association and his intent, Trump said; No, Ive never heard it that way. To me, a shylock is somebody thats a money lender at high rates. Ive never heard it that way. You view it differently than me. Ive never heard that."

The Anti-Defamation League said Trump's use of the word underscores how lies and conspiracies about Jews remain deeply entrenched in our country. Words from our leaders matter and we expect more from the President of the United States.
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NEW MEXICO STATE TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION TO MEET THURSDAY, July 17, 2025 The New Mexico State Transportation Commission (STC) will hold a regular meeting on Thursday, July 17, 2025, beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the District 4 area at the VFW in Mora, NM HWY 518 MP 28.5 MORA NM. The meeting will also be live-streamed via Facebook/YouTube. To obtain a copy of the agenda containing specific business items for action or discussion, contact Tammy J Trujillo, NMDOT, at (505)795-3646. The agenda will also be available online 72 hours prior to the meeting on the NMDOT website at http://www.dot.nm.gov Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, unless compelling reasons dictate otherwise, meetings and hearings conducted by the STC will be held in accessible buildings. Given reasonable notice, interpreters and readers will be made available for the hearing-impaired. For more information, contact the NMDOT Office of Equal Opportunity Programs at (505)469-6131. Journal: July 4, 2025
Commenting on the news, Damon Hopkins, Head of DC Workplace Savings at Broadstone, said: It is great news that the Government is getting on with its promised review of pension adequacy. A myriad of studies reveal the cold, hard truth that millions of people are set to reach retirement with inadequate defined contribution savings and urgent reform is needed to avoid this ticking time bomb. Auto-enrolment rates look set to be a key feature of the review to ensure workers are paying enough into their pensions to secure a decent standard of living in retirement. The minimum contribution rate by an employer in the UK has been set at 3% since 2019 - by comparison Australia has just increased the minimum employer contribution rate to 12% - so this review seems overdue. Having said that, any changes to the minimum contribution levels are unlikely to be introduced in short-term given the Chancellor will need to strike a careful balance between introducing measures which help the long-term financial security of workers and the impact any additional costs will have on employers and the wider economy, particularly given the recent increases in National Insurance contributions and National Minimum and Living Wage rates. Inevitably, employers will need to start considering how they manage potential increased pension cost in the medium-long term.



It will be interesting to see how the review focuses on the State Pension. For millions of pensioners, the State Pension is the bedrock of their retirement income and any changes to either the triple lock, an acceleration of State Pension Age up-ratchet or moves towards means-testing would be highly controversial.


Supreme Court Curbs Judges' Power to Halt Trump Orders Nationwide, Birthright Citizenship Fate Unclear 2

In a sharply divided decision, the US Supreme Court on Friday ruled that individual federal judges do not have the authority to issue nationwide injunctions blocking executive orders, handing a victory to former President Donald Trump  but leaving the fate of his restrictions on birthright citizenship uncertain.

Trump hailed the decision as a monumental victory and vowed to promptly file to advance policies previously blocked by lower courts, including his executive order aimed at denying citizenship to US-born children of undocumented immigrants.

Writing for the conservative majority, Justice Amy Coney Barrett said that lower courts will now need to tailor their rulings more narrowly, applying them only to the parties before them. The cases over birthright citizenship will return to lower courts for further proceedings under these new guidelines.

The ruling aligns with arguments from both Trumps Republican administration and President Joe Bidens Democratic administration, which agreed that federal judges had overstepped their authority by issuing broad, nationwide orders.

However, Justice Sonia Sotomayor issued a blistering dissent, warning the decision invites the government to skirt constitutional protections. She argued that under the ruling, an administration could enforce a policy even after it has been deemed unconstitutional by a lower court.

Birthright citizenship, guaranteed under the 14th Amendment adopted after the Civil War, grants automatic US citizenship to anyone born on American soil, including children of undocumented immigrants. In the landmark 1898 case United States v. Wong Kim Ark, the Supreme Court affirmed that only children of diplomats, enemy forces, or members of sovereign Native American tribes were exceptions to the rule.

Trump and his allies have long sought to toughen the requirements for birthright citizenship, calling it a priceless and profound gift and claiming children of noncitizens are not subject to the jurisdiction of the US, a phrase found in the 14th Amendment.

Multiple lawsuits by states, immigrants, and rights groups challenged Trumps executive order, accusing his administration of attempting to dismantle a longstanding interpretation of the Constitution. Lower courts have so far ruled uniformly against Trumps plan.

The Justice Department argued judges lacked authority to impose nationwide blocks and asked the Supreme Court to allow Trumps order to apply everywhere except for the plaintiffs in the lawsuits  or, at minimum, limit the injunction to the 22 states that sued.

The Supreme Courts decision now sends the matter back to the lower courts, which must reassess their injunctions to comply with the new ruling, leaving Trumps controversial restrictions on birthright citizenship in legal limbo for now.
Authorities are trying to identify four men who bound, beat and robbed Montgomery businessman Jim Massey in his office on March 10. (Central Alabama Crime Stoppers)

A 58-year-old man has pleaded guilty in the March assault of a well-known Montgomery businessman who was bound, beaten, and robbed in a holdup at his dry-cleaning business.

Zedekiah Sykes was charged federally with armed robbery, carjacking and brandishing a firearm in a federal crime of violence,

Agents also spotted bottles in the vehicle that appeared to be filled with urine, leading them to believe Sykes was living in the Buick.

On Friday, he entered a plea of guilty to one count of Hobbs Act Robbery, said Middle District of Alabama Acting U.S. Attorney Kevin Davidson.

Sykes faces up to 20 years in prison. His sentencing date has not yet been set.

Sykes, initially arrested in March, was one of two men charged in the attack.

In June, authorities announced the arrest of 57-year-old Spencer Dragon Thomas, a Prattville man taken into custody May 27 in Las Vegas.

A 57-year-old man is the second suspect charged in the March 2025 robbery at Jim Massey Cleaners in Montgomer. (Federal Court Documents)

Authorities described Sykes as the man who orchestrated the robbery and said he had planned it for months.

Masseys ordeal began at 6:10 p.m. Monday, March 10, when he was inside his business and heard a noise at the door.

When he went to investigate, Massey was confronted by four men dressed as construction workers, including hard hats and high-visibility vests.

The assailants grabbed Massey and forced him into an office where his locked safe was located, according to the federal complaint. Massey told them he didnt know the combination from memory and would need his phone.

One of the men punched Massey in the eye. Someone else went and retrieved Masseys phone.

Massey, documents said, opened the safe and stole between $6,000 and $8,000.

After collecting the cash, the men walked Massey back into an office where they bound his feet and hands with zip-ties, ripped the businesss phones from their connections and stole Masseys cell phone and car keys.

All four left in Masseys vehicle.

Moments later, all four suspects were captured on home surveillance cameras near Noble Avenue in Montgomery.

That footage showed them walking and one of them told the others to take off their jackets, which they did.

An investigation was immediately launched by Montgomery police, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the FBI and the Metro Area Crime Suppression Task Force.

On March 19, according to the criminal complaint, two men went to Masseys business and told him they knew what happened.

They wanted money to tell him, saying they would need it to leave town after disclosing the facts.

Authorities are trying to identify four men who bound, beat and robbed Montgomery businessman Jim Massey in his office on March 10. (Central Alabama Crime Stoppers)

Investigators then responded to the business, where those two people told them that Sykes orchestrated the robbery and had been planning it for months.

They also said they had been recruited by Sykes to help him carry out the crime. They met Sykes at a pre-determined location and were patted down to make sure they didnt have any recording devices, the complaint states.

They got into a vehicle and drove by Jim Masseys Cleaners, learning that would be their target.

Sykes also drove them to Masseys home and said if they could not get him at the business, they would get him at his home.

The plan, the witnesses told investigators, was for the attackers to dress in all black.

Sykes, they said, later changed that to construction gear as if they worked with Alabama Power Company since it would be daylight outside during the offense.

Those two witnesses said they backed out.

When they saw the news story of the robbery, they felt they need to inform the victim of what happened, an investigator wrote.

A confidential informant also came forward and identified Sykes as the culprit.

The Metro Area Crime Suppression Task Force then began to conduct surveillance on Sykes on March 21 while he was at the Wind Creek Casino.

Sykes was then followed back to Montgomery and remained under surveillance and under investigation.

Authorities learned that Sykes credit card had been used to buy hard hats and safety vests similar to those worn by the suspects in the Massey holdup.

As investigator continued to watch Sykes, they saw him open the trunk to his Buick and spotted a large duffle bag that appeared to be similar to the one used in the robbery.

Agents also spotted bottles in the vehicle that appeared to be filled with urine, leading them to believe Sykes was living in the Buick.
Montevallo police earlier this month launched an investigation into the disappearance of 36-year-old Oscar De Santiago Soto. (Montevallo Police Department)

A Montevallo man is behind bars, accused of using a backhoe to bury the body of a missing Shelby County man and his Ford Ranger, both of which had been set on fire.

John Wesley Collum, 56, is charged with corpse abuse, tampering with physical evidence and hindering prosecution, according to court records.

Collum was arrested earlier this week in connection with the disappearance and suspected death of 36-year-old Oscar De Santiago Soto of Pelham.

Montevallo police earlier this month launched an investigation into the disappearance of Soto, who was last seen about 3:30 p.m. June 18, at Orr Park in Montevallo.

His truck, a 1998 black Ford Ranger, had last been seen heading southbound on Shelby County Road 73 in Montevallo.

On Saturday, June 28, Bibb County Sheriffs Office officials asked for ALEAs State Bureau of Investigation to launch an investigation into Sotos case.

Over the course of the investigation, ALEA officials said, the 2000 block of Randolph Road in Montevallo was developed as a location of interest in connection Sotos disappearance.

It was there, authorities said, they found human remains.

Those remains have been sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences to confirm the victims identity.

Additional details were not released.

Charging documents against Collum state he helped another man bury human remains and Sotos black Ford Ranger by using a backhoe.

The criminal complaint said Collum set the victim and the pickup truck on fire and then buried both.

ALEA officials said the investigation is ongoing.

Assisting in the probe is the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigation, the Bibb County Sheriffs Office, the Chilton County Sheriffs Office, and the Montevallo Police Department.

Auburn Universitys Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine assisted in recovery of the remains.

More arrests are expected.
At about 9 a.m., the Hartselle Police Department responded to a report of a man armed with a firearm at a residence on Stage Road. Gerd Altmann, Pixabay

Wyatt Braxton Young, 25, of Falkville, Alabama, was arrested and charged with capital murder of a Hartselle woman after a fatal shooting Friday morning.

He is currently being held in the Morgan County Jail without bond. Police say this was an isolated incident and there is no continuing threat to the public.

At about 9 a.m., the Hartselle Police Department responded to a report of a man armed with a firearm at a residence on Stage Road.

While officers were in route, dispatchers received information letting them know an argument was occurring at the residence, followed by the sound of gunfire.

Upon arrival, officers located a man in the front yard who was unarmed and fully cooperated with law enforcement.

The victim, Nancy Deanne Sandlin Fox, 59, of Hartselle, Alabama, was found deceased at the scene.

The Hartselle Police Department extends its condolences to the family and loved ones of Ms. Fox during this difficult time, Hartselle Police Department said in a Facebook post.
With 4th of July barbeques underway, do you know what potato chip brand will please an Alabama crowd?

While burgers, hotdogs, ribs, baked beans and potato salad remain 4th of July staples, chips also play an important role in the holiday spread. These are the top 5 uniquely popular potato chip brands across the U.S. and in Alabama, according to 2024 Instacart purchase data.

Utz was the most popular potato chip brand in the Carolinas, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and Delaware.

Hawaiian Kettle Style Potato Chips were over 2,500% more likely to be purchased in Hawaii than the national average, according to the study.

Cape Cod Chips were the top contender in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine.

Boulder Canyon chips were the top contender in Colorado, picked up 525% more often than the national average, according to the study.

Here are the top 5 popular potato chip brands in Alabama
Demetrius Trannon would have turned 35 on Thursday.

Instead of celebrating his birthday with him, his grieving family gathered at a Birmingham park to release balloons in his memory following a deadly shooting nearly two weeks ago.

Trannon left behind four daughters, two sons and a large, close-knit family.

He was kind. He was loving, said his mother, Teenecia Trannon. We always had family functions and always had fun.

Trannon was killed June 22, during an argument with his cousin at an east Birmingham home.

Family and friends gathered a Birmingham park July 3, 2025, to honor Demetrius Trannon on what would have been his birthday. He was killed in a June 22, 2025, shooting that was ruled justified. (Carol Robinson)

East Precinct officers were dispatched at 11:25 p.m. that Sunday to a report of a physical altercation at a house in the 8000 block of Fifth Avenue South.

While police were en route, they received an update that someone had been shot.

They arrived to find Demetrius unresponsive on the front porch of the house. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service pronounced him dead at 11:42 p.m.

Krystell McDade, Trannons girlfriend of more than two years, said Trannon had gone to his cousins home to discuss a private matter with him.

The discussion, police said, escalated into a deadly argument.

I just think it was emotions over intellect, McDade said. When youre dealing with family, thats the last thing you would think that would happen.

Family said the two cousins were close.

I just dont think he thought his cousin would take it that far, she said.

Family and friends gathered a Birmingham park July 3, 2025, to honor Demetrius Trannon on what would have been his birthday. He was killed in a June 22, 2025, shooting that was ruled justified. (Carol Robinson)

The shooter remained on the scene until police arrived.

When Birmingham homicide detectives presented their evidence to the Jefferson County District Attorneys Office, the fatal shooting was ruled justified with no charges filed.

It was a ruling that didnt sit well with Trannons mother.

Im angry because they killed my son and they justified it, Teenecia Trannon said. Head shots are not justified. I need answers.

Trannons mother said shes going to continue to fight for justice for her son.

Everybodys grieving, she said. Everybodys mad.

At Thursdays candlelight vigil, dozens of family and friends lit candles and released balloons.

There was also a birthday cake for Trannon that read, Gone Never Forgotten Demetrius 35.

Trannon worked at Ventura Foods in Birmingham, and also ran his own car detailing service called, Wet It Down Mobile Detail.

When he wasnt working, he liked to fish and spend time with his family. He was the oldest of seven siblings and extremely close to his younger brothers and sisters.

He was just a people person, his mother said.

McDade said shes been devastated by Trannons death, but wanted to remember better times during Thursdays gathering.

Demetrius was a loving person, very family oriented, she said.

Hes going to be celebrated just like this every year for the rest of our lives as long as were alive. I miss him dearly.
Khan, an 11-year-old jaguar who has lived at the Birmingham Zoo since 2017, will be moving to Florida. The Birmingham Zoo

The Birmingham Zoo is losing a ferocious-looking attraction.

Khan, an 11-year-old jaguar, will be moving to Florida.

Khan arrived in Birmingham more than eight years ago from the Jacksonville Zoo and quickly became a favorite for zoo visitors.

Named for the owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Khan will be moving next week to Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, Florida, another zoological facility accredited with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, as part of the Species Survival Plan. Khan was born on July 18, 2013, and arrived at the Birmingham Zoo on February 8, 2017. After Khans departure, renovations will be made to the jaguar habitat in preparation for another jaguar arriving later this summer.

These decisions are never made lightly and it is hard for our teams, too, said Chris Pfefferkorn, President and CEO of the Birmingham Zoo. But moving animals like Khan helps protect his species, gives him a future with a family of his own, and ensures we are doing everything possible to keep wildlife thriving for generations to come.

AZA-accredited zoos collaborate to protect endangered species like jaguars. The Species Survival Plan, or SSP, helps zoos manage populations through careful breeding and transfer recommendations. They consider genetics, health, personality, space, and age to decide which animals should move or pair up to keep the species healthy and strong. You can think of it as a very thoughtful version of JaguarMatch.com.

Khan is in the prime of his life and genetically will help expand the jaguar population through his offspring.

Jaguars are native to South America and are the third largest cat in the world. There are around 173,000 jaguars left in the world today with most of these big cats being found in the Amazon rainforest.

Our mission is inspiring passion to conserve the natural world and Khan will definitely continue to help us do that, Pfefferkorn said.

In the wild, jaguars can live up to 12 to 15 years. With the expertise of animal care professionals in AZA facilities, they can live up to 20 years or longer. Jaguars are a Near Threatened species with a decreasing population. They are under threat from growing demand for their skin/fur, teeth, and claws.

Once Khan has safely left the Birmingham Zoo in route to Brevard Zoo, renovations will begin on the habitat in the Primate/South America Building. This refurbishment should take less than a month and will include reactivating the waterfall and other improvements. Jaguars are known to be excellent swimmers.

Once complete, a jaguar from another AZA facility will arrive in the enhanced space.
OMAHA, Neb.  States and rural health advocacy groups are sounding the alarm that Congress slashing of Medicaid will devastate already financially fragile rural hospitals. One analysis estimates more than 300 hospitals could be at risk of closing under the Republican measure to slash about $1 trillion in Medicaid funding over ten years. Rural hospitals rely heavily on Medicaid reimbursements and are already financially strained. While the measure includes $50 billion to help make up the loss to rural hospitals, advocates worry it wont offset the funding shortfall. No state stands to lose more than Kentucky. One report estimates the state would lose a whopping $12.3 billion over 10 years.

Now, with Congress planning around $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts over 10 years, he fears those farmers and the more than 3,000 residents of Webster County could lose not just the ER, but also the clinic and nursing home tied to the hospital.

Our budget is pretty heavily reliant on the Medicaid reimbursement, so if we do see a cut of that, itll be difficult to keep the doors open, said Sherman, who works at Webster County Community Hospital in the small Nebraska town of Red Cloud just north of the Kansas border.

If those facilities close, many locals would see their five-minute trip to Webster County hospital turn into a nearly hour-long ride to the nearest hospital offering the same services.

Thats a long way for an emergency, Sherman said. Some wont make it.

Already struggling hospitals would be hit particularly hard

States and rural health advocacy groups warn that cutting Medicaid  a program serving millions of low-income and disabled Americans  would hit already fragile rural hospitals hard and could force hundreds to close, stranding some people in remote areas without nearby emergency care.

More than 300 hospitals could be at risk for closure under the Republican bill, according to an analysis by the Cecil G. Sheps Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which tracks rural hospital closures. Even as Congress haggled over the controversial bill, a health clinic in the southwest Nebraska town of Curtis announced Wednesday it will close in the coming months, in part blaming the anticipated Medicaid cuts.

Bruce Shay, of Pomfret, Connecticut, fears he and his wife could be among those left in the lurch. At 70, theyre both in good health, he said. But that likely means that if either needs to go to a hospital, its going to be an emergency.

Day Kimball Hospital is nearby in Putnam, but it has faced recent financial challenges. Day Kimballs CEO R. Kyle Kramer acknowledged that a Senate bill passed Tuesday  estimated to cut federal Medicaid spending in rural areas by $155 billion over 10 years  would further hurt his rural hospitals bottom line. Roughly 30% of Day Kimballs current patients receive Medicaid benefits, a figure thats even higher for specific, critical services like obstetrics and behavioral health.

An emergency means Im 45 minutes to an hour away from the nearest hospital, and thats a problem, Shay said. And he and his wife wouldnt be the only ones having to make that trip.

Youve got, Im sure, thousands of people who rely on Day Kimball Hospital. If it closed, thousands of people would have to go to another hospital, he said. Thats a huge load to suddenly impose on a hospital system thats probably already stretched thin.

Experts say the bills $50 billion fund for rural hospitals isnt enough

Rural hospitals have long operated on the financial edge, especially in recent years as Medicaid payments have continuously fallen below the actual cost to provide health care. More than 20% of Americans live in rural areas, where Medicaid covers 1 in 4 adults, according to the nonprofit KFF, which studies health care issues.

President Donald Trumps $4.5 trillion tax breaks and spending cuts bill, which passed Thursday, would worsen rural hospitals struggles by cutting a key federal program that helps states fund Medicaid payments to health care providers. To help offset the lost tax revenue, the package includes $1.2 trillion in cuts to Medicaid and other social safety net programs  cuts they insist only root out fraud and waste in the system.

But public outcry over Medicaid cuts led Republicans to include a provision that will provide $10 billion annually to buttress rural hospitals over the next five years, or $50 billion in total. Many rural hospital advocates are wary that it wont be enough to cover the shortfall.

Carrie Cochran-McClain, chief policy officer with the National Rural Health Association, said rural hospitals already struggle to break even, citing a recent American Hospital Association report that found that hospitals in 2023 got nearly $28 billion less from Medicaid than the actual cost of treating Medicaid patients.

We see rural hospitals throughout the country really operating on either negative or very small operating margins, Cochran-McClain said. Meaning that any amount of cut to a payer  especially a payer like Medicaid that makes up a significant portion of rural provider funding  is going to be consequential to the rural hospitals ability to provide certain services or maybe even keep their doors open at the end of the day.

Kentucky is expected to be hit especially hard

A KFF report shows 36 states losing $1 billion or more over 10 years in Medicaid funding for rural areas under the Republican bill, even with the $50 billion rural fund. No state stands to lose more than Kentucky.

The report estimates the Bluegrass State would lose a whopping $12.3 billion  nearly $5 billion more than the next state on the list. Thats because the bill ends Kentuckys unique Medicaid reimbursement system and reduces it to Medicare reimbursement levels.

Kentucky currently has one of the lowest Medicare reimbursement rates in the country. It also has one of the highest poverty rates, leading to a third of its population being covered by Medicaid.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a two-term Democrat widely seen as a potential candidate for president in 2028, said the bill would close 35 hospitals in his state and pull health care coverage for 200,000 residents.

Half of Kentuckys kids are covered under Medicaid. They lose their coverage and you are scrambling over that next prescription, Beshear said during an appearance on MSNBC. This is going to impact the life of every single American negatively. It is going to hammer our economy.

Haigh reported from Hartford, Connecticut.










English News China expands efforts to boost global e-commerce cooperation

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 2 Juillet 2025



The results have been significant. The Silk Road E-commerce Online Lectures for ASEAN held in Guangxi featured the first overseas in-person training and hands-on practice sessions, receiving praise from over a thousand ASEAN participants. The Quality African Products Online Shopping Festival has helped create more than 200 bestsellers. Qingdao, Guangxi, and Hunan province are also helping Silk Road E-commerce partner countries from Shanghai Cooperation Organization, ASEAN, and Africa to establish new online and offline national pavilions.

By Liao Ruiling Products from Southeast Asian dried fruits and African coffee to European black tea are flooding Chinese store - fresher and more affordable than ever - driven by cross-border e-commerce expansion.



As China's cross-border e-commerce sector grows, its global partnerships strengthen. China has established Silk Road E-commerce collaborations with 35 countries. Cross-border cooperation across e-commerce domains is gaining momentum, with global businesses increasingly viewing the Chinese market as essential for sectoral growth.



What are the unique features and emerging trends of China's major e-commerce platforms? How can AI empower businesses going global? These were among the topics discussed at the recent Silk Road E-commerce Online Lectures for ASEAN. Real-time subtitles in Chinese, English, Vietnamese, and Thai scrolled across a large screen, while attendees listened attentively, jotting down notes.



Chinese companies and platforms are rapidly internationalizing. Cross-border leaders such as AliExpress, TikTok Shop, and Temu have gained global popularity, drawing a wave of "e-commerce fans" eager to replicate China's success models.



Husna, a student from Universiti Putra Malaysia, is one of many who came to China to study e-commerce. She recently joined a vocational training program on Chinese language and cross-border e-commerce at Guangxi Economic and Trade Vocational Institute in south China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. The program offered courses on new media operations, business data analysis, and cross-border store management, while providing hands-on experience in running live-streaming sessions on platforms like TikTok. After a short period of study, Husna successfully began selling designer toys on TikTok.



As a key initiative under the Belt and Road framework, Silk Road E-commerce has become a new platform for bilateral and multilateral economic cooperation. Among its flagship programs, the Silk Road E-commerce Online Lectures series has hosted 108 sessions since its launch in 2020, benefiting more than 80 countries. Themed sessions tailored for Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America, Africa, and ASEAN have helped train a growing pool of e-commerce talent through both online and offline sessions.



For many traditional exporters, joining Chinese cross-border e-commerce platforms and embracing digital transformation is becoming a viable way to access global markets.



"Direct business with UK or Belgian customers seemed unimaginable before," said Eugene, an Uzbek entrepreneur. Initially skeptical of digital platforms, Eugene's company joined global business-to-business e-commerce platform Alibaba.com in April last year. The company's products were soon listed in English, Russian, and Arabic. In the very first month, Eugene received a $1,200 trial order from a UK buyer. A Belgian supermarket chain also placed a $9,000 order and quickly followed up with a second one double the size. "Now we're receiving orders every day from countries like the UK, Hungary, and Russia. Orders from Europe alone make up 65% of our business," Eugene said.



China's e-commerce sector, known for its innovation, diverse business models, and massive market size, is playing an increasingly active role in promoting global cooperation. So far, China has established Silk Road E-commerce partnerships with 35 countries, developed a range of cooperation brands, built 120 online and offline national pavilions, and set up 65 direct sourcing bases in 19 countries. Over 100 sessions of the Silk Road E-commerce Online Lectures series have been held to support skills development and knowledge sharing.



This year, China's Ministry of Commerce has launched an e-commerce campaign, in which 18 provincial regions and 8 major e-commerce platforms rolled out 40 collaborative initiatives. Partner countries are invited to choose from a "menu" of projects tailored to their needs, enabling targeted and efficient cooperation.



This "menu-based" approach allows China to offer a catalog of potential collaboration projects, with partner countries selecting those best fit their development needs and implementing them accordingly.



The results have been significant. The Silk Road E-commerce Online Lectures for ASEAN held in Guangxi featured the first overseas in-person training and hands-on practice sessions, receiving praise from over a thousand ASEAN participants. The Quality African Products Online Shopping Festival has helped create more than 200 bestsellers. Qingdao, Guangxi, and Hunan province are also helping Silk Road E-commerce partner countries from Shanghai Cooperation Organization, ASEAN, and Africa to establish new online and offline national pavilions.



"The essence lies in using e-commerce as a tool focused on inclusivity and mutual benefit, and our aim is to serve global partners," said He Yongqian, spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce. "Next, we will further expand imports of high-quality, specialty products and work together to build a shared global e-commerce marketplace."



Dans la meme rubrique : < > Low-altitude economy lifts off as Chinese automakers enter the eVTOL era Legacy of Tea-Horse Road lives on at China-Laos border Drawing wisdom, strength from great victory against Japanese aggression Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)










English News Legacy of Tea-Horse Road lives on at China-Laos border

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 2 Juillet 2025



From the jingle of mule bells to high-speed trains, and from ancient post stations to modern border ports, the mechanisms of connection have changed. Yet the bond forged by shared landscapes and sustained through vibrant cross-border exchanges remains unbroken.

By Liu Lingling, Hou Lulu, Qu Pei, People's Daily If you board a train from Mohan, Mengla county in southwest China's Yunnan province, 10 minutes later you'll be in Boten, the first stop in Laos on the China-Laos Railway.



This is a key node on the ancient Tea-Horse Road, a trade route dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907). During the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), Chinese mule caravans set out from Kunming, capital of Yunnan province, carrying Pu'er tea and ironware through the province's Pu'er and Xishuangbanna, and passed through Mohan before reaching Southeast Asia. In return, Lao traders brought rock salt and agricultural specialties into China via Boten.



Today, vendors' hawking at border markets and the multilingual announcements on the China-Laos Railway keep alive the pulse of cultural exchanges along this historic trade route, continuing the ever-evolving story of openness and connectivity.



Mengla is the southernmost county in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan province, sharing mountains and rivers with Laos and Myanmar. At daybreak, Yan Shu, head of Mengla's Manlie village, was already up and headed out the door, as the village was hosting a lively market gathering. Twice a month, Chinese and Lao residents gather in Manlie village for this festive event to visit friends and relatives, enjoy local food, and trade goods in a warm and joyous atmosphere.



Manlie village lies about five kilometers from Mengman Port on the China-Laos border, faces Muang Sing in Luang Namtha province, Laos. At the bustling market, aromas of grilled Dai cuisine mingled with the rich fragrance of Lao coffee, while handmade Lao crafts such as bamboo weaving and natural soaps filled the stalls. Yan weaved through the crowd, exchanging greetings with vendors along the way, staying busy until noon before sitting down to share a meal with his friends.



"China's roads just keep getting better!" one of Yan's Lao friends said, savoring a bite of pickled fish. Yan seized the moment to extend an invitation: "Next time, bring your wife and kids along - it's even better with family!"

Border trade between China and Laos has a long history. In 1993, the two governments officially opened the Mohan-Boten national port, further relaxing policies for cross-border commerce.



In June last year, Mengla and Muang Sing launched a "sister households" program, encouraging families from both sides of the border to support one another in times of hardship and come together for weddings and other celebrations, cultivating bonds like cross-border kinship.



For Yan, it's a relationship that has grown from business to brotherhood: "At first we were just trading partners, then drinking buddies - now we're neighbors watching each other's backs." These everyday interactions, he added, have slowly woven a durable fabric of friendship.



Tickets for the D87 international passenger train on the China-Laos Railway, running between Kunming and Vientiane, are in high demand. For 19-year-old Anong, a student from Laos, the railway is tied to her dream. Her sister began working for the railway over a year ago, and now Anong hopes to follow the same path. That's why she chose to study at Mengla Vocational High School.



Over the past two decades, the school has enrolled nearly 3,000 Lao students. They typically spend the first two years learning Chinese before either applying to Chinese universities or pursuing careers as translators.



Many of Anong's classmates travel to school via the China-Laos Railway. To them, the railway is a "modern-day Tea-Horse Road" - still winding through mountains, still bearing goods and friendship. But unlike the past, when caravans traveled for three months, today's train journeys take just a few hours. The rhythmic clatter of horse hooves has given way to the roar of trains; loads once carried on horseback now move in containers.



Chanxay Xekang, another 19-year-old student from Laos, also studies at Mengla Vocational High School. He hopes to pursue a medical degree at a Chinese university after graduation. "China's medical technology is highly advanced," he said. "My goal is to return to Laos and open my own clinic."



Chanxay comes from northern Laos' Phongsaly province, where tea cultivation is a part of everyday life - with nearly every village growing it, and nearly every household consuming it. His grandfather often recalls the slow, grueling pace of mule caravans once used to carry tea out of the region. Today, a single rail line and a fiber-optic cable are enough to connect Phongsaly's tea with markets thousands of miles away.



From the jingle of mule bells to high-speed trains, and from ancient post stations to modern border ports, the mechanisms of connection have changed. Yet the bond forged by shared landscapes and sustained through vibrant cross-border exchanges remains unbroken.



Yan has already arranged the next gathering with Laotian friends via phone. Anong celebrates the water-splashing festival with classmates and teachers, and Chanxay returns home bearing freshly harvested spring tea. Across the borderlands, hope and friendship continue to flourish, stretching farther and wider than ever before.



Dans la meme rubrique : < > Low-altitude economy lifts off as Chinese automakers enter the eVTOL era China expands efforts to boost global e-commerce cooperation Drawing wisdom, strength from great victory against Japanese aggression Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)
It was once a day of unfettered celebration -- a proud recognition of where we, the People had taken this nation: to the highest tier of human achievement. We stood alone at the pinnacle of civilization. A republic forged in freedom, sustained by liberty -- meaning law and order -- and driven forward by entrepreneurship, boldness, and a national spirit of risk and adventure.

This still holds true for many. And yet, a shadow stirs beneath: a creeping undercurrent of anti-nationalism, a slow-drip erosion of American pride. The pejoratives come easy now -- imperialist, colonizer, systemically broken. Why?

It seems that today we must fight inwardly just to speak patriotism aloud. As if love for country needs apology or footnote. As if calling oneself a nationalist -- once a given -- now draws suspicion.

But this country, America, is still a miracle.

Look at our beginning. In an age of monarchs and divine rights, we proclaimed something staggering: that man governs himself. That government derives its power not from bloodlines or crowns, but from the consent of the governed. Then we backed that idea -- with parchment, with principle, and with gunpowder.

The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty is finally staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.

-- George Washington, First Inaugural Address, 1789

Washington didnt merely lead troops -- he stepped aside from power. He could have been king, yet he returned to Mount Vernon, proving that liberty would not be a cloak for tyranny, but the living principle of the American experiment.

That experiment did not end with our founding. It endured trial after trial: civil war, depression, world war, division, and doubt. Yet still we endured.

That this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

--Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address, 1863

Lincoln spoke at a battlefield where brothers died to determine whether a nation founded in liberty could survive its own contradictions. He did not flinch from the cost of freedom, nor did he pretend the promise of America had already been fulfilled. But he insisted it was worth preserving.

And even those who were born outside the promise -- who were denied its blessings at birth -- understood its greatness and called the nation to rise to its ideals.

I am the living witness that liberty, the purest spirit of liberty, is here in this country.

-- Frederick Douglass, 1894

Douglass, born a slave and self-made as a statesman, did not abandon America; he demanded it become more American. He saw clearly that our founding principles were not the problem, but the solution -- that liberty must be universal, not abandoned.

These were not hollow ideas. They became reality. Over less than 250 years, this nation has led the world in invention, productivity, medical advancement, and prosperity. Weve gone from musket to Mars, from horse-drawn carriage to artificial intelligence, from wilderness to the worlds cultural engine.

More than that, we became the first great nation where the ordinary citizen -- the shopkeeper, the steelworker, the farmer -- could rise to own property, raise a family, build a life, and speak his mind without fear of a midnight knock on the door.

Our middle-class families live better than kings once did. Those we consider poor have refrigerators, central air, smartphones, and access to food, medicine, transportation, and freedom of expression -- luxuries denied to much of the world even today.

I write this now, and no one will come to arrest me. In many countries, they would. That fact alone should humble and inspire us.

Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.

 Ronald Reagan, 1967

Reagans reminder still echoes: America is not self-sustaining by default. It requires active defense -- not just militarily, but morally. Civically. Culturally. When we let our pride in nation be diluted, mocked, or surrendered, we allow the slow decay of the thing that so many died to protect.

Today, American pride feels under siege -- not from foreign powers, but from within. In classrooms, patriotism is too often replaced by cynicism. In media, America is caricatured only by its flaws. And among elites, the word nationalism has been twisted into slander.

But we dont need to surrender to this downward drift. We dont need to apologize for loving the very thing that has given us more liberty than any generation in history. We are not perfect -- but we are ours. And our story is not over.

I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

 Martin Luther King Jr., 1963

Kings words endure because they were never a rejection of America but a profound reaffirmation of it. He did not march against the American dream -- he marched into it. He asked the country to live up to its promise. And many times, in blood and courage, we have.

We, the living, are perhaps the most blessed generation in human history. And our duty is not just to enjoy that blessing -- but to preserve it. To teach our children why it matters. To remind ourselves that liberty is not inherited -- it is earned, protected, and passed on.

So celebrate the Fourth -- not just with fireworks, but with pride. Not just with gratitude, but with vigilance. And never let anyone convince you that love of country is something to be ashamed of.

Because when you strip away the noise, the truth still stands: We are Americans. And that still means something.

Rick McDowell is a writer of political philosophy, American history, and essays on the mind. Find other thoughts at http://americanperspective.today

Image: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
Democrats suffering from severe cases of Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS) are now displaying another symptom: staging ill-conceived confrontations to get street cred with their antifa progressive base. Some recent headlines:

North Carolina state Rep. Julie von Haefen attended a No Kings protest and was photographed holding what appeared to be an effigy of the decapitated heads of Trump and his senior policy advisor, Stephen Miller.

U.S. Representative LaMonica McIver was charged in a three-count indictment for forcibly impeding and interfering with federal officersall seen on video.

New York City Mayoral candidate Brad Lander got the publicity he desired by trying to help illegal alien criminals by allegedly assaulting a federal law enforcement officer.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested as he and other elected Democrats allegedly tried to break into the Delaney Hall detention facility.

California Senator Alex Padilla started shouting when Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was giving a speech in Los Angeles. Because he was not wearing credentials showing that he is a sitting U.S. senator, law enforcement physically removed the threatening Padilla. Almost on cue, Governor Gavin Hair Gel Newsom made a statement about what happened. Then, as predictable as the sun rising in the east, Padilla gave tearful interviews on MSNBC and other leftist news organizations. Of course, he cried on the senate floor...oh, the inhumanity!

Democrat juvenile behavior began in earnest during President Trumps March 4 speech to a joint session of Congress. New York City Democrat Council Member Robert Holden, who represents District 30 in Queens, expressed it best as he opened his March 6 op-ed with:

As a lifelong Democrat, I never imagined I would watch my own party embarrass itself so thoroughlyand so publiclyas it did during Tuesdays joint session of Congress.

Was there a memo to Democrats telling them to start accosting people? In Can the Left Ever Stop Its Craziness, Victor Davis Hanson says the left wont stop its two-year-old tantrums, especially when theyre directed at President Trump, because they dont understand how else to act.

Democrats behaving in ways that never before would have been acceptable for American politicians isnt just happening in major cities. I live in a small Orange County, California, city of nearly 50,000 residents, and I recently had a 1:1 confrontation with our mayor. Before you roll your eyes at California, there are many pockets of conservative-leaning areas throughout this state of nearly 40 million residents. Yet, as more conservatives vote with their feet, red California cities are turning purple and eventually blue.

No one was arrested during our run-in, but in my opinion, it was just another example of an elected Democrat official displaying a lack of respect and acting more like a two-year-old child than a mature adult.

As to my incident, until recently, few people knew or cared what political party our city council members belonged to as long as Cypress was well managedand it had been for decades under majority Republican leadership. Past city councils had Democrats, Republicans, and/or Independents, and Cypress thrived with an outstanding business corridor and a well-maintained middle-class community. However, some residents believe things started to change for the worse several years ago when a disruptive Democrat was elected to the city council.

Seeing what was happening in our city and having free speech in America, a diverse group of residents came together and founded Keep Cypress United to support candidates, propositions, and issues that we believe will keep Cypress united as a welcoming community to live or work. The group is self-funded and does not seek or accept outside donations.

On May 22, a fellow Keep Cypress United (KCU) member and I were standing outside a local supermarket distributing a flyer that questioned statements and actions taken by the newly appointed Cypress mayor. Hizzoner currently holds this mostly ceremonial position because, for the first time ever, the council comprises a Democrat majority. Despite living in our community for only three years, he leapfrogged into the positions over the heads of colleagues with decades of residency.

One of the recipients of our flyer must have been Hizzoners supporter. Within 20 minutes after we started our flyer campaign, Hizzoner rushed over to the supermarket and wanted to know what I was doing. (At the time, he probably didnt realize another KCU member was at the other entrance.) My perception was that he was very angry, as he challenged me about questioning his position and votes on multiple issues.

Think about itthe mayor hastily drove to the neighborhood supermarket wanting to know why a resident was questioning his comments or actions! I was shocked, but shouldnt have been considering what Democrats in California and around the country are doing with regularity: public tantrums and public histrionics for their own benefit and aligned causes.

Then, after taking a photo of the handout, Hizzoner abruptly left. Then about 20 minutes later, he came back! This time, he wanted to meet with me. A few days later, I emailed him about the possibility of a meeting with me and another KCU member.

Bear in mind, I am an almost 70-year-old female (yes, biological female) and legally deaf without the assistance of hearing aids. It is reasonable that I would want to be accompanied to a meeting with Hizzoner, who is a thirty-something male who made me feel very uncomfortable. Before he would discuss dates at a local coffee house, Hizzoner insisted on knowing why I would not meet with him 1:1.

I told him that I felt that politicians should not wrangle with constituents who are exercising their right to free speech in a local supermarket. I added,

Every elected official (from the president to a small city mayor) whose policies are criticized will claim that false statements (aka misinformation) are being made. Its POLITICS!

I ended the email by saying that my level of discomfort with our interaction was such that I will ask someone to attend with me as I do not feel comfortable meeting with you 1:1.

After several emails as to the date, time, and location, Hizzoner stated that if I planned to bring someone with me, then he would have no choice but to bring someone with him, despite the meeting occurring at a public coffee shop. Oh, for goodness sake, the guy is an elected official, and hes afraid to meet with two constituents who have issues with some of his statements and votes? Fuhgeddaboudit!

I sent an official grievance about Hizzoners rude actions to the Cypress city administrator. His response was that I should go to the police. Was that a small city version of New York Democrat Governor Kathy Hochul dismissing charges against Comptroller and mayoral candidate Brad Lander?

If Hizzoner could drive over to the supermarket twice because some constituents do not agree with his positions/votes, perhaps Hizzoner might soon give a long speech on the city council floor about me and Keep Cypress United just as New Jersey Senator Cory Booker did on the senate floor ridiculously railing against President Trump and the Republican Party. (If you missed Bookers stunt, dont worry, his book is coming out soon!)

Conservative CNN commentator Scott Jennings said:

What theyre doing is clearly creating stunts. These are political stunts. I mean, this is designed to us. Its sort of like porn for their base. Theres a lot of capital right now in the Democratic Party for getting arrested.

From rural towns to small cities to major metropolises, it appears the latest Democrat Party strategy is to verbally and/or physically confront those with different views. Perhaps because my confrontation with Hizzoner wasnt caught on video, it didnt culminate as most of those interactions do; that is, with the politician immediately thereafter having a public tantrum, and crying that he or she is being treated unfairly after the childish and unprofessional displays in response to constructive criticism and legitimate questions by constituents and residents.

Image created using AI.

Robin M. Itzler is a regular contributor to American Thinker. She is the founder and editor of Patriot Neighbors, a free weekly national newsletter. Robin can be reached at PatriotNeighbors@yahoo.com.
Fireworks for America are a metaphor for freedom. After all, it takes a great deal of explosive power to free a people from a tyrant. Dropping fourteen 15-ton bunker busters from B-2 bombers on Irans three nuclear enrichment program sites may have just spared the lives of 58,000 U.S. military personnel from the despotism of the ayatollah, but also provided a little encouragement to the 90 million Iranian people now enslaved to him. By the way, 58,000 is the number of fatal casualties sustained by U.S. military personnel while in Vietnam. Talk about fireworks! Thank you, President Trump.

Recently, President Trump compared the importance of his bombing decision to the WWII, war-ending nuclear bombings of Japan. And despite the outrage , he is probably right. One of the key reasons President Harry Truman ordered the two nuclear strikes on Japan in WWII was to avoid the over one million estimated U.S. casualties it would require to invade. The estimate was based on the brutal one-in-three casualty rates sustained at Iwo Jima and Okinawa.

And while it would be disrespectful to those military men that  gave the last full measure of devotion , keeping the murderous Axis forces of fascism and communism at bay in the 20th Century, the unrest in the Middle East as well as recent U.S. intervention is nonetheless a pivotal scene on the geopolitical theatre just as critical as Vietnam.

Americas war in Vietnam was a win for the global nation-state system in Asia. Many misinterpreted the conflict in Vietnam as an American defeat. It certainly was a hard sacrifice for the U.S., a weeping wound which our culture still nurses. But that sacrifice gave room for fledgling new Asian states to develop unmolested by the unsatiable appetite of communism gobbling up control of the global map.

Americas willingness for Asian warfare in the 1950s and 60s, many like the late Charles Hill believe, paved the way for the economic Asian Tigers, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, and Hong Kong. In addition, while the communists were distracted with Vietnam, there grew Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia. And once these new nation-states declared their sovereignty and other democratic nation-states accepted them into the Allied ranks, they were less likely to be attacked and more resilient to the threats and propaganda of communist empire builders.

The result of Americas conflict with Vietnam is 40 years of relative Asian political and economic stability. The world, and especially the people of Asia outside of China, owe an unpayable debt to the brave American soldier of Vietnam who often had to fight in blind faith, many of whom never understood or died never to see the far-reaching implications of peace and prosperity forged in that jungle furnace.

Not for nothing, like Vietnam, the Iranian Islamic regime is being supported by the largest communist conglomerate in the world, Maoist China and Marxist Russia. The virus of communism is attempting to maintain Islamic instability in the Middle Eastern region of the world by blocking any more infusions of democratic nation-statehood, the real antidote to the political disease that is communism. And now, as then, a Marxist virus is infecting the U.S. as manifested through Antifa, not unlike the Marxist Black Panthers and New Left Vietnam-war protestors like Hanoi Jane Fonda in the 60s.

And since over 80% of Iranians want to be out from under the oppressive boot of Ayatollahs self-proclaimed supreme leadership, preferring instead to join the ranks of democratic nation-states represented by their neighbor, Israel, and buttressed by the United States, it stands to reason that aspirations of a communism would be threatened.

Israels conflict with Iran is the global flashpoint of the evil Axis powers of communism rising up against the Allied forces of the global fellowship of free democratic nation-states. Benjamin Netanyahu when speaking about the brutal Hamas terror attacks, likely backed by the Iranian Islamic regime, was right, Its the Battle of civilization against barbarism. And if we dont win here, the scourge will pass [from] the Middle East to other regions.

The sentiment of the Iranian people could very well be the key to open the gate to a pathway of relief from the chronic Middle Eastern strife. So, it behooves Israel, America, and the future peace of all peoples in the Middle East and the world, to keep fighting. Overthrow Irans murderous Islamic oppressor Ayatollah Khamenei so that the people of Iran, like U.S. patriots on July 4, 1776 , can declare their sovereign existence as a nation, with the unalienable right to life for each person.

As Americans fighting for global security, and Iranians who yearn for freedom, it may be helpful to recall the words of John Stuart Mill, War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things A man who has nothing which he cares more about than he does about his personal safety, is a miserable creature who has no chance of being free, unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself.

Rev. Jim Harden, M.Div. is the CEO of CompassCare Pregnancy Services and lives outside of Rochester, NY with his wife and ten children. He has written extensively on medical ethics, executive leadership, and pro-life strategy. www.CompassCareCommunity.com

Image: National Archives
On the morning of June 17, 1775, a physician in his mid-thirties stood near a rough earthen redoubt overlooking the Charlestown Peninsula. He had no command, no formal post on the field, and no obligation to be there at all.

But as the smoke from British warships rose in plumes over Boston Harbor, Dr. Joseph Warren made his way toward the crest of Breeds Hill, musket in hand. He was the president of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress and was commissioned a major general just days before. He declined command and chose instead to fight as a private soldieran ordinary volunteeralongside the men already entrenched.

But Joseph Warren was no ordinary volunteer.

His presence stirred freedoms fire. Calm amid chaos, he moved among the men, urging them to stand fast. After repeated exhortations, Warren reportedly declared, These fellows say we wont fight! By Heaven, I hope I shall die up to my knees in blood!

And die he did.

Before the Declaration, long before the Constitution, before George Washington formally took command of the Continental ArmyJoseph Warren became the Revolutions first martyr.

His death at Bunker Hill was a jolt to the patriot cause and a harbinger of how real, how irreversible, and how deadly the pursuit of American liberty was about to become.

The Doctor Who Would Not Wait

Born in 1741 in Roxbury, Massachusetts, Joseph Warren rose from modest beginnings to become a Harvard-educated physician, political philosopher, and leading voice of resistance.

By the time of the Boston Tea Party, he was known throughout New England not only as a compelling orator but as a quiet architect of rebellion. He authored the Suffolk Resolvescondemning the Coercive Acts as unlawful and tyrannical, and urging organized resistancewhich the First Continental Congress soon endorsed.

In 1774, while Samuel Adams was away attending the Continental Congress, Warren assumed leadership of the patriot cause in Boston. He oversaw the militia, secured stores of munitions, and managed a spy network that spanned social boundariesfrom anonymous grooms to the upper echelons of Boston society.

His sources included respected clergy like Samuel Matherand perhaps even Margaret Gage, the American-born wife of British General Thomas Gage, who was rumored to be one of Warrens patients and, some believe, his most notable informant.

His intelligence network was the keystone of patriot strategy. He helped orchestrate the Midnight Ride, dispatching William Dawes and Paul Revere to warn Hancock and Adams of impending arrest and to alert Concord to the advancing British regulars.

He was the only known revolutionary to have been present and an active participant in all four skirmishes between Lexington and Concord, as well as the Battle of Bunker Hill.

In March 1775, with British troops threatening to kill anyone who dared speak at the Boston Massacre anniversary, Warren addressed those assembled in a Roman togaevoking the virtues of the ancient republicand declared,

Our country is in danger, but not to be despaired of. Our enemies are numerous and powerfulbut we have many friends. Determine to be free, and heaven and earth will aid the resolution.

The Road to Breeds Hill

Two months after the Battle of Lexington and Concord, British forces prepared to seize the heights surrounding Boston. Colonial militias fortified the Charlestown Peninsula, mistakenly digging in not on Bunker Hill, but a closer rise: Breeds Hill.

On the morning of June 17, British ships unleashed bombardment, and thousands of redcoats landed under General William Howe. Joseph Warren arrived late that morning in civilian dress, musket in hand. He had just been commissioned a major generalbut declined command.

Instead, he requested to go where the fighting would be heaviest. Veteran officers directed him to the redoubt.

Militiamen remembered him walking the lines, calm and steady, as cannonballs tore through the earth. His presence gave them new heart.

Twice, the colonial line repelled British assaults. On the third charge, the redcoats breached the breastwork. Ammunition was gone. The line collapsed.

Most retreated. Warren stayed.

He was seen kneeling, still firing, when a musket ball struck him beneath the left eye and exited through the back of his head. He fell beside a locust treekilled instantly, at the age of thirty-four.

In the aftermath, British troops stripped his body and tossed it in a shallow grave. Captain Walter Laurie later wrote that he stuffed the scoundrel with another rebel into one hole, and there he and his seditious principles may remain.

Days later, Royal Navy Lieutenant James Drew returned to the burial site. According to a letter from soldier Benjamin Hichborn to John Adams, Drew spat in Warrens face, jumped on his stomach, and cut off his head. Even British officers reportedly condemned Drews barbarity.

If Warren had become the Revolutions spirit in life, the abuse of his body made him its martyr in death.

Warren had buried his wife. He was engaged to marry again. He left behind four childrenand a nascent revolution that would rise from his sacrifice.

A Martyrs Legacy

General Gage allegedly remarked that Warrens death equaled that of five hundred ordinary mena tribute to how deeply his martyrdom resonated. Whether apocryphal or not, the line captured how Warrens sacrifice galvanized the patriot cause.

At the time, Warrens four children were in Worcester with his fiancee, Mercy Scollay, refugees from the Siege of Boston. She took charge of their care and, with help from John Hancock, Samuel Adams, Mercy Otis Warren, Benedict Arnold, and even the Continental Congress, secured support for their education.

His legacy endured not just in memory but in medicine. Warrens youngest brother, Dr. John Warren, served as a surgeon during the war, including at Bunker Hill. Afterward, he co-founded the Massachusetts Medical Society and established Harvard Medical School, ensuring that the familys service to the young republic did not end at Breeds Hill.

Joseph Warren had a rare giftto unite the fiery and the measured, to rouse a crowd and steady a chamber. He died before there was a nation to lead, yet he led before there was a nation to defend.

He never signed the Declaration. But he made it possible.

Found by a Friend

Ten months later, his body was exhumed. Decomposed and unrecognizable, it could only be identified by one man: Paul Revere. Years earlier, the silversmith had fitted Warren with an ivory dental prosthesis. When he examined the skull, he found the telltale wire still in place.

It was one of the first known uses of forensic dentistry in American history. But it was more than thatit was deeply personal. The messenger and the martyr. The friend who helped spark a revolution, and the one who had given everything for it.

When the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, Joseph Warren had been dead for over a year. He never saw the parchment. Never heard the cannonade. Never lived to see the fireworks crack the night sky in celebration of the nation he had not yet known.

And yet, few men did more to kindle that flame.

If the Founders were architects, Warren was the cornerstonelaid first, unseen, bearing the weight of all that followed. If the signers pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor, Warren had already pledged his blood.

In that sense, he made their words real.

Today, a granite obelisk rises on the hill where he fell, watching over Boston Harboran American cenotaph in stone. It stands not only in remembrance, but also as a testimony.

Rise, lofty Column! in thine attic grace, And to the stranger-bark that ploughs the deep, Show Freedoms land.  from Bunker-Hill Monument by Lydia Sigourney

And beneath that column echo the verses of his creed:

Thine annals boast the great and brave, Thy star-clad banner tells the wave Of Liberty or Death. Warrens life was short, but his legacy runs long: Point to the skies, and bid them read Of patriot faith, the hallowed creed, And guard its ritual bright And choose the path their fathers trod, Those friends of Liberty and God, Who rose to realms of light.

Image from author.

As we celebrate this Fourth of July, we rightly honor the names etched in solemn ink.

But we must also remember those recorded before the pen and parchment, in the life-blood of the bravethose who rose to realms of light.

He did not live to sign the Declaration of Independence.

But those Founders who did sign did so in the spirit of Doctor Joseph Warren.

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: Public domain.
There are two different societies in the West, perhaps particularly in the U.S. and Canada.

This striking dichotomy is not, per se, between Republicans and Democrats, conservatives and liberals, white folk and people of color, or even rich and poor.

It is the profound difference between those in large urban areas and those who live in the country and more remote places. It is nearly all-encompassing.

City-dwellers tend to be far more progressive. By necessity they often need to rely on others for transportation. Many of the elites in coastal metropolises couldnt change a tire or fix a leaky faucet to save their souls.

By contrast, those who reside in the country tend to be much more self-sufficient, and far less entitled. Most are capable of growing, building, and fixing things. These flyover country folks (except for those in the flyover urban areas) provide everyone with food, lumber, and energy. And they are too often reviled for doing so.

In large part, the majority of Canada's Albertans share the same values and outlook as the majority of those who live in, say, Wyoming or Oklahoma.

It would certainly be less frustrating  and likely more beneficial  for these hardy souls to join together. Especially to help overcome the punitive policies and smug attitudes of the massive federal bureaucracies that comprise and surround Ottawa and Washington. The same could be said of Dutch or German farmers, fishermen  and many others who labor with their hands and hearts.

How do we make this happen? Who makes the first move? This potentially could be so much more than sister cities. It would be a coalition of the willing and productive  and yet would stand expressly and steadfastly against One World Government and rampant globalism.

The leftist Leviathan never stops pushing to make the world Marxist.

Islam never stops trying to make the world Muslim. The WHO, the WEF, the UN, and various other international agencies and organizations are always all too willing to take our money and tell us what to do. And now, entrenched bureaucrats in the Deep States and the leftists in positions of power combine to try to prevent their political opposition from getting on the ballotor even existing at all.

This is radically anti-democratic, no matter their preposterous rhetoric. And it poses an existential danger to freedom, natural rights, and the very livelihood of countless millions.

Moreover, too many Western leaders in too many Western nations seem hell-bent on replacing their native populations with illegal/undocumented immigrants. Or, at the very least, ignoring their wishes while catering to the migrants. This egregious usurping of control must not stand.

Marxs Communist Manifesto famously contained the slogan, Workers of the world, unite!

Communism didnt work out well for the workers. It never does and never will. It cant, because of human nature and certain irrefutable economic principles.

That said, the producers of the world should unite. Extraction workers, energy producers, fishermen, farmers, lumbermen, builders, etc. And all those who rely on them. In Ayn Rands Atlas Shrugged, they just disappeared.

We need to do the opposite. We need to publicly and visibly reach out to each other and stand with each other to the greatest extent possible.

When Germanys AfD party is threatened with being outlawed, when a tweet disagreeing with the English government can get you fined and/or imprisoned, when a political leader that wishes to drain The Swamp is nearly assassinated  twice  when those in Washington, Ottawa, and Brussels essentially attempt to ban farming and the production of oil, coal, and gas, and when globalists want you to eat bugs not meat  it is time to take a stand. Against tyranny, intolerance, and insanity.

Dutch farmers, Edmonton and Texas oilmen, and West Virginian coal producers all have a common interest. In truth, most of us who live in rural areas do. Yet we are outvoted by a few large cities. And used by those in power who mock us.

There is a great scene in the hit television show Landman (language alert) in which Tommy explains to a young Eastern hotshot lawyer why petroleum is so necessary to the world. He tells it like it is and she is flustered. She gets even more flustered when a rattlesnake threatens to bite her. She is paralyzed with fear until Tommy chops the head of the snake off with a shovel. The lawyer is then upset that he killed the snake.

Progressives can bitch and moan about anything and everything, but the world owes a debt of gratitude to the producers, the men and women of vision, courage and capability who provide us with food and energy. It is time we (figuratively) cut off the head of the snake that threatens us. Our governments too often try to divide us. Let us come together in our quest for liberty and justice.

As someone once said, We shall overcome. Lets do so together. Rise up, rubes. Fight back, flyover folks.

I know it is far-fetched and naive to think that this could really happen, but, after I finished writing this piece, I stumbled across this article. Could there really be a chance?

On this Independence Day, I say: Let freedom ring!

Image: Los Paseos, via Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed
To say that your car mechanic knows how to fix a car is to say that you can hand him your car and expect him to return with it fixed. To say that a net zero expert understands electricity is not to say that we can send him out with a grant and expect him to return with a workable design and prototype of a functioning power grid. He is more likely to return with a report on why he has not succeeded yet, including the inevitable need for more money, a larger staff, more sweeping powers, etc. In short, the degree of authentication of knowledge may be lower for endeavors pursued by our so-called expert class than your local car mechanic. With many intellectual endeavors, notably climate science and net zero engineering, there is neither a swift nor a certain authentication process for ideas, and the only ultimate validation is whether the ideas sound plausible to enough people, or to the right people.

We are seeing this play out in New York State with Governor Kathy Hochul and her hand-picked team of energy experts. They want to revolutionize the power grid by bringing CO2 emissions down to zero. Their scheme however, has several flaws. Foremost is the lack of a substitute for dispatchable power, in particular, the natural gas generation that they wish to phase out by 2040. They have coined the term dispatchable emissions-free resource (DEFR) as the substitute for natural gas, but they have no idea what it will look like. Current battery technology is not up to the task and a technological breakthrough that would bring down cost seems unlikely. The same is true for green hydrogen schemes. Pumped storage is equally expensive and has the added difficulty of limited siting.

One scheme for replacing dispatchable natural gas generation is to utilize the vast storage capacity (60,000 GWh) of Hydro-Quebec. The UK seems to have adopted that approach by tapping into the vast storage capacity (85,000 GWh) of Norway. It has been increasing its reliance on imported electricity from Norway. (See Wake up call to UK energy planners.) The percentage of electricity imported from Hydro-Quebec to New York is estimated at approximately 1520% of the state's total electricity consumption. With the completion of the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) transmission line connecting Hydro-Quebec to New York, transmission interconnect capacity will increase by 1,250 MW from its current capacity of 2,000 MW. However, utilizing the transmission capacity of the CHPE in order to make Hydro-Quebec storage a DEFR has several flaws. It underutilizes the CHPE, which is much better used to provide steady state rather than intermittent dispatchable power. Moreover, as was the case with the UK interconnect to Norway, power fluctuations led to an increase in electricity price volatility in Norway, which hindered Norways ability to provide electricity at a consistent, affordable rate to its own citizens.

Under Hochuls plan, the need for dispatchable power will grow with the proposed increase in wind and solar power. In addition, New York City has mandated that residential heating transition from gas to electric heat pumps and New York State has laid out a legally binding roadmap requiring progressive adoption of electric vehicles. Both legislative actions will increase overall electricity demand and volatility. However, New York state and City plans may be rendered moot, if a congressional repeal of tax credits for renewables, E.V.s and heat pumps gets passed. With federal repeal, the burden for state mandates will shift solely to the state level and could have a chilling effect on their ultimate implementation. At any rate, I do not see Hochuls plan as being cohesive and maybe it was never intended to be taken literally, but more as an aspirational manifesto, just as Karl Marxs workers of the world unite polemic never provided a realistic blueprint.

Image from Grok.
It should be clear by now that we're fighting an uphill battle against the fear and falsehood tactics of the gun-grabber left.

These were their go-to techniques in defeating legislation that would help protect people's hearing and right a wrong in the arbitrary regulation of barrel lengths.

It didn't seem to matter to this ghoulish lobby that they were lying outright in several instances or that they exploited fear to defeat these measures.

It only matters to them that they maintain their power over the people.

So, consider the case for celebrating our firearm freedoms in July and start reclaiming our rights.

Remember that they want to boycott or even cancel the holiday, so they shouldn't mind if we make it about guns for the whole month, right?

Let's start with the fact that the American Revolution started with a gun confiscation raid by the Redcoats.

Anti-liberty leftists would likely prefer that people forget the reason why the battles of Lexington, Concord, as well as Parker's revenge, that took place on April 19, 1775, were because of firearms and the freedom they conserve:

Facing an impending rebellion, British General Thomas Gage decided to seize weapons and gun powder being stored in Concord, Massachusetts, twenty miles northwest of Boston, to prevent violence. Patriot spies soon got wind of Gages plan. Paul Revere and other riders spread the word of the 800 British regulars who were dispatched to Concord. Departing Boston late in the evening of April 18, the Kings troops marched into the small town of Lexington around 5:00 am to find, facing them, a militia company of more 70 men led by Captain John Parker. When the vanguard of the British force rushed forward upon the town green, Captain Parker immediately ordered his company to disperse. At some point a shot rang out-- historians still debate who fired the shot. The nervous British soldiers fired a volley, killing seven and mortally wounding one of the retreating militiamen. The British column moved on towards Concord, leaving the dead, wounded, and dying in their wake. Parker and his men would have revenge later that afternoon.

After the shot heard round the world in Concord the British troops retreated to Boston, which devolved into a rout as thousands of patriots descended on the area:

As the British were attacked from all sides by swarms of angry Minutemen along what is now known as Battle Road. When they reached Lexington, John Parker and his men had their revenge, firing on the British regulars from behind cover. For the next 12 miles, the British were continually ambushed by Minutemen shooting from behind trees, rock walls, and buildings.

The revolution was sparked by firearm freedom, and these were essential in the attainment of independence. It's vitally important to remember that firearms made independence and the 4th of July possible in the first place, as well as keeping us independent and free.

Firearms are the backbone of the Bill of Rights; they put the steel in a document that could easily end up being ignored. This is why it's incessantly attacked on every level of government by the left.

Strangely enough, they don't even know of this constant assault on freedom. For example, a leftist recently posted a short video, with full-on TDS and talking of some of the rights she thought were being threatened, when she then blurted out something on what if they 'started' coming after the Second Amendment.

This is quite typical of the left, and it shows they are almost completely out of touch, because if you're in any way familiar with trying to conserve our firearm freedoms, the fact is that the left is always engaged in an all-out onslaught against the Second Amendment on a local, state and formally federal level.

Showing that the left knows that our firearm freedoms are the backbone of the Bill of Rights. They know that if these were gone as in other nations, the Bill of Rights would be nothing but flowery words on old parchment, and they would ignore them as they do elsewhere.

Therefore, it's time that we start pushing back on the culture and the fear tactics, and the lies of the left to maintain and advance our freedoms.

Thus, the point of celebrating our Firearm freedoms in July.

Note that this started as 'gun pride month' but we're way beyond that now.

Why July? Well, that should be obvious in that we would not have Independence Day without firearms. And if the left can lay claim to whole swaths of the calendar, as well as the alphabet, why can't we have a month celebrating our basic freedoms?

We're also making a point of using the term firearm freedoms instead of gun rights because the latter has been demonized to the point that some almost imply that inanimate objects can work and fire themselves.

The good news this year is that the left has 'promised' to 'stay silent.'

The People's Union USA, led by John Schwarz, urges Americans to "stay home, stay silent and gather only with loved ones" on July 4th, a federal holiday that commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The day is a celebration of U.S. independence, marked by fireworks shows, picnics, concerts, parades and barbecues, but Schwarz contends the actions by the current administration are contrary to what freedom Americans have.

So, why not celebrate the day and the month for that matter with the freedom tools that made it all possible, the tools that the left would love to confiscate if they could. We can make some noise and recognize why we have them, hopefully while the left stays silent about it.

D. Parker is an engineer, inventor, wordsmith, and student of history, former director of communications for a civil rights organization, and a long-time contributor to conservative websites. Find him on Substack.

Image: New York Public Library, via Picryl // public domain
President Trump and his coterie have many wondrous celebrations planned for our countrys jubilant 249th anniversary. Its sooo darn exciting! However, there are some among us who do not deserve the festivities. On a more somber note, there should be a denaturalization ceremony for naturalized anti-American interlopers who commit crimes. Furthermore, those whove attained permanent resident status must finally commit  take the citizenship test or return whence they came.

Recently, President Trump hinted that turncoat Elon Musk may have to close up shop and return to South Africa. Im not sure about that one, perhaps his initial DOGE efforts have earned him special dispensation. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) may be a better denaturalization candidate. She is an unnatural naturalized citizen who has earned a passage back to the heart of darkness.

Why would evil Ilhan even want to stay in a country she already hates? Her loathing will only fester as our 249th anniversary jubilations reverberate in waves of patriotism across our majestic land. Our magnificence will just eat her up.

We are tolerant of stupidity in the marketplace of ideas, even the misguided ones, so shes welcome to disagree with MAGA if thats what her contemptuous constituents confer. However, she is not welcome to traitorously disparage the country that took her in, rescuing her from the forsaken hell hole of her birth.

We are so forgiving and generous that perhaps we only want to be uplifting as American spirits soar during our celebrations. Then again, denaturalization of the unrepentant anti-American enemies within may help cleanse our political polis. This is not a fine distinction or slippery slope. Some naturalized enemies amongst us are obviously pretenders; their intentions as clearly naked as their vapid souls. They dont love America, they want to ravage her with ungodly precepts.

On a related note, whats with all those permanent resident aliens? Green Card holders who live here in perpetuity need to get off the pot. Presuming five years of upstanding residency (no misdemeanors or slurping at the government trough)  take the citizenship test, already. And, learn the native tongue: theres even less of an excuse now that English is our official language. If five long years of alien status is not long enough to determine ones allegiance, then show some integrity and return to your foreign potentates. Good luck with that.

Frankly, making America great again requires making America American again. America can be glisteningly beautiful and vibrant by celebrating our splendid tapestry of cultures, but they are interwoven by all-American principles derived from the a priori truths of the Almighty. Enough of the Americas. Enough of the United Nations. Enough of dehumanizing doctrines that rot atop the scrapheap of history. America first  or get out of here. Bon Voyage and good riddance.

Now lets get on with celebrating the 249 yearsand countingof the last great hope of Earth with our American-loving compatriots, irrespective of their ethnicity.

Image generated by AI.
In the 1960s, the U.S. Supreme Court, for the first time, held in two cases that certain public-school prayer and Bible reading programs violated the Constitutions Establishment Clause. The Court failed to count the cost.

Religious faith provides meaning, solace, and a sense of responsibility. When religion goes out the window, a lot goes with it. Since the school prayer cases came down, public schools became hostile to religion, and an increasingly faithless America became less patriotic and community-minded , more materialistic , lonely , depressed , suicidal and senselessly violent . Even those who are not especially religious are impacted by these negative trends.

We dont have to live this way.

The free exercise clause of the First Amendment guarantees students and educators rights to exercise their religion on their own initiative. That right doesnt stop at the schoolhouse door. At the founding, the First Amendments establishment clause meant only that Congress could not establish a national religion. But few educators or students understand this. Misled by revisionist history, they think the Establishment Clause means separation of church and state -- so, no religion in schools. Indeed, school administrators are so fearful of Establishment Clause lawsuits that they often violate students and educators free exercise rights.

Characteristically, Texas is not buying it and not backing down. Senate Bill (SB) 11, sponsored by Senator Mayes Middleton, enables school boards to vote on whether to allow students time to pray and read religious texts before the school day begins. SB 11 provides guidelines so that schools can implement the policy in the right way.

Done correctly, as in SB 11, schools can constitutionally give students the opportunity to pray or read religious texts in school.

Opponents of SB 11 will cynically claim, Your kids can pray or read scripture on their own time. Or you can send them to private school. Certainly, families should have prayer and Bible reading at home. But why only at home? For overscheduled families, theres precious little of your own time left. Students spend seven hours per day, 180 days per year, in school. A growing number of states, including Texas , even allow and or encourage school districts to operate year-round schools. American teens spend 4.8 hours per day on social media. And most parents cant afford private schools. No wonder Americans religious engagement has declined since schools became hostile to religion.

Religion-free public schools are un-American, or at least not aligned with the history and tradition of the United States. Harvard law professor Justin Driver notes that public education was unmistakably religious for most of our history. In 1869, the National Teachers Association expressed the dominant understanding that the Bible should [be]... devotionally read, and its precepts inculcated, in all the common schools of the land. Such practices persisted well into the twentieth century, says Driver. As a matter of accurate history, school prayer and Bible reading posed no constitutional problem for more than 170 years. The school prayer cases reading of the Establishment Clause is revisionist history.

But the tide is turning. In Kennedy v. Bremerton School District (2022), for the first time in decades, the Supreme Court committed itself to a historically accurate application of the Establishment Clause. Thats the first key reason SB 11 is constitutional.

The second reason is that the school prayer and religious text reading involved in SB 11 are far different than the practices at issue in the 1960s school prayer cases. SB 11 ensures prayers and religious readings wont be broadcast over the schools public address system or in the presence of any student without parental consent. These key factual differences and the Kennedy ruling mean that, yes, SB 11 is constitutional.

For decades, we have locked our kids away for the majority of their youth in schools where they are denied spiritual engagement and nourishment. We are cutting them off from the only source of meaning, solace, and responsibility that many of them will ever know. This is cruel. It hurts students and everyone else. Anti-religion advocates can no longer hide behind bad constitutional law. States should follow Texas lead. School districts around the country can, and should, adopt policies like SB 11 that give students a few brief moments before school to voluntarily pray and seek comfort and guidance from Gods Word.

Trey Dellinger is a senior legal fellow with AFA Action and chief of staff for former Mississippi Speaker Philip A. Gunn.

Image: PickPik
A historic victory for parental rights in Maryland and across America has sent a resounding message that parents, not government, make the final decision in the moral and religious rearing of their children. In Mahmoud v. Taylor, the Supreme Court ruled that Maryland parents, over religious reasons, can opt their children out of reading lessons using LGBT-themed books.

In a 6-3 ruling, Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented.

Justice Samuel Alito, writing for the majority, sided with the parents. 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. ... And a government cannot condition the benefit of free public education on parents acceptance of such instruction.

Justice Sotomayor, writing for the minority, expressed concern that religious opt-outs will impose impossible administrative burdens on schools. Her statement, Todays ruling threatens the very essence of public education, indicates concern that the majority ruling gives way too much power to parents over what children are taught.

The case stems from a legal challenge by several parents in Marylands Montgomery County Public Schools after the district added books with LGBT themes to its K5 language arts curriculum in 2022. The school district allowed students to opt out of the lessons but later reneged, allegedly because there were too many requests. Why did they continue to include the radicalized sexual content when so many taxpayers objected? Why did Sotomayor side with schools against parents?

The majority ruling lays the foundation for nationwide religious opt-outs. Nearly half of K12 teachers support religious opt-outs for LGBT lessons, according to a Pew Research Center study.

Parents have the right to expect the public school to provide a state-mandated academic education rather than perverse sexual content. They should not have to resort to courts to affirm their parental rights to have the final say in the education of their children.

Given that many educators have been indoctrinated by Marxist teacher colleges, we can expect schools to continue to use the classroom  even through subversive tactics  to impose their radical views on young children while ignoring the SCOTUS decision.

This brings to mind another Supreme Court ruling that has been ignored. The 1925 case that laid the cornerstone for parental rights, Pierce v. Society of Sisters, affirmed that parents, not the government, have the responsibility to rear and educate their children. This decision set a precedent that has shaped legal interpretations of parental rights in education and beyond.

Opting out of politicized lessons does not solve the underlying problem. We have to look to the efforts of the globalist communist United Nations to remove parental influence over the education and worldviews of their children. Since that is not going to change, neither will government efforts to seize control of children.

Rather than continue to fight government schools, parents are choosing to walk away. It comes as no surprise that enrollment in private schools and homeschools is exploding.

Carole Hornsby Haynes: Education policy analyst, curriculum consultant, historian, and classical pianist. www.drcarolehhaynes.com.

Image: jarmoluk via Pixabay, Pixabay License.
Today, the Big, Beautiful Bill will become law once President Donald J. Trump puts ink to paper at a big, beautiful signing ceremony in Iowa. Despite opposition from every Democrat in Congress, the House and Senate enacted critical measures to benefit millions of blue-collar workers and their families. Its another promise from the campaign trail that has become a reality.

Anyone who listened to a few minutes of House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.)s seven-hour diatribe against the legislation is aware that an onslaught of misinformation is heading to their televisions, radios, and email inboxes. In Mr. Jeffriess world, reducing taxes on tips, overtime, Social Security, and business investment is equivalent to the apocalypse. What many people may not know, and what the minority leader wont tell you, is that the typical family will receive an additional $11,000 in take-home pay, and an estimated 7.2 million jobs will be created.

Perhaps nowhere is the gap between reality and rhetoric clearer than in the bills efforts to reform Americas out-of-control health care system. Because the bill eliminates wasteful and ineffective Obamacare programs, creates a work requirement for some programs, and blocks access to taxpayer-funded health benefits for illegal aliens, Mr. Jefferies and his cohorts argue that people will die unnecessary deaths. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

The legislation included multiple provisions that expand the use of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Health Savings Accounts are a personal savings account you can set up to pay certain health care costs. Tax-free contributions can be made to these accounts both by individuals and employers. Nearly 40 million Americans use these accounts to pay for medical expenses, and that number would be significantly higher if a preposterous prohibition werent in place.

Currently, federal law prohibits individuals enrolled in Medicare from contributing to HSAs or receiving employer contributions. That means seniors who start collecting Social Security lose access to these valuable savings accounts, even if theyre still working and their employers are willing to contribute monthly to their HSA accounts at no cost.

The House version of the bill took a crucial step toward protecting Medicares financial future by reforming the law so that seniors who receive Social Security benefits can accept free HSA contributions from their employers. This commonsense reform would protect taxpayers by reducing seniors reliance on costly, taxpayer-funded government programs, such as Medicare.

Unfortunately, the Senate omitted this crucial fix from its version of the bill. Due to time restraints, the House took up and passed the Senate version, so the pro-senior measure was left on the cutting room floor. With this dangerous omission, the Senate is seemingly ignoring Medicares looming insolvency and the fact that failing to act will ultimately saddle taxpayers with even bigger bills.

Medicare is already on the brink of a financial crisis. The Medicare Trustees latest report warns that the Hospital Insurance Trust Fund  which pays for Medicare hospital stays  could be depleted in as little as three to five years. After that, Medicare would only be able to cover about 90% of hospital insurance claims, leaving seniors vulnerable to cuts or higher costs.

The House and Senate must get back to work and restore this provision.

Congress should help seniors gain access to better health care coverage and reduce their reliance on Medicares taxpayer-funded programs. Allowing Social Security recipients to contribute to HSAs should be a key part of that solution.

This is not a small chunk of change, as nearly one in five Americans over age 65 still works. Many of those workers would get free employer health care allowances if this law was not on the books. So instead, they are using taxpayer-funded health care services.

When seniors have access to HSAs, theyre more likely to stay on employer health plans longer and delay shifting to Medicares Parts B and D, which cover outpatient care and prescription drugs. Thats important because taxpayers cover roughly 75% of the cost of Medicare Parts B and D. If the Senate Finance Committee adds this HSA fix into its version of the Big, Beautiful Bill, those costs can decrease in tremendous fashion.

This is a textbook case of a broken government rule doing real harm. The restriction that ties Social Security to Medicare enrollment wasnt created by Congress. It was inserted into Medicares program manual by bureaucrats in the 1990s. The Legislative Branch needs to assert its authority by fixing this.

As previously mentioned, Medicares insolvency is not some far-off problem. Its right around the corner. Without reform, the programs trust fund could be empty in just a few years, forcing cuts or tax hikes on seniors and working families.

We must protect Medicare, give seniors more choices and better access to health care, save taxpayers money, and give seniors the tools they need to secure their own health and financial well-being. Allowing working seniors to receive tax-free benefits from their employers would be a major step in that direction.

Chuck Muth is the president of Citizen Outreach.

Image: Pkd2016 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0.
Yesterday, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) stepped up to the microphone for his allotted minute during debate on HR 1 -- Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill -- and just kept speaking. His focus was to bemoan imaginary cuts to Medicaid and SNAP. It could have been on something real and important.

On the previous day, other Democrats delayed in a similar way on the same issue. It began when one representative took time and said, I ask unanimous consent to amend the Rule to make in order the Amendment at the desk that protects against any cuts to Medicaid or SNAP.

Congresswoman Virginia Fox (R  North Carolina), answered that it was time for debate, so she would not yield for that request.

The Democrats then lined up and took time, one after another, to make the same request, reading from white sheets of paper.

In response, the acting speaker Rep. Steve Womack (R - Arkansas), had to reiterate over and over, The gentle lady from North Carolina has not yielded for that purpose, therefore that unanimous consent request cannot be entertained."

So, it wasnt the Leader being a hero, standing up for Americans, when he took his turn, but it was a Democrat stunt again proving that Democrats do not really care about Americans at all, and it was a thumb in the presidents eye, of course.

President Trump hoped to sign the bill and celebrate its passage on the Fourth of July. Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-Mi) didnt think Jeffries stunt would ruin those plans. In answer to a question on timing from Maria Bartiromo later in the morning, she said, As soon as Hakeem is done gaslighting, Speaker Johnson will speak, and then well put the votes on the floor -- I think we have the votes.

Even so, the Minority Leader might have spent his filibuster time on something more important: apologizing to the American People, expressing regret for what the Democrats did to them, the evil they enabled, while the party was in power.

He could have apologized for Democrats opening our southern border on purpose, and the horrors that resulted from that policy as criminals walked into the USA. He could have said that he regretted that they refused to close the border when they could have closed it and that they could have stood up for Americans and innocents, protecting them, but they did not.

Jeffries could have expressed regret that hundreds of thousands of Americans died in horrible ways. Men, women, and young people died of poisoning from fentanyl that came over the border. Young women were raped, murdered, and had their heads bashed in with rocks. People were knifed, or strangled, or shot to death. One woman who was sleeping on the subway in NYC was set on fire by a crazy illegal immigrant. She stood up as she perished.

The week before the HR1 debate, Karen Diamond, who was 82 years old, died of injuries caused by being set on fire by an illegal immigrant. It happened on the mall in Boulder where she was marching for hostages in Gaza.

These people had families. Jeffries could have acknowledged their loss and expressed condolences and regret that their families -- American families -- have been devastated and will never be whole again.

Also, it was not just deaths for which Jeffries could have expressed some regret; many women and children have been sexually abused by illegal aliens and trafficked into horrible situations. People have been terrified and traumatized.

He could have said were sorry that American families have been victimized, broken, and harmed as well.

But no. Democrats just put on their little show. Who orchestrated it, I dont know. In the end its just an annoyance, a worthless exercise to try to show how Democrats truly stand up for Americans.

In her closing remarks during debate, Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) summed it up when she said that Democrats have no place to criticize Republicans on morality.

Democrats have demonstrated over the last five years -- while they enabled extreme harm -- that they do not stand for Americans and they do not care about American families. Virtue signaling and gaslighting about a nonissue are useless, but an apology from Hakeem Jeffries might have helped us all to heal. Too bad he didnt filibuster on that.

C.S. Boddie writes for Meadowlark Press, LLC.

Image: Library of Congress
A review released by CIA director John Ratcliffe on June 26, 2025, pulls back the curtain on one of the most hotly debated intelligence products of the past decade: the December 2016 assessment that President Vladimir Putin aspired to help Donald Trump win the U.S. election.

In May 2025, Ratcliffe tasked the CIAs Directorate of Analysis (D.A.) with conducting a lessons-learned review of the procedures and analytic tradecraft employed in the highest classified version of the Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA) titled Russias Influence Campaign Targeting the 2016 US Presidential Election, dated December 30, 2016. Disturbingly, the review, titled The Tradecraft Review of the 2016 Intelligence Community Assessment [ICA] on Russian Election Interference, concluded that the ICA departed from established processes and tradecraft standards to produce a misleading document that lacked objectivity and exhibited political bias.

Ratcliffes review identified several factors that undermined the quality of the final intelligence product:

A compressed timeline for drafting and coordination.

compressed timeline for drafting and coordination. Excessive compartmentalization of documents.

Excessive agency head influence.

Overstated confidence levels in source reporting.

Inadequate information sharing and exploration of alternative analyses.

Opaque source transparency.

Weakly supported justifications for including specific content.

The 2016 ICA came together in record time, making it difficult to vet or challenge its core claims. According to Ratcliffes review, compartmentalization eroded rigorous tradecraft, preventing analysts from fully scrutinizing the evidence underpinning their conclusions.

In one striking illustration of excessive compartmentalization, the I.C. relied on a single, top-secret CIA report from July 2016  sequestered in a special Fusion Cell that Brennan himself had established. That report remained hidden from most analysts until the eve of sign-off, underscoring how Brennan tightly controlled access: Although the intelligence had been collected months earlier, it wasnt formally incorporated into CIA reporting until the week of December 19.

Because of this compartmentalization, many analysts worked only from summary excerpts  forced to judge a decision of immense importance without seeing the complete evidence. The Ratcliffe-ordered review cautions that this approach can inadvertently amplify uncertainty rather than resolve it.

Ironically, a 2017 internal audit found that the highest-classified ICA had been distributed to more than 200 U.S. officials  an exceptionally large audience by I.C. standards. That broad circulation calls into question the justification for earlier extreme limitations on access to underlying intelligence within the IC and suggests the process was driven more by a desire to shape perceptions than by sound tradecraft.

Instead of the usual multi-month drafting period usually employed to produce such an important document, ICA authors finalized the text in under seven days. Agencies barely had 48 hours for their line-by-line review on December 19. The process entered formal review the next day. Hand-carried paper copies shuttled between offices left little room for comprehensive debate, steering analysts toward tweaks in phrasing instead of challenging core assumptions. In addition, one of the authors expressed surprise that the review process had resulted in so few changes, according to the review.

The media also played an active role in the effort to undermine Trump. Media talking heads persuaded millions of Americans that Russia had secretly intervened to hand him the presidency. According to the Ratcliffe-ordered review, thenCIA Director John Brennan and DNI James Clapper were excessively involved in shaping that narrative.

Of note, according to the review, ICD (Intelligence Community Directive) 203 stipulates that analysis be independent of political consideration and must not be distorted by, nor shaped for, advocacy of a particular audience, agenda, or policy viewpoint. It has become abundantly clear that Brennan and others blatantly disregarded those directives.

The review highlights Brennans heavy-handed approach while compiling the ICA report. Breaking from the usual hierarchy, Brennan personally steered the ICAs final language, sidelining the National Intelligence Council and excluding agencies like the DIA and States INR from key discussions. Emails unearthed in the new review show Brennan urging that the big three (CIA, FBI, NSA) lock in the reports core phrases verbatim  an intervention that effectively quashed potential dissent and channeled the process toward a single, unified narrative.

Additionally, Brennan, Clapper, and other senior officials repeatedly appeared on television, invoking the existence of unnamed U.S. officials with alleged access to classified information to bolster their credibility. They leveraged the aura of confidentiality  using the mystique of confidentiality as a smokescreen  to lend unwarranted authority to their consensus view of Kremlin meddling. Fully aware that much of their account rested on speculation and unverified claims, these agency heads used their positions and the supposed credibility of classified material to manipulate public perception in favor of a predetermined narrative.

According to the review, Brennan also leaned on his authority to allegedly strong-arm the I.C.s judgment. On the eve of the December 19 coordination session, he broadcast to the entire CIA that he had conferred with the DNI and the FBI director. He relayed to ICA authors and analysts that there was already a strong consensus among us on the scope, nature, and intent of Russian interference in our recent Presidential election. Brennans communications were likely deliberate, designed to discourage dissent and pressure analysts into alignment.

Notably, the I.C. also secured FBI buy-in, requiring the contentious Steele Dossier to be folded into the assessment, despite analytic reservations about its unverified nature. The dossiers summary was banished to an annex  only to be cited in the main body as one of four pillars supporting the Putin-Trump aspiration. According to the review,

the ICA authors and multiple senior CIA managers, including the two senior leaders of the CIA mission center responsible for Russia, strongly opposed including the Dossier, asserting that it did not meet even the most basic tradecraft standards. CIAs Deputy Director for Analysis (DDA) warned in an email to Brennan on 29 December that including it in any form risked the credibility of the entire paper.

Showing a preference for narrative consistency even when confronted with specific flaws in the Dossier, Brennan responded, saying, My bottom line is that I believe that the information warrants inclusion in the report.

Ratcliffes review does not completely dismiss the ICA. It praises the 173 clandestine and 74 open-source citations that seemingly anchor many conclusions. His review also features a transparent labeling of confidence levels and a candid acknowledgment of intelligence gaps. Nevertheless, it also calls out the high confidence in the Kremlins intent as disproportionate to the thin, compartmented evidence underpinning it.

In the end, the June 2025 review delivers more than critique  it prescribes reform and a return to best practices. He recommends the more typical use of longer drafting timelines, a wider circle of analytic participants, equitable access to all relevant sources, and a non-negotiable need for separation between political leadership and analytic leads. Given the I.C.s damaged reputation because of politicized intelligence reports like the one in 2016, it remains to be seen whether such reforms will help rebuild public faith in the CIAs most consequential judgments.

Image via PickPik.
President Trumps Big Beautiful Bill Act (BBBA) will add trillions of dollars in new debt. Here we will talk about one of the provisions of that bill: Trump Accounts.

Trump Accounts would provide all U.S. citizens under age 8 born from 2025 to 2028 with a $1,000 savings account that must be invested in a diversified index fund. If parents dont open a Trump Account for their children, the Treasury Department will create one for them. Parents and relatives can contribute up to $5,000 annually until the child turns 18.

Trump Accounts seem like college savings (529) Accounts. They are anything but. Over the years, I have saved and contributed to 529 accounts for my children and grandchildren. These private savings have helped provide them with the education and training needed to pursue productive careers. They send a clear message: Families must assume responsibility for the health, education, and welfare of children and grandchildren, and these accounts create an incentive for them to assume this moral obligation.

While I have been saving and investing in my children and grandchildren, the federal government has burdened them with more debt and unfunded liabilities. Public debt held in the private sector now totals $36 trillion. If we add unfunded liabilities, total debt owed by American citizen now exceeds $100 trillion.

Trump Accounts will add yet another unfunded liability to the trillions of dollars in unfunded liabilities accumulating in Social Security and Medicare. The trust funds created to finance these entitlement programs will be depleted within the next decade. At that point, expenditure for these entitlement programs will be financed from the general fund on a pay as you go basis. As unfunded liabilities are passed down from one generation to the next, our children and grandchildren will pay the taxes required to service that debt. Thomas Jefferson viewed the passing of public debt from one generation to the next as immoral.

Trump Accounts send a quite different message to families compared to 529 accounts. The expectation is that the federal government, rather than families, must assume responsibility for retirement as well as other needs of the next generation. The fact that Trump Accounts will be financed with debt suggests that it is OK to pass public debt from one generation to the next. This is not what the founders had in mind.

Trump Accounts, like other entitlement programs, will increase dependency of American citizens on the federal government. This is in fact what Otto Von Bismark had in mind when he created the first social security plan in Prussia in the 19th century. Social security could bind citizens to the Prussian government, something that Bismarck viewed as essential to Prussian military ambitions, and we all know how that turned out.

President Trump is more cagey as a politician than Bismarck. By presenting Trump Accounts as a gift to the next generation, he can generate support for the BBBA. But as Milton Friedman argued, there is no such thing as a free lunch, and this ruse on the next generation will become more apparent as unfunded liabilities accumulate and a debt crisis approaches.

An intergenerational accounting system would reveal the burden of unfunded liabilities in entitlement programs on future generations. But Congress has chosen not to adopt this accounting system, and it is not hard to understand why. Legislators do not want to reveal how Trump Accounts will burden future generations.

The last thing we need is yet another federal entitlement program accumulating unfunded liabilities for the next generation to deal with. Gifting our children with a $1,000 savings account that they must then pay for in taxes over their lifetime is a cynical ruse.

Dr. Barry Poulson is on the board of directors of the Prosperity for US Foundation.

Image via Pixabay. Pixabay License.
AI Overviews is one of Googles most ambitious recent projects. The company designed the feature to provide users with quick, summarized answers directly in search results. This was the first step in integrating artificial intelligence into its search engine, with AI Mode being the next step. That said, Googles AI Overviews have not been well received by publishers, and it is now facing an antitrust complaint in the EU.

A coalition of independent publishers has reportedly filed an antitrust complaint with EU regulators. They raise serious concerns that Googles AI-powered summaries are unfairly impacting their businesses. This move, as reported by Reuters, marks a notable escalation in the ongoing tension between AI giants and content creators.

Antitrust complaint form EU publishers against Googles AI Overviews

AI Overviews represent a significant shift in how Google presents search results. Instead of simply providing links, these features generate concise, often paragraph-long answers at the top of the search page. To achieve this, the feature uses AI and draws information directly from various online sources. The intention is to make searching faster and more efficient, allowing users to get immediate answers without necessarily clicking through to a website.

However, for several independent news outlets, blogs, and other content providers, this seemingly convenient feature presents a critical threat. Their core concern is that Googles AI is effectively hoovering up their content and repackaging it. The fear is profound: if users get all the information they need directly from the search pages AI summary, why would they click through to the original article? This directly impacts the crucial web traffic that publishers rely on to generate advertising revenue and subscriptions. So, there would be a direct impact on the means of monetization that are essential for their survival.

The real fear: monetization and traffic vanishing

Publishers argue that by pulling content directly into AI Overviews without adequately compensating them or directing traffic back to the original source, Google is essentially cannibalizing their readership and revenue streams. They view this as a form of anti-competitive behavior rather than a case of fair use. The plaintiffs believe that the feature undermines their ability to compete fairly in the digital publishing landscape. The formal complaint urges EU antitrust regulators to launch a thorough investigation into whether Googles AI Overviews are violating existing competition laws.

This isnt Googles first dance with EU antitrust authorities. The tech giant has faced numerous problems in Europe over its search dominance and perceived anti-competitive practices in the past. This latest complaint adds a new and complex layer to that long-standing scrutiny. It focuses on the implications of AI integration into core search functions and its impact on the viability of publishing.

The case could define the future of how AI and publishers interact

The fundamental debate here extends beyond just Google. It touches on how generative AI models, which are often trained on vast datasets including copyrighted material, should interact with and attribute original content. The outcome of this complaint could have significant ramifications. It even has the potential to set precedents for how AI-driven search features operate globally. The complaint could also define how content creators are compensated in the age of generative AI.

For now, the publisher war against AI Overviews seems to be intensifying. All eyes will be on how EU regulators respond to these serious antitrust concerns, shaping the future of information access and content creation online.
Samsung has just mistakenly revealed RAM and storage options for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, and Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE. The listing was spotted by Roland Quandt, a tipster.

Samsung accidentally confirmed the RAM & storage options for Galaxy Z Fold 7 & Flip 7

If you check out the two images below, youll see options for all three smartphones. Considering the source, this is basically official information, so there you go. Things could differ from one region to the next, though.

Lets start with the Galaxy Z Fold 7, shall we? The phone will arrive in both 12GB and 16GB RAM variants. The 12GB model will be available in 256GB and 512GB storage options. The 16GB RAM variant will include 1TB of storage.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, on the other hand, will arrive with 12GB of RAM only. When it comes to storage, youll be able to choose between 256GB and 512GB storage flavors.

The Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE will be the only one with 8GB of RAM

And last, but not least, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE. The companys most affordable foldable will be available with 8GB of RAM and with options of 128GB and 256GB of storage.

All three of these smartphones will become official on July 9. Thats when Samsung will host its second Unpacked event of the year, in New York. Those three foldables will launch there, along with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 series of smartwatches.

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 will be much thinner and much lighter this time around. It will finally be able to compete with the foldable from China in that regard. The Galaxy Z Flip 7, on the other hand, will include a larger cover display. Its display will not go around the cameras, as Samsung is ditching the folder-type cover display. Well, its not ditching it entirely, as it will be used on the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE.
Samsung will host its next Unpacked event in New York City on July 9th to launch its latest foldable smartphones. There, the brand could announce as many as three new foldable devices, including the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, and Z Flip 7 FE. Ahead of the official announcement, a handful of details about the new handsets have already leaked. A major leak has now revealed the battery capacity, endurance ratings, and more details about the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, and Z Flip 7 FE.

Tech publication YTECHB has spotted and shared the EU labels and battery information for the upcoming foldables from Samsung. It appears the new book-style foldable, the Z Fold 7, wont get a battery upgrade, while the new clamshell offering could get a slightly bigger power cell.

Samsungs new book-style foldable is going to disappoint in two key aspects

If the new leak is true, Samsungs upcoming Z Fold 7 is going to disappoint in two key aspects: battery and IP rating. As per the source, the new book-style foldable will have a rated battery capacity of 4,272mAh. Samsung marketed the Galaxy Z Fold 6 with a 4,400mAh battery, but the actual capacity was around 4,273mAh. Unfortunately, the company may not also upgrade the charging speeds with the new foldable and limit it to 25W, just like the Z Fold 6.

Furthermore, the Galaxy Z Fold 7s leaked specs sheet suggests that its battery can retain 80% health for up to 2,000 charging cycles. It seems that Samsung will market a usage time of up to 40 hours and 28 minutes on one charge.

Another disappointment suggested by the new leak is the IP rating of the Z Fold 7. It will reportedly continue to have an IP48 rating, like its predecessor. This rating means that the device will only be able to keep out larger dust particles and offer much lower protection against water than an IP68 rating.

The Galaxy Z Flip 7 could get a slightly bigger power cell

Moving on to the Galaxy Z Flip 7, the new leak suggests that Samsung will equip it with a rated battery capacity of 4,174mAh. Samsung could market the device with a 4,300mAh battery, which is slightly bigger than the Z Flip 6s 4,000mAh unit. As for the endurance rating, the source suggests the Galaxy Z Flip 7s battery will retain 80% of its capacity until 2,000 charging cycles. Its battery will last up to 42 hours and four minutes on a single charge, according to Samsung.

Meanwhile, Samsungs more affordable foldable, presumably dubbed the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, will have a rated battery capacity of 3,887mAh. This one could last up to 37 hours on a single charge. Furthermore, the leak indicates the battery will retain 80% health for 1,700 charge cycles.

Similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 7, the Z Flip 7 and Z Flip 7 FE will also offer an IP48 rating, suggests the source. Since the launch event is just around the corner, well have their official specs in a matter of days, so stay tuned.
Ethan Guo wants to raise money for cancer research

An American teenager who is trying to fly solo to all seven continents in order to raise money for cancer research, has been arrested after landing in Antarctica without permission.

Authorities in Chile allege Ethan Guo, 19, broke multiple national and international regulations after changing a flight plan without informing officials and landing in part of the Antarctic where it has a territorial claim.

I want to become the first person in history to fly solo to all seven continents in a small aircraft and raise $1 million for cancer research, Mr Guo writes on his website.

He adds: In 2021 my cousin was diagnosed with cancer. I admire him. He inspired me to take life more seriously and join the fight against cancer.

Ethan Guo set off on his trip flying a small aircraft

CNN said that last weekend Mr Guo submitted a flight plan and took off from Carlos Ibanez del Campo Airport in the southern Chilean city of Punta Arenas. He was the only person on the Cessna 182Q aircraft.

At some point, he started veering off course towards Antarctica.

[He] continued toward Antarctica without informing anyone and without any authorisation, landing at the airfield of Lieutenant Rodolfo Marsh Base in Chilean Antarctic territory, Cristian Crisosto Rifo, the regional prosecutor of Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica, said in a statement.

He added: With this behaviour, the accused seriously endangered the safety of air traffic to Antarctica and the Magallanes region.

Mr Cristoso said as soon as he landed in the Antarctic, the young man was held and charged.

The teenager lands in Chilean Antarctica - REUTERS

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, said Mr Crisosto.

Mr Guos lawyer, Karina Ulloa, told reporters that while in the air, her client began to experience a series of complications.

Officials have ordered a 90-day investigation, during which time Mr Guo must remain in the region.

Mr Guo, who was born in China but lives in West Palm Beach, Florida, says on his website his passion for aviation began at the age of 13.

I earned my private pilot licence at 17, he adds. I am IFR-rated, which means that I can fly using instruments alone, without visual ground reference. I have flown to all 48 contiguous US states and crossed the Atlantic three times, amassing over 700 hours of flight time.
A protest in London in support of Palestine Action. The group will be banned under terrorism laws alongside Islamic State and al-Qaida. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images

Being a member of, or showing support for, Palestine Action will be a criminal offence from Saturday after a last-minute legal challenge to suspend the groups proscription under anti-terrorism laws failed.

A ban on Palestine Action, which uses direct action to mainly target Israeli weapons factories in the UK and their supply chain, was voted through by parliament this week but lawyers acting for its co-founder Huda Ammori had sought to prevent it taking effect.

After a hearing at the high court on Friday, however, Mr Justice Chamberlain declined to grant her application for interim relief. Ammori said: The home secretary is rushing through the implementation of the proscription at midnight tonight despite the fact that our legal challenge is ongoing and that she has been completely unclear about how it will be enforced, leaving the public in the dark about their rights to free speech and expression after midnight tonight when this proscription comes into effect.

Chamberlain said: I have concluded that the harm which would ensue if interim relief is refused but the claim later succeeds is insufficient to outweigh the strong public interest in maintaining the order in force.

Ammori sought permission to appeal against Chamberlains decision in an 8pm hearing that lasted approximately one hour at the court of appeal on Friday night, in an attempt to prevent the ban coming into force. But at about 10.25pm  less than two hours before it was due to take effect  the three judges, led by the lady chief justice, Sue Carr, refused permission.

It means Palestine Action will become the first direct action protest group to be banned under the Terrorism Act, placing it in the same category as Islamic State, al-Qaida and the far-right group National Action.

Raza Husain KC, representing Ammori, described the proscription decision in the hearing before Chamberlain, as an ill-considered, discriminatory and authoritarian abuse of statutory power. He said it was absurd to label a civil disobedience direct action protest group that does not advocate violence as a terrorist organisation.

The main target has been stopping Elbit Systems  which markets itself as the backbone of the IDF [Israel Defense Forces], said Husain. As my client says: The aim of terrorism is to take lives and hurt people, thats the opposite of what we do.

He said before making the decision the government had engaged with the Israeli government, Elbit Systems and pro-Israeli lobby groups, while Palestine Action and other pro-Palestine groups were not consulted.

Blinne Ni Ghralaigh KC, also representing Ammori, said what was going on in Gaza was an annihilation, it is a genocide and Palestine Action was seeking to disrupt and prevent UK complicity in it.

Ben Watson KC, representing the home secretary, focused on the proscription procedure in his submissions. All of these issues, all of that evidence is supposed to go to the secretaries of state its only after that process, after the secretary of state has had a chance to consider  then the matter goes before Poac [the Proscribed Organisations Appeal Commission].

He said only then could the case go to the court of appeal and then, potentially, the supreme court.

Watson said Palestine Actions activities met the statutory test for proscription and that if the ban took effect but the group subsequently won a judicial review against proscription it would not cause irreparable harm to it.

He told the court that if a temporary block was granted, it would be a serious disfigurement of the statutory regime.

The protest group Defend Our Juries wrote to the Met police commissioner, Mark Rowley, on Friday to tell him that it may be committing offences under the Terrorism Act in Parliament Square from 1pm on Saturday. It said non-violent protesters would hold signs saying: I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action. The letter said that they refuse to be bystanders to whats happening to the people of Palestine, who are bombed, starved and gunned down as they queue for food.

Several hundred protesters gathered, waving Palestinian flags and carrying signs saying Free Palestine and We are all Palestine Action outside the Royal Courts of Justice.

UN experts, civil liberties groups, cultural figures and hundreds of lawyers have condemned the ban as draconian and said it sets a dangerous precedent by conflating protest with terrorism.

Another hearing is scheduled for 21 July when Palestine Action will apply for permission for a judicial review to quash the order. In the meantime, and unless the judicial review is successful, membership of, or inviting support for, the group will carry a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison.
Mohammed Fahir Amaaz (left) and Muhammad Amaad (right) with a lawyer outside Liverpool crown court. Photograph: Peter Powell/PA

Two brothers assaulted police officers, leaving one with a broken nose, in a violent outburst as they resisted arrest over an earlier assault on a returning passenger at Manchester airport, a court has heard.

Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 20, and Muhammad Amaad, 26, are said to have struck out after police were called to respond to an incident at a Starbucks cafe in the Terminal 2 building on 23 July last year.

Amaaz had head-butted and punched a member of a public in the cafe, Liverpool crown court heard.

Opening the prosecution case on Friday, Paul Greaney KC said officers who were already in the airport later traced the brothers to the terminals car park payment area.

PCs Zachary Marsden and Ellie Cook, who were armed, and PC Lydia Ward, who was unarmed, approached the defendants, he said.

The officers attempted to move Mohammed Fahir Amaaz away from a payment machine in order to arrest him but he resisted and his brother Muhammad Amaad intervened. Both defendants assaulted PC Marsden, Greaney said.

In the moments that followed, the first defendant also assaulted PC Cook and then PC Ward, too, breaking her nose. The defendants used a high level of violence.

Amaaz is alleged to have assaulted Marsden and Ward, causing them actual bodily harm. He is also accused of the assault of Cook and the earlier assault of Abdulkareem Ismaeil at Starbucks.

Amaad, 26, is alleged to have assaulted Marsden causing actual bodily harm. Both men, from Rochdale, Greater Manchester, deny the allegations.

Greaney said the defendants had travelled to the airport with their young nephew to collect their mother, who was due to arrive back on a flight from Qatar.

The prosecutor said: A man named Abdulkareem Ismaeil was on the same flight as the defendants mother. He was travelling with his wife and three young children. It is clear that on the flight and/or shortly after it landed, something happened between the defendants mother and Abdulkareem Ismaeil that made the defendants mother unhappy.

The defendants met their mother in the arrivals area of Terminal 2 and began to walk to the car park with her and the child that was with them. As they did so, they passed a Starbucks coffee house. Abdulkareem Ismaeil was in there with his wife and children. The defendants mother spotted Abdulkareem Ismaeil and pointed him out to her sons.

At just after 8.20pm, the defendants entered Starbucks and confronted Abdulkareem Ismaeil. During that confrontation, Mohammed Fahir Amaaz delivered a head-butt to the face of Abdulkareem Ismaeil and punched him, then attempted to deliver other blows, all in front of a number of children. The prosecution case is that this was obviously unlawful conduct.

Jurors were shown CCTV footage from the incident at Starbucks, lasting about a minute and 50 seconds.

Greaney told jurors that the prosecutions position was this was not a complicated case. He said: The events you are concerned with were captured by CCTV cameras and, in relation to the events in the payment area, on the body-worn cameras of police officers as well. So you will not have to depend only on the recollections of witnesses. You will also be able to see with your own eyes what happened.

The two defendants assert, as we understand it, that at all stages they were acting in lawful self-defence or in defence of the other.
Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, was caught on camera crying during prime minister's questions in the House of Commons on Wednesday. Photograph: House of Commons/PA

Rachel Reevess tears this week triggered a fall in the pound and attracted widespread derision from political columnists, mostly male. What is wrong with Rachel Reeves? the Telegraph asked. In an article headlined The meaning of the chancellors tears, a New Statesman columnist told readers that Reevess authority was beginning to melt away. The Daily Mail spoke disdainfully of her waterworks.

But in the longer term the chancellors display of distress may prove to have an unexpectedly positive legacy, helpfully normalising a still hugely stigmatised phenomenon: womens tears in the workplace.

Related: No 10 defends chancellor after day of bitter recriminations over welfare bill fiasco

Until now, tearful outbursts at work have mostly been mired in shame, the source of acute embarrassment. This weeks live broadcast of the chancellors silent tears could help shift the taboo, highlighting a little-discussed truth: sometimes women cry at work, and its no big deal.

Reeves reflected on her own tears with a shrug a day later. People saw I was upset, but that was yesterday. Todays a new day and Im just cracking on with the job, she said on Thursday. She declined to explain what had prompted her distress, describing it simply as a personal issue and refusing to go into details. Within 24 hours the markets had bounced back with the assurances of the prime minister, Keir Starmer, that she would remain in her job for the long term.

Clearly it is far from ideal to be filmed in tears during the weeks most-watched exchanges in the House of Commons, but ministerial jobs are immensely tough. Some of Reevess male predecessors have exhibited the strain of their roles in more extreme ways, while attracting less attention, because their behaviour is classed as routine and acceptable machismo.

When Britains former prime minister Gordon Brown was exhausted and under pressure he was known to be prone to volcanic eruptions. One biographer described how Brown would stab the seat of the ministerial Jaguar with his pen in fury. Bloomberg reported that a new aide was warned to watch out for flying Nokias when he joined Browns team (although a spokesperson for Brown said at the time that this was not an account that I recognise).

Reevess tears were widely seen as a sign that she was losing control. Browns fury was forgiven by many as just a regrettable quirk displayed by a leader under pressure.

Research consistently confirms what we instinctively know: that women cry more frequently than men. So it stands to reason that as we see more women in senior leadership roles, the sight of a powerful woman in tears should become less remarkable. It would be odd to celebrate it, since its an exhausting and often mortifying phenomenon, but Reevess outburst may help it to be better understood as simply a different way of expressing professional frustration or responding to pressure.

Polling conducted by YouGov in the UK revealed that 34% of men claimed not to have cried at all in the previous year, compared with only 7% of women; 18% of women said they cried at least once a week, compared with only 4% of men. Behaviour varies between cultures, but this remains a broadly global phenomenon: a 2011 study of 5,715 participants from 37 countries found women were more prone to crying and were more likely to have cried recently.

This week, Germanys former leader Angela Merkel revealed that she burst out crying from the pressure during a meeting with the then US president, Barack Obama, on how to handle Greeces mounting debt crisis in 2015. Theresa May was on the brink of tears when she stepped down as the UK prime minister in May 2019, her voice cracking and lips wobbling as she stood outside Downing Street, telling assembled journalists that it had been the honour of her life to serve the country I love. Margaret Thatcher was in tears when she was driven from Downing Street in 1990. By contrast, David Cameron hummed his way back inside No 10 after his resignation speech in 2016.

Obama wept occasionally when president, but these were mostly dignified occasions, prompted by the memory of tragic events, such as the shooting of schoolchildren during a speech about gun control. His tears were not the unattractive and uncontrollable, messy and humiliating variety, but were mostly seen as commendable expressions of his humanity. Vladimir Putin appeared emotional a decade ago during a soft-rock song honouring the bravery of the Russian police force, but these too were a different kind of tears.

Political behaviour in Britain has been slow to change, despite the rapidly evolving makeup of the Commons. In 2024, the UK elected the highest number of female MPs ever. There are now 264 women in the Commons, holding 41% of the 650 seats. Since the 1997 election of the Labour party saw the proportion of women double from 9% to 18%, there has been a steady rise, but the institutions combative culture has barely changed.

Weve had years of men shouting, scoffing, braying, even sleeping in this chamber, so we shouldnt overreact to a woman showing her frustration with one tear, said Penny East, the chief executive of the Fawcett Society, a feminist campaigning charity. It shouldnt be interpreted as a sign that shes not up to her job. These criticisms feel riddled with sexism and stereotype.

Ask any female colleague, and they will probably reluctantly admit to having wrestled with the challenge of holding back tears at work, often prompted by professional frustration rather than sadness. Ive done it, during a difficult conversation with an editor, raising my eyes to the ceiling and tilting my head back, hoping that gravity would somehow suck the tears back inside the ducts and that no one would notice.

Women know it can be damaging professionally because crying remains categorised as a sign of incompetence and weakness, an unacceptable manifestation of stress. One accomplished acquaintance in a senior role was unfairly nicknamed Tiny Tears in private by her staff because occasionally she responded to challenging situations with involuntary tears. Her colleagues were less familiar with this manifestation of professional dissatisfaction than they might have been with a display of male anger.

Another woman described crying on her third day at her new job as a chief executive of a large organisation. It wasnt live on the media, but it was in an open-plan office and I was surrounded by senior and junior staff. Im not remotely comparing my job to the job of the chancellor, but there was a huge burden of responsibility and I was having to take difficult decisions, she said.

She was embarrassed by her own tears because she could see how uncomfortable it made her team. But I didnt see it as a loss of control. We shouldnt assume that displays of emotions represent a loss of control over ability to do your job. She thinks, however, the episode may unexpectedly have helped her win colleagues respect. They could see I really cared about what we were there to do.

Although there is no difference in the amount male and female babies cry, women cry more frequently than men because of a complex mix of social conditioning and biology. Ad Vingerhoets, a professor of clinical psychology at Tilburg University in the Netherlands, has studied the science of tears, and notes that testosterone acts as a brake on the crying response.

Sophie Scott, a professor of cognitive neuroscience at University College London, who specialises in analysing how emotions are expressed through laughter and tears, said: How we experience and express our emotions is influenced by our biology and by how weve grown up.

Scott made a distinction between tears produced as a result of sadness and tears triggered by anger, noting that these tears of frustration and fury seemed to be more frequently something experienced by women. If youre angry and you feel you cant do something about it, theres a helpless, frustrated feeling that pushes you to tears, she said.

Women seemed to find themselves more frequently fighting tears of frustration than men, Scott said, adding that this might be because angry and more aggressive responses are more acceptable in men.

Unusually, Reevess misery was caught playing out over the 30-minute duration of the prime ministers questions session, allowing viewers a rare and uncomfortable view of someone attempting and failing to stem the flow, lips twitching and turning downwards. A big difference between my job and many of your viewers is that when Im having a tough day its on the telly, and most people dont have to deal with that, Reeves told the BBC.

Scott said many forms of tears were hard to control, adding: Crying is a very truthful signal. Once it gets hold of you, its very hard to stop it. Its involuntary.

Rosie Campbell, a professor of politics at Kings College London, said she was staggered by the negativity triggered by Reevess tears. In our society, women are more likely to cry. That doesnt make them worse leaders, she said. I dont want to see politicians crying in the chamber every day, but if it happens a couple of times in a parliamentary career, that should be no big deal.

Im more worried about emotionally repressed leaders than about someone who realises that the financial security of the nation is in their hands and they feel the weight of that.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez outside the US Capitol on 2 July 2025. Photograph: Ken Cedeno/Reuters

Democrats have erupted in a storm of outrage over the passage of Donald Trumps budget bill, delivering scathing critiques that offered signs of the attack lines the party could wield against Republicans in next years midterm elections.

Party leaders released a wave of statements after the sweeping tax and spending bills passage on Thursday, revealing a fury that could peel paint off a brick outhouse.

Today, Donald Trump and the Republican party sent a message to America: if you are not a billionaire, we dont give a damn about you, said Ken Martin, the Democratic National Committee chair.

While the GOP continues to cash their billionaire donors checks, their constituents will starve, lose critical medical care, lose their jobs  and yes, some will die as a result of this bill. Democrats are mobilizing and will fight back to make sure everybody knows exactly who is responsible for one of the worst bills in our nations history.

The bills narrow passage in the House on Thursday, with no Democratic support and only two no votes from Republicans  which came from Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania  is not normal, wrote congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Ocasio-Cortez highlighted the contradictions in the bill that Democrats can be expected to campaign on over the next two years, pitting its spending on immigration enforcement against the loss of social benefits for working-class Americans. She noted that Republicans voted for permanent tax breaks for billionaires while allowing a tax break on tips for people earning less than $25,000 a year to sunset in three years.

She also noted that cuts to Medicaid expansion will remove tipped employees from eligibility for the health insurance program and remove subsidies for insurance under the Affordable Care Act. The bill will also reduce Snap food assistance benefits.

Related: How Trumps bill will supercharge mass deportations by funneling $170bn to Ice

I dont think anyone is prepared for what they just did with Ice, Ocasio-Cortez wrote on Bluesky. This is not a simple budget increase. It is an explosion  making Ice bigger than the FBI, US Bureau of Prisons, [the] DEA and others combined. It is setting up to make whats happening now look like childs play. And people are disappearing.

Many critics referred to choice remarks made by Republicans in the run-up to the bills passage that displayed an indifference to their voters concerns.

Senator Mitch McConnell was reported by Punchbowl News to have said to other Republicans in a closed-door meeting last week: I know a lot of us are hearing from people back home about Medicaid. But theyll get over it.

And Republican senator Joni Ernst, of Iowa, speaking at a combative town hall in Parkersburg in late May, responded to someone in the audience shouting that people will die without coverage by saying, People are not  well, we all are going to die  a response that drew groans.

Cuts to Medicaid feature prominently in Democratic reaction to the bill.

Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib described the bill as disgusting and an act of violence against our communities.

She said: Republicans should be ashamed for saying just get over it because were all going to die. They are responsible for the 50,000 people who will die unnecessarily every year because of this deadly budget.

There is no sugarcoating this. This is a dark day for our country, wrote Senator Raphael Warnock.

Republicans in Washington have decided to sell out working people. As a result, millions will lose their healthcare and many millions more will see their premiums go up. Rural hospitals and nursing homes across Georgia will be forced to close. Children will be forced to go hungry so that we can give billionaires another tax cut.

But budget hawks on the left and the right have taken issue with the effects this budget will have on the already considerable national debt.

In a massive fiscal capitulation, Congress has passed the single most expensive, dishonest and reckless budget reconciliation bill ever  and it comes amidst an already alarming fiscal situation, wrote Maya MacGuineas, the president of the oversight organization Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, in reaction to the Houses passage of the bill.

Never before has a piece of legislation been jammed through with such disregard for our fiscal outlook, the budget process, and the impact it will have on the wellbeing of the country and future generations.

House Republicans just voted  again  to jack up costs, gut healthcare and reward the elite with tax breaks, wrote the House Majority Pac, a Democratic fund.

They had a chance to change course, but instead they doubled down on this deeply unpopular, toxic agenda. Theyll have no one to blame but themselves when voters send them packing and deliver Democrats the House majority in 2026.

Republicans didnt pass this bill for the people, wrote Jasmine Crockett, a Texas Democrat. They passed it to please Trump, protect the powerful and push cruelty disguised as policy.
Workers install a sign at the entrance to a new immigrant detention facility at Dade-Collier Training and Transition facility, on Thursday in Ochopee, Florida. Photograph: Rebecca Blackwell/AP

A group of Florida lawmakers were denied entry on Thursday into the new Florida-based immigration jail dubbed Alligator Alcatraz one day after the first immigrant detainees began to arrive.

Five Democratic lawmakers attempted to enter the facility, which was previously toured on Tuesday by White House officials, but were stopped by law enforcement officers from local agencies, according to the state representative Anna Eskamani in an interview with CNN.

This is a blatant abuse of power and an attempt to conceal human rights violations from the public eye, the five said in a joint statement.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that the first detentions at the facility began on Wednesday, but did not respond to questions regarding the number of people detained so far.

The controversial Everglades jail was quickly set up in a partnership between the federal and Florida state governments. Sitting approximately 50 miles (80km) west of Miami, the remote facility is managed by the state but in large part funded the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema).

It might be as good as the real Alcatraz. A little controversial, but I couldnt care less, Trump said on Tuesday after touring the site. During the tour, Trump joked about immigrants being pursued by snakes and alligators if they attempted to escape.

Since Trump took office, Florida has been assisting the administrations goals in rounding up a large number of immigrants to be detained and deported. Through a program called 287(g), local law enforcement agencies partner with DHS and become deputized to carry out immigration enforcement operations. According to the state government, Florida has more 287(g) deputizations than any other state in the US, which has allowed it to engage in widespread operations targeting immigrant communities.

Related: Trump celebrates harsh conditions for detainees on visit to Alligator Alcatraz

Immigrants arrested by Florida law enforcement under the arrangement will be detained at the facility, DHS said.

Youll have a lot of people that will deport on their own because they dont want to end up in an Alligator Alcatraz, or some of these other places, Florida governor Ron DeSantis said after touring the facility with Trump. This is a model, but we need other states to step up.

Being undocumented in the US is not a crime; rather, it is a civil offense. Data analysis by the Guardian shows that there has been a dramatic nationwide increase in the arrest of undocumented immigrants with no criminal record. The White House has pressured immigration officials to arrest 3,000 people per day, with the reported goal of reaching one million a year.

Two non-profit groups have sued DHS, claiming the sites buildup is violating environmental policies. DHS said it expects the facility to expand quickly to 5,000 beds.
Vladimir Putin

President Donald Trump has had it with Vladimir Putin. After a nearly one-hour phone call with his Russian counterpart, Trump expressed disappointment with Putins obstinate continuation of the Ukraine War and admitted: I didnt make any progress with him at all.

The Kremlin rushed to calm the waters and claimed that Russia was still interested in peace negotiations with Ukraine. Nonetheless, Putins aide Yury Ushakov still emphasised the contrast between Trumps push for a swift ceasefire in Ukraine and the Kremlins desire to eliminate the root causes of the Ukraine War.

Russias latest actions suggest that Trumps frustrations are warranted. During the early hours of Friday morning, Russian forces pummelled Ukraine with 550 Shahed drones and ballistic missiles. This attack was Russias largest aerial assault of the war, and broke the record set earlier this week of 537 drones and missiles.

Even though Russia has not taken much-feared apocalyptic steps like using tactical nuclear weapons or triggering a meltdown in the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, it is steadily escalating its war against Ukrainian civilians.

There are also alarming indicators that Russias aggression is likely to worsen in the weeks and months ahead. Ukrainian electronic warfare specialist Sergey Beskrestnov warned that Russia has established component supply chains and personnel networks to rapidly increase production of Shahed drones. Beskrestnov warned that these measures could soon lead to Russia launching aerial attacks with 800 drones on Ukrainian cities.

Russia has combined these aerial assaults with the more intense use of prohibited military technologies and the steady expansion of Ukraines frontlines. Dutch and German intelligence assessments reveal that Russia is expanding its use of chemical weapons against Ukrainian soldiers. What is especially concerning is the use of drones with choking agents to drive Ukrainian soldiers out of trenches and shoot them.

While Russia remains primarily focused on securing offensive gains in Donetsk, it is trying to stretch Ukraines military capabilities wherever possible. Earlier this week, the Kremlin claimed that it established full control over the Donbas region of Luhansk. It has also reportedly amassed 50,000 troops to attack the northeastern Ukrainian region of Sumy and claimed control over its first village in the east-central Ukrainian industrial heartland of Dnipropetrovsk.

Russias multi-pronged offensive reflects the resilience of its war economy and support from its external backers. Even though Russian minister of economic development Maxim Reshetnikov warned of an imminent recession at last months St. Petersburg Economic Forum, Russia can still afford its $144 billion military budget. Salary cuts have not led to insubordination within the ranks of Russias weapons manufacturers or to massive declines in military enlistment.

North Koreas impending deployment of tens of thousands of new forces to Ukraine and Chinese foreign minister Wang Yis warnings about the consequences of a Russian defeat suggest that Putins allies are staying put. The same cannot be said about Ukraines most important backer: the United States.

Due to growing concerns about munitions shortages in the US army, under secretary of defence for policy Elbridge Colby just halted some key precision missile and air defence shipments to Ukraine. Colbys decision stunned many senior US officials and reportedly occurred without the blessing of national security advisor and secretary of state Marco Rubio.

In a further blow to Kyiv, America is wavering on Germanys plan to purchase two Patriot systems and hundreds of missiles from the US for Ukraine. German journalist Julian Ropcke warned that American-German negotiations on Patriot deliveries might come to a complete halt.

This means that Kyivs rapidly dwindling missile stocks might not be replenished and Russian attacks on Ukraines decision-making centres could inflict lethal harm. It also poses an existential threat to the port of Odesa and its critical economic infrastructure for Black Sea grain exports.

Trumps anger with Putins pursuit of war at all costs is welcome news for Ukrainians, but they need to be backed by actions. The Americans must now channel those frustrations into providing Ukraine with the weapons it needs to defend its cities and repel Russias offensive advances.
The secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, visits Cecot on 26 March 2025 in Tecoluca, El Salvador. Photograph: Getty Images

The president of El Salvador has denied claims that Kilmar Abrego Garcia was subjected to beatings and deprivation while he was held in the country before being returned to the US to face human-smuggling charges.

Nayib Bukele said in a social media post that Abrego Garcia, the Salvadorian national who was wrongly extradited from the US to El Salvador in March before being returned in June, wasnt tortured, nor did he lose weight.

Bukele showed pictures and video of Abrego Garcia in a detention cell, adding: If hed been tortured, sleep-deprived, and starved, why does he look so well in every picture?

Related: Kilmar Abrego Garcia was tortured in Salvadorian prison, court filing alleges

Abrego Garcias lawyers said last week that he had suffered severe beatings, sleep deprivation, malnutrition and other forms of torture while he was held in El Salvadors notorious anti-terrorism prison, Cecot.

Abrego Garcia said detainees at Cecot were confined to metal bunks with no mattresses in an overcrowded cell with no windows, bright lights that remained on 24 hours a day and minimal access to sanitation.

His lawyers say he lost 31 pounds during his first two weeks of confinement.

They said that, at one point, Abrego Garcia and four other inmates were transferred to a different part of the prison, where they were photographed with mattresses and better food  photos that appeared to be staged to document improved conditions.

Bukele made no reference to whether the photos he showed to claim Abrego Garcia wasnt mistreated were taken in a nicer part of the prison.

Bukele recently struck a deal under which the US will pay about $6m for El Salvador to imprison members of what the US administration claims are members of MS-13 and Tren de Aragua, two gangs, for a year. According to Maryland senator Chris van Hollen, who traveled to El Salvador to meet with Abrego Garcia while he was detained there, the Trump administration intends to provide up to $15m to El Salvador for the controversial detention service.

Bukeles remarks came as the Tennessee judge in Abrego Garcias human-smuggling complaint ordered both sides to stop making public statements, after Abrego Garcias legal team accused the government of attempting to smear him without evidence as a monster, terrorist and barbarian.

Lawyers for Abrego Garcia argued in a court filing that the government had violated a local rule barring comments that could be prejudicial to a fair trial.

For months, the government has made extensive and inflammatory extrajudicial comments about Mr Abrego that are likely to prejudice his right to a fair trial, Abrego Garcias lawyers said in a filing.

These comments continued unabated  if anything they ramped up  since his indictment in this district, making clear the governments intent to engage in a trial by newspaper.

The US district judge Waverly Crenshaw issued the gag order in a two-sentence ruling.

Abrego Garcias legal team has accused the government of trying to convict him in the court of public opinion since it acknowledged that it had mistakenly sent him to a prison in El Salvador despite a court order barring the move.

As Mr Abregos plight captured national attention, officials occupying the highest positions of the United States government baselessly labeled him a gangbanger, monster, illegal predator, illegal alien terrorist, wife beater, barbarian and human trafficker, the filing said.

The attorneys singled out the vice-president, JD Vance, who they said had lied when he called Abrego Garcia a convicted MS-13 gang member.

They also said that Trump administration officials had made 20 more public statements about their client when he was arraigned, including in remarks by the homeland security secretary, Kristi Noem, and the deputy attorney general, Todd Blanche.

They also said the attorney general, Pam Bondi, accused their client of crimes he hadnt been accused of, including links to a murder case. In sum, the statements had asserted Abrego Garcias guilt without regard to the judicial process or the presumption of innocence, the filing said.

According to the documents filed on Wednesday, officials within the prison acknowledged that Abrego Garcia was not a gang member, and that his tattoos did not indicate a gang affiliation.

Prison officials explicitly acknowledged that plaintiff Abrego Garcias tattoos were not gang-related, telling him your tattoos are fine, according to the filing, and they kept him in a cell separate from those accused of gang membership.

The prison officials, however, threatened to move Abrego Garcia into a cell with gang members whom officials said would tear him apart.

Separately, US prosecutors have agreed with a request by Abrego Garcias lawyers to delay his release from Tennessee jail over fears that the Trump administration could move to deport the Salvadorian national a second time.

In a filing on Friday, lawyers for Abrego Garcia asked the judge overseeing a federal complaint that he was involved in human smuggling to delay his release because of contradictory statements by the Trumps administration over whether hell be deported upon release.

The justice department has said it plans to try the Maryland construction worker on the smuggling charges, but also that it plans to deport him but has not said when.
The EUs top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, this week became the latest senior European figure to phone the Iranian foreign minister to offer to facilitate talks. Photograph: Olivier Hoslet/EPA

Exposed as divided and marginalised during the Iran crisis, European nations are scrambling to retrieve a place at the Middle East negotiating table, fearing an impulsive Donald Trump has diminishing interest in stabilising Iran or the wider region now he believes he has achieved his key objective of wiping out Tehrans nuclear programme.

On Tuesday the EUs top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, was the latest senior European figure to phone the Iranian foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, offering to be a facilitator and urging Tehran not to leave the crisis in a dangerous limbo by keeping UN weapons inspectors out of Iran.

The French president, Emmanuel Macron, has even broken a three-year silence to speak to Vladimir Putin about the risk of nuclear proliferation in the Middle East, including how a deal could be struck between Iran and the US on a restricted civil nuclear programme. Macron has been involved in Iranian diplomacy for a decade and came close to engineering a rapprochement between Trump and the then Iranian president, Hassan Rouhani, at the UN general assembly in 2018.

But Iran, faced with what it regards as craven European support for Israeli and American airstrikes that killed more than 930 people and injured as many as 5,000, is not placing much faith in the continents ability to influence the White House.

For Europe, this signals a slow slide into irrelevance. The three major European powers known as the E3  France, Germany and the UK  were once key fixtures in Irans diplomacy and played a central role in brokering the Iran nuclear deal, which they signed alongside the EU, the US, China, Russia and Iran in 2015.

Europe had little input in the USs recent negotiating strategy with Iran, led by Trumps special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, and was given just over an hours official warning before the Israeli and US attacks. The one meeting that the E3 foreign minsters held during the crisis with Iranian diplomats in Geneva on 20 June proved a failure and was followed by the US strikes on Irans nuclear facilities. France claimed it helped Israel repel Iranian drones.

Trump crowed afterwards that Iran doesnt want to speak to Europe. They want to speak to us. Europe is not going to be able to help in this one.

From the Iranian perspective, Europe has long been a disappointing negotiating partner, repeatedly failing to show any independence from the US. When Trump withdrew the US from the nuclear deal in 2018, the E3 condemned the move in a joint statement issued by its then-leaders, Angela Merkel, Theresa May and Macron. But it did nothing effective to pursue an independent strategy to lift European sanctions on Iran as it had promised. The fear that European firms trading with Iran would be put under US sanctions was too great.

The view from Tehran, it was felt, was that Europes timidity left it with no choice but to follow the policy of nuclear brinkmanship, including gradually increasing its stockpile of enriched uranium.

At the start of Trumps second term, the E3 plus Kallas tried again to insert themselves into the process by holding three low-key meetings with Iranian negotiators. But Araghchi was always angling to speak to Washington, telling the Guardian of his discussions with the Europeans: Perhaps we are talking to the wrong people. After Trump indicated he was willing to speak to Iran bilaterally and showed some flexibility about Tehrans right to enrich uranium, Iran cast Europe aside.

Iran believes Europe played a role either through naivety or complicity in opening the door for the Israeli attack by tabling a motion of censure at the board of the UN nuclear inspectorate, the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Such motions have been passed before at the IAEA and usually led to Iran retaliating by increasing its stocks of enriched uranium. But the 12 June motion was different  for the first time in 20 years the board found Iran in breach of its obligations under the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.

Europe had to take that step to use its right as a signatory to the 2015 deal to reimpose sanctions on Iran before expiry of the deal on 15 October. Because of the way the deal was negotiated, neither Russia nor China can veto Europe reimposing sanctions. America is no longer party to the deal so this power to reintroduce UN sanctions is Europes diplomatic re-entry point into the Iranian file.

European diplomats insist that the IAEA censure motion was necessary, and that they had no option owing to Irans mounting stocks of highly enriched uranium that had no possible purpose in a civilian nuclear programme. Europe also still hoped the talks between the US and Iran, mediated by Oman, would bear fruit, and had not foreseen the US giving Israel the green light to attack.

Since the Israeli strikes, European unity has frayed further. Britain has largely opted for opacity, but it was obvious from what ministers did not say that the governments legal advice was that the Israeli attack could not be justified as an act of self-defence under the UN charter. France openly asserted that the attack was unlawful.

By contrast, Germany endorsed all that Israel has done. At the G7 summit in mid-June, the chancellor, Friedrich Merz, said: This is the dirty work that Israel is doing, for all of us.

Germanys foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, told parliament that Israel has the right to defend itself and protect its people. Let me say clearly that, if Israel and the US have now managed to set back the Iranian nuclear programme, it will make Israel and its neighbourhood more secure.

Asked by the newspaper Die Zeit if he believed Israels actions were lawful, he said Germany did not have the same quality intelligence sources as the US and Israel, but he had to trust their belief that Iran was close to acquiring a nuclear weapon. They told us that, from their perspective, this is necessary  and we must accept that.

Such remarks have left Iranian diplomats spitting about European double standards over the sanctity of international law.

By contrast, Enrique Mora, the EUs point person on Iran from 2015 to early 2025, has written a scathing piece in which he says Israel has killed nuclear diplomacy and Irans nuclear knowledge cannot be destroyed.

He wrote: If Iran now chooses the militarisation of its nuclear capabilities, if it now decides to move toward a bomb, it will do so following a clear strategic logic: no one bombs the capital of a nuclear-armed country. June 21, 2025, may go down in history not as the day the Iranian nuclear programme was destroyed, but as the day a nuclear Iran was irreversibly born.

There are different strategies Europe can pursue. It can, like Germany, show Iran there is no daylight between the E3 and Israel and assert that Iran can only have a civil nuclear programme that excludes domestic enrichment of uranium. It can press ahead with the reimposition of sanctions and hope that Iran buckles.

Alternatively, it can champion a compromise that Tehran can wear. In a recent statement, the European Council on Foreign Relations said maximalist demands on Iran  including negotiating over missiles now viewed by Tehran as its main deterrence umbrella  will likely push the country to use every means still available to reach nuclear breakout. A more viable endgame would involve a return of wide-scale inspections by international monitors and an immediate, substantial roll-back of Iranian uranium enrichment. The goal should be Iran pursuing this enrichment through a regional consortium backed by the United States. That is broadly closer to the French position.

Europe will never hold sway like Israel or the US, but it has one last chance to help create something durable, and prevent the Iranian crisis becoming a nuclear proliferation crisis for the whole region.
The first migrants apparently arriving at the centre

The first group of migrants has arrived at Alligator Alcatraz, Donald Trumps new immigration detention centre deep in the Florida Everglades.

Aerial footage filmed by NBC News showed officials walking people, who appeared to have their hands restrained in front of them, into the sprawling detention centre.

The first group has arrived at Alligator Alcatraz, Florida Division of Emergency Management wrote on X on Thursday.

Posting a picture of a white van pulled up to a metal fence, it added: Florida is proud to help facilitate @realDonaldTrumps mission to enforce immigration law.

Built in just eight days, the site, located 50 miles west of Miami, is designed to house up to 5,000 migrants and will cost an estimated $450 million (330 million) a year to run when it is fully operational.

The sites name references the reptile-infested swamp that surrounds the prison, the site is the latest controversial move by the Trump administration to ramp up its deportation programme.

Following Mr Trumps visit earlier this week, signs for Alligator Alcatraz were also put up near the facility.

Workers put up signs along the sole highway leading to the site and outside the entrance of the airfield that has been known as the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport.

State officials seized the county-owned land where the facility is located using emergency powers authorized by an executive order issued by the governor.

Facility to be built at the Dade-Collier training and transition airport, a former landing strip west of Miami - Daniel Kozin/AP

The leftist media keep asking, what is the real name of this facility? Republican state Attorney General James Uthmeier wrote on social media.

He added: Answer: Alligator Alcatraz. The signs are going up!

On Thursday federal agencies opposed a lawsuit brought by environmental groups seeking to halt operations at the detention centre.

Though Mr Trump applauded the centre during an official tour earlier this week, the filing on behalf of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seemed to try to distance his administration from the facility, and said no federal money to date has been spent on it.

State and federal officials have promoted the plans on social media, sharing a meme of a compound ringed with barbed wire and guarded by alligators wearing hats labelled ICE for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
A Palestinian woman and her daughter rush for cover during an Israeli strike in the Bureij camp in Gaza. Photograph: Eyad Baba/AFP/Getty Images

Hamas said it had responded on Friday in a positive spirit to a US-brokered Gaza ceasefire proposal and was prepared to enter into talks on implementing the deal which envisages a release of hostages and negotiations on ending the conflict.

US president Donald Trump earlier announced a final proposal for a 60-day ceasefire in the nearly 21-month-old war between Israel and Hamas, stating he anticipated a reply from the parties in coming hours.

On Friday evening Hamas wrote on its official website: The movement has delivered its response to the brotherly mediators, which was characterized by a positive spirit. Hamas is fully prepared, with all seriousness, to immediately enter a new round of negotiations on the mechanism for implementing this framework.

Israeli media reported that Israel had received Hamass response and it was being examined.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One late on Friday, Trump said he was optimistic about the developments and there could be a Gaza deal next week, although the situation could change.

Earlier a source told the Guardian that Hamas leaders were close to accepting a proposed deal for a ceasefire in Gaza but want stronger guarantees that any pause in hostilities would lead to a permanent end to the 20-month war.

The militant Islamist group has come under immense pressure in recent months, with its military leadership decimated and the Israeli military forcing its fighters out of former strongholds in the southern and central parts of Gaza.

In recent days, Israel has ramped up its offensive, launching an intense wave of airstrikes across Gaza, killing more than 250 Palestinians, including many women and children, according to medical and civil defence officials.

Hardline factions within Hamas had reluctantly accepted the need for a ceasefire to allow the organisation to regroup and plan a new strategy, one source familiar with the internal debate said.

Since a previous ceasefire collapsed in March, more than 6,000 people have been killed in Gaza and an acute humanitarian crisis has worsened.

Efforts for a new truce in Gaza gathered momentum after the US secured a ceasefire to end the 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran last month.

On Tuesday, Trump announced that Israel had accepted the conditions needed to finalise a 60-day ceasefire, during which the parties would work to end the war. When asked on Thursday if Hamas had agreed to the latest ceasefire deal framework, he said: Well see what happens. We are going to know over the next 24 hours.

Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to fly to Washington on Sunday for talks with Trump about the war in Gaza, the recent war between Israel and Iran, and other regional issues.

The Israeli prime minister has long resisted a permanent end to the war in Gaza, partly to retain the support of far-right allies in his ruling coalition. But Israels successes in the war with Iran have strengthened his political position and opinion polls in Israel show strong support for a deal.

A senior Israeli official told Channel 12, a major Israeli TV network: Judging by the signals from Hamas, there is a high probability that we will start proximity talks in the next few days. If there is consent to proximity talks, there will be a deal.

Other Israeli officials told Reuters preparations were in place to approve the ceasefire deal and that an Israeli delegation was getting ready to join indirect talks brokered by Qatar and Egypt to cement the deal if Hamas responded positively.

The proposal includes the release of 10 living Israeli hostages held in Gaza since the Hamas attack on southern Israel in October 2023 that triggered the conflict, and the return of the bodies of 18 more, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, an official familiar with the negotiations said on Thursday.

Hamas seized 251 hostages during the 2023 attack. Less than half of the 50 who remain in Gaza are believed to be alive.

Aid would enter Gaza immediately under the agreement, and the Israeli military would carry out a phased withdrawal from parts of the territory, according to the proposal. Negotiations would immediately start on a permanent ceasefire.

We sure hope its a done deal, but I think its all going to be what Hamas is willing to accept, Mike Huckabee, the US ambassador to Israel, told Channel 12 on Thursday. One thing is clear: the president wants it to be over. The prime minister wants it to be over. The American people, the Israeli people, want it to be over.

The delivery of more aid to Gaza has been a principal demand of Hamas throughout negotiations. Israel imposed an 11-week blockade in March, which was only slightly eased in May under huge international pressure as famine loomed.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a secretive private organisation backed by the US and Israel that was charged with delivering food in Gaza, has been dogged by controversy. Hundreds have been killed by Israeli fire while seeking aid at the GHFs hubs and after gathering in crowds at locations where convoys sent by the UN have been stopped.

On Friday, a report by the BBC quoted a former GHF employee describing colleagues firing towards Palestinians who had posed no threat, with many appearing to have been seriously hurt on several occasions.

The GHF employee told the BBC he and others had been given no clear rules of engagement or standard operating procedures, and were told by one team leader: If you feel threatened, shoot  shoot to kill and ask questions later.

The GHF said the allegations, which were also made by former employees quoted by the Associated Press on Thursday, were categorically false and that no civilians had came under fire at their distribution sites. The Israeli military has denied any intent to harm civilians seeking aid, saying it only fired warning shots.

Speaking to journalists while on his way to a rally in Iowa on Thursday, Trump said: I want the people of Gaza to be safe. Thats more important than anything else. Theyve gone through hell.

Netanyahu visited Israels Nir Oz kibbutz on Thursday for the first time since the 2023 Hamas attack. The community was one of the worst-hit in the attack, with nearly one in four residents kidnapped or killed.

Related: A ceasefire in Gaza appears to be close. Heres why it could happen now

He said: I feel a deep commitment  first of all to ensure the return of all of our hostages, all of them. There are still 20 who are alive and there are also those who are deceased, and we will bring them all back.

The prime minister has been heavily criticised for refusing to take responsibility for the failures that allowed the 2023 attack, during which Hamas-led militants killed 1,200, mostly civilians, and has been repeatedly accused of prioritising his political survival over the fate of the hostages.

Israels retaliatory military campaign has killed at least 57,000 people in Gaza, also mostly civilians, according to a count by the territorys ministry of health that is considered reliable by the UN and many western governments.

The Israeli military said it follows international law and takes feasible precautions to mitigate civilian harm when striking terrorist targets.
Strikes at Glasgow Airport could cause a significant impact which we are keen to avoid, a union official has said.

Unite has said around 450 workers are on course for strike action over the busy summer period as part of three pay disputes.

The three companies involved are are Glasgow Airport Ltd, ICTS Central Search, and Swissport.

However, Unite has said it will be taking new offers from ICTS Central Search and Swissport to a further ballot of members next week.

Speaking to the BBCs Good Morning Scotland radio programme, Unite industrial officer Pat McIlvogue said Glasgow Airport Ltd are refusing to meet with the union.

The union represents around 100 staff which are employed by the airport.

Mr McIlvogue accused the airport of negotiating in bad faith and having forced them into an industrial action ballot, which led to 98.7% being willing to take action.

Staff could take strike action on July 18, he said, with those potentially involved including airfield ops, the ambassadors, the engineers, the managers.

Mr McIlvogue said: It could have a significant impact which we are keen to avoid. This is a call for them to get back around the table

Thats what were asking for today  were keen to avoid disruption, we dont want to affect the travelling public.

A spokesperson for Glasgow Airport said: We are reviewing the ballot results and remain open to finding a sensible resolution.
Ralph Fiennes and Miranda Raison in Grace Pervades at the Theatre Royal in Bath - Marc Brenner

For all his routinely acclaimed screen performances (latterly Conclave, The Return and 28 Years Later), Ralph Fiennes is a consummate theatre animal. And he lays claim to that terrain with zeal in an ambitious three-pronged season in Bath that begins with him incarnating  in accomplished style  one of the giants of the Victorian stage  Henry Irving (1838-1905). Grace Pervades, a new play by David Hare (with whom he has collaborated much of late), centres on the professional and personal relationship that flowered between Irving and fellow luminary Ellen Terry during his legendary tenure (1878-1899) running the Lyceum in the West End as a multi-tasking actor-manager.

With Miranda Raison (formerly of Spooks fame) bringing charm and, yes, grace to the role of actress Terry, theres ample to snare our attention. Do we need so much on shifting theatre trends? Arguably not, but thats no reason to miss out on a play of pervasive insight that successfully evokes a bygone era of tremendous thespian industry, innovation and celebrity.

Fienness Henry Irving: Stiff, stooped [...] with dragging leg and scholarly sweep of hair - Marc Brenner

Irving  the first actor to be awarded a knighthood  had his detractors as well as his admirers, the latter group including the Telegraphs Clement Scott, who hailed his Hamlet as a noble contribution to dramatic art. Interestingly, Hare puts some of the fiercest criticism of Irvings limitations  his mind more impressive than his body  in the actors own mouth.

Fienness stiff, stooped Irving, with dragging leg and scholarly sweep of hair, woos Terry to join his Lyceum venture on the basis that her joyful radiance will compensate for his natural tendency to dourness (Fiennes is now a past master at a tragicomic air of careworn melancholy). That his instincts about Terry are correct gets amply proven in Jeremy Herrins fleet production (replete with scenic transformations): in swift succession, a decorously attired, refulgent Raison spellbinds as Portia, Lady Macbeth and Viola. Prone to self-doubt too, Terry frets that Irvings silence about her Ophelia is a sign of dislike; in fact, its because he is in awe.

Miranda Raison as Ellen Terry - Marc Brenner

The script  Hares dialogue is characteristically crisp  catches the handed-on wonders of the art form, along with its innate requirement to change. But theres something muted about the pairs disputes over Terrys under-nourishing supporting roles and frustrated yearning to play Rosalind (one notes that Fiennes directs As You Like It next). The full, fascinating complexity of their necessarily covert close personal bond is left for us to surmise. Nor do we get to see this leading classical actor donning the mantle of Irving the full-blooded Shakespearean.

The focus darts often to Terrys estimable (illegitimate) offspring  Edward Gordon Craig and Edith Craig. Jordan Metcalfe is enjoyably bumptious as theatres self-appointed, theorising saviour, while Ruby Ashbourne Serkis is likeably grounded as his equally pioneering sister. Other passing dramatis personae include Isadora Duncan and Konstantin Stanislavski. Hare is too good a writer for us to feel that he has bitten off more than we can chew. But he could afford to give the big draw  the veiled power-couple romance at the evenings heart  even more room to breathe, and blaze.

Until July 19. Tickets: theatreroyal.org.uk
The 1967 murder of Louisa Dunn, 75, in 1967 was solved when an Avon and Somerset police review team matched crime scene DNA to Ryan Headley in 2024. Photograph: Avon and Somerset Police/PA

Fewer cold cases such as the 1967 murder of the Bristol woman Louisa Dunne are likely to be solved because of police budget cuts, haphazard investigations and loss of scientific knowhow, experts have warned.

While praising Avon and Somerset police for catching 92-year-old Ryland Headley 58 years after he raped and murdered Dunne, specialists in scientific evidence, law and criminology expressed concern at challenges ranging from the storage of evidence to the skill of DNA analysts and the modest size of cold case teams.

Prof Angela Gallop, a forensic scientist nicknamed the Queen of crime-solving, said: Its great when they solve these crimes, it always means something to the families of the victims.

But police budgets are so tight, they have enough problems funding current investigations, never mind these old ones. There are lots of cases waiting to be unlocked.

Days before the Headley trial began, a commission on forensic science chaired by Gallop concluded that the sector in England and Wales was in a graveyard spiral leading to an increase in unsolved crimes.

The commission said the two countries had lost their national forensic science service and the commercial market that followed had collapsed.

Police forces were taking more testing in-house or moving away from traditional forensic science, because they perceived commercial provision to be too slow and too expensive, the commission concluded.

Gallop said: At the moment, forensic science isnt working for anyone. There arent the scientists to help the police  a lot of them have been deskilled or become disenchanted because its all about quick cheap tests, not scientific investigation.

There arent enough of us with the right experience. Were in a sorry state.

Carole McCartney, professor of law and criminal justice at the University of Leicester, said cold case investigations could be haphazard. She said: There are 43 police forces [in England and Wales], 43 different ways of doing things and theyre all on a budget.

A big concern is that the forces do not have the budget or expertise to run complex storage facilities. McCartney said: Ive spoken to forensic scientists who say they wont touch a case if the evidence has come out of a police store because they cant attest to its integrity.

She said, ironically, it may be easier to solve very old crimes than new ones because some evidence from historical cases is still stored centrally.

Avon and Somerset police has been feted for the cold case inquiry, codename Operation Beatle, that led to Headley being jailed for life, but some of the serious challenges faced by the police emerged, not least the small size of the cold case team that caught Headley.

There were only six part-timers  two officers and four retired detectives now working as civilian investigators. They have about 30 unsolved murders on their books, and also look at rapes, missing people and unidentified bodies.

McCartney said when she visited a different force she was told they had an amazing system. It turned out to be four retired cops in a bunker sifting through boxes and Googling the cases.

Glyn Maddocks KC, a solicitor based in south Wales, said: Forces [in England and Wales] store material differently: theyre all deciding slightly differently what to test and what not to test, what to take swabs off and what not to. Its quite chaotic.

Maddocks said forces carrying out their own scientific investigations could lead to miscarriages of justice. People have this idea that forensic science is independent.

The Headley case has made headlines around the world, a reminder of the fascination cold cases hold. Ed Talfan, the creative director of the Welsh production company Severn Screen, which has made two celebrated cold case shows based on real-life crime, Steeltown Murders and The Pembrokeshire Murders, said such investigations made powerful drama.

Talfan said: Cold cases hold a particular power, because victims families not only have to endure the pain and shock that comes with losing a loved one, but then navigate the terrible limbo that follows.

When a breakthrough does finally come, sometimes after decades, I think audiences respond to the families feeling of release  not from the pain of losing their loved one, but from the pain of not knowing. I dont think families ever get closure. But knowing the facts, knowing who was responsible, gives them something that matters deeply.

Prof David Wilson, emeritus professor of criminology and presenter of the Channel 4 cold case series In the Footsteps of Killers, said: We really like an ending. Weve always been attracted to solving the mystery.

But he said there were no happy endings. We might get a denouement in terms of what happened, but that doesnt necessarily bring family and friends any form of closure. The ripples continue.

Womens campaign groups are keen that Dunne, who was killed aged 75, is not forgotten and have called for the investigations into Headley to continue. The campaign group Women Against Rape said: Were glad the appalling crimes against Louisa Dunne are finally recognised.

But how many other women has this man raped and murdered? Solving cold cases doesnt atone for continuing refusal by the authorities to treat violence against women and girls as a serious crime.
Uber Eats, Deliveroo and Just Eat have promised to increase the use of facial verification checks for riders. Photograph: Antonio Olmos/The Observer

The Home Office has announced what it is calling a nationwide blitz on asylum seekers who take jobs, after recent political controversy about people in asylum hotels working as food takeaway delivery riders.

In a statement, which gave few specifics, the Home Office pledged to begin a major operation to disrupt this type of criminality based around enforcement teams focusing on the gig economy, particularly on delivery riders.

Strategic, intel-driven activity will bring together officers across the UK and place an increased focus on migrants suspected of working illegally whilst in taxpayer funded accommodation or receiving financial support, the statement said.

It follows media stories about evidence that people who are living in hotels waiting for their asylum claims to be processed, and who are banned from working, have been using the log-ins of people with official migration status to work for companies such as Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats.

Ten days ago the shadow home secretary, Chris Philp, posted a much-shared social media video of him visiting an asylum hotel in London and finding bikes laden with bags from the various food delivery companies packed together in an outside courtyard.

On Monday, Uber Eats, Deliveroo and Just Eat promised to increase the use of facial verification checks for riders after a hastily arranged meeting with Home Office ministers.

The Home Office statement said anyone caught working could lose their accommodation or support payments, and that businesses found to be employing someone not entitled to work could face fines of up to 60,000 per worker, as well as director disqualifications or prison terms.

It said there had already been an increase in enforcement and arrests connected to illegal working in the year since Labour took power.

Asylum and immigration is seen by ministers as an area of political vulnerability, one being exploited by Reform UK and the Conservatives.

While a huge backlog of unprocessed asylum claims is being gradually reduced, the number of asylum seekers arriving on small boats across the Channel has risen.

Keir Starmer is to discuss the issue with Emmanuel Macron when the French president visits the UK next week, with the possibility of a one in, one out deal in which the UK could return those on small boats to France in exchange for accepting asylum seekers with links to Britain via more formal means.

Yvette Cooper, the home secretary, said the government was increasing action to combat the pull factor of such work. However, she said: There is no single solution to the problem of illegal migration. Thats why weve signed landmark agreements with international partners to dismantle gangs and made significant arrests of notorious people smugglers.

Philp said: It shouldnt take a visit to an asylum hotel by me as shadow home secretary to shame the government into action. Illegal working by asylum seekers  most of whom also entered the country illegally  is happening from the very hotels Yvette Cooper is using our money to run.

The government could easily stop it. I saw Deliveroo and other bikes parked in the hotels own compound - yet all the security guard cared about was me filming.
Abbas Araghchi, the Iranian foreign minister, is set to restart nuclear talks with Donald Trumps envoy in Oslo next week - Sedat Suna/Getty Images

Iran is quietly resuming indirect nuclear talks with the US despite strong opposition from hardliners, The Telegraph can reveal.

Tehrans supreme national security council told the foreign ministry to reopen talks with the Trump administration, aiming to revive diplomacy after a 12-day war with Israel last month that saw the US bomb key Iranian nuclear sites.

Tehran and Washington held five rounds of talks from April 12. The sixth round was cancelled after Israel launched strikes on Iran on June 13.

A senior Iranian official who spoke to The Telegraph from Tehran said: The supreme national security council has told the foreign ministry to resume negotiating with America to persuade Trump that Israel was wrong to strike Iran.

The other goal is to stop the reimposition of UN sanctions before its too late, the official added, referring to a provision in the 2015 nuclear deal that would see sanctions automatically come into effect on Oct 18 if Iran breaches its nuclear commitments.

The US bombed key Iranian nuclear sites during the 12-day war with Israel last month - Maxar Technologies

It came after reports emerged that Steve Witkoff, Donald Trumps envoy, was due to travel to Oslo next week to restart nuclear talks with Abbas Araghchi, the Iranian foreign minister.

Mr Araghchi wrote in a Lebanese newspaper this week: The Islamic Republic of Irans acceptance of the request to stop the war has created another opportunity for comprehensive diplomacy.

It was not immediately clear whether Ayatollah Khamenei, Irans supreme leader, was aware of the renewed talks. He has not been seen in public since before the start of hostilities with Israel, which ended in a fragile ceasefire brokered by Donald Trump.

Khamenei holds ultimate authority over Irans political, military and ideological matters, including foreign policy and national security. The president and parliament operate under his influence.

The disappearance has fuelled speculation about his health, whereabouts and the stability of the Islamic Republic.

The Iranian official who spoke to the Telegraph said the new talks are expected to take place quietly, without publicity, due to strong opposition from hardliners in Tehran.

Talks with Steve Witkoff, the US Middle East envoy, are expected to go ahead despite strong opposition from hardliners in Tehran - Daniel Torok/Reuters

Sepehr Khalaji, who was a senior official in the administration of former Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi, has warned officials against engaging in any talks with the United States.

Khalaji said Tehran should avoid dialogue with Washington after America martyred 1,000 of your citizens, struck our nuclear facilities, violated our airspace, took our commanders and scientists, and threatened our supreme and beloved leader.

The Iranian regime celebrated the end of the war as a victory, however this unity has quickly descended into disagreements between hardliners and moderates over the countrys future.

Hardliners believe they have a chance to bring the country together and show the Wests weakness, while moderates say the the regime should be open to dialogue.

Under hardline influence, Irans parliament has banned International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors from entering sensitive nuclear sites. These included Fordow, which Iranian officials confirmed was seriously and extensively damaged during the US attack.

The last UN nuclear inspector left Tehran on Friday morning.

Hardliners in Tehrans parliament have banned nuclear inspectors from entering sensitive Iranian sites - Reuters

Iran has intensified its long-standing criticism of the IAEA, with some lawmakers and regime-affiliated media issuing death threats against Rafael Grossi, its director general.

The agency has confirmed that its inspectors have now left Iran, which means the regime could continue its nuclear work without international oversight.

Moderate officials in Tehran are however reportedly urging the Khamenei to engage with the West.

Concerned about the potential for further conflict, former president Hassan Rouhani has asked top clerics to help push for a change in the establishments position.

He warned that if the crisis continues, the Islamic Republic could collapse and the role of the clergy could weaken.

Ali Larijani, the former parliament speaker, has also reportedly tried to use his influence and family ties to convince Khamenei to allow talks with the US.
Jack Draper came into Wimbledon hoping to follow in Andy Murrays footsteps as a home champion but departs the All England Club with a lengthy to-do list.

The assumption is that British players have an advantage on grass but for Draper it is the opposite, with the 23-year-old admitting he has not yet worked out how to maximise his abilities on the surface.

Although he won his first ATP Tour title on grass in Stuttgart last summer, his defeat by Marin Cilic on Thursday meant he has still not been beyond the second round at Wimbledon, making it comfortably his worst grand slam.

Upset alert  Croatia's Marin Cilic stuns Jack Draper 6-4, 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 to knock the No.4 seed out of The Championships 2025 #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/rZP6NQjWRy  Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 3, 2025

I think theres a bit of a misconception, just because Im a 6ft 4in lefty, I must be incredible on grass, said Draper. I obviously won Stuttgart, but I havent had loads of experience on it.

I dont think I played incredibly well on it before. Obviously Ive never gone past the second round here. Some players find it harder than others. Im obviously very determined to change that and make it a surface that is going to be great for me.

I feel like thats the way with every surface. When you have the mindset of, even though I dont feel comfortable, Im going to make it happen, Im going to make it better for me, it usually works. Thats what I did on the clay this year.

Its just hard to find that time because we dont have a lot of time to play on grass throughout the year.

Jack Draper leaves Court One (Ben Whitley/PA)

It was very evident that Cilic, a former finalist at the All England Club, was much more at home on the surface than Draper, who looked rushed and was left scrambling around behind the baseline while his opponent dictated most of the baseline points.

I think the hole in my forehand showed up, for sure, said Draper. I wasnt able to deal with his pace of ball into my forehand. I was over-spinning a lot.

I think a lot of my success this year with my forehand, when I have more time, its a lot easier for me because I can create the speed and the spin that I want, and the effectiveness of that.

Obviously movement could have been better. Theres many areas of my game which I still really, really need to work on to be the player I want to be.

I want to feel like everything in my game is secure. I think thats what you see with the top, top guys. Theyre so consistent all the time because theres no holes in their game.

Drapers improvements this season, which have carried him to a first Masters 1000 title in Indian Wells and a top-four ranking, have been credited partly to him finding a balance to his game.

But, speaking on the BBC, John McEnroe urged Draper to stand further up the court, saying: Hes done great, hes got to four in the world. If I was looking from a distance at Jack, I was like, Whys he standing so far back all the time?

Especially on hard courts, even clay. Is he quick enough to cover, is he fit enough do that consistently? Is that what he wants to do, to wear people down that way?

The forehands gotten way bigger. To me, at Wimbledon, youve got to cut off some of these angles, because its tougher to make those quick first steps.

Jack Draper speaks about the "misconception" around him #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/TpSewoR8W6  BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 3, 2025

Draper will now turn his attention to the North American hard court season, where his big breakthrough came with a run to the US Open semi-finals last year.

In New York, the Londoner was the outsider, whereas now he is the big name to be shot at, and both Cilic and Alexander Bublik at the French Open produced inspired performances to upset him.

Ive got to expect that now, he said. Obviously Ive got a bit of a target on my back with my ranking.

Are they playing that well because Im dropping the ball short, Im not doing enough with the ball? Thats what good players do, they punish you.
Harry Brook hailed Jamie Smiths phenomenal talent after sharing a mammoth stand of 303 with Englands latest record-breaker.

The pair moved mountains together as they attempted to drag their side back into contention on day three of the second Rothesay Test, coming together at 84 for five and conjuring a spectacular fightback.

Brook made 158 as he brought up the ninth century of his Test career, with Smith smiting a sensational 184 not out.

Stumps on Day 3. An incredible partnership between Harry Brook and Jamie Smith lit up the day, but India have extended their lead to 244 runs. pic.twitter.com/rn8w0nU2LK  England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 4, 2025

That was the highest ever score by an England number seven and an England wicketkeeper, pinching the latter record from his Surrey mentor Alec Stewart.

Remarkably their efforts were not enough to keep the hosts on an even keel, India ending the day with a lead of 244 and nine wickets in hand. Englands card contained six ducks and Joe Roots 22 was the next best score in their 407 all out.

Another bout of fourth-innings heroics will surely be needed to stop the tourists squaring the series 1-1 over the next two days, but Brook was buoyed by Smiths eye-catching contribution.

It was good fun being out there with Smudge. Hes a phenomenal player and it felt good to be out there, putting on 300 with him, he said.

The way that he came out of the blocks and put the pressure back on their bowlers was awesome. He tried to change the momentum back in our favour and it worked for a long period of time. Its one he should be proud of.

Jamie Smith turbo-charged Englands fightback (Martin Rickett/PA)

It was so good to watch from the other end, I felt like he could hit four or six every ball and I was just trying to get him on strike. He just leans on it and it goes to the boundary. He has a long England career ahead of him.

To no great surprise, there is no suggestion whatsoever from the England camp that a draw, and preserving their series lead, would be an acceptable outcome with the odds stacked against them.

For a side who chased 378 on the same ground against the same opponents three years ago, as well as 371 in the first Test at Headingley, that can hardly go down as a surprise.

I think everybody in the world knows that were going to try and chase whatever they set us, said a defiant Brook.

Weve obviously got a big task at hand but well try and get a couple of wickets early on and try and put them under pressure. You never know how this game can go.

Ben Stokes applauds Jamie Smith as England leave the field (Martin Rickett/PA)

Brook may have taken second billing to his partner on the day but he batted with a tangible sense of purpose after being dismissed for 99 in the series opener.

I was definitely hungry to get 100 today. Id never been out in the 90s before in my life, so it was disappointing, he said.

Should India finish the job and leave Birmingham with a win, they will have much to thank Mohammed Siraj for. He took six for 70, including Root and Ben Stokes off consecutive balls at the start of the day and three tailenders in quick succession at the end.

With Jasprit Bumrah rested this week, he took the chance to fill the void left by the star seamer.

I have been bowling well but not getting wickets, so getting six here is very special, he said.

When you are asked to lead the attack I love responsibility, I love the challenge.
Lord Mandelson, right, has worked closely with JD Vance, left, and Donald Trump since becoming the ambassador to Washington - Bonnie Cash/Bloomberg

JD Vance has asked Lord Mandelson about the surging popularity of Nigel Farages Reform UK party, The Telegraph understands.

During a recent conversation, the US vice-president remarked to the UKs ambassador in Washington: So whats going on with Reform? I see that theyre doing very well.

The comment suggests that Donald Trumps right-hand man, is closely watching the fortunes of the party identified by Sir Keir Starmer as the biggest threat to his re-election.

Last month, Pat McFadden, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and a close Starmer ally, said Labours political battle to counter Reforms popularity was the fight of our lives.

Reform continues to top the opinion polls, jumping from 23 per cent to 28 per cent of the vote this year, while Labour, the party in which Lord Mandelson has been a central figure for decades, has slumped to second on 24 per cent of the vote.

Mr Vances office did not dispute the accuracy of the comment, which was made in private. A Reform source said: The vice-president is impeccably well informed about British politics.

Mr Vance has been a loyal advocate of Mr Trumps America First agenda since the presidents second term in office began this January. He is a well-known Anglophile with an interest in British politics.

He is also friends with George Osborne, the former Tory chancellor who once hosted him in London for a meeting with Westminster figures when the now vice-president was an up and coming Republican and author.

Mr Vance has at times taken public swipes at the UK, singling out the country for backsliding on free speech in a speech at the Munich Security Conference.

In March, he criticised plans for a European peacekeeping force in Ukraine being spearheaded by Sir Keir, saying US economic interests in the country would be a better security guarantee than 20,000 troops from some random country that hasnt fought a war in 30 or 40 years.

Mr Vance later clarified by noting he had not mentioned explicitly the UK or France, which is also leading the planning for the so-called Coalition of the Willing, adding both had fought bravely alongside the US over the last 20 years, and beyond.

JD Vance asked Lord Mandelson about the surging popularity of Nigel Farages Reform UK

Lord Mandelson was one of the leaders of the New Labour modernisation project, which saw the party govern for 13 years under Sir Tony Blair and then Gordon Brown.

He was called back into front line politics by Sir Keir late last year when he was appointed as ambassador to Washington to help navigate the second Trump era.

Since his arrival, Government insiders have played up his success in ingratiating himself with leading figures in the Trump administration.

Mr Farage has had a friendship with Mr Trump stretching back to the 2016 presidential campaign. After Mr Trumps 2016 and 2024 presidential election victories, he floated himself as a possible UK ambassador to Washington given his connections.

He has known Mr Vance longer than Sir Keir has, and has socialised with him and other Trump allies on numerous occasions.

Lord Mandelson jokingly called Mr Farage the other ambassador when they bumped into each other at a US embassy party last month.
Boris Johnson said his strategy when dealing with Nigel Farage and his party was not to talk about them - PA

Boris Johnson has said that the best strategy to counter Nigel Farage is to ignore him.

Speaking to the Swiss magazine Weltwoche in Milan, the former prime minister pointed out that, when he was leading the Conservatives, the Brexit Party  which changed its name to Reform UK in 2021  was at zero per cent in the polls.

Some MPs have called for the former prime minister to return to the Commons to revive the fortunes of the Conservative Party, which is being beaten in the polls by Reform.

Mr Johnson said that while he felt a deep sense of regret that he was not able to be useful, he could not afford to return to politics because he had to pay for his wife Carries new kitchen.

However, he did offer advice on how to tackle the threat from Reform, saying the best thing was for political rivals to offer their own policies and not to talk about Mr Farage.

My strategy with the individuals that you mention is dont talk about them, he said. When I was running the UK, this party you mention was on zero per cent in the polls, sometimes 3 per cent max. Dont talk about them. Talk about what you are going to offer the people.

I think Conservatives need to focus on the economy and making life better for people and giving people opportunity.

I think if we concentrate on the economy we mount full spectrum warfare on all the things that Starmer is doing wrong, we will win.

The Brexit Party was on 19 per cent in the polls when Mr Johnson took over as prime minister in July 2019. By the general election in December, that had fallen to 2 per cent.

Mr Johnson was speaking a year on from the general election, at which Reform secured five seats with 14.3 per cent of the vote and the Tories lost 252 seats, recording a 23.2 per cent vote share.

The most recent survey of voting intention by YouGov has Reform on 26 per cent, Labour on 24 per cent, and the Conservatives on 17 per cent.

In the May local elections, Reform wiped out Conservative councils across England in an historic sweep, with Mr Farages party winning control of seven local authorities and becoming the largest party in three others.

Both Sir Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch, the Tory leader, have been accused of spending too much time addressing the threat from Reform.

In an interview with The Telegraph in March, Mrs Badenoch dismissed Mr Farage as a reality TV star, saying government was not an episode of Im a Celebrity.

Mr Farage retorted that it was a good thing that people know who he was, and compared his television past with that of Donald Trump.

In May, Sir Keir gave a speech dedicated to attacking Reform. The Prime Minister declared the Right-wing party his main opposition, saying the Conservatives had run out of road.

His efforts to tackle Reform have backfired, however. He echoed the partys hard-line stance on migration in a speech last month, when he said that Britain was at risk of becoming an island of strangers. It was met with fury from Labour MPs, and he later said he regretted using the phrase.

Mr Johnson said he felt a deep sense of regret that he was not able to be useful today to the Conservative Party.

Asked whether he would consider returning to power  as Cincinnatus did in Rome  he implied that he could not afford to.

Rome is in good hands, and Im very happy, he said. Im engaged in the innocent task of trying to pay for my wifes kitchen refurbishment, which is extremely expensive and difficult, and thats basically what Im doing.

While in office Mr Johnson is said to have privately complained about the cost of refurbishing the Downing Street flat he shared with his wife. A row over who funded the redecoration, which came to more than 100,000 with thousands spent on luxury wallpaper, fuelled a backlash among Tory MPs.

Elsewhere in the interview, Mr Johnson also took aim at Sir Keirs non-dom crackdown and suggested it would be useful for the Government to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

Sir Keirs raid on non-doms has driven billionaires out of London, and Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, is now considering reversing the policy under which non-doms are charged 40 per cent inheritance tax on their global assets.

Every private business in Britain, a big increase in taxes, big taxes on non-doms, Mr Johnson said. My God: people are leaving London to come to Italy. Whats going on? Mamma mia.

When I was mayor of London I used to say that London was to the billionaire as the jungles of Sumatra are to the orangutan. You went out into Mayfair late at night and you saw the billionaires in their natural habitat, and now I think you can come to Italy for a flat tax of 200,000  its a good deal.

I met some people last night who had fled London to come to Italy. When I was running London, that would have been absolutely unthinkable.

He also suggested that leaving the ECHR could be a useful way to bring down illegal immigration.

The first flight under a Conservative policy to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda was blocked by European judges citing the ECHR in 2022.

Mr Johnson said: It would be useful to quit the ECHR, but the main thing is to get back to our Rwanda plan  the only credible way of smashing the cross-Channel gangs. Bring back Rwanda.

Mrs Badenoch last month signalled she was ready to quit the ECHR in the national interest. She has set up a commission to look at the possibility of leaving the treaty, amid concerns it makes it harder for countries to expel illegal migrants.

Reform is committed to leaving the convention, and Labour to remaining.

Mr Johnson also discussed immigration and rejected criticism that he oversaw a Boris-wave of 1.4 million legal migrants flooding into the UK.

He blamed the huge increase on civil servants for overestimating the number of EU nationals who were going to leave after Brexit, meaning they allowed too many others to come in to replace them to do vital jobs.

Nonsense. All bollocks, he said. What we had was two things: we had Covid, which meant nobody came, so immigration collapsed, and then what happened was unfortunately the Remain establishment believed their own propaganda.

They thought the millions of EU nationals were all leaving and they were not They panicked when we couldnt find people to stack the shelves and drive the trucks after Covid, but the crucial thing is that we took back full legal control and can rectify such mistakes immediately while Starmer would surrender control again to the EU.

Boris Johnson rejected criticism that he oversaw a Boris-wave of 1.4 million legal migrants flooding into the UK - Justin Goff/GoffPhotos.com

A European Union research document last week claimed Brexit was the main driver of Britains worsening migration crisis, stating that the post-Brexit liberalisation of migration laws caused a record increase in net migration.

But Mr Johnson defended Brexit, saying it had saved lives during the Covid pandemic because it meant the nation was able to roll out vaccines more quickly than the European Union.

Brexit was a wonderful thing and is a wonderful thing, and I love Brexit more and more with a weird intensity because its about freedom and autonomy is the most wonderful thing for people, for countries, for families, he said.

We saved thousands of lives because of Brexit and we were able to get our economy moving again faster because of Brexit.

Mr Johnson also addressed the conflict in the Middle East, downplaying the suggestion of imminent regime change in Iran.

Ive become a bit of a sceptic about the value of regime change in the Middle East, he said. Countries need to make their own decisions about their governments. You cant impose a new government. We tried it in Iraq, we tried it in Libya, it wasnt a great success

I may be wrong but I dont think there will be regime change very soon in Tehran. Thats not the information Im getting.

Mr Johnson also said he would have backed Israeli attacks on Iran, and said he believed Vladimir Putin did not oppose them because he does not want Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran, to have a nuclear bomb.

A Reform source said: Boris Johnson did unprecedented damage to this country. He is the mastermind behind the mass immigration experiment. Whilst he tries to save and rewrite his legacy of mass immigration and net zero, Reform is offering the country real change.

The Conservatives declined to comment.
Sir Sadiq meets staff at The Flygerians Nigerian restaurant in Peckham, south London

Sir Sadiq Khan has been accused of dodging questions about London to attend a lunch promoting his tour of Africa.

The London Mayor missed a meeting about his attempt to pedestrianise Oxford Street, choosing instead to visit a Nigerian restaurant.

As the London Assembly voted not to block his proposals, Sir Sadiq was helping to cook traditional dishes at The Flygerians in Peckham, south London, ahead of his five-day tour of Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa later this month.

But during the London Assembly debate, Susan Hall, the leader of the City Hall Conservatives, criticised Sir Sadiqs no-show.

Ms Hall said: Apparently, the Mayor is at a Nigerian restaurant. I hope is enjoying his Jollof pot. He is far more interested in Lagos than he is in John Lewis.

On Thursday, when asked why he would not be able to answer questions earlier, Sir Sadiq replied: I suspect Im busy with other things.

Sir Sadiq was helping to cook traditional dishes

He will become the first Mayor of London to lead a trade delegation to Africa after details of his wish to visit emerged last year.

Speaking after the launch event, he vowed to bang the drum for further investment and strengthen the cultural ties with the three nations, saying: Londoners of African heritage have played, and continue to play, a huge role in making London the greatest city in the world.

It was great to be at The Flygerians today speaking with business owners and seeing first-hand the impact they make here in the capital, building a better London for everyone.

Sir Sadiq wants to ban vehicles from a stretch of Oxford Street between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch. He previously attempted to pedestrianise the same part of Oxford Street in 2018 but was blocked from doing so by Westminster city council when it was under Tory control.

Whether his newest proposals succeed will depend on whether Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, allows him to establish a new mayoral development corporation. The body would have extensive planning powers of its own and could be created as soon as early next year.

Sir Sadiq wants to ban vehicles from a stretch of Oxford Street between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch - Mayor of London/PA Wire

Sir Sadiq has insisted part-pedestrianisation is what the majority of Londoners would want, pointing to a YouGov survey last year showing almost two in three (63 per cent) were in favour, but has been accused of arrogance by Tory councillors over the scheme.

Many local residents and businesses are also opposed on the grounds that it would only create gridlock elsewhere in central London. Westminster city council said it was working with Sir Sadiq on his newest pedestrianisation drive to ensure that the voices of residents and businesses are heard.

In the London Assembly this week, there was a cross-party call to build world-class public toilets on Oxford Street as part of the mooted scheme.

A spokesman for the Mayor of London said:The Mayor is taking action to rejuvenate Oxford Street with bold proposals to establish it as a global leader for shopping, leisure and outdoor events that will help attract more international visitors, new investment and job creation, driving growth and economic prosperity for decades to come.

London is a global city and its important the Mayor bangs the drum for the capital overseas to promote growth and to generate new investment opportunities.

With trade between the UK and Africa worth almost 50 billion in 2024 and UK exports up 7 per cent year on year, the Mayor will be visiting Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa to boost trade links and strengthen cultural ties.
Kneecap were suggested as a replacement for Bob Vylan by organisers of a festival who dropped the punk duo after Glastonbury.

Bob Vylans performance at Radar festival in Manchester was cancelled after singer Bobby Vylan, whose real name is reportedly Pascal Robinson-Foster, 34, led crowds in chants of death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) during their Saturday afternoon set at Glastonbury.

Speaking on the 2 Promoters, 1 Pod podcast, Radar organiser Catherine Jackson-Smith said the festival was forced into a position they did not want to take in dropping the band from their upcoming headline slot this Saturday.

On acts that could replace Bob Vylan, Ms Jackson-Smith said her colleague Joe had suggested a Kneecap secret set in order to make a statement.

You can say nothing publicly but if you go and book, and as I did mention, Joes first response was, What if we did Kneecap as a secret set? because that makes a statement, and it makes a statement without having to make a statement and that is what we wanted to do so we are going through options, she said.

Kneecap performed on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury after Bob Vylan (Yui Mok/PA)

We might end up with somebody that has no discernible political opinion in any manner at this point because if theyre free and they could play on Saturday, maybe that is the criteria that were looking for at this stage.

Irish rap trio Kneecap, whose member Liam Og O hAnnaidh, also known as Mo Chara, appeared in court in June charged with a terror offence, performed on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury after Bob Vylan.

As of Friday afternoon, Radar has not announced a replacement for Bob Vylan and the festivals website lists the Saturday line up as headliner TBA (to be announced).

Of the conversation Radar organisers had with Bob Vylan, Ms Jackson-Smith said it was one of the most horrendous professional discussions she has ever had.

I cannot express clearly enough that I wanted Bob Vylan to perform at our festival, she said.

Bob Vylan know that we wanted to book them. Why else would we have booked them? she added.

Radar organiser Catherine Jackson-Smith said the festival did not want to pull Bob Vylan from its lineup (Yui Mok/PA)

And Bob Vylan also know that we didnt want to pull them, because we tried our hardest not to do that but ultimately, it still ends at the same point the headlines will be Radar festival pulled Bob Vylan.

Bob Vylan issued a statement on Tuesday claiming they were being targeted for speaking up.

It has emerged that Bob Vylan were already under investigation by police for comments made at a performance one month before Glastonbury.

Video footage appears to show Bobby Vylan at Alexandra Palace telling crowds: Death to every single IDF soldier out there as an agent of terror for Israel. Death to the IDF.

The duo have had their US visas revoked before their tour later this year and have been pulled from an upcoming performance at a German music festival, following their appearance at Glastonbury.

They are currently expected to perform at the Boardmasters surfing and music festival in Newquay, Cornwall, in August.

The group was formed in Ipswich in 2017, and are known for addressing political issues in their albums including racism, masculinity and class.
Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour leader, has confirmed that he is in talks about a real alternative to Sir Keir Starmers party - Leon Neal/Getty Images

Jeremy Corbyns new hard-Left party is expected to target Labour giants including Wes Streeting and Jess Phillips at the next general election.

Mr Corbyn, the former Labour leader who now sits as an independent MP, confirmed on Friday that he is in talks about a real alternative to Sir Keir Starmers Labour.

It comes after Zarah Sultana, an ally of Mr Corbyn who was also stripped of the whip by Sir Keir, announced that the pair would co-lead the new movement.

Mr Corbyn and Ms Sultana are staunchly pro-Palestinian, and have both accused the Israeli government of genocide over its military response to the Oct 7 massacre by Hamas.

Labour lost a significant amount of support among Muslim voters at the general election last year after Sir Keir initially refused to call for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East.

The election saw five MPs, including Mr Corbyn, returned to the Commons on pro-Gaza tickets at the expense of their defeated Labour rivals. Now Mr Corbyn and Ms Sultana will hope their own electoral vehicle will be able to make similar gains at the next general election.

Zarah Sultana (second right), an ally of Mr Corbyn, announced that the pair would co-lead the new movement - Stefan Rousseau/PA

Both Mr Streeting, the Health Secretary, and Ms Phillips, the safeguarding minister, won their seats with majorities of less than 1,000 votes last July.

An analysis by The Telegraph shows they have a significantly higher number of Muslim constituents than the last known England and Wales average of 6.5 per cent.

Mr Streetings Ilford North constituency has a Muslim majority of 30.6 per cent. He held the seat by 528 votes at the general election.

Ms Phillips, meanwhile, has a constituency in which 42.6 per cent of voters are Muslim. She won with a majority of 693 votes against Jody McIntyre, an independent hard-Left candidate.

Her victory speech in Birmingham Yardley was interrupted by pro-Palestinian activists who booed and jeered her, chanting free Palestine and shame on you. She said the election was the worst I have ever stood in and said she had been targeted by activists because she was a strong woman.

Other seats that could be targeted by the new party include Bradford West, where Naz Shah has a majority of 707 and almost three in five constituents (58.7 per cent) are Muslim.

In Peterborough, Andrew Pakes has a majority of 155 in a constituency where almost 18 per cent of people are Muslim.

The slimmest Labour majority in the country is just 15 votes in Hendon, which is represented by David Pinto-Duschinsky. One in six constituents (16.5 per cent) are Muslim, according to the most recent census in 2021.

Last year, an analysis by Survation and Royal Holloway identified the most culturally Left-wing seats in the UK.

These were Nottingham East, Clapham and Brixton Hill and Hackney North and Stoke Newington. All three are currently represented by Labour MPs on the Left of the party.

Diane Abbott, the MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, served as Mr Corbyns shadow home secretary but has already ruled out joining his new party.

Nadia Whittome, the MP for Nottingham East, worked closely with Ms Sultana on various issues  most prominently the Gaza conflict  while both women had the Labour whip.

In Clapham and Brixton Hill, Bell Ribiero-Addy, a member of the Socialist Campaign Group, was one of the Labour MPs to defy Sir Keir earlier this week by voting against his welfare Bill.

Mr Corbyn has already joined forces with Shockat Adam, Ayoub Khan, Adnan Hussain and Iqbal Mohamed since their election as independent MPs. They formed the Independent Alliance in September and have gone on to vote as a bloc in the Commons while also issuing a number of joint statements ahead of key votes.

It remains to be seen whether Mr Corbyn and Ms Sultana could persuade Apsana Begum, who was stripped of the Labour whip last year, to join their new party.
Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana

If the hard Lefts new political party needed a name, its staring them right in the face: Furious and Bewildered, or FAB.

Thats how Jeremy Corbyn was described when he was told of (now former Labour) MP Zarah Sultanas announcement that she was about to become a co-leader, along with Jezza, of a new party. But its also an appropriate and accurate way to describe what the new party will be all about: furious at everything and bewildered that so few people agree with them.

There have been rumours of such a development for weeks, but it looks as if Corbyn was somewhat left out of the loop when it came to the formal launch of FAB at eight oclock last night on Twitter.

The former Labour leader has already formed the Independent Alliance with four other MPs who were elected on an anti-Israel platform, a grouping that young Zarah clearly hopes could yet provide the foundations of FAB.

But who else might join this ragtag team of misfits and neer-do-wells that aims to break the mould of British politics because thats never been tried before?

No doubt Zarah and her fellow co-leader* have already started putting out feelers in the direction of other likely recruits, other Labour MPs (and perhaps others) who are as disillusioned with life in government as she is and, frankly, was always going to be. For Zarah is an oppositionalist politician, always more comfortable to be complaining about what others are doing rather than taking responsibility for the tough decisions that are part and parcel of government. How many others feel the same way and how likely are they to cross that Rubicon into the uncertainty of a breakaway party?

Apsana Begum

Apsana Begum

The Poplar and Limehouse MP has by far the most attractive CV of any of FABs potential recruits, holding a postgraduate diploma in community leadership and extensive experience as a Workforce Diversity Project Officer and an Equality and Diversity Officer. Its hard to imagine better qualifications if your aim is to appeal to the disillusioned working classes of Britain. Apsana, one of seven siblings, lost the Labour whip last year for voting against the two-child benefit threshold. She still hasnt been welcomed back to the party and if she calculates that thats not going to happen before the next election, she has nothing to lose by joining FABs growing ranks. Opposes Israel.

Chances of defecting: 105 per cent.

John McDonnell

John McDonnell MP

This would be a major coup for FAB and its collective leadership. The Hayes and Harlington MP is another to whom the whip has still not been returned after last years rebellion over the two-child benefit limit. McDonnell is a former shadow chancellor and one of the hard Lefts most effective media performers. Still, he is known to retain a high level of loyalty to his current party and might be difficult to shift. His former support for the IRA would certainly not go down badly with those currently running FAB. McDonnell once said: Im not in the Labour party because Im a believer of the Labour party as some supreme body or something God-given or anything like that. Its a tactic. Its as simple as that. If its no longer a useful vehicle, move on. Maybe that time is now, John?

Chances of defecting: 50 per cent.

Richard Zionism is the enemy of peace Burgon

Richard Burgon MP

The Leeds East MP is back in the Labour fold after his dalliance with rebellion last year (on the same issue that his colleagues were disciplined) so has more to lose than those who are currently without the whip. On the other hand, furious and bewildered could hardly be more accurately used to describe any current serving Labour MP. Famous for having accepted the post of shadow economic secretary to the Treasury while in opposition yet managing to avoid speaking to anyone from the City for more than a month. Republican. Will long be remembered for his encounter with Sky Newss Kay Burley before the 2019 election:

The polls say you wont win.

The polls said we wouldnt win last time!

But you didnt.

Chances of defecting: 62 per cent.

Rebecca Long-Bailey

Rebecca Long-Bailey

Once the far-Left standard bearer in Jeremy Corbyns shadow cabinet, Long-Bailey came second to Keir Starmer in the 2020 leadership election, having begun her campaign by announcing that she would score Corbyns leadership at 10 out of 10, although close friends say she would have awarded a higher mark had Corbyn managed not to lose both general elections he led the party into.

Chances of defecting: 75 per cent.

Tony Blair

Tony Blair

A bit of an outlier, admittedly, but if FAB wanted to grab headlines and essential publicity for their new venture they would certainly succeed by persuading the former Labour prime minister to hop on board. And it would lend a unique energy to party debates about foreign affairs.

Chances of defecting: Less than zero.

* Its unclear if Jez has even agreed to serve as a co-leader. It all sounds a bit Greens.
Jeremy Corbyn said discussions about the new party were ongoing, and in a post on social media wrote that real change is coming - Belinda Jiao for The Telegraph

Leading Corbynites have vowed to stay in Labour rather than join a new hard-Left party.

On Thursday night, Zarah Sultana, the Coventry South MP, announced that she had resigned from Labour to set up a new party with Jeremy Corbyn.

But on Friday morning, John McDonnell and Diane Abbott both told The Telegraph they would not be signing up.

Mr Corbyn said discussions about the new party were ongoing and in a post on social media, the independent MP for Islington North and former Labour leader said: Real change is coming.

The Telegraph believes talks about how to harness Left-wing and Muslim anger to defeat Labour centrists such as Wes Streeting at the next election have been going on for weeks.

Mr McDonnell was shadow chancellor during Mr Corbyns five years as Labour leader but was suspended by party whips last year for voting to scrap the two-child benefit cap.

Asked whether he would be joining the new party, he said: Just to be absolutely clear, I am a Labour Party member. I have had the whip suspended, thats all, and I expect it back.

Referring to Ms Sultana, he added: I am sad shes gone, but I am remaining in the party and hope the whip will be restored soon.

Ms Abbott, who was shadow home secretary under Mr Corbyn, said no when asked whether she would join the new party. The Telegraph understands that Clive Lewis, shadow defence secretary under Mr Corbyn, also intends to remain in Labour.

Embarrassingly for Mr Corbyn, the hard-left group Momentum, set up in 2015 to support Corbynite policies, opposed the idea of a new party.

On X, the group wrote: Zarah Sultana has announced the founding of a new Left-wing party. This is obviously a painful moment for us as socialists in the Labour Party, and Zarah will be a major loss.

But we respectfully disagree with Zarahs position. This is a complex question of strategy on which good socialists can reasonably disagree. We laid out some arguments as to why socialists should stay in Labour a few months ago.

In his X post on Friday, Mr Corbyn wrote: One year on from the election, this Labour Government has refused to deliver the change people expected and deserved. Poverty, inequality and war are not inevitable. Our country needs to change direction, now.

Congratulations to Zarah Sultana on her principled decision to leave the Labour Party. I am delighted that she will help us build a real alternative.

The democratic foundations of a new kind of political party will soon take shape. Discussions are ongoing, and I am excited to work alongside all communities to fight for the future people deserve. Together, we can create something that is desperately missing from our broken political system  hope.

Credit: ITV1's Peston

The Telegraph understands that talks about how to replicate the success of Mr Corbyn and the four Muslim MPs who beat Labour candidates in last years general election have been going on for some time.

In other areas, independent candidates came close to unseating major figures. Mr Streeting won his Ilford North seat by only 528 votes following a strong showing by Leanne Mohamad. In Birmingham Yardley, Jess Phillips, the safeguarding minister, has a majority of only 693 against a contender for the Workers Party, a group led by George Galloway.

Conversations centred around whether there should be a non-aggression pact in such seats so that no more than two anti-war or anti-Zionist candidates can stand, cutting possible damage to the Labour vote.

Others raised the issue of starting a new party and it is understood that Mr Corbyn allowed such talk to continue without specifically endorsing it.

When Ms Sultana decided to jump ship on Thursday night, she may have been encouraged by a poll published last week showing that a Corbyn-led party could garner 10 per cent of the vote, taking votes from the Greens as well as Labour, which would be tied with the Conservatives on 20 per cent.

Insiders believe that candidates to leave Labour include Apsama Begum, the MP for Poplar and Limehouse.

The new Left-wing party is currently unnamed, but Ms Sultana said it would comprise other independent MPs, campaigners and activists.

It raises the prospect of a split on the Left that mirrors the divide between Reform UK and the Conservatives on the Right.

Announcing the move, Ms Sultana said the next election would be a choice between socialism or barbarism.

The Coventry South MP said the new party would be fighting against the sort of benefit cuts Sir Keir tried and failed to get through the Commons last week, and would speak out against what she described as the genocide in Gaza.

The announcement could pile further pressure on Sir Keir to move to the Left, just days after he was forced to make a humiliating U-turn on welfare cuts.

A total of 49 of his own MPs rejected the plans, which would have seen the number of people able to access disability benefits slashed.

Ms Sultana and Mr Corbyn will hope that many Labour supporters who also opposed Sir Keirs plans will flock to join his party.

Politico reported that Real Change had been mooted as a possible name for the new movement, but nothing had been decided.

Mr Galloway said his Workers Party would not be joining up because of significant differences on the issues of trans and LGBTQ+, the Russia-Ukraine war, net zero and other things.

But he added: We are open to an electoral agreement which avoids us both fighting each other for the benefit of Keir Starmer.
The councils report said 21 out of 24 services had either improved or stayed the same since four-day weeks came into force - Warren Bourne/Alamy Stock Photo

A council previously accused of failing taxpayers by trialling a four-day working week looks set to adopt the scheme permanently.

In 2023, the Lib Dem-led South Cambridgeshire district council began a trial in which employees carried out all their work in 80 per cent of their previous hours.

The staff do not take a pay cut and are encouraged to use the non-working day to recover and re-energise.

However, the council had faced repeated calls to scrap the ridiculous policy amid fears taxpayers were not getting value for money, but leaders ploughed on regardless.

This is despite its own analysis finding that some services got worse in the trials first three months, with average call centre times rising by 14.5 per cent and just four of 12 key performance indicators on target.

The council also rejected calls to monitor staff working second jobs on their day off, while chief executive Liz Watts, who earns 130,000 per year, faced calls to resign after it emerged she had been working on a university thesis on the topic.

The council subsequently said Ms Watts had always been transparent about her studies, adding the scheme was not due to Lizs study.

Despite the controversy, the authority is set to make the policy permanent after claiming its pilot scheme was a success.

A report published by the council on Friday said that 21 out of 24 services had either improved or stayed the same since four-day weeks came into force.

However, critics accused the authority of a lack of transparency over the pilot.

The analysis, carried out by academics from Cambridge, Salford and Bradford universities, found job applications rose by more than 120 per cent during the two-year pilot.

According to the research, nine of the 24 services offered by the council improved during the first two years of the trial, while three declined and there was little difference to the other 12.

However, it also found a statistically significant drop in how satisfied businesses were with the councils commercial waste, licensing, environmental health, and planning services.

Overwhelmingly negative response

Residents also said they were less satisfied with bin collections, the customer contact centre, and the elections service than before the trial commenced.

The findings have put added pressure on the council to scrap the policy amid fears that it does not represent the best possible value for money for residents and taxpayers.

Elliot Keck, the head of campaigns at the TaxPayers Alliance, said: South Cambridgeshire council has nowhere to hide after this bruising consultation completely collapses its case for the four-day week.

Wheeling out yet another piece of propaganda masquerading as an independent report will fool no one, given the overwhelmingly negative response from residents and frosty reception from businesses. Town hall bosses need to now face the music, apologise to local taxpayers and bring back the full-time council.

Elliott Keck, of the TaxPayers Alliance, said there had been an overwhelmingly negative response from residents and frosty reception from businesses to the scheme - Taxpayers' Alliance

The previous Conservative government had threatened to fine any councils that used four-day week working practices.

But since Labour took power a year ago, the council has received more sympathy from central government.

Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister and Communities Secretary, declared in November that a four-day working week was no threat to the economy. Speaking in Parliament, she said: We dont dictate to councils how they run their services.

Cllr Bridget Smith, the leader of South Cambridgeshire district council, welcomed the report on the innovative scheme, which she said had been set up to tackle recruitment problems.

These were particularly acute for us, having to compete with higher private sector pay in an area of high employment and housing costs, she said. There is now more consistency through lower staff turnover and improved health and well-being.

The council will now decide whether to become a permanent four-day week employer at its next full meeting on July 17.

A health and well-being survey carried out last year found 16 per cent of staff at the authority now undertake paid work during their extra day.

The questionnaire also found that half of all employees (50 per cent) used the day off for life admin, closely followed by housework.
Thomas Jefferson, by Henry Bryan Hall. Photograph: Heritage Images/Getty Images

A rare, handwritten letter by Thomas Jefferson, in which the founding father and third president expounds the right of citizens to bear arms in a revolutionary cause, has been uncovered in New England and offered for sale to mark the Fourth of July holiday.

The holiday also marks the 199th anniversary of his death.

Jefferson penned the letter to Virginias then governor Benjamin Harrison on 31 December 1783, shortly after the conclusion of the revolutionary war that ended British opposition to the US declaration of independence seven years earlier.

Written from Annapolis, the temporary capital of the fledgling country, the letter is notable for Jeffersons observation of a rising tide of revolutionary fervor in Europe, and his citing of the insistence of citizens there to be able to take up arms against their rulers, as residents of the 13 colonies had done against the British crown.

He tells Harrison that citizens of the Dutch states are all in commotion against the stadtholder regime of William V, the prince of Orange. He goes on to say that of 80,000 men able to bear arms among them it is believed scarcely any will refuse to sign this demand.

The original was in the hands of a private collector for more than half a century, dealer Nathan Raab of the Pennsylvania-based Raab Collection said. It was considered missing by custodians of the Jefferson papers at the University of Virginia.

We are not aware of any letter having reached the market from a signer, let alone author of the declaration of independence on the right of democratic citizens to bear arms and oppose autocracy, said Raab, who values the document at about $90,000.

To see Jefferson, whose declaration of independence lit the spark of  western hemisphere liberty, rejoicing that these independence movements are gaining steam, and the people are making demands  its about as evocative an expression of the democratic right to bear arms of the people as you can get.

Hes basically saying the momentum is toward democracy, not royalty.

While the letter showcases Jeffersons thoughts on justice overseas, his life in the US was much darker and less stable. He was the owner of more than 600 slaves  more than any other person who became president.

Another letter uncovered by Raab last year highlighted Jeffersons financial misadventures that left him also penniless immediately before, and during, his time in the White House from 1801 to 1809.

The letter to Harrison, Raab said, also reflects Jeffersons growing anxiety over ratification of the Treaty of Paris, which was signed in France in September 1783 by Britain, the US and others, to end the revolutionary war.

The agreement required at least nine of the 13 new states to sign the document at a congressional summit in Annapolis called for November, and send it back to London  a two-month voyage away  by March 1784.

But bad weather prevented several delegations from reaching the summit, and in his 31 December letter Jefferson wrote: We have yet but seven states, and no more certain prospects of nine than at any time heretofore. We hope that the letters sent to the absent states will bring them forward.

Raab said: Its like youre at the finish line and waiting to cross it. This is not a situation where you send it over by email; it had to cross the Atlantic twice. Its also the 1700s. Youre not hopping on transatlantic flights, these people are coming from distant destinations on horseback.

Representatives from Connecticut and South Carolina eventually arrived days later, and the treaty was ratified on 14 January and dispatched urgently to London.

The letter, Raab said, provides an intriguing snapshot of a crucial time in American history, with a brand new nation beginning to find its feet and in turn inspiring others to challenge centuries of established rules of governance overseas.

It speaks to us today on many levels, he said. We can see the power and inspiration of Jeffersons pen as he can begin to reflect on the success of his work and the American revolution, and witness democratic ideals spreading worldwide.
Luke Cowan-Dickie declared you dont lose class as he welcomed Owen Farrells bombshell call-up by the British and Irish Lions.

Farrell will arrive in Sydney on Friday after being summoned by the Lions as a replacement for Elliot Daly, who has returned home because of a fractured forearm just as he was playing his way into the Test team.

Andy Farrells decision to turn to his 33-year-old son is controversial given his last England appearance was almost two years ago and he was limited to just 17 games for Racing 92 last season because of groin surgery and concussion.

Ready for his fourth Lions Tour  Enter, @owen_faz#Lions2025  British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 3, 2025

However, Englands record points scorer and captain from 2018 to 2023 brings with him vast experience, including from three previous Lions tours, and he is the only player in the squad who was involved in the triumphant tour to Australia in 2013.

Cowan-Dickie believes his CV makes him a valuable addition as the Lions continue their build-up to the first Test against the Wallabies on July 19.

You dont lose class. Faz is a class player, so Im well happy, said Cowan-Dickie, who starts Saturdays match against the New South Wales Waratahs in Sydney.

When it was announced internally, the reaction was good. Faz is a well-known player. Hes played quality rugby over many years.

One thing about Faz is the standards he sets on the training field. Hes got bit of an aura about him on training fields, which makes you want to try and train to perfection.

I know its quite hard to perfect training every single day, but he definitely makes standards higher.

Hes a good team man. Even though he might not be involved one week he stays the same in training and the standards he wants to set.

Farrell has not played since he was concussed against Lyon on May 4 and he must get up to speed as quickly as possible if he is to make an impact on the playing field Down Under.

Tadhg Beirne, who has been named captain against the Waratahs at Allianz Stadium, played with Farrell during the 2021 Lions tour to South Africa.

Owen bring some serious quality. Were looking forward to him coming into the squad and getting to hang out with him, Beirne said.

Any type of leadership is only going to enhance the squad. Playing with him four years ago, Ive seen all those leadership qualities that he brings.

Theres the quality of his talent as well, which will do nothing but boost the squad.
Cases of chikungunya have emerged around Frances Mediterranean coast - Manon Cruz/REUTERS

A mosquito-borne virus that causes debilitating joint pain and fever has begun to spread locally in holiday hotspots in the South of France.

Some 712 imported cases of chikungunya were recorded between May 1 and July 1, leading to 14 locally-acquired infections in the same period, according to data from Sante publique France, the French public health agency.

While the disease is routinely brought back to France by returning travellers, the number of imported cases reported this year is greater than the previous ten combined, largely because of a major outbreak on the French Indian Ocean territory of Reunion.

Chikungunya is primarily spread by the Aedes mosquito (also known as the tiger mosquito) and cannot spread from person to person. But a mosquito can pick up the disease by feeding on an infected individual and then transmit it to new human hosts by biting them.

Most of the locally-acquired cases appear to be clustered around Salon-de-Provence and La Crau, two towns on Frances Mediterranean coast near Marseille, Toulon and Saint-Tropez.

There have also been three locally-acquired cases reported on the island of Corsica and, for the first time, an indigenous case of the virus was reported in the Grand Est region, far to the North East.

The high number of imported cases, coupled with the flurry of locally-acquired infections, has raised concerns among public health officials about the potential for the virus to spread more widely in mainland France.

The occurrence of a first episode of indigenous transmission in the Grand Est region, combined with the precocity and number of episodes already detected, confirms the significant risk of indigenous transmission of chikungunya in mainland France, including in regions that have been free of the disease until now, Sante publique France said in a statement.

This is facilitated by the well-adapted nature of the strain of the virus circulating in Reunion and the Indian Ocean to the Aedes albopictus mosquito vector.

Prof Paul Hunter, Professor in Medicine, University of East Anglia, said: What is most worrying is that the 14 reported cases of chikungunya are spread over multiple departments, suggesting that local spread is already widespread in southern France.

Frances public health agency has launched an investigation into the case in the Grand Est region, and has begun implementing containment measures in the worst-affected areas.

This kind of thing, we know that it can happen but we never see it coming, said Florence Brau, the mayor of Prades-le-Lez, a commune on the outskirts of Montpellier where insecticides were being used to suppress the local mosquito population and prevent further spread.

For reasons of medical confidentiality and to avoid people coming to see how things were going, we were instructed not to say which areas were being treated for mosquitoes. The residents concerned received a letter in their mailboxes, she told Midi Libre, a local newspaper.

Chikungunya is primarily spread by the Aedes mosquito - Joao Paulo Burini/Moment RF

While chikungunya very rarely causes death, its symptoms are debilitating. They usually begin within a week of being bitten and can include a sudden high fever, fatigue, nausea, reddening of the eyes, sensitivity to light and a rash.

But it owes its name, which comes from a word in the Kimakonde language spoken in southern Tanzania meaning to become contorted, to the crippling joint pain it causes.

The virus triggers an immune response that leads to inflammation in the joints, causing pain, swelling and stiffness similar to rheumatoid arthritis that can persist for weeks, months and sometimes years after the initial infection.

A state of exhaustion Ive never experienced

Alain, a 73-year-old from Prades-le-Lez, is believed to be the second person to catch chikungunya locally in France this year. The retired civil engineer lived in Africa for 10 years and never caught anything, not even malaria.

Two-and-a-half weeks ago, I came home from playing petanque, had a shower, then started itching my knee, he told Midi Libre.

I looked and my leg had gone completely red. I told myself that I mustve been bitten by a spider. And the following morning, I woke up in a state of exhaustion that Ive never experienced.

Then the pain in his joints began to set in, and within days became so severe that he was unable to use his hands to open doors.

I couldnt manage, for example, to bend my wrist to open doors. I had to use my elbow, he said.

While there is a vaccine available, there is no specific cure or antiviral treatment for chikungunya. Instead, treatment is focused on managing symptoms with rest, fluids, and painkillers.

Alains pain eventually subsided but he is still recovering from the virus.

Im very tired and I get out of breath quickly. This morning, I just walked down my street and I had to take a few pauses.

Residents of villages and towns across southeastern France have been ordered to take precautions to fight the spread of mosquitoes, including covering or emptying containers that could collect water, keeping pets indoors, covering swimming pools and closing windows.

The health ministry is also urging locals to report sightings of tiger mosquitoes in their communities using an online tool, and to report suspected infections.

While a vaccination campaign is underway on Reunion, there are currently no plans to launch a similar scheme in mainland France, The Telegraph understands.

Several countries including France, the UK and the United States paused the use of Valnevas chikungunya vaccine among individuals 65 and older in May following reports of serious adverse events, including two deaths and hospitalisations, among the vaccinated on Reunion.

As well as grappling with chikungunya, the French health authorities have also reported spikes in imported cases of dengue and Zika, two other tropical diseases spread by the tiger mosquito which is more commonly found in Asia, Africa and South America.

According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), climate change has helped create favourable conditions for the tiger mosquito to spread since it was first spotted in Europe in the late 1970s, making outbreaks of the diseases they carry more common.

Dengue and chikungunya risk becoming endemic in Europe. In the worst-case climate scenarios, the spread of the two viruses could increase to five times the current rate by 2060, according to a recent ECDC study, with countries like Italy, France and Spain to be among those hit hardest.

The last three years have seen a fairly rapid increase year on year of locally acquired dengue in France, Italy and Spain, said Prof Hunter. We can expect to see increasing reports of both chikungunya and dengue fever from the Mediterranean area over the coming years.

Travellers to France are currently being advised to take the usual precautions to prevent bites from mosquitoes.

It is essential to take precautions against mosquito-borne infections such as chikungunya while travelling abroad, Dr Hilary Kirkbride, the Head of Travel Health at the UK Health Security Agency, told The Telegraph.

Simple steps, such as using insect repellent, covering exposed skin, and sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets, can effectively reduce the risk of mosquito-borne infections.

Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security
A balcony power station outside an apartment in Germany. UK regulations mean such panels cannot simply be plugged into the mains like a toaster. Photograph: Ronald Rampsch/Alamy

From herb boxes and flower pots to washing lines and hanging baskets, residents of Madrid, Berlin and other European cities are well versed at making the most of their compact balconies  even generating power for wifi, the kettle and the TV.

Balcony solar allows urbanites to install a small number of panels in the tight space outside apartments, which generate electricity that can be used for the household. Soon flat owners and renters in the UK could be able to use the same plug-in technology, which is currently prohibited.

The DIY systems, which have grown in popularity in countries such as France, Italy, the Netherlands and Germany, are typically plugged straight into the homes power sockets, saving money on electricity bills and allowing people access to a new source of power.

So why cant balconies in the UK simply have the same systems installed?

British regulations around solar systems and wiring mean that professionals must be involved in their installation and the panels cannot simply be plugged into the mains like a toaster.

In some European countries, where electrical systems are different to the UK, residents are allowed to put in place their own small systems  such as a few panels being hung off a balcony.

Thomas Newby of the Leeds-based engineering company Morgan & Newby says this difference in regulation means the technology has grown in popularity. In Germany, Balkonkraftwerk (balcony power plant) systems are now installed at 1.5m apartments.

Various countries permit systems limited in output to 800W to be connected via a standard appliance plug to a socket-outlet, he says. As a result of this lower-cost entry point, well suited to apartments where the solar modules can be hung or positioned on the balcony, uptake has increased significantly of late.

This week the UK government said it would launch a safety study with the aim of unlocking opportunities for plug-in solar over the next few years as part of a new plan to triple the UKs solar capacity by 2030.

In theory, this could mean people in flats would have a much cheaper way to access solar energy, as the cost of labour is taken off the bill. And renters could take the systems with them when they move from flat to flat. This would give people who usually do not have access to cheap power a way to reduce their energy bills.

Newby said a typical kit containing two solar panels, a battery to store energy and the plugs needed to convert it to the household electrics would cost about 2,000. Batteries are used to store energy, which is generated and not used immediately in the home, especially on sunny days such as those experienced last month, when temperatures reached 33C.

The study by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero will look at whether the plug-in systems would be safe to use in the UK, where the electricity supply system is significantly different to countries such as Germany.

Solar Energy UK, the trade body for the industry, said the installation of plug-in solar panels is not allowed under building regulations or planning policy.

This is due to a range of considerations including aesthetics, structural/building safety and consumer safety. There are other practical considerations including the location of electric sockets and cable protection  we do not tend to have electrical sockets installed on balconies in this country, said Gemma Grimes, director of policy.

The installation of all electrical equipment comes with risks, and it is important that any risks are fully understood prior to widespread rollout. We are aware of examples on the continent  including Germany  and are keen to learn from their experience.
Palestine Action protesters gather outside the High Court in London on July 4 - ANDY RAIN

Labour delayed declaring Palestine Action a terror group amid fears it would cause riots.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper was told the group had passed the threshold for proscription on March 13, but delayed banning them until June.

However, The Telegraph understands that there were fears banning the group could spark riots like those seen in Southport last summer.

In the end, Palestine Action was not proscribed until late June, after activists broke into RAF Brize Norton and damaged two Voyager aircraft with red paint.

The intervening period covered the local election campaign, fuelling accusations that Labour wanted to delay the move to shore up the Muslim vote.

There were fears that banning the group could spark riots - Dan Kitwood/Getty

The group has been behind 19 attacks since March, with the attack on RAF Brize Norton last month, which cost 7 million, being the 20th.

The Home Secretary announced the proscription hours afterwards, but Palestine Action argued the three-month delay showed it was not urgent.

The group had a last-ditch bid to stop the move dismissed by the High Court on Friday night.

It had argued: The Home Secretary was advised as early as March 13 2025 that the statutory tests for proscription were met, yet the decision to proscribe was announced over three months later, on June 23 2025.

Legitimate concerns

Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, said Labour may have delayed the move so as not to harm its chances in difficult local elections.

He told The Telegraph: There are legitimate concerns that Labour delayed implementing this measure because they were worried about losing votes from the Muslim community ahead of Mays local elections.

Labour needs to urgently come clean about the reasons for the delay in implementation.

It comes as Jeremy Corbyn confirmed that discussions were ongoing to set up a new hard-Left party to challenge Labour across Britain.

At the last general election, he and four other independent candidates managed to defeat Labour candidates in constituencies with high Muslim populations.

Mr Corbyn and his colleagues voted against the Commons move to proscribe Palestine Action.

More than a dozen Palestine Action attacks could have been prevented if the Government had proscribed them when it first considered doing so in March.

Had the group been proscribed then, 19 criminal acts  including vandalism, trespass and theft  conducted by its activists since the beginning of March may have been prevented.

On March 11, activists occupied the entrance of insurance company Avivas Manchester office and displayed posters declaring Zionism is Fascism.

They claimed Aviva insures UAV Engines, a Staffordshire drone factory owned by Elbit, an Israeli-based defence firm.

Palestine Action supporters outside the Royal Courts of Justice on July 4 - Leon Neal/Getty Images

On March 15, Palestine Action used a cherry picker to spray red paint and smash windows at Elbits headquarters in Bristol.

The vandalism was the 17th time the group had targeted the companys premises in the city.

This week, four people have been remanded in custody after two Voyager aircraft were damaged at RAF Brize Norton in a demonstration allegedly carried out by members of Palestine Action.

Amy Gardiner-Gibson, 29, Jony Cink, 24, Daniel Jeronymides-Norie, 36, and Lewis Chiaramello, 22, appeared at Westminster magistrates court on Thursday.

A Home Office source said: There is a robust statutory process for proscribing an organisation. It is complete nonsense to suggest any other factors than our national security were considered.
The BBC said it wants to ensure dignity and respect for all colleagues - Hollie Adams

The BBC has admitted it is still letting biological men use womens lavatories.

In response to a Freedom of Information (FoI) request, the corporation said it would only change its policies once guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is approved by the Government.

In the meantime, the BBC said sanitary facilities vary across its estate, which includes studios and offices across the country. Signs will not be changed until the guidance is approved this autumn.

The Supreme Court ruled in April that the word sex in the Equality Act refers to biological sex and not to a persons gender identity.

It means that facilities such as lavatories, changing rooms and showers should be segregated by sex and gender.

The EHRC followed this up with interim guidance which confirmed that transwomen  biological males  should not be allowed in such womens spaces.

And last month, Sir Keir Starmer said public bodies must implement the ruling as soon as possible.

However, the BBC said it would wait until the final guidance is published and signed off by the Government before taking any action.

The law is the law now

Catherine Leng, advocacy lead at the gender-critical group Seen in Journalism, said: We know that before the ruling, the BBC did not signpost facilities for women only by biological sex  in fact, it refused requests to do so  and theyve done nothing since the Supreme Court judgment to change that.

The BBC itself said the judgment gives clarity, so why is it dragging its feet on single-sex spaces?

How can female journalists and other staff feel confident their employer will support them in being impartial when it wont respect the law itself? The law is the law now, it doesnt depend on EHRC guidance and the EHRC chair has made that clear.

It needs to stop asking its diversity teams what to do and start asking lawyers.

In its FoI request, Seen in Journalism asked: Do all or any BBC buildings and workplaces in the UK have single-sex toilets, changing rooms and/or showers which are accessible only to members of one sex and not to trans-identified members of the opposite sex?

The response was: Sanitary facilities vary across the BBC property estate. We fully intend to comply with any new guidance once approved, while ensuring that we provide facilities that respect the needs and rights of all staff and visitors to our buildings.

The BBC currently has self-contained facilities and/or mixed-sex toilets everyone can use at most of its sites.

The corporation is now working through what steps it might need to take, noting the EHRCs interim update, to ensure it has sufficient provision of facilities everyone can use across all BBC sites. No signage has yet been changed.

When the EHRCs final guidance is approved by the government, the BBC will review its policies and practices to consider if they need to be updated, to meet any legal obligations across any applicable legislation.

A BBC spokesperson said: We fully intend to comply with the law once guidance has been approved by Government, while ensuring that we provide facilities that respect the needs and rights of all staff and visitors to our buildings.

Fiona McAnena, the director of campaigns at womens rights charity Sex Matters, said: It is deeply shocking that the UKs flagship broadcaster, which covered the Supreme Court judgment extensively, cannot give a straight answer to a very clear question on whether it provides single-sex facilities for its employees.

In fact, the BBCs response suggests that the organisation could currently be operating outside the law, and gives the impression it is in no hurry to ensure it complies with the law.

The ruling laid out clearly how the Equality Act should be interpreted, with single-sex toilets and changing rooms operating on the basis of biological sex.

The Prime Minister himself has said that public bodies refusing to implement the Supreme Court ruling on the definition of a woman must do it as soon as possible.

The BBC surely has the legal resources to interpret and implement a clear judgment. It is only putting itself at increased risk of legal action with each day it delays.
Credit: @antisemitism / X

The singer of punk band Bob Vylan said the only good pig is a dead pig in an anti-police rant, new footage has revealed.

A video shared by the Campaign Against Anti-Semitism (CAA) appears to show the groups frontman, whose real name is Pascal Robinson-Foster, saying to the crowd: How do you lot feel about the police? The only good pig is a dead pig.

It is understood that the incident occurred at the Rebellion Festival in Blackpool in August 2023.

Robinson-Foster sparked controversy last week after leading the crowd at Glastonbury in chants of death, death to the IDF [Israel Defence Forces].

The BBC has since said that it will no longer live broadcast high-risk performances following the incident - OLI SCARFF/AFP

The band were performing ahead of an appearance by Kneecap, the pro-Palestinian Northern Irish rap group. The chant was taken up by the crowd, many of whom were waving Palestinian flags.

The incident has left Tim Davie, director-general of the BBC, fighting for his job after Lisa Nandy, the Culture Secretary, demanded answers over the live-streaming of the event and more accountability from the corporations leadership.

The Chief Rabbi also criticised the BBC for broadcasting the chants and described the incident as a time of national shame, adding: Toxic Jew-hatred is a threat to our entire society.

Appalling hate speech

The bands visa, ahead of its 20-city tour through the US, was also revoked by the State Department, and Sir Keir Starmer condemned Robinson-Fosters appalling hate speech.

The Prime Minister told The Telegraph that the corporation urgently needed to explain how these scenes came to be broadcast.

In response to the new footage, a CAA spokesman said that they had contacted the police over the latest chants, adding: Before they were calling for death to the IDF, we can reveal that Bob Vylan were insulting police officers and extolling dead pigs. Calling for the death of people you dislike isnt art: its cheap and dangerous.

It should carry consequences. We have alerted police in Lancashire and Somerset, who are already investigating the Glastonbury performance.

The CAA had previously called for Mr Davie to be sacked.

The BBC has since said that it will no longer live broadcast high-risk performances following the incident.

Corporation officials also admitted that the band were judged high risk during an assessment of Glastonbury acts, but deemed them suitable for live-streaming, subject to the use of language or content warnings.

A BBC source has previously told The Telegraph that Mr Davie believes he can weather the scandal.

Following the Glastonbury incident, Lorna Clarke, the BBCs head of music, who was the most senior executive in charge of the corporations coverage, stepped back from day-to-day duties.

Bob Vylans performance at Radar festival in Manchester was cancelled after the incident at Glastonbury.

According to an organiser, Kneecap were suggested as a replacement for the band. The Irish rap trio have also caused controversy in recent weeks, with member Liam Og O hAnnaidh, also known as Mo Chara, appearing in court in June charged with a terror offence. Kneecap said they have never supported Hamas or Hezbollah, which are banned groups in the UK.

Make a statement

Speaking on the 2 Promoters, 1 Pod podcast, Radar organiser Catherine Jackson-Smith said the festival was forced into a position they did not want to take in dropping the band from their upcoming headline slot this Saturday.

On acts that could replace Bob Vylan, Ms Jackson-Smith said her colleague Joe had suggested a Kneecap secret set in order to make a statement.

But she added: We might end up with somebody that has no discernible political opinion in any manner at this point, because if theyre free and they could play on Saturday, maybe that is the criteria that were looking for at this stage.

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: We have reviewed our systems, and we have no record of any complaint being made at the time in relation to the matter which occurred in August 2023.

If any offences had taken place, this would possibly constitute a summary only offence under Section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986. The six-month time limit to potentially bring such a prosecution has since expired, and therefore no further action could now be taken.

Avon and Somerset Police have been contacted for comment.

A spokesman for Bob Vylan has also been contacted for comment.
Bhim Sen Kohli, 80, was racially abused and attacked while walking his dog - Family Handout/PA

The sentence handed to a teenage boy convicted of killing an 80-year-old man as he walked his dog will be reviewed by the Court of Appeal.

Bhim Sen Kohli called out for help as he was attacked, slapped in the face with a shoe and racially abused in Franklin Park in Braunstone Town, near Leicester, on Sept 1 last year. He died the next day with a spinal cord injury and fractured ribs.

Last month, Mr Justice Turner sentenced a boy aged 15, who had punched and kicked Mr Kohli, to seven years in custody, and a 13-year-old girl, who encouraged the attack by filming parts of it while laughing, to a three-year youth rehabilitation order.

Both children, who cannot be named because of their age, denied their crimes but were convicted by a jury at Leicester Crown Court.

Credit: Leicestershire Police

A spokesman for the Attorney Generals Office said the case would be reviewed under the unduly lenient sentence scheme.

The spokesman said: The Solicitor General, Lucy Rigby KC MP, was appalled by this violent, cowardly attack on an innocent man. She wishes to express her deepest sympathies to Bhim Kohlis friends and family at this difficult time.

After undertaking a detailed review of the case, the Solicitor General concluded the sentence of the 15-year-old boy could be referred to the Court of Appeal. The court will determine if the sentence is increased or not.

Mr Kohlis daughter Susan spoke of feeling angry and disappointed, adding that she believed the sentences did not reflect the severity of the crime they committed.
Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, left, and Muhammad Amaad, right, arrive with human rights lawyer Aamer Anwar, centre, at Liverpool Crown Court - Peter Powell/ 2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved

Two brothers headbutted a stranger in a Starbucks before assaulting police officers at Manchester Airport, a jury has heard.

Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 20, and Muhammad Amaad, 26, allegedly used a high level of violence after police were called to respond to an earlier incident at the cafe in Terminal 2 on July 23 last year.

Opening the prosecution case on Friday, Paul Greaney KC, said officers who were already in the airport later traced them to the terminals car park payment area.

Three officers, Pc Zachary Marsden and emergency worker Pc Ellie Cook  both armed  and Pc Lydia Ward, unarmed, approached the defendants, he said. They were then attacked.

Mr Greaney told jurors the prosecutions position was not a complicated case.

He said: The events you are concerned with were captured by CCTV cameras and, in relation to the events in the payment area on the body-worn cameras of police officers as well.

So you will not have to depend only on the recollections of witnesses. You will also be able to see with your own eyes what happened.

The two defendants assert, as we understand it, that at all stages they were acting in lawful self-defence or in defence of the other.

Our prediction is that you will readily conclude that the defendants were not acting in lawful self-defence and that their conduct was unlawful.

The brothers were joined by their mother, Shameem Akhtar, at a press conference at the Midland Hotel in Manchester - Owen Humphreys/PA media

Mr Greaney said the defendants had travelled to the airport with their young nephew to collect their mother who was due to arrive back on a flight from Qatar at Terminal 2.

Jurors were then shown the CCTV footage from the incident at Starbucks, lasting around one minute and 50 seconds, before it was replayed for a second time.

The footage shows the defendants walking past the shop until their mother sees the man she had the disagreement with, and points him out to her sons.

Her youngest son then appears to confront a man named Abdulkareem Ismaeil, who was on the same flight as the defendants mother. He was travelling with his wife and three young children.

The prosecutor said: It is clear that on the flight and/or shortly after it landed, something happened between the defendants mother and Abdulkareem Ismaeil that made the defendants mother unhappy.

At just after 8.20pm, the defendants mother spotted Abdulkareem Ismaeil and pointed him out to her sons. The footage shows Mr Ismaeil backed against the counter of the Starbucks with Amaaz close to him.

During that confrontation, Mohammed Fahir Amaaz delivered a headbutt to the face of Abdulkareem Ismaeil and punched him, then attempted to deliver other blows, all in front of a number of children.

Mr Greaney told jurors the violence was entirely unlawful and delivered out of anger and not in self-defence.

The prosecutor said Mr Ismaeil is not a witness so the jury will not hear from him.

He was visiting the UK with his family and just wanted to get on with his holiday and declined to give a statement to police.

Mr Greaney added: However, the absence of evidence from him makes it no less easy to conclude that the first defendant behaved unlawfully in Starbucks.

Jurors were then played CCTV footage from when the three uniformed police officers entered the car park pay station at 8.28pm.

Mr Greaney said: The officers attempted to move Mohammed Fahir Amaaz away from a payment machine in order to arrest him, but he resisted, and his brother Muhammad Amaad intervened.

Both defendants assaulted Pc Marsden. In the moments that followed, the first defendant also assaulted Pc Cook and then Pc Ward too, breaking her nose. The defendants used a high level of violence.

He [Amaaz] was still holding Pc Marsden round the neck as he fell, dragging the officer to the floor with him. At that point, Pc Marsden was able to roll away and get to his feet.

The first defendant [Amaaz] then raised and moved his head towards Pc Marsden who, it seems, in response kicked him to the face and then brought his foot down towards the top of his head in what looks like a stamping motion.

We recognise those actions look rather shocking in the cold light of day, but we suggest they need to be judged in the context of the very serious level of threat posed by the defendants to an officer, who was concerned that his firearm might be taken from him at an airport.

Acting offensively, not defensively

Mr Amaaz is alleged to have assaulted Pc Marsden and Pc Ward, causing them actual bodily harm. He is also accused of the assault of Pc Cook and the earlier assault of Abdulkareem Ismaeil at Starbucks.

Amaad, 26, is alleged to have assaulted Pc Marsden, causing actual bodily harm.

Both men, from Rochdale, Greater Manchester, deny the allegations.

Mr Greaney said: In any event, those actions all occurred after the violence of the defendants.

The position of the prosecution is that they are logically irrelevant to the lawfulness of the conduct of Mohammed Fahir Amaaz and Muhammad Amaad as charged in the indictment.

What you have seen is the two defendants acting offensively, not defensively. The position of the prosecution is that their apparent defence of self-defence is false.

The trial continues.
Credit: BBC

French police have punctured Channel migrants boats at sea for the first time in a change of tactics backed by Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary.

Officers armed with knives entered the sea at a beach near Boulogne-sur-Mer on Friday to puncture the dinghies in water shallow enough to enable migrants on board to wade back to the shore.

Dozens of migrants, including some women and children, had to give up their attempt to reach the UK as the boat began to deflate and sink.

It is understood the knife puncturing was part of initial trials by France to establish the most effective tactics for stopping migrants from leaving.

Ms Cooper said it was a different and welcome strategy that was part of wider plans for French border police and gendarmes to start intervening in shallow waters within 300 metres of the shore to stop migrants boats leaving.

French police entered the sea on a beach near Boulogne-sur-Mer on Friday, armed with knives to puncture the dinghies

The new strategy is expected to be unveiled at next weeks Anglo-French summit when Emmanuel Macron comes to the UK for a three-day state visit.

French police previously used knives to disable boats on the beaches before they launched to sea, but people-smugglers changed tactics by launching dinghies from nearby rivers and canals.

These taxi boats then sailed up the coast to pick up migrants in shallow waters without touching the beach. French police have tried to block the passage in the rivers using chains of buoys across them, and this tactic is expected to expand.

It comes after a record 20,422 migrants have reached the UK so far this year  up nearly 50 per cent on last year and the highest number in the first six months of any year since the Channel crossings started in 2018.

Some 5,170 people arrived last month alone.

Ms Cooper has been in talks with the French over their border sea patrols and officers intercepting people-smugglers taxi boats not only in the shallow waters as they leave the beaches, but also when they make their way from rivers and inland waterways .

Ive been talking to the French interior minister about the importance of action in French waters. Thats what we need in order to prevent boat crossings, she said.

Weve seen criminal gangs this year really exploiting the fact that the French rules for too long have meant that they could not intervene in French waters. The French interior minister has been determined to change those rules. He has been working to do that. Ive been working very closely with him on it.

We do think that theres a wider range of interventions that can be used. Our small boats operational command has been working closely with the French authorities on what those options might be.

That work is still under way, but both of us, as interior ministers, are pressing for this to happen as swiftly as possible and as extensively as possible.

Dozens of migrants waded in the water as the dinghy deflated

Downing Street also welcomed the tougher French tactics, claiming it reflected efforts by Sir Keir Starmer to reset relations with the EU.

A No 10 spokesman said: No government has been able to get this level of co-operation with the French. That is important. We are looking to see France change its maritime tactics, and that is down to the Prime Ministers efforts to reset our relationships across Europe.

The spokesman said the new tactic, along with other measures, could have a major impact on shutting down the tactics these gangs use.

There has been growing frustration at apparent foot-dragging by France, which has so far stopped fewer than 40 per cent of boats this year  the lowest proportion on record  despite a three-year, 480 million Anglo-French deal to combat the crossings.

Until now, France has refused to intervene in the water, claiming maritime laws prevent it from taking action that could put lives at sea at risk. But French ministers have given permission to do so while respecting the law of the sea.

A Government spokesman said use of the new tactic by French police could have a major impact in stopping the smuggling gangs

Ms Cooper also said that every migrant who arrived on a small boat on which a child had died should face prosecution.

I think its just totally appalling that you see boats where children are being crushed to death on these overcrowded boats, and yet the boat still continues to the UK. So we want to strengthen the law to have endangerment of life at sea be part of our laws, so we can prosecute, she said.

Frankly, I want to see everybody who is arriving on a boat where a childs life has been lost ... facing prosecution, either in the UK or in France.

Labours new borders Bill, currently before Parliament, would create a new offence where any migrant who prevents offers of rescue at sea anywhere on the Channel, or uses physical aggression, intimidation or coercive behaviour to overload boats will face prosecution and up to five years in jail.

Ms Cooper told the BBC that increased overcrowding of boats was part of the reason that the number of arrivals had increased this year.

Earlier on LBC, the Home Secretary refused three times to say that the number of migrants crossing the Channel would be lower this time next year, saying only that she wanted it to be the case and the Government was introducing measures with the aim of achieving it.
Images of suspects in shops will be used to identify them and deny them entry - Roy James Shakespeare

Prolific shoplifters are to be barred from stores and prosecuted under plans for the first national database of repeat offenders.

Stores including M&S, Morrisons, Boots, Tesco, Primark, and Greggs are submitting CCTV, photos and personal data on all their repeat shoplifters to the database, which is shared with police.

Meanwhile, Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, has announced that extra officers will be deployed on the streets of 500 towns in a summer blitz to crack down on shoplifting and anti-social behaviour by thugs and thieves.

Just 5 per cent of shoplifting is reported to police, meaning thousands of prolific thieves are currently dropping below the radar and escaping prosecution amid record levels of store theft.

Investigators believe that targeting the top 10 per cent of shoplifters could cut store thefts by as much as 70 per cent  the amount of offences for which they are responsible.

The shared data enables all the stores and police to join the dots to identify prolific offenders, gather evidence for prosecutions and provide security staff on the shop doors with photo watchlists to bar entry.

The intelligence-sharing system, known as Auror, was pioneered in New Zealand under Jacinda Ardern, the former prime minister.

Now deployed by 98 per cent of New Zealand stores, the system is credited with slashing rates of shoplifting and saving so much police investigation time that they could employ the equivalent of an extra 450 officers. One senior UK supermarket executive described it as a potential game-changer.

More than 500 towns across England and Wales have signed up to the Home Offices Safer Streets summer initiative, which will run to Sept 30, with more visible policing and stronger enforcement to restore confidence in policing.

Ms Cooper, who was briefed on the Auror shoplifting system by Boots on Thursday, said: We want more retailers, more organisations, working together on schemes like this so that we can have that partnership, so that youre tackling the crime but also getting the neighbourhood police and the reassurance in local communities.

This hasnt happened for too long, too often. People have just been working separately, in silos, and also this sort of crime has been treated as low-level. Its not. It has a huge impact on local economies and on that sense of safety at the heart of communities.

Paul Fagg, Aurors director of law enforcement, said the crime intelligence platform enabled retailers to record everything that happens in their stores to tackle the huge under-reporting issue.

Police have access to Auror so that incidents they did not see before are now visible for them, he said, adding that this enabled police and retailers to identify prolific offenders with CCTV and photographic evidence.

He cited one recent case in which a repeat offender who had targeted 18 stores, all of them operated by different retailers, was caught as a result. He was jailed for a year and handed a criminal behaviour order that banned him from stores across the UK, with a potential jail term of five years for any breach.

Ben McDonald, the head of the Morrisons corporate protection team, said Auror was a game-changer as security staff could now identify prolific offenders and turn them away.

Bans will avoid confrontation with thieves

If you can stop them before they come into the store, they will leave but once they steal something, they think it is theirs and it becomes confrontational, said the former police officer.

Stores use face recognition technology to cross reference faces with thefts and at least one supermarket is considering live facial recognition cameras which could identify offenders from the database automatically and instantly.

Ms Cooper urged police to make greater use of facial recognition technology, saying: It is a really important tool for policing to be able to use, and particularly on trying to identify criminals, looking at the CCTV.

We do think there is more scope for using facial recognition more widely, and were going to set out more ways in which that can be done as part of a proper framework.

A record 516,971 shoplifting offences were logged by forces last year  up 20 per cent from 429,873 in 2023. Stores logged 20 million faces of suspects in the same period.
Lady Sarah Aspinall in 1974 with baby gorillas at the Aspinalls zoo - Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Image

Lady Sarah Aspinall, who has died aged 80, was a model in Swinging London whose marriages brought her into contact with two wildly contrasting  albeit comparably dangerous  worlds.

The first was Formula One, as wife of the driver Piers Courage; the second was the care of large wild animals, as wife of the casino-owner and conservationist John Aspinall, who praised her as a perfect example of the primate female, ready to serve the dominant male and make his life agreeable. In the first year of their marriage she reared three baby gorillas, a tigress cub and a litter of wolves.

Of these two milieux, motorsport was the more natural for Lady Sarah (Sally) Curzon, born in Edinburgh on January 25 1945, the only child of the 5th Earl Howes third marriage, to Sibyl, nee Boyter. Lord Howe, better known as Francis Curzon, was the grand old man of British motor racing who had won Le Mans in 1931 with Sir Tim Birkin, and advised his daughter never to take notice of safety nets.

Lady Sarah in 1966, shortly after her weding to Piers Courage - Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Tales of these dashing Bentley Boys had ignited the schoolboy imagination of Sallys first husband Piers Porridge Courage, who resisted his fathers wishes for him to succeed as sixth-generation chairman of the Courage brewery, and emerged instead as a formidable talent on the racetrack, driving for his friend Frank Williamss Formula One team and even turning down an offer from Enzo Ferrari.

Courages 1966 marriage to Lady Sally, a saucer-eyed beauty in the Twiggy mould who had modelled mini-dresses for Mary Quant, made them the pin-ups of motorsport  like something out of F Scott Fitzgerald, as the car-maker Charles Lucas put it.

In June 1970 Lady Sally Courage was filling in her husbands lap charts at the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. A fortnight earlier, their friend Bruce McLaren had died at Goodwood. Consoling his widow, Lady Sally had thought: That wont happen to me. My Piers will be OK.

By lap 23 Courage was missing and a plume of black smoke had appeared from the dunes. The tannoy broadcast the mistaken report that Courage had been seen walking; in fact, his car was a magnesium-fed fireball, setting alight the nearby bushes and defeating the firemen who tried to extricate the driver. In all likelihood the 28-year-old Courage had been killed before the 20 gallons of fuel erupted, his helmet ripped off by a flying front wheel.

With Piers Courage and his Team Lotus car before a Formula 3 race at Silverstone in 1966 - Victor Blackman/Daily Express/Getty Images

The stricken widow returned to London with their two infant sons to face a mountain of debts; later that season Jochen Rindt, the leading driver, was also killed at Monza, subsequently becoming Formula Ones only posthumous champion.

John Aspinall, meanwhile, had been amassing a fortune  and an equivocal reputation  as owner of Londons most rarefied casino, the Clermont Club in Berkeley Square, piledriving through the British aristocracy and separating younger sons from more money than they ought perhaps to have had access to, in the words of his biographer, Brian Masters. Parents and trustees viewed Aspinalls arrival on the London scene as comparable with the disembarkation of Lenin at Helsinki station in 1917.

When one habitue of the Clermont declined Aspinalls offer to lunch because he was on his way to Piers Courages wedding to Lady Sally Curzon, Aspinall had ordered the social climber to tell that racing driver that real men dont race but gamble.

Aspinall, who kept tigers and Himalayan bears at his house in Belgravia, saw the world of human relations as an extension  and not a particularly impressive one  of the animal kingdom. I know women will eventually revert to the role of female gorillas, he once observed.

Piers Courage and Lady Sarah with a friend in Monte Carlo in 1968 - Victor Blackman/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

He was ambitious to breed: his first wife had given him a son and a daughter, but his second wife had drifted from him in grief after their infant daughter died of a rare heart defect.

I needed a woman, he recalled. I looked in my telephone book to see who I knew. Couldnt be the wife of a friend, since among my group it is taboo to steal a friends female. I saw Sallys name and knew that Piers had just been killed in a Formula One race, so I asked her out to lunch.

His courtship proceeded with alpha-male vigour. Theres a lorry outside filled with flowers, her housekeeper told her. Except its a jungle.

After 18 months together they married in 1972, christening their son Bassa Wulfhere after the grandfather of Alfred the Great (Bassa) and an army of wolves (Wulfhere), in line with Aspinalls ideological preference for English names over those of Roman or Jewish derivation.

Lady Sarah in 1968: she modelled mini-dresses for Mary Quant - Mike McKeown/Daily Express/Getty Images

That year Aspinall sold the Clermont Club to funnel money into his zoo at Howletts, his Palladian house in Kent. Almost immediately the Aspinalls were ruined by the stock market crash of 1973, and Sally had to sell her jewellery to keep the animals in feed.

But marriage to Courage, who had fixed his engines with chewing gum when cut off from his familys money, had acclimatised her to a precarious life. During her marriage to Aspinall we went bust several times, she recalled. I was quite used to it. John took the view that objects and pictures were for the good times, and in the bad times, they went.

Their marriage was a remarkable success, lasting three decades until his final illness in 2000, during which she nursed him devotedly. Lady Annabel Goldsmith judged Sally to have been Aspinalls soulmate, recalling one visit when John told her that Sally was busy upstairs with the baby. Somewhat baffled, I went upstairs and found her in the bedroom with a tiny baby gorilla in an incubator and a paediatric nurse from University College Hospital.

Sally walked their tigers around Belgravia at night, with only one biting incident, provoked, she said, by wearing a coat that my big tiger didnt like. I banged him on the nose and he stomped out furiously. In 1973 they gambled on expanding to a second zoo at Port Lympne; by 1991, more than a thousand animals were housed between the two premises.

The then Lady Sarah-Marguerite Curzon and her husband-to-be John Aspinall with an elephant from their zoo - Terry Disney/Daily Express/Getty Images

She imbibed his philosophy: Aspers was my man, my dominant male, she observed after his death. I dont believe in this feminist stuff. Being 20 years older than me, he knew where he was going. He took you along because he was so exciting, whether you agreed with him or not. He respected the matriarchs role.

He also admired her capability as a hostess, an inherited Curzon trait, while she credited Aspers with making her grow up: He would look through people almost like a pane of glass, while accepting them for what they were. He knew me so well. He also respected me and loved me.

As a romantic gesture, in 1984 he bought her familys ancestral house in Curzon Street as grander premises for his club Aspinalls; less romantically, a few years later, on James Goldsmiths advice, he sold it at a massive profit days before the 1987 crash.

Lady Sarah Aspinall entered a familiar nightmare in 1995 when she was told that her son Jason Courage, an aspiring racing driver, had been knocked off his motorcycle; he was paralysed from the chest down, but learnt to race using hand controls. Amos, her other son with Piers Courage, ran a gorilla orphanage in the Congo and became director of overseas operations of the Aspinall Foundation. Bassa Aspinall, her third son, rebelled against his fathers ambitions and became an artist in South Africa.

Her three sons survive her.

Lady Sarah Aspinall, born January 25 1945, died June 17 2025
The Taliban have re-established control of Afghanistan - Mohsen Karimi/Getty

The UK will pay 1.6 million to Afghan nationals whose lives were put at risk after their details were leaked as they attempted to flee the Taliban.

In a major blunder in September 2021, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) emailed 265 vulnerable Afghans who had not made it out of the country before the Taliban takeover, but were eligible for evacuation.

The email could be seen by all recipients, which included 55 people who had thumbnail pictures on their email profiles.

In December 2023, the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) fined the MoD 350,000, stating the breach could have been a threat to life if the information had fallen into the hands of the Taliban.

Now, in a written statement to Parliament on Friday, Luke Pollard, the Armed Forces minister, said the MoD had agreed to pay up to 4,000 to each person affected, with the total cost expected to be in the region of 1.6 million.

The email was sent by the team in charge of the UKs Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (Arap), which was closed without warning by the Government earlier this week.

Defences record must improve

The scheme was responsible for relocating Afghan nationals who had worked for or with the UK Government and were therefore at risk of reprisals once the Taliban returned to power in Kabul nearly four years ago.

On Friday, Mr Pollard said he could not undo past mistakes, but sought to reassure MPs that he would drive improvement in the departments data-handling training and practices.

He added: Defences record on these topics must improve and I am determined to ensure it does.

In its ruling, the ICO found those responsible had not taken steps to prevent personal information being disclosed, which came to light after two people replied all to an email, with one providing their location to the entire distribution list.

The original email was sent on Sept 20 2021 to vulnerable people left behind after the British airlift from Kabul.

The MoD then launched an internal investigation that revealed two similar breaches on Sept 7 and Sept 13 that year, the ICO said.

Under data protection law, organisations should have measures in place to avoid disclosing personal information, and the watchdog advises the use of bulk email services or mail merge to protect details sent electronically. However, the ICO found that the Arap scheme had no such measures in place at the time.
The South African cleric Shaykh Ebrahim Bham has been invited to speak in a Bradford mosque

An Islamic preacher who once cited a Nazi comparison of Jews to fleas is to speak at a mosque in Bradford this weekend.

On Friday, Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, was urged to ban Shaykh Ebrahim Bham, a South African cleric, from entering the UK to speak at a conference being held on Sunday.

Mr Bham used his first Friday sermon after the Oct 7 Hamas attacks on Israel to hail the courage of the attackers and how they had struck fear in the hearts of the Israelis.

Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, said: This vile Islamist preacher should be banned from entering the UK  end of. The Home Secretary must revoke his visa immediately.

Alex Hearn, of Labour Against Anti-Semitism, said: Bhams support for banned terrorist groups, violence, racism and homophobia should not be welcome, and we call on Yvette Cooper to bar his entry to Britain.

Lord Walney, a former Government adviser on political violence, said Mr Bham must be barred because of his praise for Hamas, a proscribed terror group. Extremist rhetoric directly harms community cohesion and has no place in the UK, he said.

The Home Office declined to comment on an individual case, but said: Were clear there is absolutely no place in our society for the vile preaching of anti-Semitism, and our law enforcement partners are always ready to take the strongest possible action against anyone who breaks our laws and incites hatred in our communities.

Quoting Goebbels

Recordings of Mr Bhams sermons previously hosted on the website of South Africas Council of Muslim Theologians, of which he is secretary general, reveal him talking about Joseph Goebbels, the chief propagandist of the Nazi party.

In one he says: Goebbel [sic] was a very famous minister of the Nazis, and he tried to justify the killing of the Jews. Now as far as we are concerned, we do not need to feel apologetic because it was not done by Muslims.

The Muslims did not do it, but they had to suffer the consequences of the Holocaust. Because Europe, because of its guilt, had to shed its Jews. And they couldnt put them in Europe, they put them in Palestine at the expense of the indigenous Palestinian Muslim people.

Quoting Goebbels, he adds: One day, he said that People tell me that Jews are human beings. Yes, I know they are human beings. Just as fleas are also animals. Just as fleas are also animals, they are also part of human beings like that.

Using that example, the psyche of the whole people [Jews] seems to be to mete out the very same treatment to others the way it was meted out toward them.

In his sermon after the Oct 7 attacks, Mr Bham described them as amazing. He said: They took the courage and they resisted, and they went into Israel. And of course, they attacked Israel. First time there has been fear in the hearts of the occupiers. They put fear in the hearts of the occupiers. Over 1000 people have died, and many of them soldiers.

He defended their right to fight, saying: Palestinians are entitled to defend themselves, and defending themselves is part of Islam. Allah has given you the right to fight if you are oppressed. When they fall and they die, they attain martyrdom, brothers, they are fighting on our behalf.

Comments are abhorrent

Although he says he opposes the terrorists of Islamic State, Mr Bham has previously defended jihad and the caliphate. He has called jihad a tower in the castle of Islam and suggested the caliphate is something to which Muslims should aspire.

He has described sexual equality as absurd, called homosexuality wrong and defended jihad as part and parcel of Islamic teaching.

Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, urged the Home Office to investigate how Mr Bham was granted a visa, saying: Bhams comments are abhorrent, and he must be banned from the UK. We must not allow extremists who defend jihad and cite a Nazi propagandist to have any sort of platform here.

The Home Office must urgently investigate how Bham was allowed entry in the first place. Registered charities should not be promoting extremist views  this mosque should be stripped of its charitable status.

Previously, Mr Bham had denied preaching hate and said he had never agreed with categorisations of Jews as sub-human. His citing of Goebbels was to make the point that given what the Jews had undergone  Israel should be more sensitive of the human rights of Palestinians and not regard them as sub-human.

Mr Bham has been approached for further comment via his Council of Muslim Theologians.
Purple emperor populations declined over the 20th century but have been slowly recolonising the landscape at Knepp since 2001. Photograph: Knepp/Neil Hulme

A conservation project in West Sussex has had its best day on record for rare purple emperor butterfly sighting, and ecologists say they are confident the species is doing well nationally.

Purple emperor populations steadily declined over the course of the 20th century but they have been slowly recolonising the landscape at Knepp since 2001, when Isabella Tree and her husband, Charlie Burrell, decided to turn the stretch of former farmland into a process-led rewilding project.

Ecologists at Knepp recorded 283 purple emperors on 1 July alone. Since the site boasts the UKs largest population of the butterflies, the ecologists said they were confident the numbers were high nationwide.

Knepps purple emperor expert Neil Hulme emphasised that butterfly populations experienced fluctuations rather than steady growth year on year, but he suggested the top quality rewilded landscape had allowed the purple emperors to flourish. In particular, he said, Knepps mosaic of sallow scrub provided a crucial location for female emperors to lay their eggs.

Nature lovers have long been fascinated by the purple emperor, and for at least 250 years have been using unusual methods to lure them from the treetops where they reside. Despite their apparently delicate nature, the butterflies are renowned for feeding on cowpats and decaying animal carcasses. Those in search of a sighting attempt to entice purple emperors with anything from dirty nappies to blue cheese.

Alongside their love for animal flesh, purple emperors can become intoxicated on oak sap, enhancing their reputation as brawling thugs.

Hulme stressed that although the purple emperors may be the most glamorous success story at Knepp, other species had also benefited from the rewilding. Butterflies such as purple hairstreaks and the silver-washed fritillary, as well as nightingales and swifts are also being sighted in record numbers. He described clouds of butterflies everywhere  none of us want summer 2025 to ever end.

Tree said the success of the purple emperor showed the power of rewilding: When nature is allowed to recover, wildlife will return soon after.
A Reform council opposes certain books that can be accessed by children in Kent libraries

A Reform council has removed all transgender-related books from the childrens section of its libraries, its leader has announced.

Paul Webb, Reforms cabinet member who oversees libraries, said he made the decision after a distressed member of the public approached him with concerns about trans ideology books in the childrens section of a library.

Linden Kemkaran, Reforms leader of Kent county council (KCC), hailed the decision as a victory for common sense.

It is unknown how many books are to be removed or how the council will classify transgender-related books.

The authority runs 99 community libraries and five mobile library vans.

Reform won the council from the Conservatives, who had controlled it since 1997, as part of a sweep of victories at the local elections in May.

The Autistic Trans Guide to Life is apparently on the removals list

How to be a Girl has been targeted by a Reform council in Kent

In a video posted on X, Mr Webb said: I was recently contacted by a concerned member of the public who found trans-ideological material in the childrens section of one of our libraries. I have looked into this and this was the case.

Ive today issued an instruction for them all to be removed from the childrens section of any of our libraries.

They do not belong in the childrens sections of our libraries. Our children do not need to be told they were born in the wrong bodies. So, from today (July 2) this will stop.

Books that have been available to youngsters at Kent libraries

This Arab is Queer is also said to be on the Reform removals list

According to a post by Ms Kemkaran on X, the books that appear to be on the removal list include: The Autistic Trans Guide to Life, written by two leading autistic trans activists; How to be a Girl: A Mothers Memoir of Raising her Transgender Daughter and This Arab is Queer, a collection of memoir and personal stories by Arab LGBTQ+ writers.

She added: Telling children theyre in the wrong body is wrong and simply unacceptable.

The decision was criticised by Antony Hook, the Liberal Democrat leader of the opposition, who said: It is bizarre that the leader of the council is making announcements on social media, rather than to the council.

Mr Hook told BBC News he had written to the head of Kent library services to ask for an update on what books were to be removed.

The move comes as Reforms newly elected council leaders continue their push for the removal of all flags that are not the Union flag or that of the local area.

Last month, Monica Fogarty, the chief executive of Warwickshire county council, defied an order from the councils newly elected leader to take down a Pride flag.

Zia Yusuf, the head of Reforms department of government efficiency, claimed the refusal showed that a coup detat is under way in Britain.

KCC said staff at the countys 99 libraries have been asked to ensure that books are always stocked in age-appropriate categories and that no adult literature makes its way into areas specifically aimed at children, or where children will be selecting books, such as the public welcome displays.

It said the Kent library service has confirmed that staff will ensure this happens.
Credit: LTV

He claims to be the successor of Jesus Christ and Mohammed, as well as the true and legitimate pope. He leads a millenarian religious movement, based in a building on a leafy residential road in the Cheshire town of Crewe. And his devoted followers declare they are trying to save the world.

For all his certainty, however, Abdullah Hashem is an almost completely unknown figure in modern day Britain.

Or he was until this week, when he and his movement became the subject of an in-depth Guardian investigation that shone a light on the little-known Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL).

Abdullah Hashem on the cover of The Divine Just State magazine, May 2025

With roots in Shia Islam, AROPL traces its origins back to Iraq in 1999.

It wasnt officially founded, however, until 2015, when Hashem emerged to declare himself the Mahdi, a missing Imam referred to in Shia Islam and who adherents believe will one day reappear to rid the world of injustice and rule until Judgment Day.

A slim man in his early 40s, with a neat, greying beard, Hashem was born in the US to an Egyptian father and American mother. He is reported to have started out as an amateur film-maker, whose early output included a documentary expose about a UFO cult.

In 2008, he moved to Egypt, where he claims to have risked his life to topple the countrys then-leader, Hosni Mubarak, during the Arab Spring.

I camped out in Tahrir Square, I was attacked by government agents and Egyptian police forces, I dodged bullets and engaged in deadly battles and I was arrested and tortured. In the end, we won, Hashem writes in his manifesto, published last year, of the 2011 uprising that unseated the Egyptian president.

Four years later, Hashem established his sect in post-revolutionary Egypt.

Credit: LTV

It was quickly forced to relocate to Europe amid alleged religious persecution. In April this year, Amnesty International called for the release of AROPL members who the human rights charity said had been arbitrarily arrested in Egypt solely for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of religion or belief.

AROPL followers have been severely persecuted in Muslim-majority countries, the movement says, in part because their teaching diverges from mainstream Muslim views.

Hashem and his sect initially resettled in Germany  where there is an ongoing investigation into the disappearance of one of its members  before moving once again to Sweden.

By 2018, the movement was thought to have about 170 members in the country and had registered a farm property in the Savsjo region for training and education purposes, according to Dr Sarah Harvey, a senior research officer at education charity Inform, who has written a factsheet on AROPL.

A string of controversies relating to the sects financial dealings followed, according to the Guardian report, resulting in dozens of members having their residency permits revoked and several investigations into their activities.

The AROPL experienced a series of raids and inspections on the property by Swedish police, Dr Harvey writes in her factsheet. No illegal activity was discovered.

By 2021, Hashem and AROPL had relocated once more, this time to north-west England. They continue to operate here from their base in Webb House, a former orphanage and hospital that sits on an almost five-acre plot of land. It seemingly provides the location from which they now flood the internet with promotional footage.

The sects decision to move to the UK was motivated by religious discrimination against them, it says. The choice of Crewe as a base is understood to have come about simply because an appropriate property happened to come on the market there when they were looking for a site.

Webb House on Victoria Avenue in Crewe, Cheshire - Alamy

The Grade II-listed building they occupy evidently fitted the bill, having been put up for sale in 2021 with an asking price of around 2 million. Later that year, AROPL Studios LTD, which appears to be behind the movements various video production activities, was incorporated and listed at the Webb House address.

It is not clear how the sect afforded the purchase of the property, but Hashem has said followers have a duty to donate funds to it. Videos posted online by AROPLs various accounts show followers admitting to selling their houses upon joining the religion and ex-devotees have said they ended up sending Hashem all the money they had to support the cause.

Documents from the US, where the sect is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit organisation, show AROPL reported assets of $4.5 million in 2023.

A plaque affixed to the exterior of Webb House states that the movement is registered as a non-profit organisation in the United States - Christopher Thomond

Hashem inspires great adulation among his acolytes. Followers reportedly believe he can make the moon disappear, and his own claims extend to being able to cure epilepsy by placing birds of paradise on a patients genitals.

Footage seemingly taken from inside Webb House shows him addressing large groups of men during lengthy sermons. He delivers the speeches from a podium, set against a backdrop of apocalyptic artwork, in a room reportedly known as the basilica.

The sects website describes him as the long awaited Saviour of Mankind, a claim backed up by supporters who point to miracles they allege he has performed. Some of these are the subject of videos online, such as one YouTube video in which a follower claims he healed her sick mother by placing his hands upon her.

Speaking in an interview broadcast on Lebanese television and posted in May on a YouTube channel called The Mahdi Has Appeared, Hashem said many witnesses proclaimed they had seen miracles at my hands. Numerous followers had also had dreams that confirmed his status, he added.

Im not here to start a new religion, but Im here to establish and announce a new covenant, he said.

Credit: LTV

Within 48 hours of Pope Franciss death in April, he declared the vacancy of the papal throne is no accident, but a divine sign in an address posted on social media. The time has come for the rightful heir to assume his position as the true Pope and bearer of the Covenant, Hashem said, in apparent reference to himself.

He is a capable media performer, articulate and persuasive. A messianic figure for these extremely online times.

And his message is amplified by AROPLs slickly produced social media content, which is set to modern hip-hop beats and has received thousands of views.

On TikTok, videos show his followers dressed in trademark black beanie hats, proclaiming that they fight against war, darkness, abuse, starvation and injustice, and for freedom, humanity, peace, happiness, the weak, the elderly and children. They call themselves soldiers and say they live for Hashem and fight against anyone whos against him.

AROPL, which blends Islamic theology and reportedly also conspiracy theories, estimates its followers in Britain to number in the hundreds. Hashem declares them to be the true Muslims, the true Christians, the true Jews.

Worldwide, the movement is thought to have thousands of adherents. They come from different faiths, according to Hashem, including Judaism, Christianity and Buddhism.

In common with all religious movements, the religion is open to and welcomes any converts to their religion, a lawyer for AROPL says.

About 100 believers now reportedly live at its base in Crewe, including parents who are said to be home-schooling their children at the address.

A colouring book from the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light

In a book called The Goal of the Wise, Hashem says they have a duty to donate their salary to the movement to help fund the mission to create a divine state. Former members told The Guardian they felt pressured to sever ties with outsiders.

Videos posted online show a number of followers solemnly declaring their allegiance in videos shot outside the sects northern headquarters, explaining they have sold their houses not because we were pressured but because weve had enough of this world.

AROPLs lawyer says most of the sects members have regular jobs and do not live at Webb House. Of those who do, some have regular jobs, while others work or volunteer at the headquarters, the lawyer adds.

In common with other religious orders, those who choose to live at the AROPLs centre at Crewe are usually expected to contribute to the running of the centre; food accommodation etc, and this may involve selling property or goods, says the lawyer.

Those members who live outside the centre are not required to do so. If they wish to donate, that is welcomed. If they do not, they are still encouraged to remain members of the religion.... [And] all donations and expenditure are fully audited by independent auditors.

In common with other religious orders, those who choose to live at the AROPLs centre at Crewe are usually expected to contribute to the running of the centre; food accommodation etc, and this may involve selling property or goods. Other believers who do not live with the community (which is the majority of members) are not usually expected to do so, although of course the religion welcomes voluntary donations. AROPL does not comment on individual donations as these are private matters, but all donations and expenditure are fully audited by independent auditors.

Many seem to be generous. A YouTube channel linked to the religion appears to have raised more than $10,000 (more than 7,000) via the donate button to support the Madhi. On its website, AROPL invites visitors to pledge their allegiance to the imam of our time by uploading a testimony video.

Security pictured at the gates of Webb House, where the religious movement is now based - Christopher Thomond

The movement continues to seek charitable status via the Charity Commission, having had its initial bid rejected in 2021. It maintains it is a peaceful and progressive religion, which believes in equality between men and women and supports human rights for all.

But Hashems claims to be the new Mahdi, and the true pope, are naturally controversial.

When the presenter in the Lebanese television interview put to Hashem accusations that he suffered from delusions and megalomania, he responded that it was a great badge of honour to be accused of these things that the previous prophets and messengers were accused of, before adding that the accusations meant nothing to him.

Certainly, his reach appears to be expanding, regardless of the mounting scrutiny. Online, an array of accounts continue to push Hashem and the AROPLs message to followers and potential new recruits across the world.

Were making sure that people out there who have access to the internet can hear the message from [Hashem], one devotee declares in a promotional video clip. We are having a very strong and steady response from our viewers.

In another, published just last month, a fellow follower promises salvation to those who submit to Hashems leadership. All they need to do in order to make God happy with them and reach salvation is to accept the Mahdi and be guided by him.
Smoke and flames rise from the blaze near Roxeth Green Avenue in South Harrow - Sean Dunne/UKNIP

Commuters faced heavy disruption on Friday after a huge fire halted Tube trains in north-west London.

A blaze underneath railway arches near Roxeth Green Avenue in South Harrow closed a section of the Piccadilly line, leaving commuters battling severe delays on other parts of the line.

The London Fire Brigade deployed 100 firefighters and 15 fire engines to contain the fire, which began at 1am and was under control by 4am.

Transport for London suspended all trains between South Harrow and Uxbridge, and there are severe delays further along the line until Acton Town.

The blaze underneath railway arches in South Harrow closed a section of the Piccadilly line - London Fire Brigade/X

Commuters were advised to use alternative routes, including buses and the Metropolitan line from Uxbridge into central London.

The cause of the fire is not yet known, and there were no injuries.

A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: The fire occurred at a range of four railway arches housing businesses including vehicle workshops and other commercial uses.

The properties have been severely damaged by fire. Firefighters have worked hard to bring the fire under control, but the brigade is likely to maintain a significant presence on scene for several more hours.

Two 32-metre turntable ladders were used to tackle the blaze from above - London Fire Brigade/X

Multiple gas cylinders exploded in the early stages of the incident, and firemen later removed two additional cylinders and cooled them to prevent further explosions.

Thick smoke poured through the railway arches as firemen battled the blaze. Two 32-metre turntable ladders were used to extinguish the fire from above.

Residents were advised to keep their windows and doors closed because of the smoke.
Antonio Tricarico: There is intimidation against myself, for sure, which is not nice and is impacting daily work. Photograph: Carlo Dojmi di Delupis/ReCommon

When Antonio Tricarico was summoned to his local police station in October and told he was being investigated for defamation, he was stressed but not shocked. Months earlier, Tricarico, the director of the Italian environment NGO ReCommon, had filed a joint legal challenge against the countrys biggest oil company, Eni, which he knew had a history of using lawyers to clamp down on critics.

The company had previously limited itself to civil defamation lawsuits, including against ReCommon, but in Tricaricos case it initiated criminal proceedings over statements he had made in a television interview.

There is intimidation against myself, for sure, which is not nice and is impacting daily work, said Tricarico, who is now considering the energy and resources that would be needed if the case goes to trial. But I think the intimidation is broader.

Environment groups say Eni is engaging in a campaign to stifle critics, with the company having filed at least six defamation lawsuits against journalists and NGOs since January 2019.

The publicly traded company, which is under the de facto control of the Italian economy ministry, is among the worlds biggest historical polluters in terms of planet-heating gas. It plans to increase its underlying production by 3-4% a year over the course of the decade, even as roadmaps to stop the planet from heating call for rapid declines in fossil fuel use.

Court documents show Eni has initiated legal proceedings against critics including the Italian public broadcaster Rai, Greenpeace and multiple newspapers. The company has sought more than 10m (8.6m) in damages across the known cases, according to analysis shared exclusively with the Guardian by Aria, a non-profit research organisation. Enis latest lawsuit does not seek compensation.

Judges have ruled against Eni in three of the cases and another was resolved in a settlement agreement. Two more cases, including the criminal investigation into Tricarico and a civil case against Greenpeace and ReCommon, are continuing.

Simona Abbate, a climate and energy campaigner at Greenpeace Italy, said: Eni is trying to silence dissent. Its an international strategy that fossil companies use to limit the environmental movement.

Campaigners say the cases are examples of strategic lawsuits against public participation, known as Slapps, which can bully journalists and watchdogs into silence with the threat of spurious legal action that stands little chance of success. Eni disputes the characterisation.

In April, a coalition of NGOs including Reporters Without Borders and Transparency International awarded Eni the title of Slapp addict of the year for its defamation lawsuits. The groups highlighted Enis 2024 case against Greenpeace and ReCommon after they sought to hold Eni accountable for climate damages.

The company is responsible for 0.46% of global emissions since the Industrial Revolution, according to figures from the Carbon Majors database that include emissions released by customers burning its fuels. Enis case against the NGOs seeks to stop them from characterising its actions as crimes or using similar language in campaigns.

A spokesperson for Eni said it has not only the right but the duty to turn to the judicial authorities when faced with false and defamatory statements that damage its reputation.

They said: It is important to note that Eni has not initiated any Slapp suits against environmental groups, as it has not sought any financial compensation, but only the judicial truth to which it is entitled.

In earlier defamation lawsuits that Eni lost, mostly concerning coverage of the acquisition of a Nigerian oilfield licence, the company had sought damages of 5m and 350,000 from the Italian newspaper Il Fatto Quotidiano and 5m from Rai. Eni was eventually acquitted of criminal charges in the corruption trial, which was brought about by NGOs including ReCommon.

Climate activists and oil companies are increasingly turning to the courts as fights over pollution and public opinion have become more fraught. While several oil and gas companies have been criticised by free speech campaigners for using legal threats to fight off critics, Eni has filed more lawsuits against journalists and environment groups than other European oil majors are known to have done.

Tricarico said there had been a change of pace since Enis attempts to claim damages from media organisations had failed, and it was now taking a more subtle approach by not asking for money.

The company realised that probably this was not enough to stop the few critical voices  and actually was a pretty bad outcome in court, he said. My feeling is that they are moving to a different approach that you might call a Slapp 2.0.
The vintage motor was due to embark on a trip to Helsinki and the Baltic states before it was stolen - Steve Finn

An irreplaceable 100-year-old Rolls-Royce has been returned to its owner after a hotel heist.

Thieves stole the 300,000 vintage car from Orsett Hall Hotel, near Grays, Essex. It had beenb due to embark on a trip to Helsinki and the Baltic states before it was stolen, along with its trailer, in the early hours of June 26.

The vehicles owner, Brian Fitton, who had offered a 2,000 reward for the cars safe return, shared his relief following its recovery.

Mr Fitton, 82, said: It was thanks to the power of the press that the car has been recovered. A schoolboy spotted it and told his father he had seen a lovely vintage car. His dad had seen the publicity around the theft and got in touch to help with the recovery.

Essex Police went to the area it was spotted in and recovered it intact on the trailer from a dirty old shed. The vehicle has survived Hitler and World War Two, and now it has survived a trip to Essex.

I am delighted it has been recovered. I am hoping the reward is a small fortune for the young lad, and hope that shows him that doing the right thing in life pays off.

To have the vehicle stolen ahead of dropping it off at Tilbury Docks for the ferry to Helsinki was absolutely heartbreaking, but this is a happy ending.

A schoolboy spotted the car and alerted his father, sparking the recovery of the vehicle - Steve Finn

The vintage car was stolen while Mr Fitton was asleep at the four-star hotel last Thursday. He awoke to see it was missing from the car park.

Mr Fitton, a retired scrapyard owner, has toured all over Europe in the vehicle, visiting France, Italy and Poland, among other countries.

The car is full of irreplaceable parts, its an original and has even got the original Lady on the grill, he said. The car has been all over the world and is an advert for British motors. Its been everywhere and it was just appalling that it got stolen in Essex.

Mr Fitton, of Wilmslow, Cheshire, bought the car from a British Petroleum collection in Denmark via an auction at Bonhams. He has since spent years rebuilding the engine and exhibiting it around the world.

The Silver Ghost has toured England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Slovenia, Slovakia, Austria, Portugal and Spain.

Its return comes after Essex Police announced on Friday a reduction in vehicle thefts in the county. Figures showed that there were 573 fewer offences in the 12 months to the end of May  a reduction of almost 10 per cent.

Shaun Kane, Essex Polices Detective Superintendent, said: Vehicle theft is not a victimless crime - it causes real distress to owners and disruption to their everyday lives and their businesses. Were proud to have made such significant progress in reducing this type of crime, and it will be welcomed by everyone in Essex.

Orsett Hall Hotel declined to comment.
Electricity workers near a landslide caused by heavy rainfall in Acapulco, Mexico, as tropical storm Flossie intensified into a category 3 hurricane. Photograph: David Guzman/EPA

Parts of Mexicos west coast were affected by Hurricane Flossie this week. The storm initially developed in the eastern Pacific to the south of Mexico on Sunday 29 June and then travelled north-west, parallel to the coast. Fuelled by warm sea surface temperatures of 29-30C, Flossie quickly strengthened to a category 3 hurricane on Tuesday, with winds reaching 115mph at peak intensity.

Though Flossie did not make landfall, the eye of the hurricane passed within 200 miles of the Mexican coast, with the outer bands of the storm delivering significant rainfall to the states of Guerrero, Michoacan, Colima and Jalisco. Flooding was reported in coastal regions, particularly in southernmost parts of Michoacan, where a major highway in the port city of Lazaro Cardenas was covered in nearly half a metre of flood water, and a sewer collapsed in a nearby residential area. Sea conditions were also a major concern and authorities warned of large swells and rip currents, advising people to avoid beaches and closing some ports to smaller vessels.

Flossie degraded almost as quickly as it had strengthened, weakening to tropical storm status by Thursday, and is now tracking more westerly as it veers away from Baja California.

Meanwhile, parts of Europe continued to swelter in the ongoing heatwave this week, with the final days of June breaking multiple maximum temperature records around Europe for the month.

On Thursday 26 June three cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina recorded new June maximums, with 38.8C in Sarajevo, 38.2C in Doboj, and 37.7C in Tuzla. On the same day, the Austrian state of Carinthia reached a new maximum of 38.3C, and Bologna provisionally set a record for the highest overnight minimum temperature in June, at 27.3C.

Two national June records fell in the following days: on Saturday Spain recorded 46C in the south-west town of El Granado, while Portugal followed suit on Sunday, beating the previous record by almost 2C when 46.6C was recorded in the town of Mora. This was also Portugals fifth-highest temperature ever recorded.

In the Alps, a different kind of June record was broken. On Saturday the freezing point  the altitude at which the temperature is 0C  rose to 5,233m. This was a significant record, marking the first June instance of the freezing point rising above the Alps entirely. The highest point in the range  the summit of Mont Blanc at 4,807m  even remained above freezing overnight.
Many of the women speak of their pride working on a project that feels like it is making a positive contribution to the world. Photograph: Washington State Department of Corrections

Trista Egli was standing in a greenhouse, tearing up strips of plantain and preparing to feed them to butterfly larvae.

Of the many things the team here has tried to tempt larvae of the Taylors checkerspot  a native of the Pacific north-west  with, it is the invasive English plantain they seem to love the most.

The big thing for me is being part of an effort to save an endangered species, says Egli, 36. It is a big thrill.

Egli is one of seven women incarcerated at the Mission Creek correctional facility, located a two-hour drive from Seattle, who are part of a year-long program that takes captured butterflies, harvests their eggs, and oversees the growth of the larvae before they are released into the wild where they will turn into adults.

Last year, scientists working with the team released more than 67,000 larvae.

The adult butterflies live for just a handful of fabulous, wing-fluttering days.

The women working in the program are dressed in red sweaters  indicating they are outside the prisons perimeter  rather than the usual prison garb of khaki pants and white shirts.

Many of the women speak of their pride working on a project that feels like it is making a positive contribution to the world.

Lynn Cheroff, 42, said she had been thrilled to talk about it with her two young children when they come to visit. When she telephones her mother about the work, her mother tells her she is proud.

Another woman, Jennifer Teitzel, appreciates the sense of order and discipline the program demands and instills.

Every detail about the eggs and larvae has to be collated and recorded. It is the womens responsibility, and nobody elses, seven days a week.

At the same time, while the program run by Washington state department of corrections (DOC), is part of an effort to prepare the women for life once their sentences are over and to smooth the path to work or college, there is no sugar-coating their predicament.

Egli, who has three young children, is serving a nine-year sentence for a 2020 drunken hit and run that left a woman with permanent brain damage.

I am paying the price for that every day. I can never go back and undo what happened, she says. But I can try to make sure the rest of life is about making the world a better place.

The program at Mission Creek has been operating for 10 years.

Kelli Bush, the co-director of Sustainability in Prisons Project, a partnership between the DOC and Evergreen State College in Olympia, says a crucial component are graduate students who visit to offer educational support.

Bush says in addition to providing the women something to feel proud about as many deal with shame and guilt, the program also gives them confidence about their own capabilities.

They reconnect with their own brilliance, they reconnect with their own intelligence, she says. Its routine to hear people say I didnt think I was smart and Im realising Im doing science. [With] hands-on learning and incorporating the academic components, pretty soon people find themselves reading peer-reviewed scientific journals and saying. I can do this too.

The Taylors butterflys preferred habitat is open grasslands and prairie. For thousands of years, such landscapes were created and maintained by active burning by Indigenous communities.

Without such native stewardship, and with ever-increasing threats from developers and town planners, the amount of grassland has drastically diminished.

Today in the Pacific north-west, the butterfly is restricted to eight healthy populations in Washington state, two in Oregon and one in Canadas British Columbia.

A favored place is Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), operated by the US army and situated 10 miles from Tacoma. Training with heavy artillery has long kept the prairie free of unwanted vegetation.

Yet when the Taylors was added to the US Endangered Species Act list in 2013, it presented military officials with a challenge; how could they continue to make use of the base without harming a species now protected by federal law?

Dan Calvert, of the Sentinel Landscape Partnership, a coalition of federal and state groups that works with landowners to promote sustainable land use around military installations, says JBLM contains 90% of the prairie habitat in western Washington.

He estimates the classification of the Taylors checkerspot means the military cannot use half the base for about half the year.

One of the efforts to boost the numbers of Taylors checkerspot in locations off-base  and thereby allow the military work unimpeded at the base  led to funding for the Mission Creek project by the Department of Defense (DoD).

Its this whole, big process with the DoD funding efforts to support the military mission of JBLM by creating off-base habitat to mitigate your on-base impact, says Calvert.

The collaboration has helped boost the Taylors checkerspot. This year could be a record year for releases of adults. In 2024, the program released 67,100 larvae.

However, theres a dark cloud looming over the program. Mission Creek is set to close in October because of budget cuts. There is a plan to transfer the women and the program to a jail at Gig Harbor, located 25 miles away, but there is some concern among current participants it could simply be cut entirely.

Egli, who is set to become eligible for a work-release program under which she would serve the last 18 months of her sentence working outside the jail and returning to do whats known as a DOC re-entry facility every night, says the program changed the person she was.

She has been sober for four years, and says she is focused on the future and earning enough money to buy a home.

At some point, Id like to go back to college, she says. But I know I have to work hard and get some money before I can do that.
Beachgoers enjoying the sunshine in Boscombe, Bournemouth. (Alamy) (Paul Biggins)

The UK is bracing for its third heatwave of the summer later this week, with temperatures forecast to climb past 30C.

The Met Office said it is likely that parts of the country will experience a period of three consecutive days of high temperatures required to meet the heatwave threshold.

After cooler conditions on Monday and Tuesday, temperatures will begin to climb on Wednesday as the warm weather hits, particularly in London, the Midlands and the south of England.

I think Wednesday is probably going to be the day when we could start to reach the thresholds of 25 to 28 degrees, depending on where you are," said Marco Petagna, senior meteorologist at the Met Office.

But of course, you need three days at those temperatures for it to be able to be called a technical heatwave. So, although the temperature will be reaching the criteria, we probably wont actually reach an official heatwave until around Friday, to give the three consecutive days at those temperatures.

Temperatures are expected to reach 30C in many places at 4pm on Friday. (Met Office) (Met Office)

Petagna warned that humidity will also increase as the week goes on, while temperatures during the night will also be high, making sleeping more uncomfortable.

However, he said the UK has so far managed to escape the extreme temperatures of high 30s and low 40s in the Mediterranean.

The UK has already experienced a heatwave in the middle of June and saw scorching temperatures return at the end of the month, with the hottest day of the year recorded on 1 July, when it was 34.7C in St James's Park in central London.

Heat will be building this coming week



Here's a look at the latest overview for the next five days  pic.twitter.com/JKZ0Ec1085  Met Office (@metoffice) July 6, 2025

Will there be more heatwaves this year?

Heatwaves are hard to predict more than a few days in the future.

Met Office spokesperson Nicola Maxey said last week: "There is an increased likelihood of above-average temperatures, but this does not guarantee prolonged hot weather or heatwaves."

She said this was similar to trends seen in recent years and aligns with the ongoing warming of our climate.

"We may experience more hot days and warm nights than usual, raising the potential for heatwave conditions at times," she said. "However, this increased chance could also reflect a mix of hot and cooler days, or generally warmer conditions without sustained extreme heat."

What does the Met Office's long-range forecast say?

In its long-range forecast from 11 July to 20 July, the Met Office says many parts of the UK are expected to be part way through a spell of high temperatures and humidity at the start of this period.

"The duration, geographical extent and intensity of the heat are all rather uncertain at present, but there is the potential for some very hot weather," the forecaster said.

With this comes the possibility of thunderstorms, the Met Office adds, partly due to atmospheric instability caused by high temperatures, and also any frontal systems moving in from the west. Towards 20 July, northwestern areas have a higher chance of experiencing more changeable conditions.

Looking further ahead to 20 July to 3 August, the forecaster says high pressure (associated with hotter weather) will probably dominate the south, while lower pressure is more likely in the North and North West.

Many people have enjoyed the warm start to summer. (PA) (Xinhua, Xinhua)

"Temperatures are likely to end up above average overall with a continued, and perhaps higher than normal, chance of occasional hot spells or heatwaves, especially further to the southeast," it adds.

"However, by the turn of the month, there is a signal for perhaps more widely unsettled weather to develop, though the details of this are rather uncertain."

How accurate are long-range forecasts?

The Met Office says they don't like to put firm forecasts out for more than five days in the future.

They said that when going much further into the future, the "chaotic nature" of the atmosphere comes into play, where any small event in the Atlantic can upend the weather in the UK in a few days' time.

They say their long-range forecasts still have a "relatively high level of accuracy", but it is harder to be precise about exactly where will be impacted by what weather.

Here, Yahoo News breaks down what the weather will be like over the next few days, according to the Met Office.

London and the South East

Monday and Tuesday

Early cloud and rain clearing southward, then partly cloudy with sunny intervals and isolated light showers. Breezy, especially near coasts, but winds should ease in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 22C.

Cloudy on Tuesday with a chance of showers along Kent coasts to start, then becoming dry with light winds and long sunny spells through much of the day. Warm. Maximum temperature 25C.

Wednesday to Friday

Sunny and settled from Wednesday to Friday with some patchy cloud at times. Dry with light winds throughout. Becoming very warm or hot.

There was rain on Sunday at the Wimbledon Championships in London. (PA) (Jordan Pettitt - PA Images via Getty Images)

South West

Monday and Tuesday

Monday will start rather cloudy with some showers affecting the east of the region. Skies will brighten from the north though, to give a dry afternoon with plenty of sunshine. Warm, though continuing to feel cool in the northwesterly breeze. Maximum temperature 22C.

Tuesday will be a fine day with lots of sunshine, though patchy cloud may turn this hazy across the west of the region. Feeling pleasantly warm in gentle winds. Maximum temperature 23C.

Wednesday to Friday

Some cloud is expected on Wednesday and Thursday, though it should stay largely dry with sunshine at times, this perhaps more prevalent on Friday. Light winds, and becoming increasingly warm.

Midlands

Monday and Tuesday

Monday morning will be rather cloudy with a few showers moving southeastwards across the region. Skies will brighten from the north around lunchtime, to give a dry afternoon with plenty of sunshine. Continuing to feel cool in the northwesterly breeze. Maximum temperature 21C.

Tuesday will be a fine day with lots of sunshine, though this may turn a little hazy later as some high cloud arrives from the west. Feeling pleasantly warm. Maximum temperature 22C.

Wednesday to Friday

Some cloud is expected on Wednesday and Thursday, though it should stay dry with sunshine at times, this perhaps more prevalent on Friday. Light winds. Becoming very warm or hot.

The week ahead will see high pressure building across the UK



Increasingly settled and sunny conditions will likely drive a rise in temperatures 



Some areas could reach 30C by the end of the week  pic.twitter.com/MA4psFHnSh  Met Office (@metoffice) July 6, 2025

North East

Monday and Tuesday

Partly cloudy with sunny intervals and isolated light showers through much of the day. Some longer sunny spells possible in the afternoon before heavy showers arrive from the north later. Warm but breezy. Maximum temperature 22C.

Largely dry on Tuesday with light winds and long sunny spells through much of the day. Sunshine may become a little hazy into the afternoon. Warm. Maximum temperature 22C.

Wednesday to Friday

Partly cloudy to start Wednesday, long sunny spells later. Sunny and settled Thursday and Friday. Dry with light winds throughout. Becoming very warm.

Visitors to the Henley Royal Regatta at Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, at the weekend. (Alamy) (Kam Murali)

North West

Monday and Tuesday

Monday will start rather cloudy with a few showers moving southeastwards across the region. Skies will brighten from the north though, to give a dry afternoon with plenty of sunshine. Continuing to feel cool in the northwesterly breeze. Maximum temperature 19C.

Tuesday will be a fine day with lots of sunshine, though this may turn a little hazy later as some high cloud arrives from the west. Feeling pleasantly warm. Maximum temperature 20C.

Wednesday to Friday

Some cloud is expected on Wednesday and Thursday, though it should stay largely dry with sunshine at times, this perhaps more prevalent on Friday. Light winds, and becoming increasingly warm.

Scotland

Monday and Tuesday

After a dry and bright start, clouds build from the west for a time through the middle of the day with the odd shower possible early afternoon. Then becoming dry and bright again through the late afternoon with some sunshine. Maximum temperature 20C.

It will be a dry and bright day on Tuesday with good spells of sunshine. Sunshine turning hazier in the afternoon. Feeling a touch warmer. Maximum temperature 22C.

Wednesday to Friday

Ridge of high pressure will bring mostly dry and settled weather with sunny spells. Becoming quite warm with mostly light winds.

A man and woman relaxing together on a bench on Wimbledon Common in south west London on Sunday. (Alamy) (amer ghazzal)

Northern Ireland

Monday and Tuesday

Mainly dry with bright or sunny periods in the morning then becoming rather cloudy. A few light afternoon showers possible, these mostly towards the North Coast. Fresh northwest winds, especially near North Channel coast. Maximum temperature 19C.

A dry and bright morning on Tuesday with good spells of sunshine. Cloud spreads slowly east in the afternoon. Mostly dry but the chance of patchy light rain towards the North Coast. Maximum temperature 21C.

Wednesday to Friday

Thicker cloud on Wednesday with a little rain, especially in the west. Then from Thursday a ridge of high pressure will bring warm, dry and settled weather with sunny spells.

Wales

Monday and Tuesday

Monday will start rather cloudy with some showers moving southeastwards across the country. Skies will brighten from the north though, to give a dry afternoon with plenty of sunshine. Continuing to feel cool in the northwesterly breeze. Maximum temperature 21C.

Tuesday will be a fine day with lots of sunshine, though patchy cloud may turn this hazy across the west of the country. Feeling pleasantly warm in gentle winds. Maximum temperature 21C.

Wednesday to Friday

Some cloud is expected on Wednesday and Thursday, though it should stay largely dry with sunshine at times, this perhaps more prevalent on Friday. Light winds, and becoming increasingly warm.
Mourners, including his daughter Lobna, centre, and son Ahmed, second left, surround the body of Dr Marwan al-Sultan who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City on 2 July. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images

The children of Dr Marwan al-Sultan, director of Gazas Indonesian hospital and one of the territorys most senior doctors, said they believed their father was deliberately targeted in the Israeli airstrike that killed him on Wednesday.

Sultan died when an Israeli missile was fired into the apartment block in Gaza City where he and his extended family were staying after their displacement from northern Gaza. His wife, daughter, sister and son-in-law were also killed in the attack.

His surviving daughter Lobna said the airstrike specifically targeted the room her father was in. All the rooms were fine except for his, the missile hit it precisely, she said.

His son Ahmed said there was no other explanation other than that his father was deliberately targeted by the Israeli military. He also added that the floors where his father and their extended family were staying were the only parts of the block hit in the airstrike.

Photos and videos taken by local journalists and given to the Guardian, showed that the apartment block had been hit on the front side of the fourth and fifth floors, while the rest remained intact.

Until the last minute of his life, he did not leave his job. He paid for this dedication with his life, said Ahmed. I was there only 10 minutes before the airstrike and the scene I faced when I went back to the apartment after the attack is indescribable. I didnt know who had survived and who had died. Some people were only now shattered body parts. Most of those who died were women and children.

He said his fathers death was not just a loss for the family but for the whole of Gaza. Sultan was an experienced cardiologist and a leading figure in Gazas medical community. He was also one of only two remaining heart specialists in the territory, according to Healthcare Worker Watch (HWW), a Palestinian medical organisation.

My father was loved by all people, said Ahmed. He had been besieged at the Indonesian hospital and also at the Kamal Adwan hospital but he did not leave. For the first few months [of the war] we did not see him except a few hours of the day because he was always at the hospital.

His death means that all of the directors of the hospitals in northern Gaza have either been killed or detained by the Israeli military forces.

The director of Kamal Adwan hospital, Dr Ahmed al-Kahlout, and his fellow acting director, Dr Hussam Abu Safiya, as well as Dr Ahmed Muhanna, the director of al-Awda hospital in northern Gaza, are all being held in an Israeli prison.

In a statement, the IDF said: On Wednesday, the IDF struck a key terrorist from the Hamas terrorist organisation in the area of Gaza City. The claim that as a result of the strike uninvolved civilians were harmed is being reviewed.

Related: Shock and grief as senior doctor killed in Israeli airstrike in Gaza

The IDF regrets any harm to uninvolved individuals and operates to mitigate harm to them as much as possible. The Hamas terrorist organisation systematically violates international law while using civilian infrastructure for terrorist activity and the civilian population as human shields. The incident is under review.

According to data from HWW, Sultan was the 70th healthcare worker to have been killed by the Israeli military in the past 50 days. The UN says that overall more than 1,400 healthcare workers have been killed in Gaza since the beginning of the war in October 2023.

Under the Geneva conventions, the set of international laws that police the conduct of warring parties, attacks on healthcare workers during conflict could be war crimes. The conventions state that doctors and other healthcare professionals should be protected, not targeted or attacked during conflict, and must be allowed to carry on providing medical care to those who need it.
Fans waiting to see Oasis perform their first live show in 16 years have said they have been waiting for this day all their lives and wouldnt miss it for the world.

Oasis will kickstart their long-awaited worldwide reunion tour in Cardiff on Friday.

Brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher will perform together for the first time since their dramatic split in 2009, when they appear at the Welsh capitals Principality Stadium.

Fans Lachlan Weekes and Jayden Helm, who spent more than a day travelling from Sydney, Australia, to attend the concert in the Welsh capital, were among fans gathering ahead of the gig.

Fans have gathered outside the Principality Stadium, Cardiff, as the bands long-awaited reunion tour kicks off in Wales (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

Mr Weekes said: Weve been planning it forever. We always said that if they got back together, wed be at that first show.

Mr Helm said: Weve been lifelong fans  were 22 and 21, so havent really had a chance to see them before.

We always said it was worth it to come, we wouldnt miss it for the world, he added.

To take time off work to come over here, its more than worth it.

The pair also visited Manchester, where the band formed in 1991, stopping off at Heaton Park as part of their personal Oasis tour.

Fans travelled from as far as Australia for the gig in Cardiff, Wales (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

Lawrence Evans, from just outside Swansea, said his life changed when he started listening to the band as he then started to play music and write songs.

He said: They were the band that made me realise how much guitar music meant to me.

Its something that stays with you forever. If you get into this type of music, I think its in your soul forever, he added.

His son Jimmy said of the concert: The fact that its in Wales is really special for us.

Its the first time I get to see Oasis, (my dad) hes lost count, hes seen them countless times.

Ive been waiting for this day all my life.

Fans began queueing from 8am, outside the Principality Stadium, Cardiff (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

Alex Schuetz, an Oasis fan from Germany, said you could not travel far enough to see the band.

The first time I saw them was in 1997, he said.

The last time was in Manchester 2009, just before they broke up.

I even got a ticket for a small festival in Germany and on the ferry to that festival I heard they broke up.

I was like, Oh my god something was dying inside of me  it sounds a bit stupid, but it took me ages (to get over it).

He added: Ive come from Germany. You cannot travel far enough, Ive been a fan since 1995.

Glenn Moss, an Oasis fan from Essex who regularly gets mistaken for Liam Gallagher, said he started working as an impersonator ahead of the Britpop bands reunion, having previously been against the idea.

He said: I get stopped all the time  as soon as I got here yesterday four people within five minutes stopped me asking if I was him or for a photo.

The brothers announced the Oasis Live 25 tour last August, starting with two dates in Cardiff on Friday and Saturday, before heading across the UK and Ireland.

Artist Nathan Wyburn with his artwork The Wonder Wall, a monochrome portrait of Oasis bandmates Noel and Liam Gallagher constructed entirely from bucket hats, commissioned by St Davids, on display at the shopping centre in Cardiff (Alistair Heap Media Assignments/PA)

Doors are expected to open at 5pm, with Cast and the Verve frontman Richard Ashcroft in support.

Former members of the group are expected to make a return, with Andy Bell on bass, and Gem Archer and Paul Bonehead Arthurs on guitars.

Noel was spotted getting off the train in Cardiff on Tuesday, while a drone display spelling out the bands name could be seen over the stadium on Wednesday.

Fans across the city have also heard what they believe to be rehearsals in the Principality throughout the week.

The reunion announcement came 15 years after Noel quit the Britpop band, saying he simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer, following a backstage brawl at the Rock en Seine festival in Paris.

While fans have been pleading for the group to reunite since they disbanded, website issues and controversial dynamic pricing brought outrage, with many failing to secure a spot.

After tickets for the UK and Ireland shows went on sale last year, some standard tickets appeared to have jumped from 148 to 355.

Ticketing issues, with website problems and dynamic pricing, mean many fans failed to secure a spot and resale prices were high (Yui Mok/PA)

The controversy prompted the Government and the UKs competition watchdog to pledge to look at the use of dynamic pricing.

Following Cardiff, Oasis will visit Manchesters Heaton Park, Londons Wembley Stadium, Edinburghs Murrayfield Stadium and Dublins Croke Park throughout July, August and September.

The group will then head to Japan, South Korea, South America, Australia and North America.

A movie, produced by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, is being made in conjunction with the reunion tour.

The rock band was led by lead guitarist Noel and his brother, lead vocalist Liam, during their 18 years together.

The reunion comes 15 years after Noel Gallagher quit the band, claiming he could no longer work with brother Liam Gallagher (Zak Hussein/PA)

Oasis signed to independent record label Creation Records in 1993, rising to fame with the release of their debut chart-topping album Definitely Maybe on August 29 1994.

They had hits with songs including Dont Look Back in Anger, Champagne Supernova, Wonderwall and Live Forever.

Dig Out Your Soul, the bands last studio album, was released in 2008, just months before the Paris row.
Oasis will kickstart their long-awaited worldwide reunion tour in Cardiff on Friday, their first concert in almost 16 years.

Brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher will perform together for the first time since their dramatic split in 2009, when they appear at the Welsh capitals Principality Stadium.

The brothers announced the Oasis Live 25 tour last August, starting with two dates in Cardiff on Friday and Saturday, before heading across the UK and Ireland.

Artist Nathan Wyburn with his artwork The Wonder Wall, a monochrome portrait of Oasis bandmates Noel and Liam Gallagher constructed entirely from bucket hats, commissioned by St Davids, on display at the shopping centre in Cardiff (Alistair Heap Media Assignments/PA)

Doors are expected to open at 5pm, with Cast and the Verve frontman Richard Ashcroft in support.

Former members of the group are expected to make a return, with Andy Bell on bass, and Gem Archer and Paul Bonehead Arthurs on guitars.

Noel was spotted getting off the train in Cardiff on Tuesday, while a drone display spelling out the bands name could be seen over the stadium on Wednesday.

Fans across the city have also heard what they believe to be rehearsals in the Principality throughout the week.

The reunion announcement came 15 years after Noel quit the Britpop band, saying he simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer, following a backstage brawl at the Rock en Seine festival in Paris.

While fans have been pleading for the group to reunite since they disbanded, website issues and controversial dynamic pricing brought outrage, with many failing to secure a spot.

After tickets for the UK and Ireland shows went on sale last year, some standard tickets appeared to have jumped from 148 to 355.

Ticketing issues, with website problems and dynamic pricing, mean many fans failed to secure a spot and resale prices were high (Yui Mok/PA)

The controversy prompted the Government and the UKs competition watchdog to pledge to look at the use of dynamic pricing.

Following Cardiff, Oasis will visit Manchesters Heaton Park, Londons Wembley Stadium, Edinburghs Murrayfield Stadium and Dublins Croke Park throughout July, August and September.

The group will then head to Japan, South Korea, South America, Australia and North America.

A movie, produced by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, is being made in conjunction with the reunion tour.

Formed in Manchester in 1991, the rock band was led by lead guitarist Noel and his brother, lead vocalist Liam, during their 18 years together.

The reunion comes 15 years after Noel Gallagher quit the band, claiming he could no longer work with brother Liam Gallagher (Zak Hussein/PA)

Oasis signed to independent record label Creation Records in 1993, rising to fame with the release of their debut chart-topping album Definitely Maybe on August 29 1994.

They had hits with songs including Dont Look Back in Anger, Champagne Supernova, Wonderwall and Live Forever.

Dig Out Your Soul, the bands last studio album, was released in 2008, just months before the Paris row.
Joey Chestnut holds the Mustard Belt, after winning the 2025 Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest, at Coney Island on Friday. Photograph: David Dee Delgado/Reuters

Joey Jaws Chestnut reclaimed his title at the annual Nathans Fourth of July hotdog eating contest on Friday, cementing his status as the undisputed all-time champion of hotdog consumption.

A rerun of Jaws was the blockbuster attraction in Coney Island this Fourth of July holiday, but not the classic Steven Spielberg movie enjoying a new lease of life on the 50th anniversary of its release.

The jaws here belong to Chestnut, a leviathan in the world of competitive eating that has grown as a sporting spectacle to the point where it is a regular fixture on ESPN.

Chestnut, 41, consumed 70 1/2 hotdogs and buns in 10 minutes, falling short of his record of 76 wieners and buns set in 2021. It marked the 17th win in 20 appearances for Chestnut at the internationally televised competition. In the womens division, defending champion Miki Sudo of Tampa, Florida, won her 11th title, downing 33 dogs, besting a dozen competitors. Last year, she ate a record 51 links.

Enthusiasts of the annual Nathans Fourth of July hotdog eating contest will recall that Chestnut, whose nickname is Jaws, was controversially booted from the 2024 iteration of the event he had dominated for the best part of two decades for signing a deal to promote a rival brand of plant-based wieners.

It was, as the events impresario, George Shea, declared at the time with trademark grandeur, the equivalent of Michael Jordan telling Nike  purveyors of his lucrative Air Jordan line of sneakers  that he wanted to rep for Adidas too.

This year, to the relief of many, Jaws returned to the fold after serving a years suspension.

On Friday, the world record holder, with 83 dogs and buns scoffed in a single 10-minute period in an unrelated Netflix special in September 2024, was the star attraction once again in pursuit of his 17th Mustard Belt.

Im thrilled to be returning, Chestnut, 41, said in a post on X before the competition. This event means the world to me. Its a cherished tradition, a celebration of American culture, and a huge part of my life.

Related: Gutted: champion eater Joey Chestnut excluded from New York hotdog-eating contest

Referring to the controversy that caused his exclusion, he was circumspect.

While I have and continue to partner with a variety of companies, including some in the plant-based space, those relationships were never a conflict with my love for hotdogs. To be clear: Nathans is the only hotdog company Ive ever worked with, he wrote.

The straw-hatted Shea, mastermind of an event that draws tens of thousands to New York every year, and a television audience estimated to have grown to 2 million since the first contest in 1972, welcomed the return of the king.

Last year we got as big a crowd as ever, more media than ever, and we had a fantastic contest that was actually more competitive because Joey has been so dominant, he told the Guardian.

That said, theres definitely more excitement now hes back. We and everybody, fans included, are very excited and looking forward to the Fourth, and his entrance into the arena will be triumphant and explosive.

Shea, whose colourful and bombastic introductions of the competitors are as much a part of the spectacle as the mouth-stuffing element that follows, said he had been working for weeks on how he will proclaim Chestnuts homecoming.

Its not his nickname that makes him who he is, its his performance that has defined him, and I believe thats been very significantly elevated by the introductions that I do of him as a larger-than-life figure, said Shea, a New York-based public relations executive who says working the Fourth of July event is his annual treat to myself.

I try to create a mix that includes straight and grand introductions that describe what these people are doing on the eating circuit, with a mix of funny, absurd and poetic, and then epic when you get to Joey.

Shea admitted it would be hard to top his 2015 introduction, a fire and brimstone speech that somewhat melodramatically hailed Chestnut as an almost otherworldly being: A comet blazes to herald his arrival, and his victory shall be transcribed into every language known to history, including Klingon, he pronounced.

The bratwurst, and pierogi, and Hooters chicken wing eating champion of the world, eight-time Nathans Famous hotdog eating champion of the world, the No 1 eater in the world, I give you America itself, Joey Chestnut.

The expectation for Friday, at least in betting circles, was that Chestnut would come storming back to recapture his crown from last years winner, Patrick Deep Dish Bertoletti, and a strong field of Major League Eating characters, perhaps even by topping his own event record, set in 2021, of 76 hotdogs.

But the real winner, Shea said, was the sport of competitive eating itself.

Weve been talking, there was a lot of back-and-forth, and people had different perspectives, different opinions, different everything, but everybody wanted this to happen. We stayed at it, and we finally came together, he said.

What happened was unfortunate, it was disappointing not to have Joey there, but in the big picture it further elevated the contest, and you know, were very conscious of that all the time.
The Labour front bench

Sir Keir Starmer confesses that he could not give full attention to the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Bill until shortly before second reading. Rachel Reeves was in obvious distress at Prime Ministers Questions.

Are ministers overburdened with executive and constituency duties? And is the answer to appoint more experts from outside politics?

Prime Ministers have a ridiculously small talent pool from which to choose. In 2024, 411 Labour MPs were elected. But, of these, 231 were new and untried. From the remaining 180, Keir Starmer had to select 23 Cabinet ministers and a host of junior ministers.

One or two Cabinet ministers and a few junior ministers can be put into the Lords via life peerages. That, however, is easier for the Conservatives than for Labour, which always tends to be suspicious of the Lords. In any case MPs are annoyed if they cannot question senior ministers. In 1982, following the Argentine invasion of the Falklands, Foreign Secretary, Lord Carrington, unable to defend himself in the Commons against furious MPs, felt compelled to resign.

Outsiders are not often successful as MPs. Business people in particular tend to be as unsuccessful in politics as politicians are in business. They are different trades.

Business people find it particularly difficult to accommodate themselves to an often raucous House of Commons. There is no business equivalent to the principle of ministerial responsibility. The head of Marks and Spencer does not, after all, have to face an organised opposition every week baying for blood.

Besides it is not the job of a minister to be an expert. That is for her civil servants and other advisers. The ministers task is to evaluate evidence, interpret it in terms of public feeling, and then communicate policy effectively, a task in which, sadly, most ministers are quite deficient.

The best ministers have been far from experts. Michael Gove, the author of successful policies on education and levelling up under the Conservatives, had been a journalist before entering politics, not an educationalist. Des Browne, between 2006 and 2008 one of the best Defence Secretaries in recent years, had been a lawyer before entering politics, not an authority on the military.

The problems of the Starmer Government lie elsewhere. They work too hard and think too little. Unlike those working for Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair, the Starmtroopers had not thought through their policies in opposition for fear, no doubt, of re-opening ideological wounds with the Corbynites. As a result, the Starmer Government displays little sense of direction.

Ministers should concentrate on large issues of principle, get rid of flatterers and juniors recently down from university, and leave detail to officials and advisers. That is where experts are needed. Michael Gove did not personally write his White Paper on levelling up, but employed for the task Andy Haldane, former Chief Economist at the Bank of England. Attlee used to say that if you have a good dog you do not need to bark yourself.

Above all, the Prime Minister needs to lead. Harold Macmillan, Prime Minister from 1957 to 1963, regarded it as the easiest job in Government since there was no department to run. Keir Starmer should devote his time to developing a strategy for Government.

That strategy should be collective, with the Cabinet discussing and deciding policy rather than degenerating into a federation of departments. Cabinet meetings should be complemented with brainstorming sessions at Chequers so that the wicked issues can be confronted before they hit the Government on the head. Then we will have a Government that works, not ministers who are overworked.

Sir Vernon Bogdanor is Professor of Government, Kings College, London and author of Making the Weather: Six Politicians who Changed Modern Britain
China to issue final ruling in anti-dumping probe into EU brandy imports

Xinhua) 09:36, July 04, 2025

BEIJING, July 3 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Commerce said Thursday that Chinese authorities will issue a final ruling in the coming days after an extended anti-dumping investigation into brandy imports from the European Union (EU).

Answering a media query during a press conference, ministry spokesperson He Yongqian said that the investigation is in accordance with Chinese laws and in line with World Trade Organization rules.

The ministry initiated the investigation on Jan. 5, 2024, following a request from the China Alcoholic Drinks Association on behalf of the domestic industry.

According to a statement released by the ministry in April, the investigation will be extended until July 5, 2025, given the complexity of the case and in accordance with relevant regulations.

Since Oct. 11, 2024, China has imposed temporary anti-dumping measures on brandy originating from the EU. Importers of brandy originating from the EU must place deposits with Chinese customs based on dumping margins of between 30.6 percent and 39 percent.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Webbs message was retweeted by Linden Kemkaran, the council leader. Photograph: Loop Images Ltd/Alamy

A boast by a Reform UK councillor that he ensured the removal of trans-ideological material and books from the childrens section of his countys libraries has fallen flat after it emerged that no such material ever existed there.

Paul Webb, the cabinet member for communities at Kent council, whose portfolio covers libraries, posted a video to X in which he said he had been recently contacted by a concerned member of the public who found trans-ideological material and books in the childrens section of one of our libraries.

He said: Ive looked into this and this was the case. Ive today issued instructions for them all to be removed from the childrens section of any of our libraries.

They do not belong in the childrens section of our libraries. Our children do not need to be told they were born in the wrong body. So from today this will stop.

Webbs message was retweeted by Linden Kemkaran, the council leader, who in her own message, dotted with fire emojis, said: Another victory for #commonsenseinKent my brilliant cabinet member Cllr Paul Webb has just got this trans material REMOVED from the childrens sections of all Kents libraries. Telling children theyre in the wrong body is wrong and simply unacceptable.

Kemkarans tweet included a photo of a book called The Autistic Trans Guide to Life on what looked to be a library display shelf, next to a sign about Pride events.

Some local residents expressed doubt at the narrative, with the local news website the Kent Current noting that according to the countys library system, all five copies of the book were kept in the adult nonfiction section, while the photograph appeared to be of a display at the entrance of Herne Bay library, not its childrens section.

When asked about this by the Guardian, Kent council said it could confirm that no books aimed at adults about transgender issues had been held in the childrens sections of Kent libraries.

It confirmed that the complaint was about a book on show near a library entrance which had since been relocated to a section that is unlikely to be visited by children.

In a statement the Reform-led council said: Kent county council have confirmed that children are not and will not be exposed to adult transgender literature in our libraries.

Staff at the countys 99 libraries have been asked to ensure that books are always stocked in age-appropriate categories and that no adult literature makes its way into areas specifically aimed at children, or where children will be selecting books, such as the public welcome displays.

It follows feedback from a resident who spotted a transgender book aimed at adults in a public display at the entrance of one library in Kent. The book has since been relocated to a section that is unlikely to be visited by children.
Jeremy Bamber, who was 24 at the time, was convicted in 1986 of murdering his parents, sister and her two sons at White House Farm. Photograph: Andrew Hunter/PA

The Criminal Cases Review Commission has refused to refer the case of Jeremy Bamber, who was convicted of murdering five members of his family in 1985, back to the court of appeal.

The CCRC, whose chair resigned in January and whose chief executive resigned this week after successive justice secretaries declared the miscarriage of justice review body unfit for purpose, has spent four years examining four of the 10 grounds that Bambers lawyers identified as undermining the safety of his conviction. It will continue to examine the other six.

In its provisional statement of reasons, the CCRC said the four grounds did not reach the threshold for a referral to the court of appeal. Bamber has a right to challenge the provisional decision, and his legal team says it will judicially review the decision.

The White House Farm murders, which occurred in August 1985 in Essex, are one of the most infamous and controversial criminal cases of the 20th century. Bambers parents, Nevill and June, his sister Sheila Caffell and her six-year-old twin sons Daniel and Nicholas were killed.

Initially, the police concluded that Caffell, who had recently been hospitalised with paranoid schizophrenia, had killed the family with one of her fathers guns. But in 1986, Bamber, then aged 24, was convicted of the murders. There was no direct evidence linking him to the killings.

The conviction relied on complex forensic arguments about the possible use of a silencer (which the prosecution argued, if used, would have made the rifle too long for Caffell to kill herself with), and Bambers former girlfriend Julie Mugford changing her initial statement to the police to say he had told her beforehand that he was planning to kill the family and that he had hired a hitman. When the hitman she named proved to have an alibi, Mugford again changed her story to say it was Bamber who had murdered his family.

The four issues the CCRC examined concerned the existence of a second silencer, which Bambers team suggested undermined the significance of the supposed single firearm moderator that proved so significant at his trial; a phone call allegedly made by his father to Essex police saying Caffell had gone berserk with a gun; the integrity of the crime scene, which was compromised by Essex police; and a 999 call that police records discovered before Bambers 2002 appeal showed had been made from within White House Farm at 6.09am on the day of the murders.

Last year, the New Yorker magazine published a 17,000-word investigation by the journalist Heidi Blake examining whether Bamber had been wrongfully convicted. She interviewed surviving police officers including Nicholas Milbank, who had been monitoring the open line into White House Farm on the morning of the shootings. Milbank told Blake that a 999 call had come in at 6.09am from inside the farm (by which time Bamber had been standing outside with police for more than two hours) and that he heard human activity.

According to Milbank, it was an emergency call on an exchange line, meaning that someone had dialled 999 rather than using the open line. He denied any knowledge of a statement made in his name to a 2002 inquiry known as Operation Stokenchurch saying he had monitored the open line but heard nothing until the police entered. This 2002 statement, which was typed and unsigned, had been used by Essex police to prevent the issue of the 999 call being raised at the 2002 appeal.

Bambers submission to the CCRC said Milbanks comments to the New Yorker indicated that his 2002 witness statement was fabricated by Essex police to conceal the fact that a 999 call had been made at 6.09am on 07 August 1985 by someone within the farmhouse.

However, in its provisional statement of reasons, the CCRC said that subsequent to publication of the Blake article, Milbank provided a statement, dated 10 October 2024, saying: I have never to my knowledge spoken to the New Yorker, and that he did not know he had been talking to a journalist. Milbank, who was still an officer with Essex police at the time, has died since making the statement.

The Jeremy Bamber Campaign has expressed its anger that the CCRC approached the Essex force rather than go directly to Blake or Milbank. Unbelievably, the CCRC just accepted this revisionist account, and endorsed the view that Ms Blake, and the New Yorker, had obtained this material under false pretences, and it was, consequently, not worth considering, it said.

The New Yorker has issued a statement saying: Heidi Blakes piece was meticulously reported and scrupulously factchecked. The New Yorker stands by the story.

This is the third time the CCRC has reviewed Bambers case. In 2002, his case was sent back to the appeal court on DNA evidence. A panel of three judges rejected the appeal. In 2011, the CCRC refused to refer the case, stating that the evidence did not raise a real possibility that the court would find his convictions unsafe.

The CCRC has been criticised for the percentage of submissions it refers back to the appeal court (currently about 2%); its failure to investigate cases; the time it takes to deal with submissions; its work from home policy; and for not having the legal minimum number of commissioners.
Ronald Appleton in Belfast, in 2010, when he was president of the Belfast Jewish Community. Photograph: PA Images/Alamy

As the leading prosecutor in many notorious terrorist trials, Ronald Appletons list of cases from the savage years of Northern Irelands Troubles ensured he developed unparalleled experience in bringing those accused of politically inspired violence to justice.

His high-profile hearings included cases against the IRA unit responsible for the La Mon House restaurant bombing that killed 12 people in 1978, the loyalist Shankill Butchers gang in 1979 and the gunman Michael Stone, who shot dead three mourners at a republican funeral in 1988.

The Shankill Butchers were members of the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) responsible for torturing and murdering more than 20 mainly Catholic victims. In 1979 Appleton, who has died aged 97, helped secure 42 life sentences for them, the largest number ever handed down in a UK trial. Martin Dillon, author of The Shankill Butchers, the definitive book on the subject, described him as one of the outstanding lawyers of his generation.

He was the prosecutor in several controversial supergrass trials that relied on statements from disaffected members of paramilitary organisations who became informants  including Christopher Black, a former IRA man whose testimony led to the conviction in 1983 of 22 members of the IRAs Belfast Brigade, who were sentenced to a total of more than 4,000 years in prison. Appleton believed Blacks evidence, but the supergrass system collapsed several years later after a judge ruled that another informers testimony was unworthy of belief.

Appleton was dedicated to and intensely focused on his work, to the extent that he once walked into a glass door while absorbed in legal papers. Personally modest, he learned to live behind the high-security darkened windows, bullet-proof glass and personal protection officers that were necessary to guarantee his safety. His name appeared on kill lists drawn up by the IRA, the UVF and even the Palestinian militant faction Black September.

Born in Belfast to Jewish parents  David, whose family was originally from Lithuania, and Sophie (nee Barnes), who had come from Ukraine  he attended Belfast high school before going on to study law at the citys Queens University, where he organised the student Socialist Society.

His decision to become a barrister was partially due to his headmaster, who suggested the job would help to overcome his shyness. After college he joined the Bar of Northern Ireland (also known as the Bar Library), where counsel trained and practised, and there he was influenced by the example of Barney Fox, the first Jewish member of the Bar Library, who became his pupil master. Initially he took on insurance cases because he had contacts in that industry, but later he switched to crime, which he found more interesting.

Once established as a successful defence barrister, Appleton married Shoshana Schmidt in Tel Aviv, Israel, in 1963. The eruption of political violence in Northern Ireland during the late 1960s meant his expertise in meticulous case preparation was even more in demand. The attorney general of Northern Ireland, Sir Basil Kelly, tried repeatedly to recruit him for prosecution work, but he was reluctant to accept because he was opposed to the death penalty, which still existed in Northern Ireland, and was also wary of being drawn into what he saw as the establishment.

In 1969, the year he took silk, he turned down a brief to prosecute a group of loyalists accused of murdering Constable Victor Arbuckle  the first RUC officer to be killed during the Troubles  in a riot on the Shankill Road.

Instead he chose to defend Thomas Roundtree, one of the accused, who was acquitted but served time for arms possession. It proved to be the last death penalty trial in Northern Ireland.

Asked what it was like defending under the shadow of the hangman, Appleton later explained it was like any other case: he would have breakfast, consult with colleagues and go into court. The only difference was that on his way he would visit the toilets and throw up.

The abolition of the death penalty in Northern Ireland in 1973 led him to reassess his position. Appleton was committed to the delivery of justice with scrupulous fairness. He disapproved of internment without trial. In the mid-1970s, against a background of escalating violence, he therefore agreed to begin prosecuting.

His son Dudi said the only time he saw him angry was if there was a suspicion of a police officer fabricating testimony. He would prefer to let something slip out in court if he had doubts about evidence  even if it undermined his own case.

In 1977 he was appointed senior crown prosecutor for Northern Ireland  a position he held for the next 22 years. Any hopes of subsequently being promoted to the high court bench as a judge were dashed by Belfasts judicial selections. There were suggestions of anti-semitic prejudice, but he evidently lost out to competing interests.

At home, Appleton hosted dinners for professionals, friends and politicians from across the religious divide. Sometimes he even invited those he had helped convict, such as the UVF leader David Ervine.

In retirement he was active as a school governor, president of the Belfast Jewish Community, chair of the local lawyers pro bono unit and a founder of Thanksgiving Square, a memorial marking the end of the Troubles.

He is survived by his wife, their five children, Michael, Dallia, Dudi, Philip and Sophie, and three grandchildren.

 Ronald Appleton, barrister and public prosecutor, born 29 December 1927; died 6 April 2025

 This article was amended on 5 July 2025. Michael Stones attack on a republican funeral occurred in 1988, not 1998 as stated in an earlier version.
The Afghan flag at the embassy in Moscow has been replaced with the emblem of the hard-line organisation

Russia has become the first country to recognise the Taliban as the official government of Afghanistan.

The Afghan flag outside the embassy in Moscow has been replaced with one for the hard-line organisation.

The move is a major diplomatic boost to the group after it seized power nearly four years ago following the withdrawal of US and Nato forces.

It signals a significant diplomatic shift for Moscow away from the international stance of non-recognition of the regime because of its extreme human rights record.

In a statement, the Russian foreign ministry said: We believe that the act of official recognition of the government of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will give impetus to the development of productive bilateral cooperation between our countries in various fields.

The announcement followed a meeting between Andrei Rudenko, the Kremlins deputy foreign minister, and Gul Hassan Hassan, the Talibans envoy to Russia. The groups flag was then promptly hoisted at Afghanistans embassy compound.

Andrei Rudenko, the Kremlins deputy foreign minister, with Gul Hassan Hassan, the Talibans envoy to Russia - Getty Images

Dmitry Zhirnov, the Russian ambassador to Kabul, described the decision as historic, while Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Talibans foreign minister, said it would set an example for others.

Anas Haqqani, a powerful figure within the group, said: The politics of pressure and distance has proven fruitless. Only dialogue and engagement can resolve matters and bring proximity.

The display, which was condemned by Afghan political and civil society groups for fuelling extremism, has been seen as part of Moscows attempt to expand its influence in the region after the US withdrawal.

Shukria Barakzai, a former Afghan parliament member, said she was shocked and disappointed by Russias decision to legitimise the Taliban regime.

She told The Telegraph: Russia, being a [United Nations Security Council] member, recognising a terrorist group is shocking. I am really disappointed. I dont understand what changed in the Talibans policies and ideology that Moscow had to recognise them.

In the process to cut the influence of the West in the region, Moscows action will fuel extremism, she said, adding that she does not expect better from countries such as Russia, who also have a poor human rights record.

The Talibans policies have plunged Afghanistan into an economic and humanitarian crisis, with millions living in poverty and having limited access to food. Women have been locked out of education and the economy.

The US has frozen billions in Afghanistans central bank assets, resulting in the countrys banking sector being largely cut off from the global financial system.

The international community has repeatedly stated that recognition of the Taliban regime depends on respect for womens rights, the formation of an inclusive government and ensuring that Afghanistan is not used as a base for terrorism.

The UK has not proscribed the Taliban as a terrorist group and Hibatullah Akhundzada, the supreme leader, is not subject to sanctions. However, it does not recognise the group as a legitimate government.

The former Soviet Union fought a nine-year war in Afghanistan that ended in Moscow withdrawing its troops in 1989 following their defeat by the mujahideen, some of whom later founded the modern Taliban.

Russia, which described the US withdrawal as a failure, has taken steps to increase its engagement with Taliban authorities since, seeing the group as a potential economic partner and ally in fighting terrorism.

It is one of the few countries that did not close its Afghan embassy after the fall of Kabul in August 2021. In April, it also removed the Taliban from its list of banned groups after 22 years.

Zamir Kabulov, Russias special envoy to Afghanistan, called the Taliban an objective partner in the fight against terrorism earlier this week at a UN-sponsored meeting in Doha, stressing that the Kremlin must arm them to help eliminate the ISIS threats.

During the groups first rule in the 1990s, only three countries  Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates  recognised the regime.
A summit between the EU and China was shortened after Wang Yi and Kaja Kallass meeting - Omar Havana/Bloomberg Finance LP

China cannot afford for Russia to lose the war in Ukraine, Beijings foreign minister has said, in unguarded comments to European officials.

Wang Yi said Beijing does not want to see a Russian loss because of fears the United States would then shift its focus on to China.

The comments were made during a four-hour meeting between Mr Wang and Kaja Kallas, the vice-president of the European Commission, according to several sources who spoke to the South China Morning Post.

The remarks took many by surprise as Chinese officials do not often speak this candidly, even in closed-door meetings.

According to those familiar with the conversation, Mr Wang also gave Ms Kallas several history lessons and lectures about realpolitik and concerns in Beijing that Washington will gradually turn its attention east.

There are signs that this change is already underway as Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth, the US secretary of defence, have both made clear that security in the Indo-Pacific region and mitigating a threat from China is a top priority for the administration.

China is showing an increasingly vested interest in the Russia-Ukraine war despite claiming the country is not a party to the conflict - Shutterstock

China has repeatedly said that it is not a party to Russias war against Ukraine and has denied supplying weapons to Moscow, despite evidence to the contrary, including reports that it supplied Russia with a laser defence system.

Mr Wangs comments are the latest sign that China has a vested interest in the outcome of the war.

Following the exchange, Chinese state media reported that China has consistently advocated for peace talks to solve the Ukraine crisis and welcomed the efforts of all parties to reach a comprehensive, lasting and binding peace agreement.

The remarks came after the US 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.

While those familiar with Mr Wangs meeting with Ms Kallas said it was respectful, soon after it was reported that the upcoming two-day EU summit in China had been shortened, at Beijings request.

The original agenda had Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, and Antonio Costa, the president of the European Council, meeting with Chinese president Xi Jinping and premier Li Qiang in Beijing on July 24, then travelling to Hefei, in central China, for a business summit on July 25.

Now, the summit will only be one day in Beijing.

Experts suspect the reason the summit was cut short could be because of Chinese concerns that the EU will sign a trade deal with the US that would hurt Beijing.

China has also recently clashed with the EU over export controls of rare earth elements and magnets, which have hit some European manufacturers hard.

Mr Wang tried to offer reassurances about export controls yesterday, saying that certain forces are deliberately hyping this matter and that rare earth exports have never been and should not become an issue between China and Europe.

The summits shortening seemed to be a snap decision as the EU Chamber of Commerce in China was inviting members to sign up for meetings in Hefei as late as Thursday morning local time.
Ukraine has accused Vladimir Putin of publicly humiliating Donald Trump after Russia launched a devastating attack with a record number of drones and ballistic missiles on Kyiv, hours after the two leaders spoke by phone.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the seven-hour raid as a deliberate act of terror which immediately followed the call between Washington and Moscow. It was one of the most severe assaults of the entire war and a clear interpretation of how Moscow interprets diplomacy, he added.

The sustained and coordinated night-time attack involved more than 550 Russian drones and ballistic missiles  a record. Families in Kyiv spent the night in metro stations, basements and underground parking garages.

Drones could be heard circling the skies above the Ukrainian capital one after another. There were numerous booms and explosions, and the rattle of machine-gun fire, as Ukrainian air defence units tried to shoot down the missiles.

The air raid ended at 9am local time, leaving a thick pall of choking black smoke over the city. Residents were advised to keep their windows shut because of fires. According to officials, one person was killed and at least 23 people were injured. Fourteen were taken to hospital. Blasts damaged apartment blocks, cars and warehouses.

There was also disruption to the normally reliable rail network. Passengers arriving at Kyivs main station on Thursday night had to file out through underground tunnels, with the main concourse closed and many services on Friday delayed.

After his conversation with Putin on Thursday, Trump said they had discussed the war in a pretty long call. But he said there was no movement towards a ceasefire, with Putin reportedly insisting on Ukraines capitulation. Im not happy about that. No, I didnt make any progress with him today at all, Trump said.

Thursdays attack came after the Pentagon this week halted the delivery of some weapon shipments to Ukraine, including replacement interceptor missiles used in Patriot air defence systems. Ukrainians have said the decision leaves their cities defenceless, emboldens Russia and facilitates deadly attacks.

The Ukrainian government has been careful not to criticise the US president directly. But it wants Washington and other allies, including the UK and EU, to put further pressure on Moscow to stop the war and its relentless aerial attacks on civilians.

There must be consequences  not eventually, but now, Zelenskyy said. Strengthened sanctions. Immediate delivery of air defence systems. A shift from caution to clarity. The Kremlin is watching the worlds reaction. So are others.

Zelenskyy said he hoped to speak with Trump on Friday about the supply of US weapons, amid low expectations of a change in White House policy.

One senior Ukrainian official suggested Trumps apparent strategy of appeasing Putin was not working. Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to the head of Zelenskyys office, said any US phone call with Putin inevitably results in massive demonstrative shelling of Kyiv  with enormous destruction.

Putin treated these conversations as an opportunity to publicly humiliate the other sides reputation, and it was a way to demonstrate his [Putins] boundlessness and willingness to kill ever more brazenly, Podolyak posted on social media.

With supplies of anti-aircraft missiles running low, Ukraine is increasingly using home-produced drones to take down incoming Shahed drones. But it is struggling to cope with the overwhelming numbers flooding its skies. According to the Ukrainian air force, 72 out of 550 drones and missiles hit their targets in Thursdays raid.

On Friday, volunteers and pupils were sweeping up debris from their school, number 22, which was damaged during the attack. An intercepted Russian drone landed on the yard and ignited, setting fire to cars and shattering windows and balconies. A second drone hit a nearby apartment block on Vidradnyi Avenue, in the south-west of Kyiv.

It was a terrible night. Its roulette. You dont know where the drones will land, said Yaroslava Savchenko, a teacher. She spent the night sheltering in the corridor of her home and cradling her terrified cat. I counted the Shaheds [Iranian-made drones]. There were so many I gave up and started praying. Around 4am there was a massive bang. Dust blew into my flat. In the morning I left footprints like Santa, she said.

Another resident, Artur Katroshenko, said Putin was terrorising Ukrainians so they would tell their government to give up. The strategy wont work. Russia doesnt understand our mentality. Our problem is how we should live in the fourth year of war. Theres no point in renovating your apartment, or buying a new car, if it can get smashed at any moment.

Related: One million and counting: Russian casualties hit milestone in Ukraine war

The raid was the latest in a series of Russian airstrikes on Kyiv that have intensified in recent weeks and included some of the deadliest assaults of the war on the city of 3 million people.

Ukraine said Russia had struck the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant  which it occupies  causing the power to shut down for the first time since 2023. Emergency diesel generators had been switched on, the International Atomic Energy Agency said.

Polands foreign minister, Radek Sikorski, said the Polish consulate in Kyiv was damaged early on Friday. President Trump, Putin is mocking your peace efforts. Please restore supplies of anti-aircraft ammunition to Ukraine and impose tough new sanctions on the aggressor, he posted on X.

Former head of Nato Anders Fogh Rasmussen said Russias president senses weakness  from the US and from Europe. He added: He will bomb civilians until Ukraine runs out of missile defences. We must arm Ukraine to the teeth: to defend civilians, to stop Putins advance, and to force real negotiations.

Kyivs mayor, Vitali Klitschko, said damage was recorded in six of Kyivs 10 districts on both sides of the Dnipro River, which bisects the city, and falling drone debris set a medical facility on fire in the Holosiivskyi district.

Klitschko said two fires had broken out in the western Sviatoshynskyi district when drone debris fell on a warehouse, while debris from another drone set fire to cars in the courtyard of a 16-storey residential building.

Drones also triggered two fires on a roof and in a courtyard in buildings in the neighbouring Solomianskyi district, and a residential building in the Shevchenkivskyi district, he said.

Ukraine, meanwhile, launched a drone attack on the city of Sergiyev Posad near Moscow, injuring at least one person. Explosions were reported in at least four locations, the head of the district, Oksana Yerokhanova, said on Friday.

I ask everyone to remain calm, not to approach the windows, not to photograph the work of the air defence, Yerokhanova wrote in a post on the Telegram messaging app.

Another drone attack on the southern Russian region of Rostov killed at least one person, the acting governor of the region, Yury Slyusar, said on Telegram on Friday.
Sir Keir Starmer

We are told that it was personal reasons which caused Rachel Reeves to weep at Prime Ministers Questions (PMQs) on Wednesday. No doubt that is true. But when a prominent person weeps on a public occasion, the tears are prompted by a confluence of the personal and the political.

Whatever upset Ms Reeves felt was surely compounded by her desperate and isolated political situation following the collapse of the Governments welfare reform Bill.

The first Rachel wept, as is recorded in the Old Testament Book of Jeremiah. She was weeping for her children, but hers were public tears too: she was revered as the wife of the patriarch Jacob and mother of Joseph. God told her: Refrain thy voice from weeping and thine ears from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded.

It has to be said that Sir Keir Starmer was rather less generous to his Rachel than was the Almighty to the Mother of Israel. When, across the floor of the House, Kemi Badenoch pointed out to him that his Chancellor looks absolutely miserable, he did not turn round to comfort or even to check. Nor did he take up the Leader of the Oppositions invitation to confirm Ms Reeves in her post.

Before the session ended, the Prime Minister did say something about being grateful to her, but by then it was too late. Afterwards, No 10 declared that Ms Reeves was going nowhere, a phrase which, in the circumstances, was either tin-eared or barbed.

In an interview, Sir Keir insisted she would continue as Chancellor for the next election and for years beyond. He is in no position to make such a promise.

People often complain about the bearpit of PMQs. This weeks half hour was certainly uncomfortable to watch, but it did show why such occasions can make a difference. In a few minutes of parliamentary theatre, we got to the heart of the matter.

In passing, it is worth pointing out that Mrs Badenoch did well. With wit and concision, she identified Labours key embarrassments  the second U-turn at the very last moment, the fact that a cost-cutting Bill will now save nothing at all and Sir Keirs problem that he does not know what he believes.

She seized the chance to get her own party back on the long road to the economic respectability it so badly lost in government. Whereas Labour had just voted for spending more money, she said, the Conservatives know the nation must live within its means. Sir Keirs capitulation vacates the political ground of prudence, giving the Tories the chance to re-occupy it  and at a time when Reform has decided to become a big-spending party.

In the end, those who want to give ever more public money to people who do not want to work are fewer than those who do work and will now almost certainly have to pay higher taxes. On this point, Mrs Badenoch spoke with justified confidence.

An oddity caused by the slow Conservative leadership election process last year is that Mrs Badenoch has still not addressed her annual party conference as leader, so the troops do not feel they know their general. Now she has a victory under her belt to celebrate with them. She has won on some other subjects recently, such as the grooming gangs inquiry, but this week was her first big breakthrough.

More important right now is what all this means for the Government which we might still have for four more years.

Again, PMQs gave useful optics. Most of the time, the camera concentrated on just three people on the front bench  the Prime Minster in the middle, inexpressive as usual; to the right, the crumpled Chancellor, in a blue suit, trying and failing to conceal her distress; to the left, in a striking all-red number, the Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, head erect and smiling in a nothing-to-do-with-me sort of way. You could see the future, and why it wont work.

It still seems almost incredible that a government only a year old should have cut off its room for future progress so early. There may be a case that the public finances, though bad and getting worse, are not so disastrous that all is lost, but history does suggest that such a serious failure of economic and political will is very hard to come back from.

Wilsons Labour government lost confidence after having to devalue the pound in 1967, and lost the election in 1970. Heaths Tories executed their U-turn on free markets and non-intervention in 1972, and lost (twice) in 1974. Labour went cap in hand to the IMF in 1976, and lost to Mrs Thatcher in 1979. John Majors Tories won a general election in April 1992 but had to take the pound out of the Exchange Rate Mechanism in September. Tony Blair trounced them in 1997.

In some of these cases, notably Majors, the economy did recover, but in all of them the government was seen to have failed in its economic stewardship. The voters duly punished it.

This time, the Government has undoubtedly failed. Labours selling-point to the electorate a year ago was that, unlike the Tories, and particularly the horror story of Liz Truss, it would restore growth and control the public finances with enough discipline that the proceeds of that growth would improve public services. It has taken only 12 months, almost to the day, to discredit all those promises.

In reaction, some have criticised the rebel Labour MPs who forced Sir Keirs retreat for their economic illiteracy. Downing Street special advisers speak unattributably to lobby journalists with foul-mouthed quotations about the idiocy and self-indulgence of their partys backbenchers.

It is true that social media have made MPs more narcissistic and less loyal to their party. It is also true that failure to rein in welfare spending is  along with the NHS  the road to national ruin. But Sir Keir and his political advisers seem to have a very hazy idea of what it is like to be a member of Parliament.

With all aspects of social policy, MPs will have numerous constituents who will be directly affected and will complain to them. Most MPs of the governing party will be prepared to justify unpopular government policy if they can do so as part of a big story of foreseeable recovery or of dire necessity. It is incredibly hard to do so, however, when the policy unexpectedly removes existing money from claimants, and when the overall picture of what the government is trying to do is so contradictory and confusing.

In the case of personal independence payments (PIPs), there are a great many scandals (some recently documented by the TaxPayers Alliance) about how easily people can get the money for inadequate or trumped-up reasons. A government set on persuasion could have dramatised such freeloading to win over voters. It did not. Instead, it suddenly threatened millions of claimants, thwarting reasonable expectations. You dont have to be a Zarah Sultana-style Corbynista to worry. Any decent MP would want to voice those discontents at Westminster.

In my lifetime, and therefore in the lifetime of the great majority, no Labour government has ever been able to cope with bad economic conditions. They have been boom-time phenomena, triumphantly so in the case of Tony Blairs first two terms. Sir Keirs administration has quickly reverted to this depressing type, adding a political incompetence that would make anyone weep.
John Swinney said Labour should follow the SNP and ask those on high incomes to pay more tax - Jane Barlow/PA Wire

John Swinney has been criticised for arguing that the UK Government could have avoided a fiscal nightmare by emulating his partys tax assault on higher earners.

Opposition politicians described the SNP leaders claim as deluded and offensive to many families in Scotland who pay more income tax than those south of the border.

Mr Swinney responded after Sir Keir Starmer was forced into a U-turn on his flagship welfare reform programme following a rebellion by backbench Labour MPs.

Writing for The Scotsman on Friday, the First Minister said: Labour could have avoided the fiscal nightmare currently tearing them apart if Keir Starmer had the courage to do what the SNP have done, and ask high earners to pay more tax.

It prompted a backlash from the Scottish Conservatives, who described Mr Swinneys position as astonishing and accused him of contempt for hard-working, over-taxed Scots.

The party also highlighted that the SNP had presided over sluggish economic growth north of the border.

To boast that hiking taxes is an act of courage by the SNP is deluded and offensive, said Craig Hoy, the Scottish Conservative shadow finance secretary.

The brave thing to do would be to reduce Scotlands unaffordable benefits bill and bloated public sector, as the Scottish Conservatives are committed to doing.

But John Swinney repeatedly ducks that challenge in favour of yet more tax hikes which are choking economic growth and squeezing household budgets to breaking point.

Keir Starmer is deeply unpopular precisely because he has clobbered the public and businesses with a series of tax rises which broke Labours pre-election promises.

It beggars belief that the SNP leader, who has made Scotland the highest taxed part of the UK, thinks the Prime Minister should actually be raising taxes further still on hard-working households.

At present, workers in Scotland who earn more than 30,300 pay more into the state than their English and Welsh counterparts.

The tax differential rises with earnings, with a taxpayer on a 50,000 annual salary paying 1,528 more a year in Scotland than in the rest of the UK.

An individual on 100,000 pays 3,332 more and those earning at least 125,000 pay 5,221 more, equivalent to a 7 per cent reduction in their after-tax income.

Earlier in the week, Mr Swinney accused the UK government of taking an absolutely appalling approach to reform.

Labour ministers were forced to U-turn on some cuts to Universal Credit and plans to introduce stricter eligibility rules for personal independence payment (Pip) claimants.

The changes to Pip would not have directly applied in Scotland, where the benefit is being phased out for a devolved alternative but could have affected the amount of money allocated to Holyrood.

Ian Murray, the Scottish Secretary, has said that failure to reform the welfare system will see it explode in terms of [it] being unsustainable financially for the taxpayer, but also were writing hundreds of thousands of people out of the workforce.
The alleged incident took place at a site run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which is backed by Israel and the US

Armed US contractors at one of Gazas new aid distribution hubs appeared to fire at Palestinians before celebrating, leaked footage has suggested.

Video seems to show machine gun fire in the vicinity of civilians seeking aid, with an American voice shouting: I think you got one.

Another voice adds: Hell yeah, boy!

The alleged incident took place at a site run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which is backed by Israel and the US but condemned by much of the rest of the international community.

A former security contractor at one of the sites told the BBC he saw a guard with a machine gun open fire from a watchtower because a group of women, children and elderly people were moving away from the site too slowly.

Another contractor then opened fire, the whistleblower claimed. He said: A Palestinian man dropped to the ground motionless. And then the other contractor, who was standing there, was like damn, I think you got one. And then they laughed about it.

"Hell yeah, boy!"



US contractors in Gaza cheer after deliberately opening fire on aid-seeking Palestinians.



Source: AP pic.twitter.com/7mG0Wxxoky  The Cradle (@TheCradleMedia) July 3, 2025

The Associated Press reportedly spoke to two contractors for UG Solutions, who have been sub-contracted to GHF sites, and alleged that there was regular use of live ammunition, stun grenades and pepper spray on Palestinians who posed no threat.

They claimed security staff hired to protect the sites were often unqualified and unvetted, and acted with impunity while heavily armed.

The GHF said the accusations were categorically false, adding that no civilians had ever come under fire at its distribution sites.

The new model for aid delivery has been designed to prevent food and supplies falling into the hands of Hamas, thereby propping up the terror group.

Rather than delivering aid into population centres, the system requires people to walk long distances across open ground towards specially created centres.

The system requires people to walk long distances across open ground towards specially created centres

Photos and footage have shown large numbers of people being forced into narrow corridors between berms of earth, with security contractors standing above them.

Hundreds have been killed in shootings in the wider vicinity of the aid centres as eyewitnesses have accused Israeli troops, who provide a wider ring of security, of opening fire. Israel has denied this, but has admitted firing warning shots in the area.

However, the new testimony has marked the first time an American staff member at the sites has been implicated.

The GHF said it was operating in the face of people with a vested interest in seeing it fail and denied any misconduct or lack of experience among staff.

The organisation said it hadistributed the equivalent of more than 50 million meals in Gaza.
Donald Trump was speaking at a rally in Iowa about his big, beautiful bill that was passed by Congress - Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/Getty

Donald Trump said he did not know the term shylock is considered anti-Semitic when he used it in a speech in Iowa on Thursday night.

Mr Trump told reporters early Friday that he had never heard it that way and did not know the term was considered an offensive stereotype about Jews.

The term refers to the villainous Jewish moneylender in Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice, who demands a pound of flesh from a debtor.

Mr Trump had used it at his rally in Iowa when talking about his big, beautiful bill that was passed by Congress earlier in the day.

No death tax, no estate tax, no going to the banks and borrowing some from, in some cases, a fine banker and in some cases shylocks and bad people, he said.

When a reporter later asked about the words anti-Semitic association and his intent, Mr Trump said: No, Ive never heard it that way. To me, a shylock is somebody thats a money lender at high rates. Ive never heard it that way. You view it differently than me. Ive never heard that.

Extremely offensive and dangerous

The Anti-Defamation League, which works to combat anti-Semitism, said in a statement that the term evokes a centuries-old anti-Semitic trope about Jews and greed that is extremely offensive and dangerous. President Trumps use of the term is very troubling and irresponsible.

Democrat Joe Biden, while vice-president, said in 2014 that he had made a poor choice of words a day after he used the term in remarks to a legal aid group.

The Trump administration has cracked down on anti-Semitism, screening for perceived anti-Jewish rhetoric or support for Hamas when granting immigration benefits.

Mr Trumps battle with Harvard University has centred on allegations from the White House that the school has tolerated anti-Semitism.

It is not the first time Mr Trump has been accused of playing on stereotypes about Jewish people.

He told the Republican Jewish Coalition in 2015 that you want to control your politicians and suggested the audience used money to exert control.

Before he kicked off his 2024 presidential campaign, Mr Trump drew widespread criticism for dining at his Florida club with a Holocaust-denying white nationalist.

Words from leaders matter

Last year, Mr Trump made repeated comments accusing Jewish Democrats of disloyalty because of the Democratic leaders criticisms of Benjamin Netanyahu, prime minister of Israel.

Critics said it perpetuated an anti-Semitic trope about Jews having divided loyalties and there being only one right way to be Jewish.

The Anti-Defamation League said Mr Trumps use of the word underscores how lies and conspiracies about Jews remain deeply entrenched in our country. Words from our leaders matter and we expect more from the president of the United States.
Smoke rises after a Russian strike on Kyiv, Ukraine, on 4 July 2025. Photograph: Yehor Konovalov/AP

Donald Trump spoke with Ukraines president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on Friday as the US president appears increasingly disheartened over his chances of fulfilling a campaign pledge to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.

The call with Zelenskyy comes as Washington has halted its latest shipment of military aid to Ukraine including Patriot air defense missiles and other crucial munitions meant to support the countrys defenses, and hours after Russia launched a devastating air attack on Kyiv using a record number of drones and ballistic missiles.

Zelenskyy called the conversation important and useful and said in a post said that he and Trump had discussed Ukraines air defense capabilities, joint defense production and mutual purchases and investments, all potentially avenues for Ukraine to restart aid from the United States by providing incentives for the Trump administration to rush crucial munitions to Kyiv.

He said that the two sides had agreed to increase aerial protection, a particular focus for Kyiv as Russia has increased bombardments of Ukrainian cities despite outrage from Trump and other world leaders.

Yet it was not immediately clear whether Zelenskyy had achieved any concrete progress with Trump and in his statement he did not mention the halt of aid shipments from the US or announce their resumption. Axios reported that a source described the call as a good conversation.

Related: Russian drone attack on Kyiv injures 14, triggers multiple fires, mayor says

Trump said he was very disappointed after a telephone call with Vladimir Putin on Thursday. A Putin aide told reporters that the Russian president was not willing to make concessions on what the Kremlin has called the root causes of the war with Ukraine, a list of grievances that includes Nato expansion and Ukraines desire to join western economic and security blocs.

Im very disappointed with the conversation I had today with President Putin, because I dont think hes there, Trump told reporters after holding a rally in Iowa on Thursday evening. I dont think hes there, and Im very disappointed. Im just saying, I dont think hes looking to stop, and thats too bad.

The US has said that it halted the shipments, some of which were already in Poland, due to a review of US military stockpiles that suggested that the country is running low on munitions for its own troops.

Germany has said that it is in intensive talks to buy the Patriot missiles for Ukraine, although its unclear whether those stocks would be available immediately.

There are various ways to fill this Patriot gap, a German government spokesperson told a news conference in Berlin on Friday. One option being considered was for the German government to buy the Patriot missile batteries in the United States and then send them to Ukraine.

I can confirm that intensive discussions are indeed being held on this matter, the spokesperson said.

The shortage of Patriot missiles was further highlighted by the record bombardment of Ukraine in which Russia sent more than 550 drones and ballistic missiles at major cities in what Zelenskyy described as a deliberate act of terror.

The strike immediately followed the call between Putin and Trump, Zelenskyy said, and was a clear interpretation of how Moscow interprets diplomacy.
There are around 283,000 undocumented farm workers in the US

Donald Trump said he will spare undocumented farm workers from deportation if their bosses can vouch for them.

The US president floated the idea for the exemptions, which could also apply to hotel and restaurant workers, during a visit to Iowa.

Legislation is already being drafted for the carve-out how to deal with undocumented agricultural workers with Kristi Noem, the homeland security secretary.

You know, theyve had people working for them for years. And were going to do something  were going to sort of put the farmers in charge, he said on Thursday night.

If a farmer has been with one of these people that worked so hard  they bend over all day, we dont have too many people that can do that, but they work very hard, and they know him very well, and some of the farmers are literally, you know, they cry when they see this happen.

If a farmer is willing to vouch for these people, in some way, Kristi, I think were going to have to just say thats going to be good, right?

Donald Trump speaks with reporters in Iowa alongside Kristi Noem, right - Alex Brandon/AP

Mr Trump was repeating remarks he made earlier in the week.

Underpinning the proposed exemptions is a dispute within the administration, with Brooke Rollins, the agriculture secretary, pushing for concessions for farmers and their workers, while immigration hardliner and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller strongly opposes any concessions.

At one point, raids on farms, meatpacking plants and restaurants were paused.

But they were resumed again after immigration hawks, including Mr Miller and Ms Noem, leaned on the president.

Mr Trumps remarks this week suggest that he could be leaning towards backing his agriculture secretary after all.

According to the Centre for Migration Studies, there are around 283,000 undocumented farm workers in the US, with nearly half being employed in California; other estimates put the figure even higher.

More than 80 per cent come from Mexico, with the remainder hailing from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua.

Agriculture industry hit by deportation drive

The Trump deportation drive has wrought havoc on the agriculture industry. Fearful of being picked up by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as many as 70 per cent of farm workers in some parts of the country have been staying away.

This has led to crops rotting in fields and labour shortages at meat-packing facilities.

We do not have enough workforce in the United States to do manual work, to do those jobs that other people are not qualified to do and do not want to do, Alexandra Sossa, chief executive of Farmworker and Landscaper Advocacy Project, told Newsweek.

For example, we are running into a problem where we do not have enough farm workers to grow the food we eat every day.

According to Farmonaut, an agriculture technology company, the stricter immigration polices are creating a labour shortage, which is putting up food prices.

There is similar pressure on the hospitality industry, with hotels and restaurants heavily dependent on immigrant labour.

Even Mr Trumps Mar-a-Lago has imported foreign workers, with Department of Labour statistics showing that it applied for 136 H-2B visas for non-agricultural workers in 2023.

Trump urged to fix long-term labour issues

We are encouraged that the president recognises the valuable contributions farmworkers play in Americas food security, John Walt Boatright, director of Government Affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation told The Telegraph

Farmers support a secure border and safe communities, and they also understand that without a stable workforce, its not possible to get food from the farm to the tables of Americas families.

We have not seen specifics on President Trumps plans, but we urge him and Congress to address long-term agriculture labour issues by revising overreaching regulations, modernising current guestworker programmes to allow for year-round access to employees, and fixing outdated wage rate calculations that put help out of reach for many farmers.

While the administration is willing to make concessions for these key groups of workers, there will be no let-up in ICEs activities.

Within days of the announcement of an Alligator Alcatraz to house deportees in Florida, Alaska, albeit tongue in cheek, suggested its large bear population could do a similar job in the frozen north.

The state has the option of bidding for a slice of the $5 billion earmarked in the Big Beautiful Bill for the construction and renovation of ICEs detention facilities.
Care workers protest proposed cuts to Medicaid in Washington DC on 23 June. Photograph: Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for SEIU

When Hurricane Helene drowned western North Carolina in muck and floodwater last year, it caught folks off-guard.

Now, local leaders in places like Asheville expect the Republican-led reconciliation bill  called the big, beautiful bill by Donald Trump  to bear down on rural America. And they wonder whether people are missing the warning signs.

Its going to have to hit them first, said Laurie Stradley, CEO of Impact Health in Asheville, a Medicaid-funded non-profit providing social services to some people still digging out from the flood.

Medicaid is the single largest health insurance program in the US. The public program covers 71 million low-income, disabled and elderly US residents. It pays for half of all US births and the care of six in 10 nursing home residents.

When Trumps sprawling tax-and-spending bill passed on Thursday, it heralded more than $1tn in federal cuts to Medicaid, which experts worry will push Republican-led states to abandon parts of the program and leave people without access to timely healthcare.

This is an extraordinarily regressive bill, said Joan Akler, executive director and co-founder of Georgetown Universitys Center for Children and Families. This is the largest rollback of healthcare coverage that weve ever seen and all in service of an agenda to drive tax cuts that will disproportionately benefit wealthy people and corporations.

Medicaid expansion is a key provision of Obamacare, formally called the Affordable Care Act of 2010. The expansion provides largely no-cost health insurance to people earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level, or $36,777 for a family of three. Although Obamacare has been the law for more than a decade, Medicaid expansion proved politically divisive in Republican states, and many only recently decided to accept enormous federal subsidies to cover their residents.

North Carolina will lose $32bn in the next decade

The Medicaid cuts in the bill could have particularly acute consequences in North Carolina, a politically competitive state, where experts said the bill could trigger a kill switch to end Medicaid expansion.

If the state spends any state dollars to implement the expansion population or expansion coverage, it triggers an automatic ending to Medicaid expansion, said Kody Kinsley, North Carolinas former secretary of health and an architect of the states Medicaid expansion.

North Carolina is set to lose $32bn in federal funding in the next decade, according to an analysis by the office of the Republican senator Thom Tillis, who represents the state. Hes one of just three Senate Republicans who voted against the bill on Tuesday.

North Carolinas expansion only went into effect in December 2023, and in less than 19 months it enrolled more than 650,000 people  all of whom will lose coverage if the program ends.

Those North Carolinians are only some of the 17 million people expected to lose health insurance by 2034 across the country, according to estimates from the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office. Nearly 12 million people will lose insurance because of attacks on Medicaid.

Ultimately, Medicaid being cut is going to kill people, said Molly Zenkler, a nurse at Mission hospital in Asheville. I deal with people getting their feet literally amputated because they dont have access to diabetic care. This is just going to get increasingly worse.

The reconciliation bill cuts state funding through a number of provisions. On healthcare specifically, the bill attacks complex financial maneuvers states use to draw down federal funds. It also requires states to spend enormous sums  perhaps tens of millions of dollars per state  implementing work requirements, effectively adding layers of expensive red tape.

Congressional Republicans in favor of the bill argue it targets waste, fraud and abuse. However, it is already well-known that most Medicaid beneficiaries who can work do, and that Medicaid is one of the most cost-efficient health programs in the US, according to the American Hospital Association.

North Carolina is one of a dozen conservative states that wrote a trigger law into Medicaid expansion. Not all function like North Carolinas  the laws are, in the words of an expert with Georgetown Universitys McCourt School of Public Policy, a lesson in federalism  but they nevertheless underscore the difficult choices state legislators will face because of congressional Republicans cuts.

One such program that could be on the chopping block is a pilot with Impact Health, which uses Medicaid expansion funds for social needs that affect health  an effort to reduce long-term costs. Stradley gave the example of a Medicaid-covered child with severe asthma who hit the local emergency room three times a week for breathing treatments.

Impacts program used Medicaid funds to replace moldy rugs with laminate flooring in the childs home, and to buy a vacuum with a Hepa filter. The cost to Impact Health was about $5,000, but now this child is going to the emergency room a couple times a year instead of a couple times a month. And so, every month were saving about $4,500.

The programs knock-on effects boost the local economy: the work to replace the rug was done by a local carpenter, and the childs mother isnt calling out from work, increasing her job stability.

One of the ways that we talk about this program is that its a hand up rather than a handout, she said. Almost half of the folks that are recipients in our program are children  Then you look at the adults. Most of them are working multiple jobs, and those jobs dont come with benefits, because theyre working two or three part-time jobs in order to make ends meet.

The enormity of Medicaid means large cuts to the program imperil not only patients, but the institutions that serve them  especially rural hospitals and clinics hanging on by a thread, according to Kinsley.

One of US residents few rights to healthcare is in emergency departments, where hospitals are required to stabilize patients regardless of ability to pay. That makes emergency departments the go-to source for healthcare for the uninsured.

An analysis released by the Sheps Center for Health Services Research at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill earlier this year showed that 338 rural hospitals around the country were at risk of imminent closure with the cuts to Medicaid contained in the bill.

Hospitals will be forced to restrict services, or close

Rural states such as Kentucky are expected to be disproportionately hard-hit as well. Thirty-five of the rural hospitals at risk of closure  about 10%  are in Kentucky, even though Kentuckys 4.5 million residents comprise about 1.3% of the USs population. About a third of Kentucky residents are on Medicaid, according to figures from Kentuckys cabinet for health and family services. The program benefits about 478,900 adults.

The situation is similarly dire in Arizona, another battleground state, which also has a trigger law on the books. Although the reconciliation bill may not trigger a rollback of Medicaid expansion, it does undermine a key financing mechanism for the states program called a provider tax.

We estimate Arizonas healthcare system would lose over $6bn over the next seven years, said Holly Ward, a spokesperson for the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association, in a statement.

In other words, more than 55% of Arizona hospitals would be operating in the red, she said. Hospitals will be, at best, forced to restrict services such as obstetrics, behavioral healthcare and other complex services, and at worst, will close their doors altogether.

Another issue is the potential for Republicans cuts to drive up the cost of healthcare for Americans who are privately insured, including through employers. As hospitals fight to survive, they will try to extract as much money as possible from other sources of funding  namely, commercial insurance.

In addition, rural healthcare providers worry the water will be muddied by the sheer complexity of US healthcare. Private companies have a hand in managing  and therefore branding  state Medicaid programs.

A lot of our rural voters may not even realize that what they have is Medicaid, because there are so many names for it, said Stradley. However, the precarious situation is already worrying people whose lives have been stabilized because of Medicaid.

Amanda Moynihan is a single mother of three children  ages nine, 12 and 16  living in Kuna, Idaho. Medicaid expansion has helped her become a functioning human in society, she said. Routine medical care for herself and her children, along with other assistance programs, has meant the difference between grinding poverty and a shot at the middle class.

Idaho, one of the most politically conservative states in the union, expanded Medicaid in 2018 with an overwhelming ballot-referendum vote of 61-39. Even if Idahos trigger law does not go into effect, the state could face similar fiscal challenges to Arizona.

Back two years ago, before I started school, I was just in fight-or-flight, just trying to pay the bills there. I didnt ever see a future of what I could do. And then I just started with one class, she said.

Moynihan has completed an associate degree in psychology and is starting the social work bachelors degree program at Boise State University in the fall. For now, shes working part time with the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired and planning to pick up work at a gas station because it has a college scholarship benefit.

But without stability to pursue higher education, her future would be making the minimum wage, which is about $15 an hour, barely paying rent in a low-income household.
Julie Inman Grant, Australias eSafety Commissioner, allegedly colluded with a powerful group of advertisers - Australian Associated Press / Alamy Stock Photo

The US has accused Australias online safety chief of censoring freedom of speech.

Julie Inman-Grant, Australias eSafety commissioner, allegedly colluded with a powerful group of advertisers who worked to silence free expression on X, a House committee report has claimed.

Ms Inman-Grant is said to have relied on the group to inform her engagement [with X] and regulatory decisions after the company was bought by Elon Musk in 2022, according to the report.

The House judiciary committee claims she went on to launch an aggressive regulatory campaign against the social media platform, including ordering the site to block content from X users around the world.

In one instance, her office blocked the posts of a Canadian gender-critical activist who sued the Australian government over the decision.

Chris Elston, a campaigner known as Billboard Chris, was last year ordered by the Australian government to take down a post on X about a transgender activist who landed a job as a UN health expert.

Chris Elston was ordered by the Australian government to take down a post on X about a transgender activist - Nico

The denunciation of Ms Inman-Grant is the latest sign of the US governments willingness to confront its allies amid a growing international rift over freedom of speech.

The Australian commissioner is accused of coordinating with the Global Alliance for Responsible Media (Garm), a now-defunct arm of the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA), whose members control roughly 90 per cent of all global annual publicity spending.

Founded in 2019, ostensibly to promote digital safety, Garm is accused in the report of operating like a cartel, pressuring social media companies into removing content that did not align with its own interests and the biased world views of its powerful members.

In one instance the report deemed concerning, Ms Grant sent an email to Garms co-founder Robert Rakowitz acknowledging the group had very powerful levers at [its] disposal and asked him to share information with her that could inform any decision to regulate X in Australia.

Grant accused of disparaging US

The committee also accused Ms Grant, who was born in America, of disparaging the US and free speech protections after she sent an email to Mr Rakowitz in 2022 saying: America is not the country of promise I grew up in or left 22 years ago.

Her comments came in response to an email from the Garm founder about the 2022 midterm election results, in which he called Donald Trumps rhetoric a contagion and said that silencing him was his main thing.

The report, released on June 27, accused Ms Grant of using the law to demand that social media platforms remove content globally, including content that would otherwise be accessible to American citizens.

It comes as an Australian court ruled in favour of Mr Musk and Mr Elston, who challenged the eSafety Commissioners decision to take down his post about the transgender activist.

In response to a complaint, Australias eSafety commission determined the post was cyber abuse and ordered X to remove the post, with the social media company later geoblocking it in Australia, meaning it could not be viewed on the countrys internet.

Decisive win for free speech

Following Tuesdays ruling, Paul Coleman, the executive director of Allianced for Defending Freedom (ADF) International, which supported Mr Elstons case, said: This is a decisive win for free speech and sets an important precedent in the growing global debate over online censorship.

A spokesman for eSafety said: eSafety does not collaborate with external parties, other than, on occasion, police, in relation to specific requests or notices to remove content.

 eSafety welcomes the guidance provided by the tribunal on the statutory test for adult cyber abuse. We will continue to take seriously the responsibility of remediating online harms and protecting Australians from serious online harms.

The WFA was approached for comment.
Residents inspect the damage following a Russian air strike in a residential area of Kyiv on Friday, July 4 - Andrew Kravchenko/Bloomberg

Vladimir Putin ordered the largest-ever bombardment of Ukraine hours after coming off the phone to Donald Trump.

More than 550 drones and missiles were launched at Ukraine overnight, with Kyiv bearing the brunt of the seven-hour barrage. It left one dead, 23 injured and the capital choked by explosions, smoke and fires.

Absolutely horrible and sleepless night in Kyiv. One of the worst so far. Hundreds of Russian drones and ballistic missiles rained down on the Ukrainian capital, right after Putin spoke with President Trump, Andrii Sybiha, Ukraines foreign minister, said.

Mr Trump described his phone call with the Russian leader as disappointing and said he was not happy about the war in Ukraine. However, he stopped short of calling for Putin to end to the conflict.

Im very disappointed with the conversation I had today with president Putin, because I dont think hes there, the US president told reporters on Thursday night. Im just saying I dont think hes looking to stop, and thats too bad.

Hours after the barrage, the Kremlin said it saw no immediate diplomatic way out of the war, and brushed off future peace talks.

Yuri Ushakov, a Kremlin aide, claimed Putin and Mr Trump were on the same page after the sixth known call between the two leaders. But Mr Trump disagreed, saying: I didnt make any progress with him at all.

Kyiv and other major cities across Ukraine have come under intensified bombardment in recent weeks. Russia is producing drones in record numbers and launching them in ever-larger volleys, in what analysts say is a strategy intended to overwhelm Ukraines air defence network through relentless attacks and break the populations morale.

In total, 539 drones and 11 missiles were fired overnight on Friday, according to Ukraines air force.

Reacting to the onslaught, Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraines president, called on the US to increase pressure on Russia, warning that Moscow would not change its dumb, destructive behaviour.

In a later phone call, Mr Trump agreed to help Ukraine protect its skies, despite pausing some vital shipments of Patriot air defence missiles earlier this week.

Like those before it, Fridays attack included a combination of Iranian-designed Shahed drones and ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as decoys sent to confuse Ukraines defences.

Todays attack was like the worst nightmare come to life, Olha Vershynina, a Kyiv resident, told the Kyiv Independent. Because when the strike happened, the lights went out and glass came crashing down on my head. It was terrifying. Our entire building was shaking.

President Trump, Putin is mocking your peace efforts, Radoslaw Sikorski, Polands foreign minister, wrote on social media, after the Polish embassy in Kyiv was damaged in the strikes.

Dmitry Peskov, Putins press secretary, said Russia would prefer to achieve its goals through political and diplomatic avenues, but that as long as this remains unattainable, the special military operation will continue.

Fridays attack damaged apartment buildings, businesses, a school, a medical facility and other civilian infrastructure in districts across Kyiv.

This time was truly terrifying, Maria Maznichenko, a pensioner who lives in Kyivs Solomianskyi district, added. The explosions kept coming. Shahed drones were flying in every minute, like a swarm of bees  one after another.

Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyivs military administration, warned residents to close their windows because of the dangerous levels of combustion products in the air. The Russians bring nothing but terror and murder. That is a fact, he wrote on Telegram during the bombardment.

Firefighters arrive at a blaze after the Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv - Yan Dobronosov/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images

After the hours-long barrage, Mr Trump spoke to his Ukrainian counterpart and the pair agreed to work together to strengthen Ukraines air defences, Mr Zelensky said. Details are not yet clear, but the Ukrainian president suggested they discussed joint production of key air defence systems.

The Trump administration said earlier this week that it would pause shipments of certain critical weapons to Ukraine, including 30 promised Patriot air defence missiles, due to low stockpiles. The vital supplies had been expected in the coming weeks or months.

Kyiv warned that the decision would weaken its ability to defend its cities against Russias intensifying air strikes and battlefield advances.

One source briefed on the call said they were optimistic that Patriot supplies could resume after what they called a very good conversation between the presidents.

Ukraine is reliant on the US-made Patriot missiles as its only line of defence against certain types of Russian ballistic missile  including the hypersonic Kinzhal, which was used in Fridays barrage.

Germany said on Friday it would try to fill the air defence gap, and that it was in intensive talks to buy Patriots from the US for Ukraine. Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor, discussed the offer with Mr Trump on the phone on Friday, a government spokesman said.

07:04 PM BST

Thats all for today

Thank you for following our live coverage. Heres a round-up of todays events:

Russia launched its largest-ever bombardment of Ukraine

It came hours after Trump lamented a disappointing phone call with Putin

The Kremlin vowed to continue the war and brushed off peace talks

Russia and Ukraine exchanged more POWs

Downing Street said Putin is not serious about peace

Germany offered to buy Ukraine Patriot missiles after US paused shipments

Zelensky and Trump agreed to strengthen Kyivs air defences

It was revealed that child casualties in Ukraine have increased threefold

06:35 PM BST

Listen to todays episode of Ukraine: The Latest

06:20 PM BST

Pictured: Firefighters putting out blazes in Kyiv

Firefighters battling blazes in Kyiv following a mass Russian drone and missile attack on the capital on Friday - UPI / Alamy Live News

06:18 PM BST

Russian strike damages Chinese consulate in Odesa

A Russian missile and drone strike on the Ukrainian port city of Odesa on Thursday damaged the Chinese consulate, according to reports.

Hours later, Ukraine said it found a Chinese component inside a Russian drone that hit Kyiv.

Following tonights massive Russian air attack on Ukraine, we discovered in Kyiv a component of a Russian-Iranian Shahed-136/Geran-2 combat drone, which was made in China and supplied just recently, Andrii Sybiha, Ukraines foreign minister, wrote on X.

And right on the eve, the Chinese Consulate Generals building in Odesa suffered minor damage, he added.

Beijing has always dismissed claims that it helps supply lethal weapons to its ally, however Western intelligence agencies say China supplies components of weapons, including electronics needed for drones.

05:43 PM BST

Watch: Russian POWs celebrate their release

Credit: Reuters

05:10 PM BST

Russia strikes Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, causing blackout

Russia destroyed the power line that connects the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant to the power grid, Ukraines energy minister German Galushchenko has said.

The enemy struck the power line connecting the temporarily occupied (Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant) with the integrated power system of Ukraine, he said on Friday.

Just before, the UN nuclear watchdog confirmed that all external power lines supplying electricity to the Russian-occupied plant in Ukraine were down.

Ukraines ZNPP lost all off-site power at 17:36 today, 9th time during military conflict and first since late 2023, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on X.

Europes biggest nuclear power plant, which is not operating but still requires power to keep its nuclear fuel cool, has switched to running on diesel generators, the IAEA said.

The IAEA has repeatedly warned of the risk of a catastrophic accident at Zaporizhzhia, which is located near the front line in the war in Ukraine.

04:48 PM BST

Merz called Trump about supplying Patriots to Ukraine

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz discussed his countrys offer to buy Patriot air defence systems for Ukraine with Donald Trump by phone on Thursday.

Mr Merz initiated the call with Trump to promote arms deliveries to Ukraine, particularly Patriots, after the Pentagon paused some shipments, a government spokesperson told Reuters.

Germany was in intensive talks to buy Patriots for Ukraine to help it counter some of the heaviest Russian attacks since the war began in 2022, a spokesman said earlier today.

There are various ways to fill this Patriot gap, they said, adding that one option being considered was buying the Patriot missile batteries in the US and then sending them on to Kyiv.

Washington has paused shipments of certain critical weapons to Ukraine including 30 Patriot air defence missiles due to low stockpiles, prompting warnings by Kyiv this would weaken its ability to defend itself.

04:17 PM BST

Pictured: Ukrainian POW returns from Russian captivity

A Ukrainian soldier reacts after returning from captivity during a POWs exchange between Russia and Ukraine, Chernyhiv region, Ukraine, July 4 - Efrem Lukatsky/AP

04:05 PM BST

Putin launches record attack on Kyiv after Trump phone call

Vladimir Putin fired 550 drones and missiles at Ukraine in a new record attack hours after Donald Trump lamented their disappointing phone call.

Kyiv was the main focus of Russias overnight bombardment, which left one dead and 23 injured in the capital, according to Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyivs military administration.

Absolutely horrible and sleepless night in Kyiv. One of the worst so far. Hundreds of Russian drones and ballistic missiles rained down on the Ukrainian capital. Right after Putin spoke with President Trump, Andrii Sybiha, Ukraines foreign minister, said.

Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, said Russia would not change its dumb, destructive behaviour without increasing pressure, particularly from the US.

The attack, which broke a record set only last weekend, came hours after Mr Trump spoke with Putin, a phone call the US president described as disappointing.

Im very disappointed with the conversation I had today with President Putin, because I dont think hes there, he told reporters. Im just saying I dont think hes looking to stop, and thats too bad.

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov claimed Putin and Mr Trump were on the same page. The US president disagreed: I didnt make any progress with him at all.

03:59 PM BST

Nato chief calls for balance between US stockpiles and Ukraine aid

Mark Rutte, head of Nato, said on Friday that he understands Washingtons need to maintain its own weapons stockpiles, but added he hopes for flexibility to ensure Ukraine continues receiving necessary military support.

I totally understand for the US to make sure that the stockpiles are at a level that we have the collective defense we need, Mr Rutte told reporters after a change-of-command ceremony that saw US Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich take over as Natos Supreme Allied Commander Europe.

But we all hope for a level of flexibility to make sure that also Ukraine has what it needs, he added.

03:54 PM BST

Pictured: Ukrainians hold up pictures of their missing relatives

People hold photos of their missing relatives as Ukrainian soldiers return from captivity during a POWs exchange between Russia and Ukraine

03:15 PM BST

Watch: Ukrainian POWs return home

Ukrainian POWs are seen crying and kissing the floor in footage taken after they were released from captivity as part of the latest prisoner swap with Russia.

At home  pic.twitter.com/Pn8iuaCSVU  Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) July 4, 2025

03:00 PM BST

Pictured: The aftermath of a Russian strike on a school in Kyiv

Municipal service workers clean up the rubble of a schools utility building and wrecked cars destroyed by a Russian airstrike on July 4 in Kyiv - Global Images Ukraine

02:58 PM BST

Zelensky and Trump agree to strengthen Kyivs defences

Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump have agreed to work together to strengthen Ukraines air defences after Kyiv came under a record bombardment.

Vladimir Putin ordered his forces to pummel Ukraines capital after a phone call with Mr Trump on Thursday night that the US president described as disappointing.

Mr Zelensky said he spoke with Mr Trump on Friday and the two agreed to strengthen protection of our skies. Details of the agreement are not yet clear, but the Ukrainian president suggested they discussed joint production of key air defence systems.

Mr Trumps administration paused some shipments of weapons to Ukraine earlier this week, sparking warnings by Kyiv that the move would weaken its ability to defend against Russias intensifying airstrikes and battlefield advances.

Germanys chancellor also spoke with Mr Trump on Thursday. Friedrich Merz said he discussed buying US-made Patriot air defence systems to bridge the gap.

02:40 PM BST

Trump spoken with Zelensky, says source

Donald Trump has spoken with Volodymyr Zelensky, according to reports.

It was a good conversation, said a source familiar with the details, cited by an Axios reporter.

Their phone call follows Mr Trump complaining he was disappointed with the conversation he had with Vladimir Putin last night, which the president said didnt make any progress towards peace.

02:33 PM BST

US not facing weapons shortage, official claims

The US is not facing a shortage of weapons despite that being used as a reason to pause aid shipments to Ukraine, an American official has said.

Adam Smith, a leading Democrat who sits on the House Armed Services Committee, said the Pentagons justification for pausing weapons deliveries was disingenuous.

We are not at any lower point, stockpile-wise, than weve been in the 3 years of the Ukraine conflict, he told NBC News.

The news outlet also reported that Pete Hegseth, the secretary of defence, took the decision alone, the third such time he had stopped shipments of aid to Ukraine without consulting other departments.

In the other cases, which took place in February and May, the weapons shipments were resumed.

02:01 PM BST

Germany could buy US weapons before sending them to Kyiv

Germany is in talks on buying Patriot air defence systems for Ukraine to help it counter some of the heaviest Russian attacks since the war began, Berlin has said.

Washington has paused shipments of certain critical weapons to Ukraine, including 30 Patriot air defence missiles, prompting warnings by Kyiv this would weaken its ability to defend itself.

There are various ways to fill this Patriot gap, a government spokesperson told a news conference in Berlin, adding that one option being considered is buying Patriot missile batteries from the US and then sending them on to Kyiv.

I can confirm that intensive discussions are indeed being held on this matter, he said.

01:36 PM BST

Trump envoy pushing to lift Russia sanctions

Steve Witkoff, a senior negotiator in the Trump administration, is pushing for energy sanctions to be lifted on Russia, according to reports.

Politico reported that Moscow was in early talks with Washington about restarting the Nord Stream pipeline project, which has worried some officials in Brussels.

Other Trump officials disagree, however, including Doug Burgum - the interior secretary - who has pushed to reduce reliance on Russian imports.

01:22 PM BST

Macron and Starmer to chair joint Ukraine summit next week

Emmanuel Macron and Sir Keir Starmer will co-chair a summit to discuss boosting Ukraines defences on July 10 in the United Kingdom, the Elysee Palace has said.

There will certainly be a discussion on how to seriously maintain Ukraines combat capability, the Elysee Palace said, adding that the two leaders will co-chair the meeting of Kyivs allies by video link.

01:16 PM BST

Pictured: Russian POWs cheer after exchange

Russian POWs reacting in a bus following an exchange of prisoners with Ukraine at an undisclosed location in Belarus - AFP

12:53 PM BST

Moscow says its forces hit military targets in Kyiv

Russias defence ministry said its forces successfully carried out strikes against military targets in Kyiv overnight.

It said high-precision long-range weapons along with hypersonic missiles and drones were used in the onslaught which injured over a dozen in the capital.

Ukraine said Russia launched at least 550 drones and missiles, making it the largest aerial attack of the war so far. In recent weeks, Moscow has repeatedly set new records in the size of its bombardments.

12:37 PM BST

How much more can Kyiv take?

A few weeks ago, I met with Kyivs mayor Vitali Klitschko in his office in the capital. Just 24 hours earlier, Russia had launched one of its biggest bombardments on the capital of the entire war.

That superlative - be it biggest, largest, or longest - recurs with chilling regularity in the Ukrainian capital these days, with Moscows vastly stepped up production lines now able to send hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles every few nights.

A year ago, around 300 drones were fired at Ukraine per month. The figure is now above 5,000. And the consequences can be in the palls of smoke and burning buildings that Kyivs residents wake-up to, often after long nights in bomb shelters.

Mr Klitschko was insistent on a single point. Ukraine needed the US to provide more defensive weapons to protect the city, including Patriot munitions for the air defence batteries that guard against ballistic missiles.

The answer has been a resounding disappointment. While Donald Trump mused about providing more Patriot ammunition during the Nato summit at the Hague, the Pentagon has instead halted supplies of weaponry destined for Ukraine.

So Kyiv burns, increasingly unaided. European nations are trying to step into the breach, but the question hangs in the air: what will the Ukrainian capital look like, if nights like last one continue at this punishing rate for a month - for a year - or for longer?

Flames and smoke billow from buildings during mass Russian drones and missile strikes on Kyiv - AFP

12:17 PM BST

Putin not serious about peace, says Downing Street

Russias record strikes on Kyiv shows Vladimir Putin is not serious about securing a peace deal, Downing Street has said.

The Prime Ministers official spokesman said: Continued Russian strikes are clear evidence that Putin is not serious about peace.

Since Ukraine agreed to an unconditional ceasefire over four months ago 700 civilians have been killed, more than 3,000 injured.

We are, alongside our allies, absolutely united in support of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. We are clear that must start with a full immediate and unconditional ceasefire.

But Putin has shown he is not serious about peace.

Smoke from the fire rises above residential apartment buildings after a Russian missile and drone attack - Global Images Ukraine

12:02 PM BST

This dramatic escalation must push Trump to action

President Donald Trump has had it with Vladimir Putin. After a nearly one-hour phone call with his Russian counterpart, Trump expressed disappointment with Putins obstinate continuation of the Ukraine War and admitted: I didnt make any progress with him at all.

The Kremlin rushed to calm the waters and claimed that Russia was still interested in peace negotiations with Ukraine. Nonetheless, Putins aide Yury Ushakov still emphasised the contrast between Trumps push for a swift ceasefire in Ukraine and the Kremlins desire to eliminate the root causes of the Ukraine War.

Russias latest actions suggest that Trumps frustrations are warranted. During the early hours of Friday morning, Russian forces pummelled Ukraine with 550 Shahed drones and ballistic missiles. This attack was Russias largest aerial assault of the war, and broke the record set earlier this week of 537 drones and missiles.

Even though Russia has not taken much-feared apocalyptic steps like using tactical nuclear weapons or triggering a meltdown in the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, it is steadily escalating its war against Ukrainian civilians.

11:47 AM BST

Kremlin vows to continue war against Ukraine

The Kremlin has vowed to continue its war against Ukraine, saying it is not possible to achieve its aims through diplomatic means.

We are interested in achieving our goals in the course of the special military operation and it is preferable to do it by political and diplomatic means, a Kremlin spokesman told reporters after being asked about US efforts to push for peace.

But until that is not possible, we are continuing the special operation.

11:39 AM BST

Child casualties in Ukraine increase threefold

The number of children killed or injured in Ukraine has surged by 200 per cent in the past three months, the latest UN-verified data has found, writes Lilia Sebouai.

At least 222 children were killed or injured between March and May, compared to 73 from December to February, according to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission to Ukraine.

The situation for children is at a critical juncture,  said Regina De Dominicis, Unicefs regional director for Europe and Central Asia, adding that there is no respite from the war for children across Ukraine.

The UN said use of explosive weapons in densely populated areas has been particularly deadly and destructive.

It comes as Russia has stepped up its long-range attacks on Ukrainian cities. Kyiv was on Friday struck by a wave of overnight drones and missile attacks in the largest aerial assault since Russia invaded Ukraine more than three years ago.

11:27 AM BST

Russia and Ukraine exchange more prisoners of war

Russia and Ukraine exchanged another batch of prisoners of war on Friday.

The warring sides have exchanged prisoners several times - the latest on June 26 - as part of an agreement struck in Istanbul last month.

Our people are home. Most of them had been held in Russian captivity since 2022.



Today, our defenders who fought for Ukraine in various regions  the Donetsk region and Mariupol, the Luhansk, Kharkiv, and Kherson regions  are coming back. These are warriors of the Armed Forces, pic.twitter.com/HR6PCPyXGO  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) July 4, 2025

11:16 AM BST

Russias record attacks in numbers

Russia is frequently firing a record number of missiles and drones at Ukraine, targeting major cities such as Kyiv and Dnipro.

Moscow fired 550 drones and missiles overnight, breaking a record set only last weekend when 537 aerial weapons were fired across the country.

11:10 AM BST

Putin told Trump he wanted more peace talks, says Kremlin

Vladimir Putin told Donald Trump he expected Russia to agree to a date for a third round of peace talks with Ukraine, the Kremlin has said.

The two sides met for direct talks in May and June, though they came no close to any substantial agreement beyond exchanging prisoners and repatriating the dead.

The Kremlin said it followed all statements by Mr Trump, who expressed his disappointment with Putin after their phone call on Thursday.

11:05 AM BST

Republicans urge Trump to increase pressure on Putin

Republicans are urging Donald Trump to ramp up pressure on Vladimir Putin to come to the negotiating table and end the war in Ukraine.

Don Bacon, the Congressman for Nebraskas 2nd District, said Putin had mocked the US president and America by launching another record attack on Ukraine overnight - hours after the two leaders spoke on the phone.

Mr President, your policy towards Russia is not working. While we negotiate, Putin bombs Ukrainian cities, Mr Bacon said.

It is time to change strategy. We and our allies must arm Ukraine to the teeth & we need the toughest sanctions. Putin is mocking you and America.

Joe Wilson, a Congressman in South Carolina, said Putin had resorted to scorched earth tactics across Ukraine just as Americans begin to enjoy the sounds of fireworks in celebration of our Nations Independence.

Mr President, your policy towards Russia is not working. While we negotiate, Putin bombs Ukrainian cities. Here is Kyiv today. It is time to change strategy. We and our allies must arm Ukraine to the teeth & we need the toughest sanctions. Putin is mocking you and America. pic.twitter.com/Jc7ShlrWIN  Rep. Don Bacon  (@RepDonBacon) July 4, 2025

10:50 AM BST

Ukrainians pack into bomb shelter

People take shelter inside a metro station during a Russian drone and missile strike - REUTERS

Kyiv was the main target of Russias latest record attack - REUTERS

10:26 AM BST

Zelensky and Trump to speak this afternoon

Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump will speak later this afternoon, a Ukrainian official has confirmed to AFP.

The call follows a conversation between the US president and Vladimir Putin on Thursday.

09:58 AM BST

Russia expands chemical weapons use in Ukraine, says German spy agency

Russia has increased its use of chemical weapons in Ukraine, Germanys BND foreign intelligence agency said on Friday, citing evidence it obtained alongside its Dutch counterparts.

Russia uses not only tear gas, but also the more dangerous chemical chloropicrin, which can be lethal in high concentrations in enclosed spaces in Ukraine, the BND said in a statement.

This represents a more serious violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, which prohibits the use of this lung warfare agent under all circumstances, it said.

The defence minister and chief of military intelligence in the Netherlands told Reuters.

09:24 AM BST

Polish embassy damaged in attack on Kyiv

The Polish embassy was damaged during a Russian attack on Kyiv, Polands foreign minister has said.

In a massive (Russian) attack on Kyiv, the building of our embassys consular section was damaged, Radoslaw Sikorski wrote on X.

I just spoke with Ambassador Lukasiewicz; everyone is safe and sound. Ukraine urgently needs air defence resources.

09:00 AM BST

Pictured: Aftermath of Russias record attack

Kyiv was the main target of Russias overnight strikes

A woman looks at destroyed vehicles at the site of a damaged school - REUTERS

08:53 AM BST

Has the US paused weapons shipments to Ukraine?

The extent to which the US has suspended weapons deliveries to Ukraine remains unclear.

Tammy Bruce, a State Department spokesperson, said the US hasnt paused sending weapons to Ukraine but that the recent suspension is one aspect, one situation, one event that has been changed.

But Sean Parnell, a senior Pentagon spokesperson, said the defence department had paused weapons to Ukraine in order to conduct a capability review.

Mr Trump, meanwhile, said last night not all weapons shipments had been paused.

Were giving weapons, but weve given so many weapons. But we are giving weapons. And were working with them and trying to help them, but we havent, he said.

You know, Biden emptied out our whole country giving them weapons, and we have to make sure that we have enough for ourselves.

08:46 AM BST

We need Russia to win the war, China admits

China cannot afford for Russia to lose the war in Ukraine, its foreign minister has said, in unguarded comments to European officials.

Wang Yi, Chinas foreign minister, said Beijing does not want to see a Russian loss because of fears the United States would then shift its focus on to China.

The comments were made during a four-hour meeting between Mr Wang and Kaja Kallas, the vice-president of the European Commission, according to several sources who spoke to the South China Morning Post.

The remarks took many by surprise as Chinese officials do not often speak this candidly, even in closed-door meetings.

According to those familiar with the conversation, Mr Wang also gave Ms Kallas several history lessons and lectures about realpolitik and concerns in Beijing that Washington will gradually turn its attention east.

08:17 AM BST

Watch: Trump says hes disappointed with Putin

Donald Trump said he was disappointed by a phone call with Vladimir Putin after the pair spoke for less than an hour on Thursday.

Im very disappointed with the conversation I had today with President Putin, because I dont think hes there, he told reporters. Im just saying I dont think hes looking to stop, and thats too bad.

Credit: Reuters

08:07 AM BST

Pictured: Russian drone intercepted above Kyiv

A Russian drone is shot down by Ukrainian air defences during a night mass strike on Kyiv - AFP

07:55 AM BST

Russia will not change its dumb behaviour, says Zelensky

Volodymyr Zelensky has said last nights record attack on Ukraine shows Russia has no intention to change its dumb, destructive behaviour.

The Ukrainian president said Kyiv had suffered a brutal, sleepless night after hundreds of Iranian-made Shahed drones were fired at the country.

All of this is clear evidence that without truly large-scale pressure, Russia will not change its dumb, destructive behaviour, he wrote on X.

Mr Zelensky also called on Ukraines partners - including the US - to increase pressure on Russia to end the war.

Firefighting efforts and debris removal are still ongoing after another Russian strike. This was one of the most large-scale air attacks  deliberately massive and cynical. In total, 550 targets were launched, including at least 330 Russian-Iranian "shaheds", along with missiles, pic.twitter.com/vnn31oST0z  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) July 4, 2025

07:48 AM BST

Watch: Kyiv hit in record Russian attack

Credit: Reuters

07:37 AM BST

One of the worst nights so far

Ukraines foreign minister said Kyiv had suffered one of the worst nights of the war so far after Russia fired hundreds of drones and ballistic missiles at the capital overnight.

Right after Putin spoke with President Trump. And he does it on purpose. Enough of waiting! Andrii Sybiha said.

Putin clearly shows his complete disregard for the United States and everyone who has called for an end to the war.

Absolutely horrible and sleepless night in Kyiv. One of the worst so far.



Hundreds of Russian drones and ballistic missiles rained down on the Ukrainian capital.



Right after Putin spoke with President Trump. And he does it on purpose.



Enough of waiting! Putin clearly shows pic.twitter.com/R0mlfUgJRx  Andrii Sybiha  (@andrii_sybiha) July 4, 2025

07:29 AM BST

Russia launches another record attack on Ukraine

Russia launched yet another record attack on Ukraine overnight, firing 539 drones and 11 ballistic and cruise missiles, the Ukrainian air force has said.

Russia hit Kyiv with drones in an all-night attack, injuring at least 23 people, damaging railway infrastructure and setting buildings and cars on fire throughout the city, Ukrainian authorities said this morning.

The main target of the strikes was the capital of Ukraine, the city of Kyiv! the Air Force said in a post on the Telegram messaging app.

It breaks a record set by Russia on Saturday, when 537 drones and missiles were launched at Ukraine.

A building burns after a Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv - Global Images Ukraine

07:27 AM BST

Welcome to our live coverage

Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the war in Ukraine.

Well bring you the the latest news and analysis throughout the day.
Children ride decorated bicycles in a neighborhood parade, many wearing red, white, and blue outfits. Trees and houses with parked cars line the street on a sunny day.

Last Updated on July 4, 2025 by Matt Staff

Long before there were modern fireworks shows as well as sprawling BBQs, the Fourth of July was widely celebrated with parades, picnics, and plenty of old-school charm. From the decade of the 1920s to the 1970s, families would gather around in small towns and big cities alike to collectively honor Americas independence in style. Enjoy this nostalgic collection of vintage Fourth of July photos that will take you right back.

1. Americas Bicentennial Celebration, July 4th, 1976

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2. Bicentennial Parade, July 4th, 1976

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3. July 4th, tourists, 1970s

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4. Small town 4th of July Parade

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5. A Fourth of July Parade out in Kentucky, 1970s

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6. Just a couple of grandparents trying to be patriotic, 1970s

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7. 4th of July Parade, Oklahoma, 1956

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8. Coney Island, July 4th, 1970s

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9. Some lads hanging out on the 4th of July in Pennsylvania, 1970s

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10. Nothing like a cold dip in the water on the fourth of July

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11. People gathered in Vale, Oregon on the fourth of July, 1940s

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12. Kids joining a neighborhood 4th of July bike parade

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13. Celebrating the Fourth of July in Chicago

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14. A Bicentennial Celebration in D.C. in the 1970s

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15. A Fourth of July celebration in South Carolina in 1939

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16. A happy Fourth of July moment from NYC in 1976

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Explore more vintage content:

These vintage photos remind us how timeless the spirit of Independence Day truly is. From parades to backyard cookouts, the 4th of July has always been a celebration of community, tradition, and freedom. If you enjoyed this glimpse into Americas past, check out our other nostalgic collections like 35 Vintage Photos That Perfectly Capture 1975 or 17 Vintage Photos of Summer Neighborhood Block Parties (1940s-1990s).


KERRVILLE, Texas  Central Texas was hit by historic rain on Friday morning, triggering a "deadly flood wave," and leading to four Flash Flood Emergencies amid widespread high-water and home rescues throughout the affected areas.

Officials in Kerr County say they have found multiple bodies so far and put the number of fatalities at around 24, with the death toll expected to rise in the coming days.

Victims were reported to be adults and children, with around 2 dozen still missing after the catastrophic flooding.

"This is a catastrophic flooding event in Kerr County," the Kerr County Sheriff's Office said.

Among the missing are some children who were attending a summer camp. A letter to parents from Camp Mystic, a private Christian summer camp for girls located 18 miles from Kerrvile in Hunt, said they had experienced "catastrophic level" floods. While two of the groups have been fully accounted for, the letter stated "if your daughter is not accounted for, you have been notified."

The camp says they've lost power, water, and Wifi and the highway has washed away, leaving them struggling to get help.

"Please continue to pray and send any help if you have contacts to do so," the letter concluded.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott declared a disaster declaration for more than a dozen counties in the Texas Hill Country.

According to Texas authorities, nearly 300 people have been rescued, but the exact number of those needing help is unknown because of the many parks and recreational areas along the Guadalupe River.

The FOX Forecast Center said the first Flash Flood Emergency was issued near San Angelo after 12-15 inches of rain was reported and flooding was ongoing.

"Automated rain gauges indicate a large and deadly flood wave is moving down the Guadalupe River," the National Weather Service (NWS) warned in issuing their Flash Flood Emergency. "Flash flooding is already occurring. This is a Flash Flood Emergency for the Guadalupe River from Center Point to Sisterdale. This is a particularly dangerous situation. Seek higher ground now!"

Another was issued near Kerrville after the Guadalupe River rose over 20 feet in just an hour at Kerrville and 26.7 feet in just 45 minutes at Comfort, Texas.

"We didn't know this flood was coming," Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly said during a late Friday morning press conference. "Rest assured, no one knew this kind of flood was coming."

Over 7 inches of rain in six hours was reported in Kerr County. In Brady, water reached homes and rescues took place. The NWS said the river has reached the second-highest height on record, higher than the famous 1987 flood.

The Guadalupe River rose several feet in only a few short hours early Friday morning.

"All Kerrville residents who live near the Guadalupe River are urged to evacuate now," Kerrville police said. "This is a life-threatening event. Do not wait."

A nearby Walmart has been established as a shelter.

The Kerr County sheriff's office said they are working with a wide variety of local and state agencies to respond to calls and rescues.

"The entire county is an extremely active scene," deputies said. "Residents are encouraged to shelter in place and not attempt travel. Those near creeks, streams, and the Guadalupe River should immediately move to higher ground."

San Angelo officials said there's a 2-mile-wide area of town that has been "greatly affected" by catastrophic flooding. Emergency crews are still combing the area looking for people in distress.

The city's dispatch center received over 100 calls for help and water rescues just between 5-6 a.m. Friday.

Flood Watches have been posted across West Texas and parts of New Mexico through Friday where some locations could see 3-5 additional inches of rain.

The culprit? A stationary front that is continued to be draped across the region, sparking the chance of storms, the FOX Forecast Center said. There is also an upper-level disturbance moving through the Four Corners that will also aide with lift.

The latest catastrophic event is similar to flash flooding that impacted the region more than 35 years ago.

Slow-moving thunderstorms in mid-July 1987 caused significant flooding along the Guadalupe River, which resulted in the deaths of around a dozen people, with dozens of others injured.





Original article source: At least 24 killed during catastrophic flash flooding in Central Texas with dozens unaccounted for
Three years after the launch of the three-digit 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, the service is seeing increases in call volume, state-level support and reported effectiveness, as well as reductions in specialized offerings, including one designed to help LGBTQ youth.

"This year, the 988 Lifeline continued to provide life-saving help to millions of people, with about a 20% higher volume of calls, texts and chats compared to the year prior," Dr. John Palmieri, acting director of SAMHSA's 988 Lifeline Office, told ABC News via email.

SAMHSA is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the division of the Department of Health and Human Services which oversees 988.

Gabriella AbdulHakim/ABC News - PHOTO: The Central Wyoming Counseling Center is one of two in the state of Wyoming.

"Recent evaluation work affirms the effectiveness of the 988 Lifeline, with studies showing that the vast majority of suicidal callers saying they thought their crisis call helped them and stopped them from killing themselves," he added.

A network of more than 200 crisis call centers field calls, chats and texts on behalf of the Lifeline, offering support to callers experiencing suicidal crises and other forms of mental distress. This network has existed in some form for at least a couple of decades, beginning with the precursor to 988 -- the 10-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which was started in 2005.

During his first term, President Donald Trump signed into law the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act of 2018, which designated 988 as the new three-digit number to call in case of a mental health emergency. The new number, intended to be easier to remember and access in times of crisis, officially launched on July 16, 2022.

13 million contacts so far

Since that launch date, the Lifeline has answered over 13 million calls, chats and texts across the U.S. and its territories, according to SAMHSA.

"The transition to 988 three years ago sparked coordinated efforts across the country -- inspiring local governments, states, Tribes and healthcare providers to improve crisis care response systems in communities nationwide," Palmieri said.

Despite increasing state-level support for the Lifeline, recent downsizing efforts across the federal government have had an impact on the ability to "build out a crisis continuum of care across the country," Hannah Wesolowski, chief advocacy officer for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, told ABC News.

"Interestingly, the administration has proposed flat funding for 988 for fiscal year 2026, so that was really encouraging that they're proposing keeping funding levels at [$519.6 million]," Wesolowski said. "But with a lot of the changes within HHS, we've seen a fair number of the staff within the 988 behavioral health crisis coordinating office depart the administration."

Kelly Livingston/ABC News - PHOTO: A 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline sign at the entrance to Taft Bridge in Washington is photographed on Feb. 10, 2023.

The Trump administration has implemented significant workforce reductions for HHS and SAMHSA over the last few months. HHS also recently announced a major restructuring effort, which includes plans for additional staffing cuts and and the reorganization of some of the department's agencies, including SAMHSA, under a new entity called Administration for a Healthy America.

Asked how these changes to SAMHSA's place within the federal government may impact its oversight of 988, SAMHSA told ABC News via email that, "The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline will continue daily, life-saving work, helping thousands of people every day and millions of people every year."

MORE: Trump administration to close LGBTQ+ suicide hotline program next month

In addition to the federal funding of 988, states offer varying levels of funding to support the Lifeline's operation. Many states have chosen to either adopt fees or recurring state appropriations in order to maintain efficient service and availability of counselors.

Currently, twelve states charge a small tax on phone bills every month to fund 988 operations. This funding structure is modeled after the one used to fund 911 call centers. Those twelve states include Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, Minnesota, Illinois, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and Vermont.

The permanent funding fees range from no cost in New York to $0.60 in Delaware.

An additional five states -- Arizona, Utah, Kansas, Georgia, Florida -- have implemented recurring state appropriations, meaning those states' legislatures offer funding through their annual budget.

"We've seen an increased commitment by states to create sustainable funding mechanisms for the service and a growth in local response to people in crisis," Palmieri said via email.

While states have been increasing resources to support 988, the Lifeline's offerings nationwide are about to change.

Currently, callers to the Lifeline are prompted to press numbered options for certain specialized services -- 1 for the Veterans' Crisis Line, 2 for the Spanish-language subnetwork and 3 for LGBTQ-youth centered care.

'Press 3' option for LGBTQ youth

SAMHSA recently announced that the Press 3 option, which provides specialized care for LGBTQ youth, will no longer be a part of the Lifeline. That repeal was announced during LGBTQ Pride Month, just under three years after the subnetwork was first established as a pilot program in 2022.

The cut came as a surprise to those working on the specialized line, including The Trevor Project, which has been operating this type of service for ten years, according to Interim Vice President of Advocacy and Government Affairs Mark Henson.

Henson told ABC News that the federal funding for the service allowed The Trevor Project and other organizations to "double our capacity to serve youth."

Since the launch of Press 3, Henson says the option has fielded over 1.3 million calls, chats and texts. Monthly calls have also increased from 1,752 at the option's launch to 69,057 answered contacts in its last reported data from SAMHSA in May 2025.

In a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., a bipartisan group of Congressional representatives responded to the cut announcement, noting that the subnetwork has averaged approximately 2,100 contacts per day.

"These numbers reflect the critical, ongoing demand for this targeted support," the members said. "To a young person feeling alone and scared, 988 is truly a lifeline."

MORE: LGBTQ, legal groups slam UPenn for 'caving' to Trump's trans athlete ban

In a statement announcing the discontinuation, SAMHSA said the move comes in response to significant operation costs and "to focus on serving all help seekers, including those previously served through the Press 3 option."

"The Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus included a Congressional directive for $29.7 million to fund the specialized services," SAMHSA said. "Federal funding in FY24 for the Press 3 services increased to $33 million. As of June 2025, more than $33 million in funds have been spent to support the subnetworks, fully expending the monies allocated for 988 Lifeline LGB+ subnetwork services."

Despite the evident utility of the specialized option, "Press 3 option has run out of Congressionally directed funding," an HHS spokesperson wrote in a statement to ABC News, adding, "continued funding of the Press 3 threatened to put the entire 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in danger of massive reductions in services."

Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images, FILE - PHOTO: In this Aug. 14, 2022, file photo, a bookmark with the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline emergency telephone number iis shown in Casper, Wyo.

The Trevor Project remains adamant that the change to the program will do more harm than good because it neglects the specific challenges that people in the LGBTQ community face.

"I think there's a fundamental lack of understanding that suicide prevention is about risk and not about identity," Henson told ABC News. "It's because of the life experiences and the stigma and the bullying associated with LGBTQ+ young people that make them more than four times as likely to attempt suicide."

"It's their life experiences and the unique drivers that have increased their risk of suicidality and therefore, have tailored care," he added.

For NAMI's part, Wesolowski said the organization is, "continuing to advocate with Congress," to reverse the decision to remove press 3, saying that, "members of Congress on both sides of the aisle express some concern around this."

Despite the federal shifts, Wesolowski says she hopes the foundation of 988 is strong enough to withstand political changes, both now and in the future.

"The goal has always been that anyone who's in a mental health crisis or emotional distress gets appropriate mental health care response," she said. "And I think right now, the [political] uncertainty is creating a lot of concern. [But] I think there's still strong bipartisan support and cross systems support."

If you are experiencing suicidal, substance use or other mental health crises, or are worried about a friend or loved one, please call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You will reach a trained crisis counselor for free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also go to 988lifeline.org.
Jeremy Raines

Spending Independence Day at the American Village in Montevallo, Alabama, is a tradition my family has grown to love. Its bucolic landscape and 18th-century-style buildings make it feel like a smaller version of Colonial Williamsburg got plopped down in the rolling hills just a 45-minute drive from Birmingham. With this ideal backdrop, the Fourth of July celebration here is an annual opportunity to discover more about the past while pondering our future roles in keeping our democracy thriving. From the historical atmosphere to the costumed interpreters to the music to the food trucks to the fireworks finale, it all makes for an unforgettable time.



A Legacy Of Learning

American Village Benjamin Franklin walks the grounds at the American Village.

Originally opened in 1999 as a living-history center dedicated to educating young people about the founding of the United States and the principles of democracy and freedom, the American Village has grown to include over 20 buildings inspired by sites from our nation's past, like the Colonial Chapel (which was built to resemble Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg) and Washington Hall (a replica of George Washingtons Virginia home, Mount Vernon).

Talking Across Time

Butch Oglesby and American Village Abigail and John Adams share their thoughts on the new nation.

Actors dressed as iconic figures and everyday heroes of the Revolutionary War share what motivated them to help build our democracy and what life was like back then. Throughout the year, thousands of visitors come here to discover the past, but it takes on an extra-special meaning during the July 4 festivities. More than 40 costumed interpreters tell the stories of Presidents, soldiers, schoolchildren, and enslaved workers.

Butch Oglesby and American Village An interpreter portrays Revolutionary War spy James Armistead Lafayette.

Listen to Patrick Henry give his inspiring Give me liberty, or give me death speech (the reenactors incredible ability to remember every single word and express himself with all the conviction that Henry himself must have felt had me spellbound), and then hear about the daring exploits of James Armistead Lafayette, a brave double agent who was enslaved during the Revolutionary War but later won his freedom.

Butch Oglesby and American Village Through the Junior Interpreter program, even the youngest volunteers have opportunities to serve.

Let a 1700s schoolgirl teach you about the etiquette rules of that time, and find out from a teenager what young people thought about the bold idea of the colonies gaining their independence. Visit Washington Hall to hear from George about why he would never be king, and then ask his wife, Martha, if she really named her tomcat after Alexander Hamilton.



Butch Oglesby and American Village Colonial troops stand their ground at a reconstructed Concord Bridge.

Visit a colonial encampment to learn about the soldiers training, and then watch them battle enemy forces at Concord Bridge, a replica of the North Bridge in Concord, Massachusetts (where the famous "shot heard 'round the world" started the Revolutionary War).

American Village Take in the grandeur of the White House in a replica of the Oval Office.

You can even step into the Oval Office and pretend you're making monumental decisions as President. Its one thing to read facts about these historical figures in books, but to converse with Benjamin Franklin about his role in diplomacy and witness the sounds and smoke of war takes learning to the next level.

Having A Ball

Butch Oglesby and American Village Watch fine ladies twirl around in fancy dresses at the Independence Ball.

Musical performances throughout the day on the Fourth run the gamut from a colonial woodwind group to a barbershop quartet to a one-man swing band to 1940s hits. Dancing to the tunes is encouraged, and the last time we went, my daughters had fun spinning across the room to the songs their great-grandparents knew well. Later in the day, you can attend the Independence Ball and admire the elaborate gowns and lively steps of colonial ladies and gentlemenand maybe try out a few of your own takes on their old-timey moves.

Something For Everyone

Butch Oglesby and American Village Stop for a photo op with Uncle Sam.

Kids can make a craft with Betsy Ross, grab a flag from Uncle Sam, play colonial games, visit a petting zoo, get their faces painted, and much more. If you need refreshments, youll find 18 food trucks with various sandwiches and sweets to enjoy and plenty of cool drinks to quench your thirst.

A Blast From The Past

American Village Catch a performance of the Choose Your George game show during the evening program.

The highlight of the celebration is the inspiring evening program on Constitution Green, when you can hear a reenactor dressed as Thomas Jefferson recite the Declaration of Independence, watch John Adams give a speech, listen to a local band perform patriotic songs, and play Choose Your George (a game show featuring King George III of England and President George Washington). Top off the night with the impressive fireworks display at twilights last gleaming that causes the sky to glow in shades of red, white, and blue behind Washington Hall, forming a striking silhouette that will linger in your mind as you depart.

Flag These Details

On Independence Day, the American Village offers over 50 historical activities that begin at 11 a.m. and last until after the fireworks display at 9 p.m. Admission is $11 for adults; $10 for ages 5 to 17; and free for ages 4 and under, active-duty military, and veterans.



Read the original article on Southern Living
RIO HURTADO, Chile - Astronomers say they have discovered an interstellar comet speeding through the solar system, making it only the third known object of its kind to originate from beyond the Suns gravitational influence.

The comet, recently designated 3I/ATLAS, was first observed on July 1 by the NASA-funded Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System telescope in Rio Hurtado, Chile.

At the time of its unexpected discovery, the comet was about 420 million miles from Earth, near Jupiter, and closing in on what is considered the inner solar system.

Despite its distance, NASA said the comet poses no threat to Earth or the Moon, as the interstellar object will remain at least 150 million miles away.

A space diagram shows the comet passing between the orbits of Earth and Mars sometime during late fall or early winter, but because of the alignment of planets and the Sun from September through November, it is not expected to be visible.

"The interstellar comet's size and physical properties are being investigated by astronomers around the world," NASA stated. "3I/ATLAS should remain visible to ground-based telescopes through September, after which it will pass too close to the Sun to observe. It is expected to reappear on the other side of the Sun by early December, allowing for renewed observations."

See The Objects Humans Left Behind On The Moon

The diagram shows the trajectory of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS.

Since its initial detection, telescopes located in Hawaii, South Africa, California and dozens of other sites have all spotted the comet, which was estimated to be moving through the galaxy at more than 130,000 miles per hour.

Early estimates suggest the comet could have a diameter of at least 10 miles, but that figure remains uncertain due to observational limits.

According to Nasa, a giant complex of dust and ice is usually less than 10 miles across but can eventually stretch millions of miles when the ice turns into gas and forms a tail.

The space agency did not say where astronomers believe the comet originated, though most such objects are thought to come from the Kuiper Belt or the Oort Cloud.

These regions are anywhere from about 3 billion miles to nearly a light-year away from Earth and are known for their icy, rocky debris left over from the formation of the solar system.

Telescope Captures Stunning Images Of Not 1 But 19 Spiral Galaxies

Currently, the comet is said to be observable only through high-powered telescopes, but that could change later in the year as the interstellar object makes its closest approach to Earth.

The agency also did not state if they believe one day the interstellar object will one day enter into any type of orbit around the Sun.

According to astronomers, the closest a recorded comet has ever come to Earth was in 1770, when what became known as Lexells Comet passed about 1.4 million miles away.





Original article source: Astronomers spot rare interstellar comet speeding through solar system
Morgan Hill Police Department





NEED TO KNOW

A body was discovered in Anderson Lake County Park, about 3.5 miles from where 18-year-old Marissa DiNapoli was last seen

DiNapoli was last seen on June 29 with her boyfriend, 21-year-old Martin Mendoza, who is a person of interest

DiNapolis family discovered the body while searching; police continue to investigate and encourage anyone with information to contact authorities





Police in California have discovered a body in a park just three-and-a-half miles away from where a missing woman was last seen.

The Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office said they found a body under a bridge near Anderson Lake County Park, where missing 18-year-old Marissa DiNapoli was last seen, but it wasn't clear if it was her or not, NBC Bay Area reported, citing authorities.

Due to the condition of the body, we were unable to make an identification, Morgan Hill police told the outlet. We will need to wait for the results of the medical examination before we can provide any further information.

Police told NBC Bay Area that it was DiNapolis family who discovered the body. They had been searching for her in various places throughout the day.

DiNapolis family last heard from her via text message on June 28 at 9:16 p.m. when she told family members that she was staying with a friend for the evening and would return home the next day, according to a statement from the Morgan Hill Police Department.

When DiNapoli didnt return home or respond to calls from her family, she was reported missing, the police statement said.

Morgan Hill Police Department

DiNapoli was last seen on June 29 at 9:45 a.m. with Martin Mendoza, 21, her boyfriend and a person of interest in her disappearance, according to the Morgan Hill Police Department. They were seen leaving a home just outside of Morgan Hill, where DiNapolis car was later located.

On Sunday morning, surveillance video caught DiNapoli and Mendoza leaving a house when he asked Why would you text your ex? according to reporting from The Morgan Hill Times.

Jaslyn Gutierrez, DiNapolis best friend, told NBC Bay Area that she was afraid of what Mendoza could do to DiNapoli.

Marissa has told me, firsthand in the car with my friends outside of my house, that he would kill her, that he would not stop, that hes obsessed with her, that hes crazy and that hes willing to go to that extent, Gutierrez said to the outlet.

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.

Friends of DiNapolis told NBC Bay Area that Anderson Lake was one of the places where Mendoza frequently took her.

Earlier in the day, a family member told the outlet that they got in contact with Mendoza. He tried to say he wasnt Martin and then followed that with he hasnt spoken to her for two weeks. But there's a positive video of him being there on the 29th with her and leaving with her, family friend Serina Soque said.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Kyle Tolentino at (669) 253-4962 or via email at kyle.tolentino@morganhill.ca.gov.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

Read the original article on People
President Donald Trump signs the sweeping Republican-crafted domestic policy package that he and the GOP call the "One Big Beautiful Bill," into law on Friday at the White House.

The massive tax cuts and spending bill passed the House and Senate this week by razor-thin margins along near party lines.

But the political battle over the bill is far from over, as it moves from Capitol Hill to the campaign trail.

"I'm deeply concerned about this bill and what this will do. Were going to be talking a lot about it," Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas of New Hampshire told Fox News Digital on Friday.

Game On: Republicans, Democrats, Trade Fire Over Big, Beautiful Bill

The Big Beautiful Bill text, which is roughly 940 pages, is taken to the foor of the U.S. Senate for the clerks to read, on Saturday, June 28, 2025, on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C.

Pappas, who's running in the crucial 2026 race to succeed retiring longtime Sen. Jeanne Shaheen for a Democrat-held seat Republicans would love to flip, took aim at the bill.

Read On The Fox News App

"This was a one-party effort and unfortunately it arrived at a conclusion that I think is not good for our state and for our country,"

Trump Touts Big Beautiful Bill Is Very Popular Despite Polling

Former Republican Sen. Scott Brown, who last month announced his candidacy for the Senate, sees things differently, and he praised the president for helping GOP leaders in Congress get the bill to his desk at the White House.

"The things he said he was going to do, hes actually done. For somebody in politics to actually do that I think is very rare," Brown said of Trump.

The bill is stuffed full of Trump's 2024 campaign trail promises and second-term priorities on tax cuts, immigration, defense, energy and the debt limit.

It includes extending his signature 2017 tax cuts and eliminating taxes on tips and overtime pay.

By making his first-term tax rates permanent - they were set to expire later this year - the bill will cut taxes by nearly $4.4 trillion over the next decade, according to analysis by the Congressional Budget Office and the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.

'Big Beautiful Bill On Way To White House After Narrowly Passing Final Hurdle In Congress

The measure also provides billions for border security and codifies the president's controversial immigration crackdown.

And the bill also restructures Medicaid  the nearly 60-year-old federal program that provides health coverage to roughly 71 million low-income Americans. Additionally, Senate Republicans increased cuts to Medicaid over what the House initially passed in late May.

The changes to Medicaid , as well as cuts to food stamps, another one of the nation's major safety net programs, were drafted in part as an offset to pay for extending Trump's tax cuts. The measure includes a slew of new rules and regulations, including work requirements for many of those seeking Medicaid coverage.

And the $3.4 trillion legislative package is also projected to surge the national debt by $4 trillion over the next decade.

Democrats for a couple of months have blasted Republicans over the social safety net changes.

"Were going to be talking about this bill because the results are that 46,000 people in New Hampshire will lose their health insurance. Well have people that will go hungry, that wont be able to access assistance," Pappas warned. "And we know that insurance premiums for all Granite Staters could go up as a result of uncompensated care costs and the burden that this places on our hospitals."

The four-term congressman, who was interviewed by Fox News on Friday as he arrived for the annual July 4th naturalization ceremony in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, noted that "weve been hearing from folks and engaging with people all across the state on this issue."

Democrats have spotlighted a slew of national polls conducted last month that indicate the bill's popularity in negative territory.

By a 21-point margin, voters questioned in the most recent Fox News national poll opposed the bill (38% favored vs. 59% opposed).

Head Here For The Latest Fox News Polling

The bill was also underwater in other national surveys conducted last month by the Washington Post (minus 19 points), Pew Research (minus 20 points) and Quinnipiac University (minus 26 points).

About half of respondents questioned in the Fox News poll said the bill would hurt their family (49%), while one quarter thought it would help (23%), and another quarter didn't think it would make a difference (26%).

Asked about criticism from Democrats on the Medicaid cuts, Brown said "my mom was on welfare. Those are very important programs and Ive said already that the people that actually need them the most, the ones who are disabled, the ones who cant get out and work, they should have them."

"Its meant for lower and middle-income people and I support them getting those benefits. But I dont support who are here illegally get them," Brown said.

And he added that he doesn't support giving the benefits to "people who are able-bodied and can absolutely go out and do some volunteerism, go out and work."

What's Actually In Trump's Big Beautiful Bill

Republicans are also going on offense over the bill, targeting Democrats for voting against the tax cuts.

Republicans are shining a spotlight on recent polls conducted by GOP-aligned groups that indicate strong support for the bill due to the tax cut provisions.

Brown, who was interviewed by Fox News after he marched in the annual Brentwood, New Hampshire July 4th parade, said "obviously keeping the 2017 tax cuts in place. Certainly for individuals and businesses, its really really critical."

Republican Senate candidate in New Hampshire former Sen. Scott Brown, with a supporter, marches in the annual Brentwood, N.H. Independence Day parade, on July 4, 2025

And pointing to Pappas, whose family for over a century has owned Manchester's iconic Puritan Backroom restaurant, Brown said "for someone like Chris Pappas, imagine walking into the restaurant he owns and telling his employees oh by the way Im not going to support your no tax on tips, your no tax on overtime. How do you do that?"

Asked about the GOP attacks, Pappas said "I support targeted tax cuts for working people, for our small businesses and to make sure we are targeting that relief to the people that need it, not to billionaires, to the biggest corporations in way that adds $4 trillion to the national debt as this bill does."

"We hoped there would be an opportunity for a bipartisan conversation on taxes and how we can invest in the middle class and working people and our small businesses and unfortunately that didnt happen," he added.





Original article source: Big Beautiful Bill immediately hits the campaign trail in battle for Congress
If youre driving through Danbury, Connecticut, dont be surprised if a 38-foot-tall man in red, white, and blue catches your eye. Hes not directing traffic or selling hot dogs. Hes fiberglass, for starters. But this oversized Uncle Sam is hard to miss, and hes been through more career changes than most of us.

The statue you see today standing outside the Danbury Railway Museum once welcomed crowds to the Great Danbury State Fair. Before that, he was built to promote an Ohio restaurant in 1965. And after the fair shut down in 1981, he was hauled up to a theme park in Lake George, New York, where he posed for photos for nearly four decades. Eventually, in 2019, he returned to Danbury as the city's pride.

That kind of mileage earns him a certain respect. At 4,500 pounds and wearing a constant patriotic glare, this Uncle Sam is as much a road trip folklore as a town mascot, and the tallest Uncle Sam statue in existence, though one Midwest contender claims the crown if you count its concrete base. Danbury, understandably, prefers to measure from the toes up.

A Face Youve Seen Before

Image via Unsplash/Library of Congress

Before he became a roadside attraction, Uncle Sam already had a long history in American culture. The real Sam Wilson was a meatpacker from Troy, New York, who supplied rations to U.S. soldiers during the War of 1812.

His barrels were stamped U.S., which troops jokingly said stood for Uncle Sam. The nickname stuck, and by the 1860s, cartoonist Thomas Nast gave him a consistent look: tall hat, white hair, and serious expression. Nast also helped shape the modern images of Santa Claus and the Democratic donkey, so he was on a bit of a streak.

Then came something revolutionary in 1917. Artist James Montgomery Flagg drew a version of Uncle Sam pointing directly at the viewer with the words I Want You for U.S. Army. It became one of the most iconic images of World War I and later World War II. James, interestingly, used his own face for the drawing.

Since then, Uncle Sam has appeared everywhere from cartoons to cereal boxes. Hes promoted war bonds, starred in vintage animated shorts, and, in one case, appeared in a 1996 horror film where he wasnt exactly asking for your service, more like your soul. Despite the occasional detour, his pop culture legacy is patriotic, a little stern, and always camera-ready.

Danburys Longstanding Connection

Image via Wikipedia

Locals remember the Danbury State Fair as a major annual event that ran for over a century before it closed in 1981. Meet me at Uncle Sam was a common phrase during fair week, and the statue became a built-in landmark for visitors wandering through rides, livestock barns, and food stands.

When the fair ended, the statue was sold and moved to the Magic Forest amusement park in upstate New York. There, he shared space with Paul Bunyan, a massive Santa Claus, and other fiberglass giants. It was kitsch heaven, and Uncle Sam fit right in.

But in late 2018, Magic Forest was sold, and the statues future became uncertain. Troy, New York, home to the original Uncle Sam, wanted him. That made sense, historically speaking, but Danbury had stronger sentimental ties.

Former Mayor Mark Boughton stepped in and ensured the city outbid Troy. In early 2019, Uncle Sam was trucked back to Connecticut, funded by local businesses and civic organizations. After restoration, he was dedicated in his new home on July 25.

The Statue Today

Today, the statue stands in the parking lot of the Danbury Railway Museum, where it gets regular attention from tourists and history buffs. Selfie takers swear he's impossible to miss as he's towering over the museums vintage train cars.

For longtime residents, his presence still stirs memories of the fair days, whereas for newcomers, he's an unexpected slice of Americana on the side of the road. Danburys Uncle Sam has traveled far, stood through changing times, and made his way back to the town that gave him a stage.
The White House

(The Center Square)  Mohamed Sabry Soliman has been officially charged with first-degree murder, following the death of 82-year-old Karen Diamond.

Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian national illegally in the country, wounded Diamond and 14 others on June 1 at what authorities say was a terrorist attack at a pro-Israel demonstration in Boulder, Colorado. Diamond died from her injuries on June 25.

This terrorist will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We are investigating to what extent his family knew about this heinous attack, if they had knowledge of it, or if they provided support to it, said Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security.

On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia also ruled that Solimans wife and five children can be deported, officially dismissing a legal challenge filed by the family to halt their deportations.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials officially detained Solimans family just days after the attack. At the time of the arrests, the White House said the family members could be deported immediately.

Hours after the announcement of their potential deportations, a federal judge blocked their deportation order, citing due process. They remained in ICE custody at that time.

Garcia declared in his ruling that the court finds that petitioners habeas proceeding and their claims in this case must be and hereby are dismissed without prejudice. This case is closed.

The Trump administration applauded that decision, but has not yet announced formal plans to deport the family.

This is a proper end to an absurd legal effort on the plaintiffs part, McLaughlin added. Just like her terrorist husband, she and her children are here illegally and are rightfully in ICE custody for removal as a result.

Soliman faces dozens of charges, both federal and state. Those charges include first-degree assault and committing a hate crime. If convicted on all charges, Soliman will likely spend the rest of his life in prison.

Soliman had long premeditated the attack at Boulders Pearl Street Mall, authorities said at a news conference in June.

He had been planning this attack for a year, said Acting U.S. Attorney J. Bishop Grewell for the District of Colorado. He acted because he hated what he called the Zionist group.

The attack started at 1:26 p.m. on June 1 when Soliman allegedly attacked more than a dozen people with Molotov cocktails and a homemade flamethrower.

According to reports, Soliman was heard yelling, Free Palestine during the attack.

Soliman told law enforcement that he wanted to kill all Zionist people and wished they were all dead. He also allegedly said that he had no regrets for his actions and would do it again.

Soliman has already appeared in court twice and his bond was set at $10 million. The next state hearing in Soliman's case will occur on July 15.
BEIJING (AP)  The Chinese government is signaling enough is enough when it comes to the fierce competition in the country's electric car market.

China's industrial policy has engineered a remarkable transformation to electric vehicles in what is the world's largest auto market. In so doing, it has spawned far more makers than can possibly survive. Now, long-simmering concerns about oversupply and debilitating price wars are coming to the fore, even as the headline sales numbers soar to new heights.

Market-leader BYD announced this week that its sales grew 31% in the first six months of the year to 2.1 million cars. Nearly half of those were pure electric vehicles and the rest were plug-in hybrids, it said in a Hong Kong Stock Exchange filing. The company phased out internal combustion engine cars in 2022.

BYD came under thinly veiled criticism in late May when it launched a new round of price cuts, and several competitors followed suit. The chairman of Great Wall Motors warned the industry could come under threat if it continues on the same trajectory.

When volumes get bigger, its just much harder to manage and you become the bullseye, said Lei Xing, an independent analyst who follows the industry.

The government is trying to rein in what is called involution  a term initially applied to the rat race for young people in China and now to companies and industries engaged in meaningless competition that leads nowhere.

BYD has come under criticism for using its dominant position in ways that some consider unfair, sparking price wars that have caused losses across the industry, said Murthy Grandhi, an India-based financial risk analyst at GlobalData.

With the price war in its fourth year, Chinese automakers are looking abroad for profits. BYD's overseas sales more than doubled to 464,000 units in the first half of this year. Worried governments in the U.S. and EU have imposed tariffs on made-in-China electric vehicles, saying that subsidies have given them an unfair advantage.

Market leader BYD comes under attack

The latest bout of handwringing started when BYD cut the price of more than 20 models on May 23.

The same day, the chairman of Great Wall Motors, Wei Jianjun, said he was pessimistic about what he called the "healthy development of the EV market. He drew a comparison to Evergrande, the Chinese real estate giant whose collapse sent the entire industry into a downturn from which it has yet to recover.

"The Evergrande in the automobile industry already exists, but it is just yet to explode, he said in a video message posted on social media.

Two days later, a BYD executive rejected any comparison to Evergrande and posted data-filled charts to buttress his case.

To be honest, I am confused and angry and its ridiculous! Li Yunfei, BYD's general manager of brand and public relations, wrote on social media. All these come from the shocking remarks made by Chairman Wei of Great Wall Motors.

Next, the government and an industry association weighed in. The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers called for fair competition and healthy development of the industry, noting that major price cuts by one automaker had triggered a new price war panic.

On the same day, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology vowed to tackle involution-style competition in the auto industry, saying that recent disorderly price wars posed a treat to the healthy and sustainable development of the sector.

That price cut might have been the final straw that irked both competitors and regulators for the ruthlessness that BYD continues to show, Lei said.

A promise to pay suppliers within 60 days signals possible shift

The following month, 17 automakers including BYD made a pledge: They would pay their suppliers within 60 days.

One way China's automakers have been surviving the bruising price wars is by delaying the payments for months. The agreement, if adhered to, would reduce financial pressure on suppliers and could rein in some of the fierce competition.

The introduction of the 60-day payment pledge is the call of the government to oppose involution-style competition," said Cui Dongshu, the secretary-general of the China Passenger Car Association.

It also reduces the risk of an Evergrande-like scenario.

Many automakers had stretched out payments by paying suppliers with short-term debt  promises to repay them in a certain period of time  instead of cash. Real estate developers used the same system. It worked until it didn't. When Evergrande defaulted on its debts, suppliers were left holding worthless promises to pay.

This practice is seen as a potential cause of a larger crisis, similar to what happened with Evergrande, Grandhi said.

The vows to speed up payments and the government calls to rein in the price wars, along with a rollback of some financing offers, point to an effort to reverse downward price expectations, said Jing Yang, a director at Fitch Ratings who focuses on the auto industry.

We may watch how effectively these measures are in reversing the price trend and how would that affect EV demand in the coming quarters, she said.

___

Associated Press researcher Yu Bing in Beijing contributed to this report.
A recent pause in the U.S. sending Patriot missiles and ammunition to Ukraine is part of a wider, global review of military aid driven in part by the Pentagons China-leery policy chief, Elbridge Colby.

"A capability review is being conducted to ensure U.S. military aid aligns with our defense priorities," Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell told reporters this week.

That review is part of a plan championed by Colby to conserve U.S. resources that may be needed for war in the Indo-Pacific.

Upon first news of the pause, Pentagon officials said it was due to concerns about the U.S.' stockpile of munitions, which came after the U.S. and Iran traded strikes on each other in the Middle East.

Pentagon's Weapons Pause To Ukraine Could Encourage And Escalate Putins War Ambitions: Security Experts

However, Parnell wrote on X that it was "flat out wrong" to suggest Colby caught other administration officials off-guard with the aid pause. Colby "routinely provides policy recommendations to the Secretary of Defense and the President," but they have the ultimate say, he said.

Read On The Fox News App

A White House official confirmed to Fox News Digital they were "aware of the pause ahead of time."

"The President and top officials expect the DOD to regularly review aid allocations to ensure they are in line with the America First agenda," the official said.

Colby has long advocated for limiting resources in Europe and the Middle East in case they're needed in a war over Taiwan.

"What I have been trying to shoot a signal flare over is that it is vital for us to focus and enable our own forces for an effective and reasonable defense of Taiwan and for the Taiwanese, as well as the Japanese, to do more," Colby said during his confirmation hearing.

"A Europe first policy is not what America needs in this exceptionally dangerous time. We need to focus on China and Asia - clearly," he wrote on X. last year.

Elbridge Colby is the Pentagon's policy chief.

The weapons put on pause, including missile interceptors and 155 mm ammunition shells, were already on their way to Ukraine, U.S. officials told Fox News.

Since Russias 2022 invasion, the U.S. has provided Ukraine with nearly $66 billion in security assistance, the Pentagon noted.

"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," Parnell added. "We cant give weapons to everybody all around the world."

Still, critics like former GOP Rep. Adam Kinzinger claimed Colby had "blood on his hands" over the halt.

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., requested an "emergency briefing" from the White House and the Defense Department to "review our nations weapons and munitions stockpiles, and ensure the United States remains fully committed to providing Ukraine with the resources it urgently needs."

Pentagon Halts Some Weapons Shipments To Ukraine Over Concerns About Us Stockpiles

Dan Caldwell, a former Pentagon official who worked with Colby on policy, defended his past colleague on X. "The incentives at DoD favor maintaining the status quo: Keep troops in Syria, keep sending weapons to Ukraine that we need for our defense, etc. That is why when patriots like @ElbridgeColby put the interests of their own country and own troops first, they are viciously smeared."

Six months into President Donald Trumps second term, U.S. military prowess has largely focused back on the Middle East: an offensive campaign against the Houthis in Yemen, hitting Irans nuclear sites and boosting defenses in the region.

Air Force Gen. Daniel Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said defending the Al-Udeid base from an Iranian counterattack was the largest Patriot missile salvo in history.

Fox News' Jen Griffin contributed to this report.





Original article source: Colbys China-focused Pentagon playbook sparks Ukraine arms freeze
Greg Doherty - Getty Images

Denise Austin just shared a full-body workout video on Instagram.

The 68-year-old demonstrated three powerhouse moves to target the legs, arms, and abs.

These moves can be done anywhere, with or without weights.

If youre wondering how to get toned arms and a strong core like Denise Austin, the fitness expert has you covered. Austin recently demonstrated a full-body toning workout on her Instagram to help her fans stay fit and feel energized.

Summer travels havent kept Austin from providing her fans with helpful workout videos. Were bringing it all together and finishing strong on a HIGH NOTE! Austin captioned her a recent video. Were wrapping up this AMAZING trip with a total body BURN that sculpts your core and tones those arms. While Austin performs her workout in front of the beautiful Ionian Sea in Sicily, the 68-year-old proves that these three powerhouse moves can be done absolutely anywhere.

One minute each, grab lightweight dumbbells for some extra burn! Thats all it takes to feel ENERGIZED, STRONG, and PROUD of the work youre doing! Austin continued in her caption. You dont need a gym...just a little motivation, a beautiful view (or a smile!), and the commitment to feeling GOOD from the inside out!!! Youve got this!! xoxoxo.

Below, were breaking down each of the three moves Austin demonstrates in her video tutorial.

Dynamic lunge crunch

The first exercise is a compound movement that targets the arms, legs, and core. Austin begins in a wide forward-facing lunge with her back leg straight and front leg bent, stretching her arms up next to her face. She then brings her back leg up, crunching her knee towards her chest while pulling her elbows towards her hips before stepping her leg back into the starting position and swiftly repeating on the same side. This way, you really get the lower tummy, Austin says. Really pullzip up those abs. Feel it through your tummy, contract the abdominals. Do this for one minute on each side.

Squat plus core twist

The second exercise, I want you to squat and twist. This is working [the] legs and waistline, Austin explains of the next move. She begins with her feet slightly wider than shoulder-width distance apart, with her hands on the back of her head. She then performs a regular squat, but on the way up, she pulls one knee up to about hip level while twisting her core to bring her opposite elbow to the knee. She then returns her foot to the ground while turning her chest forward before quickly repeating on the other side, alternating the working leg with every repetition. Thats it, you can do it. Sit back and twist. This really boosts the metabolism, Austin explains.

Reverse lunge with tricep extension

Austin calls the final exercise a tricep toner as this move works the back of the arms, as well as the legs and core. She begins with her feet together, legs bent, and chest slightly forward before performing an alternating reverse lunge. As she steps one leg backward, she sends both arms behind her, bending only at the elbows. She instructs viewers to keep your abs tight throughout the movement to engage the core.

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ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Dr. Phil McGraw at the swearing in ceremony for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 13, 2025





NEED TO KNOW

Dr. Phil McGraw's Merit Street Media voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this week

A source familiar with the situation tells PEOPLE that McGraw is still "deeply committed" to the brand and its employees despite the news

Merit Street Media launched in April 2024 and includes programming like McGraw's new talk show, Dr. Phil Primetime





Dr. Phil McGraw's Merit Street Media has voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the Northern District of Texas due to an unresolved dispute with the mega Christian broadcast network, Trinity Broadcasting Network, earlier this week.

A source familiar with the situation exclusively tells PEOPLE the move appears to be part of an effort to preserve the value of the Merit Street brand, rather than a shutdown.

"Dr. Phil is deeply committed to the future of the brand and his employees," the source says. "Despite the situation, he remains focused, energized and  true to form  as supportive and engaged with his team as ever."

The source calls McGraw, who first rose to fame through appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show in the 1990s, "one of the kindest, most dedicated people."

"This is someone who clearly cares and always leads with integrity," they added.

Roy Rochlin/Getty Dr. Phil McGraw on 'Jesse Watters Primetime' on Feb. 26, 2024

McGraw's Merit Street Media filed for bankruptcy on Wednesday, July 2, suing TBN, the network's broadcasting partner, and TCT Ministries, Inc. in the process.

Merit Street Media's complaint, which was obtained by PEOPLE, alleges that TBN "abused its position as the controlling shareholder of Merit Street to improperly and unilaterally burden Merit Street with unsustainable debt" and caused Merit Street to "pay or incur obligations to third parties in excess of $100 million."

"The most egregious impact is TBNs conscious and knowing choice to cause Merit Street to lose its national distribution by withholding distribution payments despite repeatedly acknowledging those distribution payments were 100% TBNs sole responsibility," the complaint alleges. "Simply put, as a result of TBNs conduct, Merit Street has nowhere to send its broadcast signal and nowhere to air its programming no matter how great it may be."

Merit Street Media claims TBN's actions were "a conscious, intentional patter of choices made with full awareness that the consequences of which was to sabotage and seal the fate of a new but already nationally acclaimed network."

PEOPLE has reached out to TBN and TCT Ministries, Inc. for comment on the lawsuit.



McGraw first announced plans for Merit Street Media in a post he shared to X (formerly known as Twitter) in November 2023.

"I'm coming back in primetime on a whole new network that's called Merit Street Media," McGraw said in a video announcement at the time.

"It's my new network, but I've got some news that I want to share with you about that. This is actually not my network, this is our network," he continued. "This is something that's going to be focused entirely on what's important to you. What you want to talk about, what you want to do and Dr. Phil is going to be on in primetime."

The announcement came less than half a year after the end of Dr. Phil, his long-running daytime talk show, which premiered in 2002 and aired for 21 seasons.

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Dr. Phil McGraw visits the SiriusXM Studios in New York City on Feb. 27, 2024

His new talk show, Dr. Phil Primetime, debuted in April 2024 when the network launched.

Other programming on the network centers around news and true crime.

Nancy Grace joined the network to host Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, while former Bachelor Nation host Chris Harrison and wife Lauren Zima joined with their show and podcast, Through the Drama with Chris & Lauren.

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.

Additional programming includes classic episodes of Dr. Phil, live sports programming, the Academy of Country Music Honors special and reruns of The Island With Bear Grylls and Steve Harvey's talk show, Steve.



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Courtesy of Juliana Marins/Instagram

Juliana Marins, the hiking influencer who fell from a volcano in Indonesia on June 21, died from internal bleeding caused by damage to organs and bone fractures, an autopsy showed.

The Brazilian tourist, who was 26, fell from a cliff near a trail next to the crater of the 12,000-foot high Mount Rinjan. The accident sparked a three-day search for her, which concluded on June 24 when authorities finally found her body.

Evidence showed Marins survived the initial fall and is believed to have died less than 20 minutes after her bleeding began. Her injuries "stemmed from blunt force trauma a few hours before the body was recovered," according to a report from Agencia Brasil.

The autopsy also showed that the injuries to her abdomen that affected her respiratory system were the most severe.

Most Shocking TikTok Star and Influencer Deaths: Chris ODonnell, Kyle Marisa Roth and More

The final results of the autopsy are expected in roughly two weeks and will include toxicology tests. Coroner Dr. Ida Bagus Putu Alit confirmed there were "no signs of hypothermia or prolonged suffering after the injury. He estimated her time of death to be between 1 a.m. and 1 p.m. the day her body was recovered.

The Brazilian government informs, with deep sadness, the death of the Brazilian tourist Juliana Marins, who had fallen from a cliff surrounding the trail near the crater of Mount Rinjani, the Brazilian foreign ministry said in a statement translated by CBS News that same day.

The statement continued, At the end of four days of work, hindered by adverse weather, terrain and visibility conditions in the region, teams from the Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency found the body of the Brazilian tourist.

An Instagram account created to focus on the search effort quickly accrued more than a million followers. A post from her family also confirmed her death.

Everything to Know About the Investigation Into Influencer Shot Dead During Livestream

Today, the rescue team managed to reach the place where Juliana Marins was. With great sadness, we inform you that she did not survive, the post read. We remain very grateful for all the prayers, messages of affection and support that we have received.

The family has requested a second autopsy in order to confirm Marins date and time of death, and to uncover any information potentially omitted by Indonesian authorities.

A local police chief confirmed that investigators are still interviewing witnesses, including a trekking organizer and local guide.

Marins guide, Ali Musthofa, denies any negligence on his part, saying he recommended the hiker rest while he left her alone for no more than three minutes. When he returned, she was gone. He claimed to be able to hear Marins calling for help at the time but was unable to reach her.
Bryan Kohberger has been behind bars for nearly 1,000 days. All the while, his lawyers had repeatedly insisted he was innocent.

Now that the criminology student accused of killing four Idaho college students has instead pleaded guilty in a dramatic turn of events, he will almost certainly spend the rest of his days behind bars.

The guilty plea and admission to the stabbing deaths -- just weeks from the planned start of his trial -- stunned many, in a case that had ceaselessly gripped headlines.

What had been seen as a largely circumstantial case was suddenly crystallizing with every admission that Kohberger made to the judge on Wednesday.

Kyle Green, Pool via AP - PHOTO: Brian Kohberger, charged in the murders of four University of Idaho students, appears at the Ada County Courthouse, July 2, 2025, in Boise, Idaho.

But many questions remained unanswered. While Kohberger admitted to the killings of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin -- students at a school mere miles away from his own and with no apparent connection to him -- many of the details remain a mystery, most notably: why he did it.

A killing that sent shockwaves

It has been nearly three years since the brutal stabbing deaths of Goncalves, Mogen, Kernodle and Chapin. The grisly crimes sent shockwaves rippling through the tight-knit college town of Moscow, and ignited a continuous firestorm across social and news media.

Kaylee Goncalves/Instagram - PHOTO: A photo posted by Kaylee Goncalves a few days before their deaths shows University of Idaho students Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves.

Their bodies were found in the girls' off-campus house on King Road on Nov. 13, 2022. Near Mogen's body, a KA-BAR knife sheath was discovered. The knife has never been found.

A more than six-week manhunt ensued, and many residents of the cozy college town began locking their doors at night for the first time. Whether the killer had skipped town  or still lurked among them  was anyone's guess. In the vacuum of real information being shared, conspiracy theorists and true crime hobbyists ran amok with false accusations.

Then one day before New Year's Eve, a criminology Ph.D. student at Washington State University was arrested, more than 2,000 miles from where the killings occurred.

Kohberger was taken into custody at his parents' home in Albrightsville, Pennsylvania, after driving cross-country to spend the holidays with family. He appeared to have no connection to the victims, save for their schools' proximity. And yet, prosecutors alleged, his DNA had been found on the button snap of the knife sheath.

His phone pinged off cell towers in the King Road home's area the night the killings occurred, they said. His car was caught on surveillance footage taking multiple passes by what would soon become a crime scene, they said. One of two surviving roommates told police she had seen a masked intruder with "bushy eyebrows" that night  a description that has become a hallmark of the case and one, prosecutors said, applied to Kohberger, though his lawyers would later dispute that.

Idaho Statesman/TNS via Getty Images, FILE - PHOTO: Four University of Idaho students were killed at an off-campus house on King Road in Moscow, Idaho, in November 2022.

After Kohberger's arrest, the lawyer representing him in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, said his client was "eager to be exonerated of these charges." The case was largely circumstantial. There was barely any eyewitness testimony. The murder weapon was missing.

Kohberger was extradited to Idaho and indicted in May 2023. He was charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary. He is now facing four back-to-back life sentences, as outlined in his plea agreement, for the crimes in addition to 10 years for the burglary count. His sentencing hearing has been set for July 23.

Shroud of secrecy

Even before Kohberger was named as a suspect, the murder case captured international attention despite  or perhaps fueled in part by  the heavy shroud of secrecy draped around its details. A strict gag order was imposed early on by the judge first overseeing the case that has forced the case to play out largely behind closed doors.

Little by little though, the shape of the evidence began to emerge. A slow, steady drip of information has trickled from at-times heated hearings and literally thousands of court filings  and hundreds of thousands of pages of briefs.

MORE: Woman who says she saw Bryan Kohberger near murder scene repeated claim at least four times

For years, Kohberger's lawyers had aggressively accused prosecutors of failing to do their due diligence on other possible leads and that they were too single-mindedly focused on their client. They have said investigators used a "false information trail" to target Kohberger and even suggested that police intentionally misled a judge to get the search warrants they wanted on Kohberger  a very serious allegation that ultimately went nowhere with the judge.

Meanwhile, the defense has levied a litany of legal salvos trying to puncture holes in prosecutors' case, including casting doubt on the DNA evidence, asking to have the indictment dismissed, and fighting repeatedly to get the death penalty taken off the table on a wide range of grounds, pointing to everything from the U.S. Constitution and international human rights to evolving social norms, to his autism spectrum disorder diagnosis as a factor on jurors' perception, to needing more time for the morass of discovery and intensive preparation they must do in such a capital case. All those attempts were unsuccessful.

If he had been convicted at trial, Kohberger could have faced execution by firing squad. That capital punishment method is newly legal in Idaho because of the ongoing nationwide shortage of the lethal injection drugs, as major pharmaceutical suppliers have withdrawn from the capital punishment market.

What all the legal back-in-forth has succeeded in, however, is continuously pushing back the actual trial  to the frustration of some of the victims' families.

But those delays in the judicial proceedings could not freeze time. The off-campus home where the killings occurred was demolished in December 2023, after the property owner donated the home to the school. The school made the call to tear it down as a "healing step," they said at the time, despite mixed feelings from the victims' families. The sunrise demolition took less than two hours.

The Goncalves and Kernodle families had pointed to potential evidentiary value in preserving the house, while the parents of Ethan Chapin  whose brother and sister were still students at the university  were supportive of the demolition.

Neither Kohberger's defense nor prosecutors had pushed back on the planned demolition, and the school said it would help stop "efforts to further sensationalize the crime scene."

Lawyers for Kohberger have also denounced what they called "inflammatory" and "prejudicial" media coverage against their client. The trial, once slated to take place in Latah County, where the killings occurred, was finally moved to Boise after a long legal battle waged by the defense.

Early one Sunday morning in September 2024, Kohberger was transported by an Idaho State Police plane from the Latah County Jail, where he had been held, to Ada County. In both facilities, Kohberger has been housed by himself, for his own and others' safety, authorities have said.

A 'so-called alibi' unravels

His lawyers had said that Kohberger was driving around alone on the night the killings occurred, and the reason his phone stopped reporting from the network in the critical window when the killings occurred is because he was out in a very remote area, stargazing.

It's an alibi that both judges who have overseen the case summarily scoffed at: Judge John Judge in Moscow, dubbing it a "so-called" alibi; Judge Steven Hippler in Boise, saying "at this point, [Kohberger] has not provided an alibi, partial or otherwise."

Angela Palermo/Idaho Statesman/Tribune News Service via Getty Images - PHOTO: Four University of Idaho students were found dead at an off-campus home on King Road in Moscow, Idaho, November 2022.

Some of the search warrants served on Kohberger's online shopping indicated curiosities far earthlier than the cosmos, prosecutors said. Eight months before four Idaho college students would be found stabbed to death, as ABC News has previously reported, the man accused of the bloody killing spree bought a knife that matches what prosecutors said could be the murder weapon. Kohberger's lawyers, while arguing his innocence, had said the whole Kohberger family had access to that Amazon account.

But it was Kohberger's buy, prosecutors said. "He purchased online a KA-BAR knife and sheath with an Amazon gift card," prosecutor Bill Thompson said at Wednesday's plea hearing.

MORE: Idaho college victims' friends recall moment they responded to home: 'You know something's wrong'

Prosecutors also pointed to Kohberger's own writings, including in their court briefs a homework assignment from his master's degree program that they said was essentially a crime scene how-to guide that showed he had been not just a scholar of crime  he knew how to cover his tracks after committing murder.

It was a point Thompson explicitly made at Wednesday's plea hearing.

"The defendant has studied crime. In fact, he did a detailed paper on crime scene processing when he was working on his pre doctorate degrees, and he had that knowledge and skill," Thompson said.

Meanwhile as the case dragged on, its cost mushroomed. The financial burden has largely been borne by the local community itself. In 2022, Idaho Governor Brad Little had committed up to $1 million in emergency funds to support the manhunt and investigation, which has helped defray some of the expense. The change in venue to Boise would have also brought additional costs as prosecutors and others would have had to travel more than five hours to Boise for what was expected to be a three-month trial.

Now, that trial, where the actual evidence would finally come to light, will never occur. And at least for now, the case comes to a close much like it started: with still-unanswered questions.

ABC News' Josh Margolin and Jim Hill contributed to this report.
Universal Pictures; Jasin Boland/Universal Pictures; Universal Studios (Left-right:) Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali and Jonathan Bailey in 'Jurassic World Rebirth'





NEED TO KNOW

Jurassic World Rebirth, starring Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, Mahershala Ali and a bunch of scary dinosaurs, is in theaters now

Director Gareth Edwards indicated in interviews that the movie originally had planned to kill one of its major characters at the end

Instead, they filmed an alternate ending in which the character survived, and they ended up using that version





Jurassic World Rebirth almost opted for a very different ending for one of its major characters.

Spoiler alert: The dinosaur thriller starring Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey and Mahershala Ali ends with their characters in a standoff with the mutated D. rex, created on a tropical island's laboratory affiliated with the original Jurassic Park.

Alis character Duncan Kincaid lures the beast away with flares, allowing the others to escape  before he safely rejoins them when it's revealed he survived.

The bit we did shoot two versions of is Kincaid living and dying, director Gareth Edwards told SlashFilm. That was how it was written to start with and we filmed it and did everything as if he was going to die, everything felt correct. As an audience you go, Oh my God, he's going to actually die, and of course he is, and then he does.

Instead  during Edwards shoot, which took place in Thailand, Malta and England  the team decided to film a possible alternate ending in which Alis Kincaid makes it to safety. When he's brought back, I think it is a surprise, said Edwards, 50, likening the moment to E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial when the titular alien appears to die.

At the June 23 New York City premiere of Jurassic World Rebirth, the moment Alis character returned got the best reaction, the filmmaker added with a laugh. I was really like, Oh my God, thank God we shot that version where he lived because it could have been quite a downer. 

Speaking to ScreenRant, Edwards revealed it was the producing powers that be at Universal Pictures who suggested keeping options open: The studio was like, 'Whilst you're in Thailand, because we're not going to be going back, you want to shoot a version where he lives?' "

You start to picture it, and then I started to think, 'I kind of like that.' " The filmmakers kept the little tropes, he added, that indicate a character is sure to meet their demise soon.

The final little thing you say to your best friend before you leave, it just tells the audience he's not coming back. We kept all those in even though we knew he was coming back.

Universal Pictures Mahershala Ali in 'Jurassic World Rebirth'

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.

At the premiere, Edwards told ScreenRant, he nearly teared up at the audiences enthusiastic reaction to seeing Alis character had survived. I was like, 'Oh my God, studios are right sometimes.' I'm glad we shot that."

Jurassic World Rebirth screenwriter David Koepp  writer of the original 1993 hit Jurassic Park and a regular collaborator of franchise producer Steven Spielberg  addressed the movies ending in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

Jasin Boland/Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment

Asked about the lack of cliffhanger promising more installments, the writer said he thought occasionally about planting a little something here or there.

But, he continued, its a bad idea to do that, and theyre the first things to [get cut from a script] if theyre remotely in the way. It is so hard to make one good movie  speaking as someone whos both succeeded and failed at making a good movie. There are so many ways to go awry. Thinking about the future is like the dumbest thing you can do.

The teams mission, said Koepp, 62, was simple: Lets make this work. If it works, people will like it. And then maybe there can be another one.

Jurassic World Rebirth is in theaters now.

Read the original article on People
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Its officially a polka dot (and capri) summer, according to Kylie Jenner, anyway.



While vacationing in Italy, the beauty mogul and burgeoning fashion archivist stepped out in a black and white leather polka-dot bra with matching cropped pants from Ralph Laurens Spring 2000 runway. She posted a closer look at her outfit on her Instagram.

The throwback set was first worn by Gisele Bundchen over two decades ago, and Jenner made sure to honor the moment by sharing a side-by-side on Instagram Stories.

She further accessorized with casual black flip-flop sandals and a matching purse in the same retro print, the same bag worn by Bundchen.

Fresh off her trip to Venice for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchezs lavish wedding, the Kylie Cosmetics mogul has been on a roll fashion-wise.

She slipped into an icy-blue gown with a silver sheen from Dilara Findikoglu to attend the nuptials. The lace-up corset dress featured super-thin straps adorned with little black bows, a hot, plunging neckline, and a cinched bodice that creates a dramatic hourglass silhouette.

The final night of the three-day wedding extravaganza closed out with a Dolce Notte-themed pajama party, which Jenner attended alongside her sisters.

What you wear to sleep (or to a pajama party) can say a lot about you. So naturally, the Khy founder turned to Chloes Spring 2000 runway for inspiration.

For the event, she opted for a sparkly boho bra with fringe detailing. She paired the statement top with a matching low-slung white skirt.

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At least 95 people are dead and dozens are still missing after devastating flash floods slammed Texas Hill Country, with water rescues taking place along the Guadalupe River, which rose rapidly early Friday morning to the height of a two-story building. Almost a dozen are still missing from Camp Mystic in Kerr County, a girls' summer camp, officials said.

Of the fatalities so far, 75 have occurred in Kerr County, its sheriff, Larry Leitha, said at a news conference Monday morning. The dead include 48 adults and 27 children, with 15 of the adults and nine of the children unidentified. Camp Mystic, located along the river in Hunt, Texas, confirmed Monday that at least 27 campers and counselors died in the flooding.

"Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy. We are praying for them constantly," the camp said in a statement. "We have been in communication with local and state authorities who are tirelessly deploying extensive resources to search for our missing girls. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from community, first responders, and officials at every level."

At least 10 Camp Mystic campers are still missing, along with one counselor, Leitha said. That was the first solid number officials provided regarding campers who remained unaccounted for, after previously estimating that it could be as high as 27. There were about 750 children at Camp Mystic when the floods hit, the sheriff said earlier.

Officials are seen in the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas as they assist in recovery efforts on July 6, 2025 after a flash flood swept through the area. / Credit: Julio Cortez/AP

President Trump signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County, at Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's request. On Saturday, Abbott said he visited the summer camp for the first time, calling the scene "horrendously ravaged" in a social media post.

"Today I visited Camp Mystic. It, and the river running beside it, were horrendously ravaged in ways unlike I've seen in any natural disaster," Abbott wrote. "The height the rushing water reached to the top of cabins was shocking. We won't stop until we find every girl who was in those cabins. "

The governor said at a briefing Sunday afternoon that operations would continue around the clock to search for anyone affected by the deadly storm. In addition to the dead, officials have not been able to account for 41 people in various parts of the state, according to Abbott, who noted that figure may underrepresent how many people are truly missing.

Debris is seen in the Guadalupe River in Kerrville, Texas on July 6, 2025. / Credit: Jorge Salgado / Anadolu via Getty Images

"Especially in the Kerrville area, there were so many people camping out near the river, people in RVs and things like that," he said. "There are people that are not known, confirmed missing because we do not know yet who they are."

Abbott said searches will persist throughout the Guadalupe River system in hopes of locating anyone else and asked the public to contact local officials with information about friends or relatives believed lost.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Sunday he ordered three swiftwater rescue teams to Texas.

A view inside of a cabin at Camp Mystic, the site of where at least 20 girls went missing after flash flooding in Hunt, Texas, on July 5, 2025. / Credit: RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Images

Mr. Trump on Sunday told reporters he would visit Texas "probably on Friday," noting he had wanted to go Sunday but would have been "in their way."

At the Vatican, Pope Leo extended a prayer to the flooding victims during Sunday mass, saying, "I express my sincere condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones, in particular their daughters who were at summer camp, in the disaster caused by the flooding of the Guadalupe river in Texas in the United States."

Although Kerr County was hit hardest by flooding, at least 13 others have been confirmed dead in different parts of Texas. About 150 miles east of Camp Mystic, Travis County has confirmed at least seven deaths, according to local officials. Travis County includes the Texas capital city of Austin.

At least four people were confirmed dead in Burnet County on Monday, said Captain Mike Sorenson of the county sheriff's office. Abbott said two people remain missing in Burnet: a 17-year-old girl and the county fire chief. Derek Marchio, the emergency management coordinator for the county, previously said more than 50 rescues had been conducted countywide since the flooding crisis unfolded.

Emergency management officials in Kendall County confirmed six deaths as of Monday and said rescue and recovery operations were still underway, and another two deaths were confirmed in Williamson County by county officials. Earlier, in Tom Green County, the San Angelo Police Department confirmed Saturday the death of a 62-year-old woman identified as Tanya Burwick. Police said Burwick was driving when her vehicle became submerged by floodwaters.

Officials comb through the banks of the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas on July 5, 2025 after a flash flood swept through the area. / Credit: Julio Cortez/AP

Officials have conducted more than 160 air rescues, Leitha said in an earlier update, adding that 850 uninjured and eight injured people have been rescued overall as of Saturday. U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a social media post that the U.S. Coast Guard was responsible for saving 223 of those people, as dramatic video showed Guard members conducting aerial rescues near Kerrville, while dark water covered the ground.

Noem also said Coast Guard rescue swimmer and Petty Officer Scott Ruskin "saved an astonishing 165 victims in the devastating flooding in central Texas. This was the first rescue mission of his career and he was the only triage coordinator at the scene." She called Ruskin "an American hero."

The Department of Homeland Security oversees the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

"We've been rescuing people out of these camps by the hundreds, you know, all day," said Dalton Rice, the city manager for Kerville, on Saturday night. "There's a lot of folks that are shelter in place, so we leave them in place to make sure that we get them food, water."

Damaged vehicles and debris are seen roped off near the banks of the Guadalupe River after flooding in Ingram, Texas, Friday, July 4, 2025. / Credit: Michel Fortier/The San Antonio Express-News via AP

Abbott originally signed a federal disaster declaration in the immediate aftermath of the floods early Friday, which he later updated to include several other counties in Texas that were damaged by storms.

Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly said in Saturday's briefing that his property was also devastated by the flooding and he "barely got home" on Friday. Kelly also said he had visited a funeral home and "got to see firsthand many of the body bags" before going on a helicopter ride with Sen. John Cornyn and Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring to survey the damage.

"It's gonna be a long time before we're ever going to be able to clean it up much less rebuild it," Kelly said. "We didn't know. We knew we'd get rain, we know the river rises but nobody saw this coming."

Onlookers survey damage along the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas. / Credit: Eric Gay/AP

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said in a news briefing on Friday that there hadn't been "a drop of rain until the tragedy struck" earlier in the day, and that the Guadalupe River had risen about 26 feet in 45 minutes. An alert went out around 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. local time Friday, he said.

As questions circulate as to whether the flood warnings and alerts were sufficient and effective, another summer camp near the Guadalupe River, Presbyterian Mo-Ranch Assembly, has received praise for its rapid evacuation. Lisa Winters, the communications director for the camp, told The Associated Press that the facilities manager at Mo-Ranch noticed the river beginning to rise at about 1 a.m. local time Friday. Although camp leadership said they had not received evacuation guidance from local authorities, they quickly relocated about 70 children and adults who were staying overnight in a building near the water.

Speaking to reporters late Friday night aboard Air Force One, Mr. Trump called the floods a "terrible thing." On Saturday, he said his administration was working with state and local officials "on the ground" in Texas to respond to the flooding.

"Melania and I are praying for all the families impacted by this horrible tragedy," Mr. Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. "Our Brave First Responders are on site doing what they do best. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!"

Onlookers walk along the banks of the Guadalupe River in Louise Hays Park, on July 5, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas, following heavy flooding. / Credit: Rodolfo Gonzalez/AP

How did the Guadalupe River flood so quickly?

Meteorologists say storms in the area converged with remnant moisture from what was formerly Tropical Storm Barry, which made landfall in eastern Mexico early last week and moved northward. That produced exceptionally high rainfall totals in a region that is susceptible to flooding.

Rice, Kerrville's city manager, explained how the Guadalupe River flooded so quickly.

"When you look at the headwaters of the Guadalupe ... there's a north and a south fork," Rice said Friday night. "Since 1987, under normal conditions, if you can call it that, you'll hit water in one of those areas, and those two forks will converge into the Guadalupe, which comes through the city of Kerrville."

"This rain event sat on top of that and dumped more rain than what was forecasted on both of those forks," Rice continued. "When we got the report, it was about 7 feet or so on the south fork, and within a matter of minutes it was up to 29 feet, and all of that converged at Guadalupe."

The Guadalupe River at Hunt reached its second-highest height on record, higher than the famous 1987 flood, the city said, citing the National Weather Service.

A raging Guadalupe River leaves fallen trees and debris in its wake, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas. / Credit: Eric Gay/AP

The Texas Division of Emergency Management had multiple meetings since Thursday to prepare, but the National Weather Service "did not predict the amount of rain" that actually fell, officials said, adding that forecasters originally estimated up to 8 inches of rainfall for the area.

Kerr County judge Rob Kelly said the area does "not have a warning system," and authorities were shocked by the ferocity of the floods.

"We had no reason to believe that this was gonna be any, anything like what's happened here. None whatsoever," Kelly told "CBS Evening News."

A man surveys damage left by a raging Guadalupe River, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas. / Credit: Eric Gay/AP

People are reunited at a reunification center after flash flooding hit the area, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Ingram, Texas. / Credit: Eric Gay/AP

Texas issued flash flood emergencies in five counties in West Texas on Friday as Hill Country continued to be slammed by severe rain and flooding. Between 5 and 11 inches of rain have fallen in northwestern Bandera County, Central Kerr County, Northeastern Tom Green County, East Central Kerr County and West Central Kendall County, according to the National Weather Service.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing

There are hundreds of people on the ground from various units helping with search and rescue operations, officials said. The operations have included drones, helicopters, rescue divers, boats and high-water vehicles, after Abbott signed a disaster declaration for several counties hit by flooding.

At a news conference, the governor said his declaration "ensures all the counties will have access to every tool, strategy, personnel that the state of Texas can provide to them, which will be limitless."

"We will stop at nothing to ensure that every asset and person and plane, whatever is needed, is going to be involved in the process of rescuing every last person and ensure everybody involved in this is going to be fully accounted for," Abbott said.

A helicopter flies over the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas. / Credit: Eric Gay/AP

First responders scan the banks of the Guadalupe River for individuals swept away by flooding in Ingram, Texas, Friday, July 4, 2025. / Credit: Michel Fortier/The San Antonio Express-News via AP

Lorena Gullen, who owns a restaurant right next to an RV park that was affected by the floods, said "raging water" swept away vehicles, some with people still inside. Residents at the park had been celebrating the Fourth of July.

"You could also see vehicles coming from up the river with the lights on and hear somebody honking, and they were washing away but they kept going," she told "CBS Evening News." "It was impossible."

Over 2 dozen people still missing

Three girls from Dallas  8-year-olds Hadley Hanna and Eloise Peck and 9-year-old Lila Bonner  were identified as missing Camp Mystic campers. Bonner's family confirmed to CBS Texas on Saturday that she was among the children confirmed dead in the flood and Peck's family on Sunday posted a note at their home saying she had died as well.

Two sisters from Dallas  13-year-old Blair Harber and 11-year-old Brooke Harber  were also confirmed dead Saturday by the St. Rita Catholic Community church in Dallas. The sisters were not attending Camp Mystic, but were staying with their grandparents in an area along the Guadalupe River where the flooding occurred. Their grandparents remain unaccounted for, according to the church. The girls' parents were in a separate cabin and were not harmed.

Meanwhile, Rep. August Pfluger of Texas said Saturday that two of his three children were evacuated from Camp Mystic.

"The last day has brought unimaginable grief to many families and we mourn with them as well as holding out hope for survivors," Pfluger said in a post on X.

On Friday, Patrick addressed the parents of children at Camp Mystic. The lieutenant governor, who briefly acted as governor while Abbott was on vacation, said they are praying for all those missing "to be found alive."

"If they are alive and safe, we will find them and bring them home to you," Patrick said Friday.

Families line up at a reunification center after flash flooding it the area, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Ingram, Texas. / Credit: Eric Gay / AP

First responders deliver people to a reunification center after flash flooding in the area, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Ingram, Texas. / Credit: Eric Gay / AP

Camp Mystic is an all-girls summer camp, which runs several camps attended by thousands of children during the summer, Patrick said. In a statement read Friday by the lieutenant governor, the camp said they did not have power, water or Wi-Fi in the aftermath of what it called a "catastrophic level" of flooding. The statement added that "the highway has washed away, so we are struggling to get more help."

Here's where you can donate to help Central Texas flood recovery

The camp sits on a strip known as "flash flood alley," Austin Dickson, the CEO of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, told The Associated Press. The foundation is a charitable endowment that collects donations to help nonprofits responding to the disaster.

"When it rains, water doesn't soak into the soil," Dickson said. "It rushes down the hill."

A flood gauge marks the height of water flowing over a farm-to-market road near Kerrville, Texas, on Friday, July 4, 2025. / Credit: Eric Gay / AP

A man surveys damage left by a raging Guadalupe River, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas. / Credit: Eric Gay / AP

Elinor Lester, 13, told the AP that she and her cabinmates were evacuated by helicopter. Her cabin was on elevated ground, but younger campers bunked in cabins situated along the riverbank, she said. Those were the first to flood. Younger campers came up the hill for shelter.

"The camp was completely destroyed," she said. "It was really scary. Everyone I know personally is accounted for, but there are people missing that I know of and we don't know where they are."

Her mother, Elizabeth Lester, told the AP her son was at Camp La Junta, a nearby summer camp, and also survived after a counselor woke up, saw rising water and helped the boys swim out through a window. Camp La Junta and another camp on the river, Camp Waldemar, said in Instagram posts that all campers and staff there were safe.

"My kids are safe, but knowing others are still missing is just eating me alive," Elizabeth Lester told the AP.

Death toll rises as desperate search for Texas flash flood survivors continues

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Courtesy HBO Max

Spoilers below.

Carrie and her downstairs neighbor, Duncan, seem to be on better terms after last weeks upstairs-downstairs drama. Now, shes having dinner at his place on a rainy day in, eating her first mutton, and talking about writing. Duncan never lets other people read his drafts, but hell make an exception for Carrie because he needs an outside female eye to weigh in on his biography of Margaret Thatcher. (Sorry, I have to eye-roll.) When Carrie tells Aidan about this interaction on the phone later, his ears perk up at the sound of another mans name. Duncan? But he tells her some good news: His son Wyatt has enrolled in a wilderness program in Wyoming for a week, and hes glad to see him taking initiative. Hell be away, which frees Aidan up to fly to New York.

Miranda wakes up at Joys place to a nice hot cup of coffee and Joys two dogs staring her down. Miranda gets itits time for her to finally get her own place. I cant become a lesbian cliche and move in after hello, she jokes to Joy. Though theyre not ready to become roommates yet, theyll mark another relationship milestone as Joy plans to introduce Joy to her son, Brady, later that week.

Seema is finally teaming up with Miranda to find her an apartment, but its proving to be more difficult than expected. Seema takes the attorney to see a listing thats nearly perfectexcept she must offer $150,000 over the asking price to secure it. Miranda cannot agree to that on principle. Seemas back on the hunt.

Charlotte tries to keep her head low as she walks into the cancer center for Harrys appointment, but she runs into Bitsy von Muffling outside, blowing her cover. She lies and says shes just there to volunteer, honoring the promise she made Harry that she would keep his prostate cancer diagnosis a secret. After the appointment, Harry tells Charlotte he decides to take surgery rather than radiation; his doctor says hes in great health and he doesnt have to worry.

Courtesy HBO Max

Aidan arrives at Carries and tries to pull off a romantic gesture (throwing pebbles at her window!)but it quickly goes wrong when he accidentally breaks the glass. Itll be hard to fix because Carries building is so old that the glass on her doors is nearly irreplaceable. (This glass is wavy and makes little rainbows when the light hits it a certain way.) Aidan feels terrible. And hes already feeling bad because Wyatt changed his mind and refused to get on the plane, which led Kathy, Aidans ex-wife, to get upset the whole drive back home. Aidan promises to find a replacement for the broken doorall the way in Scranton.

When she wakes up the next morning, she finds hes already taken off for the errand and left behind a POST-IT NOTE on her mirror. In a callback to Jack Bergers iconic breakup methods in Sex and the City (Im sorry. I cant. Dont hate me), Aidans note is far more innocent, simply informing Carrie of his errand.

Lisa, a.k.a. LTW, is making headway in editing her docuseries with Marion (who is married, by the way). Shes so focused that she puts her phone on silent mode. But when she doesnt answer her calls, her husband Herbert shows up to her office to break bad news: Lisas father had a stroke and passed away. She breaks down in Herberts arms. Thats my daddy, she sobs, in one of the most emotional moments of the episode.

Courtesy HBO Max

After processing her initial shock, she calls Charlotte, lamenting that she wasnt able to spend time with her father during his final moments because of work. Charlotte offers some support: Work that he raised you to do. The tender moment is quickly interrupted when LTW receives an e-vite to her own fathers funeral from Lucille Highwater, the general manager of her fathers local theater. These two clearly have beef.

LTW agrees to meet with Lucille, a glorious Jennifer Lewis toting a Michael Kors bag. Lucille clarifies that she moved forward with the funeral plans because she didnt want to bother Lisa, but of course Lisa wants to be involved. Her biggest request is that the ceremony is not too theatrical and that she gets to give a eulogy.

Courtesy HBO Max

Miranda, on the other hand, prepares Joy to meet Brady. As they wait, Joy warns her that shes not to great with kids. Her past girlfriends havent had kids. It seems like a red flag, but Miranda sees the silver lining: Joy just called her her girlfriend! When Brady arrives, he instantly hits it off with Joys dogs, which means he hits it off with Joy too. Crisis averted for now.

Carrie comes home to find Aidan trying to fix her door, which has clearly become a metaphor for their relationship. Hes worried that he ruined it, but hes really upset about something else: He slept with Kathy. After Wyatts incident at the airport, the two exes were there for each other, and one thing lead to another. Carrie is surprised but responds, I understand how that could happen. (Of course you can girl, you did it to him first!) Aidan apologizes for betraying Carrie, but shes more confused about that. She thought they were free to sleep with other people during their break (not that she wants to); but he thought they were only saving themselves for each other. Aidan thought Carrie wasnt going to sleep with anyone else for five years??? Both she and I are stunned that they havent had this conversation until now.

Courtesy HBO Max

All the friends come together for the funeral of Lisas father in Newark. (Seema is limping from taking the PATH train, but shes happy to hear Miranda has agreed to go over the asking prices of that apartment.) When Lisa arrives, shes pleased to see the setting is simple and understateduntil Lucille comes out singing Magic to Do from Pippin, glittery headdress and all. When its Lisas turn to speak, Herbert joins her onstage. She honors her father for always being there for everybody, from herself, to her family, to the people who performed at this theater. But when his time came, she couldnt be there for him, which breaks her heart. After the service, Lisas stern mother-in-law offers her some comforting words: If you dont get to spend someones final moments with them, it means their spirit doesnt want you there; they didnt want you to remember them at their last hour.

Aidan heads back home to Virginia, but not before running into Duncan, who stops by to drop off part of his manuscript for Carrie. Aidan responds with a somewhat suspicious look, but leaves the draft behind for her to read. After the surprise delivery, Carrie goes to the pharmacy and runs into Charlotte picking out mens diapers. Charlotte can no longer keep the news to herself. She tells Carrie that Harry has prostate cancer, but she cant tell anyone. Carrie swears that she wont, and more importantly, she says Charlotte can tell her anything. Its a much-needed heartfelt moment between the two friendswho cares if its happening in the diaper aisle?

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Alexis DUCLOS/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Michael Madsen on May 16, 2000





NEED TO KNOW

Michael Madsen's son Luke wrote a tribute to his late dad on Instagram

The Kill Bill actor was found dead on Thursday, July 3, at age 67

Luke referred to Madsen as his "hero" and remembered him as a "damn good" father





Michael Madsen's son Luke shared a heartfelt tribute to his late father, who was found dead in his Malibu home on Thursday, July 3, at age 67.

Luke, 19, shared a childhood photo of himself with his dad in an Instagram post on Friday, July 4. Luke wrote in the caption, "Some Peoples Heros Wear Capes. And Fly Shooting Lasers Out Of Their Eyes. Some peoples Heros Can Fight Off Armies And Overcome Anything."



The poetic caption continued, "My Hero Wore A Cowboy Hat. My Hero Stood Taller And Stronger Than Any Man Ive Ever Met. My Hero Understood Me Better Than Anyone. My Hero Is The Coolest Most Badass Human Being I Know. Not Only Was My Hero A Famous Tough Guy Movie Star. My Hero Was My Father. And He Was. Damn Good One. Love You Pops."

Luke concluded the post with, "Ill See You Again Someday. Tell Hudson I Said Hi," in reference to his late brother Hudson, who died by suicide in 2022 at age 26.

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.

Madsen was pronounced dead on July 3, after Los Angeles County deputies respond to a 911 call at his home, according to NBC 4 Los Angeles.

"What we understand is Michael had a cardiac arrest and was found unresponsive in his Malibu home earlier this morning," Madsen's manager Ron Smith told PEOPLE.

Madsen's managers Smith and Susan Ferris, plus publicist Liz Rodriguez, issued a statement after his death.

"In the last two years Michael Madsen has been doing some incredible work with independent film, including upcoming feature films Resurrection Road, Concessions and Cookbook for Southern Housewives, and was really looking forward to this next chapter in his life," they said in the statement. "Michael was also preparing to release a new book called Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems, currently being edited."

Valerie Macon/Getty Michael Madsen on Nov. 2, 2009

They added, "Michael Madsen was one of Hollywoods most iconic actors, who will be missed by many.

Michael was known for his roles often as outlaws and rogue law enforcement in Quentin Tarantino films, like as Vic Vega/Mr. Blonde in Reservoir Dogs (1992), Budd in Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003) and Volume 2 (2004), "Grouch" Douglass/ Joe Gaga in The Hateful Eight (2015) and Sheriff Hackett in Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood (2019).

Read the original article on People
By Jonathan Allen

NEW YORK (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump's fight with elite American universities was only a few days old when federal immigration agents arrested the Palestinian student activist Mahmoud Khalil at his Columbia University apartment building in New York in March.

Over the more than three months he was held at a jail for immigrants in rural Louisiana, the Trump administration escalated its battle. It arrested other foreign pro-Palestinian students and revoked billions of dollars in research grants to Columbia, Harvard and other private schools whose campuses were roiled by the pro-Palestinian student protest movement, in which Khalil was a prominent figure.

"I absolutely don't regret standing up against a genocide," Khalil, 30, said in an interview at his Manhattan apartment, less than two weeks after U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz ordered him released on bail while he challenges the effort to revoke his U.S. lawful permanent residency green card and deport him. "I don't regret standing up for what's right, which is opposing war, which is calling for the end of violence."

He believes the government is trying to silence him, but has instead given him a bigger platform. Returning to New York after his release, Khalil was welcomed at the airport by U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a political foe of Trump; supporters waved Palestinian flags as he reunited with his wife and infant son, whose birth he missed in jail.

Two days later, he was the star of a rally on the steps of a cathedral near Columbia's Manhattan campus, castigating the university's leaders. Last week, he appeared before cheering crowds alongside Zohran Mamdani, the pro-Palestinian state lawmaker who won June's Democratic primary ahead of New York City's 2025 mayoral election.

"I did not choose to be in this position: ICE did," Khalil said, referring to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents who arrested him. "And this of course had a great impact on my life. I'm still, honestly, trying to contemplate my new reality."

He missed his May graduation ceremony and emerged from jail unemployed. An international charity withdrew its offer of a job as a policy adviser, he said. The government could win its appeal and jail him again, so Khalil said his priority is spending as much time as possible with his son and wife, a dentist.

Khalil was born in a Palestinian refugee camp in Syria; his wife, Dr. Noor Abdalla, is a U.S. citizen and he became a U.S. lawful permanent resident last year. Moving to New York in 2022 as a graduate student, he became one of the main student negotiators between Columbia's administration and the protesters, who set up tent encampments on a campus lawn as they demanded that Columbia end investments of its $14 billion endowment in weapons makers and other companies supporting Israel's military.

Khalil is not charged with any crime, but the U.S. government has invoked an obscure immigration statute to argue that Khalil and several other international pro-Palestinian students must be deported because their "otherwise lawful" speech could harm U.S. foreign policy interests. The federal judge overseeing the case has ruled that the Trump administration's main rationale for deporting Khalil is likely an unconstitutional violation of free-speech rights. The government is appealing.

"This is not about free speech," Abigail Jackson, a White House spokeswoman, wrote in response to queries, "this is about individuals who dont have a right to be in the United States siding with Hamas terrorists and organizing group protests that made college campuses unsafe and harassed Jewish students."

URGES UNIVERSITIES TO HEED THEIR STUDENTS

Khalil, in the interview, condemned antisemitism and called Jewish students an "integral part" of the protest movement. He said the government was using antisemitism as a pretext to reshape American higher education, which Trump, a Republican, has said is captured by anti-American, Marxist and "radical left" ideologies.

The Trump administration has told Columbia and other universities that federal grant money, mostly for biomedical research, will not be restored unless the government has greater oversight of who they admit and hire and what they teach, calling for greater "intellectual diversity."

Unlike Harvard, Columbia has not challenged the legality of the government's sudden grant revocations, and agreed to at least some of the Trump administration's demands to tighten rules around protests as a precondition of negotiations over resuming funding.

Khalil called Columbia's response heartbreaking. "Columbia basically gave the institution to the Trump administration, let the administration intervene in every single detail on how higher education institutions should be run," he said. Columbia's administration has said preserving the university's academic autonomy is a "red line" as negotiations continue.

Virginia Lam Abrams, a Columbia spokesperson, said university leaders "strongly dispute" Khalil's characterization.

"Columbia University recognizes the right for students, including Mr. Khalil, to speak out on issues that they deeply believe in," she said in a statement. "But it is also critical for the University to uphold its rules and policies to ensure that every member of our community can participate in a campus community free from discrimination and harassment.

Khalil urged Columbia and other universities targeted by Trump to heed their students.

"The students presented a clear plan on how this campus can follow human rights, can follow international law, can be inclusive to all students, where everyone feels equal regardless of where they stand on issues," he said. "They prefer to capitulate to political pressure rather than listening to the students."

(Reporting by Jonathan Allen in New York; Editing by Matthew Lewis)
A 6-year-old Honduran boy with leukemia who had been held in immigration detention with his family since May was released July 2.

The boy, his mother and 9-year-old sister entered the country legally last fall seeking asylum. Federal agents arrested them as they left an immigration hearing in Los Angeles on May 29. They were held in a privately run family detention center in South Texas. Their release was made public July 3, but their future remains unclear.

Lawyers for the family sued for their release, arguing their detention violated their constitutional rights of due process and unreasonable seizure. The lawyers feared that, since leukemia in children requires consistent treatment, the boys care would be disrupted if they were deported to Honduras or detained for too long.

Migrants who followed Biden's rules no longer welcome, Trump says

The family's situation is similar to many immigrants who arrived during the Biden administration, following the rules at the time and not violating any laws. Recently, though, the Trump administration has decided that most of them should not be in the United States, and has been detaining a growing number of migrants as they show up to mandatory court hearings.

Can ICE snatch law-abiding people out of their communities at courthouses when those individuals are doing exactly what the government required of them? said Elora Mukherjee, a lawyer for the family and director of the Columbia Law School Immigrants Rights Clinic.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents look over lists of names and their hearing times and locations inside the Federal Plaza courthouse before making arrests on June 27, 2025, in New York.

Neither Immigration and Customs Enforcement nor the Department of Homeland Security immediately responded to an emailed request for comment.

The family entered the United States in October through the CBP One App, which allowed migrants to apply for asylum screening interviews at the border, according to court filings. President Donald Trump's administration repurposed the app for migrants to leave the country.

A DHS spokesperson said in a June 28 statement that most migrants who entered the country within the last two years, while Joe Biden was president, are subject to expedited removal.

Cancer diagnosis and danger back home

The family drew national media attention, especially given the childs cancer, which lawyers say still requires treatment. Their names haven't been released due to threats they face in Honduras.

The boy, diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at age 3, had most recently been undergoing two-and-a-half years of chemotherapy. He has about half a year of treatment left.

The family was released along the U.S.-Mexico border, hours from where they were held near San Antonio, at the South Texas Family Residential Center, according to a spokesperson for the Texas Civil Rights Project, a legal advocacy organization representing the family in court.

As of July 3, they were staying in a shelter awaiting a way to return to Los Angeles, where they were living with a relative before their arrest. The family is also seeking to get the boy medical care, Mukherjee said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Boy with leukemia released from ICE detention
By Jonathan Landay and Daphne Psaledakis

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -More than 130 retired diplomats and other former senior U.S. officials issued an open letter on Thursday criticizing a planned overhaul of the State Department that could see thousands of employees laid off.

"We strongly condemn Secretary of State Marco Rubios announced decision to implement sweeping staff reductions and reorganization at the U.S. Department of State," the officials said in the letter.

The signatories included dozens of former ambassadors and senior officials, including Susan Rice, who served as national security advisor under President Barack Obama, a Democrat.

The timing of the cuts remains unclear, with the U.S. Supreme Court expected to weigh in at any moment on a bid by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration to halt a judicial order blocking the firings.

The administration in late May notified Congress of a plan to overhaul its diplomatic corps that could cut thousands of jobs, including hundreds of members of its elite Foreign Service who advocate for U.S. interests in the face of growing assertiveness from adversaries such as China and Russia.

Initial plans to send the notices last month were halted after a federal judge on June 13 temporarily blocked the State Department from implementing the reorganization plan.

The shake-up forms part of a push by Trump to shrink the federal bureaucracy, cut what he says is wasteful spending and align what remains with his "America First" priorities.

"At a time when the United States faces unprecedented challenges from strategic competitors, ongoing conflicts, and emerging security threats, Secretary Rubios decision to gut the State Departments institutional knowledge and operational capacity is reckless," the former officials wrote.

(Reporting by Jonathan Landay and Daphne Psaledakis, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
Washington  The Supreme Court on Thursday cleared the way for the Trump administration to deport a group of migrants with criminal records held at a U.S. naval base in Djibouti, clarifying the scope of its earlier order that lifted restrictions on removals to countries that are not deportees' places of origin.

Shortly after the ruling, Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin announced, "these sickos will be in South Sudan by Independence Day," calling it a "win for the rule of law."

In a social media post Thursday evening in response to the ruling, Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote, "Yet another rogue district court judge has been rebuked by the Supreme Court thanks to the tireless work of dedicated DOJ attorneys. @POTUS will continue to exercise his full authority to remove killers and violent criminal illegal aliens from our country."

The high court's follow-up ruling came after it paused a federal judge's April injunction that prevented the Trump administration from deporting migrants to so-called third countries without first giving them notice of the destination and a chance to contest their deportation there by raising fears of torture, persecution or death.

Soon after that order by the Supreme Court last month, U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy of Massachusetts said that a decision he issued in May requiring the Trump administration to provide interviews with U.S. asylum officers to the men detained in Djibouti before removing them to South Sudan remained "in full force and effect."

Those men  who hail from Latin America and Asia, and have been convicted of serious crimes in the U.S.  have been held at the Djibouti base for weeks after Murphy ordered the Department of Homeland Security to retain custody of them. The Trump administration has described deplorable and dangerous conditions faced by the personnel sent to guard the men in Djibouti, including concerns about malaria, rocket attacks, inadequate security protocols and triple-digit outdoor temperatures.

Murphy issued his order in May after finding that the Trump administration violated his initial injunction when it attempted to swiftly remove the migrants to South Sudan with less than 24 hours' notice and no chance to raise fear-based claims. The world's youngest country, South Sudan remains plagued by violence and political instability, with the State Department warning Americans not to travel there.

According to the Justice Department, the State Department has received "credible diplomatic assurances" from South Sudan that the migrants will not be subject to torture.

The Supreme Court on Thursday said Murphy's May order "cannot now be used to enforce an injunction that our stay rendered unenforceable," referring to the April injunction from Murphy that the high court paused last month. Justice Elena Kagan wrote in a concurring statement that, while she opposed the Supreme Court's initial pause, "I do not see how a district court can compel compliance with an order that this Court has stayed."

In a dissent that was joined by Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, Justice Sonia Sotomayor said the high court's majority was effectively allowing the Trump administration to pursue "unlawful ends," expressing concern about the safety of the deportees.

"What the Government wants to do, concretely, is send the eight noncitizens it illegally removed from the United States from Djibouti to South Sudan, where they will be turned over to the local authorities without regard for the likelihood that they will face torture or death," Sotomayor wrote.

On Friday, U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss of the District of Columbia briefly paused the deportation of the eight men to South Sudan, issuing an administrative stay in response to a last-ditch emergency motion filed by their attorneys.

However, in a subsequent hearing later Friday, Moss said he would allow his stay to expire at 4:30 p.m. ET. He also said he would transfer the case back to Judge Murphy.

Murphy subsequently denied the migrants' request to block the deportation, writing in his order Friday: "This Court interprets these Supreme Court orders as binding on this new petition, as Petitioners are now raising substantially similar claims, and therefore Petitioners motion is denied."

The deportation flight to South Sudan had been scheduled to depart from Djibouti at 7 p.m. ET, the Justice Department told Moss during the earlier hearing. It was unclear on Friday night if it departed at that time.

The legal fight

The Supreme Court's original order last month was a significant legal victory for President Trump and his mass deportation campaign. As part of that effort, administration officials have sought to convince countries around the globe, including in far-flung parts of Africa, to accept deportees who are not their citizens. Several countries  including El Salvador, Costa Rica, Panama and Kosovo  have already agreed to host migrants from other nations who have been deported from the U.S.

The high court's decision in June was unsigned and did not contain any reasoning, prompting questions as to whether the Trump administration could move to deport the migrants being held in Djibouti to South Sudan, as it was initially trying to do. The three liberal justices  Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson  dissented.

After Murphy clarified that the Department of Homeland Security could not yet remove the men without first providing them additional process, Solicitor General D. John Sauer sought further word from the justices.

Sauer, who represents the government before the court, argued that the justice's decision meant there is no injunction in place barring the deportation of the migrants in Djibouti. Murphy's ruling, he wrote, "is a lawless act of defiance that, once again, disrupts sensitive diplomatic relations and slams the brakes on the executive's lawful efforts to effectuate third-country removals."

"This court should immediately make clear that the district court's enforcement order has no effect, and put a swift end to the ongoing irreparable harm to the executive branch and its agents, who remain under baseless threat of contempt as they are forced to house dangerous criminal aliens at a military base in the Horn of Africa that now lies on the borders of a regional conflict," Sauer said.

Immigration attorneys disagreed and told the Supreme Court in a filing that Murphy's May order "is the only shield that preserves and protects their statutory, regulatory, and due process rights to seek protection from torture in South Sudan."

They said that the judge's order requiring the government to retain custody of the eight deportees and provide them reasonable-fear interviews was simply a remedy that was issued to address the Trump administration's violation of his injunction.

Plus, the immigration attorneys said that when the Justice Department first sought the Supreme Court's intervention to resume third-country deportations, it did not seek relief from that follow-up order regarding the attempted removals to South Sudan.

"Because the district court's remedial order is not before the court, it remains in effect," they argued. "Any other conclusion would reward the government's defiance of the district court's orders."

The back-and-forth over the third country removals before the Supreme Court has played out on its emergency docket, where the Trump administration has requested relief while legal proceedings play out. Decisions on those requests are typically made only with written briefing and no oral argument, and the court's decisions often do not include its reasoning or how its members voted.

The Trump administration has filed more than a dozen emergency appeals with the Supreme Court, many arising from its efforts to curtail illegal immigration into the U.S. The high court has allowed the government to end two programs protecting nearly 1 million migrants from deportation while the challenges move forward.

But it has also said that migrants facing swift deportation under a 1798 law known as the Alien Enemies Act must receive notice and an opportunity to challenge their removals in court.

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An Air Force Boeing C-17 used for deportation flights at Biggs Army Airfield at Fort Bliss, Texas, on Feb. 13. (Justin Hamel / AFP - Getty Images file)

WASHINGTON  The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed President Donald Trump to move ahead with plans to send eight convicted criminals to South Sudan, a move that had been blocked by a federal judge who accused the administration of defying his instructions.

In an order, the court clarified its decision from June 23 that made it easier for the U.S. to deport migrants to "third countries" to which they have no previous connection.

The Supreme Court said in the unsigned order that its earlier ruling applied to the eight men, who are being held in a U.S. facility in Djibouti, meaning the judge's later decision was "unenforceable."

Follow live politics coverage here

Two of the court's liberal members, Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson, dissented.

"What the government wants to do, concretely, is send the eight noncitizens it illegally removed from the United States from Djibouti to South Sudan, where they will be turned over to the local authorities without regard for the likelihood that they will face torture or death," Sotomayor wrote.

She also accused the court, which has a 6-3 conservative majority, of favoring the Trump administration over others.

"Todays order clarifies only one thing: Other litigants must follow the rules, but the administration has the Supreme Court on speed dial," Sotomayor wrote.

Trina Realmuto, a lawyer for the eight men, said in an email that the Supreme Court's decision "rewards the government" for violating the judge's order.

In doing so, she added, the court endangers "the life and safety of eight men who are now subject to imminent deportation to war-torn South Sudan."

Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, called the ruling "a win for the rule of law, safety and security of the American people."

These sickos will be in South Sudan by Independence Day," she said in her statement.

The men are from various countries, including Myanmar and Vietnam, and were all convicted of serious crimes in the United States.

They were detained in Djibouti after Murphy ruled that the administration had defied his nationwide order by putting them on a flight bound for South Sudan.

Some have had a reasonable fear of interviews with immigration officials as required by Murphys order, but no adjudications have been made, their lawyers say.

In its most recent filing at the Supreme Court, the Trump administration said it had received assurances from South Sudan that the men will not be subject to torture under the United Nations Convention Against Torture.

The Trump administration had asked the court to clarify its June decision, accusing Massachusetts-based U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy of being in "unprecedented defiance" of the justices.

Murphy had blocked the South Sudan deportations because he deemed them to be in violation of an earlier ruling he made. That ruling said the government must give migrants a meaningful opportunity to bring claims that they would be at risk of torture, persecution or death if they were sent to countries the administration has made deals with to receive immigrants who cannot be sent elsewhere.

The Supreme Court in June blocked Murphys broad nationwide order, but both Murphy and lawyers representing the plaintiffs said the decision did not apply to the ongoing litigation over whether the eight men in Djibouti needed to have an opportunity to raise specific concerns about being sent to South Sudan.

Murphy, who was appointed by President Joe Biden, has come under heavy fire from MAGA world as a result of his rulings in the case.

The Supreme Court's original decision merely said that Murphy's nationwide ruling was blocked, but did not explain its reasoning or how exactly it should be applied.

The court's three liberal justices dissented, with Sotomayor saying that Murphy's decision requiring due process for the eight men in Djibouti was not implicated. The majority did not dispute that.

Justice Elena Kagan, who dissented in the earlier ruling, did not join her liberal colleagues this time, writing a brief concurring opinion to explain her vote.

"I do not see how a district court can compel compliance with an order that this court has stayed," she wrote.
BEIRUT (Reuters) -Hezbollah has begun a major strategic review in the wake of its devastating war with Israel, including considering scaling back its role as an armed movement without disarming completely, three sources familiar with the deliberations say.

The internal discussions, which aren't yet finalised and haven't previously been reported, reflect the formidable pressures the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group has faced since a truce was reached in late November.

Israeli forces continue to strike areas where the group holds sway, accusing Hezbollah of ceasefire violations, which it denies. It is also grappling with acute financial strains, U.S. demands for its disarmament and diminished political clout since a new cabinet took office in February with U.S. support.

The group's difficulties have been compounded by seismic shifts in the regional power balance since Israel decimated its command, killed thousands of its fighters and destroyed much of its arsenal last year.

Hezbollah's Syrian ally, Bashar al-Assad, was toppled in December, severing a key arms supply line from Iran. Tehran is now emerging from its own bruising war with Israel, raising doubts over how much aid it can offer, a regional security source and a senior Lebanese official told Reuters.

Another senior official, who is familiar with Hezbollah's internal deliberations, said the group had been holding clandestine discussions on its next steps. Small committees have been meeting in person or remotely to discuss issues including its leadership structure, political role, social and development work, and weapons, the official said on condition of anonymity.

The official and two other sources familiar with the discussions indicated Hezbollah has concluded that the arsenal it had amassed to deter Israel from attacking Lebanon had become a liability.

Hezollah "had an excess of power," the official said. "All that strength turned into a weak point."

Under the leadership of Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed last year, Hezbollah grew into a regional military player with tens of thousands of fighters, rockets and drones poised to strike Israel. It also provided support to allies in Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

Israel came to regard Hezbollah as a significant threat. When the group opened fire in solidarity with its Palestinian ally Hamas at the start of the Gaza war in 2023, Israel responded with airstrikes in Lebanon that escalated into a ground offensive.

Hezbollah has since relinquished a number of weapons depots in southern Lebanon to the Lebanese armed forces as stipulated in last year's truce, though Israel says it has struck military infrastructure there still linked to the group.

Hezbollah is now considering turning over some weapons it has elsewhere in the country - notably missiles and drones seen as the biggest threat to Israel - on condition Israel withdraws from the south and halts its attacks, the sources said.

But the group won't surrender its entire arsenal, the sources said. For example, it intends to keep lighter arms and anti-tank missiles, they said, describing them as a means to resist any future attacks.

Hezbollah's media office did not respond to questions for this article.

Isreal's military said it would continue operating along its northern border in accordance with the understandings between Israel and Lebanon, in order eliminate any threat and protect Israeli citizens. The U.S. State Department declined to comment on private diplomatic conversations, referring questions to Lebanon's government. Lebanon's presidency did not respond to questions.

For Hezbollah to preserve any military capabilities would fall short of Israeli and U.S. ambitions. Under the terms of the ceasefire brokered by the U.S. and France, Lebanon's armed forces were to confiscate "all unauthorized arms", beginning in the area south of the Litani River - the zone closest to Israel.

Lebanon's government also wants Hezbollah to surrender the rest of its weapons as it works to establish a state monopoly on arms. Failure to do so could stir tensions with the group's Lebanese rivals, which accuse Hezbollah of leveraging its military might to impose its will in state affairs and repeatedly dragging Lebanon into conflicts.

All sides have said they remain committed to the ceasefire, even as they traded accusations of violations.

PART OF HEZBOLLAH'S 'DNA'

Arms have been central to Hezbollah's doctrine since it was founded by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to fight Israeli forces who invaded Lebanon in 1982, at the height of the 1975-1990 Lebanese civil war. Tensions over the Shi'ite Muslim group's arsenal sparked another, brief civil conflict in 2008.

The United States and Israel deem Hezbollah a terrorist group.

Nicholas Blanford, who wrote a history of Hezbollah, said that in order to reconstitute itself, the group would have to justify its retention of weapons in an increasingly hostile political landscape, while addressing damaging intelligence breaches and ensuring its long-term finances.

"They've faced challenges before, but not this number simultaneously," said Blanford, a fellow with the Atlantic Council, a U.S. think tank.

A European official familiar with intelligence assessments said there was a lot of brainstorming underway within Hezbollah about its future but no clear outcomes. The official described Hezbollah's status as an armed group as part of its DNA, saying it would be difficult for it to become a purely political party.

Nearly a dozen sources familiar with Hezbollah's thinking said the group wants to keep some arms, not only in case of future threats from Israel, but also because it is worried that Sunni Muslim jihadists in neighbouring Syria might exploit lax security to attack eastern Lebanon, a Shi'ite-majority region.

Despite the catastrophic results of the latest war with Israel - tens of thousands of people were left homeless and swathes of the south and Beirut's southern suburbs were destroyed - many of Hezbollah's core supporters want it to remain armed.

Um Hussein, whose son died fighting for Hezbollah, cited the threat still posed by Israel and a history of conflict with Lebanese rivals as reasons to do so.

"Hezbollah is the backbone of the Shi'ites, even if it is weak now," she said, asking to be identified by a traditional nickname because members of her family still belong to Hezbollah. "We were a weak, poor group. Nobody spoke up for us."

Hezbollah's immediate priority is tending to the needs of constituents who bore the brunt of the war, the sources familiar with its deliberations said.

In December, Secretary General Naim Qassem said Hezbollah had paid more than $50 million to affected families with more than $25 million still to hand out. But there are signs that its funds are running short.

One Beirut resident said he had paid for repairs to his apartment in the Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs after it was damaged in the war only to see the entire block destroyed by an Israeli airstrike in June.

"Everyone is scattered and homeless. No one has promised to pay for our shelter," said the man, who declined to be identified for fear his complaints might jeopardise his chances of receiving compensation.

He said he had received cheques from Hezbollah but was told by the group's financial institution, Al-Qard Al-Hassan, that it did not have funds available to cash them. Reuters could not immediately reach the institution for comment.

Other indications of financial strain have included cutbacks to free medications offered by Hezbollah-run pharmacies, three people familiar with the operations said.

SQUEEZING HEZBOLLAH FINANCES

Hezbollah has put the onus on Lebanon's government to secure reconstruction funding. But Foreign Minister Youssef Raji, a Hezbollah critic, has said there will be no aid from foreign donors until the state establishes a monopoly on arms.

A State Department spokesperson said in May that, while Washington was engaged in supporting sustainable reconstruction in Lebanon, "this cannot happen without Hezbollah laying down their arms".

Israel has also been squeezing Hezbollah's finances.

The Israeli military said on June 25 that it had killed an Iranian official who oversaw hundreds of millions of dollars in transfers annually to armed groups in the region, as well as a man in southern Lebanon who ran a currency exchange business that helped get some of these funds to Hezbollah.

Iran did not comment at the time, and its U.N. mission did not immediately respond to questions from Reuters.

Since February, Lebanon has barred commercial flights between Beirut and Tehran, after Israel's military accused Hezbollah of using civilian aircraft to bring in money from Iran and threatened to take action to stop this.

Lebanese authorities have also tightened security at Beirut airport, where Hezbollah had free rein for years, making it harder for the group to smuggle in funds that way, according to an official and a security source familiar with airport operations.

Such moves have fuelled anger among Hezbollah's supporters towards the administration led by President Joseph Aoun and Nawaf Salam, who was made prime minister against Hezbollah's wishes.

Alongside its Shi'ite ally, the Amal Movement, Hezbollah swept local elections in May, with many seats uncontested. The group will be seeking to preserve its dominance in legislative elections next year.

Nabil Boumonsef, deputy editor-in-chief of Lebanon's Annahar newspaper, said next year's poll was part of an "existential battle" for Hezbollah.

"It will use all the means it can, firstly to play for time so it doesn't have to disarm, and secondly to make political and popular gains," he said.

(Additional reporting by Timour Azhari in Beirut and Maayan Lubell in Jerusalem; Writing by Maya Gebeily; Editing by Tom Perry and Alexandra Zavis)
By Jody Godoy and Nate Raymond

(Reuters) - Eight migrants lost their last-ditch effort to halt their deportation to South Sudan by the Trump administration on Friday, clearing the way for their imminent transfer after a judge in Massachusetts denied their request.

Lawyers for the U.S. Justice Department said the men were scheduled to be flown to South Sudan on Friday at 7:00 pm Eastern Time after two courts considered the request on an emergency basis on July 4, when courts are otherwise closed for the Independence Day holiday.

Lawyers for the migrants had filed new claims in Washington late Thursday after the U.S. Supreme Court clarified that a judge in Massachusetts could no longer require the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to hold them. U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss in Washington paused the deportation briefly on Friday afternoon, but sent the case back to U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy in Boston.

Murphy said the Supreme Court order required him to deny their bid, saying their claims that deportation was being used as a form of punishment were "substantially similar" to the ones he had ruled on previously.

The order was the latest round in the fight over the legality of the Trump administration's campaign to deter immigration through high-profile deportations to countries where migrants say they face safety concerns, and which has already gone from lower courts to the Supreme Court twice.

Jennie Pasquarella, a lawyer with the Seattle Clemency Project who represents the migrants, called the ruling disappointing. No court will hear their claim that the Trump administration is unconstitutionally using deportation to dangerous countries as a form of punishment, on top of criminal sentences the men have already served, she said.

"Both courts' decisions today have denied them their opportunity to have these claims heard and to protect their own lives. That is what is so tragic about where we came out," she said.

Pasquarella said the men do not plan to file an appeal.

A spokesperson for Homeland Security did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Friday.

Department of Justice attorney Hashim Mooppan told Moss during Friday's hearing that court orders halting agreed-upon deportations pose a serious problem for U.S. diplomatic relations and would make foreign countries less likely to accept transfers of migrants in the future. The men have been convicted of various crimes, with four of them convicted of murder, the Department of Homeland Security has said.

South Sudan has long been dangerous even for locals. The U.S. State Department advises citizens not to travel there due to violent crime and armed conflict. The United Nations has said the African country's political crisis could reignite a brutal civil war that ended in 2018.

The eight men, who their lawyers said are from Cuba, Laos, Mexico, Burma, Sudan and Vietnam, argue their deportations to South Sudan would violate the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment.

"It seems to me almost self-evident that the United States government cannot take human beings and send them to circumstances in which their physical well-being is at risk simply either to punish them or send a signal to others," Moss said during the hearing. But he ultimately found their new claims should be heard by the court in Massachusetts.

The Friday effort to prevent the deportations came after months of back and forth between Murphy, the Supreme Court, and the Trump administration.

Murphy ruled in May to block the U.S. from immediately moving the men to South Sudan after he found that officials had violated his earlier ruling in a class action lawsuit concerning the due process rights of migrants.

That ruling, in April, had blocked the administration from sending migrants to countries where they have no ties without giving them the chance to raise safety concerns.

The Supreme Court on June 23 put Murphy's April injunction on hold. But Murphy that same day said the high court ruling did not apply to his May order.

Calling Murphy's decision a "lawless act of defiance," the Justice Department the next day urged the Supreme Court to clarify its decision.

The nine-member Supreme Court on Thursday, over the dissent of two of its liberal justices, sided with the Trump administration and said its decision serves to reverse Murphy's May order blocking the deportations to South Sudan.

(Reporting by Jody Godoy in New York and Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Nick Zieminski and Alexia Garamfalvi)
By Jan Wolfe

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Supreme Court's three liberal justices exerted waning influence during its recently concluded term, and their frustrations with the conservative majority spilled into public view in major cases involving President Donald Trump and issues such as transgender rights.

In five of the biggest cases of the term, which wrapped up with its final rulings on June 27, the court's six conservative justices were in the majority and liberal Justices Elena Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson were in dissent.

Top among these was the ruling on the term's final day that curbed the ability of judges to impede Trump's policies through nationwide injunctions. The other four came in cases at the heart of the American "culture wars."

Those included rulings that upheld a Tennessee law banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors, backed a Texas law requiring pornographic websites to verify the age of users in an effort to protect minors, let parents opt children out of public school classes with LGBT themes and allowed South Carolina to strip abortion provider Planned Parenthood of Medicaid funding.

The ideological divide was abundantly clear in cases in which the justices acted on an emergency basis, sometimes called the "shadow docket," which produced a string of orders permitting Trump to enact policies impeded by lower courts.

Trump's appointment of three justices - Amy Coney Barrett in 2020, Brett Kavanaugh in 2018 and Neil Gorsuch in 2017 - during his first term in office gave the court its 6-3 conservative majority, and the nation's top judicial body has since moved American law decisively rightward, as it did again this term.

"The three liberals are out of cards at the table," said George Mason University law professor Robert Luther III, using a card-game analogy. "They just don't have the numbers to make an impact."

Their lack of sway was particularly evident in "core culture war cases," added Luther, who has advised Trump on judicial nominations.

"These are the kinds of cases that brutal confirmation fights like Kavanaugh's are all about," Luther said, referring to the Republican-led Senate's narrow confirmation of Trump's nominee following allegations of sexual misconduct dating back decades that Kavanaugh denied. "These are the kind of cases that prove the right is winning the war for the courts."

THE ROBERTS COURT

The court has been under the guidance of conservative Chief Justice John Roberts since 2005. But it was after Trump appointed Barrett to replace the late liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg five years ago that the liberal bloc's influence sank to a low point.

"I think it's a mistake to think the liberals ever had serious sway on the Roberts Court since they've been winnowed down to three members," said Georgia State University law professor Anthony Michael Kreis.

"The only question is this: can the liberals convince their colleagues, on occasion, that they're wildly out of step with the public and need to pull back on some decisions? And do two of their conservative colleagues even care?" Kreis asked.

If the liberal justices remain united, they need two conservatives to join them in a case in order to prevail.

In the emergency docket cases, which reach the justices on a condensed timeline that leaves little time for consensus-building, the six justices appointed by Republican presidents gave a green light to several Trump policies. Endorsing his expansive view of presidential authority, they let him move forward with mass deportations, fire the heads of independent federal agencies and ban transgender people from the military.

In the June 27 ruling authored by Barrett in the birthright citizenship case, the Supreme Court did not address the legality of a Trump directive blocked by three federal judges. Trump had directed federal agencies to refuse to recognize the citizenship of children born in the United States who do not have at least one parent who is an American citizen or lawful permanent resident, also called a "green card" holder.

Instead, the court curbed the ability of federal judges to issue "universal" injunctions to block the Republican president's policies nationwide.

Sotomayor, the most senior of the liberal justices, read her entire dissent from the bench, signaling her strong disagreement with the conservative majority's ruling. Over the course of 20 minutes, Sotomayor denounced the decision, saying "no right is safe in the new legal regime the court creates."

"Today, the threat is to birthright citizenship," Sotomayor wrote in her dissent. "Tomorrow, a different administration may try to seize firearms from law-abiding citizens or prevent people of certain faiths from gathering to worship."

'POLITICAL WHIMS'

Sotomayor similarly read a scathing dissent from the bench on June 18 after the court allowed Tennessee to restrict gender-transition medical care for people under age 18. Sotomayor said with the ruling the court "abandons transgender children and their families to political whims."

Jackson wrote in a dissent that the ruling authored by Barrett on nationwide injunctions posed an "existential threat to the rule of law."

Barrett's ruling, Jackson asserted, is "profoundly dangerous since it gives the executive the go-ahead to sometimes wield the kind of unchecked, arbitrary power the (nation's) founders crafted our Constitution to eradicate."

Barrett countered that "Justice Jackson decries an imperial executive while embracing an imperial judiciary" and "would do well to heed her own admonition: 'Everyone, from the president on down, is bound by law.'"

Sotomayor, who told a Harvard University audience last year that she sometimes cries in her office after rulings, is writing her dissents to an audience of future generations of lawyers, according to George Washington University law professor Paul Schiff Berman.

"Dissenting opinions do have an impact on the law over time," Berman said.

Sotomayor's approach resembles one employed by the late conservative Justice Antonin Scalia, according to Trinity College historian Kevin McMahon. Scalia often found himself in the minority in important rulings and sometimes was criticized by other conservatives for not making more of an effort to build consensus with his liberal colleagues, McMahon said.

But years later, Scalia's dissents are serving as the foundation for rulings now that the court has moved decidedly to the right, McMahon said. Scalia's death in 2016 left the court with four liberal justices and four conservative justices. Trump's three appointments in the next four years created a conservative super majority.

"Scalia often wasn't willing to compromise. He was more interested in writing that powerful, powerful dissent," McMahon said. "And, in the long run, those dissents have become law."

Kagan is regarded as the liberal justice most willing to moderate her positions to build consensus with the conservatives. McMahon said Kagan's approach resembles that of the late liberal Justice William Brennan, who would tell his clerks: "Five votes can do anything around here."

Kagan's willingness to compromise has allowed her to author rulings in some major cases in recent years such as a 2024 decision that clarified how the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment protections against government abridgment of freedom of speech apply to social media companies.

"When you're a Supreme Court justice, you know you're going to be there for a long time, and you know things are going to change," McMahon said. "Sometimes, you take a little win. And then, maybe a couple years later you can expand your thinking."

(Reporting by Jan Wolfe; Editing by Will Dunham)
CIA Director John Ratcliffe, right, and FBI Director Kash Patel in Washington, D.C., on March 26. (Tom Williams / Sipa / Reuters )

The release of formerly classified FBI and CIA documents this week illustrates how President Donald Trumps appointees at both agencies are trying to use the levers of government to prop up his long-standing assertions that intelligence agencies conspired against him.

The FBI released emails on Tuesday that purport to show an effort by the bureaus leaders in 2020 to cover up a sources claim that there was a Chinese plot to throw the presidential election to Joe Biden. In a statement to the Daily Mail, Trumps FBI director, Kash Patel, said the emails reveal that bureau leaders chose to play politics and withhold key information from the American people.

And CIA Director John Ratcliffe released an internal agency analysis related to the 2020 election that he argued showed that Democratic appointees manipulated intelligence and silenced career professionals  all to get Trump.

Patels and Ratcliffes claims went beyond the information contained in the released documents. The documents do not describe definitive evidence that any official acted out of political motive or engaged in anything beyond the good-faith debate that is typical of the intelligence verification and analysis process.

The emails do show that at least one FBI official raised the concern that the report conflicted with congressional testimony at the time by Director Christopher Wray, who said the FBI was not aware of any Chinese attempt to interfere in the presidential election. A former FBI official told NBC News that Wray does not recall being made aware of the report.

A former senior FBI official said he was not aware of the report either. The former official, who requested anonymity, noted that the bureau produces hundreds of reports every day based on such tips, which do not always pan out.

Patel also promoted an article by the right-wing journalist John Solomon than mentioned that U.S. Customs and Border Protection had seized fake licenses that were arriving mostly from China and Hong Kong around the time the FBI received the tip.

According to a 2020 news release from CBP, 20,000 fake licenses were seized in Chicago between that January and June. It said most were for college-age students, a population that has historically sought licenses with fake birthdays so underage students can purchase alcohol.

The FBI did not respond to a request for comment from Patel regarding the fake licenses.

Dozens of judges, including Trump appointees, have found no evidence of widespread or systemic voter fraud affecting the 2020 election, despite allegations promoted by Trump and his allies since he lost that years presidential race.

The day after Patel released the emails, though, Trump appeared to mention them during a press conference where he talked about China and the license plates and claimed that tens of thousands of cards were used to vote in the 2020 election.

Concerns about reliability of tip

The emails released by Patel offer a window into the deep concern among senior career FBI analysts about an intelligence report from an agent in the Albany field office based on a single, unvetted source making a historic allegation: that the Chinese government sent thousands of fake IDs to help people fraudulently vote for Biden.

The report was ultimately withdrawn over concerns about its veracity. Two FBI officials familiar with the matter told NBC News that the tip was not credible intelligence and never should have been sent out in an intelligence report.

The CIA analysis cited by Ratcliffe found procedural faults with how the agency crafted its assessment that Russia tried to denigrate Hillary Clinton and help Trump get elected in 2016. But it didnt question that broad conclusion  one echoed by two exhaustive congressional investigations.

Yet Trump appointees and allies quickly argued the documents vindicated Trumps long-running claims that he had been wronged by intelligence agencies investigating foreign election interference.

The CIA review found that Obamas Trump-Russia collusion report was corrupt from start, read the headline of a New York Post piece by conservative columnist Miranda Devine.

A press release from the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Chuck Grassley of Iowa, said the bombshell FBI emails showed FBI headquarters interfered with [an] alleged Chinese election interference probe to shield then-Director Christopher Wray from political blowback.

FBI agents outside the U.S. Capitol on March 4. (Al Drago / Bloomberg / Getty Images)

A new unnamed source

The FBI emails show that senior career public servants at the bureau had concerns about the reliability of information from a confidential human source who claimed that the Chinese Communist Party planned to use fake IDs to cast ballots for Biden in the 2020 election.

The information came from a source that an FBI agent based in Albany, New York, had just met, who in turn got it from a separate unnamed source. The emails say the source in Albany also repeated a claim made on social media that the Chinese government was intentionally spreading Covid in the U.S.  an allegation that has never been corroborated. One email released by the FBI said the information had not been verified through other intelligence-gathering methods.

The emails say top bureau intelligence analysts Nikki Floris and Tonya Ugoretz ordered the intelligence report recalled because it lacked corroboration. Floris was forced out of the FBI earlier this year, and Ugoretz  who was promoted to become the FBIs top intelligence official  was recently placed on leave. The FBI has not said why. Floris and Ugoretz did not respond to requests for comment.

The emails lay out an internal debate over the reliability of the intelligence, which former FBI agents say is typical. The Albany office, backing its agent, sought to prevent the report from being recalled. Senior FBI officials, meanwhile, pushed for corroboration of the sources allegations.

In a Sept. 25, 2020, email, an assistant section chief in the Criminal Intelligence Branch said the claim about Chinese election interference was getting a lot of attention from all HQ divisions.

The assistant section chief added, We know that the source is first contact and hasnt been re-interviewed. Are you considering recalling the [intelligence report] until you can track the source down and re-interview? Everything election is getting scrutiny, and we just want to be sure we have reliable sourcing.

In a Sept. 28 email, another official noted that the allegation that China was trying to influence the election in favor of Biden, as well as previous seizures of fake drivers licenses imported from China, were all documented in some fashion on open sources.

The official added that Given the lack of specifics we received in the initial reporting, my first opinion was that the [confidential human source] wants to help and is probably supplementing his reporting via open sources.

Ultimately, the emails show, an FBI official who specializes in Chinese foreign interference instructed the Albany office that we have not approved a re-issue of the report specifically because of our concerns that the reporting is not authoritative.

Election denier at FBI

The new head of the FBIs Office of Congressional Affairs is Marshall Yates. A former Republican aide on Capitol Hill, Yates has ties to figures that have long backed Trumps false claim that the 2020 election was stolen.

Yates was chief of staff to former Rep. Mo Brooks, R-Ala., on Jan. 6, 2021, when Brooks spoke at Trumps rally in support of efforts to overturn his election loss. Yates then went on to work for the Election Integrity Network, a project headed by Republican lawyer Cleta Mitchell, a key figure in the efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

In a 2022 speech in New Mexico, Yates said the election objection did not go as we wanted in 2020, on Jan. 6, but that luckily it had sparked a grassroots movement across the country for election integrity.

The FBI did not reply to a request for comment about Yates involvement.

CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia, on July 8, 2022. (Samuel Corum / AFP / Getty Images file)

A nuanced CIA analysis

The internal review released by Ratcliffe last week examined how the CIA put together a 2017 intelligence assessment that concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to help Trump defeat Hillary Clinton.

The review found some deviance from standard procedures, but it defended the assessments overall findings. The report disclosed that two senior leaders of a CIA mission center focusing on Russia objected to the conclusion that Russias goal was to help secure Trumps victory but agreed that Putin hoped to denigrate Clinton and undermine the U.S. democratic process.

The review also cited complaints by some CIA officers that they felt rushed by a tight deadline to produce the assessment. The CIA director at the time, John Brennan, was a Democratic political appointee who has since become an ardent Trump critic.

In a second post on X, Ratcliffe argued that the complaints about the process were evidence the assessment was conducted through an atypical & corrupt process under the politically charged environments of Brennan and then-FBI Director James Comey. The CIA declined to comment when asked to explain the basis for Ratcliffes accusation.

A special counsel appointed during the first Trump administration looked extensively into how the CIA crafted its assessment but filed no criminal charges and reported no clear evidence that political bias tainted the process. A bipartisan Senate Intelligence Committee investigation in 2020 concurred with the 2017 intelligence assessment and found no reason to dispute its conclusions.
Russia overnight launched its largest aerial assault on Ukraines capital since the start of the war just hours after President Donald Trump signaled dimming prospects for a ceasefire following a telephone call with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin.

While the attacks primarily targeted Kyiv, across Ukraine at least 23 people were injured in the strikes, which involved about 540 drones and 11 missiles, according to the countrys military.

Russia is showing it has no intention of ending the war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday morning on X.

It was a brutal, sleepless night for Kyiv residents, he added.

Out of the 23 people injured, 14 had been hospitalized, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram after several buildings were partially damaged and set ablaze. Damage was recorded in six of Kyivs 10 districts and debris raining down ignited a fire at a medical facility, he said.

Meanwhile, Russia intercepted 48 Ukrainian drones launched over its territory, the Defense Ministry said on Telegram. Two people were injured after four fell in Moscow, regional Gov. Andrey Vorobyov said on Telegram.

Zelenskyy and Trump spoke by phone on Friday morning about the Russian airstrikes and developments on the battlefield, the Ukrainian president said in a post on X.

"We spoke about opportunities in air defense and agreed that we will work together to strengthen protection of our skies," he wrote. "We had a detailed conversation about defense industry capabilities and joint production. We are ready for direct projects with the United States and believe this is critically important for security, especially when it comes to drones and related technologies."

A building hit in a Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv on Friday. (Kostiantyn Liberov / Libkos via Getty Images)

The two countries also announced a prisoner exchange took place on Friday. Russia's Defense Ministry said the swap was the result of an agreement made in Istanbul on July 2. Zelenskyy said in a post on X that some of the Ukrainians released had been in Russian captivity since 2022.

Despite international calls for a ceasefire to end the war, which began when Putin launched a large-scale invasion in 2022, Moscow has plowed ahead with its attacks.

This growing intensity has frustrated Trump, who repeatedly pledged on his presidential campaign to end the war within 24 hours of becoming president  or even before.

On Thursday, Trump told reporters that he didnt make any progress with Putin at all in their call.

Im not happy about that, Im not happy, Trump said, noting that he doesnt believe Putin is ready to end the war. Im very disappointed.

Kyiv, which relies heavily on U.S. military aid and has been calling for more help is facing an adversary that is slowly making battlefield gains while sticking to its central demands for Ukraine to cede territory, despite claims to be willing to seek a negotiated end to the war.

Russia already occupies around one-fifth of Ukraine's territory, including areas it has illegally annexed.

Ukrainians shelter in a metro station in Kyiv on Friday. (Kostiantyn Liberov / Libkos via Getty Images)

The Kremlin said Trump had raised the issue of an immediate ceasefire in the call, their sixth known call since he returned to the White House in January, but the Russian leader said he will not back down.

Vladimir Putin stated that Russia continues to seek a political resolution to the conflict through negotiations, Kremlins foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said in a briefing Thursday.

But the Kremlin has so far not offered concessions on its central demands that Ukraine should cede territory and give up on joining NATO.

Ukraine is still reeling from Trumps decision this week to halt some U.S. military equipment deliveries, which include vital air defense systems.

Without truly large-scale pressure, Russia will not change its dumb, destructive behavior, Zelenskyy said, stressing that it primarily depends on the U.S. to change the situation for the better.

Senior citizens move away from the scene after Russian airstrike in Kyiv on Friday. (State Emergency Service of Ukraine / Anadolu via Getty Images)

Earlier this week, the Pentagon halted weapons shipments to Ukraine amid concerns, which some officials have disputed, that it could undermine the U.S. stockpile. The weapons being held include thousands of high explosive munitions, precision guided missiles, grenade launchers and Patriot interceptors that Ukraine would use to defend against Russian missiles, according to four defense officials and congressional sources.

We cant give weapons to everybody all around the world, chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell told reporters Wednesday. We have to look out for America and defending our homeland and our troops around the world.

Michael Bociurkiw, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council think tank, said Trumps inaction and his outright blaming of Ukraine at times is likely seen by Putin as an invitation to press forward on the battlefield.

Putin sees this as almost an invitation to bomb, bomb the heck out of Ukrainian cities and to grab more territory, he said in a telephone interview from the southwestern Ukrainian city of Odesa.

Keir Giles, a senior fellow at Chatham House, a London-based think tank, said Trumps call with Zelenskyy on Friday is unlikely to bring any substantial progress.

Past talks between the U.S. and Ukrainian presidents have proven to yield as little impact on the overall direction of U.S. policy as Trumps occasional outbursts on social media that Putin is not playing along with what he wants, Giles said in an email.
Louisiana's state capitol building. By Nolan Mckendry

(The Center Square)  State Sen. Sam Jenkins, D-Shreveport, said President Donald Trumps "one big, beautiful bill" would affect 1.6 million Louisiana residents' access to healthcare.

Me and my lawmakers down in Baton Rouge have some very serious concerns about the potential cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, Jenkins said during the Thursday Caddo Parish Commission meeting. Significant federal cuts could lead to a multi-billion dollar loss for Louisiana.

Jenkins made it clear he was not giving any political statement towards the bill but was specifically focused on numbers.

According to Jenkins, the massive budget reconciliation bill proposes cutting $1 trillion to Medicaid and $180 billion to SNAP nationwide.

Data released by USAFacts showed roughly 847,100, or 18.4%, of Louisiana residents received SNAP benefits monthly during fiscal year 2024, larger than the 12.3% receiving benefits nationwide. In 2012, nearly 948,800 people in Louisiana received monthly SNAP benefits. In 2024, Louisiana ranked third in the U.S. for the state population receiving SNAP benefits.

KFF data shows that as of May, 1.8 million people in Louisiana have Medicaid, and 79% of Medicaid spending is federally funded. Louisiana currently receives $13 billion in federal funds for Medicaid.

The state budget for the 2025-2026 year is $47.9 billion-- $24.2 billion of the budget is state funds, and $23.7 billion is federal funds. Of the $23.7 billion federally funded dollars, $16.4 billion supports healthcare for Louisiana residents.

The Center Square previously reported positive and negative responses from lawmakers surrounding the passage of the president's bill, which he is expected to sign into law on Friday. The bill is said to add $4.1 trillion to the primary deficit over the next 10 years, raise the debt ceiling by $5 trillion, add cost-saving reforms to Medicaid and SNAP and fund border construction.

Thanks to the leadership of President Donald Trump, Speaker Mike Johnson, and Congressman Steve Scalise, Americans just received: largest tax cut in history, no tax on tips, overtime and social security, permanently secure our borders, permanent increase to the child tax credit, protects two million family farms from punitive double taxation, unless American Energy Dominance, modernizes the American military and ends fraud, waste and abuse in our federal government, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said on X.

Landry, U.S Rep. Julia Letlow, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson and U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, all Republicans, shared their support for the bill. Democratic Congressmen Cleo Fields and Troy A. Carter released statements of concern.
A Eurostar train about to enter the Channel Tunnel in France. SAMEER AL-DOUMY/AFP via Getty Images

I upgraded to Eurostar Plus for an extra $34 on a work trip to Paris.

It wasn't as luxurious as premium economy, and the meal was mediocre.

But cheap upgrades are frequent, and the extra space is ideal for a solo traveller.

I might be an aviation reporter, but I always prefer taking the Eurostar over a flight to Paris.

Security is much more efficient, and the journey times aren't too different, given that the train stations are in the city centers.

On a work trip from London to the French capital last month, to report from the Paris Air Show, I had the opportunity to upgrade to Eurostar Plus.

Business Insider paid $130 for this journey, only $34 more than the standard class on the same train.

I definitely preferred the extra legroom and having no seat next to me. However, the mediocre meal and lack of lounge access assured me that I wouldn't go out of my way to upgrade.

While the top class, Eurostar Premier, offers lounge access and better food, prices are typically above $300.

Compared to an airline, I'd say Eurostar Plus isn't quite as luxurious as flying premium economy. I think I felt more benefits as a solo traveler, so I would only look to upgrade again for a similarly good price.

It isn't that rare to see Eurostar Plus offered at a small upgrade from standard.

The Eurostar booking page online. Pete Syme/BI

The online booking process was straightforward, without any of the pop-ups or add-ons you find with a budget airline.

Each passenger is allowed two pieces of luggage plus one piece of hand luggage. Eurostar Premier allows a third piece of luggage too.

I found the journey, 2 hours and 15 minutes long, less stressful than flying.

The Eurostar mostly travels at 186 mph, but is a bit slower when it travels under the sea. Pete Syme/BI/Datawrapper

A flight between London Heathrow and Paris Charles de Gaulle takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. But there's a further commute to the airports than to the train stations, plus a longer wait at security, not to mention the lack of a chance to take in views of the English and French scenery.

Going under the Channel Tunnel is entertaining too.

Tunnel workers shook hands and exchanged national flags after the Channel Tunnel breakthrough in 1990. AFP via Getty Images

On the one hand, it's just like a regular tunnel, albeit 31 miles long. However, the Channel Tunnel is a remarkable feat of engineering.

It took six years before it opened in 1994, with boring machines starting from either side, meeting underneath the sea.

I arrived just over an hour before departure, and found checking in to be smooth and efficient.

Passengers boarding the Eurostar at St. Pancras. Pete Syme/BI

I last took the Eurostar from London St. Pancras station almost exactly two years earlier, for the previous Paris Air Show. Back then, the lines were enormous and snaked through the concourse, but this time I barely had to queue.

Unlike the French side, I didn't have to remove my laptop from my bag, which made security quicker. Neither station requires you to remove liquids, like most airports.

Boarding began after a short wait, and I was impressed to see a staff member guarding a velvet rope by the Eurostar Plus car at the back of the train.

He checked off my name on an iPad, directed me toward my seat, and the nearest luggage rack  a small touch of luxury which elevated the experience.

For me, the biggest highlight was the seat itself.

The premium carriages have seats ideal for solo travellers. Pete Syme/BI

The Eurostar Plus car is arranged in a 1-2 layout rather than the usual 2-2. Since I was traveling by myself, this was ideal as it gave me much more space and privacy than usual.

Unlike most airlines, you don't need to pay extra to choose your seat.

However, many of them have a limited window view, so it helps to book well in advance.

There were plenty of accessories that added to the comfort, too.

Eurostar Plus seats come with a cup holder, reading light, and a small mirror. Pete Syme/BI

On the left, you can see a flip-down cup holder and a small light. There was another reading light to my left by the window, two seatback pockets, and a small mirror at the top.

Plus, there was more legroom and the ability to recline.

A view of the author's legroom. Pete Syme/BI

The seat reclined within its shell, which meant I didn't have to worry about irritating the passenger behind me.

However, I found the meal to be underwhelming.

Eurostar Plus only offers cold meals, whereas hot ones are available in the highest class. Pete Syme/BI

Two staff members came down the aisle with a trolley, with a vegetarian or a meat option. I went for the chicken with chickpeas, peppers, and broccoli.

Dessert was a small popcorn and chocolate affair, and I found the chocolate was almost too rich.

I would've preferred a hot meal, like what's available in Eurostar Premier. Also, I was a bit surprised that I was only given a 150ml (5 fl oz) can of Coca-Cola.

I didn't have huge expectations, but the service wasn't as good as premium economy on a flight.

Still, it was a benefit that I didn't have to get up from my seat. Although I did miss the fun experience of walking to and ordering from the onboard cafe.

Shortly after, everyone was offered tea or coffee, and the service ended less than an hour after departure.

Beautiful scenery is one of the many advantages compared to a flight. Pete Syme/BI

From then on, I enjoyed the comforts of my seat, reclining and taking in the views of the French countryside.

The benefits of Eurostar Plus became clearer on my return journey in the standard class.

The author's perspective from a Eurostar Standard seat. Pete Syme/BI

My economy seat still had a footrest, but it was harder to use, with less space and no recline.

Having somebody sit next to me also felt a bit claustrophobic, especially on a hot summer day where temperatures exceeded 90 degrees.

The table was also a bit smaller, but I was still able to relax better on the train than on a plane.

Pete Syme/BI

I bought a soda in the waiting area before boarding. After a busy week of work, I spent most of the journey back to London reading a novel.

Overall, I'd always recommend the Eurostar over a plane, and to keep your eye out for a cheap upgrade.

Paris's Gare du Nord is the busiest train station in Europe. Pete Syme/BI

If there's a conveniently timed train where Eurostar Plus is just a few extra bucks, it's worth booking it, especially if you're on your own. The free meal may also mean you save a bit of money.

Although if I were traveling in a couple or as a family, I think the benefits of space would feel less valuable.

As well as Paris, you can also take the Eurostar from London to Brussels and Amsterdam.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Houston Police Department Justin Joshua Guzman.





NEED TO KNOW

A TikToker who turned himself in is one of two men charged with murder following the fatal shooting of a Marine veteran in Houston

Anthony Sanders, 30, was fatally shot on June 3 at a parking garage at the Houston Galleria

Sanders' mother said he was "protecting his son and his fiancee," which she said he "always does"





A TikToker is now one of two men charged in the fatal shooting of a Marine veteran and father after turning himself into Texas authorities this week.

Anthony Sanders, 30, was fatally shot on June 3 around 5 p.m. local time in a parking garage at the Houston Galleria in Houston, police said. Sanders was taken to Ben Taub General Hospital where he was pronounced dead, police said.

Days after 23-year-old Marko Cinan was charged with murder on June 25 and booked into the Harris County Jail, a second man  identified by ABC affiliate KTRK and FOX affiliate KRIV as Justin Guzman  turned himself in on Monday, June 30, at the Harris County Joint Processing Center.

Guzman, 22, is now also charged with murder with a bond set to $750,000 and a court date scheduled for Wednesday, July 9, according to Harris County Jail records. Cinan is due in court on the same day, with his bond set to $1,000,000.

The Houston Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for further information on Friday, July 4.

Houston Police Department (2) Justin Joshua Guzman; Marko Cinan

According to both NBC affiliate KPRC and KTRK, Sanders was with his fiancee and young son at the time of the shooting. KPRC reports that his son is 10 months old.

Speaking with KPRC, Sanders' mother, Ronyel Sanders, revealed that she was on a phone call with her son during the shooting and that he died "protecting his son and his fiancee," which she said he "always does."

Citing court records, the outlet also reported that the suspects got into an argument with Sanders about his fiancee. When Sanders attempted to leave the parking lot, the two men allegedly blocked his car and shot him 10 times after he got out to complain, per KPRC.

"I guess both parties had disagreements. They got back in their car. Anthony's car was behind theirs," Ronyel said, per KTRK. "They didn't allow him to leave. Brake checked him, put their car in reverse, and tried to smack his car."

KPRC has also shared a TikTok allegedly showing Guzman and featuring news clips of Sanders' killing paired with videos of the suspect dancing, which Sanders' family has reportedly since sent to prosecutors. Guzman has over 50,000 followers on the platform.

Guzman's attorney, Romy Kaplan, told KTRK that his client was defending himself and claimed that he was approached with a knife. He called it a "self-defense case," arguing that "somebody approached him not once, but twice, with a knife, but also possibly a gun."

"We cooperated with HPD," Kaplan added. "We met with HPD already for voluntary surrender, so everything that's been done has been forthright and honest, and I look forward to vigorously defending his rights."

Sanders was unarmed, according to court records obtained by the outlet.

Kaplan did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for additional comment on Friday.

Sanders was described as a "devoted father" and "beloved fiance" in a GoFundMe later set up in his honor, noting that his "greatest joy was his precious baby boy and his beautiful fiancee, Selena."

We are here for justice, just for Anthony, and also just to  just to stand for what he stood for as a person and also to bring awareness to whats going on in todays society here in Houston alone, Frank Sanders, Anthonys father, said.

Read the original article on People
US President Donald Trump arrives for a social dinner at the 'Huis ten Bosch' Royal Palace. (Photo by JOHN THYS/AFP via Getty Images) (Photo by JOHN THYS/AFP via Getty Images)

President Donald Trump expressed disappointment Thursday in Republican Pennsylvania Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick after he voted no on the Big, Beautiful Bill, according to Daily Caller White House Correspondent Reagan Reese.

Trumps Big, Beautiful Bill officially passed the House Thursday and will now advance to his desk. Fitzpatrick and Republican Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky joined Democrats in voting no. Joining the president on his trip to Iowa for a July 4 celebration, Trump told Reese he is disappointed in Fitzpatrick for opposing the legislation.

Well, I was disappointed that he did that. There were two of them that voted no, so I was disappointed that he [Fitzpatrick] voted no, Trump said.

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson called for a vote on the budget legislation Wednesday to get the bill to Trumps desk by July 4. Late Wednesday evening, however, four Republicans joined Democrats in voting no against the bill. Johnson kept the vote open as GOP lawmakers were seen negotiating with fellow party members opposing the legislation.

Among the initial four Republican representatives to temporarily halt the bill from moving forward were Fitzpatrick, Keith Self of Texas, Victoria Spartz of Indiana, and Andrew Clyde of Georgia, according to NBC News. By Thursday, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries spoke on the floor for over eight hours, before the vote officially became 218 to 214 to approve the bill, with Massie and Fitzpatrick ultimately joining Democrats. (RELATED: Newt Gingrich Explains Why Voting Against BBB Is A Vote To Retire)

In response to his pushback against the bill, Fitzpatrick released a statement on his website, calling out the Senates amendments to Medicaid along with other provisions made that altered the analysis for our PA-1 community.

I voted to strengthen Medicaid protections, to permanently extend middle class tax cuts, for enhanced small business tax relief, and for historic investments in our border security and our military, Fitzpatrick wrote. However, it was the Senates amendments to Medicaid, in addition to several other Senate provisions, that altered the analysis for our PA-1 community.

WATCH:

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, Fitzpatrick added.

In the weeks leading up to the final push through the House, Massie, among a handful of GOP lawmakers, had been vocal about his opposition to the bill. During the U.S. peak tensions with Iran, Trump called out the pushback against the bill in June, saying he would primary the lawmaker during election season.

MAGA should drop this pathetic LOSER, Tom Massie, like the plague! The good news is that we will have a wonderful American Patriot running against him in the Republican Primary, and Ill be out in Kentucky campaigning really hard. MAGA is not about lazy, grandstanding, nonproductive politicians, of which Thomas Massie is definitely one, Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The Kentucky lawmaker told the Daily Caller Monday that he would be open to voting yes if a skinny version of the legislation were to be approved, saying the bill doesnt substantially cut enough government spending. Following his final push back against the legislation Thursday, Massie told reporters It wasnt beautiful enough for me to vote for it.

Fitzpatricks office did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundations request for comment.

All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporters byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
The Philippines' justice secretary said Friday he has asked for Japan's technical assistance to help the search for dozens of cockfighting participants allegedly killed by rogue police and dumped in a lake south of Manila.

The case is tied to a spate of mysterious disappearances in 2022 in the Southeast Asian nation's huge cockfighting industry, known locally as "sabong."

Interest in the unsolved cases has surged since the televised appearance of a witness  since identified as Julie "Dondon" Patidongan, a recent mayoral candidate  who claimed to know where bodies had been submerged in Lake Taal.

Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla said Friday he now had multiple witnesses who could "testify where (in the water) those missing persons were thrown."

He added that a group of 15 unnamed national police officers were under investigation and put on restricted duty.

"They carried out the executions," he said.

"I just signed a letter for the Japanese government asking for assistance to enable us to do a lakebed mapping and ... other technology that we need," Remulla added.

"We need a scientific approach here. We cannot leave it to chance."

Located about two hours south of the capital, Taal Lake is home to an active island volcano and spans more than 89 square miles with a depth of 564 feet in some places.

The Taal volcano not far from the Philippine capital Manila is seen on Oct. 16, 2024. It is considered one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines and has been active again since January 2020. It forms a large caldera with a lake in which the volcanic island Volcano Island is located. / Credit: Carola Frentzen/picture alliance via Getty Images

Patidongan initially appeared in silhouette in an interview on local television outlet GMA before later revealing himself, saying he feared for his life.

He has identified Charlie Ang, a man involved in livestreamed cockfighting operations, as the mastermind behind the disappearances.

Ang has denied all charges and on Thursday filed a lawsuit accusing Patidongan, a former employee, of slander, threats and conspiracy to commit robbery.

The justice department made a series of arrests in late 2022 of police and security personnel allegedly involved with the disappearance of 34 cockfight industry participants that Remulla said were "probably dead."

Since his televised appearance, Patidongan has claimed the actual number could be as high as 100.

Filipinos from all walks of life wager millions of dollars on matches every week between roosters who fight to the death with razor-sharp metal spurs tied to their legs.

The sport, banned in many other countries, survived coronavirus pandemic restrictions by going online, drawing many more gamblers who use their mobile phones to place wagers.

A 2022 Senate investigation revealed that daily bets on online cockfights tallied $52.4 million, the BBC reported. But after the men disappeared, the livestreamed fights came under scrutiny and former president Rodrigo Duterte eventually banned them, according to the BBC.

In 2020, a police officer in the Philippines was killed during a raid on an illegal cockfight after a rooster's blade sliced his femoral artery.

Philippine fighting cocks spar along a street in metropolitan Manila, Philippines, Thursday, June 28, 2018. / Credit: Aaron Favila / AP

Cockfighting operations have also made headline in the U.S. recently.

Last month, more than 40 people were arrested after a cockfighting ring was broken up in South Florida.

Earlier this year, hundreds of birds were euthanized after a joint investigation led to their seizure from an alleged cockfighting operation in Kansas.

What a new DOJ memo could mean for naturalized U.S. citizens

July 4 holiday week expected to set record for travelers

Ken Burns on the "complicated stories" in American history
Stockdale also said Equinix was the company selected Equinix as its company of choice for collocation.

What that means is that clients have the opportunity to buy rather than build. A lot of companies arent in the business of technology, he said.

A lot of companies arent in the business of technology  theyre in the business of what they do, whether thats manufacturing, education or something else.

It just so happens theyve had to build data centres themselves to house all their data.

Now that data is growing at such a fast rate, theyre looking at alternatives and cloud is the number one alternative to allow them to buy rather than build, Stockdale said.

I personally always believe that we will live in a hybrid world. I think there will be certain workloads that will reside on-premises and continue to do so, he said. But there are other workloads and data that can exist in the cloud.

The sustainability point of view when it comes to buy versus build gives partners an edge with customers who have ESG within their organisation.

Sustainability is a big issue for MSPs; people dont think they actually think about their sustainability, Stockdale said. [This is] not just in terms of how they can make money off it, but in ensuring theyre sustainable.

They can go for contracts where procurement requirements are that they are sustainable.

Bolstering the channel

Thats one of the reasons why prioritising relationships with channel partners, whether theyre resellers, national resellers, MSPs, or systems integrators ,has become important.

This was also a strong personal focus for Stockdale, who began at Wasabi as managing director of channels for A/NZ and Asia Pacific in August 2022. He was promoted to regional director of channels for A/NZ and Asia Pacific two years later and then again to his current role in November 2024.

Weve now got a program in place to work with what we call white glove partners, he said. [These are] partners that we will invest not only time, effort and energy into, but also funding, to do some joint work to grow their business.

If were growing their business, then theyre growing our business, and theyre adding value to their client base.

Wasabi also has a partner portal that has been with a whole range of digital assets that partners can learn from.

As well extra support in the local team, with the hire of former Crayon Asia Pacific (APAC) director of cloud solutions Andre Carpenter to lead the vendors presence in Australia and New Zealand (A/NZ), in July last year.

Then, of course, theyve also got my phone number, which is brilliant, he said. I take calls from everybody and anybody. My role is to make sure that everyone gets serviced and gets looked after.

Weve had circumstances where partners have started with 20 terabytes of storage and they now have petabytes of storage and a very successful business.

Thats because we started small, and we scaled, and we helped them.

According to Stockdale, the cloud storage vendor works with distributors like Crayon, which have a major benefit to its MSP and reseller base.

Over the past two years, theres been close collaboration with Crayon, he noted. As the business has grown, now with hundreds of channel partners and MSPs using the technology, it became clear that a partner was needed to provide faster and better service.

Thats where Crayon comes in. [It has] taken on the ability to offer Australian dollar pricing and provide first-level support.

Stockdale explained the distributor had done a lot to help address and grow the market and its been a unified effort to achieve that together.

[Crayon executive vice president for Asia Pacific] Rhonda Robati has done an incredible job serving the marketplace, he said. Shes also shared how Crayon is investing heavily in its support-led distribution model, which is a critical part of the broader partner program across the country.

Whatever can be done to help streamline provisioning, improve support structures, and accelerate partner enablement, through a distributor like Crayon, is going to benefit MSPs, the reseller base, the broader channel ecosystem and ultimately the end user.

Thats fundamental to scaling in a market like Australia and across New Zealand.

Whats important for Wasabis channel partners is that they can craft and deliver an all-in-one strategy and solution for their clients.

For example, weve got partners whove built their own backup-as-a-service offerings on top of our platform, and theyre taking that to market, said Stockdale. Thats helping them build strong, recurring revenue streams.

In the past, they might have relied on hyperscalers who charged not just for capacity but also for accessing their own data.

What were doing is bringing a new model, a new paradigm, that gives our partners a real competitive edge.

This will provide partners with the ability to build services and platforms that go beyond just the run-rate business they do with other vendors.

Thats whats going to keep them ahead, and is especially important for MSPs, resellers, and the broader channel ecosystem, Stockdale noted.
by Vladimir Rozanskij

Two archbishops (including Galstanyan) are in prison after a police raid on the patriarchate in Echmiadzin. Pashinyan directly accuses Catholicos Karekin II and calls for his removal, while the Armenian clergy responds by invoking the excommunication of the prime minister. According to the government, Moscow is behind the Church's manoeuvres, but other voices denounce the use of branding all opposition with the stamp of Kremlin spies. In the background are geopolitical balances and negotiations with Azerbaijan.

Yerevan (AsiaNews) - Armenia is deeply shaken by Prime Minister Nikol Pasinyan's accusation of an attempted coup allegedly prepared by some bishops and priests of the Armenian Apostolic Church, traditionally very pro-Russian, led by two archbishops, Bagrat (Galstanyan) and Mikael (Adzpayan), who were arrested along with 15 other people. The group of criminal oligarchic clergy, as defined by the prime minister, allegedly led the Holy Struggle movement against the government and the country's institutions, opening a closet full of junk. The prime minister also accused the Armenian patriarch, Catholicos Karekin II, of being Armenia's first mafioso, transgressing all the commandments starting with that of chastity.

The head of government called for the patriarch to be replaced, and the Armenian clergy responded that Pashinyan should be excommunicated and excluded from the Church along with his wife. The controversy reached fever pitch with the arrest of Russian-Armenian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan, head of the Tasir commercial and construction group, a supporter of Karekin II, who was arrested on charges of calling for the overthrow of the established order. Almost a hundred searches were then carried out, arresting several opposition politicians such as the deputy of the Armenia bloc, Artur Sarkisyan, and one of the leaders of the Dashnaktsutyun party, Igor Sarkisyan, together with a deputy from the former Armenian Nagorno-Karabakh, David Galstyan.

The raids reached Holy Ecmjadzin, the seat of the Armenian Patriarchate, where Karekin II himself, together with the assembled priests, tried to prevent the arrest of Archbishop Adzpayan, while the latter's residence in Gyumri was ransacked by security agents, and he himself surrendered to the police. He has now been placed in a cell with his brother Galstanyan, to spy on their conversations, according to opposition critics.

The controversy has also taken on surreal characteristics, with accusations that Pasinyan is circumcised, although it is not known whether he is Jewish or Muslim, and the prime minister has declared that he is ready to prove the falsity of the claim anatomically to Karekin II himself, inviting him to his home to verify. Several coup plans were then published according to the searches, with accusations that the Kremlin was behind the bishops and their followers in order to destabilise the political situation in Armenia, which under Pashinyan's government is moving increasingly towards Europe and away from Moscow.

The conspirators allegedly intended to form groups of 25 people, and the commanders of these units were not to know each other. The actions to be carried out were to disrupt the banking system's internet connections, organise road accidents to paralyse traffic around barracks and police stations, and instigate street protests until the government was overthrown. The composition of the new government that was to take power after this kind of revolution was also published, consisting of politicians and businessmen who were clearly pro-Russian and pro-Putin for political and economic reasons.

Critical voices, such as that of journalist Aza Babyan, believe that this persecution of the Armenian Church and those close to it is typical of Pasinyan's policy, who reacts to any expression of opposition with the stamp of Kremlin spies. The prime minister is reportedly preparing for next year's local elections, which could be decisive for Armenia's future, especially in the regions bordering Azerbaijan, such as Tavush and Gyumri, where the two arrested bishops are based. The victory of the government's line of overcoming conflicts and stopping dreaming of the Armenia of the past could finally lead to the definitive conclusion of peace with Azerbaijan, which remains unresolved, and open up a future of peace for Armenia and the entire region.
An investigation by Finance Uncovered has revealed that almost US$ 40 million from state development funds from the United Kingdom, Norway and Denmark have been invested in a company that operates digital surveillance infrastructure and technologies in Myanmar. The accusations involve software developed in China used to intercept communications, block VPNs, and monitor users. After the 2021 coup d'etat, these systems have allowed the military to expand its control over the Internet.

Yangon (AsiaNews)  European state development funds have been invested in a Chinese telecommunications company that operates video surveillance in Myanmar, this according to an investigation by Finance Uncovered.

The latter found that almost US$ 40 million from European state development funds have been invested in Frontiir, an Information and Communications Technology company operating in Myanmar, a country that has been torn by civil war for more than four years.

According to the investigation, the company relies on sophisticated Chinese surveillance technologies in its data centres, which allow Myanmars military junta to intercept communications, monitor online activities, and block VPN systems used by people to access news and social media.

The system consists of tools developed by Geedge Networks, a cybersecurity company co-founded by Fang Binxing, the architect of the so-called Great Firewall of China, which blocks users from browsing on topics deemed controversial by Chinese authorities.

The other tools are the Tiangou Secure Gateway, capable of decrypting encrypted traffic, and the Cyber Narrator system, which analyses users' browsing data in real time and allows authorities to identify threats based on online behaviour.

Frontiir, which operates under the brand Myanmar Net, has denied all charges, saying it has never built or designed surveillance systems and has never collaborated with the Myanmar government to intercept communications.

However, documentation obtained during the investigation shows that in November 2020 the company had developed a proposal for a lawful interception system, at the request of Myanmars previous government led by Aung San Suu Kyi.

The project, which was never implemented, included tracking users locations, accessing multimedia content, and reading messages and emails, but under the guarantee of a legal warrant.

After the coup in February 2021, any attempt to regulate these activities was abandoned, and the military instead expanded its digital control tools.

The affair has put Frontiirs European partners in difficulty. British International Investment (BII), which is under the control of the Foreign Office, has invested US$ 26 million in the company. The Norwegian Norfund participates with US$ 3 million and the Danish agency IFU with another US$ 10.5 million.

The funds, transferred through the Myanmar Opportunities Fund II in 2019, when the country was still on a democratic path, were intended to extend Internet access to the most vulnerable segments of the population. However, after the military coup in 2021, none of the three entities withdrew their support.

According to internal sources, selling the shares now would mean leaving them to Chinese buyers, further decreasing control over the company's activities. Some local NGOs have therefore invited European investors to stay, to avoid abandoning the country to the Myanmar regime and its allies.

In the meantime, Frontiir has seen its profits grow; in the six months following September 2021, it recorded a net profit of US$ 4.8 million.

At the same time, the company has contributed to the infrastructure of the government department responsible for cybersurveillance, installing fibre-optic cables in the headquarters of the Information Technology and Cyber Security Department (ITCSD), still in use after the coup.

Frontiir justified the operation as a licencing requirement and insists that the cables were never activated.

The sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom and the European Union prevent the companies from providing surveillance technology to Myanmar authorities, but since these are indirect investments, the funds are not covered by the international embargo.

Following the coup, Myanmars military has waged a full-blown digital war against its own people. Over 2,000 people, for example, have been arrested for posts deemed hostile to the junta.

Back in 2021, the Norwegian company Telenor withdrew from the country after receiving pressure to activate an interception system, deemed incompatible with international law.

According to a former Telenor employee, today no Internet provider can operate in Myanmar without providing access to user data.
The Indian prime minister visited Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago before travelling to Argentina, Brazil (for the BRICS summit), and Namibia to boost ties with developing countries and challenge Chinese influence. Billions-dollar investments in Africa and South-South cooperation top the agenda, while at home the opposition accuses him of neglecting domestic crises.

New Delhi (AsiaNews)  Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a tour of five countries in the Global South with which New Delhi intends to deepen diplomatic ties.

After two days in Ghana, the Indian prime minister landed in Trinidad and Tobago before setting off for Argentina, then participate in the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (where Chinese President Xi Jinping will be absent), and finally stop in Namibia.

This tour is aimed at the global South, which India aspires to lead, often clashing with China.

Ghana is of some importance since the two established diplomatic ties in 1957. Subsequently, they were both involved in the Non-Aligned Movement, thanks to the agreement between President Kwame Nkrumah and Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru of India along with other leaders opposed neocolonialism.

India continues to rely on some of the Non-Aligned Movements principles to promote South-South cooperation, although many observers often criticise the gap between rhetoric and reality.

Regarding Ghana, India turns out to be one of its largest sources of foreign direct investment. Bilateral trade between the two countries reached US$ 3.3 billion in 2023, making India Ghanas third-largest trading partner after China and Switzerland.

According to data from 2021, Indian companies have invested over US$ 2 billion in more than 700 projects. India has also provided significant concessional financing of nearly US$ 450 million for projects like rural electrification and the TemaMpakadan Standard Gauge Railway Line.

Recent reports suggest that Indian investments in Africa could reach US$ 150 billion by 2030. At present, India is one of the top five investors in the continent and has extended credit lines for US$ 12.26 billion to several countries.

By comparison, Chinese investments in Africa stood at nearly US$ 30 billion in 2024, up 34 per cent over the previous year.

Indian companies in Africa are active in a variety of sectors, ranging from agricultural technology and pharmaceutical distribution to automobile manufacturing and mining.

However, it is not always a risk-free presence; on the contrary, earlier this month, three Indian nationals were kidnapped in Mali during an attack by the Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), a terrorist group linked to al-Qaeda and active in West Africa.

Hostage-taking is one of the groups main sources of financing. The three kidnap victims were employed by the Diamond Cement Factory in the city of Kayes.

Meanwhile, at home, some members of the Indian National Congress (INC), Indias main opposition party, have accused Modi of being a Super Premium Frequent Flier for embarking on an eight-day tour of five countries instead of facing national issues.

In a post on X, Jairam Ramesh, IDFs general secretary in-charge of communications, said that the prime minister was running away from a number of issues of national importance, including the ongoing violence in the northeastern state of Manipur and revelations about Indian military casualties in clashes with Pakistan in early May.

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Today's headlines: Moscow accepts Afghan ambassador's credentials; The Burmese junta has dismissed 93 child soldiers; An hour-long phone call between Putin and Trump fails to bring any progress on a truce in Ukraine; North Korean crosses border into South in demilitarised zone, questioned by Seoul intelligence.

TURKEY

The self-styled group Children of Fire, with alleged links to Kurdish militants, has claimed responsibility for dozens of fires in six Turkish cities, which have left two people dead and devastated entire areas of the western province of Izmir. The second victim is an excavator driver who died while fighting the flames. An 81-year-old man had previously died in a fire that engulfed his home.

AFGHANISTAN - RUSSIA

Moscow said yesterday that it had accepted the credentials of the new Afghan ambassador, becoming the first country to complete the formal recognition of the Taliban government (others, including China, have so far only sent their ambassadors to Kabul). The Russian Foreign Ministry spoke of good prospects for developing ties and assured Kabul of its support on security, counter-terrorism and the fight against drug trafficking, as well as commercial and economic opportunities in energy, transport, agriculture and infrastructure.

MYANMAR

The Burmese junta has discharged 93 minors from military service, responding to a United Nations report last month that accused the military and its allies of recruiting over 400 children, in many cases in combat roles. The news was published in an official organ of the regime, in a rare admission about the use of child soldiers.

RUSSIA - UKRAINE - UNITED STATES

The telephone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Donald Trump lasted about an hour. Few details emerged, but the central theme was the war in Ukraine - in addition to Iran and, more generally, the Middle East - with the Kremlin leader maintaining his position and confirming: We will not give up our goals. The Russian leader also said he would continue negotiations, even though no progress has been made, as the White House tenant admitted.

KOREA

A North Korean man who crossed the heavily militarised land border separating North Korea from South Korea has been identified and detained, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) confirmed today. The man crossed the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) - the land border dividing the two Koreas - yesterday and is now being held by Seoul's intelligence services for questioning.

CHINA - THAILAND

A Chinese citizen who disappeared after accepting a job for a photo shoot has been rescued, according to the embassy in Bangkok, which is urging its citizens not to accept similar offers. The diplomatic mission has released only the surname (Zhong) and speaks of a joint effort in the rescue. State media had reported that a 23-year-old man had been deceived and taken to Myanmar after arriving in Thailand for a photo shoot.

ARMENIA

The National Assembly has approved by a majority vote a bill to nationalise the assets of the company Electricity Networks of Armenia, owned by Russian-Armenian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan, who was arrested for supporting the leadership of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Yerevan will enter into an agreement with Cyprus, where the offshore company that acquired the assets is based.

TAJIKISTAN - AFGHANISTAN

Agents of Tajikistan's Gknb security services, together with border police, carried out an operation to capture a group of drug traffickers from Afghanistan. The firefight in the border area left two Afghans dead as they tried to cross the territory led by 50-year-old Azarkhon Sajdumar. Sixty kilograms of opium and methamphetamine were confiscated.
by Joseph Masilamany

At least 36 men between the ages of 25 and 35 have been arrested in a series of operations against the terrorist network launched in April in the country. The militants recruited new recruits via WhatsApp, with rituals and oaths.

Among the group's other objectives was to raise funds to finance operations in Syria and South Asia. Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews) - In one of the most significant counter-terrorism operations in recent years, Malaysian police have dismantled a radical militant group from Bangladesh believed to be supporting the activities of the Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS) in Syria, as well as in their country of origin.

The extremist movement, known as Gerakan Militan Radical Bangladesh (Gmrb), had quietly infiltrated Malaysia's migrant workforce, recruiting members and raising funds for global jihadist efforts.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail revealed in a press briefing today that the militant cell was uncovered after months of information gathering and covert surveillance by the elite Anti-Terrorism Division (E8) of the Special Branch.

We believe their main mission was to support Islamic State operations abroad, not to launch attacks here, Inspector Khalid told reporters at Bukit Aman headquarters. But the long-term implications of their ideology and funding structure are deeply worrying for Kuala Lumpur.

The cell's methods were both modern and disturbing. Recruitment and indoctrination took place largely through the social messaging apps WhatsApp and Telegram, encrypted platforms commonly used by terrorist groups around the world to evade detection.

Our initial investigations indicate that the group had between 100 and 150 members in its WhatsApp network alone, Khalid continued. They shared propaganda, coordinated activities and raised funds, all digitally.

The members, mainly Bangladeshi nationals working in factories, construction sites and other industries, were lured into the fold through an oath-taking ritual known as bai'ah, a solemn pledge of allegiance often used by extremist groups to enforce loyalty.

The authorities believe the group raised significant sums, although the total amount remains under investigation. Each member was reportedly required to pay an annual fee of RM500 (approximately 100), with voluntary donations further contributing to the group's coffers.

They used membership fees as a form of ideological acquisition, but also to fund ISIS-related activities abroad, Khalid said. The senior police official added that the funds were sent to Islamic State affiliates in Syria and Bangladesh, raising alarm bells among international counter-terrorism agencies. Since then, Malaysia has launched joint intelligence efforts with regional partners and Interpol to uncover the GMRB's wider financial and operational links.

The militant cell was dismantled in a three-phase operation conducted between 28 April and 21 June. Thirty-six Bangladeshi men, aged between 25 and 35, were arrested in coordinated raids in Johor and Selangor. Among those arrested was the alleged leader of the network.

Five of the suspects have already been charged in court. Another 15 have been handed over to the Immigration Department, likely for deportation, while the remaining 16 are still under investigation under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012, or Sosma.

Our officers acted swiftly and decisively to dismantle the group before it could grow further or serve as a local springboard for extremist activities, Khalid said. The group did not intend to plan attacks on the territory, but its ideology posed a clear and growing threat.

This is not just about bombs and weapons. The spread of radical ideas, especially within vulnerable communities, is how extremism takes root, the inspector warned.

Authorities are also investigating whether Malaysia has been used as a safe transit or logistical base by foreign militants. The open economy, relative security and large immigrant population can make it an attractive base for radical groups if left unchecked, Khalid warned.

We cannot allow Malaysia to be used as a safe haven, recruitment area or financial hub for global terrorism, he continued. He finally stressed that radical groups often target migrant workers, exploiting their isolation, financial difficulties and desire for purpose or belonging.

In the past, Malaysia has dealt with individuals attempting to join ISIS or harbouring sympathies for extremist causes. But the size, coordination and ideological structure of the GMBR mark a worrying evolution in the threat landscape.

According to security experts, the case ultimately highlights the need for greater surveillance of digital spaces, greater engagement with migrant communities and stronger international cooperation. The arrests have been welcomed by regional security agencies, which see the case as a wake-up call for neighbouring countries with large migrant populations.
Taybehs parish priest raises the alarm about the increasing violence by pro-occupation groups, backed by Israeli authorities. For the clergyman, people live "without security or protection". Palestinians are being attacked, driven from their homes, their land seized. The last two extremists arrested in connection with the Kafr Malik raids and the attack on the IDF base have been released.

Jerusalem (AsiaNews)  We lead a life without security or protection, said Fr Bashar Fawadleh, speaking to AsiaNews. The clergyman serves as a parish priest in Taybeh, a West Bank village of about 1,500 people with three churches, 30 km north of Jerusalem and east of Ramallah.

Known as the last Palestinian village inhabited entirely by Christians, its population consists of more than 600 Latin Catholics, while the rest are Greek Orthodox and Greek Catholic Melkites.

Last week Jewish settlers attacked it by breaking and entering into homes and setting them on fire. More violent attacks were reported this week.

We are victims of daily provocations and assaults, said the clergyman, a Jerusalem native. In particular, the latest cases of provocative actions (pictured) are the work of an armed settler who has taken to grazing cows among the homes in Taybeh.

A few days ago, he drove away a man from his home, which he was building in Area B, within Taybeh limits. There are many images and videos that show the settler who never stops terrorising the residents of the area with his actions.

The latest wave of violence began well before 7 October 2023 and Hamass attack on Israel and the start of the war in Gaza, and has not spared Christian assets and properties.

However, the Gaza war and the 12-day war with Iran have overshadowed the daily attacks in the West Bank, leaving the field open to settlers and extremists who now operate with total impunity, if not with the collusion of the authorities.

Last week, over 100 people attacked Kafr Malik, a Palestinian village near Ramallah, causing the death of three people. According to Yesh Din, an Israeli NGO, the violence took place in the presence of Israeli soldiers, who opened fire on unarmed Palestinians who had gathered at the entrance to the village to protect it.

As evidence of the free hand given to settlers and radical groups, the last two suspects in the Kafr Malik attack, which saw heavy clashes with Israeli troops, were also released.

Subsequently, a group of extremists attacked a regional military base in central West Bank, with such violence and brutality that it sparked even the condemnation from government officials and pro-occupation ministers.

During the attack, a reservist commander was accused of being a traitor, and settlers tried to run over soldiers, vandalised military vehicles, threw Molotov cocktails, and slashed tyres.

A military base near Ramallah was also targeted, with the attackers setting fire to computers, equipment and vehicles, spray-painting graffiti in Hebrew.

An investigation has been opened, but the public prosecutor is struggling to formulate a charge while the six people arrested have all been released from prison, the last two yesterday placed under house arrest.

Observers note that paramilitary groups linked to the settlers are now part of an Israeli strategy to take over Palestinian land in the West Bank. In some cases, settler militias operate with the support of political leaders.

One of the latest incidents occurred on Wednesday, when young Israelis broke into a Palestinian home in the Jordan Valley and chased away the family who lived there.

Pictures from the village of Muarajat al-Sharqiya show settlers relaxing and smoking outside the home after the family fled. The attackers reportedly stole cash and an air conditioner, according to Looking the Occupation in the Eye, an Israeli activist NGO.

Elsewhere in the village, settlers took over an unoccupied house and stayed there through the night and into the next morning.

Muarajat is a small hamlet on the edge of the valley, one of the few remaining rural Palestinian communities between Ramallah and Jericho; over the past two years, most of the approximately 1,000 residents of the areas herding communities have fled or been forcibly displaced by settlers.
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4 July 2025 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

When talking about the liberation of the occupied Azerbaijani lands, some did not take this topic seriously, but now, in those lands, especially today, we witnessed that world leaders have come together in Khankendi to discuss the economic and political situation of the region.

The organisation of the ECO summit in Khankendi once again confirms the geopolitical power of Azerbaijan against the background of the new order in the region. Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the country is further deepening cooperation with the member countries of the Economic Cooperation Organisation. The country's leaders landed directly at Fuzuli airport. The airport, which is called the air gate of Garabagh, was built at the most modern level after the Patriotic War - to be more precise, in 2021. This latest information also shows how rapidly the reconstruction and construction work is continuing in the territories liberated from occupation.

The head of state personally gets acquainted with the construction work of new infrastructure projects and factories. Today, President Aliyev also got acquainted with the works created in Khankendi before the ECO Summit. Thus, the President first participated in the opening of the Ahmadbeyli-Fuzuli-Shusha road, and then participated in the opening of a number of infrastructure projects in Khankendi.

The recent visit of President Ilham Aliyev to Khankendi - one of the key liberated territories of Azerbaijan - underscores a transformative chapter in the regions post-conflict reconstruction and geopolitical positioning. Ahead of the 17th Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) Summit scheduled to take place in Khankendi, Azerbaijan is sending a powerful message: the reintegration and revitalisation of its reclaimed lands are central to both national development and regional diplomacy.

Initially, the liberation of Azerbaijans occupied territories was met with scepticism by some observers, who underestimated the enduring political and economic significance of these lands. However, the convening of world leaders in Khankendi for the ECO Summit represents a tangible reversal of that perception. Hosting such a prominent regional economic forum in Khankendi serves as a geopolitical declaration by Azerbaijana statement of restored sovereignty and emerging influence within the South Caucasus and beyond.

This summit, and the rapid infrastructure development accompanying it, demonstrate Azerbaijans growing role as a regional economic hub. It also highlights President Aliyevs strategic vision: to deepen cooperation with ECO member states while showcasing the liberated territories as viable, modern centers of commerce, culture, and connectivity.

The unveiling of the Ahmadbeyli-Fuzuli-Shusha highway exemplifies the scale and sophistication of reconstruction efforts. By reducing the travel distance by nearly 20 kilometers and integrating state-of-the-art engineering solutions - such as Azerbaijans first use of horizontal sliding formwork for viaducts - this highway symbolizes more than improved transportation. It signifies enhanced economic integration and mobility for a region long isolated by conflict.

Similarly, the planned Khankendi Railway and Bus Terminal Complex, a project steeped in historical significance dating back to National Leader Heydar Aliyevs initiatives, is poised to reestablish vital rail connectivity. This infrastructure will facilitate not only passenger transit but also commercial logistics, creating a multimodal transport hub that can catalyze economic growth and regional trade.

President Aliyevs inspection of Victory Park and other civic projects in Khankendi reflects a broader approach to reconstruction that balances functional development with cultural symbolism. The Victory Arch and the commemorative design elements of the park are emblematic, serving to memorialize the recent Patriotic War while fostering communal identity and pride.

Furthermore, the demolition of substandard structures erected during occupation, coupled with extensive landscaping and tree planting, signals a deliberate effort to restore ecological and aesthetic integrity. This emphasis on urban renewal demonstrates a holistic vision for the region - one that integrates social, cultural, and environmental dimensions alongside economic goals.

Beyond infrastructure, Azerbaijan is accelerating economic diversification in Khankendi through projects such as the Khankendi Business Center and the Khankendi Congress Center. These facilities are designed to nurture a dynamic business environment, supporting both local entrepreneurship and international investment.

The joint Azerbaijani-Uzbek sewing factory stands out as a flagship example of economic cooperation and industrial revival. With an ambitious production plan and significant employment opportunities - especially for residents returning to liberated areas - this factory embodies the synergy between economic growth and social stabilization. The involvement of multiple countries in raw material sourcing and funding further underscores the regions reintegration into broader economic networks.

The upcoming Khankendi-Shusha cable car project illustrates Azerbaijans forward-looking approach to tourism and regional accessibility. By reducing travel time between two historic cities to just 13 minutes, this initiative will enhance visitor experience, stimulate tourism revenue, and strengthen cultural ties within the Garabagh region.

President Aliyevs meeting with Turkmenistans Deputy Prime Minister Rashid Meredov in Khankendi further reflects Azerbaijans commitment to fostering robust regional partnerships. The reaffirmation of cultural and economic ties with Turkmenistan complements Azerbaijans broader diplomatic strategy to leverage its restored territories as platforms for multilateral cooperation.

The developments in Khankendi signal a broader narrative about post-conflict state-building and regional power dynamics. Azerbaijans rapid reconstruction and ambitious infrastructure projects are not merely acts of rehabilitation but strategic investments that reinforce its sovereignty and economic resilience.

By hosting the ECO Summit in Khankendi, Azerbaijan effectively asserts its renewed control and signals to the international community the irreversible nature of its territorial gains. This move is likely to shift regional alliances and economic corridors, positioning Azerbaijan as a critical transit and trade hub linking Eurasias East and West.

Moreover, the prioritisation of connectivity - via highways, railways, and cable cars - illustrates a comprehensive approach to dismantling the infrastructural isolation that previously hampered the regions development. This connectivity serves as a catalyst for integration with neighbouring countries and global markets, potentially transforming Garabagh from a post-conflict zone into a vibrant economic engine.

The blend of infrastructure, cultural reclamation, and economic diversification presents a case study in successful post-conflict reconstruction. It highlights the importance of visionary leadership, international cooperation, and the mobilisation of local human capital in achieving sustainable development in formerly contested regions.

President Ilham Aliyevs visit to Khankendi ahead of the ECO Summit is more than a ceremonial occasion - it is a strategic milestone marking Azerbaijans decisive transition from conflict to reconstruction and regional leadership. The multifaceted projects launched and inspected during the visit represent a blueprint for how liberated territories can be revitalised, integrated, and elevated as engines of economic growth and geopolitical influence.

As Azerbaijan moves forward, the world will be watching - not just during the ECO Summit, but in the years to come - as Khankendi rises as a powerful symbol of resilience, renewal, and regional cooperation in the South Caucasus.
4 July 2025 19:35 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

We often think of economic strength in terms of factories, pipelines, and trade deals. But sometimes, growth arrives on foot, carrying a suitcase and a camera. In the case of Azerbaijan, the remarkable rise in regional tourism  particularly from member states of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO)  is emerging as a quiet but potent driver of the national economy.

Tourism has long been considered a soft contributor to GDP, often viewed as seasonal, vulnerable, and secondary. But Azerbaijan is beginning to challenge that narrative. In the first five months of this year, over 161,000 visitors from ECO countries travelled to Azerbaijan, a significant increase over the same period last year. These visitors didnt just come to see; they came to spend. The result? A 22% jump in tourism revenue from the ECO region alone, totalling more than 265 million manats.

That figure may sound modest compared to oil exports or infrastructure budgets, but it matters  not only for what it represents but for where it goes. Unlike resource wealth, which flows through centralised channels, tourism income is more diffused. It filters down to taxi drivers, hotel clerks, family-run restaurants, and artisans in small towns. In this sense, tourism is not only an economic input  it is a democratizing force.

The spending patterns are also telling. Most of the money from tourists from ECO member states has gone toward transportation and accommodation. That means more bookings for regional airlines, fuller hotel rooms in Ganja, Gabala, and Baku, and steady work for travel operators. It also means demand for better infrastructure, improved services, and innovation in the hospitality sector. These are long-term economic enablers that ripple outward.

What makes this trend more meaningful is its regional context. ECO is not just a diplomatic acronym. It represents a trade and travel corridor stretching from Istanbul to Islamabad, from Tehran to Tashkent. For Azerbaijan to become a hub in this corridor is not simply a matter of national pride  it is a matter of long-term strategic value. Tourism may not replace oil, but it offers something just as important: resilience.

And resilience is precisely what modern economies need. Azerbaijans pursuit of diversification is well-documented, and rightly so. But this particular surge in tourism is not about glossy campaigns or showpiece events. It is about trust and familiarity. ECO citizens are coming to Azerbaijan not because it is exotic, but because it is accessible, affordable, and increasingly well-connected. That kind of traffic is sustainable.

Moreover, tourism has a multiplier effect that deserves more attention. When visitors arrive, they dont just spend  they signal opportunity. New cafes open, new jobs are created, and new networks are formed. And when regional travel becomes routine, investment often follows. A Pakistani entrepreneur visiting Baku today might return next year with a business proposal. A Turkish family vacationing in Gabala may one day invest in a local hotel. Tourism, when steady, becomes the seedbed of commerce.

This dynamic was further underlined during the recent ECO Summit held in Khankendi, which for the first time brought high-level ECO delegations to a city that symbolises both Azerbaijans territorial restoration and its post-conflict reconstruction. The summits location sent a powerful message: integration, not isolation, is the way forward. Tourism was high on the agenda, not just as a cultural bridge but as a driver of reconstruction and reconciliation in newly reintegrated regions.

During the summit, Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev emphasised the countrys commitment to expanding regional air and land connectivity, including new routes linking ECO capitals to Azerbaijani tourist centres. Several ECO members expressed support for joint initiatives in heritage tourism, halal-friendly travel services, and cross-border packages, which are already being piloted between Azerbaijan, Iran, and Turkmenistan. The summit also witnessed the signing of a memorandum to enhance cooperation in tourism training, digital visa facilitation, and multi-entry tourism corridors.

Tourism Potential in Garabagh and East Zangazur

A critical new chapter in this story lies in Garabagh and East Zangazur, regions rich in natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical monuments that were previously inaccessible. Now, thanks to rapid reconstruction, these areas are being integrated into Azerbaijans tourism strategy. Shusha, known as the cultural capital of Azerbaijan, and Hadrut, with its pristine mountainous landscapes, are poised to become new magnets for ECO travellers seeking authentic, affordable, and historical experiences.

To support this vision, Azerbaijan has launched two new international airports  Fuzuli International Airport in Garabagh and the newly inaugurated Lachin International Airport in East Zangazur. These airports are designed not just as logistics hubs, but as gateways for regional tourism. Their presence dramatically lowers the cost and travel time for ECO citizens, particularly from neighbouring Iran, Pakistan, and Central Asia, who now have easier access to these newly opened regions. The airports also serve charter tours, pilgrimage routes, and eco-tourism circuits that are being developed with ECO partners.

This renewed spirit of collaboration is not just diplomatic theatre; it aligns with existing trends. ECO citizens already enjoy favourable visa regimes, shared cultural ties, and deep linguistic overlaps. But what the Khankendi summit affirmed is the political will to turn tourism into an integrated regional policy tool, with mutual economic and social returns.

In this light, the rise in tourism is not merely a story of culture or leisure. It is a quiet affirmation that Azerbaijan is finding its place in the region not just as a producer or broker, but as a destination. And in a world where mobility and connectivity shape economic futures, that matters more than ever.

Azerbaijan doesnt need to reinvent itself to thrive in this space. It only needs to continue doing what its doing: ensuring safety, building infrastructure, and encouraging the free movement of people and ideas across a shared geography. The visitors will come. And with them, prosperity will follow.
4 July 2025 12:13 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

A delegation from the Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) of Saudi Arabia is currently in Baku to conduct a peer review of the operations of Azerbaijans Chamber of Accounts, Azernews reports.

The delegation was welcomed by Deputy Chairman Nasir Sadigov, who expressed gratitude for their initiative and highlighted the importance of ongoing cooperation between the two institutions. He noted that the Chambers activities have previously been assessed by other peer SAIs and that those evaluations were successfully completed.

The head of the Saudi delegation thanked the Chambers leadership and staff for their hospitality and provided a brief overview of the peer review practices carried out by Saudi Arabias SAI.

He expressed confidence that the current review would also be successfully implemented.
4 July 2025 11:02 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

On July 3, 2025, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister for Political Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, on the sidelines of the 17th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit held in the city of Khankendi, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry.

According to the information, the meeting highlighted the strong friendship and brotherhood between the two countries' leaders as a solid foundation for advancing bilateral relations. The role of the political consultations mechanism between the two Foreign Ministries in deepening the strategic partnership was also emphasized.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with ongoing cooperation in areas such as economy, trade, investment, energy, and humanitarian affairs. They also praised productive collaboration within international platforms including the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the UN Climate Change Conference.

The meeting underscored the success of joint projects in the field of renewable energy, with achievements in this area receiving high praise.

Minister Bayramov briefed the UAE delegation on the reconstruction efforts in Azerbaijans liberated territories, the return of former internally displaced persons, and the ongoing threat posed by landmines.

He also expressed appreciation for the UAEs support in humanitarian demining and reconstruction activities in these regions.

The two sides exchanged views on other bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest.
4 July 2025 15:28 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has proposed that the next meeting of trade ministers from the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) member states be held in Tashkent.

Speaking at the 17th ECO Summit, President Mirziyoyev highlighted the need for stronger economic ties among member countries, Azernews reports.

Currently, the volume of mutual trade among ECO member states remains low  accounting for only 10 percent of their total foreign trade. According to 2024 data, this figure stands at approximately $95 billion, he stated.

To explore ways of enhancing strategic cooperation in this area, we propose hosting a meeting of ECO trade ministers in Tashkent, he added.
4 July 2025 15:54 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

Tajikistan is committed to the development of a regional energy market among member states of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), President Emomali Rahmon stated during the 17th ECO Summit, Azernews reports.

According to information, President Rahmon highlighted Tajikistans support for joint energy projects across the region.

Tajikistan backs initiatives aimed at integrating the energy systems of ECO member countries. In this regard, the CASA-1000 power transmission project holds particular importance for the region, he noted.

He announced that a major milestone in the project had recently been achieved  the launch of the 500 kV DatkaSugd high-voltage power line connecting Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

At the same time, we are interested in forming a regional energy market within the ECO framework. Developing a regional energy resilience strategy is highly relevant in this context, President Rahmon added.

He emphasized that such initiatives would contribute to increased production and export of renewable energy and, more broadly, promote the development of a green economy across the region.
4 July 2025 17:36 (UTC+04:00)

On July 4, Samir Akhundov, Chairman of the Board of the Azerbaijan Energy Regulatory Agency (AERA), met with a visiting delegation led by Bapa Janybekov, General Director of the Kyrgyz Energy Settlement Center JSC, Azernews reports.

During the meeting, information was provided on the energy systems of both countries. The parties touched upon issues such as frequency regulation in power systems, opportunities for electricity export, automated control of the energy system balance, and cooperation on renewable energy sources.

Other issues of mutual interest were also discussed during the meeting.
4 July 2025 22:21 (UTC+04:00)

My brother President Ilham Aliyev and I agreed to strengthen ties in trade, culture, and water resources.

Azernews reports, citing Azertag, that Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif stated the following to journalists:

"I was here with my delegation to take part in the prestigious summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), chaired by my dear brother, President Ilham Aliyev. Today, we reached an agreement to further develop the bonds of brotherhood between our two member states and to promote trade, investment, culture, education, healthcare, and water resources."

The Prime Minister added:

My meeting with President Ilham Aliyev was very fruitful. We agreed to further develop our trade and investment ties with Azerbaijan, especially in strategic sectors.
4 July 2025 13:08 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

Director of the International Mugham Center, People's Artist, and tar player Sahib Pashazade has awarded the Medal of Cultural Envoy of Uzbekistan, Azernews reports. The awarding ceremony took place at Azerbaijan Culture Ministry.

The medal and its certificate were presented to the performer by the Culture Minister of Uzbekistan Ozodbek Nazarbekov

During the presentation, the minister appreciated Sahib Pashazade's contributions to the development of cultural relations between the two countries, as well as his active participation in international festivals and competitions held in Uzbekistan, and wished the artist continued success.

Attending the ceremony, Azerbaijan Culture Minister Adil Karimli, expressed his gratitude to his Uzbek colleague for the attention and support shown towards Azerbaijani culture.

People's Artist Sahib Pashazade highly valued this recognition, expressed his gratitude, and stated that he would continue to work towards strengthening cultural ties between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan in the future.

It is worth noting that tar player Sahib Pasazad was awarded the Grand Prix at Melodies of the East International Music Festival, also known as Sharq Taronalari, held in Samarkand in 2017.

In 2018, the tar player was awarded first place at the first International Makom Festival held in Shahrisabz.

Sahib Pashazade was also honored with the title of Honorary Professor at the Uzbekistan State Institute of Culture and Arts in 2024.
4 July 2025 20:39 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

The Azerbaijan State Film Agency (ARFA) has participated in the Shanghai International Film & TV Market held in Shanghai, People's Republic of China, Azernews reports.

The Shanghai International Film & TV Market is one of the most prestigious industry events in Asia, bringing together companies, producers, broadcasters, and investors involved in the television and film sectors from various countries around the world each year.

The event provides a comprehensive platform for project presentations, discussions on joint production opportunities, and the establishment of new collaborations.

To promote Azerbaijan's culture and audiovisual potential internationally, the Agency has undertaken several initiatives.

For instance, in line with the Presidential Decree of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated May 29, 2025, titled "On certain issues related to the production of cinematographic and other audiovisual works within the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan," efforts have been made to promote Azerbaijan as a filming location and to explore joint production possibilities through meetings with international partners.

During the event, meetings were held with representatives from the film industries of Turkiye, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Saudi Arabia, and other countries.

Negotiations also took place with representatives of China's film industry as part of the implementation of the Action Plan to strengthen cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the People's Republic of China, specifically under clauses 2, 8384.
4 July 2025 09:25 (UTC+04:00)

On July 4, another individual placed on the international wanted list by the National Central Bureau of Interpol in the Republic of Azerbaijan was extradited to the country.

Azernews reports via AzerTag that the Ministry of Justice reported that Azerbaijani citizen Elchin Bayram oglu Tahmazov, accused of committing armed robbery in collusion with several others (under Article 181.3.2 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan) and seizing 120,000 manats belonging to the victim, was located and arrested in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

One of the other suspects in the same case, Ramil Mammadov, had already been extradited from Bosnia and Herzegovina to Azerbaijan on 13 June 2025 and handed over to the investigating authority.

The Ministry of Justice submitted the relevant request and necessary documents to the other side and held negotiations. As a result, consent was obtained for the extradition of the suspects.

Elchin Tahmazov was transferred from Sarajevo to Azerbaijan by officials of the Ministry's Department of International Cooperation and the Penitentiary Service. Based on the courts detention order, he was placed in the relevant pre-trial detention facility.
4 July 2025 11:19 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar on the sidelines of the 17th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit held in Khankendi, Azernews reports, citing the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the current state of the AzerbaijanPakistan strategic partnership, highlighting the strong momentum gained through recent high-level visits and frequent political dialogue. Both ministers agreed that these developments have significantly elevated bilateral ties and created new opportunities for enhanced cooperation.

Particular emphasis was placed on expanding collaboration in key areas such as economy, trade, investment, energy security, and transport. The ministers noted the untapped potential in these sectors and expressed readiness to strengthen institutional mechanisms to deepen economic engagement.

Bayramov and Dar also exchanged views on regional developments, reaffirming their mutual support on issues of sovereignty and national interest. Both sides underlined the importance of continued alignment on regional and international platforms, noting that Azerbaijan and Pakistan have consistently backed each other in multilateral organizations.

In the context of Pakistans July presidency of the United Nations Security Council, the two officials discussed upcoming initiatives and reaffirmed their intention to coordinate positions on pressing global issues.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to further deepen AzerbaijanPakistan ties across all spheres and continue fostering solidarity on the international stage.
4 July 2025 10:37 (UTC+04:00)

Presidents, participants of the 17th ECO Summit in Aghdam.

Footage of the 17th ECO Summit participants' visit to Aghdam has been posted on the official Instagram page of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Azernews reports.

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4 July 2025 11:24 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

On July 3, 2025, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, met with the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, within the framework of the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization held in the city of Khankendi, Azernews reports.

During the meeting, the role and significance of high-level mutual visits and contacts between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan in the further development of bilateral relations were discussed.

Issues of regional security, cooperation within international organizations, as well as topics related to cooperation on the Caspian Sea were addressed.

An exchange of views was held on opportunities for expanding cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, energy, transportation, humanitarian issues, and culture.

It was emphasized that the historically existing traditional relations of friendship and brotherhood between our peoples will continue to develop further on the basis of partnership relations between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan.

During the meeting, an exchange of views also took place on other bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual interest.
4 July 2025 11:33 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has departed for Azerbaijan to attend the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Azernews reports, citing TRT Haber.

The summit, taking place in Khankendi, will focus on the theme: New Economic Cooperation Organization Vision for a Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Future. President Erdogan is slated to deliver a keynote address during the session hosted by Azerbaijan.

Beyond economic collaboration, Erdogans agenda will also tackle pressing regional and global challenges.

This visit underscores Turkiyes active role in promoting regional cooperation and addressing critical geopolitical issues alongside its economic partnerships.
4 July 2025 11:38 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

On July 3, 2025, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, met with Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, the UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), on the sidelines of the 17th Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) Summit held in Khankendi.

During the meeting, the current state of cooperation between Azerbaijan and UNESCAP, as well as prospects for future development, were discussed in detail.

The Executive Secretary of UNESCAP expressed her gratitude for the invitation to attend the summit and welcomed Azerbaijans initiative to host the 82nd session of UNESCAP in 2026.

The meeting highlighted Azerbaijan's growing role both in the region and on international platforms. The country's contributions to the United Nations' mission were praised, particularly its successful hosting of the 2023 summit dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the UN Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA), as well as its productive presidency and organization of the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (COP29).

Both sides explored opportunities for implementing joint projects in areas such as climate change and green energy, transport corridors, technology, and digitalisation.

The meeting also included an exchange of views on other global developments and challenges of mutual interest.
4 July 2025 11:44 (UTC+04:00)

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to American President Donald Trump on the occasion of the nation's national holiday - Independence Day.

Azernews presents the letter:

"Dear Mr. President,

On the occasion of the national holiday of the United States of America  Independence Day  I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you and, through you, to the friendly American people, on behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan, and convey my best wishes.

We attach special importance to the friendly relations and partnership between Azerbaijan and the United States. Our active and effective cooperation in strengthening international peace and security, combating terrorism and its various manifestations, ensuring energy security, and in a number of other important areas is a hallmark of our close partnership.

I am pleased to note that the United States has been a reliable partner of Azerbaijan in the energy sector for many years. Our cooperation, built on positive traditions and solid foundations, continues successfully today. We highly value the consistent support of the United States for Azerbaijans energy strategy and the implementation of major infrastructure projects that contribute to stability and development in the region.

Today, there are excellent opportunities to elevate the Azerbaijan-United States friendly relations and partnership to a qualitatively new level. I believe that there is great potential for the development of mutually beneficial cooperation in economic-trade, energy, transportation, industry, aviation, high technologies, investments, and other important areas.

I am confident that, thanks to our firm political will and joint efforts, the relations and cooperation between our friendly and partner countries will continue to expand comprehensively in the future, in line with the interests of our peoples.

On this significant day, I wish you robust health, happiness, and success in your endeavors, and to the friendly people of the United States  lasting peace and prosperity.

Sincirely,

Ilham Aliyev

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Baku, 1 July 2025"
4 July 2025 14:17 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

At its July 4 session, held as part of the Milli Majlis (Parliament) of Azerbaijan extraordinary session, the Azerbaijani Parliament ratified two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Azernews reports.

The first MoU was signed between the Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency and Saudi Arabias Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture. It outlines cooperation in the field of plant protection and quarantine.

The second MoU, signed between Azerbaijans Ministry of Digital Development and Transport and Saudi Arabias General Directorate of Transport, focuses on the mutual recognition of certificates issued under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), adopted in 1978, specifically in accordance with Regulation I/10 of the convention and its amendments.

Both legislative proposals were put to a vote and approved in a first reading.
4 July 2025 12:44 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

Trends Coverage in the Spotlight of Regional Media: Central Asia and the ECO Strategy - an article recently shared in the media - highlights the growing attention given to Trend News Agencys analytical materials on cooperation between Central Asian countries and the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Azernews reports.

Analytical materials prepared by Trend News Agency on cooperation between Central Asian countries and the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) have drawn considerable attention across the regional media landscape.

Ahead of the 17th ECO Summit, set to take place in the city of Khankendi, Trends publications have been widely cited by major media outlets across the region.

Uzbekistan, one of Central Asias key players, features prominently in Trends analysis. As the leading Uzbek news outlet Daryo notes, citing Trend, the countrys economic role within the ECO is growing significantly, making waves and attracting attention.

Uzbekistan is one of the fastest-growing economies in Central Asia, with a population of over 37 million. By the end of 2024, trade with ECO member states is expected to reach $12 billion... Strengthening transport connectivity has become a strategic priority for Uzbekistan, which sits at a key crossroads linking Central and South Asia, the Caucasus, and the Middle East. This geographic advantage boosts the countrys position as a vital transit and logistics hub, the outlet quotes Trend as saying.

Kazakhstani media have also actively engaged with Trends reporting. The countrys leading international news agency, Kazinform, citing Trend, highlights Astanas contributions to ECOs institutional development. According to the materials, Kazakhstans current ECO chairmanship  the second in its history  signals the countrys commitment to playing a leading role in regional integration.

At the center of attention are concrete steps to modernize transport infrastructure and eliminate bottlenecks along the Trans-Caspian route and the NorthSouth corridor. Kazakhstan is pushing ahead with digital customs solutions, port modernization, and the creation of a unified transit space. By 2027, transit along the TITR is expected to more than double  from 4.5 to 10 million tons, Kazinform reports, citing Trend.

The Turkish newspaper Yeni Safak also refers to Trends analysis, emphasizing the symbolic importance of holding the summit in Khankendi, which it describes as a space for new dialogue and opportunity.

Uzbekistan has already outlined its key priorities  from green energy development to trade digitalization. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan, as the current chair of ECO, is actively shaping the strategic framework for cooperation... Kazakhstan is building a new model for regional engagement, the article notes. The countrys initiatives  including the creation of the ECO Transport Council and efforts to expand cross-border production chains  are seen as key drivers of sustainable growth and regional economic integration, Yeni Safak writes, citing Trend.

The strong response to Trends materials from respected media outlets across the region reflects the agencys growing influence and the trust placed in its analysis. As regional cooperation gains momentum, Trends reporting continues to serve as an important resource for understanding the political and economic dynamics shaping the ECO space.
4 July 2025 14:52 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

Vuqar Suleymanov, Chairman of the Management Board of the Azerbaijan Republics Mine Action Agency (ANAMA), received Julien de Freycon, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Belgium to Azerbaijan, Azernews reports, citing ANAMA.

During the meeting, Suleymanov briefed the ambassador on the progress of humanitarian de-mining operations currently underway in the Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur regions.

The discussion also focused on future cooperation opportunities between Azerbaijan and Belgium in combating mine threats, including the organization of training programs for mine-detecting dogs and exchange of expertise. Other areas of mutual interest were also explored.

This engagement highlights Azerbaijans continued commitment to ensuring safety and advancing international collaboration in the critical field of mine clearance.
4 July 2025 13:08 (UTC+04:00)

On July 4, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, in Khankendi, Azernews reports.

The Pakistani Prime Minister commended the excellent organization of the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), praising Azerbaijans efforts to strengthen the organization.

Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif lauded the development of brotherly relations between the two countries, fondly recalling his visit to the city of Lachin this May and the trilateral meeting held in the Azerbaijan-Turkiye-Pakistan format. The Prime Minister also noted the extensive restoration and reconstruction efforts underway in Karabakh, including in the city of Khankendi, and emphasized the successful development of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan in all areas, including politics, economy, trade, investment, energy, and other sectors.

The President of Azerbaijan expressed his gratitude to the Pakistani Prime Minister for accepting the invitation and participating in the summit.

President Ilham Aliyev also recalled with satisfaction the Prime Ministers visit to Lachin and the discussions held in the trilateral format.

During the conversation, the sides hailed the cooperation between their countries within international organizations and exchanged views on regional issues.
4 July 2025 17:19 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

Colonel General Kamaladdin Heydarov, Minister of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Azerbaijan (MES), met with Kim Goo Kang, the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to Azerbaijan, Azernews reports, citing MES.

Minister Heydarov warmly welcomed Ambassador Kim, congratulating him on his appointment and wishing him success in his new diplomatic mission.

Highlighting the strong foundation of mutual respect and sincere partnership between Azerbaijan and South Korea, the minister noted that there is great potential to further expand bilateral cooperation in the field of emergency response and disaster management.

Minister Heydarov briefed the ambassador on Azerbaijans efforts in preventing emergencies and mitigating their consequences, emphasizing that bilateral collaboration in this field has developed consistently and purposefully. He also discussed the implementation of joint initiatives based on signed bilateral agreements and underlined the importance of experience exchange between the two nations.

In response, Ambassador Kim Goo Kang expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and congratulations, voicing satisfaction with the expanding relationship between South Korea and Azerbaijan, particularly in the area of emergency management. He affirmed South Koreas commitment to enhancing institutional cooperation in this domain, recognizing its mutual benefit for both countries.

The meeting concluded with a broad exchange of views on matters of mutual interest.
4 July 2025 14:10 (UTC+04:00)

According to Azernews , the President noted: Last month, we highly appreciate the unanimous adoption by all 57 member states of a resolution supporting the right of return of Azerbaijanis forcibly displaced from Armenia at the session of the Council of Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation held in Istanbul.

Ensuring the rights of Western Azerbaijanis deported from Armenia is of great importance, said President Ilham Aliyev during his speech at the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).

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4 July 2025 16:18 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

The Milli Majlis (Parliament of Azerbaijan) has approved a set of new requirements for information agencies during the first reading of a proposed amendment to the countrys Law on Media.

According to Azernews, the legislative proposal was reviewed during an extraordinary session of parliament held on July 4.

The draft law outlines several new criteria that information agencies must meet. Notably, agencies will be required to maintain contracts for information supply or acquisition with at least 20 media entities. In addition, they must have accredited journalists in no fewer than five foreign countries.

Moreover, to qualify as active under the law, an agency must ensure that at least 80 percent of the content it publishes on at least 20 days per month complies with the standards outlined in Article 60.5 of the Media Law.

Article 60.5 specifies that online media outlets are considered active if they publish a minimum of 20 mass information items daily over a period of 20 days in a given month.

Another key change affects print media. Under the proposed amendments, print media entities that are not registered in the national Media Registry will face publication and distribution bans. These restrictions would apply both to publishers and distributors of unregistered print products.

Following discussion, the proposed changes were put to a vote and approved in the first reading.
4 July 2025 14:44 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Japarov, has proposed the introduction of preferential tariffs at seaports for landlocked countries within the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).

Azernews reports that the Kyrgyz leader made the proposal during his speech at the 17th ECO Summit.

We believe it is important to provide favorable conditions for landlocked countries to access port infrastructure within the ECO framework, President Japarov stated. This could include preferential fees for services such as cargo handling, unloading, and storage at seaports.

He emphasized that the development of transport and logistics connectivity  including the integration of digital solutions  should remain a key focus of cooperation within the organization.

It is essential to actively promote the digitalization of freight transportation processes, particularly along railway and road transport corridors, he added.
4 July 2025 15:16 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

On July 4, the Military Court of Baku continued hearing the cases involving Azerbaijani citizens who were taken hostage by Armenian forces during the occupation of Azerbaijani territories. Witnesses offered painful testimonies recounting their experiences under captivity.

According to Azernews, one of the victims, Nasiba Guliyeva, told the court she was only 13 years old during the occupation of Kalbajar. On March 31, 1993, she and her siblings were fleeing the region in a cargo truck when they came under heavy fire by Armenian soldiers near an area known as Tunnel.

They were shooting so much, it felt like it was hailing bullets, she said. She added that the vehicle had no military escort and was filled mostly with children.

Guliyeva recalled that three of her younger siblings were with her during the attack, including her 3-year-old sister and three younger brothers.

I was hit by six bullets and shrapnel. Even today, I still carry fragments in my body, she stated.

She recounted being taken hostage by Armenian forces. Her younger sister was taken for alleged medical treatment in the village of Vank in the Aghdara district during the first days of captivity. The next day, the family was informed of her death. Guliyeva told the court that her family has never heard from her sister or two of her brothersAygun, Yashar, and Mazahir Guliyevsince that time.

She also said that her brother Bakhtiyar, who was nine years old at the time, continues to suffer from long-term health problems after an Armenian soldier kicked him in the head while in captivity.

Guliyeva testified that she and other hostages were held in Khankendi for 3 months and 15 days. Upon her release, she was first taken to Yerevan and then brought to Baku.

My parents are still alive. They are still waiting for their three children. They say the Armenians are keeping them... they will come back someday, she said tearfully.

The trial continues against several Armenian nationals charged with a wide range of serious crimes, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, the planning and waging of aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, terrorism, financing of terrorism, and the illegal seizure and retention of power, among others.
4 July 2025 17:01 (UTC+04:00)

A meeting between Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, has started in Khankendi, Azernews reports.

During the conversation, the heads of state emphasized that Azerbaijan and Iran are friendly, neighboring, and brotherly countries, noting the existence of cultural, religious, traditional, and ethnic ties of kinship and brotherhood between the two nations.

President Ilham Aliyev thanked President Masoud Pezeshkian for accepting the invitation to participate in the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), adding that his visit and the meeting held were of great importance for discussing Azerbaijan-Iran bilateral relations as well as cooperation within the framework of the ECO.

President Ilham Aliyev noted that President Masoud Pezeshkians official visit to Azerbaijan in April of this year opened a new chapter in bilateral relations. He emphasized that the topics discussed during that visit are being followed up on consistently by the co-chairs of the intergovernmental commission and relevant state institutions.

President Ilham Aliyev once again extended condolences on behalf of the Azerbaijani side to the people of Iran over the death of Iranian officials and civilians in this confrontation, expressing the solidarity and support of the Azerbaijani state and people with the state and people of Iran. President Ilham Aliyev also stressed that developing relations with Muslim countries, including neighboring states, remains a priority direction of Azerbaijans foreign policy.

Highlighting the fact that the ECO Summit was held in Khankendi and that Azerbaijan will host the Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation next year, President Ilham Aliyev said these developments are further evidence of the trust and respect Azerbaijan enjoys in the Islamic world.

President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian congratulated Azerbaijan on the successful organization of the ECO Summit. Recalling with satisfaction his official visit to Azerbaijan and the meetings held during that trip, he noted that the visit opened a new chapter in Iran-Azerbaijan relations. In this context, he mentioned the increase in flights between Baku and Tehran, Baku and Tabriz, and the progress in constructing the Aghbend-Kelaleh highway bridge, as well as cooperation in other areas.

The Iranian President expressed his gratitude to Azerbaijan for its support and solidarity during the recent confrontation with Israel.

During the meeting, the sides also exchanged views on matters of mutual interest including expanding cooperation within the ECO framework.
4 July 2025 17:25 (UTC+04:00)

The 19th Baku Summer Energy School (BSES), organized by the Institute for Development and Diplomacy (IDD) of ADA University in partnership with ADA University Foundation, the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), bp, and KOLIN successfully concluded after two weeks of intensive academic engagement, field visits, and high-level dialogue on global energy trends. Held from June 23 to July 4, the program brought together around 50 participants from 14 countries, including professionals, researchers, and government officials.

This year, the BSES focused on Energy Connectivity, exploring the evolving role of the Caspian region within global energy security, sustainable development, and climate transition agendas.

Throughout the two weeks, participants engaged in expert-led sessions on a wide array of topics including Energy, Environment, Renewables, Energy Law, Geopolitics, Economics of Energy, Climate Change, Sustainable Development, Strategic Importance of Caspian Energy and the Region, Resilient Energy Future, Energy Diplomacy, and the Strategic Management in the Energy Industry.

These sessions featured distinguished speakers such as Dr. Elnur Soltanov (Deputy Minister of Energy), Dr. Michael Denison (Head of International Advisory Team, bp), Mr. Orkhan Zeynalov (Deputy Minister of Energy), Mr. Fagan Abdurahmanov (Deputy Director, Azerbaijan Renewable Energy Agency), Dr. Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli (Vice President for the Caspian Region, bp), Dr. Vitaliy Baylarbayov (Deputy Vice President, SOCAR), Dr. Brenda Shaffer (Professor, US Naval Postgraduate School), Dr. Samuel Furfari (Professor, Business School London), Elchin Targuluyev (Solar and Wind Expert, SOCAR Green), Ali Orujzade (Stakeholder Engagement Manager, SOCAR Green), Mr. Murad Sadikhov (Country manager, Masdar), Dr. Molnar Ferenc (Advisor to MVM Ltd., Obuda University), Mr. Jahangir Arasli (Senior Research Fellow, IDD), Prof. Damjan Krnjevic (Director for Policy Research, Analysis and Publications, IDD), Mr. John Roberts (Energy Security Specialist, Methinks), Mr. Yalchin Rafiyev (Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs), Mr. Ahmad Humbatov (Senior Fellow, Energy and Sustainable Development Program, IDD), Mr. Shahin Ismayilov (Head of International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Digital Development and Transport), Mr. Ali Aliyev (Chief Communications Officer, Azerbaijan Transport and Communication Holding (AZCON)), Mr. Valeh Alasgarov (Chairman of the Board, Alat Free Economic Zone), and Mr. Bahruz Bahramov (Deputy CEO, State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ)).

Field visits included the Oil Rocks (Neft Daslar), SOCAR Energy Museum, Baku Nobel Heritage Fund, Masdars Renewable Energy Site in Garadagh, and a guided city tour of Baku with Mr. Fuad Akhundov that deepened the participants' understanding of Azerbaijans fossil fuel related developments and its transition toward green energy and technologies. .

The program concluded with a certificate ceremony where Dr. Fariz Ismailzade, IDD Director and Vice Rector of ADA University, and Dr. Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli, Vice President for the Caspian Region, bp, presented certificates to participants, celebrating their contributions to dialogue on regional energy collaboration and sustainable futures.
4 July 2025 19:53 (UTC+04:00)

On July 4, Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, concluded his visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan.

A guard of honor was lined up at Fuzuli International Airport in honor of the Iranian President.

President Masoud Pezeshkian was seen off by Adil Karimli, Azerbaijans Minister of Culture, along with other officials.
4 July 2025 16:00 (UTC+04:00)

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Azerbaijan has significantly expanded its crude oil product exports to the Netherlands during the first five months of 2025, according to the latest data from the State Customs Committee, Azernews reports. Between January and May, Azerbaijan exported over...

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4 July 2025 08:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

Banca Sella Holding SpA, an Italian banking group known for its innovative approach to digital banking, has launched an internal pilot project to test a new digital asset storage service, which includes stablecoins. The initiative is being developed in collaboration with the technology firm Fireblocks, a leader in digital asset custody solutions, Azernews reports.

Currently, the service is only accessible to individual specialists within the bank, but the group may eventually extend it to its broader customer base, according to sources familiar with the matter. This marks a significant step in the banks evolving strategy to integrate digital assets into its operations.

However, the bank is not yet planning to offer cryptocurrency trading services, such as bitcoin, at this stage. The decision on whether to expand this offering will depend on the results of the ongoing pilot, with the next steps likely to be determined by mid-summer.

The move comes amid a broader shift in Europe, where banks are slowly embracing the potential of digital assets. According to Bloomberg, the European Unions upcoming regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies, alongside more favorable regulations in the United States, is encouraging traditional financial institutions that had previously been cautious to explore this space.

While Banca Sella is still in the early stages of adopting digital assets, Italy's largest banking group, Intesa Sanpaolo SpA, has already made moves into the crypto world. In January, it became one of the first major banks in Italy to acquire bitcoin on the spot market. Intesa is also preparing to launch its own dedicated trading unit for digital assets, signaling a growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies within mainstream financial systems.

Banca Sella, which operates Hype, a digital bank with over 1 million users, has built a reputation for its progressive approach to technology in banking. The integration of digital asset storage could be a game-changer, offering customers enhanced security and more innovative financial solutions.

As the pilot program progresses, it will be interesting to see how Banca Sella adapts to the rapidly evolving digital asset landscape. With the EUs new regulations coming into play, more banks may follow suit, and the trend of digital asset integration in traditional financial services could accelerate across Europe.

While the financial industrys embrace of cryptocurrencies and digital assets is gaining momentum, it is worth noting that stablecoinscryptocurrencies pegged to stable assets like fiat currenciesare becoming increasingly important for banks as they seek to bridge the gap between traditional finance and the blockchain world. Banca Sellas focus on stablecoins could be a strategic move to avoid the volatility of assets like bitcoin while still tapping into the benefits of blockchain technology.

With increasing regulatory clarity in both Europe and the US, we could soon see a surge in banks offering similar services, making digital asset storage and trading more mainstream. This development might also catalyze a broader shift towards decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, which are increasingly viewed as alternatives to traditional financial systems.
4 July 2025 23:30 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

The launch ceremony of Taiwans self-designed corvette, featuring cutting-edge stealth technology, was recently held in a private event behind closed doors. This marks a significant milestone in Taiwan's naval capabilities, Azernews reports.

According to sources familiar with the development, the "Danjiang" corvette is set to join Taiwan's naval fleet in the coming year after undergoing additional testing. The ship becomes the first of a new batch of upgraded stealth corvettes, with a total of five vessels planned for construction. Taiwan currently operates six stealth corvettes in service.

The Danjiang is a notable advancement, designed using a catamaran hull configuration for enhanced stability and agility. The ship measures 60.4 meters in length, 14 meters in width, and can reach speeds of 30 knots, with a range of over 1,800 nautical miles. The corvette is equipped with anti-ship and anti-aircraft missiles of various types, along with an automatic cannon, providing a versatile defense platform for the island's military forces.

The Danjiang is part of Taiwan's broader strategy to modernize and strengthen its naval forces, especially in light of growing security concerns in the region. This advanced vessel not only demonstrates Taiwan's technological prowess but also signals its commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities amid increasing regional tensions.

With Taiwan continuing to invest in advanced military technology, the Danjiang is seen as a critical asset in the islands defensive strategy against potential threats, particularly from neighboring China.
Offshore yuan-based stablecoins eyed

09:43, July 04, 2025 By ZHOU LANXU and YIN MINGYUE ( China Daily

China may step up efforts to explore offshore renminbi-based stablecoins as recent legislation in China's Hong Kong may provide a legal foundation for such innovations, currency experts said, calling it a move that can enhance the country's role in shaping the evolving global monetary system in the digital era.

A stablecoin is a form of digital currency built on blockchain technology and pegged to fiat currencies or other real-world assets at a designated exchange rate to maintain a stable value.

Huang Yiping, dean of Peking University's National School of Development, said that it is worth exploring the potential of offshore renminbi stablecoins as a means of participating in emerging financial innovations  provided that risks remain under control  as onshore regulations on digital assets remain stringent.

"The development of global digital assets is evolving into a trend, where risks and opportunities coexist," Huang said, adding that stablecoins now account for over 90 percent of the currency intermediaries in virtual asset transactions  a sharp increase over the past four to five years.

Meanwhile, about 90 percent of stablecoins worldwide are pegged to the US dollar, said Huang, who is also director of Peking University's Institute of Digital Finance and a member of the monetary policy committee of the People's Bank of China, the country's central bank.

Huang said economies around the world are now faced with critical questions  whether each should issue its own stablecoins and whether the growing prominence of stablecoins could trigger a renewed wave of dollarization in the global financial system.

On June 17, the US Senate passed the GENIUS Act. If passed by the House and signed by the US president, the bill would introduce a federal framework for regulating stablecoins in the United States.

This came after Hong Kong made history on May 30 by enacting the world's first dedicated legislation specifically governing fiat-referenced stablecoins  the Stablecoins Ordinance, with a commencement date of Aug 1.

The ordinance has essentially laid out the first legal pathway for stablecoins pegged to the offshore renminbi, making Hong Kong a strategic sandbox for stablecoin adoption without violating mainland capital movement regulations or affecting onshore financial stability, Morgan Stanley said in a report.

The report said that the ordinance mandates 100 percent high-quality reserves for stablecoins in matching currencies  be it the US dollar, the HK dollar or the offshore renminbi.

Despite the absence of mainland officials' confirmation of the possibility of issuing renminbi-pegged stablecoins in Hong Kong, the PBOC has appeared alert to the growing impact of stablecoins.

Speaking at the 2025 Lujiazui Forum last month, PBOC Governor Pan Gongsheng said that technologies like blockchain have driven the rapid development of central bank digital currencies and stablecoins, enabling simultaneous processing of payment and settlement and reshaping the traditional payment infrastructure  while presenting major regulatory challenges.

Li Lihui, former president of the Bank of China, said Hong Kong's step forward with its stablecoin legislation reflects an encouraging regulatory attitude.

"However, many issues (on stablecoin) remain unclear, and it is crucial that we conduct further research on some of these key questions," Li said, including whether stablecoins should be positioned primarily as a payment instrument or as crypto assets.

Zhu Taihui, a researcher at the National Institution for Finance and Development, said the US is using dollar-backed stablecoins to create new circulation channels for the greenback and reinforce its international dominance.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
4 July 2025 23:55 (UTC+04:00)

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Publisher's Note: This post appears here courtesy of the The American Tribune.

The American Tribune

Special Edition: Independence Day

July 4, 2025 | National Desk

A Bold New Nation: Declaration of Independence Adopted in Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA  July 4, 1776

Two hundred forty-nine years ago today, a group of colonial leaders gathered in Philadelphia to make a decision that would change the world. On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress officially adopted the Declaration of Independence, severing political ties between the 13 American colonies and Great Britain.

Written primarily by Thomas Jefferson, the document declared that all people have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It listed grievances against King George III, including taxation without representation, interference with colonial governments, and the use of military force against American citizens.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal  Declaration of Independence

The Declaration was signed by 56 delegates, including John Hancock, who boldly signed first. The signers knew they were risking their lives; under British law, they could be executed for treason.

Despite the danger, these patriots stood firm, believing that a free and independent America was worth the cost.

Why It Matters Today

The Declaration of Independence established the principles that continue to define the American spirit:

- Individual Rights

- Government by the People

- The Right to Revolt Against Tyranny

It also inspired democratic revolutions around the world, from France to Latin America.

Each year on July 4th, Americans honor this bold stand for freedom with parades, fireworks, and readings of the Declaration. But more than celebration, the day is a reminder of the values at the heart of the American experiment: freedom, equality, and the courage to pursue them.

Fast Facts

Adopted: July 4, 1776

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Main Author: Thomas Jefferson

First to Sign: John Hancock

Result: Formation of the United States of America
The new location will offer sit-in and takeaway options.

Popeyes describes itself as the home of Louisiana fried chicken.

Popeyes is set to open its second NI outlet.

Popeyes will open at The Junction in Co Antrim.

First look inside new Popeyes at The Junction.

American fried chicken chain Popeyes has offered a glimpse of its new Co Antrim branch ahead of its opening on Monday.

The new restaurant at The Junction will offer both sit-in and takeaway options - and will be Popeyes first drive-thru location in Northern Ireland.

It is the US chains second outlet here  its first restaurant in Belfast opened last September.

Popeyes will open at The Junction in Co Antrim.

Jack Skidmore, Training Manager at Popeyes, said: As we put the finishing touches to the new restaurant, excitement is building - not just within our team, but across The Junction and the wider community.

"Were proud to be bringing the spirit and flavour of New Orleans to Northern Ireland, and the team cant wait to welcome our first customers through the doors on Monday."

Popeyes describes itself as the home of Louisiana fried chicken.

The interior of the restaurant is inspired by the vibrant colours and atmosphere of New Orleans.

The restaurant will open from 8am to 10pm, seven days a week. Customers can begin queuing from 9am on Mondays opening day.

The new location will offer sit-in and takeaway options.

The US chain opened its first NI restaurant at Forestside Shopping Centre in south Belfast in September.

The business, which was founded in New Orleans in 1972, first set up shop in the UK in November 2021, and has since opened in more than 50 locations.

The menu includes chicken sandwich, hot wings, tenders, original southern-style savoury biscuits and gravy and Cajun rice.
Walking in the footsteps of artistic giants

Guide Dolores Vischer tells David ODornan about her new tour celebrating the very best of Northern Irelands film and TV exports

Dolores Vischer

David O'Dornan Fri 4 Jul 2025 at 07:34







Tourists and locals alike will be able to enjoy a new magical mystery tour through Belfast that will shine a light on decades of success stories in the arts from next month.
Music and Gigs

Review: This is the best Oasis have been since 96  some might say better... a rock reunion to end them all
'Dragon porn' - lifting the lid on the new trend: 'Its not as taboo as 50 Shades of Grey'

With sexually explicit romance plots and a heavy dose of escapism, dragon porn is the BookTok trend of the moment  but is its use of Celtic culture and language problematic?

Teacher and romantasy fan Mary Cronin

Meadhbh McGrath Sat 28 Jun 2025 at 09:00

As the clock ticked towards midnight on January 21, crowds gathered outside bookstores around the world in fevered anticipation of the release of Onyx Storm, the third instalment in Rebecca Yarross Empyrean series about a military academy for dragon riders. The American author is at the forefront of the booming romantasy genre, which combines elements of romance and fantasy, and has exploded in popularity in the past year thanks to BookTok, TikToks reader community.
Kids need to understand how hard it is to earn: Experts on how much pocket money we should give to children
It confirmed Jennifer Welsh has been appointed to the top job following a rigorous recruitment and interview process.

The current CEO of the Northern Trust, who has previously worked as a director within the Belfast Trust, will take up the post in October.

Jennifer has many years experience within the NI health and social care service, specifically in strategy, operations, performance and capital development as well as a strong track record on safety, quality and governance, a Belfast Trust spokesperson said.

I am delighted to be in a position to welcome Jennifer Welsh as our new Chief Executive, I believe she brings exceptional strong leadership, experience and a clear commitment to continue driving improvement and delivering excellent care for our patients and service users.

Her exceptional leadership qualities, vision and commitment will enable our staff to ensure we continue to deliver safe, compassionate and effective care for everyone who depends on us.

On behalf of Belfast Trusts Board I look forward to working with Jennifer as we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Ms Welsh has led the Northern Trust since April 2020.

She will replace interim chief executive Maureen Edwards who assumed the role on in September last year two months after Dr Cathy Jack stepped down.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said he is pleased to welcome Ms Welsh to this key role within the HSC at a time of immense challenge and opportunity for health and social care services across Northern Ireland.

"She has an impressive track record in leadership and shares my own strong commitment to ensuring better outcomes for patients and service users, and a safe, supportive working environment for staff at all levels, he said.

Belfast Trust has been dealing with a number of very serious and well documented issues for quite some time and I am confident that Jennifers appointment will help to bring stability and a fresh focus to the Trust.

"I wish to congratulate her on this appointment and look forward to working with her in this new role.

The appointment comes after the chairman of the Belfast Trust, Ciaran Mulgrew, was sacked by Mr Nesbitt.

The Department of Health said the minister decided on a change of leadership at the trust as he believes a fresh start is required.

Mr Mulgrew left his role on Friday with Mr Nesbitt and the department thanking him for his contribution to the trust and the wider health and social care system.

Jennifer Welsh appointed as new chief executive of Belfast Trust

Watch: Bryson and McKay found not guilty in Nama Trial

The department said the process for filling the chair's post is being initiated as a priority.

In a statement, Belfast Trust's interim chief extended "sincere thanks to Ciaran for his unwavering support, contribution and commitment during his time as trust chairman".

Ms Edwards said Mr Mulgrew had helped the trust through some challenging times since his appointment.

"In particular, he has shown courage and leadership over the last few months in bringing focus and committing to addressing issues around culture and behaviours in our organisation," she added.

"Ciaran always acknowledges the fantastic work of staff in Belfast Trust and is proud of their many achievements. He is leaving the organisation with our gratitude and best wishes for the future.

"I wish to reassure our staff and the public that we will continue to make tangible improvements across the organisation to benefit staff, patients and service users."

However DUP MLA Diane Dodds, the partys health spokesperson, said his departure is a "testament to the sheer scale of crisis within the Belfast Trust".

"There have been a series of scandals over recent months and this reflects that. However, it should be remembered that many of these issues predated the current chair's tenure," she said.

"There is a wider systemic problem within the Belfast Trust that will not be resolved by simply removing one individual.

"However, we will need to hear more detail about what exactly has prompted this decision at this time."

Meanwhile Sinn Fein's health spokesperson Philip McGuigan said the "simple reality is that too often over the last period of time", the trust has "been in the media for all the wrong reasons".

"We have had a raft of negative media stories over the recent and medium term with regard to the Belfast Trust," he added.

"The decision taken yesterday was a decision for the minister, so it is really up to him to explain the rationale behind that.

Mr McGuigan said that the focus must now be on stabilising the trust to ensure a fresh start.
NI economy tipped to expand by 1% this year and next as Danske Bank revises down its forecast
Fire engines at the scene of the crash last May.

A heroic Northern Ireland firefighter who risked being burned alive to pull a man to safety from a burning car is to receive one of the countrys highest bravery honours  a Royal Humane Society Bronze Medal.

John Shannon from Larne was off duty and on his way home from Ballymena Fire Station on the evening of May 5 last year when he came across a three-vehicle pile-up.

One vehicle was on fire with an unconscious man trapped inside. Three other passengers were wounded but walking.

Mr Shannon saw the fire spreading toward the cars fuel tank and, without any equipment, took immediate action to rescue the unconscious man.

Despite the risk of explosion, he approached the burning vehicle, reached inside to undo the drivers seatbelt, and dragged him 20 metres up the road to safety.

A police officer arrived at the scene and began assisting Mr Shannon when the car suddenly exploded.

By that time, they had moved to a safe distance. The two provided initial treatment at the roadside before the man was taken to hospital.

Andrew Chapman Secretary of the Royal Humane Society.

Praising Mr Shannon for his bravery, Andrew Chapman, Secretary of the Royal Humane Society said: What he did was incredibly brave.

As a firefighter he knew better than others the dangers of going near a vehicle that is on fire, but his only thought was to save the man who was unconscious and trapped inside.

As he was freeing the man and pulling him to safety there was a real danger that the fire could have reached the petrol tank and the vehicle would explode with him reaching inside it.

"The reality off that risk can be seen in that it did explode a short time after the man had been pulled to safety.

Mr Shannon was a true hero and richly deserves the our Bronze Medal which is one of the highest awards we make.

The roots of the Royal Humane Society stretch back nearly 250 years. Other than awards made by the Crown it is the premier national body for honouring bravery in the saving of human life.

Founded in 1774 by leading medical figures William Hawes and Thomas Cogan, the organisation was established to promote life-saving resuscitation techniques  an innovative focus at the time.

Over the years, the organisations focus expanded beyond resuscitation, introducing an honours system to recognise acts of bravery in saving lives.

The Society also awards non-health care professionals who perform a successful resuscitation.

Since it was set up the Society has considered over 90,000 cases and made over 220,000 awards.

The Society is a registered charity which receives no public funding and is dependent on voluntary donations.
Posthumous award acknowledges the ultimate sacrifice of public servants

Wallace Allen, who was kidnapped by the IRA while he was doing a Sunday morning milk round

Elizabeth Emblem, presented to the familiy of public servants who have been killed in the line of duty

The families of 34 people from Northern Ireland who died in the line of duty are to receive national recognition with the award of an Elizabeth Emblem.

The families of 34 people from Northern Ireland who died in the line of duty are to receive national recognition with the award of an Elizabeth Emblem.

The honour scheme, launched last year and conferred by King Charles, acknowledges the sacrifice of police officers, firefighters and public servants.

Across the UK the families of 106 families people who lost their lives are to receive the honour in what is only the second ever list of Elizabeth Emblem recipients to be published.

Elizabeth Emblem, presented to the familiy of public servants who have been killed in the line of duty

The high proportion from Northern Ireland includes many families whose loved ones were killed during the Troubles.

Among those named in the list of recipients is Brian Armour from the NI Prison Service, who was serving at the Maze when he was killed on October 4, 1988 by the IRA who had planted a bomb under his car. John Doherty, of the Royal Ulster Constabulary will also be honoured. He was visiting his mother in Ardnasool, near Lifford, Co Donegal when he was ambushed and shot dead by the IRA on October 28, 1973.

John Doherty RUC officer murdered 1973

An Elizabeth Emblem  the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross, which recognises members of the Armed Forces who died in action or as a result of a terrorist attack  will also be presented to the family of William Ivan Toombs.

Ivan Toombs (Toombs family/PA)

He had been working for HM Customs and Excise in his office at Warrenpoint Harbour when members of the IRA entered and fired handguns at point blank range on January 16, 1981.

RUC Reserve Constable Robert Struthers is also included in the list. He had been working in the office of his full-time employer, Lorne Electric Ltd in Londonderry, when two armed men entered and shot him on June 16, 1978.

RUC Reserve Constable Robert Struthers

The families of two more RUC reserve constables will also be honoured. Margaret Cherry Campbell, who died on November 21, 1975 had been investigating a road traffic accident on the main Londonderry to Limavady road when she attempted to stop a passing car, which swerved, stuck another vehicle which then stuck her. And RUC reserve constable Wallace Allen who had been working in his regular job, driving a lorry for Milk Marketing Board in South Armagh, when he was shot by the IRA and his body taken. He died on August 31, with his remains located two weeks later on September 12.

The family of firefighter John Nicholl, who was working to bring a blaze under control at a disused shop on August 27, 1976 when the building collapsed and trapped him inside, will be receiving the award in recognition of his sacrifice.

It will also be presented to the loved ones of PSNI officer Philippa Reynolds who died after a stolen car crashed into a police patrol vehicle in February 2013.

PSNI officer Philippa Reynolds who died in 2013

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said the Elizabeth Emblem was a lasting memory of officers bravery.

It is a poignant and powerful symbol of national gratitude  a recognition not only of the officers ultimate sacrifice, but also of the pain their loved ones have been left behind to process and carry, he said.

Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, who this week marks a year in office, said the nation owes a huge debt of gratitude to all of the public servants who will posthumously receive this honour.

I want to personally thank the families of those police officers, firefighters and other public servants from Northern Ireland who are recognised for their bravery and service, he added.

Your loved ones made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the wider community, many during the deeply traumatic period of the Troubles, and for that we will be forever grateful.

Wallace Allen, who was kidnapped by the IRA while he was doing a Sunday morning milk round

Two NI Executive ministers also added their appreciation.

Justice Minister Naomi Long, said: We owe a great debt to those who lost their lives as a result of their public service. I am pleased to see the first recipients of the Elizabeth Emblem in Northern Ireland named today. It is a fitting testament to the dedication of those police officers and prison officers in Northern Ireland who lost their lives in the course of their duty, and to their families.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt added: I acknowledge the profound sacrifice of the two late Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) firefighters, whose deaths occurred many years ago but whose courage remains deeply respected.

As the first from NIFRS to receive the Elizabeth Emblem, this important recognition pays lasting tribute to their service and bravery.

I offer my sincere sympathy and gratitude to their families, who have carried this loss for decades.

In addition to 34 people from Northern Ireland the list of recipients includes 63 from England, eight from Scotland and one from Wales.

The Emblems design incorporates a rosemary wreath, a traditional symbol of remembrance, which surrounds the Tudor Crown. It is inscribed with For A Life Given In Service, and will have the name of the person for whom it is in memoriam inscribed on the reverse.

The families of 34 people from Northern Ireland who died in the line of duty are to receive national recognition with the award of an Elizabeth Emblem.

Kate says cancer is life-changing for patients and their loved ones

Full list of people from NI who will be recognised with national award

 Const Earnest McAllister, Royal Ulster Constabulary. Died March 20, 1972.  Const John Doherty, RUC. Died October 28, 1973.  Const Robert Megaw, RUC. Died December 1, 1973.  Const Cyril John Wilson, RUC. Died March 17, 1974.  Const John Harrison Forsythe, RUC. Died June 18, 1974.  Res Con Andrew Alexander Baird, RUC. Died October 14, 1975.  Res Con Margaret Cherry Campbell, RUC. Died November 21, 1975.  Sgt James Hunter, RUC. Died May 15, 1976.  Ff John Aloysius Nichol, Northern Ireland Fire Brigade. Died August 27, 1976.  Sgt Albert Craig, RUC. Died September 18, 1976.  Const Patrick Liam McNulty, RUC. Died January 27, 1977.  Const Kenneth William Sheehan, RUC. Died April 8, 1977.  Res Con Robert Albert James Struthers, RUC. Died June 16, 1978.  Const William Herbert Turbitt, RUC. Died June 17, 1978.  Sub-O Wesley Orr, Northern Ireland Fire Brigade. Died November 16, 1978.  Const Richard Allen Baird, RUC. Died April 17, 1979.  Res Con Frederick John Eric Lutton, RUC. Died May 1, 1979.  Res Con William Wallace Allen, RUC. Died August 31, 1980.  Res Con Lindsay Gardiner McDougall, RUC. Died January 14, 1981.  William Edward Ivan Toombs, HM Revenue and Customs. Died January 16, 1981.  Const Gary Desmond Martin, RUC. Died April 27, 1981.  Const Andrew Alfred Woods, RUC. Died August 2, 1981.  Sgt William Gordon Wilson, RUC. Died February 21, 1983.  Res Con James Ferguson, RUC. Died October 6, 1983.  Res Con Trevor George Elliot, RUC. Died May 18, 1984.  Insp Patrick Martin Vance, RUC. Died August 31, 1985.  PC Paul Richard North, RUC. Died March 17, 1987.  Brian Samuel Armour, Northern Ireland Prison Service. Died October 4, 1988.  Const Gary Carl Meyer, RUC. Died June 30, 1990.  Insp William David Wesley Murphy, RUC. Died November 10, 1990.  Const John Spence McGarry, RUC. Died April 6, 1991.  Const Michael John Ferguson, RUC. Died January 23, 1993.  Res Con Kenneth Thomas Irvine, Police Service of Northern Ireland. Died November 23, 2008.  Const Philippa Reynolds, Police Service of Northern Ireland. Died February 9, 2013.
DUP group were instructed to do everything possible to prevent Jamie Brysons Nama evidence in 2015

The loyalist activist named then-leader Peter Robinson as a beneficiary of the sale of the bad banks NI portfolio

Jamie Bryson outside Belfast Crown Court on Thursday. Pic: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

Liam Tunney Fri 4 Jul 2025 at 07:08

DUP members on a Stormont committee at the centre of the long-running Nama trial were instructed to do everything possible to prevent Jamie Bryson giving evidence relating to the NI Nama portfolio that could implicate the then-party leader.
Protesters outside the Royal Courts of Justice on The Strand, central London (Lucy North/PA)

Palestine Action is set to be banned after a High Court judge refused a bid to temporarily block it from being designated as a terror group.

Huda Ammori, the co-founder of Palestine Action, asked the High Court to temporarily block the Government from banning the group as a terrorist organisation before a potential legal challenge against the decision to proscribe it under the Terrorism Act 2000.

The move is set to come into force at midnight after a High Court judge refused Ms Ammoris bid for a temporary block.

Mr Justice Chamberlain said: I have concluded that the harm which would ensue if interim relief is refused but the claim later succeeds is insufficient to outweigh the strong public interest in maintaining the order in force.

Lawyers for Ms Ammori were also refused permission to appeal and were told to go to the Court of Appeal itself.

Shortly after the decision was handed down, Ms Ammori said that she would be seeking an urgent appeal to try to prevent a dystopian nightmare of the Governments making.

She added: The Home Secretary is rushing through the implementation of the proscription at midnight tonight despite the fact that our legal challenge is ongoing and that she has been completely unclear about how it will be enforced, leaving the public in the dark about their rights to free speech and expression after midnight tonight when this proscription comes into effect.

Hundreds of thousands of people across the country have expressed support for Palestine Action by joining our mailing list, following and sharing our social media content and signing petitions, and many, including iconic figures like Sally Rooney, say they will continue to declare we are all Palestine Action and speak out against this preposterous proscription, demonstrating how utterly unworkable it will be.

In a 26-page judgment, Mr Justice Chamberlain said that some of the consequences feared by the claimant and others who have given evidence are overstated.

He continued: It will remain lawful for the claimant and other persons who were members of Palestine Action prior to proscription to continue to express their opposition to Israels actions in Gaza and elsewhere, including by drawing attention to what they regard as Israels genocide and other serious violations of international law.

They will remain legally entitled to do so in private conversations, in print, on social media and at protests.

He added: That said, there is no doubt that there will be serious consequences if the order comes into effect immediately and interim relief is refused.

The proposal was approved by both the House of Commons and the House of Lords earlier this week and would make membership and support for the direct action group a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

Some 81 organisations are already proscribed under the 2000 Act, including Hamas, al Qaida and National Action.

Protesters gathered outside the central London court on Friday (Lucy North/PA)

At a hearing on Friday, Raza Husain KC, for Ms Ammori, asked the court to suspend the ill-considered and authoritarian abuse of statutory power until a hearing due around July 21.

Mr Husain told the London court: This is the first time in our history that a direct action civil disobedience group, which does not advocate for violence, has been sought to be proscribed as terrorists.

The barrister said that his client had been inspired by a long history of direct action in the UK, from the suffragettes, to anti-apartheid activists, to Iraq war activists.

The hearing later in July is expected to deal with whether Ms Ammori can bring a High Court challenge over the planned proscription.

Blinne Ni Ghralaigh KC, also representing Ms Ammori, told the court that there was no express provision to protect lawyers representing her in the potential legal challenge from criminal consequences if the ban came into effect.

She also said that if the ban came into effect the harm would be far-reaching, could cause irreparable harm to large numbers of members of the public, including causing some to self-censor.

Ms Ni Ghralaigh later named Normal People author Sally Rooney, who lives abroad and fears the ramifications for her, for her work, for her books, for her programmes if she shows support for Palestine Action.

Is the Prime Minister going to denounce her, an Irish artist, as a supporter of a proscribed organisation?

Will that have ramifications for her with the BBC, etc? Ms Ni Ghralaigh asked.

A further hearing is expected later in July (Lucy North/PA)

Ben Watson KC, for the Home Office, told the High Court there was an insuperable hurdle in the bid to temporarily block the ban of Palestine Action.

The barrister also said that if a temporary block was granted, it would be a serious disfigurement of the statutory regime.

He said Palestine Action could challenge the Home Secretarys decision at the Proscribed Organisations Appeal Commission, a specialist tribunal, rather than at the High Court.

Fridays hearing comes after an estimated 7 million worth of damage was caused to two Voyager planes at RAF Brize Norton on June 20, in an action claimed by Palestine Action.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced plans to proscribe Palestine Action on June 23, stating that the vandalism of the two planes was disgraceful and that the group had a long history of unacceptable criminal damage.

Mr Justice Chamberlain said that an assessment on whether to ban the group had been made as early as March, and preceded the incident at RAF Brize Norton.

Four people were charged in connection with the incident.
Protesters outside the Royal Courts of Justice on The Strand, central London, ahead of a hearing over whether proscribing of Palestine Action should be temporarily blocked (Lucy North/PA)

Palestine Action has lost a late-night Court of Appeal challenge to temporarily stop it being banned as a terror group, less than two hours before it was due to come into force.

Earlier on Friday Huda Ammori, the groups co-founder, unsuccessfully asked the High Court to temporarily block the Government from designating the group as a terrorist organisation, before a potential legal challenge against the decision to proscribe it under the Terrorism Act 2000.

The move is due to come into force at midnight after judge Mr Justice Chamberlain refused the bid for a temporary block.

Proscribing the group under anti-terror laws would make membership of, or support for, the direct action group a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison (Lucy North/PA)

Lawyers for Ms Ammori took her case to the Court of Appeal on Friday evening, and in a decision given at around 10.30pm, judges refused to grant the temporary block.

The Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr said: The judge was entitled to take the view that the harm identified would be the product of an individuals decision not to comply with the order.

She added that there was no real prospect of a successful appeal.

Raza Husain KC, for Ms Ammori, made a bid to have the case certified as a point of general public importance to allow a Supreme Court bid.

Baroness Carr, sitting with Lord Justice Lewis and Lord Justice Edis, added: You are not going to get to the Supreme Court before midnight.

The judge said that any application should be made before 4pm on Monday and refused a bid to pause the ban coming into effect pending any Supreme Court bid.

In their 11-page written judgment, the judges said: The role of the court is simply to interpret and apply the law.

The merits of the underlying decision to proscribe a particular group is not a matter for the courtSimilarly, it is not a matter for this court to express any views on whether or not the allegations or claims made by Palestine Action are right or wrong.

In his decision refusing the temporary block, High Court judge Mr Justice Chamberlain said: I have concluded that the harm which would ensue if interim relief is refused but the claim later succeeds is insufficient to outweigh the strong public interest in maintaining the order in force.

Blinne Ni Ghralaigh KC, for Ms Ammori, told the Court of Appeal that the judge wrongly decided the balance between the interests of her client and the Home Office when deciding whether to make the temporary block.

Protesters outside the Royal Courts of Justice on The Strand, central London (Lucy North/PA)

She said: The balance of convenience on the evidence before him, in our respectful submission, fell in favour of the claimant having regard to all of the evidence, including the chilling effect on free speech, the fact that people would be criminalised and criminalised as terrorists for engaging in protest that was not violent, for the simple fact that they were associated with Palestine Action.

She also told the Court of Appeal that Mr Justice Chamberlain failed properly to consider that banning the group would cause irreparable harm.

Ms Ni Ghralaigh said: There was significant evidence before him to demonstrate the chilling effect of the order because it was insufficiently clear.

She continued that the ban would mean a vast number of individuals who wished to continue protesting would fall foul of the proscription regime due to its lack of clarity.

Ben Watson KC, for the Home Office, told appeal judges that Mr Justice Chamberlain gave a detailed and careful judgment which was all the more impressive given the time constraints.

He added that the judge was entitled to reach the conclusion that he did.

The barrister said: The judge conducted a very careful analysis of all the matters he relied upon.

Mr Watson also said that the judge was alive to the possible impacts of the ban, including the potential chilling effect on free speech.

There was no error by the judge in concluding that there was a serious question to be tried while at the same time acknowledging that he couldnt, on the material in front of him, say that it had strong prospects of success, he added.
Former DUP MP Ian Paisley Jr was once Westminsters most expensive MPAs MP he accepted a string of luxury giftsBelfast Telegraph investigation shows that Land and Property Services had to repeatedly threaten court action to secure payment of the rates bill for his constituency office in Ballymena

Rates bills for his Ballymena constituency office were regularly ignored while Ian Paisley was MP for North Antrim

When Ian Paisley Jr lost his parliamentary seat to the TUVs Jim Allister last July, it was the end of an era.

North Antrim had long been a Paisley stronghold, with its Westminster seat held by the family for 54 years.

Once Westminsters most expensive MP, Paisley Jr had built a political career on the legacy of his famous father  but it wasnt without scandal.

He was forced to resign as a Stormont junior minister in 2008 after the revelation of links to property developer Seymour Sweeney and controversial expense claims.

Once in Westminster, he accepted a string of lavish gifts  including a luxury trip to Sri Lanka and a holiday to the Maldives.

A Belfast Telegraph investigation has uncovered some strange financial dealings around his constituency office, which is now owned by the unnamed representative of a dead man.

Authorities also had to repeatedly threaten court action to secure payment of the rates bill for his office in Ballymena.

In part 1 and 2 of a special investigation, Olivia Peden is joined by the Belfast Telegraphs Northern Ireland Editor Sam McBride.

Sam McBride: The mystery of Ian Paisley Jrs office  unpaid rates, red letters and court action (Part 1)
unsplash

As a young researcher at Barnard College, Elaine Pagels changed the historical landscape of Christianity by exploding the myth of the early church as a unified movement. Her findings were published in the "The Gnostic Gospels," an analysis of 52 early Christian manuscripts unearthed in Egypt. "The Gnostic Gospels" won both the National Book Critics Circle Award and the National Book Award and was chosen by the Modern Library as one of the 100 best books of the 20th Century.Her latest book, "Beyond Belief: The Secret Gospel of Thomas," focuses on religious claims to ultimate "truth." She contends that, as Christianity became increasingly institutionalized, it became more politicized and less pluralistic.She was interviewed about her latest work by Beliefnet's religion producer, Laura Sheahen.What they found in that discovery was over 50 early Christian texts that we just had never known about. We knew there were terrible heretics who said terrible things, but we didn't have what they actually said, we only had what their enemies said. It's like reading what one political party says about the other, trying to reconstruct their opponent's viewpoints. It really doesn't work well at all.

So for the first time we had a very wide range of early Christian sources. And we began to see very clearly that what we call Christianity is a rather small selection, a small slice, of a much wider horizon. What survived as orthodox Christianity did so by suppressing and forcibly eliminating a lot of other material.

It's hard to characterize these texts in one simple way, because there's a whole library of different things. But most of them are about the premise of finding access to God for oneself. That's why the monks who hid them liked them, and that's why the bishops didn't like them, because if you can find God for yourself you might not need a church or bishops or the whole ecclesiastical apparatus.

One of the biggest "finds" was the Gospel of Thomas (read the text), which some people call a gnostic gospel. Your new book puts forward the hypothesis that the canonical Gospel of John may have been written in response to Thomas' gospel, to refute Thomas.

Yes. Many people have pointed out that the two gospels have a lot in common. They are both different from the other gospels we know, as symbolic and poetic interpretations of Jesus' teaching. But they have a very different practical turn. They both speak about Jesus as the divine light of the world that comes into the world, and the divine energy of God manifested in human form. But the message of the Gospel of John is that Jesus alone is that divine presence among us. Thomas' gospel suggests that Jesus taught something quite different, which is that everyone, in fact all being, came from that divine source [and that we can access that divinity on our own].

Yet you say in the book that the very 'heretics' who embraced Thomas' ideas were drawn to the Gospel of John.

It is surprising. They could read [John] as poetry, with a wide range of interpretation. If you can read it that way, you can find things in it that Christians have found in it for hundreds of years: mysticism, poetry. It's precisely for that reason that one of the second-century church fathers, Irenaeus, said, "The Gospel of John is all right, but you have to read it my way." His way meant Jesus alone offers access to salvation and that believing in him is the only way to truth, and that not believing is a sure path to damnation.

This, of course, has been the fundamental teaching of many Christians for thousands of years. I'm not trying to discredit it, I'm just saying, "This is not the only possible construction of Christianity by a long shot."

Many people point to Jesus' statement in John 14:6: "No one comes to the father but by me." But in the totality of the accepted Christian canon, there are passages that do indicate there's a spark of the divine in everyone. There's "The kingdom of God is within you" in Luke, as you mention in the book, or Paul's "your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit." Other parts of the Christian canon seem to put forward this more open view that you say is characteristic of Thomas' gospel.

It shows that the teaching of Jesus was recorded and transmitted in various ways. These suggestions [of divinity within oneself] are absolutely there, in Luke and all over the place, if you're looking for them. But they were later placed in a context of a much more strict interpretation, so they're often read that way.

What fascinated me in some of these texts that were discovered is that there were people who read the Gospel of John and Thomas' gospel as entirely compatible. We have texts and poems that show that: for example, a text called the Round Dance of the Cross, or one called the Gospel of Truth, that uses passages from both Thomas and John. I think they might well be regarded as congenial if you didn't have a system of interpretation that says they can be read in only one way.

You say that the figure of 'Doubting' Thomas in the Gospel of John was a direct refutation of Thomas' gospel.

We don't actually know if the person who wrote the Gospel of John had a written copy of Thomas because we don't know exactly when it was written. But I think it's clear that whoever wrote the Gospel of John knew these kind of teachings because the language is so similar to his own. He knew them very well. And yet he thought someone was taking them in the wrong direction, and that's what he set out to correct.

So when 'Doubting Thomas' felt Jesus' nail wounds and exclaimed, "My Lord and my God," that was a way for the author of John's gospel to tell the author of Thomas "You've got it wrong, there isn't necessarily this universal access to God, you have to go through Jesus, who is Lord"?

Yes, it's really a way to tell people who follow that kind of teaching--you might call them 'Thomas Christians'--that even their own apostle realized at a certain point that he was absolutely wrong, and that John was right. It's quite a wonderful device. And it worked! If I mention Thomas, most people say, "Oh, you mean Doubting Thomas."

Your book talks about the followers of a man named Valentinus and others who had a more esoteric or gnostic approach to Christianity. You imply there was a divide between "simple Christians" who had a more literal take on their beliefs, and the "seeker Christians," the Valentinians. Could you characterize these 'spiritual Christians'?

They felt that faith is necessary, but as a first step. It's not where you stop, it's where you start. After that, you start exploring. You try to understand and verify in your own experience and seek. They always love the saying of Jesus: "Seek and you shall find."

People who are comfortable with very clear boundaries and group definitions don't like the instability and ambiguity of people who say they are more advanced Christians or they don't have to do what the bishop says.

I was trying to understand the politics of the early Christian movement. We've had one side of an intense controversy available to us. Now we also have the other.

Now when I read the Gospel of John, I see Jesus standing there saying "I am the way, the truth, the light, I am the water," and I think "Who is he talking to? Why does he say this over and over?" New Testament scholars would say, "Well, Jesus never said these words"--and that's probably true. But why does the Gospel of John have Jesus say nothing else but "I am, I am, I am." It's clear to me now that John's refuting a view that says "Jesus is the light, and the light is in you, too."

It turns it from a monologue, which always puzzled me, into a dialogue.

In your book there are powerful descriptions of martyrdoms: Christians being ripped apart by wild animals, etc...

It's startling and very vivid. Because this was a criminalized group, a group where to belong put you in the category of potentially prosecutable criminal. Given that risk, it was intolerable for certain leaders to have any ambiguity. They had to clarify who was in and who was out.

Were the heretics/spiritual Christians just as vulnerable to persecution and martyrdom as their orthodox counterparts?We have different evidence about that. Irenaeus says, "The heretics don't get persecuted the way we do, because if someone says 'Are you a Christian?' they say something ambiguous"--because it's not that important to them.

On the other hand, Irenaeus says that the heretics do get martyred but they aren't real martyrs because they aren't real Christians [laughs].

Tertullian says in Africa that they become heretics in order to evade a straight answer to the question: "Are you a Christian?" If you say yes, you can be arrested and put to death. We know that some thought it wasn't necessary to say 'yes' to that and get killed by the magistrate. But orthodox Christians thought blood witness was very important to the movement.

It seems like a big divide between the two early Christian groups was reading allegorically versus taking things at face value.I think that's absolutely right. You can see that today. Fundamentalism does mean reading quite conservatively and literally, saying "the Bible is the word of God and we have to follow it. What it says is this."

Wehave had a richer kind of Christianity, one open to a wider range of understanding. On the other hand, Christianity could have been more like a swamp--a muddy religious current mixed up with all the other traditions that flow into it. It's a hard question to answer, but I think we might have had something more like what one sees in say, Eastern Orthodox churches, which have a greater openness to the interpretation of many passages.

I would add the Gospel of Thomas. I don't think I'd drop anything. I'm the inclusive type: the more the better. Anything else besides Thomas?

There are wonderful texts from this collection. There's one called Thunder Perfect Mind which is a poem in the voice of a feminine divine power. There's Allogenos-an ancient meditation text which is not specifically Christian. But monks liked it for the same reason monks today read Buddhist texts about meditation. If you had to choose one Christian text you couldn't do without, what would it be?

I'd have to take two: The Gospel of Mark and Thomas' gospel.

Your book includes several personal vignettes about your own spiritual journey. Where has it led you? Are you still visiting the Church of the Heavenly Rest, or exploring other traditions?

Yes to both. I find I can participate in Christian tradition with more open-heartedness, because I don't feel constricted by the question "Do I believe this? Do I believe that?" which I do think is narrowing. I'm not saying belief doesn't matter, but it's been much overrated in Christianity. It's certainly not the only issue. So yes, I do participate sometimes, and I find myself open to other traditions and practices.
Bennington, VT (05201)

Today

Mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 80F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Partly cloudy early with increasing clouds overnight. Low 64F. Winds light and variable.
Bennington, VT (05201)

Today

Mostly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 80F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Partly cloudy early with increasing clouds overnight. Low 63F. Winds light and variable.
James Taylor and his All-Star Band returned to the Koussevitzky Music Shed Thursday night with a mix of songs about highways, byways and destinations, as road songs from the folk-singers catalogue take center stage at Tanglewood.
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RICHMOND  Benjamin must have known he was dying.

The day before his time came, on three legs, the 8-year-old pit bull led his owner to an apple tree at Hilltop Orchards and let her know: This was the place.

On June 24, David and Sara Martell called a veterinarian and made a request for her to deliver his final injection under that very tree.

That morning, David reached out to his neighbor, Roger Manzoli, to dig the grave at the top of the hill  the same spot with the sweeping view where David proposed to Sara and where they took their wedding vows in 2020.

And now, more than a week after burying their beloved best friend and family member, the Martells tear up when talking about Benjamin. They cant help it.

They owe a lot to the mid-sized dog with the outsized work ethic and personality.

FROM RESCUE TO HERO

Benjamin woke up and began barking at 1:30 a.m. on Christmas morning in 2021, alerting the Martells to a fire.

A faulty block heater had caught a tractor on fire, and a heavy wind swept the flames into the orchards building. While there was $300,000 worth of damage, the fire was stopped quickly and the business was rebuilt and saved. Local crews were joined in the response by firefighters from Lenox, Stockbridge and West Stockbridge and from three departments in New York state  Canaan, New Lebanon and Chatham.

That single act catapulted Benjamin, a rescue from an animal shelter, to celebrity status.

He was named an honorary firefighter by the Richmond Fire Department and awarded a firefighters helmet. People sent him gifts: steak, dog bowls and enormous rawhide bones. Customers asked to see him when visiting the orchard.

And Benjamin basked in the glow.

In 2023, as he began to slow down because of kneecap dislocation in his hind legs, admirers began a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for Benjamins medical bills  without first telling the Martells.

A FIRST MEETING

After the Martells moved onto the Hilltop Orchards property in October 2018, they quickly became engaged. David is operations manager at the orchard; Sara is hospitality manager.

We knew that it was time to get a dog because we could provide the type of lifestyle that they wanted, Sara said. I only like big dogs and I had no interest in a pit bull.

David spotted Benjamins photo on the Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelters website. In fact, he followed Benjamins progress at the shelter.

On Christmas Eve 2018, the couple visited the shelter.

He was the second dog that I saw, and I fell in love with his face, Sara recalled. And it was immediate. I guess he never really kissed people on the faces, but he kissed me on the face.

When they got in the car, David told Sara hed been following Benjamins progress and saving photos of him on his phone.

David said he wasnt obsessed with Benjamin, but, I was following his whole story.

The adoption decision didn't take much time.

Theres typically a whole process where theres several home visits and they need to contact your vet, etc., David said. They did none of that.

David said the shelter likely figured that the Martells, who were entrusted with orchards on a 186-acre farm, can probably handle a dog.

When Benjamin arrived on Dec. 27, 2018, he immediately jumped on the couch, Sara recalled.

He really made himself cozy, she said. I think the first night he jumped into bed with us, too.

He wasnt immediately as keen on David though. In fact, he appeared to be frightened of men.

Sara also described the newest addition to their family as a shy manure maker who eschewed the leash.

Half of the reason I was attracted to him: He was the only one that didnt bark at the shelter, Sara said. We get home and realized he makes a lot of announcements.

A TURN FOR THE WORSE

In February, Benjamin, whod been slowly getting less mobile, took a turn for the worse. He stopped bearing weight on his right front leg, Sara said.

The Martells initially turned to Dr. Michelle Looney, Benjamin's longtime primary veterinarian, for help.

No one could figure out the source of the injury, Sara said.

Sara then enlisted the help of pet communicator Dawn Allen. It was the best thing I could have ever done. It was so helpful for him to communicate where his pain was on his body and what was really going on with him.

Through Allen, Benjamin told his owners he didn't like being hot and that he liked swimming.

He also communicated, I need to go to work, I need to see people, and people need to see me, Sara said.

Im not necessarily skeptical, but I was taken aback to hear all of these facts that were coming from this person, David said.

She had an amazing read on our dog, said Sara.

As his legs became weaker, Benjamin swam at Fitter Critters in Lee twice a week. In the last four months of his life, he also received chiropractic and reiki treatments from Dr. Emily Newman at Bilmar Veterinary Services in Great Barrington, as well as laser treatments for pain from Alden Beane at True Balance Animal Wellness.

It was crazy, he had one appointment every day, Sara said. We were doing everything we could.

She said these providers became integral supporters of Benjamin so that he could be comfortable.

FINAL DAYS

On June 21, Benjamin joined David at work and stared at David.

After Benjamin died, David learned there are signs that animals are about to die, and one of those signs is staring.

Its just like people before the end of their incarnation, theyre dotting their Is and crossing their Ts, Sara said. They choose the family member that maybe they didnt always communicate with the most. And theyre just like, I love you. Its a stare thats like staring into your soul.

On the evening of June 21, Benjamin whimpered as he was being carried to bed.

This guy was maxxed out on every pain medicine imaginable, Sara said. I had hoped that I was going to get him a cortisone shot with Dr. [Sheila] McCarthy for that right shoulder. He hadnt used the leg since Memorial Day.

By that time, his back legs were compromised and he had arthritis.

On the night of June 23, Benjamin was declining fast. At one point overnight, his legs buckled and he cried out in pain.

It was like the worst moment of my life, Sara said. It was unbearable to hear that and see that. And we managed to get him calmed down, and I thought, Im going to have to drag this dog to Latham.

I actually collapsed and started bawling, David said. And he was more concerned with making sure that I was OK than dealing with his pain.

The Martells spent Benjamins last night with him downstairs.

He never had an accident, though, Sara said. I love him for that. He had so much pride.

On the morning of June 24, she called Dr. Elizabeth Balter at Greener Pastures Veterinary Services, who provided the euthanasia under the apple tree that Benjamin chose.

That same morning, from his perch in the truck, David noticed a bear at the front door of the Martells' home.

He went ballistic, Sara said.

Protected his mom one last time, David said. I personally look at that as a spiritual encounter.

He went out being Benjamin, Sara said.

Benjamin's last meal was three meatballs and five apple cider doughnuts.

Saras lost two brothers and her father, and Ive lost a brother, and this is crazy to say, but this has been more difficult for both of us, our dog, than anything, David said.

He said Benjamin taught him to slow down and be more present, something his staff and customers appreciate.

He's now planning to put a bench near Benjamin's grave.

Sara called Benjamin her one soul animal.

He kept my heart open every day, she said. Benjamin was against all odds the most determined resilient soul that Ive ever known.

While she was unable to heal him, Sara knew how to care for him in his dying days.

What I dont know how to do she said, is life without him.
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ADAMS  Toward the end of the reenactment of Susan B. Anthonys speech "The Declaration of the Rights of Women of the United States, participants joined in with the performers. James Capuzzi, executive director of the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum, found the moment to be powerful.

[The words] resonate and they still ring as true, Capuzzi said. I think women reading that speech today  they can resonate and can relate to some of the challenges that women still face.

On Thursday night at the Town Common, a little more 30 people gathered for the second annual reenactment of Anthonys speech. The event was put on by the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum with support from the Cultural Council of Northern Berkshire.

The text used in the reenactment was excerpted from Iowa State Universitys Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics. Martin Loughman played the role of Sen. Richard Henry Lee, Muriel Dyas performed Susan B. Anthony, and Sarah Briggs was Lillie Devereux Blake.

The reenactment lasted about 20 minutes, and participants went home with a free ice cream voucher to The Rainbow Shack.

Cheshire resident Jen Mirke brought her two sons and her niece and nephew, and she said the reenactment puts you into the moment and makes you reflect on it a little bit more.

Mirke also says it's important to show children local history and how they can adjust their views on things according to past history and how they want their future shaped.

Anthony was a pioneering feminist and suffragist in the abolitionist, opposition to restellism (abortion) and temperance movements of the 19th century. She was born Feb. 15, 1820, in Adams and lived at 67 East Road for six years before moving to New York.

Dyas said playing Anthony was empowering and that she could feel Susan with us. Dyas, who is a volunteer at the museum and a longtime historical reenactor, says playing Anthony is both exciting and challenging.

Its a little nerve-wracking in the beginning, but I just love it, Dyas said.

The Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to preserving the birthplace and raising public awareness of the wide-ranging legacy of Anthony.

The event started last year after Capuzzi and his staff found out about the speech and how they could combine it with the Susan B. Anthony statue at the Town Common. Capuzzi says the statue, which went up in 2021, allows them to have almost a conversation between our reenactors and the statue.

The evening began with Loughman reading an excerpt from the Declaration of Independence. Loughman, the education coordinator at the museum, said that he was pleased with the turnout and that more people were in attendance than last year.

Loughman says its interesting and inspiring to know that someone with Anthonys impact was born in a small town like this. He says that Anthony getting up and reading her speech was a very gutsy move.

The evening continued with reading Dyas reading excerpts from the 1876 speech "The Declaration of the Rights of Women of the United States, originally delivered during the nation's centennial celebration in Philadelphia. Before Dyas took the stage, she brushed away Loughman, which proved to be a critical moment.

Susan was going to be heard, Dyas said. Thats what I love about Susan. No one puts Susan in the corner.

Dyas was joined by Briggs, a rising senior at MCLA, who played Blake, on stage, and the audience spoke with them at the end.

The declaration was written by Anthony, Matilda Joslyn Gage and Elizabeth Cady Stanton on behalf of the National Woman Suffrage Association. On July 4, 1876, the women were given passes to observe the proceedings of the Independence Day ceremony in Philadelphia, but were denied the chance to read the declaration.

Anthony spoke anyway, and the women then left and distributed copies of the declaration to people on stage and in the crowd, much to the surprise of Lee.

The event provided an opportunity for the town to recognize one of its own. Capuzzi says that for Adams residents, Susan B. Anthony is theirs.

Its part of the towns history, part of their heritage in a way, Capuzzi said. I think people really get something out of that.
Smartphones are tools for communication, collaboration and creativity. Theyre also addictive, highly distracting and can lead to mental health issues, especially among children and teens.

In Massachusetts, Senate leaders are exploring legislation that would ban cellphones in public schools. They would not be the first, as 18 states have already passed laws that limit the use of phones in schools.

Under its revised cellphone policy, Pittsfield schools have less than half as many infractions as last September Disciplinary log entries for cellphone usage is down dramatically to start the year at Pittsfield Public Schools, with a total 416 infractions among middle and high school students. Last September, the number was 988 log entries.

Schools throughout the state have voluntarily and successfully implemented cellphone policies. Studies point to smartphones and social media as cause for the sharp increase in mental health issues, self-injury and suicide among adolescents, particularly girls.

Almost all people access social media via their smartphone, and the U.S. Surgeon General has issued an advisory on the effects of social media on youth mental health, citing concerns that 95 percent of teens ages 13 to 17 are on social media, and a third of them use it almost constantly.

In todays phone-dependent culture, school leaders are forced to curb phone use on campus during the day, which can range from text messaging friends between periods to scrolling social media feeds during instruction time.

At many of the schools the New England Association of Schools and Colleges works with, cellphone policies are improving the learning environment and having a profound impact on students sense of community and socialization.

Brockton High School, the largest high school in the state, is in the first year of its cellphone policy, according to Principal Kevin McCaskill. The school implemented its policy when cellphone usage on campus was at a crisis point, with students struggling to focus in class and making plans over text to leave school in the middle of the day.

The schools goal was to get students focused on their education and to emphasize the art of conversation. The cellphone policy is doing both of those things and having a positive effect on the culture of the school. Students are talking to each other more, instead of staring at their phones, McCaskill said. One student reported that the schools cellphone free culture has built a better school community and helped her make new friends.

Quote Prior to going cellphone-free last year, teachers and staff at Wahconah Regional High School in Dalton were dealing with numerous conflicts among students that played out over social media during the school day. In their first year of a no cellphone policy, school-day social media conflicts between students disappeared.

Schools with cellphone restrictions offer other lessons that legislators should take into account. Its not enough to simply forbid students from using phones, for example. Schools must consider all of the technology students have access to. They will look for other ways to text and use social media, particularly if they have access to computers, laptops or tablets.

Schools also should establish consequences for violating the policy and enforce them. Do students first get a warning if theyre caught using their phone, or is the policy zero tolerance? Whatever the approach, consequences of violating the policy must be documented and circulated among parents, students and staff.

Teachers, too, must put phones away while interacting with students to prevent any sense of a double standard.

While developing and implementing a comprehensive cellphone policy can be a challenge, the effects will be worth it. Prior to going cellphone-free last year, teachers and staff at Wahconah Regional High School in Dalton were dealing with numerous conflicts among students that played out over social media during the school day. In their first year of a no cellphone policy, school-day social media conflicts between students disappeared.

Wahconah Principal Aaron Robb and other school leaders acknowledge the challenges of developing and implementing a cellphone policy. They also universally agree that its the right thing to do.
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery (Galatians 5:1).

The 4th of July! For weeks before we see red, white and blue everywhere. Fireworks for sale in roadside stands or booths. Then the sounds of the day  often starting even two nights before. And it is all for very good reason.

Every July fourth, we celebrate the independence we earned from the British monarchy. We fought not only the revolution, but for many years before. We chose our own way, our own path. Freedom to rule ourselves. Freedom to determine our own rules and regulations. Freedom from tyranny. In order to form a more perfect union.

We fought to gain freedom from the monarchy imposing religious practices and beliefs. We fought to earn what we now call freedom of religion  the right for every person to practice or not practice  whatever religion they choose in whatever manner they choose.

And to this day, we unquestionably remain the freest nation on the planet. A designation that has been well earned over the generations, as we fought wars to maintain that freedom. And our continued freedom came at a high cost to a great many who sacrificed everything to defend our independence. To ensure that we remained free. As they say  freedom isnt free. We need only look at Jesus to know this to be true.

With that in mind, what does the Bible say about independence? About freedom? Well, in terms of governance  not much. Silence, in fact. But in terms of our personal freedom and personal independence, a great deal.

Israels Expectations of Freedom

They answered him, We are Abrahams descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free? (John 8:34).

Israels history is pretty ripe with a significant lack of independence. In fact, other than 80 or so years of self-rule following the Maccabean Revolt against the Syrias Seleucids, the Jews had been the subjects of enslavement and captivity from various empires. They had not ruled themselves for some three-quarters of a millennium. Thats a lot of domination.

At the time of Jesus birth, the Jews were expecting a Messiah who would come to rescue them from their enemies  at that time, the Romans, who had controlled the area for almost 100 years. Even the father of John the Baptizer, at Johns birth, prayed for this:

He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us (Luke 1:69, 71).

Salvation from our enemies. And, of course, the Jews of that generation saw Rome as their enemy. After hundreds of years of domination by others, Israel was expecting the Messiah to deliver them from the tyranny of Roman governance and the oppression of being dominated by others. Clearly, the Lord had other ideas.

It was into this environment that Jesus was born. It was a territory occupied by Rome and controlled by Herod, a Jewish monarch appointed by Rome. And many of the Jews remained blinded  questioning Jesus when He taught that the truth would set them free, and completely unaware of the ties that truly bound them. And despite the control wielded by a tyrannical government, it was not Rome that held them captive. It was much more personal.

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (John 8:31-32).

Freedom for the Captives

Jesus replied, Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin (John 8:34).

Today, when we think about independence or freedom, we associate that with living an independent life. A life of liberty, unencumbered by rules. The ability to live as we choose, whatever those choices might be.

Yes, we live in the most free country in the world, yet that does not save us from the pain and troubles of this life. Yes, we are far better off than so many others, but that financial stature also brings its own burdens that others do not have. We still suffer from the pains of worry, hopelessness, loneliness, resentment, insecurity and even anger.

A friend of mind traveled to Ecuador on a mission trip to a small village. When she returned, all she could feel was how happy those people seemed when they had nothing. No possessions to buy, no bank accounts to worry about, and no expectations of what their lives should be like. They were content.

Our lives are dominated by the cares of this world. We are absolutely held captive by the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16). Further, we are all  independence or no  destined to die.

Many of us know of the words of the Bible regarding freedom. Even as early as the book of Isaiah  some 800 years or so before Christ  the author saw us being set free. Then, in a synagogue in His hometown, Jesus quoted that same verse in stating why He had come:

To proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners (Luke 4:18).

But He didnt stop there. In John 8:31-33, Jesus tells us if we know Him, we know the truth and that truth will set us free. Then, just a few verse later, if the Son sets us free and we will be free indeed (v. 36). Of course, Paul tells us in his letter to the Galatians that it is for freedom that Christ has set us free.

And yet, despite these teachings  or more accurately because of them - we often find it difficult to truly understand the lessons they teach. Yes, we hear freedom fromsin as we struggle through our everyday lives and so often dont feel free from sin. It still feels like we are under that burden.

Free the captives? When we face challenges, they often feel like chains binding us. We may not feel the freedom we know Jesus taught. And yet, we know that Jesus promised to help us understand that He will be there for us in our struggles and calls on us to be liberated from the tyranny of our sin  and so much more.

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners (Isaiah 61:1).

The Freedom of Christ

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed (John 8:36).

But perhaps Peter  bold, strong-willed and sometimes defiant  taught us best what these teachings actually mean:

Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires (2 Peter 1:4).

Peter tells us that the very great and precious promises of Jesus allow us to participate in His divine nature  and to spiritually escape the corruption in the world that is caused by evil desires. James, the brother of Jesus, taught us that when we ask, our battles come from our evil desires that clash within us. We covet but cannot get what we want. Then James made very clear we do not receive because our motives are all wrong and we dont lean on God (James 4:1-3).

And there is the issue at hand. Jesus promised to not leave us alone, that He would send the Holy Spirit to guide us, to convict us of sin:

When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment (John 16:8).

How could this happen? In ourselves we arent righteous. As the Bible says, There is none righteous, no, not one (Rom. 3:10). But when we accept Christ, the filthy rags of our sin are replaced by the glorious robe of Christs righteousness. Our sins were transferred to Him, and His righteousness was transferred to us. And when that happens, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us  just as Christ promised. And by leaning into His Holy Spirit, we will begin to feel the freedom promised by Christ.

When we embrace the lessons of our slavery to sin, then we begin to learn about the power of redemption found in Christ. This is a transformative experience that shakes who we are. Through the Holy Spirit, He provides the very strength we need to walk away from whatever sin might hold us captive  past, present or future.

8 Freedoms We Enjoy in Christ Alone

By leaning into the Holy Spirit, we can begin life anew  with a new sense of freedom. What freedom you may ask?

Freedom from Sin

Romans 6:22

We have freedom from the impact that sin has on our lives. This does not mean freedom from temptation, but when we choose to listen to the Spirit rather than our own nature, we know right from wrong. And now that we have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit we reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. Living through Him helps us in how we think, how we feel, how we act and how we speak.

Freedom from Our Evil Desires

2 Peter 1:4

Just as Peter promised, we have escaped the corruption of evil desires that we experience in this world. We have freedom from the desires driven by money or possessions.

Freedom from the Fear of Death

2 Corinthians 5:8

As believers, we know that this life is not the end. In fact, this life is nothing compared to what awaits us: eternity with our Lord.

Freedom from the Worries and Cares of This Life

Philippians 4:6-7

Truly rusting God can be a challenge for any of us, even the most devout. But when we do, then we can and will achieve the peace of God that passes all understanding.

Freedom from Guilt or Shame

Psalm 103:13

As far as the east is from the west. Clearly what cannot be measured. Even so, that is how far our sin is removed from us. The slate has been wiped clean. We get to start all over again. God has promised He will remember them no more (Hebrews 8:12).

Freedom from Man-Created Rites, Rules and Rituals of Religion

Matthew 15:1-9

The traditions of men do nothing to earn us salvation. In fact, Jesus held his most harsh criticism for the religious leaders of the day who laid out their own rules and held them superior over the commandments of God. They followed the rules, but they did not know God. Their hearts were not with Him.

Freedom from Fear That if We Mess Up, We Will Lose Gods Love

Romans 8:31-39

When we give ourselves to Christ, then we are cloaked in His righteousness. That is the light in which God sees us  and nothing will ever separate us from that love. Neither death nor life; neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus. Id say that about covers everything.

Freedom from the Law of Sin and Death

Romans 8:2

The law was given to us as a custodian until the day of the Messiah. As with our own children, we were given rules to follow and told not to break them. Yet, there was no possible way to achieve eternal salvation by pretending we were able to obey all the rules  even those written on stone tablets (2 Corinthians 3:3).

When we consider the lessons of our slavery to sin, we can discover the incredible joy of liberation through a life that is deeply rooted in Christ Jesus. It is then that we are given the gift of freedom from the chains that bound us. It is true freedom for each of us. And this is not a one-time event  it is a lifelong journey.

Our call is to walk  to live our lives  in this freedom daily. We can lean into God and make our choices based on our commitment to our relationship with Him. To make choices in keeping with the word of God. To love Him with all of our hearts, our minds, our souls and our strength  and then to love our neighbors in the same way.

As we then break free of the chains of sin, we will find lives filled with grace and peace. And yes, freedom. That is something to celebrate, even as we celebrate our countrys Independence Day.

Photo credit: Getty Images/Tetra Images

Grandchamp is an author and speaker. His book, In Pursuit of Truth, A Journey Begins, is an easy-to-read narrative that offers answers to the most common questions new believers and non-believers have about Jesus Christ (Amazon.) Greg speaks on living out our faith in our daily lives  and on creating true disciples of Christ.

Greg doesnt pretend to be a pastor, a theologian, or a Bible expert, but offers the perspective of an everyday guy on the same journey as everyone else  in pursuit of truth.

Greg can be reached by email or on Facebook @ Greg Grandchamp - Author.
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Tatha and Montenegro Consulate sign MoU for wellness collaboration

July 04, 2025 | Friday | News

Partnership is particularly strategic, given Montenegros proximity and access to the European Union market

Vedic Collection, the parent company of Indias plant-powered wellness brand Tatha, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Montenegro Consulate General Office in India.

The MoU was formalised between Divita Kanoria (left in the image), Founder of Vedic Collection, and Dr Janice Darbari (right in the image), Consul General of Montenegro in India, with the shared intent to explore sustainable collaboration between India and Montenegro in the realm of natural skincare, cultural exchange, and future market development.

The partnership stems from a mutual vision to identify and research indigenous herbs, aromatic plants, and mineral-rich ingredients native to Montenegro that hold promise in skincare and wellness. Known for its pristine mountains, coastal biodiversity, and therapeutic springs, Montenegro offers a largely untapped reservoir of botanical resources that align with Tathas commitment to natural efficacy and ethical sourcing.

Tatha is already recognised as the only Indian brand blending plant stem cell biotechnology with traditional Indian herbs like Manjistha and Ashwagandha. The collaboration will begin with Tathas current product range and may evolve to include new SKUs based on shared R&D and ecological compatibility.

The partnership is particularly strategic, given Montenegros proximity and access to the European Union market. The European wellness and personal care market was valued at $123 billion in 2024, and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% over the next five years, driven by consumer demand for clean, sustainable, and heritage-based formulations.

Tatha expects to explore EU market entry over the next six months, with Montenegro serving as a cultural and logistical conduit.

At the same time, Indias herbal products exports have been gaining momentumcrossing Rs 12,000 crore (~$1.4 billion) in 202324, with Europe accounting for a major share of demand. This growing global appetite for ancient wisdom and plant-based wellness solutions positions Tatha as a strong contender for expansion.

Sustainability, fair trade, and ecological sensitivity form the foundation of this initiative. The MoU encourages dialogue between scientists, herbalists, and institutions from both countries, with an emphasis on ethical exploration and cultural integration.

This collaboration marks the brands first formal foray into international expansion, reflecting Indias growing global influence in holistic wellness.
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Oasis took to the stage for their first gig in 16 years, sending the crowd jumping and cups flying into the air.

Noel and Liam Gallagher swaggered onto stage before waving at concert goers at Cardiffs Principality Stadium  the first stop on their long-awaited worldwide reunion tour.

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The brothers launched into Hello to kickstart their first live show since their dramatic split in 2009 following a backstage fight at a gig in Paris.

The brothers have not performed together since 2009 (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

The Britpop band from Manchester started promptly at 8.15pm following a short video which declared: This is not a drill.

Before their third song, (Whats the story) Morning Glory? Liam said: Hello people, its been too long.

He walked off stage after performing Roll With It, with Noel taking over singing duties and appearing to reference the dynamic pricing scandal, quoting the audience a price before saying its just gone up.

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Later, ahead of launching into Cigarettes And Alcohol, Liam demanded the audience embrace, telling fans to turnaround and hug a stranger.

He said: Right then beautiful people, I want to see you all turn around and put your arms round each other.

And when the tunes starts, jump up and f****** down.

Noel Gallagher seemed to make reference to the dynamic pricing scandal during the gig. Photo: Jordan Pettitt/PA.

Tens of thousands of fans descended on Cardiff ahead of the gig, with the stadium able to host 74,500 people.

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On Friday afternoon, every pub and bar along St Marys Street in the Welsh capital was filled with people waiting for the concert to start, with the majority wearing the Britpop bands merchandise.

Fans Lachlan Weekes and Jayden Helm, who spent more than a day travelling from Sydney, Australia, to attend the concert in the Welsh capital, were among fans gathering ahead of the gig.

Mr Weekes said: Weve been planning it forever. We always said that if they got back together, wed be at that first show.

Mr Helm said: Weve been lifelong fans  were 22 and 21, so havent really had a chance to see them before.

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Liam Gallagher said: Hello people, its been too long. Photo: Jordan Pettitt/PA.

We always said it was worth it to come, we wouldnt miss it for the world, he added.

To take time off work to come over here, its more than worth it.

Lawrence Evans, from just outside Swansea, said his life changed when he started listening to the band as he then started to play music and write songs.

He said: They were the band that made me realise how much guitar music meant to me.

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His son Jimmy said of the concert: The fact that its in Wales is really special for us.

Fans travelled from far and wide to see the show. Photo: Jordan Pettitt/PA.

Its the first time I get to see Oasis, (my dad) hes lost count, hes seen them countless times.

Ive been waiting for this day all my life.

Alex Schuetz, an Oasis fan from Germany, said you could not travel far enough to see the band.

The first time I saw them was in 1997, he said.

The last time was in Manchester 2009, just before they broke up.

I even got a ticket for a small festival in Germany and on the ferry to that festival I heard they broke up.

Fans began queueing from 8am, outside the Principality Stadium, Cardiff. Photo: Jordan Pettitt/PA.

I was like, Oh my god something was dying inside of me  it sounds a bit stupid, but it took me ages (to get over it).

He added: Ive come from Germany. You cannot travel far enough, Ive been a fan since 1995.

Glenn Moss, an Oasis fan from Essex who regularly gets mistaken for Liam Gallagher, said he started working as an impersonator ahead of the Britpop bands reunion, having previously been against the idea.

He said: I get stopped all the time  as soon as I got here yesterday four people within five minutes stopped me asking if I was him or for a photo.

The reunion announcement came 15 years after Noel quit the Britpop band, saying he simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer, following a backstage brawl at the Rock en Seine festival in Paris.

Fans have gathered outside the Principality Stadium, Cardiff, as the bands long-awaited reunion tour kicks off in Wales Photo: Jordan Pettitt/PA.

While fans have been pleading for the group to reunite since they disbanded, website issues and controversial dynamic pricing brought outrage, with many failing to secure a spot.

After tickets for the UK and Ireland shows went on sale last year, some standard tickets appeared to have jumped from 148 to 355.

The controversy prompted the Government and the UKs competition watchdog to pledge to look at the use of dynamic pricing.

Following Cardiff, Oasis will visit Manchesters Heaton Park, Londons Wembley Stadium, Edinburghs Murrayfield Stadium and Dublins Croke Park throughout July, August and September.

The group will then head to Japan, South Korea, South America, Australia and North America.

Artist Nathan Wyburn with his artwork The Wonder Wall, a monochrome portrait of Oasis bandmates Noel and Liam Gallagher constructed entirely from bucket hats. Photo: Alistair Heap Media Assignments/PA.

A movie, produced by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, is being made in conjunction with the reunion tour.

The band was led by lead guitarist Noel and his brother, lead vocalist Liam, during their 18 years together.

Oasis signed to independent record label Creation Records in 1993, rising to fame with the release of their debut chart-topping album Definitely Maybe on August 29 1994.

They had hits with songs including Dont Look Back in Anger, Champagne Supernova, Wonderwall and Live Forever.

Dig Out Your Soul, the bands last studio album, was released in 2008, just months before the Paris row.
Oasis will kickstart their long-awaited worldwide reunion tour in Cardiff on Friday, their first concert in almost 16 years.

Brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher will perform together for the first time since their dramatic split in 2009, when they appear at the Welsh capitals Principality Stadium.

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The brothers announced the Oasis Live 25 tour last August, starting with two dates in Cardiff on Friday and Saturday, before heading across the UK and Ireland.

Artist Nathan Wyburn with his artwork The Wonder Wall, a monochrome portrait of Oasis bandmates Noel and Liam Gallagher constructed entirely from bucket hats, commissioned by St Davids, on display at the shopping centre in Cardiff. Photo: Alistair Heap Media Assignments/PA

Doors are expected to open at 5pm, with Cast and the Verve frontman Richard Ashcroft in support.

Former members of the group are expected to make a return, with Andy Bell on bass, and Gem Archer and Paul Bonehead Arthurs on guitars.

Noel was spotted getting off the train in Cardiff on Tuesday, while a drone display spelling out the bands name could be seen over the stadium on Wednesday.

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Fans across the city have also heard what they believe to be rehearsals in the Principality throughout the week.

The reunion announcement came 15 years after Noel quit the Britpop band, saying he simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer, following a backstage brawl at the Rock en Seine festival in Paris.

While fans have been pleading for the group to reunite since they disbanded, website issues and controversial dynamic pricing brought outrage, with many failing to secure a spot.

After tickets for the UK and Ireland shows went on sale last year, some standard tickets appeared to have jumped from 150 to over 400.

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Ticketing issues, with website problems and dynamic pricing, mean many fans failed to secure a spot and resale prices were high. Photo: Yui Mok/PA

The controversy prompted the British government and the UKs competition watchdog to pledge to look at the use of dynamic pricing.

Following Cardiff, Oasis will visit Manchesters Heaton Park, Londons Wembley Stadium, Edinburghs Murrayfield Stadium and Dublins Croke Park throughout July, August and September.

The group will then head to Japan, South Korea, South America, Australia and North America.

A movie, produced by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, is being made in conjunction with the reunion tour.

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Formed in Manchester in 1991, the rock band was led by lead guitarist Noel and his brother, lead vocalist Liam, during their 18 years together.

The reunion comes 15 years after Noel Gallagher quit the band, claiming he could no longer work with brother Liam Gallagher. Photo: Zak Hussein/PA

Oasis signed to independent record label Creation Records in 1993, rising to fame with the release of their debut chart-topping album Definitely Maybe on August 29 1994.

They had hits with songs including Dont Look Back in Anger, Champagne Supernova, Wonderwall and Live Forever.

Dig Out Your Soul, the bands last studio album, was released in 2008, just months before the Paris row.
The six men caught onboard the MV Matthew with Irelands largest-ever drugs seizure and two others who attempted to take the illicit load onboard a second vessel in the Irish Sea have been jailed for a combined 129 years.

More than 2.2 tonnes of cocaine worth around 157 million was found on the MV Matthew after the ship was stormed by Defence Forces soldiers in September 2023.

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The Special Criminal Court heard that a number of the crew had been hired by an international organised crime group in Dubai to crew the Panamanian-registered bulk carrier.

Eight men had admitted their roles in trying to smuggle cocaine as part of a massive drug trafficking operation.

At sentencing on Friday, Dutch national Cumali Ozgen (49) received a sentence of 20 years, while Filipino Harold Estoesta (31) received a sentence of 18 years.

The captain of the vessel, Iranian Soheil Jelveh (51), received 17-and-a-half years in prison.

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Ukrainians Vitaliy Vlasoi (32) received a 16-and-a-half-year sentence and Mykhailo Gavryk, also 32, received 14 years imprisonment.

Saeid Hassani (40), who was the third officer, received a 15-year sentence.

Two other men, who were on a boat that had been purchased in Castletownbere to collect drugs from the main vessel, were also sentenced for attempting to possess cocaine for sale or supply.

Ukrainian national Vitaliy Lapa (62), with an address at Rudenka, Repina Str in Berdyansk, received a sentence of 14 and a half years.

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Jamie Harbron (31), of South Avenue, Billingham in the UK, received a sentence of 13-and-a-half years in prison.

The court previously heard that while the MV Matthew was sailing under the flag of Panama, it was owned by a Dubai-based company known as 'Symphony Marine'.

It departed from Curacao, off the Venezuelan coast and sailed across the Atlantic before arriving in Irish territorial waters.

Ireland From the Caribbean to Cork: The journey of cocaine... Read More

The court also heard that an organised crime group in Dubai instructed the crew of the MV Matthew as it attempted to evade law enforcement and deliver the drugs to an Irish vessel.

Despite repeated warnings from the Irish Navy, including warning shots fired from the LE William Butler Yeats, the person overseeing the operation told the crew to keep going and head for a safe port in Sierra Leone.

The original plan was that the MV Matthew would deliver the drugs to a second ship, the Castlemore, but rough seas and technical difficulties caused the Irish vessel to miss the connection and later to run aground.

More to follow...
A man charged with breaching a court order which banned him from visiting Ireland for 20 years has been found unfit to plead at this time.

Matthew Notman of Laburnam House, Laburnam Avenue, Kirkby in Nottingham in the UK, appeared before a sitting of Skibbereen District Court in West Cork in January of this year.

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His appearance in court followed an alleged breach of an order made at Cork Circuit Criminal Court on June 30th, 2022.

The order was that Mr Notman was prohibited from communicating directly or indirectly with a woman living in West Cork. He was also ordered to stay out of Ireland for two decades.

The accusation was that Mr Notman communicated with the woman on Facebook Messenger on November 13th and 14th, 2024. It was also alleged that Mr Notman entered Ireland by ferry from the UK on November 10th, 2024.

The case was sent forward to Cork Circuit Criminal Court. Defence barrister, Paula McCarthy, BL, has told the court that a report from a psychiatrist at the Central Mental Hospital indicates that Mr Notman is suffering from a major mental health illness.

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He was admitted to the hospital earlier this year following an acute psychotic episode characterised by grandiose delusions where he was of the belief that he was the King of Ireland returning to make the woman the Queen of Ireland. He also was of the opinion that he had royal blood.

The report states that Mr Notman, who is in his 30s, is making slow but steady improvement in hospital, where he is back on psychotropic medication. Ms McCarthy said that her client intends to enter a guilty plea.

Ireland Eight men jailed over Ireland's largest ever cocai... Read More

Judge Helen Boyle was told that the DPP accepts the findings of the report from the hospital.

Judge Boyle said that she was satisfied that at the moment he (Notman) is not fit to plead.

He (Notman) has had a long-established history of major mental illness since the age of 21. (This includes) schizophrenia affective disorder and bipolar affective disorder.

An updated report will be furnished to the court on July 15th next. Mr Notman will continue to receive treatment at the Central Mental Hospital.
Tributes are being paid to a man in his 30s who drowned while fishing along the River Suir in Co Waterford.

Named locally as Danny Kavanagh, from close to Carrick-on-Suir, Co Tipperary, was among a group of men in a boat fishing in the River Suir on Tuesday night.

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The incident occurred at Tinhalla, Co Waterford just outside Carrick-on-Suir town around 8.30pm.

Emergency services including the gardai, an Irish Coast Guard helicopter, the Fire Service and Carrick-on-Suir River Rescue volunteers were involved in the search for Mr Kavanagh.

His body was recovered from the river by Carrick River Rescue team members around 5am on Wednesday.

Inland Fisheries Ireland officers also attended the scene and are liaising with gardai in relation to the incident.

His body was removed from the scene and taken to University Hospital Waterford (UHW), where a post-mortem is to be carried out. The Office of the Coroner has been notified.

In numerous tributes online, friends of Mr Kavanagh said that he was a lovely man who will be missed so much. It's so sad condolences to all (who) knew him, while another added: A young life lost doing what he loved. Rest in peace Danny.

Mr Kavanaghs funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.
The six men caught on board the bulk carrier MV Matthew with 2.2 tonnes of cocaine and two others who attempted to take the illicit load on board a second vessel in the Irish Sea have been jailed for a combined 129 years.

Passing sentence at the Special Criminal Court on Friday, Ms Justice Melanie Greally described the ship's experienced and highly expert crew as "valuable components of the engine that drives international drug smuggling".

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The defendants, who hail from Iran, Ukraine, Philippines and the UK, were "committed to and invested in" the criminal enterprise on behalf of an organised crime group with "apparently unlimited resources", the judge said.

Having set headline sentences ranging from 30 years to 22 years, the three-judge court reduced each sentence after considering mitigating factors.

The longest sentence imposed was against Dutch national Cumali Ozgen (50), who received a 20-year sentence.

Ms Justice Greally said Ozgen had the closest connection to the Dubai-based criminal organisation that planned and funded the operation and that stood to gain from its success.

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Ozgen, along with Ukrainians Mykhailo Gavryk (32) and Vitaliy Vlasoi (33); Iranians Soheil Jelveh (52) and Saeid Hassani (39) and Filipino Harold Estoesta (31); previously pleaded guilty that between September 24th and 26th 2023, both dates inclusive, at locations outside the State, on board the vessel "MV Matthew" they possessed cocaine for sale or supply contravention of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations.

The drugs have been valued at 157 million.

Ukrainian national Vitaliy Lapa (62), with an address at Rudenka, Repina Str in Berdyansk, and Jamie Harbron (31) of South Avenue, Billingham in the UK pleaded guilty that on dates between September 21st and 25th 2023, at a location within the State, they attempted to possess cocaine for the purpose of selling or otherwise supplying to another.

Ms Justice Greally on Friday sentenced Ozgen to 20 years in prison; Estoesta to 18 years; Jelveh to 17.5 years; Vlasoi to 16.5 years; Hassani to 15 years; Gavryk to 14 years; Lapa to 14.5 years and Harbron to 13.5 years.

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The court previously heard that while the MV Matthew was sailing under the flag of Panama, it was owned by a Dubai-based company known as 'Symphony Marine'. It departed from Curacao, off the Venezuelan coast before being loaded with 2.2 tonnes of cocaine.

The court also heard that an organised crime group in Dubai instructed the crew of the MV Matthew as it attempted to evade law enforcement and deliver the drugs to an Irish vessel.

Despite repeated warnings from the Irish Navy, including warning shots fired from the LE William Butler Yeats, the person overseeing the operation told the crew to keep going and head for a safe port in Sierra Leone.

The original plan was that the MV Matthew would deliver the drugs to a second ship, the Castlemore, but rough seas and technical difficulties caused the Irish vessel to miss the connection and later to run aground.

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As the MV Matthew tried to evade capture, members of the Irish Army Rangers were lowered by rope ladder from a helicopter onto the ship's deck.

The crew had tried to set the drugs on fire but the rangers acted quickly to quench the flames and save the drugs as evidence. One of the rangers, a former member of the Navy, steered the vessel to Cork Harbour.

In sentencing, Ms Justice Greally said a significant aggravating factor was that the operation was on behalf of a criminal organisation with international reach and "apparently unlimited resources to invest in transnational drug-trafficking".

She said each defendant's culpability was based on the "vast quantity" and value of the drugs, the meticulous planning of the operation and the group's technical sophistication.

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Cocaine is a "highly addictive drug which is causing widespread societal harm and dysfunction," she said.

While none of the convicted men belong to the "upper echelons" of the criminal organisation and they did not own the drugs or stand to profit from their sale, Ms Justice Greally said they played an important role in the operation.

Apart from Ozgen and Harbron, they possessed a "high level of seafaring and navigational expertise," which is vital to such operations, she said. "Seafarers are not cogs but valuable components of the engine that drives international drug smuggling," she said.

Each had proven competence at sea and obtained a high level of trust in the organisation. They were "committed to and invested in the success of the venture," she said.

Ms Justice Greally noted that Ozgen and the officers on board the MV Matthew had given varying accounts of when and how they came to know of the illicit nature of the ship's cargo.

However, Ms Justice Greally said a failure to understand the purpose of the voyage would require a level of "wilful ignorance" that is "tantamount to knowledge".

She pointed out that the MV Matthew is a large bulk carrier which left Venezuela for Gdansk in Poland with no cargo. While at sea, the ordinary seamen were plied with alcohol before armed men on board a second vessel lifted the drugs onto the MV Matthew by crane.

She said there was also evidence from a group chat being used by the officers that each of them knew that the MV Matthew was using "spoofing" software to misrepresent its location as it crossed the Atlantic.

Ozgen, the judge said, was the crew member most closely connected to the criminal organisation in Dubai and was to be paid a significant sum for his role.

He had specific knowledge of the drugs and was on board to ensure the job was successful, the judge said. He provided progress reports to Dubai every couple of days and occupied the captain's cabin so he could supervise and monitor what the other officers were doing.

"The evidence supports that he was a malign and intimidatory presence on the ship," she said.

Hassani and Lapa, she said, were in debt and were motivated by the financial pressure they were under and their family circumstances. Harbron, a drug addict, was primarily looking to reduce his drug debt, the judge said.

Jelveh, who was the captain of the vessel, contacted the Irish Coast Guard after two failed rendezvous with the Castlemore and asked to be airlifted away for medical reasons.

He therefore left the MV Matthew before the operation's failure was certain, Judge Greally said, and had no role in later attempts by the crew to defy the orders of the Irish Navy and customs officers or to prevent the Irish Army Rangers from making their landing.

Estoesta, the judge said, demonstrated a level of commitment to the criminal organisation that was "unmatched by any other officer". When presented with a choice between obeying the Irish authorities or the criminal organisation, he chose to try to evade justice and escape Irish waters, hoping to get to Sierra Leone in west Africa.

When a helicopter attempted to lower the rangers to the ship by rope ladder, Vlasoi was steering the ship. Ms Justice Greally said Vlasoi manoeuvred the ship to frustrate their landing, exposing them to danger and creating a further aggravating factor.

Ms Justice Greally set headline sentences for each accused, ranging from 30 years for Ozgen, the most culpable, to 22 years for Harbron who was deemed least culpable.

Before finalising the sentence, Ms Justice Greally said the court took into account that each defendant pleaded guilty and that all, except Harbron, have no previous convictions.

She further considered their family situations and the difficulties they will face in a foreign prison, far away from home. Within the prison system, each defendant has enhanced status for good behaviour.

Ms Justice Greally backdated each sentence to when they went into custody following their arrests in September 2023.

Ms Justice Greally concluded by saying that she had observed the "professionalism and competence" of the joint task force involving gardai, customs and revenue officers, the navy and the Irish army.

They had succeeded in preventing the ship from escaping Irish waters and from evading justice. The skill of the army rangers, she said, was critical to the operation's success.

She further commended the investigation team and lawyers for the clarity of the evidence presented in court which, she said, "without doubt led to the guilty pleas being entered".

Outside court, Detective Superintendent Joe O'Reilly said this remains the largest seizure of controlled drugs in the history of the State.

Ireland Woman (42) jailed for acting as get-away driver fo... Read More

He added: "The sentences imposed today provide a clear message to persons involved in international drug trafficking that Ireland is not a soft target for transnational organised criminal networks.

"This and other drugs interdictions over recent years clearly demonstrate that all agencies of the State, supported by our international partners, will work together to successfully disrupt and dismantle criminal networks engaged in drug trafficking, thereby reducing harm to our communities.

"To those involved in drug trafficking, the message is clear: The full force of the Irish State, supported by our international partners, is against you. The reality facing you is security interdictions, special investigations, the Special Criminal Court, lengthy sentences and asset seizure.

"Transnational organised crime gangs cause misery to communities not only in Ireland but throughout the world. Tackling these gangs not only makes Ireland safer but all the other countries that they operate in."
A woman who forcefully pushed her partner, which resulted in his death, has been sentenced to two years and nine months in prison.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Olesja Hertova (49) of Hastings Lawn, Balbriggan, Dublin, pleaded guilty to one count of the unlawful killing of James Ryan on August 11th 2024, at the above address.

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She has no previous convictions.

Passing sentence on Friday, Judge Martin Nolan said that on the night in question, Hertova lost her temper with Mr Ryan and pushed him forcefully.

I have no doubt that she did not intend to kill him, he said.

CCTV footage shown in court showed that Hertova forcefully pushed her partner, and he struck his head. The judge noted, It is tragic for his children and extended family.

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Judge Nolan said Mr Ryan seems to have been a very popular and vital to his family. He said that his death has caused huge trauma and expressed the court's sympathies to them.

Judge Nolan said the mitigation in the case was very clear. He noted Hertova entered a guilty plea and co-operated with gardai. He noted that she has no previous convictions, and, due to her previous good character, he said he does not believe she will reoffend in the future.

Judge Nolan set a headline sentence of five years and, after taking the mitigating factors into consideration, reduced this sentence to two years and nine months. He backdated to when she went into custody in August 2024.

Detective Garda Eoin McDonald told Fiona McGowan BL, prosecuting, that Hertova and Mr Ryan had been in a relationship for sixteen years and had a 15-year-old daughter together.

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On the day in question, Mr. Ryan had purchased a half-bottle of vodka for Hertova to have at a barbecue at their house. Once she had consumed the bottle of vodka, she went to the shop and purchased more alcohol.

After the barbecue, Mr Ryan went to a local pub and at 1am was seen entering a takeaway. He then took a taxi home, arriving at 1.30am.

The court heard that when Mr Ryan arrived home, both he and Hertova began to argue, and Mr Ryan walked out the front door of his home and unlocked a car in the driveway. Hertova followed him out and told him not to drive. She then pushed Mr Ryan, and he fell to the ground.

The court heard Hertova went to walk back into the house, but then turned and went over to Mr Ryan and fixed his glasses. Their daughter came out of the house, neighbours also came over, and an ambulance was called. At first, Mr Ryan was unconscious, and there was blood coming from his ear. When he regained consciousness, he was unable to stand up.

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An ambulance transferred Mr Ryan to Beaumont Hospital, where a brain CT showed bruising to his frontal lobe along with a haemorrhage. Mr Ryan's level of consciousness dropped and his pupils began to dilate, but before medical staff could reduce this pressure, his condition deteriorated, and he was referred to palliative care. Mr Ryan passed away the following day on August 11th.

Gda McDonald said a post-mortem examination was carried out, and the cause of death was a blunt-force head injury due to a fall. It was also noted that he had COPD and Parkinson's disease, but these did not contribute to his death.

The court heard that neighbours of Mr Ryan looked at CCTV footage from their home and, upon doing this, gave the footage to the gardai. The home of Mr Ryan and Hertova was searched.

On August 27th, 2024, the house was searched again, and Hertova was arrested, detained and interviewed. During interview, Hertova said that she was trying to pull Mr Ryan away from the car so he would not drive it. She expressed remorse during her interview.

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When the CCTV footage was played in court, Hertova became visibly upset, as did members of Mr Ryan's family. Mr Ryan was 69 years old at the time of his death and had been in a relationship with Hertova since 2006. He was previously married, and a number of his children from that marriage were present in court.

Gda McDonald agreed with Bernard Condon SC, defending, that the CCTV footage showed Hertova coming back out of the house and staying with Mr Ryan to comfort him until the emergency services arrived.

The garda agreed with counsel that in a witness statement, Hertova was kissing Mr Ryan and that both Mr Ryan and Hertova were laughing together.

Ms Karen Ryan, who is Mr Ryan's adult daughter, read victim impact statements on behalf of herself and Mr Ryans siblings. She said: My dad was known and described as a gentleman. Nothing could prepare me for the destruction his death caused. I dont know how to exist without him.

She said that since her father's death, she worries daily about her younger sister.

No one sees the ripple effect when someone is violently taken from your home, she said. I have not had time to deal with my own grief.

Referring to Hertova, Ms Ryan said, She didnt just kill him, she tried to hide it. This person knew exactly what she did; she tried to hide it.

She watched our pain and stayed silent. The cruelty is hard to put into words, and it will haunt me for the rest of my life.

This trauma has affected my personal and professional life, and sometimes it is hard to get out of bed. My children are the reason I keep going.

"The loss has changed our lives in a way we can never fully express.

Ms Ryan also read a victim impact statement on behalf of Mr Ryans sisters, Una and Jackie, who described their brother as the cornerstone of our family and cherished by all who knew him.

This has left a scar on our family. It is such an immense loss, our family will never be the same again. We will never hear his laughter or see his cheeky smile. She has stolen our brother away.

Mr Ryans daughter, Lynn, read her victim impact statement to the court, saying: The wound inflicted on my family will never truly heal.

She [Hertova] extinguished the light of our family. His dignity was stripped away. I could not hold him and offer him a final embrace. She sat there, with what I know now were crocodile tears

The Director of Public Prosecutions placed this offence as being at the lower end of the medium culpability range, with a recommended headline sentence of four to 10 years, the court heard.

Mr Condon, defending, disagreed and said he believed that the offence fell into the higher end of the lower range. He outlined to the court that this was one push with a tragic outcome.

He asked the court to take into account his client's early guilty plea and that she has been in custody since August 2024. He said as a result of this, she has now lost her home.

Counsel stated that Hertova has limited support going forward and plans to return to her home country, the Czech Republic, upon her release from prison.

He handed a letter to the court from Hertova, which said: I am so very sorry, and I will live with it for the rest of my life. I look at my hands daily and just want to cut them off. I think about my wrongdoing daily, and I am sorry.

He asked the court to be mindful of directing a prisoner to rehabilitation and to take into account her lack of previous convictions, her remorse and guilty plea.
Waves of drone and missile attacks have targeted Kyiv overnight in the largest aerial assault since Russias invasion of Ukraine began more than three years ago.

The barrage killed one person and wounded at least 26 others, including a child, and inflicted severe damage across multiple districts of the capital in a seven-hour onslaught.

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It was a harsh, sleepless night, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.





Firefighting efforts and debris removal are still ongoing after another Russian strike. This was one of the most large-scale air attacks  deliberately massive and cynical. In total, 550 targets were launched, including at least 330 Russian-Iranian shaheds, along with missiles, pic.twitter.com/vnn31oST0z  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) July 4, 2025

Russia has been stepping up its long-range attacks on Ukrainian cities. Less than a week ago, Russia launched what was then the largest aerial assault of the war.

That strategy has coincided with a concerted Russian effort to break through parts of the 620-mile front line, where Ukrainian troops are under severe pressure.

Russia launched 550 drones and missiles across Ukraine during the night, the countrys air force said. The majority were Shahed drones but Russia also launched 11 missiles in the attack.

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Alya Shahlai, a 23-year-old Kyiv wedding photographer, said that her home was destroyed in the attack.

We were all in the (basement) shelter because it was so loud, staying home would have been suicidal, she told The Associated Press. We went down 10 minutes before and then there was a loud explosion and the lights went out in the shelter, people were panicking.

Five ambulances were damaged while responding to calls, officials said, and emergency services removed more than 300 tons of rubble.

The attack on Kyiv began the same day a phone call took place between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

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On Friday, Mr Trump and Mr Zelensky had a very important and meaningful conversation by phone, said Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraines presidential office. He said that details of the talks would be provided later.

US-led international peace efforts have been fruitless so far. Recent direct peace talks have led only to sporadic exchanges of prisoners of war, wounded troops and the bodies of fallen soldiers.

Ukrainian officials and the Russian Defence Ministry said another prisoner swap took place on Friday, though neither side said how many soldiers were involved.

Mr Zelensky said most of the Ukrainians had been in Russian captivity since 2022. The Ukrainian soldiers were classified as wounded and seriously ill.

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When asked if he made any progress during his call with Mr Putin on a deal to end the fighting in Ukraine, Mr Trump said: No, I didnt make any progress with him today at all.

Im very disappointed with the conversation I had today with President Putin because I dont think hes there. I dont think hes looking to stop (the fighting), and thats too bad, Mr Trump said.



It was one of the biggest such attacks of the war (AP)

According to Yuri Ushakov, Mr Putins foreign affairs adviser, the Russian leader emphasised that Moscow will seek to achieve its goals in Ukraine and remove the root causes of the conflict.

Russia will not back down from these goals, Mr Ushakov told reporters after the call.

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Russias army crossed the border on February 24 2022 in an all-out invasion that Mr Putin sought to justify by falsely saying it was needed to protect Russian-speaking civilians in eastern Ukraine and prevent the country from joining Nato.

The US has paused some shipments of military aid to Ukraine, including crucial air defence missiles. Ukraines main European backers are considering how they can help pick up the slack. Mr Zelensky says plans are afoot to build up Ukraines domestic arms industry, but scaling up will take time.

The Ukrainian response needs to be speedy as Russia escalates its aerial attacks. Russia launched 5,438 drones at Ukraine in June, a new monthly record, according to official data collated by The Associated Press.

Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said earlier this week that Russia also launched more than 330 missiles, including nearly 80 ballistic missiles, at Ukrainian towns and cities that month.
President Donald Trump has claimed he did not know the term shylock is considered antisemitic when he used it in a speech to describe unscrupulous money lenders.

Mr Trump told reporters early on Friday after returning from an event in Iowa that he had never heard it that way and never heard that the term was considered an offensive stereotype about Jews.

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Shylock refers to the villainous Jewish moneylender in Shakespeares The Merchant Of Venice who demands a pound of flesh from a debtor.

The Anti-Defamation League, which works to combat antisemitism, said in a statement that the term evokes a centuries-old antisemitic trope about Jews and greed that is extremely offensive and dangerous. President Trumps use of the term is very troubling and irresponsible.





Democrat Joe Biden, while vice president, said in 2014 that he had made a poor choice of words a day after he used the term in remarks to a legal aid group.

Mr Trumps administration has said cracking down on antisemitism is a priority. His administration said it is screening for antisemitic activity when granting immigration benefits and its fight with Harvard University has centred on allegations from the White House that the school has tolerated antisemitism.

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But the Republican president has also had a history of playing on stereotypes about Jewish people.

He told the Republican Jewish Coalition in 2015 that you want to control your politicians and suggested the audience used money to exert control.

Before he kicked off his 2024 presidential campaign, Mr Trump drew widespread criticism for dining at his Florida club with a Holocaust-denying white nationalist.

Last year, he made repeated comments accusing Jewish Americans who identify as Democrats of disloyalty because of the Democratic leaders criticisms of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Critics said it perpetuated an antisemitic trope about Jews having divided loyalties and there being only one right way to be Jewish.

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On Thursday night in his speech in Iowa, Mr Trump used the term while talking about his signature legislation that was passed by Congress earlier in the day.

No death tax, no estate tax, no going to the banks and borrowing some from, in some cases, a fine banker and in some cases shylocks and bad people, he said.

When a reporter later asked about the words antisemitic association and his intent, Mr Trump said; No, Ive never heard it that way. To me, a shylock is somebody thats a money lender at high rates. Ive never heard it that way. You view it differently than me. Ive never heard that.

The Anti-Defamation League said Mr Trumps use of the word underscores how lies and conspiracies about Jews remain deeply entrenched in our country. Words from our leaders matter and we expect more from the President of the United States.
The research forms part of the annual Digital News Report compiled by the University of Canberras News and Media Research Centre and part of an international annual survey led by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism. The study surveyed more than 100,000 people worldwide, of whom 2006 were Australian. In the United States, where podcasters Joe Rogan and Theo Von played a major role in the election of Donald Trump, politicians are considered the main misinformation threat. Loading While younger Australians consume news on social platforms due to the convenience of different formats, the reports author, Sora Park from the University of Canberra, says they are aware of potential shortcomings of news coming from less trusted or verified sources. While they rely on these influencers, they also know that sometimes theyre not accurate, and that mostly theyre not journalists, Park says.

But they value, and actively seek, a perspective in their news, Park says, with the research showing older audiences value truth and accuracy in reporting at almost twice the rate of those aged under 35. Platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and YouTube are at the heart of the evolution of the traditional newsroom, says Nathan Powell, chief product and strategy officer at influencer marketing and data firm Fabulate. Trust is no longer earned through a press badge, Powell says, but rather through personality, consistency and perceived authenticity. The lines are blurring between journalist, commentator and entertainer, and that evolution is redefining how news is delivered and who gets to deliver it, Powell says. Loading This years election signalled the arrival of new media, with the Labor government inviting friendly online commentators and influencers into the federal budget lockup for the first time.

Phoebe Saintilan-Stocks, founder of woman-focused outlet Missing Perspectives, was part of this new media cohort, and told the report it was a clear signal that the government was attuned to the shifts taking place, with new players such as herself influential as sources for Gen Z and Millennial audiences. The response to us being invited to Canberra, along with a collection of content creators and other new media, was totally unexpected  but maybe I was naive. As social-first media, we were made to feel unwelcome and branded as influencers  and the fact that we attended the budget lockup became the story itself in legacy and mainstream media. The backlash is partly owed to the view that there are few checks and balances to ensure influencers and new media commentators meet the same standards to which traditional press are held. One of Australias most popular online personalities and podcasters, Abbie Chatfield, was the subject of an Australian Electoral Commission review over her election posts and whether they should have an authorisation message. Abbie Chatfield (left) endorsed the Greens amid an interview with the partys leader, Adam Bandt (right), ahead of the election. Credit: @abbiechatfield & @australiangreens Chatfield was cleared of any wrongdoing after the AEC reviewed whether her combined posts with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Greens leader Adam Bandt had breached electoral laws. However, Park predicts that electoral laws will change in the near future to ensure professional standards are met when considering politically influential material, regardless of its source.

The trend that social media is a source of news is growing, and [the proportion of] people who only rely on social media will become bigger and bigger, so as that population grows, then definitely there needs to be some consideration about the quality of information that they provide, Park says. Olympic diver Sam Fricker has a large online audience and has interviewed subjects from across the political spectrum, including Labor minister Chris Bowen and then opposition leader Peter Dutton. During the election cycle, Fricker travelled to Queensland to interview billionaire Clive Palmer, even staying at Palmers Coolum resort, which was closed to the public at the time. Honesty, integrity, respect and goodwill are the most important values to uphold for creators, Fricker says, who adds that he stays neutral in all interviews but was pressed in the lead-up to the election to disclose his own politics. Then opposition leader Peter Dutton (left) and influencer, podcaster and diver Sam Fricker. Credit: When Ive had political guests on, Ive made a real effort to stay neutral. Ive asked them all very similar questions, and the tone always comes from a place of curiosity and respect. Ive never taken sides or tried to influence any vote, thats not what Im about.

Most prominent online commentators now speak openly from a partisan perspective. During an influencer debate organised by SBS The Feed, six political commentators were placed in a room together ahead of the election and each was introduced and their political leaning disclosed. Chatfield was sold as a Greens voter, Cheek Medias Hannah Ferguson as a Greens member and teal supporter, and Freya Leach, a popular conservative online personality, as a Liberal Party member. Loading While the outcome was not a level-headed debate, it made for compelling viewing, with young audiences increasingly seeking news and personalities with a perspective that aligns with their own. Influencers being upfront with their politics resonates with their audiences, Park says. With disinformation rife across the media and social platforms, Cheek Medias Ferguson says regulation and accountability are crucial to ensure Australians are consuming news they can trust.
This story contains spoilers for season three, episode six of And Just Like That...

Theres a specific kind of whiplash that comes from episodes like this. Episodes where the full spectrum of human emotion is wielded with grace and heart, and then also Aidan is there.

Its only a matter of time until hes gone, right? Surely the writers arent baiting us with mounting evidence of Aidan being a rubber band on the brink of snapping and blowing his entire life up, only to give him and Carrie a happy ending later. I wish I had hope for that to be the case, but Im not sure any more.

Please, let us be free of this man: Aidan (John Corbett) in And Just Like That... Credit: Max

Despite Carries long-established security system and the whole charade about key exchanges in Virginia a few episodes ago, Aidan wanders up to Carries apartment to toss pebbles at the window, smashing it to pieces.
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 If Neighbours has to end  and, after 40 years, 9300 episodes, and two premature deaths, it really does  its going out with a bang. Not an explosion, mind, but a party. I am ending it in a way that sets up future chapters, says showrunner and executive producer Jason Herbison. Itll be very hopeful and optimistic, but it will be different to last time. Most importantly, it absolutely leaves the door open for a few different ways the show could come back in the future. This is the third time Neighbours has come to an end. And while Australian viewers might shrug and say so what, I stopped watching years ago, the impact on our screens could be felt for years to come. When Neighbours folds, it will take around 200 jobs  cast and crew  with it. Perhaps most importantly, it will rob the Australian screen sector of one of its most fertile training grounds, the alumni of which have gone on to make and star in hit and critically acclaimed shows both here and abroad. The importance of Neighbours and Home and Away, these two institutions in terms of giving people a go, cannot be overstated, says veteran writer-producer Tony Ayres, creator or co-creator of many of Australias most successful series, including Clickbait, Stateless, Glitch and the current Netflix hit Survivors. The trend in Australia (and elsewhere) is to short-run series, often with just four or six episodes and rarely more than 10. Return seasons are few, if any. Neighbours, by contrast, turns out more than 200 episodes a year.

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A long run means opportunities for new talent to learn the ropes, be tested, and fail in relative safety. No one is going to turn over one episode in a batch of six  at a cost of maybe 10 times an episode of the soap  to a novice. And that means the next generation will have fewer chances to learn how to do it. Its very hard to not believe theres something broken in our ecosystem, says Ayres. We had a tentative pathway, a trail of breadcrumbs you could follow through the forest, and it feels like thats being swept away. Director Scott Major  who started on the show as a cast member  watches playback of a scene on set. Credit: Alex Coppel We wont actually see the results of this for another four or five years, when people like me age out of the industry. But basically, we dont have a succession plan at the moment. For decades, Neighbours has primarily been an export product, with the bulk of its audience in the UK. Part of the reason it resonates there is the relentlessly sunny vision of Australia it sells, but on the day I visit Erinsborough in the final week of filming, before the last episodes air in December, its wet and bitterly cold. The show employs two production crews, and on this Wednesday the outside unit is inside. There are 12 people doing make-up alone. As I head onto set, I pass a visiting class of wardrobe design students, getting a glimpse of a place they might once have expected to secure a job. Dozens of cast members are crowded into The Waterhole set in Studio A, clustered into small groups, miming conversation as the camera moves past them to pick up the action in a particular spot. There are series regulars and returning faves (the producers want to keep as much of the surprise element as possible for fans, so no spoilers here).

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Elise Jansen is among them. Shes playing Elle Robinson. Its her third stint on the show, playing a different character each time. Actually, its her fourth if you include her day as an extra while at uni. Growing up, it was my favourite show, she says. And to think that now Ive been able to be on it is quite extraordinary. Director Scott Major is moving along at a brisk pace. A former actor who skilled up to directing via the show, Major has gone on to handle bigger budgeted dramas (Riptide, Lie with Me, Playing for Keeps). But Neighbours (272 episodes and counting) is his bread and butter. He gets one shot in two takes, then swaps camera positions for a reverse angle of the party. One take and hes happy. Its a fast and furious pace, but everyone knows what theyre doing. Shooting scene after scene after scene is a great way to cut your teeth, a great way to learn, says Jansen, who happily describes herself as a jobbing actor, like the vast majority in the profession. Its a fast-moving train, and you just have to jump on and keep going at the speed that its going, and at some point you jump off. The roll-call of famous actors whove graduated from Ramsay Street is well known: Margot, Kylie, Jason, Guy. But there are many others who got their start, or at least an early break, here. Severances Dichen Lachman, The 100s Eliza Taylor, Xavier Molyneux, who has just been cast as the lead in Vikings spin-off Bloodaxe. Loading

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But its not just the actors, of course. In my six years here, weve trained 10 directors, says series producer Andrew Thompson, who is responsible for the logistical side of keeping this train on the tracks. There have been writers who have worked their way up through the script department. One of our sound recorders is someone who did an attachment here a few years ago, weve got people in the art department, lighting, continuity people. Weve been training intimacy co-ordinators  I dont think theres a single department that hasnt had some attachment at some time. Many of those positions have been formal placements, funded by the Victorian state government through its agency VicScreen. Goodbye  for now?: Alan Fletcher has played Karl Kennedy for almost 7000 episodes since 1987. Credit: Alex Coppel Neighbours has played a significant role in the growth of Victorias screen industry, says Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks, adding that more than 50 people have taken part in the Neighbours training initiative since 2017, gaining hands-on experience in technical and creative roles. We are sad to see Neighbours come to an end, but our support for Victorias screen industries continues, he adds, with 55 attachments across nine other productions  including high-end series All Her Fault, The Family Next Door and Goolagong  over the past 12 months. Loading

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Peter Mattessi is now president of the Australian Writers Guild. He was also the creator of Return To Paradise, the Australian spin-off of the BBCs hit series Death in Paradise. But he too got his first big break on Neighbours. I was lucky enough to get my start over 20 years ago, when the show had the resources to take on trainee storyliners with no experience and no credits, he says (showrunner Herbison also got his start this way, after writing to Channel Ten with some story suggestions when he was still at school). If a trainee had the chops, there would be a job at the end of the placement. For the next four years, I wrote and rewrote stories and scripts for the show every day, under the immense pressure of having to produce five episodes a week, every week, says Mattessi. Lights, cameras, actors: Andrew Thompson says people have been trained in every department in his six years with the show. Credit: Alex Coppel Sometimes he turned out work he was proud of, sometimes not so much. But I learnt more about writing from what didnt work than what did. Neighbours was the foundation of my career and it taught me how to be a television writer. I would have been absolutely lost without it. For Dannika Horvat, Neighbours has offered a way to transition from writing to directing. Through a three-phase attachment, she got to trail a director and observe how it was done, then direct a 10-minute segment of an episode, then a full episode, and finally a block of three. Loading

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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 This story is part of the June 28 edition of Good Weekend. See all 14 stories . Books no longer get the respect they deserve. There, Ive said it. Were living through the greatest information revolution in human history, yet were daily drowning in a deluge of online misinformation and disinformation. Its fuelling a dunderheaded doubt in vaccination, the reality of climate change, the value of democracy and truth itself. In the US, its ripping the country apart. But one of the online revolutions biggest casualties  and one far less talked about  has been book culture and longform reading. While it may not rate up there with global warming and the decline of the West, mediocre literacy standards and falls in the quality of our reading habits have many experts worried. This is a ticking time bomb: if we dont begin to turn this around now, were going to have significant social and economic effects in 10 to 20 years time, warns Anna Burkey, head of Australia Reads, a collaboration of book industry bodies established five years ago to combat reading decline. Although few Australians are totally illiterate, a staggering 44 per cent of adults (about 7.3 million) have low literacy, where the reading standard ranges from primary school-level up to early high school, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. People with low literacy may still be able to read menus, street signs and medicine labels, as well as get their drivers licence, but they may struggle with longer paragraphs in a news story. Others may be able to get through the same news stories but find it difficult to tell you what theyve just read. Only about 15 per cent of the population read at level 4 to 5 (the highest). Not surprisingly, writing competence has also been in freefall: just-released NAPLAN analysis shows the writing skills of Aussie kids have sunk to an all-time low, according to the Australian Education Research Organisation. Analysis of 10 years of NAPLAN data has revealed that many year 9 students are writing at the standard of a primary-schooler. Every three years, the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) measures reading, mathematics and science literacy among 15-year-old students around the world. How did Australian kids compare? Passable at best. While reading and maths standards have been relatively stable in recent years, theyve fallen over the longer term: in 2022, Australian students scored more than 25 points below that of those who sat the PISA in the early 2000s, which means todays 15-year-olds are scoring at the level expected of 14-year-olds two decades earlier. Compounding the malaise has been a decline in recreational reading across all age brackets: more than one in four adult Australians havent read or listened to a book in the past year, according to data collected by Australia Reads. This is of special concern because of the example it sets for kids. Twenty-nine per cent of secondary school students no longer read for pleasure, according to a 2023 study  an increase of seven per cent on a previous survey in 2017. Australia Reads research has shown that when it comes to boosting intellectual progress in youngsters, a parent who regularly reads to their child has four times more positive impact than if the adult had a university degree. Indeed, observes Burkey, Reading early as a child is a key predictor of success as an adult, and both teachers and parents play a role in this.

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Another bonus of nurturing a love of books: for many adults, the memory of their parents reading to them as a child is one of their fondest, most comforting recollections. Parents exert the single most powerful influence on their kids reading habits, more so than social media or peers, according to research by Deakin University. If children see adults around them reading for their own enjoyment, theyll learn that reading is valued, and will mimic that behaviour, Burkey says, adding that if a child has an established reading habit by the age of seven, theyll be much more likely to become a lifelong reader. Australia Reads head Anna Burkey says parents exert the single most powerful Influence on their childrens reading habits. Step into a typical Australian classroom of 24 students, and youll find seven or eight who struggle with reading, says Jordana Hunter, education program director at the Grattan Institute and co-author of a report, The Reading Guarantee, released last year. Reading is a foundational skill, she says. If you cant read, you cant keep up with the curriculum. Children who are taught to read well in the early years of school are best placed to make the crucial transition from learning to read to reading to learn. Its cold comfort to hear the US is faring worse than us, with 54 per cent of adults getting by on a literacy level below that of a sixth-grader (an 11- to 12-year-old), while 20 per cent rank below a fifth-grader (a 10- to 11 year-old), according to the National Literacy Institute. The fall in adult literacy skills in the US  now at their lowest levels in recent decades  is coinciding with some epically bad policies by the new Trump administration, which is taking a chainsaw to the federal Department of Education. The department provides nearly 14 per cent of funding for public schools and provides loans to 50 million school students and 13 million post-secondary students. The race to the bottom (Trump famously said he loves the poorly educated) is being hastened by a drastic increase in book bans across the US, mainly targeting texts deemed woke (translation: those with themes of equality, diversity and understanding towards black, LGBTQ+ and other minority characters). The bans have now taken on such grotesque proportions that even actor Julianne Moores autobiographical childrens book about a red-haired girl, Freckleface Strawberry, was put under review. Notably not on the banned list: Adolf Hitlers Mein Kampf. The science of teaching reading is well-established now. Jordana Hunter In February, Americas big five publishers  Penguin Random House, Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins, Macmillan Publishers and Simon & Schuster  banded together to file a lawsuit challenging the book ban in public and school libraries.

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Back in Australia, for too long, education experts have been at odds with one another over how best to teach reading  the foundation of all learning  but there is now broad agreement that phonics is unequivocally the most effective way of teaching young children how to crack the reading code. The science of teaching reading is well-established now  we know what works and what doesnt, says Jordana Hunter. Phonics helps kids decode the written word, by showing them how to take the sounds of the words they hear and connect them to the letters they see on the page. By the end of year 2, the vast majority of students should be able to make the transition from learning to read to reading to learn, notes Hunter. But decoding isnt the only answer to becoming a successful reader, she stresses. The other vital thing is comprehending what the words actually mean. Comprehension is a puzzle with many pieces, prime among them general knowledge, she adds. Building background knowledge and vocabulary takes much longer to teach than decoding. This needs to be a stronger focus for teachers in both primary and secondary schools. Even maths and science teachers have an important role to play here. There is now broad agreement that phonics is the most effective way of teaching young children how to crack the reading code. Credit: Getty Images Much still stands in the way of achieving a unified, proven approach to teaching reading, reflects Hunter. A faddishness has crept into teaching thats not based on evidence-based teaching practices. And heres the thing: because education is a state and territory responsibility, no national guidelines exist on how reading and comprehension should be taught. We dont have good data on what teachers are actually teaching in the classroom, and that is a problem because it makes it harder to know which schools need more help, says Hunter. We need a national strategy for reading. Which is not to say the states arent moving forward on their own: last year Victorias education minister, Ben Carroll, announced that all students from prep to year 2 will be taught reading using a systematic phonics approach, which has been a driving force in NSW for a few years now.

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AI cheats We all should spare a thought for our teachers: as if they dont have enough stiff challenges already, they now have artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT to contend with. For starters, theres the increasing difficulty of distinguishing an original essay from one generated by ChatGPT. (For now there are telltale signs, such as phrase repetition or inappropriate information, but the technology is advancing fast.) Teachers could face the warped scenario of providing feedback to AI-generated essays  and, if they suspect an essay has been produced by AI, being unable to prove it. And its not just cheating students: in May, two newspapers in the US published an AI-generated summer reading list  the only problem was, the books didnt exist. Even more troubling is a preliminary study by MITs Media Lab, released last month, which indicated that students who used ChatGPT for essay writing displayed poorer memory retention and lazier brain engagement than their peers, prompting headlines like, Is ChatGPT making us dumb? Reading and writing can be hard work. In a recent, widely discussed story in The Atlantic magazine, The Elite College Students Who Cant Read Books, journalist Rose Horowitch wrote that many students across the US are arriving at college struggling to read books from cover to cover. Thats in part because they werent required to read whole texts in high school  only extracts, summaries and news articles. Faced with this predicament, many college professors feel they have no choice but to assign less reading, Horowitch writes. Many colleagues have reduced the number of texts students are expected to read. Dr Lucas Thompson Theres nothing to suggest things are any better in Australia. A comprehensive survey of the reading habits of Australian teens by Deakin University, conducted between March 2022 and June 2023, found that 29 per cent of secondary school students do not read in their spare time. Dr Lucas Thompson, a senior lecturer in English and Writing at the University of Sydney, says he has noticed a decline both in reading and in the quality of essay-writing skills among his English students since he began teaching 13 years ago.

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In general, students are a little less critically engaged with the texts, perhaps because they havent read them deeply or put in the time to generate unique perspectives, rather than second-hand opinions, he says via video from a sun-filled room with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves in his home in Wollongong. What has to be factored in, adds Thompson, is just how overloaded students are today, sometimes having one or two part-time jobs to support themselves, which leaves less time for the required reading. The 37-year-old, who grew up in regional NSW, has always been an avid reader and is keen to pass on that passion to his students (I was one of the first in my family to go to university, and wanted to make sure I didnt waste the opportunity). To that end, Thompson has devised a simple strategy for encouraging his students to open their books: a reading accountability mechanism. I pass around a physical copy of the class roll each week, with a separate column entitled: Have you finished all the required reading? Yes/No/Half, etc. Dr Lucas Thompson, a senior lecturer in English and Writing at the University of Sydney, says he has noticed a decline both in reading and in the quality of essay-writing in students. Its a small form of social pressure, he smiles. I make it clear that by not doing the reading, a student is not only letting themselves down, but also their class. This simple strategy has increased reading rates in his undergraduate classes. Thompson has also deliberately set fewer lengthy novels and more short ones on his courses, including autofiction: a literary genre combining autobiography with fiction, now popular among Generation Z readers (Irish author and screenwriter Sally Rooney and Vietnamese-American Ocean Vuong are student favourites). Thompsons students tell him they relate more to contemporary characters than those populating the pages of Dickens, Austen and Eliot. Loading Many of my colleagues have reduced the number of texts students are expected to read and chosen shorter texts, observes Thompson, who looks every inch the literary academic with his spectacles, tousled hair and wispy beard. Thats not to say theyve abandoned big, ambitious books like Middlemarch and Ulysses altogether. Its about getting the balance right across the semester, he notes. I try to remind students that they are paying to study, that its a privilege and a gift to be reading and reflecting on some of the most beautiful and interesting books ever written.

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One cannot have too large a party, Mr Weston tells Emma Woodhouse in Emma, and Jane Austen societies around the world are certainly taking his dictum to heart. Thats because this year marks the 250th anniversary of the novelists birth and fans everywhere, it seems, are preparing bonnets, balls and book-fests in the run-up to December 16.

A Regency costume parade in the UKs Bath, part of the citys annual Jane Austen Festival. Credit: Alamy Stock Photo

Although Austens books were popular during her lifetime and have proved even more so since her death, no one thought to create a Jane Austen society until 1940. This was when Englishwoman Dorothy Darnell  horrified at the thought of the cottage in Chawton, Hampshire, where Austen had lived from 1809 until shortly before her death in 1817 at age 41, might be destroyed  established a society to raise funds to preserve it. Societies have since proliferated like blushes at a Regency ball, and there are now groups dedicated to the author in at least 18 countries, including Pakistan, Japan, Brazil, Italy and Australia, where more than 1000 people are members.

Historian Susannah Fullerton, a passionate Austen devotee who has written four books about the author, describes her as a genius whose work has never dated, adding, She knew what made people tick. Shes president of the Sydney-based Jane Austen Society of Australia (JASA), the largest literary society in the country. Its members debate aspects of Austens novels, hear guest speakers and socialise over afternoon tea. Theres no aspect of the authors life and work that isnt worthy of discussion, she says: At one event, we had an amazing chat about Jane Austens use of dashes in her fiction!

The Jane Austen Society of Melbourne assembles every two months at the Royal Philatelic Society of Victoria in Ashburton. At a recent meeting, one member gave a presentation about her Austen-flavoured visit to the UK. The other attendees  24 women and one man  listened attentively. Later, over tea and cake, conversation turned to the dilemma of finding the perfect costume for Jane Fest  the societys end-of-year event, featuring a talk and special afternoon tea  followed by discussion of the latest Austen-themed books and screen adaptations (such as the new BBC production Miss Austen, based on the bestselling 2020 novel by Gill Hornby and starring Keeley Hawes and Patsy Ferran). Photographs from small- and big-screen adaptations filled the room, including that image of Colin Firths Mr Darcy emerging from the lake at Pemberley in the BBCs 1995 Pride and Prejudice miniseries (still the finest adaptation of Austens most popular novel, everyone agreed).
The first reported case in NSW of Australian bat lyssavirus  a rare disease closely related to the notorious rabies  resulted in the death of a man in his 50s this week, several months after his exposure to the infection.

Its the fourth confirmed case in Australia since 1996, and all have been fatal. But what is Australian bat lyssavirus, and should Australians be worried? Heres what to know.

There is no effective treatment for Australian bat lyssavirus once symptoms present. Credit: Sally Hinton

What is lyssavirus?

Lyssaviruses are a group of RNA viruses that are transmitted to humans with a bite or a scratch from an infected animal. Australian bat lyssavirus falls under this umbrella, as does the deadly virus rabies, which is not identical to Australian bat lyssavirus though they are closely related.
SCG head curator Adam Lewis is confident the much maligned surface of the iconic venue will hold up for the remainder of the AFL season, including for when the Dockers take to the field this weekend, and has hit out at the ill-informed bashing of his ground staff.

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The state of the ground was a massive topic after several players slipped on the surface at the Paddington End during last Fridays clash between Sydney and the Western Bulldogs.

Lewis thanked the Swans for moving their training sessions this week to Tramway Oval, across the road from the SCG, and said extra staff had worked last weekend with grow lamps used on the ground for up to 22 hours a day.

While Sydney was lashed by a rain bomb on Tuesday, Lewis said the SCG had drained really well and was very confident the surface would hold up for Sundays match between Sydney and Fremantle.

He said it was his worst nightmare watching players losing their footing last Friday.

Were preparing the field the best we can and as soon as we see that our hearts sink, Lewis said.

Look, I think its (commentary) been over the top, I really think its been blown out of proportion.

AAP
Anthony Albanese will definitely meet Xi Jinping on Chinese soil in 11 or 12 days time before he meets Donald Trump in India or somewhere (anywhere?) else on the planet. The fact of the Xi meeting has not yet been announced  its officially only at the expected stage  but this column has confirmed the prime ministers July 12-18 trip includes a locked-in meeting with the Chinese president.

Illustration by Simon Letch Credit:

For politicians and commentators caught up in the doom-loop of the Trump-meeting-industrial-complex, this will be grounds for weeks of analysis in the lead-up to and following the Xi meeting, all of which will be rehashed ahead of Albaneses inevitable first meeting with Trump.

Does this mean Albanese is soft on the Chinese president? Too accommodating? That he could have tried harder to meet the US president sooner, for example, at NATO in Holland, just a few days after he was denied that encounter at the G7 summit in Canada? Does it mean (gulp) that he isnt taking the US-Australia relationship seriously enough?

Of course not. But expect all of this and more to be ventilated in weeks and months ahead.
In this series, we examine the work of Victorias Yoorrook Justice Commission, a public inquiry into the impact of colonisation on Indigenous Victorians.

Victorias peak Aboriginal body, the First Peoples Assembly, will be given a direct line to state ministers and the power to make appointments to government boards under legislation being finalised through the states treaty negotiations.

The assembly will also be given oversight on programs and policies designed to close the gap in life expectancy and living standards between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

First Peoples Assembly co-chairs Rueben Berg and Ngarra Murray. Credit: Justin McManus

Ministers and government departments will be required to consult the assembly on any laws or policies specifically directed to Indigenous Victorians and the assembly will have authority to question government ministers and provide advice to them.

The first substantive details of what Victorias historic, statewide treaty with its First Peoples contains were released on Friday morning through a joint statement by Premier Jacinta Allan and the co-chairs of the assembly, Ngarra Murray and Rueben Berg.
Recent adjustments to the ABS Monthly Household Spending Indicator (MHSI) have brought changes to how household consumption is tracked. The indicator, which draws on aggregated and de-identified banking data, supermarket sales, and motor vehicle transactions, has been updated and will replace the Retail Trade publication as the primary monthly spending measure from July 2025.
A CARLOW man who started his education at Ballon National School is set to lead one of Irelands most prestigious law firms, capping off a remarkable 22-year career journey that began in his home county.

Darren Maher, originally from Ballon, has been unanimously elected as managing partner of Matheson LLP, Irelands leading corporate law firm. The appointment, announced last week, will see him take the reins from 1 January 2026 when current managing partner Michael Jackson completes his final term.

Mahers path to the top began locally, attending Ballon National School, before progressing to Tullow Community School. After completing his BCL at University College Dublin, he joined Matheson in 2003 straight from his law degree and has remained with the firm throughout his entire career.

The 200-year-old Dublin-based firm represents some of the worlds biggest companies, including the majority of Fortune 100 companies, seven of the top ten global technology brands, and over half of the worlds 50 largest banks. With 930 employees across offices in Dublin, Cork, London, New York, San Francisco and Palo Alto, Matheson has established itself as the go-to legal advisor for international companies doing business in Ireland.

Mahers rise through the ranks has been steady and impressive. Starting in the banking and financial services team, he joined the firms financial institutions group when it was established in 2010. He was promoted to partner in 2012 and became head of the financial institutions group in 2017. Most recently, in 2023, he was appointed co-head of the corporate department, alongside David Fitzgibbon.

I am delighted to have been appointed by my peers to lead Matheson during its next period of growth and development and I am very much looking forward to the challenge, Darren said following the announcement.

Outgoing managing partner Michael Jackson, who has led the firm for the past decade, praised Darrens appointment. Throughout his career at Matheson, Darren has shown a commitment to our values and an ability to build and engage multidisciplinary teams, he said. He has a deep knowledge of our clients and the international markets in which they operate, a deep understanding of the Irish and global regulatory environment and is an internationally renowned and respected lawyer.

Mr Jackson added that Darren is ideally positioned to lead Matheson through its next phase of growth and expressed confidence that the firm will continue to go from strength to strength under his leadership.

Darren, who is married to Niamh, a former Matheson partner, and lives in Dublin, specialises in advising leading domestic and international financial institutions on complex financial services law matters. He has published articles in leading financial services publications and regularly speaks at key industry conferences across Ireland and the UK.
THE spirit of community and friendship was alive and well in Castledermot recently when the local ICA guild marked a remarkable milestone  its 60th anniversary.

Castledermot president Peg Hayden and Kildare ICA Federation president Mary McNamara cut the guild's 60th birthday cake

Members past and present, along with special guests, gathered in Teach Diarmada community centre on Saturday 14 June for an afternoon tea party that celebrated six decades of bringing women together in rural Kildare. The celebration was made extra special by the presence of two founding members, Mary Jo Fitzpatrick, who went on to become president of Kildare ICA Federation, and Carrie Murphy, the guilds first treasurer. Their attendance provided a living link to the guilds beginnings in 1965.

Castledermot ICA Guild founder member Carrie Murphy sees herself in a group photo taken on the guild's trip to Scotland in 2004

It was a day to remember, according to guild PRO Trish Whelan.

Kildare ICA Federation president Mary McNamara served as guest of honour, accompanied by vice-president Mary Smith, and presented the guild with a special 60th anniversary certificate.

Mary Jo Fitzpatrick (centre) shows her photograph album on the guild's activities since 1965 to long-time Castledermot guild members Maureen O'Gorman and Rosaleen Murphy

Guild secretary Mary Byrne reflected on how joining the ICA proved to be a godsend for women living in rural Ireland in 1965, offering them precious time away from daily farm chores and housework to attend meetings, share experiences and forge new friendships beyond their immediate families and neighbourhoods.

The guilds inaugural meeting took place in the local courthouse on 25 February 1965 with an impressive 77 ladies in attendance  quite a turnout for a time when cars were scarce and women drivers even rarer. Members came from across the area, including Castledermot, Tullow, Ballincarrig, Moone, Palatine, Timolin and Ducketts Grove.

Members and guests at the Castledermot ICA Guild's 60th birthday afternoon tea party

A look at the first treasurers report is a snapshot of a different time: a cylinder of gas cost 17 shillings and five pence; one cwt (hundredweight) of turf cost five shillings and nine pence; the essential tea and sugar came to nine shillings and four pence and 7lbs of accompanying biscuits was entered in at 17 shillings and five pence.

Today, the guild continues its community spirit through various local initiatives, including organising Daffodil Day collections that raised over 5,000 this year for the Irish Cancer Society. Vice-president Ann Glynn, who co-ordinates this effort with help from ICA members and local volunteers, was among those thanked at the anniversary celebrations.

The guild meets monthly at Teach Diarmada on the second Thursday, featuring guest speakers and demonstrations, with each meeting ending in the time-honoured tradition of a cuppa and a chat. New members are always welcome.

As guild president Peg Hayden and Mary McNamara cut the special 60th birthday cake, it is clear that the bonds of friendship and community support that brought those first 77 women together in 1965 remain as strong as ever.
Olivia Kelleher

A man who deliberately rammed two garda cars while driving a stolen seven-tonne rigid truck and also caused 25,000 in damage to parked cars in a scene which he compared to the video game Grand Theft Auto has been jailed for three years.

Cork Circuit Criminal Court previously heard that Istvan Konyari was without previous convictions until November 2023, when he took part in a three-day crime spree.

His offending behaviour only ended when a member of the Armed Support Unit (ASU) fired a single shot through the windscreen of the stolen rigid truck.

Det Garda Peter Quinn said that Mr Konyari put lives at risk as he rammed garda cars in the confined car park of Dwyers Electrical in Forge Hill in Cork city on the morning of November 8th, 2023.

Mr Konyari, previously of Shandon Street in Cork, put his hands over his head and got out of the truck when the ASU member fired the shot at the windscreen.

In his garda interview, he compared his antics to the video game Grand Theft Auto. Mr Konyari felt that it was a case of maximum stars when a member of the ASU fired the single shot through his windscreen to bring his escapades to a halt.

In addition to pleading guilty to the ramming offences, Mr Konyari also admitted carrying out three burglaries, stealing the truck and previously stealing a van which he used to store the items he had robbed.

Stolen items included an antique clock, coal, gas cylinders and toilet rolls. During the course of one burglary in Cork, an apartment owner went into their kitchen where they found Mr Konyari making coffee and eating crackers.

He also stopped off at a garage forecourt and stole items from a washing machine. These included a nurses uniform and childrens clothing. When the owners of the uniform approached him and threatened to report him he returned the items to her.

Defence barrister Alison McCarthy, BL, told Judge Helen Boyle that her client entered custody in 2023 following the incident.

He had led a completely blameless life and worked continuously until 2021 when a large kettlebell fell on his head. Mr Konyari was also seriously injured in an assault in the same year.

The court heard that the Hungarian national suffered mood and personality changes following the two incidents. However, he opted not to get help for his injury and instead self-medicated with illegal drugs.

Judge Boyle said that she was cognisant of the fact that there was reduced culpability in the case arising out of the head injury. She said that she was aware that Mr Konyari was likely suffering from post-concussion syndrome at the time of the offence.

He was also under the influence of cocaine and cannabis.

Mr Konyari wrote a letter of apology to gardai and persons impacted by his offending behaviour. He admitted that he regretted not seeking help for his head injury.

Judge Boyle stated that an aggravating factor in the case was the havoc caused via multiple thefts including the robbery of two vehicles.

This is all culminated in a serious incident requiring the Armed Support Unit. You (Konyari) did a lot of damage to cars.

Factoring in the signed plea in the case, the full cooperation and remorse of the accused, Judge Boyle jailed him for three and a half years, suspending the final six months of the sentence.

She also disqualified Mr Konyari from driving for a period of four years.

Mr Konyari plans to return to his native country following his release from prison as he no longer has family in Ireland. The prison sentence was backdated to when he first entered custody in 2023.
Reuters

Ryanair said it was forced to cancel more than 400 flights, disrupting travel for more than 70,000 passengers, due to a nationwide air traffic controller strike in France on Friday.

The disruption comes at the start of Europe's summer holidays, one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

A total of 16 flights have been grounded between Dublin and the French cities of Paris, Nantes and Nice, as well as Murcia in Spain on Thursday.

The French civil aviation agency DGAC on Wednesday asked multiple carriers to reduce flights at Paris airports by 40 per cent on July 4th due to the planned strike.

"In addition to flights to/from France being cancelled, this strike will also affect all French overflights," Ryanair said in a statement on Thursday.

Passengers overflying French airspace from the United Kingdom to Greece and Spain to Ireland would also be affected, the Dublin-based carrier said.

Ryanair chief Michael O'Leary called on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to take urgent action to reform European Union air traffic controllers' services.

"Once again European families are held to ransom by French air traffic controllers going on strike," Mr O'Leary said. "It makes no sense and is abundantly unfair on EU passengers and families going on holidays."

He said Ryanair had cancelled 468 flights and expected the number to keep rising.
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KPop Demon Hunters, the Sony Pictures Animation production distributed by Netflix, has continued its strong performance in its second week on the platform, climbing to No. 1 globally among English-language movies and narrowly edging out the new documentary feature Trainwreck: Poop Cruise.

In its second week (June 2329), the musical action feature directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans drew 24.2 million views and 40.3 million viewing hours, more than doubling its debut figures of 9.2 million views and 15.4 million hours from the first three days of release.

The films soundtrack is also proving to be a breakout hit. The KPop Demon Hunters Soundtrack, featuring TWICEs TAKEDOWN, debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard 200, making it the highest-debuting soundtrack of 2025 and the first to break into the top 10 this year, with 31,000 equivalent album units.

On Spotifys Daily Top Songs Global chart (as of June 28), multiple tracks from the film made strong showings: Golden  No. 7; Your Idol  No. 11; Soda Pop  No. 17; How Its Done  No. 19; Free  No. 34; What It Sounds Like  No. 39; Take Down  No. 57; TWICEs version of Take Down  No. 100.

The films success marks a much-needed win for Netflixs original animation slate in 2025. Prior to KPop Demon Hunters, its only other animated release this year, the Korean sci-fi romance Lost in Starlight, failed to chart on any of the streamers global Top 10 lists. Other feature releases from the second half of 2024, including The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep and Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, also failed to surpass 5 million weekly views.

That said, there is plenty to be optimistic about on the horizon. Netflix will release at least three more animated films in 2025, including Genndy Tartakovskys hand-drawn adult comedy Fixed (August 13), Alex Woos CG family feature In Your Dreams (November 14), and Phil Johnstons The Twits (fall 2025), the first animated adaptation of the Roald Dahl book and one of several Netflix projects based on the iconic authors work.
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The premiere of South Park Season 27 has been delayed from July 9 to July 23 by Comedy Central, and the shows creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, are not happy about it.

Following the broadcasters announcement of the two-week delay, the duo tweeted from the shows official X account:

In response to the press release from Comedy Central about the change in premiere date for South Park, Trey Parker & Matt Stone said  This merger is a shitshow and its fucking up South Park. We are at the studio working on new episodes and we hope the fans get to see them somehow.

The postponement follows an unwanted two-year hiatus for the show, amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding its streaming rights following the expiration of a $500 million exclusive deal with HBO Max. That deal ended recently and has yet to be replaced, with current negotiations indicating non-exclusive streaming arrangements, according to numerous industry sources.

Paramount Global, the parent company of Comedy Central and co-owner of South Park Digital Studios alongside creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, aims to bring the show to its own streaming platform, Paramount+. In May, Paramount executives announced plans for South Park to begin streaming on Paramount+ in the U.S. starting in July. However, as of July 1, the series had not appeared on the platform.

Complicating matters further, South Parks streaming rights are being offered to multiple platforms, including HBO Maxs parent company Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) and Netflix. A recent legal letter from Parker and Stones representatives accuses Skydance, RedBird, and executive Jeff Shell, soon to become President of Paramount Global, of interfering in these negotiations. The letter claims they attempted to persuade WBD to accept a shorter licensing term and delay access to new episodes until after a year of exclusivity on Paramount+.

For now, South Park remains available on Max through a temporary extension, and Paramount+ still intends to begin streaming it in conjunction with the new seasons launch. Despite the legal wrangling, fans can expect the beloved characters to return later in July, though the long-term streaming future remains unresolved.
China urges U.S. to stop advancing so-called Taiwan-related act: spokesperson

Xinhua) 10:02, July 04, 2025

BEIJING, July 3 (Xinhua) -- China urges the United States to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, and stop advancing the so-called Taiwan-related act, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a regular press briefing when asked to comment on the adoption of the so-called "Taiwan Non-Discrimination Act" by the U.S. House of Representatives, requiring the U.S. government to support China's Taiwan region in joining the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Mao stressed that there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. The government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China.

Taiwan has no basis, reason or right to participate in the United Nations or other international organizations, whose membership is confined to sovereign states, Mao noted.

China urges the United States to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, observe the international law and the basic norms governing international relations, stop advancing the so-called Taiwan-related act, stop using the Taiwan question to interfere in China's internal affairs, and stop sending wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
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Pakistan has set a target for cement exports of 1.5Mt from Port Qasim in Karachi, Sindh, with the government and the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) partnering to achieve this goal. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, emphasised the importance of increasing storage capacity at Port Qasim to meet the target.

To enhance exports, discussions will be held with the Sindh government to acquire land for extending the railway track. Currently, 40,000t of cement are being exported to the US from Berth No 2 at Port Qasim, showcasing the competitiveness of Pakistans cement sector. Exporters highlighted the need for additional storage facilities to meet the growing international demand.

by Abdul Rab Siddiqi, Pakistan
The Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation has awarded five-year initial accreditation to the educator preparation programs at Lee Universitys Helen DeVos College of Education.

After reviewing the evidence collected through a process of self-study and peer review, the AAQEP Accreditation Commission issued the decision at its June meeting.

We are honored to receive national accreditation from AAQEP, which affirms the exceptional quality of our educator preparation programs and the dedication of our faculty and staff, said Dr. Bill Estes, dean of the Helen DeVos College of Education. This recognition not only validates our commitment to excellence and innovation in preparing future educators, but it also marks a historic moment as we become the first educator preparation program in Tennessee to achieve this distinction.

The Commission evaluated the programs evidence for each AAQEP standard and determined that all four standards are met. The HDCOE prepares candidates to serve effectively as professional educators who can adapt to different contexts and continue to grow professionally. The HDCOE maintains program quality by analyzing evidence of its effectiveness and making revisions to benefit candidates. It has developed and fostered deep partnerships with local schools to support high-need students and expand the educator workforce to support the full P-20 education continuum, from prenatal through adulthood.

The Commission also reviewed the universitys plans for ongoing growth and improvement, based on the findings of the self-study, and affirmed the schools commitment to continued growth.

Congratulations to Lee University and to all of the faculty, staff, and stakeholders who have achieved their goal of national accreditation by AAQEP, said AAQEP President and CEO Mark LaCelle-Peterson. The schools programs made a clear case for quality and demonstrated a commitment to cultivating strong partnerships and relationships with P-12 partners.

All initial licensure programs in the HDCOE are accredited by AAQEP through 2030.

National accreditation assures the quality of professional preparation programs through a nongovernmental, nonregulatory process of self-study and peer review. This standards- and evidence-based process serves two broad aims: accountability and continuous improvement. AAQEP currently has members in 37 states and other jurisdictions with over 200 educator preparation providers participating in the accreditation system.

The HDCOE is dedicated to developing competent, compassionate, and ethical educators and leaders who are prepared to impact the world through excellence in teaching, learning, and service. The school offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in education, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to thrive in diverse educational settings.

Founded in 2017, AAQEP is a membership association and quality assurance agency that provides accreditation services and formative support to all types of educator preparation providers. The organization promotes excellent, effective, and innovative educator preparation that is committed to evidence-based improvement in a collaborative professional environment. AAQEP is nationally recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

For more information about AAQEP, visit aaqep.org.

For more information about the Helen DeVos College of Education, visit leeuniversity.edu/academics/education/.
The Salvation Army of Chattanooga is kicking off its annual Beat the Heat Program. Beat the Heat begins July 1 and lasts until the end of August each year, and is dedicated to helping those in need during the hottest months of the summer.Officials said, "This program is a necessity and cannot be done without the help of the community."Many low-income families in the Chattanooga area are living without air conditioning in their homes and are unable to stay cool during the summer.This is very dangerous, as it leads to heat-related sicknesses such as heat stroke."The Salvation Army of Chattanooga combats this by giving out fans to families who need it. The community can help by donating box fans to help ensure that those families can stay cool."The Salvation Army of Chattanooga also combats heat-related illnesses through homeless outreach. Employees will go out into the camps to pass out water to those who cannot come to the day center. The community can help by donating cases of water that can be taken out on the outreach truck."This is always a necessary program, but with heat advisories already in place, it is clear that we need it even more this year, said Major Douglas McClure.Along with giving out fans and water, The Salvation Army will also have a cooling station during the hottest parts of the day. This will be from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. This includes hydration stations with cold water, shower access and popsicles that are offered in the day center.Anyone who wants to donate can take needed items to 800 McCallie Ave. in Chattanooga.
We are devoted to something much larger than our own self-interest, something eternal, not temporal  a willingness to sacrifice all in defense of Liberty, for ourselves and our posterity.

Honor, justice, and humanity, forbid us tamely to surrender that freedom which we received from our gallant ancestors, and which our innocent posterity have a right to receive from us. We cannot endure the infamy and guilt of resigning succeeding generations to that wretchedness which inevitably awaits them if we basely entail hereditary bondage on them. Thomas Jefferson (1775)





Perhaps you are familiar with the weekly Profiles of Valor devoted to Military Patriots, mostly Medal of Honor recipients.Their recognition represents, by extension, the combat heroics exhibited by countless thousands of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines who have been awarded Distinguished Service Crosses, Silver Stars, and Bronze Stars for Valor.





More than 41 million Veterans have served our nation since the first shots of the American Revolution.





Honoring our military men and women is deeply rooted in our nations Patriot founding and its core tenet: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.





As a direct descendant of Revolutionary War fighters and Veterans of every major conflict since, my devotion to our Veterans is bonded in generational blood. But my familys history is just a speck in the American heritage we all share.





Take a brief stroll down the path that gave rise to our Republic, when a ragged band of radical right-wing Patriots stood in defiance of those representing the most powerful military force on earth.





The battles of Lexington and Concord in April 1775, which launched our quest for Liberty, were among the 10 most critical engagements of the Revolutionary War.





Upon hearing about those first shots in what would become an eight-year struggle for American Liberty, Samuel Adams wrote to fellow Patriot John Hancock, What a glorious morning this is! He added, The People alone have an incontestable, unalienable, and indefeasible right to institute government and to reform, alter, or totally change the same when their protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness require it.





Indeed, it was a glorious morning, as is every sunrise over America today.





In January 1776, John Peter Gabriel Muhlenberg, a pastor and member of the Virginia House of Burgesses, famously preached a sermon on Ecclesiastes 3:1  For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven. Muhlenberg closed his sermon with these words: In the language of Holy Writ, there is a time for all things. There is a time to preach and a time to fight. And now is the time to fight. He then removed his clerical robes and revealed to the congregation his Continental Army officer uniform.





His sermon was a clarion call to arms that resonated throughout the colonies, inspiring the campaign to reject tyranny and embrace the enduring challenge of securing Republican Liberty, and sustaining it for future generations.





Fifteen months after the opening salvos, 56 delegates representing the first generation of American Patriots gathered in Philadelphia to draft our Declaration of Independence. Its principal author, Thomas Jefferson, called it the declaratory charter of our rights, and the rights of man.





That was the first Independence Day, and thanks to generations of American Patriots since, next year we will celebrate the 250th anniversary of our great nation's founding.





In Philadelphia, Samuel Adams declared: If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude than the animated contest of freedom  go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen!





Those timeless words are as applicable today as they were then.





Why would that first generation of American Patriots and all those since forgo the tranquility of servitude for the animated contest of freedom?





The answer to that question defines the timeless spirit of American Patriotism then, just as it defines the spirit of American Patriots today.





From the first shots of the American Revolution until this day, we have been devoted to something much larger than our own self-interest, something eternal, not temporal  a willingness to sacrifice all in defense of Liberty, for ourselves and our posterity. We are the beneficiaries of generations of Americans who with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence have mutually pledged to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.





For that reason, our character and values are a mystery to those who do not share them, those who are devoid of any foundational understanding of Republican Liberty and thus, will be holding another round of nationwide No Kings protests  a repeat of their charade last month on Army/Flag Day. (Somebody tell them they are 249 years late for a No King protest.)





Devotion to principles above self-interest is the primary character trait embodied by our nations most courageous heroes, recipients of the Medal of Honor.





Among them, in chronological sequence, are six American Patriots who have, on July 4th of years past, earned our nations highest military award for courage and valor, above and beyond the call of duty.





MAJ Charles E. Capehart: On Independence Day, 1863, he went beyond the call of duty when serving with the 1st West Virginia Cavalry. Capehart charged down a mountainside at midnight through heavy rain in order to capture an enemy wagon train attempting to retreat. His actions resulted in his men destroying many enemy wagons and capturing combatants.





SFT Marcus A. Hanna: He was another recipient whose actions were on 4 July 1863, while serving with Company B, 50th Massachusetts Infantry. During a battle in Port Hudson, Louisiana, he courageously subjected himself to heavy enemy fire in order to get provisions for his suffering fellow soldiers in the rifle pits.





CPL Thomas A. Pope: On 4 July 1918, during World War I in Hamel, France, while serving with 1st Platoon, Company E, 131st Infantry, 33rd Division, Pope moved forward alone in order to rush a German machine-gun nest and save his company. He continued to hold off additional enemy soldiers until American reinforcements arrived to capture them.





PFC William K. Nakamura: On 4 July 1944, near Castellina, Italy, during World War II, serving with Company G, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, Nakamuras platoon was pinned down by enemy machine-gun fire, and, under heavy fire, he worked his way toward the machine gunners position and killed the enemy. Later that day, when covering a withdrawal of his men, he was killed defending his fellow soldiers.





PFC Frank H. Ono: Also on 4 July 1944, during the same engagement near Castellina, Italy, with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, when Onos platoon was in danger of being encircled and ordered to withdraw, he volunteered to provide covering fire for his platoon. At great peril to himself, he deliberately presented himself as a target to draw enemy fire until his men reached safety. He was able to successfully descend the hill and rejoin his platoon.





Notably, both Nakamura and Ono were among more than 12,000 Nisei or Sansei (second- or third-generation Japanese-Americans) who volunteered to serve in North Africa and the Italian campaigns with the 442nd Infantry Regiment, in brutal battles against NAZI strongholds. Remarkably, in less than two years of service, the combined units of the 442nd were among the most decorated in World War II, earning more than 4,000 Purple Hearts, 4,000 Bronze Star Medals, and 560 Silver Star Medals. Moreover, 21 of the 442nds members, among them Nakamura and Ono, were awarded Medals of Honor for their valorous actions.





SGT Leroy A. Mendonca: On 4 July 1951, while serving with Company B, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division during the Korean War, Mendoncas platoon had completed an intense battle and captured Hill 586 near Chich-On, Korea. They were attacked by a far superior enemy force, and when his platoon was ordered to withdraw to a more secure line of defense, Mendonca remained in a position exposed to enemy fire in order to cover his platoons withdrawal. He fought off enemy combatants until he was mortally wounded, just as his platoon reached the secondary line of defense.





Each of these men, and millions of uniformed men and women who have served our nation with honor since the dawn of the American Revolution, have done so because they placed the safety and security of others above their own.





Our Founders concluded their affirmation of the Declaration by attaching their signatures under these words: And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor. In doing so, the signers in effect signed their own death warrants.





On this and every day of the year, we must hold the lines in defense of Liberty!





Finally, reminiscent of Thomas Jeffersons words regarding surrendering that freedom which we received from our gallant ancestors, those timeless sentiments were echoed by Ronald Reagan: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didnt pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. The only way they can inherit the freedom we have known is if we fight for it, protect it, defend it, and then hand it to them with the well fought lessons of how they in their lifetime must do the same. And if you and I dont do this, then you and I may well spend our sunset years telling our children and our childrens children what it once was like in America when men were free.





Semper Vigilans Fortis Paratus et Fidelis

Pro Deo et Libertate -- 1776





Join us in daily prayer for our Patriots in uniform  Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen -- standing in harms way in defense of American Liberty, and for Veterans, First Responders, and their families.
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Home News 7 myths and facts about July 4

Americans are celebrating the United States' 249th Independence Day on Friday, marking the time in which the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed to the rest of the world.

The Fourth of July has become a major holiday noted for its parades, barbeques and numerous fireworks displays. Like other holidays, July 4th has its own mythology and interesting facts surrounding it.

Here are some random trivia:

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1. July 2 is the 'real' Independence Day

Contrary to popular belief, the motion that the Continental Congress approved to declare independence was approved on July 2, two days earlier.

According to historian Ray Raphael, July 4 became the day of remembrance due to a different, yet related, action by the Congress.

"On July 4, the second day after it declared the United States to be an independent nation, Congress approved a document that explained its reasons," wrote Raphael for the Journal of the American Revolution.

"As so often happens in history, representation of the event would have more staying power than the event itself."

2. An international element

In his book, The Declaration of Independence: A Global History, David Armitage noted the global ramifications and focus of the Declaration approved in early July.

According to Armitage, the first published copy of the Declaration was printed by an Irishman, with most copies being printed on Dutch paper. Of the 55 delegates to Congress, nine were born in the British Isles, and more than a dozen were educated in Europe.

3. Three deaths and a birth

Three former presidents, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and James Monroe died on July 4. Monroe died in 1831 and Jefferson and Adams both died in 1826.

Calvin Coolidge, the 30th president of the United States, who was known for speaking little, was born on July 4, 1872.

4. A genre born

With the publication of the Declaration, argued David Armitage, a new genre of political writing was created.

"No document before 1776 had ever been called a declaration of independence," wrote Armitage in his book, The Declaration of Independence: A Global History.

Armitage counted over 100 declarations of independence having been issued since 1776, with the later ones often borrowing the form and rhetoric of the first.

Ironically, this includes the Vietnamese Declaration of Independence from 1945, which opens by specifically quoting and citing the U.S. Declaration.

5. The most ironic July 4 quote never spoken

Online and offline, the claim has long been made that while writing in his diary entry for July 4, 1776, King George III stated: "Nothing of importance happened today."

Arnold Hunt, curator of historical manuscripts at the British Library, told National Public Radio in 2007 that the laughable quip was never written by the British monarch who fought the American Founding Fathers.

"King George III never kept a diary.  The quote is a variation of another well-known story from the French Revolution," Hunt told NPR at the time.

Regarding the French Revolution story, it was said that on the day of the French Revolution, King Louis XVI wrote in a diary the phrase "nothing," regarding a failed hunt.

6. Ages

At age 70, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania was the oldest signer of the Declaration of Independence. Edward Rutledge of South Carolina, 26, was the youngest.

Charles Carroll of Maryland was the last surviving signer of the Declaration. He died in 1832, outliving the likes of Franklin, Jefferson and Adams at 95.

7. There is something written on the back

In the blockbuster action film "National Treasure," Nicholas Cage looked for an ancient treasure the whereabouts of which could be found via a map on the back of the Declaration of Independence.

The International Business Times reported that there is indeed something written on the back of the Declaration.

" there is apparently a message written upside down at the bottom of the signed document: 'Original Declaration of Independence dated 4th July 1776,'" IBT reported.

"It's not known who wrote it or when. Since parchment was usually rolled up during the Revolutionary War years, it's thought this memo served as a label."
Home News Baylor University receives $643K grant to foster LGBTQ+ inclusion in churches: 'Not at all surprising'

Baylor University in Waco, Texas, has received a $643,401 grant from a liberal foundation to foster inclusion among LGBTQ-identified individuals in the church.

The hefty grant to the private Baptist research university's Center for Church and Community Impact (C31) came from the Eula Mae and John Baugh Foundation, according to a press release from the school's Diana R. Garland School of Social Work.

The grant's goal is "to foster inclusion and belonging in the church," with an emphasis on understanding "the disenfranchisement and exclusion of LGBTQIA+ individuals and women within congregations to nurture institutional courage and foster change," the release said.

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The Baugh Foundation, which has expressed LGBTQ+ discernment as one of its aims, said they prioritized "organizations that are openly welcoming and affirming, and organizations that do not discriminate based on race/ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, socioeconomic status, veteran status, geography, citizenship status, marital status, religion, or any other discriminatory reason."

"The grant will focus on the lived experiences of emerging adults," C3I Director Gaynor Yancey said, adding that it "will assist us in filling out the bigger picture of congregations' practices that result in an environment of belonging."

The grant will fund researchers to recruit two groups of 25 diverse young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 for private interviews, focus groups, and questionnaires regarding their experiences within religious communities.

The information gathered will help establish "trauma-sensitive training resources" to be used in congregations that will "emphasize inclusivity and institutional courage," according to the release.

C3I plans to test the curriculum at congregational events and evaluate its impact based on participation rates and feedback on issues such as adopting more inclusive language.

The grant was met with some backlash on social media, including from Christian pastors.

"This is illuminating and sad and not at all surprising," wrote the Rev. Denny Burk, associate pastor at Kenwood Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. "Baylor has been moving away from Christian faithfulness for decades now. But it's still sad to watch another nail in the coffin of a once great Christian university."

"It's much better to send your child to a secular university, hostile to the faith, than to a 'Christian' university like Baylor," wrote the Rev. Matt Kennedy, who serves as senior pastor at Church of the Good Shepherd, an Anglican church in Corpus Christi, Texas. "Better the wolf with bared fangs than the wolf disguised as a shepherd."

The oldest continually operating university in Texas, Baylor University was established in 1845 after the Texas Baptist Education Society petitioned the Congress of the Republic of Texas to charter a Baptist university. Texas was annexed by the United States the same year.

The university remains associated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, which affirms biblical teachings regarding sexuality, gender and marriage.

The Texas Baptists did not respond to The Christian Post's request for comment, nor did Baylor University.

Baylor has made headlines in recent years after raising eyebrows over other stories that seemingly indicate encroaching liberalism.

Professor Greg Garrett, who serves as the Carole Ann McDaniel Hanks Chair of Literature & Culture, went viral on X last year for tweeting about how students in his class about Harry Potter have been discussing author J.K. Rowling's alleged "hatred of trans people."

Some users on X accused Garrett of violating Baylor's statement on human sexuality, and others questioned why Baylor University offers a collegiate-level Harry Potter class in the first place.

Garrett himself received a $488,000 grant from the Eula Mae and John Baugh Foundation in 2021 to "illuminate the ways various forms of American culture have promoted racial myths through the centuries."

Tuition at Baylor University is $54,844 per year, a price tag that swells to nearly $75,000 after books, room and board and other expenses.
Home News Christians can 'love all people' and support 'Alligator Alcatraz,' Evangelical group says Detention center in Florida has drawn protests over plans to house up to 5,000 illegal immigrants

The newly-opened Florida detention facility housing illegal immigrants known as Alligator Alcatraz has drawn both praise and protest.

President Donald Trump visited the detention center in the Florida Everglades on Tuesday, along with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and other officials for a tour that officials hoped could spur other states to open similar facilities.

Built by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in just a matter of days, Alligator Alcatraz  named for its surrounding swamps teeming with alligators and pythons  received its first detainees this week, according to The Associated Press.

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While the detention center can currently house 3,000 people in dormitories corralled by chain-link fences topped with barbed wire, state officials say it can be expanded to ultimately house 5,000 people.

Protesters have decried the facility as an inhumane makeshift prison camp, but supporters have embraced it as an "innovative" and cost-effective way for the federal government to scale enough detention space to carry out Trumps mass deportation agenda.

Sharayah Colter, chief communications officer at The Danbury Institute, a nonpartisan association of Evangelical churches based in Dallas, Texas, says while the controversy over the facility is likely to continue, Evangelicals and other Christians should support earnest efforts to secure the nation and to uphold law and order.

When non-citizens are lured to cross the border illegally and undertake a dangerous journey which they may not survive, women and children risk being raped, killed or taken into human trafficking rings, Colter said. But beyond public safety and security, Colter said allowing people to continue to illegally enter the country could fuel further lawlessness.

People inside and outside of America are taught by the actions of the nation that our laws are impotent, she added. It is wrong to convey to people that it is OK to break the law since Scripture calls people to obey the laws of the land so far as they do not cause a person to break Gods law. When a nation passes laws, the righteous thing to do is to uphold and enforce those laws. To act otherwise is both wrong and cruel.

While protesters have voiced concerns over the detention facility due to its potential environmental impact and detainment of illegal immigrants, Colter said Christians can show compassion while still supporting those who uphold the law.

Christians can love all people they encounter and work to share the Good News with all they encounter while still upholding the nations laws, advocating for secure borders that protect innocent life, and desiring a safe immigration process for those willing to enter the nation through legal routes, she added.

Far from being Floridas only such facility, Alligator Alcatraz has spurred plans for another makeshift detention center for illegal migrants in northeast Florida at a National Guard training facility called Camp Blanding, about 30 miles southwest of Jacksonville. DeSantis said contractor bidding for that site is already underway, and construction is expected to begin after the Fourth of July holiday.

During his visit to Alligator Alcatraz on Tuesday, the president signaled he was open to the possibility of investigating and arresting former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for his handling of the U.S. southern border under the Biden administration.

When asked why Mayorkas has yet to be arrested or held accountable, 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. Trump went on to acknowledge that Mayorkas was acting on the orders of those above him, but noted he believes that is no excuse.
Home News Dr. Phil's media company files for bankruptcy, sues TBN for breach of contract

Merit Street Media, the Texas media company founded by TV personality and psychologist Dr. Phil McGraw, has filed for bankruptcy amid an ongoing legal fight with Trinity Broadcasting Network.

The Fort Worth-based company claims that TBN failed to "live up to its contractual obligations" as the "controlling shareholder" of Merit Street, leaving the media company founded by McGraw with over $100 million in debt, according to a lawsuit filed on Wednesday in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Dallas.

Launched in April 2024, Merit Street is "going dark" just over a year after its debut because, it says, TBN "has refused to honor its commitment" to provide national distribution for the network, which features a programming lineup anchored by "Dr. Phil Primetime" along with "Crime Stories with Nancy Grace" and "The Island with Bear Grylls," among other shows.

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Shortly after the network was formed, however, TBN "reneged on its obligations and abused its position as the controlling shareholder of Merit Street," the lawsuit states. One of those alleged abuses included causing Merit Street to "enter into expensive distribution agreements with third parties" that cost upwards of $2.6 million monthly and total expenses of nearly $96 million, according to the suit.

"These failures by TBN were neither unintended nor inadvertent," the lawsuit read. "They were a conscious, intentional pattern of choices made with full awareness that the consequence of which was to sabotage and seal the fate of a new but already nationally acclaimed network."

The suit also alleged TBN provided "shoddy production services," such as teleprompters that suffered from frequent malfunctions, "including blackouts during live Dr. Phil episodes before studio audiences" and a sub-industry standard control room that "ran out of a temporary setup in a truck."

"This is hardly the bargain the parties reached," the lawsuit states. "It is not 'first class quality,' nor is it 'comparable' to other syndicated television programming."

CP reached out Friday for comment from Merit Street Media and TBN. This story will be updated if a response is received.

Launched in 1973 by Paul and Jan Crouch, TBN eventually became the largest Christian cable station in the world. TBN directors later became embroiled in litigation surrounding allegations of financial corruption at TBN and mistreatment of relatives who opposed the alleged misuse of funds.

CEO Matthew Crouch, the son of Paul and Jan Crouch, currently oversees the company.

McGraw reportedly teamed up with the well-known religious broadcaster because of its experience in successfully owning over 30 TV stations. Despite the partnership with TBN, Merit Street Media would not be a religious network nor feature any of TBN's staple Christian programming.

In April 2024, McGraw appeared at Fellowship Church in Grapevine, Texas, to promote his then-nascent media network, where he emphasized what he described as Merit Media's commitment to factual reporting. "We aim to tell people what happened and let them decide," he said.
Home News 8 Dead Sea Scrolls on display at Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

Eight newly installed Dead Sea Scrolls, including a rare manuscript outlining the beliefs and structure of the ancient Qumran sect, are now on display at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.

The scrolls are part of the ongoing Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition, hosted by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute (RRPFI), marking the final rotation before the exhibit closes on Sept. 2.

The newly installed scrolls include the Community Rule Scroll 4Q260, also known as the Manual of Discipline, which details the governing structure, daily practices, and core values of the first century BC Qumran community. They replace the previous set of eight scrolls as part of a regular rotation to preserve the ancient manuscripts, which are highly sensitive to light and environmental exposure.

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Other highlights of this exhibit include the Sea of Galilee Boat, the Magdala Stone, and at least 400 other artifacts. Previous scrolls that have been on display include the 4Q57 Isaiah Scroll and the Ten Commandments Scroll.

The Community Rule Scroll 4Q260, also known as the Manual of Discipline, contains rules governing the life and beliefs of the sect believed to have lived at Qumran around the first century BCE, said a RRPFI statement.

It is a foundational document that outlines the governing structure, values, and daily practices of this community, offering scholars and the public a rare window into the communal life and religious ideals of one of Judaisms ancient communities.

Melissa Giller, chief marketing officer at the RRPFI, told Christian Daily International that hosting the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Reagan Library was a tremendous honor.

President Reagan believed in the enduring importance of faith, history and cultural understanding, and were proud to share these sacred treasures with the public during this landmark 75th anniversary year," said Giller.

The public has a desire to connect with the ancient roots of modern civilization and religion, and we are proud to help make that connection possible, especially as the Reagan Library is the only West Coast location where these scrolls can be seen.

Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition heralded the return of the scrolls for public display in the U.S. for nearly a decade. It celebrates the 75th anniversary since the scrolls were found, dubbed, one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in modern history.

The exhibition features ancient manuscripts from the collections of the Israel Antiquities Authority, which created the show from the collections of the National Treasures. The exhibit is produced by West Wall Exhibitions and RRPFI.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute (RRPFI) is the sole nonprofit organization created by President Reagan charged with "advancing his legacy and principles  individual liberty, economic opportunity, freedom and democracy, peace through strength, and national pride."

This article was originally published at Christian Daily International
Home News Christian girl kidnapped at gunpoint from her home, held captive for 2 years escapes Member of Salvation Army church says she was repeatedly raped, beaten with an iron rod

LAHORE, Pakistan  A Christian girl who managed to escape the home of a Muslim man who kidnapped her said he forcibly converted her to Islam and repeatedly sexually assaulted her as his wife.

Muskan Liaqat was 14 years old when she was kidnapped at gunpoint from her home in Muridke, Sheikhupura District, by Muhammad Adnan and his father, Muhammad Arif, the night of May 24, 2023, as her family slept, she said.

They took me to their home, where they tortured me and forcibly took my thumb impressions on some papers  I was later told that I had become a Muslim and Adnan was my husband, Muskan told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News.

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A member of the Salvation Army church, Muskan said she was repeatedly sexually assaulted and beaten.

I was raped and beaten by Adnan with an iron rod on almost a daily basis, she said. He used to call me Chuhri [a pejorative term used for Christians] and other curse words. As a result of repeated sexual abuse, I got pregnant in 2024.

Severe torture by Adnan resulted in a miscarriage in the fourth month of her pregnancy, she said.

I used to cry all night and pray to God to rescue me from this hell, but it looked like my prayers were not reaching Him.

The trauma led her to attempt suicide by cutting her wrist, she said.

I wanted to kill myself as it seemed the only way out of the agony that I was suffering every day, Muskan said. I would also question myself, Would my family accept me even if I somehow managed to escape and return home? Would they believe me that I had not gone with Adnan willingly? These thoughts haunted me all the time, forcing me to think that ending my life was the only option.

On May 26, it seemed her prayers were finally answered when Muskan found a chance to make a phone call to her older sister, informing her about her location and the names of her captors. But her hope of rescue proved short-lived.

When Adnan and his father came to know that my family had approached the court for my recovery, they threatened to kill me and my family members if I gave a statement against them, she said. They told me to tell the court that I had converted to Islam and married Adnan of my free will. I succumbed to their pressure, though my heart and soul yearned to be with my parents and siblings.

Typically, kidnapped girls in Pakistan, some as young as 10, are abducted, forced to convert to Islam and raped under cover of Islamic marriages and are then pressured to record false statements in favor of the kidnappers, rights advocates say. Judges routinely ignore documentary evidence related to the childrens ages, handing them back to kidnappers as their legal wives.

The familys attempt to rescue Muskan through legal action led to more merciless beatings. Using an iron rod, Adnan fractured her left arm and caused multiple other injuries, she said.

Muskans prayers were finally answered on June 3, when Adnan left her unguarded at his house, enabling her to escape.

Im truly grateful to God for rescuing me from captivity and to my family for trusting me that I had not gone with Adnan willingly, she said.

Fearing Adnan could again take custody of his daughter on the basis of the fake marriage, Liaqat Masih sought help from Christians True Spirit (CTS), a paralegal organization that also runs a shelter for Christian women and girls. CTS Executive Director Katherine Sapna said Muskans parents had made repeated attempts to file an abduction case when their daughter went missing from their home in 2023.

The local police did not entertain their application, and the poor family was forced to search for their daughter on their own, albeit with no success, Sapna told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News.

After Muskans call to her sister on May 26, the family reached out to CTS for legal assistance.

We immediately filed a habeas corpus petition for the recovery of the minor girl and the court directed the local police to produce her in court, Sapna said. We were disappointed when Muskan gave a statement in favor of the accused before the judge, but we also understood that she was forced to do so under duress.

When Masih informed CTS that Muskan had escaped from Adnans house but was at serious risk of being taken back, the group immediately relocated her to its safe house for her protection, Sapna said.

The girl has suffered severe mental and physical trauma in her two-year captivity, she said. It will take her time to heal and recover, but we have faith that the Lord will restore her fully.

The CTS legal team has launched criminal proceedings against Adnan and will leave no stone unturned to ensure justice for Muskan, Sapna said.

We will ensure that Adnan and his accomplices are effectively prosecuted and punished for kidnapping Muskan, subjecting her to sexual and physical violence and covering their crime with false religious conversion and marriage, she vowed.

Masih had worked as a mason, but after his daughters abduction, he fell ill and has been unable to work, Sapna said.

The family is barely able to meet both ends, so we have taken it upon ourselves to provide them with legal aid as well as medical and psychological treatment of their daughter, she said.

Pakistan, whose population is 96% Muslim, is ranked No. 8 on Open Doors 2025 World Watch List of the most difficult places to be a Christian.

This article was originally published at Christian Daily InternationalMorning Star News
Home News Christians join Jewish, Hindu plaintiffs in Texas lawsuit against Ten Commandments in schools Austin pastor claims Senate Bill 10 is 'un-American and un-Baptist'

A newly-passed Texas law that requires the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public school classrooms is facing a second interfaith legal challenge.

A lawsuit filed by a coalition of 16 families spanning Jewish, Christian, Unitarian Universalist, Hindu and nonreligious backgrounds argues that Senate Bill 10 violates the First Amendments guarantees of church-state separation and the free exercise of religion. The case was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, with legal support from the ACLU of Texas, the ACLU, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the Wisconsin-based atheist group Freedom From Religion Foundation.

Signed into law last month, SB 10 requires schools to post the Ten Commandments, measuring at least 16-by-20 inches in a legible typeface, in a conspicuous place in every classroom.

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According to the complaint, the mandated text favors a Protestant tradition, with commandments including I AM the LORD thy God, Thou shalt have no other gods before me, and Thou shalt not make to thyself any graven images. The suits plaintiffs say this specific version conflicts with the beliefs of many, including Jews and Catholics, whose versions of the Ten Commandments differ in translation, numbering, or emphasis.

For instance, the Jewish version highlights Gods role in liberating the Israelites from Egypt and uses murder instead of kill, while the Catholic version omits the prohibition on graven images, aligning with their use of religious iconography.

The lawsuit highlights Texas diverse student population of over 5.5 million across 9,000 public schools, many of whom adhere to an array of faiths, and many do not practice any religion at all. According to the plaintiffs, SB 10 disregards this diversity and the nations founding principles, as the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights were not based on the Ten Commandments, nor is there a tradition of displaying them in classrooms.

As a rabbi and public-school parent, I am deeply concerned that SB 10 will impose another faiths scripture on students for nearly every hour of the school day, said plaintiff Rabbi Mara Nathan in a statement from the ACLU. 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.

Pastor Griff Martin of the progressive First Baptist Church of Austin called SB 10 un-American and un-Baptist and linked the push to display the Ten Commandments with Christian nationalism. SB 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. My childrens faith should be shaped by family and our religious community, not by a Christian nationalist movement that confuses God with power.

For Hindu plaintiff and Texas Childrens anesthesiologist Arvind Chandrakantan, the law feels like an attack on his faith. S.B. 10 imposes a specific, rules-based set of norms that is at odds with my Hindu faith. Displaying the Ten Commandments in my children's classrooms sends the message that certain aspects of Hinduism  like believing in multiple paths to God (pluralism) or venerating (statues) as the living, breathing, physical representations of God  are wrong, he said in a statement.

Attorneys for those opposed to the Ten Commandments displays in public schools pointed to comments made by lawmakers during legislative hearings earlier this year, including Sen. Donna Campbell, who cited Joshua 1:9 in her defense of SB 10.

Dont be afraid. Dont be discouraged, because the Lord, thy God is with us throughout our life. There is an afterlife. There is eternal life. And if we dont expose, or introduce is a better word, our children and others to that, when they die, they had one birth, two deaths, because they will know nothing about the afterlife, the eternity with God," Campbell said. "But exposing them or introducing them to Ten Commandments [and] prayer, it asks other questions, and they then have a choice in their future. Two births, and one death. And this is what were doing. Prayer gives us our faith. The Ten Commandments, while they are laws, actually expand our freedoms. Thats what were about.

The lawsuit also cited comments from another SB 10 sponsor, Sen. Tan Parker, who, in reacting to testimony in favor of the bill, expressed alarm that only 25% of students have attended church. Im in shock ... that only twenty-five percent of our kids today in schools have been in a church, he said. That should make everybody listening absolutely scared to death. I mean, obviously, only the Lord can save us, and we need to engage in prayer. But to realize only twenty-five percent of our kids in schools today have been in a church is absolutely horrific and something we all need to work on to address.

Last month, a Dallas activist group known for its advocacy on behalf of accused murderer Karmelo Anthony was joined by a number of faith leaders in a lawsuit which claims SB 10 "unconstitutionally pressures students into religious observance, reverence, and adoption of the state's mandated religious scripture."
Home News So. Baptist-sponsored Mission Fuge summer camps draw over 12,000 students nationwide

More than 12,000 students and adults are attending the Southern Baptist Convention-supported MFuge camps this summer at more than 20 different locations nationwide.

Short for Mission Fuge, the MFuge camps are part of the FUGE Camps umbrella, along with the Centrifuge and CentriKid Camps, the original summer camp being called Centrifuge.

According to a spokesperson for the SBC's Lifeway Christian Resources, which oversees the three categories of FUGE Camps, more than 12,000 adults and students will be participating in MFuge camps this summer at 25 different locations.

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Activities at the summer camps include a mix of Bible study and worship, alongside volunteer activities such as working with young children, serving at a food bank, and participating in yardwork and construction.

"God has been so good to FUGE Camps. He is why we even exist," says Joe Hicks, manager of FUGE Camps, in comments emailed to CP. "We have a large, loyal customer base. They love our program, and our staff do a great job of running camp and bringing energy every week."

"Our desire is that students will grow closer to God and to each other in Christian community, he continued. We believe that when a student serves at MFuge, they will have a mission experience that opens their eyes to similar opportunities they may have to serve in their own communities, learning to live life each day on mission by serving others and sharing the Gospel."

The University of Mobile, an SBC-affiliated academic institution in Alabama, is among the locations hosting an MFuge camp, with an estimated 2,400 high and middle school students expected to attend.

According to The Baptist Press, at last years MFuge camp gathering at the university, there were reportedly 90 professions of faith in Christ and over 40 calls to ministry recorded.

Another entity involved in MFuge camps is First Baptist Church of Centre, Alabama, which is sending around 60 students to the MFuge Camp next week at Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee.

The congregation is paying more than half of the cost for each student attending the MFuge camp, as the church strongly believes that the camp experience can change students' lives for the better.

Tucker Bryson, minister to Students at FBC Centre, told CP that he hopes the MFuge camp experience will provide students with a newfound perspective on just how far the love of Jesus can reach.

It's not just for our own community, he added. It's for everyone of all backgrounds.
Home Opinion Happy 249th birthday, America

Happy 249th birthday, America! As a nation, we are now one year away from celebrating two-and-a-half centuries of nationhood. Thirteen English-speaking colonies hugging the Atlantic Seaboard of North America declared their independence from Great Britain, thus challenging the modern worlds first superpower, the British Empire.

On July 4, 1776, they declared:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. 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 statement, as unprecedented and revolutionary as it was, was joined by the equally revolutionary statement which immediately followed it, stating:

That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed  That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the people to abolish it, and to institute new Government .

Government gains its authority from the consent of the governed. No government anywhere in the world had declared such revolutionary things. As Abraham Lincoln put it so succinctly in his incomparable Gettysburg Address, referencing the legions of Union soldiers killed in that decisive battle:

That these dead shall not have died in vainthat this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedomand that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

This revolutionary understanding of government and of the equality of all men is deeply woven into the very warp and woof of the American Enterprise from its very inception.

Millions of Americans have understood this essential truth down through the last 249 years, and millions more need to do so today. As President Kennedy said in his famous Inaugural Address, the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe  the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God. (President John F. Kennedy, Jan. 20, 1961).

Just yesterday, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson made this essential point once again, referring in his speech celebrating the passage of the Big Beautiful Bill. The speaker pointed out that the founding document, the Declaration of Independence, states that all men are created, not born, equal, thus assuming a Creator God.

G.K.Chesterton (1874-1936), a British philosopher and Christian apologist, noted that

America is the only nation in the world, that is founded on a creed ... set forth with dogmatic and even theological lucidity in the Declaration of Independence. (What I Saw in America)

In his second inaugural address, President George W. Bush acknowledged:

From the day of our Founding, we have proclaimed that every man and woman on this earth has rights, and dignity, and matchless value, because they bear the image of the Maker of Heaven and earth. Across the generations we have proclaimed the imperative of self-government, because no one is fit to be a master and no one deserves to be a slave. Advancing these ideals is the mission that created our Nation. It is the honorable achievement of our fathers ... Now it is ... the calling of our time. (Jan. 20 2005)

And yet, despite these unprecedented, spectacular foundations and beginnings, significant segments of the American population remain unaware. In anticipation of Independence Day, the Gallup Poll queried Americans about their pride in their country. Their results indicate a record low percentage of Americans are proud of their country.

Most disturbingly, the precipitous decline in pride in America was not evenly distributed across the general population. The Gallup results revealed that the younger you were, the less likely you were to be proud to be an American.

Fifty-eight percent of millennials (born after 1980) were proud of their country, compared to 41% of GenZ (born after 1996).

By contrast, among baby boomers (born between 1946-1964), 75% were proud of America. Of course, the boomers, who were the children of the World War II generation, were taught at home and at school, and often in church, by the generation that fought, and sometimes died, for Americans liberty in that terrible war.

The propaganda that has been poured into succeeding generations of Americans in public schools and in the mainstream media has undermined younger Americans' knowledge and understanding of their priceless heritage.

Edmund Burke (1729-1797), an 18th century British philosopher, observed, history is a pact between the dead, the living, and the yet unborn. For too many Americans, that pact has been broken. We have not taught the younger generations the nature and value of their priceless heritage as Americans.

Let us take a solemn vow this Independence Day to teach our children, our grandchildren, and anyone elses children who will listen that we are the recipients of a glorious heritage as Americans.

And we must also teach them to whom much is given, much is required. (Luke 12:48). We have a sacred obligation to pass on our American heritage. Explain to all who will listen what we are celebrating and why.
Home Opinion What we should remember on July 4th

Every birthday is important. The passing of another year is worthy of celebration because each trip around the sun measures the gift of existing and all the blessings that come with it. For the United States, the Fourth of July marks the significance of our national beginning.

After months of laboring over its final wording, the Continental Congress delivered the Declaration of Independence, completing the birth of our country. Every fireworks show, barbeque with friends, and national anthem rendition is a fitting observance of Americas birthday.

Remembering the spiritual groundswell that led to our rise is also an important part of our patriotic celebrations. Though some revisionists regularly dismiss Christianitys profound influence on both the formation of the American colonies as well as their decisive break from Great Britain, honest historians acknowledge the seminal guidance of biblical faith toward producing a constitutional republic. Of the settlers in our new land, 98% were Protestant believers (admittedly of different stripes), 2% were Catholic, and slightly over 2,000 were Jewish.



Furthermore, the prevalent claim that most of Americas Founders were deists is verifiably false in light of their frequent appeals to divine providence. After recognizing endowed rights from our Creator, the Declaration of Independence concludes with a firm reliance on the Protection of Divine Providence.

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It was no accident that later, the very First Amendment codified into the US Constitution (1789) guaranteed the freedom of religion, insisting that Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. Sadly, many recklessly abuse this sacred right by insisting on the freedom from religion rather than freedom of religion. With frequent appeals to a separation between church and state, todays common refrain is that faith has no place whatsoever in the public square.

Historically, Baptists have been the greatest proponents of the the separation between church and state, but few phrases suffer more misuse than this one. If you expose the atrocities of the abortion industry, offer a biblical definition of marriage and gender, or appeal to the morality of any public policy, many will quickly lament the mixture of religion and politics as if the two cannot coexist. Ironically, the loudest voices claiming that the Church is becoming too political have no problem at all when their politics becomes more and more theological.

We need to acknowledge that the concept of separation between church and state is not found anywhere in our U.S. Constitution. Thomas Jefferson coined the phrase in 1802 while writing to Danbury Baptists in Connecticut. These believers expressed concern that the ratification of the First Amendment did not go far enough in protecting religious minorities from governmental intrusion.

Remember, many of Americas earliest citizens sought freedom from the oppression of the state sanctioned Church of England, and Baptists in particular were fearful of similar overreach in their new land. For smaller denominations, the rising influence of early Congregationalists and the taxes funneled to them felt eerily similar to the missteps of their previous experience.

Thus, Jefferson sought to reassure these Christians of their freedom to practice and verbalize their faith without interruption from the government. Rather than exile Christian ideas out of political debate, our third president sought to preserve their expression by eliminating the fear of legal blowback. From his perspective, the First Amendment successfully prevented the federal government from espousing a preference of religion without eliminating the presence of religion from our budding republic.



Tragically, our modern sensibilities erroneously maintain, contrary to Jefferson, that Christian influence is more dangerous than governmental interference. Religious liberty is the foundational cornerstone upon which our nation was built. Our founders understood that the best ideas will rise to the top when we persuade, not punish, those with whom we disagree.

Discriminating against distinctly Christian ideas because of their morality is a failure to recognize that a code of ethics governs ALL expressed views. Divorcing morality from public policy is impossible. Thus, the issue becomes whose virtues we applaud and prioritize. Even the most secular adherents are often quite religious about their atheism! In doing so, nonreligious elites ironically insist on a separation between church and state for everyone but themselves.



Christians rightly understand that government is a gift from God established for the good and safety of society (Rom. 13:1-7). The Kingdom of God, however, is not of this world (John 18:36), so the former has no jurisdiction over the latter. As salt and light (Matt. 5:13-16), followers of Jesus are to contend for the souls of men and women first (Matt. 28:19-20), followed by the welfare of the cities wherein they live (Jer. 29:7).

We have every right to express our views concerning morality, legislation, and the people who lead us. The world would be even more frightening if we did not. Regardless of outcomes, we should rest knowing that the Kingdom of our God will prevail over the kingdoms of this world (Rev. 11:15).
Oxfam has taken the Overall Award for Excellence at this years Charity Awards, for its pilot Womens Rights Fund project supporting grassroots womens rights organisations in four countries.

Oxfams Womens Rights Fund differs from traditional aid projects in that it gives partner organisations multi-year, flexible funding while supporting their sustainability through tailored guidance and mentoring.

The Charity Awards judges believe that if the programme can be scaled up across more countries, it has the potential to catalyse systemic change across Oxfam and potentially throughout the wider international development sector.

Alongside the nine other category winners and the recipient of the Daniel Phelan Award for Outstanding Achievement, Oxfam was presented with the trophy at a black-tie ceremony at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London last night, hosted by BBC News presenter and journalist Asad Ahmad.

Awards judge Richard Hawkes, chief executive of the British Asian Trust, said Oxfam was driving genuinely massive change by sharing power and standing in solidarity with communities of lived experience.

The international development sector has been talking about decolonisation for more than 30 years but hasnt actually managed to do it, he said.

This is far more significant than just this programme, because Oxfam is the biggest beast and if they are leading this radical shake-up then the rest of the sector will have to take notice.

The Womens Rights Fund began in 2020 in Kenya and the Occupied Palestinian Territory  well before the recent cuts to official aid in the US and UK  and Oxfam added new partners in Lebanon in 2024 and Nepal this year.

The now-20 grassroots partner organisations are given 20,000 a year for three years, plus up to 12,000 worth of support from their Oxfam country office to develop a plan for sustainable growth and development.

Early results from the pilot project have been outstanding. From 2021 to 2024, the womens rights organisations supported have trebled the number of people they help, and the first cohort of funded organisations in Kenya and Palestine raised an average of $70,000 (52,000) per year each, thanks to the fundraising advice they received.

Oxfam now has ambitious plans to roll out the Womens Rights Fund to 70 partners across 10 countries over the next two or three years.

Judges comments

Shane Ryan, senior adviser to the National Lottery Community Fund, said the testimonials from partners confirm that the fund represents a meaningful shift from traditional, often extractive funding relationships, toward more equitable partnerships.

The influence of the model on other Oxfam programming and external organisations suggests potential for sector-wide change in funding practices, he said.

Sharika Sharma, head of business development at overall awards partner CCLA, said: Shifting practice in a large organisation isnt easy. I applaud the teams courage and innovation but, most importantly, the results. Oxfam has listened carefully to its partners in developing the Womens Rights Fund and changed the delivery of traditional aid projects.

While this programme was in place before the UKs recent announcement of reduced aid spending, such challenges are probably going to continue for some time. I hope this award catalyses discussions about the future of development funding models and inspires other organisations.

Matt Nolan, chief executive of Civil Society Media, congratulated Oxfam on winning the highly-coveted award in the Charity Awards 25th anniversary year.

For a quarter of a century, the Charity Awards have been highlighting and celebrating the very best of charitable endeavour by UK-based charities large and small, he said.

As we look ahead to the next 25 years, it seems fitting that the judges have chosen to recognise Oxfam, one of the most long-established and high-profile charities, that has faced its own challenges and yet continued to innovate and strive for best practice.

I hope this award provides even more leverage to help Oxfam scale up the Womens Rights Fund and show that the charitable sector stands firmly in solidarity with the worlds poorest communities  even if governments choose not to.

Oxfam: It means the world

Accepting the award last night, Oxfam GB chief executive Halima Begum, said: This award means so much for everybody in Oxfam.

But the sector, we are struggling beyond means, beyond words, at the moment, because as we try and transform, our world doesnt get easier, it gets more complex.

And yet we have to find it within us to show the humility to do things differently, be transformative, and still hold that space for the humanitarian crisis that we find ourselves in. And so to be honoured with this gives us actually that much more of a push as well, because we want to transform structures [that] get in the way.

Ultimately, the learning that were doing is actually coming from the communities that we work for, and at a time when the rollback on women's rights is just so severe at the moment, to honour us with this award actually validates the work that we do with womens rights, womens courage, womens leadership. It means the world.

Other winners

Dame Esther Rantzen, founder of Childline and the Silver Line, and lifelong campaigner and activist, won the Daniel Phelan Award for Outstanding Achievement. Click here to read why .

Read more about Oxfams programme on the Charity Awards website.

Click here to read the full list of Charity Awards 2025 winners .



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,
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The Charity Commission has opened regulatory compliance cases into two Christian charities in north Wales after safeguarding concerns were raised.

Earlier this year, an external review into Bangor Cathedral concluded, raising several safeguarding concerns.

The Church in Wales revealed last month that six serious incident reports (SRIs) have been made to the commission in the past year.

The regulator has now confirmed that it recently opened cases into the Bangor Diocesan Trust and Dean and Chapter of Bangor Cathedral to assess several issues, including some reported directly by the charities.

The concerns relate to safeguarding concerns, whether there are sufficient financial controls and the management of conflicts of interest at the charities.

Were actively examining these matters with the charities trustees to determine our next steps, a spokesperson for the commission said.

As regulator, if we find evidence of wrongdoing, we take robust action using the powers available to us.

Meanwhile, the archbishop of Wales, Andrew John, resigned from his post on Friday.

Six serious incident reports

In October 2024, John commissioned a visitation of Bangor Cathedral and an external review to assess concerns that had been brought to his attention.

He asked Christian safeguarding charity thirtyone:eight to look at the quality of life, faith, discipline, behaviour and culture of the cathedral.

Its report , published in April, details a culture in which sexual boundaries seemed blurred, and to some in their view promiscuity was acceptable.

It also identifies a lack of confidence in those with authority, an unhappy working environment and an individualistic and siloed culture among other things.

Following a recent discussion on financial record keeping and procedures at a meeting, Bangor Cathedrals trustee body decided to send an SIR to the Charity Commission.

This follows five SIRs which were sent to the Charity Commission relating to Bangor Cathedral in 2024, the Church in Wales said in a statement .

Four of these related to safeguarding: three have been closed. The remaining report remains open as the commissioning and undertaking of the visitation/safeguarding audit was one of the necessary responses.

The commission has been updated following the publication of the report summaries and well update the commission further on the implementation of the recommendations.

The fifth report related to a financial matter and was closed in March this year.

Archbishop of Wales steps down

In light of the visitation and safeguarding audit, an implementation group was established to implement recommendations in full, while an oversight board was created to oversee and scrutinise the work of the former and support a new dean.

In a statement published last week, Medwin Hughes, chair of the oversight board, said: Theres much to do to ensure that lasting changes are made and thoroughly embedded into the life and culture of Bangor Cathedral.

John said the reports reveal shortcomings and poor organisational practice which shouldnt have occurred.

I deeply regret that they happened under my episcopate and I recognise I ought to have done more to ensure such failings did not occur, he said.

I also take full responsibility that I did not address these matters quickly enough.

On 27 June, John announced his decision to immediately retire as archbishop of Wales, adding that he also intends to retire as bishop of Bangor on 31 August.
Two hundred forty-nine years ago today, sometime in the late morning of July 4, 1776, all 56 representatives of the 13 colonies meeting as the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia took the extraordinary vote unanimously adopting the Declaration of Independence. The colonies were no longer colonies subservient to the crown, but rather the thirteen united States of America.

The Declaration enumerated the reasons the kings tyranny had impelled them to this break that surely all who voted that day knew meant war -- a war with Great Britain that would imperil the signers wealth, property, families and lives.

How had Britain and King George III exercised repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States?

The declaration -- worth re-reading as a reminder of what drove America to independence -- lists 27 explicit violations of Americans rights.

The list starts with the kings refusal to Assent to Laws passed on these shores, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good, and ends with his efforts to excite domestic insurrections amongst us, including by urging native Americans allied with Britain to make war via an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

The Declaration is flawed, yes. Its authors -- virtually all wealthy white men -- did not consider many living on these shores to be full citizens with voting and property ownership rights, including women, Blacks and native peoples. Many of our Founders owned or had owned slaves.

According to slaveowner Thomas Jefferson himself, writing later in his autobiography, two provisions were struck from the document: The pusillanimous idea that we had friends in England worth keeping terms with, still haunted the minds of many. For this reason those passages which conveyed censures on the people of England were struck out, lest they should give them offence. The clause too, reprobating the enslaving the inhabitants of Africa, was struck out in complaisance to South Carolina and Georgia, who had never attempted to restrain the importation of slaves, and who on the contrary still wished to continue it.

Of course, Jefferson, too, wished to continue the institution of slavery, tossing a few darts in his autobiography to northerners who themselves profited from the maritime slave trade. And when the U.S. Constitution was later adopted, in 1789, after the United States successful revolution, it tarnished that victory by declaring enslaved Blacks to be three-fifths of a person.

So, yes, this nations Founders werent perfect by a long shot, but what is indisputable is that they put their own futures and lives on the line, they hazarded all, for the great enterprise of freedom. They certainly had a flawed idea then of who should be free, or what should be encompassed by the Declarations assertion that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness....

But by putting unalienable Rights at the forefront of independence, by creating a constitutional system anchored in checks and balances among the executive, judiciary and legislative branches, they laid the groundwork for future course corrections as dictated in a true democracy.

Let freedom ring, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. so famously said, over and over, in his 1963 I Have a Dream speech:

Let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania. Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado. Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California. But not only that, let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia. Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee. Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

What was Kings speech but a call to action to perfect our union? And theres no better time to advance that cause than on our nations 249th birthday.

So let freedom ring from Cleveland to Cincinnati to Corpus Christi. Let freedom ring from our lakes to our legislatures, from Columbus to Washington, D.C.

The Fourth of July reminds us of how precious and dearly bought our freedoms are -- and why theyre worth protecting. So let freedom ring!

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David Bauman of Castalia, Ohio and his daughter Ailey, 4, and son Carter, 9, caught plenty of Sandusky Bay channel catfish last week with the familys special Trout Tails bait created at his Hooked on Trout Farm in Castalia, Ohio. Sam Horn, special to cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio  Veteran anglers lay claim to a wide range of specialty baits for catching channel catfish, from raw shrimp to nightcrawlers, cut shad, chicken livers, chicken gizzards, dough balls and more. This year, David Bauman and his wife, Melissa, at the Hooked on Trout Farm in Castalia, are making waves with chunks of hatchery-raised rainbow trout to fool catfish.

The Hooked on Trout Farm is of the largest private hatcheries in Ohio, providing stocked rainbow, brook, brown and golden trout and hybrid cut-bow and tiger trout to private ponds and public fishing holes, such as the Cleveland Metroparks. It is also now supplying frozen trout to Bays Edge Bait & Tackle and and Bay View Center Bait and Tackle, both in the Sandusky Bay area. Theres an upgrade in the works, as well.
Condiments are getting an upgrade. Chefs are taking their signature sauces and dips outside the kitchen. And "swicy" still reigns.

Those food trends were all on display at the Specialty Food Association's Summer Fancy Food Show, which returned to the Javits Center in New York this week.

From Sunday to Tuesday, more than 2,000 exhibitors showed off a range of specialty food and drinks, offering attendees a glimpse at the products headed for grocery aisles and restaurants in the near future.

"It's always been the show where people go to see the trends," said Christine Couvelier, a culinary trend spotter and founder of the Culinary Concierge.

Couvelier, a seasoned show attendee, guided CNBC through three floors of booths, highlighting the trends  and winners  on her radar.

Past show trends that are now making their way to mainstream consumers' palettes include new uses for vinegar, oil-based hot sauce and lavender as a flavor. But not all trends have that kind of staying power.

"I think I've seen six booths that have Dubai chocolate. We won't see Dubai chocolate next year," Couvelier said, referring to the chocolate bars filled with kadayif and pistachio that have taken over TikTok, grocery stores and even Shake Shacks nationwide.

The trade show has also traditionally been a springboard for new brands seeking to expand their reach. Honest Tea, Ben & Jerry's and Tate's Bake Shop are among the companies that attended the show in their early days on their way to becoming well-known consumer brands.

Here are some highlights from this year's Summer Fancy Food Show:
A flood gauge marks the height of water flowing over a farm-to-market road near Kerrville, Texas, on Friday, July 4, 2025.

Leitha said Friday night that the confirmed deaths in the county were 24, up from the 13 that he reported earlier in the day. A death was also reported in Kendall County, he said.

Between 23 and 25 people from Camp Mystic are unaccounted for, Kerr County Sheriff Larry L. Leitha Jr. said.

The missing are from Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, which was hosting 750 children this week. Helicopters ferried dozens to safety Friday. Texas Game Wardens said in the evening that they were able to reach the camp with vehicles to bring out others.

"They will continue in the darkness of night, they will be taking place when the sun rises in the morning. They will be non-stop," Abbott said at a press conference Friday night.

Gov. Greg Abbott called it an "extraordinary catastrophe," and said that search and rescue missions will continue through the night.

The water from the flooded Guadalupe River swept into Kerr County and other areas around 4 a.m. Friday after heavy rains overnight, authorities said. Bodies were reported to have been found in cars swept away from upstream.

The death toll from devastating floods in the Texas Hill Country rose to 24 Friday night, officials said, as a the search for more than 20 people missing from a girls summer camp continued through the night.

Helicopters with hoists were used to rescue survivors, including people from trees, officials said. Adjutant General of Texas Major General Thomas Suelzer said that by Friday night 237 people had been rescued, 167 of whom were brought to safety by helicopter.

More than 400 people were on the ground responding to the disaster, Lieutenant Gov. Dan Patrick said.

The Department of Homeland Security said the U.S. Coast Guard and Federal Emergency Management Agency had been activated. Patrick said he had been in contact with President Donald Trump.

Trump called the floods "terrible" when asked by reporters about the situation Friday night on Air Force One, and he said the U.S. government will help.

"We're working with the governor. It's a terrible thing," he said.

Helicopters Friday transported children from Camp Mystic to safety Friday, video from NBC affiliate WOAI of San Antonio showed.

Texas Game Wardens said on Facebook Friday evening: "Have made entry into Camp Mystic with vehicles and are beginning to bring campers out!"

Patrick said that even though around 20 children were unaccounted for, "that does not mean they've been lost."

"They could be in a tree. They could be out of communication," he said. "We're praying for all of those missing to be found alive. We're doing everything we can to get in there."

Parts of Kerr County got a little more than 10 inches of rain over 24 hours, the National Weather Service said at 4 p.m. Friday. Farther north, Llano County got 8 1/2 inches over that period.

"We lost everything. A lot of people lost everything," one survivor told WOAI in Kerrville. A local Walmart gave him a pair of shoes. "Nobody expected this," he said.

Another man in Kerrville told the station that his brother's house is missing after the flood  along with the brother, his wife and their two children.

Earlier in the day, Camp Mystic issued a statement telling parents: "If your daughter is not accounted for, you have been notified," while indicating girls located in other parts of the camp had been found safe.

The officials said the nearby highway was washed away and that the area remained without power, water or internet and was "struggling" to get more help.

"Please continue to pray and send any help if you have contacts to do so," the officials wrote.

The camp, about two hours west of Austin, is for girls between the ages of 7 and 17, and it was due to celebrate its 100th anniversary next year.

It's located near the Guadalupe River, which authorities said surged as much as 22 feet in just half an hour Friday morning to a height of 30 feet in the nearby town of Comfort in Kerr County, breaking a record that had stood for decades.

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, also issued a statement on X shortly after 4 p.m. ET.

"Please pray right now for everyone in the Hill Country, especially Camp Mystic," he wrote. "Today, I've spoken with Gov Abbott, Lt. Gov Patrick, the head of TDEM & President Trump. Multiple helicopters are performing search & rescue. President Trump committed ANYTHING Texas needs."

The force of the water in Ingram in Kerr County smashed the windows of homes and ripped off doors and paneling, video from WOAI showed.

Footage on social media showed an SUV swept away by raging floodwaters in Kerrville. The person who recorded it said the video was taken Friday morning.



The Guadalupe River had crested at Kerrville and Comfort by Friday evening, but other parts of the river downstream weren't forecast to crest until Saturday morning.

The Guadalupe River near Spring Branch was forecast to crest at 37.2 feet, classified as moderate flood stage, around 2 a.m. Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

NBC meteorologist Bill Karins said that the rain event "just sat here" in the area overnight into Friday morning in hilly terrain.

"It's not like the mountains in the Rockies or in the Appalachians, but there are hills  and so that water will rush down the hills and collect in the smaller streams, and then it all combines, and all into the Guadalupe," Karins said on NBC News Now.

Lina Hidalgo, the judge of Harris County, where Houston is, said five of the dead are from the Houston or Harris County area.

"All of Texas is impacted by this tragic event," she wrote on X.

Flood warnings throughout the state remain in place through the weekend.

"There is an ongoing threat for possible flash flooding from San Antonio to Waco for the next 24 to 48 hours, in addition to the continued risks in west and central Texas," Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said in a statement.
Sun sets over Manhattan skyscrapers after the rain storm on Thursday, July 3, 2025, in New York City, United States.

Heavy overnight thunderstorms in the Northeast and South Texas left several people dead and caused widespread damage ahead of the Fourth of July weekend, authorities said.

Officials with the City of Plainfield, New Jersey, just southwest of New York City, said two males, aged 79 and 25, were killed when a tree fell onto the vehicle they were traveling in at the height of the storm. The names of the victims were being withheld out of respect for the families, the officials said.

"The devastating storm that struck our city has left deep scars, widespread damage, and thousands still without power," Plainfield Mayor Adrian O. Mapp said in a statement on Facebook.

At 6 a.m., nearly 44,000 energy customers were in the dark in New York state, along with 24,000 in New Jersey and 23,000 in Massachusetts.

The priority was to "begin the work of rebuilding," Mapp said.

"In light of this tragedy we cannot, in all good conscience proceed with our Fourth of July parade, concert, or fireworks," he added.

An additional overnight fatality in nearby North Plainfield, New Jersey, was confirmed by Mayor Lawrence La Ronde, who told WNBC that the city's West End area is "a mess." He said the city was working with utility officials to remove down wires and restore power.

Footage posted on social media showed large trees toppled by strong winds in North Plainfield, while another video showed downed power lines in Salt Point, New Jersey. Videos also captured heavy hail falling across the region.

New York City appears to have avoided the worst of the storm, but damage was reported from Connecticut into central New Jersey.

Roughly 39 million people were subject to alerts and warnings for thunderstorms Thursday, putting holiday celebrations and travel plans at risk.

By Friday morning, the number affected had dropped to 11.5 million, according to the weather service's Storm Prediction Center.

Fireworks displays may be affected by storms or rain after dusk in these areas.
From the battlefield to the halls of Congress, a shake-up is underway that will change how armed forces around the world prepare for conflict and engage with adversaries. June began with a wake-up call about how versatile and effective drones could be in warfare. After 18 months of planning, Ukraine successfully smuggled containers armed with drones inside Russia's borders and inflicted damage on aircraft parked at five far-flung air bases. The daring "Operation Spiderweb" proved how efficient these relatively low-cost defense technologies can be, and offered an eye-opening example of new threats that exist. President Donald Trump has since signed an executive order aimed at supporting domestic drone production and addressing the threat from "criminal, terrorist and foreign misuse of drones inside U.S. airspace." At the same time, there has been a reminder about the need for more powerful munitions. The recent attempt to thwart Iran's nuclear ambitions shows there is still a key role for traditional military muscle such as " bunker buster" bombs . Trump also has his sights set on creating a "Golden Dome" missile shield system . The project is likely to span many years and involve a broad swath of industry players , including those in the defense tech space. Even as U.S. lawmakers look to be more strategic about spending, they are still calling for a 12% increase in the defense budget. But many industry analysts expect the current climate to favor low-cost disruptive technology over the more traditional defense contractors. Both Goldman Sachs and Stifel recently initiated coverage of defense tech stocks, including drone manufacturer AeroVironment , and investors have been bidding up the stocks for weeks. Despite the run-up, analysts are optimistic there is still room for new money to be put to work in the sector. Commanding a higher valuation Jonathan Siegmann, an analyst at Stifel, said he expects there will continue to be demand for equipment made by Lockheed Martin , Northrop Grumman and the like, but the growth will be in the defense tech space. He recently initiated coverage of AeroVironment, Kratos Defense & Security and Teledyne Techology . AeroVironment and Teledyne are among his top picks "I am really excited about these companies because I feel growth in defense is going to be valued today," Siegmann said in an interview. AeroVironment shares, as an example, have climbed 32% over the past month, boosting its year-to-date gain to 60%  and that's after a more than 11% pullback this week on a stock and convertible note offering . But the stock is only 8% below the analysts' average price target of $266.38, according to FactSet. AVAV 1Y mountain AeroVrionment shares over the past year. Siegmann said he expects the multiples that these stocks trade at will grow richer over time, especially when one considers the premium being paid for some private defense tech companies. "I think valuations have a chance to get really uncomfortably high relative to the old playbook and you only have to look at Palantir to see how richly these things can get because I think we are very early in seeing these new markets play out," Siegmann said. Numerous private companies have been benefiting from money flooding into the sector. According to PitchBook, some 400 defense tech companies have raised a combined $13 billion worldwide so far this year. One of the largest is Anduril Industries, which recently raised $2.5 billion at a $30.5 billion valuation double its value last August. On Wednesday, RBC Capital Markets analyst Ken Herbert upgraded his estimates and price targets within the sector, saying that the group is "poised for continued outperformance, driven by the growth in the FY26 defense spending" as well as its positioning in high-demand areas like space, missiles, hypersonics, unmanned technology and artificial intelligence. Herbert's favorite name is AeroVironment, which he says is trading at a discount to its peers even as its position has improved since its acquisition of Blue Halo. He also has an outperform rating on Karman Holdings and Kratos. "We agree that the small cap defense tech sector has reset at levels where these stocks have rarely traded," he wrote in a note to clients. ".... However, we believe the industry is set to continue to benefit from several secular tailwinds, which should translate into an acceleration in growth in 2026." Herbert increased his price target for AeroVironment by $75 to $275, implying 12% upside from Thursday's close. He raised his price target on Kratos to $50 from $38, suggesting shares could also rise 12%, while Karman's target was lifted to $51 from $44, or about 13% above its current levels. KRMN YTD mountain Karman Holdings shares year to date. BTIG analyst Andre Madrid expects AeroVironment shares could rise even higher. He set a $300 price target after the company reported earnings in late June. "The global threat environment remains elevated as evidenced by conflicts in the Middle East and Europe, as well as rising threats in the Indo-Pacific," he wrote in a research note at the time. Madrid said he sees the company's offerings as very much aligned with the administration's priorities, and he expects the recent pledge by members of NATO to spend 5% of their gross domestic product on defense will unlock even more opportunities. "I think the attack in Russia kind of proved the ability for an adversary to infiltrate your territory and launch such a  mass drone attack right under your nose. The U.S. is acutely aware of that threat," Madrid said in an interview. With this in mind, as well as with the efforts behind Golden Dome, defense spending priorities will remain focused on unmanned aerial systems and ways to counter them, he said. "Just because of how important it is, not just for military installations, but also civil infrastructure, water treatment plants, the electric grid," Madrid said. Kratos is another company to watch. Goldman Sachs upgraded the stock to buy on June 29, with a $52 price target. With the stock's $44.66 close on Thursday, shares could rise 16% from here. KTOS YTD mountain Kratos Defense and Security Solutions shares year to date. "Kratos is building products for the war fighter that use commercial technology and offer similar capability at a significantly lower price," Anthony Valentini, the Goldman analyst wrote when he upgraded the stock. "This positions the company to benefit from budget dollars being allocated to autonomous systems, space, artificial intelligence, and missiles." While Valentini warned that Kratos has sometimes struggled with profitability and cash generation, he expects it has hit "a key inflection point" given the Trump administration wants to use commercial technology to drive scale. However, Valentini's price target ranks among the highest on Wall Street. While 79% of analysts rate Kratos a buy, the average price target sits at $45, according to FactSet. That's less than 1% above the stock's current price. Kratos shares have climbed more than 69% year to date, with a 14% advance over the past month. Stifel's Siegmann raised his price target on Kratos on Wednesday to $54, citing both its recent $500 million equity raise and its Prometheus joint venture with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. It's believed these systems were heavily used in last month's conflict between Israel and Iran, and he expects Prometheus will be "a significant earnings contributor in the future." "Defense is changing," Siegmann told CNBC. "We've been through reform cycles in the past, and not much has changed, and I think that's why people are a little bit complacent,  but the threats are so significant. If we're serious about deterring China, we've got to make changes, and I think there's consensus among Democrats and Republicans about the industry  that change is needed."
The head of pan-Scandinavian airline SAS told CNBC that European airline consolidation "needed a second phase," after Air France-KLM confirmed it plans to increase its stake in the business to 60.5% from just under 20%.

"Scale still matters, consolidation still matters in this industry... this is a capital intense and low margin business, so consolidation is always the name of the game," Anko van der Werff told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe," adding that it was a "very good day" for the airline.

"We have a growth path ourselves... I think we're also well positioned within the Air France-KLM group," Van der Werff continued.
A general view of the SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) building is seen in the business district of Mumbai, India, on July 1, 2025. Nurphoto | Nurphoto | Getty Images

The Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has temporarily barred Jane Street Group from accessing India's securities market, after it accused the U.S. firm of widespread market manipulation. According to an interim order posted on the regulator's website on Thursday, Jane Street's "entities are restrained from accessing the securities market and are further prohibited from buying, selling or otherwise dealing in securities, directly or indirectly." SEBI also issued an interim order to freeze over 48.4 billion Indian rupees ($566.3 million) from Jane Street in alleged illegal gains. It further stated that banks have been directed to ensure that "no debits are made, without permission of SEBI," for accounts held by Jane Street's entities either jointly or individually. Jane Street disputed the findings of SEBI's interim order and said it will further engage with the regulator, in response to queries from CNBC. A Jane Street spokesperson added that the firm "is committed to operating in compliance with all regulations in the regions we operate around the world."

'Without any plausible economic rationale'

Jane Street allegedly used various strategies to artificially influence India's benchmark Nifty 50 index  which tracks the country's top 50 companies  and profit from significantly larger positions in index options. According to SEBI's 105-page interim order, Jane Street would aggressively buy large amounts of stocks and futures that are part of the BANKNIFTY index, which tracks the performance of India's banking sector, early in the trading day. The quantitative trading firm would then place large bets that the index would decline later in the day. Jane Street would then sell off the positions it had bought earlier, dragging the index lower and making their earlier bets in the options market far more profitable. While Jane Street would incur some losses, SEBI contended that it was part of a "deliberate strategy to manipulate indices to the advantage of the trading and positions," and the losses were offset by the firm's much larger and profitable options trade. While these actions were not a breach of any regulation, SEBI said that the "intensity and sheer scale" of their intervention, and the rapid reversal of their trades "without any plausible economic rationale, other than the concurrent activity in and impact on their positions in the BANKNIFTY index options markets," was manipulative. Options trader Mayank Bansal noted that Jane Street's actions had been ongoing since July 2023, and their alleged manipulations were increasing before peaking in 2024. "As an options trader, I could see the manipulation happening live on the screen, and so could other traders on every expiry day,' added the president of a UAE-based hedge fund, who declined to disclose the name of his company. While he lauded SEBI's actions, Bansal said that the regulator should recover any unlawful gains, and a ban on Jane Street "is the bare minimum."

Protecting retail investors
NY Attorney General Letitia James speaks during a press conference at the offices of the Attorney General on January 08, 2025 in New York City.

New York state was sued on Wednesday by the National Retail Federation over a new law requiring retailers to tell customers when their personal data are being used to set prices, known as surveillance pricing.

The world's largest retail trade group said New York's Algorithmic Pricing Disclosure Act, which would take effect on July 8, violates many members' First Amendment free speech rights.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed the first-in-the-nation law in May, saying the practice of charging different prices based on customers' willingness to pay was "opaque," and prevented those customers from comparison shopping.

In its complaint filed in Manhattan federal court, the National Retail Federation objected to requiring members to affix "misleading and ominous" warnings to prices set by algorithms linked to customer data.

It said the law reflected "speculative fear" of price gouging, even though retailers use algorithms to offer promotions and reward customer loyalty, sometimes resulting in lower prices.

According to the complaint, the law violates the U.S. Constitution by compelling a broad range of retailers to express misleading "government-scripted opinion" without justification, or face potential civil fines of $1,000 per violation.

The only defendant is state Attorney General Letitia James, who enforces New York laws. Her office did not immediately respond to requests for comment after business hours. Hochul's office did not immediately respond to a similar request.

In January, a divided Federal Trade Commission issued a study on surveillance pricing, saying location data and online browsing histories could permit retailers to "target" individual consumers with different prices for the same products.

FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson, then a commissioner, dissented from issuing the study, saying it was rushed out three days before Donald Trump succeeded Joe Biden as U.S. president to meet a "nakedly political deadline."
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman posted on X Friday, saying he finds himself "politically homeless" as the Democratic party is no longer aligned with encouraging a "culture of innovation and entrepreneurship."

Altman, whose company is a leader in artificial intelligence, made the post in celebration of the Fourth of July, saying he is "extremely proud to be an American" and believes the U.S. "is the greatest country ever on Earth."

He used the post to share some of his political ideology, saying he believes in "techno-capitalism."

"We should encourage people to make tons of money and then also find ways to widely distribute wealth and share the compounding magic of capitalism," he wrote. "One doesn't work without the other; you cannot raise the floor and not also raise the ceiling for very long."

Altman, 40, said he's believed this ideology since he was 20, and that Democrats were aligned with it then but have since lost the plot and have completely "moved somewhere else at this point."
Participants march in the Reclaim Pride Coalition's seventh annual Queer Liberation March in New York, June 29, 2025. Erik McGregor | Lightrocket | Getty Images

Canadian citizen Robert Sharp was planning to visit Provincetown, Massachusetts  one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly places in America  for his friend's milestone birthday in July. But against a backdrop of ongoing trade tensions sparked by President Donald Trump's tariff policies and increasing anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and policies in the U.S., he said his plans changed. "Do we want to have that stress before going on vacation? Or do we want to support our own country?" Sharp said. The group he was planning to travel with decided to cancel the trip and will instead visit Montreal, he said. Sharp and his partner were also planning to visit Chicago or Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for a separate trip this year, but they shifted their plans to a Canadian road trip between Calgary and Vancouver. "We've been hit hard in Canada with tariffs and there's been a real sense of patriotism up here. So, we ultimately decided to explore our own country, and do a road trip to the Rockies and spend money within Canada to help our economy," Sharp said. Sharp's change in plans reflects a larger trend of international travelers rethinking where they are spending their travel budgets and pulling back on visits to the U.S. The number of foreign visitors to the U.S. by air dropped 10% in March from a year prior, according to the International Trade Administration, part of the Commerce Department. Including land border crossings, the number of inbound visitors to the U.S. fell 14% in March from the same period last year, according to industry group U.S. Travel Association. Oxford Economics estimates spending among international visitors to the U.S. will fall $8.5 billion this year, as negative perceptions of the U.S. tied to trade and immigration policy lead travelers to other destinations. Among the LGBTQ+ population, bookings for queer-friendly housing accommodations in the U.S. on the LGBTQ+ travel platform misterb&b saw a 66% decline among Canadian users and a 32% decline among European users from February to April, compared with the same period last year. The company said it had a 22% increase in bookings in blue states and a 9% decline in red states during that time period. It also saw declines in cities within red states including Salt Lake City, Phoenix, and Austin, Texas. Misterb&b CEO Matthieu Jost said overall bookings on the platform are not down globally but are increasing. LGBTQ+ individuals appear to be continuing to spend on vacations, but they're changing their destinations, Jost said. The company said the majority of misterb&b users it surveyed this year said they use their travel budget as a form of activism  supporting inclusive destinations and economies.

Participants including GLIDE President Gina Fromer, center, ride in the 2025 San Francisco Pride Parade in San Francisco, June 29, 2025. Arun Nevader | Getty Images Entertainment | Getty Images

The rainbow dollar

Sharp, who owns LGBTQ-friendly travel company Out Adventures, is not alone in changing his travel plans. In February, the LGBTQ+ advocacy group Egale Canada issued a statement saying its members would not participate in person at conferences or events happening in the U.S. this year, including WorldPride, which took place at the beginning of June in Washington, D.C. The decision was made primarily to protect individuals' safety, said Helen Kennedy, executive director of Egale Canada. In his second term, Trump has signed several executive orders targeting transgender people, including preventing them from serving openly in the military and trying to keep transgender athletes out of girls' and women's sports. Another executive order, which says the federal government recognizes only two sexes, male and female, prompted several countries, including Denmark, Finland and Germany, to issue official cautions for LGBTQ+ travelers visiting the U.S., particularly transgender travelers. Canada has also updated its travel guidance with specific advisories for people with an "X" gender listed on their passports. Kennedy said another reason for the decision not to travel to the U.S. was to push back on what she views as "economic warfare" from the U.S. toward Canada. "People talk about Canada and the U.S. having a long history of being incredible neighbors. And yes, we do, but that's based on economic interests a lot of the time," Kennedy said. "When you put that human element with the economic element, then you think, well, OK, why would I go there?" Kennedy said members of Egale Canada who are involved in nongovernmental organizations would normally spend anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 per person during a trip to attend a conference or event. Corporate travelers usually spend at least $5,000, she estimated. "We do spend a fair chunk of change in hotels," she said. "We do excursions, we rent bikes, we do all of the things that everybody else does." The LGBTQ+ travel market is significant. The purchasing power of LGBTQ+ consumers overall is estimated to be $1.4 trillion, according to a 2022 study by the market research firm Pride Co-Op. In 2023, the global LGBTQ+ tourism market size was $296.8 billion, and it's expected to more than double in 10 years, reaching $634.9 billion in 2033, according to Market.US. Research from Arival Travel shows that LGBTQ+ travelers are more likely to be affluent, with a household income of over $150,000, compared with other travelers. When traveling, LGBTQ individuals book more activities and tours and spend more on these experiences than other populations, the Arival research found. John Tanzella, CEO of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association, said his organization is already sensing a pullback in international LGBTQ+ travel to the U.S. He said he has heard hesitations from international members about attending the organization's global convention in October in Palm Springs, California. "They don't feel welcome here, so why come and spend their money here?" Tanzella said. "On the surface, it affects airlines and hotels. But if you dig a little deeper it does affect other businesses, whether it's barber shops or restaurants, bars, spas. A lot of communities rely on tourists to come in and spend their money," he added.

Pride flags are seen at the Pride on the Pier boat parade, part of the World Pride festival, at the DC Wharf in Washington, June 6, 2025. Kayla Bartkowski | Getty Images

Pride celebrations carry on
U.S. President Donald Trump attends a press conference at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on June 27, 2025.

All eyes are on talks between the U.S. and the European Union, which have yet to strike a trade deal with just days to go before Washington's tariffs come into full effect.

Should the trading partners fail to reach an agreement by July 9  when a 90-day reprieve on U.S. President Donald Trump's so-called reciprocal tariffs ends  EU goods imported to the U.S. could be hit by duties of up to 50%. Retaliatory measures from the EU targeting a wide range of U.S. goods, which have also been temporarily put on hold, could then follow shortly afterward.

The U.S.-EU trade relationship is one of the most important in the world, accounting for around 30% of global goods trading according to the European Council. Medicinal and pharma products, road vehicles and petroleum products are some of the top traded goods.

In 2024, trade between the two transatlantic partners was valued at around 1.68 trillion euros ($1.98 trillion) when taking into account both goods and services, the European Council said.

The EU recorded a surplus of 198 billion euros, when it comes to goods, but logged a deficit of around 148 billion euro in the trading of services  meaning the bloc overall had a trade surplus of around 50 billion euros in 2024.

Trump has repeatedly taken issue with the trade relationship between Washington and Brussels, suggesting it is unfair and accusing the EU of taking advantage of the U.S.

Late Friday, the U.S. president said he had signed 12 letters with a "take it or leave it" offer on tariffs, but it was not clear whether the European Union was one of the recipients.
Protesters hold a sign with a photo of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra crossed out at Victory Monument on June 28, 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand. Thousands of protesters gathered at Bangkoks Victory Monument to demand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra resign over a leaked phone call linked to a border dispute with Cambodia. It was the largest anti-government rally since 2023, adding pressure ahead of a possible no-confidence vote. Lauren Decicca | Getty Images News | Getty Images

Following the suspension of Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra Tuesday by the country's Constitutional Court, analysts are seeing a troubled future for the Southeast Asian nation. Paetongtarn had been suspended by the court after it accepted a petition from 36 senators that accused her of dishonesty and breaching ethical standards. It followed a leaked phone call between Paetongtarn and former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, in which she criticized a Thai military commander overseeing a border dispute with Cambodia while appearing to appease the Cambodian strongman, according to critics. The suspended prime minister now has 15 days to respond to the allegations. Thailand's current acting prime minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, is its sixth in just two years. "I think there is no way she returns to being PM again as this is now a concerted effort by the military and its allies to finally finish off the Shinawatras, including, more importantly, Thaksin," Joshua Kurlantzick, Senior Fellow for Southeast Asia and South Asia at the Council of Foreign Relations told CNBC. Kurlantzick was referring to Thaksin Shinawatra, the father of Paetongtarn and Thailand's prime minister from 2001 to 2006. Yingluck Shinawatra, the younger sister of Thaksin, was Thailand's first female Prime Minister from 2011 to 2014.

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The fallout from the leaked call saw the Bhumjaithai Party, the second-largest party in her governing coalition, withdraw from the alliance, leaving Shinawatra with only a razor-thin margin in Thailand's lower house. While it is plausible that Shinawatra's Pheu Thai party could hold on to power for now, Kurlantzick said that the government "would be very shaky" and could collapse "in a month or two." He added that Pheu Thai is "super unpopular now." Sreeparna Banerjee, associate research fellow at the Observer Research Foundation, told CNBC that even if Shinawatra is restored as PM, "her authority and coalition will remain fragile."

Instability undermining recovery

The political instability could affect Thailand's efforts to revive its economy, which is currently facing weak tourism numbers and looming tariffs from the Trump administration. Banerjee said that without a stable head of government, "Thailand's ability to respond decisively to external economic pressures, such as potential U.S. tariffs, will be limited."

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Status quo

Thailand's political stasis will continue for a while, CFR's Kurlantzick said. In 2023, the Move Forward party, led by the charismatic Pita Limjaroenrat, stunned Thailand's military elite and royalists with an electoral victory. However, the party failed to form a government due to opposition in the military-appointed senate over its campaign to amend Thailand's lese-majeste law. It was dissolved by the constitutional court a year later, leading to the formation of the People's Party, which is now the main opposition force. "Maybe eventually... some kind of other coalition the military likes emerges in parliament. Maybe a new election [will happen] and the military tries to prevent the opposition from gaining a majority," Kurlantzick said.



MBMG's Gambles said, "Domestic political turmoil in Thailand is hardly news. It's more likely just the standard operating procedure, to be honest." "We might get a change of Prime Minister. We may get major changes in Parliament, in the cabinet. But I think it will still be the same old, same old, business as usual."
European stock markets have been on a tear in 2025, with the Stoxx Europe 600 index climbing roughly 7% in the year to date and investors rotating into the region to seek refuge from the political and valuation anxieties of the U.S. markets. But some analysts warn that this rally is built on a fragile and potentially risky assumption: that the escalating global trade war is temporary and will pass without inflicting lasting damage. Investment strategists highlight that beneath the surface of the market's optimism, the data tells a more grounded story. .STOXX YTD mountain They point to the Federal Reserve's forecast that the U.S. GDP will grow by 1.4% this year , down from the 1.7% previously forecast in March, before the announcement of U.S. President Donald Trump's new tariff regime. The growth slowdown in the U.S.  the central driver of the global economy  is expected to wash up on European shores soon. Yet, equity markets are running on hopes of central bank easing and a belief that political leaders will swerve at the last moment, appearing to ignore the risk of a significant economic downturn, according to Bank of America. "Markets are effectively pricing right now for global growth momentum to be completely unaffected by the tariffs," BofA's Head of European Equity Strategy Sebastian Raedler told CNBC on Thursday. "That's not the situation that we're in." Raedler also highlighted that companies were paying $190 billion more in tariffs on an annualized basis in May compared to late last year, equivalent to 7% of corporate profits in the first quarter. "Corporations have not passed [the tariffs] on to consumers," he added. Which means, as companies absorb the price increase, they will experience a significant profit margin squeeze. "If you look at margin expectations, they're at all-time highs. So the market has not yet taken this seriously." Bank of America's Raedler has long been bearish on European equities despite multiple years of gains. He says the Stoxx Europe 600 index will decline to 490 over the next 12 months, equivalent to a 11% downside from current levels. More neutral than outright bearish, JPMorgan strategists have also advised caution, suggesting the "eurozone likely consolidates for some time longer" as it digests ongoing trade negotiations. The Wall Street bank says the Stoxx Europe 600 will hit 540  about where it is currently trading  in 12 months, after paring gains from a minor rally to 580 by the end of this year. Their analysis is centered around the economic drag created by tariffs. The U.S., a critical market for European exports, had not yet felt the impact of the duties, as companies were still working through the goods that had rushed into the country ahead of Trump's announcement. "There was a very strong frontloading of orders ahead of the tariffs, and companies might be still working through this older inventory, which was acquired at lower prices," said Mislav Matejka, JPMorgan's head of global and European equity strategy in a note to clients, adding that "as the frontloading effects wane, the tariff impact might start to be felt". Despite these clear headwinds, markets remain optimistic, fueled by two main narratives. The first is the belief that the tariffs are merely a negotiating tactic and will be rolled back. The second  and perhaps more powerful  driver is the prospect of central banks easing their monetary policy. Markets are "spurring discussions around renewed Fed easing," a notion that encourages investors to "look through" any short-term economic weakness, according to Bank of America. Barclays, in a July 2 note to clients, echoed this view, pointing to the "dovish" central bank narrative as a key factor that has pushed global equities higher. In addition, unlike the Wall Street banks, the U.K.-headquartered investment bank says the risk of further tariffs has already peaked. "Tariffs shock is expected to hit employment and capex in [second half], but de-escalation means worst-case recession scenario should be avoided," said Emmanuel Cau, Head of European Equity Strategy at Barclays. "Meanwhile, tax cuts should support US growth down the road, while the Fed is expected to ramp up rate cuts, although we find current market pricing potentially too dovish." Barclays' Cau is expecting the Stoxx Europe Index to rise by 5% to 570 by the end of the year. The reality of the tariff situation, however, could be more complex. Equity analysts at TD Cowen had previously cited German footwear multinational Adidas's management as confident in delivering their full-year results under a 10% tariff scenario. They now expect earnings guidance to be lowered following the U.S.-Vietnam deal , where tariffs have been set at 20%. "Our take is that the 20% tariff on Vietnam goods will remain on top of the duties already placed on footwear and apparel," said TD Cowen's John Kernan in a note to clients on July 3. "We expect the rest of [Southeast Asia] tariff rates to be at 20% or higher." The impact is unlikely to be limited to just one company. Vietnam exports a third of all North American footwear and 15% of American apparel, according to TD Cowen.
Rejecting the bail plea of a person accused of posting objectionable content on social media against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian armed forces, the Allahabad High Court has observed that it has become a "fashion among certain groups of people" to misuse social media in the garb of freedom of speech.Rejecting the bail application of one Ashraf Khan on Wednesday (July 2), Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal observed that the freedom of speech guaranteed under the Constitution does not extend to such acts which disrespect high dignitaries and create disharmony among citizens.The court said it has become a "fashion among certain groups of people" to misuse social media in the garb of freedom of speech and expression by making unfounded allegations against high dignitaries, posting such material that creates disharmony and hatred among the people.The accused, Ashraf Khan alias Nisrat, was booked under sections 152 (acts that endanger the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India) and 197 (imputations and assertions prejudicial to national integration) of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at PS Sasni of Hathras district. The accused allegedly uploaded edited videos on his Facebook ID during the recent India-Pakistan military face-off.According to the prosecution's case, the applicant-accused allegedly posted content showing that Prime Minister Modi was moving adjacent to a donkey running a cart and thereafter also showing him seeking an apology from Pakistan. In the alleged post, it was further shown that Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force, who had briefed the media along with Col Sofiya Qureshi during Operation Sindoor, was sitting with Pakistan's army chief. The post mentioned that PM Modi was running to save himself from the Pakistani missile.Another post said "Pakistan Air Force Zindabad" and also showed Indian aircraft being destroyed by Pakistani aircraft. Certain other "objectionable" posts against Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Modi were also posted by the applicant.During the hearing, the counsel for Khan submitted that the applicant was innocent and the objectionable post had not been forwarded by the applicant even though it was found on his mobile.On the other hand, the state's counsel argued that the alleged posts on social media created disharmony among the people of India and also showed disrespect to the Indian military and Indian Air Force, and therefore, his bail plea was opposed.


#WATCH | Delhi: At the event 'New Age Military Technologies' organised by FICCI, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Capability Development & Sustenance), Lt Gen Rahul R Singh says, "... There are a few lessons from Operation Sindoor. The strategic messaging by leadership was pic.twitter.com/V819ZmCbv9

 ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2025

The Indian Army for the first time has squarely outlined the China-Pakistan military nexus. Lieutenant General Rahul R Singh, Deputy Chief of Army Staff said China was providing Pakistan with real-time intelligence and live vectors during the operation with India. He said during Operation Sindoor, China was providing live C4ISR coverage to Pakistan.C4ISR stands for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance. He acknowledged the Pakistan-China alliance, pointing out that India has "two adversaries" on one border, where Pakistan was in the front, but China was providing all possible support. He added China has turned Pakistan into a laboratory testbed for its weapons systems.The Deputy Chief said 81% of Pakistan's military hardware was Chinese, with Pakistan testing Chinese equipment on the border, which in essence translates to Chinese equipment seeing combat without China having to get down in the mud.He also talked about the growing military collaboration between Pakistan and Turkey, with Pakistan having access to the Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drone platform, while comparing that to India's lack of a secure supply chain for critical tech. Turkey also supplied other UAV platforms during the skirmish, with equipment and trained individuals arriving in the country during the skirmish.ASPI (Australian Strategic Policy Institute) showed that while China led in only 3 of 64 parameters from 2003 to 2007, it is the leading country in critical technology with 57 of 64 technologies from 2019 to 2023."Rare earth is the new gold, and China has a monopoly on it. For India to achieve true aatmanirbharta (self-reliance), all critical technologies should be available to us, and no one should be able to hold us hostage. It is the need of the hour to invest in R&D. R&D by nature comprises both failure and success. We must take it in stride and invest in component-level technology like ramjets, lasers, and high-powered microwave technology," he said.Lt Gen Singh also stressed that while Indian air defence played a crucial role during the operation, India is still lacking in an Iron Dome-like system, which compromises our population centres. "While our population centres were not quite addressed this time, we need to be prepared for it in the future," he said.The Deputy COAS also praised the leadership for adopting a tri-service approach to send a clear message about India's operational readiness. He said, "It was a considered decision to demonstrate that we are an integrated force. The objective was to remain at the top of the escalation ladder and bring the conflict to a controlled end, which was achieved."
India continued to dominate the list of of air travellers from where most tourists visited Nepal in June, 2025 with 32,662 Indian tourists visiting the Himalayan nation, according to data released by the Nepal Tourism Board. A total of 76,425 foreign tourists arrived in Nepal by air during the month.The United States overtook China to secure the second spot, registering 9,696 visitors. China, which had consistently been the second largest source of tourists from 2014 to 2020, recorded only 6,736 arrivals in June, placing it third. Bangladesh followed with 5,449 visitors, while the United Kingdom accounted for 2,284 tourist arrivals."India has always topped the number of visitors coming to Nepal," the NTB noted, highlighting the continued strength of bilateral tourism ties.The figures also reflect a continuing trend that began in 2021, where the number of Chinese visitors began to drop, allowing the US to emerge as Nepal's second largest source of tourists by air.In terms of cumulative arrivals, Nepal welcomed 577,689 tourists by air in the first six months of 2024  a slight decline of 1% compared to the same period last year.Recently, an earthquake of magnitude 4.3 struck Nepal's Mugu district on Monday, less than 24 hours after a previous quake hit the area.The tremor was recorded at 8.39 am in the Kotdanda area of the district, according to the National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Centre. There were no immediate reports of any damage caused by it.On June 30, a 4.8 magnitude earthquake struck the Jima village of the district at 2.34 pm. Earthquakes are frequent in mountainous Nepal.
The interim government of Bangladesh is actively working to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India, nearly a year after her removal from power, its Foreign Affairs Advisor Md Towhid Hossain said.Addressing media queries on Thursday (July 3) regarding the pace of the extradition process, Hossain stated, "We have sent a letter. We will follow up if necessary," as per ANI.He clarified that the interim regime had approached the Indian government with a formal request and plans to take further steps to ensure progress in the matter.Sheikh Hasina has been residing in India in self-imposed exile following her ousting on August 5, 2024, in the wake of the student-led protests that led to regime change. Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus assumed power shortly after as the chief interim advisor.On Wednesday, July 2, Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) sentenced Hasina to six months of imprisonment in a contempt on court case.The ruling came from a three-member bench headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder. The tribunal appointed senior lawyer AY Moshiuzzaman as amicus curiae to assist with the case proceedings, reported PTI.The contempt charge stemmed from remarks made by Hasina and Awami League leader Shakil Alam Bulbil in relation to the July 2024 uprising. The Chief Prosecutor had filed the complaint on April 30 citing public comments that allegedly undermined the court.Hasina has been accused of orchestrating crimes against humanity including murder and body burnings during the movement to dethrone the then government."There are 227 cases against me, so I have a licence to kill 227 people," Hasina was quoted as saying in an audio clip, as per ANI. The clip also reportedly went viral earlier this year.The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) later authenticated the clip through forensic analysis. Despite being notified, Hasina neither appeared before the tribunal nor responded via legal representation. The court then proceeded with legal action.The Awami League condemned the tribunal's verdict, labelling it a politically motivated "kangaroo court" aimed at suppressing nationalist and pro-independence voices in Bangladesh."This so-called tribunalformed by the illegitimate and unconstitutional interim militant regimeblatantly violated all norms and precedents of law and justice to issue this one-sided verdict in less than a month. Such a disgraceful act is unprecedented in the history of Bangladeshs judiciary," the party said on X (formerly Twitter on July 2)."The extremist group led by the criminal Yunus has trampled the rule of law and perverted justice in Bangladesh, turning the legal process into a mockeryan act of judicial terrorism that even surpasses the infamous Kangaroo Court model," it added.
The bill is now headed to President Trump, who is expected to sign it into law.

The legislation introduces a 1% tax on remittancesthe money transfers individuals in the US send abroadand a new excise tax on university endowments. Let's see what this means in detail.

The United States Congress has passed the 'Big, Beautiful Bill' backed by US President Donald Trump.

The 1% levy on outbound money transfers will affect individuals who send funds from the US to other countries. This tax will apply to transfers made through banks, money transfer services, and other formal channels.

It marks the first time the US has introduced a national remittance tax, a move expected to impact millions of immigrant households and families that rely on cross-border financial support.



$4.5 trillion in tax cuts



Increased funding for defence and border enforcement



Tighter work requirements for Medicaid and food aid recipients



Changes to student loan programs, including new caps on graduate borrowing



Earlier proposals had suggested a higher rate of up to 5%, but the final version passed by Congress lowered it to 1%. The tax is intended to generate revenue for other priorities under the legislation, including border security and immigration enforcement.The tax will apply to transfers made on or after January 1, 2026, and is intended to generate revenue for other legislative priorities, including border security and immigration enforcement.The Big, Beautiful Bill also significantly expands the excise tax on university endowments, focusing on institutions with the largest financial reserves.According to The New York Times, universities like Harvard, Princeton, and Yale, which hold more than $2 million per student in endowment assets, will now face an 8% tax on investment income.Education leaders have expressed concern that this will make college less affordable and could hurt financial aid programmes.The bill would make college less affordable, said Lynn Pasquerella, president of the American Association of Colleges and Universities, in an interview with The New York Times.Opponents argue that the tax is more about targeting elite universities than sound policy and that it may have little impact on federal revenues compared to the bills overall cost.An exemption was added during Senate negotiations for colleges with fewer than 3,000 students, benefiting institutions like Hillsdale College, which had lobbied against the tax.These tax measures are part of a legislative package that includes:The bill passed the Senate on July 1, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote, and cleared the House on July 3 by a narrow 218214 margin.US President Trump is expected to sign the bill into law on July 4, meeting the Republican Partys Independence Day deadline.-With agencies' inputs
If you stopped people on the street and asked them to sing the first TV theme song they could think of, theyd probably ask where the camera is and what the point is if youre not filming this for TikTok or whatever. But if they actually did it, youd probably hear a lot of the theme songs from Diffrent Strokes and its spin-off, The Facts of Life.

Sing it with us now:



It taaakes DIFFERENT strooookes

It taaakes DIFFERENT strooookes

To mooove the wooooorld!

And:

Don't Miss

You take the good

You take the bad

You take them both

And there you have the facts of life

The faaacts of life!

Would you believe that both of those songs were written by the same talented schmuck? And that you would never guess that schmuck was musically talented because hes mostly known for being a sitcom star in his own right? Theres a lot of people that description could fit, so before you start poring over John Stamos Wikipedia page, we wont keep you in suspense. Its Alan Thicke?!?!

It turns out that, when Thicke came to Hollywood or at least Canadas version of it, he wasnt dead-set on being an actor. In fact, his biggest on-screen success before Growing Pains was as a Canadian talk show host, first of daytimes The Alan Thicke Show and then the late-night Thicke of the Night. In between a handful of bit parts on TV and in movies, he also hosted game shows and, yes, wrote music, including TV theme songs. More than 40 of them.

The challenge was, you have 24 seconds to do something catchy and memorable and sum up the entire premise of the show in case somebody had never seen it before, he later said of the side hustle. You had to do it with an internal rhyme scheme and a perky little ditty. So it was an interesting challenge.

The process of writing the Diffrent Strokes theme song was particularly unusual because, he said, he was included from day one and page one. From the notion Well, were developing this idea, and we kind of have an idea that its a couple of young black guys with an older white guy. And then you would get a copy of the script a month later  and then youre invited to the taping, and then you do your own editing right through their editing, so that hopefully you all come together at the end when its time to deliver.

They liked his deliverable so much that they brought him back for The Facts of Life. The Facts of Life internal rhyme scheme was intricate and one that I remember finishing and saying Yeah, thats pretty good. That all rhymes, he later said. I got a lot of rhyming words in 24 seconds.

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Listen, the greats arent always great at explaining their greatness. Back then, theme songs were more important, he lamented in 2010. They were a part of every show. Nowadays, they dont aspire to have memorable themes for every show  and certainly theme songs with a lyric. They have no time for that, so I think thats almost a lost art.

This was three years before Orange is the New Black premiered, so well excuse that obvious display of ignorance.
China hopes the U.S. will work in the same direction with China: Ministry of Commerce

Xinhua) 10:12, July 04, 2025

BEIJING, July 3 (Xinhua) -- The Ministry of Commerce said Thursday that it had no information to offer regarding reports that the U.S. president plans to lead a business delegation to China.

However, China's position is consistent and clear, which is that it hopes the United States will work in the same direction with China, and under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, uphold the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation to continually build consensus, reduce misunderstandings, strengthen cooperation, and jointly promote the sound, stable, and sustainable development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations, said He Yongqian, a spokesperson for the ministry, at a regular press briefing.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
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Three days after Labour's landslide victory in the General Election a year ago, when everyone was hailing Keir Starmer and his message of 'Change', I wrote an article in this newspaper saying that within 12 months, 'People will quickly recognise Starmer as a vacillating bloviator'.

Today  after having been proved comprehensively correct  I would like to make another prediction against the tide of present commentariat opinion.

Whereas most political pundits now argue that, 'there is no such thing as Starmerism' and, as The Times put it recently, 'a prime minister needs a guiding social and moral philosophy', in fact, in one year's time, we will all see that Starmer does indeed have such a philosophy and there is such a thing as Starmerism.

He has deliberately tried to keep it hidden because his guiding philosophy has failed so often in the past, but it is simply the age-old Labour Party agenda dressed up for the modern age: the politics of envy. The desire to set class against class in Britain, in the hope of dividing and ruling.

While he talks about trying to bring people together, in fact, Keir Starmer's policies are ever more obviously about trying to stoke up inter-class hatred. What makes this so obvious is the unrelentingly ideological way that he has been going about it, and, after another year of it, it will be obvious to all.

Take the plan to slap VAT on private school fees. Starmer knows that only 7 per cent of children in this country go to independent schools, and that on the Left there is a phobia about non-state education that amounts to a foaming loathing.

The freedom to educate one's children in the way that best suits them if you are lucky or self-sacrificial enough to afford it strikes at the very heart of socialist philosophy.

So the Starmer Government devised a plan to make Britain the only country in Europe  indeed one of the only ones in the world  to tax children's education, by making it 20 per cent more expensive for parents to educate their children privately.

While he talks about trying to bring people together, in fact, Keir Starmer's policies are ever more obviously about trying to stoke up inter-class hatred

Starmer's vicious attack on the inheritance tax (IHT) provisions on farmers has always had a naked class impetus to it

What's more, they did this in the cruellest way possible, in the middle of the school year, and for ideological reasons they made no exceptions whatsoever  for the children of our soldiers and diplomats serving our country abroad, for example, or even for children with special needs.

They were warned this tax-grab would backfire. They were told it would mean that struggling independent schools would be forced to close, and that therefore the children in them would have to enter the state sector, with all the costs that would impose on local authorities and, ultimately, the taxpayer.

They were warned that the money they would raise would not be anything like the amount that they promised the electorate, because, of course, fewer parents would be paying VAT once they withdrew their children.

They were further warned that ground staff, cleaning staff, catering staff and so on would be made unemployed as schools closed, and would also become a burden on the taxpayer.

Sure enough, in 27 local authorities, oversubscribed state schools found they had no room for the sudden influx of children whose parents could not afford the VAT hike.

I know Labour were warned, because I warned them, along with dozens of fellow peers, in the House of Lords debates on the matter, in which some of the Party's peers made their ideological hostility to the survival of any public schools very clear.

All that Starmer's ministers did on hearing these clear, detailed, costed  and ultimately vindicated  warnings was the political equivalent of putting their fingers in their ears and loudly singing la-la-la, because they didn't care about any of that, so long as their ideological opposition to private education was assuaged, however much pressure it takes off the over-stretched state sector.

To add insult to injury, Bridget Phillipson the Education Secretary told Sky News that any closures were not down to her, but instead to parental choice, telling Sky News: 'Private schools are businesses that can make choices about how they manage their budgets, the level of fees that they charge, and, ultimately, it's about how attractive they are to families in terms of the numbers of students that are sent there'.

She therefore ignored the fact that it was actually her who was hitting those businesses with a 20 per cent levy, and even tried to argue that she was closing a 'tax break', rather than imposing a new, class-based duty.

Similarly, Starmer's vicious attack on the inheritance tax (IHT) provisions on farmers has always had a naked class impetus to it. Farmers have historically tended to vote Tory and be suspicious of socialist legislation. They were proved correct when they and other rural tradespeople were among the first to suffer from the inheritance tax raid on agricultural land.

From April 2026, farms worth more than 1 million will be subject to a 20 per cent levy under changes announced in Rachel Reeves' now notorious Autumn 2024 Budget.

Once again, ministers were warned that farmers might pull the plug on investments such as barns and machinery in order to prepare for the new imposition. They were told of the widespread consequences for the rural economy, with machinery dealers and other associated trades going out of business.

The National Farmers' Union warned that a big IHT bill would mean farms splitting up and 'the demise of the structure of the countryside'.

It produced the figures from the Government's own Department for the Environment, Food & Rural Affairs that showed that as many as two-thirds of farms would be affected, while ministers claimed it would be less than a quarter.

Ministers were warned that large tax bills would make many family farms, which are asset-rich but cash-poor, simply unviable.

They must have heard it, as, day after day, tractors blared their horns outside the Palace of Westminster drawing attention to the fact. In the committee rooms of the House of Lords we could hardly hear ourselves speak, but we did not mind because it meant ministers would be hearing the message too. Instead, their fingers stayed in their ears and la-la-la was sung higher.

In a not-unrelated class-based move, landowners were told that the Government was going to scrap the cut-off date for ramblers to register rights of way in Britain  yet another attack on the countryside and farmers.

This country already has 140,000 miles of public rights of way and 3.5 million acres of public-access land in England and Wales alone. Forcing even more upon farmers was a backward step  and yet another attack on their way of life.

The chorus of voices that was raised to point out that Starmer's attack on non-domiciled taxpayers would backfire spectacularly was similarly ignored, with entirely predictable consequences.

Socialists have always disliked and distrusted the rich, the risk-takers, entrepreneurs, financially numerate and successful in society, and always will.

So when they had a chance to abolish non-dom status, thinking that thereby they could tax people on their global rather than just their British earnings, they leapt at the chance, even though that hadn't been done to non-doms for two centuries.

The, once again, entirely predictable result was that ministers got their sums wrong, because, as with independent school parents and the farmers, people changed their behaviour when the Government changed the tax situation.

A record number of billionaires and millionaires left Britain  and Labour's tax plans exiled international investors and soon started seriously damaging the economy.

Driving out the golden geese such as Lakshmi Mittal  the steel tycoon said earlier this year he is considering leaving  meant that instead of getting millions in tax on British earnings, the Treasury got nothing on any of it.

Britain lost a net 10,800 millionaires to migration in 2024, a 157 per cent increase on 2023, thereby losing us more wealthy residents than any other country except China.

The Treasury knows perfectly well that the top 10 per cent of taxpayers pay 60 per cent of all income tax in this country, and the share of income tax revenue contributed by the top 1 per cent is 29 per cent.

So it is insane to chase out the successful entrepreneurs, and only makes sense if you are an ideological socialist who wants to harness the politics of envy, despite it costing the economy more than 10 billion a year.

Perhaps the most glaring aspect of Starmerism's ideological class resentment is in its treatment of the hereditary element of the House of Lords.

Starmer knows that only 7 per cent of children in this country go to independent schools, and that on the Left there is a phobia about non-state education that amounts to a foaming loathing

Many of the 92 hereditary peers forewent lucrative careers outside Parliament to dedicate themselves to public service in politics, and the hereditaries make up a greater proportion of those whose speak, vote, sit on select committees and do the job of Deputy Speaker than the (equally unelected) life peers who are appointed by prime ministers.

The hereditaries tend to undertake their duties out of an old-fashioned, but thankfully still functioning, sense of noblesse oblige, the obligation to redeem their privileges in life through working for the national good.

Yet because they mostly  though not exclusively  hail from the upper classes, they are natural targets of the Labour Party, which has been calling for their expulsion from the upper chamber for more than a century.

Finally, in 2024, Labour got its chance to enact the legislation, which has been done in an ideological way, albeit within the normal gentlemanly behaviour that is customary in the House of Lords.

Instead of allowing the peerage to die out naturally, all hereditary peers are going to be summarily expelled at the end of this session. Instead of allowing public servants such as the Earl Marshal and Lord Great Chamberlain, who carry out important tasks on state occasions, to remain, every single one will go.

Life peerages have not been offered even to the most distinguished former ministers, such as Earl Howe who has served on the front bench continuously since 1992. The most harsh and ideologically socialist form of the abolition has been pursued, with no negotiation offered or amendments to the legislation considered, let alone accepted.

It is, of course, Labour's democratic right to pursue the most aggressive option since it was in their manifesto. But the manner of their doing it sheds much light on the Starmer Government and what truly actuates it.

For if you put Labour's treatment of privately educated children, farmers, landowners, entrepreneurs and hereditary peers together, it is impossible not to see a pattern emerging of ideological envy politics and class resentment.

It is not true that there is no such thing as Starmerism; you only have to connect the dots.

Envy has been known since Ancient times as 'the most barren of all the vices', because there is nothing uplifting about it whatever. It atomises and balkanises our already fractured society, but none of that matters to Starmer and his acolytes, because it still makes for a potent rallying cry on the Left.

Lord Roberts of Belgravia is a Conservative peer and historian.
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A woman who managed to travel the world on a teacher's salary has shared the money-saving hacks that made it possible.

Ahmedina Bacevac, 27, from Asheville, North Carolina, said 'travel felt out of reach' for most of her life.

Growing up with immigrant parents, she said it wasn't something they could afford, and that vacationing in this way seemed like a 'luxury' she'd never get to experience.

But in 2018, she studied abroad in Chile and got her first taste of what it was like to experience a new country.

After graduating from college, Bacevac landed a job as an educator, but yearned to go on more adventures.

She said her salary wasn't much, but she mastered traveling on a budget and has been able to visit a whopping 20 countries around the globe.

Bacevac exclusively spoke to the Daily Mail about the money-saving tips and tricks she's learned along the way to make jetting off on trips - even with her low salary - possible.

'Growing up, I saw my classmates travel and saw travel through movies, and I always thought, "Maybe one day,"' she explained.

A woman who has traveled the world on a teacher's salary has shared the money-saving hacks that make it possible

Ahmedina Bacevac, 27, from Asheville, North Carolina, has mastered traveling on a budget and has been able to visit a whopping 20 countries around the globe despite her low salary

Now, Ahmedina has spoken exclusively with the Daily Mail about the money-saving tips and tricks she's learned along the way to make jetting off on trips for cheap possible

'So now, every time I get to explore somewhere new, it's not just about the place - it's about the freedom and access I didn't have before, especially as an immigrant.'

Bacevac's first piece of advice is to start a separate savings account - preferably a high-yield one - that's just for your travel funds.

She explained that having something specific that you're saving for makes it much easier to want to contribute to it.

'Even if you can only contribute $10 a week, it adds up,' she said.

Next, she suggested cutting out 'unnecessary purchases' like expensive coffees or silly shopping sprees.

The travel buff recommends that the next time you're in line for Starbucks or you're going on a Target run, you should remind yourself that this money could be going toward a life changing trip.

'It's wild to me that people drop $200 on a whim at Target but don't realize that could pay for a flight to the Dominican Republic that could change your life,' she dished.

'I'm not saying never treat yourself, but setting a budget you can stick to is key.'

Ahmedina's first piece of advice is to start a separate savings account - preferably a high-yield one - that's specifically for your travel funds

Next, she suggested cutting out 'unnecessary purchases' like expensive coffees or silly shopping sprees

She admitted that she has made a slew of 'sacrifices' to be able to travel the world, but insisted that it's all been worth it

She admitted that she has made a slew of 'sacrifices' to be able to travel the world, but insisted it's all been worth it.

'I've made sacrifices, such as working extra hours and moving back home after college (it was during COVID and I couldn't go anywhere anyway),' she shared.

'But there's no shame in living at home, especially in this economy.'

Bacevac also suggested picking 'one accommodation booking platform and sticking to it' so you can start to build up points.

'Expedia and Booking.com will reward loyal customers with discounts. I save up to 30 percent on Booking.com with their Genius discount and save even more by checking the mobile only prices on the app.'

Her last tip is to get a travel credit card - that is, only if you're prepared to be responsible and not let yourself rack up any debt.

'Using points and miles was honestly one of the main things that helped me afford travel,' Bacevac told the Mail.

'I paid for 30 nights of hotels in Europe and multiple flights with my credit card points.'

Ahmedina also suggested picking 'one accommodation booking platform and sticking to it' so you can start to build up points

Her last tip was to get a travel credit card - that is, only if you're prepared to be responsible and not let yourself rack up any debt

In the end, she said she hopes that sharing her travel hacks can help others get out there and explore the world like her

When asked what her favorite destinations have been so far, Bacevac told the Daily Mail she loved Croatia, Bosnia and Montenegro.

As for some hidden gems, she revealed, 'Guatemala is packed with vibrant culture, colorful markets, ancient ruins, volcanoes and breathtaking lakes - you need to put it on your bucket list if you haven't been!

'Chile is also perfect for outdoorsy [people] and adventure lovers because you can be hiking in Patagonia one weekend, then visiting the Atacama desert, beaches and biking vineyards the next.'

But there's one popular destination she believes is a little overhyped: Amsterdam.

She even called it, 'The city I wouldn't return to.'

'It's nice to walk around, go on a canal tour and eat some Dutch fries and Stroopwafels, but that is probably it,' she said.

'I'm not very into museums, which is the main thing to do there. Also, the red light district left me feeling sad.'

In the end, she said she hopes that sharing her travel hacks can help others get out there and explore the world like she does.

'Now, I'm passionate about inspiring people to travel and showing that it is possible, even on a budget. That's why travel means so much to me.'
The most well-informed royal experts are convinced it is only a matter of time before Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's children lose their HRH titles.

The belief is that William, Prince of Wales, will make the difficult call once he becomes King, succeeding his father, Charles III.

The transatlantic rift between the Waleses and the Sussexes already seems to be irreconcilable, but ultimately any move to strip Archie and Lilibet of their titles will most likely form part of a broader strategy to 'slim down' the monarchy.

After all, this is an edict originated by King Charles during his reign and one insiders expect William to continue  with the logic being that HRH titles should be reserved solely for working members of the family.

It's not an altogether controversial idea, although I suspect such an announcement would land like a nuclear bomb in Montecito when made official.

As an Australian, the British Royal Family are my Royal Family, but my specialty is the Danish royals, on account of their reigning queen being Mary, the girl from Tasmania.

Amid the headlines about what William may or may not do about the titles of his brother Harry, sister-in-law Meghan and their children, I was reminded of the fact this is a well-trodden path for the Danes.

You see, executing a royal title removal with minimal outrage or upset requires a measured and strategic approach.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are pictured with their children, Archie, six, and Lilibet, four, during a recent trip to Disneyland

One of the last times Prince William, 43, and Prince Harry, 40, were seen together was in 2021 at the unveiling of a statue of their mother Princess Diana at Kensington Palace. Now, there are reports that William plans to eventually remove Harry's children's HRH titles

King Charles, 76, is undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer. He is pictured here in March 2025, a few months after one of his most recent surgical procedures

Ultimately, the goal is to keep the British Royal Family reputationally intact  which means minimising any noise from California  while persisting with the 'slimming-down' strategy which, most experts agree, is the right path for a modern monarchy.

If the British are looking for a prototype, they would be wise to glance across the North Sea at how a similar title stripping situation unfolded in Denmark.

Adopting the Danish royal family's blueprint for title removal could potentially not only keep William's hands clean, but it may even hold the door ajar (even if by just an inch!) for a future reconciliation between the warring brothers.

But it requires the agreement and participation of King Charles.

In Denmark, it all goes back to September 2022, during what would ultimately be the penultimate year of Queen Margrethe II's reign.

The monarch made the unexpected decision to 'future-proof' the royal family and 'slim down' the court.

The elderly Queen, now 85, announced she had made the decision to revoke the HRH titles of her youngest son Prince Joachim's four children: now-titled Count Nikolai, Count Felix, Count Henrik and Countess Athena.

She said that revoking their princely titles would allow her grandchildren to 'shape their own lives, without being limited by the special considerations and obligations that a formal affiliation to the Royal House of Denmark entails'.

In late 2022, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, 85, announced that four of her grandchildren would lose their princely titles. She is pictured a few months after the shock announcement

Prince Joachim, 56, angrily declared that his four children were hurt by their grandmother's decision to strip them of their titles

King Frederik and Queen Mary are now a year into their reign. The royal couple's own children (from L-R) Princess Isabella, Princess Josephine and Prince Vincent along with Crown Prince Christian (not pictured) retained their titles

She added that the decision was 'in line with similar adjustments' made by neighbouring royal households, where those lower down the line of succession have had their HRH titles removed without controversy.

But the decree did not go down well with the father of the downgraded royals.

Prince Joachim, angrily and publicly hit back, declaring that his children had been 'mistreated'.

'Why should their identity be removed? Why must they be punished in this way?' he questioned at the time.

As the story of the stripped titles made headlines worldwide, Queen Margrethe issued a mea culpa of sorts, conceding that she had 'underestimated the extent to which my younger son and his family feel affected and for that I am sorry'.

But even with hat (or crown) in hand, she continued to stand firm in her directive.

Notably, Frederik and Mary  soon to become King and Queen of Denmark  stayed neutral on the decision, both supporting the Queen while simultaneously expressing sympathy for Joachim's family.

Frederik and Mary began their reign in January 2024 with their hands clean, as the business of slimming down the royal family had already been carried out by the retiring monarch

Queen Mary said at the time: 'Change really hurts, but as I said, it does not mean that the decision is not the right one.

'And I can understand that it is a very difficult decision to have to make, and also a very difficult decision to receive.'

A little over a year later, Margrethe's reign was over. She stepped down in late 2023 and handed over the throne to her son Frederik and his wife Mary in January 2024.

As King Frederik and Queen Mary ushered in a new chapter for the Danish royals, they also inherited the legacy of Margrethe's slimmed-down family directive.

Thus, the royal couple commenced their reign with their hands clean and reputations intact because the decision to remove the titles of Prince Joachim's children had not been made by them.

The blow was dealt by the retiring monarch, allowing them to remain a neutral party.

This is the move that the British royals should be examining closely.

King Charles is 76 and undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer.

While still just shy of three years into his reign, his advanced age and ongoing health concerns suggest it is unlikely he will hold his position for an extended period of time.

The current and future King are both reported to be advocates of a 'slimmed down' royal family

However, what the British incumbent can do during his time in charge is provide surety and stability for the next generation by making a tough call.

Like Queen Margrethe did at the end of her reign, King Charles has the power to cut the HRH cord from Prince Harry's children  once and for all confirming that their future lies beyond the Royal Family.

Just as Margrethe experienced, it's a decision almost certain to cause backlash and upset from Harry and Meghan.

An explosive tell-all podcast, a televised interview, another damning biography are all fair probabilities from a prince likely to be enraged and his American wife.

But there is a glimmer of hope. You need only consider what is unfolding within the walls of Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen as a potential precedent for what could happen next.

After the title-stripping fiasco, Prince Joachim, his second wife, Princess Marie, and their two children left Denmark in a huff, moving to the U.S. (sound familiar?) where Joachim took up a role at the Danish embassy in Washington, D.C., in January 2023.

During the time they have lived overseas, the crown has shifted from Margrethe to her eldest son Frederik  and some of those past hurts appear to have simmered down with it.

The children of Prince Joachim (second right) and his wife Princess Marie (second left), as well as his two children from his first marriage, lost their titles in 2023. (The children are pictured from left: Count Nikolai, 25, Countess Athena, 13, Count Henrik, 16, and Count Felix, 22)

In a symbolic gesture of reconciliation, King Frederik recently conferred the prestigious Grand Cross of the Order of the Dannebrog upon his eldest nephews, Count Felix and Count Nikolai

So much so, that only recently Joachim gave a televised interview declaring that he and his family now harbour 'a desire to come home'.

There are even promising reports of Frederik and Mary actively looking for roles for Joachim's family within the royal fold, signaling a possible reintegration.

Furthermore, there has been an olive branch extended by Frederik and Mary to his brother's family, with the King awarding his eldest nephews  Joachim's adult sons from his first marriage  the prestigious Grand Cross of the Order of the Dannebrog.

A Danish royal family reunion  which a year ago seemed almost impossible  could very well be on the horizon.

While the situations are certainly not identical, it would bear consideration for William to advocate that his father follow Margrethe's example by being the one to make the decision on Archie and Lilibet's royal titles while still the reigning monarch.

In the short term, blowback is to be expected. Harry will likely be upset.

But, as seen in Denmark, Margrethe's self-sacrificial decision to remove the titles and bear the brunt of the fallout before her reign ended may well have had the effect of limiting the rift between her sons, Frederik and Joachim.

Now, there is perhaps even scope for the estranged brothers to reunite and fully repair their past fractures.

Could the same happen for William and Harry? It's no guarantee  but it's a far more likely scenario than if the job of stripping HRH titles falls to the future King.
A doctor has warned travellers about getting cheap massages in Southeast Asia - after a tourist's supposedly relaxing experience turned into a nightmare.

Dr Joe Whittington spoke out about a woman's confronting video showing her boyfriend with unsightly, painful bumps all over his legs after he paid just $5 for a massage from an elderly worker in a backstreet alleyway in Thailand.

Things took a terrifying turn when the man woke up the next morning with red, pus-filled pimples on his legs after contracting folliculitis - a painful skin condition caused by inflammation of the hair follicles.

'When the massage is $5 and the infection is free,' Dr Whittington said in his video.

'This poor guy walked into an alley for relaxation and left with a dermatology consult. Ever heard of folliculitis? It's what happens when bacteria and bad decisions team up... Folliculitis can show up as red bumps or even pus-filled lesions.'

The ER doctor suspected the man had developed a Staphylococcus aureus infection, which can spread through direct contact with a contagious person or contaminated surfaces.

'What you see here is folliculitis - it's when your hair follicles get infected with a bacteria like staph aureus. It's your immune system flipping the table like, "What in the unsanitary hell was that?"' Dr Whittington explained.

'This happens when dirty hands, reused oils or uncleaned towels introduce bacteria into the skin. And guess what? Sweaty legs, open pores and alleyway massages are the perfect recipe.'

Dr Joe Whittington weighed in on a woman's confronting video showing her boyfriend with unsightly, painful bumps all over his legs after he paid just $5 for a massage from an elderly worker in a backstreet alleyway in Thailand

The female employee was seen in the video wearing a face mask - but despite the protection, Dr Whittington warned that the bacteria could still spread from her bare hands to the client.

'She's masked up while rubbing you down with her biohazard hands,' he said.

The US emergency medical physician said most common cases can be treated with soap, water and time - but some may require medications such as antibiotics to relieve symptoms and address the underlying cause.

'So if your massage table is made of concrete and there's a moped parked next to it, maybe just stretch and call it a day, bro,' Dr Whittington advised.

His video has been viewed more than 365,000 times, leaving many people feeling uneasy about cheap massages in Asia after the doctor's warning.

'Oh no! that is scary,' one said.

'Yikes! Um, no thanks,' another shared.

The ER doctor said the traveller had developed a staphylococcus aureus infection, which can spread through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces

A licensed massage therapist weighed in on the case, saying: 'This is wild. This isn't just in Thailand, this can happen anywhere - there isn't regulations or when someone "sets up shop" without an education and license.'

Meanwhile, many travellers shared their own experiences of getting massages in Asia, while others urged everyone to be vigilant.

'As someone who just came back from Thailand and had about five different massages in proper spas, I can unequivocally say they are absolutely amazing. Stick to authorised establishments and enjoy,' one said.

'Oh man I got a massage every day I was in Thailand! Of course at actual massage places though. Literally the best massages I've ever had,' another shared.
An uncomfortable text message exchange between a pregnant employee and her boss regarding a request for maternity leave has sparked an online firestorm.

UK Career Expert Ben Askins regularly shares social media videos calling out questionable workplace behaviour.

But a recent video the author and expert posted recounting an 'ugly' response to a pregnant woman's 'reasonable' maternity leave request saw him branding her employer as among 'the top three of the worst bosses I've come across'.

Ben shared the text exchange to his TikTok account in a video that's since been viewed almost 590,000 times.

The messages started with the pregnant employee confirming that her manager had received her 'email about maternity leave requests for February'.

The boss replied: 'I saw it, and I wanted to talk to you about it. Is there any way you'd consider reducing how long you want to take? If you are sure you are going to go ahead with it, would you be open to discussing it all. I am just a bit worried about the costs from our side.'

The female employee - clearly stunned by her boss's reaction - then tried to justify her reason for taking her legally-entitled maternity leave. She even offered to be as helpful as possible to the person who would be temporarily replacing her.

She replied: 'Oh ok, um I was kind of hoping to take as much time as possible. This is my first child and wanted to get as used to being as parent as possible, especially as my family lives quite far away.'

A boss has been slammed online for his guilt-laden response to a female employee's reasonable request for maternity leave

'I will ensure all my responsibilities are handed over seamlessly and help interview for mat cover but I really do want to take the full amount,' she continued.

However, the uncompromising boss continued to badger his pregnant employee over the 'burden' she was allegedly causing by taking maternity leave.

'The challenge is that this is a small company, and it's quite a burden to have to pay both your mat leave and your mat cover. I am just not sure how we can cope,' he replied.

By this point, the pregnant woman continued to politely advocate for her 'rights'  even making generous offers to assist her employer while she's away on leave.

She wrote: 'I appreciate that but this isn't fair to put on me, I am happy to support but I am well within my rights to do this.'

'I will try and support however I can, make sure everything is in place for a smooth handover and can also be on call for emergencies if that helps?'

The worried employee ended the message: 'Is my pregnancy going to be a problem for my role in the company?'

Most likely aware that he was wading into precarious employment law territory, the boss at this stage tried to downplay the discussion.

The text exchange, shared on British career expert Ben Askins' TikTok account, has gone viral and sparked fierce discussion about the employer's unconscionable behaviour

'Not at all! Your pregnancy is absolutely fine by me, we are a family company,' he replied.

Nevertheless, he continued to guilt his employee about the maternity leave request.

He continued: '[J]ust not ideal timing for me that is all. But if you are not going to help out and reduce the time then nothing really further for us to talk about I guess.'

Employment expert Ben, who is reading aloud the text messages in the social media video, is unable to bite his tongue at various points during the re-telling.

One of his interjections dissected the 'disgusting' behaviour of the manager.

Ben was adamant that the boss in this scenario was 'fully aware of what he's doing'.

'He's trying to use guilt to basically get her to kind of waive her rights [to take the full length of maternity leave] because you can then sort of go, 'Oh no, she agreed with it'.

The workplace commentator added that the woman's request was entirely 'reasonable' and noted that she went above and beyond with offers of additional assistance as far as recruitment for her replacement and handover.

UK Career Expert Ben Askins, who regularly shares social media videos calling out questionable workplace behaviour, described the employer in this situation as among the 'the top three of the worst bosses I've come across'

Ultimately, Ben said it was not the woman's 'problem' that the business may struggle financially with her leave entitlement - and that it's her right as a company employee to take maternity leave.

'That is not her f***ing problem, that is your problem,' he said. 'If she's not an equity holder, she's not a director in the business, it's not her company, that is a YOUR problem.'

The video has attracted nearly a thousand comments  many of them outraged by the employer's unconscionable behaviour.

'This is the kind of boss that makes you start looking for another job while you're on leave,' read one reply.

'She should not even have to justify anything,' added another.

'The gaslighting and guilt is beyond diabolical,' chimed in a third.

Many of the comments were also aggrieved by the manipulative language used by the manager in his text messages.

One commenter wrote: '"Not ideal timing for me." Yea, I mean sheesh, couldn't think of your boss while conceiving your baby?'

Some of the comments on the TikTok video suggested that the pregnant employee in this situation could potentially take legal action against their employer. (Image: stock photo)

Another boldly questioned: 'Did they just suggest she get an abortion for the sake of the company's bottom line?!?'

A third added: '"If you're not going to help out" is an insane thing to say especially after she already stated she's more than happy to arrange cover and everything else before she leaves.'

It was unclear from the messages what jurisdiction the worker was in, but many commenters noted that maternity leave was a legal employment right in several countries  including Australia  and that she may have grounds to take legal action against her employer.

'Wow.. save this, go to an employer lawyer. Get settlement, enjoy!' read one reply.

Another wrote: 'This is a slam dunk mat discrimination case. Employers need to understand that claim awards are potentially unlimited.'

Unfortunately, it also appeared that this exchange was not an isolated incident with many commenters piping up to share their own horror story responses to previous maternity leave requests.

'I had a line manager refuse to discuss it with me because "your baby could still die right up until the end"', read one jaw-dropping comment.

'My old manager tried to convince me to have an abortion they wondered why I didn't want to go back after having my baby,' read another wild reply.

Worryingly, comments on the TikTok video saw other female workers recount their own stories about the reaction to their requests for maternity leave (Image: stock photo)

Another person wrote: 'My old boss tried to tell me I only got half maternity time with my second child cos I'd already done the full maternity bonding time with my first.'

While many comments were outraged by the boss's responses, there were a small chorus claiming to understand where the employer was coming from.

'Whilst he's being improper, you can't avoid the fact that small companies will avoid employing women of childbearing age to reduce costs,' read one reply.

'For small businesses, maternity leave - even if protected by law - can have a massive impact on the company, especially if it's not performing well financially,' read part of another comment.

Another contributed: '[S]o many companies like this don't like hiring young women because the potential for taking maternity leave is high.'

A disheartened female worker responded to the viral video with a defeated comment that attracted over 1,600 likes.

The woman wrote: 'We're judged by society if we don't want kids and then punished by work when we do. We're judged for working 9-5 and having a career with kids but then also judged if we stay home full time with kids. Women can't win.'

In Australia, the Paid Parental Leave scheme is managed by Services Australia and provides financial support to eligible working parents to take time off work to care for a newborn or recently adopted child.

Some employees will receive parental leave payments from the Australian Government Parental Leave Pay, while others will receive employer funded parental leave payments. In some instances, a person may receive both.

According to the Fair Work Act, all employees in Australia are eligible for up to 12 months unpaid parental leave if they have completed at least 12 months of continuous service with their employer.
A beloved and convenient supermarket staple has recently become difficult to find in the freezer section of Aldi stores, according to customers.

Earlier this week, disappointed shoppers took to Reddit to share their struggle to locate frozen corn cobs at Aldi and discuss rumours of a shortage in supply to the budget supermarket chain.

It began when a shopper uploaded a post titled: 'So what happened to frozen corn cobs???'

'My father and I loved the frozen corn cobs, they were decent size and usually juicy the way we cook them,' he elaborated.

'Now we've got to suffer paying [mainstream] prices, ugh.'

Aldi stocks frozen Market Fare Corn Cobs in a 1kg bag, priced at $4.59. The budget supermarket also sells Market Fare Corn Kernels in a 1kg bag, priced at $4.19.

FEMAIL reached out to Aldi for comment, with a spokesperson confirming they were 'not experiencing a shortage' - despite some shopper's recent difficulties locating the product.

'Our Market Fare Australian Corn Cobs are a much-loved item across our stores,' they said. 'While we are not experiencing a shortage, if customers cant get hold of our frozen product and are looking for alternatives, they can try our fresh The Good Stuff Sweet Corn Cobbettes or New Season Corn Kernels that you can grab off our shelves.'

A beloved and convenient supermarket staple has recently become difficult to find in the freezer section of Aldi stores, according to customers

Nevertheless, the Reddit post was met with sympathetic replies from fellow shoppers who agreed that they too had recently struggled to find the popular frozen vegetable in their local Aldi store.

Some hypothesised that they believed the missing item was a result of broader 'seasonal' and 'supply' issues.

'There is an issue with corn growing atm [at the moment] in general so probably why,' one person said of the rumoured product shortage.

Some hypothesised that they believed the missing item was a result of broader 'seasonal' and 'supply' issues.

'A lot of Aldi products are due to seasonal and company demand. Aldi can only stock what they are provided/can buy,' read another comment.

Another responder, who claimed to be an Aldi store worker, said the staff were not privy to explanations about 'why we don't get certain things'.

'I usually just guess it's a supply issue/seasonal thing like others have said,' they added.

However, the shelf stacker claimed that they had personally placed 'three boxes of cobs into our [store] freezer yesterday, so they still exist at least for now'.

The original poster on Reddit was puzzled that frozen corn cobs appeared to have disappeared from Aldi shelves, while bags of frozen corn kernels still appeared to be plentiful. Aldi sells Market Fare Corn Kernels in a 1kg bag for $4.19

Another person, who also said they worked at Aldi, rubbished the item disappearance rumour, claiming it was still available in their store. They wrote: 'My store is in stock, cannot see why others wouldn't be.'

While the original poster understood that supply issues could be to blame for the disappearance of frozen corn cobs, they were puzzled as to why there still appeared to be 'tons' of frozen corn kernels available in the Aldi freezer section.

They wrote: '[W]hy don't they just leave [a] couple on the damn cob [a]n[d] bag it??'

Meanwhile, other fellow corn-lovers suggested the shopper alternatively give fresh corn a try.

'Just buy the fresh ones and freeze them,' recommended one comment.

'You can microwave them in the husk then cut and peel husk off... butter and salt then enjoy,' advised another.

The rumoured missing frozen corn at Aldi comes after another frozen vegetable staple had become difficult to locate in major supermarkets.

Aussie shoppers were recently left scratching their heads after frozen mashed potatoes appeared to vanish without a trace from both Woolies and Coles.

Frozen mashed potato, a humble but beloved freezer aisle item, has become increasingly difficult to find at Woolworths, Coles, and other major supermarkets across the country

The mystery was kicked off by a discussion in a Reddit post, when one person wrote: 'Strange post, I know, but it seems like all brands of frozen mashed potato are currently unavailable and have been for a while.

'Does anyone know what's going on with this frozen mashed potato shortage? We rely on it for toddler meals a few times a week so it's actually very annoying.'

FEMAIL reached out to a Woolworths spokesperson in mid June 2025, who said: 'We know this can be a convenience product for our customers.

'At the moment, we have different products available, but this may vary store by store, and we're working closely with our various suppliers to replenish stocks as soon as possible. In the meantime, we appreciate our customers' understanding.'

The thread was flooded with replies from equally baffled shoppers, many of whom hadn't seen frozen mash in weeks  or even months.

'YES! I've been trying to get it for weeks and it's never there,' one person wrote.

'It's so annoying. I haven't been able to find it anywhere for probably a couple of months now.'

Another shared: 'Oh my god, we noticed this too! It's one of our staples and we have been to all the shops, and no one has it.'

So where has it gone?

According to one supermarket employee: 'Apparently it's due to a foot and mouth disease outbreak in Germany where they get their supply from, and they said they were sourcing a replacement to arrive in November.'

This aligns with other comments noting that many frozen mashed potato products - including some sold at Coles and Woolworths - are manufactured in Belgium and Germany.

While many Aussies pride themselves on cooking from scratch with fresh ingredients, frozen vegetables like corn and mashed potato are prized for their convenience, particularly among time-poor parents and busy workers.
Popular culture has a bigger influence on baby names than we might realise, but one particular genre has been unexpectedly providing new parents with inspiration.

The explosion in true crime documentaries and dramas over recent years means the names of infamous murderers, scammers and thieves are fresh in our minds - and making their way into baby name lists.

According to BabyCentre UK, names linked to headline-grabbing criminal cases, true crime celebrities and viral scandals are trending, even if parents might not realise the origins of the names.

The pregnancy app has revealed that monikers like Freddie and Rose are increasingly popular, as well as names like Ted - unwittingly reminiscent of serial killers Fred and Rose West and Ted Bundy.

SJ Strum, BabyCentre UK's baby naming expert and author, said: 'These names aren't being chosen because of crime. More often, parents are unconsciously absorbing popular culture, and these names creep into our minds via gripping TV, podcasts and viral content.

'It's a fascinating lens on how culture shapes language and by extension, baby names.'

But the rise true crime-inspired baby name trends comes alongside an increase in classic, celestial and high society-inspired names emerging this year, BabyCentre UK added.

SJ Strum said: 'Names flow in and out of style, and popular culture plays a huge role in shaping the baby names we see rising. We often choose names in tune with what's happening in the world around us as we welcome our little ones. For example, Evie, the newest addition to Peppa Pig's family, is a perfect short and sweet vintage pick that's now soaring in popularity.

Baby names are more influenced than pop culture than you might think, and the rise of true crime dramas is inspiring parents even without them realising it

The true crime genre exploded in popularity in recent years and is being reflected in the names modern parents are choosing for their kids, according to BabyCentre UK

'We've also seen an uplift in names honouring the late Queen, like Eliza, Elsie, and Elizabeth. Royal-inspired names remain strong year-on-year: from Charlotte, Zara, and Mia, to George, Harry, William, Charlie, and Archie. Even Princess has seen a surprising comeback, as the nation rallied around Princess Kate during her recent cancer treatment.'

The top names linked to some of the most scandalous true crime figures in BabyCentre's top 100 baby names 2025 are:

Anna

Con artist Anna Delvey, pictured here during her trial at New York State Supreme Court in 2019, scammed her way into making people believe she was a high-flying socialite in New York

Inspired by the 'Fake Heiress' Anna Delvey, a con artist who posed as a wealthy heiress in New York from 2013 to 2017.

She defrauded major financial institutions, banks, hotels, and individuals out of millions of dollars and was the subject of the 2022 hit Netflix series Inventing Anna.

Arthur

Arthur Leigh Allen was the only named suspect in the Zodiac Killer series of murders, but police were unable to build a strong enough case against him

Inspired by Arthur Leigh Allen, the only named suspect in the shocking Zodiac Killer series of murders that took place between the late 1960s to 1980s.

He repeatedly denied the allegations and died in 1992, and the identity of the Zodiac Killer remains a mystery until today.

Last year, he was discussed in a three-part Netflix docuseries titled This is the Zodiac Speaking.

Bella

Belle Gibson, seen her carrying out media training before the release of her cookbook, was fined more than half a million dollars after interests and costs for breaching consumer law

Inspired by Australian wellness scammer Belle Gibson, who falsely claimed she was diagnosed with brain cancer but had cured it with alternative therapies and healthy eating.

Having conned millions of Instagram followers into believing her story, Belle successfully launched a recipe app and cookbook and claimed she was donating most of her profits to charity.

The Netflix series Apple Cider Vinegar tells the story of her rise and fall.

Erin

Erin Patterson, pictured here in Melbourne, Australia, is currently on trial as she has been accused of cooking deadly mushrooms for her in-laws' lunch

According to BabyCentre UK, the name 'Erin' has been unwittingly inspired by the high-profile murder case against Erin Patterson, an Australian woman who has been accused of cooking deadly mushrooms and feeding them to her relatives.

She was charged with the murders of her in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, as well as Gail's sister Heather Wilkinson, who all became sick and died days after she cooked them lunch. She denies the charges.

The trial continues.

Freddie and Rose

Fred and Rose West rose to notoriety after it emerged that they had murdered numerous girls and young women, including Fred's stepdaughter

If these two names together ring a bell, it may be because of the infamous English serial killers Fred and Rose West.

Together, the pair committed at least 12 murders of girls and young women between 1967 and 1987 - including Fred's stepdaughter, Charmaine.

Fred died by suicide while detained on remand, before he could be sentenced, while Rose was sentenced to 10 life terms with a whole life order.

They recently became the focus of Netflix series Fred and Rose West: A British Horror Story.

Joseph

Joe Exotic, best known as 'The Tiger King', became a household name in 2020 when the Netflix series centred around him went viral

BabyCentre UK says the name 'Joseph' - while sounding innocuous enough - is a nod to Joe Exotic, the self-proclaimed 'Tiger King' who was the subject of a 2020 Netflix series of the same name.

He was suspected of hiring hit men to murder Carole Baskin, a rival to his big cat zoo business, and was convicted and sentenced to 22 years in prison for animal abuse and attempted murder.

Luca

Luka Magnotta, shown here after his arrest in Berlin, Germany, in 2012, was the subject of Don't F*** With Cats on Netflix after he filmed himself committing animal abuse

The name 'Luca' may be a variation of 'Luka', after Luka Magnotta of the viral true crime docuseries Don't F*** With Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer.

In 2010, Luka shared a video of himself cruelly killing two kittens, which sparked an online manhunt by amateur sleuths.

He went on to commit the grisly murder of a student from China named Jun Lin in 2012, for which he was convicted and sentenced to a mandatory life sentence and 19 years for other charges.

Teddy

Ted Bundy, seen waving at the media after being informed of his indictment by a grand jury in Tallahassee in 1978, is one of the most notorious serial killers in the world

The name brings to mind soft, cuddly bear toys, but BabyCentre UK believes 'Teddy' is also surprising spin on notorious serial killer Ted Bundy.

Bundy famously abducted, raped and murdered dozens of young women and girls between 1974 and 1978, and has been the subject of numerous true crime series and podcasts.

In 2019, he was portrayed by Zac Efron in the film Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile.

Ruby

Former vlogger Ruby Franke, pictured here during a hearing in 2023 in St. George, Utah, was known for sharing her and her family's life on camera, but things took a dark turn

Inspired by Ruby Franke, the subject of the viral documentary Devil in the Family which charted the vlogger's journey from creating content about her picturesque Mormon family to her imprisonment for child abuse.

She initially posted parenting content and videos of life with her husband and their six children, but after meeting a woman named Jodi Hildebrandt, things took a much darker turn.

Her daughter Shari Franke also recently wrote a book about their experience titled The House of My Mother.

Ronnie and Reggie

Ronnie and Reggie Kray, pictured here having tea after spending 36 hours helping the police with their enquiries in 1966, were Britain's most notorious gangsters

The names Ronnie and Reggie are particularly recognisable in the UK because of the Kray twins, Britain's most notorious gangsters.

Ronald Kray and Reginald Kray ran a gang called The Firm, based in Bethnal Green, from the late 1950s until their arrest in 1968.

They were involved in an array of crimes, including murder, armed robbery, arson, assault, and protection rackets.

Tom Hardy portrayed them both in the 2015 film Legend.
A woman who used to rake in over $12,000 a month as an influencer but is now struggling to find work after being left with 'nothing' has lifted a lid on the harsh realities of content creation.

Lisa Jean-Francois, who is in her 40s, from Massachusetts, has been a social media star for over a decade.

She started off as a fashion influencer before switching her content to parenting after she became a mom.

With over 100,000 followers, she once made upwards of $12,000 per month as sponsorships came pouring in.

But in recent years, she has struggled to land brand deals and now, she is desperately looking for a job after realizing content creation is not something she can rely on forever.

So what went wrong? Well, Lisa laid bare her rollercoaster-ride journey and opened up about the downsides to social media stardom that no one talks about exclusively with the Daily Mail.

Lisa explained that she first found viral fame back in 2012 after she launched a blog that focused on 'showing women how to look good for less.'

'My first blog was called Beauty on the Cheap, where I focused on drugstore makeup,' she said.

A woman who used to rake in over $12,000 a month as an influencer but is now struggling to find work after being left with 'nothing' has lifted a lid on the harsh realities of content creation

Lisa Jean-Francois, who is in her 40s, has been a social media star for over a decade. She started off as a fashion influencer before switching her content to parenting

'And I featured clothes from... affordable fast fashion brands. It was all about making beauty and style accessible.'

By 2014 she was raking in money from ad revenue on her blog, and it dawned on her that she could make a full-time living from content creation.

She quit her job and began to build her brand on Instagram, but it wasn't easy.

She had to invest thousands of dollars, spending on cameras, editing tools, website designers, wardrobe, props, and more.

'I also paid photographers and video editors. People don't realize you have to spend real money to make your content look polished and professional. It all adds up fast,' she shared.

By 2017, her hard work had paid off. She was a full fledged 'fashion influencer,' bringing in anywhere from $8,000 to $12,000 a month, and sometimes even more if a 'big campaign came through.'

'By around 2017, it started to feel like a real, full-time career,' she reflected.

'Brand partnerships and ad revenue from my blog really started to come in consistently, and I treated it like a business.'

With over 100,000 followers, she once made upwards of $12,000 per month as sponsorships came pouring in

But in recent years, she has struggled to land brand deals and now, she is desperately looking for a job after realizing content creation is not something she can rely on forever

But while the pay was high, Lisa admitted that there were tons of downsides to the world of content creation.

She said there was a 'constant pressure to stay relevant' and 'keep up with the trends,' which was 'exhausting.'

Lisa also pointed out that you 'can't control how people perceive you,' which can be extremely difficult.

'It can feel inauthentic, too, trying to maintain a perfect image,' she added.

And while she was making a lot, she was still spending a lot to keep her content fresh.

'I never repeated an outfit on Instagram. It always had to be fresh and bold to stop people from scrolling,' she explained.

Lisa also recalled her followers leaving cruel comments about her body after she welcomed her son.

'Someone even suggested I should hide my belly pudge,' she said.

So what went wrong? Well, Lisa laid bare her rollercoaster-ride journey and opened up about the downsides to social media stardom that no one talks about exclusively with the Daily Mail

Lisa said the brand deals stopped coming as regularly after she switched her content to parenting, but she said it 'feels more rewarding' so she has no regrets

In 2021, Lisa posted an intimate video to Instagram opening up about an incident she had with her then-toddler son.

She explained that she had been angry with him and threw away one of his drawings, then felt terrible and apologized to the youngster.

The video resonated with tons of other parents and gained almost a million views, and it made Lisa realize that she could post more mom content.

At the time, she confessed that her mental health had been deteriorating and that as a new mom, it was becoming harder for her to keep up with her account.

'It was my first time showing my audience I was parenting differently, and the response made me feel people would be open to it,' she explained.

'At the same time, I was deep in my own healing journey. From 2019 to mid-2021, I was working as Head of Influencer Marketing & PR for a beauty brand, and I was treated horribly, my nervous system was shot.

'I had a new baby. I couldn't get on Instagram and talk about lipstick when my life felt like it was unraveling.'

Soon, she switched her focus on social media from fashion to 'conscious parenting,' and boy, was it popular.

Her videos exploded, leading to her having more viral fame than ever before.

'I never cracked more than 50,000 followers on Instagram [when I was a fashion influencer]. But the parenting content doubled that,' she said.

But more attention also meant more hate, as Lisa added, 'The harshest comments came when I switched to conscious parenting.

'Parenting is a hot-button topic. I had to weed through comments from people describing how they harm their own kids, or wishing harm on mine.

Even so, Lisa is now coming to grips with the realization that she's not making enough from content creation to make it her full-time career anymore

She is now looking for a steady job - and she admitted that things are 'tough' right now because 'nobody will hire her'

'Some people literally told me they couldn't wait to see my children shot or locked up because I chose not to hit them. That was far more painful than any comment about my body.'

In addition, Lisa explained that parenting isn't as much of a lucrative topic as fashion is, and she began to lose brand deals.

'I did a three-month partnership with L.L.Bean in 2021, in 2020 I went on a brand trip with Sperry. I mean business was booming,' she dished.

'Now it's like I don't even exist to businesses. For example, I worked with Hood Ice Cream for a couple of years, but once I [switched to parenting content], that stopped.

'Even when a local Cape Cod resort enthusiastically invited me recently, they ghosted me when I asked for basic coverage like meals in exchange for content.

'So it feels like I'm shut out [from brand deals] for reasons I don't fully understand. It's different now.'

But she said it 'feels more rewarding' and authentic posting about motherhood than fashion, so she has no regrets about making the switch.

'It's never too late to pivot. It's okay to outgrow something that once defined you,' she encouraged others.

Even so, Lisa is now coming to grips with the realization that she's not making enough from content creation to make it her full-time career anymore.

She recently launched her own jewelry line called The Consciously Lisa Collection. She also wrote a book on parenting and sells virtual styling consultations.

But she is now looking for a steady job - and she admitted that things are 'tough' right now because 'nobody will hire her.'

'I can't live off of the jewelry income and what I take home in a month isn't what I used to take home,' she admitted. '[I get] one brand-sponsored Instagram post [per month].

'Brands always chase what's new and fresh. If you don't build something you own, you're left with nothing when they move on.'

She shared: 'One reason I struggle now is because I didn't always spend wisely or keep good financial records. If I could do it again, I wouldn't have abandoned having a steady job entirely'

She hopes that sharing her story will help teach others not to make the same mistakes that she did

While reflecting on her journey as an influencer, Lisa - who currently has 124,000 followers on her account @ConsciouslyLisa_ - admitted that she wished she had done things different.

And she hopes that sharing her story will help teach others not to make the same mistakes that she did.

'After nearly 14 years [as an influencer], I know this space deeply, but I don't always feel respected in it,' she shared.

'I think every creator should diversify their income and build multiple streams at once. Brand money is great, I know creators who make $20,000 for a single post, but it's risky if you don't manage your money wisely.

'One reason I struggle now is because I didn't always spend wisely or keep good financial records.

'If I could do it again, I wouldn't have abandoned having a steady W-2 job entirely. I have a master's in writing, an undergraduate degree in English and journalism, I have experience teaching, marketing, and office management, but it all feels worthless now.

'No one will hire me. I wish I'd kept some steady income outside social media. It would have made these tough seasons easier.'
Season one and season three both featured the same character's father dying

A recent episode of the series had fans fuming after noticing a familiar plotline

And Just Like That fans were horrified to spot a re-used story line in the new episode of the series - slamming the show for 'lazy writing' after noticing they have killed one character off twice.

The Sex and The City spinoff series, which is currently in its third season, showed Lisa Todd Wexley's father dying during Thursday's episode - again.

Lisa, played by Nicole Ari Parker, broke the news to Charlotte in an emotional phone call - however eagle-eyed fans were quick to point out Lisa's father had already passed away a few seasons before.

In season one, episode two, Lisa is seen talking to Charlotte after Big's shock death about her father's passing, saying: 'I was exactly the same when my father died last year.'

But dedicated fans of the show were appalled that the writers managed to make Lisa's father rise from the dead - only for him to be killed off again.

'How did they not notice?' bewildered user Brett Collins posted to TikTok, showing the clips side-by-side.

'You would think one person in this show would give a f**k about continuity,' whined one user.

'Wait no way, this has to be most hilarious lapse in continuity. I have no faith in these writers, this is just a cash grab,' snarked someone else.

The Sex and The City spinoff series, which is currently in its third season, showed Lisa Todd Wexley's father dying during Thursday's episode - again

In season one, episode two, Lisa is seen talking to Charlotte after Big's shock death about her father's passing, saying: 'I was exactly the same when my father died last year'

The fumble was also spotted by Reddit users, who mocked the HBO Max series for its sloppy mistake.

'This show is a mess!!! I can't believe people have been paid to write this,' an incredulous fan commented.

'Holy s**t, these writers are a joke.

'So in season two didn't her father come to her dinner?' another confused viewer chimed in.

Someone else blasted the show for being a 'mess.'

'I can't believe people have been paid to write this,' they raged.

Sex and The City enthusiasts have long expressed their disappointment in this spin-off series, slamming is as 'awful' and 'cringeworthy.'

Many fans have taken to social media to bash the show and its writers, with some even alleging this show has 'ruined' the once-beloved characters from the original Sex and the City.

Sex and The City enthusiasts have long expressed their disappointment in this spin-off series, slamming is as 'awful' and 'cringeworthy'

Thursday's episode had fans torn on Carrie Bradshaw's (Sarah Jessica Parker) bizarre long distance relationship with Aidan Shaw (John Corbett)

Many fans have taken to social media to bash the show and its writers, with some even alleging this show has 'ruined' the once-beloved characters from the original HBO series, Sex and the City

Thursday's episode had fans torn on Carrie Bradshaw's (Sarah Jessica Parker) bizarre long distance relationship with Aidan Shaw (John Corbett), but now many are calling for it to end after a shocking revelation from Aidan on Thursday's And Just Like That.

The new episode - entitled Silent Mode - found Aidan returning to New York, after his troubled son Wyatt (Logan Souza) agreed to go to a wilderness program in Wyoming for a week.

However, Aidan changed his mind at the airport, which lead to some strife with Aidan, Wyatt and his ex-wife Kathy (Rosemarie DeWitt) on their ride back home.

Still, Aidan made his way to New York City, and promptly revealed to Carrie that he slept with Kathy, which stunned Carrie.

She ultimately forgave him, almost immediately, which lead to an awkward conversation about the scope of their relationship.
A group of experts investigating Covid origins on behalf of the World Health Organization revealed they still aren't sure how the pandemic began.

At a press briefing Friday, chair of the group Marietjie Venter said most data supports the idea that Covid jumped to humans from animals.

It's the same conclusion the WHO drew in 2021, when scientists said the virus likely spread from bats to human through another 'intermediary animal.'

Venter said that after three years of investigating, the group was unable to get necessary data to determine if Covid was the result of a lab leak, despite hundreds of requests for genetic sequences and biosecurity information to the Chinese government.

She said: 'Therefore, this hypothesis could not be investigated or excluded. It was deemed to be very speculative, based on political opinions and not backed up by science.'

The scientist added there was no evidence to prove that Covid had been manipulated in a lab, nor was there any indication that the virus had been spreading before December 2019 anywhere outside of China.

Venter claims the 27-member group did not reach a firm consensus on Covid's origins, as one member resigned earlier this week and three others asked for their names to be removed from the report.

She said: 'Until more scientific data becomes available, the origins of how SARS-CoV-2 entered human populations will remain inconclusive.'

Experts looking into Covid origins for the World Health Organization said there is not enough evidence to support the theory that the virus came from a Wuhan lab

Chinese researcher Shi Zhengli, known as 'bat woman' for her work on coronaviruses in bats, is pictured in her lab at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in 2019

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The report comes after US authorities said earlier this month they had 'seized' Dr Anthony Fauci's old phone in search of answers about Covid's origin.

FBI boss Kash Patel told Joe Rogan: 'We found it [the devices], and at least we can tell the American people we've been looking because it is of public importance to figure out, did that guy lie?

'Did he intentionally mislead the world and cause countless deaths?'

The FBI and CIA have both asserted they think Covid most likely originated from the Wuhan Institute of Virology in Wuhan, China, which was conducting risky experiments on coronaviruses in the years leading up to the pandemic.

Some of those experiments were funded by US taxpayer money through grants awarded by Dr Fauci's old department, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said it was a 'moral imperative' to determine how Covid began, noting that the virus killed at least 20 million people worldwide, wiped at least $10trillion from the global economy and upended the lives of billions.

Last year, the AP found that the Chinese government froze meaningful domestic and international efforts to trace the virus' origins in the first weeks of the outbreak in 2020 and that WHO itself may have missed early opportunities to investigate how Covid began.

President Donald Trump has long blamed the emergence of the coronavirus on a laboratory accident in China, while a US intelligence analysis found there was insufficient evidence to prove the theory.

Chinese officials have repeatedly dismissed the idea that the pandemic could have started in a lab, saying that the search for its origins should be conducted in other countries.

Last September, researchers zeroed in on a short list of animals they think might have spread COVID-19 to humans, including racoon dogs, civet cats and bamboo rats.

The German Federal Intelligence Service (BND) carried out a secret investigation into the origins of Covid nicknamed Project Saaremaa during the pandemic, sharing the findings with the US in December 2024.

Investigators found unpublished dissertations from 2019 and 2020 that allegedly discussed the effects of coronaviruses on the human body.

Fauci, pictured here making a phone call during a Senate hearing in 2022, has denied all allegations of covering up potential lab leak theories

Additionally, uncovered materials revealed Chinese scientists had 'an unusually large amount of knowledge about the supposedly novel virus available at an unusually early stage.'

Based on the materials BND agents found and analyzed, they used a 'Probability Index' to measure the reliability of information, which determined the lab-leak theory was 'probable' with an '80 to 95 percent' certainty.

Robert Redfield, former CDC director when the pandemic erupted, also accused American and British health agencies of shutting down concerns over potential lab leaks.

He previously told DailyMail.com he is '100 percent' convinced Covid was the result of scientists becoming infected while carrying out high-risk experiments to boost the infectivity of bat viruses amid low biosecurity in Wuhan labs.
You may want to reconsider asking this one, seemingly innocent, question as your doctor steps out the door at your next check-up.

Experts across the nation are warning patients against uttering the phrase, 'Just one more thing' at the end of their appointment.

Dr Lisa Ravindra, a primary care physician at Rush University Medical Center, said: 'I've heard it many times. I find it's 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 it's often the most important thing they came in for.'

According to Dr Ravindra, patients tend to inform their providers of serious symptoms, such as chest pain and difficulty breathing or side effects due to medications, at the end of their appointments - thinking that they are of no consequence.

However, the quick mention of this type of information can make a significant difference in their overall diagnosis, treatment and type of appointment as it can help them better understand the problem, she claims.

Additionally, she also noted that doctors tend to end up late to their other appointments when patients bring up deep discussion-worthy symptoms at the end of their own.

Experts are warning patients against uttering the phrase, 'Just one more thing' towards the end of their appointment

She told TIME: 'Should I 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.'

Dr Lisa Ravindra, a primary care physician at Rush University Medical Center

A 2018 Statista survey found that most physicians spent between 17 and 24 minutes with each patient during the day - a major reason for patient dissatisfaction.

Researchers noted that most US doctors saw between 11 and 20 patients each day - which Dr Ravindra claims can make it difficult for her to give ample time to each patient.

British doctors, meanwhile, cram in 25 to 40 patients on average a day, while in the European Union, doctors see no more than 25 patients per day to ensure sustainable practice and quality care.

Furthermore, Dr Melinda Steele, a primary care physician in California, added: 'The "just one more thing" scenario happens all the time.

'Doctors are like ducks: We're calm and collected on the surface, but we're moving it under the water.

'We're getting blasted from all different directions, having to triage things, go through messages and labs, and see patients in clinic. It's better to not be surprised by a doozy when you're trying to get out the door.'

A 2018 Statista survey found that most physicians spent between 17 and 24 minutes with each patient during the day

According to both experts, it is better for patients to make a list of all their symptoms and problems beforehand.

Dr Steele explained: '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.

'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.'

She also recommends patients book appointments and seek out physicians as soon as they notice a symptom rather than wait and complain about multiple ailments at once.

Dr Steele told the magazine: '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.

'Reaching out to your doctor earlier and tackling issues earlier can definitely prevent complications and ensure appointments are as seamless and satisfying as possible.'
Clear skies and warm waters may tempt many to head to the beach this holiday weekend, but officials are warning millions of July 4 vacationers to think twice before entering the water because they could be infected with a deadly bacteria.

States and local counties have been posting advisories all week about closures and more are still being added to the list.

At least 100 beaches across 12 states are now closed or under advisories across the country because of bacterial blooms.

Affecting both fresh and saltwater beaches, the warnings have mostly been triggered by E. coli  which can infect people if they swallow contaminated water and usually cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea.

But officials warn deadly micro-organisms are likely also multiplying in the water, including Vibrio vulnificus  a flesh-eating bacteria that can infect open wounds and kills one in five patients.

The pathogen Naegleria fowleri also lives in freshwater and can infect people if water enters their body through openings. The micro-organism attacks the brain and is nearly always fatal, killing about 97 percent of patients.

Beaches shuttered by warnings include two popular spots on the city of Chicago's northern lakefront and three beaches on the coastline near New Jersey's famed Sandy Hook beach.

It isn't clear why bacteria populations are surging this time of year, but it may be linked to recent heavy rainfall in parts of the country.

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This can wash a surge of extra nutrients into waterways, which can then cause bacterial blooms as microorganisms use up the resources.

In a notice posted in Suffolk County, New York, officials warned that 'bathing in bacteria-contaminated water can result in gastrointestinal illness, as well as infections of the eyes, ears, nose and throat'.

Officials in Massachusetts, the state that has closed the most beaches in the US, warn that it has closed beaches due to 'bacterial exceedance'  or blooms in bacteria.

DailyMail.com pored over local news reports and state health department websites covering the more than 5,000 beaches in the US.

The states with beach closures or advisories are: California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin.

Overall, Massachusetts had the most beaches closed or under advisories at 26, both freshwater and saltwater, in total.

Illinois had the second highest number at 24 beaches, according to its state dashboard.

And Vermont had the third highest, at 19 beaches, according to local media reports.

Wisconsin was the only other state with more than 10 beaches closed, with a total of 14 closures or advisories reported by local media.

At least a hundred beaches across 12 states are closed or under advisories across the country because of bacterial blooms

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Advisories are triggered if E.coli levels in water exceed 235 colonies per 100 milliliters.

About 265,000 people are sickened with E. coli every year, reports suggest, although these are normally linked to contaminated food.

Early warning signs of an infection include abdominal cramps, diarrhea which may be bloody and nausea and vomiting.

In serious cases, these can become severe and patients can become dehydrated, suffering from dizziness and decreased urination.

The infections are more risky in old people, who have a weaker immune system, and young children, with about 100 people dying from E. coli in the US every year.

When E. coli is present in water, however, experts say it is likely that other more dangerous micro-organisms are also multiplying in the water, including Naegleria fowleri and Vibrio vulnificus

Only around five people have ever survived a Naegleria fowleri infection in the US, statistics suggest, out of about 164 infections.

Among them is Maryland local Ryan Perry contracted Naegleria fowleri in May 2019 after using a jet ski on the Susquehanna River.

Ryan Perry was hospitalized after contracting Naegleria fowleri. He is pictured above in the hospital

He noticed the water seemed opaque with sediment, but carried on  spending three hours whipping around the reservoir.

The next day, he had the worst headache he had ever experienced, he said, prompting him to go to the doctor a day later when it persisted  leading him to be sent to the emergency department, where the amoeba was diagnosed.

He remained on a ventilator for more than two weeks before recovering, but he also had to relearn basic movements again  in a process that took more than two months.

In a case involving Vibrio vulnificus, a woman had to have her leg amputated after she caught the bacteria while swimming.

Vibrio infects people by entering the body through cuts and abrasions, and then starts to eat away at the flesh, often causing serious complications.

Debbie King, 72 and from Florida, suffered from a cut while climbing onto her friend's boat in the Gulf of Mexico in August 2023.

She initially thought nothing of the abrasion, and dismissed the red and sore shin she suffered the next day as due to sunburn.

But after the area became red and blistered three days later, she went to her doctor  who immediately referred her to the emergency department.

There, doctors said that she had been infected with the Vibrio bacteria and could die if they did not amputate her leg.

According to the CDC, about 150 to 200 cases of Vibrio are reported annually, with 20 percent resulting in death.
READ MORE: The surprising place you can get an STD ... that everyone can see

An Alaska woman has died after a rare and severe complication of gonorrhea, health officials report.

The unnamed woman, who was in her 50s, died this spring from disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI), which occurs when the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea invades the bloodstream and travels to vital organs.

According to the Alaska Department of Health, the woman arrived at her local emergency department in Anchorage in heart failure and septic shock, the body's extreme overreaction to an infection.

She had contracted gonorrhea, which affects 700,000 Americans a year, at some point within the previous six months.

It's unclear if she had any other health issues other than opioid addiction and if she contracted gonorrhea from a long-term partner.

The diagnosis of DGI only came after her death because she declined so quickly. Her cause of death was primarily due to the sepsis and heart failure.

The woman's death comes as Alaska records the second-highest rate of STIs in the country, only falling behind Mississippi. Experts believe this is due to weak public health infrastructure and high rates of substance abuse, among other factors.

The latest data shows 25 people per 100,000 Alaska residents have gonorrhea, and cases of syphilis have surged 20-fold since 2016.

An anonymous woman in Alaska died from a rare complication of gonorrhea that caused her to go into organ failure (stock image)

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The woman in the report was one of eight Alaskans to be identified with DGI between January and May of this year, the health department said in a bulletin.

They ranged in age from 32 to 59, and five of them were women. The average age was 40. There were no other recorded deaths from DGI.

None of the patients in the report are thought to be connected to one another.

The woman who died had been treated twice in the prior six months for opioid addiction, but there was no record of gonorrhea testing.

Gonorrhea is an STI caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which spreads through bodily fluids like semen and vaginal fluids.

It can move from person to person through oral sex, intercourse or sharing sex toys with an infected person.

Most people with gonorrhea are between ages 15 and 24 and don't have symptoms, though the infection can cause unusual genital discharge, pain during sex, pain during urination, lower abdominal pain, itching, testicular pain in men and bleeding in between periods for women.

In DGI, gonorrhea infections travel to the bloodstream and infect organs throughout the body due to the infection going untreated.

DGI is thought to occur in just 0.5 percent of all gonorrhea cases.

Health officials writing the Alaska report said risk factors for DGI, based on the women's medical records, were methamphetamine and opioid use, alcoholism, injected drug use, homelessness and having multiple sexual partners within a year.

Cases of STIs in the US have spiked 90 percent in the last 20 years, but a recent slowdown has been observed.

In a 2024 CDC report, reported cases of gonorrhea fell for a second year, declining seven percent from 2022 to below pre-pandemic levels.

Alaska's health department recommends adults be tested for gonorrhea if they have at least one of the following risk factors: being under 25 years old, having a new partner, having more than one partner, previous STIs, a history of prostitution or a history of being incarcerated.

And people who are sexually active and have a new partner, history of drug use or past STI should be tested every three to six months.
Wildelis Rosa died mere days after undergoing a Brazilian butt lift, which experts call one of the riskiest procedures a person can have.

The police officer and Army reservist had scheduled the operation as a birthday treat for herself. She had just recently returned from deployment in Kuwait when she underwent the procedure in March 2025.

Originally from New Orleans, Rosa, 26, went to Miami for the surgery, where prices are more affordable than in other major cities, and there is a wealth of clinics with world-renowned plastic surgeons.

For roughly 30,000 American women each year, the BBL is the optimal surgical route to obtain a Kardashian-esque hourglass figure, with a small waist and ample hips and buttocks.

Despite their popularity, BBLs carry the highest complication rates of all plastic surgeries, with one in 3,000 patients dying of lung failure as a result of fat accidentally being injected into a vein, infection or sepsis, and blood loss.

Rosas recovery took a turn just days after the surgery. Her blood pressure dropped, and she was having trouble breathing.

Three days after the operation, she collapsed in her bathroom and was found unresponsive. CPR attempts failed, and she was pronounced dead the next morning.

While Rosa died in March of a severe blood clot that had traveled to her lungs, her death was only reported this week by her family.

Originally from New Orleans, Wildelis Rosa, 26, went to Miami for the surgery in March. She died of a blood clot that had traveled to her lung that same week

Rosa, who aspired to work for the FBI, paid roughly $7,500 for the procedure, in which fat is liposuctioned from the abdomen, lower back, or other fatty areas of the body and injected into the buttocks to enlarge and shape them.

Doctors removed fat from 12 areas around her body, according to local reporting.

The price she paid falls within the standard price range for such a procedure in Miami, where it typically costs between $3,000 and $15,000, depending on the surgeon.

One of her four older siblings, Anamin Vazquez, knew she had gone to Miami but only learned about the surgery after it had happened.

She said: We had just that feeling in our guts, like something was wrong.

I texted her and said, I hope youre doing okay, youre enjoying your birthday. But there was no answer back.

Rosas family did not find out about the surgery until three days after the fact, when Rosa collapsed. By the following morning, she was dead.

Some estimates suggest that Miami-Dade County surgeons perform between 15,000 and 18,000 BBLs per year, the most in the country.

Rosa, who aspired to work for the FBI, paid roughly $7,500 for the procedure, which falls within a typical price range

Fat is first harvested from the hips, lower back, abdomen, thighs and other areas via liposuction. Special equipment is used to prepare it for transfer before it is injected directly into the glutes at specific points, giving the buttocks a bigger, curvier appearance

However, complications can still arise, even in procedures performed by the best plastic surgeons.

The surgery is technically challenging, involving careful liposuction and strategic fat transfer that avoids injecting the fat into a vein, where it can then travel to other organs.

According to her friend, Rosa was discharged from the plastic surgery clinic to her short-term rental about an hour after the procedure on March 18, a Tuesday.

When she went for a massage on Friday, Rosa was pale, with dilated pupils, and her lips were purple, according to her friend, who added that Rosa later complained of having no sensation in her legs or feet.

At a follow-up appointment the next day, she complained of extreme pain and a loss of sensation in her legs and feet.

Things took a turn Saturday. That's when she fell, Vasquez said. She went to the bathroom, and she fell down.

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The medical examiner ruled Rosas death the following day an accident and not the result of medical neglect.

When South Florida's NBC News affiliate contacted the clinic Rosa went to and a representative said they did not recall her case. They did not answer specific questions, but stated that they follow all protocols for safety before and after procedures.

About 63,400 butt augmentations, including fat injections, fillers, and implants, were performed in the US in 2021, up from 45,000 the year prior, according to the Aesthetic Society, a professional organization and advocacy group for board-certified plastic surgeons.

Vazquez said: I want her death to be, if anything, a cautionary tale for those who are thinking of having these surgeries.
Scientists believe they might have found a reason why boys are three times more likely to be diagnosed with autism and ADHD than girls.

Researchers from the University of Rochester have suggested that boys may be more vulnerable to environmental stressors such as toxic 'forever chemicals' as their brain develops.

These chemicals are believed to warp brain signals, causing long-term behavioral changes in boys, such as social anxiety, difficulty sitting still and finding it hard to follow instructions.

Found in everything from plastic bottles, clothing and even drinking water, these chemicals can take thousands of years to degrade and have been linked to cancer, infertility and birth defects.

In the current study, the scientists pinpointed a specific 'forever chemical' known as PFHxA, which is used in paper food packaging and stain-resistant fabrics.

Researchers say it could cause anxiety-like behaviours seen in autism and ADHD, but oddly, mostly in boys.

They conducted a study that involved exposing baby mice to the toxin via their mother.

The mother mouse was fed a mealworm treat laced with PFHxA during pregnancy and while she nursed her offspring.

Researchers said their findings were 'concerning' given that these chemicals are considered a safer alternative to legacy forever chemicals

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

Administering the substance to her in this way meant that the baby mice were exposed to the toxin both at the embryonic and gestational stage, via her blood, and after birth via her milk.

The scientists found that the male baby mice showed alarming developmental changes including a decrease in activity levels, increased anxiety and memory problems.

Significantly, researchers did not observe the same behaviour changes in the female baby mice.

Even years after the mice had first been exposed to the chemical, they still showed behavioral patterns associated with the disorders, suggesting forever chemical exposure could have long-lasting effects on the brain.

Professor Elizabeth Plunk, first author of the study and expert in environmental medicine described the findings as 'concerning'.

Writing in the European Journal of Neuroscience, researchers said: 'Although these effects were mild, finding behavioral effects only in males was reminiscent of many neurodevelopmental disorders that are male-biased.'

'Understanding the impact of PFHxA on the developing brain is critical when proposing regulations around this chemical,' Prof Plunk added.

The researchers hope that this will be the first of many studies investigating the harmful effects of PFHxA on the brainwith a renewed focus on the areas of the brain responsible for movement, memory and emotions.

The findings come amid rising concerns over a surge in ADHD diagnoseswith an estimated 2.5million people in England now living with the attention deficit disorder, according to the NHS.

ADHD and Autism have long been considered neurodevelopment disorders that are male-biased

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects concentration, impulse control and activity levels.

Common symptoms include restlessness, distractibility, forgetfulness, difficulty following instructions or managing time, and making impulsive decisions.

Similarly, officials have warned that the NHS is 'overwhelmed' by soaring autism rates as 200,000 people wait for an assessment in England according to the latest figures.

Autism is a spectrum disorder which affects how people communicate and interact.

According to the World Health Organisation, around one in 100 children across the globe have the condition.

Autistic children may avoid eye contact and not respond to their name being called, among other symptoms.

Autism is not a disease and people have it from the moment they are born, although it may not be spotted until childhood and sometimes much later.

In the past, it has been assumed that autism and ADHD tends to affect more boys than girls and that the disorders are somehow 'male-biased'.

But experts have warned that this may be because boys are more likely to be referred and get a diagnosisbecause there symptoms tend to be more pronouncedrather than a genetic predisposition.

For example, the NHS notes that autistic girls may hide some signs of autism by copying how other children behave and play.

But either way, researchers are now worried that forever chemicals could be contributing to the surge in cases, with experts warning earlier this year the the UK's regulation of the toxic element is too lax.

PFAS are found in hundreds of everyday products due to their durability.

But last year a review of 500 studies found they were linked to serious health implications, including weakening the immune system and being a factor in cancer diagnosis.

Now the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) is set to put recommendations to the Government by the end of the year on whether the UK needs to introduce stricter guidelines.
A viral TikTok trend claiming a large Coke and fries from McDonald's can cure a migraine has divided doctorswith some warning it may do more harm than good.

The so-called 'McMigraine Meal' went mainstream in May when US neurologist Dr Jessica Lowe described it as a 'miraculous' fix in a video that has since racked up almost 10million views

In the clip, first reported by MailOnline, Dr Lowewho suffers from chronic migraines herselftold followers: 'The order is a large Coke and a large fries. And this somehow miraculously makes your migraine go away.'

Coke contains caffeineroughly 10mg per 100mlwhich works by constricting blood vessels and blocking pain signals in the brain, and reducing inflammation.

Fries, meanwhile, deliver filling carbohydrates, adds Dr Lowe: 'A lot of people have migraines that are provoked by hungerthose carbs are certainly gonna help out in that department.'

Since then, social media has been flooded with similar posts from migraine sufferers swearing by the fast-food fix.

One TikTok user wrote simply: 'It works,' after trying the combo following a 48-hour headache.

But while the trend continues to gain traction, doctors have urged cautionwarning that the hack may offer only short-term relief and could actually trigger migraines in some people.

A viral TikTok trend claiming a large Coke and fries from McDonald's can cure a migraine has divided doctorswith some warning it may do more harm than good

Speaking to HuffPost UK, Dr Rupa Parmar, GP and Medical Director at Midland Health, said: 'A reason why the McDonald's trick seems to work is that a large Coke at McDonald's contains... caffeine, which has long been used to lessen migraine symptoms.'

She added: 'The stimulant helps to reduce inflammation, decreases the pressure on the brain, increases the benefits of pain relief like ibuprofen, and can provide a brief respite from migraines for those who don't consume it regularly.'

However she warned that, while the hack may stop the early stages of migraine pain, it may not be worth it in the long run.

'Caffeine is a very common headache trigger,' she warned, adding that those who consume large amounts regularly can suffer worse headaches.

She concluded: 'Opting for fast food as a quick fix to solve your migraine problems is also unlikely to produce any long-lasting benefits.'

Migraine is a complex neurological condition that causes intense, often throbbing head painusually on one side.

Other symptoms include nausea, sensitivity to light, and visual disturbances.

Unlike a common headache, an attack can last for hours or even days and often leaves sufferers unable to function.

The 'McMigraine Meal' went mainstream in May when US neurologist Dr Jessica Lowe described it as 'miraculous' in a video that has since racked up almost 10million views

The exact cause isn't fully understood, but it's thought to involve abnormal brain activity affecting nerve signals, chemicals, and blood vessels.

Triggers can include stress, hormonal changes, lack of sleep, certain foods, dehydration, and even weather changes.

Migraines affect around 10 million people in the UK, and an estimated 39 million in the US. Women are up to three times more likely to suffer than men.

Several chronic migraine sufferers told the BBC they had tried the cola-and-fries remedywith mild success.

Nick Cook, from Oxfordshire, said he carries 'a wallet full of drugs' and is willing to 'try anything' to manage the condition.

'When you live with the condition, and you're working a five-day week and you need to carry on, you'll give anything a go,' he told the BBC.

He said Coke can occasionally helpbut only if he acts fast.

'If I catch it soon enough it can sometimes work, when my vision goes fuzzy and I can feel one coming on.'

Migraine is a complex neurological condition that causes intense, often throbbing head painusually on one side

He said it doesn't replace his prescription amitriptyline, but helps him 'last until the end of the day'.

Kayleigh Webster, 27, who has had migraines since childhood, believes it's the salt on the fries that seems to offer the biggest benefit.

'It can help,' she told the BBC. 'But it's certainly not a cure.'

The only treatment that's brought her lasting relief is medical Botoxa course of injections to her head, face and neck to block pain signals at the nerve endings.

Dr Kay Kennis, a GP specialising in migraine and a trustee of The Migraine Trust, said there's some logic behind the McDonald's fixbut also warned against regular use.

She said: 'There are some painkillers that people take for migraines that have caffeineand some do respond well to thatbut we don't fully know why.

'[But] too much caffeine can be a trigger tooand you can end up in a worse situation in the long run.'

Processed food is more concerning, she added, since it can contain tyraminea compound known to trigger attacks.

Professor Peter Goadsby, a neurologist at the NIHR-King's Clinical Research Facility, said research into new treatments like gepantsdrugs which block pain receptors before a full-blown attack developsis offering hope after years of limited innovation.

Prof Goadsby warned against relying on TikTok trends: 'You want to have regularity, avoid the highs and lows.

'If you can feel the warning signs [of an attack]yawning, sleepiness, mood change, passing more urine and even craving salt and sugarlisten to your body.'

Experts agree that the timing of migraine medication is crucialand taking it at the first sign of symptoms is far more effective than waiting for the headache to take hold.

This is especially true for triptans, a class of drugs commonly prescribed to treat migraine attacks.

These medications work by narrowing swollen blood vessels in the brain and blocking pain signalsbut only if taken early enough.

Research shows that taking triptans or pain relief within the first hour of symptomsoften during the 'aura' phase or at the first twinge of head paincan reduce both the intensity and duration of the attack, and in many cases prevent it from escalating entirely.

Waiting too long can not only reduce the chances of full relief but also increase the likelihood of needing repeat doses or stronger medication later on.
Holidaymakers jetting off to France could be at risk of contracting a potentially fatal virus that causes agonising body pains and, in severe cases, organ damage, officials have warned.

European health officials have issued an alert about eight local cases of Chikungunyawhich is normally spotted in tropical climates like South America and India.

The Chikungunya outbreak has occurred far earlier in the year than is typical and this could indicate the mosquitoes that carry Chikungunya are becoming increasingly at home in France thanks to climate change, the warning said.

The authorities have urged visitors to take precautions against the spread of this and other mosquito-borne pathogens.

It comes weeks after UK vaccine chiefs suspended a newly approved jab for the Chikungunya virus from being given to people aged over 65, after reports of two deaths and 21 severe reactions related to the jab.

Officials also warned that Europe has also seen a rise in dengueanother mosquito-borne disease historically known as 'breakbone fever' due to the intensive bone painwith 304 local cases last year.

This is a more than double the 130 recorded in 2023 and quadruple the 71 recorded in 2022.

West Nile virusanother pathogen spread by invasive mosquitoes and which was detected in UK insects for the first time earlier this yearis also surging.

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France is currently grappling with an outbreak of potentially fatal Chikungunya virus, with eight local cases detected since May. Stock image

UK vaccine chiefs have suspended a newly approved jab for over 65s after reports of two deaths and 21 severe reactions

Last year 1,436 cases of West Nile Virus in people were reported across 212 European regions encompassing 19 countries.

This compares to 713 cases across 123 regions in 2023, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

As such ECDC officials have warned travellers to take precautions when visiting areas where invasive mosquitoes can be found.

These include 'applying mosquito repellent on exposed skin, wearing long sleeves and trousers, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquito activity peaks, and sleeping under bed nets or in rooms that are screened or air-conditioned if possible'.

French public health officials have also urged guidance to citizens in response to rising numbers of invasive mosquitoes, such as covering or emptying water containers the insects use to breed.

Similar warnings have also been issued in Belgium after environmental scientists reported increased numbers of tropical mosquitoes caught in traps.

While most disease spread by mosquitoes cannot be spread person-to-person, experts have said such cases have the potential to spread further outbreaks.

An infected person can travel to a different region and be bitten by a mosquito there, which can then spread it to locals and other tourists, creating a chain of cases.

Dengue is a potentially deadly virus passed to people by infected mosquitoes and was historically known as 'breakbone fever'

Leading British experts have repeatedly warned of the 'slow march north' of pests that carry tropical diseases reaching the UK and becoming established.

Established means that the bugs that carry the pathogens have formed a self-sustaining population that natively breeds in Britain.

Locally transmitted cases of tropical diseases differ from imported cases, where people are bitten by a mosquito overseas and then fall ill upon returning to their home country days later.

Earlier this year, Britain recorded a record number of imported dengue cases with 904 in 2024.

Dengue patients often experience an abrupt onset of fever, followed by severe headache, pain in the eyes, joints and muscles as well as nausea and vomiting.

The disease was historically known as 'breakbone fever' in the 1700s because the pain it caused was so severe people felt like their bones were breaking.

Experts from the UK Health Security Agency have echoed advice from their European counterparts urging tourists to take steps like using insect repellent while aboard to reduce their risk of falling ill.
Eight people were hospitalized in California after eating a homemade salad that was contaminated with Clostridium botulinum - a deadly neurotoxin that can cause paralysis.

A new CDC report detailed that on June 21 and June 22, 2024, about 31 people attended two events in Fresno County where a salad made of uncooked nopales - prickly pear cactus pads - was served.

Within hours, a 42-year-old woman began to complain of dizziness, blurry vision, a drooping eyelid, sore throat, gastrointestinal symptoms and difficulty swallowing.

Despite initially dismissing her symptoms, doctors began to suspect that she was suffering from botulism - a rare but serious poisoning that attacks the body's nerves and causes difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis and even death.

By June 27, 10 attendees - all of whom had eaten the salad - had sought treatment at one of two hospitals in Fresno County (five patients at each hospital) for symptoms resembling those of botulism.

As a result, the CDC, the Fresno County Department of Public Health and California Department of Public Health launched an investigation to discover the cause of the widespread illness.

After days of lab testing, officials were ultimately able to discover that the uncooked nopales present in the salad - which had been left unrefrigerated in 100 degree Fahrenheit heat and served on both days - was contaminated with C botulinum.

Soon after, eight of the 10 patients were diagnosed with the condition - marking it as one of the largest documented foodborne outbreaks of the infection in California.

Eight people were hospitalized in California after eating a homemade salad made of uncooked nopales that was contaminated with C botulinum - a deadly neurotoxin that can cause paralysis

Nopales, a popular food in traditional Mexican dishes also known as prickly pear cactus, has recently gained popularity in dishes as a healthy ingredient.

Officials confirmed that one of the eight patients had made the salad using fresh onions, fresh tomatoes and home-preserved nopales stored in reused commercial glass jars.

According to the CDC case report, the salad-maker had immersed empty jars into boiling water and then added chopped, uncooked nopales mixed with a small amount of salt.

Once stuffed to the brim, she sealed the jars with new metal lids and stored them for six weeks in an outdoor shed behind her house - a technique she said she had been practicing for years.

However, she was unaware that she had created the perfect breeding ground for C botulinum spores as they thrive in a low-oxygen, low-acid, canned environment with moderate to high moisture and temperatures between 38F and 113F to grow.

Norma Sanchez, communicable disease specialist with Fresno County Department of Public Health, later said they identified the contaminated cactus after sifting through trash cans.

Spores of this bacteria are often found on the surfaces of fruits and vegetables and in seafood and, in this case, rapidly grew on the surface of the uncooked and canned nopales.

All eight patients diagnosed with botulism had double vision, seven had a hoarse voice, six were experiencing dizziness and six also found it difficult to swallow.

The eight patients with clinical botulism were the only attendees who ate the nopales salad; the 42-year-old woman, who experienced the most severe symptoms, ate this item at both events.

Once stuffed to the brim, she sealed the jars with new metal lids and stored them for six weeks in an outdoor shed behind her house - a technique she had been practicing for years

Eight of the 10 patients were diagnosed with botulism caused by C botulinum - marking it as one of the largest documented foodborne outbreaks of the infection in California

As a result, all of the patients had to stay at the hospital for between two and 42 days - out of which six were admitted to an intensive care unit and two required invasive mechanical ventilation.

The CDC later confirmed in its case report that all the people diagnosed with botulism had survived and recovered.

Botulism is a rare but serious infection caused by a bacterial toxin that attacks the nervous system and is mostly commonly a result of food or wound contamination.

Common symptoms of botulism include difficulty swallowing, muscle weakness, double vision, drooping eyelids, blurry vision, slurred speech, difficulty breathing, and trouble moving the eyes, according to the CDC.

In cases of foodborne botulism, these symptoms of typically begin 12 to 36 hours after the toxin enters the body depending on the level of exposure to the toxin.

If left untreated, the infection can cause muscle weakness, paralysis and in certain cases, death.

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Patients who are paralyzed need to relearn how to walk, talk, and perform everyday tasks.

The CDC estimates that there are just 25 cases of foodborne botulism in the US each year, making it rare.

About five percent of people who develop botulism die, according to the CDC. For others, it can cause lifelong disability and extreme physical therapy.

The Fresno health department is urging people to follow proper storing and cooking methods to lower their risk of botulism.

Any food at risk of contamination should be heated up to 240250F, and heated all the way through.
CNN anchor Sara Sidner stunned viewers this week by highlighting Donald Trump's recent wins.

The host - who has called out the president in the past - laid out a list of Trump-era successes now taking center stage while interviewing a skeptical congressional democrat Thursday.

'Look, here are some things that have happened. Gas prices down. Economic indicators are decent. Brand new jobs report shows that it's much better than expected, and border crossings are down,' Sidner first told Florida Rep Debbie Wasserman-Schultz during the exchange on CNN News Central.

'And now, Trump's mega-spending bill looks like it's going to be passed by Republicans.'

The bill - dubbed the Big Beautiful Bill - has since been passed.

Sidner went on to pose a pointed question. 'How do you Democrats fight back against the wins that Trump can tout?'

Wasserman-Schultz immediately bristled, firing back: 'Well, it depends how you define wins, Sara,' before launching into a heated tirade against Trump - even pointing out that his bill goes against past promises not to touch Medicaid or Medicare.

A meltdown ensued, months after CNN CEO Mark Thompson reportedly demanded a drastic tone-down in anti-Trump rhetoric from staff amid tanking ratings.

CNN host Sara Sidner stood by Donald Trump 's recent successes while hosting CNN News Central on Thursday - along with a congressional democrat who looked to downplay them

Wasserman-Schultz responded with skepticism and vitriol, embarking on a scary rant that forecast doom for Americans

Sidner appeared to abide, as Wasserman-Schultz refused to acknowledge Trump's recent wins.

'I mean, the way I can summarize this - this big, ugly bill best is, Republicans caved, Trump lied, and people will die,' Wasserman-Schultz said. 'This bill does kick 17 million people off of their health care.

'That's people who are on Medicaid, who are extremely vulnerable, like veterans and the elderly, the disabled and children.'

Forecasting people going hungry due to incoming cuts to nutrition assistance, the congresswoman declared: 'This is a bill that is going to cause tremendous pain.'

She maintained the bill 'is incredibly unpopular with the public' due to it stripping away things she said 'ensure that [Americans] can remain healthy and safe.

'And that their families can be cared for, and that they can have a middle class lifestyle.'

The final version of the bill is set to strip funding from the federal health insurance programs over the next 10 years - a prospect progressives have painted as a means to give tax cuts to billionaires.

Wasserman-Schultz, 58, made that claim as well, telling Sidner: 'This bill is all in service to taking care of the wealthiest, most fortunate Americans.

'Look, here are some things that have happened. Gas prices down. Economic indicators are decent. Brand new jobs report shows that it's much better than expected, and border crossings are down,' Sidner told the Florida Democrat, who refused to acknowledge Trump's recent wins

'It explodes the deficit, and it raises the debt ceiling by $5 trillion to give tax breaks to the wealthy.'

The congresswoman then turned to the jobs report, which she refused to accept at face value.

A stronger-than-expected 147,000 jobs was added to the US economy in June, Bureau of Labor Statistics data released Thursday revealed - statistics Wasserman-Schultz argued were misleading.

'That jobs report you just mentioned, the overwhelming majority of those jobs are actually government jobs and education jobs that look to be more like substitute teachers,' Wasserman-Schultz said, despite an almost identical amount being added to industries like health care, leisure, and hospitality.

'There are really not many jobs in that jobs report that they can point to that are in the private market.

She concluded by branding the report 'hollow', not addressing Trump's successes along the Southern Border.

Crossings there have dropped to levels not seen in decades, numbers released Thursday showed.

On Capitol Hill, the House of Representatives passed the Big Beautiful Bill late Thursday as well by a vote of 218 to 214.

Unlike CNN Chief White House Correspondent Kaitlan Collins on Monday, Sinder chose to focus on the recent developments. Collins, on her show The Source, panned the president for vowing to not cut federal health insurance and then reneging on the promise

In return, Wasserman-Schultz said the vote was purposely being done 'in the dead of night [so] people don't know what's going on', leading Sidner to change the subject and ask whether Democrats had a strategic response ahead of midterms next year.

She said the party will continue to call attention to rural hospitals and nursing homes closing and approved tax cuts for a group she framed as 'the wealthiest, most fortunate Americans.'

'It's an abomination, and they will pay for it at the ballot box next year when Democrats take the majority back because people are going to rebel.'

Sidner, 53, then changed the subject, pivoting to Trump's promised Alligator Alcatraz in Wasserman-Schultz's home state.

'It's an outrage, an abomination. It is going to upend and waste hundreds of billions of dollars that we've already spent on Everglades restoration.

'It should be abandoned immediately,' she said. Sidner ended the segment there, not offering any opinion on the matter.

Unlike Sidner, who simply reported the news, Collins played a supercut on The Source Monday that honed in on the president's repeated promises to avoid such cuts.

Last week, Collins and Trump had a testy back-and-forth during a press conference at a NATO summit in the Netherlands, where Trump ripped CNN as 'fake news CNN'.

The final version of the bill is set to strip funding from federal health insurance programs over the next 10 years. Collins played a supercut on The Source Monday that featured several comments from the president promising to not make those cuts

They also had a heated exchange aboard Air Force One last month, after Collins floated a series of questions about the conflict between Israel and Iran.

Sidner, in May, stood up against Trump as well, during a fiery exchange with Congressman Pat Harrigan (R-NC) over the president's comments defending his tariffs.

'Maybe the children will have two dolls instead of 30,' Trump has said - leading Sidner to take issue.

Congressman, would your constituents think it's funny to tell them to stop buying things and to stop buying dolls for their children while the economy is in a decline? Sidner said after Harrigan laughed off one of her questions.

She also pressed the congressman on April's more lackluster job report, which June's appeared to address.

'You think the economy is good even though the GDP has actually receded for the first time in many years?' she asked, months after calling out the conservative for his complaints about Democratic rhetoric amid the ongoing threats across Springfield, Ohio, following his 'eating the pets' claims.

A few weeks before, last July, Sinder chided Trump for calling Kamala Harris 'real garbage.'

Trump has been at odds with CNN since his first term, repeatedly slamming its coverage since.

He revived his claim that the network is a purveyor of 'fake news' after in-depth reporting into his strikes on Iran that questioned their effectiveness.
When in difficulty, politicians grasp at straws. The weird scenes in the Commons on Wednesday of a lachrymose Chancellor and a seemingly oblivious Prime Minister as the markets tanked frame Labour's first year in office.

Labour apparatchiks claim the surge in gilt yields  as Keir Starmer left Rachel Reeves blowing in the wind  as evidence that financial markets believe in the Chancellor's ironclad grip on the public finances.

Bond buying by BlackRock, Schroders and Fidelity as gilt yields soared is cited as confidence that the budget rules will hold. Fascinating that L&G, among the biggest UK asset managers, says a 'lack of clarity' in the Government's fiscal stance has unsettled markets.

The unusual juxtaposition of Reeves in tears on Wednesday and cackling in the company of Starmer a day later doesn't suggest stability. The markets don't really believe it. The yield on the 30-year-long bond has jumped 0.64 of a percentage point to 5.33 per cent in the 12-months since Labour won. The ten-year yield is 0.36 per cent higher at 4.56 per cent. Some of this can be attributed to Trump mayhem. UK rates shadowing the US are only part of the story.

No laughing matter: The unusual juxtaposition of Rachel Reeves in tears on Wednesday and cackling in the company of Keir Starmer a day later doesn't suggest stability

Oxford Economics suggests that the U-turns on welfare and winter fuel, together with likely revisions to Office for Budget Responsibility growth assumptions, have opened a 20billion to 30billion funding chasm to be closed in the autumn.

A black hole of that size cannot be surmounted by small shifts in secondary taxes such as a bank levy or punishing wealth.

Similar charges already have caused enough damage with private equity princelings among those fleeing to Milan.

The Chancellor's only choice may be to raid one of the bigger pots of government income, flying in the face of manifesto promises. Freezing tax thresholds for a further two years is a possibility, even though it already has propelled millions of working people into higher bands. A surcharge on corporation tax is an option. That would be a fresh blow to business confidence. It is going to be a long, hot summer for Reeves on a personal roller-coaster.

Beautiful day

July 4 for this writer will always be associated with the delightful celebration in our Washington DC neighbourhood. The children's bikes would be decorated with red, white and blue ribbons and balloons, and join a procession down to the local Palisades Park.

US Independence Day this year is marked by Donald Trump's 'big beautiful' tax and spending bill. It reinstates Trump's first term tax cuts for the better off and lifts spending on defence and border security. It also slashes benefits for the less well and elderly with cuts in Medicare and Medicaid. The estimated outcome is a $3.4 trillion hit to the nation debt over the next decade. That underestimates the supply side impact of lower personal and corporate tax on enterprise, entrepreneurship and output.

Bank robbery

A letter from a reader in Abingdon bemoans NatWest's decision to close its listed bank building in the town. Meanwhile, Santander is making no secret of its intention to shutter unspecified TSB outlets if it reclaims the bank from Sabadell.

That's no way to win hearts and minds.
I have two Star Wars Jawa figures from 1978. I've had them in my cupboards at home for years and it wasn't until recently that I saw headlines that informed me figures like mine were going for a fortune.

Some were sold for 20,000 others seemed to be sold for nearly 30,000. What do you reckon mine are worth?

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Collectible: The Star Wars movie franchise is one of the most popular ever created and the resale market for toys is huge

Dan Hatfield, This is Money's expert valuer, replies: In a galaxy far, far awayspecifically, a toy shop in Cheltenham - which, granted, might not be the Outer Rim, but does often feel a little like Tatooine.

That's where our story begins. Not in space. Not in a rebel base. But somewhere between the Scalextric aisle and a display of Airfix glue that definitely wasn't age appropriate.

It's 1978. Star Wars fever is sweeping the UK, and a child walks out with not one but two small plastic Jawa figures.

When Star Wars first hit British cinemas in 1977, nobody, not even George Lucas himself, could have predicted what was coming.

The special effects were groundbreaking, the storytelling was classic good vs evil, and Alec Guinness was probably wondering what on earth he'd signed up for.

But the real genius wasn't just in the film. It was in the merchandise. Here's where it gets interesting.

The film studios thought the toy rights were a sideshow, or as we would call it today a side hustle. Lucas disagreed. He kept them. And what followed was a marketing supernova.

It wasn't just a movie anymore, it was a lifestyle, a universe almost as big as the one portrayed in the films was being created in toy form.

Children didn't just watch Star Wars; they recreated it, relived it, expanded it in living rooms and school playgrounds across the globe.

Sale figures were astronomical. For example between 1977 and 1978, Kenner, the American producer of the toys, sold over 40million action figures, generating around $100million, a staggering return on their modest initial investment of about $100,000.

RETRO ITEMS VALUED

Do you have Star Wars, movie memorabilia or other quirky items and collections you want valued? We're on the lookout for more Modern Treasure to shine a spotlight on. Email: editor@thisismoney.co.uk

Fast-forward 35 years, and Star Wars toys had generated around $12billion in total retail revenue, with current annual sales estimated at $23billion Star Wars merchandise overall, including toys, books, games, and collectibles, has brought in a colossal $29billion contributing to a total franchise revenue exceeding $46billion.

Now let's talk about the little robed fellow himself.

The Jawa, in cinematic terms, isn't exactly central to the Star Wars saga.

He gets little screen time and is seen scuttling around the desert in a giant metal sandcrawler, kidnapping droids and muttering in a language that sounds like someone dropped a toaster in a bath.

He doesn't get a backstory, a lightsaber, or even a proper name. On paper, he's background noise.

But in the toy world there is a certain incarnation of him that makes him one of the rarest and most sought after toys ever known to man.

In the UK, Star Wars toys weren't made by Kenner, they were licensed to Palitoy, a long established and well respected British toy company.

Palitoy had already brought us Action Man and the talking Dalek, so they knew their way around a toy line.

Their Star Wars figures were nearly identical to the American versions but with subtle differences in packaging, materials, and manufacturing.

Differences that, decades later, would send collectors into hysterics. One such item was the Jawas that you suggest you have. With their vinyl cape they are very rare indeed.

So why the vinyl cape in the first place?

Palitoy wanted to save as much money as possible when creating their toys. To make the Jawa feel more 'substantial' without spending more dosh, they cut a corner: instead of giving him a proper fabric robe, they wrapped him in a vinyl cape  basically a sheet of plastic with arm holes.

It looked vaguely cloak like, and crucially, it was far cheaper to produce than sewing tiny cloth garments.

But the illusion didn't quite work.

Next to other figures with soft goods capes, the vinyl looked stiff, cheap The toy didn't feel 'premium' enough to justify the price.

Additionally there were concerns of the vinyl posing as a choking risk. Hardly any of these toys made their way to shops before they were pulled, no announcement, no reissue, just a quiet pivot that most kids didn't notice at the time.

In their place, a Jawa with a cloth cape appeared.

How rare are Star Wars Jawa toys?

Bearing all this in mind just how rare are these little figures?

Well actually extremely rare indeed. Estimates vary, but it's believed only a few hundred Palitoy vinyl-caped Jawas were ever made. Fewer still survive.

Some collectors suggest there may be fewer than 30 carded examples known to exist worldwide today  and even fewer in original, sealed condition.

Loose versions are slightly more common, but the cape is notoriously fragile and often went missing within weeks of being opened.

So when a Palitoy vinyl-caped Jawa turns up, especially one with its original card, bubble, or even just the cape still intact. collectors pay attention.

Amazingly, you have two of them.

Honestly, when I first read your email, I assumed it was a hoax.

I thought, 'No one just stumbles across two vinyl-caped Jawas.'

But I poured over the photos, studied the cards they come with, carefully examined the waffle like texture on the inside of the capes, and, after some very satisfying detective work, I had to conclude, quite happily, that you do indeed own two of the rarest toys ever produced.

How fortune smiled on you that day in Cheltenham.

You, fists full of coins, marching into a toy shop with all the excitement a small child could muster, and walking out with a character so obscure he barely registered on screen. And yet, here he is: a little plastic Jawa, two of them, thats quite incredible.

Now, before we crack open the champagne let's take a breath.

How much are the toys worth?

I've seen from your photos that the packaging has been opened. The figures you've seen selling for eye watering prices at auction 20,000 even 30,000, are ones that remain sealed, untouched, time capsules.

Please don't berate yourself. What child in 1978 would have thought to keep a toy in its packaging? (Well, I might have, but I was an odd on, I was born a collector, even if I didn't know it yet.)

You, on the other hand, did exactly what you were supposed to do. You played with your Jawa. You enjoyed it. You gave it the life it was intended to have.

Although, to be fair, if you hadn't, you might be looking at an extra 60,000 in the bank right about now. Also, you've misplaced the blaster that originally came with it, which, unfortunately, doesn't help your case either.

So, with all of that in mind, just how much are your two Jawas worth?

Taking into account the opened packaging, the missing weapons, and general condition, I'd value each one at somewhere between 1,000 and 1,500.

That gives you a potential combined windfall of around 3,000 , which, for two tiny plastic scavengers, is still pretty astronomical.

Now, I know you might be feeling a little disappointed. Actually, scratch that, probably very disappointed. You've seen the headlines: 'Rare Star Wars figure sells for 30,000!' And here I am telling you it's worth a fraction of that.

But let's put it in perspective: according to the original price sticker still proudly clinging to the card, you paid 99p. So that's a return of roughly 150,000 per cent.

You may not be retiring to a private island in the Outer Rim just yet, but you can take satisfaction in the fact that a dusty old toy from a Cheltenham childhood has earned you a tidy little sum, and a great story to tell
Struggling to get a good night's sleep during this sweltering summer weather?

You won't be the first person in Britain to have thought that perhaps it is time to invest in air conditioning.

But how difficult is it, does it require major work, how much does it cost to install  and crucially is it cheap to run or will cooling room temperatures down send your electricity bills soaring?

The best way to find out the answers to these vital questions is to ask the people who really know.

We spoke to experienced air conditioning installers and professionals to tap into their knowledge  and find out what they have fitted in their own homes.

We asked our experts about their favourite units, how much you must really budget, installation and running costs, plus surprise extra benefits.

Here they provide their top tips to ensure you keep a cool head when making your decision.

Why get air conditioning?

As heatwaves become increasingly common due to climate change, attitudes towards air conditioning are changing, and now may be the time to get it fitted.

Some 55 per cent of homes are at risk of overheating, according to the UK Green Building Council, and new homes are built to keep heat in

Fewer than 5 per cent of properties in Britain have air conditioning, but this figure is set to soar to up to a third in the next couple of decades, according to the UK Energy Research Centre.

Some 55 per cent of homes are at risk of overheating, according to the UK Green Building Council, and new homes are built to keep heat in and opening windows might not be enough to stay cool.

Air conditioning can be a blessing through the summer, and some units can be used to heat rooms when it is colder.

Meanwhile, as temperatures continue to rise each year, having air conditioning in your home  even if just the bedrooms are covered  could be a major selling point if you decide to move.

Spencer Cross, 21, director and fitter for air conditioning company SJ Cooling in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, says: 'We expect demand to soar as people realise the cost of getting a good night's sleep is priceless  as it affects your whole day. A decent air conditioning unit can cost as little as 500 plus fitting.'

How much does aircon cost?

There are two main costs when it comes to getting air conditioning installed, the unit itself and professional fitting.

Each room that you want air conditioning in will usually require its own unit and the ones our experts recommended cost about 500 to 650.

Spencer Cross, 21, director and fitter for air conditioning company SJ Cooling, says a good air conditioning unit can cost as little as 500

The idea of putting in an air conditioning unit yourself may sound tempting but this is electrical work and so it can be dangerous. Instead, budget from 500 to 1,000 for engineers to professionally fit each unit.

Your indoor unit will need an outdoor condensing box  the white boxes on walls many of us will recognise from holidays abroad  although as we explain below there are ways to limit these.

You can air condition your entire house but often people in Britain choose to just do their bedrooms, or the bedrooms that get very warm. At 1,500 per unit installed, fitting air conditioning to four bedrooms would cost 6,000. It should last ten to 15 years at least.

Running an air conditioner in a standard sized bedroom for eight hours will cost about 5, bigger units for larger rooms or those that get very warm will be more expensive. Often, you may find you only need to run the air conditioner for a few hours though, rather than all day or night.

Best budget choices for a good night's sleep

The air conditioning professionals we spoke to recommend some stand-out makes and say you should ensure you get good professional advice and a comprehensive quote.

Cross says: 'The three manufacturers I recommend are Mitsubishi, Daikin and EletcriQ. For value for money you cannot go far wrong with an ElectriQ, such as the iQool 9000 BTU model.

'This is what I have fitted in my own home. It costs about 500 and comes with handy extras, such as a mobile app to turn the unit on from your smartphone wherever you are.

'It can also be connected to a smart speaker, so the device can be controlled by talking to a computer such as Alexa.'

Mark Yellen, 43, director of air conditioning fitting company Green Cool UK, in Cardiff, ranks Mitsubishi at the top of his list for brands  believing that if well looked after it should work trouble-free for at least 15 years.

He says: 'Mitsubishi units are both reliable and sleek. You live with these units inside your home, so you want it looking good. A titanium finish Mitsubishi is a far cry from a cheap white box found in hotel rooms. I recommend a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries 9,000 BTU that can cost just over 500.'

Aaron O'Reilly, owner of Belfast Cooling, in Newtownabbey, believes the value of aftercare is a vital consideration  no matter what brand you choose.

O'Reilly says: 'I recommend LG. They offer a Dualcool Standard Plus for 650 with a ten-year warranty in case something goes wrong. It does not matter if you buy a luxury or basic unit. The value of a warranty is priceless.'

Pay a professional to fit it

Getting a reputable professional to install your air conditioning is essential.

Check the fitters are trained to a standard that qualifies them to work with 'F gas'  which is fluorinated gas used in air conditioning. Such qualifications are offered by bodies such as City and Guilds, Building Engineering Services Association, Logic Certification Limited Awards, and Construction Industry Training Board.

Yellen, who has been installing air conditioning units for two decades, says: 'Give yourself a total budget of typically 1,400 to pay for a top-quality unit to be installed by a couple of professionals.

'This includes the cost for the indoor air conditioning unit, installing power cables and piping to a compressor unit outside that turns warm air into cool air. The job for two people might take four hours.'

O'Reilly agrees that this is a realistic budget and should also include detailed instruction on how to use the air conditioning units  plus aftercare for any questions.

He adds: 'I have been called out enough times to fix DIY jobs on air conditioning units, to know it is worth paying professionals.'

Cross says: 'There have been cases where gases from air conditioning systems have leaked into a room and people have died. Do not take risks with your health by attempting to tackle the job yourself. It is not worth it.'

Are portable systems worth buying?

Those tempted to save money with a mobile air conditioning unit  the next step up from opening the window or having a fan in the corner  should be wary.

You can pick up units such as a Daewoo 5,000 BTU or a Logik Portable Air Conditioner for little more than 200 but our professionals don't recommend them.

Cross says: 'By and large, a portable air conditioner is a waste of money. It might cool a room for a year or two in the summer but then pack up. They tend to be far less efficient than professional units installed on walls.'

O'Reilly says: 'We use portables as a temporary measure when repairing main air conditioning unit in a home. As a permanent solution they are simply a waste of money.'

Size matters with running costs

One of the most common mistakes people make is believing that the bigger and more powerful an air conditioning unit is  the better, believes Cross. He says: 'There are a couple of calculations required when fitting air conditioning  and we recommend people call an expert to measure the room and discuss requirements rather than just buy the biggest and best they can afford.

'If the unit is too big and powerful for a room, it will keep cutting in and out because the room chills too quickly. It uses more electricity and can shorten a unit's lifespan.'

The first step is to calculate the BTU  the British Thermal Unit that shows how much energy is used to remove heat from your home in an hour.

A standard 9,000 BTU unit might be the right size for most rooms. However, other factors, such as the amount of sunlight through windows, room height, direction and insulation, are other considerations.

In addition to this, consider the kilowatts (kW) power produced by the air conditioner. If the unit is under 3kW it might suit a standard room, but bigger rooms often require 3kW or more.

O'Reilly says: 'For a room that is up to 20 ft by 20 ft then 2.5kW might be enough but larger rooms may need at least 3.5kW. Otherwise, the unit might work too hard and may not provide the level of cooling you desire.'

The latest electricity tariff energy price cap set by the regulator Ofgem is 25.73p per kilowatt-hour. A 2.5kW air conditioning unit costs 64.325p an hour to run. Keep it on for eight hours in the bedroom and the total added to the electricity bill is about 5.15. A 3.5kW unit would be 7.20.

A ir conditioning can also heat your home

What most people do not realise is that air conditioning units can be used all year round.

Yellen says: 'Air conditioning need not just be about keeping cool during the brief summer months when it is too hot  but offering climate control to keep rooms feeling comfortable when the weather turns cold.'

He believes modern homes can particularly benefit from having air conditioning, as they tend to be better insulated  this keeps houses warmer in the winter but makes them susceptible to overheating in summer.

O'Reilly points out that while air conditioning units can provide temperatures as cool as 4C, they can provide heat of as high as 50C. Neither of which we'd recommend for your home.

He adds: 'It is not just the temperature control you should consider but also the air quality. Those with allergies or who suffering from hay fever often like air conditioners.'

Spend more for sleek looks

One of the worries for many people is whether air conditioning will look ugly. You will need an outside condenser and to fit units indoors.

While you might worry about the outside box, it's the indoor units you are likely to spend more time seeing.

You can opt for a 'ducted' air conditioning unit, which is more discreet and enables rooms to be cooled from grills tucked away in the ceiling that are connected to the condenser box outside. This is best suited for homes with roof space for grills and ducts for pumping in cool air.

But expect to pay handsomely for a ducted unit, at least 1,400 for the Mitsubishi FDUM, which is recommended by Cross. This compares to 500 for a standard air conditioning unit.

Fitting a whole house with ducted air conditioning may sound tempting but is not cheap  and you should typically budget at least 15,000.

A more budget-friendly solution is installing a multi-system that allows perhaps three separate air conditioning units to be connected to one single condenser box outside. Cross says this can knock 500 off the final bill compared to if you had put in three separate units.

Yellen believes the biggest return on installing for several rooms at once is the visual reward of only having one outside condenser. These boxes are typically just under 3 ft long, 2 ft wide and 1 ft deep.

He says: 'If you install a multi-system then there is no reason why the air conditioning from three rooms cannot be channelled into one external vent. It looks a lot better.'

A cheap solution for homeowners who find the box installed on the outside of the house unsightly is to construct a slated wooden box that covers the plastic unit.

D on't forget to get it serviced

Air conditioning units will also benefit from an annual service.

O'Reilly does not see this as a luxury but as a necessity to ensure the equipment runs at maximum efficiency and should run trouble free for years.

The service will include checking condenser and evaporator coils, motor and fans, pipework for leaks, airflow and thermostat temperatures. It includes the replacement of air filters, that if purchased separately can cost from 20.
Tax-free savings limit could be cut to as little as 4,000 per year, reports suggest

It could become harder to get a mortgage if the Government reduces the cash Isa allowance, a lender has warned.

It has been reported that the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, is considering cutting the amount people can save tax-free.

They can currently put 20,000 in an Isa each tax year and not pay any tax on the interest, but this could potentially be reduced to 10,000 or even 4,000.

According to the reports, the Chancellor is expected to announce the policy during her Mansion House speech later this month.

But such a move could have a knock-on effect on the housing market, because banks and building societies use the money they hold in savings accounts such as Isas to fund customers' mortgages.

An Isa allowance cut could leave it level with the Lifetime Isa allowance, which counts towards your overall allowance but is set at just 4,000, because the Government tops up contributions by 25 per cent.

Andrew Craddock, chief executive at Darlington Building Society, is urging the government to reconsider the move.

Under threat: Chancellor Rachel Reeves has refused to rule out a cut to the cash Isa allowance, which currently stands at 20,000

He said that, if less is paid into Isas, this could reduce the number of home loans lenders are able to hand out and also potentially lead to higher rates.

This would particularly be the case if people invested more money instead of putting it in savings, as the Government is said to want to encourage them to do.

It would be a particular challenge for building societies, which are member-owned and therefore don't have as many options as banks for raising extra cash.

'Cash Isas underpin the UK mortgage market, providing a vital source of funding for building societies, which is lent out as mortgages to support the UK's housing market,' said Craddock.

'By making cash Isas less attractive, savers will likely explore other options, and it is difficult to see how building societies could sustain current lending levels if cash Isa deposits were significantly reduced.'

He added that the Government would be 'effectively choking mortgage availability for many first-time buyers and those who struggle to find a mortgage with mainstream high street lenders.'

Building societies and mutual-owned banks were responsible for 52 per cent of total mortgage market growth in the six months to March 2025, according to the Building Societies Association.

Another finance expert said the move could cause 'chaos' in the property market.

Rachel Springall of rates scrutineer Moneyfacts, said: 'Slashing the cash Isa allowance could raise mortgage costs, with various mutuals making it clear how vital cash Isas are as a source of funding.

'[This] will cause chaos in the housing market. Clearly, there will be consequences if any cut to the cash Isa allowance has not been thought out thoroughly.'

Allowance cut would hit poorer savers

A reduction in the Isa allowance could also disproportionately affect lower-income savers.

Almost half of all cash Isas are held by individuals earning less than 20,000 per year, the Building Societies Association has said.

'It is disappointing that the Government looks set to reduce the tax-free cash Isa allowance, at a time when we are all working hard to encourage people to build up their financial resilience,' Craddock added.

'Cash Isas are used by those who want to earn interest on their funds without taking the risk of investing and enjoy the benefits of tax-free saving whilst knowing exactly where their money is.

'Most typically, this is older savers and those on lower incomes.'
A fire that started on a cargo ship nearly a month ago has come to a dramatic end, with the boat finally sinking off the coast of Alaska.

On June 3, the Morning Midas was making the journey from China to Mexico towing electric vehicles, hybrid cars, and thousands of conventional automobiles when smoke began to rise from its EV floor and flames quickly spread.

After three weeks of tense burning, the 600-foot ship finally sank the evening of June 23, 450 miles southwest of Adak, Alaska. The United States Coast Guard estimated that it plunged 16,400 feet into international waters.

By then the fire was completely extinguished, but none of the 70 EVs, 681 hybrid cars or 2,000 conventional vehicles were salvaged, per the United States Coast guard.

Electric vehicles contain lithium batteries, which, when subjected to heat, can cause rapidly spreading fires and toxic gasses, which make fires started from lithium batteries often unwieldy.

Officials have not stated whether that was the cause of the fire.

Not only did the boat endure damage from the flames, but according to London-based Zodiac Maritime, who managed the fallen ship: 'Damage caused by the fire, compounded by heavy weather and subsequent water ingress, caused the Morning Midas to sink.'

Aboard the ship at the time of the initial incident were 22 crew members, all of whom were safely evacuated on lifeboats shortly after the initial flame on June 3, traveling several hundred miles back to safety.

The Morning Midas initially caught flame on June 3

The fire burned for nearly three weeks before sinking off of the coast of Alaska

They attempted to extinguish the flames, but had to send out the distress alert to nearby Coast Guard when the fire became unmanageable.

Fire and salvage mariners arrived a week later to take care of the burning vessel.

The ship, which also carried nearly 2,000 tons of fuel, now poses a risk for pollution on the Alaskan coast.

In a statement to the Daily Mail, Zodiac Maritime said: 'As a precaution, two salvage tugs containing pollution control equipment remain on site to monitor for any signs of pollution or debris.

'Their crews are safe. A specialized pollution response vessel is also en-route to the location as an additional precaution.

'All operations continue to prioritize the safety of personnel and the protection of the marine environment.

'We remain in close coordination with Resolve Marine and the United States Coast Guard, and we extend our sincere thanks for their professionalism, swift response, and continued collaboration.'

Crew members were evacuated from the vessel shortly after the fire began

The ship carried 70 EVs, 681 hybrid cars, 2,000 conventional vehicles, and 1,800 tons of fuel

One Tuesday, there were no visible signs of pollution, but Zodiac Maritime has continued to monitor the water space.

The United States Coast Guard had also been keeping an eye on the situation and providing status updates about the Morning Midas.

On Tuesday they wrote: 'The oil spill response vessel Endeavour is en route from Dutch Harbor and is expected to arrive on scene Thursday.

'The Endeavour is equipped with additional pollution response equipment including an oil spill containment and recovery system.'

According to Captain Cristopher Culpeper, the commander of Coast Guard Sector Western Alaska and U.S. Arctic, 'The safety of the responders remains our top priority. We're working closely with Zodiac Maritime in an advisory capacity to ensure a swift and effective response to any potential signs of pollution.'

Culpeper and the Coast Guard said in their statement that no injuries have been reported during the response to this catastrophe.
Aussies heading to Thailand have been issued an urgent travel warning after a bomb was found near Phuket International Airport this week.

'There's an ongoing risk of terrorism in Thailand,' Australia's official travel advice service, Smartraveller, said in a statement on Saturday morning.

'Popular tourist areas may be the target of terrorist attacks anywhere across Thailand, including Bangkok and Phuket.

'This follows discovery of an explosive device near the airport this week.

'Thai authorities defused devices in Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga this week and have made related arrests in recent days.'

The service added that Phuket International Airport has increased security measures and that passengers flying out of the airport should arrive well ahead of their flights.

'The security situation in Thailand can be unpredictable,' the advice continued.

'Large protests have occurred in Bangkok and other areas. In previous years, large political protests and government crowd control operations have resulted in violence.'

The government has issued a warning for Aussies heading to Thailand after a bomb was found near Phuket International Airport this week (Pattaya is pictured)

Thailand is a major destination for Australian tourists and businesspeople, with about 800,000 Aussies visiting the country each year before Covid (Sydney Airport is pictured)

The service also urged Aussies in Thailand to be alert to risks around drink spiking, and to never leave food or drinks unattended.

Holidaymakers should stay with people they trust at bars, nightclubs and in taxis.

Travellers were told to exercise a high degree of caution in Thailand overall due to security and safety risks, while they should 'reconsider the need to travel' to Yala province, Pattani province, and Narathiwat province due to ongoing risks of insurgent activity, including terrorism.

Thailand is a major destination for Australians, with about 800,000 Aussies visiting the country each year before Covid.
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An Islamic sect whose leader claims to be the new Pope and whose followers say he can perform 'miracles' is operating out of a heavily-guarded former orphanage in Cheshire.

Abdullah Hashem Aba al-Sadiq, a former filmmaker who describes himself as the 'saviour of mankind', uses YouTube and TikTok to spread The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL) and tells followers to 'obey' him.

In one video, multiple men, women and children claim that Hashem has performed miracles ranging from resurrecting family members, making the moon disappear, turning leaves into living animals and curing fatal illnesses including cancer.

In other clips, a primary school-aged girl claims Hashem cured her of stomach pains by simply placing his hand on her, while a daughter alleges that her mother was on the brink of death before she was revived by the leader.

Hashem asks his followers to offer up their salaries or sell their possessions to contribute to the religious sect which combines Islamic theology with conspiracy theories about the Illuminati and aliens secretly controlling US presidents.

Lawyers for AROPL told MailOnline say the sect advocates for mainstream medical advice from the NHS in the UK and there is no requirement that other members should sell property or give up salaries.

One striking feature of the religion is that they all wear black beanies. Hashem describes the beanie as his 'crown', adding: 'I take the beanie hat and wear it proudly so. This hat is a symbol of the working man.

'That's how it was first invented - to keep the working man warm as he's working outside and he's working all day to feed his family with minimum wage. It became a symbol of the poor man, the working class man.'

AROPL was previously based in Sweden but relocated to Crewe in 2021, moving into a Grade II-listed former orphanage, Webb House, The Guardian first reported.

Abdullah Hashem (pictured), a former filmmaker who describes himself as the 'saviour of mankind', uses YouTube and TikTok to spread The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL) and warns followers to 'obey' his every command

The he Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL) is operating out of a heavily-guarded former orphanage in Cheshire (pictured)

Followers claim that Abdullah Hashem Aba al-Sadiq has cured their relatives just by touching them

One woman claimed that the group's leader had kept her mother alive three times

It's understood around 100 followers live in the 2million Cheshire building, including families with children who are home schooled there. It's believed gatherings take place in the 'basilica' room.

AROLP's lawyers say children living there are home-schooled by their individual parents with the approval of the local education authority which monitors their progress.

A spokesman added: 'Those members of the faith who chose to live at the Crewe Centre (a small minority of the overall membership) are usually expected to contribute to the running of the centre, but are encouraged to maintain links with their families.'

Webb House was originally built as orphanage for children of railway workers who had lost their parents in work-related accidents until 1961 and later became British Rail offices and an NHS specialist mental health facility.

The miracles Hashem's followers claim they have witnesses 'I saw actual angels fly across the sky to testify for him.' 'I saw prophetic dreams where he revealed secrets that later came true.' 'I witnessed him use me as a vessel to bring my dad back to life.' 'I saw him cure me of an illness that doctors couldn't cure.' 'I witnessed he made the moon disappear.' 'I witnessed him cure me of fatal illnesses like cancer and heart disease.' 'I saw him resurrect my wife from the dead.' 'I saw him turn leaves into living animals.' Advertisement

AROPL says it is a peaceful religious movement derived from Shia Islam - the second-largest branch of Islam - that has been persecuted around the world due to its belief in equality and human rights.

It describes itself as the 'fulfillment of prophecy as per the narrations and scriptures of the Abrahamic faiths' - a term for the elements shared by Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Young children often feature in videos where they describe Hashem as their 'father' and 'master'.

In one video, a 16-year-old boy describes Hashem as his 'dad, imam, God', while in another a girl an 18-year-old girl who joined the religion aged eight says: 'We are the generation that was raised by [Hashem].'

Hashem frequently appears in clips, including one TikTok video addressed to Christians where he says: 'Hear me and obey. I am a messenger sent to you from Jesus Christ... the church is corrupt and no longer upholds the law of God nor does it defend the oppressed.

'The papacy has been stolen and the rightful heir has been pushed aside.

'There is no one else but me that you are obliged to obey. May God be a witness that I have proclaimed.'

The camera then pans to a crowd chanting for him, while a caption reading: 'The new Pope is here.'

Hashem, an Egyptian-American raised in Indiana, first rose to prominence by making documentaries in which he debunked cults in the US.

AROPL say it is a peaceful religious movement derived from Shia Islam - the second-largest branch of Islam - that has been persecuted around the world due to its belief in equality and human rights

Hashem and his partner were sued in 2008 after filming an undercover documentary about a UFO religion based in Switzerland.

But seven years later, he founded AROPL, declaring himself the Mahdi, a saviour figure from Islamic doomsday prophecy.

He also claims to be the new pope and the successor to the prophet Muhammad and Jesus.

Hashem condemns false Mahdis - believed to be around 30 - and claims he is the only legitimate leader.

In his book, The Goal of the Wise, Hashem says his followers have a 'duty' to donate their whole salary - keeping hold of deductions for basic living - and sell their houses to fund his goal to create a 'divine' state.

One woman (pictured) claimed that she had witnessed the Mahdi make the moon disappear

His scriptures include bizarre beliefs such as claims epilepsy can be cured by placing a bird of paradise on a patient's genitals.

Ex-members told The Guardian how they felt pressured to cut ties with the outside world and were encouraged to sell their homes to fund its activities.

One woman claimed she handed over all the money she was gifted for her wedding, while another says he donated about 33,000.

AROPL regularly post slick videos on TikTok, Facebook, X and Instagram about its activities, while it also features several Q&As and podcasts about the sect. It has more than 100k followers and subscribers TikTok and YouTube alone.

Responding to allegations that the religious group have taken the blood of members and threaten people who leave the faith, Hashem said in one video: 'Nobody has ever been harmed, coerced, we don't eat babies, we don't take blood, none of this stuff is true.'

On one TikTok channel, a large group of men, dressed in black beanies, claim they are Hashem's 'soldiers' who will fight and die for him.

Hashem says he has lived across the world, from the US, Egypt, Lebanon, Kuwait, Germany, Sweden and now the UK.

He claims to have formed a 'religious movement' with a title to 'distinguish it from all of the false practices that Muslims are practicing today'.

In one clip about why followers call him 'father' and 'master', a member says: 'It's something we do from ourselves. We call you father, master because you are our Imam in our time and because you have the holy spirit within you.

'You are the representative of God in this day and age.'

AROPL has charitable status in the US and the Charity Commission is currently considering its application to have the same in the UK.

The sect was based in Egypt and Germany before moving to Sweden, where 69 members had their residency permits revoked. The members were deported after several businesses linked to the group were found to be providing fake visas.

Lawyers representing AROPL said there were no sham visas and the businesses in Sweden were affected by Covid and had to reduce the hours of their employees which led in some cases to the employees not earning sufficient to qualify for residency in Sweden.

An investigation into the disappearance of a German member, Lisa Wiese, who vanished while visiting India in 2019, is still ongoing. She had travelled there with another AROPL member and has never been seen again.

The group also expressed their concern over the recent arrest of one of its members, Mohd Tarmizi bin Mond Ariffin, 39, who has been a believer since April 2024.

They claim that police in Malaysia charged him on June 11 over spreading false doctrines and for possession of banned religious materials.
Prominent Australian wine-makers are bulldozing red wine grapevines as Gen Z Aussies ditch booze.

Wine industry officials believe social trends - such as being 'sober curious' and 'mindful drinking' - are leading to gluts in the market of once-popular varieties, such as shiraz.

Big-name wineries have stripped red wine from their vineyards altogether - with De Bortoli Wines in the Riverina region pulling healthy shiraz vines due to an oversupply.

Darren De Bortoli told Daily Mail Australia that his growers face the tough decision of selecting new grapes to better suit the changing market.

Mr De Bortoli said his business faced 'quite a severe problem... but it's got to be remembered all our competition are facing the same problems as us.'

He said Murphy's law - that anything that can go wrong, will go wrong - had taken hold after he and other growers 'had such a large, massive crop' in recent seasons.

A major winegrower in the Riverina region (above) has pulled a significant amount of Shiraz vines from the ground due to an oversupply

Entire wine regions (above, the Hunter Valley) are considering ways to reinvent themselves for a younger market that's less interested in red wine

'It's really just getting to that realisation that you have to do something,' he said. 'The funny part is everyone expects their next-door neighbour to do it, before they go 'well, we'll do it too".'

He said there's only one replacement he is seriously considering  prosecco.

However, the company faces the challenge of naming rights after a free-trade agreement barred Australian growers from using region-specific names from Europe.

Anthony Albanese said earlier this year he was determined not to bend to pressure and change the names of products such as prosecco and feta if the country strikes a trade deal with Europe.

Meanwhile, Wine Australia has expressed concern that Gen Z may never take up drinking thanks to social movements including Dry July, 'mindful drinking', and 'sober curiosity'.

Darren De Bortoli (above) said his winery was one of the first in the area to evaluate the market and decide to pull crops

At the beginning of July, Wine Australia listed the youth market as a strategic development priority.

The government body will research new products to meet the change in demands.

Some wineries have dipped their toes into the production and marketing of wine cocktails, liquor-wine blends, and lower-alcohol offerings to cater to youths.

Others are ripping up existing crops entirely.

Globally, the five years leading to 2023 saw global wine consumption fall by 3.1 billion litres.

In Australia - which boasts 60 wine regions - wine-makers are losing space to 'functional beverages', those which offer benefits in boosting energy, immune system support and improving digestion and health and wellness movements.

Wine ranks last of all desired beverages amongst younger consumers.

Beer is the most commonly chosen single beverage, followed by ready-to-drink offerings, including seltzers and pre-mixes, and spirits.

Young Australians (pictured, a stock of Gen Z sipping wine) have turned their backs on wine, instead opting to drink other beverages including beer and spirits

'The opportunity for Australian wine is to make our wines more relevant and appealing to Millennials and Gen Zs as part of their experiences and lifestyles,' the peak body said.

'We need to give these drinkers a reason to choose wine over other alcohol options, particularly as preferences continue to evolve.'

The organisation identified a growing affection amongst young people for white, sparkling, and rose varieties, with rose particularly attractive due to its pleasant, pink hue.

Alternative packaging formats were also identified as a way for wine brands to better address the younger demographic.

However, Wine Australia did note that there are still some 380million people who drink wine regularly worldwide.

Of those, just 68 million drink Australian wine, suggesting 'there is an untapped pool of over 300 million people that currently drink wine' who 'have yet to discover Australian wine'.
The worst streets for mobile phone theft in London's West End were revealed today with nearly 18 devices being snatched every day on Oxford Street.

Europe's busiest shopping road had 6,539 reports of phones being taken last year - ahead of Regent Street on 2,002, according to Metropolitan Police data.

Shaftsbury Avenue and Charing Cross Road in the theatre district were third and fourth with 1,032 and 946 respectively between January and December 2024.

Completing the top ten were Wardour Street on 929, Greek Street on 623, Piccadilly on 591, Old Compton Street on 507, Strand on 494 and Leicester Square on 455.

Figures showing Westminster's 'repeat streets' for mobile phone thefts have been released by Scotland Yard following a Freedom of Information request.

Former Met Detective Chief Inspector Mick Neville has urged the force to do more to fight phone crime - after he nearly fell victim to a theft himself three months ago.

Mr Neville, who managed to hold onto his phone during the incident outside Charing Cross railway station, told The Standard: 'What are the Met doing?

'It's not difficult when you actually know which roads are being targeted. Officers need to be less concerned with the psychology of crime and catch more criminals.

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'These snatchers must be laughing at the law because they know just one per cent of thefts are solved. Each of the 30 streets must have hundreds of CCTV cameras.

'So the second thing is to actually gather images. See if they are wearing distinctive clothing - even if you can't see their faces - and link offenders to multiple offences.'

Mobile phones stolen in Westminster Crime type Mobile phones stolen in 2024 Theft from the Person 23,948 Other Theft 7,900 Robbery 1,672 Theft from a Vehicle 306 Burglary 150 Shoplifting 142 All other crime types 85 Total mobile phones stolen in Westminster 34,203

Phone theft has become an epidemic in London, hitting a record level last year  with the number of devices snatched more than tripling in four years.

Some 70,137 phones were reported stolen to the Met in the capital in 2024, up by nearly 40 per cent from 52,428 in 2023. As recently as 2020, the figure was 20,000.

Susan Hall AM, leader of the City Hall Conservative Group, told MailOnline: '6,539 thefts on Oxford Street alone is obscene.

'With the prospect of pedestrianisation looming, I've spoken to residents in Westminster who are horrified at how police cuts and pedestrianisation will only exacerbate this.

'For God's sake, Sadiq - get a grip on this and actually put the welfare of the public first. His inaction is rapidly making the West End more and more lawless.'

Her Tory colleague Neil Garratt, who wrote the Tackling London's Theft Epidemic report earlier this year, added: 'These figures are shocking but not surprising.

Bridgerton star Genievieve Chennour left London after her phone was snatched in February

Phone thief Zacariah Boulares, 18, was caught by police and jailed for 22 months on Tuesday

'In February, my report into London's spiralling phone theft epidemic showed exactly how the Mayor can get a grip, but he refuses.

'Instead, he sits back blaming the phone companies while Londoners and visitors to our great city fear to take out their phone. This problem is solvable, so I am urging him, again, to take action now.'

Earlier this week, Bridgerton star Genevieve Chenneour revealed she had left London and moved back in with her mother after her phone was grabbed by a teenage thief.

The actress was targeted by 18-year-old Zacariah Boulares at a Joe & The Juice cafe in Kensington in February  and the prolific criminal was jailed for just 22 months on Tuesday despite embarking on a 'ruthless' spree of thefts.

One of the capital's most prolific phone snatchers, Sonny Stringer, was jailed for two years in August last year after stealing 24 phones in just one morning before evading police by riding on an electric motorbike at speeds of nearly 50mph.

And in November 2024, four prolific London phone thieves were jailed for handling more than 5,000 stolen phones - with two spending thousands of pounds from victims' bank accounts.

Zakaria Senadjki, 31, Nazih Cheraitia, 34, Ahmed Abdelhakim Belhanafi, 25, and Riyadh Mamouni, also 25, were sentenced to a total of 18 years.

An example of phone snatching in London where moped riders steal them from people's hands

A woman's phone is snatched from her hand next to the Oxford Circus junction in London

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The cost of their crimes was said to have totalled 5.1million, with officers believing many of the phones were sold abroad.

A Met spokeswoman said today: 'We are seeing phone thefts on an industrial scale, fuelled by criminals making millions by being able to easily sell on stolen devices either here or abroad.

'In response, we have increased patrols in hotspot areas while officers are using phone-tracking data and intelligence to pursue those responsible.

'By intensifying our efforts, we're catching more perpetrators and protecting people from having their phones stolen in the capital.

'The Met is also working with other agencies and government to tackle the organised criminality driving this trade and calling on tech companies to make stolen phones unusable.

'We are reminding victims to report their phone as stolen as soon as possible to maximise the chance of catching the perpetrator, too often thefts are reported hours or days later.'

'The first thing Sir Mark Rowley needs to do is put extra officers on those streets, not only patrolling but ready to stop those on the e-bikes.'

Conservative politicians have called on London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan to do more to address growing concerns about the spiralling crime rates in the capital.

A thief steals a phone from a woman walking down a road in London's exclusive Mayfair area

Sonny Stringer, was jailed for two years in August last year after stealing 24 phones in just one morning before evading police by riding on an electric motorbike at speeds of nearly 50mph

And a spokesperson for the Labour politician told MailOnline: 'The Mayor has long been clear we need decisive and coordinated action to halt the burgeoning global trade of stolen phones which is driving criminality and violence across the world.

'Evidence shows the majority of phones stolen in London are being reconnected in other countries as far as China and Algeria  a large proportion of which are still able to access Play and Apple cloud services to download apps.

'The Mayor has repeatedly warned it is simply too easy and profitable for criminals to repurpose and sell on stolen phones. This must change.

'City Hall is working closely with the Met to tackle the scourge of phone thefts in London. This includes increasing police patrols and plain-clothed operations in hotspot areas, like the West End and Westminster, where nearly 40 per cent of phone thefts occur.

'But the police can't defeat this industrial scale crime on their own and the Mayor will continue to push the mobile phone industry to go much further in preventing stolen phones being used, sold and repurposed, to build a safer London for all.'

Earlier this week London was revealed as the 15th most dangerous city for crime in Europe  and the 100th worst out of 385 locations around the world, according to Numbeo's Crime Index .

There was also outrage last month after veteran broadcaster Selina Scott, 74, revealed she was viciously attacked and robbed in broad daylight in Piccadilly earlier this month.

Veteran broadcaster Selina Scott was attacked and robbed by an organised gang in London

The bus stop next to Waterstones on Piccadilly in London where Ms Scott was attacked

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Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan (centre) during a visit to Stratford with police in October 2022

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The stalwart of British TV was leaving a Waterstones shop on June 17 when she was struck on the back of her right knee, leaving her feeling as if she had been 'stabbed'.

She was set upon by a gang who attempted to grab her backpack. Fighting back, she kept hold of the bag  but one of the thieves unzipped it and took her purse before running off. Ms Scott lost her bank cards, driving licence and cash in the robbery.

And Matt Goodwin, senior visiting professor of politics at the University of Buckingham, wrote in the Daily Mail last week: 'London is over. It's so over.'

He cited data showing that there were 90,000 shoplifting offences in the capital last year, up 54 per cent.

Professor Goodwin added that there is now an alleged rape every hour in London  and reported sexual offences against women and girls has risen 14 per cent in five years, while homelessness and rough sleeping increased 26 per cent in one year.

Meanwhile a policing expert told MailOnline last week that the incident involving Ms Scott showed London had become a 'crime-ridden cesspit'.

Ex-New Scotland Yard detective Peter Bleksley said the force was now so stretched in the West End that private security companies were being deployed to help.

He condemned the 'epidemic of crime' in London from pickpocketing to violence and fare evasion to robbery, adding that it was 'driving people away' from the capital.
China is preparing to dramatically scale up forced organ donations from Uyghur Muslims and other persecuted minorities, rights groups have claimed.

A statement published in December 2024 by China's National Health Commission announced plans to triple the number of medical facilities capable of performing organ transplants in the Xinjiang region, home to the vast majority of Uyghurs in the country.

Six new transplant institutions are due to be built by the end of the decade, bringing the region's total to nine, according to the Plan for the Establishment of Human Organ Transplant Hospitals in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (20242030), issued by Chinese authorities.

The expanded facilities will reportedly be authorised to perform transplants of all major organs, including hearts, lungs, livers, kidneys and pancreas.

But official figures show Xinjiang's voluntary organ donation rate stands at just 0.69 donors per million people  less than one-sixth of the national average of 4.6.

The move has prompted warnings from rights campaigners and international human rights experts who say the planned expansion aims to fuel industrial-scale organ harvesting from prisoners of conscience.

'This massive expansion in Xinjiang, a region already under scrutiny for systematic repression, raises deeply troubling questions about where the organs will come from,' said Professor Wendy Rogers, Chair of the Advisory Board at the International Coalition to End Transplant Abuse in China (ETAC).

'There is simply no justification for such growth in transplant capacity given the region's official organ donation rate, which is far below the national average.'

Beijing has repeatedly denied accusations by human rights researchers and scholars that it forcibly takes organs from prisoners of conscience.

A medical facility in Urumqi, captial of Xinjiang province, is seen in this image

Cheng Pei Ming, a victim of forced organ donation displays his scars after escaping China

When he refused to sign surgery consent forms Cheng was immediately tackled by police officers and injected with a tranquilliser

This photo taken on June 2, 2019 shows buildings at the Artux City Vocational Skills Education Training Service Center, believed to be a re-education camp where mostly Muslim ethnic minorities are detained, north of Kashgar in China's northwestern Xinjiang region

The planned expansion outlined by the National Health Commission includes facilities across northern, southern and eastern Xinjiang, including in the capital Urumqi.

Of the nine total hospitals set to be operational by 2030, seven will perform heart transplants, five will offer lung transplants, four will carry out liver operations, and five will conduct kidney and pancreas procedures.

Critics say this network will far outpace the needs of the region's population, suggesting that the only reasonable explanation is that authorities are planning to forcibly harvest organs from detainees.

It is estimated that between 60,000 and 100,000 transplants are conducted in China each year - vastly more than the country's official donation system can support.

Since 2006, practitioners of the Buddhist practice of Falun Gong have been the primary victim group of forced organ harvesting, with the Uyghur population now thought to be at risk.

MailOnline previously covered the nightmarish story of Cheng Pei Ming, a rural villager and Falun Gong practitioner from China's Shandong Province, who endured unimaginable suffering from forced organ transplants before eventually escaping and making his way to the United States.

Although China claimed in 2015 to have ceased using organs from executed prisoners, no legal reforms accompanied the announcement, and harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience was never explicitly outlawed.

Meanwhile, Uyghur Muslims held in Chinese detention camps have reported undergoing blood tests, ultrasounds and other organ-focused medical scans, procedures consistent with assessing organ compatibility.

'The concept of informed, voluntary consent is meaningless in Xinjiang's carceral environment,' said David Matas, a veteran human rights lawyer and Nobel Peace Prize nominee who has investigated forced organ harvesting in China for nearly two decades.

'Given the systemic repression, any claim that donations are voluntary should be treated with the utmost scepticism.

'The lack of legal safeguards, the history of abuse, and the ongoing repression in Xinjiang all point to the urgent need for independent scrutiny of this transplant expansion,' added Dr Maya Mitalipova, a geneticist who has testified before the US Congress about reverse organ matching techniques and biometric surveillance in China.

'This could be industrial-scale organ harvesting under a state-controlled system.'

The United Nations and several democratic governments have repeatedly voiced concern over credible reports of forced organ harvesting and systemic repression of Uyghurs, Falun Gong practitioners, and other minority groups in China.

In June 2021, 12 UN special rapporteurs and human rights experts raised the alarm over allegations that minorities in Chinese detention were subjected to blood tests and organ scans without consent.

Their findings suggested that results were entered into a national database used to allocate organs.

Cheng awoke to find a huge incision down the side of his chest leaking fluid

Images of Cheng shackled to a hospital bed emerged on a website dedicated to publishing news on the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners

IV lines are seen snaking into Cheng's body following his forced surgery in 2004

A person holds up a placard during a protest by at least 28 diasporic groups - including Hong Kong, Tibetan, Uyghur, Chinese Dissident, and other resident organisations - outside the proposed site of the new Chinese Embassy redevelopment in Royal Mint Court central London

Recent political momentum in the US has seen a flurry of legislative action, including the introduction of the 'Falun Gong Protection Act' in March 2025, and the passing of the 'Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act' in the House in May.

State-level legislation banning collaboration with Chinese transplant institutions has also been adopted in Arizona, Texas, Utah, Idaho and Tennessee.

Campaigners now want the international community to pressure Beijing for full transparency over the Xinjiang expansion plans.

Those subjected to forced organ harvesting endure horrific treatment and are slowly deprived of life piece by piece.

The depravity of the practice was unmasked last year by Falun Gong practitioner Cheng, who spent several years incarcerated and forcibly donated parts of several of his organs.

Between 1999 and 2006, he faced relentless persecution for his religious and spiritual beliefs by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and endured several periods of detention during which he is believed to have been repeatedly tortured.

In one of the most chilling episodes of his captivity, Cheng was taken to a hospital where doctors pressured him into signing consent forms for surgery.

When he refused, he was immediately injected with an unknown substance, which knocked him out.

He awoke with a massive incision down the left side of his chest, and scans have since confirmed that segments of Cheng's liver and lung had been removed.

While Cheng lay in bed, photos depicting the aftermath of his forced surgery were taken and sent to Minghui.org - a website sharing information on Falun Gong that also publishes news about the persecution of its practitioners.

Cheng is clearly seen unconscious and chained to the bed in the images, which he suspects were taken by a shocked nurse or hospital worker.

Subsequent medical examinations conducted in the US confirmed that segments two and three of Cheng's left liver lobe and half of the left lower lobe of his lung were missing.

The removal of liver segments aligns with a technique developed in the 1990s for paediatric liver transplants, prompting experts to conclude Cheng was used as an unwilling organ donor - as well as highly unethical medical experimentation.

Cheng's shackles are seen on his hospital bed hours after he was operated on in China

About half of Cheng's lower left lung lobe is missing

This 3D reconstruction of Cheng's CT scan shows a considerable chunk missing from one of his lungs

In March 2006, after initiating a hunger strike, Cheng was hospitalised again - but this time he claims he was told he'd have to undergo another unspecified surgery, even though he had not ingested any foreign objects.

Realising he was about to face another brutal surgery and almost certain death, he staged a daring escape.

Hours before his operation was due to be performed, he asked the guard monitoring his room overnight to take him to the toilet. Upon returning to the room, Cheng said the guard forgot to shackle him to the bedframe, and a short while later, fell asleep in his chair.

Cheng seized the golden opportunity, sneaking out of the room before fleeing via the hospital's internal fire stairs and flagging down a taxi.

That escape marked the beginning of a long journey to freedom that took Cheng across international borders and through countless challenges on a 14-year campaign to avoid the Chinese authorities.

After nine years on the run in his native land, he managed to flee the country and settle in Thailand, where he spent another five years looking over his shoulder until he was eventually granted UN refugee status.

In July 2020, Cheng completed his bid for freedom when he landed safely in the United States, where he now acts as an advocate for ETAC.
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This is the moment a writer shouted abuse at a neighbour and hurled bricks at a badger before she torched his beloved Land Rover.

Susan Lupton, 63, terrorised wildlife-loving Graham Lee when she mistakenly thought badgers he had rescued and cared for had killed a local cat.

Lupton was caught on camera screaming 'your badgers kill cats' during one furious bust-up.

Other footage captured by Mr Lee's dashcam showed her one evening wearing an apron and smoking a cigarette as she paces and points her mobile phone at his Freelander.

In another clip, she films herself shouting at badgers at the dead of night who had taken refuge on his driveway before she chucks bricks at them.

The row reached a terrifying ending on June 20, 2024, when Lupton set fire to a plastic container filled with white spirit and slid it under the Land Rover.

Lupton, who has bipolar disorder and was going through a manic episode, claimed that a firefighter friend had told her how to start the blaze.

She branded Mr Lee, 56, an 'evil badger man' and mistakenly believed the animals he cared for had killed another neighbour's pet cat.

But Mr Lee, a wildlife volunteer, who would leave food out for badgers on his driveway in idyllic coastal village Freshwater Bay, on the Isle of Wight, said the moggy had actually died of old age.

Susan Lupton, 63, terrorised wildlife-loving Graham Lee on a daily basis. In one eerie clip, she is seen wearing an apron and smoking a cigarette as she points her mobile phone at his Freelander

The row reach a terrifying ending on June 20, 2024, when Lupton set fire to a plastic container filled with white spirit and slid it under the Land Rover

Mr Lee's Land Rover Freelander was completely destroyed after it was set fire to on his driveway

When police arrived, Lupton, who has bipolar disorder and was experiencing an episode of mania, told officers: 'I did it. I'm responsible.'

Lupton's arson caused 18,500 worth of damage and Mr Lee's Freelander was completely ruined by the blaze.

Someone else's property was also damaged as the flames spread to a neighbouring house.

Lupton, a writer, has now been banned from the village but avoided prison after admitting two counts of arson.

Isle of Wight Crown Court was told Lupton set fire to Mr Lee's 4x4 on June 20, 2024, on a road in Freshwater Bay where homes average 400,000.

Prosecutor Joanna Staples said Lupton set fire to a plastic container filled with white spirit and slid it under the Land Rover Freelander.

The 4x4 was completely gutted by the fire, and someone else's property was also destroyed as the flames spread to a neighbouring house.

A window, toolbox, guttering, cooker extractor and a Japanese Maple Tree at a neighbouring property were all damaged beyond repair.

Susan Lupton, 63, had torched the car after mistakenly believing some badgers the wildlife-loving neighbour was caring for had killed a local cat

Mr Lee, a wildlife volunteer, who would leave food out for badgers on his driveway in idyllic coastal village Freshwater Bay, on the Isle of Wight, said the moggy had actually died of old age

Mr Lee tried to extinguish the blaze with a hosepipe before firefighters arrived.

He said the badgers have not come back to his property since the incident a year ago.

Lupton, who moved to the UK from South Africa in 1980, admitted she was responsible when police arrived.

She told them at an interview that she started the fire as an attempt to kill some badgers he was looking after which she believed had killed a cat owned by a local homeowner.

Lupton claimed that a firefighter friend had told her how to start the blaze.

Ms Staples said that Lupton had shared posts on her Facebook page claiming that the car owner was an 'evil badger man'.

In a victim impact statement, Mr Lee said Lupton was a 'sick, twisted and manipulative individual' who had left him checking his security cameras numerous times a day out of a fear that she may turn up on his driveway with some matches.

Mr Lee also described the loss of his 'pride and joy' Land Rover as 'beyond words' and said Lupton's actions had ruined his life.

Mr Lee's wrecked Land Rover. The wildlife volunteer, from the Isle of Wight, tried to extinguish the blaze with a hosepipe before firefighters arrived

Mr Lee said the badgers have not come back to his property since the incident a year ago

He told the court Lupton had posted videos online of her hurling bricks at badgers and putting out a bowl of food 'laced with glass'.

Neighbour Kavita Hayton's home was also damaged in the blaze. She said the attack had left her 'genuinely frightened' and in a 'state of fear for many months'.

Lupton's barrister Jonathan Underhill told the court that Lupton had a single conviction for criminal damage on her record.

She had bipolar disorder and Mr Underhill asked the judge to impose a suspended sentence to help her ongoing rehabilitation.

Judge James Newton-Price said that the victims in the case had suffered a 'terrifying experience' and that Lupton had developed a 'fixation' with one of the victims and had became 'irrationally obsessed'.

When sentencing, the judge told Lupton: 'You didn't like Mr Lee attracting badgers to the area, for reasons of your own.

'You had been harassing him online, calling him "Evil Badger Man" on Facebook.'

The judge continued: 'You were sectioned after the fire because you were suffering from an episode of mania.

Pictured here are some of the rescued badgers that Mr Lee had cared for. Lupton had branded him an 'evil badger man'

'Extensive damage was done. It was a terrifying experience for the victims. You, living nearby, watched the terrifying incident and told an officer, "I did it. I'm responsible".

'You said you did it because a badger killed a neighbour's cat. You said a firefighter friend explained how to start the fire.

'You developed a fixation on Mr Lee, him feeding badgers and believing they killed a neighbour's cat.

'You became irrationally obsessed with that and started posting your views on social media.'

The judge added: 'You say you are horrified for what you've done. I believe you have a realistic prospect of rehabilitation, and that imprisonment would reverse your progress.'

Lupton was ordered to pay costs of 1,000 and compensation of 7,835.

Lupton was handed two years' imprisonment, suspended for two years, with a restraining order to stay away from Mr Lee.

Lupton has also been banned from the village of Freshwater indefinitely.
If you or someone you know needs help or is considering suicide, you can call or text 988 for help any time for free, confidential support

Beloved animal rescuer Mikayla Raines spent what would tragically prove to be her final evening alive looking forward to the future.

The founder of Save A Fox Rescue, who had recently turned 30, sat down to dinner with her mother, brother, and three-year-old daughter in Lakeville, Minnesota. They shared shrimp cocktail, one of her favorite meals, and she opened a gift from her brother: a quirky hooded sweatshirt that zipped all the way up.

Oh my gosh! This is so cool, Raines said, beaming. Next time I go on a plane, Im not going to have to bring a blanket to put over my head - I can just wear this hoodie.

But, within hours, Rainess jovial mood darkened. Her husband, Ethan Frankamp, told the Daily Mail he could see something was eating away at her as they got into bed that night.

So concerned was he about her suddenly downcast demeanor, Frankamp stayed up most of the night, holding her close, counting her breaths, and offering words of comfort when he felt she needed them.

I just wanted to make sure she was okay,' he said. 'But sometimes when youre hovering over someone, you can make their mental health worse... and she expressed to me that she wanted some alone time.

Respecting his wifes request, Frankamp went to lie down in a different room. An hour later, he went back to check on Raines and discovered she had taken her own life.

Panic set in. He frantically called 911 and tried in vain to perform CPR but it was too late.

I wish I hadnt given her any alone time because she might still be here, Frankamp said through tears. I try not to play the "what-if" game but it keeps me up at night.

Mikayla Raines, seen with her daughter Freya, tragically died from suicide on June 20

In an emotional sit-down interview with the Daily Mail, Raines's husband, Ethan Frankamp, recounted her tragic final hours of life - and the gut-wrenching moment he discovered her dead

Raines died on June 20. The news was announced by a devastated Frankamp in a raw 12-minute video posted to Save A Foxs YouTube page three days later, which has since been viewed more than 1.6 million times.

In the footage, Frankamp revealed that Raines had struggled for much of her life with depression and borderline personality disorder. She had also been diagnosed with autism.

Her mental illness and cognitive condition made her prone to episodes of deep, sometimes inexplicable sadness. Often, he said, the storms would shift as quickly and mysteriously as they had arrived.

But recently, Raines had been struggling more than usual. The cause, her loved ones believe, was a relentless barrage of online abuse - not just from anonymous trolls but from fellow animal rescuers she once trusted as friends.

The attacks were increasingly personal and geared towards sabotaging Raines's reputation, livelihood and self-worth.

They began on Reddit, where anonymous users accused Raines of hoarding and mistreating animals, and profiting from her sanctuary - claims her family denies.

For years, she tried to block the abuse out. But, just as Raines had begun to get a handle on it, that same vitriol spilled on to other platforms, amplified by peers who she knew and admired.

Her mother, Sandi Raines, told the Daily Mail: She would just sit in my kitchen and say, Mom, why do I make a friend, a really good friend that I feel like I can talk to about anything, and then they turn around and stab me in the back?"

Im positive thats what actually brought her further over the brink than anything had ever brought her before that really was the last straw.

Frankamp agreed, saying that the betrayal from those within the animal rescue community - people Raines had supported, trusted and even, in some cases, helped fundraise for - hurt far more than the usual anonymous hate.

It cuts a lot deeper than just a random stranger online, he said. She just felt like the whole world was against her.

Frankamp vowed to continue her work with Save a Fox and 'keep moving forward to save as many lives as possible'

He said his wife was 'relentlessly bullied' in a targeted online campaign. Among her tormentors were fellow animal rescuers, Frankamp claimed

Sandi Raines, Mikayla's mother, said her daughter showed a gift for communicating with animals from a young age. Her passion for helping creatures of all species was as infectious as it was selfless

Raines found it difficult not to hyper fixate on the negative feedback, even amid the sea of positive comments she regularly received from her millions of followers, Frankamp and Sandi said.

She would get caught in these loops, he said. Her brain would replay one comment or message over and over again until it just ate away at her.

Sandi witnessed similar behavior. The good things didnt stick in her brain, she said. The dark stuff always took over.

Both believe that the tormentors were driven by jealousy over Raines's prospering business and growing public profile.

I think they saw her doing well and were probably frustrated they werent able to accomplish the same things on the same scale that she was, Frankamp said.

I think they saw her candle burning really bright, and they believe putting out her light would help make their candle burn brighter. Jealousy is a terrible thing.

Rainess work with Save A Fox came at an immense personal cost long before her death.

Mikayla had struggled for much of her life with depression and borderline personality disorder. She had also been diagnosed with autism - but she found refuge in animals

Raines was best known for her nonprofit wildlife sanctuary Save A Fox, which has locations in Florida and her home state of Minnesota

Compounding her already fragile state, were the emotional demands of running a nonprofit rescue center while trying to be a wife and mother.

She disliked posting online and having to constantly document her life on social media, Frankamp and Sandi said, but knew it was a necessary evil to keep her business afloat and the rescued animals alive.

Raines founded Save A Fox in Rice County, Minnesota, in 2017, intent on saving foxes from the fur trade industry. Over the past eight years, she saved thousands, founded a second location in Lake County, Florida, and also opened the refuges doors to all kinds of creatures in need, from coyotes to ponies.

In the months before she died, Raines had been working with a fur farmer to rehabilitate and rehome 500 foxes that would otherwise have faced certain death.

According to Sandi, Raines spent about $1 million last year moving 400 foxes from the farm and ensuring they received medical care. About 100 foxes remained in need of care at the time of her death.

Frankamp said that Raines would not sleep through most nights, preferring to get up to check on the animals.

For each rescued creature that couldn't be rehabilitated, she would mourn the loss like the death of a family member.

She felt everything so deeply, he said. If a fox died, even if it came in barely clinging to life, she took that personally. She never forgot any of them.

Mikayla always promised her mother Sandi (left) that she would never leave her daughter Freya. She had not previously attempted suicide

Mikayla Raines is survived by her husband Frankamp and their young daughter Freya

But she also never attempted to romanticize the realities of running a shelter, nor did she shy away from discussing the emotional toll it took.

In a social media video shared with her more than two million followers in December 2024, Raines said she didn't think she 'can handle it any more after the death of one of the rescue's beloved foxes, Felix.

When I was younger and a fox would pass away, obviously I would take it really hard, but I would bounce back,' she said. 'But I think just like all the trauma of loss over the years, like I'm just not bouncing back any more.

I don't feel passion or happiness or drive to keep going. I just feel a lot of pain.

Despite her struggles, neither Frankamp nor Sandi believed Raines would take her own life.

Raines always insisted that she would never leave her daughter, Freya - a promise she repeated to her mother more than once.

She had been through these mental health crises so many times but she always told me shed never leave this world with Freya still here, said Sandi.

She loved her family so much. She loved a little differently because of her autism and mental illness, and she had her ups and downs, but her family and the animals are what made her calm.

As Frankamp struggles to come to terms with the scale of his loss, the grief is increasingly fused with anger - towards those he holds responsible for pushing Raines over the edge

Raines had recently celebrated her 30th birthday

Frankamp added: It was an emotional rollercoaster. The highs were great, and she would be doing fantastically, but the lows would dip so fast and hard that suddenly shed be in a pit, and it was really hard for her to see that shed come out the other side.

It was always a fear of mine that one day it would go too far, but its one of those things that you also dont think could ever actually happen.

Breaking the news to young Freya that she would never see her mommy again was the hardest thing Frankamp and Sandi said they had ever done.

The finality of the tragedy has been difficult for her to grasp. But, at the same time, its her bright personality - and striking resemblance to Raines - that is keeping the rest of the family going.

As Frankamp struggles to come to terms with the scale of his loss, his sorrow is increasingly mixed with anger, particularly towards those he holds responsible for pushing his wife over the edge.

The family is declining to name names, knowing that Raines wouldnt want her tormentors to be subjected to the same alleged abuses she endured.

Frankamp declined to comment when asked if he would pursue legal action in any criminal or civil capacity. Instead, he offered a direct message to her bullies in a hard voice.

I hope theyre overwhelmed with guilt, he said. To push someone who was trying to do something good this far I hope theyre scared. And I hope they learn to just keep the negativity to themselves.

You never know what someones going through, continued Frankamp. Even if theyre smiling, they might be in the worst place of their life. Words matter. And if you dont have anything kind to say, just dont say anything at all.

Mikayla (seen with her family during a recent vacation) spoke of the future in her final hours

For now, Frankamp said he is haunted by the image of his wifes lifeless body in their bedroom - a memory that replays in his mind every time he closes his eyes, before resigning himself to another sleepless night.

But even amid the devastation, he counts himself grateful to have known and loved Raines, a true one of a kind who was selfless in all that she did.

I have received thousands of messages of love and support, and I guess the thing I keep thinking is, I wish Mikayla could see this. I wish she could see how many people cared for her.

And I hope she can see it still. I hope she knows that she was a really loved person.

Her mother agrees. She didnt think she was special, said Sandi. But everyone around her knew that she was.
Travis Decker, the veteran accused of murdering his three daughters at a campsite last month, should now be considered an 'international threat', experts warn.

The 32-year-old father recently left the army, and several investigators have spoken with the Daily Mail about how he's likely to be using his military skills to evade the law.

Travis allegedly used plastic bags to suffocate his children - Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5 - at Rock Island Campground in Washington state, located around 120 miles east of Seattle.

He had been embroiled in a custody battle with his ex-wife, Whitney Decker, who tried to restrict his access to the children citing his declining mental health.

She filed a court petition making the argument in September, and called police on May 30 when Travis failed to bring the children back to her house after one visit.

But it was too late. Police said the girls were found dead, on June 2, at the campsite, close to Travis' truck which had a bloody handprint on the window matching the alleged killer's DNA. The military veteran was nowhere to be found.

Chelan County Sheriff's Office found that in the days before, Travis had searched for instructions about how to relocate to Canada and find a job there.

They warned the public that he is on the loose and could be armed. Law enforcers have offered a $20,000 reward for anyone who finds him - dead or alive.

Travis Decker (pictured), the veteran accused of murdering his three daughters at a campsite last month, should now be considered an 'international threat', experts have warned

Police believe Travis Decker, who was last seen wearing a tan or green T-shirt with dark shorts, allegedly murdered his daughters Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5 (pictured above)

Toby Braun, founder of the American Special Investigative Group, told the Daily Mail Travis is a double threat because not only is he trained in combat, but he had also been living rough for several months, which means he's used to navigating the outdoors.

Based on my expertise, I believe the manhunt for Travis Decker should now be considered an international threat requiring joint US and Canadian law enforcement coordination,' said Braun, who has worked on more than 100 fugitive cases.

Were not looking for someone lost in the woods. Were tracking someone who knows how to disappear.

Decker is not just another suspect on the run. Hes a trained soldier with combat experience in Afghanistan, advanced survival skills and a deep understanding of how to evade capture.

He likely knows how to mask his scent to throw off K9 units, avoid aerial detection and move tactically through wilderness terrain.

Since he recently separated from the military, hes also likely familiar with FLIR-equipped drones and helicopters, and how to work around their limitations.

Travis served in the Army from 2013 to 2021. He was deployed to Afghanistan for four months in 2014, and was an automatic rifleman with the 75th Ranger Regiment at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington from 2014 to 2016.

Toby Braun, founder of the American Special Investigative Group, told the Daily Mail Decker is a double threat due to his military skills and knowledge of the outdoors from living rough

He had been embroiled in a custody battle against his ex-wife, Whitney (pictured with her daughters) who tried to restrict his access to the children citing his declining mental state

Braun said Travis likely knows how to make 'improvised weapons', adding that based on his knowledge of similar cases, he believes he's most likely still alive.

This situation now poses a public safety threat that goes beyond state or even national boundaries,' he told the Daily Mail.

I believe the reward for Deckers capture should be significantly increased and made applicable on both sides of the US and Canadian border.

We need to incentivize information sharing across jurisdictions and keep the public fully informed. Canadian authorities must be integrated into this operation and utilize resources.

Braun added that he believes Decker is still alive because K9 units still 'haven't located a trackable scent'.

The murders occurred near Rock Island Campground in the Cascade Mountains, approximately 300 to 350 miles from the Canadian border,' he said.

'While some of the terrain can be unforgiving, thick brush, steep ridgelines, unpredictable weather - but as an outdoorsman myself who is very familiar with the area, I can tell you that this is certainly navigable for someone with Deckers background.

An experienced outdoorsman carrying gear and basic supplies could reasonably cover that distance in three to five days.

'Even without food, the area is nutrient-rich this time of year, and there is plenty of access to fresh water.

Travis Decker (pictured) has an extensive combat background and served in Afghanistan

The 32-year-old Army veteran has been missing for a month and stands accused of murdering his three young daughters (pictured)

On June 2, a search party led to the chilling discovery of the sisters' dead bodies near Rock Island Campground (pictured) in Chelan County along with Travis Decker's truck

Given that Decker had a 72-hour head start before law enforcement found the crime scene, its plausible he reached or crossed the border before the search perimeter was ever established.

If he intended to take his own life, the most likely place would have been at the scene of the crime.

'The fact that he didnt, and that he had previously searched online about relocating to Canada, tells me this was premeditated - not a man who just snapped.

'This guy is evil, and he needs to be captured.

Chelan County Sheriff's Office told the Daily Mail they believe a hiker may have spotted Travis on June 10 close to the Aasguard Pass trail just off Highway 97.

'When this person was spotted, he tried to avoid other hikers on the trail. This is obviously suspicious,' a spokesman for the office said.

Weve had a lot of people reporting that they have seen him, but this was the only one which seemed feasible.'

Experienced FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer said she believes Decker allegedly killed the children to 'get back at his wife' amid their acrimonious custody battle.

I see him as a family annihilator,' she told the Daily Mail.

'The most famous case for that was the (Alex) Murdaugh case.

'When their life is crashing down from a financial standpoint, and family relationships are falling apart when they feel alienated, they try to take everyone down with them.

'What better way to punish and hurt a spouse than to take her children from her?

Experienced FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer (pictured) said she believes Travis allegedly killed the children to 'get back at his wife' amid their acrimonious custody battle

Authorities and locals have been concerned about military man Travis Decker being on the loose

Prior to his daughter's death, Travis Decker, pictured in an undated mugshot, argued a judge should give him more access to his girls as he has never hurt them

I have 25 years experience investigating these kinds of cases,' she added.

'These sorts of custody battles can lead to the most horrific crimes and bring out the worst in humanity because the children become pawns who can be hurt or kidnapped.

She also mentioned Travis' survival skills making tracking him down a 'huge challenge' for law enforcement.

If he is alive, I definitely think he is using what he learned in the military to survive,' Coffindaffer said.

He is likely to be wearing camouflage so he is not found. He could have surveilled the area so he knows where caves, shelter and streams would be for fresh water.

He also understands the capabilities the people looking for him have and likely how to avoid flares which use heat to detect people.

Coffindaffer said she believes Travis is most likely dead despite apparently fleeing the scene of the killings, because 'military men often choose to kill themselves in their own privacy'.

She cited the high-profile case of Robert Card, the veteran who killed 18 people in Lewiston, Maine, on Oct. 25, 2023, before he was found dead two days later inside a tractor-trailer with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

An autopsy revealed the girls died from suffocation and police reported their wrists were zip-tied and plastic bags were over their heads when they were found (pictured: Paityn Decker)

Tactical teams (pictured during the manhunt) have scoured the Cascade mountains near the city of Leavenworth, Washington, for weeks and have searched hundreds of square miles

Forensic Psychologist, Dr John C. Brady, agreed with Coffindaffer's assessment that Travis is most likely dead.

Dr Brady told the Daily Mail he believes Travis was most likely experiencing PTSD and 'probably doesn't know why he killed his children'.

'He likely reached a mental state of confusion and negative emotions so acute that he's unable to make sense of his own actions,' the psychologist added.

'Over-arching apocalyptic delusion, if that's what he was overcome by, would almost necessitate taking his own life.

'It's possible that he's still living, but if so, he's likely tormenting himself about what he's done.'

Police are not sure whether Travis is alive, but they won't stop hunting for him until he's brought to justice or his body is found.
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Caught on camera battering a woman with a hammer during a vicious ambush, Coleen Campbell's propensity for violence is obvious.

Yet just three days later she would be involved in an even more horrific act - the torture and killing of her drug baron ex-husband.

Footage of Coleen and two other female accomplices raining down blows during the street brawl was played to a court in Manchester in April this year.

But rather than appearing in the dock to face charges over the attack, Coleen attended via a video link from jail where she is currently serving a 13-year sentence for helping to orchestrate her ex's murder.

Father-of-two Thomas Campbell, 38, was ambushed by three men as he opened his front door on July 2, 2022 before being subjected to prolonged torture before his death.

Coleen - furious at him for cheating before their split - had shared his whereabouts with drug dealer John Belfield, despite being warned that he would be robbed and 'violence would be necessary'.

She was caught on CCTV at her own home ringing Belfield to arrange the murder - even moving away from the property to discuss the plans in hushed tones.

Alongside two accomplices, Belfield rushed at Thomas before binding him with extra-strength duct tape and torturing him to death. On Thursday, he was convicted of murder after a jury heard how he sought revenge on Thomas for starting a relationship.

Playing the 'perfect' grieving widow after the killing, Coleen eventually gave away her involvement by describing the exact nature of Thomas's injuries to his mother - details she claimed he had relayed from beyond the grave after being summoned by a clairvoyant.

But if this is how her sordid criminal career came to an end, how did it begin?

Coleen Campbell attacked a woman in the street three days before organising her ex-husband's killing

Thomas Campbell, 38, (pictured with Coleen on holiday) was ambushed by three men as he opened his front door in Mossley, Greater Manchester

Coleen was caught on a CCTV camera speaking on the phone to John Belfield

Belfield, 31, was the ringleader of a plot to murder Thomas Campbell

While it's unclear exactly when she first became involved in Manchester's underworld, Coleen was heavily embroiled when she married Thomas in 2011.

Police began investigating the couple in 2014 and uncovered their role in the area's cocaine trade.

The probe also homed in on their lavish lifestyle, with the pair found to have spent more than 100,000 on luxury cars and holidays - despite their only legitimate income being benefits and Coleen's part-time job at Matalan.

Police later seized a Mercedes C63 and a BMW X5 from their house, which had a double-storey extension funded by dirty money.

The pair pleaded guilty to money laundering at Manchester Crown Court in 2019, with Thomas jailed for two years and Coleen handed a 16-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.

As is usual in such cases, police sought to claw back the couple's wealth by beginning an investigation under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

But three years later, their attention would be diverted to a far more pressing matter - Thomas's disappearance and murder.

Given his status as a major drug dealer, Thomas had many enemies, meaning suspicion did not at first focus on Coleen, who had by then broken up with him after accusations of cheating.

The pair were open about the glitzy lifestyle they briefly enjoyed using the profits of their crimes

The Facebook messages Coleen posted after Thomas's murder in an attempt to appear innocent

Coleen also helped arrange a balloon release in memory of her drug dealer ex - who posed as a personal trainer

Indeed, Facebook posts at the time show she put on a display of grieving by posting a series of 'tributes' featuring broken heart emojis and warm words for the father of her two children.

One read: '13 years and 2 beautiful children. Forever great full [sic]. I would do anything to hear your giddy laugh or your none [sic] stop moaning just one more time.'

Coleen also helped to photograph and arrange the ceremonial releasing of balloons in his memory.

But she went on to give away her role in Thomas's killing in a bizarre way - by visiting a psychic.

At this meeting - four days after his death - Coleen claimed his spirit had been summoned and shared intimate details about his murder and the injuries he had sustained.

Coleen relayed them all to the victim's suspicious mother, who alerted police.

At the time of the seance, little information had previously been made public by police about the fatal assault - but Coleen fell under suspicion as only the killers could have known the details of Thomas's fatal wounds.

Inquiries revealed she had been tipping off murderer Belfield about her ex-husband's movements in the run up to the attack, with a phone conversation caught on her home CCTV.

Coleen (pictured) broke up with Thomas after he cheated on her with a friend

Thomas suffered 61 separate injuries during a drawn-out, sadistic assault at his 350,000 townhouse in Mossley

Coleen and Thomas met in 2008 and married in 2011 before splitting up ten years later

Thomas would go on to die in the most horrific manner possible, suffering 61 separate injuries during a drawn-out, sadistic assault at his 350,000 townhouse in Mossley that also saw him robbed of drugs, cash and valuables.

He was stabbed, punched and stamped on before boiling water was poured on his buttocks. Neighbours found his body in the hallway naked except for his socks.

Coleen was found guilty of manslaughter in 2023 after a five-week trial.

Texts the killer exchanged with friends after her split from Thomas in 2021 following an affair threw light on her motivation.

Initially she put on a show of defiance, telling one: 'Best thing this man did was sh*g my baggy mate 12 months ago. Roll on new beginnings.'

But in another text she hinted at plans for revenge, writing: 'Never let the actions of a man that cannot be loyal to his own family and a woman with no morals and has to sleep with other women's husbands, change and provoke you. Karma is best served cold - and then tables turn real fast. I be the coldest MF you ever met.'

Reece Steven, 29, was convicted of murder and was jailed for life with a minimum of 37 years while Stephen Cleworth, 38, was found guilty of manslaughter and jailed for 12 years. Both were also found guilty of conspiracy to rob.

Belfield was found guilty of murder and conspiracy to rob.

Thomas dealt cocaine and was prosecuted for money laundering offences

Reece Steven (left), 29, was convicted of murder and was jailed for life with a minimum of 37 years whilst Stephen Cleworth (right), 38, was found guilty of manslaughter and jailed for 12 years

During April's hearing relating to the earlier - unrelated - street assault, Minshull Street Crown Court heard that Coleen attacked Niamh Wasik alongside two other women, Hannah Derbyshire, 27, and Chloe Bamford, 30, and a 38-year-old man, Simon Bowden.

The court heard how one of the attackers had been in a relationship with a man called James Heaney at the same time as Ms Wasik, prompting Campbell to take part in what appears to be a reckless attempt to scare her off.

Prosecutor Danielle Gilmour told how Coleen was driving the three other defendants in a VW Tiguan before they ambushed Ms Wasik at the junction of Rutland Street and Granville Street in Ashton-under-Lyne.

Derbyshire leapt out of the car and began 'raining down blows and kicks' on the victim, the court heard, while Bowden - armed with a '2-ft-long drill bit' - pulled a balaclava down over his face.

Coleen, wearing all black and armed with a hammer, hit the victim 'multiple times' before dragging the woman to the ground and kicking her, as did her two female accomplices.

The assault lasted about 90 seconds before Coleen and the three other attackers fled the scene in the Tiguan, with a rock being hurled at the vehicle's windshield as it sped away.

Coleen allegedly stole the victim's handbag, which was found in her home when police raided it, the Manchester Evening News reported from court.

She and her three accomplices all 'lied or made no comment' when questioned by police, a judge said.

Lynn Campbell, Thomas's mother, revealed to police that Coleen had shared intimate details of her son's injuries and information on his attackers

Bamford claimed she had been acting in self-defence, while Bowden said he had been in Manchester city centre at the time. It is not known whether the victim suffered any injuries, as she refused to co-operate with police.

All four defendants pleaded guilty to violent disorder. Coleen also admitted theft.

Defending Coleen, who is being held in HMP Drake Hall, Bob Elias said she appeared an 'amiable, bright and pleasant woman'.

Sentencing, Recorder Michael Blakey said: 'On June 29, 2022, the four of you went in a car, clearly a planned adventure, to a place, Granville Street in Ashton-under-Lyne, where the victim in this case was assaulted.

'The motive behind this appears to be the relationship that there was between you, Hannah Derbyshire, and somebody called James Heaney.

'The victim was involved in a relationship with him also. The four of you went in the car, three of you armed, Ms Campbell with a hammer, you Hannah Derbyshire didn't arm yourself, and you Ms Bamford with a rolling pin. Mr Bowden you had a 2-ft-long drill bit in your possession.

'It must have been a very frightening and scary situation which arose, and no doubt put people who were watching what was going on in fear themselves.'

He told Coleen: 'You armed yourself with a hammer, you in fact used the hammer on the victim in this case. I have read information which suggests while you have been in custody you have developed insight, that you have attended courses and are doing all you possibly can to reform yourself. That is to be commended.'

Coleen and Bowden, both of no fixed address, were sentenced to 18 months in prison each.

Derbyshire, of Clayton, and Bamford, of Openshaw, were both handed suspended prison sentences.
A member of Congress was seen on camera firmly grabbing the backside of a colleague during the tense, late night debate and votes on Donald Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill.'

The House of Representatives went into the wee hours of the morning with constant debate, votes over amendments and hours-long filibustering by Democrat leader Hakeem Jeffries.

At one point, during those late hours and with time expired on an amendment vote that had failed, the camera feed over the House caught two members of Congress speaking to one another.

As they engage in discussion, a third member is seen walking onto the floor and taking a big grab out of the posterior of the mystery congressman, who is only seen from the back.

The grabby representative turns and then gives a chuckle and a wave to the member, who was clearly jolted by the move.

No member of Congress has addressed the clip since it made it to social media, on either the giving or receiving side of the grab.

In the subreddit that unearthed the video, various commenters had humorous takes on what happened.

'So they are playing grab-a** AND taking away all our healthcare and rights. Got it,' wrote one against the bill.

A member of Congress was seen on camera grabbing the backside of another during the tense, late night debate and votes on Donald Trump 's 'One Big, Beautiful Bill'

Congress passed President Donald Trump 's 'Big, Beautiful Bill,' a landmark piece of tax cuts and spending legislation containing many of the Republican's campaign promises

One comment joked that it resembled how athletes congratulate one another after a sporting event, writing: 'Good game.'

'Ugh. Immature. The standard is so low for American politicians,' bemoaned another.

One Redditor was more philosophical: 'Of the things to be mad about, this probably isnt it. My guess is that they are probably friends and hes messing with him. How about paying attention to what they are voting on instead.'

Congress passed President Donald Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill,' a landmark piece of tax cuts and spending legislation containing many of the Republican's campaign promises.

The president is set to sign the bill into law to celebrate the Fourth of July on Friday.

Dubbed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the $3.3 trillion measure took an all-encompassing, multi-year effort from Republicans in Congress to pass.

'I think I have more power now,' Trump said following the bill's passage. 'More gravitas, more power.'

'Biggest tax cut in history, great for security, great on the southern border...It's the biggest bill ever signed of its kind,' Trump continued.

In the subreddit that unearthed the video, various Redditors had humorous takes on what happened

He also made a point to heap praise on Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune for shepherding the measure through Congress despite nagging GOP pushback from conservatives and moderates.

After passing the House after hours of high-pressure negotiations with hold-out members, it will now head to the White House for Trump's signature.

The president will hold a signing ceremony for his bill on Independence Day between military flyovers, including the B-2 bombers recently deployed to Iran, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Thursday.

The behemoth, nearly 900-page legislative package extends the president's 2017 tax cuts and further eliminates taxes on tips and overtime - a marquee promise that the president pledged repeatedly on the campaign trail.

It doubles the child tax credit and includes a popular $1,000 'Trump investment account' - formerly known as MAGA accounts - for newborn babies.

Also included in the measure are steep cuts to Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and renewable energy programs expanded by former President Joe Biden.

The tax cuts alone will cost $4.5 trillion over the next ten years, according to projections from the Congressional Budget Office. To offset the massive price tag Republicans included $1.2 trillion in spending cuts, mainly trimming Medicaid, the health care program for the poor and disabled.

However, the measure stirred much controversy within GOP ranks and even drew the ire of billionaire Elon Musk for its massive spending, which he likened to 'political suicide.'

Speaker Mike Johnson gavels down the passing vote for President Donald Trump's 'big, beautiful bill'

Though that did not sway Trump and the White House from celebrating the measure.

'President Trumps One Big, Beautiful Bill delivers on the commonsense agenda that nearly 80 million Americans voted for  the largest middle-class tax cut in history, permanent border security, massive military funding, and restoring fiscal sanity,' Leavitt said in a statement following the successful vote.

'The pro-growth policies within this historic legislation are going to fuel an economic boom like weve never seen before. President Trump looks forward to signing the One Big, Beautiful Bill into law to officially usher in the Golden Age of America.'

Trump wrote on Truth Social before the vote: 'The USA is on track to break every record on growth. Go Republicans, beat the Crooked Democrats tonight! Pro-growth tax cuts never fail.'

'We had great conversations all day, and the Republican House Majority is united, for the good of our country, delivering the biggest tax cuts in history and massive growth.'
Justice Beale detailed the 'ultimate issue' the jury needs to consider, which is whether Patterson deliberately included death cap mushrooms in her lunch.

'Now the ultimate issues are whether the accused deliberately included death cap mushrooms in the beef Wellingtons, and whether she had the state of mind necessary for the alleged offences at the time she served the beef Wellingtons to them,' Justice Beale said.

'There are a number of issues that are related to those ultimate issues, and they include whether the accused had good reasons not to kill her lunch guests.

'Whether she foraged for edible mushrooms, why she cooked individual beef Wellingtons, why the children weren't at the lunch, whether she had a different plate to a guest, whether she allocated her own plate.

'Whether she engaged in incriminating conduct after the lunch.'

On Monday, Pastor Ian Wilkinson, with his arms crossed, looked sombre as the jury was instructed on how it should deal with the charge related to his attempted murder.

'Turning to the elements of attempted murder, as you know to prove that the accused committed the offence of attempted murder, in relation to Ian Wilkinson, the prosecution must prove the following four elements beyond reasonable doubt,' Justice Beale said.

'One, that the accused consciously, voluntarily and deliberately served Ian Wilkinson a poisoned meal, that's the alleged conduct.

'Two, the accused's alleged conduct was more than merely preparatory to killing Ian Wilkinson, and immediately and not remotely connected with killing Ian Wilkinson.

'Three, at the time of the alleged conduct, the accused intended to kill Ian Wilkinson, and four, the accused's alleged conduct had no lawful justification or excuse.'
He was overseas during latest hit last week

Convicted cocaine dealer Joe Frangieh has hit back at the 'cowards' who sprayed his mother's home with bullets in a drive-by shooting.

Police were called to the matriarch's home on Davidson Avenue in Concord in Sydney's inner-west shortly after 1am on June 256, amid reports 'five or six shots' had been fired.

The home belongs to Hasna Frangieh, mother of Joe and Ray Frangieh, who were jailed for cocaine supply in 2002.

It was bought by Ms Frangieh for $1.5million in 2015.

Joe Frangieh told Daily Mail Australia he was overseas at the time of the shooting and had 'no idea' if it was specifically targeted at his family home.

'I think only cowards shoot houses - why is the point (sic),' he said.

'What if my mother or kids were hit. How does that make you strong.

'It's [a] bunch of cowards and the Australian Police would have to be the most embarrassing force on the planet - they should step up and let the streets sort themselves out or step away.'

Joe Frangieh (pictured with his wife Sharon) has hit back at the shooters who targeted a house owned by his mother in Sydney's inner west, saying 'only cowards shoot houses'

Joe and his brother Ray Frangieh (pictured) were jailed for cocaine supply in 2002

Police were called to the property on Davidson Avenue in Concord in Sydney's inner-west shortly after 1am on Thursday (pictured)

Mr Frangieh added: 'And as for these idiots that are just doing these hits not knowing what they're doing, I feel sorry for them, as if they knew the consequences of their actions they would think twice.

'And that's [where] the problem lies, young idiots looking to make a quick earn ending up in jail for a very long time all for a little bit of money.'

A short time after responding to the shooting, emergency services were called to nearby car fire at Stuart Street in Burwood.

A stolen white 2021 Genesis was found rolling down the street while on fire.

It's understood the three occupants failed to put the handbrake on as they fled the scene in another white vehicle.

The Frangieh family has been targeted several times in the past.

In September 2003, shortly after the Frangieh brothers had been released from prison, their home in Bristol Street, Merrylands, was sprayed a dozen bullets.

Three months later, Mr Frangieh's father Sayed was fatally shot in the chest during another attack on the home.

Raymond Frangieh (pictured) was the intended target of a hit that saw his father Sayed shot in the chest during another attack on the home

A short time after responding to the shooting, emergency services were called to nearby car fire (pictured) at Stuart Street in Burwood

It was later revealed the intended target of the shooting was Ray Frangieh.

Ray had become embroiled in a dispute with another crime figure, Ken Tan, who had reportedly failed to pay him $50,000 after buying his luxury BMW.

Earlier that day, Ray had run Tan off the road in an altercation over the unpaid sum.

Tan was jailed for manslaughter after it emerged he had sent associates to carry out the botched hit.
Julie Bishop has come under fire for bleeding a cash-strapped university of almost $800,000 in expenses over a single year in her role as chancellor.

Last year, the former deputy Liberal leader charged the Australian National University (ANU) $150,000 in rent for her luxury chancellery office on Perth's Swan River.

This is on top of the $800,000 ANU spent renovating the office in the 40-storey glass building after Bishop was appointed as chancellor in 2020.

Added to the 2024 bill was a further $150,000 in travel, $109,000 in lease liability, $41,500 in office outgoings, $22,000 in parking, and $4,350 in cleaning.

There was also a $3,793 bill for electricity, $454 for plant hire, $254 for bins and a $1.38 charge for a pair of stainless steel tongs.

The eye-watering sums were laid bare in documents lodged with ASIC last year, obtained by the Australian Financial Review.

It comes as the embattled university continues to roll-out its controversial cost-cutting plan, including staff layoffs and a broad-sweeping restructure.

The revelations have added to concerns that Bishop has failed to adequately separate university commitments from those of her private consulting firm, Julie Bishop & Partners.

Julie Bishop (pictured) nabbed the prestigious posting as chancellor at the Australian National University in 2020

ANU spent a total of $790,000 on Bishop's expenses last year, as the cash-strapped university struggled under consecutive years of operating deficits

One document listed her chancellery office in Perth as the address for her consulting firm, which is registered to an address on Flinders Street in Adelaide's CBD.

Meanwhile, a second ASIC document, dated February 2024, listed the ANU office as Bishop's 'residential address'.

The oversights have revived concerns over the complex structure governing the former politician's approach to university and non-university affairs.

'This stinks,' National Tertiary Education Union ACT division secretary Dr Lachlan Clohesy told Daily Mail Australia.

'Staff have long suspected that the ANU Perth office is being used for private consultancy work, and it has now become apparent that Julie Bishop listed the ANU Perth office address on documents related to Julie Bishop and Partners.'

Dr Clohesy said the 'blurry line' between her university and consulting work and 'extravagant expenses' spoke to a 'culture of entitlement'.

'Our position has been clear. The chancellor should be sacked,' he said.

A member of Bishop's staff told the Financial Review ASIC had been notified of the 'error', adding an 'alternative physical address was provided'.

Bishop is pictured at the Melbourne Fashion Festival in March, 2025

'All entities were notified of the error and rectification.'

An ANU spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia it was 'satisfied' with the governance and controls regarding Bishop's use of the ANU Perth office.

'The expenditure for the ANU Perth office and the travel budget has been in line with other ANU capital city offices and previous Chancellors,' the spokesperson said.

Asked whether ANU intended to encourage Bishop to reduce her expenses, the spokesperson said it had 'significantly reduced the allocated budget'.

More than 800 ANU employees passed a vote of no confidence against Bishop and ANU vice chancellor Genevieve Bell's leadership in February.

The vote, arranged by the National Tertiary Education Union, passed with a 95 per cent vote against the two leaders.

Jonathan Churchill, ANU's chief operating officer told staff in an email the vote was not representative of the university's nearly 5,000 employee headcount, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

However, Dr Clohesy insisted ANU staff have no confidence in Julie Bishop as chancellor of the uni.

Hundreds of staff at the cash-strapped university passed a vote of no confidence in a union-led vote against Julie Bishop last year

The embattled university has announced several rounds of job cuts since unveiling its controversial cost-cutting and restructure plans in October last year.

A statement on ANU's website justified the cuts on the basis the university had recorded repeated operating deficits worth a cumulative $600m since 2020.

Bishop has previously rejected suggestions of financial mismanagement despite repeated budget blowouts and last year appeared to blame staff for the woes.

Asked by the Canberra Times whether it was fair to ask staff to forego an planned pay increase, she answered: 'It depends to whom you refer, because many members of staff have been part of the inefficiencies that the university is now seeking to address.'

Bishop forewent her $75,000 honorarium in 2020 to account for the financial impact of the COVID-19 crisis.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Bishop has been contacted for comment
Qantas customers need to remain vigilant in the coming days after a hacker targeted a third-party platform containing the personal information of millions of people.

Names, phone numbers, dates of birth and email addresses are among the data believed to have been leaked.

In an update on Friday, Qantas said the group believed responsible for the incident remained unclear and that it had not received a ransom request.

The biggest risk for people now is that their data is used to attempt fraud or even steal their identity.

Airlines are being warned to tighten security after a hack affecting millions of Qantas customers has left the aviation giant exposed to possible legal action.

Legal experts have suggested the incident could lead to a class action in a repeat of compensation claims lodged following major breaches at Optus and Medibank in 2022.

The hack of sensitive customer details at the health insurer could end up costing it $700million or more, analysts have said.

The primary wrongdoing was clearly with the hackers, but Qantas could still face secondary liability if it was found to have breached its duties, Monash University associate law professor Michael Duffy said.

Qantas customers have been urged to change their passwords in the wake of a major cyberattack that exposed the personal information of six million (stock)

Names, phone numbers, dates of birth and email addresses were hacked (stock image)

'Based on previous class actions that have been taken for data breaches, there is certainly a possibility of action being taken against Qantas,' he told AAP.

'This issue of data and privacy breaches is not going to go away.'

The exposure of customers' dates of birth was particularly sensitive, Assoc Prof Duffy said.

'While exposure of names and email addresses is a concern, any exposure of dates of birth is more serious because of the potential for wrongdoers to try and use them for nefarious purposes,' he said.

Qantas has reassured customers that their financial information, passport numbers, credit card details and frequent flyer PINs were not accessed.

It is not the first time an airline has faced a cyber attack, with America's Hawaiian Airlines and WestJet compromised in recent weeks.

Security experts warn the hack could mean the aviation industry is being targeted.

'Airlines hold all kinds of sensitive information, and cybercriminals are looking to take it,' NordVPN chief technology officer Marijus Briedis said.

In an update on Friday, Qantas said the group believed responsible for the incident remained unclear and that it had not received a ransom request (pictured, a Qantas terminal in Sydney)

'The industry needs to implement proactive, multi-layered security approaches that assume breaches will happen and focus on minimising their impact.'

There is speculation the hackers responsible for the airline attacks is Scattered Spider, a group of young cyber criminals living in the US and UK.

Security experts are concerned about the risk of follow-on scams targeting affected customers.

Macquarie University's Dali Kaafar said the release of private details could lead to malicious actors building a more complete profile about individuals, making them more susceptible to other forms of cyber crime.

He warned Qantas customers to change their passwords and access codes to prevent potential hacks.

That was because many people used their date of birth as a PIN, but the information had now been compromised, Professor Kaafar said.

A support line has been established to provide Qantas customers with the latest information (pictured, travellers at the Qantas Departure Terminal in Sydney)

Qantas is investigating the cyber attack and its impacts, urging customers to be on high alert for future scam attempts.

Chief executive Vanessa Hudson confirmed the company was working closely with the National Cyber Security Coordinator, the Australian Cyber Security Centre and independent specialised cyber security experts.

A customer support line was established to provide customers with the latest information.

Qantas shares were slightly up on Thursday after initially shedding 3.6 per cent following news of the hack.
President Donald Trump is sending 200 Marines to Florida to help ICE officials on the ground as leading Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez warns voters 'it is an explosion.'

Trump's mobilization of the Marines came after a request from the Department of Homeland Security in May for military assistance.

Last month, he deployed 700 Marines to Los Angeles to contend with unruly anti-immigration protestors, sparking a furious response from California Governor Gavin Newsom.

'These Marines are the first wave of U.S. Northern Command's support of this ICE mission,' the Northern Command said in a statement.

Other deployments are expected to be made to Louisiana and Texas, officials said.

The service members who are called to duty in Florida will 'perform strictly non law enforcement duties within ICE facilities.'

This will include administrative and logistical tasks, freeing up ICE agents to dedicate their working hours to conducting arrests and tracking down illegal criminals.

'They are specifically prohibited from direct contact with individuals in ICE custody or involvement in any aspect of the custody chain,' the statement added.

Trump's mobilization of the Marines came after a request from the Department of Homeland Security in May for military assistance. They were recently deployed to Los Angeles (pictured)

The passage of the bill sparked a furious response from leading Democrat Ocasio-Cortez , who warned: 'I don't think anyone is prepared for what they just did w/ ICE'

Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin told CBS that the Marines 'will be trained and ready to assist with immigration processing at locations across the state of Florida.'

She said this would be 'consistent with the whole-of-government approach to deliver on President Trump's mandate from the American people to remove public safety threats from American communities.'

It comes after Trump's Big, Beautiful Bill finally passed through Congress, paving the way for him to sign it into law on Friday July 4 - Independence Day.

The landmark tax cuts and spending legislation contains many of the Republican's campaign promises, totaling $3.3 trillion.

The tax cuts alone will cost $4.5 trillion over the next ten years, according to projections from the Congressional Budget Office. To offset the massive price tag Republicans included $1.2 trillion in spending cuts, mainly trimming Medicaid, the health care program for the poor and disabled.

Border security efforts will also be getting a major cash infusion estimated to be around $150 billion for increased immigration enforcement.

It includes $46 billion for Customs and Border Patrol to build border wall and enhanced security measures and around $30 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The passage of the bill sparked a furious response from leading Democrat Ocasio-Cortez, who warned: 'I don't think anyone is prepared for what they just did w/ ICE.'

It comes after Trump's Big, Beautiful Bill finally passed through Congress, paving the way for him to sign it into law on Friday July 4 - Independence Day

Border security efforts will also be getting a major cash infusion estimated to be around $150 billion for increased immigration enforcement.

'This is not a simple budget increase. It is an explosion - making ICE bigger than the FBI, US Bureau of Prisons, DEA and others combined,' she wrote on Bluesky.

'It is setting up to make what's happening now look like child's play.'

In a chilling warning to the public, Ocasio-Cortez warned: 'People are disappearing.'

The measure also stirred controversy within GOP ranks and even drew the ire of billionaire Elon Musk for its massive spending, which he likened to 'political suicide.'

Trump has committed to embarking on the largest mass deportation scheme in American history as part of his mission to secure US borders.

Last month, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth greenlit up to 700 military personnel helping ICE agents across Florida, Louisiana and Texas.

At least 8,500 other service members have been deployed to the US-Mexico border for border enforcement and to help build the wall.

And in Florida, Trump has proudly touted his 'Alligator Alcatraz' detention facility, which will be manned by just under 70 Florida National Guard troops.

The service members who are called to duty in Florida will 'perform strictly non law enforcement duties within ICE facilities'

Last month, he deployed 700 Marines to Los Angeles to contend with unruly anti-immigration protestors, sparking a furious response from California Governor Gavin Newsom

Trump on Tuesday toured the new immigration detention center surrounded by alligator-filled swamps in the Florida Everglades, suggesting it could be a model for future lockups nationwide as his administration races to expand the infrastructure necessary for increasing deportations.

Trump said he'd like to see similar facilities in 'really, many states' and raised the prospect of also deporting US citizens.

'Pretty soon, this facility will handle the most menacing migrants, some of the most vicious people on the planet,' Trump said of Alligator Alcatraz.

The president said the moniker is 'very appropriate because I looked outside and that's not a place I want to go hiking anytime soon.'

'The only way out, really, is deportation.'
A British tourist and her friend from New Zealand were killed by a charging elephant during a 'sunrise safari walk' in Zambia.

Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba said the victims, a 68-year-old and a 67-year-old, were attacked by a female elephant that was with a calf at South Luangwa National Park at around 6am Thursday.

The two women who had been based at the Big Lagoon Bush Camp had been taking the early morning walk to another part of the camp when the incident took place.

'Two female tourists while taking a safari walk to a crossing point at Luangwa river spotted an elephant with a calf at a distance and diverted about 50m away, but within few minutes after diverting a tea bearer who is usually behind saw the elephant charging at them,' Mweemba said.

The tea bearer reportedly shouted 'elephants' and as the two women turned around they saw it storming towards them at high speed.

The New Zealander, who had a leg problem, was tragically caught first.

Safari guides who were with the group fired shots at the elephant in a desperate attempt to stop it from charging at the women.

But despite the shots, the elephant also caught the British woman.

Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba said the victims, a 68-year-old and a 67-year-old, were attacked by a female elephant that was with a calf at South Luangwa National Park (pictured)

Safari guides who were with the group fired shots at the elephant in a desperate attempt to stop it from charging at the women (file photo)

The elephant was hit and wounded by the gunshots, but the guides were unable to prevent the attack and both women died at the scene, police said.

The pair of tourists had stayed for four days in the camp and they were heading to another camp named Takwela Camp before the attack.

A local posted a tribute to the two women. 'Near Big Lagoon Bush Camp, at sunrise, a walk meant to explore turned sorrowful when a nursing elephant, accompanied by her calf, charged out of instinct,' they said.

'Despite the presence of trained guides, the moment unfolded too swiftly.'

The pair 'had spent four peaceful days immersed in nature's embrace. Their journey was meant to continue - but instead, we remember them for their courage, their curiosity, and their love for life's wild places', they added.

The bodies of the two women have been taken to Mambwe District Hospital for mortuary services, awaiting further details.

According to the South Luangwa National Park website, the region's 'concentration of animals is some of the most dense in all of Africa'.

'You don't have to travel to the most remote areas of the park to see some amazing animal sights,' the site said.

'In fact, don't be surprised if a handful of elephants wander in and out of your camp, as they have a habit of making themselves welcome.'

Female elephants are very protective of their calves and can respond aggressively to what they perceive as threats.

The pair of tourists had stayed for four days in the camp and they were heading to another camp named Takwela Camp before the attack (file photo)

Last year, two American tourists were killed in separate encounters with elephants in different parts of Zambia.

In both cases, the tourists were also elderly women and were on a safari vehicle when they were attacked.

Juliana Gle Tourneau, 64, from New Mexico, was killed by an elephant during a safari drive in Zambia on June 19 last year.

The attack came after her group stopped near the Maramba Cultural Bridge in Livingstone due to traffic caused by a herd, and left the vehicle in breach of National Park regulations.

In a separate incident, Gail Mattson, 79, from Minnesota, was killed during a game drive in Zambia's Kafue National Park.

The animal charged towards the truck she was in and flipped it over, killing Mattson and injuring five others.
Four people were killed and more than a dozen others were wounded in what police have called a 'targeted' drive-by shooting at a Chicago rapper's album release party Wednesday night.

Police have said that at around 11pm, a dark vehicle drove past Artis Restaurant and Lounge in the city's River North neighborhood where crowds gathered to celebrate the release of rapper Mello Buckzz's new album, Hollyhood.

As many as three occupants of the vehicle then opened fire into the crowd.

In shocking surveillance footage shared online shows, the dark-colored car could be seen pulling up next to the restaurant on West Chicago Avenue when at least one person pointed a gun out of the window and began firing.

The gunshots immediately sent a large group of people standing on the sidewalk outside scrambling to find cover.

One witness claimed to the Chicago Sun-Times he heard at least two dozen shots before police arrived on the scene.

Victims ranging in age from 21 to 32 were then rushed to community hospitals, where two men and two women were pronounced dead and four others remain in critical condition, CBS News reports.

The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office has since identified the male victims as 25-year-old Leon Andrew Henry and 23-year-old Devonte Terrell Williamson, who was dating Mello Buckzz.

Four people were killed and more than a dozen others were injured in a drive-by shooting outside of a rapper's album release party in Chicago Wednesday night

One witness claimed to the Chicago Sun-Times he heard at least two dozen shots before police arrived on the scene

The names of the female victims have not yet been released, but Shaniah Battle, who was among the wounded, told CBS News that one of them was her sister, Aviance King.

Mello Buckzz, whose real name is Melanie Doyle, also identified the other victim as a woman named Taylor in a tribute on social media.

'Prayers up for all my sisters, God please, wrap yo' arms around every last one of them,' the rapper added in another post. 'Feel like everything just weighing down on me... all I can do is talk to God and pray.'

She also shared pics of her and Williamson together, with a caption reading 'my handsomeee man.'

'I don't wish this typa pain on nobody,' Mello Buckzz added.

Police now say they believe the rap star was the intended target of the shooting - but she had already left the venue when the assailants opened fire.

An unidentified source also told the Sun-Times the occupants of the black Honda Accord initially circled around the front of the club to see who was there.

When the car then came back around, the occupants opened fire before fleeing eastward.

'They didn't care who was struck, and in a matter of seconds they were able to shoot 18 people,' Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said at a news conference on Thursday.

Mello Buckzz, whose real name is Melanie Doyle, rented out the venue to celebrate the release of her new album Hollyhood. It is now believed she was the intended target

Mello Buckzz shared this photo of her with two of the victims, including her boyfriend Devonte Terrell Williamson, 23

He added that police believe it was an 'isolated' attack, noting that the restaurant was rented out specifically for the album-release party.

Snelling went on to say that police believe there may have been as many as three shooters, with police finding both handgun and rifle rounds from the scene and several shell casings inside the club.

But he would not confirm or deny whether the shooting may have been gang related, as Mello Buckzz appeared to claim an affiliation with a Chicago gang on her Facebook page.

It includes a reference to NLMB - an acronym for the No Limit Muskegon Boys gang in the city, the Sun-Times reports.

Prominent drill rapper G Herbo is a longtime associate of the gang and was featured on a track on Mello Buckzz's new album.

Officers have issued as summary closure of the restaurant - which is located at the site of a nightclub that was shut down by city officials more than two years ago after a fatal mass shooting happened outside

Dozens of revelers were rushed to community hospitals following the shooting

As the police investigation continues, Snelling said officers issued as summary closure of the restaurant - which is located at the site of a nightclub that was shut down by city officials more than two years ago after a fatal mass shooting happened outside.

The police superintendent added that officers stand prepared for any possible retaliation.

'There's coordination - not only coordination with our local partners here, but also our federal partners when it comes to the possibility of gang conflict,' the police superintendent said.

'We're also making sure that anything that we uncover - and there's a possibility of retaliation - we would have an idea of where that retaliation could occur and we would put resources in place to prevent that.'

Police will also be out in full force over the holiday weekend 'making sure we are keeping the city safe and protecting lives,' Snelling assured the public.

The owners of Artis Restaurant and Lounge said they would cooperate with police in its investigation into the deadly drive-by shooting

Police will be out in full force for the holiday weekend and are prepared for any possible retaliation, Superintendent Larry Snelling said

In a statement, the owners of Artis Lounge confirmed they are working with police in their investigation.

'Last night, an act of violence occurred within the vicinity of our restaurant and it deeply shook us,' they said.

'Artis was created as a safe space. A space where black, brown, queer and allied communities could gather, be celebrated and feel at home in River North. We've always led with that mission. And what happened last night disrupted it in the most painful way.'

'Our hearts are with the victims and their loved ones.'
A toddler has died after police were called to a house following reports of 'concern for a child'.

Cops have launched an urgent investigation into the one-year-old girl's death, which happened in Sheffield on Wednesday evening.

The force were alerted by paramedics from an address on Overend Way.

Yorkshire Ambulance Service rushed the child to hospital, but she tragically died shortly after.

A toddler died after police were called to a property following reports of 'concern for a child'. The force were alerted by paramedics from an address on Overend Way (pictured)

Yorkshire Ambulance Service rushed the one-year-old girl to hospital but she tragically died shortly after (stock image)

A South Yorkshire Police spokesman said: 'Last night, Wednesday 2 July, we received a call from Yorkshire Ambulance Service alerting us to a concern for a child at a property on Overend Way in Sheffield.

'Officers responded and a one year-old child was taken to hospital by ambulance, where she sadly later died.

'Officers are working to ascertain the circumstances that lead to the child's death and our investigation remains on-going.'
Ignorant city slickers have come under fire from country folk for not following a common 'bush law', leaving many locals frustrated.

An Australian recently vented on Reddit about travellers lacking proper gate etiquette when passing through rural properties.

'If you drive into a property and their gate is shut, f***ing shut it after you come in!' they wrote.

'I thought the gate thing was widely understood in this country but apparently some people need a stern reminder.'

The Aussie explained that their golden retriever went missing after someone left a gate open while passing through their land.

Fortunately, the story had a happy ending.

'The dog is fine. I caught her in the neighbour's driveway going after a rabbit,' they wrote.

The original Reddit rant drew strong support, with over 5,000 likes and nearly 500 comments.

An Aussie's Reddit rant about leaving gates open has gone viral (stock image)

If a gate is closed when approaching it, it must be left closed after passing through it

One summed it up simply: 'Bush law: leave gates as you found them.'

Another added: 'It's not just bush law, it's the actual law in Australia. Leaving a gate open that was otherwise closed on someone's private property can be considered a form of trespass.'

In New South Wales, the Inclosed Lands Protection Act 1901 states that anyone who enters enclosed land and wilfully or negligently leaves a gate open can be fined up to $220. In South Australia, the fine can reach $1,500.

Hunter Valley property owner Callum told news.com.au that city folk needed to be aware of the rules.

'It happens all the time with visitors,' he said. 'It's like going into someone's home, you don't open the door and then leave it open.

'In the country, your house extends out to the land that it's on, and people in the city don't understand that because they don't have property.

'If you're going to visit someone's property, then at least have the respect to close the gate behind you. Otherwise, don't visit. It takes a few seconds to get out of the car and shut it.'

Leaving gates open, or closed in some instances, is not only frustrating for land owners, but can have serious consequences for livestock

Other Aussies vented that it was not just an issue with larger properties.

'I had some sales guy come in and leave the gate open.

'The gate that my toddler had run out a few days before onto the road. I told him to go and shut it before I was going to talk to him.

'I was in a restaurant last week, inside but near the door, it was cold outside.'

'Every single person that came in or left, would open the door as far as it would go, then just leave it open,' another said.
Gavin Newsom continues to spark rumors he's running for president in 2028 as he heads to South Carolina for a 'meet and greet' this weekend.

Newsom, 57, was among the Democrats' most articulate surrogates last year, even as he brushed off speculation he was seeking the White House and made the case to reelect President Biden.

Now, the Democrat governor who has spent the past month feuding with the Trump administration over anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles, has made his clearest move yet that he's testing a 2028 run.

The South Carolina Democratic Party has invited Newsom for a two-day visit this weekend.

He will meet with victims and communities who have suffered natural disasters and 'speak to the urgent need for federal support and investment' from Washington.

In 2024, the southern state was moved to second in the nation behind only New Hampshire after its voters delivered the nomination in 2020 to Joe Biden.

Newsom was also active in the state during the 2024 race as a surrogate for Biden's failed, eventually aborted re-election campaign.

'For two days, Governor Newsom will listen to local concerns, share proven solutions on jobs, health care, and rural infrastructure, and spotlight South Carolinians who are already driving progress in their hometowns,' the state party said in a press release.

Gavin Newsom continues to spark rumors he's running for president in 2028 as he heads to South Carolina for a 'meet and greet' this weekend

In 2024, the southern state was moved to second in the nation behind only New Hampshire after its voters delivered the nomination in 2020 to Joe Biden. Pictured: A rally crowd for Kamala Harris in February 2024

Newsom is considered one of the contenders for the Democrat nomination in 2028, alongside 2024 loser Kamala Harris and 2020 reject Pete Buttigieg.

Trump himself suggested Newsom should run, despite having clashed with a number of Trump policies.

'I'd love him to run for president on the other side,' Trump said of Newsom in May.

He brought up Newsom in a backhanded way, once again turning his name into an insult by calling him 'Gavin New-scum' while seated alongside new Canadian PM Mark Carney, at an event where Trump softened his push to make Canada the 51st state by saying it 'takes two to tango.'

Trump started tearing into a high-speed rail project that California voters approved back in 2008, with costs ballooning to an estimated $100 billion.

As Trump described it in the Oval Office, it is a 'little train going from San Francisco to Los Angeles that's being run by Gavin New-scum, the governor of California.'

'He has got that train is the worst cost overrun I've ever seen. It's like totally out of control,' Trump said.

He complained that it's 'hundreds of billions of dollars for this stupid project that should have never been built.'

Trump (pictured center) himself suggested Newsom (pictured left) should run, despite having clashed with a number of Trump policies

Newsom is considered one of the contenders for the Democrat nomination in 2028, alongside 2024 loser Kamala Harris (pictured left) and 2020 reject Pete Buttigieg (pictured right)

Newsom was the one Democratic candidate Trump feared when running against Biden - and later Harris - in the 2024 race, according to Alex Isenstadt's book Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump's Return to Power.

The ex-president worried that Biden could drop out of the race cuing a Democratic primary.

Instead Biden dropped out of the race so late that the party quickly got behind Harris.

'One person he had been worried about was California Governor Gavin Newsom. Always fixated on visuals, Trump thought the handsome, hair-gelled governor was "slick" and the future of the Democratic Party,' Isenstadt wrote.

Trump was also annoyed that Fox News Channel's Sean Hannity woud keep having Newsom on his primetime show, Isenstadt said.

But in November of 2023, Newsom debated Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who was running against Trump in the Republican primary.

Trump, reportedly, wasn't impressed.

He thought Newsom had 'bombed,' Isenstadt wrote.

'Ron's an idiot, he doesn't have what it takes. But I thought Newsom would be better,' Trump said at the time, according to Isenstadt's account.

Newsom was consistently questioned as to whether he wanted to run after Joe Biden's debate disaster in June of 2024.

He consistently declined any presidential ambitions and remained behind Biden until he eventually dropped out.

The California governor has been attempting to reach out to conservatives of late, interviewing the likes of Charlie Kirk and Steve Bannon for his podcast, 'This is Gavin Newsom.'
A highly decorated black former police superintendent is suing the Metropolitan Police, claiming she was subjected to a racist and malicious witchhunt that 'destroyed' her career and health.

Ex-Superintendent Robyn Novlett Williams says the Met forced her out of the job after a six-year legal and disciplinary ordeal, sparked by her conviction over a child abuse video sent to her on WhatsApp, which she insists she never watched.

She is now taking the force to an employment tribunal, accusing it of racial and sexual discrimination, harassment, and victimisation.

In her testimony, Williams accused the Met of orchestrating a 'campaign of attack' targeting senior black and minority ethnic officers, and claimed the organisation was dominated by a 'white female clique' and 'white male pitbulls'.

The Met repeatedly tried to remove her from her post after the video, which showed child abuse, was discovered on her phone.

Williams said she didn't report the clip, sent by her sister, because she didn't see it and was the only one of 17 people who received the video to be prosecuted.

She has now accused the force of 'disproportionate and malicious attempts' to get rid of her and says she was 'ultimately forced to resign' last year after a long battle that severely impacted her mental and physical health, The Times reports.

She was probed in February 2018 after the 54-second video was found on her device.

Robyn Novlett Williams (pictured in 2016) is taking the force to an employment tribunal, accusing it of racial and sexual discrimination, harassment, and victimisation

In her testimony, Williams accused the Met of orchestrating a 'campaign of attack' targeting senior black and minority ethnic officers, and claimed the organisation was dominated by a 'white female clique' and 'white male pitbulls'

At the time, she had served 39 years in policing and had been awarded the Queen's Police Medal.

She told the tribunal that if she were a white male officer, the incident would have been handled internally.

'Despite my absolutely unblemished record, this crime was prosecuted in a way determined to take me down,' she said, claiming the lead investigator pursued the case aggressively because he was 'angry' she had supported a colleague who had complained of racism and bullying.

She added: 'I was their most successful and award-winning Black female officer, and they destroyed me.'

After being found guilty, she was ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and register as a sex offender for five years.

She was fired despite the judge ruling there was no sexual element to the crime.

But the Police Appeals Tribunal slammed the brakes on the Met's move and forced them to reinstate her.

Ex Superintendent Novlett Williams says the Met forced her out of the job after a six-year legal and disciplinary ordeal, sparked by her conviction over a child abuse video sent to her on WhatsApp, which she insists she never watched

In her statement, Williams said returning to work had been 'scary' as she felt she had a 'target' on her back and that she has been in an 'extreme distress and was overwhelmed' that her life had been 'shattered'.

The Met lost its fight against the PAT's ruling in the High Court, then hit Williams with a fresh investigation over claims she failed to declare bank cards and an overseas trip, which she was legally obliged to report as a registered sex offender.

Williams says the force tried to 'capitalise' on these breaches by pushing her to accept a police caution  something she knew would lead straight to disciplinary action and getting sacked.

'It was a set-up, disproportionate and malicious,' Williams said, adding the Met 'pressured' the Crown Prosecution Service to bring charges against her.

The Met declined to comment.
MPs who voice support for the controversial protest group Palestine Action in the Commons will be shielded from prosecution under terror laws by parliamentary privilege.

Despite officially being branded a terrorist organisation, MPs like Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana will be able to openly back the group from the safety of the chamber.

And they will not face the same legal consequences that would apply to any ordinary Briton making similar comments in public or online, The Times reports.

The parliamentary loophole means that MPs can champion or even encourage Palestine Action, despite the fact that anyone else doing so outside Parliament could face up to 14 years behind bars.

It comes after a damning vote in the Commons saw MPs move to proscribe Palestine Action - placing it alongside terror groups including Hamas, al-Qaeda and Islamic State.

But 26 MPs voted against the move, including nine from Labour's Left, such as Dianna Abbott, Clive Lewis and Richard Burgon - all of whom served under Jeremy Corbyn.

The ban was backed overwhelmingly by 385 votes to 26, with the House of Lords also giving its seal of approval.

A limp attempt by a Green peer to derail the decision failed miserably, rejected by 144 to 16.

Despite officially being branded a terrorist organisation, in an astonishing move, elected MPs will be able to openly back the group Palestine Action from the safety of the Commons chamber

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn speaks as pro-Palestinian demonstrators protest through central London, calling for the UK government to stop allowing arms exports and military co-operation with Israel, in London, Britain, June 21, 2025

But despite the crackdown, Commons officials confirmed that MPs who speak in support of Palestine Action during official proceedings - including debates, questions, or committees - cannot be prosecuted thanks to parliamentary privilege.

Parliamentary privilege is a centuries-old protection originally designed to safeguard democracy.

The controversy comes just days after two military planes were vandalised at RAF Brize Norton, with the damage  claimed by Palestine Action  running to a staggering 7 million.

Four suspects have since been charged by counter-terrorism police.

Amy Gardiner-Gibson, 29, and Jony Cink, 24, both of no fixed abode, along with the north London duo of Daniel Jeronymides-Norie, 36, of Barnet, and Lewis Chiaramello, 22, of Cricklewood, appeared at Westminster magistrates' court.

The Crown Prosecution Service said it submitted 'that these offences have a terrorist connection'.

The defendants, who held hands and smiled as they entered the dock, spoke only to confirm their names. They also made peace signs, blew kisses and waved at supporters in the public gallery.

Yet, under House Rules, any MP can still praise the group's actions without fear, as long as they do so within the parliamentary estate.

Guidance for MPs states: 'This allows you to speak up on behalf of constituents, express an opinion, or condemn corruption, malpractice or even criminal activity without fear of legal action, as long as you do so in proceedings of the House.

'This protection extends to written proceedings: for example, written and oral questions, motions, early day motions, and amendments tabled to bills and motions.

RAF Voyager aircrast at RAF Brize Norton that was vandalised with spray paint

Court artist drawing by Elizabeth Cook of (left to right) Jony Cink, 24, Amy Gardiner-Gibson, 29, Lewie Chiaramello and Daniel Jeronymides-Norie, 35, appearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court, London, where they are charged with conspiracy to enter a prohibited place knowingly for a purpose prejudicial to the safety or interests of the United Kingdom, and conspiracy to commit criminal damage following an incident at RAF Brize Norton

Police officers stand as protesters from 'Palestine Action' demonstrate on the roof of Guardtech Group in Brandon, Suffolk, Britain, July 1, 2025

Diane Abbott, the Labour Party MP for Hackney North & Stoke Newington, also opposed proscription

'Anyone giving evidence to a committee of the House also has this protection, which is a safeguard for witnesses and also ensures that select committees are not obstructed in their inquiries by threats of legal action, or any other kind of threat against witnesses.'

Lord Hanson, a minister at the Home Office, defended the move to remove Palestine Action's 'veil of legitimacy'.

He said: 'I will always defend the right of British people to engage in legitimate and peaceful protest and to stand up for the causes in which they believe.

'But essential as these rights are, they do not provide a blank cheque for this particular group to seriously damage property or subject members of the public to fear and violence.

'We would not tolerate this activity from organisations if they were motivated by Islamist or extreme Right-wing ideology, and therefore I cannot tolerate it from Palestine Action.

'By implementing this measure, we will remove Palestine Action's veil of legitimacy, tackle its financial support, degrade its efforts to recruit and radicalise people into committing terrorist activity in its name.'

But predictably, Jeremy Corbyn hit back, claiming the move would have a 'chilling effect' on protest.

'Surely we should be looking at the issue that Palestine Action are concerned about, and the supply of weapons from this country to Israel, which has made all this possible. If this order goes through it will have a chilling effect on protests,' he said.

Critics argue that MPs should not be allowed to hide behind privilege when speaking in support of groups associated with criminal damage and intimidation.

Red paint covers the damaged exterior of Guardtech Group during a protest by 'Palestine Action', in Brandon, Suffolk, Britain, July 1, 2025

John McDonnell addresses a rally in defence of Palestine Action on Wednesday

Pro-Palestine MP Zarah Sultana announced she has quit Labour to join forces with Jeremy Corbyn in creating a new left-wing party

But unless rules are changed, those very same MPs can continue to air their views without consequence, while members of the public could be jailed for saying far less.

It comes after pro-Palestine MP Zarah Sultana announced she has quit Labour to join forces with Jeremy Corbyn in creating a new left-wing party.

Former opposition leader Corbyn claimed yesterday there was a 'thirst' among voters 'for an alternative view to be put' forward - and did not rule out leading it at the age of 76.

He has now been boosted by the arrival of Sultana, who has sat in the Commons as an independent MP since she had the Labour whip withdrawn last year.

In response to the Sultana's shock move, Corbyn's former shadow chancellor John McDonnell said: 'The people running Labour at the moment need to ask themselves why a young, articulate, talented, extremely dedicated socialist feels she now has no home in the Labour Party and has to leave.'
An elderly woman is the latest victim of a 'disgraceful' spiritual blessing scam defrauding dozens of people out of priceless jewels and thousands of dollars.

NSW Police arrested a 63-year-old woman at Sydney Airport on Thursday night before taking her to Mascot Police Station.

She is accused of defrauding a 77-year-old woman out of $130,000 in cash and jewellery in Parramatta, in the city's west, in June.

Detective Superintendent Guy Magee told a press conference on Friday that police believed over 50 people were involved in the scam in Sydney and Melbourne.

He said the men act as the coordinators, while the women are tasked with convincing victims their wealth needed to be blessed to protect their families from spirits.

Supt Magee said the syndicate was 'targeting the entire east coast'.

'The offending could be double what we think,' he told reporters.

'There is an element of shame and humiliation for the victims... please don't be [ashamed] and let us stand alongside you.

NSW Police arrested a 63-year-old woman (pictured) at Sydney Airport on Thursday night

The woman was taken to Mascot Police Station and charged with three offences

She was set to face Parramatta Local Court on Friday after being denied police bail

'We're also calling out to the younger generations of these Asian communities to tell their parents and grandparents about this scam.

'Tell them they shouldn't be talking to strangers or taking them back to their homes.

'Tell them not to follow anyone to a herbal or spiritual healer.'

Police said it is the latest example of a scam aimed at people of Asian backgrounds, where alleged offenders 'exploit cultural fears'.

'Once the scammers are in possession of their money and valuables including jewellery, the items are swapped with items of no value and the women are encouraged not to open the bags for an extended time,' police said.

A police Strike Force has been in operation since April, investigating alleged blessing scams across Sydney since 2023.

Police have received reports of more than 80 incidents in that time and say the scams have netted a cool $3million in cash and valuables.

The 63-year-old woman arrested on Thursday was charged with dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception, participating in a criminal group, and demanding property in company with menaces with intent to steal.

She was set to face Parramatta Local Court on Friday after being denied police bail.
A family cruise turned into a nightmare after a 62-year-old woman disappeared while hiking alone during a port stop in Juneau, Alaska.

Marites Buenafe, 62, of Kentucky, was reported missing on Tuesday after she failed to return to the Norwegian Bliss cruise ship following a solo hike on Mount Roberts.

Buenafe, an physician with UK HealthCare, was on a family vacation when she told relatives she planned to ride the Mount Roberts Tramway and hike the trail from Gold Ridge to Gastineau Peak while the sprawling cruise ship docked in Juneau.

She was last seen on security footage around 7:30 a.m. on July 1, leaving the buildings at the upper station of the Mount Roberts Tramway, according to a bulletin issued by Alaska State Troopers on Wednesday.

Her absence was discovered after she failed to return to the ship before its scheduled 1:30 p.m. departure.

After confirming she had not reboarded, her family alerted authorities, prompting a multi-agency search effort.

A Norwegian Cruise Line spokesperson later confirmed the search for the missing doctor.

Marites Buenafe, 62, of Kentucky, was reported missing on Tuesday after she failed to return to the Norwegian Bliss cruise ship following a solo hike on Mount Roberts

Buenafe was last seen on security footage around 7:30 a.m. on July 1, leaving the buildings at the upper station of the Mount Roberts Tramway (pictured)

'An active search is ongoing, and we are providing assistance to local authorities as appropriate. Our CARE team is providing support to the guest's family, and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time,' the luxury cruise line spokesperson said.

Alaska State Troopers are leading the extensive search, with support from Juneau Mountain Rescue, Juneau Police Department, the U.S. Coast Guard, and search-and-rescue dogs from Southeast Alaska Dogs Organized for Ground Search (SEADOGS), The New York Times reported.

Teams of volunteers have been searching the Mount Roberts area on foot, as well as deploying drones and helicopters. However, officials noted that poor weather has limited the effectiveness of air operations.

'We remain optimistic that we will find Marites alive,' Austin McDaniel, a spokesperson for the Department of Public Safety, said Thursday.

The search is concentrated in the mountains just south of downtown Juneau, which McDaniel emphasized is not considered a remote area.

Though popular with tourists and locals, the trail winds through steep and densely wooded terrain that can quickly become dangerous due to unpredictable mountain weather.

'Backcountry travel in Alaska, even close to town, can present serious challenges,' Alaska State Troopers said in a statement. 'We urge anyone venturing into these areas to hike with a partner, carry communication gear, and leave a detailed plan with someone.'

Buenafe was on a family cruise when she told relatives she planned to ride the Mount Roberts Tramway and hike the trail from Gold Ridge to Gastineau Peak while the boat stopped at a port in Juneau

The search is concentrated in the mountains just south of downtown Juneau (pictured)

Norwegian Cruise Line said it is continuing to work closely with authorities and that its CARE team remains in contact with Buenafe's family. Pictured: The cruise ship Norwegian Bliss is shown docked in Juneau, Alaska

Buenafe is described as 5 feet tall, approximately 118 pounds, with short black hair and brown eyes.

Norwegian Cruise Line said it is continuing to work closely with authorities and that its CARE team remains in contact with Buenafe's family.

The Norwegian Bliss has continued its scheduled route, with upcoming stops in Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, and Victoria before returning to Seattle.

As of Thursday evening, Buenafe had not been found.

Authorities are urging anyone who may have seen her on the trail or in the Mount Roberts area on July 1 to contact Alaska State Troopers in Juneau at (907) 465-4000, referencing case number AK25063914.

Search efforts remain active and will continue as conditions allow.
Australia's first combat aircraft designed and built in more than 50 years has completed its first flight outside a testing facility.

The MQ-28A Ghost Bat drone successfully completed its first flight - codenamed Exercise Carlsbad at RAAF Base Tindal, near Katherine in the Northern Territory.

The exercise was part of a broader series of trials to demonstrate the Ghost Bat's capabilities in a simulated combat scenario.

The MQ-28A is an AI-enabled, autonomous, uncrewed Collaborative Combat Aircraft, designed to fly alongside traditional fighter jets and take on mission roles typically performed by pilots.

Developed by Boeing Australia in partnership with the Royal Australian Air Force, the Ghost Bat marks a major step forward in Australian aerospace innovation.

Over 80 Australian companies contributed to the program.

'This is a huge achievement of the collaborative work between the Royal Australian Air Force and Boeing Defence Australia,' Wing Commander Phillip Parsons said.

'Our success has also been due to ongoing work with the Collaborative Autonomous Systems Project Office, Air Force Headquarters, Air Warfare Centre, and the local base squadrons at RAAF Base Tindal.'

Live fire testing of air-to-air weapons is planned for late 2025.

The first combat aircraft designed, built and engineered in Australia in more than 50 years recently completed its first flight outside a testing facility

One of the The MQ-28A Ghost Bat's prepares to launch

The MQ-28A Ghost Bat will save Aussie lives according to the defence force

'What we're going to do this year is, we're going to accelerate into a weapon shot from the drone,' Boeing Defense, Space & Security interim President and CEO Steve Parker said.

'We'll definitely look at air-ground in the future, but our focus priority is air-to-air. And we'll talk about what the weapon is in the future, at a future point in time.'

Exercise Carlsbad tested the MQ-28A Ghost Bat's ability to be deployed, redeployed, and operated effectively in unfamiliar conditions.

'The main intent of Exercise Carlsbad was to understand all the fundamental inputs to capability in relation to the MQ-28A,' Wing Commander Parsons said.

Before the flight, a series of ground-based checks were conducted to ensure all systems were functioning properly.

Wing Commander Parsons said the aircraft would provide the combat mass needed to defend Australia and its national interests.

'Capabilities such as the MQ-28A are important as they will save Australian lives and provide us with the combat mass to defend Australia and its national interests,' Wing Commander Parsons said.

Canberra is optimistic that the Ghost Bat program will open up significant export opportunities for the Australian defence industry.

At least one Ghost Bat has already been seen in the United States.
Donald Trump signed an executive order to keep with his 'America First' agenda increasing entry fees with a tax on foreign nationals at U.S. national parks, while making it less expensive for citizens.

The additional revenue generated by higher fees from foreign tourists will raise hundreds of millions of dollars for conservation and deferred maintenance projects to improve national parks, the White House said in a statement.

Trump spoke about the change at his wild rally at the Iowa State Fair Thursday, meant to serve as an introduction to his celebration of America's 250th anniversary.

'To fund improvements and enhanced experiences across the park system, I've just signed an executive order to raise entrance fees for foreign tourists while keeping prices low for Americans,' he said.

'The national parks will be about America first.'

The executive order directs the Interior Department, parent agency of the Park Service, to increase entrance fees paid by park visitors from abroad, but does not say by how much or when the rates would go into effect.

It also directs the Park Service to ensure that U.S. residents receive priority access over foreign visitors in any of its permitting or reservation systems.

'It is the policy of my Administration to preserve these opportunities for American families in future generations by increasing entry fees for foreign tourists, improving affordability for United States residents, and expanding opportunities to enjoy America's splendid national treasures,' Trump wrote.

Donald Trump signed an executive order to keep with his 'America First' agenda increasing entry fees to U.S. national parks by foreign nationals, while making it less expensive for citizens

The additional revenue generated by higher fees from foreign tourists will raise hundreds of millions of dollars for conservation and deferred maintenance projects to improve national parks

Trump also revoked a 2017 memorandum from Barack Obama that promoted diversity in the parks service.

Currently, U.S. citizens in effect pay more than foreign tourists to visit the nation's scenic natural wonders and historic landmarks because their admissions fees and a portion of their U.S. tax dollars support the cost of national parks, the statement said.

The executive order comes as the Trump administration has proposed cutting more than $1billion from the Park Service budget in fiscal 2026, which would represent a reduction of more than a third of the agency's budget from the prior year.

The administration's cuts to the federal workforce have already aggravated a staff shortage in national parks across the country.

It was one of the announcements as Trump took a victory lap after Congress passed his 'Big Beautiful Bill' Thursday night in Iowa, where he pledged to give the United States a big, beautiful birthday.

A year from Friday, the United States will turn 250 years old, and Trump's stop at the Iowa State Fairgrounds kicked off the 'America 250' celebration, with events planned all year leading up to July 4, 2026.

During his remarks he recalled how he had promised Iowans - ahead of the all-important Iowa caucuses - that he would kick off America's birthday in the Hawkeye State if he was elected again.

'Two years ago I came to Iowa and promised that the festivities would begin right here at the Iowa State Fairgrounds and tonight here I am, OK?' Trump said. 'Promises kept.'

Trump also revoked a 2017 memorandum from Barack Obama that promoted diversity in the parks service

It was one of the announcements as Trump took a victory lap after Congress passed his 'Big Beautiful Bill' Thursday night in Iowa , where he pledged to give the United States a big, beautiful birthday

The crowd cheered.

'There could be no better birthday present for America than the phenomenal victory we achieved just hours ago when Congress passed the one Big, Beautiful Bill to make America Great Again,' Trump said.

Earlier Thursday, the president achieved his biggest domestic win of his second term thus far, with the narrow GOP-controlled House of Representatives passing the massive legislative package that includes the top Trump agenda items.

Trump had pushed lawmakers to deliver the bill to him by July Fourth.

The president will sign the bill around 5 p.m. ET on Friday, amid the White House's Fourth of July festivities, including flyovers with B-2 bombers, which were used in the recent aerial strike of Iran.

Ten days from now, Trump will also mark the anniversary of the Butler, Pennsylvania rally where he nearly was assassinated last year on the campaign trail.

He calmed the crowd and then cracked a joke when a loud popping noise could be heard during his speech Thursday night.

'It's only fireworks, I hope. Famous last words, my famous last words. Trump said: "Don't worry, it's only fireworks,"' the president laughed. 'You always have to think positive. I didn't like that sound either.'

Someone in the crowd could be heard yelling back at the president what he had popped up and said once the bullet whizzed by his ear.

'Fight, fight, fight!' the attendee said.
A cop who was shot by a fellow officer while off duty had threatened to kill herself and her infant son, court documents show.

Kelsey Fitzsimmons, 28, was shot once on Monday evening after three fellow officers arrived at her home to serve a protection order on behalf of her fiance.

The off-duty North Andover Police Department officer had allegedly voiced suicidal ideation both while she was pregnant and after she gave birth.

Her firefighter fiance had expressed concerns that it would escalate to physical violence against their four-month-old son, according to The Boston Globe.

'I fear she will kill the baby at any moment,' he wrote in the restraining order application.

'Kelsey is threatening to take the baby 'far, far, far away for a long, long time.' This is how she has spoken about killing herself in the past.

'She punched her stomach repeatedly while pregnant, saying she would kill herself and the baby.'

He claimed that during a June 28 outing, Fitzsimmons allegedly punched him in the face three times while intoxicated.

Kelsey Fitzsimmons, 28, was shot once on Monday evening after three fellow officers arrived at her home to serve a protection order on behalf of her fiance

The off-duty North Andover Police Department officer had allegedly voiced suicidal ideation both while she was pregnant and after she gave birth

He added that during that altercation, she chased after him and their child, prompting him to seek shelter at a motel as their friends called four different police departments for help.

The firefighter said the baby boy was staying with his parents at the time, but Fitzsimmons' parents came to collect him.

'I fear if she doesn't have me she will kill the baby because she has said she has nothing besides me,' he wrote.

'Fitzsimmons is a danger to myself, her son and herself.'

He is now seeking full custody of their son, and that matter is still being heard by the courts.

As per Fitzsimmons' restraining order, she must surrender all weapons and stay away from both the North Andover Fire Department and his current home.

The order will effect until at least July 14.

The new dad had warned officers in his initial report that Fitzsimmons may respond poorly to being served the 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

When officers came to knock on her door, an 'armed confrontation' took place.

'As a result of that armed confrontation, one of the responding officers discharged their weapon, which struck Ms. Fitzsimmons once,' Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker said.

The wounded officer had to be airlifted by medical helicopter to a Boston hospital, where she remains in a stable condition.

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.

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.

A note in the court paperwork had warned officers that serving Fitzsimmons could carry additional risk.

As per Fitzsimmons' restraining order, she must surrender all weapons and stay away from both the North Andover Fire Department and his current home

'Defendant is an officer with a license to carry. Plaintiff expressed concerns regarding Defendant's reaction to being served.'

'Pursuant to the court order, one of the standard boxes to check is retrieval of any firearms in the home,' Tucker said.

He added 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.'

The officer who fired the shot is a veteran with more than 20 years of experience, Tucker added.

The department does not use body cameras, so there is no video of the shooting, according to Chief Gray.

The incident is under investigation by Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to Tucker's office, while Fitzsimmons recovers in the hospital.
The Environmental Protection Agency placed 139 employees on administrative leave pending an investigation into what they called an attempt to illegally sabotage Donald Trump's agenda.

The employees singed a 'declaration of dissent' published Monday that claimed the agency is no longer living up to its mission to protect human health and the environment.

The letter, written by an organization called 'Stand Up 4 Science,' represented rare public criticism from employees who knew they could face blowback for speaking out against a weakening of funding and federal support for climate, environmental and health science.

In a statement to DailyMail.com the agency declared that the rebel employees were attempting to undermine Trump's mandate.

'The Environmental Protection Agency has a zero-tolerance policy for career bureaucrats unlawfully undermining, sabotaging, and undercutting the administration's agenda as voted for by the great people of this country last November,' a spokesperson said.

EPA head Lee Zeldin also spoke out, telling The Daily Caller: 'Unfortunately, a small number of employees signed onto a public letter, written as agency employees, using their official work title, that was riddled with misinformation regarding agency business.'

Employees were notified that they had been placed in a 'temporary, non-duty, paid status' for the next two weeks, pending an 'administrative investigation,' according to a copy an email sent out.

'It is important that you understand that this is not a disciplinary action,' the email read.

Lee Zeldin's (pictured right) EPA placed 139 employees on administrative leave pending an investigation into what the agency calls an attempt to illegally sabotage Donald Trump's (pictured left) agenda

In a letter made public Monday, the employees wrote via an organization formed called 'Stand Up 4 Science' that the agency is no longer living up to its mission to protect human health and the environment

In a statement released Thursday night, Stand Up 4 Science said the employees were unclear about where they stood, as Zeldin never directly responded to their letter.

'Though we are still gathering information on this situation, we condemn these actions. These are dedicated civil servants whose career goal is to keep Americans safe,' Colette Delawalla, the head of the of the activist organization said.

More than 170 EPA employees put their names to the document, with about 100 more signing anonymously out of fear of retaliation, according to Jeremy Berg, a former editor-in-chief of Science magazine who is not an EPA employee but was among non-EPA scientists or academics to also sign.

Scientists at the National Institutes of Health made a similar move in June, when nearly 100 employees signed a declaration that assailed Trump administration 'policies that undermine the NIH mission, waste public resources, and harm the health of Americans and people across the globe.'

An additional 250 of their colleagues endorsed the declaration without using their names.

But no one at NIH has been placed on administrative leave for signing the declaration and there has been no known retribution against them, Jenna Norton, a lead organizer of the statement, told AP on Thursday.

Norton oversees health disparity research at the agencys National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya, in his confirmation hearings, had pledged openness to views that might conflict with his own, saying dissent is the 'essence of science.'

In a statement released Thursday night, Stand Up 4 Science said the employees were unclear about where they stood, as Zeldin never directly responded to their letter

A former Congressman, Zeldin has attempted to serve the efforts of both the Trump administration and the Department of Government Efficiency to cut waste, fraud and abuse at the EPA.

In February, Zeldin identified where $20 billion of climate-related funds purposefully wasted by the Biden administration landed.

He says Biden cronies dumped millions into a secretive unnamed 'outside financial institution.'

It all came to light in a recent 'disturbing' video showing a Biden EPA political appointee.

The employee bragged abut how the administration was 'tossing gold bars off the Titanic' and rushing to get 'billions of your tax dollars out the door before Inauguration Day,' Zeldin said in a video.

'The gold bars were tax dollars, and tossing them off the Titanic meant the Biden administration knew they were wasting it.'

Zeldin said his team discovered where exactly the billions were intentionally placed by the outgoing Biden officials after they bragged about handing the money over to nonprofits to make it harder for Republicans to recover the funds.

Critics of Zeldin say he has cut funding for environmental improvements in minority communities, vowed to roll back federal regulations that lower air pollution in national parks and tribal reservations, wants to undo a ban on a type of asbestos and proposed repealing rules that limit planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions from power plants fueled by coal and natural gas.

Zeldin began reorganizing the EPAs research and development office as part of his push to slash its budget and gut its study of climate change and environmental justice.

And hes seeking to roll back pollution rules that an AP examination found were estimated to save 30,000 lives and $275 billion every year.

The EPA responded to the employees' letter earlier this week by saying policy decisions 'are a result of a process where Administrator 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.'
A man who recently claimed a $167.3 million Powerball jackpot has been unmasked as a career criminal with a lengthy rap sheet spanning more than three decades.

James Shannon Farthing, 50, of Georgetown, Kentucky, made headlines in April after splitting the historic jackpot with his mother, Linda Grizzle, but his past soon came back into focus following his arrest just two days after the win, prompting scrutiny of his criminal history.

Farthing has spent a cumulative 30 years behind bars for a wide range of offenses, including domestic violence involving strangulation, attempted bribery of correctional officers while incarcerated, and the distribution of cocaine to an undercover law enforcement agent, according to a report.

His decades-long criminal record dates back to his teen years, as he was only able to complete 10 years of formal schooling, ultimately earning his GED in prison, The Smoking Gun reported.

In his later years, Farthing escalated his criminal activities by becoming involved in drug trafficking, reportedly enlisting his mother in a plot to smuggle marijuana into a maximum-security correctional facility.

He ultimately accepted a plea agreement that exonerated Grizzle of involvement, resulting in a 10-year prison sentence, according to the report.

However, Farthing's incarceration did little to curb his misconduct.

James Shannon Farthing (center), 50, made headlines in April after splitting the historic jackpot with his mother, Linda Grizzle (left), but his past soon came back into focus following his arrest just two days after the win, prompting scrutiny of his criminal history

Farthing has spent a cumulative 30 years behind bars for a wide range of offenses, including domestic violence involving strangulation, attempted bribery of correctional officers while incarcerated, and the distribution of cocaine to an undercover law enforcement agent, according to a report

He was repeatedly placed in administrative segregation for infractions that included smuggling various forms of contraband - such as drugs and alcohol-related items - into the prison.

Additionally, he was known to extort fellow inmates by charging them for the return of personal belongings he had stolen, according to the report.

The heavily tattooed career criminal was also repeatedly denied parole, in part due to his extensive and ongoing pattern of criminal behavior, which showed little indication of abating.

Farthing's physical transformation has been extensively documented through numerous mug shots over the years.

But, even his recent acquisition of enormous wealth has not curtailed his criminal tendencies.

Earlier this year, on April 30, while vacationing in Florida with his girlfriend, Farthing was arrested at the TradeWinds Island Resort in St. Pete Beach after allegedly punching a fellow guest and kicking a responding deputy in the face - just days after his record-breaking lottery win.

Police were called to the resort's bar around 11:10 p.m. after reports of a physical altercation between Farthing and another guest.

The winning $2 ticket was purchased at a Clark's Pump-N-Shop in Georgetown

At the time of the win, Farthing's mother Linda Grizzle said the money would 'change their lives' and help pay off debts. Pictured: James Farthing and his mother purchase the winning ticket inside Clark's Pump-N-Shop in Georgetown, Kentucky

Authorities said Farthing was intoxicated, uncooperative and aggressive, ultimately lashing out violently at law enforcement.

The deputy was reported to have swelling and redness on the right side of his face under his eye, according to an affidavit.

The jackpot winner now faces charges of battery on a law enforcement officer - a felony - and a pair of misdemeanors, resisting an officer without violence and battery.

In addition, officials in Kentucky have issued a warrant for violating his parole, which stems from prior convictions for theft and drug offenses.

The winning $2 ticket was purchased at a Clark's Pump-N-Shop in Georgetown, where Farthing and his mother were faced with the choice of receiving 30 annual payments or take the cash option of $77.3 million.

At the time of the win, Grizzle said the money would 'change their lives' and help pay off debts.
He shared an update with his supporters on Friday

Former Australian of the Year Dr Richard Scolyer has revealed he has recently experienced some 'tough times' in his battle with stage four brain cancer.

The globally-renowned pathologist was diagnosed with 'incurable' brain cancer in June 2023 and has been sharing his journey with Australians ever since.

Prof Scolyer shared a photo of him undergoing an MRI to Facebook on Friday, writing he had recently experienced some 'tough times' but was recuperating.

'It sure is amazing to be back out there participating and enjoying life,' he said.

'A month or so ago, I had some tough times with recurrent brain tumour and additional challenged. These were associated with swelling of my brain which can cause changes in how I am functioning.

'However, now I am feeling much better and loving spending time with my wonderful family and friends.'

The post was quickly flooded with well-wishes from supporters.

'Someone has to be the exception to the rule, let's hope you are the one,' one said.

Dr Richard Scolyer has revealed he had some 'tough times' during his cancer battle in June

The 2024 Australian of the Year (pictured) shared an update with his supporters on Friday

'Such an honourable, inspiring, and exceptional man. Keep fighting the good fight Richard as we cheer you on from the sidelines,' a second wrote.

'Great to hear you're doing better Richard,' a third said.

The update comes just weeks after Dr Scolyer achieved a major milestone, finishing his 250th Parkrun in Sydney, a goal he set when he was first diagnosed with cancer.

In May, Prof Scolyer revealed his glioblastoma was becoming 'tougher to treat'.

'A recent MRI scan showed, in the left side of my brain, further progress of my glioblastoma (IDH wild-type, etc.) and related adjacent reactive change,' he wrote.

'Whilst this may not be the best direction to be heading with my changes, amazingly to me, I still seem keen to keep living, loving and having fun, whenever possible.

'I feel like there are quite a few people on my team, including my family and friends, and they make me happy and proud!'

In March, Prof Scolyer said that while most of his recurrent tumour had been removed, surgeons were unable to remove other parts.

The update comes just weeks after Dr Scolyer achieved a major milestone, finishing his 250th Parkrun in Sydney, a goal he set when he was first diagnosed with cancer

The professor is seen celebrating his Parkrun milestone with a cake in June

'Unfortunately, there is a larger volume of quickly growing brain cancer in my left brain. The prognosis is poor,' he said.

Prof Scolyer and his colleague Professor Long were named Australians of the Year in 2024 for the thousands of lives they saved in pioneering new treatments for melanoma using immunotherapy.

He is a prolific author, having penned more than 700 publications and book chapters on melanoma pathology, which garnered him a reputation as one of the world's leading experts in the field.

The melanoma expert has been praised for his openness and bravery in documenting his cancer journey.
Wedding flower growers have warned of a shortage after struggling with one of the UK's driest springs on record.

Around a tenth of the flowers bought in the UK are from British growers but this year farmers say they are battling unpredictable weather.

Yorkshire and the northwest are officially in drought as the UK has had its driest spring in more than a century.

Depending on rainfall in the coming weeks, drought could be declared in other areas, while one water company is set to announce a hosepipe ban.

Roisin Taylor, who runs Verde Flower Co in Northumberland, told the Times: 'I'm trying to meet deadlines for weddings, so timing is really critical. The drought has pushed everything back.

'It's given me shorter stems. The water collection has been an absolute nightmare. So it has had quite a significant impact.'

Ms Taylor added that the weather conditions have affected the species she grows, saying 'it's become less predictable, year on year, when a crop will be available'.

Concerns were also raised by other flower growers at the Groundswell farming conference, as many farmers are facing the same issue.

Around a tenth of the flowers bought in the UK are from British growers but this year farmers say they are battling unpredictable weather

Wedding flower growers have warned of a shortage after struggling with one of the UK's driest springs on record

Concerns were also raised by other flower growers at the Groundswell farming conference, as many farmers are facing the same issue.

Olivia Wilson, who has a flower farm at Bellingdon, Buckinghamshire, said: 'It's been very difficult because of drought.'

A lot of her plants have been 'stress flowering' due to the heat, meaning they produce flowers early.

The dry weather comes following an extremely wet 2024 that left many fields underwater.

'I keep thinking, "This year will be more normal". Last year was incredibly rainy. It's not the drought per se, it's the unpredictability,' Wilson said.

Martin Williams, a farmer in Herefordshire, added: 'You keep thinking that next week it's going to arrive but it hasn't. It's got to the stage where it's beyond repair.'

Cissy Bullock of Flowers from the Farm, a trade association, said its farmers are the ones who 'sit on the front line' and 'feel the changes in climate first'.

Environment secretary, Steve Reed, spoke at Groundswell, telling farmers that land that yields little food may need to be taken out of production for needs of of nature, housing and energy.

He ssaid: 'It envisions taking some of the least productive land out of food production [and] supporting the more productive land to increase production.'
Russia battered Kyiv with missiles and drones in an all-night attack just hours after Donald Trump admitted he made no headway with Vladimir Putin in a call between the two presidents yesterday.

Air raid alerts lasted more than eight hours overnight as Russia launched a total of 539 drones and 11 missiles targeting the Ukrainian territory, Ukraine's Air Force said.

The punishing barrage injured at least 23 people, damaging railway infrastructure and setting buildings and cars on fire throughout the city, authorities in the Ukrainian capital said early this morning, with rescuers still searching for casualties.

Trump, who was full of bluster yesterday after Congress passed the Republican party's so-called Big, Beautiful Bill ahead of the July 4 deadline, was taken down a peg by reporters who questioned whether an hour-long call with his Russian counterpart had yielded any results.

'We had a call. It was a pretty long call. We talked about a lot of things, including Iran, and we also talked about, as you know, the war with Ukraine. And I'm not happy about that,' he said.

'I didn't make any progress with him today at all,' Trump scoffed.

Moments after Putin hung up the phone, the Kremlin reiterated that Moscow would keep pushing to solve the conflict's 'root causes' - and then proceeded to batter Ukraine with missiles and drones throughout the night.

It comes days after the White House announced a suspension of arms deliveries to Ukraine, prompting warnings by Kyiv that the move would weaken its ability to defend against airstrikes and battlefield advances.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he hoped to speak with Trump today about resuming the provision of military aid.

Firefighters work at the site of the Russian drone and missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine July 4, 2025

Ukrainian Emergency Service first responders work to extinguish a fire following a Russian attack in Kyiv region, Ukraine, Friday, July 4, 2025

An explosion of a drone lights up the sky over the city during a Russian drone and missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine July 4, 2025

The Ukrainian air defence fires at Russian drones during a night mass strike on Kyiv on July 4, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine

President Donald Trump expressed frustration Thursday after spending more than an hour on the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin as he aims to end the war in Ukraine

President Donald Trump was asked Thursday if he made any progress with Russian President Vladimir Putin (pictured) in getting a Ukraine peace deal. 'No, I didn't make any progress with him today at all,' Trump complained

On Monday, the White House elected to halt some key weapons shipments to Ukraine that were promised under the Biden administration in a devastating blow to Kyiv.

'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 said on Tuesday.

Washington did not specify what kind of arms would be restricted, but missiles for Patriot air defence systems, precision artillery and Hellfire missiles are said to be among the items being held back.

Air defence systems in particular are vital for Kyiv to counter the almost nightly aerial attacks unleashed by Moscow.

Ukraine's Ministry of Defence said that it had not received any official notification from the US about either a suspension or revision of deliveries, with Zelensky set to speak directly with Trump later today to clarify the situation.

The Foreign Ministry meanwhile warned that 'any delay' would only 'encourage' Russia to continue the war.

'Ukraine must be given all the necessary means for self-defence. Wrong decisions can only push the aggressor to escalate terror,' Foreign Minister Andrei Sybiha said.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the opposite.

'The fewer the number of weapons that are delivered to Ukraine, the closer the end of the special military operation,' he remarked earlier this week.

A woman passes by a residential building damaged during Russian drone and missile strikes, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine July 4, 2025

In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Emergency Service, first responders work to extinguish a fire following a Russian attack in Kyiv region, Ukraine, Friday, July 4, 2025

Smoke is seen from outskirts of the city, after a Russian drone and missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine July 4, 2025

A truck with mounted anti-aircraft cannon, of the of 127th Separate Brigade of the Territorial Defence Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, fires towards Russian drones and missiles during an overnight shift

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky looks on at Marselisborg Castle during the official opening of Denmarks EU presidency in Aarhus, Denmark, on July 3, 2025

Smoke is seen following what local authorities called a Ukrainian drone attack, in the course of Russia-Ukraine conflict, in Sergiyev Posad, outside Moscow, Russia July 4, 2025

The overnight attacks were the latest in a series of Russian air strikes on Kyiv that have intensified in recent weeks and included some of the deadliest assaults of the war on the city of three million people.

'The main target of the strikes was the capital of Ukraine, the city of Kyiv!' the Air Force said in a post on the Telegram messaging app.

Fourteen of the 23 people hurt in the attacks suffered serious injuries and were hospitalised, Kyiv's Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram.

Damage was recorded in six of Kyiv's 10 districts on both sides of the Dnipro River bisecting the city and falling drone debris set a medical facility on fire in the leafy Holosiivskyi district, Klitschko said.

Ukraine's state-owned railway Ukrzaliznytsia, the country's largest carrier, said on Telegram that the attack on Kyiv damaged railway infrastructure in the city, diverting a number of passenger trains and causing delays.

Social media videos showed people running to seek shelter, firefighters fighting blazes in the dark and ruined buildings with windows and facades blown out.

Ukraine's Air Force said that it had destroyed 478 of the air weapons Russia launched overnight, but that enemy airstrikes were recorded in eight locations across the country with nine missiles and 63 drones, it added.

Late on Thursday, Russian shelling killed five people in and near the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, a key target and railway hub that has been the focus of Russian attacks for months.

Ukraine hit back with a drone strike on Moscow that targeted a power plant supplying the secretive Research Institute of Applied Chemistry, which manufactures 'pyrotechnic products' for Putin's military machine.

Fire and smoke were seen rising from the site of the strike in Sergiyev Posad, near Moscow, this morning.

In Russia's Rostov region, Ukraine also hit the strategic Azov Optical-Mechanical Plant, part of the Tactical Missile Weapons Corporation.

That facility makes high-precision artillery, missile and anti-tank weapons, radar homing heads for tactical guided missiles, and onboard thermal imaging and thermal location equipment.
A lawyer from Sydney's affluent eastern suburbs accused of violent and sexual offences against multiple women has had his practising certificate suspended.

Commercial litigation solicitor Oska Purcell, 26, faces 22 charges, including choking, sexual assault, and intimidation.

The Council of the Law Society of NSW confirmed in a recently published decision that Purcell's practising certificate has been suspended until June 30, 2026, citing the severity of the allegations.

It described the charges as 'a number of serious offences,' prompting the suspension.

Purcell, who is a graduate of the elite Cranbrook School, where Year 11 and 12 fees exceed $49,000 annually, was initially charged in July 2024.

He was initially charged with two counts of choking, three counts of sexual intercourse without consent, sexual touching, performing a sex act without consent, threatening to distribute an intimate image, two counts of using a carriage service to harass, and assault.

Purcell was rearrested while in a police cell at Waverley Police Station, after a second woman came forward with fresh allegations.

He was subsequently issued with additional charges, including common assault, two counts of intimidation, choking, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Oska Purcell (pictured) faces 22 counts of violent and sexual offences against multiple women

In one alleged incident, Purcell is accused of pushing a woman into a building pillar, which caused her to hit her head.

He then allegedly headbutted the woman after she paid for the meal as he attempted to leave without settling the bill.

Following Purcell's first bail application in July last year, a spokesperson for his former employer, Pryor, Tzannes and Wallis Law, confirmed he had been 'stood down effective immediately.'

At the time, the court heard that Purcell would contest all charges, The Daily Telegraph reported.

Magistrate Jacqueline Milledge noted a serious pattern emerging from his previous history.

'It is the fourth time the young lawyer has been charged with offences against women,' she said.

Purcell had two previous matters in 2019 and 2022 dismissed on mental health grounds.

Purcell (left) had his practising certificate suspended by the NSW Law Society

'He continues with the same kind of behaviour with other women,' Magistrate Milledge told the court.

'This causes a grave concern, if it's not brought into check, it could escalate into something worse than we've seen.' she said.

Purcell's case is scheduled to return to court for a committal mention on July 17.
An insurgent threat to Labour was teetering on the brink of chaos today as its launch descended into squabbling.

Zarah Sultana dramatically quit Labour last night and declared she would be 'co-leading' a new left-wing party with Jeremy Corbyn.

The ardent pro-Palestinian MP is a long-term critic of Keir Starmer, and was already sitting as an independent after being stripped of the whip.

But it seems the move caught Mr Corbyn by surprise, with the former Labour leader said to be 'furious and bewildered'.

He finally commented on the development this afternoon to insist 'discussions are ongoing' - saying Ms Sultana would 'help us build a new alternative' but seemingly stopping short of endorsing her as a 'co-leader'.

There also appears to be no decision on what the name of the new party would be, with options mooted including 'Real Change' and 'Peace and Justice Project'.

Mr Corbyn has been hinting strongly that he wants to form a new party - with polls suggesting it could attract 10 per cent of the left-wing vote and inflict major damage on Labour.

In an interview on Wednesday the 76-year-old claimed there was a 'thirst' among voters 'for an alternative view to be put'.

Zarah Sultana dramatically quit Labour last night and declared she would be 'co-leading' a new party with Jeremy Corbyn (pictured)

The ardent pro-Palestinian MP is a long-term critic of Keir Starmer , and was already sitting as an independent after being stripped of the whip

Mr Corbyn finally commented on the development this afternoon to insist 'discussions are ongoing' - saying Ms Sultana would 'help us build a new alternative' but seemingly stopping short of endorsing her as a 'co-leader'

Posting on X last night, Ms Sultana that she was 'resigning from the Labour Party'

Mr Corbyn has sat as the independent MP for Islington North since being suspended by Labour in 2020 for downplaying the extent of anti-Semitism in the party under his leadership.

He was expelled last year but retained his seat in the general election, since when he has been part of the Independent Alliance, a loose grouping of independent MPs with left wing political views.

Posting on X last night, Ms Sultana that she was 'resigning from the Labour Party'.

She said: 'Jeremy Corbyn and I will co-lead the founding of a new party, with other independent MPs, campaigners and activists across the country.'

She said that 'Westminster is broken but the real crisis is deeper' and the 'two-party system offers nothing but managed decline and broken promises'.

'A year ago I was suspended by the Labour Party for voting to abolish the two-child benefit cap and list 400,000 children out of poverty,' the former Labour MP added. I'd do it again. I voted against scrapping winter fuel payments for pensioners. I'd do it again.

'Now, the Government wants to make disabled people suffer; they just can't decide how much.'

In a post on social media this afternoon, Mr Corbyn said: 'Real change is coming.

'One year on from the election, this Labour Government has refused to deliver the change people expected and deserved. Poverty, inequality and war are not inevitable. Our country needs to change direction, now.

'Congratulations to Zarah Sultana on her principled decision to leave the Labour Party. I am delighted that she will help us build a real alternative.

'The democratic foundations of a new kind of political party will soon take shape. Discussions are ongoing  and I am excited to work alongside all communities to fight for the future people deserve.

'Together, we can create something that is desperately missing from our broken political system: hope.'

Polls suggesting a left-wing party led by Mr Corbyn it could attract 10 per cent of the left-wing vote and inflict major damage on Sir Keir (pictured yesterday)

Appearing on ITV's Peston on Wednesday - after opposing plans to proscribe Palestine Action as a terrorist group - he said he was working with groups 'all around the country'

'That grouping will come together. There will be an alternative view and there will be an alternative put there which is about a society that deals with poverty, inequality and a foreign policy that's based on peace rather than war,' he said.

Asked if he would like to lead the party he said: 'I'm here to work, I'm here to serve the people in the way I've always tried to do.'
Christian Brueckner, the prime suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, may not be able to leave prison early, following a mystery woman's plea to German authorities.

The convicted rapist, 48, owed 1,446 (1,246) for a fine from a previous set of convictions, keeping him behind bars until at least the end of January 2026.

He was fined in 2016 for drunkenness in traffic and forgery of documents, and in 2017 for assault.

Prosecutors have been desperate to keep him behind bars, fearing he will immediately flee Germany and prevent them from further investigating Madeleine's 207 disappearance.

But after an anonymous woman paid these outstanding fines, he was set to be released from prison on September 17.

The woman, identified as a former cop with Germany's FBI who claims to have been involved in wiretapping his cell, is now asking for her money back, throwing Brueckner's early release into disarray.

The former police officer said she made a mistake, which officials are reportedly taking seriously.

Local media has reported that she claims to have been unaware of his former convictions, including forgery charges.

The German national, pictured in October, is currently serving a seven-year jail sentence in his native country for the 2005 rape of an American woman

Investigators suspect Brueckner played a part in young Madeleine, pictured, vanishing from her family's holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in May 2007

She reportedly told officials: 'I therefore wish to contest my declaration of intent to repay the payment and invalidate the legal transaction accordingly.'

Brueckner's lawyer, Dr. Friedrich Fulscher, previously told Bild that they believed upon his release the convicted paedophile plans to live on the island of Sylt in northern Germany, where he previously received a 21 month sentence for drug dealing.

Brueckner, who has been under investigation by German police in connection with Madeleine's disappearance since 2020, has vehemently denied the allegations.

Last October, he was also cleared of a series of unrelated sex attacks that took place in the Algarve between 2000 and 2017.

Brueckner's lawyer Philipp Marquort previously told MailOnline that he believed the sexual offender 'will leave Germany' when released, but that he would likely remain in jail until early 2026.

He added: 'I haven't had a chance to speak with him yet about the searches and I am not going to comment on what has been happening in Portugal.

'What I will say is that I don't think he will be coming out in September as he doesn't have any money to pay the fines because it went on his legal fees, so I can't see him leaving prison until early next year.

'He will probably see the news on the TV in his cell and he will talk about it when he calls me next time but I still do think when he is freed he will leave Germany.'

It comes just weeks after two buried guns were discovered during an intensive three-day search operation near Brueckner's former ramshackle cottage home close to where Madeleine vanished.

Last month, German authorities launched fresh searches through Atalaia - a stretch of scrubland littered with rubbish and graffiti-covered buildings linked by a network of dusty tracks known in Portuguese as the Fisherman's Trail.

Police had initially hoped to keep Brueckner behind bars due to an outstanding 1,446 fine, for charges of assault and forgery of documents

It was hoped by investigators that an extension of Brueckner's jail sentence would help buy investigators more time to bring fresh charges in Madeleine's case more than 18 years on

Searches in May 2023 at Arade Dam, an 'area of interest' that Brueckner reportedly called his 'little paradise', came to nothing

The search marked the first in Portugal for more than two years, following a near-week-long operation involving Portugese, German and police officers at a remote dam 40-minute's drive from Praia da Luz

Connecting Praia da Luz with the nearby town of Lagos, the track is a popular hiking route for tourists, but for four days last week it was cordoned off for members of the BKA - Germany's equivalent of the FBI - to conduct searches.

The search marked the first in Portugal for more than two years, following a near-week-long operation involving Portugese, German and police officers at a remote dam a 40-minute drive from Praia da Luz.

In a newly unearthed letter seen in June, German paedophile Brueckner boasted that police don't have evidence to pin allegations against him in relation to the toddler's case, gloating how the dropping of the probe 'will hit the world like a bomb'.

In the spine-chilling correspondence from prison in his native Germany, where he is currently behind bars for rape, he wrote: 'Is there a body? No, no no.'
Hamas will decide within 24 hours whether to accept the terms of the latest ceasefire proposal by the US and Israel, Donald Trump claimed this morning.

The American president said on Tuesday that Israel had agreed to abide by a 60-day ceasefire deal with the Palestinian group, during which both parties will work with mediators from the US, Qatar and Egypt to end the war.

Trump described the deal as the 'final proposal' for an Israel-Hamas ceasefire in the embattled Gaza Strip and said: 'We'll see what happens, we are going to know over the next 24 hours,' when asked whether Hamas would agree.

A source close to Hamas said on Thursday that the Islamist group was seeking guarantees from Washington that the new ceasefire would lead to the end of Israel's attacks on Palestinian territory.

Details of the deal are not clear, but it is understood that it would include the release of some of the living Israeli hostages and the bodies of those deceased in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.

Israel's Defence Forces would also begin a phased withdrawal from parts of Gaza as mediators enter negotiations to strike a permanent ceasefire, according to sources with knowledge of the deal who spoke to the Guardian.

'We sure hope it's a done deal, but I think it's all going to be what Hamas is willing to accept,' US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee told Israeli media yesterday.

A previous two-month ceasefire ended when Israel broke the accord on March 18 and unleashed strikes that killed more than 400 Palestinians.

Israel subsequently implemented a two-month-long blockade that prevented all aid from entering Gaza and has since expanded its military operations in the Strip, further exacerbating the already dire humanitarian conditions there.

A view from Israeli border with Gaza as smoke rises after Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip in Israel on July 03, 2025

Palestinian Hamas militants stand guard on the day of the handover of hostages held in Gaza as part of a ceasefire and a hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, February 22, 2025

This picture taken from a position at Israel's border with the Gaza Strip shows the sun setting behind destroyed buildings in the besieged Palestinian territory on July 3, 2025

Injured Palestinians are transferred to Nasser Hospital after the Israeli army targeted civilians waiting for humanitarian aid in the eastern area of Khan Yunis, Gaza, on July 3

Bodies of Palestinians, who lost their lives following the Israeli attack on Mustafa Hafiz School, are taken from al-Shifa Hospital for funeral process in Gaza City, Gaza on. July 3, 2025

People take part in a protest demanding the release of all hostages kidnapped during the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas, and against Israeli government and its Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in Tel Aviv, Israel, July 3, 2025

More than 6,000 Palestinians have been killed since the previous ceasefire ended in May, and dozens were killed yesterday alone in Israeli strikes, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.

Almost all of the two million-strong population of Gaza are now displaced from their homes, with more than 56,000 people recorded killed since Israel launched its military operation following Hamas' October 7, 2023 attacks.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday vowed to bring home all the hostages still held by militants in war-stricken Gaza, even as he faces mounting accusations that he is deliberately prolonging the conflict.

Israel's leaders have held firm to their aim of crushing Hamas, even as the group said Tuesday it was discussing new proposals for a ceasefire from mediators.

But public support in Israel for an end to the war is high, particularly after Israel's successful attacks on Iran.

'I feel a deep commitment, first and foremost, to ensure the return of all our abductees, all of them,' Netanyahu told inhabitants of the Nir Oz kibbutz, the community that saw the most hostages seized in the 2023 Hamas attacks that sparked the war.

'We will bring them all back,' he added, in filmed comments released by his office.

Netanyahu is also due to meet Trump in Washington DC next week, with the pair having struck a close alliance following the latter's return to the White House in January.

To Netanyahu's delight, Trump earlier this year proposed a US takeover of Gaza, which was condemned globally by rights experts, the UN and Palestinians as a proposal of 'ethnic cleansing'.

'I want the people of Gaza to be safe more importantly,' Trump told reporters Thursday when asked if he still wanted the US to take over the Palestinian territory, as he announced in February. 'They've gone through hell.'

Posting earlier this week on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote: '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.'

'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!'

Palestinians survey the destruction at a school used as a shelter after it was struck by an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on Thursday, July 3, 2025

Children look at smouldering debris at Mustafa Hafez school, sheltering Palestinians displaced by the war, following an overnight Israeli strike in Gaza City, on July 3, 2025

Palestinian men carry the body of a person reportedly killed while waiting for aid delivery, during a funeral procession outside al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City, on July 3, 2025

Relatives of Palestinians, who lost their lives following the Israeli attack on Mustafa Hafiz School, perform funeral prayers the bodies are taken from al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, Gaza on July 3, 2025

People take part in a protest demanding the release of all hostages kidnapped during the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas, and against Israeli government and its Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in Tel Aviv, Israel, July 3, 2025

The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered in October 2023 when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 and taking about 250 hostages, Israeli tallies show.

Gaza's health ministry says Israel's subsequent military assault has killed over 56,000 Palestinians.

It has also caused a hunger crisis, internally displaced Gaza's entire population and prompted accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice and of war crimes at the International Criminal Court.

Israel denies the accusations.

In addition to ceasefire negotiations, Trump also said he had spoken to Saudi Arabia about expanding the Abraham Accords, the deal on normalisation of ties that his administration negotiated between Israel and some Gulf countries during his first term.

Trump made the comments on the Abraham Accords when asked about US media reporting late on Thursday that he had met Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman at the White House.

'It's one of the things we talked about,' Trump said. 'I think a lot of people are going to be joining the Abraham Accords,' he added, citing the predicted expansion to the damage faced by Iran from recent US and Israeli strikes.

Axios reported that after the meeting with Trump, the Saudi official spoke on the phone with Abdolrahim Mousavi, chief of Iran's General Staff of the Armed Forces.

Trump's meeting with the Saudi official came ahead of a visit to Washington next week by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Bali police have ramped up the investigation into an execution-style gangland killing of a Melbourne underworld figure as their probe enters a fourth week.

Zivan 'Stipe' Radmanovic, 35, was shot dead in front of his partner Jazmyn Gourdeas shortly after midnight on June 14 at a villa in Munggu, in Bali's south.

A second man staying in the villa, Sanar Ghanim, was also seriously injured in the alleged attack, which is believed to be linked to Melbourne's feuding Middle Eastern crime syndicates.

Three Australian men, Paea I Middlemore Tupou, 26, Mevlut Coskun, 23, and Darcy Francesco Jenson, 27, have since been arrested and may face the firing squad if found guility.

The trio remain in custody as police build their case.

Bali authorities have approached the Australian Federal Police to check the backgrounds of the trio, as investigators try to ascertain the motive for the fatal shooting, The Daily Telegraph reported.

'We are currently still conduct(ing) investigation regarding the motive,' Bali Police Chief Inspector General Daniel Adityajaya said.

'They have not made any admissions regarding the attack.

'We are communicate (sic) with the AFP in relation to their background.'

Zivan Radmanovic, 35, (pictured with partner Jazmyn Gourdeas) was shot dead inside his Bali villa last month

Coskun Mevlut is one of three Australians who may face the firing squad if they're found guilty over the fatal shooting

The ongoing investigation took a step forward last week when Bali police recovered a discarded firearm in a river 700m away in nearby Tabanan.

The gun has undergone forensic testing and will be compared to DNA evidence found on bullet casings recovered at the crime scene.

'The firearm that was found earlier, which we suspect may have been used by the perpetrator, is currently being examined at the forensic lab to determine whether it was indeed the weapon used in the act,' Chief Inspector Adityajaya added.

The AFP was tight-lipped regarding their involvement in the Bali investigation.

'As this investigation is being undertaken by the Indonesian National Police, enquiries should be directed to them, a spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.

'The AFP has no further comment at this time.'

Bali police currently aren't seeking any further suspects but haven't ruled out making additional arrests.

Jazmyn (left) and late partner Zivan Radmanovic, who was shot dead during the Bali attack

The suspects face charges under Article 340 of Indonesia's criminal code for premeditated murder, as well as charges for illegal firearm possession under emergency laws.

The maximum penalty for the charges is death.

Ghanim's partner, Daniella Gourdeas, was also inside the luxury villa when the gunmen, wearing helmets and masks, allegedly forced their way in.

The couple were in Bali to celebrate her sister Jazmyn's 30th birthday.

Police say Jazmyn hid in a bedroom under the covers as her partner, Radmanovic, was shot and killed.

Ghanim, who fathered a child with Danielle Stephens, the daughter of underworld figure Roberta Williams, is believed to have since returned to Australia with the Gourdeas sisters.

Police are continuing to build their case against the trio and are yet to establish a motive

Bali police ramped up their investigation into the shooting. Pictured is the crime scene

Radmanovic's body has been repatriated to Australia.

Police continue to gather forensic and testimonial evidence in preparation for court.

The trio are facing the possibility of life in prison or capital punishment, if found guilty.
A volcano erupted in Japan on Thursday as the country approaches the date of a 'mega disaster' forecast by a 'prophet' decades ago.

The huge blast took place on Mount Shinmoedake at 2:01pm local time, sending a towering ash plume and making it one of the biggest eruptions on the mountain in recent years.

Japan's Meteorological Agency is now bracing for falling volcanic rocks and pyroclastic flows within a near two mile radius of Mount Shinmoedake.

Authorities have also warned residents to stay inside as it prepares for the worst.

It comes as an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.5 was recorded off the coast of the Tokara island chain yesterday.

A major natural disaster was predicted by manga artist Ryo Tatsuki, who has been likened to Bulgarian prophet Baba Vanga.

In the book The Future I Saw, first released in 1999 and based on her 'prophetic dreams', she warned that disaster would struck on June 5, 2025.

After her prediction went viral on social media, there was a significant drop in flight bookings to the country.

Thick ash was seen emanating from the mountain as experts say they are bracing for more volcanic activity

The blast from Mount Shinmoedake erupted just after 3pm local time on Wednesday

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Although the artist herself has cautioned people about reading too much into her predictions, it has been enough to cause panic.

The blast from Mount Shinmoedake, part of the Kirishima volcanic range on Kyushu Island, erupted just after 3:30pm local time on Wednesday.

It covered parts of Miyazaki and Kagoshima prefectures in thick ash.

Japans Meteorological Agency had already sounded the alarm, raising the alert level to three nearly a week earlier on June 27, after detecting signs of rising volcanic activity.

At a government volcano research committee meeting held just a day before the eruption, scientists noted swelling beneath the mountain and a spike in volcanic gas output.

Although no fresh magma was detected, officials warned the threat of a magma eruption couldnt be ruled out.

Shimizu Hiroshi, who chairs the committee, said: 'While this eruption doesnt currently involve new magma, the possibility remains. Close monitoring is essential.'

However, the meeting concluded that an emergency meeting was not necessary.

Residents have been told to stay inside as experts say they are monitoring the volcano closely

Manga artist Tatsuki predicted in her book that there would be a major natural disaster in the country on June 5, 2025

The predictions in her book, The Future I Saw has gone viral on social media, resulting in low flight booking to Japan

On Sunday, there was a smaller eruption on the mountain which came with an ash plume up to 640 ft.

Shinmoedake has a long history of fiery activity. A devastating eruption in 2011 triggered evacuations and flight chaos across the region.

The volcano last erupted in 2018, though that event was far less intense.

Shinmoedake has strong to popular culture - it was famously featured as villain Ernst Stavro Blofeld's secret volcano lair in the 1967 James Bond classic, You Only Live Twice.

Authorities continue to monitor the mountain around the clock as residents prepare for potential aftershocks.

It has been estimated that over 900,000 people live around the volcano.
A top Russian oil tycoon has died after mysteriously plunging 180ft from a window at his luxury Moscow home.

The body of Andrey Badalov, 62, was discovered this morning at the bottom of an exclusive high-rise apartment building in Moscow's affluent Rublevskoye neighbourhood.

Badalov was the vice-president of state-owned oil pipeline monopoly Transneft.

He reportedly lived on the building's 10th floor but fell from the 17th storey, according to local media.

A source said the 'preliminary cause' of death is 'suicide', as investigators reportedly discovered a note Badalov had left to his wife.

Badalov had been appointed vice-president for the oil giant in 2021 during a 'complex and tense period' and had been credited with helping the company 'overcome the challenges' posed by Western sanctions.

He previously worked at the state-owned Voskhod Scientific Research Institute.

He had also studied at the General Staff Academy of the Armed Forces, which trains high-level officers and state managers.

Top Russian oil tycoon Andrey Badalov, 62, has died after mysteriously falling from a window

His body was discovered on Friday morning at the bottom of a luxury high-rise building in the Russian capital

His sudden death is the latest in a spate of unexplained deaths of leading Russian figures under mysterious circumstances. Several who have died suspicious deaths are known to be critics of Putin (pictured)

The tycoon leaves behind a wife and two daughters.

His sudden death is the latest in a spate of unexplained deaths of leading Russian figures under mysterious circumstances.

In these cases, individuals have died falling from windows, apparent suicides and in accidents. Some have been known to be critics of Vladimir Putin.

Top Russian oligarch Mikhail Rogachev, 64, was found dead back in October after mysteriously falling from a 110ft window in Moscow.

Rogachev was the vice-president of Russian oil giant Yukos, which was forced out of business for turning against Putin.

TV channels reported that he lived on the tenth floor and that it was a suicide, claiming he had cancer and left a note.

But these reports were vehemently denied by his close friends and relatives.

His family insisted there were no signs that he was suicidal and he was in a 'good mood' shortly before his death.

Badalov was the vice-president of state-owned oil pipeline monopoly Transneft

Rogachev had a long and successful career in some of post-Soviet Russia's leading companies.

Separately, Lukoil tycoon Ravil Maganov, 67, fell from a window of Moscow's elite Central Clinical Hospital, also known as the Kremlin Clinic, in September 2022.

Russian state media quickly said his death was a suicide but law enforcement sources said there was no suicide note and there were no CCTV cameras on the section of the building where Maganov fell.

Lukoil is a major Russian energy company and of of the largest oil producers worldwide.

Maganov was then replaced by Vladimir Nekrasov - in October 2023, who died aged 66 of 'acute heart failure' in October 2023.

The following month, Russian senator and war backer, Vladimir Lebedev, with close Lukoil links, died suddenly in an unexplained 'terrible tragedy' aged 60.

The Russian tycoon was found hanged in his office toilet by his boss.

Last March, Lukoil's vice-president Vitaly Robertus, 53, became victim to the firm's death curse.

Then a prominent female judge was found dead after falling from a Moscow high-rise building.

Natalia Larina, 50, was notorious for handling high-profile political and criminal cases, punishing traitors of the Kremlin.

She had been a criminal judge for more than 15 years - and had a reputation for ruling verdicts on cases against opposition political activists.

In December 2023, Vladimir Egorov, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, plunged to his death from a third-floor window in Moscow.

The 46-year-old Egorov was a wealthy and prominent politician in oil-rich Tobolsk in western Siberia.

His corpse was found in the yard of his house, according to reports.

Just weeks prior, the deputy editor of Putin's favourite propaganda newspaper was found dead aged only 35.

The body of Anna Tsareva, 35, was discovered at her home in the capital's Bolshoy Tishinsky Lane - nearly a year after the death of her boss Vladimir Sungorkin, 68.

In February of the same year, a top Russian defence official and a key figure in the funding of Putin's illegal war in Ukraine Marina Yankina, 58, also fell 160ft to her death in St Petersburg.

She was head of the financial support department of the Ministry of Defence for the Western Military District, which is closely involved in the dictators invasion.
This is the moment a brazen thief posing as a Foot Locker employee hauls a wheelie bin packed with 3,000 worth of stolen trainers after raiding the sportswear store.

Reece Wheat, 28, disguised himself in the firm's distinctive black and white striped uniform before he rushed away with thousands of pounds worth of goods.

He was aided, by accomplice, Ellis Bishop, 30, who helped him break in and haul away the stolen loot on Clumber Street in Nottingham on May 13, this year.

Shocking CCTV cameras caught the shameless duo pushing the stolen items along the street packed in two wheelie bins, which had been nabbed from a nearby bar.

The hooded crook was also captured helping Wheat to break in before bundling the stolen items into the wheelie bins waiting outside.

Later that day, Wheat was arrested after being spotted near the Footlocker store boldly wearing some of pinched Nike clothing.

It was later found that the serial thief had also broken into a bike shed in Station Street, and had also shoplifted 30 worth of washing capsules from Savers.

Now Wheat has been jailed for nine months, while Bishop was given a 26-week prison sentence after pleading guilty at Nottingham Magistrates' Court.

Reece Wheat, 28, disguised himself as a Footlocker employee before stealing 3,000 worth of goods

Ellis Bishop helped the crook to break in to the store before they bundled the stolen items into wheelie bins outside

Wheat was arrested later that day after being seen near the Footlocker store boldly wearing some of pinched Nike clothing

Pictured left to right: Reece Wheat who stole thousands from a Footlocker store and his accomplice, Ellis Bishop of Nottingham

Detectives found the accomplice was also responsible for three other shop thefts in the city centre on May, 27 June 15 and June 20.

Bishop of Nottingham, was charged with burglary and four counts of shop theft, including the theft of the bins.

PC Ben King, of Nottinghamshire Police's city centre neighbourhood policing team, said: 'Thousands of pounds worth of stock was stolen during this break-in, before being paraded through the city centre in a pair of wheelie bins.

'Ellis Bishop played a leading role in this brazen burglary by taking the bins from a neighbouring shop and then helping Reece Wheat fill them with stolen trainers and clothes.

'Unlike his accomplice, he didn't leave forensic evidence at the scene, so identifying him was a bit trickier.

'After extensively reviewing the footage available, however, we were able to link him to his offending by the tattoos he had on show and the trainers on his feet.

'Retail crime can have a real impact on businesses and the staff that work there, so we're pleased to have now locked up both the people responsible for this burglary.'
The chilling moment a gunman wearing hi-vis shot a father-of-three dead outside a gym for 'exposing an illicit prison affair' has been captured on CCTV.

Lenny Scott, 33, who was the father of twins, was shot six times outside a gym on February 8 last year.

The footage, with audible gunshots, was played to the jury who watched the tragic last moments of Mr Scott's life.

The motive behind the killing lay in his former job at Altcourse prison in Liverpool nearly four years earlier, the murder trial jury was told.

Mr Scott had searched inmate Elias Morgan's cell and found a mobile phone on March 26, 2020, Preston Crown Court was told.

Not only was possession of the phone a criminal offence, but Morgan knew it contained evidence which would expose his sexual relationship with prison officer Sarah Williams, prosecutor Alex Leach KC said.

Morgan, who denies murder, 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'.

Lenny Scott, 33, who was the father of twins, was shot six times outside a gym on February 8 last year by a man wearing hi-vis

The motive behind the killing lay in Mr Scott's (pictured) former job at Altcourse prison in Liverpool nearly four years earlier, the murder trial jury was told

Mr Scott had searched inmate Elias Morgan's (pictured) cell and found a mobile phone on March 26, 2020, Preston Crown Court was told

Footage shows how Mr Scott left the gym shortly before 5:30pm and stood chatting to someone in the car park for a short time.

A man, wearing orange hi-vis, could be seen loitering nearby, seemingly waiting for someone.

As Mr Scott stood next to a car chatting, the man slowly approached him before suddenly rounding the corner with a gun, which he then opened fire with on the former prison officer. The jury were shown the footage on Thursday.

Alex Leach KC, prosecuting, told jurors 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,' he said.

'Lenny Scott died of his injuries.

'The murder was, the prosecution says, an act of retaliation.'

He told jurors that the evidence would show that Morgan 'orchestrated' the murder and 'pulled the trigger himself'.

Mr Scott (pictured) had searched inmate Elias Morgan's cell and found a mobile phone on March 26, 2020, Preston Crown Court was told

Footage shows how Mr Scott left the gym shortly before 5:30pm and stood chatting to someone in the car park for a short time

A man, wearing orange hi-vis, could be seen loitering nearby, seemingly waiting for someone

As Mr Scott stood next to a car chatting, the man slowly approached him before suddenly rounding the corner with a gun

The former guard was allegedly killed for exposing prison officer Sarah Williams's (pictured) illicit relationship

Co-defendant Anthony Cleary 'played a supporting role' by using a van to deliver an electric motorbike used by the gunman, he added.

The court heard in the days after Mr Scott found the phone, he reported being threatened by Morgan.

He told his father that Morgan had said words to the effect of 'I'll bide my time, but I promise I will get you' before making a gun gesture towards him.

A 'visibly frightened' Mr Scott also told his former partner that Morgan had threatened him that his 'home would be blown up with his family inside'.

Four days later he told a police call hander: 'I'm in fear for my family's life.'

The jury heard he also reported the 'threats' to the Prison Service, saying Morgan had told him his family would be hurt if he did not 'drop' the illegal phone matter.

Instead the phone was examined and Morgan was arrested, later being charged with unauthorised possession of the mobile phone.

Williams, the officer with whom he'd had a relationship, later admitted three offences of misconduct in a public officer and a computer misuse offence.

Morgan, now 35, and Cleary, 29, both of Edge Hill, Liverpool, deny murder.

Cleary also denies a second count of manslaughter.

The trial continues.
Grim new details have emerged after the decomposed bodies of two elderly men were found inside a rundown terrace.

Police made the grisly finds after they received a request to conduct a welfare check at a Cleveland Street home in Sydney's inner-city Surry Hills on Thursday.

The bodies of the men, aged in their 70s and 80s were found in different levels of the home, which was so decrepit that some shocked locals thought it was abandoned.

Police say a woman was living with the bodies of two men for almost a month.

Eleanor Barker, 63, has since spoken with detectives. Police say she isn't suspected of any wrongdoing involved the deaths.

No arrests or charges have been laid.

A police source told the Sydney Morning Herald the discovery was being considered as 'a sad story at this stage'.

Neighbours told Nine News that Ms Barker had appeared 'upbeat' in recent days.

Police found the men's decomposing bodies after they received a request to conduct a welfare check

Roommate Eleanor Barker (pictured) continued living at the home, where the men's bodies laid in separate rooms. Police say she isn't suspected of any wrongdoing

Other neighbours recalled Ms Baker regularly but had not seen the men for 'quite some time'.

The only obvious signs of the tragedy on Friday were police tape at the property and dozens of officers examining the home.

Described as a hoarder's house, the home was infested with rats and birds.

From the street, it appeared rundown, with piles of discarded items strewn across the front of the terrace.

'I mean I've always seen this house, I didn't know if people lived in it, but it doesn't really look like people do,' neighbour Aisha Mingai said.

Police and forensic officers combed the property on Friday, where detectives seized electrical cables.

Officers also doorknocked neighbours to gather more information.

Police are now working to determine why the deaths went unreported for so long.

The Surry Hills home, described as a 'hoarders house', was infested with rats

Police also hope that autopsies will shed light of how and when the men died.

The bodies were so decomposed that the identities of the men are yet to be confirmed.

However, it's understood their bodies had no obvious signs of injury

Neighbour Mitchell Morri told Nine News he often saw the men outside the house.

'They're really nice, I'd always pass them on the street. One of the guys used to have a VB longneck out the front,' he said.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers.
The master bellringer at Parliament's church has been hit with a 100,000-plus court bill after tearing out the front gates of his banker neighbour's 2m west London home.

Retired financier Nicholas Partick-Hiley bought his mews cottage in Fulham, in August 2023, planning to make the property a dream home for his retirement alongside wife, Lisa.

But the 64-year-old was shocked when he arrived on the day of completion to find his new neighbour bell-ringer neighbour, Adrian Udal, 65, demolishing the door and roller gate securing the front of his home.

Mr Udal, who had lived next door to the couple's property for 30 years, insisted he had a right to do what he did as he owns the land the gate was on.

However, the couple sued and won the case last month after Judge Nicholas Parfitt branded Mr Udal's actions 'wanton destruction' and 'carefully pre-planned'.

And now Mr Udal - Secretary of the Belfry at St Margaret's Church, a medieval building next to Westminster Abbey which acts as place of worship for the Houses of Parliament - has been left facing a 100,000-plus bill after being ordered to pay the legal costs of the case.

In a short hearing at Mayor's and City County Court, Judge Parfitt ordered him to pay 85,000 up front towards his neighbours' estimated 100,000-plus legal bill.

He will also have to pay the couple 10,000 compensation for what he did, as well as his own lawyers' significant costs, which have not been revealed in court.

Adrian Udal, 65, demolished the door and roller gate securing the front of his neighbour's home

Retired financier Nicholas Partick-Hiley (left) bought his mews cottage in Fulham, in August 2023, planning to make the property a dream home for his retirement alongside wife, Lisa (right)

Pictured: Mr Udal (back) and a helper in the act of destroying his neighbours' gate

Mr Udal is a veteran bell-ringer, whose Secretary of the Belfy role involves liasing with clergy when bellringing is needed for special church, state and parliamentary events, while he is proud to have 'rung in' the New Year almost every year since 2000.

He also works as a broadcast editor and has a keen interest in antique clocks, while his wife, Helen, is also a campanologist, being bell tower captain at St Gabriel's Church Pimlico.

Mr Partick-Hiley is a retired financier and former managing director and head of sales for North America investment banking specialists Panmure Gordon.

During the trial last month, Judge Parfitt was told how the two neighbouring homes are in an unusual layout, with the Partick-Hileys' house located behind Mr Udal's property and reachable across a drive and through a passageway, which passes under part of his house and into their courtyard.

The drive and passageway are owned by Mr Udal, but the Partick-Hileys have the right to pass over it to get to their house, the court heard.

Explaining the background to the row, Mark Warwick KC, for the Partick-Hileys, said: 'On the day of completion, Mr Partick-Hiley arrived at the property at about 12.10.

'He was astonished to find Mr Udal and another man. The two men were in the process of destroying the door and gate. They were also disconnecting wiring that connected the property to various services.

'No advance warning of any kind had been given by Mr Udal, or anyone on his behalf, that such extraordinary behaviour was going to happen.

'Mr Partick-Hiley endeavoured to remain calm. He contacted his solicitors, he felt helpless.

'Mr Udal and (the other man) continued with their demolition work until about 5pm.

'His actions were plainly carefully pre-planned. No amount of persuasion, including the involvement of the police, has caused him to resile, or seemingly regret, his actions.

'The impact of these actions, and contentions, has been serious, their quiet enjoyment and actual enjoyment of their home has been disrupted.'

The couple sued for an injunction against Mr Udal, claiming the right to put up new gates across the opening which leads to their house, citing 'security concerns' in the affluent street.

They said they were aware of a conflict between their home's previous owner and Mr Udal before moving in, but thought it was settled until Mr Udal was witnessed dismantling the disputed gate.

Through their solicitors, they had contacted him two months before the move, explaining that they planned to install 'better looking and more functional gates' once they moved in, although making clear they would welcome Mr Udal's input on the style and design of those gates.

But in response, the couple alleged their new neighbour began to plot how to remove and install new gates, buying his own set of metal barriers on July 13, 2023, which Mr Warwick claimed showed that 'he was planning to carry out the destruction of the existing gates'.

Mr Udal, who had lived next door to the couple's property for 30 years, insisted he had a right to do what he did as he owns the land the gate was on

When the day of completion arrived, 'Mr Udal and his accomplice duly set about destroying the gates and disconnecting services running through the driveway', he added.

Their barrister claimed Mr Udal had 'carefully planned' what he did and did so 'at a time to cause maximum disruption and distress.'

Soon afterwards, the couple's lawyers wrote to Mr Udal insisting that the removed gates were their property and that it was up to them to decide what alternatives should be put in their place.

'Mr Udal disagreed,' said the KC, adding: 'On September 10, he began to hang metal gates, of his own choosing, right next to the pavement.'

In court, the couple insisted they have the right to erect and site entrance gates 'on either side of the opening that runs under part of Mr Udal's house,' plus the right to park a car in the area.

But Mr Udal insisted their right only extends to having the strip gated at the front of the property next to the pavement and they have no right to have a car on his land.

He said that in removing the existing roller gate and door, and installing a new gate next to the pavement at the end of the driveway, he had done no more than assert his legitimate rights as freehold owner of the passage between the two homes.

Handing victory to the bell master's neighbours, Judge Parfitt slammed his 'wrongful act of wanton destruction...which any reasonable and objective person should have realised would cause considerable upset and discomfort' and ordered him to pay 10,000 damages.

The judge found that the gates Mr Udal removed were in the correct position and that the couple have a right 'to pass and re-pass either on foot, or with or without vehicles' down the drive and passage

'Mr Udal was a poor witness who came across as preferring his own perception of what might be helpful to his own case, regardless of any objective reality,' he continued.

'The overall impression was that truth for him, in the context of legal proceedings at least, was no obstacle to a clever argument about language or the other evidence.

'He referred to his destruction of the roller shutter and furniture as his having 'returned' it to (the former owner).

'This is also using expressions normally used to describe something helpful - getting something back to the owner - as a means of sugar-coating the reality of what he was doing: destroying part of the claimants' property on the very day they were moving in and would have expected to find the roller shutter and furniture providing a secure and private barrier between the road and their new house.

'On a balance of probabilities, the defendant had planned to destroy the roller shutter and furniture on the day of completion and perhaps hoped that it would be a fait accompli by the time the claimants arrived.

'In any event, he continued his actions even after they had arrived and it was clear that they objected.'

The judge found that the gates Mr Udal removed were in the correct position and that the couple have a right 'to pass and re-pass either on foot, or with or without vehicles' down the drive and passage.

He added: 'Mr Udal's actions in respect of the roller gates and furniture was an inappropriate and wrongful act of wanton destruction designed, in my view, to, at best, take advantage of the gap between owners occurring at completion, and conduct which any reasonable and objective person should have realised would cause considerable upset and discomfort to the new owners.'

The couple sued and won the case last month after Judge Nicholas Parfitt branded Mr Udal's actions 'wanton destruction' and 'carefully pre-planned'

Returning to court last week to decide on matters consequential to his judgment, Judge Parfitt ordered Mr Udal to tear out the gate he installed within two weeks.

He said the Mr Partick-Hileys would have the right to install their own, but that if it is to be lockable they must ensure that Mr Udal is able to get in if he wants to get to the back of his house.

He also ordered him to pay 85,000 towards their lawyers' bills - estimated at over 100,000 - ahead of an assessment at a later date. His own lawyers' bills were not revealed in court papers.

Representing himself via a video link, Mr Udal said he was planning to challenge the decision on appeal.
China doesn't want Russia to lose the war in Ukraine because it fears the US will come after it next as it pivots focus towards Asia.

Wang Yi, China's foreign minister, was claimed to have warned senior Euro officials during a tense four-hour meeting.

Sources told the South China Morning Post that the he said that a Russian defeat would only embolden Washington to redirect its pressure campaign onto China, a scenario Beijing is desperate to avoid.

His unusually frank comments, delivered behind closed doors, stunned European officials as Chinese politicians and diplomats rarely speak so candidly.

Sources familiar with the exchange said Mr Wang gave European Commission vice president Kaja Kallas a series of 'history lessons and lectures' on realpolitik, underlining Beijing's anxiety that the West will increasingly pivot toward the Indo-Pacific.

It comes after US president Donald Trump and his Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth have both said countering China is a top strategic priority, with fresh emphasis on shoring up defences in the Pacific.

The foreign minister reiterated that China was not supporting Russia's effort both financially or militarily.

While officially denying it is arming Russia, Western intelligence suggests otherwise including reports that China supplied Moscow with advanced laser defence systems.

China has warned that Russia cannot afford to lose the war in Ukraine as the US may turn its attention to Beijing

Russia's war on Ukraine has been ongoing since the former invaded in February 2022

China has claimed that it is neither supporting Russia's efforts financially nor militarily

Wang's comments are the strongest indication yet that China sees the outcome of the conflict as vital to its own national interests.

Shortly after the meeting, Chinese state media moved to soften the message saying Beijing continues to 'advocate for peace talks' and supports efforts for a 'comprehensive, lasting and binding peace agreement.'

Just days ago, the US paused arms shipments to Ukraine, with the White House citing concerns over dwindling stockpiles.

In a major blow to Kyiv, Washington said it was putting 'America's interests first' and reassessing foreign military aid.

Yesterday, Russia launched its largest missile and drone attack of the war.

While Wang's meeting with Kallas was reportedly 'respectful,' tensions appear to be rising beneath the surface.

China's foreign minister made the blunt remarks to the EU Commission's vice president

The two sides have also been clashing over rare earth exports and magnet restrictions, which have hit European industries hard.

Mr Wang attempted to ease the EU's concerns saying the row should never come between the two.

He also assured that the needs of European companies will be satisfied if it abides by the correct application process.

The minister claimed that it was 'certain forces' that are 'deliberately hyping this matter.'
Two teens have been arrested following a chaotic police pursuit which brought peak-hour traffic to a standstill during a busy night in Sydneys west.

The dramatic chase through several suburbs unfolded shortly before 5.30pm on Friday when police attempted to pull over an allegedly stolen Volkswagen Tiguan.

Dramatic video shared online showed the Volkswagen speeding along a residential median strip in an alleged attempt to evade five police vehicles.

Two police cars are seen in pursuit moments later.

Three more cop cars follow closely behind, driving alongside bumper-to-bumper traffic banked up.

The pursuit continued through Toongabbie, Blacktown, Kings Park and Doonside, where the occupants abandoned the vehicle in Doonside Crescent.

A girl, 14 and boy, 17, were arrested a short time later and taken to Blacktown Police Station, where inquiries are ongoing.

No charges have yet been laid.

A white car (left) was seen speeding down the median strip in Toongabbie

Two teens were arrested when the police chase finally ended in Doonside

It has been a busy night for police in western Sydney after a young female officer was found unresponsive, lying on a road in nearby Bidwill after she was allegedly assaulted while on duty

Police responded to reports of an on-duty police officer lying unresponsive on Bunya Road just after 6.30pm.

It's understood she and another young female officer were responding to a mental health incident at the time.

The young Mount Druitt officer, 23 was treated at the scene and taken to Westmead Hospital in a stable condition.

Her colleague, 22 was also treated by paramedics and taken to Mount Druitt Hospital as a precaution.

A man, 19, was arrested at the scene and was taken to Nepean Hospital, where's under police guard.

A crime scene has been established and an investigation into the circumstances of the incident has commenced.
Voters have answered with a resounding 'NOTHING' when asked what has been the biggest achievement of Keir Starmer's first year in power, a new poll shows.

More in Common asked voters to offer their one or two-word responses to Labour's best and worst actions of the party's first 12 months in power to create a word cloud.

And it was pretty brutal, with most people unable to thing of anything good.

Only its work on the NHS made much of a dent in people's gloomy assessment.

On the flipside, they were very clear in what has gone wrong. The Winter Fuel Allowance row was far and away the biggest cock-up in people's minds.

It saw Sir Keir and Chancellor Rachel Reeves try to take away the 300 universal benefit away from all but the poorest recipients, before being forced into a U-turn.

More in Common's director Luke Tryl said it was 'one of the most stark word clouds we've seen - the Winter Fuel Allowance drowns everything else out'.

The other major problem to stand out for voters was immigration, with more than 20,000 people already having crossed the English Channel in small boats this year, a record.

More in Common asked voters to offer their one or two-word responses to Labour's best and worst actions of the party's first 12 months in power to create a word cloud. And it was pretty brutal, with most people unable to thing of anything good.

On the flipside, they were very clear in what has gone wrong. The Winter Fuel Allowance row was far and away the biggest cock-up in people's minds.

Sir Keir is facing Labour dissent, economic uncertainty and spiralling conflict abroad as he marks a year in Number 10.

The Prime Minister led his party back into power with more than 400 MPs on July 4 last year  clinching a majority just short of Sir Tony Blair's landslide in 1997.

But with a daunting in-tray of problems including a stuttering economy, creaking public services and global volatility, his political honeymoon period was short-lived.

His personal popularity is now the lowest of any British premier after their first 12 months in office, political scientist and polling guru Professor Sir John Curtice said.

'There were pretty clear potential weaknesses before they even started, and most of those weaknesses have basically just been exposed over the course of the last 12 months.'

Sir John said part of the problem lay in what he described as a failure of narrative in setting out the Government's vision for change to the public.

'They're portraying themselves as a repair gang rather than the builders of a new Jerusalem. Pessimism doesn't necessarily go down very well,' he said.

'The thing with Starmer is, he's a brilliant prosecution lawyer But prosecution lawyers present cases that have been (put together) by someone else. The problem is that as a political leader you've got to prosecute your own case.

'Maybe he needs new personnel? Either he's got to learn to do it himself or get someone in to do it for him.'

That verdict was echoed by some dissenting voices within Labour ranks, where there is lingering discontent among rebels over the Government's Welfare Bill despite Number 10 offering major concessions on the legislation.

The Prime Minister led his party back into power with more than 400 MPs on July 4 last year  clinching a majority just short of Sir Tony Blair's landslide in 1997.

His personal popularity is now the lowest of any British premier after their first 12 months in office, political scientist and polling guru Professor Sir John Curtice said.

The Government saw off the threat of a major Commons defeat over the legislation on Tuesday after shelving plans to restrict eligibility for the personal independence payment (Pip), the main disability benefit in England.

'I think he really needs to think about why he wants to be a Labour Prime Minister and what is it he actually cares about,' one long-serving Labour MP said.

They said Tuesday had marked 'the lowest point' in Sir Keir's premiership so far and raised questions about his authority, warning that backbenchers may now feel emboldened to demand further U-turns elsewhere.

Sir John said that the Government's challenges in passing legislation were unsurprising in light of the broad but fragile coalition of support on which Labour built its election victory, securing 412 seats on just 35% of the vote.

That means many MPs defending narrow majorities and raises the prospect of 'a large body of people who are nervous about their political futures,' he said.
An investigation has been launched after two teenagers were killed on the railway in Cheshire.

It's understood emergency services attended the tragic incident in Poynton shortly after 10pm on Thursday night.

Railway lines were closed late on Thursday night while emergency services worked at the scene.

Work continued throughout the early hours of Friday morning, with rail services resuming by 6.15am.

The circumstances surrounding the two deaths are yet to be confirmed.

British Transport Police has launched an investigation into the incident, but said it is not being treated as suspicious.

An investigation has been launched after two teenagers were killed on the railway in Cheshire

A spokesperson for the force said: 'Officers were called at around 10.10pm last night (3 July) to reports of a casualty on the tracks near Poynton railway station.

'Officers attended with paramedics. Very sadly and despite the best efforts of paramedics two people were both pronounced dead at the scene.

'The incident is not being treated as suspicious and a file is being prepared for the coroner.'

A mother who got off a train at the station said: 'It's just devastating. I have teenage children myself including a 16-year-old boy. This just brings it so close to home.'
A barrister friend of JK Rowling has won a payout after proving she was banned from a vets for her 'gender critical' views.

High profile former barrister Allison Bailey was banned from using her local vets' practice over allegations she was 'rude' to staff.

She was 'expelled' from the client register of Palmerston Veterinary Group's practice in Walthamstow, in January 2023 on grounds of her 'unacceptable' behaviour.

The vet's receptionist complained that Ms Bailey's 'aggressive and intimidating' conduct had left her in tears.

However, Ms Bailey denied being rude and sued, claiming the real reason she was told not to return and to find another vet was her gender-critical beliefs.

She claimed there was no justification for the vets' 'deregistering' her, nor any basis for complaints about her alleged overbearing conduct

Ms Bailey took Linnaeus Veterinary Ltd, trading as Palmerston Veterinary Group, to court, seeking 25,000 in compensation.

Her lawsuit was based on claims her 'protected characteristic' rights of having a gender-critical belief were breached by the ban, which she blamed on former staff member Dr Liz Munro opposing her beliefs.

High profile former barrister Allison Bailey, pictured with JK Rowling, was banned from using her local vets' practice over allegations she was 'rude' to staff

Her lawsuit was based on claims her 'protected characteristic' rights of having a gender-critical belief were breached by the ban, which she blamed on former staff member Dr Liz Munro (pictured) opposing her beliefs

During the trial, Ms Bailey had insisted she had a good relationship with the practice throughout the 13 years they treated her two dogs, Poppy and Jonty

Today, Judge Andrew Holmes ruled in Ms Bailey's favour at Central London County Court, handing her victory, with the amount due in damages to be assessed later.

He said that whilst Ms Bailey 'can be seen by others as being direct to the point of rudeness,' the vets' practice had failed to prove that their staff were unaware of her views or her friendship with outspoken gender critic JK Rowling, and that those views played no part in the move to ban her.

'There is strong evidence that Ms Bailey's gender critical beliefs were known within the practice,' he said.

'I do not accept that Ms Munro was unaware of Ms Bailey's friendship with JK Rowling.

'Dr Munro revealed clearly that if she did not regard Ms Bailey as a bigot, it was only by a hair's breadth.

'It then falls to the defendant to show that the decision was not taken on the prohibited ground and that the prohibited ground played no part in the decision. The defendant fails.'

During the trial, Ms Bailey had insisted she had a good relationship with the practice throughout the 13 years they treated her two dogs, Poppy and Jonty.

The practice fought her claim saying the reason she was told not to come back was because her actions had triggered its 'zero tolerance policy' on abusive behaviour towards staff.

Judge Andrew Holmes ruled in Ms Bailey's favour at Central London County Court, handing her victory, with the amount due in damages to be assessed later

The judge said that 'gossip ... that Ms Bailey was a friend of J.K. Rowling' had 'spread round the practice quickly'

Ms Bailey's barrister Akua Reindorf KC told the court the practice's 'culture' included promotion of 'trans activist material,' saying for example that they displayed a Pride flag

The barrister also pointed out that Dr Munro had shared information to staff members about how to address trans clients by their preferred pronouns and other preferred language use.

In the witness box, Dr Munro replied: 'I felt I was showing something that would be useful. I would never expect anybody to keep their views to themselves.

'I don't believe that I hold strong views. Am I some sort of radical pro-trans activist? No.

'I believe I hold views which many people in society have and the feeling behind this was one of kindness, inclusivity and treating people as you wish to be treated.'

Dr Munro agreed with the barrister that she found gender-critical views 'objectionable,' adding: 'It's not a position I agree with, but I don't know if I'd say someone was a bigot - maybe I would.'

Giving his ruling today, Judge Holmes said: 'A "no further treatment letter" was sent to Ms Bailey by post on January 26 and was received by her on January 28.

'It was sent in the name of Dr Liz Munro.

'The central issue in this case is the degree to which, if at all, the decision to terminate Ms Bailey's relationship with the practice was because of her gender critical beliefs.

'In my judgment, there is evidence that Ms Bailey did not behave well towards the staff in the practice.

'The incident on January 18, 2023, is perhaps the clearest evidence.

'Ms Bailey is not violent or abusive, but she can be seen by others as being direct to the point of rudeness.

'The interaction on January 18, 2023, was clearly unpleasant, but it was not violent.

'If termination was a last resort, save where there is violence, then one would have expected there to have been a warning.

'The practice was under no legal obligation to conduct some sort of disciplinary process. There was no contractual requirement to do so.

'Provided the termination was not for a discriminatory reason, the practice was entitled to terminate the provision of its services with or without cause.

'[However] there is strong evidence that Ms Bailey's gender critical beliefs were known within the practice.'

The court also heard that Dr Munro had shared information to staff members about how to address trans clients by their preferred pronouns and other preferred language use

The judge said that 'gossip ... that Ms Bailey was a friend of J.K. Rowling' had 'spread round the practice quickly'.

'I do not accept evidence from any witness that they were unaware of this,' he said.

'Ms Rowling is one of the most famous people in the country. It is to me inconceivable that people would not talk about that in what is a relatively small business.

'On balance, it is likely that Dr Munro knew about Ms Bailey's gender critical beliefs before she was involved in taking the decision to terminate.'

In relation to the trans inclusive post Dr Munro had shared with staff after it appeared on her social media feed, the judge said 'for such a post to have appeared on Dr Munro's feed, one would anticipate that she must have shown some interest in pride or trans issues'.

'Social media works by the use of algorithms,' he continued.

'Social media, in trying to keep the user engaged and thereby generating more revenue, targets the user with posts that it has calculated that the user will be interested in.

'Dr Munro must have been engaged with posts on LGBTQ+ issues for the guide to language document to have appeared on her feed such that she could repost it and use it in the team meeting.

'I was also unconvinced by Dr Munro's evidence on her views concerning the sex/gender debate...[from] the answers she gave when asked about the detail of the guide to language document, it was clear on which side of the sex/gender debate Dr Munro is.

'Just how strongly she feels was demonstrated when she hesitated over whether she regarded Ms Bailey's views as bigoted. One would have anticipated a simple denial whilst saying they were not views she shared. Instead of which Dr Munro revealed clearly that if she did not regard Ms Bailey as a bigot, it was only by a hair's breadth.

'I do not accept that Ms Munro was unaware of Ms Bailey's friendship with JK Rowling.

'I accept that there is evidence that Ms Bailey could be difficult and aggressive with staff.

'[But] I am satisfied that Ms Bailey has proved, on the balance of probabilities, facts from which I can conclude, in the absence of an adequate explanation, that the practice has committed an act of unlawful discrimination.

'It then falls to the defendant to show that the decision was not taken on the prohibited ground and that the prohibited ground played no part in the decision. The defendant fails.

'It seems to me that it is difficult to accept the evidence that the decision was taken solely on the basis of Ms Bailey's behaviour.'

The amount of damages Ms Bailey is due and who pays the costs of the case will be decided at a later date.
Three-quarters of Brits believe Rachel Reeves will smash Labour's vow not to increase income tax, national insurance or VAT.

A poll has revealed the depth of scepticism among the public about the manifesto commitments holding, despite repeated assurances from the Chancellor and Keir Starmer.

The YouGov research comes amid mounting fears that tax hikes - and big ones - are the government's only option to balance the books at the Autumn Budget.

Economists have warned that stalling growth and U-turns on welfare curbs could mean the scale has to be similar to the last fiscal package, which added a record 41billion to the burden.

Labour promised at the last election that there would be no changes to income tax, VAT or NICs.

But some 35 per cent of Brits regarded action on the 'big three' tax areas as 'very likely', and a further 37 per cent said it was 'fairly likely'.

Only 10 per cent thought it was unlikely, while 17 per cent said they did not know.

Even among Labour supporters 70 per cent expected the move, and the figure for Tories was 84 per cent.

Your browser does not support iframes.

The grim findings came as the Chancellor dropped another heavy hint that taxes will go up at the next Budget.

Ms Reeves said the package would 'reflect' the 'cost' to this week's U-turn on welfare reforms - which the Treasury hoped would save 5billion by 2029.

But she insisted she would not change her 'fiscal rules' constraining borrowing, leaving tax rises as the most likely option.

Ms Reeves has also repeatedly stated she will not bring in a tax bomb as big as the 41billion imposed last year.

However, Ben Zaranko of the respected IFS think-tank said the increase in the burden could be of a 'similar scale'.

He said 'avenues are closing' after department spending plans were fixed for the next three years and the government backed down on welfare.

'It's not hard to imagine a world where they are of a ballpark similar scale to last autumn,' Mr Zaranko said.

'If you have the perfect storm of economic forecasts being downgraded, additional spending commitments because these reforms haven't got through parliament and the world is in a gloomier place generally, you could comfortably be into double figures billions even before you talk about any retail offers.

'A 20, 30, 40billion budget is not what the government would want but it's not impossible by any means.'

The Budget last year was the biggest tax raising package on record, including an eye-watering hike to employer national insurance that has been blamed for crushing business investment and recruitment.

Analysis by Deutsche Bank has suggested that the hole Ms Reeves needs to fill could be between 18billion and 32billion.

It pointed to market conditions adding 2-3billion to borrowing by 2029, and Donald Trump's trade war impact costing approximately 5billion.

Productivity growth downgrades could degrade the fiscal position by another 15billion, while welfare backtracking is estimated to add up to 9.5billion to spending.

The analysts speculated that revenue-raising measures could include extending the hated freeze on income tax thresholds, with that stealth raid potentially raising 7billion a year.

Council tax reform was mooted to bring in 1 billion, raising the Bank Levy another 1.5billion and pension tax reliefs 2 billion.

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Other measures including tax collection could drum up some more cash towards the gap.

But Deutsche Bank cautioned that if the shortfall is more than 20billion breaking the Labour manifesto and hiking income tax, VAT or NICs could be unavoidable.

It has emerged previously that Angela Rayner wrote to the Chancellor in March urging eight tax hikes, seemingly as a way to avoid benefits curbs.

They included reinstating the pensions lifetime allowance, changes to dividend taxes, a raid on a million people who pay additional rate income tax and a higher corporation tax level for banks.
NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani - who made his South Asian ethnicity a key part of his campaign - once identified as 'black' on his college application.

Mamdani ticked both 'Asian' and 'Black or African American' when he applied to Columbia University as a high school senior in 2009, the New York Times has found.

The rising Democrat, 33, who was born in Uganda, told the paper the application didn't allow for the complexity of his background, calling the boxes 'constraining'.

He confirmed writing 'Ugandan' in a space that allowed for additional background, adding, 'I wanted my college application to reflect who I was.'

The Ivy League institution ended up rejecting Mamdani even though his father - Ugandan academic Mahmood Mamdani - has worked there since 1999.

But several on social media - and the hosts of Fox & Friends - accused Mamdani of filling out the form as he did to gain an upper hand in the admissions process.

At the time, Columbia considered race in its admissions process, a system designed to boost the chances of underrepresented minorities.

'Mamdani just baldly lying on every one of his college applications that he was "racially Black" in order to exploit an utterly corrupt & unjust system for his own selfish advancement,' wrote UNC School for Civic Life & Leadership Associate Dean David Decosimo on X.

New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani identified as 'black' on his 2009 Columbia University application, according to a Thursday report from the New York Times. Mamdani today counts himself 'an American who was born in Africa.' He was born in Uganda

Mamdani is seen here with his Bollywood director mother Mira Nair and his father Mahmood Mamdani, who is an accomplished Columbia professor. Mamdani, then a high school senior, was not accepted into the school. He denied filling out the application as he did to get a leg up

'[M]ay be the most authentically communist thing he has ever done.'

Prominent progressive Chris Cillizza got it on the action as well, re-sharing a portion of the report that discussed the discrepancies between Mamdani's current Muslim immigrant identity and the labels unveiled in the leak.

'Oops!' the former legacy journalist wrote, as another called Mamdani's application 'The latest in a long list of frauds from the Democrat Party.'

Over on the Fox & Friends sofa, the outrage was similarly swift, with Fourth of July fill-in hosts Charlie Hurt, Griff Jenkins, and Katie Pavlich airing suspicions about Mamdani's motivations as well.

'Democrats new nominee to be the mayor of New York City, Mr. Mamdani, clearly despises America and everything that we stand for,' said Hurt to start the segment, calling Mamdani a 'full-blown communist.'

'Also a racist, by the way,' he added. 'It turns out that he had-, when he applied for Columbia University, he described himself as being Black and African-American because his parents happened to be in Uganda when he was born.'

Pavlich compared the case to the controversy the one that's plagued Elizabeth Warren, while joking about Mamdani still not being accepted after the fact.

'He said his answers on the college application were an attempt to represent his complex background given the limited choices before him, and not to gain an upper hand in the admissions process,' she said.

The revelation triggered outrage on social media, where some branded Mamdani a 'communist' and compared it to the controversy surrounding Massachusetts Democrat Elizabeth Warren's Native American ancestry

Over on the Fox & Friends sofa, the outrage was similarly swift, with Fourth of July fill-in hosts Charlie Hurt, Griff Jenkins, and Katie Pavlich airing suspicions about Mamdani's motivations as well

'Maybe he should call Elizabeth Warren and see how this worked out for her, but she did use it to get ahead. So, you know, maybe theres a difference there.'

Others compared it to the controversy surrounding Warren's Native American heritage as well, years after it resurfaced when Donald Trump referred to the Democratic senator as 'Pocahontas' during a 2017 ceremony at the White House.

Warren's ancestry came into question in 2012, when she was a candidate trying to unseat then-Sen. Scott Brown. At the time, the former Harvard professor claimed to be part Cherokee and Delaware Indian - without a shred of evidence.

Brown - and many others - subsequently accused her of claiming to be a descendant of American Indians to advance her career in academia. Warren denied it.

'Let me be clear. I never asked for, never got any benefit because of my heritage, Warren said in a 2012 TV rebuttal ad at the time.

She has since released DNA results confirming she has some Native American pedigree going back 'in the range of 6-10 generations ago,' her team said in 2019.

The Daily Mail, meanwhile, has reached out to Mamdani's campaign for comment.

He denied checking the boxes to gain an edge.

Mamdanie's set to face off with Eric Adams, Curtis Silwa, and reportedly Andrew Cuomo in November, after a whirlwing campaign that saw him upset the latter last month. He's seen here at last month's Pride festivities with NY AG Letitia James

When pressed by the Times, he said that aside from those forms, he could not recall another time where he identified as black or African-American.

He also said he doesn't identify as either race he checked, and that he sees himself as 'an American who was born in Africa.'

The information comes from a leaked database of past Columbia applications laid uncovered in a recent hack.

It also comes as Mamdani is set to face off with incumbent Eric Adams, Republican Curtis Silwa, and reportedly Andrew Cuomo - this time as an independent - in November, following a whirlwind campaign that saw him upset the latter last month.

His promises to freeze rents, streamline transportation, and strengthen the city's social services has been panned by some as realistic.

His statements against Israel and its leader Benjamin Netanyahu - who he vowed to arrest if he sets foot in New York City - have been criticized as well.

His parents are both of Indian descent. Mahmood Mamdani lived in East Africa for generations. Mamdani said the family did not marry with other native African groups.
The head of Labours curriculum review has said teachers may in future be pushed to teach diverse texts rather than old favourites such as An Inspector Calls.

Professor Becky Francis said the classic English play, first performed in 1945, is so widely taught for English Literature GCSE because it is tried and tested.

She said a frequent issue is getting teachers to branch out because lessons on the older, well-known texts are easier on the ground to replicate.

The drawing room play, by J.B. Priestley, has been a go-to text for teachers for decades and is loved for its critique of Edwardian English society.

However, it has fallen foul of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) campaigners who want teenagers to study more texts by ethic minority authors.

Professor Francis is chairing Labours curriculum review, and aims to publish her full report in the autumn.

Speaking at the Wellington College Festival of Education in Berkshire, she said challenging discrimination is very important to the review panel.

The head of Labour's curriculum review has said teachers may in future be 'pushed' to teach diverse texts rather than old favourites such as An Inspector Calls (pictured: Professor Becky Francis)

She said: It's part of our terms of reference to ensure that every young person can see themselves within the curriculum.

That, of course, includes ethnic diversity, but also gender, disability, and, of course, social class as well, and we take that very seriously.

The issue is about representation. That's important for curriculum efficacy, but also receiving engagement.

She said part of the panels discussions are about whether to signal to texts that are already in the curriculum.

She said exam boards are able to set diverse texts, but this sometimes does not filter down into schools choosing those ones to teach.

Schools have the freedom to select which exam board they use, and within that board, which texts to be examined on.

Professor Francis said: What I'm thinking about is a frequent issue that we hear about in English literature around An Inspector Calls.

Actually, in the present English curriculum, what we've heard is it's perfectly possible, from an exam board perspective, to be able to introduce more diverse texts, but often, because certain texts are so tried and tested, it's easiest on the ground to just replicate them, and carrying on doing same thing.

Professor Becky Francis said the classic English play, first performed in 1945, is so widely taught for English Literature GCSE because it is 'tried and tested' (pictured: the text's book cover)

She said a 'frequent issue' is getting teachers to branch out because lessons on the older, well-known texts are 'easier on the ground to replicate' (pictured: the BBC's 2015 adaptation of the play)

She joked that a straw poll may show the majority of schools still teach An Inspector Calls.

So for us, it's trying to find what is the responsibility of different agencies in this, she said.

And then being able to think, what is it that we want to achieve in terms of signalling or pushing particular behaviours on the ground.

Professor Francis was responding to an audience comment from representatives of Advocacy Academy, a grassroots organisation in Brixton, South London which has written to her regarding the review.

The group suggested anti-racist materials could be embedded in the curriculum and said it was unfair that only white pupils ancestors achievements were celebrated in schools.

Professor Francis comments come amid campaigns to decolonise the curriculum amid concerns that ethnic minority children do not feel included at school.

A Department for Education spokesman said: 'Our independent, expert-led curriculum and assessment review will deliver a broad, balanced and cutting-edge curriculum that ensures young people are ready for work and ready for life.'
New details have emerged about the tragic death of a New South Wales man who contracted the Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV).

The northern NSW man, aged in his 50s, was bitten while trying to free a trapped bat in October 2024.

He received initial treatment but developed symptoms months later and became critically ill, according to the Daily Telegraph.

He died in hospital this week, becoming the first confirmed case of the virus in NSW, and the fourth in Australia.

The other three cases also died, including an eight-year-old Queensland boy in 2013.

Further investigation is underway to establish whether other exposures or factors contributed to the man's death.

'We express our sincere condolences to the mans family and friends for their tragic loss,' a NSW Health spokesperson said.

The tragedy has prompted renewed warnings to avoid touching or handling bats.

A man has died nine months after he attempted to free a trapped bat (stock image)

The deadly virus has no known cure.

ABLV is closely related to the rabies virus and is typically transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal.

'When a bat is injured or in distress, do not try to rescue it. Contact experts at your local wildlife rescue group, which has trained staff who can deal with bats safely,' NSW Health said.

There is no effective treatment for ABLV or rabies once symptoms begin, making prevention through avoidance and post-exposure vaccination critically important.

Large colonies of native bats are known to inhabit several areas across Sydney, including Centennial Park, Burnt Bridge Creek in Balgowlah, and Parramatta Park.

Veterinarian Dr Alison Peel from the University of Sydney told The Daily Telegraph that the virus remains 'exceptionally rare,' found in 'less than 0.5 per cent of the total bat population.'

Dr Peel explained that transmission to humans only occurs when 'a bat bites or scratches someone and transfers saliva into a wound.'

Despite the low infection rate, she stressed the need for caution, telling people to assume that all bats carry the virus and to not touch them.

NSW Health has urged people to not handle bats, even if they seem distressed

The sentiment was echoed by NSW Health director Keira Glasgow.

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, she said on Wednesday.

NSW Health advises that anyone bitten by a bat should immediately and thoroughly wash the wound with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.

After cleaning, apply an antiseptic with antiviral properties, such as povidone-iodine (e.g., Betadine), iodine tincture, aqueous iodine solution, chlorhexidine, or alcohol containing at least 70 per cent ethanol.

Finally, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible for proper wound care and to evaluate your risk of infection.

NSW Health says anyone who sees a bat in distress, injured or trapped on the ground, should not attempt to rescue it and instead call trained experts WIRES on 1300 094 737.

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Downing Street has hailed the 'toughening' of tactics by French police in the war on small boats as footage emerged of officers slashing a dinghy packed with migrants and dragging the deflated vessel back to dry land.

The Prime Minister's spokesperson has described the new approach as 'significant' - as footage showed gendarmes taking a knife to the boat, which was teeming with people in lifejackets hoping to make it to Britain.

Dramatic footage aired by the BBC shows the officers taking off their utility belts before dashing into the water armed with knives in what looks to be a preview of the new approach being unveiled at a France-UK summit on tackling the issue next week.

A single jab with a blade is all it takes to puncture the boat, which begins rapidly collapsing into the water as the would-be migrants cry out in anger having just boarded the vessel seconds before.

Furious screams can be heard as they scurry to get back to the beach, while children can be seen crying. All the migrants on board managed to make their way safely back to shore.

It's a dramatic new tactic by French police, who have previously said French law prevents them from interfering with boats more than 10 feet from the coast.

The rule is in the process of being scrapped, with France and Britain - but some police appear to be acting early, prompting anger from refugee charities.

Number 10 hailed the actions of French cops on Friday as a 'significant moment' that could have 'a major impact' on smuggling gangs.

Downing Street said the change in stance from French law enforcement was thanks to the Prime Minister's 'reset' in relations with Europe, as he has looked to heal the wounds caused by the Brexit years.

The spokesman said: 'No government has been able to get this level of cooperation with the French. That is important.

'We are looking to see France change its maritime tactics, and that is down to the Prime Minister's efforts to reset our relationship across Europe.'

Dramatic scenes unfolded this morning on a French beach as cops deflated a boat carrying migrants

Officers descended on the beach as men, women and children prepared to cross the English Channel

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Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said it was a 'different' and 'welcome' strategy that was part of wider plans for French police to start intercepting migrants in shallow waters, stopping them from ever setting off for Britain.

The scenes on the French coast this morning demonstrate the huge challenge authorities face in trying to stop people smugglers from sending migrants to the UK.

But they have angered a charity supporting migrant children and their families in northern France, which has accused police of putting children at unnecessary risk and breaking the law.

Kate O'Neill, advocacy coordinator at Project Play, told the PA news agency: 'This is not a new tactic  it's something that has been happening for a long time in Calais and surrounding areas.'

She also warned it was a 'dangerous' tactic as children were 'often in the middle of the boats'.

Ms O'Neill added: 'The events taking place in the BBC coverage are not only upsetting to watch, but show clear evidence of police officers endangering a child.'

She added: 'While talks are ongoing to allow the interception of boats in shallow water, it remains illegal at this time under maritime law and violates the obligations of the UK and France under international law  including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

'This footage highlights the danger involved in intercepting and slashing boats in the water, and we implore decision makers to consider the potentially fatal consequences of allowing this to take place even more frequently.'

It is not the first time, however, that French police have deflated migrant boats.

Last month, cops were seen single-handedly foiling an attempt by migrants to cross the Channel in a dinghy by stabbing it with a knife.

Video footage showed how a group of refugees and migrants aboard the boat were attempting to follow a short stream leading to the sea just metres away, as French police watched them.

One officer was then seen holding a sharp implement, believed to be a knife, and stabbing the sides of the boat to make it unusable.

Images later showed the crumpled boat completely deflated with life jackets scattered around, as those on the boat left the scene and returned to a camp where they had been staying.

Cops were shown slashing the dinghy with knives in their latest attempt to foil migrants and refugees from making the perilous crossing

All passengers on board made it safely back on the beach as the boat was punctured

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Those on board the boat erupted in anger as the vessel deflated and they were forced to jump off

Migrants were seen hurrying back to shore after the intervention by police

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It comes as France and Britain hope to unveil measures at their summit next week that will reportedly allow French police to intercept such 'taxi boats' - a new phenomenon - up to 300 metres from shore.

Police, activists and migrants interviewed by Reuters were sceptical such a plan would work.

'I just don't see how this could ever be implemented,' said Julien Soir, a police union representative in the northern city of Lille. 'Getting it up and running is simply impossible.'

He said police were already stretched covering 112 miles of coastline and lack the equipment and training needed for seaborne operations.

Police also fear drowning if they fall in the water with heavy equipment, or personal legal liability if migrants die or are injured during an intervention.

Angele Vettorello, a coordinator at the Utopia 56 charity in Calais, said numbers were rising despite more French police patrolling beaches, including with British-sponsored drones.

She said the proposed measures would only make a dangerous crossing - last year 73 migrants died navigating what is one of the world's busiest shipping lanes - more perilous.

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French police are prevented by law from intervening once a boat is in the water

But in today's instance, cops reportedly deemed the dinghy to be close enough to the shore

Over 20,000 asylum seekers have arrived in Britain via small boats so far this year

A group of migrants on an inflatable dinghy leave the coast of northern France in an attempt to cross the English Channel to reach Britain, from the beach of Petit-Fort-Philippe in Gravelines, near Calais, France, July 2

If implemented, it would 'lead to even more deaths... more distress', she said.

Asked if France would go ahead with the plan, an aide to President Emmanuel Macron told reporters announcements would be saved for the summit on Thursday, adding that both countries were working to intensify efforts to prevent crossings and break the traffickers' lucrative economic model.

The influx of migrants has helped Nigel Farage's Reform UK overtake Starmer's Labour Party in polls.

Farage has proposed using the Navy to intercept migrant vessels and take them back to France.

Lawyers say this could only be done if France agreed.

In its manifesto last year, Labour promised to smash the gangs smuggling people across the Channel in small boats.

But over 20,000 asylum seekers have arrived in Britain via small boats so far this year, a 50 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024.

French and British authorities blame the spike on unusually good weather.

Peter Walsh, from Oxford University's Migration Observatory, said maritime interception may stop more migrants but would not affect long-term trends behind the migrant surge, including multiple conflicts and the allure of English-speaking Britain.

France and Britain hope to unveil measures at their summit next week that will reportedly allow French police to intercept such 'taxi boats' up to 300 metres from shore

French and British authorities blame the spike on unusually good weather for the hike in attempted migrant crossings. Pictured: A group of migrants on an inflatable dinghy leave the coast of northern France in an attempt to cross the English Channel to reach Britain, from the beach of Petit-Fort-Philippe in Gravelines, near Calais, France, July 2

A group of migrants walk through the water to reach an inflatable dinghy in an attempt to cross the English Channel to reach Britain on July 2

French police try to stop a group of migrants as they walk on the beach in an attempt to get on an inflatable dinghy on July 2

Life jackets left behind by migrants trying to cross the English Channel are seen at the Blockhaus du Crabe in Ecault beach in Saint-Etienne-au-Mont, near Boulogne-sur-Mer, France, July 1, 2025

Britain also wants to negotiate a returns agreement with France, which it had before it left the European Union.

At a filthy migrant camp near Dunkirk, Reuters spoke with several migrants who were unaware of the new proposal. They said it wouldn't stop them from trying to cross.

Israrullah Lodin, 26, left Afghanistan in 2021 after his family's work with the US army irked the Taliban. He had failed to cross three times; twice he was stopped by police and once his boat had problems. Lodin dreamed of working in a UK fulfilment warehouse. Nothing would stop him from getting there.

'We are not afraid to die,' he said. 'I have to reach my destination.'

Nisarahmad Afghan, 23, had been a migrant almost all his adult life, having left his home region of Nangarhar four years ago. He had made two failed attempts to cross, both foiled by police.

'Until I succeed, I will keep trying,' he said. 'I've passed through many dangerous roads. I will pass this one too.'
A white van driver has been banned from the roads after he sped past a pair of horse riders without slowing.

Alarming footage shows Stefan Soloman, 24, come within feet of the equestrians in a country lane on the evening of September 9 last year.

The riders, dressed in high-vis vests, are forced to trot along the edges of the grass verge as the vehicle overtakes them at high speed.

Soloman, from Leeds, West Yorkshire, pleaded guilty to failing to provide details to police after the horse riders submitted video footage and the number plate of the white 2022 Ford Transit van.

He has now been fined 709 and given 14 points on his licence, resulting in a six-month driving ban.

Solomon was sent a letter asking him to give details of who was driving his van, but by October 23 he had still failed to do so.

At Harrogate Magistrates Court, on Tuesday, July 1, he pleaded guilty to failing to provide the details.

Magistrates fined him 709 and gave him 14 points on his licence. Anyone who gets 12 or more penalty points within three years is given an automatic six-month driving ban.

Alarming footage shows Stefan Soloman, 24, come within feet of the equestrians in a country lane on the evening of September 9 last year

The riders, dressed in high-vis vests, are forced to trot along the edges of the grass verge as the vehicle overtakes them at high speed

Soloman, from Leeds, West Yorkshire, pleaded guilty to failing to provide details to police after the horse riders submitted video footage and the number plate of the white 2022 Ford Transit van

According to the Highway Code, those driving a motor vehicle should pass horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles 'wide and slowly' and should slow down to a maximum of 10mph.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: 'Our area covers 3,200 square miles, with 6,000 miles of roads, many of which are rural, countryside lanes where members of the public ride horses.

'It is important for motorists to be aware that they must slow down when passing horse riders.

'Failing to do so could result in a fine, a disqualification - or in the worst case, even a serious or fatal injury.'
Amid the race to find a buyer for TikTok before the embattled app is forced to go dark by the US government, a savior for the widely popular social media platform has emerged.

Now, Shark Tank star Kevin O'Leary tells the Daily Mail in an exclusive interview that he's more confident than ever that he'll be involved in the deal to acquire the app.

Last weekend, President Donald Trump said, 'We have a buyer for TikTok... I think I'll need probably China approval, and I think President Xi [Jinping] will probably do it... It's a group of very wealthy people.'

Sources reportedly familiar with the deal told Bloomberg that the president was referring to a consortium that includes tech giant Oracle Corp, investment firm Blackstone and venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz.

The rush to find a buyer for TikTok has finally come to a head more than a year after President Joe Biden signed The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act in April 2024.

The law bans social networking services that are defined as 'foreign adversary-controlled' and gave them 270 days to come into compliance with the law.

TikTok's owner ByteDance is a Chinese company controlled by the Communist Chinese government and it must abide by the law. But Trump has granted TikTok three separate 90-day suspensions of enforcement of the law  the first on January 20, the second on April 4 and again last month  in the hopes of finding an American buyer for the app and to keep it in operation.

O'Leary says the exemption granted to TikTok in June will likely be the last.

President Donald Trump said, 'We have a buyer for TikTok ... I think I'll need probably China approval, and I think President Xi will probably do it... It's a group of very wealthy people.'

Now, Shark Tank star Kevin O'Leary tells the Daily Mail in an exclusive interview that he's more confident than ever that he'll be involved in the deal to acquire the app.

'No one thinks there will be a further extension,' he said. 'It will go dark if it has to go dark, just like it did in India.'

The South Asian country banned the app over national security concerns in 2020, an outcome that is entirely possible in the US. In January, TikTok voluntarily shut down in the US for 14 hours after the US Supreme Court upheld the Protecting Americans law.

Indeed, Republican lawmakers are growing frustrated with repeated delays in enforcement.

'The national security concerns and vulnerabilities are still there, and they have not gone away,' Republican Congressman Darin LaHood, who is a member of the House Intelligence Committee, said last month. 'I would argue they've almost become more enhanced in many ways.'

At the heart of US national security concerns is TikTok's algorithm, which experts allege may compromise the private data of Americans and manipulate content that US citizens see in their feeds.

TikTok has denied that it poses any risk to American users. Regardless, the social media platform faces the threat of a total shutdown inside the United States. September 17 is the current deadline for TikTok to find a buyer.

O'Leary, a Daily Mail columnist, maintains that he is 'quite confident' that his group  led by billionaire businessman Frank McCourt and including O'Leary, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian and others  will be part of the TikTok solution. If anything, O'Leary said, various groups in the running for the acquisition may work together.

'Both sides are missing a piece of the puzzle,' he explained. 'Our group doesn't have any existing shareholders of ByteDance, but [Oracle's consortium] doesn't have any code that's going to be compliant with the order from Congress.'

The proposal from Oracle's camp would not be a viable one, according to O'Leary, because their bid, he says, involves licensing the algorithm from ByteDance. O'Leary predicts that the US government will require the new owner of TikTok to create a unique algorithm. That's where his syndicate comes in.

TikTok has denied that it poses any risk to American users. Regardless, the social media platform faces the threat of a total shutdown inside the United States. September 17 is the current deadline for TikTok to find a buyer.

Experts allege TikTok's algorithm may compromise the private data of Americans and manipulate content that US citizens see in their feeds. (Pictured: TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew testifying before the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2023).

'There is not going to be a purchase of TikTok with the Chinese algorithm,' he said. 'We've spent millions of dollars on new technology that'll be the engine that is not owned by the Chinese.'

McCourt, who's leading the group called 'The People's Bid for TikTok,' previously told Forbes that users should have more control over their own data.

'Imagine a TikTok where you choose exactly how you experience content, instead of an algorithm secretly deciding for you,' McCourt said.

Finally, O'Leary claims that one major hurdle remains  the opposition of the Chinese government.

'We still don't know if [Chinese President] Xi wants to sell TikTok USA to an American-owned entity,' O'Leary explained. 'It's a little unusual to announce the buying group if there's no seller.'
President Donald Trump pushed back at criticism for his use of an anti-Semitic term during his Iowa rally, saying he had 'never heard it that way.'

He used the term while referencing unscrupulous bankers as he touted the impacts of his 'big, beautiful bill,' which Congress had approved hours earlier.

'No death tax. No estate tax. No going to the banks and borrowing from, in some cases, a fine banker  and in some cases, shylocks and bad people,' he said.

He sparked outrage over his use of 'shylocks,' which refers to loan sharks and is considered offensive, playing on stereotypes of Jews and money.

Trump said he had never heard it used that way.

'I've never heard it that way,' he told reporters at Joint Base Andrews after his rally.

'The meaning of Shylock is somebody that's a money lender at high rates. You view it differently. I've never heard that.'

President Donald Trump - surrounded by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Rep. Zachary Nunn, R-Iowa, Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem - talks to reporters at Joint Base Andrews

Shylock is a Jewish character in William Shakespeare's play 'The Merchant of Venice.' He is portrayed as a villain and demands a 'pound of flesh' from another character who is unable to repay a loan.

Amy Spitalnick, the CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, slammed Trump for using an 'anti-Semitic stereotype.'

'Shylock is among the most quintessential antisemitic stereotypes. This is not an accident. It follows years in which Trump has normalized antisemitic tropes and conspiracy theories  and it's deeply dangerous,' she wrote on social media.

Trump has been accused of anti-Semitism but he is also close to the Jewish people.

His daughter Ivanka converted to Jewish with her marriage to Jared Kushner. They are raising their children as Jewish.

The president also has signed executive orders combating antisemitism and cracked down on universities that allowed pro-Palestinian protests on their campuses.

Before his rally he met with Edan Alexander, an Israeli-American who was held hostage during the Gaza war.

And, on Monday, he will host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House to push for an end to the war in Gaza.

President Donald Trump was criticized for his use of the word 'shylock' at his Iowa rally

Trump is not the only politician to have used the word.

Then-Vice President Joe Biden used it in a 2014 speech while discussing his son's experience serving in Iraq and meeting members of the military who were in need of legal help because of problems back at home.

'I mean these Shylocks who took advantage of, um, these women and men while overseas,' Biden said at the time.

He, too, was heavily criticized. Biden ultimately apologized for his words.
An eight-year-old boy was found being raised by dogs and only able to communicate by barking in Thailand this week, local authorities said.

The child, who has not been named, was discovered at a 'drug-infested' run-down shack during a welfare check on Monday, according to local media.

Authorities found him living with his mother, 46, and brother, 23, in Lap Lae District, Uttaradit Province. Both were reported to have tested positive for drugs.

They say the family had been shunned by neighbours and the child never enrolled at school, leaving him with 'no one', except the six dogs they shared the house with.

'He didn't speak, he just barked. It was pitiful to see,' said Paveena Hongsakul, president of the activist foundation that led the rescue effort with local police.

The boy was said to have only been to school once, despite his mother receiving a stipend of around 400 baht (9) for his study, according to Khaosod English.

'His mother hasnt allowed him to go to school since he received a subsidy for free education,' Ms Hongsakul said, as reported by the South China Morning Post.

'After getting the money, she simply kept him at home.'

Authorities raided a house in a clearing in the woods on Monday and found the family

The boy was taken into care and he will be able to go to school, supported by the activist group

Neighbours were said to have forbidden their children from playing with the young boy due to the family's behaviour.

His mother was known for allegedly begging for food and money at local temples.

She was also charged with drug consumption after Monday's raid, Khaosod reports.

'The house is in a red zone for drugs,' one teacher explained. 'The boy had no one, just the dogs to play with.'

Activists notified police and worked with multiple agencies to lead the raid on the one-storey shack on June 30 after local headteacher Sophon Siha-ampai raised the alarm, The Thaiger reports.

Images from the scene showed authorities standing around a small family in a wooded area with several dogs on site.

Police conducted urine tests on both the mother and older brother, who allegedly tested positive for drug use.

Social workers intervened to place the boy in a children's home, local media reports.

Ms Hongsakul, of the Foundation for Children and Women, will work with authorities to ensure the child receives continuous education, and her organisation will monitor his progress.

'The boy will be given a chance at a good life. Well follow up with him to make sure he gets everything he needs,' she said.

Local media reports the child had attended pre-school but only attended primary school once, when he reached Grade One age (around 6-7).

There is not a huge corpus of information on 'feral children', or the impact of being raised without other humans.

For many centuries, stories of young children being raised by animals or abandoned to live alone were left to folklore - like the story of Romulus and Remus and the founding of Rome.

Images from the scene showed authorities standing around a small family in a wooded area with several dogs on site

Ms Hongsakul, of the Foundation for Children and Women, will work with authorities to ensure the child receives continuous education, and her organisation will monitor his progress.

In recent decades, psychologists have done more to collect data to better understand how rearing practices affect the developing mind.

One such victim, Oxana Malaya, was found abandoned by her alcoholic parents, living in a kennel with dogs in 1991.

She was found exhibiting behaviours that resembled that of the Black Russian Terriers far more than it did typical children.

She walked on all fours and barked.

By adulthood, Oxana did still learn how to speak fluently, find productive work and begin a new life, despite some impairment to her abilities.
A Colombian killer smashed a pensioner over the head with a hammer at least 13 times before dismembering his body with a power tool and shoving it in a suitcase, a court has heard.

Yostin Andres Mosquera, 35, is accused of murdering couple Albert Alfonso, 62, and Paul Longworth, 71, at their flat in London on July 8 last year.

Jurors have been shown horrifying footage of Mosquera stabbing Mr Alfonso to death during an extreme sex session at his flat in Scott's Road, Shepherd's Bush.

He is said to have killed Mr Longworth earlier that evening by bludgeoning him repeatedly over the head with a hammer.

Mr Longworth's cause of death was described as resulting from blunt force trauma to the head.

Mosquera caved in his skull by striking it with a hammer on nine different sites, a post mortem revealed.

The biggest injury site had been struck 'at least four' times, Woolwich Crown Court heard.

As a result of the hammer smashing, Mr Longworth had multiple 'fragmented' fractures, and 'some of the bone pieces had been pushed inwards.

Yostin Andres Mosquera, 35, a Colombian national, has denied murder but admitted to the manslaughter of one of the men

Albert Alfonso, 62, (right) and Paul Longworth, 71, (left) - their bodies were dismembered and dumped in suitcases in Bristol

He then used the power tool to cut Mr Longworth's head off and cut the rest of his body up.

The remains of the two men were taken to Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol on 10 July.

Police officers opened up the large suitcases to find the victims' body parts.

One of the suitcases had a tag on it linking them back to an address on Scott's Road in Shepherd's Bush.

Officers arrived at the address and found the heads of both Mr Longworth and Mr Alfonso inside a chest freezer.

Forensic pathologist Dr Deborah Cook was asked for her conclusions after she performed a post-mortem on Mr Longworth.

She told the court the cause of death was 'blunt force trauma to the head.'

She said: 'The formal wording is blunt force trauma to the head, but I can tell you the level of force required is severe.

'The largest wound was several injuries, so the blows have to be more than nine in number.

'By the time you have several blows onto an area that is already fractured, you can no longer distinguish one from the next.

Mosquera (left) is pictured alongside Albert Alfonso (centre) and Paul Longworth (right)

Forensic officers at the couple's address in Shepherd's Bush, west London, after human remains were found in two suitcases near the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol

'Inside the skull is in multiple small pieces, and many of those fragments are driven inwards.'

Asked by prosecutor Deanna Heer KC how many she thought there were, she said: 'I would say at least four at that site.

Ms Heer asked: 'Strikes with what?

'A hammer,' Dr Cook replied.

'When a hammer strikes the head, the shape of the laceration is curved if the force is hard enough and sometimes if it is not used flat on, then one part of the hammer is going in.

'All the injuries can be accounted for with a hammer.'

Mr Longworth was found to have an blood alcohol read of 114mg, above the drink drive limit of 80mg.

Dr Cook made it clear that his alcohol level would not have impeded him though and that was clear due to the defence injuries to his hand.

She said: 'The type of injuries on the right hand are what we call defence-type injuries.

'The hand comes up to the head to protect it and the hammer then strikes the hand, causing those injuries.

Jurors have been shown horrifying footage of Mosquera (right) stabbing Mr Alfonso to death during an extreme sex session at his flat in Scott's Road, Shepherd's Bush, west London

Other parts of their bodies were found in two suitcases on Bristol's iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge on 10 July last year

'He would not have been incapacitated through alcohol and those defence injuries show he was able to move his hand to protect himself.

'If he is a regular drinker, he may not have experienced any effects from a blood alcohol level of 114.'

Mr Longworth's head was found with the upper set of dentures still in place.

He was found to have chronic liver disease, known as cirrhosis, but the exact cause of that could not be confirmed by the pathologist.

After he died, Mr Longworth's body was cut up by Mosquera, using a combination of a knife and a power tool, it was said.

He was cut across his thyroid cartilage, which in men is the Adam's apple.

Dr Cook said: 'That was cut through and then next to that you have your carotid artery, that was cut through.

'Then at the back of the neck you have seven spine bones and the cut went between the fifth and the sixth spine bones in the neck.'

Bones in the right arm of Mr Longworth appear to have been snapped rather than cut according to Dr Cook.

'Some sort of tool must have been used but it did not leave any distinctive marks on those left arm bones,' she said.

Ms Heer asked: 'What about the right?

'They just appeared snapped so not showing anything that could be linked to a tool,' Dr Cook replied.

'Just at the end of the right radius a tool has been used to start the cutting.'

Ms Heer asked: 'So perhaps an attempt to use the tool and then snapping?

'Yes,' she replied. 'The use of the tool must have come before the snapping but I don't think I can say much more than that.'

Mr Longworth's leg had been completely 'disarticulated' and appears to have been cut off with a knife and tool.

Dr Cook said: 'The skin line at the top of the left was very ragged, it was not one swift movement of a knife, it was several, I can't say how many, but several movements of the knife.'

Ms Heer asked: 'What about the bone?

'There was a tool mark cut on the bone,' Dr Cook replied.

Mosquera denies the murder of retired handyman Mr Longworth and Mr Alfonso, a swimming instructor.

He has admitted the manslaughter of Mr Alfonso.

The trial continues.
A group of anti-Israeli protesters have terrorised shocked diners by storming a restaurant in Melbourne's CBD - as an arsonist targeted a nearby synagogue.

The chaotic scenes unfolded at the Israeli-owned Miznon eatery on Hardware Lane, where up to 20 protesters hurled chairs, food, and glassware at the venue while chanting 'Death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)'.

Footage shared online showed the breakaway group throwing traffic bollards by passing cars and yelling expletives on their way to the restaurant after a separate protest involving 80 pro-Palestine in nearby Swanston Street.

When the masked protesters arrived at Miznon, diners can be heard screaming as furniture and tables are overturned.

Protesters were then seen clashing with police after dozens of officers arrived on the scene and shut down the laneway at both ends.

One protester was arrested for hindering police and released on summons.

'Several other protesters were spoken to by police and had their identities clarified for the purpose of follow-up investigation,' a spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia.

'Victoria Police continued to support the rights of Victorians to protest peacefully but will not tolerate the kind of anti-social and violent behaviour that was witnessed this evening.'

Officers tried to move members of the public away from the Israeli-owned Miznon eatery

A woman wearing a black surgical mark is seen being led away by two police officers

A woman on the ground is seen being picked up by police

Officers are seen putting another protester in handcuffs during the demonstration

A bollard was thrown by pro-Palestine protesters, who clashed with a group outside the venue

The chaotic scenes shocked many diners and passers-by in the bustling precinct.

Other restaurants in Hardware Lane were also damaged.

'They came in with their drums and their mic and stuff saying Miznon is not welcome here,' a diner told the Herald Sun.

'Then they started getting aggressive, throwing tomatoes, chairs, and glasses. They caused lots of damage to the businesses down here.'

Just half an hour earlier, the East Melbourne Synagogue was set on fire, which police are treating as suspicious.

A man entered the synagogue grounds on Albert Street about 8pm, poured a flammable liquid on the front door, and ignited it before fleeing on foot.

About 20 worshippers, including children inside having dinner at the time were forced to flee the building.

No injuries were reported. Firefighters quickly contained the fire, which prevented further damage.

The owner of the restaurant is seen surveying the damage outside

A man is seen being moved on by police officers

Diners watched on as a series of protesters were put in handcuffs by armed officers

Police are seen on either side of a protester after tensions boiled over outside Miznon

Police are working with synagogue members and Jewish community representatives to provide support following the distressing attack.

An arson specialist has been called in to determine the cause as police gather and review CCTV as part of their ongoing investigations.

Victoria Police stressed that anti-Semitic and hate-based behaviour would not be tolerated and that both incidents are being treated with the utmost seriousness.

The Australian Jewish Democratic Society condemned both incidents.

'The AJDS utterly and totally condemns the mob action by masked people protesting against the presence of the Miznon restaurant in Melbourne,' it posted online late Friday night.

'Around the same time, there was an attempted arson of the historic Eastern Melbourne Synagogue not far away by masked people. This is an appalling act against the whole Jewish community

'We hope all those responsible are caught and prosecuted.'

Customers are seen near the broken glass at the damaged restaurant

Chairs and tables were toppled over during the demonstration

Windows were smashed after protesters hurled furniture at Miznon

Jewish Community Council of Victoria added: 'We cannot say it any louder or anymore - enough is enough!'

'We also cannot emphasise enough that Jewish Victorians won't be tolerated.'

Police urge anyone with information, footage or CCTV of either incident to come forward.
Ex-Arsenal star Thomas Partey was today charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.

The 32-year-old footballer is accused of attacking three women between 2021 and 2022.

The charges follow a three year investigation by Scotland Yard and comes just five days after his Arsenal contract expired on June 30.

He is currently without a club after five Premier League seasons at the Emirates.

The Ghanaian international midfielder is accused of five counts of rape. Two counts of rape relate to one woman and three counts of rape relate to a second woman.

The one count of sexual assault relates to a third woman. None of the alleged victims can be named. He will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on August 5.

The Crown Prosecution Service has said the charges came after it 'carefully reviewed a comprehensive file of evidence'.

Partey 'denies all the charges against him' and 'welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name', his lawyer said this afternoon.

Ex-Arsenal star Thomas Partey was today charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He was first arrested three years ago

The 32-year-old is accused of attacking three women between 2021 and 2022

The Metropolitan Police said the investigation into Thomas Partey began in February 2022 after officers first received a report of rape.

He was first arrested in July 2022, though he was not named at the time and continued to play for Arsenal while investigations were ongoing.

He played more than 50 games for Arsenal while on bail, it has emerged.

In a statement, his lawyer Jenny Wiltshire, of Hickman and Rose, said: 'Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him.

'He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation.

'He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.

'Given that there are now ongoing legal proceedings, my client is unable to comment further.'

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, whose team is leading the investigation, said: 'Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward.

'We would ask anyone who has been impacted by this case, or anyone who has information, to speak with our team. You can contact detectives about this investigation by emailing CIT@met.police.uk'

Thomas Partey's exit from Arsenal was confirmed last month after negotiations over a new deal reprtedly came to a 'complete standstill' in mid-June. He last week, just after his 32nd birthday.

Two weeks ago won the Ghana Footballer of the Year award and his most recent Instagram post showed him training in his home country as he searches for a new club.

Partey joined Arsenal for 45million from Atletico Madrid on deadline day in October 2020.

The Ghana international has gone on to play 167 times for the Gunners and has scored nine goals.

Partey was ruled out injured for large chunks of the 2023-24 season but returned as an important figure for Mikel Arteta last campaign as they reached the Champions League semi-finals.

His stint in north London has brought no major trophies, although he did play in their 2023 Community Shield penalties victory over Manchester City.

He is now looking for a new club.

The Ghana midfielder said recently that his family will be a decisive factor in deciding his future

He said recently that his family will be a decisive factor in deciding his future in football.

'I think the first thing is where are you happy and where do you feel at home. At the end of the day you've been in football, you've been in different teams', he said.

'There are a lot of things where you have to look now with a family, where you want them to be happy. When you are young you just play anywhere.

'I'm an Arsenal fan, I can't decide anything and just have to leave it to my agent and the club. Me, I just want to enjoy football.'

Partey played in all but three of Arsenal's Premier League fixtures last season, scoring four goals and claiming two assists, as they came second for the third consecutive campaign.
A new wildfire in Greece is threatening a town east of Athens as firefighters were finally able to bring under control a blaze on the island of Crete that forced the evacuation of 5,000 tourists and locals.

The new wildfire broke out at Koropi, a town some 30 kilometres (20 miles) east of Athens, where residents received text messages from civil protection units urging them to evacuate the vicinity.

That fire 'has reached the courtyards of the houses', Koropi mayor Dimitris Kiousis told public television channel ERT.

'The fire is ongoing. All residents (in threatened areas) have been evacuated,' Thodoris Grivas, deputy mayor of Koropi, told ERT.

'We do not yet know the extent of the disaster,' Grivas added.

Early on Friday afternoon, at least two water bombers and two helicopters were battling flames fanned by strong winds blowing across Attica, the Athens region, and the capital itself.

The fire was destroying olive trees and brushwood, ERT images showed.

The new wildfire broke out at Koropi, a town some 30 kilometres (20 miles) east of Athens

Firefighters are seen attempting to prevent the destruction of a property in Koropi

A firefighting helicopter is deployed to contain a wildfire near Koropi

An airplane dropping water on a wildfire that broke up in Koropi, some 40 Kms of Athens on July 4, 2025

A new wildfire that started on the outskirts of the Agios Dimitrios settlement in Koropi, triggering evacuation alerts and damaging homes, is nearly contained

Hot dry weather in Greece - not unusual for this time of year - has heightened the risk of summer wildfires, and scientists say human-driven climate change is making them more frequent and more intense.

Firefighters earlier managed to bring under control a separate fire which had on Thursday threatened the port of Rafina, around 20 kilometres northeast of Koropi, after some 300 local people were evacuated from their homes.

Fire crews remained on alert, as the Rafina wildfire was not far from Athens International Airport and winds still posed a threat.

The blaze destroyed several houses and vehicles, local mayor Dimitris Markou told ERT.

It also disrupted ferries to and from tourist islands in the western Aegean, including Mykonos.

On the island of Crete, around 230 firefighters, 48 fire engines and six helicopters remained at the scene near the resort town of Ierapetra, after a blaze that broke out earlier in the week and raged for several days finally began to recede.

Some 3,000 visitors had been forced to leave their hotels and guest houses on Wednesday evening and 2,000 local residents were also evacuated, authorities said.

'The fire is retreating,' fire department spokesman Vassilios Vathrakoyannis told AFP.

'There are still fears of flare-ups but there is no longer a major front,' he added.

Scattered hot spots still remained and firefighters were dealing with several smoke-filled areas from which flare-ups had restarted, the fire department told the ANA press agency.

Weakening winds in the hard-to-reach area had improved the situation, firefighters said, although a fire brigade spokesperson had warned overnight of some 'difficult' days ahead.

Greece had until now been generally spared the heatwave roasting parts of Europe, particularly Spain, Portugal and France over recent days.

But starting this weekend, temperatures are forecast to rise, reaching up to 43 degrees Celsius (109 Fahrenheit) in some areas of the country.

A forest fire fanned by gale-force winds in the Greek holiday island of Crete led to the evacuation of locals and tourists, officials said on July 3, 2025

Firemen battle with a wildfire that broke out in Ierapetra at the southern Greek island of Crete, on July 3, 2025

Authorities said evacuations were ordered at three sites outside the port of Ierapetra on the island's south coast as the inferno raged out of control overnight Wednesday into Thursday

Fire burns in the Ahlia area near the port town of Ierapetra on the south coast of Crete island, Greece, late Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Firefighters prepare to deploy to a wildfire burning near Ierapetra, on the island of Crete, Greece, July 2, 2025

The blaze on Crete, which sparked in the mountains between the villages of Ferma, Achila and Agia Fota late Tuesday, was whipped up by powerful winds and tore through coastal areas.

Authorities said evacuations were ordered at three sites outside the port of Ierapetra on the island's south coast as the inferno raged out of control.

Around 230 firefighters were operating in the area on Wednesday into Thursday to try and contain the blaze. Yesterday morning, 10 water-dropping aircraft were dispatched to fly regular sorties over Crete, with reinforcements sent from Athens.

Homes were reported damaged as flames swept through hillside forests, fanned by strong winds, and emergency services reported that several people were transported to hospital with respiratory issues.

Despite the scale of the blaze, there were no immediate reports of serious injuries, though several residents and tourists are being treated for respiratory issues.

The Fire Service and a civil protection agency issued localised mobile phone alerts for the evacuations.

Residents have also been told not to return to their properties to try and save their homes as the fire began cresting ridgelines and edging toward residential areas overnight.

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.

Members of specialised units - often only working with hand tools - were creating hillside fire breaks to try and slow the advance of the flames.
A frightened passenger caused an entire American Airlines flight to divert back to the airport after they wrongly panicked over a seatmate's text messages.

The AA Flight 1847 to Dallas, Texas, was forced to abort and return to Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Thursday due to concern the flight was in immediate danger.

An unnamed female passenger became spooked when she oversaw her neighbor receive a text that said 'RIP [rest in peace]' 30 minutes into their journey.

She interpreted the message as threatening, causing staff to declare an emergency and divert back to the island, according to local news site Primera Hora.

Pilots told the tower they were treating the threat as a 'level three,' meaning it could be life-threatening to passengers.

'We have a threat onboard,' the pilot said in audio obtained by Daily Mail. 'With text messaging between passengers and flight members, so we're going to need authorities at the gate to meet us just to figure out what's going on here.'

The tower asked if the cockpit was secure and the pilot confirmed, before reiterating: 'We just have a threat from out back, we're not even sure it's even credible at this point.

'But, you know, with the way things are this holiday weekend and everything else, we figured the best course is just to be safe as possible.'

An unidentified female passenger on AA Flight 1847 caused her plane to divert back to Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Thursday after overseeing her seatmate's messages (pictured: the flight path)

Her fellow traveler received a text that said: 'Rip' 30 minutes into their journey to Dallas, Texas (pictured: stock image)

Upon landing, the message was investigated by Aerostar's Felix Alvarado (left). It was determined that the passenger had received the text about a relative who had died the day before. Nelman Nevarez (right), Aerostar's director of operations, said it was a 'mix-up'

Upon landing, the message was investigated by Aerostar, the security company at the Puerto Rican airport.

It was determined that the passenger had received the text about a relative who had died the day before. The passenger was traveling home from vacation early, Primera Hora said.

TSA also inspected the aircraft and did not find a threat.

Nelman Nevarez, Aerostar's director of operations, told the outlet: 'It was a mix-up that was handled in accordance with safety protocols.

'There was no real threat to the flight or its passengers.'

The plane took off for Dallas shortly after the fiasco and landed in the States shortly before 2pm local time.

'Safety and security are our top priorities and we apologize to our customers for the inconvenience,' an American Airlines spokesperson told Daily Mail.
An attorney defending the Colorado dentist accused of killing his wife with poisoned shakes has withdrawn from the case just days before the scheduled start of the murder trial  after allegedly setting his own house on fire.

Robert Werking, who is a partner in LFM Defense along with his wife, Lisa Fine Moses, was arrested last weekend after deputies found him sitting on the porch of his house as it burned behind him, the Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office told the Daily Mail.

Public records show Moses also listed at the address, and the couple co-own the house, the Denver Post reported.

Werking's withdrawal marks the third time lawyers have removed themselves as counsel for the embattled dentist, who was arrested in March 2023 after the death of his wife and mother of his six children, Angela Craig.

Prosecutors allege that the dentist - who'd begun an extramarital affair, allegedly not his first, with a Texas orthodontist - poisoned his wife's shakes with cyanide and tetrahydrozoline, a chemical found in medicinal eye drops.

Angela Craig, 43, visited the hospital multiple times in the weeks before her March 2023 death complaining of nausea and dizziness.

According to arrest documents, the dentist had searched for information about fatal poisons on a computer at his office, ordered potassium cyanide to the business address and told staff not to open it.

When the box was opened by mistake, an employee saw the contents, googled it and matched symptoms to the mysterious illness Craig's wife was experiencing, the arrest affidavit states.

Colorado dentist and father of six James Craig was arrested in March 2023 after the death of his wife, Angela, 43, whom prosecutors say was fatally poisoned by shakes he prepared

Craig, pictured with his late wife, has continued to rack up charges while behind bars awaiting trial - with prosecutors alleging he ordered a hit on a detective and tried to get others to lie

Attorney Robert Werking, who was defending Craig in a legal team alongside his wife, defense attorney Lisa Moses, was sitting on his porch when deputies arrived as the home burned behind him, an Arapahoe County Sheriff's spokesman told the Daily Mail

Werking was arrested for arson at his home and has withdrawn from the dentist's case

Werking and Moses were appointed to Craig's case by the court last November after lawyer Harvey Steinberg withdraw, citing ethical reasons on the eve of the trial. Before that, another team defending Craig had also removed themselves as counsel for undisclosed reasons.

Werking, who did not respond to request for comment from the Daily Mail, withdrew from the case on Tuesday in the wake of his arrest, the Post reported. His wife continues to represent the dentist along with attorney Ashley Witham, who joined the team on June 18.

Moses did not immediately return requests for comment from the Mail.

Craig has been in custody since March 2023 and has continued to rack up criminal charges from behind bars.

Prosecutors allege that, among other things, he tampered with witnesses, including at least one of his children; tried to order a hit on a detective investigating the case; and offered free dental work to relatives of inmates he met in jail in exchange for their help concocting lies to clear him.

Jury selection in Craig's trial is scheduled to begin July 10. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Orlando Bloom wants you to know he's deep in his feelings since his split with Katy Perry.

Fresh off his hot bachelor weekend at Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's Venetian wedding, the film star looks pretty eager to distract gossip hounds - throwing them off the scent of his hotdogging ways by posting some pop-psychology quotes.

The Lonely Boy took to Instagram to air out a little Carl Jung, posting:

'Loneliness does not come from having no people about one, but from being unable to communicate the things that seem important to oneself.'

Jeez dude, that's so deep I almost forgot you're a rich, handsome actor constantly surrounded by hot chicks on every continent throwing themselves at your impish dimples and chiseled chin.

But he wasn't done churning out the New Age hits on social media, because nothing completes a self-pity party like a quote from the Buddha himself:

'Each day is a new beginning. What we do today is what matters most.'

So what did Orlando do today, other than trying to score public points as the victim in the imploded (and very public) breakup of two mega stars?

Orlando Bloom wants you to know he's deep in his feelings since his split with Katy Perry (pictured together in March).

Jeez dude, that's so deep I almost forgot you're a rich, handsome actor constantly surrounded by hot chicks on every continent throwing themselves at your impish dimples and chiseled chin.

I imagine, like the rest of us, he continues to scroll through pics of himself with buxom singletons who got extra gussied up in Italy to shoot their shot with the crestfallen Lord of the Rings star.

Fitting that the dreamy archer from the LOTR trilogy was hitting bullseyes with Cupid's newly minted arrows. He air-kissed the likes of Kim Kardashian, flirted with a brunette seductress in a water taxi and set tongues wagging like a yellow lab on edibles over a late-morning stroll with Sydney Sweeney.

Forget Orlando, this Casanova was starting to look a lot more like Whore-lando.

I get it, every time he asks some random woman if it's going to rain, we will all assume he's gotten her pregnant and they're headed to Cartier to pick out an engagement ring.

Can you blame us? This poor bastard has fathered children with pop goddess Katy Perry (who, until her botched tour, idiotic rocket flight and American Idol bitchery was pretty cool) and supermodel Miranda Kerr.

Miranda is prettier than a Tahitian sunrise, but probably as conversational as a bowl of leftover oatmeal, so it's not terribly surprising this wasn't a long-term success.

Before the catwalker there was Penelope Cruz, Kate Bosworth and a rumored tryst with Selena Gomez. Those are just the ones we know about! Imagine how many starlets, flight attendants and waitresses he's recited post-coital poems to in his endless quest to appear profound.

Fresh off his hot bachelor weekend at Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's Venetian wedding, the film star (pictured in Italy last month) looks pretty eager to distract gossip hounds - throwing them off the scent of his hotdogging ways by posting some pop-psychology quotes.

Before catwalker Kerr (pictured left with Bloom in 2013) there was Penelope Cruz, Kate Bosworth (pictured right with Bloom in 2006) and a rumored tryst with Selena Gomez. Those are just the ones we know about!

It's hard to hatch a ton of sympathy for a guy who once went naked paddleboarding with his own oar. (Pictured: Bloom and Perry in 2016).

Let's face it, this grinning cad has bagged and bedded some of the hottest women on the planet. Do we really buy that he's suddenly replaced his libido with romantic dread?

I don't feel bad for the guy, and I have to wonder: why does he get off as the victim while we're so happy to watch Katy fail?

She emotes as intensely as any handsomely paid actor. As she was leaving the stage in Adelaide last month, she threw up the universal heart-hands symbol, sobbing, 'Thank you Australia for always being there for me.'

Lord knows Orlando wasn't. He's too busy checking out Kardashian a** to care about his heartbroken baby mama.

It's hard to hatch a ton of sympathy for a guy who once went naked paddleboarding with his own oar. He'll be consoled, canoodled and probably motorboated by a new string of A-listers and perfect 10's, all eager to soothe this sizzler's troubled soul.

In the dog house

CNN's Kaitlan Collins has bought a house on Nantucket. But co-workers bracing for cutbacks and lay-offs are too angry she can afford it to be in the mood for a limerick.

I have the solution. Fire Wolf Blitzer! He can shack up with Kaitlan.

Champing at the bit

Speaking of retirement age, Kaitlan Collins' creepy Nantucket neighbor, Bill Belichick, and his hustler would-be-bride Jordon Hudson, flew the PJ into Saratoga Springs, New York, last week.

A fitting excursion for a controlling Lolita clumsily jockeying for a ring.

Bill Belichick and Jordan Hudson jetted to Nantucket this week.

Put a cork in it

Meghan Markle has the subtlety of a school bus crash when it comes to product launches. Her new 'As Ever' rose popped on July 1, which happens to be her dead mother-in-law's birthday.

That's not the only thing that's tasteless. According to my Montecito sources, her wine is like vinegar.

Man overboard

Pass the sick-bag. Ritz-Carlton filled their superyacht 'Luminara' with 'celebs and influencers' like Kendall Jenner, Brooks Nader and Ricky Martin for a 48-hour cruise around the Italian coast.

So it IS possible to be washed up before you even raise anchor. Who knew?

A-list celebrities and influencers, like Sofia Vergara (pictured center), were aboard the Ritz-Carlton's newest superyacht, the 'Luminara.'

Big beautiful week

It's good to be king! President Trump is having a helluva week. He obliterated Iran's nuclear program, secured an Iran/Israel ceasefire, saw SCOTUS victories on gay books and anchor babies and signed off his Big Beautiful Bill.

What next? Sending Hillary to prison?

Insta-snub

Pint-sized cosmetics-slinger Kylie Jenner finally followed her man of two years on Instagram. But Timothee Chalamet is a cold-ass b***h and didn't follow her back.

Maybe it was payback for not taking him as her date to Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's wedding.
A neighbour has hit out at a farmer over a canopy that lights up 'like Blackpool illuminations' at night, claiming it's ruining the tranquility of a picturesque valley in Sheffield.

But the farmer at the centre of the row insists she's done nothing wrong and has accused the neighbour of making a fuss over nothing.

The structure. built last autumn at Same Hill Farm on Hagg Lane in the scenic Rivelin Valley, features a metal-framed canopy over an equestrian training area.

While planning permission was granted by Sheffield City Council last year, not everyone is happy.

Sue Winger, 66, who has lived on nearby Tofts Lane for over three decades, says the building is an 'eyesore', especially when floodlights illuminate the night sky.

The fuming resident said the lights 'lit up like Blackpool Illuminations', adding that photos she has taken from Tofts Lane and Roscoe Bank disprove the council's claim that 'the site is not readily visible from any direction given the context amongst woodland'.

She added: 'I want the council to explain how their written words are so far from the truth. They need to explain what they have written'.

The official report from the council had insisted that the site was 'located in a remote and discreet position, enclosed on all boundaries by trees and woodland within the surrounding Rivelin Valley'.

A neighbour has hit out at a canopy which lights up 'like Blackpool Illuminations' at night - but the farmer who owns it says she's done nothing wrong

It also said: 'There is no meaningful view of the site from any direction, other than glimpsed views, due to both the vegetation and topography of the area'.

But Sue says that is nonsense, and she is furious that residents were not consulted before permission was granted.

However, farm owner Rachael Brownrigg said she was unaware she needed planning permission for the lights, and after an amended application granted permission for the interior lights, used between 7am and 9pm, she removed the external ones and has not used the lights through the night.

Rachael also said she only used the lights 'two or three times'.

The farm owner said: 'She didn't know that this planning had been approved because she missed the notice period, and that's why she has got a bee in her bonnet about it.

'Why is she bothered about a canopy? If she wants to look at green fields, why doesn't she go and buy a house that's in the middle of green fields?'

Rachael said Sue has 'caused her a load of hassle' as she applied for planning permission on a large extension to build a five-bed house.

Same Hill Farm on Hagg Lane in Rivelin Valley, Sheffield, erected a metal canopy over an equestrian area after securing planning permission for the structure last year

'I would just say to her, 'Can you get a proper job instead of bothering everybody else?'

Sue has also accused Rachael of tearing down trees to make way for the construction - something Rachael flatly denies.

'I have not taken any trees down at all, not a single tree,' Rachael said.

But Sue isn't backing down.

She's now escalated the issue to Sheffield Hallam MP Olivia Blake and contacted the Ombudsman, demanding an investigation into how the planning decision was made in the first place.
Interview: Former Italian senator sees robust potential for stronger Italy-China ties

Xinhua) 13:11, July 04, 2025

ROME, July 3 (Xinhua) -- Former Italian Senator Manuel Vescovi emphasized the potential for enhanced Italy-China cooperation in economic and cultural fields, describing such collaboration as "a gateway to tremendous opportunities."

In a recent interview with Xinhua, Vescovi, who served on Italy's Senate Foreign Affairs Committee from 2018 to 2022, urged Italian enterprises to engage with China's dynamic market proactively. "China's market is enormous and still expanding," he said, noting that China has remained Italy's largest Asian trade partner, with bilateral trade reaching 72.54 billion U.S. dollars in 2024.

Highlighting particular areas of opportunity such as renewable energy, automotive manufacturing, and agri-food exports, Vescovi said Italy's renowned expertise aligns well with China's market demands. Marking the 55th anniversary of China-Italy diplomatic relations in 2025, he underscored the historic cultural exchanges spanning over two millennia. "We should leverage these historical bonds to propel our partnership to new heights," he said.

Recent high-level visits, including those by Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to China, have led to a new three-year cooperation agreement through 2027, focusing on green technology, advanced manufacturing, and cultural exchanges.

Vescovi firmly believes in the value of grassroots diplomacy. "It's important to start from the local level rather than relying solely on high-level summits," he said.

As an example, he recently led a delegation from Grosseto, Tuscany, to Nanping in China's Fujian Province, initiating a sister-city partnership. During the visit, the two cities signed an agreement and hosted forums on trade, tourism, and education exchanges.

By June 2025, Italy and China had established 90 sister-city pairings, which Vescovi sees as essential platforms for tangible and consistent cooperation.

During his visit, Vescovi was particularly impressed by China's technological achievements, citing an advanced automobile factory capable of producing a car every 76 seconds as "an incredible engineering achievement." He also toured factories producing eco-friendly bamboo products, highlighting a Fujian-based company keen on opening a branch in Italy, a direct outcome of the sister-city relationship.

"Local partnerships foster concrete results through business matchmaking," he noted, emphasizing the need for sustained and consistent engagement.

Looking forward, Vescovi is optimistic about the future of Italy-China relations. He envisions scenarios where Italian cities like Grosseto become popular destinations for Chinese tourists, and Chinese tech startups collaborate with Italian artisans.

"China has so much to offer, and so do we," he remarked, emphasizing mutual learning opportunities. Specifically, he suggested that Italy could benefit from China's successful territorial marketing and sustainable practices, while China could leverage Italy's expertise in design, high-end manufacturing, and agri-food.

Stressing the importance of ongoing cultural exchanges alongside economic collaboration, Vescovi called for regular delegations, student exchanges, and joint cultural initiatives.

"Only by being culturally and economically open can we genuinely thrive together," he said, reflecting the enduring legacy of Marco Polo's historic journey, which continues to inspire the strengthening of contemporary Italy-China ties.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
A woman said she 'froze' after she was allegedly pushed down and raped by a former priest accused of sexual offences against 13 women in his congregation, a court heard.

Christopher Brain, 68, from Wilmslow, Cheshire, was leader of the Nine O'Clock Service (NOS), part of the Church of England, in Sheffield between 1986 and 1995.

The prosecution allege NOS became a cult in which Brain abused his position.

It is alleged he sexually assaulted a 'staggering number' of women followers, exerted control over their lives and ostracised them from friends and family.

However, Brain denies one count of rape and 36 counts of indecent assault between 1981 and 1995.

Inner London Crown Court heard a 'homebase team' was set up to 'care for' Brain - referred to as 'the Lycra Lovelies' or 'the Lycra Nuns' - with witnesses reporting seeing the defendant surrounded by attractive women in lingerie at his home looking after his needs.

On Friday, a recorded video interview was played to the court of a woman who has alleged Brain raped and indecently assaulted her.

In the interview with police, she said Brain wanted her to go around to 'keep him company' and she said it was early evening.

Christopher Brain, 68, from Wilmslow, Cheshire, was leader of the Nine O'Clock Service (NOS), part of the Church of England, in Sheffield between 1986 and 1995

It is alleged he sexually assaulted a 'staggering number' of women followers, exerted control over their lives and ostracised them from friends and family

'It was cold so it wasn't the middle of summer I don't think,' she said.

'I went around straight away, he got me to sit in the front room.

'He persuaded me to have a whiskey. I had a small amount, probably about a single.'

After some chatting Brain went upstairs and came down in a suit which was a 'murky greeny browny colour', the woman said, adding that she thought it was 'ugly' but did not say that.

She said he then went back upstairs and got changed and came back down and then wanted to show her 'a futon thing in his room'.

The woman said she sat down fully clothed, and added she had probably taken her shoes off downstairs at the door.

She said 'he sat down beside me and after a short while he pushed me down' so he was 'on top of me'.

The woman added that he then started to rape her.

She said she was 'putting my head from side to side' and 'saying no', adding: 'And I couldn't get him off me.'

On Friday, a recorded video interview was played to the court of a woman who has alleged Brain raped and indecently assaulted her

The woman said afterwards he made her have a bath downstairs.

She said she considered going to the police afterwards but thought 'it would be really traumatic' and she thought she did not want her family to know.

Asked by the interviewing officer on the recording if Brain tried to kiss her, the woman replied: 'He had on previous occasions, I can't remember on that occasion.'

Asked if she tried to do anything else to try to stop him, the woman said: 'I couldn't stop him, I couldn't push him off me.'

She added: 'It was a freeze response, I froze.'

The woman also said Brain had been 'grooming' her and 'following me about in his car'.

She described it as a 'relentless pursuit'.

The woman also said she believes she was 'brainwashed' and added she could not go back to her family.

Iain Simkin, defending, started cross-examination by saying Brain says he did not rape her, and he says he did not sexually assault her at all.

Mr Simkin asked the woman if she had said no during the alleged rape and she said she groaned no.

The trial continues.
Special Forces leaders have united in an unprecedented move to stop legal witch hunts against veterans.

The heads of the UKs three most elite military units have said enough is enough after Labour seeks to leave troops exposed.

The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act was introduced by then veterans minister Johnny Mercer in 2023 and established an independent commission, away from criminal and legal proceedings, to promote reconciliation. Sir Keir Starmers government has promised to dismantle the Legacy Act, in fact including a pledge to amend it in their election manifesto last year.

The Mails Stop the SAS Betrayal campaign has demanded a U-turn to stop former soldiers being hounded in their old age.

The Governments failure to fight their corner has led to a joint move by veterans from the Special Air Service (SAS), the Special Boat Service (SBS) and the Special Reconnaissance Regiment (SRR) associations.

They have written to Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, demanding action now to stop the lawfare.

At the centre of the campaign are 12 SAS soldiers who could face murder charges after a coroner ruled their shooting of four IRA terrorists in 1992 was unlawful.

The men were cleared after an extensive investigation into events at Clonoe, County Tyrone. But campaigners have claimed their relatives human rights were ignored.

The Special Forces chiefs have written to Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin (pictured), demanding action now to stop the lawfare

That night the terrorists had been equipped with a Russian-made heavy machine gun and three assault rifles.

Remarkably, this February coroner Mr Justice Humphreys ruled the SASs use of force excessive.

The Mail understands this is the first time in the history of the SAS, SBS and SRR they have challenged the head of the UKs Armed Forces together. Their letter reads: This unified communication makes clear our collective position. A line must be drawn under the legacy matters arising from the conflict and that the time has come to bring closure to events that may never reach a just or conclusive end.

We believe it is time to bring certainty, closure and fairness to this issue, not only for those who served but also for their families. Our joint letter reflects the deep concern held across the military community and urges decisive leadership to resolve this matter once and for all.

The Mail understands the current Director of Special Forces, who is responsible for SAS, SBS and SRR operations around the world, has also penned a furious letter on the same issue. Last night these unprecedented moves received emphatic support from former Commanding Officers (COs) of the SAS, leading defence voices and shadow ministers.

Speaking exclusively to this newspaper, former SAS CO Lieutenant Colonel Richard Williams criticised the Ministry of Defences position. He said: The whole country should reflect on the contents of this important letter by the combined Special Forces Associations and the total lack of official response extremely seriously.

It outlines clearly a critical crisis of trust in the military and political chain of command by those special forces engaged today in the most dangerous and sensitive of national security operations. I remain utterly dumbfounded by the lack of overt support shown by the current or past leadership of the MoD for these brave and skilled British soldiers.

The consistent, sweaty-palmed silence by those appointed to lead and resource our forces cannot be justified in any way and smacks of moral cowardice.

The Mails Stop the SAS Betrayal campaign has demanded a U-turn to stop former soldiers being hounded in their old age

Since the Mails campaign began last month, tens of thousands of signatures have been added to a petition backing veterans.

Last night more than 165,000 people had signed the UK Government and Parliament petition. A further surge is expected in the build up to a major parliamentary debate on the issue on July 14.

The political side of the campaign is being led by David Davis MP, former SAS reservist, and Tory defence spokesman Mark Francois. Last night, Mr Francois said: I welcome this well-informed intervention by these highly experienced personnel.

Both the outgoing CDS, Admiral Sir Tony and his successor, Air Chief Marshal Richard Knighton, have acknowledged the recruitment challenges facing the Armed Forces. But who would sign up to serve a government that plainly doesnt have the back of troops?

Labours manifesto included a pledge to repeal the act after a Belfast court last February ruled the amnesties were unlawful.

The Act was found to breach the European Convention on Human Rights which places an investigative duty on the state where its agents may have caused death or injury. The government intends to use a Remedial Act to remove key provisions within the Legacy Act.

Mr Mercer, who is backing the Mails campaign, has described military veterans who left the forces to become Labour MPs as useful idiots.

Former Army commander Colonel Hamish de Bretton-Gordon said: Special Forces are the brightest jewel in the military crown who must be protected and supported. To lose any of their mercurial capabilities would make us less safe at home and abroad.

The Ministry of Defence said: We consider that the findings and verdict [of the Clonoe incident] do not properly reflect the context of the incident nor the challenging circumstances in which members of the Armed Forces served in Northern Ireland.

We inherited a mess of a Legacy Act that was not supported by a number of Veterans groups and would have also meant immunity from prosecution for those who committed the most appalling terrorist crimes  such as those who took part in the IRAs bombing campaign.

Soldiers dont want to be deployed after our bogus murder charges

An SAS soldier cleared of murder after shooting a jihadist in Syria has accused top brass of throwing soldiers under the bus.

The Mail revealed he was one of five SAS troopers who went through a three-year legal hell.

The soldiers were accused of unlawfully killing two terrorists in Syria via excessive force despite the enemy fighters vowing to use suicide vests to blow up infidels.

The jihadists were eventually shot dead by an SAS assault team in a raid in hostile territory in July 2022. They were only cleared of wrongdoing last month.

In a remarkable interview on a US podcast Jay Cal - as he called himself - said SAS operations are being compromised by red tape.

He also accused General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, former Special Forces director of triggering the investigation despite knowing there was no wrongdoing.

In a remarkable interview on a US podcast Jay Cal - as he called himself - said SAS operations are being compromised by red tape

Pictures claiming to show British SAS ground troops supporting the war on ISIS inside Syria

Jay told the Shawn Ryan Show: These guys like Sir Gwyn sit in their ivory towers in Westminster making these decisions which are destroying peoples lives. SAS soldiers are saying they dont want to deploy on operations because what happened to us will happen to them. It is a disgrace. They are spineless, they have no moral courage. This has got to stop.

Jay, or Soldier C as he was known in the military police investigation, suggested Sir Gwyn wanted to look transparent to boost his career. He described how Sir Gwyns decision to launch the probe came after he was accused of ignoring war crimes.

He added: We were thrown under the bus despite there being no wrongdoing.Jay said his colleagues who also faced murder charges suffered emotional trauma.

Despite their ordeal, the Syria Five have not received any apology. They claim the Ministry of Defence failed to support them through the legal process.

Their case provoked fury within the regiment, with troops demanding their officers provide more support.
Elon Musk is musing about the best way to create his new America Party now that Congress has passed President Donald Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill.'

Musk has been one of the biggest opponents of Trump's signature $3.3 trillion spending and tax cut legislation filled with major campaign promises including expanding mass deportations and investing in American energy.

The tech billionaire complained about its lack of subsidies for electronic vehicles (which would benefit his Tesla company) and the billions it adds to the deficit after his DOGE agency worked to reign in federal spending.

After its passage in both the House and Senate this week, it heads to Trump's desk Friday to be signed into law.

And the billionaire is now asking his 221.7 million followers on X if it is time to make good on his threats to create a new political party and oust the Republicans who supported Trump's signature bill.

'One way to execute on this would be to laser-focus on just 2 or 3 Senate seats and 8 to 10 House districts,' he wrote on X.

'Given the razor-thin legislative margins, that would be enough to serve as the deciding vote on contentious laws, ensuring that they serve the true will of the people.'

Republicans currently hold tiny majorities in both the House and Senate with just a handful of seats giving them the edge over Democrats.

Musk and Trump got into a social media war during debate on the legislation, leading to Musk threatening to use his billions to start a third political party and Trump threatening to deport the naturalized American citizen.

Elon Musk in the Oval Office in happier times - he has finally weighed in on the approval of the 'big, beautiful bill' that he opposed

Musk was curiously silent in the hours following the congressional vote but, on July 4th, he decided to weigh in: 'Great day for some  fireworks,' he wrote, adding two fire emojis.

He also praised Republican Senator Rand Paul and Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, both of Kentucky, for voting against the bill for the amount of money it added to the country's deficit.

'100,' the world's richest man wrote using an emoji in support of them.

Musk has threatened to primary any GOP lawmaker who voted in favor of Trump's signature legislation.

Two Republican lawmakers who spoke to the Daily Mail brushed aside Musk's potential threats against GOP members who voted for the big beautiful bill.

Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus brushed off Musk's threats when asked if he thought any members of his conference were worried about any potential retaliation from Musk for their vote.

'No, Elon Musk is for the country. No retaliation' Norman stated.

Asked again if he thought his fellow Republicans could get primaried with millions of dollars flowing from Musk, Norman added the following.

'Elon Musk is a true patriot. He identified where our tax money went. For you, young people, you ought to be grateful that we had him.'

'No one else had the bandwidth to do what he did,' Norman noted, referring to Musk's work as Trump's former lead of the Department of Government Efficiency.

Musk directly called out a pair of House Republicans who are a part of the conservative 'Freedom Caucus,' for their votes to pass the preliminary House version of the bill back in May.

'How can you call yourself the Freedom Caucus if you vote for a Debt Slavery bill with the biggest debt ceiling increase in history? @RepAndyHarrisMD @chiproytx,' Musk wrote, addressing the two GOP lawmakers directly.

Elon Musk took to social media to ask his followers how they feel about a third political party

Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, (left), and Rep. John McGuire, who represents Virginia (right), spoke to Daily Mail about Musk's threats

President Donald Trump gestures as he boards Air Force One, Thursday, July 3, 2025, at Joint Base Andrews, Md.

Another conservative Republican, Representative John McGuire (R-Va.) told the Daily Mail that he believes Musk is going to move on 'bigger and greater things.'

'I think yesterday, he said more nice things about President Trump,' McGuire added, referring to a recent positive post Musk's made on X, formerly Twitter.

In that post, Musk praised Trump's peace making abilities.

'Credit where credit is due. Donald Trump has successfully resolved several serious conflicts around the world,' Musk wrote in a post made at around 1:30 AM Wednesday.

McGuire is not stranger to competitive GOP primaries in red seats, as he himself came to Congress after he primaried former Rep. Bob Good, a fellow Republican from the right last year.

At the time that Musk made his promises, it remained unclear how much sway Musk had over Congress or what effect his opinions might have had on the bill's passage.

U.S. Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) speaks to the media after the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass U.S. President Donald Trump's sweeping spending and tax bill, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 3, 2025

U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) speaks to reporters as Republican lawmakers struggle to pass U.S. President Donald Trump's sweeping spending and tax bill, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 27, 2025

On Monday, he escalated his attacks, saying lawmakers who campaigned on cutting spending but supported the bill 'should hang their heads in shame.'

'And they will lose their primary next year if it's the last thing I do on this Earth,' Musk declared.

The Tesla and SpaceX CEO also called for a new political party, arguing the bill's massive spending showed 'we live in a one-party country  the PORKY PIG PARTY!'

'Time for a party that actually cares about the people,' he wrote.

'If this insane spending bill passes, the America Party will be formed the next day,' Musk pledged in a post on X Monday evening.

Musk, now worth over $400 billion, founded the AmericaPAC super PAC in 2024.

AmericaPAC raised more than $260 million last year, much of it to back Republicans in swing districts. Over $88 million went to supporting Trump directly.

The Senate version of Trump's bill, which also passed the House on Wednesday, is estimated to add between $3.3 billion and $4.5 billion to the national debt.

'The insane spending of this bill increases the debt ceiling by a record five trillion dollars,' Musk posted.

While nearly all Republicans backed the budget, two conservative lawmakers from Kentucky  Rep. Thomas Massie and Senator Rand Paul  voted no.

Massie was already criticized by the Trump White House for opposing the bill, and Musk defended him even before the final vote.

It remains to be seen whether Musk's support for Massie was an exception, or a sign he's prepared to oppose Trump in future primaries.
At least 24 people have been killed and scores more are feared missing after historic floods inundated a Texas county.

Twenty three people are missing from Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, after the Guadalupe River flooded and surged by up to 30 feet above its usual water level Friday.

The names of those killed have not been shared, but the final death toll is expected to rise substantially as floodwaters recede.

And the identities of the missing have begun to emerge as stricken families share photos of their loved ones in the hopes of learning information about their whereabouts.

Terrified parents of those missing said they have been left in limbo as they await news from the ongoing searches, with the mother of one missing young campers, Janie Hunt, 9, saying: 'We are just praying.'

Officials have stressed they hope to rescue many of the missing and say they're still hopeful of finding most of those missing safe and well.

But the sheer scale of destruction - with buildings ripped from their foundations and cars swept away like toys - suggests that may be an overly optimistic prediction.
A mother and daughter, six, died after a horror crash involving a car and a van in Co Donegal, Ireland.

They have been named locally as Natalie McLaughlin and daughter, Ella.

The little girl died in the collision, which occurred on the R240 at Glentogher, Carndonagh, on Wednesday evening.

Her mother, aged in her 20s, was taken to Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry following the crash and was later transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, where she died on Thursday evening.

A man in his 30s and another girl, who was a rear seat passenger in the car, are being treated for non-life-threatening injuries at hospitals in Northern Ireland.

Mark Durkan, the Social Democratic and Labour Party leader for Foyle, said that Ms McLaughlin was 'well known and respected in the area'.

In a social media post alongside a photograph of the mother and daughter, he said: 'This is the beautiful young mum and daughter, Natalie and Ella McLaughlin, who were tragically killed in a collision near their home in Carndonagh on Wednesday night.

'Natalie was a nurse in a local doctor's surgery and was well known and respected in the area.

Natalie McLaughlin and daughter, Ella, died after a horror crash involving a car and a van in Co Donegal, Ireland

The scene of the fatal accident on the R240 between Quigleys Point and Carndonagh in North Donegal

'Wee Ella was just six.

'Our thoughts and prayers are with all affected by this terrible tragedy.'

Fianna Fail councillor Martin McDermott told the BBC that people locally were finding it difficult to 'comprehend what has happened'.

He said: 'This is a young mother and a young child, it has a real effect on people, on the community, people just don't know what to say.

'Everybody's life in that circle is changed forevermore.'

He added: 'It has been very, very difficult over the last couple of days, it will be difficult over the next number of days, over the weeks and months ahead particularly for the families involved.'

An Garda Siochana is appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact them.

A spokesperson said: 'Any road users who may have camera footage, including dashcam, and were travelling in the area between 6pm and 6.30pm on Wednesday July 2, are asked to make this footage available to investigating gardai.

'Anyone with information is asked to contact Buncrana Garda station at 074 932 0540, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.'

The road has since reopened following a technical examination.
Palestine Action is set to be banned after a High Court judge refused to temporarily block it from being designated a terror group.

Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action, had asked the High Court to stop the government from classifying the group as a terrorist organisation, pending a potential legal challenge to the decision to prescribe it under the Terrorism Act 2000.

The proposal, which was approved by both the House of Commons and the House of Lords earlier this week, would make membership and support for the direct action group a criminal offence, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

But despite the request, Mr Justice Chamberlain refused to block it and the move is set to come into force at midnight.

He said: 'I have concluded that the harm which would ensue if interim relief is refused but the claim later succeeds is insufficient to outweigh the strong public interest in maintaining the order in force.'

Ms. Ammori's legal team was also denied permission to appeal and was advised to take their case directly to the Court of Appeal.

Following the decision she said her lawyers would seek an 'urgent appeal' to what she labelled a 'dystopian nightmare' at the Court of Appeal.

Currently, 81 organisations are already proscribed under the 2000 Act, including Hamas, al Qaida, and National Action.

During a hearing on Friday, Raza Husain KC, representing Ms. Ammori, argued for the suspension of what he called the 'ill-considered' and 'authoritarian abuse of statutory power' until a hearing scheduled for around July 21.

Crowds gathered outside the central London court

A supporter of pro-Palestinian campaign holding a Palestinian flag in-front of the police outside London's High Court in London

This is one of the RAF military planes that was vandalised at Brize Norton last month

Mr Husain told the London court: 'This is the first time in our history that a direct action civil disobedience group, which does not advocate for violence, has been sought to be proscribed as terrorists.'

The barrister said that his client had been 'inspired' by a long history of direct action in the UK, 'from the suffragettes, to anti-apartheid activists, to Iraq war activists'.

The hearing later in July is expected to deal with whether Ms Ammori can bring a High Court challenge over the planned proscription.

Blinne Ni Ghralaigh KC, also representing Ms Ammori, told the court that there was no 'express provision' to protect lawyers representing her in the potential legal challenge from criminal consequences if the ban came into effect.

She also said that if the ban came into effect the harm would be 'far-reaching', could cause 'irreparable harm to large numbers of members of the public', including causing some to 'self-censor'.

Ms Ni Ghralaigh later named Normal People author Sally Rooney, who lives abroad and 'fears the ramifications for her, for her work, for her books, for her programmes' if she shows support for Palestine Action.

'Is the Prime Minister going to denounce her, an Irish artist, as a supporter of a proscribed organisation?'

Protesters having a demonstration after the decision by the High Court

Police arrest a Palestine Action activist during a solidarity protest today

In a statement issued following the judgement, the co-founder said the public were being left 'in the dark about their rights to free speech'

Police outside the Royal Courts of Justice as Palestine Action group is banned

'Will that have ramifications for her with the BBC, etc?' Ms Ni Ghralaigh asked.

In his written judgment, Mr Justice Chamberlain said it was 'ambitious' for Palestine Action to claim it was not 'concerned in terrorism', as the 'action which immediately preceded the announcement of the decision to lay a proscription order was against an RAF base'.

He also said that Ms Ammori's arguments 'contain at least one serious issue to be tried, namely that the order is a disproportionate interference with the rights of the claimant and others' under the European Convention on Human Rights.

But he ruled that issuing a temporary block on the ban 'even for a short period' would 'deny the public important protections which the order is intended to confer'.

He said: 'In my judgment, some of the consequences feared by the claimant and others who have given evidence are overstated.'

He continued: 'It will remain lawful for the claimant and other persons who were members of Palestine Action prior to proscription to continue to express their opposition to Israel's actions in Gaza and elsewhere, including by drawing attention to what they regard as Israel's genocide and other serious violations of international law.

'They will remain legally entitled to do so in private conversations, in print, on social media and at protests.'

He added: 'It follows that it is hyperbole to talk of the claimant or others being 'gagged' in this respect, as the claimant has alleged.

'They could not incur criminal liability based on their past association with a group which was not proscribed at the time.

'That said, there is no doubt that there will be serious consequences if the order comes into effect immediately and interim relief is refused.'

In a statement issued following the judgement, the co-founder said the public were being left 'in the dark about their rights to free speech'.

She said the 'We are seeking an urgent appeal to try to prevent a dystopian nightmare of the Government's making which would see thousands of people across Britain wake up tomorrow to find they had been criminalised overnight for supporting a domestic protest group which sprays red paint on warplanes and disrupts Israel's largest weapons manufacturer to disrupt the flow of arms to Israel's genocidal war machine.

Pro-Palestinian activists stage a solidarity protest

Crowds gathered to show support to the group which will be now branded a 'terror group'

'We will not stop fighting to defend fundamental rights to free speech and protest in our country and to stand up for the rights of the Palestinian people.

'The Home Secretary is rushing through the implementation of the proscription at midnight tonight despite the fact that our legal challenge is ongoing and that she has been completely unclear about how it will be enforced, leaving the public in the dark about their rights to free speech and expression after midnight tonight when this proscription comes into effect.'

She went on to say: 'Hundreds of thousands of people across the country have expressed support for Palestine Action by joining our mailing list, following and sharing our social media content and signing petitions, and many, including iconic figures like Sally Rooney, say they will continue to declare 'we are all Palestine Action' and speak out against this preposterous proscription, demonstrating how utterly unworkable it will be.

'As Justice Chamberlain acknowledged in court today, it is unclear what expressions of support could lead to arrest and potential prosecution with sentences of up to 14 years in prison.

'We would only have only a few hours to disband our entire organisation and dismantle all of our infrastructure, including closing bank accounts and deleting our mailing list and social media platforms.

'This is despite the fact that we have not had the opportunity to defend our fundamental rights in court and challenge this unlawful, authoritarian and utterly absurd proscription.

'If we ultimately succeed in overturning the proscription, we would have to start from scratch, having lost everything we have painstakingly built over five years.'

The red paint could also be seen on the runway, while protesters claimed they left a Palestine flag behind

Footage shows two protesters riding electric scooters across the runway at RAF Brize Norton

This is the moment red paint was allegedly sprayed into the turbine engines of the vital aircraft

The protesters supporting the activists clapped and cheered as a prison van, believed to be holding the accused, arrived at court on July 3

Ben Watson KC, for the Home Office, told the High Court there was an 'insuperable hurdle' in the bid to temporarily block the ban of Palestine Action.

The barrister also said that if a temporary block was granted, it would be a 'serious disfigurement of the statutory regime'.

He said Palestine Action could challenge the Home Secretary's decision at the Proscribed Organisations Appeal Commission, a specialist tribunal, rather than at the High Court.

Friday's hearing comes after an estimated 7million worth of damage was caused to two Voyager planes at RAF Brize Norton on June 20, in an action claimed by Palestine Action.

Amy Gardiner-Gibson, 29, Jony Cink, 24, Daniel Jeronymides-Norie, 36, and Lewis Chiaramello, 22, are accused of conspiracy to enter a prohibited place knowingly for a purpose prejudicial to the safety or interests of the United Kingdom, and conspiracy to commit criminal damage.

They were remanded into custody after appearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court and will appear at the Old Bailey on July 18.

The hearing before Mr Justice Chamberlain will conclude later on Friday, with the High Court judge expected to give his decision at the end of the hearing.

A further hearing to decide whether Ms Ammori will be given the green light to challenge the decision to ban Palestine Action is expected to be heard later this month.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced plans to proscribe Palestine Action on June 23, stating that the vandalism of the two planes was 'disgraceful' and that the group had a 'long history of unacceptable criminal damage'.

This is a breaking news story, it'll be updated soon.
Illegal migrants in America could be left at the mercy of bears if a top Donald Trump aide gets his way.

White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, Stephen Miller, has called on Republican governors to build similar detention centers to Florida's new Alligator Alcatraz.

'Every governor of a red state, if you are watching tonight: Pick up the phone, call [Department of Homeland Security], work with us to build facilities in your state so we can get the illegals and criminals out,' he said on Fox News' The Ingraham Angle.

The State of Alaska responded to the call in a statement to Ingraham, saying: 'We dont have alligators, but we have lots of bears.'

The state has around 100,000 black bears, 30,000 brown bears, and up to 7,000 polar bears, the government said.

However, the unidentified spokesperson said: 'I am not aware of any plans for an Alaska version of Alligator Alcatraz.'

Daily Mail has reached out to the governor's office for comment.

Trump said hed like to see similar facilities in many states, adding Florida would getting a second one and probably a couple more.

White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, Stephen Miller, has called on Republican governors to build similar detention centers to Florida's new Alligator Alcatraz

The State of Alaska responded to the call in a statement to Ingraham, saying: 'We dont have alligators, but we have lots of bears'

At some point they might morph into a system where you're going to keep it for a long time, he added.

The incredible thing is picking the site because the site was one of the most natural sites. It might be as good as the real Alcatraz. Well, that's a spooky one too. That's a tough site. So I really think it could last as long as they want to have, he said.

The president noted that I couldn't care less that the facilities were controversial.

Trump toured the Florida site earlier this week and seemed pleased with the metal cages filled with prison-like beds and nothing else. The facilities does not show bathrooms or sinks or places to eat.

The president said any migrant being processed into the facility who wanted to return to their home country would be allowed to do so. And he said he would be making a decision on exempting farm workers and construction workers in the next few weeks.

'They can be here legally. They can pay taxes and everything else. They aren't getting citizenship but they get other things,' the president said.

Trump also said he approved a plan from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to deputize Florida National Guard members as judges, giving them the power to decide which migrants should be deported. DeSantis argues it would speed up the deportation process.

Yes, he has my approval. That was not too hard to get, Trump said.

However, the unidentified spokesperson said: 'I am not aware of any plans for an Alaska version of Alligator Alcatraz' (pictured: Governor Mike Dunleavy)

Trump also bragged about his own record on removing illegal immigrants from the country and got in an insult to his predecessor, President Joe Biden.

'Biden wanted me in here,' Trump said, gesturing around the tent. 'It didn't work out that way. He wanted me in here.'

Trump has long claimed his Democratic rivals wanted to 'lock him up' and that he is the victim of a government conspiracy.

On his tour Tuesday, he was accompanied Gov. DeSantis - with whom he had a bitter rivalry in the 2024 Republican presidential primary - and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

The president said he and DeSantis now had a strong relationship.

'It's a ten, 9.9. A couple little wounds. I think we have a 10. We get along great,' he said.

DeSantis echoed his remarks: 'You can call him at any time and he wants to be helpful for governors. I can tell you that.'

Alaska has up to 7,000 polar bears (pictured: stock image of polar bears in Alaska)

The state also has around 100,000 black bears and 30,000 brown bears

The controversial detention facility was spearheaded by Florida Republican leaders and garnered its nickname due to its location: it sits about 37 miles from Miami in the middle of a swamp surrounded by snakes and alligators  and in an area of the state that is prone to hurricanes.

Democrats railed against the facility and environmental groups have sued to try and stop its opening.

'It's like a theatricalization of cruelty,' Maria Asuncion Bilbao, Florida campaign coordinator at the immigration advocacy group American Friends Service Committee told the Associated Press.

Rep. Maxwell Frost, a Democrat from Orlando, called the facility a 'makeshift prison camp.'
President Trump's new 'Alligator Alcatraz' migrant detention facility has admitted its first detainees, amid warnings of flooding in the area where it was built.

Footage taken by NBC Miami on Thursday shows what appear to be two handcuffed detainees being escorted into the facility, located deep in the Florida Everglades.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management and the office of Republican state Attorney General James Uthmeier confirmed the first group of migrants arrived at the center this week.

'Next stop: back to where they came from,' read an X post by Florida attorney general James Uthmeier, who has been credited as the architect behind the center.

The detainees arrived at the facility just as concerns grew over flooding caused by thunderstorms.

The facility is 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, and that contractors worked overnight to shore up areas where flooding occurred.

The first group of immigrants has arrived at a new detention center deep in the Florida Everglades that officials have dubbed 'Alligator Alcatraz'

President Donald Trump listens as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks during a tour of "Alligator Alcatraz on Tuesday

The detainees arrived at the facility just as concerns grew over flooding caused by thunderstorms this week

DeSantis and other state officials say locating the facility in the rugged and remote Florida Everglades is meant as a deterrent.

The Everglades is home to millions of alligators, meaning any migrants who escape will likely find themselves vulnerable to the apex predators.

DeSantis named the facility after the notorious federal prison built on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco, which was considered inescapable thanks to its position surrounded by the icy and shark-filled waters of San Francisco Bay.

According to images shared with the AP, overnight Wednesday, workers put up new signs labeled 'Alligator Alcatraz' along the sole highway leading to the site and outside the entrance of the airfield that has been known as the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport.

State officials seized the county-owned land where the facility is located using emergency powers authorized by an executive order issued by the governor.

The facility, at an airport used for training, will have an initial capacity of about 3,000 detainees, according to governor Ron DeSantis said.

It will apparently be staffed by about 1,000 people.

The center was built in eight days and features more than 200 security cameras, 28,000-plus feet of barbed wire and 400 security personnel.

A loader holds a sign reading "Alligator Alcatraz" in its bucket as workers install it at the entrance to a new migrant detention facility in Florida

DeSantis and other state officials say locating the facility in the rugged and remote Florida Everglades is meant as a deterrent

Immigrants who are arrested by Florida law enforcement officers under the federal governments 287(g) program will be taken to the facility, according to an official in President Donald Trumps administration.

The program is led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and allows police officers to interrogate immigrants in their custody and detain them for potential deportation.

The facility is expected to be expanded in 500 bed increments until it has an estimated 5,000 beds by early July.

A group of Florida Democratic state lawmakers headed to the facility Thursday to conduct 'an official legislative site visit,' citing concerns about conditions for detainees and the awarding of millions of dollars in state contracts for the construction.
Kemi Badenoch today accuses Keir Starmer of a year of lies and U-turns which have left Britain poorer and less secure.

As the Prime Minister marks his first anniversary in power, the Tory leader says he has taken a wrecking ball to the economy and presided over a record surge in Channel crossings.

Sir Keir said he was as proud as hell of Labours first year in office, despite a series of setbacks which have seen his party plummet in the polls.

But writing in the Mail, Mrs Badenoch accuses him of breaking promises on everything from tax to border control.

Citing figures this week showing a 48 per cent rise in the number of migrants crossing the Channel illegally, she writes: Starmer promised to smash the gangs and so far all hes done is smash records for new arrivals.

Mrs Badenoch notes that, despite Labours pledge not to raise taxes on working people, the tax burden has already risen to the highest level since the Second World War following the 40billion raid by Rachel Reeves at Labours first Budget.

Worryingly, the farcical events of the past week have blown an even bigger hole in the public finances, she says. Further tax rises in the autumn now look inevitable. Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves have shown themselves to be serially incompetent and its working families who are set to pay the price.

The Tory leader seizes on the collapse in the PMs authority following a series of recent U-turns on winter fuel payments, grooming gangs and welfare reform.

Kemi Badenoch today accuses Keir Starmer of a year of lies and U-turns which have left Britain poorer and less secure

She echoes Norman Lamonts withering 1993 verdict on the then PM John Major, warning that Sir Keir is now in office but not in power after capitulating to his own MPs.

Left-wing Labour MPs can now smell blood, and the Governments authority has all but drained away, she writes.

Mrs Badenoch says swing voters are absolutely aghast at the events of the last year, adding: They thought they would be getting Tony Blairs Labour instead, they got Jeremy Corbyns Labour with Keir Starmer at the helm.

Saturday marks the first anniversary of Sir Keirs landslide election victory, which saw Labour sweep to power for the first time in 14 years  and the Conservatives reduced to a rump of just 121 MPs.

Speaking on the steps of No 10 he said Labour would show politics can be a force for good and vowed to put country first, party second. He said Labour has a clear mandate to deliver change and pledged to end the era of noisy performance, tread more lightly on your lives and unite our country.

But 12 months on, Labours lead in the opinion polls is gone, official growth forecasts for this year have been halved and the PM has chosen to put Labour Party unity ahead of the moral imperative of welfare reform by abandoning plans to rein in the runaway benefits bill.

In Mays local elections Labour lost two-thirds of the seats it was defending and surrendered the previously safe seat of Runcorn and Helsby to Nigel Farages Reform UK in a by-election.

A YouGov poll today found voters are now split evenly on the question of whether it would have been better for Labour or the Tories to win the last election. Among working class voters, people say by a margin of 28:27 that they now wish the Tories had won.

Left-wing Labour MPs can now smell blood, and the governments authority has all but drained away, writes Mrs Badenoch

Labour peer Maurice Glasman, who founded the influential Blue Labour group, yesterday warned that Sir Keir had become a tragic figure who would have to turn against fundamental things he believes in to reconnect with the voters.

Lord Glasman, who is close to Sir Keirs chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, told Politicos Westminster Insider podcast that Sir Keir would have to make very significant changes to turn around Labours fortunes, adding: Were going to find out in the next six months whether hes got it or not  and hes got to make decisions over the summer about the Cabinet and the direction of policy.

Downing Street said the PM spent Friday working in No 10 and had no plans to celebrate hist first anniversary in power.

But, in an interview to mark the anniversary of his landslide win, he insisted that Labour had made a good start, saying the government had 'done some fantastic things' and 'driven through so much change'.

He told the BBCs Political Thinking podcast that achievements included bringing down waiting lists in the NHS, as well as 'loads of improvements in schools and stuff that we can do for children'.

Sir Keir went on: 'Whether that's rolling out school uniform projects, whether it's school meals, breakfast clubs, you name it  and also [bringing in] a huge amount of investment into the country.

'And of course we've been busy getting three trade deals.'

He defended recent U-turns as common sense, saying he was not one of these ideological thinkers Im a pragmatist.

Despite this weeks splits over welfare he insisted Labour remains united and denied losing the dressing room.

The Labour dressing room, the Parliamentary Labour Party, is proud as hell of what we've done, he said. Their frustration  my frustration  is that sometimes the other stuff, welfare would be an example, can obscure us being able to get that out there.
Russia has been accused of ramping up its use of prohibited chemical weapons as part of its ongoing war in Ukraine - including the deployment of the WWI-era poison gas chloropicrin.

The use of banned hazardous compounds by the Russian military has become 'standardised and commonplace' in Ukraine, the Netherlands' military intelligence and security services, alongside the German intelligence service, found.

Russian soldiers use chloropicrin and riot control agent CS against sheltering Ukrainian soldiers to force them out into the open where they are more easily picked off, according to the findings.

Dutch defence minister Ruben Brekelmans called for more sanctions against Moscow, and continued military support for Kyiv.

Mr Brekelmans, who stayed on in a caretaker role after the Dutch government collapsed last month, said that he does not want to see the use of chemical weapons become normalised.

Lowering the threshold for use 'is not only dangerous for Ukraine, but also for the rest of Europe and the world', he said in a statement.

Russia has signed up to the Chemical Weapons Convention, which bans the use of chloropicrin and CS as weapons.

The convention's watchdog, The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has found several incidents in Ukraine involving CS but the group has not conducted a full investigation, which must be requested by the member states.

Ukrainian soldiers across the frontlines have long alleged that Russian troops are using tear gas and other banned chemical weapons including chloropicrin against them

Ukrainian soldiers last year said Russian troops were dropping K-51 grenades (pictured), which according to experts are typically filed with tear gas

An explosion lights up the night sky over Kyiv, Ukraine, following a Russian drone and missile strike on July 4, 2025

The executive committee for the OPCW is holding a regular meeting next week, where it is expected to discuss the conflict in Ukraine.

Russian authorities have denied using chemical weapons in the past, instead alleging that Ukraine has used the banned substances.

According to Ukraine, Russia has carried out 9,000 chemical weapons attacks in the country since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022.

In 2024, the US State Department said that it had recorded the use of chloropicrin against Ukrainian troops.

Tear gas, also known as CS, is banned during wartime under the Chemical Weapons Convention, which both Russia and Ukraine are signatories of.

However, last year Ukrainian soldiers claimed that Russian troops were regularly dropping K-51 grenades, which according to experts are typically filed with tear gas.

Ihor, a commander of a Ukrainian reconnaissance team, told The Telegraph that they were getting 'one or two gas grenades dropped on them' every day.

According to training documents that emerged in 2024, Ukrainian troops are now being told to stay where they are and endure the first few minutes of exposure to tear gas.

The war between Russia and Ukraine has now stretched well into its third year. Pictured: Ukrainian soldiers conduct combat drills in March 2024

Russia on Friday said that it sees no immediate diplomatic way out of the war in Ukraine, hours after pummelling the war-torn country with its largest ever drone and missile barrage of the invasion. Pictured: Russian President Vladimir Putin

Ukrainian servicemen IT engineers work on adapting civilian drones for using them as modified military devices in the battlefield

While fleeing may give their position away, after the first few minutes the effect of the gas weakens.

Russia on Friday said that it sees no immediate diplomatic way out of the war in Ukraine, hours after pummelling the war-torn country with its largest ever drone and missile barrage of the invasion.

The hours-long bombardments sent Ukrainians scurrying for shelters across the country and came after a call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which ended without a breakthrough.

Trump also said he had made no progress in discussions with Putin on ending more than three years of bitter fighting since the Kremlin ordered its troops into neighbouring Ukraine.

The Kremlin said Friday it was 'preferable' to achieve the goals of its invasion through political and diplomatic means.

'But as long as that is not possible, we are continuing the special operation,' spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in a briefing, referring to Russia's invasion.

Zelensky said air alerts began echoing out across the country as the Trump-Putin call was getting under way.

'Yet again, Russia is showing it has no intention of ending the war and terror,' he said on social media.

Ukrainian soldiers conduct combat drills, with troops reporting the use of tear gas to try and force soldiers out into the open

Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov (pictured) said on Friday that while it was 'preferable' to achieve the goals of its invasion through political and diplomatic means, the war will continue 'as long as that is not possible'

As the US announced this week it was reducing some of its aid deliveries to Ukraine, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (pictured) said it was a clear signal that the 27-nation European Union needed to 'step up'

In Kyiv, concerns mounted over whether the US would continue delivering military aid, which is key to Ukraine's ability to fend off the drone and missile barrages.

The US announced this week it was reducing some of its aid deliveries.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said this was a clear signal that the 27-nation European Union needed to 'step up'.

Ukraine has also ramped up its retaliatory strikes in Russia, where a woman was killed by a Ukrainian drone attack overnight, the acting governor of the Rostov region said.

Talks, spearheaded by the United States to secure a ceasefire, have stalled.
President Donald Trump has reportedly threatened the European Union with a 17 percent tariff on food exports, a move that could cripple that industry.

The threat came ahead of a July 9 deadline to strike a trade deal otherwise the EU faces a 50 percent tax on all its goods going into the United States.

EU officials told the Financial Times the new food tax is an escalation between the two trading partners.

It was unclear if the 17 percent hit on food and farm exports would be in addition to the other tariffs announced by Trump or instead of them. The value of EU food exports to the U.S., including products such as wine, reached almost $58 billion last year.

Should the U.S. and EU fail to cut a deal by next week's deadline, then EU goods imported to the U.S. could be hit by duties of up to 50 percent.

That could be swiftly followed by retaliatory measures from European bloc that would target a wide range of American goods, including food stuffs and technology.

President Trump is pushing a 17% tax on all foods from EU into the US

The U.S.-EU trade relationship is one of the biggest in the world, accounting for around 30 percent of global goods.

Key exports from the U.S. to the EU include crude oil, civilian aircraft, and pharmaceutical products.

The EU, for its part, exports a wide range of goods to the U.S., including machinery, vehicles, chemicals, and food stuffs.

In 2024, trade between the two was valued at around 1.68 trillion euros  or $1.98 trillion.

The EU has a surplus of 198 billion euros when it comes to goods, but a deficit of around 148 billion euro in services given the Europeans an overall trade surplus of around 50 billion euros.

Trump has repeatedly railed against the European Union, accusing it of taking advantage of the United States.

The EU was 'formed to screw the United States,' he has charged repeatedly.

Negotiations have been challenging.

Reports say the two sides are working on a five-page draft 'agreement in principle', but it has very little agreed-upon text in it.

'What we are aiming at is an agreement in principle,' European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Thursday, adding that a detailed agreement was 'impossible' to reach during the 90-day reprieve.

She also warned that, if no agreement is reached, 'all the instruments are on the table.'

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that, if no agreement is reached, 'all the instruments are on the table.'

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent seemed hesitant about the odds of agreement being reached before the July 9th deadline.

'We'll see what we can do with the European Union,' he told CNBC's 'Squawk on the Street' on Thursday.

Talks are continuing over the weekend.

EU officials may accept maintaining the 10 percent baseline tariff for most goods in exchange for sectoral exemptions, per reports.

The bloc wants immediate relief for pharmaceuticals, aircraft, semiconductors, and alcohol exports  critical industries where supply chains span the Atlantic.

European negotiators, however, are not being helped by internal divisions among its 27 members - some nations want to accept higher tariffs in return for a period of certainty and others want to retaliate to put pressure on Trump to compromise.

Friedrich Merz, chancellor of Germany, the EUs biggest and most export-dependent economy, has been pressing the commission, which runs trade policy, to settle for a quick deal.

He wants exemptions from Trump's 25 percent tariff on vehicles and 50 percent on steel. Germany is one of the biggest exporters of automobiles.

French President Emmanuel Macron, however, insists on full reciprocity.
A former Lord Provost of Glasgow who bombarded his ex-partner with texts and social media messages has been banned from going near her for five years.

At Glasgow Sheriff Court on Friday, Philip Braat was also ordered to carry out 60 hours of unpaid work and fined 840.

The 49-year-old, of the citys Broomhill, had earlier pleaded guilty to a single charge of stalking after he contacted the woman more than 100 times between July and September 2024 in a bid to win her back.

The pair started dating in 2021 and went on to live together. But the woman ended the relationship a year ago.

She received an email the next day from the councillor which included an apparent resignation letter to his employer.

Fiscal Paige Phillips said: The woman thought that this was fake and to get her attention as well as to make her feel guilty.

Braat attempted to persuade her that they should be together and stated he could not live without her. He said: You better visit my parents and you better keep my legacy alive.

She believed that this was in reference to Braat ending his life. Between July and September, she received 18 emails, 51 Instagram messages, 15 text messages, 37 WhatsApp messages and a LinkedIn message.

Philip Braat, 49, has been banned from going near his ex-partner for five years

Some of the emails contained goodbye letters to the woman and Braats own family.

She stated that the messages were not nasty but there was no escape from Braat and she could not cope any longer.

Solicitor advocate Andrew Seggie, defending, told the court: He was the Lord Provost during the pandemic and he felt additional pressure to assist those who lost loved ones as a result of the pandemic.

He was trying to manage this and juggle his own family issues and the end of the relationship caused him to suffer a mental health breakdown.

Sheriff Owen Mullan imposed the non-harassment order and said the unpaid work must be completed within six months.

He said Braat overstepped the mark and it would have been stressful for the woman.

Braat has served the Anderston/City/Yorkhill ward since 2007 and is subject of an investigation by Scottish Labour.
Hamas has submitted its response to a US-brokered Gaza ceasefire proposal, a Palestinian official said, describing the response as a positive one that should 'facilitate reaching a deal.'

US President Donald Trump earlier announced a 'final proposal' for a 60-day ceasefire in the nearly 21-month-old war between Israel and Hamas, stating he anticipated a reply from the parties in coming hours.

'We have handed the mediators, Qatar and Egypt, our response to the ceasefire proposal,' a Hamas official told Reuters on condition of anonymity on Friday.

'The Hamas response is positive and I think it should help and facilitate reaching a deal,' said the Palestinian official close to the talks.

The proposal calls for the release of ten living Israeli hostages and 18 bodies in exchange for 1,000 Palestinian prisoners during a 60-day ceasefire, reports The Jerusalem Post.

During that period, both sides are expected to hold talks aimed at ending the war.

Trump said on Tuesday that Israel had agreed 'to the necessary conditions to finalise' a 60-day ceasefire, during which efforts would be made to end the US ally's war in the Palestinian enclave.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to comment on Trump's announcement and in their public statements, the two sides remain far apart.

Hamas has submitted its response to a US-brokered Gaza ceasefire proposal, a Palestinian official said

US President Donald Trump earlier announced a 'final proposal' for a 60-day ceasefire in the nearly 21-month-old war between Israel and Hamas

The proposal calls for the release of ten living Israeli hostages and 18 bodies in exchange for 1,000 Palestinian prisoners during a 60-day ceasefire

Netanyahu has repeatedly said Hamas must be disarmed, a position the militant group, which is thought to be holding 20 living hostages, has so far refused to discuss.

Netanyahu is due to meet Trump in Washington on Monday.

Asked early on Friday US time if Hamas had agreed to the latest ceasefire deal framework, Trump said: 'We are going to know over the next 24 hours.'

Trump has said he would be 'very firm' with Netanyahu on the need for a speedy Gaza ceasefire while noting that the Israeli leader wants one as well.

'We hope it's going to happen. And we're looking forward to it happening sometime next week,' he told reporters earlier this week. 'We want to get the hostages out.'

Israeli attacks have reportedly killed at least 138 Palestinians in Gaza over the past 24 hours, local health officials said, though these numbers are yet to be officially confirmed.

Health officials at the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, said the Israeli military had carried out an airstrike on a tent encampment west of the city around 2am, killing 15 Palestinians displaced by nearly two years of war.

The Israeli military said troops operating in the Khan Younis area had eliminated militants, confiscated weapons and dismantled Hamas outposts in the last 24 hours, while striking 100 targets across Gaza, including military structures, weapons storage facilities and launchers.

Palestinian civil defence try to extinguish a fire at a building hit by an Israeli strike in Gaza City in the central Gaza Strip, on July 2, 2025

Palestinian men react next to the rubble of a residential house that was hit in overnight Israeli strikes in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, on June 30, 2025

Smoke rises following an Israeli air strike during a military operation in an Al Shejaeiya neighborhood in the east of Gaza City, 02 July 2025

Later on Friday, Palestinians gathered to perform funeral prayers before burying those killed overnight.

'There should have been a ceasefire long ago before I lost my brother,' said 13-year-old Mayar Al Farr. Her brother, Mahmoud, was shot dead in another incident, she said.

'He went to get aid, so he can get a bag of flour for us to eat. He got a bullet in his neck. It killed him on the spot,' she said.

Adlar Mouamar said her nephew, Ashraf, was also killed in Gaza. 'Our hearts are broken. We ask the world, we don't want food...We want them to end the bloodshed. We want them to stop this war.'

In Tel Aviv, families and friends of hostages held in Gaza were among demonstrators who gathered outside a US Embassy building on US Independence Day, calling on Trump to secure a deal for all of the captives.

Demonstrators set up a symbolic Sabbath dinner table, placing 50 empty chairs to represent those who are still held in Gaza.

Banners hung nearby displaying a post by Trump from his Truth Social platform that read, 'MAKE THE DEAL IN GAZA. GET THE HOSTAGES BACK!!!'

The Sabbath, or Shabbat, observed from Friday evening to Saturday nightfall, is often marked by Jewish families with a traditional Friday night dinner.

'Only you can make the deal. We want one beautiful deal. One beautiful hostage deal,' said Gideon Rosenberg, 48, from Tel Aviv.

Trump has said he would be 'very firm' with Netanyahu on the need for a speedy Gaza ceasefire while noting that the Israeli leader wants one as well

Palestinians look at the sand covering their tents and vehicles after the Israeli army targeted the tents of displaced people in the northern Al-Rimal neighborhood of Gaza City on June 28, 2025

In a first visit since the October 7, 2023 massacre 636 days ago, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara Netanyahu are seen at Kibbutz Nir Oz on July 4, 2025

Rosenberg was wearing a shirt with the image of hostage Avinatan Or, one of his employees who was abducted by Palestinian militants from the Nova musical festival on October 7, 2023.

He is among the 20 hostages who are believed to be alive after more than 600 days of captivity.

Ruby Chen, 55, the father of 19-year-old American-Israeli Itay, who is believed to have been killed after being taken captive, urged Netanyahu to return from meeting with Trump in Washington on Monday with a deal that brings back all hostages.

'Let this United States Independence Day mark the beginning of a lasting peace... one that secures the sacred value of human life and one that bestows dignity to the deceased hostages by ensuring their return to proper burial,' he said, also appealing to Trump.

Itay Chen, also a German national, was serving as an Israeli soldier when Hamas carried out its surprise attack on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking another 251 hostage.

Israel's retaliatory war against Hamas has devastated Gaza, which the militant group has ruled for almost two decades but now only controls in parts, displacing most of the population of more than two million and triggering widespread hunger.

More than 57,000 Palestinians have been killed in nearly two years of fighting, most of them civilians, according to local health officials.
Screams can be heard in the darkness as a large cabin packed with people was swept away by deadly floodwaters in Texas.

In one of the most harrowing scenes yet from a disaster that has already claimed 13 lives, the cabin was seen drifting rapidly down the Guadalupe River in Hill County in the dead of night, carried off by the surging current as panicked voices rang out from inside.

Flashes of yellow light flickered from a flashlight inside the home, briefly illuminating the chaos as it floated past.

'Oh my god, there's so many people in it,' a male bystander could be heard saying in shock.

'Oh my god,' a woman could be heard saying behind him.

It is unclear if any of the home's occupants were injured and if they got to safety.

People have speculated the home looks like a counselor's cabin at Camp La Junta in Hunt.

Daily Mail has reached out to Camp La Junta for comment.

Piercing yellow flashes of a flashlight were seen peaking out the door as a cabin full of people was it was swept downriver in Hill County , Texas, in the middle of the night. Screams from inside the home could be heard as the structure rapidly followed the current of the river

It is unclear if any of the home's occupants were injured and if they got to safety. People have speculated the home looks like a counselor's cabin at Camp La Junta in Hunt

The flooding in Kerrville has taken the lives of at least six people

On Friday afternoon, the camp took to Facebook to announce that 'everyone at Camp La Junta is safe and accounted for.'

'We are working with authorities for the next step,' the statement read. 'We appreciate your prayers.'

Other summer camps have not been so fortunate.

The nearby Camp Mystic, a summer program for girls, confirmed that at least some of its campers were unaccounted for on Friday afternoon.

Renee Smajstrla, Eloise Peck, Lila Bonner and Lainey Landry are all missing from Camp Mystic.

The missing girls' loved ones shared photos of the girls in the hopes of finding out information about their whereabouts.

A total of 20 are missing from Camp Mystic, although local officials say they hope they'll be able to find many of those who vanished safe and sound.

Renee was said to have been staying at part of the camp called Camp Bubble.

Lainey Landry is missing from Camp Mystic

Eloise Peck (left) and Lila Bonner (right) are also missing

Renee Smajstrla is missing from Camp Mystic

The summer camp, which is also situated along the Guadalupe River, was evacuated overnight after heavy rainfall caused flash floods.

Dozens of water rescues are taking place across Kerr County today.

Kerr County's top lawmaker, Judge Rob Kelly, revealed one of the 13 people so-far confirmed dead in the Guadalupe River floods was nude.

Kelly said: 'One of them was completely naked. They didn't have any ID on them.'

The Guadalupe River rose to its second-highest height on record today at a height of 34 feet, the National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed early Friday morning.

The river's highest height was 36 feet, recorded during a major flood in 1987 when nearly 12 inches of rain fell in the town of Hunt.

Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr has issued a disaster declaration after severe flooding overnight resulted in widespread damage, injury and loss of life.

The city's local Walmart is being used as a temporary reunification center for those displaced by the floods.

A local utility company reported a 'major outage' impacting more than 2,600 customers across Kerrville, Center Point and Hunt.

Other summer camps have not been so fortunate. The nearby Camp Mystic, a summer program for girls, confirmed that at least some of its campers were unaccounted for on Friday afternoon (pictured: flood damage in Kerr County)

Kerr County's top lawmaker, Judge Rob Kelly, revealed one of the six people so-far confirmed dead in the Guadalupe River floods was nude (pictured: flood damage in Kerrville)

All of Kerr County is considered to be an 'extremely active scene', Kerr County Sheriff Larry L. Leitha said in the statement

The Guadalupe River rose to its second-highest height on record today at a height of 34 feet. The river's highest height was 36 feet, recorded during a major flood in 1987 when nearly 12 inches of rain fell in the town of Hunt

Officials say restoration efforts have been slowed by flooding and downed power lines.

All of Kerr County is considered to be an 'extremely active scene', Kerr County Sheriff Larry L. Leitha said in the statement.

'Our Office is working with a wide variety of local and state agencies to respond to calls and rescues,' Leitha added.

'Residents are encouraged to shelter in place and not attempt travel. Those near creeks, streams, and the Guadalupe River should immediately move to higher ground.'
A few months ago Lynn Winstanley received a text message in the middle of the night from one of her neighbours.

He was sitting in his car near Aberdeen harbour trying to decide whether to drive it into the sea.

A light touch on the accelerator would solve a lot of problems, he wrote. His wife would receive a life insurance payout.

He would no longer have to face questions from his children, such as where are we going to live? Death would end his feelings of complete uselessness.

Mrs Winstanley was awake when the message came because the anti-depressants and sleeping tablets she has been prescribed dont give her the respite she had hoped for after her own life was thrown into turmoil in 2023.

She called the man immediately and managed to talk him down. He was not her only neighbour experiencing the darkest of thoughts.

Some have turned to drink  others to self-harm. In her part of the city there has been a dramatic spike in depression, anxiety, insomnia and stress-related chest pains.

It is said that, in a doctors surgery in Torry, Aberdeen, staff now have a code word to identify those patients who must be given urgent appointments. They are the ones whose homes have been earmarked for demolition by the same city council which built them decades ago.

Dundee campaigners Yvette and Wayne Hoskins meet Lorraine Kelly

Aberdeen City Council intends to demolish and rebuild more than 500 properties

All are said to contain RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete)  a cheap form of concrete widely used between the 1950s and 1980s and now known to carry the risk of collapse.

In Aberdeen, the RAAC houses are confined to one area. In Dundee, five residential pockets have been identified. There are more RAAC homes in Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire, and others in Angus. Its in Edinburgh, West Lothian and North and South Lanarkshire.

Quite how widespread it is in homes built on the cheap by local authorities across Scotland remains to be seen, although it is now estimated there are at least 5,500.

What have already been seen, however, are the devastating consequences of the RAAC issue on those living in affected properties  along with brazen attempts by local and national government to duck responsibility.

But a reckoning is coming, one Dundee campaigner on the issue warned this week.

This is your next huge court case waiting to happen, says Yvette Hoskins, 49. This is your next Post Office scandal. This is your next cladding scandal.

Searching questions, she says, are about to be asked on who knew what when  and her own research has already uncovered uncomfortable answers.

At the heart of the scandal is an almighty financial shambles which cash-strapped local authorities cannot afford to put right, even if they are ultimately responsible for causing it.

It was they who commissioned the building of their housing stock  complete with substandard concrete  and they who later sold many of these homes to tenants under 1980s right-to-buy legislation.

Now, decades on, they have carried out audits of RAAC-affected properties they built but are taking no financial responsibility for the ones which have since passed into private ownership.

That is why householders such as the one who nearly drove his car into Aberdeen Harbour are in torment.

There was no mention of RAAC in the home reports when they bought their properties. But now that it has been identified, many are worth considerably less than the mortgages on them.

Aberdeen City Council plans to demolish more than 500 affected homes in the Balnagask area of Torry  including 138 privately-owned ones.

However, the sums it is willing to pay to buy back these properties to then bulldoze are only a fraction of their market value prior to RAAC issue arising.

In recent weeks, SNP co-leader of the council Christian Allard has upped the ante  suggesting structural engineers have told him no one should be in these houses another winter.

North East Conservative MSP Liam Kerr says it leaves householders with a horrific dilemma: Stay in your house and the roof might fall in  or accept the lower price and move elsewhere with 40,000 or perhaps 50,000 of outstanding mortgage left over your head.

It is, he says, a scandal which is destroying lives across Scotland.

Mrs Winstanley, 63, one of the leaders of the Torry RAAC campaign group, is a case in point.

She and husband Andrew bought their one-bedroom flat in Farquhar Brae for 62,000 in 2022, then spent 20,000 on improvements.

Homes across the country have been affected by RAAC

RAAC is a cheap form of concrete widely used between the 1950s and 1980s

Eighteen months later they learned the former council home had been identified as a RAAC property. Currently, she says, the local authority is offering between 20,000 and 30,000 to buy flats similar to hers to knock down.

Im now on anti-depressants and sleeping tablets, she says. You just dont sleep, its constantly going through your head. Whats going to happen? Where are we going to go? Are we going to end up having to rent somewhere when were mortgage-free at the moment?.

Dozens of other Aberdeen households are asking themselves the same questions. They are families at the lower end of the housing market, some of whom saved for years to put down a deposit on their first homes.

Now the council is urging them to abandon them, and accept a fraction of their previous value in compensation.

Aberdeen has already rehoused hundreds of tenants whose homes in Balnagask were still council-owned, dispersing them in other parts of the city and leaving many struggling to cope with the upheaval.

The more acute problem is the rump of owner occupiers that is now left. They are scattered randomly through the condemned estate, some of them the lone occupants in blocks of flats which were otherwise filled with tenants.

Until they leave, the blocks cant come down and a re-build cannot begin.

As the deadlock drags on, the area is becoming a ghetto as looters and fly-tippers move in. Its actually awful now, says Mrs Winstanley. Stuff is getting dumped everywhere and houses getting ransacked.

In desperation, a few have accepted the money offered by the council, just to escape the misery. One of them

was the motorist considering suicide. Another is a young schoolteacher who had to sell many of her possessions, including her car, to bear the loss of tens of thousands and start again.

Shes taken the money because her mental health cant take any more, says Mrs Winstanley.

And shes teaching our next generation.

Seventy miles away in Dundee, more horror stories. It was just as the RAAC issue was arising that Yvette Hoskins and her husband Wayne put their three-bedroom flat on the market.

They had planned to sell earlier but when mother-of two Mrs Hoskins was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago, they stayed put until she was in remission. Their advice was to market the first floor flat at offers over 105,000 but, after learning RAAC was present in the roof of the flat above them, they dropped that price by 5,000.

A couple fell in love with it and a deal was secured  only to fall through when no lender would give them a home loan. RAAC, it turned out, was the kiss of death for a mortgage deal.

Thats when we wholeheartedly understood that a property with RAAC will not sell, says Mrs Hoskins. They dropped their price to 85,000 and received several offers  but all vanished when mortgages were refused.

Down in price it went again to 69,000, and then to 55,000, before a deal could be secured with a cash buyer.

With a 40,000 mortgage still remaining on the property, the couple will be left with next to nothing to show for their 15 years as owner occupiers once legal fees are settled. The campaign group they are part of has been backed by TV presenter Lorraine Kelly, who has a home in Dundee.

Like her fellow campaigner in Aberdeen, Mrs Hoskins highlights those less fortunate than herself  such as the Dundee man in his early 20s whose RAAC-affected property is now worth almost 40 per cent less than he paid for it.

He cant move because any offer he got wouldnt cover his outstanding mortgage.

Hed be going into negative equity through no fault of his own because nobody seemingly knew about RAAC in homes and properties until they were asked to inspect it by the Scottish Government in 2023. Back then, a catalogue of public buildings, including schools, libraries, hospitals and community centres were already known to contain RAAC.

The lightweight cement, whose texture resembles an Aero chocolate bar, was used in buildings with flat or low-pitched roofs and, alarmingly, was considered to have a lifespan of only 30 years. When exposed to moisture it can become structurally unsound.

Repairs were ordered for public buildings, then the focus shifted to social housing  and the enormity of the issue began to emerge.

Not only were hundreds  and later thousands  of properties identified as containing RAAC, but many had been sold to private owners multiple times since the local authority built them. Almost none of their home reports had flagged up RAAC.

Yet a search of Dundee city archives reveals not only that the local authority knew about RAAC but that it was also aware of potential defects in it as early as the late 1970s.

That, points out Mrs Hoskins, was before right-to-buy legislation was even introduced.

Were these properties, then, mis-sold in the 1980s and thereafter? Did the council have a duty to flag up RAAC  along with the devastating consequences which might lie decades down the line? And what of the other councils across Scotland?

Did Aberdeen fail to divulge this key detail too? Former council leader Alex Nicoll suggested at a public meeting last month that the issue had been known about in the city for decades.

Aberdeen has already rehoused hundreds of tenants whose homes in Balnagask were still council-owned - but private homeowners remain

Thus far, Dundees strategy has been to embark on a programme of reinforcing the affected properties  and to bill private residents for their share of the work, even if they have not agreed to it.

That has resulted in demands for up to 7,000, but many have claimed paying up would be throwing good money after bad.

Even after the repairs, the properties would still contain RAAC and would therefore remain practically unsellable.

A Dundee City Council spokesman said: Defects can happen in properties of all construction types and there was no prior equivalent industry-wide concern about RAAC until the issues came to light in schools in England from 2019 onwards.

Where communal works are undertaken to mixed tenure blocks the council re-charges a proportionate share of the costs of these works to private owners.

In Tillicoultry, meanwhile, 27 properties  ten privately owned  were declared uninhabitable and shuttered up when RAAC was identified in 2023. Some owners were given hours to clear out.

One, Frances Reid, recalled: I got a phone call on my way home from work one day, saying: Can you get back now to evacuate your property? When I got there it was chaos.

Auxiliary nurse Lynsey McQuater was another owner suddenly declared homeless.

After moving in with her mother, she said: I was absolutely distraught, in floods of tears when it happened. I thought I had a home, I had security, I had a plan for my future. That was all ripped away.

Last week, the council said it would buy back any properties that private owners wished to dispose of, but at a price reflecting the cost of repairs.

Who should pay, then, for this monumental shambles? It is a question Liam Kerr has asked recently-appointed housing minister Mairi McAllan repeatedly.

Indeed, he says, he has already identified an unspent 20million housing pot first allocated to Aberdeen in 2016 which must be used within the next year. The problem? No one seems to know the criteria by which the money could be released.

He suggests the minister had ignored this solution entirely. He tells the Mail: The Scottish Government has devolved responsibility for setting RAAC right, which, all-too-predictably, the SNP are paddling frantically to get away from.

He adds: I believe there will be a documentary expose of this, some day soon, about how lives have been destroyed in communities across Scotland, caught between the devil and the deep blue sea, while ministers just looked on.

While the Scottish Government has argued that Westminster must roll out a UK-wide RAAC relief fund, both the previous

Conservative administration and the current Labour one have reminded its ministers that housing is devolved.

So the buck passing goes on.

Something is going to happen, theres going to be that straw that breaks the back, warns Paula Fraser, who was rehomed from her Aberdeen property as a result of RAAC.

There are ominous signs that it will be a tragedy.
For more than 20 years, he was the face of impartiality as a top newsreader on ITNs flagship News At Ten bulletin.

But behind the scenes, veteran Scottish broadcaster Sandy Gall was personally lobbying Margaret Thatchers government to step up support for Afghanistans Mujahideen rebels in their war against the Soviet-installed regime, according to declassified papers.

Gall, whose death at the age of 97 was announced last week, became a passionate supporter of the Mujahideen cause and a confidante of their leader, Ahmad Shah Massoud, during trips to the country as a war correspondent.

He first visited Afghanistan in 1982 when he was smuggled in by resistance fighters to make a documentary highlighting claims of Russian brutality towards the civilian population.

During a 60-year career reporting from the worlds trouble spots, he would become an unofficial emissary of the British government to the Mujahideen and in 1986 he and his late wife Eleanor founded a charity to raise money for victims of the war.

After the Soviets withdrew from Afghanistan in 1989, the country descended into civil war with various rival factions fighting the Moscow-backed government of President Mohammad Najibullah.

Sandy Gall became an unofficial emissary of the British government to the Mujahideen

Veteran Scottish broadcaster Sandy Gall was personally lobbying Margaret Thatcher s government to step up support for Afghanistan s Mujahideen

When Gall returned to Afghanistan on a fact-finding mission, he wrote to the prime ministers private secretary, Charles Powell, raising concerns about the deteriorating situation.

He wrote: I came away with a very strong feeling that the situation is critical. The main fact I learned from a couple of talks with Massoud is that he has received no weapons via the Pakistani pipeline at all this year.

During the Soviet occupation, MI6 formed close links with Massoud, who was regarded as more pro-Western than his rival Mujahideen commanders, and provided his group with substantial military aid, including Blowpipe anti-aircraft missiles, channelled through the Pakistani ISI intelligence service.

But Gall learned the ISI had cut off the supply of weapons.

This is a deliberate policy, Gall wrote. They have always resented his independence, and his refusal to take ISI instructions has now infuriated them to the extent of cutting off his arms supply.

He urged Mrs Thatcher to increase military support for Massoud and press the Pakistani government to restart the flow of weapons.

Mr Powell replied that our own ability to influence the conduct of the war is very limited.

Gall, whose death at the age of 97 was announced last week, became a passionate supporter of the Mujahideen cause

President Najibullah was eventually overthrown in 1992, but after four more years of civil war and in-fighting the country was taken over by Massouds arch-rivals the Taliban.

Massoud was assassinated by al-Qaeda linked suicide bombers in 2001. Born Henderson Alexander Gall in British Malaya, Gall was the son a rubber plantation manager.

The family moved back to Scotland when he was four and he was educated at Glenalmond College, in Perthshire, and Aberdeen University.

He joined ITN in 1963 and made a name as a fearless foreign correspondent, landing himself in countless scrapes. He fronted News At Ten for many years until his retirement in 1992.

In 2011, Gall was appointed CMG in recognition of his service to the people of Afghanistan.
Heartbroken Oasis fans have been filmed being wheeled out of Noel and Liam's reunion gig on stretchers after splurging on pricey tickets.

More than 75,000 fans gathered at Cardiff's Principality Stadium for the first night of the long-awaited Oasis reunion tour.

But as history was being made with Noel, 58, and Liam, 52, appearing on stage for the first time together in 16 years, several fans were seen being taken away by medics on the ground.

In one chaotic clip, a fan was seen holding his head as he sat on a stretcher while three emergency workers donning reflective gear surrounded him.

A venue employee ran on ahead holding up a flashing light so the injured man could be led to safety in the packed stadium.

Another piece of footage captured a man laying strapped flat on a stretcher as he was wheeled out behind the metal railing separating the standing and seated area.

And in a third video, a woman was seen being pulled out of the grounds by three medics as she appeared to argue with a venue worker.

The stadium worker appeared to insist she left the arena with the medical team but she could be seen clasping her hands together as she seemed to beg to stay.

It's no surprise when some tickets soared to 355 plus fees on Ticketmaster.

More than 75,000 fans gathered at Cardiff's Principality Stadium for the first night of the long-awaited Oasis reunion tour

In another video, a woman was seen being pulled out of the grounds by three medics as she appeared to argue with a venue worker

In one chaotic clip, a fan was seen holding his head as he sat on a stretcher while three emergency workers donning reflective gear surrounded him

Tickets were meant to start at 74.25 for seated tickets at their Wembley shows, with the most expensive ticket being a 506.25 pre-show party.

However, screenshots from the Ticketmaster website offering In Demand standing tickets being listed for hundreds of pounds each.

As the masses gathered on Friday, Liam kicked off the show with Hello, which serves as the opening track for their 1995 classic 'What's The Story (Morning Glory).

They then went into Acquiesce - a song from their first 1995 album, which was followed by the iconic Morning Glory - the titular song of the second studio album.

Liam shouted out: 'Yes beautiful people! It's been too long.'

Liam then ordered the crowd to 'turn around and bounce' ahead of Cigarettes and Alcohol.

After performing Some Might Say, Bring It On Down and Fade Away, Liam went off for a rest, while Noel performed his acoustic version of Talk Tonight.

Then Noel appeared emotional as he performed Half The World Away and even stopped singing for a few bars at one point.

Liam later said: 'Are you having a good time?' before addressing the ticket chaos: 'Was it worth the 40,000 you paid for the ticket.'

More than 75,000 fans watched history be made as Noel, 58, and Liam, 52, appeared for the first time on stage together in 16 years on Friday

Noel arrived with his guitar, while Liam had a tambourine hanging from his teeth

They took to the stage hand-in-hand, with the crowd going wild for them

Fans held up their phones for Live Forever

Richard Ashcroft appeared on stage shortly before Oasis, saying: 'So glad to be here with the greatest rock 'n' roll band. When I heard Oasis were reforming I thought I was in it!'

Richard's former band The Verve toured with Oasis back in the early days, and Noel was spotted in the crowd ahead of his own performance to catch some of Richard's set.

After 15 years, Liam and Noel finally reunite for 41 shows across Europe and the 900,000 fans who have eagerly snapped up tickets will not be disappointed with the set list which is crammed with the nineties band's classics.

The streets of Cardiff were 'electric' ahead Oasis's opening night with Wonderwall blasting from work vans while superfans are queuing up to purchase bucket hats and T-shirts.

The much-anticipated night came to a close at around 10:20pm, with Oasis picking Champagne Supernova as their final song of the night.

The next show is set to take place at Cardiff Principality Stadium tomorrow.
Britain's hard-pressed middle earners face a painful new tax squeeze as the Chancellor scrambles to fill fiscal black hole, experts warned yesterday.

Rachel Reeves is on course to break her election promise not to put up taxes including income tax, National Insurance and VAT, Institute of Fiscal Studies director Paul Johnson said.

It came as a damning new poll by YouGov showed that three-quarters of Britons believe Ms Reeves will smash Labours vow by putting up one of the UKs main taxes.

The Chancellor could be facing a black hole of up to 40 billion in the October Budget after Labour was forced into a humiliating U-turn on welfare reform amid economic downgrades.

Ms Reeves last night refused to rule out tax rises in the autumn, saying it would be irresponsible for a Chancellor to do that.

And, she told the Guardian, despite her tears in the Commons this week, she never entertained the idea of resigning, adding: I didnt work that hard to then quit.

The Chancellor has also refused to rule out a raid on pensions amid growing fears that she will target the retirement pots of millions of workers in the autumn.

Mr Johnson told the BBC: If you are looking at [a] 30 billion [black hole], which is quite plausible, I cant see a way you raise that kind of money without hitting people on middle incomes as they did with the National Insurance last year.

Experts claim Rachel Reeves is on course to break her election promise not to put up any major taxes including income tax, National Insurance and VAT

Despite crying in the House of Commons following criticism of her performance and a series of damning U-turns, Ms Reeves told the Guardian that she never entertained the idea of resigning, adding: I didnt work that hard to then quit

He added that Ms Reeves will have to break her election vow not to put up the main taxes.

If you are looking at big money it has to be something in income tax, National Insurance and VAT, he said. To raise that kind of money, you are looking at people on middle kinds of income.

Months of speculation over pension tax changes ahead of the Budget could prove highly damaging if  as was the case last year  it leads to a rush of savers withdrawing cash from their retirement pots early to avoid being hit.

Mr Johnson said: There was all sorts of speculation before the last Budget, in fact tens of thousands of people changed their pension arrangements for fear that there will be a change which there then wasnt.

'Weve heard nothing from the Government about what its view is about how pensions should be taxed.

He said changing pension tax relief would hit a very large number of teachers and nurses and other people in the public sector who the Government might not want to hurt.

Two former pensions ministers  Sir Steve Webb and Baroness Altmann  previously told the Mail that Ms Reeves should rule out a raid on retirement savings.

The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) halved its growth forecast for this year in March.

Institute of Fiscal Studies director Paul Johnson (pictured) said that Reeves will be forced to hike taxes to address a major shortfall in the country's finances: 'To raise that kind of money, you are looking at people on middle kinds of income

This week the watchdog hinted at a further likely downgrade after admitting that previous forecasts had proved too optimistic.

Economists have warned that a 0.2 per cent downgrade in the OBRs forecasts would leave the Chancellor with an 18 billion hole to fill.

The problem has been made worse by costly U-turns on welfare. Keir Starmers climbdown on the winter fuel allowance will cost 1.5 billion.

The retreat over cuts to the personal independence payment (PIP) could cost as much as 6 billion, and Labour MPs are pushing for the abolition of the two-child benefit cap.
Palestine Action has lost its 11-hour appeal to stop it from being banned as a terror group, less than two hours after losing a bid to halt it come coming into force.

Earlier today, Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action, failed in her bid to get the High Court to temporarily block the Government from classifying the group as a terrorist organisation.

This came before a potential legal challenge to the decision to proscribe the group under the Terrorism Act 2000.

The ban is set to take effect at midnight after Judge Mr Justice Chamberlain denied the request for a temporary block.

In a late twist, Ms. Ammori's legal team appealed the decision at the Court of Appeal on Friday evening.

However, around 10:30pm, the Court also refused to grant the temporary injunction, paving the way for the controversial move to proceed.

The founder's representative told the court that the ban would have a 'chilling effect on free speech'.

But Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr said: 'The judge was entitled to take the view that the harm identified... would be the product of an individual's decision not to comply with the order.'

Crowds gathered outside the central London court

A supporter of pro-Palestinian campaign holding a Palestinian flag in-front of the police outside London's High Court in London

This is one of the RAF military planes that was vandalised at Brize Norton last month

She added that there was 'no real prospect of a successful appeal'.

Raza Husain KC, for Ms Ammori, made a bid to have the case certified as a 'point of general public importance' to allow a Supreme Court bid.

Baroness Carr, sitting with Lord Justice Lewis and Lord Justice Edis, added: 'You are not going to get to the Supreme Court before midnight.'

The judge said that any application should be made before 4pm on Monday and refused a bid for a stay.

In his decision refusing the temporary block, High Court Mr Justice Chamberlain said: 'I have concluded that the harm which would ensue if interim relief is refused but the claim later succeeds is insufficient to outweigh the strong public interest in maintaining the order in force.'

Blinne Ni Ghralaigh KC, for Ms Ammori, told the Court of Appeal that the judge wrongly decided the balance between the interests of her client and the Home Office when deciding whether to make the temporary block.

She said: 'The balance of convenience on the evidence before him, in our respectful submission, fell in favour of the claimant having regard to all of the evidence, including the chilling effect on free speech, the fact that people would be criminalised and criminalised as terrorists for engaging in protest that was not violent, for the simple fact that they were associated with Palestine Action.'

She also told the Court of Appeal that Mr Justice Chamberlain 'failed properly to consider' that banning the group 'would cause irreparable harm'.

Protesters having a demonstration after the decision by the High Court

Police arrest a Palestine Action activist during a solidarity protest today

In a statement issued following the judgement, the co-founder said the public were being left 'in the dark about their rights to free speech'

Ms Ni Ghralaigh said: 'There was significant evidence before him to demonstrate the chilling effect of the order because it was insufficiently clear.'

She continued that the ban would mean 'a vast number of individuals who wished to continue protesting would fall foul of the proscription regime due to its lack of clarity'.

Ben Watson KC, for the Home Office, told appeal judges that Mr Justice Chamberlain gave a 'detailed and careful judgment' which was 'all the more impressive given the time constraints'.

He added that the judge 'was entitled to reach the conclusion that he did'.

The barrister said: 'The judge conducted a very careful analysis of all the matters he relied upon.'

Mr Watson also said that the judge was 'alive' to the possible impacts of the ban, including the potential 'chilling effect' on free speech.

'There was no error by the judge in concluding that there was a serious question to be tried while at the same time acknowledging that he couldn't, on the material in front of him, say that it had strong prospects of success,' he added.

The proposal for the ban which had been approved by both the House of Commons and the House of Lords earlier this week, will make membership and support for the direct action group a criminal offence, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

Police outside the Royal Courts of Justice as Palestine Action group is banned

Pro-Palestinian activists stage a solidarity protest

High Court judge Mr Justice Chamberlain said: 'I have concluded that the harm which would ensue if interim relief is refused but the claim later succeeds is insufficient to outweigh the strong public interest in maintaining the order in force.'

Ms. Ammori's legal team was also denied permission to appeal and was advised to take their case directly to the Court of Appeal.

Currently, 81 organisations are already proscribed under the 2000 Act, including Hamas, al Qaida, and National Action.

During the hearing, Raza Husain KC, representing Ms. Ammori, argued for the suspension of what he called the 'ill-considered' and 'authoritarian abuse of statutory power' until a hearing scheduled for around July 21.

Mr Husain told the London court: 'This is the first time in our history that a direct action civil disobedience group, which does not advocate for violence, has been sought to be proscribed as terrorists.'

The barrister said that his client had been 'inspired' by a long history of direct action in the UK, 'from the suffragettes, to anti-apartheid activists, to Iraq war activists'.

The hearing later in July is expected to deal with whether Ms Ammori can bring a High Court challenge over the planned proscription.

During the hearing, Raza Husain KC, representing Ms. Ammori, argued for the suspension of what he called the 'ill-considered' and 'authoritarian abuse of statutory power' until a hearing scheduled for around July 21

In his written judgment, Mr Justice Chamberlain said it was 'ambitious' for Palestine Action to claim it was not 'concerned in terrorism', as the 'action which immediately preceded the announcement of the decision to lay a proscription order was against an RAF base'.

Blinne Ni Ghralaigh KC, also representing Ms Ammori, told the court that there was no 'express provision' to protect lawyers representing her in the potential legal challenge from criminal consequences if the ban came into effect.

She also said that if the ban came into effect the harm would be 'far-reaching', could cause 'irreparable harm to large numbers of members of the public', including causing some to 'self-censor'.

Ms Ni Ghralaigh later named Normal People author Sally Rooney, who lives abroad and 'fears the ramifications for her, for her work, for her books, for her programmes' if she shows support for Palestine Action.

'Is the Prime Minister going to denounce her, an Irish artist, as a supporter of a proscribed organisation?'

'Will that have ramifications for her with the BBC, etc?' Ms Ni Ghralaigh asked.

In his written judgment, Mr Justice Chamberlain said it was 'ambitious' for Palestine Action to claim it was not 'concerned in terrorism', as the 'action which immediately preceded the announcement of the decision to lay a proscription order was against an RAF base'.

He also said that Ms Ammori's arguments 'contain at least one serious issue to be tried, namely that the order is a disproportionate interference with the rights of the claimant and others' under the European Convention on Human Rights.

Hundreds of protestors demonstrate outside the High Court in support of Palestine Action's appeal against proscription

Crowds gathered to show support to the group which will be now branded a 'terror group'

The High Court held hearing over Palestine Action's application for judicial review

The hearing followed the government's decision to proscribe the pro-Palestinian campaign group

But he ruled that issuing a temporary block on the ban 'even for a short period' would 'deny the public important protections which the order is intended to confer'.

He said: 'In my judgment, some of the consequences feared by the claimant and others who have given evidence are overstated.'

He continued: 'It will remain lawful for the claimant and other persons who were members of Palestine Action prior to proscription to continue to express their opposition to Israel's actions in Gaza and elsewhere, including by drawing attention to what they regard as Israel's genocide and other serious violations of international law.

'They will remain legally entitled to do so in private conversations, in print, on social media and at protests.'

He added: 'It follows that it is hyperbole to talk of the claimant or others being "gagged" in this respect, as the claimant has alleged.

'They could not incur criminal liability based on their past association with a group which was not proscribed at the time.

'That said, there is no doubt that there will be serious consequences if the order comes into effect immediately and interim relief is refused.'

In a statement issued following the judgement, the co-founder said the public were being left 'in the dark about their rights to free speech'.

The red paint could also be seen on the runway, while protesters claimed they left a Palestine flag behind

Footage shows two protesters riding electric scooters across the runway at RAF Brize Norton

She said the 'We are seeking an urgent appeal to try to prevent a dystopian nightmare of the Government's making which would see thousands of people across Britain wake up tomorrow to find they had been criminalised overnight for supporting a domestic protest group which sprays red paint on warplanes and disrupts Israel's largest weapons manufacturer to disrupt the flow of arms to Israel's genocidal war machine.

'We will not stop fighting to defend fundamental rights to free speech and protest in our country and to stand up for the rights of the Palestinian people.

'The Home Secretary is rushing through the implementation of the proscription at midnight tonight despite the fact that our legal challenge is ongoing and that she has been completely unclear about how it will be enforced, leaving the public in the dark about their rights to free speech and expression after midnight tonight when this proscription comes into effect.'

She went on to say: 'Hundreds of thousands of people across the country have expressed support for Palestine Action by joining our mailing list, following and sharing our social media content and signing petitions, and many, including iconic figures like Sally Rooney, say they will continue to declare 'we are all Palestine Action' and speak out against this preposterous proscription, demonstrating how utterly unworkable it will be.

'As Justice Chamberlain acknowledged in court today, it is unclear what expressions of support could lead to arrest and potential prosecution with sentences of up to 14 years in prison.

'We would only have only a few hours to disband our entire organisation and dismantle all of our infrastructure, including closing bank accounts and deleting our mailing list and social media platforms.

'This is despite the fact that we have not had the opportunity to defend our fundamental rights in court and challenge this unlawful, authoritarian and utterly absurd proscription.

'If we ultimately succeed in overturning the proscription, we would have to start from scratch, having lost everything we have painstakingly built over five years.'

This is the moment red paint was allegedly sprayed into the turbine engines of the vital aircraft

The protesters supporting the activists clapped and cheered as a prison van, believed to be holding the accused, arrived at court on July 3

Ben Watson KC, for the Home Office, told the High Court there was an 'insuperable hurdle' in the bid to temporarily block the ban of Palestine Action.

The barrister also said that if a temporary block was granted, it would be a 'serious disfigurement of the statutory regime'.

He said Palestine Action could challenge the Home Secretary's decision at the Proscribed Organisations Appeal Commission, a specialist tribunal, rather than at the High Court.

Friday's hearing comes after an estimated 7million worth of damage was caused to two Voyager planes at RAF Brize Norton on June 20, in an action claimed by Palestine Action.

Amy Gardiner-Gibson, 29, Jony Cink, 24, Daniel Jeronymides-Norie, 36, and Lewis Chiaramello, 22, are accused of conspiracy to enter a prohibited place knowingly for a purpose prejudicial to the safety or interests of the United Kingdom, and conspiracy to commit criminal damage.

They were remanded into custody after appearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court and will appear at the Old Bailey on July 18.

The hearing before Mr Justice Chamberlain will conclude later on Friday, with the High Court judge expected to give his decision at the end of the hearing.

A further hearing to decide whether Ms Ammori will be given the green light to challenge the decision to ban Palestine Action is expected to be heard later this month.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced plans to proscribe Palestine Action on June 23, stating that the vandalism of the two planes was 'disgraceful' and that the group had a 'long history of unacceptable criminal damage'.

This is a breaking news story, it'll be updated soon.
There's nothing like looking into a busy crowd and spotting a familiar face smiling back at you.

Kate, the Princess of Wales, was seven months pregnant with Prince Louis when she visited the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists' London headquarters in February 2018.

This marked the news that she had been announced as their new patron, as well as the patron of the Nursing Now campaign.

While she was there, Kate toured many areas of St Thomas' Hospital and visited the children on the Snow Leopard ward.

She then went on to meet several midwives and was reunited with someone very special.

As she greeted the crowd, from the corner of her eye she saw Professor Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent - the midwife who helped deliver Princess Charlotte in 2015 - and gave her an enormous hug.

Kate's midwives, Arona Ahmed and Professor Dunkley-Bent, were pictured smiling outside the hospital with the princess after Kate's short 154-minute labour in 2015.

A team of three midwives was on standby for more than a month to cover three shifts over a 24-hour period in case Kate was admitted early.

Kate, the Princess of Wales, was seven months pregnant with Prince Louis when she visited the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists London headquarters in February 2018

As she greeted the crowd saw Professor Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent - the midwife who helped deliver Princess Charlotte in 2015 - and gave her an enormous hug

Professor Dunkley-Bent (L) is said to have built up a rapport with Kate as she also delivered Prince George in 2012

Professor Dunkley-Bent is said to have built up a rapport with Kate as she also delivered Prince George in 2012.

In 2019 she was appointed into the most senior midwifery role in England, taking on the newly created role of chief midwifery officer.

She is responsible for overseeing the delivery of measures to enhance safety and support.

According to the Royal Family website, it suggests that upon meeting royalty, men should bow from the neck and women should dip into a small curtsey.

The same rules follow when you address a royal. It's Your Royal Highness on the first meeting and subsequently Sir or Ma'am.

But as royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told MailOnline: 'The Queen once told Michelle Obama that royal protocol is rubbish, meaning that the Royal Family adapt it when it is appropriate to do so.'

Kate has often flexed the rules of royal protocol by giving out hugs and chatting extensively to adoring fans.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) has a strong connection to the Royal Family, particularly Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother who was the College's Patron from 1947 and was also awarded an Honorary Fellowship.

Kate and William pose with newborn Princess Charlotte outside the Lindo Wing at St. Mary's Hospital in Paddington in 2015

Kate, William and Professor Dunkley-Bent are pictured leaving the Lindo Wing with their newborn son, Prince George of Cambridge, at St Mary's Hospital on July 23, 2013

Kate and William pose outside St Mary's Hospital in 2013 while their midwives stand to the side

In December 2019 Kate paid tribute to midwives in an open letter and through her work with the Royal College of Midwives, expressing her profound admiration for their dedication and compassion.

She highlighted the importance of the human-to-human relationships and acts of kindness midwives provide, emphasising that these are often what make the most difference during vulnerable times.

She also acknowledged the impact of midwives on early childhood development.

She said: 'You are there for women at their most vulnerable; you witness strength, pain and unimaginable joy on a daily basis. Your work often goes on behind the scenes, and away from the spotlight.'

At the end of November 2019 Kate spent two days privately undertaking 'work experience' at Kingston Hospital maternity unit in south-west London to learn about what it was like to work in frontline maternity care, describing the experience as 'a privilege'.

Kate and Princess Anne took part in their first joint royal engagement in 2022 as they arrived together at the headquarters of their respective patronages, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the Royal College of Midwives in London.

During the outing, the Princess Royal left midwives and the Duchess of Cambridge in stitches when she recalled fearing one of her babies had become 'wedged' when she tripped over in a horse lorry while heavily pregnant.

Kate and Princess Anne took part in their first joint royal engagement in 2022 as they arrived together at the headquarters of their respective patronages, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the Royal College of Midwives

During the outing, the Princess Royal left midwives and the Duchess of Cambridge in stitches when she recalled fearing one of her babies had become 'wedged' when she tripped over in a horse lorry while heavily pregnant

The royal duo heard about the ways in which the RCM and the RCOG are working together to improve maternal health care, ensuring women are receiving the safest and best care possible at one of the most significant times in their lives.

Home to a collection of womens healthcare organisations, the headquarters has been designed by the RCOG to foster collaboration across the sector.

The royals met with representatives from Tommys National Centre for Maternity Improvement, and learnt about the innovative digital tools that are being developed to identify and support women with higher risk pregnancies.

They watched Dr Katie Cornthwaite, an obstetrics and gynaecology registrar, give a demonstration of new training for health workers faced with delivering, via caesarean, an infant whose head is wedged in the pelvis - an issue that is a growing litigation problem for the NHS.

Kate has previously spoken about her challenging pregnancies and battle with severe morning sickness.

Speaking on Giovanna Fletcher's Happy Mum, Happy Baby podcast in February 2020, Kate shared that she preferred being in labour to being pregnant.

She said: 'Because it had been so bad during pregnancy, I actually really quite liked labour.

'It was an event that I knew there was going to be an ending to!

'But I know some people have really, really difficult times, so it's not for everybody. No pregnancy is the same, no birth is the same.'

Kate is pictured in 2021 during a video call with Harriet Nayiga, the founder and director of Midwife-led Community Transformation - a charity in Uganda that aims to bridge the gap between midwives and communities

And Kate is not the only royal who reveres her midwives.

In 2014 Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, burst into tears the moment she met one of the midwives who helped her deliver Lady Louise.

This was discussed during a new Channel 5 documentary, Edward & Sophie: The Reluctant Royals?.

She gave birth to Lady Louise following a difficult' pregnancy on the 8 November 2003.

Lady Louise was also born with esotropia, a condition that made her eyes turn inward and which was later corrected with surgery.

The Daily Mail's Rebecca English said: 'A few years ago, she went back to the Frimley Park Hospital and met one of the midwives that was responsible for helping her deliver Louise.

'Sophie just burst into tears. It was clearly still a very emotional experience for her. That is not something you often see on royal engagements.

'I think it was a sign of how deeply the experience had affected her and how much she owed the incredible NHS team at that hospital.'

In 2014 Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, burst into tears the moment she met one of the midwives who helped her deliver Lady Louise

The Daily Mail's Rebecca English said: It was clearly still a very emotional experience for her. That is not something you often see on royal engagements'

Sophie gave birth to Lady Louise following a difficult' pregnancy on the 8 November 2003

Kate's recognition of Professor Dunkley-Bent in the crowd is indicative of her respect for midwives.

Throughout her time as a senior working royal, Kate has actively supported pregnant women and new mothers.

She has visited maternity units, met with midwives and healthcare professionals and spoken about the importance of mental health during pregnancy and childbirth.

She also uses her platform to raise awareness about early childhood development and the challenges faced by mothers, particularly those dealing with mental health issues.
As King Charles prepares to host Donald Trump for a full state visit in September, questions have flared about Trump's unwelcome suggestion that Canada should become the 51st state.

The Crown's relationship with Canada is complex and steeped in history. The nation has been occupied for thousands of years by Aboriginal People, and the territories which now form Canada came under British power at various times by settlement, war or cession.

The US president has repeatedly floated the idea of making Canada the 51st US state and has made several statements about the country's sovereignty and trade tariffs.

If Canada did become a state under Trump's suggestion, Charles would no longer be the King of Canada and Canada's Head of State.

But this is not the first time there has been debate about whether the monarchy still holds a place in Canada.

Some speculated that the death of Queen Elizabeth II would be the moment to replace Canada's monarchy with a president.

But following the queen's death in September 2022, Canada's Prime Minister at the time, Justin Trudeau, stated that the monarchy's role in Canada was not open for debate and did not see Canada replacing its monarchy in the near future.

Charles's invitation for Trump to visit later this year has sparked controversy after the president's 2019 visit to meet the Queen resulted in protests.

King Charles sits on the throne in the Senate Chamber for the State Opening of Parliament during an official visit to Canada on May 27, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario

Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at Ottawa Airport during an official visit to Canada in Ottawa, Canada, on May 26, 2025

As Charles prepares to host Donald Trump for a full state visit in September, questions have flared about Trump's unwelcome suggestion that Canada should become the 51st state

Earlier this year, the Premier of Alberta, Danielle Smith, told The Daily Telegraph that the king, as head of state, has a duty to confront Trump.

Most recently, it was reported that Buckingham Palace raised concerns about Trump's 'threats to Canada', seeing it as a reason 'not to rush into a state visit'.

As royal observers grapple with the implications of the upcoming visit, earlier this year, Charles marked the second time in Canadian history that the reigning sovereign has opened parliament during a royal visit to Canada with Queen Camilla.

In a speech, which was given in a mixture of English and French, Charles expressed his love for Canada, which Prime Minister Mark Carney called 'a historic honour that matches the weight of our times'.

But on the first day of the royal visit to Canada, while Charles made headlines delivering the Speech from the Throne, Camillas choice of jewellery also drew attention.

She wore the iconic Asprey Maple Leaf Brooch, which has been worn by Kate Middleton and Queen Elizabeth II and originally belonged to the Queen Mother.

Designed in 1939, it was crafted in platinum and set with diamonds to form the shape of a sugar maple leaf-Canadas national emblem.

It was gifted to the Queen Mother by King George VI during their landmark state visit to Canada that year.

Charles's invitation for Trump to visit later this year has sparked controversy after the president's 2019 visit to meet the Queen resulted in protests

Prime Minister Mark Carney and his wife Diana Fox Carney greet Charles and Camilla as they arrive at the official residence of the Governor General of Canada, Rideau Hall, in Ottawa on May 26, 2025

Charles and Camilla depart after their two-day visit in Ottawa on May 27, 2025

The brooch was later inherited by Queen Elizabeth II in 2002, who wore it regularly for Canada Day engagements and significant Commonwealth occasions.

This is one of many links between Charles and Camilla's recent visit to Canada and the Queen Mother.

In 1939, Queen Elizabeth and King George VI became the first reigning monarchs to visit North America, garnering significant attention from both the public and the media.

Taking place in the months leading up to the Second World War, the tour was undertaken to strengthen transatlantic support for the UK in anticipation of a potential war while also showcasing Canada's status as an independent kingdom of the British Empire.

During the trip, when asked if she was English or Scots by two Boer War veterans in 1939, Queen Elizabeth famously replied: 'Since I have landed in Quebec, I think we can say that I am a Canadian'.

The Queen Mother, who called the country a home away from home, visited Canada 14 times, the first being in 1939 when she and her husband, King George VI, became the first reigning monarchs to tour the country.

She told Canadian Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King, 'that tour made us' and she returned to Canada frequently.

Her last visit to the country came on July 5, 1989, shortly before her 89th birthday.

The Diamond Maple Leaf brooch was gifted to the Queen Mother by King George VI during their landmark state visit to Canada in 1939

Royal author and journalist Sir William Shawcross wrote about the Queen Mother's visits to Canada

Camilla with authors James MacManus and William Shawcross in 2011 at Clarence House

William Shawcross wrote in his biography of The Queen Mother that she was 'so loved and venerated in Canada'.

He added: 'Canadian officials and politicians asked for yet another visit in the early 1990s.

'The Queen was consulted and came to the reluctant decision that 89 was old enough for such adventures.'

Such is the strong bond between the British Royal Family and Canada that throughout her 70-year reign, the late Queen Elizabeth II, daughter of the Queen Mother, made 22 official tours of Canada, more than any other Commonwealth country.

In a speech during her Golden Jubilee in 2002 Queen Elizabeth II said: 'Je cheris ma place dans la vie du Canada et mon lien avec tous les Canadiens et Canadiennes.'

This translates roughly to: 'I cherish my place in the life of Canada and my connection to all Canadians.'

She added: 'It is a privilege to serve you as Queen of Canada to the best of my ability, to play my part in the Canadian identity, to uphold Canadian traditions and heritage, to recognise Canadian excellence and achievement, and to seek to give a sense of continuity in these exciting, ever-changing times in which we are fortunate enough to live.'

On her death, Canadian Justin Trudeau said: 'The Queen had a deep and abiding love and affection for Canadians.

Queen Elizabeth II is pictured speaking to the Prime Minister of Canada, Mr Diefenbaker, from Buckingham Palace over the telephone in December 1961

The late Queen arrives on a Royal Tour of Canada in 1959

Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh watch a 3D film at the Pinewood Studios in Toronto, Canada, in 2010

On her death, Canadian Justin Trudeau said: 'The Queen had a deep and abiding love and affection for Canadians'

'She was our queen for almost half of Canadas existence and was one of my favourite people in the world.'

As royal observers wait in anxious anticipation for Trump's state visit to the UK, many hold on to the hope that Charles will reaffirm his support and love for Canada and its people by sending a clear message that Canada is not for sale.

In doing so, he will uphold the legacy of his mother and grandmother.
California has rolled back a landmark environmental law in a bid to boost house building.

The regulations have long been blamed for the Golden State's chronic housing shortage and homelessness crisis.

The move was championed by Governor Gavin Newsom, who argued the rollback would 'speed up delivery of housing and infrastructure projects' while still protecting green spaces.

The California Environmental Quality Act was initially passed by then-governor Ronald Reagan in 1970.

The Act ensures that both state and local governments must perform environmental impact reviews before new construction projects can start.

Developers have blamed the bill for allowing 'NIMBY' opponents to delay projects for years by tying them up in lengthy and complex challenges.

A lack of housing supply has driven California's home prices to double the US median, according to figures from California's legislative analyst's office.

The state is also struggling with a widespread homelessness crisis.

Newsom said the rollback would 'speed up delivery of housing and infrastructure projects'

Around 187,000 unhoused people live in the state - a quarter of the entire homeless population in the US - according to the Public Policy Institute of California.

The now hollowed out environmental law has also been blamed for getting in the way of vital rail and infrastructure projects.

'CEQA allows for potentially unlimited litigation,' UCLA economist Jerry Nickelsburg told the Financial Times.

'Production of homes in California just hasn't been moving.'

The new law exempts most new housing projects in town and city centers from the long environmental review process.

It comes as Los Angeles begins the enormous rebuilding required after swathes of the city were destroyed by wildfires in January.

The fires destroyed around 16,000 buildings and developers and homeowners are having to get creative to speed up the reconstruction process.

Developers have reacted to the law change with glee after years of campaigning for reform.

The regulations have long been blamed for the Golden State's chronic housing shortage

The California Environmental Quality Act was initially passed by then-governor Ronald Reagan (pictured during his presidency in 1987)

Around 187,000 unhoused people live in California, a quarter of the entire US homeless population

A sign at a homeless encampment in Oakland, California

'This is major, major reform,' Sean Burton, CEO of multifamily developer Cityview told The Wall Street Journal.

'We are thrilled,' Burton added.

'A lot of investors have redlined California, now, you're going to see a lot of people give California a fresh look.'

Other states and cities are being forced to turn to the state of housing availability and affordability.

The housing crisis in New York City was one the main drivers between the shock Democratic primary victory of Zohran Mamdani in his bid to become mayor.
From tiny Corgis to chunky Rottweilers, man's best friend comes in all different shapes and sizes.

But vets now say that Brits' preferences for pooches are shifting.

New research from the Royal Veterinary College shows that people favour dogs with more pronounced muzzles, less bulging eyes, and longer tails.

The researchers say this shows a growing movement away from the flat faces and short limbs that were once popular for fashionable breeds.

Dr Rowena Packer, senior author of the paper, told MailOnline: 'For some time, preference has appeared to be for more extreme body shapes, which have been popularised and normalised in the media.

'However, this is the first evidence that the tide may be turning and the public now prefers less extreme body shapes.'

Across all breeds, participants said that the less extreme body shapes were more attractive, healthier, and made them feel happier.

So, which of the dogs do you think is the cutest? Take a look at the test below to see if you agree with the results.

Researchers say that Britain's taste in dogs is shifting. Which of these three varieties of pug do you find most attractive?

A new study suggests that taste in dogs is shifting away from more 'extreme' body shapes and towards healthier characteristics among flat-faced dogs such as pugs

The study examined how people rated three different flat-faced, or brachycephalic, dog breeds: Pugs, English Bulldogs, and French Bulldogs.

Almost 500 participants were shown AI-generated images depicting less extreme, super extreme, or typical versions of the three breeds.

Participants were then asked to rate the dogs in five categories - perceived attractiveness, perceived health, the happiness induced by their appearance, the ethics of breeding, and the desire for ownership.

The results revealed that the least extreme versions of the breeds were rated highest across all categories.

Likewise, typical versions of the breeds were rated higher in all categories than the more extreme versions.

Almost all participants in the study owned dogs of varying breeds, with just over a quarter owning flat-faced breeds.

Owners of flat-faced breeds were consistently more positive about all the dogs, no matter how extreme.

The researchers say this is likely due to dog owners showing a preference for dogs that look like their own.

The study asked participants to rate these variations of dogs according to their attractiveness and how happy the pictures made them feel. Which of these makes you happiest?

Even owners of flat-faced dogs like French Bulldogs exhibited a preference for longer muzzles, smaller eyes, and more natural tails

What are brachycephalic dogs? The word 'brachycephalic' means short or broad-headed. Examples include Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers, and Pekingese. Because of this extreme body shape, flat-faced dogs have a much higher risk of developing numerous painful illnesses and diseases. Health problems associated with brachycephaly include: Anatomical defects of the upper airway causing breathing difficulties often associated with overheating, sleep apnoea, and regurgitation

Eye disease

Inability to mate or give birth naturally

Repeated skin infections

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However, even these committed owners preferred the least extreme body shapes.

This is good news for dog welfare campaigners who have been arguing for years that fashionable extreme breeding trends were leading to severe health issues.

Dr Packer says: 'Extreme body shapes are created by artificial selection for genetic mutations.

'The consequent body shapes break natural biological limits for dogs and lead to a range of chronic, severe disorders that reduce quality of life and lifespan.'

For example, flat faces make it harder for dogs to breathe, while short, curly tails are associated with spinal diseases and paralysis.

The fact that the public is now starting to prefer more natural dogs might be a sign that campaigners' messages are starting to have an effect.

Dr Paul Manktelow, Director of Veterinary Services at animal charity Blue Cross, says: 'At Blue Cross we see all too often how pets with extreme features suffer from painful conditions that often require costly surgery to treat.

'This study provides hope that it doesnt have to be this way.'

Which of these three versions of an English Bulldog looks the healthiest to you?

More extreme body shapes, such as flat faces, are associated with a number of health issues and shorter life expectancies

Data from the Kennel Club suggests that registrations for pedigree flat-faced puppies have been falling over the last few years.

However, a study published by the Royal Veterinary College last year found that French Bulldogs were the most popular breed for new owners, making up 7 per cent of all puppies under one year old in 2019.

This reflects how stubborn preferences for these unhealthy breeds can be.

Dr Packer's previous research found that health problems faced by flat-faced breeds, such as being unable to exercise due to skeletal issues, were normalised by their owners.

One in seven flat-faced owners said 'nothing' could persuade them against getting an unhealthy dog.

Likewise, many believed their dogs' 'laziness' was a highly desirable trait, despite this often being caused by breathing or musculoskeletal problems.

Dr Packer says: 'Many breeders show resistance to changing the body shape of their breed.

'Given that breeders hold the power to make decisions over which types of dog are bred, and current legislation around extreme breeding is not enforced in the UK, the market is still dominated by extreme dogs, giving the public less choice to express their preferences when acquiring a puppy.'

Researchers found that Britons consistently rated less extreme body shapes (dog 1 in the test samples) as more attractive, healthier, and more ethical to breed than more extreme versions

In the future, Dr Packer says she would like to see standards changed to encourage less extreme breeds.

These could include limits on how extreme a dog's physical traits can be, similar to laws imposed in the Netherlands.

By restricting the extremes of dog breeding, the standard may shift back towards the preferences of most people and start to favour healthier shapes.

'Prioritising ethics and welfare in breeding over aesthetics is key for a happy, healthy future for dogs,' says Dr Packer.
Scientists are preparing to breed and drop billions of flies on Mexico to halt a flesh-eating parasite from crossing the border.

The Trump Administration is leading the effort to prevent the spread of the New World Screwworm, which was eradicated in the US over 40 years ago but resurfaced in Mexico in late 2024.

According to US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the scientific name for the parasite, Cochliomyia hominivorax, roughly translates to 'man-eater.'

This parasite lays its eggs in the wounds of warm-blooded animals, causing tissue damage and often kills livestock within two weeks if left untreated.

Scientists will use a proven method called the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) in which male screwworm flies will be irradiated to make them sterile, then released by planes across southern Mexico and parts of Texas starting in mid-2025.

These sterile flies will mate with wild females, preventing reproduction and gradually reducing the population over time.

Edwin Burgess, an assistant professor at the University of Florida who studies parasites, said: 'It's an all-time great in terms of translating science to solve some kind of large problem.'

A breeding hub in southern Texas is set to open by the end of 2025, with a major facility in Metapa, Mexico, expected to be completed by July 2026.

The parasite, known as the New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) lays its eggs in the wounds of warm-blooded animals, and once they hatch, it often kills cattle within just two weeks if left untreated

Female screwworms can lay up to 300 eggs at a time, and more than 3,000 in their short lives. Infections can be visible as wriggling maggots on the surface of the skin

While a fly factory in Panama produces 117 million flies per week, the USDA is ramping up efforts, aiming for 400 million flies weekly by leveraging new plants in Texas and Mexico.

Leading the charge domestically, the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is collaborating with Panamanian officials, Texas A&M, the University of Florida, Kansas State University, and Mexican authorities.

To support these ambitious goals, officials are investing $8.5 million in Texas and $21 million in Mexico to convert facilities into fruit fly plants.

Experts warn that the ripple effects of a screwworm invasion could be severe, resulting in mass livestock losses, skyrocketing beef and dairy prices, and deepening food supply instability.

Female screwworms can lay up to 300 eggs at a time, and more than 3,000 in their short lives. Infections can be visible as wriggling maggots on the surface of the skin.

The larvae bore into live tissue, feeding on the flesh and deepening wounds that quickly become infected.

The USDA describes the maggots as resembling 'tiny, white screws' that burrow deeper over time using hook-like mouths.

Officials warn that if the infestation spreads unchecked, it could devastate cattle herds across the southern US, especially in states like Texas, which holds 14 percent of the country's cattle.

The USDA stated in a press release: 'When NWS fly larvae (maggots) burrow into the flesh of a living animal, they cause serious, often deadly damage to the animal'

A single infected cow can die in under two weeks. Experts warn that the ripple effects could be severe, resulting in mass livestock losses, skyrocketing beef and dairy prices, and deepening food supply instability

The USDA stated in a press release: 'When NWS fly larvae (maggots) burrow into the flesh of a living animal, they cause serious, often deadly damage to the animal.'

The US has also approved $165 million in additional emergency funds for enhanced surveillance, stockpiles, quarantine pens, and border safeguards.

SIT was first tested in the 1950s on Curacao, then scaled for America's eradication campaigns of the 1960s through 1970s. This eco-friendly tactic succeeded without insecticide sprays.

Some experts caution that while SIT is species-specific and non-toxic, making it unlikely to be weaponized, it still carries risks.

The recent crash of a plane releasing sterile flies near Guatemala, which killed three people, highlights that even non-chemical methods carry serious real-world dangers.

According to USDA scientists, fly larvae in the wild drop from their hosts after feeding, burrow into the soil, and pupate.

In the lab, they are moved to sawdust trays where they mature into adults, each resembling a dark brown Tic-Tac mint before hatching.

The Panama-United States Commission for the Eradication and Prevention of Cattle Screwworms (COPEG), a worker holds two small containers of New World Screwworm fly pupae at a facility that breeds sterile flies in Pacora, Panama

Officials say the stakes are massive because if the infestation spreads unchecked, it could devastate cattle herds across the southern US, especially in states like Texas, which holds 14 percent of the country's cattle

But raising hundreds of millions of flies is not simple. Flies require precise conditions to reproduce. '

Cassandra Olds, an entomologist at Kansas State, said: 'You've got to give the female the cues that she needs to lay her eggs, and then the larvae have to have enough nutrients.'

'Feed typically includes egg powder, cattle blood plasma, and molasses,' she added.

The New World Screwworm first broke through containment in Panama's Darien Gap in 2022, an area where over 1.2 million migrants headed for the US crossed in recent years.

The same route may have helped transport infected livestock or injured animals that enabled the parasite to spread northward.

As of June 2024, screwworms have been found just 500 miles from the US border.

Models predict that by 2055, the parasite could infest Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Arizona, and even California, due to warming temperatures that allow it to survive year-round.

'Something we think we have complete control over, and we've declared victory over, can always rear its ugly head again,' said Burgess.

Officials say future fly facilities may need to remain active long-term to stay ahead of outbreaks.
California could secede from the US, sparking a second Civil War within the next 10 years, a political expert has revealed.

Professor Benjamin Cohen from the University of California-Santa Barbara warned that the possibility of political polarization reaching a violent breaking point throughout the US was 'substantially greater than zero.'

In one scenario, the political economist and author of 20 books envisioned California declaring its independence from the US in 2035, amid growing friction with the federal government - prompting the next president to take drastic action.

'President [JD] Vance has threatened a military takeover of state government in Sacramento, backed by National Guard troops from nearby red states. Armed conflict looks increasingly possible,' Cohen wrote in a fictitious news bulletin about his hypothetical scenario.

Although states seceding may seem like an impossible probability to many, Cohen explained that there is a growing movement in so-called 'dream states' to rally behind the causes some feel they belong to, rather than remain part of the greater US family.

'Identity can be a very powerful motivator,' the professor said. 'That's why I worry about the risk of civil war. When it comes to something as strong as a sense of community identity, rationalism falls by the wayside.'

A recent YouGov poll found that Cohen's fears are shared by many Americans, with 40 percent believing that it's either 'somewhat or very likely' the US will have another civil war within 10 years.

The same percentage believed that war would be fought between Democrats and Republicans, not between individual states.

Vice President JD Vance (pictured) was named as the hypothetical president in a nightmare scenario where California sparks a second Civil War

Professor Benjamin Cohen predicted that states could start breaking away from the US by the year 2035 given the country's political polarization

Professor Benjamin Cohen (pictured) is a political economist and author of 20 books on the subject

'It's difficult for me to imagine how things would divide up if there were a civil war,' Cohen said in a university release. 'But the probability of such a war is substantially greater than zero.'

He added that the possibility of states deciding to secede from the US was an 'underappreciated phenomenon.'

Seceding from the US essentially means a state or group of states would be deciding to leave the country to form an independent nation.

This would mean they're rejecting the authority of the US Constitution, federal laws, and the federal government, setting up a new government and handling things like taxes, defense, and trade on their own.

The threat of a civil war emerges because the US Supreme Court has already ruled that it is illegal for states to secede without the consent of all other states in the union.

Just like in Cohen's nightmare scenario, the federal government would likely declare the action illegal and take measures to stop it.

However, studies continue to find more and more Americans believe that the government is reaching a critical breaking point and may even stop functioning as a democracy within a decade.

The June 30 YouGov poll of 1,111 adult US citizens revealed that 31 percent think America will become a fascist dictatorship by 2035. Another 20 percent think the US will turn communist by then.

Riots in Los Angeles have led to confrontations between police and protesters over the federal government's crackdown on illegal immigration

President Trump has deployed the National Guard to safeguard ICE agents carrying out raids in California amid growing violence

'It seems to me we cannot ignore the risks of the current fissures and fragmentation  the breakdown of a sense of community,' Cohen added.

Despite predicting that California as a whole would be the first state break away from the US, the specialist in international political economy said that dissatisfied Americans desire to redraw the geographic borders of the US to better fit their political ideologies.

For example, while New York City has heavily leaned Democratic for years, the rest of New York State has actually favored Republicans.

In Cohen's new book, Dream States: A Lurking Nightmare for the World Order, the professor warned of an impending breakdown in society that could literally split states in half.

'We tend to simplify geography by looking exclusively at the existing lines on a map that separate one sovereign state from another,' the author explained.

'The reality is there are many people within those states that are very unhappy with the arrangement. They'd prefer to draw the lines in a different way. In some cases, they're prepared to fight to redraw those lines,' he warned.

In California, that battle has seemingly already began, with riots in Los Angeles over the federal government's mass deportation of illegal immigrants.

President Trump warned that California Governor Gavin Newsom's actions during the crisis in Los Angeles was taking the country closer to a civil war.

The president said he would support arresting Newsom and called the rioters in Los Angeles 'insurrectionists.'

'I would do it,' the president said on June 9 when asked about Newsom daring his administration to arrest him.

'He's a nice guy but he's grossly incompetent, everybody knows it,' the president added. 'I don't want a Civil War. Civil War would happen if you left it to people like him.'

An appeals court has allowed the White House to keep control of National Guard troops Trump deployed to Los Angeles to handle anti-ICE riots.
Janet Caperna has fled to Switzerland with her husband and their son after getting death threats from viewers.

The 35-year-old, one of Bravo's most controversial stars, has locked down her social media accounts after the abuse.

Janet, the main antagonist on The Valley, decamped this week to the European country with hubby Jason and son Cameron to escape the abuse.

Had enough: The Valley's Janet Caperna has left the U.S. and locked down her social media accounts after getting death threats from viewers

Sanctuary: The 35-year-old fled to Switzerland with her husband Jason and their 18-month-old son Cameron (pictured) to escape some of the backlash

In screenshots provided to DailyMail.com, online trolls are seen attacking Janet and her family in a series of vile messages.

'I hope you rot like you deserve,' wrote one. 'I hope your child grows up absolutely hating you.'

Another wrote: 'I know where you live. I've seen where your son goes when you're not with him.'

When contacted by DailyMail.com for comment, Janet said she was speaking out about the abuse to highlight how serious online trolling has become.

'I'm sick of threats and slurs being normalized because "we signed up for this when we joined reality TV."

'That's sick and not normal and I'm not ever going to pretend it's normal or acceptable to message strangers threats and slurs,' she said.

'It's sad to me that people go this far, it's definitely the worst part about this "job,"' she continued.

'I'm learning how to put boundaries on social media in place and learning as I go. I support healthy dialogue around reality TV and think some of the best conversations about modern culture stem from shows like ours.

'I'm far from perfect, and people are seeing the best and worst of all of us when we put our lives in front of cameras. My hope is people can have fun conversations about reality TV without going as far as some have recently.'

The former celebrity assistant also went into detail about some of the vile threats she's received on the latest episode of her podcast, This Side of the Hill.

'I'm gonna read a couple and they're really just not nice,' her podcast co-host Jared Lipscomb said.

Reaction: In screenshots provided to DailyMail.com, online trolls are seen attacking Janet and her family in a series of vile messages

Evil: One troll claimed to know where Janet lives and where her young son goes

Hateful: Another fan of the show wished death on Janet and told her to die and 'drown in a sewer'

Sickening: Another Bravo fan hoped Janet and her son would be killed in an accident

'I hope you die a slow and painful death, you are so ugly. Are you actually a man? You are evil and I wish death upon you, you piece of s**t,' read one.

Another message said, 'It's a shame your son is still breathing you little [n-word] lover.'

Janet then explained that one of her most dedicated trolls had looked up the names of her family members online and then sent her hateful messages about them.

'This isn't constructive criticism,' Janet said. 'I understand that I put my life out there and I'm gonna get comments, good and bad, this isn't that,' she said.

Both Janet and Jared also said that they were shocked to see that the majority of the hateful comments were coming from seemingly 'normal and sweet' women.

One woman that threatened Janet was a successful family photographer, while another woman had photos of herself being a mom to her young son.

'It makes me wonder, how many people throughout my day am I interacting with that are like this behind closed doors?' she asked.

'Like, when I'm checking out at the grocery store, is that person messaging someone that they don't like hate like this?'

Hitting back: 'That's sick and not normal and I'm not ever going to pretend it's normal or acceptable to message strangers threats and slurs,' Janet told DailyMail.com

Janet also alluded to one of her co-stars, who she referred to as a former friend, interacting with negative comments about her online.

'I had a former friend who responded to someone's comment questioning the safety of my child, questioning whether I had a drinking problem,' she said.

'This former friend decided to respond with a laughing, jokey emoji and I'm so disappointed in that,' she continued.

She appeared to be referring to Doute, who has been interacting with negative comments about Janet on Instagram and Threads.

Meanwhile, The Valley is nearing the end of its explosive second season and preparing to start filming season three soon.

On social media, there have been calls from viewers to fire both Janet and longtime villain Jax Taylor.

While Janet's ongoing feuds with Kristen Doute, Nia Sanchez and Danny Booko have rubbed viewers the wrong way, Jax has disturbed the fanbase through his actions towards estranged wife Brittany Cartwright.

In one episode, it was revealed that Jax had been spying on Brittany through security cameras in her home.

He also send her dozens of 'rage texts' from rehab where he was being treated for mental health issues and a cocaine addiction.

While no casting decisions have been made, DailyMail.com understands that production are looking to expand the cast rather than fire people.

Reality TV: On social media, there have been calls from viewers to fire both Janet and longtime villain Jax Taylor

'Fans on social media are always calling for controversial people to be fired and it's usually to the detriment of the show,' one insider revealed.

'The network is worried that if they get rid of all the villains then the show will suffer, so they're leaning towards expanding the cast rather than reducing it,' they continued.

'The current cast have all submitted their friends to production and interviews are well underway.

'A bigger friend group will be more dynamic and nobody is going to have to film with people that they don't want to be around,' they added.

The Valley is currently airing on Bravo and available to stream on Peacock.
The mother of Diddy's youngest child immediately fled for Los Angeles after the jury's verdict in his New York City trial left him facing a jail term of up to 20 years.

The rapper, 55, was acquitted on Wednesday of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges that could have put him behind bars for life.

He was convicted of lesser prostitution-related offenses and was denied bail as he awaited sentencing.

Baby mama flees: Dana Tran rushed to be with her daughter with Diddy, Love Sean Combs

Attendance: She had been at the final days of Combs's trial in New York City

Shortly after the verdict was read out, Dana Tran, who gave birth to their two-year-old daughter Love Sean Combs in October 2022, rushed home to be with the toddler, who was ill with a cold, according to TMZ.

Dana had attended Diddy's trial after traveling to New York City to show him her support in the final days of the case, but she quickly left after learning their daughter was sick.

Combs was convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, and each count carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

But jurors cleared him of three charges, two of which carried a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Despite sharing a child with her, Diddy has never confirmed a relationship with Dana.

It has never been revealed how they met, and their connection has remained mysterious in the years since Love's birth.

Now Dana is gone, Diddy will have to remain in jail as he awaits a sentencing hearing, which was initially scheduled for October 3.

Parents: Diddy and Dana are seen here with their daughter Love Sean Combs

After hearing the verdict, the rapper dropped to his knees and prayed in the courtroom.

His lawyer Marc Agnifilo called the verdict a great victory' and said the jury 'got the situation right  or certainly right enough' as he stood outside Manhattan federal court at a stand of microphones. 'Today is a victory of all victories.'

'I'll see you when I get out,' Combs told family members, including his mother and children, just before leaving the courtroom to return to jail. 'Were going to get through this.'

His attorney had first asked for him to be released on a $1million bond after the verdict, but the prosecution argued his convictions made him ineligible for bail because he was both a flight risk and considered potentially violent.

Judge Arun Subramanian sided with prosecutors after previously denying Diddy bail before the start of the trial.

Ironically, the judge cited Diddy's own defense at trial as part of the reason he would not receive bail, as his attorney had conceded Combs had engaged in domestic abuse in a disturbing video showing him shoving and kicking his then-girlfriend Cassie Venture before dragging her back to his hotel room after she tried to escape via an elevator.

Mom: Dana, who works in the cybersecurity industry and also models, gave birth to Love in October 2022

At the trial: Dana is pictured on May 13 leaving the courthouse

Family: Chance Combs , left, and one of Diddy's twins pictured outside the courthouse on Wednesday

Support: Diddy's son Justin Combs attending court on Wednesday

Backing: Christian Cobs posted on Instagram to cheer on his father's acquittal on the most serious charges

Track: He later posted a snippet of his song Diddy Free, which features Kanye West

Judge Subramanian also cited the testimony of another of Diddy's ex-girlfriends  referred to in court only as 'Jane'  whom he was allegedly violent toward in June of last year, three months after the FBI raided his mansions.

However, Diddy's attorney Marc Agnifilo pushed back and claimed that his client had only fought back against 'Jane' in self-defense.

According to TMZ, he also cited the presence of Diddy's older children in court, but that didn't convince the judge to let him go free while he awaits sentencing.

But the disgraced rapper will have another chance to plead his case sooner after Subramanian scheduled an expedited sentencing hearing for July 8.

Although Diddy's six oldest children - Quincy Brown, 34; Justin Combs, 31; Christian 'King' Combs, 27; Chance Combs, 18; and twins D'Lila and Jessie Combs, 18 - all showed their support by attending court on Wednesday, most of them stayed silent on social media in the wake of the verdict.

But Christian was the exception, taking to Instagram to cheer on his father's acquittal on the most severe charges, even though he could still face up to two decades behind bars.

Later on Wednesday, he posted a snippet of his song Diddy Free  which features Kanye West  to his Instagram Stories, along with the single's photo of Diddy's Bad Boy Records headquarters.
Donald Trump signed an executive order to keep with his 'America First' agenda increasing entry fees with a tax on foreign nationals at U.S. national parks, while making it less expensive for citizens.

The additional revenue generated by higher fees from foreign tourists will raise hundreds of millions of dollars for conservation and deferred maintenance projects to improve national parks, the White House said in a statement.

Trump spoke about the change at his wild rally at the Iowa State Fair Thursday, meant to serve as an introduction to his celebration of America's 250th anniversary.

Law: Donald Trump signed an executive order to keep with his 'America First' agenda increasing entry fees to U.S. national parks by foreign nationals

He said: 'To fund improvements and enhanced experiences across the park system, I've just signed an executive order to raise entrance fees for foreign tourists while keeping prices low for Americans.

'The national parks will be about America first.'

The executive order directs the Interior Department, parent agency of the Park Service, to increase entrance fees paid by park visitors from abroad, but does not say by how much or when the rates would go into effect.

It also directs the Park Service to ensure that U.S. residents receive priority access over foreign visitors in any of its permitting or reservation systems.

Trump wrote: 'It is the policy of my Administration to preserve these opportunities for American families in future generations by increasing entry fees for foreign tourists, improving affordability for United States residents, and expanding opportunities to enjoy America's splendid national treasures.

Trump also revoked a 2017 memorandum from Barack Obama that promoted diversity in the parks service.

Conservation: The additional revenue generated by higher fees from foreign tourists will raise hundreds of millions of dollars for conservation and deferred maintenance projects to improve national parks

Currently, U.S. citizens in effect pay more than foreign tourists to visit the nation's scenic natural wonders and historic landmarks because their admissions fees and a portion of their U.S. tax dollars support the cost of national parks, the statement said.

The executive order comes as the Trump administration has proposed cutting more than $1billion from the Park Service budget in fiscal 2026, which would represent a reduction of more than a third of the agency's budget from the prior year.

The administration's cuts to the federal workforce have already aggravated a staff shortage in national parks across the country.

It was one of the announcements as Trump took a victory lap after Congress passed his 'Big Beautiful Bill' Thursday night in Iowa, where he pledged to give the United States a big, beautiful birthday.

A year from Friday, the United States will turn 250 years old, and Trump's stop at the Iowa State Fairgrounds kicked off the 'America 250' celebration, with events planned all year leading up to July 4, 2026.

During his remarks he recalled how he had promised Iowans - ahead of the all-important Iowa caucuses - that he would kick off America's birthday in the Hawkeye State if he was elected again.

Axed: Trump also revoked a 2017 memorandum from Barack Obama that promoted diversity in the parks service

Trump said: 'Two years ago I came to Iowa and promised that the festivities would begin right here at the Iowa State Fairgrounds and tonight here I am, OK? Promises kept.'

The crowd cheered.

Trump went on: 'There could be no better birthday present for America than the phenomenal victory we achieved just hours ago when Congress passed the one Big, Beautiful Bill to make America Great Again.'

Earlier Thursday, the president achieved his biggest domestic win of his second term thus far, with the narrow GOP-controlled House of Representatives passing the massive legislative package that includes the top Trump agenda items.

Trump had pushed lawmakers to deliver the bill to him by July Fourth.

The president will sign the bill around 5 p.m. ET on Friday, amid the White House's Fourth of July festivities, including flyovers with B-2 bombers, which were used in the recent aerial strike of Iran.
Looking for a new holiday spot to explore in Spain?

A pretty village on Spain's northern coast has been described as one of the country's most beautiful places but many tourists have never heard of it.

Cudillero is a former fishing village in Asturias which sits in the shadow of a mountain.

Visit Spain says: 'This mountainside village is a constant presence on the lists of Spain's most beautiful villages.

'Its colourful fishermen's houses form a kind of natural amphitheatre that looks out over the sea, as if it has been lifted straight out of a story book.'

The tiny village's postcard-perfect looks do attract some tourists but its location in lesser-visited northern Spain means Cudillero isn't as crowded as similar villages in the south.

Its storybook coloured houses were painted by fisherman using leftover boat paint to jazz up their properties.

For the best views of the picturesque houses, hike up to the Mirador de Cimadevilla which has fantastic views of the village and the old port.

Cudillero is a former fishing village in Asturias which sits in the shadow of a mountain

Its storybook coloured houses were painted by fisherman using leftover boat paint to jazz up their properties

Tourists can visit the village's oldest building, the Hummilladero Chapel, which was consecrated in the 13th century. The chapel's vaults were rediscovered during restoration work in 2000.

And Cudillero also offers easy access to some of Spain's most spectacular beaches.

'The area is home to different beaches with the dizzying cliffs of the Playa del Silencio worth particular mention. Sunsets viewed from here are unforgettable,' reveals Visit Spain.

Playa del Silencio, or Silence Beach, is a pebbly cove backed by cliffs. A tourist writes on Tripadvisor: 'Spectacular beach! Immersed in silence, the only sound is the sound of the sea waves.'

Playa de Cueva is located just a 15 minute drive from Cudillero and is a 600m long sandy stretch that's popular with surfers.

When it comes to dining out, Cudillero specialises in seafood due to its prime location on the Asturian coastline.

Shellfish features heavily on local menus while tourists can also indulge in regional cider.

How to get to Cudillero

Playa del Silencio, or Silence Beach, is a pebbly cove backed by cliffs

The tiny village's postcard-perfect looks do attract some tourists but its location in lesser-visited northern Spain means Cudillero isn't as crowded as similar villages in the south

The closest airport to Cudillero is Asturias Airport which is around an hour's drive from the village.

British tourists can fly direct to Asturias from London Gatwick on Vueling and British Airways.

When to go to Cudillero

The village is warmest and busiest in July and August. June and September are both good months to visit to avoid the worst of the crowds and the rain.

Cudillero's location in northern Spain means that the weather can be fairly cold in winter.
Ryanair is planning to increase the size of its free 'personal bag' allowance.

The budget carrier currently allows passengers to take a small under the seat bag, or 'personal bag' for free. Under present rules, the bag can measure 40x20x25cm.

However, Ryanair is now set to increase its free bag limit by 20 per cent with holidaymakers soon able to take a bag measuring 40x30x20cm instead.

The news comes as the EU brings in new rules which require airlines to allow passengers to bring free bags measuring 40x30x15cm.

Ryanair has said that the bigger allowance will come into effect in the next few weeks after its bag measuring devices are adjusted to reflect the new size limits.

The free bag will still need to weigh under 10kg and fit under the seat in front.

Ryanair's new bag allowance will still be less generous than on easyJet, where passengers can currently bring free under the seat bags measuring 45x36x20cm.

The EU has been working to simplify luggage rules for passengers by bringing in a minimum free allowance across all airlines.

Ryanair is planning to increase the size of its free 'personal bag' allowance

The budget carrier currently allows passengers to take a small under the seat bag, or 'personal bag' for free

These new rules apply to every airline based in the EU, including Ryanair and easyJet.

Ryanair's strict luggage size limits have caught many travellers out over the years, with passengers forced to pay a fee if they bring an oversized bag.

A passenger previously told MailOnline that she will never fly with Ryanair again after the bargain airline charged her 62 for an oversized bag.

Kay, a 32-year-old from London, says she was 'made to feel targeted' by the airline.

The passenger was flying from Dublin to London Stansted when the incident occurred.

Kay's cabin suitcase was 'slightly out of line' when it was placed in the bag's checker, as the wheel extended over the airline's marker.

She was made to pay the airline's standard 75/62 oversized baggage fee to board the flight.

And another passenger was stung with a fee for bringing a water bottle that didn't fit inside her bag.

Ryanair has said that the bigger allowance will come into effect in the next few weeks

Meanwhile, a 63-year-old grandmother recently claimed she was singled out to pay 75 for an oversized bag by Ryanair while 'young' and 'good-looking' passengers were allowed through.

And a violinist claimed she was treated like a piece of garbage by airline staff when they told her her instrument case was 1cm too long to take on the plane.

Passengers can check the current requirements on Ryanair's website. The airline is likely to check the size of bags at the departure gate.

Baggage restrictions vary between airlines so passengers will need to check the maximum size allowed on their airline's website.
A British mother has sparked fierce backlash on social media after demonstrating her controversial method to bag a prized sunbed whilst on holiday.

Venice Alexandra, from Essex, documented the eyebrow-raising tactic in a TikTok video taken during her stay at a hotel in Tenerife in June.

Sunbed wars have been raging across Europe in recent years - a trend that sees tourists compete for prime sunbathing spots at hotel pools and on beaches, often armed with towels and blankets to 'reserve' their place before returning hours later.

The peak season practice has spiralled in popular hotspots frequented by Brits, such as Spain and Turkey, with staff at hotels clamping down on 'sunbed hoggers' by hiring bouncers and introducing parking ticket-style systems.

But in footage shared to her page, @lifewithven, Venice unveiled her strategy to secure a lounger by any means - even if it meant waking up hours before the first alarm of the morning goes off.

She explained in a caption: 'At 6am every morning, the same sunbeds at the kids pool get taken.

'I'm not usually one to race for a bed on holiday, however, the way our pools are set, there's limited beds by the kids pools.

The mother recorded herself posing in the mirror at 6.30am clutching a number of towels whilst wearing pyjamas and flip-flops, having hauled herself out of bed to embark on her mission.

Venice Alexandra, from Essex, sparked fierce backlash on social media after demonstrating her controversial method to bag a prized sunbed whilst on holiday

She added in accompanying overlay text: 'I am up and ready to go to war for these beds.'

Venice ventured to the pool area outside and draped towels over three sunbeds to secure the prime spots, adding: 'No one comes between a mum and visibility of her kid going down a slide lol.'

Remarkably, the mother captured the moment she took herself 'back to bed' to catch up on sleep whilst avoiding the early-morning rush to snag a lounger. She smugly added: 'Venice 1 - Everyone else 0.'

Over 470 viewers flooded the comments with negative responses, with many blasting the mother for her 'pathetic' and 'selfish' tactic.

One person wrote, 'Now youre part of the problem,' while another said, 'Disgusting... you save beds, then come down at lunchtime, plain selfishness.'

A third said, 'Id chuck your towels in the pool and use the beds,' as a fourth added, 'Sad and pathetic.'

Another wrote: 'Clearly youre a cheap person staying in a cheap hotel. Anywhere decent doesnt allow this.'

A fellow viewer said: 'How do you even enjoy the holiday when youre forced to get up at 6am and stress about these things. Simple solution is to just go to better hotels.'

Venice ventured to the pool area outside and draped towels over three sunbeds to secure the prime spots, adding: 'No one comes between a mum and visibility of her kid going down a slide lol'

Over 470 viewers flooded the comments with negative responses, with many blasting the mother for her 'pathetic' and 'selfish' tactic

However, one person defended: 'Y'all so mad but she made sure to save her spot before anyone else likeeeee I dont see a problem if you care that much then do the same. "First come first serve" yeah and she was first.'

It comes after a British couple captured the hilarious moment they discovered every sunbed had been snapped up by sun-worshipping guests in Benidorm only a minute after their hotel pool opened.

Mark and Karen had recently enjoyed a relaxing break at the Hotel Ambassador Playa - but were left stunned after noticing all but one broken poolside lounger had been occupied within seconds at 8.30am.

Sharing a clip to their TikTok page, @benidormmarkandkaren, Mark and Karen documented their own experience of having to hunt for a prized bed.
Europe's latest theme park opening - which is hoping to rival the likes of Thorpe Park and Disneyland Paris - has finally welcomed its first thrill-seekers, after a month-long delay in opening.

Fairytale-themed Hossoland had been due to open in the village of Brojce on Poland's northern coast on May 31st - but last-minute delays have seen it lose four vital weeks in the lucrative summer season.

Now though, the doors have officially opened and the verdict is in on the park, which spans 400,000sq m and boasts 50 rides and attractions across four themed lands.

Some have said Hossoland, which centres around a lighthouse and is inspired by local Baltic legends and fairytales, should have been more ambitious - particularly in how many big thrill rides there are.

While Poland's biggest theme park, Energylandia, has 18 rollercoasters, there are just four at Hossoland, with one critic wasping: This is supposed to be competition for Energylandia? 4 rollercoasters?'

Another added: 'But do you plan something more hardcore for adults? Me and my 15-year-old son are waiting impatiently.'

GhostRider, a steel coaster, was set to be one of the park's standout attractions - but that now doesn't seem to be on the menu anytime soon.

The new rollercoaster, which cost several million pounds, was supposed to stretch 53m in the air taking guests on a thrilling ride at speeds of 72mph.

Fairytale themed Hossoland has opened on Poland's northern coast after a four-week delay

The park was billed to rival Poland's biggest theme park, Energylandia - but it has just four rollercoasters compared to the 18 at its rival park

Some griped over the 34 adult and 30 child entry prices (toddlers pay 20 pence), with one tourist saying tickets 'aren't cheap either'.

Others defended the new park, saying that while it appears to be aimed at younger children, new rides were still being built.

There has been plenty of excitement on Hossoland's social media sites too though, with many theme park goers impressed and others saying they're keen to visit this summer.

One person wrote on the park's official Instagram site: 'I was there today I'll say yes... MEGA! I liked the most on the roller coaster in the dragon zone.'

Another added: 'Really one of the most beautiful entrances. Not getting over it. Bravo'.

The four lands at Hossoland include the Dragon Valley of the Mines, the Land of the Vikings, the Kingdom of Baltambrya and Mermaid City.

Karen Hovsepyan, vice president of the park's operator Hosso Group, previously told Planet Attractions: 'Hossoland will be the only amusement park of such a large scale on the Polish coast.

'It will certainly become a recognisable symbol and a frequently visited place in this region.'

The park will be centered around a lighthouse and its attractions are inspired by local Baltic legends and fairytales

Some early visitors to the park said they were impressed, including one who wrote on social media: 'I was there today I'll say yes... MEGA!'

GhostRider no show: The steel coaster was set to be one of the park's standout attractions - but has now been pulled (Pictured: Digital artist's impression)

It's hoped that the park will soon attract one million tourists per year.

The closest airport to Hoosoland is Szczecin and Brits can book direct flights with Ryanair from both Liverpool and London. Hossoland is then about a one hour drive from the airport.

The park is also under three hours drive from Berlin.

Last week, it was revealed that a former theme park could be transformed into hundreds of homes 15 years after the site was closed and left to rot.

A planning application has been submitted to turn the former Camelot Theme Park in Charnock Richard, Lancashire into 350 homes.

The park closed in 2012 after nearly 30 years and has been empty ever since, aside from occasional use for immersive Halloween events and laser tag.

Story Homes has submitted the application to turn the site into housing, with 50 per cent proposed to be affordable housing for local people, The Bolton News reported.

During the height of its popularity, Camelot was one of the north west's most prominent tourist attractions, featuring a range of offerings like the amusement ride Excalibur 2, and hosting live jousting in an arena.

Inspired by the legend of King Arthur, the ill-fated park was boarded up after being open to the public for nearly 30 years.

Owners Knights Leisure said bad weather contributed to low visitor numbers - and so the decision was made to shut the park down, with over 150 staff losing their jobs.

The amusement park was home to the legendary Knightmare roller coaster - the structure of which remained standing tall even after it was shut down and was only dismantled in 2020.

Other famous rides at the medieval-themed park included the Dragon Flyer, Caterpillar Capers, The Galleon and Pendragon's Plunge.
Searching for your new favourite holiday destination?

With tourists being sprayed with water pistols in Barcelona, cruise passengers hit with a hefty tourist tax in Santorini and overcrowding in some of the UK's prettiest villages, you might be struggling to pick a summer getaway.

But luckily there's one gorgeous European village where tourists will be welcomed with open arms.

Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye, a medieval commune in southeastern France, was just named the country's favourite village.

And rather than worrying about the potential crowds the win could bring to Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye, the village's mayor has described it as a 'great honour'.

Mayor Maryline Longis told The Times: 'We haven't got the problem of overtourism and it won't happen here.

'This is a great honour and we're perfectly well able to handle more tourism. It will help our restaurants, hotels and shops.'

She even claimed that the village will remain 'calm and untroubled' even if lots of tourists arrive.

Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye, a medieval village in southeastern France , was just named the country's favourite village

And rather than worrying about the potential crowds the win could bring to Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye, the village's mayor has described it as a 'great honour'

So, what makes Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye France's best village?

Stephane Bern, a royal commentator who presented the award, described it as 'prosperous and well-run'.

Located between Grenoble and Valence, the village is named after Saint Anthony the Great, whose bones are kept in the Abbey.

A Gothic building, the 900-year-old abbey is known for its stunning architecture and as a pilgrimage site for people walking the Santiago de Compostela route.

Tourists can discover more about the abbey's history at its museum which has a 4.3 star rating on Tripadvisor.

But the village's pretty streets and market squares are also well-worth exploring. Tourists will find stone houses towards the upper part of the village which the historic centre has independent shops.

Those who visit in August should try to coincide their visit the La Medievale festival, a medieval-themed celebration.

The village is taken back in time to the 13th century during the event with costumed performers lining the streets.

Located between Grenoble and Valence, the village is named after Saint Anthony the Great, whose bones are kept in the Abbey

The village's pretty streets and market squares are also well-worth exploring

How to get to Saint-Antoine-L'Abbaye

The nearest airport to Saint-Antoine-L'Abbaye is Grenoble-Isere Airport which is 14 miles from the village.

British tourists can fly direct to Grenoble from the UK on several airlines including easyJet and Wizz Air.

It can also be easily reached from Lyon Airport with easyJet and BA among the airlines offering direct flights from the UK.
Channel 4 has confirmed the future of Made In Chelsea and its popular spin-off series Beyond Chelsea after high-profile cast exits.

The broadcaster has finally delivered its fate to fans following Lauren Sintes' departure over what she called 'mean girl behaviour' from fellow castmates.

Harvey Armstrong also walked from the series and told MailOnline he found filming the series 'very draining'.

Now Channel 4 have confirmed Made In Chelsea and Beyond Chelsea will each return for new a series on its sister channel E4.

Stars revealed to be returning so far include Tristan Phipps and Jules Pollard, Yasmine Zweegers, Jazz Saunders and Freddy Knatchbull.

New faces are also being signed up for the next instalment, though they're being kept under wraps for now.

Channel 4 has confirmed the future of Made In Chelsea and its popular spin-off series Beyond Chelsea after high-profile cast exits

The broadcaster has finally delivered its fate to fans following Lauren Sintes' departure over what she called 'mean girl behaviour' from fellow castmates

Channel 4 have confirmed Made In Chelsea and Beyond Chelsea will each return for new a series on its sister channel E4

Meanwhile, Beyond Chelsea's two-part new run will feature Binky Felstead, Lucy Watson and Rosie Fortescue.

Sharing a teaser of what fans can expect, bosses said: 'In this upcoming series, we'll catch up with the group to see if Rosie has found love, follow Lucy moving into her new home mid-development and get involved as Binky takes on yet another new business venture.'

Announcing its return, Clemency Green, Senior Commissioning Editor at Channel 4 said: 'Binky, Lucy and Rosie's lives are chaotic and yet, they still find time to allow the cameras back in.

'The Made in Chelsea fans are going to love seeing what they have been up to this past year, catching up on the gang as they share the ups and downs of their lives.'

Last series viewers watched as Binky opened up about her challenges, including dealing with her mum's MS diagnosis.

Speaking about his decision to quit the franchise, Harvey Armstrong told MailOnline he has decided to walk away from TV to focus on his fast-growing business.

The 30-year-old also said that taking part in the show, which saw the breakdown of his long-term relationship with Emily Blackwell after he was unfaithful, can be 'emotional' and he needed to focus his attention elsewhere.

Harvey said: 'As much as I love Made In Chelsea and have had some amazing years, it has a shelf life, and the time has come for me to leave the show.

Beyond Chelsea's new two-part new run will feature Binky Felstead, Lucy Watson and Rosie Fortescue

Speaking about his decision to quit the franchise, Harvey Armstrong told MailOnline he has decided to walk away from TV to focus on his fast-growing business

'There's a lot of emotional bandwidth that goes with filming your life for TV and it's a distraction and can be very draining. I have to clear my head.

'Being a businessman has always been my goal and building up my company, Prime Time has fully taken off and now needs my full attention.

'I can't be a CEO and founder with 12 staff members and have my love life play out on reality TV...'

Meanwhile, addressing her exit, Lauren Sintes told her fans: 'I just wanted to start by saying my time on the show has come to an end. I'm happy and I am sticking by my decision because it's a bit over due for me.

'I was very, very hesitant doing this last season, I was kind of emotionally done but then I was like, "Oh the Maldives."

.
Fans have been torn on Carrie Bradshaw's (Sarah Jessica Parker) bizarre long distance relationship with Aidan Shaw (John Corbett), but now many are calling for it to end after a shocking revelation from Aidan on Thursday's And Just Like That...

The new episode - entitled Silent Mode - found Aidan returning to New York, after his troubled son Wyatt (Logan Souza) agreed to go to a wilderness program in Wyoming for a week.

However, Aidan changed his mind at the airport, which lead to some strife with Aidan, Wyatt and his ex-wife Kathy (Rosemarie DeWitt) on their ride back home.

Still, Aidan made his way to New York City, and promptly revealed to Carrie that he slept with Kathy, which stunned Carrie... though her reaction stunned fans more, just a week after Cynthia Nixon stunned fans with her full-frontal nudity.

She ultimately forgave him, almost immediately, which lead to an awkward conversation about the scope of their relationship.

It also lead to fans taking to social media to immediately bash the show and its writers, with some even alleging this show has 'ruined' the once-beloved characters from the original HBO series, Sex and the City.

Fans have been torn on Carrie Bradshaw's ( Sarah Jessica Parker ) bizarre long distance relationship with Aidan Shaw ( John Corbett ), but now many are calling for it to end after a shocking revelation from Aidan on Thursday's And Just Like That ...

Still, Aidan made his way to New York City , and promptly revealed to Carrie that he slept with Kathy, which stunned Carrie... though her reaction stunned fans more

Aidan's Manhattan arrival got off to a weird start, when he, for some reason, decided to throw a pebble at the window to get Carrie's attention.

When that didn't work, he threw the small rock harder, which naturally lead to the window breaking.

Aidan said he could get someone to replace the glass, but she insists the glass is 'really delicate and wavy' and it 'makes rainbows when the sun hits it in a certain way,' leading Aidan to admit nothing is going his way.

He admitted that Wyatt wouldn't get on the airplane, and changed his mind at the gate but they insisted that he would go.

He would insist on driving to Scranton, Pennsylvania to find antique glass to replace the window, but when he got back, Aidan dropped a bombshell: he slept with Kathy.

'After the airport, she was just so upset and, I mean, we both were. I guess we were just trying to comfort each other. It just happened, and it was a mistake, honey, we both said so, and it will never, ever happen again, it just won't,' Aidan said.

Carrie was clearly distraught, but she admitted that she understood, 'how that could happen,' as he apologized for betraying her.

That seemed to confuse Carrie more, as Aidan admitted, 'We agreed to wait for each other and I slept with someone else,' though Carrie says, 'Well, I didn't agree to that.'

Aidan's Manhattan arrival got off to a weird start, when he, for some reason, decided to throw a pebble at the window to get Carrie's attention

He would insist on driving to Scranton, Pennsylvania to find antique glass to replace the window, but when he got back, Aidan dropped a bombshell: he slept with Kathy

'After the airport, she was just so upset and, I mean, we both were. I guess we were just trying to comfort each other. It just happened, and it was a mistake, honey, we both said so, and it will never, ever happen again, it just won't,' Aidan said

Carrie was clearly distraught, but she admitted that she understood, 'how that could happen,' as he apologized for betraying her

That seemed to confuse Carrie more, as Aidan admitted, 'We agreed to wait for each other and I slept with someone else,' though Carrie says, 'Well, I didn't agree to that.'

She says she agreed that she would be there waiting when he was ready, adding, 'You expected me not to sleep with anyone else for five years?'

Aidan insists he agreed to it but Carrie said even he couldn't do it, as Aidan admitted he, 'broke our trust,' which sent Carrie's mind racing.

She said she had a hard time understanding how they never had this conversation, though she admitted she didn't want to sleep with anyone else and she still wants to sleep with him, as they ended up in bed that night.

Still, fans were furious about the scene and their relationship as a whole, with some like @droosion insisting this season has 'ruined all of these characters.'

'What Carrie has become to Aidantheyve ruined all of these characters and Ive tried to stay positive but its bad,' the X user admitted.

Socially Staci J (@SocialBride26) said, 'Carrie and Aidans storyline isnt even interesting. Its simply irritating. In no world, would Carrie be okay with Aidan sleeping with an ex wife he still shares land with. End it. Please.'

Many others were calling for Carrie and Aidan's relationship to be over like @DerekPlease, who said, 'Aidan is such a d-bag man child cliche, and a fair-weather boyfriend. The writers and show-runners are not even trying to hide it with his nighttime routine. Im actually happy the writers are in on the joke that is Aidan Shaw.'

Veronica Altimari (@VAltimari) said, 'The way I actually GASPED #AJLT GTFO Aiden!!! I hate this mfer so much. What are we doing here?! He needs to GO for good. But for the first time this season, this episode made me laugh and well up because of the LTW storyline. Her MIL for the win.'

That seemed to confuse Carrie more, as Aidan admitted, 'We agreed to wait for each other and I slept with someone else,' though Carrie says, 'Well, I didn't agree to that.'

She said she had a hard time understanding how they never had this conversation, though she admitted she didn't want to sleep with anyone else and she still wants to sleep with him, as they ended up in bed that night

Still, fans were furious about the scene and their relationship as a whole, with some like @droosion insisting this season has 'ruined all of these characters'

Socially Staci J (@SocialBride26) said, 'Carrie and Aidans storyline isnt even interesting. Its simply irritating. In no world, would Carrie be okay with Aidan sleeping with an ex wife he still shares land with. End it. Please.'

Many others were calling for Carrie and Aidan's relationship to be over like @DerekPlease, who said, 'Aidan is such a d-bag man child cliche, and a fair-weather boyfriend. The writers and show-runners are not even trying to hide it with his nighttime routine. Im actually happy the writers are in on the joke that is Aidan Shaw.'

Veronica Altimari (@VAltimari) said, 'The way I actually GASPED #AJLT GTFO Aiden!!! I hate this mfer so much. What are we doing here?! He needs to GO for good. But for the first time this season, this episode made me laugh and well up because of the LTW storyline. Her MIL for the win.'

Sassypants (@lucysmom83) said, 'Carrie and Aiden lost the magic. No chemistry and Aiden is a selfish jerk with 1 asshole of a kid (the other two seem lovely).'

Selina (@selinabastet) added, 'Carrie needs to let Aidan go. This isn't going to work'

@sagevalentine said, 'Break up with him please!'

Another X user dubbed @dmvrebuild added, 'Chile please.. Aiden and Carrie end this already #AndJustLikeThat.'

Sassypants (@lucysmom83) said, 'Carrie and Aiden lost the magic. No chemistry and Aiden is a selfish jerk with 1 asshole of a kid (the other two seem lovely).'

Selina (@selinabastet) added, 'Carrie needs to let Aidan go. This isn't going to work,' while @sagevalentine said, 'Break up with him please!'

Another X user dubbed @dmvrebuild added, 'Chile please.. Aiden and Carrie end this already #AndJustLikeThat.'

Elsewhere in the episode, Carrie agreed to read to swap first chapters with her downstairs neighbor, Duncan Reeves (Jonathan Cake) while Lisa (Nicole Ari Parker) learned her beloved father (Billy Dee Williams) had passed away.

Jennifer Lewis guest-starred as Lisa's father's partner at the theater he helped run, who put together an unorthodox funeral.

Meanwhile, Seema (Sarita Choudhury) found the perfect apartment for Miranda (Cynthia Nixon), Miranda's son Brady (Niall Cunningham) meets her new girlfriend Joy (Dolly Wells) and Charlotte (Kristin Davis) finally tells Carrie that her husband Harry (Evan Handler) has prostate cancer and breaks down in tears.
Sam Neill has revealed his son repeatedly farted on Princess Diana at Jurassic Park's premiere in London.

The actor, 77, starred in the smash-hit movie franchise, which catapulted him to international fame thanks to his role as Dr Alan Grant.

Back in 1993, Princess Diana attended a royal screening of the original movie, which took place in Leicester Square.

However, Sam has recalled his mortification when he discovered his son Tim began farting during the film - just meters from the princess.

He said: 'The last time I watched it in its totality was sitting beside Princess Di at the Leicester Square at the London opening.

'On the other side of me was my son Tim - he was 11 and completely swept away by it, but about the time the T-Rex turns up, Tim started to fart.

Sam Neill has revealed his son repeatedly farted on Princess Diana at Jurassic Park's premiere in London back in 1993

Princess Diana attended a royal screening of the original movie, which took place in Leicester Square and was sat beside Sam and his young son Tim

Sam has recalled his mortification when he discovered his son Tim began farting during the film - just meters from the princess

'And the draft was drifting across me to royalty!

'I spent the whole film in a muck sweat, thinking, "Princess Di is being exposed to the horrors of a little boy's fart, but she's going to think it's me. I am going to be subliminally blamed for my son's crimes, and I don't think she'll talk to me afterwards."

'But she was well brought up and never mentioned it.'

Sam previously told GQ how the princess enjoyed the sci-fi and action movie, and said he kept one eye on the screen and the other on her.

To date, a whopping seven films in the Jurassic franchise, with the latest instalment Jurassic World Rebirth released just last month.

It stars Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo and Ed Skrein.

Meanwhile, Sam looked well and in good spirits as he stepped out for a red carpet event in February.

He attended the 2025 AACTA Awards held at Home of the Arts (HOTA) on the Gold Coast, in Australia.

The actor, 77, starred in the smash-hit movie franchise, which catapulted him to international fame thanks to his role as Dr Alan Grant

To date, a whopping seven films in the Jurassic franchise, with the latest instalment Jurassic World Rebirth released just last month

Sam pictured with his now grown up son Tim back in 2024 as he underwent chemotherapy after being diagnosed with stage-three blood cancer

Sam previously opened up about his 'brutal' chemotherapy treatment after being diagnosed with stage-three blood cancer.

He found out he had cancer in 2022 during his first trip back to New Zealand after lockdowns made returning home to see his family virtually impossible for two years.

His son Tim told Australian Story his dad had been back in New Zealand for barely an hour when a doctor phoned with the awful news he had cancer.

'When he hung the phone up and we sat down, and we had a little bit of a cry together. It was supposed to be a happy day. He didn't get to stay,' Tim said.

Sam continued: 'I was in really a fight for my life. And everything was a new world and a rather alarming world.

'I had three or four months of reasonably conventional chemotherapies which are, brutal.'
He was the troubled yet irresistible heartthrob of a hit 80s soap opera, transforming a wayward black sheep into a beloved icon and securing his place as one of the most recognizable faces in the genre.

On the show, his character had multiple affairs, reunited with his first wife, got caught up in a scandalous murder, relapsed into alcoholism and inherited a fortune before losing it all.

The show ran for 14 seasons, but this now 79-year-old actor first took on the role in its hit prequel, where he consistently clashed with his powerful Texas oil family.

After the series found success, he tried his hand at made-for-TV movies.

But he ultimately would make his way back to soaps, becoming a regular on the most recognizable modern daytime show up until the age of 71.

Can you guess who it is?

He was the troubled yet irresistible heartthrob of a hit 80s soap opera, transforming a wayward black sheep into a beloved icon and securing his place as one of the most recognizable faces in the genre

On Knots Landing, his character had affairs, reunited with his first wife, got caught up in a scandalous murder, relapsed into alcoholism and inherited a fortune before losing it all

The show ran for 14 seasons, but this now-79-year-old actor first took on the role in its hit prequel, where he consistently clashed with his powerful Texas oil family

It's Ted Shackelford!

The handsome actor known for his rugged looks was spotted running errands on Friday in Beverly Hills near Rodeo Drive.

He looked snazzy in a suede light brown blazer over a dark blue-collar shirt that was layered over a gray undershirt.

For pants, he went with a more casual style, opting for dark-washed jeans coupled with gray sneakers.

During his recent outing, the 79-year-old was seen walking with the aid of a stylish black-and-white houndstooth cane, a subtle reminder of the passage of time since his days as a soap opera heartthrob.

Yet even with the years behind him, he still carried that unmistakable charisma, dressed with flair and sporting the classic combed-back hair that made him a standout on screen.

Ted Shackelford, 79, enjoyed his Friday wandering around Beverly Hills near Rodeo Drive, running errands and looking sleek in his light brown suede blazer over a dark blue-collar shirt layered over a gray undershirt

Even though his glory days are behind him, the actor kept his cane classy in a stylish black and white houndstooth print

From 1979 to 1993, Shackelford starred as the front man on Knots Landing, a spinoff of Dallas, as Gary Ewing, who moves to a cul-de-sac in California alongside his wife Valene, played by Joan Van Ark

Shackelfords turn as Gary Ewing proved a breakout success after he stepped into the role in 1979, replacing David Ackroyd as the conflicted middle son of oil tycoon Jock Ewing on Dallas.

His character became so popular that he was granted a spin-off show, Knots Landing, with the premise that he and his newly married wife Valene  played by Joan Van Ark  branched off from Texas to move to a cul-de-sac outside of Los Angeles in a classic soap opera format featuring affairs, murders, financial scandals and kidnappings.

As the charming front man, Shackelford's character marries and divorces his wife Valene twice, having an affair with villainess Abby who he marries and then divorces, falls into alcoholism, gets implicated in a murder and loses his inheritance all before getting back with his first wife.

The show's run between 1979 to 1993 was so successful that the cast came back for a mini-series only four years later.

He also appeared on Dallas in 2013, where he reunited with his first wife, Valene, in his final episode.

During his time on Knots Landing, the actor also tried his hand at made-for-television movies such as Baby of the Bride (1991) and Sweet Temptation (1996) while also guest-starring in shows such as The Twilight Zone, Alfred Hitchcock Presents and Hotel.

His character, Gary, in true soap opera fashion, marries and divorces his wife, Valene, twice, has an affair, relapses into alcoholism, gets implicated in a murder and loses his inheritance all before getting back with his first wife

A main plot point on the show was the sordid love triangle between Gary, on and off wife Valene and the villainous Abby, played by Donna Mills

Despite his exit from the show in the late 90s, Shackelford continued to star in soap operas up until the age of 71.

From 2006 to 2015, he became a regular on the hit daytime drama The Young and the Restless, playing Genoa Citys district attorney William Bardwell.

After the characters on-screen death from a stroke, he returned as Williams twin brother, Jeffrey.

His most recent appearance on television was on NCIS in 2017 as a guest star.
DJ Fat Tony has discussed what it was like growing up gay on a council estate in a candid new interview with MailOnline.

The legendary music star, 58, real name Tony Marnach, rose to fame on London's club scene in the 1980s and became best friends with Boy George and Kate Moss.

He is now the go-to DJ on the celebrity scene and a favourite at the Beckhams' big family events, such as Brooklyn's 2022 wedding to Nicola Peltz.

But it wasn't always such a glamorous lifestyle for Tony, who battled addiction for many years and grew up on a council estate in Battersea alongside his 'skinhead brothers', mother and father.

Ahead of his return to Ministry of Pride on Saturday, Tony opened up on coming to terms with his sexuality and how his family reacted. He said: 'I didn't have to come out. My parents always knew I was.

'I grew up on a council estate in Battersea, where at that point in time it was pretty rough. My brothers were all skinheads, and it was a lot. It was a tough time growing up, but I never had to come out of the closet and say, "Okay, hey, I'm gay", my mum and Dad always knew from a really young age.'

DJ Fat Tony has discussed what it was like growing up gay on a council estate in a candid new interview with MailOnline

(t wasn't always such a glamorous lifestyle for Tony, who battled addiction for many years and grew up on a council estate in Battersea alongside his 'skinhead brothers', mother and father (pictured with mum Dawn and husband Stavros Agapiou)

He continued: 'For me, I was very, very lucky in that sense.

'But at the same time, as you go through your teenage years, and you discover who you really are, it's always a big thing, because we give it so much power, and society gives it so much power, especially back then.'

Tony seemed happier than ever during our chat, after recently tying the knot with his partner Stavros Agapiou, 32, in a lavish ceremony in London.

Going on to discuss friends accepting his sexuality, he said: 'The thing about it is if anyone has got a problem with it, they're not really your friend, because friendship isn't about who you sleep with in bed. It's about who you are as a person, you know.

'My friendship circle is not based on who we have sex with, therefore, why should it be any different? If you come out to a friend, and you trust that person, nothing should change except for the fact that you've been honest, and they should respect it.'

Tony and Stavros were surrounded by celeb pals including Davina McCall, Boy George, Kelly Osbourne and Gemma Collins at their wedding, held at the Welsh Chapel in Charing Cross in May.

Tony had carefully picked the 19th-century church where he began his career when he was just 18.

The pair have been engaged since October 2023 after Tony popped the question during a romantic trip to New York.

The legendary music star, 58, real name Tony Marnach, rose to fame on London's club scene in the 1980s and became best friends with Boy George (left), Gemma Collins (middle) and Kate Moss

Tony seemed happier than ever during our chat, after recently tying the knot with his partner Stavros, 32, in a lavish ceremony in London

Following the nuptials, Tony is preparing for an epic DJ set at Ministry of Pride, a full-venue takeover on Saturday July 5, with tickets available online from 16.95.

The all-LGBTQ+ lineup also includes Catz N Dogz, FAFF, Josh Harrison, Princess Julia, Reenie, Tete Bang, and NOT BAD FOR A GIRL.

The multi-room event will span house, disco, underground beats, drag performance, and more, embodying the spirit of queer celebration and unapologetic freedom at one of South Londons most iconic venues.

Speaking ahead of the event, Tony said: 'You don't have to be LGBT to attend, you can be an ally. You can be anything you want to be.

'It's about the music and bringing everyone together. You're going to have fun, you can be who you want to be, regardless of how you identify. The whole thing is about love.'

On the importance of Pride, he added: 'It's not about the partying and all of that stuff, that comes much later. It's about visibility. It's about saying, we're here, this is who we are. It's about how you do it and how you celebrate Pride that's important.

'We have pride month for many reasons, so that people don't think that they're alone, and don't end up wanting to kill themselves because they can't cope with their sexuality, or who they are, or society tells them that they're wrong.

'Pride is about letting people know that they're not alone, that they can exist.'

Following the nuptials, Tony is preparing for an epic DJ set at Ministry of Pride, a full-venue takeover on Friday July 5

The all-LGBTQ+ lineup also includes Catz N Dogz, FAFF, Josh Harrison, Princess Julia, Reenie, Tete Bang, and NOT BAD FOR A GIRL

Tony celebrated 18 years of sobriety in January, and often opens up about transforming his life to remind people to never give up.

Tony discovered drugs when he was 18 and would convince himself that he couldn't DJ unless he was high, sometimes going four or five nights straight without sleeping.

At one point, he was homeless and had no teeth due to his habit.

Tony had an epiphany and he soon quit drugs cold turkey, spending six months in rehab to beat the addiction.

He explained: 'After 28 years of putting people through hell every day of the week, you know the support and love that I got from the right people was welcomed.

'The wrong ones always are like rats off a sinking ship they go, and you know, the good thing about recovery is, the trash takes itself out.'

On working in an industry where he is surrounded by alcohol and drugs, Tony added: 'We live in a society where there's a pub every 200 yards, and it's more acceptable to drink than it is not to drink. That's the society we live in.

DJ Fat Tony has shared shocking throwback snaps from when he was battling drug addiction (right), as he celebrated 18 years sober on Friday

He is now the go-to DJ on the celebrity scene and a favourite at the Beckhams' big family events, such as Brooklyn's 2022 wedding to Nicola Peltz

'So for someone like me that made a conscious decision not to drink or to take drugs, I don't find it a problem because I am the problem. The other people enjoying themselves, that is up to them. I'm not one of these people that think, "Oh, my God! I can't be around that," I probably have more fun than all of them put together being sober.

'People can go out and party and and go home and go to work. The world isn't full of addicts. I on the other hand, know that I can't do that stuff. I know I don't want to do that stuff. That's the difference, and that's why I don't miss it.

'So going to work and being in that environment, it never crosses my mind. What does cross my mind is how blessed I am not to be the last one standing every night of the week.'

For confidential support in the UK 24 hours a day 365 days a year, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
Kylie and Kendall Jenner have continued their lavish Euro summer by hitting the famous Lou Lou Beach Club in St. Tropez.

The 27-year-old businesswoman and influencer showed off her hourglass curves in a white swimsuit as she joined a bikini-clad Kendall, 29.

Kylie completed her look with a thigh-skimming skirt which showed off her toned legs and looked like she was having a great time with an impromptu dip in the cooling ocean.

As she emerged from the water she wrapped a yellow and white striped towel around her and added dark shades to her look.

Kendall showed off her model figure in a black bikini which she wore with a sheer polka dot dress.

The sisters were joined by a fun group of pals as they all frolicked in the sea after some afternoon cocktails at the club.

Kylie and Kendall Jenner have continued their lavish Euro summer by hitting the famous Lou Lou Beach Club in St. Tropez

The 27-year-old businesswoman and influencer showed off her hourglass curves in a white swimsuit as she joined a bikini-clad Kendall, 29

It comes just after Kylie sparked further speculation she has gone under the knife as she showed off her tiniest waist ever while vacationing in Tuscany this week.

On Thursday, the reality star - turning 28 next month - shared a picturesque slideshow of herself modeling a gold animal-print underwire top with skimpy bottoms on the patio of her vacation home.

Mom-of-two Kylie shared a close-up of her thighs balancing a plate of black cherries as well as flaunting her extremely trim waist - just days after revealing details of her boob job to fans' delight.

Jenner was simply teasing her brand Khy's upcoming collaboration with Frankies Bikinis.

Kylie limited her comments on the post, but Instagram user @dream.girl.diaries was suspicious of secret cosmetic procedures: 'What work has she had done? Why no stretch marks?' they asked.

Instagram user @lucky.digvijay agreed, marveling: 'Bro is a mother of 2.'

'Kim's gonna be upset,' Instagram user @thin.gsarelookingup wrote of Jenner's half-sister Kim Kardashian.

Kylie completed her look with a thigh-skimming skirt which showed off her toned legs and looked like she was having a great time with an impromptu dip in the cooling ocean

The pair are over in Europe after attending Jeff Bezos' wedding over the weekend in Venice, Italy

Kendall showed off her model figure in a black bikini which she wore with a sheer polka dot dress

She wore her long dark hair down and added shades to her look

Earlier in the day she added cute heels to her look as she arrived with a pal

They looked like they were having a great time as they cooled off in the sea

As she emerged from the water she wrapped a yellow and white striped towel around her and added dark shades to her look

She topped up her tan while on the beach

She emerged from the ocean in her towel

Instagram user @yuki.naisho commented: 'How do you even look this good over the years?'

Last month, the Kylie Cosmetics founder spilled the secrets to her ample assets while responding to a TikToker: '445 cc, moderate profile, half under the muscle! Silicone! [Dr.] Garth Fisher! Hope this helps, LOL!'

Kylie - who claimed in 2023 she regretted getting a boob job - famously gets lip filler.

Rumors have swirled for years that Jenner has undergone cosmetic procedures including a BBL, before allegedly reducing the size of her backside. There is no indication this is true.

In 2023 renowned plastic surgeon Dr Schwitzer claimed it is 'likely' Jenner had a classic BBL in 2017 where fat is removed from the waist to make it appear slimmer, before being reinjected into the backside for a fuller appearance.

He pointed to her 'exceptionally narrow' waist as a possible sign of the procedure in a TikTok video.

He said: 'If you look at her more recent content, she still has a fairly nice size buttock but it is no longer out of proportion to the rest of her body' but added this may be down to weight loss also.'

The Sprinter founder was joined in Italy by her big sister Kendall Jenner and her three-year-old son Aire Webster, who enjoyed the local delicacies.

She also added a stylish beige tote bag to her look

They all threw their arms in the air in unison

And looked to be posing for a group snap together

They were clearly enjoying their time at the beach club

Kendall flaunted her model figure in the skimpy dress

Kylie was radiant with summer bliss as she splashed around in the sea

Her structured bathing suit allowed the lip kit mogul to show off her trim figure to full advantage

Kylie added a touch of glitz to the look with a set of earrings

The Jenners and their pals were aglow with festive energy as the flung their arms up

Kylie's outfit was accented with a couple of rings

The Jenner sister-act appeared to be thoroughly enjoying each other's company

Kylie's playful spirit was in evidence

Kendall was leggy as ever as she pranced across the sand

On Thursday, Kylie shared a cute video of her curly-haired, three-year-old daughter Stormi Webster goofing around while onboard her $73M, 10-seat 'Kylie Air' private plane - seemingly headed back home to California.

Jenner welcomed her two children during her on/off five-year relationship with disgraced Astroworld founder Travis Scott, which ended in 2022.

The selfie enthusiast was in Italy to attend the ostentatious $56M wedding of Amazon executive chairman Jeff Bezos and his mistress Lauren Sanchez in Venice where she raised eyebrows wearing bridal-white and light-silver attire.
An unrecognisable Dominic Purcell has given fans an update on the future of Prison Break.

The Australian-born actor, 55, gained a cult following starring as Lincoln Burrows in the long-running Fox crime drama.

The show ended in 2017 after five seasons and a standalone film, but whispers of a sixth season have kept fans on edge.

Dominic took to Instagram this week, looking markedly different from his Prison Break days.

The actor was sporting a neatly trimmed salt-and-pepper beard, while his trademark buzzcut had also been swapped for a neatly cropped style.

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An unrecognisable Dominic Purcell (left) has given fans an update on the future of Prison Break. Also pictured: Wentworth Miller

Wearing a white tank top for the in-car selfie, Dominic's chiselled and heavily inked arms were on full display.

Captioning the image, Dominic revealed that fans could stop holding their breath, as a new Prison Break series was 'not happening'.

'I mean, I get it, it was a sick show, but Ive really moved on. Its not happening,' Dominic said.

Continuing, Dominic said that he was not interested in the past, adding: 'The excitement of the possibilities for me are far greater than the past. Ive done, it ladies and gents.

'Im doing what I wanna do, not what people think I should do, nor what I can do with my eyes closed. Thats a boring way [of] moving forward professionally and in life, I believe. Uncertainty is far more appealing.'

The post was met with a flurry of comments from fans, with many agreeing with the star that it was time for everyone to 'move on'.

'Some fans can't let go of the show after it's been over after Season 5. Dominic is great in his other roles he has done in movies and TV,' one follower offered.

Another offered: 'Damn, can y'all leave him alone? Y'all been hounding with prison break for decades now. Let them live in peace!!!'

Dominic took to Instagram this week, looking markedly different from his Prison Break days. Pictured

'I mean, I get it, it was a sick show, but Ive really moved on. Its not happening,' Dominic captioned the image

A third summed up the sentiment of many, commenting: 'True fans should know/understand to move on just rewatch the entire series for the 10th time like me and call it a day.'

After Prison Break ended, Fox confirmed that the cult-hit would return for a sixth season in January, 2018. However, a year later they announced they had no plans to revive the hit series.

In 2020, Wentworth Miller also admitted that he was done with the series.

'Im out. Of PB. Officially,' he wrote on Instagram.

'Not [because] of static on social media. I just dont want to play straight characters. Their stories have been told (and told).'

'If youre hot and bothered [because] you fell in love with a fictional straight man played by a real gay one Thats your work.'

Since saying goodbye to Lincoln Burrows in 2017, Dominic has racked up quite a few credits, including starring as Mick Rory/Heatwave across numerous DC Universe shows such as Arrow, Batwoman, and DC's Legends Of Tomorrow.

He is also set to rejoin his Prison Break co-star, Wentworth Miller, in the upcoming Universal drama Snatchback.

Dominic tied the knot with Tish Cyrus back in 2023, in a romantic ceremony following her divorce from her husband of 28 years, Billy Ray.

'Im doing what I wanna do, not what people think I should do, nor what I can do with my eyes closed. Thats a boring way [of] moving forward professionally and in life, I believe. Uncertainty is far more appealing,' he added
DJ Khaled came close to showing off more of his figure than he intended to when he was seen enjoying a beach day in Barbados.

The 49-year-old music star was spotted this week sunning himself by the ocean as he indulged in a summer holiday to the Caribbean.

He enjoyed a solo stroll on the sand, unaccompanied by his wife of eight years Nicole Tuck or their two sons Asahd, eight, and Aalam, five.

Without anyone around to inform him of his potential mishap, Khaled's swim trunks were seen sliding dangerously downwards.

The New Orleans-born hype man, who is known as the 'Anthem King,' went shirtless in his swimsuit for his latest outing at the seaside.

His latest sighting comes after he was slammed by Dave Chappelle for not taking a public stance on the Israel-Gaza war, despite being of Palestinian origin himself.

DJ Khaled came close to showing off more of his figure than he intended to when he was seen enjoying a beach day in Barbados

Without anyone around to inform him of his potential mishap, Khaled's swim trunks were seen sliding dangerously downwards

Since Israel's assault on Gaza began in retaliation for the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023, Khaled has drawn fury from the pro-Palestine side over his silence.

Khaled's own cousin Fadie Musallet revealed last February that he had severed ties with the world-famous DJ over the subject.

'Theres no reason, theres no excuse when youre actually a Palestinian,' said Fadie, who is also a DJ and is based in Dubai, to Abu Dhabi's The National.

'Khaled always wanted to go to Palestine, but I dont think he can come there now. They are really hurt by the lack of support, they really feel like they have been let down,' added Fadie, saying he himself visits his mother monthly in the West Bank.

Dave, who is Muslim and has been outspokenly pro-Palestine, joined the choir during a recent show of his at the Etihad Arena for Abu Dhabi Comedy Season

'DJ Khaled, let me tell you something. For a Palestinian, this man is awfully quiet right now,' the comedian said, according to Hot New Hip Hop.

'And as a Palestinian, how could you be that quiet right now? And why are you so fat? People are starving. Hes the only fat Palestinian on Earth right now.'

Amid the apparent rift within his extended family, Khaled and his wife are evidently hoping to add another member to their immediate family.

He enjoyed a solo stroll on the sand, unaccompanied by his wife of eight years Nicole Tuck or their two sons Asahd, eight, and Aalam, five

His latest sighting comes after he was slammed by Dave Chappelle (pictured in April) for not taking a public stance on the Israel-Gaza war, despite being of Palestinian origin himself

'I cant even lie to you. We have been praying and trying for a girl,' the father of two sons divulged about two years ago to Page Six.

Khaled and Nicole secretly married in 2017 and have kept many of the details of their relationship private, including when they first started dating.

However he did let the public get a glimpse of his family life when he Snapchatted Nicole giving birth to their first son in 2016.

He kept Nicole's face mainly out of frame and declined to show baby Asahd at all, although the newborn's cries were audible in the footage.

Fans also received rare insight into his relationship in 2018, when a resurfaced interview from three years earlier offered a view into his sex life.

Khaled remarked on The Breakfast Club in 2015 that he refused to perform cunnilingus on the grounds that 'a woman should praise the man, the king.'
Sydney's newest radio sensations, Luisa Dal Din and Jack Archdale  better known as Lu and Jarch  have found themselves at the centre of persistent romance rumours.

A quick Google search of the Triple M drive-time and We Mean Well podcast co-hosts will reveal they are 'married', but the best friends said that is nothing more than a piece of fan fiction and they are not a couple.

'Absolutely not,' Jarch told Sydney Confidential on Friday.

Lu clarified the hilarious mix-up and explained that the pair are both in happy relationships with other people.

'No, no. It says that Jarch is married, not to me, and I have a partner, Lachlan,' she said.

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Sydney's newest radio sensations, Luisa Dal Din and Jack Archdale  better known as Lu and Jarch  have found themselves at the centre of persistent romance rumours

'Not everything you see should be believed!'

Though she did concede to their undeniable 'special chemistry' on air, which no doubt fuels the speculation.

Jarch elaborated further, explaining: 'I think that is a user-generated site where people can alter the info and they have just made it their own.'

Lu and Jarch are the latest stars to land a prime gig in Sydney's cutthroat radio scene, now fronting the early drive afternoon slot nationally on Southern Cross Austereos Triple M stations.

Their rise to prominence comes after years spent toiling behind the scenes in radio, before launching their hugely successful podcast We Mean Well about three years ago.

'I guess we were lucky that it just took off and we were both able to quit our jobs and make it a full-time job, which is crazy,' Lu said.

According to Lu, 31, a huge part of their winning formula is simply being 'good friends.'

While many radio hosts will be taking a hiatus over the coming fortnight, Lu and Jarch will remain on air to continue building on their hard-won momentum.

A quick Google search of the on-air duo will reveal they are 'married', but the best friends said that is nothing more than a piece of fan fiction. 'Absolutely not,' Jarch said

Lu clarified the hilarious mix-up and explained that the pair are both in happy relationships with other people. Pictured: Lu and her partner Lachlan

Triple M recently suffered a brutal blow in the third radio ratings survey of 2025.

The survey showed that Beau Ryan, Aaron 'Woodsy' Woods and Cat Lynch's Sydney breakfast show continues to lose listeners.

The trio, who lost 1.5 per cent of the market share in survey two, dropped another 1.5 in the latest survey, bringing them down to a 4.4 market share from a previous 5.9.

It was one of many hits Triple M took this week, as the station suffered a decline across all Sydney timeslots.

Meanwhile, sister station 2DAY gained 0.5 per cent of the breakfast market share, leaving new hosts Jimmy Smith, Emma Chow and Nath Roye chuffed.

The station finished at 4.5 overall - up by 0.2 - as it gains ground on Triple M's overall 4.9 market share.
Having twice locked horns through legal action, it is safe to say Simons Cowell and Fuller are not the best of friends.

But the music industry titans will need to put their feud aside when attending Mel B's wedding in London tomorrow.

The ceremony at St Paul's Cathedral will see the Spice Girl, 50, tie the knot for the third time, with hairstylist Rory McPhee, 37.

And the bride is thought to have invited the warring music managers, who have been enemies for decades.

Fuller, 65, is regarded as the most successful British music mogul of all time and managed The Spice Girls at their height  which drew deep jealousy from Cowell, also 65, who had turned the group down.

The pair clashed when Pop Idol creator Fuller launched a 100million lawsuit against Cowell after he set up similarly formatted The X Factor.

Having twice locked horns through legal action, it is safe to say Simons Cowell and Fuller are not the best of friends

But the music industry titans will need to put their feud aside when attending Mel B's wedding to hairstylist Rory McPhee, 37, in London on Saturday (seen together)

They reached a settlement but the battle erupted again in 2011 over producer credits.

Fuller is set to arrive alone, while Cowell will attend with fiancee Lauren Silverman.

A source said: 'I'm sure everyone involved will behave impeccably.'

It comes as Victoria Beckham shared a gushing wedding tribute to Mel B after it was revealed she wouldn't be at her fellow Spice Girl's nuptials.

The fashion designer, 51, will be absent from Scary Spice's nuptials on Saturday because she is out the country.

However, Victoria was keen to show that Mel, 50, was still in her thoughts as she took to her Instagram Stories to share a sweet tribute just hours ahead of the big day.

Posh Spice posted a photograph of herself and Mel looking glamorous together at a recent event as she sent her well-wishes to the happy couple.

She gushed in a caption: 'Sending love to you @officialmelb! @rorymcphee is a very lucky man! xx'

The Daily Mail exclusively revealed earlier this week that neither Victoria or Geri Halliwell would be at Mel B's nuptials.

Fuller, 65, is regarded as the most successful British music mogul of all time and managed The Spice Girls at their height  which drew deep jealousy from Cowell (seen), also 65, who had turned the group down

Spice Girls seen with Simon

There is also a suggestion that another member of the band, either Emma Bunton or Melanie Chisholm, are also not going.

Sources said Victoria 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.'

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 said 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.

Mel and Stephen separated in 2016.

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.'

It comes as Victoria Beckham shared a gushing wedding tribute to Mel B after it was revealed she wouldn't be at her fellow Spice Girl's nuptials

She is able to marry Rory 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

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.
Renovations of the country New South Wales pub at the centre of Edwina Bartholomew and husband Neil Varcoe's unique living arrangement have hit a snag.

Neil is based in Carcoar (pop. 271), in the NSW Central West region, overseeing the remodelling of the dilapidated former guest house they bought for just over $1 million in May 2023, while Edwina lives in Sydney for her job at Seven.

Earlier this year, the popular Sunrise star and her husband, who share two children, Molly, five and Tom, three, finally received approval to move ahead with their dream to convert the building into a luxury getaway dubbed 'Saltash Farm'.

Writing in his bi-monthly column for Galah magazine, Neil revealed the protracted renovation is still not complete.

'We expected to be open by now. We were fools,' he wrote.

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Renovations of the country New South Wales pub at the centre of Edwina Bartholomew and husband Neil Varcoe's unique living arrangement have hit a snag. The couple care pictured with children Molly, five and Tom, three

'Everyone is a fool at the start. You pluck a timeline out of the air, then tell yourself that youre in front or behind. Mostly behind. How strange.'

Neil added that he has stopped putting an end-date on the project, as its aesthetic will take a while to 'pull together'.

'Saltash Farm is a big, beautiful, complex creature. Its a heritage build in a village protected by the National Trust,' he wrote.

'Saltash needs to both fit in and stand out. It has to feel old, familiar, but look new and fresh. Its a wild contradiction, and that takes some putting together.

'I no longer talk about when it will open. I say only that it will take as long as it takes to do it well.'

Speaking to realestate.com.au in 2024, Edwina said the couple were determined to finish the project despite recently being diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia.

'We are forging ahead with this incredible project despite this health setback,' Edwina said.

'I adore being in the country. It will be lovely to have a bit more time with family to enjoy life at a slower pace.'

Neil is based in Carcoar (pop. 271), in the NSW Central West region, overseeing the remodelling of the dilapidated former guest house they bought for just over $1 million in May 2023, while Edwina lives in Sydney for her job at Seven

Earlier this year, the popular Sunrise star and her husband finally received approval to move ahead with their dream to convert the building into a luxury getaway dubbed 'Saltash Farm'

She added that working on the home would help keep her busy and take her mind off her cancer diagnosis.

'This is a condition I will manage and live with. Our renovation has been a beautiful distraction and will continue to be in the months to come,' Edwina continued.

Edwina also revealed that she only sees her husband of seven years on weekends and public holidays.

Neil's chronic fatigue syndrome diagnosis prompted him to leave Sydney and relocate to regional New South Wales  a move she claims 'genuinely healed him'.

'That was a decision we had to make for ourselves a few years ago because what we were doing clearly wasnt working,' she told Australian Women's Weekly.

'He lives three hours away from us, and we see him on weekends and holidays and back and forth, but its been the best thing, and probably the only way we would have survived as a family.'

Edwina confirmed to Daily Mail Australia earlier this year that her family does indeed plan to leave Sydney for good one day - but that is still quite a way off.

'We are very keen to eventually settle in the country,' she said.

Writing in his bi-monthly column for Galah magazine, Neil revealed the protracted renovation is still not complete

Speaking to realestate.com.au in 2024, Edwina said the couple were determined to finish the project despite recently being diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia

'But we are in no hurry.

'We have the best of both worlds and will continue to juggle the back and forth for the foreseeable future.'

'Our family schedule and WhatsApp chat of who is where and what is happening is absolutely nuts,' she added.

'There are plenty of times where we have thought "what we have done" but we are determined to build a beautiful business in what we think is the most beautiful town in New South Wales.'

Meanwhile, Edwina shared an emotional cancer update at Marie Claire's International Women's Day luncheon in March.

The TV star got candid at the event about how CML  a type of blood and bone marrow cancer  had impacted her life.

'I was fortunate that I had a month where I knew about it before I told everyone. I had this experience without having to go through the trauma of chemotherapy,' Edwina began.

'[The cancer] was a gift, because it put things into perspective... I didn't have to go through a really intense experience of being "in" cancer and absorbed by it.'

Edwina's diagnosis is a 'mild' form of leukaemia and can often be managed without having to undergo chemotherapy.
Just weeks after one Love Island USA cast member was booted off the show for past use of racial slurs, web sleuths have uncovered slurs used by another cast member.

Yulissa Escobar, a 27-year-old real estate professional from Miami was booted in just the third day of Season 7, after videos surfaced of her using the N-word in a podcast.

After the swift removal of Escobar, many fans are hoping the same will happen with Cierra Ortega, a 25-year-old content creator from Phoenix, who arrived on Day 2.

Past Instagram posts have surfaced of her using a racial slur towards Chinese people in two separate instances many years apart.

One post from January 2015 showed a snap of her at the top of a mountain, using a version of the slur to describe how she smiles.

There was also an Instagram story post from February 2023, showing her getting Botox treatments, again using the slur to describe her smile, and many fans are furious, calling for her immediate removal.

After the swift removal of Escobar, many fans are hoping the same will happen with Cierra Ortega, a 25-year-old content creator from Phoenix, who arrived on Day 2

Past Instagram posts have surfaced of her using a racial slur towards Chinese people in two separate instances many years apart

One post from January 2015 showed a snap of her at the top of a mountain, using a version of the slur to describe how she smiles.

While it remains to be seen if the show's producers will remove her like they removed Escobar, Ortega has already taken a bit hit in regards to her Instagram followers.

She has lost over 200K followers in the past 48 hours after the posts first re-surfaced.

Ortega was poised to potentially cross the 1 million follower mark at some point during Love Island Season 7, but her follower tally now stands at 709K.

While she's currently coupled up with Nic Vansteenberghe as filming continues in Fiji, many are calling for her removal on social media.

A new Change.org petition calling for her removal was started two days ago, when the Instagram posts first surfaced, which currently has 6,670 verified signatures.

One fan - @deannacortes - shared the petition link on X, adding, 'Send Cierra Ortega home,' with the hashtags #racist #LoveIslandUSA #stopasianhate.

Another X user - @ShaneAnime1990 - insisted, 'Cierra Ortega used a racist word now we have to cancel her if she did it once shell do it again.'

Cass Rabbit (@cassrabbit) tagged both @LoveIslandUSA and @Peacock in her tweet, which read, 'Get Cierra Ortega off your show. This is now the third time Im seeing she used the slur for asians. Yall rightfully kicked off Yulissa for saying the n word, what about Cierra? Or does racism against asians not matter to you guys?'

Another X user - @h0td1lfj0hnny - asked, 'Why has cierra not been dropped from the villa,,,, shes f***ing racist using slurs.

There was also an Instagram story post from February 2023, showing her getting Botox treatments, again using the slur to describe her smile, and many fans are furious, calling for her immediate removal.

Ortega was poised to potentially cross the 1 million follower mark at some point during Love Island Season 7, but her follower tally now stands at 709K.

One fan - @deannacortes - shared the petition link on X, adding, 'Send Cierra Ortega home,' with the hashtags #racist #LoveIslandUSA #stopasianhate.

Cass Rabbit (@cassrabbit) tagged both @LoveIslandUSA and @Peacock in her tweet, which read, 'Get Cierra Ortega off your show. This is now the third time Im seeing she used the slur for asians. Yall rightfully kicked off Yulissa for saying the n word, what about Cierra? Or does racism against asians not matter to you guys?'

Another X user - @h0td1lfj0hnny - asked, 'Why has cierra not been dropped from the villa,,,, shes f***ing racist using slurs.

X user @SSTARZZNE added, 'cierra better be at the BOTTOM of that vote after her racist a** got exposed #LoveIslandUSA.'

Mai (@mainpopvirgo) said, 'yulissa said a racial slur (the literal nword) and was kicked out of the show (as she should) bc of the rightful outrage how is this different to cierra saying another racial slur she cannot claim'

The user added, 'Yall got yulissa up out of there quick but not cierra ??? @loveislandusa #loveislandusa Cierra not been dropped from the villa...shes f---ing racist using slurs.'

X user @SSTARZZNE added, 'cierra better be at the BOTTOM of that vote after her racist a** got exposed #LoveIslandUSA.'

Mai (@mainpopvirgo) said, 'yulissa said a racial slur (the literal nword) and was kicked out of the show (as she should) bc of the rightful outrage how is this different to cierra saying another racial slur she cannot claim.'

Ortega has not yet addressed the controversy personally via her verified Instagram page.
A star from the beloved NBC sitcom The Office has made the shock announcement that he is stepping away from comedy in order to pursue 'something bigger.'

Craig Robinson - who played the character of Darryl Philbin in the hit series - took to his main Instagram page this week to share the news with his fans.

The actor, 53, first uploaded a clip while saying, 'Hey, everybody! Just wanted you to hear it from me: I am quitting comedy.'

Robinson continued, 'But not for nothing. It's been an amazing run and y'all have been amazing and wonderful. But I'm following something bigger. So, thank you so much. I love you and stay tuned.'

In the caption alongside the reel, he penned: 'Life update: I'm officially quitting comedy to focus on my true calling. Stay tuned. I'm working on something huge.'

Craig then followed up with a second video to further tease his next career endeavor - although he has yet to unveil the exact details.

A star from the beloved NBC sitcom The Office has made the shock announcement that he is stepping away from comedy in order to pursue 'something bigger'

Craig Robinson - who played the character of Darryl Philbin in the hit series - took to his main Instagram page this week to share the news with his fans

'Hey, guys!' Robinson began. 'Big shoutout to all my small business owners. Hey, you guys got any advice for me while I'm trying to get my business afloat?'

The actor further added, 'I hit a few bumps in the road and I sure would appreciate your guys' tips. Thank you!'

Craig is not only known for his role in The Office - which additionally starred Steve Carell, John Krasinski, Rainn Wilson, Jenna Fischer, B. J. Novak, Mindy Kaling, Leslie David Baker and Kate Flannery.

The star also appeared in the comedy Hot Tub Time Machine (2010) as well as the sequel which was released in 2015.

He played Doug Judy (The Pontiac Bandit) in the series Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and also took on roles in The Cleveland Show as well as Mr. Robot.

Over on the big screen, Robinson had the chance to further showcase his comedic skills in Pineapple Express (2008), Shrek Forever After (2010), This Is The End (2013) and Sausage Party (2016).

Throughout his career, the actor has garnered a number of nominations - such as a Daytime Emmy Award.

He also took on a leading role in the Peacock series Killing It alongside Claudia O'Doherty and Scott MacArthur.

The actor, 53, first uploaded a clip while saying, 'Hey, everybody! Just wanted you to hear it from me: I am quitting comedy'

Robinson continued, 'But not for nothing. It's been an amazing run and y'all have been amazing and wonderful. But I'm following something bigger. So, thank you so much. I love you and stay tuned'

Craig then followed up with a second video to further tease his next career endeavor - although he has yet to unveil the exact details

'Hey, guys!' Robinson began. 'Big shoutout to all my small business owners. Hey, you guys got any advice for me while I'm trying to get my business afloat?'

He played Doug Judy (The Pontiac Bandit) in the series Brooklyn Nine-Nine (seen above), and also took on roles in The Cleveland Show as well as Mr. Robot

Social media users and other celebrities jumped to the comment section of his latest videos to offer thoughts on what Craig's career move could be.

Howie Mandel jokingly wrote, 'Being a dancer is tough, but go for it,' followed by a red heart emoji.

The TV personality could possibly be referencing to Robinson's past hosting gig of The Masked Dancer from 2020-2021.

One fan also made a reference to The Office by sharing, 'opening a warehouse for paper perchance??' while his former co-star Kate Flannery wrote, 'We love you..craig!! Go big, my friend!!!'

Robinson also received supportive messages as another typed, 'Love you buddy!! You're going to crush everything.'

Some Instagram users made references to his role in Brooklyn Nine-Nine and his passion for music - which he often incorporates into his comedy sets.

'Doug Judy: The Musical,' one penned, and another added, 'Yeah we ain't falling for that, Doug Judy!'

A fan commented, 'I hope you're doing something in music bro!! Whatever you end up doing I'm sure it's gonna turn into Gold.'

Throughout his career, the actor has garnered a number of nominations - such as a Daytime Emmy Award; seen in 2022 in New Jersey

Social media users and other celebrities jumped to the comment section of his latest videos to offer thoughts on what Craig's career move could be

During a past interview with Consequence, the actor reflected on his time on The Office.

He expressed, 'The Office is like everybody's friend. Everywhere I go, I know I'm good.

'I can go to any bar and, you know, somebody's going to buy me a drink. Some people will be like, this is my third time doing the whole series.'

Robinson continued, 'People will have different numbers of how many times they've watched it, or they'll be like, my mother was sick, or my family we don't even talk, but we come together and watch.

'So it means all these different things to all these different people. So if I enjoy being Doug Judy, imagine how it feels being Darryl.'

He expressed, 'The Office is like everybody's friend. Everywhere I go, I know I'm good'; seen above in the show with Steve Carell

Last month in June, Robinson was seen performing on stage during the 2025 BET Awards in Los Angeles to honor Jamie Foxx (seen above)

He also discussed following both his passions of music and comedy for years - and explained how he had been raised in a 'musical household.'

'So when I got into comedy, very early on I did one show that was just me standing up, and the next show I sat down and brought my keyboard.'

Craig further said, 'I've always married the two, comedy and music. So when I went over to acting, music was my partner.'

Last month in June, Robinson was seen performing on stage during the 2025 BET Awards in Los Angeles to honor Jamie Foxx.
Caitlyn Jenner's close friend and manager Sophia Hutchins passed away on Wednesday at the age of 29 following a tragic ATV accident in Malibu.

Both law enforcement and family sources stated she was pronounced dead at the scene after the ATV hit the bumper of another moving vehicle - causing it to 'plummet 350 feet down into a ravine' near the reality star's home.

It is not known if Jenner was at home at the time of the accident or witnessed the crash.

Hutchins had notably developed a longtime friendship with Caitlyn years earlier - and also underwent her own transgender journey while a student at Pepperdine University.

The pair first crossed paths a decade ago in 2015, and Sophia has often credited the ex of Kris Jenner as an inspiration to complete her transition.

Similar to Caitlyn, Hutchins had been a vocal supporter of Donald Trump and MAGA - and met the U.S. president last year.

DailyMail.com takes a look at Sophia's transgender journey, relationship with Jenner and support of Trump following her heartbreaking death.

Caitlyn Jenner 's close friend and manager Sophia Hutchins passed away on Wednesday at the age of 29 following a tragic ATV accident in Malibu; seen in 2019 in L.A.

The pair first crossed paths a decade ago in 2015, and Sophia has often credited to the ex of Kris Jenner as an inspiration to complete her transition; seen in 2018 in L.A.

Transgender Journey

Sophia was formerly Scott Hutchins and began her transition while attending college - but previously revealed that she had identified as female at a young age

Sophia was formerly Scott Hutchins and began her transition while attending college - but previously revealed that she had identified as female at a young age.

As a student at Pepperdine, she began to undergo certain medical procedures as well as hormone treatments and hair removal.

The businesswoman had seen a therapist - who helped aid in the decision to transition but seeing Jenner's 20/20 interview where the star announced her own transition put everything into full swing.

During an interview with her school newspaper in 2016, Hutchins reflected, 'I've always had the question of "Do I want to transition from male to female?"

'I never thought a lot about doing it until I got into college because I was able to break away from my family and started to establish my own identity.'

She had also given credit to her time at school 'to deal with a lot of issues that had always been there.'

And after watching Caitlyn's interview, Sophia explained that it, 'made it so much more real for [her], like normal and successful people do this and people are okay when they do it.'

Hutchins ended up taking some time off of school in order to complete her gender transition.

When she was at the age of 15, Hutchins remembered telling a friend that she was female for the first time.

'It's almost like it just came out. I didn't even mean to let it out since I had been so used to holding it in and brushing it under the rug.'

In 2019 during an appearance on Jim Breslo's Hidden Truth Show, Sophia also got candid about her gender identity.

The media personality remembered making comments about her gender dysmorphia to her parents as young as age five.

After her transition, Hutchins stated, 'I truly feel my spirit, my soul, my mind is exactly the same, I am just so much more comfortable physically.

After her transition, Hutchins stated, 'I truly feel my spirit, my soul, my mind is exactly the same, I am just so much more comfortable physically'; seen in 2019 in NYC

'Before I transitioned I felt like "Yeah, I'm definitely just a girl, but I'm in the wrong body." And I felt trapped in that body.'

She added, 'And I needed to have the hormones to change the body, for me, the surgeries to change the body.

'But for me, that's what I wanted to do, and that's what made me ultimately so at peace.'

While at Pepperdine, Hutchins was the chair of the LGBTQ+ committee in SGA and a member of the school's first LGBTQ+ club Crossroads.

She had also been the former CEO of the nonprofit organization called the Caitlyn Jenner Foundation.

It helps 'promote equality and combats discrimination by providing grans to organizations that empower and improv the lives of transgender people, including youth, ant-bullying, suicide prevention, healthcare, housing, employment, and related programs,' per the official website.

Sophia first met Caitlyn in 2015 and two years later, moved into Jenner's $3.5 million Malibu mansion and began working as the star's manager; seen in 2020 in Century City

Sophia first met Caitlyn in 2015 and two years later, moved into Jenner's $3.5 million Malibu mansion and began working as the star's manager.

She took over the role from Caitlyn's ex-wife Kris Jenner, 69, after their 2015 divorce.

Hutchins often appeared on Jenner's E! reality series I Am Cait, which was a spin-off of Keeping Up With The Kardashians that followed the star's shock transition.

The series ran for just two seasons but it gave glimpses into Jenner and Hutchins' unorthodox life together.

Despite living under one roof, Hutchins previously told The New York Times that she and Jenner 'were never romantically involved' with each other - a sentiment that pair have repeated over the years.

'I don't feel a need to address my sex life, quite frankly, unless I want to,' she sternly told the outlet at the time.

During an interview with People in 2021, Sophia discussed being able to collaborate with Jenner and said, 'I feel blessed that we are able to work together.'

As for her own business ventures, Hutchins served as CEO of the now-defunct spray sunscreen brand LUMASOL, which launched in 2020 and was promoted by Jenner's stepdaughter Kim Kardashian.

While it's unclear when she met Jenner, Hutchins began appearing by her side in 2015 shortly after she went public with her shock transition.

They reportedly were introduced by their hairdresser, and they developed a strong friendship. The pair have spent holidays together and also appeared at red carpet events.

But because of their tight bond, the duo faced intense dating speculation during their over a decade of friendship.

Back in 2018, Hutchins fueled the flames by previously described Jenner as her 'partner' and even admitted that they were 'inseparable'.

'I wouldn't describe it as romantic. I would describe it as we're partners, business partners  I'm the executive director of her foundation,' Hutchins dished on an episode of The Hidden Truth Show podcast.

However, both Jenner and Hutchins have made a conscious effort to publicly shut down the romance rumors.

In 2021, Hutchins told People that she was not and had never been interested in starting a romantic relationship with her longtime friend.

'I don't want controversy. I am just trying to live my life. Caitlyn is a parent to me. I have said that a million times. It is a parental, familial relationship,' she said.

'There's no hanky panky,' she insisted. 'I feel like I've been saying that for the past five years.'

During an interview with People in 2021, Sophia discussed being able to collaborate with Jenner and said, 'I feel blessed that we are able to work together'

'I don't want controversy. I am just trying to live my life. Caitlyn is a parent to me. I have said that a million times. It is a parental, familial relationship,' she said; seen in 2024 in Washington D.C.

Jenner, who was married three times when she was known as Bruce Jenner before transitioning, described herself as 'very single' while attending the White House Correspondent Dinner with Hutchins last year.

Hutchins previously addressed allegations that she was 'mooching off' Caitlyn during a 2019 appearance on Good Morning Britain.

'Everyone thinks I'm mooching off Caitlyn but I do have my own job and my own career that I have to focus on,' she told viewers during the sit-down.

In the same interview, Hutchins praised Jenner as being 'one of the most selfless people you will ever meet.'

Vocal Trump supporter

Sophia has also publicly voiced her support for Donald Trump over the years - and has often posed with a MAGA hat on social media

Sophia has also publicly voiced her support for Donald Trump over the years - and has often posed with a MAGA hat on social media.

Late last year in November, she shared photos from what appeared to be Trump's Mar-a-Lago in Florida on election night.

At the time, she penned: 'Election Night w/ 500 of my closest friends! A true love fest! Don't think anyone slept for 48 hours!'

Hutchins could be seen posing with a few friends at a table inside a crowded room - and Jenner was spotted sitting nearby.

Last year, Hutchins had the opportunity to meet the billionaire.

She uploaded a photo of herself beaming beside Trump in front of an American flag with the caption: 'The energy, passion, and commitment for our movement to Save America has never been greater! We will never give up.'

In January of this year, Hutchins uploaded a photo of herself and Jenner celebrating Trump's inauguration with Judge Jeanine Pirro and other MAGA superstars to Instagram.

Sophia also made appearances in segments for Fox News - which she shared to her Instagram page.

Ahead of the 2024 presidential election, Hutchins could be seen interviewing on the network under the title of 'Trump 2024 Campaign Surrogate.'

She also was open with her social media followers about casting her vote for Trump during last year's U.S. presidential election.

Sophia had uploaded other snippets from election night, and wrote: 'It's been a wild ride. From the convention & inauguration in 2016, to 2020, to the most insane campaign in US history in 2024, I love this family as if they were my own.

'I will keep fighting for America in any way I am told - we've made it this far and I don't plan on stopping, only speeding up.'

Hutchins concluded, 'There is no team of people, led by the man himself, The 47th POTUS @realdonaldtrump I would want to do it with! MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!'
Karl Stefanovic shocked fans on Friday when he showed off his insanely ripped arms with a wild body transformation.

The Today host, 50, shared a video to Instagram which showed him working out in the gym with his personal trainer Mark Glanville and friend Peter Oreb.

The media personality, who recently unveiled his weight loss journey, stunned as he performed push-up exercises while his biceps rippled beneath an orange tank top.

'There's something not quite right about my trainer,' Karl captioned the video, which saw his trainer dancing while the TV star worked up a sweat.

Fans of the breakfast show host flocked to the comments to praise Karl's physique, paying particular attention to his arms.

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.

Karl Stefanovic, 50, shocked fans on Friday when he showed off his insanely ripped arms with a wild body transformation

'Look at those guns. They are illegal here in Oz,' one person joked.

'Just quietly your arms are looking good mate,' said another.

A third commented, 'Arms are looking good,' while someone else added: 'F*** how's the cannons on the big fella.'

It comes after Karl was the talk of Justin Hemmes' Silver Party in May.

Fellow attendees thought the TV anchor was 'looking the best he's looked in years'.

'He didn't appear to be drinking and was being judicious with the canapes,' a source told Daily Mail Australia.

Karl's new look comes after he revealed the moment he was told he needed to hit the gym by best mate James Packer.

Appearing on The Kyle and Jackie O Show in November, he said he was left humbled after a picture of him revealing his 'dad bod' on the beach led the billionaire businessman to text him.

The media personality, who recently unveiled his weight loss journey, stunned as he performed push-up exercises as his new biceps rippled beneath an orange tank top

Fans of the breakfast show host flocked to the comments to praise Karl's physique, paying particular attention to his arms

'There's a shot of me on Christmas Day or whatever coming out of the surf, and it was bad,' Karl told hosts Jackie 'O' Henderson and Kyle Sandilands.

'James Packer sends me a note that says, "Mate, you need to get your a*** to the gym."'

James, 57, himself recently revealed he was still gaining weight despite admitting to being on Ozempic.

'If you're getting notes from Packer about that, you know it's serious,' Kyle, 54, said.

The photo in question was snapped in Byron Bay over the summer in 2019 when Karl was enjoying some downtime with Jasmine.

Karl even shared the photo to Instagram, joking with followers that he was pregnant.

'After a great deal of speculation... the rumours are true,' Karl captioned the cheeky post.

Jackie, 50, then asked Karl how he dealt with seeing such 'confronting images', and he said while he was embarrassed, Jasmine had always been very supportive.

'I feel like it's a lot of embarrassment, but then my wife is always so good about it,' Karl said.

Back in 2020, Karl pledged to lose 10 kilograms in 10 weeks on the Today show after tipping the scales at over 100kg.

'I started at 105kg, the heaviest I've ever been. It was incredibly embarrassing,' Karl said as he spoke to obesity expert Dr Nick Fuller, who helped him on his fitness journey.
'Keira Knightley showed off her new hairstyle as she attended ERDEM, Gay's The Word & Homo Sapiens Pride Cocktail event in London on Thursday.

The actress, 40, has recently been sporting a 90s grungy bob look and rocked a darker, more auburn colour.

She is usually seen with longer hair and blonde highlights flecked through the ends with it styled into a tousled waves.

Posing for photos at the event, which was in support of Not a Phase and akt, Keira wore a quirky dress.

She teamed the blue and green floral ERDEM dress with a pair of chunky gold heels and a white bloom ERDEM handbag.

Earlier this month it was revealed Keira's companies make her a whopping 25million.

'Keira Knightley showed off her new hairstyle as she attended ERDEM, Gay's The Word & Homo Sapiens Pride Cocktail event in London on Thursday

The actress, 40, who is known for her 90s grungy bob look, rocked a darker, more auburn colour (pictured right last summer)

Keira said in 2014 that said she gave herself a yearly salary of 30,000 to stop her losing touch with her less affluent friends.

But The Pirates Of The Caribbean star should give herself a pay rise as her treasure chest is bursting.

New accounts have shown there is a whopping 7.1million in profits at the 40-year-old actress's company Ponder Rights, including 411,000 earned in 2024.

Its riches sit alongside 9.7million held in performing arts company KCK Boo, as well as 7.8million worth of properties held in nominee company Charlotte Road - that's a total of almost 25million.

Explaining her frugality, Keira said: 'Living an [expensive] lifestyle means you can't hang out with people who don't live that lifestyle. It alienates you.'

'Some of my best, most hilarious times, have been in the least luxurious places.'

Keira is famously frugal - and when she shops at her local Tesco with her husband, Klaxons musician James Righton, they have been known to use separate self-service checkouts.

The actress lives in a 4million North London mansion with her family. She bought the pad using a 2.3million loan from her own company.

Posing for photos at the event, which was in support of Not a Phase and akt, Keira wore a quirky dress

She teamed the blue and green floral ERDEM dress with a pair of chunky gold heels and a white bloom ERDEM handbag

It comes after the star recently spoke about her mixed feelings surrounding her role in Pirates of the Caribbean films while promoting her Netflix series Black Doves.

In an interview with The Times, the two-time Oscar nominee said the franchise 'was making and breaking' her at the same time.

'I was seen as s*** because of them,' she explained, 'and yet because they did so well, I was given the opportunity to do the films that I ended up getting Oscar nominations for.'

Keira said they were 'the most successful films I'll ever be a part of, and they were the reason that I was taken down publicly. So they're a very confused place in my head.'

The 2003 Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl helped launch Keira's career into the stratosphere, but it came with a cost.
Caitlyn Jenner will be left heartbroken following the death of her best friend and manager Sophia Hutchins.

On Friday, it was revealed businesswoman Sophia, 29, had tragically died in a quad bike accident after plunging 350ft down a cliff when the ATV was struck by a car.

It is not yet known if Caitlyn witnessed the crash or was at home at the time of the tragedy on Wednesday.

She has yet to make a statement about the loss and will be mourning the end of their 'loving bond', which also helped her mend rifts with her ex-wife Kris Jenner, 69.

Following Kris and Caitlyn's divorce, the pair famously fell out in 2017 when newly-transitioned Caitlyn came out with her memoir, The Secrets Of My Life, which included a warts-and-all depiction of Kris and their marriage.

Yet Sophia - who was inspired to come out as transgender after hearing Caitlyn's story - proved to be the glue that helped keep them civil, having a good relationship with both parties.

Caitlyn Jenner will be left heartbroken following the death of her best friend and manager Sophia Hutchins as the pair famously had a 'loving' bond (pictured in 2018)

Sophia - who was inspired to come out as transgender after hearing Caitlyn's story - also proved to be the glue that kept Caitlyn and Kris Jenner civil (pictured in 2015)

Sophia moved into Caitlyn's $3.5million Malibu mansion and began working as the star's manager in 2017, taking over the role from Kris.

She became the Olympian's confidante, with eyebrows raised over their close bond and their many cosy outings.

Their relationship was well documented on the reality series, I Am Cait, a spin-off of Keeping Up With The Kardashians.

Yet despite living under one roof, Sophia insisted they 'were never romantically involved', telling The New York Times it was all about work and friendship.

'Caitlyn is a parent to me. I have said that a million times. It is a parental, familial relationship,' Sophia said.

Yet in 2019, she gushed over their 'loving' bond, after Caitlyn organised her 23rd birthday party.

In an Instagram post, she praised their 'amazing loving partner' and described herself as 'so lucky'.

Alongside a gallery of snaps that heavily featured Caitlyn, she penned: 'I have chosen to be very intentional about the people I surround myself with.

'Surround yourself with those that inspire, those that are beautiful, those that are genuine, those that empower you, and those that choose love.

'I am so lucky to have the friends, team, and all of the love and support I have. I cannot wait to share this year with all of these people and so many more that wouldnt fit in this collage! Thanks for making my bday so special!'

Sophia also had a strong bond with Kris and the daughters she shared with Caitlyn - Kendall and Kylie (Kendall pictured with the pair)

'I'm on good terms with all the family, but I'm closest with Kris, Kim, Kylie and Kendall', Sophia previously said about her bond with the Kardashians

Back in 2018, Sophia also fueled the flames by referring to Caitlyn as her 'partner' and even admitted that they were 'inseparable'.

'I wouldn't describe it as romantic. I would describe it as we're partners, business partners  I'm the executive director of her foundation,' Hutchins dished on an episode of The Hidden Truth Show podcast.

'We have so much in common and see the world so similarly, and are both such a good match for each other because we challenge each other. We're partners in everything we do, we're inseparable, we're business partners, we live together, we share a dog, we share family, we share a life together,' Sophia said.

Sophia also had a strong bond with Kris and the daughters she shared with Caitlyn - Kendall and Kylie.

The siblings once gave Sophia a stunning heart-shaped diamond necklace for Christmas.

Sophia then posed for an online ad campaign for Kim Kardashian's highly successful clothing line, SKIMS.

'I'm on good terms with all the family, but I'm closest with Kris, Kim, Kylie and Kendall', Sophia said.

During a 2020 appearance on the Behind the Velvet Rope podcast, Sophie claimed that she would speak to Kris 'all the time.'

In 2020, Sophia posed for an online ad campaign for Kim Kardashian's highly successful clothing line SKIMS

Sophia added that Kris had given her 'such good advice on how to help with managing Caitlyn' over the years (pictured in 2018_

'It's not like we're like girlfriends having drinks all the time, but you know, if there's ever a concern or ever a question or anything I have needed help with Kris would be the first phone call,' she revealed.

Sophia added that Kris had given her 'such good advice on how to help with managing Caitlyn' over the years.

While she didn't want to 'speak for Kris,' and she knew Kris and Caitlyn had 'had their issues,' she called them both 'amazing parents' who have 'really put those differences aside for their kids.'

As far as any bad blood between Caitlyn and Kris is concerned, Sophie claimed: 'I think this misconception is just outdated, you know, I think it's over, there's no feud going on,' adding Kris has helped her a lot this year with 'different projects.'

Sophia and Caitlyn's last public appearance together was in 2024 when Sophia accompanied her to the April 2024 White House Correspondents Dinner in Washington, D.C.

Like the athlete, Sophia was a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump and the MAGA movement.

The businesswoman wasn't very active on social media in recent months but last posted what would be her final Instagram post in April, which showed fans a broken candelabra that had been repaired.

While not much is known about Sophie's early life, she was a student at the prestigious Pepperdine University when her and Caitlyn became acquainted.

Sophia and Caitlyn's last public appearance together was in 2024 at the White House Correspondents Dinner. Like the athlete, Sophia was a vocal supporter of Trump

In 2016, Sophia told her school newspaper that Caitlyn inspired her to transition that year.

Sophia told the paper that seeing the famous 20/20 special about Caitlyn's transition from male-to-female 'made it so much more real' for her.

Speaking on her own transition at the time, she shared: 'I've always had the question of, 'Do I want to transition from male to female?' I never thought a lot about doing it until I got into college because I was able to break away from my family and started to establish my own identity.

'College gave me the time to deal with a lot of issues that had always been there.'

Sophia earned a Bachelor's degree in economics and finance, graduating in 2018,all while working full-time as Caitlyn's manager.

She explained becoming Caitlyn's manager: 'I saw nobody was managing her, and there were all these people taking massive advantage. And I was saying: 'Caitlyn, if I don't step in here and start managing you, you're going to go broke.''

Along with being Caitlyn's manager, Sophia also served as CEO of the Caitlyn Jenner Foundation.

The non-profit organization, established in 2017, is aimed at combatting discrimination against transgender people.

'I feel blessed that we are able to work together,' Sophia said to PEOPLE in 2021 of her professional relationship with Caitlyn.
Naomi Campbell wowed in a zebra print ensemble as she enjoyed a ride on a private boat with Mohammed Al Turki on Thursday - after finally explaining their relationship amid years of romance speculation.

The supermodel, 55, nailed summer chic in the black and white blouse and trousers, which she teamed with a coordinating sports cap, white miniature handbag and casual sandals.

Naomi, who also accessorised with sunglasses, looked happy and relaxed as she sipped on water while chatting to the film producer amid his birthday celebrations.

Meanwhile Mohammed, who was in town with the model amid the launch party for a Ritz-Carlton Superyacht, kept things casual in a black T-shirt and colourful shorts.

Over the years, fans have frequently called for the pair to get together, commenting on their many Instagram posts of each other, and predicting they would be 'the next IT couple'.

However, Naomi made steps to clarify their relationship as she took to Instagram on Thursday to share a gushing birthday tribute to the Saudi Arabian producer as he turned 40.

Naomi Campbell wowed in a zebra print ensemble as she enjoyed a ride on a private boat with Mohammed Al Turki on Thursday - after finally explaining their relationship

The supermodel, 55, nailed summer chic in the black and white blouse and trousers, which she teamed with a coordinating sports cap, white miniature handbag and casual sandals

Naomi recently explained the nature of her relationship with Mohammed - after years of romance speculation

Alongside two snaps of the pair, including a photo of a bikini-clad Naomi embracing Mohammed, the beauty referred to her pal as her 'chosen family', before noting how much she cherishes their 'friendship and family-ship'.

She penned: 'Happy birthday 40th birthday and turn around the sun to my chosen family @moalturki My Mo.

'Im so proud of all that youve done, all that youre doing, and all thats ahead for you. Im beyond excited for your next chapter and everything your future holds. Most of all, Im deeply grateful to have you in my life.

'I wish you joy, health, love, and every blessing this year and beyond. I know this next season is going to be filled with incredible things, and I cant wait for the world to see it all unfold.

'We love you so much, Uncle Mo. I truly cherish our friendshipand our family-ship.'

The pair have been friends for several years, after the Saudi Arabian film producer first shared a snap with the superstar on his Instagram back in 2021.

They have been fixtures at each other's sides at many events since, including last year's BAFTA's, Cannes film festival, Paris Fashion Week in 2022 and 2023 and several exclusive parties, like Edward Enninful s birthday bash.

Mohammed and Naomi have even jetted off on holiday together, with the pair soaking up the sun in Ibiza last year, while in April, they enjoyed a break to the Maldives alongside Naomi's children and pal Natasha Poly.

Naomi, who also accessorised with sunglasses, looked happy and relaxed as she sipped on water while chatting to the film producer amid his birthday celebrations

Meanwhile Mohammed, who was in town with the model amid the launch party for a Ritz-Carlton Superyacht, kept things casual in a black T-shirt and colourful shorts

Over the years, fans have frequently called for the pair to get together, commenting on their many Instagram posts of each other, and predicting they would be 'the next IT couple' [pictured together in May 2024]

However, Naomi made steps to clarify their relationship as she took to Instagram on Thursday to share a gushing birthday tribute to the Saudi Arabian producer as he turned 40

Alongside two snaps of the pair, the beauty referred to her pal as her 'chosen family', before noting how much she cherishes their 'friendship and family-ship'

Naomi and Mohammed have been seen to be firm friends for several years and made their first public appearance together in in December 2021 at the Red Sea film festival, linking arms as they arrived together.

At a special birthday event held for Naomi in France in 2023, Mohammed was seen sat right by the birthday girl for the evening.

The Sun reported that the pair have become even closer around the time as Naomi had spent time with Mohammed in the Middle East, claiming they appear to have 'a spark'.

A source told the publication: 'Naomi is very selective with who she spends time with and she has become close to Mohammed.

'They bonded over their love of fashion and art and have a lot of mutual friends. Naomi has been in Dubai with him and she seems to be the happiest she has ever been.

'They spend a lot of time together and there appears to be a spark between them, even if it is just a friendship at this point.'

The speculation was further fuelled after Naomi set tongues wagging over her relationship status as she sported a giant diamond on her ring finger for the third time.

She was seen sporting the sparkling new accessory at former British Vogue editor Edward's 52nd birthday at The Dorchester Hotel's restaurant China Tang in London last year.

However, months later, a friend of Naomi denied any romance, telling the Mail: 'It isn't a romance - all her friends know that he is actually in love with another model and in a settled relationship with them. Naomi is single and focuses on her children and her sobriety.'

The pair have been friends for several years, after Mohammed first shared a snap with the superstar on his Instagram back in 2021

They have been fixtures at each other's sides at many events since, including last year's BAFTA's, Cannes film festival [pictured], Paris Fashion Week in 2022 and 2023 and several exclusive parties, like Edward Enninful s birthday bash.

At a special birthday event held for Naomi in France in 2023, Mohammed was seen sat right by the birthday girl for the evening (pictured)

A friend of Naomi denied any romance, telling the Mail: 'It isn't a romance - all her friends know that he is actually in love with another model and in a settled relationship with them'

The British star was previously engaged to U2 bassist Adam Clayton in 1993, and was then also engaged to Italian businessman Flavio Briatore before they split in 2002.

Naomi was last in a relationship with rapper Skepta in 2018 but enjoyed a fling with One Direction's Liam Payne the following year .

She has also enjoyed high-profile relationships with the likes of Diddy, Robert De Niro, Gerard Butler, Terrence Howard, Mike Tyson and Russian billionaire Vladislav Doronin over the years.

Although she is notoriously private about her love life, the star has previously stated she is 'on good terms' with her exes and is not known to be dating anyone at present.

In a rare interview about her love life in 2021, Naomi said: 'The sacrifice is really finding that soulmate who will understand you.

'Its really like you feel if they look at you as if youre strong . . . Im strong, but Im also sensitive. I know that in relationships I have to compromise.'
Sophia Hutchins final social media post has been revealed after the 29-year-old was tragically killed in horror ATV accident on Wednesday.

Despite her 237,000 Instagram followers, the best friend and manager of Caitlyn Jenner hadn't been active on the platform in over two months after her last post was dated April 28.

Sharing a snap of a broken candelabra, Sophia posted a before and after picture after she managed to glue the shattered ornament back together again.

She wrote in the caption: 'From a headless cherub, missing one leg, arm, and foot, to a healing cherub. You can officially call me surgeon, Dr. Hutchins'.

Fans have now rushed to the comment section after the news of her death to send their condolences.

They penned: 'RIP beautiful. Im so sad.'; 'So tragic honestly.prayers for all the loved ones and friends';

Sophia Hutchins shared a snap of broken candelabra to Instagram in her final social media post prior to the 29-year-old's tragic death in horror ATV accident on Wednesday

Despite her 237,000 Instagram followers, the best friend of Caitlyn Jenner hadn't been active on the platform in over two months after her last post was dated April 28

'May she rest in peace'; 'RIP from the UK  so sad at such a young age with a bright future';

'Gone way too soon may she rest in eternal peace'; 'You are forever loved'; 'This is so tragic. Im so sorry angel'.

Sophia tragically died on Wednesday in a quad bike accident after plunging 350ft down a cliff near the reality star's Malibu home.

Her ATV is believed to have struck the bumper of a moving car and was thrown down a ravine.

It is not yet known if Caitlyn witnessed Sophia's crash or was at home at the time of the tragedy on Wednesday.

Sophia, like Caitlyn, was transgender and cited the father-of-six as the inspiration for coming out in college back in 2016.

In 2017, she moved into Jenner's $3.5million Malibu mansion and began working as the star's manager, taking over the role from Jenner's ex-wife Kris Jenner, 69, after their 2015 divorce.

Sophia was Jenner's confidant for over a decade after the celebrated Olympian, 75, came out as a transgender woman in 2015. Sophia met Caitlyn that year and appeared in multiple episodes of the television documentary series I Am Cait, a spin-off of Keeping Up With The Kardashians.

Sophia posted a before and after picture after she managed to glue the shattered ornament back together again

Fans have now rushed to the comment section after the news of her death to send their condolences

Caitlyn Jenner 's longtime friend Sophia tragically died in a quad bike accident after plunging 350ft down a cliff near the reality star's Malibu home

She was driving an ATV that 'plummeted 350 feet down into a ravine' after hitting a car near Jenner's clifftop Malibu mansion. Jenner's secluded $3.5M home in the canyons (pictured)

Despite living under one roof, Hutchins previously told The New York Times that they 'were never romantically involved', insisting it was all about work and friendship.

'Caitlyn is a parent to me. I have said that a million times. It is a parental, familial relationship,' Sophia said.

In 2020, Sophia posed for an online ad campaign for Kim Kardashian's highly successful clothing line SKIMS.

Sophia was particularly close to Kris Jenner, speaking to her regularly, and she also had a good relationship with Jenners daughters Kendall, 29, and Kylie, 27. The siblings once gave Sophia a stunning heart-shaped diamond necklace for Christmas.

'I'm on good terms with all the family, but I'm closest with Kris, Kim, Kylie and Kendall', Sophia said.

Caitlyn will be heartbroken at Sophia's death today. Sources revealed that after striking the car's bumper, the impact forced the ATV and Hutchins ended up 'plummeting 350ft down into a ravine.'

First responders pronounced Sophia's dead at the scene. The two individuals in the car struck by Hutchins and the ATV were not injured.

DailyMail.com has reached out to representatives for Caitlyn, and the Hutchins and Kardashian family for comment.
Tammy Hembrow has had her past pulled back into the spotlight as images of her being carried out of Kylie Jenner's 21st birthday after a collapse resurfaced.

The fitness influencer, 31, made headlines in 2018 when she was photographed lying face-down in a stretcher outside of the trendy nightspot Delilah in West Hollywood.

Now, the shock moment has gone viral once more after Outspoken the Podcast released episodes detailing the online star's rise to fame.

'I remember when this story broke at the time, there was a lot of speculation as to who this guest was at the party,' co-host Sophie Taeuber said of the incident.

'Tammy was lying face-down on the stretcher, so it led to a big guessing game. I think this made the story even bigger when it was then revealed it was Tammy.'

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Tammy Hembrow, 31, has had her past pulled back into the spotlight as images of her being carried out of Kylie Jenner's 21st birthday resurfaced. Pictured with Matt Zukowski

The influencer, who had struck up a friendship with the Kardashians at the time, has long since addressed the infamous moment.

Tammy told Stellar Magazine last year how the experience, which saw her loaded into the back of an ambulance outside the club, marked rock bottom for her.

'I kept telling myself there is only up from here,' she explained to the publication, adding she had only had 'one or two' drinks when it happened.

'It was a very dark time and I had to shut out the trolls and the hate I was getting.'

Tammy documented the experience in her book Show Up, and said she wanted to be honest with her fans.

'People look at my social media and they think, oh, she's trying to be perfect, but I'm the least perfect person ever. I wanted to show that I'm a real person,' Tammy said.

At the time, the fitness guru cried on camera while addressing the alarming photographs showing her being carried out of the bash face-down on a stretcher.

Reflecting on the incident, which happened two months after she announced her split from Reece Hawkins, Tammy blamed her lack of sleep for her horrifying collapse.

The fitness influencer made headlines in 2018 when she was photographed lying face-down in a stretcher outside of the trendy nightspot Delilah in West Hollywood

'Firstly, I want everyone to know that I'm okay... So yeah, I pretty much collapsed. Honestly, I'm already like super, super embarrassed about it,' Tammy explained.

'I probably, definitely shouldn't have been drinking because of how jet-lagged and exhausted I was, and I already wasn't feeling well.

'So basically what happened was I was in LA I was running off pretty much 30 hours of no sleep.

'I was struggling to stay awake even when I had my hair and makeup done... I could barely keep my eyes open.'

Tammy had joined a whole galaxy of stars invited to Kylie's exclusive 21st birthday bash at the hottest nightclub in West Hollywood at the time.

However, the Kardashian family 'unfollowed' Tammy on Instagram after the incident.

It comes as Tammy has revealed her heart is still 'aching' following her split from husband Matt, 30, as she mended her wounds in New Zealand.

Tammy fled Australia with her three childrenWolf, nine, Saskia, seven, and Posy, threeafter news broke of their separation.

Now, the shock moment has gone viral once more after Outspoken the Podcast released episodes detailing the online star's rise to fame

She spent much of the last week documenting her stay in New Zealand following her split from the former Love Island star.

Matt and Tammy are headed for divorce after just seven months of marriage, with the influencer jetting off to the South Island to recuperate in the wake of their split.

Tammy announced her shock split from Matt last month in an emotional video.

The former reality star also revealed the couple's separation in a sombre Instagram Story, telling fans the decision was not taken lightly.

'It's with a heavy heart I share that Tammy and I have decided to separate,' Matt began.

'Both of us have struggled with making this decision; however, we need to do what is right for ourselves and her three children.

'This wasn't a decision we took lightly. Our time together will always be cherished and never forgotten,' he added, before thanking fans for their support.

'We appreciate everyone's support and space at this time as we navigate the split,' Matt concluded in his emotional post.
Caitlyn Jenner has been flooded with messages of condolences after news broke that her best friend and manager Sophia Hutchins died in a tragic quad bike accident.

Hutchins died aged 29 after she plunged 350ft down a cliff near the reality star's Malibu home, it was revealed Thursday.

It is believed that her ATV struck the bumper of a moving car and was thrown down a ravine. First responders pronounced Hutchins dead at the scene. The two individuals in the car struck by Hutchins and the ATV were not injured.

At the time of writing, it is not yet known if Caitlyn witnessed Hutchins' crash or was at home at the time of the tragedy on Wednesday.

In the hours that have followed the news of Hutchins' shock death, social media users have inundated Caitlyn with condolences.

Commenting underneath a picture of the former Olympian's L'Equipe magazine cover from July 2024, which is pinned to the top of her Instagram profile, one said: 'I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear loved one Sophia.'

'Very, very, very sorry for your loss,' added another.

A third wrote: 'Sorry to hear about Sophia. She was too young to go.'

Caitlyn Jenner's best friend and manager Sophia Hutchins died in a tragic quad bike accident

Hutchins died on Wednesday aged 29 following a horror ATV accident near the reality star's Malibu home (seen in 2020)

Echoing a similar sentiment, another said: 'Deepest condolences to you and all the families of Sophia.'

'My heart is hurting for you right now!' a fifth continued. 'Hugs and prayers.'

Hutchins, like Caitlyn, was transgender and cited her as the inspiration for coming out in college back in 2016.

In 2017, she moved into Jenner's $3.5 million Malibu mansion and began working as the star's manager, taking over the role from Jenner's ex-wife Kris Jenner, 69, after their 2015 divorce.

Hutchins was Jenner's confidant for over a decade after the celebrated Olympian, 75, came out as a transgender woman in 2015.

She met Caitlyn that year and appeared in multiple episodes of the television documentary series I Am Cait, a spin-off of Keeping Up With The Kardashians.

Despite living under one roof, Hutchins previously told The New York Times that they 'were never romantically involved,' insisting it was all about work and friendship.

'Caitlyn is a parent to me. I have said that a million times. It is a parental, familial relationship,' she said.

Social media users have inundated Caitlyn with condolences

In 2020, Hutchins posed for an online ad campaign for Kim Kardashian's highly successful clothing line SKIMS.

She was particularly close to Kris Jenner, speaking to her regularly, and also had a good relationship with Jenner's daughters Kendall, 29, and Kylie, 27.

The siblings once gave Hutchins a stunning heart-shaped diamond necklace for Christmas.

'I'm on good terms with all the family, but I'm closest with Kris, Kim, Kylie and Kendall', she said.

Hutchins' last public appearance with Caitlyn was in 2024 when she accompanied the reality star to the April 2024 White House Correspondents Dinner in Washington, D.C.

Like Caitlyn, Hutchins was a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump and the MAGA movement.

Caitlyn and Hutchins pictured at the 2024 White House Correspondents' Dinner

Like Caitlyn, Hutchins was a vocal supporter of President Trump and the MAGA movement

Last year, Hutchins had the opportunity to meet the billionaire.

At the time, she uploaded a photo of herself beaming beside Trump in front of an American flag with the caption: 'The energy, passion, and commitment for our movement to Save America has never been greater! We will never give up.'

In January of this year, Hutchins uploaded a photo of herself and Jenner celebrating Trump's inauguration with Judge Jeanine Pirro and other MAGA superstars to Instagram.

Hutchins wasn't very active on social media in recent months.

She last posted what would be her final Instagram post in April and showed fans a broken candelabra that had been repaired.
The streets of Cardiff are 'electric' ahead Oasis's opening night with Wonderwall blasting from work vans while superfans are queuing up to purchase bucket hats and T-shirts.

More than 75,000 fans will watch history be made as Noel, 58, and Liam, 52, will appear for the first time on stage together in 16 years at the Welsh capital's Principality Stadium.

Patrick Foley and his 10-year-old son, Alex, who is a self-proclaimed superfan, had travelled from Stroud to be there for the 'monumental' moment.

Alex said: 'I have been a fan for six to seven years, when my dad played a song I just fell in love with them, I'll remember this forever.

'I would rather be here than the Man United Champions league final, it's a once in a lifetime.

'Everyone at school thinks I'm really cool. I woke up at 3am because I couldn't sleep I was so excited to see Liam.

The streets of Cardiff are 'electric' ahead Oasis's opening night with Wonderwall blasting from work vans while superfans are queuing up to purchase bucket hats and T-shirts [pictured: Jarreth, Holly and Sarah from Bridgend, South Wales]

More than 75,000 fans will watch history be made as Noel, 58, and Liam, 52, will appear for the first time on stage together in 16 years at the Welsh capital's Principality Stadium

The atmosphere in Cardiff is 'electric' as thousands of fans descend upon the Welsh capital for the first of Oasis' reunion gigs [Pictured: Richard Ellis, Scott Griffin, Chloe Griffin and David Griffin]

Despite being a longstanding superfan, it is Patrick's first gig and said: 'I wouldn't rather be with anyone else than my son.'

Standing next to his wife Holly, 31, Welsh superfan Jarreth, 33, told MailOnline: 'This is bigger than my wedding day. Well I can't say that, it's the top three. It goes wedding day, birth of our daughter Lila, who is named after the Oasis song, and then today.

Holly added: 'The atmosphere here in Cardiff is electric. There's never been a build up like this before, like this is way bigger than Taylor Swift when she came to Cardiff.

'We said that if Oasis ever got back together we would have to be there.'

The superfan couple spent more than 450 on Oasis merchandise, with two T-shirts and a bucket hat.

Glen, 42, a window cleaner from Essex who charges 1,000 as a part-time professional Liam Gallagher look-a-like, has been inundated with overexcited fans taking selfies.

He told MailOnline: 'I got up this morning with a buzz. I think it's going to take off for the next three or four months, it's going to be massive, it's going to be Supersonic.

'I was here last July watching Noel at Cardiff Castle and you never would have thought a year later we'd be back here watching Oasis in the main stadium.

Patrick Foley and his 10-year-old son, Alex, [both pictured] who is a self-proclaimed superfan, had travelled from Stroud to be there for the 'monumental' moment

Glen, 42, a window cleaner from Essex [pictured] who charges 1,000 as a part-time professional Liam Gallagher look-a-like, has been inundated with overexcited fans taking selfies

'I got up this morning with a buzz. I think it's going to take off for the next three or four months, it's going to be massive, it's going to be Supersonic'

Lifelong fan and mother-of-two from Cardiff, Kate [pictured], 44, wore a pair of shoes she bought 30 years ago when she was 16 for her birthday

'You'd never believe it, it was just getting longer and longer, it was getting to the point but they're in their prime to do it now, they're not too old.

'There's been nothing like Oasis since the nineties so it's nice that the next generation get to see them, it's the perfect time for them.

'This is going to be one of the biggest things that has happened in our lifetimes. This is going to be something that people have never experienced before

'I got to see them in Nebworth in 2000, when I was 17. People genuinely think I'm Liam Gallagher so I've been taking a few selfies.'

He continued: 'I've got Manchester next week, Wembley and then LA. I did my first lookalike event yesterday, I did a photoshoot in the Marstens pub in Cardiff, I've always turned it down.

'But now obviously they're back I have to do it, everyone is loving Oasis at the moment so it's nice to help people get in the spirit, so I'll be busy all summer. They're fun to be fair and it's good I'm going to be gigging around.'

Another fan, Luciana Barba, 44, had spent 1,000 to travel from Argentina to watch Oasis on Friday and Saturday night, admitting she had spent up to 3,000 on merchandise.

'Today is the day,' she told MailOnline.

Mental health workers Hazel, 26, and Neil, 58, were the only ones in their office to get tickets.

Hazel said: 'The Ticketmaster thing is a nightmare. When you think 500 for a ticket, you think I could go on holiday for that like I could have gone and got an Airbnb for a weekend. So a lot of people were hesitant when they got the ticket but we said yes.

'So the people that hesitated didn't get them. The key is to never hesitate about this, it's a once in a lifetime, history is being made, why wouldn't you be here.'

Mental health workers Hazel, 26, and Neil, 58, [pictured] were the only ones in their office to get tickets

Elsewhere, Autumn, 26, surprised her parents Gareth, 52, and Karen, 47, [all pictured] with tickets

Meanwhile, Lifelong fan and mother-of-two from Cardiff, Kate, 44, wore a pair of shoes she bought 30 years ago when she was 16 for her birthday.

She said: 'I never thought as a kid I would be able to wear these shoes and get to see them, it makes me really emotional.'

'My dreams have come true.

'It's just an incredible opportunity. It's a day we always hoped we have but never believed we would. To be part of it is incredible. Especially the first day because who knows what will happen later on, I hope they can hold it together and there will be a second night. But it's historical the first night.

'I'm so happy Cardiff can put on a day like this and the weather has turned up, we're so proud they chose us to start off the tour. They have so many Welsh fans, I said to my son, 'You won't see as many gazelle sambas here ever again in your life'.'

Kate continued: 'Our kids have known Oasis since they were born, the music has always lived on, we know every word to Supersonic the documentary.

'There's a lovely atmosphere in town. People were so excited to know they were coming back, all the ticket hassle seems like such a long time ago last July, I can't believe the day is finally here.

'To mentally prepare, we have been watching all the documentaries, listening to all the old albums, digging out my old trainers. It brings back memories, their music is very present but it brings back so many memories of us growing up. Oasis took us through exams, A-Levels, university and all those memories come flooding back when you hear their songs and it's just going to be magic when they walk on stage.

Oasis fans were all smiles as they posed ahead of the first show in Cardiff

Supporters of the group made the most of the sunshine as they hit the pub before the show

Fans downed drinks and soaked up the 'electric' atmosphere in the lead-up to the concert

'I'm getting emotional now. It's a wonderful day I just hope Cardiff puts on a good a show as the boys do tonight. Well, they're men, but they behave like boys sometimes!'

Jasmine, 18, had travelled seven hours from Newcastle with her school friend Josie, 18, and told MailOnline: 'I always said I won't die until Oasis come back together, I know I have the music taste of a divorced dad.

'I actually couldn't sleep last night. It was like Christmas ever, I was tossing and turning all night. Everyone is dressed like Liam Gallagher. And it's the proper British way of going to Whetherspoons before the show, it's buzzing here.

'I would say we're the youngest people here apart from little kids with their dads. Our parents are here, they are waiting in the pub while we're there.

'They think we're ridiculous, my mum gave me a hug like she's never going to see me again.

'Our friends are really jealous, we were the only ones that managed to get tickets which were so expensive but it was so worth it.

'It's the highlight of our lives, if they fall out after this, we don't care, we've seen them.'

'We've seen Liam Gallagher's son, Gene, live up in Newcastle for 11 and that was really good, it was a small band but it was really good, I got a signed t-shirt and everything.'

Elsewhere, Autumn, 26, surprised her parents Gareth, 52, and Karen, 47, with tickets as she told MailOnline: I didnt actually tell them that I had a presale code so I made them queue up with everyone else, just to torment them and then I surprised them.

'Were all superfans. Oasis is the reason why I moved to Manchester, just to be part of the scene up there. Were from the Welsh valleys originally.'

She added: 'Ive spent over 200 on merchandise but Ive been saving because I knew I wanted to buy things, its once in a lifetime, its not often you get to say you saw their first show back and its electric here, Ive never seen Cardiff with so many people here.

After 15 years, the once warring Gallagher brothers will finally reunite for 41 shows across Europe with Welsh fans queuing all night

Fans were spotted turning up hours before the gig in Cardiff

The band confirmed they would be hitting the stage at 8.15pm after warm up act Richard Ashcroft begins his set at 7:00pm

David Griffin, 56, a postman said of his attendance: We flew back from our holiday in Bosnia to come here. I always promised her that if they ever played again, I would take her. I mean shes had no choice, shes had to listen to it for 21 years.

His daughter, Chloe Griffin, 21, said: Ive grown up hearing it from every corner of my house so to actually be here, I cant believe it.

Their friend Richard Ellis, 55, an aerospace engineer: When we last saw him back in the nineties, Liam had a bit of an old school attitude spitting out larger and that which Im not sure hell have now, hes all clean living. But weve matured a bit since then, we were crowd surfing back then which Im not sure will be happening.

Oasis absolutely love Cardiff, the only time Ive seen the city like this is when Michael Jackson came, but even then it wasnt like that. Today is special, it feels different.

Elsewhere, a group of friends from Paris - Antione Bordeau, Clement Santoro and Alexandre Bordeau - had spent 1,300 each to attend the opening night before leaving the next day.

They paid an extra 90 on the Oasis collaboration with Adidas tracksuit tops.

Clement, 30, said: 'We love the British people here, they have been so nice to us, everyone the bus drivers, the security guards. We love Oasis and we love the Welsh. We are experiencing proper Britain.'
A 7News Queensland presenter has opened up about the 'toughest year' of her life, which saw her relationship break down just weeks after her mother's death.

Chief reporter Katrina Blowers was left 'blindsided' and 'nearly broken' last year when she split from fiance Adam Yates after a three-year relationship.

What made the separation harder was the death of her mother, Elizabeth Barnes, to motor neurone disease just weeks earlier, reported The Courier Mail on Friday.

'It has definitely been the toughest year of my life. It nearly broke me, I'm not going to sugar-coat that,' she told the publication.

'I had to come to terms with the loss of my mother, but also the loss of a future that I had to recalibrate.'

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.

7News Queensland presenter Katrina Blowers has opened up about the 'toughest year' of her life, which saw her relationship with Adam Yates break down after her mother's death

Katrina went on to say facing a relationship breakdown while mourning the loss of her mother 'affected her mental health' in the most 'challenging' way.

The reporter said she was shocked by the split, as she was in the midst of planning her wedding to the former Surfing Queensland CEO, whom she met in 2021.

Katrina said Adam stuck by her side during hospital visits to see her mother, but their romance crumbled following the funeral, less than a year after their engagement.

'There were things I couldn't come back from, and I chose to end the engagement. I was completely shocked; it was really tough,' she said of the break-up.

Now, Katrina has only the remnants of nuptials which never came to fruition, including a wedding dress which she has decided to donate to charity.

Adam popped the question to Katrina in 2023 in an elaborate surprise proposal while on holiday in the Maldives to celebrate his 40th birthday.

The Brisbane-based news anchor was left stunned when Adam got down on one knee beside a pool covered in 'one million' rose petals shipped in from India.

Staff are said to have spent 'the whole day individually peeling the petals off the roses to fill the pool'.

'It has definitely been the toughest year of my life. It nearly broke me, I'm not going to sugar-coat that,' she said. Pictured during their engagement in the Maldives in 2023

Adam also proposed with 'the exact ring' Katrina had dreamed ofan oval-shaped diamond on a thin gold band.

'I'm usually pretty alert to clues and things, but he really got me going. It really surprised me,' Katrina said at the time.

'I was just blown away. It's made me feel, honestly, so, so special and the level of thought and attention to detail that he went to is incredible.'

Katrina was previously married to a man named Tom, with whom she shares children Zahra, 17, and Jed, 14.

The pair divorced in 2019 after a 20-year relationship13 of which were spent in marriage.
Two people have since been arrested in connection with the killing

Remoin Patton, 62, was gunned down after an altercation in Atlanta on June 16

The Outkast member Big Boi suffered a family tragedy when his uncle was shot and killed in a road-rage incident in Atlanta, Georgia.

Remoin Patton, 62, the uncle of the 50-year-old rapper (real name: Antwan Andre Patton), was found dead by officers on June 16, shortly after 5:30 p.m., on the 200 block of Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard NW, according to the Atlanta Police Department.

The department announced Friday that two people have since been arrested in connection with the killing.

Big Boi is responsible for founding one of the most acclaimed hip-hop duos of all time, Outkast, along with Andre 3000 (real name: Andre Lauren Benjamin).

DailyMail.com has contacted Big Boi's representative for comment but hasn't yet heard back.

According to police, Patton had been behind the wheel and was attempting to make a turn when he got into a verbal argument with another vehicle.

The Outkast member Big Boi (L) suffered a family tragedy when his uncle was shot and killed in a road-rage incident in Atlanta, Georgia; pictured with Andre 3000 (R) in 2015 in Atlanta

Remoin Patton, 62, the uncle of the 50-year-old rapper (real name: Antwan Andre Patton), was found dead by officers on June 16, shortly after 5:30 p.m., according to the Atlanta Police Department .

'During the altercation, the victim was shot, causing him to crash his vehicle into a vacant residence,' the APD's press release states.

Patton was later found by officers with a gunshot to the back, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

'The car just turned and crashed into the house. Actually the double windows were right here,' Chris Walker, who was housesitting the property for its landlord, told WSBTV.

'Im like, "What the heck happened to my place that Im staying now?"' Walker continued. 'I never thought it would be this property.'

Footage from the station shows that Patton appears to have hit a support post on the home's covered porch and crashed through a section of its front wall, which was subsequently covered with a tarp.

Police announced Friday that a suspected gunman had been arrested as part of its investigation.

Jabyrion Crumbley, 18, was said to have been joined by his attorney when he turned himself in to police on Wednesday, July 2, at the Fulton County Jail, where he was booked.

Crumbley has been charged with murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

According to police, Patton was driving when he got into a verbal argument with another vehicle. 'During the altercation, the victim was shot, causing him to crash his vehicle into a vacant residence,' the APD's press release states

'The car just turned and crashed into the house. Actually the double windows were right here,' Chris Walker, who was housesitting the property for its landlord, told WSBTV; the house is pictured with a tarp covering where Patton's car crashed into the home

Jabyrion Crumbley(L), 18, was joined by his attorney when he turned himself in to police on July 2 at the Fulton County Jail, where he was booked for murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Police had previously arrested 32-year-old Janisha Crumbley (R) on June 20, during a traffic stop. She was charged with hindering the apprehension of a felon

'Everybody who knows Uncle Moonie heart aches,' Big Boi said in a statement to WSBTV. 'He wasnt just "My" Uncle, he was Unk to all that met him. A moment of rage has in totally pierced the heart of my family forever,' he continued. 'May Uncle Moonies soul rest in peace'

In a tribute post shared the same day on Instagram, he shared numerous photos and video of his uncle Remoin, writing, 'Long Live Uncle Moonie .Miss ya UNC  To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord'

Big Boi and Andre 3000 were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier this year under their Outkast moniker; pictured together in 2004

According to jail records viewed by DailyMail.com, Crumbley remains in jail without bail as of Friday.

Police had previously arrested 32-year-old Janisha Crumbley on June 20, during a traffic stop. She was charged with hindering the apprehension of a felon.

According to jail records, she was booked on June 21 and released on a $30,000 surety bond the following day.

'Everybody who knows Uncle Moonie heart aches,' Big Boi said in a statement to WSBTV on Thursday.

'He wasnt just "My" Uncle, he was Unk to all that met him. A moment of rage has in totally pierced the heart of my family forever,' he continued. 'May Uncle Moonies soul rest in peace.'

In a tribute post shared the same day on Instagram, he shared numerous photos and video of his uncle Remoin, writing, 'Long Live Uncle Moonie .Miss ya UNC  To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.'

Big Boi and Andre 3000 were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier this year under their Outkast moniker.

The group hasn't released an album since 2006, though both have released multiple solo albums in the ensuing years.
A 2018 photo of the late Sophia Hutchins with her friends has resurfaced following her tragic death at age 29.

The picture shows Sophia enjoying a pool day with Caitlyn Jenner, Nats Getty, and Gigi Gorgeous.

'Impromptu pool days are the bestest,' Sophia captioned the post. 'Next time we are coming to your house.'

The snap appears to now have been taken down from her account, but is still visible on Gigi's Instagram. 'Gorgeous sunset tonight,' she captioned the post.

The photo was shared four months after Gigi and Nats became engaged, before tying the knot in Montecito, California in 2019. They announced their divorce earlier this week.

Getty and Gorgeous, who wed at Rosewood Miramar Beach, have both publicly announced they are transgender.

A photo of the late Sophia Hutchins with her friends has resurfaced following her tragic death at age 29

The beauty vlogger Gorgeous came out as a transgender woman in 2013 and legally changed her name to Gigi Loren Lazzarato the following year.

Getty in 2021 said on social media, 'I stand proudly as a trans man. It feels right to finally publicly say my pronouns are he/him.

It's not the only time the four hung out, with the group also taking a snap together at a Saks Fifth Avenue and Vanity Fair event in 2018. Hutchins posted the photo at the time with four crown emojis in the caption.

It was revealed Thursday that Hutchins died aged 29 after she plunged 350ft down a cliff near the reality star's Malibu home.

It is believed that her ATV struck the bumper of a moving car and was thrown down a ravine. First responders pronounced Hutchins dead at the scene. The two individuals in the car struck by Hutchins and the ATV were not injured.

At the time of writing, it is not yet known if Caitlyn witnessed Hutchins' crash or was at home at the time of the tragedy on Wednesday.

In the hours that have followed the news of Hutchins' shock death, social media users have inundated Caitlyn with condolences.

It's not the only time the four hung out, with the group also taking a snap together at a Saks Fifth Avenue and Vanity Fair event in 2018. Hutchins posted the photo at the time with four crown emojis in the caption

The poignant photo was shared four months after Gigi and Nats became engaged. They wed in 2019, but earlier this week announced their divorce; the former couple pictured last year

Commenting underneath a picture of the former Olympian's L'Equipe magazine cover from July 2024, which is pinned to the top of her Instagram profile, one said: 'I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear loved one Sophia.'

'Very, very, very sorry for your loss,' added another.

A third wrote: 'Sorry to hear about Sophia. She was too young to go.'

Echoing a similar sentiment, another said: 'Deepest condolences to you and all the families of Sophia.'

'My heart is hurting for you right now!' a fifth continued. 'Hugs and prayers.'

Hutchins, like Caitlyn, was transgender and cited her as the inspiration for coming out in college back in 2016.

At the time of writing, it is not yet known if Caitlyn witnessed Hutchins' crash or was at home at the time of the tragedy on Wednesday

In 2017, she moved into Jenner's $3.5 million Malibu mansion and began working as the star's manager, taking over the role from Jenner's ex-wife Kris Jenner, 69, after their 2015 divorce.

Hutchins was Jenner's confidant for over a decade after the celebrated Olympian, 75, came out as a transgender woman in 2015.

She met Caitlyn that year and appeared in multiple episodes of the television documentary series I Am Cait, a spin-off of Keeping Up With The Kardashians.

Despite living under one roof, Hutchins previously told The New York Times that they 'were never romantically involved,' insisting it was all about work and friendship.

'Caitlyn is a parent to me. I have said that a million times. It is a parental, familial relationship,' she said.

Hutchins died on Wednesday aged 29 following a horror ATV accident near the reality star's Malibu home (seen in 2020)

In 2020, Hutchins posed for an online ad campaign for Kim Kardashian's highly successful clothing line SKIMS.

She was particularly close to Kris Jenner, speaking to her regularly, and also had a good relationship with Jenner's daughters Kendall, 29, and Kylie, 27.

The siblings once gave Hutchins a stunning heart-shaped diamond necklace for Christmas.

'I'm on good terms with all the family, but I'm closest with Kris, Kim, Kylie and Kendall', she said.

Hutchins' last public appearance with Caitlyn was in 2024 when she accompanied the reality star to the April 2024 White House Correspondents Dinner in Washington, D.C.

Like Caitlyn, Hutchins was a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump and the MAGA movement.

Caitlyn and Hutchins pictured at the 2024 White House Correspondents' Dinner

Last year, Hutchins had the opportunity to meet the billionaire.

At the time, she uploaded a photo of herself beaming beside Trump in front of an American flag with the caption: 'The energy, passion, and commitment for our movement to Save America has never been greater! We will never give up.'

In January of this year, Hutchins uploaded a photo of herself and Jenner celebrating Trump's inauguration with Judge Jeanine Pirro and other MAGA superstars to Instagram.

Hutchins wasn't very active on social media in recent months.

She last posted what would be her final Instagram post in April and showed fans a broken candelabra that had been repaired.
Michael Madsen was found dead in his Malibu home on June 3. He was 67 years old.

Tributes are pouring in from family, friends and the people Madsen worked with in his long and successful career as one of Hollywood's best actors.

Now, Harvey Keitel, 86, is chiming in to share his wishes for his late friend.

'We've lost another great American poet,' Keitel said in a statement to DailyMail.

'Farewell, my dear friend.'

Madsen and Keitel starred in Quentin Tarantino's film Reservoir Dogs as Vic Vega/Mr. Blonde and Larry Dimmick / Mr. White.

Michael Madsen was found dead in his Malibu home on June 3. He was 67 years old

Keitel continued: 'I'll never forget one of the best scenes Ive ever seen on film  of you and Chris Penn fighting in Reservoir Dogs.

'A great love scene. Give Chris a hug for me,' he added.

Chris, Sean Penn's younger brother, died in 2006 at the age of 40. He played Eddie Cabot in Reservoir Dogs.

Madsen went on to star in three more Tarantino films, The Hateful Eight and Kill Bill Vol. 1 and Vol. 2.

The actor played a violent ex-convict who plans to rob a jewelry store with seven other men in Reservoir Dogs.

The role Vic Vega even led to him being typecast.

'I guess its part of the whole bad-boy package,' he told The Hollywood Reporter in 2018.

'But Id rather have a movie like Reservoir Dogs than not have it. There are a lot of actors that are a lot more recognized or famous than me, who get paid a lot more than me who havent done even one film that youd remember.'

Tributes are pouring in from family, friends and the people he worked with Masden in his long and successful career as one of Hollywood/s best actors. Seen here November 1, 2015

Now, Harvey Keitel, 86, is chiming in to share his wishes for his late friend

'We've lost another great American poet,' Keitel said in a statement to The New York Post. 'Farewell, my dear friend

' Madsen and Keitel starred in Quentin Tarantino 's film Reservoir Dogs as Vic Vega/Mr. Blonde and Larry Dimmick / Mr. White. Keitel seen here on June 14, 2016

The legendary actor was found 'unresponsive' at his home in Malibu, California early Thursday morning. His manager said Madsen had died from 'cardiac arrest.'

But Madsen's lawyer Perry Wander hinted that the movie star drank himself to death and blamed the actor's two former wives for making him miserable.

I just spoke to Michael two days ago,' Wander told Daily Mail, admitting that 'I knew he was not well.'

'Michael was suffering from the effects of alcoholism. He had multiple stints in and out of rehab. He struggled to maintain his sobriety. He was not happy about his life.'

Madsen was also facing a crippling legal battle with his estranged wife, which saw the pair fighting over child support and other finances, his lawyer claimed.

'I blame her for putting in the screws over his last years of life,' Wander said, alleging the legal battle, which saw his passport be 'maliciously revoked', impacted his ability to travel and work abroad.

It is too soon to tell if Madsen's alleged alcoholism contributed to his sudden death, but studies by the National Institutes of Health have found that heavy drinking can significantly increase the risk of cardiac arrest.

The star's battle with addiction appears to span back many years.

The legendary actor was found 'unresponsive' at his home in Malibu, California early Thursday morning. His manager said Madsen had died from 'cardiac arrest'

He was axed from a $100,000 role in the movie Confessions of a Serial Killer in 2019 after he crashed crashing his Land Rover into a pole and was subsequently arrested for DUI. He was later sentenced to four days in jail.

In 2012, he was also arrested for DUI after driving erratically but struck a plea deal that involved attending AA meetings in lieu of more severe punishment.

However, after Madsen failed to attend his court ordered Alcoholics Anonymous meetings his probation was revoked.
Brad Pitt is reportedly trying to move forward with his life despite lingering regrets.

The 61-year-old actor  whose home was recently burglarized while he was away promoting his new blockbuster racing drama F1  is still haunted by his 'biggest regret' in the wake of his divorce from Angelina Jolie, a source told Us Weekly on Thursday.

'The divorce is something that had been controlling his life for so many years,' they said. 'He loved her and he knows he made mistakes.'

Among those is his damaged relationship with his children, which the source claimed was unrepairable.

DailyMail.com has contacted Pitt's representative for comment but hasn't yet received a response.

The insider went on to describe Pitt and Jolie's eight-year-long divorce proceedings as 'such a divisive, toxic situation.'

Brad Pitt, 61, is reportedly trying to move forward with his life despite lingering regrets. The actor is still haunted by his 'biggest regret' in the wake of his divorce from Angelina Jolie, a source told Us Weekly on Thursday.

Us Weekly's source said his 'biggest regret is he cant repair [his relationship with his kids],' adding, 'The case is over but there are no winners'; pictured in Tokyo in 2013

The former couple share six children: Maddox, 23; Pax, 21; Zahara, 20; Shiloh, 19; and 16-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne.

Brad and Angelina began dating after shooting the 2005 film Mr. & Mrs. Smith together, and they tied the knot years later in 2014.

But Jolie filed for divorce in 2016, just days after an infamous incident aboard a private jet in which she accused Brad of being physically and verbally abusive toward her and her children while intoxicated.

In the wake of their separation and divorce, Brad's relationship with his children began to suffer

The source indicated that events preceding the split  like the plane altercation  and the subsequent rancorous court battle 'turned the kids against him as well,' though they noted that the Tree Of Life star 'doesnt blame [Jolie] for everything.'

Although Pitt reportedly hopes to save his relationship with his children, a source previously revealed to DailyMail.com why he sees his relationship with his children as 'unfixable.'

Us Weekly's source said his 'biggest regret is he cant repair [his relationship with his kids],' adding, 'The case is over but there are no winners.'

While it was a 'relief' to finally be done with the divorce proceedings, the source added that its 'lasting impact is something hes going to live with forever.'

Brad and Angelina began dating after shooting the 2005 film Mr. & Mrs. Smith together, and they tied the knot years later in 2014, but divorced in 2016. It was finalized eight years later; seen in 2012 in Hollywood

'The divorce is something that had been controlling his life for so many years,' the source said. 'He loved [Jolie] and he knows he made mistakes'; seen on June 17 in NYC

Pitt's strained relationship with his children was epitomized by his daughter Shiloh's petition in court to drop his last name in August 2024. Zahara and Vivienne have also dropped his name in public; Shiloh, Angelina and Zahara pictured in 2019 in Rome

Putting the divorce behind him was also an imperfect consolation, as it has 'been hard for him because he doesnt have a great relationship with his kids.'

Pitt's strained relationship with his children was epitomized by his daughter Shiloh's petition in court to drop his last name in August 2024.

His daughter Zahara has also referred to herself since going to college only by her mother's last name, and his daughter Vivienne used only 'Jolie' for her last name when she was credited in Playbill for her work assisting her mother in producing the Broadway musical The Outsiders.

The oldest two, his adopted sons Maddox and Pax, have been particularly vocal about their distaste for their father.

Pitt still has visitation with his youngest twins as part of his custody agreement with Jolie because they are under 18, but he reportedly rarely sees his adult children.

Despite his damaged relationship with his children, the Oscar winner has reportedly managed to find a new balance thanks to his focus on sobriety, which he turned to after his split from Jolie.

'Ever since he stopped drinking, everything has changed,' the source claimed.

But they also noted that his ex-wife 'is still not in a place where she is going to forgive him or ever will.'

'Ever since he stopped drinking, everything has changed,' the source claimed. But they also noted that his ex-wife 'is still not in a place where she is going to forgive him or ever will'; Jolie is pictured in May in Cannes, France

Since moving on from Jolie, Pitt began dating Ines de Ramon, 32, from whom he has lately been inseparable; pictured June 23 in London

In May, while speaking with GQ, Brad was asked if he and Ines had chosen to make their public debut at the British Grand Prix in July 2024 in order to help promote his upcoming film F1. 'No, dude, its not that calculated,' he responded; seen June 23 in London

Pitt previously admitted that he 'needed rebooting' after his marriage came crashing down, which led him to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

'I was trying anything and everyone, anything anyone threw at me. It was a difficult time,' he said on the June 23 episode of Dax Shepard's Armchair Expert podcast. 'I needed to wake the f*** up in some areas.'

Since moving on from Jolie, Pitt began dating Ines de Ramon, 32, from whom he has lately been inseparable.

In May, while speaking with GQ, Brad was asked if he and Ines had chosen to make their public debut at the British Grand Prix in July 2024 in order to help promote his upcoming film F1.

'No, dude, its not that calculated,' he responded.

'If youre living  oh my God, how exhausting would that be? If youre living with making those kinds of calculations? No, life just evolves. Relationships evolve,' he said, before noting that he had spent most of his public life being scrutinized in the public eye.
Paul Sinha looked smart as he joined his husband Oliver Levy at the Attitude Pride Awards Europe 2025 in London on Friday.

The Chase star, 55, wore a pale blue linen suit which he paired with a floral patterned shirt.

Posing for photos at the Peninsula, he smiled alongside Oliver, who opted for a beige jacket and matching trousers.

The couple, who married in 2019, were joined by Russell Tovey and Luke Evans as the evening got underway.

The event, supported by British Airways, celebrated seven inspirational queer people from the UK and wider Europe.

Russell, 43, best known for his role in the BBC's Being Human, wore a grey linen jacket, cargo trousers and a white shirt.

The Chase's Paul Sinha looks smart in a pale blue suit as he joined husband Oliver Levy at Attitude Pride Awards at the Peninsula on Friday

Paul recently admitted he suffered two heart attacks in the same week but refused to call an ambulance for a 'stupid' reason

Paul recently admitted he suffered two heart attacks in the same week but refused to call an ambulance for a 'stupid' reason.

The comedian told of his ordeal on Good Morning Britain to presenters Susanna Reid, 54, and Ed Balls, 58.

Paul AKA The Sinnerman said on the ITV breakfast news show that the ordeal happened while he was at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2023 to perform a run of shows.

He explained of his set at the Scottish arts festival: 'It was a bit of a wild show.

'It was very much about my life as a gay, disabled son of immigrants but it was quite a political show, and it was a big show.

'I was in a room with 400 people in and it all got on top of me and I had two heart attacks in the same Edinburgh Fringe. Two! Week number one and week number three.

Paul explained the first heart attack happened while he was 'shaking the hand of Levi Roots', who he had been introduced to in a bar.

As he greeted the businessman, known for pitching Reggae Reggae Sauce on Dragons' Den, he felt 'a crushing, tightening chest pain'.

The couple, who married in 2019, were joined by Russell Tovey as the event got underway

Fran Tomas and Luke Evans were also in attendance

India Willoughby made a statement in a bright red dress and silver trainers

Yungblud aka Dominic Harrison cut a dapper figure in a black suit as he proudly held his award from the night

Dame Kelly Holmes was also in attendance and cut a vibrant figure in a yellow wrap-around skirt and a white shirt

Ariana Grande's brother Frankie also put on a bold display in a cut-out ensemble

Tyreece Nye and Samira Mighty looked incredible

Paul recently admitted he suffered two heart attacks in the same week but refused to call an ambulance for a 'stupid' reason

Paul AKA The Sinnerman (pictured on The Chase) said on the ITV breakfast news show that the ordeal happened while he was at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2023 to perform a run of shows

Having previously worked as a GP before entering showbusiness, the quizzer explained: 'As my years of medicine made me remember, it was not like anything I'd ever felt before and I knew it was cardiac.

'But I didn't want to cause a scene so I just walked into a cab.

'I didn't want to call an ambulance because I thought, "I might as well just get into a cab to take me to the nearest hospital as quickly as possible", which is what I did.'

Susanna was incredulous at his calm response - but added this may well have gotten him to A&E more quickly, to which he replied: 'It might well have done, yeah.'

Despite his suspicions it was cardiac arrest, Paul said: 'The first time, they didn't diagnose it properly so they sent me home.

He explained: 'I was in a room with 400 people in and it all got on top of me and I had two heart attacks in the same Edinburgh Fringe'. Pictured: Paul performing in 2013

Paul said the first heart attack happened while he was 'shaking the hand of Levi Roots', who he had been introduced to in a bar

'And it was the second time that they said, "These have been two small heart attacks".'

But he was still determined to return to the stage as quickly as possible: 'I said, "Can I carry on?", and they said, "We're not going to tell you what to do".

'So, I carried on. But looking back on it, that's not the right thing to do.

'I know why I did it - because of the Edinburgh Festival and I didn't want to lose a huge amount of money.'

Paul - now known mainly as a Chaser, putting guests' general knowledge to the test as they pursue a cash prize - was on GMB to mark being in stand-up for 30 years.

Elsewhere in the interview, he said having Parkinson's disease, which he was diagnosed with in 2019, had given him fodder for his shows.

He said of the neurodegenerative disease: 'I do lots of jokes about it. It's as simple as that.

'You deal with the cards you've been dealt, and if you've been given a comedy goldmine, as Parkinson's is, then you deal with it.

'I mean, as far as I'm aware, no other comedians at the Edinburgh Fringe will be talking about their own struggles with neurological degeneration so might as well be me.'

Good Morning Britain is available to watch on weekdays from 6am on ITV1 and to stream on ITVX.
Coupling star Sarah Alexander's former lover Gerald Harper had died aged 96.

The actor was well-known to 60s and 70s TV audiences as the suave star of Hadleigh, and before that Adam Adamant Lives!, an Edwardian gent who finds himself propelled into London in the swinging sixties.

CDM Talent Agency confirmed the sad news in a statement on social media on Friday.

They wrote: 'It is with great sadness that Gerald Harper has recently passed away - he was a valued client before he went to Spain to enjoy his retirement.'

Sarah, 54, was only 25 when she was first spotted dating Gerald Harper, then 68, in 1996.

A passer-by told the Sunday People of Alexander and Harper: 'They were super-glued together! They were all over each other and didn't care who saw them.

Coupling star Sarah Alexander's former lover Gerald Harper had died aged 96

The actor was well-known to 60s and 70s TV audiences as the suave star of Hadleigh (pictured), and before that Adam Adamant Lives!

CDM Talent Agency confirmed the sad news in a statement on social media on Friday. They wrote: 'It is with great sadness that Gerald Harper has recently passed away - he was a valued client before he went to Spain to enjoy his retirement.'

'Funnily enough, the young lady was making a lot of the running and kept grabbing him to French kiss him  it was quite a display.'

When Sarah, whose big TV break would come in Coupling with Jack Davenport in 2000, moved in with Harper in his large Notting Hill house, friends' eyebrows were raised, especially as she is eight years younger than her new boyfriend's daughter, confusingly also named Sarah.

But they refused to allow the generation gap to get in their way. Friends said Harper was 'absolutely bereft' when Sarah left him for Amandaland star Peter Serafinowicz in 2002.

Before his relationship with Sarah, Gerald was married to Carla Rabaiotti, a former Pan American air stewardess.

The pair, who later divorced in 1983, share a son.

Harper was previously married to actress Jane Downs from 1957 until they divorced in 1975. They share a daughter.

At the height of his fame Harper was TV's most eligible bachelor in ITV's Hadleigh, which ran from 1969 to 1976.

He was perfectly cast as urbane English toff James Hadleigh, a wealthy, handsome playboy who lived in a mansion in the West Riding and ran the local newspaper.

Sarah, 54, was only 25 when she was first spotted dating Gerald Harper, then 68, in 1996

Friends said Harper was 'absolutely bereft' when Sarah left him for Amandaland star Peter Serafinowicz (pictured) in 2002

He told the Express in 2006: 'There wasn't that much to watch back then, so we had huge audiences.

'The top brass at Yorkshire Television didn't think Hadleigh would work, though, and placed us very late at night.

'When they realised they were wrong, they apologised. I tore up my contract and said: 'Shall we start again?'

'Not only did I get more money, I was given the loan of a country estate for a year complete with staff. I lived like a lord. It was very glamorous.

'I was a TV star on my own terms and for the best part of 20 years I virtually didn't have a day off.'

Following his TV career, he returned to his main love, the theatre. His classical work includes playing on Broadway with the Old Vic company, playing Iago at the Bristol Old Vic and Benedick at the Chichester Festival Theatre.

Following his TV career, he returned to his main love, the theatre (Pictured performing in Murder by Misadventure' Play in the Vaudeville Theatre, London in 1991)

Tributes poured in for the actor on social media

Age never held Harper back, and when he was approaching his 75th birthday, he flew to the Masai Mara in a light aircraft and rode horseback across Kenya's Masai Mara game park.

On the return leg, the plan crashed through a hedge and ended up on its side.

He recalled: 'I turned to the pilot and said: 'Do not bother with the next venue, my good man. Just get me the hell out of here to Nairobi and civilisation!' Enough was enough.'

A former pupil at Haileybury public school, he originally planned to become a doctor, but caught the acting bug while doing his National Service and won a place at RADA.
Distraught Caitlyn Jenner has broken her silence after best friend Sophia Hutchins' shock death in a quad bike accident on Wednesday.

The former Olympian's confidante and manager was killed after she plunged 350ft down a cliff near the reality star's Malibu home.

The 29-year-old's ATV is believed to have struck the bumper of a moving car and was thrown down a ravine.

Hutchins, like Jenner, was transgender and cited the father-of-six as the inspiration for coming out in college back in 2016.

Hours after the fatal accident, Jenner, 75, looked somber in Malibu on Thursday, marking the first time she had been seen in public since the tragedy - before exclusively telling DailyMail.com she was going through 'tough times' navigating the loss of Hutchins.

The reality star hid her eyes behind dark shades and wore a blue shirt and shorts for the low-key outing.

Distraught Caitlyn Jenner has broken her silence after best friend Sophia Hutchins' shock death in a quad bike accident on Wednesday

The former Olympian's closest friend and manager was killed after she plunged 350ft down a cliff near the reality star's Malibu home. The 29-year-old's ATV is believed to have struck the bumper of a moving car and was thrown down a ravine; seen in 2020

The 29-year-old's ATV is believed to have struck the bumper of a moving car and was thrown down a ravine. Hutchins' blue Polaris ATV is seen lying on top of a rusty vehicle, which also appeared to have gone over the cliff

Putting on a brave face, she was seen waving at photographers before heading back to her $3.5million Malibu mansion.

The star later said 'I dont want to talk' about the tragedy.

In 2017, Hutchins moved into Jenner's home and began working as the star's manager, taking over the role from Jenner's ex-wife Kris Jenner, 69, after their 2015 divorce.

Hutchins was in Jenner's inner circle for over a decade after she came out as a transgender woman in 2015.

Hutchins met Caitlyn that year and appeared in multiple episodes of the television documentary series I Am Cait, a spin-off of Keeping Up With The Kardashians.

Despite living under one roof, Hutchins previously told The New York Times that they 'were never romantically involved', insisting it was all about work and friendship.

'Caitlyn is a parent to me. I have said that a million times. It is a parental, familial relationship,' Sophia said.

In 2020, Sophia posed for an online ad campaign for Kim Kardashian's highly successful clothing line SKIMS.

Sophia was particularly close to Kris Jenner, speaking to her regularly, and Hutchins also had a good relationship with Jenners daughters Kendall, 29, and Kylie, 27. The siblings once gave Sophia a stunning heart-shaped diamond necklace for Christmas.

'I'm on good terms with all the family, but I'm closest with Kris, Kim, Kylie and Kendall', Sophia said.

Jenner, 75, looked somber as she sipped on a coffee in Malibu on Thursday, the day after the fatal accident

The reality star hid her eyes behind dark shades and wore a blue shirt and shorts for the low-key outing

Jenner was seen waving as she grabbed a coffee hours after her tragic loss

The former reality star looked somber as she headed out for the day

She waved as she put on a brave face after Hutchins' death

Jenner exclusively told DailyMail.com she was going through 'tough times' following the death of Hutchins

The star waved as she headed back to her car

Jenner kept a stern face as she stepped out in Malibu near the crash site

Hutchins was driving an ATV that 'plummeted 350 feet down into a ravine' after hitting a car near Jenner's clifftop Malibu mansion. Jenner's secluded $3.5M home in the canyons is seen here in file photo

The site of the fatal accident with skid marks visible is pictured

The terrifying cliff face Hutchins plunged down is pictured

Hutchins  who has worked as Jenner's manager since 2017  was also transgender and was inspired by Caitlyn's transition

Like Jenner, Hutchins was a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump and the MAGA movement. Last year, Hutchins had the opportunity to meet the leader of the free world

Sources revealed that after striking the car's bumper, the impact forced the ATV and Hutchins ended up 'plummeting 350ft down into a ravine.'

First responders pronounced Hutchins dead at the scene. The two individuals in the car struck by Hutchins and the ATV were not injured.

DailyMail.com has reached out to representatives for Jenner, Hutchins and the Kardashian family for comment.

The tragedy comes nine years after Jenner was involved in a fatal car crash while driving on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu.

The collision involved four cars and resulted in the death of Kim Howe, 70.

Jenner was not charged in the crash, but an investigation by the LA County Sheriff's Office determined that Caitlyn was driving too fast.

That opened her up to blame in civil lawsuits, which was later settled out of court.

Hutchins featured heavily in the reality series, I Am Cait.

The series ran for just two seasons but it gave glimpses into Jenner and Hutchins' unorthodox life together.

Despite living under one roof, Hutchins previously told The New York Times that they 'were never romantically involved' with each other  a sentiment that pair have repeated over the years.

'I don't feel a need to address my sex life, quite frankly, unless I want to,' Sophia sternly told the outlet at the time.

Hutchins pictured with Jenner and Jenner's stepdaughter Kim Kardashian in 2020

In 2020, Sophia Hutchins posed for an online ad campaign for Kim Kardashian's highly successful clothing line SKIMS. Sophia was particularly close to Kris Jenner

Hutchins' last public appearance with Jenner was in 2024 when Sophia accompanied her to the April 2024 White House Correspondents Dinner in Washington, D.C.

Like Jenner, Hutchins was a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump and the MAGA movement.

Last year, Hutchins had the opportunity to meet the billionaire.

Sophia uploaded a photo of herself beaming beside Trump in front of an American flag with the caption: 'The energy, passion, and commitment for our movement to Save America has never been greater! We will never give up'

In January of this year, Hutchins uploaded a photo of herself and Jenner celebrating Trump's inauguration with Judge Jeanine Pirro and other MAGA superstars to Instagram.

Jenner re-posted the image to her own Instagram for her 15.2 million followers to see.

Hutchins wasn't very active on social media in recent months.

Sophia last posted what would be her final Instagram post in April and showed fans a broken candelabra that had been repaired.

While not much is known about Hutchins' early life, Sophia was a student at the prestigious Pepperdine University when her and Caitlyn became acquainted.

In 2016, Sophia told her school newspaper that Jenner inspired her to transition that year.

Sophia told the paper that seeing the famous 20/20 special about Jenner's transition from male-to-female 'made it so much more real' for her.

Speaking on her own transition at the time, Hutchins shared: 'I've always had the question of, 'Do I want to transition from male to female?' I never thought a lot about doing it until I got into college because I was able to break away from my family and started to establish my own identity.

'College gave me the time to deal with a lot of issues that had always been there.'

Hutchins' last public appearance with Jenner was in 2024 when Sophia accompanied her to the April 2024 White House Correspondents Dinner in Washington, D.C; (pictured)

In January of this year, Hutchins uploaded a photo of herself and Jenner celebrating Trump's inauguration with Judge Jeanine Pirro and other MAGA superstars to Instagram

Hutchins earned a Bachelor's degree in economics and finance, graduating in 2018, all while working full-time as Jenner's manager.

Sophia explained becoming Caitlyn's manager: 'I saw nobody was managing her, and there were all these people taking massive advantage. And I was saying: 'Caitlyn, if I don't step in here and start managing you, you're going to go broke.''

Along with being Jenner's manager, Hutchins also served as CEO of the Caitlyn Jenner Foundation.

The non-profit organization, established in 2017, is aimed at combatting discrimination against transgender people.

'I feel blessed that we are able to work together,' Hutchins said to PEOPLE in 2021 of her professional relationship with Jenner.

As for her own business ventures, Hutchins was the CEO of the now-defunct spray sunscreen brand LUMASOL, which launched in 2020 and was promoted by Jenner's stepdaughter Kim Kardashian.

Jenner was closely linked to the brand and often appeared in ads on the official LUMASOL Instagram page.

But, just over a year after launch, the company announced that it would be 'shutting down' its website with the goal of revamping the line in 2022.

However, the revamp never happened and, as of 2025, the LUMASOL site and its social media pages remain inactive.

Despite living under one roof, Hutchins previously told The New York Times that they 'were never romantically involved' with each other  a sentiment that pair have repeated over the years

Back in 2019, Hutchins shared rare insight on what it's really like living with Jenner, describing it as 'kind of like living with your parents'; Hutchins seen in 2019

They reportedly were introduced by their hairdresser, and they developed a strong friendship.

Along with being her manager, Hutchins was also Jenner's plus-one at countless A-list events, including the famous Vanity Fair Oscar Party, film festivals and the ESPYS.

The pair also traveled together and enjoyed lavish vacations to Greece and Mexico over the years.

When they weren't hitting red carpets or jet setting around the globe, the roommates enjoyed a quiet life away from LA's hustle and bustle in Malibu, California.

They've spent numerous major holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving together  often documenting their home life on social media.

Because of their tight bond, the duo faced intense dating speculation during their over a decade of friendship.

Back in 2018, Hutchins fueled the flames by previously referring to Jenner as her 'partner' and even admitted that they were 'inseparable'.

'I wouldn't describe it as romantic. I would describe it as we're partners, business partners  I'm the executive director of her foundation,' Hutchins dished on an episode of The Hidden Truth Show podcast.

Hutchins and Caitlyn seen in 2021

The young blonde explained: 'I saw nobody was managing her, and there were all these people taking massive advantage. And I was saying: 'Caitlyn, if I don't step in here and start managing you, you're going to go broke''; pictured in 2018

'We have so much in common and see the world so similarly, and are both such a good match for each other because we challenge each other. We're partners in everything we do, we're inseparable, we're business partners, we live together, we share a dog, we share family, we share a life together,' Sophia said.

However, both Jenner and Hutchins have made a conscious effort to publicly shut down the romance rumors.

In 2021, Hutchins told PEOPLE that there was never an interest in starting a romantic relationship with Caitlyn.

'I don't want controversy. I am just trying to live my life. Caitlyn is a parent to me. I have said that a million times. It is a parental, familial relationship,' Sophia said.

'There's no hanky panky,' Sophia insisted. 'I feel like I've been saying that for the past five years.'

Jenner, who was married three times and known as Bruce Jenner before transitioning, described herself as 'very single' while attending the White House Correspondent Dinner with Hutchins last year.

The 75-year-old told the Sunday Times: 'I'm not even close to looking for a relationship. I'll never have a relationship in the future. I just don't see that in my life. I am not looking for that.'

Hutchins was also believed to be single before her tragic death on Thursday.

The star did previously share rare insight on what it's really like living with Jenner.

'We had to put a lock on my door because Caitlyn decided to barge into my room while I had a friend over,' Sophia confessed on the Juicy Scoop podcast in 2019.

'I feel so blessed and humbled to be a part of such an amazing family and that she treats me like a daughter,' Hutchins gushed about Jenner in 2021

Along with working together and living under one roof, Jenner and Hutchins have traveled around the world as a duo; seen on a past vacation to Greece

Sophia told host Heather McDonald that Jenner 'knew he was there' but still walked into the room and 'kind of saw a lot of things happening.'

'It's kind of like living with your parents and I'm like oh, this might be a turning point where I might need to move out,' Hutchins explained.

Sophia also described her relationship with Jenner as 'parental, familial' in a 2021 interview with PEOPLE.

The entrepreneur went on to remark on being grateful to be connected to the Kardashian-Jenner clan.

'I feel so blessed and humbled to be a part of such an amazing family and that she treats me like a daughter,' Sophia gushed.

Hutchins previously addressed allegations about 'mooching off' Caitlyn during a 2019 appearance on Good Morning Britain.

'Everyone thinks I'm mooching off Caitlyn but I do have my own job and my own career that I have to focus on,' Sophia told viewers during the sit-down.

In the same interview, Hutchins praised Jenner as being 'one of the most selfless people you will ever meet.'

'Caitlyn is one of the most selfless people you will ever meet, she is generous, extraordinarily generous, and extraordinarily thoughtful.'

Hutchins has also spoken highly off Jenner's ex-wife Kris despite their divorce.

During a 2020 appearance on the Behind the Velvet Rope podcast, Hutchins claimed that she would speak to Kris 'all the time.'

Hutchins earned a Bachelor's degree in economics and finance, graduating in 2018, all while working full-time as Jenner's manager

Hutchins previously addressed allegations that she was 'mooching off' Caitlyn during a 2019 appearance on Good Morning Britain . 'Everyone thinks I'm mooching off Caitlyn but I do have my own job and my own career that I have to focus on,' she told viewers

'It's not like we're like girlfriends having drinks all the time, but you know, if there's ever a concern or ever a question or anything I have needed help with Kris would be the first phone call,' the blonde beauty dished.

Sophia added that Kris had given her 'such good advice on how to help with managing Caitlyn' over the years.

While she didn't want to 'speak for Kris,' and she knew Kris and Caitlyn had 'had their issues,' she called them both 'amazing parents' who have 'really put those differences aside for their kids.'

As far as any bad blood between Caitlyn and Kris is concerned, Hutchins claimed: 'I think this misconception is just outdated, you know, I think it's over, there's no feud going on,' adding Kris has helped her a lot this year with 'different projects.'

Hutchins has attended several Kardashian-Jenner family gatherings, including Kim's epic Christmas Eve party in 2018 where she snapped a selfie with Caitlyn and model daughter Kendall Jenner, 29.

In 2020, Hutchins posed for an online ad campaign for Kim's highly successful clothing line SKIMS.

The blonde modeled a sexy nude bodysuit for the at-home shoot, which was posted to Instagram during COVID-19 lockdown.

Kylie and Kendall Jenner previously joined their dad and Hutchins on dinner dates in LA over the years.

A source previously told OK! Magazine that Kylie and Hutchins had really hit it off and that Sophia thinks Kylie is an incredible character whos cool and wise beyond her years, as well as being this awe-inspiring entrepreneur.

Its unclear whether or not Hutchins ever bonded with Jenners other children  Brody, Brandon, Burt or Cassandra  or his other stepchildren  Khloe, Kourtney and Rob Kardashian.

But in 2019, Hutchins claimed to the New York Times to be on good terms wi
Danny Dyer led the celebrities descending on Cardiff's Principality Stadium for the long-awaited first night of Oasis' reunion tour on Friday night.

Tens of thousands of fans have flocked to watch the much-anticipated comeback of one of the most popular bands in British history - 15 years after brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher parted ways after a backstage row.

And former EastEnders star Danny, 47, was seen joining in the hysteria in Cardiff just hours ahead of the concert as he bounded towards the 75,000-seater stadium.

The actor, who has previously spoken of his love for the iconic group, was joined by a pal while sporting a dapper navy jacket, some coordinated slacks and a stylish pair of sunglasses.

A host of celebrities flocked to the Welsh capital on Friday to take in what's been described as a 'monumental' day for British music.

Gavin and Stacey star Rob Brydon was spotted at the show with his wife and two sons. The family were sat next to the BBC presenter Vernon Kay, 51, who was not with his wife Tess Daly.

Danny Dyer was spotted strolling towards the Principality Stadium to see Oasis on Friday evening with the wait for Liam and Noel Gallagher's return finally over

Danny was joined by a friend as he no-doubt joined a host of other celebrities eager to see the band's return tonight

The actor looked dapper for the evening in a navy jacket, some coordinated slacks and a stylish pair of sunglasses

A year after Oasis announced their comeback, the wait for their return is almost over with Liam and Noel taking to the stage shortly after 8pm this evening.

Anticipation has been building in the Welsh capital throughout today, with the atmosphere said to be 'electric' on the streets of Cardiff.

A host of die-hard fans couldn't contain their excitement while speaking to MailOnline hours ahead of the gig.

Patrick Foley and his 10-year-old son, Alex, who is a self-proclaimed superfan, had travelled from Stroud to be there for the 'monumental' moment.

Alex said: 'I have been a fan for six to seven years, when my dad played a song I just fell in love with them, I'll remember this forever.

'I would rather be here than the Man United Champions league final, it's a once in a lifetime.

Despite being a longstanding superfan, it is Patrick's first gig and said: 'I wouldn't rather be with anyone else than my son.'

Standing next to his wife Holly, 31, Welsh superfan Jarreth, 33, told MailOnline: 'This is bigger than my wedding day. Well I can't say that, it's the top three. It goes wedding day, birth of our daughter Lila, who is named after the Oasis song, and then today.

Holly added: 'The atmosphere here in Cardiff is electric. There's never been a build up like this before, like this is way bigger than Taylor Swift when she came to Cardiff.

Gavin and Stacey star Rob Brydon, was spotted at the show with his wife and two sons

The family were sat next to the BBC presenter Vernon Kay , 51

Vernon was noticeably in attendance without his wife Tess Daly

The black-haired presenter sported a black polo shirt for the occasion

He seemed in great spirits ahead of the show as he was pictured joking around with Welshman Rob

More than 75,000 fans will watch history be made as Noel, 58, and Liam, 52, appear for the first time on stage together in 16 years at the Welsh capital's Principality Stadium

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'We said that if Oasis ever got back together we would have to be there.'

The superfan couple spent more than 450 on Oasis merchandise, with two T-shirts and a bucket hat.

Glen, 42, a window cleaner from Essex who charges 1,000 as a part-time professional Liam Gallagher look-a-like, has been inundated with overexcited fans taking selfies.

He told MailOnline: 'I got up this morning with a buzz. I think it's going to take off for the next three or four months, it's going to be massive, it's going to be Supersonic.

'I was here last July watching Noel at Cardiff Castle and you never would have thought a year later we'd be back here watching Oasis in the main stadium.

'Everyone at school thinks I'm really cool. I woke up at 3am because I couldn't sleep I was so excited to see Liam.

'You'd never believe it, it was just getting longer and longer, it was getting to the point but they're in their prime to do it now, they're not too old.

'There's been nothing like Oasis since the nineties so it's nice that the next generation get to see them, it's the perfect time for them.

'This is going to be one of the biggest things that has happened in our lifetimes. This is going to be something that people have never experienced before

'I got to see them in Nebworth in 2000, when I was 17. People genuinely think I'm Liam Gallagher so I've been taking a few selfies.'

The atmosphere was incredible in the stadium as tens of thousands of fans descended on the venue

Support acts Richard Ashcroft and Cast took to the stage before the band's grand entrance

The atmosphere in Cardiff is 'electric' as thousands of fans descend upon the Welsh capital for the first of Oasis' reunion gigs [Pictured: Richard Ellis, Scott Griffin, Chloe Griffin and David Griffin]

Patrick Foley and his 10-year-old son, Alex, [both pictured] who is a self-proclaimed superfan, had travelled from Stroud to be there for the 'monumental' moment

Glen, 42, a window cleaner from Essex [pictured] who charges 1,000 as a part-time professional Liam Gallagher look-a-like, has been inundated with overexcited fans taking selfies

'I got up this morning with a buzz. I think it's going to take off for the next three or four months, it's going to be massive, it's going to be Supersonic'

He continued: 'I've got Manchester next week, Wembley and then LA. I did my first lookalike event yesterday, I did a photoshoot in the Marstens pub in Cardiff, I've always turned it down.

'But now obviously they're back I have to do it, everyone is loving Oasis at the moment so it's nice to help people get in the spirit, so I'll be busy all summer. They're fun to be fair and it's good I'm going to be gigging around.'

Another fan, Luciana Barba, 44, had spent 1,000 to travel from Argentina to watch Oasis on Friday and Saturday night, admitting she had spent up to 3,000 on merchandise.

'Today is the day,' she told MailOnline.

Mental health workers Hazel, 26, and Neil, 58, were the only ones in their office to get tickets.

Hazel said: 'The Ticketmaster thing is a nightmare. When you think 500 for a ticket, you think I could go on holiday for that like I could have gone and got an Airbnb for a weekend. So a lot of people were hesitant when they got the ticket but we said yes.

'So the people that hesitated didn't get them. The key is to never hesitate about this, it's a once in a lifetime, history is being made, why wouldn't you be here.

Meanwhile, Lifelong fan and mother-of-two from Cardiff, Kate, 44, wore a pair of shoes she bought 30 years ago when she was 16 for her birthday.

Mental health workers Hazel, 26, and Neil, 58, [pictured] were the only ones in their office to get tickets

Elsewhere, Autumn, 26, surprised her parents Gareth, 52, and Karen, 47, [all pictured] with tickets

She said: 'I never thought as a kid I would be able to wear these shoes and get to see them, it makes me really emotional.'

'I'm getting emotional now. It's a wonderful day I just hope Cardiff puts on a good a show as the boys do tonight. Well, they're men, but they behave like boys sometimes!'

Jasmine, 18, had travelled seven hours from Newcastle with her school friend Josie, 18, and told MailOnline: 'I always said I won't die until Oasis come back together, I know I have the music taste of a divorced dad.

'I actually couldn't sleep last night. It was like Christmas ever, I was tossing and turning all night. Everyone is dressed like Liam Gallagher. And it's the proper British way of going to Whetherspoons before the show, it's buzzing here.

'I would say we're the youngest people here apart from little kids with their dads. Our parents are here, they are waiting in the pub while we're there.

'They think we're ridiculous, my mum gave me a hug like she's never going to see me again.

'Our friends are really jealous, we were the only ones that managed to get tickets which were so expensive but it was so worth it.

'It's the highlight of our lives, if they fall out after this, we don't care, we've seen them.'

Oasis fans were all smiles as they posed ahead of the first show in Cardiff

Supporters of the group made the most of the sunshine as they hit the pub before the show

'We've seen Liam Gallagher's son, Gene, live up in Newcastle for 11 and that was really good, it was a small band but it was really good, I got a signed t-shirt and everything.'

Elsewhere, Autumn, 26, surprised her parents Gareth, 52, and Karen, 47, with tickets as she told MailOnline: I didnt actually tell them that I had a presale code so I made them queue up with everyone else, just to torment them and then I surprised them.

'Were all superfans. Oasis is the reason why I moved to Manchester, just to be part of the scene up there. Were from the Welsh valleys originally.'

She added: 'Ive spent over 200 on merchandise but Ive been saving because I knew I wanted to buy things, its once in a lifetime, its not often you get to say you saw their first show back and its electric here, Ive never seen Cardiff with so many people here.

'My dreams have come true.

'It's just an incredible opportunity. It's a day we always hoped we have but never believed we would. To be part of it is incredible. Especially the first day because who knows what will happen later on, I hope they can hold it together and there will be a second night. But it's historical the first night.

'I'm so happy Cardiff can put on a day like this and the weather has turned up, we're so proud they chose us to start off the tour. They have so many Welsh fans, I said to my son, 'You won't see as many gazelle sambas here ever again in your life'.'

David Griffin, 56, a postman said of his attendance: We flew back from our holiday in Bosnia to come here. I always promised her that if they ever played again, I would take her. I mean shes had no choice, shes had to listen to it for 21 years.

The band confirmed they would be hitting the stage at 8.15pm after warm up act Richard Ashcroft begins his set at 7:00pm

Fans downed drinks and soaked up the 'electric' atmosphere in the lead-up to the concert

His daughter, Chloe Griffin, 21, said: Ive grown up hearing it from every corner of my house so to actually be here, I cant believe it.

Their friend Richard Ellis, 55, an aerospace engineer: When we last saw him back in the nineties, Liam had a bit of an old school attitude spitting out larger and that which Im not sure hell have now, hes all clean living. But weve matured a bit since then, we were crowd surfing back then which Im not sure will be happening.

Oasis absolutely love Cardiff, the only time Ive seen the city like this is when Michael Jackson came, but even then it wasnt like that. Today is special, it feels different.

Elsewhere, a group of friends from Paris - Antione Bordeau, Clement Santoro and Alexandre Bordeau - had spent 1,300 each to attend the opening night before leaving the next day.

They paid an extra 90 on the Oasis collaboration with Adidas tracksuit tops.

Clement, 30, said: 'We love the British people here, they have been so nice to us, everyone the bus drivers, the security guards. We love Oasis and we love the Welsh. We are experiencing proper Britain.'
Julia Roberts is one of the richest movie stars on the planet, when it comes to her martial life with husband Danny Moder, it seems the pair like to keep things frugal over flashy.

The Academy Award winner, 57, who has a reported net worth of $250 million, opted to celebrate their 23rd anniversary in a surprising and relatable way.

With that amount of money, they could have dined at the most expensive restaurant in the world, Sublimotion in Ibiza, Spain, which offers a 20-course tasting menu priced at $2,380 per person.

Or taken a private jet to anywhere around the world.

But instead, the couple proved that no amount of money can buy happiness as they enjoyed a very simple-looking camping trip together.

Julia Roberts and her husband Danny Moder celebrated their 23rd anniversary in a surprising and relatable way

The Academy Award winner, 57, has a net worth of $250 million and could have decided to jet off to Tahiti to celebrate 23 years of marriage

'You + Me = 23,' the Erin Brockovich star wrote in the caption of her tent photo.

Moder also shared a snap from their outdoor adventure. He captioned his post, '23 years is SILVER..here we are in my engraved SPOON! the fun continues and a happy 4th to all

The couple married in 2002 at the My Best Friend's Wedding actress' 82-acre ranch in Taos, New Mexico, on Independence Day 2002.

They exchanged simple vows with no wedding party or celebrity guests.

The couple share three kids, twins Hazel and Phinnaeus, 20, and Henry, 18.

Julia has always prioritized her family over her career and said that becoming a celebrated actress was a 'dream come true,' but it wasn't her 'only dream come true.

'The life that I've built with my husband,' she told CBS Sunday Morning in 2022.

'The life that we've built with our children. And that's the best stuff, to come home at the end of the day triumphantly to them.'

They could have dined at the most expensive restaurant in the world, Sublimotion in Ibiza, Spain. It offers a 20-course tasting menu priced at $2,380 per person. Seen here July 14, 2024

They say money can't buy happiness but Julia and Danny seem to have that in spades and have no need for the flashy display of wealth that other famous couples partake in

The couple married in 2002 at the My Best Friend's Wedding actress' 82-acre ranch in Taos, New Mexico, on Independence Day 2002

They exchanged simple vows with no wedding party or celebrity guests. Seen here January 1, 2020

The couple share three kids, twins Hazel and Phinnaeus, 20, and Henry, 18

Julia and Danny keep their relationship out of the public eye, but recently she gave partial credit to him for her youthful looks in her late 50s.

'Good genes, leading a life that is fulfilling, and I have said thisand I say it usually as kind of a jokebut I do believe in the love of a good man,' she told British Vogue in January.

'I believe that my husband loves me and cares for me in a way that makes me feel deeply, deeply happy.'

Indeed, the Notting Hill actress said meeting Danny, 56, back in 2001 on the set of The Mexican was divine timing.

'The luckiest aspect of my work life/family life is that the success of my work life came earlier,' Julia explained.

'So by the time I had the success of my family life and had a husband and children who wanted to stay home, I had been working for 18 years. And so I felt that I had the luxury. I didn't have to pick one or the other,' she said.

When asked what the key to their long lasting love is, Julia got a little cheeky in her reply.

'I always say that same thing and I'm sticking with it,' Julia told E! News in 2022. 'It's making out. Lots of making out.'

Julia has always prioritized her family over her career and said that becoming a celebrated actress was a 'dream come true,' but it wasn't her 'only dream come true. Seen here December 4, 2020

'The life that I've built with my husband,' she told CBS Sunday Morning in 2022. 'The life that we've built with our children. And that's the best stuff, to come home at the end of the day triumphantly to them.'

The Leave the World Behind star marked their 21st anniversary two years ago with an Instagram pic of them smooching, captioning it, '#truelove #heckyeah #fromhereonout'

'He's my favorite person on the planet,' Roberts told People in 2020 of her husband. 'I love spending time with him His point of view is really valuable to me.'

She continued: 'Danny is very much a part of [our kids routine] so theres only one little element gone  I like to think Im an important element, she said of being away from her children while filming.

Her love for her husband and family has translated to greater happiness with herself as well.

'I just had my birthday and I dont think I had felt so happy on a birthday in quite a long while,' Roberts said.

'I think part of it is just the happy space that Im lucky enough to occupy in the world, with my family and my friends  and I played Mahjong all day.'
Microsoft applied for as many as 6,000 specialized migrant worker visas leading up to a decision to terminate 9,000 jobs globally, according to new reports.

The global tech giant revealed this week it would cut around 4 percent of its global workforce as it ramps up investments in artificial intelligence.

The move has seen loyal, long term American employees lose their livelihoods and sparked unrest at a time when President Donald Trump is trying to ramp up local production and employment.

But data compiled by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service suggests that in the 2025 fiscal year, Microsoft has already applied for 4,712 H1-B visas.

Anecdotal commentary on X among former staff and insiders actually places this number closer to 6,000 - but the exact figure has not been verified.

Suggestions that Microsoft has applied for thousands of H1-B visas would track with historical applications the company has made.

In the 2024 fiscal year, 9,491 H1-B visa applications were filed, and almost all were approved.

The H1-B visa is for skilled foreign workers, and allows companies to sponsor an individual to move to the US for work.

The global tech giant revealed this week it would cut around 4 percent of its global workforce as it ramps up investments in artificial intelligence. Pictured: CEO Satya Nadella

But the visa is often tied to a specific role at a specific company, meaning an employee's right to live in the United States is tied to their employment and, theoretically, making it less likely that they will quit their jobs.

Once their role is terminated, they often have to leave the United States.

'In some sense, there's nothing strange here,' Steven Camarota, director of research at the Center for Immigration Studies, told Newsweek.

'You have a situation where the advocacy or use of guest worker programs is entirely always disconnected from the actual behavior of businesses.

'The actual data we have never supports the idea that we are terribly short of workers in the way that the business community says.'

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.

Data compiled by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service suggests that in the 2025 fiscal year, Microsoft has already applied for 4,712 H1-B visas

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.

But its use of expert foreign labor is among the highest in the United States, ranking seventh out of the top 10 US corporations.

Amazon ranks first, with 9,200 applications in 2024.

DailyMail.com has reached out to Microsoft regarding its use of the H1-B visa program.

There is no known or confirmed link between the H1-B visas Microsoft is applying for and the global cuts which have been made.

But this has not stopped MAGA supporters from calling for the visas to be stopped while layoffs of local employees are taking place.

Suggestions that Microsoft has applied for thousands of H1-B visas would track with historical applications the company has made Pictured: CEO Satya Nadella)

'This is economic treason. Approving a single H1B right now is a grave betrayal of your fellow citizens,' right-wing X account Pine Baron wrote.

'How is this not economic treason? Every H1B approved now is a slap in the face to hardworking Americans. Stand up for your fellow citizens,' another said.

'Trump should be stopping H1-B until this is under control. Microsoft should not be allowed a visa person for 10 years,' a third wrote.

Amid Trump's efforts to deport illegal immigrants and bring work back to America, the H1-B visa has drawn the ire of MAGA loyalists who believe its existence takes jobs away from hardworking Americans.

Supporters of the visa program, including Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, argued the program attracts high value workers to the United States and even suggested they were in favor of increasing work visa allowances.

But the president's base is still vehemently opposed. Trump himself has not indicated he has any plans to change the H1-B visa scheme, even as he seeks to carry out the largest mass deportation agenda in US history.

'The problem here is, for the most part, the system works well for business, and if it works pretty well for business, well the incentive to change it in ways that would protect American workers is hard,' Camarota said.

'The reality is that the business community is convinced they need the workers and there is tremendous skepticism in the part of the public.

'The end result is political stalemate in terms of reforms.'

Microsoft experienced one of its best ever quarters between January and March, with $26billion in profit. Stock is up nearly 20 percent year-to-date.

The news comes days after Amazon's CEO announced brutal workforce cuts as the company also increases its use of AI.

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.

In an aerial view, the Microsoft headquarters in Redmong, Washington

'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.

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.
Virginia is the latest state to expand its seatbelt laws, now requiring all adults to buckle up on highways  regardless of where theyre sitting in the car.

Before the new rule, only front-seat passengers were required to wear seatbelts.

But as of July 1, drivers can face a $25 fine if they or any adult passengers are caught unbuckled on the highway.

The change aligns Virginia with more than 30 other states that already have backseat seatbelt laws.

New York was the first, passing its version in 1984.

Today, New Hampshire remains the only state without an adult seatbelt mandate.

While Virginia's law is considered secondary enforcement  meaning drivers can't be pulled over solely for not wearing a seatbelt  it reflects growing federal pressure.

The US Department of Transportation has warned that states could lose highway funding if they dont strengthen seatbelt laws.

Virginia drivers will now face a $25 if they or their passengers are driving on highways without seat belts

Virginia's new highway law was passed in March before taking effect on July 1

The measure in Virginia was introduced by Delegate Karen Keys-Gamarra of Fairfax County and passed during the states General Assembly session in March.

It was in response to a grim statistic  35 percent of fatal crashes involve people not wearing seatbelts.

Meanwhile, Michigan, which faced controversy for passing a bill to allow autonomous cars on roads without human drivers, enacted new laws in April to improve child safety.

Those laws require infants up to two years old be in secured rear-facing car seats and use forward-facing car seats between the ages of two and five.

Children will then be required to use belt-positioning booster seats with lap-shoulder belts until they turn eight, the age when kids can ditch them completely.

Drivers who don't comply with these Michigan laws will face a $65 penalty, including a $25 civil fine, court costs, and a $40 justice system assessment.

Besides seatbelt safety, Virginia added 'takeovers' to its reckless driving laws this week, prohibiting things like drag-racing, making cars lose traction, and riding on the hood or roof of vehicles.

Other road rules that have or are set to take effect this year are in Missouri, California, Colorado, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Oregon, and Texas.

More than 30 states have passed seat belt laws to increase the safety of travelers

Vehicles themselves have made travelers fearful due to several recalls initiated this year.

Volkswagen issued recalls on 177,493 crossover SUVs in March due to concerns about potential engine fires.

General Motors recalled nearly 600,000 SUVs a month later due to engine issues in some of its best-selling models.

If that wasn't enough, Hyundai issued a recall weeks later on 620 units after potential fire risks arose.

Over one million vehicles were recalled from manufacturers last month alone, including more than 259,000 Honda SUVs, around 534,775 Ford vehicles, 62,468 GM-manufactured cars, and nearly 1,700 of Jeep's 2023 Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L SUVs.

New driving laws

California Daylighting law: Prohibits drivers from parking their cars within 20 feet of any crosswalk

Stricter street racing penalties Colorado Changes to car seat age and weight requirements

Fines for failing to follow designated enter and exit areas for express lanes

Bans on handheld devices while driving Missouri Bans on handheld devices while driving Illinois Drivers allowed to have a digital copy of their license on their cell phones

Yield right of way to emergency vehicles Kentucky Drivers required to take a vision test to renew licenses Oregon School districts allowed to install cameras on school busses Texas Vehicle safety inspections scrapped Source: The US Sun Advertisement

Who: Drivers, Virginia lawmakers

What: New seatbelt law (all adult passengers in a vehicle to wear seat belts while the vehicle is in motion on a public highway)

When: Took affect July 1

Where: Virginia

Why: Why is this happening

Photo

8 pars - explain more stuff and mention some statistics

Photo

Pars - other seatbelt states
UPS is offering voluntary buyouts to its full-time US drivers following its decision to slash 20,000 jobs and close 73 facilities.

The Atlanta-based company will be providing its laid off employees with various benefits, including pensions and healthcare.

The layoffs are part of UPS's network configuration plan, which also confirms the upcoming closures of over 90 more facilities in the future.

The changes are part of the company's $3.5 billion cost reduction target for 2025, aiming to reach a 12 percent US operational margin by next year.

UPS, which is one of the largest parcel delivery companies in the US, currently has 490,000 employees, around 330,000 of which are represented by the Teamsters union.

The union was the first to announce the buyout, calling it an 'illegal violation' of the national contract in which UPS committed to create 22,500 jobs.

'Our members cannot be bought off and we will not allow them to be sold out. UPS needs to live up to the existing contract. They must honor their commitments,' said Sean O'Brien, general president of the union.

The announcement comes months after UPS decided to halve the number of Amazon deliveries it takes before tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump took effect.

UPS is offering huge buyouts to all 20,000 employees that are being laid off

Sean O'Brien, general president of the Teamsters union, insisted the buyout was an 'illegal violation'

Deliveries for the e-commerce giant make up around 12 percent of UPS's revenue.

The company concluded that its profit margins from Amazon deliveries profit were too small, and it wanted to focus on other markets like healthcare and international deliveries.

'The world has not been faced with such enormous potential impacts to trade in more than 100 years,' said CEO Carol Tome.

Prior to these massive layoffs, UPS axed 12,000 employees and closed 11 facilities last year after its income declined by $1.87 billion due to its 'disappointing year' in 2023.

Those layoffs came less than six months after UPS and Teamsters reached a $30 billion deal with its 340,000 person-union, avoiding a potential strike.

'The actions we are taking to reconfigure our network and reduce cost across our business could not be timelier,' Tome said.

'The macro environment may be uncertain, but with our actions, we will emerge as an even stronger, more nimble UPS.'

The 20,000 UPS employees are not alone in this year's string of mass layoffs.

The Atlanta-based company will be providing its laid off employees with various benefits, including pensions and healthcare

UPS CEO Carol Tome believes the actions being taken to reconfigure its network and cost reduction 'could not be timelier'

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said he plans to reduce the company's corporate workforce over the next few years as AI will make certain roles redundant.

It comes after the company laid off around 18,000 employees in 2023, informing them via email.

Intel joined the job bloodbath last month by laying off 20,000 employees, particularly those who worked in factories.

Microsoft also confirmed it would 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, it said on Wednesday.

Besides iconic tech empires, Walmart is scaring its employees by slashing about 1,500 US jobs months after it laid off hundreds of workers in North Carolina.

DailyMail.com has reached out to UPS for comment about the buyouts.
Nissan is recalling over 480,000 vehicles in the US and Canada due to potential defects that could increase the chance of a crash.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) report submitted last week indicated that approximately 443,899 of recalls were in the US.

The recall covers 2019-2022 Infiniti QX50s, 2021-2024 Nissan Rogues, 2019-2020 Nissan Altimas, and 2022 Infiniti QX55s.

The vehicles impacted carry specific 'VC-Turbo' engines that may have manufacturing defects in their bearings which could result in engine failure.

The NHTSA estimated that around 1.2 percent of the recalled vehicles have the defect.

According to the organization, these bearing failures 'are not typically instantaneous and tend to progress over time.'

Signs of these problems include unusual noises or lights, which signal potential vehicle malfunctions.

Drivers whose vehicles are part of the recall can bring their car to a Nissan or Infiniti dealer for an engine pan inspection.

 Slide me  The 2022 Infiniti QX50 and 2023 Nissan Rogue are some of models included in Nissan's urgent recall

 Slide me  2019-2020 Nissan Altimas and 2022 Infiniti QX55s were named as vehicles in the Nissan recall

Professionals will then repair or replace the engine if necessary.

The engines covered in the recall are 3-cylinder 1.5L and 4-cylinder 2.0L VC-Turbos.

The repairs will be free of charge and ultimately depend on the extent of the engine damage and whether or not professionals discover debris during the inspection.

'For vehicles with the 3-cylinder 1.5L VC-Turbo engine, if no debris is detected during the inspection, dealers will replace the oil pan gasket, engine oil, and reprogram the engine control module,' the report stated.

'For vehicles with the 4-cylinder 2.0L VC-Turbo engine, if no debris is detected, dealers will replace the engine oil.'

The NHTSA confirmed that dealers will be notified of more recall specifics on July 15.

The organization will then notify owners of potentially impacted vehicles on August 25, along with a formal advisement to bring their automobiles to dealers for inspection.

This Nissan recall is one of several that have already been initiated this year.

Nissan or Infiniti dealer will inspect the engines of impacted cars and make repairs free of charge

Honda initiated one of the first recalls for US vehicles this year after 294,612 automobiles had an issue that could cause engines to stall or suffer power loss.

Volkswagen Group issued a recall for 177,000 SUVs amid risks of engine fires in March, and another in April for Audi and Porsche after it was discovered that over 44,000 cars had software issues that could lead to system failures.

Hyundai recalled 620 units of its 2025 Palisade SUVs a month later after defects leading to engine fires were found in the vehicles.

Toyota recalled more than 443,000 trucks a month later after the manufacturers noticed defects that could cause reverse lights to stop working.

Following this string, a few recalls were issued in June, including 62,468 GM vehicles, around 534,755 Ford automobiles, nearly 1,700 2023 Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L SUVs, and an additional 259,033 cars manufactured by Honda.
Gen Z-ers are spilling the tea on why purchasing items with cash helps save money.

The simple money hack that's been sweeping social media for the last couple of years has been intensifying recently as young Americans grapple with rising costs.

Australian influencer Matt Hey has been an advocate for paying with cash and keeping credit cards in wallets.

He revealed in a TikTok video that using cash for recreational purposes makes him have a 'more conscious decision' into what he purchases.

Before learning the trick, he would go over his $100 weekly budget because he did not think about what he was purchasing. Now, he pulls the money out of an ATM and typically has funds leftover to put into his savings.

Another trick is to opt out of tap-to-pay, according to financial planner Nadia Vanderhall.

By going cash-only, anyone celebrating the 4th of July will have a better chance of tracking their payments and eliminating the temptation for impulse buys.

'You decide how much you want to spend for the weekend, pull that amount in cash on Friday, and that's all you allow yourself to use through Sunday,' she told Bustle this week.

Matt Hey revealed that he began saving money after he started making recreational purchases with cash only

Financial planner Nadia Vanderhall revealed that simple money hacks can help shoppers control their spending

Big spenders can try out the trick any time they'd like, all they need is a debit card and a way to withdraw money.

Besides controlling overspending habits, it can also help save money on food or other things, which helps 'create real awareness.'

Before giving it a go, cardholders are advised to check their bank balance, plan out the week ahead, and withdraw enough money to cover fees without going overboard.

'A lot of folks budget their fixed costs, but forget about the spontaneous "I deserve it" spending that tends to happen on the weekend,' Vanderhall explained.

'This approach helps you feel your spending in real time, keep your non-bill budget in check, and make more intentional choices  all without killing your fun.'

Another money trend known as the 'treat yourself tax' can help Americans control spending as it requires matching the cost of impulse buys to a savings deposit.

Americans can also turn to the '1 percent rule' to control over spending, and consider using the 'one-tenth rule' when purchasing a car.

Hundreds of Reddit users have already said that they would choose cash over cards any time they entered a bar.

Paying in cash can help control overspending, according to finance experts

By going cash-only, anyone celebrating the 4th of July will have a better chance of tracking their payments and eliminating the temptation for impulse buys

Tap-to-pay using apps like Apple Pay and Google Pay is a common payment method for Gen Z

'I've never once opened a tab at a bar. It honestly seems like such a weird and unusual thing to do to me, paying every time you go to the bar just makes way more sense,' a Gen Z Reddit member wrote.

'This is why cash is king. Don't need to worry about leaving your card at the bar,' a bargoer responded.

'Packed college town bar/crowded bar mid bar hop? Pay every time,' a commenter admitted.

'In countries that aren't stupid, you pay for every drink as you get it and that's that,' another person wrote.

Others believe cash-only payment methods at bars are 'unreasonable' and make it 'extremely difficult' for bartenders.

'It creates a huge amount of pointless work for servers and bartenders, with the exact same outcome for you,' a Reddit user insisted.

'It's also massively inconsiderate and entitled.'

'This is an a** move on the customer part. You keep it open and close when you leave,' another person wrote regarding bar tabs.
India and Ghana have elevated their ties to the level of comprehensive partnership, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama resolving to expand the bilateral ties in a range of areas, including defence, food security and pharmaceuticals.

In his media statement shortly after the talks with Mahama on Wednesday, Prime Minister Modi said both sides have set a target of doubling the two-way trade in the next five years and that India is not just a partner but a co-traveller in Ghanas development journey.

The delegation-level meeting between the two leaders took place hours after Modi arrived in this capital city of the West African country on the first leg of his five-nation tour.

In a special gesture, the Prime Minister was received at the airport by President Mahama and was accorded a ceremonial welcome. It is the first prime ministerial visit from India to Ghana in three decades.

In their talks, the two leaders resolved to accelerate cooperation in key areas such as defence cooperation, food security and pharmaceuticals, especially vaccines.

Following the Modi-Mahama talks, the two sides inked four pacts that will provide for cooperation in several areas, including culture and traditional medicine.

Today, the president and I have decided to elevate our bilateral partnership to a comprehensive partnership, Modi said, adding, India is not just a partner but a co-traveller in Ghanas journey of nation-building.

In agriculture, it will be our pleasure to lend support towards President Mahamas Feed Ghana programme, Modi said.

Weve discussed cooperation in vaccine production, he noted.

Mahama said Ghana is keen to sign formal agreements with India on defence cooperation, vaccine production and supply of agricultural machinery. Both countries will work to deepen economic and investment relations at a time that Ghana is undergoing economic restructuring due to the debt treatments we are undergoing in the IMF programme, he said.

Prime Minister Modi said both sides were unanimous that terrorism is the enemy of humanity and that it was decided to further strengthen mutual cooperation in countering the menace.

We are unanimous that terrorism is the enemy of humanity. We thank Ghana for its cooperation in our fight against terrorism, he said.

In this context, we have decided to further strengthen mutual cooperation in counter-terrorism, he said.

In the field of defence and security, we will move forward with the mantra of security through solidarity, he added.

India-Ghana cooperation will be enhanced in areas such as training of armed forces, maritime security, defence supply and cyber security, he added.

The prime minister also highlighted the upswing in trade relations between the two countries.

Indian companies have invested nearly two billion dollars in about 900 projects. Today, we have set a target to double our mutual trade in the next five years, he said.

In the field of FinTech, India is ready to share its experience of UPI digital payments with Ghana, he noted.

The prime minister also said that Indian companies will cooperate in the exploration and mining of critical minerals.

At a media briefing, Secretary (Economic Relations) in the External Affairs Ministry Dammu Ravi said President Mahama pitched for cooperation in the areas of agriculture, food security, pharmaceuticals, vaccines and defence.

President Mahama is very clearly interested in creating Ghana a hub for vaccines, and some development has already taken place in collaboration with the Global Vaccine Alliance and in that context, Ravi said.

The senior diplomat said Ghana is also interested in boosting defence cooperation with India.

Here again there are concerns for Ghana in terms of security, terrorism from the northern region, the Sahel region and the piracy in the seas are of concern, he said.

In his remarks, the prime minister said both sides expressed serious concerns over the conflicts in West Asia and Europe and called for finding solutions to the problems through dialogue and diplomacy.

This is not the era of war; problems should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, Modi said.

The two leaders also touched upon issues facing the Global South.

We are both members of the Global South, and are fully committed to its priorities. We thank Ghana for its positive participation in the Voice of Global South Summit, Modi said.

It is a matter of pride for India that the African Union got permanent membership of the G20 under our G20 presidency, he added.

The bilateral relations between India and Ghana, one of the fastest-growing economies in West Africa, are marked by a robust trade and investment partnership.

India is among the top trading partners of Ghana and is the largest destination for Ghanaian exports, driven largely by Indias import of gold.

Ghana is undergoing a major economic restructuring and PM Modi assured the country of all possible assistance in this regard.
India has expressed deep concern over the abduction of three Indian nationals in Mali amid a series of terrorist attacks in various parts of the West African country.

A day after the Indians were abducted, New Delhi on Wednesday called upon the Mali government to take all necessary measures to secure their safe and expeditious release. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed its deep concern regarding the abduction of Indians, employed at the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes.

The incident occurred on July 1, when a group of armed assailants carried out a coordinated attack at the factory premises and forcibly took three Indian nationals as hostages, the MEA said.

There has been no claim of responsibility for the kidnappings.

Al-Qaeda affiliate Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) has claimed responsibility for coordinated attacks across Mali on Tuesday.

The MEA said the Indian embassy in Bamako is in close and constant communication with the relevant authorities, local law enforcement agencies as well as the management of the Diamond Cement Factory.

It said the mission is also in touch with the family members of the abducted Indian nationals.

The government of India unequivocally condemns this deplorable act of violence and calls upon the government of the Republic of Mali to take all necessary measures to secure the safe and expeditious release of the abducted Indian nationals, the MEA said in a statement. Senior officials of the ministry are closely monitoring the evolving situation and remain engaged at various levels to facilitate safe and early release of Indian nationals, it said.

The MEA also advised all Indians currently residing in Mali to exercise utmost caution, remain vigilant and stay in close contact with the embassy in Bamako for regular updates and necessary assistance.

The ministry said it will extend all possible support to Indians and remains committed to ensuring the safe return of the abducted Indian nationals at the earliest.
China used Pakistan as a borrowed knife to cause pain to India and was providing all possible support to its all-weather ally during the four-day conflict between India and Pakistan in May.

Making this assertion here on Friday, Deputy Chief of Army Staff Lt General Rahul R Singh also said India had to contend with three adversaries including Pakistan, China and Turkey during the conflict.

Moreover, China used Pakistan as live lab to test various weapon systems supplied to Islamabad, he said.

In an address at Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Singh also highlighted Chinas ancient military strategy of 36 Stratagems and killing the adversary with a borrowed knife to buttress the point that Beijing extended all possible support to Pakistan to harm India.

India was actually dealing with three adversaries, he said, suggesting that besides Pakistan and China, Turkey was also playing a major role in supplying military hardware to Islamabad.

Addressing a seminar on New Age Military Technologies organised by industry chamber FICCI, Singh suggested that China used its satellites to monitor Indian military deployment as the Pakistan military was getting live inputs on it during the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO)-level phone talks.

The Deputy Chief of Army Staff, who looks after the Indian Armys capability development and sustenance vertical, said Beijings support to Islamabad was not surprising as 81 per cent of the military hardware of the Pakistani armed forces are from China.

He (China) would rather use the neighbour to cause pain (to India) than getting involved in a mudslinging match on the northern border, Singh said.

Pakistan was the front face. We had China providing all possible support. And there was no surprise because, if you look at the statistics in the last five years, 81 per cent of the military hardware that Pakistan is getting is all Chinese, he said. Singh said Turkey also played an important role in providing support to Pakistan.

We saw numerous drones coming and landing in the face of war, during the war, along with the individuals who were there, he said.

The Deputy Chief of Army Staff said the strategic messaging by the Indian leadership was unambiguous, adding that the planning and selection of targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) was based on a lot of data.

On lessons learnt from the conflict, he said The next important lesson is the importance of C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) and civil-military fusion. There is a lot to be done as far as this domain is concerned, he said.

India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terrorist infrastructure in territories controlled by Pakistan in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

The strikes triggered four days of intense clashes that ended with an understanding on stopping the military actions on May 10. New Delhi has been maintaining that Indias fierce counter-attack that day forced Pakistan to plead for ending the hostilities.

The Deputy Chief, meanwhile, said Pakistan received real-time inputs about Indias important vectors from China during Operation Sindoor.

When DGMO-level talks were going on, Pakistan actually was mentioning that we know your... important vector is primed and it is ready for action. I would request you to pull it back. So, they were getting live inputs...from China, Singh said.

Unleashing a fierce attack on China, the general cited the 36 Stratagems, a Chinese essay to illustrate schemes used in war, politics, and others. Calling Beijing the good old victim and citing one of the strategems ?- kill with a borrowed knife - Singh said instead of stepping on the actual field, it used Pakistan against India.

China, of course, the good old victim, kill by a borrowed knife ...He would rather use the neighbour to cause pain than get involved in the mud-slinging match on the Northern Border, the Army general said.

He also mentioned Turkey, which has repeatedly vowed its support for brother Pakistan since the Operation Sindoor. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan weeks after the conflict, in a show of Ankaras resolute support for Islamabad.

Shehbaz thanked Erdogan for his resolute support against India, and the Turkish President stressed the importance of deeper cooperation in areas like intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism.
China used Pakistan to cause pain to India and it was providing all possible support to its all-weather ally during the four-day conflict between Indian and Pakistani militaries in May, Deputy Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Rahul R Singh said on Friday.

In an address at industry chamber FICCI, the senior official said China also used the India-Pakistan conflict like a "live lab" available to test various weapon systems.

Lt Gen. Singh also highlighted China's ancient military strategy of "36 stratagems" and killing the adversary with a "borrowed knife" to buttress the point that Beijing extended all possible support to Pakistan to harm India.

India was actually dealing with three adversaries, he said, suggesting that besides Pakistan and China, Turkiye was also playing a major role in supplying military hardware to Islamabad.

The Deputy Chief of Army Staff, who looks after the Indian Army's capability development and sustenance vertical, said Beijing's support to Islamabad was not surprising as 81 per cent of the military hardware of the Pakistani armed forces are from China.

"He (China) would rather use the neighbour to cause pain (to India) than getting involved in a mudslinging match on the northern border," Lt Gen. Singh said.

"Pakistan was the front face. We had China providing all possible support. And there was no surprise because, if you look at the statistics in the last five years, 81 per cent of the military hardware that Pakistan is getting is all Chinese," he said.

Lt Gen. Singh said Turkiye also played an important role in providing support to Pakistan.

"We saw numerous drones coming and landing in the face of war, during the war, along with the individuals who were there," he said.

The Deputy Chief of Army Staff said the "strategic messaging" by the Indian leadership was unambiguous, adding that the planning and selection of targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) was based on a lot of data.

India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terrorist infrastructure in territories controlled by Pakistan in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

The strikes triggered four days of intense clashes that ended with an understanding on stopping the military actions on May 10.

New Delhi has been maintaining that India's fierce counter-attack that day forced Pakistan to plead for ending the hostilities.
Nabors Industries (NYSE:NBR  Free Report) had its price objective raised by Susquehanna from $29.00 to $32.00 in a research report sent to investors on Tuesday morning,Benzinga reports. They currently have a neutral rating on the oil and gas companys stock.

A number of other research firms also recently commented on NBR. Barclays reaffirmed an underweight rating and set a $28.00 price objective (down previously from $53.00) on shares of Nabors Industries in a research note on Monday, May 19th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price target on shares of Nabors Industries from $38.00 to $25.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, May 28th. Citigroup decreased their price target on shares of Nabors Industries from $50.00 to $38.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, May 13th. Royal Bank Of Canada dropped their price objective on Nabors Industries from $47.00 to $45.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, May 1st. Finally, Morgan Stanley cut their target price on Nabors Industries from $75.00 to $50.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, May 16th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $43.29.

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View Our Latest Research Report on Nabors Industries

Nabors Industries Price Performance

Shares of NYSE NBR opened at $31.16 on Tuesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $489.13 million, a P/E ratio of -1.99 and a beta of 1.52. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.13, a quick ratio of 1.62 and a current ratio of 1.80. Nabors Industries has a one year low of $23.27 and a one year high of $105.96. The companys fifty day moving average is $29.39 and its two-hundred day moving average is $41.19.

Nabors Industries (NYSE:NBR  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, April 29th. The oil and gas company reported ($7.50) EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($2.64) by ($4.86). Nabors Industries had a negative net margin of 3.66% and a negative return on equity of 38.71%. The business had revenue of $742.78 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $706.49 million. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned ($4.54) EPS. Nabors Industriess revenue for the quarter was up .3% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts forecast that Nabors Industries will post -6.22 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Nabors Industries

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in NBR. Inspire Investing LLC lifted its stake in shares of Nabors Industries by 19.3% in the first quarter. Inspire Investing LLC now owns 8,279 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $345,000 after acquiring an additional 1,337 shares in the last quarter. Invst LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Nabors Industries during the first quarter worth approximately $721,000. Strs Ohio acquired a new stake in shares of Nabors Industries during the first quarter worth approximately $259,000. Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd increased its stake in shares of Nabors Industries by 11.5% in the first quarter. Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd now owns 5,540 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $231,000 after buying an additional 570 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Petrus Trust Company LTA acquired a new stake in Nabors Industries in the first quarter valued at $461,000. 81.92% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Nabors Industries Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Nabors Industries Ltd. provides drilling and drilling-related services for land-based and offshore oil and natural gas wells in the United States and internationally. The company operates through four segments: U.S. Drilling, International Drilling, Drilling Solutions, and Rig Technologies. It provides tubular running services, including casing and tubing running, and torque monitoring; managed pressure drilling services; and drilling-bit steering systems and rig instrumentation software.

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Avantax Planning Partners Inc. boosted its stake in Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE  Free Report) by 4.9% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 259,725 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after acquiring an additional 12,118 shares during the period. Avantax Planning Partners Inc.s holdings in Pfizer were worth $6,581,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of PFE. Bessemer Group Inc. increased its holdings in Pfizer by 11.1% during the 1st quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 132,478 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $3,358,000 after acquiring an additional 13,228 shares in the last quarter. CHURCHILL MANAGEMENT Corp purchased a new position in shares of Pfizer in the 1st quarter worth $8,283,000. Alta Advisers Ltd lifted its stake in shares of Pfizer by 69.6% in the 1st quarter. Alta Advisers Ltd now owns 31,912 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $809,000 after purchasing an additional 13,100 shares in the last quarter. WCM Investment Management LLC grew its stake in Pfizer by 8.7% during the first quarter. WCM Investment Management LLC now owns 125,964 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $3,176,000 after buying an additional 10,051 shares during the period. Finally, Sage Mountain Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Pfizer by 7.3% in the 4th quarter. Sage Mountain Advisors LLC now owns 20,587 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $546,000 after purchasing an additional 1,404 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.36% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Berenberg Bank lowered their price target on shares of Pfizer from $28.00 to $25.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Thursday, May 29th. Wolfe Research increased their price target on Pfizer from $22.00 to $23.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 30th. BMO Capital Markets decreased their price objective on Pfizer from $36.00 to $30.00 in a report on Thursday, April 17th. Leerink Partners dropped their target price on Pfizer from $28.00 to $26.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, April 30th. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald began coverage on shares of Pfizer in a research report on Tuesday, April 22nd. They set a neutral rating and a $24.00 price objective for the company. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have issued a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and three have given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Pfizer presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $28.55.

Pfizer Price Performance

Shares of Pfizer stock opened at $25.45 on Friday. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $23.67 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $24.84. Pfizer Inc. has a twelve month low of $20.92 and a twelve month high of $31.54. The stock has a market capitalization of $144.66 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.44, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.92 and a beta of 0.58. The company has a quick ratio of 0.96, a current ratio of 1.26 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64.

Pfizer (NYSE:PFE  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, April 29th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.92 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.67 by $0.25. The business had revenue of $13.72 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $14.43 billion. Pfizer had a return on equity of 20.33% and a net margin of 12.62%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 7.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.82 earnings per share. Analysts forecast that Pfizer Inc. will post 2.95 EPS for the current year.

Pfizer Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 2nd. Stockholders of record on Friday, July 25th will be given a $0.43 dividend. This represents a $1.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.76%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, July 25th. Pfizers payout ratio is presently 124.64%.

Pfizer Profile

(Free Report)

Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products in the United States, Europe, and internationally. The company offers medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular metabolic, migraine, and women's health under the Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, Zavzpret, and the Premarin family brands; infectious diseases with unmet medical needs under the Prevnar family, Abrysvo, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, and Trumenba brands; and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products under the Comirnaty and Paxlovid brands.

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Aviance Capital Partners LLC increased its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report) by 1.1% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 23,213 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after acquiring an additional 262 shares during the period. Aviance Capital Partners LLCs holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $3,079,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Moody Aldrich Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories during the first quarter worth $354,000. Aurora Private Wealth Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories during the first quarter worth $10,511,000. Davidson Trust Co. raised its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 34.0% during the first quarter. Davidson Trust Co. now owns 51,801 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $6,871,000 after acquiring an additional 13,140 shares during the period. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC grew its position in Abbott Laboratories by 2.4% in the first quarter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC now owns 16,271 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $2,158,000 after purchasing an additional 388 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Castle Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in Abbott Laboratories in the first quarter valued at $202,000. 75.18% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insider Activity at Abbott Laboratories

In other Abbott Laboratories news, Director Sally E. Blount sold 2,600 shares of Abbott Laboratories stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, April 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $129.66, for a total value of $337,116.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 34,058 shares in the company, valued at $4,415,960.28. The trade was a 7.09% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.46% of the companys stock.

Abbott Laboratories Stock Performance

Shares of ABT opened at $133.70 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $232.61 billion, a PE ratio of 17.34, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.55 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 firm has a 50-day moving average of $133.20 and a 200-day moving average of $128.16. Abbott Laboratories has a one year low of $99.71 and a one year high of $141.23.

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, April 16th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.09 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.07 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $10.36 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.38 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 31.89% and a return on equity of 19.01%. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.14 earnings per share for the current year.

Abbott Laboratories Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 15th. Investors of record on Tuesday, July 15th will be issued a dividend of $0.59 per share. This represents a $2.36 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.77%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, July 15th. Abbott Laboratoriess payout ratio is 30.61%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research firms recently weighed in on ABT. Jefferies Financial Group raised their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $135.00 to $137.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, April 17th. Leerink Partners began coverage on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research report on Monday, June 16th. They issued a market perform rating and a $143.00 target price for the company. Piper Sandler reaffirmed an overweight rating and issued a $145.00 target price (up previously from $133.00) on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research report on Thursday, April 17th. Royal Bank Of Canada raised their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $140.00 to $145.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, April 17th. Finally, Leerink Partnrs raised shares of Abbott Laboratories to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, June 16th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fifteen have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $142.61.

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About Abbott Laboratories

(Free Report)

Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The company provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Menieres disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon.

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GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE  Get Free Report) and Boeing (NYSE:BA  Get Free Report) are both large-cap aerospace companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, risk, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, profitability, valuation and earnings.

Volatility & Risk

GE Aerospace has a beta of 1.37, suggesting that its share price is 37% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Boeing has a beta of 1.41, suggesting that its share price is 41% more volatile than the S&P 500.

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Insider & Institutional Ownership

74.8% of GE Aerospace shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 64.8% of Boeing shares are held by institutional investors. 0.2% of GE Aerospace shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 0.1% of Boeing shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Profitability

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets GE Aerospace 17.63% 29.15% 4.51% Boeing -16.58% N/A -8.57%

Earnings and Valuation

This table compares GE Aerospace and Boeings net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

This table compares GE Aerospace and Boeings top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio GE Aerospace $38.70 billion 6.80 $6.56 billion $6.43 38.38 Boeing $66.52 billion 2.45 -$11.82 billion ($17.92) -12.04

GE Aerospace has higher earnings, but lower revenue than Boeing. Boeing is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than GE Aerospace, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of current recommendations for GE Aerospace and Boeing, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score GE Aerospace 0 1 10 0 2.91 Boeing 3 3 17 2 2.72

GE Aerospace currently has a consensus target price of $223.75, indicating a potential downside of 9.33%. Boeing has a consensus target price of $215.77, indicating a potential upside of 0.01%. Given Boeings higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Boeing is more favorable than GE Aerospace.

Summary

GE Aerospace beats Boeing on 10 of the 15 factors compared between the two stocks.

About GE Aerospace

(Get Free Report)

GE Aerospace (also known as General Electric) is a company that specializes in providing aerospace products and services. It operates through two reportable segments: Commercial Engines and Services and Defense and Propulsion Technologies. It offers jet and turboprop engines, as well as integrated systems for commercial, military, business, and general aviation aircraft. GE demerged into GE Vernova, GE Aerospace, and GE Healthcare.

About Boeing

(Get Free Report)

The Boeing Company, together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, sells, services, and supports commercial jetliners, military aircraft, satellites, missile defense, human space flight and launch systems, and services worldwide. The company operates through Commercial Airplanes; Defense, Space & Security; and Global Services segments. The Commercial Airplanes segment develops, produces, and markets commercial jet aircraft for passenger and cargo requirements, as well as provides fleet support services. The Defense, Space & Security segment engages in the research, development, production, and modification of manned and unmanned military aircraft and weapons systems; strategic defense and intelligence systems, which include strategic missile and defense systems, command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, cyber and information solutions, and intelligence systems; and satellite systems, such as government and commercial satellites, and space exploration. The Global Services segment offers products and services, including supply chain and logistics management, engineering, maintenance and modifications, upgrades and conversions, spare parts, pilot and maintenance training systems and services, technical and maintenance documents, and data analytics and digital services to commercial and defense customers. The Boeing Company was incorporated in 1916 and is based in Arlington, Virginia.

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Calamos Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Williams Companies, Inc. (The) (NYSE:WMB  Free Report) by 27.7% in the first quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 510,913 shares of the pipeline companys stock after acquiring an additional 110,831 shares during the period. Calamos Advisors LLCs holdings in Williams Companies were worth $30,532,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Company Ltd increased its stake in Williams Companies by 1.2% in the first quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Company Ltd now owns 577,123 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $34,489,000 after acquiring an additional 6,816 shares during the period. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC boosted its holdings in Williams Companies by 27.5% during the first quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC now owns 402,967 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $24,081,000 after purchasing an additional 87,031 shares in the last quarter. Kessler Investment Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of Williams Companies in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $327,000. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of Williams Companies by 14.0% in the 1st quarter. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. now owns 85,839 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $5,130,000 after purchasing an additional 10,561 shares during the period. Finally, Cerity Partners LLC raised its holdings in shares of Williams Companies by 4.3% in the 4th quarter. Cerity Partners LLC now owns 183,317 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $9,224,000 after buying an additional 7,618 shares in the last quarter. 86.44% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several brokerages recently commented on WMB. Scotiabank boosted their price target on Williams Companies from $52.00 to $59.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Thursday, June 5th. Wolfe Research raised Williams Companies from an underperform rating to a peer perform rating in a report on Friday, June 13th. Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on shares of Williams Companies from $58.00 to $70.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, March 25th. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $63.00 target price on shares of Williams Companies in a research report on Friday, May 16th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on shares of Williams Companies from $64.00 to $67.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, May 28th. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Williams Companies has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $61.25.

Insider Buying and Selling at Williams Companies

In other Williams Companies news, SVP Terrance Lane Wilson sold 2,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $62.70, for a total value of $125,400.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president directly owned 315,645 shares in the company, valued at approximately $19,790,941.50. This trade represents a 0.63% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. 0.44% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Williams Companies Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:WMB opened at $58.47 on Friday. The business has a fifty day moving average of $59.52 and a 200-day moving average of $57.76. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.63, a quick ratio of 0.36 and a current ratio of 0.40. Williams Companies, Inc. has a twelve month low of $40.41 and a twelve month high of $63.45. The firm has a market cap of $71.29 billion, a PE ratio of 31.26, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.37 and a beta of 0.65.

Williams Companies (NYSE:WMB  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, May 5th. The pipeline company reported $0.60 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.55 by $0.05. Williams Companies had a net margin of 21.18% and a return on equity of 15.95%. The firm had revenue of $3.05 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.90 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.59 EPS. The companys revenue was up 10.0% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts predict that Williams Companies, Inc. will post 2.08 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Williams Companies Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, June 30th. Stockholders of record on Friday, June 13th were paid a dividend of $0.50 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, June 13th. This represents a $2.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.42%. Williams Companiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 106.95%.

About Williams Companies

(Free Report)

The Williams Companies, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an energy infrastructure company primarily in the United States. It operates through Transmission & Gulf of Mexico, Northeast G&P, West, and Gas & NGL Marketing Services segments. The Transmission & Gulf of Mexico segment comprises natural gas pipelines; Transco, Northwest pipeline, MountainWest, and related natural gas storage facilities; and natural gas gathering and processing, and crude oil production handling and transportation assets in the Gulf Coast region.

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Profitability

This table compares Murata Manufacturing and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Murata Manufacturing 13.41% 9.07% 7.76% Murata Manufacturing Competitors -3,597.93% -24.73% -12.19%

Dividends

Murata Manufacturing pays an annual dividend of $0.14 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.9%. Murata Manufacturing pays out 34.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, MACH  ELECTRICAL companies pay a dividend yield of 0.9% and pay out 23.4% of their earnings in the form of a dividend.

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Volatility and Risk

Murata Manufacturing has a beta of 0.86, meaning that its share price is 14% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Murata Manufacturings rivals have a beta of 1.32, meaning that their average share price is 32% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Earnings & Valuation

Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Murata Manufacturing $11.45 billion $1.54 billion 18.23 Murata Manufacturing Competitors $7.71 billion $701.94 million 19.96

This table compares Murata Manufacturing and its rivals top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Murata Manufacturing has higher revenue and earnings than its rivals. Murata Manufacturing 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.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

0.8% of Murata Manufacturing shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 59.8% of shares of all MACH  ELECTRICAL companies are held by institutional investors. 3.7% of shares of all MACH  ELECTRICAL companies are held by 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

Murata Manufacturing beats its rivals on 6 of the 11 factors compared.

Murata Manufacturing Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. designs, manufactures, and sells ceramic-based passive electronic components and solutions in Japan and internationally. The company offers capacitors, inductors, noise suppression products/EMI suppression filters/ESD protection devices, resistors, thermistors, sensors, timing devices, quartz devices, sound components, power products, batteries, micro mechatronics, RFID product, baluns, couplers, filters, phase shifters, RF switches, front-end modules, SAW components, connectors, antennas, connectivity modules, wireless connectivity platforms, ionizers/active oxygen modules, and transformers. It also offers Femtet, a CAE software that solves various engineering challenges; and provides silver oxide battery. In addition, the company provides connectivity, Wifi sensing, IOT, AI, and RFID solutions. Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. offers its products for use in communications equipment, mobility, enterprise system, industrial, healthcare, medical, personal electronics applications, and other sectors. The company was founded in 1944 and is headquartered in Nagaokakyo, Japan.

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North Capital Inc. acquired a new position in Stryker Corporation (NYSE:SYK  Free Report) during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund acquired 163 shares of the medical technology companys stock, valued at approximately $61,000.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Elefante Mark B purchased a new stake in Stryker during the 4th quarter worth approximately $337,000. Mogy Joel R Investment Counsel Inc. grew its position in Stryker by 3.4% during the 1st quarter. Mogy Joel R Investment Counsel Inc. now owns 98,216 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $36,561,000 after purchasing an additional 3,218 shares during the last quarter. Ferguson Wellman Capital Management Inc. grew its position in Stryker by 1.9% during the 1st quarter. Ferguson Wellman Capital Management Inc. now owns 174,871 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $65,096,000 after purchasing an additional 3,341 shares during the last quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in Stryker during the 1st quarter worth approximately $1,840,000. Finally, Fred Alger Management LLC grew its position in Stryker by 415.8% during the 4th quarter. Fred Alger Management LLC now owns 24,011 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $8,664,000 after purchasing an additional 19,356 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 77.09% of the companys stock.

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Stryker Stock Performance

NYSE:SYK opened at $392.00 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69, a quick ratio of 1.00 and a current ratio of 1.64. The company has a fifty day moving average of $382.39 and a two-hundred day moving average of $375.99. The stock has a market capitalization of $149.62 billion, a PE ratio of 52.97, a P/E/G ratio of 2.95 and a beta of 0.91. Stryker Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $314.93 and a fifty-two week high of $406.19.

Stryker Announces Dividend

Stryker ( NYSE:SYK Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 1st. The medical technology company reported $2.84 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.73 by $0.11. The company had revenue of $5.87 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.68 billion. Stryker had a net margin of 12.31% and a return on equity of 23.74%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 11.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $2.50 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts forecast that Stryker Corporation will post 13.47 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, July 31st. Stockholders of record on Monday, June 30th will be paid a $0.84 dividend. This represents a $3.36 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.86%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, June 30th. Strykers dividend payout ratio is currently 45.41%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several analysts have weighed in on the stock. Needham & Company LLC reissued a buy rating and set a $442.00 target price on shares of Stryker in a research report on Friday, March 21st. Roth Mkm raised their target price on shares of Stryker from $405.00 to $456.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, May 2nd. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Stryker from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, June 27th. Citigroup reissued a buy rating and set a $455.00 target price (up previously from $443.00) on shares of Stryker in a report on Thursday, May 22nd. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein set a $450.00 target price on shares of Stryker in a report on Monday, May 5th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fifteen have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Stryker has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $427.30.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Stryker

Insider Buying and Selling at Stryker

In other news, Director Ronda E. Stryker sold 200,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $376.96, for a total value of $75,392,000.00. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 3,417,326 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,288,195,208.96. This trade represents a 5.53% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Corporate insiders own 5.90% of the companys stock.

Stryker Company Profile

(Free Report)

Stryker Corporation operates as a medical technology company. The company operates through two segments, MedSurg and Neurotechnology, and Orthopaedics and Spine. The Orthopaedics and Spine segment provides implants for use in total joint replacements, such as hip, knee and shoulder, and trauma and extremities surgeries.

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Shares of Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. (NYSE:PAA  Get Free Report) have been assigned an average recommendation of Hold from the twelve brokerages that are currently covering the firm, MarketBeat.com reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, six have given a hold recommendation, four have given a buy recommendation and one has given a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average twelve-month price objective among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $20.36.

A number of analysts have issued reports on PAA shares. Wall Street Zen raised Plains All American Pipeline from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 20th. Barclays reissued an underweight rating and issued a $18.00 price target on shares of Plains All American Pipeline in a research note on Friday, May 9th. Raymond James Financial reaffirmed a strong-buy rating on shares of Plains All American Pipeline in a research note on Friday, May 9th. Wells Fargo & Company lowered Plains All American Pipeline from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, May 9th. Finally, Scotiabank reduced their price objective on Plains All American Pipeline from $20.00 to $19.00 and set a sector outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, June 5th.

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View Our Latest Stock Analysis on PAA

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Plains All American Pipeline

Plains All American Pipeline Stock Up 0.2%

Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of PAA. Ieq Capital LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Plains All American Pipeline during the 4th quarter valued at about $221,000. IFP Advisors Inc increased its holdings in Plains All American Pipeline by 63.1% during the 4th quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 11,911 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $203,000 after purchasing an additional 4,606 shares during the last quarter. Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. raised its position in shares of Plains All American Pipeline by 2.0% in the 4th quarter. Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. now owns 53,443 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $913,000 after purchasing an additional 1,048 shares in the last quarter. US Bancorp DE raised its position in shares of Plains All American Pipeline by 0.8% in the 4th quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 126,392 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $2,159,000 after purchasing an additional 1,003 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Jones Financial Companies Lllp raised its position in shares of Plains All American Pipeline by 1,684.0% in the 4th quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 3,568 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $61,000 after purchasing an additional 3,368 shares in the last quarter. 41.78% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Shares of NYSE:PAA opened at $18.43 on Friday. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $17.43 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $18.42. The company has a current ratio of 1.01, a quick ratio of 0.92 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64. Plains All American Pipeline has a 12-month low of $15.58 and a 12-month high of $21.00. The firm has a market cap of $12.96 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.25 and a beta of 0.68.

Plains All American Pipeline (NYSE:PAA  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, May 9th. The pipeline company reported $0.39 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.45 by ($0.06). Plains All American Pipeline had a return on equity of 11.69% and a net margin of 1.54%. During the same period last year, the business earned $0.41 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up .1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts forecast that Plains All American Pipeline will post 1.52 EPS for the current year.

Plains All American Pipeline Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, August 14th. Investors of record on Thursday, July 31st will be issued a dividend of $0.38 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 31st. This represents a $1.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 8.25%. Plains All American Pipelines payout ratio is currently 163.44%.

Plains All American Pipeline Company Profile

(Get Free Report

Plains All American Pipeline, L.P., through its subsidiaries, engages in the pipeline transportation, terminaling, storage, and gathering of crude oil and natural gas liquids (NGL) in the United States and Canada. The company operates through two segments, Crude Oil and NGL. The Crude Oil segment offers gathering and transporting crude oil through pipelines, gathering systems, trucks, and on barges or railcars.

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The Chinese Communist Party is upping its live organ harvesting operation to industrial levels, which is now a billion-dollar industry. Forced organ harvesting is so lucrative in China, that the Xinjiang Health Commission, a branch of Chinas national health authority, plans to build six new medical centres by 2030, bringing the total in the region to nine  more than any other province in the country.

With a vast supply of detained Uyghur people, the organ harvesting industry is a method of genocide that is very profitable to the CCP regime. For fresh organs, the harvesting occurs without anaesthetic on live prisoners to maximise the quality of the extracted organs.

The CCP also utilises execution vans that travel from village to village where peoples organs are processed. The multi-billion dollar industry services the global need for organs, and such is the demand that sales are conducted by auction, often to the highest bidder.

If organs are not extracted from live human subjects, they are downgraded in value, therefore it is important to remove vital organs from people that are still alive and conscious.
Chinese FM calls for peace talks to solve Ukraine crisis

Xinhua) 13:15, July 04, 2025

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul jointly meet the press in Berlin, Germany, July 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

BERLIN, July 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that China has consistently advocated for peace talks to solve the Ukraine crisis and welcomes the efforts of all parties to reach a comprehensive, lasting, and binding peace agreement.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks at a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Berlin.

Wang said China's position on the Ukraine crisis has been open and consistent, which includes to insist on peace talks, not to provide lethal weapons to the parties in the conflict, and to control the export of (civilian/military) dual-use items, including drones strictly.

China has not only fulfilled its international responsibilities, but also initiated the "Friends of Peace" group with Brazil and other Global South countries at the United Nations, mobilizing greater efforts for ceasefire and ending the conflict, Wang said, adding that China's objective and fair position has been widely recognized by the international community.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has repeatedly indicated that there is no simple solution to complex problems, Wang noted, emphasizing that although there are still major differences in the positions of the parties concerned, it is better to talk than to fight.

The history of Europe over the past centuries has proved that no matter how complex and difficult the situation is, the door to peace and reconciliation should not be closed, Wang said.

China welcomes all parties to play a constructive role in promoting the conclusion of a comprehensive, lasting and binding peace agreement, building a balanced, effective and sustainable European security architecture, and achieving enduring peace and stability in Europe at an early date, Wang added.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Bessemer Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of Voya Financial, Inc. (NYSE:VOYA  Free Report) by 142.9% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 1,343 shares of the asset managers stock after acquiring an additional 790 shares during the period. Bessemer Group Inc.s holdings in Voya Financial were worth $91,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

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Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Voya Financial by 1.6% in the 1st quarter. Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. now owns 22,209 shares of the asset managers stock worth $1,505,000 after purchasing an additional 360 shares during the period. Blue Trust Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Voya Financial by 36.9% in the 1st quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 950 shares of the asset managers stock worth $64,000 after purchasing an additional 256 shares during the period. State of Alaska Department of Revenue lifted its stake in shares of Voya Financial by 2.7% in the 1st quarter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue now owns 11,271 shares of the asset managers stock worth $763,000 after purchasing an additional 300 shares during the period. Inscription Capital LLC bought a new position in shares of Voya Financial in the 1st quarter worth approximately $457,000. Finally, Kelly Financial Group LLC bought a new position in shares of Voya Financial in the 1st quarter worth approximately $270,680,000. Institutional investors own 96.10% of the companys stock.

Voya Financial Trading Up 0.3%

Shares of VOYA opened at $72.90 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.58, a current ratio of 0.28 and a quick ratio of 0.28. Voya Financial, Inc. has a 1 year low of $52.43 and a 1 year high of $84.30. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $66.67 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $67.10. The firm has a market cap of $7.01 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.75, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.65 and a beta of 1.00.

Voya Financial Announces Dividend

Voya Financial ( NYSE:VOYA Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, May 6th. The asset manager reported $2.15 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.59 by $0.56. Voya Financial had a net margin of 7.18% and a return on equity of 14.05%. The business had revenue of $1.97 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.94 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.77 EPS. The companys revenue was down 4.0% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts expect that Voya Financial, Inc. will post 8.39 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 26th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, May 27th were issued a dividend of $0.45 per share. This represents a $1.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.47%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, May 27th. Voya Financials dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 33.96%.

Insider Transactions at Voya Financial

In other Voya Financial news, Director Yvette S. Butler sold 1,700 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $66.18, for a total transaction of $112,506.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 355 shares of the companys stock, valued at $23,493.90. This trade represents a 82.73% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. 0.99% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several brokerages have recently weighed in on VOYA. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on shares of Voya Financial from $69.00 to $76.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday, May 8th. Barclays set a $70.00 price objective on shares of Voya Financial in a research note on Wednesday, May 7th. Bank of America reiterated an underperform rating and issued a $71.00 price objective (down previously from $79.00) on shares of Voya Financial in a research note on Friday, March 28th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their target price on shares of Voya Financial from $81.00 to $80.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, April 2nd. Finally, UBS Group reduced their target price on shares of Voya Financial from $89.00 to $88.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Friday, May 23rd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $82.08.

View Our Latest Stock Report on Voya Financial

Voya Financial Company Profile

(Free Report)

Voya Financial, Inc engages in the provision of workplace benefits and savings products in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Wealth Solutions, Health Solutions, and Investment Management. The Wealth Solutions segment offers full-service retirement products; recordkeeping services; stable value and fixed general account investment products; non-qualified plan administration services; and tools, guidance, and services to promote the financial well-being and retirement security of employees.

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Golden State Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of iShares U.S. Regional Banks ETF (NYSEARCA:IAT  Free Report) by 101.4% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 564 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 284 shares during the period. Golden State Wealth Management LLCs holdings in iShares U.S. Regional Banks ETF were worth $26,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

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Other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. bought a new position in shares of iShares U.S. Regional Banks ETF during the 4th quarter valued at about $40,000. Spire Wealth Management raised its position in iShares U.S. Regional Banks ETF by 1,236.1% in the 1st quarter. Spire Wealth Management now owns 1,109 shares of the companys stock valued at $52,000 after buying an additional 1,026 shares during the last quarter. Garde Capital Inc. acquired a new stake in iShares U.S. Regional Banks ETF in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $66,000. NBC Securities Inc. raised its position in iShares U.S. Regional Banks ETF by 174,900.0% in the 1st quarter. NBC Securities Inc. now owns 1,750 shares of the companys stock valued at $81,000 after buying an additional 1,749 shares during the last quarter. Finally, PNC Financial Services Group Inc. raised its position in iShares U.S. Regional Banks ETF by 38.1% in the 4th quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 3,409 shares of the companys stock valued at $172,000 after buying an additional 940 shares during the last quarter.

iShares U.S. Regional Banks ETF Stock Performance

Shares of iShares U.S. Regional Banks ETF stock opened at $52.43 on Friday. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $47.12 and its 200 day simple moving average is $48.05. iShares U.S. Regional Banks ETF has a 52-week low of $38.30 and a 52-week high of $57.69. The firm has a market cap of $671.10 million, a PE ratio of 12.39 and a beta of 0.95.

iShares U.S. Regional Banks ETF Profile

The iShares U.S. Regional Banks ETF (IAT) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the DJ US Select \u002F Regional Banks index. The fund tracks the performance of an index of small- and mid-cap regional banks. IAT was launched on May 1, 2006 and is managed by BlackRock.

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Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund raised its position in SolarWinds Co. (NYSE:SWI  Free Report) by 5.4% in the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 27,241 shares of the software makers stock after acquiring an additional 1,390 shares during the quarter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Funds holdings in SolarWinds were worth $502,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

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A number of other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. purchased a new position in SolarWinds in the first quarter worth approximately $193,000. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC purchased a new position in SolarWinds in the first quarter worth approximately $798,000. SG Americas Securities LLC lifted its stake in SolarWinds by 57.1% in the first quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 37,166 shares of the software makers stock worth $685,000 after acquiring an additional 13,508 shares during the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its position in shares of SolarWinds by 49.2% during the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 3,728 shares of the software makers stock worth $69,000 after buying an additional 1,229 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Versant Capital Management Inc lifted its position in shares of SolarWinds by 517.7% during the 1st quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 2,971 shares of the software makers stock worth $55,000 after buying an additional 2,490 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 93.96% of the companys stock.

SolarWinds Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:SWI opened at $18.49 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $3.20 billion, a PE ratio of 29.35 and a beta of 0.88. The company has a current ratio of 0.85, a quick ratio of 0.71 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.85. SolarWinds Co. has a twelve month low of $10.14 and a twelve month high of $18.55. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $18.49 and a 200-day simple moving average of $17.37.

SolarWinds Company Profile

SolarWinds Corporation provides information technology (IT) management software products in the United States and internationally. It provides a suite of network management software that offers real-time visibility into network utilization and bandwidth, as well as the ability to detect, diagnose, and resolve network performance problems; and a suite of infrastructure management products, which monitors and analyzes the performance of applications and their supporting infrastructure, including servers, physical, virtual and cloud infrastructure, storage, and databases.

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Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. boosted its stake in Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (NYSE:HPE  Free Report) by 22.5% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 153,320 shares of the technology companys stock after acquiring an additional 28,123 shares during the period. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd.s holdings in Hewlett Packard Enterprise were worth $2,421,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

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Other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. US Bancorp DE raised its position in Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 2.2% in the 4th quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 192,222 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $4,104,000 after buying an additional 4,140 shares during the last quarter. SRS Capital Advisors Inc. grew its stake in shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 27.6% during the 4th quarter. SRS Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 5,390 shares of the technology companys stock worth $115,000 after acquiring an additional 1,165 shares during the period. Jones Financial Companies Lllp grew its stake in shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 115.5% during the 4th quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 11,053 shares of the technology companys stock worth $236,000 after acquiring an additional 5,924 shares during the period. Schechter Investment Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 14.0% in the 4th quarter. Schechter Investment Advisors LLC now owns 15,889 shares of the technology companys stock worth $339,000 after purchasing an additional 1,956 shares during the period. Finally, State of Michigan Retirement System boosted its stake in Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 0.4% in the 4th quarter. State of Michigan Retirement System now owns 505,181 shares of the technology companys stock worth $10,786,000 after purchasing an additional 2,000 shares during the period. 80.78% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Insider Buying and Selling at Hewlett Packard Enterprise

In related news, EVP Phil Mottram sold 30,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, June 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $20.54, for a total value of $616,200.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president owned 42,427 shares in the company, valued at approximately $871,450.58. The trade was a 41.42% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, SVP Jeremy Cox sold 68,590 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, June 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $18.44, for a total transaction of $1,264,799.60. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 128,590 shares of company stock worth $2,436,000 in the last 90 days. 0.36% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

HPE has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Bank of America lifted their price target on Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $20.00 to $23.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday. Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $14.00 to $22.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Tuesday, May 20th. Daiwa Capital Markets downgraded Hewlett Packard Enterprise from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $16.00 price objective for the company. in a research report on Wednesday, March 12th. Wall Street Zen downgraded Hewlett Packard Enterprise from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, March 7th. Finally, UBS Group upped their target price on Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $16.00 to $18.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, June 4th. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have issued 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 price target of $21.85.

Read Our Latest Report on Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Stock Up 0.3%

Shares of HPE opened at $21.32 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.29, a quick ratio of 0.96 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company has a 12-month low of $11.97 and a 12-month high of $24.66. The businesss 50 day moving average is $17.81 and its 200 day moving average is $18.62. The company has a market capitalization of $27.97 billion, a PE ratio of 21.53, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.07 and a beta of 1.35.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE:HPE  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, June 3rd. The technology company reported $0.38 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.33 by $0.05. Hewlett Packard Enterprise had a return on equity of 9.59% and a net margin of 4.60%. The firm had revenue of $7.63 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.51 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.42 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 5.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts expect that Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company will post 1.85 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, July 17th. Investors of record on Wednesday, June 18th will be given a $0.13 dividend. This represents a $0.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.44%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, June 18th. Hewlett Packard Enterprises dividend payout ratio is presently 52.53%.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Profile

(Free Report)

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company provides solutions that allow customers to capture, analyze, and act upon data seamlessly in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Japan. It operates in six segments: Compute, HPC & AI, Storage, Intelligent Edge, Financial Services, and Corporate Investments and Other.

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Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC lowered its stake in shares of Texas Pacific Land Corporation (NYSE:TPL  Free Report) by 98.5% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 222 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 14,914 shares during the period. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLCs holdings in Texas Pacific Land were worth $294,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

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Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Bessemer Group Inc. raised its stake in Texas Pacific Land by 108.3% in the 4th quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 25 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $28,000 after acquiring an additional 13 shares during the period. Golden State Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in Texas Pacific Land by 110.0% in the 1st quarter. Golden State Wealth Management LLC now owns 21 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $28,000 after acquiring an additional 11 shares during the period. Assetmark Inc. bought a new stake in Texas Pacific Land in the 4th quarter valued at $29,000. Atala Financial Inc bought a new stake in Texas Pacific Land in the 4th quarter valued at $31,000. Finally, MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB raised its stake in Texas Pacific Land by 175.0% in the 1st quarter. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB now owns 33 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $44,000 after acquiring an additional 21 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 59.94% of the companys stock.

Texas Pacific Land Trading Up 0.4%

TPL opened at $1,075.97 on Friday. Texas Pacific Land Corporation has a 1-year low of $736.75 and a 1-year high of $1,769.14. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $1,206.54 and its 200 day simple moving average is $1,264.00. The stock has a market cap of $24.74 billion, a PE ratio of 53.83 and a beta of 1.08.

Texas Pacific Land Dividend Announcement

Texas Pacific Land ( NYSE:TPL Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, May 7th. The financial services provider reported $5.24 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $5.27 by ($0.03). Texas Pacific Land had a net margin of 63.24% and a return on equity of 40.04%. The business had revenue of $195.98 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $211.00 million.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, June 16th. Investors of record on Monday, June 2nd were paid a $1.60 dividend. This represents a $6.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.59%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, June 2nd. Texas Pacific Lands dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 32.02%.

About Texas Pacific Land

(Free Report)

Texas Pacific Land Corporation engages in the land and resource management, and water services and operations businesses. The company owns a 1/128th nonparticipating perpetual oil and gas royalty interest (NPRI) under approximately 85,000 acres of land; a 1/16th NPRI under approximately 371,000 acres of land; and approximately 4,000 additional net royalty acres, total of approximately 195,000 NRA located in the western part of Texas.

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The NSA Sheep NI event which was held in Dungiven on Tuesday July 1 has been hailed a resounding success.

The event drew significant attendance and fostered vital industry discussions. Hosted by the exceptional Alwyn and Joanne McFarlane, the day was blessed with fantastic weather, creating an ideal backdrop for a vibrant showcase of the sector.

Prior to the official opening of the event, The Northern Ireland committee of the National Sheep Association (NSA) played host to a crucial Sheep Taskforce meeting with representatives from DAERA. This important session provided a direct platform for discussing the ongoing challenges facing the sheep industry in NI, in particular the persistent lack of sheep-specific support schemes. While the Minister was unable to attend, DAERA representatives engaged constructively, highlighting the continued collaborative efforts to address these pressing issues.

Attendees of the event benefited from a series of highly informative educational seminars throughout the day, offering invaluable insights into current best practices and future trends.

Philip Skuce from Moredun provided an insightful update on the latest thinking regarding parasite control, a critical topic for flock health and productivity. Darren Carty, Irish Farmers Journal (IFJ), offered a comprehensive explanation of funding and incentives available for the sheep sector in the Republic of Ireland, followed by a lively Q&A session.

The seminar programme concluded with Sinead Mathers, CAFRE, delivering an update on the Soil Nutrients Health Scheme, emphasising the importance of sustainable land management. The event proudly featured a highly competitive NSA Next Generation Shepherd Competition, kindly sponsored by Texel society, showcasing the talent and dedication of the next generation of sheep farmers.

Congratulations went to the winner Jack Maxwell from Maghera, who will now proceed to the national finals of the contest in 2026.A highlight for many at the event was the fantastic Sheep Dog Trial, generously sponsored by ABP. The competition saw an impressive turnout of more than 70 dogs, demonstrating the incredible skill and partnership between shepherds and their working dogs. James P McGee took first place in the Open competition, whilst Shannon Conn won the Intermediate trial. Beyond the seminars and competitions, NSA SheepNI boasted an impressive array of both indoor and outdoor trade stands, providing attendees with access to the latest products, services, and innovations. The breed stands were equally popular, highlighting the diversity and quality of sheep breeds in the region.

"We are absolutely thrilled with the success of NSA Sheep NI," said Edward Adam, NSA Northern Ireland Chair, adding: "It was truly fantastic to see such strong engagement from the farming community, our sponsors, and the public. Events like these are vital for sharing knowledge, fostering connections, and ensuring the continued prosperity of Northern Ireland's sheep industry. "NSA Northern Ireland extends its sincere gratitude to hosts Alwyn and Joanne McFarlane, all mainline sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, competitors, and every individual who contributed to making NSA SheepNI a memorable and impactful event.

Competition results: Indoor Trade Stand Awards:

1st Place: Ulster Wool

2nd Place: Moredun

3rd Place: Elanco

Outdoor Trade Stand Awards:

1st Place: Cotter Crate

2nd Place: Data & Digital Systems

3rd Place: Shepherdsmate

Breed Stand Awards:

1st Place: Blue faced Leicester

2nd Place: Lleynn

3rd Place: Border Leicester

Sheep Dog Trial:

Open Winner: James P McGee

Intermediate Winner: Shannon Conn

Highest Pointed NSA Member: John Travers

Young Shepherd Competition, kindly sponsored by Texel society:
This week marks 75 years since Limavady had their last rail service.

The County Derry town lost its railway on July 3 1950.

The rail campaign group Into the West will be at the Stendhal Festival this weekend to help spread the message that 'Limavady Needs Rail'.

The group has called for anyone going to the festival to come along to a presentation in the Stage the Change teepee this Sunday July 6 from 3pm to 3.45pm. The presentation will focus on bringing rail back to Limavady and other towns throughout the North West.

ABOVE: Idea for plans for re-opening of Limavady rail. Photo: Into the West

The Limavady line originally opened in 1852 as a short c.3 mile branch off the Derry-Belfast mainline to connect Limavady town to the Irish rail network. It was connected to the mainline route, and a station called Limavady Junction was opened in 1855.

In 1883, a seven mile extension of this branch line was opened between Limavady and Dungiven with stops at Ardmore, Drumsurn and Derryork.

The Limavady-Dungiven section of the line was closed to passengers in 1933, but remained open for freight until July 3 1950. That date in 1950 also saw the closure of Limavady Station itself, with the town losing its passenger services.

The short spur line between Limavady Junction and Limavady town was eventually closed entirely in 1955.

Limavady Junction stayed open as a passenger station until 1976, with the building remaining in-situ until 2013.

Into the West rail campaign has said referred to Limavady railway is the easiest rail reopening in Ireland

The group has made a detailed submission to the All-Island Rail Review making the case for rail to return to Limavady and have been delighted to find that they agreed on this matter. The group stated Limavady would be the quickest, cheapest and easiest rail reopening anywhere on the island.

The old trackbed for the line is completely intact, and is barely 3 miles long. It runs right up to the A2 directly opposite the bus station, which sits off the bottom of the town's Main Street. So a new transport hub could be built for both rail and bus services in Limavady - on the edge of the town centre, straddling either side of the A2 (connected by an over-bridge with lifts, or an underpass).

If you'd like to help make the case for restoring rail to Limavady, then visit: intothewest.org/join-us.

DONATE here intothewest.org/donate.
A 40 metre long yellow box junction which was installed in Maghera just last month has been reduced in size.

On Thursday evening workers from two separate companies moved into Tobermore Road to burn off part of the extra-large box, thought to have been among the biggest in the UK and Ireland.

The markings were installed in June in an effort to improve traffic flow on the busy road by keeping the junction clear.

However many locals were surprised to discover the size of the box, which some believed was 'too big' and caused further traffic delays.

In recent weeks the yellow box had become an unlikely tourist attraction with local supermarket Crawfords even selling postcards with pictures of the junction on them.

Last week the Department for Infrastructure confirmed that officials intended to review the size of the yellow box.

A spokesperson said: "The department implemented the yellow box markings at this location to assist with the ease of Translink bus movements to and from the main bus stop, which has recently been relocated to the opposite side of St Lurach's Road.

"The extent of the markings will be reviewed prior to full completion of the Maghera Public Realm Scheme."

Some drivers are delighted with the news that the junction has now been cut down to size while others have questioned how much money the Department for Infrastructure have spent.

Money down the toilet! Whole thing is stupid. No right turn is all it needs, left turn only, one local wrote on Facebook.

Another said: Imagine who made this decision in the first place and their rationale behind it  this is rate / tax payers money and someone needs to be held accountable they would be if it was a private company so why not when its a government body  is this typical of how they spend OUR money?

A Department for Infrastructure spokesperson said: "Following discussions with the local Council the Department has now reduced the size of the yellow box in Maghera."
Lough Swilly Yacht Club is marking 70 years since its founding with a series of events.

From humble beginnings in the old railway station at Fahan, Lough Swilly Yacht Club has grown into a vibrant hub for sailing and powerboating on one of Irelands most scenic and historic waterways.

Lough Swilly Yacht Club was founded in February 1955 by a passionate group of local enthusiasts who gathered at the old City Hotel in Derry.

Their shared goal was to encourage sailing and powerboating on the lough by every possible means.

The clubs home at the old Fahan railway station was gifted to it when the railway line closed and has been the heart of the clubs activities ever since. The clubs opening day was held on July 2, 1955.

Commodore of the club, Dermot Downey, said the spirit of that first race and prizegiving in July 1955 lives on today.

Over the decades, weve built a community defined by adventure, hospitality, and love of the water. From building the slipway and establishing the caravan park, to hosting regattas and cruising far beyond the Swilly, our story is one of progress and passion.

As we mark this 70th anniversary, we celebrate not just a club - but the people who made it possible. Come sail, reminisce, and raise a glass with us this July.

READ NEXT: Derry Food and Drink Businesses Participate in Cross-Border Trade Mission to Dublin

We warmly welcome founding members, their families, past members, and visiting boats to join us for this special occasion. Its a wonderful opportunity to reconnect, share memories, and celebrate the spirit of the Swilly together.

To celebrate its remarkable journey the club is inviting all members - past and present - along with founding families and friends, to take part in a special Anniversary Celebration Day on July 12.



Members of the Lough Swilly Yacht Club at its clubhouse at Fahan

The day will begin with a morning sail on Lough Swilly, welcoming all boats to take part - whether racing or cruising - followed by a barbecue at the clubhouse in the afternoon, with a cost of 15 per adult / 5 per child.
The chairman of the troubled Belfast health trust has been sacked by Stormonts Health Minister.

Mike Nesbitts decision to dismiss Ciaran Mulgrew comes amid a series of controversies within the trust.

A statement from the Department of Health said Mr Nesbitt believed a fresh start was required for the organisation.

Mr Mulgrew will leave his post on Friday.

In May, a leaked report into staff culture at the cardiac surgery unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) in Belfast raised concerns about an intolerable working environment and a pattern of consistently poor behaviour.

Elsewhere within the trust, the delivery of two flagship new hospital builds on the Royal site  a maternity hospital and accompanying childrens hospital  have been hit by delays and difficulties.

Last month, Mr Nesbitt subjected the trust to increased oversight measures, ramping up his departments accountability processes to their highest level.

Confirming the ministers decision to sack Mr Mulgrew, a Department of Health statement on Thursday said: Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has decided on a change of leadership at Belfast HSC Trust.

The current trust chair will cease to hold the post from Friday July 4.

The minister believes a fresh start is required for the trust.

The minister and department would like to publicly thank Mr Mulgrew for his contribution to the trust and the wider Health and Social Care system.

A process for filling the chairs post is being initiated as a priority.

The interim chief executive of the Belfast trust, Maureen Edwards, thanked Mr Mulgrew for his unwavering support, contribution and commitment.

Since his appointment, Ciaran has helped us through some very challenging times, she said.

In particular, he has shown courage and leadership over the last few months in bringing focus and committing to addressing issues around culture and behaviours in our organisation. Ciaran always acknowledges the fantastic work of staff in Belfast trust and is proud of their many achievements.

He is leaving the organisation with our gratitude and best wishes for the future.

I wish to reassure our staff and the public that we will continue to make tangible improvements across the organisation to benefit staff, patients and service users.

DUP member of the Assemblys Health Committee Diane Dodds said the development reflected the sheer scale of crisis within the trust.

But she highlighted that many of the issues pre-dated Mr Mulgrews tenure.

Responsibilities within the trust go much wider than simply one individual and the Department of Health will have had an awareness of these issues also, she said.

The Health Estates division in the department has an army of professional advisers who have worked hands in glove with the Belfast trust on its major capital projects and decision-making around them. Removing the chair of the Belfast trust will not deflect scrutiny away from many of the ministers senior officials.

There is a wider systemic problem within the Belfast trust that will not be resolved by simply removing one individual.

However, we will need to hear more detail about what exactly has prompted this decision at this time. That is something I will continue to probe both within the Health Committee and beyond.
More than 100 public servants who died in service have been recognised by the awarding of an Elizabeth Emblem.

The award is the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross, which recognises members of the UK Armed Forces who died in action or as a result of a terrorist attack.

In the second list of Elizabeth Emblem recipients, some 106 police officers, firefighters, overseas workers and other public servants who died in service were recognised, with the award given to their next of kin.

Among the recipients is Metropolitan Police Constable Nina Mackay, who died aged 25 after being stabbed by a violent and mentally unstable man while searching a property in Stratford, East London in October 1997.

Her mother, Patricia Mackay, 80, said Nina had a great social conscience, adding everybody liked working with her because she was very hard working.

She told the PA news agency: The Metropolitan Police have awarded her many accolades, and the commissioner at the time, just after she was killed, recommended her for the George Medal, which was turned down.

So after all these years, theres actually something tactile that I can hold.

Discussing the memorials to her daughter, Ms Mackay, who lives in Nairn, Scotland, said: Shes got the Targa Boat on the Thames thats named after her, and that will be ongoing forever. The street where it happened was changed to Nina Mackay Close.

Theres been so much that Im very grateful for, but this will actually be something tactile that I could hold to remind me what a brave young woman she was.

Another recipient was school teacher Gwen Mayor, 45, who was killed in 1996 while protecting her pupils at Dunblane Primary School, Scotland, during a mass shooting.

In a statement provided by her husband, Rodney Mayor, who now lives in Cyprus, the Mayor family said they were extremely proud and honoured to be receiving this award on behalf of Gwen.

They added: We always believed her actions that day deserved more recognition.

You would have to have known Gwen to know that she would have done whatever trying to protect the children in her care. She paid the ultimate price for that commitment.

Finally, we now feel that she has been honoured for what happened that day.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden said: We owe an enduring debt to the public servants who give their lives to protect others.

The Elizabeth Emblem is a reminder not just of the ultimate price their loved ones have paid in service of our communities, it is a lasting symbol of our national gratitude for their incredible sacrifice.

Firefighter John Liptrott, who died in 1968 while attempting to rescue three children who had entered a disused mineshaft, was also awarded the Emblem.

Another recipient was Police Constable Dennis Cowell, who died in the River Thames in 1965 after a police launch capsized following a collision between three boats.

Six people who contracted Covid-19 while working in healthcare were recognised in the list.

These included Dr Poornima Nair Balupuri, a GP living in Bishop Auckland, Co Durham, who died in 2020 doing frontline work.

Some 33 people on the list were police officers and firefighters based in Northern Ireland, including Constable Cyril Wilson, who was shot by the IRA in an ambush in 1974.

Reserve Constable Robert Struthers, who died in 1978 while serving in the Royal Ulster Constabulary, was also awarded the Emblem  he was shot by two members of the Provisional IRA while working in his office.

The design of the Elizabeth Emblem incorporates a rosemary wreath, a traditional symbol of remembrance, which surrounds the Tudor Crown.

It is inscribed with For A Life Given In Service and will have the name of the person for whom it is in memoriam inscribed on the reverse of the Emblem.

The Emblem will also include a pin to allow the award to be worn on clothing by the next of kin of the deceased.

Families and next of kin of those who have died in public service are able to apply for an Elizabeth Emblem by making an application to the Cabinet Office.

The Elizabeth Emblem is awarded to the next of kin of a person who was employed in a role based on the source of a commission on behalf of, or formally funded by, an eligibility body.

An eligible body is defined as the UK Government, the Scottish Government, the Welsh Government, the Northern Ireland Executive, local government, a Crown Dependency or a British Overseas Territory.

The award of the Elizabeth Emblem is retrospective to 1948 and mirrors the eligibility criteria for the Elizabeth Cross.
The judge in the Nama trial is to consider whether further action is required after he said loyalist activist Jamie Bryson lied while giving evidence.

Mr Bryson was cleared of a charge of conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office at Belfast Crown Court on Thursday.

But in his judgment, Judge Gordon Kerr KC said he believed Mr Bryson had lied on oath over communications in 2015 with former Sinn Fein MLA Daithi McKay, who was cleared of a charge of committing misconduct in public office.

Mr Bryson has insisted he told the truth during his evidence.

The trial had related to Mr Brysons 2015 appearance before a Stormont committee, chaired by Mr McKay, which was investigating the sale of Namas Northern Ireland assets to a US investment fund.

The criminal probe was launched after the publication of leaked Twitter messages between Mr Bryson, Mr McKay and the account of Thomas OHara, who at the time was a Sinn Fein activist in north Antrim, and who was also cleared this week of conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office.

Mr McKay quit as an MLA within hours of the Twitter messages being published in August 2016.

In his evidence Mr Bryson said he did not realise the messages he was sending to Mr OHara were being relayed to Mr McKay.

In his ruling Judge Kerr said the Twitter exchange only made sense if Mr Bryson knew he was communicating with Mr McKay.

He added: Mr Bryson may well have his reasons for lying. He has lived with this for 10 years, the investigation and charges for a period of five.

He has moved on and is seeking a new career.

It may be that he felt that by distancing himself from Mr McKay it would help him.

The judge added: Despite his lies in court, I am sure that Mr Bryson was at all times communicating with Mr McKay.

On Friday, a spokesperson for the Lady Chief Justices office said: HHJ Kerr is considering whether action is needed in light of his view that Mr Bryson lied to the court. 

A short statement to clear up this utter sideshow & nonsense suggestion that I lied. I did not. There are some people getting very excited, youll be disappointed- again. pic.twitter.com/uRar61qqPB  Jamie Bryson (@JamieBrysonCPNI) July 4, 2025

In a statement on social media Mr Bryson again insisted he had told the truth in his evidence and described the issue as a sideshow.

He said: The aspect of evidence under contention related to my evidence as to my state of mind in terms of my belief that I was communicating with Thomas OHara which, obviously, I am the only person who can state definitively what my state of mind was.

I stand over my evidence as to my state of mind.

It was the truth.

HHJ Kerr didnt accept that was the case.

I respectfully disagree with his obiter assertions in that regard but we will have to agree to disagree because there is no corroborating evidence either way unless someone is reaching into my mind and rewinding 10 years.

He said: This is respectfully a sideshow which I am not getting drawn into.

I stand over the truthfulness of my evidence.

I have the deepest of respect of Judge Kerr and ultimately I am not guilty. Thats the end of that.
The Vivo X200 FE, like the X Fold 5 foldable, is set to launch in India within the next two weeks. The Vivo X200 FE has been confirmed as a solid compact flagship device with an impressive design, specifications, and Zeiss-tuned camera setup. The company has already confirmed the first look, ultra-slim form factor, four colour options, and a triple camera setup.

In the most recent update, the Vivo X200 FE price in India has surfaced online. According to reliable tipster Abhishek Yadav, the device will be available in two variants and will cost less than Rs 55,000. Heres how much it might cost.

Vivo X200 FE price in India leaked

The Vivo X200 FE, for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage variant could be priced at Rs 54,999 while the top end 16GB and 512GB variant is priced at Rs 59,999. However, the device has not been confirmed at the moment. The device will be available on Flipkart, Vivo e-store and other retail channel partners.

Also read: Oppo Find X8 Pro price drops by over Rs 13,200 on Amazon: Check deal details here

The Vivo X200 FE will be unveiled in India on July 14 along with its slimmest foldable, the Vivo X Fold 5. The launch will reportedly be live streamed on YouTube and social media channels at 12 noon IST.

Vivo X200 FE specifications

The Vivo X200 FE is confirmed to feature a 6.31-inch AMOLED panel with 120hz refresh rate and 0.79 cm thickness. The device will feature MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ chipset, built on a 4nm process. The device will come coupled with up to 12GB RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. The device will ship with a 6,500 mAh battery and 90W support. The device will also get IP68 and IP69 certification for dust and water resistance.

On the camera front, it will come equipped with a triple rear camera setup including a 50MP main camera, a 50MP telephoto lens, and an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens. The device will support multiple ZEISS portrait focal lengths, such as 23mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, and 100mm.

Other features include support for Google Gemini integration, dual privacy protection for spam and call screening, customizable UI components, and software optimization for smoother performance over time will be there.
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Tesla halts Optimus robot production plans as hardware woes mount

Tesla has reportedly paused procurement and production plans for its humanoid robot, Optimus, due to unresolved hardware challenges, according to sources within China's supply chain network. The temporary suspension comes as Tesla's engineering team works to refine key technical components. The company intends to resume procurement only after optimizing the robot's design and confirming a revised mass production schedule.

The move casts fresh doubt on the readiness of humanoid robotics technology. Despite CEO Elon Musk's pledge to build 5,000 units by the end of 2025, the ambitious target now appears increasingly uncertain.

Parts orders suspended mid-June

Sources indicate that Tesla halted parts procurement roughly two weeks ago. While the company has not explicitly canceled existing orders, it has deferred further purchases until hardware revisions are finalized. The design recalibration phase is expected to span approximately two months.

As of the end of May 2025, Tesla had secured components sufficient to assemble 1,200 units of Optimus and had completed close to 1,000. However, with production now paused, industry insiders are skeptical that the year-end delivery target can be met.

Tesla tackles hardware hurdles

Current-generation Optimus units are grappling with several key hardware pain points. These include overheating in joint motors, limited lifespan in transmission mechanisms, and inadequate battery endurance.

In response, the company is testing samples from at least three suppliers of advanced robotic hands in hopes of boosting performance. Unlike the stiff grippers used in traditional industrial machines, humanoid robots require more fluid, lifelike manipulatorsa technically complex area that remains a work in progress across the industry.

Optimus Gen-3 faces weight and efficiency trade-offs

The latest version of Tesla's Optimus robot features a major upgrade: a highly articulated hand with 22 degrees of freedomfive fingers with four joints each, plus two in the wrist.

Former Optimus engineering lead Milan Kovac previously disclosed that Tesla had overhauled the robot's drive system, shifting actuators to the forearm to enhance precision. But the move added extra weight, pushing the company to explore lighter materials. Tesla has also adopted a tendon-and-ball-screw transmission setup aimed at boosting efficiency and responsiveness in the robot's movements.

Leadership departures raise questions

Milan Kovac, the former head of engineering for Tesla's Optimus robot, left the company last month, citing family reasons. But the timing of his departurejust as Tesla paused parts procurement and began a major hardware redesignhas sparked speculation about internal disagreements over the robot's direction.

Kovac's exit is the latest in a wave of high-level departures at Tesla over the past six months, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the future of the Optimus project.

Industry view: High cost, low standardization

Sources within China's humanoid robotics supply chain report that the sector is still grappling with fundamental technical challenges. Most humanoid robots rely on proprietary, non-standardized components, driving up costs and complicating scalability.

Replicating human-like movement, from running and jumping to withstanding falls, places intense mechanical stress on robot joints. That demands high torque, strong power density, and long-lasting durability.

Current motor technologies are struggling to meet these requirements, with unresolved issues around heat dissipation, mechanical efficiency, and overall weight still hindering broader adoption.

Article edited by Jerry Chen
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Ryanair were forced to cancel 400 flights on Thursday, 3 July and Friday, 4 July due to strikes by French air traffic controllers, leaving thousands of Irish people stranded.

Speaking on Newstalk on Friday morning, Ryanair's CEO Michael O'Leary has warned that people should expect more cancellations over the coming months.

As part of the strikes, the French airspace has been closed and so any planes flying over France but not landing there have been cancelled. As O'Leary explained, flights from Ireland to Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal and Belgium all have to be cancelled because of this.

When asked if he expects more strikes down the line, O'Leary said: "Of course there's going to be more. They're the French, it's June, it's July. It's time to go on strike. I mean, they're not striking for more money. They're not striking for better terms and conditions. These guys, every summer just invent new reasons to go on strike."

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During the show, he described this week's strike by the French air traffic controllers as "recreational." The Ryanair boss said: "The reason for these two day strikes is because they believe they're short staffed. So their solution to short staffing is to go out and strike, leaving even less staff."

He added: "Only the French could come up with this kind of nonsense."

O'Leary has urged that the EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Irish politicians implement serious reforms in order to protect airlines and passengers from such strikes.

He said: "If we protected overflights, 360 of these 400 flight cancellations, and 60,000 passengers, yesterday and today would not have their flights cancelled by Ryanair."

The Ryanair CEO has said the EU Commission President should step down if she is not willing to implement this reform.
Local Councillor John Sheridan has met with Minister Jack Chambers in Ardee to discuss the inclusion of local infrastructure projects in a review of the National Development Plan.

"The National Development Plan is currently under review and public submissions were sought during June.

"I made a submission directly to the consultation and also specifically met Minister Jack Chambers about it in Ardee.

"Minister Chambers is the minister responsible for the National Development Plan. The Minister acknowledged he was well aware of the traffic and infrastructure issues in Ardee and assured me the matter would be taken into consideration.

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"I was shocked during a recent Council meeting when Council officials informed us that an eastern bypass of Ardee on the N2 was not in the current National Development Plan.

"Obviously, that needs to be rectified in the review of the plan and I hope it will be. While we know there has been so much focus on the N52 bypass which is currently before the Courts, there should be nothing stopping Louth County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) advancing the N2 bypass.

"With the news this week of the green light from An Coimisiuin Pleanala for Slane to be bypassed on the N2, the need for similar for Ardee will be required.

"That isn't just about infrastructure for cross-country traffic, its also about housing delivery and allowing Ardee to grow.

"The reviewed plan is to specifically priorities the delivery of infrastructure to boost house building.

"Separately, during the Ministers visit to Ardee, I also spoke to him about Dunleer railway station.

"We are now two years on from the All island strategic rail review report which set about a new vision for train travel on the island. This set in place a blueprint for developing our railway infrastructure and as we all know re-opening Dunleer is the most obvious and realistic project to deliver from a rail point of view in the area."
Bearnard Durnin, an emerging artist from Ardee, Co Louth, has been selected to exhibit his work at the Connecting Artists 2025 Exhibition, hosted by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) in Dublin this July.

Bearnard is one of just nine artists from across Ireland chosen for this years Connecting Artists programme, now in its fourth year. The exhibition, running from Wednesday, 16th July to Saturday, 19th July, showcases the creativity of artists who are neurodivergent or have intellectual disabilities, offering professional development, mentorship, and national exposure.

Bearnard has been passionate about drawing since childhood. When I was younger, I drew dinosaurs, cars, and jeeps from my memory and imagination, he recalls. After secondary school, he completed a FETAC Level 5 course in Art and Design, which helped further develop his artistic interests.

He enjoys sketching in his art journal using pencil and pen and currently attends a weekly art class with local artist Susan Farrelly, who has encouraged him to transfer his ideas to canvas using acrylic paints. His work is inspired by movies, superheroes, vehicles, and his imagination.

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Bearnard has previously exhibited a painting in Ardee and chose to sell a copy of it while keeping the original.Being involved in the Connecting Artists 2025 programme has been a great opportunity for me to meet other artists and be part of a community where my art will be appreciated and accepted, he says. I look forward to showing my artwork to a larger audience at the Royal College of Surgeons in July.

Bearnard will also facilitate a live art demonstration at RCSI accompanied by his programme mentor, on Thursday, 17th July from 11:30am to 12:15pm. This session offers the public a chance to experience his creative process in action as part of the showcase.

The Connecting Artists programme was developed by Connections Arts Centre, which is an award-winning, not-for-profit social enterprise that supports people with intellectual disabilities and the neurodivergent community through inclusive arts and training initiatives.

This structured 10-week programme supports emerging artists in developing their creative skills, building confidence, and gaining national recognition through exhibitions like this one at RCSI.

Speaking about this years programme, Lis Lien, the Connecting Artists Programme Manager at Connections Arts Centre, said:This year, we were delighted to open the Connecting Artists programme to include neurodivergent artists as well as those with intellectual disabilities.

"The diversity of perspectives and creative voices has been truly inspiring. Bearnard and his peers have worked with dedication over the past 10 weeks, and were so proud to see their art take centre stage at RCSI.

The Connecting Artists 2025 Exhibition will be officially launched on Wednesday, 16th July and is free and open to the public (advance booking required). Visitors will be able to explore artwork, attend talks and live art demonstrations, and meet the artists. Original pieces and art cards will also be available for purchase.

Event Details: Venue: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), 123 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2. Dates: Wednesday 16th July  Saturday 19th July. Admission: Free (booking at https://www.connectionsartscentre.ie/ca25-exhibition-at-the-rcsi) Opening Times For the Public:

Wed 16 July: 3:00pm5:00pm (Official Opening Day)

Thu 17 July: 11:00am3:00pm (Live demo with Bearnard at 11:30am)

Fri 18 July: 11:00am3:00pm (Live demo at 11:30am)

Sat 19 July: 11:00am3:00pm

For more information about the programme and exhibition, visit: www.connectionsartscentre.ie
Pictured above: At the NSMC meeting at Loughs Agencys Carlingford Office were (L-R): Hilary Reilly, Southern Joint Secretary, NSMC; JP ODoherty, Joint Interim Designated Officer, Loughs Agency; Aisling Reilly, Junior Minister, NI Executive; Andrew Muir MLA, Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs; Darragh O'Brien TD, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment; Pam Cameron, Junior Minister, NI Executive; Heather Higgins, Board Chairperson, Loughs Agency; Richard Hill, Northern Ireland Joint Secretary, NSMC.

Loughs Agency has officially opened its new Carlingford Office in north Louth, following a meeting of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC), marking a significant day of cross-border collaboration in the region.

The new office is located on the grounds of Carlingford Sailing Club, following the organisations move from its previous base on Dundalk Street. This relocation allows Loughs Agency to strengthen its presence on the ground in the Carlingford catchment, complementing its main Headquarters in Derry~Londonderry and satellite office in Omagh.

The office was officially opened by Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh OBrien TD and Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir MLA, representing the Government of Ireland and the Northern Ireland Executive respectively, with a commemorative plaque unveiled to mark the occasion.

The NSMC is responsible for twelve areas of cooperation across the island of Ireland, with six of those overseen by North South Implementation Bodies, including Loughs Agency.

Darragh O'Brien TD, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, said: I am delighted to jointly open this new Carlingford office today which marks a strong commitment to cross-border cooperation and environmental stewardship. It enhances Loughs Agencys vital work in protecting our shared marine resources and supporting local communities. Im proud to see the Agencys work in delivering real impact on both sides of the border.

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Andrew Muir MLA, Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, said: I am delighted to be here this morning to officially open Loughs Agencys new Carlingford Office. All of the partners in this project should be commended for delivering such a fantastic facility, and I look forward to seeing the Agency continue to deliver its important cross-border work from its new premises here in Carlingford.

JP ODoherty, Joint Interim Designated Officer, Loughs Agency, said: We are honoured to have the opportunity to host an NSMC Aquaculture and Marine Sectoral Meeting at this picturesque setting. Today marks a key milestone for our operational growth and commitment to the Carlingford catchment. The opening of this new office demonstrates our dedication to driving forward cooperation, cross-border collaboration and delivering real value for the environment and economy."

The new Carlingford base will allow Loughs Agency to build stronger relationships with local stakeholders, deliver more educational and outreach initiatives and respond more efficiently to environmental challenges and opportunities unique to the catchment.

More information on Loughs Agencys work can be found at loughs-agency.org.
The earliest a learner driver, who applies for their test in a Cork centre this week, will get an appointment to be examined is in early November.

Those who apply this week to be tested in Skibbereen could have their test during the week beginning November 3.

Those who apply to be tested in Corks other two test centres, Wilton and Mallow, will have to wait a further three weeks until the week beginning November 24.

These waiting times can be accessed via the Road Safety Authority (RSA) website and come after months of complaints by TDs and representatives all over the country over the length of the waiting times faced by driver test applicants in their areas.

Earlier this year, it was revealed in The Echo that there were 17,500 driving test applicants on the waiting list for tests in Cork centres, and they faced a wait of up to six months in order to get their test.

Cork South Central Fianna Fail TD Seamus McGrath had highlighted this at the time and said that people were having to put their lives on hold as they waited for the practical exam, which would give them their opportunity of securing their full driving licence.

What is estimated to be an 11-week reduction has been welcomed by both transport minister Darragh OBrien and the minister of state for road safety Sean Canney, who instructed the RSA on May 1 to put a plan in place to decrease waiting times to what he termed were acceptable levels, and to report fortnightly on progress towards this goal.

The RSA report for the week ending June 28 shows that the average wait time had reduced to just over 16 weeks, ahead of the 18-week target for end-June agreed between the RSA and Mr Canney.

The goal remains to reduce the waiting time to a maximum of 10 weeks by September 2025.

Mr Canney welcomed what he described as positive progress towards reducing driving test waiting times.

He said: I am acutely aware of the frustration felt by those eager to sit their tests, and remain determined that we return to the maximum 10-week waiting time as soon as possible.
More than one in five people in Cork prison dont have a bed, as the prison broke its overcrowding record this week.

There are 376 people in Cork prison today, a new overcrowding record and representing 127% capacity, making it the most overcrowded mens prison in the country.

On Thursday, 374 people were in the prison and on Tuesday and Wednesday there were 372 people in custody there, the same as the previous record which was set in February of this year.

There are 296 beds in the prison, meaning 80 people were sleeping on the floor or on mattresses, or more than 21% of the total amount of people in the prison.

A spokesperson for the Irish Prison Service said it must accept into custody all people committed to prison by the Courts. As such, the Irish Prison Service has no control over the numbers committed to custody at any given time.

Last month, plans to demolish the old Cork prison - which closed in 2016 - and build a new prison alongside the current facility, were put forward by justice minister Jim OCallaghan. The new build would cater for an additional 230 male inmates and 100 female inmates and is to be delivered by 2031 under the plans.

The plans have been opposed by TDs and councillors representing the local area, including Sinn Fein TD for Cork North Central Thomas Gould.

Mr Gould told The Echo: The Irish Prison Service and the government have known about shortage of prison spaces for years and theyve failed to act  talking about building a new prison up the country, but this was not delivered, he said.

The average prison sentence is four months its like a revolving door. IPS have told me in meetings with them and in Dail committee last year, if people have got a very short sentence, theres no incentive to get help.

If they engage with addiction services, that might help them when they come out, so theyre not back into prison again afterwards. We need more investment in education, treatment services  a lot of these sentences are as a result of people being in the throes of addiction.

Mr Gould also said: Cork is a remand prison where people are held waiting for trial, the courts take so long that people are in prison for longer  we need more investment for the courts so that these cases are dealt with in a timely manner.

He added: The governments solution to build a new prison in Cork wont be delivered until at least 2031 if not longer, we have a crisis in the prison service now. We need to come up with solutions, but not in the Glen. They have one prison and that is enough for any community.
A Cork City Councillor has welcomed the introduction of a new green flash on registration plates for electric vehicles which will soon make it easier to spot vehicles that emit no CO2 emissions on Irish roads.

From this month, the green flash plates will be available for all eligible new and existing electric vehicles. The new plate will look the same as current Irish registration plates, but with an added green vertical stripe.

Minister for Transport, Darragh OBrien, confirmed that the rollout of the new plates will begin in the coming weeks, following final preparations. The green flash is designed to give visibility to vehicles that emit no CO2 emissions, supporting the shift to cleaner, greener transport across the country.

Speaking to The Echo, Green Party Cork City Councillor Oliver Moran said: I think the flash will be a welcome reminder of the growing normality of electric vehicles. One in every six new cars registered so far this year in Ireland were electric.

I don't foresee Cork City Council adopting Ultra Low Emission Zones like in London soon, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't make it clear that electric cars are more welcome in the city than more polluting ones. Other cities have introduced lower parking rates for electric vehicles, for example, so there are other ways we could use the flash as it becomes more common.

"It will also make it easier to enforce non-electric vehicles hogging public charging spaces. That will be a necessary part of the EV charging strategy for the city.

Confirming the rollout, Minister OBrien said: This initiative helps make electric vehicles more visible, giving people and businesses a way to show their commitment to a cleaner transport future.

"Its a small but effective step and a way for us to track progress on the ground and to normalise the idea of zero emission driving.

The green flash is another part of our transition to electric. This year, over 100 million will be allocated to support EV adoption and infrastructure, with continued government supports and incentives to make EVs more accessible.
Calls have been made for passport printing facilities to be made available in Cork.

Cork North West senator Eileen Lynch is calling on the Government to introduce a passport printing machine in Cork to reduce wait times and increase accessibility for those waiting on new and renewed passports.

Currently, there are only two passport printing machines in Ireland, both of which are in Dublin. Although there is one passport office located on South Mall in Cork, there is currently no facility to print passports there.

Speaking in the Seanad, Ms Lynch said that last year, more than 1m passports were issued last year.

We see forecasts of similar numbers to be issued this year, she said.

It is vital that the department carry out a review of the necessity to establish a passport printing service outside the capital.

She highlighted the disadvantages of only having printing machines in the capital.

People may be required to travel to Dublin at short notice to collect a passport and then return to Cork or Farranfore to catch a flight.

The current concentration of printing in Dublin is a disadvantage to those coming from other parts of the country. We need to see an expansion of the service.

In the last five years, the number of first-time passport applicants has more than doubled to 250,000, and the number of renewal applications has doubled to almost 725,000.
Health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill will deliver this years address at the Michael Collins Commemoration at the monument in Beal na Blath on Sunday, August 24, at 3pm.

The Michael Collins Commemoration is an annual event which takes place at Beal na Blath, near the village of Crookstown, to honour the memory of General Michael Collins, the Irish revolutionary leader who was shot at the location on August 22, 1922, at the age of 31.

More than a century after his death, many people continue to visit the Michael Collins monument at Beal na Blath to pay tribute.

Each year, a commemoration is held at the site of his death on the Sunday closest to August 22.

Looking forward to speaking at the Michael Collins Commemoration this August, Ms Carroll MacNeill said: It is an extraordinary honour to have been asked by the Michael Collins Commemoration Committee to speak at this years Beal na Blath commemoration.

This significant event allows us to remember and honour the legacy of Michael Collins, whose vision, leadership, and unwavering dedication to our country and its people continue to inspire us all.

Ms Carroll MacNeill added: His legacy of leadership and dedication to public service is something I see as I visit our healthcare community around the country and their unwavering dedication to caring for people.

I am really looking forward to speaking at the commemoration and reflecting on Collinss legacy and values.

Speaking on behalf of the organising committee, chairperson and Fine Gael senator Garret Kelleher said: We are delighted that Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has accepted our invitation to deliver the oration at this years Michael Collins commemoration, which will take place in Beal na Blath on Sunday, August 24, at 3pm.

Minister Carroll MacNeill has proven herself to be an exceptionally capable and competent minister in her roles as minister for state for European affairs, minister for state in the Department of Finance, and more recently as minister for health following her elevation to Cabinet in January, he added.

She has a deep understanding of Irish history, and we very much look forward to hearing what she will have to say in August.

The address in 2024 was delivered by then taoiseach Simon Harris, who became only the third serving taoiseach to speak at the annual commemoration event.

The address in 2023 was delivered by former RTE northern editor, the late Tommie Gorman, while both then taoiseach Micheal Martin and tanaiste Leo Varadkar addressed crowds the previous year for the centenary commemoration.
The Cork-based chief executive of Nursing Homes Ireland (NHI), Tadhg Daly, has called for the implementation of a national nursing home care policy, saying Ireland faces a major care capacity crisis.

Mr Dalys comments follow the publication of a recent Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) report, which projects a minimum 60% increase in demand for long-term residential care by 2040.

The NHI is calling for a meeting with Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, the health minister, and with the Department of Health and the HSE, to discuss the implementation of a national nursing home care policy, and to collaborate to deliver the required capacity across all providers, whether public, private, or voluntary.

By 2040, the number of people aged 85 and over will have doubled. Short-stay bed requirements are projected to grow from 3,745 beds in 2022 to between 6,430 and 7,265 beds by 2040, representing a growth of between 72% and 94%.

Long-stay bed requirements are projected to grow from 29,579 beds in 2022 to between 47,590 and 53,270 beds by 2040, representing a growth of between 61% and 80%.

At the lower end of the ESRI projections, a minimum of 21,056 additional nursing home beds will be required nationwide by 2040. This equates to a minimum of 1,403 annually for the next 15 years, based on the assumption of no loss of current beds.

Mr Daly said that the implementation of a national nursing home care policy will alleviate undue pressure placed on families, residents, staff, care providers, and the wider health service.

The latest ESRI projections once again confirm that Ireland is heading towards a major care capacity crisis, unless we begin co-ordinated, long-term planning now, he said.

We urgently need a national nursing home care policy to include public, private, and voluntary that is rights-based, person-led, and fully embedded in the wider continuum of care for older people. Critically, the challenge is not just the overall number of beds required, but where those beds will be needed.

Planning must take account of regional need and population distribution to ensure older people can access care in or near their communities, he added. If we continue with a fragmented approach, the system will place unfair pressure on families, residents, staff, care providers, and the wider health service.

The NHI will publish a new insights paper on July 15, based on a national roundtable held in February. The discussion brought together providers, clinicians, advocates, and policymakers to address the serious gap in national planning for residential care.

We must celebrate our ageing population with an ambitious plan across the continuum of care and support, said Mr Daly. Residential care must not be a policy afterthought.
The video game Grand Theft Auto was on the mind of a man on a crime spree that culminated in the ramming of garda cars with a seven-ton rigid truck - and the escapade did not end until a garda fired a single shot through the windscreen.

Today it emerged that the young man had never been in trouble before this spree, but had been victim of a workplace assault where he was struck in the head with a six-kilo kettle-bell, as a result of which he suffered a behaviour-altering head injury.

He was diagnosed with post-concussive injury exacerbated by drug abuse.

I think you have reduced culpability as a result of that head injury, Judge Helen Boyle said as she imposed a total sentence of three-and-a-half years with the last six months suspended in the case against 38-year-old Istvan Konyari who had been living at an apartment at Shandon Street.

He later told gardai that the ramming felt like a scene from the video cops and robbers car chase game Grand Theft Auto.

In a burglary in Owenahincha during his spree, the owner of the property came downstairs to see Konyari in her kitchen where he had made himself a cup of coffee and was eating crackers. He fled when he saw her.

The defendant, who was represented by Alison McCarthy barrister, apologised to all of those affected by his crime spree.

He said said he was not doing well as a result of the injury he suffered and he regretted not taking help earlier.

Instead of medical help and prescribed medication which he is now taking in prison, he was trying to self-medicate at the time of the offending in November 2023 with cannabis and cocaine.

Grand Theft Auto came to mind for the accused at the culmination of his offending.

In that game, stars indicate when a dramatic scene is at its most potentially lethal.

Mr Konyari believed that it was a case of maximum stars when the member of the Armed Response Unit fired the single shot through his windscreen shortly before 11am on November 8 2023. He came out with his hands held high.

Detective Garda Peter Quinn gave evidence of the extremely dangerous and sometimes bizarre incidents that occurred in the escapade of crime carried out by the accused in a period of three days culminating in the car park of Dwyers Electrical on Forge Hill in Cork.

The accused man confessed to carrying out three burglaries, stealing this truck and previously stealing a van which he used to stash the property he was stealing in various crimes.

On that Wednesday morning  November 8 2023  he had alerted the suspicions of management at Kevin OLearys service station in Bandon where he was in and out of the premises without buying anything, until he eventually tried to steal two bags of coal.

He threw the coal back when confronted and drove off towards Cork city and struck and damaged a wall before leaving.

Gardai were alerted and various roadblocks were put in place but he kept diverting onto back roads until he ended up driving himself into a cul de sac at Dwyers car park.

That was where he caused damage to three parked cars and deliberately rammed two garda cars. Sergeant Ian Scully was in one and Detective Sergeant Mick Lyons was in another.

There were periods during the deliberate ramming when the officers were momentarily trapped in their vehicles. But the defendant persisted in his driving.

Det Garda Nolan said at Cork Circuit Criminal Court that officers from the Armed Support Unit arrived at the scene and one unnamed officer gave a warning to the defendant to stop driving immediately.

Gardai feared at this time because of the presence of members of the public on foot and in vehicles and the refusal of Mr Konyari to stop that there was a real risk of death or serious injury.

A single shot was fired through the windscreen of the truck and it was only then that there was an immediate end to the defendants actions and he stepped out of the truck with his hands held over his head.

Ms McCarthy said the defendant was seriously injured in an assault in 2021.

She also said that in carrying out burglaries he was living in fear of becoming homeless and was stealing things in the hope that he could sell them.

Oddly, the items that he stole in burglaries included butane gas cylinders, an antique clock and even toilet-rolls.

At one garage he went to the clothes washing machines and stole the contents of one which included a nurses uniform and childrens clothing.

When the owner of these clothes approached him and threatened to report him, he returned them to her.

Judge Boyle said in summary: This involved a spree of offending all the way across West Cork, culminating in a serious incident at Forge Hill and you causing havoc along the way.
The investigation into an attack in Cork Prison where a prisoner had his left ear bitten off resulted in a 28-year-old man pleading guilty to the attack today.

Detective Sergeant Kieran OSullivan originally arrested Roman Becvar and charged him with assault causing serious harm to another prisoner, under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

He was charged under Section 4 of the act  the most serious category of non-fatal assault.

Through a Czech interpreter at Cork Circuit Criminal Court, the defendant was arraigned on the single charge of assault causing serious harm, and he pleaded guilty. His senior counsel, Elizabeth OConnell, said he was receiving mental health support from an organisation in the prison, and she asked for a report to be made available to the court at sentencing.

Prosecution barrister Paula McCarthy said a victim impact statement would have to be prepared.

Judge Helen Boyle remanded the accused in custody for sentencing on November 6.

The charge states that the assault occurred on April 9, 2023, on a prisoner at Cork Prison.
Eight men have been jailed for Irelands largest drugs seizure, made in 2023 after Irish soldiers dramatically intercepted a fleeing cargo ship.

Six of the ships crew and two others received sentences varying in length from 13 and a half years to 20 years in prison for their involvement, totalling 129 years behind bars.

The authorities said the prosecutions prove that Ireland is not a soft target for drug smuggling.

More than 2.2 tonnes of cocaine worth about 157m was found aboard the MV Matthew, after the ship was stormed by Irish troops in September 2023.

The drugs were seized after the Irish army ranger wing boarded the vessel from helicopters in a daring operation conducted while the crew attempted to steer the ship to high seas.

Eight men admitted their roles in trying to smuggle cocaine as part of a massive drug trafficking operation.

Six of the men arrested on board the MV Matthew pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine for sale or supply between September 24, 2023, and September 26, 2023.

Dutch national Cumali Ozgen, aged 49, who the court heard occupied quarters on the ship ordinarily reserved for senior officers, and who had a supervisory role, received a sentence of 20 years.

Cumali Ozgen. Photo: Niall Carson/PA Wire

The second officer, Harold Estoesta, aged 31, a Filipino national, received a sentence of 18 years.

The court heard that despite strong character references, Estoesta defied navy and customs instructions in a way unmatched by any other officer.

The captain of the vessel, Iranian Soheil Jelveh, aged 51, a married father of two, and who was not on board when the ship was intercepted, received 17 and a half years in prison.

Ukrainian national Vitaliy Vlasoi, aged 33, received a 16-and-a-half-year sentence, and Mykhailo Gavryk, aged 32, received 14 years.

Saeid Hassani, aged 40, who was the third officer, received a 15-year sentence.

Two other men, who were on the boat the Castlemore, which had been bought in Castletownbere to collect drugs from the main vessel, were also sentenced for attempting to possess cocaine for sale or supply.

Ukrainian national Vitaliy Lapa, aged 62, with an address at Rudenka, Repina St, in Berdyansk, received a sentence of 14 and a half years.

Harold Estoesta. Picture Dan Linehan

Jamie Harbron, aged 31, of South Av, Billingham, Co Durham, received a sentence of 13 and a half years in prison.

Ms Justice Melanie Greally said that among the mitigating factors taken into account for sentencing were the mens families, health conditions, character references from family and schools, and the challenges of serving time in prison away from home, making visits unlikely because of visas and cost.

The judge said that while the men do not belong to the upper echelons of the organised crime gang, and did not stand to profit from the sale of the drugs, the vast quantity of drugs and the potential harm of the highly addictive drug were taken into account as aggravating factors.

She said that apart from Harbron and Ozgen, each man possessed a high level of sea navigation skills, and that the transportation of large quantities of drugs at sea cannot take place without that knowledge.

Saeid Hassani. Picture Dan Linehan

Seafarers are not cogs, but valuable components of the engine, which allow drugs to be smuggled across international waters, she said.

She added that the court viewed the defendants, to various degrees, as committed to the success of the venture.

The non-jury court heard how the MV Matthew was registered in Panama in August 2023 and was owned by a Dubai-based company.

It left Venezuela in September, giving its destination as Gdansk in Poland.

The two tonnes of cocaine are believed to have been loaded on board the MV Matthew at sea off the coast of Venezuela on September 5, while the crew were deliberately distracted.

Soheil Jelveh. Pic: Jim Campbell

Although it was a 190m cargo ship for transporting bulk products such as grain, the court heard that the drugs cargo on board was akin to a few matchboxes in a car boot.

The MV Matthew and the Castlemore were to meet three times near Ireland in late September as part of the drug-smuggling operation.

A group chat was used to co-ordinate the meet-up and to receive instructions from Dubai.

But because of issues with the swell, as well as the smaller vessels struggle with slow speed and wifi, it missed all three rendezvous and ran aground in Co Wexford.

The ships captain, Jelveh, who had expressed his unhappiness with the weather conditions, had fallen into disagreement with the contacts ashore.

He was winched off the ship into a lifeboat and taken to Waterford Hospital, and then taken into Garda custody on September 26.

As the MV Matthew was travelling up the Irish Sea, it drew the attention of the Irish Coast Guard.

The ships crew initially said it had changed course to Belfast, and then attempted to drop anchor as it needed to carry out engine repairs over two days, which the court said was evidently a ruse to buy time.

Vitaliy Vlasoi.

In the early hours of September 26, customs told the MV Matthew to return to Cork Harbour.

Estoesta, who was in charge of communication, gave the appearance of compliance, the court said, but began travelling towards international waters.

The naval ship the LE William Butler Yeats, which had been in monitoring mode, switched to a warship and issued warning shots from a rifle and then a machine gun.

Estoesta radioed to the Irish naval ship and said: We are a commercial vessel, we have families and that they do not like problems.

Vitaliy Lapa. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

I dont like problems either. I want you to comply with our instructions and alter your course, the commander of the Irish naval vessel said. Please advise, are you in hot pursuit of us? Estoesta asked, and he was told they were.

The crew were advised by the Dubai group chat they would find safe harbour in Sierra Leone and to be confident because there is a law preventing them from boarding the ship. They were also told by the group to prepare to burn the drugs and dispose of their phones.

The army ranger wing arrived by helicopter and chose the fifth cargo bay to land, which was located at the front of the vessel.

Attempts were made by the crew to frustrate the landing of the soldiers on the boat from ropes dangling from helicopters, and to facilitate the destruction of items on board.

Mykhalio Gavryk. Picture Dan Linehan

The court said the rope was suspended some distance from the landing area as rangers descended, and therefore posed a risk to the rangers, with no small amount of courage needed to execute the manoeuvre.

Smoke coming from a lifeboat on the MV Matthew was seen by the rangers as they descended, and because of their quick thinking, the fire was extinguished and the drugs were only partially burned.

They swiftly gained control of the ship without incident and put it on course for Cork.

Detective Garda Superintendent Joe OReilly said the sentences provide a clear message that Ireland is not a soft target for international organised crime networks.

To those involved in drug trafficking, the message is clear that the full force of the Irish State, supported by our international partners, is against you, he told reporters outside the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin. The reality facing you is security interdictions, special investigations, the Special Criminal Court, lengthy sentences, and asset seizure.

Jamie Harbron. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Transnational organised crime gangs cause misery to communities  not only in Ireland, but throughout the world.

Tackling these gangs not only makes Ireland safer, but all the other countries that they operate in as well.

Det Supt Joe OReilly noted the work of the joint taskforce, which includes An Garda Siochana, the Revenue Customs Service, and the Naval Service, supported by other arms of the Irish Defence Forces including the army ranger wing and air corps.
Mental disorders among the general population are very high in Ireland and across the EU. Disorders have been rising and will rise further.

The mental health deterioration among young people is of particular concern. But many in this group, in trying to support each other, due to having real worries, may unintentionally be elevating these worries to psychological distress, in their use of social media,

Starting with the data, there was a global increase in the incidence of mental disorders among the general population of 15% between 1990 and 2001, with a growth of 18% in Western Europe. Researchers put this largely down to the growth in population, with some also noting increased societal pressures as a factor.

Nonetheless, there are a growing number of cases. More alarmingly, a large-scale Harvard study in 2023, published in The Lancet, estimated that one in two people will experience a mental health disorder in their lifetime. This is double the long-standing view of the Irish Mental Health Commission, that one in four people will develop a mental health disorder in their lifetime.

An OECD report in 2020 on the EU 28 countries reported an average of 17.3% of people having a mental health problem, with 18.5% of Irish people - joint third of the 28 countries.

A more recent Maynooth/TCD study specifically on Ireland put the figure for the incidence of mental disorders among Irish adults at 42%, while also noting 1% have attempted suicide. The most common disorders were: Insomnia Disorder (15%), Major Depressive Disorder (12%), Alcohol Use Disorder (9%), and General Anxiety Disorder (7%)

Now, lets turn specifically to the 15-29 age group. The Institute for Mental Health Metrics and Evaluation reported that in the EU, 17.4% have been diagnosed with a mental health disorders, equating to 14 million cases.

However, psychological disorders among that age cohort in the last 20 years are on the increase, according to The World Health Organisation, with depression, anxiety, and stress disorders now far more common.

More alarmingly, using a different measure, the Council of the European Union reports 49% of 15-29 years have declared unmet needs in mental health care, compared to 23% of the adult population.

Researchers suspect many contributing factors including employment problems, increased competition in trying to succeed, the erosion of positive social values such as solidarity and caring in society, existential threats such as climate change, social media, and technology.

Many of these have been around for years, so particular attention is being focused on social media and its negative effect on the mental health of young people. This is the one big social change of the past 25 years or so.

While younger people use social media as a support mechanism, and their increased discussion can reduce stigma, it also has the potential to socially transmit mental health problems from one person to the other. The US Surgeon Generals report in 2023 advised that frequent use of social media among teenagers is associated with increased risk of depression and anxiety.

Younger people with mental health challenges, in attempting to support themselves on social media, can create a domino effect of socially transmitting various mental health problems to each other. Added to this are the negative effects of body beautiful images, Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), and the influence of peer groups in contributing to harmful behaviours.

Numerous studies take the Surgeon Generals report further, claiming that over-use of social media by younger people is associated with increased fear about issues which arise in living their everyday lives, resulting in excessive worry around issues such as their education, work, weight, their future, etc.

Dwelling on these negative thoughts can make the sufferer worse and make others feel worse too, as the negative messages are socially transmitted via social media. What might start as a normal everyday worry can, in this process, finish up as significant mental distress, anxiety and depression.

Social media is full of influencers who set themselves up as mental health experts for young people, when they clearly are not. Names of serious mental health conditions such as PTSD and OCD are ordained on young people by influencers, their peers and even themselves, whether diagnosed or not.

Yes, real problems around many issues such as pay, working conditions, sexuality, housing etc. do exist, and there are real worries. But social transmission can amplify what are very often solvable problems, or even simple misunderstandings, and from there in to real psychological distress for younger people.

Having taught students for many years, I can bear witness to the amplification of worry, arising from something very simple: a lecturer sets an assignment in writing on the VLE ( Virtual Learning Environment) system. A simple question is asked by one student. A clear answer is given by the lecturer. A small number of students get nervous of their understanding. They share it on social media. Pretty soon, the whole class is confused and worried. Some get psychologically distressed.

Younger people need to be educated at all levels of the education system, on how psychological distress can be created and exacerbated by use of social media.

Critical media literacy education and training can help young people from being sucked in to the vortex of harmful influence of celebrities, social influencers or bullies.

The full suite of psychological and medical interventions also need to be made far more available to those who need them.

Young people do have real issues in areas such as housing, employment, sexuality, climate change, and others. These need to be dealt with by governments and society as a whole. But, reducing the social transmission of psychological distress, and dealing with the increased level of distress it causes in the meantime, requires specific solutions in their own right.
By David Young, PA

The chairman of the troubled Belfast health trust has been sacked by Stormonts Health Minister.

Mike Nesbitts decision to dismiss Ciaran Mulgrew comes amid a series of controversies within the trust.

A statement from the North's Department of Health said Mr Nesbitt believed a fresh start was required for the organisation.

Mr Mulgrew will leave his post on Friday.

Northern Health Minister Mike Nesbitt. Photo: PA

In May, a leaked report into staff culture at the cardiac surgery unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) in Belfast raised concerns about an intolerable working environment and a pattern of consistently poor behaviour.

Elsewhere within the trust, the delivery of two flagship new hospital builds on the Royal site  a maternity hospital and accompanying childrens hospital  have been hit by delays and difficulties.

Last month, Mr Nesbitt subjected the trust to increased oversight measures, ramping up his departments accountability processes to their highest level.

Confirming the ministers decision to sack Mr Mulgrew, a Department of Health statement on Thursday said: Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has decided on a change of leadership at Belfast HSC Trust.

The current trust chair will cease to hold the post from Friday July 4.

The minister believes a fresh start is required for the trust.

The minister and department would like to publicly thank Mr Mulgrew for his contribution to the trust and the wider Health and Social Care system.

A process for filling the chairs post is being initiated as a priority.

The chairman of the Belfast Health Trust Ciaran Mulgrew is leaving his post (PA)

The interim chief executive of the Belfast trust, Maureen Edwards, thanked Mr Mulgrew for his unwavering support, contribution and commitment.

Since his appointment, Ciaran has helped us through some very challenging times, she said.

In particular, he has shown courage and leadership over the last few months in bringing focus and committing to addressing issues around culture and behaviours in our organisation. Ciaran always acknowledges the fantastic work of staff in Belfast trust and is proud of their many achievements.

He is leaving the organisation with our gratitude and best wishes for the future.

I wish to reassure our staff and the public that we will continue to make tangible improvements across the organisation to benefit staff, patients and service users.

DUP member of the Assemblys Health Committee Diane Dodds said the development reflected the sheer scale of crisis within the trust.

Diane Dodds said the issues within the trust went wider than one individual (PA).

But she highlighted that many of the issues pre-dated Mr Mulgrews tenure.

Responsibilities within the trust go much wider than simply one individual and the Department of Health will have had an awareness of these issues also, she said.

The Health Estates division in the department has an army of professional advisers who have worked hands in glove with the Belfast trust on its major capital projects and decision-making around them. Removing the chair of the Belfast trust will not deflect scrutiny away from many of the ministers senior officials.

There is a wider systemic problem within the Belfast trust that will not be resolved by simply removing one individual.

However, we will need to hear more detail about what exactly has prompted this decision at this time. That is something I will continue to probe both within the Health Committee and beyond.
(Photo:  Havard Bjelland / NCA)Girl kissing the picture of her father, killed by IS in Syria.  Havard Bjelland/NCA

Following the lethal bombing of the St. Elias Church in Damascus, Syria, the Assembly of the Catholic Ordinaries in the Holy Land has condemned the violence and called for the protection of Christians.

Hundreds of believers had gathered on Sunday (22 June) for an evening service at the Greek Orthodox Saint Elias Church in Dweilaa, on the outskirts of the capital, when a man opened fire before detonating himself with a vest, Open Doors reported.

"I was preaching when the shooting began," recalled Father Baselios, the priest at Saint Joseph Church, which is close to Saint Elias Church.

"Then came the screams. Everyone instinctively dropped to the ground. The fear... it was unspeakable. We were all in shock, paralysed by the horror.

Following the suicide bombing of St. Elias Church in Damascuswhich killed 25 people and injured 63 othersthe Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land issued a statement expressing its "profound shock and deep revulsion."

They said it was an act of unspeakable evil, Vatican News reported.

The Assembly of the Catholic Ordinaries in Holy Land (ACOHL) brings together the Bishops/Eparchs/Exarchs of the Catholic Church holding jurisdiction over the territory of the Holy Land in Jerusalem, Palestine, Israel, Jordan, and Cyprus.

"There is no justificationreligious, moral, or rationalfor the slaughter of innocents, least of all in a sacred space," the ACOHL statement continued.

The Assembly argued that claiming faith as the reason to justify this violence "is a grave perversion of all that is holy."

- 'UNSPEAKABLE EVIL'

It is an act of "unspeakable evila crime against humanity and a sin before God."

The statement referenced the Pope Francis-signed Document on Human Fraternity (Abu Dhabi, 2019), and the Assembly highlighted that this attack violated the right to worship in peace and safety:

"The protection of places of worshipsynagogues, churches and mosquesis a duty guaranteed by religions, human values, laws and international agreements," said the church leaders.

"Every attempt to attack places of worship or threaten them by violent assaults, bombings, or destruction, is a deviation from the teachings of religions."

The Assembly extended its condolences to the Greek Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East, condemning the "barbaric act" and rejecting "ideologies that seek to justify violence in the name of religion."

Reflecting on Pope Leo XIV's words from an address at the Vatican on June 22, the statement said, the Assembly praying that "the swamps of hatred and fanaticism be decisively eradicated so that the peoples of the Middle Eastand beloved Syria in particularmay finally live in peace, dignity, and shared humanity."

They expressed their solidarity with all the Christian communities in Syria who have been living for years with persecution. The statement offered prayers for the victims, healing for the wounded, and comfort for the families affected.

In Christian neighbourhoods in Damascus, hundreds of people from all religious backgrounds took to the streets in protest, condemning the attack and urging the government to arrest those responsible.

Although Syria's population of around 24 million counts 87 percent of them as Muslims, Christians account for about 10 percent of the population, according to the CIA Factbook.

According to the Syrian authorities, the suicide bomber was affiliated with the group calling itself Islamic State (IS), Open Doors said.

In an operation following the attack, six people with links to IS have been arrested, whilst two have been killed  one who helped the suicide bomber enter the church, and the other who was preparing for another attack in Damascus. Explosives and weapons were found. As yet, IS have not claimed responsibility for the attack.
Samsung has reportedly pushed back the completion of its semiconductor plant in Taylor, Texas, because it has no customers. According to Nikkei Asia, the company is in no hurry to install equipment in the facility due to lack of clients and even though the facility is over 90 percent done. The factory was supposed to come online in 2024, but the company has since pushed back its opening date to sometime in 2026 to upgrade its foundry process. Samsung's fab was only supposed to be able to manufacture 4-nanometer chipsets, but the company adjusted its plans to give it the capability to manufacture more advanced 2-nanometer chips to be able to compete with rivals like TSMC. Still, the problem persisted.

If you'll recall, the plant in Taylor is part of Samsung's planned $44 billion investment in Texas. When the Biden administration announced that it was giving Samsung up to $6.4 billion in grants as part of the CHIPS Act funding, the company said that the money was going to be spent finishing up the campus in Taylor. But the facility's development has been troubled for quite a while now. Last year, Reuters reported that Samsung had delayed the deliveries of advanced-chipmaking equipment from ASML to its Taylor facility, since it had yet to sign up any major customer for the plant.

When Samsung cut jobs around the world last year, some jobs from its Texas operations were reportedly also cut due to production delays. And it's not just the company's employees who were affected by the delays: Samsung's suppliers, some of which are small companies, are also impacted and have had to look for other customers while the facility's completion is on hold. While Samsung has assured Nikkei Asia that it's still planning to open the fab in 2026, analysts previously called that into question seeing as it has yet to land volume clients. In fact, South Korean publication The Elec claimed in April that Samsung is now targeting a February 2027 opening date instead of sometime in 2026. The publication said that in addition to the lack of customers, Samsung's contractors had also pulled out of the project and its on-site workforce is now a fourth of its original size.
The so-called Big, Beautiful Bill has passed with plenty of nasty treats for the US technology and manufacturing industries. As well as swinging the sword at basic environmental protection measures, the bill sticks its thumb in the eye of the EV industry. Tim Stevens takes you on a tour of the most salient changes, like the imminent end of the EV tax credit. Joining that on the bonfire is the used EV incentive, as well as the rebates for the purchase of commercial EVs.

Similarly, for all of this administrations talk of bringing manufacturing back to the US, the bill is a middle finger for domestic solar companies. The US is the only credible manufacturing rival to China in solar panels, but the bill cuts these businesses off at the knees. I spoke to people inside the US solar industry who know that, despite whatever tariffs are implemented, this bill opens the door to a flood of cheap, Chinese-made solar panels to usurp their US rivals.

An earlier version of the bill also contained moves that could only be described as weirdly vindictive. It previously proposed an annual EV tax of $250 (and $100 for hybrid owners) as well as a general levy on all wind and solar projects. Why? A cynic might suggest it was due to the bill being drafted to benefit fossil fuel companies at the expense of literally everyone else.

Anyway, hopefully you can enjoy the holiday and wont need to spend it panic-buying an EV and US-made solar panels. Although thats not actually a bad way to spend a long weekend.

 Dan Cooper

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Before the acting. Before the physical transformation. Before the streaming success. For Pablo Cruz Guerrero, the first step in becoming Chespirito was accepting one simple truth: the drama behind the scenes would be just as powerful as the comedy on screen.

"I mean... we knew the gossip was going to come back," Cruz says with a knowing smile.

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He's talking, of course, about the triangle: the one that ended Roberto Gomez Bolanos's 23-year marriage to Graciela Fernandez and began his long-lasting romance with Florinda Meza, his co-star on El Chavo del 8. Their love story was a seismic shift in Mexican pop culture, and now, decades later, it's trending again thanks to Chespirito:Sin querer queriendo, the HBO Max biopic series that's stirring up feelings across generations.

In this exclusive interview, Cruz talks about that emotional weight, the scenes that nearly broke him, the pants he stole from set, and the one souvenir he's still negotiating to keep: the Chipote Chillon. And he also gives a not-so-subtle hint that a second season may already be in the works.

The man behind the comedy

For those unfamiliar: Roberto Gomez Bolanos, known to the world as Chespirito, was Mexico's most beloved comedy writer and actor, creator of El Chavo del 8 and El Chapulin Colorado. His shows aired across Latin America for decades, becoming part of the childhood of millions.

In Sin querer queriendo ("Accidentally on Purpose"), Cruz plays Chespirito from his early rise to the peak of his fame, including the professional and romantic entanglements that reshaped his life and legacy.

"When I first got the call to audition, the thing that stayed with me most was his eyes," Cruz recalls. "They held so much tenderness, but also sadness. It was like he saw the weight of the world, and his humor was his way of trying to fix it."

The elephant in the vecindad

The most viral storyline of the series  and of Chespirito's real life  has been his decision to leave his wife, Graciela, and start a relationship with Florinda Meza, who played Dona Florinda in El Chavo. It's treated delicately but honestly in the show, and Cruz had to live that internal conflict onscreen.

"The hardest scenes were the ones where he had to justify his time  to his family and to his creative team," Cruz says. "He was torn between two lives. That emotional tension... it took real work to get there."

The actor says the production team knew this storyline would reignite headlines. "We were ready. People have a lot of feelings about that part of his life," he says. "But we didn't approach it like gossip  we approached it like the truth."

Was El Chavo really that innocent?

For many viewers, El Chavo was the embodiment of childhood innocence. But Cruz challenges that notion: "I think he was kind of a troublemaker," he laughs. "Sure, he was sweet. But he could also be a little passive-aggressive. He liked to stir things up."

That complexity, tenderness and mischief, is what made the character so real, and so beloved.

About that second season...

Officially, HBO Max hasn't confirmed anything. But Cruz hints the team already knows what's coming. "They haven't told us anything... but we kind of know," he teases. "Let's just say I haven't given up on negotiating for the Chipote Chillon."

The show remains in Max's top 10 in Latin America and the U.S., and social media has kept the conversation going. For Cruz, the role has already been transformative. "It changed my life," he says simply.

To physically become Chespirito, Cruz stopped working out and lost weight. "I wanted him to feel light, like he floated through his ideas," he says. Still, he admits to stealing a pair of pants from set. "They fit great. I warned the wardrobe team, kind of. They never made it back."

As for what he learned from the experience? Cruz doesn't hesitate.

"Genius is meaningless if it isn't paired with empathy," he says. "Some directors are brilliant, but they mistreat their crews. Imagine what could happen if talent and kindness worked together."

Cruz, who previously produced the film La Nave, wants to direct. And playing Chespirito only deepened that desire. "He taught me that it's possible to demand excellence and still be playful. That's the balance I want to explore as a filmmaker."

Whether or not we see Season 2, one thing is clear: Pablo Cruz Guerrero is just getting started.

And yes! The pants look great.
Orlando Bloom was reportedly acting like a single man long before news broke of his quiet split from fiancee Katy Perry.

Sources told Page Six that Bloom was "unapologetically" flirting with women during a trip to Miami earlier this year. One insider claimed, "Orlando was definitely with girls in Miami," adding that the actor's behavior at the time was anything but subtle.

Bloom, 48, was in Florida on April 9 to help launch a new MSC cruise ship and was back for the Miami Grand Prix in early May. A source close to the couple said their breakup had already happened by then.

Cryptic Post About 'Loneliness'

Though Bloom and Perry haven't talked about ending their relationship publicly, reps for the exes confirmed that the pair are "shifting their relationship" more toward co-parenting their daughter, Daisy Dove, 4. In their joint message, they stressed that their focus "is  and always will be  raising their daughter with love, stability, and mutual respect."

Bloom appeared to hint at the split's emotional toll on social media this week, reposting a series of Carl Jung quotes that touched on themes of isolation and growth.

Newly single Orlando Bloom seemingly alluded to his breakup from fiancee Katy Perry by sharing cryptic Instagram Stories about new beginnings and bravely overcoming fears. pic.twitter.com/6ECIWB0oor  E! Australia & NZ (@EOnlineAU) July 1, 2025

Perry, 40, is currently on her Lifetimes tour, which kicked off April 23 and runs through December. A source previously told Page Six the couple were "waiting 'til her tour is over" before publicly acknowledging the split.

The couple, who first met in 2016 at a Golden Globes after-party, became engaged on Valentine's Day in 2019. They briefly split in 2017 but eventually reconciled, welcoming their daughter in 2020.

katy parenting her daughter in middle of tour all by herself while orlando bloom is hanging out with random girlies right after breakup.. pic.twitter.com/43KiXxt4MT  kanishk (@kaxishk) July 1, 2025

Recently, TMZ reported that Bloom attended Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's lavish Italian wedding "as a single man." A party insider described the actor as "partying hard... and sweaty," suggesting he was fully embracing solo life.

Sources have said the breakup wasn't a sudden blowout. "It's not contentious at the moment," one insider noted, describing it as "a long time coming."

There were reportedly growing tensions between the two, with some insiders linking it to Perry's frustration over the lukewarm reception of her latest album 143. "Orlando was understanding," a source told PEOPLE, "but it did cause some tension."
Michael Madsen, whose rocky path to stardom in "Reservoir Dogs" and "Kill Bill" was marked by a series of distressing personal setbacks, died Thursday at his home in Malibu. He was 67.

The actor seemed poised to return, but his final weeks, according to reports, were also filled with financial difficulties, drug addiction, and poor health.

A source who has had recent interactions with Madsen says he last saw the actor on June 10. During that call, Madsen stated that he believed he was about to be evicted and requested financial assistance equivalent to $10,000. "He called me and said, 'I'm getting evicted from my house,'" the source told The US Sun.

Madsen also talked about entering rehab.

"He told me, 'I'm going to rehab,' and all this kind of stuff," according to the source.

"It was clear he had a lot going on in his life that was difficult for him to navigate."

Madsen reportedly seemed drunk and down and out and was struggling to sell old cars to get by, the insider went on.

Through it all, Madsen continued to work. He was working on several independent film projects, including "Resurrection Road," "Cookbook for Southern Housewives," and "Concessions." The veteran actor was also about to release a book, "Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems." According to his team, he was looking forward to what they described as a new chapter.

Sudden Death Despite a Clean Bill of Health

Madsen had seen a doctor at UCLA in the wake of lingering issues from an earlier fall, according to a Facebook post by DDRV friend and assistant Dougie Smith. Smith told TMZ the actor underwent a PET scan and doctors cleared him. "He looked like he had been in the best health he had been in all year," Smith said.

Smith said he spoke with Madsen Tuesday night and said he sounded "great." When he hadn't heard from him the following day, Smith went to the house and discovered him unresponsive on Thursday morning. Madsen was declared dead at 8:25 AM. Authorities believe Madsen's cause of death is cardiac arrest and no foul play is suspected.

Virginia Madsen mourns her big brother Michael Madsen in an emotional tribute after his death:



"He was thunder and velvet. Mischief wrapped in tenderness. A poet disguised as an outlaw. A father, a son, a brotheretched in contradiction, tempered by love that left its mark. pic.twitter.com/duIQRukVys  Variety (@Variety) July 3, 2025

A Complicated Final Chapter

Madsen was a father to six children. His 26-year-old son, Hudson, killed himself in 2022. The tragedy deeply moved Madsen, and his marriage to DeAnna Madsen became strained. In 2024, he was arrested on a charge of domestic battery and filed for divorce, though he later said he had no intention of pressing it.

"This was not a dress rehearsal, Dweezil," his sister, the actress Virginia Madsen, said in a statement to Variety. "We're not mourning a public figure. We're not mourning a myth  but flesh and blood and ferocious heart. Who stormed through life loud, brilliant, and half on fire."

As of his death, Madsen had 18 unreleased projects on IMDb. His reps said he was excited to bring his next creative endeavor to the world and remembered him as "one of Hollywood's most iconic actors, who will be missed by many."
Sean "Diddy" Combs avoided the harshest penalties in his high-profile federal trial on Wednesday, walking away acquitted on the most serious charges of racketeering and sex trafficking after a months-long legal battle in New York.

The 55-year-old music mogul had spent nearly a year in custody awaiting trial, facing what many believed would be a life sentence. Instead, he received convictions on only two counts  both of which involved transporting for purposes of prostitution. The maximum for each count is 10 years, although as a first-time offender, Combs is facing much less.

Prosecutors' Gamble Backfires

Legal experts now say the prosecution's biggest mistake may have been going too big, too fast.

Federal prosecutors had hoped to lock Combs away for decades by framing the case as a racketeering conspiracy  a legal strategy typically reserved for organized crime leaders. The burden of proof in such cases is high: the government had to show that Combs led a criminal enterprise with willing co-conspirators.

"There was evidence of people helping him," criminal defense attorney Michael Bachner told The Telegraph, "but I think it was still a stretch... It just didn't smell like a RICO case to a lot of people."

Adding to the prosecution's troubles, key alleged accomplices  including Combs' longtime chief of staff, Kristina Khorram  were never subpoenaed or questioned. That decision left holes in the case and may have created confusion for the jury.

Sean Diddy Combs has been found not guilty of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy in a mixed verdict.



He has been found guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution. pic.twitter.com/lM18aEDKCP  Pop Crave (@PopCrave) July 2, 2025

Damning Evidence, But Not Enough

Despite disturbing evidence  most notably hotel surveillance footage showing Combs physically assaulting ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura  his legal team successfully distanced those actions from the central claims of sex trafficking.

While it is evidence of domestic violence, defense attorney Teny Geragos admitted in her opening statement that it is not evidence of sex trafficking.

Cassie, who was pregnant when she took the stand, testified about coercion and psychological control. But defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo retorted, "No one's forcing her to do this," referring to her testimony, and countered that she  as well as another accuser Jane  were willing participants.

Under US law, in order to secure a conviction for sex trafficking, prosecutors would have had to prove that Combs used force, fraud, or coercion to force participation in sexual acts. The defense put much of its emphasis on undercutting that theory  portraying Combs as living a "swinger's lifestyle" rather than running a human trafficking ring.

Agnifilo called the prosecution's narrative a "badly, badly exaggerated story" in his closing remarks.

A sentencing date for Combs has yet to be scheduled and although he faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for each of the two counts, legal observers believe they are unlikely to serve that time. "For people to think he's going to get time served and walk out  it's a pipe dream," former prosecutor David Weinstein told NewsNation. "But he's not getting life either."

Originally published on Music Times
The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan, had her own Napa Valley rose, As Ever, sell out in under an hour on July 1. Still, many international fans missed out because shipping was initially restricted to the United States. This targeted distribution strategy is a deliberate business decision to prioritize the customer experience and the integrity of the product over rapid growth, says one public relations expert.

Focusing on US delivery, Meghan is emphasizing her image as a customer-focused brand, which "strengthens her image as someone who cares about the customer experience and the integrity of her products, rather than just chasing quick profits or rapid growth," said Edward Coram James, the CEO of Go Up. "Meghan comes across as responsible and quality-driven when she focuses on local deliveries."

The rose, priced at $30 a bottle, has a flat-rate shipping fee of $20 within the US. James explained the intricacies of international shipping, saying, "Especially with alcohol, [it] is a regulatory minefield," he told The Express.

"Each country has different laws, import taxes, and licensing requirements."

He added that for a relatively new brand, "diving into global distribution too quickly can cause supply chain nightmares and damage the customer experience."

The Duchess's connection to wine is not new, as avid followers will know this from The Tig, her old lifestyle blog, and "With Love Meghan," Coram James pointed out. He compared it to other celebrity ventures, stating, "She's not an expert, although she doesn't need to be for this to work."

The expert went on, "Look at Cameron Diaz and her Avaline wines: she's not picking the grapes or blending them herself, but working with established winemakers and lending visibility to the product."

The official As Ever website describes the rose as "a delicately balanced rose with soft notes of stone fruit, gentle minerality, and a lasting finish. Reminiscent of the finest Provencal styles, it's crisp, pale in color, and effortlessly elegant  crafted for slow afternoons and golden-hour gatherings." On July 3, Meghan herself expressed gratitude for the rapid sell-out, sharing a smiling photo on the As Ever Instagram page with the caption, "Still soaking it in- feeling endlessly grateful. Cheers to what's ahead!"

Rose Wine - Sold Out

Jams - Sold Out

Sprinkles - Sold Out

Honey - Sold Out

Pancake Batter - Sold Out

Tea - Sold Out

Clothes she wears - Sold Out

Products she supports - Sold Out

EVERYTHING Meghan supports or sells has sold out fast. Good for her! pic.twitter.com/jFDaLGDih5  Gil (@TX_Gilly) July 1, 2025

Controversy Brews Over Launch Date

The successful launch, however, was marred by some controversy. Meghan Markle is being criticized for unveiling her rose wine on what would have been Princess Diana's 60th birthday, which critics are calling an insensitive move. Despite the sell-out, royal expert Kinsey Schofield slammed the timing, speaking to The Sun, saying that the launch "struck a particular nerve" for Prince William in particular, given the emotional significance of the date.

A royal source told Schofield that the fact that the two dates overlap wouldn't have escaped the royal family's attention. "It's not lost on Prince William that Meghan has launched an alcohol brand on his mother's birthday, the very mum he lost in a drunk driving tragedy," Schofield said.

"Timing an alcohol launch to Diana's birthday wasn't just a misstep, it was borderline cruel," she added.

"To claim ignorance here doesn't hold up-it wasn't just insensitive. It felt like a betrayal of the very narrative she's working so hard to craft."

The wine is part of Meghan's expanding lifestyle brand, As Ever, which also features baked goods and teas. All products on the site quickly sold out, with a note indicating "More coming soon."

Despite the commercial success, some royal experts suggest the Duchess's ventures are primarily driven by a pursuit of "fame and fortune." British broadcaster Helena Chard told Fox News, "Of course, [Meghan's] royal title and Sussex name are boosting her brand."

She added, "She will cling to this as it will help bring her [more] fame and fortune, which is imperative to her life." Chard believes Meghan "will keep her fingers in many pies and her name in lights with the hope that one or more of her ideas will bring in the much-needed hard cash."

This sentiment echoes claims made in Valentine Low's 2023 book, "Courtiers," which suggested Meghan and Prince Harry sought "freedom to make money and dip their toes into politics" upon stepping back from their royal roles in 2020. The couple cited media intrusion and a lack of support from the royal family as reasons for their relocation.
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When writing his new history book, dedicated to 15 family Veterans and centered around his trip to the 50th Anniversary of D-Day, Michael B. Butler also included stories of all kinds throughout the far reaching storyline. His third book in three years, History Leading to the 50th Anniversary of D-Day, Book 2, included one about when he, and a number of his friends, encountered John Wayne and General Omar Bradley on the same night. This was one of those chance meetings related to the book because of WW2 General Bradley, and John Wayne, attending a roast for their friend Jimmy Stewart, who was an accomplished bomber pilot in Europe during the Second World Wart.

Here is the story:

"When I encountered General Omar Bradley and John Wayne on same night: In early 1978, while in college, I was parking cars with my friends at celebrity parties and events around Hollywood and LA. We were working at the Dean Martin Roast of Jimmy Stewart, a B-24 pilot during World War II who became a Brigadier General in the reserves, at Burbank Studios in the San Fernando Valley. Must have been 25 of us working this star-studded affair, one where we got to chat with John Wayne.

"During a break, Wayne came outside and saw this large group of young guys all wearing red valet jackets staring at him. He looked at us, paused, and asked, 'Where's Little Red Riding Hood?' Then he pointedly asked, 'Where does a man take a piss?' Told that he had to walk down the street, to a trailer, our childhood hero walked across the small studio road, into an empty sound stage, and promptly urinated on the wall. This hilarious act of 'Duke Defiance' made all of our jaws drop and, after he disappeared inside, howl with laughterit also gave us a great story to tell.

"After filming had progressed, a limousine with tinted windows pulled up and parked right next to the sound stage entrance, where no other cars were allowed to park. All of us were buzzing about who might be inside, but no one exited the limo for quite some time.

"Then the appointed time arrived and who appeared but General of the Army Omar Bradleythe last surviving Five-Star General. Affectionately called the GI General from his WWII service, and later as first Chairman of the newly rechristened Joint Chiefs of Staff in 1949, we all knew who he was and were honored to have seen the great man, who was there to pay tribute to Jimmy Stewart, movie star turned real life pilot and war hero. Certainly a memorable night for all of the lowly parking attendants."

Michael B. Butler's Author Page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/mbbutler



History Leading to 50th Anniversary of D-Day, Book 2 is available on Amazon in paperback (979-8328241489) or Kindle (B0F4GH8679) and at Barnes & Noble.

History Leading to 50th Anniversary of D-Day, Book 2: My Journey



Thru World & Family History Landed at Omaha Beach, 6/6/94





Pat Murphy, One of Michael Butler's D-Day Saviors





Great Uncle Henry Olivas, 5th Armored Division





Uncle Roy Larson, B-17 Pilot, Lost Over Germany April 1944





June 1941 German Invasion of Russia to Stalingrad





German Invasion of Poland, September 1939





Michael B. Butler's other book include Without Redemption: Creation & Deeds Freeway Killer Bill Bonin, His Five Accomplices & How One Who Escaped Justice, Round the World & Across Russia in 21 Days, 30 Years Later and History Leading to 50th Anniversary of D-Day, Book 2.
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MONTANA  The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waitlist has reopened after being paused for 11 months. This program is designed to assist low-income families across Montana, covering 10 comprehensive regions.

Michael O'Neil, Montana NAHRO President and Helena Housing Authority Executive Director, explained the program's income criteria, saying, "For the Housing choice voucher program, it's, primarily 30% of adjusted median income. And, and, and 50% of adjusted median income. And that will vary by family size and by, location in the state."

The pause in applications was due to a shortage of federal funding. Now that applications are open again, experts say the biggest challenge may not be qualifying but finding a place to live.

O'Neil highlighted two main challenges: affordability and supply. He stated, "We've been having two challenges. Affordability and supply," and added, "And for a number of years, just the number of people moving to Montana has not been, matched by, new housing units being built or created. And so we're very happy to see, new housing being built, both in the affordable, sector but also in the private market."

Landlord participation is another factor. Program rules set a maximum rent limit, which hasn't always kept pace with market rates. However, O'Neil noted recent changes that could help, saying, "What was the big challenge before was that, we were limited on what we could pay in terms of rent. We still have a limit, but we've been able to have that increased, which it can make a big difference for, for families trying to look for housing."

He also mentioned that landlords across the state will benefit from these changes. "Our landlords who have seen their expenses go up. across the state. we'll also be able to, see increases, you know, that our program will be able to match their rents," he said.

O'Neil advised applicants who have applied in the last year to update their contact information and check the status of their application on the Department of Commerce website.

He said, "When you get to the top of list, you'll be contacted, you'll have to come in and do a briefing. You learn about your basic eligibility if you're eligible for the program. And at that time, the program is explained to you, and then you can go out and do your housing search. programs usually provide some guidance on how to do a housing search and where in your local area of where to go, you know, to, to search for what's it currently available."

Montanans can also apply for more localized housing authority voucher programs and other rent-assisted housing waitlists through local housing authorities across the state.

Visit Helena Housing Authority

Visit Public Authority of Butte

Visit Missoula Housing Authority

Visit Homefront (Billings Housing Authority)

Visit Great Falls Housing Authority

Visit Whitefish Housing Authority

Visit Ronan Authority
Herefordshire farmer John Joseph has been crowned top winner of the 2025 Soil Farmer of the Year, after stealing the spotlight for his exceptional commitment to soil health and regenerative farming.

The competition, jointly organised by Farm Carbon Toolkit and Innovation for Agriculture, recognises UK farmers who treat soil as a vital, living resource.

At the Groundswell event, the top prize was awarded to John Joseph, who manages 100 hectares of sandy loam soil at Trecorras Farm in Herefordshire.

Over the past decade, John has transformed soil management on his farm by introducing companion crops, implementing a seven-year rotation that incorporates grassland into the arable system, adopting 100% direct drilling, and reducing inputs.

Jade Prince, soil specialist at Hutchinsons and competition judge, praised Johns clarity of purpose and scalability.

She said: Every decision on Johns farm has a clear agronomic and economic rationale. What stood out was his ability to link soil management to business viability, showing that good soil makes good business sense.

Second place went to Jonathan Hodgson, who farms 285 hectares of clay soil at Great Newsome Farm in East Yorkshire.

His approach includes strip tillage, companion cropping, cover crops, integrated livestock, and the removal of seed dressings and insecticides.

Jonathans approach to enterprise stacking was particularly inspiring, added Ms Prince. From growing barley for his own distillery to producing dual-purpose flax and grazing sheep on cover crops, he is building diversity and resilience into both soil and business.

Third place was awarded to Andrew Mahon, who manages 800 hectares of Hanslope clay in Bedfordshire.

Since 2015, Andrew has largely adopted direct drilling, with shallow discing to establish small seeds. He is now focusing on alleviating localised soil compaction and enhancing biological activity through targeted interventions.

Deborah Crossan, Head of Soils and Natural Resources at Innovation for Agriculture, commended Andrews pioneering use of biological inputs.

Andrew is pioneering on-farm applications of Johnson-Su compost extract and biological feed at drilling.

"His attention to soil biology and microbial support is not just progressive, its proving highly effective in driving organic matter gains and establishment success.

Following the awards, the three winning farmers will each host on-farm events to demonstrate their soil management techniques in practice.

These farm walks will provide valuable learning opportunities for other farmers aiming to improve soil resilience and reduce input dependency.

Seeing these systems on the ground is invaluable, said Ms Crossan. They demonstrate how different soil types, farming systems, and business models can all benefit from a soil-first approach.
Iceland is under fire after scrapping its promise to go cage-free on eggs by 2025a U-turn that animal welfare groups say leaves the retailer lagging behind the rest of the grocery sector.

According to the 2023 EggTrack report from Compassion in World Farming (CIWF), over 60% of Icelands eggs still come from hens kept in cages, indicating minimal progress since the original commitment made in 2026.

In response, CIWF has joined forces with the Humane League, Open Cages and the RSPCA in an open letter calling on Iceland to reconsider its decision and honour its pledge.

While 82% of eggs produced in the UK are now cage-free, several major supermarketsincluding M&S, Waitrose, Sainsburys and Co-ophave already gone 100% cage-free across both shell eggs and egg ingredients.

Even those still transitioning, such as Tesco, Aldi and Lidl, have made demonstrable progress in recent years, according to the animal welfare groups.

Iceland, however, has defended its decision by citing cost concerns, claiming that selling caged eggs helps it offer lower prices to customers.

But critics have pointed out that the chains own caged eggs currently cost more than Tescos barn eggsa higher-welfare alternativecasting doubt on Icelands affordability argument.

Once a cage-free commitment is made, it must be honoured with meaningful action, said Philip Lymbery, global CEO of CIWF.

After nearly a decade to act, theres simply no excuse for delay. Its shameful that Iceland is prioritising profit over moral ethics. Everyone deserves access to higher welfare food, regardless of their income.

New data from Kantar suggests a strong market shift, with 87% of all shell eggs sold in UK retail now cage-freeup from 78.5% just six months earlier.

According to CIWF, Icelands decision to backtrack leaves it increasingly isolated, both from industry peers and a growing population of welfare-conscious shoppers.

Consumers dont ask for caged eggsthey expect good welfare as standard at an affordable price, added Mr Lymbery.

Icelands decision to abandon its cage-free pledge isnt just a broken promiseits a betrayal of trust and a step backwards for animal welfare.

"Its time for Iceland to catch up with the rest of the sector and make cage-free its baseline, not the exception.

Campaigners are also calling on the government to step in. CIWF has urged Defra to ban the installation of new cage systems and phase out existing ones as part of its Animal Welfare Strategy.
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.



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Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - July 3, 2025) - Kovo+ Holdings Inc. (TSXV: KOVO) ("Kovo" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a definitive agreement with Avonlea Ventures #2 Inc. ("AVI"), Kovo's largest shareholder and secured creditor, whereby AVI has agreed to extend the terms of the 2nd Amended & Restated Senior Loan and Security Agreement (the "Senior Loan Agreement") and secured promissory grid note (the "Secured Prom Note") for a period of one (1) month, respectively (the "Extension Agreement").

Extension Agreement

Under the Extension Agreement, Kovo and AVI extended the maturity date of the Senior Loan Agreement and Secured Prom Note, respectively, upon which the indebtedness owing thereunder was to be repaid for a 1-month period, now maturing on July 31, 2025 ("Maturity Date"). The other terms, as set out in the Senior Loan Agreement and Secured Prom Note, remain unchanged.

Related Party Transactions

AVI is an Ontario corporation controlled by Mr. Michael Steele, a current director and controlling indirect shareholder of the Company. Mr. Steele is also a director, officer and the sole indirect beneficial shareholder of AVI, which is also considered a "Non-Arm's Length Party" pursuant to the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange.

As AVI is a "related party" of the Company, entering into the Extension Agreement and matters relating thereto (the "Transactions") are considered to be "related party transactions" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") requiring Kovo, in the absence of exemptions, to obtain a formal valuation and minority shareholder approval of the related party transactions.

Pursuant to Sections 5.5(b), 5.5(g) and 5.7(1)(e) of MI 61-101, the Company relied on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder requirements, respectively, as, in addition to no securities of the Company being listed or quoted on certain specified exchanges: (i) Kovo was (and continues to be) in serious financial difficulty; (ii) the Transactions are each designed to improve the financial position of the Company; (iii) paragraph 5.5(f) (Bankruptcy, Insolvency, Court Order) of MI 61-101 was not applicable; and (iv) Kovo's board of directors (the "Board"), acting in good faith, and at least two-thirds of Kovo's independent directors, acting in good faith, determined that: (A) the Company was (and continues to be) in serious financial difficulty and the Transactions are each designed to improve the financial position of Kovo, and (B) the terms of the Transactions were reasonable in the circumstances.

The Transactions were unanimously approved by the Board members who were independent for the purposes thereof, being all directors other than Messrs. Michael Steele and Robert Galarza. Neither the Company nor, to the knowledge of the Company after reasonable inquiry, AVI, had knowledge of any material information concerning the Company or its securities that has not been generally disclosed. No special committee of the Board was established in connection with the Transactions, as the entire Board was engaged in respect thereof, and, other than Messrs. Steele and Galarza, who abstained from voting thereon, no materially contrary view or abstention was expressed or made by any director of the Company in relation thereto.

Neither the Company nor any director or senior officer of the Company has knowledge, after reasonable inquiry, of any prior valuation in respect of the Company that relates to the subject matter of or is otherwise relevant to the Transactions, which has been made in the 24 months prior to the date of this news release. The Company did not file a material change report more than 21 days before the expected closing as the details of the Transactions were not finalized until immediately prior to its issuance, and the Company wished to close the Transactions as soon as practicable for sound business reasons.

About Kovo+ Holdings Inc.

Kovo is a versatile technology company leading the charge in AI initiatives to drive impact and innovation across diverse industries. Kovo remains committed to its core business-model of strategic growth opportunities within mid-market Medical Billing firms, where exploitative business optimization synergies exist. Moving forward, Kovo will integrate accretive broader healthcare sector additions to its portfolio and opportunities beyond in multiple new markets. Dedicated to revolutionizing business process optimization through technological advancements and evolving AI-applied methods, Kovo embodies a commitment to ensured and enduring profitability. To learn more about Kovo and to keep up to date on Kovo news, visit www.kovoplus.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Such forward-looking statements or information are provided to inform the Company's shareholders and potential investors about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future and include, but are not limited to, (i) expectations regarding the characteristics, value drivers, and anticipated benefits of the Transactions; (ii) expectations regarding the Company's use of proceeds in connection with the Secured Prom Note; and (iii) expectations concerning the Company's business plans and operations. 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.

Forward-looking statements or information are based on a number of factors and assumptions that have been used to develop such statements and information, but which may prove to be incorrect. By its nature, such forward-looking information is subject to various risks and uncertainties, which could cause the actual results and expectations to differ materially from the anticipated results or expectations expressed. These risks and uncertainties, include, but are not limited to, the Company being unable to use the proceeds of the Secured Prom Note as described, legal or regulatory impediments regarding the Secured Prom Note, the Company defaulting on the Secured Prom Note or Senior Loan Agreement and leading to enforcement under the security, the proceeds being insufficient for the Company's purposes, the Company's inability to repay the Secured Prom Note and Senior Loan Agreement at the end of the terms thereof and the Company being unable to raise additional funds on terms acceptable to the Company or at all. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements 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 current expectations, assumptions and/or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. Any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Contact Information

For further information, please contact:

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/257798

SOURCE: Kovo+ Holdings Inc.
SINGAPORE, July 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- XL Ventures Pte Ltd, a Singapore-headquartered climate tech focused company, has received In-Principle Approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to perform licensed Venture Capital Fund Manager (VCFM) activities.

Founded by Amit Sharma and Saroj Mishra, XL Ventures aims to invest in and promote tech startups that use data, sensors, and artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize energy consumption in commercial buildings and power infrastructure - sectors with significant potential for decarbonization.

"All climate technologies required to save the planet already exist; the missing piece is rapid global scaling," said Sharma and Mishra. "While breakthrough innovations like fusion and new materials will be critical in the long term, we believe software and AI offer immediate and scalable tools to optimize complex, energy-intensive systems that currently run in silos with excessive safety margins."

They added that XL Ventures is particularly focused on technologies that are ready for deployment and can deliver measurable impact at scale.

"Corporates want to improve the bottom line and returns." the founders noted. "Technologies that solve real business problems from day one will see strong adoption. When they also deliver climate benefits, it's a win-win. Energy efficiency and consumption optimization are cross-sector needs where immediate impact is possible - commercially and environmentally."

XL Ventures plans to partner closely with a select number of early-stage companies, providing hands-on support to help them establish operations and scale in Asia. The firm will also foster partnerships with large local conglomerates to enable market access and distribution.

"We see significant opportunities for European tech startups in the efficiency and smart-tech space. They fit well with the government and private sector agenda in Singapore, India and other Asian economies. We are currently helping several UK based startups to get traction in these markets. While the US was the obvious scaling market for them in the past, the focus has now firmly shifted to Asia and to some extent the large GCC economies who have similar agenda," they said.

Amit Sharma, based in Singapore, previously served as Global Head of Business Development (Digital) for Tech Mahindra, the IT services arm of Mahindra Group. Saroj Mishra, based in London, co-founded Tazapay, a series A cross-border B2B payments company funded by Peak XV, RTP Global, Paypal and others, and Bayfront Capital Advisors, a Singapore based corporate finance advisory practice.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2724319/XL_Ventures_Amit_and_Saroj.jpg

Media Contact

info@xl.ventures

www.xl.ventures

https://www.linkedin.com/company/xlventures-sg/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/xl-ventures-secures-in-principle-approval-for-capital-markets-services-license-302497786.html
AI-driven rapid profit impact analysis supports optimal decision-making

KAWASAKI, Japan, July 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Fujitsu Limited today announced the launch of a new solution that utilizes AI agents to facilitate rapid impact analysis and optimal decision-making in global supply chains. The solution, which is positioned to enhance resilience in global supply chains, will be available to customers worldwide from today as a new feature of Fujitsu's all-in-one operation platform Fujitsu Data Intelligence PaaS (DI PaaS), offered as part of Fujitsu Uvance, Fujitsu's cross-industry business model to address societal issues.

Fujitsu will continue to contribute to a sustainable world by enhancing resilience through the integration of data, AI technologies, and industry expertise, minimizing the impact on customers' businesses even in unforeseen circumstances.

Navigating uncertainty: supporting customer resilience amid industry supply chain challenges

In recent years, geopolitical risks, natural disasters, and market fluctuations have heightened uncertainty for businesses around the world. The manufacturing industry, with its complex global supply chains, faces particularly significant risks. Unforeseen events can lead to changes in transportation routes, production stoppages, and increased costs, which can exert downward pressure on profits and reduce competitiveness. Traditional supply chain management struggles to respond swiftly, making the review of business continuity plans (BCP) and strengthening supply chain resilience urgent priorities.

Solution features

The solution consolidates data from internal and external sources, swiftly pinpointing products heavily impacted by market fluctuations and calculating profit impacts. Utilizing DI PaaS's robust data integration capabilities, analyses that once took weeks can now be completed in days. AI agents offer countermeasure proposals, facilitating optimal decision-making through on-screen simulations.

The solution enhances supply chain resilience through three key steps:

1. Profit and Cost Structure Analysis Provides detailed visibility into global supply chain risks and profitability by: Mapping supplier and factory exposure to market fluctuations Displaying import costs by product and route Helping customers understand cost structures and identify potential risks

2. Strategic Pricing Simulator Optimizes pricing strategies with: Price elasticity analysis to assess demand impact Simulated pricing based on cost structure changes Tools to adapt to market shifts and maximize revenue

3. Operational Change Simulator Enhances supply chain efficiency by: Analyzing profit and cost effects of shifting from high-cost procurement Using AI agents to assess alternative suppliers and transport routes Supporting rapid, data-driven decisions via orchestrated impact analysis

For full release click here: https://global.fujitsu/en-global/newsroom/gl/2025/07/02-01

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/fujitsu-launches-solution-to-enhance-customers-global-supply-chain-resilience-302498085.html
China Eastern Airlines (CEA) held a promotional event in Milan, Italy on July 3, 2025, for its new direct Milan-Shanghai route. CEA Chairman Mr. Wang Zhiqing attended and addressed at the event.

"This new route is not merely an aerial bridge connecting two great cities," said Mr. Wang. "It also embodies both Chinese and Italian people's aspirations for further exchanges and cooperation. We strive to provide convenient, efficient, and comfortable services and make every flight more enjoyable."

During his visit to Italy, Mr. Wang had high-level meetings with key representatives from the Italian aviation industry. Among them were Mr. Salvatore Burrafato, President of GEStione Aeroporto Palermo S.p.A., Mr. Armando Brunini, CEO of Societa Esercizi Aeroportuali S.p.A., and Mr. Luigi Battuello, CCO of Societa Esercizi Aeroportuali S.p.A. The meetings focused on operational support for new routes, joint marketing campaigns, and collaborative backing for passenger and cargo transportation. Mr. Wang specially invited the Italian partners to attend the North Bund International Aviation Forum to be held in Shanghai this October, to lay out a blueprint for future China-Italy civil aviation cooperation.

Apart from commercial cooperation, the trip also prioritizes cultural exchange. Mr. Wang met with Mr. Massimo Bray, Italian Coordinator of China-Italy Cultural Cooperation Mechanism and General Manager of the Treccani Institute. By common consent, they would collaboratively and innovatively integrate culture and aviation by hosting cultural exhibitions at airports and on board, developing unique cultural tourist routes, facilitating youth exchanges between the two nations, and offering professional support for cross-border transportation of valuable artworks. Then, they witnessed the signing of an MoU between CEA and Treccani Institute, marking a new stage in the collaboration between both bodies.

CEA inaugurated two new direct flight routes between China and Italy on September 26, 2024, as part of their "Air Silk Road" expansion: Venice-Shanghai and Milan-Xi'an. Now, therefore, CEA operates five direct routes between China and Italy: from Rome, Milan, and Venice to Shanghai; Milan to Xi'an; and Rome to Wenzhou. The weekly two-way flights between China and Italy have been raised to 46, which has fostered greater economic, trade, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges between the two nations.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250703512967/en/

Contacts:

Company: China Eastern Airlines

Website: http://www.ceair.com/

Contact: He Yuhua

TEL: 06 420470888

Email: yhhe@ceair.com
Circus wins Red Dot 'Best of the Best' Award the highest honor in the world's largest industrial design award program, spanning more than 60 countries.

Joins ranks of designs from Google, Ferrari, and Apple as past winners for iconic products like the MacBook Pro and AirPods Pro.

CA-1 Design to be showcased at the Red Dot Design Museum in Singapore later this year, highlighting Circus on the global design stage.

Circus SE (XETRA: CA1), a global technology leader in AI software and robotics for the food service industry, has been awarded the prestigious international Red Dot Award for outstanding industrial design in the "Best of the Best" category the highest recognition in the annual Red Dot Awards.

As one of the most respected global design awards, the Red Dot Award honors groundbreaking innovation across industries. With this rare distinction, Circus joins the ranks of Google, Ferrari, and Apple whose MacBook Pro and AirPods Pro have previously earned the same honor.

The CA-1 was honored in the "Ready for Market" category which is eligible only to products that are market-ready. This category recognizes innovations that have completed the design journey and are poised for commercial deployment at scale. With serial production underway and commercial deployment beginning this fall, Circus SE's CA-1 Series 4 perfectly meets the award's criteria.

Following the upcoming ceremony in October, the iconic CA-1 design will be featured in the Red Dot Winner Exhibition at the Red Dot Design Museum in Singapore, where it will be showcased to an international audience of innovators, designers, and technologists.

"This award is a powerful validation of the vision and discipline that went into the CA-1," said Nikolas Bullwinkel, CEO and Founder of Circus SE. "We always wanted to build a system that people trust, understand, and enjoy interacting with something truly designed for everyday life."

The design of the CA-1 was developed in collaboration with renowned German industrial designer Mario Selic, known for his work in advanced robotics and consumer innovation with companies such as KUKA, Siemens, and Bosch and was subsequently refined and engineered for serial production by Circus' in-house teams.

"From the early sketches, the ambition was to create something radically functional yet architecturally clear a robotic system that integrates seamlessly into human spaces," said Selic. "We were inspired by Edward Hopper's Nighthawks, the Airstream trailer, and Bauhaus principles clean geometry, minimalism, and design that disappears into its surroundings while elevating them."

"CA-1 began with a strong conceptual foundation, and throughout the design maturation, we remained committed to preserving the original design intent. We wanted to develop an autonomous product that feels effortless for the operator, the environment, and the customer," added Gustavo Kemmerich, Head of Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Design at Circus SE, who was instrumental over the years in bringing the CA-1 to serial manufacturing.

This recognition cements Circus SE's role as a pioneer at the intersection of robotics, design, and everyday human experience redefining how machines live, work, and serve among us.

About Circus SE

Circus SE (XETRA: CA1) is a global AI and robotics company developing autonomous systems for food supply in both civilian and defense sectors. Its flagship robot, the patented CA-1, is the world's first fully autonomous food production robot, now in serial production. Powered by proprietary embodied AI, Circus delivers industrial-scale, high-reliability meal output with minimal human input. Headquartered in Munich, the company is building the global infrastructure for autonomous food supply on a mission to fuel humanity.

About Red Dot

The Red Dot Design Award is one of the world's most prestigious honors for outstanding design. Each year, an international jury recognizes exceptional achievements across Product Design, Brands Communication Design, and Design Concept. With submissions from over 60 countries, Red Dot is regarded as a global benchmark for innovation, design excellence, and business differentiation. Its highest honor "Best of the Best" is internationally recognized and has been awarded to groundbreaking designs and products from companies such as Apple, Google, and Ferrari. With its museum in Singapore and global visibility, the Red Dot Design Award continues to shape the role of design in both technological and societal transformation.

Language: English Company: Circus SE Hongkongstrasse 6 20457 Hamburg Germany E-mail: ir@circus-group.com Internet: https://www.circus-group.com/for-investors ISIN: DE000A2YN355 WKN: A2YN35 Listed: Regulated Unofficial Market in Berlin, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich (m:access), Tradegate Exchange

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250703781904/en/

Contacts:

Circus SE

press@circus-group.com
The expert jury selected Dragan Grabulovski, Ph.D., Philipp Spycher, Ph.D., and Isabella Attinger-Toller, Ph.D. of Araris Biotech, from a group of outstanding life science entrepreneurs

The founding team is developing a breakthrough technology to establish a new generation of targeted cancer therapies

Committee representatives presented the award and the EUR 100,000 cash prize on Thursday, July 3, 2025





Munich, Germany, July 04, 2025 - The Strungmann Award selection committee today announced that Dragan Grabulovski, Ph.D., Philipp Spycher, Ph.D., and Isabella Attinger-Toller, Ph.D., the founders of Araris Biotech , have been honored as this year's winners. The award aims to support outstanding entrepreneurial and scientific achievements, as well as ground-breaking ideas in the life sciences industry. Araris Biotech's founding team distinguished itself not only by developing of a novel technology in the antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) field, but also by successfully validating this innovation through partnerships and a preclinical exit. This new drug class has the potential to significantly advance the development of targeted cancer therapies, thereby delivering added value for people living with cancer worldwide.

"On behalf of the award committee and this year's expert jury panel, we would like to congratulate Isabella Attinger-Toller, Dragan Grabulovski and Philipp Spycher. Together with the expert jury, we selected the founders of Araris Biotech as winners based on their combined leadership, entrepreneurial expertise and scientific excellence. Following the successful acquisition of Araris by Taiho Pharmaceuticals, we believe this award further recognizes the founding team's continued growth and positive trajectory ahead. This trio has impressively demonstrated how a new idea, a clear focus on translation and entrepreneurial boldness can come together to launch a new generation of targeted cancer therapies," said Andreas Strungmann, M.D., and Thomas Strungmann, Ph.D., in a joint statement. "It was a special privilege for us to engage with such a diverse, forward-looking group of start-ups from the DACH region. Learning more about the finalists and their impressive achievements made the final decision anything but easy."

The group of finalists selected in May comprised three companies: Araris Biotech , NovaGo Therapeutics and TOLREMO therapeutics , whose founders exemplify the entrepreneurial potential and scientific diversity that characterize the life sciences sector in the DACH region. They include an impressive variety of disciplines - spanning targeted cancer therapies, regenerative neuroscience and cancer drug resistance. Following the presentation of their entrepreneurial and scientific achievements to an expert jury, Dragan Grabulovski, Ph.D., Philipp Spycher, Ph.D., and Isabella Attinger-Toller, Ph.D., were announced today as the winning team and will receive a joint cash prize of EUR 100,000.

"We feel very honored to have our vision and achievements recognized by the Strungmann Award. As the founding team, we have always believed in the potential of our new technology and the value it may hold for patients. This award, in addition to the acquisition by Taiho Pharmaceuticals, is a validation of our commitment, shared journey and the hard work that has enabled our success story," said Dragan Grabulovski, Ph.D., CEO of Araris Biotech, on behalf of the founding team.

The Araris Biotech founders, the experienced biotech entrepreneur Dragan Grabulovski, Ph.D., (CEO), the visionary scientist Philipp Spycher, Ph.D., (CSO) and the outstanding translational scientist Isabella Attinger-Toller, Ph.D., (CTO), can look back on one of the most successful Swiss biotech startups to be established in recent years. Spun out of the Paul Scherrer Institute (part of ETH domain) in 2019, the team developed a novel ADC linker-payload technology (AraLinQ) that enables one-step payload attachment to off-the-shelf antibodies, without the need for prior antibody engineering. This innovative approach not only opens new possibilities in oncology, but also has potential for applications in other therapeutic areas.

In only a few years, the Araris team raised over CHF 40 million, formed a strategic partnership with Chugai (Roche) and Johnson & Johnson, and achieved a landmark acquisition by Taiho Pharmaceutical in March 2025 for up to USD $1.14 billion. Through these achievements, the three winners exemplify the potential within the DACH region to successfully translate scientific excellence into global innovation.

About the Strungmann Award

The award was established in 2024 to recognize outstanding entrepreneurs realizing revolutionary ideas in the DACH life science sector. The goal is to reward exceptional achievements with a prestigious prize and to further the development of the next generation of leaders in this space. The award was named to honor twin brothers Andreas Strungmann, M.D., and Thomas Strungmann, Ph.D., who are among the important entrepreneurs, visionaries and investors in the life science sector. As the founders of Hexal, they achieved extraordinary entrepreneurial success and as investors, they have continued to repeat that success for more than 20 years by building and developing leading companies across the industry, including Mainz-based BioNTech. Learn more at https://struengmannaward.de/ .

About Araris Biotech AG

Araris Biotech is a leading biotech company pioneering the future of antibody-drug conjugates.

Media Contact

Trophic Communications

Stephanie May, Ph.D. and Anja Heuer

Phone: +49

Attachment
EUROCASTLE INVESTMENT LIMITED

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Oak Fund Services (Guernsey) Limited

Company Administrator

Attn: Nicole Barnes

Tel: +44 1481 723450

Eurocastle Releases First Quarter 2025 Interim Management Statement and Announces Release of 4.6 million of Liquidation Reserves and Annual General Meeting to be held on 5 August 2025

Guernsey, 4 July 2025 - Eurocastle Investment Limitedhas released its interim management statement for the quarter ended 31 March 2025. The Company also announces that, following quarter end, the Luxembourg fund through which it is pursuing the New Investment Strategy ("EPIF") has reached over 61 million of investor commitments, following which the Board has determined that Eurocastle has a sustainable platform that it anticipates growing in future years. As a result, the Board has released 4.6 million of reserves generating a net increase to the Company's Adjusted NAV of 4.0 million, or 4.01 per share after contractual incentive fees of 12.5%.

IFRS NAV of 22.0 million, or 22.01 per share (22.1 million, or 22.05 per share as at Q4 2024).

of 22.0 million, or 22.01 per share (22.1 million, or 22.05 per share as at Q4 2024). ADJUSTED NET ASSET VALUE ("NAV") 1 of 11.4 million, or 11.43 per share 2 (Q4 2024: 11.4 million, or 11.34 per share).

of 11.4 million, or 11.43 per share (Q4 2024: 11.4 million, or 11.34 per share). PRO FORMA ADJUSTED NAV: Pro forma for the release of the Liquidation Reserves and net of incentive fees, the Adjusted NAV as at 31 March 2025 would be 15.5 million, or 15.44 per share.





Q4 2024 NAV Q1 FV Movement Q1 2025 NAV Pro Forma Movements3 Q1 2025 Pro Forma NAV 'm  p.s. 'm  p.s. 'm  p.s. 'm  p.s. 'm  p.s. New Investment Strategy - EPIF 5.77 5.76 0.09 0.09 5.86 5.85 - - 5.86 5.85



Legacy Italian Real Estate Funds 0.06 0.06 - - 0.06 0.06 - - 0.06 0.06 Net Corporate Cash3&4 12.28 12.26 (0.16) (0.17) 12.11 12.09 (0.57) (0.57) 11.54 11.52 Legacy German Tax Asset 3.97 3.97 0.03 0.04 4.01 4.01 - - 4.01 4.01 IFRS NAV 22.08 22.05 (0.04) (0.04) 22.04 22.01 (0.57) (0.57) 21.47 21.44 Legacy German Tax Reserve5 (5.99) (5.97) (0.02) (0.03) (6.01) (6.00) - - (6.01) (6.00) Adjusted NAV before Liquidation Reserve 16.09 16.08 (0.06) (0.07) 16.03 16.01 (0.57) (0.57) 15.46 15.44 Liquidation Reserves3&5 (4.74) (4.74) 0.15 0.16 (4.59) (4.58) 4.59 4.58 - - Adjusted NAV







11.35 11.34



0.09



0.09



11.44



11.43



4.02 4.01 15.46 15.44 Ordinary shares outstanding 1,001,555 1,001,555 1,001,555

As at 31 March 2025, the Company's assets mainly comprise:

1. 12.1 million, or 12.09 per share, of net corporate cash3 which is available to continue seeking investments under the New Investment Strategy.





2. 5.9 million, or 5.85 per share, in the Company's first investment under the New Investment Strategy - a Luxembourg real estate fund where Eurocastle, as sponsor, generates returns through its share of investments made and certain subsidiaries receive asset management and incentive fees from third party investors.





3. A tax asset of 4.0 million, or 4.01 per share, representing amounts paid (and associated interest) in relation to additional tax assessed against a former German property subsidiary where the Company won the first instance of its appeal in December 2024. The German tax authorities have since appealed the decision and the Company is waiting for the date of the next hearing.





4. Residual interests in two legacy Italian Real Estate Fund Investments with a NAV of 0.06 million, or 0.06 per share, where the underlying apartments are now all sold and both funds are in liquidation.





Q1 2025 BUSINESS UPDATES & SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

New Investment Strategy - In 2024, Eurocastle launched a Luxembourg regulated fund, European Properties Investment Fund S.C.A., SICAV RAIF ("EPIF" or the "Fund"), through which it invests alongside selected co-investors. EPIF's key strategy is to acquire small to mid-size real estate and real estate related assets in Southern Europe with superior risk adjusted returns. The Fund initially closed with Eurocastle committing to invest 8 million alongside a 2 million commitment from its JV Partner. EPIF is now being marketed to potential investors with a target size of 100 million.





In addition to generating attractive risk adjusted returns on its share of any investments made, Eurocastle also anticipates receiving market standard management and incentive fees from third-party investors.

Up to the end of Q1 2025, EPIF had invested approximately 7 million. Eurocastle's 80% share amounted to 5.5 million, while its corresponding share of EPIF's net asset value as at 31 March 2025 stood at 5.9 million, reflecting an increase in the value of the real estate acquired to date.

Subsequent Events to Q1 2025 - Since Q1, EPIF has received commitments of approximately 51 million from 15 investors taking the total fund size to over 61 million. In addition, prospective investors representing a further 20 million in commitments are in the final stages of due diligence.

In June, EPIF completed its second investment, calling approximately 1 million of capital to acquire a 70% interest in a vacant office property in central Athens. The asset was acquired from a defaulted borrower at a substantial discount to comparable sales in the area.

In addition, EPIF has an active pipeline that currently includes approximately 40 million of potential opportunities.

Legacy Italian Real Estate Funds -The remaining NAV for these investments of 0.06 million, or 0.06 per share, reflects cash currently reserved in the funds that is expected to be released once the fund manager resolves certain potential liabilities and liquidates each fund.





-The remaining NAV for these investments of 0.06 million, or 0.06 per share, reflects cash currently reserved in the funds that is expected to be released once the fund manager resolves certain potential liabilities and liquidates each fund. Legacy German Tax Matter - Prior to 2024, the Company had paid a net amount of 3.7 million in relation to the Legacy German tax matter against which it has raised a corresponding tax asset (together with associated interest). The Company, in pursuing the reimbursement of this amount through the German fiscal court, won the first instance of its appeal in December 2024. Shortly after, the German tax authorities appealed the decision through the German federal tax court and the Company is currently waiting to be notified of the date of the hearing.





The remaining potential exposure, associated with the same point under dispute, is estimated to be 1.7 million. This relates to the years 2013 to 2015 which remain subject to ongoing tax audits. Notwithstanding the Company's expectation that the tax matter will eventually be resolved in the Company's favour, as at 31 March 2025, the full potential liability of 6.0 million, or 6.00 per share (including associated defence costs and interest accrued), is fully reserved for within the Additional Reserves.

Additional Reserves - As at 31 March 2025, of the total Additional Reserves of 10.6 million, 6.0 million related to the legacy German tax matter with the balance of approximately 4.6 million held in reserves to allow for future costs and potential liabilities while the Company consolidated in parallel the New Investment Strategy (the "Liquidation Reserves").





Subsequent Events to Q1 2025 - In light of the Company's strengthened financial position and prospects, the Board has reviewed the level of Additional Reserves and feel it appropriate to release the Liquidation Reserves.

Income Statement for the Quarter ended 31 March 2025 and Quarter ended 31 March 2024 (unaudited)

Income



Statement Income



Statement Q1 2025 Q1 2024  Thousands  Thousands Portfolio Returns New Investment Strategy - EPIF unrealised fair value movement 85 - Legacy Real Estate Funds unrealised fair value movement - (10) Fair value movement on Investments 85 (10) Other income - 4 Interest income 109 146 Total income 194 141 Operating Expenses Manager base and incentive fees 41 20 Remaining operating expenses 195 227 Total expenses 236 247 (Loss) for the period (42) (106)  per share (0.04) (0.11)

Balance Sheet and Adjusted NAV Reconciliation as at 31 March 2025 and as at 31 December 2024

31 March 2025



Total



 Thousands 31 December 2024



Total

 Thousands Assets Other assets 115 315 Legacy German tax asset 4,012 3,974 Investments - New Investment Strategy - EPIF 5,855 5,770 Investments - Legacy Real Estate Funds 64 64 Cash, cash equivalents 12,400 12,415 Total assets 22,446 22,538 Liabilities Trade and other payables 318 389 Manager base and incentive fees 84 63 Total liabilities 402 452 IFRS Net Asset Value 22,044 22,086 Liquidation cash reserve (4,590) (4,748) Legacy German tax cash reserve (2,000) (2,008) Legacy German tax asset reserve (4,012) (3,974) Adjusted NAV 11,442 11,356 Adjusted NAV ( per Share) 11.43 11.34

NOTICE: This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of the Market Abuse Regulation 596/2014.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Company will hold its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, 5 August 2025, at the Company's registered office at 3:00 pm

Guernsey time (4:00 pm CET). Notices and proxy statements will be posted by 14 July 2025 to shareholders of record at close of business on 10 July 2025.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For investment portfolio information, please refer to the Company's most recent Financial Report, which is available on the Company's website).

Terms not otherwise defined in this announcement shall have the meaning given to them in the Circular.

ABOUT EUROCASTLE

Eurocastle Investment Limited.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements may relate to, among other things, future commitments to sell real estate and achievement of disposal targets, availability of investment and divestment opportunities, timing or certainty of completion of acquisitions and disposals, the operating performance of our investments and financing needs. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "should", "potential", "intend", "expect", "endeavour", "seek", "anticipate", "estimate", "overestimate", "underestimate", "believe", "could", "project", "predict", "project", "continue", "plan", "forecast" or other similar words or expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions, discuss future expectations, describe future plans and strategies, contain projections of results of operations or of financial condition or state other forward-looking information. The Company's ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is limited. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, its actual results and performance may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results in future periods to differ materially from forecasted results or stated expectations including the risks regarding Eurocastle's ability to declare dividends or achieve its targets regarding asset disposals or asset performance.

1 In light of the Realisation Plan announced in 2019, the Adjusted NAV as at 31 March 2025 reflects additional reserves for future costs and potential liabilities, which have not been accounted for under the IFRS NAV. No commitments for these future costs and potential liabilities existed as at 31 March 2025.

2 Per share calculations for Eurocastle throughout this document are based on 1,001,555 shares, unless otherwise stated.

3 Adjustments to reflect the release of the Liquidation Reserve.

4 Reflects corporate cash net of accrued liabilities and other assets.

5 Reserves that were put in place when the Company realised the majority of its investment assets in 2019 in order for the Company to continue in operation and fund its

future costs and potential liabilities. These reserves are not accounted for under IFRS.
Ende Mai leitete US-Prasident Donald Trump mit der Unterzeichnung mehrerer Dekrete eine weitreichende Wende in der amerikanischen Energiepolitik ein. Im Fokus: der beschleunigte Ausbau der Kernenergie.



Mit einem umfassenden Manahmenpaket sollen Genehmigungsprozesse reformiert, kleinere Reaktoren gefordert und der Anteil von Atomstrom in den USA massiv gesteigert werden. Ausloser ist der explodierende Energiebedarf durch KI-Rechenzentren, der eine stabile, CO-arme Grundlastversorgung zwingend notwendig macht.



In unserem kostenlosen Spezialreport erfahren Sie, welche 3 Unternehmen jetzt im Zentrum dieser energiepolitischen Neuausrichtung stehen, und wer vom kommenden Boom der Nuklearindustrie besonders profitieren konnte.



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LONDON, July 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- FinSei (previously AltPay.uk), an innovative fintech company specializing in secure, seamless payment services, has announced a strategic partnership with FinHub.cloud, a global leader in cloud-based financial infrastructure. This collaboration will boost FinSei's scalability, security, and operational efficiency across the UK and Europe.

About FinSei

FinSei delivers compliant, technology-driven financial services for businesses and consumers. Its suite includes e-wallets, card issuing, international transfers, and alternative payments, with a focus on underserved markets and cross-border transactions. FinSei's commitment to innovation ensures it meets rising regulatory and customer demands.

About FinHub.cloud

FinHub.cloud provides modular, cloud-native infrastructure that enables banks and fintechs to build and scale digital services. The company's global 360 banking platform is applicable in four modes covering every angle of the financial industry - Technology & Baas, Inter - Banking License & Baas, Embedded Finance, Business Banking.

The Strategic Partnership

By adopting FinHub.cloud's platform, FinSei will:

Boost transaction speed

Strengthen resilience and security

Accelerate product rollouts, especially in cross-border payments

Respond swiftly to regulatory requirements (e.g., PSD2, FCA)

For FinHub.cloud, this partnership extends its reach in the UK and Europe, supporting high-growth, compliance-focused fintechs like FinSei.

Executive Quotes

'This partnership marks a major step in elevating our business offering worldwide. In an industry where banking and payments are often unnecessarily complex, our mission has always been to deliver a clear, easy-to-use solution paired with top-tier service. With Finhub.cloud's technology, we're adding a powerful new layer to our infrastructure - faster, more cost-efficient, and built to scale. This strategic move reinforces FINSEI's commitment to reliability, performance, and delivering real value to our clients.'

- Helmut Gerhard, Chief Business Development Officer, FinSei Ltd

"This collaboration with FINSEI reflects our shared vision of driving the next generation of digital payments. At Finhub.cloud, we've built an infrastructure that empowers fintechs to innovate and address new opportunities without compromising security, scalability, and compliant growth across borders. We're excited to support FINSEI as they expand their footprint across the UK and Europe."

- Ilian Mihaylov, Chief Architect, FinHub.cloud

Together, FinSei and FinHub.cloud aim to set new standards for digital payment solutions across borders.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2724301/FinHub_Partnership.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/finsei-ltd-partners-with-finhubcloud-to-accelerate-next-generation-payment-solutions-across-the-uk-and-europe-302497781.html
LONDON, July 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of London Pride, the Pure Land Foundation is proud to launch "Buddhist, Queer and Beautiful", a powerful new YouTube video series created in collaboration with Kodo Nishimura, a globally recognised makeup artist, Buddhist monk, and LGBTQ+ advocate.

The YouTube series explores themes of identity, self-love, and resilience, offering an affirming space for those navigating the intersection of LGBTQ+ and Buddhist philosophy. According to UK mental health charity Mind, 50% of LGBTQ+ individuals will experience severe distress due to societal pressures. The series explores how ancient philosophy and self expression can support healing and empowerment within LGBTQ+ communities.

When Kodo first came out, his father, a professor of Buddhist studies, told him to "live the life that you want". A senior monk later affirmed that Buddhism does not discriminate based on sexuality, appearance or background. Kodo has since dedicated his career to uplifting LGBTQ+ voices through a blend of artistry, spirituality and lived experience.

Kodo Nishimura serves as Vice Deputy at the 500-year-old Choshoji Temple in Tokyo. Kodo trained as a fine artist at Parsons School of Design in New York. He has appeared on TV programmes including 'Queer Eye: We're In Japan' and is author of the book 'This Monk Wears Heels'. TIME Magazine honoured Kodo as a Next Generation Leader, noting his "mission to spread the message of equality in Buddhism".

The Pure Land Foundation was first founded in 2015 by philanthropist and LGBTQ+ advocate Bruno Wang to support spiritual and emotional wellness. Since 2024, the Pure Land Foundation has become an advocacy organisation, engaging and educating audiences through original content creation focused on how the adoption of Buddhism inspired philosophies can relieve individual suffering and support emotional wellbeing.

Speaking about the series, Pure Land Foundation founder Bruno Wang said:

"Affirming, inclusive Buddhist communities and practices such as mindfulness and compassion can significantly improve mental well-being, countering stigma and internal conflict. The affirmations within this first limited series will help the LGBTQ+ community to learn how Buddhist philosophies can be empowering and uplifting."

Speaking about the series, Kodo Nishimura said:

"I am grateful to be a part of something that would have supported me when I needed it most. If you ever doubt yourself, please remember that shining in your colour makes the world more colourful and more beautiful."

To access the series, follow @thepurelandfoundation on YouTube.

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ODIOT SA announces the initiation of coverage of its stock by GreenSome Finance

Paris, July 4, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.

ODIOT SA (Euronext Access, FR0004152700 - MLODT) today announced the initiation of coverage of its stock by GreenSome Finance. In its study entitled "The revival of a historic luxury house " , GreenSome Finance begins monitoring ODIOT SA with a buy recommendation and a price target of 0.60 per share, representing a potential increase of 43% compared to the last quoted price of 0.42.

The analysis note highlights the transformation undertaken by the new management since 2024, which aims to restore the potential of an exceptional goldsmith house with rare know-how and a prestigious history, serving royal courts and art lovers for 335 years.

Beyond strengthening human resources and optimizing manufacturing, ODIOT SA's strategy is based on a plan to modernize its production facilities and leverage its expertise and historical archives. This transformation aims to support the increase in volumes, improve productivity and lead times, while ensuring the exceptional quality that has made the company famous for three centuries.

These initiatives aim to attract an ultra-luxury clientele that is increasingly attentive to the authenticity, sustainability, and cultural value of the pieces they purchase. As the global ultra-luxury market continues to grow, ODIOT is ideally positioned to benefit from this trend, thanks to its image of excellence, its Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant label, and the complete control of its value chain.

GreenSome highlights the prospect of 382% revenue growth between 2024 and 2028, combined with an EBITDA margin target of 35.7% by 2028. This momentum is supported by a strong order book and the commitment of new investors.

Download the analysis note here: https://www.odiotholding.com/investor-relations .

About ODIOT SA

ODIOT SA is the controlling holding company of ODIOT, a French luxury brand founded in 1690, and one of the most prestigious goldsmiths since the 18th century. A supplier to royalty, the Empire, and all European courts, ODIOT possesses unique expertise in creating exceptional decorative pieces and cutlery in precious metals (solid silver, vermeil, gold). ODIOT is distinguished as Company of Living Heritage (Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant) by the French Minister of Economy.

Investor Relations Contact: investors@odiotholding.com

Press relations: odiotholding@aelium.fr

ODIOT SA (Euronext Access, FR0004152700 - MLODT) www.odiotholding.com

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MADRID, July 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In an unprecedented achievement, Colombia shone at the 2025 edition of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, the world's most important event in advertising and communications. For the first time, the country officially participated in the competition and achieved a historic result: three Lions-one Gold, one Silver and one Bronze.

The award-winning campaigns are rooted in a narrative that has become part of the national identity: 'Colombia, the Country of Beauty'. This vision was conceived by President Gustavo Petro and projected to the world by Carmen Caballero, President of ProColombia, who led the development and rollout of the initiatives that now mark a before and after in the way the country presents itself internationally.

The Gold Lion in the Creative Strategy category and the Bronze in Creative Data were awarded to Humanimal Tourism, a campaign that transformed the migratory routes of over 1,200 species into personalised messages for travellers in more than 30 countries. Through creativity and technology, Colombia positioned itself as a biodiverse destination-emotionally engaging and deeply authentic.

The Silver Lion, in the Brand Experience & Activation category, went to Runways of Hidden Beauty, a campaign focused on reactivating airstrips in destinations such as Bahia Solano and Tolu. Using secret coordinates sent to content creators, the campaign invited exploration of natural and cultural regions that are now accessible to both domestic and international tourism.

"In the Government of Change, we defined the narrative 'Colombia, the Country of Beauty' to highlight our natural, cultural and historical treasures and promote the country on the global stage. These campaigns are the result of a team that knew how to make the most of the best promotional and marketing tools," said Diana Marcela Morales, Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism.

The impact of these two campaigns is evident in the figures: over 300,000 bookings from 13 nationalities, a 64% increase in new travellers, presence in over 30 markets, 535 million impressions, and media coverage worth over 96 million US dollars.

"This recognition goes beyond advertising. It shows that the narrative 'Colombia, the Country of Beauty' didn't remain on paper-we brought it from the desk to the land, and from the land to the world. Today, we demonstrate that Colombia has a story that moves, inspires, and resonates on global stages. This is a Colombia that embraces its diversity, protects its essence, and transforms it into a powerful, authentic and profoundly beautiful message," said Carmen Caballero, President of ProColombia and the architect behind the Colombia, the Country of Beauty narrative.

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With effect from 1st September, Atradius has announced changes in the distribution of responsibilities and the composition of the Management Board

AMSTERDAM, July 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With effect from 1st September, Atradius has announced changes in the distribution of responsibilities and the composition of the Management Board.

Andreas Tesch, currently Chief Market Officer (CMO), has been appointed as the new Chief Risk Officer (CRO). He replaces Christian van Lint, who is stepping down after a 42-year career at Atradius, including 13 years as a board member. Christian will remain an advisor to the company's highest executive body until 31st December 2025.

The CMO position will be split into two sections:

Marta Nodal, currently Director of Spain, Portugal, and Brazil, will join the Management Board as CMO. She will oversee operations in the commercial regions of Spain, Portugal, and Brazil; Germany, Central and Eastern Europe; the Netherlands and the Nordics; France, Belgium, and Luxembourg; and Italy. Additionally, she will be responsible for Collections, Surety and Instalment Credit Protection.

Marc Henstridge will lead as CMO the commercial regions of the United States, Mexico, and Canada; Asia; Oceania; and the United Kingdom and Ireland. He will also manage Global, Credit Specialties, and Atradius Re.

Claus Gramlich-Eicher, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), will take on the supervision of Enterprise Risk Management in addition to his existing duties. David Capdevila, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), will take on the oversight of Information Technology Service and Group Marketing and Communication. These changes will take effect from 1st September.

David Capdevila, CEO: "I want to thank Chris for his focused, calm and kind leadership, outstanding teamwork, dedication, and great contributions to our success and welcome Marta Nodal on board. By incorporating new perspectives and redefining key roles, we're positioning ourselves to face future challenges with greater agility and effectiveness. These changes aim to leverage the unique strengths and expertise of each member. We're confident that these modifications will strengthen our ability to achieve our strategic objectives and continue delivering exceptional value to our customers and stakeholders."

About Atradius

Atradius is a global provider of credit insurance, bond and surety, collections and information services, with a strategic presence in over 50 countries. The products offered by Atradius protect companies around the world against the default risks associated with selling goods and services on credit. Atradius is a member of GCO, one of the leading companies in the Spanish insurance sector and one of the largest credit insurers in the world. You can find more information online at https://group.atradius.com.

Connect with Atradius on Social Media

Website: https://group.atradius.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atradius

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/atradiusgroup

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2534564/Atradius_Managing_risk_RGB_C_Pos.jpg

For further information:

www.atradius.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/atradius-announces-changes-in-management-board-302498165.html
Trading Commenced on 03 July 2025. Celebratory Campaigns to Launch Across Platforms

SINGAPORE, July 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MemeCore, the world's first Layer 1 blockchain built specifically for the Meme 2.0 era, is proud to announce the official listing of its native token, $M, on multiple centralized exchanges. Trading commenced on 3 July 2025, with the $M/USDT trading pair available on Binance Alpha, Kraken, Bitget, BingX, HTX and Hashkey.

To commemorate this milestone, each participating exchange will be launching exclusive trading campaigns and giveaways to reward users. Full campaign details can be found on the respective exchange platforms.

Redefining Memes with Layer 1 Power

MemeCore was designed to usher in a new age of crypto-powered virality - Meme 2.0 - where meme coins are no longer fleeting trends, but enduring cultural and economic forces. Through a unique incentive structure that rewards content virality, on-chain activity and community participation, MemeCore enables memes to become the backbone of a new, self-sustaining blockchain economy.

What is Meme 2.0?

Meme 2.0 reimagines the future of meme coins - moving beyond speculative hype into a utility-driven, community-powered model. At the heart of this vision are:

Proof of Meme (PoM): A first-of-its-kind consensus model that tracks and rewards viral content, project contributions, and on-chain transactions - ensuring long-term project relevance.

A first-of-its-kind consensus model that tracks and rewards viral content, project contributions, and on-chain transactions - ensuring long-term project relevance. Meme Vaults: Smart contract-based, automatically generated reward pools that power fair and transparent contributor incentives for every meme project launched on the MemeCore chain.

The Role of $M

$M is the utility token of the MemeCore blockchain. It powers gas fees, staking, governance, and the PoM consensus model - making it the engine behind MemeCore's viral economy. As more meme-native projects deploy on the network, demand for $M is expected to grow alongside user engagement and content creation.

About MemeCore

MemeCore is the first Layer 1 blockchain specially built for Meme 2.0 - a new paradigm, where meme coins evolve from short-term speculation into long-term cultural and economic forces, powered by community-driven virality.

MemeCore introduces the viral economy: a Meme 2.0 paradigm where meme coins become enduring cultural assets and active economic engines. By rewarding both content virality and transaction volume, MemeCore ensures that every meaningful interaction - whether social or on-chain - becomes part of a sustainable, value-generating ecosystem.

For more information, visit https://memecore.com

Media Contact

Josh

Business Development

MemeCore Foundation

Email: josh@memecore.com

Website: https://memecore.com

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/memecore-announces-m-token-listing-on-major-centralized-exchanges-302498183.html


CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The Australia and the New Zealand dollars weakened against their major currencies in the Asian session on Friday, as European stocks traded lower, with trading volumes likely to remain thin amid the Independence Day holiday in the United States.



U.S. President Donald Trump's approach to tariffs remains a concern as the July 9 deadline approaches.



Trump said late Thursday that his administration will start sending out letters to different countries starting Friday, telling them what import tax (tariff) rates they will have to pay to sell goods in the U.S.



Separately, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said the U.S. and India are nearing a deal but talks with Japan and South Korea - have been stalled for weeks.



Closer home, the EU is reportedly pushing for an 'agreement in principle' ahead of July 9 but Brussels is bracing for any outcome, including a return to tit-for-tat tariff escalation, media reports suggest.



U.S. fiscal worries also remain on investors' radar following the passage of Trump's 'big, beautiful' tax and spending bill, which would add trillions to the national debt and deepening fiscal imbalances.



Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed that Australia's household spending rebounded in May driven by spending on discretionary goods and services. Household spending grew 0.9 percent month-on-month in May, following a flat result in April and a 0.1 percent drop in March.



On a yearly basis, household spending increased 4.2 percent in May after rising 3.8 percent in April. A similar faster growth was last seen in December.



In the Asian trading today, the Australian dollar fell to 94.65 against the yen and 1.7958 against the euro, from yesterday's closing quotes of 95.17 and 1.7896, respectively. If the aussie extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 92.00 against the yen and 1.80 against the euro.



Against the U.S. and the Canadian dollars, the aussie slid to 0.6556 and 0.8904 from Thursday's closing quotes of 0.6577 and 0.8927, respectively. The aussie may test support near 0.63 against the greenback and 1.07 against the loonie.



The aussie edged down to 1.0812 against the NZ dollar, from an early high of 1.0828. On the downside, 0.58 is seen as the next support level for the aussie.



The NZ dollar fell to 0.6060 against the U.S. dollar and 87.49 against the yen, from yesterday's closing quotes of 0.6079 and 87.97, respectively. If the kiwi extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 0.58 against the greenback and 85.00 against the yen.



Against the euro, the kiwi dropped to 1.9432 from an early 2-day high of 1.9349. The next possible downside target for the kiwi is seen around the 1.95 region.



Looking ahead, Eurozone PPI for May is slated for release at 5:00 am ET in the European session.



In the New York session, Canada S&P Global PMI for June is set to be published.



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 2025 AFX News
While the DEA's Thomas Prevoznik Turned a Blind Eye, American Cannabis Users Were Poisoned: How the DEA Regulatory Failure and Inaction Enabled a Public Health Crisis.

WASHINGTON, D.C. / ACCESS Newswire / July 4, 2025 / The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is asleep at the wheel - or worse, willfully negligent - as contaminated cannabis floods state markets, consumers are poisoned, and legitimate pharmaceutical research is actively blocked by the very agency tasked with protecting public health.

At the center of this national disgrace is DEA's Deputy Administrator Thomas Prevoznik, the long-time bureaucrat at the helm of the DEA's Diversion Control Division. While Prevoznik parades around on taxpayer-funded panels pretending to safeguard public safety, the truth is undeniable: the DEA has utterly failed its mission. As stated on the DEA website:

"The mission of DEA's Diversion Control Division is to prevent, detect, and investigate the diversion of controlled pharmaceuticals and listed chemicals from legitimate sources while ensuring an adequate and uninterrupted supply for legitimate medical, commercial, and scientific needs".

State Cannabis Chaos Exposes DEA Incompetence

The latest scandal comes out of Massachusetts, where state regulators just suspended the license of Assured Testing Laboratories -one of the largest cannabis labs in the state-after uncovering what they describe as an "intentional effort to conceal" failing safety results on cannabis products.

The lab, which tested 25% of all cannabis in the state, was caught falsifying reports, hiding contamination, and greenlighting dangerous products that should have failed mandatory yeast, mold, and microbial standards. Thousands of cannabis products were put into consumer hands without accurate safety testing.

Yet not a word from the DEA.

Not a single enforcement action.

No national recall.

No intervention.

The DEA's Mission: Betrayed from Within

The DEA's own mission is crystal clear:

"To prevent, detect, and investigate the diversion of controlled substances while ensuring an adequate and uninterrupted supply for legitimate medical, commercial, and scientific needs."

Under Prevoznik's failed leadership, that mission has become a farce.

The DEA has allowed state cannabis markets to operate as the Wild West: no national oversight, no quality control, no consistency.

Consumers across the U.S. are being exposed to tainted, contaminated cannabis products , while the DEA turns a blind eye.

At the same time, the DEA is actively blocking federally compliant pharmaceutical cannabis development including MMJ BioPharma's FDA-approved clinical research for devastating conditions like Huntington's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis.

Why Is Prevoznik Blocking Science While Allowing Poison?

The hypocrisy is staggering:

The DEA refuses to grant a federal manufacturing license to MMJ BioPharma, whose plant-derived, pharmaceutical-grade cannabis medicines are produced under strict FDA standards.

Meanwhile, Prevoznik's division permits contaminated street level cannabis to flood state markets with no uniform standards, no federal action, and no public warning.

It's the worst of both worlds:

The public is unprotected and medical innovation is obstructed.

The Human Cost of Prevoznik's Failures

Families with children suffering from intractable epilepsy, cancer, or neurological disorders are denied access to standardized, pharmaceutical cannabis because the DEA won't act.

At the same time, recreational markets pump out high-potency THC products riddled with mold, pesticides, and unregulated contaminants: products that in some cases are making people sick.

This is not regulation.

This is dereliction of duty.

Time for Accountability: Fire Prevoznik, Reform DEA

The solution is clear:

Thomas Prevoznik must be immediately removed from his position for gross negligence and regulatory malpractice.

The DEA's obstruction of pharmaceutical cannabis research must end.

Oversight of cannabis research should be transferred to agencies that understand science-such as the FDA or NIH.

Congress must investigate how the DEA has allowed the national cannabis market to devolve into chaos while blocking life-saving medicines from reaching patients.

"The DEA's Diversion Control Division, under Prevoznik's leadership, has failed to protect the public, failed to uphold science, and failed to meet even the most basic standards of competence," said Duane Boise, CEO of MMJ BioPharma Cultivation .

"It's time for the DEA to be held accountable for decades of failure."

The American People Deserve Better

The DEA exists to serve and protect the public, not to act as a political roadblock while Americans are poisoned and scientific progress is stalled.

Prevoznik failed. The DEA failed.

It's time for Congress, the courts, and the public to take back control.

MMJ is represented by attorney Megan Sheehan.

CONTACT:

Madison Hisey

MHisey@mmjih.com

203-231-8583

SOURCE: MMJ International Holdings

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/deas-thomas-prevoznik-fails-again-cannabis-users-poisoned-while-pharm-1045808
BARCELONA, Spain, July 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC), the leading international event on cities and smart urban solutions organized by Fira de Barcelona will hold its largest edition ever in 2025. From November 4-6 and under the theme "The Time for Cities" the show and congress will gather 1,000 exhibitors, 25,000 attendees and grow its exhibition floorspace to break the record set on its last edition.

The event, held at Fira's Gran Via venue, will focus on strategies to transform current metropolises into more sustainable, efficient, and livable spaces. Artificial Intelligence (AI) will have a central role as a key asset capable of accelerating a much-needed push towards more efficient and sustainable cities. The new "AI-enabled cities" area will showcase examples of how this technology can improve and speed up urban transformation projects.

The exhibition floor space will gather companies from around the world to showcase the latest solutions, among which are Axis Communications, Bentley, Dahua Technology, Dassault Systemes, Dell, Deloitte, iotsquared, Microsoft, Nvidia, Spie, Urbaser and Veolia. Additionally, the event will also house many country pavilions including Argentina, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, Nordics, United Kingdom and the USA.

The Capital of Urban Knowledge

SCEWC will gather over 600 speakers and international experts in a congress structured around eight main tracks: Enabling Technologies, Energy & Environment, Mobility, Governance & Economy, Living & Inclusion, Infrastructure & Building, and Blue Economy.

Among the confirmed speakers are Nikki Greenberg, CEO of Real Estate of the future and a globally recognized futurist and strategic advisor; and Kate O'Neill, Founder and CEO of KO Insights, a renowned digital innovator focused on enhancing human experiences through data-driven and AI-led interactions.

The Global Hub of Innovation

SCEWC will strengthen its role as a global hub of urban innovation by hosting again Tomorrow.Mobility World Congress, organized by Fira de Barcelona and EIT Urban Mobility and aimed at developing a new and sustainable urban mobility paradigm; and the third editions of Tomorrow Building, focused on innovative construction, and Tomorrow.Blue Economy, aimed at using the full potential of ocean resources for sustainable economic growth. To round off this unmatchable offer, SCEWC will host the fourth edition of the Barcelona Deep Tech Summit, an event organized by Barcelona Activa focused on scientific tech entrepreneurship and university spin-offs.

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Trump says no progress on Iran, Ukraine in phone call with Putin

Xinhua) 13:19, July 04, 2025

HOUSTON, July 3 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said that he did not make any progress during his phone call earlier on Thursday with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin over Iran and the Ukraine conflict.

"No, I didn't make any progress with him today at all," Trump told reporters. "I'm not happy about that."

"We had a call. It was a pretty long call. We talked about a lot of things, including Iran, and we also talked about, as you know, the war with Ukraine," said Trump.

During the phone call, which lasted about an hour, Putin said that Moscow would achieve its goals in the conflict with Ukraine, including the elimination of its root causes, according to Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov.

"Our president said that Russia will achieve its goals, namely to eliminate the well-known root causes that led to the current state of affairs, to the current harsh confrontation. And Russia will not give up on these goals," Ushakov said.

Putin's aide said that Russia is ready for the third round of talks with Ukraine, adding that Putin and Trump did not discuss the specifics of what would be discussed during the possible negotiations.

Putin and Trump confirmed their mutual interest in implementing a series of economic projects between Russia and the United States, including in energy and space, Ushakov said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
CAIRO, July 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Refreshing Fujian" Culture and Tourism Promotion Event was successfully held in Cairo, Egypt on June 24. Jointly organized by the Fujian Provincial Association for International Cultural Exchange, the Fujian Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, and the Cairo China Cultural Center, the event featured addresses by Fujian provincial leaders, the Chinese Ambassador to Egypt, and representatives from the Egyptian Tourism Promotion Authority. Distinguished attendees included Egypt's former Prime Minister, the Minister-Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Egypt, heads of the Cairo China Cultural Center and Egypt-China Friendship Association, alongside officials from Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. Over 300 guests participated, including representatives from local tourism enterprises, industry associations, cultural institutions, and prominent figures from Egypt's arts community.

Centered on promoting the "Refreshing Fujian" cultural and tourism brand, the event showcased the charm and elegance of Bamin culture (Fujian's distinctive culture) while creatively integrating elements from both Chinese and Egyptian traditions. It featured thematic presentations, tourism route launches, project signings, and cultural exchange showcases. An outdoor exhibition area offered hands-on intangible cultural heritage experiences, tea ceremony demonstrations, and cultural displays.

On-site, Fujian Song and Dance Theatre with National House Technical Theatre, Xiamen International Book Co.,Ltd. with Egypt-China technology exchange center, HyCooby Overseas Chinese Education Platform with Egypt's Deren Chinese School, Xiamen C&D International Travel Group Co., Ltd. with Egypt's Starlight Travel Agency and other 7 cultural and tourism cooperation projects were signed, further expanding in-depth cultural and tourism exchanges and cooperation between Fujian and Egypt.

The ceremony also presented traditional Chinese art performances highlighting Fujian's cultural heritage and tourism appeal, generating enthusiastic audience engagement.

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Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 4, 2025) - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company"), a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands across Canada is pleased to announce the opening of its 26th Heal Wellness, located in Aurora, Ontario. Heal Wellness ("Heal") is a fresh smoothie bowls, acai bowls, and smoothies quick serve restaurant ("QSR"). The Grand opening will be located at 15570 Yonge Street, Unit 2, Aurora, Ontario, this Saturday July 5th, 2025.

Happy Belly 1

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"This opening represents our 26th location open and operating, with more in construction and scheduled to be open throughout 2025," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly. We have seen tremendous growth with Heal and the rest of the Happy Belly's portfolio of emerging brands culminating in our accelerated store opening growth across both corporate and franchise locations. This ongoing rollout reflects our disciplined blend of organic growth and strategic acquisitions.

"With each new restaurant opening our national footprint continues to expand. Heal's first-mover advantage in our chosen markets has enabled us to experience significant growth with more units now under construction in Alberta, Ontario and P.E.I. Supported by 195 units already secured under development agreements stretching coast to coast we have set the stage for continued, predictable expansion as Heal becomes Canada's first true national smoothie bowl brand."

Happy Belly 2

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"With 606 retail locations under contract-spanning projects in development, under construction, or already open-our franchise pipeline is robust. By carefully selecting the right partners and prime real estate, we will maintain momentum and achieve our disciplined growth objectives through 2026."

We are just getting started.



About Heal Wellness

Heal Wellness was founded with a passion and mission to provide quick, fresh wellness foods that support a busy and active lifestyle. We currently offer a diverse range of smoothie bowls and smoothies. We take pride in meticulously selecting every superfood ingredient on our menu to fuel the body, including acai smoothie bowls, smoothies, and super-seed grain bowls. Our smoothie bowls are crafted with real fruit and enriched with superfoods like acai, pitaya, goji berries, chia seeds, and more.



Franchising

For franchising inquiries, please see www.happybellyfg.com/franchise-with-us/ or contact us at hello@happybellyfg.com.

About Happy Belly Food Group

Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company") is a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands across Canada.

Happy Belly 3

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Sean Black

Chief Executive Officer

Shawn Moniz

Chief Operating Officer

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release, which has been prepared by management.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-Looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur and include the future performance of Happy Belly and her subsidiaries. Forward-Looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. There are no assurances that the business plans for Happy Belly described in this news release will come into effect on the terms or time frame described herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis and other disclosure filings with Canadian securities regulators, which are posted on www.sedarplus.ca.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/257787

SOURCE: Happy Belly Food Group Inc.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 4, 2025) - Live Energy Minerals Corp. (CSE: LIVE) (OTC Pink: GTREF) ("LIVE" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that further to its news release dated April 10, 2025, the option agreement dated April 9, 2025 (the "Option Agreement") with an arm's length purchaser (the "Purchaser"), has now closed.

On June 27, 2025, the Purchaser issued to the Company, 5,500,000 common shares (the "Consideration Shares") and it must pay $50,000 in cash within three (3) years of the effective date of the Option Agreement in order to acquire a 100% undivided interest in two mineral claims totaling approximately 5,355 hectares located in the Province of Saskatchewan (the "Property").

The Company has granted the Purchaser the right, but not the obligation, to purchase a 3% net smelter return royalty (the "Royalty") held by an arm's-length third party (the "Royalty Holder") by issuing an additional 5,500,000 Consideration Shares to the Royalty Holder (the "Royalty But-Back"), subject to TSX Venture Exchange acceptance.

The Consideration Shares are subject to a statutory four-month hold period under Canadian Securities Laws. No finder's fees were paid on this arm's length Option Agreement. A copy of the Option Agreement has been filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+.

About LIVE Energy Minerals Corp.

LIVE is a mining exploration company actively engaged in exploring for and identifying new opportunities in clean energy minerals in North and South America. LIVE holds applications for a 100% interest in the uranium, vanadium, and molybdenum, Messa Top and Section 20 Mine projects located in the Colorado Plateau, USA. LIVE has also retained an interest in the McDermitt Lithium East Project, Nevada, USA. LIVE is focused on creating value for its shareholders by combining quality project with proven exploration strategies and a team driven to achieve exceptional outcomes.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information in this release includes, but is not limited to: statements regarding the terms and completion of the Option Agreement dated April 9, 2025; the grant of an option to acquire a 100% undivided interest in the mineral claims comprising the Property; the potential exercise of the Option by the Purchaser; the payment of $50,000 in cash as consideration; the timing of such consideration; the Purchaser's right (but not obligation) to complete the Royalty Buy-Back; the potential issuance of an additional 5,500,000 Consideration Shares to the Royalty Holder in connection with the Royalty Buy-Back; and the receipt of all required regulatory approvals, including approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

Forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions that are believed by management to be reasonable at the time such statements are made, including: that all conditions precedent to the completion of the transactions contemplated under the Option Agreement will be satisfied in a timely manner; that the Purchaser will elect to exercise the Option and/or the Royalty Buy-Back; that all necessary regulatory and third-party approvals will be received on a timely basis; and that market conditions and commodity prices will remain favourable.

Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, events, or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the risk that required approvals may be delayed or not obtained; the risk that the Option or the Royalty Buy-Back may not be exercised or completed as anticipated or at all; risks related to fluctuations in commodity prices; exploration and development risks; changes in exploration or development plans; title and permitting risks; risks associated with financing and capital markets; regulatory changes; general economic, market, or business conditions; and other risks described in the Company's most recent management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A") and other continuous disclosure filings, which are available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable as of the date hereof, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such information. Forward-looking information is provided as of the date of this release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by applicable law. New risk factors may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all such factors or assess their potential impact on the Company.

For further information, please contact the Company at: info@liveenergyminerals.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/257816

SOURCE: Live Energy Minerals Corp.
YIBIN, China, July 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sichuan Yingfa Ruineng Technology Co., Ltd. ("Yingfa Ruineng") has recently announced its formal accession to the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC). This move underscores Yingfa Ruineng's firm commitment to sustainability, integrating it into the company's business strategy and driving innovation to accelerate the photovoltaic industry toward greater efficiency and lower carbon emissions.

Fulfilling a Global Commitment and Advancing Sustainable Goals

Established in 2000 by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, the UN Global Compact is the world's most influential platform for corporate sustainability. It calls on businesses to align operations with ten principles covering human rights, labor standards, environmental protection, and anti-corruption, while supporting the broader UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set for 2030. Today, the initiative includes tens of thousands of companies and organizations across more than 160 countries.

By joining the UNGC and pledging support for its principles, Yingfa Ruineng has demonstrated its strong commitment to making Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) values a core strategic priority. Looking ahead, the company plans to deepen its ESG efforts across all operational areas and contribute to the transition toward a more efficient and low-carbon PV supply chain.

Driving Clean Energy Adoption Through Technology

As a key player in China's photovoltaic industry chain, Yingfa Ruineng focuses on the R&D and mass production of high-efficiency solar cells. These solutions serve a broad range of applications, including utility-scale solar farms, and commercial, industrial and residential distributed PV systems. Drawing on leading-edge technologies such as PERC, TOPCon, and back-contact (BC) cell technology, alongside Czochralski monocrystalline silicon ingot technology, the company continues to improve conversion efficiency and lower the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE).

In response to global efforts around carbon neutrality, and in alignment with China's "dual carbon" targets, Yingfa Ruineng is continuously advancing technological innovation and smart manufacturing to reduce energy consumption and emissions throughout its production process. Through its partnership with the UNGC, the company will further accelerate the optimization of its sustainable supply chain management practices and deepen its exploration of renewable energy applications.

Executive Perspective: Sustainability Sets the Course Forward

"Joining the UNGC marks an important milestone in Yingfa Ruineng's path toward globalization," said Yingfa Ruineng President Zhang Min. "We recognize that long-term success lies not only in outstanding business performance, but also in the positive impact a company makes on the environment and society. Moving forward, we will continue to raise our internal standards and integrate sustainability into every facet of our operations."

Outlook: Powering a Net-Zero Energy Future

As the global energy landscape undergoes rapid transformation, Yingfa Ruineng sees its participation in the UNGC as a new starting point. The company will further enhance its technological capabilities and ESG performance while collaborating with international partners to help accelerate the shift toward a greener, low-carbon, and sustainable energy future-one that aims to share the benefits of clean energy development with all.

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Immuthera's Scientific Advisory Board: World-Leading Expertise Driving Next-Generation Diabetes and Immunotherapy Solutions





Distinguished experts Dr. Jay Skyler, Dr. Desmond Schatz, and Dr. Lawrence Steinman have joined Immuthera's Scientific Advisory Board.

Immuthera will continue expanding its Scientific Advisory Board over the coming months to build a truly world-class team.

In collaboration with PolTREG and leading U.S. academic centers, Immuthera will be developing a pipeline of cutting-edge, clinically validated Treg cell therapies for autoimmune and neuroinflammatory diseases.





4 JULY 2025 - Immuthera, a pioneer in cell therapies for autoimmune diseases, and parent company, PolTREG (Warsaw Stock Exchange: PTG), are proud to highlight the exceptional caliber of the first three members of its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB)-a team whose collective expertise and groundbreaking achievements are shaping the future of diabetes and immunotherapy research. The support and guidance from these globally renowned scientists underscore Immuthera's commitment to delivering innovative, safe, and effective therapies for patients worldwide.

"The collective wisdom and leadership of Drs. Skyler, Schatz, and Steinman provide Immuthera and PolTREG with an unparalleled strategic advantage. Their guidance ensures that our research and clinical programs are aligned with the highest standards of scientific rigor and patient care. Immuthera plans on expanding our SAB over the next several months to build a truly world-class team that will guide our activities in the US and beyond. With their support, Immuthera is uniquely positioned to accelerate the development of transformative therapies for type 1 diabetes and other autoimmune diseases" - said Prof. Piotr Trzonkowski, CEO of Immuthera and PolTREG.

Immuthera will be working closely with PolTREG, and US academic centers, to develop a pipeline of cutting edge and clinically validated Treg cell therapies for the treatment of autoimmune and neuroinflammatory diseases.

"Regulatory T cells (Treg cells) play a crucial role in maintaining immune homeostasis. As such, Immuthera's and PolTREG's delivery of Tregs offers hope for curing or controlling autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes" - said Dr. Desmond Schatz.

"I am excited to provide advice as Immuthera and PolTREG test their exciting technology in the clinic" - add Dr. Lawrence Steinman.

A Scientific Advisory Board of Visionaries: Unrivaled Leadership in Diabetes and Immunology

Dr. Jay Skyler: Architect of Modern Diabetes Care

Dr. Jay Skyler stands as one of the most influential figures in type 1 diabetes research. His visionary work has transformed patient care and set new standards for clinical excellence:

Pioneering Intensive Insulin Therapy: Dr. Skyler's development of patient self-monitoring and intensive insulin protocols revolutionized diabetes management, empowering millions to achieve better glycemic control.

Dr. Skyler's development of patient self-monitoring and intensive insulin protocols revolutionized diabetes management, empowering millions to achieve better glycemic control. Leadership in Landmark Clinical Trials: As Chairman of the NIH-sponsored Diabetes Prevention Trial - Type 1 (DPT-1) and Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet, Dr. Skyler has overseen global efforts to prevent and delay the onset of type 1 diabetes.

As Chairman of the NIH-sponsored Diabetes Prevention Trial - Type 1 (DPT-1) and Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet, Dr. Skyler has overseen global efforts to prevent and delay the onset of type 1 diabetes. Trailblazer in Immune Intervention: He led the first NIH-funded studies using cyclosporine and monoclonal antibodies to preserve beta-cell function, paving the way for modern immune therapies.

He led the first NIH-funded studies using cyclosporine and monoclonal antibodies to preserve beta-cell function, paving the way for modern immune therapies. Editorial and Organizational Leadership: Founding Editor-in-Chief of Diabetes Care and past President of the American Diabetes Association, Dr. Skyler's influence extends from laboratory to clinic, and from policy to patient advocacy.

Founding Editor-in-Chief of Diabetes Care and past President of the American Diabetes Association, Dr. Skyler's influence extends from laboratory to clinic, and from policy to patient advocacy. Recognition: His accolades include the Banting Medal for Service, the Distinction in Endocrinology Award, and the Mary Tyler Moore/S. Robert Levine Award from JDRF.





Dr. Desmond Schatz: Champion of Prevention, Genetics, and Pediatric Care

Dr. Desmond Schatz's four-decade career has been dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of type 1 diabetes, particularly in children and adolescents:

Pioneering Research: Dr. Schatz has led major NIH and JDRF-funded studies on the prediction, genetics, and immunopathogenesis of type 1 diabetes, including the TEDDY program for newborn genetic screening and the Human Islet Research Network (HIRN).

Dr. Schatz has led major NIH and JDRF-funded studies on the prediction, genetics, and immunopathogenesis of type 1 diabetes, including the TEDDY program for newborn genetic screening and the Human Islet Research Network (HIRN). Clinical Trial Leadership: As Principal Investigator for the University of Florida's TrialNet Clinical Center and a founding member of DPT-1, Dr. Schatz has driven international efforts to prevent and manage type 1 diabetes.

As Principal Investigator for the University of Florida's TrialNet Clinical Center and a founding member of DPT-1, Dr. Schatz has driven international efforts to prevent and manage type 1 diabetes. Mentorship and Advocacy: A prolific author with over 400 publications, Dr. Schatz is recognized for nurturing the next generation of diabetes researchers and clinicians.

A prolific author with over 400 publications, Dr. Schatz is recognized for nurturing the next generation of diabetes researchers and clinicians. Honors: His distinguished service has been recognized with the Banting Medal, ISPAD Prize for Achievement, the George Eisenbarth Award, and the University of Florida College of Medicine Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dr. Lawrence Steinman: Innovator in Neuroimmunology and Autoimmune Therapies

Dr. Lawrence Steinman's research has redefined the landscape of neuroimmunology and autoimmune disease treatment:

Breakthrough Therapy Development: His work at Stanford University led to the creation of Natalizumab (Tysabri), the first approved monoclonal antibody for multiple sclerosis (MS), now a standard of care worldwide.

His work at Stanford University led to the creation of Natalizumab (Tysabri), the first approved monoclonal antibody for multiple sclerosis (MS), now a standard of care worldwide. Groundbreaking Discoveries: Dr. Steinman's research unveiled the molecular link between Epstein-Barr virus and MS, earning him the 2023 Pioneer in Medicine Award.

Dr. Steinman's research unveiled the molecular link between Epstein-Barr virus and MS, earning him the 2023 Pioneer in Medicine Award. Expanding the Frontiers: His expertise in antigen-specific therapies and DNA vaccines spans MS, ALS, neuromyelitis optica, and type 1 diabetes.

His expertise in antigen-specific therapies and DNA vaccines spans MS, ALS, neuromyelitis optica, and type 1 diabetes. Recognition: Dr. Steinman is a recipient of the John Dystel Prize, the Charcot Prize for Lifetime Achievement, and is an elected member of both the US National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Medicine.





About Immuthera:

Immuthera is pioneering novel cell-based therapies for clinical development in the United States and Canada. Immuthera will be clinically developing assets initially developed by PolTREG under the US FDA regulatory framework. Immuthera will have full access to PolTREG's Research and Development capabilities and asset pipeline along with the ability to explore novel modalities developed by US Institutions. Immuthera is currently seeking investment to pursue the manufacture and clinical development of these assets in the United States.

About PolTREG:

PolTREG is a global leader in developing autoimmune therapies based on T-regulatory cells (Tregs). Its lead product, PTG-007, autologous Treg treatment for early-onset Type-1 Diabetes (T1D) is ready for Phase 2/3 clinical testing, for which the company is seeking a partnership. PolTREG has established a robust platform encompassing a wide range of cell therapy approaches, including polyclonal TREG, CAR-TREG, allogeneic TREG, antigen-specific TREG, and TCR-TREG therapies.
Key news highlights:

With new solar panels at its Cikande factory, Mowilex has expanded its commitment to renewable energy, efficiency and the environment.

The installation will lower the company's carbon footprint and cut grid electricity use by up to 25% per year.

Mowilex earned its sixth consecutive CarbonNeutral company certification in late 2024, and further supports Indonesia's clean energy goals with this solar project.

JAKARTA, Indonesia, July 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With the installation of solar panels at its Cikande factory, PT Mowilex Indonesia (Mowilex) is expanding its long-standing commitment to clean, renewable energy. Mowilex was Indonesia's first paint company to make major solar investments, demonstrating environmental leadership by first installing panels at its corporate headquarters in 2022.

Over 500 solar modules now cover the roof of the main Cikande factory building. Another 252 solar modules were installed on car and motorcycle parking canopies. The system will reduce grid electricity use at the company's Cikande factory by approximately 500 kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually - and that means 1 of every 4 liters produced will be made with renewable energy.

With the Cikande solar panels, Mowilex will lower its operational carbon footprint and cut non-renewable energy use by up to 25% per year. The company's new renewable energy project advances Indonesia's clean energy goals and comes just months after Mowilex earned its sixth consecutive CarbonNeutral company certification.

"We believe in taking real action to decarbonize. This solar installation at our Cikande factory goes beyond buying offsets, and it's more than a technological upgrade. It is a reflection of our core values. As a company rooted in environmental responsibility, this initiative brings us one step closer to a cleaner future for Indonesia," says Niko Safavi, CEO of PT Mowilex Indonesia.

Through its investment in solar projects, Mowilex is actively reducing its dependence on brown energy. In contrast to brown energy, derived from fossil fuels and associated with high emissions and environmental harm, green energy represents a cleaner, renewable alternative. This strategic transition enables Mowilex to adopt a more stable, self-sufficient and environmentally responsible energy solution.

The expanded use of solar also aligns with the environmental and ethical expectations of Indonesian consumers. Climate change worries 87% of Indonesians, says the global communications firm Edelman, and more than 90% of Indonesians think businesses don't do enough engagement around climate change issues. Another 90% expect CEOs to take a public stance on climate change.

Mowilex embraces the opportunity to educate and deliver solutions to climate challenges through its products and practices.

"We see consumers shifting their purchasing power toward brands that actively work to mitigate climate change. Mowilex is proud to meet those market expectations," says Safavi. "Solar is a reliable, independent power source that contributes to our energy security and supports Indonesia's renewable energy policies. By making this long-term investment, we hope to be a model for industry and for the greater public."

Learn more about Mowilex sustainability programs and products at Mowilex.com.

About PT Mowilex Indonesia

PT Mowilex Indonesia (Mowilex), a subsidiary of Asia Coatings Enterprises, Pte. Ltd., is a leading producer of premium paints and coatings. Since launching the first Indonesian-made, water-based paints in 1970, the company has expanded its commitment to environmental ethics, equality, community and innovation. PT Mowilex is Indonesia's only certified carbon neutral manufacturer, producing zero and low VOC paints in modern colours, and the company regularly wins awards for its corporate social responsibility and sustainability efforts.

Media contact: media@mowilex.com

Visit the Mowilex website for product and sustainability information.

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BH Macro Limited - Conversion of Securities

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, July 04

BH Macro Limited

(the "Company")

(a closed-ended collective investment scheme established as a company with limited liability

under the laws of Guernsey with registered number 46235)

LEI: 549300ZOFF0Z2CM87C29

Completion of 31 May 2025 Share Conversion

4 July 2025

Classified Regulated Information, under DTR 6 Annex 1 section 2.5

Following the publication on 19 June 2025 of the final month-end net asset values for 31 May 2025, the following share conversion ratios have been determined in accordance with the articles of incorporation of the Company for the purposes of the 31 May 2025 share conversion date:

0.763582 Sterling shares for each US Dollar share 1.309617 US Dollar shares for each Sterling share

On the basis of aggregate applications received and using the conversion ratios listed above, the following shares will be issued:

- 327,585 Sterling Shares of no par value

and the following shares will be cancelled:

- 429,016 US Dollar Shares of no par value

all with effect from 4 July 2025.

Application will be made to the Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA") for the new shares to be admitted to the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange's main market for listed securities.

Admission is expected to occur on or about 11 July 2025. Shareholder CREST accounts for converting shareholders are expected to be updated by 5.00pm on or about 11 July 2025.

Following issue and cancellation of the relevant shares, the total number of shares in issue in each class will be as follows:

- 26,209,712 US Dollar Ordinary Shares (Excluding Treasury Shares)

- 0 US Dollar Treasury Shares

- 332,115,748 Sterling Ordinary Shares (Excluding Treasury Shares)

- 44,341,508 Sterling Treasury Shares

The number of votes each share in the Company is entitled to on a poll at any general meeting of the Company was published by the Company on 9 March 2007 and will not change as a result of the conversions. These are:

US Dollar Share 0.7606

Sterling Share 1.4710

From 4 July 2025, the total number of voting rights in the Company (rounded up to the whole number) is 508,477,372.

Website: www.bhmacro.com

Enquiries:

Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited

Tel: +44 (0)1481 745001
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 4, 2025) - Inomin Mines Inc. (TSXV: MINE) ("Inomin" or the "Company") announces the close of its non-brokered private placement (the "Financing") as announced on May 22, 2025. The Company issued 6,565,000 units ("Units") at $0.035 per Unit for gross proceeds of $229,775. Each Unit is comprised of one common share of the Company (a "Share") and one Share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant is exercisable to purchase a Share at a price of $0.05 per share for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance thereof.

All securities issued are subject to a hold period expiring November 4, 2025, in accordance with applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"). The Financing remains subject to final acceptance by the TSXV. Inomin intends to allocate the gross proceeds raised from the sale of the Units as follows: 50% for general working capital; 25% to pay non-arm's-length management service fees; 10% for marketing activities; and 5% for property evaluations.

The Company paid a total of $15,349.25 in cash commission and issued a total of 438,550 broker warrants ("Broker Warrants") as finder's fees. Each Broker Warrant is exercisable for one Share at a price of $0.05 per share for a period of 24 months.

About Inomin Mines

Inomin Mines is focused on the identification, acquisition, and exploration of mineral properties with strong potential to host significant resources, especially critical minerals, as well as gold and silver projects. Inomin trades on the TSXV under the symbol MINE. For more information visit www.inominmines.com and follow us on Twitter @InominMines.

On behalf of the board of Inomin Mines:

Inomin Mines Inc.

Per: "John Gomez"

President and CEO

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things, the use of proceeds from the Financing and the receipt of regulatory approvals with respect to the Financing.

In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that the Company will receive the necessary regulatory approvals in respect of the Financing and that the Company will use the proceeds from the Financing as currently anticipated.

These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the Company not receiving the necessary regulatory approvals in respect of the Financing; the Company not using the proceeds from the Financing as currently anticipated; and the state of the financial markets for the Company's securities.

Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/257801

SOURCE: Inomin Mines Inc.
Regulatory News:

Pernod Ricard (Paris:RI) welcomes the conclusion of China's MOFCOM Cognac Anti-Dumping investigation and agrees to a minimum price undertaking. This agreement does not constitute an acknowledgment of dumping practices.

Pernod Ricard regrets the increase in the cost of operating in China but notes that the additional costs arising from the agreed minimum price undertaking are significantly less than would be the case if the provisional Anti-Dumping tariffs had been made permanent.

As this process concludes, Pernod Ricard remains committed to long term sustainable growth in China, one of our four Must Win markets, leveraging its market leading position in Cognac, and in International Spirits, that it has successfully built over its decades long engagement in the country.

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is a worldwide leader in the spirits and wine industry, blending traditional craftsmanship, state-of-the-art brand development, and global distribution technologies. Our prestigious portfolio of premium to luxury brands includes Absolut vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine's, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute, and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur and Mumm and Perrier-Jouet champagnes. Our mission is to ensure the long-term growth of our brands with full respect for people and the environment, while empowering our employees around the world to be ambassadors of our purposeful, inclusive and responsible culture of authentic conviviality. Pernod Ricard's consolidated sales amounted to 11 598 million in fiscal year FY24.

Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN Code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 and Eurostoxx 50 indices.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250704269511/en/

Contacts:

Florence Tresarrieu Global SVP Investor Relations and Treasury +33 (0) 1 70 93 17 03

Edward Mayle Investor Relations Director +33 (0) 6 76 85 00 45

Ines Lo Franco Investor Relations Manager +33 (0) 6 49 10 33 54

Emmanuel Vouin Head of External Engagement +33 (0) 1 70 93 16 34
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - July 4, 2025) - Hempalta Corp. (TSXV: HEMP) ("Hempalta" or the "Company"), a Canadian-based provider of nature-based carbon credit solutions, is pleased to announce that Farm Credit Canada ("FCC") has granted a 90-day extension to its current forbearance agreement (the "Extension"). The Extension runs to September 30, 2025, providing the Company with critical flexibility as it advances several strategic initiatives, including a planned equipment sale, ongoing carbon credit inventory sales, and new investor engagement efforts.

"We appreciate the additional runway this extension provides as we focus on delivering value for our stakeholders through our monetization plan and the continued growth of our carbon-first strategy under the Hemp Carbon Standard," said Darren Bondar, President and CEO of Hempalta.

2024 Carbon Credits Certified by Control Union

Hempalta is pleased to announce that its 2024 carbon credit inventory has now been fully certified by third-party auditor Control Union. A total of 29,448 Verified Carbon Credits ("VCCs") were issued under the Company's ISO 14064-2 certified methodology, bringing its total verified carbon sequestration to 44,773 tonnes of CO2 over the past two years.

The 2024 program included:

38 farms across 209 sites

12,669 monitored acres

Global operations spanning Canada, USA, UK, Ukraine, Sweden, Germany, and Australia

Hempalta continues to deploy advanced MRV technology, including remote sensing, satellite monitoring, and AI-based data aggregation to ensure transparency and scientific integrity.

Forward Outlook

With the Extension and the completion of its 2024 credit certification, Hempalta is now well-positioned to accelerate the sale of its current processing equipment and execute the next phase of its carbon-first growth strategy.

The Company continues to advance its 25,000-acre Alberta hemp and biochar carbon removal program, which is projected to generate 100,000 verified carbon credits annually. This initiative represents one of Canada's largest nature-based carbon projects, and Hempalta is actively seeking strategic partners and long-term offtake buyers to support its multi-year scaling efforts.

In parallel, Hempalta's 2025 monitoring and field data collection is already underway across farms in Canada, USA, UK, Ukraine, Sweden, Germany, and Australia. "The market is demanding higher-integrity removal credits, and that's exactly what we deliver," said Bondar. "Our expanded global footprint, certified methodologies, and growing buyer interest position us to lead the next generation of nature-based carbon solutions." Organizations interested in partnering or purchasing credits can contact: carboncredits@hempalta.com.

About Hempalta Corp.

Hempalta Corp. (TSXV: HEMP) is advancing scalable, nature-based carbon removal through industrial hemp and on-farm biochar deployment. Through its subsidiary Hemp Carbon Standard, the Company provides ISO-certified carbon credits verified via AI, satellite monitoring, and blockchain infrastructure.

TSXV: HEMP

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains statements and information that, to the extent they are not historical fact, may constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information is typically, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "expects," "plans," "continues," "intends," "anticipates," "potential," "aims," "will," and similar words, including negatives thereof, or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts.

Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding: the Company's ability to secure new strategic partnerships; the Company focusing on nature-based carbon credit generation; the Company scaling carbon credit issuance, including its Alberta-based program targeting 100,000 credits annually; the successful sale of verified 2024 carbon credits; the success of the 2025 monitoring program; the Company's ability to complete its planned equipment sale; the ongoing support from Farm Credit Canada during the forbearance period; the Company seeking to establish multi-year offtake agreements; and Hempalta's focus on unlocking long-term value through its pivot to carbon markets, including the development of a scalable platform to support nature-based climate solutions.

Such forward-looking information is based on various assumptions and factors that may prove to be incorrect, including, but not limited to: continued support from major shareholders and new investors; demand for nature-based carbon removal credits; successful onboarding of additional farmers and Indigenous partners; favorable regulatory conditions; availability and deployment of biochar systems at scale; supportive market conditions and regulatory alignment in Alberta and internationally; the Company's ability to maintain forbearance terms and execute its strategic plan; and the successful certification and sale of carbon credits.

Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that it will prove to be correct or that any of the events anticipated will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive therefrom.

Actual results may vary from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks, including, but not limited to: economic conditions and capital market volatility; changes in carbon credit market demand or pricing; regulatory changes; operational risks, including the ability to implement the Hemp Carbon Standard program at scale; the Company's limited financial resources and ongoing need for capital; the risk that the Company may not generate sufficient revenue or complete its asset sale; delays in technology deployment or verification; inability to retain key personnel; and weather-related challenges impacting hemp cultivation.

The forward-looking information included in this news release is made as of the date of this release and the Company does not undertake an obligation to publicly update such forward-looking information to reflect new information, subsequent events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES OR OVER U.S. NEWSWIRES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/257753

SOURCE: Hempalta Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 4, 2025) - Aranjin Resources Ltd. (TSXV: ARJN) ("Aranjin" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Thomas Wood to the Board of Directors and as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Matthew Wood will assume the role of Executive Chair of the Board of Directors.

Mr. Wood brings extensive experience across both the public and private sectors, with a background in economic policy, business strategy, investment, and project development. Prior to joining Aranjin, Mr. Wood served as a policy adviser to Leader of the Opposition in the Australian Senate, where he focused on economic, industrial, and regulatory matters. Earlier, he oversaw national media strategy for the Deputy Leader of the National Party.

In the private sector, Mr. Wood has managed a highly successful fund focused on small-cap mining investments on the ASX and has since led investment activity across both listed markets and early-stage ventures. He is a founding partner of QCapital Partners, a mining-focused venture capital firm based in Australia. Mr. Wood holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the Australian National University, majoring in Finance.

Matthew Wood, Executive Chairman commented:

"We are delighted to welcome Thomas CEO, and member of the Board. His leadership and strategic insight will be instrumental as we pursue growth opportunities, particularly advancing the Victory Project in Mongolia and further developing our assets in Australia."

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Forward-looking Statements

Certain information contained herein constitutes "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, the completion of the Offering and Debt Settlement on the terms and timing described herein, the Offering and Debt Settlement, the Company's proposed use of proceeds from the Offering, receipt of TSXV approval for the Offering and the Debt Settlement, , the Company's reliance on certain exemptions from requirements under MI 61-101, the Company filing a material change report and the timing thereof,. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "will", "anticipates" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and they are from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to be materially different, including receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. Although management of the Company have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The Company will not update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/257815

SOURCE: Aranjin Resources Ltd
Coolant Distribution Units (CDU) for Data Center Market is Segmented by Type (Liquid-to-Liquid CDU, Liquid-to-Air CDU), by Application (Internet, Telecommunications, Finance, Government, Other): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2031.

BANGALORE, India, July 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global market for Coolant Distribution Units (CDU) for Data Center was valued at USD 971 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 3701 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 18.5% during the forecast period.

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Major Factors Driving the Growth of Coolant Distribution Units (CDU) for Data Center Market:

The overall market for Coolant Distribution Units is experiencing rapid expansion fueled by the rising complexity and thermal demands of modern data centers. CDUs are transitioning from niche solutions to mainstream infrastructure due to their role in supporting liquid cooling, enabling sustainability goals, and enhancing operational control. They cater to a wide array of deployment scenarios, including hyperscale, enterprise, modular, and edge environments.

Vendors are introducing intelligent, IoT-enabled CDUs with real-time analytics, enhancing energy optimization and fault detection. As the industry shifts towards high-density computing and hybrid cloud ecosystems, CDUs offer the flexibility, reliability, and scalability needed for future-ready data center cooling. This makes them indispensable in the evolving data center landscape.

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TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF THE COOLANT DISTRIBUTION UNITS (CDU) FOR DATA CENTER MARKET

Liquid-to-liquid CDUs are accelerating the growth of the Coolant Distribution Units market by enabling more efficient and targeted heat removal in high-density server environments. These systems transfer heat between primary and secondary coolant loops without exposure to air, making them highly effective in sealed or controlled environments. The precision they offer in managing flow rates, pressure, and temperature across localized zones is critical for today's liquid-cooled racks. Their compatibility with various types of chilled water and dielectric fluids enhances versatility across different infrastructure setups. The growing popularity of immersive and direct-to-chip cooling methods increases the demand for these CDUs. Their ability to optimize cooling without large-scale HVAC changes makes them cost-efficient, making them attractive for both retrofitting and new data center builds.

Liquid-to-air CDUs are playing a crucial role in driving the growth of the CDU market by bridging the benefits of liquid cooling with conventional air-based systems. These units efficiently transfer heat from a liquid coolant loop to ambient air using integrated heat exchangers, allowing for flexible deployments in existing air-cooled data centers. Their hybrid capability makes them ideal for incremental upgrades, especially in mid-tier facilities that cannot immediately transition to full liquid cooling. Liquid-to-air CDUs enhance energy efficiency, reduce reliance on large chillers, and lower operational costs. As power densities increase and sustainability goals become more stringent, these units provide a scalable and cost-effective cooling solution. This adaptability to evolving thermal demands is significantly expanding their adoption across data center infrastructures.

The exponential growth of the Internet is a major driver for the Coolant Distribution Units (CDU) market, as it fuels a global surge in data generation, transmission, and storage. As more users engage in cloud services, video streaming, e-commerce, and real-time applications, data centers are scaling up rapidly. This spike in server density elevates thermal loads, demanding advanced cooling solutions like CDUs to maintain optimal performance. CDUs support high-performance computing by managing localized heat efficiently, especially in hyperscale facilities that host critical online services. The Internet's evolution-through 5G, IoT, and AI-requires edge computing expansion, where CDUs play a vital role due to their compactness and adaptability. Consequently, growing Internet dependency is directly strengthening CDU adoption worldwide.

The increasing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and high-performance computing (HPC) applications significantly contributes to the demand for CDUs. These computational workloads require powerful GPUs and CPUs that generate concentrated heat loads beyond the capability of traditional air cooling. CDUs, integrated into liquid cooling setups, provide precise heat management to ensure optimal hardware performance and longevity. They enable targeted, zone-specific cooling that maintains consistent temperatures across dense clusters. As AI applications become more mainstream in industries like healthcare, finance, and autonomous systems, the infrastructure to support them requires high-efficiency cooling. CDUs provide a future-proof solution that aligns with the evolving thermal requirements of next-gen data centers powering AI transformation.

Sustainability and environmental responsibility are now central to data center planning and operations. CDUs play a key role in reducing energy consumption and improving the overall efficiency of thermal management systems. By enabling liquid cooling, they lower reliance on power-hungry air conditioners, significantly reducing the Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) ratio. CDUs also support closed-loop systems, conserving water while delivering superior cooling performance. This sustainability alignment is attractive to enterprises aiming to meet carbon neutrality goals and secure green building certifications. Governments and international agencies are also incentivizing energy-efficient technologies, further encouraging adoption. As data centers face mounting pressure to reduce their environmental footprint, CDUs emerge as critical enablers of eco-friendly cooling strategies.

Data centers are increasingly transitioning from traditional air cooling to hybrid systems that combine air and liquid cooling. This shift is largely driven by the need for greater energy efficiency, lower operational costs, and support for higher rack densities. CDUs are integral to these hybrid systems, functioning as the control interface between the air-cooled environment and liquid-cooled components. They allow phased transitions, giving operators flexibility to upgrade cooling infrastructure without significant disruptions or capital investments. The ability to isolate primary and secondary coolant loops enhances safety and control. As hybrid cooling becomes the new norm in modern data centers, CDUs serve as a foundational component that bridges conventional and advanced cooling technologies.

The growing demand for modular, scalable infrastructure is driving the uptake of CDUs in data centers of all sizes. CDUs offer flexible deployment options, allowing cooling systems to scale alongside computing infrastructure without overhauling the entire setup. Modular data centers, often deployed rapidly to meet fluctuating demands or remote installations, benefit greatly from CDUs due to their compact form factor and control precision. These units can be installed as standalone systems or integrated into rack-level and row-level cooling solutions. As edge and micro data centers expand, especially in developing markets and latency-sensitive environments, the modular nature of CDUs makes them a preferred choice for cooling in both temporary and long-term installations.

Reliability and continuous uptime are critical metrics for modern data centers. CDUs contribute significantly to achieving these standards by offering consistent and controllable thermal management. With advanced sensors, monitoring tools, and automated controls, modern CDUs ensure optimal coolant flow and temperature balance. This minimizes the risk of overheating, hardware failure, and downtime. Many CDUs also feature redundancy capabilities and hot-swappable components, enhancing fault tolerance. As data centers host increasingly mission-critical applications-ranging from banking transactions to cloud computing-cooling reliability directly impacts service delivery. CDUs, by stabilizing operating environments, support the high availability required by Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and business continuity plans.

Many older data centers are undergoing retrofitting to improve energy efficiency and accommodate modern workloads. CDUs are essential in these upgrades, offering a non-disruptive path to adopt liquid cooling without redesigning the entire facility. They can be integrated with existing chilled water systems or rear door heat exchangers to extend the cooling capacity of legacy environments. Their modularity and compact footprint allow easy installation in constrained spaces. Moreover, CDUs offer intelligent control systems that help older facilities optimize performance through real-time monitoring and automation. As data centers seek to extend the lifecycle of existing assets while improving thermal performance, CDUs provide a practical and cost-effective solution.

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COOLANT DISTRIBUTION UNITS (CDU) FOR DATA CENTER MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS

North America leads due to early adoption of advanced cooling technologies, the presence of hyperscale facilities, and a strong focus on energy efficiency. Europe follows closely, driven by regulatory pressure to decarbonize data centers and achieve net-zero goals.

Asia-Pacific shows the fastest growth due to massive digitalization, the rollout of 5G, and increasing data center investments in countries like China, India, and Singapore.

Key Players:

Kehua Data

BOYD

Vertiv

Nidec

CoolIT Systems

NVent

Coolcentric

Schneider Electric

Envicool

Nortek Air Solutions

Chilldyne Inc.

DCX

Delta Electronics

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DISCOVER MORE INSIGHTS: EXPLORE SIMILAR REPORTS!

- The global market for High Cooling Capacity Coolant Distribution Units was valued at USD 453 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 1830 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 21.7% during the forecast period.

- The global Liquid-to-Air Coolant Distribution Unit (CDU) market was valued at USD 246 Million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 975 Million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 19.0% during the forecast period 2024-2030.

- With liquid cooling technology is becoming the trend in data center cooling, it is estimated that the whole liquid to liquid CDU market will be worthy of 2,320 Million USD in 2031, with the CAGR of 18.3% during 2025 to 2031.

- The global market for Coolant Valve was valued at USD 262 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 582 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 11.4% during the forecast period.

- Liquid Cooling Module Market

- The global market for Integrating Coolant and Refrigerant Modules was valued at USD 2954 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 7719 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 11.5% during the forecast period.

- Direct Liquid Cooling Servers Market

- The global market for Three Way Coolant Control Valves was valued at USD 165 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 384 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 12.0% during the forecast period.

- Liquid Cooling Racks Market

- The global market for Server Rack Cooling Solution was valued at USD 2165 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 4259 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 10.3% during the forecast period.

- The global Data Center Liquid Cooling Equipment market was valued at USD 2046 Million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 7838 Million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 19.8% during the forecast period 2024-2030.

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 4, 2025) - Canada One Mining Corp. (TSXV: CONE) (OTC Pink: COMCF) (FSE: AU31) ("Canada One" or the "Company") announces the results of its 2025 Annual General Meeting ("AGM") of the shareholders.

At the AGM held on June 16, 2025, in Vancouver, Canada, the shareholders approved all the resolutions detailed in the AGM's management information circular, namely:

1) To set the number of directors for the ensuing year at three (3)

2) To re-appoint Saturna Chartered Professional Accountants LLP as the Company's auditors for the ensuing year at a remuneration to be fixed by the Directors

3) To elect Directors to hold office for the ensuing year

4) To re-approve the Stock Option Plan

5) To transact such other business as may properly be transacted at the meeting

18,080,850 common shares of the Company were voted at the AGM, representing 39.67% of the Company's outstanding common shares. The following table details the results:





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The shareholders of the Company also ratified a set of corporate governance policies and code of ethics which had previously been approved by the Board of Directors.

Investor Relations & Corporate Development

The Company is pleased to announce that it has entered into an investor relations and corporate development agreement with Rob Christl Consulting ("Christl Consulting"), effective July 1, 2025, to provide investor relations and corporate development services (the "Services"). Christl Consulting is based in Vancouver, British Columbia, and its Services will assist in accessing investors for financings, provide investor relations, corporate development, cross-media marketing solutions, (including social media), in an effort towards increasing Canada One's corporate awareness.

Christl Consulting has been retained on a 12-month term at a monthly fee of C$2,500 plus reasonable out of pocket expenses for its services. Either party may terminate the agreement at any time providing the other party with a 30 days' prior written notice. The agreement will automatically renew on the anniversary date of the agreement being signed. Should Christl Consulting introduce a third party that leads to a Joint-venture partnership ("JV"), then 2.5% of the funds secured in the JV will be paid as a bonus to Christl Consulting.

Christl Consulting is not related to the Company and has no interest, directly or indirectly, in the Company or its securities. The agreement is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target, "plan", "forecast", "may", "schedule" and other similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to future prices of commodities, accuracy of mineral or resource exploration activity, reserves or resources, regulatory or government requirements or approvals, the reliability of third party information, continued access to mineral properties or infrastructure, fluctuations in the market for gold, changes in exploration costs and government regulation in Guyana, status of artisanal mining activities and associated rights, and other factors or information. Such statements represent the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause 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. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affections such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/257823

SOURCE: Canada One Mining Corp.
On the sidelines of a high-level U.S. visit

ABU DHABI, UAE, July 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in Abu Dhabi, has announced a landmark partnership with the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and the Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI) to explore the establishment of the world's first-of-their-kind centres for genome surgery in Abu Dhabi and California. Formalised during a strategic visit to the United States, the collaboration seeks to accelerate the Emirate's efforts to lead in genomic medicine and advance personalised genetic therapy, transforming the future of healthcare delivery for the global community.

Genome surgery is an experimental medical technique aimed at modifying or replacing faulty genes within cells to treat or prevent diseases. This is achieved through personalised genetic therapies or by using advanced technologies such as CRISPR, which can be tailored specifically to each patient based on their unique genetic mutations.

These new centres would enable the diagnosis and correction of severe genetic conditions as early as possible to improve outcomes. Leveraging CRISPR-based technologies, the Centres would offer customised, genome-guided interventions that have the potential to transform patient outcomes and redefine the future of healthcare.

H.E. Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, commented: "This collaboration reflects Abu Dhabi's determination to pioneer real-world applications of advanced science. Partnering with UCSF and IGI, one of the world's most respected institutions in gene therapy, would accelerate our ability to integrate genome-guided care into our healthcare system, creating an unprecedented opportunity to correct genetic conditions early in life, prevent chronic disease progression and reduce long-term healthcare costs".

By combining Abu Dhabi's state-of-the-art healthcare infrastructure and genomic data capabilities with UCSF's global leadership in pediatric and fetal therapy and IGI's cutting-edge research in gene editing, the partnership would drive the development and delivery of innovative, real-world solutions for patients with early-onset, severe, rare and inherited diseases.

Dr. Tippi MacKenzie, Director of the UCSF Broad Stem Cell Center, at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), said: "This is an extraordinary time to be in medicine, when we have the opportunity to develop life-saving therapies for patients with severe genetic conditions. We are excited by the possibility of developing mirrored programs that coalesce multidisciplinary expertise and link the myriad steps between diagnosing a genetic disease and developing and implementing a safe genome surgery strategy."

The collaboration would also prioritise building national expertise by training a new generation of Emirati professionals in genomic surgery and clinical innovation. By intervening early in life-threatening or debilitating conditions, the initiative would build capacity to support families, reduce dependence on lifelong treatments, and ease pressure on the healthcare system, cementing Abu Dhabi's position as a global destination for advanced genomic care and life sciences innovation.

Dr. Fyodor Urnov, Professor of Molecular Therapeutics at the University of California, Berkeley, and Director of the IGI-Danaher Beacon for CRISPR Cures, said: "This year marks a landmark achievement for science and medicine of a CRISPR gene-editing therapeutic designed and administered on-demand to an infant with a severe inborn error of metabolism in record time. The mission of the Innovative Genomics Institute as defined by its founder, Jennifer Doudna, winner of the 2020 Nobel Prize for CRISPR gene editing, is to make it the standard of medical care, no matter where such a child is born. The IGI's deep partnership with Danaher that made an enabling contribution to the on-demand gene edit earlier this year provides an outstanding technological and manufacturing foundation for scaling such therapeutic approaches. We are honored to partner with world-leading clinical expertise at UCSF to explore how we may ultimately expand CRISPR on demand to children living with severe genetic diseases in the UAE."

This exploratory partnership aligns with Abu Dhabi's broader vision to embed genomics into public health and drive a shift toward personalised and preventive care. Central to this effort is the Emirati Genome Programme, which has sequenced over 800,000 genomes to date, to create one of the most diverse national databases globally. The programme has enabled key initiatives such as the national pharmacogenomics reporting system (PGx), with over 160,000 reports now available to help tailor treatment plans based on individual genetic profiles. Additional milestones include the integration of genetic testing into the Premarital Screening Programme, the launch of the Newborn Genetic Screening Programme, and the development of the Emirati Reference Genome platform. These efforts are supported by the upskilling of over 100 Emirati physicians in genomic medicine and counselling through advanced training initiatives, strengthening local expertise in this critical field.

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DELRAY BEACH, Fla., July 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ --

What's driving the shift from analog to intelligent auscultation?

The global digital stethoscopes market, valued at US$0.49 billion in 2025, is projected to grow at a robust CAGR of 5.5%, reaching US$0.71 billion by 2032. This growth is fueled by the increasing burden of chronic cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, the rise of telemedicine, and the demand for remote patient monitoring (RPM). As healthcare evolves toward decentralization and digitization, digital stethoscopes are becoming essential tools-not just for diagnosis, but for real-time care delivery.

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Why are digital stethoscopes becoming a clinical game-changer?

From cardiology auscultation to teleconsultation, digital stethoscopes are redefining how clinicians assess patients across both urban and rural environments. These devices enhance auscultation through noise reduction, AI-powered diagnostics, and Bluetooth/Wi-Fi connectivity-enabling high-accuracy readings in both clinical and home care settings. Solutions like the Eko Health CORE 500 now offer 40x sound amplification, ECG integration, and real-time remote access-replacing subjective, analog listening with smart, data-driven analysis.

What challenges do digital stethoscopes solve?

They address key gaps in modern healthcare:

Enable remote diagnosis in underserved areas via RPM and telehealth.

Improve clinical workflow with instant recording, AI screening, and wireless sharing.

Support home-based care for aging populations with chronic conditions.

Digital stethoscopes help reduce hospital visits, enhance early detection of heart and lung diseases, and integrate seamlessly into hybrid care models. They empower clinicians with precision, while offering patients greater accessibility and comfort.

Where is adoption accelerating the fastest?

Emerging markets like India, China, and parts of Asia Pacific are seeing a surge in adoption, backed by initiatives such as:

Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), which integrates electronic health records and teleconsultation tools.

Government-backed rural ICU programs and public-private partnerships.

Startups like Practo, Apollo Telehealth, and global collaborations such as the Digital Healthcare Transformation Initiative.

Digital stethoscopes are bridging the gap between urban expertise and rural care, offering scalable, cost-effective, and connected diagnostic tools to underserved populations.

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Who are the key leaders-and how are they gaining ground?

Top players include Solventum, Eko Health, Inc., and Thinklabs, all of whom are integrating AI, IoT, and cloud connectivity into their stethoscope offerings. Others like HD Medical, Linktop, and TaiDoc Technology Corporation are scaling regionally through R&D, global partnerships, and telehealth enablement.

Recent developments highlight aggressive innovation:

Eko Health received FDA clearance (2024) for an AI system analyzing cardiac performance.

Solventum is expanding in emerging markets with connected care tools tailored for real-time patient monitoring.

AMD Global Telemedicine is partnering with Carefluence to drive broader integration into telehealth platforms.

What's the biggest challenge-and how do we overcome it?

Affordability and accessibility remain major barriers. While digital stethoscopes offer advanced features, models like the Eko CORE 500 cost $379-$429, with added AI subscription costs. In low-resource settings, these prices can equal 1-3 months' salary for healthcare providers. Even in high-income nations, equipping entire rural clinics poses financial strain.

Moreover, battery dependence and reliability issues hinder consistent use in areas with unstable electricity. Innovations in low-power modes, auto shut-off, and rechargeable batteries are addressing these issues-but more affordable, rugged designs are needed to ensure wide-scale adoption.

What should healthcare leaders be asking now?

Not "Should we go digital?"-but rather:

How do digital stethoscopes integrate with our RPM and telemedicine strategy?

What are the cost-benefit tradeoffs for rural deployment?

How do we scale training and user adoption among frontline workers?

Which vendors offer the best alignment with our connectivity, compliance, and care goals?

Final Thought: In Digitization, There Is Diagnosis. In Connectivity, There Is Care.

As healthcare shifts toward remote, real-time, and AI-driven diagnostics, digital stethoscopes are at the center of this transformation. By combining the simplicity of traditional auscultation with the intelligence of modern data systems, they're setting a new standard for precision medicine.

In the new era of healthcare-mobility, monitoring, and machine learning begin with digital stethoscopes.

Key Market Players:

Solventum (US), Eko Health, Inc. (US), Thinklabs (US), HD Medical, Inc. (US), Linktop (China), TaiDoc Technology Corporation (Taiwan), GS Technology (South Korea), AMD Global Telemedicine (US), Guangdong Hanhong Medical Technology Co., Ltd. (China), Qingdao Meditech Equipment Co., Ltd. (China), Ayu Devices Pvt. Ltd. (India), M3DICINE Pty Ltd. (Australia)

For more information, Inquire Now!

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Get access to the latest updates on Top Companies in Digital Stethoscopes and Digital Stethoscopes Market Size

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NEW YORK, July 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new comprehensive report from The Insight Partners, the global wearable EEG devices market is observing significant growth owing to the growing prevalence of neurological disorders and the rising number of traumatic brain injuries.

The wearable EEG devices market is expected to reach US$695.51 million by 2031 from US$396.17 million in 2024, at a CAGR of 8.7% during the forecast period. Advanced, non-invasive technologies called wearable EEG gadgets are made to track and record electrical activity in the brain in real time. Wearable EEG devices provide portability, ease of use, and continuous monitoring capabilities, making them perfect for both clinical and non-clinical applications.

To explore the valuable insights in the Wearable EEG Devices Market report, you can easily download a sample PDF of the report. -https://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPRE00007291

This is in contrast to traditional EEG setups, which are usually restricted to hospital or clinical contexts and need extensive cabling. These gadgets use small, light sensors that are integrated into bands, caps, or headsets to identify patterns in brainwaves and wirelessly send data to platforms like smartphones, tablets, or cloud-based systems. Analyzing the recorded data can help identify anomalies, evaluate neurological disorders, track mental health, or improve cognitive function. Personalized insights are made possible and diagnostic accuracy is further improved by integration with AI and machine learning.

The report runs an in-depth analysis of market trends, key players, and future opportunities. In general, wearable EEG devices are applicable in a vast array of applications that are expected to register strength during the coming years.

Overview of Report Findings

Rising Number of Traumatic Brain Injuries:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) due to bumps, blows, or shocks to the head can lead to both temporary and permanent brain dysfunction. TBIs occur due to sports-related injuries, slips and falls, firearm-related trauma, domestic violence, and road traffic accidents. Both developed and developing economies face considerable challenges in managing TBIs, which remains one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity. According to the International Brain Injury Association, ~5.3 million Americans are currently living with disabilities resulting from TBIs. Research consistently shows that males are significantly more likely to experience a TBI compared to females.

The highest incidence of TBIs is observed among individuals aged 15-24, while those under the age of 5 and over 75 are also considered high-risk groups. In the European Union, brain injury accounts for one million hospital admissions per year, reflecting the broader spectrum of neurological conditions requiring continuous monitoring. Additionally, motor vehicle crashes account for 50% of all TBIs. This includes autos, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians hit by vehicles. Wearable EEG devices provide an effective solution for the timely diagnosis, monitoring, and management of TBIs and other neurological disorders. These devices enable continuous, real-time brain activity tracking in non-clinical environments, facilitating early detection of complications and improving patient outcomes. Their portability and ease of use support remote monitoring, reducing the burden on healthcare facilities and enabling cost-efficient care models. Therefore, the rising prevalence of TBIs drives the wearable EEG devices market growth.

For Detailed Wearable EEG Devices Market Insights, Visit:https://www.theinsightpartners.com/reports/wearable-eeg-device-market

Expanding Applications in Non-Medical Sectors:

While wearable EEG devices have traditionally been associated with clinical and neurological applications, their expanding use in non-medical sectors presents a substantial growth opportunity for the market. The integration of EEG technology into consumer wellness, gaming, education, workplace productivity, and neuromarketing is unlocking new revenue streams and diversifying the market landscape. In the consumer wellness space, wearable EEG devices are increasingly being used for stress management, meditation enhancement, sleep optimization, and other applications. Devices that track brainwaves in real-time allow users to monitor mental states and adopt techniques to improve focus, emotional well- being, and cognitive performance. This aligns with the growing global demand for personalized health and mental wellness solutions

Geographical Insights:

In 2024, North America led the market with a substantial revenue share, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. Asia Pacific is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Get a Sample Report of Wearable EEG Devices Market Forecast @ https://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPRE00007291/

Market Segmentation

The global wearable EEG devices market, by product, is segmented into 32-channel EEG, 14-channel EEG, 5-channel EEG, and others. The 32-channel EEG segment held the largest share in the Wearable EEG Devices Market in 2024.

The global wearable EEG devices market, by application, is segmented into health and wellness, human machine adaptive interaction, automotive, aviation, industrial, and others. The health and wellness segment held the largest share in the Wearable EEG Devices Market in 2024.

The Wearable EEG Devices market is segmented into five major regions: North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South and Central America.

Competitive Strategy and Development

Key Players: A few major companies operating in the Wearable EEG Devices market include BrainBit, ANT Neuro, Brain Products GmbH, Electrical Geodesics, Inc. (Koninklijke Philips N.V.), EMOTIV, g.tec medical engineering GmbH, Neuroelectrics, Cadwell Industries, Inc., Wearable Sensing, and NeuroSky

Trending Topics: AI-Powered Brainwave Analysis, Non-Invasive Monitoring, Enhanced Comfort and Design, Real-Time Brain Activity Monitoring, among others.

Global Headlines on Wearable EEG Devices

" BrainBit and ROOK are excited to announce a new partnership aimed at transforming the way health data is utilized."

" EMOTIV has announced a strategic collaboration with X-trodes, a provider of wireless, medical-grade monitoring solutions for home use."

" Cadwell Industries, Inc., a leading provider of neurodiagnostic, neuromonitoring, and sleep solutions, has announced a strategic investment in Seer Medical, a Melbourne-based company focused on home-based epilepsy diagnostics."

Purchase Premium Copy of Global Wearable EEG Devices Market Size and Growth Report (2021-2031) at: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/buy/TIPRE00007291/

Conclusion

The market for wearable EEG devices is expanding due to a number of factors, including the increased prevalence of neurological illnesses, technical improvements, and the growing need for non-invasive brain monitoring in a variety of industries, including healthcare, gaming, sports, and academic research. Stanford University researchers created a wearable electronic headgear that can decipher EEG data in January 2024. With this innovation, users may now operate robots, engage with robotic pets, clean, and even make simple meals with just their brain activity. These developments show how EEG technology can improve human-machine interaction and illustrate its growing range of uses outside of clinical settings.

The report from The Insight Partners, therefore, provides several stakeholders-including component providers, system technology integrators, system manufacturers and others-with valuable insights into how to successfully navigate this evolving market landscape and unlock new opportunities.

Trending Related Reports:

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https://www.theinsightpartners.com/reports/neuroscience-market

https://www.theinsightpartners.com/en/reports/brain-computer-interface-bci-market

https://www.theinsightpartners.com/en/reports/traumatic-brain-injuries-treatment-market

https://www.theinsightpartners.com/en/reports/brain-disease-market

https://www.theinsightpartners.com/reports/brain-monitoring-market

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The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We specialize in industries such as Semiconductor and Electronics, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Biotechnology, Healthcare IT, Manufacturing and Construction, Medical Device, Technology, Media and Telecommunications, Chemicals and Materials.

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This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of the Company in any jurisdiction, including the United States.

DUBAI, UAE, July 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- XRP Healthcare M&A Holding Inc. (Registration No. ICC20250140), a Dubai-based company focused on AI-powered healthcare transformation and mergers & acquisitions across Africa, today clarified the distinct and independent nature of two separate legal entities that utilize similar branding: XRP Healthcare M&A Holding Inc. and XRP Healthcare LLC. This clarification of the corporate structure is being made as XRP Healthcare M&A Holding Inc. and AAJ Capital 3 Corp. have executed a letter of intent for a proposed qualifying transaction (QT) that, if completed, would result in a public listing of the combined entity on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV).

This press release supplements, and in certain respects clarifies, the information disclosed in the parties' May 16, 2025, news release regarding the proposed qualifying transaction. At the time of the May 14, 2025 LOI and continuing through today, XRP Healthcare M&A Holding Inc. and XRP Healthcare LLC have operated as two legally and operationally separate organizations. Each entity operates with distinct business models, governance frameworks, and regulatory oversight. The separation is designed to improve transparency, operational focus, and investor clarity as the company progresses toward public market participation. Only the assets and operating businesses of XRP Healthcare M&A Holding Inc. are subject to the pending Qualifying Transaction. No XRPH token, wallet, or digital asset operations of XRP Healthcare LLC are included.

For clarity, XRP Healthcare M&A Holding Inc. has no operational connection to, and holds no treasury of, the XRPH token, which is managed exclusively by the independent entity, XRP Healthcare LLC. The Company does not control, operate, or derive revenue from the XRPH Token, and no digital asset activity is conducted or proposed by XRP Healthcare M&A Holding Inc.

The website www.xrphealthcare.ai is the exclusive online platform for XRP Healthcare M&A Holding Inc., which leads the company's regulated healthcare-focused initiatives. These include mergers and acquisitions of pharmacies and medical centres across Africa, the development and scaling of the multilingual XRPH AI Health Assistant, and the U.S.-based Prescription Savings Card initiative. The Prescription Savings Card is available via the XRPH AI App and can only be used at participating pharmacies within the United States.

Separately, [www.xrphtoken.com](http://www.xrphtoken.com) will now exclusively represent XRP Healthcare LLC, a distinct legal entity registered in Dubai under number 2312867.01. This business unit is responsible for all blockchain-based infrastructure, including the XRPH Token, the XRPH Wallet, and associated decentralized finance (DeFi) activities within the broader XRPH ecosystem.

This formal separation provides clear operational boundaries between the company's healthcare and digital asset divisions. It aligns with regulatory best practices and enables both entities to scale independently, guided by their specific goals and compliance requirements.

The structural realignment comes as XRP Healthcare M&A Holding Inc. and AAJ Capital 3 Corp. have entered into a non-binding letter of intent, as announced in May 2025, to pursue a proposed qualifying transaction (QT) that, if completed, would result in the company becoming publicly listed on the TSX Venture Exchange. The proposed transaction contemplates a pre-money valuation of approximately CAD $15 million and a concurrent capital raise of at least CAD $1.3 million. Completion of the qualifying transaction remains subject to the negotiation and execution of definitive agreements, completion of satisfactory due diligence, receipt of all necessary regulatory, exchange, director and, if required, shareholder approvals, as well as other customary closing conditions. There can be no assurance that a definitive agreement will be entered into or that the qualifying transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

Following the completion of the qualifying transaction, the Company's principal office, senior management, and board of directors will be located in the UAE, and the Company will comply with all TSXV residency and corporate governance requirements.

XRP Healthcare M&A Holding Inc. has completed the acquisition of seven pharmacies in Uganda, comprised of five wholesale and two retail locations, and is actively expanding its presence across Africa. Through a combination of physical healthcare assets and digital AI solutions, the company aims to enhance healthcare access and efficiency in emerging markets.

This announcement represents an important step in the Company's corporate development. The formal separation of its business divisions is intended to clarify regulatory oversight and operational responsibilities as the Company prepares for a potential public listing.

All statements regarding the proposed qualifying transaction are forward-looking and subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including the ability to negotiate and execute a definitive agreement, completion of due diligence, and satisfaction of all regulatory and listing requirements.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

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.

Website: www.xrphealthcare.ai

For matters relating to XRP Healthcare LLC and the XRPH Token:

XRP Healthcare LLC

Email: press@xrphealthcare.com

Website: www.xrphtoken.com

Forward-Looking Information:

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including those regarding the Company's proposed qualifying transaction, anticipated public listing, and business plans. These statements are based on a number of assumptions, including the successful completion of the qualifying transaction, obtaining regulatory approvals, prevailing market conditions, and the Company's ability to execute its business plan. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

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First of its kind institutional-grade fund opens access to a new and growing class of traditional and digital asset-native allocators

HAMILTON, Bermuda, July 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Members Capital Management ("MembersCap"), a Bermuda-regulated investment manager, today completed the successful investment of its initial portfolio through its fund, MCM Fund I, the first tokenised institutional-grade reinsurance fund designed for both sophisticated digital asset investors and traditional allocators. All portfolio trades were executed with global reinsurance companies and top-tier Lloyd's of London syndicates, and were sourced through the top three global reinsurance brokers.

MCM Fund I opens access to reinsurance income for a rapidly expanding capital base of new investors seeking diversified and uncorrelated investment alternatives with attractive yield and structured liquidity.

The launch represents the growing importance of funds structuring their offerings to take advantage of the continuing convergence between traditional finance and digital assets. Backed by Solana, Aptos, and Cardano and supported by institutions like Coinbase, Archax, Apex Group, and Envelop Risk, MembersCap has selected the Solana, Aptos, Cardano, and Base protocols to provide access to qualified investors wishing to invest using eligible cryptocurrencies.

MembersCap has been selected as the first fund in the real-world assets category on the Archax platform, sitting alongside tokenized offerings from other institutions like BlackRock, State Street, and Aberdeen.

The reinsurance opportunity

Being fundamentally uncorrelated with the financial markets, reinsurance has consistently outperformed most traditional alternatives over the past two decades. Despite being highly yield-generative, the sector has historically been reserved for pension plans, sovereign wealth funds, and other institutional giants.

Increasingly, both crypto-native investors and smaller traditional allocators are seeking refuge from market volatility by accessing reinsurance as a stable, diversified income stream to support a balanced portfolio and enhance overall returns.

"Every generation is presented with new technologies that unlock economic opportunity. To us, tokenisation and the blockchain represent access to better asset management for a different class of investor," saidLloyd Wahed, Co-Founder and CEO of MembersCap. "We're excited to be one of the first institutional funds to emerge from this space."

"Our investors- digital asset institutions, family offices, HNWIs -want to meet their goals of resiliency and long-term sustainable growth through new and more efficient means. With this novel approach, we're seeing these investors view reinsurance as a core part of their portfolio for the first time," said Patrick Barrett, Co-Founder and COO at MembersCap.

"This launch proves that tokenisation can bring new capital to help address the growing insurance protection gap by lowering barriers and providing access to the private reinsurance market," said Dr.Benjamin Fox, Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer at MembersCap. "Our tokenised model enables a new cohort of investors to participate pari passu alongside large institutions in an uncorrelated asset class with a track record of reliable, attractive returns."

Positioned as an alternative to private equity, venture capital, and fixed income strategies, MCM Fund I provides qualified investors with regulated and collateralised access to reinsurance via direct exposure to natural catastrophe and cyber reinsurance contracts sourced through blue-chip global partners.

For Web3 treasuries, foundations, and institutions, the Fund delivers high-yield opportunities and structured liquidity, derived from high-quality, real-world reinsurance returns, without exposure to DeFi volatility and over-concentration in altcoins.

MembersCap was founded in 2024 and is backed by a strong coalition of both institutional and blockchain-native partners. This blend of traditional underwriting expertise and on-chain architecture ensures institutional-grade standards while embracing next-generation accessibility.

About Members Capital Management

Founded in 2024, Members Capital Management ("MembersCap") is a licensed investment manager regulated by the Bermuda Monetary Authority, bridging institutional finance and blockchain infrastructure. Backed by leading blockchain protocols including Cardano, Aptos, and Solana, and supported by institutional infrastructure from Archax, Coinbase, Apex Group and Envelop Risk, MembersCap delivers a new institutional blueprint: tokenised participation to the global reinsurance market, an asset class traditionally closed to most investors.

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 4, 2025) - FIRST ANDES SILVER LTD. (TSXV: FAS) (OTC Pink: MSLV) ( FSE: 9TZ0) (the "Company" or "First Andes") is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement financing of up to 10,000,000 units ("Units") at a price of $0.10 CAD per Unit for gross proceeds of $1,000,000 CAD (the "Offering").

Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company (a "Share") and one-half of one share purchase warrant (each whole share purchase warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will be exercisable at $0.15 CAD per Share for a period for two years from the date issue.

The securities issued under the Offering will be subject to restrictions on resale for a period of four months from the date of issue. The Company may pay finders a fee in cash and/or share purchase warrants to registered finders.

The proceeds of the Offering will be used to expand on its current drill program at the Santas Gloria silver property and general working capital purposes.

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/257831

SOURCE: First Andes Silver Ltd.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 4, 2025) - Alma Gold Inc. (CSE: ALMA) ("Alma Gold" or the "Company") announces that further to its April 25, 2025, June 9, 2025 and July 2, 2025 news releases, it has closed the first tranche of a non-brokered private placement and issued 10,692,875 units ("Units") at a price of $0.08 per Unit for gross proceeds to the Company of $855,430 (the "Private Placement"). Each Unit is comprised of one common share (each a "Share") and one transferable common share purchase warrant (each a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one additional Share at a price of $0.16 for a period of two (2) years from issuance.

Proceeds received from the Private Placement will be used for general working capital purposes.

No finder's fees were paid on the Private Placement. All securities issued are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from issuance which will expire on November 4, 2025. The Company anticipates closing a second and final tranche of the Private Placement.

Insider Participation: One insider participated in the Private Placement and subscribed for a total of 1,458,375 Units. The participation by such insider is a "related-party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company has relied on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 in respect of related party participation in the placement as neither the fair market value (as determined under MI 61-101) of the subject matter of, nor the fair market value of the consideration for, the transaction, insofar as it involved the related parties, exceeded 25% of the Company's market capitalization (as determined under MI 61-101).

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

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: https://almagoldinc.ca.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

"Gregory Isenor"

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 second tranche of the non-brokered 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, events or developments to be materially different 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; regulatory and stock exchange approvals not being 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 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, including assumptions that: all required regulatory approvals will be received in a timely manner; sufficient investor interest will be secured; and the Company will be able to use the proceeds from the Private Placement as intended.

Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate. 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 law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/257851

SOURCE: Alma Gold Inc.
(Comments on Recent Market Activity)

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 4, 2025) - Blockchain Venture Capital Inc. (CSE: BVCI) ("BVCI" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the closing of its previously announced acquisition of a 51% controlling interest in LuminusFX Corporation ("LuminusFX") pursuant to a Share Purchase Agreement dated June 1, 2025 (the "LuminusFX Agreement"). The Company initially announced the proposed transaction in a press release dated June 3rd, 2025.

No Material Change in Market Activity

At the request of CIRO, Blockchain Venture Capital Inc. wishes to confirm that the Company's management is unaware of any material change in the Company's operations that would account for the recent increase in market activity.

Details of the Acquisition and the Acquired Entity

LuminusFX Corporation was incorporated under the laws of Ontario in mid-April 2025. The acquisition consideration for the 51% controlling interest in LuminusFX totals an aggregate of 1,530,000 common shares of BVCI, representing a total transaction value of approximately CAD $765,000, based on a deemed price of CAD $0.50 per BVCI common share. This comprises an initial issuance of 765,000 common shares, with an equal number of 765,000 common shares subject to an earn-out provision contingent upon LuminusFX generating at least CAD $120,000 in net profit for BVCI within a six-month period following the closing of the merger.

Basis of Valuation and Operating History of the Business

BVCI's valuation of this acquisition is primarily based on the extensive experience and proven track record of LuminusFX's founders, Xue Ru Bao and Thomas Kwok, and the underlying financial advisory services business that they have operated for over a decade in the foreign currency industry. Our comprehensive due diligence included a thorough review of the founders' financial advisory experience, their solid industry network, and an examination of bank transaction records from the founders' previous business activities prior to the incorporation of LuminusFX, covering the period from January to May 2025. These records provided a clear demonstration of their capabilities and supported the valuation of the business.

The Company's valuation of the entire business, taking into account the founders' track record and future business projections, was approximately CAD $1.5 million, which the Company considers to be fair and consistent with capital market practices for acquiring ventures. The founders will serve as the key operators of LuminusFX. Following the acquisition, they will be fully dedicated to LuminusFX and will not conduct similar business through another competing entity.

Planned Activities and Strategic Rationale

BVCI believes this acquisition represents a significant step forward in its broader strategy to build a robust, multi-vertical digital financial ecosystem. The Company intends to fully integrate and leverage LuminusFX's business operations and expertise following the acquisition. This strategic move aims to expand BVCI's presence in global financial services, specifically within the Forex and virtual currency sectors.

Following the acquisition, BVCI plans for LuminusFX to provide a more fulsome range of financial advisory services, including:

Crypto & Fiat Advisory (60%) : Providing consultation on foreign currency markets and digital asset integration.

: Providing consultation on foreign currency markets and digital asset integration. Investment Advisory (20%) : Offering guidance on investment strategies.

: Offering guidance on investment strategies. Other Services (20%): Delivering additional financial and business consulting services tailored to clients' evolving needs.

Based on the founders' historical performance and client network, this integration is expected to create a synergistic environment that bridges traditional financial services with innovative digital solutions.

Cash and Liabilities of LuminusFX Corporation (as of June 1, 2025)

At the time of signing the Share Purchase Agreement, LuminusFX Corporation had not yet generated significant cash reserves as a newly incorporated entity, reflecting its role as the successor vehicle to an ongoing advisory business:

Cash on Hand : Approximately CAD $0.

: Approximately CAD $0. Liabilities Owed: Minimal liabilities, approximately CAD $0, primarily related to initial startup expenses.

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 with respect to the expected benefits of the acquisition, the business plans and objectives of the Company and LuminusFX, and the future performance of LuminusFX. 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.

Material factors and assumptions used to develop this forward-looking information include, but are not limited to:

The continued successful operation and expansion of the founders' business activities.

The ability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals, licenses, and registrations for the planned services.

The successful integration of LuminusFX's business with BVCI's technology infrastructure.

The achievement of targeted transaction volumes and revenue based on market demand and the founders' network.

The successful and timely issuance and trading of CADT, following all necessary regulatory approvals or reliance on an exemption as applicable under Canadian securities law.

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, or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

About Blockchain Venture Capital Inc.

Blockchain Venture Capital Inc. is an Ontario incorporated company registered as a money services business with the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC). It provides innovative technology infrastructure to participants in the emerging blockchain and distributed ledger technology industry.

Instrumental to BVCI's business and growth strategy is BVC Chain, a proprietary blockchain platform and distributed ledger system that can operate in both centralized and decentralized environments. BVC Chain also supports BvcPay, a mobile application with digital wallet capabilities for point-of-sale and online transactions using Bitcoin, Ethereum, and CADT. CADT, BVCI's native digital currency, is intended to be a stablecoin backed 1:1 by Canadian dollars held in a custodial account. It is designed to support real-time pricing, payments, settlement, digital asset issuance, and ledger capabilities. Unless and until BVCI obtains all necessary regulatory approvals or qualifies for applicable exemptions, there is no assurance that BVCI will be able to proceed with its proposed CADT-related businesses.

About LuminusFX Corporation

LuminusFX Corporation is a Toronto-based financial services company that intends to offer secure, efficient, and globally focused financial consulting services. Its planned service portfolio includes approximately 60% in crypto and fiat advisory, 20% in investment advisory, and 20% in other financial and business consulting. These services are being developed in accordance with applicable Canadian regulatory requirements. Following the acquisition, LuminusFX will operate under BVCI's existing registration as a Money Services Business (MSB) with FINTRAC. Any future provision of regulated services will occur through compliant partnerships with registered firms or under available exemptions. The company aims to reach a proposed transaction volume of up to CAD $50 million annually, with a target revenue of approximately CAD $500,000, based on the founders' historical performance and established client base.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/257832

SOURCE: Blockchain Venture Capital Inc.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / July 4, 2025 / Supreme Critical Metals Inc. (CSE:CRIT)(FWB:VR61)(OTCID:VRCFF) ("Supreme" or the "Company") announces that further to its news releases dated June 20, 2025, June 27, 2025 and July 2, 2025, the Company's principal regulator, the British Columbia Securities Commission (the "BCSC") granted a management cease trade order (the "MCTO") on July 2, 2025, under National Policy 12-203 Management Cease Trade Orders ("NP 12-203"). Pursuant to the MCTO, George Tsafalas, the Chief Executive Officer, and Chris Gulka, the Chief Financial Officer, may not trade in securities of the Company until such time as the Company files its audited annual financial statements, management's discussion and analysis and related CEO and CFO certifications for the financial year ended February 28, 2025 (collectively, the "Required Filings"), and the Executive Director of the BCSC revokes the MCTO. The MCTO does not affect the ability of other shareholders to trade their securities.

The Company's Board of Directors and management confirm that they are working expeditiously to file the Required Filings and confirm that since the Company's news release dated July 2, 2025, there is no other material information respecting the Company's affairs that has not been generally disclosed.

Until the Required Filings have been filed, the Company intends to continue to satisfy the provisions of the alternative information guidelines specified in NP 12-203 by issuing bi-weekly default status reports in the form of further press releases for so long as the Company remains in default of the financial statement filing requirement. In the event that the Company does not file the Required Filings in a timely manner, the Canadian Securities Regulatory Authorities may impose an issuer cease trade order on the outstanding securities of the Company.

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.-provides-default-status-update-1045953
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 4, 2025) - E2Gold Inc. (TSXV: ETU) (OTC Pink: ETUGF) reports that Kyle Nazareth has resigned as Chief Financial Officer of the Company. The Company also announces that Eric Owens will replace Kyle as interim CFO.

The Company expresses gratitude to Kyle for his diligent and excellent work and wish him well in his future endeavours.

ABOUT E2GOLD INC.

E2Gold Inc. is a Canadian gold exploration company with a 633 claim property package spanning 4 townships in north-central Ontario, about 140 km east of the Hemlo Gold Mine, and 75 km north of the Magino and Island Gold Mines.

For further information please contact:

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 Statements - Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of E2Gold, including with respect to the receipt of all regulatory approvals. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/257826

SOURCE: E2Gold Inc.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 4, 2025) - Quimbaya Gold Inc. (CSE: QIM) (OTCQB: QIMGF) (FSE: K05) ("Quimbaya" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the closing of its upsized non-brokered private placement of 11,525,299 units of the Company (each, a "Unit") at a price of C$0.35 per Unit for gross proceeds of $4,033,854 (the "Offering").

Each Unit is comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Share") and one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one Share at a price of C$0.60 per Share for a period of 36 months expiring on July 4, 2028.

As previously disclosed, the upsizing was driven by a single investor group with a long-term outlook and a successful track record of supporting exploration and development projects in South America. The Company views this as a strong endorsement of its team, strategy, and pipeline of high-potential assets across Colombia's Antioquia district.

"With this raise, we are now well-funded into 2026," said Alexandre P. Boivin, President & CEO. "These funds will allow us to deepen our work at the Tahami South project while expanding efforts across the broader portfolio. We're committed to smart, disciplined execution and are very encouraged by the high conviction backing we've received."

The proceeds from the Offering will be used to advance the Company's exploration programs, including drilling at the Tahami South project and follow-up work on regional copper-gold and gold targets, as well as for general working capital.

Clarification on Finder's Fees and Warrants

The Company wishes to clarify that a cash commission of $16,800 was paid and 48,000 broker warrants were issued in connection with the Offering. However, as previously disclosed, no commissions or other broker compensation were paid on the strategic investment that drove the upsizing.

In connection with the Offering, the Shares, Warrants and broker warrants are subject to a four-month and one-day hold period expiring on November 4, 2025.

Insider Participation

Certain insiders of the Company participated in the Offering subscribing for an aggregate of 435,714 units for an aggregate subscription amount of $152,500. Each of the subscriptions from insiders constitutes a "related party transaction" pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company has relied on the exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in sections 5.5(b) and 5.7(1)(a) thereof, respectively, as the common shares of the Company are not listed on a specified market and neither the fair market value (as determined under MI 61-101) of the subject matter of, nor the fair market value of the consideration for, the transaction, insofar as it involved the related parties, exceeded 25% of the Company's market capitalization (as determined under MI 61-101).

Appointment of Vice President, Business Development

Quimbaya is further pleased to announce the appointment of Sebastian Wahl as Vice President, Business Development. Mr. Wahl has served on the Company's Board of Directors for the past six months and has played a pivotal role in shaping its strategic direction and external positioning.

Given his contributions to date and the Company's growth trajectory, Mr. Wahl's transition into an executive role is both timely and natural. As VP of Business Development, he will work closely with the CEO on capital markets initiatives, strategic partnerships, and internal structuring to ensure the Company is well-positioned for its next phase of growth.

"Sebastian brings an exceptional network and a sharp sense of capital markets strategy," said Alexandre P. Boivin, President & CEO. "His insight and drive have already proven instrumental at the board level, and we're excited to now have his energy full-time as we accelerate our momentum."

Mr. Wahl's appointment reinforces Quimbaya's commitment to building a high-caliber leadership team capable of advancing its ambitious vision in Colombia and delivering value to shareholders.

Grant of Incentive Securities

The Company also announces that it has granted an aggregate of 1,730,000 restricted share units (RSUs) and 1,655,000 stock options to certain directors, officers, advisors, and consultants of the Company in accordance with its long-term performance incentive plan (the "LTIP"). The stock options are exercisable at $0.50 per share for a period of three years.

About Quimbaya

Quimbaya aims to discover gold resources through exploration and acquisition of mining properties in the prolific mining districts of Colombia. Managed by an experienced team in the mining sector, Quimbaya is focused on three projects in the regions of Segovia (Tahami Project), Puerto Berrio (Berrio Project), and Abejorral (Maitamac Project), all located in Antioquia Province, Colombia.

Quimbaya Gold Inc.

Follow on X @quimbayagoldinc

Follow on LinkedIn @quimbayagold

Follow on Instagram @quimbayagoldinc

Follow on Facebook @quimbayagoldinc

Cautionary Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking information" as that term is defined in applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information. Generally, but not always, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends", "expects" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". Forward-looking statements herein include statements and information regarding the Offering's intended use of proceeds, any exercise of Warrants, the future plans for the Company, including any expectations of growth or market momentum, future expectations for the gold sector generally, the Colombian gold sector more particularly, or how global or local market trends may affect the Company, intended exploration on any of the Company's properties and any results thereof, the strength of the Company's mineral property portfolio, the potential discover and potential size of the discovery of minerals on any property of the Company's, including Tahami South, the aims and goals of the Company, and other forward-looking information. Forward-looking information by its nature is based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Quimbaya to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, that the Company's exploration and other activities will proceed as expected. The future outcomes that relate to forward-looking statements may be influenced by many factors, including but not limited to: future planned development and other activities on the Company's mineral properties; an inability to finance the Company; obtaining required permitting on the Company's mineral properties in a timely manner; any adverse changes to the planned operations of the Company's mineral properties; failure by the Company for any reason to undertake expected exploration programs; achieving and maintaining favourable relationships with local communities; mineral exploration results that are poorer or better than expected; prices for gold remaining as expected; currency exchange rates remaining as expected; availability of funds for the Company's projects; 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; the Offering proceeds being received as anticipated; all requisite regulatory and stock exchange approvals for the Offering are obtained in a timely fashion; investor participation in the Offering; and the Company's ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. Although Quimbaya's management believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. Furthermore, should one or more of the risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements or information. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of Quimbaya as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Except as required by law, Quimbaya does not expect to update forward-looking statements and information continually as conditions change.





NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/257712

SOURCE: Quimbaya Gold Inc.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 4, 2025) - Syntheia Corp. (CSE - SYAI) ("Syntheia" or the "Company") (syntheia.ai), a leading provider of conversational AI solutions for inbound telephone call management, is pleased to announce that further to its press release on May 16, 2025, it has entered into a definitive agreement dated July 5, 2025 (the "Definitive Agreement"), to acquire certain assets from Call Center Guys Inc. ("CCG Assets"), an arm's length party (the "Transaction"). The Assets consist primarily of employees, customers and intellectual property of CCG.

Acquisitions Terms:

Subject to the fulfillment of certain closing conditions, the CCG Assets will be acquired for consideration from Syntheia as follows:

20,000,000 common shares in the capital of the Company;

$8,000,000 cash to be financed through a debt financing on terms to be determined (the "Debt Financing") less the Canadian equivalent of USD$1,485,000 payable to a third party in connection with a further acquisition of assets pursuant to an asset acquisition agreement to be assigned to the Company prior to closing (the "Cash Payment"); and

No finder fees will be paid in connection with the Transaction. The terms of the Debt Financing required to make the Cash Payment noted above will be provided in due course. It is expected that the closing of the Transaction will occur following completion of the Debt Financing.

All common shares of the Company to be issued in connection with the Transaction pursuant to the terms of the Definitive Agreement will be subject to a four-month and a day statutory hold period from the date of issuance.

"This acquisition, upon completion will bring an immediate $10M+ in revenue with a projected $2.2M+ of EBITDA on annual basis. When we then combine with our Syntheia conversational AI platform, we expect savings and efficiencies resulting from deploying our technology of 30% while increasing the customer experience. Welcome to the power of AI" commented Tony Di Benedetto CEO of Syntheia. "We look to continue this industry wide roll out across North America deploying our conversational AI platform in call center acquisitions where we can enhance revenue growth, realize savings, increase customer satisfaction, and create consistent accretive shareholder value. Stay tuned!"; said Tony Di Benedetto, Chief Executive Officer

About Syntheia

Syntheia is an artificial intelligence technology company which is developing and commercializing proprietary algorithms to deliver human-like conversations and deploying our technology to enhance customer satisfaction while dramatically reducing turnover and traditional staffing issues.

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 or accuracy of this news release.

This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "would", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is provided and is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements in this news release includes, but are not limited to, the synergies derived from the acquisition of the assets in the Transaction. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflects the Company's management's expectations, estimates or projections concerning the business of the Company's future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made.

Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements. Please refer to the Company's listing statement available on SEDAR+ for a list of risks and key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

The securities of the Company have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirement. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/257850

SOURCE: Syntheia Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 4, 2025) - Quantum Battery Metals Corp. (CSE: QBAT) (OTC Pink: BRVVF) (FSE: 23B0) ("Quantum" or the "Company") announces that as a result of a continuous disclosure review by the British Columbia Securities Commission ("BCSC"), the Company is providing the following updates and clarifications to its previously disclosed information.

Acquisition of the Calico Jack Property

Transaction Details: The Company disclosed the acquisition terms in its news release dated October 7, 2024. The transaction involves the issuance of 6 million shares to acquire 1500643 B.C. Ltd., which owns the Calico Jack Property. The acquisition resulted in a 48% dilution to existing shareholders.

Clarifications on Calico Jack Property Acquisition:

The shareholders of 1500643 B.C. Ltd. at the time of incorporation and immediately prior to the acquisition are all arm's length. The Company will not be paying finder's fees in regards to the acquisition and does not anticipate any change in management following the acquisition. The company determined the number of shares to be issued by comparing the land package to previous acquisitions of the Company and similar properties within the area. The Company notes that the form 9 that was issued on October 7, 2024 indicates that the company had entered into the share exchange agreement on October 1, 2024. The Company confirms that the news release dated October 7, 2024 as filed on SEDAR+ on February 20, 2025, is correct in which the Company has successfully negotiated terms to proceed with a share exchange agreement, and at the Company has not yet signed the share exchange agreement. The Company expects to sign the share exchange agreement following BCSC disclosure review in which they expect to close the transaction within a month of signing the share exchange agreement.

Information regarding 1500643 B.C. Ltd.

1500643 was incorporated on September 6, 2024.

1500643 acquired the Calico Jack property on September 6, 2024.

1500643 will acquire the Calico Jack property through an asset assignment agreement with its five shareholders in conjunction with the closing of property acquisition with Quantum. The individual shareholders of 1500643 currently have option rights with Caprock Ventures Corp ("Caprock") in which they assign their rights to the option.

1500643 did not incur any fees to develop the property after its acquisition of the property and prior to the acquisition by the Company.

Shareholders of 1500643 acquired the Calico Jack property from Caprock Ventures Corp. ("Caprock") through an asset purchase agreement dated August 1, 2024, after which they incorporated 1500643.

The Shareholders of 1500463 will pay $300,000 to the original vendor Caprock at the closing of the company's acquisition of 1500643

Completed Acquisitions

Material Change Reports and Business Acquisition Reports:

The Company acknowledges that it had not previously filed material change reports and business acquisition reports for several completed acquisitions, including Hook's Harbour, Lac Mistumis, Rose West, Nipissing Loraine, and Rabbit Lake properties. The Company has now filed any appliable material change reports and material agreements on SEDAR+. The company expects to file the business acquisition reports following an audit of the subsidiaries.

Finder's Fees: The Company disclosed that finder's fees of $31,500 and $35,000 were paid in connection with the acquisitions of the Kahuna Cobalt and Rabbit Lake Properties, respectively.

The Company would also like to further disclose the license issuance date, expiry date and required annual work required for each of its properties

Property Issuance Date Expiry Date Work required annually Copper Coffer 2021-10-17 2026-10-17 $6,000.00 Alba and Kelso 2016-06-22 2026-06-21 $75,150.00 Hook's Harbour 2021-10-17 2026-10-17 $6,500.00 Kahuna 2018-04-10 2026-04-10 $22,600.00 Lac Mistumis 2021-07-22 2026-07-21 $7,785.00 Nipissing Lorrain 2018-04-10 2026-06-28 $7,800.00 Rabbit 2018-04-10 2026-04-09 $26,400.00

The Company has arranged its payments and work filings to keep the properties in good standing this year.

In regards to the Rabbit Lake property, the company intends to hold the property despite disappointing results over the last two exploration programs (2021/2022), and no further work is recommended at this time by the geologist team.

Exploration Activities

Project Delays:

The Company's planned exploration programs were delayed due to the unexpected closure of its prior geologist consultant, Longford Exploration. The Company found that Longford ceases to be operational in June 2023. Transitioning to a new geologist team required time for familiarization with the properties. Exploration plans for Hook's Harbour Copper Property, initially set for September 2023, were not executed.

Corporate Governance and Audit Committee

Mr. David Jenkins serves as the Chair of the Audit Committee, accompanying him on the audit committee is David Greenway, and Von Torres. Mr. Jenkins and Mr. Greenway are considered independent and Mr. Torres is considered not independent. The Company's current directors are Quinn Field-Dyte, David Greenway, David Jenkins, and Von Torres.

Investor Relations Activities

Marketing Agreements:

The Company disclosed terms of its agreements with promotional service providers, including Media Relations Publishing, Carsten Schmider, and Affiliate Marketing, in news releases dated March 19, 2021, August 29, 2023, and December 28, 2023.

The Information for Media Relations Publishing/Carsten Schmider is:

Carsten Schmider

Marie Curie Str. 3

50321 Bruhl

hello@schmider-report.com

+49 176 / 702 44 313

The Company used Media Relations Publishing/Carsten Schmider from March 19, 2021 to August 25, 2023 intermittently.

The Company announced on December 28, 2023, that it would be using Affiliate Marketing for advertising and marketing services. The Company did not proceed with using Affiliate Marketing.

Quantum remains committed to ensuring transparency and regulatory compliance. The Company will continue to work closely with the BCSC and other regulatory authorities to address outstanding comments and provide updates as necessary.

Forward-Looking Information This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that Quantum Battery Metals Corp. (the "Company") expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/257856

SOURCE: Quantum Battery Metals Corp.
LA PAZ, Mexico, July 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Government of the State of Baja California Sur will officially implement the EMBRACE IT tax on foreign visitors who stay in the state for more than 24 hours. This measure aims to generate funds to strengthen natural environmental conservation, community development, and local tourism infrastructure.

The established amount is $470 MXN per person(approx. $25 USD). Payment must be made exclusively online through the Travelkore platform, and travelers must present their proof of payment at the state's entry and exit points.

Mtra. Bertha Montano Cota, Minister of Finance and Administration, stated:

"Our commitment is to provide an unforgettable tourism experience while protecting our ecosystems and supporting the well-being of local communities. EMBRACE IT is a key tool to achieve this."

This initiative is outlined in Article 129 Bis of the Finance Law of the State of Baja California Sur, as well as Section IV-VII of the General Rules, which specify the Means and Mechanisms to pay the Tax Fee. It will be implemented in collaboration with Tourist Tax Mexico S.A. de C.V. (TTMX), utilizing Travelkore's SaaS technology.

What are the resources intended for?

Environmental Protection

Infrastructure Improvement

Social and Cultural Projects

Key information

Start of collection: June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025 Amount: $470 MXN per person (approx. $25 USD)

$470 MXN per person (approx. $25 USD) Modality: Digital payment only - https://embrace.bcs.gob.mx/

Digital payment only - https://embrace.bcs.gob.mx/ Coverage: All foreign visitors arriving by land and air at Los Cabos (SJD), Cabo San Lucas (CSL), La Paz (LAP), and Loreto (LTO) airports.

All foreign visitors arriving by land and air at Los Cabos (SJD), Cabo San Lucas (CSL), La Paz (LAP), and Loreto (LTO) airports. Responsible for collection: Tourist Tax Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (TTMX)

About TTMX

Tourist Tax Mexico, S.A. de C.V. is a Mexican company that provides technological and administrative solutions for the efficient collection of tourist and traveler taxes through digital payment platforms, as well as offering tourist services at destinations.

About Travelkore

Travelkore is a global technology platform that manages tourist tax payments and ensures regulatory compliance, offering an easy, seamless, and transparent experience.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2724903/TravelKore_Baja_California_Sur_launches_EMBRACE_IT__an_initiativ.jpg

For more information: Public Relations, relaciones.publicas@touristtax.com.mx, TTMX / Travelkore

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Mamdani is the son of filmmaker Mira Nair, known for movies like Salaam Bombay! and Monsoon Wedding. For Zohran Mamdani, Mira Nairs films were of great influence in his formative years. read more

Zohran Mamdani is an Indian-born Ugandan scholar. His mom, Mira Nair, a renowned Indian-origin filmmaker played a very important role in forming his ideas of life. Though aa a kid he hated the idea of his mother leaving for months for cinema.

According to a story published in the Hollywood Reporter, Mira Nair said, Usually he doesnt like me being away. He never encouraged his mother to do romcoms.

How his mothers films played an important role in his life?

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The The Reluctant Fundamentalist, based on Mohsin Hamids novel influenced him a lot, The movie has Riz Ahmed playing a Pakistani immigrant to the U.S. who succeeds on Wall Street but then is targeted and arrested after 9/11 despite clearly having done nothing wrong. He then returns to his home country where he is eventually suspected by the CIA of kidnapping an American tourist  an act whose truth the movie leaves ambiguous.

Meet Zohran Mamdani, filmmaker Mira Nairs son

Mamdanis early life

Born on October 18, 1991, in Kampala, Uganda, Mamdani is the son of Indian-origin parents, renowned filmmaker Mira Nair and academic Mahmood Mamdani, an Indian-born Ugandan scholar.

According to reports, Mamdani spent his early childhood in Cape Town, South Africa, attending St. Georges Grammar School, before moving to New York City at the age of seven.

He later graduated from the Bank Street School for Children and the Bronx High School of Science. In 2014, he earned a bachelors degree in Africana Studies from Bowdoin College.

(With inputs from agencies)
Bangladesh reported at least 24 rape cases between June 20 and 29. The alleged gang-rape of a woman in Bhola district and the rape of a Hindu woman by a neighbour in Cumilla district have rocked the South Asian country in recent days. The rising violence against women has been described as a pandemic-level crisis read more

Bangladesh has reported over 20 rape cases in nine days. File Photo/AFP

Bangladesh has been rocked by multiple rape cases in just over a week. Violence against women has become increasingly common in the South Asian country in recent years.

At least 24 incidents of rape were reported in Bangladesh in nine days between June 20 and 29, as per a Dhanka Tribune report. Recently, a video of a woman being sexually assaulted had caused a huge uproar in the country. The rise in rape cases has been described as a pandemic-level crisis.

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Lets take a closer look.

Recent Rape cases in Bangladesh

On Sunday (June 29), a woman was allegedly gang-raped after her husband was held captive and tortured for two days at the house of his third wife in Bhola district in south-central Bangladesh.

Seven people, including local leaders of Bangladesh Nationalist Party-affiliated organisations  Sramik Dal, Jubo Dal, and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal  have been arrested as per a Prothom Alo report.

Another rape case has horrified Bangladesh. Last week, a woman from the Hindu minority community was allegedly raped in central Bangladeshs Cumilla district. As per the police, the survivor was visiting her fathers house when a neighbour broke in and assaulted her.

The woman told local media that the accused, identified as 36-year-old Fazor Ali, entered the house with bad intentions and tortured her.

Four other people were arrested for filming and sharing the videos of the sexual assault.

The incident sparked outrage in Bangladesh, with students of Dhaka University staging protests on the campus.

Bangladeshs rape epidemic

One woman was raped every nine hours in Bangladesh from January 2020 to September 2024, according to Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK), a national legal aid and human rights organisation.

This means two women were raped each day in the country just on the basis of media reports.

Rape cases in Bangladesh remain under-rported. File Photo/Reuters

The ASK data found that a total of 4,787 rape cases were recorded during this period, as per Asia News Network. Of these, 2,862 victims were children aged 18 and below.

Of these cases, 47 per cent of the victims were aged 13 to 18.

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In March, Chief adviser Muhammad Yunus called the reports of violence against women deeply troubling, saying they were a deviation from the vision of a New Bangladesh.

Legal experts say many cases remain unreported in the South Asian country. Senior Supreme Court lawyer ZI Khan Panna told Asia News Network, I believe the actual number is much higher. We rely on newspaper data, and when necessary, verify cases with the police. Naturally, the numbers are lower if victims dont come to police.

Of the more than 4,000 rapes reported by Bangladesh media, cases were filed only in 3,419 cases.

Theres no guarantee that a victim will get justice even if they file a case, so why would they bother? Rape cases often remain unresolved beyond the mandated 180-day timeframe, and convictions are rare, barrister Jyotirmoy Barua told the news outlet.

The court alone cannot deliver justice, as 99 per cent of the process  filing the case, conducting investigations, and presenting witnesses  is carried out by state authorities. The publics lack of trust in the entire system which is severely flawed, discourages victims from filing and reporting cases, ultimately undermining the courts ability to deliver justice.

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On Thursday (July 3), Sharmeen S Murshid, Bangladeshs adviser to the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, told reporters that the ministrys toll-free hotline has received 281,000 complaints over the past 1011 months.

What is the govt doing to address the rape crisis?

Addressing a press briefing, Murshid said that the government has decided to form quick response teams at the upazila (district) level, led by the upazila nirbahi officers (UNOs), to curb the crimes against women.

Following the rape of a housewife in Muradnagar, Comilla, a quick response team has already been deployed under the local UNOs leadership, she said, as per Dhaka Tribune.

I have been working on violence against women and children for 40 years. Governments have come and gone, but none have been able to tackle the issue. The roots lie in politics, drugs, technology, and social degradation. The unchecked access to mobile phones and pornography is distorting childrens minds.

She added: A 10-year-old child has sexually assaulted a two-and-a-half-year-old girl. How can we even explain this? The child doesnt even understand what he has done. Are we truly able to protect our children? We can no longer hide from this complex social problem, which demands both counselling and medical attention.

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Murshid also called for regulating access to pornography for children.

She suggested monitoring madrasas in relation to child sexual abuse. Madrasas often remain out of sight, but child sexual abuse is taking place there too. Were not getting the data. Our officials will now go directly to schools and madrasas to ensure accountability, the adviser said.

She promised to implement permanent initiatives to prevent violence against women and children.

With inputs from agencies
Much about the US bombing of Irans nuclear facilities has been kept hush-hush. While the US had claimed that Operation Midnight Hammer was a success, there now seems to be a cloud over the entire mission with reports that one of the B-2 bombers has not returned to base. But what happened? What do we know? read more

Has a US stealth bomber gone missing?

Much about the US Iran bombings have been kept hush-hush.

The US had claimed that Operation Midnight Hammer was a success.

However, now there seems to be a cloud over the entire mission.

There are reports that one of the B-2 bombers that had set off on the mission has not returned.

But what happened? What do we know about the missing bomber?

Lets take a closer look

What happened?

The US on June 21 had deployed two groups of B-2 bombers.

According to reports, the bombers departed from Missouris Whiteman Air Force Base.

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While one headed out West over the Pacific  a decoy to draw Irans attention  the other comprising seven bombers headed East.

Their target? Irans nuclear facilities at Fordow and Natanz.

These were accompanied by a veritable fleet of refueling tankers and fighter jets  some of which launched their own weapons.

The bombers are said to have dropped 14 GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bunker-buster bombs on Irans enrichment facilities.

A satellite view shows an overview of Fordow underground complex, after the US struck the underground nuclear facility, near Qom, Iran. Maxar Technologies/Reuters

They safely returned to the Whiteman Air Force Base after a 37-hour round-trip.

However, it is the whereabouts of the bombers from the decoy team that remain uncertain.

Specifically one aircraft.

What do we know about the missing bomber?

There are reports that at least one bomber from this decoy team was forced to make an emergency landing.

It is thought to have landed at the Daniel K Inouye International Airport in Honolulu.

This airport shares a runway with Hawais Hickam Air Force base.

The stealth bomber, using the callsign MYTEE, is said to have had an undisclosed emergency mid-flight and was diverted for safety reasons.

The bomber has since been grounded at the airport.

A video of the bomber has gone viral on social media.

It was put up by ex-US Air Force pilot David Martin.

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The US Air Force has thus far refused to confirm details of the incident.

It has also not provided a possible timeline for any repairs being undertaken on the craft.

A B-2 Spirit dropping Mk.82 bombs. File image: Wikimedia Commons

This is far from the first time a B-2 bomber has suffered problems.

A similar incident occurred in April 2023, resulting in the craft being diverted to Hawaii.

That plane remained in Hawaii for weeks before it was given the green light to fly.

In 2022, Americas entire B-2 fleet was grounded after a craft went down in Missouri.

In 2021, a B-2 had to be taken to to Northrop Grummans facility in Palmdale, California for repairs after a similar incident.

However, the most serious incident occurred in 2008.

Back then, the B-2 nicknamed the Spirit of Kansas went down shortly take-off from Guams Andersen Air Force Base.

Though the B-2 was wrecked, the crew escaped with their lives.

What we know about the B-2 stealth bomber

The B-2 bomber is a state-of-the-art stealth aircraft and a symbol of the US firepower.

It is the worlds most expensive craft, which each unit costing approximately $2 billion.

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The US currently has just 19 such B-2 bombers in service.

Dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer, the mission carried out a precision strike that devastated the Iranian nuclear program, US officials said, even as they acknowledged an assessment was ongoing.

For its part, Iran denied that any significant damage had been done, and the Islamic Republic pledged to retaliate.

With inputs from agencies
A series of cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides has left Himachal Pradesh reeling. The relentless rains have led to over 60 deaths, dozens missing and damages estimated at over Rs 400 crore in the hill state. Tourist districts like Mandi, Kullu, and Shimla are the worst hit read more

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange and yellow alerts for several districts across Himachal Pradesh, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated areas between July 4 and July 10. File image/PTI

Himachal Pradesh is struggling to cope with the impact of unrelenting monsoon rains that have caused tremendous damage across the hill state.

A series of cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides have resulted in over 60 deaths, with dozens still missing, and damages estimated at over Rs 400 crore, according to the State Disaster Management Authority.

Districts like Mandi, Kullu, and Shimla have seen the worst of the destruction. And with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing fresh alerts for more heavy rain, officials fear the worst may not be over yet.

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Heres a closer look at the unfolding situation across Himachal.

Dozens dead, many missing  Mandi hit the hardest

Since June 20, more than 60 people have died in rain-related incidents across Himachal Pradesh, with another 40 still missing, according to the State Emergency Operations Centre.

Mandi district has recorded the highest number of deaths at 17, followed by Kangra with 13 deaths, Chamba with six, and Shimla reporting five fatalities. Other districts, including Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kinnaur, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Sirmaur, Solan, and Una, have also reported deaths.

The impact has been particularly severe in Karsog and Thunag subdivisions, where sudden cloudbursts have destroyed homes, roads, and farmlands within minutes. Other areas like Dharampur and Bagsayed have also faced extensive damage.

In one part of Mandi, an entire village has been wiped out. File image/ PTI

In one part of Mandi, an entire village has been wiped out. A relief camp has been set up for those displaced, and the Indian Air Force carried out air drops of food packets for stranded residents on Thursday.

According to PTI, five relief camps have been established so far, sheltering 402 rescued people, with 348 of them from Mandi alone.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu said 14 separate cloudbursts had been reported since the onset of the monsoon. He said his government stands with the disaster-affected families of the state and, according to ANI, will provide Rs 5,000 to each family as renting accommodation.

#WATCH | Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu says, "Since the rains began, 69 people have lost their lives, 37 people are missing, 110 people have been injured, and damages worth approximately Rs 700 crore have been incurred... Roads and water projects pic.twitter.com/z2ZPDpvGwJ  ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2025

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Search and rescue efforts are now in place, with a focus on areas like Thunag, where relentless rains have brought everything to a halt.

Two teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), alongside police and home guards, are actively engaged in search and rescue operations in the district.

Search and rescue efforts are now in place in Himachal Pradesh. PTI

Schools shut, bridges gone, and crores lost

In Shimla, heavy rains have flooded several schools, forcing closures and causing distress among students and parents.

Its raining heavily. Water is entering our classrooms, our clothes and books are soaked. Our teachers are telling us its better to stay at home, said Tanuja Thakur, a student in Shimla, in a statement to ANI

Our school is surrounded by trees. There is always a fear that a tree could fall. Thankfully, we are safe for now, she added.

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Videos circulating online show terrifying scenes, rivers swollen with rainwater tearing through villages, sweeping away homes and leaving trails of destruction in their wake.

Heavy rain has crippled Himchal Pradesh, with more than 250 roads blocked, and 614 power lines, and 130 water systems disrupted.#HimachalWeather pic.twitter.com/zbojXqgcLn  Vani Mehrotra (@vani_mehrotra) July 1, 2025

Across the state, hundreds of houses have been damaged or destroyed. At least 14 bridges have been washed away, and nearly 300 animals, including 164 cattle, have perished in the disaster.

The overall damage to infrastructure is staggering. According to an NDTV report, more than 500 roads are currently closed, severely impacting connectivity. Over 500 power distribution transformers (DTRs) have failed, leaving thousands without electricity.

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DC Rana, Special Secretary of the State Disaster Management Authority, confirmed the scale of damage. He said the state has recorded over Rs 400 crore in losses due to flash foods so far. But the actual figure is likely to be much higher. PTI

Water supply has also taken a major hit, with 797 drinking water schemes rendered non-functional over the past few days due to the heavy rain.

DC Rana, Special Secretary of the State Disaster Management Authority, confirmed the scale of damage. We have recorded over Rs 400 crore in losses so far, based on entries in our system. But the actual figure is likely to be much higher, he said.

Right now, our priority is on search, rescue, and restoring essential services. A detailed damage assessment will take more time."

Earlier today Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to the Chief Minister and promised relief and help, not just for Himachal but other states affected by the monsoon, including Gujarat and Rajasthan.

IMD predicts more rain in the coming days

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange and yellow alerts for several districts across Himachal Pradesh, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated areas between July 4 and July 10. A red alert  indicating extremely heavy rainfall  has been issued specifically for July 6.

Amid ongoing relief operations, officials are also drawing attention to the broader climate crisis behind these extreme weather events.

These events are a consequence of global warming and climate change. Himachal is not untouched by these impacts, said Rana.

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On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming that the United States was no longer under British rule. Since then, Americans have celebrated the day each year as Independence Day, with fireworks, parades, concerts and family barbecues. Also on this day in 2012, scientists announced that they had discovered the Higgs boson read more

Since then, July 4 has been celebrated every year in the United States as Independence Day. Image: X

On July 4, 1776, the delegates of the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia and adopted the Declaration of Independence. This was the beginning of the United States of America as a country separate from Great Britain and its king.

Since then, July 4 has been celebrated every year in the United States as Independence Day.

Also on this day in 2012, scientists announced that they had discovered the Higgs boson, a particle believed to be responsible for giving mass to nearly all other particles.

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As part of Firstpost Explainers History Today series, heres a look at what happened on July 4:

Fourth of July: America attained independence

On this day in 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing that the United States of America was no longer under the rule of Great Britain and its king.

This came 442 days after the first shots of the American Revolution were fired at Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts. The move gave the war a stronger purpose and later helped bring France into the conflict in support of the American side.

By the spring of 1776, more people across the colonies had started to support independence. The Continental Congress asked each state to set up its own government, and a group of five men was chosen to prepare a declaration.

Thomas Jefferson of Virginia wrote most of the Declaration of Independence.

Since 1776, Americans have celebrated July 4 as the day their country was born. Celebrations include fireworks, parades, concerts, and family barbecues.

Since 1776, Americans have celebrated July 4 as the day their country was born. Reuters/File Photo

The tradition of celebrating grew even more popular after the War of 1812, when the United States again faced Great Britain.

In 1870, the US Congress declared July 4 a federal holiday. In 1941, the rule was updated to give all federal workers a paid day off.

Today, the American flag is the most recognised symbol of the holiday, and The Star-Spangled Banner, the national anthem, is often played during celebrations.

Higgs Boson was discovered

On this day in 2012, scientists made a discovery that helped explain the basic structure of matter: the Higgs boson.

Nearly 50 years after it was first suggested, the Higgs boson was detected by the ATLAS and CMS teams at the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (Cern).

The Higgs boson is over 120 times heavier than a proton, making it the second-heaviest known particle. Because of its short lifespan and heavy mass, it cannot be found in nature and can only be created under special conditions in a laboratory.

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The Large Hadron Collider (LHC), which began running high-energy experiments in 2010, is the first machine able to produce enough Higgs bosons for study.

A representation of traces of a proton-proton collision measured in the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) in the search for the Higgs boson. AFP/File Photo

The field and particle are named after Peter Higgs of the University of Edinburgh. He proposed the theory explaining how elementary particles gain mass, an idea that could be tested in experiments.

On July 4, 2012, researchers at the LHC announced they had spotted a signal that likely came from a Higgs boson, with a mass between 125 and 126 gigaelectron volts. More studies were needed to be sure, and by March 2013, the discovery was confirmed.

That same year, Peter Higgs and Belgian physicist Francois Englert, who had also worked on the theory, were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics.

This Day, That Year

1802: The United States Military Academy officially opened at West Point, New York.

1826: Fifty years after the Declaration of Independence was adopted, former US presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died.

1884: The completed Statue of Liberty was officially presented to the US ambassador, honouring the friendship between France and the United States.

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1946: The United States and the Philippines signed the Treaty of Manila, recognising Philippine independence.

1997: Nasas Mars Pathfinder became the first US spacecraft to land on Mars in over twenty years.

2013: The Statue of Liberty reopened on July 4, eight months after Superstorm Sandy forced it to close.
A 21-year-old Indian-origin man, identified as Ishaan Sharma, allegedly attacked a fellow passenger, identified as Keanu Evans, in a violent mid-air brawl. In a viral video, the two men are seen attacking each other as fellow travellers on the Frontier Airlines flight urge them to stop. Sharma was arrested and is now charged with battery read more

A 21-year-old Indian-origin man, identified as Ishaan Sharma, allegedly attacked a fellow passenger in a violent mid-air brawl in US. Image courtesy: X

A flight from Philadelphia to Miami turned chaotic when a 21-year-old Indian-origin man, identified as Ishaan Sharma, allegedly attacked a fellow passenger in a violent mid-air brawl.

The incident, which unfolded on a Frontier Airlines flight earlier this week, left passengers shaken and has since gone viral on social media.

Authorities have now charged Sharma with battery, and the case has raised serious questions about in-flight safety and passenger conduct.

Heres what we know about the case.

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What happened?

The altercation took place mid-air, just before the flight landed in Miami. According to Keanu Evans, the passenger who was attacked, Ishaan Sharma had been acting oddly during the flight, and making disturbing statements that sounded like death threats.

He was doing some dark laugh like, Ha ha ha ha ha. And he was saying things like, You puny, mortal man, if you challenge me, it will result in your death, Evans told WSVN in an interview.

Evans said he raised concerns with the flight crew, who advised him to press the assistance button if Sharma continued behaving strangely. Moments later, Sharma allegedly returned and began confronting him again.

You know, hes looking at me very angrily and were looking eye to eye, forehead to forehead, and then he just grabs me by the throat and just starts choking me, Evans recalled.

He just got up, put his forehead on mine like he was challenging me, and then grabbed me by the throat and started choking me At that moment, it was fight or flight all I could do was defend myself, he added.

Videos taken by other passengers show the two men physically struggling as fellow travellers urge them to stop. Stop, let him go, pleads another.

A flight attendant is also seen stepping in, attempting to calm the situation. Sir, you have to sit down, the crew member says, but the effort reportedly failed to break up the fight.

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Ishaan Sharma, 21, was arrested and charged with battery after the incident on a flight bound for Miami, Florida #frontier #southflorida #arrest pic.twitter.com/rUuRVpE7v9  American Crime Stories (@AmericanCrime01) July 2, 2025

The scuffle left Sharma with a cut above his left eyebrow, while Evans sustained scratches on his face. Eyewitnesses noted that after the altercation, Sharma returned to his seat grinning and even took selfies of his bloodied face.

What lies ahead for Sharma?

Once the plane landed at Miami International Airport, police boarded the flight and handcuffed Sharma on the spot. Officials said he had a facial injury that required stitches.

Evans later expressed regret over the whole incident, stressing that he didnt want to be misjudged.

If you see on my face, Ive got some scratches from him scratching me on this right-hand side, he said.

I dont want people to get the wrong idea about who I am. Im a good person. I recently got baptised. I just wish I had been more firm in asking to be moved away from him.

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As per The Daily Mail, Sharma was taken to Jackson West Hospital for treatment before being booked into police custody.

In court on Tuesday, Sharmas lawyer, Renee Gordon, claimed that the entire confrontation stemmed from a misunderstanding.

My client is from a religion where he was meditating, Gordon said. Unfortunately, the passenger behind him did not like that.

However, the judge, Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Gerald Hubbart, didnt accept that explanation. He set Sharmas bond at $500 and issued a stay-away order, preventing him from contacting Evans or coming near his school or workplace.

Frontier Airlines has not yet released a public statement regarding the incident.

With input from agencies
Manga artist Ryo Tatsuki wrote in her 2021 work The Future I Saw about a crack forming beneath the sea between Japan and the Philippines, which she claimed would trigger a tsunami three times more powerful than the one in 2011. The prediction has gone viral, especially after a small island in southern Japan recently recorded over 1,000 tremors. Some airlines have also cancelled flights from Hong Kong, where passenger numbers have seen the steepest drop read more

A massive disaster could hit Japan on July 5, according to manga artist Ryo Tatsukis prediction.

The forecast comes from her 2021 manga, The Future I Saw, which was first released in 1999.

In the manga, she describes a crack forming beneath the sea between Japan and the Philippines, which would lead to a tsunami said to be three times stronger than the one that struck in 2011.

ALSO READ | Japan warns of megaquake that could kill 300,000 along Nankai Trough: What is it?

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The prediction, which has now gone viral, has led some airlines to cancel flights from Hong Kong, where passenger numbers have dropped the most.

Notably, a small island in southern Japan has recently recorded over 1,000 jolts.

So, what exactly is this prediction? And whats going on in the island that has already witnessed more than one thousand quakes?

Lets take a look:

What is the prediction by Japanese Baba Vanga?

Manga fans believe that many of Ryo Tatsukis predictions, which are based on her dreams and featured in her comic book, often come true.

Her track record has led to her being called the Japanese Baba Vanga, a reference to the late Bulgarian mystic known for foreseeing major global events, including the 9/11 attacks, ISISs rise, and Barack Obamas election.

The latest prediction comes from Tatsukis 2021 manga. She is also known for forecasting the 1995 Kobe earthquake and the 2011 Tohoku tsunami.

Whether it comes to pass or not, it's having an effect on air travel in Japan.



The Future That I Saw 

Japanese Comic Predicts Massive Disaster for July 2025 (July 5, 2025 at 4:18 a.m.)



Retired comic artist Ryo Tatsuki claims that she has been having prophetic dreams for pic.twitter.com/WJ6eqOdF8P  UFO CHRONICLES PODCAST (@UFOchronpodcast) July 3, 2025

In her manga, she writes that a deep crack would appear beneath the sea between Japan and the Philippines, leading to massive waves, three times taller than those that hit Japan in the 2011 disaster.

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What has added fuel to the panic is that a 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck Japans Tokara Islands on Thursday (July 3), two days ahead of the date mentioned in the comic.

The prediction has since gone viral, especially across East Asia, with thousands of videos being shared online in places like Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, and South Korea.

On X, several users have linked the prediction to growing fears of a possible Nankai Trough megaquake.

In the manga, she describes a crack forming beneath the sea between Japan and the Philippines. Reuters/File Photo

Over 1,000 quakes jolt Japans small island

Japanese officials recently advised 89 people living on a small island in the countrys south to leave their homes after a strong quake hit the area on Thursday.

This was the latest in a series of over 1,000 tremors recorded in the region.

An official told AFP that residents were asked to move to a school playground on Akuseki Island.

Akuseki belongs to the Tokara island group, located south of the Kyushu region. Since June 21, the area has experienced 1,031 earthquakes.

Of the 12 islands in the Tokara chain, seven are inhabited, with about 700 people living across them.

ALSO READ | When a powerful earthquake and tsunami triggered the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan

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What Japanese gov and Tatsuki are saying

Ryo Tatsuki, the manga artist behind the much-discussed prediction, has asked people not to take her forecast too seriously.

In a recent interview, she said people should stay calm and rely on experts instead of her visions.

Meanwhile, Ayataka Ebita, director of the earthquake and tsunami observation division at Japans Meteorological Agency, also responded to the rumours.

Japan sits on four major tectonic plates, making it one of the most seismically active places on Earth. Reuters/File Photo

He told AFP, We are aware that such tales are circulating, but that is a hoax.

He added, With todays science and technology, it is not possible to predict earthquakes.

The Japan Meteorological Agency also issued a statement online saying: Any such predictions should be considered unreliable.

How predictions have led to dip in tourism

The rumour has had an impact on tourism, especially among East Asian visitors.

Bloomberg Intelligence reported that bookings from Hong Kong have fallen by 50 per cent compared to 2024, and for the period from late June to early July, the drop is as steep as 83 per cent.

While Japan hit a record in April with 3.9 million tourists, the number of visitors in May dropped.

Arrivals from Hong Kong fell by 11 per cent year-on-year, according to the most recent data.

Steve Huen from Hong Kong-based EGL Tours blamed the fall in numbers on viral social media posts. These posts refer to a manga that mentions a dream about a massive earthquake and tsunami hitting Japan and nearby countries in July 2025.

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Japans megaquake warning that could kill 300,000

Back in April this year, a report by the Japanese government warned of the serious consequences if a major earthquake were to strike the Nankai Trough, an area off Japans Pacific coast.

The report estimated losses of around $1.81 trillion and suggested up to 300,000 people could lose their lives if the long-feared quake were to occur.

A damaged road after an earthquake, in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. Reuters/File Photo

Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. Experts believe there is an 80 per cent chance of a magnitude 8 to 9 earthquake hitting the Nankai Trough.

The Nankai Trough is an undersea trench about 800 kilometres long, stretching from Hyuganada near Kyushu to Suruga Bay in central Japan.

 Japan's next major Disaster, a Thread



As we remember the 2011 megaquake, we must stay vigilant and prepared for the next major disaster that could strike Japan.



Nankai megathrust earthquakes are massive quakes that occur along the Nankai Trough, where the Philippine Sea pic.twitter.com/DPbUjRHcIV   Arin Yuni (@Arin_Yumi) March 11, 2025

For years, Japan has warned of a 70 to 80 per cent chance of a massive earthquake striking this region within the next three decades.

The country has seen devastating disasters before, including the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, followed by a nuclear crisis. That 9.0-magnitude quake led to the worst nuclear accident since Chernobyl.

Japan sits on four major tectonic plates, making it one of the most seismically active places on Earth.

With inputs from agencies
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg reportedly walked into a meeting at the Oval Office about the US Air Forces new F-47 fighter jets but was asked to step out and wait outside. There was concern because Zuckerberg lacked the security clearance required for a high-level national security discussion. However, a senior White House official has denied this version of events, saying the report mischaracterised what actually happened read more

Mark Zuckerberg reportedly entered the Oval Office during a discussion about the Air Forces next-generation fighter jet. Reuters/File Photo

In an unexpected moment that surprised top Pentagon officials, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg reportedly walked into a meeting at the Oval Office about the US Air Forces new F-47 fighter jets.

Soon after, reports said he was politely asked to leave the room while the discussion went on.

Notably, concerns were raised over his presence since officials said he did not have the required security clearance to stay for the meeting.

ALSO READ | Donald Trump wanted 90 trade deals in 90 days. How many has he cracked?

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But a Trump official later rejected these claims, saying the report had mischaracterised what actually happened.

So, what happened in that meeting? Was Zuckerberg really asked to step out?

Lets take a look:

What happened when Zuckerberg crashed the meeting? What does the report say?

According to NBC News, two people familiar with the meeting said military officials were taken aback when Mark Zuckerberg entered the Oval Office during a discussion about the Air Forces next-generation fighter jet.

As the generals spoke about the highly advanced plane, which Trump described as the most capable and deadly combat aircraft ever built, they were surprised to see Zuckerberg appear mid-meeting.

The report said officials became worried because Zuckerberg, who is one of the worlds richest individuals, did not have the necessary security clearance for such a high-level national security discussion.

Trump has turned the Oval Office into a hub for his allies, friends and staff. Reuters/File Photo

Sources told NBC that some generals were mystified and a bit unnerved by the lack of privacy in the Oval Office.

They reportedly spoke among themselves later, wondering whether sensitive the visitors and calls might have compromised sensitive information.

He was then told to step out of the office and had to wait outside, the report said.

What the White House said on the report

Called Maga Mark by some, Zuckerberg is said to have stayed briefly before being asked to wait outside.

But a senior White House official has rejected that version of events, claiming the report mischaracterised what actually happened.

Speaking to the New York Post, the official said, He was not asked to leave.

He popped in to say hello at the presidents request, and then left to wait for his meeting with Potus to begin, which was scheduled to occur after the meeting with the pilots, the official added.

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The exact date of the incident remains unclear, and Meta has not issued a statement on the matter.

ALSO READ | Tax cuts, deportations and more Whats in Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill passed by US Senate?

Zuckerberg & his history with politics

The Meta boss has had a complex history with politics.

He began by supporting liberal causes and pro-immigration policies. But over time, he shifted gears and started backing the Maga movement, especially during Donald Trumps re-election campaign.

Earlier this year, Zuckerberg was also seen at Trumps inauguration. He has since built closer ties with billionaires Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos.

New reports suggest that his growing association with Trump has even led to multiple White House visits, including the recent Oval Office meeting that drew attention.

Oval Office or Grand Central Terminal?

The US President reportedly calls the Oval Office Grand Central Terminal.

With this, he compares it to the busy New York train station, suggesting the space is often full of people coming and going.

Notably, that comparison is not far off. Unlike past presidents who kept the Oval Office tightly restricted, Trump has turned it into a hub for his allies, friends and staff, many of whom spend time in the West Wing even without formal business there.

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The US President reportedly calls the Oval Office Grand Central Terminal. Reuters/File Photo

Trumps Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles, is said to be present for almost every meeting that matters, according to former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.

Trump calls her the Ice Maiden, and reports said she helps bring some order to the presidents informal style.

NBC also reported that cabinet members often drop by the Oval Office.

A former White House official said, They should be running their bureaucracies. They shouldnt be hanging around the White House.
In June, Pakistan army chief Asim Munir travelled to the US for a lunch hosted by President Donald Trump. Weeks later, the Pakistan air force chief Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu visited Washington and held meetings with officials from the US State Department and the Pentagon. This indicates a shift in US-Pakistan military ties, which date back to 1947. But what does it mean for India? read more

The US and Pakistan military ties are seeing a reset. The latest indicator -- Pakistan air force chief's visit to Washington. Representational image/Reuters

In the days after the Pahalgam terror attack, the United States stood firmly by Indias side; US President Trump strongly condemned the terror attack and expressed full support to India to bring to justice the perpetrators of the heinous attack. Then, US spy chief Tulsi Gabbard added that her country would back New Delhi as it hunts down the perpetrators, while US House Speaker Mike Johnson said that America would make every effort to help India in its fight against terrorism.

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However, actions speak louder than words, and the US actions are quite telling for India. In the past two weeks, the US leadership has met with the top echelons of the Pakistani military  first Trump met Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir on June 18, and now Pakistans Chief of the Air Staff Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu met with officials at the Pentagon, State Department and Capitol Hill on Wednesday (July 2).

So, whats brewing? Is the US looking at a reset of its military ties with Islamabad? And what does that mean for New Delhi?

Pakistan Air Force chief in US

On Wednesday (July 2), Pakistan Air Force Chief Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu visited Washington, holding high-level meetings at the Pentagon, State Department and Capitol Hill to further enhance bilateral defence cooperation and mutual interest.

Sidhus meetings at the Pentagon included high-level talks with US Air Force Chief of Staff General David W Allvin and Secretary of the Air Force for International Affairs Kelli L Seybolt, focusing on joint operational training, technology sharing, and institutional ties and future cooperation.

Similarly, at the State Department, Sidhu met Brown L Stanley of the bureau of political and military affairs and Eric Meyer of the bureau of South and Central Asian affairs. The Pakistan Air Force chief also met some prominent members of the US Congress, including Mike Turner, Rich McCormick, and Bill Heizenga.

Pakistans Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Baber Sidhu has completed a landmark visit to the United States. File image/PTI

A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) statement read, This high-level visit is a strategic milestone in the Pak-US defence partnership. The visit will play a significant role in addressing key regional and global security issues as well as building institutional ties.

Many analysts pointed that Sidhus visit, which comes nearly two months after Indias Operation Sindoor, was with the aim of acquiring American military hardware. Pakistan hopes to acquire the American-built F-16 Block 70 fighter jets, AIM-7 Sparrow air-to-air missiles, and batteries of the US-made High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS).

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This comes as Indias missiles and drones bypassed Pakistans China-supplied defence systems to strike military targets deep inside the country. Moreover, it is reported that Chinese-made HQ-9P and HQ-16 missile defence systems were destroyed in Indian counterstrikes.

Pakistans Munir lunches with Trump

What is most interesting about the Pakistan air force chiefs visit to Washington is that it comes just weeks after Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir travelled to the US for a luncheon with President Donald Trump.

On June 18, Trump hosted Munir at the White House for a closed-door luncheon. It is not clear what transpired in the meeting between Trump and Field Marshal Munir.

White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly was quoted as saying that the meeting between the two came after the Pakistan army chief pitched Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in preventing a nuclear war between India and Pakistan.

Ever-changing US-Pakistan military ties

The Trump-Munir lunch, the visit of the Pakistan army chief to Washington, and the US army general Michael Kurillas reference to Islamabad as a phenomenal partner in countering terrorism during an appearance at a hearing of the US House Armed Services Committee last month all signal a change in the US-Pakistan military ties.

And its quite a dramatic reset; dramatic because seven years ago, Trump accused Pakistan of giving the US nothing but lies and deceit and safe havens to terrorists  and one that his immediate successor Joe Biden called one of the most dangerous nations.

But just how have ties changed between the two countries?

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In 1947, soon after Pakistan was formed, US concerns about Soviet expansionism in the region and Islamabads desire for security assistance against a perceived threat from India prompted a military alliance between the two countries.

Seven years later, Washington and Islamabad signed a mutual defence assistance agreement and soon military aid started flowing into Pakistan. In 1964, Pakistani President Mohammed Ayub Khan even wrote in an article for Foreign Affairs that Islamabad is Americas most allied ally in Asia.

Pakistan President Mohammad Ayub Khan with US President John F. Kennedy during the formers 1961 visit to America. The Pakistani president had once said that Islamabad is Americas most allied ally in Asia. File image/Wikimedia Commons

It is reported that between 1953 and 1961, Pakistan received a whopping $2 billion in aid from Washington, with a huge chunk of it going towards military support. However, following the 1965 India and Pakistan war, the US imposed a ban on the transfer of weapons to both New Delhi and Islamabad.

It was the USSR invasion of Afghanistan that changed Americas view towards Pakistan. It became a key partner in the supply of the Afghan mujahideen, which took the fight to the Soviets in Afghanistan, supported by the US and Saudi Arabia, notes the American think tank C_ouncil on Foreign Relation_s. It was around this time that the US also approved the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan.

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But, in 1990, with the end of the Cold War, US President George HW Bush again suspended American military assistance to Pakistan, withholding roughly 28 F-16s that Islamabad purchased in 1989.

US President George W Bush agreed to sell F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan in a major policy shift rewarding a key ally in the war on terrorism in 2004. File image/Reuters

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, shifted relations once again; a Congressional Research Service report reveals that between 2002 and 2020, Pakistan received over $34 billion in aid from the US. Roughly $23 billion of American aid was security related, with $8.2 billion being directly related to military aid, while a further $14.5 billion were Coalition Support Fund reimbursements, for offering key support to US military operations.

It all turned to naught in 2018 amid Trumps first tenure; he suspended security aid to Pakistan, stating that Islamabad had failed to take action against terror groups. Trump even tweeted, The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than $33 billion in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!

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But just this year, Trump authorised the release of funds to Pakistan, including $397 for maintaining its F-16 fighter jet fleet.

Experts note that these ebbs and flows in the US-Pakistan military ties is grounded in tactical necessity and overlapping security interests. While Islamabad needs Washington to continue providing aid and military hardware, the US needs Pakistan as a means to counter China as well as the terror groups in Afghanistan.

India should pay heed to US-Pak ties

But should the US tilt to Pakistan, especially in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor, be a concern to India?

The answer is a mixed one. In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, there was a de-hyphenisation between India and Pakistan. However, with the Trump administration interacting with Pakistans military, theres a chance of a re-hyphenation in ties. Moreover, India cant afford to have Islamabad currying much favour with Washington as well as Beijing. This puts the country in a difficult position on the global stage.

The national flag of India hoisted at Times Square in New York City. Representational image/AFP

But experts also note that India is now Americas partner of choice not only in South Asia but the Indo Pacific. As the Hudson Institute notes, it would take much more than a few high-level visits by Pakistani military officials to restore American trust in Pakistan, which remains strategically aligned with Americas rival, China.

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Indias Lt General Syed Ata Hasnain (retired) explains it the best in an Indian Express column, Trumps outreach to Pakistan should not be read as a betrayal or a shift away from India. It is better understood as tactical engagement driven by geography, legacy relationships, and evolving regional threats. Pakistan will always offer America access, whether for leverage in Kabul, observation posts against Iran, or to counter Chinese expansion. But such engagement is opportunistic, not strategic.

With inputs from agencies
A new series called The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination relives the 90-day manhunt for Sivarasan, the LTTE operative who masterminded the deadly killing of Rajiv Gandhi. But who was he, and how did he hatch the plan to kill the former PM? read more

Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi greeted as he arrives to make an address during an election campaign moments before he was killed by a suicide bomber in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. File image/AFP

On May 21, 1991, a bespectacled girl in an orange and green churidar bent down respectfully to touch Rajiv Gandhis feet after he addressed an election rally in Sriperumbudur in Indias Tamil Nadu. It was then that she set off a concealed explosive device that was strapped to her body.

What followed was chaos and death; Gandhi, then aged 46, was killed along with 18 others, including the girl  later identified as Dhanu. This moment remains a black day in the history of Independent India.

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It also set off a massive nationwide investigation for the conspirators  which has now been converted into a seven-episode serial on SonyLiv, titled The Hunt  The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case, directed by Nagesh Kukunoor.

The gripping show, ( read our review) gives us a ringside view of the CBI investigation and a closer look at those involved in the assassination, including the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam operatives led by Sivarasan.

But who exactly was Sivarasan? How did he plan the death of Rajiv Gandhi? And what happened to him after it? We have the answers.

Meet one-eyed Sivarasan

The man believed to have devised the Rajiv Gandhi assassination plan was Chandrasekharampillai Packiachandran, also known as Sivarasan. Born in 1858, in Udupiddy, a town about 32 km from Sri Lankas Jaffna City, he had a normal childhood. Sivarasans father inculcated in him strong nationalist feelings at a young age.

When his father died in late 1977, Sivarasan, being the eldest child, had to bear the family burden and drop out of school and begin supporting the family  he had three brothers and two sisters. It was around this time, that Sivarasan began showing signs of disenchantment with the Sri Lankan government. In fact, during this period, he was arrested on multiple occasions for displaying strong pro-Tamil Eelam views.

Around 1983, he joined the Tamil Eelam Liberation Organisation (Telo), a militant group. But in the subsequent years, he joined the LTTE. During his time in the LTTE, he was injured in a clash with the Sri Lankan armed forces near the Jaffna Fort and he lost his left eye. Soon after, his fellow LTTE colleagues started calling him Ottaraikkannan or one-eyed person.

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Following the release of the 1961 Marlon Brando Hollywood film, Sivarasan became known as one-eyed Jack.

Sivarasan was specifically selected and assigned the task of killing Rajiv Gandhi by LTTEs Prabhakaran. File image/X

Planning the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi

As years rolled by, Sivarasan was promoted as captain in the LTTE and entrusted with specific assignments to be undertaken clandestinely in India. In 1990, he was tasked with the assassination of Kanthasamy Padmanabha alias Naabhaa aka Ranjan, who was the SecretaryGeneral of the pro-India Eelam Peoples Revolutionary Liberation Front.

The success of this mission led LTTE chief Prabhakaran to assign him with his next target  Rajiv Gandhi. Unlike the Padmanabha assassination where firearms and grenades were used, another new method was to be used to kill Rajiv Gandhi.

The entire responsibility of the mission was handed over to Sivarasan and he hatched the plan which saw him recruiting several other LTTE operatives such as Murugan, Ravichandran, Santhan and even Nalini.

On the day of the assassination, Sivarasan, dressed as a journalist, reached the location of Rajiv Gandhis rally and hid himself in the crowds. As Rajiv Gandhi walked to the crowds, it was Sivarasan who guided him towards Dhanu, who, in turn, garlanded Gandhi and then bent as if to touch his feet. She flicked a switch, resulting in half a kilo of plastic explosives in her suicide vest exploding, killing Rajiv Gandhi and others.

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Sonia Gandhi, daughter Priyanka, and son Rahul turn to chanting mourners during the funeral of Rajiv Gandhi at Shakti Sthal on the banks of the River Yamuna in New Delhi. File image/AFP

The hunt for Sivarasan and his death

In the ruckus caused following the explosion, Sivarasan and his other conspirators fled the scene. However, what they didnt realise was that another photographer present at the rally had inadvertently taken photos of them.

This led to a manhunt for Sivarasan, which ended up in the Bangalore suburb of Konanakunte in the state of Karnataka. In his book Ninety Days: The True Story of the Hunt for Rajiv Gandhis Assassins, journalist-author Anirudhya Mitra writes, When he [Sivarasan] found that the police had surrounded his hideout in Konanakunte, he didnt immediately die by suicide. He knew the agencies would like to catch him alive, and yet he waited thirty-six hours for them to finally break into his hideout. Its only then that he shot himself through his temple. He was cunning, ruthless, brutal and devoted to his Tamil cause.

And when the authorities finally broke into Sivarasans hideout, they found six of his comrades dead inside. They had all bitten into the capsule of cyanide that they wore around their neck.

What is most ironic is that Sivarasan died on August 20  the same day that Rajiv Gandhi was born. Also, the Indian Express reports that the residence in Konanakunte where Sivarasan and the other LTTE members stayed was converted into a police station and later the landlord rented it out to a school.

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With inputs from agencies
Government of India does not take any position or speak on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion. Government has always upheld freedom of religion for all in India and will continue to do so, said the MEA statement read more

India on Friday said that the government does not take any position on matters concerning practices of faith and religion, in response to queries regarding recent statement made by Dalai Lama on his successor.

We have seen reports relating to the statement made by His Holiness the Dalai Lama about the continuation of the Dalai Lama institution, the MEA statement said.

Our response to media queries regarding recent statement by HH the Dalai Lama

 https://t.co/u24fGzWzEz pic.twitter.com/PwSUezcjGr  Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) July 4, 2025

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Government of India does not take any position or speak on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion. Government has always upheld freedom of religion for all in India and will continue to do so, it added.

The MEAs statement comes after Union Minister Kiren Rijijus assertion that the decision on the Dalai Lamas successor should rest entirely with the spiritual leader himself.

I am a devotee of the Dalai Lama. Anybody in the world who follows the Dalai Lama wants his successor to be chosen by the Dalai Lama himself, Rijiju said.

There is no need for us to be in confusion regarding the Dalai Lama issue. All the people who follow Buddhism as their religion and his followers think that the Dalai Lama should choose his successor on his own. There is no need for us or the Government of India to speak on this, he added.

On July 2, Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of the Tibetans, said that the institution of Dalai Lama will continue even after his death and no one else has the authority to decide on the matter. He further said that the next Dalai Lama will be chosen outside of China.

With inputs from agencies
The projects include specialised spy aircraft and advanced minesweepers to quick-reaction air defence missiles and underwater autonomous vessels read more

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with MoS Sanjay Seth during the flagging off ceremony of 'Sanjay' Battlefield Surveillance System (BSS) at South Block. PTI

Indias defence ministry on Thursday (July 3) okayed three major and seven smaller acquisition projects, with a total worth of INR 1 lakh crore ($11.7 billion). The projects include specialised spy aircraft and advanced minesweepers to quick-reaction air defence missiles and underwater autonomous vessels, reported Times of India.

Notably, the ministry has only given a preliminary nod or acceptance of necessity so far, which is just the first step in the arduous and long acquisition process.

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One of the biggest projects to secure the nod is the indigenous construction of 12 mine countermeasure vessels (MCMVs) for around Rs 44,000 crore ($5.14 billion), which will take about a decade to materialise.

These warships would be able to detect, track and destroy underwater mines installed by enemy forces.

At a time when Pakistan and China are increasingly expanding maritime co-operation, developing the MCMVs is crucial to secure Indias maritime boundaries and commercial shipping.

Quick reaction surface to air missile (QRSAM)

The second major project involves the Rs 36,000 crore ($4.2 billion) acquisition of quick reaction surface-to-air missile (QRSAM) systems, developed by DRDO, comprising three regiments for the Army and three squadrons for the Indian Air Force.

The Army Air Defence (AAD) has identified a need for 11 such regiments.

These highly mobile QRSAMs, designed to neutralise hostile fighter jets, helicopters, and drones at ranges up to 30 km, will enhance Indias multi-layered air defence network, which proved vital during Operation Sindoor in countering Turkish-origin drones and Chinese missiles launched by Pakistan from May 7-10.

ISTAR aircraft

The third significant project is the Rs 10,000 crore ($1.17 billion) procurement of three ISTAR (intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance) aircraft.

These planes, equipped with DRDO-developed indigenous sensors like synthetic aperture radars, electro-optical, and infrared systems, will enable precise targeting of high-value enemy ground targets by fighter jets and missiles, providing real-time actionable intelligence on enemy infrastructure, troop build-ups, and movements.

Another approved project involves semi-submersible autonomous vessels for ISR missions, acquired under the Make-II category, where industry funds prototype development.

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Additionally, two naval projects were greenlit: the procurement of super-rapid gun mounts (SRGMs), the primary 76mm guns for warships, through competitive bidding, and DRDO-developed processor-based moored mines that detonate by detecting an enemy warships acoustic, magnetic, or pressure signatures.
Heavy rains have played havoc in some parts of the country with 69 people getting killed and 37 missing in Himachal Pradesh in the last two weeks. read more

Heavy rains have played havoc in some parts of the country with at least 69 people have lost their lives, 37 remain missing, and 110 have been injured as Himachal Pradesh continues to grapple with the devastating impact of relentless monsoon rains, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Friday.

Days of heavy and continuous rainfall have triggered cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides across the hill state, leaving a trail of destruction and prompting large-scale rescue and relief operations.

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A red alert for heavy rainfall remains in effect for all districts until Monday, July 7, with authorities warning of further disruptions. Emergency teams have been deployed to the worst-hit areas, while roads and infrastructure across multiple districts have suffered extensive damage.

The Chief Minister said Since the rains began, 69 people have lost their lives, 37 people are missing, 110 people have been injured, and damages worth approximately Rs 700 crore have been incurred Roads and water projects have been damaged, electricity wires and poles have been uprooted, causing significant losses. Such devastation has struck Himachal Pradesh at the very onset of the monsoon."

He further said that incidents of cloudbursts have been reported at 14 locations. We are studying why cloudburst incidents are occurring so frequently The 92 students who were stranded at the Horticulture College have been rescued Reports of extensive damage are coming in from all areas. The government stands with the disaster-affected families and has decided to provide Rs 5,000 to affected families for renting accommodation, he added.

#WATCH | Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu says, "Since the rains began, 69 people have lost their lives, 37 people are missing, 110 people have been injured, and damages worth approximately Rs 700 crore have been incurred... Roads and water projects pic.twitter.com/z2ZPDpvGwJ  ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2025

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Residents of Odishas capital Bhubaneswar continued to face a harrowing time as several low-lying areas remained waterlogged on Friday. The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) struggled to clear the water as the drainage system went kaput.

Heavy rains in several parts of Madhya Pradesh crippled normal life on Friday, with the IMD issuing a red alert for Mandla, Seoni and Balaghat districts in the eastern part of the state. Rain lashed more than 27 districts in the last 24 hours, officials said.

The national highway connecting Jabalpur and Mandla districts witnessed traffic snarls after a landslide on the stretch caused by rains, the officials said.

The monsoon hit Himachal Pradesh on June 20 and has already cost the state Rs 5,000 in damages due to cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides.

Of the 43 people killed in the hill state, 14 died in cloudbursts, eight in flash floods and one in a landslide, while seven were drowned. The most deaths, 17, took place in Mandi district where 10 instances of cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides wreaked havoc on Tuesday.

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A search is still on for 31 people missing from this district alone, officials said.

On Friday, the soldiers from the National Disaster Response Force rescued 65 people trapped in Bharad, Deji, Payala and Rukchui villages after heavy rain.

The downpour, followed by landslides, damaged roads and caused rivers to swell, which cut off many villages and deposited debris to peoples houses and fields.

More than 150 houses, 106 cattle sheds, 31 vehicles, 14 bridges and several roads have suffered damage, while 164 cattle have perished in the various inclemencies.

Five relief camps have been set up to house the 402 people rescued, 348 of them from Mandi alone.

The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) said 280 roads, including 156 in Mandi, 49 in Sirmaur and 36 in Kullu districts, were rendered out of bounds for vehicular traffic. It said 332 transformers and 784 water supply schemes have been disrupted in the state.

The local Met office has issued an orange alert, warning of heavy to very heavy rain in isolated parts of the state from Saturday to Tuesday.

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Amid heavy rains in another hill state, Uttarakhand, two IAF personnel drowned in a swollen lake in Bhimtal, officials said on Friday.

Prince Yadav (22) from Pathankot, Punjab and Sahil Kumar (23) from Muzaffarpur in Bihar were part of a group of eight IAF personnel, including four women, vacationing in Nainital, Circle Officer Pramod Shah said.

Locals joined the police in the rescue operation to pull Yadav and Kumars bodies out of the lake after a struggle that lasted almost an hour, he added.

The rains which have been battering the state have affected daily life with the closure of more than 100 roads across the state, disrupting the Chardham Yatra and causing food grain shortages in some villages in the Geeth area of Uttarkashi district.

Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday to assess the situation in the disaster-sensitive districts of the state, including Kedarnath Dham in the Rudraprayag district.

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Dhami shared this development in a post on X, stating that the Home Minister assured him that the Central Governments emergency relief agencies, including the NDRF and ITBP, are being deployed promptly. This is to ensure that the Chardham Yatra remains uninterrupted and that devotees do not experience any inconvenience while travelling.

In the eastern part of the country, waterlogging continues in low-lying areas of Bhubaneswar. BMC Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil visited some of the affected areas, including Laxmisagar and Badagada and instructed civic personnel to clear the water on a war footing.

In some good news, train services to parts of Northeast  Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur and Assams Barak Valley  were restored on Friday, a day after disruptions due to landslide in Dima Hasao district, an official statement said.

A Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) release said services on the Lumding-Badarpur hill section were successfully restored in the morning.

Services were disrupted between Dihakho and Mupa stations on Thursday evening, as large boulders fell on the tracks following the landslide.

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Continuous efforts throughout the night ensured the debris was cleared and the tracks were safely restored, the NFR statement said.

Overcast conditions and drizzle covered Delhi on Friday, with the national capital under an orange alert amid forecasts of light to moderate rain, thunderstorms, or lightning, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

The city is under an orange alert, according to the IMD, with a warning of light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms or lightning.

To ensure animal safety and prevent flooding in enclosures during heavy rainfall, the National Zoological Park in Delhi has ramped up staff preparedness, initiated key infrastructure repairs, ordered new water pumps and adopted traditional remedies like turmeric and neem oil to deal with seasonal infections and flies.

Last year, the zoo faced a lengthy power outage and flooding in several enclosures after water entered a transformer.

In western India, Pokhran in Rajasthans Jaisalmer district recorded 128 mm of rain in a day under the influence of the southwest monsoon, even as a few areas in the state continued to reel under intense heat.

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Widespread rainfall was observed across the state in 24 hours till Friday morning, with heavy to very heavy showers reported in parts of western Rajasthan, the weather department said.

With inputs from agencies
The Sebi has also ordered the freezing of approximately Rs 4,840 crore (around $567 million) held in Jane Streets accounts. The regulator alleges that these funds represent unlawful gains accrued through manipulative trading activities read more

In a rare but stringent move, Indias securities market regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), has barred US-based proprietary trading firm Jane Street Group from participating in the Indian securities market. This means Jane Street, a major global player in proprietary trading, can no longer buy or sell securities in India while Sebi investigates allegations of market manipulation.

The Sebi has also ordered the freezing of approximately Rs 4,840 crore (around $567 million) held in Jane Streets accounts. The regulator alleges that these funds represent unlawful gains accrued through manipulative trading activities, particularly in the derivatives segment involving equity index options linked to the Nifty 50 index.

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Entities are restrained from accessing the securities market and are further prohibited from buying, selling or otherwise dealing in securities, directly or indirectly, the SEBI notice said, referring to Jane Street entities.

This is an unusual case where prima facie, multiple liquid stocks with high retail participation have together been manipulated to facilitate the manipulation of the index options market, resulting in massive profits for the manipulators, at the cost of other participants and retail traders, the order said.

The move follows complaints from market participants who raised concerns about irregular trading patterns and potential abuse of market mechanisms by Jane Street. The Sebi had in February issued a warning to Jane Street.The investigation has since intensified, leading to this decisive action.

To enforce the freeze, the Sebi has directed banks and financial institutions not to process any debits or withdrawals from Jane Streets accounts without explicit approval from the regulator. Meanwhile, the firms existing positions in the Indian market will be closely monitored until the probe is completed.

For Jane Street, this comes as a significant setback. The firm has denied any wrongdoing and plans to cooperate with Sebi to clarify the situation. Jane Street, a major player in global proprietary trading, has, however, also contested Sebis charges.

Jane Street, in an emailed response to Reuters, said it disputes the findings of the SEBI interim order and will further engage with the regulator. Jane Street is committed to operating in compliance with all regulations in the regions we operate around the world, the firm said.

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This comes amid Sebis increasing vigilance and regulatory assertiveness in safeguarding Indian markets from manipulations, as the derivative market here has been expanding rapidly, with significant participation from global trading firms in recent years.
As Nato countries rewrite their rules of security engagement with the United States in the European security architecture, the dark clouds of mistrust and misperceptions seem to be looming large read more

The highlight of the recently concluded North Atlantic Treaty Organizations (Nato) Summit in the Hague, Netherlands, was the almost unanimous decision among its members to increase their defence spending to 5 per cent of GDP in the next decade, by 2035. This issue has been at the heart of US-Nato dynamics through different presidencies, cutting across Republicans and Democrats, but has become more tenuous during the Trump presidency with differences turning into public rants.

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However, what was deemed unreasonable by the Nato members a few years back, has now become a stated goal to achieve in ten years. Well, European geopolitics and the Russia threat in the European neighbourhood has undergone a dramatic shift in the last three years since the Russia-Ukraine war started. The urgency of confronting Russian aggression has grown manifold, even as the European Union and major European powers were already training their strategic sights on the Indo-Pacific region.

The Nato summit declaration stated that allies commit to invest 5 per cent of GDP annually on core defence requirements as well as defence-and-security-related spending by 2035 to meet the threats and challenges, particularly posed by Russia to Euro-Atlantic security and the persistent threat of terrorism. At least 3.5 per cent will be allocated to resource core defence requirements, and to meet the Nato Capability Targets and 1.5 per cent is projected to cover associated areas, such as to protect critical infrastructure, defend networks, ensure civil preparedness and resilience, unleash innovation, and strengthen Natos defence industrial base.

While the defence spending targets are now clearer, and in alignment with what the Trump administration has been demanding, is the strategic purpose of such a move clear or still ambiguous? Why are European powers being categorically told to pick up the slack in the European security theatre and stop free riding on Americas transatlantic security commitments. Washington currently views China as the only country with the ability and the intention to challenge US primacy in the international system and would want European allies to do more, in terms of deterring the Russia threat, so that Americas national power can be employed against Chinas aggression and coercive activities.

Speaking to a Ukraine Defence Contact Group earlier this year in February, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth emphasised on, prioritising deterring war with China in the Pacific, recognizing the reality of scarcity, and making the resourcing tradeoffs to ensure deterrence does not fail. As the United States prioritizes its attention to these threats, European allies must lead from the front, he said. Looking at the battle lines drawn between Nato and Russia, one can be forgiven to assume that the history of this relationship saw no efforts towards any form of detente. However, history can be stranger than the present, and the post-Cold War era did see mutual efforts between the US, Russia and the Nato countries, such as creating the Permanent Joint Council (PJC) in 1997, to regularly consult on security issues.

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However, just two years later in 1999, the Nato airstrikes in Kosovo significantly ruptured the budding thaw. However, efforts resumed in 2001 towards initiating cooperation, with the PJC being transformed into Nato-Russia Council (NRC) in 2002. Yet again, geopolitics of the post-Soviet space intervened in 2008 with the Georgian war, sprouting from the interest shown by Tbilisi and Kyiv to become Nato members during the 2008 Bucharest Summit.

Significantly, France and Germany showed discomfort with the move, with then German Chancellor Angela Merkel warning the Alliance that Russia would interpret any further eastward expansion of Nato as an existential threat. Merkels prophetic observation came true as Russia attacked Georgia and made South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent provinces.

Nato countered by freezing most of military and political cooperation with Moscow and the NRC was suspended. Informal meetings continued though to forge a strategic partnership, expecting quid-pro-quos of Russian troops withdrawal from Georgia and Russias integration into the Western community of states. However, with the Russian takeover of Crimea in 2014, the relationship went into a downward spiral and has never really recovered from there.

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At the Warsaw Summit in July 2016, Nato leaders made clear that an improvement in the Alliances relations with Russia would be contingent on a clear and constructive change in Russias actions  one that demonstrates compliance with international law and Russias international commitments. Until then, Nato and Russia cannot return to business as usual. Natos membership expansion in Moscows eyes translates quite categorically into territorial expansion, and hence from a Russian worldview, an unrelenting intrusion into its sphere of influence. Amidst all these ups and downs, Nato also kept an active communication channel open with Ukraine.

Nato justifies its action of opening the membership to countries who are willing to join, including Ukraine and Georgia based on an open-door policy. The ex-Soviet states such as Georgia and Ukraine clearly perceive Russia as an existential threat and Ukraines devastation in the last three years might doubly solidify these fears. With the Russia-Ukraine war turning into a war of attrition, Europe clearly views Russia as the clear and present danger while China for Europe is a distant power and an economic partner as well.

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So, as Nato countries move towards a decade-long vision of rapidly increasing their defence spending and rewrite their rules of security engagement with the United States in the European security architecture, the dark clouds of mistrust and misperceptions seem to be looming large. Any cursory assessment of the regional security environment will lead to the conclusion that the increase in defence spending will not help in reducing the tension between the Nato and Russia rather the opposite might accrue, where Russias threat perception will simultaneously push it to accelerate its defence innovation and spending.

Moreover, as the Trump administration aims to re-establish deterrence, will the burden-sharing plan across work linearly and clinically, with Europeans willingly taking up the heavy lifting in Europe while automatically freeing up Americas strategic calendar for the Indo-Pacific?

Amidst this rearmament drive in Europe, is Trump administration also inadvertently pushing European partners to de-risk against undue dependence on the US for security of the European theatre? For long, Europe or more specifically, the European Union has been accused of short-sightedness for lacking a common defence and security policy, and lacking the teeth to facing geopolitical realities with its normative power.

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So, is Europe witnessing the beginning of an uncertain path towards rearmament, and defence posturing that will not only change the nature of transatlantic US-Europe alliance, but also disrupt the geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific region. The European Union and major European powers had started reorienting their strategic outlook to play a greater role in the Indo-Pacific region, and it will be naive to expect that they will retrench and surrender the play of influence to the Americans.

Perhaps in a controlled war gaming and simulation room, this burden sharing and distributed deterrence might play out as planned but perhaps not in the badlands of geopolitics.

Monish Tourangbam is a Senior Research Consultant and Indrani Talukdar is a Fellow at the Chintan Research Foundation (CRF), New Delhi. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Zohran Mamdanis blood is Bharatiya, and he may relish a plate of biryani with his hands, but his mind seems consumed by disdain for Bharat and its civilisational identity read more

Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, sparked controversy on social media after a video of him eating mutton biryani with his hands went viral. (Images: REUTERS/Mamdani's video screengrab)

Culture wars have found a bizarre new battleground  the humble plate of biryani. The trigger? Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, Zohran Mamdani, eating mutton biryani with his hands. Overnight, social media was ablaze with a debate on what was the correct way to eat the delicacy: with hands or via cutlery. A significantly large section of people residing in the west of the Atlantic, ironically home to the slogan Finger Lickin Good, rose in fierce defence of cutlery, while many in the East, especially the metropolitans of Bharat  who for decades shamed hand-eating at prestigious venues  rediscovered pride in eating with fingers.

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This absurd battle reveals more than just culinary quirks. It exposes how identity can be weaponised, narratives twisted, and facts bent, all to feed divisive politics. And Zohran Mamdani stands right at this dangerous intersection, appropriating symbolic gestures to project a progressive persona while camouflaging his illiberal, divisive, and grievance-driven agenda.

Lets start with his rise. Mamdani, the son of a cerebral filmmaker mother and a socialist academic father, is celebrated in New Yorks political-socialite circles as a beacon of progressivism; he is hailed for championing the cause of the supposedly voiceless. Yet, scratch beneath this carefully constructed image, and a troubling pattern emerges: exaggeration, fabrication and, worse, a dangerous tendency to manufacture convenient truth.

Last month, the 33-year-old Mamdani called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a war criminal who orchestrated a mass slaughter of Muslims. The result: There are no Muslims left in Gujarat, he claims. This is indeed a sweeping, chilling assertion  except that they both are blatant, dangerous lies.

While Prime Minister Modi is a democratically elected leader of the worlds largest democracy  not once but three times in a row  Gujarat remains home to over seven million Muslims, nearly 10 per cent of the states population. Far from being wiped out, Gujarats Muslims today run 22 per cent of the states small and medium enterprises, despite forming just 9 per cent of the population. The Tendulkar Committee, set up by the previous Congress-led UPA government, found that only 7.7 per cent of Gujarats rural Muslims lived below the poverty line  this is phenomenally better than the national average of 26.9 per cent. The Sachar Committee too acknowledged that Gujarats welfare schemes extended robust support to Muslim communities.

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Equally significant is what Mamdani doesnt say. Gujarat, once notorious for periodic communal riots (1969, 1985, 1987, 1992, to name a few), has not seen a single major communal violence in more than two decades. The Supreme Court, after exhaustive investigations, gave Narendra Modi a clean chit in the 2002 post-Godhra violence. But inconvenient truths find no place in Mamdanis narrative. His story needs villains, not nuanced facts. This also explains why he would repeatedly talk about Gujarat, but Godhra would be conspicuous by its absence in his statements.

Mamdani wears his opposition to Hindutva forces like a badge of honour, constantly highlighting the plight of minorities (for him, and so many Left-liberals, minority means Muslim) in Bharat. He is seen to be routinely criticising Bharats democratic credentials, calling it on multiple occasions a state teetering toward fascism. Yet, he has nothing to say on the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits or the political violence faced by Hindus in West Bengal. The sorry state of minority affairs in Bharats immediate neighbourhoodPakistan and Bangladesh  rarely bothers him.

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Even his association with Khalistani elements in the West doesnt bother him. He is more than happy to overlook their history of violence  from the Air India Kanishka bombing in 1985, which was the deadliest aviation terror attack before 9/11, to the bombings of Hindu temples across North America in recent years.

Why would a New York politician be so invested in demonising Bharat? The answer is as simple as it is cynical. By painting Bharat as a Hindu majoritarian dystopia and Modi as a villain, Mamdani secures instant celebrity status and applause from the global Left-liberal ecosystem. What would otherwise require years of grassroots work  conducting mass outreach programmes, building coalitions, and delivering local results  he achieves overnight by positioning himself as a moral crusader against the alleged fascism in a faraway land.

This is narrative politics at its most dangerous. It thrives on half-truths, selective empathy, and historical amnesia. Worse, it is designed to perpetuate victimhood. Mamdanis real genius lies not in policy, but in optics. Whether eating biryani with his hands or issuing sweeping pronouncements on another countrys internal affairs, he has mastered the art of narrative over substance. It is a reel persona overtaking the real one  a carefully curated act designed to harvest outrage and votes.

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Zohran Mamdanis blood may be Bharatiya, and he may relish a plate of biryani with his hands, but his mind seems consumed by disdain for Bharat and its civilisational/Sanatana identity  an idea far more inclusive and diverse than the bleak picture he paints. In the end, the real tragedy is not that a local politician in New York peddles convenient falsehoods and manufactured truths. It is that in doing so, he keeps real wounds from healing, real conversations from happening, and more importantly, real democracies from flowering.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi being greeted by the President of Ghana, John Mahama, at the airport, on Wednesday. Image courtesy: X.com/@NarendraModi

Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Ghana, en route to the Brics summit, stands out as a strategic use of an intercontinental journey. On the return leg, the Prime Minister is also scheduled to visit Namibia. With these visits, the PM will have engaged with two key countries on Africas Atlantic coast, complementing his earlier outreach to nations in East and Southern Africa.

There are several key takeaways from the Ghana visit that could shape Indias future partnership through the upcoming India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS IV).

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Symbolism and Diplomatic Signalling

One notable gesture was Ghanas re-elected President John Mahama personally receiving PM Modi at the airport, breaking protocol, on Wednesday. This symbolic act underscores how countries like Ghana, irrespective of their current depth of ties with India, see India as a model for their own aspirations. Despite having substantial engagements with China, the EU, and others, Ghanas admiration for Indias democratic, pluralistic, economic success is evident. This respect also explains why the PM was invited to address the Ghanaian Parliament.

India-Ghana economic ties are characterised by a diversity of engagements, especially in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and skill development. These sectors not only reflect Indias strengths but are also areas of immense interest across the African continent. They should serve as the fulcrum of Indias wider Africa engagement.

From Indias perspective, there is growing interest in defence cooperation, counter-terrorism, de-radicalisation, and the export of affordable defence equipment. Ghana, as a member of Ecowas, a regional bloc of 15 West African nations including Anglophone, Francophone, and Lusophone members, is strategically significant. Though Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have recently exited Ecowas following military coups, India could still collaborate with Ghana on counter-terrorism efforts, especially considering the rise of extremism in the Sahel region. Building joint training and support initiatives in this area would benefit both nations and the broader region.

Trade Potential and Investment Focus

Bilateral trade stands at approximately $3 billion annually. While Ghanas exports to India, mainly gold, are limited in diversity, the discovery and development of critical minerals and oil reserves offer room for expansion. However, Ghana does not qualify as a Least Developed Country (LDC) and thus does not benefit from Indias Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) scheme, introduced in 2008 to boost trade with African Least Developed Countries. As a result, India must explore new trade mechanisms beyond concessional preferences.

Indian defence and project exports could emerge as promising growth areas. Importantly, what Ghana seeks most from India is investment. With about $2 billion in Indian investments, India is the second-largest investor in Ghana by number of projects. This success is largely driven by Indian small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and professionals who have established a robust presence in the country. The growing diaspora, now around 15,000 strong, warmly welcomed PM Modi. They reflect this investment-led engagement.

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India must now shift from its traditional development cooperation model, which emphasised Lines of Credit (LoCs), to a more sustainable and commercially viable model. Ghana, having approached the IMF for assistance 17 times, now faces limitations in borrowing and repayment. Hence, future cooperation should favour Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and support Indian investors without relying on sovereign guarantees.

Leveraging Success Models for Capacity Building

Indias infrastructure contributions in Ghana, including government buildings and the Centre of Excellence in IT named after Kofi Annan, are noteworthy. Although established in 2002, before the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) framework, this centre has been expanded under the IAFS and now stands as one of Africas most successful and self-sustaining IT hubs. This model of capacity building, particularly through PPPs, should be replicated across the continent.

Tapping into Continental Trade Integration

Ghana hosts the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which, despite Covid-era delays, has been implemented, albeit sporadically. The AfCFTA allows regional markets to flourish, and Indian investors, particularly those in populous countries, now find it easier to expand across borders. India should actively tap into this opportunity to boost FDI-led growth in Africa.

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Strategic Multilateral Engagement

Most African nations support Indias bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. However, the African Unions Ezulwini Consensus has not gained wide traction within the UN system. Ghana, as a member of the AUs Committee of Ten on this issue, plays a crucial role. Strengthening bilateral cooperation with Ghana could further Indias multilateral objectives.

Ghana has consistently supported the IAFS process, from President Kufuors enthusiastic participation in the 2008 summit in Delhi to Ghanas attendance at IAFS-III in 2015, when all African heads of state were invited. Whether Ghana will participate in IAFS-IV depends on the format, whether it remains inclusive or reverts to the more limited Banjul format.

Ghana remains a pivotal partner for India in West Africa. Its influence within Ecowas and the AU, combined with Indias economic, diplomatic, and cultural engagement, offers a strong foundation to further elevate ties. India must capitalise on this momentum, not just through aid or lines of credit, but through sustainable investment, skill-building, innovation, and multilateral cooperation. Revitalising ties with countries like Ghana will be essential to shaping Indias future in Africa.

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The author is a former ambassador to Germany, Indonesia, Ethiopia, ASEAN and the African Union. He tweets @AmbGurjitSingh. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Rather than cast New Delhi as a liability, the West should view it as a potential bridge between democratic alliances and Eurasian realities read more

A recent Telegraph article by Tom Sharpe has stirred controversy by branding India an enemy over its continued partnership with Russiaa nation blamed for fuelling the Ukraine war through oil exports and defence cooperation. As a long-time observer of Indias strategic calculus, I believe this framing is dangerously simplistic. Rather than vilify India, the West must reckon with how its own historical choicesand geographyshaped Indias ties with Moscow.

A Relationship Forged by Strategy, Not Defiance

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Indias ties with Russia are not born of hostility toward the West, but of historical necessity and geographic logic. During the Cold War, Indias non-alignment masked a tilt towards the Soviet Union, which proved decisive during the 1971 war with Pakistana US-backed ally. Soviet support then was not merely symbolic; it was strategic, helping India in a conflict that played out more than 4,000 miles from Moscows borders.

That partnership matured into robust defence cooperation. The 2009 renewal of a Soviet-era agreement, joint projects like the BrahMos cruise missile, and Indias $5.43 billion S-400 Triumf deal in 2018pursued despite US CAATSA sanctionsreflect more than nostalgia. They represent a calculated hedge: Russia as a steady supplier and a counterweight to China, Indias northern adversary.

Sharpes article fails to engage with this layered history. Indias position was not forged in defiance of the West but shaped by the Wests Cold War choices and Indias need to manage its precarious neighbourhood. Moscow offered what Washington would not: reliable arms without conditionality.

Oil, Ukraine, and Wests Reaction

Russias war in Ukraine has sharpened scrutiny of Indias neutrality. By May 2025, India was importing 1.96 million barrels of Russian crude dailyroughly 4044 per cent of its oil supply, a 40 per cent increase since 2022, according to OPEC. This surge reflects economic pragmatism: Russian oil is cheap, plentiful, and accessible.

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But economic logic has met political backlash. US Senator Lindsey Graham recently proposed a 500 per cent tariff on nations trading with Russia, aiming to cut off the lifeblood of what he calls Putins war machineestimated to have cost Ukraine $400 billion, per the Kiel Institute. Sharpe leans into this narrative, interpreting Indias oil purchases and naval cooperation as alignment with Moscow against the West.

Yet this interpretation overlooks a critical point: geography. India is nearly 4,000 miles from the front lines of Europes war. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently urged peace in Ukraine, but Indias interests remain regionalfocused on border security, energy access, and economic resilience. Unlike Europe, India does not have a belligerent Russia on its doorstep. To Europe, Russia is a bad neighbour. With 80 per cent of Russians living west of the Ural Mountains, Europe faces a persistent neighbourly threat. India, however, is separated by vast distances, with no territorial disputes or shared battlefields with Russia. This geographical divide shapes a pragmatic alignment, not rivalry, challenging the Wests projection of its neighbourly anxieties onto India.

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Russia: A Neighbourly Threat to Europe, Not to India

To understand the Wests frustrations, one must also understand its geography. For Europe, Russia is not a distant actorit is a revisionist power next door. The 2014 annexation of Crimea and the 2022 invasion of Ukraine displaced over 8 million people, as the UN notes. Hybrid attacks like the 2022 Nord Stream sabotage and simmering conflicts in Georgia and Moldova have intensified European insecurity.

A 2023 Chatham House report underscored this tension, pointing to Russias proximity and history of destabilisation as central to the EUs hardened stance. This is Europes realityand it is not Indias.

New Delhi is separated from Moscow by vast geography and divergent histories. It has no territorial disputes with Russia, no competing security pacts, and no shared battlefield. Its relationship with Moscow is not one of rivalry but of steady, if pragmatic, alignment. To conflate Europes neighbourly anxieties with Indias strategic autonomy is to miss the point entirely.

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Not a Pawn, Not an Enemy

Branding India an enemy because of its Russia ties ignores the role the West itself played in shaping that very relationship. During the Cold War, it was Western hesitation and alignment with Pakistan that pushed India closer to Moscow. In the decades since, India has maintained a careful, multipolar approachbalancing its partnerships with Russia, the US, and other regional actors through institutions like Brics, SCO, and the Quad.

Indias decisions are guided not by loyalty or betrayal, but by national interest. Just as Britain acts to safeguard its own security and energy needs, so does India. Its approach to Russia reflects long-term calculations shaped by history, geography, and economic necessitynot ideological sympathy for Moscows adventurism.

The Wests Opportunity: Respect Indias Perspective

The United States has thus far tolerated Indias neutrality because it values Indias role in balancing China in the Indo-Pacific. But as domestic pressure mounts in Washington, London, and Brussels, proposals like Grahams tariff threaten to upend this fragile balance.

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Sharpes article, though provocative, should be seen as a warning: the West risks alienating India by failing to understand its perspective. Rather than cast New Delhi as a liability, the West should view it as a potential bridge between democratic alliances and Eurasian realities. With its unique vantage point, India could help moderate tensions, not exacerbate themif only it is treated as a partner, not a problem.

The author is a strategist in international relations and economic development. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Global tech giant Microsoft has decided to shut down its operations in Pakistan after 25 years of operating in the country. Former President Arif Alvi slams the current regime read more

Global tech giant Microsoft has decided to shut down its operations in Pakistan after 25 years of operating in the country. The announcement came after the company went on to lay off 9,000 employees. In light of this, Pakistans former President Arif Alvi argued that the closure indicates that Pakistan is now spiralling into a whirlpool of uncertainty.

He went on to add that there is increasing joblessness, talent migration, and a reduction in purchasing power in the country. Pakistan now spirals into a whirlpool of uncertainty. There is increasing joblessness, our talent is migrating abroad, purchasing power has reduced, economic recovery in the awami context feels like a distant & elusive dream," said Arif Alvi in a post on X.

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He emphasised that Microsofts decision to shut down operations in Pakistan is a troubling sign" for the countrys economic future. The former president went on to link the move to the regime change in Pakistan.

Microsofts decision to shut down operations in Pakistan is a troubling sign for our economic future. I vividly recall February 2022, when Bill Gates visited my office. On behalf of the people of Pakistan, I had the honour of conferring the Hilal-e-Imtiaz on him for his remarkable contributions to polio eradication in our country," he added.

Alvi recalls his meeting with Bill Gates

In his stern remarks on X, the former Pakistani president recalled his conversation with Microsoft founder Bill Gates. Alvi said they sat on the lawn outside his office and discussed numerous topics like AI, Quantum computing, gut microbiomes, longevity, and more.

During our discussion, I asked him directly, Why isnt Microsoft investing in Pakistan? He leaned in, sharing in confidence that he had just spoken with PM Imran Khan and arranged a call between the PM and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. In a hushed tone, he asked me to keep it quiet, revealing that all is set and within two months, the PM and I will announce a major Microsoft investment in Pakistan," Alvi wrote.

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However, he mentioned that soon after the meeting, things went downhill, and regime change upended those plans. By October 2022, Microsoft chose Vietnam for its expansion, a decision in which they had initially favoured Pakistan. The opportunity was lost, he added.

Meanwhile, Jawwad Rehman, who set up and led Microsofts Pakistan unit, shared the news in a post on LinkedIn.
Malaysian authorities have dismantled a network that used social media to spread ideology and raise funds for the Islamic State terrorist group among Bangladeshi nationals working in the country read more

Malaysian police have dismantled a network accused of spreading Islamic State (IS) ideology and soliciting funds from Bangladeshi workers in the country, the nations top police official said on Friday.

The group allegedly used social media and messaging platforms to disseminate extremist content and radicalise Bangladeshi nationals employed in Malaysias labour-intensive sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and services.

Inspector-General of Police Mohd Khalid Ismail said 36 Bangladeshi nationals had been arrested since April in a series of coordinated operations. All had entered Malaysia legally for work.

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The arrests mark a significant disruption of IS-related activity in Malaysia, a Muslim-majority country that has cracked down on militancy following a 2016 Islamic State-linked attack in Kuala Lumpur. Although the frequency of arrests has declined in recent years, authorities remain vigilant against possible extremist threats, particularly within the large migrant workforce.

Malaysia depends on foreign workers, including thousands from Bangladesh, to support key sectors such as plantations, factories and infrastructure development.

It also raised funds using international fund transfer services and e-wallets to send to the Islamic State group in Syria and Bangladesh, he added, declining to provide further details on the amount raised.

Among those detained, five have been charged with being part of a terrorist organisation, while 15 will be deported. Another 16 remain in police custody pending further investigation, with further arrests expected, Mohd Khalid said.

A total of between 100 and 150 people are suspected to be involved in the network, he said.

We will deport those with minimal involvement back to their home country, while those with greater involvement wil be charged under Malaysian laws, he said.

With inputs from agencies
President Donald Trumps second presidency has brought the rivalry with China to the surface, so much so that their tensions are practically reshaping the world. Since January, Washington and Beijing have been engaged in backdoor politics, trying to get ahead in key sectors like technology and defence read more

The US has entered its 249th year as an independent nation today. With over two centuries gone by, China remains Americas greatest threat despite its economic and geopolitical prowess.

President Donald Trumps second presidency has brought the rivalry with China to the surface, so much so that their tensions are practically reshaping the world. Since January, Washington and Beijing have been engaged in backdoor politics, trying to get ahead in key sectors like technology and defence.

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As the worlds two largest economies compete for strategic dominance, their tensions are spilling into key regions, from the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait to Africa, Latin America, and cyberspace. The two countries are trying to get ahead in several races at once. Lets take a look at some of them:

The tech race

In January this year, China unveiled its flagship artificial intelligence model, DeepSeek, unnerving observers and stakeholders across the world. Dubbed as the biggest dark horse, DeepSeek sent shockwaves through Wall Street and Silicon Valley by creating AI models at a fraction of the cost incurred by OpenAI and Meta Platforms.

Its grand reveal made some experts jump to the conclusion that Beijing is going to win the AI war against the US. Part of the reason why DeepSeek sent jitters down US-based AI-makers spines was its free-of-cost business model, which made its R1 version free for users, a key differentiator from OpenAIs o1 models, which cost $200 monthly for unlimited access.

Three key events in May 2025 signalled that the USChina rivalry over artificial intelligence has escalated into a more intense phase. The first was a Senate hearing titled Winning the AI Race, where American lawmakers voiced growing alarm that the United States technological edge over China was rapidly diminishing.

Then followed a ban on sales of critical software tools used to design semiconductors to Beijing, a move that was seen as nipping the bud of the problem of China getting ahead in the race.

The chip software restriction marked a sharp, though brief, escalation in the ongoing US campaign to tighten controls on Chinas access to semiconductor technologies. These measures were intended to block Beijing from using American innovations to advance its military and artificial intelligence capabilities.

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However, the ban was lifted yesterday (July 3).

The defence race

Chinas defence spending on fighter jets has increased manifold in recent years. Admiral Samuel Paparo, the head of US Indo-Pacific Command, during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, warned that China is outproducing America in furthering its defence systems.

Chinas unprecedented aggression and military modernisation poses a serious threat to the homeland, our allies, and our partners (in the Indo-Pacific). China is outproducing the United States in air, missile, maritime, and space capability and accelerating these, he said in April.

China is making significant investments in advanced combat aircraft. It already operates more than 200 J-20 fifth-generation stealth fighters and, last year, unveiled its second stealth jet of the same classthe J-35. In addition, Beijing is developing two sixth-generation fighters, the J-36 and J-50, both of which are currently in the flight testing phase.

The economic race

China overtook the United States in GDP measured by purchasing power parity (PPP), which adjusts for local cost of living, in the mid-2010s, with most estimates pinpointing the crossover around 20142016.

By 2016, Chinas PPPadjusted GDP reached approximately $21 trillion, surpassing the US, while its share of global economic output increased from under 5 per cent in 1980 to nearly 18 per cent in 2016. This dramatic rise reflects decades of rapid industrialisation, export-led growth, and urbanisation following Chinas reform era beginning in 1978.

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Today, Chinas economic and geopolitical influence continues to expand on several fronts. With an estimated PPPGDP of nearly $39.4 trillion in 2023, about 20 per cent of the worlds total compared to the USs 14.8 per cent, Chinas economic weight allows it to exert significant influence over global trade, investment, and development patterns.

The trade race

Like the rest of the world, China, too, faced the wrath of Trump tariffs. In fact, it met with the most harsh trade measures by Washington.

Although signs of reset have started to show now, the ripples of the US-China trade war were felt across the globe.

The US trade deficit widened more than expected in May, with both imports and exports declining. Trade data published Thursday showed the worlds biggest economy logged an overall trade gap of $71.5 billion in the month after Trump imposed a 10 per cent duty on most trading partners before pausing steeper rates for dozens of these economies.

US imports were down 0.1 per cent to $350.5 billion, as incoming shipments of goods ticked down.

Imports of consumer goods dropped by $4.0 billion, with those of certain apparel and toys both sliding, although imports of autos and parts climbed.

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US exports, meanwhile, dropped by 4.0 per cent to $279.0 billion, with declines largely seen in industrial supplies and materials, the report showed.

With inputs from agencies
Britains tariff policies on Indian goods were not just economic measures; they were tools to maintain imperial control over both the American colonies and India read more

While Washington marshalled troops and strategy, the American colonists were also fighting an economic war-- one that happened to be linked to Indian cotton industry. AI-generated image

America rejoices as the nation celebrates its 249th Independence Day on Friday (4th of July). This is also the time to look back at the birth of the worlds most powerful nation and government. Many call the United States of America the oldest modern democracy  though, not factually accurate. India is undoubtedly the biggest democracy on the planet. What kind of relationship did the two nations have when America fought a war for its Independence from 1776 to 1783?

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It would not be completely off the mark to recall that Charles Cornwallis, known in India for establishing British civil service  often called as the father of British India civil service  and land reforms through the famous or infamous Permanent Settlement of land revenue in Bengal, was the same British general who lost the war in America. He surrendered at the Siege of Yorktown in 1781 to the combined forces of America and France  considered the turning point in the War of Independence.

The story of its birth, however, is not just one of battles fought on its own soil but also of a complex global web of trade, politics, and empire  one that intricately involved India, thought through Britain, which governed much of present-day India, Pakistan and Bangladesh from the second half of the 18th century to the first half of the 20th century.

While George Washington led the Continental Army against British forces, thousands of miles away, an independent Indian ruler Tipu Sultan  heading one of the largest Indian kingdoms at the time  allied with another major power (the Marathas) to challenge the British imperial ambitions. Both stories, though distant, were connected by the threads of commerce and conflict, especially through the tariffs Britain imposed on Indian goods that inflamed colonial unrest in America.

George Washington and the American struggle for Independence

In 1775, as tensions between the American colonies and Britain erupted into open conflict, George Washington was appointed commander-in-chief of the newly formed Continental Army. Washington faced enormous challenges: a poorly equipped, inexperienced force pitted against the worlds most powerful military.

Yet, through bold campaigns  such as the daring crossing of the Delaware River in December 1776 and the subsequent victories at Trenton and Princeton  he kept the revolutionary cause alive during its darkest hours.

By July 4, 1776, the colonies had formally declared independence, a bold statement that would lead to years of war. Washingtons leadership culminated in the decisive Siege of Yorktown in 1781, forcing British General Cornwallis to surrender and paving the way for the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which recognised the United States as a sovereign nation.

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India-made clothes had a role to play, and so did British tariffs

While Washington marshalled troops and strategy, the American colonists were also fighting an economic war. They depended heavily on Indian textiles  fine cotton and calico fabrics imported through British trade channels. These India-made clothes were essential everyday commodities, but British mercantilist policies imposed heavy tariffs on these imports to protect domestic British manufacturers and raise revenue.

This trade line was serving both the Americans and Indian fairly well. Indian cotton growers and cloth-makers were earning profits, bolstering confidence in their industrial abilities that the colonial government, then under the British East India Company in India, had been trying hard to destroy so that the British factories could scale up their business. To hit both their rivals  Americans and Indians  the British imposed high levies, weaponising tariffs much the same way as US President Donald Trump has been attempting to do in his second presidency in the past six months.

These tariff walls made Indian textiles expensive and scarce in the colonies, frustrating many colonists who saw them as unjust taxes levied without their consent. This economic strain was a key grievance that helped spark resistance, including boycotts of British and Indian goods and the symbolic rise of homespun cloth as a mark of patriotism and defiance.

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Back then Indian kingdoms united against British

A geopolitical calculation was in play at the time. The French, a colonial power rivalling the British back then, was in alliance with American leaders, and also the Kingdom of Mysore, whose military was led by Hyder Ali in 1776. The French encouraged him to resist the British expansion in India. As a result a confederation was formed between two of the most powerful Indian kingdoms  Mysore and Maratha  against the English colonial power.

While the American struggle was still on, the Second Anglo-Mysore War broke out in southern India in 1780. Stretched thin in wars, the British found it difficult to maintain its military supremacy in America. The Indian war prolonged  under Tipu Sultan after his father Hyder died of cancer in 1782  to 1784. By this time, Cornwallis had surrendered, practically sealing the fate of the British in America.

It is left to speculation what would have been the outcome of the American War of Independence had two of the most powerful Indian kingdoms not allied against the British, who had a much bigger stake in India economically and strategically than in America, the new world with unknown potential. The Indian forces were also supported by French naval power.

The intertwined global struggle: Tariff and territory

The American Revolution was not an isolated event but part of a wider conflict involving European powers vying for global supremacy. Britains tariff policies on Indian goods were not just economic measures; they were tools to maintain imperial control over both the American colonies and India.

The tariffs on India-made clothes strained colonial economies and contributed to revolutionary sentiment in America, while in India, British efforts to dominate trade and politics led to fierce resistance from Indian rulers. The loss of the American colonies forced Britain to intensify its focus on India, eventually leading to deeper colonial control.

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Modern echoes: tariffs and trade tensions today

Fast forward to today, and the spectre of tariffs once again shapes relations between the US, India, and Britain. Under Trump, US tariff policies have forced a reset of policies across the globe including India and the UK. Negotiations for bilateral trade agreements have been complex. And, interestingly, the UK and India signed a bilateral free trade deal in May to reduce tariffs on key goods.

The historical tariff walls that Britain erected to control colonial trade find a modern parallel in these contemporary trade disputes that Trump has triggered. Then, tariffs on India-made clothes helped ignite Americas fight for independence; now, tariffs risk complicating the traditional partnerships that have governed global economic cooperation for decades in the post-Second World War world.

As America celebrates its independence, the story of the Indian role in George Washington-led struggle against colonialism remains understated. However, the tariff walls that the British erected ultimately contributed to the explosion of the cotton and garment industry in America.
Africa News Live Updates: Welcome to our live blog covering the latest from across Africa. Follow real-time updates on political transitions, security and peacekeeping operations, regional integration efforts, economic innovation, climate impacts, migration trends and grassroots activism. Track the continents evolving stance on global affairs and its efforts to tackle internal and external challenges across sectors read more

Welcome to Africa News Live Updates for Friday, July 4. Were tracking major developments across the continent, from political shifts and human rights milestones to public health insights and judicial rulings. In Equatorial Guinea, two South African engineers have been released after over two years in detention, ending a prolonged diplomatic and legal ordeal. Meanwhile in Nigeria, the head of the countrys human rights commission has been elected to lead a key West African network, pledging reforms across the regions institutions. In other Nigerian news, a court handed down convictions in both cybercrime and illegal mineral possession cases, while the electoral commission received a dozen new applications for political partieshinting at a more crowded political landscape ahead. Elsewhere, the FCT minister has authorised funds to address a teachers strike in Abuja, and new wildlife footage from Uganda offers fresh clues on how deadly viruses can move from bats to other species a significant find in the context of global pandemic preparedness. Stay connected to Africa throughout the day:

World-renowned kora player and vocalist Sona Jobarteh has been appointed as a Roaming Ambassador for the Gambia Tourism Board, according to a report in The Point. In this promotional and goodwill capacity, Jobarteh will leverage her international platform to promote The Gambia as a tourist destination. The appointment is part of the Gambian governments broader strategy under its National Development Plan to boost the tourism sector, which is a critical component of the nations economy, and to utilize cultural diplomacy to enhance the countrys international image.

Gambias Land Governance Commission of Inquiry (LGCI) is investigating suspected land fraud at the Banjul City Council (BCC), The Point says in a report. The probe focuses on alleged malpractices in land administration within the capital city. This investigation is part of a broader anti-corruption drive by the Gambian government and addresses ongoing public concerns regarding land allocation and management.

A discrepancy of 1.2 billion Gambian Dalasi (D1.2B) has been discovered in the financial statements of The Gambias government accounts, according to a report in The Point. The amount, equivalent to approximately USD 20-25 million, represents a significant sum within the national budget and has prompted calls for a thorough investigation. While a discrepancy can stem from accounting errors, it is considered a major red flag for potential financial mismanagement or malfeasance. The finding places increased scrutiny on the administration of President Adama Barrow, which came to power on a platform of good governance and reform following the previous era under Yahya Jammeh.

Former Nigerian Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi has announced his ambition to contest the 2027 presidential election, as per a report in Premium Times. The declaration comes early in the current political cycle and reignites debates within Nigeria about the principle of power rotation between the countrys different geopolitical zones. Amaechi, who previously served as the Governor of Rivers State, also commented on the possibility of forming a coalition and the importance of adhering to constitutional term limits.

On the 31st anniversary of its Liberation Day, known as Kwibohora 31, Rwanda has reported that national electricity access has reached 83.2%, according to a report in The New Times. This marks a significant increase from the 1% access rate recorded in 1994, in the aftermath of the Genocide against the Tutsi. The growth in electricity access is a key metric highlighted during the commemoration, reflecting three decades of infrastructure development.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) has appointed the former president of the National Industrial Court, Mr. Adejumo, to serve as the new administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), according to a report in Premium Times. The CJNs office stated that the appointment was made based on Mr. Adejumos experience and deep understanding of judicial administration. The NJI is the body responsible for the continuing education and training of judicial officers and their staff in Nigeria.

The Embassy of the Netherlands in South Africa held an event for the Kaizer Chiefs football club as the team prepares for an upcoming pre-season training camp in the Netherlands, according to a report in Mail & Guardian.

Rwandas national electricity access has increased from 1% in 1994 to 83.2% today, a milestone announced during the countrys 31st Liberation Day commemorations, according to a report in The New Times. The statistic highlights the significant infrastructure development over the three decades since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, which left the countrys infrastructure almost completely destroyed. The achievement is being noted as part of the Kwibohora 31 events, which mark the anniversary of the countrys liberation.

The Agikuyu Council of Elders has formally endorsed National Liberal Party (NLP) Leader Augustus Kyalo Muli, giving him their backing to seek support within the populous Mt. Kenya region for his 2027 presidential campaign, Standard Media says in a report. This early endorsement positions Muli, a leader from the Kamba community, as a contender in the upcoming election cycle and signals a potential political realignment between two of Kenyas significant ethnic communities ahead of the 2027 general election.

The upcoming Durban July horseracing event is projected to provide a R700 million boost to the local economy in Durban, South Africa, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. This figure is an estimate of the total economic injection from spending by attendees and associated activities within sectors such as hospitality, retail, and transport. The event is viewed as a significant driver for the regional economy, contributing to tourism and the creation of temporary employment opportunities.

A man in The Gambia has been ordered by a court to be held in custody in a case involving the alleged rape of a four-year-old girl, according to a report in The Point. The legal action, known as being remanded, means the suspect will be detained while the investigation proceeds or pending a trial. This procedural step does not constitute a conviction or a finding of guilt in the case.

Brazil is aiming to prioritize economic development over geopolitical tensions at the annual BRICS summit currently being held in Rio, as per a report in Foreign Policy. The host nations focus on trade, investment, and financial cooperation comes as the recently expanded bloc, which now includes new African members Egypt and Ethiopia alongside long-standing member South Africa, navigates diverse interests and ongoing global conflicts. The summits agenda is considered significant for African members seeking alternative avenues for investment and development financing.

The government of Namibia has halted all state funerals until April 2026 in response to public criticism regarding their significant expense, according to a report in BBC. This policy, aimed at curbing state spending, includes a provision that allows the president to make an exception and authorize a state funeral if deemed necessary.

Somali influencers residing in Germany have been using social media platforms to spread radical content, incite violence, and raise funds for arms to be used in the war in Somalia, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. A joint investigation by DW and German public broadcaster ARD found that these individuals, described as war influencers, were actively glorifying the conflict from within Germany.

Several Members of Parliament from Kenyas Bungoma County have endorsed Westlands MP Timothy Wanyonyi for the 2027 gubernatorial race, according to a report in Standard Media. Wanyonyi, who is the current MP for a Nairobi constituency and a member of the ODM party, is the brother of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula. This early endorsement positions Wanyonyi as a direct challenger to the incumbent Bungoma Governor, Kenneth Lusaka, signaling a significant political development within the region ahead of the next general election.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA) is backing a structured contractor development programme in South Africa that has been approved by the Construction Industry Development Board (cidb), according to a report in the Mail & Guardian. The new initiative is designed to support contractors by assessing their prior learning and experience, followed by targeted top-up training to address any skill gaps. This approach aims to formalize existing skills and enhance the capabilities of contractors within the construction sector.

Officials within South Africas uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party are set to discuss the alleged errant behaviour of Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla and the partys national spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. Zuma-Sambudla is the daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, who leads the MK party. The internal review follows the partys significant performance in the 2024 general elections, where it emerged as the countrys third-largest political force, and focuses on the conduct of two of its high-profile members.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has reiterated his countrys commitment to self-reliance and national sovereignty, stating that Rwanda cannot depend on the shifting interests of external powers, according to a report in The New Times. He added that the nation is focused on pursuing its own development path and making its own decisions without external pressure as part of its stated goal to reduce foreign dependency and assert its independent role in global affairs.

South African universities are publicly defending their recruitment of foreign staff amid significant pressure from high domestic unemployment and rising anti-immigrant sentiment, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. The institutions argue that hiring international academics is essential to fill critical skills gaps, maintain global competitiveness, and bolster research capacity. This defense comes as the South African government considers stricter immigration and labor laws to prioritize local job seekers, creating a tense debate between national employment priorities and the higher education sectors need for specialized global talent.

There are growing calls in Africa to address the educational marginalization of boys, an issue linked to broader societal challenges like youth unemployment and social instability, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. This emerging concern is being discussed after decades of international and national policies successfully focused on improving girls access to education. The current debate suggests that boys may now be facing distinct challenges, such as higher dropout rates or a lack of targeted support, prompting a re-evaluation of gender-focused educational policies to ensure the needs of all students are met.

Ghanaian footballer and former Arsenal player Thomas Partey has been charged in the UK with multiple serious offenses, BBC says in a report. The charges consist of five counts of rape related to allegations from two women, and one count of sexual assault concerning a third woman. The legal proceedings are being handled under the jurisdiction of the UK legal system.

Zambia has officially declared an end to its most recent cholera outbreak following a period of five weeks with no new infections, according to a report in Africanews. Health Minister Elijah Muchima confirmed the declaration, noting the final wave of the outbreak resulted in 496 cases and 9 deaths. The last recorded case was in May in the Kabwe District of Central Province.

A court in Lagos, Nigeria, has sentenced a group of eight Chinese nationals to jail for cyberterrorism and internet fraud, according to a report in Premium Times. The judgment was delivered after the eight defendants entered guilty pleas to the charges brought against them. The case represents another instance of foreign nationals being prosecuted for cybercrime-related offenses in the country.

A doctor in Nigeria has been accused of stealing another child just months after being granted bail in March for a similar offense, according to a report in Premium Times. In the latest incident, the doctor was re-arrested after allegedly purchasing a boy for N700,000 from the childs sellers. Subsequently, the doctor is accused of reselling the same child for a profit, at a price of N2.3 million.

The Nigerian Army has foiled a suspected terror plot after discovering 56 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted on a bridge in Borno State, as per a report in Premium Times. According to a statement from the army, the explosives are believed to have been planted by insurgents from either Boko Haram or the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The operation successfully prevented a potential large-scale attack in the conflict-affected state.

Former Nigerian national football coach Sunday Siasia is facing a N250 million legal threat for defamation from the former agent of footballer Mikel Obi, according to a report in Premium Times. The legal action is a response to remarks Siasia made during a widely circulated interview on the Elegbete TV platform, where he allegedly accused the agent of bribery.

Farmers in Nigeria have indicated that high tomato prices are persisting despite earlier anticipation that they would fall after the Sallah holiday, according to a report in Premium Times. The farmers noted their inability to control the market prices, which are reportedly influenced by several persistent economic factors. These underlying issues include significantly increased transportation costs following the 2023 fuel subsidy removal, higher expenses for imported agricultural inputs like fertilizer due to the Nairas devaluation, and ongoing insecurity in key farming regions which disrupts supply chains and reduces overall yield.

A review of 152 scientific publications on family planning from 23 African countries, published between 1996 and 2023, found that research often fails to genuinely include men, as per a report in The Conversation. The analysis revealed that only about one in five studies claiming to examine male involvement actually collected data directly from men, often focusing narrowly on male approval rather than shared responsibility. The research is also geographically concentrated, with most studies originating from Nigeria, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Kenya, potentially creating a knowledge base that doesnt reflect the continents diversity. Furthermore, the study highlighted an equity issue in authorship, with a majority of the most influential authors being affiliated with non-African institutions. The authors argue for more inclusive, representative, and African-led research to create effective health policies, citing successful programs in Senegal, Malawi, and Kenya where intentionally engaging men improved family planning outcomes.

Despite a desire among South Africans to shop more sustainably, most are unable to identify or trust environmental eco-labels on products, according to a report in The Conversation. A recent study of 108 consumers found very low recognition for legitimate South African labels, such as the Afrisco Certified Organic label (22% recognition), and widespread confusion, with many participants unable to distinguish between real and fictional labels. The findings suggest that a lack of national visibility, inconsistent use by businesses, and insufficient public education are major barriers. The report contrasts this with successful, highly visible, government-backed eco-labeling systems in regions like the European Union, Germany, and Japan, recommending that South African businesses and government collaborate on clearer labeling and public awareness campaigns to build consumer trust.

Uganda has deployed up to 1,000 troops into the Democratic Republic of Congo without the authorization of the Kinshasa government, Africanews says in a report. According to UN experts, the soldiers have been sent to the city of Bunia, as well as the Mahagi and Djugu territories within Ituri province. Ugandan authorities state the deployment is aimed at addressing the threat posed by CODECO, an armed militia operating in the region.

The CEO of South Africas Independent Development Trust (IDT) is facing scrutiny over an alleged R22 million asset splurge that reportedly includes cash properties and new SUVs, according to a report in Daily Maverick. In response to the allegations, Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of Parliament Kevin Macpherson has called for lifestyle audits to be conducted on the IDTs leadership. The report also notes a connection to an ongoing probe into delayed oxygen plants, linking the issue to wider concerns about corruption in public procurement.

Faith Zaba, a Zimbabwean editor, was released on bail after being arrested for publishing satirical material, Daily Maverick says in a report. The incident is being framed by media rights organizations as an example of the deteriorating state of press freedom in the country. The arrest and subsequent legal proceedings highlight the challenges and risks, including harassment and intimidation, faced by independent media and journalists in Zimbabwe.

A coordinated effort by African governments, likely led by the African Union, is advocating for the implementation of universal school meal programs across the continent, as per a report in Daily Maverick. This initiative, aimed at providing meals to all school children regardless of socioeconomic status, is being presented as a key agenda item before the next G20 summit. The goal is to secure political and financial commitments from the worlds major economies to support the large-scale social welfare program, which aligns with global development goals for food security and education.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has stated that Africa must prepare to take its place in a new world order, whether the continent is ready or not, The New Times said in a report. Speaking on Friday, Kagame emphasized the need for the continent to actively position itself to navigate and have a role in the shifting global power dynamics. His call for readiness comes amid a broader push by the African Union for greater representation in global institutions and increased geopolitical engagement in Africa by world powers.

The Nigerian government has set a deadline for all foreign nationals residing in the country with expired visas to regularize their immigration status, according to a report in Premium Times. Officials clarified that the directive is aimed at enforcing existing immigration laws and is not a requirement for affected individuals to apply for Nigerian citizenship. The policy requires those with expired permits to bring their residency status into legal compliance.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa hosted Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen for discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations, according to a report in Africa News. The meeting signals a move towards enhanced cooperation as the two leaders engaged on their countries mutual relationship.

A planned $113 million investment by Elon Musk in South Africa, believed to be for the Starlink satellite internet service, has been halted due to regulatory hurdles related to the countrys Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) law, Africa News says in a report. The situation has drawn criticism from the opposition party Build One South Africa, whose deputy leader Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster accused the government of potentially allowing a powerful foreign billionaire to sidestep laws that local businesses are required to follow. The BBBEE Act is a policy designed to redress economic inequalities from the apartheid era, and the current impasse highlights the ongoing tension between enforcing transformation policies and attracting foreign investment.

The US Supreme Court has permitted the Trump administration to deport eight men to war-torn South Sudan, overturning a lower court ruling that had blocked their removal, according to a report in The Guardian. The men, who have been held at an American military base in Djibouti, are mostly from countries other than South Sudan, including Vietnam, South Korea, Mexico, Laos, Cuba, and Myanmar. Only one of the eight men is originally from South Sudan, a country to which most of them reportedly have no ties.

A new community play park officially opened in the Helenvale Extension 12 area, a township in Gqeberha, South Africa, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. The facility is an intervention of the Safety and Peace Through Urban Upgrading programme, which aims to improve public spaces and provide safe recreational areas for youth. The project is part of broader urban development and renewal initiatives in historically disadvantaged communities.

Gulf states are channeling billions of dollars in investments into Africa, while China is simultaneously revamping its financial model on the continent, Mail & Guardian said in a report. This development reflects a shift in Chinas strategy, moving away from large-scale, state-backed loans that have previously raised debt sustainability concerns. Concurrently, investments from Gulf nations are increasingly targeting key sectors such as logistics, ports, agriculture, and technology as they seek to diversify their economies and expand their influence.

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Welcome to Africa News Live Updates for Friday, July 4. Were tracking major developments across the continent, from political shifts and human rights milestones to public health insights and judicial rulings.

In Equatorial Guinea, two South African engineers have been released after over two years in detention, ending a prolonged diplomatic and legal ordeal. Meanwhile in Nigeria, the head of the countrys human rights commission has been elected to lead a key West African network, pledging reforms across the regions institutions. In other Nigerian news, a court handed down convictions in both cybercrime and illegal mineral possession cases, while the electoral commission received a dozen new applications for political partieshinting at a more crowded political landscape ahead.

Elsewhere, the FCT minister has authorised funds to address a teachers strike in Abuja, and new wildlife footage from Uganda offers fresh clues on how deadly viruses can move from bats to other species a significant find in the context of global pandemic preparedness. Stay connected to Africa throughout the day:
After Asim Munir, Pakistans Chief of the Air Staff, Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, paid an official visit to the United States. Heres why both India and China should be concerned by the trip. read more

Following Pakistans Field Marshal Asim Munir, the countrys Chief of the Air Staff, Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, paid an official visit to the United States, indicating the warming ties between the two nations. The officials noted that Sidhus purpose of visit was to further defence cooperation between the two nations as a follow-up to Munirs visit to the country.

It is pertinent to note that this is the first US trip by a serving Pakistan Air Force (PAF) chief in over a decade, reflecting the re-hyphenisation of the USs outlook towards India and Pakistan.

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This high-level visit is a strategic milestone in the Pak-US defence partnership. The visit will play a significant role in addressing key regional and global security issues as well as building institutional ties, the PAF said in a statement on Wednesday.

It further gave an insight into Sidhus itinerary, mentioning several important meetings with the top military and political leadership of the US. During his visit to the Pentagon, he met US Secretary of the Air Force for International Affairs Kelly L. Seybolt and Air Force Chief of Staff General David W Allvin.

As per the statement by PAF, the two sides agreed to forge avenues for bilateral military cooperation, mutual affairs, joint training and technology exchange.

Is Pakistan losing trust in China?

The visit comes amid Pakistani concerns about the reliability of Chinese military equipment after it received severe battering by Indian forces during Operation Sindoor.

Pakistan is reportedly interested in acquiring advanced US platforms such as F-16 Block 70 fighter jets, air defence systems, and HIMARS artillery, as it looks to diversify away from Chinese suppliers.

Meanwhile, China has remained tight-lipped over the performance of its weapons to Pakistan during its 4-day military escalation with India. During a presser on May 30, a Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson, Zhang Xiaogang, refused to provide any details on the effectiveness of Pakistans weapons in the recent military confrontation.

There were reports that India recovered an unexploded PL-15E missile, a Chinese-made beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile. While speaking at the presser, Zhang Xiaogang emphasised Chinas hope that both sides will remain calm and restrained to avoid further complicating the situation, sidestepping questions of its defence weapon systems.

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When pressed further, the Chinese defence official simply said: Pakistan received support from Chinas air defence and satellite systems, but the performance of these systems was below average. We would like to stress that India and Pakistan are neighbours that cannot be moved. We hope both sides will remain calm and restrained to avoid further complicating the situation, he added.

Why India should be concerned

Meanwhile, Pakistans air force chiefs visit to the US can be a matter of concern for India as well. During the hunt for Al-Qaeda terrorist Osama Bin Laden following 9/11, there was de-hyphenisation of the American outlook towards India and Pakistan, i.e, the US stopped putting New Delhi and Islamabad on the same level.

The discovery of Osama near a military training headquarters in Abbottabad further pushed the US towards India. With the second stint of US President Donald Trump in the office and following the military confrontation between India and Pakistan, a new pattern of re-hyphenation is emerging.

When asked about the changing dynamic, former US National Security Adviser John Bolton reiterated the American outlook, emphasising that the US is concerned by Chinas influence on Pakistan.

Well, I think much of the de-hyponization came after 9/11 and and I think Secretary Powell and President Bush worked hard to try and do that. And I think right now the common threat that we see, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, but really on a global basis, is the China-Russia axis. And so theres a lot to talk about there, he told Firstpost's Bhagyasree Sengupta in May.

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Its distressing to me that Pakistan is so much under the influence of China now. Ultimately, thats not going to be to their benefit. Ultimately, I think peace on the subcontinent is going to have to require an understanding between India and Pakistan. Theyre the two biggest powers. Thats the reality, he added.

Trump has been adamant about taking credit for the ceasefire, which India has made it clear was a bilateral decision. Meanwhile, Pakistan is serving the credit to America on a platter with Islamabad nominating Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, earning more brownie points.

Another factor which can be concerning for India is Pakistans warm ties with both China and the US. Beijing have been a long-time ally of Islamabad and its feathers are less likely to be ruffled with Pak-US collaborations. Meanwhile, Turkey, another key power in Asia, have expressed its solidarity with Pakistan during Indias Operation Sindoor. Hence, New Delhi will be looking for new allies in the region and reconsolidating its ties with the old ones.

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After Russia became the first country to officially recognise the Taliban government, China has welcomed the move, fuelling speculation it may be next. As regional powers deepen ties with Kabul, questions mount about the global legitimacy of Afghanistans isolated rulers. read more

Following Russias formal recognition of the Taliban as Afghanistans legitimate government, speculation is mounting over whether China may soon follow suit, a potential turning point in the Islamist groups long-sought campaign for global legitimacy.

On Friday, Chinas foreign ministry welcomed Russias move, with spokesperson Mao Ning stating that Beijing has always believed that Afghanistan should not be excluded from the international community.

While stopping short of recognising the Taliban government, Mao reiterated Chinas ongoing diplomatic engagement with Kabul, noting that embassies in both countries remain operational and functional.

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As a traditional friendly neighbour of Afghanistan, the Chinese side has maintained normal diplomatic relations and continues to pursue a policy of friendship with the Afghan people, she said.

China currently hosts a Taliban-appointed ambassador in Beijing but, like many countries, has withheld full diplomatic recognition. Officials have previously suggested that any formal recognition would hinge on political reforms, improved domestic security, and stronger regional ties from the Taliban leadership.

Russias landmark move

Russia broke ranks with most of the international community on Thursday by officially acknowledging the Taliban as the rulers of Afghanistan. Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi announced the development after meeting Russian Ambassador Dmitry Zhirnov in Kabul, calling Moscows decision brave and historic.

This bold step will serve as a model for others. Now that the recognition process has begun, Russia has taken the lead, Muttaqi said in a video message.

Taliban foreign ministry spokesperson Zia Ahmad Takal also confirmed the move, stating, Russia is the first country to officially recognise the Islamic Emirate, using the Talibans formal name for their administration.

Russias foreign ministry said the recognition would pave the way for deeper cooperation in sectors such as energy, transport, agriculture and infrastructure. It also highlighted joint efforts to tackle terrorism and drug trafficking as key priorities in future bilateral relations.

The move comes after a series of steps by Moscow to normalise ties with the Taliban, including delisting the group from its register of terrorist organisations earlier this year and welcoming a Taliban envoy to Moscow.

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President Vladimir Putin has referred to the Taliban as allies in the fight against terrorism, and Russia has positioned itself to expand economic ties by using Afghanistan as a gas transit route to Southeast Asia.

The China question

Beijings endorsement of Russias stance has reignited debate over whether China will be the next major power to legitimise the Taliban government. Although China has yet to take that step, its diplomatic engagement has steadily deepened since the Taliban took control in 2021. The two countries maintain close trade and infrastructure discussions, and China is among a handful of nations that has accepted a Taliban ambassador.

Chinas long-term strategic interests in Afghanistan including securing its Belt and Road investments, curbing extremism near its Xinjiang region, and tapping into Afghanistans mineral wealth are seen as possible incentives for recognition.

Western silence, Afghan outrage

The Talibans return to power in 2021 brought with it a rollback of human rightsparticularly for women and girls, who remain barred from education and most forms of public life. This has stalled recognition efforts from Western nations and triggered strong condemnation from Afghan civil society.

Former Afghan parliamentarian Mariam Solaimankhil criticised Russias decision, calling it a betrayal of fundamental rights. This legitimises a regime that flogs women publicly, denies education to girls, and shelters terrorists under UN sanctions, she said.

Another former lawmaker, Fawzia Koofi, warned that recognition without reform would embolden impunity. This move risks not only Afghanistans stability but could have wider implications for global security, she said.

Despite such concerns, China and Russias growing engagement signals a shift in how regional powers view Afghanistans Taliban leadership. With Moscow taking the lead, attention now turns to Beijingand whether strategic interests will override lingering concerns about governance, human rights, and international norms.

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With inputs from agencies
Days after US President Donald Trump emboldened Vladimir Putin by blocking weapons supplies to Ukraine, Russia launched the largest aerial attack with 550 missiles and drones. Trump said that no progress was made about ending the war in a phone call with Putin yesterday. read more

Flames and smoke billow from buildings during mass Russian drones and missile strikes on the Ukraine's capital Kyiv on July 4, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Photo: OLEKSII FILIPPOV/AFP)

Days after US President Donald Trump emboldened Russia again by stopping the supply of weapons to Ukraine, Russia launched the largest aerial attack of the war so far with 550 missiles and drones. Kyivs skyline erupted in fireballs and clouds of smoke as Russian projectiles hammered the city.

The Russian barrage came hours after Trump spoke to Russian leader Vladimir Putin on phone. Trump said that they "didnt make any progress" about ending the conflict over the call. However, Putin certainly got the message that he was free to attack Ukraine at will.

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The overnight barrage followed a monthslong pattern: Trump first cuts supplies to Ukraine that have already been approved and trashes Ukraine. Then Putin launches massive attacks on Ukraine and gains leverage on the battlefield as a result of Trump depriving Ukraine of even defensive weapons.

ALSO READ: Even as Trump slams Putin for civilians' killings, he rewards Russia by accepting its terms

The Kremlins readout demonstrated how emboldened Russia stood after getting a shot in the arm from Trump. It said that Russia will not back down unless root causes were eliminated.

Root causes is a euphemism for Putin's maximalist demands, such as the recognition of all Ukrainian provinces in their entirety that Russia has annexed and other territories that it controls; the ouster of Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the President of Ukraine and the ouster of his administration; amendment of the Ukrainian constitution to put limits on its military in a Versailles-like treaty, include Russian in the nations cultural affairs, and rule out its membership of Nato; put limits on foreign military partnerships of Ukraine; etc. The implementation of such terms would mean the end of Ukraine as a sovereign nation.

Russia makes most of Trumps decision  again

For months, Russia has attacked Ukraine with hundreds of missiles and drones on a near-daily basis and Ukraine has sought to buy US-made air defence systems.

Earlier this week, instead of clearing such sales, the Trump administration blocked the supply of air defence systems and other weapons that had already been cleared. Trump trashed Ukraine on Thursday and said Weve given so many weapons to Ukraine.

Russia was quick to grasp the message and respond by ramping up the aerial campaign. Ukraine said Russia launched 539 drones and 11 ballistic missiles overnight in the largest aerial attack of the war.

ALSO READ: With Russias terms to Ukraine, Putin seeks surrender  not a peace deal

Earlier this year, when Trump suspended military and intelligence assistance to Ukraine after ambushing Zelenskyy at the White House, Russia had responded with a renewed counter-offensive in Kursk region and driving out Ukrainian forces from there. Ukraines incursion of Kursk was a significant achievement and its occupation of the region was seen as a critical leverage in negotiations where Kursk could be exchanged in lieu of Russia-occupied Ukrainian territory.

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Thanks to Trump, however, Ukraine lost that leverage as Russia retook nearly all of Kursk from Ukraine after making the most of the suspension of intelligence-sharing and military supplies.

In the overnight attack, Zelenskyy said that at least 23 people were injured. Russia has largely targeted civilians and critical infrastructure in its escalating attacks.

A United Nations (UN) report this month said that Ukrainian civilian casualties in Russian airstrikes rose by 50 per cent between January and June.

Trump expected to speak to Zelenskyy today

After a call with Russia, Trump is expected to speak to Zelenskyy on Friday.

If his past behaviour is any guide, Trump would likely push Zelenskyy to accept Putins terms and wrap the conflict irrespective of the consequences for his nation.

On his part, Zelenskyy would likely call for the resumption of military supplies and reiterate the call for the purchase of Patriot air defence systems. He would also likely press Trump to toughen up on Putin.

Even as Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with Putin, he has not done anything to put pressure on him. Instead, he has rewarded Putin at every step by accepting his terms and punishing Ukraine  the defender. He has neither imposed new sanctions on Russia nor ramp up military supplies to Ukraine as he had threatened in the past. Instead, he has slammed Zelenskyy as a warmonger over request to buy air defence systems.

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In his first visit to Kibbutz Nir Oz, the hardest hit town during Hamass October 7 attack, Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saw protests from angry victims of the devastating attack by Hamas read more

As the Israel-Hamas war continues to rage on, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paid a visit to Kibbutz Nir Oz, the hardest hit town during Hamass October 7 attack in the Jewish nations south. Netanyahus visit came 636 days after the town was ravaged by Hamas terrorists, in the shocking infiltration that eventually triggered the ongoing war in Gaza.

However, the Israeli premier did not receive a warm welcome in the community as he encountered angry residents who urged him to bring back all the hostages from Gaza. In the emotionally charged visit, Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, toured the kibbutz, walking through the ravaged, burned-out homes with residents and family members, who shared their stories.

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During the October 7 attack, 117 of 400 residents of the town were either kidnapped or murdered. Not only this, nine of the towns residents are still under captivity in Gaza. Since the start of the war, most government politicians, including the prime minister, have stayed away from Nir Oz, given the widespread carnage. Hence, Netanyahus visit turned many heads.

Netanyahu receives a not-so-warm welcome

According to The Times of Israel, demonstrators gathered at the kibbutz entrance, compelling the Israeli premiers entourage to enter Nir Oz through a back gate. However, he still saw signs calling him Mr. Abandonment in the background. Meanwhile, protesters were heard jeering the prime minister, calling him a disgrace and denouncing him as corrupt, an abandoner, and a murderer as the vehicles drove by.

During Netanyahus visit, a protester with a loudspeaker went on to denounce Netanyahu over the failure to anticipate the October 7 attack and the ongoing inability to bring home the hostages, vowing the community wont forget. While sitting down with the victims of the October 7 attack, freed hostages and the relatives of victims of the kibbutz urged Netanyahu to end the war and bring all captives home.

Some of them also confronted the Israeli premier over his refusal to establish a state commission of inquiry into the events of October 7. Nili Margalit, a nurse who was freed from captivity in November 2023, told the prime minister she promised five of the Nir Oz hostages she was held with that she would do everything possible to get them out of there," The Times of Israel reported.

She eventually told Channel 12 that she refused to shake the prime ministers hand at the end of the meeting. Margalit emphasised that she had apologised to Netanyahu for not doing so, but that it hurts too much.

I saw, I was with them. It was possible to bring them back with a deal, and therefore, I am here for my friends who are still not here, she told Netanyahu. Ariel [Cunio], and David [Cunio], and Eitan [Horn], and Matan [Zangauker], and all the rest  we need to bring them back before its too late. You have an opportunity to travel to Washington and sign a deal to bring everyone back. Everyone, she said, referring to the prime ministers scheduled trip to the White House next week.

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I want to speak about responsibility. For responsibility, you need to direct your gaze, you need to see, and therefore, this visit is important, she furthered. But Prime Minister, where is your responsibility? She also pointed out how hard the lives of captives are in Gaza.

I know what hunger, desperation, daily psychological abuse, and lack of hope are, she stated. I think the first step of taking responsibility is to establish a state commission of inquiry. The families of the fallen, the families of the murdered, the orphans, the widows, the bereaved siblings deserve it, to know what happened and is still happening in Israel over the past two years, she averred.

This Kibbutz will rise again: Netanyahu

After quietly listening to the plight of the Nir Oz residents, Netanyahu vowed to bring back hostages from Gaza. From our point of view, there is an agreement, we are hoping to declare [the ceasefire] soon, he told the residents.

Im here with my wife, Sarah, in Kibbutz Nir Oz in front of the destruction and slaughter. [Standing here], you feel it in the depths of your soul. The vastness of the pain, the depth of sorrow, the trauma that hasnt healed. Standing here, I feel a deep responsibility to return all of the hostages. There are 20 live hostages and there are dead hostages. We will bring them all home, the Israeli premier said.

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We need to work hard so that this kibbutz will rise again, and it will rise again, he concluded. According to The Jerusalem Post, the residents of the Kibbutz emphasised that for months they had sent personal invitations to the prime minister to visit the town.

Hence, following Netanyahus visit, the kibbutz said in a statement that its members expect renewed efforts to free the hostages. We expect that this visit will promote the return of the 50 hostages, including nine from Kibbutz Nir Oz, and that the Israeli government will be committed to the reconstruction of the kibbutz and the rehabilitation of its people, wherever they choose to live, the statement reads.
India should exercise caution in its words and actions, stop interfering in Chinas internal affairs with Xizang (Tibet) related issues and avoid impact on the improvement and development of the China-India relationship, said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning read more

Days after Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju said that only the current Dalai Lama and the conventions established by him can determine his successor, China on Friday objected to the ministers remarks, urging India to act cautiously on Tibet-related issues to avoid its impact on bilateral relations.

India should be clear of the anti-China separatist nature of the 14th Dalai Lama and honour its commitments on Xizang (Tibet) related issues, News 18 quoted Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning as saying.

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India should exercise caution in its words and actions, stop interfering in Chinas internal affairs with Xizang related issues and avoid impact on the improvement and development of the China-India relationship, Mao added.

The statement comes after Rijiju, a practising Buddhist, made the remarks on Wednesday, in what is widely seen as a direct rebuttal to Chinas assertions on the matter.

The Dalai Lama is the most important and defining institution for Buddhists, Rijiju said, adding, 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.

On Tuesday, the 14th Dalai Lama issued a statement reaffirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama would continue and that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust holds the legitimate authority to recognise his future reincarnation.

The announcement comes ahead of the Tibetan spiritual leaders 90th birthday on July 6, amid growing concerns that China may attempt to unilaterally appoint a successor, leveraging its political control over Tibet.

In response, the Chinese foreign ministry reacted sharply, with Spokesperson Mao Ning asserting that the reincarnation must be chosen by drawing lots from a golden urn, and approved by the central government (of China).

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She further claimed that while China upholds a policy of religious freedom, it also implements regulations on religious affairs and methods for managing the reincarnation of Tibetan living Buddhas.

With inputs from agencies
China has turned Pakistan into a laboratory to test its weapon systems, according to Lieutenant General Rahul R Singh, the Deputy Chief of Army Staff. He further said that China provided real-time intelligence to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor and became Indias backdoor adversary. read more

The alliance between the two countries is such that China has now become Indias backdoor adversary and has turned Pakistan into a live laboratory to test its weapons and military systems, according to Lieutenant General Rahul R Singh, the deputy chief of the Indian Army.

As Turkey also stood with Pakistan in the conflict with India in May, India now essentially faces not one but three adversaries on its Western border, said Singh.

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In the India-Pakistan conflict in May, Pakistan relied heavily on Chinese and Turkish weapons and military systems. Pakistan used Chinas PL-15 missiles, J-10 and JF-17 fighter planes, and HQ-9 air defence systems, and Turkeys drones against India.

We had one border and two adversaries  actually three. Pakistan was in the front. China was providing all possible support  81 per cent of the military hardware with Pakistan is ChineseChina is able to test its weapons against other weapons, so its like a live lab available to them. Turkey also played an important role in providing the type of support it did, said Singh at the New Age Military Technologies: Industry Capabilities & Way Forward conference on Friday.

India launched Operation Sindoor on the intervening night of May 6-7 in response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 26 people were killed. After India struck nine terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK), Pakistan attacked military and civilian sites across northwestern India. In the four-day conflict, India responded by battering several Pakistani military sites, including airbases, radar sites, and air defence systems.

China is acting as backdoor adversary

With such an axis that Pakistan has forged, India now essentially faces three adversaries on its Western border in the form of Pakistan, China, and Turkey, according to Singh.

As for the role of China, Singh said that it provided real-time support intelligence to Pakistan and this continued even at the negotiations were going on at the level of the directors general of military operations (DGMOs).

Pakistan was the front face. We had China providing all possible support and its no surprise because if you were to look at statistics in the last five years, 81 per cent of the military hardware that Pakistan is getting is all Chinese. And China of course has the good old dictum killed by a borrowed knife  the 36 stratagems that China talks about. So, they would rather use the neighbour to cause pain then getting involved in the mudslinging a match on the northern border, said Singh.

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Even though major population centres were not attacked in the conflict in May, India should be prepared for it for future rounds of conflict.

Outside of Jammu and Kashmir, where civilian sites, including houses and religious places, were struck, attacks on civilian sites were not widely reported. India had said that Pakistan had launched missiles and drones at Amritsar, the holiest city for Sikhs, but those attacks were foiled.

Notably, Singh said that an Israeli Iron Dome-like system cannot work in India because of the size of the country.

We do not have the luxury like we have been seeing the way Israel has with the Iron Dome and number of other air defense features that they have. We do not have a luxury because our country is vast so and such things cost a lot of money, said Singh.
A leading Chinese foreign policy adviser has urged the US and China to accelerate talks for a potential Xi-Trump summit this fall. While diplomatic signals are improving, logistical delays and limited engagement outside trade circles are stalling progress. Experts warn the window for dialogue is rapidly closing. read more

A prominent Chinese foreign policy adviser has warned that time is running out for the United States and China to organise a long-anticipated summit between former President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping, signalling that the window to reset bilateral ties may soon close unless preparations accelerate.

If this summit is going to happen in the fall, then both sides need to get moving now, said Wu Xinbo, director of the Center for American Studies at Fudan University, during a panel at the World Peace Forum in Beijing on Friday. Time is limited and we need to begin making arrangements immediately.

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Wus comments come amid cautious optimism that the worlds two largest economies are beginning to stabilise their relationship after months of escalating tensions. Trump and Xi last spoke in early June, and a fragile trade truce struck during talks in London last month appears to be holding.

In the past week, Ive seen real signs that both Washington and Beijing are delivering on their commitments, Wu said. He pointed to the resumption of some rare earth exports from China and the easing of US restrictions on key tech components as promising indicators.

Progress but pressure builds

Under the current framework agreement, which runs until mid-August, China agreed to resume exports of rare earth materials essential for wind turbines, electric vehicles, and defence technology. In return, the US relaxed certain export controls, including those on chip-design software, jet engine parts and ethane.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that rare earth shipments from China have resumed, although not yet at previous levels. Meanwhile, Washington has begun allowing ethane exports and chip-design software sales to China without requiring additional licenses.

Despite these developments, the timeline for a potential Trump visit remains uncertain. Sources familiar with White House discussions say Trumps team has begun quietly sounding out business leaders about joining him on a possible trip to China later this year. However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that no visit has been scheduled at this time.

Opportunity on the horizon

Wu suggested that the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea in October might present a convenient window for Trump to also travel to Beijing. But such a visit, he stressed, requires a broader diplomatic push.

You cant just leave this to the trade teams, Wu said. We need the involvement of the entire government apparatus, especially the diplomatic and security channels. Its time for Foreign Minister Wang Yi to engage directly with his US counterpart.

His remarks came a day after Liu Jianchao, another senior Chinese official, spoke positively about the future of US-China relations but warned that flashpoints like Taiwan and the South China Sea still carry risk. Liu described war between the two nations as unimaginable, but not impossible if missteps continue.

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The stakes of a summit

Wu outlined two clear expectations for a potential Trump visit. First, he said Trump should publicly acknowledge China as Americas most vital commercial partner. Second, he urged the US president to reaffirm Washingtons long-standing stance of non-support for Taiwans independence and support for peaceful reunification.

Trump is a smart negotiator, Wu said. He knows how to frame a deal that aligns with Americas interests. When hes in Beijing, hell say what needs to be said.

For now, the momentum appears to be buildingbut without swift coordination, a meeting between Xi and Trump could remain just out of reach. Whether the delay lies in Beijing, Washington, or both, the clock is undeniably ticking.
U.S. attempts to end Russias war in Ukraine through diplomacy have largely stalled, and Trump has faced growing calls - including from some Republicans - to increase pressure on Putin to negotiate in earnest read more

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that a phone call earlier in the day with Vladimir Putin resulted in no progress at all on efforts to end the war in Ukraine, while a Kremlin aide said the Russian president reiterated that Moscow would keep pushing to solve the conflicts root causes.

The two leaders did not discuss a recent pause in some U.S. weapons shipments to Kyiv during the nearly hour-long conversation, according to a readout provided by Putin aide Yuri Ushakov.

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U.S. attempts to end Russias war in Ukraine through diplomacy have largely stalled, and Trump has faced growing calls - including from some Republicans - to increase pressure on Putin to negotiate in earnest.

Within hours of the calls conclusion, an apparent Russian drone attack sparked a fire in an apartment building in a northern suburb of Kyiv, Ukrainian officials said, indicating little change in the trajectory of the conflict.

In Kyiv itself, Reuters witnesses reported explosions and sustained heavy machine-gun fire as air defense units battled drones over the capital, while Russian shelling killed five people in the eastern part of the country.

I didnt make any progress with him at all, Trump told reporters in brief comments at an air base outside Washington, before departing for a campaign-style event in Iowa.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, meanwhile, told reporters in Denmark earlier in the day that he hopes to speak to Trump as soon as Friday about the ongoing pause in some weapons shipments, which was first disclosed earlier this week.

Trump, speaking to reporters as he left Washington for Iowa, said we havent completely paused the weapons flow but blamed his predecessor, Joe Biden, for sending so many weapons that it risked weakening U.S. defenses.

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Were giving weapons, but weve given so many weapons. But we are giving weapons. And were working with them and trying to help them, but we havent. You know, Biden emptied out our whole country giving them weapons, and we have to make sure that we have enough for ourselves, he said.

The diplomatic back-and-forth comes as the U.S. has paused shipments of certain critical weapons to Ukraine due to low stockpiles, sources earlier told Reuters, just as Ukraine faces a Russian summer offensive and increasingly frequent attacks on civilian targets.

Putin, for his part, has continued to assert he will stop his invasion only if the conflicts root causes have been addressed - Russian shorthand for the issue of NATO enlargement and Western support for Ukraine, including the rejection of any notion of Ukraine joining the NATO alliance.

Russian leaders are also angling to establish greater control over political decisions made in Kyiv and other Eastern European capitals, NATO leaders have said.

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The pause in U.S. weapons shipments caught Ukraine off-guard and has generated widespread confusion about Trumps current views on the conflict, given his statement just last week that he would try to free up a Patriot missile defense system for use by Kyiv.

Ukrainian leaders called in the acting U.S. envoy to Kyiv on Wednesday to underline the importance of military aid from Washington, and caution that the pause in U.S. weapons shipments would weaken Ukraines ability to defend against intensifying Russian air strikes and battlefield advances.

The Pentagons move has meant a cut in deliveries of the Patriot defense missiles that Ukraine relies on to destroy fast-moving ballistic missiles, Reuters reported on Wednesday.

Ushakov, the Kremlin aide, said that while Russia was open to continuing to speak with the U.S., any peace negotiations needed to occur between Moscow and Kyiv.

That comment comes amid some indications that Moscow is trying to avoid a trilateral format for any potential peace negotiations. The Russians asked American diplomats to leave the room during such a meeting in Istanbul in early June, Ukrainian officials have said.

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Trump and Putin did not talk about a face-to-face meeting, Ushakov said.
Victims families have claimed they were coerced by Air India into signing documents detailing their financial dependency on the deceased, seemingly to reduce compensation amounts read more

Debris of an Air India plane that crashed moments after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport. Pic/PTI

Weeks after the Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad claimed 241 lives, the families of the victims have accused the airline of pressuring them during the initial compensation process.

They allege Air India threatened no compensation if they did not complete a company-provided questionnaire.

Families also claim they were coerced into signing documents detailing their financial dependency on the deceased, seemingly to reduce compensation amounts.

In response, Air India has dismissed these allegations as unsubstantiated and inaccurate.

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The crash occurred shortly after the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner took off from Ahmedabad en route to London, killing all but one of the 242 passengers and crew members on board.

UK-based law firm levels serious allegations

Stewarts, a UK-based law firm, has been retained by families of over 40 passengers from the UK and India. Partnering with Ahmedabad-based firm Nanavati and Nanavati, Stewarts is assisting Indian families in pursuing claims against Air India, Boeing, and other potentially liable parties, according to an official.

In a statement, Stewarts reported that Air India required families to complete a questionnaire to receive an advance payment, forcing them to fill it out in intense heat without guidance on its legal terms and questions. The firm further stated that Air India has been pressuring families to complete the questionnaire, threatening to withhold compensation if they fail to comply.

The questionnaire, reportedly necessary for an advance payment, includes legal terminology that the airline allegedly failed to explain, raising concerns that it could be used to minimise future compensation.

Our clients have shown us the questionnaire. It demands legally significant information using terms with a legal definition which is not being told to families. The information being asked could be used against families by Air India in the future, even though few families will understand how the questions should be interpreted or the test that should be applied for each of the terms used," the firm said.

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The firm said that they have advised their clients (victim families) not to complete the form, as the company will seek payment for them.

We are shocked and appalled that Air India is pressurising families for this information when they are at their most vulnerable," the statement said.

Air India responds

Air India, in its defence, has said it sought only basic information from the families to establish relationships so that compensation is issued to those who are entitled.

The airline explained that the question about financial dependency on the deceased was included as a fair and necessary measure to prioritise and process payments for those most in need of assistance.

Air India categorically rejects these allegations and refutes them as both unsubstantiated and inaccurate.

Air India has been making considerable efforts to process payment of interim compensation (also referred to as advance compensation) as soon as possible, in order to meet the immediate financial needs of affected family members, with the first payments having been made within days of the accident. However, Air India cannot process these payments in an information vacuum. In order to facilitate payments, Air India has sought basic information to establish family relationships to ensure that the advance payments are received by those entitled to them. Whilst the questionnaire does ask family members to indicate with a yes" or no" as to whether they are financially dependent" on the deceased, Air India believes this is an entirely fair and necessary question in order for us to process payments to those most in need of assistance," the Air India statement said.

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It said that the families can respond to the questionnaire during their physical presence at the centre established in Ahmedabad or by email.

Starting 15 June, Air India established a Facilitation Centre at the Taj Skyline hotel in Ahmedabad, where the questionnaire relating to interim compensation is available. In addition, families were sent communications informing them that the questionnaire is also available over e-mail, in the event families do not wish to make a visit to the Centre. Air India staff are present at the Centre to explain the elements of the questionnaire to family members. There is no requirement for family members to complete the questionnaire at the Centre, and several families have chosen to complete the questionnaire at their convenience and submit it over e-mail. Those families who chose to complete the questionnaire at the Centre were provided with copies of their submissions at their request. In addition to being able to ask questions of the Air India staff at the Centre, families are, of course, free to seek legal advice should they wish to do so," the statement said.

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The timing of the strike is especially acute, with Friday being the last day of school in France before the summer vacation and many families contemplating an early departure read more

A departures information board is seen at Orly airport, near Paris, as French air traffic controllers launched a two-day strike to demand better working conditions. AP

On Friday, French air traffic controllers went on strike for the second day in a row, causing hundreds of thousands of travellers to miss flights not just to and from France, but also overflying the country as the summer vacation season begins.

Paris airports were hit even harder than on the first day of the strike on Thursday, which was organised by two minority unions demanding improved working conditions and staffing.

The timing of the strike is especially acute, with Friday being the last day of school in France before the summer vacation and many families contemplating an early departure.

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According to Frances DGAC aviation authority, 933 flights departing or arriving at French airports were cancelled on Thursday, accounting for around 10% of the total number of flights originally scheduled. At Paris principal airports, the cancellation rate has risen to 25 percent.

Around 1,000 flights were cancelled on Friday morning after the DGAC requested that firms postpone 40% of their flights to deal with the strike.

The government has criticised the walkout, with Prime Minister Francois Bayrou telling BFMTV that choosing the day when everyone goes on holiday to go on strike at air traffic control is taking the French hostage.

Unacceptable

Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot told CNews that yesterday and today, 272 people in our country will impact the well-being of more than 500,000 people.

This is unacceptable, he said.

UNSA-ICNA, the second biggest labour group in the sector, launched the action to protest against chronic understaffing, the planned introduction of a clock-in system, outdated equipment and toxic management practices that are incompatible with the requirements of calm and safety.

It was joined by the third largest union, USAC-CGT but the main union, SNCTA, has not joined the action.

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The effects of the strike are not limited to France and the stoppage has triggered hundreds of cancellations of flights that fly over the country.

The European Airlines for Europe (A4E) association said 1,500 flights would be cancelled on Thursday and Friday in Europe, affecting 300,000 passengers.

French air traffic control already delivers some of Europes worst delay figures and now the actions of a minority of French air traffic control workers will needlessly disrupt the holiday plans of thousands of people in France and across Europe, said A4E chief Ourania Georgoutsakou.

The association said the strikes also caused almost 500,000 minutes in delays in Europe on Thursday on nearly 33,000 commercial flights.

Stuck

Ryanair, Europes largest airline by passenger numbers, said it had cancelled more than 400 flights.

Ryanair CEO Michael OLeary urged the EU Commission to protect such overflights by law in case of strikes.

Of these 400 flight cancellations, 350 would not be cancelled if the EU protected overflights over France, he said.

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At Paris airports, passengers stared at departure boards loaded with cancellations to assess their options.

I came here on holiday to celebrate my wifes 40th birthday, but now Im stuck at Charles de Gaulle Airport, said Julien Barthelemy, a passenger travelling to Marseille from New York, late Thursday.

Im currently on the waiting list for three flights and am waiting for a spot on the next one to become available.

Lara, 30, was scheduled to take a flight from Paris to Berlin with her partner to visit friends.

The flight was scheduled for Thursday evening, but we were informed on Wednesday that it had been cancelled. We had been able to get another ticket for free, for Friday evening, but that was also cancelled, she told AFP, adding they had to buy more expensive train tickets.

Around 30 flights at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam were cancelled while others were delayed on Friday due to the strikes, an airport spokesperson said in an email to AFP.

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Around 30 flights have been cancelled today by airlines as a precaution, the spokesperson said.

We expect a return to regular operations this weekend as the strikes are expected to end.

Airline KLM said the strikes have caused operational irregularities including delays and two flight cancellations.

Where needed customers have been rebooked on the next available flight, an airline spokesman said.
While colonialism was the biggest threat in the 18th century when the United States achieved independence, many now believe climate change to be the biggest threat  even in the domain of national security. But US President Donald Trump is a climate change denier and calls it a hoax. read more

As the United States marks the 249th Independence Day, US President Donald Trump is undoing the US leadership of the world.

For decades, from terrorism to climate change, the United States served as the worlds leader. But, under Trump, the United States is not just retreating from its leadership roles but ditching some causes altogether. Nowhere it is more visible than climate change.

Trump is a climate change denier and calls it a hoax. Even as more and more countries are factoring in climate change in their national security strategies, Trump is going all-in on fossil fuels under his drill baby, drill approach.

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On his first day in the second term, Trump signed an executive order to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate agreement. He has also reversed the previous Joe Bidens policies for the promotion of green energy and has promoted unrestrained extraction and usage of fossil fuels.

The reality is such that there are currently around 9.8 million people were internally displaced by climate disasters, according to the Norwegian Refugee Council. Separately, the United Nations (UN) has estimated that there could be more than 200 million climate refugees by 2050.

How climate change poses security threats

Climate change does not just create security problems of its own but also acts as a threat multiplier to worsen existing problems.

For example, the flow of refugees from West Asia and Africa has destabilised Europe for more than a decade. It has led to national security concerns as several extremists are understood to have reached Europe with refugees. The management of these people has also strained host countries resources and led to internal tensions and political crises, such as in Germany where far-right, neo-Nazi party AfD has capitalised on the problem.

While the refugee problem has traditionally been driven by armed conflicts like wars or ethnic cleansing, climate change has now started to create waves of refugees. In the Sahel region, tens of thousands of people have been displaced from clashes over competition for scarce water resources.

In several island nations and communities, people have been forced to migrate because of rising sea levels, such as in the case of Kiribati in the Pacific where more than half of the population has been forced to move to the capital. People are also increasingly moving to New Zealand or Fiji to escape rising sea levels that are making several areas uninhabitable.

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Mass migration leads to a lot of political and social tensions as well as border issues. That could affect national security, because it could destabilize an entire region, Karen Seto, a professor of geography and urbanisation at the Yale School of the Environment, told Time.

Separately, Scott Moore, a professor of political science at the University of Pennsylvania, told the magazine that climate change takes things that we were already worried about, like extremism or terrorism, and exacerbates the scale or nature of those threats.

Moore further said, If you have these intensified climate change impacts, they place stress on things like food systems, and worsen already existing tensions within countriesIf you have, for example, a really extreme and intensified drought in a country in which extremist ideologies are percolating, these climate change impacts may make it more likely that people are going to stop farming, or might migrate to cities where they may face difficult employment prospects, be socially dislocated and may be more vulnerable to extremism or engaging in some type of violence.

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Trump seeks profits from climate change

Melting icesheets in polar regions from climate change is allowing adversarial states like Russia and China, and possibly non-state actors like smugglers, to find new ways to reach the United States and threaten national security. Instead of keeping these natural barriers alive by countering climate change, Trump is looking forward to exploiting natural resources that melting ice is revealing, such as oil and rare earths.

Profiting from potential rare earths and oil reserves in and around Denmarks Greenland island is considered to be the main reason behind Trumps stated objective of annexing the island  forcefully if needed.

The melting ice and rising sea levels also potentially threaten military bases as they might come under the risk of being submerged, but Trump does not recognise such concerns.
The United States, Ukraines largest military backer since Russias full-fledged invasion in 2022, announced Tuesday that it was stopping several vital arms supplies to Ukraine read more

Germany was considering acquiring more Patriot air defence systems from the United States for Ukraine, a government spokesperson said Friday, as Russia increased its aerial strikes.

When asked to comment on allegations that Berlins administration had approached Washington about an agreement for new anti-missile systems, government spokesman Stefan Kornelius said he could confirm that more intensive discussions are indeed taking place on this.

The United States, Ukraines largest military backer since Russias full-fledged invasion in 2022, announced Tuesday that it was stopping several vital arms supplies to Ukraine.

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According to US media, among the things hit were Patriot anti-missile systems, which Ukraine uses to defend itself against Russian strikes.

Moscow has in recent weeks ramped up missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, as US support for Kyiv has appeared to waver under President Donald Trump.

German officials were particularly concerned about the impact of a potential halt to deliveries of Patriot systems and ammunition, German daily Bild reported Thursday.

Berlin had spoken to US officials about a deal that would see it purchase the weapons on Kyivs behalf and deliver them to Ukraine, Bild reported.

Germany was waiting on a response from the US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to a request for two Patriot units made several weeks ago, the paper said.

Ukraine has long stressed its need to improve its air defence, including with more Patriot systems, but has struggled to source them.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in April his government wanted to purchase at least 10 Patriot systems to defend against Russian attacks.
Hamas is expected to respond positively to the US-backed proposal for a ceasefire with Israel in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages. read more

Hamas terrorists arrive in a pick-up truck to the site of the hand over of hostage Agam Beger to the Red Cross at the Jabalya refugee camp in Gaza City, Thursday Jan. 30, 2025. (Photo: AP)

Hamas is expected to respond positive to the US-backed proposal aimed at ending the war with Israel in the Gaza Strip.

The United States has conveyed a proposal to Israel and Hamas. President Donald Trump has said that Israel has already accepted the proposal.

After Hamas on Friday said it was considering the US proposal passed on by Qatar, The Jerusalem Post reported that a positive reply was expected later in the day.

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A source familiar with the talks told The Post that Hamas response will be positive with revisions to some terms in the proposal but that those revisions would not be deal-breakers.

Trump on Thursday had said that he would know Hamas response to the proposal within 24 hours. The proposal, which has been floated by US Middle East Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, is seeks a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages.

These developments have been reported at a time when widespread Palestinian casualties have taken place in Israel in recent weeks. While casualties have been reported in continuing Israeli bombardment of the enclave, casualties have also been reported in firing on Palestinians gathering to receive aid. Palestinians have blamed Israeli military for these attacks at aid sites.

Whats inside US-backed Israel-Gaza ceasefire proposal?

The US-backed ceasefire proposal would lead to a ceasefire in Gaza for 60 days, according to The Post.

In these 60 days, talks for the permanent end of the war would take place.

In exchange of the ceasefire, Hamas would release 10 living hostages and 18 dead hostages.

On its part, Israel would release 125 Palestinian prisoners and 1,111 Gazans that Israel had arrested after the October 7 attack.

Previously, the newspaper had reported that one of the options being discussed was the exile of Hamas leaders from Gaza after the implementation of the ceasefire. In earlier round of negotiations, Hamas had rejected such a proposal.

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Trump said on Tuesday that Israel had agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize a 60-day ceasefire, during which efforts would be made to end the US allys war in the Palestinian enclave read more

A Palestinian looks on at the site of Thursday's Israeli strike that damaged and destroyed residential buildings, at Shati (Beach) refugee camp, in Gaza City. Reuters

Hamas leaders were due to discuss what US President Donald Trump has called a final proposal for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza on Friday evening, two sources from the Islamist group said, with Trump expecting a response in the coming hours.

Much would depend on clarifications and guarantees received from mediators in the negotiations, one Hamas source said.

A second source, familiar with Hamas positions, said the group wants guarantees that negotiations to end the war will take place during the 60-day ceasefire and that the truce will be extended if necessary until both sides come to terms.

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This source said Hamas wants the United Nations involved again in providing aid, for the aid to ensure humanitarian needs are met, including the operation of bakeries, and for Israel not to restrict it or use it as leverage during the talks.

They gave no indication of when Hamas might deliver its response.

Trump said on Tuesday that Israel had agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize a 60-day ceasefire, during which efforts would be made to end the US allys war in the Palestinian enclave.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to comment on Trumps announcement and in their public statements, the two sides remain far apart. Netanyahu has repeatedly said Hamas must be disarmed, a position the militant group, which is thought to be holding 20 living hostages, has so far refused to discuss.

Netanyahu is due to meet Trump in Washington on Monday. Asked early on Friday US time if Hamas had agreed to the latest ceasefire deal framework, Trump said: We are going to know over the next 24 hours.

Trump has said he would be very firm with Netanyahu on the need for a speedy Gaza ceasefire while noting that the Israeli leader wants one as well.

We hope its going to happen. And were looking forward to it happening sometime next week, he told reporters earlier this week. We want to get the hostages out.

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Stop this war

Israeli attacks have killed at least 138 Palestinians in Gaza over the past 24 hours, local health officials said.

Health officials at the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza said the Israeli military had carried out an airstrike on a tent encampment west of the city around 2 a.m., killing 15 Palestinians displaced by nearly two years of war.

The Israeli military said troops operating in the Khan Younis area had eliminated militants, confiscated weapons and dismantled Hamas outposts in the last 24 hours, while striking 100 targets across Gaza, including military structures, weapons storage facilities and launchers.

Later on Friday, Palestinians gathered to perform funeral prayers before burying those killed overnight.

There should have been a ceasefire long ago before I lost my brother, said 13-year-old Mayar Al Farr as she wept. Her brother, Mahmoud, was shot dead in another incident, she said.

He went to get aid, so he can get a bag of flour for us to eat. He got a bullet in his neck. It killed him on the spot, she said.

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Adlar Mouamar said her nephew, Ashraf, was also killed in Gaza. Our hearts are broken. We ask the world, we dont want foodWe want them to end the bloodshed. We want them to stop this war.

Make the deal

In Tel Aviv, families and friends of hostages held in Gaza were among demonstrators who gathered outside a US Embassy building on US Independence Day, calling on Trump to secure a deal for all of the captives.

Demonstrators set up a symbolic Shabbat dinner table, placing 50 empty chairs to represent those who are still held in Gaza. Banners hung nearby displaying a post by Trump from his Truth Social platform that read, MAKE THE DEAL IN GAZA. GET THE HOSTAGES BACK!!!

The Sabbath, or Shabbat, observed from Friday evening to Saturday nightfall, is often marked by Jewish families with a traditional Friday night dinner.

Only you can make the deal. We want one beautiful deal. One beautiful hostage deal, said Gideon Rosenberg, 48, from Tel Aviv.

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Rosenberg was wearing a shirt with the image of hostage Avinatan Or, one of his employees who was abducted by Palestinian militants from the Nova musical festival on October 7, 2023. He is among the 20 hostages who are believed to be alive after more than 600 days of captivity.

Ruby Chen, 55, the father of 19-year-old American-Israeli Itay, who is believed to have been killed after being taken captive, urged Netanyahu to return from meeting with Trump in Washington on Monday with a deal that brings back all hostages.

Let this United States Independence Day mark the beginning of a lasting peace, one that secures the sacred value of human life and one that bestows dignity to the deceased hostages by ensuring their return to proper burial, he said, also appealing to Trump.

Itay Chen, also a German national, was serving as an Israeli soldier when Hamas carried out its surprise attack on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking another 251 hostage.

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Israels retaliatory war against Hamas has devastated Gaza, which the militant group has ruled for almost two decades but now only controls in parts, displacing most of the population of more than 2 million and triggering widespread hunger.

More than 57,000 Palestinians have been killed in nearly two years of fighting, most of them civilians, according to local health officials.
The legislation has reportedly triggered a furious reaction from Musk, raising questions about whether his political gamble is backfiring  and whether his outrage is personal or purely financial, according to a report read more

While Elon Musk donated more than $250mn to elect Donald Trump, the billionaire is now facing a legislative threat that could cost Tesla billions.

According to a Financial Times report, Trumps big, beautiful bill puts at risk a crucial source of profit for Tesla by neutering rules that allow the electric-vehicle maker to sell billions of dollars of emissions credits.

These credits, which the company sells to automakers that dont meet environmental standards, have brought in billions over the years. Removing them could strike a major blow to Teslas profitability, added the report.

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The bill comes at a time when Tesla is already under pressure, with falling sales and the rollback of EV tax incentives compounding its troubles.

The legislation has reportedly triggered a furious reaction from Musk, raising questions about whether his political gamble is backfiring  and whether his outrage is personal or purely financial.

As Trump pushed to get the bill passed in Congress this week, Musk called it an abomination and warned that he might go after lawmakers who support it by funding their opponents  or even start his own political party.

In response, Trump shot back, saying that without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa.

Their escalating feud threatens critical parts of Musks business empire  and leaves Republican legislators caught in a tussle between the US president and the worlds richest man.

All family fights are ultimately about money, Financial Times quoted San Francisco-based tech entrepreneur Trevor Traina, who served as ambassador to Austria during Trumps first term, as saying.

This one seems to be no different . . . Billions in subsidies versus hundreds of millions in primaries, Traina added.

Musk publicly slammed bill

Publicly, Musk has criticised Trumps fiscal bill for its impact on the US deficit, but the real danger lies in what it means for Teslas bottom line, according to Financial Times.

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The bill threatens to dismantle all three of the countrys emissions credit systems  including those run by the Environmental Protection Agency, the state of California, and the federal Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards.

These programmes are essential to Teslas profitability. They reward companies that produce low or zero-emission vehicles by allowing them to sell credits to less efficient automakers.

If the bill passes, that revenue stream could vanish. In the first quarter of 2025, Tesla made $595 million from credit sales  more than its total net income of $409 million, meaning it would have reported a loss without them.

Last year, Tesla earned $2.8 billion from selling regulatory credits, up from $1.8 billion in 2023, accounting for 39 percent of its $7.1 billion in annual net income. Since 2015, those credit sales have brought in more than $11 billion  a financial cushion now directly under threat.

The budget bill negates Cafe by setting fines at zero. Tesla worries that traditional automakers will largely stop buying credits as a result, reported FT, citing people familiar with the companys internal debates.

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If theres no penalty for cheating, theres no reason to buy compliance credits, FT quoted Dan Becker, director of the Safe Climate Transport Campaign at the Center for Biological Diversity, as saying.

Im not sure how costly these (changes) will be compared to the damage that Musk did to Tesla by becoming Trumps Tweedle Dee and a pariah, he added.

Teslas credit profits

Tesla doesnt disclose where its regulatory credit profits come from, but insiders say up to 75% are from US programmes now under threat from Trumps new bill. While existing multiyear contracts may delay the financial hit, some deals could be voided due to clauses tied to legal changes, reported FT.

Tesla will still earn from credit sales abroad, including a new EU emissions pooling deal with automakers like Stellantis and Toyota, potentially worth over 1 billion. But in the US, the outlook is bleak. Trumps bill guts federal emissions credit systems, and while California is suing to protect its own program  where Tesla holds the most credits  the long-term market has collapsed.

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Beyond credits, the bill strips away nearly all federal support for Teslas broader business: EV tax credits, manufacturing incentives, charging infrastructure, and solar energy subsidies. Only energy storage incentives remain. The loss of the $7,500 EV credit alone could hit sales hard when it ends in September.

In response to Musks criticism, Trump mocked Teslas reliance on subsidies and threatened to cancel federal contracts with both Tesla and SpaceX. He also accused Musk of hypocrisy, citing Musks own Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), which Musk left in May amid rising tensions.

Tariffs and a looming trade war with China further endanger Teslas supply chain and margins. A former Tesla executive summed it up: This is a devastating blow  not just CAFE, but everything: tariffs, tax credits, manufacturing, charging, and solar. Elons waking up, but its too late.

Despite Musks threat to fund primary challenges against Republican supporters of the bill, few have broken ranks. The legislation passed with 50 of 53 GOP senators backing it, and a tiebreaker from VP JD Vance. Even some of Musks former allies now support the bill, citing the importance of preventing tax hikes.

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The bill passed Congress on Thursday and heads to Trumps desk. As one Trump ally put it: I respect Elon, but Trump carries the bigger stick.

With inputs from agencies
The US will start sending letters to countries on Friday specifying what tariff rates they will face on imports to the United States, President Donald Trump said. read more

President Donald Trump announced that the United States will begin issuing formal notifications to countries outlining the tariff rates they will face on exports to the US, a move away from pursuing numerous individual trade agreements.

Speaking to reporters before heading to Iowa on Thursday, Trump said letters will be sent out starting Friday to 10 countries at a time. These notifications will detail specific tariff rates, which he said could range from 20% to 30%.

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Acknowledging the complexity of negotiating with over 170 nations, Trump told reporters before departing for Iowa on Thursday that the letters will be sent to 10 countries at a time, laying out tariff rates such as 20% to 30%.

We have more than 170 countries, and how many deals can you make? Trump said. Theyre very much more complicated."

The Republican president said he expected a couple more detailed agreements with other countries after Wednesdays announcement of a trade deal with Vietnam. However, he said he preferred to notify most other countries of a specific tariff rate, skipping detailed negotiations.

Trumps comments underscored the challenges of completing trade agreements on everything from tariffs to non-tariff barriers such as bans on agricultural imports.

Top Trump aides said in April they would work on 90 deals in 90 days, an ambitious goal that was met with skepticism from trade experts familiar with arduous and time-consuming trade deals of the past.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Bloomberg Television that about 100 countries are likely to see a reciprocal tariff rate of 10% and predicted a flurry of trade deals announced before a July 9 deadline when tariffs could rise sharply.

If 10% tariffs were given to 100 countries, that would be fewer than originally envisioned by the Trump administration.

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A list prepared earlier by the Trump administration showed 123 jurisdictions slated for the 10% tariff rate, including mostly smaller countries and territories such as Australias uninhabited Heard and McDonald Islands.

Trumps sweeping reciprocal tariff policy, first revealed on April 2, sent shockwaves through financial markets with proposed tariffs ranging from 10% to 50%. He later temporarily reduced the rate to 10% for most countries to allow time for negotiations before the July 9 deadline.

So far, many of the countries assigned the initial 10% rate have not entered into talks with the US administration. The United Kingdom is a notable exceptionit struck a deal in May to retain the 10% tariff and gained sectoral benefits for areas like automotive and aerospace products.

Larger trading partners currently negotiating with the US have been assigned higher tariffs, including 20% for the European Union, 26% for India, and 24% for Japan. Countries that have yet to initiate discussions face even steeper rates50% for Lesotho, 47% for Madagascar, and 36% for Thailand.

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On Wednesday, Trump unveiled a new agreement with Vietnam, reducing tariffs on many Vietnamese goods from 46% to 20%, while allowing many US products duty-free access to the Vietnamese market.

With inputs from agencies
In the first such visit since the understanding to partially resolve the standoff in Ladakh last year, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will embark on a three-day visit of China on July 13. read more

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will embark on a three-day visit of China on July 13.

This will be Jaishankars first visit to China since India and China reached an understanding to partially resolve the military standoff in eastern Ladakh.

Jaishankar will hold bilateral meetings with Chinese officials and attend the SCO Foreign Ministers Meeting at Tianjin.

Even as India and China have taken steps to bring some normalcy to the bilateral relationship, such as the resumption of Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra and talks on the resumption of direct flights, the relationship is far from normal.

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Far from the public eye, China has engaged in economic coercion with the weaponisation of its trade with India.

In recent weeks, it has emerged that China has blocked rare earth supplies to India and the supply of speciality fertilisers. While the stoppage of rare earths has rattled several industries, most notably the automobile industry, the stoppage of fertiliser supply has already reportedly caused rise in prices of fertilisers.

China has also done nothing to tone down its support of Pakistan against India. Just today, deputy army chief Lieutenant General Rahul R Singh said that China provided real-time intelligence to Pakistan. Clubbing China with Turkey and Pakistan, he said that the situation was such that India faces three adversaries on its western border.

We had one border and two adversaries  actually three. Pakistan was in the front. China was providing all possible support  81 per cent of the military hardware with Pakistan is ChineseChina is able to test its weapons against other weapons, so its like a live lab available to them. Turkey also played an important role in providing the type of support it did, said Singh.

Last year, India and China reached an understanding to reinstate Indian patrolling in Demchok and Depsang in eastern Ladakh. However, Chinas patrolling was also allowed under the deal in India-controlled Yangtse in Arunachal Pradeshs Tawang.

It was only a partial deal as patrolling remains halted in regions that witnessed disengagement in 2022: Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley, Patrolling Points 15 and 17A in Gogra Hot Springs area. The buffer zones created in these areas continue to remain in place.

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In early 2020, Chinese forces carried out incursions in Ladakh and attacked Indian soldiers. The clashes turned particularly bloody on June 15 in Galwan Valley when Chinese soldiers killed 20 Indian soldiers. Months later, China said that four of its own soldiers were also killed in the fighting. The India-China relationship nosedived after the clashes. Jaishankar at one point said that Chinese attacks plunged the bilateral relationship to its lowest since 1962 when the two countries fought a war.
USAs ability to project power and maintain global stability is increasingly challenged by domestic priorities, shifting alliances, and the lingering fallout from past decisions read more

As the United States celebrates Independence Day on July 4, the nation stands at a crossroads in its role as a global superpower. The US remains deeply involved in major conflicts, including the Ukraine-Russia war and West Asian tensions.

However, its ability to project power and maintain global stability is increasingly challenged by domestic priorities, shifting alliances, and the lingering fallout from past decisions, such as the chaotic 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal.

The Trump administrations foreign policy, marked by a desire to scale back military engagements, faces significant hurdles, exemplified by its reluctant involvement in Israels bombing of Iran despite opposition from its MAGA base.

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Afghanistan withdrawal: A blow to US credibility

The US withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021 remains a defining moment in recent American foreign policy, exposing the limits of its power projection.

The hasty exit, following 20 years of military presence, was marred by chaotic scenes at Kabuls airport, where desperate Afghans clung to departing planes, and a suicide bombing killed 13 US service members and over 170 civilians. The Talibans swift takeover of Kabul, despite assurances from the Joe Biden administration that Afghan forces could hold ground, highlighted a critical miscalculation.

The withdrawal damaged US credibility on multiple fronts. Allies questioned Americas reliability as a security partner, particularly after abandoning Afghan allies who had supported US efforts. NATO partners, who had contributed troops and resources, felt blindsided by the lack of coordination. Adversaries, including Russia and China, capitalised on the perceived weakness.

For the Trump administration in 2025, this legacy complicates efforts to restore confidence in US foreign policy.

Trumps reluctant involvement in Israels Iran strikes

The Trump administration, re-elected with a mandate to reduce US military engagements abroad, has faced significant challenges in navigating West Asian tensions, particularly the Israel-Iran conflict.

Despite campaign promises to prioritise America First and avoid foreign wars, Trump found himself drawn into supporting Israels bombing of Iranian targets last month, a move that sparked dissent within his MAGA base.

The US, bound by its alliance with Israel and pressure from hawkish lawmakers, provided logistical support and intelligence, despite Trumps initial reluctance. Then, the US president greenlighted a plan to deploy US B-2 stealth bombers to target three nuclear sites in Iran under operation Midnight Hammer.

However, the MAGA camp vocally opposed the decision. Social media platforms, including X, buzzed with criticism from Trump supporters, who argued that US involvement risked escalation and contradicted the administrations anti-war stance.

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Rival powers like China and Russia exploit divisions within the US and its alliances, while emerging powers like India and Turkey pursue independent agendas. Domestically, the Trump administration faces pressure to focus on economic recovery and border security, limiting appetite for costly overseas commitments.

As Americans celebrate Independence Day, the nations role as a guarantor of global peace and stability is under scrutiny. The US retains unmatched military and diplomatic influence, but its ability to lead is tempered by past missteps, like Afghanistan, and current challenges, such as balancing domestic priorities with international obligations.
On this Independence Day, as the United States reflects on its global standing, shifting alliances and emerging power blocs are challenging long-standing partnerships and reshaping Americas role in an increasingly multipolar world read more

(File) Two-and-a-half-year-old Zacky Kaplan rides his scooter while draped in the American flag as he makes his way along the parade route during the Santa Monica Fourth of July Parade on July 4, 2019 in Santa Monica, California. AP

As Americans celebrate Independence Day, a more introspective mood defines the strategic community in Washington. Who still stands with the United States and under what terms? With shifting global power dynamics, Americas alliances, from the entrenched institutions of Nato to emerging security groupings in the Indo-Pacific, are transforming rapidly.

The rise of multipolarity, the transactional diplomacy of President Donald Trump and the recalibration of global threat perceptions are reshaping the architecture of American global leadership.

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From Europe to the Pacific, and from West Asia to South Asia, the United States faces this question whether traditional partnerships still align with its interests or whether those interests are evolving too fast for alliances to keep up.

Nato: An alliance under review

The transatlantic alliance that once formed the bedrock of post-World War II global security is now wading through uncharted waters. Multiple reports say that Natos European members have begun quietly planning for a possible US troop reduction in Europe, fearing abrupt shifts in American defence commitments under Trumps second presidency.

The United States has currently deployed around 80,000 troops across Europe, critical for deterrence, especially on Natos eastern flank, but allies fear a drawdown of up to 20,000 troops may be imminent.

This isnt simply a numbers game. The logistical, intelligence and airpower capabilities of American forces remain irreplaceable in the near term. European Nato members, especially those bordering Russia, are concerned they lack the resources to fill a vacuum left by Washington.

Natos recently updated defence plans still depend heavily on US power projection capabilities, and despite pledges of coordination, many European capitals feel left in the dark. The Hague Summit Declaration of June 2025 notably stripped references to international law and the UN Charter, an omission that experts interpret as a symptom of growing rifts within the alliance, especially over diverging threat perceptions.

Shifting tides in the Indo-Pacific

While European allies worry about America stepping back, the Indo-Pacific sees a different trend of a concerted US effort to strengthen partnerships in the face of Chinas growing assertiveness. The United States, Japan, India and Australia  collectively known as the Quad  have deepened cooperation across defence, maritime security and critical minerals supply chains, according to a statement following their latest ministerial meeting in Washington.

This Indo-Pacific shift isnt new but has gained renewed urgency under the Trump administrations emphasis on interest-based coalitions. In February this year, the US reaffirmed its trilateral security partnership with Japan and South Korea, stressing joint deterrence, exercises and opposition to coercive actions in the South China Sea and across the Taiwan Strait.

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These declarations, while robust, also indicate a shift from rigid treaty-based alliances to looser, interest-driven partnerships that reflect the complexity of regional geopolitics and Chinas rise.

India: A strategic pillar in Americas Asia strategy

Indias growing role in US strategy is unmistakable. In a significant step, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Indias Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently agreed to formalise a new 10-year defence framework.

The Pentagons statement highlighted pending arms deals, expanded joint exercises and deeper integration of defence industrial supply chains, an indication that the US views India not only as a partner in balancing China but also as a long-term strategic ally in South Asia.

The new framework builds on years of growing interoperability and shared geopolitical interests, and despite Indias strategic non-alignment, it is increasingly woven into a US-led regional architecture. Yet even here, the relationship reflects a pragmatic, transactional logic where India seeks technology and autonomy while the US seeks balance against China.

Britains realignment: The India connection

One of the most symbolic realignments beyond the US sphere has come from one of its closest allies: the United Kingdom. Post-Brexit Britain has sought to redefine its global relevance, and its newly signed Free Trade Agreement with India marks a key shift in that quest.

The agreement isnt just about trade, it also marks a shift in global strategy, focussing more on building one-on-one relationships and working closely within regions, rather than relying mainly on long-standing ties with Europe. By negotiating a major economic accord independently of Washington, London signals a more autonomous foreign policy posture.

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While the UK remains a committed Nato member, it is increasingly positioning itself as a connector between Europe, the Anglosphere, and the Indo-Pacific, particularly India. This echoes a broader trend that former American allies now seek diverse portfolios of strategic partnerships, hedging against an unpredictable Washington.

Flexible alliances in a multipolar world

The age of rigid alliance structures  typified by Cold War-era Nato  is giving way to a more fluid, transactional model. The Trump administration appears to envision the world in terms of spheres of influence where great powers exert regional dominance rather than universal leadership.

The inward-looking policies of Trump is contributing to the consolidation of global multipolarity. This world order makes room for overlapping, often competing, coalitions rather than the clear hierarchies of the past.

For instance, Natos Article 5  an attack on one is an attack on all  remains intact, but its political commitment is under strain. Trump has signalled inconsistent support, leaving allies to interpret Americas intent based on rhetoric as much as action. Simultaneously, US defence priorities are being recalibrated toward Asia and, more selectively, West Asia, leaving Europe and parts of Africa to chart more independent security paths.

Diverging paths in Europe and West Asia

In Europe, this divergence is already evident. The Trump administration has repeatedly squeezed or frozen military aid to Ukraine while softening criticism of Russian actions, indicating a preference for transactional peace over long-term strategic deterrence.

In contrast, European allies have stepped up aid and sanctions, reaffirming their commitment to a rules-based order. Nato members have committed to boosting defence spending to five per cent of GDP over the next decade, barring Spain, a recognition that reliance on US security guarantees is no longer a given.

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In West Asia, the US maintains its commitment to Israel and responds decisively when its interests are directly challenged, such as in airstrikes against Iranian facilities. However, its broader approach reflects a retreat from the deeply involved nation-building efforts of previous decades.

Instead, economic ties with Gulf states and arms sales are preferred tools of influence. Meanwhile, Russia and China are expanding their footprints in parts of West Asia and Africa, capitalising on gaps left by waning US engagement.

Allies seeking autonomy, hedging bets

Faced with a United States that demands more and promises less, many countries are pursuing strategic autonomy. The European Union, led by France and Germany, is building independent defence capabilities. Japan and South Korea, while still close to Washington, are also investing heavily in self-reliance and diversifying partnerships, particularly in Southeast Asia.

The same applies to India, which continues to buy Russian arms while deepening ties with the US. In Latin America, Africa and Southeast Asia, many states are practising what analysts call strategic hedging  refusing to choose between Washington, Moscow and Beijing, and instead engaging with all based on immediate benefits.

The Trump doctrine: Transaction over tradition

At the heart of these shifts is the Trump administrations explicitly transactional approach to foreign policy. Unlike the idealism of previous US administrations, Trumps worldview prioritises deals, burden-sharing and cost-benefit calculations.

Alliances, under this doctrine, are useful only in so far as they deliver tangible gains for American interests. This has left some partners unsure of the durability of US commitments and prompted others to take more responsibility for their security.

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This approach does not mean isolationism. The US remains deeply involved in global affairs. But it increasingly favours coalitions of the willing, tailored engagements and strategic partnerships that serve discrete goals over blanket security guarantees or open-ended commitments.

Independence Day in an interdependent age

On this Independence Day, as Americans mark their historic break from imperial power, their country faces a world where its power is no longer uncontested. The US remains a global leader, but the nature of leadership is changing.

The liberal international order, as understood till date, is at least under renovation, if not demolished. Alliances once based on shared values now rest more on shared interests. Power is diffused, and loyalty cannot be assumed.

For the United States, this may be a moment of recalibration and realignment. But that recalibration warrants a new understanding of alliances as dynamic partnerships shaped by mutual benefit, adaptability and realism, not nostalgia. The flags flying across America today honour a legacy of independence. But sustaining leadership in todays multipolar world may require more cooperation than ever, just of a different kind.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the attack deliberately massive and cynical, noting the first sirens blared as news came in of Putin and Trumps call read more

An explosion of a drone lights up the sky over the city during a Russian drone and missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine. Reuters

Russia launched a large-scale drone attack on Kyiv, described as the biggest of the war so far, resulting in one fatality, injuries to at least 23 people, and widespread damage across the capital, officials said on Friday.

The assault came just hours after a call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

According to Ukraines Air Force, 539 drones and 11 missiles were used in the overnight attack.

Air raid sirens, drone sounds, and explosions were heard from evening until dawn, while many residents took shelter in metro stations. Kyivs military administration later reported that a body was recovered from one of the affected sites.

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Outside a high-rise apartment block damaged by a drone, residents stood around surveying the scene as the clean-up job began. Some cried. Others looked on silently.

I woke up to the sound of explosions, first the Shahed drones started buzzing, and then the explosions began, said 40-year-old resident Maria Hilchenko.

Then people started screaming outside. The explosions from the Shaheds kept coming. Shahed drones are an Iranian design, a variant of which is now manufactured in Russia.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the attack deliberately massive and cynical, noting the first sirens blared as news came in of Putin and Trumps call.

Later on Friday Zelenskyy spoke to Trump and the pair agreed to work on increasing Kyivs capability to defend the sky. He added they discussed joint defence production, as well as joint purchases and investments. The U.S. has paused some deliveries of missiles amid concerns about low stockpiles.

Kyiv officials said the attack damaged about 40 apartment blocks, passenger railway infrastructure, five schools and kindergartens, cafes and many cars in six of Kyivs 10 districts. Poland said the consular section of its embassy was damaged in central Kyiv, adding that staff were unharmed.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said a Chinese component had been found in one of the Shahed drones attacking Kyiv, adding it had been found shortly after Chinas consulate in the southern city of Odesa suffered minor damage in a separate strike.

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What an irony, Sybiha wrote on X.

Russian airstrikes on Kyiv have intensified in recent weeks and included some of the deadliest assaults of the war on the city of three million people.

Russias Defence Ministry said drone factories, a military airfield and an oil refinery were among targets it struck in Kyiv with what it called high-precision weapons. Ukraine did not give details of any militarily valuable targets.

Call for sanctions

Trump said that the call with President Putin on Thursday resulted in no progress at all on efforts to end the war, and the Kremlin reiterated that Moscow would keep pushing to solve the conflicts root causes.

The decision by Washington to halt some shipments of critical weapons to Ukraine prompted warnings by Kyiv that the move would weaken its ability to defend against intensifying airstrikes and battlefield advances. Germany said it is in talks on buying Patriot air defence systems to bridge the gap.

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On Friday, Zelenskyy called for increased pressure on Moscow to change its dumb, destructive behavior.

For every such strike against people and human life, they must feel appropriate sanctions and other blows to their economy, their revenues, and their infrastructure, he said.

Ukraines Air Force said it destroyed 478 of the air weapons Russia launched overnight. Airstrikes were recorded in eight locations, with nine missiles and 63 drones, it added.

Social media videos showed people running to seek shelter, firefighters fighting blazes in the dark and ruined buildings with windows and facades blown out.

Both sides deny targeting civilians in the war that Russia launched with its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Thousands of civilians have been killed in the conflict, the vast majority of them Ukrainian. Many more soldiers are believed to have been killed on the front line, but neither side releases military casualty figures.

Late on Thursday, Russian shelling killed five people in and near the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, Ukraine said.

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Rodrigos girlfriends have become a source of headache for the Duterte family. Many of them have travelled to the Hague over the past weeks to meet the former president but they were not allowed to enter the facility read more

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte delivers a speech during the proclamation rally for his political party PDP-Laban's senatorial candidates ahead of the midterm elections, at Club Filipino in San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines, February 13, 2025. Reuters

Former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte, who is already facing a war crimes trial in the Hague, has a new headache knocking at his door: More than a dozen women who allegedly had relationships with the self-proclaimed 80-year-old womaniser.

Rodrigos son Paolo Duterte on Monday (June 30) visited his father at the ICC and passed on a message from the former president to all the women seeking to meet him in the Hague: To all his girlfriends  look for somebody else. Somebody with plenty of credit cards.

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It was not clear how many women Rodrigo dated but Paolo claimed to know of at least 13 in the city of Davao alone. His brother and Davaos acting mayor Sebastian meanwhile said there were only fourDutertes former wife, Elizabeth Zimmerman, his current partner Cielito Honeylet Avancena, Balaba and Egan.

All of these fine ladies touched the life and heart of my father. No one is above or below the other, including my mother. It is what it is, wrote Sebastian in a Facebook post.

Meanwhile, Dutertes daughter and Vice-President Sara Duterte said in June that her father was smart because when he separated from my mother, he didnt marry again  And therefore, now, nobody can claim Rodrigo Duterte because theyre just all equally girlfriends.

The women have become a source of headache for the Duterte family. Several of them have travelled to the Hague over the past weeks to meet the former president but they were not allowed to enter the facility.

On June 20, Veronica Kitty Duterte, the 20-year-old youngest daughter of Rodrigo Duterte, posted on Instagram, sharply criticising an unnamed individual for attempting to get close to her father.

Without disclosing the persons identity or gender, she condemned their audacity for claiming to have performed duties for Duterte, accusing them of posing as his partner to gain access, visit him, and extract information for potentially harmful purposes.

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The post sparked widespread speculation among Dutertes supporters. Online discussions pointed to two individuals: Joyleen Girlie Balaba, a 52-year-old councillor from Cagayan de Oro, and Jasmin Jasy Egan, a former protocol officer at the presidential palace. Both reportedly travelled to The Hague recently.

Nuelle Duterte, a psychiatrist and the former presidents niece, shared with This Week in Asia that Girlie Balaba was an open secret in Davao City, widely known as one of his girlfriends. I saw her once at a local hospital in Davao when I was a medical student, and she was identified as Digongs [Rodrigos] girlfriend.

Rodrigo Duterte has remained evasive on the issue. When questioned by his son Paolo about Egan, he reportedly dismissed any connection, stating they had no relation. Paolo recounted his fathers lighthearted remark: Theyre not cousins, theyre not siblings, so theres no relation.

Notably, Duterte was transferred to the Netherlands on March 12 to face charges of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC) related to his role in the deadly war on drugs campaign.

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During his presidency, Duterte publicly urged law enforcement to pursue and eliminate individuals suspected of involvement in the illegal drug trade. The war crimes trial could see him sentenced up to 30 years in jail.
The Hamas-run Civil Defence agency has said that one Israeli strike hit a school-turned-shelter for displaced families in Gaza City, killing 15 people. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that it targeted the shelter to destroy a key Hamas operative based there read more

Palestinians mourn at al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City, where the victims of an Israeli strike which hit the Mustafa Hafez school, sheltering Palestinians displaced by the war, were brought, on July 3, 2025. AFP

Israeli strikes across Gaza have killed at least 69 Palestinians after the countrys military intensified attacks in the region, as Hamas considers a ceasefire agreement mediated by the US.

The Hamas-run Civil Defence agency has said that one Israeli strike hit a school-turned-shelter for displaced families in Gaza City, killing 15 people. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that it targeted the shelter to destroy a key Hamas operative based there.

Another 38 Gazans were killed waiting in line to receive aid or on their way to pick it up, a claim that has been rejected by the Israeli military, which said that reports of such extensive casualties were lies.

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The attacks come after US President Donald Trump declared that Israel has agreed to a ceasefire deal, urging Hamas to do the same. Meanwhile, the Palestinian terror group has said that it is considering a truce deal with Israel.

The IDF on Thursday said that its aircraft struck around 150 terror targets across Gaza in the past 24 hours, including fighters, tunnels and weapons.

At least 15 people, the majority of them women and children, were killed in a pre-dawn strike that hit a school sheltering displaced families in the al-Rimal neighbourhood of Gaza City, according to medics and the Hamas-run Civil Defence agency.

Trump wants Gazans to be safe

Trump said Thursday he wanted safety for people in Gaza, as he prepares to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu next week to push for a ceasefire.

I want the people of Gaza to be safe more importantly, Trump told reporters when asked if he still wanted the US to take over the Palestinian territory as he announced in February.

I want to see safety for the people of Gaza. Theyve gone through hell.

Netanyahu vows to bring hostages home

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to bring home all the hostages still held by Hamas in war-stricken Gaza.

I feel a deep commitment, first and foremost, to ensure the return of all our abductees, all of them, Netanyahu told inhabitants of the Nir Oz kibbutz, the community that saw the most hostages seized in the 2023 Hamas attacks that sparked the war.

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We will bring them all back, he added, in filmed comments released by his office.

Netanyahu is due to meet Trump in Washington, DC next week, with the US president expected to push for a ceasefire.

With inputs from AFP
In a historic address to Trinidad and Tobagos Parliament, PM Narendra Modi hailed democracy as a shared value and praised the nations women leaders of Indian origin. He called both countries pillars of strength, united by their post-colonial journeys and commitment to democratic ideals. read more

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday described democracy as more than just a political system for India, calling it a way of life, during his historic address to the Joint Assembly of the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago.

PM Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to address the parliament of the Caribbean nation.

I am deeply honoured to stand before you, the elected representatives of a proud democracy and a friendly nation. I bring greetings from 1.4 billion people of India, I also bring warm wishes from the people of Ghana, the country I visited just before arriving here. I am humbled to be the first Indian Prime Minister to speak to you at this iconic red House."

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VIDEO | Port of Spain: Addressing a joint session of Trinidad & Tobago's Parliament, PM Modi (@narendramodi) says, "I am deeply honoured to stand before you, the elected representatives of a proud democracy and a friendly nation. I bring greetings from 1.4 billion people of pic.twitter.com/xfytmG8bef  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 4, 2025

Modis speech delivered from the iconic Red House, the historic seat of Trinidad and Tobagos Parliament was rich in symbolism and historical references. He lauded the building as a witness to the nations journey through struggles and sacrifices for freedom and dignity, and praised its role as a foundation of an inclusive and resilient democracy over the past six decades.

Im delighted to see so many women members in this house. Respect for women is deeply rooted in Indian culture. One of our important holy texts, the Skanda Purana, says that one daughter brings as much happiness as ten sons. We are strengthening the hands of women to build our modern India. From space to sports, startups to science, education to enterprise, aviation to armed forces - they are leading India to a new future in various domains."

VIDEO | Port of Spain: Addressing a joint session of Trinidad & Tobago's Parliament, PM Modi (@narendramodi) says, "Colonial rules of the past may have ended, but there shadows linger in new forms. There are new challenges in space and cyber security. Artificial Intelligence is pic.twitter.com/3lFHhrBmGy  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 4, 2025

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In a heartfelt tribute to the Indian diaspora in the Caribbean, PM Modi highlighted the pride shared by Trinidad and Tobagos top leaders in their ancestral roots.

Drawing parallels between the histories of the two nations, the Prime Minister said, Both of our nations rose from the shadows of colonial rule to write our own stories with courage as our ink and democracy as our pen.

Colonial rules of the past may have ended, but there shadows linger in new forms. There are new challenges in space and cyber security. Artificial Intelligence is unlocking new opportunities as well as risk. The old institutions are struggling to deliver peace and progress, at the same time Global South is rising."

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VIDEO | Port of Spain: Addressing a joint session of Trinidad & Tobago's Parliament, PM Modi (@narendramodi) says, "Colonial rules of the past may have ended, but there shadows linger in new forms. There are new challenges in space and cyber security. Artificial Intelligence is pic.twitter.com/3lFHhrBmGy  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 4, 2025

Reinforcing the strength of democratic values, PM Modi said, Today, both our nations stand as proud democracies and pillars of strength in the modern world.

The speech was part of the second leg of PM Modis five-nation tour and followed his visit to Ghana. His address was widely seen as an effort to bolster Indias ties with the Caribbean region, deepen historical bonds with the Indian diaspora, and promote democratic solidarity on the global stage.

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PM Modis counterpart, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, came to the Piarco International Airport to receive him. She was accompanied by the entire Cabinet of Trinidad and Tobago at the airport. Interestingly, Persad-Bissessar wore Indian attire to welcome PM Modi read more

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Trinidad and Tobago late on Friday for the second leg of the five-nation visit. He flew down to the Caribbean nation from Ghana and is expected to hold meetings with the top leadership of Trinidad and Tobago to further strengthen the bilateral relationship.

PM Modis counterpart, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, came to the Piarco International Airport to receive him. She was accompanied by the entire Cabinet of Trinidad and Tobago at the airport, where PM Modi was accorded the Guard of Honour. Interestingly, Persad-Bissessar wore Indian attire to welcome PM Modi.

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#WATCH | Trinidad and Tobago | Prime Minister Narendra Modi was given a Guard of Honour upon his arrival at Trinidad and Tobago



T&T PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar and her entire cabinet welcomed PM Modi. Thirty-eight ministers and four Members of Parliament arrived at Piarco pic.twitter.com/XU33dc1e2V  ANI (@ANI) July 3, 2025

Landed in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago. I thank Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, distinguished members of the Cabinet and MPs for the gesture of welcoming me at the airport. This visit will further cement bilateral ties between our nations. Looking forward to addressing a community programme in a few hours from now, the Indian prime minister said on X.

Landed in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago. I thank Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, distinguished members of the Cabinet and MPs for the gesture of welcoming me at the airport. This visit will further cement bilateral ties between our nations. Looking forward to addressing pic.twitter.com/lyxxnKKfsR  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 3, 2025

Upon his arrival at the hotel, the Indian community welcomed him with chants of Bharat Mata Ki Jai and Modi, Modi. An orchestra performed, followed by a group singing bhajans.

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In Port of Spain, the prime minister witnessed a Bhojpuri Chautaal performance. The connect between Trinidad & Tobago and India, especially parts of eastern UP and Bihar is noteworthy, he said.

A cultural connect like no other!



Very happy to have witnessed a Bhojpuri Chautaal performance in Port of Spain. The connect between Trinidad & Tobago and India, especially parts of eastern UP and Bihar is noteworthy. pic.twitter.com/O751WpAJc5  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 3, 2025

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will hold talks with President Christine Carla Kangaloo and Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar and discuss further strengthening of the bilateral relationship.

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He is also expected to address a Joint Session of the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago. His visit will impart fresh impetus to the deep-rooted and historical ties between the two countries.

With inputs from agencies
The latest ceasefire proposal is a joint diplomatic effort by the US, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. While mediators from Qatar and Egypt are central to the talks, Hamas is expected to deliver its official response on the ceasefire deal soon read more

Relatives and supporters of hostages held in Gaza since the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas protest for the release of all hostages outside the headquarters of the Likud Party, in Tel Aviv, Israel. Reuters

As US President Donald Trump declared a breakthrough in Gaza ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas earlier this week, Qatar and Saudi Arabia worked behind the scenes to chart out the deal. The two Gulf countries have been wearing the mediator hat since the war began in 2023 and were behind the successful execution of the temporary truce in January.

Now, as another ceasefire proposal gains momentum, focus is back on Qatar, Saudi and the US on how soon it can be implemented. Its a race against time as more and more people lose their lives in Gaza. Yesterday, at least 70 people died as a result of Israeli airstrikes in the Palestinian region.

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The latest ceasefire proposal is a joint diplomatic effort by the US, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. While mediators from Qatar and Egypt are central to the talks, Hamas is expected to deliver its official response on the ceasefire deal soon.

What would the truce entail?

A Palestinian source familiar with the mediated negotiations told AFP that there are no fundamental changes in the new proposal under discussion compared to previous terms presented by the United States.

The source said that the new proposal includes a 60-day truce, during which Hamas would release half of the living Israeli captives in the Gaza Strip, in exchange for Israel releasing a number of Palestinian prisoners and detainees.

Out of 251 hostages seized by Palestinian militants in October 2023, 49 are still held in Gaza, including 27, the Israeli military says, are dead.

Hamas has also promised not to hold public hostage handover ceremonies, a major demand from Israel and the US after the events drew widespread condemnation from observers across the world.

Hamas considers truce deal

Hamas is reportedly satisfied with the plans language, especially US guarantees about continued negotiations to end the war. It said that it was conducting national consultations to discuss the proposals submitted in negotiations mediated by Qatar and Egypt.

Trump on Tuesday urged Hamas to accept a 60-day ceasefire, saying that Israel had agreed to finalise such a deal.

Hamas said in a statement that it was studying the latest proposals and aiming to reach an agreement that guarantees ending the aggression, achieving the withdrawal (of Israeli forces from Gaza) and urgently aiding our people in the Gaza Strip.

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Netanyahu vows to uproot Hamas

On the other hand, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to eradicate Hamas if talks fail. Israel has agreed to a partial withdrawal and increased humanitarian aid, but is not committing to a permanent end to the conflict.

Netanyahu has come under strong pressure to get the hostages back after US President Donald Trump said Israel had agreed to a 60-day ceasefire with Palestinian militant group Hamas that could lead to their release.

I feel a deep commitment, first and foremost, to ensure the return of all our abductees, all of them, Netanyahu told inhabitants of the Nir Oz kibbutz, the community that saw the most hostages seized in the 2023 Hamas attacks that sparked the war.

With inputs from agencies
Instead of his planned trip to the Asian nations, Rubio will now attend a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, slated for Monday, as pressure mounts on Israel and Hamas to reach a ceasefire in Gaza read more

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio attends a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on US President Donald Trump's State Department budget request for the Department of State, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, US, on Tuesday. Reuters file

US State Secretary Marco Rubio has postponed his upcoming visits to Japan and South Korea to focus on the Israel-Hamas war as Washington draws up plans for a ceasefire in Gaza.

According to a report by Nikkei, Rubio, who was supposed to kick-start his Asia tour from next week by travelling to Japan, has informed the governments in Tokyo and Seoul that his trips will be pushed back.

During his visit to Japan, Rubio was scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya. Discussions were expected to cover US tariff policies, developments in West Asia, and regional issues involving China, Russia, and North Korea.

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The development comes after the US cast doubt on reaching a trade deal with Japan and South Korea ahead of the expiration of a pause on retaliatory tariffs.

Why has the tour been pushed back?

Instead of his planned trip to the Asian nations, Rubio will now attend a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, slated for Monday, as pressure mounts on Israel and Hamas to reach a ceasefire in Gaza.

Sources told Nikkei that top State Department officials decided to cancel the meeting during a discussion held on Wednesday. Meanwhile, efforts toward securing a temporary ceasefire in Gaza appear to be gaining traction, with the potential for Hamas to release 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 others over a 60-day period.

While two State Department officials have confirmed the cancellation of Rubios trip to Japan and South Korea, he is still expected to visit Malaysia for the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting on July 10 and July 11.

Is Asia not a priority for Trump?

Derek Grossman, a professor of international relations at the University of Southern California, said, The Trump administration is leaving key US allies, Japan and South Korea, hanging out to dry when some shoring up of ties is needed, especially with ongoing trade tariffs and whispers that Washington plans to withdraw troops from bases in these allied nations.

Trumps foreign policy had been shifting towards transactional diplomacy, economic deals, and recalibrating alliances away from costly military entanglements in West Asia, looking to Gulf states for security and economic partnerships instead of traditional commitments to Israel.

The administrations new focus on West Asian crises undermines its ability to prioritise Asia, particularly efforts to deter China and reinforce alliances in the Indo-Pacific.

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In May 2024, US accused Russia of using chloropicrin, a chemical substance more poisonous than riot control chemicals that was first used by Germany during World War 1 read more

Servicemen of the 148th Separate Artillery Zhytomyr Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine prepare to fire a M777 Howitzer towards Russian troops at a position in the front line, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Donetsk region, Ukraine. File image/ Reuters

Dutch and German intelligence services said Friday they had obtained proof of widespread Russian deployment of banned chemical weapons in Ukraine, including the dropping of a choking agent from drones to push soldiers out of trenches so they could be shot.

Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans has advocated for tougher sanctions against Moscow.

The main conclusion is that we can confirm Russia is intensifying its use of chemical weapons, Brekelmans told Reuters.

This intensification is concerning because it is part of a trend we have been observing for several years now, where Russias use of chemical weapons in this war is becoming more normalized, standardized, and widespread.

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Germanys BND foreign intelligence agency corroborated the findings, stating that it got the evidence alondside its Dutch counterparts. Reuters was the first to report on the intelligence.

The chief of the Dutch Military information Agency (MIVD), Peter Reesink, stated that the conclusions were based on our own independent intelligence, so we have observed it ourselves based on our own investigations.

Reuters has been unable to independently verify the use of prohibited chemical agents by any side in the Ukraine conflict.

In May 2024, US accused Russia of using chloropicrin, a chemical substance more poisonous than riot control chemicals that was first used by Germany during World War 1.

Ukraine claims that Russia has used chemical weapons dozens of times.

Russias defence ministry did not immediately respond to a request to comment for this article. Russia has denied using illegal munitions and it has accused Ukraine of doing so.

Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry, said on Wednesday that the Federal Security Service discovered a Ukrainian cache of explosive devices in the east of the country containing chloropicrin.

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Ukraine has consistently denied such accusations.

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), a disarmament agency in The Hague with 193 member states, said last year that initial accusations levelled by both countries at each other were insufficiently substantiated.

It has not been asked to conduct a full investigation, which must be initiated by member states.

At least three Ukrainian deaths have been tied to chemical weapons use, Brekelmans said, while more than 2,500 people injured on the battlefield reported chemical weapons-related symptoms to Ukrainian health authorities.

Increased use of chemical weapons by Russia poses a threat not only to Ukraine but to other countries, Brekelmans added.

We must further increase the pressure. This means looking at more sanctions and specifically not allowing them (Russia) to participate in international bodies like the Executive Council of the OPCW, he said.

Reesink spoke of thousands of instances of chemical weapons use, while also citing a Ukrainian figure of 9,000.

Rotating two-year seats on the OPCW council will be up for negotiation in the coming months.

The intelligence findings were presented in a letter to the Dutch parliament on Friday.

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Large-scale program

Russia is a member of the OPCW and, like the United States, has destroyed its declared chemical weapons stockpiles.

Increased sanctions could happen in conjunction with the European Commission, which has proposed listing 15 additional new entities and individuals to its sanctions framework, including for suspected use of chemical weapons in Ukraine.

The Dutch military and general intelligence agencies, working with foreign partners, say they have uncovered concrete evidence of intensified Russian chemical weapons production.

This includes heightened research capabilities and the recruitment of scientists for chemical weapons development, Reesink said. He added that Russian officials have given instructions to soldiers on the use of poisonous warfare agents.

This isnt just some ad-hoc tinkering at the frontline; it is truly part of a large-scale program. And that is, of course, also concerning because if we dont clarify and publicize what Russia is doing, its highly likely these trends will continue, Reesink said.

He called the use of chemical weapons by Russian armed forces almost standing operating procedure.

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We specifically linked the use of chloropicrin to improvised munitions, such as filled light bulbs and empty bottles that are hung from a drone. When it comes to teargas, we see that they are also misusing and converting existing munitions to act as the carrier for the gas, he said.

Chloropicrin is listed as a banned choking agent by OPCW, which was created to implement and monitor compliance with the 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).

It can cause severe irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. If ingested, it can cause burns in the mouth and stomach, nausea and vomiting, as well as difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
Mikhail Gudkov, 42, was the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy who led a brigade that fought in Ukraine. He was killed in the Russian border region on Thursday read more

A view shows flowers placed in front of a board with a photograph of Major General Mikhail Gudkov, the deputy head of the Russian Navy who, according to local authorities, was recently killed in the Kursk region amid Russia-Ukraine conflict, at an exhibition of distinguished Russian soldiers' portraits in the far eastern city of Vladivostok, Russia, July 3, 2025. Reuters

Ukrainian strikes in Russias Kursk region killed the deputy chief of the Russian Navy, Mikhail Gudkov, authorities in the Primorsky region in Russias far east have confirmed. This is one of the high-profile deaths in Russias leadership as a result of Ukrainian strikes since the start of the war.

Gudkov, 42, was the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy who led a brigade that fought in Ukraine. He was killed in the Russian border region on Thursday.

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During combat operations in one of the border areas of the Kursk region on July 2, 2025 Major General Mikhail Evgenievich Gudkov was killed, Russias state RIA news agency quoted the defence ministry as saying.

Oleg Kozhemyako, head of the Primorye region in Russias Far East, said Gudkov was killed carrying out his duty as an officer.

Kozhemyako said he had spoken to Gudkov a lot over the years, praising him as a strong-spirited fighter.

He said Gudkov was a former commander of the 155th Guards Naval Infantry Brigade of the Pacific Fleet based in the Russian Far East.

The governor said that, even after becoming deputy commander of the Russian navy, Gudkov did not stop going out in person to the positions of our marines.

The deputy chief was appointed to the post in March last year by President Vladimir Putin, who said at the time, Since the minister and the Chief of the General Staff believe that your experience needs to be replicated in other units, I have decided to transfer you to a position - to increase your level of responsibility.

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Meanwhile, the Ukrainian military had accused Gudkov and other members of his former 155th brigade of committing war crimes in the country, including killing civilians in the towns of Bucha, Irpin and Gostomel.

Ukrainian forces captured large parts of Kursk in a surprise offensive last year  a response to Russias full-scale campaign against their country, which began in 2022.

Russia in April said it had fully recaptured the territory, but clashes in the border region have continued.

With inputs from agencies
Trump is expected to sign the bill around 5 pm ET during a White House event celebrating the July 4 Independence Day holiday read more

President Donald Trump is set to sign a sweeping tax and spending cuts package into law at a White House ceremony on Friday, following its narrow approval by the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.

The legislation, which aims to fund Trumps immigration crackdown and make his 2017 tax cuts permanent, was passed by a tight 218-214 vote after a heated debate on the House floor. Critics warn the bill could cause millions of Americans to lose health insurance coverage.

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Trump is expected to sign the bill around 5 pm ET during a White House event celebrating the July 4 Independence Day holiday. The ceremony will reportedly feature a flyover by stealth bombers and fighter jets that participated in recent US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

The bills passage marks a significant victory for Trump and his Republican allies, who argue that the legislation will stimulate economic growth. However, a nonpartisan analysis projects that it will add $3.4 trillion to the nations $36.2 trillion debt, reported Reuters.

Vice President JD Vance, who cast the tie-breaking vote to help the bill clear the Senate, said on Friday that the legislation supports Trumps goal of encouraging investment within the United States while discouraging investment abroad.

Were going to look back on this, I really do think, as the beginning of the golden age of the United States of America, Reuters quoted Vance as telling reporters during a visit to North Dakota.

While some lawmakers in Trumps party expressed concerns over the bills price tag and its hit to healthcare programs, in the end just two of the Houses 220 Republicans voted against it, joining all 212 Democrats in opposition.

The tense standoff over the bill included a record-long floor speech by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who spoke for eight hours and 46 minutes, blasting the bill as a giveaway to the wealthy that would strip low-income Americans of federally-backed health insurance and food aid benefits.

With inputs from agencies
Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), is reportedly planning to establish defence industrial complexes in Chittagong and Narayanganj in collaboration with Turkish defence firms read more

Muhammad Yunus, chief adviser of the Government of Bangladesh. Reuters

After Pakistan, it looks like Turkey is also looking to expand its strategic footprint in Bangladesh following the ouster of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.

In an unprecedented move, a top Turkish defence official is expected in Dhaka for an eight-day visit starting July 8, signalling that the two nations are looking to expand their military partnership.

Economic Times reported that Haluk Gorgun, head of Turkeys Defence Industry Agency (SSB), will visit Dhaka and meet the chief of the interim government, Muhammad Yunus. He is also expected to meet army chief Gen Waqar-uz-Zaman, navy chief Admiral M Nazmul Hasan and air force chief Air Chief Marshal Hassan Mahmud Khan.

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Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), the countrys primary investment promotion agency, is planning to establish defence industrial complexes in Chittagong and Narayanganj in collaboration with Turkish defence firms.

BIDA executive chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun recently completed a five-day trip to Turkey.

Foreign affairs adviser Md Touhid Hossain, who spoke at a conference during a visit to Turkey in April, had stressed that Bangladesh sought a reliable partner in aerospace technology, and cooperation with Turkey would be mutually beneficial.

Hossain met with Turkish Aerospace president and CEO Mehmet Demirolu on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2025, where they discussed potential cooperation.

Turkish intelligence supporting Islamists in Bangladesh

Previously, reports indicated that Turkish intelligence agencies are allegedly providing financial and logistical support to Islamist groups in Bangladesh, particularly the radical outfit Jamaat-e-Islami, raising concerns about Indias national security.

Intelligence sources claim that Turkeys support extends beyond ideological alignment to include direct financial assistance.

A notable example is the renovation of Jamaats office in Dhakas Moghbazar, allegedly funded by entities linked to Turkish intelligence, suggesting a deliberate effort to bolster the groups organisational and infrastructural capabilities.

In a concerning development, Turkish authorities are said to have facilitated visits by Bangladeshi Islamist leaders and student activists, including Sadiq Qayam, to Turkish arms manufacturing facilities. Intelligence suggests these visits may aim to provide access to military expertise and potentially weapon supplies.

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As the United States celebrates the 4th of July, commemorating the 249th year of independence, heres a look at how its hegemonic presence is fading away in a multipolar world. read more

On July 4, 2025, the United States of America will commemorate its 249th year of independence. In the span of over two centuries, the countrys place in the world order has changed dramatically. From staying relatively isolated in the initial years of its independence, the US became a hegemonic power after the fall of the Soviet Union.

However, this global dominance is currently on decline, with the rise of the multi-polar world order. The decline has become even more apparent with the comeback of US President Donald Trump in the White House. With Trump-induced global uncertainties, regional blocs and countries are looking for alternatives.

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Meanwhile, Trumps policy has been more inward-looking over the years. This can be reflected by his brainchild, the  Make America Great Again movement (MAGA). Right after he returned to the White House, he signed a plethora of executive orders, including cutting foreign aid and imposing high tariffs. He closed the American border and significantly reduced US military presence overseas, questioning alliances and exuding scepticism toward international institutions like the UN, WTO and NATO.

This compelled the USs allies to look for alternatives, with multiple countries and regional blocs signing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with each other. Heres why under Trump, the US no longer enjoy the hegemony it once used to have.

Trump and wars

While campaigning to return to the White House, Trump made a highly ambitious proclamation of ending the Russia-Ukraine war in 24 hours. However, it has been over 100 days since he returned to the White House, and the war between the two nations is still raging.

Trumps struggle to bring Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the negotiation table can be seen in the fact that he often jumped in and out of peace talks.

During the 12-day confrontation between Israel and Iran, Trump once again attempted to bring peace in the region. He called for a ceasefire after bombing three of Irans nuclear facilities. However, neither Iran nor Israel stopped fighting, reflecting the diminishing influence of the US. An angry Trump eventually told reporters that Israel and Iran have been fighting so long and so hard that they dont know what the f\*\*k they are doing. In a similar brazen manner, Trump went on to claim that he stopped the India-Pakistan conflict. While Pakistan supported the Presidents narratives to gain brownie points, even to this day, India rejects Trumps claim, reflecting that the US no longer has the power to change the direction of the conflict.

Apart from this, Trump often tends to diminish the importance of international groups like NATO, the European Union and the United Nations. In March, he casts doubt on the USs willingness to defend Nato allies. Its common sense, right? Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. If they dont pay, Im not going to defend them. No, Im not going to defend them. He often called out the UN for its inability to preserve international peace.

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Trump tariffs are pushing countries away from the US

In April this year, Trump commemorated  Liberation Day by announcing reciprocal tariffs on goods the US imports from different countries. He announced a blanket tariff of 10 per cent on all nations and introduced additional tariffs on countries like Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and India.

China, however, faced the major brunt of it with tariffs ranging as high as 125 per cent. While these tariffs are yet to come into force, in the words of Trump, countries rushed to sign bilateral trade deals with the US, with the UK already having one in place and India finalising its trade deal.

Amid the tariff saga, several countries and regional groups joined hands and signed FTAs with each other, providing a new alternative to the US hegemony. India has signed FTAs with the UK and Australia, with a deal with the EU on the cards by the end of this year.

Similarly, South Americas largest trading bloc, Mercosur, signed a trade deal with the four-nation European Free Trade Association (EFTA) on Wednesday. Over the years, China have also been enhancing its influence around the world with its Belt and Road Initiative.

When asked if Trump tariffs would eventually push US allies towards China, renowned American economist Jeffrey D. Sachs emphasised that there is more to the story.

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Trump is alienating the rest of the world over many issues, including tariffs, but also sanctions, threats to sovereignty (e.g. vis-a-vis Canada, Panama, and Greenland), and reckless disregard for climate change, he told Firstpost in an interview on April 11.

Chaos at home

Chaos ensued across the United States ever since Trump came back to power. Domestic political polarisation and economic challenges complicate US governance and its ability to project global leadership. For instance, when the US was intervening in the Iran-Israel war, the United States Los Angeles was witnessing protests over the ICE raids on immigrants.

The demonstrations were so severe that the Trump administration went on to threaten the arrest of LA Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom. Trump eventually compared the protests in LA with an invasion of third-world lawlessness.

In terms of the economy, Wall Street witnessed a decline the moment Trump announced sweeping reciprocal tariffs. This eventually prompted Trump to pause the tariffs to prevent a crash of the American markets.

Hence, political and economic volatilities induced by Trumps policies are taking the USs attention away from what is happening in the world and giving space to other powers to fill the vacuum, transforming the world into a multipolar world order.
The decision by the conservative-dominated top court comes 10 days after it cleared the way for the Trump administration to deport migrants to countries that are not their own read more

Journalists sit outside the US Supreme Court in Washington, DC, on June 27, 2025. AFP Photo

The US Supreme Court on Thursday gave the green light for the Trump administration to deport a group of migrants stranded at an American military base in Djibouti to war-torn South Sudan.

The decision by the conservative-dominated top court comes 10 days after it cleared the way for the Trump administration to deport migrants to countries that are not their own.

The eight migrants were being flown to South Sudan from the US in May but ended up in Djibouti when a district court imposed a stay on third-country deportations.

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The court said migrants were not being given a meaningful opportunity to contest removal.

On June 23, the Supreme Court lifted the stay imposed by District Judge Brian Murphy, clearing the way for third-country deportations.

But Murphy, an appointee of former president Joe Biden, said the case of the eight migrants who ended up in Djibouti was subject to a separate stay order he issued that had not been addressed by the Supreme Court.

On Thursday, the Supreme Court said its June 23 decision applied to both of the judges orders.

Liberal justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented from the decision.

What the Government wants to do, concretely, is send the eight noncitizens it illegally removed from the United States from Djibouti to South Sudan, where they will be turned over to the local authorities without regard for the likelihood that they will face torture or death, Sotomayor said.

Todays order clarifies only one thing: Other litigants must follow the rules, but the administration has the Supreme Court on speed dial, she said.

The US authorities have said that the eight men  two from Myanmar, two from Cuba, and one each from Vietnam, Laos, Mexico and South Sudan  are convicted violent criminals.

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The Trump administration has defended third-country deportations as necessary since the home nations of some of those who are targeted for removal sometimes refuse to accept them.

Donald Trump campaigned for president promising to expel millions of undocumented migrants from the United States, and he has taken a number of actions aimed at speeding up deportations since returning to the White House in January.
A federal judge on Friday temporarily blocked the deportation of eight individuals to conflict-ridden South Sudan, citing the need to examine new legal arguments raised by their attorneys. The ruling came a day after the Supreme Court permitted their removal, prompting fresh questions about due process rights under an 18th-century wartime statute invoked by the Trump administration read more

A federal judge on Friday temporarily paused the deportation of eight individuals to South Sudan, one day after the Supreme Court authorized their removal. The decision followed new arguments presented by the immigrants legal team, which the judge determined warranted further review.

District Judge Randolph Moss held the unusual Fourth of July hearing Friday afternoon, requesting that the Trump administration address whether a previous Supreme Court decision, regarding due process rights for individuals ordered deported under a historic wartime statute cited by President Donald Trump, might also be applicable in the case of those facing removal to South Sudan.

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The administration has been trying to deport the immigrants for weeks. None are from South Sudan, which is enmeshed in civil war and where the US government advises no one should travel before making their own funeral arrangements.

The government flew them to Djibouti but couldnt move them further because a Massachusetts court had ruled no immigrant could be sent to a new country without a chance to have a court hearing.

The Supreme Court vacated that decision last month, then Thursday night issued a new order clarifying that that meant the immigrants could be moved to South Sudan.

Lawyers for the immigrants, who hail from Laos, Mexico, Myanmar, Vietnam and other countries, filed an emergency request to halt their removal later that night.

The case was assigned to Moss, who issued his order to let the government respond and to provide time for a hearing. That hearing was happening Friday afternoon.

The temporary stay was first reported by legal journalist Chris Geidner.
Najam Sethi, a senior Pakistani journalist deemed close to the establishment, recently admitted on air that it was Islamabad that approached the Trump administration several times during the four-day military conflict with India read more

A top Pakistani journalist has punctured the Pakistani narrative of victory over India in the recent military standoff, revealing how Islamabad repeatedly pressed the Donald Trump administration of the US to get the ceasefire done with New Delhi.

Najam Sethi, a senior Pakistani journalist deemed close to the establishment, recently admitted on air that it was Islamabad that approached the Trump administration several times during the four-day military conflict with India in May.

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He also hailed Pakistans lobbying efforts in Washington DC and credited them for persuading Trump to help broker the ceasefire.

Pakistan was dying for a ceasefire and had been lobbying to approach Trump for the same. India kept rejecting.



Story of Pakistan's 'victory' by Najam Sethi.



- @pakistan_untold pic.twitter.com/bbj1myKOsk  Imtiaz Mahmood (@ImtiazMadmood) July 4, 2025

We have been thanking Trump (for ceasefire). We thanked him back then too for this initiative (ceasefire). India didnt do the same  Trump kept on saying that he brokered a ceasefire. But Modi rejected this claim and said that it was the DGMOs who got it done, Sethi said.

It was always an attempt from our end to keep a relationship going with Trump. And we have been successful. We tried from all ends  a lot of lobbying companies were operating. It was a concerted effort, the senior journalist said.

The admission by Sethi has once again revealed Islamabads duplicity, as it projected a defiant stance during the military hostilities while secretly lobbying for US mediation.

India has consistently asserted that its military actions were a response to Pakistans aggression, and it was Pakistan that ultimately sought a ceasefire. Prime Minister Narendra Modi explicitly denied any third-party mediation during a recent phone call with Trump, emphasising that the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) from both sides had agreed to a ceasefire on May 10.

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Indias strikes on Pakistans air bases and its assertive naval manoeuvres reportedly marked a significant turning point in the four-day conflict, pressuring Islamabad to agree to a ceasefire.

Previously, Najam Sethi acknowledged that India had effectively neutralised Pakistans air defence systems, leaving its airspace exposed during Operation Sindoor. During a Pakistani TV news discussion, Sethi noted that the Indian Air Forces strategic drone-led attacks crippled Pakistans defences.
PM Modi was bestowed the award in recognition of his global leadership, his deep engagement with the Indian diaspora, and his humanitarian efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic read more

PM Modi being conferred with The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago , the country's highest civilian honour. ANI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Trinidad and Tobagos highest civilian honour, The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, on Friday.

#WATCH | Christine Kangaloo, the President of Trinidad and Tobago, confers Trinidad and Tobago's highest national award, The Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, on Prime Minister Narendra Modi pic.twitter.com/tnRHJSKckp  ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2025

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According to a PTI report, PM Modi, currently on a two-day visit to the Caribbean island nation as part of his five-nation tour, received the honour in recognition of his global leadership, strong ties with the Indian diaspora, and humanitarian contributions during the Covid-19 pandemic.

This award reflects the eternal and deep friendship between our countries. I accept this honour as a collective pride on behalf of 140 crore people of India. To confer this award upon the first foreign leader reflects our deep relationship, which is based on common history and culture, said PM Modi.

#WATCH | "...This award reflects the eternal and deep friendship between our countries. I accept this honour as a collective pride on behalf of 140 crore people of India. To confer this award upon the first foreign leader reflects our deep relationship, which is based on common pic.twitter.com/OsgteP9JAS  ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2025

Trinidad and Tobagos President Christine Kangaloo expressed deep appreciation for PM Modi as he was conferred with the countrys highest civilian honour.

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#WATCH | Port of Spain |Trinidad and Tobago's president, Christine Kangaloo, says, "Trinidad and Tobago is immensely glad to have been able to bestow upon you our nation's highest honour in recognition of the tremendous work that you have done with our nation over the years and https://t.co/q2upMVIVVT pic.twitter.com/9NZ5X0UQ5k  ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2025

Trinidad and Tobago is immensely glad to have been able to bestow upon you our nations highest honour in recognition of the tremendous work that you have done with our nation over the years and for the kindness and the generosity which you have always shown to our country and indeed our region. Your kindness and generosity to the people of Trinidad and Tobago are legendary. They have been shown time and time again, including as we have heard during the crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic, when 40 thousand doses of COVID-19 vaccines arrived in Trinidad as a result of your personal intervention and action. That act of kindness only further strengthened the longstanding relationship between the two countries, Kangaloo said.

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The award was announced by Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on Thursday, who described PM Modis visit as a moment of shared pride and historical connection.

Shortly after receiving the award, PM Modi headed for a bilateral meeting with Trinidad and Tobagos President, Christine Kangaloo, in Port of Spain.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a bilateral meeting with Trinidad and Tobago's president, Christine Kangaloo, in Port of Spain.



(Source: ANI/DD) pic.twitter.com/FV05xTjwfm  ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2025

This is PM Modis first visit to the country as prime minister and the first Indian bilateral visit at the prime ministerial level to Trinidad and Tobago since 1999.

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PM Modi arrived here from Ghana, where he was conferred with The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, the countrys national honour.

The award was conferred on the prime minister in recognition of his distinguished statesmanship and influential global leadership, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

With inputs from agencies
Hezbollah has since relinquished a number of weapons depots in southern Lebanon to the Lebanese armed forces as stipulated in last years truce, though Israel says it has struck military infrastructure there still linked to the group read more

Women walk near destroyed buildings, with one holding the flag of Hezbollah, in the southern Lebanese village of Kfar Kila. File image/ Reuters

Hezbollah has undertaken a comprehensive strategic assessment in the aftermath of its deadly conflict with Israel, which includes considering reducing its position as an armed force without entirely disarming, according to three individuals involved with the discussions.

The internal negotiations, which have not yet been concluded and have not previously been disclosed, highlight the severe challenges that the Iran-backed Lebanese terrorist organisation has faced since a truce was agreed in late November.

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Israeli forces continue to target Hezbollah-controlled areas, accusing the organisation of cease-fire breaches, which it denies. It is also dealing with acute financial pressures, US demands for disarmament, and less political influence since a new government was formed in February with US backing.

The groups difficulties have been exacerbated by seismic shifts in the regional power balance since Israel crushed its leadership, killed thousands of its militants, and destroyed much of its weapons last year.

Bashar al-Assad, Hezbollahs Syrian ally, was overthrown in December, cutting off a vital weaponry supply line from Iran. A regional security source and a senior Lebanese official told Reuters that Tehran is now recovering from its own bruising battle with Israel, raising questions about how much help it can provide.

Another senior insider, who is aware with Hezbollahs internal debates, said the party was conducting secret conversations about its future moves.

Small committees have been meeting in person or remotely to discuss issues including its leadership structure, political role, social and development work, and weapons, the official said on condition of anonymity.

The official and two other sources familiar with the discussions indicated Hezbollah has concluded that the arsenal it had amassed to deter Israel from attacking Lebanon had become a liability.

Hezbollah had an excess of power, the official said. All that strength turned into a weak point.

Under the leadership of Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed last year, Hezbollah grew into a regional military player with tens of thousands of fighters, rockets and drones poised to strike Israel. It also provided support to allies in Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

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Israel came to regard Hezbollah as a significant threat. When the group opened fire in solidarity with its Palestinian ally Hamas at the start of the Gaza war in 2023, Israel responded with airstrikes in Lebanon that escalated into a ground offensive.

Hezbollah has since relinquished a number of weapons depots in southern Lebanon to the Lebanese armed forces as stipulated in last years truce, though Israel says it has struck military infrastructure there still linked to the group.

Hezbollah is now considering turning over some weapons it has elsewhere in the country - notably missiles and drones seen as the biggest threat to Israel - on condition Israel withdraws from the south and halts its attacks, the sources said.

But the group wont surrender its entire arsenal, the sources said. For example, it intends to keep lighter arms and anti-tank missiles, they said, describing them as a means to resist any future attacks.

Hezbollahs media office did not respond to questions for this article.

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Isreals military said it would continue operating along its northern border in accordance with the understandings between Israel and Lebanon, in order eliminate any threat and protect Israeli citizens. The US State Department declined to comment on private diplomatic conversations, referring questions to Lebanons government. Lebanons presidency did not respond to questions.

For Hezbollah to preserve any military capabilities would fall short of Israeli and US ambitions. Under the terms of the ceasefire brokered by the US and France, Lebanons armed forces were to confiscate all unauthorized arms, beginning in the area south of the Litani River - the zone closest to Israel.

Lebanons government also wants Hezbollah to surrender the rest of its weapons as it works to establish a state monopoly on arms. Failure to do so could stir tensions with the groups Lebanese rivals, which accuse Hezbollah of leveraging its military might to impose its will in state affairs and repeatedly dragging Lebanon into conflicts.

All sides have said they remain committed to the ceasefire, even as they traded accusations of violations.

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Part of Hezbollahs DNA

Arms have been central to Hezbollahs doctrine since it was founded by Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to fight Israeli forces who invaded Lebanon in 1982, at the height of the 1975-1990 Lebanese civil war. Tensions over the Shiite Muslim groups arsenal sparked another, brief civil conflict in 2008.

The United States and Israel deem Hezbollah a terrorist group.

Nicholas Blanford, who wrote a history of Hezbollah, said that in order to reconstitute itself, the group would have to justify its retention of weapons in an increasingly hostile political landscape, while addressing damaging intelligence breaches and ensuring its long-term finances.

Theyve faced challenges before, but not this number simultaneously, said Blanford, a fellow with the Atlantic Council, a US think tank.

A European official familiar with intelligence assessments said there was a lot of brainstorming underway within Hezbollah about its future but no clear outcomes. The official described Hezbollahs status as an armed group as part of its DNA, saying it would be difficult for it to become a purely political party.

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Nearly a dozen sources familiar with Hezbollahs thinking said the group wants to keep some arms, not only in case of future threats from Israel, but also because it is worried that Sunni Muslim jihadists in neighbouring Syria might exploit lax security to attack eastern Lebanon, a Shiite-majority region.

Despite the catastrophic results of the latest war with Israel - tens of thousands of people were left homeless and swathes of the south and Beiruts southern suburbs were destroyed - many of Hezbollahs core supporters want it to remain armed.

Um Hussein, whose son died fighting for Hezbollah, cited the threat still posed by Israel and a history of conflict with Lebanese rivals as reasons to do so.

Hezbollah is the backbone of the Shiites, even if it is weak now, she said, asking to be identified by a traditional nickname because members of her family still belong to Hezbollah. We were a weak, poor group. Nobody spoke up for us.

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Hezbollahs immediate priority is tending to the needs of constituents who bore the brunt of the war, the sources familiar with its deliberations said.

In December, Secretary General Naim Qassem said Hezbollah had paid more than $50 million to affected families with more than $25 million still to hand out. But there are signs that its funds are running short.

One Beirut resident said he had paid for repairs to his apartment in the Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs after it was damaged in the war only to see the entire block destroyed by an Israeli airstrike in June.

Everyone is scattered and homeless. No one has promised to pay for our shelter, said the man, who declined to be identified for fear his complaints might jeopardise his chances of receiving compensation.

He said he had received cheques from Hezbollah but was told by the groups financial institution, Al-Qard Al-Hassan, that it did not have funds available to cash them. Reuters could not immediately reach the institution for comment.

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Other indications of financial strain have included cutbacks to free medications offered by Hezbollah-run pharmacies, three people familiar with the operations said.

Squeezing Hezbollah finances

Hezbollah has put the onus on Lebanons government to secure reconstruction funding. But Foreign Minister Youssef Raji, a Hezbollah critic, has said there will be no aid from foreign donors until the state establishes a monopoly on arms.

A State Department spokesperson said in May that, while Washington was engaged in supporting sustainable reconstruction in Lebanon, this cannot happen without Hezbollah laying down their arms.

Israel has also been squeezing Hezbollahs finances.

The Israeli military said on June 25 that it had killed an Iranian official who oversaw hundreds of millions of dollars in transfers annually to armed groups in the region, as well as a man in southern Lebanon who ran a currency exchange business that helped get some of these funds to Hezbollah.

Iran did not comment at the time, and its U.N. mission did not immediately respond to questions from Reuters.

Since February, Lebanon has barred commercial flights between Beirut and Tehran, after Israels military accused Hezbollah of using civilian aircraft to bring in money from Iran and threatened to take action to stop this.

Lebanese authorities have also tightened security at Beirut airport, where Hezbollah had free rein for years, making it harder for the group to smuggle in funds that way, according to an official and a security source familiar with airport operations.

Such moves have fuelled anger among Hezbollahs supporters towards the administration led by President Joseph Aoun and Nawaf Salam, who was made prime minister against Hezbollahs wishes.

Alongside its Shiite ally, the Amal Movement, Hezbollah swept local elections in May, with many seats uncontested. The group will be seeking to preserve its dominance in legislative elections next year.

Nabil Boumonsef, deputy editor-in-chief of Lebanons Annahar newspaper, said next years poll was part of an existential battle for Hezbollah.

It will use all the means it can, firstly to play for time so it doesnt have to disarm, and secondly to make political and popular gains, he said.
West Asia News Live: Welcome to our live blog bringing you the latest developments from West Asia. Stay updated on key shifts in regional geopolitics, oil and energy markets, diplomacy, security tensions, economic reforms, civil movements and religious dynamics. Follow how regional actors read through ongoing regional tensions, international negotiations and domestic challenges: read more

(File) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Saudi National Security Advisor Mosaad bin Mohammad Al-Aiban, US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Russian President Vladimir Putin's foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov, at Diriyah Palace, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 18, 2025. Reuters

Welcome to todays live coverage of key developments across West Asia. After nearly two years of heightened tensions and regional conflict, the United States and Iran are preparing to resume nuclear talks in Oslo, in what could mark a critical turning point in regional diplomacy. Meanwhile, investigations into civilian harm near Gaza aid sites and a surge in PTSD diagnoses in Israel point to the deepening humanitarian and psychological toll of ongoing violence. In other developments, Iran has indicated it will not escalate militarily unless provoked, while President Donald Trump has stated he is open to meeting Iranian leaders if needed. Amid these shifts, a vote on Israels participation in the Eurovision Song Contest has been delayed following intense debate within the European Broadcasting Union. Stay tuned for updates as events unfold:

Small businesses in Israel are facing severe financial distress and the risk of collapse due to the cumulative economic damages from 20 months of war, according to a report in The Times of Israel. Government compensation for affected businesses has been slow to arrive and is considered insufficient to cover the losses incurred. As a result, social lending organizations are intervening to provide loans to help these businesses stay operational amid the prolonged economic hardship.

The first international commercial flight has landed at Tehrans airport, ending a suspension of services, Asharq Al-Awsat said in a report. This development marks a step towards normalizing air travel to Iran, which had been significantly curtailed, largely due to global restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The resumption of international flights is a notable event for Irans aviation sector, which operates within a challenging economic environment influenced by international sanctions.

The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) is exploring how generative AI can be used to advance industrial innovation within the Kingdom, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. This initiative aligns with the strategic objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the nations economy away from oil. The focus is on applying advanced AI technologies across traditional Saudi industries such as energy, manufacturing, and logistics to enhance efficiency and global competitiveness.

A unified tourism visa for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will be launched soon, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi announced, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The new visa system, similar to Europes Schengen visa, is designed to allow international tourists to travel freely between all six member statesBahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirateson a single visa. This initiative aims to simplify travel logistics for non-GCC citizens, boost the regional tourism sector, and support broader economic diversification strategies across the bloc.

An 80-year-old woman and her 30-year-old caregiver, a foreign national, were found dead in a suspected murder-suicide in the town of Mevasseret Zion, near Jerusalem, according to a report in Haaretz. Israeli Police discovered the two individuals inside a house in the residential area. The investigation into the circumstances of their deaths is ongoing.

Israels military is preparing an enforcement plan with the objective of ensuring Iran no longer threatens Israel, the nations Defense Minister said, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The statement signals a heightened military readiness and a proactive stance against perceived threats from Tehran. This development comes amid ongoing concerns regarding Irans nuclear program and its support for regional proxy networks, which Israel views as direct threats to its security.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a meeting with Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germanys main opposition party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), to review regional developments, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The discussion between the two leaders focused on the current situation and events in the West Asia region and efforts made regarding them.

Saudi Arabias Industry Minister has launched the second phase of an industrial integration initiative with Oman, a move designed to deepen economic ties and cooperation between the two Gulf countries, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. This stage builds on existing bilateral efforts and is aligned with the economic diversification strategies of Saudi Vision 2030 and Oman Vision 2040. The initiative aims to enhance collaboration in industrial policy, promote joint ventures in manufacturing, and develop shared supply chains to strengthen the non-oil sectors of both economies.

Saudi Arabia has been ranked first globally in the International Telecommunication Unions (ITU) 2025 ICT Development Index, which assesses information and communication technology access, use, and skills, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The top ranking is presented as a significant milestone for the kingdoms Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy through digital transformation. The ITUs index is a key benchmark for measuring a countrys progress in building an information society and places Saudi Arabia ahead of other nations in the West Asia region in this specific metric.

Zeynep Sonmez has become the first tennis player from Turkey in the Open Era to reach the third round of a Grand Slam tournament, marking a significant milestone for the country in the sport, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. This achievement is a historic first for any Turkish player since the professional Open Era began in 1968.

The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia met with the Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi to review the bilateral relationship between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The discussions focused on strengthening strategic ties and enhancing coordination between the two countries on multiple fronts.

An explosive drone was intercepted near Erbil International Airport in Iraqi Kurdistan, which is adjacent to a base housing US-led coalition troops, The Times of Israel said in a report. The incident on Friday caused no damage or injuries, though it resulted in a single flight delay. A second explosive UAV also reportedly fell near Kirkuk airport in a separate incident. These events occur amid a pattern of similar drone and rocket attacks targeting US forces in Iraq and Syria, which are often attributed to Iran-backed militias.

The U.S. Justice Department has reportedly canceled the questioning of lobbyist Jay Footlik by Israeli investigators regarding the Qatargate corruption scandal, according to a report in Haaretz. The interview was scheduled to take place in the United States, where investigators intended to question Footlik over suspicions that he was involved in payments to Israeli political figure Benjamin Netanyahu. The cancellation halts this line of inquiry by Israeli authorities operating in the U.S.

Hamas has a new leader in Gaza, Izz al-Din al-Haddad, whose rise reportedly signals the group will maintain its firm stance on demanding a complete end to the war before releasing any more hostages, according to a report in The New York Times. The appointment of al-Haddad is viewed as a critical test for future cease-fire negotiations, as Hamass primary demand for a permanent cessation of hostilities has been a major point of contention in previous talks. This leadership change occurs amid significant international pressure for a resolution and a severe humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Families of hostages held by Hamas protested outside a U.S. embassy facility in Israel, demanding a comprehensive deal for the release of their relatives, as per a report in Haaretz. The demonstration aims to increase pressure on the U.S. government, a key mediator in the conflict, to secure the release of captives taken during the October 7, 2023 attack. The protest highlights the families call for a complete resolution to the hostage crisis amid ongoing negotiations.

A new report has revealed a sharp rise in construction in Israeli settlements in the West Bank since the current government took office in early 2023, Israel National News says in a report. The findings, originally from a Channel 12 News broadcast, detail a significant growth in building activity in the territory. This surge in construction has occurred under the Israeli government that was formed in late 2022 and began its term at the start of 2023.

A bill proposed in Israels Knesset would amend the countrys Law of Return by eliminating a clause that grants citizenship to individuals with at least one Jewish grandparent, according to a report in The Jerusalem Post. The legislation specifically targets the grandparent clause, an amendment added in 1970, which extends citizenship rights to the children and grandchildren of Jews, even if they are not considered Jewish under strict religious law (Halacha). If passed, the bill would significantly narrow eligibility for Israeli citizenship, aligning it more closely with the Halachic definition.

Recent attacks targeting the Druze religious minority in Damascus have fueled a growing sense of distrust towards the Syrian state, which is seen as unable or unwilling to provide adequate security, according to a report in BBC. This insecurity is exacerbating fears within the community of being marginalized in what is often described as post-war Syria. The incidents in the capital undermine the governments narrative of stability and highlight the fragile security situation, even in areas under its firm control. The Druze community, which has historically navigated a complex relationship of neutrality with the regime, now worries about its future vulnerability amidst a severe economic crisis and a fragmented security environment.

On US Independence Day, families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas demonstrated outside the US Embassy in Tel Aviv, publicly appealing for intervention from US President Donald Trump, Israel National News says in a report. The demonstrators urged President Trump to broker what they referred to as a comprehensive deal to secure the freedom of 50 remaining hostages and bring an end to the ongoing war. The protest leveraged the symbolic date and location to direct its plea for a resolution to the current US administration.

Officials from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have departed Tehran after remaining in the Iranian capital throughout a recent 12-day period of fighting involving the US, Israel, and Iran, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The departure of the UN nuclear watchdogs inspectors comes after a significant military escalation in the West Asia region.

Sergeant Asaf Zamir, 19, has been killed in southern Gaza, Israel National News said in a report. Zamir was a soldier serving in the Israeli militarys Armored Corps, and his death occurred during ongoing military operations in the region.

Video footage released on Friday shows an Israeli airstrike hitting a residential building in the densely populated area of central Gaza, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The strike is part of the ongoing military operations in the region. The incident highlights the continued conflict and its impact on civilian infrastructure within the Gaza Strip.

Syrias government has introduced a revised national emblem, a gold eagle, in what is being framed as a symbolic break from the era of the Assad familys rule, as per a report in Al-Monitor. The change is not the creation of a new symbol but a modification of the Syrian Eagle, which has been a national emblem in various forms for decades. The move is viewed by some regional analysts as a gesture to support Syrias ongoing reintegration with other Arab states. However, Syrian opposition groups and Western policy analysts have dismissed the change as a superficial and cosmetic act, arguing it does not address the fundamental need for political reform, human rights, or accountability.

Saudi Arabia and Indonesia have signed agreements for investments totaling $27 billion in various fields, including oil and clean energy, according to a report in Al-Monitor. The deals were finalized during a state visit to the kingdom by Indonesias President-elect, Prabowo Subianto. The specific financial breakdown between the traditional fossil fuel investments and the clean energy projects was not disclosed in the announcement.

Dutch prosecutors have dropped assault charges against fans of Israeli football club Maccabi Tel Aviv because crucial CCTV evidence was erased, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The legal proceedings in the Netherlands were halted due to the unavailability of the video footage, which was considered essential for the prosecutions case. The charges related to alleged assaults involving the fans.

The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and Russia met to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and to review recent regional developments in West Asia, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The talks covered topics of mutual interest, including ongoing diplomatic efforts for de-escalation in the region and coordination on energy policy within the OPEC+ alliance.

Lebanon is preparing its official reply to a US-mediated diplomatic proposal designed to resolve the ongoing border conflict with Israel, and will reportedly seek specific American guarantees as a core component of its response, Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. This move underscores Lebanons need for external assurances on security and sovereignty before committing to a deal that would likely involve the implementation of UN Resolution 1701. The request for guarantees is a critical step in the diplomatic efforts led by the US to prevent a wider war between Israel and Hezbollah, which have engaged in daily cross-border fire since October 2023.

Irans currency market is facing significant instability, with the national currency fluctuating amid heightened military tensions across West Asia, according to a report in WANA. The economic pressure is attributed to several ongoing factors, including the regional spillover from the conflict in Gaza, which has led to increased activity by Iran-backed groups in Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, and Syria. Additionally, recent direct missile and drone strikes by Iran in neighboring countries and the persistent impact of comprehensive US sanctions contribute to the geopolitical risk affecting the currencys value.

Across the Middle East, and especially in Iran, the Bahai religious community is subject to significant persecution, The Times of Israel says in a report. The Islamic Republic of Iran is identified as the primary force behind this repression, which reportedly includes severe measures such as forced deportations and the separation of families. Furthermore, members of the Bahai faith are allegedly denied fundamental civil rights, including the issuance of marriage licenses and enrollment for their children in public schools.

Israeli military strikes in the Gaza Strip have resulted in the deaths of 15 people, Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. The casualties were reported by the Gaza Civil Defense, an entity that operates under the authority of the Hamas government. The strikes are part of the ongoing military operations in the region that began in October 2023.

US Senator Marco Rubio has pledged to consider a review of terrorist designations concerning Syria during a phone call with the Syrian Foreign Minister, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The discussion about re-evaluating designations could affect US counter-terrorism policy and sanctions under the Caesar Act. This development comes from a senator with a historically critical stance on the Syrian government and occurs as some Arab states are moving to re-engage with Damascus.

The London High Court has upheld a restrictive order against the pro-Palestine activist group Palestine Action, denying its attempt to have the measures paused, Al Jazeera said in a report. The ruling maintains the designation which subjects the group to significant operational and legal restrictions. Palestine Action is known for its direct-action campaigns, which have targeted UK-based companies that supply military equipment to Israel, and the courts decision affirms the legal constraints placed upon its activities.

Israeli military forces reportedly conducted strikes against Iranian air defense installations, an action which is said to have facilitated a subsequent, separate operation by United States bombers in West Asia, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The report suggests the Israeli strikes were aimed at degrading Irans defensive capabilities, effectively clearing a path for the American military aircraft. The specific nature of the US operation that followed the Israeli action against Irans air defense network was not detailed.

Saudi Arabias Culinary Arts Commission has officially opened national registration for chefs seeking to represent the country in two of the worlds most prestigious culinary contests, the Bocuse dOr and the Pastry World Cup, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The government-backed initiative aims to identify and select top Saudi culinary talent through a national competition. The winners of this domestic round will then advance to represent the kingdom on the international stage, reflecting a broader effort to develop the nations culinary arts sector and increase its participation in global cultural events.

Syria is battling widespread wildfires along its coast as the nation contends with its most severe drought in decades, according to a report in The New York Times. Efforts to control the blazes are being significantly hindered by the presence of mines and unexploded ordnance remaining from the countrys civil war. The combination of extreme weather and the lingering dangers from the conflict is straining the capacity of the state to respond to the disaster.

Business activity and job creation in Saudi Arabia have reached a 14-year high, reflecting the impact of the nations ongoing economic reforms, Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. The growth is a key indicator of progress for the Vision 2030 agenda, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which aims to diversify the economy away from oil and boost the private sector. These positive economic figures are supported by efforts to attract foreign investment and are aligned with the Saudization policy focused on increasing employment for Saudi nationals.

Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal has been knocked out of the Club World Cup following a 2-1 loss to Brazils Fluminense in the quarterfinal stage, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The defeat eliminates the Saudi team, which qualified as the reigning AFC Champions League winner, from the international tournament. Fluminense advances to the semifinals of the competition.

A significant disagreement reportedly occurred between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ministry of Defense Director General Eyal Zamir over a cabinet plan concerning the population of Gaza, The Times of Israel said in a report. During what was described as a stormy meeting, Zamir allegedly expressed disbelief at a proposal to displace two million Gazans to the southern part of the Strip and impose a siege on the north. He reportedly questioned the plans feasibility and long-term implications by asking, Who will govern 2 million people?, highlighting a rift between political leadership and defense officials on the strategic management of the conflict and its aftermath.

The leadership of Saudi Arabia extended congratulations to United States President Donald Trump and the American people on the occasion of the countrys Independence Day on July 4, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The message represents a formal diplomatic communication between the two nations, a standard practice for maintaining state-to-state relations on national holidays.

Saudi Arabias Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has declared that Riyadhs current focus is on securing an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, placing it ahead of any potential normalization of ties with Israel, as per a report in Israel National News. The statement clarifies the kingdoms position, indicating that progress on broader regional diplomatic initiatives, such as establishing formal relations with Israel, is contingent upon the resolution of the ongoing conflict.

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Welcome to todays live coverage of key developments across West Asia. After nearly two years of heightened tensions and regional conflict, the United States and Iran are preparing to resume nuclear talks in Oslo, in what could mark a critical turning point in regional diplomacy. Meanwhile, investigations into civilian harm near Gaza aid sites and a surge in PTSD diagnoses in Israel point to the deepening humanitarian and psychological toll of ongoing violence.

In other developments, Iran has indicated it will not escalate militarily unless provoked, while President Donald Trump has stated he is open to meeting Iranian leaders if needed. Amid these shifts, a vote on Israels participation in the Eurovision Song Contest has been delayed following intense debate within the European Broadcasting Union.

Stay tuned for updates as events unfold:
The investigation is reportedly examining a potential malfunction in the Ram Air Turbines automatic deployment, identified as a critical system failure read more

Firefighters work to put out a fire at the site where an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India, on Friday. Reuters

Investigation into the June 12 Air India plane crash is focusing on the potential malfunction of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) system, among other issues.

The investigation team consists of international aviation experts from the UK and the US, including former Boeing captains.

The investigation is examining a potential malfunction in the Ram Air Turbines automatic deployment, identified as a critical system failure.

According to sources, the faulty RAT deployment is believed to have caused a loss of engine power, significantly contributing to the crash.

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Notably, a RAT is a small wind turbine deployed on aeroplanes as a backup power source during emergencies. Its designed to generate electrical and hydraulic power from the airstream when primary power sources fail.

The probe has raised serious questions about aircraft system integrity and crew response, implicating both Air India and Boeing.

A London-based legal team is coordinating the investigation, working with US safety consultants and aviation engineers.

Preliminary report expected next week

A preliminary report on the tragic crash is reportedly expected to be released by July 11 as part of ongoing efforts to improve safety in the civil aviation sector.

According to sources cited by NDTV, the preliminary report is expected to be four to five pages long and will provide early findings about the crash. It will include details about the aircraft, the crew, the conditions at Ahmedabad airport, and the weather at the time of the incident.

The report will also name the lead investigator, describe the wreckage, summarise the investigations progress, and outline the next steps to be taken in the coming days.

Additionally, authorities are investigating a near-miss incident involving another Air India flight just two days after the crash. On June 14, a flight from Delhi to Vienna suddenly lost altitude, dropping nearly 900 feet.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a probe into this incident, and the close timing of these two events has intensified scrutiny of Air Indias flight safety and regulatory oversight.

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Zelenskyy said President Trump was very well informed about the situation on the ground and that both leaders discussed the possibilities of air defence and agreed that we will work on increasing the protection in the sky read more

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he held a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump to discuss strengthening Ukraines air defences, as Russian missile and drone attacks continue to escalate across Ukrainian cities.

According to The Guardian report, in a statement posted on Telegram, Zelenskyy said President Trump was very well informed about the situation on the ground and that both leaders discussed the possibilities of air defence and agreed that we will work on increasing the protection in the sky.

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The two also agreed to hold a separate meeting between their respective teams to explore practical steps in this direction, added the report.

Zelenskyy said that the conversation, which lasted roughly 40 minutes, included discussions on future joint arms production initiatives.

We are ready for direct projects with America, Zelenskyy was quoted as saying, pointing to the potential for other joint purchases and investment partnerships.

Marking the occasion of US Independence Day, the Ukrainian president extended his best wishes to the American people and expressed gratitude for US support so far.

We have done a lot together with America and support all efforts to stop the killings and restore a normal, stable, dignified peace. A decent agreement is needed for peace, and Ukraine supports American proposals, The Guardian quoted him as saying.

The conversation came after Trumps Thursday call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which Putin reaffirmed Russias commitment to its war objectives despite US calls for a ceasefire.

After the call with Putin, Trump told reporters he was very disappointed, adding, I dont think hes there I dont think hes looking to stop this fighting.

The call also followed the US Defence Departments decision to pause shipments of critical weapons to Ukraine, including Patriot missiles and precision-guided artillery rounds.

Kyiv has warned that the delay risks weakening its air defences and emboldening Moscow.

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Despite repeated frustrations over Russias aggression, the Trump administration has not imposed new sanctions or approved additional aid for Ukraine since taking office in January.

Direct talks between Russia and Ukraine resumed earlier this year in Istanbul.

However, the two negotiation rounds on May 16 and June 2 have only led to prisoner exchanges, with no progress toward a ceasefire.

Meanwhile, just hours after launching the largest drone and missile assault since the start of the invasio, Russia on Friday said it sees no immediate diplomatic path to end the war in Ukraine.

The intense, hours-long bombardment forced residents across Ukraine to seek shelter, underscoring the worsening security situation.

The strikes came shortly after a call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which reportedly ended without any breakthrough.

Following the conversation, Trump acknowledged there had been no progress in talks with Putin to end more than three years of conflict since Russian forces invaded Ukraine in 2022.

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With inputs from agencies
Family travel boom boosts China's summer tourism market

Xinhua) 13:20, July 04, 2025

BEIJING, July 4 (Xinhua) -- With the annual summer travel rush underway in China, the tourism industry is anticipating an even more robust market, buoyed by optimistic projections for continued growth in family travel.

According to a report on the 2025 summer travel trend released by online travel agency LY.com in June, family travel remains the main driver of summer transportation this year.

The report expected that passengers traveling with minors would account for 34.7 percent of domestic civil aviation travelers and approximately 23 percent on international routes during this year's summer travel season, from July to August, both higher than the same period in 2024.

It also estimated that around 6 million people are expected to take a flight for the first time during the summer travel season this year.

Beijing-based travel agency Utour had already seen a 70 percent year-on-year growth in the number of its summer travel customers as of mid-June. Family travel is projected to account for more than 60 percent of its summer bookings.

"Our view is that this summer could become the most vibrant tourism season in recent years," said Li Mengran, media and public relations manager of Utour.

According to information released by the agency, there is a significant rise in customer queries for educational trips, study tours, and family-themed products. In that regard, the agency has introduced a 12-day summer travel package, featuring a family tour to Britain. The package includes visits to several top British universities, guided tours of the British Museum, and immersive Harry Potter-themed experiences, including visits to iconic filming locations.

Tourism industry insiders believe that as more people born in the 1980s and 1990s become parents, they increasingly seek experiences that go beyond traditional sightseeing and are more willing to spend on emotionally enriching travel.

In May, China's leading e-commerce platform, Meituan, and the China Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (CAAPA) jointly released a report on the development of family vacations in 2025, noting that family vacations have become a new form of investment in modern family consumption.

Wang Peng, an associate researcher at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, explained that rather than focusing solely on buying physical goods for their children, the new generation of parents are increasingly inclined to create meaningful experiences through family travel and themed activities for children's growth, which is a key reason behind the recent boom in family tourism.

Following that trend, immersive cultural learning experiences are also on the rise, leading to the growing popularity of activities such as traditional craft workshops, folk customs, intangible cultural heritage experiences, and science education.

In south China's Guangdong Province, GZL International Travel Service has introduced more cultural-heritage-related experiences in their domestic family travel packages to meet the new demand.

The agency has designed a variety of themed packages featuring intangible cultural heritage items, such as dough figurine making and paper cutting. As of June, family travelers had accounted for 82 percent of the agency's summer season customers.

In the meantime, the report by Meituan and CAAPA argued that, in the age of social media, trending intellectual properties (IPs) have also increasingly influenced family travel choices, with parents placing a high value on photo-worthy experiences that can spark online sharing.

According to a recent report by online travel platform Mafengwo, ticket bookings for the Pop Land have surged significantly, driven by the sensational Labubu, a character under Pop Mart's IP portfolio.

Meanwhile, the soon-to-open LEGOLAND Shanghai Resort, the largest LEGOLAND in the world, set to officially launch on July 5, has also become a top summer travel destination for many tourists.

Li Mengran believes that the 2025 summer tourism market is poised for a full recovery and structural transformation, with family travelers serving as the key growth engine.

"Driven by the global economic rebound and expanding international flight capacity, this summer will be marked by three major trends -- family-led demand, stronger themed travel, and deeper, more immersive experiences, which will offer new opportunities for the tourism industry," Li said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Samsung is preparing to reveal its next generation of foldables at Galaxy Unpacked next week. Along with the expected Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy Z Flip 7, and Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, rumors also point to a tri-fold foldable phone, possibly named the Galaxy G Fold.

Thanks to animations discovered in the latest One UI 8 build, shared by Android Authority, we now have an early look at this deviceinternally referred to as Multifold 7. The software includes both light and dark-themed animations, with the dark version offering a clearer view of the device layout.

Key Design Elements

The tri-panel rear design includes:

Left panel: Comes with three cameras in a style seen on current Z Fold devices.

Middle panel: A cover display featuring a front camera for use in the folded state.

Right panel: Appears to be bezel-less but is likely a blank rear panelnot a functional screen.

G-Shaped Folding Mechanism

Unlike HUAWEIs Mate XT with its S-shaped fold (one hinge inward, one outward), Samsungs design uses two inward-folding hinges, forming a G-shaped fold. These hinges are unequal in size to ensure the inner display folds flat without stresssandwiching the blank panel between them for protection.

A warning animation also advises against folding the device with the camera panel first, as doing so may cause damage due to the hinge structure. The side frame includes a recessed section, likely housing the volume rocker and power button.

Naming and Launch Uncertainty

While widely referred to as a tri-fold or triple-screen foldable, the device technically includes two displays and two hinges. The internal name Multifold may more accurately reflect the design.

Despite a teaser at the last Galaxy Unpacked, Samsung still hasnt officially confirmed this tri-fold device. These animations may simply reflect an internal test build, meaning the final designor even its public releasecould change or be postponed.

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked  July 2025 Event Details

Samsung will host its next Galaxy Unpacked on July 9th, where it is expected to launch the Galaxy Z Fold7, Z Flip7, Z Flip7 FE, Galaxy Watch 8, and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025. A teaser for Samsungs rumored tri-fold foldable may also be shown.

Event start times:

10 a.m. ET

3 p.m. BST

4 p.m. CET

7:30 p.m. IST

The entire event will be broadcast live via Samsungs YouTube channel.

Source
Global smartwatch shipments fell by 2% year-on-year (YoY) in the first quarter of 2025, marking the fifth consecutive quarter of YoY decline. The report stated that the slowdown mainly resulted from Indias smartwatch market cooling down and a drop in Apples shipment numbers, despite Apple keeping its global lead.

In contrast, China posted strong growth, registering a 37% YoY increase in shipmentsits highest global share since Q4 2020. This momentum was driven by domestic brands such as HUAWEI, Imoo, and Xiaomi, which leveraged cost-effective models to meet rising local demand.

Q1 2025 Global Smartwatch Shipment Share (with YoY Change)

Apple  20% ( 9% YoY): Remained the global market leader, supported by its extensive iOS user ecosystem.

Huawei  16% ( 53% YoY): Grew substantially on the back of domestic performance and a wide mid-to-premium product portfolio.

Xiaomi  10% ( 53% YoY): Matched Huaweis growth pace through competitive pricing and growing brand reach.

Samsung  7% ( 18% YoY): Recorded shipment decline due to reduced demand for previous-generation models.

Imoo  7% ( 23% YoY): Led the kids smartwatch category with accessible, feature-rich offerings.

Others  40% ( 17% YoY): Collectively declined as top brands increased market concentration.

Regional Insights

Senior Research Analyst Anshika Jain pointed out that Chinas growth stemmed from its domestic brands expanding their presence worldwide. She emphasized that brand loyalty among Chinese consumers is influenced by patriotic sentiment, government support, and the availability of advanced local technology across pricing tiers.

Market Pricing Trends

According to Research Analyst Balbir Singh, consumer preferences are shifting toward higher-priced smartwatches:

The $100$200 segment saw 21% YoY growth, indicating increasing demand for better accuracy, health features, and ecosystem support.

The sub-$100 segment declined 17% YoY, showing a drop in demand for entry-level models.

Kids smartwatch

Imoo drove growth in the expanding worldwide kids smartwatch category. Growth was most significant in China, with additional momentum in North America, Asia Pacific, and Europe. Singh cited heightened parental focus on location tracking and postponement of early smartphone use as key drivers.

Market Outlook

Looking ahead, Anshika Jain projected a 3% global smartwatch market recovery in 2025. Expected contributors to this rebound include:

Adoption of AI-powered features and next-gen health sensors.

Regulatory movement allowing certain smartwatches to gain medical-grade certifications.

A growing user focus on functionality, ecosystem integration, and long-term valuedriving higher demand for premium devices aligned with lifestyle, productivity, and wellness needs.

Source
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.
Wednesday Night

Cloudy skies early will become partly cloudy later at night. Low 71F. NNW winds shifting to E at 10 to 15 mph.
The move clears the way for Goita to lead the country until at least 2030
Mesa County Public Health is officially back in the business of behavioral health, having launched its Behavioral Health Division on Thursday.

According to a press release, the move was a necessary step in fulfilling its commitment to addressing behavioral health access, one of two issues the department set its sights on in the recent Community Health Improvement Plan.

With its debut, Mesa County Public Health appointed Jennifer Daniels as the Behavioral Health Division director.

We are grateful for our ongoing partnerships in the community, Daniels said. This launch marks a significant milestone in Mesa County Public Healths broader effort to address the root causes of poor health outcomes and ensure every resident has the opportunity to thrive  mentally, emotionally and physically.

Daniels is a licensed social worker and the chair of the Colorado Suicide Prevention Coalition Board; she is also an alumna of Colorado Mesa University.

Some of her accomplishments include guiding mental health programs in Mesa County Valley School District 51, coordinating a Mesa County chapter of the Colorado Suicide Prevention Coalition and launching the Zero Suicide initiative at Intermountain Health St. Marys Regional Hospital.

According to Daniels, the divisions overarching goal is to facilitate resource management and data-driven planning across Mesa Countys network of behavioral health providers.

Our goal is to reframe how we approach behavioral health  from crisis response to upstream prevention, Daniels said. This division will allow us to address behavioral health the same way we approach other public health issues  by looking at data, promoting equity, and building systems that work for everyone.

Within its umbrella goal, the press release stated the division will focus on four objectives: supporting and enhancing the local crisis continuum while diverting entry into the justice system and emergency departments; strengthening the sectors workforce pipeline and capacity; continuing the Behavioral Health Steering Committee; and ensuring the implementation of strategies identified in the Behavioral Health Summit that followed West Springs Hospitals closure.

Western Slope works toward West Springs alternatives Last week, The Daily Sentinel reported on whether many of the concerns related to West Sprin

The newly dedicated unit follows the recent closure of the Mesa County Behavioral Health Department. The Sentinel reported at that time how the departments elimination was primarily due to an uncertain future for funding and the termination of its founding director, Lisa Mills.

That departments co-response unit was moved into the Mesa County Sheriffs Office, and Mesa County Public Health absorbed much of the work related to supporting behavioral health providers.

The now-shuttered departments second program, the Multi-Agency Collaboration (MAC), is the only remaining piece with an uncertain future.

The Sentinel reported in May that the grant funding for MAC expired at the end of June, leaving few options but to cease its operations  for now.

+6 Mesa County behavioral health department to close With its founding directors termination and a future of uncertain funding, Mesa County dete

At the time, Mesa County Public Health Executive Director Xavier Crockett said there is a strong desire to revive MAC under the Behavioral Health Division, but doing so would require a new funding source.

The systems going to take a little bit of time to build out, but we have the bones to really scale it to what it needs to be, Crockett told the Sentinel in May.

As of publication, there have been no updates regarding a MAC 2.0.
Dennis received bachelor's degrees in communication and political science with a TAG degree in Spanish from The University of Akron in Ohio. He grew up in Ohio with two sisters and two brothers, one being his fraternal twin. He and his wife have two dogs: Bacio, and Cal. Dennis currently covers natural resource and environmental issues for The Daily Sentinel
Chinese FM refutes Switzerland's espionage allegations, saying China is victim of espionage activities

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jul 03, 2025 04:54 PM

In response to Switzerland's Federal Intelligence Service claiming on Wednesday that the threat from espionage is high in the country as global insecurity increases, with the main threats emanating from Russia and China, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stressed that the so-called "espionage threat from China" is completely fabricated, China is a victim of espionage activities.

China is a staunch force for peaceful development and mutually beneficial cooperation in international affairs. China has always believed that only win-win cooperation aligns with the aspirations of the people. We have consistently and firmly opposed all forms of espionage and urge the relevant parties to stop hyping up confrontation, stop spreading lies, and deliberately smearing China, said Mao.

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PM Netanyahu Visits Mossad HQ

Israel - Prime Minister's Office

Events and Speeches

The 37th Government

03.07.2025

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, yesterday evening, visited Mossad headquarters, where he met with Mossad Director David Barnea and the agency's senior command forum.

The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for the agency's personnel for their unique and significant contribution to Operation Rising Lion and for the many years of operational and intelligence work in thwarting the Iranian threat.

Prime Minister Netanyahu:

"The Mossad operation with the pagers set in motion everything that happened afterward - the elimination of Nasrallah, the collapse of Assad and our subsequent joint action in removing the immediate existential threat.

Your contribution was immense. Under the leadership of Mossad Director David Barnea, the agency proved its deep commitment to eliminating the leading minds and striking the Iranian nuclear program.

Your phenomenal achievements combined very well with the great achievements of the IDF. This was a very great force multiplier.

I commend you for your major and ongoing contribution to the security of Israel."

Mossad Director Barnea:

"Today, the State of Israel is in a powerful and strategic position, thanks to the outstanding cooperation with the military, which showed astounding capabilities, alongside the Mossad, which worked for years, preparing special and intelligence operations against the Iranian threat.

There has been throughout responsible military leadership, outstanding civilian leadership, and - of course - diplomatic leadership by you, Mr. Prime Minister.

I personally thank you for the trust you have placed in the men and women of the Mossad, and its commanders. Without this trust, we would not have achieved what we have to date, or the significant damage we inflicted in the recent campaign.

Our mission is not over. We are committed to continuing our efforts with determination in order to prevent future Iranian threats to the State of Israel, and to striving to fully utilize the strategic opportunities before us."

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Lacson seeks tougher anti-espionage law

Philippine News Agency

July 3, 2025, 4:56 pm

MANILA -- Senator Panfilo Lacson on Thursday filed a bill seeking to strengthen and modernize the country's 78-year-old anti-espionage law by introducing harsher penalties for the crime.

The proposed "New Anti-Espionage Act," increases penalties for such offenses and covers new technologies, as well as activities by foreign jurisdictions that can interfere with government affairs.

It also allows the surveillance of suspects and interception and recording of communications after a court order from the Court of Appeals.

"Recent technological advancements, along with the potential involvement of foreign jurisdictions in our country's political and governmental affairs, have exposed significant gaps in Commonwealth Act No. 616 and Article 117 of the Revised Penal Code. These shortcomings underscore the urgent need to amend and modernize these laws," Lacson said in his bill.

The senator said the measure particularly imposes higher penalties for erring public officials, employees and foreigners.

The bill also expands the definition of espionage to include "physical, electronic, cyber, or any other means, which causes or tends to cause injury to the Philippines or gives or tends to give advantage to a state, nation, entity, or individual, whether foreign or domestic."

Under the bill, Lacson said, harsher penalties await erring public officials, employees and foreigners involved in espionage, including:

-- Filipinos who commit acts penalized under the bill outside Philippine territory;

-- Individuals physically outside the country but commit the crimes covered by the bill;

-- Individuals who are outside the Philippines but commit crimes covered in the bill against Philippine officials, their representatives, staff, agent, or envoy; and

-- Individuals who may be outside the Philippines but commit said crimes directly against the Philippine government or its agent.

The measure comes after authorities arrested several Filipinos and foreigners engaged in alleged espionage activities, which also resulted in the seizure of several surveillance equipment such as international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) catchers, a vehicle with LiDar (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor and a concealed triple camera device, a GNSS-RTK (Global Navigational Satellite System Real-Time Kinematics) device and aerial drones, among others.

These equipment were allegedly used in surveillance activities in several vital installations such as government offices and military bases.

"These incidents point to a larger, more concerning pattern: a deliberate and sophisticated use of modern tools to conduct espionage and interference -- threats that may originate from both foreign and domestic sources," Lacson said.

For those who are not Philippine citizens, the Philippines shall exercise jurisdiction only when the individual enters or is inside the territory of the Philippines.

In the absence of any request for extradition, the National Security Council (NSC) shall refer the case to the Bureau of Immigration for deportation or to the Department of Justice for prosecution, "as if the act constituting the offense had been committed in the Philippines."

The bill metes out life imprisonment without parole and a fine from PHP5 million to PHP20 million to those who engage and conspire to engage in espionage and interference in our internal affairs -- including those who aid and abet them.

A government official or employee found guilty of violating the measure faces absolute perpetual disqualification from any public office, and a maximum penalty.

On the other hand, foreigners found guilty of violating the measure shall be deported immediately after serving their sentence. They will be permanently barred from entering the country.

The NSC may issue an Access Blocking Order directing internet access service providers to take reasonable steps to disable access by end-users in the Philippines to online publications that it deems will prejudice national or public security, negatively impact public health, safety, or finances, affect diplomatic relations, incite enmity among influential groups, undermine public confidence in authorities, or influence the outcome of elections or referendums.

An internet access service provider that does not comply with any access blocking order shall be fined PHP1 million each day during which any part of that order is not fully complied with, up to a total of PHP500 million.

A duly authorized military personnel, law enforcement agent, or intelligence officer may secretly wiretap, intercept, record or collect private messages of any person charged or suspected of committing any of the offenses under this Act -- after meeting various requirements and upon written order of the Court of Appeals

The bill adds espionage and interference, in any form, to the list of unlawful activities subject to the authority of the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to conduct financial investigations, freezing of accounts, and forfeiture of assets.

Also, the AMLC is authorized to inquire into or examine deposits and investments suspected of any of the crimes defined and penalized under the provisions of this Act with any banking institution or non-bank financial institution and their subsidiaries and affiliates without a court order. (Leonel Abasola/PNA)

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SVK MOD introduces National Defence Forces (NDF) as new form of Slovakia's Reserve Forces (RF)

Ministry of Defence of The Slovak Republic

27.06.2025

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is offering SVK citizens an opportunity to join the National Defence Forces as a new form of Slovakia's Reserve Forces (RF) with voluntary engagement in the defence of the State. The aim of this initiative is to strengthen Slovakia's resilience by getting our citizens ready to deal with crises and emergencies, while providing them with attractive benefits, professional training, and trade-specific skills that can be used in both civilian and professional settings.

Act No. 150/2025 Coll. on certain measures to increase the resistance of the Slovak Republic in the field of defence and security, on conscription, and on amendments and supplements to certain other acts will take effect as of 1 July 2025. This MOD-sponsored legislation will bring changes to the Active Reserves (AR) as they will now be replaced by the National Defence Forces (NDF) under the new arrangements. Depending on the tasks the NDF are to undertake, the legislation sets out the conditions for the inclusion of reservists in the Operational, Standby and Conscription Reserves, with the fundamental principle of voluntariness governing the entire enrolment process.

Speaking today at an MOD press conference on the formation of the National Defence Forces, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Robert Kalinak said: "After several months of work, we are now on the verge of establishing the National Defence Forces. They will primarily be intended for SVK citizens who want to spend some of their free time by increasing the resilience of our State and by helping in crisis situations and areas, and who want to improve their physical fitness levels, learn new skills, and complete various challenges that this new MOD project brings." He continued: "The National Defence Forces are open to everyone from 18 to 55 years of age or in exceptional cases up to 65 years of age, and, in principle, to anyone who is interested in being part of the community that is dedicated to protecting Slovakia."

For further information, potential candidates can follow the guidance notes on the website at www.noska.sk, contact the Call Centres on 0960 960 960, where fifteen operators are available 24/7, or they can get in touch with the Slovak Armed Forces Recruitment Teams based in regional cities and in military units. Those interested can request formal inclusion in one of the three reserve components of the Armed Forces as follows:

OPERATIONAL RESERVES - whose role is to perform the Armed Forces' operational and crisis resolution tasks,

STANDBY RESERVES - that mainly support crisis management operations and operations in defence of the State,

CONSCRIPTION RESERVES - who undertake a one-off 14-day training programme for citizens without prior military experience.

Remuneration packages are available to incentivise and reward the reservists. The Operational and Standby Reserves will carry out training and tasks for 20 days, plus they must be on standby for another 10 days. On meeting the 30 days per year training and service requirement, members of the Operational and Standby Reserves are to receive a payment of 3,000. Compared to them, the Conscription Reserves must undertake training and tasks for at least 14 days to get a half of that amount. In addition, NDF soldiers will be entitled to their Regular counterparts' equivalent of the rank-based gross salary - 1,088 and 653 for members of the Operational and Standby Reserves and members of the Conscription Reserves, respectively.

What's more, everyone can receive an incentive payment of up to 1,686 for their specialist trades or for earning additional qualifications, of up to 3,371 for signing up for additional years of service, and of up to 562 for increasing their physical fitness and readiness levels.

The NDF training programmes will be delivered at three training locations - Turecky Vrch Training Area near Bratislava, Martin, and in the surroundings of Michalovce. Preparations are currently underway for the training of the first intake of reservists, due to start on Turecky Vrch Training Area on 10 July 2025.

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Contracts

Contracts For July 3, 2025

AIR FORCE

The Boeing Co., El Segundo, California, was awarded a $2,838,537,105 cost-plus-incentive-award-fee contract for Evolved Strategic Satellite (ESS) communications space development and production. This contract provides for the development and production of four ESS space vehicles. Work will be performed at El Segundo, California, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2033. This contract was a competitive acquisition and two offers were received. Fiscal 2025 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $100,000,000 are being obligated at the time of award. The Space Systems Command, Military Communication and Positioning, Navigation and Timing, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California, is the contracting activity (FA8807-25-C-B006).

ASRC Federal Gulf State Constructors LLC., Beltsville, Maryland, has been awarded a $21,969,365 modification (P00009) to a previously awarded contract (FA300224C0009) for base maintenance services. This modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $146,483,685. Work will be performed at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas; Frederick Airfield, Oklahoma; and Sheppard Annex, Lake Texoma, Texas, and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2031. Fiscal 2025 operations and maintenance appropriations funds will be obligated at the time of modification in the amount of $3,577,136. The 82nd Contracting Squadron, Sheppard AFB, Texas, is the contracting activity.

NAVY

Textron Systems Corp., New Orleans, Louisiana, was awarded a $353,961,249 fixed price incentive-firm target contract modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-23-C-2452) to exercise the option for the construction of three Ship to Shore Connector Landing Craft air cushion 100 class craft. Work will be performed in New Orleans, Louisiana (66%); Pasadena, California (11%); Cincinnati, Ohio (7%); Gloucester, United Kingdom (4%); other locations (3%); Hunt Valley, Maryland (1%); Huntsville, Alabama (1%); Russellville, Arizona (1%); Stamford, Connecticut (1%); West Palm Beach, Florida (1%); Riverdale, Iowa (1%); Chanhassen, Minnesota (1%); Gold Beach, Oregon (1%); and Chesapeake, Virginia (1%),and is expected to be completed by July 2031. Fiscal 2025 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $353,961,249 were obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Awarded June 30, 2025)

Core Tech-HDCC-Kajima LLC, Tamuning, Guam, is awarded a $295,019,906 firm-fixed-price contract for the construction of a defense system command center in Guam. Work will be performed at Joint Region Marianas, Guam, and is expected to be completed by March 2029. The project is incrementally funded. Fiscal 2025 military construction (Defense) funds in the amount of $157,600,000 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the sam.gov website, with four proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Pacific, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (N62742-25-C-1301).

Lockheed Martin, Rotary and Mission Systems, Moorestown, New Jersey, is awarded a $28,643,657 cost-plus-incentive-fee and cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-19-C-5102) for the extension of integrated logistics support, combat system engineering, and ship integration and test, and in-country integrated test team supports in connection with the KDX III Batch II destroyers. This contract involves Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to South Korea. Work will be performed in Ulsan, South Korea (60%); Moorestown, New Jersey (38%); and Seoul, South Korea (2%), and is expected to be completed by December 2027. FMS (Korea) funds in the amount of $7,200,000 will be obligated at the time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

ARMY

Grunley Construction Co. Inc., Rockville, Maryland, was awarded a $15,000,000 modification (P00003) to contract W912DR-22-D-0007 for a broad variety of major and minor repairs, modifications, renovations, rehabilitation, alterations, design-build, design-bid-build and new construction projects. 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 Aug. 16, 2027. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

ONE WTE JV, Tulsa, Oklahoma, was awarded a $10,788,971 firm-fixed-price contract for hazardous materials and hazardous waste programs. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, with an estimated completion date of July 1, 2030. Fiscal 2025 operation and maintenance, Army funds in the amount of $10,788,971 were obligated at the time of the award. 419th Contracting Support Brigade, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, is the contracting activity (W91248-25-C-A004).

Panhandle Power Solutions LLC,* Destin, Florida, was awarded a $9,669,240 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of redundant electrical supply. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work will be performed in Aurora, Colorado, with an estimated completion date of Jul. 8, 2027. Fiscal 2024 military construction, defense-wide funds in the amount of $9,669,240 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha, Nebraska, is the contracting activity (W9128F-25-C-A037).

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Clean Harbors Environmental Services Inc., Norwell, Massachusetts, has been awarded a maximum $10,651,365 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for hazardous waste removal, transportation and disposal services. This was a competitive acquisition with two responses received. This is a two-year six-month base contract with one two-year six-month option period. Location of performance is Alaska, with a Jan. 15, 2028, ordering period end date. Using customers are Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2025 through 2027 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services, Battle Creek, Michigan (SP4500-25-D-0021).

U.S. TRANSPORTATION COMMAND

Rampart Aviation LLC, Colorado Springs, Colorado (HTC71125CE116), has been awarded a firm-fixed-price contract with a face value of $7,835,957. The contract provides continued passenger air transportation services between Naval Air Station North Island, California, to San Clemente California. The location of performance is San Diego, California. The base period of performance is Oct. 1, 2025, to Sept. 30, 2026. Operations and Maintenance funds will be obligated for fiscal 2025. The U.S. Transportation Command, Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is the contracting activity.

*Small business

https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/4235220/

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Belgium Hands Over Command of NATO Mine Countermeasures Group to Latvia

NATO Allied Maritime Command

Jul 1 2025

Zeebrugge, Belgium -- Belgian Navy Commander Erik Kockx has formally handed over command of Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1) to Latvian Navy Commander Janis Auce in a ceremony held at Zeebrugge Naval Base, Belgium. Commodore Jeroen van Zanten (RNLN), Assistant Chief of Staff Operations of Allied Maritime Command, presided over the ceremony and offered his congratulations to the incoming and outgoing commanders.

It marks the conclusion of a successful six-month leadership for the Belgian Navy. SNMCMG1 maintained a high state of operational readiness throughout, delivering essential mine countermeasures capabilities and broader maritime security presence as part of NATO's rapid reaction forces.

Since January, SNMCMG1 has played a vital role in "Baltic Sentry", monitoring and protecting critical underwater infrastructure (CUI) and securing key maritime routes. The Group has also safely disposed of historic ordnance located in the Baltic Sea - efforts which are crucial to ensuring safe navigation, minimizing the risks posed by sea mines, and upholding freedom of the seas. SNMCMG1 continues to be a cornerstone of NATO's collective defence and deterrence strategy across the Baltic and North Sea regions.

In his farewell address, Commander Kockx reflected on the group's achievements over the past six months and expressed gratitude to all personnel who contributed to the mission's success.

"Commanding this multinational task group has been a deeply rewarding experience. Over the course of our deployment, we have worked closely together, overcoming challenges and strengthening cooperation at sea. As I pass command to Latvian Commander Auce, I do so with pride in our accomplishments and confidence in the group's ongoing strength".

During this deployment, thirteen units from seven Allied nations have sailed with SNMCMG1. Under the leadership of Commander Kockx, the group demonstrated its ability to operate effectively in complex, multi-dimensional exercises. The largest of these was BALTOPS 2025, a major multinational exercise involving over 40 ships, 25 aircraft, and more than 9,000 personnel from 16 NATO Allies and Partner countries.

Earlier in the year, the group also took part in Open Spirit, hosted by the Lithuanian Navy. Two historical sea mines were successfully located and neutralised, underscoring SNMCMG1's expertise and dedication to maritime security.

In total, SNMCMG1 found 44 pieces of historic ordnance, successfully countermining 13, thereby enhancing the safety of the Baltic Sea.

The task group also conducted 21 port visits across nine Baltic states, raising public awareness for NATO's role, and reinforcing the Alliance's diplomatic outreach.

Looking ahead, SNMCMG1 will continue its vital mission under the command of Commander Janis Auce, with flagship LVNS Virsaitis. Commander Auce brings extensive international experience to this role, having participated in operations such as the counter-piracy operation Atlanta in 2014. He also served in the Baltic states Naval squadron BALTRON as principal Staff Officer in 2013 and held the position of squadron commander, COMBALTRON, twice, in 2015 and again in 2023.

During the handover ceremony, Commander Auce said today marks an important milestone for the Latvian Navy.

"Taking command of SNMCMG1 reaffirms our professionalism and highlights the high interoperability of Allied naval forces," he said. "We are honoured to contribute to NATO's collective security and remain committed to fulfilling our mission with dedication and resolve, especially given the current geopolitical challenges."

SNMCMG1 is one of NATO's four standing maritime task groups under the operational control of Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM). These task groups form the core maritime capability of NATO's Allied Reaction Force (ARF) and provide a continuous maritime capability to execute NATO missions across the spectrum of operations, demonstrating solidarity and strengthening the bond and interoperability between Allied naval forces.

Story by Public Affairs Office at MARCOM

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OIC, LAS, and AU launch a joint emergency humanitarian appeal regarding the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip

Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

02-07-2025

Amb. Samir Bakr, the Assistant Secretary-General for Palestine and Al-Quds Affairs, led a delegation from the General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in a consultative meeting with UNRWA and representatives from the League of Arab States (LAS) and the African Union (AU). This meeting addressed the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. It took place at the LAS headquarters in Cairo on July 2, 2025. The meeting resulted in a joint emergency humanitarian appeal.

Joint Emergency Humanitarian Appeal of the Three Regional Organizations:

The League of Arab States, the African Union, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation regarding the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

Urgent Appeal to Stop the Crimes of Genocide, Starvation, Blockade, Displacement, and Destruction, and to Address the Humanitarian Needs of the Palestinian People in the Gaza Strip:

Cairo: July 2, 2025

Due to their political, legal, humanitarian, and moral responsibilities, the General Secretariats of the League of Arab States, the African Union, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation convened a consultative meeting with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) to address the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. This meeting took place at the headquarters of the League of Arab States in Cairo, Egypt, on July 2, 2025, resulting in a joint emergency humanitarian appeal.

The three organizations express their deep concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. This suffering is a result of ongoing acts that can be described as genocide, starvation, comprehensive blockades, forced displacement, and systematic destruction, all perpetrated by the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian people since October 2023. These actions are in blatant violation of international humanitarian law, relevant United Nations resolutions, and orders from the International Court of Justice.

The three organizations strongly reject and condemn the use of starvation and blockades by the Israeli occupation as tools of war against Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip. They demand the immediate and permanent opening of all land and sea crossings to ensure adequate, sustainable, and unhindered access to humanitarian aid. This aid must include food, clean water, fuel, medicines, medical supplies, and shelters. They also warn of the serious consequences of these actions, including making the Gaza Strip uninhabitable and leading to widespread famine and malnutrition.

The three organizations emphasize that providing relief to the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip is a fundamental and non-negotiable human right. They strongly reject the current humanitarian aid distribution mechanism, which has turned into zones of field execution where starving civilians and humanitarian workers are directly targeted and killed while waiting for assistance. They affirm that this mechanism poses a systematic threat to life and uses food and humanitarian aid as weapons of war to impose military control and enforce demographic change.

The organizations condemn the widespread and deliberate destruction of civilian infrastructure and life in the Gaza Strip. This includes hospitals, schools, universities, aid distribution teams, UNRWA warehouses, safe shelters, as well as water and sanitation networks and power plants. They also denounce the intentional targeting of sick and wounded individuals, medical and humanitarian personnel, and journalists. This violence deprives the population of basic means of survival and makes the work of relief organizations impossible.

The three organizations emphasize the importance of enabling UNRWA to fulfill its vital role in the Gaza Strip, particularly given the agency's current precarious financial situation. They urge the international community to apply effective and sustained pressure on Israel, the occupying power, to allow UNRWA and its international and local partners to operate freely, safely, and without hindrance. Additionally, they reject any attempts to undermine UNRWA's mission or transfer its essential functions to any other entity. They call for political, financial, and legal support for this UN agency and for the preservation of its existing mandate as outlined in relevant UN resolutions.

The organizations strongly condemn and warn against the dangers posed by the ongoing illegal Israeli occupation policies in the West Bank, including East Al-Quds. This includes the expansion of colonial settlements, arbitrary detention, annexation, and the assertion of alleged Israeli sovereignty over these areas. They highlight the storming of cities, villages, and camps, the destruction of homes and infrastructure, the displacement of residents, and efforts to alter the historical and legal status of holy sites, particularly the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The three organizations emphasize the urgent need for immediate and unconditional compliance with the rulings of the International Court of Justice and relevant UN resolutions, particularly concerning the prevention of genocide and the provision of essential humanitarian aid. They call for the implementation of UN General Assembly and Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 2735, which seeks a permanent humanitarian ceasefire, the opening of border crossings, and the unhindered entry of aid.

Additionally, the organizations stress the importance of achieving justice and accountability, urging the international community to take all legal and diplomatic measures to end impunity. They demand the urgent establishment of an independent and impartial international commission of inquiry to investigate serious violations of international law committed in the Gaza Strip, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, and to determine individual and collective responsibilities.

The organizations also call for international protection for civilians, including humanitarian and medical workers, journalists, as well as women, children, and the elderly, who are the primary victims of this conflict. They underscore the necessity for urgent and decisive action to ensure the physical and psychological safety and well-being of these vulnerable populations and to protect their lives.

The three organizations strongly reject any plans to displace the Palestinian people from their land, viewing such actions as serious violations of international law. Additionally, they express their support for the Arab-Islamic initiative focused on the early recovery and reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.

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USCENTCOM Commander Conducts Middle East Trip to Visit U.S. Service Members and Strengthen Regional Partnerships

U.S. Central Command

Press Release | July 3, 2025

USCENTCOM

July 3. 2025

Release Number 20250703-01

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Commander, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla conducted a multi-nation trip through the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean from June 30 to July 3, to visit the U.S. service members involved in the defense of U.S. forces and interests across the region as well as meet with key regional defense leaders in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Israel, and Greece.

From June 30 to July 1, Gen. Kurilla visited Saudi Arabia to meet with service members based in the Kingdom and met with Saudi and Yemeni partners. Gen. Kurilla met with Gen. Fayyad bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, Chief of General Staff of the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces and his key staff. Gen. Kurilla, Gen. Al-Ruwaili, and the other leaders discussed shared security concerns and strengthening the military-to-military relationship, cooperation, and interoperability. Gen. Kurilla congratulated the Royal Saudi Armed Forces on achieving full operational capability of their first Theater High Altitude Air Defense (THAAD) system on 1 July.

Gen. Kurilla also met with Lt. Gen. Sagheer Hamoud Ahmed Aziz, the Chief of Staff of the Yemeni Armed Forces, who traveled from Yemen for the meeting. Gen. Kurilla and Lt. Gen. Aziz discussed regional threats and efforts to maintain freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Bab al Mandeb.

On July 1, Gen. Kurilla visited Al-Udeid Air Base, Qatar, to visit the service members involved in the defense of US forces and Qatar and recognized them for their professionalism, skill, and dedication during the combined defeat of Iran's attack on Qatar and U.S. Forces. He also met with Lt. Gen. Jas-sim Al Mannai, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, and discussed regional security issues and continued opportunities to increase interoperability. Gen. Kurilla and Lt. Gen. Al Mannai reiterated their commitment to enhancing the military-to-military partnership between the U.S. and Qatar, which has been a capable and willing partner in the region for more than five decades.

From July 1 - July 2, Gen. Kurilla visited Jordan to visit service members deployed ensuring regional stability. He also met with Maj. Gen. Yousef Al-Hnaity, Chairman of the Jordan Joint Chiefs of Staff and key staff. Gen. Kurilla and Maj. Gen. Hnaity discussed the evolving security situation in the region, deepening the bilateral defense relationship between the U.S. and Jordan, and further expanding the military-to-military relationship with the Jordanian Armed Forces, which continues to serve as a steadfast and capable strategic partner for peace and stability in the region.

From July 2 - July 3, Gen. Kurilla traveled to Israel to visit U.S. service members deployed there in defense if U.S. citizens and the state of Israel. He also met with Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) and other key IDF staff and leaders to include Maj Gen Tomer Bar, Commander of Israeli Air Forces. Gen. Kurilla and Lt. Gen. Zamir discussed a range of strategic security issues across the region. Gen. Kurilla also discussed continued efforts to improve the interoperability of U.S. and Israeli forces and reiterated the ironclad military-to-military relationship between the two countries.

The trip concluded at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay in Crete, Greece, July 3, where Gen. Kurilla met with U.S. Navy leaders and the crew of the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) and NSA Souda Bay personnel. Gen. Kurilla thanked the USS Oscar Austin and NSA Souda Bay team for their vital support to USCENTCOM's mission through ballistic missile defense, maritime security operations, logistics, and sustainment efforts.

"At every stop on this trip, I saw firsthand the professionalism, competence, and skill of our servicemembers and the immense value they bring to our partnerships. The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Guardians, and Coast Guardsmen throughout the CENTCOM AOR are well trained, well led, and ready to defend our national interests and our Partners. They are also the cornerstone of our regional relationships that are critical to regional stability, deterrence, and readiness." said Gen. Kurilla.

-30-

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Swiss Government

Press release

Published on 3 July 2025

Bern, 03.07.2025 -- The National Armaments Director, Urs Loher, and the German National Armaments Director, Vice Admiral Carsten Stawitzki, have signed the programme agreement as part of the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) for the cooperative procurement of IRIS-T SLM systems of medium-range ground-based air defence (GBAD MR) from the German manufacturer Diehl Defence GmbH & Co. KG. The programme agreement which the Federal Council approved on 20 June 2025 is a requirement for a procurement contract on the GBAD MR systems. Switzerland can benefit from economies of scale and an improved interoperability of the systems through this joint procurement.

The ground-based air defence (GBAD) will contribute to the impact of maintaining air sovereignty and air defence as well as protecting against attacks with long-range weapons. As part of Integrated Air Defence (IAD), the GBAD will combat threats at various different distances and heights. The system for medium-range ground-based air defence (GBAD MR) increases the effect in the lower, medium and in some cases upper airspace at medium distances. The goal is to increase the freedom of action in integrated air defence and to regain the capability for geospatial cruise missile defence.

A guarantee credit of 660 million Francs was approved for GBAD MR in the 2024 armament programme.

The Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse is intending to procure five IRIS-T SLM systems for GBAD MR. The negotiations with the manufacturer are largely completed. The contract is expected to be signed in summer 2025.

Programme agreement on the cooperative procurement of medium-range ground-based air defence systems

The decision to procure IRIS-T SLM systems for medium-range ground-based air defence as part of the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) also corresponds with the goals of the Federal Council's Armament Policy Strategy. The closer cooperation in the area of ground-based air defence with neighbouring and partner nations thus also increases Switzerland's scope of action. Participating countries will be able to benefit from economies of scale based on the joint procurement via ESSI. Moreover, the interoperability between the partner nations will be improved through a cooperative procurement.

The conclusion of the programme agreement and the procurement of GBAD MR systems through the German Federal Ministry of Defence are compatible with Switzerland's obligations in terms of neutrality law. There is no obligation to integrate own systems in the air or missile defence systems of Germany or of NATO. Switzerland is at liberty to operate and deploy the systems autonomously and independently.

European Sky Shield Initiative ESSI

The ESSI is an Initiative launched by Germany in 2022 with the intention of strengthening air defence in Europe and better pooling combined efforts. Switzerland joined the Initiative in October 2024.

The purpose of the ESSI is to better coordinate and combine procurement projects for air defence in Europe in order to utilise economies of scale in the procurement of systems and to improve the interoperability between the partner countries. The Initiative also enables cooperations in training, in system maintenance and in logistics.

Project "GBAD MR"

The project "GBAD MR" is a procurement project for renewing important anti-aircraft systems of the Swiss Armed Forces. The renewal will close an existing gap in capability in the defence of stand-off weapons, to combat approaching targets at a medium distance and thus expand long-range ground-based air defence with the Patriot system. Systems currently in use will soon reach the end of their useful life. In addition, the existing type Stinger and medium anti-aircraft (med AAA) systems only have very short ranges - modern combat aircraft deploy their weapons from greater heights and distances.
First EU-level OPEX campaign tests UAV and UGV systems in Italy

European Defence Agency

03 July 2025

On 3 July 2025, six European defence companies gathered near Rome to demonstrate unmanned aerial and ground systems as part of the European Defence Agency's (EDA) first-ever European Defence Innovation Operational Experimentation (OPEX) campaign. The live demonstration took place under the umbrella of the Hub for EU Defence Innovation (HEDI), at the Italian Army's Multifunctional Experimentation Centre (CEPOLISPE) in Montelibretti, Italy.

Crucially, this marks the first operational experimentation coordinated at EU level. While similar initiatives have taken place nationally, OPEX introduces a new model of cross-border collaboration among Member States.

"Security, warfare, and technology are changing at an accelerating pace. The war in Ukraine reshaped our understanding of defence innovation, compressing years of development into weeks through rapid prototyping, adaptability, and tight collaboration among armed forces, engineers, and civilians. So, defence innovation is no longer optional, nor a long-term ambition," said Andre Denk, EDA's Chief Executive, during the Distinguished Visitors' Day. "Accelerating innovation from the lab to the field is our ticket to operational relevance."

The OPEX campaign embodies HEDI's ambition to bridge the gap between promising innovation and real-world military capability. By testing unmanned aerial and ground systems in realistic operational conditions, OPEX offers a way for Member States, industry and end-users to jointly test, evaluate and refine technologies. That helps to overcome the "valley of death" where innovations often fail to reach operational use.

Unlike traditional demonstrations, OPEX reflects a shift toward experimentation as a strategic tool. It generates critical insights into operational concepts, training requirements and interoperability challenges  supporting long-term defence planning. From autonomous systems and drones to electronic interference platforms, the campaign reflects EDA's commitment to accelerating the uptake of emerging capabilities.

Weeks of field testing

The campaign unfolded in several phases of increasing complexity, from the evaluation of individual systems to fully integrated, cross-domain operations using unmanned aerial systems (UAVs) and unmanned ground systems (UGVs). The six companies  Portugal's BEYOND VISION, ALTUS LSA of Greece, Austria's SCHIEBEL, ALYSIS of Spain, PIAP of Poland and Germany's ARX ROBOTICS  carried out simulations of coordinated tactical missions, focused on autonomous logistics under conditions closely mirroring real-life scenarios.

The final phase of the campaign tested these systems further in demanding, multi-domain environments, providing insight into how advanced technologies can be integrated into future military operations and force structures.

The Distinguished Visitors' Day event brought together high-level representatives, including EDA's Denk, Director of CEPOLISPE Brigadier General Pierpaolo Dotoli, Italian National Armaments Director (NAD) Admiral Giacinto Ottaviani, and Italy's Deputy NAD Luisa Riccardi. EDA's Director for Research, Technology and Innovation, Nathalie Guichard outlined HEDI's mission to accelerate defence innovation across the EU.

OPEX campaigns will become a multi-annual effort under HEDI. Future editions, hosted by various Member States, will expand in scope and complexity, covering a wider range of emerging technologies. They will feed directly into EU defence planning, helping ensure that innovation is translated more rapidly and effectively into operational capability.

The OPEX support team is a consortium led by French company EXTENSEE. It helped in the design and execution of the OPEX campaign in collaboration with EDA and the Italian authorities.

EDA awarded contracts across six specialised categories, following a competitive procurement process launched in July 2024:

Low-Cost Attritable UAS - BEYOND VISION (Portugal)

Vertical Take-Off and Launch (VTOL) UAS - ALTUS LSA (Greece)

Heavy Lift VTOL UAS - SCHIEBEL (Austria)

Low-Cost Attritable UGS - ALYSIS (Spain)

Medium Wheeled Logistical UGS - PIAP (Poland)

Medium Tracked Logistical UGS - ARX ROBOTICS (Germany)

EDA's broader role

Founded in 2004, the Agency helps foster defence cooperation across Europe. It serves as the central hub for EU countries aiming to develop their defence capabilities together. EDA's activities span from harmonising requirements and developing operational capabilities to research, technology, innovation, training, and supporting Common Security and Defence Policy operations. The agency also works closely with the European defence industry to strengthen Europe's technological and industrial base.

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Over EUR 90 million in EU funding awarded to Finnish transport projects including new icebreaker

Finnish Government

Ministry of Transport and Communications

Publication date 3.7.2025 13.18

Type:Press release

The European Commission has awarded EUR 91.01 million under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) to nine projects in Finland. Of this, around EUR 59.60 million will go to government initiatives.

The CEF Transport Coordination Committee decided in favour of awarding funding to the projects on 2 July 2025. Out of the EUR 2.7 billion in funding allocated by the Commission, around EUR 970 million was open to applications from Finland. The total value of applications submitted across the EU was over EUR 9 billion. The Commission aims to fund projects with a high degree of readiness for planning and implementation.

"This is a fantastic outcome. We applied for EU funding for critical infrastructure - and we got it. Especially the funding secured for the new icebreaker and main road 21 will both strengthen Finland's security of supply and military mobility and facilitate foreign trade," says Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne.

The funding will promote investment in the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), which links railways, inland waterways, roads, ports, airports, urban nodes and multimodal freight terminals into a single transport network. The Commission requires Member States to cover 50-70 per cent of total project costs with national funding.

Government projects receive funding for a new icebreaker and northern connections

Of Finland's CEF funding, around EUR 59.60 million will support government initiatives. The following projects received funding:

1. Acquisition of a new icebreaker

Finland will receive around EUR 42.22 million for a new Baltic Sea class B icebreaker under the WINMOS IV project. The vessel's concept is currently being developed under the WINMOS III project, which also receives CEF funding. In total, EUR 80.78 million was awarded to the project, shared between Finland, Sweden and Estonia.

Finland's new vessel will replace ageing icebreaking capacity. Procurement will begin in autumn 2025 with a market dialogue as part of a call for tenders for a shipyard. Construction is expected to start in early 2026, with the vessel entering service in autumn 2029. The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency will oversee the project.

2. Improvement of main road 21 between Palojoensuu and Kilpisjarvi

EUR 11.90 million was awarded to improve the resilience of transport infrastructure along main road 21. The project will improve road safety, promote accessibility in sparsely populated areas and support security of supply and military mobility in northern Finland.

The project includes both planning and construction, such as widening or, if necessary, rebuilding more than 30 kilometres of road, reinforcing road sections to prevent damage caused by melting permafrost, replacing three bridges and improving lighting.

3. Implementation of digital management of rail traffic capacity 2025-2029

The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency and Railnet Europe will receive around EUR 2.05 million in funding for Finland for a joint project involving 11 Member States. The project will develop the planning process for rail traffic capacity and track work. It aims to make the management and allocation of rail capacity more systematic and efficient in order to make better use of the scarce capacity.

4. European Intelligent Transport Services project

The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency, the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom and Fintraffic Road Ltd will receive around EUR 8.84 million in Finland for a joint project involving 13 Member States. The project will improve traffic control systems and the operation of road traffic control centres. For example, the project will upgrade the traffic control system in the Vuosaari road tunnel.

5. Intelligent maritime transport services

Fintraffic Vessel Traffic Services Ltd, the Finnish Meteorological Institute and private operators will receive around EUR 4.87 million for a joint project with Swedish and Spanish partners to develop vessel traffic services, the related information systems and other services.

Private sector projects receive funding for ports and intelligent transport services

Private sector operators will receive CEF funding for the following projects:

1. Development of the maritime traffic connection between the ports of Helsinki and Lubeck

EUR 12.03 million to Port of Helsinki Ltd

2. Development of the maritime traffic connection between Hanko and Rostock

EUR 7.85 to Port of Hanko Ltd

3. Implementation and updating of ITS infrastructure and services

EUR 300,000 to Fintraffic Ltd and Fintraffic Road Ltd

4. Expansion of the acceleration of electronic freight and transport data flow

EUR 1.00 million to Fintraffic Ltd

What's next?

The European Commission will sign payment agreements with each applicant by November 2025.

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PLA conducts combat-readiness patrols in S.China Sea, 'operations normalized': expert

Global Times

By Zhang Han and Liu Xuanzun Published: Jul 03, 2025 07:51 PM

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command on Thursday organized naval and air forces to carry out combat-readiness patrols in the territorial waters, airspace and surrounding areas of China's Huangyan Dao, the command announced.

Since June, the theater troops have organized naval and air forces to continuously strengthen patrols and vigilance in the waters and airspace around the waters and airspace of China's Huangyan Dao, enhance control over key maritime and aerial areas, resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and security, and firmly maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea region.

A video released by the PLA Southern Theater Command shows that the patrols involved the Type 054A frigate and Type 056A corvette at sea, and the J-16 fighter jet and H-6K bomber in the air. An H-6K bomber was equipped with YJ-12 supersonic anti-ship missiles.

China's rights protection and situation control operations in the South China Sea have now become normalized, said Ding Duo, director of the Research Center for International and Regional Studies at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies.

The China Coast Guard (CCG) on Monday conducted law enforcement patrols in the territorial waters off China's Huangyan Dao and nearby areas.

In a statement, the CCG said it has been steadily intensifying law enforcement patrols in the territorial waters off Huangyan Dao and surrounding areas in June, carrying out tracking and monitoring, verbal warnings, interceptions, and expulsions in accordance with laws and regulations.

The actions aim to strengthen the management and control of relevant maritime areas, and firmly safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, according to the CCG.

Ding added that since China delimited and announced the baselines of the territorial sea adjacent to Huangyan Dao, operations have become more targeted and refined.

China's patrols and law enforcement constitute a countermeasure to the Philippines and some non-regional countries' military posturing by the Philippines and certain non-regional countries through joint exercises, which Ding said pose threats to China's security and regional peace.

China has the will, determination, and capability to safeguard its own sovereignty, security, development interests, and regional peace and stability regardless of maritime or rhetorical provocations by certain countries, Ding said.

On Tuesday, China announced sanctions on former Philippine senator Francis Tolentino for his "egregious" behavior on China-related issues, barring him from entering Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.

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Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson, BG Effie Defrin-July 3, 2025

Israel Defense Forces

July 3, 2025

03.07.25

IDF

Good evening, about a week ago, we concluded Operation 'Rising Lion', during which we achieved all of our objectives. We continue to monitor the results of our strikes in Iran.

It is important to emphasize - we are in a ceasefire, closely monitoring developments in both nearby and distant arenas, while maintaining high alert.

Operational activity continues across all arenas - in the south, the north, Judea and Samaria, in the air, at sea, and on land.

I would now like to provide an update on our operations in the Gaza Strip. IDF troops are operating at high intensity, professionally and effectively throughout the Gaza Strip.

They are supported by a broad array of intelligence, air support, artillery, and naval firepower.

This is a broad operation. We are operating and engaging in combat across most of the Gaza Strip.

Since the beginning of Operation 'Gideon's Chariots', we have severed Hamas' control over wide areas of the Gaza Strip and undermined its governance. We are systematically and thoroughly dismantling the terrorist infrastructure, while maintaining a firm and stable hold on the ground.

We are achieving long-term strategic gains and preventing Hamas from rebuilding its centers of power. Our forces have encircled Hamas brigades in Gaza City and in the central camps.

Five divisions - both regular and reserve - are once again operating in the Gaza Strip. The brigades are acting with determination against Hamas battalions.

The map displayed on the screen shows the areas in which we are operating, striking, and advancing:

Two days ago, the 98th Division joined the combat in northern Gaza.

The division is fighting on the outskirts of Gaza City, in the Shejaiya area and the Zeitoun area.

The 162nd Division is engaged in combat in the Jabaliya area. The 143rd Division continues to secure the Rafah area. The 36th Division is operating in the Khan Yunis region. Last week, the 99th Division (res.) also began operations in northern Gaza.

Hamas' governing control in the Gaza Strip is steadily eroding. Although they are trying to maintain their presence on the ground, they continue to lose control daily, and their stability is weakening. We continue to strike all of Hamas' operational systems.

This week, we eliminated the terrorist Hacham Muhammad Issa.

Issa was a senior figure in the military wing of the Hamas terror organization, served as the Head of Hamas' Combat Support Staff, and was considered one of Hamas' founding members.

Issa played a significant role in planning and executing the brutal massacre on October 7th.

Only a few senior Hamas figures who were in their positions before the massacre are still alive.

We continue to pursue and target them.

Additionally, we eliminated two Hamas terrorists who participated in the killing of seven IDF soldiers in Khan Yunis last week.

As you can see on the screen, in the Khan Yunis area, troops from the 36th Division operated in and dismantled a central, complex underground tunnel junction used by the terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip.

Since the start of the operation, we have cumulatively achieved the elimination of dozens of Hamas commanders and senior operatives, from the field level to brigade commanders and leadership.

In the near future, we will reach the defined outlines that were approved for the current phase of Operation 'Gideon's Chariots.' From here, there are several possible directions for further development. We will present plans to the political echelon and act accordingly.

We will continue to operate in order to fulfill the objectives of the war - the return of the hostages and dismantling Hamas' rule.

Alongside the ongoing operation, we are working to enable the distribution of humanitarian aid at the distribution centers, through the American civilian organization.

Despite Hamas' objection to the aid and all their efforts to disrupt it, the residents of Gaza continue to show up, day after day, to the distribution centers.

To date, nearly one million food packages have been delivered to civilians. This is an evolving method of operation, and we learn and improve from each event.

The reports of allegations of extensive casualties in the aid distribution centers are lies. This is yet another propaganda effort by the terrorist organization Hamas, as part of its broader plan to disrupt the aid distribution. Unfortunately, these lies are echoed day after day.

Hamas's interest in reinstating UNRWA is clear - it is necessary for their survival, and we will not allow it.

We are facing operational threats in a dense combat zone. This is a complex challenge, and we are learning, improving, and acting wisely and responsibly in response. We draw lessons from every incident to prevent similar cases in the future and implement the necessary conclusions.

These achievements in combat come at a heavy price. We deeply mourn the loss of our best and brightest and continue to support the bereaved families.

We have reached many achievements, but there are still missions to complete. We operate with professionalism and determination. At every step, in every action, in every decision we make, the goals of the war remain - chief among them the return of the hostages. This is the ultimate mission, which every soldier and commander in the Gaza Strip - and beyond - keeps in mind.

A few words about the northern arena:

During a situational assessment we conducted this week in southern Syria, I met with the reservists of the 3rd Brigade, who are currently operating in the area.

These are soldiers who have served over 300 days in the reserves. I have seen firsthand what exceptional fighting spirit and morale look like, supported by the backing and support from their families at home. They understand the gravity of the situation and continue to report for duty. Following the Chief of the General Staff's instructions, efforts continue to stabilize the reserve service rate, understanding the burden and trying to minimize it as much as possible.

Also in Lebanon, last weekend, reservists from the 9th Brigade located terrorist infrastructure and weapons belonging to the Hezbollah terrorist organization in southern Lebanon.

In the northern arena, we are implementing a proactive, forward-defense policy. Just recently, we targeted a terrorist in Lebanon affiliated with the Quds Force who was involved in advancing terrorist plans against the State of Israel. We will continue to operate as necessary to remove any emerging threats.

In Judea and Samaria, in the Binyamin region, I also met this week with the soldiers of Battalion 7114 and LTC G., the battalion commander. LTC G. is currently, alongside his fighters, in his third reserve duty rotation since the beginning of the war. Together, they are operating with a clear purpose: to maintain the security of residents in the Binyamin region. Violence by Israeli civilians directed at him and his soldiers, who are reservists, is dangerous, serious, and worthy of full condemnation. These actions primarily harm the local communities and the IDF's ability to carry out its mission in the area.

I want to emphasize that credibility is the guiding principle for us in every incident. We will continue to strive to uncover the truth and will not publish inaccurate or false details.

We will continue to act decisively and professionally, in all arenas to protect Israeli civilians.

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Palestinian resistance groups launch joint attacks on Israeli military positions in southern Gaza

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 3, 2025

The Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, announced in a statement on Thursday night that they had targeted the Israeli military command and control headquarters in the southern Gaza Strip with a missile, and that the attack was a direct hit.

In another statement, the Al-Quds Brigades emphasized that in a joint operation with the "Martyr Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades", affiliated with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, targeted positions and gatherings of Israeli military forces north of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip with mortar shells.

The Quds Brigades also announced the destruction of an Israeli tank in the center of Khan Yunis, saying that this action was carried out by detonating two bombs planted with the remains of the occupying army's equipment.

These attacks were carried out within the framework of armed resistance against the occupation and in response to recent Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip.

2050

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PM Netanyahu at Kibbutz Nir Oz: "I feel a deep commitment to ensure the return of all of our hostages and to working here to rebuild this kibbutz"

Israel - Prime Minister's Office

Events and Speeches

The 37th Government

03.07.2025

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara, today (Thursday, 3 July 2025), visited Kibbutz Nir Oz, where they made the following remarks:

Prime Minister Netanyahu:

"I am here with my wife Sara, at Kibbutz Nir Oz, opposite the scenes of destruction, devastation and ruin, with the members of the kibbutz, those who survived, and also those who have returned from being held hostage. You feel, in the depths of your soul, the magnitude of the pain, the depth of the sorrow, the traumas that befell an entire community, and which are still befalling it. I feel a deep commitment - first of all to ensure the return of all of our hostages, all of them. There are still 20 who are alive and there are also those who are deceased, and we will bring them all back.

But there is also a deep commitment to working here to rebuild this kibbutz and bring life back to the people. We will cut through the bureaucracy - and we will rebuild."

Sara Netanyahu:

"Sagui Dekel Chen, who was held hostage and returned in the previous deal, showed me his young three-year-old daughter's pacifier. She and her seven-year-old sister, and his wife, held out inside the protected room. They held the door put the young girl's changing table - this sweet girl - against the door, and this is how they were saved, with heroism and resourcefulness.

We then heard the story of his mother, who was taken hostage, and managed to escape and return to the kibbutz, which is another story about a courageous woman. I told him that he lives among heroic women. I think that alongside what the Prime Minister said, stories of devastation, the awful things that happened here, there being no words to describe the tragedy, there were stories of the astounding heroism of people, civilians, women and boys and girls. There was simply resourcefulness, bravery; it is impossible to describe where the strength came from. There were awful tragedies here."

Prime Minister Netanyahu added:

"Our sources say: 'The Lord will give strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace.' [Psalms 29:11; https://mechon-mamre.org/p/pt/pt2629.htm?0aad2a666c]. The Lord will also bless this kibbutz - Nir Oz - with redemption and being settled."

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The Republic of Guatemala affirmed on Thursday that the autonomy initiative put forward by Morocco in 2007 is "the only serious, credible and realistic basis to move towards a lasting agreement for a definitive settlement of this artificial conflict, in full respect of the Kingdom's territorial integrity and its national sovereignty."

Morocco Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Thursday 03 July 2025

This position was conveyed by Guatemala's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Ramiro Martinez Alvarado, during a press briefing following his meeting in Rabat with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Mr. Nasser Bourita.

The Guatemalan top diplomat also expressed his country's full support for the Kingdom's efforts to reach a political, realistic, pragmatic, lasting and mutually acceptable solution to this regional dispute.

Morocco and Guatemala also underlined their commitment to the sacred principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

It is worth noting that the Republic of Guatemala was the first Latin American country to open a Consulate General in the city of Dakhla, in December 2022.



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Army Reservists to be tested in challenging annual exercise

New Zealand Defence Force

Up to 250 reservists are expected to take part in this month's Exercise Tauwharenikau, the largest New Zealand Army Reserve Force collective field training exercise to be run this year.

03 July, 2025

The exercise, based in the Waiouru Military Training Area, provides Reserve Force personnel with an opportunity to hone their skills and ply their technical expertise in a large-scale training activity, within different scenarios and utilising a range of capabilities and equipment used by Ngati Tumatauenga, the New Zealand Army.

The exercise replicates the scale and complexity of operations soldiers could encounter on overseas deployments and builds on Exercise Italy, a recent urban peacekeeping exercise conducted recently in Whanganui.

Whanganui local Corporal Ray Stewart, a section commander for 5th/7th Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (RNZIR), is looking forward to continuing his training during Tauwharenikau within more complex scenarios.

During the Whanganui exercise, his team provided security for a Forward Operating Base, patrolled streets and provided security for 'local' community meetings.

Challenges included being in the centre of a confrontation between village representatives.

He says it was a realistic glimpse into security and stability operations.

"Some of the scenarios were challenging but the training is in a supportive and safe environment where we are encouraged to be put into situations we may not have experienced before.

"As a section commander my priority is to give orders based on what the commander wants achieved, manage my section and ensure they are prepared for a variety of situations," says Corporal Stewart.

Corporal Stewart spent five years as a youth development specialist working at the Youth Development Unit (YDU) at Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Ohakea.

This included working on the Limited Service Volunteer courses for unemployed 18-24 year olds who are not studying or training, and Services Academies within secondary schools, fostering skills and values to help senior students take positive roles in society.

Another Tauwharenikau participant will be Lance Corporal Tom Oldham, a New Plymouth-based medic from Central Health Support Squadron, Defence Health Organisation. He also took part in Exercise Italy.

In Waiouru, he'll either be a medic as part of a section, or assigned as a detachment medic working with a commander, doctor, nurse and another medic.

"I will be furthering my leadership and clinical skills so having a perspective of the challenges and problem solving that a platoon medic faces was a great experience."

A medical detachment is designed to triage and stabilise a patient on or near the location of their injury giving them a higher rate of survival. Once stabilised, ideally emergency services would extract them from the location to the nearest hospital.

"I've been learning the basics of medic roles on night parades which allowed me to step up into the role of platoon medic. I completed my Junior Non-Commissioned Officers course last year and this has allowed me to develop those skills and put them into practice in a peacekeeping security role," says Lance Corporal Oldham.

Moving from Australia, Lance Corporal Oldham joined the NZ Army Band in 2017 playing the Tenor Horn. After serving four years the 25-year-old decided to pursue physiotherapy study and is now at New Plymouth Hospital as a qualified physiotherapist.

"A friend advised I join the Reserve Force in a medical capacity when beginning study. Since joining, I have worked and learnt alongside doctors, nurses, medics and Reservists with a wealth of medical experience in their civilian employment that have enhanced my learning in the medical realm.

"Joining the Reserve Force has given me a family culture and support network that I wouldn't have had, and the opportunity to continue playing with the Army Band on a part-time basis."

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Forever-Occupation, genocide, and profit: Special Rapporteur's report exposes corporate forces behind destruction of Palestine

Press releases

Special Procedures

03 July 2025

GENEVA -- Israel's genocide against Palestinians is being sustained by a system of exploitative occupation and profit, a UN expert warned today in a new report to the Human Rights Council that reveals how corporate profiteering and monetary gain has enabled and legitimised Israel's illegal presence and actions.

"In the past 21 months, while Israel's genocide has devastated Palestinian lives and landscapes, the Tel Aviv stock exchange soared by 213 percent (USD), amassing $225.7 billion in market gainsincluding $67.8 billion in the past month alone. For some, genocide is profitable," said Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967.

Albanese's report exposes the corporate infrastructure profiting from Israel's economy of occupation  and its deadly transformation into an economy of genocide. The report underscores how Palestine has become the epicentre of a global reckoning, exposing the failure of international business and legal systems to uphold even the most basic rights of one of the world's most dispossessed peoples.

"Corporate actors are deeply entwined in the system of occupation, apartheid and genocide in the occupied Palestinian territory," the Special Rapporteur said. "For decades, Israel's repression of Palestinian people has been scaffolded by corporations, fully aware of and yet indifferent to, decades of human rights violations and international crimes."

Forty-eight separate corporate actors, along with their parents, subsidiaries, franchisees, licensees and consortium partners across sectors are identified in the Special Rapporteur's report, including weapons manufacturers, technological corporations, financial institutions and construction and energy firms.

Albanese found that these entities have failed their most basic legal responsibilities to exercise their leverage to bring an end to the violation at stake or terminate relations and disengage. Instead, they have treated Israel's illegal enterprise in the occupied Palestinian territory as ordinary economic activitywilfully ignoring documented, systemic abuses, even as atrocities mounted after 7 October 2023.

"These actors have entrenched and expanded Israel's settler-colonial logic of displacement and replacement - and this is not accidental," the Special Rapporteur said. "It is the function of an economy built to dominate, dispossess, and erase Palestinians from their land."

The report named companies supplying F-35s, drones, and targeting tech that enabled 85,000 tons of bombs - six times the amount of Hiroshima - to be unleashed on Gaza. It highlighted tech giants that have set up R&D hubs and data centres in Israel, using Palestinian data for AI warfare, fueling what Albanese calls a 'livestreamed genocide.' The report points to energy giants having fuelled Israel's blockade, while construction companies continued to supply the equipment that has turned Gaza to rubble and prevented the return and reconstitution of Palestinian life. Even seemingly neutral actors - tourism sites, supermarkets, and universities are normalising apartheid and the systematic erasure of Palestinian life, the Special Rapporteur's report found.

"This report shows why Israel's genocide continues: because it is lucrative for many," Albanese said. She warned that the International Court of Justice 2024 rulings and the ICC arrest warrants should have put all actorsincluding corporationson notice.

"The serious, structural and sustained nature of Israel's crimes and violations triggered a prima facie responsibility to disengage  one that many corporations ignored," she said. "Corporate fixation on narrow technicalities and isolated violations rather than confronting the structural illegality of their ties to Israel's occupation is disingenuous," she said.

Albanese urged member states to impose a full arms embargo, suspend trade and investment agreements, and hold corporate entities accountable for violations of international law.

"Meanwhile, corporations cannot claim neutrality: they are either part of the machinery of displacementor part of dismantling it."

"Palestine is a mirror held up to the world's moral and political failures," she said. Recalling reckonings over corporate complicity in apartheid South Africa and Nazi Germany, Albanese said Palestine today represents a defining moment of whether global markets can exist without promoting and profiting from injustice and impunity.

"Ending this genocide requires not only outrage but rupture, reckoning, and the courage to dismantle what enables it."

The Expert: Francesca Albanese; Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories 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/

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OIC Condemns Statements by Israeli Officials on Imposing "Sovereignty" over the West Bank

Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

03-07-2025

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) strongly condemned the racist statements by officials in the Israeli occupation government calling for annexing and imposing the alleged Israeli "sovereignty" over the occupied West Bank. It considered that a flagrant violation of the resolutions of the international legitimacy and international law with a view to undermining international efforts geared toward a two-state solution.

The OIC warned of the dangerousness of such statements and continued incitement pursued by the Israeli occupation's leaders and extremist settlers against the Palestinian people as well as their land and sanctities.

The OIC reiterated its call for the international community to recognize the State of Palestine, endorse its full membership at the United Nations, and take the required measures to end occupation and illegal settlement of the occupied Palestinian territories pursuant to the relevant UN resolutions and the advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice.

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DFA Statement on the Joint Statement of the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting

Republic of the Philippines - Department of Foreign Affairs

MANILA 03 July 2025 -- The Philippines welcomes the Joint Statement of the Quad Foreign Ministers on 01 July 2025 that expressed serious concern on the situation in the South China Sea.

By highlighting the continuing dangerous and provocative actions, and the use of force and coercion in the South China Sea, the Quad Foreign Ministers has kept focus on the incidents that the Philippines has regularly contended with in the West Philippine Sea. Their statement demonstrates the strong objection by the international community against such illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive actions in the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea. It also underscores the need for the firm adherence to international law, particularly the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which remains the legal framework within which all activities in the ocean and seas must be carried out.

We highly appreciate the Quad Foreign Ministers' unequivocal support for the final and valid 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, further cementing its status as an unassailable part of the corpus of international law. Nine years hence, the Arbitral Award has served as a shining affirmation of the dispute settlement mechanism under UNCLOS, and has been cited by ITLOS and the ICJ in their respective legal issuances. Such a landmark ruling under international law deserves full compliance in furtherance of the peaceful settlement of disputes.

We also welcome the Quad's commitment to build capacities across the Indo-Pacific region, especially on maritime and transnational security, economic prosperity and security, critical and emerging technology, and support for humanitarian assistance and emergency response.

Desiring to maintain regional peace and stability in the South China Sea and in the wider Indo-Pacific, the Philippines will continue to uphold the rules-based order governed by international law, particularly UNCLOS, and will continue to prioritize effective diplomacy and the constructive management of differences in addressing the situation at sea. END



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PH lauds Quad for calling out 'dangerous, provocative actions' in SCS

Philippine News Agency

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

July 3, 2025, 7:22 pm

MANILA -- The Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), on Thursday lauded the foreign ministers of the Quad (United States, Japan, India, Australia) for calling out "dangerous and provocative actions" in the South China Sea, including the use of water cannons on vessels.

"By highlighting the continuing dangerous and provocative actions, and the use of force and coercion in the South China Sea, the Quad Foreign Ministers has kept focus on the incidents that the Philippines has regularly contended with in the West Philippine Sea," the DFA said.

The DFA said this reflects the international community's "strong objection" to illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive actions in the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea.

"It also underscores the need for the firm adherence to international law, particularly the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which remains the legal framework within which all activities in the ocean and seas must be carried out," it said.

In a joint statement on July 1, the foreign ministers of the US, Japan, India, and Australia underscored their commitment to advancing a region that is "free from coercion."

Alluding to activities conducted by China, the grouping said it is concerned over 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, the four ministers said, "threaten peace and stability in the region."

Meanwhile, the DFA said it appreciates the Quad Foreign Ministers' unequivocal support for the final and valid 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award.

This, it said, further cements the ruling's status as an unassailable part of the corpus of international law.

"Nine years hence, the Arbitral Award has served as a shining affirmation of the dispute settlement mechanism under UNCLOS, and has been cited by ITLOS (International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea) and the ICJ (International Court of Justice) in their respective legal issuances," it said.

"Such a landmark ruling under international law deserves full compliance in furtherance of the peaceful settlement of disputes," it added.

For the Philippines' part, the DFA said the government would continue to uphold a rules-based order governed by international law, particularly UNCLOS.

The Philippines, it said, would continue to prioritize effective diplomacy and the constructive management of differences in addressing the situation at sea. (PNA)

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Chinese military conducts combat-readiness patrol around Huangyan Dao

Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China

Source China Military Online

EditorLi Jiayao

2025-07-03 17:41:48

BEIJING, July 3 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command organized its naval and air forces to conduct a combat-readiness patrol in the territorial waters and airspace of China's Huangyan Dao and its surrounding areas on Thursday, according to a statement released by the Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command.

Since June, the PLA Southern Theater Command has continuously strengthened patrols in the sea and airspace around the territorial waters of China's Huangyan Dao to further intensify control over the relevant sea and airspace, resolutely safeguard China's national sovereignty and security, and firmly maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.

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Israel kills more than 300 people in Gaza in past two days as proposed ceasefire in balance

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 03 July 2025 10:51 AM

Israeli forces have killed more than 300 Palestinians across the besieged Gaza Strip during the past 48 hours as a possible ceasefire hangs in the balance.

In a statement on Thursday, the Gaza Government Media Office said that the occupying regime had "committed 26 bloody massacres" in the past two days across the war-torn territory, killing 300 Palestinians and wounding hundreds more, Al Jazeera reported.

It added that at least 73 Palestinians had lost their lives since Thursday morning alone, including 33 people at aid distribution sites run by the so-called Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which is backed by Israel and the United States.

Attacks also hit a shelter tent in al-Mawasi and a school housing displaced people near Gaza City, the media office further said, noting that civilians in overcrowded shelters, public spaces, markets, and food lines have been among the victims of these intensified strikes.

The report also described chaotic scenes where desperate civilians, lining for aid, were met with sudden gunfire without warning, with survivors recounting bullets ripping through crowds, while emergency services were unable to respond due to constant shooting.

GHF has been tasked by the Israeli regime and the US government to distribute aid in Gaza since late May, when the regime partially eased its blockade after mounting international condemnation and warnings of imminent famine.

Its operations, however, have been stymied by chaotic scenes and daily reports of Israeli forces firing on aid seekers waiting to collect rations from GHF installations.

American contractors guarding the GHF aid sites have reportedly been using live ammunition and stun grenades against civilians, with some contractors expressing concern over the lack of oversight and the aggressive tactics used by the unqualified and heavily armed security personnel.

According to the statement, more than 500 Palestinians have been killed and almost 4,000 injured while trying to access or distribute food from GHF installations.

"People described scenes of horror as they wait for hours just hoping to get their hands on basic food supplies, only to be met with sudden and unprovoked gunfire ... I've been speaking to a number of survivors this morning, and they told me such heartbreaking testimonies and they shared the horrific scenes that unfolded near the GHF-run aid centers," an Al Jazeera reporter 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.

"The distribution organization is aimed at using food as bait to attract starving people, to terrorize them, and to kill them. The shooting of people in food lines is a war crime," Dr. Mads Gilbert, an emergency medicine doctor and professor, who's provided healthcare in Gaza for more than 30 years, said of the GFH operation to Al Jazeera.

The developments come as Trump urged the Palestinian Hamas resistance movement on Tuesday to accept his proposed 60-day ceasefire, saying that Tel Aviv had agreed to finalize such a deal.

"Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60-day CEASEFIRE," he said on his Truth Social.

Trump's push for a ceasefire comes as the US government has approved a $510 million weapons sale to the Israeli regime, reinforcing Washington's military backing as the regime's genocide in Gaza reaches its 21st month.

Since October 7, 2023, when the Israeli regime began its campaign of genocide in Gaza, it has killed at least 57,012 Palestinians and wounded 134,592, according to the health ministry of Gaza.

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Israeli warplanes dropped excess munitions from Iran strikes on Gaza: Report

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 03 July 2025 10:37 AM

Israeli fighter jets deployed to intercept missiles and drones launched from Iran in retaliation for the regime's aggression last month unloaded their leftover munitions on the Gaza Strip amid a genocidal war on the Palestinian territory, according to a report.

Citing sources from the Israeli air force, the Israeli newspaper Maariv said on Wednesday that the Israeli warplanes sent to carry out operations against Iran were not only equipped with air-to-air missiles but also with air-to-surface munitions.

After completing their missions, the report said, some pilots turned to the Gaza combat control room and suggested dropping the unused munitions to "assist" the occupation forces in the northern Gaza Strip and the southern Khan Yunis governorate.

It added that the pilots' suggestion was welcomed and "became routine," with the Israel air force commander, Major General Tomer Bar, instructing the regime forces to expand the initiative to all the squadrons and make it a protocol.

Every day in the course of the Israeli assault against Iran between June 13 and 24, dozens of fighter jets, which were returning to the occupied lands, flew over Gaza and dropped hundreds of munitions there, according to the report.

"Instead of scrambling planes from the ground to carry out the strikes, planes that were already in the air carried out the missions," an Israeli air force official said.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military admitted that during last month's aggression against Iran, Gaza was hit with a wave of heavy airstrikes.

Palestinian health authorities also said more than 800 people were killed in the Israeli attacks on Gaza during the regime's 12-day offensive against the Islamic Republic.

Israel unleashed its brutal Gaza onslaught on October 7, 2023, after the Palestinian Hamas resistance group carried out its historic operation against the occupying entity in retaliation for the regime's intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

The Tel Aviv regime has so far failed to achieve its declared objectives of eliminating Hamas and freeing captives in Gaza, despite killing 57,012 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injuring 134,592 others.

A new study has put the death toll from the Israeli attacks on Gaza at almost 100,000.

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Over 40,000 Palestinians remain 'forcibly displaced' in West Bank: MSF

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 03 July 2025 7:15 AM

Tens of thousands of people in the occupied West Bank remain displaced months after the Israeli regime launched an offensive in the Palestinian territory earlier this year.

Media reports on Wednesday cited Doctors Without Borders (MSF) as saying that 40,000 Palestinians in the West Bank remain forcibly displaced five months after the launch of the Israeli attacks under the military codename Operation Iron Wall.

MSF reported that large-scale military attacks by Israeli forces who violently raided the well-established refugee camps in the northern West Bank have caused widespread destruction, including demolitions, in the three main refugee camps of Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams.

"After five months, the military operation continues," MSF project coordinator in Jenin and Tulkarm, Simona Onidi, said in a statement on Tuesday.

"The camps remain sealed off, with Israeli soldiers actively preventing anyone from entering. Families are still in limbo, and we're worried that humanitarian needs will keep escalating," according to the MSF coordinator.

Onidi raised the alarm about the dire conditions of the Palestinians who remain cut off from their homes and are left with very limited access to basic services and healthcare.

The raids come as Israeli authorities are also pushing for the immediate annexation of the West Bank.

At a meeting on Wednesday, Israeli minister Yariv Levin, alongside the settler leaders, demanded the expansion of settlements.

"The time for sovereignty has come, the time to apply sovereignty. My position on this matter is firm, it is clear," the minister was quoted as saying.

"I think that this period, beyond the current issues, is a time of historic opportunity that we must not miss."

Fourteen ministers from Netanyahu's Likud Party called on the prime minister on Wednesday evening to immediately annex the occupied West Bank.

In a letter addressed to Netanyahu and shared by far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on X, the signatories called on the regime "to apply sovereignty over Judea and Samaria (West Bank) before the end of the Knesset summer session," which concludes on July 27.

The ministers argued that the current "strategic partnership and backing and support of the US and President Donald Trump create a favorable time to lead this move (annexation) now."

An estimated 770,000 illegal Israeli settlers live in the West Bank.

Since the start of the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip in October 2023, at least 988 Palestinians have been killed and more than 7,000 injured in the West Bank by Israeli forces and illegal settlers, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) last July declared Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory illegal and called for the evacuation of all settlements in the West Bank and East al-Quds.

Also, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former minister of military affairs, Yoav Gallant, for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

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Hezbollah leader: Israel poses strategic threat to region and beyond

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 03 July 2025 2:34 AM

Sheikh Naim Qassem, the leader of Hezbollah, declared Israel not only an occupier of Palestine but a strategic threat to Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, the broader region, and global stability.

In a televised address on Wednesday, Qassem emphasized that Israel's ideology, actions, and ambitions endanger Muslims, Christians, and Jews alike, destabilizing both regional and global peace.

He noted that the regime's ideology, behavior, and vision endanger both regional stability and global peace.

Qassem said that since the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel took effect, the regime has not stopped its aggression and has violated the agreement more than 3700 times.

He stressed that the regime must adhere to the terms it agreed upon with Lebanon and stop its acts of aggression.

The Hezbollah leader said the movement will not be swayed by threats, nor will it accept surrendering its weapons to Israel.

Qassem firmly rejected calls for Hezbollah to disarm, asserting that Lebanon's defense and sovereignty are internal matters, immune to external pressures.

"We will not submit to humiliation, abandon our land, or compromise under threats," he stated, stressing that discussions about Hezbollah's weapons are a domestic issue, with no role for Israel in dictating terms.

Qassem said Hezbollah's resistance is a defense against a strategic threat impacting multiple nations, including Palestine, Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, and Jordan.

Describing Israel as an existential danger, Qassem noted, "Israel's threat is not limited to Muslims; it endangers Christians and Jews as well."

He criticized the regime's ideology and actions as a risk to global peace and called on those who avoid confronting Israel to resist on humanitarian grounds.

"Coexisting with an expanding, invasive danger is impossible," he warned, emphasizing Hezbollah's resistance as rooted in human, Islamic, and national values for future generations.

Lebanese state must address ongoing violations

In late June, Qassem stated that Israel's continued aggression, including attacks on Nabatieh, the targeting of civilians in southern Lebanon, and strikes on the money exchange sector, is now the Lebanese state's responsibility to address.

"The state must apply pressure and fulfill its duties," he urged, rejecting claims that Hezbollah provides pretexts for Israeli attacks.

He cited Israel's occupation of 600 km of Syrian territory, destruction of capabilities, and attacks on Iran as evidence of unprovoked aggression.

"You must understand this cannot continue," Qassem told the public. "Do you imagine we will remain silent forever? All of this has limits."

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Russia to Continue Assisting Afghanistan in Strengthening Regional Security

Sputnik News

20250703

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia will continue providing assistance to Afghanistan in strengthening regional security and combating terrorism and drug trafficking threats, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

"We will continue to provide assistance to Kabul in strengthening regional security and combating terrorist and drug crime threats. Deepening ties in education, sports, culture, and the humanitarian sector is valuable for fostering the friendship between our peoples," the statement read.

In addition to that, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko has accepted copies of the protocol from the newly appointed Afghan Ambassador to Russia Gul Hassan.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said that the formal recognition of the Afghan authorities would give an impetus to the productive cooperation between the two states in various fields.

"We can see significant prospects for trade and economic cooperation, particularly in energy, transportation, agriculture, and infrastructure," the ministry said.

In April, Russia's Supreme Court suspended the ban on the Taliban movement, removing its listing as a terrorist group. Following this, the Russian Foreign Ministry decided to upgrade Afghanistan's diplomatic mission in Moscow to the level of an embassy. The Supreme Court's decision came into force on May 20, according to the unified register of organizations recognized as terrorist maintained by the Federal Security Service (FSB).

Russian Special Representative for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov said in an interview with Sputnik that the decision to suspend the ban on the Taliban movement had removed obstacles to establishing a full-fledged partnership with Kabul, including in countering the terrorist threat.

 Sputnik

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Secretary Rubio's Call with NATO Secretary General Rutte

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

July 3, 2025

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce:

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte today. Both leaders discussed the recent NATO Summit at The Hague, specifically highlighting Allies' historic commitment to increasing defense spending to 5 percent of GDP. Additionally, the Secretary and Secretary General Rutte shared their priorities for building from The Hague Summit, including advancing Alliance burden shifting objectives. Lastly, both leaders underscored President Trump's priority for ending the Russia-Ukraine war and Allies' enduring sovereign commitments to supporting Ukraine, as reflected in The Hague Declaration.

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Report by the Head of OSCE Mission to Montenegro: UK statement to the OSCE, July 2025

UK Charge d'Affaires, Deputy Ambassador James Ford, underlines the UK's full support for Montenegro's Euro-Atlantic integration and welcomes the Mission's work in support of the government's national strategic objectives.

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and James Ford

Published 3 July 2025

Location: Vienna

Delivered on: 3 July 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Firstly, I would like to welcome Ambassador Haukaas to the Permanent Council for the first time as Head of Mission. Thank you, Ambassador, for the work of your team over the last year, and for this report.

Madam Chair, the United Kingdom continues to fully support Montenegro's Euro-Atlantic integration. We recognise the progress on legislative reforms approved by Montenegro's parliament during the reporting period, and the positive interim benchmark assessment from the European Commission. The UK continues to strongly support Montenegro's reform agenda. This was something UK Special Envoy to the Western Balkans Dame Karen Pierce underlined during her recent visit to Podgorica, which included signing a Strategic Partnership with Foreign Minister Ibrahimovic, enhancing UK-Montenegro cooperation on priority issues.

The UK positively notes the Mission's work in support of the government's national strategic objectives, in line with the Mission's mandate and OSCE commitments and principles. The Mission's focus also combines well with the UK's own engagement in support of reforms in Montenegro.

In particular, we commend the Mission's continued cooperation with Montenegro's parliament on strengthening institutional capacity and the skills of parliamentary staff. We support your continued focus on electoral reform, including on voter education ahead of elections in April. And we welcome the Mission's ongoing engagement in combatting serious and organised crime and corruption, including through training to law enforcement agencies on specialised investigative methods and forensics.

Ambassador Haukaas, we also particularly commend the Mission's continued focus on gender, including your support to the Gender Equality Committee in drafting a new gender action plan for Montenegro's Parliament.

Madam Chair, OSCE field operations continue to deliver excellent work despite increasingly constrained funding. It is vital for the work of all OSCE structures that participating States agree a Unified Budget for 2025 and beyond. The continued non-agreement of budgets makes it hugely challenging for field missions to deliver their mandates. We urge all participating States to engage constructively with budget proposals and ensure all OSCE structures are adequately funded.

Thank you again, Ambassador Haukaas, for your leadership of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, and I wish you continued success in the role.

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Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

Department of Public Information . News and Media Division . New York

3 July 2025

The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's briefing by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General.

** Programming Note

A programming note, as a reminder which you don't need to be reminded of. Tomorrow, the UN Headquarters will be closed, given that it's an official holiday in our host country. It is their Independence Day, and we wish them a happy Independence Day. We will be back here on Monday.

And as usual, during the holidays and weekends, we will unfortunately remain available to you if you have any questions.

Also, just on the technical side, over the weekend a number of web platforms, including WebTV, UN News all the UN Photo and Video will be undergoing scheduled maintenances there moving from one hosting platform to another on the back end. There should not be any problems, but if there are, I just ask you to be a little bit patient.

** Secretary-General's Travel

A travel announcement regarding the Secretary-General: On Saturday, 5 July, the Secretary-General will be arriving in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to attend the seventeenth Summit of the BRICS countries.

The Secretary-General has been invited to speak at an outreach session on "Strengthening multilateralism, economic-financial affairs and artificial intelligence", that will take place on Sunday, 6 July. On Monday, 7 July, he will address a second outreach session, on "Environment, COP30 and global health."

During his visit, the Secretary-General will also be having meetings with various leaders who are attending the BRICS Summit, and we will share those readouts with you.

** Deputy Secretary-General

Our Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, returned to Seville today for the closing of the fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4).

At the closing with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez of Spain, she underscored the consensus around the Seville Agreement as a demonstration of multilateralism in action  with actions to close the SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) financing gap, address the debt crisis, and reform the international financial architecture. She recognized the more than 100 initiatives launched on the Sevilla Platform for Action, including solidarity levies on private jets and first-class travel to generate new resources for sustainable development.

She said that the UN will be operationalizing a Seville Forum on Debt to help countries learn from one another and coordinate their approaches in debt management and restructuring; and that forum will be supported by the Government of Spain, and we thank them.

She called for the Conference to be remembered not only as a conference that responded to crisis, but as the moment the world chose cooperation over fragmentation, unity over division, and action over inertia.

Tomorrow, she will travel to Praia, Cabo Verde, to take part in celebrations marking the fiftieth anniversary of the country's independence.

** Gaza

And I have a statement to share with you on the humanitarian situation in Gaza: I can tell you that the Secretary-General is appalled by the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Multiple attacks in recent days hitting sites hosting displaced people and people trying to access food have killed and injured scores of Palestinians. The Secretary-General strongly condemns the loss of civilian life.

In just one day this week, Israeli orders to relocate forced nearly 30,000 people to flee, yet again, with no safe place to go and clearly inadequate supplies of shelter, of food, of medicine and of water.

International humanitarian law is unambiguous: civilians must be respected and protected, and the needs of the population need to be met.

With no fuel having entered Gaza in more than 17 weeks, the Secretary-General is gravely concerned that the last lifelines for survival are being cut off. Without an urgent influx of fuel, incubators will shut down, ambulances will be unable to reach the injured and the sick, and water will not be able to be purified. The delivery by the United Nations and our partners of what little of our life-saving humanitarian aid is left in Gaza will grind to a halt.

The Secretary-General once again calls for full, safe and sustained humanitarian access so aid can reach people who have been deprived of the basics of life for way too long. The UN has a clear and proven plan, rooted in the humanitarian principles, to get vital assistance to civilians  to do that safely and at scale, wherever those people are.

The Secretary-General reiterates that all parties must uphold their obligations under international law. He renews his call for an immediate permanent ceasefire and for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, held by Hamas and other groups. That statement is now been shared with you.

** Occupied Palestinian Territory

And just to give you a bit more details of what's actually going on, on the ground: I can tell you that the space left for civilians to stay is shrinking by the day. Just yesterday, the Israeli authorities issued yet another displacement order  this time for parts of Gaza City  citing Palestinian rocket fire. Our colleagues estimate that about 40,000 people were in these areas, which included one displacement site, one medical point, and a neighbourhood that had been spared from any displacement orders since before the ceasefire. As of earlier today, about 900 families are estimated to have fled.

OCHA (Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) notes that since mid-March, when the ceasefire ended, over 50 such orders have been issued. Together, they now cover about 78 per cent of Gaza. Add the Israeli-militarized zones and that percentage jumps to 85  leaving just 15 per cent where civilians can actually stay.

Those areas are of course overcrowded; they also severely lack any services or proper infrastructure. Imagine having just over 2 million people in Manhattan  which is actually slightly bigger  but instead of buildings, the area is strewn with the rubble of demolished and bombed-out structures, without infrastructure or basic support. And in Gaza, these remaining areas are also fragmented and unsafe.

Yesterday, our colleagues from the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) said that menstruation has become a nightmare for an estimated 700,000 women and girls in Gaza. They remind us that, alongside food, people need water, soap, menstrual pads and privacy. UNFPA notes it has supplies ready  almost 170 truckloads' worth  but they are not being let into the Strip.

In a report issued yesterday, OCHA notes that since last Thursday, nine more aid workers have been killed  from five different organizations.

That brings together the total number of aid workers killed to 107 so far this year, and 479 since October 2023. Among them are 326 of our UN colleagues.

Looking back at the month of June, out of nearly 400 coordination attempts, 44 per cent were outright denied by Israeli authorities. Another 10 per cent were initially accepted but faced impediments. Only a third were fully facilitated. And the rest, which is about 12 per cent  had to be cancelled by the organizers for logistical, operational or security reasons. [Yesterday], we had four denials out of 16 coordination attempts, hindering our teams' efforts to relocate medical supplies or remove debris, among other critical operations.

** Lebanon

Moving north, to Lebanon: This week, the newly appointed Head of our UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) peacekeeping mission and Force Commander, Major General Diodato Abagnara, met with Lebanese leaders, including the President, Joseph Aoun; the Speaker of the Parliament, Nabih Berri; the Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam; as well as the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defence, and the commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces.

General Abagnara underscored in his meetings the mission's support to the implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006), including the strengthened deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces in the southern part of their country.

On the ground, UNIFIL peacekeepers report Israel Defense Forces (IDF) military presence and activities north of the Blue Line, including air violations and mortar fire impacting several locations in Sector East this week.

Meanwhile, the peacekeepers have also continued to discover unauthorized weapons caches, including one containing mortars in Sector East.

This week also, UNIFIL supported the important work of humanitarian agencies by facilitating missions of OCHA, UNICEF, UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the World Food Programme (WFP) in the UNIFIL area of operations.

In support of the capacity-building of the Lebanese Armed Forces, UNIFIL Maritime Task Force this week carried out training exercises for the Lebanese Navy and the Lebanese Air Force.

** Cyprus

And a note on Cyprus: In addition to what we said yesterday, in preparation for the informal meeting on Cyprus in a broader format, to be held on 16-17 July, the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General on Cyprus, Maria Angela Holguin, is travelling to the island this weekend for meetings with the two sides. Earlier this week, she met with senior representatives of the United Kingdom in London, as well as of the European Union in Brussels. She will visit Paris on Friday for meetings with Frenchofficials.

** Ukraine

Turning to Ukraine, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that air strikes in the past three days have killed and injured civilians.

According to authorities, at least 10 civilians were killed and nearly 60 injured, including children.

The strikes also damaged homes, hospitals, schools and agricultural supplies in front-line regions, according to the local authorities and aid workers. In the Donetsk region alone, authorities reported damage to over 80 homes, schools and other civilian facilities across the region.

Health facilities have not been spared. On 1 July, shelling damaged a hospital in Kherson, injuring at least three health workers and five patients.

Today, drone strikes in the same city damaged several ambulances, civilian vehicles and windows of another hospital building.

Between January and June of this year, the World Health Organization (WHO) recorded at least 255 attacks on health care in Ukraine  accounting for nearly 40 per cent of all such attacks verified globally. In 2025, these attacks caused at least six deaths and 55 injuries among medical personnel and patients; that's what the World Health Organization is telling us.

Humanitarians continue to respond, providing construction materials and emergency shelter kits, blankets, hygiene items and mental health and psychosocial support.

** Russia

And Alex, I think you had had a question a number of times on the Memorandum of Understanding. I can tell you that the final consultation meeting on the Memorandum of Understanding between the United Nations and the Russian Federation will take place on 11 July in Geneva. It will be led by Rebeca Grynspan, as it always is; she is of course, as you know, the Secretary-General of UNCTAD (United Nations Tade and Development).

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on 22 July 2022 with an implementation period of three years as part of the Istanbul agreement and the efforts of Secretary-General on global food security and in the context of the war in Ukraine. In parallel, the Secretary-General has also continued to advocate for continued exports from Ukraine and the Russian Federation, including through the proposal on safe navigation in the Black Sea, which continues to inform discussions. And we will share that with you in writing.

** Senior Personnel Appointment

Also, I want to read into the record an announcement that went out yesterday evening about the newly-appointed Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for Haiti.

And that new Special Representative is Carlos G. Ruiz Massieu of Mexico; he will be the SRSG and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti.

He succeeds Maria Isabel Salvador of Ecuador, to whom the Secretary-General is grateful for her dedication and service.

Mr. Massieu, as you know, is currently the head of the Verification Mission in Colombia since 2019 and he has over 30 years of experience in public service and in diplomacy, both in bilateral and multilateral contexts.

An important note, though, Mr. Ruiz Massieu will assume his new functions as the SRSG for Haiti in August. He will be here in two weeks' time to brief the Security Council on Colombia.

** Yemen

Also on Yemen. Some good news coming out of Yemen. Our UN team on the ground is telling us that the two local water authorities in Taiz governorate, the Local Water and Sanitation Corporations in Taiz and Al-Hawban, reached a technical agreement to jointly manage the water supply systems, restoring essential services that have been disrupted for nearly a decade due to conflict and institutional fragmentation.

This milestone was made possible through the sustained engagement of the United Nations team in Yemen, working alongside key partners.

To accelerate water access, the Yemen Humanitarian Fund is allocating $2 million to connect 90,000 people, to functioning water networks.

We commend the local leadership behind this breakthrough and urge donors to scale up support so that over 600,000 people living in Taiz can finally access safe, and reliable, water and sanitation.

** Global Risk Report

If you are looking for some interestingreading material this weekend, if I can recommend the inaugural UN Global Risk Report.

It is being launched today at 1 pm, both online and at an event hosted at the Mission of Singapore. The key insight of this report is a set of 12 Global Vulnerabilities, which are risks that are perceived as both important and for which the international community is underprepared. Many risk reports can provide a list of the most important risks, but this report focuses our attention on perceived gaps in the multilateral space. It identifies Mis- and Disinformation as a singularly critical vulnerability and identifies three other clusters of risks that are technological, environmental, and societal. Specifically, the report highlights that these global vulnerabilities can be best addressed through coordinated joint action between Member States and across stakeholder groups. It can be found on the web at unglobalriskreport.org.

** International Days

Since we won't see each other tomorrow, I don't want to leave you without mentioning two international days.

Saturday is International Day of Cooperatives. Cooperatives have a local community focus, and they aspire to bring the benefits of this economic and social model to all people in the world.

Sunday is World Rural Development Day. This Day aims at elevating rural voices and renewing the world's collective promise, which is to leave no one behind, not even in the most remote and forgotten places of the world.

** Financial Contribution

We have a quiz for you today. How many people do deep sea diving here? Below the water. You scuba? I am trying to make it more exciting for Gabriel.

This country's most famous dive site is the SS President Coolidge, a shipwrecked luxury liner that was serving as a troop ship in World War II. The ship sank in 1942 after making contact with mines off Espiritu Santo Island, the largest island of this archipelago nation. No. Okay, I will give you another hint. The capital of this country is Port Vila. [response from the crowd: "Vanuatu."]

Yes. Who said Vanuatu? You see, that's the second one you won, Chris. Claim your prize.

** Questions and Answers

Spokesman : All right, let's go back to New York from Vanuatu. Dezhi?

Question : Yes. Let's talk about the hostages that kept by Hamas in Gaza. You said there are 17 weeks that no field entered, and there's rarely humanitarian deliveries. Does the UN have any information of the whereabouts or conditions of the still remaining hostages?

Spokesman : The information that we have and we've been getting is through the regular meetings the Secretary-General has had with the families of Israeli hostages and former hostages, but we do not have any direct information.

Question : Does the Secretary-General worry if the condition continues in Gaza without food, without fuel, with more evacuation orders, there will be less and less chance for those hostages to survive...?

Spokesman : Well, I mean, I think the longer this goes on, the more people will suffer, whether they are the Palestinian civilians or whether they're the hostages being held by Hamas.

Question : So, another thing is, yesterday, I believe you saw the report from AP about the Gaza Humanitarian Fund [GHF]. Two American contractors said they are very disturbed and feel irresponsible that there's live ammunition fired at the site, which got rejected by the Fund. Does the UN have any comments on this?

Spokesman : Well, I mean, the comment is what we've been telling you about the operations of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation since the beginning, that they do not meet the most basic standards that anyone should want to meet, which is when you're trying to help people, you're not putting them at greater risk. Yes, Jordan?

Question : Steph, there is a big perception in Middle East, actually, in the world that the United Nations has failed to protect the Palestinian people. And, also, as you just mentioned, 326 UN staff also, the United Nations, that you unable to protect even your own staff. How can you reply to that?

Spokesman : Well, I mean, which United Nations are you speaking about? Are you speaking about the inability of the Security Council to come together? Are you speaking...?

Correspondent : The United Nations system.

Spokesman : But that's... you know, I think people have to understand the complexity of the UN system, and we rely on you as journalists to explain that. I think the Secretary-General and all of the UN humanitarian staff and other staff who remain in Gaza are doing their best to protect civilians, to help civilians stay alive by at least providing them with the limited amount of means that we have. What is clear is that in this conflict and in others, as the Secretary-General said last week, if I'm not mistaken, international law, the Charter itself is being repeatedly violated and too many countries are choosing to see the Charter and international law as an a la carte menu, as opposed to standing up and believing and implementing other commitments they themselves have signed on to. Yes, ma'am?

Question : Thank you, Steph. This is Min Lu from China Daily. The US and Vietnam has reportedly reached a trade agreement that removes tariffs on US goods to Vietnam, while the Vietnam goods exporting to the US are facing higher tariffs. Does the UN have any comments on how this treatment will influence developing countries and global trade awareness?

Spokesman : I mean, we don't have any comment on this specific agreement, or we're not even sure there's an agreement. What we do believe is that the Secretary-General believes in a global trade system that needs to be fair and especially fair to those countries that are most vulnerable. Alex?

Question : Thanks, Steph. Firstly, a quick follow-up on UN WebTV and other sources. Is it somehow connected with UN80 initiative?

Spokesman : No, no, not at all. Not everything is connected to UN80 Initiative.

Correspondent : I had to follow-up.

Spokesman : I mean, I saw the Mets win yesterday. I don't think that was connected to the UN80 Initiative.

Question : Secondly, follow-up on this UN Russian Memorandum. So what will happen after this Memorandum expires?

Spokesman : Well, the Memorandum of Understanding will not be extended. It had a shelf life of three years. However, the issues around it remain, right? And that, for us, includes the developing and the protection of safe trade routes through the Black Sea. So a lot of the issues that the memo address will continue to live on and will continue to be discussed between the United Nations, the Russian Federation, and others.

Question : And last one. President [Vladimir] Putin and President [Donald] Trump held a phone conversation. Have any comments on that?

Spokesman : I mean, we've just seen that they spoke. As I've said in other cases, we welcome high-level dialogue between leaders of these United Nations. Okay. Yes, ma'am?

Question : Hi. My name is Rachel from [Inaudible], Guangdong, China. So I just recently saw a new report from the United Nations Economic and Social Committee for Asia and the Pacific mentions a USD $2.5 to $4 trillion in annual financing gap for developing countries. So I'm wondering, as China is now one of the largest creditors to developing countries, how does the UN view China's potential role in advancing global financial collaboration?

Spokesman : To be honest, I have not seen that report. I will put you in touch with its authors, so you can ask them. But I try not to speak about things I don't know. Doesn't always work, but that's what I try to do. Go ahead, Dezhi.

Question : Yesterday, WHO urged countries to increase health tax on tobaccos, alcohols, and sugar-contained beverages to at least 50 per cent of its price. Do you worry that would affect your champagne drinking in your bottle?

Spokesman : Have a great weekend.

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Today's top news: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Ukraine

UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Occupied Palestinian Territory

Hostilities, displacement orders take mounting toll on civilians

OCHA warns that as bombing and other deadly attacks continue in the Gaza Strip, the space left for civilians to stay in is shrinking by the day.

Just yesterday, the Israeli authorities issued yet another displacement order - this time for parts of Gaza city - citing Palestinian rocket fire. Partners estimate that about 40,000 people were in these areas, which included one displacement site, one medical point, and a neighbourhood that had been spared from any displacement orders since before the ceasefire. As of earlier today, about 900 families are estimated to have fled.

OCHA notes that since mid-March, when the ceasefire ended, more than 50 such orders have been issued. Together, they now cover about 78 per cent of Gaza. Add the Israeli-militarized zones and that percentage jumps to 85 - leaving just 15 per cent where civilians can actually stay.

Those areas are overcrowded and severely lacking in services or proper infrastructure. They are also fragmented and unsafe.

Yesterday, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) said in a social media post that menstruation has become a nightmare for an estimated 700,000 women and girls in Gaza. The agency stressed that, alongside food, people need water, soap, menstrual pads and privacy. UNFPA noted that it has supplies ready - almost 170 truckloads' worth - but they are not being let into the Strip.

In a report issued yesterday, OCHA notes that since last Thursday, nine more aid workers have been killed - from five different organizations. That brings the total number of aid workers killed to 107 so far this year, and 479 since October 2023. Among them are 326 UN staff.

Inside Gaza, humanitarian teams are required to coordinate their movements with the Israeli authorities. During the month of June, out of nearly 400 such coordination attempts, 44 per cent were outright denied by Israeli authorities. Another 10 per cent were initially accepted but faced impediments. Only a third were fully facilitated. The rest - about 12 per cent - had to be cancelled by the organizers for logistical, operational or security reasons.

Yesterday, four out of 16 coordination attempts were denied, hindering humanitarian teams' efforts to relocate medical supplies or remove debris, among other critical operations.

Ukraine

Attacks cause civilian casualties, widespread damage

OCHA reports that air strikes in Ukraine over the past three days have killed and injured civilians. According to authorities, at least 10 civilians were killed and nearly 60 injured, including children.

The strikes also damaged homes, hospitals, schools and agricultural supplies in front-line regions, according to the local authorities and aid workers. In the Donetsk region alone, authorities reported damage to more than 80 homes, schools and other civilian facilities across the region.

Health facilities have not been spared. On 1 July, shelling damaged a hospital in the city of Kherson, injuring at least three health workers and five patients. More than 100 windows were also shattered, with significant damage to the facility.

Today, drone strikes in the same city damaged several ambulances, civilian vehicles, and windows of another hospital building. A hospital in the town of Kostiantynivka, in the east of the country, was also affected by strikes yesterday.

Between January and June of this year, the World Health Organization (WHO) recorded at least 255 attacks on healthcare in Ukraine - accounting for nearly 40 per cent of all such attacks verified globally. In 2025, these attacks caused at least six deaths and 55 injuries among medical personnel and patients, according to WHO.

Humanitarians continue to respond, providing construction materials and emergency shelter kits, blankets, hygiene items, and mental health and psychosocial support.*

*Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Ukraine with urgent support.

Posted on 3 July 2025

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UNRWA

3 Jul 2025

Highlights

Key points

The Gaza Strip

Since the night between 17 and 18 March, the Israeli Forces have escalated bombardments from air, land and sea across the Gaza Strip and expanded ground operations, resulting in tens of thousands of reported casualties, destruction of civilian infrastructure, and large-scale displacement. People are living in inhumane conditions, seeking shelter anywhere they can, including damaged or destroyed buildings, overcrowded displacement sites, and open areas. According to OCHA, fighting between the Israeli Forces and Palestinian armed groups has been reported.

Since 19 May, after almost 80 days of siege on the entry of aid and any other supplies into the Gaza Strip - including food, medicine and fuel, the Israeli authorities have allowed only a select number of UN agencies and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to resume the delivery of limited aid into Gaza. However, the entry of aid has remained challenging. OCHA reported that among the limited number of trucks that were collected from crossing points for distribution inside Gaza since the siege was eased but not lifted, only a small fraction was delivered to the intended destinations due to obstacles to humanitarian aid delivery. UNRWA has not been able to bring in any humanitarian supplies for nearly four months (since 2 March). No fuel has been allowed at all into Gaza since 2 March.

According OCHA, mass casualties continue being reported among people attempting to access food in the Gaza Strip, including as they approach or gather at militarized distribution points in Rafah and Deir al-Balah or wait for trucks carrying aid supplies. According to OCHA, as of 25 June, the Gaza Ministry of Health reported that 549 people were killed and at least 4,066 injured trying to access food supplies.

Jonathan Whittall, Head of OCHA oPt, stated that people in Gaza are being killed while trying to reach food, adding that "The attempt to survive is being met with a death sentence." He explained that "The majority of the casualties have been shot or shelled trying to reach US-Israeli distribution sites purposefully set up in militarized zones" with "Israeli Forces opening fire on crowds gathering to get food," while others have been killed or injured by armed gangs.

The UN Human Rights office (OHCHR) reported that "scenes of chaos" have been observed "around the food distribution points of the "Gaza Humanitarian Foundation" and the few UN humanitarian convoys. Women, children, older and disabled people in particular are facing multiple challenges at these points and are potentially at risk of aggravated forms of exploitation and abuse." OHCHR added that "Israel's militarised humanitarian assistance mechanism is in contradiction with international standards on aid distribution. It endangers civilians and contributes to the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza."

Malnutrition continues to increase, with UNICEF reporting that an average of 112 children a day have been admitted for treatment for malnutrition between January and May 2025.

According to UNFPA, the lack of sufficient amount of food and the cooking energy crisis is deepening gender inequality and exacerbating risks of gender-based violence (GBV). UNFPA reported that "In displacement settings, where women often carry the burden of securing food and water, their movement through unsafe areas exposes them to harassment, assault, and exploitation." UNFPA highlighted that the "Denial of food or control over food access within families has been identified as a form of violence," with food being used as a means of coercion in abusive relationships.

The restrictions on the entry of fuel - now entering their fourth month, continue placing life-sustaining services at a severe risk. Humanitarian actors including UNRWA are implementing strict ration measures, but critical health and WASH services are at risk of shutting down if the entry of fuel is not urgently allowed.

OCHA reported that, as of 24 June, 77 per cent of WASH assets and facilities fall within the Israeli-militarized zone or in areas that have been placed under displacement orders since 18 March. On 20 June, UNICEF Spokesperson James Elder stated that only 40 per cent (or 87 out of 217) of drinking water production facilities are still functional in the Gaza Strip, adding that "without fuel, every one of these will stop operating within weeks." The lack of water also contributes to a severe deterioration of hygiene, creating conditions for the further spread of waterborne and hygiene-related diseases.

The health response in the Gaza Strip continues to face severe operational challenges, including extensive damage to health facilities, obstacles to safe movements and restrictions on the entry of medical supplies and critical fuel. UNRWA medical services are critically under-resourced. Nearly half (or 49 per cent) of essential medical supplies are already out of stock and over one fifth (21 per cent) are projected to run out in under two months. The affected supplies include medicine for non-communicable diseases, antimicrobials and antiparasitic products, dermatological and eye preparations, analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications, gastrointestinal products, respiratory medications, and family planning methods.

OCHA reported that, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Education, over 76,000 students in Gaza were unable to sit for their general secondary examinations over the past two academic years.

According to OCHA, between 10 and 21 June, the Gaza Strip experienced five fiber-optic cable cuts, causing a complete internet outage and widespread mobile service interruptions. This has also severely hindered life-saving humanitarian operations and the ability of people to access critical information and essential services.

All UNRWA international staff are banned from entering the Gaza Strip since the few remaining left at the end of March. This follows the passage of two laws by Israel's parliament, (the Knesset), on 28 October 2024[2], that prohibit UNRWA's operations in "Israeli territory" and bar any contact between UNRWA and Israeli officials.

Meanwhile, around 12,000 Palestinian UNRWA personnel in Gaza continue to provide services and assistance to an entire population in need, while spearheading the collective humanitarian response. In the occupied West Bank including East Jerusalem, over 4,000 UNRWA Palestinian local staff continue to provide education, health and other services to Palestine Refugees. No visas have been issued from the Government of Israel to UNRWA international staff since the end of January 2025.

With at least 47 displacement orders issued by the Israeli military since 18 March, about 281.9 square kilometres of the Gaza Strip are under displacement orders (the total area of the Gaza Strip is approximately 365 square kilometres). According to OCHA, over four-fifths (or 82.6 per cent) of the Gaza Strip are within the Israeli-militarized zone, under displacement orders, or where these overlap. The UN estimates that over 684,000 people have been displaced yet again since the breakdown of the ceasefire in mid-March.

Between 18 and 24 June, three displacement orders, including two affecting a total of 27 UNRWA installations, were issued by Israeli Forces. On 24 June, the Israeli Forces issued a displacement order impacting areas of north Gaza including Jabalia Al-Balad, Al-Nahda, Al-Rawda and north of At-Tuffah neighborhood. No installations are located in the affected area.

On 23 June, the Israeli Forces issued a displacement order impacting central and north Khan Younis. Twenty-one UNRWA installations are located in the affected area.

On 20 June, the Israeli Forces issued a displacement order impacting areas of Gaza City (Old City and Tuffah neighborhood). Six UNRWA installations are located in the affected area.

At least 172 UNRWA installations - or over half of all UNRWA installations in the Gaza Strip - are located within the Israeli-militarized zone, under displacement orders, or where these overlap.

Despite the lack of aid allowed into Gaza and existing challenges, UNRWA continues providing services to communities overwhelmed by over 20 months of bombardment, forced displacement, and lack of critical resources. However, the resumed bombardment and the 11-week-long siege, which completely banned the entry of any basic supplies from UNRWA since 2 March, have further worsened an already dire situation, severely hindering humanitarian actors' ability to respond to the population's need for food, water, sanitation, shelter and more.

According to the UN, at least 1.9 million people - or about 90 per cent of the population - across the Gaza Strip have been displaced during the war. Many have been displaced repeatedly, some 10 times or more. Since the recent displacement orders were issued, more people have been forced to flee in search of safety.

Between 7 October 2023 and 25 June 2025, according to the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Gaza, as stated by OCHA, at least 56,156 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in Gaza and 132,239 have been injured.

Since the war began 317 UNRWA team members have been confirmed killed.
UNRWA

3 Jul 2025

Highlights

Key points

The Gaza Strip

Since the night between 17 and 18 March, the Israeli Forces have escalated bombardments from air, land and sea across the Gaza Strip and expanded ground operations, resulting in tens of thousands of reported casualties, destruction of civilian infrastructure, and large-scale displacement. Hospitals continue to be hit with extremely severe consequences on the provision of lifesaving treatments, alongside residential buildings, schools, and tents where forcibly displaced people live. According to OCHA, fighting between the Israeli Forces and Palestinian armed groups has been reported. One rocket was reportedly fired by Palestinian armed groups in Gaza toward Israel on 10 June and intercepted.

Since 19 May, after almost 80 days of siege on the entry of aid and any other supplies into the Gaza Strip - including food, medicine and fuel, the Israeli authorities have allowed only a select number of UN agencies and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to resume the delivery of limited aid into Gaza. OCHA confirmed that limited amounts of certain food, nutrition supplies, medical supplies, and water purification items have entered the Gaza Strip since 19 May. However, UNRWA has not been able to bring in any supplies for more than three months (since 2 March).

OCHA reported that limited access, long delays in movement approvals (sometimes up to 36 hours and beyond), constantly shifting, insecure convoy routes, intensified military operations, and a breakdown of public order and safety with a very high risk of looting continue to severely constrain operations to collect aid from Kerem Shalom crossing and are placing humanitarian staff, drivers and trucks at significant risk.

OCHA reported that the militarized distribution mechanism of food supplies, through the newly established Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), began on 27 May at two points set up in Rafah and Deir al-Balah. Since then, thousands of Palestinians reportedly walked towards these distribution sites to receive food packages, but several shooting incidents resulted in mass casualties. According to OCHA, as of 11 June, the Gaza Ministry of Health reported that hospitals have received 224 people killed and over 1,858 people injured from the areas newly designated for food distributions.

On 10 June, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini posted on X (previously known as Twitter) that "Day after day, casualties and scores of injured are reported at distribution points manned by Israel and private security companies." He added that this "humiliating system" forces thousands of hungry and desperate people to walk very long distance, "excluding the most vulnerable and those living too far," and stated that "This system does not intend to address hunger."

The World Food Programme (WFP) stated that, since 19 May and as of 10 of June, it had only transported over 700 trucks of aid to the Kerem Shalom border crossing point. "This compares to 600-700 trucks of aid transported per day during the ceasefire earlier this year. The trucks carried over 11,000 metric tons (MT) of food but only 6,000 metric tons entered Gaza - enough to support less than 300,000 people for a month with minimal daily food requirements. This is a small fraction of what is needed for a population of 2.1 million people and far too low to meet the overwhelming needs." According to the Food Security Sector as reported by OCHA, most of the 6,000 MT of wheat flour that entered Gaza since 19 May was offloaded by hungry people in dire need, mostly coming from the north, to feed their families, and in some cases by armed criminals, before reaching warehouses or designated distribution points.

The restrictions on the entry of fuel - now entering its fourth month, continue placing life-sustaining services at severe risk. While forced mass displacement continues, no shelter supplies have entered the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the 11-week-long siege imposed by the Israeli authorities on 2 March. According to OCHA, between 15 May and 9 June, missions to retrieve fuel from northern Gaza were denied by the Israeli authorities 14 times and about 260,000 litres of it were recently looted.

On 10 June, OCHA reported that a major telecommunications and internet service provider confirmed a critical infrastructure failure, resulting in a blackout of internet connectivity and significant disruptions to mobile networks in Gaza city and north Gaza. The Emergency and Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) warned that, without the immediate delivery of fuel and engine oil, telecommunications services are expected to shut down imminently, which could lead to a complete collapse of telecommunications and internet services.

The health response in the Gaza Strip continues to face severe operational challenges, including extensive damage to health facilities, obstacles to safe movements and restrictions on the entry of medical supplies. Between 1 January and 31 May 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) recorded 76 attacks on health care across the Gaza Strip. According to WHO, only 17 out of 36 hospitals are partially functional and only 61 out of 160 primary health care facilities are functional.

UNRWA medical services are critically under-resourced. Forty-seven per cent of essential supplies are already out of stock and over one fifth (22 per cent) are projected to run out in under two months.

All UNRWA international staff are banned from entering the Gaza Strip since the few remaining left at the end of March. This follows the passage of two laws by Israel's parliament, the Knesset, on 28 October 2024[2], which aimed to prohibit UNRWA's operations in "Israeli territory" and bar any contact between UNRWA and Israeli officials.

Meanwhile, around 12,000 Palestinian UNRWA personnel in Gaza continue to provide services and assistance to an entire population in need, while spearheading the collective humanitarian response. In the occupied West Bank including East Jerusalem, over 4,000 UNRWA Palestinian local staff continue to provide education, health and other services to Palestine Refugees. No visas have been issued from the Government of Israel to UNRWA international staff since end of January 2025.

With at least 39 displacement orders issued by the Israeli military since 18 March, about 277.6 square kilometres of the Gaza Strip are now under active displacement orders (the total area of the Gaza Strip is approximately 365 square kilometres). According to OCHA, over four-fifths (or 82 per cent) of the Gaza Strip are within the Israeli-militarized zone, under displacement orders, or where these overlap. The UN estimates that nearly 665,000 people have been displaced yet again since the breakdown of the ceasefire (mid-March), including over 227,000 between 15 May and 11 June alone.

Between 4 and 10 June, six displacement orders were issued by Israeli Forces. Of these, five affected areas with 83 UNRWA installations. On 10 June, the Israeli Forces issued a displacement order impacting areas of north Gaza ((Al-Karama neighborhood, Ibad Al-Rahman area and Al-Shanti Land area). Three UNRWA installations are located in the affected area.

On 9 June, the Israeli Forces issued a displacement order impacting Gaza City (At Tuffah, eastern part of Ad Darraj) and north Gaza (Ar Rawdah, Jabalia El Balad). Seven UNRWA installations are located in the affected area.

On 8 June, the Israeli Forces reportedly dropped leaflets in the Al Amal area of Khan Younis, containing a displacement order impacting the same area of the displacement order issued on 2 June 2025. Eight UNRWA installations are located in the affected area.

On 7 June, the Israeli Forces issued a displacement order impacting north Gaza (Safatawi, An Nahdah). Two UNRWA installations are located in the affected area.

On 4 June, the Israeli Forces issued a displacement order impacting Gaza City (Tuffah, Shaja'iya, Az Zaitoun, Gaza Old City, and the eastern part of Ad Darraj) and the entire north Gaza. Seventy-five UNRWA installations are located in the affected area.

At least 182 UNRWA installations - or around half of all UNRWA installations in the Gaza Strip - are located within the Israeli-militarized zone, under displacement orders, or where these overlap.

Despite the lack of aid and existing challenges, UNRWA continues providing services to communities overwhelmed by 20 months of bombardment, forced displacement, and lack of critical resources. However, the resumed bombardment and the 11-week-long siege, which completely banned entry of any basic supplies from UNRWA since 2 March, have further worsened an already dire situation, severely hindering humanitarian actors' ability to respond to the population's need for food, water, sanitation, shelter and more.

According to the UN, at least 1.9 million people - or about 90 per cent of the population - across the Gaza Strip have been displaced during the war. Many have been displaced repeatedly, some 10 times or more. Since the recent displacement orders were issued, more people have been forced to flee in search of safety.

Between 7 October 2023 and 11 June 2025, according to the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Gaza, as stated by OCHA, at least 55,104 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in Gaza and 127,394 have been injured.

Since the war began 317 UNRWA team members have been confirmed killed.
Cope Angel 2025: US, Japan sharpen search, rescue skills

Published July 3, 2025

By Senior Airman Melany Bermudez

18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) -- U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 33rd and 31st Rescue Squadrons partnered with Japan Air Self-Defense Force members from the Naha Air Rescue Squadron for exercise Cope Angel 25-1, June 23-27, at Kadena and Naha Air Bases.

Cope Angel is the 33rd RQS's primary, annual bilateral personnel recovery exercise with Naha Air Rescue Squadron, designed to provide an opportunity for the U.S. Air Force and JASDF search and rescue assets to integrate, plan and train together.

"This exercise is a validation for everything the 18th Wing stands for," said Capt. Gabriela Demarest, 33rd RQS HH-60G pilot and unit project officer for Cope Angel 25-1. "The entire basis of this exercise is to ensure that anyone taking off from Okinawa in pursuit of a free and open Indo-Pacific region will always have a ride home on their worst day."

This year, the Naha Air Rescue Squadron strengthened its commitment to joint-force readiness by adopting U.S. Air Force tactics, techniques and procedures. Squadron members led multiple mission profiles to evaluate their capability to adapt and operate seamlessly alongside U.S. forces, enhancing bilateral interoperability.

At the same time, JASDF's U-125A crews coordinated airspace, managed operational assets and executed the recovery of isolated personnel with support from the 33rd RQS. These actions highlighted growing alignment and a shared commitment to more effective combined operations.

"The more we train together, the more we can rely on each other when the time comes," said U.S. Air Force Maj. Brian Tordoff, 18th Operations Group chief of standardization and evaluations. "Working with JASDF in scenarios like this builds the trust and familiarity we need to operate as one team."

Cope Angel 25-1 demonstrated the growing strength of U.S. and Japanese search and rescue integration through realistic, high-stakes training.

Whether in peace or conflict, bilateral exercises help ensure both teams are ready to respond together when it matters most.

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Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 2 Disestablished; Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 10 Established

US Navy

03 July 2025

From Lt.j.g. Martin Carey

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- The U.S. Navy marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter during a ceremony July 3, as Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2 was formally disestablished and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EOD) 10 was established aboard Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story.

The ceremony, attended by families, shipmates, and distinguished guests, celebrated the legacy of MDSU-2 - a unit synonymous with diving, salvage, and undersea response excellence - and welcomed the future of integrated expeditionary operations under EODMU-10.

Established in 1982, MDSU-2 was a cornerstone of U.S. Navy diving and salvage capability. Over the decades, its Sailors supported numerous historic and high-profile operations, including the 1986 recovery of Space Shuttle Challenger, the salvage of TWA Flight 800 in 1996 and Swiss Air Flight 111 in 1998, and the recovery of Space Shuttle Columbia in 2003.

Divers and EOD technicians from MDSU-2 also played critical roles in complex salvage operations around the globe, including the 1994 Eritrea Africa ship salvage, the 1999 USS Cole (DDG 67) recovery, and the multi-year recovery project of USS Monitor, a Civil War ironclad warship. The unit supported humanitarian assistance responses for Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Sandy and led pioneering efforts in Arctic diving during Operation Nanook in 2010.

Commander Garrett Pankow took to the podium to deliver his final message as the commanding officer of MDSU-2.

"Today is bittersweet," said Pankow. "We're not only executing a time-honored transfer of command but also retiring a combat salvage unit with a legacy that spans the globe, and establishing a new EOD mobile unit. For half a century, MDSU-2 Salvors have operated with character and competency - from the Arctic Circle to the depths of the Red Sea." He continued, "It has been the honor of my career to be the skipper of MDSU-2. The spirit and capability of MDSU-2 carries forward into EODMU-10, and all East Coast EOD mobile units, as we combine EOD and Salvage warriors at EOD mobile units; ready to support the fleet, anytime, anywhere."

Commander Jonathon Maurus, from Dearborn, MI, will be the first commanding officer of EODMU-10.

"I am extremely honored and humbled to take the helm from Commander Pankow during this historic transition - while we close the chapter on MDSU-2, we carry forward its proud legacy as we stand up EOD Mobile Unit-10, ready to meet the Navy's evolving mission with the same tenacity and excellence."

Rear Adm. Brad Andros, Commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, served as the ceremony's guest speaker and stressed the significance of the redesign of the mobile diving and salvage force.

"The transition from MDSU-2 to EOD Mobile Unit-10 is not a loss - it is a consolidation of excellence," said Andros. "This force redesign brings the full spectrum of EOD and MDSU capabilities under one commander, one unified command - bringing together our teams, our chief's mess, our wardrooms. Our expeditionary forces must be ready for a future fight. We can no longer look at our niche capabilities as we did 10 or 20 years ago...our Navy Expeditionary Combat Forces will be needed for our full repertoire, full capability and full capacity."

The establishment of EODMU-10 reflects a greater NECC effort to ensure readiness for the future fight and a deliberate approach to build a more sustainable and agile force. The unit will continue to leverage diving and salvage expertise while aligning under the broader Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2 enterprise.

As a critical component of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Force, Navy EOD forces clear explosive hazards to provide access to denied areas; they employ advanced tactics and technologies to exploit and secure the undersea domain for freedom of maneuver; they build and foster relationships with a constellation of capable and trusted partners; and they protect the homeland and our American way of life.

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Russo-Ukraine War - 03 July 2025 - Day 1226

Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

"To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal]

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that the Defense Forces are directing efforts to disrupt the execution of Russian invaders' offensive plans and exhaust their combat potential.

110 combat clashes have taken place since the beginning of the day. The Russian enemy launched two missiles and 51 air strikes, using two missiles and dropping 79 controlled bombs, carrying out 1120 kamikaze drones and 4500 shells to the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements.

Ukrainian defenders repelled eight Russian attacks in the Northern Slobozhansky and Kursky directions. The enemy launched 9 air strikes, dropped 16 controlled air bombs in total, and carried out 178 artillery shells, including one from a reactive arsenal.

In the South-Slobozhansky direction, the Defense Forces repelled eight Russian assaults in the areas of Vovchansk and Barnoy. Aviation strikes suffered settlements of vovchans ki farms, odnorobivka, vodane, odradne, ohrimivka and vilhuvatka.

The Russian enemy four times attacked Ukrainian fortifications in the Kupyans komu direction in the areas of Kindrashivka, Zagrizovoye and towards Petropavlivka.

In the Lyman direction today Russian troops 18 times stormed the positions of Ukrainian defenders near the New Peace, Grekivka, Ridkoduba, Karpivka, Kolodyaziv, Green Valley, Torsky, Nadia, Serebryanka and in the direction of Dronivka and Shandrigolovy. Three clashes are ongoing so far.

In the sivers komu direction Ukrainian warriors repelled three Russian attacks near viymki and fedorivka.

Ukrainian troops repelled one attack in the direction of the White Mountain in the Kramatorsky direction.

In the Toretsky direction, the Russian occupiers today six times stormed the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the areas of Rusynoy Yar, Yablunivka and towards Pleschievka, Oleksandro-Kalinovogo, Katerynivka.

In the Pokrovsky direction throughout the day, Russian forces committed 35 assault and offensive actions.

The activity of Russian occupiers was observed in the areas of settlements Mirne, Novotoretske, Mirolubivka, Malinivka, Razine, Beam, Udachne, Novosergiivka, Gorihove, Oleksiyivka, Dachne and in the direction of Novopavlivka, Mirnohrad, Novopidgorodny and Sofiyivka. The fights have not subsided so far in three locations. The Russian enemy's aviation struck controlled air bombs on the settlements of Poltavka, Bilitske, Mirnograd, Novopavlivka, Filiya, Dachne.

According to preliminary calculations, Ukrainian warriors eliminated 69 and wounded 48 Russian invaders in this direction, destroying four vehicles, two self-propelled stations of Thunder radio-electronic combat, two satellite terminals, seven motorcycles and three unmanned aircraft. In addition, one combat armored car, four motorcycles and a Russian cannon were significantly damaged.

In the Novopavlovsky direction, the Russian invaders carried out nine attacks on the positions of Ukrainian troops, trying to advance in the areas of settlements Zaporizhia Komar, Vilne Pole, Mirne, Piddubne and towards the settlement of Andriyivka-Klevtsove.

In the direction of Gulyaipils .komu, Russian forces once tried to advance in the area of Novozlatopol.

Ukrainian defenders repelled one attack of Russian zagarbnikiv towards Novopavlivka in the orihiv direction.

In the Pridniprovsk direction, the Defense Forces successfully repelled three Russian attacks.

In other directions, there have been no significant changes in the environment.





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Justice Department Files Motion to Prevent Construction Delays for "Alligator Alcatraz" Immigration Detention Center in Florida

Thursday, July 3, 2025

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

The Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) today filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida to prevent unnecessary construction delays for Florida's temporary immigration detention center known as "Alligator Alcatraz" in the Everglades.

"The Department of Justice has defended President Trump's immigration agenda in court since day one and we are proud to protect 'Alligator Alcatraz' from baseless, politically motivated legal schemes," said Attorney General Pamela Bondi.

"Delaying the construction of Florida's temporary detention center, as plaintiffs request, would imperil critical immigration enforcement efforts and endanger detainees in overcrowded detention facilities," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of ENRD. "We are proud to defend against these unfounded claims and to help the administration fulfill its fundamental obligation to prioritize the safety and security of Americans."

On June 27, two political advocacy organizations  Friends of the Everglades Inc. and Center for Biological Diversity  filed a lawsuit to halt the construction and operation of the detention center, alleging failure to analyze the environmental effects of the project as required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The plaintiffs asked for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction.

In today's filing, the Justice Department vigorously opposed the request for emergency and injunctive relief. Among other things, the filing highlights that there is no federal final agency action, that the Administrative Procedure Act does not apply to state agency decisions, that any claims related to potential federal funding are unripe, and that the plaintiffs failed to show irreparable harm.

Attorneys in ENRD's Natural Resources Section are handling the case.

Topic: Environment

Components: Office of the Attorney General

Environment and Natural Resources Division

Press Release Number: 25-696

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USNORTHCOM to Provide DoD Support to ICE

U.S. Northern Command

Press Release | July 3, 2025

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Approximately 200 Marines from Marine Wing Support Squadron 272, Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, are conducting a movement to Florida, to augment U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) interior immigration enforcement mission with critical administrative and logistical capabilities at locations as directed by ICE.

Responding to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) request received May 9, 2025, the Secretary of Defense approved a mobilization of up to 700 Active, National Guard, and Reserve component forces operating under Title 10 authority.

These Marines are the first wave of U.S. Northern Command's (USNORTHCOM's) support of this ICE mission. Other support locations will include Louisiana and Texas. Service members participating in this mission will perform strictly non-law enforcement duties within ICE facilities. Their roles will focus on administrative and logistical tasks, and they are specifically prohibited from direct contact with individuals in ICE custody or involvement in any aspect of the custody chain.

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U.S. judge blocks Trump ban on asylum claims

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 14:50, July 03, 2025

SACRAMENTO, United States, July 2 (Xinhua) -- A U.S. federal judge on Wednesday blocked President Donald Trump's latest effort to shut the nation's asylum door, ruling that the White House overstepped both Congress's immigration statutes and the Constitution.

In a 128-page opinion, Judge Randolph D. Moss of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia wrote that Trump's January proclamation, which branded the rise in border crossings as an "invasion" and tried to create "an alternative immigration system," bypassed the protections Congress built into the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act.

Since the proclamation would have denied humanitarian screenings to people entering between ports of entry as well as at official crossings, the court found it "fundamentally irreconcilable" with the statutory text guaranteeing anyone on U.S. soil a chance to seek refuge, he said.

He dismissed the administration's reliance on emergency powers under Section 1182(f) of the federal immigration law, saying that the provision authorizes a president to keep certain non-citizens outside the country but does not let the executive erase asylum outright.

Moss's decision applied nationwide, but he delayed enforcement for 14 days to give the Justice Department time to appeal. Should the opinion stand, the government must resume processing all asylum requests filed after the proclamation took effect.

Wednesday's ruling echoed earlier defeats for categorical asylum bans. In 2018 and 2020, federal courts blocked two previous Trump administration orders that sought to disqualify people who crossed the border irregularly.

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Trump admin. builds 'Alligator Alcatraz' detention center for undocumented immigrants

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 03 July 2025 10:00 AM

The United States government has built a controversial detention center for undocumented immigrants and deportees in a remote region west of Miami, Florida.

The new facility, named "Alligator Alcatraz," was visited by President Donald Trump and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem on Tuesday.

The facility, erected deep in the Florida Everglades, has drawn national attention for rapid construction and symbolism.

Environmental groups have protested against the facility, considering it a threat to the fragile Everglades system as it sits in protected swampland. Critics also argue it would be cruel to detainees because of the heat, frequent heavy rains and flooding, humidity, pythons, mosquitoes, and alligators in the area.

Native Americans have also protested against the detention center, saying it is set up on the land that local tribes consider sacred.

However, US officials showed their support, sharing a meme photo of a detention center ringed with barbed wire and "guarded" by alligators wearing hats labeled "ICE", which stands for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

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."

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said locating the facility with the capacity to hold 5,000 deportees 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.

It's another sign of how the Trump administration and its allies are relying on scare tactics to try to encourage people residing in the country illegally to self-deport and leave the US voluntarily.

Alligator Alcatraz is located in Big Cypress National Preserve in Ochopee, southern Florida, 72 kilometers west of Miami on the Atlantic coastal plain.

The Florida attorney general said the facility will begin processing hundreds of "criminal illegal aliens" on Wednesday night.

"Alligator Alcatraz will be checking in hundreds of criminal illegal aliens tonight," Florida Republican Attorney General James Uthmeier said on the X social media platform.

"Next stop: back to where they came from," the official added.

It wasn't immediately clear when the detainees would arrive or where they were coming from. But officials said they were being brought to the facility on buses.

"Alligator Alcatraz" is expected to cost $450 million to operate for a single year, according to one Department of Homeland Security official.

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Treasury Sanctions Hizballah Financial Officials

U.S. Department of the Treasury

July 3, 2025

WASHINGTON -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is sanctioning seven senior officials and one entity associated with the Hizballah-controlled financial institution Al-Qard Al-Hassan (AQAH), which was designated by OFAC in 2007. These officials have served in senior management roles for AQAH and have facilitated the evasion of U.S. sanctions, enabling Hizballah's access to the formal financial system. Today's action underscores Treasury's commitment to disrupting Hizballah's sanctions evasion schemes and supporting efforts by the new Lebanese government to limit the terrorist group's influence, particularly as entities like AQAH continue to undermine the already fragile Lebanese economy.

"Through their roles at AQAH, these officials sought to obfuscate Hizballah's interest in seemingly legitimate transactions at Lebanese financial institutions, exposing these banks to significant AML/CFT risk while allowing Hizballah to funnel money for its own benefit," said Deputy Secretary Michael Faulkender. "As Hizballah seeks money to rebuild its operations, Treasury remains strongly committed to dismantling the group's financial infrastructure and limiting its ability to reconstitute itself."

Today's action maintains pressure on Hizballah, building on several actions targeting the group's illicit finance networks involved in financial facilitation, oil sales, and other commercial enterprises. Treasury previously targeted AQAH shadow bankers in 2021, identifying AQAH's financial director, Ahmad Mohamad Yazbeck (Yazbeck), along with officials Abbas Hassan Gharib (Gharib), Wahid Mahmud Subayti (Subayti), Mostafa Habib Harb (Harb), Ezzat Youssef Akar (Akar), and Hasan Chehada Othman (Othman) for acting on behalf of AQAH to evade sanctions. Treasury sanctioned AQAH Executive Director Adel Mansour (Mansour) in 2022. Husayn al-Shami (al-Shami), who ran AQAH at the time of its designation in 2007, was designated in 2006 for supporting Hizballah.

Today's action is being taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, as amended. The Department of State designated Hizballah as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) pursuant to E.O. 13224 on October 31, 2001.

SANCTIONS EVASION BY AQAH OFFICIALS

The AQAH officials targeted today serve in critical roles for the organization's activities in support of Hizballah, and some have been associated with AQAH for over two decades. In addition to their employment with AQAH, several have previously held joint bank accounts at Lebanese financial institutions in coordination with other AQAH affiliates and conducted millions of dollars in transactions that ultimately benefitted, but obscured, Hizballah's interest. Many of the transactions in these accounts reflected the same pattern as the previously OFAC-designated "shadow bankers" where AQAH officials would conduct mirrored financial activity in AQAH accounts against proxy bank accounts within the formal Lebanese financial system to disguise the movement of money associated with known Hizballah members.

Nehme Ahmad Jamil (Jamil) is a senior AQAH official and head of the auditing and business epartments of AQAH. He also manages financial services for Hizballah and its affiliated institutions. For almost 20 years, Jamil has provided financial services to AQAH. In addition, Jamil jointly owns a company, Tashilat SARL, with OFAC-designated Yazbeck and al-Shami. Tashilat SARL provided mortgage loans after the 2006 Israel-Lebanon war, and served as an integral part of the operations for AQAH and designated Hizballah financial institutions Yousser Company and Bayt al-Mal.

Issa Hussein Kassir (Kassir) is a senior AQAH official who oversees the department responsible for supplying equipment to AQAH branches and handling procurement and logistics. In this capacity, Kassir opened bank accounts in the formal financial system to conduct business activities for AQAH. Kassir was documented sending nearly a million dollars to OFAC-designated AQAH shadow bankers Yazbeck, Gharib, and Othman between 2007 and 2019, prior to OFAC's designation of Jammal Trust Bank SAL (JTB) in 2019. JTB was designated for facilitating the banking activities of U.S.-designated entities openly affiliated with Hizballah, like AQAH and the Martyrs Foundation.

Samer Hasan Fawaz (Fawaz)is the head of the AQAH management division and is responsible for administration and liaising between AQAH and various companies that assist the organization with logistics and procurement. He has served in the role of administrative director for AQAH since at least 2010.

Imad Mohamad Bezz (Bezz) is the head of AQAH's evaluation and storage department and is responsible for AQAH's gold deals. Bezz transacted extensively with AQAH officials previously involved in shadow banking activities, including sending over $2.5 million to an account held by three other AQAH officials.

Ali Mohamad Karnib (Karnib) is a senior AQAH employee who serves as the head of AQAH's purchase department. As of July 2024, Karnib oversaw the purchase of over a thousand ounces of gold for AQAH.

Ali Ahmad Krisht (Krisht)serves as the branch manager of AQAH in Tyre, Lebanon. He previously held at least three bank accounts on behalf of Hizballah and worked in close coordination with OFAC-designated AQAH director Mansour, as well as other AQAH officials. In addition to his ties to AQAH, Krisht was associated with senior Hizballah financial advisor Hassan Moukalled, who was designated in 2023 for providing support to Hizballah and helping Hizballah establish a presence in Lebanon's financial system.

Mohammed Suleiman Badir (Badir) served as a deputy director of AQAH under designated AQAH official Subayti at the Nabatiyeh branch. He previously held a joint account with Subayti opened as part of a Hizballah plan to circumvent the formal financial system by having members and associates open bank accounts in their personal names.

Jamil, Kassir, Fawaz, Bezz, Karnib, Krisht, and Badir are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for being owned, controlled, or directed by, or to have acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, AQAH.

Tashilat SARL is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224 for being owned, controlled, or directed by, or to have acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Jamil, Yazbeck, and al-Shami.

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 designated or otherwise blocked persons.

Violations of U.S. sanctions may result in the imposition of civil or criminal penalties on U.S. and foreign persons. OFAC may impose civil penalties for sanctions violations on a strict liability basis. OFAC's Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC's enforcement of U.S. economic sanctions. In addition, financial institutions and other persons may risk exposure to sanctions for engaging in certain transactions or activities with designated or otherwise blocked persons. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated or blocked person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.

Furthermore, engaging in certain transactions involving the persons designated today may risk the imposition of secondary sanctions on participating foreign financial institutions. OFAC can prohibit or impose strict conditions on opening or maintaining, in the United States, a correspondent account or a payable-through account of a foreign financial institution that knowingly conducts or facilitates any significant transaction on behalf of a person who is designated pursuant to the relevant authority.

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.

###

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Coast Guard renames geographic operational districts

United States Coast Guard

Press Release | July 3, 2025

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Coast Guard announced Thursday the renaming of its operational districts from numerical to geographic designations, a key initiative under Force Design 2028 (FD2028).

This strategic change, directed by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem on May 21, 2025, aims to indicate more accurately the regions they serve and represent. Renaming operational districts revises a numbered system established during World War II, when the Coast Guard operated as part of the Navy to ensure alignment between the services. In the 80 years since the Coast Guard separated from the Navy, the Service has maintained the numbered districts. However, the Navy stopped using numbered districts over 25 years ago.

Updating operational districts to regional names will more clearly align districts with their areas of responsibility, facilitate collaboration with interagency partners, and ensure the American public and maritime stakeholders can easily find and understand the districts in which they live, recreate and operate. This change is a direct action within FD2028's organization campaign, which is focused on adapting the Coast Guard's structure to remain effective and responsive.

The new geographic names, approved by the Department of Homeland Security, are as follows:

District 1: USCG Northeast District

District 5: USCG East District

District 7: USCG Southeast District

District 8: USCG Heartland District

District 9: USCG Great Lakes District

District 11: USCG Southwest District

District 13: USCG Northwest District

District 14: USCG Oceania District

District 17: USCG Arctic District

"This renaming is more than just a change in labels; it's a critical step in our journey to become a more agile, capable, and responsive fighting force," said Acting Commandant Kevin E. Lunday. "Under Force Design 2028, we are driving fundamental changes to speed decision-making, improve strategic alignment, and ultimately best serve the American people for decades to come. This initiative underscores our commitment to ensuring that change is lasting and has an enduring impact on the Service and the Nation."

This change will not impact operations or change existing geographical district boundaries. To memorialize the updated names for operational districts, the Coast Guard is undertaking the process of formally changing district names in the Code of Federal Regulations. Through this process, the Coast Guard will continue to communicate with stakeholders and provide updated resources and information as appropriate.

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Coast Guard District 7 renamed to Coast Guard Southeast District

United States Coast Guard

Press Release | July 3, 2025

Coast Guard Southeast District - 305-542-8127

MIAMI -- The U.S. Coast Guard announced, Thursday, the renaming of its operational districts from numerical to geographic designations, a key initiative under Force Design 2028 (FD2028). Within this Service-wide renaming initiative, Coast Guard District 7 will now be known as Coast Guard Southeast District.

This strategic change, directed by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem on May 21, 2025, aims to indicate a more accurate representation to the regions the Coast Guard serves. Renaming operational districts revises a numbered system established during World War II, when the Coast Guard operated as part of the Navy to ensure alignment between the services. In the 80 years since the Coast Guard separated from the Navy, the Service has maintained the numbered districts. However, the Navy stopped using numbered districts more than 25 years ago. Updating operational districts to regional names will more clearly align districts with their areas of responsibility, facilitate collaboration with interagency partners, and ensure the American public and maritime stakeholders can easily find and understand the districts in which they live, recreate, and operate. This change is a direct action within FD2028's organization campaign, which is focused on adapting the Coast Guard's structure to remain effective and responsive.

The new geographic names, approved by the Department of Homeland Security, are as follows:

District 1: USCG Northeast District

District 5: USCG East District

District 7: USCG Southeast District

District 8: USCG Heartland District

District 9: USCG Great Lakes District

District 11: USCG Southwest District

District 13: USCG Northwest District

District 14: USCG Oceania District

District 17: USCG Arctic District

"This renaming is more than just a change in labels; it's a critical step in our journey to become a more agile, capable, and responsive fighting force," said Acting Commandant Kevin E. Lunday. "Under Force Design 2028, we are driving fundamental changes to speed decision-making, improve strategic alignment, and ultimately best serve the American people for decades to come. This initiative underscores our commitment to ensuring that change is lasting and has an enduring impact on the Service and the Nation, as directed by the President and the Secretary."

This change will not impact operations or change existing geographical district boundaries in the Southeast District. To memorialize the updated names for operational districts, the Coast Guard is undertaking the process of formally changing district names in the Code of Federal Regulations. Through this process, the Coast Guard will continue to communicate with stakeholders and provide updated resources and information as appropriate.

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Coast Guard District 8 renamed to Heartland District

United States Coast Guard

Press Release | July 3, 2025

Heartland District

NEW ORLEANS -- The U.S. Coast Guard today announced the renaming of its operational districts from numerical to geographic designations, a key initiative under Force Design 2028 (FD2028). Within this Service-wide renaming initiative, Coast Guard District 8 will now be known as U.S. Coast Guard Heartland District.

This strategic change, directed by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem on May 21, 2025, aims to indicate more accurately the regions they serve and represent. Renaming operational districts revises a numbered system established during World War II, when the Coast Guard operated as part of the Navy to ensure alignment between the services. In the 80 years since the Coast Guard separated from the Navy, the Service has maintained the numbered districts. However, the Navy stopped using numbered districts over 25 years ago.

Updating operational districts to regional names will more clearly align districts with their areas of responsibility, facilitate collaboration with interagency partners, and ensure the American public and maritime stakeholders can easily find and understand the districts in which they live, recreate, and operate. This change is a direct action within FD2028's Organization campaign, which is focused on adapting the Coast Guard's structure to remain effective and responsive.

The new geographic names, approved by the Department of Homeland Security, are as follows:

District 1: USCG Northeast District

District 5: USCG East District

District 7: USCG Southeast District

District 8: USCG Heartland District

District 9: USCG Great Lakes District

District 11: USCG Southwest District

District 13: USCG Northwest District

District 14: USCG Oceania District

District 17: USCG Arctic District

"This renaming is more than just a change in labels; it's a critical step in our journey to become a more agile, capable, and responsive fighting force," said Acting Commandant Kevin E. Lunday. "Under Force Design 2028, we are driving fundamental changes to speed decision-making, improve strategic alignment, and ultimately best serve the American people for decades to come. This initiative underscores our commitment to ensuring that change is lasting and has an enduring impact on the Service and the Nation, as directed by the President and the Secretary."

This change will not impact operations or change existing geographical district boundaries in the Heartland District. To memorialize the updated names for operational districts, the Coast Guard is undertaking the process of formally changing district names in the Code of Federal Regulations. Through this process, the Coast Guard will continue to communicate with stakeholders and provide updated resources and information as appropriate.

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Coast Guard District 17 renamed to U.S. Coast Guard Arctic District

United States Coast Guard

Press Release | July 3, 2025

JUNEAU, Alaska -- The U.S. Coast Guard today announced the renaming of its operational districts from numerical to geographic designations, a key initiative under Force Design 2028 (FD2028). Within this Service-wide renaming initiative, Coast Guard District 17 will now be known as U.S. Coast Guard Arctic District.

This strategic change, directed by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem on May 21, 2025, aims to indicate more accurately the regions they serve and represent. Renaming operational districts revises a numbered system established during World War II, when the Coast Guard operated as part of the Navy to ensure alignment between the services. In the 80 years since the Coast Guard separated from the Navy, the Service has maintained the numbered districts. However, the Navy stopped using numbered districts over 25 years ago. Updating operational districts to regional names will more clearly align districts with their areas of responsibility, facilitate collaboration with interagency partners, and ensure the American public and maritime stakeholders can easily find and understand the districts in which they live, recreate, and operate. This change is a direct action within FD2028's Organization campaign, which is focused on adapting the Coast Guard's structure to remain effective and responsive.

The new geographic names, approved by the Department of Homeland Security, are as follows:

District 1: USCG Northeast District

District 5: USCG East District

District 7: USCG Southeast District

District 8: USCG Heartland District

District 9: USCG Great Lakes District

District 11: USCG Southwest District

District 13: USCG Northwest District

District 14: USCG Oceania District

District 17: USCG Arctic District

"This renaming is more than just a change in labels; it's a critical step in our journey to become a more agile, capable, and responsive fighting force," said Acting Commandant Kevin E. Lunday. "Under Force Design 2028, we are driving fundamental changes to speed decision-making, improve strategic alignment, and ultimately best serve the American people for decades to come. This initiative underscores our commitment to ensuring that change is lasting and has an enduring impact on the Service and the Nation, as directed by the President and the Secretary."

This change will not impact operations or change existing geographical district boundaries in the U.S. Coast Guard Arctic District. To memorialize the updated names for operational districts, the Coast Guard is undertaking the process of formally changing district names in the Code of Federal Regulations. Through this process, the Coast Guard will continue to communicate with stakeholders and provide updated resources and information as appropriate.

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Coast Guard District 14 renamed to Coast Guard Oceania District

United States Coast Guard

Press Release | July 3, 2025

Coast Guard Oceania District External Affairs - (808) 265-7748

HONOLULU -- The U.S. Coast Guard today announced the renaming of its operational districts from numerical to geographic designations, a key initiative under Force Design 2028 (FD2028). Within this Service-wide renaming initiative, Coast Guard District Fourteen will now be known as Coast Guard Oceania District.

This strategic change, directed by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem on May 21, 2025, aims to indicate more accurately the regions they serve and represent. Renaming operational districts revises a numbered system established during World War II, when the Coast Guard operated as part of the Navy to ensure alignment between the services. In the 80 years since the Coast Guard separated from the Navy, the Service has maintained the numbered districts. However, the Navy stopped using numbered districts over 25 years ago. Updating operational districts to regional names will more clearly align districts with their areas of responsibility, facilitate collaboration with interagency partners, and ensure the American public and maritime stakeholders can easily find and understand the districts in which they live, recreate, and operate. This change is a direct action within FD2028's Organization campaign, which is focused on adapting the Coast Guard's structure to remain effective and responsive.

The new geographic names, approved by the Department of Homeland Security, are as follows:

District 1: USCG Northeast District

District 5: USCG East District

District 7: USCG Southeast District

District 8: USCG Heartland District

District 9: USCG Great Lakes District

District 11: USCG Southwest District

District 13: USCG Northwest District

District 14: USCG Oceania District

District 17: USCG Arctic District

"This renaming is more than just a change in labels; it's a critical step in our journey to become a more agile, capable, and responsive fighting force," said Acting Commandant Kevin E. Lunday. "Under Force Design 2028, we are driving fundamental changes to speed decision-making, improve strategic alignment, and ultimately best serve the American people for decades to come. This initiative underscores our commitment to ensuring that change is lasting and has an enduring impact on the Service and the Nation, as directed by the President and the Secretary."

This change will not impact operations or change existing geographical district boundaries in the Fourteenth District. To memorialize the updated names for operational districts, the Coast Guard is undertaking the process of formally changing district names in the Code of Federal Regulations. Through this process, the Coast Guard will continue to communicate with stakeholders and provide updated resources and information as appropriate.

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Coast Guard District 1 renamed to Northeast District

United States Coast Guard

Press Release | July 3, 2025

BOSTON -- The U.S. Coast Guard today announced the renaming of its operational districts from numerical to geographic designations, a key initiative under Force Design 2028 (FD2028). Within this Service-wide renaming initiative, Coast Guard District 1 will now be known as USCG Northeast District.

This strategic change, directed by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem on May 21, 2025, aims to indicate more accurately the regions they serve and represent. Renaming operational districts revises a numbered system established during World War II, when the Coast Guard operated as part of the Navy to ensure alignment between the services. In the 80 years since the Coast Guard separated from the Navy, the Service has maintained the numbered districts. However, the Navy stopped using numbered districts over 25 years ago. Updating operational districts to regional names will more clearly align districts with their areas of responsibility, facilitate collaboration with interagency partners, and ensure the American public and maritime stakeholders can easily find and understand the districts in which they live, recreate, and operate. This change is a direct action within FD2028's Organization campaign, which is focused on adapting the Coast Guard's structure to remain effective and responsive.

The new geographic names, approved by the Department of Homeland Security, are as follows:

District 1: USCG Northeast District

District 5: USCG East District

District 7: USCG Southeast District

District 8: USCG Heartland District

District 9: USCG Great Lakes District

District 11: USCG Southwest District

District 13: USCG Northwest District

District 14: USCG Oceania District

District 17: USCG Arctic District

"This renaming is more than just a change in labels; it's a critical step in our journey to become a more agile, capable, and responsive fighting force," said Acting Commandant Kevin E. Lunday. "Under Force Design 2028, we are driving fundamental changes to speed decision-making, improve strategic alignment, and ultimately best serve the American people for decades to come. This initiative underscores our commitment to ensuring that change is lasting and has an enduring impact on the Service and the Nation, as directed by the President and the Secretary."

This change will not impact operations or change existing geographical district boundaries in the Northeast District. To memorialize the updated names for operational districts, the Coast Guard is undertaking the process of formally changing district names in the Code of Federal Regulations. Through this process, the Coast Guard will continue to communicate with stakeholders and provide updated resources and information as appropriate.

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Indo-Pacific endeavour commences for 2025

Issued by Defence Media

3 July 2025

Australia's commitment to regional security and stability continues with Australia's annual regional engagement activity, Indo-Pacific Endeavour (IPE) commencing for 2025.

IPE 2025 encompasses six months of collaborative engagements to foster diplomatic and defence ties with countries across Southeast Asia and the Northeast Indian Ocean.

Defence personnel will travel from Australia to participate in workshops, engagements and knowledge exchanges in Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam.

This year's program includes military-to-military and wider government engagements across key areas including human capital and culture; innovation; humanitarian assistance and disaster relief; maritime security and law; and English language training.

Quotes attributable to Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones, AO, CSC, RAN:

"This year's IPE activities focus on practical cooperation, particularly in maritime enforcement and disaster response, which are critical for regional resilience.

"IPE25 is a clear demonstration of Australia's commitment to openness, transparency, and respect for sovereignty; with activities that are safe, professional, and reflect current security and defence issues.

"Through IPE engagements we are strengthening our people-to-people and inter-agency relationships within our region, achieving a common understanding of shared security challenges."

Quotes attributable to Commander IPE 2025, Brigadier Jennifer Harris, CSC:

"Since its establishment in 2017, IPE has evolved into a program that is flexible, tailored and nuanced in how we engage our regional partners.

"IPE25 is not just about military cooperation - it's about building lasting connections through training, cultural exchange, and shared experiences.

"We're able to conduct a broad range of knowledge exchange and workshops under IPE25, from shared security challenges, to maritime law, through to cultural foundations such as faith-based engagements, and community initiatives."

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HMCS William Hall returns to Halifax following successful Operation CARIBBE deployment

National Defence

News release

July 3, 2025 - Ottawa, ON - National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

His Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) William Hall returns to its home port of Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Halifax today, concluding a successful deployment on Operation CARIBBE, Canada's contribution to United States-led enhanced counter-narcotics operations under Joint Interagency Task Force South.

During its deployment, HMCS William Hall played a key role in the interdiction and seizure of more than 1,545 kilograms of cocaine, significantly disrupting drug trafficking in international waters.

The deployment included multiple maritime patrols and interdictions, during which HMCS William Hall worked in close coordination with an embarked United States Coast Guard (USCG) Law Enforcement Detachment. This collaboration highlights the strong operational partnership between the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and the USCG, and the importance of binational and international cooperation in addressing shared maritime security challenges.

Operation CARIBBE is part of Canada's ongoing support to Operation MARTILLO, a broader multinational effort led by the United States to combat illicit trafficking in the Caribbean Basin, Gulf of Mexico, and Eastern Pacific.

The RCN remains committed to working alongside the USCG and regional partners to promote maritime security and stability in the Western Hemisphere. The success of HMCS William Hall's deployment reflects the professionalism of its crew and the strength of Canada's international partnerships in combating organized crime at sea.

Quotes

"His Majesty's Canadian Ship William Hall's success on Operation CARIBBE is a testament to the professionalism, dedication, and operational excellence of our sailors and our United States Coast Guard partners. This mission reflects the strength of our binational cooperation and our shared commitment to protecting the safety and security of North American communities from the threats posed by illicit trafficking." - Rear-Admiral Josee Kurtz, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic and Joint Task Force Atlantic

"Our crew is proud of what we've accomplished on this deployment. Working side-by-side with the United States Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment, we were able to make a real impact. Every kilogram of narcotics we intercepted is one that won't reach our streets. That's a mission worth doing." - Commander Scott Kelerman, Commanding Officer, HMCS William Hall

Quick facts

HMCS William Hall is the second Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel to deploy on Operation CARIBBE in 2025, following HMCS Harry DeWolf's deployment earlier this year.

The 1,545 kilograms of cocaine seized during this deployment represents one of the largest single-ship hauls by the RCN in recent years.

Since 2006, the Canadian Armed Forces have contributed to the disruption or seizure of more than 123 metric tons of narcotics through Operation CARIBBE.

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Prime Minister Carney speaks with President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Prime Minister of Canada - Mark Carney

July 3, 2025

Ottawa, Ontario

Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, spoke with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The leaders discussed the close economic and cultural ties between Canada and the Philippines, with nearly one million Canadians of Filipino descent. They reflected on the Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy in Vancouver earlier this year and expressed their deep condolences to all those affected.

Prime Minister Carney emphasized opportunities to deepen Canada's relationship with the Philippines in investment and commerce, including by advancing free trade. The two leaders agreed on the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific, and of the efforts of both Canada and the Philippines to uphold the rules-based international order and security in the region.

Prime Minister Carney extended an invitation to President Marcos Jr. to visit Canada. The leaders will remain in close contact.

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President of the European Council Antonio Costa Meets with Wang Yi

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: July 02, 2025 21:16

On July 2, 2025 local time, President of the European Council Antonio Costa met with Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Brussels.

Antonio Costa noted that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the European Union (EU) and China, which presents an important opportunity for further development of bilateral relations. Both the EU and China support multilateralism, and in the face of a world with rising uncertainties, both sides have the responsibility to send clear and strong signals on key issues, injecting stability, confidence, and positive expectations into the world. Although there are differences between the EU and China, the EU is willing to uphold mutual respect, rise above differences, enhance understanding, and work together to address global challenges. The EU looks forward to working with China to ensure the full success of the upcoming EU-China Summit. The EU will continue to firmly pursue the one-China policy.

Wang Yi said that earlier this year, President Xi Jinping had a phone call with Mr. President Antonio Costa, marking the beginning of the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU. Both sides agreed to stay committed to the positioning as partners, carry out mutually beneficial cooperation, uphold multilateralism, and properly handle differences and frictions, which has charted the course for the development of China-EU relations. China regards Europe as an important pole in a multipolar world and maintains continuity and stability in its policy towards Europe. Whether Europe is in a time of prosperity or adversity, China has always supported European integration and is glad to see the EU enhance its strategic autonomy and play a greater role in the international arena. China is ready to enhance communication and coordination with the EU, prepare for the upcoming summit, and inject new dimensions into and open up new prospects for the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership.

Wang Yi stated that the world today is undergoing transformation and turbulence, with unilateralism and bullying acts severely undermining the international order and international rules. When the two major forces and economies, China and Europe, uphold dialogue and cooperation, bloc confrontation can hardly take shape; when they choose openness and mutual benefit, the trend of economic globalization will not be reversed; when they jointly practice multilateralism, the world will not descend into chaos. The more severe and complex the international situation becomes, the more China and Europe need to strengthen solidarity and coordination, and firmly act as forces of stability in a turbulent world. It is essential to earnestly respect each other's core interests, enhance understanding and mutual trust, help each other succeed, and bring benefits to the whole world.

The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis and other issues. Wang Yi emphasized that China has always based its position on the merits of the matter and will continue to firmly stand on the side of peace and play a constructive role in promoting peace talks and political settlement of the crisis.

On the same day, Wang Yi met with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.

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'China setting up military base in Pacific' false narrative, Chinese Embassy refutes Australian media's hype over Fiji PM's China-related remarks

Global Times

By Liu Xin Published: Jul 03, 2025 04:47 PM

In response to some Australian media outlets recently hyping China-related remarks made by Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka while he was answering reporters' questions at the National Press Club of Australia, the Chinese Embassy in Fiji said in a statement on Thursday that the claims about "China setting up a military base in the Pacific" are false narratives. They are baseless and driven by ulterior motives.

Some media outlet, including Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), has highlighted Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka's remarks on "not welcome" any Chinese military bases in the region in the headline. While in the news, ABC also noted that Rabuka told the Press Club that he didn't believe China was actively looking for a military base in Pacific.

The Embassy noticed that Prime Minister Rabuka said he did not believe that China needs a base in the Pacific. The claims about "China setting up a military base in the Pacific" are false narratives. They are baseless and driven by ulterior motives, said the spokesperson.

China's presence in the Pacific is focused on building roads and bridges to improve people's livelihoods, not on stationing troops or setting up military bases. Never has China stirred up any dispute in the Pacific Region, violated any inch of land from Pacific Island Countries, or signed any agreement that forced Pacific Island Countries to sacrifice their sovereignty, according to the spokesperson.

China remains firmly committed to the international nuclear non-proliferation regime with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons as the cornerstone and to the Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty. We firmly support Pacific Island Countries in playing a bigger role in regional and international affairs, and will maintain communication with Pacific Island Countries on major international and regional hotspot issues to make positive contributions to the peace and stability of the Pacific region, said the Embassy spokesperson.

China and Fiji are comprehensive strategic partners, and security cooperation is part of our bilateral relations. China applauds Prime Minister Rabuka's vision for the Pacific as an "Ocean of Peace", and is committed to work with Fiji in contributing to peace and security in the region and beyond, said the Embassy spokesperson.

The spokesperson of the Embassy emphasizes that the Pacific Ocean is large enough to accommodate win-win cooperation among all countries. China sincerely calls on relevant parties to avoid viewing China-Fiji and China-Pacific Island Countries relations through the narrow lens of geopolitical games, hyping up the so-called threats of geopolitical competition in the region, forcing Pacific Island Countries to "take sides", and imposing their own interests on these countries. Instead, we urge them to do more concrete things that contribute to the development of Pacific Island Countries and the well-being of the people.

Over the past 20 years, the pace of equal and mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation between China and Pacific island countries has accelerated, which has caused unease and dissatisfaction among Western countries. They are attempting to use such propaganda tactic to drive a wedge between Pacific island nations and China  a common tactic of diplomatic blackmail they employ, Yu Lei, a professor from the Department of International Politics and Economics at Shandong University, told the Global Times.

China has always developed its relations with island countries based on the principles of peaceful coexistence and equality and mutual benefit, and has no intention of escalating military tensions in the region, said Yu.

In the statement, the spokesperson also said that the Embassy noticed Prime Minister Rabuka commented that China stood with Fiji when Australia turned away. He remarked that Fiji and China respect each other's sovereignty and we have not had any intrusion into our sovereign space.

China has no interest in geopolitical competition, or seeking the so-called "sphere of influence." There is no political strings attached to China's assistance, no imposing one's will onto others, and no empty promises. China advocates for all countries to uphold Pacific Island Countries' autonomy in making decisions, putting development first, and staying open and inclusive when developing relations with Pacific Island Countries, said the spokesperson.

China always believes that the Pacific is the homeland of the people of Pacific Island Countries, not the backyard of big powers outside the region. The Pacific is a stage for cooperation, not a battlefield for vicious competition. It makes no sense to view China's sincere help to Pacific Island Countries from the narrow perspective of geo-competition, said the spokesperson.

Forcing Pacific Island Countries to "choose sides" can never address the urgent demands for development of the people from the Pacific Island Countries, nor the common threat of climate change to mankind, said the spokesperson.

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Chinese FM responses to inquiry about signing the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone Treaty

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jul 03, 2025 04:04 PM

In response to a media enquiry regarding whether China agrees to become a signatory to the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (SEANWFZ) along with Russia, and if so, why China has made this decision now, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Thursday that as ASEAN's comprehensive strategic partner and friendly neighbor, China has always firmly supported the establishment of a Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone.

China and Russia have agreed to become signatories to the SEANWFZ, while the US is currently reviewing the treaty before signing, said Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, as reported by Malaysian National News Agency Bernama.

Mohamad said the involvement of superpowers in the treaty would help preserve Southeast Asia as a region of peace, free of nuclear weapons, per Bernama.

"We have repeatedly made it clear that we are willing to be the first to sign the treaty. China is willing to continue communicating with ASEAN members regarding the signing of the protocol," Mao said.

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PLA Navy's aircraft carrier Shandong formation arrives in HK; top equipment visiting for 1st time

Global Times

By Liu Xuanzun and Guo Yuandan Published: Jul 03, 2025 08:29 AM Updated: Jul 03, 2025 03:43 PM

For the first time, the aircraft carrier Shandong formation of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy arrived in Hong Kong on Thursday for a five-day visit. A Chinese military affairs expert told the Global Times that the Shandong, China's first domestically built aircraft carrier and a hallmark of a major power, is expected to boost Hong Kong citizens' enthusiasm and pride in China's indigenous weapons and equipment, while also demonstrating the country's rising comprehensive strength and the PLA's capabilities in safeguarding national security.

On the occasion of the 28th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, a PLA Navy aircraft carrier formation consisting of the aircraft carrier Shandong, the guided missile destroyers Yan'an and Zhanjiang and the guided missile frigate Yuncheng arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday morning for a five-day visit with carrier-based fighter jets, helicopters and marines, the PLA Navy said in a statement on Thursday.

The HKSAR government held a grand welcome ceremony for the visiting naval vessels at the Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks.

At around 8 am on Thursday the aircraft carrier Shandong and its three accompanying ships formed a column formation and sailed toward Victoria Harbour, escorted by a flotilla from the HKSAR government and as well as helicopters and vessels of the PLA Hong Kong Garrison.

On the flight deck of the Shandong, 10 fighter jets were lined up, while over 700 naval officers and sailors, dressed in white uniforms, formed the Chinese characters "Guo An Jia Hao,"or "safe country, sound families", expressing their affection for the country and HKSAR, as well as their heartfelt blessings for Hong Kong compatriots.

At sea, fireboats from the HKSAR government welcomed the formation with a traditional water salute. In the air, HKSAR government helicopters accompanied the formation and broadcasted live coverage of the formation's entry into Hong Kong. Onshore, crowds waved to the visiting naval personnel across the water.

As per planned arrangements, the Shandong and the Yan'an anchored at the western anchorage of Victoria Harbour, while the Zhanjiang and the Yuncheng docked at the Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks pier.

At around 10 am, the Zhanjiang lowered its gangway, and naval officers, formation leaders, and representatives of the crew stepped onto the Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks pier, warmly shaking hands and exchanging greetings with people from all walks of life in Hong Kong who came to welcome them.

The welcoming ceremony began in a cordial and friendly atmosphere, with the national anthem resounding across the venue. HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee delivered a speech, extending a heartfelt welcome to the naval formation on behalf of the HKSAR government and the residents of Hong Kong, according to the PLA Navy.

Representatives from the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the CPC Central Committee, central government institutions in Hong Kong, the PLA Southern Theater Command, and the PLA Hong Kong Garrison attended the ceremony. They later boarded the Zhanjiang and the Yuncheng for a visit.

With the sole exclusion of the Yuncheng, the Shandong, Yan'an, and Zhanjiang are all visiting Hong Kong for the first time.

From Friday to Sunday, the Shandong will be open to the public including Hong Kong residents and young students at the western anchorage of Victoria Harbour, while the Zhanjiang and Yuncheng will be docked at the Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks pier for public visits. The event will feature interactive activities such as military experience sessions, training demonstrations, and national defense lectures, offering Hong Kong residents an opportunity to witness the achievements of the PLA in the new era up close, the PLA Navy said.

Zhang Junshe, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times that an aircraft carrier represents a vital national strategic asset and serves as a hallmark of major power status, boasting formidable combat capabilities. China is one of the few countries in the world to possess two or more aircraft carriers. As the Shandong is China's first domestically built aircraft carrier, its visit will significantly enhance the sense of pride among Hong Kong residents.

Advanced equipment

The Shandong, with the hull number 17, is China's first fully independently designed and built conventionally powered aircraft carrier. It was launched on April 26, 2017 and entered service on December 17, 2019. It has a normal displacement of over 60,000 tons and can carry a dozen or so fighter jets and helicopters, according to the PLA Navy.

Boasting the hull number 106, the Yan'an is a Type 055 guided missile destroyer independently developed by China with a maximum displacement of more than 10,000 tons. It features strong stealth capabilities, excellent seaworthiness, long endurance, and a high level of automation, with its comprehensive combat capabilities reaching world-class standards.

The Type 052D guided missile destroyer Zhanjiang, given the hull number 165, is a main combat vessel of the PLA Navy with good stealth, early warning and comprehensive combat capabilities, serving as a powerful escort of aircraft carriers.

Another member of the formation is the Yuncheng, a Type 054A guided missile frigate with the hull number 571. It is described by the PLA Navy as having strong comprehensive combat capabilities.

In addition to ships, the carrier Shandong's open-house event will feature J-15 and J-15T fighter jets as along with Z-9 and Z-18 helicopters, according to reports by China Central Television (CCTV).

The J-15T is a single-seat heavy carrier-borne fighter jet independently developed by China, and a core equipment of the carrier formation, CCTV reported, noting that this marks the first public display of the J-15T on an aircraft carrier's flight deck.

The J-15T made its public debut at Airshow China 2024, and Chinese military affairs expert Zhang Xuefeng told the Global Times that the J-15T is not only operable on the Shandong, but is also compatible with China's third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, which uses catapults to launch aircraft.

Equipped with advanced radar systems capable of integrating cutting-edge airborne weapons, the J-15T qualifies as a top-tier 4.5-generation combat aircraft, Zhang Xuefeng said.

Zhang Junshe said that the modernization of China's naval equipment has achieved remarkable accomplishments that have drawn global attention. With the continuous enhancement of vessel performance and combat capabilities, it demonstrates the steady rise of the nation's comprehensive strength, as well as its firm resolve and formidable power in safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests.

The carrier formation's visit allows Hong Kong residents to witness firsthand the enhanced maritime defense capabilities of the PLA Navy and its strengthened capacity to safeguard the nation, instilling a greater sense of security among the people, Zhang Junshe said, noting that the carrier formation's visit of Hong Kong, a vital bridge and window for China's opening-up to the world, also serves as a powerful deterrent to any forces with malicious intentions.

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PLA Navy's aircraft carrier Shandong task force visits Hong Kong

Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China

Source China Military Online

EditorLin Congyi

2025-07-03 16:54:50

BEIJING, July 3 -- On Thursday, a Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) naval task force composed of aircraft carrier Shandong (Hull 17), guided-missile destroyers Yan'an (Hull 106) and Zhanjiang (Hull 165), and guided-missile frigate Yuncheng (Hull 571) arrived in Hong Kong, with carrier-borne fighter jets and marines aboard, starting a five-day visit. The task force was welcomed with a grand ceremony held by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government at the Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks.

This marks the Chinese PLA Navy's advanced main combat vessels' third visit to Hong Kong, following the visit of aircraft carrier Liaoning (Hull 16) task force in 2017 and the visit of warships Hainan (Hull 31) and Changsha (Hull 173) in last November. It is also the first visit to Hong Kong by China's first domestically-built aircraft carrier the Shandong and the Type 055 10,000-ton-class destroyer.

From July 4 to 6, the Shandong (Hull 17) will be anchored at the Western Anchorage in Victoria Harbor , while the Zhanjiang (Hull 165) and the Yuncheng (Hull 571) will be docked at the Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks port. The warships will be open to Hong Kong residents, students, and other groups, featuring military experience activities, training demonstrations, and interactive lectures.

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on July 3, 2025

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: July 03, 2025 17:44

CCTV: Foreign Minister Wang Yi's ongoing visit to Europe has received international attention. The Foreign Minister made the trip amid the economic and trade tensions between China and the EU. The EU side has recently expressed concerns over several issues in bilateral relations. Could you share with us some details on the visit? How does China view its current relations with the EU?

Mao Ning: In Brussels, Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, and held the 13th round of China-EU High-Level Strategic Dialogue with High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas. He also met and had talks with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation Maxime Prevot respectively.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-EU diplomatic relations, which is of great significance in building on past achievements and charting the future. The two sides need to take stock of the useful experience and important inspirations of the progress made in China-EU relations over the past 50 years, outline the blueprint of dialogue and cooperation in the next 50 years, and send a clear and positive message. China stands ready to work with the EU to see each other as partners, deepen economic and trade cooperation, open wider to each other, properly handle differences through consultation, and achieve win-win results. In the turbulent and rapidly changing international landscape, as two major players, markets and civilizations in the world, China and the EU need to uphold multilateralism and free trade, safeguard international rules and order, promote the peaceful settlement of international disputes, jointly address climate change and other global challenges, and serve as the "anchor of stability" for the world. China stands ready to strengthen communication and coordination with the EU, make preparations for the next China-EU Summit, and add new substances to and open new prospects for the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership.

The EU side expressed its commitment to developing a steady and constructive relationship and mutually beneficial economic and trade cooperation with China. Despite differences between the two sides, the EU stands ready to work with China with mutual respect, overcome disagreements, enhance understanding, and jointly address global challenges. It looks forward to joint efforts to make the next EU-China Summit a full success.

We also noted that some people in the EU stick to the Cold-War mentality, choose to believe disinformation, deliberately highlight disagreements, and lack the right perception of China and China-EU ties. This harms China-EU cooperation, and does no good to the EU itself. We hope that the EU will embrace an objective and rational perception of China, practice a more positive and practical China policy and ensure the sound and steady growth of China-EU ties.

AFP: Switzerland's federal intelligence service warned on Wednesday that the threat from espionage is high in the country and that the greatest threats are from China and Russia. What is the Foreign Ministry's comment on this?

Mao Ning: Let me stress that in international affairs, China is a staunch force for peace, development, cooperation and win-win. We always believe that mutual benefit is what people want. The so-called threats from Chinese espionage are out of thin air. China is a victim of espionage and firmly opposes espionage. We urge relevant party to stop propagating division and confrontation, fabricating lies, and deliberately smearing others.

Global Times: According to reports, the U.S. House of Representatives recently unanimously adopted the so-called "Taiwan Non-Discrimination Act," requiring the U.S. government to support China's Taiwan region in joining the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to gain eligibility for participating in economic surveillance, receiving technical assistance, and employment opportunities within the IMF. What is your comment on it?

Mao Ning: There is but one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, and the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. Taiwan does not have any ground, reason, or right to join the UN, or any other international organization whose membership is confined to sovereign states. China urges the U.S. to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, observe the international law and basic norms of international relations, stop advancing that act, stop using the Taiwan question to interfere in China's internal affairs, and stop sending wrong signals to the separatist forces for "Taiwan independence."

Reuters: Malaysian state media reported yesterday citing the country's Foreign Minister that China and Russia have agreed to become signatories to the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone Treaty, while the United States is currently reviewing the treaty before signing. My question is: has China agreed to sign up to this treaty alongside Russia? And if so, why has China made this decision now?

Mao Ning: As ASEAN's comprehensive strategic partner and friendly neighbor, China firmly supports establishing the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ). We have said more than once that China is ready to take the lead in signing the Protocol to the SEANWFZ Treaty. We will maintain communication with ASEAN countries on this matter.

Bloomberg: The U.S. and Viet Nam reached a trade agreement and part of that agreement would mean that a 20 percent tariff would be placed on Vietnamese exports to the U.S. and a 40 percent levy would be placed on any goods deemed to be transshipped through the country, so that would affect some Chinese goods that are passed through Viet Nam. Would the Ministry like to comment on this?

Mao Ning: China believes in equal-footed dialogue and consultation as the way to address economic and trade disputes. That said, relevant negotiations and agreements should not target or harm the interests of any third party.

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China, Germany holds 'comprehensive, pragmatic, candid, and constructive' dialogue: Chinese Foreign Ministry

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jul 04, 2025 08:42 AM

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul held the 8th round of China-Germany Strategic Dialogue on Diplomacy and Security in Berlin on Thursday local time. The Chinese diplomat calls on the two countries to build a more reliable, stable, and predictable comprehensive strategic partnership.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and the European Union, and also ushers in a new decade for the all-round strategic partnership between China and Germany. China-EU and China-Germany relations now stand at a crucial juncture, where the past is being carried forward and the future is being forged, Wang said, according to a readout on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

The Chinese top diplomat emphasized that sound development of China-Germany relations will not only promote the overall improvement of China-EU ties, but also contribute significantly to global stability and development. As the world's second and third largest economies, China and Germany shoulder important international responsibilities and expectations. The two sides should work hand in hand to reaffirm mutual trust, consolidate cooperation, and deepen bilateral relations, Wang said.

In the face of a volatile international landscape, which is marked by rising protectionism, anti-globalization sentiments, and unilateral bullying, China and Germany must strengthen strategic communication and coordination, Wang noted.

The stability of China-Germany relations can provide much-needed certainty to the world. Both sides should jointly uphold and practice multilateralism, safeguard the international system with the UN at its core, defend the international order based on international law, and maintain the basic norms of international relations underpinned by the UN Charter, he noted.

Together, China and Germany should strive to build a more reliable, stable, and predictable all-round strategic partnership, Wang said.

China-Germany relations have remained stable and resilient through the ups and downs of the international landscape. The most important lesson from this steady development is the adherence to mutual respect, seeking common ground while shelving differences, and pursuing win-win cooperation. This is the fundamental logic underpinning the continued growth of China-Germany ties. China and Germany differ in historical backgrounds, cultures, and social systems, and such differences are natural, Wang said, noting that what matters is enhancing mutual understanding and trust, and approaching divergences with calmness and reason.

China places great importance on its relations with Germany in the context of its overall diplomacy, and appreciates the new German government's constructive and rational approach to developing ties with China. Just as China unconditionally supported Germany's reunification, we hope the German side will, in turn, support China's efforts toward complete national reunification and adhere strictly to the one-China principle, Wang said, noting that as a key member of the EU, Germany has played a positive role in advancing China-EU relations. We hope Germany will continue to make constructive contributions to the development of these ties.

Germany is willing to be a reliable and predictable cooperation partner for China. In a world full of crises and challenges, it is crucial for Germany and China to maintain close communication and coordination, the German Foreign Minister Wadephul said, per the readout.

The two countries share a long history of exchanges and a solid foundation for partnership. There is consensus on many issues, and at the same time, both sides are able to handle differences and disputes with mutual respect and a constructive attitude. Germany looks forward to deepening exchanges with China and strengthening bilateral cooperation, Wadephul said. The German government remains firmly committed to the one-China principle, he noted.

Following the dialogue, the two foreign ministers met with reporters together and called this round of the dialogue comprehensive, pragmatic, candid, and constructive.

The meeting enhanced mutual understanding and expanded areas of consensus between the two sides, and both parties agreed that the China-Germany all-round strategic partnership should continue to develop along the right track of mutual respect, seeking common ground while reserving differences, and achieving mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, according to another readout released by the Chinese foreign ministry.

And the two sides agreed to enhance exchanges and deepen cooperation to jointly accomplish three key tasks including consolidate the foundation of bilateral relations, enhance the quality of bilateral cooperation and uphold multilateralism.

China welcomes German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's visit to China later this year, and both sides have agreed to hold the 8th round of China-Germany inter-governmental consultation at an early date. On Taiwan question, to ensure peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits, it is imperative to firmly oppose "Taiwan independence" and avoid sending any wrong signals to separatist forces, Wang said.

Strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation is a strategic choice for both countries, serving as the "ballast stone" of bilateral ties and aligning with the German government's focus on economic development, Wang said. The two sides also had in-depth discussions on respective economic and trade concerns and agreed to establish a more stable, predictable, and trustworthy policy framework for practical cooperation.

On the China-EU relations, there are currently attempts to undermine China-EU relations  by exaggerating specific issues, securitizing economic and trade matters, or clinging to ideological bias against China while wrapping oneself in a cocoon of disinformation. However, denying past achievements only clouds one's vision for the future, and failing to respect the efforts of predecessors amounts to denying one's own present, Wang said.

Wang emphasized that the tide of the times and the momentum of progress are unstoppable. China-EU relations will only move forward  they will not stagnate, and even less so regress.

China's policy toward Europe has always maintained stability and continuity. China firmly supports European integration, supports Europe's pursuit of strategic autonomy, and supports Europe in playing the role of a key pole in a multipolar world, the Chinese top diplomat said.

Regardless of whether Europe is in times of prosperity or adversity, China's policy has never changed. No matter how the international or European landscape evolves, China's position remains consistent, Wang said.

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'China is not US': Chinese FM calls on Europe to adopt pragmatic, rational view on China at China-EU strategic dialogue

Global Times

By Fan Anqi and Yin Yeping Published: Jul 03, 2025 02:04 PM Updated: Jul 04, 2025 12:15 AM

The 13th round of China-EU High-level Strategic Dialogue was held on Wednesday local time in the EU headquarters in Brussels, during which Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi called on Europe to develop a more objective and rational understanding of China and adopt a more positive and practical policy toward China. He noted that while Europe currently faces various challenges, they have never come - and will never come - from China. China and Europe have no fundamental conflicts of interest but rather share extensive common interests, Wang said.

The dialogue was co-chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas.

Noting this year marks the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties as well as the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations (UN), Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said the upcoming China-EU leaders' meeting is drawing broad attention, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Looking back on the extraordinary journey of China-EU relations over the past five decades, Wang said, their relationship should be characterized as that of partners rather than rivals, with cooperation as the defining feature and ballast.

The two sides need to properly handle their differences through dialogue within this framework, he said.

"Facing growing uncertainty and instability in the international landscape, China and the EU, as two major forces and economies, should enhance exchanges, mutual understanding and mutual trust, and advance cooperation, in a joint effort to safeguard the post-war international order and provide the world with much-needed certainty," Wang stressed, according to Xinhua.

On peace and security, Wang said "China is not the US, and its path should not be mirrored against America's historical trajectory." He added that the differences between China and the EU in history, culture and values should not warrant rivalry, nor their disagreements necessitate confrontation.

China has consistently supported European integration and the EU's efforts to strengthen its strategic autonomy and play a constructive role in international affairs, Wang said, expressing hope that the EU will likewise respect China's core interests through concrete actions, including on the Taiwan question.

Kallas said that the EU and China are partners, sharing common responsibilities and having significant influence on major issues such as upholding the central role of the UN and safeguarding international law and international order, Xinhua reported.

The EU remains committed to the one-China policy and stands ready to work with China to prepare for the upcoming leaders' meeting, Kallas said, expressing the EU's willingness to strengthen mutual understanding through dialogue, build a more constructive EU-China relationship, and pursue more balanced and equitable economic and trade cooperation.

Wang also met earlier in the day with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. In Brussels, he also held talks with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot.

New frameworks needed for balanced ties

"The 13th round of the China-EU High-Level Strategic Dialogue marks a significant moment as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU. We highly commend the outcomes of this strategic dialogue and are encouraged by the positive signals it has sent ahead of the upcoming China-EU leaders' meeting," Fang Dongkui, Secretary General of the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU (CCCEU), told the Global Times in an exclusive written interview on Thursday.

From the perspective of the business community, this dialogue reaffirmed the essential nature of the China-EU relationship as being one built on partnership, not rivalry, with cooperation as the cornerstone, Fang said, noting that at a time of rising global uncertainty and instability, such high-level exchanges help maintain predictability and reinforce mutual trust.

"We sincerely hope the EU will uphold its commitment to openness, fair competition, and non-discrimination," Fang added.

Major powers in the world today are stepping up consultations and dialogue on how to shape a new direction for global development and order amid profound changes. Within this process, China and the EU play particularly crucial roles, as both sides share the desire to uphold global stability and advance multilateralism, Jiang Feng, professor of European Studies at Shanghai International Studies University and president of the Shanghai Association of Regional and Country Studies, told the Global Times on Thursday.

China-EU relations continue to evolve, shaped by both external influences and internal shifts. In particular, economic and trade ties have seen major changes in recent years, requiring both sides to adapt, Jiang said.

Europe, grappling with challenges domestically and internationally, often views its relationship with China through a more cautious, risk-focused lens. In contrast, China approaches these issues from a development perspective, recognizing that many challenges arise from rapid growth and call for new frameworks and mechanisms. This includes areas like new energy vehicles, advanced technologies, carbon emissions, climate change, and AI, Jiang noted.

Against this backdrop, the upcoming leaders' meeting will help chart a path for more balanced, higher-quality growth in China-EU relations. And this strategic dialogue has paved way for the summit, expected to unlock more cooperation potential, navigate challenges, and enable China and the EU to enhance communication.

According to the EU's press release, Kallas reaffirmed the EU's commitment to constructive engagement with China in tackling global challenges.

On trade, Kallas emphasized the need to find concrete solutions to rebalance the economic relationship, ensure fair competition, and enhance reciprocity in market access. Furthermore, she called upon China to consider eliminating its "distortive practices," particularly those restrictions on rare earth exports, which "pose significant risks to European enterprises and jeopardize the integrity of global supply chains."

China previously exported mainly low- to mid-end products that complemented the EU market. Now, with China's industrial upgrades, mid- to high-end exports to Europe have grown, increasing competition. This should be handled economically to find win-win solutions, not turned into political or security issues. Politicizing trade harms normal economic relations and ultimately damages Europe by undermining healthy commercial ties, Jiang said.

Regarding rare earth exports, Wu Chenhui, an independent industry analyst who closely follows the critical minerals industry, told the Global Times on Thursday that rare earths are dual-use materials with both civilian and military applications, so imposing export controls on them aligns with international norms. He noted that China has already approved and facilitated certain export applications that comply with relevant regulations, "a move that underscores the country's efforts, as a responsible major power, to safeguarding the stability and security of global industrial and supply chains."

Latest data released by China's General Administration of Customs shows that China exported 5,864.6 tons of rare earths in May. From January to May, total exports reached 24,827 tons, up 2.3 percent year-on-year.

Noting the recent wavering tones within the EU on China regarding economic and trade issues, Li Haidong, a professor at China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times that the complexity of Europe's attitude also stems from its security dependence on the US, which forces it to consider American demands in economic matters. However, European nations have their own interests, which can only be advanced through coordination and cooperation with China. "Europe still has a long way to go before it can truly achieve strategic autonomy, whether it is in economic or security terms," Li said.

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Transcript of Special media briefing by MEA on Prime Minister's visit to Ghana (July 03, 2025)

India - Ministry of External Affairs

July 03, 2025

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Greetings, ladies and gentlemen. I welcome you to this special press briefing on the ongoing state visit of the Prime Minister of India to Ghana.

We have with us Secretary ER in the Ministry of External Affairs, Shri Dammu Ravi, and we are also joined by Additional Secretary who looks after Ghana in the Ministry of External Affairs, Shri Sevala Naik Mude.

With that, I invite Secretary ER to give you a round up of all that has happened today after Prime Minister's arrival on his historic visit to this beautiful country. Sir, the mic is yours now.

Shri Dammu Ravi, Secretary (ER): Thank you, Randhir, and dear friends, I would like to give a brief summary of Honorable Prime Minister's first leg of his visit of the Five Nation Tour.

Today he arrived in Accra, the capital of Ghana, in the afternoon where he was received by the President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama. He was accorded a ceremonial welcome with traditional music and dance, and thereafter Honorable Prime Minister came to the hotel where he was warmly received by a large Indian community. He was welcomed.

And later the leaders had a one-on-one meeting and then followed by the delegation level talks where they had the opportunity to review the wide spectrum of the bilateral relations. Both the leaders acknowledged that this is a historic visit for the fact that this is taking place at the Prime Minister level from India after 30 years.

President Mahama clearly acknowledged that it is a landmark visit that is very timely and very opportunistic at a time when Ghana is also looking for partnership with India to deepen economic engagement after its own economic rebound, recovery that it is facing having gone through the IMF conditionalities and restructuring.

Both the leaders have discussed a wide spectrum of multi-dimensional relationship. They acknowledged that the countries have similar trajectories in terms of their own evolution from the time of the liberation. They both had freedom struggle challenges, the colonialism and the legacy issues, the economic drawbacks that they faced and reiterated their commitment to deepen their engagement in all spheres particularly in the economic arena.

Few ideas and proposals that President Mahama had mentioned during the discussions were cooperation in the area of agriculture; where he sought India's support, the entrepreneurs to be able to develop Ghana as a food basket, provide food security to its people. And Prime Minister Modi had agreed to support Ghana in this endeavor.

The second item was in the area of pharma and vaccines. President Mahama is very clearly interested to create Ghana a hub for vaccines, and some development has already taken place in collaboration with the Global Vaccine Alliance and in that context, he wants Indian entrepreneurs to come and set up manufacturing units in the pharma and vaccine,s where India clearly has advanced its capacities.

The third area is in the area of defense cooperation. Here again there are concerns for Ghana in terms of security, terrorism from the northern region, the Sahel region and the piracy in the seas are of concern.

There is clear interest to have India's support in terms of support of the equipment, training of the personnel and to be able to source equipment from India which has now become very clearly a leader in defense exports.

There was also concern for the way terrorism is affecting the world. President Mahama clearly expressed solidarity with India. He condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attacks, and he was very clear and unequivocal in his support for India and the solidarity in the fight against terrorism.

The leaders discussed several other areas of cooperation, but I think I would like to underline here very importantly the idea of cooperation in the area of critical minerals where Ghana ... the President has offered India to collaborate in harnessing the critical minerals with India's investments and also processing capacities.

From our side, from the Indian side, the Honorable Prime Minister mentioned about the digital public infrastructure where India has been able to provide low-cost solutions which have been successfully implemented in the country and this could be used for Ghana, which is also looking at the opportunity in payment gateways across Africa and there is a clear synergy between India and Ghana in that area.

After the delegation level talks, there were signings of the Memorandum of Understandings, four of them. One to establish the joint commission meeting at the foreign office level. Second is traditional medicine where there is scope for both sides to exchange experts, training in that area. The third is in the cultural sphere, the cultural exchange program where again there's a hope that this will provide encouragement for exchanges in culture and tourism. And the fourth one is in the area of standard setting. Now all these Memorandum of Understandings are very important. They provide impetus for the relationship particularly in the sphere of economic collaborations and activities.

At the end of the talks, there were press statements by both the leaders and thereafter Honorable Prime Minister was conferred the National Award ... to Prime Minister Modi, the Order of the Star of Ghana for his global statesmanship and in recognition of his contribution to the global peace and stability and the role he has actively played in that arena.

Friends, Honorable Prime Minister will be interacting with the Indian community tomorrow. You know that there are 15,000 Indians in Ghana, very active. And their contribution to the Ghanaian economy and society was recognized by President Mahama today in his address. And they continue to play an active role in Ghana's economic activity.

Tomorrow, Honorable Prime Minister will pay homage to the leader, the first President of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who is highly respected and regarded also in India because of a longstanding friendship with India since the 60s.

Thereafter, Honorable Prime Minister will address the Parliament of Ghana. We know and everyone understands the importance of this address for the fact that India is the world's largest democracy. And Ghana, too, has a very significant reputation as a very stable democracy and exemplary democracy for the world. With these few words, let me pause at this point of time. And if you have any questions, I'll be happy to take.

Thank you very much.

Tapas Bhattacharya, Doordarshan News: Sir, my name is Tapas Bhattacharya from Doordarshan. First, Prime Minister mentioned UPI and it can help Ghana. Is there any chance that we can have a linking of that with both countries' finance and services?

And also, Prime Minister mentioned the fact that Ghana actually, you know, said that about Pahalgam attack and actually spoken about against terrorism. So, if there is any chance of, you know, working together with Ghana and neighbor countries in counterterrorism sphere?

Alok Ray, Aakashwani: Sir, Mera naam Alok Ray hai, main Aakashwani se hun. Mera sawal hai ki aaj vaccine diplomacy pe kya baat cheet hui hai aur kaise Bharat Ghana ko is kshetra mein aur madad kar sakta hai aur vaccine hub ki jo ek baat hui hai, uske bare mein kya charcha hui?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi: Sir, my name is Alok Ray, and I am from Akashvani. My question is: what discussions took place today regarding vaccine diplomacy, and how can India further assist Ghana in this area? Also, what was discussed about the idea of a vaccine hub?]

Juliet Etefe, Business and Financial Times: Hi, I am Juliet Etefe with the Business and Financial Times. Of all the areas of cooperation you mentioned, you mentioned cooperation in critical minerals. And Ghana has a lot of critical minerals. So, if there are specific minerals, this collaboration we'll be looking at. Thank you.

Shri Dammu Ravi, Secretary (ER): Let me first clarify to you that the importance of cooperation, collaboration between India and Ghana also has to be seen in the context of the Global South countries coming together.

And South-South cooperation, the solutions to be found by the countries of the Global South by way of sharing the expertise, know-how, and doing collaborations. And that's very important for us to understand. The visit of the Prime Minister to be seen in that context, in the larger context of the Global South.

Now on the UPI, the question whether how the linkages will help. Now let's understand this. The unified payment interface was a successful initiative in India. Ghana too is quite advanced in the way they are thinking in introducing the system. The Pan-African payment gateways is what Ghana is already looking at.

But expert level discussion should have to evolve further. I think we have to expect the discussions to continue for some more time because these are technical issues. And the recognition of the technology and being able to align the technologies is very important. I think we will get into details about these linkages subsequently. But this potential is enormous for both India and Africa to link through Ghana. I'll not further elaborate it. We'll let the experts speak subsequently.

Now working together in counterterrorism. Yes, as I said in my opening remarks itself, there is concern on both sides. Ghana too is facing the problem of instability in the Sahel region. And there's a fear that it might spill into Ghana. And the piracy on the seacoast is another concern. So, it wants to protect. And cooperation with India is important for its own sovereignty. And to be able to secure its borders.

Now this is a global concern. Terrorism is a global concern for all countries. In that sense, there is a broad understanding on the need to condemn terrorism wherever and whenever it happens. And there can be no let-up in the global action and the commitment towards it.

So, defense cooperation will lead to that in tackling. Because there are, when the defense dialogues take place at regular intervals, these issues will come up. We are already training the Ghanaian defense officials and personnel, specifically in India, in how they understand terrorism ... counter-terrorism within Ghana itself. So that cooperation is active. And it is now expanding further into the area of equipment sourcing from India.

On the vaccine hub, well, ek aapne jo sawal pucha hai vaccine ke bare mein to vaise to yaha par jo system hai, they already India se export ho raha hai yahan. Lekin President Mahama ka jo interest hai ki yaha par fill and finish concept manufacturing facilities agar hum yaha par chalu kare. Sirf Ghana ke liye nahi lekin West Africa ko jo market ke expand kar sakte hain. Hamara footprint waha bada sakte hain. Toh yeh hamara jo entrepreneurs already trading kar rahe hain medicines or pharma or vaccines, yaha ke setup karne ke karne se aur unka jo phal milega aur market expansion ka opportunity bhi milega. To wahi hai unka thinking.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi: On the vaccine hubwell, regarding the question you asked about vaccines, currently the system here already involves exports from India to Ghana. However, President Mahama has expressed interest in setting up fill and finish manufacturing facilities here. Not just for Ghana, but to cater to the broader West African market. This would allow us to expand our footprint in the region.

Our entrepreneurs who are already trading in medicines, pharmaceuticals, and vaccines would benefit from establishing operations here. It would not only bring tangible results but also open up opportunities for market expansion. That is the essence of his thinking.]

And in the larger context of engaging India in the pharma and vaccine space, I think this is a very good opening. This is a gateway. And we should encourage our entrepreneurs to be able to take advantage of what President Mahama is offering in terms of collaborations in the pharma area. This has become an important priority for all the countries around the world, particularly in Africa post-COVID. And we see that as an opportunity.

In terms of, Madam, you talked about critical minerals in specific, but I think this needs a bit more exploration, because Ghana, as we know, is endowed with very rich minerals. And that the world knows, which is why it is called the Gold Coast. And there are other minerals which are yet to be explored. And President Mahama has clearly mentioned that Ghana has several critical minerals still to be explored and exploited. And he has offered Indian expertise and entrepreneurship to come and be able to precisely do collaborations here.

So, we know that there are many possibilities here. It requires a study. It requires exploration. And then exploitation follows from there. Thank you very much.

James Amoh Junior, Ghana News Agency: Okay, thank you. My name is James Amoh Junior. Yes, I work with the Ghana News Agency. As we all are aware, trade volumes between India and Ghana reached over USD 3 billion. And as we may also be aware, Ghana has been touted as the citadel of trade now in Africa, so to say, with the African continental free trade area, you know, situated here. How is India hoping to leverage after to boost trade, but also to increase the trade volumes?

Nimama, High Street Journal: Thank you. My name is Nimama. I write for the High Street Journal. In your conversation about the setting up of plants, you know, the President launched the 24-hour economic policy, which is expected to run the country one way or the other, 24 hours. And ministers, some ministers, even the president himself, the chief of staff, have been to other countries like China to engage investors.

In terms of time frame, can you give us a time frame whereby we can see more of the Indian community grouping into Ghana and enforcing the collaboration in the terms of setting up of plants and all that? Thank you.

Blesa Suga: Good evening. My name is Blesa Suga. I'm a broadcast journalist with the Multimedia Group. I have a question on BRICS. Two years ago, the former president, Nana Akufo-Addo, exposed the idea that Ghana may be at the doorstep of BRICS, asking for membership, just as many other West African countries. President Mahama, during his inaugural speech, also appears to be following that line, adding that BRICS appears to be creating a new world order. Will India open its arms in the form of the kind of leadership that we've seen over the years, that you've played on that multilateral platform in accepting countries such as Ghana as members? Then also, this will be the prime minister's second visit to West Africa this year. Is West Africa becoming the new destination for Indian investment? Thank you.

Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson, Daily Graphic: Good evening. My name is Emmanuel. I write for the Daily Graphic newspaper. I want to find out, with the cooperation that has been signed between Ghana and India, I want to know how much of investments, monetarily, if that calculation has been done, is going into this cooperation between Ghana and India on the part of India? And what will the Indian government possibly be getting from Ghana with this cooperation?

Mabel: My name is Mabel from GBC. In all that you've mentioned, you've not said anything about the power sector. We know India is very big on renewables, especially solar. So right now with the crisis, a little bit of crisis that we've faced in the power sector, is India bringing on board anything?

Shri Dammu Ravi, Secretary (ER): Several questions, but I'm trying to summarize and condense a few of them.

Now let me take the first question on the trade and investments here. Now, it's a very important item that was discussed in the delegation-level talks today. Clearly, both the leaders have set a very ambitious target, from $3 billion currently to about $6 billion target in the next five years. As you know, the balance of trade is actually in favor of Ghana at this point of time because of large imports of gold into India. But we would like to diversify. The leaders are very clear that there is a need for diversification of the trade basket. So, the target set for $6 billion.

Now, in the context of the Africa continent-wide free trade agreement, it provides a very interesting opportunity here because once you collapse your internal tariffs and bring uniform standards across the continent, then countries like Ghana could be extremely important and look like a gateway into the markets in sub-region context. Like the West African region, Ghana can be a potential gateway for us. You know, we have to strategize how we can take advantage of this development.

In terms of the investments, today India is one of the largest investors there. $2 billion of investments, both by the private sector, and India's own concessional financing initiatives. So, in the private sector, 900 Indian companies are operating. They're quite active, but their investments are modest. That comes to around $1 billion. India's lines of credit and grants put together comes about another $1 billion. But that is a very modest.

Now, once your investment policy becomes attractive, and it depends a lot on your own domestic policy, investment policy becoming attractive for Indian companies, it will naturally happen. I think one of which is, again, creating these hubs, vaccine hubs, the manufacturing facilities, inviting companies, tax conditions that you might give. A lot will depend on that. But there is interest in Indian entrepreneurship to go and explore precisely the markets in Africa and stable countries like Ghana is indeed one of the strongest attractions for us.

Power sector, this item came up in the discussion for sure. And I think both leaders understand that power is very important for development and growth. India's had in the recent times in the renewable space had set a target of 500 gigawatts. And we are very much going towards the target with a lot of confidence. We have successfully introduced a gigawatt scale of solar parks in the country. I think there is a scope for replicating those models in this part of the world. But it's, again ... the economics have to come into play. In the course of time, we'll have to see the industry interest, the offtake agreements that the governments will enter into will provide that kind of lure and attraction for Indian companies. So, we remain hopeful on that.

Now, setting up of plants and Prime Minister Mahama's 24-hour initiative here, again, there was a discussion in the delegation level talks. But I think there was learning from each other, learning from the examples around the world. And India, in some sense, had introduced this in the educational field, that you try to have more shifts in skilling, in colleges, I think in the medical arena. You could have more shifts rather than just a day shift. So, this was ideas exchanged between the two leaders. And President Mahama was very receptive to it, and he feels that Ghana can also position itself in those lines.

Now timelines, we cannot set timelines for any of this, but I believe it's market forces, the interests of the businesses will move and propel these kind of collaborations.

BRICS, again you talked about Ghana wanting to be a BRICS member. I think already if you see from Africa, you have already countries like Nigeria as a partner country, Uganda has joined as a partner country. I think the interest in BRICS is now growing. But again these decisions are not by one individual country. It's a consensus-based decision making, so all the member countries would have to agree, but I think it's again how Ghana takes it up with other countries for its membership, and we would be happy to support Ghana's aspiration to be a BRICS member.

The next wave of expansion, as and when it happens, because today we went through two expansions. One was in 2009 when South Africa came in as a member. And now we have the second wave, in which large numbers have become full members and also partner countries. The next wave we'll have to see when that happens, but I think we will definitely keep that in mind given our strong relationship.

West Africa is an opportunity. I think we have to understand again the West African geography and the natural resources that it possesses. I think in this belt you have extremely important rich mineral resources, including gas and oil, and some of which are not fully exploited because it's the same belt. Phosphate is another area. Manganese is another area. So, it's in the same zone that you're seeing opportunity here.

I think Indian entrepreneurs are actively looking at it, seriously looking at it, and many of them are traveling to this part of the world and exploring opportunities. We'll have to encourage greater commitment on their part and greater staying power in this region to be able to do enduring collaborations with countries like Ghana and others in the West Africa.

One last thing I would like to mention here is the Honorable Prime Minister Modi extended invitation to President Mahama to visit India at mutually convenient dates.

We would be very delighted to have this exchange of visit happening sooner. I think in the days to come, through diplomatic channels, mutually convenient dates will be explored.

I thank you very much for your patience.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Thank you. With that, we come to the end of this press briefing. Please do follow us on our social media handles for more updates on the programs tomorrow.

Thank you very much.

Accra

July 02, 2025

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'Iran expected Europeans to work to stop Israeli and U.S. war; they didn't even condemn the aggression'

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 3, 2025

London, IRNA -- Iran had expected some European states to work to stop Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran, but they even refused to condemn that aggression, Ambassador to Italy Mohammad-Reza Saboori says.

"What we saw was that they supported and remained silent [toward the aggression]," Saboori told Italy's news agency Agenzia Nova.

"The Islamic Republic, as an independent state and member of the United Nations, had been attacked and they (the European states) should have condemned that. This was the first step that should have been taken," he said.

The Israeli regime attacked Iran in an unprovoked act of aggression overnight on June 13. A number of top Iranian military and security officials were assassinated in targeted strikes. Residential buildings were directly struck. So were Iranian nuclear facilities.

Later that same day, the Iranian Armed Forces promised to "open the gates of hell" to Israel and began waves of punitive strikes inside the Israeli-occupied territories, hitting sensitive sites in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa with salvos of missiles and drones.

On June 22, the United States violated Iranian airspace and carried out strikes against three Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran responded a day later by launching missiles at the United States' largest military base in West Asia, the headquarters of the United States Air Forces Central Command in Qatar. A day after that, on June 24, Israel ceased fire.

Iran had been involved in indirect negotiations with the United States over its nuclear program and U.S. and international sanctions on the Islamic Republic when Israel attacked. New talks were due to take place shortly but were effectively canceled when the Israeli war began and the U.S. later joined the Tel Aviv regime.

Italy and Oman had hosted earlier rounds of the indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States.

At least 935 Iranians were killed in the aggression, including 140 women and children. Over 5,640 people were also wounded.

Saboori, the Iranian ambassador, offered a bleak assessment of Iran's relations with the European Union.

"Unfortunately, I must say that relations between Iran and the European Union suffer from a mix of misunderstandings, miscalculations, misbehavior, and double standards on the part of Western states," even as the two sides have common grounds for cooperation, he said.

The E.U., Saboori added, has chosen the path of confrontation instead of interaction based on dialogue.

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Armed Forces ready to counter any further aggression by Israeli regime and its allies: Foreign Minister

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 3, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi says the Iranian Armed Forces are ready to counter any further aggression by the Israeli regime and its allies.

Araqchi held a phone call with his Venezuelan counterpart, Yvan Gil Pinto, on Wednesday to discuss bilateral relations and the latest developments in the West Asia region following the military aggression by the Israeli regime and the U.S. against Iran.

The top Iranian diplomat expressed gratitude for the firm stance of the Venezuelan administration in condemning the military aggression conducted by the Israeli regime and the U.S. against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Araqchi emphasized that the recent U.S.-Israeli aggressions against Iran, which constitute a blatant violation of the principles and rules of the United Nations Charter and international law, have placed regional and global peace and security under unprecedented threat and have further exposed the hypocrisy of the supporters of the Israeli regime.

He stressed the necessity for the international community and the U.N. Security Council to hold the U.S. and the Israeli regime accountable for their military aggression against Iran's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as their violation of the fundamental principles of the U.N. Charter and peremptory norms of international law.

"The illegal U.S.-Israeli aggressions, conducted during indirect Iran-U.S. negotiations, dealt a fatal blow to diplomacy," Araqchi said.

Reaffirming Iran's resolve to defend its national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and legitimate rights, Araghchi said, "As demonstrated during the 12-day patriotic defense, the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran are fully prepared to counter any adventurist move by the Zionist regime and its supporters with all their might".

Venezuelan Foreign Minister, for his part, reiterated his country's condemnation of the U.S.-Israeli aggressions, expressing condolences to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Iran's administration, and people.

He added: "Venezuela has emphasized in relevant international organizations and bilateral engagements with other countries the need to prevent the recurrence of such violations of international law. As a friendly country, Venezuela will always stand by the Islamic Republic of Iran."

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Foreign minister describes U.S. military aggression against Iran's nuclear facilities as 'betrayal of diplomacy'

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 3, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has described the United States military aggression against Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities as a "betrayal of diplomacy".

Araqchi held a phone call with Ronald O. Lamola, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, on Wednesday to discuss recent regional developments following the cessation of military aggression by the Israeli regime and the U.S. against Iran.

The top Iranian diplomat expressed appreciation for South Africa's stance in condemning the military aggression of the Israeli regime against Iran, emphasizing that the Israeli regime's illegal and terrorist attacks on Iran are a consequence of its impunity and the inaction of the international community in response to this regime's crimes in Gaza, as well as its aggressions against Lebanon and Syria.

He stressed that all supporters and justifiers of this regime are complicit in its crimes.

Araqchi said that the Israeli regime's military aggression against Iran took place during ongoing negotiations with the United States. This aggression occurred with the collaboration and support of the U.S., which later conducted its own military aggression against Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities, he added.

He underscored that the U.S. aggression against Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities was a "betrayal of diplomacy and an unprecedented strike against the rule of law, international law, and the non-proliferation regime".

Lamola, for his part, expressed condolences to Iran and strongly condemned the Israeli regime's aggression against Iranian territory, particularly its attacks on nuclear facilities.

He emphasized that South Africa would use all its capacities to uphold the non-proliferation regime and support comprehensive dialogues aimed at maintaining international peace and security.

The two sides also condemned the crimes committed by the Israeli regime in Gaza and stressed the urgent need for the international community to act against the gross violations of human rights and the genocide of Palestinians.

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Iran dismisses E.U. call for talks on ending nuclear activities

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 3, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has rejected the European Union's latest effort to start negotiations aimed at halting Iran's nuclear program.

In a post on his X account late on Wednesday, Araqchi said, "If the Coordinator of the JCPOA Joint Commission believes that the objective of any potential negotiation is 'ending Iran's nuclear program', it means that:

- EU High Representative Kaja Kallas disregards the provisions of the NPT, which explicitly affirm the right of all signatories to develop, research, and use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.

- The provisions of UN Security Council Resolution 2231 and the JCPOA no longer hold any validity for its official Coordinator, thereby rendering the so-called snapback mechanism baseless.

- The participation and role of the European Union and its member states, plus the UK, in any future negotiation would be irrelevant and therefore meaningless."

The reaction followed remarks by Kallas, who on Tuesday called for Iran to engage in immediate talks aimed at curbing its nuclear activities.

Since the U.S. pulled out of the J.C.P.O.A. during the Trump administration and reinstated harsh sanctions in 2018, Iran has increasingly emphasized its right to pursue nuclear activities. Tehran has reduced its adherence to the agreement, ramping up uranium enrichment while insisting its nuclear efforts are solely for civilian uses, including power generation and medical applications.

The European Union, alongside France, Germany, and the U.K. (collectively referred to as the E3), has been working to revive the J.C.P.O.A. through diplomacy. However, Tehran has long complained about European inaction and duplicity since the U.S. unilaterally withdrew from it in 2018.

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Iran FM: World must hold aggressors accountable

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 03 July 2025 10:44 PM

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has called on the United Nations and the Security Council to hold Israel and the United States accountable for violating Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In a phone call on Thursday with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, Araghchi condemned the US and Israel for breaching core UN Charter principles and international law.

Araghchi described recent US and Israeli military aggression against Iran, amid indirect Iran-US negotiations, as a severe setback to diplomacy.

"The illegal attacks of the United States and the Zionist regime against Iran in the midst of indirect Iran-US negotiations were a fatal blow to the principle of diplomacy," he stated.

Araghchi affirmed that Iran's armed forces, as demonstrated during a 12-day defense operation, are fully prepared to counter any further aggression from Israel or its supporters.

He criticized certain European nations and the IAEA chief for failing to condemn attacks on Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities, warning that such support for aggressors risks escalating tensions and undermining diplomatic efforts.

Araghchi noted that Iran has suspended cooperation with the IAEA due to safety concerns, with future engagements to be managed solely by Iran's Supreme National Security Council. However, he reaffirmed Iran's commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

In response, Eide stressed the importance of preventing conflict and reducing regional tensions, advocating for a diplomatic resolution to the Iranian nuclear issue and broader stability efforts.

On June 13, Israel launched a blatant and unprovoked act of aggression against Iran, assassinating many high-ranking military commanders, nuclear scientists, and ordinary civilians.

More than a week later, the United States also entered the war by bombing three Iranian nuclear sites in a grave violation of the United Nations Charter, international law, and the NPT.

In response, the Iranian Armed Forces targeted strategic sites across the occupied territories as well as the al-Udeid air base in Qatar, the largest American military base in West Asia.

On June 24, Iran, through its successful retaliatory operations against both the Israeli regime and the US, managed to impose a halt to the illegal assault.

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Iran says no talks unless US drops deception, commits to diplomacy

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 03 July 2025 7:54 PM

Iran's foreign ministry says the United States must first prove its genuine commitment to diplomacy if Washington seeks further negotiations with Tehran on the Islamic Republic's nuclear program.

In an interview with the UK-based Sky News television news channel aired on Thursday, ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stressed that the White House must first prove its genuine commitment to a diplomatic path before any potential resumption of the halted nuclear talks between Iran and the US.

"They (the Americans) must truly demonstrate their adherence to diplomacy. Diplomacy should not be misused or turned into a tool for deception or psychological warfare against their adversaries," he said.

Asked whether Tehran and Washington would resume talks, Baghaei said, "I know there have been indirect contacts. Our Foreign Minister [Abbas Araghchi] is in talks with Oman, Qatar, and other countries, and as I said, diplomacy never stops."

Since April, Tehran and Washington have held five rounds of Oman-mediated indirect negotiations in Rome and Muscat over Iran's nuclear program amid repeated shifts in US stances, which have prompted Iranian officials to criticize the "contradictory" statements made by their American counterparts.

The talks, however, stopped after Israel launched military aggression on June 13 that lasted for 12 days, during which Iran's armed forces retailed the aggression with crushing ballistic missile attacks against Tel Aviv and Haifa and other parts of the occupying entity.

More than a week into the war, the US ultimately chose to formally and directly enter the conflict with direct intervention, as the Israeli regime was facing serious setbacks in the war.

In the early hours of June 22, the US launched unlawful strikes against Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, in a clear violation of international law and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

"First of all, we must understand what happened. What occurred was a clear act of aggression by Israel and then by the United States against our territorial integrity and national sovereignty," Baghaei said.

"During the twelve days, an unprovoked assault was launched against the Iranian nation. In this aggression, many Iranians - close to a thousand - lost their lives in this brutal act of war imposed on our country," he added.

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.

"Our nuclear facilities were severely damaged. But the point is that our nuclear sites have been under the strictest inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency," Baghaei said, warning against any further adventurous aggression by the Zionist regime.

"I assure you, our armed forces are prepared for any such adventure," Baghaei stressed.

He said that during the 12-day war, Iran strongly responded to Israeli and US aggression, stressing that the Islamic Republic will respond to any act of aggression.

"We proved our resolve to defend our nation and our dignity with full force."

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Houthi: Iran's might forced Israel to halt aggression, set new equation

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 03 July 2025 7:50 PM

The leader of Yemen's Ansarullah movement has highlighted Iran's robust military response as the key factor that forced the Israeli regime to halt its recent aggression after 12 days.

In a televised speech on Thursday, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi emphasized that Iran's strength lies in its steadfastness, strategic preparedness, and willingness to respond effectively to threats without making concessions.

"The Iranian model during the 12-day war reflects the outcome of a well-founded strategy rooted in divine guidance, focused on the preparation and mobilization of armed forces," he said. "Despite heavy psychological warfare and Western support for Israel, Iran's decisive response compelled the Israeli enemy to halt its attacks."

He emphasized that Iran's strength comes from a combination of military preparedness, popular support, and strong leadership, which created a deterrent that made further Israeli aggression too costly.

"One of the elements of Iran's strength is steadfastness in its stances. The Iranians neither surrendered nor made any concessions; instead, they responded firmly to the aggression.

"One of the central elements of Iran's strength lies in its decision to respond effectively. This efficiency was the result of well-prepared forces. Despite receiving support from the United States and the West, the Israeli enemy was ultimately forced to halt its aggression," he said.

Houthi warned that if the aggression resumes, Iran is ready to respond with "strength and more severity than ever."

The Ansarullah chief said the Israeli enemy was unable to continue its aggression against Iran because it had to pay a heavy price for its attacks.

"This shows the correct equations that protect the Muslim Ummah. The equation of response, beefing up the military power and widespread popular support for the Armed Forces and the leadership, resulted in creating a deterrence against the Zionist enemy and forcing it to stop the aggression."

Israel launched an unprovoked war of aggression against Iran 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 22 waves of missile strikes as part of Operation True Promise III, which targeted numerous strategic sites across the Israeli-occupied territories.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Houthi stated that the criminal Zionist enemy is pressing ahead with its genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip just before the eyes of Muslims.

He noted that the Israeli regime is savagely targeting refugee camps and school compounds where displaced Palestinians are sheltering.

"The Zionist enemy continues its barbarity, cruelty and crimes in an astonishing manner, which reveals its criminal nature. The more the Israeli regime spills the blood of children and women, the greater its desire for bloodletting arouses.

"What the Israeli enemy is committing in Gaza exposes its true nature, including hatred, aggression and brutality, as well as the evil character of the West's support for the criminal entity," Houthi stated.

The Ansarullah chief also lamented the inefficiency of international institutions in helping Palestinians, describing reliance on such agencies as a grave mistake for the Muslim world.

"The Muslim Ummah can take a firm stance; but many of them are just looking on and showing weakness. Some of them are even cooperating with the Zionist enemy and are involved in these crimes.

"The extent of the crimes of the Zionist regime against Palestinians clearly shows the realities of the enemy, its supporters, and international institutions," Houthi said.

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First immigrant detainees arrive at newly built detention facility in U.S. Florida: reports

Xinhua) 14:11, July 04, 2025

NEW YORK, July 3 (Xinhua) -- The first group of immigrant detainees has arrived at a new detention center in the Florida Everglades dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz," amid U.S. President Donald Trump's mass deportation efforts against illicit immigrants, local media reported Thursday.

"Detainees began arriving last night," Tricia McLaughlin, an assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, said in a statement, as cited by Columbia Broadcasting Corporation.

"We are working at turbo speed on cost-effective and innovative ways to deliver on the American people's mandate for mass deportations of criminal illegal aliens. We will expand facilities and bed space in just days, thanks to our partnership with Florida," added McLaughlin.

The facility was built in just eight days. Featuring more than 200 security cameras, 28,000-plus feet of barbed wire and 400 security personnel, it will have a capacity of about 3,000 detainees when fully operational, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said.

Environmental groups have filed a lawsuit to halt construction of the new immigrant detention facility, arguing that Florida officials and the federal government have trampled over environmental regulations in their rush to build the facility, the New York Times has reported.

Human rights advocates and Native American tribes have also protested against the center, arguing that the facility endangers the delicate Everglades ecosystem, subjects detainees to harsh conditions due to extreme heat and mosquito infestations, and occupies land that holds sacred significance for the tribes.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Iran Army forces ready to strongly defend national territory against aggressors: Commander

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 03 July 2025 9:15 AM

Iran's Army Chief Major General Amir Hatami says his forces are fully ready to defend the country's independence and territorial integrity against aggressors.

Hatami made the remarks in a Thursday meeting with the family of Colonel Mohammad Alizadeh, a senior officer in the Air Defense Force, who was martyred during the recent 12-day acts of aggression by the Israeli regime and the US against the Islamic Republic.

"The sworn enemies of Islamic Iran saw that the great Iranian nation and the Armed Forces stood united next to each other, more united than ever, and did not back down an inch from their sacred ideals and goals," he said.

Iran's Army Chief Major General Amir Hatami (2nd L) meets in Tehran on July 3, 2025 with the family of Colonel Mohammad Alizadeh, a senior officer in the Air Defense Force, who was martyred during the recent Israeli acts of aggression against the Islamic Republic.

Under the wise guidelines of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Armed Forces once again proved that they are ready to forcefully respond to the enemies, he added.

Hatami emphasized that fighters of the Iranian Army's Air Defense Force have always resisted and confronted the weapons and military power of the aggressive enemies with all their might, and succeeded in emerging proud and victorious from the recent Israeli-US war.

On June 13, Israel launched a blatant and unprovoked act of aggression against Iran, assassinating many high-ranking military commanders, nuclear scientists, and ordinary civilians.

More than a week later, the United States also entered the war by bombing three Iranian nuclear sites in a grave violation of the United Nations Charter, international law, and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

In response, the Iranian Armed Forces targeted strategic sites across the occupied territories as well as the al-Udeid air base in Qatar, the largest American military base in West Asia.

On June 24, Iran, through its successful retaliatory operations against both the Israeli regime and the US, managed to impose a halt to the illegal assault.

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Israel will get 'harder slap in face' in case of renewed aggression: Iran's top general

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 03 July 2025 6:30 AM

The Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces has warned that Israel will receive a "harder slap in the face" if it wages another act of aggression against the country.

Speaking to Lebanon's al-Mayadeen TV channel on Wednesday, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi emphasized that the Iranian Armed Forces did not use all their capabilities in response to last month's Israeli-US assault.

"The Israeli regime suffered a heavy defeat in its recent aggression against Iran, and we warn that if it repeats any such mistake, it will get an even harder slap in the face from the Iranian nation and Armed Forces," he added.

Mousavi also noted that the Israelis and their supporters have been gathering their strength for years to deal a blow to the Islamic Republic.

Iran's enemies are seeking to target the Islamic Republic and divide the country, using the nuclear issue as a pretext, he pointed out.

On June 13, Israel launched a blatant and unprovoked aggression against Iran, assassinating many high-ranking military commanders, nuclear scientists, and ordinary civilians.

More than a week later, the United States also entered the war by bombing three Iranian nuclear sites in a grave violation of the United Nations Charter, international law, and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

In response, the Iranian Armed Forces targeted strategic sites across the occupied territories as well as the al-Udeid air base in Qatar, the largest American military base in West Asia.

On June 24, Iran, through its successful retaliatory operations against both the Israeli regime and the US, managed to impose a halt to the illegal assault.

The top general said the Israeli regime was forced to request a ceasefire so that it could reorganize its affairs.

"If we enter a new phase and the war becomes prolonged, the Israeli occupiers will witness Iran's capabilities that have not yet been employed," he warned.

Mousavi further stressed that Tehran will never give up on any of its fundamental principles, including support for Palestine and its people.

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Spain expresses concern over Iran's decision to suspend cooperation with International Atomic Energy Agency

Spain - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

COMUNICADO 066

3 Jul 25

Spain expresses its concern over Iran's decision to suspend its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

We reiterate our strong support for the IAEA and its Director General. We call on Iran to comply with its obligations under its Safeguards Agreement, which is essential to ensure the integrity of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

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Sanctions on Oil Smugglers Exporting Iranian Oil

US Department of State

Press Statement

Tammy Bruce, Department Spokesperson

July 3, 2025

Today, the United States is acting to stem the flow of revenue the Iranian regime uses to support terrorism abroad and oppress its own people.

The Department of State is sanctioning six entities and identifying four vessels for having knowingly engaged in a significant transaction for the purchase, acquisition, sale, transport, or marketing of petroleum, petroleum products or petrochemical products from Iran.

Concurrently, the Department of the Treasury is designating oil smuggling networks that have collectively transported and purchased billions of dollars' worth of Iranian oil. Treasury is also sanctioning several shadow fleet vessels engaged in the covert delivery of Iranian oil. Among the entities sanctioned today are a network of companies run by Iraqi businessman Salim Ahmed Said that have profited from smuggling Iranian oil disguised as, or blended with, Iraqi oil.

The United States will continue to pursue measures in support of National Security Presidential Memorandum 2, which directs the imposition of maximum pressure on the Iranian regime to deny it access to revenues that fund its destabilizing activities. We will not hesitate to utilize all available tools at our disposal to counter those who enable Iran's illicit oil trade.

Today's action is being taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13846 and E.O. 13902, which target Iran's petroleum and petrochemical sectors, as well as the counterterrorism authority E.O. 13224, as amended. It marks the tenth round of sanctions targeting Iranian oil sales since the President issued National Security Presidential Memorandum 2 on February 4, 2025, ordering a campaign of maximum pressure on Iran.

For more information on today's action, please see the Department of the Treasury press releases.

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Department of State Targets Illicit Iranian Trade to Impose Maximum Pressure on Iran

US Department of State

Fact Sheet

Office of the Spokesperson

July 3, 2025

The Iranian regime continues to fuel conflict and instability in the Middle East, disrupt trade flows, and fund terrorist and proxy groups. Today, the United States is taking action to stem the flow of revenue that the regime uses to support such destabilizing activity, as well as to oppress its own people.

The Department of State is designating several companies and shadow fleet vessels engaged in the sale and transport of Iranian petroleum, petroleum products, and petrochemical products. This action further implements National Security Presidential Memorandum-2 , which directs the imposition of maximum economic pressure on the Iranian regime.

Entities Engaged in the Export of Iranian Petrochemical Products

The Department is designating the following entities pursuant to section 3(a)(iii) of E.O. 13846 for, on or after November 5, 2018, knowingly engaging in a significant transaction for the purchase, acquisition, sale, transport, or marketing of petrochemical products from Iran:

KAVEH METHANOL COMPANY (AKA KAVEH PETROCHEMICAL COMPANY) is the owner and operator of a methanol refinery and terminal in Iran. KAVEH PETROCHEMICAL COMPANY knowingly engaged in a significant transaction for the sale of petrochemical products from Iran in October 2022, when it loaded methanol onto a tanker. Since then, it has continued to sell and export Iranian methanol.

ARIA SINA CONTROL INTERNATIONAL TECHNICAL INSPECTION CO. (ASCO INTERNATIONAL) knowingly engaged in a significant transaction for the transportation of petrochemical products from Iran in October 2022, when it served as the surveyor for the loading of Iranian methanol onto a vessel in Iran. ASCO INTERNATIONAL is a cargo surveyor company that operates in all of Iran's northern and southern ports, ensuring that Iran's petroleum and petrochemical products are properly loaded onto tankers for export.

ASIAN SEA ANGEL SHIPPING CO knowingly engaged in a significant transaction for the transportation of petrochemical products from Iran in October 2022, when it functioned as the shipping agent facilitating the port call of a vessel that loaded methanol. It has facilitated the loading of Iranian petrochemical products on multiple occasions and has supported U.S.-designated TRILIANCE PETROCHEMICAL CO., LTD.

Targeting of Iran's Shadow Fleet

The Department of State continues to designate vessel management companies and their tankers that knowingly engage in the transport of petroleum and petroleum products from Iran. These vessel management companies and their associated tankers have collectively transported millions of barrels of Iranian crude oil and petroleum products. Furthermore, these vessels have routinely engaged in "dark activity," operating with their automatic identification system (AIS) location and identity beacon turned off. This behavior, which is designed to obscure the Iranian origin of the vessels' cargoes, is a direct and unnecessary risk to other vessels as AIS is a key system used to avoid vessel collisions.

SAI SABURI CONSULTING SERVICES (SAI SABURI) is an India-based commercial manager of two LPG tankers, the BATELEUR (IMO: 9045807) and NEEL (IMO: 9157478). During SAI SABURI's tenure as commercial manager, the BATELEUR engaged in a significant transaction for the transportation of petroleum products from Iran in September 2022, on behalf of the sanctioned company ALLIANCE ENERGY CO. BATELEUR and NEEL have likely continued to load and transport Iranian energy products, having done so likely over eleven times during SAI SABURI's tenure as their commercial manager.

SAI SABURI is being designated pursuant to section 3(a)(ii) of E.O. 13846 for knowingly engaging in a significant transaction for the purchase, acquisition, sale, transport, or marketing of petroleum or petroleum products from Iran. BATELEUR and NEEL are being identified as property in which SAI SABURI has an interest.

BREEZE MARINE ASSET MANAGEMENT (BREEZE) is a commercial management company registered in the Republic of the Marshall Islands and based in the United Arab Emirates. It is the commercial manager of the crude oil tanker ARTEMIS III (IMO: 9102241). During its tenure as commercial manager, the ARTEMIS III loaded and transported over fourteen million barrels of Iranian crude oil.

BREEZE is being designated pursuant to section 3(a)(ii) of E.O. 13846 for knowingly engaging in a significant transaction for the purchase, acquisition, sale, transport, or marketing of petroleum or petroleum products from Iran. ARTEMIS III is being identified as property in which BREEZE has an interest.

ISLE INNOVATION INC (ISLE INNOVATION) is the Panama-based commercial manager of the crude oil tanker RIEVERIA I (IMO: 9286229). During ISLE INNOVATION's tenure as commercial manager, the RIEVERIA I has loaded and transported Iranian crude oil in three dangerous ship-to-ship transfers with tankers sanctioned for moving Iranian crude oil, while conducting dark activity.

ISLE INNOVATION is being designated pursuant to section 3(a)(ii) of E.O. 13846 for knowingly engaging in a significant transaction for the purchase, acquisition, sale, transport, or marketing of petroleum products from Iran. RIEVERIA I is being identified as property in which ISLE INNOVATION has an interest.

SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS

As a result of today's actions, and in accordance with E.O. 13846, all property and interests in property of the designated persons described above that are in the United States or in possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to the Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Additionally, all entities owned, either directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked.



All transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons are prohibited unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC or exempt. These prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any blocked person and the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.



The power and integrity of U.S. government sanctions derive not only from the U.S. government's ability to designate and add persons to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (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.



Petitions for removal from the SDN List may be sent to: OFAC.Reconsideration@treasury.gov. Petitioners may also refer to the Department of State's Delisting Guidance page.

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Treasury Targets Diverse Networks Facilitating Iranian Oil Trade

U.S. Department of the Treasury

July 3, 2025

WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is taking action against networks that have collectively transported and purchased billions of dollars' worth of Iranian oil, some of which has benefited Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF), a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. Among the entities sanctioned today is a network of companies run by Iraqi businessman Salim Ahmed Said (Said) that has profited from smuggling Iranian oil disguised as, or blended with, Iraqi oil. Treasury is also sanctioning several vessels engaged in the covert delivery of Iranian oil, intensifying pressure on Iran's "shadow fleet."

"As President Trump has made clear, Iran's behavior has left it decimated. While it has had every opportunity to choose peace, its leaders have chosen extremism," said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. "Treasury will continue to target Tehran's revenue sources and intensify economic pressure to disrupt the regime's access to the financial resources that fuel its destabilizing activities."

Today's action is being taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13902, which targets those operating in certain sectors of the Iranian economy, including Iran's petroleum and petrochemical sectors, as well as the counterterrorism authority E.O. 13224, as amended. It marks the eighth round of sanctions targeting Iran's oil trade since the President issued National Security Presidential Memorandum 2, directing a campaign of maximum pressure on Iran.

Concurrently, the Department of State is designating six entities and identifying four vessels pursuant to E.O. 13846 for having knowingly engaged in a significant transaction for the purchase, acquisition, sale, transport, or marketing of petroleum or petroleum products from Iran.

IRAN-IRAQ OIL SMUGGLING NETWORK

Iraqi-British national Salim Ahmed Said (Said) runs a network of companies that have been selling Iranian oil falsely declared as Iraqi oil since at least 2020. Said's companies use ship-to-ship transfers and other obfuscation techniques to hide their activities. Said's companies and vessels blend Iranian oil with Iraqi oil, which is then sold to Western buyers via Iraq or the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as purely Iraqi oil using forged documentation to avoid sanctions. This allows the oil to be sold on the legitimate market and helps Iran evade international sanctions on its oil exports.

Said has bribed many members of key Iraqi government bodies, including parliament. He has reportedly paid millions of dollars in kickbacks to these officials in exchange for forged vouchers allowing him to sell Iranian oil as if it originated from Iraq.

Said is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13902 for operating in the petroleum sector of the Iranian economy.

Said controls UAE-based company VS Tankers FZE (VS Tankers), despite avoiding formal association with the company. Formerly known as Al-Iraqia Shipping Services & Oil Trading FZE (AISSOT), VS Tankers has smuggled oil for the benefit of the Iranian government and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). For example, in 2020, AISSOT reportedly brokered a deal to transport Iranian oil via Iraqi pipelines to be blended and sold as Iraqi oil.

VS Tankers-affiliated ships have assisted Iranian oil exporters in blending Iranian oil with Iraqi to obscure the oil's origins by engaging in ship-to-ship transfers with vessels known to be affiliated with Iranian oil activities. VS Tankers currently claims several oil tankers as part of its fleet, one of which recorded four ship-to-ship transfers with the U.S. sanctioned, Barbados-flagged CASINOVA (IMO 9280366) in April 2024 while located in the Persian Gulf near the mouth of the Shatt al-Arab river, which marks the border between Iraq and Iran. VS Tankers has served as the operator, manager, and beneficial owner of the Marshall Islands-flagged crude oil tanker DIJILAH (IMO 9829629) since 2019.

VS Tankers is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13902 for operating in the petroleum sector of the Iranian economy. DIJILAH is being identified pursuant to E.O. 13902 as property in which VS Tankers has an interest.

In 2023, Said expanded his business holdings to include VS Oil Terminal FZE (VS Oil), which, though registered in the UAE, has its physical presence in Khor al-Zubayr, Iraq. VS Oil manages six oil storage tanks where Iranian oil is dropped off to be mixed with Iraqi oil. Vessels carrying Iranian oil also conduct ship-to-ship transfers with vessels carrying Iraqi oil in the vicinity of VS Oil's terminal facilities, and the blended oil is ultimately authenticated by complicit Iraqi government officials. Vessel tracking data shows that multiple oil tankers known to transport Iranian petroleum products on behalf of U.S.-sanctioned Iranian oil and petrochemical broker Triliance Petrochemical Co. Ltd. and Iranian military front company Sahara Thunder have visited VS Oil. VS Oil employees smuggle hard currency into Iran via cars and trucks, some of which carry millions of dollars each, as payment for oil.

VS Oil is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13902 for operating in the petroleum sector of the Iranian economy.

Said also owns UAE-based VS Petroleum DMCC, formerly Ikon Petroleum DMCC, and Rhine Shipping DMCC (Rhine Shipping) which, in 2022, were implicated in blending Iranian oil to sell as Iraqi oil. Rhine Shipping was also previously exposed as the manager of the U.S.-sanctioned oil tanker MOLECULE, formerly named BABEL, which loaded oil in the Persian Gulf from an Iranian tanker that had turned off its location transponder to obfuscate the transaction. OFAC subsequently sanctioned the MOLECULE for its role in shipping Iranian oil as part of the network of Iran-backed Houthi financial official Sa'id al-Jamal.

Said also owns United Kingdom-based companies The Willett Hotel Limited and Robinbest Limited.

VS Petroleum DMCC, Rhine Shipping, The Willett Hotel Limited, and Robinbest Limited are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13902 for being owned or controlled by, directly or indirectly, Said.

Shadow fleet actors

Iran's shadow fleet enables the regime to transport its petroleum to generate revenue. Iran relies on non-sanctioned vessels to conduct ship-to-ship transfers and receive Iranian oil from sanctioned vessels before shipping the Iranian-origin cargo to buyers in Asia.

The National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) uses Singapore-based Trans Arctic Global Marine Services PTE. LTD. (Trans Arctic Global) to arrange piloting services for NITC vessels transiting through the Strait of Malacca. Trans Arctic Global has enabled NITC to transport tens of millions of barrels of Iranian oil through the Strait of Malacca for eventual ship-to-ship transfers to vessels waiting in the Singapore Eastern Outer Port Limits.

Trans Arctic Global is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13902 for operating in the petroleum sector of the Iranian economy.

The Cameroon-flagged VIZURI (IMO 9197909), Comoros-flagged FOTIS (IMO 9306548), and Panama-flagged THEMIS (IMO 9264570) and BIANCA JOYSEL (IMO 9196632), have collectively shipped tens of millions of barrels of Iranian oil and other petroleum worth billions of dollars.

Since mid-2023, the VIZURI has completed multiple shipments of Iranian oil and transported millions of barrels of Iranian oil. Panama-flagged liquified petroleum gas carrier (LPG) FOTIS has transported millions of barrels of Iranian LPG and other petroleum to multiple locations. Panama-flagged THEMIS, which was sanctioned by the United Kingdom on May 9, 2025 for transporting Russian oil, has also transported Iranian oil.

Seychelles-based Egir Shipping Ltd, and Marshall Islands-based Fotis Lines Incorporated and Themis Limited are the respective owners of the VIZURI, FOTIS, and THEMIS. Egir Shipping Limited, Fotis Lines Incorporated, and Themis Limited are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13902 for operating in the petroleum sector of the Iranian economy. VIZURI, FOTIS, and THEMIS are being identified as blocked property in which Egir Shipping Ltd, Fotis Lines Incorporated, and Themis Limited, respectively, have an interest.

Panama-flagged BIANCA JOYSEL has transported more than ten million barrels of Iranian oil since mid-2024, conducting ship-to-ship transfers with sanctioned vessels owned by the U.S.-designated NITC, including the AMOR and STARLA.

British Virgin Islands-based Betensh Global Investment Limited And Dong Dong Shipping Limited owns the BIANCA JOYSEL. Betensh Global Investment Limited And Dong Dong Shipping Limited is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13902 for operating in the petroleum sector of the Iranian economy. BIANCA JOYSEL is being identified as blocked property in which Betensh Global Investment Limited And Dong Dong Shipping Limited has an interest.

IRGC-QF oil Sales

The IRGC-QF has used the Al-Qatirji Company to facilitate oil sales to customers around the world, generating hundreds of millions of dollars of revenue for the IRGC-QF. The Cameroon-flagged ELIZABET (IMO 9216717), which has impersonated a separate vessel, the S TINOS, loaded a cargo of Iranian oil off the coast of Malaysia in August 2024 via ship-to-ship transfer. The cargo had originally been loaded at Kharg Island, Iran, by the ROMINA (IMO 9114608), a vessel previously identified for its role in transporting Iranian petroleum for the Al-Qatirji Company. Seychelles-based White Sands Shipmanagement Corp. is the ship manager, operator, and technical manager of the ELIZABET.

The AI-Qatirji Company transported approximately two million barrels of Iranian oil on the Cameroon-flagged ATILA (IMO 9262754) in support of the U.S.-sanctioned Sa'id al-Jamal network. The ATILA received the oil in a ship-to-ship transfer with the sanctioned vessel ARMAN 114. The Iranian oil carried by the ATILA was disguised as Malaysian oil. Seychelles-based Grat Shipping Co Ltd is the manager, operator, and owner of the ATILA. OFAC designated Sa'id al-Jamal pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, on June 10, 2021, for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, the IRGC-QF.

The Al-Qatirji Company has also used the Palauan-flagged GAS MARYAM (IMO 9108099) to transport Iranian petroleum products in support of the IRGC-QF. Liberia-based Dima Shipping & Trading Company is the manager, operator, and owner of the GAS MARYAM.

White Sands Shipmanagement Corp, Grat Shipping Co Ltd, and Dima Shipping & Trading Company are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of the Al-Qatirji Company. The ELIZABET is being identified as blocked property in which White Sands Shipmanagement Corp. has an interest, the ATILA as blocked property in which Grat Shipping Co Ltd has an interest, and the GAS MARYAM as blocked property in which Dima Shipping & Trading Company has an interest.

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.

Furthermore, engaging in certain transactions involving the persons designated today may risk the imposition of secondary sanctions on participating foreign financial institutions. OFAC can prohibit or impose strict conditions on opening or maintaining, in the United States, a correspondent account or a payable-through account of a foreign financial institution that knowingly conducts or facilitates any significant transaction on behalf of a person who is designated pursuant to the relevant authority.

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 and any property identified as blocked today.

###

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South Korean President pledges early improvement of relations with China; China ties crucial for Seoul amid trade uncertainties: expert

Global Times

By Deng Xiaoci Published: Jul 03, 2025 11:38 PM

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, speaking on Thursday in a press conference after taking office last month, vowed to "protect peace and people's lives through practical diplomacy centered on national interests," based on South Korea's alliance with the US, close cooperation with South Korea, the US and Japan and the early improvement of its relations with China and Russia, according to the full text of Lee's speech published by the Maeil Business Newspaper on Thursday.

Improving ties with China under the Lee administration is a necessary matter, and it is crucial for Seoul to sustain economic growth amid uncertainties in trade talks with the US, according to analysts from China and South Korea reached by the Global Times.

According to South Korea's Yonhap News Agency on Thursday, at the press conference held at the former presidential compound of Cheong Wa Dae, known as the Blue House in Seoul, Lee elaborated on his foreign policy.

The Straits Times report noted that Lee pledged a pragmatic approach as the basis for accelerating efforts to improve ties with China and Russia, while saying the alliance with the US was the cornerstone of his foreign policy.

On Japan, Lee pledged to pursue a two-track approach in which past history issues, rooted in Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule of Korea, should be dealt with separately from future cooperation in security and economic areas, Yonhap reported.

Lee's latest statement reflects the consistency and stability of his long-advocated pragmatic foreign policy, which has been welcomed by the South Korean public as the rising approval ratings showed, Dong Xiangrong, a senior research fellow at the National Institute of International Strategy, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Thursday.

In a recent Gallup Korea survey, 64 percent of 1,004 adult respondents said Lee was doing a good job, Yonhap reported on June 27, about three weeks into his term in office.

Another survey by Realmeter and commissioned by a local news outlet showed on Monday that Lee's approval rating rose for the second consecutive week to 59.7 percent, the Korea Herald reported.

On Thursday, Lee also reiterated his pledge to revive the country's faltering economy and outlined plans to boost growth. However, Lee said that the uncertainty remains for Seoul if its trade talks with Washington can result in a deal before next week's deadline to avert sweeping US tariffs, according to the Bloomberg.

Lee vowed to make his best efforts to produce "mutually beneficial and sustainable outcomes" in the trade negotiations, according to Yonhap.

Lee's economic policies and diplomatic strategies are closely linked. He is committed to improving relations with China while facing obstacles in tariff negotiations with the US, which are closely tied to South Korea's current economic difficulties, Dong said.

According to a May assessment by the Bank of Korea, the central bank of the country, economic growth this year is projected to be only 0.8 percent.

After Lee took office, South Korea's stock market has witnessed significant rise, but such growth is largely interpreted as a boost in market confidence driven by recovering political stability and the elimination of uncertainty, rather than a substantial improvement in economic fundamentals, Dong said. "To achieve sustained economic improvement, tangible progress is still needed in areas such as domestic investment, consumption, and foreign trade."

Improving relations with China is also one of the key and feasible directions of Lee's economic policy, aimed at promoting South Korea's economic recovery through strengthened international trade cooperation, Dong explained.

Woo Su-keun, head of the Institute of East Asian Studies of Korea and president of the Korea-China Global Association, told the Global Times in a recent interview that improving South Korea-China relations under the Lee administration is a necessary matter.

In fact, South Koreans with sound and reasonable judgment are well aware of the importance of South Korea-China relations, regardless of their political orientation, whether they are conservative or liberal, as well as the need for improved South Korea-China relations, Woo said.

Currently, the global economic environment is being distorted by the excessive greed of certain countries. However, South Korea and China, the central core countries of the global society, need to work closely together to maintain the banner of free trade and fair competition, which are essential for the sustainable shared prosperity of the global community, Woo urged.

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Commentary by Aide to the President of Russia Yuri Ushakov following the telephone conversation between Vladimir Putin and President of the United States Donald Trump

July 3, 2025

19:30

Yuri Ushakov: Dear colleagues,

Another almost hour-long telephone conversation between President of Russia Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and President of the United States Donald Trump has just concluded.

Donald Trump began the conversation by announcing that the US Congress passed his administration's flagship bill envisaging reforms in taxation, immigration, and the energy sector. President Trump himself calls it the 'One Big Beautiful Bill.'

Vladimir Putin wished Donald Trump success in implementing the changes he envisioned and, naturally, offered greetings for Independence Day, the national day of the United States, which will be celebrated tomorrow.

At the same time, it was noted by our side that Russia had played a significant part in the establishment of the United States as a nation, including during the War of Independence, fought 250 years ago, and later during the Civil War, which ended 160 years ago. It was stated that our countries are bound not only by their alliance during World Wars One and Two, but also by deeper historical ties.

Incidentally, Vladimir Putin mentioned that just before speaking with Donald Trump, he had a conversation with representatives of Russia's business community. One of the ideas suggested during that meeting was holding an exchange of motion pictures promoting traditional values, which both we and the Trump administration hold dear. President Trump reacted immediately and said he liked this idea.

There was a detailed discussion of the situation surrounding Iran, and the state of affairs in the Middle East in general. The Russian side emphasised it was crucial to settle any and all contentious issues, differences, and conflicts exclusively via political and diplomatic means. The two leaders agreed to maintain contact on the issue between the respective foreign services, defence ministries, and presidential aides.

The latest developments in Syria were addressed as well. Similarly, the Russian and US sides intend to continue the dialogue on the matter.

Naturally, the issues surrounding Ukraine were also discussed. Donald Trump has once again raised the issue of ending the hostilities as soon as possible. In turn, Vladimir Putin noted that we still continued the search for a political, negotiated solution to the conflict. He informed his counterpart on the progress in implementing the humanitarian agreements reached during the second round of direct Russian-Ukrainian talks held in Istanbul. He also noted Russia was willing to pursue negotiations. Additionally, the President of Russia said that Russia would strive to achieve its goals, namely the elimination of the well-known root causes that led to the current state of affairs, the bitter confrontation that we are seeing now. Russia will not back down from these goals.

While exchanging views on bilateral matters, the two sides confirmed their mutual interest in implementing a number of promising projects in economy, notably the energy sector and space exploration.

Overall, I would like to point out that the conversation between the two presidents has, as always, shown that they are on the same page. It was candid, business-minded, and concrete. The two presidents will naturally continue communicating and will have another conversation soon.

Thank you.

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Putin and Trump Talk Ukraine, Iran, Syria, and Space in Wide-Ranging Call

Sputnik News

20250703

Putin and Trump held a phone conversation. Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov said they discussed the following:

Putin informed Trump about the progress of implementing the Istanbul agreements between Russia and Ukraine.

Putin told Trump that Russia continues to seek a negotiated solution to the Ukrainian conflict. He informed Trump that Russia will not abandon the elimination of all root causes of the current confrontation.

Trump raised the issue of an early end to hostilities in Ukraine during the conversation.

Trump informed Putin about the successful passage in the Senate of a bill on tax and immigration reform.

Putin congratulated Trump on the upcoming US Independence Day.

Putin noted in the conversation that Russia played a significant role in the formation of American statehood.

Putin and Trump had a detailed discussion on the situation around Iran and the Middle East as a whole.

Putin and Trump touched on developments in Syria; Moscow and Washington will continue dialogue on this topic.

Putin and Trump discussed several promising joint economic projects in energy and space exploration.

Putin and Trump did not discuss a possible personal meeting.

 Sputnik

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Lifting of sanctions on Syria implemented in Norwegian Law

Government of Norway

Press release | Date: 03/07/2025

Norway has today implemented legal acts to lift sanctions against Syria. Sanctions targeting key individuals in former President Bashar al-Assad's regime will remain in place.

'I am very pleased that we today have lifted most of the sanctions against Syria', said Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

Norway decided to align itself with the EU's decision of May 27 to lift most of the sanctions against Syria.



'During my visit to Syria on January 19 this year, just over a month after the fall of the al-Assad regime, I advocated for the removal of sanctions. These were originally imposed in 2012 as a response to the al-Assad regime's serious human rights violations. The Middle East needs peace and stability more than ever. We must give the interim authorities in Syria the opportunity to build a better future for the country. It is also positive step that President Donald Trump on June 30 decided to ease the U.S. sanctions on Syria', said Foreign Minister Eide.

The sanctions on Syria are implemented in the Regulation of September 2, 2011 No. 902 on restrictive measures against Syria. It enters into force today, July 2, 2025, and will be published on Lovdata.

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Secretary Rubio's Call with Syrian Foreign Minister al-Shaibani

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

July 3, 2025

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce:

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani regarding President Trump's historic actions to terminate the United States sanctions program and national emergency with respect to Syria. The Secretary affirmed he would consider further steps reviewing domestic and United Nations terrorist designations related to Syria. The Secretary also underscored his intent to maintain sanctions on malign actors including Bashar al-Assad, his associates, and others who threaten Syrian and international security. The Secretary expressed his hope that together, these steps will mark the beginning of a new chapter for both the Syrian people and U.S.-Syria relations.

The Secretary and the Foreign Minister also discussed other matters of shared concern, including countering terrorism, Iran, Israel-Syria relations, and destroying any remnants of the Assad regime's chemical weapons program.

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MND News References of Routine Press Conference on July 1, 2025

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2025/07/01

MND News References

Time: 10:00 on July 1, 2025

One. Subject of Press Conference: Explanation of planning the ''Han Kuang 41 Field Training Exercise of the R.O.C. Armed Forces'', the ''2025 Urban Resilience (Air-Defense) Exercise'', and the ''Air-Raid Shelter of Police 110 APP''

Two. Chairperson: Vice Chief of General Staff (Executive), General HUANG CHIH-WEI

Three. Attendees:

The 1st individual is the Vice Chief of General Staff (Executive), General HUANG CHIH-WEI

The 2nd individual is the Director of the Administration Office, MND, Lieutenant General SUN LI-FANG

The 3rd individual is the Chief of General Staff of ROCA Command HQ, Lieutenant General CHEN CHIEN-YI

The 4th individual is the Chief of General Staff of ROCN Command HQ, Vice-Admiral CHIU JUN-JUNG

The 5th individual is the Chief of General Staff of ROCAF Command HQ, Lieutenant General LEE CHING-JAN

The 6th individual is the Chief of the Joint Operations Planning Division, DCGS/Operations and Planning, Major General TUNG JI-HSING

The 7th individual is the Chief of Manpower Mobilization Department, All-out Defense Mobilization Agency, CHU SEN-TSUEN

The 8th individual is the Director of Civil Defense Office of National Police Agency (MOI), LIU AN-JIE

The 9th individual is the Commander of the Intelligence Research Center, DCGS/Intelligence, Colonel LUO CHENG-YU

The 10th individual is the Deputy Chief of Logistics Planning Department, DCGS/ Logistics, Colonel MENG CHUN-SHEN

The 11th individual is the Chief of Joint Combat Power Training Division, DCGS/Training, Rear- Admiral CHIANG CHUNG-WEI

The 12th individual is the Deputy Chief of Psychological and Propaganda Warfare Division of Political Warfare Bureau, Colonel WANG YI-HONG

The 13th individual is the Chief of Human Rights Protection of Dept./Legal Affairs, Major General YU CHIEN-CHANG

The 14th individual is the Chief of Health Services and Medical Support Division, Medical Affairs Bureau, Captain TZENG YUAN-SHENG

The 15th individual is the Chief of the Financial Resource Division, Resource Planning Department, Rear- Admiral KAO CHIH-HSIUNG

The 16th individual is the Chief of Mobilization Management Division, Armed Forces Reserve Command, Major CHOU CHUN-SHAN

The 17th individual is the Director of Promotion Division of Disaster Management Department, National Fire Agency (MOI), HUNG SHIH-RONG

Four. News references of press conference

Planning of the Han Kuang 41 Field Training Exercise

I.Preface

The Han Kuang 41 Field Training Exercise of the R.O.C. Armed Forces is scheduled from July 9 to July 18. It will integrate the Army, Navy, and Air Force units in a 10-day and 9-night continuous day-and-night exercise. Based on joint operations planning, the exercise aims to assess the real-time decision-making of commanders at various tactical levels, the planning and execution capabilities of staff organizations, and the effectiveness of joint operations carried out by the forces.

II.Exercise Concept

The exercise is planned to begin with gray zone harassment operations and will be divided into several operational phases: peacetime-to-wartime transition, combat readiness deployment, joint anti-landing operations, littoral and coastal combat, in-depth defense, and protracted warfare. This structure ensures comprehensive training in all aspects of defensive military operations and civil-military integration efforts.

III.Phases and Training Objectives of the Exercise

(I)Peacetime-to-Wartime Transition:

To respond to the threats and challenges posed by enemy forces, the exercise scenario extends forward to include responses to gray zone harassment. In accordance with the Armed Forces' combat readiness protocols, the exercise will include immediate combat readiness operations, heightened alert measures, and mechanisms for transitioning from peacetime to wartime. These actions are designed to prompt all branches of the military to carry out various combat readiness deployments, in preparation for potential offensive actions of People's Liberation Army (PLA) against Taiwan.

(II)Joint Anti-Landing Operations:

Simulating PLA joint fire strikes and the maritime transit of amphibious landing groups, the R.O.C. Armed Forces will focus on maintaining localized air superiority and executing missile defense in key areas. Through integrated intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, a kill chain will be constructed to enable coordinated long-range precision strikes by the Navy and Air Force, effectively targeting the enemy's critical landing combat assets.

(III)Littoral and Coastal Combat:

In this phase, the scenario envisions a PLA landing operation. The tri-service forces will be task-organized to jointly execute key actions such as littoral strikes, close-to-shore defense, anti-airborne and anti-air assault operations, firepower concentration on critical zones, and urban-rural area defense. This phase is designed to evaluate the overall effectiveness of joint operational execution.

(IV)In-Depth Defense:

As PLA ground forces continue to advance inland, each defense zone on the main island will leverage the urban terrain and geographic advantages of the interior to establish layered obstacles. Operations will include counter-intelligence support denial, successive resistance maneuvers, and sustained joint fires against penetrating enemy forces, port and airfield offload units, and follow-on amphibious groups. This phase examines the effectiveness of multi-level in-depth defense deployments.

(V)Prolonged Warfare:

The R.O.C. Armed Forces will ensure the security of critical areas through garrison operations and core defense strategies. Concurrently, civilian agencies will lead the "2025 Urban Resilience (Air Defense) Exercise," which will focus on key subjects such as protection of critical infrastructure, air defense and evacuation procedures, disaster response, combat casualty care, and civilian sheltering. These efforts aim to strengthen the overall resilience of national defense and civil society.



IV.Key Focus Areas of the Exercise

The exercise this year builds upon the experience gained from the live-fire the Han Kuang 40 Exercise. In addition to the continued evaluation of decentralized operations, integrated logistics support, continuity and synchronization principles, and rules of engagement, the following key focus areas will be reinforced:

(I)Rapid Crisis Decision-Making Procedures

By issuing ad hoc battlefield scenarios, commanders and staff organizations are prompted to activate rapid decision-making procedures. This is aimed at seizing operational opportunities and issuing timely directives to meet the demands of actual combat conditions.

(II)Enhancing Joint Action Synchronization Effectiveness

The exercise will assess critical joint actions in the defense of Taiwan and the Penghu Islands. It will clarify the support and supported relationships among different force elements and use a joint action synchronization matrix to guide mission-organized units in executing coordinated and unified operations, thereby strengthening joint operational effectiveness.

(III)Building Resilient, Dispersed Backup Capabilities

In response to the risks posed by PLA infiltration, sabotage, and joint fire strikes targeting Taiwan's critical military capabilities, all force levels will implement force protection measures including dispersed deployments, multiple location options, and information signature management. Additionally, units will improve their command and control and battlefield survivability through continuous mobility and agile contingency mechanisms.

(IV)Realistic Combat Scenario Simulations

All services will design training tasks based on current personnel and equipment status, while referencing enemy and friendly combat power data from the April computer-assisted war game. Auxiliary scenarios will be introduced throughout each operational phase to train commanders and staff at all levels in analyzing threats, managing force attrition and combat losses, and executing force regeneration or adaptive contingency planssimulating real battlefield conditions.

(V)Enhancing Mobilization and Force Regeneration Effectiveness

This year's "Tung-Hsin 35 Exercise" is integrated with the live-fire training schedule. Both original and expanded mobilized units will undergo a 14-day recall convocation from July 5 to July 18. These mobilized forces are categorized as garrison or reserve units, aiming to realistically assess the time required to regenerate reserve combat capabilities. The exercise will primarily involve the 206th Infantry Brigade to validate brigade-level mobilization effectiveness.

(VI)Civil-Military Integration and Coordination

Leveraging the Armed Forces' joint operations mechanism in conjunction with local Joint Emergency Response Centers, the exercise will further refine civil-military coordination procedures. Exercises will cover key integration areas such as establishing denial zones and counter-intelligence support denial authorization, protection of critical infrastructure, and shared medical resources across military, public, and private sectors. All exercises aimed at strengthening national defense awareness across the population.

(VII)Military Action Authorization Mechanisms

To enable the services to seize early advantages in combat readiness and deployment, clear definitions will be established for the timing and levels of authorization for various military actions. This ensures that support and supported units can carry out decentralized operations in line with mission objectives, even in situations where command and control are disrupted or the battlefield environment becomes complex.

(VIII)Legal Support for Military Operations

To ensure all military actions comply with both international and domestic laws, the exercise will emphasize the importance of integrating legal considerations into operational planning. This includes reinforcing adherence to the laws of armed conflict across all levels of command, and ensuring that commanders maintain legal legitimacy when responding to threats or during armed conflict scenarios.

V.Conclusion

"If you wish for peace, be prepared for war." The R.O.C. Armed Forces will leverage the lessons learned from this exercise to continue advancing organizational reforms, acquiring weapons systems, and enhancing combat readiness. These efforts aim to improve the success rate of defensive operations and demonstrate Taiwan's resolve and capability in self-defense through concrete action.



2025 Urban Resilience (Air Defense) Exercises

On July 1, the Ministry of National Defense, in its capacity as the secretariat for the Executive Yuan's All-Out Defense Mobilization Readiness Council, held a press conference to brief the public on the 2025 Urban Resilience (Air Defense) Exercises. The briefing included information on the exercise schedule, locations, and control measures across regions to ensure nationwide public awareness and cooperation, and to familiarize citizens with emergency response procedures during air raids.

The 2025 Urban Resilience (Air Defense) Exercises is scheduled to take place from July 15 to July 18, 2025, and will follow a "regionally staggered" format. The exercises will be conducted sequentially across central, southern, northern, eastern, and outlying island regions. The detailed schedule is outlined in Appendix 1.

On the exercises day in each region, air raid alarms, evacuation, and traffic control measures will be conducted from 13:30 to 14:00 (or 10:00 to 10:30 for the eastern and outlying island regions). After the all-clear is issued, local governments and participating civil defense teams will carry out exercises involving relief stations, first-aid stations, and disaster rescue operations, as detailed in Appendix 2.

Three key cities, Taipei City, Taichung City, and Tainan City, will conduct enhanced versions of the Urban Resilience Exercises. These integrated exercises will combine All-Out Defense Mobilization, Air Defense, and Critical Infrastructure Protection components. The 10-day and 9-night Han Kuang Exercise will be condensed into a single-day simulation, incorporating wargaming, air defense, and comprehensive practical drills. This aims to further strengthen the emergency response capabilities of local governments (see Appendix 3).

Each local government will select three townships (towns, cities, or districts) to conduct focused verification of civilian entry into air raid shelters, emphasizing areas such as public transportation, consumer/lifestyle zones, and government/institutional facilities. The selected key verification areas for each locality are listed in Appendix 4.

Guidelines and summaries for the public transportation, consumer/lifestyle, and institutional categories are provided in Appendix 5.

On the day of the exercises, the Civil Defense Controle Centers in local police departments will issue air raid warnings. These alerts will be broadcast using TV stations, radio stations, village and neighborhood networks, schools, and police patrol vehicles to maximize public awareness and coverage.

In addition, the Air Threat Alert System will send mobile phone alerts, which include a link to maps showing the locations of air raid shelters for easy access and use by the public. The content of these alerts is detailed in Appendix 6.

Drivers hearing the air raid alarm should remain calm and comply with traffic control instructions from police and civil defense personnel. Do not violate traffic regulations.

Vehicles passing through designated key verification areas should pull over to a safe location and occupants should disembark and seek nearby air raid shelters, or follow guidance from authorities.

Upon hearing an air raid alarm, please firstly to enter the nearest air raid shelter. If none are nearby, individuals should seek sturdy indoor locations away from windows and follow the "Two-Wall Principle."

All government agencies, military units, schools, organizations, companies, industrial facilities, and the public within the exercising zones are expected to fully comply with all control and procedures.

Those who fail to comply with air defense exercise orders, as outlined in Article 21 of the Civil Defense Act and Article 12 of the Implementing Regulation on Air-raid Practice, may be fined between NT$30,000 and NT$150,000, according to Article 25 of the Civil Defense Act.

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First of second batch of indigenous stealth missile corvettes launched: Source

ROC Central News Agency

07/03/2025 05:40 PM

Taipei, July 3 (CNA) The first of the remaining five Tuo Chiang-class stealth missile corvettes being domestically built for the Navy was officially launched in a ceremony presided over by Navy Commander Admiral Tang Hua () on Wednesday, according to an anonymous military source.

The Dan Chiang (, PGG-627) was launched in a ceremony that was closed to the press, with the newly constructed ship officially entering the water for the first time. The vessel was also christened, according to the source.

The corvette, named after Danda River () in central Nantou County, is expected to be delivered to Taiwan's Navy next year after further trials, the unnamed source added.

The Tuo Chiang-class corvette is a domestically designed and manufactured class of fast and stealthy multipurpose corvette built for the Navy.

In addition to the prototype -- the Tuo Chiang (, PGG-618), which was commissioned in 2015 -- the first batch consisting of six corvettes have all delivered to the Navy and entered service.

The Dan Chiang is the first of the second batch of five corvettes that will be delivered to the Navy, which will have 11 Tuo Chiang-class corvettes by the end of 2026.

The Tuo Chiang-class corvette, which has a wave-piercing catamaran design and is 60.4m long and 14m wide, has a top speed of 30 knots (55.6kph) and a range of 1,800 nautical miles (3,334km), the navy says.

The corvette is fitted with subsonic Hsiung Feng II (, "Brave Wind II") missiles, supersonic Hsiung Feng III (, "Brave Wind III") anti-ship missiles, a 76mm cannon and Hai Chien II (, "Sea Sword II") carrier-based medium-range air defense missiles, enabling it to hit air and sea targets simultaneously, according to the Navy.

(By Wu Shu-wei and Joseph Yeh)

Enditem/AW

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U.S. experts laud changes to Taiwan's upcoming Han Kuang drills

ROC Central News Agency

07/03/2025 02:38 PM

Washington, July 2 (CNA) Taiwan's increased focus on gray zone threats and its lengthening of the annual Han Kuang military drills' live-fire portion to 10 days have been praised by two American defense experts.

"Taiwan is on the right track to contribute to deterrence and should continue apace with heightened urgency and resources," Ely Ratner, a former assistant secretary for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs at the Pentagon, told CNA Wednesday.

Ratner, now a senior advisor to the Washington-based consulting firm, Clarion Strategies, said the changes to the annual large-scale Han Kuang exercises "reflect an important ongoing evolution in the strengthening of Taiwan's defenses and resilience."

Meanwhile, John Dotson, director of the Washington-based Global Taiwan Institute, said that the changes meant this year's exercises would be "less scripted," allowing for "a bit more spontaneity, and the confusion that comes with actual warfare."

Dotson said that in the past years, Han Kuang has largely been "a performance" that is "highly scripted, and more of a public relations project than a meaningful military exercise."

Now it seems that Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) is finally willing to take some "positive steps" in the "right direction," the former U.S. Navy officer told CNA in an email.

"Learning to adapt to disruption and chaos is a valuable training benefit of less scripted exercises," he said.

Doston added that it would also "be interesting to see how the exercise planners balance the traditional invasion scenario with the reported focus on countering gray zone pressure."

The MND announced on Tuesday that the live-fire portion of this year's Han Kuang military exercises would be 10 days, twice as long as previous drills, and would have an added focus on China's "gray zone" tactics -- coercive actions that fall short of open conflict.

According to Major General Tung Chi-hsing (), director of the MND joint operations planning division, 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.

The annual Han Kuang exercises, which have served as Taiwan's major war games since 1984, consist of live-fire drills and computerized tabletop war games.

The drills aim to test Taiwan's combat readiness in the face of a possible Chinese invasion.

This year's tabletop war games were conducted from April 5-18.

(By Elaine Hou, Wu Shu-wei and Joseph Yeh)

Enditem/ASG

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PKK in Iraq begins arms surrender after decades of conflict with Turkey

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 03 July 2025 2:41 PM

The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militant group has announced that its members in Iraq's northern semi-autonomous Kurdistan region will commence the process of surrendering their weapons, marking the initial tangible move towards disarmament within the framework of a peace initiative.

"A group of guerrilla fighters will come down from the mountains and will bid farewell to their arms in an effort to declare their goodwill for peace and democratic politics," the PKK said in a statement on Thursday.

The ceremony, which is expected to take place between July 10 and July 12 in the city of Sulaymaniyah, will be the first concrete move toward disarmament.

An official from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), who spoke on condition of anonymity, indicated that approximately 40 members of the PKK are anticipated to surrender their light arms to the regional administration.

The Iraqi Kurdish region is primarily controlled by two political parties: the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). The KDP manages the regional capital, Erbil, along with the city of Dohuk. Meanwhile, the PUK is responsible for the governance of Sulaymaniyah.

The KDP maintains positive relations with Turkey and has had conflicts with the PKK, whereas the PUK has a closer association with the PKK.

On Monday, Omer Celik, who serves as a spokesperson for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Justice and Development Party (AKP), stated that the PKK might commence the handover of arms "within days," although he did not offer any specifics.

Celik added that the Turkish leader would meet with members of the pro-Kurdish party next week to discuss the peace effort.

Last year, the Iraqi government in Baghdad declared an official prohibition on the separatist group, which has long been banned in Turkey.

On May 12, the PKK, founded in the late 1970s by Abdullah Ocalan, adopted a decision to disarm and disband.

The historic decision came after Ocalan called on his Kurdish group to lay down arms and dissolve in order to end four decades of conflict, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives.

In a message from his prison on an island off Istanbul, Ocalan said that the PKK should hold a congress and decide to disband. Now 75, Ocalan has been held in solitary confinement since 1999 on Imrali prison island.

Erdogan hailed the move as an "important decision for maintaining peace and fraternity" in the country.

The PKK decision was also welcomed by top officials in Syria and Iraq, as well as the European Union and the United Nations.

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Remarks by President Antonio Costa at the joint press conference following the meeting with Prime Minister Frederiksen, President von der Leyen and President Zelenskyy in Aarhus (Denmark)

European Council / Council of the European Union

European Council

Statements and remarks

3 July 2025 17:30

It is a pleasure to be here in Aarhus, to launch the Danish presidency of the Council. Let me start by wishing you, Mette, all the best for this presidency. Denmark has shown unwavering support to Ukraine from day one. You personally have set an example for strong leadership in Europe and to the world.

As you rightly said, Ukraine's fight for freedom is also our fight for freedom. First, the Russian invasion of Ukraine remains a major threat to global peace. Because this invasion is undermining the international rules based order. Because Russia is an intercontinental country, threatening not only Europe, but also the Pacific region, and because Russia is acting in coalition with countries like North Korea or Iran.

Second, a just and lasting peace is urgent for global security. I am deeply disappointed that Russia is not engaging with the efforts of President Trump to achieve a just and lasting peace. While President Zelenskyy has already agreed on an unconditional ceasefire, Russia not only hasn't agreed, but even increased the intensity of their aggression to Ukraine.

From our part we will continue to give full support to Ukraine. Member states have committed an additional 24 billion of military support since the beginning of this year, and now the European Commission offered all member states more fiscal space to increase their support - and this support counts for the new NATO targets.

On the other hand, we will continue to put pressure on Russia through sanctions. Last week we prolonged all our sanctions for another six months and the 18th package of sanctions is underway.

Finally, we are looking forward to our common future, with Ukraine as a full member of the European Union. I am very happy with the recent assessment of the European Commission about your impressive work to deliver on reforms in such a difficult situation and for sure we have reached the conditions to move forward with the ongoing negotiation process to the accession to the European Union.

Thank you.

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New purchases of defence materiel to Ukraine

Government Offices of Sweden

Press release from Ministry of Defence

Published 03 July 2025

The Swedish Government has taken a supplementary decision on procurement of approximately SEK 1.5 billion in defence materiel to support Ukraine. This includes at least 10 new gun barrels for the previously donated Archer artillery system, long-range strike capability, underwater systems and logistics equipment.

The decision implements parts of support packages 18 and 19 to Ukraine, which were previously communicated.

"This decision puts pressure on Russia's invading troops on the ground, underwater and in the air. It will also allow Ukraine to continue using the Swedish Archer system that has performed well on the battlefield," says Minister for Defence Pal Jonson.

New gun barrels for the Archer system

Artillery warfare in Ukraine is extremely intensive and gun barrels have rapidly been worn out. Ukraine has requested new gun barrels for the eight Archer systems that have been in active use for a long time.

Today's decision means that the Defence Materiel Administration can expand the existing order of gun barrels that are already in production for the new Archer systems that have been purchased for Ukraine and Sweden. More than 10 barrels will be sent to Ukraine.

Underwater systems and long-range capability

The Government has also decided to support Ukraine with certain underwater systems and long-range strike capability. This will take place through expanded orders of materiel included in previous support packages and procurement of existing high-performance materiel that is needed in Ukraine.

Logistics package

Ukraine's military forces have a need for effective transport and handling of heavy goods. The Swedish Government has therefore decided to donate a logistics package that includes a large number of trucks and wheel loaders procured through the Defence Materiel Administration's framework agreements with Volvo and Scania. The package also includes an innovative system for faster loading and unloading of containers.

Unloading of containers takes time and requires access to specific infrastructure and equipment, such as cranes and wheel loaders. The warfare in Ukraine instead requires the ability to quickly unload containers in terrain with limited space in order to avoid being attacked by artillery and drones.

The Government therefore intends to purchase an innovative system for handling containers. This involves a Swedish side-lift system that allows swift and simple handling of both containers and other loads such as combat vehicles. This system can be adapted to terrain conditions and allows for better handling of special-purpose containers for health care and maintenance, for example. The system will now be tested in Ukraine in active conditions and help design tactical concepts for logistics units.

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DFNC2: German Edition. Ukraine and Germany enhance defense partnership

Ukraine Government

Ministry for Strategic Industries of Ukraine, posted 03 July 2025 12:43

The German-Ukrainian Defense Industry Session DFNC2: German Edition took place in Kyiv for the second time. The event was organized by the Ministry for Strategic Industries, the Ukrainian Council of Defense Industry and the Federation of German Industries (BDI). The main goal of the event was to bring together German and Ukrainian companies to strengthen existing ties and find new promising ways of cooperation.

The event brought together representatives of 17 German defense companies and three associations, as well as more than 70 Ukrainian companies and associations. The event was also attended by representatives of the governments of the two countries.

Germany is a strategic partner for Ukraine's defense industry, said Minister for Strategic Industries Herman Smetanin. Three joint ventures between Ukrainian and German companies have been established in Ukraine. There are also successful cases of joint projects in the field of missile weapons, artillery, UAVs, air defense and other types of weapons. There are local offices and representative offices. Therefore, one of the topics for discussion was the exchange of cooperation experience, problems and ways to deepen the partnership.

"I am sincerely grateful to the representatives of the German defense industry for your interest in cooperation with the Ukrainian defense industry and for your real involvement in this process. We are already witnessing high results of this cooperation, and a number of projects are under development. We are eager to deepen our cooperation and expand our partnership with the German defense industry. This is the goal of the Second German-Ukrainian Defense Industry Session. I thank everyone who made this possible. I thank the representatives of the German Government and German industry for your visit, your support and cooperation. I am glad that the Ukrainian defense industry has such a strong partner," said Herman Smetanin.

"To win this war - in military, economic and technological terms - we need new forms of cooperation. Faster decision-making. Shorter development cycles. Shared risks and joint innovations. Ukrainian companies have demonstrated extraordinary resilience, ingenuity and determination. German companies have deep industrial capabilities, experience and scale. Together, we can create something more - not only for today's needs, but also for tomorrow's European defense architecture," said Matthias Wachter, Head of the Department of International Cooperation, Security, Defence, and Space Policy of the Federation of German Industries.

In the framework of the event, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Federation of German Industries (BDI) and the Ukrainian Council of Defense Industry. The parties agreed to create a joint platform for the development of partnership between defense companies of Germany and Ukraine. The document is aimed at exchanging information, supporting cooperation, organizing joint projects and research, developing technologies and strengthening ties between business and government agencies of both countries to enhance security capabilities.

The discussions and documents' signings were followed by a B2B session, during which representatives of the companies discussed potential partnerships, promising areas of cooperation, and ways to overcome challenges.



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OSCE Ambassadors reaffirm unwavering support to Ukraine during visit to Kyiv

OSCE | Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

KYIV 3 July 2025

KYIV, 3 JULY 2025 -- A delegation of Ambassadors from OSCE participating States concluded a visit to Kyiv yesterday, reaffirming their steadfast support for Ukraine amid Russia's ongoing war of aggression. Co-hosted by the Finnish OSCE Chairpersonship and the Special Representative of the Chairperson-in-Office-OSCE Project Coordinator in Ukraine, Ambassador Petr Mares, this was the first visit of its kind since 2018.

The delegation, which included representatives from Austria, Canada, Czechia, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Norway, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland and Ukraine, strongly condemned Russia's continued attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure across Ukraine.

"Our visit to Kyiv underscores our enduring solidarity with Ukraine and its people," said Vesa Hakkinen, Ambassador of Finland to the OSCE and Chair of the Permanent Council. "We call on Russia to immediately end its war of aggression, agree to an unconditional ceasefire, facilitate the return of deported children, and release arbitrarily detained civilians."

The Ambassadors called for the immediate release of three OSCE officials  Vadym Golda, Maksym Petrov, and Dmytro Shabanov  who have been arbitrarily detained by Russia for over three years.

The Ambassadors were welcomed by the Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha, who expressed his gratitude for the visit during this critical time. "The visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, a cornerstone of European security and OSCE principles. Russia's war of aggression gravely violates the Helsinki principles, including the inviolability of frontiers, territorial integrity, sovereignty, and the prohibition of the use of force. We must restore its strength by achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine."

The Ambassadors reaffirmed their commitment to fully leveraging the OSCE to help achieve this goal, ensure accountability, and help address Ukraine's urgent needs resulting from Russia's war of aggression, including through valuable OSCE Extra-Budgetary projects on the ground.

The delegation also met with Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa, Deputy Heads of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Brusylo and Ihor Zhovkva, engaged with key stakeholders on the issue of deported children, reinforced partnerships with civil society, and visited OSCE-supported partners working in areas such as humanitarian demining, environmental recovery, and the protection of journalists and human rights defenders. They also visited a site of Russia's recent attack on civilian infrastructure in Kyiv and paid tribute to the victims.

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Putin Tells Trump He Won't Give Up Goals In Ukraine, Kremlin Says

By RFE/RL July 03, 2025

Russian President Vladimir Putin told his US counterpart, Donald Trump, that Moscow would not give up its objectives in Ukraine, dimming White House hopes for a cease-fire in a war now in its fourth year.

During a July 3 phone call, Putin told Trump that "Russia will achieve its goals" in Ukraine and "will not abandon" them, according to Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov. Russia is seeking to conquer Ukraine and bring the independent country back into Moscow's orbit.

Trump told reporters before leaving for an event in Iowa that he and Putin discussed both Iran and Ukraine but made no progress.

The call, which lasted about an hour, was the sixth between the two leaders since Trump took office on January 20.

Trump has made ending the war in Ukraine a top foreign policy objective, launching an intense track of diplomacy with Kyiv and Moscow just weeks into his presidency.

However, the effort, which included dispatching his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, to Moscow on at least three occasions to meet with Putin, has failed so far in the face of Kremlin intransigency. Trump's proposed 30-day cease-fire, accepted by Ukraine, has been repeatedly rejected by the Russian leader.

Putin believes he is winning the war and therefore has little incentive to negotiate now, experts say. Russia's troops continue to advance on the battlefield in eastern Ukraine, albeit at extraordinary human and material costs.

In their most significant advance of the year, Russian forces last month coupled territorial gains with the fiercest aerial assaults since the war began on February 24, 2022.

Aid Halt

Trump's call with Putin came a day after the White House confirmed that it had halted some weapons supplies to Ukraine, saying it was running low on stock. Russia had been demanding that Ukraine's Western partners end military aid to Ukraine as part of any cease-fire agreement.

In his comments before departing Washington for Iowa, Trump denied that the United States has stopped sending arms to Ukraine.

"We haven't," he said. "We are giving weapons, but we've given so many weapons.... We are giving weapons and we are working with them to try to help them. We have to make sure that we have enough for ourselves."

The pause in deliveries affects air defense missiles, precision-guided artillery, and other equipment, according to US media reports.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat-New Hampshire), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in a July 3 statement that the Senate, on a bipartisan basis, "was shocked" by the halt in aid and is seeking to reverse the administration's decision. Ukraine has traditionally enjoyed widespread bipartisan support in Congress.

Shaheen said the contents of the call showed that Putin continued to "play" Trump.

Mikhail Alexseev, a political science professor at San Diego State University, told RFE/RL that the July 3 call confirmed that Putin is not willing to compromise on the issue of Ukraine.

"Moscow's position just remains entrenched, and in some ways, indeed tougher," he said, pointing to Putin's recent comments at a conference in St. Petersburg dismissing Ukrainians as a people distinct from Russians.

"In their thinking, they see Trump abandoning Ukraine. And if he does, they don't have any incentive to stop the fighting, and they can become just more insistent on achieving their initial objectives," Alexseev said.

"The only way to actually bring Russia seriously to negotiating table is to provide Ukraine with more support so that Russia doesn't see a way to win this conflict militarily," he said.

It is a view shared by many experts as well as US, European, and Ukrainian officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly called on the United States to send more weapons and impose greater sanctions on Russia to force Moscow to the negotiating table.

Since taking the office, Trump has not approved any new weapons deliveries for Ukraine nor imposed any new sanctions on Russia. His administration has also relaxed enforcement, experts say. Trump countered that imposing sanctions on Russia would hurt peace negotiations.

Trump will hold a call with Zelenskyy on July 4 with the halt in military aid to be a top talking point.

Ushakov claimed the issue of US aid to Ukraine was not raised during Trump's call with Putin. He added that Putin told Trump during the call that Russia was still interested in a "negotiated solution" to the war.

Russian and Ukrainian officials held peace talks this year for the first time since the beginning of the war but made little progress as both sides are still far apart.

The Kremlin wants Ukraine to surrender territory, demilitarize, and reject NATO membership aspirations -- demands that cross its red lines.

Experts say that Putin is continuing to claim support to the idea of peace talks to appease Trump who has staked a lot on reaching a deal.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/putin-trump-call-ukraine-russia- war/33463336.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Zelenskyy Announces US-Ukraine Drone Production Amid Reports Of Halt In Arms Deliveries

By RFE/RL and RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service July 03, 2025

Ukraine's president announced a landmark agreement with a US company founded by a former Google executive to jointly produce drones, including interceptors, as Kyiv seeks to boost its defense capabilities in the face of mounting Russian air attacks and waning support from the Trump administration.

"An agreement has been signed with the strong American company Swift Beat," Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted on his official Telegram channel as he began a visit to Denmark on July 3. "We are talking about hundreds of thousands of drones already this year and the possibility of significantly scaling up production next year."

Swift Beat was founded by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, who joined in a signing ceremony with Zelenskyy and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.

The company, which Zelenskyy's office said already has a significant presence in Ukraine, specializes in AI-powered drones and has already collaborated with Ukrainian engineers and military officials.

The company could not be immediately reached for comment.

The announcement comes as the Financial Times reported Zelenskyy is set for a phone call with US President Donald Trump on July 4, where the two leaders are expected to discuss Washington's reported suspension of certain key weapons deliveries to Ukraine.

Sources familiar with the situation told the newspaper that the suspension affects Patriot interceptor missiles, Stinger MANPADS, precision artillery shells, over 100 Hellfire missiles, and AIM-series air-to-air missiles.

Meanwhile Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump were also set to hold a phone call July 3, their first publicly announced call in more than two weeks.

Ukraine's Defense Ministry said it had not received official notifications from Washington about changes to defense aid. Still, it confirmed it had requested a phone conversation with US counterparts "to clarify details."

Kyiv summoned the top US diplomat in Kyiv, John Hinkel, on July 2 to express concerns over the pause.

European allies have reacted with alarm.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned Ukraine "cannot do without partner support in the short term" and called for a "measured but firm" approach to sustaining aid. Poland's defense chief, Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, described Washington's decision as "regrettable" and stressed that supporting Ukraine was "in Poland's national interest."

The Kremlin, by contrast, welcomed the reports.

"The fewer weapons sent to Ukraine, the sooner the special military operation will end," Kremlin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on July 2, echoing Moscow's longstanding position.

Zelenskyy's visit to Denmark will include further talks on joint defense production and other measures to strengthen Ukraine's ability to withstand Russian attacks.

"It's a serious setback for Ukraine, for Europe, and for NATO if the US scales back on support for Kyiv," Danish PM Mette Frederiksen said.

"I see no sign that Putin wants peace and I do not trust for a second that Putin intends to stop with Ukraine," Frederiksen stressed.

Neither the White House nor Zelenskyy's office formally confirmed the timing of the Trump call, which the FT said could still shift.

Meanwhile, a pilot who was killed when his US-made F-16 fighter plane crashed near the Russian border was buried in Kyiv on July 3.

Maksym Ustymenko's plane went down near the Sumy region on June 29 after reportedly shooting down seven Shahed kamikaze drones.

He is Ukraine's third F-16 pilot to have been lost while fighting off Russian attacks.

With reporting by The Financial Times

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/zelenskyy-drones-us-ukraine- production-arms-deliveries-trump-weapons/33463099.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Ranking Member Shaheen Statement on Trump-Putin Phone Call

Senate Foreign Relations Committee

July 03, 2025

WASHINGTON -- Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement on President Trump's first call with Putin after the U.S. pause in munitions shipments to Ukraine:

"President Trump promised an end to the war in Ukraine on Day One of his Administration, and nearly six months later it is clear that he continues to be played by President Putin, as evidenced by today's call. For the sake of innocent Ukrainians dying on a daily basis, it's time for President Trump to get tough on Russia and finally bring Putin to the negotiating table.

"That starts by reversing Secretary Hegseth and Under Secretary Colby's unilateral and short-sighted decision to withhold from Ukraine the air defense systems it needs to protect its cities from the endless barrages of Russian missiles and drone attacks. The Senate, on a bipartisan basis, was shocked to learn that the Pentagon stopped munitions already on their way to defend innocent Ukrainians from Russia's escalation. I am working with Republican colleagues to get these much-needed weapons to Ukraine as soon as possible. President Trump must also end the non-enforcement of existing sanctions and signal support for the veto-proof Graham-Blumenthal sanctions package, which currently has 82 co-sponsors in the Senate. President Trump cannot be seen as weak and naive by Putinthis will only invite more aggression from Russia and embolden other adversaries like China. When is President Trump going to finally wake up to reality?"

###

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Russian Forces Take Control of Melovoye in Kharkov Region, Razino in DPR - Defense Ministry

Sputnik News

20250703

MOSCOW, July 3 (Sputnik) - The Russian armed forces have taken control of the settlement of Melovoye in the Kharkov region, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Thursday.

"As a result of decisive actions by the Russian troops, the settlements of Melovoye in the Kharkov region have been liberated," the ministry said in a statement, adding that at the same time, in the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), the Tsentr Battlegroup has taken control of the Razino settlement.

Russia's Tsentr Battlegroup has eliminated up to 440 Ukrainian soldiers over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry added.

"The losses of the Ukrainian armed forces amounted to 440 servicepeople, a US-made HMMWV armored combat vehicle, six vehicles and two field artillery pieces," the ministry said in a statement.

The Zapad group of forces has eliminated up to 230 Ukrainian soldiers, while the Sever group has eliminated more than 240 soldiers over the given period, the ministry added.

 Sputnik

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Russian Forces Take Control of Melovoye in Kharkov Ukraine Claims All US Weapon Supplies Halted - Reports, Razino in DPR - Defense Ministry

Sputnik News

20250703

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Ukraine has stopped receiving any military supplies from the US, including shells and spare parts, the Economist has reported, citing Ukrainian officials.

Ukrainian officials believe that the administration of US President Donald Trump tries to push Ukraine for political concessions by halting the supplies, the media said. Since January, Trump has not made any new commitments regarding weapons for Ukraine, it recalled.

On Tuesday, US media reported that the Pentagon paused deliveries of certain air defense missiles and precision munitions to Ukraine over concerns that the US's own stock was running critically low. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly confirmed the halt in supplies to NBC News, stating that the decision prioritized US interests.

On Wednesday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the fewer weapons were supplied to Kiev the sooner the special military operation would end.

Russia has repeatedly said that Western arms supplies to Ukraine hinder the resolution of the military conflict and make NATO countries a party to the crisis. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has warned that any cargo containing weapons for Ukraine will be a legitimate target for the Russian military.

 Sputnik

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Huge aerial attacks on civilians and inflammatory remarks show us Moscow is not serious about peace: UK statement to the OSCE

UK Charge d'Affaires, Deputy Ambassador James Ford, condemns Russia's intensification of attacks against civilians in Ukraine, including its largest aerial assault of the war. This and inflammatory comments that run counter to Russia's international commitments are further evidence that Moscow is still not serious about peace.

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and James Ford

Published 3 July 2025

Location: Vienna

Delivered on: 3 July 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)



Thank you, Madam Chair. It is now nearly four months since Ukraine agreed to the US proposal for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. By contrast, Russia has not only refused to accept the proposal but has continued to intensify its attacks against Ukraine.

In fact, since direct talks began on 16 May, Russia has launched its biggest aerial attacks of the war. It broke its shameful records again at the start of this week, when it launched more than 500 aerial weapons at Ukraine.

As well as being the most intense aerial attacks of the war, these recent assaults have also been among the most deadly for Ukraine's innocent civilians. The attack on the Dnipro region on 24 June killed 20 civilians, left more than 270 others wounded and damaged schools and hospitals. And the horrific attack against Kyiv on 16-17 June, which destroyed a civilian residential building, killed 30 civilians and left a further 172 people injured. This was the second deadliest attack on Kyiv since the full-scale invasion began. So far in 2025, Russian attacks have killed more than 1000 civilians in Ukraine.

These are not the actions of a government that is serious about peace. They are the actions of those who believe they can take advantage while the world is distracted by events elsewhere. It is our collective responsibility here to dispel this notion, to remind them that the world is watching and to ensure that Moscow understands that there will be a cost for frustrating peace and attacking innocent civilians.

Madam Chair, when it comes to peace, we have learnt to assess Russia's actions rather than Russian rhetoric. But if we needed further evidence that Moscow is not currently serious about compromise or ending the war, we can look at the recent comments made by the President of the Russian Federation, as our Ukrainian colleague also highlighted.

On 18 June he said that, if Ukraine did not agree to Russia's terms, "we will achieve our goals by military means." On 20 June he said that "the Russian and Ukrainian peoples are essentially one people. In that sense, we see Ukraine as ours." He also described as a long-standing principle that "wherever the foot of a Russian soldier steps is Russian land."

Clearly, such statements run directly counter to the Helsinki commitments to which we have all agreed. And, alongside the escalation in attacks against Ukrainian civilians, they underline Moscow's lack of seriousness about peace talks.

Madam Chair, as the UK - along with the vast majority of participating States here at the OSCE - we continue to call on Russia to agree to a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire to create the space for negotiations on a framework for a just and lasting peace. Regrettably, we see no evidence that Russia will engage meaningfully without further pressure to do so. We are therefore ready to act with partners to introduce new sanctions if Moscow continues to ignore these widespread calls for a ceasefire. Thank you.

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Andrii Sybiha comments on Russia's attack on Odesa port

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

03 July 2025 15:09

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "Russia brutally attacked Odesa port, deliberately striking civilian infrastructure and a foreign cargo ship. At least two people were killed and six injured, including two Syrian citizens.

This is a barbaric war crime. Russia rejects all attempts to achieve a ceasefire and advance peace. Moscow only escalates terror and must face increased pressurewithout delay.

We recently went to the Odesa port with Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany Johann Wadephul and witnessed extensive damage from such systemic strikes. This is not an isolated incident; rather, it is part of Russia's targeted campaign against Ukraine's economy and agriculture, as well as global food security and freedom of navigation.

We urge a strong international response to this barbaric strike, including clear condemnations and actions to put more pressure on the aggressor and strengthen Ukraine. Moscow must understand that such actions will not be tolerated."

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Andrii Sybiha held phone talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland Radosaw Sikorski

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

03 July 2025 13:56

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "I had a good call with my colleague Radosaw Sikorski to express my gratitude to Poland for supporting Ukraine during its EU Presidency.

We discussed further efforts to advance Ukraine's EU accession. I noted the importance of opening the negotiation clusters, in particular Cluster 1.

I also emphasized that Ukraines and Moldova's joint path to the EU is a factor of regional security and stability.

We agreed on the next concrete steps to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities and deepen our military cooperation."

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Mariana Betsa addressed the meeting with donors and Ukrainian national partners of OSCE projects in Ukraine

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

03 July 2025 11:13

On July 2, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Mariana Betsa took part in a meeting with donors and Ukrainian national partners of OSCE projects implemented by the Special Representative of the Chairpersonship-in-Office - OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine.

The main goal of the event was to outline the priority areas for Ukraine in the implementation of OSCE project activities and to improve cooperation between donors and national partners in this sphere.

In her speech, Mariana Betsa emphasized: "Since 2022, despite Russia's attempts to block the OSCE's activity in Ukraine, the Organisation has continued to implement projects, providing real support for Ukrainian people who has been resisting aggression of the Russian Federation."

Mariana Betsa highly evaluated the cooperation between the Special Representative of the Chairpersonship-in-Office - OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine, Ambassador Peter Mares and Ukrainian state authorities.

Among the priority areas of OSCE project activities, the Deputy Minister mentioned humanitarian demining; emergency response; environmental restoration; social support and psychological assistance to the most vulnerable groups of the population, such as children, women, veterans of war, and internally displaced persons.

The Deputy Minister urged representatives of the Ukrainian ministries and agencies to engage actively in cooperation with the OSCE, explicitly communicating the needs of their institutions to effectively coordinate efforts to overcome the consequences of Russian aggression.

Mariana Betsa also participated in a working meeting on the return and reintegration of Ukrainian children who were forcibly displaced and deported by Russia, as well as on ensuring a comprehensive approach to the protection and support of children's rights in Ukraine.

These events were held as part of a two-day solidarity visit to Ukraine by a delegation of Permanent Representatives of OSCE Participating States and the OSCE Secretariat under the auspices of the Finnish OSCE Chairpersonship.

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Sergiy Boyev briefed the American Foreign Policy Council delegation on the security situation in Ukraine

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

3 July, 2025, 2:09 PM EEST

First Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine Sergiy Boyev, together with a representative of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the MoD, held a briefing for the American Foreign Policy Council delegation on the security situation in Ukraine and urgent needs.

The American delegation, led by Herman Pirchner, President of the American Foreign Policy Council, arrived in Kyiv to gain a deeper understanding of the situation on the battlefield in Ukraine and the available intelligence regarding the development of russia's military-industrial complex and its cooperation with other totalitarian regimes.

"We continue to fight to achieve sustainable peace and protect independence. russia does not abandon the idea of a weak, controlled Ukraine, which is why it rejected any ceasefire proposals," emphasized Sergiy Boyev.

The First Deputy Minister drew attention to the fact that the enemy is able to increase funding for aggression through oil and gas sales. He stressed that new, tougher sanctions could force russia to make concessions.

"russia earns billions from energy sales and converts them into killings and destruction. Sanctions can weaken the aggressor's position and undermine its capacity to continue waging war," underlined Sergiy Boyev.

The Ukrainian side also expressed readiness to cooperate with U.S. defence companies.

"Ukraine is grateful to the U.S. leadership and the American people for all the assistance provided and their efforts to achieve peace. The United States remains our strategic partner, and we continue cooperating in all areas in the fight for freedom and independence," said the First Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine.

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Ukraine and Swift Beat have signed a memorandum on scaling up the production of unmanned systems

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

3 July, 2025, 3:38 PM EEST

Minister of Defence of Ukraine Rustem Umerov signed a memorandum in Denmark with Swift Beat CEO Eric Schmidt in the presence of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to scale up the production of unmanned systems for Ukraine.

"This is another important step toward our strategic goal: gaining technological superiority on the battlefield and systematically strengthening the capabilities of the Armed Forces in the air," said the Minister of Defence.

The memorandum provides for:

long-term partnership and priority supply of drones for Ukraine

large-scale production of interceptor drones, quadcopters, and strike systems

development of new solutions to counter cruise and ballistic missiles.

According to Rustem Umerov, the project envisions hundreds of thousands of drones in 2025, with production scaling up further in 2026. In particular, a significant number of Shahed-interceptor drones, which have already proven their effectiveness in Ukraine.

Importantly, deliveries will be made under special terms, at production cost.

"The mass use of drones has become one of the defining features of this war. To effectively protect our people, cities, and critical infrastructure, Ukraine is building up its own "drone arsenals" by leveraging the potential of the world's leading manufacturers. We are working to ensure that every unit has modern tools for reconnaissance, surveillance, and strike capabilities, and that our defenders receive everything they need for effective combat," emphasized Rustem Umerov.

He thanked the Swift Beat team for the partnership and willingness to move fast, as well as all other partners who help Ukraine stay strong.

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Rustem Umerov: Ukraine ready to assist defence companies and participate in joint projects

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

3 July, 2025, 11:32 AM EEST

Minister of Defence of Ukraine Rustem Umerov held a meeting in Kyiv with representatives of the German defence industry. The event was attended by more than 20 leading German companies shaping the future of European security.

"Ukraine is actively developing industrial defence projects both within the country and jointly with international partners abroad," stated Rustem Umerov.

"The scale of russian aggression continues to grow. Together with our allies, we are constantly seeking new and effective solutions to strengthen Ukraine's defence capabilities," noted the Ukrainian Minister of Defence.

During the meeting, Rustem Umerov presented key initiatives in the field of defence industry.

In particular, a project aimed at attracting investment into domestic production was discussed. Ukraine's defence industry is already capable of manufacturing up to 10 million drones per year, and with proper funding, can produce even more advanced strike systems.

The Minister of Defence also informed the participants about the initiative for joint arms production with partners in the Ramstein format, announced by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy. It envisages combining Ukrainian technologies with partner production capacities to scale up the output of everything required by the Defence Forces of Ukraine.

"Our goal is to establish effective cooperation. The state is ready to assist companies in finding partners in Ukraine and to directly participate in joint projects, including through co-investments and the creation of joint ventures," emphasised Rustem Umerov.

He outlined the priority areas where Ukraine requires support:

drones and long-range weaponry

electronic warfare and communication systems

air defence

armoured vehicles

software.

"I am grateful to the government and people of Germany, and to German companies, for their unwavering support for Ukraine. Your assistance saves lives. I am confident that ahead lie new joint projects that will strengthen both Ukraine and the whole of Europe," concluded the Minister of Defence of Ukraine.

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Volodymyr Zelenskyy: I Hope That During Denmark's Presidency, Ukraine's EU Accession Talks Will Move Forward, and the Clusters Will Finally Be Opened

President of Ukraine

3 July 2025 - 22:48

Opening negotiating clusters, strengthening sanctions against Russia, stable defense support for Ukraine, and strong cooperation between Europe and the United States - these are the expectations President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy voiced regarding Denmark's Presidency of the EU Council in his address at the gala evening marking its launch.

The Head of State congratulated Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and her government team on the start of the Presidency.

"We can be confident - this will be a time of strong and principled decisions. And that means - a time of predictability. Predictability has become a rare thing these days. But Denmark is the country that leaves no room for doubt," the President emphasized.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed the importance of reaching all shared goals over the next six months. According to him, the EU must be strong and live up to its promises.

"I hope that during Denmark's Presidency, the EU accession negotiations with Ukraine will move forward, and the clusters will finally be opened," the Head of State said.

Among the key goals, the President also named the introduction of tougher sanctions against Russia, lowering the price cap on Russian oil, putting an end to all supplies to Russia of anything used for weapons production, and creating an effective international platform to monitor dual-use exports.

"And we need to cut off Putin and his buddies from money. As long as Russian banks can still operate in Europe and other key parts of the world - Russia keeps ignoring diplomacy. We must push it back toward diplomacy," Volodymyr Zelenskyy added.

The Head of State emphasized the need to ensure stable defense support for Ukraine, build up Europe's defense industry, and do everything to preserve strong cooperation between Europe and the United States.

"Yes, Europe should rely more on itself - especially when it comes to defense and protecting our people. But it's always better to be in an alliance than in disagreement. So the next 6 months should bring real progress - to protect our partnerships and make our cooperation stronger," the President concluded.



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President's Address to the Participants of the Gala Dinner Marking the Start of Denmark's Presidency of the EU Council

President of Ukraine

3 July 2025 - 22:36

Thank you very much!

Your Majesties, thank you so much!

And dear Mette, my friend, thank you so much for the invitation to such a beautiful city!

Such a strong people - thank you for your support! Thanks!

And, of course, dear Ursula, dear Antonio, all our friends, colleagues!

Once again, congratulations to Denmark - our close friend - and to you personally, Mette, along with your team, as Denmark begins its Presidency of the EU Council. We can be confident - this will be a time of strong and principled decisions. And that means - a time of predictability. Predictability has become a rare thing these days. But Denmark is the country that leaves no room for doubt. It's a country, and a people, we can rely on. Denmark brings a sense of predictability. You keep your promises, and together we achieve meaningful results. Thank you for that. And I also want to thank our friends leading the EU institutions - Antonio and Ursula. Even on such symbolic days like the start of the Presidency, we don't stop at symbolism - we make real decisions. It's important. We talked about how important it is to close the gaps in defense funding. We're working to get real results from our joint defense programs. And we're getting things ready so the EU can keep its promises. Ukraine is ready - ready to open the accession clusters, ready to move forward with the negotiations, and ready for decisions that benefit both sides. Thank you for your support.

Ladies and gentlemen,

We in Ukraine created a special national award - for children. I told this story today to Mette. It's for boys and girls who have shown bravery during Russian attacks, or helped in other dangerous situations, volunteered, or shown civic leadership. The award is called "The Future of Ukraine," and truly our future depends on whether we can raise children who care, who are not indifferent to others, who are willing to help. As this visit began, I had the honor of presenting this award to a boy who lives here in Denmark. He's a Danish citizen. His name is Jens, and he's just 11 years old - like my son. He's 11, but his kindness and care have already made a difference - and inspired many adults. Jens made Easter crafts in blue and yellow - Ukraine's national colors - sold them, and bought backpacks to send to Ukrainian children who need - really need - help. It was deeply moving. But if you think about it, this was also deeply political: wanting to help, to support others, to not stay on the sidelines in a time of war - that's a powerful message in itself. And this is exactly the kind of message that lies at the heart of the European Union, at the heart of our unity.

We are united. And we work together. And our Europe needs the EU - for mutual support, for shared protection, and for the very values shown by Jens, by you, and by millions of Europeans every day: compassion, sincerity, and the will to help someone in need - even if that person is far from your home. And we must not forget this. All our European institutions, all our agreements, all our cooperation and joint work for security - it's all built around this idea - that Europeans care for one another and act like human beings in the fullest sense of the word.

This is why we need the European Union.

And this is why we must defend Europe - not only from outside enemies, but also from those inside who try to replace solidarity with division, and compassion with a cold disregard for anyone but themselves.

Dear friends,

The next 6 months of Denmark's EU Presidency will go by fast - time always flies. The most important thing is that we achieve what we all truly want.

First, we need to protect the EU from those who are trying to break it apart - often for personal and corrupt reasons. The EU must stay strong, because it gives strength to every European nation in global competition. And the EU must keep its promises - especially when it comes to enlargement. And I hope that during Denmark's Presidency, the EU accession negotiations with Ukraine will move forward, and the clusters will finally be opened.

Second, we all understand that Russia is not just some dangerous neighbor, that much is obvious. It's something more deliberate - an anti-European project. Everyone in Europe can clearly see this - Russia invests in everything that goes against our European way of life. That's why we must not let them win - not in this war, and not in any part of our future. We need biting sanctions against Russia. We need steady defense support for Ukraine. We need to build up Europe's own defense industry - so that Russia cannot outmatch us in any area. All of this is vital for keeping Europe safe. And we have to keep putting pressure on Russia - to make them stop the war, respect their neighbors, and choose peace. As long as Russia gets a high price for its oil - it keeps fighting. That's why we need a strict price cap. As long as Russia finds ways to buy parts and equipment for weapons - it keeps killing. That's why we need a full stop to all supplies to Russia of anything that is - or could be - used for making weapons. It is high time we established an efficient international platform to control dual-use exports - and it could be one of achievements of the Danish Presidency, we can work on it together. And we need to cut off Putin and his buddies from money. As long as Russian banks can still operate in Europe and other key parts of the world - Russia keeps ignoring diplomacy. We must push it back toward diplomacy.

Third - even if it's not easy - we must do everything we can to keep cooperation between Europe and the United States strong. Yes, Europe should rely more on itself - especially when it comes to defense and protecting our people. But it's always better to be in an alliance than in disagreement. So the next 6 months should bring real progress - to protect our partnerships and make our cooperation stronger.

No matter what anyone says, Europe is and will stay one of the world's strongest players and a leader in human rights. Europe must also become a global leader in technology - especially in defense technologies. That's a key goal. And most importantly, Europe must be a continent of peace. Let's use the next 6 months to make the right decisions - especially for that.

Thank you!

Glory to Ukraine!





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Volodymyr Zelenskyy Holds Joint Meeting with Prime Minister of Denmark, President of the European Council, and President of the European Commission

President of Ukraine

3 July 2025 - 21:07

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen, President of the European Council Antonio Costa, and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen to mark the beginning of Denmark's Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

"I wish Denmark a strong and very successful Presidency of the EU Council. Our first goal is to put maximum pressure on Russia to stop this war. This pressure means building up our defense and keeping tough sanctions on Russia. We are working hard on both. I want to thank Denmark, the vast majority of EU countries, and the European institutions," the Head of State said.

The meeting focused on expectations from Denmark's Presidency - primarily, the opening of Ukraine's EU accession negotiating clusters, strengthening sanctions against Russia, and continued military assistance to Ukraine, including defense funding and joint weapons production.

"Over the next six months of Denmark's Presidency, we will do everything in our power for a more powerful and a more decisive Europe - a Europe that doesn't shy away from the many dangers threatening us, a Europe rearmed and ready to defend itself, a Europe prepared for whatever may come," said Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine aims to be a full-fledged partner in European programs, including the SAFE initiative, and called for the maximum use of frozen Russian assets to invest in Ukraine's defense industry. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening coordination between the EU and the United States to find joint solutions.

"From our side, we will continue to give Ukraine full support. Since the beginning of this year, member states have committed an additional 24 billion in military support. And now, the European Commission has offered all member states more fiscal space to increase their support. This support counts toward the new NATO targets," said Antonio Costa.

The President of the European Council also highlighted the European Commission's conclusions on the reforms Ukraine has implemented during wartime.

"We have reached the conditions to move forward in the ongoing negotiation process regarding the EU accession," he added.

Ursula von der Leyen stressed that the EU would continue increasing sanctions pressure on Russia. Last week, all sanctions were extended for another six months. In addition, according to the President of the European Commission, the 18th package of sanctions will strike at the heart of Russia's war economy.

"We all know that Putin doesn't want peace, so we need to put pressure to bring him to the negotiating table," said the President of the European Commission.

She also noted that the EU has already invested over 2 billion to strengthen Ukraine's defense, using proceeds from frozen Russian assets.

Ursula von der Leyen also announced that Ukraine and the European Union have reached an agreement on trade in agricultural products.

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President of Ukraine Had an Audience with the King of Denmark

President of Ukraine

3 July 2025 - 19:50

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had an audience with King Frederik X of Denmark.

The Head of State expressed gratitude to Denmark and the Danish people for their support of Ukraine from the very beginning of Russia's full-scale aggression - including military and humanitarian assistance, the development of joint defense production, and investments in Ukraine's defense industry.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also underscored the leadership of the Danish government in the fighter jet coalition - the delivery of all promised F-16 aircraft to Ukraine and the training of pilots.

The President congratulated Denmark on assuming the Presidency of the Council of the EU and emphasized that Ukraine has fulfilled all necessary steps to begin real EU accession negotiations. Our state is fully prepared to open all negotiating clusters during the Danish Presidency in the next six months.

Topics discussed during the audience included patronage of war-affected regions, development of Ukrainian-Danish cooperation in military medicine, and support projects for Ukrainian veterans. Volodymyr Zelenskyy invited Danish companies to cooperate with their Ukrainian counterparts in the fields of prosthetics and rehabilitation.

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Memorandum Between Ukraine and the U.S. Company Swift Beat, LLC Will Enable Scaling Up Production of Interceptor Drones - President

President of Ukraine

3 July 2025 - 15:00

The signing of a memorandum between Ukraine's Ministry of Defense and the U.S. company Swift Beat, LLC will enable scaling up the production of interceptor drones capable of shooting down large numbers of Shaheds. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Before the memorandum signing, the Head of State met with Swift Beat, LLC CEO Eric Schmidt to discuss increasing the production of modern drones for Ukraine.

"This is a co-production document between Ukraine and the United States. It will involve several companies focusing on various types of drones. But the most important thing is this year and next year. This year - hundreds of thousands of drones. And next year - there will be an increase," Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.

The President emphasized that the main component of the document is the production of interceptor drones, which have already proven effective in Ukraine.

"We have just signed a very serious contract. We are very much looking forward to shooting down Shaheds in large numbers. So I consider this a good start - working in this direction," the Head of State said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that some Ukrainian defense enterprises will gain access to new technologies, enabling them to expand production.

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Chinese FM calls for peace talks to solve Ukraine crisis

Global Times

By Xinhua Published: Jul 04, 2025 07:25 AM

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that China has consistently advocated for peace talks to solve the Ukraine crisis and welcomes the efforts of all parties to reach a comprehensive, lasting, and binding peace agreement.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks at a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Berlin.

Wang said China's position on the Ukraine crisis has been open and consistent, which includes to insist on peace talks, not to provide lethal weapons to the parties in the conflict, and to control the export of (civilian/military) dual-use items, including drones strictly.

China has not only fulfilled its international responsibilities, but also initiated the "Friends of Peace" group with Brazil and other Global South countries at the United Nations, mobilizing greater efforts for ceasefire and ending the conflict, Wang said, adding that China's objective and fair position has been widely recognized by the international community.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has repeatedly indicated that there is no simple solution to complex problems, Wang noted, emphasizing that although there are still major differences in the positions of the parties concerned, it is better to talk than to fight.

The history of Europe over the past centuries has proved that no matter how complex and difficult the situation is, the door to peace and reconciliation should not be closed, Wang said.

China welcomes all parties to play a constructive role in promoting the conclusion of a comprehensive, lasting and binding peace agreement, building a balanced, effective and sustainable European security architecture, and achieving enduring peace and stability in Europe at an early date, Wang added.

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Ukraine Gets Higher Quotas For Some Agricultural Exports In Preliminary Trade Deal With EU

By Rikard Jozwiak July 04, 2025

The European Commission and Kyiv have struck a preliminary deal that should allow more Ukrainian agricultural exports into the European Union.

The agreement represents a compromise between two trade regimes.

One of them is the total trade liberalization known as the Autonomous Trade Measures (ATMs), which Brussels granted Ukraine after Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. The other is the regular free-trade tariff system that came back into force on June 5 after the ATMs expired.

That regular tariff system -- part of the EU-Ukraine association agreement in place since 2016 -- hasn't been as lucrative for Ukraine as the temporary ATMs were.

Kyiv has argued that reverting fully to the association agreement could cost the country 3 billion ($3.4 billion) annually and potentially reduce its gross domestic product by 1 percent unless more preferential terms are offered.

The fine details of the preliminary deal stuck on June 30 between Kyiv and Brussels still need to be ironed out and not all numbers have been published yet, so it is hard to calculate how much better it is for the Ukrainian agricultural sector.

'Frontline' States

What is totally obvious, however, is that Brussels negotiated the new document with EU farmers in mind -- notably those in so-called frontline states near Ukraine, such as Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia.

Farmers in these countries at various times in 2023 and 2024 blocked the borders with Ukraine in protest, arguing that cheaper Ukrainian agricultural products were flooding local markets and creating unfair competition.

In response to the protests, the European Commission introduced safeguard measures to limit imports of certain products once they reached specific thresholds -- a brake that has been pulled numerous times recently.

Safeguard measures will also be part of the new agreement -- and, under the revised rules, individual EU member states can now raise concerns about national trade irregularities. The previous agreement required them to act as a regional group.

Another key demand from the frontline member states that the commission has also accepted is that Ukraine gradually align with relevant EU standards on sanitary measures, animal welfare, and the use of pesticides by 2028.

This requirement is linked to Ukraine's bid to join the European Union, as full compliance with EU rules is essential for membership.

The potential problem here is that Ukraine is unlikely to become a member that quickly and the costs of undergoing these changes will ultimately be borne by Ukrainian farmers. In this sense, their products risk becoming more expensive and possibly less attractive on global markets, which is a major source of income for the country.

The EU has pledged to help Ukrainian exporters reach their traditional markets outside Europe, aiming to allow Ukrainian agricultural goods to transit through its territory without ending up on sale locally. However, with no concrete commitments from Brussels so far, it's unclear how this will be achieved.

Concessions For Kyiv

So, what has Ukraine gained from this deal?

For some products that are a sensitive issue for EU farmers -- such as sugar, poultry, eggs, wheat, maize, and honey -- Kyiv has secured larger export quotas than those under the original association agreement. Notably, quotas for eggs, sugar, and honey have increased nearly fivefold, while those for key items like poultry and maize have almost doubled.

Although this doesn't amount to a complete free flow of goods, Ukraine will at least be able to export more to the EU market than it did in 2021. Additionally, Ukraine has secured full free trade on certain products, including mushrooms, grape juice, processed milk products, yogurts, and kefirs.

On the downside for Ukraine, quotas for most meat products -- including beef, pork, and lamb -- remain unchanged from the 2016 association agreement, reflecting another win for EU farmers wary of too much competition in this sector.

A final agreement, due to be presented to EU member states in the coming weeks, will need approval by a qualified majority -- meaning 55 percent of member states representing at least 65 percent of the total EU population. While most in Brussels believe this is achievable, farmers' lobby groups could still pressure some member states to push for a deal more favorable to EU agricultural producers.

Ukraine will be relieved that the association agreement measures currently in place look set to be lifted, but it is clear that these negotiations very much reflect a harder EU stance toward Kyiv.

Negotiations on this deal were put on the backburner during the Hungarian presidency of the Council of the European Union in the latter half of 2024 due to Budapest's reluctance to be seen as helping Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the Polish presidency during the first six months of this year also pushed the European Commission to pause negotiations until after Poland's presidential election on June 1. Both main candidates pledged to protect domestic farmers in their campaigns.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/eu-ukraine-trade-deal- boosts-agriculture-exports-limits-remain/33462877.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Baltimore, MD, July 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As Washington debates the price tag of President Trumps sweeping new economic agenda, a released presentation from former White House advisor Jim Rickards is drawing renewed attention to a vastand long-overlookedgovernment-controlled asset.

According to Rickards, this resource has been quietly growing for over a century beneath land already owned by the federal government. And today, it may hold the key to financing large-scale national prioritieswithout raising taxes or borrowing abroad.

The nature of this trust is such that politicians havent been able to raid it which has allowed it to grow untouched for decades, Rickards says in the brief.

A Quiet Fortune Held in Plain Sight

The presentation outlines how select regions across the U.S.from Alaska to California to West Texasare home to extraordinary untapped reserves.

$516 billion is here in the Salton Sea area of California $3.1 trillion is held in Nome, Alaska. And $7.35 trillion is here, in Midland, Texas, Rickards explains.

These reserves, he notes, have been locked away under layers of federal restrictions for generationsbut that may be changing.

Trump is moving fast to unlock this endowment as I call it and fast-tracking companies that will recover trillions of dollars worth of resources, right here in America.

A Renewed Push for Domestic Strength

While details of the Big Beautiful Bill remain under wraps, early drafts suggest a focus on national infrastructure, manufacturing, defense readiness, and energy independenceeach requiring massive inputs of raw materials and rare minerals.

Rickards says the materials needed to support that vision are already hereif America is ready to use them.

We have everything we need right under our feet, he explains. And now we finally have the chance to access it.

Its not some kind of government program like those COVID relief checks But it is a chance for the average American to become richer than they ever imagined .

This Is Not a Handout

Rickards is quick to note that this is not a stimulus program or redistributive policy.

Its not earmarked for any specific individual. Im just trying to use terminology that will make the most sense to viewers .

Instead, the presentation presents this as an opportunity for the country to rethink how it funds future prioritiesnot by borrowing from foreign adversaries, but by monetizing assets already in place.

About Jim Rickards

Jim Rickards is a former advisor to the White House, CIA, and U.S. Treasury. He helped design the Petrodollar Accord in the 1970s and has advised the U.S. government during multiple financial and national security crises. A New York Times bestselling author, Rickards is widely regarded as one of Americas top economic and geopolitical forecasters.
Los Angeles, CA, July 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the federal reconciliation spending bill, enacting the deepest cuts in history to Medicaid and essential food assistance programs. The bill will now advance to the President, who has indicated he will sign it into law.

These sweeping cuts include over $1 trillion from Medicaid and $300 billion from SNAP, dismantling vital services that millions of Californians rely upon, including families, older adults, women, children, and individuals with disabilities.

In California, the consequences could be catastrophic:

Loss of $28 billion in health care funding

$2.8 to $5.4 billion in lost food assistance

Up to 3.4 million Californians losing health insurance

Equally alarming are the new Medicaid work-reporting requirements, which threaten coverage for individuals with disabilities and special needs who may not meet narrow federal definitions of medically frail or face barriers in proving exemptions. Parents caring for children with disabilities, adults with autism, and individuals with serious health conditions are at risk of losing access to life-sustaining services due to bureaucratic hurdles, not lack of need.

This bill is a direct attack on the promise of health care for the most vulnerable among us, said Areva Martin, President and CEO of Special Needs Network. No parent should lose sleep worrying that their child will lose therapy because of paperwork. No individual with autism, developmental disabilities, or complex medical conditions should face a coverage cliff because of a reporting technicality. We will not stand by silently as lifelines for our community are dismantled.

For the thousands of families served by Special Needs Network, these cuts translate to therapies lost, medications interrupted, and the collapse of support systems that make everyday life possible. These are not abstract policy shifts; they are life-and-death realities for our community.

Special Needs Network calls on federal and state leaders to reverse these devastating cuts and protect essential services for Californians with disabilities and their families. We urge our community to stay informed, contact your representatives, and join us in demanding policies that uphold dignity, health, and equity for all.

_________________________________________________________________________

Special Needs Network, Inc. (SNN) is a nonprofit grassroots organization responding to the crisis of autism and other developmental disabilities in underserved communities. We recognize the intersectionality of individuals with disabilities and that their fight for disability rights is inextricably tied to the fight for racial justice and the civil rights of all people.
Delray Beach, FL, July 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The India missile market is poised for robust growth through 2030, driven by rising defense modernization programs, regional security challenges, and increasing investments in indigenous missile development under the "Make in India" initiative.

Strategic partnerships, rapid technological progress, and a strong push for domestic manufacturing are reinforcing India's position as both a leading missile developer and an emerging exporter. The Indian missile industry is undergoing a transformative phase, driven by defense modernization, increased R&D funding, and a shift toward self-reliance under the Make in India initiative. This momentum is not only enhancing national security but also opening new avenues in global defense exports.

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India Missile Market: Segmentation by Type, Component & Speed

By Type

Surface-to-Surface Missiles (SSMs)

India is making substantial investments in its long-range ballistic missile capabilities. Key programs like Agni (strategic deterrent) and Pralay (tactical battlefield missile) are at the forefront of this expansion. These systems aim to ensure credible deterrence and rapid response in high-threat environments.

Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs)

The demand for advanced air defense systems is rising sharply. Indigenous solutions like Akash and the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) are gaining traction, offering protection against a wide range of aerial threatsfrom fighter jets to precision-guided munitions.

Air-to-Air Missiles (AAMs)

The ongoing development of the Astra missile series marks a leap in Indias air combat capability. Designed for beyond-visual-range engagements, Astra variants are enhancing the Indian Air Force's air superiority with precision strike and multi-target engagement features.

Anti-Ship & Cruise Missiles

India is expanding its naval strike arsenal with multiple variants of the BrahMos missile, a joint Indo-Russian supersonic cruise missile platform. These advancements are pivotal to Indias maritime dominance strategy and its efforts to modernize naval forces with highly effective ship- and submarine-launched systems.

By Component

Missile Launch Systems

India is investing in versatile launch platformsland-based, airborne, and naval. Indigenous launch systems are being optimized for rapid deployment, mobility, and cross-platform compatibility, enabling faster response in combat scenarios.

Propulsion Systems

The push toward next-generation propulsion, including solid, liquid, and ramjet/scramjet technologies, is central to enhancing range and speed. Hypersonic propulsion efforts, such as those behind BrahMos-II and HSTDV, are positioning India on the cutting edge of missile mobility and tactical advantage.

Guidance Systems

Indias focus on high-precision navigation and targeting is elevating the importance of indigenous guidance technologies. With a mix of inertial, satellite (NavIC/GPS), and radar-based systems, missiles like Astra and Akash NG offer pinpoint accuracy even in electronically contested environments.

Warheads

Tailored for both strategic deterrence and tactical operations, Indian missiles carry a variety of warheadsincluding conventional high-explosive, fragmentation, and thermobaric types. Enhanced fuzing mechanisms and payload adaptability ensure effectiveness against a wide spectrum of targets, from bunkers to moving vehicles.

By Speed

Subsonic Missiles

Primarily used in tactical roles and cruise missions, subsonic missiles offer stealth and precision over longer durations. Their relatively lower speed allows for maneuverability and terrain-hugging flight paths, making them ideal for deep-strike missions against fortified ground targets.

Supersonic Missiles

Indias missile supremacy in this category is defined by the BrahMos missile system, a Mach 2.83.0 Indo-Russian collaboration. With variants launched from land, sea, air, and submarine platforms, BrahMos is continually being upgraded in range, speed, and targeting precision, making it a cornerstone of Indias conventional deterrence.

Hypersonic Missiles

To stay ahead in next-gen warfare, India is actively developing hypersonic missile technologies. The Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV) project by DRDO is paving the way for missiles capable of speeds above Mach 5, enabling rapid strike capabilities with minimal reaction time for adversaries. These systems are expected to define future high-speed, precision-strike operations.

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India Missile Market: Key Drivers Behind Rapid Growth:

Rising Border Tensions and Geopolitical Risks

Persistent tensions along Indias bordersparticularly with China and Pakistanhave amplified the need for robust deterrence and rapid-response capabilities. This strategic urgency is driving continuous investment in missile systems across all ranges and types.

Increased Defense Budget and Policy Support

Indias growing defense budget, backed by reforms like faster procurement, FDI allowances, and streamlined trial processes, is reinforcing the missile sectors momentum. Government support for R&D and co-development initiatives is fueling both innovation and scale.

Focus on Indigenous Manufacturing

Organizations like DRDO and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) are at the heart of Indias self-reliant missile ecosystem. With initiatives like AatmaNirbhar Bharat, the country is reducing import dependence while building advanced, homegrown missile technologies.

Export Opportunities to Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East

Indias emerging status as a missile exporter is opening new markets in regions like Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Competitive pricing, indigenous innovation, and diplomatic defense ties are positioning India as a credible alternative to traditional arms suppliers.

India Missile Market Challenges You Need to Know:

Technology Transfer Limitations

Access to critical defense technologies from global powers remains restricted due to geopolitical considerations and export control regimes. This hampers India's ability to accelerate innovation, particularly in areas like advanced seekers, propulsion, and hypersonic flight systems.

Budgetary Constraints in R&D Scale-Up

While the defense budget is growing, R&D fundingespecially for experimental, high-risk programsis often limited compared to global counterparts. Scaling up innovation requires greater private sector participation, long-term funding, and risk-tolerant policies.

Global Competition from the U.S., Russia, and China

India faces stiff competition from established missile exporters such as the U.S., Russia, and China, which offer proven systems, larger defense ecosystems, and diplomatic leverage. To carve out market share, India must focus on cost-effectiveness, customization, and strategic partnerships with emerging defense customers.

India Missile Market: What the Future Holds Through 2030

By 2030, India is on track to become not just self-reliant in missile technology, but a formidable player in the global missile export market. With growing expertise in precision strike systems, advanced guidance technologies, and multi-platform launch compatibility, India is positioning itself as a strategic defense partner for both emerging and established military powers.
Chicago, Illinois, July 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Introducing BTC Miner  the cloud mining solution designed not for traders, but for wealth builders. For family offices, crypto funds, and large-scale investors seeking dependable yield in a volatile asset class, BTC Miner offers what the market cannot: stable, automated, daily income backed by clean energy infrastructure.





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Charleston, SC, July 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Author John W. Vander Velden returns with the fourth installment of his heartfelt Misty Creek Sagathis time in a journey that spans the continent, from the fabled small town of Misty Creek to the nations Midwest. Set in the rugged beauty of 1890s America, When Light Comes Unexpected is an inspirational novel with a distinctly Christian heartbeat. Get ready for another extraordinary tale about the redemptive power of community.

Readers of Misty Creek have fallen in love with the Sonnefelts, who have long accepted that they will never have children of their own. Now, Matthew and Elizabeth must embark on an adventure they never before thought possible, as they receive a letter calling them to travel to Illinois in order to reach three orphans looking for a home.

Meanwhile, young Nick Coulter is left to manage the Misty Creek mill. His coming-of-age story is marked by new challenges, including vandalism, a personal rivalry, and a woman displaced from her home. Fans of the series will knowNick understands the struggles of homelessness, and he will do anything in his power to help someone who faces them.

As the Sonnefelts face legal complications with adopting the children, the oldest child, Lester, yearns to search for his father in Idaho, unconvinced that the man was truly lost in a mining accident. Can the new pair of parents use lessons learned from the hard years of Matthews youth and Elizabeths teaching experience to guide Lester and his sisters toward a bright future?

Vander Veldens writing lends a signature style that is rich with period details, emotional depth, and an undercurrent of faith and spiritual reflection. For fans of the Little House books and similar frontier America stories, it is the perfect read for middle-aged readers who want a safe, relaxing story free of explicit scenes or coarse language. When Light Comes Unexpected can be enjoyed with the previous books in the saga, but it functions equally well as a jumping-in point for new readers. Dont miss this deep and meaningful exploration of what it takes for light to emerge in the darkest corners of our lives.

When Light Comes Unexpected: Book Four of the Misty Creek Series is available for purchase online at Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com. For more information about the author, please visit any of his social media platforms.

Facebook: John W. Vander Velden: Author (https://www.facebook.com/JohnWVanderVelden.Author/)

Instagram: @john.vandervelden

About the Author:

John W. Vander Velden graduated from Purdue University and spent a long, rewarding career as a farmer. An avid reader and a lifelong storyteller, John is the author the Misty Creek series of novels and a literary blog, Ramblings . . . Essays and Such . . . He is an active member of the Plymouth Area Writers Workshop and has attended the Antioch Writers Workshop. John approaches life with open eyes, hearing ears, and a heart willing to feel, striving to reach deep within others with his words. He currently resides with his beloved wife in northern Indiana. To keep up with the latest on Johns projects, visit him online at johnvandervelden.com.

Available for interviews: Author, John W. Vander Velden

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LAHORE, Pakistan, July 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Starlight Retail, a global technology solutions provider, announced today that it has joined the Google Cloud Partner Advantage program as a Partner level partner for the Service engagement model. This collaboration gives Google Cloud customers in Pakistan and across the region access to Starlight Retails comprehensive suite of technology services and solutions, designed to accelerate digital transformation and drive business growth.

As businesses in Pakistan increasingly look to modernize their operations, the demand for scalable, secure, and intelligent cloud solutions has grown significantly. This collaboration positions Starlight Retail to meet this demand by combining its deep expertise in custom application development and managed services with the robust, global infrastructure of Google Cloud.

As a Google Cloud partner, Starlight Retail will offer customers specialized services that leverage the scale, security, and innovation of Google Clouds infrastructure. This includes custom SaaS application development on Google Cloud, deployment of advanced cybersecurity measures using Google Clouds security portfolio, and the creation of intelligent business solutions with Google Clouds AI and machine learning capabilities. By working with Starlight Retail, organizations can unlock new efficiencies and capabilities, enabling them to compete more effectively in a digital-first economy.

Key features of the offering include:

Custom SaaS and Application Development: Building and deploying scalable, secure, and high-performance applications on Google Cloud to meet unique business requirements.

Building and deploying scalable, secure, and high-performance applications on Google Cloud to meet unique business requirements. Advanced Cybersecurity Services: Implementing robust security postures for cloud environments, leveraging Google Clouds native security tools to protect critical data and infrastructure.

Implementing robust security postures for cloud environments, leveraging Google Clouds native security tools to protect critical data and infrastructure. AI and Data Analytics Implementation: Helping clients unlock insights from their data and build intelligent applications using Google Clouds BigQuery, Looker, and Vertex AI platforms.

Helping clients unlock insights from their data and build intelligent applications using Google Clouds BigQuery, Looker, and Vertex AI platforms. Managed Cloud Services: Providing end-to-end management of Google Cloud environments to optimize cost, performance, and reliability, allowing clients to focus on their core business.

Joining the Google Cloud Partner Advantage program is a pivotal step in our mission to empower businesses through technology, said Mammon Baloch, CEO of Starlight Retail. Our presence in Pakistan is focused on helping local enterprises compete on a global scale. This collaboration allows us to combine our expertise in tailored solution delivery with the world-class infrastructure of Google Cloud so that we can provide our clients with the tools they need to innovate faster, operate more securely, and unlock new opportunities for growth.

To learn more about how Starlight Retail can help your business leverage Google Cloud, visit or schedule a consultation today.

Starlight Retail Inc., established in 2021, is a Los Angeles, California-based global technology company. With a presence in eight countries, including Pakistan, Starlight Retail specializes in Software as a Service (SaaS), tech automation, and advanced digital solutions. The company is dedicated to transforming the tech industry through a focus on innovation, excellence, and customer satisfaction. Starlight Retail partners with prominent technology providers to offer a diverse range of solutions that enable businesses to improve efficiency, strengthen security, and foster growth in the digital age.

Media Contact:

Shehroze Abbas Shah

+92 304 1400273

shehroze@starlightretailinc.com
SATO Corporation, Press release 4 July 2025 at 9:00 am

Housing investor SATO has increased its housing stock by nearly a thousand rental apartments. The agreement signed with the OP-Rental Yield Fund includes 16 residential properties in the Helsinki metropolitan area, Turku, Tampere, Oulu, and Jyvaskyla. The rental agreements for the residents will remain unchanged.

"The deal supports our strategy of profitable growth and further strengthens our position in the rental housing market in major growth centers. The homes are primarily in apartment buildings, with only a few homes in terraced houses. They are relatively new and in locations that align perfectly with our strategy. Our new residents will be able to benefit from SATO's personal service and digital solutions that ensure smooth everyday life. We warmly welcome them to SATOhomes," says Antti Aarnio, SATO's President and CEO.

SATO now owns approximately 27,000 rental apartments, providing homes for 46,000 residents in Finlands biggest growth centres, close to public transport and essential services.

For more information, please contact:

Antti Aarnio, President and CEO, tel. +358 201 34 4200, firstname.lastname@sato.fi

Arto Aalto, Executive Vice President, Investments, tel. +358 201 34 4392, firstname.lastname@sato.fi

For media inquiries, please contact:

Fri 4th July: Aino Haanrinne, Taskut Communications Oy, p. +358 40 822 8485

Mon 7th July onwards: Terhi Jokinen, Senior Communications Specialist, p. +358 201 34 4307, firstname.lastname@sato.fi

SATO Corporation is an expert in sustainable rental housing and one of Finlands largest rental housing providers. SATO owns around 27,000 rental homes in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area, Tampere and Turku.

SATO aims to provide excellent customer experience and a comprehensive range of urban rental housing alternatives with good access to public transport and services. We promote sustainable development and work in open interaction with our stakeholders.

SATO invests profitably, sustainably and with a long-term view. We increase the value of our assets through investments, divestments and repairs. In 2025, SATO celebrates its 85th anniversary. www.sato.fi/en
EUROCASTLE INVESTMENT LIMITED

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Oak Fund Services (Guernsey) Limited

Company Administrator

Attn: Nicole Barnes

Tel: +44 1481 723450

Eurocastle Releases First Quarter 2025 Interim Management Statement and Announces Release of 4.6 million of Liquidation Reserves and Annual General Meeting to be held on 5 August 2025

Guernsey, 4 July 2025  Eurocastle Investment Limited (Euronext Amsterdam: ECT) (Eurocastle or the Company) today has released its interim management statement for the quarter ended 31 March 2025. The Company also announces that, following quarter end, the Luxembourg fund through which it is pursuing the New Investment Strategy (EPIF) has reached over 61 million of investor commitments, following which the Board has determined that Eurocastle has a sustainable platform that it anticipates growing in future years. As a result, the Board has released 4.6 million of reserves generating a net increase to the Companys Adjusted NAV of 4.0 million, or 4.01 per share after contractual incentive fees of 12.5%.

IFRS NAV of 22.0 million, or 22.01 per share (22.1 million, or 22.05 per share as at Q4 2024).

of 22.0 million, or 22.01 per share (22.1 million, or 22.05 per share as at Q4 2024). ADJUSTED NET ASSET VALUE (NAV) 1 of 11.4 million, or 11.43 per share 2 (Q4 2024: 11.4 million, or 11.34 per share).

of 11.4 million, or 11.43 per share (Q4 2024: 11.4 million, or 11.34 per share). PRO FORMA ADJUSTED NAV: Pro forma for the release of the Liquidation Reserves and net of incentive fees, the Adjusted NAV as at 31 March 2025 would be 15.5 million, or 15.44 per share.





Q4 2024 NAV Q1 FV Movement Q1 2025 NAV Pro Forma Movements3 Q1 2025 Pro Forma NAV m  p.s. m  p.s. m  p.s. m  p.s. m  p.s. New Investment Strategy - EPIF 5.77 5.76 0.09 0.09 5.86 5.85 - - 5.86 5.85



Legacy Italian Real Estate Funds 0.06 0.06 - - 0.06 0.06 - - 0.06 0.06 Net Corporate Cash3&4 12.28 12.26 (0.16) (0.17) 12.11 12.09 (0.57) (0.57) 11.54 11.52 Legacy German Tax Asset 3.97 3.97 0.03 0.04 4.01 4.01 - - 4.01 4.01 IFRS NAV 22.08 22.05 (0.04) (0.04) 22.04 22.01 (0.57) (0.57) 21.47 21.44 Legacy German Tax Reserve5 (5.99) (5.97) (0.02) (0.03) (6.01) (6.00) - - (6.01) (6.00) Adjusted NAV before Liquidation Reserve 16.09 16.08 (0.06) (0.07) 16.03 16.01 (0.57) (0.57) 15.46 15.44 Liquidation Reserves3&5 (4.74) (4.74) 0.15 0.16 (4.59) (4.58) 4.59 4.58 - - Adjusted NAV







11.35 11.34



0.09



0.09



11.44



11.43



4.02 4.01 15.46 15.44 Ordinary shares outstanding 1,001,555 1,001,555 1,001,555

As at 31 March 2025, the Companys assets mainly comprise:

1. 12.1 million, or 12.09 per share, of net corporate cash3 which is available to continue seeking investments under the New Investment Strategy.





2. 5.9 million, or 5.85 per share, in the Companys first investment under the New Investment Strategy - a Luxembourg real estate fund where Eurocastle, as sponsor, generates returns through its share of investments made and certain subsidiaries receive asset management and incentive fees from third party investors.





3. A tax asset of 4.0 million, or 4.01 per share, representing amounts paid (and associated interest) in relation to additional tax assessed against a former German property subsidiary where the Company won the first instance of its appeal in December 2024. The German tax authorities have since appealed the decision and the Company is waiting for the date of the next hearing.





4. Residual interests in two legacy Italian Real Estate Fund Investments with a NAV of 0.06 million, or 0.06 per share, where the underlying apartments are now all sold and both funds are in liquidation.





Q1 2025 BUSINESS UPDATES & SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

New Investment Strategy  In 2024, Eurocastle launched a Luxembourg regulated fund, European Properties Investment Fund S.C.A., SICAV RAIF (EPIF or the Fund), through which it invests alongside selected co-investors. EPIFs key strategy is to acquire small to mid-size real estate and real estate related assets in Southern Europe with superior risk adjusted returns. The Fund initially closed with Eurocastle committing to invest 8 million alongside a 2 million commitment from its JV Partner. EPIF is now being marketed to potential investors with a target size of 100 million.





In addition to generating attractive risk adjusted returns on its share of any investments made, Eurocastle also anticipates receiving market standard management and incentive fees from third-party investors.

Up to the end of Q1 2025, EPIF had invested approximately 7 million. Eurocastles 80% share amounted to 5.5 million, while its corresponding share of EPIFs net asset value as at 31 March 2025 stood at 5.9 million, reflecting an increase in the value of the real estate acquired to date.

Subsequent Events to Q1 2025  Since Q1, EPIF has received commitments of approximately 51 million from 15 investors taking the total fund size to over 61 million. In addition, prospective investors representing a further 20 million in commitments are in the final stages of due diligence.

In June, EPIF completed its second investment, calling approximately 1 million of capital to acquire a 70% interest in a vacant office property in central Athens. The asset was acquired from a defaulted borrower at a substantial discount to comparable sales in the area.

In addition, EPIF has an active pipeline that currently includes approximately 40 million of potential opportunities.

Legacy Italian Real Estate Funds The remaining NAV for these investments of 0.06 million, or 0.06 per share, reflects cash currently reserved in the funds that is expected to be released once the fund manager resolves certain potential liabilities and liquidates each fund.





The remaining NAV for these investments of 0.06 million, or 0.06 per share, reflects cash currently reserved in the funds that is expected to be released once the fund manager resolves certain potential liabilities and liquidates each fund. Legacy German Tax Matter  Prior to 2024, the Company had paid a net amount of 3.7 million in relation to the Legacy German tax matter against which it has raised a corresponding tax asset (together with associated interest). The Company, in pursuing the reimbursement of this amount through the German fiscal court, won the first instance of its appeal in December 2024. Shortly after, the German tax authorities appealed the decision through the German federal tax court and the Company is currently waiting to be notified of the date of the hearing.





The remaining potential exposure, associated with the same point under dispute, is estimated to be 1.7 million. This relates to the years 2013 to 2015 which remain subject to ongoing tax audits. Notwithstanding the Companys expectation that the tax matter will eventually be resolved in the Companys favour, as at 31 March 2025, the full potential liability of 6.0 million, or 6.00 per share (including associated defence costs and interest accrued), is fully reserved for within the Additional Reserves.

Additional Reserves - As at 31 March 2025, of the total Additional Reserves of 10.6 million, 6.0 million related to the legacy German tax matter with the balance of approximately 4.6 million held in reserves to allow for future costs and potential liabilities while the Company consolidated in parallel the New Investment Strategy (the Liquidation Reserves).





Subsequent Events to Q1 2025  In light of the Companys strengthened financial position and prospects, the Board has reviewed the level of Additional Reserves and feel it appropriate to release the Liquidation Reserves.

Income Statement for the Quarter ended 31 March 2025 and Quarter ended 31 March 2024 (unaudited)

Income



Statement Income



Statement Q1 2025 Q1 2024  Thousands  Thousands Portfolio Returns New Investment Strategy  EPIF unrealised fair value movement 85 - Legacy Real Estate Funds unrealised fair value movement - (10) Fair value movement on Investments 85 (10) Other income - 4 Interest income 109 146 Total income 194 141 Operating Expenses Manager base and incentive fees 41 20 Remaining operating expenses 195 227 Total expenses 236 247 (Loss) for the period (42) (106)  per share (0.04) (0.11)

Balance Sheet and Adjusted NAV Reconciliation as at 31 March 2025 and as at 31 December 2024

31 March 2025



Total



 Thousands 31 December 2024



Total

 Thousands Assets Other assets 115 315 Legacy German tax asset 4,012 3,974 Investments  New Investment Strategy - EPIF 5,855 5,770 Investments  Legacy Real Estate Funds 64 64 Cash, cash equivalents 12,400 12,415 Total assets 22,446 22,538 Liabilities Trade and other payables 318 389 Manager base and incentive fees 84 63 Total liabilities 402 452 IFRS Net Asset Value 22,044 22,086 Liquidation cash reserve (4,590) (4,748) Legacy German tax cash reserve (2,000) (2,008) Legacy German tax asset reserve (4,012) (3,974) Adjusted NAV 11,442 11,356 Adjusted NAV ( per Share) 11.43 11.34

NOTICE: This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of the Market Abuse Regulation 596/2014.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Company will hold its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, 5 August 2025, at the Companys registered office at 3:00 pm

Guernsey time (4:00 pm CET). Notices and proxy statements will be posted by 14 July 2025 to shareholders of record at close of business on 10 July 2025.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For investment portfolio information, please refer to the Companys most recent Financial Report, which is available on the Companys website (www.eurocastleinv.com).

Terms not otherwise defined in this announcement shall have the meaning given to them in the Circular.

ABOUT EUROCASTLE

Eurocastle Investment Limited (Eurocastle or the Company) is a publicly traded closed-ended investment company. On 8 July 2022, the Company announced the relaunch of its investment activity and is currently in the early stages of pursuing its new strategy by initially focusing on opportunistic real estate in Greece with a plan to expand across Southern Europe. For more information regarding Eurocastle Investment Limited and to be added to our email distribution list, please visit www.eurocastleinv.com.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements may relate to, among other things, future commitments to sell real estate and achievement of disposal targets, availability of investment and divestment opportunities, timing or certainty of completion of acquisitions and disposals, the operating performance of our investments and financing needs. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of forward-looking terminology such as may, will, should, potential, intend, expect, endeavour, seek, anticipate, estimate, overestimate, underestimate, believe, could, project, predict, "project", continue, plan, forecast or other similar words or expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions, discuss future expectations, describe future plans and strategies, contain projections of results of operations or of financial condition or state other forward-looking information. The Companys ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is limited. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, its actual results and performance may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Companys actual results in future periods to differ materially from forecasted results or stated expectations including the risks regarding Eurocastles ability to declare dividends or achieve its targets regarding asset disposals or asset performance.

1 In light of the Realisation Plan announced in 2019, the Adjusted NAV as at 31 March 2025 reflects additional reserves for future costs and potential liabilities, which have not been accounted for under the IFRS NAV. No commitments for these future costs and potential liabilities existed as at 31 March 2025.

2 Per share calculations for Eurocastle throughout this document are based on 1,001,555 shares, unless otherwise stated.

3 Adjustments to reflect the release of the Liquidation Reserve.

4 Reflects corporate cash net of accrued liabilities and other assets.

5 Reserves that were put in place when the Company realised the majority of its investment assets in 2019 in order for the Company to continue in operation and fund its

future costs and potential liabilities. These reserves are not accounted for under IFRS.
INVL Technology (hereinafter  the Company) informs that under the provision of the Law on Collective Investment Undertakings of the Republic of Lithuania (hereinafter  CIU), the Company operating under the CIU is under an obligation to have a valid prospectus (hereinafter  the Prospectus) prepared in accordance with the requirements of the CIU or of the Law on Securities of the Republic of Lithuania (hereinafter  LS).

In order to meet the above-mentioned requirement, in August 2019 the Company's management company INVL Asset Management, UAB (hereinafter  the Management company) prepared a Prospectus in compliance with CIU. Considering that at the time of publication of the information there are no grounds that the Company should prepare and own a prospectus complying with the requirements of the LS, on 3 July 2025, the Management company of the Company approved the updated version of the Prospectus and approved its publication.

The Prospectus was submitted to the Bank of Lithuania in accordance with the CIU.

The person authorized to provide additional information:

Kazimieras Tonkunas

INVL Technology Managing Partner

E-mail k.tonkunas@invltechnology.lt

Attachment
Dublin, July 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Food Pathogen Testing Market Size, Share, Trends, Analysis, and Forecast 2025-2034 | Global Industry Growth, Competitive Landscape, Opportunities, and Challenges" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



Global Food Pathogen Testing Market is valued at USD 10 billion in 2025. Further, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10% to reach USD 23.5 billion by 2034.







The Food Pathogen Testing Market is expanding rapidly as global food safety concerns continue to intensify. With rising instances of foodborne illnesses and outbreaks caused by bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli, food manufacturers and regulatory authorities are prioritizing stringent testing protocols. Food pathogen testing plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and quality of food products by detecting harmful microorganisms at various stages of production, processing, and distribution. Regulatory frameworks across regions, including the FDA's Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) in the U.S. and the European Union's strict food safety directives, are pushing companies to adopt advanced testing solutions.



Innovations in rapid testing methods, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunoassay-based techniques, are enabling faster and more accurate pathogen detection. Additionally, the growing consumption of processed and packaged foods, along with increased global trade in perishable goods, is further propelling market demand. As food safety regulations become stricter worldwide, investment in food pathogen testing technologies and automation is expected to grow significantly.



In 2024, the Food Pathogen Testing Market has witnessed several key advancements driven by the growing emphasis on foodborne disease prevention. The demand for rapid and automated testing solutions has increased, with food manufacturers investing in next-generation molecular diagnostics and biosensors to achieve quicker turnaround times. AI-driven predictive analytics are being integrated into testing processes to enhance contamination risk assessments and prevent outbreaks before they occur. Regulatory bodies worldwide have intensified surveillance and enforcement, leading to a higher rate of recalls and penalties for non-compliance.



The expansion of microbiological testing services in developing economies, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Latin America, has also gained momentum due to increased food exports and a growing middle-class population demanding higher food safety standards. Meanwhile, the adoption of blockchain technology in food supply chains is improving traceability and ensuring transparency in pathogen testing, allowing for swift action in case of contamination. The market is also experiencing a shift toward portable testing kits that enable on-site detection, reducing dependency on centralized laboratories.



Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, the Food Pathogen Testing Market is expected to see further advancements in automation, precision, and regulatory alignment. AI and machine learning will play a more significant role in predictive food safety monitoring, helping manufacturers identify contamination risks before they escalate into widespread issues. The development of CRISPR-based diagnostics is set to revolutionize pathogen detection by providing ultra-sensitive and rapid testing solutions. Additionally, the rise of lab-on-a-chip technology will enable decentralized testing, making food safety monitoring more accessible and efficient.



With the increasing focus on sustainability, manufacturers will also seek eco-friendly testing solutions that minimize chemical waste and energy consumption. Governments and international organizations will likely standardize food safety regulations further, ensuring consistency across borders and streamlining compliance processes. As food production scales up to meet global demand, investments in robust pathogen testing infrastructure will become essential for ensuring public health and maintaining consumer trust in food safety.



Key Trends in the Food Pathogen Testing Market

Adoption of AI and Big Data Analytics: AI-driven predictive modeling is being integrated into pathogen testing to analyze contamination patterns, optimize food safety protocols, and minimize risks before they lead to outbreaks.

AI-driven predictive modeling is being integrated into pathogen testing to analyze contamination patterns, optimize food safety protocols, and minimize risks before they lead to outbreaks. Rise of Rapid and Portable Testing Solutions: The demand for on-site pathogen testing kits is increasing, enabling food manufacturers and regulators to conduct immediate contamination assessments and reduce response times.

The demand for on-site pathogen testing kits is increasing, enabling food manufacturers and regulators to conduct immediate contamination assessments and reduce response times. Integration of Blockchain in Food Safety: Blockchain technology is enhancing traceability and transparency in food supply chains, ensuring accurate record-keeping and quick identification of contamination sources.

Blockchain technology is enhancing traceability and transparency in food supply chains, ensuring accurate record-keeping and quick identification of contamination sources. Expansion of CRISPR-Based Pathogen Detection: Emerging CRISPR diagnostic technologies are offering ultra-fast and precise detection of harmful foodborne pathogens, promising a new era of molecular food safety testing.

Emerging CRISPR diagnostic technologies are offering ultra-fast and precise detection of harmful foodborne pathogens, promising a new era of molecular food safety testing. Growth of Outsourced Testing Services: Many food companies are partnering with third-party laboratories for pathogen testing, ensuring compliance with evolving regulatory requirements while reducing in-house testing costs.

Key Market Drivers

Increasing Foodborne Illness Outbreaks: Rising global cases of foodborne diseases are driving the demand for stringent pathogen testing measures to ensure consumer safety and prevent large-scale outbreaks.

Rising global cases of foodborne diseases are driving the demand for stringent pathogen testing measures to ensure consumer safety and prevent large-scale outbreaks. Stringent Government Regulations: Enhanced regulatory frameworks across regions are compelling food manufacturers to comply with mandatory pathogen testing standards, increasing market growth.

Enhanced regulatory frameworks across regions are compelling food manufacturers to comply with mandatory pathogen testing standards, increasing market growth. Surge in Packaged and Processed Food Consumption: The growing consumption of ready-to-eat and processed foods necessitates rigorous testing to ensure microbiological safety and extend shelf life.

The growing consumption of ready-to-eat and processed foods necessitates rigorous testing to ensure microbiological safety and extend shelf life. Technological Advancements in Testing Methods: Innovations in molecular diagnostics, biosensors, and AI-powered analytics are improving pathogen detection efficiency, making testing faster and more reliable.

Key Market Challenge

High Cost of Advanced Testing Technologies: The implementation of sophisticated pathogen testing solutions, such as molecular diagnostics and AI-driven analytics, involves significant investment, posing challenges for small and mid-sized food businesses.

Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 150 Forecast Period 2025 - 2034 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2025 $10 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2034 $23.5 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 10.0% Regions Covered Global



Companies Featured

Bureau Veritas SA

Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance Limited

Intertek Group plc

Asurequality Ltd.

Genevac Ltd.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc.

Merck Co. & KGaA

Neogen Corporation

bioMerieux SA

Agilent Technologies Inc.

Qiagen NV

Shimadzu Corporation

SGS Societe Generale de Surveillance SA

Genetic Id Na Inc.

RapidBio Systems Inc.

Merieux NutriSciences Corp.

FoodChain ID Inc.

Ring Biotechnology Co. Ltd.

Genon Laboratories Ltd.

PerkinElmer Inc.

Randox Food Diagnostics Ltd.

Omega Diagnostics Group plc

Romer Labs Inc.

Eurofins Scientific SE

Charm Sciences Inc.

Hygiena LLC

MilliporeSigma

Hardy Diagnostics

Luminex Corporation

Market Segmentation

By Type

E.coli

Salmonella

Listeria

Other Pathogens

By Technology

Traditional

Rapid

Immunoassay

Convenience Based

PCR

Other Technologies

By Application

Meat And Poultry

Fruits And Vegetables

Dairy

Other Applications

By Sales Channel

OEM

Aftermarket

By Geography

North America (USA, Canada, Mexico)

Europe (Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Rest of Europe)

Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, Australia, Vietnam, Rest of APAC)

The Middle East and Africa (Middle East, Africa)

South and Central America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of SCA)

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/9o75fs

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
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, July 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget Wallet has teamed up with payments leader Mastercard and infrastructure provider Immersve to launch a new crypto-linked card that allows users to make payments directly from their digital wallets at the more than 150 million merchants that accept Mastercard globally. The product aims to drive ease of use and efficiency in the crypto card space.

The card will be available through the Bitget Wallet app and supports real-time funding via onchain swaps and deposits. Leveraging Mastercard Digital First technology, users can apply for the card digitally and within minutes add it to their mobile wallets for use at both physical and online merchants.

Powered by Immersve, a Mastercard-licensed issuer, transactions are settled onchain through crypto to fiat conversion while adhering to Mastercard's regulatory framework, including KYC and AML requirements. The card will first be rolled out in the United Kingdom and European Union, with plans to expand to Latin America, Australia, and New Zealand in the coming months.

The launch comes amid continued interest in practical crypto applications and efforts by the payments ecosystem to connect blockchain-enabled solutions to the financial mainstream. Bitget Wallet, which reports over 80 million users globally, is positioning the card as a way to extend self-custodied assets into everyday commerce. The product also includes optional incentives such as transaction-based rewards, yield on idle balances in wallet, and one-time bonuses for completing identity verification.

"Crypto payments should be as seamless and secure as traditional transactions. With this partnership, Bitget Wallet users can now pay with crypto anywhere Mastercard is accepted," said Jamie Elkaleh, CMO at Bitget Wallet. "We're seeing massive demand for real-world crypto utility, and this collaboration with Mastercard and Immersve provides the infrastructure to make that vision a reality."

"Digital wallets are quickly becoming as ubiquitous as email addresses. At Mastercard, we're committed to working with innovative companies like Bitget Wallet and Immersve to make crypto transactions simple, secure, and accessible at scale," said Scott Abrahams executive vice president, Global Partnerships at Mastercard. "This is a critical step in bringing digital assets closer to mainstream utility."

"Partnering with forward-thinking teams like Mastercard and Bitget Wallet is exactly how we scale real-world crypto use," said Jerome Faury, CEO of Immersve. "We're bridging the gap between Web3 and traditional finance, allowing users to spend crypto as easily as they spend fiaton a global scale."

For more information on how Bitget Wallet is enabling seamless crypto payments, visit Bitget Wallet website web3.bitget.com and blog .

About Bitget Wallet

Bitget Wallet is a non-custodial crypto wallet designed to make crypto simple, seamless and secure for everyone. With over 80 million users, it brings together a full suite of crypto services, including swaps, market insights, staking, rewards, a DApp browser, and crypto payment solutions. Supporting 130+ blockchains, 20,000+ DApps, and a million tokens, Bitget Wallet enables seamless multi-chain trading across hundreds of DEXs and cross-chain bridges. Backed by a $300+ million user protection fund, it ensures the highest level of security for users' assets. Its vision is Crypto for Everyone  to make crypto simpler, safer, and part of everyday life for a billion people.

For more information, visit: X | Telegram | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn | TikTok | Discord | Facebook

About Immersve

Immersve is a principal member of the Mastercard network. Its issuing-as-a-service platform supports both centralised and decentralised payment experiences. Exchanges, web3 wallets and DeFi protocols can easily integrate with Immersve's APIs and smart contracts to transact anywhere Mastercard is accepted. Immersve is a registered Financial Services Provider. For more information on the APIs go to docs.immersve.com.



Join our waitlist and Discord community for more information: https://discord.gg/HZZJjsBk

About Mastercard www.mastercard.com

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, were building a resilient economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

Media Contacts:

Mastercard Communications Contact: Biz.Cozine@mastercard.com

Bitget Communications Contact: media.web3@bitget.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/eca20f1d-d156-4594-a96b-dc99ee024060
Dublin, July 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Automotive Fabric Market Outlook 2025-2034" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



Automotive Fabric Market is valued at USD 33.4 billion in 2025. Further the market is expected to grow by a CAGR of 5.1% to reach global sales of USD 52.4 billion in 2034







The automotive fabric market plays a pivotal role in shaping vehicle interiors and enhancing passenger comfort. Fabrics are used in a wide range of applications, including seat upholstery, headliners, door panels, and carpeting. The market has evolved significantly over the years, with manufacturers focusing on durability, aesthetics, and sustainability to meet the demands of both consumers and automakers.



Recent advancements include the development of lightweight, high-performance textiles that improve vehicle fuel efficiency. Additionally, the shift toward eco-friendly materials has gained traction, as automakers seek to reduce their environmental impact. Recycled and biodegradable fabrics are becoming more common, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional automotive textiles.



Despite these advancements, the market faces challenges such as fluctuating raw material prices and the need for stringent quality standards. As vehicle interiors become more sophisticated, manufacturers must balance cost, performance, and sustainability to maintain a competitive edge. By embracing innovation and responding to changing consumer preferences, the automotive fabric market is poised for continued growth.



Key Insights Automotive Fabric Market



One key trend in the automotive fabric market is the growing use of smart textiles. These advanced materials integrate sensors and electronic components, enabling functions such as temperature regulation, adaptive comfort, and even health monitoring. Smart textiles are gradually becoming a feature in premium and luxury vehicles, enhancing the overall passenger experience.



Another trend is the increasing emphasis on sustainable fabrics. Automakers are adopting recycled materials, organic fibers, and low-impact dyes to reduce their environmental footprint. These sustainable fabrics not only meet regulatory requirements but also appeal to environmentally conscious consumers, giving manufacturers a competitive advantage.



The rising demand for premium vehicle interiors is a significant driver of the automotive fabric market. Consumers increasingly prioritize comfort, style, and quality, prompting automakers to invest in high-end textiles. Advanced fabrics enhance the overall look and feel of a vehicle's interior, making them a key factor in vehicle differentiation and customer satisfaction.



Another driver is the shift toward lightweight materials. As automakers strive to improve fuel efficiency and meet emissions standards, lightweight fabrics offer an attractive solution. These materials contribute to overall vehicle weight reduction without compromising durability or comfort, making them a valuable component in modern vehicle design.



One of the primary challenges in the automotive fabric market is the high cost of advanced materials. Smart textiles, sustainable fibers, and high-performance fabrics often come with a premium price tag. Balancing cost and performance is critical, especially as automakers face increasing pressure to offer affordable yet high-quality vehicles.



Another challenge is maintaining consistent quality standards. Automotive fabrics must meet stringent durability, safety, and performance requirements, necessitating rigorous testing and quality control. Fluctuating raw material prices and supply chain disruptions can further complicate production processes, requiring manufacturers to remain agile and resourceful.

Your Takeaways From this Report

Global Automotive Fabric market size and growth projections (CAGR), 2024- 2034

Impact of recent changes in geopolitical, economic, and trade policies on the demand and supply chain of Automotive Fabric.

Automotive Fabric market size, share, and outlook across 5 regions and 27 countries, 2025- 2034.

Automotive Fabric market size, CAGR, and Market Share of key products, applications, and end-user verticals, 2025- 2034.

Short and long-term Automotive Fabric market trends, drivers, restraints, and opportunities.

Porter's Five Forces analysis, Technological developments in the Automotive Fabric market, Automotive Fabric supply chain analysis.

Automotive Fabric trade analysis, Automotive Fabric market price analysis, Automotive Fabric Value Chain Analysis.

Profiles of 5 leading companies in the industry- overview, key strategies, financials, and products.

Latest Automotive Fabric market news and developments.

Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 150 Forecast Period 2025 - 2034 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2025 $33.4 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2034 $52.4 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 5.1% Regions Covered Global



Companies Featured

Acme Mills Pvt Ltd.

Suminoe Textile Co. Ltd.

Arvind Limited.

Grupo Antolin Irausa SA

Heathcoat Fabrics Limited.

Lear Corporation

Martur Automotive Seating Systems

Navbharat Textile Industries Ltd.

Seiren Co. Ltd.

Sage Automotive Interiors Inc.

Toyoda Boshoku Asia Co. Ltd.

Aunde Faze Three Autofab Ltd.

Haartz Corporation

Tenowo GmbH

Hari Krishna Exports Pvt Ltd.

Shandong Exceeding Auto Interior Parts Co. Ltd.

Adient plc

Takata Corporation

Faurecia SA

Yanfeng Automotive Trim Systems Co Ltd.

Moriden America Inc.

Trevira GmbH

Joyson Safety Systems Holdings Limited

Mitchell Group Usa Private Limited.

The Prestige Companies Auto Upholstery

Jhanji Textiles Pvt Ltd.

Acme Leather LLP

Santoni S. p. A.

Classic Soft Trim Inc.

Seton Company Inc.

Bader GmbH & Co. KG

Automotive Fabric Market Segmentation

By Fabric Type

Vinyl

Leather

Nylon

Other Fabric Types

By Vehicle Type

Commercial Vehicles

By Application

Upholstery

Pre-Assembled Interior Components

Tires

Safety-Belts

Airbags

Other Applications

By Geography

North America (USA, Canada, Mexico)

Europe (Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Rest of Europe)

Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, Australia, Vietnam, Rest of APAC)

The Middle East and Africa (Middle East, Africa)

South and Central America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of SCA)

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/tthqru

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.
Immutheras Scientific Advisory Board: World-Leading Expertise Driving Next-Generation Diabetes and Immunotherapy Solutions





Distinguished experts Dr. Jay Skyler, Dr. Desmond Schatz, and Dr. Lawrence Steinman have joined Immutheras Scientific Advisory Board.

Immuthera will continue expanding its Scientific Advisory Board over the coming months to build a truly world-class team.

In collaboration with PolTREG and leading U.S. academic centers, Immuthera will be developing a pipeline of cutting-edge, clinically validated Treg cell therapies for autoimmune and neuroinflammatory diseases.





4 JULY 2025 - Immuthera, a pioneer in cell therapies for autoimmune diseases, and parent company, PolTREG (Warsaw Stock Exchange: PTG), are proud to highlight the exceptional caliber of the first three members of its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB)a team whose collective expertise and groundbreaking achievements are shaping the future of diabetes and immunotherapy research. The support and guidance from these globally renowned scientists underscore Immutheras commitment to delivering innovative, safe, and effective therapies for patients worldwide.

The collective wisdom and leadership of Drs. Skyler, Schatz, and Steinman provide Immuthera and PolTREG with an unparalleled strategic advantage. Their guidance ensures that our research and clinical programs are aligned with the highest standards of scientific rigor and patient care. Immuthera plans on expanding our SAB over the next several months to build a truly world-class team that will guide our activities in the US and beyond. With their support, Immuthera is uniquely positioned to accelerate the development of transformative therapies for type 1 diabetes and other autoimmune diseases - said Prof. Piotr Trzonkowski, CEO of Immuthera and PolTREG.

Immuthera will be working closely with PolTREG, and US academic centers, to develop a pipeline of cutting edge and clinically validated Treg cell therapies for the treatment of autoimmune and neuroinflammatory diseases.

Regulatory T cells (Treg cells) play a crucial role in maintaining immune homeostasis. As such, Immutheras and PolTREGs delivery of Tregs offers hope for curing or controlling autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes  said Dr. Desmond Schatz.

"I am excited to provide advice as Immuthera and PolTREG test their exciting technology in the clinic"  add Dr. Lawrence Steinman.

A Scientific Advisory Board of Visionaries: Unrivaled Leadership in Diabetes and Immunology

Dr. Jay Skyler: Architect of Modern Diabetes Care

Dr. Jay Skyler stands as one of the most influential figures in type 1 diabetes research. His visionary work has transformed patient care and set new standards for clinical excellence:

Pioneering Intensive Insulin Therapy: Dr. Skylers development of patient self-monitoring and intensive insulin protocols revolutionized diabetes management, empowering millions to achieve better glycemic control.

Dr. Skylers development of patient self-monitoring and intensive insulin protocols revolutionized diabetes management, empowering millions to achieve better glycemic control. Leadership in Landmark Clinical Trials: As Chairman of the NIH-sponsored Diabetes Prevention Trial  Type 1 (DPT-1) and Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet, Dr. Skyler has overseen global efforts to prevent and delay the onset of type 1 diabetes.

As Chairman of the NIH-sponsored Diabetes Prevention Trial  Type 1 (DPT-1) and Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet, Dr. Skyler has overseen global efforts to prevent and delay the onset of type 1 diabetes. Trailblazer in Immune Intervention: He led the first NIH-funded studies using cyclosporine and monoclonal antibodies to preserve beta-cell function, paving the way for modern immune therapies.

He led the first NIH-funded studies using cyclosporine and monoclonal antibodies to preserve beta-cell function, paving the way for modern immune therapies. Editorial and Organizational Leadership: Founding Editor-in-Chief of Diabetes Care and past President of the American Diabetes Association, Dr. Skylers influence extends from laboratory to clinic, and from policy to patient advocacy.

Founding Editor-in-Chief of Diabetes Care and past President of the American Diabetes Association, Dr. Skylers influence extends from laboratory to clinic, and from policy to patient advocacy. Recognition: His accolades include the Banting Medal for Service, the Distinction in Endocrinology Award, and the Mary Tyler Moore/S. Robert Levine Award from JDRF.





Dr. Desmond Schatz: Champion of Prevention, Genetics, and Pediatric Care

Dr. Desmond Schatzs four-decade career has been dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of type 1 diabetes, particularly in children and adolescents:

Pioneering Research: Dr. Schatz has led major NIH and JDRF-funded studies on the prediction, genetics, and immunopathogenesis of type 1 diabetes, including the TEDDY program for newborn genetic screening and the Human Islet Research Network (HIRN).

Dr. Schatz has led major NIH and JDRF-funded studies on the prediction, genetics, and immunopathogenesis of type 1 diabetes, including the TEDDY program for newborn genetic screening and the Human Islet Research Network (HIRN). Clinical Trial Leadership: As Principal Investigator for the University of Floridas TrialNet Clinical Center and a founding member of DPT-1, Dr. Schatz has driven international efforts to prevent and manage type 1 diabetes.

As Principal Investigator for the University of Floridas TrialNet Clinical Center and a founding member of DPT-1, Dr. Schatz has driven international efforts to prevent and manage type 1 diabetes. Mentorship and Advocacy: A prolific author with over 400 publications, Dr. Schatz is recognized for nurturing the next generation of diabetes researchers and clinicians.

A prolific author with over 400 publications, Dr. Schatz is recognized for nurturing the next generation of diabetes researchers and clinicians. Honors: His distinguished service has been recognized with the Banting Medal, ISPAD Prize for Achievement, the George Eisenbarth Award, and the University of Florida College of Medicine Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dr. Lawrence Steinman: Innovator in Neuroimmunology and Autoimmune Therapies

Dr. Lawrence Steinmans research has redefined the landscape of neuroimmunology and autoimmune disease treatment:

Breakthrough Therapy Development: His work at Stanford University led to the creation of Natalizumab (Tysabri), the first approved monoclonal antibody for multiple sclerosis (MS), now a standard of care worldwide.

His work at Stanford University led to the creation of Natalizumab (Tysabri), the first approved monoclonal antibody for multiple sclerosis (MS), now a standard of care worldwide. Groundbreaking Discoveries: Dr. Steinmans research unveiled the molecular link between Epstein-Barr virus and MS, earning him the 2023 Pioneer in Medicine Award.

Dr. Steinmans research unveiled the molecular link between Epstein-Barr virus and MS, earning him the 2023 Pioneer in Medicine Award. Expanding the Frontiers: His expertise in antigen-specific therapies and DNA vaccines spans MS, ALS, neuromyelitis optica, and type 1 diabetes.

His expertise in antigen-specific therapies and DNA vaccines spans MS, ALS, neuromyelitis optica, and type 1 diabetes. Recognition: Dr. Steinman is a recipient of the John Dystel Prize, the Charcot Prize for Lifetime Achievement, and is an elected member of both the US National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Medicine.





About Immuthera:

Immuthera is pioneering novel cell-based therapies for clinical development in the United States and Canada. Immuthera will be clinically developing assets initially developed by PolTREG under the US FDA regulatory framework. Immuthera will have full access to PolTREGs Research and Development capabilities and asset pipeline along with the ability to explore novel modalities developed by US Institutions. Immuthera is currently seeking investment to pursue the manufacture and clinical development of these assets in the United States.

About PolTREG:

PolTREG is a global leader in developing autoimmune therapies based on T-regulatory cells (Tregs). Its lead product, PTG-007, autologous Treg treatment for early-onset Type-1 Diabetes (T1D) is ready for Phase 2/3 clinical testing, for which the company is seeking a partnership. PolTREG has established a robust platform encompassing a wide range of cell therapy approaches, including polyclonal TREG, CAR-TREG, allogeneic TREG, antigen-specific TREG, and TCR-TREG therapies.








VICTORIA, Seychelles, July 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MEXC , a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, has released its official MayJune 2025 Bimonthly Report, outlining new security initiatives, internal risk monitoring data, and major transparency updates. The report reaffirms MEXCs commitment to safeguarding user assets and maintaining institutional-grade operational standards.

Among the key disclosures:

Proof of Reserves Update  The report confirms current key wallet holdings, providing publicly verifiable data to reinforce asset safety and user trust.

 The report confirms current key wallet holdings, providing publicly verifiable data to reinforce asset safety and user trust. $100M Guardian Fund  A new insurance mechanism designed to cover user losses in unforeseen incidents, such as protocol-level hacks and critical exploits, is now live.

 A new insurance mechanism designed to cover user losses in unforeseen incidents, such as protocol-level hacks and critical exploits, is now live. Futures Insurance Fund Growth  The fund aimed at mitigating forced liquidation losses has expanded its financial coverage, reflecting MEXCs active protection of derivatives traders.

 The fund aimed at mitigating forced liquidation losses has expanded its financial coverage, reflecting MEXCs active protection of derivatives traders. Asset Recovery Protocols  New updates are introduced for refund processing related to user errors, including wrong network deposits.

 New updates are introduced for refund processing related to user errors, including wrong network deposits. Illicit Transaction Response  Between March and April, MEXC successfully intercepted over 2.2 million USDT in stolen or hacked funds across 41 user cases.



MEXC is ensuring that all user assets are fully redeemable at any time by maintaining over-collateralized reserves , as evidenced by the latest data. This means that for every unit of cryptocurrency users hold on the platform, MEXC holds more than one unit in reserve, guaranteeing asset withdrawal whenever needed. The Proof of Reserves (PoR) MEXC is reporting as of June 26, 2025, shows the platform holds enough assets to cover all user deposits. Key wallet holdings as of June 26: 4,08 million BTC, 69,234 ETH, 2.32 billion USDT, 72.3 million USDC.

The launch of the groundbreaking $100 million Guardian Fund , a dedicated security reserve designed to protect users against major threats such as large-scale hacks, targeted attacks, and serious system vulnerabilities, is a key initiative prioritizing trading security at MEXC. This includes, but is not limited to covering two major issues: compensation when MEXC's systems are compromised and protection from losses due to critical technical problems. To promote industry transparency, MEXC is publicly disclosing all Guardian Fund wallet addresses. This allows anyone to verify the funds balance and transactions on the blockchain, ensuring openness and building user trust.

Furthermore, the exchange continues its active fight against fraud. This is achieved by ongoing risk control monitoring. In its recent Bimonthly Report, MEXC disclosed that 46,311 suspicious user accounts linked to fraudulent activities were identified and restricted, involving 6,184 fraud syndicates. The largest sources of these activities were traced to CIS, India, and Indonesia. These measures keep enhancing security and building community trust.

According to the Report, MEXCs Futures Insurance Fund has paid out over $559 million to compensate traders as of June 30, 2025  a substantial contribution to preserving the market stability and unprecedented user protection. The initiative is aimed at ensuring a safer trading environment and supporting traders by covering losses that might occur during forced liquidations and mitigating financial risks.

MEXC also reported successful user asset recovery efforts, with 2,428 cases of mistaken deposits resolved by its dedicated customer support team, resulting in the recovery of 1.1 million USDT for users. Since some errors may occur accidentally on the users side, asset recovery support plays a vital role in ensuring peace of mind. Users can request the return of funds sent to the wrong address, involving unsupported tokens, or containing incorrect memo/tag information.

As part of its comprehensive strategy of maintaining platform security, MEXC is constantly combating hacks and illicit transactions, as confirmed by the data published in the Report. In May-June 2025, the platform processed 709 assistance requests. MEXC efficiently resolves two main types of cases: user asset theft, where users request urgent account freezes, and law enforcement-initiated cases, where users or law enforcement agencies have launched official proceedings. During this period, MEXC handled 124 official freeze requests with official law enforcement documentation. In total, 41 cases were successfully intercepted  covering both user asset theft incidents and enforcement-driven asset freezes. During this period, MEXC handled 124 official freeze requests with official law enforcement documentation.

Additionally, the exchange is taking action to address reports of stolen or hacked funds being deposited onto their platform and is constantly monitoring suspicious activity and freezing affected accounts.

These ongoing initiatives reflect MEXCs broader commitment to proactive security, regulatory cooperation, and industry-leading transparency. By combining over-collateralized reserves, responsive asset protection mechanisms, and robust compliance infrastructure, MEXC continues to build a trusted environment for global crypto traders.

The exchange remains focused on delivering secure, resilient, and user-first trading experiences  aligned with its vision to raise industry standards and support the long-term growth of digital assets worldwide.

About MEXC

Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being "Your Easiest Way to Crypto". Serving over 40 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, frequent airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.

MEXC Official Website  X  Telegram  How to Sign Up on MEXC

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0aedca5d-f92e-40f9-a259-66dfe626e073
Dublin, July 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Saudi Arabia Cards and Payments: Opportunities and Risks to 2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The report report provides detailed analysis of market trends in the Saudi cards and payments industry. It provides values and volumes for a number of key performance indicators in the industry, including cash, card, credit transfer, direct debits, and cheques during the review-period (2021-25e).



The report also analyzes various payment card markets operating in the industry and provides detailed information on the number of cards in circulation, transaction values and volumes during the review-period and over the forecast-period (2025e-29f). It also offers information on the country's competitive landscape, including market shares of issuers and schemes.



The report brings together the analyst's research, modeling, and analysis expertise to allow banks and card issuers to identify segment dynamics and competitive advantages. The report also covers detailed regulatory policies and recent changes in regulatory structure.



The report provides top-level market analysis, information and insights into the Saudi cards and payments industry, including:

Current and forecast values for each market in the Saudi cards and payments industry, including debit, credit and charge cards.

Detailed insights into payment instruments including cash, card, credit transfer, direct debits, and cheques. It also, includes an overview of the country's key alternative payment instruments.

Ecommerce market analysis.

Analysis of various market drivers and regulations governing the Saudi cards and payments industry.

Detailed analysis of strategies adopted by banks and other institutions to market debit, credit and charge cards.

Comprehensive analysis of consumer attitudes and buying preferences for cards.

The competitive landscape of the Saudi cards and payments industry.

Key Highlights

Saudi Arabia is a regional pioneer in the adoption of contactless payments. Its position has been driven by the introduction of mada POS-supporting NFC payments (also known as mada atheer payments) by the national payment scheme mada, as well as the launch of contactless payments for public transport. In February 2025, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City introduced Apple Pay's Express Transit mode for fare payments on the Riyadh Metro and Bus networks. This functionality allows commuters to seamlessly pay fares at metro and bus entry gates using their iPhone or Apple Watch.

Aligned with its Vision 2030 strategy, the government has launched initiatives to support ecommerce growth. In August 2024, the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises (Monsha'at) organized E-commerce Week to familiarize entrepreneurs with the importance of ecommerce and its impact on SMEs. Monsha'at collaborated with government and private entities to host the event in Riyadh, Madinah, Jeddah, and Al-Khobar. The main objective was to facilitate communication and the exchange of experiences among entrepreneurs, experts, and relevant government entities via workshops, entrepreneurial meetings, consultations, and guidance sessions with specialists and experts from various fields.

Buoyed by the growing ecommerce market, the adoption of BNPL solutions is steadily increasing in Saudi Arabia. BNPL firms are raising significant funding and expanding their offerings to strengthen their presence in the country. In February 2025, the BNPL and financial services provider Tabby raised Saudi riyal (SAR) 600 million ($160 million) in a series E financing round led by the existing investors Blue Pool Capital and Hassana Investment Company, as well as the new investors STV and Wellington Management. The funding valued the company at SAR12.4 billion ($3.3 billion). As of February 2025, Tabby had more than 15 million registered users and partnered with over 40,000 merchants.

Key Topics Covered:



1. Executive Summary



2. Market Overview



3. Payment Instruments



4. Card-Based Payments



5. Ecommerce Payments



6. In-Store Payments



7. Buy Now Pay Later



8. Mobile Payments



9. P2P Payments



10. Bill Payments



11. Alternative Payments



12. Payment Innovation



13. Job Analysis



14. Payment Infrastructure and Regulation



15. Appendix

Companies Mentioned

Saudi National Bank

Al Rajhi Bank

Saudi British Bank

Riyad Bank

Alinma Bank

Arab National Bank

The Saudi Investment Bank

Visa

Mastercard

American Express

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/df2cin

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.
Dublin, July 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Strategic Intelligence - NATO" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



NATO is essential in the defense industry, as a the political and military Alliance includes many of the largest spenders on defense. To overcome an era of heightened geopolitical risk, companies, nations, and militaries are increasingly adopting a collaborative approach. This approach involves acquisitions, sharing information on threats with their NATO Allies, and reporting overall defense spending.



This report explores emergent trends within the NATO market, examining use cases and the implementation of emerging technologies such as drones, and what challenges must be considered in pursuing effective strategies for brand building in this market.



In 2025, NATO faces four significant challenges stemming from Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the rise of isolationist sentiments in America. Recent years have created several challenges for the North Atlantic, including defense spending complacency, defense industrial supply chain issues, a disjointed approach to Russia's war in Ukraine, and a wavering commitment from the most powerful member of the Alliance. While a supermajority of NATO's 32 members spends more than 2.0% of GDP on defense, some of the largest members do not meet NATO's target or spend the minimum to do so. Moreover, widespread low economic growth has limited defense spending and austerity has often slowed the growth of defense budgets.



The transatlantic defense industry has shrunk since the Cold War and NATO Allies have struggled to put together a defense industrial base to deter aggression from Russia, as well as threats in NATO's "southern neighborhoods" and the wider world. Russia's war in Ukraine is the driving factor for NATO's recent resurgence in importance.

By the start of 2025, Europe and the US had contributed $180 billion in military aid to Ukraine. Despite this, the Alliance's messaging about the war has been fragmented, particularly since the reelection of US President Donald Trump in November 2024. The victory raised questions about US commitment to the Alliance. During his campaign, President Trump did not pledge his commitment to the Washington Treaty's Article 5 which stipulates an obligation to collective defense, and said he would "encourage" aggressors "to do whatever the hell they want" to Allies that, in his eyes, did not spend enough on defense.



There are positives for NATO. At its summer 2025 summit, members are expected to agree to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035.



Key Highlights

Studies of emerging technological trends and their broader impact on the defense market.

Analysis of the various NATO solutions, programs and projects currently under development

Scope

The key defense challenges that forces and defense sector suppliers face are covered.

The investment opportunities for armed forces, suppliers, and institutional investors, across the whole NATO value chain are covered.

Highlights from the range different NATO Allies and their progress toward NATO spending goals

Reasons to Buy

Determine potential investment companies based on trend analysis and market projections.

Gaining an understanding of the market challenges and opportunities surrounding the NATO in defense theme.

Understanding how spending on NATO and related segments will fit into the overall market and which spending areas are being prioritized.

Key Topics Covered:

Executive Summary

Players Thematic Briefing

Four Challenges for NATO

Trends

Technology trends

Macroeconomic trends

Regulatory & organizational trends

Industry Analysis Market size and growth forecasts

Use cases

Timeline

Value Chain

Companies

Public companies

Private companies

Sector Scorecards

Aerospace, defense & security sector scorecard

Glossary

Further Reading

Thematic Research Methodology About the Analyst

Contact the Publisher

A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes, but is not limited to:

AeroVironment

Airbus

BAE

Boeing

Elbit

General Dynamics

Hanwha

Hensoldt

IAI

KAI

Lockheed Martin

MBDA

Nexter France

Northrop Grumman

Oshkosh Polska Grupa

Zbrojeniowa SA

Rafael

Advanced Defense Systems

Rheinmetall

Saab

Thales

Baykar Technologies

KMW

Nammo

Patria Oyj

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/f0eqeu

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.
GRASS VALLEY, Calif., July 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- What should homeowners know to better understand how their HVAC system functions? That question is answered in a recent HelloNation article , where Carrie Gilbert of BAEHR Heating & Air in Grass Valley, California, shares expert guidance on the foundational components and maintenance practices of a residential HVAC system. The piece breaks down furnace operation, air conditioning function, thermostat control, and air filter replacement in practical terms designed to empower homeowners with essential knowledge.

Gilbert explains how the furnace and air conditioning unit work in tandem to regulate home climate, while the thermostat serves as the user interface for scheduling and adjustments. The importance of timely air filter replacement is emphasized as a critical step in preserving both system efficiency and indoor air quality. The article also notes the value of understanding the location of key components and tracking service history to make informed decisions about repairs or upgrades. Routine walkthroughs with HVAC technicians during scheduled visits are encouraged to help identify airflow issues and irregularities early.

The full article, Understanding the Basics of Your HVAC System , highlights how basic knowledge of residential HVAC components can lead to better communication with technicians and more proactive home climate regulation, according to Carrie Gilbert of BAEHR Heating & Air.

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/ce9f5998-0829-483d-a671-bdce679b0fef
CLARKESVILLE, Ga., July 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- What are the benefits of in-home design consultations when selecting furniture and decor? According to Kevin Wood of Woods Mercantile, understanding a clients lifestyle and spatial layout firsthand is key to furnishing a home that is both beautiful and functional. In a featured HelloNation article , Wood explains how personalized service through home visits offers insights that simply cant be matched in a traditional showroom environment.

Wood shares that in-home consultations allow design professionals to assess room size, natural lighting, color schemes, and the homeowners routines. This detailed perspective enables better recommendations for furniture layout, coordination of finishes, and selection of accessories. Whether adapting a sectional for an open-concept mountain home or addressing traffic flow in a smaller living room, Woods team tailors each solution to the unique needs of Clarkesville and North Georgia families.

Years of experience and a community-focused approach define the Woods Mercantile philosophy. Rather than selling furniture as standalone items, the emphasis is on helping clients create spaces that are both livable and expressive of their personal style. That philosophy is at the heart of Designing with Purpose and Freedom: The Importance of In-Home Consultations, now featured in HelloNation .

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/50358dfa-aad9-4923-9f3f-42f782f7b2dd
GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO , July 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AIXA Miner announced the launch of its advanced cloud mining platform, designed to increase accessibility to cryptocurrency mining for a global audience. The platform leverages AI-driven optimization to manage mining operations, removing the need for users to purchase and maintain expensive, specialized hardware.

As interest in digital assets continues, many potential participants are deterred by the technical complexity and high upfront costs associated with traditional cryptocurrency mining. AIXA Miner aims to address these challenges by providing a cloud-based infrastructure that handles all technical aspects of the mining process.

"Our goal is to demystify the process of cryptocurrency mining," said a spokesperson for AIXA Miner. "By managing the hardware, energy, and optimization, we provide a platform for individuals interested in participating in the digital asset ecosystem without the traditional barriers to entry."

AIXA Miner: Breaking Down The Key Highlights

Low investment entry. AIXA Miner's flexible investment plans suit every investor looking to acquire Bitcoin as a daily income. Automated daily passive income with zero exposure to market volatility. The platform's users enjoy a hassle-free opportunity to have real-time earnings credited to their accounts after every 24 hours. Multi-currency access. Apart from Bitcoin, AIXA Miner supports ETH, DOGE, XRP, and other major altcoins. No expensive infrastructure required. Undoubtedly, AIXA Miner is the best Bitcoin cloud mining service provider, offering a hands-free approach to acquiring BTC

Choose a plan that will have your crypto portfolio looking strong :

Empowering Investors at Every Stage: Ideal for Investors Looking for Trusted Cloud Mining Sites

New investors receive a free welcome bonus. AIXA Miner rewards free trials without expensive infrastructure or expertise.

AIXA Miner rewards free trials without expensive infrastructure or expertise. Its diverse investment plans allow users to effortlessly scale up to high-yielding contracts. AIXA Miners flexibility in contract terms and ROI creates a globally accommodating investment space.

AIXA Miner's operations favour eco-conscious crypto investors. It seamlessly adopts renewable energy-powered mining technology to maximise daily profits. This is among the top reasons why it stands out among the most trusted cloud mining sites.





Unlock Seamless Crypto Mining: Your Step-by-Step Path to Earning with The Best Bitcoin Cloud Mining Platform:

Visit the AIXA Miner's intuitive dashboard or download their app on your mobile device. Claim your registration bonus after a successful sign-up using your email. Choose the best Bitcoin cloud mining contract that satisfies your investment goals and strategies. Monitor your Bitcoin mining operations and daily passive income in the dashboard. You can choose to withdraw or reinvest your already earned income anytime, anywhere.





AIXA Miner is registered and licensed by FinCEN as a Money Services Business (MSB) in the United States and is headquartered at 5800 S Quebec St, Greenwood Village. The company operates data centers in over 150 countries to support its global user base.

About AIXA Miner

AIXA Miner is a technology company specializing in cloud-based cryptocurrency mining services. By combining an accessible user platform with AI-driven operational management, the company offers a modern approach to digital asset mining.

You don't have to wait for the crypto market to grow to benefit; click here for a free mining bonus . Boost your Bitcoin reserve without the hassle! Let your investments lead you to a fortunate financial future.

For more information, visit the official website 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.










Record-Breaking Transition Signals Intensifying Investor Demand

ROAD TOWN, British Virgin Islands, July 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Neo Pepe Coin ($NEOP), the Ethereum-based meme coin aligned with decentralization and symbolic resistance to centralized finance, has officially crossed into Stage 4 of its presaleweeks ahead of schedule. This marks a pivotal milestone in what is shaping up to be one of the most aggressive and strategically executed launches in recent presale memory.

The presale, structured across 16 ascending stages from $0.05 to $0.16 per token, has already amassed substantial early-stage capital as investor interest accelerates. Stage 4 now prices $NEOP at $0.08, reflecting growing enthusiasm not just for its price movement but also its structural innovations. With a funding goal of $50 million, the project has already secured a sizable portion of its target through disciplined urgency and high-volume participation.

High-Speed Presale Marks Rare Momentum

The speed at which Neo Pepe Coin has advanced through its initial presale phases highlights a confluence of well-timed market appetite and an ecosystem narrative resonating with crypto purists. In a market saturated with low-effort meme coin derivatives, Neo Pepes approachmelding cultural depth, aggressive utility, and tight presale architecturehas attracted both traders and builders alike.

Presale phases are engineered not just to raise capital but to forge a psychological momentum. The fact that Stage 3 concluded in record time indicates surging buyer confidence and a clear recognition of Neo Pepes differentiated mission within the best crypto category. The added benefit of hourly token unlocks post-launch and complete LP token burns makes this not just a speculative play, but one framed for long-term survivability.

Governance, Liquidity, and a War Chest of Innovation

Neo Pepe Coin isnt just offering hypeits architected a powerful governance system with decentralized proposal voting via delegated token power, a timelock for transparency, and a treasury controlled entirely by the community through the NEOPGovernor smart contract suite. This offers participants the rare chance to directly influence which exchanges the coin will list on, creating a tangible sense of ownership.

Every buy and sell triggers a 2.5% auto-liquidity infusion into Uniswap pools, with LP tokens permanently burnedfurthering long-term price stability. These mechanics give Neo Pepe Coin a structural advantage over many high-volatility meme coins, especially as investors look for ways to buy crypto with built-in safety mechanisms.

Additionally, Neo Pepe has passed a Certik Audit with a score of 71.96, confirming that its smart contracts meet leading industry security standards.

You Might Want to Get Some Pepe. But Lets Be Clear, Neo Pepe

Thats the whisper moving through Telegram threads and Discord chatrooms. As speculative energy moves from exhausted cycles of legacy meme coins like Shiba Inu and FLOKI, the appetite for thematic reinvention within the meme space is turning Neo Pepe into more than just a niche entry. Its becoming the centerpiece of what many are calling the next big wave in pepe coin culture.

With each stage pushing price upward, new participants are lining up to secure $NEOP before the next price tier activates. The scarcity-driven mechanic isnt just psychologicalits mathematically incentivized.

Where to Buy Neo Pepe Coin

Neo Pepe Coin is currently available through its structured presale on its official website . Supported payment options include ETH, USDT, and USDC across Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, and Base networks. Buyers can track the current stage price and availability in real time. With 1 billion total tokens and 45% allocated to presale, current buyers still have access to generous token supply while benefiting from staged appreciation.

Join the Movement

Neo Pepe Coin isnt just an entry in the meme coin genreits a serious contender reshaping the narrative around what community-powered, decentralized coins can achieve. Join the Telegram, follow the Twitter/X, and immerse yourself in the unfolding momentum.

Visit the official Neo Pepe site to buy crypto , read the whitepaper, check your eligibility, and explore why this might be the moment to enter the Memetrix.

Get Started with $NEOP

Contact:

Logan Roy

team@neopepe.ai

Disclaimer: This content is provided by Neo Pepe. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sectorincluding cryptocurrency, NFTs, and miningcomplete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an "as-is" basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ce50974e-dcf4-4b9a-adff-9fe3654b8502
TALLINN, Estonia, July 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitcoin Solaris, a next-generation blockchain platform built on dual-layer architecture, has officially announced the upcoming release of its flagship Solaris Nova App, designed to democratize crypto mining across mobile and desktop devices. This launch coincides with the final phase of the projects explosive 90-day presale, which has already raised over $6 million and onboarded more than 13,650 participants globally.

Bitcoin Solaris: Tech-Powered, Wealth-Driven

Bitcoin Solaris is here to amplify its value. Built with a hybrid dual-layer architecture, BTC-S fuses the security of Proof-of-Work with the efficiency of Delegated Proof-of-Stake. The result is a blockchain that handles up to 10,000 transactions per second with just 2-second finality.

Key features include:

A dual-layer blockchain with a secure PoW base and lightning-fast DPoS upper layer.



A validator rotation system that maximizes decentralization and minimizes attack vectors.



Energy-efficient infrastructure that uses 99.95% less energy than traditional Bitcoin mining.



Full smart contract capability for DeFi, NFT, and enterprise-grade applications.



This is not just tech hype. This is the foundation for scalable, global adoption. And with bitcoin solaris gearing up for launch, the infrastructure is already live-tested and rapidly evolving.

Mining for Everyone: Welcome to the Mobile Era

Remember when crypto mining required an industrial warehouse and a stack of GPUs? Bitcoin Solaris throws that model out the window. Through the exciting release of the upcoming Solaris Nova App, users can mine BTC-S directly from their smartphone, laptop, or desktop.

This isnt a toy app. Its a full-fledged mining solution with adaptive algorithms, energy-saving options, and smart device optimization. And it doesnt stop there:

Leaderboards and gamified missions.



Built-in tutorials for beginners.



In-app wallet integration and stats tracking.



Support for both entry-level and pro users.



For those curious about their potential income, the BTC-S mining calculator gives a real-time estimate of what daily mining returns could look like depending on device and time.

Crypto Was Meant for Everyone. BTC-S Finally Delivers That Promise

The Presale Storm: One of Crypto's Fastest Rallies

Bitcoin Solaris is in phase 10 of its limited 90-day presale. At just $10 per token with a $20 launch price, the potential 150% return is making early buyers rethink their entire portfolio.

This isnt your usual sleepy presale. With over $6 million already raised and more than 13,650 users onboard, BTC-S is setting records. Its one of the shortest and most explosive presales crypto has seen in years.

Only around 4 weeks left before launch.



Over 11,000 participants are already locked in.



Fastest-growing Web3 Telegram and X discussions.







To receive your tokens on launch day, Bitcoin Solaris recommends using Trust Wallet or Metamask for smooth delivery.

And if youre looking to multiply your tokens before the clock runs out, BTC-S offers a powerful referral program that gives 5% back to both the inviter and the invited. Its a win-win. No fine print.

Liquid Staking: Passive Income, Full Control

Beyond mining, Bitcoin Solaris also introduces a game-changing feature, liquid staking . Unlike traditional lock-up models, BTC-S lets users stake their tokens and receive sBTC-S in return, which can be traded or used in DeFi without forfeiting staking rewards.

Highlights include:

Reward generation without sacrificing liquidity.



Compatibility with decentralized applications.



Integration into the Solaris Nova App for ease of use.



Strengthened network security through validator engagement.



In addition, BTC-S added daily mini-games to boost engagement and rewards. If youre holding tokens, dont miss your shot; all the info is right here.

The hype isnt just retail-driven. Influencers are circling in. A detailed review by Token Galaxy recently broke down Bitcoin Solariss architecture, mining advantages, and real potential to follow a Bitcoin-like trajectory.

Security? Verified. With smart contract audits completed by Cyberscope and Freshcoins , BTC-S ticks the box for safety-conscious investors.

And the community? Thriving. The projects Telegram and growing X presence are filled with real users, asking smart questions, and onboarding faster than most centralized exchanges.



About Bitcoin Solaris

Bitcoin Solaris is a next-gen blockchain protocol built with a dual-layer hybrid consensus model combining Proof-of-Work and Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS). Designed for high transaction speed, energy efficiency, and global accessibility, the platform enables decentralized finance, NFT creation, and mainstream crypto participation from mobile and desktop environments.

For more information on Bitcoin Solaris:



Website: https://www.bitcoinsolaris.com/

Telegram: https://t.me/Bitcoinsolaris

X: https://x.com/BitcoinSolaris



Media Contact:

Xander Levine

press@bitcoinsolaris.com

Press Kit: Available upon request

Disclaimer: This content is provided by Bitcoin Solaris. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sectorincluding cryptocurrency, NFTs, and miningcomplete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an "as-is" basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e545d84e-8118-433d-9031-5e1d33dfdac9

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8a4194e3-070d-42c6-97f9-69fafd214aee

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/43a4556d-3945-45f6-88a3-fd4dddf5e709

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d59005bc-2ec5-4280-b54d-5fc76298b335
NEW YORK, July 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading securities law firm Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP announces that a lawsuit has been filed against Reddit, Inc. (NYSE: RDDT) and certain of the Companys senior executives for potential violations of the federal securities laws.

If you invested in Reddit, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/reddit-inc-securities-fraud-class-action.

Investors have until August 18, 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 Reddit securities. The case is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California and is captioned Tamraz, Jr. v. Reddit, Inc., at al., No. 25-cv-05144.

Why was Reddit Sued for Securities Fraud?

Reddit owns and operates the eponymous social news aggregation, forum, and social media platform. Reddit receives a significant portion of its user traffic from individuals seeking answers to questions using Google Search. The complaint alleges that Reddit misrepresented and downplayed the impact that Googles use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in Google's search results had on Reddits user growth.

In truth, Googles use of AI dented Reddits user growth by eliminating the need for individuals to visit and click through to Reddit to get answers to their questions. Rather, the answers appeared through Googles AI search results.

The Stock Declines as the Truth is Revealed

On May 1, 2025, Reddit reported a significant slowdown in daily active user growth. On this news, the price of Reddit stock declined $4.96 per share, or more than 4%, from $118.79 per share on May 1, 2025, to $113.83 per share on May 2, 2025.

Then, on May 21, 2025, Wall Street analyst Baird cut its Reddit stock price target over concerns that Googles AI capabilities are stifling Reddits user growth. On this news, the price of Reddit stock fell $9.79 per share, or over 9%, from $105.64 per share on May 20, 2025, to $95.85 per share on May 21, 2025.

Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/reddit-inc-securities-fraud-class-action.

What Can You Do?

If you invested in Reddit 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/reddit-inc-securities-fraud-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/reddit-inc-securities-fraud-class-action

Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Auckland, 04.07, (Globe Newswire) - New Zealand is approaching a landmark moment in its online gambling history. With full regulation on the horizon and the first licensed operators expected to launch in 2026, Kiwi players will soon have access to safer platforms backed by local oversight and consumer protections.

To guide players through this transition, iGaming.com has released its 2025 guide to the best online casinos in New Zealand. Trusted since 2011, iGaming.com helps players find secure and reputable sites in an evolving gambling landscape.

VIEW THE BEST ONLINE CASINOS IN NEW ZEALAND

iGaming.com is an independent platform dedicated to providing accurate, up-to-date information on all aspects of online gambling. While originally focused on markets such as the UK, Germany, and other parts of Europe, the platform has expanded to New Zealand in response to the countrys evolving online casino landscape and growing demand for trusted, localized guidance.

The following outlines how iGaming.com evaluates online casinos in New Zealand, focusing on factors like security, licensing, player protection, and reputation, to deliver reliable and unbiased recommendations.

What Makes iGaming.com a Trusted Source

Kiwis can trust iGaming.com because the platform is built on a foundation of transparency and accuracy. In a crowded and often overwhelming online gambling space, iGaming.com stands out by delivering clear, unbiased information about online casinos that helps players make informed choices.

With New Zealand on the path to full online gambling regulation, iGaming.com has become a trusted guide for those seeking safe and legal ways to play. Meanwhile, as the government prepares to introduce a formal licensing system, the platform provides players with timely insights, practical advice, and clear rankings based on unbiased criteria.

Helping Kiwis Navigate the Changes Ahead

New Zealands current online gambling environment is largely shaped by offshore operators. These are accessible to players, but beyond the scope of domestic oversight. While these sites are legal to use, the lack of a local licensing framework has created a fragmented space with uneven standards for safety. That landscape is set to change.

Beginning in February 2026, the government will auction just 15 licenses, each valid for three years and subject to strict renewal criteria. Licensed operators will be required to implement robust age verification, anti-money laundering protocols, and responsible gambling tools.

As the country transitions to a regulated system, iGaming.com helps players understand how these changes affect their choices. Central to the platform is a multi-layered ranking system to evaluate gambling operators in New Zealand.

Although iGaming.com earns referral commissions, these have no influence on how casinos are ranked or reviewed. Here are the main criteria:

Regulatory Alignment: With New Zealand preparing to launch a formal licensing system, iGaming.com closely monitors which operators meet the criteria expected under the upcoming framework. This includes assessing compliance with age restrictions, data protection standards, and anti-money laundering protocols  key areas that will soon be mandatory for local licensing. Player Protection: iGaming.com prioritizes platforms that actively promote responsible gambling. Operators are assessed for tools that allow players to manage their gaming habits, including deposit caps, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion options. Sites must also offer clear access to support services that align with New Zealands emerging consumer protection policies. Game Integrity: Each recommended online casino is checked for game fairness and transparency. iGaming.com favors platforms that feature games from certified developers that use independently tested random number generators. Clear RTP (Return to Player) rates are also integral to helping players understand the odds and make informed choices. Payment Systems: Reliable transactions are a key part of the review process. iGaming.com evaluates payment methods based on speed, security, and trust. Casino operators are expected to demonstrate consistency in processing deposits and withdrawals and provide secure, encrypted systems for handling player funds. Bonus Clarity: Bonuses are reviewed for fairness, not flash. iGaming.com focuses on the real value of each bonus package by examining wagering requirements, withdrawal limits, validity, and other restrictions that could affect New Zealand players. Only platforms with clear, reasonable conditions receive positive ratings. User Experience: Ease of use is assessed across both desktop and mobile platforms. iGaming.com evaluates how smoothly a casino runs on different devices, including responsiveness, page load times, and overall navigation. The review process considers how easy it is for players to find and launch games, access their accounts, adjust settings, contact support, and manage deposits or withdrawals. Customer Support Standards: Support services are evaluated for both availability and quality. iGaming.com looks for 24/7 assistance, quick response times via live chat, and helpful, well-organized FAQ sections. The goal is to make sure Kiwi players can get timely answers to common issues, from account problems to payment questions.

THE BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR KIWIS  RANKED & RATED

Supporting Players Beyond Rankings

Though iGaming.com is known for providing expert online casino rankings, the platform also plays a key role in educating players. With changing laws and new licensing standards on the horizon in New Zealand, iGaming.com understands how important it is for players to have access to clear, trustworthy information to navigate these changes.

iGaming.com consequently provides a wide range of practical resources to help players stay informed and in control, including:

Guides about gambling laws and regulatory frameworks How-to articles on choosing safe and regulated platforms Comparative breakdowns of the best online casinos Educational content on responsible gambling practices Links to local and international gambling support services Expert analysis of industry trends and other developments

Moreover, iGaming.com launched iGamingCare in 2024, a platform dedicated to promoting responsible gambling and player welfare. Through this program, the platform offers practical tools for managing gambling habits, including a two-minute self-assessment designed to help users spot potential risks.

iGamingCare also features regular podcasts with industry experts, mental health professionals, and responsible gambling advocates, offering insights on player protection, regulatory developments, and strategies for maintaining healthy gambling habits.

Conclusion: Why iGaming.com Stands Out

New Zealands online gambling space is entering a new chapter, with regulation set to reshape how and where players engage with online casinos. Against the backdrop of change, iGaming.com stands out for its player-first approach and commitment to transparency.

Rather than promoting unvetted operators, iGaming.com aims to direct players toward reputable platforms that align with emerging legal standards. This way, players can make smarter choices, avoid unnecessary risks, and stay on the right side of upcoming regulations.

Here is how iGaming.com earns player trust:

Independent and unbiased: Rankings are based on strict criteria that focus on quality and player safety. Expert-driven reviews: Evaluations are overseen by gambling experts and compliance professionals for accuracy and transparency. Regularly Updated: Listings are reviewed monthly to reflect changes in licensing, performance, and real player feedback. Player-first focus: Rankings focus on what players really want and expect from a gambling platform.

VIEW THE 2025 LIST OF LICENSED ONLINE CASINOS IN NZ

About iGaming.com

iGaming.com is a trusted online resource for New Zealand players seeking clear, accurate information about online gambling. As the country prepares to regulate the industry, the platform offers expert-led casino rankings, up-to-date legal insights, and practical guides focused on player safety.

Through its responsible gambling hub, iGamingCare, users can access tools like self-assessment quizzes, support links, and educational content designed to promote responsible play. It also features podcasts with international experts offering practical advice on staying in control while gambling.

Affiliate Disclosure & Disclaimer:

iGaming.com is a free, independent comparison platform supported by affiliate partnerships. Commissions may be earned if users sign up or deposit via links on the site. However, all rankings and reviews are based on expert analysis and strict evaluation standards to guarantee transparent, player-focused content.

All operators featured for the New Zealand market are expected to meet licensing requirements set by trusted international regulators. As New Zealand moves toward formal online gambling regulation, iGaming.com will continue to monitor developments closely.

Gambling carries financial risk and can be addictive. Please gamble responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose. For support, contact the Gambling Helpline New Zealand at 0800 654 655 or visit gamblinghelpline.co.nz.

Contact

For press inquiries or further information our PR team is happy to assist you:

iGaming.com

Druzki St. 17

9000 Varna, Bulgaria

Email: hello@igaming.com
Frya, 4 July 2025: Reference is made to the stock exchange announcement made by Kaldvik AS (the "Company") on 4 June 2025 regarding a request to hold an extraordinary general meeting to consider a proposal to open an investigation.

An extraordinary general meeting for this purpose was held today on 4 July 2025 at 12:00 hours (CEST) with approximately 83.34% of all shares entitled to vote present either in person or by proxy. 76.32% of the shareholders present voted against the proposal and 23.68% voted in favor. Shareholders may therefore request the district court to open an investigation within one month after date of the general meeting.

A copy of the minutes is attached to this announcement.

For further information, please contact:

Roy-Tore Rikardsen, CEO: +354 791 0006 (mobile)

Robert Robertsson, CFO: +354 843 0086 (mobile)

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act

Attachment
San Francisco, CA, July 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As cryptocurrency continues to enter the mainstream, mining  once known for its high costs and complexity  is evolving into a more accessible, efficient experience through cloud mining. Now, the worlds leading compliant cloud mining platform, DEAL Mining, is launching a free mining bonus campaign: New users will receive $15 in mining credits upon registration, allowing anyone to kick off their digital asset journey with zero upfront investment.





One-Stop Cloud Mining  Open to Everyone

Founded in 2016, DEAL Mining is one of the most recognized and compliant cloud mining platforms globally. It is dedicated to building a secure, regulated, and energy-efficient global mining infrastructure. Using decentralized computing power architecture (ICP protocol), AI-driven scheduling, and on-chain smart contract execution, users can mine mainstream cryptocurrencies such as BTC, ETH, DOGE, FIL, and XRP without needing expensive hardware or technical knowledge  and receive daily returns automatically.

Three Simple Steps to Claim Your Free $15 Mining Bonus

Step 1: Register an account

Visit the official website at https://dealmining.com, create your account with a valid email address, and log in.

Step 2: Receive your bonus automatically

Once registered, your account will be instantly credited with $15 in free mining funds  no additional actions required.

Step 3: Start mining with your free credits

Use your bonus to activate any eligible mining contract on the platform and start earning daily income!

Plus, log in daily to claim an extra $0.6 in free computing power, increasing your potential returns over time.

DEAL Mining offers a wide variety of contract options tailored to users at every level





To explore additional contract offerings, please refer to our official websitehttps://dealmining.com

Why Choose DEAL Mining?

$15 bonus for new users  no hardware or technical experience required

Multi-currency, multi-duration contracts to fit every investment strategy

Daily settlements with transparent, trackable income

Energy-efficient mining with over 60% operational cost savings

Support for 10+ major cryptocurrencies including DOGE, BTC, ETH, LTC, USDC, USDT, BNB, BCH, SOL, and XRP for deposits and withdrawals

Referral rewards up to 4.5%  earn more by inviting your friends





Start Your Zero-Cost Cloud Mining Journey Today!

With DEAL Mining, the barriers are low, the risks are manageable, and the opportunities are real.

Register now, claim your $15 free mining credit, and join over 1.8 million users worldwide who are growing their crypto assets every day.

Official Website: https://dealmining.com

Support Email: info@dealmining.com

Download the mobile app

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
Join us for Telenor Groups results for the 2nd quarter 2025

The presentation will be held at 0900 CET / 0800 UK





Join us for Telenor Groups results for the second quarter 2025

When: Friday 18 July, 0900 CET / 0800 UKT.

To view the webcast, without participating in the live Q&A, please visit:

https://www.telenor.com/investors/reports-and-information/quarterly/telenor-groups-results-for-the-2nd-quarter-2025/

or visit Telenor.com/investors

The presentation will be available via Webcast only.

For media:

A separate press meeting will be held at 10.30 CET in the coffee area in Telenor Expo,

Snaryveien 30, Fornebu. The media session will be held in Norwegian.

To RSVP, please email: thomas.midteide@telenor.com
Ottawa, July 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global medical devices market size was valued at USD 551.3 billion in 2024 and is predicted to hit around USD 1,022.50 billion by 2034, a study published by Towards Healthcare a sister firm of Precedence Research.

Get a sneak peek into the latest trends and insights shaping the global medical device market: https://www.towardshealthcare.com/download-sample/5487

Key Highlights

North America held the largest share of the market in 2024.

Asia-Pacific is projected to host the fastest-growing medical devices market in the coming years.

By type, the in vitro diagnostics segment held a dominant presence in the market in 2024.

By type, the diabetes care segment is anticipated to grow with the highest CAGR in the market during the studied years.

By end-user, the hospitals & ASCs segment led the global market in 2024.

By end-user, the clinics segment is predicted to witness significant growth in the market over the forecast period.

Overview And Potential of the Market

The medical devices are the instruments, implants, and other devices that are used for diagnosis, prevention, monitoring, treatment, or alleviation of disease or injury. They are as simple as well as complex devices that are manufactured for the medical sector, as well as for the population for personal use through wearable devices.

The medical devices are manufactured for a wide spectrum of products, in vitro diagnostics like test kits, reagents, blood glucose meters, instruments, and equipment like syringes, catheters, X-ray machines, for implants like pacemakers, artificial joints, and software for medical diagnosis and treatment.

The most widely used medical devices are the hearing aids, insulin pumps, and various types of prosthetics. The primary purpose of a medical device is to achieve its effect through physical means, rather than through pharmacological, immunological, or metabolic action, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Access detailed market metrics, forecasts, and segment-wise data in our comprehensive databook: https://www.towardshealthcare.com/download-databook/5487

What are the key drivers responsible for the growth of the medical devices market?

The key drivers responsible for the growth of the market are factors such as focus on preventive care, outsourcing of medical device manufacturing, growing demand for personalized healthcare, and minimally invasive procedures. These factors contribute to the growth of the market. The growing geriatric population and rising prevalence of chronic diseases increase the demand for glucose monitors, cardiac implants, and diagnostic tools, which fuels the growth of the market.

Technological advancements like innovation in medical technology, with ongoing research and development for the development of minimally invasive surgical tools and key healthcare solutions. Integration of digital health technologies like wearable devices for easy accessibility to healthcare options and offering convenience for chronic disease management is a key driver supporting the growth of the market.

What Are the Growing Trends Associated with The Medical Devices Market?

Aging Population

The growing population, particularly the geriatric demand for wearable devices for real-time monitoring and tracking of the condition, and the increasing demand for treatment for age-related conditions.

Rising Prevalence of Chronic Diseases

The growing prevalence of chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, along with respiratory disorders, drives the demand for the market.

Technological Advancements

The integration of AI and machine learning in wearable technology and innovative medical devices for ensuring accurate diagnosis and personalized solutions is a growing trend.

Minimal Invasion Procedure

The growing preference of the surgeons, as well as the patients, for minimally invasive surgical procedures is a growing trend, which fuels the growth of the market.

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What are the key growth opportunities responsible for the growth of the medical devices market?

The key growth opportunity responsible for the growth of the market is the rising healthcare spending and increased investments in healthcare infrastructure development in both developing and developed regions, along with the services of medical devices is a great opportunity for the growth. Another growth opportunity is the growing government initiatives and supportive government policies, like tax incentives and subsidies for medical devices stimulate and contribute to the growth of the market. Integration of AI and ML in technological advancements for the development of smart medical devices for wearable technology for personalization drives the growth and expansion of the market.

What Is the Growing Challenge in The Medical Devices Market?

The key challenge responsible for limiting the growth of the market is the complex navigation procedure and regulatory hurdles associated with it, like complex and evolving regulations, stringent quality and safety standards, and long approval processes are the challenges for the approval of the medical devices which hinder the growth of the market. High development and manufacturing costs, and the procedure of the development is a challenge, high price of the product also affects the profitability and affordability of medical devices in the price-sensitive population and market; these factors hinder the growth of the market.

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Regional analysis

How Did North America Dominate the Medical Devices Market In 2024?

North America has seen significant growth and has dominated the market. The growth is driven by the agricultural manufacturing industry and industrial development in the region. The innovation in medical technology and advanced healthcare solutions, through wearable devices and increasing adoption by the population, especially the geriatric population, fuels the growth of the market. Key players like Edtronic, Johnson & Johnson, Abbott Laboratories, and Danaher Corporation also play a key role in the growth of the market, due to their support and investments by the manufacturers supporting the demand. These factors and key players play a major and crucial role in the growth and expansion of the market.

According to Volza's Global Export data, the World shipped out 321,790 Medical device shipments from November 2023 to October 2024 (TTM). These exports were handled by 16,767 exporters to 12,822 buyers.

According to Volza's Global Export data, globally, Costa Rica, the United States, and China are the top three exporters of Medical Devices. Costa Rica is the global leader in Medical Devices exports with 422,555 shipments, followed closely by the United States with 162,969 shipments, and China in third place with 134,030 shipments.

Key drivers fueling U.S. medical devices market growth: aging population and rising chronic diseases; rapid tech innovation AI, IoT, 3D printing, smart wearables; robust R&D investment and venture capital; supportive FDA pathways and regulatory incentives; increased healthcare spending and elective procedures demand; momentum in remote monitoring and minimally invasive interventions

Aging population and rising chronic diseases increase demand; strong public healthcare funding and favorable federal transfers; government investment in R&D, digital health, robotics, AI, telemedicine; expanding manufacturing via biomanufacturing strategy; reliance on imports with robust trade ties (especially with the U.S.) boosts diversity and scale.

What Made Asia Pacific Significantly Grow in the Medical Devices Market In 2024?

Asia Pacific is experiencing steady growth in the market and is expected to have significant growth I the market in the forecast period, driven by rapid growth in the medical devices sector, with a growing population and an aging population, and growing prevalence of chronic diseases, which require regular monitoring, demanding medical devices for monitoring. Government initiatives in the region supporting the development of healthcare infrastructure and access to medical devices play a crucial role in the growth of the market through policies and regulations. The change in lifestyle preferences and change in eating habits have led to unhealthy conditions, which lead to diseases, and this fuels the growth of the market and contributes to the expansion of the market in the country.

According to Volza's India Export data, India shipped out 16,918 Medical device shipments from November 2023 to October 2024 (TTM). These exports were handled by 270 Indian exporters to 1,170 buyers, showing a growth rate of 33% over the previous 12 months.



Chinas medical devices market thrives due to aging demographics, chronic disease prevalence, and rising healthcare spending (~ US$39.8 bn in 2025, +7.1%), statista.com. Strong state backing via Made in China 2025 boosts R&D, subsidies, tax breaks; digital-health and AI adoption soar; exports reached $11.4 bn in 2024.

Indias market grows via National Medical Devices Policy 2023 expanding infrastructure, regulatory streamlining, R&D, PLI incentives and medical-device parks; 500 cr support scheme boosts clinical trials and local manufacturing; 5,000 cr PRIP fosters innovation; telehealth, AI adoption and trade deals (India-UK FTA) further drive expansion.

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Segmental Insights

By type

How did product segment dominate the Medical Devices Market in 2024?

The in vitro diagnostics segment dominated the market in 2024. The IVDS are medical devices which is used for testing and diagnosis of biological samples like blood, tissue, or urine to assess and predict the patient's health status and condition, which fuels the demand for the market. The diagnoses are in a wide range of applications, from simple to complex sample diagnosis, which increases the demand. IVDs are used for the early detection, monitoring ongoing conditions, and informing treatment strategies. The most widely used IVDs are pregnancy tests, blood grouping tests, immunoassays, cancer diagnostics, genetic testing, and other tests, which fuel the growth and demand for the market. The safety and effectiveness of the device and regulations further support the growth.

The diabetes care segment is expected to experience the fastest growth in the medical devices market during the forecast period. The growth of the market is seen as driven by the growing diabetes population in regions due to changing eating habits and lifestyle of the consumers and patients, which demand smart and advanced medical devices for monitoring and detection, which fuels the growth of the market.

The major devices include blood glucose meters, continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, smart insulin pens, and automated insulin delivery systems or artificial pancreas, which aims to mimic a healthy pancreas, driving the growth of the market. The benefits offered by using medical devices increase the demand, like improved blood sugar control, increased flexibility and convenience, personalized diabetes management, and reduced risk of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, which further fuels the growth of the market.

By end use

How did product segment dominate the Medical Devices Market in 2024?

The hospitals & ASCs segment dominated the market in 2024. The medical devices play a crucial role in hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers, which help in accurate diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of the patients' health and conditions. Commonly used devices are surgical equipment, diagnostic equipment, monitoring equipment, therapeutic equipment, sterile processing equipment, and other equipment that can adapt to different procedures, which fuels the growth of the market. The need for specialised and advanced smart diagnostic devices and kits for general and specialized monitoring systems boosts the growth and expansion of the market.

The clinics segment expects significant growth in the medical devices market during the forecast period. The growth of the market is seen as driven by the basic treatment demand and for diagnosis and treatment, and patient monitoring, including basic tools like stethoscopes and thermometers, to more advanced equipment like ultrasound machines and ECG machines, fueling the growth. The growing demand for effective patient care and the requirement of quality, accuracy, and ease of use make it more demanding for professionals to properly monitor and drive the growth and demand for the market, further contributing to the growth of the market.

Top 10 Companies and Their Contributions to the Medical Devices Market

Company Contribution & Offerings Archimedic Specializes in medtech innovation, helping startups develop human-centered, regulatory-compliant medical devices. Baxter International Delivers critical care and renal products globally, including infusion systems, IV solutions, and dialysis equipment. Becton, Dickinson & Co. A global leader in medical technology, offering advanced injection devices, diagnostics, and biosafety solutions. Cardinal Health Provides medical and surgical products, supply chain services, and essential hospital and laboratory devices. Dr. Morepen Expands India's diagnostics market with affordable glucometers, nebulizers, and rapid testing devices. Fresenius Medical Care The worlds largest provider of dialysis machines and services for patients with end-stage renal disease. GE Healthcare Innovates in imaging technologies like MRI, CT, and ultrasound, enhancing diagnostic and patient monitoring capabilities. Harsoria Healthcare Manufactures disposable medical devices, including IV cannulas and infusion sets, supporting critical care. Johnson & Johnson Offers a wide portfolio from orthopedic implants to surgical systems and wound care solutions. Medtronic A global leader in cardiac devices, diabetes management, and minimally invasive surgical tools.

Key Players in the Medical Devices Market

Archimedic

Baxter International

Becton, Dickinson & Company

Cardinal Health

Dr Morepan

Fresenius Medical Care

GE Healthcare

Harsoria Healthcare Pvt. Ltd.

Johnson & Johnson

Medtronic

Omnia Medical

Siemens Healthineers

SpineGuard

Stryker Corporation

University Medical Devices



Browse More Insights of Towards Healthcare:

The medical device industry is growing steadily across various segments. Here's a snapshot of key markets and how they're expected to grow over the next decade:

Recent Developments in the Medical Devices Market

March 2025 saw the launch of Indias first Flexible Hybrid Printed Electronics Research & Development Centre by Naxnova Technologies, a milestone moment for the countrys innovation landscape and a significant step forward in technological progress. With a rich history of over four decades in high-precision manufacturing, Naxnova is poised to transform industries by creating next-generation flexible circuits, smart sensors, and intelligent interfaces. This groundbreaking initiative will spark breakthroughs in advancements across sectors, including medical wearables, robotics, automotive, aerospace, and industrial consumer electronics.

In November 2024, a major step was taken to boost India's medical device sector when Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda introduced a new comprehensive scheme to strengthen the country's medical device industry. The launch event was attended by Anupriya Patel, Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers and Health & Family Welfare, along with Secretary Arunish Chawla and representatives from the industry. The initiative focuses on key areas such as component manufacturing, skill development, support for clinical studies, infrastructure development, and industry promotion.

In March 2025, Archimedic, a medical device development company offering Design, Regulatory, and Go-to-Market services, introduced OpenQMS. OpenQMS is a web-based platform that provides open access to help companies manage quality throughout the medical device development lifecycle.



Segments Covered in the Report

By Type

In Vitro Diagnostics

Diabetes Care

Dental Devices

Ophthalmic Devices

Nephrology

Orthopedic Devices

Cardiovascular Devices

Diagnostic Imaging

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Wound Management

General Surgery

Others

By End-User

Hospitals & ASCs

Clinics

Others



By Region

North America U.S. Canada

Asia Pacific China Japan India South Korea Thailand

Europe Germany UK France Italy Spain Sweden Denmark Norway

Latin America Brazil Mexico Argentina

Middle East and Africa (MEA) South Africa UAE Saudi Arabia Kuwait





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Miami, Florida, USA, July 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BAY Miner announces the official launch of an upgraded AI cloud mining platform to help Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) investors seeking hardware-free and scalable participation in the crypto ecosystem to easily participate in crypto mining in the context of continued market growth.

As Bitcoin stabilizes above $110,000 and Ethereum network activity continues to increase, many investors are looking for ways to participate without having to bear the high costs and complex operations of traditional mining. However, with the Bitcoin halving cycle approaching and the difficulty of mining increasing, cloud mining has become an effective alternative that cryptocurrency investors are paying attention to.





Upgrade the platform to introduce AI computing power optimization

The upgraded BAY Miner platform integrates AI computing power optimization technology, which can intelligently allocate computing power among currencies such as BTC, ETH, XRP, DOGE, etc., improve mining efficiency and reduce energy consumption, in line with the trend of sustainable development.

This expansion deploys high-performance servers in many locations around the world, using renewable energy data centers to provide stable and efficient mining services. Users can view revenue and computing power allocation in real time through an intuitive panel, and easily manage mining progress.

Supporting sustainable crypto participation

A spokesperson for BAY Miner said that the upgraded AI cloud mining platform allows users to participate in BTC and ETH mining without hardware, reducing energy consumption and operation and maintenance costs, which is in line with the trend of green mining. The platform is committed to providing users with efficient and stable cloud mining services to meet the market's demand for sustainable crypto participation methods.

How users can participate

Investors can participate in BAY Miner's cloud mining platform by following these simple steps:

- Create an account: Visit bayminer.com to register and set up an account to receive an instant bonus of $15.

- Choose a plan: Choose a cloud mining plan that meets your goals and budget.

- Monitor progress: Track mining progress and daily earnings through a friendly dashboard, and flexibly manage participation.

Platform advantages

BAY Miner platform provides:

- No hardware participation required, low threshold

- AI optimization, high mining efficiency

- Use of renewable energy, in line with sustainable development goals

- Support for multiple cryptocurrencies, including BTC, ETH, XRP, DOGE

- Transparent, real-time earnings tracking

Safe and Transparent

Users can track mining progress and revenue in real time and with full transparency, and can control their participation without having to manage hardware or private keys.

Industry Views

Reports from CoinShares and Chainalysis show that global interest in cloud mining is growing as institutions continue to drive the BTC and ETH markets. The upcoming Bitcoin halving cycle and market growth trend position cloud mining as a strategic entry point for participating in cryptocurrencies.

Future Outlook

BAY Miner plans to continue to expand its server capacity and renewable energy infrastructure to meet growing demand while helping users participate in the crypto ecosystem efficiently and sustainably.

Contact Information:

Website: www.bayminer.com

Email: info@bayminer.com

Click here to download the mobile app





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. There is a possibility of financial loss. You are advised to perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor.
SHREWSBURY, United Kingdom, July 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lightchain AI , a decentralized AI-native blockchain infrastructure provider, has officially entered its Final Bonus Phase, following the successful completion of all 15 structured presale stages. The project has now raised over $21.1 million, and this final funding window offers a fixed token price of $0.007125, marking the last opportunity for early supporters to participate ahead of the highly anticipated mainnet launch in July 2025.

The Final Bonus Phase signals growing market interest in scalable, on-chain AI applications. Lightchain AI is purpose-built to enable decentralized artificial intelligence through a performant, developer-friendly architecture, transparent governance, and strong community incentives.

AI Infrastructure Optimized for On-Chain Intelligence

Lightchain AI s infrastructure features a proprietary Artificial Intelligence Virtual Machine (AIVM), which allows developers to deploy and run AI models natively within a blockchain environment. The platforms Proof-of-Intelligence (PoI) consensus model rewards validator nodes that perform meaningful AI computations, enabling both utility and security to coexist on the network.

With a sharded, low-latency architecture, Lightchain AI ensures that real-time AI workloads can scale efficiently across distributed validator and contributor nodes. This infrastructure supports decentralized applications in areas such as predictive modeling, intelligent automation, and decentralized data analytics.

Developer Ecosystem and Tokenomics Built for Growth

In addition to the strong technical foundation, Lightchain AI has introduced a robust ecosystem strategy to support long-term network adoption. The original 5% Team Allocation has been fully removed and reallocated to ecosystem development, validator incentives, and developer grantsdemonstrating a strong commitment to community-first growth.

The project has allocated 40% of total supply to presale and 15% to staking rewards, incentivizing long-term token holders and validators while maintaining a fair and sustainable distribution model.

To support builders and innovators, Lightchain AI has launched a $150,000 Developer Grant Program, aimed at funding decentralized applications, infrastructure tools, and research projects aligned with the protocols vision. Developers can access the Lightchain Developer Portal, which includes APIs, SDKs, and comprehensive documentation for rapid onboarding and development.

Final Bonus Phase Now Live

Lightchain AIs Bonus Phase is now open to new and returning contributors and will remain active until the mainnet goes live. Participants benefit from fixed pricing, early access to governance tools, validator onboarding opportunities, and developer ecosystem incentives.

We are incredibly proud of what weve built so far and grateful to the global community that has supported Lightchain AI throughout its presale, said a Lightchain AI spokesperson. With our mainnet launch approaching, this Final Bonus Phase offers a unique chance to join the project at a pivotal time in its evolution.

Key Milestones Ahead

Mainnet Launch  July 2025

 July 2025 Validator Node Program  Currently onboarding

 Currently onboarding Public GitHub Release  Q3 2025

 Q3 2025 Developer Grant Distribution  Begins post-launch

Learn More or Participate

Website: https://lightchain.ai

Whitepaper: https://lightchain.ai/lightchain-whitepaper.pdf

Twitter/X: https://x.com/LightchainAI

Telegram: https://t.me/LightchainProtocol

Contact:

SHAJAN SKARIA

media@lightchain.ai

Disclaimer: This content is provided by Lightchain AI. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sectorincluding cryptocurrency, NFTs, and miningcomplete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

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Morris Plains, NJ, July 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

The security landscape for business aviation is shifting, and operators must remain vigilant. In recent years, operators have encountered increasing ground-based threats unrelated to traditional geopolitical instability. Instead, organized non-state actors (activists, opportunists and localized disruptors) who perceive business aviation as a symbolic or tactical target have begun taking aim at aviation.

Threats have evolved. They can range from climate activists breaching airport fences to high-profile vandalism of parked jets and targeting of the C-suite. These are not isolated incidents but part of a growing trend in which operators must prepare for deliberate, targeted interference at or near operational touchpointshotels, FBOs, hangars and roadways.

A New Type of Risk

Historically, corporate and private aviation has managed a well-defined set of risks, including geopolitical volatility, threats to the executive team in unstable regions and opportunistic petty crime. Todays threat profile includes ideologically driven groups that use disruptionespecially public, visual disruptionas a means of protest and advocacy. This operational risk is now a part of the overall risk spectrum.

Several recent incidents across Europe and North America have involved protesters gaining access to business aviation terminals or apron areas. Their objectives may not be to harm individuals but to capture attention and cause operational disruption and reputational damage. These events often unfold rapidly and without prior notice, challenging traditional notions of a secure, low-risk destination.

Were seeing a growing convergence between social and political activism and the high-profile events our clients attend, like annual meetings, conferences and summits where their executives are increasingly visible, says John Cauthen, Vice President of Aviation Security at MedAire. In light of recent tragedies targeting corporate leadership, operators must factor reputational risk and personal safety into even the most routine down-route planning.

In addition, the movement of high-net-worth individuals and corporate leadership can intersect with civil unrest, large-scale protests or targeted campaigns aimed at broader social or political causes. Even a well-secured FBO may be adjacent to vulnerable public access points or infrastructure susceptible to demonstration-related blockages.

A locations threat landscape can shift, particularly in countries where lawful protests can still create unpredictable effects on crew, passengers or assets. Importantly, it also reflects the need for collaboration among flight operations teams, airport authorities and local intelligence sources to preserve business continuity without compromising safety.

Unlike commercial aviation, business aviation operations may rely on a leaner in-house infrastructure. Flight departments often collaborate with third-party handlers, local agents or concierge services for trip support. While efficient, this model can sometimes lead to underestimating ground-based risk exposure, particularly in otherwise safe regions.

Some vulnerabilities include:

Unsecured or low-visibility airport perimeters , where access points may be inadequately monitored

, where access points may be inadequately monitored Crew accommodation in city centres during periods of political tension or mass gatherings

during periods of political tension or mass gatherings Publicly visible tail numbers or branding that identify aircraft to activists or opportunists

that identify aircraft to activists or opportunists Security planning that overlooks last-mile transport between the airport and the hotel

Security incidents affecting business aviation do not need to involve violence to have an operational impact. A protest delaying crew movements, blocking access to a hangar or resulting in an unauthorized photograph of a sensitive client can all trigger reputational, financial or compliance concerns for operators.

Preparing for the Next Security Disruption

While the nature of threats continues to evolve, the principles of risk mitigation remain consistent: vigilance, adaptability and pre-emptive planning. Flight departments and operators should consider the following:

Conducting proactive threat and risk assessments before each trip, especially when major political, economic or environmental events occur

before each trip, especially when major political, economic or environmental events occur Developing alternate routing and secure transport options in high-density urban or politically active areas

in high-density urban or politically active areas Training crew members to recognize early signs of escalating protest activity or suspicious behavior

to recognize early signs of escalating protest activity or suspicious behavior Strengthening coordination with local airport security teams and requesting additional support when warranted

and requesting additional support when warranted Establishing contingency communications plans if local disruptions affect mobile networks or access to primary support channels

if local disruptions affect mobile networks or access to primary support channels Briefing crew and passengers on conduct in public spaces

This final point is essential when traveling to locations with elevated protest activity or press presence. Even inadvertent engagement with demonstrators or journalists can escalate tensions or lead to reputational fallout. Operators should brief crew and passengers on how to politely disengage from protestors or media without making political statements and clearly instruct them to refer any questions to the appropriate company spokesperson. Providing straightforward, rehearsed responses can help everyone stay calm and professional if approached.

Final Thoughts

Security is no longer a background consideration but an operational imperative that must be monitored and managed, like weather or aircraft maintenance. Activism and civil disruption are unlikely to diminish in the current global climate, and business aviations visibility makes it a potential flashpoint for targeted actions.

By recognizing that ground risks can emerge even in politically stable environments, operators are better positioned to implement practical, layered strategies that protect their people and preserve operational continuity. The stakes may vary, but the expectation is always the same: every journey ends safely, no matter what happens on the ground.

About Global Aerospace SM4 Aviation Safety Program

The Global Aerospace SM4 Safety Program has revolutionized the way insurance specialists help their clients achieve higher levels of operational safety. SM4 was built on the concept of integrating four critical safety components: planning, prevention, response and recovery. Its mission is to help organizations manage risk, enrich training efforts, strengthen safety culture and improve safety management systems. https://sm4.global-aero.com/

Global Aerospace SM4 Aviation Safety Program Media Contact

Suzanne Keneally

Vice President, Group Head of Communications

+1 973-490-8588
Chicago, Illinois, July 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- No expensive hardware or advanced knowledge is required, users only need a mobile phone to start earning passive income anytime, anywhere.

The buzz around cryptocurrencies is only getting louder, yet for most people, mining still sounds like rocket science. Its usually pictured as a playground for tech-savvy folks with money to burn on massive mining rigs and endless power bills. But XRP Minings newly launched cloud mining app is set to change all that. With this sleek, easy-to-use platform, absolutely anyonefrom college students juggling classes to retirees managing their nest eggcan step into the world of crypto mining without any of the typical complications.

Why Cloud Mining Makes Sense

So, what exactly is cloud mining? In the simplest terms, its a way to mine cryptocurrencies without needing your own hardware. Instead of buying noisy, power-hungry mining machines, you rent computing power online. The mining itself happens in secure, professional facilities run by the provider. You just sit back and track your earnings.You get to leverage industrial-grade mining setups, all from your phone.Thats exactly why cloud mining is drawing in everyone from young professionals looking for passive income streams to stay-at-home parents hoping to boost household earnings.

How to Get Started

Quick Registration

New users can get started in less than a minute. Visit xrpmining.com, register using your email, and instantly receive a $15 bonus. Log in daily to collect $0.60  no deposit necessary to begin testing the system.

Select a Contract

Browse through a variety of USD-priced mining contracts. Funds are automatically converted into crypto using real-time rates, so users dont need to worry about exchange issues. Choose the plan that aligns with your investment goals  whether short-term or long-term.

Earn Daily Rewards

Once your contract is active, mining starts immediately. Daily profits are deposited directly into your dashboard wallet. When your balance hits $100, youre eligible to withdraw in your preferred cryptocurrency or reinvest to grow your earnings even further.

Key Features That Set XRP Mining Apart

Fully Automated Operations

Theres no need to choose mining pools or adjust technical settings. The system is entirely automated, mining the most profitable crypto assets in real time. This allows users to sit back and collect passive income without lifting a finger.

Multiple Cryptos, Maximum Freedom

XRP Mining supports a wide range of coins: BTC, ETH, XRP, DOGE, SOL, LTC, BCH, USDT, USDC, and more. You choose how to get paid.

Clean Energy-Powered Mining

Environmental impact is a growing concern in the crypto industry. XRP Mining answers this challenge by powering its cloud servers with clean, renewable energy, making it one of the most sustainable mining platforms available today.

Secure and Transparent

Built with McAfee cybersecurity protection and Cloudflare anti-DDoS shielding, the app provides enterprise-grade security for all users. All earnings, withdrawals, and transactions are transparently tracked on a user-friendly dashboard.

Global Reach with Localized Support

With a presence in over 150 countries, XRP Mining provides 24/7 multilingual customer support. Whether youre in Europe, Asia, the Americas, or Africa, assistance is always available to guide users at every step.

Who Benefits Most from XRP Mining?

The platforms low barrier to entry and hands-free operation make it ideal for a broad range of users:

Mobile-first users who want to earn passively.

Parents or caregivers looking to boost household income.

Retirees searching for low-risk investment opportunities.

Students exploring ways to grow their savings.

Professionals diversifying their income streams.

Conclusion

In a digital world brimming with complex tools and risky schemes, XRP Minings new app stands out by keeping things refreshingly simple. Its secure, beginner-friendly, and lets you start mining with minimal fussno expensive rigs, no endless maintenance, just a smart way to grow your crypto holdings.

Whether youre after a modest side income or looking to dip a toe into long-term digital investments, XRP Mining provides a clear, accessible path. In short: its mining made easy, and thats exactly what the crypto space needs right now.

Email: info@xrpmining.com

Official Website: https://xrpmining.com

App Download: https://xrpmining.com/xml/index.html#/app



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.
Luxembourg  4 July 2025 - Subsea 7 S.A. (Oslo Brs: SUBC, ADR: SUBCY) today announced the award of sizeable1 contract offshore Egypt.

Subsea7 will be responsible for the engineering, procurement, commissioning and installation of flexible pipelines, umbilicals, and associated subsea components for a tie back to existing infrastructures.

Project management and engineering work will begin immediately at Subsea7s offices in France, Portugal, and Egypt. Offshore activity is expected to start in 2026.

David Bertin, Subsea7s Senior Vice President GPC East, said: Our early engagement has been instrumental in shaping a shared vision and delivering innovative, efficient solutions. This award is a testament to the strength of our collaboration, our proven track record, and our commitment to safe, high-quality execution. We are pleased to be able to support our client in enabling and executing such a strategically important project in Egypt.

(1) Subsea7 defines a sizeable contract as being between $50 million and $150 million





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Subsea7 is a global leader in the delivery of offshore projects and services for the evolving energy industry, creating sustainable value by being the industrys partner and employer of choice in delivering the efficient offshore solutions the world needs.

Subsea7 is listed on the Oslo Brs (SUBC), ISIN LU0075646355, LEI 222100AIF0CBCY80AH62.

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Contact for investment community enquiries:

Katherine Tonks

Investor Relations Director

Tel +44 20 8210 5568

ir@subsea7.com

Contact for media enquiries:

Hariom Cavalcante

Communications Manager

Tel +33 59 69 01 02

Hariom.Cavalcante@subsea7.com

Forward-Looking Statements: This document may contain forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the safe harbour provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). These statements relate to our current expectations, beliefs, intentions, assumptions or strategies regarding the future and are subject to known and unknown risks that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as anticipate, believe, estimate, expect, future, goal, intend, likely may, plan, project, seek, should, strategy will, and similar expressions. The principal risks which could affect future operations of the Group are described in the Risk Management section of the Groups Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements. Factors that may cause actual and future results and trends to differ materially from our forward-looking statements include (but are not limited to): (i) our ability to deliver fixed price projects in accordance with client expectations and within the parameters of our bids, and to avoid cost overruns; (ii) our ability to collect receivables, negotiate variation orders and collect the related revenue; (iii) our ability to recover costs on significant projects; (iv) capital expenditure by oil and gas companies, which is affected by fluctuations in the price of, and demand for, crude oil and natural gas; (v) unanticipated delays or cancellation of projects included in our backlog; (vi) competition and price fluctuations in the markets and businesses in which we operate; (vii) the loss of, or deterioration in our relationship with, any significant clients; (viii) the outcome of legal proceedings or governmental inquiries; (ix) uncertainties inherent in operating internationally, including economic, political and social instability, boycotts or embargoes, labour unrest, changes in foreign governmental regulations, corruption and currency fluctuations; (x) the effects of a pandemic or epidemic or a natural disaster; (xi) liability to third parties for the failure of our joint venture partners to fulfil their obligations; (xii) changes in, or our failure to comply with, applicable laws and regulations (including regulatory measures addressing climate change); (xiii) operating hazards, including spills, environmental damage, personal or property damage and business interruptions caused by adverse weather; (xiv) equipment or mechanical failures, which could increase costs, impair revenue and result in penalties for failure to meet project completion requirements; (xv) the timely delivery of vessels on order and the timely completion of ship conversion programmes; (xvi) our ability to keep pace with technological changes and the impact of potential information technology, cyber security or data security breaches; (xvii) global availability at scale and commercially viability of suitable alternative vessel fuels; and (xviii) the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. Many of these factors are beyond our ability to control or predict. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this document. We undertake no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

This stock exchange release was published by Katherine Tonks, Investor Relations, Subsea7, on 4 July 2025 at 18:10 CET.

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TORONTO, July 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

WHAT: The Ford government has announced that they will take over 4 school boards across Ontario under the guise of mismanagement. The Fund Our Schools campaign will hold a press conference to show this is a sham. The governments own reports show no mismanagement and that the real issue is the chronic underfunding of our publicly-funded schools.

A number of school boards have resisted government pressure to cut education. The takeovers are about punishing boards that have refused to cut and about the Minister getting access to school land, to direct who to sell it to.

Featuring representatives from the Toronto District School Board, Toronto Catholic District School Board, Toronto Elementary Catholic Teachers and parents.

WHO: Toronto & York Region Labour Council

Toronto District School Board trustees

Toronto Catholic District School Board trustees,

Toronto Elementary Catholic Teachers

Parent Representatives from Firgrove PS and Lamberton PS

WHEN: 1 pm, Monday, July 7th, 2025

WHERE: Monarch Park Collegiate (1 Hanson St, Toronto, ON M4J 1G6)

WHY:

Currently 40% of school boards are grappling with a deficit with $6.3 billion effectively cut from the system since 2018

The result has been catastrophic to the education system: larger class sizes, less support for special education programs, cuts to outdoor education, pools and music programs on the chopping block and classrooms that are like saunas every time the heat soars

Government reports keep clearing School Board of mismanagement  from the 18-month Auditor General report to the recent PwC and Deloitte reports. The PwC did not find any examples of reckless or deliberate wrongdoing, [ or] lack of financial oversight.



Additional information can be found at: www.fundourschools.ca

For media inquiries, please contact:

Jennifer Huang

Toronto & York Region Labour Council

jhuang@labourcouncil.ca

416-886-4082
Phoenix, USA, July 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BSTR Miner today introduced a cloud-based mining solution integrating proprietary artificial intelligence systems, designed to lower participation barriers for retail investors. The platform eliminates hardware procurement and maintenance requirements, enabling users to engage, with a minimum commitment of $100, in Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Dogecoin (DOGE), and Solana (SOL) mining.

Intelligent Resource Allocation

At the core of the service is BSTR Miners Adaptive Revenue Enhancement Technology (A.R.E.T), which dynamically optimizes mining operations. The system processes real-time blockchain metricsincluding network congestion levels, asset volatility, and computational demandto automatically allocate user resources **to** high-yield opportunities. Early internal tests **showed** significant efficiency gains in Scrypt-based operations (e.g., Dogecoin), though actual returns vary with market conditions.

User-Centric Design

The service features:

Zero Infrastructure Burden: Enterprise-grade data centers handle all operational demands, with renewable energy powering **over 90 percent** of operations.

Enterprise-grade data centers handle all operational demands, with renewable energy powering **over 90 percent** of operations. Flexible Participation Models: Tiered contract durations accommodate diverse investment horizons, from short-term trials to extended engagements.

Tiered contract durations accommodate diverse investment horizons, from short-term trials to extended engagements. Transparency Tools: Real-time dashboards display hashrate allocation and yield calculations per mined block.







Once activated, your cloud bitcoin mining contract begins generating revenue the next day. When your balance reaches $100, you can withdraw earnings via popular wallets:

USDT-TRC20, BTC (Bitcoin), ETH (Ethereum), LTC, USDC, BNB, XRP, USDT-ERC20, BCH, DOGE, SOL (Solana).

Click here to view complete contract details

Strategic Industry Positioning

CTO Elena Rodriguez emphasized the platforms mission: "By removing technical friction, we empower non-technical users to safely participate in **cryptocurrencys** value creation." The company further disclosed a $50 million ecosystem fund to accelerate platform development.

Introductory Incentives

New registrants receive onboarding benefits including hashrate boostsSign up to join BSTR Miner and get $10..

Access and Compliance

Service live at: https://www.bstrminer.com

App download address: https://bstrminer.com/xml/index.html#/app

Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involves risk. There is potential for loss of funds. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.

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.
SANTIAGO, Chile, July 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BANCO ITAU CHILE (SSE by nuam: ITAUCL) today announced the release of its first Sustainable Finance Framework (the Framework), establishing a comprehensive platform for the issuance of green, social, and sustainability-linked instruments, aligned with leading international standards.

S&P Global Ratings issued a Second Party Opinion (SPO), rating the Frameworks alignment with global standards as Strong, based on the following principles:

ICMA Green Bond Principles (2021)

ICMA Social Bond Principles (2023)

ICMA Sustainability Bond Guidelines (2021)

LMA / APLMA Green & Social Loan Principles (2023)





With this Framework, we place sustainability at the core of our financing strategy, enabling investors to directly support Chiles energy transition and social inclusion agenda, said Claudia Labbe, Chief Sustainability Officer and Head of Corporate Affairs at Itau Chile.

This initiative reflects Itau Chiles strong commitment to sustainability, which is fully integrated into its business strategy. Through concrete actions such as sustainable finance, carbon footprint measurement, and financial inclusion programs, the bank aims to contribute actively to a resilient, inclusive, and low-emission economy. The Framework reinforces Itaus belief that finance can be a powerful driver of sustainable development

For the full Sustainable Finance Framework, please refer to the following link:

https://ir.itau.cl/files/doc_downloads/ESG/2025/ITCL_Sustainable-Finance-Framework-2025.pdf

For the Second Party Opinion (SPO) issued by S&P Global Ratings, dated July 4, 2025, please refer to the following link:

https://ir.itau.cl/files/doc_downloads/ESG/2025/ITAUCL_SPO_S-P_jun2025.pdf

Investor Relations  Itau Chile

IR@itau.cl / ir.itau.cl
LITTLE ROCK, Ark., July 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Dermatology Group of Arkansas are thrilled to welcome their newest, double board-certified specialist, Dr. Jessica Pillow, who joins the Little Rock, skin care-focused practice this summer. Dr. Pillow, who is a native of Little Rock, is board-certified in both Dermatology and Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery. She has started seeing patients as of July 1st.

Dr. Jessica Pillow brings an impressive background in both education and patient care to the Dermatology Group of Arkansas. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Arkansas and went on to receive her medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. She then completed her dermatology residency at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. For eighteen years, Dr. Pillow served patients in private practice in Helena, Arkansas, building a reputation for excellence in clinical dermatology. She is a proud fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and the American Society for Mohs Surgery.

Seeing a dermatologist is essential for maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails. These specialists are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, ensuring that issues are addressed early and effectively. Regular visits can also help with preventive care, personalized skin advice, and cosmetic treatments to boost confidence. Whether you're managing a chronic condition or simply want to improve your skins appearance, a dermatologist offers expert guidance tailored to your needs.

The Dermatology Group of Arkansas provides a comprehensive array of treatments for skin health and aesthetic enhancement. Their highly skilled team includes board-certified dermatologists, experienced physician assistants, and nurse practitionersall dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and cosmetic improvement of the skin. The practice offers both medical and surgical solutions for various skin conditions, including skin cancer, acne, rashes, and more. In addition, they offer a wide range of cosmetic dermatology services, including neuromodulators such as BOTOX, injectable fillers, light-based therapies, non-surgical skin tightening, and rejuvenation treatments designed to enhance texture, tone, and overall appearance.

Ready to meet with Dr. Jessica Pillow in Little Rock? Contact the Dermatology Group of Arkansas for more details. Call 501-227-8422 or submit a contact form to request a consultation.




New York City, NY, July 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With the increasing popularity of cryptocurrencies, cloud mining is becoming a new way for global investors to make money.

As a leading cloud mining platform, BTC Miner helps investors achieve stable returns without any hardware equipment with its innovative technology and powerful infrastructure.

At this moment: Roger Ver, the world's top cryptocurrency expert, will introduce the prospects of cloud mining and how to easily earn cryptocurrency through BTCMiner cloud mining

1: No technology is required, no high electricity bills are required, and you can join with a low threshold. New users can register and get a free mining contract with $500

2: BTCMiner uses top banks to store user funds, and uses SSL encryption technology and insurance protection to ensure the security of funds.

3: Lock the principal and income to ensure your investment security and stable returns!

4: Supports multiple mainstream cryptocurrency transactions, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Ripple (XRP), Litecoin (LTC), Dogecoin (DOGE) and other digital assets

5: BTC Miner platform provides flexible contract options [1-30 days] to meet the needs of different users

Joining BTC Miner is very simple

Visit the official website and fill in the email address to register  https://btcminer.net

Choose a contract, you can choose one contract or multiple contracts at the same time, and each contract is settled independently

Place an order  24-hour automatic settlement  Go to the dashboard to view fund details, transaction records, withdrawals, etc.

Some BTC Miner contracts are displayed, you can go to the official website to view more contracts





BTC Miner platform provides a generous referral reward plan, you only need to share the platform with your friends and family around you, invite them to register and invest

Level 1 reward 7%, Level 2 reward 2%, real-time payment

In the future, BTC Miner will help more users achieve success and witness miracles. From now on, join now and receive $500.

Official website: https://btcminer.net

Email: info@btcminer.net



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CALGARY, Alberta, July 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Jura Energy Corporation ("Jura" or the "Company") announced today that its wholly owned operating subsidiary Spud Energy (Pty) Limited (Spud) has entered into an agreement with its joint venture partner, Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), for the sale of Spuds entire 60% working interest in the Sara & Suri Block (defined below) to OGDCL. Spud will also transfer operatorship of the Sara & Suri Block to OGDCL as part of the transaction.

Juras board and management are of the view that the sale transaction is in the best interests of the Company in light of, among other things, production from the Sara & Suri Block having been shut-in since July 2023 due to a significant drop in pressure and flow rates. Further, it is anticipated that significant abandonment and reclamation obligations related to the Sara & Suri Block could become payable in the short- to medium-term unless further exploratory or in-fill drilling is undertaken, which Spud does not intend to carry out.

This divestment reflects Juras continued commitment to unlocking shareholder value through a streamlining of its asset portfolio and cost base combined with enforcing its significant arbitration awards against Petroleum Exploration (Pvt.) Limited (PEL) for which it has committed financial backing through the Companys previously disclosed term loan facility from Takashi Capital Fund S.A.

As previously disclosed by Jura, PEL, as the operator of the Badin IV North and South blocks (together the Badin Blocks), attempted to invoke the forfeiture of the 27.5% working interest of Juras subsidiary, Frontier Holdings Limited (FHL), in the Badin Blocks for alleged non-payment of cash calls. Jura and FHL disputed PELs actions and the cash calls and initiated two arbitration proceedings against PEL. The first arbitration, under the terms of a Settlement Agreement dated August 12, 2016, was resolved in favor of Jura and FHL in December 2024. Jura continues to pursue enforcement of the arbitral damages award and related cost award against PEL. While Jura is highly confident of achieving enforcement of the declarations, the legal process is likely to extend into the medium-term as enforcement requires pleadings to be made in Pakistani Courts. The second arbitration, under the terms of the Joint Operating Agreement for the Badin Blocks, is being pursued through International Chamber of Commerce arbitration and is still at a preliminary stage.

The Sara & Suri Block sale transaction remains subject to regulatory approval in Pakistan as well as customary closing conditions and is anticipated to close near the end of Q4 2025.

Sara & Suri Block

Spud is a party to, among other related documents, the Sara Development & Production Lease dated November 7, 1998 and the Suri Development & Production Lease deed dated August 2, 2001 granted under the East Badin Extension Block-B Petroleum Concession Agreement dated July 21, 1987 (together the Sara & Suri Block). Spud has a 60% Working Interest along with the operatorship in the Sara & Suri Block.

Spud will assign its entire 60% working interest along with the operatorship of the Sara & Suri Block to OGDCL (the Sara & Suri Assignment) with effect from April 30, 2025, subject to the Government of Pakistans approval and other customary closing conditions, pursuant to a farm out agreement and deed of assignment between Spud and OGDCL. In consideration for the assignment of Spuds 60% working interest, OGDCL has agreed to pay gross consideration of US$105,000 to Spud and will assume all obligations (including abandonment and reclamation obligations) related to Spuds 60% working interest in the Sara & Suri Block from the effective date of the Sara & Suri Assignment.

The Sara & Suri Assignment is anticipated to result in a reduction in monthly operating costs of approximately US$12,000 (net to Spud). The sale is not anticipated to have any impact on Juras reserves since, due to a drop in pressure and flow rates below the economic limit, no recoverable reserves were assigned to the Sara & Suri Block as at December 31, 2024. Moreover, unless further successful exploratory or in-fill drilling is undertaken, it is anticipated that abandonment and reclamation obligations related to the Sara & Suri Block would become payable in the short to medium term in the amount of approximately US$1.5 million (US$0.9 million net to Spud).

About Jura Energy Corporation

Jura is an international energy company engaged in the exploration, development and production of petroleum and natural gas properties in Pakistan. Jura is based in Calgary, Alberta, and listed on the TSX-V trading under the symbol JEC. Jura conducts its business in Pakistan through its subsidiaries, Frontier Holdings Limited and Spud Energy Pty Limited.

Forward Looking Advisory

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. The words "will", "approximately", and similar expressions are used to identify forward looking information. Specific forward-looking statements in this press release include information regarding the completion of the sale of the Companys indirect 60% working interest in the Sara & Suri Block, including the timing thereof, the satisfaction of regulatory approvals and other closing conditions required therefor and expectations regarding the outcome of the arbitrations involving PEL and Juras ability to successfully enforce arbitral awards against PEL.

The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made in light of management's experience, current conditions and expected future development in the areas in which Jura is currently active and other factors management believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Jura undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statement or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable law.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predicted outcome will not occur, including some of which are beyond Jura's control. These assumptions and risks include, but are not limited to: risks that the conditions to completion of the sale transaction are not met, uncertainty relating to the outcome of the arbitrations involving PEL, uncertainty relating to the ability of Jura to successfully enforce arbitral awards against PEL, the risks associated with the oil and gas industry in general such as operational risks in exploration, development and production, delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures, the imprecision of resource and reserve estimates, assumptions regarding the timing and costs relating to production and development as well as the availability and price of labour and equipment, weather, volatility of and assumptions regarding commodity prices and exchange rates, marketing and transportation risks, environmental risks, the ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, changes in applicable law, and risks resulting from the potential for ongoing or future global pandemics and their effects on general economic conditions and public markets, Juras business, and the ability of Jura to prepare and approve required filings in a timely manner. Additionally, there are economic, political, social and other risks inherent in carrying on business in Pakistan. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could vary or differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. See Jura's Managements Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024, available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, for further description of the risks and uncertainties associated with Jura's business.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Stephen Smith, Chairman, Jura Energy Corporation

Tel: +44 7834 834 976

Website: www.juraenergy.com

E-Mail: info@juraenergy.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.
TORONTO, July 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- KMT-Hansa Corp. (the Corporation) is pleased to announce that it has negotiated a debt conversion agreement (the Debt Agreement) with a creditor (the Creditor), who is an arms length party to the Corporation.

Pursuant to the terms of the Debt Agreement, the Corporation has agreed to issue an aggregate of 2,283,706 common shares (Debt Shares) to the Creditor in exchange for the cancellation of $171,278 in debt owing to the parties.

The issuance of the Debt Shares is subject to the approval of NEX. All securities issued pursuant to the debt conversion are subject to a statutory four (4) month hold period.

For further information please contact:

Donald Wu

Chief Executive Officer

Email: info@kmt-hansa.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.

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements which are not composed of 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. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Company's future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as believes, anticipates, expects, estimates, may, could, would, will, or plan. Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to the Company, the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. There are a number of important factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated or implied by forward-looking statements and information. When relying on the Company's forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include, among others, availability and costs of financing needed in the future, changes in equity markets, delays in the development of projects, and ability to predict or counteract potential impact of COVID19 coronavirus on factors relevant to the Company's business. 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 or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE COMPANY AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PRESS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE THE COMPANY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS.
BURNABY, British Columbia, July 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Starbucks workers at Kensington Square in Burnaby are the latest to join the growing wave of unionized baristas across Canada. The United Steelworkers union (USW) proudly welcomes these workers as part of the expanding national campaign for fairness, dignity and a real voice on the job.

The Kensington Square baristas organized in response to growing nationwide concerns about job security, staffing levels and inconsistent enforcement of workplace rules, including recent waves of fellow workers being fired for dress code violations. Workers say the nationwide firings sparked outrage and built support for unionization in their store.

We want to be our authentic selves and have a real voice at work and not punished or fired for simply showing up as who we are, said one Kensington Square worker. Were done being silenced and told who to be. That goes against everything Starbucks claimed to stand for and were not staying quiet anymore. Starbucks needs to be better.

If you feel destabilized, under-appreciated or unheard, and you believe in a healthy, respectful workplace, just know this: from one worker to another, you are not alone, said another Kensington Square worker. For us, it also came down to wanting better staffing, real job security and a real say in the policies that impact us every day.

The USW encourages Starbucks workers from other stores to take the step toward organizing. With each new location that joins, workers gain the collective strength needed to negotiate for fair treatment, better working conditions and respect at work.

Workers at Kensington Square are joining a growing movement of baristas who are standing up and demanding better, said Scott Lunny, USW Western Canada Director.

These workers are showing immense courage and solidarity by organizing for their rights, and we are proud to stand with them as they build power on the job. Every new group of workers that joins the union strengthens the voice of all Starbucks workers across the country. It takes time to build, but Im proud of the work they are doing, added Lunny.

For more information about unionizing a Starbucks location or getting involved, visit betterworknow.ca/starbucks.

About the United Steelworkers union

The USW represents 225,000 members in nearly every economic sector across Canada and is the largest private-sector union in North America, with 850,000 members in Canada, the United States and the Caribbean.

Each year, thousands of workers choose to join the USW because of the unions strong track record in creating healthier, safer and more respectful workplaces and negotiating better working conditions and fairer compensation  including good wages, benefits and pensions.

For more information:

Scott Lunny, USW Western Canada Director, 604-329-5308, slunny@usw.ca

Brett Barden, USW Communications, 604-445-6956, bbarden@usw.ca
Phoenix, USA, July 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tired of hearing about crypto mining but feeling locked out by technical and financial hurdles? BSTR Miner, a innovator in crypto infrastructure, is tackling this head-on. Today, the company released a practical, jargon-busting guide titled Crypto Mining Explained: No PhD Required and simultaneously launched its next-generation cloud mining platform. This one-two punch aims to demystify the critical engine powering blockchains like Bitcoin while offering a genuinely accessible on-ramp for investors of all stripes.





Beyond the Buzzwords: What Mining Really Does

Forget the image of geeks in basements. BSTR Miners guide cuts through the hype, positioning cryptocurrency mining as the indispensable security backbone of major networks. Its the computationally intensive process where specialized machines (powerful, purpose-built computers called ASICs) race to solve complex cryptographic puzzles. The winner earns the right to add a verified batch of transactions (a block) to the immutable blockchain ledger. Their reward? Freshly minted coins and transaction fees  a powerful incentive that keeps the entire system honest and resistant to tampering or double-spending (the infamous Proof-of-Work mechanism).

The catch? Doing this profitably on your own has been a high-stakes game. It demands sinking serious cash into rapidly depreciating ASIC rigs, navigating complex setups, hunting for affordable (often unsustainable) power, and becoming a part-time tech support expert. For most, its been a non-starter.

BSTR Miner: Ditching the Hardware Headaches

BSTR Miners answer is cloud mining: renting raw computational power (hashrate) from their industrial-scale operations. Their newly launched platform strips away traditional barriers.

We constantly hear from people fascinated by crypto but who feel completely intimidated by mining, said Alex Chen, Co-Founder and CTO of BSTR Miner, drawing on his decade of experience in data center optimization. Our goal isn't just to sell a service; it's to empower. First, we provide clear, honest education  no fluff. Second, we offer a platform where anyone, anywhere, can tap into enterprise-grade mining infrastructure with a few clicks. We handle the hardware, maintenance, and soaring energy bills. Investors focus on potential returns, monitored easily from their phones.

Why Investors Are Eyeing BSTR Miners Cloud Approach:

Capital Light: Zero upfront ASIC costs. Redirect capital into actual hashing power.(Register now to get a chance to win $22,000)

Zero upfront ASIC costs. Redirect capital into actual hashing power.(Register now to get a chance to win $22,000) Tech Agnostic: Forget firmware updates or overheating worries. Their team handles it 24/7 in climate-controlled, professionally managed facilities.

Forget firmware updates or overheating worries. Their team handles it 24/7 in climate-controlled, professionally managed facilities. Energy-Smart (Not Just Cheap): Recognizing cryptos energy critique, BSTR strategically locates data centers near renewable sources (hydro in Scandinavia, geothermal in Iceland) and employs advanced cooling tech, aiming for a materially lower carbon footprint per hash than the average DIY miner.

Recognizing cryptos energy critique, BSTR strategically locates data centers near renewable sources (hydro in Scandinavia, geothermal in Iceland) and employs advanced cooling tech, aiming for a materially lower carbon footprint per hash than the average DIY miner. Transparency as Standard: Real-time dashboards show estimated earnings, current hashrate utilization, and operational status  no black boxes.

Real-time dashboards show estimated earnings, current hashrate utilization, and operational status  no black boxes. Flexibility Built-In: Options range from short-term test drives to longer, potentially more cost-effective commitments, catering to cautious newcomers and seasoned allocators alike.

Select a plan based on your budget and ROI expectations:

Click here to view complete contract details

Once activated, your crypto mining contract begins generating revenue the next day. When your balance reaches $100, you can withdraw earnings via popular wallets:

USDT-TRC20, BTC (Bitcoin), ETH (Ethereum), LTC, USDC, XRP, USDT-ERC20, BCH, DOGE, SOL (Solana).

Focus on Core Networks: Initially concentrating on proven, high-liquidity chains like Bitcoin (BTC), ensuring relevance and easier exit strategies.

Betting on Blockchain's Long Game

With institutional adoption accelerating and blockchain tech weaving into finance, supply chains, and beyond, the need for robust, decentralized mining isn't fading  it's intensifying. BSTR Miner positions its cloud solution as a scalable, reliable pillar for these networks, contributing security while broadening participation.

This isn't just about convenience; its about democratizing access, Chen emphasized. By removing massive upfront costs and technical barriers, we're enabling a wider pool of global participants to benefit from cryptos growth engine  not just big players. Whether youre crypto-curious or diversifying your portfolio, weve built the bridge.

Ready to Explore?

Grasp the Fundamentals: Dive into BSTR Miners no-nonsense Learning Center: https://www.bstrminer.com/xml/index.html#/FAQ(Includes infographics & FAQs)

Dive into BSTR Miners no-nonsense Learning Center: https://www.bstrminer.com/xml/index.html#/FAQ(Includes infographics & FAQs) Compare Cloud Plans: See detailed specs and pricing: https://www.bstrminer.com/xml/index.html#/Tutorial

See detailed specs and pricing: https://www.bstrminer.com/xml/index.html#/Tutorial Claim Your Spot: Quick signup: https://www.bstrminer.com/xml/index.html#/register

About BSTR Miner:

Founded in 2019 amidst the last major mining migration, U.K-headquartered BSTR Miner has evolved from a niche hardware operator into a global cloud mining facilitator. By leveraging strategic energy partnerships and relentless operational efficiency gains across its facilities in North America and Europe, BSTR provides individuals and businesses with a simpler, lower-barrier entry point to cryptocurrency mining. Core tenets are operational transparency, relentless security, and user empowerment. Learn more: https://www.bstrminer.com

Media Contact:

BSTR Miner

info@bstrminer.com

Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involves risk. There is potential for loss of funds. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.




/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES/

VANCOUVER, July 3, 2025 - Cascadia Minerals Ltd. ("Cascadia") (TSXV:CAM) (OTCQB:CAMNF) is pleased to announce that it has oversubscribed and closed its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Placement") for total proceeds of C$2,274,385, in conjunction with Cascadia's planned acquisition of Granite Creek Copper Ltd. (the "Transaction"), see news release dated June 9, 2025 for more details. The Placement was oversubscribed by 174,180 subscription receipts.

The Placement consisted of the sale of: (a) 14,459,894 subscription receipts ("Subscription Receipts") at a price of $0.14 per Subscription Receipt for gross proceeds of C$2,024,385; and (b) 1,785,714 units ("Cascadia Units") at a price of C$0.14 per Cascadia Unit for gross proceeds of C$250,000. Each Subscription Receipt entitles the holder to receive at the effective time of the Transaction one unit of Cascadia consisting of one Cascadia share and one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase an additional Cascadia share at a price of $0.24 per share for a period of two years following the date of issuance of the Warrant. The Cascadia Units also consist of one Cascadia share and one common share purchase warrant having the same terms as the Warrants forming part of the units underlying the Subscription Receipts.

The proceeds from the sale of the Subscription Receipts will be held in escrow pending the closing of the Transaction. If the closing of the Transaction has not completed by August 29, 2025, the Subscription Receipts will be cancelled and the escrowed proceeds returned to the subscribers. Cascadia will use the proceeds of the Placement to pay expenses associated with the Transaction and to conduct exploration on the Carmacks Project.

Cascadia will pay cash finders' fees totalling $90,623 and issue a total of 647,308 finder warrants ("Finder Warrants") in connection with the financing, with such fees to be paid and warrants to be issued at the closing of the Transaction. Each Finder Warrant shall be exercisable into one common share of Cascadia for a period of 24 months from issue, at an exercise price of $0.24 per Finder Warrant.

The Cascadia shares and warrants comprising the Cascadia Units and any Cascadia shares issuable upon the exercise of these warrants are subject to a hold period in Canada until November 4, 2025. The Subscription Receipts are also subject to a hold period in Canada which ends on November 4, 2025, but the Cascadia shares and Warrants issuable upon the conversion of the Subscription Receipts at the effective time of the Transaction and any Cascadia shares issued on the exercise of the Warrants will not be subject to a resale hold period in Canada.

Insiders of Cascadia purchased a total of 1,071,429 Subscription Receipts and 1,785,714 Cascadia Units in the private placement. The participation of insiders in the private placement constitutes a related party transaction, within the meaning of TSX-V Policy 5.9 and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). Cascadia has relied on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements provided under sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(a) of MI 61-101 on the basis that the fair market value (as determined under MI 61-101) of insider participation in the Placement did not exceed 25 per cent of Cascadia's market capitalization.

About Cascadia

Cascadia is a Canadian junior mining company focused on making new copper and gold discoveries the Yukon and British Columbia. Cascadia's flagship Catch Property in the Yukon hosts a brand-new copper-gold porphyry discovery where inaugural drill results returned broad intervals of mineralization, including 116.60 m of 0.31% copper with 0.30 g/t gold. Catch exhibits extensive high-grade copper and gold mineralization across a 5 km long trend, with rock samples returning peak values of 3.88% copper, 1,065 g/t gold, and 267 g/t silver.

Cascadia and Granite Creek Copper Ltd. recently announced a merger, whereby Cascadia will acquire all outstanding shares of Granite Creek by way of a plan of arrangement (see news release dated June 9, 2025). Granite Creek's flagship asset is the Carmacks Project in the high-grade Minto copper district in Yukon Territory, Canada. The project is located south of and within 35km of the past-producing Minto mine, which was recently acquired by Selkirk Copper Mines. The Carmacks Project hosts a Measured and Indicated Resource containing 651 Mlbs of copper and 302 koz of gold (36.3 million tonnes grading 0.81 % copper, 0.26 g/t gold, and 3.23 g/t silver and 0.01% molybdenum) with a 2023 PEA demonstrating positive economic potential ($230.5 M Post-Tax NPV (5%) and 29% Post-Tax IRR).

QA/QC

The technical information in this news release has been approved by Andrew Carne, P.Eng., VP Corporate Development for Cascadia and a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101.

Prospecting grab samples referenced in this release represent highlight results only, and include results from 2024 and previous seasons. Below detection values for copper, gold and silver have been encountered in grab samples in these target areas. For more details on Catch drilling and prospecting results, please see Cascadia's News Releases dated July 25, 2024, and July 19, 2023.

The Mineral Resources disclosed here are referenced from the 2023 Technical Report on the Carmacks Project Preliminary Economic Assessment, authored by SGS Canada Inc. for Granite Creek Copper, and have not been independently reviewed by Cascadia. Pricing for the Carmacks Project PEA base case economic analysis was US $3.75/lb copper, US $1,800/oz gold, and US $22/oz silver at an exchange rate of $1:US$0.75. For more details on the economic analysis, refer to the 2023 Technical Report on the Carmacks Project Preliminary Economic Assessment, authored by SGS Canada Inc. for Granite Creek Copper. The results of the Carmacks preliminary economic assessment are preliminary in nature, 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 categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the preliminary economic assessment will be realized.

On behalf of Cascadia Minerals Ltd.

Graham Downs, President and CEO

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements:

This press release may contain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information, except as required by securities laws.

SOURCE Cascadia Minerals Ltd.
Vancouver, July 4, 2025 - Pampa Metals Corp. ("Pampa Metals" or the "Company") (CSE: PM / FSE: FIRA / OTCQX: PMMCF) is pleased to advise the upsize of its previously announced non-brokered private placement offering to 37,500,000 shares at a price of $0.16 per share, for gross proceeds of $6,000,000 (the "Offering").

The Offering has been upsized to partially fill demand from specialist resources funds and is being made pursuant to the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106- Prospectus Exemptions, in each of the Provinces of Canada except Quebec. The shares offered will not be subject to a Canadian hold period.

An amended and restated offering document (the "Amended Offering Document") related to the LIFE Offering will be made available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. The Amended Offering Document will also be made available on the issuer's website at www.pampametals.com. Prospective investors of the shares should read the Amended Offering Document before making an investment decision.

Subject to completion of the previously announced acquisition of Rugby Resources Ltd. ("Rugby") (refer news release dated April 22, 2025) the Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering to fund exploration drilling at the Cobrasco copper porphyry discovery in Colombia, preparatory work for the upcoming field season at the Piuquenes copper-gold discovery in Argentina, and working capital and general corporate purposes, as more specifically described in the Amended Offering Document.

Completion of the acquisition of Rugby is expected to occur shortly after the special meeting of Rugby shareholders to be held on 16 July 2025 to approve the Plan of Arrangement for its acquisition by Pampa Metals.

Financial Advisor to the LIFE Offering

Canaccord Genuity Corp. has been appointed as financial advisor to the Company in connection with the LIFE offering and will receive an advisory fee equal to 1% of the total gross proceeds raised pursuant to the LIFE offering.

In connection with the LIFE offering, the Company may pay finder's fees of up to 5% cash and 5% finder's warrants. Finder's warrants will have an exercise price of $0.30 and a 2-year term.

The Offering is not subject to closing the acquisition of Rugby Resources Ltd and remains subject to certain conditions customary for transactions of this nature, including, but not limited to, compliance with CSE policies. It is anticipated that the upsized Offering will close on or before July 22, 2025.

The securities to be offered pursuant to the LIFE Offering have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

ABOUT PAMPA METALS

Pampa Metals is a copper-gold exploration company listed on the Canadian Stock Exchange (CSE:PM), Frankfurt (FSE: FIR), and OTC (OTCQB: PMMCF) exchanges. In November 2023, the Company announced it had entered into an Option and Joint Venture Agreement for the acquisition of an 80% interest in the Piuquenes Copper-Gold Porphyry Project in San Juan Province, Argentina. In April of 2025 the Company announced an agreement to acquire 100% of Rugby Resources Ltd. and on closing will hold an 80% interest in the Cobrasco Project, located in Colombia.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Joseph van den Elsen | President & CEO | Joseph@pampametals.com

INVESTOR CONTACT

Jordan Webster | jordan@pampametals.com

Neither the CSE nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT

This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical fact, that address events or developments that Pampa Metals expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will" or "may" occur. These statements are subject to various risks. Although Pampa Metals believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guaranteeing of future performance, and actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
Vancouver, July 4, 2025 - Canada One Mining Corp. (TSXV: CONE) (OTC Pink: COMCF) (FSE: AU31) ("Canada One" or the "Company") announces the results of its 2025 Annual General Meeting ("AGM") of the shareholders.

At the AGM held on June 16, 2025, in Vancouver, Canada, the shareholders approved all the resolutions detailed in the AGM's management information circular, namely:

1) To set the number of directors for the ensuing year at three (3)

2) To re-appoint Saturna Chartered Professional Accountants LLP as the Company's auditors for the ensuing year at a remuneration to be fixed by the Directors

3) To elect Directors to hold office for the ensuing year

4) To re-approve the Stock Option Plan

5) To transact such other business as may properly be transacted at the meeting

18,080,850 common shares of the Company were voted at the AGM, representing 39.67% of the Company's outstanding common shares. The following table details the results:





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10074/257823_ca6229f854954b76_002full.jpg

The shareholders of the Company also ratified a set of corporate governance policies and code of ethics which had previously been approved by the Board of Directors.

Investor Relations & Corporate Development

The Company is pleased to announce that it has entered into an investor relations and corporate development agreement with Rob Christl Consulting ("Christl Consulting"), effective July 1, 2025, to provide investor relations and corporate development services (the "Services"). Christl Consulting is based in Vancouver, British Columbia, and its Services will assist in accessing investors for financings, provide investor relations, corporate development, cross-media marketing solutions, (including social media), in an effort towards increasing Canada One's corporate awareness.

Christl Consulting has been retained on a 12-month term at a monthly fee of C$2,500 plus reasonable out of pocket expenses for its services. Either party may terminate the agreement at any time providing the other party with a 30 days' prior written notice. The agreement will automatically renew on the anniversary date of the agreement being signed. Should Christl Consulting introduce a third party that leads to a Joint-venture partnership ("JV"), then 2.5% of the funds secured in the JV will be paid as a bonus to Christl Consulting.

Christl Consulting is not related to the Company and has no interest, directly or indirectly, in the Company or its securities. The agreement is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target, "plan", "forecast", "may", "schedule" and other similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to future prices of commodities, accuracy of mineral or resource exploration activity, reserves or resources, regulatory or government requirements or approvals, the reliability of third party information, continued access to mineral properties or infrastructure, fluctuations in the market for gold, changes in exploration costs and government regulation in Guyana, status of artisanal mining activities and associated rights, and other factors or information. Such statements represent the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause 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. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affections such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/257823
Azumah Resources Ghana Limited is proud to announce the official commencement of construction of the Black Volta Gold Mine in the Upper West Region of Ghana. This milestone marks the beginning of a new era for Ghana's mining sector. Since inception, Azumah Resources has been solely led by Ghanaians and backed by committed local and international investors.

Following the successful securing of project financing from Azumah Resources existing shareholders, Azumah Resources has initiated preparatory works on site and will now proceed with full-scale development activities, including infrastructure, civil works, and recruitment. Azumah Resources is working closely with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Minerals Commission to ensure all regulatory authorizations are in place for seamless execution.

Prof. Prince Ofori Amponsah, Country Lead, Azumah Resources Ghana Limited, said: "This is an incredibly exciting time for Azumah Resources Ghana Limited. Having consulted and led exploration activities for several years from our Kalsegra site in Ghana's Upper West Region, my team and I are thrilled to see all our hard work come to fruition. We are extremely excited that now that we are moving into the project development and mine construction phases, this will create direct and indirect jobs for both local communities and Ghanaians at large. I would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Government of Ghana, the Ministry of Lands, the Minerals Commission, the EPA, and all the other state agencies that have supported us in achieving this significant milestone."

Rob Ciccini, Project Director of Azumah Resources, said: "We are extremely pleased that our existing shareholders have reconfirmed their long-term commitment to Ghana and the construction of the Black Volta Project. Since terminating our agreement with Engineers & Planners Co. Limited, we have worked closely with our shareholders, the Government of Ghana, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Minerals Commission to ensure the continued success of the Black Volta Project. Those efforts mean that we are now in the position to make today's announcement and to proceed with construction at pace without E&P."

The Black Volta Gold Mine is expected to deliver significant socio-economic benefits to the Upper West Region and Ghana at large. Over 1,000 jobs will be created during the construction phase, with hundreds of additional permanent jobs to follow once operations commence.

Azumah Resources is committed to partnering with local communities, ensuring that they will benefit from direct skilled employment and opportunities in logistics, catering, agriculture, power generation, and fuel supply. This commitment aims at creating a ripple effect of development across the region.

The Construction of the Black Volta Project was scheduled to begin in July 2024, but was delayed due to a failure by Engineers & Planners (E&P) to complete the contracted civil works and spurious legal actions filed by E&P. These actions, including commencing an ICC arbitration and interfering with Azumah's operations, disrupted timelines and caused avoidable setbacks to this critical national project. Despite these challenges, Azumah Resources has demonstrated resilience and unwavering commitment to delivering the Black Volta Project in the interest of the Ghanaian people.

Azumah Resources is deeply grateful to the Government of Ghana, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Minerals Commission, traditional authorities, and local stakeholders for their ongoing support. We are excited to move forward and deliver this transformative project. Mr. Ciccini commented: "We're not just building a mine - we're building sustainable livelihoods and supporting national development through responsible, indigenous mining."

A formal groundbreaking ceremony will be announced in due course in collaboration with the Ministry.

Notes to the Editor

Azumah Resources is a Ghanaian mining company committed to responsible resource development and substainable community impact. It is backed by a consortium of international investors and is dedicated to supporting Ghana's strategy of indigenous participating in the mining sector. The Black Volta Gold Project is located in Ghana's Upper West Region and represents one of the country's most promising gold assets.

Development Agreement with E&P

- On 9 October 2023, Azumah Resources and a number of its shareholders (collectively, "Azumah") entered into a Development Framework Agreement with Engineers & Planners Co. Limited ("E&P") (the "Development Agreement"). E&P is owned and controlled by its CEO, Ibrahim Mahama.

- The Development Agreement required E&P to undertake certain activities in connection with the development of the Black Volta Gold Project including: (i) entering into an EPC Contract with Azumah Resources; and (ii) completing the site civil earthworks at its own cost.

- E&P failed to enter into an EPC Contract with Azumah and it did not commence the site civil earthworks. Azumah and its shareholders formally terminated the Development Agreement on 27 December 2024. Following termination, Azumah's existing shareholders reconfirmed their commitment to Ghana and the project's long-term success.

- Azumah has since worked closely with Ghana's Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Minerals Commission to secure the necessary approvals to proceed with full-scale construction.

ICC Arbitration

- On 21 October 2024, E&P commenced an arbitration with the International Chamber of Commerce (the "ICC") alleging that Azumah Resources and its shareholders breached the Development Agreement.

- On 21 November 2024, Azumah issued a counterclaim against E&P alleging that E&P was in breach of the Development Agreement and that E&P had been complicity in: (i) misappropriating funds from Azumah Resources' bank accounts; and (ii) that E&P's employees or agents sought to cause Azumah Resources to enter in to agreements without authorization.

- Azumah deny each and every allegation made by E&P in the arbitration and are committed to defending it in full. The arbitration is confidential and, as such, Azumah is unable to provide any further details at this stage.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250704849861/en/

Contact

For Media Enquiries, Please Contact:

Tom Stewart-Walvin

Associate Director, Rostrum

t.stewart-walvin@rostrum.agency
Media, fans, banned from first 2026 F1 test

Spectators and the media will be locked out of the first test featuring the all-new cars and engines for 2026.

Liam Lawson, Austrian GP 2025

 Red Bull

Unlike in recent years, there will be much more on-track testing ahead of the shift to radical new chassis and power unit regulations - one test in Barcelona at the end of January, and two more in Bahrain in February.

The Barcelona test has been consistently referred to - by Formula 1, the FIA and the Circuit de Catalunya - as a five-day private session.

What that means is now clear - no journalists, no TV, no photographers, and no fans.

Why? Auto Motor und Sport explains: "Because the completely new cars are likely to experience many teething issues from the start.

Only the laptimes will be published.

The German magazine continued: Apparently, there are great fears that there could be a major outcry if the new cars don't live up to expectations.

Indeed, some fear that drivers will need to lift the throttle half-way down straights to charge the batteries. Charles Leclerc revealed in Austria a week ago that he has tried the 2026 Ferrari in the simulator and was massively disappointed.

I saw the headlines saying that Ferrari is struggling or whatever, he said at Silverstone, "but what I meant is that the new direction for us as drivers is a little bit less attractive and a little bit less nice to drive overall.

I'm sure that if we are competitive, I'll start to like it a lot more. If not, then I'll probably hate it a lot.

Lance Stroll is another rare voice admitting it's a shame Formula 1 is racing at full speed down the electrification road. We've had to reduce downforce just to keep the battery going, the Aston Martin driver said.

I don't like the essence of the new regulations, the Canadian added. Many drivers agree with me, but they're not ready to say it for political reasons.

(GMM)
Verstappen cannot sign Mercedes contract says Marko

Dr Helmut Marko tried to be blunt and straightforward about Max Verstappen's future amid a firestorm of speculation in the Silverstone paddock.

Max Verstappen, Austrian GP 2025

 Red Bull

He hasn't signed and he can't, Red Bull's long-time motorsport advisor and a key mentor of the quadruple world champion's career told Kleine Zeitung.

He is referring, of course, to Mercedes, and the strengthening rumours that Verstappen's contract exit clauses have now been triggered and he is ready to sign up for 2026 and beyond.

Verstappen tried his now familiar routine of giving almost nothing away to the throngs of journalists clamouring around him, but one brave reporter asked the Dutchman: Why is your camp talking to Mercedes then?

Who says that? the quadruple world champion hit back.

Mercedes, the journalist replied.

Verstappen also dismissed the notion that he might re-commit to Red Bull if Christian Horner is ousted. I don't know anything about that, the 27-year-old insisted.

He also wouldn't answer if his famous exit clauses are now active, explaining: "I don't talk about my contract. That makes it a bit easier for everyone.

I honestly have nothing to add to what I said last week.

Still, Verstappen seemed in a better mood about the situation compared to Marko. It's just getting annoying now, the 82-year-old Austrian admitted.

The same questions all the time and we always give the same answers, because nothing has changed in the initial situation.

McLaren CEO Zak Brown, however, insisted that he has the feeling something is up , and former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher fully agrees with that.

I get the feeling that Dr Marko has given up the fight for Verstappen, he told Sky Deutschland. "He understands that Verstappen is likely to leave - and then the even bigger problem is the way the team is set up.

They now have a designer who doesn't have a handle on designing that car.

The latest rumour is that Mercedes could give itself plenty of time to wait for Verstappen's decision by re-signing George Russell right now - and having a plan-B in place for Kimi Antonelli.

Some think that's what Toto Wolff's half-hour discussion with his Alpine counterpart Flavio Briatore was about a week ago in Austria.

There's a lot going on and a lot of talks, 18-year-old Antonelli said on Thursday, but I'm happy at Mercedes and not looking for alternatives.

Antonelli to Alpine, however, would presumably oust Franco Colapinto - and the Argentine, despite struggling for performance, remains commercially powerful.

Former Sergio Perez and Red Bull sponsor Claro, for instance, is suddenly now back in the paddock - with Alpine and Colapinto.

We have been present in this sport for several years and now we return, said Claro Argentina CEO Julio Porras Zadik.

We are very excited to support Franco at this key moment.

(GMM)
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Ghana Tourism Authority launches 2024 Tourism report, highlights sector's progress and challenges

Gifty Owusu-Amoah Showbiz News Jul - 04 - 2025 , 00:32 3 minutes read

The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has officially launched the Ghana Tourism Report 2024 at the Accra Tourist Information Centre (ATIC) on Thursday, July 3, on the theme, Growth and Sustainability.

The event brought together stakeholders from the tourism industry, government officials, and other key players to discuss the sector's progress and future plans.

In an address, Acting CEO of GTA, Maame Efua Houadjeto, emphasized the importance of the report in showcasing the sector's achievements and challenges.

She highlighted that despite global and regional economic pressures, Ghana's tourism sector maintained a strong growth in 2024, with a significant increase in international arrivals, notable growth in domestic tourism, and continued diversification of product offerings.

She attributed the sector's success to targeted marketing campaigns, strategic partnerships, and enhanced digital platforms, particularly the "See Ghana, Eat Ghana, Wear Ghana, Feel Ghana" campaign. She also noted the authority's efforts to intensify collaboration with the private sector, invest in training and certification of tourism practitioners, and improve regulatory compliance.

Tourism continues to serve as a powerful tool for economic transformation, social cohesion, and national branding.

The 2024 Tourism Report is a product of diligent research, data collection, and stakeholder collaboration and it captures the full breadth of our achievements, lessons learned, and the opportunities that lie ahead, she said.

Acting CEO of GTA, Maame Efua Houadjeto

The report highlights several key achievements, including: Increased international arrivals: Ghana's tourism sector recorded a significant increase in international arrivals in 2024 and notable growth in domestic tourism with Ghanaians exploring their own country and contributing to the sector's revenue.

The report also mentioned that the sector continued to diversify its product offerings, with a focus on sustainable tourism practices, eco-tourism, and community-based initiatives and strategic partnerships which had the GTA intensify its collaboration with the private sector, investing in training and certification of tourism practitioners and improving regulatory compliance.

However, the report also acknowledges existing challenges, including:

- Inadequate access to some tourism sites: Some tourism sites lack adequate access, hindering the sector's growth and development.

- Need for improved customer service: There is a need for improved customer service and regional disparities in tourism development.

In a keynote address, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Yussif Issaka Jajah, Deputy explained the importance of data-driven decision-making in the tourism sector.

He described the report as a mirror reflecting the sector's progress, pinpointing challenges, and guiding strategic decisions.

The Deputy Minister highlighted the sector's potential to create jobs, promote investment, strengthen cultural identity, and foster mutual understanding among people.

He noted that the report offers valuable insights into arrivals, revenue, domestic tourism trends, employment generation, visitor satisfaction, and the sector's contribution to Ghana's GDP.

He also disclosed that the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, in collaboration with its stakeholders, was focusing on improving the National Tourism Development Plan.

The sector's development is a shared responsibility, and the Ministry is calling on local government, traditional authorities, industry leaders, and every Ghanaian to see themselves as custodians of Ghana's culture and heritage and ambassadors, he said.

The Ghana Tourism Report 2024 provides a comprehensive overview of the sector's progress and challenges, offering valuable insights for stakeholders and policymakers.

For instance, domestically, Ghana's tourist sites saw a significant uptick, with 1.68 million visits recorded, representing a 19% increase from 2023.

The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park remained the most popular attraction, while nature lovers continued to flock to Kakum National Park and Bunso Arboretum.
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Gen Assimi Goita: Mali coup leader granted five-year term in power

bbc.com International News Jul - 04 - 2025 , 10:22 3 minutes read

Mali's military leader Gen Assimi Goita has been granted a five-year presidential term by the transitional parliament, which is renewable without elections.

The junta leader, who has seized power twice, had promised the return of democracy last year, but it never materialised.

The bill granting his new mandate said it could be renewed "as many times as necessary" and until Mali was "pacified".

It clears Gen Goita to lead the West African country until at least 2030, with many fearing the move could lead to the repression of the opposition or dissenting opinions.

The 41-year-old military leader was named transitional president after his last coup in 2021.

At the time he promised to hold elections the following year - but has since reneged, in a blow to efforts to restore multi-party rule.

The transitional bill was on Thursday unanimously approved by 131 members of the National Transitional Council, which is composed of 147 legislators.

The council had already adopted the measure in April.

The president of the legislative body, Malick Diaw, called the development "a major step forward in the rebuilding of Mali".

"The adoption of this text is in accordance with the popular will," he said.

The bill allows the transitional president, government and legislative members to stand in presidential and general elections.

In May, the junta banned all political parties in the country amid a growing crackdown on dissent since the army seized power.

The military government has been trying to quell jihadist violence unleashed by groups linked with the Islamic State (IS) and al-Qaeda.

On Tuesday, jihadist fighters 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.

Since taking power, the junta leader has formed an alliance with coup leaders in neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger, pivoting the region towards Russia after cutting ties with former colonial power France.

Gen Goita has also withdrawn Mali from the regional grouping Ecowas over its demands to restore democratic rule. Burkina Faso and Niger have also left the grouping.

He first staged a coup in August 2020 overthrowing then-President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita after huge anti-government protests against his rule and his handling of the jihadist insurgency.

However, these attacks have continued and even intensified since he took power.

Gen Goita handed power to an interim government that was to oversee the transition to elections within 18 months.

He had sought to lead that government, but Ecowas insisted on a civilian leader.

Unhappy with the performance of the civilian transitional arrangement, he seized power again in May 2021.
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See the members of the newly sworn-in NaSIA and NaCCA Boards

Beatrice Laryea Education Jul - 04 - 2025 , 09:53 3 minutes read

The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrissu, officially swore in the Governing Boards of the National Schools Inspectorate Authority (NaSIA) and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) at the Ministrys offices in Accra on Thursday, July 3.

After administering the Oath of Office and the Oath of Secrecy, the Minister urged the board members to work towards improving the quality of education in the country, with particular emphasis on enhancing access, inclusiveness, and relevance.

"On behalf of Excellency John Jamani Mahama and my own behalf, our doors at the Ministry remain very open. We want to work with you and we want to join you to work to improve the quality of education in Ghana, its access, its inclusiveness and its relevance," he said.

Discipline

Mr Iddrssu, who is also the Member of Parliament for Tamale South, emphasized the importance of school inspections, particularly due to recent troubling incidents where students have reportedly accessed weapons in schools.

Haruna Iddrissu, Education Minister

He described this as a failure of school management, inspection systems and possibly parenting, though also partly due to deviant student behavior.

"Your key functions, as I understand, include school inspection, land census monitoring and evaluation and school ownership transitions. I am particular about the school inspections because there's been some worrying developments in the country where repeatedly we are told that a student can have access to a work weapon or even a gun whilst on campus," he said.

Standard-based curriculum

The minister emphasized the importance of a standard-based curriculum for basic schools, highlighting an upcoming review of the kindergarten and primary curriculum.

The Minister and his Deputy, Dr Clement Apaak with members of the NaSIA Board

He stressed that foundational learning should go beyond literacy and numeracy to include national values, culture, life skills and the social and emotional well-being of learners.

He added that fostering integrity and love for country from an early age is essential to building responsible citizens.

Strengthening STEM, TVET

Additionally, he emphasized the importance of strengthening science, technology, mathematics, engineering (STEM), and TVETincluding Green TVET  with a focus on skills development.

He announced plans to introduce artificial intelligence and coding into the pre-tertiary curriculum, starting from early primary school and mentioned the upcoming launch of the Beyond Academic Skills program, aimed at instilling patriotism and responsibility in young learners.

Appreciation

The Chairmen of the two institutions, Dr Maabobor Kor Jacob Aaworb-Nang and Prof. Vincent Assanful, expressed their appreciation to President Mahama and the Minister of Education for the opportunity to serve the nation.

The Minister and his Deputy, Dr Clement Abas Apaak with members of the NaCCA Board

They pledged their commitment to collaborate with all stakeholders to promote and ensure quality education across the country.

List

The 11-member NaSIA Governing Board are:

Maabobor Kor Jacob Aaworb-Nang, PhD (Chairman)

Dr Monique Armstrong-Baidoo (Practitioner nominated by the Minister)

Dr Christian Addai Poku (Representative of the National Teaching Council)

Prof. Samuel Ofori Obuobisah Bekoe (Representative of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment)

Mr Obenfo Nana Kwasi Gyetuah (Representative of the Associations of Private Schools)

Mr Divine Worlanyo Agbenyo and (Representative of the West African Examinations Council).

Mr Michael Akanvibe Ayuraboya (Representative of the Teacher Associations),

Ms Emilia Affi Agbenyo (Representative of the Technical, Vocational Education and Training Service),

Dr Issahaque Munawaru (Representative of the Education Service)

Jennifer Tachi ESQ (One female educationist nominated by the Minister)

Ing. Prof. Tahiru Salifu Azeko (The Inspector-General of Schools).

The nine-member NaCCA Board are:

Prof. Vincent Assanful (Chairman),

Dr Sulemana Iddrisu (Representative of the National Teaching Council)

Prof. Augustine Ocloo (Representative of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission)

Prof. Azeko Tahiru Salifu (Representative of the National Schools Inspectorate Authority)

Mrs Comfort Ashiagbor (Representative of the Ministry responsible for Education).

Prof. Ernest Kofi Davies (Representative of the Ghana Education Service)

Mr Leonard Attivor (Representative of the West African Examinations Council)

Mrs Ernesticia Lartey Asuinura (Representative of the Ghana Book Development Council)

Prof. Samuel Ofori Obuobisah Bekoe (Director of the Council).
Next article: Ghana Water shuts down Kpong Treatment Plant today for emergency repairs - See the affected areas

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ATM Card left behind at crime scene leads to arrests in shocking East Legon murder

GraphicOnline Jul - 04 - 2025 , 09:34 1 minute read

The Ghana Police Service has arrested two suspects in connection with the murder of a Lebanese national, 58-year-old Omar Mikati, who was found dead in his East Legon residence on Friday, June 20, 2025.

According to a statement from the police, a team from the Crime Scene Management Unit (CSMU) was dispatched to the scene where the deceased was discovered in a pool of blood. Forensic evidence was collected as part of the ongoing investigation.

Preliminary findings suggest the assailants fled with the victims Samsung mobile phone, but left behind two iPhones and a GCB ATM card bearing the name Paul Twumasi Ankrah.

The discovery of the ATM card led to the arrest of Paul Twumasi Ankrah at Samsam Medie. During interrogation, he named his accomplice, Asiedu Henning, also known as Nana Kofi Anum. Henning was subsequently arrested on July 2, 2025, during an intelligence-led operation at his hideout in Kutunse.

Henning is reported to have led police investigators to a location where a knife used in the incident had been disposed of. The knife has since been retrieved and is undergoing forensic analysis.

Both suspects have been put before the Adabraka District Court 1, where they were remanded in police custody. They are expected to reappear before the court on Tuesday, July 8, 2025.

The police have assured the public that investigations are ongoing and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring justice is served.
Next article: ATM Card left behind at crime scene leads to arrests in shocking East Legon murder

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GRNMA condemns CHAG over intimidation tactics against striking nurses

Jemima Okang Addae Jul - 04 - 2025 , 09:57 2 minutes read

The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has condemned what it describes as intimidation tactics by the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), targeting nurses and midwives who took part in a recent nationwide strike.

In a statement dated July 3, GRNMA alleged that CHAG issued a circular requesting lists of staff who participated in the industrial action, with intention to impose punitive measures such as demotions, salary withholdings, and delayed promotions.

The GRNMA President, Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, criticised the move as unjust, stating, It is evidently clear that the welfare of nurses and midwives does not matter to CHAG as an agency under the Ministry of Health.

She stressed that CHAGs actions were beyond its mandate, as nurses in CHAG facilities are paid by the government and are entitled to full union rights. The association cited Section 10(d) of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), which guarantees workers the right to participate in trade union activities without fear of victimisation.

GRNMA warned of legal and industrial action should any punitive measures be carried out. We will use every legitimate means and not hesitate to lay down our tools in support of our colleagues, the GRNMA stated.

The conflict stems from longstanding grievances over working conditions and delays in implementing a Collective Agreement. While CHAG claims its directive is based on performance and conduct, the GRNMA argues this amounts to retaliation for union activity and contravenes labour law governing essential service disputes.

The association called on the government to intervene immediately, describing the situation as a critical test of labour rights within Ghanas health sector.

GRNMA General Secretary, Dr David Tenkorang-Twum, affirmed their readiness to defend members. Leadership will continue to fight for the implementation of our Collective Agreement and protect our rights as workers, he said.

With tensions escalating, GRNMA has signalled its preparedness to resume industrial action if CHAG does not retract its measures, raising the stakes for a potential disruption of health services nationwide.

Read the full statement below;
Next article: National HIV Estimates: 15,290 new infections recorded in 2024

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'Unacceptable behaviour'  UPSA condemns staff after dress code enforcement turns physical

GraphicOnline Jul - 04 - 2025 , 10:47 2 minutes read

The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) has publicly denounced the actions of a staff member captured in a viral video clashing with a Level 100 female student over dress code enforcement.

The incident, which sparked widespread outrage on social media, prompted an immediate investigation by university management, who labelled the staffs behaviour as "unacceptable" and reaffirmed their commitment to student dignity.

In a press release issued on Thursday, UPSA stated, "As a professional university whose core values are integrity, respect, and service, UPSA holds the dignity and well-being of every student as paramount and reaffirms that no staff member has the right to mistreat any student under any circumstances."

Read also: UPSA enforces 'decent' dress code on campus, unkempt hair, shorts, anklets, nose rings etc not permitted for lectures

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

The Vice-Chancellor personally apologised to the affected student, while the implicated staff member submitted a written apology. The student also expressed regret for her conduct in a letter to management.

The altercation occurred just days after UPSA intensified dress code enforcement to curb "indecent dressing" on campus. A memo from the Office of the Dean of Students, dated 30 June 2025, warned that a task force would bar students wearing shorts, slippers, tracksuits, or visible piercings from lecture halls starting 1 July.

However, some students accused the task force of unfairly targeting Level 100 students, alleging that senior peers were exempted.

UPSA acknowledged the backlash, announcing a review of enforcement protocols and additional training for compliance teams to align with "integrity, respect, and service."

The university defended its dress code as a non-negotiable policy designed to instil corporate professionalism, citing its alumnis career success as proof of its value.

While pledging to uphold the policy, UPSA assured stakeholders that future enforcement would prioritise civility.

"The incident has been addressed holistically," the statement concluded, emphasising its dedication to a "safe, respectful, and professional" environment.

The video continues to fuel debate online, with critics questioning the enforcement methods and supporters backing the universitys stance on discipline.
Next article: 'Let our nations rise together'  Indian Prime Minister Modi rallies Ghana for enduring partnership

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Why Agradaa has been sentenced to 15 years hard labour

GraphicOnline Jul - 03 - 2025 , 15:37 4 minutes read

Former traditional priestess turned evangelist, Patricia Asiedua Asiamah, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, was on Thursday (July 3, 2025) sentenced to 15 years imprisonment hard labour by an Accra Circuit Court following her conviction on multiple charges of charlatanic advertisement and defrauding by false pretence.

The conviction relates to a widely circulated 2022 televised broadcast on her Today-TV channel (television) and on social media, during which she claimed to possess spiritual powers to double money for anyone who brought cash offerings to her church, the Heaven Way Champion International Ministry located at Weija in Accra.

In all, she was found guilty on one count of charlatanic advertisement and five counts of defrauding by false pretence.

According to court documents, Nana Agradaa used her media platforms to invite the public to attend an all-night service, promising that any money given would be supernaturally multiplied by her.

The prosecution stated that the accused successfully demanded and received huge sums of money from some members of the public who attended the said all-night service including complainants in this matter.

At least six individuals formally lodged complaints, although prosecutors believe that over a thousand people were defrauded during the single church event. The victims travelled from across the country, lured by the televised promises of miraculous financial gains which never materialised.

Further investigations revealed that Nana Agradaa carried out the scheme in concert with unnamed accomplices. The court found that her actions were part of a well-orchestrated fraud exploiting the faith and desperation of her followers.

Before the sentencing could be finalised, the court ordered a mandatory pregnancy test in accordance with Ghanaian legal procedures for female convicts.

The test confirmed that Nana Agradaa was not pregnant, allowing the court to proceed with sentencing her to 15 years imprisonment with hard labour.

The ruling is being hailed as a significant step in the fight against religious fraud and charlatanic practices in Ghana. It also sends a strong message about the states readiness to protect vulnerable citizens from predatory schemes disguised as spiritual intervention.

Prosecutions facts

Per the facts of the case, on October 10, 2022, the complainants in the case reported to the police that Nana Agradaa demanded and received sums of money from them under the pretext of giving them various sums of monies in return.

Upon the receipt of the report, police commenced investigations into the matter, which led to the arrest of Agradaa.

The prosecution said investigations established that on October 5, 2022, she advertised on Today's TV and other social media platforms that she was organising an all-night service on October 7, 2022 at Heaven Way Champions International Ministry where she was going to share an amount of GH300,000 to all participants who needed money to fund their business or pay rent.

Convict displayed the bundles of money during the advert and encouraged members of the public to attend the service for a share of the money.

Investigations also established that due to the said false representation made in the adverts on media platforms, complainants and other members of the public came from far and near to attend the said all night service, ASP Emmanuel Haligah said.

He added that, during the all-night service, Agradaa directed the congregation to form groups of 20 members and each member was to pay an amount of money starting from GH1000 and below.

The convict is said to have made the representation that if the first group of 20 could each pay GH1000 each, she would give them GH50,000 to share.

She continued in that fashion and promised the next group to pay GH900 saying which of them would get a sum of GH40,000 and so on.

Agradaa, according to the prosecution, represented to them that she would give those in the group of 19 a sum of GH25,000 to share in their group of 19 persons.

Based upon this representation, the complainants parted with various sums of money.

Agradaa after obtaining the monies did not fulfill her promise to give them the sums of money in return and rather left them in the church premises stranded, the prosecutor added.

Further investigations established that Agradaa undertook the charlatanic advertisement with intent to defraud unsuspecting complainants.
Previous article: Indian Prime Minister Modi shocks Ghanas Parliament; says India has over 2,500 political parties

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Prime Minister Modi in Ghana

Prof. Jeffrey Haynes & Dr Samuel Kofi Darkwa Politics Jul - 03 - 2025 , 09:57 5 minutes read

Narendra Modi, the leader of the worlds largest democracy, India, will make a two-day official visit to Ghana, one of Africas few enduring liberal democracies, on July 2 to 3.

The purpose of the visit, according to President John Mahamas spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, MP, is to highlight the warm and longstanding friendly relations between Ghana and India, as well as the importance both nations place on strengthening their strategic partnership.

President John Mahama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will discuss deepening cooperation in various sectors, including trade, investment, agriculture, technology, education, health care and energy, as well as exchanging views on issues of mutual interest, both regional and global. Democracy is not expected to be on the agenda.

Prime Minister Modis visit is part of a multi-nation tour. During July 2 to 9, he will visit Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil and Namibia and, on July 6 to 7, attend the 17th BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) annual summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Ghana-India relations

The Ghana-India relationship goes back a long way. Strong foundations were laid by Ghanas first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah and Indias first Prime Minister, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru.

The two leaders enjoyed a close personal friendship and were key leaders of the Non-Aligned Movement during the Cold War era. Over the years, several of Ghanas presidents have visited India, including Nkrumah (1961), Limann (1981), Rawlings (1993, 1997), and Kufuor (2002, 2008).

There have also been regular ministerial and official visits from India to Ghana. Relations between Ghana and India are enhanced by the existence of a substantial Indian community in Ghana, numbering about 10,000, an Indian presence that goes back over 70 years to the era of British colonialism.

Indians business activities in Ghana contribute in a major way to India being the second largest investor in Ghana in terms of the number of projects.

In recent years, Ghana-India relations have expanded significantly across bilateral trade, defence and development cooperation. In March 2025, India exported $141 million worth of goods to Ghana and imported $239 million from the latter, indicating a negative trade balance of $97.6 million.

Between March 2024 and March 2025, Indias exports to Ghana increased by $31.8 million (29.1%) from $109 million to $141 million, while imports from Ghana increased by $206 million (634%) from $32.5 million to $239 million.

Ghanas main exports to India in 2024-25 were gold ($125 million), Petroleum: Crude ($74.1 million), and cashew nuts ($16.9 million). Indias main exports to Ghana were: Other Construction Machinery ($28.3 million), Drug Formulations, Biologicals ($12.3 million), and Motor Vehicle/Cars ($8.36 million).

Cooperation

Under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programme, Ghana benefits from extensive training opportunities in both the defence and civil sectors.

The 20212022 fiscal year saw Ghana receive about 40 defence training slots alongside about 35 scholarships from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, aimed at building specialised capacity within Ghana's security and administrative institutions.

Areas of training include cybersecurity, peacekeeping operations, and disaster management, contributing to greater institutional effectiveness in Ghana's armed forces.

Joint military exercises and knowledge-sharing initiatives between India and Ghana further bolster their security collaboration.

India's experience in peacekeeping supports Ghana's significant contributions to United Nations missions, particularly through institutions such as the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre in Accra.

India has played a crucial role in supporting Ghanas infrastructure and digital transformation, particularly through concessional loans and grants.

The Pan-African e-Network Project provides tele-education and telemedicine services, enabling Ghanaian students and healthcare professionals to access Indian resources remotely.

Additionally, the TemaMpakadan Rail Line, primarily funded by a US$447 million credit facility from the India Exim Bank secured in late 2024.

This is to enhance regional trade connectivity, underpinning Ghana's ambition to become a logistics hub in West Africa.

Democratic stability

Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Ghana from Wednesday, July 2 to Thursday, July 3, 2025, is exceptionally important within the context of his multi-nation tour.

It marks his first official visit to Ghana, indicating a significant milestone in the historically strong Ghana-India relationship.

Ghanas selection as a stop in this tour underscores its democratic stability, strategic location along the Gulf of Guinea, and expanding trade and investment potential.

It is significant to know that among the countries he is visiting, Ghana is the only African country.

This visit is seen as part of Indias broader "Global South" engagement policy, which aims to strengthen ties with emerging economies.

Furthermore, it occurs just days before the 17th BRICS Summit, emphasising Indias commitment to engaging with African partners outside the BRICS bloc.

Modis stopover in Ghana signals Indias intention to solidify Ghana's role as a bridge between Africa and the BRICS world, advocating for greater African representation in multilateral institutions.

In conclusion, Modis visit to Ghana serves not only as a diplomatic milestone but also as a strategic move to reinforce Ghana's status as a priority partner in West Africa.

This visit is poised to deepen economic partnerships and enhance collaboration on key global issues, marking a new phase in Ghana-India relations.

The writers are an Emeritus Professor of Politics, London Metropolitan University, UK and a Political Scientist.

The writers email addresses: tsjhayn1@londonmet.ac.uk

samdarkgh@gmail.com
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Indian Prime Minister Modi shocks Ghanas Parliament; says India has over 2,500 political parties

GraphicOnline Politics Jul - 04 - 2025 , 09:09 2 minutes read

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sparked laughter and surprise in Ghanas Parliament on Thursday when he revealed that India has more than 2,500 registered political parties, a remark that quickly became the most talked-about moment of his address.

I repeat, 2,500 political parties, Mr Modi said with a smile, pausing as murmurs of disbelief spread across the chamber.

His unexpected revelation was met with laughter from Ghanaian lawmakers, including Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, who later echoed the figure, prompting another round of chuckles from both Members of Parliament and the visiting dignitary.

The moment of shared humour underscored the scale and complexity of Indias democracy; an example Mr Modi used to highlight his countrys commitment to pluralism, dialogue, and inclusion. India is the mother of democracy, he said, addressing the House in English. True democracy promotes discussion and debate. It unites people, supports dignity and promotes human rights.

Switching briefly to Hindi, he added, Hamare liye loktantra system nahi, sanskaar hai, which he translated as, For us, democracy is not just a system, it is a part of our fundamental values.

Mr Modis comments were part of a broader speech that emphasised Indias democratic ethos, shaped by vast diversity. Twenty different parties governing different states, 22 official languages, thousands of dialects; this is the India that works, he said. This is also the reason that people who have come to India have always been welcomed with open hearts.

He added that the same openness enabled Indians to adapt and thrive wherever they go around the world.

The Prime Ministers address was part of his official state visit to Ghanathe first by an Indian Prime Minister in over three decades, as part of a five-nation diplomatic tour. The lighthearted reference to Indias high number of political parties provided a memorable moment in an otherwise formal occasion, illustrating the scale of Indias democratic framework while drawing an affectionate reaction from his Ghanaian hosts.

After his speech, Mr Modi exchanged greetings and handshakes with MPs, wrapping up a visit many lawmakers described as engaging and illuminating.

His next stops include Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil for the BRICS Summit, and Namibia; each visit is part of Indias effort to deepen ties with countries across Africa and Latin America.
Beyond Tchaikovsky and Tolstoy: Meet Lomonosov

14:18, July 04, 2025 By Xu Chenjing and Yu Bing, Global People ( People's Daily Online

You've heard of "Swan Lake," "Katyusha," Pushkin, and Tolstoy. But on your journey through Russia, there's another name you shouldn't miss  a genius whose legacy still shapes the nation today.

Mikhail Lomonosov (1711-1765) is a name known to every Russian. An airport in southeastern Moscow is named after him, and Russia's top university bears his full title: Lomonosov Moscow State University. A scientist, linguist, and poet of the 18th century, he's often called "The Peter the Great of Russian science." His legacy offers a window into the heart of Russia's history and culture.

In the autumn of 1711, Lomonosov was born into a fisherman's family on the shores of the White Sea. As a precocious child, he read nearly every book he could find in his village. At 19, he set off for Moscow to pursue an education. He claimed noble origins and enrolled in a religious academy, as most schools in the city admitted only children of nobility. He studied diligently, and his academic excellence earned him a place at the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences (hereinafter referred to as "the Academy"). Later, he was sent to Germany to study mining. In 1745, at just 34 years old, Lomonosov became the first Russian to be named a professor of chemistry at the Academy.

Lomonosov was driven by a deep desire to dedicate his hard-earned knowledge to his country and its people. In 1748, he built the first Russian chemical laboratory a project he had long envisioned. He hoped the lab would bring practical benefits to his country, such as the mass production of colored glass. At the time, foreign experts who possessed the technique refused to share their secrets. Undeterred, Lomonosov conducted nearly 4,000 experiments before succeeding. A variety of shadesgrass green, salmon pink, translucent tones, and moresoon emerged from his lab.

At the time, scientists still did not fully understand the nature of fire or the process of combustion. The dominant theory was the Phlogiston Theory, which claimed that a fire-like element was released during burning. In the 17th century, British chemist Robert Boyle observed that metals gained weight after being calcined and concluded that phlogiston played a role in the reaction. In 1756, Lomonosov placed metal in a sealed container and heated it. Without allowing any air to enter, he weighed the metal before and after burning  and found no change in mass. This led him to observe the principle of mass conservation. Later, French chemist Antoine Lavoisier repeated similar experiments and formally established the law of conservation of mass.

While Lomonosov thrived in the world of science, he also flourished in the realm of literature. He believed that "Russian poetry must be written in accordance with the natural qualities of our language." Under his advocacy, a new system of versification emergedone that allowed Russian to be as light and fluid as French, yet as forceful as German. Through his efforts to purify the Russian language, expand its vocabulary, and bring literary style closer to everyday speech, he earned the title "Father of the Modern Russian Language."

Lomonosov also looked to the future  toward education. He hoped that Russia would one day produce its own Platos and Newtons. In letters to Count Shuvalov, a close confidant of the Empress, he repeatedly proposed founding a university in Moscow. The Empress accepted his suggestion, and in 1755, Moscow University was established. From its inception, the university embraced inclusivity: students from all social classes, except serfs, were allowed to enroll. By the second half of the 18th century, only three of the university's 26 Russian professors came from noble families, and most of the student body consisted of commoners.

In the 19th century, a legendary figure emerged from Moscow University. Alexander Herzen, descended from nobility, preferred social engagement over scientific study. Advocating dialectics and materialism, he became a leading voice of progressive thought in Russia. Anton Chekhov, the son of a serf, began writing plays while studying medicine and went on to become a literary giant known for his sharp realism. Wassily Kandinsky, born to an intellectual family, studied law and economics before turning to art at age 30. His iconic geometric works of dots, lines, and planes earned him recognition as a pioneer of abstract art.

In the 20th century, the light of modern science began to shine from Moscow University. At 17, Andrei Sakharov enrolled in the Department of Physics, quickly demonstrating brilliance in theoretical physics. Beginning in 1948, he played a key role in developing the Soviet hydrogen bomb, proposing the "layer-cake" design that proved essential to its success. Nikolay Semyonov, head of the university's chemical kinetics division, developed the theory of chain branching reactions, which offered crucial insights into combustion and explosion mechanisms. In 1956, he became the first Soviet scientist to receive the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Sergei Novikov entered the Department of Mathematics and Mechanics in 1955, specializing in algebraic topology. In 1970, he became the first Soviet mathematician to be awarded the Fields Medal, the highest honor in mathematics.

In 1952, as the university's grand auditorium neared completion, the Soviet Union reached out to the newly founded People's Republic of China, requesting portraits of ancient Chinese scientists  notably Zu Chongzhi of the Southern and Northern Dynasties (420-589), and Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) physician Li Shizhen  to be included in the auditorium's design.

The task of creating the portraits was entrusted to the renowned Chinese painter Jiang Zhaohe. While reading the preface of "Compendium of Materia Medica," he came across a description of Li Shizhen: a lean figure, thoughtful in speech, and a man of exceptional character. This reminded Jiang of his father-in-law, Xiao Longyoua revered master of traditional Chinese medicine and one of the "Four Great Physicians of Beijing." Jiang thus used Xiao Longyou as the model for Li Shizhen. For the portrait of Zu Chongzhi, he drew inspiration from the appearance of renowned meteorologist and geographer Zhu Kezhen.

Today, more than 70 years later, their marble mosaic portraits can still be seen above the entrance hall ceiling, alongside those of Newton, Copernicus, Madame Curie, and other great figures of world science.

In the early 1960s, Li Bingzong graduated from the Department of Physics at Moscow State University. Now 89 years old, he recalls those formative years: professors at MSU never handed out lecture notes or used fixed textbooksstudents had to rely entirely on taking notes during class and studying reference books on their own afterward. From 1951 to 1965, MSU trained thousands of Chinese students like Li Bingzong. Most of them pursued cutting-edge disciplines such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, geology, and biology. After completing their studies, they returned to China and devoted themselves to nation-building, leaving an indelible mark on the milestones of scientific and technological development in the newly founded People's Republic of China.

Today, a full-length statue of Lomonosov still stands on the university campus. With a gentle smile and sharp gaze, he seems to welcome generations of students coming and going. As time flows on and autumn leaves drift down before him, a new era of scholars continues to write their own chapters  in the very classrooms that once nurtured legends.

(Xiao Xinxin, Liu Shuyang, Xu Ye, Wang Zhening, Gao Yuan, Niu Zhiyuan, and Dong Shuo contributed to the reporting.)

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Samsung was one of the pioneers in the foldable phone market and weve already seen teasers about its upcoming first tri-fold device. Some rumors suggest we may see the tri-fold at next weeks Galaxy Unpacked event and we now have an actual look at the device thanks to the team over at Android Authority who discovered animation files hidden in the latest One UI 8 build.

These show the devices design, which includes three rear panels and two inward folding hinges. The more interesting bit is that the hinges on Samsungs tri-fold feature different sizes and will reportedly fold inwards instead of the outward folding approach seen on Huaweis Mate XT.

This means Samsungs device will have to be unfolded from right to left as shown in the following animation.

A separate video shows a warning not to fold the right side of the device (which has the three rear cameras on its back) inward, as that may end up breaking the display.

The device features a cover screen that will reside in the middle when the main folding screen is fully open.

Samsungs tri-fold is referred to as Multifold 7 in the One UI 8 code, while previous rumors suggest it is called Q7M internally. While its commercial name is not finalized, previous reports point to it being called Galaxy G Fold.

According to previous leaks, Samsungs first tri-fold device will feature a 9.96" folding screen and a 6.54" cover display. It is expected to weigh around 300 grams and may only launch in South Korea and China.

Source
This Independence Day, lets remember the Founding Fathers didnt just declare freedomthey built it.

They forged it in blacksmith shops, printed it on hand-cranked presses, and sewed it into every flag that flew over their cause. If they lived today, theyd be working in 3D printing labs and advanced manufacturing accelerators, building the future they wanted to live.

Thats exactly what we must do in Guam.

Because the 21st century will belong to the people who build things. And for Guam, that path runs through the Guam Additive Materials & Manufacturing Accelerator, GAMMA.

Gov. Lou Leon Guerreros GAMMA initiative, in collaboration with the U.S. Navy and the Applied Science & Technology Research Organization, ASTRO, was a brilliant and farsighted plan to put Guam on the cutting-edge of high tech and simultaneously leverage our way back into ship and submarine repair on the island.

GAMMA: 21st-century forge

Globally, additive manufacturing or 3D printing is on a tear. It is projected to become a $100 billion industry by 2030.

Were not just talking about toys and trinkets. Were talking about printing metal aircraft components, submarine parts, entire homes, and even rocket engines.

The U.S. Navy and major defense primes are already investing heavily, recognizing that additive manufacturing slashes lead times, reduces costs, and enables rapid repair and prototypingright where its needed.

The Department of Defenses Regional Sustainment Framework and U.S. Indo-Pacific Commands push for forward sustainment capabilities in the Pacific present Guam with a historic opportunity.

We are the tip of the spear. Guams geography can be leveraged to transform Guam into the advanced ship and submarine repair hub the Navy urgently needs, while becoming a beacon of innovation across the Pacific.

Imagine this: a damaged submarine pulls into Apra Harbor, and instead of waiting months for parts from the mainland, the parts are 3D printed in Guam within days.

Imagine advanced Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul, MRO, processes using Artificial Intelligence, AI, Internet-of-Things, IoT, sensors, and additive manufacturing integrated into our workflows, turning Guam from just a forward base into a center of innovation and industrial capability for the region.

Once Guam gets known for advanced MRO in ship and submarine repair, aircraft and component sustainment workloads will follow, then heavy equipment, and eventually port logistics and commercial industries.

All hands on deck

But heres the hard truth: this will not happen unless we act.

We can create a demand signal for workforce development across engineering, heavy repair, high-tech welding, advanced composites, IoT systems integration, additive design, and AI-enabled maintenance technologies.

Granted, Guam has many challenges today. However, the first and most important challenge that must be tackled to transform the islands economy is the development of our workforce.

The type of industry we want will not come until we show clear, rapid improvement in our workforce pipeline. Guam Community College and the GCA Trades Academy have made laudable efforts working with companies like Cabras Marine to develop a ship repair workforce development pipeline.

But our workforce ship repair capabilities must be built beyond commercial and basic afloat maintenance. We need to be building our workforce capabilities to meet the exacting standards of Naval Sea Systems Command requirements.

We need to train our people to meet this momentyoung high school graduates, mid-career workers looking for new opportunities, and retirees wanting to contribute to Guams future. This must be an all hands-on deck rallying cry, because the tomorrow we want will not build itself.

We should be as determined as those who signed their names to the Declaration of Independence, knowing that their actions would shape the destiny of a nation. We stand at that kind of crossroads for Guams economic destiny.

The Makerspace Revolution

While GAMMA becomes Guams advanced manufacturing forge, the Guam Green Growth Makerspace is its smaller, but essential sibling.

It empowers entrepreneurs to prototype locally, use recycled materials, and drive sustainability in manufacturing. Its a place where a local artist can design recycled ocean-plastic furniture, a student can prototype drone parts, and a small business can develop products for exportall while reducing our reliance on costly imports and lengthy shipping delays.

This is how we build local supply chains, diversify our economy, and empower the next generation of makers to think, buildand innovate right here in Guam.

Independence Day challenge

Independence is not a one-time declaration; it is a constant commitment to building the systems that sustain freedom.

For Guam, that means seizing this unique confluence of global technology trends, the DoDs Pacific shift, and our geographic gift to create an economy that builds, repairs, and innovates for ourselves and the region.

Lets light a new kind of fire this Independence Dayone that will keep burning long after the fireworks fade, forging a future of resilience, prosperity, and freedom for Guam.

Our future depends on our ability to always be innovating.
Seven people indicted in an alleged Pandemic Unemployment Assistance fraud scheme including Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorios sister, her boyfriend, and Tenorios partner were all released after being arrested on Friday, according to District Court of Guam documents.

They were originally scheduled to be arraigned on Friday, but the arraignment was asked to be continued to a later date.

A status hearing regarding dual representation is set for 11:15 a.m. on July 3 and the arraignment for all defendants is set for 1 p.m. that same day.

The lieutenant governor has not been charged with any crime and in a statement on Friday said he had no knowledge of the events alleged in the indictment.

Defendants are on the hook for allegedly receiving $492,063 worth of fraudulent PUA claims made on behalf of numerous individuals between July 2020 and September 2021, based on the indictment filed in the District Court of Guam.

They, along with other unnamed co-conspirators, allegedly engaged in a conspiracy to file $1.9 million worth of fraudulent PUA claims, charging documents stated.

The claims were made through the PUA program which was run by the Guam Department of Labor.

All of the defendants face charges for nine counts of wire fraud, 18 counts of mail fraud, and one count each for conspiring to do so.

Here are the defendants and charges:

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

Kathleen Peredo, former Guam DOL employee

Winnie Jo Santos

Marlene Pinaula, former Guam DOL employee

Charissa Tenorio faces additional charges on one count of money laundering and two count of witness tampering.

Former Guam DOL employees Peredo and Pinaula each face one count of federal program theft, while Sanchez faces a charge for witness tampering.

Arrest warrants

Defendants face mail fraud charges for allegedly depositing $138,280 worth of PUA payments to different accounts as part of the scheme, on nine separate occasions between Dec. 1, 2020 and May 26, 2021.

Also alleged is $353,783 worth of mail fraud, involving 18 checks between Dec. 17, 2020 and May 17, 2021.

Arrest warrants for each of the seven co-conspirators were issued Thursday, after a grand jury handed down the indictment, and returned executed on Friday, federal court records showed.

Release conditions

Court records for the seven defendants show they were all released with conditions.

All seven were released with conditions that include supervision by the U.S. Probation Office, surrender their passports, remain at a fixed address and to not leave Guam without the courts permission.

Charissa Tenorio, Rosalin, Sanchez and Peredo have added released conditions.

For Tenorio and Rosalin, they have been ordered to not possess a firearm, destructive device or other weapon, not use alcohol excessively, not use or unlawfully possess a narcotic drug or other controlled substances, submit to testing for a prohibited substance and participate in a program of inpatient or outpatient substance use treatment.

Sanchez has also been ordered to not use or not use or unlawfully possess drugs, submit to drug testing and participate in a program of inpatient or outpatient substance use treatment.

Peredo has been ordered to not use alcohol excessively.

The seven defendants will answer to the indictment charges at their arraignment on July 3 and will continue to be released.

The conspiracy

The object of the conspiracy was for the defendants to unlawfully obtain pandemic unemployment benefits for themselves and others by means of false and fraudulent pretenses and representations, the indictment stated.

Starting at least as early as July 2020, defendants allegedly began soliciting individuals in Guam to apply for PUA through the Guam Department of Labor, the indictment stated, and then falsely telling them they qualified.

PUA provided benefits to residents who were left unemployed or unable to work during the mass lockdowns of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alleged co-conspirators Pinaula and Peredo, who worked at GDOL at the time, would use their access to the departments computer systems to find and approve fraudulent applications, according to the indictment.

Neither woman works at GDOL anymore. Both resigned in 2022, the department said on Friday.

Charissa Tenorio, Sanchez, and Santos provided applications for individuals and helped them complete the applications, the indictment stated.

A number of defrauded applicants worked for Comfort Cuts and Grounds Maintenance LLC, a company that Charissa Tenorio and her partner Rosalin owned. Santos was an office manager at the company.

Others worked for Haute Dog & Company, a food truck owned by Topasna, the lieutenant governors partner.
The full impact of what H.R. 1, also known as the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, will be for Guam is still unknown, local officials said.

House Republicans passed the bill moving forward on President Donald Trumps agenda that combines tax breaks, spending cuts, border security funding and other priorities.

Trump is expected to sign the bill into law on July 4 at the White House.

Adelup spokesperson Krystal Paco-San Agustin said the measure is several hundred pages long and was subject to a series of negotiations between both Republican majorities of Congress late at night.

Given the hyper technical nature of the language involved, it will take time to truly comprehend the impacts of this legislation. Each of our agency heads will now review the bill for relevant impacts and reach out to their agency partners for further clarity. We will keep the public informed as more information becomes available, she said.

Guam Del. James Moylan, in a statement, said the measure covers a wide range of federal priorities, with provisions touching on everything from defense and infrastructure to health care and tax policy.

My office is preparing a comprehensive, in-depth report on H.R. 1 to inform the public of its full implications for Guam. We are working with the Congressional Research Service (CRS) to conduct this analysis and will release a full report once finalized, Moylan said.

The analysis includes a closer look at the bills tax provisions, which requires special attention due to the complexity of Guams mirror-code tax systema unique framework that governs how certain federal tax laws are mirrored and implemented on island, the delegate said.

The delegate said his office is also reviewing provisions related to military readiness. Guam continues to play a critical role in the Indo-Pacific, and the security of the island, including the development of the missile defense system, is directly tied to broader national security objectives, Moylan said.

We are focused on ensuring that federal investments in defense infrastructure not only strengthen our nations posture, but also safeguard our community here at home, he said.

According to language in the bill, $200 million is allocated for acceleration of Guam Defense System.

Moylan said the passage of the bill presents an opportunity to strengthen accountability, ensure greater transparency in how federal funds are used, and eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse.

These are principles I will continue to champion both in our nations capital and right at home, he said.

At nearly 900 pages, the legislation is a sprawling collection of tax breaks, spending cuts and other Republican priorities, including new money for national defense and deportations, according to the Associated Press.

Democrats united against the legislation, but were powerless to stop it as long as Republicans stayed united. The Senate passed the bill, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tiebreaking vote. The House passed an earlier iteration of the bill in May with just one vote to spare. It passed the final version 218-214.

House committees labored for months on the bill, which underwent late changes to win over holdouts in the Republican conference.
The Guam Fire Department is reminding residents to stay safe around fireworks and firearms as they celebrate on the Fourth of July weekend.

GFD spokesperson Lt. Nick Garrido said the fire department is aware only of permitted fireworks shows at Polaris Point on Friday, and Andersen Air Force Base on Saturday.

Garrido said GFD wishes the island a safe and joyful Independence Day, and reminds that:

The use of consumer-grade fireworks is strictly prohibited.

The discharge of firearms outside of licensed shooting ranges is illegal and extremely dangerous.

Violations of these laws can result in serious injury and will be addressed by law enforcement, Garrido said. Lets celebrate responsibly and keep safety at the forefront. Enjoy the holiday, stay safe, and look out for one another.

Though consumer-grade fireworks were briefly legalized, lawmakers voted to make them illegal, again, this past June.

The push by Sen. Telo Taitague was largely fueled by widespread use of fireworks during New Years Day celebrations.

Fireworks shows

Naval Base Guams Freedom Rocks festival returns at Polaris Point with free admission on July 4.

Gates open at 2 p.m. for those with base access at 2 p.m., and those without at 3 p.m.

A military ID or visitor pass is not required.

The fireworks display will be launched at 8:15 p.m., according to Jeff Sanchez of ShowPro Pyrotechnics, who is running the display.

At Andersen Air Force Base on Saturday, fireworks will kick off at about 8:15 p.m., Sanchez said.

However, the event is not open to the public.

Sanchez said he was unsure whether the display would be visible outside the fence.
Maoli, the headliner for part four of Hafalohas Concert Series, returns to Guam after headlining part one in July 2024, and the artist is debuting songs from their new album, Last Sip of Summer.

We just released a new album, so well be playing some new songs [that] we hope you guys like, said Glenn Awong, the bands front man.

Guam is one of the first to experience the album performed live, being the third stop in its debut tour after Alaska and Hawaii. Awong is proud of the album because its creative process and early reception have been exciting firsts.

This album was a fun process, and I got to work with great producers and some incredible writers, Awong said. It was a new experience for me because Im not used to cowriting with other artists or writers and getting the producers hands-on in the project. Im so used to doing a lot of things myself, but this was the first time I got to take the back seat.

Last Sip of Summer is available in all digital platforms and recently hit the top 200 list in the country music genre, a first for Maolis career.

Maolis performance also includes a homecoming for its lead guitarist, Kiko Yamashita, who grew up on Guam.

I grew up in this local music scene, playing music for you guys, and [Ive] taken it all around the world, Yamashita said. Bringing it home, I can showcase what Ive learned and also inspire the youth that I used to be.

Sharing the stage

Opening for Maoli is Guam-born artist Jason J., returning home with Shiabe Bok Pangelinan, Peter Cruz, and Oston Saralu.

Other artists performing are Netty Cee and the XO Band.

The concert is on Saturday, July 5, at 7 p.m. at Ypao Beach Park.

General admission tickets for $75 are still available on www.guamtime.net. VIP tickets are sold out.
Del. James Moylan on Thursday said the proposed 1% tax on remittances in a budget reconciliation bill does not apply to Guam, following a request for clarity from Acting Gov. Josh Tenorio on its potential impacts.

Moylan said his office reached out directly to the Congressional Research Service, which confirmed that the proposed tax is structured as an excise tax, which does not apply to Guam.

This means that residents of Guam who send money abroad will not be subject to the additional 1% remittance tax that would impact U.S. residents, Moylan said in a statement.

Moylan thanked Tenorio for bringing the issue to his attention and seeking clarification on behalf of Guam.

The delegate added that under federal law, specifically 48 U.S. Code  1421i(a), only income tax provisions are applicable to Guam.

Excise taxes, like the ones proposed in this legislation, do not apply to our jurisdiction, he added.

He acknowledged that remittances are a lifeline for many working families across the Pacific.

I understand the concern any new tax would cause, especially when so many in our community rely on sending support to loved ones throughout the region, Moylan said.

Tenorio, in a separate statement, thanked Moylan for his prompt and thoughtful response to concerns raised regarding the proposed tax.

I want to thank Delegate Moylan for his assurance that the current version of the bill will not impact Guam, Tenorio said. Given the fluid nature of the legislative process in Congress, where provisions can be added, amended, or removed rapidly, it is essential that Team Guam remains in close communication to protect the interests of our people in real time.

He emphasized the importance of continued vigilance and coordination as the bill moves through Congress.

We appreciate Delegate Moylans commitment to safeguarding Guam throughout this process, and I welcome his partnership as we work together to ensure our island is not unfairly impacted by federal legislation, Tenorio added.
After facing a multimillion-dollar eviction lawsuit and with still no confirmed location for the upcoming school year, the Science Is Fun and Awesome, SIFA, Learning Academy Charter School vacated the Tiyan campus under a legal settlement with its landlord, Eagle Land Holdings.

SIFA attorney Michael Phillips on Saturday confirmed the school moved out everything that it could take out by the July 4 deadline.

He said SIFA was working on cleaning the campus on Saturday after moving out.

The charter school, which serves nearly 600 students, has not yet secured a permanent campus for the 20252026 school year.

SIFA has a transitional facility while it figures out where it will move.

Eagle agreed to drop its lawsuit if SIFA vacated by June 30. SIFA moved out approximately 70% to 80% of its equipment by then and was granted an extension to July 4.

A status hearing is scheduled for July 10. If SIFA does not comply, the court could move forward with the unlawful detainer action.

Phillips said a trial is unlikely.

SIFA wants out, and Eagle wants them out. So they kind of have a harmony of interest right now, he said.

Lawsuit

In April, Eagle Land Holdings LLC filed a new eviction lawsuit against SIFA Charter School, alleging the school owes $5.69 million in unpaid rent and has remained on the property without a lease since June 2023. The action marks the second eviction attempt in recent months, following a previous case dismissed in March due to improper service.

Eagle Land Holdings issued a notice on April 1 terminating SIFAs holdover tenancy and gave the school 30 days to vacate. SIFA did not leave, prompting the April 30 filing. The landlord accused SIFA of failing to pay rent while continuing to occupy the property.

Phillips argued that Eagle stopped issuing invoices in January 2024, which prevented the school from processing payments through the governments Department of Administration, as required for publicly funded charter schools.

He said the parties dispute the rent amount, claiming the $2.5 million referenced in the lease covered a five-year term, not an annual obligation.

They dont owe any money, he said. Eagle chose not to invoice from January of 2024. They said in court it was a strategic decision...that if they dont accept rent, then SIFA has no legal claim to remain there.

Phillips said payments from government entities require invoices under Department of Administration rules.

He also challenged Eagles interpretation of the lease, which the landlord claimed was worth $2.5 million annually.

When I looked at that contract and discussed it with my clients, it was very clear it was $2.5 million for the entire term, he said. I think the term was like five, five or six years so thats $500,000 a year.

Phillips said the lease was unique in that it bundled rent, utilities, and administrative support.

What a lot of people dont know is that it also included services, not just rental of the space or the school, he said.

Real estate expert Evangeline Vangie Cepeda, who is also the chair of the Guam Academy Charter School Council, testified that the market rent for the facility would not exceed $60,000 per month.

GovGuam to reclaim property

Phillips confirmed the government of Guam will reclaim all assets purchased with public funds at the Tiyan campus.

When you start out, theres nothing there. Well, if they use government money to purchase them, they belong to the government of Guam, he said. Every year they come by, sometimes more than once a year, they come by the school to inspect them.

He added that theres accounting involved and its quite a lengthy process.

You have to sit with them and go over every single item that the government of Guam owns, Phillips said. Every now and then you might show up and go, hey, wheres the chair? And then you find out its been missing, or you have to file a police report. And theres a process that you go through.

He said the law requires all such assets be returned to the government if a charter school closes.

One unresolved issue involves several Promethean boards, interactive whiteboards that combine traditional whiteboard functions with computer technology, which remain mounted inside classrooms at the Tiyan site. Phillips said the boards belong to the GovGuam and cannot be removed by school personnel without voiding the manufacturers warranty.

Phillips said vendor removal is mandatory under warranty terms and the school has no authority to act otherwise.

Theyre not allowed to touch them, or they ruin the warranty, and because they belong to the government, its really not discretionary, he said.

Phillips confirmed the boards are the only items that will not be moved by the July 4 deadline.

SIFA eyes Chief Brodie campus

Phillips said SIFA is in talks to relocate to the recently closed Chief Brodie Memorial Elementary School in Tamuning.

I dont know if GDOE is physically helping SIFA move, he said. But I do know that theyve been receptive to SIFA taking over Brodie.

While the move has not yet been finalized, Phillips said multiple parties are actively working toward relocating SIFA to the former elementary school.

The work and discussions and the negotiations and the effort are, apparently, all happening by just about anybody that could be involved, Phillips said. So I think theres a really good chance that in the next week or two, it will be solidified that they will be moving to the former Brodie Memorial. But at this time, its not set in stone, as they say.

The current transitional facility is located at Tumon Sands, where operations will continue until a permanent site is secured.

He said current law gives Superintendent Erik Swanson discretion to approve use of government facilities by charter schools.

SIFA formally requested the Guam Education Boards support on June 17 to relocate to the Chief Brodie School campus, citing an urgent need for space to serve nearly 600 projected students for the upcoming school year.

During the board meeting, SIFA leadership said the current facility can no longer accommodate student needs and emphasized that the Chief Brodie campus offers an ideal location for growth and continuity of services.

Guam Education Board members acknowledged the urgency but pointed to several obstacles.

Legal counsel confirmed the board must resolve questions of property ownership and conduct a public solicitation before approving any occupancy or lease agreements. The board also referenced prior resolutions to convert Chief Brodie into a public middle school to relieve overcrowding at existing GDOE middle schools.

Some members noted the site has attracted interest from other entities, including the military and commercial groups, and said the board cannot make direct commitments without following procurement and legal protocols.

Board leaders advised SIFA to explore temporary options and emphasized the need to submit formal proposals through the proper channels.

Although sympathetic to SIFAs situation, board members said any short-term or permanent arrangement must follow government process and could not be approved within the schools 13-day timeline before the new academic year. They left open the possibility of a special session if legal requirements are met.

SIFA plans to reopen in August on schedule, depending on final approval of the new location.

They have the structure and everything. They just need the final word on the location, but their hearts are set on that school, Phillips said. It really would be perfect for them. And you know, theres so much they can do because they have the budget, and they understand that theyre going to have to do a lot to the school to make it where it could be. And theyre very, very excited about that.




Haiti - France : RAID training, intervention in hostile environments





Following France's delivery of four tons of equipment and materials for the special units of the Haitian National Police (PNH) https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-45168-haiti-flash-france-sends-4-tons-of-equipment-and-materials-for-the-pnh-special-units.html , four members of the French police's elite RAID unit were deployed to the Port-au-Prince police academy to train 55 trainees from the ranks of the Research and Intervention Brigade (BRI), the Anti-Gang Tactical Unit (UTAG), the Anti-Narcotics Bureau (BLTS), and the Stolen Vehicle Bureau (BLVV), and nine instructors in operational command and response in hostile environments.



The trainees completed a training session The participants were able to practice tactical shooting and practice under real-life conditions using simulated ammunition and weapons, a first in Haiti.



This training is part of an ongoing program of projects implemented through the Directorate of International Security Cooperation (DCIS) of the Ministry of the Interior with the support of the Directorate of Security and Defense Cooperation (DCSD) of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.



This support from France aims to support the Haitian government's investment in its security forces to significantly increase their numbers and equipment.



Various training sessions by French experts are underway or planned as part of projects carried out by the Organization of American States (OAS) and the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) via the FRANCOPOL police network, particularly for the benefit of the Bureau of Financial and Economic Affairs of the Judicial Police.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - FLASH : Launch of the Tax Data Centralization Platform





The President's Communications Office announces a major technological breakthrough in the modernization of Haiti's tax administration. Since July 1st, the IT teams of the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), the General Directorate of Taxes (DGI), and the General Administration of Customs (AGD) have successfully deployed a platform for centralizing tax revenue data.



Technological Innovation :

1. Intelligent Centralization :

This single platform now brings together all tax data from the AGD, the Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH), and other institutional partners that collect tax revenue, eliminating traditional information silos.



2. Real-Time Data Sharing :

This platform eliminates delays and lags in data sharing between stakeholders in the tax chain. Tax information will now be shared instantly between all relevant institutions, ensuring seamless synchronization.



3. Enhanced Security :

This platform offers a secure system with advanced encryption protocols and has been implemented to protect the integrity and confidentiality of strategic tax data.



Deployment Schedule :

1. Current Online Availability:

Since July 1st, 2025, information on collected tax revenues will be shared in real time between the AGD, the DGI, and the MEF using the DSI Connect platform implemented by the MEF for this purpose.



2. Mid-July 2025 : Launch of the Intelligent Chatbot

Integration of an intelligent virtual assistant capable of answering all tax-related questions from taxpayers and professionals, available 24/7. This revolutionary tool will use artificial intelligence to provide precise and personalized answers.



August 3rd, 2025: Launch of an analytical portal powered by the MEF's Power BI. Access to the MEF's advanced analytical portal will be opened to duly authorized businesses and institutions. This platform will enable in-depth consultation and sophisticated analysis of tax data with interactive visualizations.



Expected Benefits :

 Total Transparency;

 Complete visibility into public financial flows and national tax performance;

 Revenue Optimization;

 Improved tax revenue collection and monitoring thanks to real-time data;

 Operational Efficiency;

 Drastic reduction in processing times and access to tax information.



Citizen Service :

 Significant improvement in the taxpayer and business experience.



Impact on Governance :

This technological initiative represents a major milestone towards:



 The digitalization of public administration (Reducing bureaucracy and accelerating administrative processes);

 The fight against corruption (Complete traceability and automation of tax procedures);

 Improving the business climate (Facilitating procedures for investors and entrepreneurs);

 Strengthening citizen trust (Increased transparency in the management of public funds).



Towards a modern fiscal future B>

This technological transformation marks a historic turning point in the modernization of the Haitian state, transparency, efficiency, and innovation in the service of the Haitian people.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Taiwan : Haitian farmers assisted with the maintenance of their machinery





The Taiwan Technical Mission in Haiti (TTM) is working with local specialists to help Haitian farmers get their equipment back up and running. Due to the difficult security situation and blocked land routes in the north and northeast of Haiti in recent years, maintenance of agricultural machinery, such as rice mills and tillers, installed and managed by the TTM has been severely hampered. Multi-service centers run by local associations have encountered difficulties procuring spare parts and recruiting qualified technicians, which has impacted their operations. These associations have contacted the TTM on several occasions, requesting urgent technical assistance. To address these challenges, the TTM team implementing the Rice Production Improvement Project in the North and Northeast of Haiti collaborated with team members working in the Artibonite Valley, who dispatched experienced technicians from its machinery center in the North to assist with diagnostics and technical support.



Working closely with local technicians, TTM agricultural machinery specialists visited 14 associations in the North region, conducting equipment inspections, basic repairs, and on-site training in best practices for operation and maintenance.



These efforts strengthened the operational and maintenance capacities of the region's associations and facilitated the sharing of technical knowledge and experience among farmers.



The local associations expressed their gratitude for this support and indicated to the TTM that they looked forward to continuing their collaboration to establish a sustainable machinery repair system. Together, these reliable partners contribute to Haiti's agricultural development.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





A Police Substation Targeted

On Thursday, July 3rd, 2025, the "Pat Chwal" police substation in Pont-Sonde, in the lower Artibonite region, was the target of an armed attack by bandits from Savien's "Gran Grif" gang. Heavily armed individuals opened fire on the police substation premises, creating widespread panic in the area.



EU : 8 million for Education

Thursday, July 3rd, 2025, signing between Haiti and the European Union of the second phase of the program focused on education, amounting to 8 million. This signing ceremony took place in the presence of Alfred Fils Metellus, Minister of Economy and Finance, European Union Ambassador Stefano Gatto, National Authorizing Officer of the European Development Fund Charles Jean Jacques, Minister of National Education Augustin Antoine, who each delivered their remarks, and senior officials from the public administration. Education is a factor that promotes greater harmony in society, which is why this agreement will help rehabilitate school infrastructure, strengthen vocational training, and modernize curricula at all levels.



Delmas Town Hall Strengthens Relations with Canada

On Thursday, July 3rd, 2025, at the Delmas Municipal Palace, Wilson Jeudy, Mayor of Delmas, welcomed a large delegation from the Canadian Embassy in Haiti, led by Ambassador Andre Francois Giroux. This official visit, centered on dialogue and cooperation, is part of a dynamic effort to strengthen institutional relations between the Canadian diplomatic representation and the Delmas Municipal Administration.



Notice to the Mexican community:

Given the ongoing instability in the country, Mexicans are encouraged to consider existing alternatives for leaving Haiti. It is also recommended that all land travel to and from Port-au-Prince is discouraged. Consult the current travel alerts: https://portales.sre.gob.mx/guiadeviaje/103-ficha-de-paises/264-haiti . If you are a Mexican and need advice on planning your trip, contact our travel hotline: 38-49-0085 available only to Mexicans requiring assistance. Under no circumstances will questions regarding visas or consular procedures be addressed on this telephone line.



Speech by Pedrica Saint Jean in Geneva:

Speech on Thursday, July 3rd, 2025, by Pedrica Saint Jean, Minister of Women's Affairs and Women's Rights, as part of the examination of the second periodic report of the Republic of Haiti under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) in Geneva, Switzerland.







IOM : Donation of 220 Communication Equipment

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has donated 220 communication equipment units to the Directorate of Civil Protection (DPC) to strengthen response capacities in the event of major natural hazards. This equipment will enable teams to quickly assess damage and needs, particularly during hurricane season.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Tove Jansson and the Moomins: The Door Is Always Open is now open at the Brooklyn Public Library, where it will remain until the end of September. It is the first major exhibition in the United States dedicated to Jansson and her Moomin characters.

The Moomins are marking their 80th anniversary with exhibitions in New York and Tampere, spotlighting the life and work of Finnish creator Tove Jansson .

The exhibition includes texts, books, archival items and a range of public events such as readings, film screenings and discussions. It also connects the American audience to the worlds only Moomin Museum, located in Tampere, Finland.

The project is a collaboration between Moomin Characters, the City of Tampere, Finnair and Arabia. Iina Ojala, Tamperes marketing director, said in a press release that the international effort promotes the museum and city globally.

A parallel exhibition is also running at the Moomin Museum in Tampere Hall until the end of August. It focuses on the original Moomin House model and the three-year process behind its construction.

In December, New York will host another major Finnish cultural event when the Metropolitan Museum opens its first exhibition on artist Helene Schjerfbeck.

HT
The victims, three women aged 34, 40 and 52, and a 35-year-old man, sustained serious injuries but survived. Police responded within seconds and arrested the suspect without using force. He remains in custody and faces four charges of attempted manslaughter.

A 23-year-old man has admitted to stabbing four people near the Ratina shopping centre in Tampere on Thursday afternoon. Police say the victims were chosen at random, and there is no indication of terrorist or racist motives behind the attack.

According to Chief Inspector Sakari Tuominen, the suspect used a standard utility knife with a nine-centimetre blade. The attacks occurred in three different locations around the shopping centre and the adjacent bus station.

The first two stabbings took place near the rear entrance of the station. The suspect then moved to the corner of Vuolteenkatu and Ratinanaukio, where a third person was attacked. A fourth victim was stabbed on the northern side of Ratina Square.

Tuominen said the attacks happened in under a minute. "The incident was very short. All crimes took place within about 60 seconds," he said.

The suspect told police that he did not know the victims and could not recall who he had stabbed. He claimed that everyone was an enemy and that the attack was an expression of his desire to end his own suffering. The suspect denied any ideological or political motive.

Investigators have not ruled out upgrading the charges to attempted murder, which would require evidence of premeditation. The suspect has a long criminal record, including assault and robbery convictions from 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2024. He was most recently sentenced to prison in June for another violent offence. Police have not explained why he was at liberty at the time of the Tampere attack.

Thursdays stabbing has caused concern across Finland. Police confirmed they have increased patrols in Tampere and Jyvaskyla. The incident has also drawn attention abroad, with media outlets including The Washington Post, The Independent, and Xinhua covering the story.

Witnesses described scenes of panic. One man was seen fleeing the square with a bleeding hand while another chased him. Others reported pools of blood on the pavement, including outside the Tampinkoski restaurant and between bicycle racks near a children's play area.

Police detained the suspect near John Scotts pub shortly after 4:23pm. Eyewitnesses said he calmly raised his hands and lay on the ground when approached by officers. Police confirmed that public tips helped identify the suspect quickly.

Investigators held a press conference on Friday to outline the sequence of events. Police said they had no evidence the suspect intended to harm more than the four individuals already known.

Security has been reviewed at the Ratina shopping centre. The propertys owner, Sponda Oy, has offered crisis support to tenants and staff. Local health authorities are also providing trauma assistance to eyewitnesses and victims.

A detention hearing is scheduled for Monday at the Pirkanmaa District Court. The investigation is expected to continue for several months.

HT
By the end of June, Finland had received 15,491 applications for work-based residence permits. The decline reflects both legal changes and broader economic conditions.

The number of work-based residence permit applications in Finland has fallen by 25 percent in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri). At the same time, applications from foreign graduates have increased by nearly 60 percent.

One factor behind the drop is a legal revision to seasonal work rules in February. Many workers who previously applied for standard permits, particularly in berry picking, have now opted for seasonal work visas instead.

Of the 13,619 decisions issued on work permits so far this year, 82 percent were approved and 15 percent rejected. Rejection rates for first-time applicants rose to 23 percent, up from 19 percent last year. About 14 percent of rejections were due to labour market availability assessments, according to Migris development director Johannes Hirvela.

He said Finlands slow economic recovery, high unemployment, and global instability are shaping the current migration environment. There is a broad labour supply in many sectors, and this is reflected in permit decisions, he said.

Processing times extend amid legal changes

The average processing time for all work-based permits this year has been 61 days. For approved applications, the time drops to 40 days. Permits under the standard worker category (TTOL) were decided in an average of 57 days.

Several legal reforms and a transfer of processing authority from employment offices to Migri at the start of the year have added complexity and delays. Hirvela said new requirements demand more detailed reviews, leading to more rejections and longer processing.

Around 19 percent of rejections were based on risks of labour exploitation or issues with the employers operations.

Specialist and entrepreneur applications fall

Applications from specialists have also declined. By the end of June, 527 first-time applications had been submitted, 28 fewer than in 2024. Overall, specialists submitted around 1,300 applications, down 25 percent. Despite the decline, 98 percent of decisions were approved within an average of nine days, consistently meeting the 14-day target.

Entrepreneurial permit applications remained stable. Growth entrepreneurs submitted 175 applications by June, a 34 percent drop from last year. The rejection rate rose from 5 percent to 15 percent, and processing times doubled from 23 to 45 days.

Standard entrepreneurs submitted 611 applications. Of the 507 processed, only 54 percent were approved. Most rejections stemmed from negative recommendations by regional economic development centres (ELY).

Researcher applications remained steady, with 586 submitted in the first half of the year, compared to 590 in 2024. The average processing time for researchers was 15 days.

Foreign graduates increasingly staying

The biggest increase was seen among foreign students and researchers applying to stay after completing their degrees. These applications rose by 59 percent in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Migri issued 1,261 decisions, with 99 percent approved. Processing times averaged two months.

Hirvela said the rise in post-graduation applications aligns with the increase in international student numbers. This growth is expected and reflects the policy goal of attracting skilled graduates to remain in Finland, he said.

HT
The case concerns alcohol sold from Germany to private individuals in Finland via the companys online shop between January 2019 and August 2021. Products were shipped directly to customers homes across Finland.

Finnish Customs suspects a German company of serious tax offences linked to alcohol sales, alleging it avoided nearly 40 million in taxes owed to Finland over a two-and-a-half-year period.

Juha Havumaki, head of the investigation at Finnish Customs, said that while most sales were to Finland, the company also shipped alcohol to other Nordic countries and within Germany.

The investigation began following customs surveillance and developed in cooperation with Finlands Tax Administration and German authorities. Germany has not opened a criminal case.

According to Finnish Customs, the company failed to pay excise duties and value-added tax, giving it a significant competitive advantage over businesses operating legally in the same market. Havumaki described the financial gain as very substantial.

Three people are under suspicion: two German men and one woman of Finnish origin. Finnish Customs has classified the case as aggravated tax fraud and aggravated alcohol offence.

The investigation is nearing completion. The case will next be referred to the prosecutors office in Southern Finland for consideration of charges.

HT
The move affects all non-military residents inside the garrisons secured perimeter. The new owner confirmed the apartments will be allocated for the exclusive use of the Finnish Defence Forces and its vetted partners.

Dozens of civilian tenants living inside the Upinniemi garrison in Kirkkonummi have been told they will have to leave their homes following a property sale. State-owned company Kruunuasunnot has acquired all residential buildings in the area from Defence Properties Finland.

Mika Karlsson, CEO of Kruunuasunnot, stated that the company aims to terminate civilian leases based on security requirements. We plan to remove private tenants from the Upinniemi garrison area for safety-related reasons, Karlsson wrote in an email to Yle.

Tenants were notified of the ownership change last Thursday. While no formal termination notices have yet been issued, residents were informed of the planned repurposing of the housing stock.

The affected properties are located within a military-controlled area that also houses the navys diver training school. In total, around 400 apartments were included in the sale, covering sites in both Upinniemi and Santahamina. The latter has long been restricted to Defence Forces personnel and partners only.

Tenants in Upinniemi will be given a statutory six-month notice period, which means the earliest leases could end by January 2026. Kruunuasunnot has said it will not require tenants to give one months notice when vacating, as stipulated under Finlands tenancy laws, allowing for more flexibility.

A public information session will be held on 16 July. Representatives from the municipality of Kirkkonummi and the local housing company Kirkkonummen Vuokra-asunnot Oy are expected to attend. They will present alternative housing options and provide relocation support.

While residents are not yet being asked to move immediately, the message is clear: the apartments will no longer be available to the general public.

HT
According to Jaakko Silvola , infectious disease physician at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), the variant does not appear to differ significantly from earlier Omicron strains in terms of severity or vaccine resistance.

Health authorities in Finland have confirmed the presence of a new coronavirus variant, known as Nimbus, in isolated cases. The variant, formally identified as NB.1.8.1, is a sublineage of the Omicron strain and has recently spread through parts of Asia, Europe, and the United States.

Based on early studies, Nimbus does not evade vaccine protection any more than previous variants, Silvola said. We have no evidence that it causes more severe illness.

In the United States, Nimbus has become the second most common variant, with growing numbers also seen in several European countries. In Finland, laboratory testing has identified the strain through random sampling of confirmed cases.

Symptoms of the Nimbus variant are consistent with earlier Omicron infections. These include fever, fatigue, cough, headache, and muscle or joint pain. The infection generally presents as an upper respiratory illness.

Silvola stressed that while the variant itself is not a cause for alarm, basic hygiene and illness precautions remain important.

During the pandemic, people learned to wash hands thoroughly and use hand sanitiser. These practices seem to have declined, but they still matter, he said.

He also recommended avoiding close contact when symptomatic and staying home with any signs of respiratory infection. Infected individuals can spread the virus through droplets when coughing or sneezing, or via contaminated surfaces, he explained.

Wearing a mask can help reduce the risk of passing on infections, especially in crowded settings. However, the main advice remains to isolate at home when experiencing symptoms.

Finland's overall COVID-19 situation remains calm. Weekly case numbers are low, with only dozens of new infections reported. No significant hospital strain has been recorded, and no evidence of widespread transmission of the Nimbus variant has been observed.

Last year, infections began to rise in mid to late summer. Health officials continue to monitor data from Finland and neighbouring countries.

THL recently updated its coronavirus vaccination guidelines. Regional health authorities will begin offering both COVID and influenza vaccines in the autumn. These are particularly recommended for older adults and individuals with underlying health conditions.

Older people are at higher risk of severe outcomes from respiratory infections, Silvola said. Vaccination, good nutrition, and active lifestyles are important protective factors.

The summer season typically sees a lower circulation of respiratory viruses. According to THL data, only limited virus activity has been detected so far.

HT
The legislation lowers taxes for all income groups but benefits the wealthiest Americans most. According to the Tax Policy Center , around 60 percent of the cuts will go to the top 20 percent of earners.

The US House of Representatives has approved President Donald Trump s major budget legislation, which includes sweeping tax cuts and significant reductions in welfare programmes. The law, dubbed the Big Beautiful Bill by Trump, is projected to raise US national debt by over $3.3 trillion over ten years.

Those with the lowest incomes will receive about a 1 percent cut, while middle-income earners will see reductions of around 2.3 percent.

The bill also exempts tips for service industry workers from taxation. At the same time, it eliminates tax credits for solar and wind energy construction from 2027.

The White House said the bill aims to lower taxes and prevent misuse of federal assistance. Trumps earlier tax cuts are set to expire in December, making this legislation a key part of his fiscal agenda.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the tax and spending changes will widen the federal budget deficit significantly. Current US national debt stands at $36.2 trillion, or roughly $106,000 per resident. By comparison, Finlands per capita national debt is 31,734.

The law also tightens eligibility for public health insurance. About 12 million Americans risk losing Medicaid coverage under new work requirements, which mandate 80 hours of employment per month for most adult recipients.

Roughly 80 million Americans currently rely on Medicaid, and 42 million receive some form of food assistance. The new rules are expected to cut at least three million people from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The law also bars around 1.4 million non-citizens from accessing US social security benefits.

On immigration, the bill funds new border wall construction along the US-Mexico border and adds capacity for detaining 100,000 migrants. It authorises $100 billion over four years for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and targets up to one million deportations annually.

Applicants for refugee status will now be required to pay application fees.

In defence, the bill allocates new funding for naval development and the creation of Trumps proposed Golden Dome missile defence system. Additional funds will go to shipbuilding, artillery, ammunition, and development of a next-generation fighter jet.

HT
A CRAFT distillery in near Henley celebrated its fourth birthday with an open day.

Henley Distillery, which is based at Hampstead Farm in Binfield Heath, opened its doors to the public who enjoyed drinks in its courtyard as well as a look inside.

There were gin tastings, live music from the band Pure Fluke and children played games and had their faces painted.

Master distiller Jacob Dawson, who co-owns the distillery, which he founded along with his father, Alan, said the event was about thanking those who had supported the business over the year.

He said: Its a celebration of, not really our achievements, but the community that has helped us get to where we are today.

Mr Dawson said that the event last year drew a bigger crowd than expected so the distillery had prepared for an increase in capacity this year.

He said: We expected 100 last year and 400 turned up so we are bigger and better prepared this year. Weve loved the journey in the last four years, and want it to continue.

Mr Dawsons father said it had been nice to see familiar faces come along to support the distillery.

Its buzzing, he said. There are lots of old friends of ours and there are lots of friends of the distillery whove been coming here for the last four years, which is wonderful.

We have also been reaching out to get new people engaged with our wonderful family business that weve loved doing. It has been amazing to meet old friends and new.

Rory McCoy attended with his wife Jo and children Alana, 13, and Aaron, 10.

He said: We bought some of the rum before for my brother, and we heard there was a family day, so we thought we could come down. It has been great fun.

Eva Rickett, who lives in Henley and came with her husband Graham, said she had sent bottles of the gin as gifts as far afield as Sweden and Thailand.

Team Row with the Flow, a group of three women who are embarking on a 3,000-mile row across the Atlantic from La Gomera in Spain to Antigua in the Caribbean, were running a stall featuring an ergo challenge.

The Henley Distillery has partnered with the team to produce a special rum in support of their challenge. The crew is due to depart on the adventure alongside around 50 other crews in December and are raising funds for their trip.

Rosie Tong, 26, who grew up in Henley and now lives in Reading, said she wanted to take on the challenge after working at the River & Rowing Museum.

Ms Tong, a personal trainer, said she was feeling both nervous and excited about the challenge ahead.

She said: I think were very busy with preparation, which is a helpful distraction.
THE Oratory School welcomed more than 800 pupils from 38 schools for its inaugural Knight Frank Schools Triathlon earlier this month.

Aspiring triathletes ran, swam and cycled 1,700km combined, equivalent to the distance between Guildford and Valencia. In the process, 110,000 was been raised for global youth charity Restless Development and more than 30 other charities chosen by the participating schools.

This was the first year that The Oratory School has hosted the event in what was a community-centred occasion, with businesses and more than 2,000 attendees coming together. The event attracted local interest with schools from The Oratory Prep, Peppard, Shiplake, The Heights, The Hill, The Oratory, Trinity and Whitchurch taking part.

Host school The Oratory had success in the year 7-8 category with the team named Mexican Fiesta taking the honours in a time of 42 minutes and 34 seconds.

During the day volunteers and Oratory pupils and parents gave up their time to ensure the event ran smoothly.

Matthew Fogg, headmaster of The Oratory, said: The Oratory was delighted to welcome everyone to our inaugural Schools Triathlon. It was a fun-filled event for all, and we are delighted with the funds that have been raised for such a worthwhile cause. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event happen, and to the event sponsors, Knight Frank and Neilson Active Holidays. We are already looking forward to hosting again next year.

This event was one of a national series of schools triathlon events organised by Restless Development, which trains, mentors, nurtures and inspires young people to use their youth power and lead change, in line with The Oratorys own ethos to Be you. Become more.
Podcaster and comedian Joe Rogan called out President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown, saying the administration's latest ICE raids are "f***ing nuts" and not what Americans expected when they voted for mass deportations.

Trump's second-term immigration agenda has led to sweeping ICE raids across U.S. cities. While the administration insists it's targeting criminals, critics point to data showing the majority of detainees have no criminal record.

In Los Angeles, federal agents in masks have raided construction sites and even Home Depot parking lots, a tactic that triggered massive protests and led to the deployment of the National Guard and Marines.

The number of non-criminal immigration arrests has surged by 800% since January, pushing ICE detention to record levels with over 50,000 held, according to The Independent.

Rogan addressed the issue on a recent episode of his podcast "The Joe Rogan Experience," telling guests Luis J. Gomez and Big Jay Oakerson that the methods ICE is using go far beyond what voters were led to believe.

"Bro, these ICE raids are f***ing nuts, man," Rogan said.

"The Trump administration, if they're running and they said, 'We're going to go to Home Depot and we're going to arrest all the people at Home Depot. We're going to go to construction sites, and we're going to just like, tackle people at construction sites...' I don't think anybody would've signed up for that," he continued.

Rogan questioned whether Trump could've won re-election if he had promised aggressive enforcement that includes detaining day laborers in big-box parking lots. Rogan, who endorsed Trump in 2024, has since voiced opposition to several of the administration's hardline immigration policies, including the use of a Salvadoran megaprison to deport migrants.

Originally published on Latin Times
Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today shared an update on key leadership transitions that further align Hyatt's structure with its increased brand focus and accelerated growth ambitions, particularly in the all-inclusive segment.

As President, Inclusive Collection, Aguila will now focus exclusively on leading all aspects of Hyatt's Inclusive Collection portfolio on a global basis, including development, brand leadership, and operations. This strategic move reflects the outsized opportunity Hyatt sees in the all-inclusive segment globally and reinforces its long-term commitment to driving innovation, brand distinction, and scale in this space. Growth milestones like Hyatt's recent acquisition of Playa Hotels & Resorts, a 2024 joint venture with Grupo Pinero that includes management of Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts-branded properties, as well as Hyatt's 2021 acquisition of Apple Leisure Group illustrate the strength and momentum behind Hyatt's strategy in this high-growth category.

Hyatt has delivered industry-leading net rooms growth for eight consecutive years through the end of 2024 and has a pipeline of approximately 138,000 rooms as of the first quarter of 2025, a 97% increase compared to the end of 2017.

The term "Hyatt" is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.
The Newt in Somerset has appointed David Gelhaar as Hotel General Manager. Gelhaar joins the working 'farm with rooms' from his role as Director of Front of House at Chiltern Firehouse, which closed after a fire raged through the Victorian building on Valentine's Day this year.

His focus over the last few months has been to find new opportunities for many of the Marylebone venue's 360-strong staff, before circumstances and stars aligned to secure his own at The Newt.

Starting his hospitality career in his home city of Stockholm, Gelhaar attended culinary school, before quickly realizing that he's more suited to front of house. He completed traineeships in some of the Swedish capital's best hotels prior to making the move to London. It was here that he landed a role at Chiltern Firehouse the first time around, worked his way up at Blake's in South Kensington, and returned to the Chiltern Street team on reopening after the pandemic.
At HITEC 2025 in Indianapolis, we sat down with Floor Bleeker, a well-known voice in hospitality technology, to explore the future of AI in the industry. The conversation quickly moved from generative AI to autonomous agents, robotics, and the potential disruption of long-standing tech systems. Drawing from his corporate background and current advisory work, Floor offered a clear-eyed view of how fast things are evolving, and what it could mean for hoteliers, vendors, and guests.

What is your view on generative AI and agentic AI in hospitality?

Floor distinguishes agentic AI as a major evolution. It is not just about generating content or responding to prompts. Agentic AI refers to systems that act on behalf of users or organisations, whether guests or hotels. While many solutions are emerging, Floor has not yet seen a real breakthrough in hospitality. Still, the pace of progress suggests that transformative use cases, especially in hotel booking and operations, are coming very soon.

Who stands to gain the most from AI agents in travel?

The winners, Floor says, will be hotel owners. Todays booking flows often involve heavy commissions, fees, and layered systems. In the near future, guest-side and hotel-side agents could communicate directly, reducing dependence on OTAs or central systems. This will likely lead to better margins, reduced operating costs, and more direct transactions. It is a shift that benefits both ends of the value chain.

Is this shift driven more by guests or hotels?

Both. Floor stresses that adoption must happen in parallel. Guests will begin using agents to plan and book trips, and hotels will need their own intelligent systems to interact with and respond to those agents. It is not a one-sided transformation.

Are AI agents and digital workers the same?

Not exactly. Floor makes a distinction between digital workers (automation) and truly intelligent agents. While robotics and automation will replace some tasks, especially in logistics, cleaning, and security, agentic AI brings decision-making into play, making it far more disruptive. Combined with humanoid robotics, the potential for certain roles to be replaced is real, especially as costs decrease and performance improves.

Could humanoid robots create resistance among guests?

Floor acknowledges the concern around the uncanny valley effect, robots that seem too human can make people uncomfortable. But in practice, most early use cases will be behind the scenes. Cleaning, maintenance, food prep, areas where robots can safely and efficiently take over. For guest-facing roles, more thought will be needed, but the technology is evolving quickly.

Will the tech stack of hotels change as a result?

Absolutely. Floor predicts that within five years, the agent will be at the centre of the tech stack. Rather than relying on traditional systems like PMS, CRS or CRM, intelligent agents will act as connectors, orchestrators, and decision-makers across systems. This will eliminate many of todays tech silos and even reduce the need for standardised APIs.

Can agents also help overcome integration and data fragmentation?

Yes. Floor believes that the need to standardise or centralise data may become less critical. With AI agents capable of understanding and acting on unstructured data, the systems can remain fragmented, while still delivering smart, unified responses. This could finally solve a long-standing challenge in hospitality tech.

What is your view on no-code and AI-powered coding?

It is a game-changer. Floor works with a tech company using AI to assist development, reducing workload by over 60%. In one case, a functional PMS front end was built in three days. This democratisation of technology allows anyone, even non-developers, to prototype and launch ideas quickly, opening the door to more innovation with fewer barriers.

Are we enabling people with AI, or replacing them?

According to Floor, both are happening. AI will undoubtedly replace certain jobs, but it will also create opportunities. Reduced working hours could lead to more free time, more travel, and greater demand for hospitality. As people live longer and retire later, the travel market will expand. Hospitality stands to benefit from these shifts, even if fewer people are involved in daily operations.

What are you working on today?

After stepping away from corporate life at the end of 2024, Floor now advises a mix of hotel groups and tech companies. His focus is helping them become AI-ready, identify opportunities, and navigate the noise. He currently works with six companies and enjoys the strategic freedom of this new phase.

About In2 Consulting

Creative thinking and a desire to help organisations get the right message across to the right audiences led to the creation of In2 Consulting in 2010 and it has defined the agency's approach to business ever since. Born and based in dynamic Dubai, in the heart of the competitive Gulf region where effective storytelling speaks volumes, In2 Consulting is a boutique communications agency that has been helping companies find the right words and strategies to grow and succeed. Visit www.in2consulting.com
At HITEC 2025 in Indianapolis, we caught up with Frank Wolfe, CEO of Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), to reflect on a highly successful edition of the conference. With record-breaking numbers, exciting innovation from new exhibitors, and a packed exhibition floor, this years event confirmed HITECs role as the global stage for hospitality technology. We also looked ahead to 2026, which will bring the event to San Antonio, Texas.

How did HITEC 2025 go?

According to Frank Wolfe, this years HITEC was a major success. The energy was high, and feedback from both attendees and exhibitors was overwhelmingly positive. A large number of new visitors and returning veterans contributed to a dynamic and inspiring atmosphere.

Were there many new exhibitors this year?

Yes, Wolfe confirmed that roughly 20 to 25 percent of the exhibitors were new to the show. The event completely sold out, with a waiting list forming from day one. Ten new companies have already signed up to exhibit at next years edition.

Did HITEC 2025 break any records?

Several, in fact. The event featured what was likely the largest exhibition floor in its history, potentially even surpassing the dot-com boom era of 2001. The opening night party at Lucas Oil Stadium drew a record crowd of nearly 2,700 participants, adding to the celebratory mood.

What stood out in this years E20X start-up pitch competition?

The E20X start-up programme saw its strongest group of participants to date. Eight companies made it to the final round, and investor interest was notably high. Wolfe expects that two or three of these companies will secure funding soon.

Who won the E20X competition?

A company called Levee won both the Peoples Choice Award and the Judges Choice Award, a first in the history of E20X. Their facial recognition product for housekeeping staff helps identify cleanliness issues and maintenance needs in rooms, streamlining operations and improving room turnover speed.

What are the plans for HITEC 2026?

Planning is already well underway, with around 65 percent of the exhibition floor for 2026 already sold. HITEC will head to San Antonio, Texas, with the event set along the scenic Riverwalk, one of the top tourist destinations in the United States. The team is already anticipating another record-breaking year.

About HFTP

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), established in 1952, is a hospitality nonprofit association headquartered in Austin, Texas USA with an offices in the EU. HFTP is recognized as a group supporting the finance and technology segments of the hospitality industry with an international network of members and stakeholders. HFTP offers expert networks, educational resources, career development programs, research, leadership opportunities and conferences and events. HFTP produces international events throughout the year, including the world's largest hospitality technology tradeshow and conference brand: HITEC. In addition, it oversees the hospitality-specific Pineapplesearch.com and the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry (USALI), Hotel-Online and Hospitality Upgrade Magazine. For more information about HFTP, visit www.hftp.org.
We had an amazing time at the 4th Hotel Revolution Summit, which concluded last week in Dubai  thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth! It was a pleasure to showcase our full suite of tailored hospitality solutionsfrom sustainably crafted wooden keycards to our K9 desktop laser engraver.

In the meantime, we also enjoyed several inspiring happy hourssharing ideas and insights with hospitality professionals and industry leaders. These conversations sparked fresh perspectives on guest experience, branding, and operational excellence.

Though the exhibition has wrapped, our commitment to the Middle East remains stronger than ever. With our own production base and dedicated team right here in the region, were ready to:

Share samples of our latest products (from keycards to in-room essentials)

Explore bespoke branding opportunities that bring your propertys story to life

Partner with you to elevate every aspect of your guest experience

Want to discover how customengraved touches can delight guests and reinforce your brand? Lets connect! DM us or comment below to arrange a visit to your hotel or resort.

ABOUT GCSTIMES

Since 2011, GCSTlMES has pioneered sustainable development, evolving from smart card R&D to sustainable material innovation. Today, we stand as a global platform for sustainable solutions.

Sustainability is our foundation. Through technological innovation and creative solutions, GCSTlMES delivers diverse services and tangible products, positioning ourselves as both manufacturers and innovators.

GCSTlMES believes technology should empower human progress and cultural preservation. By integrating sustainability into technology, we aim to make it "warm" and purposeful. Our products serve as cultural ambassadors, promoting local heritage worldwide.

Brand Portfolio: GCS, AUROkeys, Xenyra, and Glint Spot, offering sustainable smart cards, creative (custom-shaped) key cards sustainable supplies, cultural gifts, and bespoke design and related services.

Currently, GCSTlMES has five operational centers in China, US, UAE, France, and Australia, along with 20 subsidiaries and offices worldwide. Its services extend to over 140 countries and regions supporting more than 100,000 international hospitality group in achieving low-carbon and sustainable development goals.

GCS Times

MKT Team

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Whitbread, the UKs largest hospitality company and owner of Premier Inn, has expanded its Thrive programmea pioneering, employer-led initiative supporting young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) into workinto the Liverpool City Region.

The expansion includes a new mini-Premier Inn training facility at Wirral Met College, where students gain hands-on experience in hospitality roles.

Completely indistinguishable from a regular hotel, right down to do not disturb signs on the doors and the tea and coffee making facilities Premier Inn guests are familiar with, it features three en-suite bedrooms, a reception desk, corridor and linen room.

With only 4.8% of people with learning difficulties in paid employment, Thrive offers a scalable, practical model for how businesses can help close the disability employment gap. The programme helps scores of young learners nationwide and puts Whitbread firmly on the path to achieving its ambition of 100 supported internships from special needs educational establishments into paid employment every year.

We couldnt be more delighted to bring Thrive to the Liverpool City Region. Thrive shows how businesses can lead the way in making jobs more accessible to everyone. We believe there should be no barriers to entry and no limits to ambition. Thrive shows how the private sector can meet the moment: Its not just a corporate initiativeits a real-world demonstration of how inclusive employment can work at scale. Huge thanks to everyone who have worked so hard on this project, in particular CLC Group and Holden & Lee who have made the build a reality. Simon Ewins, Managing Director of Premier Inn UK Hotels & Restaurants

Im delighted to see a major company like Whitbread finding innovative ways to help close the disability employment gap and unlock the huge benefits of work for disabled people. Alongside our historic 1 billion investment in disability employment support, programmes such as Thrive show that together, business and government can break down barriers and give disabled people the opportunities they deserve. Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability

The programme is expected to support an additional 36 students annually in the Liverpool City Region, with many progressing into supported internships or permanent roles.

We are thrilled to be working in partnership with Whitbread to bring the Thrive programme to Wirral Met College and the Liverpool City Region. This collaboration between education and industry provides young people with SEND the opportunity to develop practical, real-world skills in a setting where they feel safe, supported and valued. With access to the fully equipped, on-site Premier Inn training facility at our Conway Park Campus, students will build confidence and gain the experience they need to take meaningful steps towards employment. Its a wonderful step forward in creating a more inclusive future for everyone. Gill Banks, Principal and CEO of Wirral Met College

As the Government seeks to reduce economic inactivity and improve employment outcomes for disabled people, Thrive aligns with national ambitions and demonstrates how inclusive employment can be both socially impactful and commercially viable  offering a model that other businesses can learn from and adopt.

Thrive is part of Whitbreads Force for Good programme and has already helped hundreds of young people into work in Premier Inn hotels and beyond.

To learn more or express interest in partnering, visit the Thrive page on the Whitbread website.

About Whitbread PLC

Whitbread PLC is the owner of Premier Inn and restaurant brands including Beefeater, Brewers Fayre, Table Table, Bar + Block, Whitbread Inns and Cookhouse + Pub.

From booking to bed, Premier Inn is here to help its guests rest easy. Whether it's a choice of 80,000 rooms across 800+ hotels, beds guests won't want to leave, tasty food, flexible rates or friendly team members who genuinely care, these are just some of the reasons Premier Inn is one of the most-loved hotels in the UK and beyond.

Outside of the UK, Whitbread's expansion plans are focused on Germany. It opened its first hotel in Frankfurt in 2016 and has an open and committed pipeline of 73 hotels and over 13,500 rooms in H1 FY22.

Whitbread is committed to being a force for good in the communities in which it operates. It's sustainability programme, 'Force for Good' is focused on enabling people to live and work well and is built around three pillars of Opportunity, Community and Responsibility.

Whitbread PLC is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE.

Roz Golds

Head of External Communications

Whitbread PLC

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Europes tourism sector showed a steady but more moderate performance in Q2 2025, with arrivals up 3.3% and nights down 0.7% year-on-year.

Off-season demand for sun and beach holidays is rising, likely driven by the shift in Easter holidays and evolving travel preferences.

European destinations experienced renewed interest from China, alongside continued strong arrivals from the US.

Europes tourism sector maintained a solid performance in Q2 2025, highlighting its resilience amid ongoing economic pressures and geopolitical uncertainty. According to the European Travel Commissions latest report, European Tourism: Trends & Prospects, international tourist arrivals rose moderately by 3.3% compared to the same period in 2024. Meanwhile, nights spent fell slightly by 0.7%  a decline likely driven by calendar effects, including the shift of Easter to late April and changes to school holiday schedules, rather than a drop in demand.

Elevated travel-related prices are likely to weigh on consumers willingness to spend, but research also shows that overall travel expenditure is expected to be 13% higher in 2025 than in 2024. As more travellers are looking for value for money, lesser-known destinations with competitive prices might benefit, reducing overcrowding pressure in tourist hotspots.

Commenting on the report, ETC President Miguel Sanz said:

The past months have brought new challenges to the tourism sector  rising economic pressures, shifting geopolitics, and growing concerns over unbalanced tourism in some tourism hotspots. Yet Europes destinations continue to show remarkable resilience. To sustain this momentum, we must double down on innovation and invest in more sustainable, inclusive models of tourism that respond to locals needs and visitors expectations.

Sun and beach holidays drive off-season demand

Searches for spring getaways increased by 36% year-on-year among European travellers [1], indicating growing demand for off-season travel, with most seeking sun and beach destinations. While the shift of Easter to late April contributed to this rise, the trend also reflects changing traveller preferences  particularly the desire to avoid peak heat and overcrowding during the summer months. Malta saw a 19% increase in arrivals, supported by enhanced connectivity, while Cyprus posted a 16% rise, driven by its favourable location and year-round appeal  both destinations growing from a lower base. Larger summer destinations such as Spain (+7%) and Portugal (+3%) also benefited from this trend.

Central Eastern European destinations, including Latvia (+16%), Lithuania (+15%), and Hungary (+14%), also noted strong year-on-year increases in arrivals, likely due to increased connectivity. This demonstrates a continued path to recovery from the pandemic and the impacts of the Russo-Ukrainian war.

Price sensitivities among travellers, but spending on the rise

Costs for many tourism-related services have risen from last year, with further increases likely during the summer months of July and August, which may impact travellers destination choice this summer. As the high season in the Southern/Mediterranean region approaches, the price of international flights to the area has risen 5% in the first four months of 2025 year-on-year, while the cost of international package holidays is up 7%.

At the same time, Southern European destinations  including Spain, Cyprus, and Malta  reported substantial increases in tourism revenue in the first months of 2025. This suggests that travellers are spending more during off-peak travel months. Overall, tourist spending across Europe is expected to rise by approximately 13% compared to 2024, with growth outpacing arrivals and indicating a higher average spend per trip.

Long-haul travel shows resilience, despite global uncertainty

Travel from the US to Europe remains higher than in 2024 across most reporting destinations, despite concerns about transatlantic demand. Year-on-year growth in overnight stays is particularly notable in the Nordics, with nights up 35% in Norway and 24% in Denmark. Southern European destinations have also seen solid gains in US arrivals, including Croatia (+18%), Montenegro (+17%), and Greece (+16%).

Moreover, the economic uncertainty has likely contributed to reduced airfares on several routes  including those between the US and Spain, Italy, and the UK  which may support continued growth in American travel to Europe this summer.

Travel from China is showing stronger signs of recovery in 2025, with all reporting destinations recording increases in nights or arrivals compared to the same period in 2024. Demand for smaller destinations such as Croatia (+7%), Estonia (+15%), and Romania (+20%) has picked up in Q2, while recovery for larger destinations remains ongoing and is expected to improve further with enhanced air connectivity from Chinese cities to Paris and Madrid.

The return of Chinese visitors to Europe is expected to continue, supported by rising incomes, better flight connectivity, and favourable travel policies. This trend may also be reinforced by a reluctance among Chinese travellers to visit the US in 2025, due to geopolitical tensions, increased visa scrutiny, and broader security concerns.

[1] ForwardKeys, link

Full report can be downloaded here.

About European Travel Commission

Established in 1948, the European Travel Commission is a unique association in the travel sector, representing the National Tourism Organisations of the countries of Europe. Its mission is to strengthen the sustainable development of Europe as a tourist destination. In the last several decades, ETC has positioned itself at the forefront of the European tourism scene, establishing its expertise and building up partnerships in areas of tourism, based on promotion, market intelligence and best practice sharing.

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Italys real estate market attracted 5.2 billion in investments in the first half of 2025, a 50% increase over the same period last year, according to Dils Research. The hospitality sector was the standout performer, recording 1.5 billion in investments  its best result in five years and an 88% surge compared to H1 2024. Activity was particularly strong in luxury assets across Rome, Venice, and Lake Como, with four of the semesters ten largest deals involving hospitality. Retail also saw its strongest performance since 2019, while logistics and residential continued their upward trend with notable increases in volumes and transactions. Office investments remained stable, and alternative assets such as healthcare and student housing gained further momentum.

According to the Dils Research Team, investment volumes in Q2 2025 reached 2.5 billion, up 56% compared to the same period last year. This confirms the positive sentiment among real estate players for 2025. Looking at the first half of the year, the Italian market attracted 5.2 billion in investments, a significant 50% increase over H1 2024.

Once again, the performance was driven by the Hospitality sector, which recorded its best result in the past five years thanks to investments exceeding 850 million. The sector recorded 1.5 billion in H1, marking an 88% increase compared to H1 2024. Activity was particularly strong in some of Italys top tourist destinations  including Rome, Venice, and Lake Como  with a clear focus on the luxury segment. Hospitality continues to attract capital through high-value transactions, with four of the ten largest deals of the semester belonging to this asset class.

In line with the trends of previous quarters, Retail recorded over 500 million in Q2 investments, bringing the H1 total to 1 billion  the sectors best performance since 2019. The strongest quarterly contributions came from deals in the shopping center segment and the growing interest of private investors in trophy mixed-use assets with a high street retail component, located in prime districts of Milan and Rome.

Noteworthy is the significant deal involving Grandi Stazioni Retail S.p.A., the retail space concessionaire for Italys main railway stations, whose capital was acquired by two major international investors. While the nature of this transaction excludes it from the total investment volume, it nonetheless signals a renewed interest in the Italian retail sector.

In Q2 2025, investment volumes in the Logistics sector reached 141 million, bringing the H1 total to 785 million. Despite a quarterly slowdown, this represents a 61% increase over H1 2024, confirming a positive trend. The Q2 decline is attributed to temporary factors, while structural market dynamics  including a robust pipeline of upcoming deals  suggest a likely increase in H2 volumes. The prime net yield remains stable at 5.30%, consistent with the previous quarter, though within a broader context of gradual compression.

Logistics take-up reached approximately 560,000 sqm in Q2, up 13% from the previous quarter. The H1 total amounts to around 1,050,000 sqm, down 11% compared to H1 2024. The occupier market is stabilizing, though still reflecting the sectors expansion in recent years. Demand remains strong for high-quality spaces, with newly built assets accounting for over 80% of Q2 take-up. The national prime rent remained unchanged at 70/sqm/year in the Milan and Rome markets, while the Verona market saw an increase to 60/sqm/year.

The Office sector recorded 300 million in Q2 transactions, bringing the H1 investment total to 790 million. The data shows overall stability year-on-year. Milan remained the leading national market, accounting for 84% of investments, followed by Rome with 14%.

In Milan, office take-up for H1 2025 reached approximately 205,000 sqm  including 100,000 sqm in Q2  marking a 15% increase compared to H1 2024. This was the best semester in terms of number of transactions (over 180) since the start of the data series. The occupier market was driven mainly by demand for medium-sized spaces, with 51% of take-up involving units between 1,000 and 5,000 sqm  the highest share in five years. High-quality (Grade A/A+) spaces continue to dominate, accounting for over 74% of total take-up. The prime rent remains stable at 775/sqm/year, with an upward pressure expected in the coming quarters.

In Rome, office take-up reached 19,000 sqm in Q2 and approximately 53,000 sqm for H1, down 46% quarter-on-quarter and 23% year-on-year. Among the roughly 70 transactions in H1, only 19% involved Grade A/A+ properties, highlighting the ongoing shortage of high-quality stock. This scarcity is no longer limited to the CBD and Historic Centre but is also starting to affect occupier choices in the EUR Core area, where prime rents have increased to 400/sqm/year. Against this backdrop, further rental growth is expected, driven by limited supply and a modest development pipeline.

The Living sector attracted approximately 320 million in investments during H1, with over 130 million recorded in Q2 alone. These figures represent significant increases compared to the same periods in 2024: +54% year-on-year and +98% quarter-on-quarter. Milan remained the main investment destination, accounting for around 60% of Q2 volumes, followed by Rome with 20%. Notably, Student Housing accounted for roughly one-third of total H1 investments, reinforcing its position among the most attractive asset classes for investors, who are increasingly focused on both development projects and core products.

In Q1 2025, the Italian residential sales market continued its positive momentum from 2024, recording 172,048 transactions  up 11.2% year-on-year.

Milan saw 5,505 transactions (+7.1% YoY), with a strong preference for smaller units (over 65% under 85 sqm). New builds accounted for 9.5% of sales  returning to stable levels after the previous quarter's spike due to several project completions  and remained 3.7 percentage points above the national average.

Rome also maintained growth, with 8,528 transactions (+10.7% YoY), continuing a positive trend observed for over a year. Nearly half of demand (49.5%) focused on mid-to-large units (over 85 sqm), while new builds made up 8.1% of transactions, returning to pre-Q4 2024 levels.

Favorable financing conditions continue to support the market: in Q1 2025, average mortgage rates fell to 3.22% (-76 bps YoY), boosting loan uptake. Mortgage-backed purchases accounted for 53.5% of sales in Milan and 58.7% in Rome  both up from the previous year. The rental market remained stable nationally in Q1, though with differing trends in major urban areas. Milan and Rome saw a continued decline in long-term leases in favor of short-term contracts. In Rome, standard leases (4+4) dropped by 12%, while in Milan the decrease was more moderate (-1.3%) and showed improvement over previous quarters. Conversely, temporary contracts rose by 2.8% in Rome and 6.0% in Milan.

With total H1 volumes of approximately 790 million  580 million of which were recorded in Q2 alone  the Alternative sector once again proved to be among the most attractive for investors. This result was driven particularly by the return of major transactions in the Healthcare segment, which saw 266 million in Q2 investments thanks largely to two portfolios included among the top ten transactions of the quarter. Significant deals were also closed in the Mixed-use segment, including a major transaction featuring a strong Education component.

As forecasted, the first half of 2025 closed with solid investment growth. The Italian market remains attractive for both established asset classes  particularly Hospitality  and emerging segments such as Healthcare, Education, and Data Centers, which are gaining momentum in response to society evolution and technological innovation. In a global landscape marked by shifting balances, the main challenge for Italian real estate will be to align with long-term structural trends. The goal is to continue creating new opportunities that meet the expectations of key players, thereby reinforcing the countrys positioning within the European context.
The world economy continues to serve up dishes we would all prefer to send back. Marriott CEO Anthony Capuano told Skift recently that booking windows are now typically sub-three weeks, meaning under 21 days. This reflects the ongoing popularity of last-minute bookings and may indicate an even tighter window than that experienced during the post-pandemic period.

Forty percent of hotel reservations are now made within 30 days of arrival, underscoring a significant shift in traveler behavior towards shorter booking lead times. Spontaneity, mobile-first decisions, and digital expectations are fueling this trend. This shift requires hoteliers to adapt by implementing real-time inventory management and dynamic pricing strategies (among other things) to effectively capture last-minute demand and maximize revenue.

What steps should you and your team take to adapt and reduce the risk of lost revenue?

Here are five strategies to ensure your property achieves profitability, regardless of the challenges you face.

1. Reach more travelers with smarter digital advertising

What to do: Use paid search, metasearch, and Google Performance Max for Travel Goals (PMTG) to capture demand in real time, especially from last-minute bookers or travelers searching on mobile.

Example: A boutique hotel in Paris used Google PMTG to push targeted ads to users searching for last-minute weekend stay Paris and achieved a 34x return on ad spend (ROAS) in under 30 days.

Pro tip: Set up dynamic remarketing to retarget users who visited your site but didnt bookespecially useful for shoulder seasons.

2. Make sure your website is built to convert

What to do: Optimize your site for mobile, reduce load times, and add booking triggers like Only 1 room left! or Free cancellation before arrival.

Example: Relais Christine redesigned their site with Cendyns creative web services. By combining speed, personalized banners, and real-time pricing, they reduced OTA bookings by 63% in favor of direct reservations.

Pro tip: Run A/B tests on call-to-action buttons (e.g., Book Now vs. Check Availability) to see what drives more clicks and conversions.

3. Simplify channel management and inventory control

What to do: Use a centralized reservation system (CRS) to sync availability, pricing, and policies across all distribution channels in real time.

Example: A city-center hotel struggling with overbookings during event periods switched to a unified CRS and eliminated inventory mismatches, leading to a 15% increase in revenue per available room (RevPAR) during high-demand weeks.

Pro tip: Connect your CRS to your CRM to offer loyal guests first access to discounted rates or early check-ins.

4. Use data to drive smarter pricing decisions

What to do: Take ownership of your rate strategy by analyzing booking windows, search trends, and competitor pricing. Adjust pricing dynamically to capture high-value bookings.

Example: A resort noticed that mid-week bookings were rising for families booking 2+ rooms. They created a weekday escape package with bundled perks and increased mid-week occupancy by 22% over the previous quarter.

Pro tip: Use CRM and CDP data to segment offers (e.g., business travelers vs. families) and push custom rates via email or metasearch.

5. Think holistically about profit, not just occupancy

What to do: Focus not just on filling rooms but on attracting the right guest mix, those who spend more on F&B, spa, or return visits.

Example: A mountain lodge added upsell offers post-booking, like gear rentals and private guides, which generated 20% more ancillary revenue per booking.

Pro tip: Get highly segmented with your targeted campaigns; focus on audiences with a higher propensity to spend. Pair this with automated post-booking emails that promote upgrades or pre-arrival services. Together, these tactics help drive stronger profitability and better guest value.

Cendyn has spent more than 30 years developing solutions to assist our hospitality partners in creating successful programs. Our expert teams are committed to equipping hoteliers with forward-looking solutions to navigate the ever-evolving travel landscape. To discover more about how your hotel staff can foster relationships, enhance loyalty, and boost profitability, reach out to us today.

About Cendyn

Cendyn is a global hospitality cloud-based technology company that enables hotels to drive revenue, maximize profitability, and create deeper connections with guests through its integrated solutions. Serving hoteliers for nearly 30 years, Cendyn drives commercial success for hotels through its Find, Book, Grow promise: find the right guests, drive them to book direct, and grow loyalty and revenue across the spectrum of digital guest interactions.

Cendyn has over 35,000 customers worldwide in more than 150 countries generating more than $20 billion in annual hotel revenue. The company supports its growing customer base from locations across the globe, including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Bangkok, and India. To find out more, visit cendyn.com

Nicola Graham

VP Marketing

+442080683195

Cendyn

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STR Weekly Insights: U.S. Hotel Performance Stagnates Amid Shifting Travel Patterns - Most Major Countries Posted Positive Performance - Image Credit CoStar

Overview of U.S. Hotel Performance

In the final full week of June 2025, U.S. hotels experienced a mixed performance, characterized by strong weekend activity but offset by sluggish weekday performance. The overall revenue per available room (RevPAR) remained virtually unchanged at -0.1%, with no significant movement in the average daily rate (ADR) or occupancy rates. This stagnation underscores the ongoing challenges in the hotel industry as it adapts to shifting travel behaviors.

Day-of-Week Performance Variations

The week saw a distinct pattern in day-of-week performance. Weekend RevPAR, encompassing Friday and Saturday, showed a positive trend with a 3.2% increase. In contrast, weekdays, specifically Monday through Wednesday, experienced a 2.2% decline. Shoulder days, which typically see moderate business travel, also saw a slight decrease of 0.8%. The absence of pre-pandemic levels of business travel continues to cause fluctuations in daily and weekly demand.

Chain Scale Performance

The performance across different hotel chain scales showed varying results. Luxury hotels recorded the highest RevPAR gain at 1.7%, while the Economy segment faced the steepest decline at 1.8%. All chain scales followed the day-of-week performance pattern, with weekends showing the most positive results, except for the Economy segment. Weekdays saw a decline in RevPAR across all chain scales, and only Luxury hotels managed to avoid a drop during the shoulder period.

Top 25 Markets vs. Other U.S. Markets

The Top 25 Markets (T25) underperformed compared to the rest of the U.S., with a 2.8% decline in RevPAR. This was driven by significant drops during weekdays (-4.8%) and shoulder days (-4.0%), though the weekend saw a modest increase of 1.3%. Only nine of these markets posted positive RevPAR. In contrast, other large city markets experienced a 1.9% increase in RevPAR, driven by a strong weekend performance (+6.0%) and positive shoulder days (+1.7%). Non-metro and rural areas also saw a 2.1% rise in RevPAR, with Louisiana North, Wisconsin South and North, and Missouri North leading the gains.

Impact of Calendar Shifts on Group Demand

Group demand in Luxury and Upper Upscale hotels remained flat at 0.1%, with a weekend increase of 5.2% offset by a 1.7% decline during the rest of the week. The shift in the calendar for holidays such as Juneteenth and July 4th, which fell on Thursday and Friday this year compared to Wednesday and Thursday last year, appears to have influenced these patterns. This shift had a positive impact on weekend demand, while negatively affecting weekday demand. Non-T25 markets saw a 4.2% rise in group demand, while T25 markets experienced a 3.1% decline.

Global Hotel Industry Trends

Globally, the hotel industry mirrored the U.S. patterns with a flat RevPAR at 0.2%. While ADR saw a 1.0% increase, occupancy declined by 0.6 percentage points. The global day-of-week pattern was similar, with a 3.0% increase in weekend RevPAR and declines of 1.0% and 0.9% during weekdays and shoulder periods, respectively. Despite the overall flat performance, nine of the 11 major countries reported positive results, with Japan leading, followed by Indonesia, Spain, and India.

Discover more at STR.
Portugals Travel & Tourism Sector Enters Golden Era - Image Credit WTTC



2025 set to match historic performance as sector builds on record-breaking 2024

New data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reveals Portugals Travel & Tourism sector is set to continue growing in 2025, following a landmark year in 2024 that saw the industry surpass all previous peaks across economic contribution, employment, and visitor spending.

According to the latest Economic Impact Research (EIR), developed in collaboration with Oxford Economics, Travel & Tourism in Portugal is forecast to contribute 62.7BN to the national economy this year, representing 21.5% of GDP, and towering above the 2019 peak by nearly 38%.

The sector is expected to support 1.2 million jobs across the country; that is close to one in four jobs in Portugal, 200,000 more than at its previous high.

International visitor spending is projected to grow to 33.1BN, while domestic spending is forecast to reach 22.9BN, growing by 24.2% and 59.5% on 2019 levels, respectively, reflecting continued strength in both inbound and local demand.

A Look Back to 2024

These 2025 projections build on an extraordinary performance in 2024, when Portugals Travel & Tourism sector reached its highest levels on record.

Last year, the sector contributed 60.6BN to the economy, equivalent to 21.3% of national GDP, and supported 1.2 million jobs, equivalent to nearly 23% of total employment.

International visitor spending surged to 31.8BN, while domestic tourism contributed 22.2BN, marking all-time highs for both indicators.

A Look Ahead to 2035

WTTCs long-term outlook signals even greater potential in the years to come.

By 2035, Travel & Tourism in Portugal is projected to contribute more than 74.6BN to GDP, accounting for 22.6% of the national economy. The sector is expected to support 1.4 million jobs, reinforcing its role as a vital engine of economic opportunity and social development.

Spending by international visitors could reach 40.6BN, while domestic spending is forecast to rise to 25.8BN, confirming the sectors central role in Portugals long-term economic strategy.

A Glimpse into the European Union

In 2024, the EU Travel & Tourism sector contributed almost 1.8TN to the region's GDP, representing more than 10% of the Blocs economy, and above 2019 levels by almost 6%. The sectors employment grew by 4.7%, year-on-year, to 24.6 million jobs, accounting for one in nine jobs across the region.

By the end of 2025, WTTC forecasts that the EU Travel & Tourism sector will reach almost 1.9TN, representing 10.5% of the EU economy. Employment linked to the sector is estimated to total 25.7 million people, or 12% of the regional total.
Pittsfield Senior Center awarded AARP Grant for Disaster Preparedness Initiative

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  The Ralph J. Froio Senior Center announced it has been awarded an AARP Community Challenge Capacity-Building Microgrant in Disaster Preparedness, made possible through funding from AARP and SBP, a national disaster resilience and recovery nonprofit.

This initiative is aimed at improving disaster readiness for older adults in the Pittsfield community.

The grant will fund a three-part presentation series designed to educate seniors on emergency preparedness and build overall community resilience. Participants will receive free emergency preparedness kits and printed materials covering how to prepare for weather-related events, power outages, and other unexpected emergencies.

Presentation dates are scheduled for Aug. 22 at the Senior Center, and September 18 at the Berkshire Athenaeum with a third session planned during Fire Prevention Week in October.

These events will feature expert speakers and hands-on demonstrations, helping older adults learn how to stay safe before, during, and after a disaster.

In collaboration with key community and regional partnersincluding the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), the American Red Cross, the City of Pittsfield Department of Public Health, and the Central Berkshire Regional Emergency Planning Committee (CBREPC)the program aims to provide seniors with practical, accessible tools to plan ahead and protect themselves.

"This is more than an educational eventit's 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, we're ensuring that seniors in Pittsfield are not left behind when disaster strikes."
Dottie's owner Jessica Rufo says she has to prioritize her time for her family. She's hoping the right person will come along to reopen Dottie's.

Dottie's Coffee Closes Sunday; Owner Rufo Says It was Time

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  After announcing the sale of Dottie's Coffee Lounge, owner Jessica Rufo spoke about her reasoning behind it.

"I just decided that I couldn't and didn't have to do it anymore. My real focus right now is where I want to prioritize my time and energy is just with my kids. My oldest daughter is 14, and I just don't want to miss any more time with her," she said. "I have two other children who are younger, and I'm recently divorced, and so there are also a lot of complications with trying to manage running a business this size and be the mom that I need and want to be without any help. So it's entirely personal."

Rufo opened the coffee shop in 2007 to bring New York City-style coffee to the community.

"The city was just like, so supportive. You know, I came here thinking I'm gonna open up this coffee shop in Pittsfield, I moved back from Brooklyn, and if I open up a cool spot, then someone else will open up a cool spot, and then someone else will and then we'll have a nice, vibrant downtown, it was very childish, but it was very true," she said.

Rufo said she'd planned on stepping back over the last couple of years but didn't expect it to come so soon. She was hoping to hit 20 years.

"When I took over Mission in 2022 that was an exit plan for me. I just didn't know it was going to come up as early as it did. I figured that I would make it to the 20-year mark and then make a decision. But I knew when I bought that, when I had that opportunity, it was one that I had to take because the size of the kitchen, there was a hood, there was a dishwasher," she said of the adjacent space that became Dorothy's Estamint. "I didn't have any of that over here. So I was either gonna have to walk away from my business whenever I was ready to walk away from it, or have an opportunity to sell it, because it'd be much more marketable with a real kitchen."

Rufo also explained that when her father passed away, her life changed.

"The past two years I just really fell out of love with what I was doing. I lost my dad two years ago, and I think that my whole way I wanted to live my life just kind of changed. And I just realized how much time I've given my business and how little time I've given my family, and it just seemed like a real waste, seemed like a misdirection, whereas before, it felt like I was really pursuing my dreams of being a business owner and being a female business owner and building community," she said. "I just feel like I did it, and now, like my dad's not here to pat me on the back and tell me what a good job I'm doing ... So it just felt empty, almost like I wasn't doing it for the right reasons anymore."

Rufo said she wouldn't have been able to make it through the last 18 years without her loyal customers and employees.

"The people who came here and supported it every day, 70 percent of our customers on a daily basis were regulars. Came in like, four to seven times a week, you know, I get the credit, and I shouldn't, because, I just made sure there was coffee and that the lights were on, you know, I paid the bills, tried to steer the ship," she said. "But we just always had the best employees and the best customers."

Rufo said she had two dream buyers in mind  one is musician Amanda Palmer but the one she says is more realistic is Nancy Thomas, who owns Mezze Bistro and Bar.

"Nancy's integrity and her quality and her attention to detail and her wisdom, and she's just like a woman doing bad ass things. And I just feel like she and Pittsfield would be such a great collaboration," she said, adding she was going to reach out to Thomas.

Regardless, she hopes anyone who decides to buy it has the heart and passion for Dottie's.

"The message that I want to put out there is really about connecting with potential buyers that want to do a project like this, it's a really great opportunity for somebody who wants to hop in on a mature business. I mean, I really am much more interested in finding a buyer who has the heart, you know, as opposed to a wallet, and that's more important to me. I don't want downtown to lose Dotties."

Dottie's last day will be Sunday, July 6, with normal hours and will have live music. Rufo is hoping that it won't be closed for long.
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An unidentified North Korean man has successfully crossed the heavily fortified land border into South Korea and is now in custody, the South Korean military confirmed on Friday.

The South's Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that military personnel identified and tracked the individual near the central-west section of the military demarcation line on Thursday night.

A "guiding operation" was then conducted to bring the person into custody. Authorities are now planning an investigation into the border crossing, though they have not yet confirmed whether the incident is being treated as an attempted defection.

Crucially, the Joint Chiefs added that no unusual military activity has been detected from North Korea following the event.

Border tensions have flared in recent months as the two Koreas traded Cold War-style psychological warfare, with North Korea sending thousands of trash-filled balloons toward the South and South Korea blasting anti-Pyongyang propaganda through loudspeakers.

open image in gallery A North Korean military guard post, loudspeaker, top left, and South Korean army soldiers, bottom right, are seen from Paju, South Korea, near the border with North Korea, on June 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Since taking office last month, South Koreas new liberal President Lee Jae Myung has made efforts to rebuild trust with North Korea, halting the frontline loudspeaker broadcasts and moving to ban activists from flying balloons carrying propaganda leaflets across the border.

In April, South Korean troops fired warning shots to repel about 10 North Korean soldiers who briefly crossed the military demarcation line. The Souths military said the soldiers returned to North Korean territory without incident and that the North didnt return fire.

In June last year, North Korean troops crossed the border three times, prompting South Korea to fire warning shots. Experts suggested these crossings may have been accidental, occurring as North Korean troops added anti-tank barriers, planted mines and carried out other work to bolster border defenses amid escalating tensions between the Koreas.

Diplomacy between the war-divided Koreas has derailed since the collapse of denuclearization talks between Washington and Pyongyang in 2019, which prompted North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to accelerate the expansion of his military nuclear program and threaten nuclear conflict toward Washington and Seoul. South Koreas previous conservative government responded by strengthening its combined military exercises with the United States and Japan, which the North condemned as invasion rehearsals.
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Residents in and around Seoul are battling clouds of insects dubbed lovebugs that have blanketed hiking trails, observation decks, and popular mountain paths.

Videos taken this week in Gyeyangsan Mountain, west of the capital, show trees, railings, and stairs crawling with the small black-winged bugs, which are officially known as Plecia longiforceps.

The insects have earned the nickname lovebugs because mating pairs fly while attached to each other. While they dont bite or transmit diseases, their sheer numbers have turned outdoor spaces into swarming black clouds, sparking alarm among hikers and tourists.

Seouls city authorities said complaints have more than doubled in a year, soaring from around 4,400 in 2023 to over 9,200 last year, as summer temperatures rise and allow the subtropical species to thrive further north.

Originally native to warmer climates, Plecia longiforceps has expanded its range as South Korea warms, a trend experts link to climate change. They were first identified in South Korea during a major 2022 outbreak.

The bugs sudden proliferation has forced officials to dispatch crews to popular sites with water sprays and sticky traps, but Seouls government has discouraged people from using pesticides due to potential harm to other insects and the environment.

They have a disgusting appearance but are actually beneficial insects, Seoul authorities said in public announcements.

open image in gallery South Korea's 'lovebug' infestation ( AP )

Residents have been advised to avoid wearing bright colours and limit time near lights at night, which attract the bugs in large numbers.

Experts say adult lovebugs only live a few days, so the invasion should ease by mid-July, but officials warn the outbreaks could become an annual nuisance if temperatures continue to climb.

Local television stations showed scenes of observation decks swarming with the insects, with workers constantly shovelling dead bugs from the ground.

Wang Hyeon-jeong, an official from the Gyeyang district, confirmed the dramatic increase, said: "Compared with the past two years, the number of lovebugs sharply surged last weekend at the mountain."

The 395m (1,295ft) mountain provides the type of hot, humid weather conditions in which lovebugs typically thrive, the Environment Ministry said, possibly leading to the insect population surge.

open image in gallery A telescope is covered with lovebugs on the summit of Mount Gyeyang in Incheon, South Korea ( AP )

In recent years, South Korea has experienced a series of unusually hot summers, with rising average temperatures extending further into spring and autumn. Experts believe these warmer, longer summers are allowing subtropical species like lovebugs to move north and survive in places like Seoul and Incheon, which were previously too cool for large populations to establish.

Another factor is urban heat islands: large cities like Seoul can be several degrees warmer than surrounding rural areas because concrete and asphalt absorb and release heat, creating microclimates where insects adapted to warmer conditions can thrive. Moisture from recent rains or monsoon periods can further accelerate lovebug reproduction by providing ideal breeding conditions.

Not just lovebugs, but many insects and other species are shifting into regions that were once too cold for them as global temperatures rise due to the burning of oil, gas and coal.

In Europe, the tiger mosquito, a carrier of dengue and chikungunya, has spread north into France and Germany. In the US, southern pine beetles have moved into forests of the northeastern states, damaging trees that were previously protected by colder winters.

Experts say this poleward and uphill spread of species is one of the most immediate and visible impacts of the climate crisis on ecosystems worldwide.
SCO countries strengthen push for green growth

Xinhua) 15:04, July 04, 2025

TIANJIN, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Strolling through the streets of Tianjin, a bustling port city in north China, Viktor Galanov, deputy minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of Belarus, was visibly impressed by its cleanliness, scenic charm and vibrant atmosphere.

Tianjin's development is remarkable, demonstrating the harmony between ecology and urban life, Galanov said, noting that these qualities also reflect China's significant efforts in preserving urban ecosystems.

He was in Tianjin to attend the 6th Meeting of Environmental Ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States, held on Thursday.

Centered on the theme of cooperation for green, sustainable and low-emission development among SCO member states, the meeting brought together representatives to discuss ecological collaboration and strategies for sustainable growth.

Attendees signed the Joint Statement of the 6th Meeting of Environmental Ministers of SCO Member States and adopted the Initiative of SCO Member States on Strengthening Cooperation for Sustainable Development. These documents commit SCO members to sharing environmental expertise and practices to advance sustainable development.

Shri Janesh Kain, deputy secretary-general of the SCO Secretariat, emphasized that the two agreements would bolster cooperation among member states, which will not only help address shared environmental challenges but also positively impact global green development.

As sustainable development gains global momentum, China has become an active contributor to the cause. From large-scale afforestation and innovative desertification control to enhanced water-quality monitoring and the adoption of clean technologies, China's ecological efforts have not only improved its own environment but also provided valuable solutions for the world.

Despite being one of the countries most severely affected by desertification, China has pioneered comprehensive greening initiatives. Innovative techniques such as photovoltaic desert control have rehabilitated 53 percent of its treatable desertified land.

"Our delegation recently visited Ningxia and other regions to study China's afforestation and desertification control methods," said Mansur Oshurbayev, vice minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan.

He added that China's expertise in water monitoring, wastewater management, clean technology, biodiversity conservation, and waste treatment is equally valuable. "We look forward to collaborating with China on urban ecology, digital environmental monitoring, and attracting investments and technologies."

Under the SCO framework, ecological cooperation between China and other member states continues to deepen.

Aziz Abdukhakimov, the minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of Uzbekistan, highlighted his country's partnership with China in combating desertification. The two nations plan to establish a regional center focused on desertification control in Central Asia and have signed multiple contracts for waste-to-energy projects.

"Most SCO members are naturally endowed with abundant solar, wind, and hydro resources, offering immense development potential," said Lei Wentao, CEO of China-Eurasian Economic Cooperation Fund.

China, as a world leader in green-energy technology and equipment manufacturing, seeks to partner with domestic and international multinationals to scale its best practices, offering experience for SCO countries, Lei said.

SCO members now account for nearly half of the world's population, a quarter of its land area, and a quarter of global GDP. "When a large representation of humanity decides to do something, it has implications for the entire world," Kain said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
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A lawyer for some of the families of Air India crash victims has accused the airline of engaging in unethical and potentially unlawful conduct.

The airline, owned by Indian conglomerate Tata Group, has rejected the accusations as unsubstantiated and inaccurate.

The statement came after lawyer Peter Neenan, partner at British firm Stewarts, said his team was advising families of the passengers who perished in last months crash in western India not to fill out the compensation forms issued by the airline, citing legal risks and inappropriate handling of bereaved relatives.

Air India flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after take-off in Ahmedabad city on 12 June, killing 241 of the 242 passengers and crew members on board in the worlds worst aviation disaster in a decade. The crash also killed 19 people on the ground, taking the total death toll to 260.

Mr Neenan, who has previously represented victims of air disasters such as Malaysia Airlines MH17 and MH370, said in a statement to The Independent his clients were told to complete the documentation in sweltering conditions without legal assistance or even clear explanations of the terminology used.

The repeated story we have heard from our clients is that families have been told by Air India that they have to complete a questionnaire to get the advance payment, forcing them to fill out the questionnaire in intense heat with no guidance on the terms and questions within the questionnaire, he said.

We are shocked and appalled that Air India is seeking this information from families when they are at their most vulnerable. They should feel ashamed.

open image in gallery Tail of crashed Air India plane is seen stuck in a building in Ahmedabad ( AP )

While Mr Neenans law firm claims to have been retained by multiple families, the number remains unclear. It further claims to be speaking with families of over 30 passengers who died in the crash.

Air India has reportedly made interim compensation payments to 47 families thus far, with disbursement to 55 more in progress.

It has offered each affected family Rs 2.5m (21,500) in immediate relief in addition to Rs 10m (86,000) announced by parent company Tata, the airline told The Independent.

open image in gallery Relatives of Akash Patni, a victim of the Air India crash, grieve during his funeral procession in Ahmedabad ( AP )

Mr Neenan said his clients, based in India and the UK, were told to submit forms with details such as financial dependency using language with legal implications that most bereaved relatives werent equipped to interpret, particularly in a state of emotional distress.

One family member was allegedly pressured to submit documents in a cramped corridor. The conditions where they asked us to complete the questionnaire were unacceptable, in a crowded hot corridor with unsuitable chairs and desks. There was no privacy whatsoever, the relative told the Guardian.

Mr Neenan alleged that some families were even visited at home by airline officials to question why the forms had not been completed yet.

He warned that such tactics could reduce compensation amounts by millions of pounds, with families unaware of what they could be forfeiting.

Either families get lawyers like me involved afterwards and then we have to argue in court that the relative filled out the form without understanding the terms, and hope the judge agrees with us, the lawyer said. Or, which is even worse, the airline calculates compensation using information on the form, the family dont get legal representation and accept what I guarantee will be a significantly lower level of compensation  and that could be millions of pounds less than they are entitled to.

Air India said in a statement it was working swiftly to provide interim compensation to the affected families while pushing back against claims of coercion and mismanagement in the aftermath of the disaster.

open image in gallery Friends and family members mourn near the coffin of Clive Kunder, one of the pilots of the Air India plane that crashed in Ahmedabad in June ( Reuters )

The airline said considerable efforts had been made to ensure that advance payments  intended to meet immediate financial needs  were disbursed quickly and fairly. The first payouts, it said, were processed within days of the 12 June crash.

The airline emphasised, however, that it could not operate in an information vacuum. In order to release funds, it was required to collect basic details to verify family relationships. This involved issuing a questionnaire asking the affected relatives to indicate whether they were financially dependent on the deceased, a move the airline described as a fair and necessary part of the process.

To streamline this process, Air India established a facilitation centre at the Taj Skyline hotel in Ahmedabad from 15 June where the questionnaire could be accessed. Families were also offered the option to receive the form via email, allowing them to complete it at their convenience. Airline staff stationed at the centre were available to explain the form and respond to any queries, the airline said.

There is no requirement for family members to complete the questionnaire at the centre, it added. Several families have chosen to fill it out independently and submit it over email. Copies of the completed forms were provided to families upon request.

open image in gallery People carry coffin of Rajendra Patankar, victim of the Air India plane crash, during his funeral procession in Ahmedabad, India, on 19 June 2025 ( AP )

In an apparent reference to the allegation that family members had been asked to fill out the questionnaire in cramped, hot conditions, Air India clarified that any documentation completed at hospitals or morgues was unrelated to compensation and could have been required for government purposes. The airline also denied reports of its officials making unsolicited visits to the homes of victims for compensation-related follow-up.

Air India reiterated its commitment to transparency, responsibility and compassion during the crisis. As part of the Tata Group, we uphold core values of integrity and responsibility and remain committed to serving the community, especially during challenging times, it said.

The airline urged the public and the media to be cautious of misinformation and misinterpretation of facts to help everyone involved do their job responsibly.

Meanwhile, legal teams in the UK and the US were preparing to launch lawsuits against both Boeing and Air India, NDTV reported.

James Healy-Pratt and Owen Hanna of Keystone Law in the UK along with the Wisner Law Firm in the US were investigating the crash and speaking with families of victims, the Economic Times reported. Mr Healy-Pratt told the Indian media outlet their international legal team was reviewing all evidence and considering litigation against Boeing in the US and Air India in the UK High Court.
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India and China are sparring over the succession of the Dalai Lama after the Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader announced his reincarnation earlier this week.

Ahead of his 90th birthday on 6 July, the 14th Dalai Lama said his successor would be chosen by his closest Tibetan advisers without interference from China.

The Dalai Lama insists that his successor will be born in a "free" country and urges his followers to reject any candidate appointed by Beijing. The Chinese government says it has the sole authority to name his successor.

No one has the right to interfere or decide who the successor of His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be, the Indian federal minister for minority affairs, Kiren Rijiju, said in a statement. "Only he or his institution has the authority to make that decision. His followers believe that deeply. It is important for disciples across the world that he decides his succession."

Mr Rijiju, a practising Buddhist, was set to join the Dalai Lamas birthday celebrations this weekend in the Himalayan town of Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh state.

The Chinese foreign ministry on Friday warned India against interfering in its domestic affairs at the expense of bilateral relations, urging it to be prudent in its words and actions.

"We hope the Indian side will fully understand the highly sensitive nature of Tibet-related issues, recognise the anti-China separatist nature of the 14th Dalai Lama," spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters.

The Dalai Lama, born Lhamo Dhondup, has been living in Dharamshala since 1959 when he fled Lhasa to escape the Chinese annexation. His escape to India sparked a wave of Tibetan exile and the formation of a government-in-exile in Dharamshala.

He has been variously branded as a splittist and a wolf in a monks robes by Chinese leaders from Mao Zedong through Xi Jinping.

Beijing has tightened its grip on Tibetan religious affairs since the 1950s, most notably by abducting the then six-year-old Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama, in 1995 shortly after he was recognised by the Dalai Lama. The Panchen Lama is the second-highest authority in Tibetan Buddhism after the Dalai Lama.

The Dalai Lama says he wants to visit Tibet one last time before he dies but only if Chinese authorities guarantee his return to India.

The Chinese foreign ministry said he could visit but would have to stay in Tibet and openly recognise that Tibet and Taiwan are inalienable parts of China.

Penpa Tsering, president of the Tibetan government-in-exile, told The Independent that the Dalai Lama would visit China and Tibet if given the opportunity, but he could not live there with undue curbs on his freedom.

"If the 14th Dalai Lama has to die in exile, it will be very emotional for Tibetans inside Tibet, he said, adding that they had been deprived of the opportunity to see their spiritual leader.

Relations between India and China nosedived after a deadly clash between border guards in 2020 but lately appeared to be on the mend.
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A 40-year-old woman teacher at a prominent Indian school was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a 16-year-old male student on multiple occasions.

The teacher, an English instructor in Mumbai, is accused of taking the boy to five-star hotels, making him drink alcohol, and giving him anti-anxiety pills before committing the abuse.

The abuse began in January 2024 after the teacher became attracted to the boy during dance group meetings in late 2023, according to the police.

She would allegedly use a woman friend to coax the boy into meeting her and take him to isolated places or luxury hotels, where she would sexually assault him. The boy reportedly developed acute anxiety from the abuse and was given anti-anxiety pills by the teacher.

The minors parents noticed a change in his behaviour and encouraged him to open up about the abuse. Initially, they did not take any action as the boy was about to leave the school after his class 10 exams. However, when the teacher tried to contact him again after he had left the school, the parents decided to approach the Mumbai police.

open image in gallery File. Indian children participate in a 'Stay Safe' campaign against child abuse and sexual exploitation ( AFP via Getty )

"The teacher has been arrested under relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and the Juvenile Justice Act for aggravated sexual assault and has been taken into custody by the Dadar police," the Times of India reported.

During the investigation, the teacher allegedly admitted to the crime and showed the police the places where she had assaulted the boy, reported the Indian Express. The police have reportedly obtained CCTV footage of some of the places establishing the presence of the accused and the boy.

The teacher was arrested and remanded in police custody for four days. She was subsequently taken for a psychiatric test at a local government hospital. The police sought an extension of her custody, but the court denied the request and sent her to judicial custody for 14 days.

open image in gallery File. Students participate in an awareness campaign against child sex abuse in Hyderabad, India ( AFP via Getty Images )

The Pocso Act protects children from sexual abuse, regardless of their gender, and carries a punishment of at least seven years in jail, up to life imprisonment, and a fine in cases of penetrative sexual assault.

The school the teacher worked at expressed shock and said it was cooperating with the police investigation. The school's spokesperson said they had a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual offences against children.

The accused teacher resigned from the school in 2024 after the management expressed displeasure over her performance, reports said.

We will visit the school to understand what led to her resignation, a police officer told the Hindustan Times newspaper.
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A hair transplant clinic in the Indian capital has been ordered to pay over 5,000 to a disgruntled customer who claimed he did not notice even one per cent improvement despite spending more than 4,000 on the procedure.

Vivek Kumar approached the clinic DHI Asian Roots in New Delhi before his wedding, enticed by what the consumer forum described as the companys promises of 100 per cent results and a natural look. He underwent three sessions of the hair transplant procedure between 2011 and 2012.

According to the order issued in May this year, Kumar followed post-procedure instructions and waited for results, but did not notice even one per cent improvement. He subsequently filed a complaint before the Delhi District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in December 2013.

The commission held the clinic liable for deficiency in service and unfair trade practices, and said Mr Kumar was entitled to compensation for physical and mental harassment which he suffered.

Additionally, the clinic transplanted the hairs to cover bald area and created another bald area by over harvesting the donor area.

The panel directed DHI Asian Roots to refund the full treatment cost of 500,000 (4,289), pay 100,000 (857) in compensation for mental harassment, and an additional 30,000 (257) to cover litigation expenses.

The commission also said the clinic failed to produce any document showing authorisation or license to perform modern scientific hair implantation procedures and lacked government approval to engage doctors for such procedures.

The procedure conducted amounted to an unfair medical trade practice, carried out without the requisite licenses or specialised expertise, and appeared motivated solely by financial gain, the order stated.

A hair transplant clinic in the Indian capital has been ordered to pay Rs 630,000 (5,404) to a disgruntled customer ( AFP via Getty Images )

In a statement to The Independent, DHI Asian Roots has said that it would be filing an appeal to challenge the order.

The client in question underwent two procedures, one each in 2011 and 2012. The client filed a complaint before consumer forum in 2013 alleging deficiency in services despite getting results, DHI Asian Roots said.

With all due respect to the Honble forum, we want to clarify that these assertions were neither part of the complaint, nor supported by any evidence, and have no bearing to the actual facts, the clinic added, referring to Mr Kumars allegations that his treatment was performed by unqualified personnel.

In fact, the order itself acknowledges that the client was satisfied with the first procedures results and that is why he came for the second time. Both procedures were performed by highly trained, certified, and qualified MD Dermatologist doctors and DHI complies with all licensing requirements. There are many other inconsistencies in the order.
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Japanese authorities have evacuated a small island village after the region was jolted by over 1,000 earthquakes in less than two weeks.

Authorities issued evacuation orders on Thursday after the Akuseki Island in Kagoshima prefecture was struck by a 5.5 magnitude quake, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. The epicentre was off the coast at a depth of about 20km.

The tremor didnt trigger a tsunami warning, local officials said, and all residents were safe. There were no reports of any damage to infrastructure either.

The 89 residents of Toshima village departed by ship, heading to a port in Kagoshima off the southern coast of Japan where they were expected to stay in temporary accommodation. The village of Toshima comprises seven inhabited islands.

The first group of people had left from Naze Port on Amami Oshima Island, 120km south of Akuseki, at 2am local time on Friday, NKH World reported.

The ferry was scheduled to stop at all seven inhabited islands of the village and reach the Kagoshima port after 6pm local time on Friday. The combined population of the inhabited islands was 668 as of June, the Japan Times reported.

The evacuees would stay at lodging facilities arranged by the village, local reports said. Officials said the evacuation could last about a week as people from other islands in the region could also be told to temporarily leave their homes due to the ongoing seismic activity.

Akuseki is part of the Tokara Island chain south of the Kyushu region, which has been rattled by 1,031 quakes of intensity 1 or greater since 21 June.

File. A building collapses following an earthquake in Wajima, Japan, on 2 January 2024 ( AP )

Situated within the Pacific 'Ring of Fire', Japan is one of the most quake-prone countries in the world. Similar evacuations in Toshima were carried out in December 2021 after a strong earthquake rocked Akuseki.

Recent viral rumours of impending disaster stemming from a comic book prediction have dampened Japan's tourism boom, with visitors from neighbouring regions cancelling their travel plans.

Steve Huen of Hong Kong travel agency EGL Tours blames a flurry of social media predictions tied to a manga that depicts a dream of a massive earthquake and tsunami hitting Japan and neighbouring countries in July 2025.

The rumours have had a significant impact," Mr Huen told Reuters, adding that his firm had seen its Japan-related business halve.

Discounts and the introduction of earthquake insurance had "prevented Japan-bound travel from dropping to zero", he said.

Hong Kong resident Branden Choi, 28, said he was a frequent traveller to Japan but was hesitant to visit the country during July and August due to the manga prediction. "If possible, I might delay my trip and go after September, he said.

Ryo Tatsuki, the artist behind the manga titled 'The Future I Saw', first published in 1999 and re-released in 2021, has tried to dampen the speculation, saying in a statement issued by her publisher that she was "not a prophet".

The first edition of the manga warned of a major disaster in March 2011. That was the month and year a massive earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster struck Japan's northeastern coast, killing thousands of people.

Some have interpreted the latest edition as predicting a catastrophic event would occur specifically on 5 July 2025, although Ms Tatsuki has denied this.
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Russia has become the first country in the world to grant official recognition to the Taliban government in Afghanistan, with experts monitoring the situation warning other countries like China could soon follow suit.

Russias foreign ministry announced late on Thursday that it had received official credentials from Gul Hassan Hassan, a newly appointed ambassador from the acting government of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to Russia. Mr Hassan Hassan met with the Talibans acting foreign affairs minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.

The foreign ministry hailed the official recognition of the Afghan government and said it will allow productive bilateral cooperation between the Taliban and Moscow.

This brave decision will be an example for others  now that the process of recognition has started, Russia was ahead of everyone, Mr Muttaqi said after meeting Russian officials.

No other country has formally recognised the Taliban government. However, China, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Pakistan have all designated ambassadors to Kabul, in a step towards recognition.

The first photos of the celebrations by the former militants showed them waving the Islamic Emirates white and black flags and offering prayers in the balcony of the Afghanistan embassy in Moscow.

open image in gallery An official stands next to the flag of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan on the balcony of the Afghan embassy in Moscow ( AFP via Getty Images )

Zabiullah Mujahid, the chief spokesperson of the Taliban government in Afghanistan, welcomed the move and said he hoped more nations will now identify them as the official leader of Afghanistan.

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is grateful to Russia for this act. We call on other countries to follow the same path to build a better and stronger relationship of recognition with us, Mr Mujahid told The Independent.

The Taliban stormed to power in Afghanistan in August 2021 after the exit of US and Nato forces and promised a moderate rule in the country. But shortly after taking control, the Taliban banned girls and women from schools above sixth grade, colleges, and workplaces.

What followed was stricter and harsher implementation of the Talibans interpretation of Islamic Sharia law, under which girls and women are still banned from public spaces, salons, national parks and gymnasiums, among other places.

The Taliban were shunned on the international stage due to their gender apartheid policies and Western diplomats and officials earlier said the isolation would continue until it changed course on women's rights. Russia removing the terrorist tag from the group and recognising them as the official rulers of Afghanistan is being seen as a major step towards ending that isolation  even though the situation for Afghan women has not changed.

open image in gallery Amir Khan Muttaqi meets with Russia's ambassador to Afghanistan Dmitry Zhirnov at the foreign ministry in Kabul ( Afghanistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs )

Taliban leaders have travelled to Russia and China and held high-level talks with many other countries to build diplomatic ties, all part of an effort to seek international legitimacy.

Moscows decision to upgrade its relationship with the Taliban was made by Russian president Vladimir Putin on advice from foreign minister Sergei Lavrov, said Russias ambassador to Afghanistan Dmitry Zhirnov.

What does Putin gain from the Taliban?

Russia has a complex history with Afghanistan. Soviet troops invaded the country in December 1979 to prop up a Communist government, but became bogged down in a long war against mujahideen fighters armed by the US. Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev pulled his army out in 1989, by which time some 15,000 Soviet soldiers had been killed.

Russia has been gradually building relations with the Taliban, which Mr Putin said last year was now an ally in fighting terrorism. Since 2022, Afghanistan has imported gas, oil and wheat from Russia. The Taliban was outlawed by Russia as a terrorist movement in 2003, but the ban was lifted in April this year. Russia sees a need to work with Kabul as it faces a major security threat from Islamist militant groups based in a string of countries from Afghanistan to the Middle East.

Of course, Moscow seeks to establish closer economic ties with Kabul. Russia is pursuing a number of infrastructure projects, in which Afghanistan could play an important role. For example, Russia is promoting transport corridors that are expected to run through Afghan territory, said Aleksei Zakharov, fellow with Strategic Studies Programme at New Delhi-based think tank Observer Research Foundation (ORF).

open image in gallery Taliban soldiers celebrate on the second anniversary of the fall of Kabul on a street near the US embassy in Kabul ( Reuters )

But to achieve success in these projects alongside the Taliban, Moscow will first need to get a grip on the security situation in Afghanistan. Several terrorist groups, including Isiss regional outfit Isis-K, have carried out attacks in the country against foreign contingents.

It's still an open question if Russia can get anything in return for IEA's official recognition, says Mr Zakharov, suggesting this could prove to be a risky bargain for the Kremlin.

The Taliban are not in a position to provide any guarantees against future attacks. Their track record on fighting terrorism has been mixed, he said.

In March 2024, gunmen killed 149 people at a concert hall outside Moscow in an attack claimed by Isis. US officials said they had intelligence indicating it was the Afghan branch of the group, Isis-K, that was responsible. The Taliban said it was working to wipe out the presence of Isis in Afghanistan.

Will China follow suit?

"As a traditional friendly neighbour of Afghanistan, the Chinese side has always believed that Afghanistan should not be excluded from the international community," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Friday, after Russias recognition of the Taliban.

"No matter how the internal or external situation changes in Afghanistan, diplomatic relations between China and Afghanistan have never been interrupted," she said.

The Talibans soldiers have been celebrating on social media. The next in line to recognise the Islamic Emirate will be all the other members of BRICS, InshaAllah. Cry, enemies! said a Taliban supporter on X, referring to Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africas coalition.

Russias decision would pave a clearer way for China at least to officially recognise the government in Kabul, said Kabir Taneja, deputy director and fellow at Strategic Studies Programme at the ORF in New Delhi. Others may still be wary. For Russia, this may have been expedited due to the Ukraine war and the ISKP-led terror attack in Moscow in April 2024.

The Middle East will be a little more sceptical, he told The Independent. However, it is possible that normalisation of Ahmed Al Sharaa in Syria will pave an easier path more specifically for Arab powers to normalise the Taliban as well, Mr Taneja said, referring to Syria's president  a former al-Qaeda militant.

Senior authorities on Afghanistan, however, continued to warn against the risk of colluding with the Taliban at the expense of Afghanistans women and girls. David Loyn, author of The Long War and a senior expert on Afghanistan, cautioned: There is no plan as to how to move forward to save Afghan women.

The best thing from this could be if the US and other Western countries sat up and took notice that Russia is cozying up to the Taliban, who harbour al-Qaeda and run a terrorist state, Mr Loyn told The Independent.

And we know what happens when Afghanistan is ignored. The consequences were 9/11, Mr Loyn warned.
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Russia has become the first nation to formally recognise the Taliban government in Afghanistan since the group seized power in 2021, following Moscow's decision to remove the organisation from its list of outlawed entities.

The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed it had accepted credentials from Afghanistans newly appointed Ambassador, Gul Hassan Hassan. The ministry stated that this official recognition would foster "productive bilateral cooperation".

Afghanistans Foreign Ministry hailed the development as a "historic step". Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi was quoted welcoming the decision as "a good example for other countries."

The Taliban assumed control of Afghanistan in August 2021 following the withdrawal of US and NATO forces. Since then, the group has sought international recognition while imposing its strict interpretation of Islamic law.

While no country had formally recognized the Taliban administration until now, the group had engaged in high-level talks with many nations and established some diplomatic ties with countries including China and the United Arab Emirates.

open image in gallery Russia's Supreme Court judge Oleg Nefyodov delivers a verdict lifting a ban on Afghanistan's Taliban, who were designated as a terrorist group more than two decades ago, in Moscow, Russia, April 17, 2025 ( AP )

Still, the Taliban government has been relatively isolated on the world stage, largely over its restrictions on women.

Although the Taliban initially promised a more moderate rule than during their first stint in power from 1996 to 2001, it started to enforce restrictions on women and girls soon after the 2021 takeover. Women are barred from most jobs and public places, including parks, baths and gyms, while girls are banned from education beyond sixth grade.

Russian officials have recently been emphasizing the need to engage with the Taliban to help stabilize Afghanistan, and lifted a ban on the Taliban in April.

Russias ambassador to Afghanistan, Dmitry Zhirnov, said in remarks broadcast by state Channel One television that the decision to officially recognize the Taliban government was made by President Vladimir Putin on advice from Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Zhirnov said the decision proves Russias sincere striving for the development of full-fledged relations with Afghanistan.
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An elderly Malaysian couple reportedly travelled more than 370km from Kuala Lumpur to enjoy a cable car ride they had seen online, only to realise upon arrival that the video was generated through artificial intelligence (AI).

The couple travelled to Pengkalan Hulu in the western state of Perak last month to enjoy the joyride, according to a viral post on the social media platform Threads, reported by several local media outlets.

In a post shared by a hotel employee in Gerik, Perak, named Daya on 30 June, she recalled that the couple allegedly asked her if she had visited the cable car in Kuak Hulu. The couple told her they had seen the cable car in a video featured during a news segment of a local channel.

In the AI-generated video, a woman with a mic introduced the "Kuak Skyride"  a purported scenic cable car ride in the quiet town of Kuak Hulu. The video showed people forming queues outside a ticketing booth, while tourists clicked photos of the attraction.

The AI-generated video showed the "reporter" interviewing visitors, including tourists from Thailand, and having a luxurious meal. The cable car journey, against the picturesque mountains, culminates at a deer petting zoo in the AI-generated video.

"I was so shocked... I explained to the auntie that the video was (made by AI) and not real, the hotel worker wrote in a post.

The auntie then asked Why would anyone want to lie? There was even a reporter (in the video), the employee added.

The elderly woman said she did not come across comments under the video to indicate that it was fake, and expressed their wish to sue the journalist. However, the employee said she had to remind the woman that the journalist in the video also did not exist.

When asked why they did not check with their children before visiting, the couple said they were embarrassed. "Please, all of you diligently ask your parents who are traveling, ask where you are going from KL [Kuala Lumpur] to Perak," the employee added in her post.

The viral AI video has prompted authorities to issue clarifications, stating that such a cable car project does not exist in Perak. Of course, it doesnt exist... but I admit, it was exciting to watch. We were entertained, even if it was just AI-generated content," Sinar Harian newspaper quoted Baling district officer Yazlan Sunardie Che Yahaya as saying.

Who knows, maybe one day it could become a reality. After all, Baling and Pengkalan Hulu do have mountains and scenic views that are suitable and beautiful," he said.

Baling's acting district police chief Ahmad Salimi Md Ali cautioned the public against sharing content on social media before verifying. To date, we have not received any reports involving losses, fraud or public concern related to the viral AI-generated video.

Checks conducted in both Baling and Pengkalan Hulu have confirmed that no such cable car project exists, he said, according to Malay Mail. Police could take action under existing laws if such content caused public alarm or disrupted order, he added.
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A builder from Norwich has traded his forklift for a "dream car" after scooping a staggering 1 million on a National Lottery scratchcard.

Adam Lopez, 39, saw his bank balance soar from a modest 12.40 to an astonishing 1,000,012.40 after claiming his winnings.

Mr Lopez is now taking a break from work to plan his future, calling the moment he claimed his prize "the best call Ive ever made".

Recalling the win, Mr Lopez said: "I stopped to pick up a drink and bought a scratchcard at the same time." He then travelled home to share the news with his mother, Danica, and stepfather, Andrew.

Once in the car I played the scratchcard and when I saw the 1 million, I didnt know what to do with myself, so shoved the scratchcard in the glovebox without even thinking.

open image in gallery 39-year-old builder Adam Lopez, from Norwich, who won 1M on a National Lottery scratchcard ( Allwyn )

I always thought Id scream if I ever won big but when it actually happened, I was stunned into complete silence!

He added: It was the most surreal moment when the lady from the National Lottery confirmed that I was a millionaire! My mum went off like a balloon she was so excited for me!

Seeing my balance go from 12.40 to 1,000,012.40 was a real pinch me moment!

Mr Lopez has swapped the forklift he usually drives at work for a Range Rover Sport and treated his mum to a Range Rover Evoque.

The builder said: Sadly we lost my dad eight years ago, he always said that hed take care of us, and I think in some way this win has come from him.

So, when I treated myself to my dream car, I knew I had to make mums dream come true too. Seeing how happy it made her when she got behind the wheel of her new car was even better than when I found out I had won!

Mr Lopez has also booked a family holiday to Barbados for next year with his winnings.

He added: Never in my wildest dreams did I think this would happen to me, I feel so blessed. Ive given myself a budget to have fun, a pot to treat people I love and the rest Im saving for the future.

open image in gallery Mobile phone showing the bank balance of 39-year-old builder Adam Lopez, from Norwich, who won 1M on a National Lottery scratchcard. ( Allwyn )

I plan to use this time to enjoy myself and get fit, as I want to travel more next year. The trip to Barbados is going to be amazing and Im also hoping to visit friends in New York.

Who knows, I may even book a first-class ticket as Ive always wanted to turn left on an aeroplane  thanks to this win I can make that dream a reality too!

Mr Lopez bought his winning Scratchcard from a Premier store on Reepham Road, Norwich.

It costs 5 to play and there is a one in 3.33 overall chance of winning a prize, with prizes ranging from 5 to the top prize of 1 million.

The National Lottery generates on average more than 30 million each week for National Lottery-funded projects.

It has awarded more than 95 billion in prizes and created more than 7,400 millionaires or multimillionaires since its launch in 1994.
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Parliament's master bellringer has been hit with a 100,000-plus court bill after tearing out the front gates of his banker neighbour's 2m west London home during a neighbours' fight.

Retired financier Nicholas Partick-Hiley bought his mews cottage in Disbrowe Road, Fulham, in August 2023, planning to make the property a dream home for his retirement alongside wife, Lisa.

But the 64-year-old was shocked when he arrived on the day of completion to find his new neighbour - Parliament bellringer Adrian Udal, 65, - demolishing the door and roller gate securing the front of his home.

Mr Udal insisted he had a right to do what he did as he owns the land the gate was on, but the couple sued and won the case last month after Judge Nicholas Parfitt branded Mr Udal's actions "wanton destruction" and carefully pre-planned.

open image in gallery Westminster Abbey belleringer Adrian Udal outside court ( Champion News )

And now Mr Udal - Secretary of the Belfry at St Margarets Church, a medieval building next to Westminster Abbey which acts as place of worship for the Houses of Parliament - has been left facing a 100,000-plus bill after being ordered to pay the legal costs of the case.

In a short hearing at Mayor's and City County Court, Judge Parfitt ordered him to pay 85,000 up front towards his neighbours' estimated 100,000-plus legal bill.

open image in gallery Nicholas and Lisa Partick-Hiley outside Mayors and City County Court during a neighbours dispute ( Champion News )

He will also have to pay the couple 10,000 compensation for what he did, as well his own lawyers' significant costs, which have not been revealed in court.

Mr Udal is a veteran bell-ringer, whose Secretary of the Belfy role involves liasing with clergy when bellringing is needed for special church, state and parliamentary events, while he is proud to have rung in the New Year almost every year since 2000.

He also works as a broadcast editor and has a keen interest in antique clocks, while his wife, Helen, is also a campanologist, being bell tower captain at St Gabriels Church Pimlico.

Mr Partick-Hiley is a retired financier and former managing director and head of sales for North America investment banking specialists Panmure Gordon.

During the trial last month, Judge Parfitt was told how the two neighbouring homes are in an unusual layout, with the Partick-Hileys house located behind Mr Udals property and reachable across a drive and through a passageway, which passes under part of his house and into their courtyard.

The drive and passageway are owned by Mr Udal, but the Partick-Hileys have the right to pass over it to get to their house, the court heard.

open image in gallery When Nicholas Partick-Hiley arrived at his new house, he found the shutters and door being removed. Image shows the work in progress ( Champion News )

Explaining the background to the row, Mark Warwick KC, for the Partick-Hileys, said: On the day of completion, Mr Partick-Hiley arrived at the property at about 12.10.

He was astonished to find Mr Udal and another man. The two men were in the process of destroying the door and gate. They were also disconnecting wiring that connected the property to various services.

"No advance warning of any kind had been given by Mr Udal, or anyone on his behalf, that such extraordinary behaviour was going to happen.

Mr Partick-Hiley endeavoured to remain calm. He contacted his solicitors, he felt helpless.

Mr Udal and (the other man) continued with their demolition work until about 5pm.

His actions were plainly carefully pre-planned. No amount of persuasion, including the involvement of the police, has caused him to resile, or seemingly regret, his actions.

The impact of these actions, and contentions, has been serious, their quiet enjoyment and actual enjoyment of their home has been disrupted.

open image in gallery Image shows location of dispute between Nicholas Partick-Hiley and Adrian Udal ( Champion News )

The couple sued for an injunction against Mr Udal, claiming the right to put up new gates across the opening which leads to their house, citing "security concerns" in the affluent street.

They said they were aware of a conflict between their homes previous owner and Mr Udal before moving in, but thought it was settled until Mr Udal was witnessed dismantling the disputed gate.

Through their solicitors, they had contacted him two months before the move, explaining that they planned to install better looking and more functional gates once they moved in, although making clear they would welcome Mr Udals input on the style and design of those gates.

But in response, the couple alleged their new neighbour began to plot how to remove and install new gates, buying his own set of metal barriers on July 13, 2023, which Mr Warwick claimed showed that he was planning to carry out the destruction of the existing gates.

When the day of completion arrived, Mr Udal and his accomplice duly set about destroying the gates and disconnecting services running through the driveway, he added.

Their barrister claimed Mr Udal had "carefully planned" what he did and did so "at a time to cause maximum disruption and distress."

open image in gallery The location of dispute between Nicholas Partick-Hiley and Adrian Udal in Disbrowe Road, Fulham ( Champion News )

Soon afterwards, the couples lawyers wrote to Mr Udal insisting that the removed gates were their property and that it was up to them to decide what alternatives should be put in their place.

Mr Udal disagreed, said the KC, adding: On 10 September, he began to hang metal gates, of his own choosing, right next to the pavement.

In court, the couple insisted they have the right to erect and site entrance gates "on either side of the opening that runs under part of Mr Udal's house," plus the right to park a car in the area.

But Mr Udal insisted their right only extends to having the strip gated at the front of the property next to the pavement and they have no right to have a car on his land.

He said that in removing the existing roller gate and door, and installing a new gate next to the pavement at the end of the driveway, he had done no more than assert his legitimate rights as freehold owner of the passage between the two homes.

Handing victory to the bell master's neighbours, Judge Parfitt slammed his "wrongful act of wanton destruction...which any reasonable and objective person should have realised would cause considerable upset and discomfort" and ordered him to pay 10,000 damages.

"Mr Udal was a poor witness who came across as preferring his own perception of what might be helpful to his own case, regardless of any objective reality," he continued.

"The overall impression was that truth for him, in the context of legal proceedings at least, was no obstacle to a clever argument about language or the other evidence.

"He referred to his destruction of the roller shutter and furniture as his having 'returned' it to (the former owner). This is also using expressions normally used to describe something helpful - getting something back to the owner - as a means of sugar-coating the reality of what he was doing: destroying part of the claimants property on the very day they were moving in and would have expected to find the roller shutter and furniture providing a secure and private barrier between the road and their new house.

"On a balance of probabilities, the defendant had planned to destroy the roller shutter and furniture on the day of completion and perhaps hoped that it would be a fait accompli by the time the claimants arrived. In any event, he continued his actions even after they had arrived and it was clear that they objected."

The judge found that the gates Mr Udal removed were in the correct position and that the couple have a right to pass and re-pass either on foot, or with or without vehicles" down the drive and passage.

He added: "Mr Udal's actions in respect of the roller gates and furniture was an inappropriate and wrongful act of wanton destruction designed, in my view, to, at best, take advantage of the gap between owners occurring at completion, and conduct which any reasonable and objective person should have realised would cause considerable upset and discomfort to the new owners."

Returning to court last week to decide on matters consequential to his judgment, Judge Parfitt ordered Mr Udal to tear out the gate he installed within two weeks.

He said the Partick-Hileys would have the right to install their own, but that if it is to be lockable they must ensure that Mr Udal is able to get in if he wants to get to the back of his house.

He also ordered him to pay 85,000 towards their lawyers' bills - estimated at over 100,000 - ahead of an assessment at a later date. His own lawyers' bills were not revealed in court papers.

Representing himself via a video link, Mr Udal said he was planning to challenge the decision on appeal.
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Dame Priti Patel has urged ministers to have the courage to trigger a vote on the Chagos Islands deal.

The Government won a vote in the Lords on Monday, when 205 peers struck down a Tory bid to reject the treaty which cedes control of the archipelago to Mauritius.

But the Conservative Partys shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti has called for a similar vote in the Commons.

With the 21-day Crag (Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010) process about to conclude, it is a disgrace that Labour have breached the parliamentary conventions and denied this House a meaningful debate and vote on ratification, she told MPs.

To accompany the treaty, MPs will need to sign off on a Bill to wind up the current governance of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT).

The treaty will only come into force once the legislation is in place, according to the Government.

Dame Priti added: Having a vote on the Bill is not the same as voting on the treaty under Crag. Earlier this week, the House of Lords  the other place  had a debate and vote where the Lib Dems sided with Labour in backing this 30 billion surrender treaty, which is subsidising tax cuts in Mauritius.

So, why cant we have a debate and vote in this House? What are ministers afraid of?

Are they afraid that their backbenchers, now worried about benefit cuts and the impact of unpopular tax rises, will question why so much money is being handed over for a territory that we own and force them into another embarrassing U-turn?

Dame Priti urged ministers to scrap this treaty or at least have the courage to bring it here for a proper debate, full scrutiny, and finally, a vote in this House.

Treaties are laid before Parliament before they are ratified, but there is no requirement for a debate or vote.

Peers in their vote, which Conservative shadow Foreign Office minister Lord Callanan triggered, agreed not to reject the treaty by 205 votes to 185, majority 20.

Responding, Stephen Doughty told the Commons he was disappointed by the tone of Dame Pritis comments.

I dont know who writes this stuff, the Foreign Office minister said.

I dont know whether its just performative politics or rhetoric, I dont know what.

But I should point out that I have received and answered over 100 written parliamentary questions from (Dame Priti), Ive answered over 250 questions on this deal and the process in total.

Weve had no less than six urgent questions in this House. We have had two statements from this Government by the Foreign Secretary (David Lammy) and the Defence Secretary (John Healey).

I personally briefed (Dame Priti) and answered many of her questions in my office just a couple of weeks ago in good faith and in detail, and indeed, I was subjected  quite rightly  to robust scrutiny not only from the Foreign Affairs Committee of this House, but also from the International Relations and Defence Committee in the other House, and indeed the International Arrangements Committee in great detail on these issues.

Mr Doughty said a Bill would follow in due course but added the deal with Mauritius, presented to Parliament in May, secures the UK-US military base on Diego Garcia, secures our national security and that of our allies.
Its exactly a year since Keir Starmer got the keys to Downing Street. Three hundred and sixty-five days since I stood at my local polling station in Kentish Town and saw Keir and his Me+Em-clad wife Victoria Starmer do the customary voting shot on election morning. It was quite the media scrum here in NW5  the community centre at one of the local council estates, which usually hosts mum-and-baby singing or drop-ins, was besieged by the worlds press.

Its funny when the media circus descends on somewhere you know so well; our prime minister and his wife are good north London citizens, sending their kids to local schools. I often saw Victoria at Tufnell Park station (Kentish Town was closed for a year for refurbishment). In her elegant trouser suits and long bob, she had a very north London working mum aesthetic. She fitted in just fine.

A year ago, I wrote about how I hoped Victoria would be a new kind of first lady  one who bucked the traditional trend of buy-one-get-one-free political wives. Its amazing how many consort occupants of Downing Street have made being Mrs Prime Minister their primary identity. Lest we forget Cherie Blair, with her stylist Carole Caplin, being photographed in her Downing Street bedroom applying lip gloss. Or Samantha Cameron, who released shots of her trendified Downing Street flat with its LOVE pillows, on-trend DVD box sets (remember those?) and OKA shelving.

open image in gallery Samantha Cameron and Michelle Obama put their careers aside while their husbands were in power ( PA )

As the first official consort occupant not to be married to her PM partner, Carrie Johnson courted a deluge of media attention for her luxury Lulu Lytle makeover of No 11, lockdown parties, and extravagant tastes. Even Mrs Rishi Sunak was proudly paraded everywhere from Yorkshire to global summits, discussing loading the dishwasher and pretending she was just like the rest of us  despite being one of the worlds richest women.

By contrast, Lady Starmer, a former solicitor and proud occupational health professional, has flown almost entirely under the radar over the past 12 months. Fiercely private about the familys home life, shes not one to do a sit-down interview with a glossy magazine. When she did grace the cover of Tatler, the profile had to be stitched together from quotes by those close to her. Described as a spectral presence whom many in Labour circles have never met, friends were said to be terrified of saying much about Victoria  even when it was complimentary.

In the past year, Victoria Starmer has only appeared fleetingly at a handful of official events. She was there to turn on Downing Streets Christmas lights, at an 80th anniversary celebration of VE Day, and during an emotional return to Auschwitz for a Holocaust memorial. We also saw her at a Taylor Swift Eras tour concert, in the Wimbledon Royal Box, and at the Vatican for Pope Franciss funeral.

While Keir Starmer told The Observer that, after the row over accepting expensive gifts  including tickets to see Swift with his family  what really upset him was his wife being dubbed Lady Victoria Sponger, her disappearing act is certainly not a case of having a thin skin, but more a positive and empowered decision by Victoria to just do things differently.

Nature abhors a vacuum  and just like with the Princess of Wales, Victorias lack of public profile has led to some pretty wild speculation about their marriage

If there is a normal life to be had in Downing Street (where they live in the larger flat at No 11), Victoria has seemingly achieved the impossible and managed it. Her husband generally avoids having meetings or drinks with colleagues back at the flat, so its kept very much as a family zone  just like their home in Kentish Town. With no interest in being a public figure, Lady Vic has had a year of simply nipping off to work, looking after her teenage children, and mostly staying well away from photo calls or wifely appearances to soften her husbands image.

Of course, nature abhors a vacuum  and just like with the Princess of Wales, Victorias lack of public profile has led to some pretty wild speculation about their marriage. But wisely, instead of attending to these vicious lies, Victoria has brushed off any malicious gossip, preferring to defuse rumours through quiet and steady support behind closed doors.

And it feels very refreshing to have a PMs spouse who is doing an ordinary gig in the NHS, feeding back the reality of life on the ground, instead of sacrificing her independence to swan around with other political spouses at G7 summits. As a highly intelligent and photogenic woman, she is a potent and valuable asset to her husband. But even more important  to the rest of womankind  is her refusal to be used as a Wag trophy or to publicly play a part in a power couple. This matters. For centuries, its been assumed that men who take big jobs  whether as ambassadors abroad or as top politicians  will have a wife who comes as part of the BOGOF package: providing social oil, hosting dinners, remembering names, and making everyone feel welcome and looked after.

Given the dire state of never-here-Keirs current standing within the Labour Party (how did a PM with a landslide majority read his backbenchers mood so badly he ended up having to torpedo his own disability benefit reform bill to avoid a humiliating defeat?), I dont doubt the pressure could be on his wife to change the mood  to appear in public, to show her husband in a more positive light.

open image in gallery Victoria has opted for subtle support for her husband from behind the scenes, and seemingly managed a half-normal life in Downing Street so far ( Getty )

Even the incomparable Michelle Obama was called upon to introduce Barack, talking about how she loved him despite his stinky socks and late-night almond habit (he would never eat more than seven nuts). Such wives were expected to work like Trojans behind the scenes to prop up the husbands public role. (Anyone else remember Norma Major and her publicly paraded frozen grated cheese in Tupperware to make John Major seem more relatable and thrifty? Or even Mr May, wheeled out in shots of their annual walking holiday in the Swiss Alps to try and convince us that Theresa was human after all?)

But Lady Vic has said goodbye to all that. Everything about her suggests that she will stick to her guns and resist being trotted out to improve Keirs standing with the public. Letting her husband get on with the job, while she gets on with hers, is what she does best. And she should be applauded for sticking to her principles  keeping her kids out of the spotlight and carrying on as normal, even when its not really normal at all. Something I was reminded of yesterday as I walked down the street where the Starmer family home was firebombed in May.

The charred brickwork was a stark example of the high personal cost that political families pay for being in the public eye. Its Vics sister who lives there now, and she was upstairs with her partner when the front door was set alight. She happened to still be awake, Keir told his biographer last month, so she heard the noise and got the fire brigade. But it could have been a different story.

Vic is all too aware of the dangers in a highly polarised world. I vividly remember pro-Palestinian groups leaving piles of childrens shoes outside the Starmer home and demonstrating against Keirs policies on our high street. No doubt she has had bile thrown at her family because of her Jewish roots and faith. Last month marked nine years since Labour MP Jo Cox  a beloved wife and mother  was murdered in her constituency, stabbed 15 times. The risk is real; many senior politicians receive near-daily death threats.

open image in gallery Keir and Victoria lay a wreath during a visit to the Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau ( AFP/Getty )

In such a highly charged, toxic environment, Victorias conviction to stay firmly below the parapet is entirely understandable and sensible. The risk to her teenage kids (whom Keir has said he wants to be able to walk to school and live their own lives  we dont even know the name of their younger child) is real. We should be pleased that Victoria has resisted the kind of family photo calls beloved of the Blairs, Camerons, or even the Browns. Today, there are no halfway houses. You either play the publicity game  or you totally dont.

Instead, Vic has pursued her own independence, protecting herself and her kids in the process. Their dad has chosen to be PMthe rest of the family hasnt. She has honoured their commitment to staying out of the limelight.

As we hit the first anniversary of the first family moving into Downing Street  well done, Lady Vic. Youve played a blinder.
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For a beleaguered Keir Starmer, his former boss Jeremy Corbyn is turning into the political equivalent of one of those movie villains who simply refuses to be defeated.

Despite being effectively thrown out of the party, Corbyn managed to get re-elected last year as an independent in the neighbouring seat to Starmer in north London.

But now his plan to create a new party on the left with another Labour exile, Zarah Sultana, looks like it could be more than just a chaotic vanity project.

Jeremy Corbyn and Zara Sultana join a picket line ( PA )

Essentially, Corbyn and Sultana would be uniting a new political force which emerged during the 2024 election and was roughly known as the pro-Gaza independents.

Apart from Corbyn himself, four of the pro-Gaza Independents were elected in 2024 and many more came very close, tapping into support in seats with high Muslim populations.

Frontbencher Jon Ashworth, who looked as though he was destined for the cabinet, lost his Leicester South seat, while health secretary Wes Streeting only survived a challenge from one of these independents in Ilford North with a majority of 528.

Others to squeak through were justice secretary Shabana Mahmood and home office minister Jess Phillips.

But more to the point, Labour is no longer polling at 33 per cent - the national share of the vote they got to win the last election - but 10 points below that.

Sultana, Corbyn and the Gaza Independents are still very much motivated by Israel and the Middle East but also have a renewed domestic socialist agenda on the welfare cuts Starmer has proposed, and the desire to bring in wealth taxes.

As we saw in the massive rebellion earlier this week on welfare, there is a lot of sympathy for this position in the Labour ranks and if rebels are to lose the whip or be turfed out of the party, then Corbyn and Sultana may give them a welcome home.

Polling has suggested it would get 8 per cent national support as a start, more than enough to start eating into Labour majorities and splitting the vote on the left.

Perhaps the only person who will be laughing will be Nigel Farage whose hopes of winning a majority with Reform UK can only be helped by a split leftwing vote.

That said, it could also be bad news for Farage. Reform has relied heavily on the so-called anti-politics vote, the people unhappy with the mainstream parties looking for an alternative.

Corbyn has always appealed to many in this group as much as Farage and they could end up fishing for support in the same pool even if their policies are miles apart.
The MP for Islington North  ex-leader of the Labour Party and informal spokesperson for the Alliance group of independents in the House of Commons  could be staging a bit of a comeback.

Jeremy Corbyn has been on ITVs Peston to drop the heaviest hint yet that he wants to start a new socialist party, and hes ready to lead it. Nobody expects him to be prime minister (albeit hes been underestimated before), but he could make an impact of sorts.

What has Corbyn been saying?

For some months, hes been talking about the need for an alternative on the left of British politics, and the welfare bill fiasco offers an opportunity for him to explain Labours current disarray. Last September, Corbyn addressed a meeting aimed at founding a new left-wing party, Collective; his faithful ally, the former Unite general secretary Len McCluskey, also attended along with various former independent candidates.

Now, Corbyn says the Alliance group of five independent MPs have worked ... very well together over the past year in parliament and offer an alternative of a left independent party of socialist views. He says a grouping will come together, there will be an alternative because there is a thirst for an alternative view  which is about a society that deals with poverty, inequality, and a foreign policy thats based on peace not war.

Will Corbyn lead it?

Hes obviously the most experienced and high-profile of the five MPs. On the other hand, hell be about 80 by the time of the next election. He says: Im here to work  Im here to serve the people in the way Ive always tried to do.

Will it happen?

Certainly. Corbyn and the others who left the Labour fold know theres no way back for them, and that, even if there was, they are electorally better off standing as independent candidates or standing for the new party, whether its called Independent, Alliance, Collective or something else.

Would it succeed?

Polling suggests such a grouping might capture about 10 per cent of the vote on average, taking votes principally away from Labour and thus hugely widening the gap between the government and Reform UK. More in Common found Labour would drop from 23 per cent of the vote to 20 per cent, with Reform unchanged at 27 per cent. Greens would also lose some support to the new Corbynistas. In short, the net result would make a Farage government more likely.

The new partys support, as now, would tend to be higher in constituencies with larger Muslim or student populations and places where there are lots of middle-class public sector workers. Some big Labour names would be vulnerable to losing their seats on current trends: Shabana Mahmood (Birmingham Ladywood) and Wes Streeting (Ilford North).

Who are the Alliance Group?

Aside from Corbyn there are four who campaigned mainly on the Palestinian issue and in protest at Labours stance, and all beat Labour candidates and MPs over the partys position on Gaza: Shockat Adam (Leicester South) who dislodged Jonathan Ashworth; Ayoub Khan (Birmingham Perry Barr); Adnan Hussain (Blackburn); and Iqbal Mohamed (Dewsbury and Batley). If grouped together, they number as many MPs as Reform UK or the Democratic Unionist Party; as a formal party, with electoral funding, they could wield more influence.

Would they attract Labour MPs to defect?

Quite possibly, especially if the Labour leadership keeps taking the whip off its leftist or pro-Palestine rebels so they feel they have nowhere else to go.

Does Corbyns grouping have any rivals on the left?

Lots of Marxist sects, but at the moment its mostly the Greens and the Workers Party of Britain, led by George Galloway, who are in the same sort of territory. Who knows what could happen there. They could compete with each other and split the radical vote; or cooperate Germany-style and maximise their parliamentary representation as a Red-Green coalition. The Workers Party of Britain ran Angela Rayner a close second in the last general election, although Galloway lost Rochdale to Labour. He might like a rematch with Labour member Paul Waugh.

What might the new Corbyn party be like?

To some degree, it would resemble Labour under Corbyn: a fairly clear alternative on most issues, a hopeless muddle on others  prone to splits, big on rallies and trade union links, at odds with the media and plagued by accusations of antisemitism.

What do the five MPs agree on?

Working to end the suffering of the Palestinian people, and left-of-centre economics. One particular matter that will take up their time in the coming months is the legal definition of Islamophobia and, indeed, the disgusting wave of anti-Muslim hatred that appears on social media and elsewhere. This rise in racism is a distressing trend for anyone, but especially so for Muslim people. The grooming gang scandal has worsened the problem.

What are their differences?

Depending on how far Galloway gets involved, these could include the extent of their support for a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict; policy on the war in Ukraine; the EU; and culture war controversies such as trans rights.

Any other problems?

The groups emergence as a party could exacerbate communalism in local politics in the big cities, based on ethnic or religious rather than class differences. The even more horrific prospect is that they allow a Farage-led government into power with all that entails for legitimising Islamophobia.
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On Thursday evening, ex-Labour MP Zarah Sultana announced plans to set up a new left-wing political party alongside Jeremy Corbyn, taking aim at the government for having completely failed to improve peoples lives.

Westminster is broken but the real crisis is deeper, Ms Sultana said, adding that just 50 families now own more wealth than half the UK population.

She promised to offer an alternative to managed decline and broken promises  but what exactly will that look like in practice? Here, The Independent runs through everything we know so far about the new left-wing offering in Westminster.

open image in gallery Zarah Sultana announced plans to set up a new left-wing political party alongside Jeremy Corbyn ( PA )

What is their mission? And do they have any policies?

As disaffection grows with Sir Keir Starmers government following last weeks humiliating climbdown on welfare, Ms Sultana is attempting to offer a left-wing alternative to the Labour Party of today.

While the group is still in its formative stages and has yet to set out any clear policies, Ms Sultanas social media statement gave a strong indication of where the partys priorities will lie.

Their key mission, Ms Sultana suggested, was to offer an alternative to Labour, Reform and the Tories, which she claimed were fighting for billionaires.

As a result, we can expect them to put a strong emphasis on tackling poverty, given Ms Sultana previously had the Labour whip suspended from her for voting to lift the two-child benefit cap, and later voting against scrapping winter fuel payments for pensioners.

The MP also accused the government of wanting to make disabled people suffer  indicating support for a bolstered welfare state.

When it comes to foreign policy, the party is likely to have a strong emphasis on supporting Palestine, after Ms Sultana accused the government of being an active participant in genocide.

She also claimed both Sir Keir and Nigel Farage smear people of conscience trying to stop a genocide in Gaza as terrorists. It comes just days after Ms Sultana voted against a motion to proscribe Palestine Action as a terror organisation.

But at the same time, she also said the public wants more money spent on public services, not forever wars  indicating she would support a reversal of the governments defence spending boost.

Meanwhile, Mr Corbyn said: Poverty, inequality and war are not inevitable. Our country needs to change direction, now.

open image in gallery Jeremy Corbyn has not yet commented on the partys formation ( ITV )

Who is involved?

Ms Sultana said she will be leading the party with former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. While the ex-Labour leader initially failed to comment, sparking rumours he had not fully committed to join, on Friday afternoon he issued a statement confirming that discussions are ongoing about the partys formation.

Ms Sultana said the party will involve other independent MPs, campaigners and activists across the country. It is likely to be made up of Labour activists on the left of the party who have grown disillusioned with Sir Keirs government, believing it has shifted too far to the right as part of an attempt to combat the threat of Reform UK.

How much support do they have?

It is too early to tell what kind of backing Ms Sultanas party would have in practice. Overnight, shes had more than 14,000 sign-ups to her page.

More broadly, polling conducted by More in Common last month  well before the MP unveiled her party  asked the public how they would vote if a left-leaning party led by Mr Corbyn emerged.

The hypothetical scenario saw 10 per cent of voters say they would back the party, taking three points from Labour, four points from the Greens, one point from the Lib Dems and one point from the SNP. Labour was left with 20 per cent support, neck and neck with the Tories, while Reform UK was on 27 per cent.
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Jeremy Corbyn has broken his silence on the new left-wing political party announced by ex-Labour MP Zarah Sultana, confirming that discussions are ongoing about the partys formation.

On Thursday evening, Ms Sultana - a former Labour MP - said she would co-lead the new movement with Mr Corbyn, hitting out at the government for having completely failed to improve peoples lives.

But the ex-Labour leader initially failed to comment, sparking rumours he had not fully committed to join.

Zarah Sultana recently compared Sir Keir Starmers defence of activists as a barrister to the crackdown on Palestine Action ( Parliament TV )

In a statement on Friday afternoon, the veteran left-winger said: Real change is coming.

One year on from the election, this Labour government has refused to deliver the change people expected and deserved. Poverty, inequality and war are not inevitable. Our country needs to change direction, now.

Congratulations to Zarah Sultana on her principled decision to leave the Labour Party. I am delighted that she will help us build a real alternative.

He added: The democratic foundations of a new kind of political party will soon take shape. Discussions are ongoing  and I am excited to work alongside all communities to fight for the future people deserve.

Together, we can create something that is desperately missing from our broken political system: hope.

Ms Sultana, whose Labour whip was suspended last year after voting to scrap the two-child benefit cap, was still a member of the party despite no longer being a Labour MP.

In a statement on Thursday, she confirmed her resignation from Labour and announced plans to co-lead the new party alongside Mr Corbyn and other independent MPs, campaigners and activists across the country.

Westminster is broken but the real crisis is deeper, she said, warning that the two-party system offers nothing but managed decline and broken promises.

The MP added: A year ago, I was suspended by the Labour Party for voting to abolish the two-child benefit cap and lift 400,000 children out of poverty.

Id do it again. I voted against scrapping winter fuel payments for pensioners. Id do it again.

Now, the government wants to make disabled people suffer; they just cant decide how much.

It comes after Sir Keir was forced to abandon a key plank of his controversial benefit cuts in order to get them through parliament in the face of a mass rebellion of Labour MPs.

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 49 Labour MPs voting to reject the legislation.

It came 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 in a humiliating climb down for the prime minister.

The rebellion was a sign of growing disaffection among Labour MPs, with mounting concern over Sir Keirs leadership and the direction of the government.

Responding to Ms Sultanas announcement, home secretary Yvette Cooper said the Coventry South MP has always taken a very different view to most people in the government on a lot of different things, and thats for her to do so.

Ms Cooper also rejected her accusation that Labour was failing to improve peoples lives, telling Sky News: I just strongly disagree with her.

The home secretary pointed to falling waiting times in the NHS, the announcement of additional neighbourhood police officers, extending free school meals and strengthening renters rights as areas where the government was acting.

These are real changes [that] have a real impact on peoples lives, she said.

John McDonnell, a Labour MP on the left of the party who previously served in Mr Corbyns shadow cabinet, said he was dreadfully sorry to lose Zarah from the Labour Party.

The people running Labour at the moment need to ask themselves why a young, articulate, talented, extremely dedicated socialist feels she now has no home in the Labour Party and has to leave, he warned.

Ms Sultana was one of seven MPs who had the Labour whip suspended last summer when they supported an amendment to the Kings Speech which related to the two-child benefit cap.

Four of the seven had the whip restored earlier this year, but Ms Sultana was not among them.
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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.

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. One setback came with the U.S. decision to halt some weapons shipments out of concern over the U.S.'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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

The U.S. Defense Department did not specify which weapons were being held back, when they disclosed the Pentagon review of U.S. weapons stockpiles Tuesday.

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.

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.
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A British woman and a woman from New Zealand have been killed by an elephant during a walking safari in Zambia.

The UKs Easton Janet Taylor, 68, and 67-year-old Alison Jean Taylor were charged by a female elephant and her calf in the incident on Thursday morning, Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba said.

Safari guides attempted to deter the animal by firing shots, wounding the elephant, but were unable to prevent the fatal attack. Both women died at the scene.

The tragedy unfolded at the South Luangwa National Park in eastern Zambia, approximately 370 miles from the capital, Lusaka. Female elephants are known for their fierce protectiveness of their young, often reacting aggressively to perceived threats.

The women were charged by a female elephant, police said (file photo) ( AP )

[A] team bearer and two female tourists while taking a safari walk to a crossing point at Luangwa river spotted an elephant with a calf at a distance and diverted for about 50 meters away, but within few minutes after diverting, a [team] bearer who is usually behind saw the elephant charging at them, Mr Mweemba said in a statement published by Zambia Reports.

He shouted elephant, as they turned to see, they saw it charging at a high speed and since Alison Jean Taylor had a leg problem, she was caught first and while the Wildlife Police Officer fired warning shots, Female Easton Janet Taylor was caught as well.

The two women were sisters, according to The New Zealand Herald. Alison was described by a neighbour as an amazing woman who had travelled to Antarctica as well as Africa.

The tourists had been staying at a safari camp for four days, and were on their way to another camp called Takwela which involves crossing the Luangwa River with a canoe. Mr Mweemba said it was on this journey through the bush that the tragedy occurred.

The womens bodies have been taken to Mambew district hospital, he said.

Mr Mweemba said the elephant was wounded in the incident, after she was shot by the wildlife officer.

This latest fatality follows two separate incidents last year in Zambia, where elderly American women were also killed by elephants while on safari.

Juliana Gle Tourneau, 64, was thrown from a vehicle in the city of Livingstone in 2024 as a group of tourists observed a herd of elephants. One of the elephants attacked the vehicle her, according to CBS News. Tourneaus group stopped near the Maramba Cultural Bridge because of traffic caused by the herd. The woman had been visiting the country from New Mexico.

Another American tourist was killed earlier that same year in a similar attack. Gail Mattson, 79, from Minnesota, was killed in Zambia while on her dream adventure in March, her daughter, Rona Wells, told CBS News.
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A former Army Ranger was seriously injured after a boat propeller sliced into him while snorkeling in the Bahamas.

Brent Slough was vacationing with his family on June 30 when the hit-and-run incident occurred in the Exuma district of the islands. The driver of the boat did not stop and has not been charged.

Slough, a West Point graduate and former Ranger who served six years in the military as well as one tour in Iraq, was in the water before dinner when a boat skimming the shallows struck him.

According to his wife, Whitney Slough, the propeller hit Slough underneath the buttocks and the legs, causing him to bleed profusely.

Recalling the incident to WFAA, she said: We hear Brent screaming, Help me, help me, help me. We didnt realize that he was struck by the boat.

open image in gallery Former Army Ranger Brent Slough was injured in a hit-and-run incident while snorkeling in the Bahamas. ( GoFundMe/ TheSlough Family )

Slough's family, with the help of other Good Samaritans on the beach, pulled him from the water and wrapped his legs in towels in an attempt to stop the bleeding. He was taken to a nearby hospital.

He was later airlifted back to the U.S. and is currently in the ICU in Miami, having undergone surgery, which lasted four hours.

His wife told WFAA that doctors were unable to stitch the wounds because they're so deep and have packed them instead. A GoFundMe to help with his medical bills has so far raised over $50,000.

Bahamian authorities are now searching for the boat and those responsible.

"They know they hit him, they saw him snorkeling," Whitney Slough said. "And they drove off. I just can't let that be. We're lucky that he's alive and there's no way that they should be able to get away with this."

She added: "[The Bahamas] is such a beautiful place. But I feel like I'm in a nightmare."
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At least four large wildfires erupted in California over the weekend following extreme high temperatures, forcing hundreds of residents to flee their homes.

The largest currently ablaze in the Sunshine State has been dubbed the Wolf Fire, which erupted at around 3:09 p.m. Sunday near Banning and has spread across 1,165 acres. No casualties have been reported and the cause of the fire is being investigated.

Cal Fire officials said 300 firefighters were deployed to tackle the blaze as it continues to rage into the early hours of Monday morning, at a moderate rate in medium to heavy brush.

open image in gallery Fire crews worked overnight to tackle multiple fires, including the Mandalay Fire (pictured) and the Wolf Fire Sunday night in California ( ABC7 )

Their biggest challenge with the Wolf Fire is the location because the flames are burning on the tip of the mountain, and ground crews are having difficulty accessing it, Cal Fire told NBC News Sunday.

Nearly a dozen evacuation orders have been issued for areas surrounding the blaze, and locals have been advised to take shelter 20 miles south in Hemet High School. Four helicopters have been deployed throughout the night to try and contain the fire.

Sixty miles north in San Bernardino County, the second largest fire, the Lake Fire, continues to burn, growing to 485 acres since it erupted around 4 p.m. on Saturday at the Silverwood State Recreation Area.

There, the fires prompted a group of about 100 visitors to flee in their beachwear, as bystanders with boats and jet skis helped evacuate them to a safe area. It is at 15 percent containment.

On the outskirts of the Sequoia National Park, the Saddle Fire burns across 206 acres in Tulare County, but officials have managed to contain it at 85 percent.

The flames erupted at around 10 p.m. Sunday, and local crews continue to battle the blaze throughout the night, said Cal Fire.

Steep terrain and access made this fire difficult for personnel to raise containment, a spokesperson added.

open image in gallery Huge 1,100-acre Wolf Fire captured on livestream ablaze throughout the night ( Cal Fire/Alert California/UC San Diego )

Two more fires continue to rage in Riverside County, California. The Mindy and Mandalay Fires both erupted Sunday at around 10 p.m. While fire officials have managed to tackle 50 percent of the Mindy Fire, which spread across 100 acres, crews have been struggling to grapple with the smaller Mandalay Fire, across 83 acres.

On Sunday night, Cal Fire downgraded evacuation orders for the Mindy Fire to warnings, advising residents to use caution when driving in the area.
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The body of a Kentucky physician who vanished after leaving a cruise ship to go hiking has been found, authorities say.

Dr. Marites Buenafes body was located just before midday Thursday by an Alaska Army National Guard helicopter, two days after she failed to return to the Norwegian Bliss during its stop at Juneau.

The 62-year-old Lexington native was reported missing at around 3.20 p.m. on Tuesday having missed the ships 1:30 p.m. departure time, Alaska State Troopers said.

The physician, who worked at University of Kentucky Healthcare and had been in practice for more than two decades, was reported on the trip with two family members.

The morning she went missing, Dr. Buenafe texted her family that she had planned to hike a popular trail from the Gold Ridge to Gastineau Peak, according to authorities.

open image in gallery The physician went missing near a popular hiking destination in the Alaska state capital ( Alaska State Troopers )

Melody Buenafe, Dr. Buenafes sister, wrote on Facebook Wednesday morning that she had last received a text from her sibling at 7.35 a.m. and knew the cruises departure time.

No answers to our numerous texts and phone calls, she added. Melody said she and her mother flew back to Juneau after the ship set sail again at 1.45 p.m.

Officials said Dr. Marites was last seen on surveillance footage at 7.30 a.m. Tuesday at the top of the Mount Roberts Tramway, a well-known spot providing views of Juneau and the Gastineau Channel.

Three stills from the security footage shared by Melody showed her sister wearing a dark pair of trousers and jacket, a spotted navy bandana and a maroon backpack.

Search and rescue teams deployed dogs, drones and helicopters before her body was found 1,700 feet below the ridge line of Gold Ridge on Thursday morning, Alaska Department of Public Safety spokesperson Austin McDaniel said.

open image in gallery Dr Buenafe's body was found by a National Guard helicopter two days after she went missing ( Alaska State Troopers )

Troopers and Juneau Mountain Rescue were able to recover her body with the assistance of Temsco Helicopters and the National Guard, state troopers said in a statement Thursday evening.

The search had concentrated in the mountains just south of downtown Juneau, an area McDaniel said was not especially remote.

Overcast and rainy weather late Wednesday had limited the number of aerial searches.

Dr. Buenafes family has been notified and her body was due to be sent to the state medical examiner's office for autopsy, officials said. The cause of her death was not immediately clear.

open image in gallery The face of Mendenhall Glacier is seen from along the Mount McGinnis trail in Juneau ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Juneau is a popular cruise ship destination, with visitors often staying close to the developed area that includes the tram. There are still areas of snow on the local peaks.

McDaniel said that visitors who hiked the well-trodden trail from Gold Ridge to Gastineau Peak are encouraged to become familiar with the area and pack extra clothes, food and water.

Trips into Alaskas backcountry can go from expected easy day trips to very challenging with one wrong step or fall, McDaniel cautioned.
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Authorities have revealed how a five-year-old girl fell overboard on a Disney cruise, prompting a dramatic ocean rescue by her father.

As the Disney Dream sailed toward Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at 11.30 a.m. on Sunday, the young girl was sitting on the fourth-deck railing while her parents played shuffleboard nearby.

The family had completed a four-night voyage through the Bahamas aboard the $900 million cruise when disaster struck and the girl slipped backwards, plunging 45ft into the ocean.

open image in gallery The father was seen breathless, clinging onto a rescue worker after jumping in to save his daughter ( TikTok )

Initially, it was not clear what had led to the girls fall. Now the Broward County Sheriffs Office has confirmed that the child had lost her balance and tumbled through a porthole, CBS Miami reports.

The dad leapt from the cruise to save his daughter, treading water for up to 20 minutes before both were pulled aboard the ships rescue boat.

This family is so blessed, a sheriff's spokesperson said, keeping the familys identity anonymous. It's great to be able to respond to good news rather than what could have been a tragic outcome.

Passenger Monica Shannon told CBS the railings had little divots and spaces that made it possible for the girl to climb up. Shannon was on the third-floor deck at the time, one below where the girl plunged from.

I kind of see something really fast flew by, I didn't think anything of it, she said. 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.

Another passenger named Chandler previously told People magazine about the moment the girl hit the water.

It sounded like hitting the pavement, she said. Then this awful scream from what I assume is the mother and then this massive splash.

open image in gallery The $900 million Disney Dream cruise ship was returning to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, following a four-night voyage in the Bahamas ( AFP/Getty )

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. The passenger said she didnt think rescuers would be able to locate the dad and daughter and told her nine-year-old daughter Harper that they were probably gone.

Video shared online shows the yellow rescue boat quickly bobbing through the waters to reach the father and daughter as onlookers watched from on top of the ship.

One clip shared on TikTok shows the girl in the boat wrapped in a towel while being embraced by a rescue worker. In another, the girls sodden father could be seen breathlessly clutching onto a rescuer.

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.
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The Fourth of July weekend will see Americans across the nation join family and friends to celebrate the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.

For dogs, however, it can be a time of noise and stress.

According to the American Kennel Club, Independence Day sees a surge in pet runaways, making it one of the most dangerous holidays for dogs.

With patriotic celebrations fast approaching, there are some ways to keep dogs safe  particularly if its a puppys first Fourth of July weekend.

Firstly, if you can skip bringing your dog to a fireworks show, skip it.

Dogs have much more sensitive hearing than humans and while some dogs are great with loud noises, others might find the thunderous fizz of a firecracker overwhelming.

open image in gallery Americans are getting set to celebrate 250 years of independence on Friday ( Syda Productions - stock.adobe.com )

Fireworks, thunderstorms and other sharp sounds are behind nearly one in five lost pets, an American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals survey suggests.

Trembling, pacing, drooling and digging at doors may all be signs that your pet is in discomfort, according to research from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

But if you are heading out, pack the essentials: treats, water, a familiar blanket, waste bags, and a chew toy to help soothe restlessness.

Exercising your dog earlier in the day will likely pay dividends when late-night celebrations kick into gear.

Take them on a lengthy walk; play hide and seek; work on some skills and tricks; give them part of their meal in a frozen Kong or other toy.

These are all ways to help tire them out and prepare them for a more comfortable stay in their kennel.

That brings us on to the next point: use a kennel!

If you have access, a kennel can be moved to the quietest room in the house. It can also be covered up with a blanket, making it feel cozy with the bonus of keeping extra noise out.

Playing music or switching on the TV may also help drown out the noise of fireworks.

If a dog still shows signs of unease or fear, its important to remain confident and not panic-coddle them. Instead, stay close and speak in a calm, soothing voice to reinforce that they are safe.

Offering a treat when fireworks go off can help your pet associate loud noises with something positive. Giving them treats earlier in the day before festivities start can help reward calm behavior.
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A man has died and a woman was left in critical condition after fireworks rained down on a Los Angeles neighborhood, lighting an entire block on fire.

Over 100 firefighters battled the blazes Thursday night after a fireworks explosion set multiple homes on fire in the Pacoima community, around 20 miles north of the city.

A 30-year-old man was found dead at the scene of the incident, the department reported, adding that a 33-year-old woman had been left in critical condition, and a 68-year-old woman had been treated for smoke inhalation, according to the LAFD. The name of the man has not been released.

By the time officers arrived, three one-story homes were on fire, with fireworks that were inside a detached garage actively detonating and threatening to set more houses and brush in the area alight.

"This structure fire also was involving a significant amount of fireworks that were being stored there and these fireworks were raining all upon the neighborhood," said David Ortiz, LAFD's public information officer.

Firefighters tackle a blaze after fireworks detonated in Pacoima, California. One person was killed in the incident. ( Fox 11 )

Several animals were also reportedly injured in the incident.

LAFD HazMat and arson investigators, along with the LAPD Bomb Squad and the Mayor's Crisis Team, responded to the scene.

"Many [fireworks] are being sold out of people's private garages and private residences by folks that really don't know how to handle fireworks," said Ortiz. "Especially when they're fireworks that have been stored for a long time and they crystalize, they can start some burn on their own.

We need to change that culture to one where folks go to see a professional show. Southern California is not really a safe place to detonate these fireworks, theyre very powerful and can start fires.

Ortiz added that the dry vegetation in the area could also add to risk of blazes getting out of control.

The explosion in Pacoima came just hours after another deadly incident involving fireworks earlier in the day in Simi Valley.

"We are encouraging people to leave the fireworks to the professionals," said Ortiz.

"I felt almost like the impact, you feel it. And as soon as I heard that, I turned down the street to see if anyone needed help and more fireworks started going off," a Pacoima resident told ABC7. "It felt like an explosion...the fireworks started going off and sooner or later all these fires started coming."
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The federal government is going to take millions of sterile flies and dump them on Texas in the hopes that they'll kill off a species of insect known for laying its flesh-eating larvae in the wounds of warm-blooded animals.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced an upcoming project where it will reportedly breed millions of flies, blast them with radiation to make them sterile and unleash them on Texas and Mexico in hopes of reducing the population of the New World Screwworm and its flesh-eating maggot larvae.

The sterile, irradiated male flies will be released in hopes that they'll mate with wild female screwworm flies. The hope is that the female flies will produce unfertilized eggs that don't hatch, ultimately reducing the number of screwworm larvae.

The end goal is to see the screwworm population die out in the region.

The New World Screwworm Fly is primarily found in forests and wooded areas, but also seeks hosts, including cattle and horses.

An adult New World Screwworm fly. The U.S. Department of Agriculture will produce sterile male flies and release them on Texas and Mexico in an effort to reduce the New World Screwworm population. ( U.S. Department of Agriculture )

Females will typically lay their eggs in the open wounds of live, warm-blooded animals. The maggots, once hatched, burrow into the flesh of the host. Their presence in the wound can potentially kill the host animal.

The flies burrow into the bodies of their hosts in a screw-like fashion, hence their name.

The flies  which are endemic to Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and some South American countries  were thought to have been wiped out in the U.S. as far back as 1966.

The screwworm can infest humans. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised that individuals in the affected areas who "spend time among livestock animals, sleep outdoors and have an open wound are at greater risk of becoming infested with [New World Screwworms]."

Because of the fly's infestation method, individuals who have recently had surgery are at a higher risk of infestation "as the flies will lay eggs on open sores," the CDC warned.

Unfortunately, the screwworm flies have recently reemerged in Texas, following an outbreak in Mexico. That became public in May, prompting the USDA to temporarily suspend live cattle, horse, and bison imports across the U.S.-Mexico border to prevent further spread.

The U.S. used the sterile fly method to nearly eliminate the screwworm flies between 1962 and 1975. In the decade before the fly program began, the USDA estimated that livestock producers in the Southwest U.S. lost approximately $50 million to $100 million annually as a result of the fly.

To facilitate the new version of the fly program, a factory aimed at breeding and producing sterile flies will open in southern Mexico in July of next year. After that, a fly distribution center will be opened in southern Texas to import and distribute the sterile flies throughout the Southwest.
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An 80-year-old novelist and her husband could face trial in France over the alleged theft and illegal sale of gold bars taken from an 18th-century shipwreck.

Investigators say Florida resident Eleonor Gay Courter and her husband, Philip Courter, helped a French diver sell gold bars that he stole from a shipwreck decades ago. The couple denies any criminal wrongdoing.

Le Prince de Conty, a French ship trading with Asia, sank off the coast of Brittany in 1746. The shipwreck was first discovered in 1974. A year later, the wreckage was looted after a gold ingot was found there, AFP reports.

Michel LHour, head of Frances underwater archaeology agency, then spotted a suspicious sale of gold from a U.S. auction house in 2018. He contacted U.S. authorities, who then seized the five ingots and two other artifacts. The artifacts were repatriated to France in 2022.

Authorities went on to identify the seller as Eleonor Courter, who claims she was given the gold by her French friends Annette May Pesty and Gerard Pesty, who has since died.

open image in gallery Philip and Eleonor Courter (pictured) are accused of helping a French diver sell gold stolen from the sight of an 18th-century shipwreck ( @rhoadescourter/Instagram )

Annette Pesty brought the gold ingots on the television show Antiques Roadshow in 1999, claiming she got them while diving off the African island of Cape Verde, AFP reports. But investigators didnt believe that to be true and instead turned their focus to her brother-in-law, Yves Gladu, who worked as an underwater photographer.

In 2022, Gladu confessed to stealing 16 gold bars from the shipwreck between 1976 and 1999. He denied giving any to the Courters and said he instead sold them to a man in Switzerland. But investigators discovered Gladu had known the Courters for decades, AFP reports. The couple went on trips with him to Greece in 2011, the Caribbean in 2014 and French Polynesia in 2015, investigators say.

open image in gallery Eleonor and Philip Courter were living in Florida when authorities say they sold the stolen gold bars ( AFP via Getty Images )

open image in gallery Gold ingots and other artifacts from the Prince de Conty shipwreck were repatriated to France in 2022 ( AFP via Getty Images )

Investigators now believe the Courters possessed at least 23 gold bars and had sold 18 of them for more than $192,000, according to AFP. Some of these sales took place on eBay. The Courters say they had arranged for the money to go to Gladu, AFP reports.

Police arrested the Courters in the U.K. three years ago. The couple was placed on house arrest in London for six months and have since returned to the U.S., according to their attorney, Gregory Levy.

A French prosecutor has requested that the Courters, Gladu and Pesty all be tried in connection with the theft and sale of the gold ingots. The trial, if ordered by an investigating magistrate, will likely take place next year.

open image in gallery The Prince de Conty crashed near the island of Belle-Ile-en-Mer (pictured) ( Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images )

Levy said his clients firmly deny any criminal wrongdoing. He added that the couple wanted to be of service to friends and had held on to their friends ingots while they traveled.

As for the sales, they took place on eBay, which shows how much the Courters wanted to hide from them, Levy said in a statement to The Independent. What's more, the British Museum bought the bullion, which could not have been unaware of its provenance, and deserves to be investigated by the French justice system, rather than two American octogenarians who knew nothing about French law.

The Courters have two sons and a daughter, whom they adopted from foster care when she was 12, according to Eleonors website. The 80-year-old has published nearly a dozen books, five of which are bestsellers.
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Scientists are transplanting crossbred coral fragments onto a Miami reef, devastated by bleaching two years ago.

This collaborative effort by the University of Miami, the Florida Aquarium, and Honduras-based Tela Coral aims to help reefs survive rising ocean temperatures due to global warming and climate change.

Andrew Baker, a professor of marine biology and ecology at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School and director of the Coral Reef Futures Lab, commented as divers planted the corals: "Its the end of a very long process." This Caribbean coral introduction strategy evolved over recent years.

"We had this idea that we really needed to try to help Floridas coral reef by introducing more diversity from around the Caribbean, recognizing that some of the biggest threats to corals, like climate change, are really global phenomena and if you try to have Floridas reefs save themselves on their own, we could give them some outside help, Baker said.

Coral breeding has also been done in Hawaii, where in 2021, scientists were working to speed up the corals evolutionary clock to breed super corals that can better withstand the impacts of global warming.

Why crossbreed with corals from Honduras?

Baker's group teamed with the Florida Aquarium and Tela Coral, bringing in fragments of corals from a warm reef off of Tela, Honduras, which spawned in tanks at the aquarium.

We were able to cross the spawn from those corals, the sperm and the eggs, to produce babies. One parent from Florida, one parent from Honduras, Baker said.

They chose the reef off of Tela because the water is about 2 degrees Celsius (35.6 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer than the water off the coast of Florida.

And yet the corals in those environments, and especially the Elkhorn corals, are really thriving, Baker said.

Divers planting a crossbred coral species from Honduras ( AP )

He noted that there are extensive beds that are hundreds of meters long, full of flourishing Elkhorn.

And yet they survive there despite really warm conditions and also quite nutrient-polluted waters, Baker said.

The conditions are similar to those Florida will face over the next century, Baker said.

It's also the first time international crossbreeding of corals has been permitted for planting onto wild reefs.

So we're really excited to see how these do, he said.

The hope is the corals will be more thermally tolerant, which Baker and the team will be testing throughout the summer.

What are Elkhorn corals?

Elkhorn corals are some of Florida's most iconic species and are valuable because they form the crest of the reef, Baker said.

And the reef is what protects shorelines from storms and flooding. So if you have healthy Elkhorn coral populations, you have a great reef that is acting almost like a speed bump over which waves and storms pass and dissipate their energy before they hit the coast, he said.

Elkhorn corals are in serious decline, thanks in part to the coral bleaching in 2023 and warming sea temperatures, Baker said.

While coral get their bright colors from the colorful algae that live inside them, prolonged warmth causes the algae to release toxic compounds. The coral ejects them, and a stark white skeleton  referred to as coral bleaching  is left behind, and the weakened coral is at risk of dying.

Weve lost maybe more than 95% of the Elkhorn corals that were on Floridas reefs at that point, Baker said.

Some of the corals spawned in the Florida Aquarium's laboratory arrived there in 2020, said Keri ONeil, director and senior scientist with the aquarium's Coral Conservation Program.

She said more fragments from Honduras and Florida will continue to live at the center.

We hope that every year in the future we can make more and more crosses and continue to figure out which parents produce the best offspring, O'Neil said.

How do they plant the corals on the reef?

The tiny Elkhorn coral fragments were placed onto small concrete bases along the reef on Tuesday.

Weve arranged them in a certain way that we can compare the performance of each of corals, Baker said.

The team will study how the corals that have a Honduran parent compare to the ones that are entirely from Florida.

"But its really the future that were looking to and in particular, a warming future and a warming summer, how these corals do and do they have more thermal tolerance than the native Florida population, because thats really what the goal of the whole project is,'' he said.

Baker said it's the most exciting project he's worked on during his 20-year stint at the University of Miami.

Hope for the future

If the corals thrive, it could provide a blueprint for working across the Caribbean to share corals.

This is a project about international collaboration, about the fact that our environment really doesnt have closed borders, that we can work together to make things better in the world, said Juli Berwald, co-founder of Tela Cora. And it shows that when we talk to each other, when we work together, we can really do something that might be life-changing, not just for us but for the corals and the reefs and all the animals that rely on the reefs.
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Vance Boelter, the suspected shooter of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses, told the judge during a court hearing Thursday hes looking forward to the facts coming out at trial.

Boelter, 57, is facing both state and federal charges related to the deadly shootings of Democratic State House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, and her husband Mark, on June 14. Hes also been charged over the shootings of Democratic State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, who both survived the attack. Boelter is yet to enter a plea.

During the federal court hearing, Boelter waived his right to a detention hearing, where prosecutors provide evidence supporting the suspects charges, and told the judge he was looking forward to court, where the truth would come out, The New York Times reported.

Boelter said this included events related to what happened before the 14th, seemingly referring to the date of the shootings.

During the hearing, the judge ordered Boelter to remain in jail while awaiting trial.

open image in gallery Vance Boelter, the suspected shooter of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses, told the judge during a court hearing Thursday hes looking forward to the facts coming out at trial ( Hennepin County Sheriff's Office )

At his last hearing in late June, a sleep-deprived Boelter complained to a judge over the treatment he had received at the Sherberne County Jail.

Boelters lawyer, Manvir Atwal, said her client had been placed on suicide watch and was living in a cell with only a mat and a pillow. She also claimed the lights were kept on all day and night and another inmate in Boelters unit had been spreading feces on the wall.

Boelter told the judge he hadnt slept for 12 or 14 days and hed appreciate delaying proceedings, So I can get some sleep. The judge agreed and postponed the hearing until Thursday.

The suspect said in court Thursday the lights were still being kept on 24/7, and it has made it difficult to know if its day or night, the NYT reported.

Sherburne County Sheriff Joel Brott called Boelters complaints absurd in a statement made after the suspects June 27 hearing.

"He is not in a hotel. Hes in jail, where a person belongs when they commit the heinous crimes he is accused of committing, the sheriff said. Lights are on 24-7, and need to be so correctional officers doing welfare checks can see that the inmates are okay.

Federal prosecutors say Boelter disguised himself as a police officer to carry out the attacks, which occurred at the lawmakers Minneapolis-area homes in the early morning hours. Boelter was arrested near his rural Minnesota home after a two-day manhunt.

open image in gallery Federal prosecutors say Boelter disguised himself as a police officer to carry out the attacks ( FBI )

Authorities called the shootings politically-motivated.

Prosecutors say handwritten notes were found in Boelters car with the names of dozens of Minnesota state and federal elected officials which included some of their home addresses.

Boelters wife, Jenny, said in a statement through her lawyer late last month she and her family are appalled and horrified by the shootings.

"We are absolutely shocked, heartbroken and completely blindsided, she said. This violence does not at all align with our beliefs as a family. It is a betrayal of everything we hold true as tenets of our Christian faith.
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At least 24 people are reported dead and many more are missing, including girls from a Christian summer camp, after catastrophic river flooding hit central Texas Thursday and Friday.

Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said by Friday evening 24 people have been killed in the flooding, according to theThe New York Times.

Texas officials said earlier Friday about 20 girls from a nearby camp were missing. Its currently unclear how many people are missing as of Friday night.

Governor Greg Abbott signed an emergency disaster declaration Friday night to expedite state funding for the areas most severely impacted. Abbott said emergency crews were still in a search and rescue posture at a news conference Friday night.

open image in gallery At least 24 people have been killed in severe flooding in central Texas. Many more are missing ( AP )

open image in gallery Law enforcement has responded to dozens of emergency calls ( Eric Vryn/Getty Images )

Earlier Friday, Gov. Abbott said in a statement, The State of Texas today has mobilized additional resources in addition to the resources sent in preparation for the storms. I urge Texans to heed guidance from state and local officials and monitor local forecasts to avoid driving into flooded areas.

Ahead of the storms, the state activated emergency response resources in Central Texas in preparation for continued heavy rainfall and flash flooding threats.

Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly told reporters one of those killed had been found completely naked and without identification.

Camp Mystic, the camp the missing girls were attending, said it had notified the parents of those unaccounted for, according to The Austin American-Statesmans Tony Plohetski. An image, sent to local station KSAT, showed girls in the Kerr County camp wading through water overnight.

Law enforcement has responded to dozens of emergency calls and one man told KABB his brother, sister-in-law, and their two children were lost, along with their house. Nearby, in Ingram, an RV park had been swept away.

open image in gallery Rescue crews spent July 4 searching for many people who are still missing ( Eric Vryn/Getty Images )

Kerr County Sheriffs Office spokesperson Clint Morris told the station it is an extremely active scene, countywide.

This may be a once-in-a-lifetime flood for the county, he said, noting authorities have responded to multiple calls for high-water rescues. The state has called in the National Guard to assist in the efforts. Kelly later told reporters the county does not have a warning system.

The floods came while people were asleep. As many as 10 inches of rain fell in the area, causing the flash flooding of the Guadalupe River. The river rose to nearly 35 feet on Friday, reaching its second-highest height on record. An additional one to three inches of rain are expected to fall before they subside on Friday night.

open image in gallery Governor Greg Abbott signed an emergency disaster declaration Friday night to expedite state funding for the areas most severely impacted ( AP )

The flooding came as residents in the Northeast were spending their Fourth of July holiday cleaning up from strong thunderstorms that swept through the region Thursday night, bringing heavy rain, wind and hail.

The storms are being blamed for at least three deaths in central New Jersey, including two men in Plainfield who died after a tree fell onto a vehicle they were traveling in during the height of the storm, according to a city Facebook post.

The men were ages 79 and 25, officials said. They were not immediately publicly identified.

open image in gallery Local park entrances were flooded in Kerrville. Officials said dozens of rescues had been conducted ( City of Kerrville, TX - City Hall/Facebook )

Our hearts are heavy today, Mayor Adrian O. Mapp said in a statement. This tragedy is a sobering reminder of the power of nature and the fragility of life.

The city canceled its planned July Fourth parade, concert and fireworks show. Mapp said the devastating storms had left deep scars and widespread damage in the community of more than 54,000 people and it was a time to regroup and focus all of our energy on recovery.

Continuing power outages and downed trees were reported Friday throughout southern New England, where some communities received large amounts of hail. There were reports of cars skidding off the road in northeastern Connecticut.

With reporting from The Associated Press.
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A toxic algae bloom is disrupting Fourth of July weekend recreation at one of the Wests most popular lakes.

National Park Service officials detected the presence of cyanotoxins in the mouth of Lake Powells Arizona-based Antelope Canyon.

The lake, which spans 186 miles, is located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The recreation area takes up 1.25 million acres across Arizona and Utah, and it saw some 5.2 million visitors in 2023.

The level of cyanotoxins detected in the canyon were in concentrations that are at the high end of safe exposure levels, the agency wrote in a statement. Cyanotoxins can be harmful to humans and animals. The toxic byproducts of cyanobacterial blooms  also known as blue-green algae  cyanotoxins occur most often in freshwaters.

There are relatively few documented cases of severe human health effects, but exposure to cyanotoxins and cyanobacteria can result in rashes, eye irritation, respiratory symptoms, inflammation of the stomach and intestines, liver and kidney failure, or even death.

open image in gallery A toxic algae bloom is disrupting one of America's most popular lakes this Fourth of July weekend. The bloom is producing toxins that can be harmful to human and animal health ( AFP via Getty Images )

Some recent research has found living near bodies of water frequently impacted by the blooms and cyanobacteria toxins may put residents at an increased risk of dying from ALS, the debilitating neurodegenerative disease.

The most likely pathway to exposure for humans is through accidental ingestion or inhalation during recreational activities in lakes, rivers and bays, the Environmental Protection Agency explained.

The most common cyanotoxin, microcystin, is a potent liver toxin and possible human carcinogen. People should contact their doctors if they start to exhibit nausea, vomiting, digestive distress, breathing problems, seizure, or unexplained illness.

Cyanotoxins can also kill any pets or livestock that drink the affected waters.

Although recreation on Lake Powell remains open, park officials have told swimmers to stay out of water with an algal bloom and not to boat on scummy water.

open image in gallery National Park Service officials are advising parkgoers not to boat or jet-ski on water with an algal bloom. Doing so can send the toxins airborne ( AFP via Getty Images )

These activities can cause toxins to become airborne, increasing the likelihood you will inhale them, the Park Service wrote.

They noted other areas of the lake may also contain the toxins.

Harmful algal blooms also affected the recreation area last fall, and are increasingly occurring due to the impacts of climate change and hotter temperatures.

In Michigan, the blooms have long plagued Lake Erie. Because of the warmer waters, Gregory Dick, a professor of biology who leads the University of Michigan's Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research, says the blooms are lasting even longer than before.

open image in gallery A woman holds a jar with algae-contaminated water collected from Lake Erie. The lake, which borders Michigan and other states, is seeing blooms last longer than ever before thanks to warm water temperatures ( Getty Images )

This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration detected the toxins in Lake Erie earlier than ever before. He noted that a 2022 bloom in Lake Erie persisted into November, which is rare, if not unprecedented.

The state has responded by updating is domestic action plan, including measures to reduce nutrient run-off that can lead to the blooms. But, water and air temperatures arent falling.

Warm, still water is the perfect breeding ground for cyanobacteria and the addition of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus that enter the lake from outside sources, encourage the growth of algae and bacteria, the Park Service noted.
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A teachers aide in Upstate New York had sex with a teenage student in her car, which was parked outside the school, according to bombshell court filings reviewed by The Independent.

Between 2024 and 2025, the aide, who is identified only by her first name in the filings, engaged in sexually charged physical interactions with the unidentified boy, beginning with sexually explicit communications and sexually explicit media, and progressing to sexually charged physical interactions in various places within the subject school, according to a complaint filed June 30 by the boys mother.

This included, the complaint alleges, kissing in and around Cohoes High School until the winter of 2025, when the aide engaged in oral sex with [the student], multiple times in [her] car within the subject school.

Then, in February of 2025, [the aide] engaged in sexual intercourse with [the student] in [her] car within the school, the complaint states.

The filing sheds new light on a situation that roiled the city of Cohoes, which is located about 150 miles north of New York City.

open image in gallery Alexandra Morales is accused of having sex with the teen in her car, on school grounds ( Google Maps )

On March 20, Cohoes City School District Superintendent Peggy OShea sent a letter to parents regarding allegations of inappropriate conduct by the aide.

Upon becoming aware of these allegations, administration immediately contacted the Cohoes Police Department, OShea wrote. Since that time the District has been fully cooperating with law enforcement.

Due to the ongoing investigation, OShea said she was unable to share further details at the time.

The full name of the aide, 19-year-old Alexsandra Morales, was identified by News10. She is now facing a pair of criminal misdemeanor charges: sexual misconduct and endangering the welfare of a child.

According to the complaint, the situation was discovered on March 18 by the teens mom. Morales was arrested on March 20, News10 reported. The student involved was 15 at the time of the alleged abuse and was too young to legally consent, according to police.

Cohoes Police Chief Todd Waldin told News10 that his department pursued felony charges against Morales, but that they were precluded from doing so by the state penal code because the age difference between Morales and the student was less than four years.

The lawsuit, which was brought under the New York Child Victims Act, accuses the school district of negligent hiring, training, and supervision, as well as failing to remove the employee from the school despite notice of reported misconduct. It further claims that the administration knew or should have known about the subject pattern of abuse and should have prevented or stopped it, and that it allowed for these violent and deviant incidents to occur on a regular and repeating basis, despite having notice of their occurrence.

Each instance of [Morales] sexual misconduct and inappropriate physical contact with [the teen] constitutes battery, the students mothers complaint says.

As a result, the complaint contends the student suffered severe injuries and damages including but not limited to, mental and emotional distress.

The lawsuit seeks damages to be determined in court.

Officials with the school district said they were unable to comment on pending litigation.

Morales is due back in Cohoes City Court on July 23.
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A new poll has found that almost half of Americans disapprove of the new Alligator Alcatraz set up in the Florida Everglades to house undocumented migrants detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

In all, 48 percent of the 2,983 people who responded to the YouGov survey on Thursday said they were not in favor of the facility while just 33 percent said they supported it, with another 18 percent unsure.

While Republicans and Democrats were largely split along party lines, just 26 percent of respondents who identified themselves as independent voters said they backed the idea while 53 percent were against it.

Another noteworthy finding from YouGovs poll was the revelation that 47 percent of Americans believe detainees are being treated too severely by ICE while 23 percent said they were being treated appropriately, 10 percent they were not being treated harshly enough, with the remainder unsure.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem tour the temporary migrant detention center informally known as Alligator Alcatraz in Ochopee, Florida, on Tuesday July 1 2025 ( Reuters )

The Alligator Alcatraz was announced last month by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who explained in a social media video that it was being built over 39 square miles on the site of the disused Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, which lies west of Miami.

The facility consists largely of tents, will have the capacity to house up to 5,000 people and cost $450m a year to run.

Uthmeier gloated in the video that it would require minimal additional security due to its remote location, which is home to such dangerous wildlife as alligators and pythons. Nowhere to go, nowhere to hide, he beamed.

He has since appeared on Newsmax to boast that Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other communist members of Congress would not be able to protest outside the center because they would not be able to find it.

Trump himself visited it in person on Tuesday, accompanied by Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and seemed particularly taken with the threat the local wildlife posed.

You dont always have land so beautiful and so secure, he observed. We have a lot of bodyguards and a lot of cops in the form of alligators... I wouldnt want to run through the Everglades for long.

open image in gallery Florida protest against the new detention center ahead of Trumps arrival on Tuesday ( AP )

He recalled joking about running a moat populated by vicious creatures along the base of his U.S.-Mexico border wall during his first term.

It was meant more as a joke, but the more I thought of it, the more I liked it, he said.

Trump also used the trip to threaten to arrest New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani and Noems predecessor Alejandro Mayorkas, call his own predecessor Joe Biden a son of a b***h, suggest deporting American citizens who commit crimes and hint, even more darkly, that the Alligator Alcatraz could be the first of many more detention centres.

We'd like to see them in many states, the president mused. And at some point, they might morph into a system.

The detention center has been equally well received by conservatives on Fox News, with Laura Ingraham telling DeSantis during a recent interview that she loved the idea and panellists discussing it on the same networks Gutfeld! chat show saying they too relished the prospect.

open image in gallery The disused Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport in the Florida Everglades, where the center is being constructed ( Office of Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier )

Comedian Joe Devito was particularly enthusiastic, telling guest host Tyrus, an ex-wrestler, that it amounted to The Shawshank Redemption meets Jurassic Park and going on to suggest that the government go further and staff it with grizzly bears and an evil squid to frisk inmates with its tentacles.

Far-right activist Laura Loomer got into hot water by talking up the facility in a social media post on Monday in which she wrote: Alligator lives matter. The good news is, alligators are guaranteed at least 65 million meals if we get started now.

The figure appeared to be a reference to the total number of Latinos in the United States, chiming with U.S. Census data for the demographic, inviting an angry response from commentators on X.
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During a crucial month in former President Joe Bidens reelection bid, he allegedly said the only thing he cared about was that his son Hunter Biden avoided jail, the authors of a new book claim.

According to an excerpt of 2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America, published in the Wall Street Journal, Biden was distracted by his sons legal battles, which coincided with a key moment in his doomed campaign.

The former president was said to be devastated by Hunters legal troubles and months later, as one of his last acts in office, made the stunning move to pardon his son after his conviction on federal gun charges.

June 2024 was a key period in Bidens reelection campaign - but the then-president suffered enormous setbacks that eventually derailed his bid for a second term.

open image in gallery The former president was said to be devastated by Hunter Bidens legal troubles and later on made the stunning move to pardon his son. ( AFP via Getty Images )

The former president didnt recognise his long-term friend and ally George Clooney at a star-studded fundraiser mid-way through the month, according to a tell-all book on his decline. The interaction, in part, is said to have influenced the actors decision to pen an op-ed in calling for him to drop out the race.

Then, two weeks later, Bidens disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump caused further concern within his own party.

While all of that was going on, the books authors  The Journals Josh Dawsey, Tyler Pager of the New York Times, and the Washington Posts Isaac Arnsdorf  claim that Biden confided in a close friend: The only thing I care about is that my son is not convicted.

However, Hunter was equally concerned by his fathers performance against Trump.

Hunter watched the debate from his home in Los Angeles, and his reaction was What the f***?, the book claims. He had never seen his father so out of it, and worried about his well-being. A few days later, when Hunter arrived at Camp David for a visit, he told his father, I love you and Get some sleep.

open image in gallery The debate between Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden was a turning point in the 2024 presidential campaign and the catalyst that led to the Democrat to drop out of the race. ( Getty )

The next morning, Hunters concerns had softened, the book says. He thought Biden had just been exhausted during the debateNo one discussed Biden dropping out of the presidential race.

However, a few weeks later, as Biden was recovering from Covid and holding meetings to determine his future, Hunter called and said he would support whatever decision was made, but would sure love having his father back, according to the book. The next day, the book claims, Biden dropped out of the race.

The account is said to be based on interviews with more than a dozen prominent Democrats working on Bidens campaign and within White House.

The book, out next week on July 8, follows another explosive publication detailing the alleged cover-up of Bidens mental and physical decline while in office written by CNNs Jake Tapper and Axios Alex Thompson. It was released around the same time Biden announced that he has an aggressive form of prostate cancer.

On December 1 last year, Biden issued a pardon to his son, who he said had been selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted by the Justice Department. In a lengthy statement, he said he hoped the American people would understand his decision as a father.

It came less than two weeks ahead of Hunters sentencing for his conviction on federal gun charges.

The pardon was a full reversal of the stance he took six months prior, when he announced publicly he would not pardon Hunter if he was convicted.

It prompted widespread outrage amongst Republicans and Democrats, with many calling it an improper use of power.
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Several food truck companies have been hit with major backlash online after they were filmed entering Floridas Alligator Alcatraz detention center.

The four companies issued statements after customers threatened to boycott them for doing catering business at the controversial prison in the Everglades.

President Donald Trump toured the migrant detention facility earlier this week, which was built in just eight days on a disused air strip as he looks to ramp up deportations.

A TikToker filmed trucks belonging to Kona Ice, Churro Mania, Elote Lovers and Ms.Cheezious entering the hastily-constructed facility on July 1, according to the social media post.

Boycott Kona Ice, Churro Mania, Elote Lovers & Ms.Cheezious, the user, Osozalez, posted. They love our food but hate out [sic] people.

The TikTok post has received more than 7.5 million views since it was shared earlier this week.

open image in gallery Food truck companies received backlash online for doing business with the controversial prison. President Donald Trump toured the facility earlier this week, which was built in just eight days on a disused air strip as he looks to ramp up deportations. ( AFP via Getty Images )

The food trucks were contracted to cater for the construction crews building the detention center, according to The Miami Herald. Other outlets reported the vans were hired for a catering event at the facility.

A number of responses to the TikTok post  which received nearly 30,000 comments  said that they would be avoiding the companies in the future.

Welp, my kids are NEVER getting Kona ice ever again, one mother wrote.

The audacity Kona Ice has to show up in my local charter school events that is mostly Hispanic/Latino population is insane. Never again, another person said.

Are they seriously celebrating with food from the very people they are locking up there?! someone else added.

Boycott them ALL! They can't get my money EVER again! another said.

open image in gallery The food trucks were reportedly hired to feed construction workers at the detention center. ( AP )

Churromania, a chain that has more than 120 locations across the U.S. and South America, said it was not an event we support in a statement on social media.

We have no political agenda, and never have. Still, we take full responsibility for how this looked, the company said.

Ms. Cheezious, a Miami food truck company that serves grilled cheese, said they were approached by a disaster response company to provide meals for active service members stationed at the facility.

Contrary to misleading online narratives, our presence was not part of any celebration or grand opening, and we are not engaged in ongoing services there, read a statement on Instagram.

Elote Lovers, a Miami-based street food business, issued a lengthy statement on Instagram. We did not attend with the intention of supporting this place or what it represents, the statement said in part. We do not support, condone, or align ourselves with any form of oppression, abuse, or injustice. We never have and never will.

open image in gallery The companies issued statements after people threatened to boycott them for catering workers at the facility. ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

The business, which said it was founded by an immigrant family, added that they would reassess how they accept and review bookings in the future to ensure our values are respected wherever we go.

Shaved ice company Kona Ice said its trucks are independently owned and operated by franchisees. The event was booked through an unknown agency, and the franchisee was unaware of the facilitys nature or its association with politically sensitive issues, Kona Ices statement read in part.

Our brand exists to bring a moment of happiness to communities through our shaved ice experience  and we recognize the importance of ensuring that mission is never misinterpreted, the statement added.

The first inmates started arriving at the detention center on Thursday, which is expected to cost $450 million a year to run.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom will visit Trump strongholds in South Carolina next week, in a two-day trip seen by many as a prelude to a long-rumored 2028 presidential campaign.

The Democrats trip to the state, which went for Trump in 2024, will see him visit rural counties, including Pickens County, where the president won 76 percent of the vote last year.

South Carolina has been the first Democratic presidential primary on the calendar, and has a large share of Black voters, a core part of the Democratic base.

Governor Newsom leads the largest economy in America and the fourth largest in the world, and hes coming to meet folks in towns that have been hollowed out by decades of Republican control, state Democratic party chair Christale Spain, said in a statement to The Hill on Thursday. This is about building partnerships, uplifting communities, and showing rural voters they arent forgotten.

The trip will see the governor, perhaps the countrys most prominent Democrat outside of Washington, visit settings including cafes, coffee shops, churches and the Kershaw County Council on Aging, according to an itinerary obtained by the Post and Courier newspaper.

Gavin Newsom is considered by many to be a Democratic frontrunner for the 2028 presidential nomination. He is set to visit South Carolina next week. ( AP )

Newsom last visited the state in 2024 to campaign for Joe Biden.

California congressman Ro Khanna is set to visit South Carolina in the near future for an event highlighting those impacted by the Trump administrations cuts to Medicaid.

Newsom has a long history of using national campaign-style tactics, even when hes not running for president, including participating in a 2023 debate with Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis and paying for critical TV ads in Republican states the year before.

Since Trumps return to office, however, the Democrat has shifted into a new gear, embracing a role as one of the most vocal opponents of the new administration.

In June, California sued the Trump administration over its decision to send in National Guard troops in response to anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles.

Newsom also gave a speech that month accusing the president of ushering in authoritarianism and dared federal officials to arrest him instead of conducting immigration raids against low-level offenders.

The tactic appears to be getting attention in Washington, prompting House Speaker Mike Johnson to claim in June Newsom ought to be tarred and feathered.

Trump calls for the arrest of California Governor Gavin Newsom

In January, as wildfires ravaged Los Angeles, Trump repeatedly, and often inaccurately, alleged that California leaders environmental policies were to blame for hydrants running dry.

The following month, the president ordered officials to release billions of gallons of water from reservoirs in the state, a move largely seen as a symbolic gesture with little relation to stopping wildfires.

The fires continue to be a sticking point between Newsom and the administration, and in June, President Trump threatened to withhold disaster aid to California in response to the protests.

Elsewhere, Newsom has embraced a pugnacious style and launched a podcast this year that often features conservative guests such as activist Charlie Kirk. The project comes after 2024 Democratic campaigns were criticized for not doing more to leverage the manosphere of podcasts and influencers reaching young male voters.
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Republicans have been slammed online for their exuberant celebrations over the passage of President Donald Trumps signature domestic policy bill which will strip health insurance from millions and cut meals for some of Americas poorest children.

The GOP budget package, dubbed the One Big, Beautiful Bill, provides tax cuts for the wealthy while slashing benefits through Medicaid and the food assistance program SNAP. It passed by a thin 218-214 margin Thursday in the House of Representatives and will be signed into law by the President in the Oval Office at 4pm Friday.

After the bill passed, Republicans danced in the House to Village Peoples Y.M.C.A, one of the Presidents preferred rally songs, hugged each other and posed for photographs with thumbs up. Others took their celebrations online.

Republican Rep. Derrick Van Orden, of Wisconsin, replied YES! on X in response to a post which read: 17 million people just lost health care. 18 million kids just lost school meals. 3 million Americans just lost food assistance.

open image in gallery Republican Rep. Derrick Van Orden deleted a post that appeared to celebrate the fact that millions will likely lose their health insurance and many children will go hungry. ( Getty Images )

According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, at least 17 million Americans are estimated to lose health coverage, or subsidies in their insurance that make it affordable. Fewer children will be automatically eligible for free school meals under the legislation and the bill creates a domino effect that will harm children across the U.S., the School Nutrition Association warned.

SNAP benefits will now be withheld from adults with children who do not return to work if their youngest child is 14 years or older.

Van Ordens post sparked outrage among Democrats, campaigners, political pundits and some members of the public.

You need to understand these people know exactly how badly they are hurting people and they love it, Democratic Rep. Chris Murphy of Connecticut wrote, reposting Van Ordens message. Its sick.

open image in gallery Rep. Troy Nehls of Texas celebrated the passing of President Donald Trumps One Big, Beautiful Bill while smoking a cigar. ( REUTERS )

Rep. Eric Swalwell of California added: This is a REAL TWEET. Republican Congressman CELEBRATING the theft of your health care to fund billionaires tax cuts.

This isnt leadership. Its cruelty, wrote Democratic National Committee secretary Jason Rae. It's time for him to go.

Van Orden later deleted the post, claiming that it was shared in error, and he meant to reply to White House press secretary Karole Leavitts post that said: VICTORY!

Still, skeptics said the post showed his mask had slipped.

Congressman @derrickvanorden (PTSD-Wisconsin) has now deleted his celebration of kids going hungry and Americans getting sicker with the amazingly stupid excuse that he thought he was replying to a @PressSec tweet, said political commentator Keith Olbermann.

Elsewhere, Rep. Troy Nehls of Texas was called out for dismissing the fact that millions of Americans are projected to lose their health insurance as he puffed on a cigar on the steps of the Capitol.

open image in gallery After the bill passed, Republicans danced in the House to Village Peoples Y.M.C.A, one of the Presidents preferred rally songs, hugged each other and posed for photographs with thumbs up. ( AP )

Nehls was asked by Scripps News correspondent Elizabeth Landers about the Congressional Budget Office analysis on how many would lose health coverage.

Can I ask you about the CBO score and the idea that 11 million, 12 million Americans may lose health insurance? Landers asked.

I dont have any faith and confidence in the CBO, their scoring, theyre wrong half the damn time, Nehls replied. I dont give anynah. Im not worried about the CBO.

Landers pressed him again, asking: Youre not worried at all that Americans may lose their healthcare because of this bill?

Just some Americans that arent Americans. And that is, the illegals, the lawmaker replied. Why should illegals be on Medicare? We did a great job with it all!

open image in gallery Republicans celebrating the passage of Trumps bill in the House ( Getty Images )

Responding to a clip of the video on social media, Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres of New York said: I have countless constituents who would beg to differ.

There it is. Stripping people of healthcare based on who they are, not what they need, said Brian Allen, whose prominent X account regularly posts about politics. So much for a party of Christian values.

Faiz Shakir, an adviser to Bernie Sanders, also criticized Nehls for confusing Medicare and Medicaid.

The organization Vote Vets called it shameless, cruel and un-American in a post on X after the bill passed. They danced. They smiled. They gave a thumbs up, the group said. All after passing Trumps Big Beautiful Bill" that rips food, health care, and support away from Veterans  just to give Elon Musk and billionaires another tax break.

Vermont Independent Senator Bernie Sanders blasted the bill as a death sentence.

Republicans are celebrating the passage of the largest Medicaid cut in U.S. history to pay for the largest tax break for billionaires in American history, Sanders said. 51,000 Americans will die each year so that the top 1% can get a $1 trillion tax break.
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President Donald Trump has signed his Big, Beautiful Bill into law.

The bill passed 218-214 in the House of Representatives on Thursday, with every Democrat and two Republicans voting against it. The Senate passed it 51-50 earlier this week following a tie-breaking vote from Vice President JD Vance.

The bill signing was blurred with an Independence Day celebration  the Military Family Picnic  on the White Houses South Lawn. The 887-page bill provides sweeping tax cuts while curbing access to Medicaid and food access programs for millions of Americans. The legislation also provides billions more for defense and immigration enforcement.

Trump signed the bill surrounded by allies. House Speaker Mike Johnson gifted him the gavel he used to announce the bills passage in the House.

With First Lady Melania Trump by his side, the president spoke to the crowd at the picnic, claiming the bill he was about to sign would put the country on a rocket ship economically.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump bangs a gavel gifted to him by Speaker Mike Johnson after he signed the 'Big, Beautiful Bill' on Friday ( AP )

Were going to make official the greatest victory yet, when I sign the One Big, Beautiful Bill, Trump said.

What we've done is put everything into one bill. It's never happened before. It's the biggest bill of its type in history, he added.

Trump also claimed the bill implements no tax on Social Security for our great seniors. The bill does not eliminate taxes on Social Security. Instead, it introduces a temporary tax deduction that beneficiaries can claim to lower the amount of federal income tax they pay, according to CBS MoneyWatch. This temporary tax deduction applies to all income, not just Social Security.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump signs his 'Big, Beautiful Bill' on the White House's South Lawn ( REUTERS )

The bill faced opposition from both sides of the aisle before it was narrowly passed. Despite initial holdouts by several GOP members, Representatives Thomas Massie and Brian Fitzpatrick were the only two Republicans who voted against it. Massie cited concerns about increasing the national debt, while Fitzpatrick said he was not in favor of cuts to Medicaid.

Democrats also railed against the bill, citing the cuts to assistance programs that help low-income families. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries broke the chambers record for the longest floor speech as he sought to delay the bills passage.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump holds the 'Big, Beautiful Bill' after signing it on the White House's South Lawn ( AP )

Trump appeared to hit out at Jeffries nearly nine-hour speech.

You saw that guy standing up for hours yesterday, didnt know what he was even doing there, Trump remarked. I say What, is he sitting down? He had a towel, he was wiping his face. That's not too elegant  I said, What is he doing for so long? And he couldn't criticize the bill. He was criticizing everyone else and everything else.

Trump also accused Democratic lawmakers of either hating him or the U.S.

The Democrats, they should have voted for it. They didn't vote for tax cuts, they didn't vote for taking care of people, they didn't vote, not one vote, he said. And we knew that, because the hatred of either the country, or me, or both, is so great they didn't vote at all, and it's terrible.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump speaks at the White House with First Lady Melania Trump as he prepares to sign his 'Big, Beautiful Bill' ( AP )

Trump thanked several allies as he spoke at the White House on Friday, including Vance, Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise. He went on to tell the crowd about meeting Scalises wife while the lawmaker had a medical scare.

I've seen a lot of wives, they don't seem to be so concerned in those situations, Trump said. That's the kind of wife you don't want. But you have a great, beautiful wife who was really there.

Trump also thanked his wife as his remarks came to an end.

First Lady, I want to thank you, he said. You have been unbelievable.
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The Trump administrations Big, Beautiful Bill domestic spending legislation, which passed Congress yesterday, will provide Immigration and Customs Enforcement about $45 billion over the next four years to spend on detaining undocumented immigrants, part of an unprecedented investment in enforcement set to turbo-charge the administrations already sweeping campaign of arrests and deportations.

The funding is more than the federal government spent on immigration detention during the previous three presidential administrations, combined, according to a Washington Post analysis.

Aaron Reichlin-Melnick of the American Immigration Council told Democracy Now! that the spending package, which contains about $170 billion in wider immigration and border funding, makes ICE the single largest federal law enforcement agency in the history of the nation.

Were talking nearly 20 years worth of detention funding to be spent only in a four-year period, and an increase to ICEs enforcement budget beyond anything weve ever seen before, allowing the agency to expand mass deportations over the next four years to every community nationwide, he said.

The White House has described the immigration funding as the linchpin of the Big, Beautiful Bill, more consequential even than its tax and Medicaid cuts, which are forecasted to add $3.3 trillion to the deficit over the next decade and cause 11.8 million more people to go without health coverage.

Trump administrations Big, Beautiful Bill spending package devotes $45 billion to migrant detention, which federal officials say will fund an expansion of US detention centers to be able to hold up to 100,000 people ( REUTERS )

Everything elsethe [Congressional Budget Office] score, the proper baseline, the minutiae of the Medicaid policyis immaterial compared to the ICE money and immigration enforcement provisions, Vice President JD Vance wrote on X of the bill earlier this week.

Federal officials plan to use the ICE windfall to roughly double the nations immigration detention capacity, bringing the total to between 80,000 and 100,000 detention beds.

If the administrations current strategy holds, those beds will largely be filled by migrants who wouldve been considered low priorities in past administrations.

Among those arrested and deported under Trump so far, 61 percent had no previous criminal conviction, according to a Washington Post analysis.

Even without the historic expansion in funding, the nations detention system held a record number of migrants last month, over 56,000. The surge in detainees has prompted a worsening in conditions inside these facilities, according to critics.

Joe Rogan shocked by 'insane' ICE raids under Trump

At least 11 people have died in ICE custody since Trump took office, a rate that means 2025 could be one of the worst years for migrant deaths in federal custody in decades.

In addition to funding more detention centers, the administration has taken other steps to expand its immigration and border apparatus, including transferring hundreds of miles of land on the US-Mexico border to federal control to create military exclusion zones, and fast-tracking construction of border barriers in the Rio Grande by waiving environmental laws.

The administration also plans to help Florida fund a migrant detention center in the Everglades dubbed Alligator Alcatraz. Though Florida has yet to ask for money to help run the facility, according to court records.

A further expansion in the footprint of immigration enforcement and detention could set off domestic unrest.

ICE enforcement prompted widespread, sometimes violent, protests in Los Angeles that saw the White House send in federal troops in response, and Democratic lawmakers have been involved in a number of chaotic confrontations with law enforcement while conducting oversight visits at ICE detention facilities and immigration courts.
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A jubilant President Donald Trump inadvertently revealed his pet name for his wife Melania Trump during a speech to supporters in Iowa on Thursday, hours after Congress finally passed his Big, Beautiful Bill.

Delivering a Salute to America address in Des Moines on the eve of July 4, as the United States marks the 249th anniversary of its independence from Britain, Trump leapt from one topic to another and eventually settled on military recruitment.

I remember saying to our great First Lady... he began, before stopping to remark: I call her First Lady, isnt it terrible?

open image in gallery President Donald Trump speaks at a rally at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines on Thursday July 3 2025 ( AP )

He continued: Im saying Good night, First Lady, my darling, because it reminds me that Im president, thats why. I said First Lady, its terrible nobody wants to join our military force

The president recently held a lavish military parade in Washington, D.C., on June 14, which also happened to be his own 79th birthday, but did not serve in the armed forces himself and has been quoted in the past making derisory remarks about U.S. troops.

The first lady has rarely been seen since her husband returned to the White House in January, although she did attend the parade and the eventful reopening of the revamped Kennedy Center last month and, on Thursday, met patients at the Childrens National Hospital in Washington.

According to The Daily Beast, she told the children: Its a very special day. So we will have a big party at the White House When you feel better, maybe next year, you come over and well celebrate together.

She also reportedly bonded with them over a shared appreciation of Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter, breaking with the president on Swift, who said he hated the pop superstar last year after she refused to endorse his candidacy.

open image in gallery First Lady Melania Trump entertains children at the Childrens National Hospital in Washington, D.C., on Thursday July 3 2025 ( Reuters )

Speculation about the state of the Trumps marriage is never far from the headlines and biographer Michael Wolff claimed in May that the couple are effectively separated.

They clearly do not in any way inhabit a marriage as we define marriage, Wolff claimed. And I think maybe we can more specifically say they live separate lives.

Elsewhere in the presidents Iowa speech, he declared that, in addition to Swift, he hates Democrats for opposing his gargantuan tax and spending bill, mocked Iran, suggested farmers could be exempted from his raids on undocmented migrant workers, resumed his attack on New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani and caused offense by using an antisemitic slur.
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Donald Trump has been accused of blatant and vile antisemitism at a rally in Iowa.

The president delivered a campaign-style speech during the America250 event at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines on Thursday, just hours after the House passed his signature tax-and-spending bill on the eve of the countrys 250th birthday.

As Trump promised that his megabill would usher in a period of prosperity, the president railed against Shylocks and bad people, before taking a swipe at the Democrats who uniformly opposed the legislation.

No death tax. No estate tax, Trump began. No going to the banks and borrowing from, in some cases, a fine banker, and in some cases, Shylocks and bad people.

They destroyed a lot of families, but we did the opposite, he added.

open image in gallery Trump has sparked fresh outrage for comparing bankers to Shylocks  which is widely condemned as an antisemitic slur ( AFP/Getty )

In Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice, Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, agrees with another character to take a pound of flesh if he cant repay his loan. The term was later considered offensive because it plays on harmful stereotypes of Jewish people and money.

Flying back to Washington DC on Air Force One, the president said he had never heard that the word could be considered antisemitic and opted to give his own definition of the phrase.

Ive never heard it that way, he said. The meaning of Shylock is somebody thats a money lender at high rates. You view it differently. Ive never heard that.

open image in gallery The president made the remark as he delivered a campaign-style speech at the America250 in Des Moines on Thursday ( AP )

Jewish leaders have condemned the presidents rhetoric and claimed his use of the slur was no accident.

This is blatant and vile antisemitism, and Trump knows exactly what hes doing, New York Representative Daniel Goldman wrote on X late Thursday. Anyone who truly opposes antisemitism calls it out wherever it occurs  on both extremes  as I do.

California Representative Eric Swalwell called on the Anti-Defamation League to take action, adding that if they cannot condemn this, they should pack it up.

Shylock is among the most quintessential antisemitic stereotypes, Amy Spitalnick of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs tweeted. This is not an accident.

open image in gallery Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk previously caused outrage with his gesture during the inaugural parade in Washington, D.C., on January 20 ( Getty )

Halie Soifer of the Jewish Democratic Council of America said Trump referred to bankers using a centuries-old antisemitic slur.

Former President Joe Biden faced backlash after using the same word at a Legal Services Corporation event, describing shylocks taking advantage of servicemembers facing foreclosures while overseas.

Unlike Trump, Biden apologized for his poor choice of words after the ADLs Abraham Foxman urged caution about the use of the term.

Its not the first time critics have accused Trump, who positions himself as a staunch ally of Israel, of perpetuating anti-Semitic stereotypes. His comment comes ahead of Trumps meeting with Israels prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu next week.

In 2015, Trump repeatedly told the Republican Jewish Coalition that he did not want their money and promoted memes with antisemitic symbols, according to the Washington Post.

The Independent has contacted the White House for more information.
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Donald Trump has been accused of using blatant and vile antisemitic language at a campaign-style speech at a rally in Iowa.

The president was speaking in Des Moines on Thursday, just hours after the House passed his cornerstone tax and spending bill.

In his Salute to America address, Trump railed against Shylocks as he took a swipe at the Democrats for uniformly opposing the legislation.

No death tax. No estate tax, Trump began. No going to the banks and borrowing from, in some cases, a fine banker, and in some cases, Shylocks and bad people.

They destroyed a lot of families, but we did the opposite, he added.

His comments drew condemnation from Jewish leaders, who claimed his use of the slur was no accident.

Heres what that term means, and how people have reacted.

open image in gallery Donald Trump made the comment at a rally speech in Iowa ( AP )

What does Shylock mean and why is it offensive?

The term Shylock comes from a villainous character in the play by William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice.

Shylock is a Jewish moneylender who demands a pound of flesh from another character, Antonio, if they cannot repay his loan. Ultimately, he is thwarted and forced to convert to Christianity.

The play itself has generated debate for hundreds of years over whether it is antisemitic. While it is classified as one of Shakespeares comedies, much of its tone is more dramatic and often divisive.

The prominent American literary critic Harold Bloom once wrote: One would have to be blind, deaf and dumb not to recognize that Shakespeares grand, equivocal comedy The Merchant of Venice is nevertheless a profoundly anti-Semitic work.

Shylock has been played in starkly different ways by performers over the years - sometimes as a repulsive character, driven by a desire for revenge, others as a more sympathetic figure.

But many see Shylock as an offensive stereotype about Jewish people and money, and the name has become a slur to describe loansharks who lend money at extortionate rates.

According to the Smithsonian Magazine, the play was a favourite in Nazi Germany, with more than 50 productions put on in the country between 1933 and 1939.

Kevin Madigan, a professor of Christian history at Harvard Divinity School pointed out that in one Berlin production of the play, the director  planted extras in the audiences to shout and whistle when Shylock appeared, thus cuing the audience to do the same, the Smithsonian magazine reported.

open image in gallery Edward Alcock's oil painting 'Portia and Shylock' from 1890 ( Alamy )

What has the reaction to Trumps comments been?

The Anti-Defamation League said the term evokes a centuries-old antisemitic trope about Jews and greed that is extremely offensive and dangerous. President Trump's use of the term is very troubling and irresponsible.

It underscores how lies and conspiracies about Jews remain deeply entrenched in our country. Words from our leaders matter and we expect more from the President of the United States.

Amy Spitalnick of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs said Trumps use of the term was not an accident.

Shylock is among the most quintessential antisemitic stereotypes, she tweeted.

New York Representative Daniel Goldman said it was blatant and vile antisemitism, and Trump knows exactly what hes doing.

California Rep. Eric Swalwell called on the ADL to take action, adding that if they cannot condemn this, they should pack it up. He later shared an update that the league had condemned the presidents comments.

open image in gallery Joe Biden has also used the term, though he later apologized ( Getty )

Have other senior American leaders used that term?

Yes, most notably Joe Biden when he was vice president in 2014.

Speaking at a Legal Services Corporation event, he used the term to describe lenders taking advantage of service men and women while they were overseas.

Later, Biden acknowledged it was a poor choice of words after the ADL said the then-vice president should have been more careful.

What has Trump said about it?

Flying back to Washington D.C. on Air Force One, the president said he had never heard that the word was considered antisemitic, and offered his own definition of the term.

Ive never heard it that way, he said. The meaning of Shylock is somebody thats a money lender at high rates. You view it differently. Ive never heard that.
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President Donald Trump is set to resume tariffs of up to 70 percent on dozens of countries as many trade deals have not materialized.

Trump said the White House would be sending out letters, starting Friday, to 10 countries at a time where trade deals are not yet in place, ahead of the July 9 deadline.

The president didnt specify which countries in his remarks to reporters Thursday, but acknowledged it was complicated to negotiate with over 170 countries.

So were going to start sending letters out to various countries starting tomorrow, Trump told reporters at Andrews Air Force Base after returning from a rally in Iowa.

Theyll range in value from maybe 60 or 70 percent tariffs to 10 and 20 percent tariffs.

We have more than 170 countries, and how many deals can you make? Trump added. They're very much more complicated.

Trump said that 10 or 12 letters would be sent on Friday, with more going out over the next few days.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump told reporters that letters would be sent out to countries as soon as today after he put a 90-day pause on the reciprocal tariffs he announced in April. ( AP )

The president also said by the ninth they will be fully covered, referring to the deadline the administration set for countries to reach a deal in order to swerve higher duties.

The Independent has contacted the White House for further information.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that about 100 countries could see 10 percent reciprocal tariffs.

Were going to do what the president wants, Bessent told Bloomberg Television Thursday. And hell be the one to determine whether theyre negotiating in good faith.

In April, Trump put a 90-day pause on the reciprocal tariffs he had announced on so-called Liberation Day after the move spooked the stock market.

Trump and his team then promised 90 trade deals in 90 days, but so far only deals with the U.K. and Vietnam have been announced.

open image in gallery Trump and his team promised 90 trade deals in 90 days, but so far only deals with the U.K. and Vietnam have been announced. ( PA Wire )

The U.S. and China called a truce after Trump initially slapped tariffs as high as 145 percent on the worlds second largest economy. Goods from China are currently subject to 30 percent tariffs.

The president said he was not likely to extend the July 9 deadline, adding that a deal with Japan was unlikely.

We've dealt with Japan. I'm not sure we're going to make a deal. I doubt it, Trump said Tuesday.

Bessent said that a framework deal with the EU to avert 50 percent tariffs on all exports was close.

Skeptics say little progress has been made on making trade deals, leaving American businesses to grapple with economic uncertainty.

We were promised 90 deals in 90 days. What we have at this point are general frameworks for the U.K. and China, Marc Short, who served in Trumps first administration as legislative affairs director, told Politico last month.
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Two Jewish parents have issued a civil rights complaint against a Virginia private school for expelling their three children after their daughter reported antisemitic harassment on campus.

Brian Vazquez and Ashok Roy have filed a civil rights complaint against the Nysmith School for the Gifted in Herndon, Virginia, and its director, Kenneth Nysmith. The parents allege the school and Nysmith violated state law by discriminating and retaliating against their three children after their 11-year-old daughter reported antisemitic harassment, according to the complaint.

In a statement to the New York Post, Nysmith rejected the parents allegations. The Independent has contacted Nysmith for comment.

Vazquez and Roy say their daughter first reported severe and pervasive antisemitic bullying in February 2025. The school had also allowed antisemitism to take root in her classroom, they claim. The complaint cites a drawing featuring the unmistakable face of Adolf Hitler for a social studies project that required students to depict the attributes of a strong historical leader.

Vazquez and Roy also say their daughter was taunted over the Israel-Hamas conflict, which began when Hamas launched a series of surprise attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking another 250 people hostage. Since then, Israels retaliatory attacks have killed an estimated 56,000 people in Gaza, the Associated Press reports.

open image in gallery Students drew Adolf Hitler for a social studies project that required them to depict the attributes of a strong historical leader, the complaint claims. ( Virginia Office of the Attorney General )

One classmate told their daughter that Jewish people are baby killers and said they deserve to die because of the war, according to the complaint. It also alleged a classmate told their daughter that everyone at the school is against Jews and Israel and claimed they all hate her.

Vazquez and Roy scheduled a meeting with Nysmith soon after their daughter told them about the bullying, the complaint states. Nysmith allegedly assured the parents he would address the bullying.

Nysmith then canceled the schools annual Holocaust program speaker, arguing it could inflame tensions within the school community about the Israel-Gaza conflict, the complaint states. Around the same time, the parents say the school displayed a Palestinian flag in the gymnasium, alongside the flags of other nations, including Israel.

Their daughter then reported that her classmates would say the Palestinian flag was proof that nobody likes you, according to the parents complaint.

When Vazquez and Roy met with Nysmith again about the harassment on March 11, he allegedly told them their daughter needs to toughen up.

Vazquez and Roy say they told Nysmith that the combined cancelation of the Holocaust program speaker and the display of the Palestinian flag could be viewed as antisemitic. When Nysmith asked if they were calling him antisemitic, the parents said they were not, the complaint alleges.

Two days later, Nysmith sent an email informing the parents that all three of their children had been removed from the school.

After reflecting on our emotional conversation on Tuesday, the words used make it clear that you have a profound lack of trust in both me and the school, Nysmith wrote in the email. A healthy partnership is required to help guide and nurture young children through tumultuous times and complex current events. I do not see a path forward without trust, understanding, and cooperation.

I regret to inform you that today will be your children's last day at Nysmith, he added. I do not take this step lightly, but it is necessary.

Jeffrey Lang, an attorney with the Brandeis Center who is representing the parents, told The Independent that the parents filed the complaint because they wanted their kids to know that they did nothing wrong.

The kids were just shattered, and their immediate reaction was, What did we do wrong? Lang said.

"Their parents picked them up from school on a Thursday afternoon, and they never went back, he added. They left their belongings in their locker, their stickers, their pens and pencils and their drawings. They left it in school because they thought they'd go back the next day. 

The parents filed the complaint with the Virginia Office of the Attorney General. The agency can now investigate and issue a right-to-sue letter, which would allow the family to file a lawsuit against the school. The agency can also decide to pursue action on its own against the school.
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Firefighters on the Greek island of Crete are in their third day of battling a wildfire which has already razed forests and olive groves, forcing thousands of residents and tourists to evacuate.

Around 130 firefighters, 48 vehicles, and six helicopters are deployed, contending with gale-force winds and dry conditions.

An anonymous fire brigade official warned that gusts could fan embers from smouldering trees, threatening to reignite contained areas.

The Crete fire comes as Europe endures an early summer heatwave, which has been linked by officials to at least eight deaths across the continent.

The fire, which broke out in a village about 16 kilometres (10 miles) east of Ierapetra on Wednesday, has consumed swathes of agricultural land in the southeastern corner of the island.

It has left dead animals and scorched farmhouses in its wake.

open image in gallery A firefighter tries to extinguish a fire on Crete ( AP )

Some 1,000 residents evacuated on Wednesday found temporary shelter at an indoor stadium and in nearby hotels and about 5,000 holidaymakers left the area.

Many of the evacuees were expected to make their way back home later on Friday as the situation improved, George Tsapakos, a deputy civil protection governor for Crete, said.

Tourism is a key earner in Crete, the largest island in Greece, and local hoteliers were concerned about the impact on future bookings as the fire hit at the start of the peak summer holiday season.

Separately, some 148 firefighters battled a fire that broke out in the Athens suburb of Pikermi on Thursday, threatening many homes, causing power cuts and prompting authorities to move more than 300 people to safety. The fire was contained but not extinguished, the fire brigade official said.

open image in gallery Around 130 firefighters, 48 vehicles, and six helicopters are deployed ( Reuters )

Temperatures in Greece were forecast to reach up to 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 Fahrenheit) on Friday, the Greek weather service said.

In Italy, the health ministry put 20 of the 27 cities it monitors for heatwaves on red alert on Friday. RAI public broadcaster said temperatures would go as high as 38 C in Florence and 37 C in Rome, Bologna and Perugia.

With the heat comes a higher risk of wildfires.

Greece and other Mediterranean countries are in an area dubbed "a wildfire hotspot" by scientists - with blazes common during hot and dry summers. These have become more destructive in recent years due to a fast-changing climate.
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Kyiv suffered its most extensive aerial assault since Russias full-scale invasion began overnight into Friday, with waves of drones and missiles injuring 23 people and damaging multiple districts.

Ukraines air force reported Russia unleashed 550 drones and missiles across the country overnight, predominantly Shahed drones and 11 missiles.

Associated Press journalists in Kyiv described a night of relentless buzzing, explosions, and intense machine gun fire as Ukrainian forces battled to intercept the aerial onslaught.

Kyiv bore the brunt of the attack, with Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirming at least 23 injuries, 14 requiring hospitalisation.

Ukrainian air defences shot down 270 targets, including two cruise missiles. Another 208 targets were lost from radar and presumed jammed.

Russia hit eight locations with nine missiles and 63 drones. Debris from intercepted drones fell across at least 33 sites.

The attack came hours after President Donald Trump held a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and made his first public comments on his administration's decision to pause some shipments of weapons to Ukraine.

open image in gallery First responders work to extinguish a fire following a Russian attack in Kyiv region on 4 July ( Ukrainian Emergency Service )

That decision affects munitions, including Patriot missiles, the AIM-7 Sparrow air-to-air missile and shorter-range Stinger missiles. They are needed to counter incoming missiles and drones, and to bring down Russian aircraft.

It's been less than a week since Russia's previous largest aerial assault of the war. Ukraines air force reported that Russia fired 537 drones, decoys and 60 missiles in that attack.

Emergency services reported damage in at least five of the capital's 10 districts. In Solomianskyi district, a five-story residential building was partially destroyed and the roof of a seven-story building caught fire. Fires also broke out at a warehouse, a garage complex and an auto repair facility.

In Sviatoshynskyi district, a strike hit a 14-story residential building, sparking a fire. Several vehicles also caught fire nearby. Blazes were also reported at non-residential facilities.

In Shevchenkivskyi district, an eight-story building came under attack, with the first floor sustaining damage. Falling debris was recorded in Darnytskyi and Holosiivskyi districts.

Ukraines national railway operator, Ukrzaliznytsia, said drone strikes damaged rail infrastructure in Kyiv.
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Russia has been accused by European intelligence agencies of widespread use of banned chemical weapons in Ukraine.

While it was already accused of using tear gas in its three-year war in Ukraine, German and Dutch intelligence agencies say Moscow has expanded its use of chemical weapons on the battlefield, including the use of potentially-lethal chemical choking agent chloropicrin.

Dutch intelligence said the chemical is dropped from Russian drones to force soldiers out of trenches so they can be shot, as Russia looks to continue making gains on the battlefield despite international efforts towards peace.

The chemical, which was widely used during World War One, can cause irritation of the lungs, eyes and skin and can cause diarrhoea, vomiting and nausea.

open image in gallery Ukrainian servicemen of the National Guard take part in radiation, chemical and biological hazard drills, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine ( Reuters )

"The main conclusion is that we can confirm Russia is intensifying its use of chemical weapons," Dutch defence minister Ruben Brekelmans told Reuters, as he called for tougher sanctions for Moscow.

"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 normalized, standardized, and widespread."

Germanys BND foreign intelligence agency said Russia has been using not only tear gas but also "the more dangerous chemical chloropicrin, which can be lethal in high concentrations in enclosed spaces". This is a more serious violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, it added.

European intelligence officials fear that Russias chemical weapons use is part of a large-scale intensification of chemical weapons production, and that Russian officials are issuing direct instructions to soldiers to use the poisonous warfare agents.

Russian chemical weapons use is truly part of a large scale programme rather than some ad-hoc tinkering at the frontline, said Peter Reesink, the head of the Dutch military intelligence agency (MIVD).

open image in gallery The allegations come as Ukraine continues to face heavy air bombardment by Russian forces ( REUTERS )

The United States first accused Russia of using chloropicrin, a chemical compound more toxic than riot control agents, in May last year.

Kyiv has alleged thousands of instances of chemical weapons usage by Russian forces. The head of the Dutch Military Intelligence Agency (MIVD), Peter Reesink, noted "thousands of instances" of chemical weapons use, while also citing a Ukrainian figure of 9,000.

At least three Ukrainian deaths have been tied to chemical weapons use, Mr Brekelmans said, while more than 2,500 people injured on the battlefield reported chemical weapons-related symptoms to Ukrainian health authorities.

Moscow denies this, and has accused Ukraine itself of using such weapons. Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday that its security service discovered a Ukrainian cache of explosive devices in the east of the country containing chloropicrin. Kyiv has consistently denied such allegations.

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), a disarmament agency in The Hague with 193 member states, said last year that initial accusations levelled by both countries at each other were "insufficiently substantiated".

open image in gallery Zakharova claimed Russian security services found a Ukrainian cache of explosive devices containing chemical weapons ( Russian Foreign Ministry )

Mr Brekelmans has now called on Western countries to increase the pressure on Russia including by looking at more sanctions and specifically not allowing them (Russia) to participate in international bodies like the Executive Council of the OPCW.

There have been previous allegations of Russian use of chemical weapons in Ukraine. The US said in May 2024 that Russia had used the chloropicrin agent, adding that it was not an isolated incident. Washingtons state department also said Moscows forces had used tear gas.

Moscow has repeatedly been accused by Western countries of using toxic chemical substances in foreign countries, including multiple suspected poisonings in the UK.

The poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal in Salisbury, 2018, was a botched attempt to assassinate Sergei Skripal, a former Russian military officer and double agent for the British intelligence agencies. The Novichok nerve agent was used in their poisoning, but they survived after weeks in intensive care in hospital. The British government accused Russia of attempted murder.

Twelve years earlier, former Russian Federal Security Service officer Alexander Litvinenko was poisoned with Polonium-210 after fleeing Russia, criticising its government and working with foreign intelligence agencies.
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European leaders have redoubled their efforts to prise Donald Trump away from Russia by warning that the US president is being mocked by Vladimir Putin, alleging that Moscow is using chemical weapons in Ukraine and demanding that the US restore weapons supplies to Kyiv.

The move came after Ukraine said it had endured the biggest overnight air attack of the entire war, with swarms of 500 drones and missiles intended to overwhelm already stretched air defences.

Radek Sikorski, Polands foreign minister, called for the US to end its suspension of air defence missiles and other weapons  most of which are on standby for delivery to Poland and derided Trumps fruitless efforts to secure a ceasefire. Mr Trump, Putin is mocking your peace efforts, said the Oxford-educated Sikorski.

In addition, the Dutch and German governments said their intelligence services had evidence of widespread use of chemical choking agents (teargas) against Ukrainian trenches by Russian troops. These have been used to force soldiers into the open where they could be shot by Putins forces.

open image in gallery Firefighters at the site of a strike on Kyiv by Russian drones and missiles ( Emergency Service of Ukraine )

This intensification is concerning because it is part of a trend we have been observing for several years now, where Russia's use of chemical weapons in this war is becoming more normalised, standardised, and widespread," said the Dutch defence minister Ruben Brekelmans.

With the recent US focus on its attacks on Iran in support of Israel, Russia has been gradually stepping up efforts against Kyiv. Ukraines president, Volodymyr Zelensky, has been warning for weeks that his country faces a critical shortage of defensive weapons, so the announcement that the US is suspending promised weapons such Patriot air defence missiles will inevitably entrench the already strong belief that Trump has taken Putins side after Moscows full-scale invasion of Ukraine and that the US is no longer a real ally in the defence of Europe.

Pentagon officials suggested the suspension was a pause in delivery of Patriots, precision artillery and Hellfire missiles mounted on Ukrainian F-16 aircraft as part of a review of US supplies worldwide.

But the US has not declared a pause in supply to any other nation. Israel is the largest recipient of US military aid by far and has recently enjoyed an uptick in supplies of bombs and missiles even as it stands accused by the United Nations of ethnic cleansing and its prime minister has been indicted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court.

open image in gallery Ukrainian servicemen on radiation, chemical and biological hazard drills near Kharkiv ( Reuters )

Trump has been trying to secure a ceasefire in the Ukraine war for months. Despite Kyiv offering a 30-day pause in fighting, Putin has repeatedly made it clear that Russia is not interested while it pursues a summer offensive to carve out the east of Ukraine.

Trump has suggested he is frustrated by Putin but has threatened the Russian president with no definitive sanctions. Kyiv, however, has endured having its intelligence feed from the US blinded during the Russian counterattacks to retake Kursk, seen military aid suspended, been offered no new promises of support, and forced into a mineral deal that trades future US weapons for mining profits.

In March, Trump said he was very angry and pissed off after the Russian president continued to swerve his attempts to get Moscow to agree a ceasefire. The pair spoke again at length on Thursday in what turned out to be, from the Oval Office perspective, another unsatisfactory call.

When asked if he had any success with Putin on Ukraine, Trump was clear: No, I didnt make any progress with him today at all... Im not happy about that. Im not happy about that. But again there was still no sign that the US was going to lift its suspension of military aid to Ukraine, let alone increase it to try to force Russia to negotiate a workable ceasefire.

open image in gallery The suspension of arms supplies from the US to Ukraine entrenches the already strong belief that Donald Trump has taken Vladimir Putins side ( AFP/Getty )

So Russia continues its grinding offensive, claiming this week to have captured all of Luhansk province, which it has already illegally annexed. As a precondition to any ceasefire, Putin has demanded he keep at least Luhansk, Crimea, Kherson, Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia provinces.

The US has largely accepted this position as a given and further insisted that in any long-term peace deal Ukraine is prevented from joining Nato and will not get security guarantees from the US to defend its future borders.

So Natos European and Canadian members are now planning, training and producing weapons to fill an American void that is widening. Kyiv has held on in spite of the massive air attacks and meat grinder Russian land assaults, largely because of its superiority in drone technology. But Moscow has now forged ahead with the development of long-range wire-guided first-person view (FPV) drones and is developing AI weapons. For the last year or so Russian drone pilots have been using civilians in Kherson as target practice on training operations, with FPV drones killing several people most weeks.

It wont be long before we see people being hunted through the streets of Kyiv by AI drones in swarms. We need to defeat Russia before that happens, said a senior officer in Ukraines drone warfare operations.

That will be difficult while Trump holds back critical arms when Ukraine needs them most.
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Astronomers may have just discovered a new interstellar object passing through our solar system.

The object, a celestial body from another star system, was discovered on Tuesday by the University of Hawaiis Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System, or ATLAS, team. At this point, it remains unclear what the object may be or look like as it moves near Jupiter.

Now, scientists are checking to confirm their findings.

ESAs Planetary Defenders are observing the object, provisionally known as #A11pl3Z, right now using telescopes around the world, the European Space Agency said in a social media post on Wednesday. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration told The Associated Press that it is monitoring the situation.

David Rankin, of the University of Arizonas Catalina Sky Survey, said in posts on BlueSky that follow-up observations were made not long after the discovery. A precovery  observations from archival images in which the object was not originally discovered  from CalTechs Zwicky Transient Facility hinted at the presence of an interstellar object.

open image in gallery Astronomers may have just found the third interstellar object passing through our solar system. The object is seen in this image from Arizonas Saguaro Observatory ( David Rankin, Saguaro Observatory )

After a few more precovery observations, and follow-ups, it became clear this object is on a hyperbolic trajectory through the solar system, Rankin wrote.

Since then, new observations have been rolling in, helping astronomers to better determine its orbit.

Rankin noted that the first known interstellar object to visit our solar system was Oumuamua, which was spotted in 2017.

open image in gallery An artists illustration shows the wayward interstellar visitor `Oumuamua at the outskirts of the solar system. The object was the first known interstellar object to visit our solar system ( NASA/ESA/STScI )

Up to one-quarter mile-long and 10 times as long as it is wide, its resembles a rocky cigar with a reddish hue. Its aspect ratio, which is greater than that of any asteroid or comet observed in our solar system to date, even led to speculation that it could be an alien spacecraft.

Observations then suggested that it had been wandering through our Milky Way galaxy for hundreds of millions of years before its encounter with our star system, according to NASA.

The second known object was Comet 2I/Borisov, found in 2019. It is the first confirmed interstellar comet, and was later captured by the Hubble Space Telescope.

open image in gallery NASAs Hubble Space Telescope snapped this image of the comet 2I/Borisov in late 2019. It was the second interstellar object ever discovered ( NASA, ESA and D. Jewitt (UCLA) )

Scientists believe that many more such objects regularly pass by the Earth, with a number of them flying relatively near to us each year. However, many of them go undetected because they are hard to spot and it is difficult to know for sure where they have come from.

Researchers hope to eventually learn more about them and even use them as evidence for distant star systems and planets.

They also hope to find more of them in the years to come, thanks to new and more powerful telescopes, such as the recently switched-on Vera C Rubin Observatory.
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The World Food Programme (WFP) is set to run out of food in Nigeria this month following crippling aid cuts, with more than a million people now at risk of starvation, The Independent has learnt.

In April, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency on food security in the country, while in June, a report from the WFP and UN Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) warned that 30.6m people in the country were now facing food crisis or acute food insecurity, and 5.4 million children were acutely malnourished, as a result of intensifying conflict, economic challenges and climate change impacts.

Now, the WFP  the UN agency that is widely seen as the last line of defence against starvation  is saying that it no longer has the funds to continue its operations.

We only have resources to go on until this month, and the way things are looking, people are at risk of starvation, says WFP Nigeria spokesperson Chi Lael.

We do not have any contingency. We dont have any carry-over. We are using all the money we have, which takes us to July, she adds. Our office is completely stunned right now.

Lael, who has worked for WFP since 2018, said that the current crisis is different to the peaks and troughs in funding cycles that are typical in humanitarian organisations. There really is no plan for anyone to step in, she said.

Some 1.3 million people will receive food assistance this month from WFP, but from the start of August, that total is set to fall to zero. WFPs network of life-saving nutrition treatment clinics are also all set to close, starting with 150 clinics closing in July, which will lead to the immediate cessation of malnourishment treatment for 300,000 children.

While a lifeline to many, WFP has already in recent months been able to only support a fraction of those in need of food support.

A malnutrition analysis released earlier this year by the IPC, a UN-backed food insecurity classification system, found that from May 2024 to April 2025, only 20 per cent of malnourished children in the country were receiving necessary treatment, with malnourishment already contributing to 45 per cent of all deaths of children under five.

According to Lael, WFP closing its operations in the country would result in people either staying put and risking starvation, leaving their homes and moving to other regions with likely no better prospects, or submitting to Boko Haram, the terrorist group that has been driving an armed insurgency in the countrys North since 2009. All of these are horrible options, she says.

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The Trump Administration terminated more than 80 per cent of aid contracts run by USAID, which until this year had been a major humanitarian provider in the country.

Before contracts were terminated, USAID provided just under 50 per cent of WFP Nigerias funding  although Lael says the issues they are facing have been building for a number of years.

Khatija Nxedlana, Nigeria country spokesperson for the International Committee of the Red Cross, concurs that aid cuts are not a new phenomenon.

Over the last couple of years, we have seen less and less money coming in, and organisations have been reshaping and refocusing their priorities, she says.

But the immediate termination of programmes under Elon Musks DOGE Programme  which included close to $200m of cuts in Nigeria  caused chaos at humanitarian agencies and prevented them from being able to continue prioritising resources.

The news from Nigeria also comes as new research published in the Lancet this week found that US cuts to humanitarian aid under President Trump could lead to 14 million additional deaths by 2030, with children representing a third of those at risk.

open image in gallery People affected by floods are escorted through flood water on a military boat in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State in the Lake Chad region of Nigeria, last year ( AFP/Getty )

open image in gallery Houses submerged under water in Maiduguri last year ( AFP/Getty )

Away from the wealth and glamour of the coastal commercial centre Lagos, Nigerias food crisis is centred on the countrys Northern districts.

A key driver of the crisis is the ever-more volatile rain patterns driven by the climate crisis. Weather reports from early June, for example, warn of below-average rainfall forecasts for certain central and northern food-growing areas of the country, which are set to result in crop production shortfalls.

But even more devastating than drought in recent years has been the impact of flooding, which had devastating impacts in 2022 , 2024 , and now also in 2025, with at least 700 people believed to have died from flooding in the town of Mokwa in Niger State at the end of May.

In 2022, everyone said: We have not seen rains like this in a decade. Then in 2024, they said: We have not had rains like this in 30 years. And this year, Niger State has seen its worst floods in 60 years, says Lael. Its like the rainy season has just become the flooding season.

These floods wash away farmlands and infrastructure, leaving nothing in their place. And the problem now is that theres no recovery time, adds Lael. A year is not enough time to rebuild entire communities and get everybody back onto their farms.

The volatile Lake Chad Basin

Much of Nigerias most climate-vulnerable population lives in the Borno, Yobe, and Gombo states in the countrys North East, which in turn form part of the Lake Chad Basin, a fertile region spread over Niger, Cameroon and Chad, and which centres on the famous lake.

The region has been effectively in a state of constant humanitarian crisis for more than a decade, with at least three million internally displaced people (IDPs) across the basin at the moment, according to figures cited by OCHA, the UN humanitarian agency.

A poster child for environmental degradation for much of the Twentieth Century, Lake Chad lost 90 per cent of its surface area in the 1970s and 80s as a result of reduced rainfall and poor land management practices  though the water level has since stabilised, and an estimated three million people continue to live off the fish stocks and farmlands of the region.

Flooding is now the key climatic risk of the region, after extreme droughts of the 1970s and 80s baked soils hard and left them impermeable. The floods of 2022 and 2024, for example, displaced millions across the four countries, and inundated agricultural land.

open image in gallery A Chadian fisherman shows of his catch on the banks of Lake Chad ( AFP via Getty Images )

Meanwhile, Boko Haram continues to cause terror in the towns and villages around the lake, with reports of an uptick in violence in Northeastern Nigeria in recent months, after several years of waning attacks.

On the night of June 21, for example, a woman who had been hiding an improvised explosive device under her hijab reportedly killed at least 12 people after detonating it in a crowded fish market in the town of Konduga, in Nigerias Borno state.

These are really vicious attacks, and people are living in fear, says Lael. Youre in a marketplace, and you just do not know if the person next to you is carrying a bomb.

open image in gallery Lake Chad exists on the border between Niger, Chad, Cameroon, and Nigeria ( Google Earth )

Humanitarian experts in countries across the Lake Chad region that have been interviewed by The Independent are warning that this crisis risks being forgotten as more high profile crises take the media spotlight  just as aid cuts put an already-delicate situation under ever greater stress.

The Lake Chad Basin feels like a forgotten crisis, and with people not only forgetting that people are in dire need, but also that Nigerias stability is crucial for regional stability, says Lael.

There is a sense that Lake Chad has not been very attractive to international funders, and the aid cuts are only making that worse, adds Eugene Nforngwa, the programme director at the Africa Coalition for Sustainable Energy and Access, who is based in the Cameroon capital Yaounde. Countries like the US, UK and the EU have prioritised other crises.

Nforngwa also confirms that Cameroon  which has an estimated 3.3 million people in urgent need of humanitarian assistance  is facing similar impacts following cuts to humanitarian aid, particularly from the US.

Programmes have shrunk, facilities have closed, and many staff have lost their jobs, he says. We now have a large number of organisations competing for a very small pool of funding.

Over the border in Chad, meanwhile, there have also been major cuts, with one source in the region telling The Independent that the human rights agency UNHCR has been dealing with a 40 per cent cut to its budget this year, despite the fact that there has been an influx of refugees from Sudan.

On the climate front, sometimes there is a lack of rain, and at other times there is too much rain, says Augustin Zusanne, a Chad-based analyst at the UN humanitarian agency OCHA. There also continues to be a major security threat from Boko Haram around Lake Chad.

OCHAs humanitarian response plan for Chad  which represents the total amount of money required to meet the countrys humanitarian needs  is currently 11 per cent funded. Normally at this time in the year, it is 20-30 per cent funded, says Zusanne.

Speaking at a conference organised by the International Institute for Environment and Development in London last week, Chads environment minister Bakhit Djamous Hassan gave his assessment of the countrys humanitarian situation.

Our communities awake to a triple challenge, the devastating effects of climate change, ongoing insecurity and growing humanitarian needs, he said. We are facing rampant desertification, preparing droughts followed by devastating flooded floods, all while hosting over a million refugees and internally displaced persons.

This convergence of crisis is not just statistical, it is the lived reality of millions struggling to survive.

Families on the front line

Back in Nigeria, humanitarian workers report a feeling of fatigue among the victims of a humanitarian crisis that has now been dragging on for many years  and particularly so among the countrys 3.7m internally-displaced people (IDPs), of whom more than half live in the Northeastern Borno State.

People in the Northeast have been impacted by Boko Haram violence for 15 years now, says Lael. Many are living in IDP camps, but even if not they will likely be topping up whatever they are able to farm with food assistance. And they are quite literally physically and emotionally exhausted.

These are people like 40-year-old Murka, who is the sole breadwinner for her 10 children and her missing husbands mother and father, and who has been receiving food aid assistance from WFP for just over five year.

The WFP food ration only lasts us for 15 days and after that we start struggling again, she told WFP in a recent fact-finding mission. Sometimes I don't eat just to ensure that I feed my husband's elderly parents and my children.

open image in gallery Murka, 40, a displaced mother of 10, stands outside her home in Yobe State, Nigeria ( WFP/Arete/Damilola Onafuwa )

open image in gallery Ya Kaka, 25 holds her baby Binta, who is currently in receipt of malnutrition support from WFP Nigeria ( WFP/Arete/Damilola Onafuwa )

25-year-old Yagana Bukar, who lives in Borno State with her four children, described similar hardships around not always having enough food, despite WFPs support.

We just have water, which I put water on fire that keeps boiling just to keep assuring the children that food will soon be ready till they fall asleep, she said.

On the same mission, WFP also spoke to Ya Kaka, who receives malnutrition treatment for her eight-month-old baby. The 25-year-old described how she had been kidnapped by an armed group when she was 18 years old, married off to one of the fighters, and forced to have a child, before later escaping.

I'm hoping and praying to God to take away all my pains, she said. I want to forget all I've gone through or all that I'm always thinking about.

Even with WFP and other aid organisations offering their support, it can be hard for people to plan the future. A recent report from the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre describes the phenomenon of how, even after flood waters retreat, IDPs are simply staying in the camp as they feel unable to pick their lives back up as a result of the persistant challenges.

For such people, it is often the case that the only hope they can find in their lives comes in the form of food assistance, says Lael. With that now under threat, the hopes of ever tackling the crisis around the Lake Chad basin look ever more remote.

This story is part of The Independents Rethinking Global Aid series
Farleng Engineering is based in Lucan, Co Dublin

Farleng Engineering Ltd, of Laraghcon Farm, Lucan, Co Dublin, is insolvent and does not have enough money to discharge debts to creditors, Mr Justice Brian Cregan was told by Ross Gorman BL, for the firm, which petitioned the court for the appointment. Up until recently, it had 42 full-time employees.

Counsel said the company had, unusually, twice been through examinership, the first in 2021 and the second in April last when the Circuit Court appointed an examiner.

This protection was removed in late June after a potential investor withdrew interest and the examiner recommended the appointment of a provisional liquidator, he said. A liquidator can only be appointed by the High Court.

Among the reasons why the decision was taken was that the company was owed in excess of 230,000 for work in progress and another 446,000 in retentions, much of which is related to projects that have been completed. The liquidator could commence trying to recover this money.

Counsel also said one of the key reasons was to ensure that the employees can avail of a collective redundancy process which can only commence when the liquidator has been appointed. Until that happens, the workers are "in limbo" and cannot obtain social welfare or start a new job.

The firm also has several hundred thousand euro worth of assets, including plant, machinery and tools which are depreciating assets and which need to be sold as soon as possible.

In the petition seeking the appointment of the provisional liquidator, the company, which was incorporated in 1999 and leases its premises in Lucan, said it operates in the construction sector providing specific steel fabrication for data centres and pharmaceutical manufacturing-site construction. Its clients include Hegarty, Jones, Sisk and BAM.

The 2021 examinership was successful with reasonable profitability recorded for the last three-and-a-half years.

However, it has suffered significant cash flow issues for reasons including the impact on working capital due to major contract delays. It was also impacted by general delays in customers paying up and variances between what the firm claims and what is assessed by the customers' quantity surveyors.

A planning issue also arose with Fingal Co Council sending a warning letter last March stating the company may be in breach of planning regulations by changing the use of an agricultural building to light industry and the laying of a concrete surface without permission.

The company believes a liquidator can explore the possibility of the acquisition of the business by a number of investors who have expressed interest in it.

Mr Justice Cregan said he was satisfied to appoint Padraic O'Malley of JW Accountants as provisional liquidator. He adjourned the application to the end of the month.

Figures earlier this week showed the number of insolvencies recorded in Ireland during the first half of 2025 was virtually unchanged from the same time last year.

A report from Deloitte showed services, hospitality and construction remain the hardest hit sectors during that period, bearing the impact of persistently high operating costs.
Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe declined to rule himself out of contention to replace European Central Bank (ECB) president Christine Lagarde when her term ends next year, although he indicated such a move was unlikely.

Speaking on Newstalk radio with interviewer Ivan Yates, standing in for Pat Kenny, Mr Donohoe said the suggestion he could become ECB president was only speculation.

"The next governor [president], I believe, will be a central bank governor, someone who has run a central bank, he said.

Mr Donohoe is currently standing for a third term as president of the Eurogroup, effectively chairing the finance ministers for the euro member countries.

A vote by ministers is due on Monday, with Mr Donohoe as incumbent and a representative of the European Peoples Party seen as the frontrunner.

Spanish economy minister Carlos Cuerpo and Lithuania's finance minister Rimantas Sadzius, who are also in the running, belong to the centre-left Party of European Socialists bloc at EU level, potentially splitting that vote.

A bid to become ECB president would be potentially more challenging for Mr Donohoe, requiring backing from heads of government and MEPs from a wider spectrum.

If successful, a move directly from the Eurogroup presidency and a national finance post to Frankfurt would likely raise significant question marks over the substance of the ECBs independence from the other European institutions, which is legally mandated.

However, there is no hard wall in place to protect against such moves.

Luis de Guindos, the ECBs vice-president, was a senior minister in the Spanish government until he moved to the ECB.

Current ECB president Ms Lagarde was French finance minister until 2011, although she then spent eight years away from European politics as head of the IMF before moving to Frankfurt.

Up to relatively recently, ECB presidents tended to be less party political. Mario Draghi was a central banker and technocrat before taking up the top job at Frankfurt, only later becoming Italian prime minister.

Jean-Claude Trichet, who presided over the euro crisis, was a former governor of the French central bank and his predecessor, Wim Duisenberg, headed the Dutch central bank, although he had been a government minister earlier in his career.

The presidency of the ECB comes up for grabs in October 2026, when Ms Lagardes term expires.
Ahead of Oasis playing Croke Park next month, heres a list of their best songs, filled with snarling guitars and bravado

As the Gallagher brothers begin their new tour, Marc Beaumont and Roisin OConnor pick out their favourite tracks by the Manchester band

Oasis on stage in 1994, the year they released their debut, Definitely Maybe. Photo: Steve Eichner/WireImage

Marc Beaumont and Roisin OConnor UK Independent Fri 4 Jul 2025 at 06:30

Are you, or do you know, a Wonderwall warrior? One of the many Gen-Zers who used their ninja-like internet skills to beat drug-muddled original fans to Oasis tickets, despite only knowing their most famous song? Wondering  aloud, online, to much gnashing of teeth by furry-hood-wearing parka dads who missed out  if they have any other good songs you should listen to before you go?
Mumford & Sons popped up in ODonoghues Pub in Dublin to surprise fans before their headline show tomorrow at Malahide Castle

Mumford & Sons thrilled fans yesterday with a surprise acoustic set at the iconic ODonoghues Pub in Dublin, just a day before their much-anticipated show at Malahide Castle.

The British folk-rock trio had the crowd cheering loudly on Merrion Row as they performed a mix of their beloved classics like Little Lion Man alongside newer tracks from their recently released album Rushmere.

The intimate pop-up show caught Thursday night drinkers off guard, offering a rare, personal experience with the band.

ODonoghues shared several videos capturing the memorable performance on their social media channels, while the band posted a photo outside the pub this morning, writing, Nice one @odonoguespub that was fun!

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Tonight, Mumford & Sons will take the stage at Malahide Castle, performing to an expected crowd of roughly 20,000 for their sold-out gig.

The Dublin date is part of their ongoing European and North American tour, following the release of Rushmere in March.

ODonoghues has become a popular spot for surprise performances, with artists like Disclosure also playing intimate sets there in recent months.

Mumford & Sons popped up in ODonoghues Pub in Dublin to surprise fans before their headline show tomorrow at Malahide Castle

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 4th
Superb BBC docuseries charts the ups and downs of Bob Geldofs crusade to rescue one African country from famine

When you talk about Live Aid, you can talk about well-meaning naivety. You can talk about white saviourism. You can talk about perpetuating damaging stereotypes of Africans as helpless.

You can talk about all of these things because all of them are valid. But if you were around in the mid-80s, you can also talk about being shocked, horrified, moved to tears and then to anger by the TV news reports on the Ethiopian famine.
The late Brother Kevin Crowley will be remembered for his work with the poor and needy of Dublin. Photo: Tony Gavin

An independent senator has called on Dublin City Council to name a street in the capital after the late Brother Kevin Crowley, the founder of the Capuchin Day Centre, following his death.

Br Kevin, who died on Wednesday at the age of 90, founded the Capuchin Day Centre on Bow Street in 1969, which provides over 1,000 hot meals and more than 1,000 food parcels to those living in homelessness and poverty each day.

His funeral mass will take place in Dublin tomorrow morning at the Church of St Mary of the Angels at 11am.

Senator Aubrey McCarthy, who founded the charity Tiglin, which provides supports to people experiencing homelessness and addiction, has said naming a street in honour of Br Kevin would be a fitting and permanent tribute to a man who gave so much to Dublin.

Mr McCarthy has written to the Lord Mayor of Dublin City Council requesting that the move be considered as a way to honour Br Kevins contribution to Irish society.

The late Brother Kevin Crowley will be remembered for his work with the poor and needy of Dublin. Photo: Tony Gavin

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 4th

Br Kevin was a beacon of compassion, dignity, and service in our city, he said.

His legacy is etched into the lives of thousands of people he helped quietly, humbly, and without judgment. Naming a street after him would be a fitting and permanent tribute to a man who gave so much to Dublin.

Born in Kilcolman in Enniskeane, Co Cork in February of 1935, Br Kevin was baptised with the name William.

He entered the Capuchin Postulancy in Co Kilkenny in April 1958. 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.

The organisation, which was visited by Pope Francis during his time in Ireland in 2018, has become a vital facility for supporting poor and homeless people in Dublin.

President Michael D Higgins led tributes to Br Kevin earlier this week, praising his invaluable contribution to the people of Dublin city through the essential services the centre provides.

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.

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.

The Archbishop of Dublin, Dermot Farrell, said his work and the work of the 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.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin described Br Kevin as a good friend and proud Cork man who was a tireless and passionate advocate for justice, dedicating his life to helping those in need.

His compassion, devotion and non-judgmental approach to helping the marginalised was unwavering, he said.

Tanaiste Simon Harris said Br Kevin was one of lifes true heroes who dedicated his life to helping others.
However, amount paid to Exchequer rose substantially to 7.4bn last month

Growth in corporate tax will begin to stabilise before it will start to decline, Paschal Donohoe has warned

The rate of growth in corporation tax will stabilise but then start to decline in a number of years, the Finance Minister has warned.

Paschal Donohoe said the profitability of large companies will start to drop after years of doing well. He also warned that their profits will be more associated with the United States.

Mr Donohoe made the comments even as the Exchequer received a boost, with the amount of corporation tax paid rising substantially in the key month of June.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 4th

A total of 7.4bn was paid last month, 1.5bn more than in June last year.

Overall, tax revenues amounted to 47.7bn in the first half of the year, not including the Apple settlement ordered by the European Court of Justice.

This was 3bn ahead of the same period last year, or up 6.7pc.

But Mr Donohoe said that corporate tax receipts will begin to stagnate and then decline because of trade or global tax reform.

It is difficult at this point in time to give an exact point of which I expect to see decline to begin to happen, the Fine Gael minister said. But what Im convinced of is the decline will take place.

I believe, and Im convinced, that we will first stabilise and then begin to decline.

I didnt anticipate we would see the kind of volatility we are now seeing

Mr Donohoe said the broad trigger would be that in the world that were in at the moment, the profitability of large companies either begins to stabilise and then decline after many years of doing well, or you will see their profits begin to be associated more and more with the US.

That will either happen because of trade or will happen because of global tax reform.

He could not confirm when the stagnation will begin to materialise, saying it could be a number of years away.

I didnt anticipate that we would see the kind of volatility around the rules of trade that we are now seeing at the moment, and the scale of tariffs from some parts of the world now become permanent.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin

Income tax continues to be a stellar performer, reflecting an economy with virtually full employment.

Receipts of 17.4bn under this heading are also up on last year, by 700m.

Vat receipts of 11.6bn are up by 600m, while corporation tax at 13.1bn is over 7pc, or almost 1bn, ahead of where it was at this time last year. Its strong performance in June followed a 1.1bn decline in May, and reflects the continuing volatility of these receipts.

Government expenditure continues to keep pace with tax revenues, however. Total gross voted expenditure in the first half of the year amounted to 50.9bn, up by 3.8bn or 8.2pc on last year, and ahead of profile by 300m.

Meanwhile, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the next budget will have a heavy focus on capital investment including water and roads as big-ticket items.

We want our budgets to be heavily focused on capital investment and infrastructure

We want this Government to really take decisions that will transform infrastructure, Mr Martin said.

Water is the next utility that will demand an awful lot of capital, public transport, then, and roads  and so theyre big-ticket items.

So we want our budgets to be heavily focused on capital investment and infrastructure investment.

That means, then, perhaps a more focused, tighter situation on expenditure, he added.

Aside from capital expenditure, the budget priority will be housing, itll be disability, child poverty and education, the Taoiseach said.

Acknowledging the increased cost of running schools, Mr Martin said he would expect supports for schools to be included in the next budget.
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?
Dublin City Council has granted planning permission to Ventaway for a 14-storey office block scheme on the site of the former City Arts Centre, City Quay, Dublin 2.

The council has granted planning to the firm, headed up by developer David Kennan and Winthrop engineering group founder Barry English, despite opposition from the Office of Public Works (OPW), an inner-city primary school, a religious trust and An Taisce.

In granting planning permission to Ventaway Ltd, a council planners report concluded that the scheme will result in the redevelopment of a massively under-utilised vacant site in a prominent location within the city centre.

The proposed development at City Quay in Dublin

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 4th

The report found that the proposed alterations ensure that the development will not only create valuable commercial space but will also add much-needed artistic spaces, while also providing managed space for the adjoining school.

Underlining the scale of the scheme, the council has ordered Ventaway to pay 3.18m in planning contributions towards public infrastructure and 1.08m towards the Luas C1 line scheme.

The current plans follow An Coimisiun Pleanala refusing planning permission in May 2024 to Ventaway to develop what would have been Dublins tallest building at 24 storeys for the same site.

Schools board of management was objecting in the strongest possible terms

Ventaway lodged its revised plans last December and the scheme  designed by architects Henry J Lyons  is 61.05m tall, which is a 46.95m height reduction on the 108m-high scheme refused in 2024.

Principal of City Quay National School, Philip Kelly, told the council that the schools board of management was objecting in the strongest possible terms to the new planning application.

The OPW is the state agency charged with the care and management of the James Gandon-designed Custom House and in its objection, the OPW stated that the construction of a building at this scale and magnitude has the potential to adversely impact the historic and architectural character of the Custom House.

In a separate objection on behalf of St Laurence OToole Trust and the Administrator of the Parish of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, planning consultant Declan Brassil stated that the scheme represents a significant overdevelopment of the site.

The countrys largest industry lobby group, Ibec, also weighed in stating that approval should be granted.

Ibecs head of infrastructure and environmental sustainability, Aidan Sweeney, told the council that the proposal offers an effective revitalisation of a prime location in the city centre and is exactly the sort of project Dublin requires going forward.
Culture it: A reworking of Molieres story, A Misanthrope comes to Smock Alley theatre this summer with a fresh, Irish reworking. Developed by Sugarglass, the play reflects a Dublin landscape. Set in the Dublin docklands in a tech company, we follow Alceste as she tries to launch a venture that will free her from the tech megacorp where she works. The satire looks to be a perfect storm of comedy and workplace chaos in the start-up space. Running until July 2. smockalley.com

Wear it

Never Fully Dressed's 'Nara' dress

Nothing screams summer more than a punchy, colourful outfit. The team at Never Fully Dressed have always understood the assignment when it comes to this brief, with their creations always bringing the welcome introduction of fun to any summer event. Whether it be for more formal dos like weddings or casual summer days out, the pieces make for really effortless wearing. We love the green shirred Nara dress (185) for its flexibility in being able to be dressed up or down depending on the event. While the brands flagship stores in the UK and New York are an experience in themselves, Avoca stocks the gunas for those of us looking to try them on in person. avoca.com

Gift it

Conscious Clarity cards

Tara Marzuki has always had an eye for aesthetics. It only takes a cursory glance at her well-curated Instagram account to see it. The stylist turned photographer turned content creator has made a name for herself online documenting her life in New York, and now back in her native Co Cork. The creator, who is also a hypnosis and past life regression practitioner, has just launched Conscious Clarity, a beautifully designed deck of cards intended to nurture and navigate your intuitive senses. The product was born out of Marzukis realisation that people found tarot card reading inaccessible and overwhelming, and decided to bridge that gap in the market. A great gift for the spiritual person in your life. consciousclaritycards.com

Drink it

Isadora Petinari of 9 Below

The 9 Below Bar on Stephens Green is a gem of a cocktail spot. With its dark and cosy corners, its the perfect date spot or place to catch up with a friend. If that wasnt reason enough go to, staff member Isadora Petinari has been crowned best bartender in Ireland at the World Class Ireland finals 2025. The Dublin 2 bar is known for its creative and imaginative cocktail concoctions, including Pineapple Express and Bour(bo)ne Supremacy, which use Roe & Co and Bulleit Rye whiskeys. Every drink is created with precise attention to detail, and it is clear from the first sip that considerable thought has gone into the flavour profile of each drink. 9below.ie

Bookmark it

Common Threads festival

Returning for its third year this autumn, the Common Threads festival will take place in the Burren, Co Clare. With a journey through the landscape playing a pivotal role in the festival, attendees will travel by bus to unique performance settings, including caves and historic castles, making for a different festival experience to say the least. They can expect performances from Martin Hayes, Morgana, Daithi and Sally Cinnamon to name a few. The aim of the festival is to explore the common threads between local community, cultural spaces and the natural landscape, while embellishing them all with art, live music, wellness and food. commonthreads.events

Eat it

Cush's new lunch menu

Cush restaurants continue to move from strength to strength. Hot on the heels of their move to Midleton, the brand has just recently announced the start of a lunch menu. Running from Friday to Sunday, the menu is the perfect opportunity to taste award-winning cooking without committing to an entire evening out. Seasonality plays a big role in the offerings on the menu, and local seafood is something Cush is keen to champion too. Guests can expect to see Ballycotton lemon sole as well as Irish rhubarb in some of the sweet creations. Make it your excuse for a day out in east Cork. cush.ie

Shop it

Kilkenny Design at Kildare Village

The offering at Kilkenny Design stores has always been indicative of its commitment to championing Irish brands and home grown designers. After a successful run of its Christmas pop-up at Kildare Village, it has recently announced that it will launch a standalone store in the discount outlet this summer. To celebrate, Kilkenny Design will host a series of Meet the Maker events in the new store, with the names behind brands like Max Benjamin, Lennon Courtney and Green Angel taking guests for a behind-the-scenes look at these top Irish brands. kilkennydesign.ie
Several flights from Ireland are affected by the latest bout of ATC industrial action

Ryanair has cancelled 400 flights on July 3 and 4 due to strikes by French air traffic controllers (ATC)  action it says is disrupting 70,000 passengers.

In addition to flights to/from France being cancelled, this strike will also affect all French overflights, it said.

Most disrupted passengers are not even flying to/from France," it added, but over French airspace to destinations like the UK, Greece and Spain.

The cancellations include a handful of flights to and from Ireland by Ryanair, Aer Lingus and Air France on both dates.

On Friday, Dublin Airport said 14 flights had been cancelled, including services to/from Nice, Paris and Helsinki. It follows the cancellation of 20 flights on Thursday.

"Further disruption to flight schedules is possible today (Friday) due to another day of air traffic control strikes in France and a ground staff strike in Finland, the airport said.

Passengers due to fly to or over mainland Europe today are advised to check directly with their airline for latest updates on the status of their flight."

Shannon Airport said an inbound and outbound flight to Porto were cancelled last night, and several other flights experienced delays.

Aer Lingus said there would be limited flight cancellations to/from Paris and Nice on the affected dates, and that impacted customers had been contacted and re-accommodated on alternative flights or offered other options.

Passengers whose flights have been cancelled should be contacted directly by the airline  though if bookings were made through third parties like travel agents or other airlines, those may receive updates on their behalf.

Under EU Regulation 261/2014, affected passengers should be offered the choice between a re-routing or a full refund (read more about your rights if flights are cancelled or delayed).

French ATC union, UNSA-ICNA, said the two-day strike was due to persistent understaffing, outdated equipment and a toxic management culture.

The industrial action comes as the busy summer holiday period ramps up, though Ryanair has long campaigned for an overhaul of ATC services across Europe, lobbying in particular for ATC services to be fully staffed for the first wave of morning flight departures, and for overflights to be protected during national ATC strikes.

It says French ATC issues have caused the delay of over 26,000 of its flights in the first six months of 2025, and called on EU Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, to take urgent action to reform EU ATC services.

Once again European families are held to ransom by French air traffic controllers going on strike, said its CEO, Michael OLeary. "It makes no sense and is abundantly unfair on EU passengers and families going on holidays.

Ryanair maintains a website and league table highlighting what it says are the worst-performing ATCs in the EU.

France, Spain, Germany, Portugal, and the UK continue to delay thousands of Ryanair flights and millions of Ryanair passengers, putting them in stark contrast to other EU States, like Slovakia, Denmark, Ireland, Belgium and the Netherlands, who are delivering many many more on-time flights, Mr OLeary said this week.

If these five states can properly staff and manage their ATC service, then why cant France, Spain, Germany, Portugal and the UK do likewise?

Ryanair carried 19.9 million passengers in June, up 3pc on the same month last year.

This article is being updated to reflect developments.
Magical Monterey: From Highway 1 to humpback whales on the California coast

Our writer travelled to the California coast in search of killer whales. She found a Serengeti of the sea, one of the worlds most scenic road trips, and a US county that deserves much more than a pitstop...

The sweeping Big Sur coastline

Nicola Brady Fri 4 Jul 2025 at 06:30

Its hard to be grumpy when youre looking at humpbacks breaching. But Im managing it. Because, as cool as it is to see these giant, barnacle-encrusted beasts leaping into the air and landing with a splash that could rival a meteorite, I didnt come here to see them.
BBC, Keir Starmer and UK Met Polices terror unit focus on daft terror charges while Palestinian children are slaughtered

Moral panic is evident, but aimed at the wrong target in Kneecap, whose members are the object of knee-jerk alarm and hypocrisy. The Belfast trio, known for their political hip-hop lyrics in both Irish and English, are doing what governments and respected international bodies are failing to do  calling out genocide in Gaza.
Today is the Fourth of July, when Americans celebrate their independence. Thirty-seven- million Americans identify with their Irish ancestry, so transatlantic ties between our countries are deeply embedded.

This is to be cherished in an age when everything seems to be transactional. Historical, familial and cultural links going back over centuries can easily be undervalued in an era in which commerce is king.

Since US president Donald Trump returned to the White House, there has been a political realignment as America First prerogatives take precedence over long-standing relationships.

US president Donald Trump has rewritten the geopolitical rulebook. Photo: Getty

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 4th

Trumpian ideologies have come to the fore, jarring established norms and undermining alliances. To be fair to Mr Trump, no one should have been too surprised, because whether one agrees with him or not, he did exactly what he said he would.

His presidential decrees and pursuit of populist causes reflect the base that had put him in power, but the populist versus moderate tensions that define so much of American politics are as divisive as ever.

Mr Trump undertook an unapologetic anti-globalisation agenda, but the pitfalls in so aggressively asserting such in a market-based world economy rapidly became apparent. The Liberation Day tariffs led to something of a meltdown, and a rethink was enforced as American bonds began to feel the heat.

Make no mistake  the US economy is still pre-eminent and America is also the worlds dominant superpower. The Trump administration has sought to support populist parties in Europe backing hard-right candidates and attacking those whom they regard as overly liberal. Unsurprisingly, such interference has been resented by governments.

It would be far better if deals could be struck

But the greatest disruption has come from the imposition of tariffs. Unless a deal is done by next Wednesday, EU countries could be hit with 50pc tariffs.

Brussels has vowed to retaliate with a list of countermeasures if no agreement is reached. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has warned: We will defend the European interest as needed.

The battle lines are being drawn, but it would be far better if deals could be struck. Ms Von der Leyen rightly doubts agreement by next week is possible, saying: Its a huge task because we have the largest trade volume globally between the EU and the United States, 1.5tn annually  very complex.

The EU has signalled it is ready to live with a 10pc universal tariff on many exports. With the prospect of lower rates on pharmaceuticals, Americas influence in wars in Ukraine, Israel/Gaza and Iran also remains critical. The US is still uniquely placed to use its influence to find a resolution in each should it flex its full political, economic and military muscle.

Many have felt Mr Trump is intent on discarding the rules-based order and replacing it with power-based competition, but history has shown Europe needs America just as America needs Europe.

On this Fourth of July, it is worth re-emphasising they will always fare better as friends, rather than foes.
Donegal fans had plenty to celebrate last weekend, and one was reminded that decency is still alive and well. Photo: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

On Saturday, I attended the football championship quarter-finals in Croke Park and at some point I managed to lose my iPhone. I only noticed at full time. I held out little hope of ever seeing it again.

However, with a few calls to my missing iPhone by a friend, I discovered it was alive and well and in the possession of a lovely lady in Tallaght who had found it when leaving the stadium and took it home with her, waiting for someone to call.

I had to get there, and that was where Jimmy came in. A staunch Dublin GAA man who was now aware of my problem, he rang an Uber for me and paid for it from his own account. I refunded him with what cash I had, but it didnt meet the full cost of the taxi. That was the least of his worries  he just wanted to help.

So, a trip to Tallaght and a meeting with the lovely Antoinette, who waited at home until I got there, even though she was heading out for the night, and I was reunited with my phone. The relief was tremendous  there is just so much dependence on phones now, not least for the tickets for the two games on Sunday.

We hear so much bad news, so I just want to share that there are still a lot of decent people around and I had the pleasure of meeting two of the very best on Saturday night.

So, thank you Antoinette and thank you Jimmy. Up the Dubs, Donegal for Sam, and Antoinette and Jimmy, I owe you a few drinks if you want to join me for the celebrations in Tir Chonaill.

Jimmy Kavanagh, Letterkenny, Co Donegal

EU needs to follow Ireland and ban Jewish settlement goods across the union

The continuing scenes of Jewish settlers attacking Palestinians in the West Bank while their brethren in Gaza are being starved, shot and killed needs a worldwide response from all countries that believe in the sanctity of human life and the right to peaceful existence.

Last July, the International Court of Justice proffered an advisory opinion that declared Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem were illegal.

While it advised all nations to take effective measures that included refraining from any financial, military, technological and economic aid to the state of Israel, it seems the world, or those countries that signed up to the UN Convention on Human Rights, ignored that opinion and wilfully looked the other way.

That is, until an Irish senator, Frances Black, upped the ante by introducing the Occupied Territories Bill that would ban Jewish goods and services being sold to the Irish market.

Thanks to her crusade, the Government has published the general scheme of the Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Imported Goods) Bill, which hopefully will make its way through the Dail and Senate without too much opposition. But it needs to be in compliance with EU law. The EU, of which Ireland is a member, must now grab this thorny issue and stop obfuscating.

It needs to bring forth comprehensive legislation that will ban Jewish settlement goods from entering the EU while sanctioning and restricting members of the Knesset or members of the Israeli armed forces involved in acts similar to what has been done with Putin and his Russian acolytes.

Christy Galligan, Letterkenny, Co Donegal

All the blame is on Israel, but it takes two parties to bring peace to the table

In reference to your editorial (Netanyahu must be stopped, and only the US has the power to do it, July 1), all the blame for the war in Gaza seems to be on Israel.

Hamas started this terrible campaign by killing over 1,200 innocent Israelis, including over 300 young people at the Nova Music Festival. They still hold 50 hostages, of whom less than half are believed to be alive.

The war could be ended tomorrow if Hamas released the hostages and let the Palestinian people rebuild their lives.

Peace needs two sides to want it to work, not one calling for destruction and promising to repeat October 7.

Anthony Costello, Galway

Why is definition of hate speech determined by the US, UK and Israel?

I note a strange discomfort in official Ireland, as if when we speak of people like Kneecap or our Northern brothers its as the other.

Keir Starmer has bent over backwards to salve Israeli outrage over certain words uttered by Kneecap.

Should Johnny Cashs song about shooting a man in Reno just to watch him die be banned?

Or is outrage confined to the Jewish community alone?

Recently at Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow a large banner was unfurled with a picture of a shotgun seeking the death of Irish people.

Outrage and charged with hate crime? No.

Interestingly, Taoiseach Micheal Martin commented on Kneecap, but is silent on the Ibrox banner.

This month, we will have marching bands extolling the deaths, knee-deep in blood, of Fenians. In other words, us Irish.

Has Mr Starmer, or indeed Mr Martin, a view on this? Hate speech, incitement to hatred, or is all hate confined towards what the UK, US and Israel term hate?

John Cuffe, Co Meath

If J1 students dont like the bad food in America, its not Donald Trumps fault

I refer to the headline on an online article on Monday (Its just bad food. Meat is completely different. Dairy too. I miss the butter: the reality of life as a J1 student in Trumps America).

First, if the poor things think the food in Trumps America is bad, they should get on the next plane home so that their mammy can butter their toast and tuck them in at bedtime.

Second, your papers bias and Trump derangement syndrome (TDS) is disgusting as you tie one persons whingeing to all of America, specifically Trumps America.

You couldnt resist taking a poke at the guy, as if since the day he took office the recipes have all changed, no matter that some of the foodstuffs were probably harvested and packaged during the Joe Biden era, like butter.

I dont expect you to publish this as it goes against your editorial TDS bias. If a foreign student made the same complaint about the food in Micheal Martins Ireland after consuming a greasy burger and chips on the way home from a night in the pub, youd be up in arms.

What has happened to Ireland?

Sean Murphy, ddress with editor
Two Cork men who formed an unlikely friendship recently met in Macroom to take part in a documentary about the importance of communication.

Finbarr OBrien, from Clondrohid, and Chris Lyons, who resides in Cork, formed an unlikely friendship when they came together as members of Irelands first Citizens' Assembly.

The assembly was tasked with deciding the future of marriage equality in Ireland - an issue which Mr OBrien and Mr Lyons were deeply divided on.

The documentary they feature in is titled Equal Eire.

Director Emily McDonald, from Glasgow, explained that the friendship between Mr OBrien and Mr Lyons is special because they have opposing views on topics such as gay marriage and homosexuality.

Chris is a homosexual man, and he was coming at it from that, with gay marriage being important to him and then Finbarr comes from a smaller village in Ireland and, I suppose lived in a slight bubble of people who would have had different perspectives, Ms McDonald said.

There is a deeper backstory in why Finbarr had his views, she added.

Filming of the documentary brought the unlikely pair of friends to Mary Annes pub in Masseytown in Macroom.

At the pub they were filmed catching up over a drink, which is a common practice of their friendship.

They both ended up sitting at the table, which is where they first met each other during the Citizens Assembly and overtime their friendship grew and they ended up having these amazing conversations, which is what the Assembly offers, Ms McDonald said.

It was so interesting to hear their story because democracy is in a steep decline, kind of globally in the last decade.

There is a lot of trust lost in politics and in the process as well, so I was pretty interested in their conversation.

Ms McDonald said, as a queer woman, services like the Citizens Assembly are important to offer a safe space for conversations to take place.

I live in the echo chamber of my left-wing friends in London, but our views are not the views of a lot of other people, she admitted.

So, I think it is amazing that you can sit and chat to people from different ages and genders with the Citizens Assembly and have informed conversations and both men felt empowered with what they wanted to say, which is amazing.

Ms McDonald said she enjoyed her visit to amazing Macroom.

Everyone is so friendly and welcoming, she said.

We filmed in the Square just to get a feel for the place, and everyone is so friendly compared to London, she laughed.

It was so nice to be there.

Equal Eire is being created by American-based Burn A Light Productions.

The documentary is currently at the production stage, and is not set to be released for some time.
Cork would need more than 80 additional GPs to meet demand if universal access to free GP care is rolled out, a Department of Health report has found.

The report on general practitioner supply and demand found that with increased universal access, people would visit their GP around 4.2 times per year, up from the current number of 3.6 visits, while a GPs average workload would go up from 29 consultations per day to 33.

Nationally, universal access to free GP care would require around 500 extra GPs, the report found. In County Cork the additional requirement would be 82 whole-time equivalent (WTE) GPs.

The report found that the daily number of complexity-adjusted GP consultations in West Cork is slightly higher than a recommended benchmark, which the authors attributed to a higher proportion of residents aged 70 and older in the region.

The complexity-adjusted figure reflects that some demographic groups such as older people have longer consultation times and are more likely to require home visits.

The report also found that parts of Cork have doctors with a relatively higher General Medical Services (GMS) contract age and so there is potentially an older GP population. The GMS contract governs services provided to medical card and GP visit card holders.

"Around Tipperary, Cork, Monaghan, and Donegal where young people are moving out, so are young GPs. This is being counteracted by young GPs selecting into neighbouring areas," the report states. Areas in Cork with younger GMS contract-holders include Bandon and Mallow.

The central part of Cork city has a relatively low uptake of the GMS contract among GPs, despite being an area with a relatively high cardholding population, the report found, while in East Cork the uptake of the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) contract is high, reflecting a large older population.

In 2023 the total number of GPs in the country was 3,928 or one WTE GP per 1,973 people. Nationally, just over 20% of GPs work in a single-doctor practices and another 20% work in practices with two doctors. Thirteen per cent of GPs reported working at least 48 hours per week.

The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has warned that Irelands GP numbers are "critically low" and will be not improve without significant systemic change. The organisation, which represents doctors in Ireland, argues that there is a lack of supports to encourage doctors to enter or stay in General Practice.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
The bodies of Michael (Noel) OSullivan and his wife Ann (Nee Ryng) were found on Monday at their house in Glounthane

An elderly couple who were discovered dead in their home in Glounthane earlier this week, were described as inseparable from one another, at their funeral Mass on Friday.

Michael (Noel) OSullivan and Anne (Nee Ryng) were remembered as people who were deeply grounded in their religion and had a love of all things Irish.

The Mass, which took place in the Sacred Heart Church in the village, situated just east of the city boundary, saw friends, family, and neighbours paying their respects to the well-respected couple, with mourners offering their condolences to the family ahead of the ceremony.

The couples coffins lay side by side on the altar, accompanied by a picture of the pair, who have been remembered fondly since their death on Monday.

Offerings brought to the altar at the funeral Mass included a crucifix to represent the couples deep Catholic faith, and a photograph of Glounthane village to represent their love of their home place.

A History of Ireland by Robert Key was also offered, as a symbol of the couples love of Irish history, politics, and Gaelic.

Ann (Nee Ryng, left) and Michael (Noel) O'Sullivan (right). Photo: rip.ie

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 4th

Ahead of the All-Ireland semi-final tomorrow between Cork and Dublin, the church heard that the couple loved Gaelic Games but there was only one game for them, and that was hurling, as a Cork jersey was brought up.

A radio was also presented as the Mass was told they loved nothing more than listening to matches, which prompted much debate and discussion.

A reading from the first letter of St John - which focuses on the need for love and Gods love for his people - was read out, while hymns were also sung during the mass, which was well attended.

Ann so often had a phrase she used to repeat, thank God we dont know what the future brings, said Fr Aidan Vaughan, but God knows, and God is good.

She was so prepared for the will of God, whatever form it would take, because of her faith in almighty God.

I notice theres no number on that jersey. I know that it meant so much to them, they were so invested in the traditions and games of Ireland.

They were inseparable. They were united in life, and they were united in death.

The Mass also remembered the other deceased members of the OSullivan and Ryng families and heard about Anns late brother Eolan, who spent his life as a Capuchin monk, before returning to Cork to be cared for by his sister before his death.

Ann and Michael are still part of that communion of saints, said Fr Vaughan, who concluded by saying: Thank God we dont know whats coming in the future, but God knows, and God loves us.

"To see two coffins laid out on the altar is a sight we dont see too often in this parish, said Parish priest Fr Damien OMahony, with the former Bishop of Cork and Ross, John Buckley, also in attendance.

On a personal note, I recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of my ordination. I was doing a tally of the cards, and I came across this card. You might recognise the writing, said the priest to the congregation.

"Fr Damien, wishing you many more years of faithful service. When I saw that, I got a lump in my throat, even reading it now.

Weve lost two people of faith, two people who have given so much to their families and the parish faith community as well.

It was a sad call I got the other day. Sometimes when I get called, I dont know whats ahead of me, but theyre together, and thats a nice image of them, together in life, and after life.

Fr OMahony thanked the families of the deceased for their support and help since the death of the pair, before finishing by saying: most of all, we thank Michael and Anne, for being Michael and Anne, to a standing ovation.

Bishop Buckley concluded the Mass and offered his own memories of the couple.

Foul play has been ruled out in relation to the deaths of the couple, whose bodies were found at the foot of their stairs at around 5pm on Monday by a relative. They were formally pronounced dead by a local GP.

Michael and Anne OSullivan were laid to rest together at St Josephs Cemetery in Little Island.
Its butter chicken recipe was so celebrated that celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey had to drop out to sample it when he was filming in County Wicklow, last year.

Now, Daata, the Pakistani restaurant that began as a humble takeaway in a laneway just off the seafront, in Bray, is about to open its fifth restaurant, in the salubrious setting of Sandymount, in Dublins southside.

Daata is owned and run by the family of Mohammed Saleem, who came to Ireland from Pakistan in 1990, as a 22-year-old chef, to work in Shalimar restaurant, on Dublins Georges Street.

By 1995, Mohammed had become head chef and had also married a woman, Shamim, from his home region in Pakistan. Following a visit to Bray, he was inspired to make the move and go it alone, taking the plunge to open a small kitchen in the town in 1999.

They chose the name Daata Tandoori for the no-frills takeout, living in rented accommodation overhead. The pair did all the cooking, cleaning and even the deliveries while taking care of their children  daughter Kiran (who is now an astrophysicist) and son Fahad. A third child, Aliha, was born in 2002.

Daata Tandoori proved popular and moved around the corner to a seafront location in 2013 as a sit-down offering but it was still a bit rough around the edges, with modest furniture and a bring your own booze policy.

In 2017, the family expanded with the opening of Daata proper, a sit-down restaurant in the centre of Greystones. Restaurants in Glasthule and Blackrock followed, but the crowning glory for the empire was the opening of the flagship restaurant in Bray, in the diner that was formerly Box Burger, in 2023.

Aliha Saleem (centre) with parents Shamim and Mohammed in Daata Bray.

This was another world, deceptively simple on the outside but majestic on the inside, it was the reward for all those years of graft.

A string of awards followed, including Best Customer Service for their Greystones branch, this year, and Best Indian/Pakistani in Ireland last year.

But perhaps the proudest moment for the family came last February, when the most fastidious chef in the business, Gordon Ramsay, came calling to sample Mohammeds butter chicken and Shamims Afghani chicken. Gordon was in Powerscourt filming his show Next Level Chef and word reached him about Daatas finest food, which he described as unreal, and very authentic.

Daata now has plans to open in Sandymount, but as yet, a location and date are yet to be revealed.

"Hello Sandymount, welcome to the Daata Family, they wrote on Facebook. We are so excited to announce our newest family run restaurant opening in the beautiful seaside village of Sandymount - completing the Costa Del Daata.

This is something we have been working on secretly for the past few months and we cant wait to share our love of all things Daata to the amazing community in Sandymount. We will be announcing our opening date very soon so keep an eye out on our page.
Aisling Nolan, Director of Development at St Jamess Hospital Foundation; artist Holly Pereira; and Shane Kelly, Corporate Relations Director at Diageo Ireland at the launch the Liberties Fun Run, taking place on Wednesday, July 23. Pic: Naoise Culhane

Eimear Young, The Liberty Belle; Anthony Freeman OBrien, Operations Manager at Bee8; Peter Simpson, Guinness Open Gate Head Brewer and Global Beer Specialist at Diageo; Beibhinn Nic Liam, The Liberties Project Director; and Tomas Young, The Liberty Belle, at the launch of the limited edition Batch Bread Red, brewed for this year's Liberties Festival. Pic: Naoise Culhane

A red ale brewed with Meath Street batch bread and honey from inner-city bees, sunrise yoga at the Gravity Bar, and a fun run through some of Dublin 8s most storied streets  this years Liberties Festival is shaping up to be one of the most vibrant yet.

Running from July 21 to 27, the 2025 edition brings together more than 60 events across the historic Liberties neighbourhood, including gigs, walking tours, storytelling sessions, workshops and wellness events.

Now in its 55th year, the community-run festival continues to evolve, blending tradition with contemporary creativity  and this year includes a few surprises.

One of the most distinctive additions is the Liberties Festival Brew, a limited-edition red ale developed in partnership with locals by Guinnesss Open Gate Brewery.

Named Batch Bread Red, the beer was inspired by the Liberties rich food heritage and brewed with actual batch loaf bread from Meath Street, along with honey sourced from the Bee8 urban beekeeping project.

The limited edition ale is said to be a tribute to the legendary Meath Street bakeries, and balances toasted biscuit and malt notes with a satisfying dried-fruit finish.

Liberties Festival special D8 brew, Batch Bread Red, from Diageo

Diageo Ireland is supplying The Liberties Festival Brew to participating pubs free of charge, and in turn, these pubs are making one-off donations to The Liberties Festival.

This isnt just a beer, its a tribute, Peter Simpson, Guinness Open Gate Head Brewer and Global Beer Specialist at Diageo Ireland said.

The Liberties Festival Brew was created hand-in-hand with the people who make this part of Dublin what it is.

From the ingredients to the flavour, every decision was shaped by the community. Its a celebration of the people, the places, and the pride that define Dublin 8, he added.

Fun Run to feature medals by Holly Pereira

Another key event is the Liberties Fun Run, taking place on Wednesday, July 23, with a four-mile route that winds through some of Dublin 8s most characterful streets  including Francis Street, The Coombe, Fatima, and the iconic St Jamess Gate  before finishing in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham.

This years edition will feature bespoke medals designed by artist Holly Pereira, commissioned by Diageo Ireland, who sponsor both the run and the wider festival.

Ms Pereira said she wanted to capture the energy, colour, and character of the Liberties in her design.

The medals include references to local landmarks like Gray Street Monument and St Jamess Gate, and will be given to all participants, alongside t-shirts and race numbers.

Artist Holly Pereira with the medal she created for the annual Liberties Fun Run in support of St Jamess Hospital Foundation. Pic: Naoise Culhane

The Fun Run is organised by the St Jamess Hospital Foundation, with all proceeds going to support patient services.

Entry costs 35, or is free for those who raise 200 or more in sponsorship. Registration is open at enthuse.com.

The Liberties Fun Run is one of the most meaningful dates in our fundraising calendar, Aisling Nolan, Director of Development at the St Jamess Hospital Foundation said.

Thanks to Diageos continued support and the incredible spirit of the community, it helps us fund projects that make a real difference in patients lives.

A scent for the Liberties

Elsewhere in the festival, a new multi-sensory installation called Holding Space will offer something completely different.

Created by artist Erin Quinn, and co-designed with more than 30 local participants, the piece centres around a specially composed scent based on stories and memories of the Liberties.

Visitors will be invited to enter a calm, purpose-built space in Bridgefoot Street Park, where the scent is paired with subtle sound and tactile elements, creating what organisers are calling a scent poem for the Liberties.

The scent was developed through workshops with women from the area, Ukrainian residents, and secondary students from Warrenmount, with support from Dublin City Councils Neighbourhood Grant scheme.

Big conversations and local voices

The festival officially opens on Monday, July 21, with a conversation at St Catherines Church between Festival Director Michael McDermott, novelist Sheila OFlanagan, and memoirist Sean OConnor, both of whom grew up in the Liberties and draw on the areas culture in their work.

dublin eye

The week will also see the world premiere of a new organ composition in St Audoens Church, inspired by the Singing Hollow sculpture outside, and composed by musician Sebastian Adams.

Some other highlights include Talking Shop, a series of live interviews in small local businesses including Noels Deli, Assisi Vintage, and Little Flower Penny Dinners.

The Liberties Market at the Digital Hub will showcase more than 100 stalls, while other events include open mic nights, film screenings, visual art exhibitions, and yoga at sunrise.

This years programme really reflects the spirit of the Liberties  creative, generous, and full of character, Mr McDermott, the Liberties Festival Director said.

Its about finding new ways to connect with place and with each other.

Most events are either free or low-cost, but many require booking in advance. A full programme is available at www.thelibertiesfestival.com
The death of an IRA on hunger strike 44 years ago will be commemorated in a Sligo housing estate where a road was named after him.

Sligo Sinn Fein has announced they are holding a commemorative event to mark the 44th anniversary of the death of IRA hunger striker Joe McDonnell on Saturday, July 12th at 5pm at Joe McDonnell Drive, Cranmore.

Chris MacManus, Chair of Sligo Sinn Fein, said:

Joe McDonnell died after 61 days on hunger strike in Long Kesh Prison, only weeks after nearly being elected a Dail Deputy here in Sligo-Leitrim. He had replaced Bobby Sands after his death on May 5th. Sligo republicans have always held a special place in their hearts for Joe, and are proud that a street in Sligo was named in his honour.

There is no doubt that the impact of the 1981 hunger strike on political events on this island has been enormous, acting as a major force that led to the development of a peace process in the North of Ireland, which now allows for a peaceful pathway to Irish Unity.

"Irrespective of ones political outlook, it is important to acknowledge the sacrifices of these ten brave men and to honour their memory.

Im also pleased that the commemorative event will be addressed by Eoghan MacCormaic, author and former political prisoner, who shared the same cell as Joe, and knew many of the other hunger strikers. Sligo Sinn Fein especially invites local residents to join us for the commemoration.
Sligo County Council has awarded certificates to staff members who successfully completed a Gaelchultur Irish language course. The event highlighted the organisations commitment to promoting the language and supporting the national 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language.

The Certificate in Professional Irish, which was completely funded by the Council for staff and delivered over a 10 week period, provided participants with the opportunity to enhance their Irish language skills and deepen their understanding of Irelands rich linguistic heritage.

This initiative reflects the local authoritys dedication to fostering a bilingual working environment and improving service delivery through the use of Irish.

The certificates were presented at a special event held in the Council Chamber, County Hall, was attended by staff, the Cathaoirleach and members of the executive of Sligo County Council.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, outgoing Cathaoirleach, Cllr Declan Bree said

Sligo County Council is acutely aware of its responsibilities to the Official Languages legislation and has taken many steps in ensuring compliance with its obligations by employing an Oifigeach Gaeilge, increasing its spend on Irish language advertising and funding Irish courses for staff, like this one.

This initiative is part of a broader programme to promote the use of Irish in the workplace and in public services, in line with national language policy.

By 2030, the Official Languages Act 2021 provides that at least 20% of new recruits to public service bodies should be competent in the Irish Language.

Praising the successful staff members at the conclusion of the awards ceremony, Councillor Bree said: Today is about recognising your progress, your perseverance and your passion.

Whether youve mastered an modh coinniollach or youre still getting to grips with a response to an bhfuil tu go maith?, you are part of a movement  a community of learners who are breathing new life into our national language.
Waterford store will be its largest one outside of Dublin It will be IKEAs seventh Plan and Order Point in Ireland

Spanning 840sqm, the Waterford Plan and Order Point is meticulously designed to inspire, announced IKEA on Friday

Excitement is building across Waterford and the south east ahead of the opening of a new IKEA store in the city.

As part of its ongoing expansion plans, IKEA will be opening the doors of its seventh Plan and Order Point in Ireland, located in Waterford, at 10am on Thursday, July 17.

The new format marks a significant milestone in IKEAs Irish expansion, will create 15 local jobs and will offer 100 products for immediate purchase.

Situated at Tramore Road Business Park, Tramore Road, Priorsknock, Waterford, the new location marks a pivotal moment as it will be IKEA's largest store outside of Dublin and introduces an enhanced plan and order point experience, said a spokesperson.

This innovative format is a first for IKEA in Ireland, designed to offer unparalleled convenience and choice, announced the company on Friday. "While retaining its core focus on bespoke kitchen, wardrobe, and living room storage planning, the Waterford Plan and Order Point will feature a dedicated section with 100 different IKEA products available for immediate purchase.

This unique offering, ranging from popular accessories like KALLAX units and RASKOG trolleys to essential home items and products for 5 or less, allows customers to walk away with items on the same day.

Interior of the IKEA Carlow Plan and Order Point, which is similar to Waterford's. Image by Thomas Sunderland Photography

Additionally, the store will provide a convenient click and collect service, allowing customers to order any IKEA item online and pick up locally free of charge, and will also serve as an in-store returns location. For convenience and efficiency, the new location will operate on a cashless basis, accepting card and digital payments only.

Spanning 840sqm, the Waterford plan and order point is meticulously designed to inspire.

To put its scale into perspective, while it is slightly smaller than IKEAs Carrickmines store in South Dublin, about 1,393sqm, it is over eight times larger than all other existing plan and order points in Ireland, which typically range from 70 to 100sqm.

This significant size allows for a more expansive and immersive customer experience, showcasing a selection of inspirational and affordable kitchen ideas, alongside a comprehensive appliance studio.

The opening demonstrates IKEAs commitment to the local economy, with 15 new co-workers from the Waterford area recruited to support customers in designing their dream homes. These specialists will provide expert home furnishing advice, guiding customers through the design, delivery, and installation of their ideal spaces.

Customers can book an appointment at IKEA.ie, or drop in to the store, to start their design with one of the five IKEA design specialists. Jayne Owen Gauld, Market Manager, IKEA Ireland said, We are incredibly excited to bring this IKEA experience to Waterford.

This new plan and order point is not just our largest store outside of Dublin, its a testament to our commitment to making IKEA more accessible and convenient. Were really looking forward to becoming a part of the vibrant Waterford retail landscape and community.

The new store is located in a retail park, 1.5 km from Waterford city centre, fronting on to the Tramore Road. Its immediate vicinity is a retail hub, home to numerous well-known businesses, reinforcing its accessibility and convenience for customers across the south east.

The interior of the new Drogheda IKEA in Co Louth. Picture by Robbie Reynolds

This latest opening forms part of IKEAs extensive expansion plans for Ireland, with three more locations earmarked to open within the next year, further transforming IKEAs retail business to meet evolving customer needs, added the company.
Kennedy college awards. From left; Collette Doyle teacher, Artur Kochanski over-all 2nd year student of the year, Jimmy O'Sullivan 2nd year Elm student of the year and Jane Ryan teacher. Photo; Mary Browne

Kennedy college awards. From left; Mary Cushen teacher, Jessica Morris over-all 1st year student of the year, Lucy Salsbury Hook 1st year student of the year and Moira Whittaker teacher. Photo; Mary Browne

Kennedy college awards. From left; Aoife Nugent teacher,Tanjim Ahbab over-all 3rd year student of the year, Dean Molloy 3rd year Ash student of the year and Niamh Berry teacher. Photo; Mary Browne

Kennedy college awards. From left; Padraig Cassin teacher, Brian Doyle over-all transition year student of the year, Hayley Murphy Walsh transition year B student of the year and Pat McGrath teacher. Photo; Mary Browne

As the school year for Kennedy College came to a close, students, staff, parents and guardians and the wider school community were invited to join together in celebrating the achievements of the students throughout the 2024/2025 school year.

Principal Sarah Roche opened the ceremony by addressing those in attendance and spoke insightfully and encouragingly about resilience. The first of to be recognised of the students was Ava Purcell, who was awarded a trophy in honour of her Leaving Certificate results in the previous academic year. Ava was joined by her mother, Julie Ann Murphy, who also was commended for her long service as a parent representative on the Kennedy College Board of Management.

Throughout the afternoon, students were celebrated for various achievements in their subjects, sport, extra curricular activities, contribution to the school community, behaviour and attendance.

One of the most prestigious awards was presented to Arron Philpot as he was awarded the 2024/2025 Principal's Award for his efforts throughout the year in upholding the schools core values of community, excellence in education, respect, care and equality.

Kennedy College wish to thank those who were in attendance and the whole school community for their continued support throughout the year.
The government has been accused of ignoring rail passengers in Wicklow as part of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review.

The review was published in July 2024 by the Minister of Transport for the Irish Government and the Minister for Infrastructure for the Northern Ireland Executive.

The review looks at what role rail could play in the future to promote the growth of public transport, and how the islands railway could better serve the people of both jurisdictions.

The period covered stretches out to 2050, and reflects plans to improve connectivity to the South East  as highlighted in the latest Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy document published in 2023  to include the extension of the Dart network to Wicklow town.

However, as the report highlights, there are several constraints that pose challenges to improving the rail line across the wider Wicklow/Wexford region.

The single-track line south of Bray already limits opportunities to increase service frequencies for commuter services.

There are also significant conflicts with Dart services, particularly between Dublin and Greystones, and there are the geographical constraints, one of the biggest being Bray Head.

Certain interventions have been considered to enable faster and more frequent journey times between Rosslare Europort and Dublin, including developing a new railway along the M11 corridor, adding passing loops and tunnelling through Bray Head, and building a new line for Dart services along the N11 corridor.

Many of these solutions would be very costly and are unlikely to be justifiable as most railways in this region would not be expected to support more than one or two trains per hour in each direction.

Speaking during a discussion in the Dail, Wicklow Wexford TD Malcom Byrne said the Rosslare line was included in the review as an after thought.

While I welcome that we are talking about extending the Dart services to Greystones in Wicklow, it is intended in this review to force passengers south of that line - those who get on in Rathdrum, Arklow, Gorey or stations further south - to change trains in Wicklow or Greystones. That is not going to happen on any other line.

If you are travelling from Rathdrum, Arklow or Gorey to Dublin there is a maximum of six services on any day and we are served by the worst rail carriages in the country. he added. Meanwhile Wicklow TD Jennifer Whitmore described the train services in the county as beyond bad.

Despite Wicklow's increased population and the fact so many people commute, we still have a single line and only six trains going from Wicklow town to the city. It is not acceptable.

It is shocking that there is no mention of coastal erosion in this document. We are developing a 25-year plan while ignoring the rising sea.

There have been promises of a battery electric Dart to Wicklow town. Previous Ministers said that was going to happen in 2025, but then it was 2026. It is now targeted for 2029. At the same time, carriages that could have been applied to that Wicklow line have been set aside and are going to Drogheda. she added.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
Cllr John Snell and Wicklow County Council cathaoirleach Melanie Corrigan with Dave McCann and Sheila Clarke of Ashford Community & Heritage Centre at the launch of the County Wicklow Heritage Plan 2025-2030 in Clermont House, Rathnew. Photo: Michael Kelly

Peter Kelly and Jim Corley from the Blessington History Society at the launch of the County Wicklow Heritage Plan 2025-2030 in Clermont House, Rathnew. Photo: Michael Kelly

Cora Coleman (Bray Tidy Towns), Mary Hargaden (Medival Bray) and Therese Hicks (Medival Bray) at the launch of the County Wicklow Heritage Plan 2025-2030 in Clermont House, Rathnew. Photo: Mikchael Kelly

Arklow Historian Jim Rees and Aisling Rees at the launch of the County Wicklow Heritage Plan 2025-2030 in Clermont House, Rathnew. Photo: Michael Kelly

Holly Lewis and Wicklow County Council heritage officer Deirdre Burns at the launch of the County Wicklow Heritage Plan 2025-2030 in Clermont House, Rathnew. Photo: Michael Kelly

Deirdre Burns (Wicklow County Council heritage officer), John Snell (County Wicklow Heritage Forum chairman), Cllr Melanie Corrigan (WCC cathaoirleach), Emer O'Gorman (WCC chief executive) and Patricia Fallon (Heritage Council local authority liaison officer) at the launch of the County Wicklow Heritage Plan 2025-2030 in Clermont House, Rathnew. Photo: Michael Kelly

Emer O'Gorman (Wicklow County Council chief executive), John Snell (County Wicklow Heritage Forum chairman), Cllr. Melanie Corrigan (WCC cathaoirleach), Deirdre Burns (WCC heritage officer) and members of the Wicklow Heritage Forum at the launch of the County Wicklow Heritage Plan 2025-2030 in Clermont House, Rathnew. Photo: Michael Kelly

Wicklow County Council recently hosted a reception at Clermont House, attended by members of the Wicklow Heritage Forum, elected representatives, and stakeholders from Wicklow ICAN (Irish Community Archive Network) to celebrate the launch of the County Wicklow Heritage Plan for 2025-2030.

The fourth plan for County Wicklow, which was developed by the Wicklow Heritage Forum before being adopted by Wicklow County Council (WCC) earlier this year, contains six key objectives it will focus on, including protecting our heritage, connecting people and places, sharing and celebrating our heritage, promoting collaboration and partnership, building and sharing knowledge and responding to climate change.

After officially launching the plan, WCC cathaoirleach, Cllr Melanie Corrigan, commented: This new Heritage Plan for County Wicklow outlines an ambitious strategy for how Wicklow County Council will collaborate with others to protect and manage our heritage for the benefit of all in the coming five years, from 2025 to 2030.

This plan builds upon the significant achievements of previous Heritage Plans and sets new goals for the preservation of heritage.

This Heritage Plan strongly aligns with Wicklow County Councils commitment to protecting, conserving, and promoting our heritage in all its forms, ensuring it continues to play a valuable role in our economic, social and cultural lives, WCC chief executive Emer OGorman added.

Praising the dedication of forum members for their hard work and continued commitment to implementing the plans actions, Wicklow Heritage Forum chair Cllr John Snell, highlighted several key successes from the previous Plan, including the Wicklow Barn Owl Project, the Wicklow ICAN Network, the Glendalough Community Excavations, the Decade of Centenaries Programme, digitisation efforts from the Wicklow Archives and Local Studies Libraries, the Wicklow Swift Project, the Wicklow Community Archaeology service and the Historic Graveyards recording initiatives.

Local authority liaison officer with The Heritage Council, Ms Patricia Fallon, commended Wicklow County Council for its commitment and leadership in preparing a fourth County Heritage Plan.

The Heritage Council is dedicated to partnering with Wicklow County Council and other local authorities across Ireland to enhance heritage protection and ensure local heritage needs are adequately resourced, she said.

We have collaborated with Wicklow County Council for over 20 years through the Heritage Officer role, co-funding County Heritage Plan programs and supporting local heritage infrastructure. We look forward to continuing and expanding this partnership in the future.
East Wicklow tillage farmer Tommy Delahunt will open up his farm in Ballinaclogh to the public on July 9 at 11 am for a walk on growing organics that will offer an excellent insight for anyone considering entering organic production to see first-hand the differences in operating an organic system.

Part of the Growing Organics programme, led by Teagasc and supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), which promotes the adoption of best practice at farm level to increase the future viability and sustainability of the Irish organic sector, organic demonstration farms like Tommys have been selected throughout the country to illustrate best practice and monitor key financial and environmental metrics.
Bid to temporarily block Palestine Action ban to be heard at UK High Court

Huda Ammori, the co-founder of Palestine Action, is seeking to bring a legal challenge against the Home Office over the decision to ban the group

Protesters demonstrated in support of Palestine Action at Trafalgar Square in London (Lucy North/PA)

Callum Parke Press Association Fri 4 Jul 2025 at 08:53







A bid to temporarily block the banning of Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation is set to be heard at the High Court on Friday, ahead of a potential legal challenge against the move.
Vladimir Putin tells Donald Trump he will not step back from his war goals

Russia says it will eliminate the root causes of conflict before any resolution

A Ukrainian serviceman says goodbye to F-16 pilot Maksym Ustymenko in Kyiv. Photo: AP

Dmitry Antonov Reuters Fri 4 Jul 2025 at 06:30







Russian president Vladimir Putin told US president Donald Trump in a phone call yesterday that Moscow wants a negotiated end to the Ukraine war but will not step back from its original goals, a Kremlin aide said.
Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill actor Michael Madsen has died aged 67. The actor was found unresponsive at his home in Malibu, California, on Thursday morning and pronounced dead, Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department watch commander Christopher Jauregui said. Madsen died following a cardiac arrest, his manager Ron Smith said, while authorities said they do not suspect any foul play was involved.
US president Donald Trump plans to host UFC fight on White House grounds as part of America 250 celebrations

Donald Trump has announced that there will be a UFC fight on the grounds of the White House as a part of the America 250 celebration

Adrianna Wrona Fri 4 Jul 2025 at 11:29







The US President Donald Trump has announced he plans to host a UFC fight on the grounds of the White House as part of the America 250 celebration.
Since 1963, The Independent has helped create a great community!

Since our founding in September of 1963, The Independent has been dedicated to giving Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, and Sunol readers the news they need to be in-the-know about what's going on in the Tri-Valley region.
Taiwan is set to make another global splash in television with the release of Islanders, a gripping new drama arriving on July 18. Its worldwide rollout is a major step for Taiwanese content, becoming only the second series from the country - after The World Between Us: After the Flames - to stream internationally on Prime Video.

Unmasking scandal in the digital age

Islanders takes viewers to the early 2010s, as Taipei's social norms begin to fracture under the weight of rising online culture. The series centers on a respected businessman whose carefully constructed life begins to unravel when his romantic entanglements - with his wife, a longtime mistress, and a younger lover - are thrust into public view after a viral outburst at a private dinner. As his influence wanes and resurges in unexpected ways, his loyal assistant faces a personal reckoning in a society where reputation, loyalty, and progress collide.

A diverse, award-winning cast

Leading the drama is Christopher Lee, a household name across Southeast Asia. Joining him are Wu Kang-Jen, a two-time winner at both the Golden Horse and Golden Bell Awards; Rima Zeidan, celebrated for her emotionally rich performances; veteran talent Yu Tzu-Yu; and Japanese actor Yusuke Fukuchi.

Direction is handled by Ler Jiyuan - best known for Invisible Stories on HBO Asia - and Tsai Pao-Chang, a veteran of Taiwan's theatre scene. The production was shot in Taiwan and across the U.S., including sequences in New York and Alaska.

Streaming availability across regions

In Taiwan, Singapore, and Indonesia, Islanders will stream on Catchplay+, while Line TV (Taiwan) and Now TV (Hong Kong) will carry the series in their respective regions.

For global viewers, Islanders will stream on Prime Video in over 240 countries and territories  with the exception of Taiwan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, and Macau. The series will also air weekly on the Catchplay Movie Channel in Taiwan.

A literary adaptation with cinematic scale

The series is adapted from Islands, a novel by Lolita (Ching-Fang) Hu, who is acclaimed for her nuanced explorations of Taiwanese identity, morality, and shifting generational values.

Behind the production is Screenworks Asia, the original content arm of Catchplay+, co-producing with Jollify Creative. Founded in 2020 in partnership with the Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA), Screenworks aims to develop world-class Taiwanese programming with cross-border appeal.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
The upcoming episode of The Bold and the Beautiful on Friday, July 4, will showcase high-stakes drama as lives hang in the balance and secrets threaten to erupt. From gunpoint confrontations to ominous promises, Los Angeles will witness another day of escalating tension. Viewers can expect a tangled web of danger, loyalty, and unexpected turns as three major storylines collideleaving behind more questions than answers.

Ridge makes a promise he might not be able to keep

At Forrester Creations, Ridge Forrester joins a tense exchange with Liam Spencer and Hope Logan in the design room. The topic? Luna Nozawastill missing and posing a potential threat after the fallout from Will Spencers sting operation. Ridge, determined to see justice served, assures Liam and Hope that he is urging law enforcement to act swiftly. Hes counting on Deputy Chief Bradley Baker and his officers to locate Luna and take her into custody again before she can cause further damage. What Ridge doesnt know, however, is that the danger has already reached his familys doorstep.

Steffy held at gunpoint while Luna spirals

Unbeknownst to Ridge, Luna is already confronting Steffy Forrester with a gun at the beach house. The surprise ambush finds Luna armed, furious, and ready to make Steffy face her wrath. The beachside standoff builds on past tension and unresolved resentment, placing Steffy in immediate danger. Luna, consumed by emotion, intends to be heardand she's not backing down easily.

Luna in Bold and the Beautiful | Credit: X

Sheila takes a risk after Taylors revelation

Meanwhile, Sheila Sharpe corners Taylor Hayes for information and successfully pushes her into revealing Steffys location. Taylor may also mention the fortune teller Hayes Finnegan brought into their livespossibly the mysterious Ms. Sunshine. These details trigger suspicion in Sheila, leading her to believe Luna is behind a setup. Acting on instinct, Sheila hurries to the beach house, aiming to stop the situation before it turns deadly. But stepping into a volatile scene could cost Sheila her safety. As she attempts to de-escalate the confrontation, one pressing question remainswill Luna accidentally harm her own grandmother, or is the shot intentional?

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
US Independence Day 2025 watchlist: US Independence Day 2025 is finally here. The Fourth of July holds special significance for Americans as it gives them an opportunity to celebrate the country's history and honor the legacies of several brave individuals who paved the way for a better future.

Watching patriotic movies is one of the easiest and most satisfying ways of spending US Independence Day 2025. If you are someone who plans to do just that then worry not we have got you covered. Here are five must-watch movies you can binge on over this memorable weekend.

Born on the Fourth of July (1989)

Tom Cruise was at his very best in this Oliver Stone-directed biographical drama, revolving around a Marine who returns home from Vietnam paralyzed and disillusioned. The Tom Cruise-led film was based on Ron Kovics memoir. It clicked with the audience courtesy the protagonist's gradual transformation from a patriotic young man to an anti-war campaigner.

Tom Cruise in Born on the Fourth of July. | Credit: Universal Pictures

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Steven Spielberg gave strong proof of his abilities as a storyteller with Saving Private Ryan, which served as a tribute to America's bravery and determination. Saving Private Ryan centres on a group of U.S. soldiers on a mission to rescue a paratrooper. The film boasted of a realistic screenplay and an intense performance from the legendary Tom Hanks.

The Patriot (2000)

Mel Gibson headlined The Patriot, a moving tale about an reluctant hero who undergoes an emotional transformation after rising above a personal tragedy. A tribute to Americas resilience and never give up attitude, The Patriot featured emotional sequences as well as stunning war scenes. It was directed by Roland Emmerich.

Lincoln (2012)

Spielberg once again brought his A-game to the table with Lincoln, one of the finest biopics of all time. The film, which centred on the final months of Abraham Lincolns presidency and his fight to end slavery, resonated with the audience thanks to Daniel Day Lewis Oscar-winning portrayal of the larger-than-life protagonist.

A still from Lincoln. | Credit: Walt Disney Studios

American Sniper (2014)

Clint Eastwoods well received film was a skillfully-crafted tribute to modern heroism and patriotism. Based on a true story, the flick focused on the life of Chris Kyle, the most lethal marksman in U.S. military history. It highlighted the impact of war on the lives of those involved in it. Bradley Cooper carried American Sniper on his shoulders and hit it out of the park with his mature yet intense performance.
BTS' V, also known as Kim Taehyung, stormed back into the limelight after completing his mandatory military service on June 10, 2025 -and he's been unstoppable ever since. From spontaneous Weverse livestreams to fashion-forward appearances and heartfelt support at fellow BTS members' concerts, V has reignited his star power with the same effortless charm that made him a global icon.

Fresh off his trip to Japan, V touched down in South Korea on July 1, only to depart days later. His arrival at Incheon International Airport, bound for Celine's show at Paris Fashion Week grabbed everyone's attention. Draped in a crisp white Henley, flared jeans, and swinging a Celine duffle, he paired nonchalance with high fashion. And with just one cryptic selfie and a flight emoji, he sent the internet into meltdown, teasing what would come next from K-pops most elusive prince.

Crowd chaos and V's gentle warning

However, the atmosphere at the airport quickly spiraled into chaos as massive crowds swarmed to catch a glimpse of the star. Amid the frenzy, V later took to Weverse, sharing a masked selfie along with a heartfelt message: "ARMY, you know that, right? It's dangerous. Let's be safe and do it safely next time." His words, calm yet firm, served as a poignant reminder - urging fans to choose safety over spectacle.

Kim Taehyung's message. Credit: Weverse

Fan reactions and growing concern

Following the incident, ARMYs flooded social media - especially X (formerly known as Twitter) - with concern and frustration, calling out the lack of crowd control and urging fellow fans to respect V's space and safety.

One said, "Taehyung has always been vocal about how he enjoys his privacy, no one wants to get mobbed nor does he want anyone to get hurt. He looked uncomfortable today. He is a human and deserves his space and to be treated with respect."

Taehyung has always been vocal about how he enjoys his privacy, no one wants to get mobbed nor does he want anyone to get hurt. He looked uncomfortable today. He is a human and deserves his space and to be treated with respect.  yosi  is seeing jinuchis  (@jungk00ksss) July 4, 2025

Another said, "Crazy Koreans. What are you doing? You should be ashamed. Idols are Human beings, not your toys or animals in the zoo. Respect the personal boundaries. Respect Taehyung. Apologize to Taehyung for what you did today."

Crazy Koreans. What are you doing? You should be ashamed. Idols are Human beings, not your toys or animals in the zoo. Respect the personal boundaries. Respect Taehyung. Apologize to Taehyung for what you did today



RESPECT TAEHYUNG #RespectTaehyung#TAEHYUNG #KimTahyung #V #BTS pic.twitter.com/5XEi9ipbqg  Natalie (@me_and_vi) July 4, 2025

One added, "yes, he's an idol but before that, he's a person. prioritizing his safety and privacy isn't optional, it's basic human decency. respect his boundaries. respect his safety. Being an idol doesn't erase his right to feel safe in the world. know your limits."

yes, he's an idol but before that, he's a person. prioritizing his safety and privacy isn't optional, it's basic human decency. respect his boundaries. respect his safety.

Being an idol doesn't erase his right to feel safe in the world. know your limits. pic.twitter.com/tZq6TylHwb  Tia (@ethereal7seven) July 4, 2025

Despite it all, excitement builds

The airport chaos did little to dim the excitement surrounding V's Paris Fashion Week appearance. Fans continue to celebrate his poise and elegance, praising the way he handled the overwhelming situation. With surprise livestreams and stylish public outings, V's comeback is already leaving a lasting impression.

For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
IMD 15-day rain alert: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a 15-day rain alert starting July 4, 2025, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by risks of floods and landslides across several key regions including Delhi, Mumbai, Dehradun, and Himachal Pradesh.

This alert is part of the ongoing monsoon season, with localised flooding and travel disruptions expected in urban and hilly areas.

IMD 15-Day Rain Forecast: Heavy rain, floods & landslides forecast

According to the IMD bulletin issued on July 4, 2025, isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected over Northwest India including Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand from July 4 to 9, with very heavy rainfall particularly during July 5-7.

West India, including Mumbai and Madhya Maharashtra, will see extremely heavy rainfall (21 cm) at isolated places on July 6 and 7, with heavy rain continuing in Konkan, Goa, and Gujarat regions for the next week.

East and Central India, including Dehradun and surrounding areas, will experience isolated heavy rainfall through July 9, with very heavy rainfall over East Madhya Pradesh and Odisha during the first week of July. Northeast India will also see heavy rains with isolated extremely heavy falls over Meghalaya on July 6.

City-wise rainfall forecast and alerts (July 4-10, 2025)

Below is the required City-wise rainfall forecast and alerts from July 4 to 10, 2025 listed:

City Rainfall Forecast (July 3-10) Flood & Landslide Risk Delhi Light to moderate rain with thunderstorms, heavy rain July 5-9 Moderate flood risk in urban low-lying areas Mumbai Extremely heavy rainfall (21 cm) on July 6-7; heavy rain rest of week High flood risk, urban waterlogging expected Dehradun Isolated heavy to very heavy rain July 4-9 Landslide risk in hilly zones; flood risk in valleys Shimla (Himachal) Very heavy rainfall July 5-7; heavy rain July 4-9 High landslide and flood risk in mountainous terrain Goa Heavy to very heavy rainfall July 4-7 Flooding in coastal and low-lying areas Ahmedabad Moderate to heavy rain July 5-9 Localised urban flooding Lucknow Moderate rain July 5-8 Low flood risk Patna Heavy rain July 6-9 Moderate flood risk Ranchi Heavy rain July 5-8 Moderate flood and landslide risk Kolkata Moderate rain July 4-7 Low flood risk Chennai Light to moderate rain July 4-6 Low flood risk Bengaluru Moderate rain July 4-7 Low flood risk Hyderabad Isolated heavy rain July 4-6 Localised flooding possible Jaipur Moderate rain July 5-8 Low flood risk Chandigarh Light to moderate rain July 4-7 Low flood risk Srinagar Light rain July 4-6 Landslide risk in mountainous areas Guwahati Heavy rain July 5-7 Moderate flood risk

IMD forecasts heavy to very heavy rainfall across several Indian states: July 4 alert

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather advisory warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds over various regions of India. The forecast is valid from 8:30 AM IST today till 8:30 AM IST tomorrow.

IMD 15-day rain alert: States to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall

According to IMD, heavy to very heavy rainfall is very likely at isolated places over the following states:

Arunachal Pradesh

Assam & Meghalaya

Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram & Tripura

Konkan & Goa

Madhya Maharashtra

Madhya Pradesh

East Rajasthan

Coastal Karnataka

South Interior Karnataka

Odisha

These regions are advised to remain alert for possible flash floods, landslides, and waterlogging in low-lying areas.

IMD 15-day rain alert: Isolated heavy rainfall expected in other cities

IMD also forecasts heavy rainfall at isolated locations in the following areas:

Bihar

Chhattisgarh

East Uttar Pradesh

Gujarat State

West Rajasthan

Vidarbha

Jharkhand

Himachal Pradesh

Uttarakhand

West Bengal & Sikkim

Kerala & Mahe

North Interior Karnataka

Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & Karaikal

Residents are urged to take necessary precautions, especially during peak rainfall hours.

IMD 15-day rain alert: Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds expected

The IMD has also predicted thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds (3040 km/h) over:

Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Bihar

East Rajasthan

Gangetic West Bengal

Odisha

Jharkhand

Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan & Muzaffarabad

West Madhya Pradesh

IMD 15-day rain alert: Lightning risk across several northern and southern states

Isolated places in the following states may experience thunderstorms accompanied by lightning:

Arunachal Pradesh, Assam & Meghalaya

Chhattisgarh, East Madhya Pradesh

Gujarat State

Haryana, Chandigarh & Delhi

Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab

Kerala & Mahe

Rayalaseema, Telangana

Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim

Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & Karaikal

Uttar Pradesh

Vidarbha

West Rajasthan

IMD 15-day rain alert: Strong surface winds in southern and coastal regions

Regions likely to experience strong surface winds include:

Coastal Andhra Pradesh

Coastal Karnataka

North Interior Karnataka

Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & Karaikal

Telangana

Wind speeds may cause damage to weak structures and disrupt transport in coastal and highland areas.

Marine warning: Squally winds over Arabian sea and Gulf of Mannar

The IMD has warned of squally wind conditions with speeds reaching 4555 km/h and gusts up to 65 km/h over:

Somalia, Oman & adjoining Yemen coasts

Westcentral & Eastcentral Arabian Sea

Northwest and Southwest Arabian Sea

Gulf of Mannar

Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea in these areas.

IMD Clarification on Red Warning 2025

The IMD clarifies that a Red Color Warning does not mean 'Red Alert', but rather 'Take Action'. Residents in affected areas should follow local advisories and stay updated with official IMD bulletins.

Monsoon outlook for July 2025

The IMDs extended forecast indicates above normal rainfall for July 2025, exceeding 106% of the Long Period Average (LPA). The monsoon trough is expected near or north of its normal position.

This will lead to widespread rainfall over northwest, central, east, and northeast India during the coming weeks. Coastal and south interior Karnataka, Kerala, and Maharashtra will continue to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall with strong surface winds.

For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was greeted with the vibrant beats of a traditional Bhojpuri Chautaal as he landed in Trinidad and Tobago for his first bilateral visit to the Caribbean nation. His visit marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister since 1999 and was held at the invitation of Trinidad and Tobagos Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Modi shared a clip of the welcome performance on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, captioning it, Bhojpuri Chautaal echoes in Trinidad & Tobago!

Warm reception from local leaders and Indian diaspora

On arrival at Piarco International Airport, Prime Minister Modi was received by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, accompanied by 38 cabinet ministers and four members of Parliament from Trinidad and Tobago. He was also accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour.

May the friendship between India-Trinidad & Tobago flourish in the times to come!



Highlights from a special welcome in Port of Spain pic.twitter.com/yUprg1LyB4  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 4, 2025





During his visit, Modi engaged with members of the Indian-origin community, many of whom trace their ancestry to migrants who left India generations ago. Acknowledging their contributions, he remarked that the community has made notable strides in various sectors while maintaining a strong cultural link to India.

Appreciation for Diaspora contributions

Addressing the local Indian diaspora, Modi said, Many people from India made their way to Trinidad & Tobago years ago. Over the years, they distinguished themselves in several fields and are enriching Trinidad & Tobagos development journey. At the same time, they have retained a connection with India and are also passionate about Indian culture.

    !



              .     ,             pic.twitter.com/A6Huogo7CJ  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 4, 2025





He also expressed gratitude for the communitys heartfelt reception in Port of Spain, calling it unforgettable.

Meeting with young quiz winners

Modi also met with three young participants from Trinidad and TobagoShankar Ramjattan, Nicholas Maraj, and Vince Mahatowho won the Bharat Ko Janiye (Know India) Quiz. Sharing this interaction online, he noted, This Quiz has generated widespread participation across the world and deepened the connect of our community with India.

PM Modis visit highlighted cultural unity, diaspora pride, and growing ties between India and the Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
Hollywood is reeling from the heartbreaking news that legendary actor Michael Madsen has passed away at the age of 67. Known for his brooding charisma and unforgettable performances in Quentin Tarantinos cult classics, Madsen was found unresponsive at his Malibu home early Thursday morning. Responding to a 911 call, authorities confirmed his death at 08:25 local time.

Actor Michael Madsen passes away at the age of 67 | Credit: X/againstmadness

A shocking goodbye to a Hollywood icon

Sources close to the actor revealed that he is believed to have died from cardiac arrest. The loss has left fans, co-stars, and the industry in shock, as tributes pour in for a man who brought intensity, mystery, and soul to every character he portrayed.

Actor Michael Madsen passes away at the age of 67 | Credit: X/againstmadness

The man behind Mr Blonde

Madsen shot to global fame for his role as the cold and calculating Mr Blonde in Reservoir Dogs, a role that shocked audiences and defined 90s cinema. Whether slicing through scenes as a menacing villain or playing world-weary anti-heroes, Madsens presence on screen was both terrifying and mesmerising.

He would go on to star in other Tarantino masterpieces including Kill Bill: Vol. 2, The Hateful Eight, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, making him a core figure in the directors cinematic universe. Beyond film, he brought the same grit to television roles as sheriffs, detectives, and outlaws.

Actor Michael Madsen passes away at the age of 67 | Credit: X/againstmadness

A versatile voice across mediums

In addition to film and TV, Madsen lent his distinctive voice to popular video games like Grand Theft Auto III and the Dishonored series, proving his talent knew no boundaries. His career spanned four decades and a wide spectrum of roles, yet his authenticity always shone through.

Born in Chicago in September 1957, Madsen came from a family of storytellers, his mother was a filmmaker and his father a Navy veteran and firefighter. He was also the older brother of Virginia Madsen, known for Sideways.

Actor Michael Madsen passes away at the age of 67 | Credit: X/onlykayoo

A personal life marked by both love and tragedy

Michael Madsen was married three times and is survived by four children, including actor Christian Madsen. He reportedly divorced his wife DeAnna in 2024, a year after the tragic death of their son, Hudson.

Reflecting on her brothers death, Virginia Madsen described him as a paradox, a man full of thunder and tenderness, mischief and poetry. According to her statement, he was a father, a brother, a son, etched in contradiction but shaped by love.
What began as a routine welfare check turned tragic when Merced County deputies arrived at a Taco Bell parking lot in Santa Nella on Sunday. Reports had come in about cats visible inside a parked U-Haul, but officers quickly realised the situation was far worse than anyone had anticipated.

Over 100 cats found in distress at Taco Bell, California | Credit: SFGate

Over 100 cats found in distress at Taco Bell, California

When officials opened the van, they discovered 106 cats inside, many of them barely clinging to life. All were emaciated, dehydrated, and packed into sweltering conditions without food or water. Even more devastating, 28 cats had already died inside the vehicle.

Over 100 cats found in distress at Taco Bell, California | Credit: SFGate

Temperatures that day peaked at 99F, but officials noted that temperatures inside a sealed vehicle can climb even higher, often fatally so for animals.

One of the worst cases in years

Deputy Alexandra Britton, speaking for the Merced County Sheriffs Office, revealed that this was among the most severe animal cruelty cases the county has faced in years. She said the animals, ranging from just one week old to eight years, are now recovering and "in surprisingly good spirits."

Over 100 cats found in distress at Taco Bell, California | Credit: SFGate

Arrest made as investigation continues

The vans owner has been arrested and charged with 93 counts of animal cruelty. They are currently being held in Merced County Jail while authorities continue to investigate how and why the cats were hoarded in such dangerous conditions.

Over 100 cats found in distress at Taco Bell, California | Credit: SFGate

A seizure hearing will determine the legal custody of the animals. After that, the cats must go through a 14-day hold and medical evaluations before they become eligible for adoption.

Public floods shelter with support

Following news of the rescue, the Merced County Sheriffs Office was inundated with phone calls and Facebook messages from Californians eager to adopt the surviving cats. Officials have asked the public for patience as the cats undergo treatment and healing.

Over 100 cats found in distress at Taco Bell, California | Credit: SFGate

Hope for a second chance

Deputy Britton expressed her gratitude that the animals were saved just in time, acknowledging the painful reality of what could have happened. It is heartbreaking, she said, but we are thankful they are now safe and can look forward to finding loving homes.
Apple, Google again named best global brands New York: Technology giants Apple and Google have been adjudged the best brands in the world for the third consecutive year as technology companies dominated Interband's 16th annual best global brands report."For the third year

New York: Technology giants Apple and Google have been adjudged the best brands in the world for the third consecutive year as technology companies dominated Interband's 16th annual best global brands report.

"For the third year in a row, Apple (ranked first) and Google (ranked second) claim the top positions. Valued at $170.276 billion, Apple increased its brand value by 43%," Interbrand said.

"Google, valued at $120.314 billion, increased its brand value by 12%," the brand consultancy firm said in a release.

Microsoft (ranked fourth) edged ahead of IBM (ranked fifth), and Amazon (ranked tenth) entered the top 10 for the first time with a brand value of $37.948 billion.

Coca Cola took the third spot, Samsung retained its seventh rank. Facebook, which was the top riser in the report, was placed 23rd by Interbrand.

"The report examines what it takes for brands to succeed in today's hyper-fragmented world. As people demand immediate, personalized and tailored experiences, business and brands need to move at the speed of life," Jez Frampton, Interbrand's global chief executive officer, said.

"Many of the brands in this year's Top 100 are aligned with people's priorities, that they are able to integrate into their everyday lives," he added.
GOOD TROUBLE in SAN JOSE - Civil Rights, Human Rights , Pro-Democracy March & RallyWhen: Thursday, July 17 at noon  2 PMWhere: Plaza de Cesar ChavezGood Trouble Lives On is a national day of nonviolent action to respond to the attacks posed on our civil and human rights by the Trump administration and to remind them that in America, the power lies with the people.On July 17, the anniversary of Congressman John Lewiss passing, were taking action across the country to defend our democracy and carry forward his legacy of Good Trouble.From voter suppression bills like the SAVE Act to the criminalization of protest, the Trump administration is launching a full-scale attack on our civil and human rights. But we know the truth: in America, the power lies with the people, and were rising to prove it.This is more than a protest; its a moral reckoning. A continuation of the movement Lewis helped lead, and a new front in the struggle for freedom.Please note: A core principle behind our Good Trouble Lives On actions is a commitment to nonviolence in all we do. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our
Police in the Attica region have arrested a third suspect in connection with the alleged gang rape of a 14-year-old girl, authorities said Thursday.

The man turned himself in to the Juvenile Division.

The arrest follows the detention of two other suspects earlier this week. Authorities are still searching for a fourth man, who is believed to own the house

where the assault took place.

The investigation began after the girls parents reported her missing on Tuesday night. She was found by police several hours later, wandering alone, and subsequently reported the assault.

According to her testimony, she had arranged to meet a man she had connected with through a social media application.

He allegedly took her to a residence where three other men arrived and participated in the sexual assault.

The case has prompted a major police response, and the investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to locate the final suspect.

   iefimerida.gr
Papandreou begins by acknowledging Merkels characteristically cautious tone in recounting the events, yet credits her with recognizing certain truths that had been long obscured.

Former Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou has offered a pointed and reflective response to recent remarks by Angela Merkel regarding the eurozone crisis, suggesting that the former German chancellor spoke threeand

a halftruths about the handling of Greeces financial collapse. In a public statement titled The Nothing That Was Actually Everything, Papandreou revisits the early years of the crisis, seeking to reframe its history and underline the lessons Europe still risks forgetting.

Papandreou begins by acknowledging Merkels characteristically cautious tone in recounting the events, yet credits her with recognizing certain truths that had been long obscured. The first, he says, is Merkels admission that Europe was caught unprepared and failed to understand the true nature of the Greek crisis. According to Papandreou, this was never merely a fiscal meltdown caused by overspending or borrowing. At its core, it was a governance crisis: weak institutions, a lack of transparencyepitomized by manipulated statisticsand a democratic deficit allowed public money to be funneled through clientelist networks instead of being used for sustainable development and social cohesion. He argues that this institutional decay wasnt unique to the past. Todays government, led by the conservative New Democracy party, follows similar practices, he says, undermining the countrys credibility and repeating old mistakes by misusing EU recovery funds, agricultural subsidies, and public contracts.

Merkel, he notes, has since acknowledged that she underestimated the severity of the crisis in its early stages. This miscalculation, coupled with the dominant European view that focused solely on budget discipline, sidelined more meaningful structural reforms. The Greek government under Papandreou, he says, tried to push for such reformsones aimed at transparency, democratic accountability, and long-term resiliencebut instead was treated as a cautionary example. European leaders, particularly in Berlin, approached the Greek case as one requiring punishment, not partnership. Yet, in 2010,

Greece reduced its deficit by five percenta record among OECD countries. Still, the markets remained wary, which he attributes to the deeper, systemic flaws in the eurozones very architecture. Only when the crisis spread to countries like Ireland, Portugal, Cyprus, and even threatened Spain and Italy, did European leaders begin to grasp their collective responsibility. What ultimately reassured the markets was not austerity, but European Central Bank President Mario Draghis decisive commitment to support member states bondswhat Papandreou identifies as Merkels second truth.

The second major lesson Papandreou draws is that Greece was unfairly scapegoated, while the roots of the crisis ran deeper and across Europe. At the time, his government sought time and political backing to implement reformsnot more loans. What they needed, he says, was space to correct years of mismanagement and to deliver on a homegrown reform agenda. That plea was not, as Merkel reportedly characterized it, nothing. For Greece, for the euro, and for the European project itself, it was everything. Her dismissal of those appeals, in his view, was only half a truth.

Merkel has also acknowledged that the decision to involve the International Monetary Fund was hers. At the time, Europe lacked the expertise to deal with a crisis of such systemic depth, and she considered the IMF to be a tough, independent outside actor. This, according to Papandreou, is the third truth. But it also revealed internal doubts within the EU about the credibility of its own institutions. He points out that Merkel and then-Finance Minister Wolfgang Schauble favored a debt haircut, but were blocked by European Central Bank head Jean-Claude Trichet and French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

These divisions, he argues, exposed how unprepared Europe was to act cohesively in a moment of existential threat.

Papandreous broader warning is that Europe still hasnt absorbed the most crucial lesson from that period: unity is its greatest strength. When divided, the EU becomes vulnerablenot only to market shocks but also to internal political fragmentation. As Merkel herself conceded, Greece may have been the weakest link, but the entire European system was flawed. The dangers of fragmentation remain, he warns, especially now that the continent faces a new wave of existential threatsfrom climate change and global pandemics to geopolitical instability and the rise of digital oligarchies.

None of these challenges can be addressed by member states acting alone. Papandreou calls for a bold and coordinated European response, not only in defense and border security but also in education, innovation, sustainability, and democratic renewal. He emphasizes the need to fully mobilize EU financial tools, including eurobonds, to invest in the continents shared future. What was once considered radicallike his 2010 call for eurobondsis now widely accepted as necessary.

In the end, Papandreou insists that Europes real power lies not in austerity or punishment, but in solidarity. That, he says, is the ultimate truth still waiting to be fulfilleda truth born in crisis, and one that could define the future of the European project.

#ENGLISH_EDITION #GREECE
At the Economist Government Roundtable in Athens, Greece presented a compelling case for its emerging role as a key player in Europes pharmaceutical landscape.

Greek Minister of Health Adonis Georgiadis revealed that 12% of all medicines

consumed in the European Union are now produced in Greecean unexpected statistic that underscores the rapid growth of the countrys pharmaceutical sector

He attributed much of this progress to government initiatives aimed at fostering investment, particularly the introduction of an investment clawback mechanism. This policy, designed to reward pharmaceutical companies that reinvest in the local economy, has already mobilized 1.6 billion in sector-specific investments.

Georgiadis also pointed to the city of Tripoli, in the central Peloponnese, as a developing pharmaceutical hub, thanks to the expansion of production facilities in the region. He announced a new round of investments set to unfold over the next three years, supported in part by public funding. In parallel, the government plans to implement a new digital prescription filter aimed at reducing medication wastean initiative expected to generate 300 million in annual savings by curbing the oversupply of unused pharmaceuticals.

The discussion extended beyond national achievements to touch on wider economic concerns. Theodoros Tryfon, president of the Hellenic Association of Pharmaceutical Companies (PEF), board member of the Federation of Greek Industries (SEV), and executive board member of Medicines for Europe, offered a more cautious perspective. He warned that Greece continues to face a significant investment gap, which, combined with an overreliance on the services sector and demographic pressures, could create serious long-term risksincluding the potential need for a new international bailout if structural issues remain unaddressed.

Tryfon called for strategic investment in sectors where Greece holds a competitive advantage, such as pharmaceuticals. He noted that the industry has already emerged as one of the top three sectors in terms of added value derived from European recovery funds. However, he emphasized that long-standing challengesincluding high energy costs, land-use planning obstacles, bureaucratic delays, and a shortage of skilled laborcontinue to hamper the industrys full potential.

Echoing the sectors optimism, Dimitrios Demos, CEO of pharmaceutical company DEMO and vice president of PEF, spoke about the significant expansion underway across Greece. He noted that new production facilities are either under development or already operational in regions as diverse as Tripoli, Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, Ioannina, Larissa, Trikala, and Sapes in northern Greece.

Demos described this wave of activity as an investment boom, largely driven by the governments development clawback policy, first introduced in 2019. He emphasized that this growth is not limited to economic metrics alone but also carries meaningful social and environmental benefits.

In Tripoli alone, the new pharmaceutical installations are expected to create 2,000 direct and 6,000 indirect jobsmany of them high-quality, skilled positions that surpass the typical employment opportunities available in Greeces regions. To ensure local communities are prepared to meet this demand, career training and professional orientation initiatives are being launched alongside the industrial development.

From a European policy standpoint, former Deputy Minister of Health Vassilis Kontozamanis, now a board member of the EUs Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), placed the Greek pharmaceutical surge within the broader context of Europes evolving public health strategy. He explained that the continent is adopting a more strategic, autonomous approach to healthcare, seeking to strengthen its resilience against global shocks. This includes building capacity in research and development, addressing the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance, and safeguarding pharmaceutical supply chains.

#ENGLISH_EDITION #GREECE
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is set to visit Mount Athos this Friday and Saturday, embarking on an official trip to the monastic republic that holds deep religious and cultural significance in Orthodox Christianity.

During his visit, he will travel

to Karyes, the spiritual and administrative center of Mount Athos, where he is scheduled to meet with the abbots and representatives of the peninsulas 20 monasteries, as well as the Holy Epistasia, its governing ecclesiastical council.

The monks are expected to formally welcome him with a ceremonial gathering known as the Festive Extraordinary Double Holy Assembly, followed by a shared meal.

The itinerary also includes visits to four prominent monasteries: Iviron, Vatopedi, Simonos Petra, and Xenophontos. However, the visit unfolds against a backdrop of tension and discontent from within the Athonite community.

A number of monks have voiced strong objections to recent policies of the Greek government, particularly those related to social legislation such as the legalization of same-sex marriage and adoption by same-sex couplesmoves they argue are incompatible with Orthodox Christian doctrine.

These concerns came to a head during a session of the Holy Community, where logistical details of the visit were finalized. The meeting, based on a proposed schedule reportedly coordinated by the Civil Governor of Mount Athos, Alkiviadis Stefanis, in cooperation with the Prime Ministers office, quickly turned contentious. Representatives from at least seven monasteriesbelieved to include Philotheou, Konstamonitou, Karakallou, Dochiariou, Grigoriou, Koutloumousiou, and Agios Pavlospublicly declared their opposition to the visit. They announced they would not participate in the welcoming ceremony, citing the governments decisions as an affront to the faith and beliefs of Orthodox Christians.

Their absence from the central reception at the Protatonthe most symbolically important site on Mount Athoscasts a shadow over the visit. The decision by senior monks to stay away, combined with the possibility of protest banners and black flags being displayed at some monasteries, underscores the depth of the rift between the government and parts of the conservative monastic community.

#ENGLISH_EDITION #GREECE #KYRIAKOS_MITSOTAKIS
A massive wildfire erupted Thursday afternoon in the coastal town of Rafina, just east of Athens, engulfing homes and threatening lives as it spread rapidly through the area.

Fueled by strong winds and high temperatures, the fire forced Greek emergency

services into a state of maximum alert, prompting large- scale evacuations and a major firefighting operation.

Although by Thursday evening the situation had improved and the active fronts had begun to subside, firefighting crews remained on high alert due to the high risk of flare-ups.

The scale of the emergency response was significant: 170 firefighters, supported by eight specialized forest units and 48 vehicles, were deployed on the ground, alongside a large number of volunteers and private firefighting resources. In the air, 17 firefighting aircraft and seven helicopters, including one designated for coordination, battled the flames from above.

The fire tore through residential neighborhoods despite concerted efforts from emergency crews and locals. Homes were destroyed and many properties suffered extensive damage. Authorities reported conducting around 57 rescues and evacuating approximately 300 residents and 22 animals from the affected zones.

An emergency evacuation alert had been sent earlier in the day to mobile phones in several districtsAgia Kyriaki, Etos Steko, and Imeros Pefkosurging residents to seek safety at a designated evacuation point in a nearby stadium in Artemida.

The Greek Fire Service also confirmed that an investigative team from the arson crimes unit was being dispatched to Rafina to determine the cause of the fire. Once the blaze is fully under control, a formal assessment will begin to document damage to homes and infrastructure.

According to fire service spokesperson Vasilis Vathrakogiannis, the wildfire in Rafina was one of 40 rural and forest fires reported across Greece in the previous 24 hoursa figure that underscores the severity of this years fire season. The fire service warned that the coming days are expected to be even more challenging due to continued extreme weather conditions.

Later in the day, a high-level inter-ministerial meeting was convened to coordinate the response. Greeces emergency health services deployed two ambulances and two rapid-response motorcycles to the area.

Giannis Kefalogiannis, Greeces Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, described the situation as exceptionally dangerous, noting that the fire affected a mixed area of forest and residential housing. He emphasized the need for continuous vigilance and coordination among all responding agencies, warning against any sense of complacency.

#ENGLISH_EDITION #GREECE #WILDFIRE
NE China's Fuyuan city promotes local tourism

Xinhua) 15:08, July 04, 2025

A drone photo taken on July 3, 2025 shows a recreational vehicle campsite at a riverside park in Fuyuan City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. "Dongji" literally means "easternmost part of China" in Chinese. In recent years, China's easternmost city of Fuyuan has made use of its geographical advantages and cultural tourism resources to focus on promoting local tourism. Especially in summer, with an average temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius, the city attracts many tourists. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

Tourists take photos of a bear at a bear park in Fuyuan City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, July 3, 2025. "Dongji" literally means "easternmost part of China" in Chinese. In recent years, China's easternmost city of Fuyuan has made use of its geographical advantages and cultural tourism resources to focus on promoting local tourism. Especially in summer, with an average temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius, the city attracts many tourists. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

Tourists walk in a rice planting cooperative in Fuyuan City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, July 2, 2025. "Dongji" literally means "easternmost part of China" in Chinese. In recent years, China's easternmost city of Fuyuan has made use of its geographical advantages and cultural tourism resources to focus on promoting local tourism. Especially in summer, with an average temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius, the city attracts many tourists. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

Tourists visit the Dongji pagoda scenic area in Fuyuan City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, July 3, 2025. "Dongji" literally means "easternmost part of China" in Chinese. In recent years, China's easternmost city of Fuyuan has made use of its geographical advantages and cultural tourism resources to focus on promoting local tourism. Especially in summer, with an average temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius, the city attracts many tourists. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

A tourist purchases souvenirs at a Dongji themed post office in Fuyuan City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, July 3, 2025. "Dongji" literally means "easternmost part of China" in Chinese. In recent years, China's easternmost city of Fuyuan has made use of its geographical advantages and cultural tourism resources to focus on promoting local tourism. Especially in summer, with an average temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius, the city attracts many tourists. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

This photo taken on July 2, 2025 shows an interior view of a folklore museum of the Hezhe ethnic group in Wusu Town of Fuyuan City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. "Dongji" literally means "easternmost part of China" in Chinese. In recent years, China's easternmost city of Fuyuan has made use of its geographical advantages and cultural tourism resources to focus on promoting local tourism. Especially in summer, with an average temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius, the city attracts many tourists. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

A drone photo taken on July 3, 2025 shows tourists enjoying themselves at a shell beach campsite in Fuyuan City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. "Dongji" literally means "easternmost part of China" in Chinese. In recent years, China's easternmost city of Fuyuan has made use of its geographical advantages and cultural tourism resources to focus on promoting local tourism. Especially in summer, with an average temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius, the city attracts many tourists. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

Tourists look at bears at a bear park in Fuyuan City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, July 3, 2025. "Dongji" literally means "easternmost part of China" in Chinese. In recent years, China's easternmost city of Fuyuan has made use of its geographical advantages and cultural tourism resources to focus on promoting local tourism. Especially in summer, with an average temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius, the city attracts many tourists. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

Tourists take photos of the rising sun at Dongji Pavilion in Fuyuan City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, July 4, 2025. "Dongji" literally means "easternmost part of China" in Chinese. In recent years, China's easternmost city of Fuyuan has made use of its geographical advantages and cultural tourism resources to focus on promoting local tourism. Especially in summer, with an average temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius, the city attracts many tourists. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

A Russian tourist interacts with a humanoid robot at a market in Dongji Square in Fuyuan City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, July 2, 2025. "Dongji" literally means "easternmost part of China" in Chinese. In recent years, China's easternmost city of Fuyuan has made use of its geographical advantages and cultural tourism resources to focus on promoting local tourism. Especially in summer, with an average temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius, the city attracts many tourists. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

A tourist selects fish skin products in the Hezhe ethnic village of Zhuaji in Wusu Town of Fuyuan City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, July 1, 2025. "Dongji" literally means "easternmost part of China" in Chinese. In recent years, China's easternmost city of Fuyuan has made use of its geographical advantages and cultural tourism resources to focus on promoting local tourism. Especially in summer, with an average temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius, the city attracts many tourists. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

A tourist poses for photos with the rising sun at Dongji Pavilion in Fuyuan City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, July 4, 2025. "Dongji" literally means "easternmost part of China" in Chinese. In recent years, China's easternmost city of Fuyuan has made use of its geographical advantages and cultural tourism resources to focus on promoting local tourism. Especially in summer, with an average temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius, the city attracts many tourists. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

A Russian tourist selects products at a market in Dongji Square in Fuyuan City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, July 2, 2025. "Dongji" literally means "easternmost part of China" in Chinese. In recent years, China's easternmost city of Fuyuan has made use of its geographical advantages and cultural tourism resources to focus on promoting local tourism. Especially in summer, with an average temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius, the city attracts many tourists. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

An aerial drone photo shows homestays in the Hezhe ethnic village of Zhuaji in Wusu Town of Fuyuan City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, July 2, 2025. "Dongji" literally means "easternmost part of China" in Chinese. In recent years, China's easternmost city of Fuyuan has made use of its geographical advantages and cultural tourism resources to focus on promoting local tourism. Especially in summer, with an average temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius, the city attracts many tourists. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

A girl poses for photos with a bear statue at a wetland park in Fuyuan City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, July 3, 2025. "Dongji" literally means "easternmost part of China" in Chinese. In recent years, China's easternmost city of Fuyuan has made use of its geographical advantages and cultural tourism resources to focus on promoting local tourism. Especially in summer, with an average temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius, the city attracts many tourists. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

Tourists wait to watch sunrise at Dongji Pavilion in Fuyuan City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, July 4, 2025. "Dongji" literally means "easternmost part of China" in Chinese. In recent years, China's easternmost city of Fuyuan has made use of its geographical advantages and cultural tourism resources to focus on promoting local tourism. Especially in summer, with an average temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius, the city attracts many tourists. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

Tourists watch sunrise at Dongji Pavilion in Fuyuan City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, July 4, 2025. "Dongji" literally means "easternmost part of China" in Chinese. In recent years, China's easternmost city of Fuyuan has made use of its geographical advantages and cultural tourism resources to focus on promoting local tourism. Especially in summer, with an average temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius, the city attracts many tourists. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has pledged to serve only one term in office if he emerges as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 general election.

Amaechi made this commitment during an interview on Politics Today aired on Channels Television on Thursday.

He explained that his decision was anchored on maintaining Nigerias delicate power balance between the North and South.

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For now, the way Nigeria is, you must stick to that unwritten agreement that says south eight years, north eight years, Amaechi said, referencing the gentlemans agreement many believe ensures equitable presidential power rotation between the two regions.

READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/labour-party-gives-peter-obi-48-hours-to-resign-over-coalition-move.html

The former Rivers State governor recalled his role in the 2015 power shift, saying, I led the fight against the PDP government because there was an agreement that the government at that time would spend four years and after four years, the government reneged.

I said, No, that would be unfair, that would be instability at its peak because the North will react.

Asked by the shows host, Seun Okinbaloye, whether he would willingly serve a single term if given the opportunity, Amaechi replied: Of course.

He added, Nigerians know that I speak my mind. Nigerians know that what I cannot do I will not say.

Amaechi also criticised President Bola Tinubus administration, stating that it deserves to be voted out in 2027 due to the economic hardship and suffering many Nigerians are facing.

His statement comes amid his recent alignment with a coalition of opposition figures who have adopted the ADC as their political platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has revealed the story behind her internationally acclaimed name.

While addressing a group of students in a video shared on YouTube on Thursday, the Half of a Yellow Sun author revealed that her birth certificate listed her as Ngozi GraceGrace being her mothers namebut she never felt truly connected to either name.

The 47-year-old author added that while she loved the name Ngozi, she felt it was very common.

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She explained that the name Chimamanda came to her as a divine revelation, evolving from the English name Amanda which she had originally been given.

READ MORE: Dont Be Desperate To Marry  Chimamanda Adichie Warns Women

I am going to say I love both names, but thats not actually true. The real reason is that Chimamanda is a name that I gave myself. And the story is a little bit long, but maybe I should tell it so that the students can hear it, she said.

When I was born, the names that were on my birth certificate were Ngozi Grace. Grace was my mothers name. As I grew older, I always felt that Grace was my mother, not I. I think Grace is a very beautiful name, but it never felt like my name.

And so I was Ngozi. As a child, I felt that Ngozi, while also a beautiful name, was very common. I felt that one in two Igbo girls were named Ngozi. And I always felt that I needed something else that felt uniquely mine.

And so then at my confirmation, I was reading a novel at the time, and the character in the novel was called Amanda. So I decided that this name was wonderful and I was going to be called Amanda.

There were a few arguments with the hierarchy of the church concerning such things as that you must have a saints name. So I made my case, and I was allowed to have Amanda.

Chimamanda recounted that after moving to the United States for her education, she became aware of how regularly the name Amanda was mispronounced and how overly familiar it sounded.

 But anyway, so then I was Amanda. And then I went to the United States to school, she continued.

And I noticed very quickly that there were many other Americans in my class called Amanda. But the worst part was how they pronounced the name Amanda.

At that point, she made the decision to reconnect with her Igbo identity, crafting the name Chimamanda as a way to honour her heritage while retaining a hint of Amanda.

And so one day, someone was referring to me, and I didnt know because they were saying Amanda, and I didnt turn because I didnt realise it was me, the author said.

And I think that it was, but also during that period, I had started to think about identity and what it means to be from where you come from.

And so I remember sitting in that class in the US and suddenly I thought, this name is not my name. This name belongs to other people. Its not mine. Im not Amanda. And thats when I started thinking about how I could give myself a name that was an Igbo name, that had a real meaning, but also that had to have that word Amanda because that word was already in my passport and my licence and everything.

And honestly, it came as a revelation. I remember exactly where I was. And that name, Chima Amanda, came to me. And in Igbo, it means my God will never fall down. And so I just really felt that this was the name that I was given. I gave it to myself, but I was also given the name.

Watch her speak below
A Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has convicted and sentenced eight Chinese nationals over their involvement in cyberterrorism and internet fraud.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission revealed this in a statement shared on its official X handle on Friday.

The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, July 4, 2025, secured the conviction and sentence of 8 Chinese for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, the anti-graft agency said.

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The eight individuals sentenced include Pan Cai Qi, Zeng Xian Tao, Weng Mao Rong, Wang Xiong Wei, also referred to as Xiao Bai, along with Shi Dong Fu, Wang Shi Long, Liu Ke Fan, and Ting Liao.

They are 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, the statement continued.

The EFCC has yet to provide details regarding the sentencing or the specific roles each convict played in the cybercrime syndicate.

However, the commission stated that further information would be made available in due time, adding, Details later.
A High Court sitting in Awka, Anambra State, has sentenced a 44-year-old woman, Goodness Daniel, to five years in prison for human trafficking.

The verdict, delivered on June 27, 2025, by Justice Peace Otti, followed her conviction for buying and selling human beings, in violation of Section 21 of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.

The prosecution was led by the Anambra State Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

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The court, in its judgment, also gave the convict an option of a N2 million fine, and further ordered her to pay N2.6 million in restitution to the victim, who also testified against her.

READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/atiku-david-mark-left-pdp-after-failing-to-hijack-party-leadership-wike.html#google_vignette

This court finds the defendant guilty of trafficking in persons. The facts are clear and the evidence presented beyond reasonable doubt. She must face the consequences of her actions, Justice Otti ruled.

The defendant was first arraigned on July 9, 2024. Her conviction comes as part of growing efforts by NAPTIP to ensure offenders are brought to justice.

Reacting to the judgment, NAPTIP described it as a significant victory in the battle against human trafficking.

We welcome this verdict. It demonstrates that our courts are ready to protect the vulnerable and punish traffickers. This is a strong warning to anyone engaging in such heinous crimes, a spokesperson for the agency said.

We will continue to work with law enforcement, communities, and the judiciary to ensure justice prevails, the spokesperson added.

The ruling underscores Nigerias commitment to curbing human trafficking and safeguarding the rights of victims.
Former Imo Governor Emeka Ihedioha has joined the ADC, a day after its Abuja unveiling alongside Atiku Abubakar and other top politicians.

Ihedioha made the announcement on Thursday while addressing leaders of his political base, the Rebuild Imo Movement (RIM), at his Civil Centre residence.

The former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives described ADC as the right platform for their political aspirations.

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My party, your party, our party is now ADC. That is the way to go. That is the party for all of us, he declared.

READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/only-united-nigeria-can-unseat-tinubu-in-2027-amaechi.html

He charged his loyalists to mobilise support across the state. I urge you, as leaders of our Rebuild Imo Movement, to go home to your respective chapters, wards, LGAs and zones, and take this gospel to the grassroots, to the people. We are people-oriented. Our strength is the people, the masses, Ihedioha said.

Highlighting the depth of their grassroots reach, he stated: We already have representation in all the booths in the 305 wards in the state, and our structure across the 27 LGAs and three geo-political zones are strong, viable and functional. Just go home and invigorate our RIM structure which is highly effective and superb.

Ihedioha also expressed gratitude to his supporters for their patience during the transition period, assuring them that the ADC will provide a people-driven platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
Justice Binta Nyako of a Federal High Court in Abuja, has faulted the suspension of Kogi State Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and nullified it.

Justice Nyako also ordered the Senate to recall the suspended senator on grounds that her suspension for six months violated the Constitution and also denied her constituents of adequate representation.

The judge made the order on Friday while delivering judgment in the suit filed by the Kogi lawmaker, challenging her six months suspension by the Senate.

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Justice Nyako stated that while the National Assembly has powers to discipline any erring members, such discipline should not be too excessive to the extent of depriving her people of representation.

READ MORE: FCT Court Grants Senator Natasha Bail For Allegedly Defaming Senate President

Justice Nyako explained that the six months suspension was excessive because it exceeded the 180 days the house is expected to sit.

Meanwhile, the court found her guilty of contempt of court and subsequently fined her the sum of N5 million.

She was also ordered to tender a public apology to the court in two national dailies as well as on her Facebook page.

The court also held that Senate President Godswill Akpabio was not wrong to have denied Senator Natasha, who was not in the official seat that was allotted to her, the opportunity to speak during plenary.
A chieftain of the Kaduna State chapter of the Social Democratic Party, Bashir Zakariya, has died in a car accident along Zaria-Kaduna highway on Thursday.

In a statement by the state Publicity Secretary, Darius Kurah, the SDP described the late chairman as a man of integrity, courage and vision whose passion for justice and democracy inspired many within and outside the party.

Darius said: Zakariya stood for truth, spoke with conviction and worked tirelessly to grow the SDP in Zone One and beyond.

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READ MORE: Kaduna Now Changed From Toxic To Place Of Life, Development Under Gov Sani  Tinubu

His memory will remain a guiding light to the party and the people of Kaduna State.

SDP in Kaduna State appealed to the state and federal governments to intensify efforts to reduce the frequent accidents on the Zaria- Kaduna Expressway.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has urged Interim National Chairman of African Democratic Congress, David Mark, and a chieftain of the coalition group, Rotimi Amaechi, to stop deceiving Nigerians.

Wike said that the coalition under the leadership of Mark, Amaechi and others in the party would not return to power in 2027.

The FCT Minister led this out during commissioning of the newly rehabilitated Aguma Palace-Radio Nigeria-New Market Road in the Gwagwalada area council in Abuja.

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READ MORE: Despite All I Did For Wike, I Dont Know Why He Doesnt Respect Me  Amaechi

Wike challenged Mark, Amaechi, and other leaders of the opposition group to show their past records in office to Nigerians.

He said: They said that the coalition started 18 months ago and Tinubu has been in office for two years, so you started the coalition when he was in office for just six months; 18 months ago you started the coalition, meanwhile he was in office for just six months.

When will you stop deceiving Nigerians? You [Mark] had the opportunity to be Senate President for eight years.

You (Ameachi) had opportunity to be Speaker for four years, and Minister of Transportation for eight years. He never made angry Nigerians to be happy; but people stayed in office for six months and he started telling people how Nigerians are angry.

I have said everybody should show your scorecard. when I was a Senate President let me show my scorecard, how did I help the people of Benue State, how did I help the people of Otukpo, is it by flying a helicopter to Otukpo?

We are here for 16 days and we are showing our scorecard and this time, its Operation Show Your Scorecard.

God gave you the opportunity to be in office to make Nigerians happy according to you, but you refused; because you have left office, you are saying Nigerians are angry, because you want to return to power. You will not come back to power.
The Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a large quantity of Cannabis Sativa, also known as Indian hemp, smuggled through the Idiroko border.

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday at the NSC Sentry Post in Idiroko, the Area Controller, Comptroller Godwin Otunla, disclosed that the illegal substance was concealed in a false compartment at the bottom of a Mercedes Benz truck with registration number EPE-595-LA.

According to Otunla, a total of 2,693 parcels weighing 1,450kg were discovered in the early hours of Sunday, June 29, 2025. The seized consignment, smuggled into the country by a 39-year-old driver, William Asare, carries a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of 172,920,000.

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READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/coalition-members-are-enemies-of-nigeria-have-nothing-to-offer-adcs-kachikwu.html

In accordance with Section 226 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, the truck was immediately moved to the Commands headquarters in Idiroko for further investigation, Otunla said.

He added: A comprehensive physical examination revealed a total of 2,693 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 1,450kg. Other enabling provisions of the NCS Act 2023 that guided this operation include Sections 6 and 250.

The suspect and the seized items were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and possible prosecution.

In response, Ekundayo Williams, Area Commander of the NDLEA Special Command in Idiroko, commended the Customs for their efforts in curbing drug trafficking.

The cooperation between the Customs and the NDLEA is crucial in the ongoing war against illicit drugs. The suspect will be thoroughly investigated and charged to court, Williams stated.

The operation underscores renewed efforts to tighten border security and disrupt drug smuggling networks.
Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has stated that President Bola Tinubu can only be removed from office in 2027 if Nigerians unite and take bold political action.

Speaking on Thursday during the launch of the 2025 Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey Report by the Africa Polling Institute in Abuja, Amaechi said.

The only way you can stop Tinubu from being the president of Nigeria in 2027 is to run an election of Nigerians versus the bandits.

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He cautioned against complacency among the electorate, saying, If you think you will just sit down and do that, may God be with you.

READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/we-wont-surrender-adc-to-political-opportunists-dumebi-kachikwu.html

Amaechi, who recently resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), lamented the passive attitude of Nigerians towards governance.

He said, They know you are not happy. But you are helpless not because the elites made you helpless, you made yourself helpless.

He criticised the culture of private grumbling without public action. You sit in your houses and whisper your frustrations but refuse to act.

That is not how to bring change. Nigerians must be ready to confront the system peacefully and legally through the ballot, he charged.

Amaechis presence at the adoption of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) by an emerging opposition coalition in Abuja on Wednesday has fueled speculation about his next political direction.

Addressing those questioning his exit from the APC, he said, I will not be part of a system that no longer represents the people. If we must move forward, then we must re-strategize and reorganize.

As political alignments continue ahead of 2027, Amaechis remarks serve as a clarion call for civic participation and national awakening.
Labour Partys 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, says defeating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections will require an extraordinary level of sacrifice and strategy from the opposition coalition.

Speaking during an interview with news men on Thursday, Baba-Ahmed described Tinubu as a political phenomenon who waited and strategised for 16 years before achieving his presidential ambition.

His remarks come on the heels of the unveiling of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a unifying platform for opposition figures ahead of the 2027 polls.

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Tinubu gave Atiku the ACN in 2007. Gave it to Ribadu in 2011. Backed Buhari in 2015. And waited until 2023 to take it himself, Baba-Ahmed said. To defeat this phenomenon called Tinubu, you must do the unthinkable.

He noted that while the coalition boasts prominent names such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Nasir el-Rufai, the lack of selfless collaboration remains a challenge.

I dont yet see anyone in this coalition who can scheme and plan over 16 years, he said.

With all due respect to Atiku, he has contested consistently this will be the seventh time. But tell me, is there anyone else in the coalition who will say, Let it be the other person, and I will support them? Im yet to see that.

He stressed that defeating Tinubu will not happen through mere political rhetoric. If this coalition thinks its business as usual, it wont work.

It has to be less about individual ambition and more about Nigeria. More action, less talk. Because talk is cheap.
A member of the house of representatives and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress Leke Abejide has said that ongoing coalition efforts within the party, to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027 are doomed to fail.

The lawmaker, who is representing Yagba federal constituency in Kogi State described himself as the face and financier of the ADC.

Recall that INFORMATION NIGERIA had reported on Wednesday that some opposition politicians, including former vice-president Atiku Abubakar and Nasir el-Rufari, ex-governor of Kaduna, unveiled the ADC as the platform to challenge Tinubu.

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Speaking on Friday during an interview with Channels Television, Mr. Leke expressed scepticism about the coalition.

He distanced himself from the group, revealing that he declined to attend related meetings despite being approached by Ralph Nwosu, founder and ex-national chairman of the ADC.

READ MORE: We Wont Surrender ADC To Political Opportunists  Dumebi Kachikwu

Leke said: I have been in this party since 2018, and Im the face of ADC in Nigeria, and I believe you can say ADC only exists in Kogi state.

People I never expected to join ADC are now there. I dont think we have anything in common. The people I have something in common with are mostly in APC.

Im the financier of the party. The national chairman spoke with me, but I didnt attend any of their meetings. There is nothing they didnt do.

I didnt attend their meeting because I dont believe in it. Something I know is not going to work or bring any success  why should I go there?

As the president (Bola Tinubu) said, there is freedom of association. Tomorrow, I can decide to go to APC; nobody can stop me. So, for them to come to ADC, it is their own right to do that.
Renowned Nigerian actor Yul Edochie has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to reinstate the cashless policy previously introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Sharing his thoughts via Instagram on Thursday, the actor pointed out that the cashless policy offered significant benefits, particularly in strengthening the economy and enhancing national security.

Edochie stated that the cashless policy played a key role in strengthening the value of the Nigerian naira.

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READ MORE: Burna Boy Considers Fatherhood, Says Age Is Catching Up

He stressed that by restricting access to physical cash, the cashless system helped curb incidents of kidnapping.

He wrote, To my leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I humbly suggest you bring back the cashless policy. When it was introduced by the previous administration, it increased the value of the naira tremendously. It helped to bring down prices of goods and it made 5 naira, 10, 20 and 50 naira notes regain value. The cashless policy also helped to reduce kidnapping massively. Consider it again Sir. Thank you, Your Excellency.

The actors appeal has stirred conversations across social media, as many Nigerians reflect on the potential advantages and drawbacks of bringing back the cashless policy in the face of current economic challenges.

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has slammed the Bola Tinubu-led administration over what it described as the unchecked excesses of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

In a statement on Friday, the party condemned Wikes conduct, describing him as a mini-god operating without restraint or accountability, all under the watch of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Only under APC and Bola Tinubus administration would a minister like Wike behave like a mini-god, completely unchecked and unaccountable, the ADC declared, accusing the government of enabling a culture of impunity and power abuse.

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The party noted that Wikes actions, from alleged abuse of office to public confrontations with elected officials, highlight the failure of the current administration to instill discipline and uphold democratic values.

Nigeria deserves better than this. The time to say enough is enough is now, the party continued, calling on Nigerians to resist the normalization of political arrogance and misrule.

The ADC reiterated its commitment to restoring true leadership and public accountability, promising a people-focused alternative in future elections.

We are prepared to right these wrongs and return governance to the people. Wikes conduct is a symptom of a deeper rot under APC rule, it added.

The statement is part of ADCs renewed offensive ahead of the 2027 general elections, where it hopes to position itself as a credible alternative to the ruling party.

The party urged citizens not to lose hope, stressing that the fight for a just and equitable Nigeria must begin with rejecting leaders who place themselves above the law.
Veteran actor Patrick Doyle has taken a swipe at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over what he described as an unnecessary show of extravagance during a recent media briefing.

Doyle drew attention to the ornate chair Wike sat on during the event, comparing it to a royal seat.

READ MORE: Court Rejects Mohbads Fathers Bid To Reverse DPPs Clearance Of Naira Marley, Sam Larry

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If this isnt a throne, I wonder what is, Doyle remarked. Why on earth would a minister of the Nigerian state mount a throne to address Nigerians? This is a sign of the psychosis afflicting Nigerian political office holdersdelusion of grandeur.

The actors comments have stirred conversations online, with many weighing in on the symbolism and optics of Wikes choice of furniture while speaking in an official capacity.

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Author Nina Sharma, whose first book is "The Way You Make Me Feel," and her husband, poet Quincy Jones, author of "The T-Bone Series" and "How to Kill Yourself Instead of Your Children." Read more

On July 4, 2009, author Nina Sharma came to Philadelphia from New York to visit her friend Justine  not to celebrate the holiday, but to celebrate Michael Jackson, who had died nine days earlier.

That night, she met the man she would eventually marry.

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Quincy Jones  Justines friend  was a poet who had grown up in the Philadelphia suburbs in Willingboro, N.J. After finishing his undergraduate degree at Brown University, he moved back to the city to attend grad school at Temple and was teaching at Arcadia University.

Trying to get to a friends barbecue as The Roots played the Welcome America concert, Jones drove Sharma and Justine through a mess of detour signs and orange traffic cones, a maze designed to make Ben Franklin Parkway into a public square and the Museum of Arts Rocky Steps a concert stage, Sharma writes in her book, The Way You Make Me Feel: Love in Black and Brown.

She, a daughter of Indian immigrants and doctors from New Jersey. He, a poet whose family runs Overbrooks Yarborough & Rocke Funeral Home, one of the oldest Black-owned funeral homes in the city.

It was a Welcome America meet-cute.

Sharmas book chronicles their relationship, which winds in and out of Philly over the years. Its an account of solidarity between communities of color  particularly Black and South Asian communities.

Its also a Philadelphia time capsule.

On an early date-like hang at the now-shuttered South Street nightclub Fluid, Justine, Jones, and Sharma saw Questlove DJ by an empty dance floor. The Roots arent yet the 11:30 house band on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, but they arent that far off, Sharma writes.

They had gotten to the club early because, bound by a post-Prohibition-era law, all alcohol sales in Philly must end at 2 a.m. Sharma, hoping to spend more time with Jones, put on a tube dress.

And it felt so ordinary, she said. Quincy and Justine were starstruck as well. But they were also like, Oh yes. This is Philly. Musicians are part of the fabric of the community, especially The Roots. That was lovely to witness.

Nightlife in Philly, she said, has two incarnations. Once the clubs closed at 2 a.m., theyd go over to Chinatowns Davids Mai Lai Wah or hang out at a friends house.

Theres this kind of rich after-hours community in Philly that I love, she said.

On a later date, Sharma asked Jones to take her to his favorite place. He brought her to the corner of North 63rd and West Oxford Streets  the site of the familys funeral home, founded in 1928.

My grandfather worked there after World War II. It passed to him, then to my aunt, to now my cousin, said Jones. Ive always loved it. Most people are going there to grieve, but it is a place where I could pop in and just hang out.

His cousin lives next door, he said, and the place often gets used for parties.

Much like Fluid  a space for those who love hip-hop  the funeral home is a place for the community to gather.

Ive been there for parties, said Sharma. Quincys grandmom has pulled me on the dance floor and weve done the Electric Slide.

My book is about solidarity, she said. And I think having spaces like that is what solidarity is about; spaces that embrace Blackness, having all of us from the margins coming and supporting those places.

From Eastwick, the book  and the couples lives  moves through Bala Cynwyd, a marriage proposal in Cape May, and then, as Sharma puts it, across City Avenue [to Mansion at Bala, the apartment complex], so we had to start paying sewage tax.

I call it City Avenue and everyone knows I am not from here, she said. They just call it City Line.

That condominium is what the couple considers their first home together.

Theyd done the floors, and we didnt know that. So we just stepped on them and for the longest time, her footprint and my little shoe print was embedded on this nicely polished floor, Jones said.

Like we were a baby couple with that footprint, said Sharma.

The city is also where her book took shape.

I wouldnt have been the writer I am if it wasnt for Philly. If it wasnt for [Mount Airys] Big Blue Marble Bookstore where I worked, if it wasnt for the mentor who I took memoir classes with.

Philly was a lot quieter than New York, she said, and I needed that stillness to become a writer.

The couple has since moved to New York, where both now teach at Barnard College. While The Way You Make Me Feel is Sharmas first book, Jones has written two poetry books: The T-Bone Series (2009) and How to Kill Yourself Instead of Your Children (2021).

Every time Jones comes to Philly, they greet me like they saw me yesterday.

That to me is how much of Philly I have in me. Cities change, they grow, and yet in Philly, it feels like we havent left. Were family.

Philly nurtured both of us, said Sharma.

Sixteen years since that Welcome America gridlock, are they still a Philly couple with a Philly love story?

Oh yeah, listen. The July 4 concert on the Parkway. I never went there in years because its too many people and they have cameras right on stage. Why would I want to go all the way down there in the heat? The one time I go, I meet my wife, said Jones.

His wife gushed, sitting on a chair.

My God, this feels like you fed him something for me. It just makes my day.

An earlier version of the article misstated the location for Yarborough & Rocke Funeral Home. Its in Overbrook.
Tayyib Smith and Jacob Roller outside of the historic bank they plan to turn into a base for Black-owned businesses and market rate apartments, near the Huntingdon El station in Philadelphia. Read more

Tayyib Smith was running a successful Center City marketing firm in 2016 when he received an invitation to attend a boot camp on ethical real estate development with Theaster Gates, a Chicago-based community activist and artist. Now an international art star whose work is celebrated in New York, London, and Venice, Gates had perfected the real estate version of the slow food movement and used it to reinvigorate neglected Black neighborhoods on the citys South Side.

Smiths only foray into real estate at the time was Pipeline, a coworking space that he helped establish near City Hall. But he came away from Gates program determined to apply the same development recipe  a blend of low-cost preservation, attention-getting art installations, and patient community engagement  to rebuild Philadelphias own forgotten neighborhoods.

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Since then, Smith has managed to pull off a series of provocative public art events, including last years ghostly tribute to the historic figures who populated Philadelphias South Street neighborhood when it was the epicenter of Black life in America.

But for a Black entrepreneur with both a nontraditional approach and limited access to capital, the real estate piece proved more challenging. Several of Smiths most promising projects have been caught up in the maw of the citys bureaucracy, while others were sidelined by the pandemic.

Smith never gave up, and now he and his business partner, Jacob Roller, are poised to put Gates ideas about ethical development into practice at one of Kensington Avenues grimmest intersections.

This summer, they will start converting a derelict, early 20th century bank at Huntingdon Street into a banquet hall and commissary kitchen for Strother Enterprises, a Black-owned caterer. Theyve also secured financing for a handsome 114-unit apartment building next door. Designed by the JKRP, the architecture firm founded by Rollers father, Jerry, the addition is expected to go into construction in the fall.

What is ethical development?

On its face, their $35 million Kensington project might not seem so different from other developments in Philadelphia that incorporate historic buildings. While businesses owned by underrepresented groups will get priority for the commercial spaces, and Impact Services will be brought in to train Strothers kitchen workers, the apartments will rent at market prices. Smith and Roller make no claims about saving the neighborhood  which is already dotted with shiny new metal-and-brick mid-rises  from gentrification.

So what, you might ask, makes this an ethical development?

For Smith, who rarely goes anywhere without a book tucked under his arm and a Leica camera around his neck, real estate development is political action by other means. Described by Philadelphia Magazine as the citys theorist-in-chief, Smith sees the renovation of the Textile National Bank, which was created to fund the operations of Kensingtons mill barons, as a way to tackle an even more urgent cause: Philadelphias yawning racial wealth gap.

The citys income disparities tend to get less attention than gentrification, but as Smith likes to point out, the gap is one reason Philadelphia has never been able to overcome its inglorious distinction as Americas poorest big city. Median income for Black households in Philadelphia is nearly half what it is for white ones, the same as it was before the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s.

Giving Black-, Latino- and Asian-owned businesses first crack at prime retail space, Smith says, is one way to reduce that chasm. Because the bank is in a Keystone Opportunity Zone, its business tenants wont have to pay sales tax for supplies. Thats a big deal for a busy catering operation like Strother.

By renovating the blighted bank, theyll also be eliminating a notorious magnet for opioid dealers and their customers, improving life for residents of the rowhouses on Huntingdon Street.

Smiths interest in ethical development goes beyond the developments themselves. Hes made it his mission to amplify the wealth-gap issue through his art projects, photographs, and writing, including a recent series of opinion pieces in The Inquirer. I feel like Im more likely to get a response from a [foundation] board member after one appears, he jokes.

In pursuit of change, Smith has also become what Tya Winn, director of the Community Design Collaborative, calls the neighborhood curmudgeon.

He is a regular at community meetings, especially those featuring presentations from city officials. When Angela D. Brooks, who is overseeing Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers housing initiative, spoke to the Design Advocacy Group, Smith used the occasion to pepper her with questions about the citys problematic Land Bank, where one of Smith & Rollers affordable housing developments has been tied up for years. As soon as the event was over, he rushed to another meeting to challenge Ryan Boyer, head of the Building Trades Council, on the same subject.

People tend to go along with dysfunction, Smith told me. I think a hit dog should holler.

The constraints of traditional development

Smith grew up in the Friends Housing Coop, in what is today Northern Liberties, but says his family later suffered housing instability. After stints in the U.S. Navy, Temple University, and as a waiter at Le Bec-Fin, he launched his firm Little Giant Creative using the marketing strategies pioneered by hip-hop artists.

Smith and Roller came to ethical development through opposite ends of the real estate business. Roller, who cofounded the real estate company MMPartners, says he was already growing dissatisfied with traditional practices when he met Smith at a street festival in Brewerytown more than a decade ago. Roller had been doing development in the neighborhood and organized the event as a way of giving back to local residents. Smiths marketing firm had convinced Heineken to contribute to the event.

As they talked, Roller recalls, they both confessed that they were struggling with the constraints of traditional development, which elevates profit over the social good. Smith asked Roller if he thought it was possible to do development without displacement.

There was no clear answer  then or now  but they continued to meet and talk. In 2019, they formed a partnership, Smith & Roller, in an attempt to pursue the strategies Smith had learned from Gates in Chicago. Their skill sets proved complementary. Roller knew the development ropes  how to obtain financing and work with contractors. Smith had contacts with nonprofits and knew how to articulate their mission.

Its ironic that their first major project involves a vacant bank. Gates made a name for himself in Chicago when he transformed a similarly columned, early 20th century bank into a community center and exhibition space, known as the Stony Island Arts Bank.

Much of Gates work involves using remnants from the past to evoke memories of Black communities in their heyday and focus attention on the loss of cultural places  themes that Smith often references in his art projects.

Stony Island is now the centerpiece of a much larger collection of buildings that offers gallery exhibits, art classes, job training, and staged events. Like Smith, Gates doesnt worry that these projects might accelerate gentrification; he believes giving people access to culture and wealth-building skills is more important.

Reviving Textile National Bank

Kensingtons Textile National Bank is also filled with buried history, both grand and painful. The white, Classical Revival building, designed by Herman Miller  a protege of Frank Furness  in 1909, was founded by Kensingtons wealthy factory owners when the neighborhood was the textile capital of the country. The Market-Frankford El had not yet been built, and the ornate, temple-like entrance on Kensington Avenue became a portal to their exclusive world.

The bank, and then the neighborhood, went into decline after the stock market crash in 1929. Its been empty since the 1990s, and today people made desperate by opioid addiction huddle between the Corinthian columns.

It is a testament to the developers faith in their project that they plan to restore and reopen the Kensington Avenue entrance when the banquet hall is completed. ISA Building Lab is overseeing the renovations. There is space in the bank and an adjacent, two-story factory for several businesses, and possibly a gallery space.

There must be something in the water in Philadelphia because the city has nurtured several developers who practice various forms of ethical development. Ken Weinstein, a Germantown developer, just celebrated the 10th anniversary of his Jumpstart program, which supports small, underrepresented developers.

Lindsey Scannapiecos work at Bok, which also just marked its 10th anniversary, similarly allows entrepreneurs of color to rent affordable startup space and hosts regular arts events to create a sense of community. She honed her approach after participating in Gates Chicago program on ethical development  the same boot camp Smith attended. I would often see him on the plane to Chicago, she recalls.

One day, Smith pressed Matthew Desmonds Pulitzer Prize-winning book Evicted into her hand. Theyve remained friends ever since. Meanwhile, Gates is now working on his first major Philadelphia project, the Forman Arts Initiative on American Street, a short walk from the Kensington Bank.

Nearly a decade after Smith first learned about ethical development, he is still pushing his real estate colleagues to embrace its tenets in their projects.

It cant just be about highest-and-best use, he says, referring to the traditional zoning standard. There has to be some humanity in it, too.
A 15-year-old boy died after he was shot several times and then dumped from a car in an alley Thursday evening in Northeast Philadelphia, police said.

Shortly after 6 p.m., police responded to a report of an unresponsive person in the rear driveway of the 6300 block of Revere Street and found the boy with gunshot wounds to his chest, shoulder, and lower back, Chief Inspector Scott Small said.

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The boy, who lived about half a mile away, was transported to Jefferson Torresdale Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 6:40 p.m.

A witness told police a white sedan pulled into the alley from Robbins Street and the boy was pushed out of the car from the passenger side door, Small said.

The car then backed out of the alley and fled on Robbins, which was busy with daytime traffic, Small said.

Police found no spent shell casings at the scene, so the teen was likely shot at another location or in the car, Small said.

Detectives were checking to see if residential security cameras had recorded what happened, Small said.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks during a Make America Healthy Again Commission event at the White House on May 22. Read more

The Trump administration has declared that it will aggressively combat chronic disease in America.

Yet in its feverish purge of federal health programs, it has proposed eliminating the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion and its annual funding of $1.4 billion.

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Thats one of many disconnects between what the administration says about health  notably, in the MAHA Report that President Donald Trump recently presented at the White House  and what its actually doing, scientists and public health advocates say.

Among other contradictions:

The report says more research is needed on health-related topics such as chronic diseases and the cumulative effects of chemicals in the environment. But the Trump administrations mass cancellation of federal research grants to scientists at universities, including Harvard, has derailed studies on those subjects. The report denounces industry-funded research on chemicals and health as widespread and unreliable. But the administration is seeking to cut government funding that could serve as a counterweight. The report calls for fearless gold-standard science. But the administration has sowed widespread fear in the scientific world that it is out to stifle or skew research that challenges its desired conclusions.

There are many inconsistencies between rhetoric and action, said Alonzo Plough, chief science officer at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, a philanthropy focused on health.

The report, a cornerstone of President Donald Trumps Make America Healthy Again agenda, was issued by a commission that includes Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other top administration officials.

News organizations found that it footnoted nonexistent sources and contained signs that it was produced with help from artificial intelligence. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt described the problems as formatting issues, and the administration revised the report.

Trump ordered the report to assess causes of a childhood chronic disease crisis. His commission is now working on a plan of action.

Spokespeople for the White House and Department of Health and Human Services did not respond to questions for this article.

Studies derailed

The MAHA report says environmental chemicals may pose risks to childrens health. Citing the National Institutes of Health, it said theres a need for continued studies from the public and private sectors, especially the NIH, to better understand the cumulative load of multiple exposures and how it may impact childrens health.

Meanwhile, the administration has cut funding for related studies.

For example, in 2020 the Environmental Protection Agency asked scientists to propose ways of researching childrens exposure to chemicals from soil and dust. It said that, for kids ages 6 months to 6 years, ingesting particulates  by putting their hands on the ground or floor then in their mouths  could be a significant means of exposure to contaminants such as herbicides, pesticides, and a group of chemicals known as PFAS.

One of the grants  for almost $1.4 million over several years  went to a team of scientists at Johns Hopkins University and the University of California-San Francisco. Researchers gained permission to collect samples from peoples homes, including dust and diapers.

But, beyond a small test run, they didnt get to analyze the urine and stool samples because the grant was terminated this spring, said study leader Keeve Nachman, a professor of environmental health and engineering at Hopkins.

The objectives of the award are no longer consistent with EPA funding priorities, the agency said in a May 10 termination notice.

Another EPA solicitation from 2020 addressed many of the issues the MAHA report highlighted: cumulative exposures to chemicals and developmental problems such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, obesity, anxiety, and depression. One of the resulting grants funded the Center for Early Life Exposures and Neurotoxicity at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. That grant was ended weeks early in May, said the centers director, Stephanie Engel, a UNC professor of epidemiology.

In a statement, EPA press secretary Brigit Hirsch said the agency is continuing to invest in research and labs to advance the mission of protecting human health and the environment. Due to an agency reorganization, the way these grants are administered will be different going forward, said Hirsch, who did not otherwise answer questions about specific grants.

In its battle with Harvard, the Trump administration has stopped paying for research the NIH had commissioned on topics such as how autism might be related to paternal exposure to air pollution.

The loss of millions of dollars of NIH funding has also undermined data-gathering for long-term research on chronic diseases, Harvard researchers said. A series of projects with names like Nurses Health Study II and Nurses Health Study 3 have been tracking thousands of people for decades and aimed to keep tracking them as long as possible as well as enrolling new participants, even across generations.

The work has included periodically surveying participants  mainly nurses and other health professionals who enrolled to support science  and collecting biological samples such as blood, urine, stool, or toenail clippings.

Researchers studying health problems such as autism, ADHD, or cancer could tap the data and samples to trace potential contributing factors, said Francine Laden, an environmental epidemiologist at Harvards T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The information could retrospectively reveal exposures before people were born  when they were still in utero  and exposures their parents experienced before they were conceived.

Harvard expected that some of the grants wouldnt be renewed, but the Trump administration brought ongoing funding to an abrupt end, said Walter Willett, a professor of epidemiology and nutrition at the Chan school.

As a result, researchers are scrambling to find money to keep following more than 200,000 people who enrolled in studies beginning in the 1980s  including children of participants who are now adults themselves  and to preserve about 2 million samples, Willett said.

So now our ability to do exactly what the administration wants to do is jeopardized, said Jorge Chavarro, a professor of nutrition and epidemiology at the Chan school. And theres not an equivalent resource. Its not like you can magically recreate these resources without having to wait 20 or 30 years to be able to answer the questions that the Trump administration wants answered now.

Over the past few months, the administration has fired or pushed out almost 5,000 NIH employees, blocked almost $3 billion in grant funding from being awarded, and terminated almost 2,500 grants totaling almost $5 billion, said Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, at a June 10 hearing on the NIH budget.

In addition, research institutions have been waiting months to receive money under grants theyve already been awarded, Murray said.

In canceling hundreds of grants with race, gender, or sexuality dimensions, the administration engaged in blatant discrimination, a federal judge ruled on June 16.

Cutting funding

After issuing the MAHA report, the administration published budget proposals to cut funding for the NIH by $17.0 billion, or 38%, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by $550 million, or 12%, and the EPA by $5 billion, or 54%.

This budget reflects the Presidents vision of making Americans the healthiest in the world while achieving his goal of transforming the bureaucracy, the HHS Budget in Brief document says. Elements of Trumps proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year clash with priorities laid out in the MAHA report.

Kennedy has cited diabetes as part of a crisis in childrens health. The $1.4 billion unit the White House has proposed to eliminate at the CDC  the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion  has housed a program to track diabetes in children, adolescents, and young adults.

To say that you want to focus on chronic diseases and then to, for all practical purposes, eliminate the entity at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which does chronic diseases, said Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, obviously doesnt make a lot of sense.

In a May letter, Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought listed the chronic disease center as duplicative, DEI, or simply unnecessary, using an abbreviation for diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

Within the NIH, the White House has proposed cutting $320 million from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, a reduction of 35%. That unit funds or conducts a wide array of research on issues such as chronic disease.

Trumps budget proposes spending $500 million to tackle priority activities to Make America Healthy Again, including $260 million for his new Administration for a Healthy America to address the chronic illness epidemic.

Ceding ground to industry

The MAHA report argues that corporate influence has compromised government agencies and public health through corporate capture.

It alleges that most research on chronic childhood diseases is funded by the food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries, as well as special interest organizations and professional associations. It says, for example, that a significant portion of environmental toxicology and epidemiology studies are conducted by private corporations, including pesticide manufacturers, and it cites potential biases in industry-funded research.

Its self-evident that cutbacks in federal funding leave the field open to the very corporate funding RFK has decried, said Peter Lurie, president of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a watchdog group focused on food and health.

Lurie shared the reports concern about industry-funded research but said ceding ground to industry wont help. Industry will tend to fund those studies that look to them like they will yield results beneficial to industry, he said.

In search of new funding sources, Harvards school of public health is now ramping up targeted outreach to potential corporate partners, with careful review to ensure the science meets the highest standards of research integrity, Andrea Baccarelli, dean of the schools faculty, wrote in a June 11 letter to students, faculty, and others.

Its just simple math that if you devastate governmental funding by tens of billions of dollars, then the percentage of industry funding dollars will go up, said Plough, who is also a clinical professor at the University of Washington School of Public Health.

So therefore, what they claim to fear more, he said, will become even more influential.

The MAHA report says the U.S. government is committed to fostering radical transparency and gold-standard science.

But many scientists and other scholars see the Trump administration waging a war on science that conflicts with its agenda.

In March, members of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine accused the administration of destroying scientific independence, engaging in censorship, and pressuring researchers to alter or abandon their work on ideological grounds.

In May, NIH employees wrote that the administration was politicizing research  for example, by halting or censoring work on health disparities, health impacts of climate change, gender identity, and immunizations.

Recent comments by Kennedy pose another threat to transparency, researchers and health advocates say.

Kennedy said on a podcast that he would probably create in-house government journals and stop NIH scientists from publishing their research in The Lancet, The New England Journal of Medicine, The Journal of the American Medical Association, and others.

Creating new government outlets for research would be a plus, said Dariush Mozaffarian, director of the Food is Medicine Institute at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University.

But confining government scientists to government journals, he said, would be a disaster and would basically amount to censorship.

Thats just not a good idea for science, Mozaffarian said.

Wed like to speak with current and former personnel from the Department of Health and Human Services or its component agencies who believe the public should understand the impact of whats happening within the federal health bureaucracy. Please message KFF Health News on Signal at (415) 519-8778 or get in touch here.

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF  an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF.
On the United States 185th birthday, someone pulled down a 30-foot wooden pole at a West Philadelphia cemetery and carefully unknotted the 5-foot, 8-inch American flag that marked the grave of Betsy Ross.

And then an anonymous note with the returned flag blamed the theft on a 6-year-old.

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It seems to me, George Wersderfer, the cemetery caretaker, told The Inquirer in 1961, someone had a guilty conscience.

The marker paid tribute to the colonial seamstress who is widely credited as the original maker of the Stars and Stripes.

And the 50-star flag soared  rain or shine, 24 hours a day  above her Mount Moriah Cemetery grave site, set on the south side near 65th Street and Kingsessing Avenue.

Until the morning of Independence Day, 1961.

Wersderfer discovered the theft and quickly substituted the flag with a spare before calling police. It had been the second theft of the flag in recent months, which was frustrating for several reasons, most notably the cost. The value of the flag at the time was placed at $12 ($129 today).

On July 5, veteran mail carrier Stanley W. Cones was on a routine parcel collection a few blocks away from the cemetery when he reached into a box at 58th Street and Chester Avenue.

The 54-year-old postman pulled out the stolen flag, which was carefully wrapped in brown paper.

A note, scribbled in red pencil, was attached:

To all of us to whom this concerns: This flag fell into very good hands. Sorry it happen, but we think it was the work of a six-year-old. Who knows how old anybody is when it comes to the AMERICAN FLAG and the traditions it stands for, but dont we all love Betsy Ross?

It wasnt signed.

Cones turned the flag over to the acting Philadelphia postmaster, Anthony I. Lambert, who returned it to the cemetery, unharmed.

A culprit was never publicly identified.

Ross was originally buried in a Free Quaker graveyard, but was moved when the city took over that land. She rested in Moriah from 1954 until her reburial in the mid-1970s at her namesake house in Old City, where she remains today.

The newer gravestone, however, is marked only by miniature stick flags.
Members of the Philadelphia Fire Department work at the scene of a fire at the Art Alliance building that began early Friday. Read more

A two-alarm fire broke out sometime early Friday morning at the Art Alliance building on Rittenhouse Square, a historically designated property that was sold last year as part of the University of the Arts bankruptcy case. One firefighter was injured while fighting the blaze.

Firefighters responded to the blaze at 251 S. 18th Street at 3:19 a.m. after smoke was seen rising from the rooftop of the building, where they observed heavy fire throughout the three-story structure, a spokesperson for the fire department said.

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This was placed into all hands status at 3:54 a.m., which means all responding companies were placed into service, said fire department spokesperson Rachel Cunningham.

Two extra engines and two extra ladders were required. When a second alarm was called at 4:22 a.m., more than 120 firefighters were called to the scene. The blaze was placed under control at 5:36 a.m.

EMS treated and transported a firefighter who was injured during the hourslong effort. Thankfully, theyre going to be OK, Cunningham said.

Officials have not yet identified the cause of the blaze. The extent of the damage to the building  which includes a theater and a gallery  was not immediately clear.

The fire awakened some Rittenhouse area residents in the middle of the night, and videos posted on social media showed the building still smoking in the early morning sunlight.

On Friday afternoon, workers were boarding up demolished windows with plywood, and a steady stream of water flowed down the front steps of the building. Major portions of the roof were gone, though most of the exterior masonry appeared undamaged.

The fire comes amid a turbulent period and new ownership for the building. The Arts Alliance was one of nine properties owned by the University of the Arts that went to auction last year as part of the schools dissolution of assets in bankruptcy court.

A bidding war followed that brought competing visions for the buildings future. The Pennsylvania attorney general objected to real estate mogul Allan Dombs bid, citing a covenant that restricts use of the building for educational purposes.

The Curtis Institute of Music won the auction with a $7.6 million bid, and a court approved the transfer of the building in January. Curtis was still in the process of determining the future use of the building.

Curtis president and CEO Roberto Diaz was at the building for several hours Friday morning, and said school officials have not yet received clearance to enter the site to survey the interior.

Its a tragic thing, said Diaz. Its a beautiful, beautiful, unbelievable building, and well have to see what we have to deal with when we can see what the damage has been.

Diaz said that the school had not been not doing any major work on the building at the time of the fire  some leaks were being fixed, and a clean out of papers, books, and other materials had been underway.

The building was pretty empty, he said.

There were no artworks inside except for architectural elements attached to the building, he said.

I assume theres a fair amount of water damage now.

The fire doesnt mean that Curtis will change its plans to renovate and occupy the Art Alliance, but the timeline and ultimate use of the space might now be in flux.

Diaz said Curtis wants to make the building beautiful and wonderful. Its an incredible part of the history of Rittenhouse Square.
As marching bands strode across Independence Mall to kick off the citys annual July Fourth parade, their snares and horns sounded weak beneath the chants of striking union workers.

No contract, no peace!

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Philly is a union town. If we dont get it, shut it down!

DC 33! DC 33!

On the fourth day of the first major municipal strike in decades, District Council 33 members brought their own brigade to the citys annual Independence Day celebration, reminding paradegoers that more than 9,000 municipal workers remain deadlocked with Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers administration over a new contract.

As protest and patriotism clashed, the union also signaled readiness to return to the negotiation table for the first time in two days  and potentially budge on the key issue of raises for workers.

Greg Boulware, president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees District Council 33, said the union would send Parkers administration a new contract proposal on Friday and will hopefully return to the bargaining table Saturday.

We provide these services for everybody here inside the city of Philadelphia, and its not sustainable at this point in time, and we need a quality raise, Boulware said in an interview at the parade.

But in a sign that there may soon be movement over that previously intractable sticking point, Boulware said that, when it comes to wages, the union will have to adjust that a little bit.

On Friday night, a union spokesperson said negotiations would resume Saturday afternoon.

A softening of the unions previous demand for a contract with annual raises of 5% would mark the first sign of movement on pay increases since Boulware called a strike at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday.

Ever since, Parker has insisted on a contract with raises of no more than 3% annually, while the union leader has said 5% was a minimum for him.

Boulware stressed that while wages were paramount, the union was also trying to make progress on issues including hazard pay for city employees who work in dangerous conditions and a softening of the rule that requires DC 33 employees to live in Philadelphia.

Despite the potential for progress in negotiations, tensions remained high in the streets Friday.

Hundreds of DC 33 members and their supporters flanked Market Street around 10 a.m., steps from where red-white-and-blue parade floats, bedazzled dancers, and military personnel queued up to march.

 READ MORE: DC 33 made concessions in 1992. Decades of resentment since led to Philadelphias current city worker strike

Meanwhile, a block away, Parker delivered her July Fourth address at Independence Hall  out of earshot from the roaring crowd. In addition to touting her accomplishments, Parker acknowledged the ongoing strike and said that, while the discourse was divisive at times, she respected the unions right to protest. A handful of DC 33 members held up protest signs during her remarks.

Union supporters passed out handbills to curious tourists nearby  asking if they had heard of our garbage mayor, a pun on the mountains of waste that have accumulated in the streets since Tuesday.

The strike has represented one of the most politically turbulent episodes during Parkers time in office. The mayor has maintained that holding ground on wage increases, while unpopular, is fiscally necessary for the city amid threats of federal funding cuts under President Donald Trump.

But the trash continues to pile up as sanitation workers stay on the picket line. Some disgruntled residents have already dubbed the citys uncollected trash mountains Parker piles."

On Friday, Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel said the department had received multiple reports of fires at trash collection sites across the city. All were extinguished without causing significant damage, he said, but he called the blazes a serious matter and said they were under investigation by police and a task force of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Bethel acknowledged the tensions surrounding the strike, but said that if authorities determine that any of the fires were intentionally set, such acts will be treated as serious crimes.

As contract negotiations continue in an effort to end the strike, the displeasure has gone both ways, with the mayor trading barbs with Boulware throughout the week.

We know theres high alert for the authorities with our people out there, the union president said. The mayor is currently not happy with our folks right now. But this is America and we are a union and we are voicing our opinions.

DC 33 members on Friday were also reeling after two members were severely injured in a hit-and-run while on the picket line on Delaware Avenue late Thursday night.

Boulware said he was proud of the support hed seen from the union  and beyond. He praised actor and rapper LL Cool J and coheadliner Jazmine Sullivan for canceling their scheduled performances at the July Fourth concert on the Ben Franklin Parkway in solidarity with the striking workers.

Boulware said he wasnt against people enjoying the festivities.

At the same time, he lamented that members of other unions had already crossed the picket line to work for the city in preparation for the holiday weekend.

Thats a shock to me, he said. Thats not something that typically happens in a union town like Philadelphia.

Parade attendees didnt appear bothered by the extra commotion  and many were vocal about their support for the workers.

Clad in flag colors, Maggie Sell and her husband come to the parade every year from Audubon, N.J., to show their patriotic flare and grab an all-American burger at P.J. Clarkes.

An immigrant from Scotland in the 1970s, Sell said the parade-side picket line made her appreciate free speech protections in the U.S. And she said she planned to call the mayor to tell her to give them the money.

Sanitation workers, those poor people have been struggling, Sell said. If you cant afford to live, what does that say about society?

Inquirer photographer Kaiden Yu contributed to this article.
File photo of LL Cool J performing during the MTV Video Music Awards in Newark, N.J., on Sept. 12, 2023. Read more

LL Cool J, the hip-hop legend who was scheduled to co-headline the Wawa Welcome America concert Friday on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, announced Thursday night that he would not perform while the municipal workers strike was ongoing.

Im not gonna cross a picket line and perform for money when people are hurting, the rapper said in a video posted on his Instagram account and on X.

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He said he was still on his way to Philadelphia and would take the stage if the city reaches an agreement with District Council 33 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

The strike entered its third day on Thursday with no immediate end in sight.

I never, ever, ever want to disappoint my fans, especially in Philadelphia, he said, but added there was absolutely no way he would go against strikers who are fighting for a living wage.

I hope, I hope, I hope the mayor and the city can make a deal. I hope it works out, he said.

In May, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker announced that LL Cool J and Jazmine Sullivan, a Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts alum and two-time Grammy Award winner, would headline the July Fourth concert.

In a statement posted on Instagram late Thursday night, Parker said she had spoken to LL Cool J about his decision not to perform Friday on the Parkway.

I respect his decision, and understand his desire to see the city unified, Parker said. He is always welcome in Philadelphia.

Greg Boulware, president of DC 33, praised the performers decision to stand in solidarity with the labor movement and expressed gratitude for his raising awareness for working people.

By prioritizing the dignity and respect of laborers over potential fan disappointment, LL Cool J sends a strong message about the value of unity and collective action, Boulware said in a statement that featured a picture of the entertainer along with DC 33s logo.

Staff writers Beatrice Forman and Sean Walsh contributed to this article.
Skydive Cross Keys in Gloucester County on Wednesday, the night of the skydiving plane crash that left eight people hospitalized. Read more

The skydiving plane that crashed early Wednesday evening at Cross Keys Airport experienced midair mechanical issues and made an emergency landing on the runway but was unable to stop and plowed into the nearby woods, the company that operates the plane said Thursday.

Eight people remained hospitalized, including three in critical condition. Fourteen of the 15 people on board the single-engine Cessna 208B received medical treatment or evaluations, officials said.

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The plane was at roughly 3,000 feet when the pilot, who is highly experienced, made the decision to perform an emergency landing. While the aircraft landed on the runway, it was unable to decelerate fully and continued beyond the end of the runway, coming to a stop in a wooded area, Skydive Cross Keys said in a statement.

The Federal Aviation Administration said in a brief preliminary report Thursday that the plane experienced engine issues and crashed while returning to the airport after a runway excursion into trees.

At a news conference, Monroe Township Police Chief John McBride described the plane as completely mangled, just beyond repair. It looked like a big pile of metal, the Associated Press reported.

McBride said he and other rescuers arriving at the scene found most of the victims out of the plane and crawling on the ground. The victims were covered in jet fuel and some were screaming in pain.

It was chaotic, McBride said.

Cooper University Hospital spokesperson Wendy A. Marano said Thursday that there were eight patients at the hospital, including three in critical condition, with blunt force trauma from the crash.

At least 14 of the 15 victims were initially transported to Cooper, with eight being admitted.

McBride said one person from the crash refused medical treatment. McBride said he told the man he had a facial injury and needed care, but the man replied: Itll be something cool to tell the ladies later.

Skydive Cross Keys said the aircraft was current on all scheduled maintenance and had recently undergone a routine FAA inspection.

The cause of the accident is under investigation by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board.

We feel so relieved there was no loss of life; the outcome could have been much worse, Skydive Cross Keys said in its statement.

Were incredibly thankful for the skill and composure of our pilot, whose actions helped keep everyone alive. Were also deeply grateful to the emergency responders who arrived so quickly and took such great care of everyone on board. The outpouring of support from the skydiving community and from so many people who have jumped with us over the years has truly meant the world to our team, the company said.
Day 1 of a strike by 9,000 municipal workers in Philadelphia shocked even the most hardened olfactory senses as bags of seeping garbage quickly formed pungent mountains before the city skyline.

By Day 3, some had dubbed the citys new contours Parker piles, laying blame at Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers feet, as the streets felt increasingly apocalyptic.

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But if this is anything like the 1986 strike, the citys landscape will only grow more grotesque with each added trash bag left to stew in the sun.

Across the city last week, residents stared down the long, hot holiday weekend, worried about the fresh feasts that would accumulate for rodents. Sixty temporary trash drop-offs offered relief to many households, but people like Robert McCann, 87, said they could not take advantage of them because of physical limitations.

What am I supposed to do if I dont have a car  and I dont mean this lightly  Uber, Lyft, or taxicab? he said.

As negotiations dragged on between the city and District Council 33 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, which includes the citys sanitation workers, residents became increasingly panicked by what they saw at their doorsteps and kitchens. The strain was felt in every corner of Philadelphia, from neighborhoods that already struggle with littering and illegal dumping to sections of the city that typically do not worry about unwanted critters.

At a drop-off site at 5000 Wyalusing Ave. in West Philadelphia, residents said they already deal with pests and bugs coming from the nearby Cathedral Cemetery. On Thursday, dozens of trash bags and pieces of garbage were stacked up along the sidewalk; a smaller group of bags spilled onto the road and slowed traffic across the street.

Its gonna leave the city nasty, said Ivion Preston, 32, after dropping off a bag of trash. They need to stop being cheap with the pay.

Christel Coleman, 53, who lives just a few houses down from a temporary dumping site at 50th and Locust Streets, said she is worried that the dumpsters and overflowing trash will bring pests to her home.

You see the trash juice already, she said.

Whats more, residents report disarray at drop-off sites, with people dumping construction materials or bulk items, such as mattresses.

The city has tried to establish some form of order by asking residents to refrain from placing their garbage on the curb and using drop-off sites only on their designated pickup days. So far, the asks have no way of being enforced and the vendors stepping in to empty out the dumpsters have had a difficult time keeping up.

Summer lovin and vermin: A ticking time bomb

Infestation concerns are not unwarranted, according to Michael Bentley, an entomologist who is the vice president of the National Pest Management Association.

Trash piling up can quickly cause rodents and insects to multiply, he said, putting residents at risk of the diseases they spread. As bags are torn open, trash can also attract larger scavengers like opossums and raccoons.

Everything pests want and need is in a trash bag, Bentley said. If you put your trash bag outside, youre ringing a dinner bell for cockroaches and flies.

To the chagrin of residents, pests dont need much time to take advantage of the smorgasbords in the hotter months.

Bentley said a week can be enough time to create a ticking time bomb. Flies can breed inside a single trash bag in a can without a lid in that time, while mosquitoes can lay eggs, needing only a bottle caps worth of standing water to do so.

Mosquitoes can carry illnesses like West Nile virus, and rodents and flies crawl through bacteria and pathogens outside that they can then track into a home if they gain entry, potentially spreading gastrointestinal diseases. Rodents can also carry fleas and ticks into a house. Urine from mice and feces from cockroaches can also cause respiratory symptoms or exacerbate asthma, an issue typically avoided with proper waste elimination practices.

Bentley said if residents cannot take trash to a drop-off point, they should keep garbage in sealed containers as far away from points of entry as possible. People living near drop-off sites, where large piles of trash have been accumulating, are in a more difficult situation, Bentley said. He recommends being extra diligent about not storing any trash inside their homes, removing clutter from outside their homes where pests could hide, and making sure screens are properly installed on windows or keeping them closed.

Pest management professionals can also inspect their homes to make sure insects and rodents cannot get inside, he said. Professional help, however, is not financially feasible for many residents, and others say the onus should not be on them.

Coleman, the resident living a few houses down from a drop-off site, said she has had no rodent issues in the 20 years she has lived in the neighborhood and believes the city should pay for pest control for her and her neighbors, considering they received no warning or say in the dumpster placement.

This is unfair to us, she said. No one asked us, informed us. We woke up Monday and there were dumpsters at the corner.

For its part, the Health Department said its vector control services program continues to receive and respond to complaints of rats and mosquitoes. Residents plagued by vermin can call 215-685-9000 for support.

Unfortunately for Philadelphians, Bentley said, even if the strike ends tomorrow, the bells already been rung and the trash has likely already attracted more rodents and insects than usual.

When the waste is inevitably removed, all the pests are going to go, Well, this food is gone, but all these homes are here. Its time to check them out, he said.

Some residents are trying to get ahead of the expected groundswell of pests by hiring contractors.

Ricky Moore, 34, has been hauling trash from peoples homes to the temporary drop-off sites for a small fee, though he said he has not charged seniors.

They dont want it in front of their house, he said of the high demand while throwing bags of trash from the bed of his truck into the dumpster at 25th and Spruce Streets. Somebody gotta do it.

Moore said he and a couple of other men hauled trash from more than 125 homes Wednesday in Northeast Philly and Olney. Already, Moore said, he has seen an uptick in rats.

Daytime, nighttime, they dont care, he said. Theyre out there.

Still, its not just vermin people are worried about.

As the temperatures rise, so do tensions

The heat, the trash, and this weekends holiday celebrations, which will only turbocharge the piles of refuse, have put negotiations between the city and DC 33 under mounting pressure.

Parker went so far as to address union members directly Thursday atop the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps, skeptical that they were aware of the offer the city had made them, lambasting union leadership for not coming to the negotiating table. Below her, DC 33 members and supporters brought an inflatable Scabby the Rat to protest contract workers hired to set up for the Wawa Welcome America concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway slated for Friday.

You can threaten me with not supporting me if I decide to run for reelection, she said. You can call me a one-term mayor, but Ill tell you what I will not do. I will not put the fiscal stability of the city of Philadelphia in jeopardy for no one.

Residents, frustrated by the heaps of food and dog poop bags, mixed with construction material, were similarly getting more on edge. Debates broke out online about whether using the drop-off sites is crossing the picket line, while people who offered trash pickup services online risked being called scabs.

Meanwhile, residents next to the dumpsters took offense to people dropping truckloads of garbage bags on their blocks.

Coleman said she has seen multiple heated disputes between people coming to drop off large loads and neighbors who tell them to take it elsewhere or keep it off the street.

She said she called the mayors office to say the strike needed to come to a conclusion soon. Otherwise, she said: Someone is going to end up dead.

Staff writers Fallon Roth and Beatrice Forman contributed to this article.
As Mayor Cherelle L. Parker prepared to take the podium Thursday atop the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, members of Philadelphias largest municipal union cursed her name in protest less than a mile away. In between the power and the people, workers contracted by the city set about preparing Eakins Oval for Philadelphias annual Fourth of July celebration.

You know what Mayor Parker and this rat have in common? an organizer at the protest shouted through a bullhorn while gesturing to an oversize inflatable rodent. Theyre both full of hot air.

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And so, too, was Philadelphia  albeit one with more of a pungent punch to it on the third day of an early-summer strike by members of District Council 33 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. The work stoppage  the unions first major one in almost 40 years  has created something of a trash crisis ahead of the holiday, but there was to be no reconciliation Thursday. Union leaders, Parker said, declined to return to the negotiating table following a failed session that had started late Wednesday.

I want to be clear, Philadelphia, Parker said. The City of Philadelphia cannot negotiate with itself.

Union president Greg Boulware dismissed claims that DC 33 leadership walked away from the negotiating table overnight, telling reporters Thursday that his team needs to sit and actually have time to be able to go through and revise our proposal before returning to the bargaining table.

 READ MORE: The Parker piles of trash take their toll as residents navigate pest control and dumpster feuds in the DC 33 strike

Those negotiations, however, had not gone far since the start of the strike at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday. Parkers last known offer was for a three-year deal with annual raises of 2.75%, 3%, and 3%, according to Boulware. The union, meanwhile, is seeking a minimum of 5% annual raises for its members on a four-year contract.

In all, the citys offer would cost about $115 million over three years, Parker said Thursday  the first time she has disclosed the price tag of the proposed contract. Boulware referred to that offer as re-shining the same turd early Thursday, but hours later, Parker stood steadfastly by it. The deal, she said, was the best the city could present.

Im not perfect, you hear me, Parker said in an impassioned speech Thursday afternoon. But for anyone saying to you that your mayor is not providing a fair and fiscally [responsible] offer on the table for members of District Council 33 is just not right.

Talks had not resumed by Thursday evening, and it was not clear when the next negotiation session would be. Meanwhile, the rest of the city has been left to sweat it out over the holiday weekend, with few concessions.

Nearly all Free Library branches, for example, remained closed, and its summer free lunch program has been paused, spokesperson Mark Graham confirmed to The Inquirer.

The Free Library is attempting to open some branches, but has struggled to get members of AFSCME District Council 47, which represents librarians, to be able to access those sites due to a number of issues, including concerns about crossing their coworkers picket lines.

Two Free Library of Philadelphia librarians joined Thursdays picket at Eakins Oval to protest what they called a disgusting, insulting, and dangerous situation at their branches.

Both librarians  who declined to be named out of fear of retaliation  are members of DC 47, which is not on strike. Librarians are being encouraged to show up at work amid picket lines with police escorts as buffer.

I dont want to work in a building where the majority of the people I work with make half of what I do, said a North Philly librarian who has worked at her branch for eight years.

Some staffers, however, were ordered back to work, including 31 DC 33 members in the Philadelphia Medical Examiners Office who were told to return to their jobs after the fourth successful injunction request filed by the city since the strikes start. Attorneys representing the union did not object.

In its lawsuit and injunction request Thursday morning, the city said the backlog in the examination and transportation of dead bodies could result in the office exceeding its storage capacity.

 READ MORE: Medical Examiners Office employees are ordered back to work after bodies piled up in storage during strike

Parker, meanwhile, passionately defended her leadership and administration amid the strike Thursday, again denying false claims that have circulated on social media and among municipal workers that she gave herself a 9% raise. Parkers salary started in 2024 at the amount that former Mayor Jim Kenneys ended in 2023  $261,497  after he received a roughly 9% increase in the months before he left office.

Parkers salary rose by 3.1% to $269,708 over the last year.

She then turned the salary conversation back on DC 33, saying people should ask protesters who share the 9% claim: Is it true that your [DC 33] leadership makes more than the mayor and she leads a city of 1.5 million people, plus its the sixth-largest city in the nation?

If were going to tell the truth, tell the truth, she said.

 READ MORE: No, Mayor Parker didnt give herself a 9% raise  but she did dole out big raises to aides

Union financial disclosures for 2024, the most recent year available, show that former president Ernest Garrett earned $282,237 and former secretary-treasurer Francis Halbherr earned $328,928. Both salaries are paid out of union dues.

And Parker again defended the citys current contract offer to DC 33, saying it was the most generous increase to its members wages  which average $46,000 per year  in decades. None of her recent predecessors, she said, had presented larger offers.

Which, while true, still appears to have the union questioning: Does largest mean enough in 2025?

Only time  and the heights to which Philadelphias mounting piles of trash grow amid the strike  will tell.

They think our work is easy, and its not, Jerome Ragby, 58, who has worked as a custodian at Philadelphia International Airport since 2023, said Thursday at Eakins Oval. They probably get paid more than we do.

Staff writers Nate File and Abraham Gutman contributed to this article.
Jazmine Sullivan accepts the award for best female R&B/pop artist at the BET Awards on Sunday, June 26, 2022, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Read more

Jazmine Sullivan announced she would no longer be co-headlining the Wawa Welcome America concert in light of the citys DC 33 municipal workers strike.

In this life we are only measured by how we uphold our morals and standards, by what we choose to fight for through participation or protest, she wrote on her Instagram story Friday afternoon.

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She joins LL Cool J, who announced on Thursday he would not perform unless the city comes to an agreement with the union.

Today I choose to not perform at the Wawa Welcome America concert and stand with Phillys DC33 until the city and union find a way to bring fair living wages to our working class, continued Sullivan, who is from Philadelphia.

I love my city and I believe in you, she added. Hopefully we will get to celebrate when things are better.

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker quickly released a statement saying she respects Sullivans decision and understand her desire to see our City unified. Parker responded similarly to LL Cool Js announcement Thursday.

I feel exactly the same  our mission every day is One Philly, a United City," Parker continued Friday. Jazmine, your hometown loves you!

Parker listed off other performers who are still expected on the Parkway stage, including JoJo, Alvaro Diaz, DJ Ghost and Friends, and DJ Hollywood.

The Party on the Parkway is ON for this evening! Parker said.

When asked how organizers planned to adjust Fridays concert following the headliners withdrawal, a spokesperson for Welcome America did not address the changes, and reiterated the remaining acts.

Greg Boulware, president of AFSCME District Council 33, said he is profoundly humbled by Sullivans decision to back out of the performance in solidarity with striking city workers.

He said her stance is a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting those who tirelessly contribute to the well-being of our communities.

Its truly refreshing to witness a celebrity of her stature and a native Philadelphian recognizing and valuing the tireless dedication of municipal workers, Boulware said.

Sullivan is from Strawberry Mansion and attended the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts.

The two-time Grammy Award winner performed on the Parkway in November for former Vice President Kamala Harris presidential campaign rally, and was one of Times 100 Most Influential People in 2022.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker discusses the ongoing municipal workers strike at a news conference at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on Thursday. Read more

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker is putting it all on the line.

In a fiery news conference on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Parker made clear on Thursday that she wasnt ready to capitulate in negotiations to end the ongoing city workers strike and delivered a broadside at union president Greg Boulware, who three days earlier announced a work stoppage for the 9,000 members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees District Council 33.

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You can threaten me with not supporting me if I decide to run for reelection. You can call me a one-term mayor, Parker said. But Ill tell you what I will not do. I will not put the fiscal stability of the city of Philadelphia in jeopardy for no one. If that means Im a one-term mayor, then so be it.

The history books, she said, will judge her handling of the strike.

 READ MORE: DC 33 made concessions in 1992. Decades of resentment since led to Philadelphias current city worker strike.

It was a notable escalation in rhetoric for Parker, who has embraced a strategy of attempting to undermine support for Boulware by appealing directly to DC 33 members, at one point implying union leadership was not giving them accurate information about her proposal.

Im not so sure that the actual members of District Council 33 are fully clear about what the city has put on the table, Parker said. I wonder whether or not even the local leaders are familiar with the historic terms that the city of Philadelphia has put on the table.

Heading into this week, it wasnt clear what Parkers goals were as the contract deadline  and the threat of a strike  loomed. She could prioritize harmony with the city workers responsible for carrying out her agenda of cleaning and greening the city by agreeing to the unions demand for annual raises of 5% or more. Or she could stand firm on her own proposal, which includes raises of no more than 3%, protecting the citys financial resources but risking a strike that could undercut her popularity. (A recent Pew poll put Parkers approval rating at 63%.)

But at Thursdays news conference, Parker made clear she was choosing to fight. Behind her, workers  including apparent outside contractors whom union supporters heckled as scabs  made preparations in Eakins Oval for the citys high-profile July Fourth celebration, which will provide a major test of the citys ability to function during the strike.

And on the other side of the oval, DC 33 members and supporters shut down traffic in a protest complete with an inflatable Scabby the Rat.

The union and the mayors office were aware their events would conflict. Neither rescheduled, but a confrontation was averted because protesters didnt start heading Parkers way until after she wrapped up.

 READ MORE: The Parker piles of trash take their toll as residents navigate pest control and dumpster feuds in the DC 33 strike

The rhetoric has been ratcheted up, said Ryan Boyer, head of the politically powerful Philadelphia building trades unions and a key Parker ally in organized labor. Cooler heads will prevail.

Clashing with DC 33  the largest and lowest-paid union for city workers and the one that represent frontline workers like street pavers and trash collectors  involves particular risk for Parker, who campaigned in 2023 on bolstering basic city services and had already put in place programs like twice-weekly garbage collection in parts of the city before the strike began.

Those policies have helped fuel her popularity in office. Respondents to the Pew poll said the area in which they were most optimistic she could make a real difference were her clean and green goals.

 READ MORE: Did Mayor Parkers plan to clean every block work?

But that sentiment could shift the longer the union stays on strike and heaps of trash baking in the July sun grow larger while picketers chant and carry signs blaming the Parker piles on her.

One-term mayor

No Philadelphia mayor has lost a reelection campaign since the adoption of the citys Home Rule Charter in 1952.

That includes Mayor W. Wilson Goode Sr., who was reelected in 1987 after presiding over the MOVE bombing, and Mayor John F. Street, who won a second term in 2003 after an FBI listening device was discovered in his office.

Despite Parkers remark that the strike might make her a one-term mayor, it would be an uphill battle for anyone to unseat her, especially with the continued backing of Boyer, who said Thursday that she still has the full support of the Philadelphia building trades.

The building trades and other organized labor groups like the Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ were the backbone of Parkers 2023 mayoral campaign and have been allies during her administration, putting those unions in a difficult position as she clashes with DC 33.

Boyer said he supports both the mayor and DC 33 and rejected the suggestion that those things are mutually exclusive.

We want them to get a fair contract, and we know the mayor will do whats best, he said. I just trust the process.

Boyer said he was confident in part because the economics are not that far apart, referencing wages, which have been the main issue in negotiations.

By the time negotiations broke off before the strike began, the gap between their annual wage increase proposals had come down from 6 percentage points to just over 2 percentage points.

In a sign that Boyers prediction might be coming true, Boulware on Friday indicated his next contract proposal may include an adjustment to his proposed wage increase schedule.

The mayor and the union leader

In an interview, Boulware dismissed the idea that personal animosity for the mayor had played a role in the contract standoff.

It aint about me and/or her, he said. Union members, he added, are standing firm in unity and solidarity and advocating for this change.

 READ MORE: Phillys striking workers dont earn a living wage, according to MIT

But hes also contributed to the dynamic. Speaking at a Monday evening rally hours before calling for the strike to begin, Boulware criticized Parker for giving her staff large raises and herself a 9% pay bump  an inaccurate claim that has spread widely online and apparently irritates Parker, who has repeatedly mentioned it in public.

 READ MORE: No, Mayor Parker didnt give herself a 9% raise  but she did dole out big raises to aides

Its true that Parker has paid her top staffers substantially more than their predecessors made at the end of Mayor Jim Kenneys administration. But Parker in her first year took the same salary as Kenney and then received an automatic 3.14% cost-of-living adjustment.

She is now paid $269,708. Boulwares salary isnt public, but his predecessor was paid $282,000. Parker leaned in on that pay gap Thursday.

Is it true that your [DC 33] leadership makes more than the mayor and she leads a city of 1.5 million people, plus its the sixth-largest city in the nation? she said. If were going to tell the truth, tell the truth.

With her escalating attacks on Boulware, Parker is embracing the time-honored strike-busting tactic of seeking to divide rank-and-file members from their leaders, and her success will depend on whether she can win over the thousands of unionized city workers.

To the members of District Council 33, I cant counter any misinformation that has been disseminated amongst your members, Parker said. The only thing I can do as mayor of this city is to let you know that we value you in a meaningful way and put an offer on the table to affirm how much we value you.

Staff writers Beatrice Forman and Fallon Roth contributed to this article.
Members of Philadelphia municipal workers, AFSCME District Council 33 hold signs as they stand outside the Municipal Services Building across from City Hall, on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. (Alejandro A Alvarez/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP) Read more

Stacy Needle-Singleton has worked for the Philadelphia Water Department for 19 years. During that time, she says, salaries have not kept pace with Philadelphias rising cost of living.

When I started, we were blue-collar workers, she said. We are no longer blue-collar workers, we are poverty level.

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Wages are at the center of AFSCME District Council 33s ongoing strike. The unions members  approximately 9,000 city employees, including 911 dispatchers and sanitation and water treatment workers  earn an average annual salary of $46,000, a pay rate more than $2,000 below Philadelphias living wage, according to the Massachusetts Institute of Technologys Living Wage Calculator.

The Living Wage Calculator estimates the cost of living in a community based on typical expenses including housing, transportation, food, and childcare.

The average DC 33 salary does not cover these estimated costs for a single adult with no children. For a household with two adults and two children, the combined cost of food and childcare alone exceeds the average DC 33 workers salary.

Needle-Singleton says she is always living paycheck to paycheck and struggles to afford rent, food, and medication for herself and her 15-year-old child.

A lot of us cant breathe right now. Im on the verge of being evicted, with two kids, she said. So if I dont get something soon, Im gonna end up on the streets.

Saida Byrd, a 311 employee picketing at City Hall on Tuesday, told The Inquirer that, even with a second job, she lives overdraft to overdraft.

Some DC 33 workers are eligible for public assistance programs, depending on their household size. But many, Needle-Singleton says, are just above the threshold to qualify.

Were stuck between a rock and a hard place, all of us, she said. We cant afford to leave Philadelphia, and we cant afford to stay.

The Parker administrations latest offer as of Thursday evening would give workers annual raises of 2.75%, 3%, and 3% over the course of three years. It would also add a fifth level to the DC 33 pay scale for longtime employees and provide one-time bonuses amounting to 2% of each workers salary.

The deal would bump the average DC 33 salary up to $50,140 after three years  just above MITs estimated living wage for a single worker with no children.

Meanwhile, DC 33 president Greg Boulware is demanding yearly wage increases of 5%, which would bring the average annual salary to $53,250.

The average pay for DC 33 workers also lags behind the typical salaries paid to many other occupations in Pennsylvania. And, among Philadelphias four major municipal unions, DC 33 is the lowest-paid.

Needle-Singleton thinks this is a sign that DC 33s workers are undervalued by the city.

This is not just about salaries. Its also about dignity, its about respect, its about valuing our job. The city doesnt run without us, she said.
In plain terms, that means you need to clearly explain who is paying you, how much you will get, how often you will get it and what youre doing for the commission before the policy is issued or sold, said Lynch. If the client does not understand and agree to this, you cannot accept the commission as it will be considered conflicted remuneration.
Businesses that lease premises should request access to the fire risk assessment reports and maintenance schedules held by landlords or property managers. This information may be required by underwriters during the insurance application or renewal process and could influence policy terms and premiums.
Insurers are now pressing clients to go beyond basic backup systems. While many companies have generators and UPS units in place, few test them under real conditions or model how long operations can continue if the grid fails. Glanz said insurers want to see evidence of shutdown protocols, restart plans and clear priorities for maintaining critical functions.
YOUVE got through yet another demanding day and cant wait to get into bed for a restorative nights sleep. After kissing your partner goodnight, you snuggle down under the duvet, close your eyes, and begin to drift into that longed-for slumber.

If youre lucky, the next thing you know is that you wake up feeling rested and ready to take on another day. But many arent so fortunate.

Some of us sleep with duvet hogs. The person we love during the day transforms into someone who pulls the duvet off us at night so we wake up shivering with cold and have to wrench it back onto our side of the bed. This doesnt only happen once. It happens on repeat. All night long.

Others, such as LTWs husband in a recent episode of the Sex and the City sequel And Just Like That, are kept awake by partners who talk in their sleep.

Wendy Troxel, an American clinical psychologist and sleep scientist at the RAND Corporation and author of Sharing the Covers: Every Couples Guide to Better Sleep, says there are many reasons why couples disrupt each others sleep.

Wendy Troxel, an American clinical psychologist and sleep scientist at the RAND Corporation and author of Sharing the Covers: Every Couples Guide to Better Sleep, says there are many reasons why couples disrupt each others sleep.

Snoring or sleep apnoea is the most common, but other reasons for interrupted sleep are restless movement, different temperature preferences, needing space due to insomnia or other health conditions, and childcare responsibilities, particularly for the parents of babies or young children, she says.

Sophie Crinion, a consultant in respiratory and sleep medicine at St Vincents University Hospital in Dublin, adds that some couples have mismatched body clocks, which can cause problems when one tries to adapt to the circadian system of the other.

Night owls who force themselves to go to bed early can find themselves lying awake for hours on end, while morning larks who make themselves stay up late can feel exhausted the following day, she says.

It can also be that one partner needs less sleep than the other and wakes up earlier, which also wakes the other. Often its the partner with the shorter sleep requirements who sets the pace and the other finds themselves sleep deprived as a result.

Rather than lying in bed, sleepless and seething with resentment because their partner is keeping them awake, Troxel believes a growing number of couples are opting for a so-called sleep divorce, or choosing to sleep in separate beds.

The most recent data from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine shows that more than one-third of Americans occasionally or consistently sleep in a separate room from their partner to accommodate their sleep needs, she says. The trend is even more common for younger couples, with 43% of millennials and 33% of gen X reporting sleeping apart at least occasionally.

Importance of sleep

Sophie Crinion, a consultant in respiratory and sleep medicine at St Vincents University Hospital in Dublin. Picture: Conor McCabe Photography.

In a 2015 US national sleep survey, 62% of couples said they would like to sleep apart, which suggests that more couples would consider a sleep divorce if they had access to spare beds or bedrooms.

Crinion understands their motivations: Everyone knows what its like to have the occasional poor nights sleep. It affects how we feel and function the following day. Because sleep is one of the foundation stones of our health and our body requires it for so many different processes, chronic sleep deprivation can have a more serious effect. Studies show that it increases our risk of hypertension, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cancer.

It can also impact us cognitively and emotionally, making it difficult to concentrate and leaving us prone to mood swings. A 2018 study published in the Journal of Neurology, Psychology, and Brain Research found that it even increases our risk of anxiety and depression.

Everything from our work and social lives to physical health and mental wellbeing can suffer if we dont get enough sleep, says Crinion.

Sharing a bed with a partner who disrupts our sleep can also impact our relationship. A 2013 study from the University of California showed that when one partner disturbed the others sleep, it increased the risk of conflict in their relationship the following day. By contrast, a 2016 study carried out in Germany found that sleep issues and relationship problems tend to coincide.

Tim van Wanrooij, a Dublin-based counselling psychologist who specialises in working with couples, can see the pros and cons of sharing a bed with someone you love.

Having skin-to-skin contact as you fall asleep creates a feeling of calmness and comfort, and releases relaxing hormones that can improve your sleep, he says. It also creates more space for emotional and sexual intimacy.

However, these benefits can be undermined if sharing a bed means sleep quality suffers.

You could end up resenting your partner for this, which could lead to a buildup of contempt, which is very unhelpful for any relationship, says Van Wanrooij. Contempt and resentment can distort communication, lead to passive-aggressive behaviour, and create a rift between couples.

There is research to prove that bed-sharing can be positive for some yet negative for others. A 2022 study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine indicated that people who slept with a partner had lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress than those who slept alone.

On the flip side, a 2023 study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships found that poor sleep was associated with increased anger and decreased perceptions of relationship quality.

Modern stigma

Troxel believes that disturbed sleep could explain why having separate bedrooms was once a sign of status and wealth: Historically, those who could afford it usually chose to sleep apart.

It was only during the sexual revolution of the 1960s that cultural ideals shifted and sharing a bed became equated with closeness and intimacy. This eventually led to the stigma that exists today, in which admitting to sleeping separately can seem akin to confessing that your relationship is sexless and unhappy.

Troxel points out that celebrities such as Cameron Diaz, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Victoria and David Beckham have all publicly lauded the joys of having a bed all to oneself.

Celebrity couples admitting to sleeping apart could make the practice more normative and less stigmatised, she says.

If you believe a sleep divorce might be a good solution for your sleep problems, Troxel urges you to broach the subject carefully. You dont want your partner interpreting your wish to sleep separately as a sign that you have lost interest in them.

Couples choosing to sleep separately dont necessarily indicate relationship trouble, she says. Its how they communicate and approach the decision together that matters. Its important to approach the conversation with empathy and reassurance so that both partners needs and concerns are heard and validated.

She recommends emphasising that the goal is to improve both the partners sleep and wellbeing, allowing you to be more supportive of each other.

Use I statements such as Ive noticed Im not sleeping well and I think its affecting my mood and our time together, she says.

Invite your partner to share their feelings too. Frame it as a joint decision to support your relationship, not a rejection.

Tim van Wanrooij, a Dublin-based counselling psychologist who specialises in working with couples, can see the pros and cons of sharing a bed with someone you love.

Van Wanrooij says sensitivity is essential: Reassure the other person that you wanting to sleep in another bed isnt because the spark has gone from the relationship but about needing a good nights sleep.

He also advises being willing to experiment: Try sleeping apart for a few nights to see how it affects your sleep, your wellbeing, and your relationship. Then continue to communicate about the effect its having and adjust the arrangement accordingly.

For example, you might decide to only sleep separately during the week.

If you opt for a total sleep divorce, he stresses that its essential to make sure youre still creating space for intimacy: Dont fall into the trap of building entirely separate morning and evening routines as that can lead to drifting apart. Small things like bringing a coffee to the other person in bed in the morning, getting in beside them and sharing five or 10 minutes means intimacy continues to be maintained.

Given the rising cost of housing, its likely that couples who would like to file for a sleep divorce cant, as they are unable to afford a spare bedroom. What are the options for them?

Troxel says they dont have to endure sleepless nights: If noise is the problem, they can try earplugs, white noise machines, sleep headphones, or staggered bedtimes.

If tossing and turning or sheet stealing is the culprit, separate duvets or two mattresses under one mattress topper can minimise disturbances. And if snoring is to blame, encourage your partner to seek medical evaluation as snoring can be a sign of sleep apnoea, which is a serious medical condition.

Couples should aim to find the solution that works best for them, without feeling a sense of shame or stigma, she adds.

Ultimately, good sleep is vital for a healthy relationship, she says.

Research consistently shows that sleeping apart is often a practical solution to improving sleep quality and not necessarily a sign of relationship problems.

In fact, prioritising good sleep can lead to better moods, less conflict, and a healthier relationship overall.

Snore solutions

If your partner snores like a foghorn, rest assured you are not alone. Dr Sophie Crinion, a consultant in respiratory and sleep medicine at St Vincents University Hospital in Dublin, says that 20% to 45% of people snore.

Most snoring occurs because the mouth is open and there are products available that encourage people to keep their mouths closed while asleep so that they breathe through their nose, she says. Nasal strips or mouth guards that fit inside the mouth and alter the position of the jaw can help some people.

The noise that is made when snoring happens because soft tissues at the back of the airways vibrate. Exercises that improve the tone of these muscles have been shown to improve snoring for some, says Crinion. These include singing, playing brass instruments or the digeridoo, or certain tongue exercises.

If a person is overweight, losing weight can be an effective way of stopping, or improving, snoring. By removing some of the excess fatty tissue around the neck, they increase the size of the airway, which helps with airflow, says Crinion.

Avoiding alcohol is another tactic. It has a sedative effect, which relaxes the jaw and throat muscles, making those soft tissues at the back of the airway more likely to vibrate.

Some people are more likely to snore when they sleep on their backs. This means that adjusting their sleeping position can reduce their snoring. There are positional snoring aids available such as pillows that make sure you cant turn onto your back during sleep, says Crinion.

Stopping snoring may be a process of trial and error. What works for one person may not work for another, which means its difficult to be prescriptive, she says.

The best thing might be to pay attention to the factors that might be contributing to your snoring. What food and drink are you consuming during the day for example? What position are you sleeping in? You might be able to spot patterns that way and adjust it accordingly.

Finally, Crinion warns that snoring can indicate an underlying health problem.

If your snoring has an unusual pattern, if its quite irregular, if you stop breathing and thats followed by a loud snore or if your snoring is waking you, it could suggest other issues to do with airflow and breathing, she says. Check it out with your doctor.
Alan Hollinghurst is recovering from a nasty bug and is still a little under the weather when he chats to me from his home in London.

I will do my best to sound intelligent, he says.

The British author has been garlanded with some of the most prestigious literary awards throughout his career, and is considered by many to be one of the great writers of our time.

The reviews for his most recent novel, Our Evenings, the story of a gay Anglo-Burmese actor and his life across seven decades, have been glowing.

As a former deputy editor of The Times Literary Supplement himself, does he pay attention to the critical response to his work?

Occasionally, I am warned by a kind friend or a publicist to skip a review, he says.

And I do because there is no point, you end up arguing in your head with this person you dont know and it doesnt do you any good.

But generally I do read them and bringing out a book so rarely, I feel quite interested in how it is going to fare when it goes out into the world.

Hollinghursts debut novel The Swimming Pool Library, published in 1988, was described by writer Edmund White as the best book on gay life yet written by an English author.

Hollinghurst went on to be named one of Grantas best young British novelists in 1993.

However, it was his fourth novel, The Line of Beauty, which really catapulted his work into the literary mainstream when it won the Booker Prize in 2004.

It was an engrossing evocation of Thatchers Britain, seen through the eyes of gay narrator Nick Guest  an outsider who is drawn into British high society.

From todays vantage point, it is hard to imagine the fuss that surrounded the win; Hollinghurst chuckles about the newspaper headline that screamed, Gay sex wins Booker. A great deal has changed in those two decades.

Yes, says Hollinghurst. A lot was happening already and gay fiction as a phenomenon really took on salience through the later 80s and 90s.

But it hadnt broken into the echelons of Booker Prize shortlists and so on until that point, rather amazingly.

I had been writing from a gay point of view for quite a while, so it did all seem rather like old hat to me.

It was an inevitable journalistic talking point about the whole thing and it didnt do any harm.

The world of LGBTQ+ fiction is a completely different proposition now, and is flourishing thanks in no small part to writers such as Hollinghurst.

The interesting thing of taking gay life and gay history as your subject is that it is a live subject, it keeps on developing and changing in ways that you couldnt have anticipated.

Back in the 80s, it was all far more binary, gay, or straight. Now we are in a much more complex terrain of not so much defining as exploring sexuality.

I love the sense that the whole thing has grown and become more complex and subtle, he says.

There are echoes of the political themes in The Line of Beauty to be found in Our Evenings, which takes in the rise of populism and Brexit although Hollinghurst is at pains to point out that is not the books main concern  It is not, thank God, a Brexit novel.

Does he feel that what is happening in politics today is too fantastical to be portrayed realistically?

The extreme acceleration in America, you couldnt keep up with it. My tendency has been not to write out of the immediate political moment, he says.

 The Line of Beauty is set in the mid-80s but it came out in 2004. Both the political moment of the Thatcher boom years and the extended moment of the Aids crisis, I had to let it settle before I saw how to deal with it.

The new book does take on the slightly more immediate thing of Brexit and that kind of nationalism.

I address it fairly obliquely through the experience of somebody who is not in that world politically but on whom inevitably it impinges.

There are writers who are up to the challenge of writing things that are more topical. I dont think thats generally in my nature.

The book is certainly elegiac in tone, with the protagonist Dave Win looking back on his youth in a very different Britain. Hollinghurst says it was awful to watch Brexit unfolding.

I am furious, incredulous, and very sad. I think it was an absolutely disastrous decision, he says.

We were led astray by implausible politicians. Nothing good whatsoever has come out of it.

Not unlike the character of Dave Win, who is an actor, Hollinghurst, aged 71, has been honing his craft across six decades now. In some ways, writing has become a more challenging process.

I started writing in my early teens, I wrote appalling poems, he says.

The disconcerting thing about being a lifelong novelist is that I first imagined you worked out how to do it and after that it got easier and easier.

But I have found the reverse has been true. Each one is harder than the one before.

There was a sort of ease and pleasure about writing my first book when I had a full-time job.

I was writing it in the evenings and at weekends, and no-one knew anything about it, it was just this lovely thing that I was doing.

I have never quite recaptured that sense of happiness in writing.

Of course, there are many more distractions now  although he is not really on social media, the online world still encroaches.

When I was finishing Our Evenings and finding it a struggle, I went back 30 years, and I had the thing of having no phone or contact with the internet until 6pm, he says.

It was completely magical  you just take possession of your day again and you know you cannot be interrupted.

It was like when I was writing in the 80s and I would just unplug the telephone in the morning. I do recommend it, it is absolutely wonderful.

Although it is slightly hellish when you go back on at six oclock and you have 153 emails.

He acknowledges that he has been fortunate to be able to ply his trade as a full-time writer for most of his career:

I was lucky my first two novels both did very well. With sales of literary fiction going down, it is getting harder and harder. You really need another job.

I am aware of the more perilous position of literary fiction and the problems of getting people to read anything longer than 140 words.

It has become more cutthroat, the bid for public attention, and probably harder for new literary novelists to get established.

Hollinghurst has been enjoying some book-related travel, including a visit to the West Cork Literary Festival next week.

Cork is a place he knows relatively well, having spent time in Skibbereen, and with his friend, the poet Bernard ODonoghue, at his home place in Cullen.

He is refreshingly forthright when I ask him if he is working on a book at the moment.

Absolutely not, he says. I am having a lovely time not writing anything. I usually feel quite emptied out when I get to publishing a book and it takes a year or two for the tank to refill.

Im far from starting anything else and I am very much enjoying not having that pressure.

After a while I shall miss it and I shall long to be back in that other mysterious place messing around.

Alan Hollinghurst will be in conversation with Sue Leonard on Friday, July 11, at 8.30pm, The Maritime Hotel, Bantry, as part of the West Cork Literary Festival which takes place from July 11 to July 18;

www.westcorkliteraryfestival.ie.
Oasis will kickstart their long-awaited worldwide reunion tour in Cardiff on Friday, their first concert in almost 16 years.

Brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher will perform together for the first time since their dramatic split in 2009, when they appear at the Welsh capitals Principality Stadium.

The brothers announced the Oasis Live 25 tour last August, starting with two dates in Cardiff on Friday and Saturday, before heading across the UK and Ireland.

Artist Nathan Wyburn with his artwork The Wonder Wall, a monochrome portrait of Oasis bandmates Noel and Liam Gallagher constructed entirely from bucket hats (Alistair Heap Media Assignments/PA)

Doors are expected to open at 5pm, with Cast and the Verve frontman Richard Ashcroft in support.

Former members of the group are expected to make a return, with Andy Bell on bass, and Gem Archer and Paul Bonehead Arthurs on guitars.

Noel was spotted getting off the train in Cardiff on Tuesday, while a drone display spelling out the bands name could be seen over the stadium on Wednesday.

Fans across the city have also heard what they believe to be rehearsals in the Principality throughout the week.

The reunion announcement came 15 years after Noel quit the Britpop band, saying he simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer, following a backstage brawl at the Rock en Seine festival in Paris.

While fans have been pleading for the group to reunite since they disbanded, website issues and controversial dynamic pricing brought outrage, with many failing to secure a spot.

Ticketing issues, with website problems and dynamic pricing, mean many fans failed to secure a spot and resale prices were high (Yui Mok/PA)

Following Cardiff, Oasis will visit Manchesters Heaton Park, Londons Wembley Stadium, Edinburghs Murrayfield Stadium and Dublins Croke Park throughout July, August and September.

The group will then head to Japan, South Korea, South America, Australia and North America.

A movie, produced by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, is being made in conjunction with the reunion tour.

Formed in Manchester in 1991, the rock band was led by lead guitarist Noel and his brother, lead vocalist Liam, during their 18 years together.

The reunion comes 15 years after Noel Gallagher quit the band, claiming he could no longer work with brother Liam Gallagher (Zak Hussein/PA)

Oasis signed to independent record label Creation Records in 1993, rising to fame with the release of their debut chart-topping album Definitely Maybe on August 29 1994.

They had hits with songs including Dont Look Back in Anger, Champagne Supernova, Wonderwall and Live Forever.

Dig Out Your Soul, the bands last studio album, was released in 2008, just months before the Paris row.
A prominent Irish-American lobby group has hit out at the new requirements for J1 visas, and raised fears that artificial intelligence screening of social media accounts will be used extensively and is prone to error.

The Ancient Order of Hibernians said it had deep concerns over the US Government directive requiring a review of up to five years of social media activity for every J1 visa applicant, which gives consular officers broad discretionary authority.

But without clear, objective criteria  and human oversight of AI screenings  we risk eroding the integrity of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, chilling participation among young applicants, depriving US government, businesses, educational and cultural institutions of essential summer interns, and weakening the longstanding ties that bind our nations, its political education chair Neil F Cosgrove said.

Irish students usually travel in large numbers to the United States each summer on J1 visas but, under the Trump administration, they now have to adjust the privacy settings on all their social media profiles to public.

The US State Department recently announced it would now conduct a comprehensive and thorough vetting, including online presence, of all student and exchange visitor applicants under the new guidance.

The Ancient Order of Hibernians said given the way this vetting could be applied, this policy threatens one of America's most successful cultural and economic partnerships with Ireland.

It said that officers may reach inconsistent decisions as terms like hostility and advocacy, which are meant to be flagged during screening, lack objective benchmarks.

For students, the five-year look back on their social media will reach back to their early teens and could lead to treating youthful social media activity before maturity as some form of a security threat to the US, it said.

It went on: Given the volume of applicants and the vast data set  five years of social media activity per person  we anticipate AI screening will be used extensively and is prone to error.

In April 2025, PhD student Suguru Onda was wrongly flagged by an AI-driven criminal records check over a minor fishing limit citation in his home country of Japan, leading to an abrupt visa cancellation.

In the case of Mr Onda, his visa was reinstated but J1 students could find themselves already sent home before an error is corrected.

The group added that the programme helps to fuel critical US sectors such as hospitality and tourism and businesses on the ground would feel the loss of Irish summer workers.

It called on congress and policymakers to exclude any social media content from before someone turned 18, while requiring actual human checks of AI-generated flagged content along with a quarterly report on the use of AI screenings.

Aontas na Mac Leinn in Eirinn (Amle), formerly the Union of Students in Ireland, has also raised significant concerns about the measures and said they send a "damaging signal".
A woman charged with fraud convinced a man she met on an online dating site to spend more than 40,000 on racehorses but deferred meeting him for many months while suffering calamitous bad luck.

Catherine OBrien assured John Blake that an investment in breeding rights to a thoroughbred stallion called Shakeel, which she said she owned, was a lucrative zero risk investment. She then convinced him to buy a mare called Lingreville from France for 20,000 to breed with the stallion.

However, the mare Lingreville only entered the country officially in 2015 for a brief period to be covered by a stallion but was returned to France later that year, Waterford Circuit Court heard.

There was no record of her being imported to Ireland in 2018, as Ms OBrien inferred she was.

Months of messages were read to court as Mr Blake repeatedly tried to meet Ms OBrien and see his investment but she repeatedly had a reason to defer meetings or adequately answer his queries over a number of months in 2018 and 2019.

She had a near-death experience after an accident, during which, she said, she saw dead relatives, which was like being in a high-speed train going into reverse.

She required keyhole surgery for a brain bleed. She broke her cheekbone, nose, and jaw in a horse accident and required surgery.

On another occasion, she said she was hospitalised after a horse kicked her, breaking two ribs.

Her mother was gravely ill in hospital on multiple occasions so she could not meet. On other occasions, her relatives were sick in hospital, requiring visits.

Friend's 'tragic accident'

On one occasion, she said that a friend suffered a tragic, fatal accident and she had to attend the funeral in Spain.

She suffered two bouts of shingles and multiple stomach bugs.

Her car suddenly broke down one day. She had to attend horse sales and visit relatives abroad. On another occasion she was off visiting a faith healer.

She claimed she was lucky to be alive after one accident with a horse.

She needed an operation on her nose, she bust her lip and needed work on her teeth.

Ive never had so much bad luck and I dont know why, she said in one text message.

You couldnt invent this story, Mr Blake said in one text as she told him of yet another hugely unfortunate blow.

But he empathised with her in repeated messages over months, telling her to be kind to herself and take it easy.

Catherine OBrien claimed she was 'lucky to be alive' after an accident with a horse. File picture: Chani Anderson

In messages from May, she spoke about other peoples greed and how she just couldnt rip people off.

By August, the pair still had not met and Mr Blake had not seen his mare or foal.

On August 12, 2019, Mr Blake said: Katie youre hiding from me for a long time.

Mr Blake told her that she had his savings and asked her to pay him his money.

She told him he would get his money and said she never lied to him.

She said she was not a bad person but had been under so much pressure.

Mr Blake then noted that he did not even have her address, just her bank account details.

Highly regulated

Thoroughbreds are highly regulated internationally, the court heard.

Annette Doyle, who works in international relations in Weatherbys, the registered thoroughbred horse stud book in Ireland, said that all thoroughbreds must be registered through the Weatherbys stud book to breed, race, or travel as a thoroughbred.

All international travel must be documented with import and export certificates. Without notification and certification of transport into Ireland, Weatherbys could not register the horse, Ms Doyle said. And without registration, the horse could not race or breed.

Weatherbys had been notified by the French stud book organisation of Lingreville coming to Ireland for a few months in 2015 to be covered by a stallion [to get pregnant]. But documents showed that the horse returned to France that year.

There were no other registrations for the horse leaving France. There was no record of her being covered by the stallion Shakeel.

In November 2017, the stallion Shakeel was brought to Ireland, according to registration documents. But there was a record of him covering a mare called Shamalana.

In October 2021, after Ms OBrien had been charged with fraud relating to Mr Blake and the purchase of the mare Lingreville, some 22,000 had been paid to Mr Blake for a mare called Shamalanna, which the document said had been erroneously named Lingreville previously.

The settlement also stated it was for breeding rights to the stallion Shakeel. But prosecuting barrister Conor ODoherty noted that there was some confusion over the name Shamalana also, because one was spelled Shamalanna with two n s and one was spelled Shamalana with one n.

A difference in pedigree between Lingreville and Shamalana was also noted by Mr ODoherty.

While Lingreville won two races and was placed five times, winning more than 25,000, Shamalana had only been placed in races twice.

Liz Lynch of Five Star Bloodstock, a horse transportation company, received 984 for transporting a horse internally in Ireland in March 2018.

A lady calling herself Amy made a payment to the company with a phone number that the court heard was used by Ms OBrien.

She did not have records of transporting a horse called Shamalana.

'Phantom' sale of racehorse

The allegedly phantom sale of French racehorse Lingreville, pitched as a lucrative investment that was too good to be true, is at the centre of the alleged fraud case against Ms OBrien.

Ms OBrien met Mr Blake on dating site Plenty of Fish and over time, convinced him to invest 20,000 in a thoroughbred stallion called Shakeel, the court heard.

By investing 20,000 in breeding rights in this stallion, investors would make 14,000 per annum from foals or covering rights for three years, she said.

I promise I wont let you down, she told Mr Blake in one of many messages between the pair read out to Waterford Circuit Court.

But Mr Blake never got the promised return on investment on breeding rights to the stallion, Mr ODoherty told the court.

Ms O'Brien then said that Mr Blake could make huge profits by investing in a brood mare to be covered by the thoroughbred stallion Shakeel, which he had already invested in.

Catherine O'Brien told John Blake: 'I promise I wont let you down'. File picture: Howard Crowdy

For another 20,000 investment, he could buy a French mare called Lingreville, which had already raced and produced some foals and which she would keep for him for free in her Cork property.

Mr Blake would also have to pay 984 to transport the mare from France to Ireland to prove ownership, Mr ODoherty told the court.

Ms OBrien is accused of deception charges related to John Blake and the purchase, transport, and insurance of a French mare called Lingreville.

It is alleged that she dishonestly by deception induced Mr Blake to pay 20,000 to purchase the horse  which the State alleges was not purchased; to pay 1,100 insurance for the mare  which the State said was not paid; and 984 to transport the horse from France to Ireland  which the State says was not transported as alleged.

Ms OBrien, of An Grianan, Ballinroad, Dungarvan, Co Waterford, has pleaded not guilty to the three charges of making gain or causing loss by deception contrary to Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.

Ms OBrien, aged 47, formerly lived in Buttevant, Co Cork.

The trial, in front of Judge Eugene OKelly and a jury of seven women and five men, continues.
A third man has been arrested connection with setting a Ballyfermot family home on fire on May 21.

The male, a juvenile in his teens, is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a garda station in Dublin.

This is in addition to the arrests and charges of two men who were involved in the incident yesterday.

One man, aged in his 20s, appeared before the Criminal Courts of Justice this morning, Friday, July 4, at 10.30am.

The second man, a teenager, appeared before the Children's Court at the same time. The verdict is yet to be publicised.

The family who lived in the house on Landon Road said it was like "waking up in hell" after the house was firebombed in the early hours of that morning.

The Curran family  Pat, Breda and son Luke  were sleeping when a petrol bomb was launched through the front window of their house, setting the living room ablaze and killing the family dog.

Gardai at the time believed it was a case of mistaken identity.

Investigations are ongoing.
Eight men have been sentenced to a combined 129 years in prison for their role in a drug trafficking operation that resulted in the largest cocaine seizure in the history of the State.

Justice Melanie Greally initially imposed headline sentences totalling 203 years at the Special Criminal Court today, but reduced each sentence due to multiple mitigating factors, including the defendants' guilty pleas.

The MV Matthew, owned by a Dubai-based company, was boarded at gunpoint by Ireland's elite Army Ranger Wing in rough seas off the Cork coast in September 2023.

MV Matthew : Soheil Jelveh arriving at Wexford Courthouse on Monday morning. Pic: Jim Campbell

Eight men from the 21-person crew were ultimately charged with drug trafficking offences.

Justice Greally sentenced the men based on their rank and level of responsibility in the operation, but accepted that none were operating at the highest level of the organised crime group, which directed the smuggling remotely.

Dutch national Cumali Ozgen was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Filipino national Harold Estoesta received 18 years.

The captain, Iranian national Soheil Jelveh, was given 17.5 years.

Ukrainian national Vitaliy Vlasoi was sentenced to 16.5 years.

Iranian national Saeid Hassani received 15 years.

Ukrainian national Mykhailo Gavryk was given 14 years.

Ukrainian national Vitaliy Lapa received 14.5 years.

UK national Jamie Harbron was sentenced to 13.5 years.

Their headline sentences were partially reduced due to guilty pleas and other mitigating factors.

Jamie Harbron (right), 31 of South Avenue, Billingham, Stockton-on-Tees, arriving at Waterford Court House in Co Waterford

The men pleaded guilty to their involvement in the operation after 2.25 tonnes of cocaine were seized from the Panamanian-registered MV Matthew  a 190-metre-long, 32-metre-wide bulk cargo ship  during a dramatic airborne raid by armed Defence Forces personnel.

A transnational organised crime group with immense capabilities, unlimited resources and a global reach directed the operation, Detective Superintendent Keith Halley told the Special Criminal Court during sentencing.

He said a cell structure within the cartel meant the operation could continue even if one part was compromised. One of the cells was based in Dubai, and the investigation into the network is very much ongoing.

MV Matthew: Mykhalio Gavryk, who appeared at the Courthouse in Mallow, Co Cork. Picture Dan Linehan

All crew members told gardai they had flown to Dubai for interviews before travelling to South America to board the vessel.

Det Supt Halley also revealed a major Iranian nexus in the operation.

Those who pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine for sale or supply on board the MV Matthew between 24 and 26 September 2023 were:

Mykhailo Gavryk and Vitaliy Vlasoi (both 32, Ukrainians)

Soheil Jelveh (51, Iranian)

Saeid Hassani (39, Iranian)

Harold Estoesta (31, Filipino)

Cumali Ozgen (49, Dutch)

Meanwhile, Vitaliy Lapa (62, Ukrainian, of Rudenka, Repina Street, Berdyansk) and Jamie Harbron (31, of South Avenue, Billingham, UK) pleaded guilty to attempting to possess cocaine for sale or supply between 21 and 25 September 2023.

MV Matthew: Vitaliy Lapa, 60 arriving at Waterford Court House in Co Waterford, after being charged along with Jamie Harbron 31 of South Avenue, Billingham, Stockton-on-Tees in connection with the seizure of almost 160 million euro (139 million) of cocaine on a bulk cargo ship off the Irish coast.

'Ireland is not a soft target'

"The sentences imposed today provide a clear message to persons involved in international drug trafficking that Ireland is not a soft target for transnational, organised criminal networks," said Detective Superintendent Joe OReilly of the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau following sentencing today.

"This and other drug interdictions over recent years clearly demonstrate that all agencies of the State, supported by our international partners, will work together to successfully disrupt and dismantle criminal networks engaged in drug trafficking, thereby reducing harm to our communities.

MV Matthew: Cumali Ozgen: one of five crew members facing charges relating to the seizure of more than 2.2 tonnes of cocaine on the MV Matthew. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

"To those involved in drug trafficking, the message is clear, that the full force of the Irish State, supported by our international partners, is against you. The reality facing you is security interdictions, special investigations, Special Criminal Court, lengthy sentences and asset seizure.

"Transnational organized crime gangs cause misery to communities, not only in Ireland but throughout the world. Tackling these gangs not only makes Ireland safer but all the other countries that they operate in as well."

MV Matthew : Vitaliy Vlasoi arriving at Mallow District Court in Co Cork

Detective Superintendent O'Reilly thanked his colleagues in the Gardai, Defence Forces, and Revenue for their work, which led to the interception of the MV Matthew on 26 September 2023, resulting in the seizure of 2.2 tonnes of cocaine worth approximately 157m.

"This investigation was supported at all stages by international colleagues at the Maritime Analysis Operation Centre Narcotics (MAOC-N), Interpol and An Garda Siochana network liaison officers and contacts in the Americas, Europe and the Middle East," he said.

'Exceptional work'

Taoiseach Micheal Martin commended all State agencies involved for their "exceptional work" in the detention of the MV Matthew, the seizure of the drugs, and the successful prosecution of those involved.

MV Matthew: Harold Estoesta who appeared at the district court in Midleton, Co Cork. Picture Dan Linehan

"As Tanaiste and Minister for Defence, I want to pay a particular tribute to the courage, discipline and professionalism demonstrated by the members of the Defence Forces - drawn from the Air Corps, the Naval Service and the Army Ranger Wing  who were integral to ensuring the success of this operation.

"The intelligence-led operation involved the deployment of the LE William Butler Yeats, two AW139 helicopters, one CASA fixed-wing aircraft and one PC12 fixed-wing aircraft as well as a team from the Army Ranger Wing deployed by helicopter onto the MV Matthew and made the vessel safe.

MV Matthew: Saeid Hassani who appered at the Courthouse in Mallow, Co Cork. Picture Dan Linehan

"This was, by any measure, a highly complex operation which required the participation of highly-skilled personnel operating in challenging conditions.

"The Government remains committed to ensuring that all three services have the resources and training to continue to fulfil such challenging tasks. That commitment is reflected, for example, by my announcement in April of funding of 46.3m for the construction of a state-of-the-art new Headquarters and Training Centre for the Army Ranger Wing (ARW)."
Members of the late James Ryan's family shouted "this is a joke" when Judge Martin Nolan handed down a sentence of two years and nine months to his partner for causing his death.

The former Defence Forces member, who was known as a "gentleman" among family and friends, died from complications arising from blunt force trauma to the head when his partner pushed him to the ground after he left the house following a row.

Olesja Hertova, aged 50, years from Hastings Lawns, Balbriggan, north Dublin, was captured on CCTV running at Mr Ryan as he stood at a parked car outside their house. The mother-of-two knocked him to the ground causing him severe head injuries, he was rushed to Beaumont Hospital and died the next day.

Olesja Hertova (pictured) was sentenced to two years and nine months for his manslaughter.

At a sentencing hearing on Thursday, the couple's only daughter together Eliska Ryan aged 16, said: "When she drank she would sometimes turn into someone I didn't recognise, angry, unpredictable and hard to reach."

Handing down his sentence on Friday afternoon, Judge Nolan said: It was a forceful push that constituted an assault, and this defendant unlawfully killed Mr James Ryan.

It is a tragic incident  tragic for their young daughter and the children of his first marriage and extended family, he said.

Mr Ryan was a popular and well-regarded man and seems to have been vital to his family and obviously his death has caused huge trauma to his family.

He said Ms Hertova lost her temper on the night and by reason of that loss of control she pushed him forcibly.

I have no doubt this defendant did not intend to kill Mr Ryan but she acted in a reckless way and when you push someone there is a chance you can sustain serious injuries."

He said there were mitigating factors, including her plea of guilty and co-operation with the gardai and that she has no record of conviction whatsoever and that it is unlikely she will reoffend in the future.

The family of the late James Ryan at the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin after the sentence hearing of Olesja Hertova. 'Two years and nine months for killing someone, thats a joke, thats bullshit.' Picture: Collins Courts

He added that Ms Hertova, who is originally from the Czech Republic, was remorseful and shameful for what she has done.

It seems she has destroyed her relationship maybe temporarily with her daughter and knows the trauma she inflected on her daughter, he said.

Ms Hertovas sentence will be backdated to when she went into custody on August 27, 2024. This means she will serve one year and nine months but will be entitled to a 25% reduction in her time behind bars for good behaviour.

The court heard that the headline sentence was for the lower end of the manslaughter conviction, which is five years. In this case, Judge Nolan handed down a sentence of two years and nine months  to be backdated to the day she went into custody on August 27, 2024.

Members of Mr Ryans family shouted: Two years and nine months for killing someone, thats a joke, thats bullshit". Another family member said you abused our dad for years while others left the court in tears.

Ms Hertova, who was in tears, was taken back to the Dochas womens prison to serve the remainder of her sentence.

Speaking outside the courts, Karen Ryan told the Irish Examiner the sentence fell "extremely short of the justice he (our father) deserved. Two years and nine months for the killing of our father."
Some parents of children with special needs who have no offer of a school place for September may have to consider whether to give up their jobs to take care of their children, the High Court has heard.

Counsel for children who still do not have a school place, Brendan Hennessy BL, told the High Court that the final figure on legal challenges over the lack of school places for children with special needs could be as high as 50.

A total of 34 cases were listed in the High Court on Friday where parents are legally challenging the Minister for Education and Youth and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) on the failure to provide school places for special needs children.

Ms Justice Sara Phelan, who is case managing the list, said there was a difficulty as the courts reach the end of the legal year and nine dates in September as well as three days in July had been set aside to hear the cases. She said two judges will be available in September to deal with the challenges.

The judge issued what she called a word of warning that the Department of Education and the NCSE process in relation to the provision of school places should start earlier next year so it is not in the same position.

Ms Justice Phelan was told by the State that places had been offered to children in seven of the cases. Hearing dates in July have been given for the legal challenges in three cases and four cases are expected to back those up.

The judge was told that there are now 20 cases left on the High Court list in relation to children who have not got places for the start of the school term, but more cases are being brought all the time and the final figure could be 40 to 50 cases before the court.

Counsel for the children, Brendan Hennessy instructed by KM Solicitors, asked that every court slot be allocated.

Parents are worried that one of them may have to give up employment come September. All that parents want to know is do they have a guaranteed a school place, he said. He said parents will also need written guarantee confirmation of school places.

He pointed out that the case of a seven-year old boy had settled at the end of last year on the basis that a the child would have a school place in April of this year when school building work completed. Counsel said the boy still has not got a school place.

Counsel for the State parties, Tony McGillicuddy SC, outlined to the court that in seven of the cases before the court places had now been offered at schools. He said the Department of Education and the NCSE were forming a plan and streamlining the system so that what happened this year does not happen next year.

The cases will be back before the court later this month.
A falsely imprisoned woman tried to get out of her attackers moving car in Cork and now the accused has been jailed for what the judge described as a sustained, prolonged and terrifying incident.

Jason ODriscoll - who was formerly of 68 Noonan Road, Cork - was sentenced by Judge Helen Boyle to five years in prison with the last two years suspended on Friday.

He pleaded guilty at Cork Circuit Criminal Court to charges of assault causing harm, false imprisonment and strangulation-type assault.

Judge Boyle said that the parties had been in a relationship in the past and when the 26-year-old met her on May 3, 2024, he would not let her go but instead drove her home to his house where he refused to let her leave.

He called her vile, derogatory and degrading names before grabbing her by the throat causing her to believe she would be strangled, the judge said. He also punched her in the face and body.

Later she told him that she urgently needed to get to her dentist but he accompanied her closely and warned her not to try to get away or to say anything to anyone.

He forced her back into his car and CCTV in the Carrigrohane area showed the car moving and a door opening with a persons legs coming out of the vehicle.

Ultimately, she managed to run to the Kingsley Hotel where she was covered in blood and collapsed in the foyer. Staff immediately came to her assistance and called for an ambulance but she left and found her way to where her brothers lived.

Judge Boyle noted that Jason ODriscoll had been on cannabis from the age of 15 and later on cocaine, and that this had altered his behaviour. She said background reports showed he had limited motivation for change.
Acclaimed actor Richard Harris has been posthumously honoured at the launch of a new exhibition celebrating his life, where he was described as a towering figure who carried both Ireland and Limerick with him.

The new exhibition tells the story of Mr Harriss remarkable life and career  from his Limerick childhood through to international stardom.

It includes personal letters, annotated scripts, film props, costumes, rare photographs, and unseen family footage, offering a deep insight into both the public and private man.

Richard Harris, pictured in 1982.

His family attended a special Mayoral Reception at Limericks Hunt Museum for the launch of the exhibition, which is called From Dickie to Richard  Richard Harris: Role of a Lifetime, and is open at the museum until November 16.

Mr Harris's children, including renowned actor Jared, Jamie, and Damian were in attendance. They were presented with an official Mayoral scroll, posthumously commemorating Mr Harriss remarkable contributions to Limericks story, the arts, to the cultural legacy of Ireland, and to the global stage.

Speaking at the event, Jared Harris said: Damian, Jamie and I are delighted with this honour.

Wherever he was in the world, dad carried both Ireland and Limerick with him. He flew the flag proudly for his city and country. Woe betide anyone who dared challenge him about either.

"He watched with great pride the generations of Irish artists in all fields who followed, and he had hand couriered video recordings of every Irish International and Munster match to his home in the Bahamas. At which point our hopes of watching anything else disappeared for the next five days.

Mr Harris was a Golden Globe winner, Cannes laureate, and twice Oscar-nominated actor.

His career spanned six decades, with iconic roles including Frank Machin in This Sporting Life, King Arthur in Camelot, Bull McCabe in The Field, and Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter.

Limerick mayor John Moran, said: Richard Harris showed the world that someone from Limerick could rise from local roots to global stages without ever compromising his authenticity. His story is a reminder of the creative fire that lives in Limerick, in its storytellers, its actors, its musicians, and its dreamers.

The characters he brought to life for us all will live with us forever.

As a huge personal fan of the Harry Potter series, I am honoured and privileged to be able to offer this recognition on behalf of the people of Limerick, and let his family know how proud we all are of Richard.

"With this long-overdue gesture I hope too that the next generation of artists can believe, as Richard did, that the world is theirs for the taking.
Tampering with a gas meter puts lives at risk, Gas Networks Ireland has warned following a successful prosecution in Cork.

The company, which operates and maintains Irelands 3bn, 14,725km national gas network, issued the warning after a person received a three-month suspended sentence for unlawfully tampering with a gas meter at a property in a housing estate in the Mahon area.

An individual associated with the property pleaded guilty at Cork District Court on June 25 to the offence and was convicted under Section 15 of the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1995.

The court heard that Gas Networks Ireland had investigated the property in December 2024 and found the gas meter had been unlawfully tampered with, preventing the recording of gas consumption.

Judge Joanne Carroll described it as a very serious matter and pointed out that in addition to the individual receiving gas without paying, there was also a safety risk to the neighbourhood. She imposed a three-month prison sentence, fully suspended for 12 months.

Owen Wilson, safety manager with Gas Networks Ireland, said the verdict sends an important message to the public that meter tampering is a serious crime with potentially deadly consequences.

Theft of gas is a very serious issue, but far more serious is the risk to life that meter tampering poses to the perpetrator and to people nearby, he said.

We are working to end unlawful interference with gas meters and the dangers associated with this activity.

Due to the dangers involved, gas meter tampering is a criminal offence, with potential fines of up to 5,000 and prison sentences of up to six months for those found guilty.

Gas Networks Ireland has detected more than 2,900 cases of meter tampering across the country since 2013.

By law, only Gas Networks Ireland representatives and registered gas installers are authorised to work on gas meters and pipework. It is illegal to ask, pay, or allow anyone else to tamper with a gas meter.

Anyone who either interferes with a gas meter themselves or agrees to allow someone who is not a registered gas installer to work on their gas installations is risking their own life, those of their family, and of people living nearby, Mr Wilson said.

Members of the public can report suspicions of gas meter tampering to Gas Networks Ireland in strict confidence by calling 1800 464 464.
Ireland and the US should use every hour to reach a zero-for-zero tariff settlement in as many areas as possible, the Tanaiste has told the new US ambassador.

On the eve of US Independence Day on Friday, new ambassador to Ireland Edward Walsh hosted Fourth of July celebrations on the lawn of the Deerfield Residence in Phoenix Park.

Simon Harris was among guests at Mr Walshs first public appearance since presenting his credentials to President Michael D Higgins on Tuesday.

Outside the star-spangled celebration, scores of protesters gathered outside the main entrance to the estate chanting: They feast, Gaza starves.

The demonstrators gathered to shout shame at attendees over the US Governments military support for Israels war in Gaza.

Protesters outside the US Ambassador Deerfield Residence in Phoenix Park (Brian Lawless/PA)

Barriers erected as part of a heightened security presence around the residence were adorned with pro-Palestinian banners and posters calling for an end for US military use of Shannon Airport.

Inside, the US Embassy had invited 2,500 guests which included members of the Oireachtas, media figures, and business leaders.

Shortly after 8pm, as a band played James Bond theme Live And Let Die, the ambassador walked out of the residence to the garden party with Riverdance creator Michael Flatley.

Mr Harris shook hands with Mr Flatley outside a hotdog stand, having already met the ambassador inside the residence.

All three took to the stage for renditions of the US and Irish national anthems, a colour guard, speeches and Flatley performing on a flute.

Mr Walsh told those gathered: I have been told that this is the best job in the entire world  and having been here a week, and I feel like thats the truth.

Mr Walsh told the crowd that the gathering for the USs 249th Independence Day was an opportunity to deepen relationships between the two countries.

He said he and his family were happy to make the residence his new home, although they were still figuring out the light switches.

US Marines flag bearers as the new US Ambassador to Ireland Edward S Walsh hosts July 4 celebrations at Deerfield Residence in Phoenix Park (Brian Lawless/PA)

Expressing gratitude to US president Donald Trump for appointing him to the role, he said he would work to strengthen the relationships between the US and Ireland.

I stand before you as a businessman, a family man, and someone who deeply values the ties that bind communities together, from the boardroom to the golf course.

As the new US ambassador to Ireland, I look forward to building lasting relationships, communicating openly, and embracing all that brings our peoples together.

He relayed an anecdote from his grandmother that: God made the Germans to be serious, the French sophisticated, the Italians passionate  but no one was having fun, so he created the Irishman.

To a muted response, he said: You can cheer for that one.

Having received a more enthusiastic reaction, Mr Walsh concluded his speech by asking the audience to cheers for the support of his family, Mr Trump, and Ireland.

Mr Walsh introduced his wife Lynn; his daughter Maggie and her husband, Matthew Kelly; and his daughter Anna and her fiance, Pat Beljan.

His daughter Rachel was at home in New Jersey with her husband, Joe McGrath, and their two children.

Mr Harris said the US and Ireland have been intertwined in each others stories through a shared history and cultural exchange, adding that Americans had played an important role in the Northern Ireland peace process.

He said the economic relationship between the two countries was of immense mutual benefit.

As I speak tonight, I am conscious that we are just days away from the deadline when the US pause on placing tariffs on EU goods, and therefore on Irish goods, will be reached.

He added: Lets use every hour between then to reach a deal.

The new US ambassador to Ireland Edward S Walsh (left), with Michael Flatley (Brian Lawless/PA)

Mr Harris said Ireland wanted to see a zero-for-zero tariff approach in as many areas as possible, adding that uncertainty and instability helps no one.

With some of the most important voices in the Irish and US business communities here tonight, let me say again loud and clear  we want and we need to see an agreement reached between the EU and the US.

Adding that true friendship is not measured by constant agreement, the Tanaiste changed direction in his speech to express Irelands concerns about the ongoing situation in Gaza.

Ireland has always unreservedly condemned Hamas as a terrorist organisation.

We stand for Israels right to live in peace.

He added: But we also want the bombs to stop, the killing to stop and we, as I know you do, want to see a ceasefire where humanitarian aid can get to people suffering.

Mr Harris said Ireland would honour its history by putting its reputation on the line in the search for peace, adding that its concerns in Gaza reflect a heartfelt commitment to humanitarian principles.

He told the ambassador that Ireland and the US had the ability to engage honestly and respectively even when perspectives differ.

When friends speak candidly to one another, it strengthen rather than weakens their bond.
US President Donald Trump said on Friday it would probably be known in 24 hours whether the Palestinian militant group Hamas has agreed to accept what he has called a "final proposal" for an Israel-Hamas ceasefire in Gaza.

The president also said he had spoken to Saudi Arabia about expanding the Abraham Accords, the deal on normalization of ties that his administration negotiated between Israel and some Gulf countries during his first term.

Trump said on Tuesday Israel had accepted the conditions needed to finalise a 60-day ceasefire with Hamas, during which the parties will work to end the war.

He was asked on Friday if Hamas had agreed to the latest ceasefire deal framework, and said: "We'll see what happens, we are going to know over the next 24 hours."

A source close to Hamas said on Thursday the Islamist group sought guarantees that the new US-backed ceasefire proposal would lead to the end of Israel's war in Gaza.

Two Israeli officials said those details were still being worked out. Dozens of Palestinians were killed on Thursday in Israeli strikes, according to Gaza authorities.

The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered in October 2023 when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 and taking about 250 hostages, Israeli tallies show.

Gaza's health ministry says Israel's subsequent military assault has killed over 56,000 Palestinians.

It has also caused a hunger crisis, internally displaced Gaza's entire population and prompted accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice and of war crimes at the International Criminal Court. Israel denies the accusations.

A previous two month ceasefire ended when Israeli strikes killed more than 400 Palestinians on March 18. Trump earlier this year proposed a US takeover of Gaza, which was condemned globally by rights experts, the UN and Palestinians as a proposal of "ethnic cleansing."

Abraham Accords

Trump made the comments on the Abraham Accords when asked about US media reporting late on Thursday that he had met Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman at the White House.

"It's one of the things we talked about," Trump said. "I think a lot of people are going to be joining the Abraham accords," he added, citing the predicted expansion to the damage faced by Iran from recent US and Israeli strikes.

Axios reported that after the meeting with Trump, the Saudi official spoke on the phone with Abdolrahim Mousavi, chief of Iran's General Staff of the Armed Forces.

Trump's meeting with the Saudi official came ahead of a visit to Washington next week by Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

- Reuters
Waves of drone and missile attacks targeted Kyiv overnight in the largest aerial attack since Russias war in Ukraine began, injuring 23 people and inflicting damage across multiple districts.

Russia launched 550 drones and missiles across Ukraine overnight, the countrys air force said. The majority were Shahed drones, while Russia used 11 missiles in the attack.

Throughout the night, journalists in Kyiv heard the constant buzzing of drones overhead and the sound of explosions and intense machine gun fire as Ukrainian forces tried to intercept the aerial assault.

Kyiv was the primary target of the attack. At least 23 people were injured, with 14 taken to hospital, according to mayor Vitali Klitschko.

Ukrainian air defences shot down 270 targets, including two cruise missiles. Another 208 targets were lost from radar and presumed jammed.

Russia successfully hit eight locations with nine missiles and 63 drones. Debris from intercepted drones fell across at least 33 sites.

The attack came hours after President Donald Trump held a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and made his first public comments on his administrations decision to pause some shipments of weapons to Ukraine.

That decision affects munitions, including Patriot missiles, the AIM-7 Sparrow air-to-air missile and shorter-range Stinger missiles. They are needed to counter incoming missiles and drones, and to bring down Russian aircraft.

Its been less than a week since Russias previous largest aerial assault of the war. Ukraines air force reported that Russia fired 537 drones, decoys and 60 missiles in that attack.

It was one of the biggest such attacks of the war (AP)

Emergency services reported damage in at least five of the capitals 10 districts.

In the Solomianskyi district, a five-storey residential building was partially destroyed and the roof of a seven-storey building caught fire. Fires also broke out at a warehouse, a garage complex and an auto repair facility.

In Sviatoshynskyi district, a strike hit a 14-storey residential building, sparking a fire. Several vehicles also caught fire nearby. Blazes were also reported at non-residential facilities.

An eight-storey building came under attack in the Shevchenkivskyi district, with the first floor sustaining damage.

Falling debris was recorded in Darnytskyi and Holosiivskyi areas.

Ukraines national railway operator, Ukrzaliznytsia, said drone strikes damaged rail infrastructure in Kyiv.
Democrats have erupted in a storm of outrage over the passage of the Donald Trumps budget bill, delivering scathing critiques that offered signs of the attack lines the party could wield against Republicans in next years midterm elections.

Party leaders released a wave of statements after the sweeping tax and spending bills passage on Thursday, revealing a fury that could peel paint off a brick outhouse.

Today, Donald Trump and the Republican party sent a message to America: if you are not a billionaire, we dont give a damn about you, said Ken Martin, the Democratic National Committee chair.

While the GOP continues to cash their billionaire donors checks, their constituents will starve, lose critical medical care, lose their jobs  and yes, some will die as a result of this bill. Democrats are mobilizing and will fight back to make sure everybody knows exactly who is responsible for one of the worst bills in our nations history.

The bills narrow passage in the House on Thursday, with no Democratic support and only two no votes from Republicans  which came from Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania  is not normal, wrote congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Ocasio-Cortez highlighted the contradictions in the bill that Democrats can be expected to campaign on over the next two years, pitting its spending on immigration enforcement against the loss of social benefits for working-class Americans. She noted that Republicans voted for permanent tax breaks for billionaires while allowing a tax break on tips for people earning less than $25,000 a year to sunset in three years.

She also noted that cuts to Medicaid expansion will remove tipped employees from eligibility for Medicaid and remove subsidies for insurance under the Affordable Care Act, and reduce Snap food assistance benefits.

I dont think anyone is prepared for what they just did with Ice, Ocasio-Cortez wrote on Bluesky. This is not a simple budget increase. It is an explosion  making Ice bigger than the FBI, US Bureau of Prisons, [the] DEA and others combined. It is setting up to make whats happening now look like childs play. And people are disappearing.

Many critics referred to choice remarks made by Republicans in the run-up to the bills passage that displayed an indifference to their voters concerns.

Senator Mitch McConnell was reported by Punchbowl News to have said to other Republicans in a closed-door meeting last week: I know a lot of us are hearing from people back home about Medicaid. But theyll get over it.

And Republican senator Joni Ernst, of Iowa, speaking at a combative town hall in Parkersburg in late May, responded to someone in the audience shouting that people will die without coverage by saying, People are not  well, we all are going to die  a response that drew groans.

Cuts to Medicaid feature prominently in Democratic reaction to the bill.

Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib described the bill as disgusting and an act of violence against our communities.

She said: Republicans should be ashamed for saying, Just get over it because Were all going to die. They are responsible for the 50,000 people who will die unnecessarily every year because of this deadly budget.

There is no sugarcoating this. This is a dark day for our country, wrote senator Raphael Warnock.

Republicans in Washington have decided to sell out working people. As a result, millions will lose their healthcare and many millions more will see their premiums go up. Rural hospitals and nursing homes across Georgia will be forced to close. Children will be forced to go hungry so that we can give billionaires another tax cut.

But budget hawks on the left and the right have taken issue with the effects this budget will have on the already considerable national debt.

In a massive fiscal capitulation, Congress has passed the single most expensive, dishonest, and reckless budget reconciliation bill ever  and, it comes amidst an already alarming fiscal situation, wrote Maya MacGuineas, the president of the oversight organization Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, in reaction to the Houses passage of the bill.

Never before has a piece of legislation been jammed through with such disregard for our fiscal outlook, the budget process, and the impact it will have on the wellbeing of the country and future generations.

House Republicans just voted  again  to jack up costs, gut health care, and reward the elite with tax breaks, wrote the House Majority Pac, a Democratic fund.

They had a chance to change course, but instead they doubled down on this deeply unpopular, toxic agenda. Theyll have no one to blame but themselves when voters send them packing and deliver Democrats the House majority in 2026.

Republicans didnt pass this bill for the people, wrote Jasmine Crockett, a Texas Democrat. They passed it to please Trump, protect the powerful and push cruelty disguised as policy.

 The Guardian
Palestine Action will head to the Court of Appeal to ask for permission to challenge a High Court judges refusal to temporarily block it from being designated as a terror group.

Huda Ammori, the co-founder of Palestine Action, asked the High Court to temporarily block the Government from banning the group as a terrorist organisation before a potential legal challenge against the decision to proscribe it under the Terrorism Act 2000.

The move was to come into force at midnight after High Court judge Mr Justice Chamberlain refused Ms Ammoris bid for a temporary block.

However, the PA news agency understands that lawyers on behalf of the group will ask appeal judges for the go-ahead to challenge the decision in a hearing due to begin at about 7pm on Friday.

In his decision refusing the temporary block, Mr Justice Chamberlain said: I have concluded that the harm which would ensue if interim relief is refused but the claim later succeeds is insufficient to outweigh the strong public interest in maintaining the order in force.

Shortly after the decision was handed down, Ms Ammori said that she would be seeking an urgent appeal to try to prevent a dystopian nightmare of the Governments making.

She added: The Home Secretary is rushing through the implementation of the proscription at midnight tonight despite the fact that our legal challenge is ongoing and that she has been completely unclear about how it will be enforced, leaving the public in the dark about their rights to free speech and expression after midnight tonight when this proscription comes into effect.

Hundreds of thousands of people across the country have expressed support for Palestine Action by joining our mailing list, following and sharing our social media content and signing petitions, and many, including iconic figures like Sally Rooney, say they will continue to declare we are all Palestine Action and speak out against this preposterous proscription, demonstrating how utterly unworkable it will be.
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.

Originally published on Tech Times
A UNICEF spokesperson has stated that children in Gaza are just weeks away from dying of thirst due to a fuel blockade.

James Elder noted that a 100-day fuel blockade in the region is affecting water distribution, as fuel is essential for delivering water, leading to water deprivation for the population in the area.

Mr. Elder, who visited Gaza, described the blockade on fuel entering the enclave as one of the darkest testimonials to the intent of what were observing in Gaza.

A 100-day blockade of fuel means that people are on the brink of witnessing children perish from thirst, he stated.

According to Mr. Elder, Israel controls the pipelines, turning the tap on and off, while electricity powers desalination plants.

Its easy to argue about food being blocked because Hamas allegedly steals it, he stated, but theres no evidence supporting that claim.

This is a population that is being starved. Water directly benefits the population, so there is no justification, evidence, or logic for that, he added.

Displaced Palestinians are seen queuing to fill containers with water supplied by tankers in Gaza City.

The latest surge of violence in the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict began in October 2023, triggered by a Hamas attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 individuals and the abduction of around 250 hostages, according to Israeli figures.

Gazas health ministry reports that Israels ensuing military operations have claimed more than 56,000 Palestinian lives.

This has led to a hunger crisis, displacing Gazas entire population and prompting accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice, as well as war crimes at the International Criminal Court. Israel has denied these allegations.

A previous ceasefire lasting two months ended after Israeli airstrikes killed over 400 Palestinians on March 18.

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Mr. Elder mentioned that the US- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation operates four sites in Gaza, stating, Imagine if all of Dublin were under siege and you had only four sites in Citywest for food access.

He further explained that UNICEF cannot access these sites because they are located in a militarized area, adding that any movement within the Gaza Strip must be carefully coordinated.

He labeled their operations in such zones as one of the major concerns with this situation.

You cannot force individuals through a militarized area and expect justification if they are harmed because they are in such a zone, he asserted.

Mr. Elder also highlighted that UNICEF is still distributing therapeutic food without any fatalities occurring, whether in Sudan, Ethiopia, or Gaza.

Immense hope for Gaza

Expressing immense hope for Gaza, Mr. Elder pointed to the high literacy rate and the resilient attitude of its people.

Parents and grandparents work tirelessly to keep their children in school, he remarked, adding that UNICEF is equally committed to our educational and trauma-related efforts.

This is why Palestinian graduates from Gaza are highly sought after by universities across the region, he noted.

However, Mr. Elder cautioned that we are in uncharted territory regarding trauma.

Every child in Gaza requires mental health support, he emphasized.

We are at a crucial point where action is not just overdue; its essential. The international community must respond.
Karadeniz, Turkiye (Special to Informed Comment; Feature)  If China wants to rival the United States, it must stop watching and start acting.

Beijing wants the world to believe that a new multipolar is possible, one in which U.S. dominance is giving way to a more balanced international order. However, if China truly wishes to lead that new era, it must confront a hard truth: a concrete global influence cannot be built with pro forma denunciatory speeches and symbolism alone, it needs investment that goes beyond economic alliances to create a security partnership all around the world.

Chinas foreign policy has long been defined by caution, non-interventionism, and a preference for quiet diplomacy over confrontation. But this posture, viewed as strategic patience, is fast becoming a liability. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the Middle East, where Chinas passivity in the face of Israeli and U.S. aggression has exposed the limits of its global ambition.

The Problem with Symbolic Diplomacy

In 2023, China received widespread praise for brokering a diplomatic breakthrough between Saudi Arabia and Iran, two bitter regional rivals. It also hosted Palestinian factions in a show of support for Palestinian unity. These moves were interpreted by many as signs of Beijing stepping into a more assertive diplomatic role in the region.

However, these gestures have not been transformed into meaningful action. Since October 2023, Israels war on Gaza has killed tens of thousands, flattened entire neighborhoods, and triggered a humanitarian catastrophe that many legal scholars and UN officials have described as a potential genocide. The United States has provided full-throated support and military aid, while simultaneously attacking Iranian-linked forces in Syria and Iraq. China, meanwhile, has largely remained on the sidelines, issuing general calls for restraint and peaceful resolution, but it has retained its cooperation with Israel, especially in the economic sphere.

Iran: A Strategic Partner, Abandoned

Iran has been one of Chinas most reliable regional partners. Over the past decade, Tehran has aligned more closely with Beijing through trade, energy, and strategic cooperationincluding a 25-year economic and security agreement signed in 2021. As Western sanctions have deepened, Iran has leaned further into this partnership, viewing China as a lifeline against isolation.

And yet, when Iran came under direct attack, first through Israeli strikes then through US bombs to nuclear sites, Beijing offered little more than silence. There was no clear defense, no diplomatic mobilization, no sign of strategic commitment.

If a long-term partner like Iran can be so easily abandoned, what message does this send to other states in the Global South looking to diversify away from U.S. dominance? Why would smaller powers take the risk of defying Washington if China offers no real protection or support in return? Many Middle Eastern states, such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, and even Israel, are engaging more and more with China to diversify their security arrangement and also to have a stronger say against the US. However, the shyness and silence of China will make these states to rethink if it is worth to take the risk of angering US for China as it remained silent even to its partner.

No Cold War without Commitment

Much of the Western media is eager to frame the U.S.China rivalry as a new Cold War. But the comparison is misleading. During the original Cold War, the Soviet Union built a vast network of allied states and armed movements. It supported anti-colonial struggles, funded proxies, and directly challenged US influence in multiple regions. It was not merely a rival; it was an alternative. China, by contrast, avoids any such commitments. It has no proxies, no military alliances, and rarely takes a strong stand in ongoing conflicts. Its only real investments lie in infrastructure and tradenot security guarantees or political protection.



China-Iran Friendship Agreement, June 1, 1920. Public Domain. H/t Wikipedia.

This is not multipolarity, it is detachment. And detachment is not what smaller nations seek when they are under threat. The war on Gaza and more importantly the targeting of Iran have created a moment of reckoning. The world is watching not just what the United States does, but how China responds.

Will Beijing continue to prioritize economic ties and diplomatic ambiguity at the expense of credibility? Or will it begin to act like a truly great powerone that takes sides, offers support, and is willing to bear the costs of global leadership? So far, China has chosen the safer path. But in international politics, safety rarely inspires loyalty. If Beijing continues to retreat into silence, it may find that its dream of global leadership dissolvesnot with a clash, but with a quiet loss of trust.
( Aljumhuriya )  Even as a ceasefire has, for now, calmed tensions between Israel and Iran, Trumps decision to officially join Israels war effort has been illuminating on a multitude of fronts. In particular, it revealed how quickly Iran was able to cultivate global support for its sovereignty and multiple calls for restraint, particularly in the Muslim-majority world.

Even putative rivals of the Islamic Republic, like Saudi Arabia, have temporarily cast aside their tensions with Iran, and have (at least publicly) condemned the US-led attacks on Iranian sovereignty, calling instead for de-escalation. With one exception, that is: much of the Syrian public has been outright ambivalent about Irans latest woes.

Interim Syrian president Ahmad al-Sharaa has been conspicuously silent about the broader conflict between Israel and Iran, even before America formally intervened. This is perhaps understandable, given that his state was demilitarized overnight by Israel immediately after the fall of the Assad regime in December. Being unable at present to protect Syrian sovereignty from increasing Israeli incursions, the transitional Syrian government is in no position to flex diplomatic muscle against its neighbors turf wars with Iran.

But the position of the transitional government aside, a flood of Syrian commentators on social media have been demonstrably not on Irans side in light of these latest aggressions.

Many are on the fence, while some have gone as far as to cheer Iran getting a bloody nose. As one commentator put it, Iran is now getting its just comeuppance for its destruction of Syria.

To be clear, Syrian ire at the Islamic Republic of Iran is wholly legitimate and warranted. Iran played a devastating role in providing military and economic support to the Assad regime. Deliberately weaponizing the Shia sect of Islam, Iran sent foreign Shia fighters from all over the world as cannon fodder for the Assad regime. This policy included the neighboring Lebanese Shia armed group Hezbollah, but also included fighters from venues such as Afghanistan and Pakistan, which have no palpable stake in Syrian affairs.

These Shia militias did not merely offer military support: they engaged in sectarian reengineering, deliberately undermining Syrias pluralistic religious landscape. The Syrian Sunni town of Al-Qusayr is a case in point; following its ethnic cleansing by Hezbollah forces, the town was repopulated with foreign (primarily Iranian) Shia, exacerbating hitherto nonexistent sectarian tensions.

It is unsurprising, then, that while the Israeli assassination of Hassan Nasrallah last year was met with anger and sorrow by much of the region, Syrians in Idlib cheered his passing.

Syrians are thus entirely in the right to remember the Islamic Republics perfidy. With the fall of the Assad regime, a new Syria would be wise to demand accountability from Iran for its crimes. But Syrians celebrating US and Israel-led attacks on Iran are being short-sighted.

As a nascent state in political transition, a free Syria would be the biggest beneficiary of regional stability. Visceral volatility from regional warfare, on the other hand, could quickly undermine Syrias brief experiment with democratic governance: even if that volatility gives a black eye to a loathed adversary, the long-term prospects of regional war are disastrous for Syria.

Nader Hashemi, an Iran expert at Georgetown University, puts it in starker terms. The people of Syria have suffered the most from the regional intervention of the Islamic Republic of Iran, he says. But anyone who cheers on the Trump-Netanyahu war machine against Iran must recognize that Syria could just as easily be next.



Photo of Damascus in 2024 by Mahmoud Sulaiman on Unsplash

The pace at which Israel has gobbled up Syrian territory suggests this may be the case. Immediately following the fall of the Assad regime in December, Israel exploited the power vacuum of Assads ouster to invade the buffer zone in southwest Syria, increasing its territorial hold by several hundred square miles. In the months that followed, Israel furthered those incursions, both with ground offensives and with air strikes  some of which have successfully reached the capital of Damascus.

And in light of the latest Israeli offensive in Iran, Israeli forces have penetrated deeper into Syrian territory, advancing several kilometers into Quneitra province. Increased US-Israeli militarism in Iran, then, is no protection for preserving Syrias own sovereignty.

Indeed, Syrian cheerleaders for Trumps campaign against Iran should be careful what they wish for.

Reprinted from Aljumhuriya with the permission of the author.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 4, 2025) - Aranjin Resources Ltd. (TSXV: ARJN) ("Aranjin" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Thomas Wood to the Board of Directors and as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Matthew Wood will assume the role of Executive Chair of the Board of Directors.

Mr. Wood brings extensive experience across both the public and private sectors, with a background in economic policy, business strategy, investment, and project development. Prior to joining Aranjin, Mr. Wood served as a policy adviser to Leader of the Opposition in the Australian Senate, where he focused on economic, industrial, and regulatory matters. Earlier, he oversaw national media strategy for the Deputy Leader of the National Party.

In the private sector, Mr. Wood has managed a highly successful fund focused on small-cap mining investments on the ASX and has since led investment activity across both listed markets and early-stage ventures. He is a founding partner of QCapital Partners, a mining-focused venture capital firm based in Australia. Mr. Wood holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the Australian National University, majoring in Finance.

Matthew Wood, Executive Chairman commented: "We are delighted to welcome Thomas CEO, and member of the Board. His leadership and strategic insight will be instrumental as we pursue growth opportunities, particularly advancing the Victory Project in Mongolia and further developing our assets in Australia."

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Forward-looking Statements

Certain information contained herein constitutes "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, the completion of the Offering and Debt Settlement on the terms and timing described herein, the Offering and Debt Settlement, the Company's proposed use of proceeds from the Offering, receipt of TSXV approval for the Offering and the Debt Settlement, , the Company's reliance on certain exemptions from requirements under MI 61-101, the Company filing a material change report and the timing thereof,. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "will", "anticipates" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and they are from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to be materially different, including receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. Although management of the Company have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The Company will not update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws.
July 4, 2025  TheNewswire - Vancouver, British Columbia - Pampa Metals Corp. (Pampa Metals or the Company) (CSE: PM / FSE: FIRA / OTCQX: PMMCF) is pleased to advise the upsize of its previously announced non-brokered private placement offering to 37,500,000 shares at a price of $0.16 per share, for gross proceeds of $6,000,000 (the Offering).

The Offering has been upsized to partially fill demand from specialist resources funds and is being made pursuant to the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106- Prospectus Exemptions, in each of the Provinces of Canada except Quebec. The shares offered will not be subject to a Canadian hold period.

An amended and restated offering document (the Amended Offering Document) related to the LIFE Offering will be made available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. The Amended Offering Document will also be made available on the issuers website at www.pampametals.com. Prospective investors of the shares should read the Amended Offering Document before making an investment decision.

Subject to completion of the previously announced acquisition of Rugby Resources Ltd. (Rugby) (refer news release dated April 22, 2025) the Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering to fund exploration drilling at the Cobrasco copper porphyry discovery in Colombia, preparatory work for the upcoming field season at the Piuquenes copper-gold discovery in Argentina, and working capital and general corporate purposes, as more specifically described in the Amended Offering Document.

Completion of the acquisition of Rugby is expected to occur shortly after the special meeting of Rugby shareholders to be held on 16 July 2025 to approve the Plan of Arrangement for its acquisition by Pampa Metals.

Financial Advisor to the LIFE Offering

Canaccord Genuity Corp. has been appointed as financial advisor to the Company in connection with the LIFE offering and will receive an advisory fee equal to 1% of the total gross proceeds raised pursuant to the LIFE offering.

In connection with the LIFE offering, the Company may pay finders fees of up to 5% cash and 5% finders warrants. Finders warrants will have an exercise price of $0.30 and a 2-year term.

The Offering is not subject to closing the acquisition of Rugby Resources Ltd and remains subject to certain conditions customary for transactions of this nature, including, but not limited to, compliance with CSE policies. It is anticipated that the upsized Offering will close on or before July 22, 2025.

The securities to be offered pursuant to the LIFE Offering have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

ABOUT PAMPA METALS

Pampa Metals is a copper-gold exploration company listed on the Canadian Stock Exchange (CSE:PM), Frankfurt (FSE: FIR), and OTC (OTCQB: PMMCF) exchanges. In November 2023, the Company announced it had entered into an Option and Joint Venture Agreement for the acquisition of an 80% interest in the Piuquenes Copper-Gold Porphyry Project in San Juan Province, Argentina. In April of 2025 the Company announced an agreement to acquire 100% of Rugby Resources Ltd. and on closing will hold an 80% interest in the Cobrasco Project, located in Colombia.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Joseph van den Elsen | President & CEO | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

INVESTOR CONTACT

Jordan Webster | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Neither the CSE nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT

This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical fact, that address events or developments that Pampa Metals expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will" or "may" occur. These statements are subject to various risks. Although Pampa Metals believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guaranteeing of future performance, and actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES
Cornerstone investor brings proven regional track record; company now fully funded into 2026 for multi-project advancement in Colombia

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 4, 2025) - Quimbaya Gold Inc. (CSE: QIM) (OTCQB: QIMGF) (FSE: K05) ("Quimbaya" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the closing of its upsized non-brokered private placement of 11,525,299 units of the Company (each, a "Unit") at a price of C$0.35 per Unit for gross proceeds of $4,033,854 (the "Offering").

Each Unit is comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Share") and one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one Share at a price of C$0.60 per Share for a period of 36 months expiring on July 4, 2028.

As previously disclosed, the upsizing was driven by a single investor group with a long-term outlook and a successful track record of supporting exploration and development projects in South America. The Company views this as a strong endorsement of its team, strategy, and pipeline of high-potential assets across Colombia's Antioquia district.

"With this raise, we are now well-funded into 2026," said Alexandre P. Boivin, President & CEO. "These funds will allow us to deepen our work at the Tahami South project while expanding efforts across the broader portfolio. We're committed to smart, disciplined execution and are very encouraged by the high conviction backing we've received."

The proceeds from the Offering will be used to advance the Company's exploration programs, including drilling at the Tahami South project and follow-up work on regional copper-gold and gold targets, as well as for general working capital.

Clarification on Finder's Fees and Warrants

The Company wishes to clarify that a cash commission of $16,800 was paid and 48,000 broker warrants were issued in connection with the Offering. However, as previously disclosed, no commissions or other broker compensation were paid on the strategic investment that drove the upsizing.

In connection with the Offering, the Shares, Warrants and broker warrants are subject to a four-month and one-day hold period expiring on November 4, 2025.

Insider Participation

Certain insiders of the Company participated in the Offering subscribing for an aggregate of 435,714 units for an aggregate subscription amount of $152,500. Each of the subscriptions from insiders constitutes a "related party transaction" pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company has relied on the exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in sections 5.5(b) and 5.7(1)(a) thereof, respectively, as the common shares of the Company are not listed on a specified market and neither the fair market value (as determined under MI 61-101) of the subject matter of, nor the fair market value of the consideration for, the transaction, insofar as it involved the related parties, exceeded 25% of the Company's market capitalization (as determined under MI 61-101).

Appointment of Vice President, Business Development

Quimbaya is further pleased to announce the appointment of Sebastian Wahl as Vice President, Business Development. Mr. Wahl has served on the Company's Board of Directors for the past six months and has played a pivotal role in shaping its strategic direction and external positioning.

Given his contributions to date and the Company's growth trajectory, Mr. Wahl's transition into an executive role is both timely and natural. As VP of Business Development, he will work closely with the CEO on capital markets initiatives, strategic partnerships, and internal structuring to ensure the Company is well-positioned for its next phase of growth.

"Sebastian brings an exceptional network and a sharp sense of capital markets strategy," said Alexandre P. Boivin, President & CEO. "His insight and drive have already proven instrumental at the board level, and we're excited to now have his energy full-time as we accelerate our momentum."

Mr. Wahl's appointment reinforces Quimbaya's commitment to building a high-caliber leadership team capable of advancing its ambitious vision in Colombia and delivering value to shareholders.

Grant of Incentive Securities

The Company also announces that it has granted an aggregate of 1,730,000 restricted share units (RSUs) and 1,655,000 stock options to certain directors, officers, advisors, and consultants of the Company in accordance with its long-term performance incentive plan (the "LTIP"). The stock options are exercisable at $0.50 per share for a period of three years.

About Quimbaya

Quimbaya aims to discover gold resources through exploration and acquisition of mining properties in the prolific mining districts of Colombia. Managed by an experienced team in the mining sector, Quimbaya is focused on three projects in the regions of Segovia (Tahami Project), Puerto Berrio (Berrio Project), and Abejorral (Maitamac Project), all located in Antioquia Province, Colombia.

Quimbaya Gold Inc.

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Cautionary Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking information" as that term is defined in applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information. Generally, but not always, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends", "expects" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". Forward-looking statements herein include statements and information regarding the Offering's intended use of proceeds, any exercise of Warrants, the future plans for the Company, including any expectations of growth or market momentum, future expectations for the gold sector generally, the Colombian gold sector more particularly, or how global or local market trends may affect the Company, intended exploration on any of the Company's properties and any results thereof, the strength of the Company's mineral property portfolio, the potential discover and potential size of the discovery of minerals on any property of the Company's, including Tahami South, the aims and goals of the Company, and other forward-looking information. Forward-looking information by its nature is based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Quimbaya to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, that the Company's exploration and other activities will proceed as expected. The future outcomes that relate to forward-looking statements may be influenced by many factors, including but not limited to: future planned development and other activities on the Company's mineral properties; an inability to finance the Company; obtaining required permitting on the Company's mineral properties in a timely manner; any adverse changes to the planned operations of the Company's mineral properties; failure by the Company for any reason to undertake expected exploration programs; achieving and maintaining favourable relationships with local communities; mineral exploration results that are poorer or better than expected; prices for gold remaining as expected; currency exchange rates remaining as expected; availability of funds for the Company's projects; 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; the Offering proceeds being received as anticipated; all requisite regulatory and stock exchange approvals for the Offering are obtained in a timely fashion; investor participation in the Offering; and the Company's ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. Although Quimbaya's management believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. Furthermore, should one or more of the risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements or information. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of Quimbaya as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Except as required by law, Quimbaya does not expect to update forward-looking statements and information continually as conditions change.



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Last year, several military SUV vehicles were set on fire in Kropyvnytskyi, in central Ukraine. Power substations and even a helicopter of the local flight academy were also burnt. According to Ukrainian investigators, the arsonists were four local teenagers, while another one kept guard, who have been recruited by the Russian intelligence Service (FSB). One of them has been convicted, while the trial of the three others are awaiting trial.

Proceedings in absentia has also begun before the same District Court of Kropyvnytskyi, against the FSB operatives. According to the case file, Russian FSB operatives Yevhen Kozhemiakin and Oleksandr Suslyakov used Telegram for recruiting the young Ukrainians and tasking them with setting military vehicles, as well as public infrastructure facilities, on fire.

Reshaping public opinion

Among those recruited were four Kropyvnytskyi residents  two of them were 15 and 17 years old, and the other two were 18. The boys were charged with seven criminal charges, including attempted sabotage committed by a group of people in collusion.

According to the investigators, these actions are aimed at reshaping public opinion, by showing that people in Ukraine support Russia and defy the Ukrainian armed forces. Russian special services host a special Telegram channel through which they offer considerable money for setting fire to vehicles and power substations. The payments are made with cryptocurrency.

In August last year, 17-year-old Danylo D. found a Telegram channel run by the FSB operatives. He received an offer to set the vehicles of the Ukrainian Armed Forces on fire for money. A mandatory condition was to record the arson on video.

Together with his 15-year-old friend Mykyta P., Danylo bought gasoline and set fire to the SUV of a Ukrainian military gunner in the middle of the night. The boys recorded the burning on video and escaped. Mykyta set fire to a vehicle on another occasion on his own, after coordinating it with the FSB operative through the same Telegram channel.

Soon after, Danylo and another of his friends, 18-year-old Rustam G., set fire to two military SUVs. One night, they broke into a local airfield and tried to burn down a MI-2 helicopter, property of the flight academy. The boys videotaped themselves pouring gasoline on the helicopter and setting it on fire. However, the fire was put out by rain.

Then the boys decided to start setting fire to power substations. They damaged a substation in Kropyvnytskyi, but the teenagers were detained during an attempt to set fire to a voltage transformer in the village of Pervozvanivka, located near the regional capital. In addition to Danylo and Rustam, law enforcement officers apprehended 18-year-old Vladyslav S. The boy kept guard while his associates were cutting barbed wire surrounding the substation. The FSB operatives were paying from 700 to 1600 euros per action in cryptocurrency. Danylo was the one who received most of the money.

Minored sentence after a guilty plea

So far, only one of the teenagers has been sentenced, in May 2025  18-year-old Vladislav S., who kept guard while his friends attempted to burn down the power substation. Unlike the other young men, Vladislav was charged with attempted intentional damage to an electrical power facility. This offence is subject to a less severe penalty than sabotage.

The verdict states that his friends offered Vladislav 10,000 UAH [200 euros] for helping them. However, he allegedly did not know that his associates were acting on the instructions of the FSB. And during the court hearing, Vladislav, who was a minor at the time, pleaded guilty. He signed a plea agreement with the prosecutors office.

The judge of the Kropyvnytskyi District Court sentenced him to two years of probation. He will have to attend meetings with the probation authority during his non prison term. He should also comply with the Life skills development probation programme. In addition, the court ruled that the young man should read the book Kruty 1918  a patriotic historical drama telling the story of a battle near the town of Kruty (north-east of Kyiv) between young military cadets of the Ukrainian Peoples Republic and the occupation forces of Soviet Russia.

Crimes against national security

The three other young men involved in the arson attacks were taken into custody after their arrest. However, at the end of last year, the court released one of them under his mothers supervision. Another one was ordered to house arrest.

According to court rulings, the searches of the teenagers possessions revealed balaclavas, gloves, several iPhones and a receipt for the purchase of an airgun. At the end of May this year, the Kropyvnytskyi District Court began considering an indictment against them. They are charged with crimes against national security. This includes obstructing the legitimate activity of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, attempted sabotage, and intentional destruction of property committed by a group of people.

Recruitment of children, a war crime

The FSB operatives Kozhemiakin and Suslyakov are also charged by the Ukrainian prosecutors with a crime against national security  planning of sabotage. The local court have started proceedings against them in absentia. The two Russians have been included in the nationwide wanted list.

Furthermore, Ukrainian human rights activists and representatives of the Prosecutor Generals Office have voiced their opinion that the recruitment of children by Russia to make them participate in the war is to be considered a war crime.

For instance, Andriy Yakovlev, a lawyer and expert at the Media Initiative for Human Rights, explained that the arson attacks on military vehicles seek to obstruct mobilisation. Therefore, they can be interpreted as participation in enemy military operations. In his opinion, such operations widely meet the definition of participation in the hostilities.

And according to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, recently ratified by Ukraine and that officially entered into force on 1 January 2025, the involvement of children in hostilities is considered a war crime.

According to Andriy Yakovlev, an accurate qualification of the Russians actions increases the chance of their eventual prosecution. War crimes have no statute of limitations.

Yuriy Belousov, Head of the War Department of the Prosecutor Generals Office, recently stated that the involvement of minors in combat is a war crime and that a guidance letter has been sent to all regional public prosecutors offices.

This report is part of our coverage of war crimes justice produced in partnership with Ukrainian journalists. A first version of this article was published on the  Gre4ka  website.
A court in El Salvador has sentenced three former military commanders to 60 years for the killings of four Dutch journalists in 1982 during the Central American country's civil war.

Journalists Koos Koster, Jan Kuiper, Hans ter Laag and Joop Willemsen were filming a documentary on the conflict when they were killed in an ambush.

The defendants, now in their 80s and 90s, are former defense minister Jose Guillermo Garcia, former Treasury Police chief Francisco Moran and ex-infantry brigade commander Mario Adalberto Reyes Mena.

The court initially sentenced them to 15 years each in June but clarified Thursday that because four people were murdered, the total sentence for each man is 60 years.

However, they will serve only 30 years because this was the maximum allowed under the law in force at the time of the killings, the victims' lawyer Gustavo Huezo told reporters.

The court also ordered the Salvadoran state to publicly apologize to the families "for the delay in justice" and because the perpetrators belonged to the military high command.

President Nayib Bukele, as commander of the armed forces, must issue the apology within 30 business days.

The case was frozen in 1993, after the enactment of a law pardoning war crimes.

It was reopened in 2018 after the Supreme Court declared the amnesty law unconstitutional, but relatives of the victims still had to wait years for the main hearing.

El Salvador's civil war, which pitted the military against leftist guerrillas, left more than 75,000 people dead.

Garcia led the Armed Forces from 1979 to 1983, when the worst massacres perpetrated by the military took place.






Thursday, July 3, 2025 - A 28-year-old lady from Cape Town, South Africa, has gone viral after sharing her emotional story of allegedly being unfairly dismissed for simply trying to improve her life.

Aseza Limelintaka, who worked as a cashier at a Shell Garage in Maitland, claims that she was fired after showing up to work in a recently purchased second-hand Honda.

According to Aseza, her Indian boss grew suspicious of how she could afford a car on her salary and accused her of theft.

In a Facebook post thats gone viral, she explained how she had saved for months and taken a loan to afford the car.

I went through my bank app and showed him everything, she wrote.

He said hes uncomfortable with me being a cashier now that I have new furniture and a car.

Aseza says she was given an ultimatum: take a demotion to petrol pump attendant or resign.

I refused. I did nothing wrong, she wrote, adding that the car was meant to help her grow a side hustle while keeping her job.

Her story has sparked widespread outrage online, with many rallying behind her, calling the situation discriminatory and unjust.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, July 3, 2025 - Activist Boniface Mwangi has sharply criticized blogger Ndiangui Kinyangia, accusing him of deceiving Kenyans who believed he had been abducted.

Mwangi's remarks came shortly after Kinyangia's family, through their lawyer, Wahome Thuku, revealed that the blogger had gone into hiding to evade arrest by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

In a strongly worded post on X, Mwangi condemned both Kinyangia and his family, saying their silence misled a nation that had rallied for his release.

What Ndiangui Kinyangia has done is wrong and criminal.

An entire country was praying for his safety, thinking he was abducted.

Shame on him and his family for misleading an entire nation. Kasongo Yeye! Mwangi wrote, referencing one of President William Ruto's nicknames.

Lawyer Wahome Thuku confirmed on Thursday morning that Kinyangia had contacted a family member on Tuesday, assuring them that he was safe but in hiding due to an imminent arrest.

Thuku disclosed that DCI officers had earlier raided Kinyangias residence and seized several items, prompting him to go underground.

The incident was reported at Kinoo Police Station.

Kinyangia disappeared last week after sharing details about the June 25th protests, sparking public outcry and legal action.

A court had ordered Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja and DCI boss Mohammed Amin to produce him by June 30th.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, July 3, 2025 - Controversial city fraudster, Madollar Mapesa, is once again on the spotlight - this time for physically assaulting a matatu driver following a minor road accident, all while a uniformed police officer looked on without intervening.

In a video shared online, Mapesa is seen aggressively confronting the matatu driver, shouting obscenities before slapping and shoving him in front of passengers and bystanders.

The accident was minor and clearly Mapesas fault, yet he resorted to violence instead of following the proper legal or insurance procedures.

Mapesas name has frequently been linked to con rings that target unsuspecting Kenyans online.

Watch the video.

City fraudster MADOLLAR MAPESA caught on camera assaulting a matatu driver despite being on the wrong - Police officer watches silently pic.twitter.com/fBQyj3x5r6  DAILY POST  (@dailypost_ke) July 3, 2025

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, July 3, 2025 - Balthazar Engonga Ebang, once the Director-General of Equatorial Guineas Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), who went viral in late 2024 after private videos of him leaked online, has been slapped with an 18-year jail term after being found guilty of embezzling over Sh230 million (1 billion CFA francs) during his time in office.

Ebang was accused of looting public funds between 2015 and 2020 while heading the Directorate General of Insurance and Reinsurance (DGAR).

Prosecutors revealed that he used the stolen funds to bankroll a lavish lifestyle - spending millions on women, luxury indulgences, and private escapades.

The sentencing includes eight years for embezzlement, four years and five months for illicit enrichment, and six years and one day for abuse of power.

He was also slapped with a Sh209 million fine and banned from holding public office.

In late 2024, Engonga shocked the nation after over 400 private tapes emerged, reportedly featuring him with more than 100 women - some allegedly wives of top officials and aides.

The clips, filmed in hotels and offices, sent social media into a frenzy.

Following the scandal, President Teodoro Obiang appointed Zenon Obiang Obiang Avomo as Engongas replacement - and launched formal investigations into both the scandals.




Thursday, July 3, 2025 - Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga was captured on camera bribing college students to cheer politicians during the burial of slain blogger Albert Ojwang.

A photo circulating widely on social media shows students from Mawego Technical Training Institute lining up to receive Ksh 500 each from the Governors team.

According to sources on the ground, the money was given in exchange for cheering and creating a favorable atmosphere for political figures in attendance.

The burial, meant to honor the memory of the blogger believed to have been targeted for his vocal activism, has now been overshadowed by claims of political stage-managing and manipulation.

Sources further revealed that in addition to the cash handouts, Governor Wanga provided bulls to be slaughtered specifically for the students, a gesture that many now see as part of the alleged strategy to buy public support and applause.

Critics argue that the Governors actions are disrespectful not only to the grieving family of Albert Ojwang, but also to the spirit of justice and accountability that Kenyans have been demanding since his death.




Thursday, July 3, 2025 - The Homa Bay County Government has completed the construction of a modern two-bedroom house for the parents of the late Albert Ojwang, just a day before his burial.

Governor Gladys Wanga, in a statement on Thursday morning, said the house was a fulfillment of Ojwangs dream to build a decent home for his parents, despite his tragic death.

The house sits next to the family's old semi-permanent structure in Kokwanyo village, Kasipul Kabondo.

Inside, it features a spacious sitting room, two bedrooms, a bathroom, a toilet, and a kitchen with a backdoor.

Governor Wanga officially handed over the house, reiterating her call for justice over Ojwang's death in early June while in police custody.

As we receive Alberts body home, his dream lives on. May justice prevail, she said.

Wanga first visited the grieving family on June 16th, offering them Ksh2 million in cash donations from President William Ruto.

She also pledged to mobilize friends to help purchase land in Homa Bay town for building rental units to provide the family with a stable income.






Thursday, July 3, 2025 - Former Interior Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Fred Matiangi, joined opposition leaders, including former Deputy President and DCP leader, Rigathi Gachagua, on a political tour of Western Kenya on Thursday, July 3rd.

Their first stop was Luanda, Vihiga County - home of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi - where they addressed a massive crowd.

Matiangi, widely seen as a potential compromise opposition candidate for the 2027 presidential race, energized the crowd with the now-famous wantam chant.

Taking the microphone, he began with Harambee, prompting a thunderous response of wantam from the crowd.

The chant, popularized by Gachagua, has become a rallying cry signaling that President William Ruto should serve only one term.

Other key figures present included Wiper Party leader, Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K leader, Eugene Wamalwa, and former Attorney General Justin Muturi, as the opposition intensifies efforts to consolidate support ahead of the 2027 elections.

Rigathi Gachagua says his new slogan "hi cousins" pic.twitter.com/H8MJ9sveMT  KENYA GOSSIP HUB (@kenyasgossips) July 3, 2025

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, July 3, 2025 - Kenyans are expressing a wave of disbelief and outrage after missing techie and blogger, Ndiangui Kinyagia, resurfaced - not from state custody as feared, but from hiding.

According to a statement released on Thursday, July 3rd, by family lawyer Wahome Thuku, Ndiangui had gone into hiding on June 20th, fearing for his life after allegedly learning that DCI officers were looking for him over undisclosed allegations.

Thuku revealed that Ndiangui contacted a family member on Tuesday evening to confirm he was alive and well.

Ndiangui appeared at the Milimani Law Courts wearing a maroon hoodie, face mask, and glasses. His emotional reunion with his family was marked by tears and visible distress.

However, his reappearance has ignited anger online.

Activist Boniface Mwangi led the criticism, accusing Ndiangui and his family of deceiving the nation.

An entire country was praying for his safety, thinking he had been abducted. All along, he was hiding! Shame on him and his family, Mwangi wrote on social media.

Many Kenyans echoed the sentiment, slamming the family for misleading the Law Society of Kenya, which filed a habeas corpus suit on his behalf.

However, a growing section of critics now believes Ndianguis sudden reappearance and the "in-hiding" narrative may be a well-crafted strategy to rehabilitate the image of the police, which had come under intense criticism over recent enforced disappearances and brutality.

They argue that portraying Ndiangui as having staged his own disappearance conveniently shifts public outrage away from security agencies, and even discredits legitimate protesters and victims of state harassment.

See reactions below:

@StateAffairsKE: "We stood in solidarity. We searched in hope. We cried in despair. But Ndiangui Kinyagia was never missing. He was safe, while the country mourned a lie. He turned empathy into a game, and now, the nation demands accountability. Emotional Extortion.#StopFakeAbductions!"

Bishop Lallo: Ndiang'ui was abducted. Now hes back, clearly shaken, with his hair shaved, and claiming he was hiding? Thats not a return, thats a script. A deal was clearly struck between him and his abductors.

Chris Sambu: Ndiangui kinyagia looks so terrified and not like someone who has come from a safe haven. Hes uncharacteristically shaved. I hope he will account for his missing days. I know how far the state can go. I went through the wrath of the state in October last year."

Willie Oeba: "Hii Story Ya Ndiangui Kinyagia doesn't add up. One day the Family is crying on Live TV their kin is abducted, the next Day DCI say they dont have him. Two Days later ametokea. Theres a Narrative to be deconstructed here!"






Thursday, July 3, 2025 - President William Ruto has donated Ksh1 million to the family of Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, a mask vendor who was fatally shot by a police officer during recent protests in Nairobis Central Business District.

Kangema MP, Peter Irungu Kihungi, who led a delegation to Kariukis home on Wednesday, July 2nd, confirmed the donation and conveyed the Presidents message of sympathy and commitment to justice.

We visited the home of the late Boniface Mwangi Kariuki to offer heartfelt condolences. The President has donated Ksh1 million to support the grieving family and has assured them of his unwavering commitment to justice, said Kihungi.

He also noted that the family had not yet recorded a formal statement with the police, but that Principal Secretary Raymond Omollos office had committed to ensuring the matter is addressed urgently.

Muranga Governor Irungu Kangata also mourned Kariuki, expressing his sorrow over the death of the unarmed hawker, who succumbed to gunshot injuries while receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital.

Kangata affirmed that the Muranga County Government supported Kariuki during his hospitalization and will continue assisting his family during this period of mourning.

The officers involved, Klinzy Baraza Masinde and Duncan Kiprono, have been interdicted and are now in custody as investigations by IPOA continue.






Thursday, July 3, 2025 - A police officer suspected of fatally shooting Rex Masai during Gen Z-led protests was spotted walking freely in Nairobis Central Business District, sparking outrage online.

A photo circulating online shows the officer casually strolling through downtown, looking unbothered despite being at the center of a high-profile police brutality case.

Reports indicate that the rogue officer, stationed at Central Police Station, is still part of an undercover police squad deployed to Nairobi Central Business District to collect bribes in wines and spirits and bus stations.

The ruthless police squad is infamous for harassing matatu touts and small scale traders.

Rex Masai, a university student and firstborn in his family, was fatally shot last year, during a protest against the controversial Finance Bill.

The incident shocked the nation and became a rallying cry for thousands of Gen Z demonstrators demanding police reform, accountability, and transparency in governance.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, July 3, 2025 - Kenyans have been left questioning Government priorities after Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and several high-ranking officials landed in a poverty-stricken village in Tana River County using a fleet of 8 choppers, a move widely condemned as an outrageous waste of public funds.

In a video shared on social media, the deafening sounds of the choppers are heard as they descend on a dusty, underdeveloped field surrounded by mud-walled homes.

Residents, many of whom lack access to clean water, food, and healthcare, watched in disbelief as the aerial entourage landed with a heavy security presence.

The extravagant mode of transport has drawn sharp criticism from Kenyans online.

8 helicopters to visit a village where people fetch water from rivers shared with animals? This is pure mockery, wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter).

They should have used that money to build a school or drill a borehole. This is not leadership, its theatre, another posted.

Watch the video.

DP Kindiki and the Broad-Based politicians flew to a small village in Tana River with 8 helicopters, cutting down Government expenditure! pic.twitter.com/JVe212eyXx  The Kenyan Vigilante (@KenyanSays) July 3, 2025

The Kenyan DAILY POST
Ellen O'Donoghue

Dublin city centre is to see a new help zone for people on nights out introduced this evening, Friday, July 4th.

It will operate on Camden Street every Friday and Saturday night from 10pm until 3am.

Nicknamed the "Nee Naw", the mobile unit will include a medic, a welfare officer, two trained security personnel - one male and one female - and a site operator.

A similar initiative was previously trialled at College Green.

Dublin's Night-Time Economy Advisor, Ray ODonoghue, told Newstalk that it will offer non-judgmental support for anyone in need.

"Were the go-between A&E and the guards, we dont want people necessarily having to go to a garda station, we dont want people having to go to A&E, we know how that can be and how that can last, you could be there for 10 or 11 hours on a busy Saturday, so we want to be able to deal with those small first aid cases, kind of be some kind of a triage," Mr O'Donoghue said.

The initiative is run by Dublin City Council and supported by the Department of Justice, and is designed to provide support to people who may need assistance during a night out, whether they feel unwell, overwhelmed or need a calm and friendly place to regroup.

The help zone will be a branded mobile unit and will run for a six to eight-week pilot period from July 4th.

Paul Clinton, who owns nearby Flannery's Bar, told the station that it will help cut down on ambulance call-outs.

"Its a problem in the city, Dublin city suffers from people not feeling safe late at night, and this initiative will be fantastic, it just shows the city council someone cares, its a great facility to have on the street, we think its great, and we wish it the best."

Mr O'Donoghue added that it follows on from a similar pilot at College Green over Christmas, which was a "learning experience".

"That was the whole idea behind it, we only ran it for three nights over a busy time, we had a lot of people come up, we were up to 150 over the course of the night, but only a few incidents. This will be a busier, higher footfall area, and a busier nighttime crowd, Id say," he said.
Naas Racecourse presents its latest seven-race Flat card on Saturday afternoon, with the feature race being the valuable Pat Smullen Stakes; a two-year-olds Listed contest.

Read on for a full report of the Naas card, courtesy of BoyleSports, who offer the latest Galway Festival odds.

The afternoons action begins with a five-furlong two-year-old fillies maiden (1.57). With a field of 15, five of which have never been seen before, this could prove to be anyones race. Of those with form, Michael Butlers Practical Move is currently the best, having finished third of seven behind the talented Havana Anna over course and distance on debut. On the basis of pedigrees, however, she looks very vulnerable to the likes of By The Lake - who hails from a Group One winning family - and Coolmores Cactus, a daughter of Wootton Bassett. By The Lake is the best quality on paper and comes from Ger Lyons stable, who has an excellent strike rate of 27% about his two-year-olds on turf this season.

We stay with the two-year-olds for the next race, this time over six furlongs (2.32). There are just three debutants in this field of nine, of which Ridersinthesky is equipped with cheekpieces already, which isnt overly attractive. Just A City Boy, though, was an expensive breeze up buy, and connections will be hoping he can make an impact on his first performance. It wont be straightforward for him, however, in amongst the likes of Lyons pair; last-start winner Sir Alfie, whose penalty is counteracted by a claiming jockey, and Howdyadoit, who was only a length behind the former that day. That said, The Pipers Call, who showed an impressive turn of foot on debut behind the high quality Flushing Meadows, might prove to be the best of the bunch.

Next is an apprentice handicap over six furlongs (3.07). Carrigans Grove won at this track over a furlong less last time out, but has been heavily penalised for that run and, though given weight back by a claiming rider, might find it difficult to win again from stall 15. Goldmoyne looks to have a solid chance from the innermost draw, having run a good race at Fairyhouse on reappearance and is entitled to come on for the run.

Again over six furlongs, the following race is a very competitive fillies and mares handicap (3.42). Aurora Nova seeks a hat-trick, having won both last starts over five furlongs, while the consistent and reliable Gazelle dOr looks likely to be involved once again. Some life may be breathed back into Wheres Clare by newly equipped cheekpieces and Agouti Bear should have a chance here if she gets some luck in running and could be spot on with the handicapper now to win this.

The greatly anticipated Pat Smullen Stakes is next, a Listed race run over a mile (4.17). Three of the eight runners are newcomers, so they must all be believed at home to be of some class; Wyman, whose pedigree is the most promising of the debutants, Blue Blue Moon and Genchev. Aidan OBrien sends debut winner Daytona into the mix and he is naturally a main player, but if Wyman is on point for his first go, he may prove to be even better.

The penultimate race is over an extended mile and a quarter; a three-year-olds handicap (4.50). Theres something of a lack of decent form on offer from this term, save an extremely impressive win last time out at Gowran Park by Casheldale Lass, who has been raised accordingly in the weights. Behind her that day was Whats New, who wears a first-time visor here and could improve for it for at least a place, remaining on the same mark. But, Lisnadill looks to have been given a fair chance by the handicapper for this and could surprise.

Our finale is a three-year-olds rated race over seven furlongs (5.20). Juddmonte have two runners here; debut winner Fingerpaint, and the more exposed Storm Piece. Both should run big races, but the quality Iceford could be expected to bounce back from a below-par showing at Royal Ascot and take the win here for his in-form trainer.

Naas selections - Saturday:

1.57 - By The Lake

2.32 - The Pipers Call

3.07 - Goldmoyne

3.42 - Agouti Bear

4.17 - Wyman

4.50 - Lisnadill

5.20 - Iceford
Participants in a recent enterprise awards scheme were so impressive that for the first time judges were unable to pick just one winner!



The pleasant surprise for candidates saw an extra second and third prize added to the accolades.

The outstanding pitches were made to judges on the final day of the START Exit 4 competition.

The initiative was launched back in April and the competition attracted entrepreneurs from right across the county with an array of tech related business ideas. The competition involved a series of business workshops and one-to-one mentoring culminating in a finale where finalists pitched their ideas towards an investment fund worth 10,000.

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Last Friday, the entrepreneurs individually went before the judges in a Dragons Den style final pitch  doing such a good job that the extra awards were added.

Overall winner of the competition is Shane Doherty. Shane is currently developing a fully integrated AI-powered hotel operating system aimed at improving revenue and overall efficiency for the hospitality sector. Described as innovative and interesting, his work will support the hospitality industry, which is so important in Kilkenny and across Ireland.

Second place was awarded to Mark Dunne. He is currently developing an AI powered fintech platform for the corporate sector specifically providing a solution for the mergers and acquisitions landscape. In third place, Denis Queally, Awaken Botanical based in Urlingford, has developed a premium herbal wellness brand rooted in nature, science and personalisation.

Judges were Aileen McGrath, Local Enterprise Office (LEO), Dymphna Hayes, Urlingford Town Team and Ian Campbell, SETU.

Ms McGrath said she had been involved in these competitions for years and it was the first time the judges had been overwhelmed by the high standard and couldnt pick just one winner.

Whilst the investment fund is a very important element of the competition, other business supports such as management training, networking and one-to-one mentoring are also at the heart of this competition. We hoped that by taking part, it has supported our finalists move their business proposals to the next level, Ms McGrath said.

She urged the young businesses to keep in touch with the LEO who have a support system for them.

Other participants in the competition were: Jenny Dowley, Andrii Kunar, Pa OSullivan and Seyi Adewunmi.

Chairman of Kilkenny County Council Michael McCarthy said that the overall aim of this competition was to encourage and support people starting out on their entrepreneurial journey.

He added: We hope the participants have enjoyed the experience and learnt a lot through participation in terms of refining the business proposition and developing an investor ready pitch which helped to prepare for future funding.

Exit 4 is a conferencing and remote working hub located in the renovated former bank building in the centre of Urlingford. Both speakers thanked Urlingford Town Team, who run the centre, for their support of the competition. Ms McGrath thanked them for the warm welcome and their work to create the excellent facility that enabled SETU and LEO support local businesses.
Second class pupils from Urlingford National School (Scoil an Chroi Ro-Naofa), Kilkenny took part in a beach exploration workshop hosted by Green-Schools at Tramore beach in County Waterford recently.

The group is one of 90 classes from 56 schools nationwide that recently took part in the SeaKeepers Project, and were the lucky winners of this years field trip to the beach.

The SeaKeepers Project is an initiative of the Green-Schools Marine Environment theme, which provides primary school teachers with resources and lesson plans to teach children about Irelands marine life, including the basking shark, grey seal, mackerel, oystercatcher bird, limpet, and bladder-wrack seaweed.

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The aim of the project is to increase young peoples knowledge of Irelands marine biodiversity and to foster a deeper appreciation for our coastal habitats and sea-life. The students took part in a range of fun activities and games.

Urlingford NS is a co-educational primary school with approximately 227 students. They have been working on the Green-Schools programme since 2004 and were recently awarded their eighth Green Flag focusing on the Global Citizenship Marine Environment theme, which is supported by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

As part of their work on this theme they learned about the impacts of marine litter on ocean and coastal environments, carried out clean ups in school and at their local river and reduced single use plastic bottles in their school.
A planning application from Dunnes Stores was received by Kilkenny County Council on July 1 for the development of a retail store and leisure facilities at Ferrybank Shopping Centre.

The site has been without a commercial tenant since its construction in 2008, with the application being a significant step towards ending the saga of getting the facility in use.

The development outlined consists of a change of use and amalgamation of the centres unused car showroom with the existing retail anchor unit space at ground floor level to form a single unit above the basement car park.

The reconfigured site will have 3,000 square metres of convenience floorspace for everyday goods and 2,042 sqm of comparison floorspace for things like clothes and electronics.

READ NEXT: Mary Rooney on overcoming dark times and taking on new role with Kilkenny IKA

The basement storage and goods inward areas of the unit will stay unchanged and have an area of around 7,558 sqm while the store will have access from the ground floor mall level of the shopping centre.

The first floor of the retail unit, previously approved for the sale of comparison goods, will be repurposed into a separate leisure unit measuring 3,140 sqm and access to this will be from the first floor mall level.

Dunnes purchased the unit in 2023 and will now try to add to the shopping centre which currently only houses the Ferrybank Library and an area office for Kilkenny County Council.

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Sinn Fein TD for Carlow-Kilkenny, Natasha Newsome Drennan has hit out at 'empty promises' made by Fianna Fail and Fine Gael public representatives as the cries for funding on the N25 Waterford to Glenmore Road project get louder and louder from the local community.

The Mullinavat native has told Kilkenny Live that following a reply she received from both the Minister for Transport and Transport Infrastructure Ireland, no funding has been committed to the project.

As a result, Deputy Newsome Drennan says The N25 Waterford to Glenmore Road project has been 'put on indefinite hold'.

READ NEXT: Kilkenny woman appointed CEO of the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland

"The N25 road is one of the deadliest roads in the State. We are seeing consistent traffic accidents along the road; tragically, there have been several fatal crashes," the Carlow-Kilkenny TD stated.

"This is devastating local families and the community. I have raised the issue in the Dail, only to see it dismissed with vague replies.

"The Minister outlined to me that he is responsible for overall project funding, but the planning, design, and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities," she continued.

"It was also shocking to see that over 600,000 in funding allocated for the road was not used, and no funding has been allocated since 2022, despite the high number of crashes along this road.

"We are seeing a growing trend from Government Backbenchers, telling communities that they have gotten an assurance or commitment from a Minister that funding will be put in place," Ms Drennan claimed.

READ NEXT: Musical royalty confirmed for Kilkenny as music festival details announced!

"But these assurances are nowhere to be seen when put directly to the Minister. Weve seen this trend growing from Fianna Fail and Fine Gael locally, and nationally, with reducing student fees being one of the latest empty promises.

"These empty promises are an insult to the public.

They chip away at people's faith in politics. We need to see our public representatives be honest with the local community about funding for projects. We need to see an end to the empty promises," the Sinn Fein TD concluded.

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US authorities accuse Mexican boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. of making fraudulent statements on his application for permanent residency in the United States
Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, center left, holds up her phone to snap a picture with Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., center right, as Republicans in the House celebrate final passage of President Donald Trump's signature bill of tax breaks and spending cuts, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, July 3, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
The US Supreme Court has allowed President Donald Trump's administration to resume deportations of migrants to countries that are not their own
THE issue of able-bodied drivers illegally parking in designated disabled blue badge disabled parking bays around Portlaoise was raised at the June meeting of councillors from the district.

A suggestion was put forward as to one way of dissuading illegal parking in these bays and that is to place a contact number on the signs in the bays where people who spot those illegally parking can text the traffic wardens, who could then come and resolve the problem.

In calling on the council to address the issue of disabled parking areas being occupied by non-permit holders in the town, cllr Tommy Mulligan said: This is a regular occurrence around the town in the disabled parking areas. I know there are no controls in such parking bays in shopping centres or in privately owned areas, but its happening in public parking areas, throughout the town. People are parking in disabled bays and dont have permits (blue badges).

He said that disabled drivers who hold such parking permits pay for them.

Its deeply frustrating for them. They have physical challenges, said cllr Mulligan. They end up driving around (looking for a vacant disabled parking bay) and in often cases, end up driving home. Theres a lack of empathy out there with the public. People dont seem to care.

He asked how often do the traffic wardens patrol and monitor disabled parking bays in the town?

Cllr Mulligan on to suggest, could we maybe put some form of a notification or a sticker on the (disabled parking) signs, so if there was somebody parking in them without a permit, a number could be texted straight to the traffic wardens, who could then come and address the situation or issue a fine. Is it something we could do? It would be a good way of dealing with the problem.

A Portlaoise councillor has called for a text number to be placed on disabled parking bay signs so that those illegally parking in the bays could be reported to the traffic wardens to come and deal with the offender.

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley said: The traffic wardens are doing a great job around the town. They have a very big area to cover. Theyre on the streets the whole time. I do know that they are strict with anyone they see parking in a disabled parking bay without a permit and fair play to them, they have my full support on that. I have seen them dealing with people in these bays and unfortunately they get terrible abuse. They have an awful job to do and I can tell you, the public arent simple to deal with if a ticket is being given out. Ive seen them being abused to the height. Its the one thing I cant abide by. Nobody should be parked in a disabled parking bay without a permit.

Cllr John Joe Fennelly said: This is certainly not the fault of the traffic wardens. Its driver behaviour. Anyone who hasnt got a disabled parking permit should not be parking in those bays. Its as simple as that. Maybe we should look at increasing the fines.

Cllr Barry Walsh agreed: There should be some sort of a reporting mechanism or maybe higher fines? The traffic wardens are doing their jobs. I see them out and patrolling regularity in all weathers.

It is driver behaviour said cllr Marie Tuohy. It has always been a pet hate of mine. Now I have a (disabled parking) badge on the car and its often the time that people just give up (looking for a vacant disabled parking bay) and go home. Its not ok for people to park in them and say theyre only going into the shop for a minute, or there wasnt another parking space. Its extremely selfish. People need those spaces.

The Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland (DDAI) highlighted a text alert scheme that is already active in Gorey, Co Wexford, and in Lucan and Rathfarnham in Dublin. The scheme allows people to alert the traffic warden if someone is parked in one of the accessible bays without a permit or is misusing a permit.

The DDAI said it would like all local authorities across the country to adopt the scheme.
On 3 July Argentina handed over to Brazil the six-month rotating presidency of the Southern Common Market (Mercosur), the regional trade bloc comprising Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia.

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On 3 July Chiles Presidenttook part in an event to commemorate the 50anniversary of the arrest and disappearance of the ten-member clandestine leadership committee of the Partido Socialista (PS) during the military dictatorship led by General(1973-1990).

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On 3 July Colombia and the US recalled their ambassadors for consultations amid rising tensions over an alleged plot against President, who is dealing with the dispute without a foreign minister afterunexpectedly resigned yesterday.

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Capital Region Stands up hosted a town hall at Central Penn College for residents in the 10th Congressional District to learn about current state and national issues on June 22, 2025. Former Congressman Conor Lamb speaks during the town hall. Vicki Vellios Briner | Special to PennLive Vicki Vellios Briner | Special to PennLive

By MARC LEVY Associated Press

ENOLA, Pa.  Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania isnt even up for reelection until 2028, but already a one-time primary foe, former U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb, is crisscrossing Pennsylvania and social media, looking and sounding like hes preparing to challenge Fetterman again.

At town hall after town hall across Pennsylvania, Democrats and allied progressive groups arent hearing from Fetterman in person  or Republicans who control Washington, for that matter.

But they are hearing from Lamb, a living reminder of the Democrat they could have elected instead of Fetterman. The former congressman has emerged as an in-demand town hall headliner, sometimes as a stand-in for Fetterman  who just might bash Fetterman.

I thought I was going to play Senator Fetterman, Lamb joked as he sat down in front of a central Pennsylvania crowd last Sunday.

Democrats are frustrated with Fetterman

Lambs reemergence comes at an in-between moment, roughly halfway through Fettermans six-year term, and is helping define the struggle facing Democrats in swing-state Pennsylvania.

There, Democrats figure prominently in their national effort to push back on President Donald Trump, but also in their struggle to figure out what to do about Fetterman, who is under fire from rank-and-file Democrats for being willing to cooperate with Trump and criticizing how Democrats have protested him.

Frustration with Fetterman has been on display on social media, at the massive  No Kings  rally in Philadelphia and among the Democratic Partys faithful. The steering committee of the progressive organization Indivisible PA last month asked Fetterman to resign.

Its quite a turnabout for the hoodies-and-shorts-wearing Fetterman, elected in 2022 with an everyman persona and irreverent wit, who was unafraid to challenge convention.

For some progressives, frustration with Fetterman began with his staunch support for Israels punishing war against Hamas in Gaza, an issue that divides Democrats.

Its moved beyond that since Trump took office. Now, some are wondering why hes  as they see it  kissing up to Trump, why hes chastising fellow Democrats for their anti-Trump resistance and whether hes even committed to their causes at all.

Most recently, they question his support for Trumps bombing of Iran.

It hurts, said John Abbott, who attended Sundays event in suburban Harrisburg.

Speaking at the flagship No Kings rally in Philadelphia, Indivisible co-founder Leah Greenberg name-checked Fetterman.

Were looking to the leaders who will fight for us, because even today there are folks among the Democratic Party who think we should roll over and play dead, Greenberg said. Anyone seen John Fetterman here today?

The crowd booed.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 2: U.S. Senator John Fetterman during the sixth installment of The Senate Project moderated by FOX NEWS anchor Shannon Bream at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate on June 2, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Senate Project is an initiative between the Kennedy Institute and the Hatch Foundation that brings together sitting US Senators from opposing parties for an Oxford-style exchange of ideas about current political issues before a live audience. (Photo by Scott Eisen/Getty Images) Getty Images

Why is Conor Lamb crisscrossing Pennsylvania again?

In Pittsburgh, progressives trying to land an in-person town hall with Fetterman or first-term Republican Sen. David McCormick noticed when the two senators advertised an event together at a downtown restaurant to celebrate the release of McCormicks new book.

Progressive groups organized to protest it and  after it got moved to a private location with a private invite list  went ahead with their own town hall. They invited Lamb and a local Democratic state representative instead.

More invitations for Lamb started rolling in.

By his count, hes now attended at least a dozen town halls and party events, easily clocking more than 2,000 miles to appear in small towns, small cities and suburbs, often in conservative areas.

Showing up matters and it really does make a difference, said Dana Kellerman, a Pittsburgh-based progressive organizer. Is that going to matter to John Fetterman? I really dont know. I dont know what hes thinking. I dont know if hes always been this person or if hes changed in the last two years.

Fetterman has brushed off criticism, saying hes a committed Democrat, insisting he was elected to engage with Republicans and  perhaps hypocritically  questioning why Democrats would criticize fellow Democrats.

At times, Fetterman has criticized Trump, questioning the move to punch our allies in the mouth with tariffs or the need for cuts to social-safety net programs in the GOPs legislation to extend 2017s tax cuts. Fettermans office didnt respond to an inquiry about Lamb.

Is Conor Lamb running for Senate?

For his part, Lamb  a former U.S. Marine and federal prosecutor  says he isnt running for anything right now, but hell do whatever he can to stop this slide that were on toward a less democratic country and try to create one in which theres more opportunity for people.

To some Democrats, he sounds like a candidate.

That hes doing these town halls is a good indication that hell be running for something, so its a good thing, said Janet Bargh, who attended the event in suburban Harrisburg.

Aside from the town halls, he spoke at the Unite for Veterans event on the National Mall. He has also been active on social media, doing local radio appearances and appearing on MSNBC, where he recently criticized the June 14 military parade ordered up by Trump.

Not long ago, it was hard to envision Lamb losing a race, ever.

In 2018, he won a heavily Trump-friendly congressional district in southwestern Pennsylvania in a special election. It was the center of the political universe that spring, drawing campaign visits by Trump and then-presidential hopeful Joe Biden.

Suddenly, Lamb was ascendant. Then he ran for Senate and lost handily  by more than two-to-one  to Fetterman in 2022s primary.

People often ask Lamb if hes going to challenge Fetterman again. Lamb said he reminds them that Fetterman has three years left in his term and pivots the conversation to what Democrats need to do to win elections in 2025 and 2026.

Still, Lamb is unafraid to criticize Fetterman publicly. And, he said, hes a magnet for Democrats to air their unhappiness with Fetterman. What he hears, over and over, is frustration that Fetterman spends too much time attacking fellow Democrats and not enough time challenging Trump.

And that is, I think, whats driving the frustration more than any one particular issue, Lamb said.

At the town hall, Lamb wasnt afraid to admit hed lost to Fetterman. But he turned it into an attack line.

When I watch the person who beat me give up on every important issue that he campaigned on ... the more I reasoned that the point of all of this in the first place is advocacy for whats right and wrong, Lamb told the crowd. And advocacy for not just a particular party to win, but for the type of country where it matters if, when you stand up, you tell the truth.

The crowd cheered.
By LISA MASCARO, MARY CLARE JALONICK and LEAH ASKARINAM, The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP)  House Republicans propelled President Donald Trumps $4.5 trillion tax breaks and spending cuts bill to final congressional passage Thursday, overcoming multiple setbacks to approve his signature second-term policy package before a Fourth of July deadline.

The tight roll call, 218-214, came at a potentially high political cost, with two Republicans joining all Democrats opposed. GOP leaders worked overnight, and the president himself leaned on a handful of skeptics to drop their opposition and send the bill to him to sign into law.

Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York delayed voting by holding the floor for more than eight hours with a record-breaking speech against the bill.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, file) AP

We have a big job to finish, said House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La. With one big beautiful bill we are going to make this country stronger, safer and more prosperous than ever before.

The outcome delivers a milestone for the president, by his Friday goal, and for his party. It was a long-shot effort to compile a lengthy list of GOP priorities into what they called his one big beautiful bill, an 800-plus page measure. With Democrats unified in opposition, the bill will become a defining measure of Trumps return to the White House, aided by Republican control of Congress.

Tax breaks and safety net cuts

At its core, the packages priority is $4.5 trillion in tax breaks enacted in 2017 during Trumps first term that would expire if Congress failed to act, along with new ones. 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.

Theres also a hefty investment, some $350 billion, in national security and Trumps deportation agenda and to help develop the Golden Dome defensive system over the U.S.

To help offset the lost tax revenue, the package includes $1.2 trillion in cutbacks to Medicaid health care and food stamps, largely by imposing new work requirements, including for some parents and older people, and a major rollback of green energy tax credits.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates the package will add $3.3 trillion to the deficit over the decade and 11.8 million more people will go without health coverage.

This was a generational opportunity to deliver the most comprehensive and consequential set of conservative reforms in modern history, and thats exactly what were doing, said Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, the House Budget Committee chairman.

Democrats united against ugly bill

Democrats unified against the bill as a tax giveaway to the rich paid for on the backs of the working class and most vulnerable in society, what they called trickle down cruelty. Tensions ran high in the chamber.

Jeffries began the speech at 4:53 a.m. and finished at 1:37 p.m., 8 hours, 44 minutes later, a record, as he argued against what he called Trumps big ugly bill.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., left, speaks in the House chamber as House Democrats stand to applaud him, prior to the final vote for President Donald Trump's signature bill of tax breaks and spending cuts, at the Capitol, Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.) AP

Were better than this, Jeffries said, who used a leaders prerogative for unlimited debate and read letter after letter from Americans writing about their reliance of the health care programs.

I never thought that Id be on the House floor saying that this is a crime scene, Jeffries said.

Its a crime scene, going after the health, and the safety, and the well-being of the American people.

And as Democrats, he said, We want no part of it.

Hauling the package through the Congress has been difficult from the start. Republicans have struggled mightily with the bill nearly every step of the way quarreling in the House and Senate, and often succeeding only by the narrowest of margins: just one vote.

The Senate passed the package days earlier with Vice President JD Vance breaking the tie vote. The slim majority in the House left Republicans little room for defections.
At Fresco Juice Bar in Washington, NJ, Yahaira Ayala and her three daughters are serving the fresh-pressed juices that were once their family's secret remedies for pain and heartache. Glenn Epps

Yahaira Ayala opened Fresco Juice Bar and Bites in her neighborhood last year because it was the one thing that was missing in her hometown.

Ayala already operated a successful at-home daycare, La Casa de Mama, supported by United Way of New Jersey, but there was nothing like Fresco where nourishment was the focus. So she started her own juice bar.

Fresco Juice Bar and Bites, located at 76 East Washington Avenue along Route 57 in Washington, New Jersey, has been serving fresh pressed juices and small bites daily since Mothers Day 2024 to customers interested in harnessing the holistic energy-boosting effects of organic fruits and vegetables.

The menu includes customizable smoothies, fresh pressed juices, protein shakes, breakfasts, sandwiches, and soups of the day.

Prices range from $8 to $12. The storefront is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and until 4 p.m. on Sunday. Visit the website for more information about the menu options.

Ayala co-owns the shop with her three daughters, Liv, Narolyn and Karla Garcia.

The youngest is still enrolled in high school. The eldest helps manage the business from her home in Georgia. Everyone in the family volunteers at the shop in some capacity.

We are grateful for the opportunity to bring our culture to Washington and for the support the communitys shown us, said Narolyn, who returned from Rutgers University this summer to help with the family business.

Juicing is more than just creating a refreshing drink, Ayala said. It brings people together and helps develop a sense of community. Fresco celebrates that tradition and the harvest tradition in the Dominican Republic.

Ayalas daughters grew up drinking fresh-pressed juices at every meal designed to remedy pain, illness or heartache.

We are setting out to recreate those cherished backyard memories, said Ayala.

Thank you for supporting our journalism.

Glenn Epps can be reached at gepps@lehighvalleylive.com or at glenn_epps_ on Instagram, Facebook and Threads.
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A new round of recruitment has begun for prison officers to work at jails at Laois and elsewhere by the Minister for Justice.

The Minister for Justice and Home Affairs and Migration Jim OCallaghan, launched the 2025 recruitment with the aim of hiring 300 officers to work at jails in Portlaoise and other parts of Ireland.

Prison Officers are a cornerstone of the criminal justice system, and I look forward to welcoming the new recruits of 2025. I am very pleased to launch this years recruitment campaign which is a key part of a much wider investment by the Government in our prison system.

Prisons not only provide a secure environment and act as a deterrent, but through the dedication and compassion that prison officers also provide to offenders, prisons are a place for rehabilitation and education.

The Government is committed to ensuring that all prison officers are enabled and equipped to do their jobs to a high standard in a workplace where they feel safe and protected, he said.

Caron McCaffrey, Director General of the Irish Prison Service, outlined the attraction of working in prisons.

The Recruit Prison Officer campaign is a vital opportunity to attract individuals who are committed to public service and rehabilitation, and who will play a central role in maintaining safe and secure prison environments.

"The incredible work of Prison Officers is complex and often hidden from public view, but our annual competition and the launch of the virtual tour allow us the opportunity to let the public see the teamwork, integrity, potential, safety and support that Prison Officers not only offer to prisoners, but to their colleagues as well," she said. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Entrance to the Irish Prison Training College in Portlaoise.

The Department of Justice said the 2024 recruitment campaign attracted more than 1500 applicants resulting in 271 prison officers joining the Irish Prison Service. The 2025 Recruit Prison Officer Competition will remain open until 1 August 2025.

The Department says eligible candidates will undergo a comprehensive selection process, including written assessments, physical fitness tests, interviews, and background checks.

Successful candidates will, according to the Department, receive training and mentorship to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge required for the role.

READ ALSO: Farm burlary features on Crimecall

Prison Officer training is accredited by South-East Technological University (SETU) as the Higher Certificate of Arts in Custodial Care and reflects Level 6 of the NQAI framework. South-East Technological University was formed from the amalgamation of two existing institutes of technology in the region - Waterford IT and IT Carlow.

Some of the training is carried out at the Irish Prison Service Training College at Brian Stack House in Portlaoise.

Applications are accepted online through the publicjobs official website www.publicjobs.ie/en/ starting from 4 July 2025. Further information on the competition and how to apply website at https://www.irishprisons.ie/
A new virtual online tour aims to give the public and others an understanding of daily life behind jails in Laois and other parts of Ireland.

The Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan launched what's described as a new "web-based innovative tool" that allows visitors, service users, and the public to see inside an Irish prison, guided by a digitally created prison officer.

His Department said this project aims to increase public understanding of how prisons in Portlaoise and elsewhere function and operate day-to-day.

A statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live explained that the virtual tool provides users with overlaid audio-visual information on what to expect at a Prison. The project's scope was to develop "360 tours" in one Irish Prison Service location.

It explained that the primary objective was to deliver an informative and educational virtual tour that broadens public understanding while strictly safeguarding all security-sensitive aspects of the prison.

The Department said every detail is "carefully curated" to ensure that no confidential or operational security information was compromised. Additionally, it said the tour is designed to "ease visitor apprehension" by providing a realistic yet controlled preview of the prison environment, fostering awareness without jeopardising internal security protocols.

It is also claimed that the tour will provide "an intuitive and straightforward user journey" that reduces the complexity of navigating the physical prison space. The tour has been prepared as a high-quality "engaging and informative". MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Midlands Prison Portlaoise.

The Department also adds that the priority is to approach the project with "user-experience, accessibility, and content ensuring that the virtual tour serves as a bridge between the IPS and the community it serves".

Speaking at the launch, Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan said he was pleased to launch the Virtual Prison Tour.

"This innovative project will greatly enhance the publics understanding of how our prisons operate. It can also serve as a positive recruitment tool to provide those contemplating a career as a prison officer with the ability to tour their future workplace, he said.

Caron McCaffrey, Director General of the Irish Prison Service, praised those who have worked on the project.

"I wish to commend all those involved in delivering the Virtual Tour, an innovative and informative project that highlights the professionalism and dedication of our staff across the prison estate.

READ ALSO: Prison officer recruitment begins

"These initiatives are key steps in strengthening public understanding of our work and attracting committed individuals to a challenging yet rewarding career.

A statement said the virtual tour initiative arose from discussions with stakeholders from the Department of Justice on the Criminal Justice Sectoral Strategy 2022  2024.

It said one of the strategic pillars within the strategy document was increasing public understanding of the various stakeholders or sections within the wider Department of Justice. The Prison Service was tasked with identifying a mechanism to increase public awareness and understanding of the Irish Prison System.

To access the tour go to the Irish Prison Service website at https://www.irishprisons.ie/
A Laois TD expressed shock that Mountraths two new bus stops were the most expensive wheelchair accessible stops in the country in the past two years.

Details of 70 new or upgraded Portlaoise bus stops were provided to Laois TD Sean Fleming. He was also given details of two new bus stops in Mountrath which he said cost more than any other similar bus stops installed in Ireland in the last two years.

Dep Fleming, who is Chairman of the Dail Infrastructure & National Development Plan Delivery Committee, specifically requested information in respect of the Portlaoise and Mountrath Bus Stops/Shelters.

In Portlaoise, the National Transport Authority provided 70 new or upgraded bus stops/shelters at a cost of 1,681,698. which is an average of 24,024, per location. The works depended on the amount of construction, paths and shelters that had to be carried out.

Portlaoise has a population of over 30,000 people and is one of the fastest growing towns in the country. This is a major investment which will be of benefit for decades to come and will contribute to a greater public transport system in the town, he said.

In relation to Mountrath, he said, two new wheelchair accessible bus stops/shelters were installed. By definition, these are much more complicated than ordinary bus stops because there had to be special areas set aside for wheelchairs, ramps, railings and significant drainage works had to be carried out.

The two bus stops/shelters in Mountrath cost 123,380, or. 61,690 each. These are the most expensive wheelchair accessible bus stops/shelters installed anywhere in the country in the last two years. I am really shocked as everybody will be to hear how much these projects cost, said Dep Fleming.

Documentation provided by Dep Fleming shows the national average price of wheelchair accessible stops is 49,000. The stops in Mountrath required significant engineering works and was delivered below the estimated budget, according to the documentation.

It is great to see the increased service, but this infrastructure is coming in at a very high cost and this is one of the problems we are facing in the country, whether it is the high cost of provision of services like this or the construction of new houses. This is a matter we will have to watch closely to ensure that the taxpayer gets good services to encourage people to use public transport, but it is important that the taxpayer is not ripped off in the process, said Dep Fleming.

READ ALSO: Laois driving test waiting times reduced

As Chairman of this new Dail Committee I will be insisting that Government Departments and all their agencies provide accurate estimates for all major projects before the final sign off and commencement of construction. Taxpayers are entitled to have this information in advance and not be landed with a financial bombshell after the project is completed, he concluded.
A young Laois business entrepreneur has been appointed as Fianna Fail's unelected local area representative for Graiguecullen-Portarlington district.

Joey Kennedy was the youngest candidate in Ireland when he ran unsuccessfully in the 2024 local elections at the age of just 19.

Already an experienced businessman, he has a strong Fianna Fail involvement.

Mr Kennedy runs his own business in Portarlington, Willow and Green Interiors. His next venture is Burn Gym which will be opening in the coming weeks.

He also serves as Vice Chair of Laois Fianna Fail CDC.

The appointing of unofficial public representatives is a growingly popular method to put candidates in the public eye in hopes of winning a future election.

"Joey brings with him a strong commitment to community development, grassroots engagement, and public service. His appointment reflects Fianna Fails ongoing efforts to strengthen its presence at local level in Laois," a spokesperson for Laois Fianna Fail said.

Joey Kennedy outlined his hopes for his new position.

I am honoured to be selected as a Local Area representative. I fully appreciate the trust the party is placing in me with this, and I am humbled by this honour.

Portarlington has become one of the fastest growing towns in the country and there is a need for services to keep pace with this population boom. With this growing population there is a need for strong representation so we arent left behind.

As a local business owner myself I know the struggles that small business face and want to be a voice for SMEs in Laois, he said.

Mr Kennedy said that housing is the number one issue affecting his generation.

I am generation rent, the generation that has been locked out of the property market by failed housing policies for the last decade. I see many people I grew up with and went to school with, choosing to emigrate, with the primary reason for this being the inability to get their foot on the property ladder.

I want to be the voice for those of us who are feeling the brunt of the housing crisis and to see meaningful, sustained and impactful change in this key area. Everyone should have access to their own home. We deserve home ownership being a viable ambition for us," he said.

Fianna Fail TD for Laois Sean Fleming welcomed the appointment.

I am delighted that our party has appointed Joey as a Local Area Representative. Joey has shown outstanding hard work and dedication to his community and will be a strong voice for the people of Portarlington.

I look forward to working with Joey along with our sitting Fianna Fail Councillors in the area Padraig Fleming and Pascal McEvoy, Dep Fleming said.

Fianna Fail is encouraging residents of the Graiguecullen-Portarlington Municipal District to reach out to Joey with any concerns or ideas that they may have in the weeks and months ahead.

The appointment of Joey Kennedy comes on the back of a reportedly successful AGM for Laois Fianna Fail, who now have one of the youngest political party officer boards in the country where Joey now serves as Vice Chairperson.

Read also: Portarlington pull away late on to be crowned ACFL Division 5 champs

William Delaney from the Pike of Rushall takes over as Chairperson from a very successful term from Mountmellick native Joe Dunne.

Eimhin McEvoy from Portlaoise remains on as Secretary of the CDC with Trumra born, Portlaoise based teacher Rita Holland joining Liam McMahon from Portarlington as joint Treasurers.

The final roles of Womens and Equality was taken up by Castletown native Lindsay Cuddy and PRO of the CDC is now Ross Molloy from Stradbally.
The government must honour its commitment to abolish student fees for students in Ireland, including those from County Kildare.

That's according to Social Democrats councillor Chris Pender, who warned that the governments proposal for a two-tier model of college fee reductions "would deepen inequality in education and betray the trust of students and families".

The comments from the Newbridge representative come following a presentation which was delivered by the outgoing and incoming Presidents of Maynooth Students' Union (SU) in the Kildare County Council Chambers on Monday, June 30 last.

Cllr Pender asserted that those who delivered it "laid bare the everyday realities facing students  backed by new data from a survey of over 1,800 Maynooth University students".

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He continued: "The presentation we received in the Council Chambers this week was deeply moving and undeniably clear: third-level education in Ireland is becoming more and more inaccessible  not because of grades or academic ability, but because of cost.

"I heard about students commuting up to three hours a day, others paying over 1,100 a month for a box room, and many working part-time jobs just to stay afloat.

"Some are skipping lectures to make shifts. Others are dropping out altogether... this is the lived reality of students in 2025 and they deserve more than political manoeuvring."

FINDINGS

According to the survey:

72 per cent (pc) said the housing search harmed their mental health

43pc said commuting was unaffordable

52pc skipped lectures to go to work

12pc pay over 1,100 per month for accommodation

89pc of working students do so out of necessity

Cllr Pender also backed the position of Social Democrats Higher Education Spokesperson Jen Cummins TD, who criticised the governments "spin" proposal for a two-track fee system in a statement which was released yesterday (July 3 last).

She said: "The government promised to reduce and phase out the student contribution fee.

"Now theyre suggesting a half-measure that gives relief to some and leaves the rest behind... thats not reform, thats retreat.

"A two-tier approach would deepen inequality, not fix it. It says to students: 'You can only afford to learn if you can afford to pay.'"

She concluded: "Thats not the society we claim to be building."

Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender. File photograph

Cllr Pender urged Ministers in government to "stop shifting the goalposts and deliver on their original commitment to students".

"Students and families need certainty now not more spin," he said. "They need affordable accommodation, a functioning grant system, and the abolition of unfair and arbitrary fees.

"Mondays presentation reminded us all that the cost-of-living crisis isnt just hitting households  its hitting classrooms, lecture halls, and futures.

"Education must be treated as a right, not a privilege."

Cllr Pender concluded by saying: "I want to thank both the outgoing and incoming Maynooth SU Presidents for their honest, data-led, and passionate presentation... they spoke not just for Maynooth students, but for students across the country. Its time we listened  and acted."

Last week, on June 24 last, Cllr Pender criticised the Department of Education for its alleged "deeply damaging" approach to special schools in Kildare.

The Department responded to his comments the following day.

READ NEXT: Three-storey block of apartments planned in this Kildare town
Nowadays, you can't escape the rage and fury on social media from far-right people who are protesting against refugees coming into the country.

I see it on Facebook, X and Instagram, but even in social situations with people on a day-to-day basis too.

People are angry at immigrants coming into the country because "Ireland is full" but Ireland is not full and the housing crisis is the fault of the government and the government alone.

In recent times with wars and conflict, like the war in Ukraine, it shouldn't be a shock that Ireland is a destination people are fleeing to for safety.

However, certain Irish people are making this a lot harder for people who are already in struggling circumstances and who have no choice but to come here for safety for themselves and their families.

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I've heard people saying they are dangerous and they are going to target our women and children.

But in my opinion, there are dangerous people everywhere in the world and classifying all refugees as dangerous is just pure racist and is not justified.

Yes, some of them could be dangerous but some Irish people could be just as dangerous too. That is the society we live in and we have to respect the law of land and trust that it will deal with these people, no matter their nationality.

The targeting refugees in protests is not helping the situation at all.

The housing crisis in Ireland is the fault of the government as they make it impossible for our young generation to even be able to afford to buy or rent a home of their own in today's world.

According to the 2022 Census, there are 163,433 vacant residential units in Ireland.

That's over 150,000 potential homes that are lying unused around the country, and with proper planning, could be used to house thousands of families.

This proves that Ireland is not full and people who are chanting this on the streets of Ireland are just racist against refugees.

To give examples of some social media comments I have come across, one person said: "Well done! Be relentless with this lads" with reference to such protests.

And another comment said: "Everyone in every town should be having peaceful marches, we need to look after our own first".

We have to remember that Irish people themselves have emigrated to countries for centuries. Young Irish people are still leaving Ireland and moving to places like Australia.

Imagine your son or daughter were to move away to Australia only to be hit with angry people shouting at them and yelling "we are full!"

We are all human at the end of the day and it truly saddens me to see so many people that have lost their compassion towards people in circumstances that they cannot help.

So don't blame the refugees, if you are going to blame anyone, I would say the government is the one at fault here.
Very comfy and roomy 3 row SUV! By Mike | on 5.0

(Warning- a little long) We were looking for a roomy 3 row SUV with easy access to all 3 rows. After a ton of research and multiple test drives of the possible options, we settled on the VW Atlas, SEL Premium. Weve owned our Atlas for a little over a month now. Weve taken it on a couple of long trips (1000+ miles), so weve seen enough to write a decent review. The Atlas was one of 4 finalists for us. The others were the GMC Acadia, the Chevy Traverse, and the Infiniti QX60. These were our finalists for one primary reason- access to the rear seat with car seats installed in the middle row seats (without climbing into the middle row, and going through the middle space between the captains chairs). No other 3 row SUVs had this option, although I understand some will have it for the 2020 model year. Because we only had 4 models to look at, we focused all our attention on these models. Likes: Third row access is incredibly easy in the Atlas. By pulling up on the release on the top of the seat, the entire seat tips forward, and then slides forward, leaving a large opening to access the rear seat, and allowing us to buckle our 4 year old into that seat very easily, even while standing outside the car. This middle row seat movement can be performed with a car seat installed in the middle row seats, a maneuver that very few 3 row SUVs are capable of. The Infiniti QX-60 has a similar setup, and it is just as easy to use. The Acadia and Traverse also have this option, but during our test drives, we found the mechanism to be incredibly difficult to use. The salesman said it was probably just stiff, but it was almost impossible for my wife to get the seat to move, and it happened in both of those models. Also, the GMC and Chevy only have this capability on the passenger side, which is highly annoying. The interior of the Atlas is HUGE, the door openings are very wide to provide easy access, and it is very comfortable. The seats in the Atlas were by far the most comfortable of any vehicle we tested. When I say that, I mean ALL of the seats, to include the 2nd and 3rd rows, and the 3rd row is actually usable by adults. I am 510, and I was very comfortable back there. I would not say the same of the other three vehicles tested. Also, the middle row seats of the Chevy and GMC were very uncomfortable. The had a weird shape, with a weird forward hump that hit right between the shoulder blades. Im sure this has something to do with crash safety or something like that, but those seats were just extremely uncomfortable. Our Atlas is equipped with a panoramic sunroof, which is pretty cool. It also has a power sunshade for the sunroof. The Chevy and GMC have a very cheap, manual cover. It is spring-loaded, and if you accidentally let go of it, it will snap back like a window shade. At this price level, it should be a power sunshade. While we are on the topic of sunshades: the 2nd row windows in the Atlas have built-in sunshades, which is ingenious! I wish all cars had this feature. The Atlas has an infotainment system that is easy to use and intuitive, and it allows for swiping and pinch zooming. Apple Car Play is awesome! Surprisingly, some manufacturers have not integrated this feature at this time. The digital instrument panel has a very nice, modern look, and it offers 5 or 6 different views. One of the really cool things about the Atlas- you can display the nav map in the middle of the instrument panel. Additionally, you can make the map bigger and the gauges smaller, which allows you to see more map detail- a really nice option. The car even has an altimeter, which is really cool to me (Im a pilot by trade). Not so much for my wife The Atlas allows for 4 customizable driver settings. It also has an overhead view camera, which allows you to see a birds-eye view of the vehicle- very handy to ensure you are actually centered in that parking spot! (this is only offered in the highest trim level) The car also has a traditional shift lever. This appeals to me, because Im old school. The Atlas has a very nice exterior, and it looks great from both the front and the back. The LED headlights are really nice, and much brighter than standard headlights. Also, the daytime running lights look really cool (I noticed that when another Atlas pulled up behind us on the freeway). It also has a small turn radius, which makes maneuvering in tight spaces much easier. The Atlas has a few other really nice options- adaptive cruise control, auto-dimming headlights, auto-wipers, and an auto-park feature (highest trim level only) for parallel and back in perpendicular parking. The cruise control also has an option to speed up or slow down in increments of 5 mph in addition to the more standard 1 mph increment, which is handy. It also has a feature that turns on the fog light on the side of the car in the direction of a turn, providing extra light for making the turn safely. You can also lock the middle row seat HVAC controls, to prevent the inevitable arguments from the kiddos! One of the best things about the Atlas is the industry leading warranty- 6 years/72k miles, bumper to bumper. Very few of the competitors even come close to this. And it is manufactured in the USA, which I really like. Now lets talk about the things I dont like about the car. (And believe me when I say these things are pretty minor in the grand scheme of things) The biggest gripe I have is the engine power. Given that my primary goal with this vehicle is to comfortably get a lot of people from point A to B, this isnt a huge deal. I didnt buy this car to qualify for the Indy 500, but I do wish VW offered some different engine options, like a V-8 or a turbo V-6. They do offer a turbo 4 cylinder, but it is not offered above the base trim level, and I dont think it is anything more than adequate for this car anyway. A close 2nd for cons would be the height of the front seat armrests (on the door side of each seat). I like to drive with my left arm resting on the armrest while my left hand is controlling the steering wheel. In this car, I simply cannot do that, because the armrest is not high enough. Ditto with the passenger seat. It just isnt comfortable for me, and I think I am pretty representative of a standard driver/passenger. I found that during longer drives, I have to fold up a coat and stick it under my left arm to make it comfortable to drive those longer distances. This is just me, but you might find it to be a similar issue. The rest of the cons are really only small things: the blind spot warning only gives a visual cue in the side mirror, but no audible warning like all of my other vehicles; you cannot program which view comes up for the reverse camera- it is the same initial view every time you shift into reverse, and then you must select the menu and then the view you desire; an entry/exit seat position is not programmable; the adaptive cruise control cannot be turned off to make it operate like normal cruise control, and the following distance setting resets every time the car is shut down, rather than keeping the last used setting; an audible warning sounds whenever the temperature hits 39 degrees, to let you know you might have slick road conditions- seems like an arbitrary number and a little too high to me; the trip mileage reset switch is a manual switch, unlike everything else in the car, which is digital and/or automated; the gauge views themselves are not customizable, but I do love the altimeter!; the seat bolsters are not heated along with the rest of the seat, which makes them seem really cold to the touch when the seat heaters are on; the gas mileage cannot be reset manually; there is only one trip odometer- most vehicles have two or more; gas mileage is just average for this class. Keep in mind, these things are all very minor, but they might be major things for you. Bottom line, this is a nice, comfortable, feature rich 3 row SUV, with 3rd row seats that are useable by full sized adults. My wife and I love it! We highly recommend it, especially if you need access to the back row with car seats installed in the middle row.  Read More
Leitrim Sinn Fein will host a special commemoration in Drumkeerin on Saturday, July 12, to honour Joe McDonnell, the fifth republican to die during the 1981 Hunger Strike in Long Kesh.

The event, which marks the 44th anniversary of McDonnells death, will begin at 7.30pm in Drumkeerin. McDonnell, a native of Belfast, famously stood as a political prisoner candidate in the SligoLeitrim constituency during the 1981 general election, receiving 5,639 votes and narrowly missing out on a seat by just 315 votes.

Sean MacBradaigh of Leitrim Sinn Fein said the commemoration is a chance to remember the sacrifice and legacy of a man who stood firm in the face of brutal oppression.

Joe McDonnell gave his life in the struggle for political status and Irish freedom, MacBradaigh said. His courage, along with that of his comrades, inspired generations, and his connection to the SligoLeitrim area remains a source of pride.

Following the outdoor ceremony, a public talk will take place at 8.30pm in Fordes Inn featuring guest speaker Eoghan Gino Mac Cormaic, a former political prisoner and close friend of McDonnell. Mac Cormaic spent 17 years in prison, including five on the Blanket Protest, and has written extensively about life inside the H-Blocks.

He is the author of On the Blanket  an A to Z of Prison Resistance and Pluid  Sceal na mBlocanna H, acclaimed books detailing prison resistance in both English and Irish.

The public is warmly invited to attend both the commemoration and the talk.

READ MORE Court bans Leitrim pensioner from driving
A call is being made for a Household Emergency Handbook to be printed and delivered to every household in County Leitrim.

Ballinamore councillor Gary Prior will bring a motion to Mondays meeting of Leitrim County Council, proposing the development of a Personal and Community Resilience Household Emergency Handbook.

I am bringing forward this motion to the Council as we are seeing more frequent and more severe weather events across County Leitrim, said Cllr Prior.

Storms, flooding, fallen trees, and prolonged power outages that impact homes, farms, vulnerable people, and entire communities.

While I acknowledge the Councils work under the Emergency Response Coordination, whats missing is a clear, accessible resource for households, something people can turn to in a moment of crisis, he added.

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Similar initiatives have already been adopted in other counties. County Monaghan, for example, recently distributed a Personal and Community Resilience Booklet to every household, in both English and Irish.

This was accompanied by a Message in a Bottle and a magnet listing emergency contacts, Eircodes, and defibrillator locations.

They also established local emergency response hubs during power outages and coordinated efforts with community responders.

Cllr Prior, who was recently elected Leas Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council, described the proposal as practical, affordable and giving peace of mind.

He wants the Leitrim Household Emergency Handbook to include local emergency contact numbers, information on first responder groups, a map of defibrillator locations, preparation checklists, safety tips, details of local support services, a dedicated helpline number, and clear, practical guidance on how to respond to storms, power cuts, and flooding.

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He is also calling for the handbook to be made available both in print and digital formats, in Irish as well as English.

Furthermore, Cllr Prior says that Emergency Community Hubs must be established in high-risk, remote areas of Leitrim, working closely with local community volunteers and services.

This is not just about crisis response, he said. Its about building resilience in a changing climate.
Two SPAR stores in Leitrim have received top national honours for excellence in retailing at the prestigious 2025 SPAR 365 Standards Customer Care Programme Awards, held recently at the Kilashee Hotel in Naas, Co. Kildare.

The annual event, hosted by BWG Foods  owners and operators of the SPAR brand in Ireland  celebrates the very best in retail standards across the country.

The awards are conducted in partnership with independent auditing bodies Solution Management Associates (SMA) and Lloyds Register Quality Assurance (LRQA).

The Leitrim recipients of the SPAR 365 Retailing Standards Award are: McGowans SPAR in Kinlough and SPAR Corrib Oil in Carrick-on-Shannon

READ MORE: GALLERY: North Leitrim Macra Tug of War Tournament

The programme assesses stores on a rigorous set of criteria including customer service, food safety, hygiene, and in-store operations. The winners were recognised for their exceptional commitment to implementing best practice retailing standards and delivering a consistently high-quality experience to their local communities.

We are incredibly proud of all our SPAR retailers and the wonderful service they provide to their communities and customers throughout Ireland. To be able to celebrate these wonderful ambassadors who bring the SPAR brand to life every day is a great source of pride for us, Colin Donnelly, SPAR Sales Director, speaking at the awards, praised the winners for their dedication and professionalism.

The recognition marks a significant achievement for both local businesses and highlights the ongoing contribution of Leitrim retailers to the national retail landscape.

READ MORE: Over 900 people in Leitrim living with heart failure highlighted at Oireachtas meeting
Leitrim councillor Padraig Fallon spoke to the Leitrim Observer this week on his views regarding the ongoing war in Gaza describing it as a "genocide".

Cllr Fallon stated that he "could not understand it. There are war crimes being committed on a daily basis in Gaza. How anyone could describe it as anything other than a genocide is beyond me. People are being killed queuing for food. It is an outrage and it's wrong."

He continued that the situation should "never had gotten to this stage and it should have ended long ago. How Israel is not being held to account is beyond me. For me it questions the value of the United Nations; all these human rights groups and organisations that have been set up that work within the UN."

He added: "I don't think it's the case that nobody can hold Israel to account. I think it's the case that some seem to be afraid to."

Cllr Fallon also commented on the impending deal on tariffs between the US and Ireland.

A deal on tariffs will be reached between the US and European Union by 9 July and a pause on the higher rate of tariffs by the US on a number of countries is scheduled to be lifted.

At present most Irish exports to the US now have tariffs of 10%.

Cllr Fallon was speaking after Tanaiste Simon Harris this week attended Fourth of July celebrations hosted by new ambassador to Ireland Edward Walsh on the lawn of the Deerfield Residence in Phoenix Park where he stated: Lets use every hour between then to reach a deal.

Mr Harris said Ireland wanted to see a zero-for-zero tariff approach in as many areas as possible, adding that uncertainty and instability helps no one.

Cllr Fallon agreed saying that "it's everybody's interests I would say to have a zero-for-zero tariff fee. I would say it has mutual benefits for all; for both economies. I struggle to understand the US's administration's thinking on the situation because tariffs will have an impact on American consumers as well as European and Irish consumers."
Freeport Goes 24/ 7 with Its Marine Operations

 As APM Terminals, NPA, and LiMA launch milestone initiative which is set to improve maritime logistics in the Mano River Region
LWSC Managing Director Mo Ali addresses stakeholders during the launch of the Service Delivery Charter in Monrovia.
LIMERICK-BASED poet Dor Seifer was one of five featured writers in the launch of the Irish Writers Centres new Writers Showcase series.

The inaugural showcase titled The Out of Towners, celebrated newly published poets from across Ireland. Dor gave a standout reading from her debut collection, On Being Un/Able to Walk Through Walls (Revival Press), to a full house.

Dor Seifer is a Limerick-based poet whose debut collection was published earlier this year by Revival Press. She is the founder of Lime Square Poets and co-hosts the First Wednesday Series in Limerick, as well as co-editing Skylight 47 magazine.

Her participation highlights the strength of the literary scene in Limerick and her growing national profile as a poet, editor and series organiser.

Curated to celebrate Irelands rich poetic diversity, The Out of Towners features four more poets whose compelling work captures a range of regional and personal perspectives.

Afric McGlinchey is an award-winning poet based in West Cork, having received multiple Arts Council bursaries and her poetry has been translated into several languages.

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Lauren ODonovan is a rising star from Cork whose recent accolades include the Patrick Kavanagh Poetry Award and the Fool for Poetry Chapbook Competition.

Luke Morgan, based in Galway, is the 2025 recipient of the Lawrence OShaughnessy Award for Poetry. His third collection, Blood Atlas (Arlen House), was supported by The Arts Council and follows his acclaimed work as both a poet and filmmaker.

S.C. Flynn recently relocated from Australia to Dublin and brings an international voice to the evening. His debut collection The Colour of Extinction (Renard Press, 2024) was The Observer's Poetry Book of the Month. His work has appeared in over 100 literary journals worldwide.

The evening was hosted by Damien B. Donnelly, Creative Projects Coordinator at the Irish Writers Centre.

Ireland is bursting with poetic diversity and to gather these talented poets in one room reading from new collections is a privilege for the Centre. We are hopeful that the Writers Showcases will become a regular series, celebrating all forms of writing from all corners of the country, said Donnelly.

Mags McLoughlin, CEO of the Irish Writers Centre, added: Its been a real joy to watch Damien bring this first Writers Showcase to life spotlighting some of the most exciting new poetry voices emerging across Ireland. The response from the literary community has been overwhelmingly positive, and were so proud to be creating space for connection, celebration, and discovery. We warmly invite readers, writers, and poetry lovers to join us for what promises to be a powerful evening of live literature. Watch out for future Writers Showcase events, each celebrating a different form of creative writing.
Sally Rooney has told the High Court she is and will continue to be a committed supporter of Palestine Action, which failed to secure a temporary block on it being banned as a terrorist group on Friday.

The Irish author said in court documents that the ban would prevent her from speaking at future public events as she could not in good conscience disguise or lie about my principles if it comes into effect at 12.01am on Saturday as planned.

If the ban does come into effect, it would make membership of, or support for, Palestine Action a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

Rooney has provided support for a legal claim by Huda Ammori, the co-founder of Palestine Action, against the Home Office, over the decision to proscribe the group under the Terrorism Act 2000.

Ms Ammori asked a High Court judge on Friday to temporarily block the move from becoming law over the weekend, ahead of a bid to be given the green light to challenge the Governments decision later this month.

But in a ruling, Mr Justice Chamberlain refused to block the ban, stating that any harm caused is insufficient to outweigh the strong public interest in maintaining the order in force.

Barristers for Ms Ammori are seeking to appeal against the ruling on Friday evening.

In her witness statement, cited in Mr Justice Chamberlains judgment, Rooney said the cultural effects of Palestine Action becoming proscribed could not be easily mended.

She said: Though I am based in Ireland, my work is published in the UK. My novels regularly appear in bestseller lists, and I often travel to Britain to speak in public about my work.

I am and will continue to be a committed supporter of Palestine Action.

If that support is criminalised, I will effectively be prevented from speaking at any future public events in the UK, since I could not in good conscience disguise or lie about my principles in public.

If I continue to voice support for Palestine Action from my home in Ireland, what are the likely consequences? Will I be denounced publicly by the Prime Minister?

Will bookshops go on stocking the work of an author the Home Secretary has branded a terrorist simply for supporting a protest group?

The BBC has adapted two of my books for television; both series are presently promoted on the iPlayer service. Normal People, which I co-wrote and produced, was the BBCs most-streamed series in 2020, with over 62 million views.

My beliefs have not changed since the making of that series, and I have done nothing but continue to express them.

If the expression of those beliefs becomes a terror offence under UK law, would the BBC continue to screen and promote my work?

Is it likely that I could ever again collaborate with British public institutions like the BBC as I have done in the past?

The cultural effects of proscription could not be easily mended, even if the Home Secretary later changed her mind.

For any public figure to be labelled a supporter of terrorism by the state would have serious consequences.

It would likely end or severely restrict the careers of many emerging artists.

Terrorism is not a trivial word.

In written submissions for Fridays hearing, Raza Husain KC, for Ms Ammori, said that Rooney will continue to voice her support from Ireland for the group.

He said: Given her public support for Palestine Action she is concerned that being labelled a supporter of terrorism would have serious impacts on her ability to collaborate and publicise her work.

He continued: Ms Rooney notes that countless artists, writers and members of the public support direct action against complicity in what Israel is doing in Palestine, including Juliet Stevenson, Paul Weller, Tilda Swinton, Brian Eno, and other signatories to an open letter dated 30 June 2025.

If Palestine Action loses its bid to temporarily block the move, it is due to become a terrorist organisation on Saturday, after the order was signed by the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper.

Ms Cooper announced plans to proscribe the direct action group last month, after two Voyager planes were damaged at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire on June 20, an action claimed by Palestine Action.
Families of the victims of the 1994 RAF Chinook crash have hit out at the Ministry of Defence for refusing a public inquiry into the incident and sealing key documents for 100 years.

Relatives of the 29 victims who died on the aircraft have written to the Prime Minister to demand a full, independent, judge-led public inquiry to establish the truth into the disaster, accusing the MoD of losing its moral compass.

RAF Chinook ZD576 crashed on the Mull of Kintyre on its way from RAF Aldergrove in Northern Ireland to Fort George in Scotland, and all 25 passengers and four crew members were killed in the incident.

A verdict of gross negligence against the pilots, flight lieutenants Richard Cook and Jonathan Tapper, from a review into the incident by two senior RAF officers in 1995 was overturned by the Government in 2011 after a 16-year campaign by the families.

Relatives have now written to the Prime Minister to intervene and are seeking a judicial review in the High Court.

Chris Cook, whose brother Richard was one of the pilots killed in the disaster, said: In the BBC documentary that was shown early last year, what came to light was that the official documents to do with the accident have been sealed for 100 years by the Ministry of Defence.

We werent aware of that. There was news to me when I watched the programme.

And so it seems rather suspicious to us that the documents are going to be locked away for such a long time.

He added: We campaigned for 16 years to clear the pilots names and so many times we were given indications that information didnt exist.

Based on the experience we had in our campaign, they wanted us to go away  simple as that.

But my late father always said justice has no expiry dates.

Sadly, he passed away before we cleared Ricks name.

He never got to see that, he died six years beforehand.

But those words mean an awful lot, it means dont give up.

You know if you think that an injustice is being done, you keep fighting for it.

Mr Cook says there are 47 individuals that lost their fathers in the crash, most of whom were children and some not yet born, who have lived their whole lives without answers.

Jenni Balmer Hornby, daughter of Anthony Hornby who was killed in the disaster, said: It was a week before my 10th birthday when the crash happened and so obviously I wasnt old enough to go to any of the earlier inquiries, but my mum went to those.

For some time she felt that it was an accident because of these inquiries.

But now we know that the full information wasnt given, so we know over time that these inquiries were completely ineffective.

I think its very clear to myself and everyone in the campaign that the MoD have lost their moral compass  Im so certain now that the MoD is hiding something.

I cant go another 31 years not knowing what happened to my father.

Him and his colleagues risk their life for their country and in return, we have just been dismissed and fed lies for three decades and we all deserve a lot better.

Andy Tobias, who was just eight when his father John Tobias went on board RAF Chinook ZD576, has branded the response from the MoD as a betrayal.

He said: (Its been) really tough.

My brother and myself have not had a father, hes not been around to direct us through the challenges that you face in life.

You never get over it but you learn to live with it.

For us, the MoD have really let us down as families.

Its been a complete betrayal to all of those men who boarded that flight and gave their life and service.

If my father knew that his family were fighting so hard to get answers and to get the truth, he would be turning in his grave.

Sue Sparks, whose husband Gary was killed in the crash, said: I think it would give us closure.

Over the 30 years, we were led to believe it was an accident, which it wasnt.

It could have been prevented.

The helicopter was declared unairworthy and they were made to fly in it.

It makes us feel angry and not treated properly by the MoD.

As a war widow, I feel very, very let down by the Government and the MoD.

An MoD spokesperson said: The Mull of Kintyre crash was a tragic accident, and our thoughts and sympathies remain with the families, friends and colleagues of all those who died. We understand that the lack of certainty about the cause of the crash has added to the distress of the families.

We provided a detailed and considered response to the pre-action protocol letter stating the reasons why we cannot accept the demand for establishing a new Public Inquiry.

Its unlikely that a Public Inquiry would identify any new evidence or reach new conclusions on the basis of existing evidence.

The accident has already been the subject of six inquiries and investigations, including an independent Judge-led review.
A PROPERTY development firm is seeking land in Limerick in which to develop 250 new homes.

Fitzpatrick and Heavey Homes has unveiled its plan to get its workforce building houses on Shannonside.

In a bid to push this through, the company has said it will cover the Residential Zoned Land Tax on sites it purchases.

READ MORE: 'Hands off our park', says Limerick community in response to Mayor John Moran's modular home plans

Chief executive of Fitzpatrick and Heavey Homes Ciaran Fitzpatrick said: Irelands housing crisis demands innovative and immediate solutions.

The Residential Zoned Land Tax is intended to encourage development, but it also places a financial strain on landowners who may not have the means to build. By absorbing this tax on any land we purchase, we are providing an immediate solution - offering landowners a viable exit while ensuring much-needed housing is developed without delay.

Introduced under the latest Finance Act, the Residential Zoned Land Tax imposes an annual tax of three per cent on the market value of undeveloped, residentially zoned land.

It can mean substantial costs for landowners, particularly those who are unable to proceed with development.

Mr Fitzpatrick said: This is a win-win situation. Landowners can avoid the financial strain of the tax, while we ensure that land is put to productive use - building homes for families and communities across Ireland. We encourage landowners to reach out to us as soon as possible to explore opportunities, he added.

The development firm is already working on 147 new homes in the Offaly town of Tullamore and 75 in Birr.

Its got some 89 houses planned in Wicklow, and 35 in Westmeath.

South of Limerick, its expecting to deliver 17 homes in Cobh, Co Cork.

And it handed over nine homes in Dublin last year.

For more information, contact Ciaran Fitzpatrick by email at ciaran@fitzheavey.com or call 01- 9060800.
Aster DM Healthcares merger with Blackstone-backed Quality Care India Ltd (QCIL) was an inflection point for the hospital chain as it embarks on an ambitious expansion plan, deputy managing director Alisha Moopen told Mint in an interview.

The Bengaluru-based hospital group aims to expand its footprint across the country and become a pan-India healthcare leader in the next ten years, said Moopen. However, even as the company explores further inorganic opportunities, it is treading cautiously.

It has to make business sensetransactions are hard to execute because Indian markets have become so hot," said Moopen.

But if there's a great asset at the right priceof course, we'll look at it," she added.

Read more: Apollo Hospitals: Simplifying corporate structure could lead to rerating

The merged entity Aster DM Quality Care Ltd, jointly controlled by Asters promoters and Blackstone, is in the fray for the acquisition of Canada's Ontario Teachers Pension Plan (OTPP)-owned Sahyadri Hospitals, according to media reports citing sources.

The Pune-based hospital has also reportedly received bids from Manipal Hospitals, Sweden-based investment firm EQT, and Malaysia-based IHH Healthcare.

While Moopen declined to comment on the Sahyadri bid, she said that Aster would focus on the brand, reputation, trust and valuation of an asset when evaluating an acquisition. for us, we are all about sustainable growth," she said.

Aster DM announced in late November 2024 that it was merging with QCIL in a deal that will value the combined entity at $5.08 billion ( 43,000 crore). The merger is expected to conclude in the next six months.

The deal catapulted the merged entity among the top three hospital chains in India by bed size. The combined entity will have 10,301 beds, doubling from Aster DMs current bed capacity of 5,159.

It also opens up new markets for Aster, which already has a strong footprint in Kerala and Karnataka, in new states like Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Tamil Nadu.

The transaction is an inflection point for the organization, and it's something which we believe will really set us up to become the gold standard for healthcare here," said Moopen, adding that the hospital chain, which has its roots in Dubai, is probably one of the youngest [healthcare] brands in this country".

We were spending a lot of time just setting up the core and setting the foundation. But now hopefully with this merger, we can really sort of have that exponential growth," said Moopen.

Expansion plans

The merged entity has plans to grow organically through greenfield and brownfield projects in south and central India where Aster DM and Quality Care have strongholds. The total planned bed addition is over 3,300 beds over the next three years.

However, growing pan-India and entering new markets is more challenging, said Moopen.

It takes a good five to ten years to understand a new market," she said, adding that its all about understanding regional nuances. However, making inroads through an already established player, via an acquisition or a merger, offers up an opportunity to meaningfully scale up in new markets, she added.

When the merger was happening, that was one of the biggest advantages we saw. Because it opens up three, four new states for us," said Moopen. ...we said, this is great. We don't have to go in from scratch."

Read more: Inside Ciplas battle with superbugs as antibiotic resistance rises in India

The company plans to grow organically for the next three to four years in its core markets through strategic bed capacity addition, with a total capex outlay of 1,900 crore.

However, the company is already eyeing the North India market and hopes to start making inroads in the next two to three years.

Whether we plan that organically or inorganically will depend on what happens in the next couple of years in terms of the opportunities that come upwe are evaluating all aspects," said Moopen.

The company plans to fund its organic growth through internal accruals, and will explore raising debt for its inorganic plans, said Moopen.

Indias private healthcare space is seeing a spree of expansions and consolidation, with major competitors like Apollo Hospitals, Max Healthcare and Narayana Health announcing large expansion plans for the next four to five years. According to a 2024 report by HSBC Global Research, seven listed hospitals will add 14,000 beds over the course of 3-5 years.

Read more: Will Torrent Pharmas big bet on JB Chemicals pay off?
(Bloomberg) -- Hong Kong builder Parkview Group is considering selling artwork worth over HK$200 million ($25.5 million) to pay down debt and help secure a refinancing deal linked to one of Beijings most iconic complexes, according to people familiar with the matter.

Parkview is mulling to sell over 300 artworks displayed at Parkview Green to repay a small part of a $940 million loan due in August, the people said, who asked not to be named discussing private matters. The valuation of the art is provided by the company to the banks.

The cash-strapped developer has been in months-long talks with banks for the refinancing, which would extend the maturity by three years, the people said. Parkview is offering some other residential properties in Beijing as additional collateral, on top of Parkview Green, according to one of the people.

Parkview didnt respond to requests for comment.

Parkviews credit enhancement proposal comes as worries grow over the builders ability to repay the facility. Rental income generated from the commercial complex  which includes office towers, a shopping mall, an art center and a boutique hotel  fell short of covering the loans interest expenses, Bloomberg News reported.

Parkview is also among the many smaller Hong Kong developers experiencing liquidity stress as banks tighten their screws by demanding stricter refinancing terms and higher credit enhancements amid a years-long slump in the citys real estate sector.

Located in Beijings central business district, Parkview Green houses art pieces from the likes of Salvador Dali and Chinese artists such as Chen Wenling and Wang Luyan, according to its website. Dalis renowned Dragon Swan Elephant sculpture, is among the artwork potentially up for sale, said one of the people.

Separately, Parkview held discussions with international auction house Sothebys for a loan backed by more than 200 artworks, but the talks hit a standstill, Bloomberg News reported. The company was also tapping private credit for at least HK$2.8 billion in funding, and then managed to secure HK$300 million from investment firm PAG earlier this year.

--With assistance from Emma Dong.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
New Delhi, Jul 4 (PTI) The commerce ministry's arm DGTR has initiated an anti-dumping probe into the import of polyethylene from Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE following a complaint by Chemicals and Petrochemicals Association of India.

The applicant has alleged that the industry is impacted due to the dumped imports of Linear-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE).

It is primarily used in raw materials for the plastic processing industry to make a variety of products such as packaging films, profiles, wire and cable.

According to the DGTR's notification, the applicant has provided evidence with respect to the injury suffered by the domestic industry due to the dumped imports.

"The authority hereby initiates an anti-dumping investigation to determine the existence, degree and effect of the dumping," it said.

If it is established that the dumping has caused material injury to domestic players, the DGTR would recommend the imposition of the levy on imports.

The finance ministry takes the final decision to impose duties.

Anti-dumping probes are conducted by countries to determine whether domestic industries have been hurt because of a surge in cheap imports.

As a countermeasure, they impose these duties under the multilateral regime of the Geneva-based World Trade Organization (WTO). The duty is aimed at ensuring fair trading practices and creating a level playing field for domestic producers vis-a-vis foreign producers and exporters.

India and these countries are members of the WTO.
By Jayshree P Upadhyay

MUMBAI (Reuters) -India's markets regulator has widened an investigation into alleged market manipulation by U.S. securities trading firm Jane Street to include other indexes and exchanges, a source familiar with the matter said.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India earlier on Friday barred Jane Street from buying and selling securities in the Indian market and also seized $567 million of its funds.

SEBI and Jane Street did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment.

The regulator has alleged that Jane Street bought large quantities of constituents in India's Bank Nifty index in the cash and futures markets to artificially support the index in morning trade, while simultaneously building large short positions in index options.

Later in the day, Jane Street reversed the trades to profit from options positions, SEBI said in its 105-page order.

In response, Jane Street said it disputes the findings of the SEBI interim order and will further engage with the regulator. "Jane Street is committed to operating in compliance with all regulations in the regions we operate around the world," the firm said.

The company can file its reply or any objections to the order within 21 days, SEBI said. It can also challenge the order judicially via the Securities Appellate Tribunal.

The regulator expects to take time to complete the investigation, the source said, without providing more details on the regulator's plan to widen its investigation.

India is the world's largest derivatives market, accounting for nearly 60% of global equity derivative trading volumes of 7.3 billion trades in April, the Futures Industry Association says.

The burst of derivative trading activity, which includes a host of retail investors, has prompted the regulator to limit the number of contract expiries and increase the size of trading lots to make the derivatives more costly to trade.

But the source said that while retail participation in index options trading on expiry day has moderated, there appears to be still too much concentration in short-term expiries and short-term trading.

"Extending maturities and nudging more long-term trading, hedging, and investments would be ideal for our ecosystem," the person said, referring to India's capital markets.
Lenskart founder Peyush Bansal is looking to buy 1.5-2% stake in the eyewear retailer worth about $150 million from existing investors ahead of a planned initial public offering, (IPO), three people aware of the development said. Investment bank Avendus Capital is helping Bansal with the transaction.

Bansal wants to make up for his equity dilution over the previous funding rounds, the people said on the condition of anonymity.

Peyush is buying small stakes from a bunch of investors. This is being negotiated at around $7-8 billion valuation," one of the three people said. Investors such as TR Capital, Chiratae, Softbank and Kedaara Capital are likely to sell shares as part of the deal, these people said.

Negotiations are on with these firms. In another four to six weeks, this deal will be done, after which the company will look to file its IPO documents with the markets regulator," the second person said. Queries emailed to Lenskart, Avendus and the investors remained unanswered.

Lenskart is considering a billion-dollar IPO and will target around $8-10 billion in valuation at the time of the IPO, Mint had reported earlier. Last month, US investor Fidelity marked up its valuation of Lenskart to $6.1 billion.

The founder is buying back from some of the investors at a pre-IPO valuation," the third person said.

Tracxn data shows Bansal owns 8.21% in Lenskart. The company has raised $1.08 billion in funding across 19 rounds, including the latest Series I round for $18.2 million on July 21, 2023. The company has seen investments from various firms including SoftBank Vision Fund, TPG, and Chiratae Ventures.

Lenskart has already appointed investment banks such as Kotak Mahindra Capital, Axis Capital, Citi, Morgan Stanley, and Avendus Capital to file for an IPO in the current quarter.

Founded in 2010 by Bansal along with Amit Choudhary, Neha Bansal and Sumeet Kapahi, the omnichannel eyewear retailer is also present in countries Singapore and the UAE. It sells prescription eyewear, sunglasses, and contact lenses.

Over the last year, Lenskart has moved a most of its global manufacturing to India to cut costs and streamline its supply chain. For instance, the bulk of its frame manufacturing has been shifted from Japan to its Rajasthan facility.

Over the last few years, the firm has been doubling down on its omnichannel strategy. It has more than 2500 retail outlets and has also partnered with Blinkit, a Zomato-backed quick commerce firm, to sell its products.

In FY24, Lenskart narrowed its losses by 84% to 10 crore from the previous year from 64 crore a year earlier, aided by operational efficiency achieved from expanded product lines. The Gurugram-based companys operating revenue rose 43% to 5,427 crore while expenses surged to 5,549 crore from 4,025 crore in FY23.
SAO PAULO (AP)  Police in Brazil arrested a suspect in connection with a cyberattack that diverted more than 540 million Brazilian reais (about $100 million) from the country's banking systems, authorities said Friday.

The breach affected Brazils widely used instant payment system, known as PIX, which is used by 76.4% of the population. Hackers targeted C&M, a software company that connects financial institutions to the Central Bank to enable PIX transactions.

Police in Sao Paulo said the $100 million loss refers to just one financial institution that worked with C&M and total losses could be even higher.

Officials identified the suspect as Joao Roque, a C&M employee who worked in information technology and allegedly helped others gain unauthorized access to PIX systems.

According to police, Roque told investigators he sold his credentials to hackers who recruited him earlier this year. The Associated Press could not immediately reach his lawyers.

After breaching the companys system, hackers carried out massive fake PIX operations. The fraud took place in a single night and did not affect clients  only financial institutions contracted with C&M.

Police are now trying to identify other members of the group and said at least four more people participated in the cyberattack. They are also tracking and attempting to freeze suspected assets. So far, authorities have blocked 270 million reais linked to the scheme.

Brazil's Central Bank said Thursday that it suspended part of C&Ms operations after the company took measures to reduce the risk of further attacks.

C&M said in a statement published by local media that it is cooperating with authorities and that preliminary evidence indicates the breach stemmed from unauthorized access to security credentials through social engineering, not from flaws in its systems.

___
(Bloomberg) -- Developers of renewable energy are rushing to lock in German projects as Berlins tone on the green transition shifts, sparking worries that strong government support may start to dwindle.

High participation at two recent clean energy auctions shows that demand for such projects remains strong, the Federal Network Agency said Thursday. Yet analysts see the rush as a sign that companies are heeding the messages of conservative Chancellor Friedrich Merzs new government, which wants to put the brakes on the countrys rapid renewable expansion.

Many developers are rushing into the auctions now because they are aware of the existing conditions and the risk that these could worsen in the future, according to Casimir Lorenz, managing director for Central Europe at think tank Aurora Energy Research.

Germany boosted support for the green shift in the aftermath of the energy crisis sparked by Russias war on Ukraine, in part by streamlining planning and permitting processes. But the rapid addition of new capacities has added pressure for expensive grid expansions and upgrades, with the new government looking to cut down on such costs for consumers.

The auction results show that the past measures are having their full effect, said Barbel Heidebroek, president of the German Wind Energy Association. She urged the new government to maintain the course, with current discussions damaging an industry that is on course for success.

Economy minister Katherina Reiche, who is also in charge of the countrys energy policy, said at a recent industry gathering that the rapid renewables expansion has led to massive grid growth and associated charges. She argued that renewables must develop more in line with the grids needs  a view that has also gained traction in neighboring France  and expressed her intention to weaken the business case of renewables.

In line with that, Germanys energy regulator recently proposed making renewable generators contribute financially for getting hooked up to the grid.

The debate about the role of clean energy will be guided by a study Berlin has commissioned on how much electricity demand Germany is likely to see in the coming years. A sluggish roll-out of electric vehicles, heat pumps and weak industrial demand have raised doubts that the countrys current plan to double solar and wind capacity by 2030 is actually necessary.

The economy ministry selected the groups in charge of this examination at the end of June and has asked them to limit their analysis to existing scientific findings and studies in light of a short deadline, the ministry said in response to emailed questions. It added that cost efficiency should be one of the studys key priorities.

The given conditions make it difficult to obtain reliable results, said Simone Peter, president of the German Renewable Energy Federation.

The studys conclusions on future power demand are likely to serve as a universal reference for renewable developers and energy strategy.

To Claudia Kemfert, who leads the energy, transport, and environment department of the German Institute for Economic Research, this and other signals indicate a shift in priorities  away from the accelerated energy transition toward a more fossil-friendly approach, even though the government has committed to keeping the goal of climate neutrality by 2045.

The currently high participation rates could also reflect a kind of gate-closing panic, she said of the recent clean energy auctions. The new political framework will significantly complicate or slow down the expansion of renewable energies.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Taipei [Taiwan], July 4 (ANI): Deputy Minister for Taiwan's Economic Affairs Cynthia Kiang has reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting overseas Taiwanese and foreign companies investing in Taiwan, following Cabinet approval of a new round of incentives, including loans and subsidies, the Taipei Times reported.

"Any companies [that wish to invest in Taiwan] and contribute to Taiwan's economy will receive government support," Kiang said at a press briefing in Taipei, quoted by the Taipei Times on Thursday.

She emphasised that while key sectors such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and military technology remain priorities, the government also welcomes investment from the health and service industries.

The incentives form part of an expanded version of the "Invest Taiwan" initiative, which was first launched in 2017 in response to the US-China trade war to encourage Taiwanese businesses to shift operations from China back to Taiwan.

According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), the new measures--effective from 2025 to 2027--will extend support not only to Taiwan-based companies returning from China but also to globally operating Taiwanese firms and foreign businesses.

Senior MOEA official Chang Ming-pin announced that the incentives include up to NT$720 billion (USD 24.96 billion) in loans over the next three years. Loan service fee subsidies will also be increased to between 0.3 and 1 per cent, up from the previous 0.1 to 0.7 per cent.

The government aims to draw NT$1.2 trillion in new investment and create approximately 80,000 jobs in Taiwan under the new plan, Chang said.
(Bloomberg) -- Singapore imposed S$27.5 million ($21.5 million) in penalties on nine financial firms, including a few of the worlds biggest banks, for lapses related to the citys largest money laundering case.

Credit Suisses Singapore branch was slapped with the highest amount of S$5.8 million, the Monetary Authority of Singapore said Friday in a statement. The local units of UBS Group AG and Citigroup Inc. were also rapped for breaching anti-money laundering rules.

This is the biggest regulatory action taken by MAS since it shut down Swiss bank BSI SAs local unit in 2016 and penalized banks for their failings related to Malaysias troubled 1MDB fund. The latest move underscores Singapores attempts to repair its reputation and draw a line on a S$3 billion scandal that exposed gaps in the citys defenses against illicit money.

Globally, regulators have frequently imposed tougher fines on banks for anti-money laundering lapses. Last year, Toronto-Dominion Bank reached a $3.1 billion settlement over its failure to catch and stop money laundering at numerous US branches. In 2022, Danske Bank A/S was fined $2 billion to end a long-running US probe into money laundering after admitting that a large chunk of 200 billion euros ($236 billion) in transactions at its Estonian branch were suspicious.

The MAS said the move wraps up its two-year supervisory review in relation to the money-laundering case that publicly unfolded in August 2023. Authorities seized about S$3 billion in assets including cash, real estate and cryptocurrencies related to the case. Ten people of Chinese origin, dubbed the Fujian gang, were convicted while two former bankers were charged in 2024 for their roles in the fiasco.

The breaches by the financial institutions were due to poor or inconsistent implementation of anti-money laundering controls, the MAS said. The firms are remedying the deficiencies and the regulator will monitor their progress closely.

Apart from the financial penalties, MAS also issued prohibition orders of between three and six years on four individuals at asset manager Blue Ocean Invest. Several people from other firms drew reprimands from the regulator.

United Overseas Bank Ltd., Singapores third-largest lender, and its associate firm UOB-Kay Hian, Trident Trust, and Blue Ocean Invest said they have taken remedial action to address the gaps. UBS, which took over Credit Suisse in 2023, said it has fully cooperated with the authorities. Citi further strengthened its client onboarding and monitoring processes, among other things, said a spokesman.

Singapores attractiveness as a global wealth hub has boosted businesses at banks from DBS Group Holdings Ltd. to UBS. Assets managed by financial firms in Singapore rose 10% to S$5.41 trillion in 2023 from a year earlier.

The scale of the case rocked the wealthy city-state and prompted a government review of its safeguards against dirty money. Singapore was also a focal point of the fraud at German payments firm Wirecard AG.

(Adds context on fines in fourth paragraph, MAS reprimand in seventh paragraph, and comments from firms.)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Lucknow, Jul 4 (PTI) With an aim to boost export of horticultural produce, the Uttar Pradesh government is planning to set up a world-class agri-export facility near the Noida International Airport in Jewar, Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh said on Friday.

Speaking at the inauguration of Uttar Pradesh Mango Festival 2025 here, he stressed that the facility -- first of its kind in India -- will also help neighbouring states to export their farm and horticulture produce.

Highlighting the state's dominance in mango production, Singh said, "mango cultivation is being carried out across 3.25 lakh hectares in Uttar Pradesh, and we are currently producing about 6.15 million metric tonnes of mangoes -- making us the number one state in India in terms of production."

He credited Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's support for the international popularity of UP mangoes, saying, mangoes from Uttar Pradesh have already reached nearly 20 countries.

Singh added that the Chief Minister flagged off fresh export consignments to London and the United Arab Emirates.

Singh said the upcoming facility near the under-construction Jewar International Airport would be a game-changer for agricultural exports. "All types of treatment and testing facilities required for international exports will be made available at one integrated complex," he said.

Explaining the need for such a centre, Singh said, different countries have different phytosanitary requirements.

"For example, mangoes sent to the US need gamma radiation treatment, while those destined for Japan require hot water vapour treatment. Additionally, there are tests for pesticide residue levels and other parameters. As of now, there is no single place in India where all these export-related treatments are available under one roof," he said.

Talks are underway with the World Bank to support this project, he revealed. Once operational, the facility will enable agricultural and horticultural produce from Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring states to be treated, tested, packaged, and exported directly from Jewar via cargo planes.

"This is a significant step forward," Singh said, adding "particularly for a country like India, and a state like Uttar Pradesh, where nearly 75 per cent of land is under cultivation and about 86 per cent of the farmland is irrigated.

Despite this, "our agri-exports haven't yet been fully taken off via air cargo. Once Jewar becomes functional, exports to countries across the world will begin in large quantities."

He emphasised that boosting farmer income is only possible if products from Indian farms can be marketed in affluent countries. Singh also informed that under the leadership of CM Yogi Adityanath, a team comprising the horticulture minister and senior officials will soon visit several countries to showcase UP's produce, including its celebrated mangoes.
New Delhi: Kalanithi Maran and KAL Airways have moved the Supreme Court challenging a Delhi high court order that dismissed their plea seeking 1,323 crore in damages from SpiceJet in a dispute that dates back to 2015.

On Friday, a vacation bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha and R. Mahadevan agreed to hear their petitions on 18 July.

Maran and KAL Airways have challenged the Delhi high courts 23 May order that dismissed their appeals due to delays.

A division bench of Justices C. Hari Shankar and Ajay Digpaul refused to condone a 55-day delay in filing and a 226-day delay in re-filing their appeals, calling their actions a calculated gamble and accusing them of deliberately concealing information from the court and SpiceJet.

It is to be noted that condonation of delay means seeking the courts permission to file a case or appeal after the legal deadline has passed. Under the Limitation Act, parties usually get 90 days to file an appeal from a single judges decision to a division bench. If they miss this deadline, they must explain the reasons for the delay and seek condonation. In this case, the court did not accept their explanation.

Background of the dispute This legal battle dates back to 2015, when Maran and KAL Airways transferred their entire stake in SpiceJet to Ajay Singh for a nominal 2 amid a financial crisis that had nearly shut down the airline. As part of the deal, Singh took over liabilities worth 1,500 crore.

Maran and KAL Airways had also paid 679 crore to SpiceJet for issuing convertible warrants and preference shares. However, these were never issued under Singhs management, prompting Maran to approach the Delhi high court in 2017 for a refund.

Arbitration award and court challenges In July 2018, an arbitration panel of three retired Supreme Court judges rejected Marans claim for 1,323 crore in damages but ordered a refund of 579 crore plus interest. Both sides challenged parts of this award under the Arbitration Act in the high court.

In 2023, Justice Chandra Dhari Singh of the Delhi high court upheld the arbitral award, ordering SpiceJet and Singh to refund 308 crore for warrants and 270 crore for preference shares, along with applicable interest. SpiceJet then challenged this ruling before the division bench.

In May 2024, the division bench gave relief to SpiceJet by sending the case back to a single judge for fresh consideration, putting the 270 crore refund on hold.

Maran and KAL Airways approached the Supreme Court against this decision to remand the case, but their plea was dismissed in July 2024.

Soon after, they refiled their long-pending appeals against the single judges 2023 order, leading to the high court division benchs May 2025 dismissal due to delays.
Mumbai: Fractal Analytics is preparing to file draft papers for a $500 million public listing over the next five to six weeks at a valuation exceeding $3 billion, two people familiar with the matter told Mint .

A bulk of the issue will have an offer-for-sale component under which existing investor Apax Funds will look to part sell its six-year-old stake in the company," one of the people said. The person added that TPG may also consider a small stake sale on its three-year-old bet in the company.

The second person said that the draft papers will be filed by the second week of August, with the listing expected by the end of this financial year.

Fractal did not immediately respond to Mints requests for comment. TPG and Apax Funds declined to comment.

Also Read | Fractal bets on agentic AI to drive revenue

The company has hired Morgan Stanley, Kotak Mahindra Capital, and Axis Capital to manage the issue, according to a report by The Economic Times.

The Mumbai-based analytics firm had first planned to go public in 2021 but deferred its plans amid weak market conditions. Over the past year, several other companies have also delayed initial public offerings (IPOs), recalibrated their valuations, and downsized issue sizes in response to changing market sentiment.

For instance, Ather Energy trimmed its IPO size to just over 2,600 crore at the time of listing, down from an initial target of 3,100 crore. Its valuation also fell to $1.4 billion from a previous target of $2 billion.

If it goes ahead as planned, Fractal will join a growing list of startups including Meesho, Wakefit, Shadowfax, Curefoods, PhysicsWallah, Shiprocket, Urban Company, Boat, Groww, Pinelabs, and Capillary Tech that have filed draft papers in recent weeks.

Others such as Inframarket, Ofbusiness, Moneyview, Kissht, and Turtlemint are also expected to follow soon.

The spurt in activity signals a rebound in Indias IPO market, as easing global uncertainty revives investor appetite and boosts confidence among issuers.

In FY24, Fractal reported consolidated revenue of 2,196 crore, a 10.6% increase from 1,985 crore the previous year. However, it posted a net loss of 54.7 crore, compared to a net profit of 194 crore in FY23, as per its annual report.

Founded in 2000 by Srikanth Velamakanni, Pranay Agrawal, Nirmal Palaparthi, Pradeep Suryanarayan, and Ramkrishna Reddy, Fractal provides AI-driven data solutions to clients across consumer goods, retail, financial services, and insurance. Its customer base includes around 150 Fortune 500 companies such as Google and Wells Fargo.

Its target group includes companies with either $20 billion in market capitalization or $10 billion in revenues, or those with at least 30 million customers. The company says it allocates about 1012% of revenues toward research and development.

Over the past few years, Fractal has raised over $600 million from investors including TA Associates, TPG, and Malaysias Khazanah Nasional Berhad through primary and secondary transactions, according to data from Tracxn.

In 2016, Khazanah invested $100 million at a $300 million valuation. Fractal entered the unicorn club six years later after a $360 million investment from TPG.

Also Read | IPO street is lighting up as hopes swell, worries fade

The company also incubates and spins off ventures. One such business is healthcare startup Qure.ai, which raised funds from Sequoia Capital (now Peak XV Partners) in 2020. Fractal exited its 36.2% stake in Qure.ai at a value of 541 crore in FY23, boosting its bottom line that year.
As Indian and US officials work to finalise a trade deal ahead of US President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariff deadline on July 9, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said India will negotiate on its own terms, focusing on national interest and mutual benefit.

Speaking to ANI during the 16th Toy Biz B2B expo in New Delhi, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said, India discusses on its own terms and we never make a trade deal based on a timeline; when the deal is good, fully matured, and in the national interest, then we accept it.

While emphasising the government's focus on national interest, the Union minister added, It should be a win-win agreement, and only when India's interests are safeguarded, national interest will always be supreme and keeping that in mind, if a good deal is formed, India is always ready to engage with developed countries.

Also Read | Centre asks traders to disclose wheat stock every Friday

More trade deals on cards He also highlighted trade talks with other countries. Discussions are ongoing with various countries. Whether it is the European Union, New Zealand, Oman, the United States, Chile, or Peru, negotiations for agreements are underway with many countries," Goyal said.

However, Goyal asserted that negotiations with various countries do not mean India will hurry to conclude deals. "A Free Trade Agreement is only possible when there is mutual benefit," he said

Also Read | Dollar slips versus major currencies as US tariff deadline looms

Trump's tariffs Goyal's statement comes as the deadline for Trump tariffs nears. On April 2, the Trump administration imposed an additional 26 per cent reciprocal tariff on Indian goods, which was subsequently suspended for a period of 90 days. Nevertheless, the 10 per cent baseline tariff implemented by the United States remains in effect. India is actively seeking a complete exemption from the supplementary 26 per cent tariff, reported PTI.

Also Read | Sitharaman urges MDBs to sharpen focus on the Global South

India-US trade deal The PTI report said the US is seeking duty concessions in the agriculture and dairy sectors. However, India finds it difficult to grant duty concessions to the US in these areas. Additionally, the US wants concessions on industrial goods such as automobiles, wines, petrochemical products, dairy, and agricultural items such as apples, tree nuts, and genetically modified crops.
The Indian government has proposed retaliatory duties against the United States under World Trade Organisation (WTO) norms as a safeguard measure against American tariffs on the automobile sector.

"The proposed suspension of concessions or other obligations would take the form of an increase in tariffs on selected products originating in the United States," PTI reported, quoting a notification of the WTO.

The Indian government has informed the WTO's Council for Trade in Goods about its plan to suspend concessions and other obligations under specific provisions of the global trade body.

Also Read | Dollar slips versus major currencies as US tariff deadline looms

The notification stated that "India reserves the right to suspend concessions or other obligations" as the government's requested consultations on the tariffs have not taken place.

"Accordingly, India's proposed suspension of concessions would result in an equivalent amount of duty collected from products originating in the United States," it said.

On March 26, 2025, the US imposed a 25 per cent tariff increase on imports of passenger vehicles, light trucks, and specific automobile parts from India.

India has noted that the measures implemented by the United States are not in accordance with the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994 and the Safeguards Agreement, the PTI report said.

The WTO further stated that to ensure the right to suspend concessions or other obligations, India has reserved the right to modify the products and tariff rates.

India reserves the right to withdraw, modify, supplement or replace this notification, and/or make a further notification or notifications as and when required," the notification said.

Also Read | India tells WTO it wont lift wheat export ban

Failed WTO negotiations The latest development comes weeks after the US rejected India's attempts to initiate discussions over automobile tariffs at the WTO, as Mint reported on June 11.

The US declined India's request for WTO consultations regarding the 25 per cent tariff on auto parts. It argued that these tariffs were imposed on national security grounds and therefore not governed by multilateral trade rules, the report said, citing a WTO document.

Also Read | Centre asks traders to disclose wheat stock every Friday

India-US trade deal Meanwhile, Indian and US officials have been engaged in negotiations over the last few days to finalise a trade deal before US President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariff deadline on July 9.

Speaking on the trade deal, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal told ANI, India discusses on its own terms and we never make a trade deal based on a timeline; when the deal is good, fully matured, and in the national interest, then we accept it.
Mumbai: Steelmakers who also mine their own iron ore, such as Tata Steel and Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) , are likely to see their margins dip more than their peers as prices of both steel and iron ore are on a downward trend, analysts said.

This is because of the fixed costs associated with their minesin contrast to players like Jindal Steel and Power Ltd and JSW Steel Ltdwho buy raw material from third party suppliers, thus exporting a part of the margin squeeze to these vendors.

In essence, owning iron ore and coal mines, which helps these integrated companies earn better margins than their peers when the going is good, is becoming like a millstone around their necks in a slowdown.

Also Read | Why has the Tata Steel share price been skyrocketing for the last 3 sessions

The integrated steelmakers will see a higher fall in margins than the non-integrated steelmakers as non-integrated players will see some benefit of iron ore prices coming down," said Manav Gogia, analyst at Yes Securities. The drop in margins should be visible in the second quarter of this fiscal year, he said.

Analysts at BigMint, a market intelligence firm, concurred.

As steel prices and raw materials continue to stay under pressure, JSW Steel's Ebitda will be better than Tata Steel's Ebitda," an executive at BigMint said. Ebitda stands for earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.

Analysts at Kotak Institutional Equities believe steel prices are likely to remain under pressure because global demand is weak and domestic steel is being sold at a premium to imports. Besides, there are seasonal slowdowns accompanying declining construction activity in the monsoon.

Also Read | Tata Steel eyes net profit at UK unit this fiscal: N Chandrasekaran

Non-integrated players are better placed amid the ongoing weakness in prices and costs," the Kotak analysts said in a report last week referring to Jindal Power and Steel and JSW Steel. However, they expect margins to sequentially improve in the April-June quarter. They did not comment on margins in the July-September quarter.

In addition, raw materials like iron ore and coking coal are getting cheaper, and global supply is improving, which means prices could fall even more in the coming weeks.

Integrated steelmakers control the entire value chain and mine their own raw materials, while non-integrated steelmakers source their raw materials from the market.

Among domestic steel companies, Tata Steel had the highest Ebitda per tonne of the alloy produced last fiscal. The company had a per-tonne Ebida of 13,307 compared wth 12,004 for JSPL, 8,220 for JSW Steel and 5,877 for SAIL.

Also Read | Tata Steel aims to have 20 pc diversity workforce by 2028

In FY26, the brokerage expects Tata Steel to maintain its margin lead in the industry at 15,126 of EBITDA per tonne. However, JSW and JSPL are expected to narrow their margin deficit with the Asia's oldest steelmaker.

The steel industry contributes nearly 2% of GDP, and is considered the backbone of Indias industrial and economic growth. JSW Steel is the largest steelmaker by capacity, followed by Tata Steel, SAIL and JSPL.

Tata Steel and SAIL have owned captive mines for decades. Tata Steel gets almost all of its iron ore and nearly 21% of coal requirements from its mines in Jharkhand Odissha for steel manufacturing, while the rest is imported.

SAIL has 15 iron ore mines in Jharkhand, Odisha and Chhattisgarh, meeting all the requirements of SAIL steel plants. SAIL also has 4 coal mines.

Other steelmakers such as JSW and JSPL are also keen on bidding for mines if they are available at a reasonable price. JSW joint managing director Jayant Acharya told analysts in January that it would be bidding for all new mines coming up for auction in Karnataka and Goa.

JSW Steel, Tata Steel, SAIL and JSPL did not respond to Mint's emails and calls seeking comment.

The benchmark price for hot-rolled coils, which are used in automobile parts and consumer durables, fell to a four-month low to 50,700 per tonne in June, about 5% lower than its peak in April. The price of rebars, used in infrastructure and housing, has plunged 13% from its previous high in April to an eleven-month low to Rs.50,700 in June, reflecting a sharper correction in what is called the long products segment, as per Big Mint database.

Long product prices have seen a sharper correction compared to flat products, because the government imposed safeguard duties on imports in March, which predominantly affect flat steel products," said Dhruv Goel, chief executive officer of Big Mint.

Flat products refer to sheets of steel available as coils or slabs. Long steel includes rods, wires and bars.

To be sure, the steelmakers have been facing headwinds and clocked lower revenues since last year due to Chinese steel dumping in India. Chinese steel is available at a discount of about 5% or more, and sometimes as high as 10% compared with domestic prices.

Government data shows Indias steel imports in FY25 rose to 9.5 million tonnes, the highest since FY16, and exports crashed to a decade's low of 5 million tonnes. India became a net importer of the metal as last year the country's steel trade deficit hit a 10-year high of 4.5 million tonnes, Mint reported on 21 April.

The government imposed a 12% safeguard duty on steel imports in a move to protect the domestic steel industry in May.

Major steel-using sectors such as automotive and construction are expected to benefit from the price drop as they will have lower input costs.

They have slowed down on their purchases as they think that the steel prices will correct more," said Goel.
CUET UG 2025 Result: Preparations are in full swing as the National Testing Agency (NTA) is set to declare the Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG 2025) result today, July 4. On July 1, CUET UG 2025 final answer key was released and the CUET UG result will be published on NTA CUET website in some time.

Two days ago, the examination conducting agency in a post on X confirmed CUET UG 2025 Result date and stated, CUET (UG)-2025 result will be announced on 4th July 2025.

Candidates who appeared for Common University Entrance Test for undergraduate courses can check their CUET UG 2025 scores at the official website, cuet.nta.nic.in.

Catch all CUET Result 2025 Live Updates here The NTA administered the CUET UG 2025 exams between May 13 and June 3 this year. The testing agency offered a retest for students who appeared for the accountancy exam between May 13 and May 16 after complaints and concerns were raised about questions not aligning with the notified syllabus.

Also Read | CUET UG 2025 Result date OUT LIVE: NTA to declare score THIS date

Held in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode across 285 exam centres in India and 15 cities abroad, students will be able to check their CUET subject-wise score and apply to the desired universities through CUET scores. More than 13 lakh candidates appeared in the undergraduate entrance exam that will enable them to apply for admission to over 250 central, state, and private universities.

How to check CUET UG 2025 Result Check CUET UG 2025 Result by following the steps mentioned below:

Step 1: Visit the official website at cuet.nta.nic.in.

Step 2: Navigate to the CUET UG Result 2025 link on the homepage.

Step 3: The user will be directed to a new page where login details need to be entered.

Step 4: Check marks after clicking on submit.

Step 5: Download and save CUET UG 2025 Result scorecard, take a printout of the result and keep a hard copy for future reference.
London, Jul 4 (PTI) Success is constant evolution, says actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas, a popular Hindi cinema star who is now firmly focused on expanding her filmography in the West.

In her latest Hollywood project "Heads of State", Priyanka plays Noel Bisset, an MI6 agent with a past with the British Prime Minister Sam Clarke (Idris Elba).

When Sam and the newly elected US President Will Derringer (John Cena) are attacked ahead of a NATO conference, Bisset is tasked with safeguarding them.

The former Miss World, who emerged as one of the top actors in Hindi cinema after her debut with "The Hero: Love Story of a Spy", said she has had a great run in India and is looking for something similar in her work in Hollywood.

"It is constant evolution for sure. I would've never imagined where I am today when in 2002, I started my first movie. But I feel like I'm really nascent in my work in the West so far. I have a major filmography in my Indian work. I've been able to work in various genres, work with the most incredible actors and filmmakers.

"So I want to be able to build on that portfolio in my English language work as well. I feel like there's a lot more to do, a lot more to explore and I'm excited to see what will unfold," Priyanka told PTI in an interview here.

The actor has played central roles in shows and movies such as "Quantico", "Baywatch", "Citadel", "The Matrix Resurrections" and "Love Again".

Priyanka said "Heads of State", which is now streaming on Prime Video, was a fun film to do and she is proud of what she achieved through her character.

"I want to be proud of the work that I take on. I try to take on characters that have agency and are strong and have something to do in the movies versus being ornamental," she added.

Both Priyanka and Cena, who has a massive fan following in India for being a WWE wrestler before turning to acting, started their professional journeys around the same time in the early 2000s but they first met each other in the Ilya Naishuller-directed movie.

"I knew of John from his WWE days in India. He's so well known in the country. It's hard to not know him, especially when he made his transition into movies. I thought that was very interesting and his choice of parts were great. So I was very excited to do this movie with him," she said.

Priyanka said her co-star, who has created a niche for himself with his work in the physical comedy space, is "funny in real life" too.

"And that helps... When you have good comedic timing in real life, you can improvise on set with that kind of ease," she added.

Whether it is hand to hand combat, gun battles or fighting bad guys alongside Elba and Cena, Priyanka gets to do some cool action sequences in "Heads of State".

The actor credited her stunt team and the director for making her look good on the screen.

"Actors are just as good as the teams that surround us, especially in the movies. I think that we had an incredible stunt team and a really visionary director who knew exactly what he wanted. He had a storyboard of almost every shot. He knew exactly how large the explosion needed to be or how high the helicopter needed to be.

"I think over the years, having worked in the genre, whether it's in India or in America, the one common theme is having a great technical stunt team because you are just as confident and you just feel as good as the people around you."
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], July 4 (ANI): Actors Rajkummar Rao and Manushi Chillar attended the song launch event of their upcoming film 'Maalik' in Lucknow.

During the launch event, they discussed the film and shared their working experiences.

The makers have released a song titled 'Raaj Karega Maalik', sung by the MTV Hustle winner MC Square. In 'Maalik', Rajkummar Rao plays a ruthless gangster who appears to stop at nothing to fulfil his ambition of political power and fame.

Manushi shared her working experience in the film, saying, "I always wanted to work in a project where I get to learn a lot and get to try something new. We have so many senior actors in our team....The character is very beautiful. I have a lot of pressure. I had a lot of fun while shooting."

"This film has an interesting story, " said Rao.

He also shared that there are a lot of opportunities for actors in the industry, "There are a lot of avenues and a lot of opportunities for actors to work hard. Just focus on your art form and nothing else...And keep working on your art form,..you must be very proud of what you are doing in this film."

Taking to their Instagram handle, Tips (the official production banner of the film) shared the latest song from 'Maalik', which perfectly resonates with Rajkummar Rao's gangster vibe in the movie. The music of 'Raaj Karega Maalik' is composed by Sachin-Jigar and is sung by Akasa.

The song comprises a high beat and rage-filled rap by MC Square. Manushi Chillar looks gorgeous as she performs beautifully to the music beats of Sachin-Jigar.

In the music video, the duo was seen dancing together. MC Square's rap and Rajkummar Rao's expressions sync perfectly, creating an adrenaline-rush sequence in the song.

In 'Maalik', Rajkummar Rao plays a ruthless gangster who appears to stop at nothing to fulfil his ambition of political power and fame. With his rugged look and high-octane action moves, Rajkummar portrays a raw and intense character, unlike his recent roles in comedy movies such as 'Stree', 'Stree 2', and 'Bhool Chuk Maaf.'Also starring Manushi Chhillar in a lead role, along with Saurabh Shukla and Saurabh Sachdeva in pivotal parts, Maalik is set against the gritty backdrop of 1980s Allahabad.

It's a hard-hitting tale of ambition, power, and survival that explores the price of rising in a world ruled by guns, greed, and loyalty.

The makers recently released the trailer of the film.

In the trailer, Rajkummar is seen firing bullets at the front entrance of the house. Guns seem to be the actor's third hand in the movie, as he appears to kill countless goons in the trailer.

The movie is produced by Kumar Taurani and Jay Shewakramani under the banner of Tips Films and Northern Lights Films.
When Ukrainian drones struck deep inside Russia last month and damaged strategic bombers once considered untouchable, it sent shock waves through military circles. Operation Spiders Web was more than a display of technological ingenuity; it challenged longstanding assumptions about modern warfare. An outgunned but nimble force using off-the-shelf drones disrupted a far larger adversary. Speed, asymmetry and creativity outmatched legacy systems.

Weeks later, Israels strike on Iranian nuclear facilities offered a sharper, more enduring lesson: the future of warfare isnt about drones replacing jetsits about integration. While Ukraine revealed how smart, agile tactics can disrupt an adversary, Israel put on a masterclass in modern warfare by blending conventional and new battlefield technologies.

In Israels opening strike, more than 200 aircraft dropped 300 precision munitions on 100 Iranian targets, according to the Israel Defense Forces. Simultaneously, Israeli quadcopters launched from a clandestine drone base inside Iran destroyed missile launchers aimed at the Jewish state. Using vehicles reportedly smuggled into Iran, Israeli operatives deployed weapons systems and precision missiles to destroy antiaircraft batteries. Acting on intelligence collected over decades, Israel targeted and killed dozens of Iranian military and nuclear officials. Human intelligence, cyber operations, unmanned systems and manned air power operated in the pre-emptive strikeit was a feat of modern military orchestration.

The lesson is clear: Successful military operations no longer depend only on overwhelming firepower or technological novelty. They now require synthesisair and ground, legacy and next-generation, human and machine.

Israels opening strike redefined how the IDF thinks about conflict. According to a former IDF general I spoke with days after the operation, Israeli military leaders accelerated their planning cycles from five years to five months. The pace of technological change, the blurring of operational environments and the shifting tactics of adversaries demanded the faster timeline. To stay ahead on the battlefield, there is no longer time for slow adaptation.

This is a warning to democracies, especially the U.S. The wars of the 21st century wont be won by choosing between drones and jets, analog and digital, artificial intelligence and human intuition. They will be won by militaries that combine themcreatively and continuously.

Ukraines drone campaign exemplifies adaptation. Facing a vastly superior military, Kyiv equipped commercial drones with explosives and software. Ukraine destroyed more than 40 Russian aircraft hundreds of miles from the front for a fraction of the cost of a single fighter jet.

But while cheap drones represent the tip of the spear, they arent the spear itself. Israels air assault required a blend of stealth and brute force, AI and human judgment, unmanned systems and pilots. This was military doctrine catching up to technology.

That distinction is where the U.S. military faces its most serious challenge. Americas legacy weapons platformstanks, ships, aircraftremain formidable, but they are often disconnected from one another and from the networked, AI-enabled architecture that defines modern conflict. Innovation is bolted onto outdated hardware rather than built into the organizations DNA. AI enhances precision targeting but rarely informs strategy. Interoperability between old and new remains patchy, held back by legacy procurement and bureaucratic stovepipes.

Meanwhile, competitors are rapidly advancing. In 2021 China stunned U.S. officials with a hypersonic missile test that circumnavigated the globe. Gen. Mark Milley, then chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, testified that it was very close" to Chinas Sputnik moment. The real shock was the integration behind the weapon: space-based guidance, hypersonic propulsion and precision targeting functioning in coordination. Beijing rewired its military around how that capability fits into the broader strategy.

By contrast, the U.S. often treats technological upgrades as plug-ins rather than catalysts for larger transformation. This leaves critical gapsagainst China, but also against ragtag adversaries in Afghanistan and Iraq who showed they can outmaneuver American forces with cheaper tech and ingenuity.

To close this gap, democracies must embrace the entrepreneurial power of the private sector. Venture-capital firms and startups are increasingly driving battlefield innovation. In Silicon Valley and Tel Aviv, small companies often push the edge of whats possible faster than traditional defense contractors. But for this innovation to translate into strategic advantages, defense establishments must connect emerging technologies with military requirements. That means rethinking procurement, creating incentives for experimentation, and making startup integration the norm.

If the U.S. cant reconcile its industrial-age forces with digital-age demands, even a massive defense budget wont guarantee superiority. AI and unmanned systems must be treated as integral components of training, war-fighting culture, and objectives. A truly modern military trains every commander to think with drones, and it writes AI into the rules of engagement. Integration is a continuous process of aligning tools, talent, and tactics with the future fight.

That future fight is here. Hypersonic weapons, cyberattacks, and autonomous swarms are already operational. Militaries must move fasteron the ground and especially in their thinking. What will separate winners from losers in this new era will be the creativity and coherence with which militaries combine their assets. Ukraines battlefield improvisation and Israels strategic integration both underscore this point: Tools matter, but how you use them matters more.

The U.S. military can either lead this transition or risk being overtaken by forces quicker to adapt. Democracies, constrained by public accountability and limited by budgets, have no choice but to do more with lessand to do it smarter. They must lead this evolution not only with brute force, but with imagination.

Mr. Kaplowitz is founder of 1948 Ventures, a U.S.-based venture-capital firm that invests exclusively in Israeli dual-use technology companies.
A handful of House Republican holdouts were unhappy with provisions in Trumps signature bill. But if Trump blessed any changes, the megabill would head back to the Senate to face additional scrutiny and potential opposition.

So, the self-described dealmaker in chief started making deals.

In a last-minute blitz of White House meetings and phone calls Wednesday and Thursday, Trump offered to use his executive authority to address the concerns of conservative lawmakers, who worried the bill didnt do enough to cut spending and discourage renewable energy.

Trump and his advisers said they would explore new tariffs on parts used in wind turbines, and potentially slow permitting for some renewable-energy projects, according to lawmakers. The offer was aimed at placating Republicans who were angry that the Senate gave wind and solar-energy projects more time to start construction before becoming ineligible for tax credits.

In the meetings, Russ Vought, Trumps White House budget chief, also reassured lawmakers that the administration would use its authority to limit spending, according to people familiar with the conversations. Trump and his advisers have argued that Trump has the authority to refuse to spend money appropriated by Congress, a contention likely to be tested in court.

Trump even spoke by phone to Rep. Thomas Massie, the Kentucky Republican who infuriated the president by voting against an earlier version of the bill. While Massie opposed the legislation again on Thursday, he supported a procedural measure that allowed the bill to move forwardwith the understanding that Trump would temper his attacks, people familiar with the matter said.

Rep. Thomas Massie drew the presidents wrath by voting against an earlier version of the bill.

Asked if he made deals to get lawmakers to vote yes, Trump told reporters Thursday evening, Yeah, I think a few of them I did, but I think they would have gone yes anyway." A senior administration official said there were constructive conversations" with lawmakers, but didnt provide specifics.

Trumps vague promises and cajoling paid off when the House passed the legislation on Thursday afternoon, underscoring his iron grip on the Republican Party. Just two House Republicans and three GOP senators voted against the bill.

It was the latest instance in which threats of Republican dissent melted away in the face of Trumps popularity inside the party. I think I have more power now," Trump said, reflecting on the difference between his first and second terms.

The end-result of the negotiations is that House Republicans handed more authority to the executive branch, accepting legislation they had blasted hours earlier and trusting that Trump would solve their problems.

Weve got pretty good assurances out of the White House," said Rep. Chip Roy (R., Texas), who voted for the bill after calling it a travesty.

Trump enters the holiday weekend with much to celebrate: His signature tax-and-spending bill won congressional approval, the monthly jobs report exceeded expectations, and illegal border crossings reached their lowest level in decades.

The president is planning to sign the legislation into law Friday as he celebrates Independence Day at the White House with a picnic for military families. A B-2 stealth bomber, the aircraft used in the surprise U.S. attack on Irans nuclear facilities, will fly over the festivities.

Rep. Chip Roy, who has publicly butted heads with the president, ultimately voted for the bill.

Hanging over it all are several crises abroad, a looming July 9 deadline to strike trade deals and the political implications of his legislation. Democrats are rushing to cast the legislation as a boon for the rich. And privately, some Republican lawmakers are worried that cuts to Medicaid might hit their constituents and potentially backfire in next years midterm elections.

The legislations path to passage was slicked by Trumps fixation on the bill arriving on his desk by July 4 and widespread fears from House lawmakers that any opposition would be met with a fierce response from the president.

Even as progress on the legislation slowed, Trump refused to budge on the deadline, putting pressure on lawmakers to act. Even Vice President JD Vance admitted publicly he had doubts they could finish the job by Independence Day, more than a month before the U.S. actually needs to increase the federal debt limit.

This might be the first time in the history of Congress that were going to pass a debt ceiling hike before the midnight deadline," said Rep. Blake Moore (R., Utah).

Trumps last-minute push began at 5 a.m. Wednesday, an aide said, and included a two-hour meeting with lawmakers at the White House, followed by a litany of phone calls late into the night. At the Capitol, an afternoon vote stayed open for hours, setting a record, showing that Republicans were struggling behind the scenes.

We had the president himself, we had the vice president, we had attorneys and agencies answering questions," House Speaker Mike Johnson said as he chugged a Celsius energy drink Thursday morning. Vought came to the Capitol to discuss spending issues with members directly.

Trump volleyed between typing out threats and encouragement on Truth Social. What are the Republicans waiting for??? What are you trying to prove??? MAGA IS NOT HAPPY, AND ITS COSTING YOU VOTES!!!" Trump posted to Truth Social shortly after midnight on Thursday.

Trump also made a public example of Massie, sending a warning shot to other lawmakers that resistance wouldnt be tolerated. The president unloaded on Massie last month after he refused to support the legislation, threatening to back a primary challenger against him.

House Speaker Mike Johnson shows the final tally of the vote.

In a middle-of-the-night phone call early Thursday, Trump appeared to ease tensions with Massie, according to people familiar with the matter. It couldnt be determined if the president would lessen his attacks on the congressman. Massie declined to comment on the call.

Though Democrats couldnt stop the bill from passing, they sought to turn the public against it. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D., N.Y.) set the record for the longest House floor speech, criticizing the bill for more than 8 hours.

The coming months will determine how voters see the bill. Republicans say they blocked a tax hike, increased border security and raised take-home pay for Americans through targeted tax cuts for middle-class voters. Democrats counter that the bill is a tax cut for the rich, will cut healthcare and will increase insurance premiums.

The popular provisions in the bill that defined Trumps presidential campaign such as temporarily reducing taxes on tips, senior citizens and overtime wages, take effect immediately and retroactively, while cuts to Medicaid and nutrition assistance are delayed. Sen. Josh Hawley (R., Mo.) voted for the bill while insisting that he would try to prevent some Medicaid changes from taking effect.

In the Senate, Trumps influence was more muted. His volatile relationship with Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska prevented him from swaying her. Instead, he relied on allies in Congress, as well as his legislative team, to get the bill over the finish line by offering Murkowski aid for her state.

Trump and Roy, the Texas Republican congressman, have publicly butted heads. The president has said he should get a primary challenge, calling him just another ambitious guy, with no talent." But the two men worked together during the negotiations.

Look, its politics. It is what it is," Roy said. We get along great."

Ultimately, Roy voted for the bill, as did many of the holdouts. On Thursday afternoon, when Johnson signed the just-passed legislation so it could be sent to the White House, the speakers in the Capitols ceremonial Rayburn Room played the Village Peoples Y.M.C.A."

Some Republicans bopped their heads. Some showed a thumbs-up. And Rep. Steve Scalise (R., La.) mimicked Trumps dance moves.

Write to Natalie Andrews at natalie.andrews@wsj.com, Alex Leary at alex.leary@wsj.com and Lindsay Wise at lindsay.wise@wsj.com
Suhel Ahmed, the owner of Tower Tandoori, reckons he might have the last charcoal tandoor in London. The oven, traditionally cylindrical and made out of clay, has been imparting a smoky flavour to naans, chicken and chops at least since his grandfather opened the restaurant in 1978. Mr Ahmed estimates that the tandoor had already been running hot for a couple of decades under previous owners, meaning the oven would be only a little younger than an independent India.

Soon charcoal-fired tandoors may also be hard to find in Mumbai, Indias commercial capital. The local government has issued notices to scores of restaurants and food stalls that they must switch to greener alternatives, such as gas-fired or electric ovens, to help reduce air pollution; eateries have until July 8th to comply. (Authorities in Delhi also curbed the use of charcoal tandoors a few years ago.)

Mumbaikars, as residents of the city are known, fret that their kebabs and naans will lose the distinctivenot to mention deliciousbarbecue char. Restaurateurs say they are being unfairly blamed for air-quality problems, as construction and gridlocked traffic contribute to smog, too.

The tandoor is ancient and its origins are disputed. Clay ovens used for baking bread are mentioned in The Epic of Gilgamesh", perhaps the oldest recorded story, and the term can be traced back to the Akkadian words for fire" and mud". Tandoors are still used across Asia.

The modern variant seems to have made its way to India via the Mughals, a Central Asian Muslim dynasty that ruled much of northern India and present-day Pakistan before the British. Yet others claim an indigenous origin for tandoori dishes, finding evidence that the ancient Harappan civilisation (which spanned present-day Punjab) baked chickens in clay ovens. Either way, the tandoor became a mainstay of Punjabi cooking and tandoori chicken became a staple dish.

A trio of Punjabi chefs pioneered the recipe, marinating the chicken in a mixture of yogurt and spices before grilling it. As refugees, fleeing the horrors that followed the bloody partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, the chefs brought the technique to Delhi, where it became a favourite of Indias first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. The dish spread all over the world with Indian emigrants. It even became a symbol of the former imperial metropolis: tandoori chicken was adapted into chicken tikka masala, perhaps Britains favourite curry.

The charcoal tandoor is burning out not just because it is dirty, but because it is expensivedue to the large, high-quality chunks of charcoal requiredand because of the skill needed to handle the heat. Gas tandoors may be more efficient, yet their flavour is less robust. Discerning eaters will hope that centuries of culinary history do not go up in smoke.
SEOUL : One day in February, a South Korean research vessel approached a set of unusual structures planted by China in the middle of the Yellow Sea, the narrow body of water that separates the two countries.

Two large Chinese Coast Guard ships and three Chinese boats quickly blocked the South Korean ships path. The passengers on the small Chinese boats wielded knives to force the Koreans back.

After two hours, the South Korean ship turned back, unable to learn more about the mysterious installation that sat about 230 miles from the countrys coast: a yellow aquaculture cage placed next to a refurbished multistory oil rig, complete with lifeboats and a helipad.

It was the latest of a series of Chinese provocations in the Yellow Sea, including incursions into South Korean territorial waters and airspace, and the placing of 13 buoys that some experts say could be used to gather intelligence.

The Yellow Sea is emerging as the newest flashpoint in a broader campaign by Beijing as it asserts its intention to prevent its neighbors, as well as the U.S., from challenging its influence over the region.

The provocations also come as China claims all of the South China Sea, a vital waterway for global trade. Chinese jet fighters have increased sorties near Taiwan and last month they tailed Japanese air patrols during exercises. Beijing also launched live-fire drills off the coast of Australia earlier this year.

But friction in the Yellow Sea is especially alarming because of its strategic importance in any future U.S.-China conflict over Taiwan. Beijing would likely need free access to the waterway to deploy its naval and missile firepower during any attempt to seize control of the island.

The largest overseas U.S. military base, home to 28,500 service personnel, sits 10 miles inland from the Yellow Sea in South Korea. Tens of thousands of U.S. troops are also stationed around 500 miles away in Japan.

The Trump administration has signaled that U.S. troops from both countries could be deployed in a clash with China over Taiwan. A stepped-up Chinese presence in the Yellow Sea could limit the ability of the U.S. to maneuver in such a conflict.

A large portion of Beijings naval capabilities, as well as key missile launch sites, sit on Chinas side of the Yellow Sea, making them vulnerable to attack from U.S. forces in the Indo-Pacific region.

Over the last couple of years, China has steadily escalated pressure on Asian countries with close ties to the U.S. Incursions into South Korean waters by Chinese warships have tripled since 2017, South Koreas military says, while aircraft intrusions have surged.

In March, Beijing issued a directive calling for more assertive behavior in South Koreas territorial waters, according to a senior Taiwan security official, citing local intelligence. Beijing is also seeking to build more maritime structures there, the official said.

China is putting pressure on yet another U.S. ally, hoping to weigh down the allied ability to push back," said Brian Hart, deputy director of the China Power Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank.

The Yellow Sea is so narrow that China and South Koreas exclusive economic zones overlap. More than 20 years ago, Beijing and Seoul created the so-called Provisional Measures Zone, which created rules for policing illegal fishing and conducting marine-conservation activities.

Fast forward two decades and the PMZ is the site for near-daily provocations by China, according to the South Korean military. It says Chinese warships intruded in South Koreas territorial waters some 330 times in 2024, tripling from 2017, according to the military. Recent South Korean data shows 130 Chinese aircraft entered its airspace in 2023, more than double the number from the previous year. Many of the Chinese flights were over the Yellow Sea, prompting South Korea to scramble its jets in response.

In May, Beijing jolted Seoul by declaring a no-sail zone in the PMZ. It then carried out unprecedented drills in the Yellow Sea with the Fujian, the countrys most advanced aircraft carrier. In response, South Korea deployed its navy to observe and gather intelligence on the exercises.

The cluster of Chinese structures dotting the sea has rattled officials in Seoul. The fishing cage and the oil rig at the center of Februarys incident are located on the western side of the shared PMZ, close to Chinese land. Beijing has repeatedly said they are for maritime research.

The Chinese multistory oil rig in the Yellow Sea, complete with lifeboats and a helipad.

Analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies found the rig could have military as well as scientific uses. Concerns that the platforms may be dual-use for purposes of advancing Chinas creeping jurisdictional presence arent unfounded," it said.

As for the buoys, which China asserts are for meteorological observation, South Korean lawmaker Yu Yong-weon has suggested that they are clustered close together in order for China to control the area rather than collect scientific data.

China has a history of building maritime structures that are used to assert its territorial claims. It has turned reefs in the South China Sea into artificial islands, equipping them with radar systems and air strips.

China always has a dual purpose for everything," said Derek Grossman, a former Pentagon official who worked on Indo-Pacific security issues.

Chinese and South Korean officials met Tuesday for bilateral talks. South Koreas Foreign Ministry, in a brief reference, said the two sides had discussed the situation in the Yellow Sea. China made no mention of the sea and said it exchanged views with South Korea on issues of common concern.

Write to Dasl Yoon at dasl.yoon@wsj.com and Joyu Wang at joyu.wang@wsj.com
Mumbai: Deposit growth at banks picked up pace in the first quarter of the current financial year, even as credit growth continued to be sluggish, initial business updates show.

Of the lenders that have declared their initial Q1 updates so far, on-year deposit growth matched or outpaced loan growth for most private banks and Punjab National Bank, growing 8-16% for commercial banks and 19-31% for small finance banks.

On the other hand, loans grew 5-15% for most banks and 11-18% for small finance banks. In Q4, on-year loan growth for most large banks was in the range of 12-22%.

YES Bank and CSB Bank were the outliers in Q1 FY26. YES Bank saw muted growth for both loan and deposits, with loans growing 5% and deposits 4%. CSB Bank saw loans growing 32% on year and deposits at 20%.

However, public sector banks such as Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Indian Bank and Bank of Maharashtrawhich have largely been comfortable on deposit mobilization over the past yearsaw on-year growth in loans outpacing deposits. Loan growth for these lenders was in the range of 11-14% whereas deposits were 8-10% higher on year.

Typically, the first quarter of a financial year sees slower loan and deposit growth for lenders, due to cyclical factors and the large base in Q4where growth tends to be higher. However, Q4 FY25 was a weak quarter for banks because of a significant slowdown in unsecured and small ticket retail lending owing to concerns around rising stress. Q4 also saw sector-wide issues in microfinance portfolios.

Margin pressure to continue Banks are also likely to have gone slower on lending in Q1a strategy continued from Q4 FY25as they braced for the impact of the successive rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of India and tried to minimize the impact on their margins.

Q1 FY26 is set to be a tough quarter for banks. The market largely expects results to be weak across the space. We expect NIM (net interest margin) compression of 10-15 basis points for banks, Macquarie Research said in a note dated 2 July.

System loans and deposits data suggest QoQ numbers so far have been flat. On a YoY basis, system loan growth has been sub-10% and deposit growth a tad above 10%. Hence, we expect loan growth to be weak YoY, the note said.

RBI cut the key policy rate by 25 bps each in February and April. This was followed by a 50-bps cut in June, leading to a sharp 100 bps drop in rates within five months.

Given that banks are required to price all floating rate retail and MSME loans as per an external benchmarktypically the policy repo ratetransmission of rate cuts is usually faster on the lending side compared with deposit rates which take 3-6 months to reprice. Around 40% of bank loans are estimated to be linked to the external benchmark. This has led to pressure on banks margins as their average yield on advances drops faster than the overall cost of funds.

On the other hand, surplus liquidity in the banking system is Q1 FY26 is also expected to have aided deposit flows for banks as amid a falling rate scenario, money market rates tend to fall faster than deposit rates, nudging savers to shift their funds from alternative investments to short-term deposits.

HDFC Bank The countrys largest private sector lender, HDFC Bank, saw its advances grow 6.7% in Q1 and deposits grow much faster at 16.2%. The bank has been consciously growing loans slower than deposits to improve its credit-deposit (CD) ratio, which took a hit following the merger of erstwhile parent HDFC Ltd with the bank. The CD ratio or loan-to-deposit ratio (LDR) of the bank declined from 96.5% in Q4 FY25 to 95.1% in Q1 FY26, a sequential improvement of 140 bps.

The bank had previously said that while its loans grew slower than the industry in FY25, they should grow largely in tandem with the sector in FY26 before outpacing sector growth in FY27, allowing the bank to start gaining market share FY27 onwards.

HDFC Banks deposit growth outpaced system deposit growth by 500-600 bps, an impressive achievement for a bank of its size, Macquarie Research said in a separate note on Friday, adding that the sequential accretion to deposits of 50,000 crore was higher than the expected increase of around 30,000 crore.

The bank is on track to achieve an LDR of around 92% by the end of year, assuming 10% loan growth and 15% deposit growth, the note said, adding that margins for the bank are expected to shrink by 10 bps on quarter in Q1 and remain flat for the whole of FY26 compared with 10-15 bps reduction for peers.
Airline startupssuch as Lucknow-based Shankh Air, Gurugram-based FlyBig, and Goa-based Fly91are moving beyond the industrys leasing-first model, opting instead for a hybrid fleet strategy that blends leased and owned aircraft. The goal, industry executives say, is to balance financial risk, win over conservative lenders, and build long-term value.

Historically, leasing has dominated Indian aviation. Over 80% of commercial jets are leased in India, compared to approximately 53% globally, according to industry reports from Primus Partners and PwC. But new entrants believe a partial shift to ownership may increase credibility with banks and investors.

We are pursuing a well-calibrated growth strategy that blends leasing and direct acquisition, aligned with the evolving dynamics of the Indian aviation sector," said Anurag Chabbra, co-founder and executive director of Shankh Air. We will commence operations with two aircraft and aim to expand our fleet to seven and beyond by the end of 2026, focusing on key metro hubs while establishing Lucknow as our strategic base of operations."

The airline is backed by $50 million in funding from parent company Shankh Trading Pvt. Ltd.

Also Read | In charts: How Indian airlines are going international

Gurugram-based FlyBig, which temporarily suspended operations due to financial constraints, is now operational in around 20 cities. Travel platform EaseMyTrip recently acquired a 49% stake in the airline. FlyBig reported 128.75 crore in FY24 revenue and currently operates four DHC-6-400 aircraftone owned and three leased.

The airline is also placing a strong bet on the upcoming Noida International Airport, also known as Jewar airport, joining Shankh Air in targeting the new aviation hub. However, the new entrants will face stiff competition from established players like Akasa Air and IndiGo, both of which have already signed MoUs with Noida International Airport, securing early access.

Regional focus

While legacy low-cost carriers are attempting to retrofit regional operations into existing frameworks, FlyBig was purpose-built for this sector," said Chander Bahadur, vice president of FlyBig. Our very inception was aligned with the UDAN mission, and over the past four years, weve amassed deep operational expertise in navigating the nuanced demands of underserved and remote destinations."

The UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme is a regional connectivity initiative by the Indian government that aims to make air travel affordable and accessible by subsidising flights to underserved and unserved airports.

Bahadur also sees the new Jewar airport as a critical gateway for improving connectivity across the populous states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Bihar.

Yet, Indias regional aviation market remains a tough terrain. Demand is volatile and highly seasonal, complicating revenue forecasts. These fluctuations place immense pressure on airlines to overfill planes during peaks and absorb large losses during lean months," said Pragya Priyadarshini, VP at Primus Partners.

Operational hurdles are also common at smaller airports, many of which lack basic infrastructure like night landing systems, refuelling, and maintenance support. Without reliable ground operations, airlines risk flight delays, diversions, or cancellationsfactors that impact traveller confidence and reduce repeat demand," she said.

Also Read | Mint Explainer: UDAN needs right wings for maximum flight

Moreover, the UDAN schemes financial support is time-bound. Viability Gap Funding (VGF), meant to subsidise initial losses on underserved routes, typically lasts only three years. After that, airlines are expected to generate sustainable demand on their own.

Thats why a hybrid leasing-ownership model is gaining traction.

Globally, regional airlines favour leasing over owning aircraft to reduce capital expenditure, manage risk, and maintain fleet flexibility. According to the 2024 Duke University Insight article, leasing allows them to adapt quickly to changing demand and upgrade fleets more easily.

Key Takeaways New regional airlines are blending leased and owned aircraft to balance flexibility with long-term asset value.

Ownership increases credibility with banks and investors but demands higher upfront investmentsomething not all carriers are ready for.

Airlines like FlyBig and Fly91 are aligning themselves with the UDAN scheme and new hubs like Noida International Airport to unlock underserved markets.

Volatile regional demand, poor infrastructure, limited financing options, and time-bound government subsidies continue to pose risks.

Ventures like LAT Aerospace and upcoming carriers Air Kerala and Alhind Air signal a growing appetite for regional aviation in India.

Owned versus leased

Owning aircraft is highly capital-intensive. Especially for low-cost carriers, locking in capital upfront may not make sense without clarity on future cash flows," said Bhavana Yerrumreddy, partner and national aviation leader at EY India. A hybrid modelowning some and leasing othersmakes more strategic and financial sense. Airlines should evaluate this depending on factors like the operator's financial situation, expected aircraft utilisation, and long-term operational goals, Yerrumreddy said.

Still, access to financing remains a roadblock. Ownership demands significant upfront investmentsomething many new or regional airlines may not be prepared to take on," said Anurag Gupta, partner at Deloitte. Leasing becomes the easier path, particularly on UDAN routes, where it often makes better commercial sense."

If an airline wants to lease a small aircraft in India, theyre confronted with higher financing costs when compared globally, and banks here also tend to be more conservative. Thats why airlines often look abroad for financing," Gupta added.

Despite that, he sees the pace of steady reforms accelerating in the near future. ...While reforms were progressing slowly, we believe that in the next two to three years, these changes will begin to take full effectunlocking greater potential for fleet expansion."

Goa-based Fly91 is another player entering the fray, targeting smaller towns and tourist hubs. "We currently operate out of eight cities, and three of those are tier II towns in Maharashtra itself, like Jalgaon, Solapur and Sindhudurg and Agati in Lakshadweep," said Manoj Chacko, MD and CEO at Fly91. We then connect these to larger hubs like Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Pune, and Goa."It began operations in 2024 with 200 crore in equity funding.

FLY91 operates four ATR 72 aircraft, of which two are fully owned.

Balanced fleet

At the end of the day, its not just about whether you lease or own an aircraftits about what works best at that point in time," said Chacko. Both leasing and ownership have their merits and demerits, and the decision depends on a range of variables, including the opportunity. If you get a leased aircraft on favourable terms, you take it. If you can finance a purchase on equally good terms, that may offer more long-term value too," he said.

Chacko added that the regional airline intends to induct five to six aircraft annually and eventually scale to 40-50 cities across five regional hubs in five years.

Yet, leasing remains dominant due to flexibility, added Priyadarshini. Owning a fleet is always far more expensive than leasing over the long run. Even large commercial airlines like Air India or IndiGo lean heavily on leasing," she said. Leasing helps avoid the heavy cash outflows required upfront and gives more operational flexibility."

With leasing, periodic maintenance responsibilities often shift to the lessor. If the lease is for 10 years, airlines can simply return the aircraft at the end and lease a newer one," she added.

Aircraft maintenance costs are primarily driven by flight hours, with the A340-600 incurring 25% of total costs due to its high utilisation. Major expenses stem from scheduled checks, unscheduled repairs, and issues in systems like fuel, landing gear, and air conditioning. Moreover, older aircraft require more frequent and expensive maintenance, according to research papers published by Elsevier in Procedia CIRP (2020).

There are two types of aircraft leases: wet leases, where the lessor is responsible for maintenance, and dry leases, where the responsibility for maintenance lies with the lessee, typically the airline. Most commercial airlines opt for dry leases, said Priyadarshini.

Still, financing decisions are also influenced by collateral. Financiers prefer ownership deals because they can seize the aircraft as collateral if payments stop. With leased aircraft, the planes legally belong to overseas lessorsso Indian financiers often have no fallback asset, which is an even greater concern for regional airlines," Priyadarshini added.

As new players try to carve out their niche, even more entrants are preparing for takeoff.

Recently, LAT Aerospace, a new aviation venture reportedly backed by $50 million in funding, including $20 million from Zomatos Deepinder Goyal. Though details are scarce, this marks Zomatos second foray into aviation, following its short-lived food delivery-by-air pilot in 2022.Mints queries to Zomato did not elicit a response.

Meanwhile, Kerala is preparing to welcome two regional carriersAir Kerala and Alhind Air. Air Kerala, led by UAE-based entrepreneurs under Zettfly Aviation, will operate three ATR 72-600 aircraft. Alhind Air, launched by the Calicut-based Alhind Group, will also use ATR 72-600s, initially flying from Cochin and eventually serving Gulf destinations.
The ministry of information and broadcasting's proposal to amend guidelines for television rating agencies in India could democratize the system, bringing in big tech and other private players, but could also undermine accountability and credibility of data due to potential conflict of interest, industry experts said.

So far, TV rating operations in the country were led by BARC (Broadcast Audience Research Council), which many saw as a monopoly. On Thursday, the ministry of information and broadcasting said that any company registered in India under the Companies Act, 2013 could seek registration for providing television rating services, as long as it doesnt undertake consultancy or advisory roles, which would lead to a potential conflict of interest with its main objective of rating.

Some clauses in the Policy Guidelines for Television Rating Agencies in India', originally notified in January 2014, that barred the board of directors of a television rating company from being engaged in the business of broadcasting, advertising, or running an advertising agency, are proposed to be scrapped. Those that dealt with cross-holding restrictions, typically intended to prevent ownership conflicts between related entities, have been eliminated, too, under the proposed amendments.

The ministry has sought stakeholder views on the proposed amendments within 30 days, after which the guidelines would be finalized.

This proposed amendment suggests a shift towards a more liberalized ecosystem and increased competition could improve accountability and consumer trust," Kaushik Moitra, partner, practice leadregulatory, intellectual property, technology, media and telecommunications and practice development at Bharucha & Partners said. Moitra added that Trai (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) had also previously expressed concerns regarding BARCs monopoly in TV ratings, which if the amendment comes into force, will now be challenged by OTT platforms, DPOs (distribution platform owners) and Big Tech, which will be able to establish or invest in independent audience measurement bodies.

New entrants will have to prioritize investment in technological development and data analytics to compete with the existing model. Additionally, by expressly barring rating agencies from taking up consulting roles, rating systems could become more independent and reliable. This could assist advertisers make better informed decisions, compelling them to restructure their marketing plan on the basis of transparent TRP insights, possibly increasing expenditures," Moitra said.

Equally, the lack of a similar metric applying to all rating agencies may lead to confusion and will have to be monitored, he emphasized.

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To be sure, some industry experts also believe that lower entry barriers to set up TV rating agencies will open the floodgates for any company to start acting in its own interests. There will be a demand and supply crisis, where supply will beat demand. Whom is the audience supposed to trust?" a senior broadcaster said. The person added that DPOs including DTH (direct-to-home) players such as Tata Play and Airtel TV have long had data on viewership of different channels, which is what TV rating agencies put out, and which the DTH operators can now monetize. Plus, with the proposed amendments, any TV broadcaster could set also set up audience measurement unit and claim top ratings, leading to confusion.
New Delhi: A committee set up by the agriculture and farmers' welfare ministry to examine the implementation of tractor and machinery emission standards-phase V, or TREM V, has submitted its report, a senior government official confirmed.

The report comes amid the road transport and highways ministry (MoRTH) decision to implement the rules from 1 April next year.

However, tractor manufacturers, under the aegis of the Tractor and Mechanization Association (TMA), are lobbying to postpone the new rules.

They argue that TREM V-compliant tractors will become prohibitively expensive for small and marginal farmers due to their electronic systems and sensors, unlike the more mechanically oriented tractors.

TREM V rules will be applicable for all tractors with engines above 26 HP (horsepower). TREM IV rules, implemented in January 2023, apply to 50 HP engine tractors.

Higher costs could slow down farm mechanisation in India, which already trails global benchmarks, people associated with the tractor industry said.

"The industry is very competitive with new rules, the tractor prices may go up by at least 15%, especially for small farmers who may find it difficult to afford these upgraded tractors," said Raman Mittal, joint managing director, International Tractors Ltd.

Currently, Indias farm mechanisation stands at about 47%, compared to 60% in China and 75% in Brazil, according to A.S. Mittal, president of TMA.

Mittal said the Euro V-equivalent rules being pushed through may not suit Indias farm and economic realities. European farmers use 200250 HP tractors to manage vast landholdings. In India, the average tractor is under 50 HP.

"Countries such as the US, Australia, Brazil, and Thailand have also expressed reservations about the suitability of Euro Vnorms in agricultural applications," he added.

Also Read | Govt discusses roadmap to implement stricter emission norms for four-wheelers

Mittal recently met agriculture and farmers welfare minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to express industry concerns.

The agriculture and highways ministries did not reply to queries emailed on 3 July.

New vs old

TREM V emphasises on adoption of advanced technologies like common rail direct injection, exhaust gas recirculation, diesel particulate filter and high-level electronics, ensuring compliance with stricter standards around emission limits.

TREM IV emission rules had mandated the adoption of similar technologies, but for above 50 HP engine tractors.

According to Crisil ratings, domestic sales volume of tractors is set to hit an all-time high of 9.75 lakh units in FY26, increasing 3-5% on-year, supported by an expected above-normal monsoon, higher minimum support prices (MSPs) for key cash crops and better replacement and construction demand.

The Indian Meteorological Departments forecast of above normal monsoon should lift rural sentiment and reinforce farmer confidence, which is crucial for driving farm investments such as tractors. This, along with the expected rise in MSP for key cash crops, and pick-up in construction activity should help drive 3-5% volume growth for tractors this fiscal," according to Anuj Sethi, senior director, Crisil Ratings.

The anticipated TREM V-driven price hikes from April 2026 could trigger pre-buying in the last quarter of fiscal 2026, providing a boost to volume," Sethi said.

He said a similar trend had played out post the TREM IV rollout, when above-50 HP tractor sales dropped, and farmers pivoted to 41-50 HP models.

What Gadkari said

Road, transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari has been promoting alternative engine technologies as a solution to both cost and pollution concerns.

That's the reason I am giving an option to them that you can make the tractor on flex engines that is on 100% bioethanol," Gadkari told Mint in an interview.

"Already John Deere has developed that model, I've seen that model in Brazil. The second is electric tractor and third is we can make tractor on CNG. So, by which they can reduce the cost and the pollution. Actually, I am giving farmers the opportunity. Why are you not converting your tractor to ethanol, or even CNG, or even looking at electric?"

On being asked whether, the government will offer some support to equipment makers, Gadkari added, "You don't need support. It's a simple thing. Entire infrastructure is available to support vehicles-based on flex fuel engines. We have notified there will be 100% ethanol at pumps."

However, industry representatives said these technologies are still nascent in India and may not immediately solve the affordability and serviceability concerns of small farmers.

Also Read: Centre mandates waterproofing test for tractors used in wetland cultivation
Travel Food Services Ltd (TFS), which operates quick-service restaurants (travel QSR) and lounges in Indian airports, is making its market debut on Monday at a price band of 1,045 1,100 per share.

Founded in 2007 as Bombay Pure Foods Pvt. Ltd, the company now commands a 26% share in Indias travel QSR market and has a 45% share in premium airport lounges across 14 major Indian airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. It also has a presence in international markets like Malaysia and Hong Kong.

Backed by global travel retail major SSP Group and Indias largest privately held food and beverage player, K Hospitality Corp, this travel dining powerhouse is gearing up for a 2,000 crore initial public offering, entirely an offer-for-sale by the Kapur Family Trust, one of the company's promoters.

Could this be your chance to own a stake in Indias fast-growing aviation-linked consumption story?

Flying high on margins

While this travel QSR and lounge leader may trail larger QSR players in top-line growth, it leads the pack when it comes to profitability. Between 2022-23 and 2024-25, TFS's revenue recorded a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.9% slightly behind KFC and Pizza Hut outlet operator Devyani International Ltds 28.9% and Domino's Pizza and Dunkin' Donuts outlet operator Jubilant FoodWorks Ltds 26.8%.

However, where it truly stands out is in margins. In the last three years, TFS delivered an impressive median Ebitda margin of 40.8% and a profit after tax (PAT) margin of 21.6%. In comparison, Jubilant reported Ebitda and PAT margins of 20.6% and 5.5%, while Devyani lagged further behind at 19.1% and 2.8%, respectively. Ebitda is short for earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization.

Our performance has been quite steady, both annually and quarterly," said Varun Kapur, managing director and chief executive, in an interview with Mint. Unlike other QSR players, our exclusive focus on the aviation sector gives us a premium consumer basebusiness and leisure travellers with higher spending capacityand drives stronger unit-level economics."

Highlighting the companys strategic positioning, Bhavik Joshi, research analyst at INVASSET PMS, said: Headline revenue may look flatter due to JV accounting (a method where companies report their share of profits from joint ventures instead of fully consolidating the revenue, promoting better capital discipline), but PAT is increasingly driven by recurring profits from strategic locations with high footfall."

The IPO gives investors exposure to a dominant, cash-generating, asset-light operator embedded in Indias airport ecosystem," he added.

The company also benefits from minimal debt and strong cash flow generation. Borrowings dropped to 37.5 crore in 2024-25 from 114.8 crore in 2023-24. Operating cash flows rose 46% year-on-year to 514.8 crore, helping fund expansion internally.

Despite the IPO being a full OFS, Kapur said the company has no funding constraints. We have over 600 crore in cash, and our capital needs are covered through strong internal accruals," he added.

Risk radar

However, not all clouds are clear. TFS operates in a highly concentrated environment, with 86-90% of revenue over the last three years coming from just five airports. Its fortunes are tightly linked to periodic contract renewals with airport operators such as Adani Airport Holdings Ltd and GMR Airports Infrastructure Ltd. These concessions often involve minimum guarantees, which can weigh on margins if traffic dips.

To address this, TFS has shifted from short-term contract models to perpetual JVs with major airport players. Earlier, we formed SPVs (special purpose vehicles) for specific contracts. Now, the JV is permanent, winning larger contracts with strong top-line and bottom-line contributions," said Vikas Vinod Kapoor, whole-time director and chief financial officer at TFS.

Moving to JVs with GMR and Adani shifts TFS from direct operations to profit sharing, boosting long-term margins but reducing near-term visibility," said Joshi. While losing operational control may impact service consistency, structured governance can deliver higher ROCE (Return on Capital Employed) with less capital. Analysts must now assess growth using core Ebitda + JV profitsthis isnt value erosion but a margin-rich, capital-efficient model."

The companys contract retention rate has been robust93.94% since 2009and it continues to expand, recently securing 11 new outlets in the Bengaluru Airports Terminal 2, according to an Axis Capital IPO note.

Still, another operational challenge looms: high attrition. TFS reported attrition rates between 58-66% over the last three years, though it remains within industry norms for travel QSRs.

Despite the churn, the company hasnt faced labour shortages, reflecting operational resilience," said Joshi. But sustaining service quality at scale will depend on better workforce retention."

Further, at the upper price band, the company is valued at 40x FY25 earnings. While this reflects its robust margins and premium positioning, it leaves little room for upside if market sentiment turns cautious. The absence of fresh capital infusion also means growth will rely entirely on internal execution. TFSs valuation is justified when viewed through the lens of economic substancestrong cash flows, high-margin stability, and embedded optionality across its business model," Joshi said.

Market momentum

Meanwhile, given that the industry tailwinds remain strong, its runway for expansion remains long. According to Crisil, Indias airport QSR sector is expected to grow at a CAGR of 17-19% between 2024-25 to 2033-34, reaching 170-180 billion. Meanwhile, the airport lounge segment, currently underpenetrated, is projected to grow even faster at 22-24% CAGR, touching 155-165 billion.

As of September 2024, Indian airports had an average of just 0.7 lounges per airport, far below global norms. Even major hubs like Delhi and Mumbai host only 8-10 lounges, offering ample headroom for premium service growth.

Looking ahead, India is poised to be a major global growth story over the next 50 years, and aviation is set to play a central role in that. The past 7-8 years have seen strong momentum, and the next decade looks even more promising," Kapur said.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has barred four entities of the Jane Street Group from accessing the Indian securities market and impounded 4,000 crore in what it termed as illegal gains from prima facie fraudulent and manipulative trades in index options.

In a detailed 105-page interim order, Sebi accused the global proprietary trading firm of deploying large-scale, expiry-centric strategies on at least 18 trading days15 involving Bank Nifty and three involving Niftywhere the group allegedly distorted market prices through sharp, large and aggressive interventions in the cash and derivatives segments.

Two-pronged play According to the order, the Jane Street Groupthrough its Indian and foreign affiliatesran two distinct strategies: the Intra-day Index Manipulation strategy and the Extended Marking the Close strategy.

In the former, observed on 15 occasions, the group allegedly accumulated significant long positions in constituent stocks of the Bank Nifty index during the morningusing aggressive and large tradesand simultaneously built large short positions in index options by buying puts and selling calls.

Later the same day, it reversed its earlier trades in the cash and futures segments, pushing down the index and benefiting from its options exposure. On 17 January 2024, for instance, Jane Street entities booked an intraday loss of 61.6 crore in the cash and futures segments, but earned a profit of 734.93 crore in Bank Nifty index options.

Sebi described their trading pattern as prima facie being manipulative, citing the intensity and sheer scale of their intervention in the underlying component stock and futures markets, and the rapid reversal of these large and aggressive trading in cash and futures without any plausible economic rationale.

The regulator concluded that these patterns were not standalone trades, but rather part of a deliberate strategy to manipulate indices to the advantage of positions in index options.

The Extended Marking the Close strategyobserved on 10 July 2024, and two other daysinvolved building or holding large options positions and then executing significant, directional trades in index constituents during the last hour of trading to influence the closing level. Sebi noted that this behaviour was designed to engineer a soft close or a settlement level favourable to their open positions on expiry.

Numbers that stun Sebi observed that the groups profits in index options over the 15 Bank Nifty manipulation days alone were 3,914 crore. Across all 18 days examined in the order, including Nifty expiry days, the total alleged gains exceeded 4,000 crore. These have been impounded as illegal gains under the regulators powers.

The entities named in the orderJane Street Singapore Pte. Ltd., Jane Street Asia Trading Ltd., JSI Investments Private Ltd., and JSI2 Investments Private Ltd.were described as forming a single economic group based on common control and coordinated trading activity.

The groups total profit from January 2023 to March 2025 was 36,502 crore, and 43,289 crore came from index options. Sebi noted that the group had cumulative losses in stock futures, index futures, and the cash segment amounting to 7,687 crore.

Despite a caution letter issued by the National Stock Exchange in February 2025advising Jane Street entities to refrain from taking large open positions and to avoid trading patterns that appear to be fraudulent and manipulativethe group allegedly continued its activity. On 15 May 2025, it was seen executing a similar bullish expiry-day strategy in Nifty options.

Sebi stated that the trades showed a pre-mediated and carefully executed trade design that misled other market participants and "creating a false or misleading appearance of market activity.

"Such egregious behaviour, in clear disregard/defiance of the explicit advisory issued to them by NSE in February 2025, amply demonstrates that unlike the vast majority of Foreign Portfolio Investors and other market participants, JS Group is not a good faith actor that can be, or deserves to be, trusted," whole time member Ananth Narayan G said in the order.

The regulator has directed that the entities shall desist from undertaking any strategy that is similar to or a variant of the identified strategies until further orders.

Jane Street is a US-based proprietary trading firm, known globally for its dominance in algorithmic and high-frequency trading. It is one of the most active players in the exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and derivatives markets across geographies. In India, Jane Street operates through a mix of foreign and domestic portfolio investor (FPI) entities.
On Thursday, the Nifty 50 declined 0.19% amid a volatile trading session, primarily due to profit booking in banking and financials, metal, realty, and commodity stocks.

Mixed global cues and cautious sentiment ahead of key US economic data also weighed on investor confidence. Despite early gains, the index lost momentum in the second half as selling pressure intensified.

However, easing volatility (India VIX) near 12.39 suggested limited panic, with selective buying in auto, pharma, and IT stocks offering some intraday support.

Two stocks recommended by MarketSmith India for 4 July:

Oil India (current price: 452.95)

Why its recommended: Higher oil and gas production, strong capital spending and upstream expansion, and improved realization.

Key metrics: P/E: 11.27 | 52-week high:  768 | Volume: 392 crore.

Technical analysis: 200-DMA retake along with strong volume action.

Risk factors: Volatility in global oil prices, margin compression, capex and debt risk, project execution delays.

Buy at: 452

Target price: 520 in two to three months

Stop loss: 418

Also Read: Made in India semiconductor chips are in focus. Watch out for these 5 stocks

Triveni Turbine (current price: 637.05)

Why its recommended: Strong revenue and margin growth, record order book, diversification, and huge investment in R&D.

Key metrics: P/E: 56.69 | 52-week high:  885 | Volume: 108 crore

Technical analysis: Trend reversal, 100-DMA retake.

Risk factors: Cyclicity in market demand, execution risk, and competitive pricing pressure.

Buy at: 637

Target price: 740 in two to three months

Stop loss: 578

How Nifty 50 performed on 3 July

On Thursday, the Nifty 50 opened on a positive note but remained volatile throughout the first half of the session. In the latter half, intensified profit booking dragged the index into negative territory. The daily price action resulted in the formation of a bearish candle with a long upper wick, indicating selling pressure near the days high. However, the index managed to protect the previous days low and closed marginally above 25,400. Barring Nifty Auto, Pharma, and FMCG, all major sectoral and broader market indices ended in the red, resulting in a flat market breadth with an advance-decline ratio of 1:1.

Technically, the Nifty 50 maintains a strong bullish structure, holding above all its key moving averages across multiple timeframes, which reinforces the broader uptrend. However, the recent price consolidation reflects a temporary loss of momentum in the short term. The relative strength index (RSI) has started to decline and is currently positioned around 59-60 on the daily chart, signalling emerging profit-booking pressure. On the other hand, the daily MACD continues to stay in positive territory, suggesting that the underlying trend remains in favour of the bulls.

According to O'Neils methodology of market direction, the Nifty has reclaimed its recent high of 25,116. Hence, the market status has been upgraded to a Confirmed Uptrend as of 11 June 2025.

The Nifty 50 extended its profit-booking phase and closed near 25,400 with a mild negative bias, reflecting cautious investor sentiment. Despite recent corrections, the broader market undertone remains positive, and the potential for resumption of the uptrend in the coming sessions is intact. In the near term, the index may witness choppy or range-bound movement. Key support levels are seen at 25,200 and 25,000, while resistance on the upside is expected around 25,700.

How Nifty Bank performed yesterday

The Nifty Bank extended its decline for a second consecutive session, slipping 0.36% on Thursday amid a choppy and range-bound trading environment. The days price action led to the formation of a bearish candle, characterized by a lower-high lower-low structure on the daily chart, reflecting short-term weakness. The decline was primarily driven by profit booking in heavyweights such as Kotak Mahindra Bank and State Bank of India (SBI). In tandem, the Nifty Financial Services Index (FINNIFTY) also underperformed, closing with a loss of 0.47%, indicating a broader weakness across the financial space.

Technically, the Nifty Bank continues to trade above all its key moving averages and remains approximately 0.58% above its 21-DMA, indicating that the broader trend remains intact. However, on the momentum front, the relative strength index (RSI) has weakened, showing a downward slope and currently hovers near 56, signalling emerging short-term pressure. Despite this, the MACD maintains a positive crossover, suggesting persistent underlying strength and an intact longer-term bullish structure.

As per ONeils methodology of market direction, the Nifty Bank remains in a Confirmed Uptrend, a trend it has sustained over the past few weeks.

The index tested 57,000 but failed to sustain above it, closing below this level with a negative bias. The immediate and strong support is now placed near 56,000, which is expected to act as a cushion against short-term pullbacks. As long as the index trades below 57,000, it is likely to remain range-bound within 56,000-57,000. For the index to regain upward momentum, a decisive break and sustained close above 57,000 is essential; failure to do so may lead to continued volatility in the near term.

MarketSmith India is a stock research platform and advisory service focused on the Indian stock market. It offers tools and resources to help investors make informed decisions based on the CAN SLIM methodology, developed by legendary investor William J. O'Neil. You can access a 10-day free trial by registering on its website.

Trade name: William ONeil India Pvt. Ltd.

Sebi Registration No.: INH000015543

Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
Defence stocks such as Paras Defence, BEML, Hindustan Aeronautics, Bharat Electronics, and others rallied on Friday after the government approved acquisition of 1.05 lakh crore worth of new defence equipment. The gains in defence stocks lifted the Nifty Defence India index by 1.4%.

The Ministry of Defences Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on Thursday cleared capital acquisition proposals worth nearly 1.05 lakh crore. The 10 capital acquisition proposals are set to be carried out through indigenous sourcing from Indian companies.

The Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) is for defence equipment like the procurement of Armoured Recovery Vehicles, an Electronic Warfare System, an Integrated Common Inventory Management System for the Tri-Services, and Surface-to-Air Missiles for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Defence stocks have been on a sharp upward trajectory, driven by the governments strategic focus on enhancing self-reliance in defence manufacturing and fostering domestic innovation.

With strong structural tailwinds  including increased recognition of Indias defence capabilities following recent geopolitical developments, rising global demand for defence exports, NATOs enhanced defence spending, Europes rearmament plans, and the Indian governments ongoing push for indigenization  we maintain a positive outlook on the Indian defence sector, said Krishna Doshi, Research Analyst at Ashika Institutional Equities

Defence stocks likely to benefit Doshi highlighted several companies that are well-positioned to benefit from the governments latest defence procurement approvals worth 1.05 lakh crore. These include:

Bharat Dynamics  A key player in missile manufacturing

Bharat Electronics  A leader in radar systems and electronic warfare

Cochin Shipyard  Expected to benefit from orders for underwater and autonomous vessels

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders  Active in building destroyers and mine countermeasure vessels

Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers  Likely to gain from patrol vessel contracts

Other potential beneficiaries, according to Doshi, include Paras Defence & Space Technologies, Data Patterns, and Astra Microwave Products, which are positioned to tap into various niche opportunities within Indias evolving defence ecosystem.
SHANGHAI, - Mainland China stocks edged higher on Friday, led by gains in banking and steel sectors, as market sentiment was lifted by fresh signs of de-escalation in Sino-U.S. trade tensions, while shares in Hong Kong slipped.

** The U.S. told GE Aerospace on Thursday that it can restart jet engine shipments to China's COMAC, a source told Reuters, in a further sign of de-escalating U.S.-Sino trade tensions that included concessions from Beijing over rare earths.

** The United States has also lifted restrictions on exports to China for chip design software developers and ethane producers.

** Meanwhile, China is reviewing and approving export licences for controlled items and has been informed by the U.S. about cancellations of "restrictive measures" against China, its commerce ministry said on Friday.

** At the midday break, the Shanghai Composite index was up 0.41% at 3,475.24 points, while the blue-chip CSI300 index was up 0.41%.

** The steel sector was among the top gainers in morning session, after China's top leaders pledged to step up regulation of aggressive price-cutting by Chinese companies, as the world's second-biggest economy struggles to shake off persistent deflationary pressures.

** The CSI steel sub-index gained 1.14% in morning trades.

** "It could be a prelude to potential supply side reform 2.0, in our view," Citi analysts said in a note.

** "We see the prolonged PPI deflation and profitability concerns as the motives this time. Steady growth so far this year has also opened room for such an initiative."

** Citi identified sectors where reform is most urgently needed, including ferrous-metal processing , fuel processing, chemicals, non-mineral products and metal products.

** In Hong Kong, the benchmark Hang Seng Index was down 0.62% at 23,921.81 points, while the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index fell 0.42% to 8,611.76 points.

** Around the region, MSCI's Asia ex-Japan stock index was weaker by 0.49% while Japan's Nikkei index was down 0.04%.
Frontline indices Sensex and Nifty 50 ended lower for the second consecutive session on Thursday, 3 July, amid mixed global cues. The Sensex closed at 83,239.47, down 170 points, or 0.20%, while the Nifty 50 ended with a loss of 48 points, or 0.19%, at 25,405.30.

The BSE Midcap index slipped 0.06%, but the Smallcap index bucked the trend, rising 0.47%.

Two stocks to buy today, recommended by Trade Brains Portal

Waaree Energies Ltd

Current price: 2,992

Target price: 3,450 in 12-14 months

Stop-loss: 2,760

Why its recommended:India's top renewable energy provider, Waaree Energies Limited was founded in 1990 and is speeding up the world's energy transformation. With an installed capacity of about 15 GW for solar PV modules and 5.4 GW for solar cells, it is the biggest producer of solar PV modules in India. It also has a 1.6 GW solar module manufacturing plant in Brookshire, Texas. The company, which has operations in India and more than 25 other countries, provides cutting-edge solar solutions such as rooftop systems, EPC services, panel manufacturing, and project development.

Operating revenue for FY25 was 14,444 crore, up 26.72% from 11,398 crore in FY24. In FY25, the company's Ebitda of 3,123.20 crore was the best in the industry. For FY26, Ebitda is expected to be between 5,500 crore and 6,000 crore. Net profit increased by 51% from 1,274 crore in FY24 to 1,928 crore in FY25. Production at Waaree Energies increased 49% from 4.77 GW in FY24 to 7.13 GW in FY25.

With a 14.1% market share in solar module shipments from India, Waaree Energies is India's biggest producer and exporter of solar modules. As of Q1FY26, the company's 25 GW order book is worth 47,000 crore. By 2027, the business hopes to have a 6 GW integrated ingot, cell, and wafer manufacturing facility up and running. The business has invested heavily in energy storage systems and lithium-ion storage cells; a 3.5 GWh plant is expected to be operational in FY27. The company's 300 MW electrolyzer manufacturing facility, which is anticipated to be operational in FY27, has earned it production-linked incentives.

Risk factors: Price variations of raw materials such as polysilicon, wafers, solar cells, aluminum panels, and glass, continue to pose a danger to Waree. The primary raw material, solar cells, which account for around half of overall cost of raw materials, has seen prices change over the past two years. The company is also exposed to demand risks because of the fierce competition it faces from both domestic and foreign producers.

Inox Wind Ltd

Current price: 177

Target price: 225 in 12-14 months

Stop-loss: 150

Why its recommended:Founded in April 2009, Inox Wind Ltd. (IWL) is a part of the Inox GFL Group. The company specialises in producing wind turbine parts, such as towers, rotor blades, hubs, and nacelles. It also provides associated services such as project management, wind farm infrastructure construction, and wind turbine operations and maintenance. IWL has four locations in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. With over 2.5 GW of combined manufacturing capacity, plug-and-play common infrastructure is a solid moat for IWL. The product line consists of 2 MW and 3 MW wind turbine generators, and a 4 MW license has been obtained.

In FY25 the company's revenue increased by 104% to 3,557 crore from 1,746 crore in FY24. Ebitda increased 167% from 344 crore to 918 crore. Earnings after tax recovered from a loss of 48 crore in FY24 to a profit of 438 crore in FY25. Order inflows are 1.5 GW and the order book is at 3.2 GW, offering substantial revenue visibility over the next two to three years. The NCLT's Chandigarh bench has approved the merger plan between Inox Wind Energy Ltd. and IWL. Liabilities on the company's balance sheet dropped by 2,050 crore following this.

Continuum, Hero Future Energies, Amplus, Inox Clean Energy, Serentica and other high-profile clients placed orders with IWL during the year. The company now aims for more than 2 GW of annual execution in FY27, up from an average of 100 MW. With a sizable existing order book and a robust order pipeline, the company executed 705 MW in FY25 and plans to execute over 1,200 MW in FY26. Inox Green Energy O&M contracts the group IPP platform, which aims to add more than 3 GW of installed capacity to the expanding portfolio. In FY25 the company put into service a new nacelle facility in Ahmedabad. Also, the renewables O&M portfolio of the company's subsidiary Inox Green amounted to 5.1 GW.

Risk factors: Under the feed-in tariff regime, there were delays in commissioning or signing power-purchase agreements (PPAs), which resulted in a significant working capital demand. In the past, write-offs and pressure on cash flow have resulted from large working capital requirements and order execution delays. Additionally, the wind energy industry nevertheless faces a difficult business climate. Even though IWL is a well-known domestic player, it still faces fierce competition from both domestic and international players.

Two stocks recommended by MarketSmith India for 4 July

Oil India (current price:  452.95)

Why its recommended: Higher oil and gas production, strong capital spending and upstream expansion, and improved realization.

Key metrics: P/E: 11.27 | 52-week high:  768 | Volume: 392 crore.

Technical analysis: 200-DMA retake along with strong volume action.

Risk factors: Volatility in global oil prices, margin compression, capex and debt risk, project execution delays.

Buy at: 452

Target price: 520 in two to three months

Stop loss: 418

Triveni Turbine (current price:  637.05)

Why its recommended: Strong revenue and margin growth, record order book, diversification, and huge investment in R&D.

Key metrics: P/E: 56.69 | 52-week high:  885 | Volume: 108 crore

Technical analysis: Trend reversal, 100-DMA retake.

Risk factors: Cyclicity in market demand, execution risk, and competitive pricing pressure.

Buy at: 637

Target price: 740 in two to three months

Stop loss: 578

Best stocks to buy today, recommended by NeoTraders Raja Venkatraman

Privi Speciality Chemicals Ltd (Cmp  2,520.30)

PRIVISCL: Buy CMP and dips to 2,450 | Stop: 2,425 | Target: 2,750-2,850

Why Privi Speciality is recommended: Privi Speciality has shown robust Q4 results, highlighting a significant increase in both revenue and net profit as compared with the previous year. The companys Q4 revenue from operations grew 26.7% year-on-year to  613.55 crore, while net profit more than doubled to  63.98 crore. Its share price is showing some steady moves and the recent thrust above the consolidation zone highlights a possibility of upside.

Privi Speciality has shown robust Q4 results, highlighting a significant increase in both revenue and net profit as compared with the previous year. The companys Q4 revenue from operations grew 26.7% year-on-year to 613.55 crore, while net profit more than doubled to 63.98 crore. Its share price is showing some steady moves and the recent thrust above the consolidation zone highlights a possibility of upside. Key metrics P/E: 52.11 52-week high:  2,580 Volume: 680.46K

Technical analysis: Support at  2,200; resistance at  2,800

Support at 2,200; resistance at 2,800 Risk factors: Raw material price volatility, competitive pressures, and economic fluctuations impacting demand for furniture products

Raw material price volatility, competitive pressures, and economic fluctuations impacting demand for furniture products Buy: CMP and dips to  2,450

CMP and dips to 2,450 Target price:  2,750-2,850 in 1 month

2,750-2,850 in 1 month Stop-loss:  2,425

Advanced Enzyme Technologies Ltd (Cmp  337.95)

ADVENZYMES: Buy CMP and dips to 325 | Stop: 320 | Target: 374-395

Why Advanced Enzyme is recommended: Advanced Enzyme is a unique company in the biotech space, creating and providing only eco-friendly solutions. With a positive move seen on the charts after the initial breakout, the trends are expected to continue for the next few days.

Advanced Enzyme is a unique company in the biotech space, creating and providing only eco-friendly solutions. With a positive move seen on the charts after the initial breakout, the trends are expected to continue for the next few days. Key metrics P/E: 37.05 52-week high:  571 Volume: 902.87K

Technical analysis: Support at  300; resistance at  415

Support at 300; resistance at 415 Risk factors: Supply chain disruptions, intellectual property protection, and rising energy and utility expenses

Supply chain disruptions, intellectual property protection, and rising energy and utility expenses Buy: CMP and dips to  525

CMP and dips to 525 Target price:  374-395 in 1 month

374-395 in 1 month Stop-loss:  320

IIFL Capital Services Ltd (Cmp  358.45)

IIFLCAPS: Buy CMP and dips to 340 | Stop: 335 | Target: 405-420

Why IIFL Capital Services is recommended: IIFL Capital Services is engaged in retail and institutional broking, distribution of financial products, and investment banking. A rounding formation has emerged in the last few weeks after the formation of a long body candle above recent highs, indicating a potential upmove in the coming sessions.

IIFL Capital Services is engaged in retail and institutional broking, distribution of financial products, and investment banking. A rounding formation has emerged in the last few weeks after the formation of a long body candle above recent highs, indicating a potential upmove in the coming sessions. Key metrics P/E: 18.42 52-week high:  625 Volume: 980.3K

Technical analysis: Support at  455; resistance at  650

Support at 455; resistance at 650 Risk factors: Data breaches, financial losses, service disruptions, and regulatory consequences

Data breaches, financial losses, service disruptions, and regulatory consequences Buy: CMP and dips to  340

CMP and dips to 340 Target price:  405-420 in 1 month

405-420 in 1 month Stop-loss:  335

Top three stocks recommended by Ankush Bajaj

Why its recommended: Ashok Leyland is exhibiting a strong bullish setup with a clean breakout from a flag-and-pole formation after weeks of consolidation.

The breakout was confirmed on the lower timeframe from the 234 level, and the stock has since held gains with a steady climb. Daily RSI is at 68, indicating strong momentum, while a bullish MACD crossover on the daily chart supports further upside. The price is trending firmly above short-term moving averages, and the structure favours a continuation toward the 272 275 zone.

Key metrics: Breakout zone: 234 (validated on lower timeframe), Support (stop loss): 238

Pattern: Flag-and-pole continuation on daily and intraday chart

RSI: 68 on the daily chart  reflects strong bullish momentum

Technical analysis: The stock has broken out above the consolidation pattern formed between 234 247, confirming a bullish flag on the lower timeframe. A large bullish candle marked the breakout, followed by consistent follow-through. Momentum indicators are aligned with the trend  daily RSI is elevated but not overbought, and MACD has recently turned positive. The price structure suggests a possible move toward and beyond 270, with short-term resistance expected around 272 275.

Risk factors: A close below 238 would invalidate the breakout structure and suggest a weakening of momentum. Caution is advised if broader market sentiment turns risk-averse or if the stock fails to hold above 247 in the next couple of sessions.

Buy at: 250.50

Target price: 272 275

Stop loss: 238.00

Buy: Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL)  Current Price:  426.00

Why its recommended: BEL is displaying strong bullish momentum, having broken out of a narrow consolidation on the intraday chart. The breakout is validated by a bullish flag structure and supported by rising volume and a bullish crossover in the hourly RSI. The stock continues to trade above key moving averages and has maintained a strong uptrend with higher highs and higher lows, signaling potential for further upside toward 452.

Key metrics: Breakout zone: 426.00 (validated on lower timeframe), Support (stop loss): 412

Pattern: Flag breakout on intraday chart

RSI: Bullish crossover on hourly RSI  confirms increasing momentum

Technical analysis: BEL has emerged from a short-term consolidation zone and registered a bullish breakout with supporting volume. The price is well-supported above its 20-DMA and short-term trendline. The RSI and MACD indicators on intraday and daily timeframes are pointing higher, with the breakout level at 426 now serving as the new base. The price action suggests continued bullish bias with potential to test the 452 level.

Risk factors: A sustained move below 412 would invalidate the breakout and could lead to short-term weakness or consolidation. Broader market softness may also limit upside in the near term.

Buy at: 426.00

Target price: 452.00

Stop loss: 412.00

Buy: Hindustan Petroleum Corp. (HINDPETRO)  Current Price:  436.60

Why its recommended: Hindustan Petroleum is showing a strong bullish continuation pattern, having cleared the upper end of its recent consolidation zone. The stock has formed a solid base around 400 and has now broken out decisively above previous resistance levels. The daily RSI is strengthening around 64, and the price is holding well above key moving averages, suggesting trend continuation toward 473.

Key metrics: Breakout zone: 436.60 (validated on daily chart), Support (stop loss): 414

Pattern: Base formation and breakout on daily chart

RSI: 64 on the daily chart  reflects rising bullish momentum

Technical analysis: The stock is trading comfortably above its 20-DMA and 50-DMA, with higher lows confirming an ascending structure. Price has broken through previous resistance at 425 and is now sustaining above that level. Momentum indicators continue to support the uptrend, with MACD staying positive and RSI trending higher. The setup suggests further upside toward the 473 zone.

Risk factors: A move below 414 would invalidate the breakout structure and indicate weakness. External factors such as crude oil volatility or market-wide selling could temporarily impact price strength.

Buy at: 436.60

Target price: 473.00

Stop loss: 414.00

Trade Brains Portal is a stock analysis platform. Its trade name is Dailyraven Technologies Pvt. Ltd, and its Sebi-registered research analyst registration number is INH000015729.

Raja Venkatraman is the co-founder of NeoTrader. His Sebi-registered research analyst registration no. is INH000016223.

MarketSmith India is a stock research platform and advisory service focused on the Indian stock market. Its trade name is William ONeil India Pvt. Ltd, and its Sebi registration number is INH000015543.

Ankush Bajaj is a Sebi-registered research analyst. His registration number is INH000010441.

Investments in securities are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Registration granted by Sebi and certification from NISM in no way guarantee performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors.

Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
Markets regulator SEBI has barred US-based Jane Street Group from the securities markets and directed it to disgorge unlawful gains of 4,843 crore for allegedly manipulating stock indices through positions taken in the derivatives segment.

The disgorgement amount that SEBI has listed might be the highest one it has ever directed.

The Jane Street (JS) Group has come under Sebi's scrutiny for allegedly manipulating stock market index levels to earn illegal profits. The company did this primarily with the highly liquid Bank Nifty and Nifty index options segments.

SEBI had launched an investigation into Jane Street early last year. Here is a timeline of the events.

April 2024 Jane Street sues two US employees for allegedly stealing confidential prop trading strategies that were being used in India, earning the company $1 billion during the previous year.

SEBI analyses based on the Jane Street dispute for unauthorised use of proprietary trading strategies in Indian markets.

Also Read | SEBI bans Jane Street: List of Indian stocks that US firm targeted

May 2024 The two ex-employees countersue Jane Street, claiming they led the India options trading strategy and turned the business huge in the country.

US Court gives Jane Street a May deadline to list details about the trade secrets that were allegedly stolen. July 2024 US judge junks counterclaims, backs Jane Street saying that it did not file the complaint in bad faith.

In India, SEBI asked NSE to examine the trading activity of Jane Street inside the country to ensure no market abuse was involved.

August 2024 SEBI talks to Jane Street in late August, group submits details in writing about its options trades. October 2024 SEBI issues a circular separately to announce F&O curbs for retail traders; markets affected. November 2024 NSE submits its response to SEBI, following its conclusion of the investigation into the Jane Street Group December 2024 Jane Street settles its lawsuit in the US without disclosing the terms of the agreement.

SEBI, alarmed by the abnormal volatility on weekly index options on expiry days, notices Jane Streets large risk positions in the F&O segment. It forms a team to further examine the issue.

Also Read | Sebi cracks down on Jane Street over alleged option rigging
Stocks to buy under 100: The Indian stock market continued to face selling pressure at higher levels on Thursday. The Nifty 50 index ended 48 points lower at 25,405, the BSE Sensex shed 170 points and closed at 83,239, while the Bank Nifty index finished 207 points lower at 56,791. Despite the prevailing selling, Dr. Reddy's, Apollo Hospitals, and Hero MotoCorp emerged as top performers on the Nifty, demonstrating notable resilience. Conversely, SBI Life, Kotak Bank, and Bajaj Finserv bore the brunt of the selling pressure, concluding the session as major losers. Trading volumes on the NSE cash market were 8% lower than yesterday, indicating moderate activity.

The Nifty Midcap and the Nifty Smallcap Index bucked the broader trend today, ending marginally in the green. The Nifty Midcap 100 Index rose slightly by 0.03%, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 gained 0.26%. Market breadth also turned somewhat positive, with advancing stocks just outpacing declining ones, as indicated by a BSE advance-decline ratio of 1.01.

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 continues to drag after the initial positive opening session, finding resistance near the 25,570 zone and with profit booking seen, ended the session near the 25,400 level with bias and sentiment still sustained. As mentioned earlier, the index has important near-term support near the 25,250-25,300 zone. Once the index stabilises and sustains the zone, we can expect a revival and carry on with the positive move for higher targets of 25,700 and 26,200 levels, which is achievable."

"The Bank Nifty index witnessed another weak session, closing in the red and closing near the 56,800 zone, having the important support near the 56,000 level, as mentioned earlier, which needs to be sustained as of now. The index has resisted near the upper band of the channel at the 57,500 zone, and currently, with a slightly weak bias, would need a revival. Once a decisive breach above the resistance level of 57,600 is breached, one 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, Vaishali Parekh, Vice PresidentTechnical Research at Prabhudas Lilladher; Sugandha Sachdeva, Founder of SS WealthStreet; and Anshul Jain, Head of Research at Lakshmishree Investment  recommended these three intraday stocks for today: Lloyds Engineering Works, ESAF Small Finance Bank, and Motherson Sumi Wiring India.

Vaishali Parekh's stock recommendations today 1] Lloyds Engineering Works: Buy at 78, Target 85, Stop Loss 75.

Sugandha Sachdeva's stock to buy under  100 2] ESAF Small Finance Bank: Buy at 34.40, Targets 37, 37.80, Stop Loss 32.80.

Anshul Jain's intraday stock for today 3] Motherson Sumi Wiring India: Buy at 60.40, Target 64, Stop Loss 59.
Comedians mine insights. Thats the job. They observe something nobody has explored in quite the same way, finding a different vantage point, a different take, a different hypothetical what-if tangent, to make a greateror a more amusingpoint. Whats the deal with airline food?" is the line used to distil (and mimic) the observational stylings of Jerry Seinfeld, for instance. The question now is what a comedian does with that point. Mostly, a nugget of insight gets polished into an episode, a film, a concept.

What if a comedian could do more? Much more. What ifas shown on The Rehearsalthe insight of a comedian could actually make a difference, even to an infinitesimal degree, to improve the dynamic within the cockpit of an airplane?

I believe that any human quality can be learned," says Nathan Fielder, Or at least emulated." The Canadian comedian first broke onto the scene with Nathan For You, where he pitched and executed absurd ideas to help small business owners. Its a small, mad series I have previously described in this column as Borat with a business degree." Armed with an HBO budget, Fielders ambitions get supersized in The Rehearsal (JioHotstar), where he constructs a painstakingly exact replica of a pub in order to help a person practice confessing a lie to a friend. That fascinating season gets progressively wilder, right up to rehearsing parenthood. The second season literally soars.

Fielder himself, deadpan and awkward, is a personality-less cipher. Hes the straight man arguing that everything can be practised till it is perfectedor till it appears perfect enough. In the second season, Fielder approaches an air safety expert who has advised multiple US presidents and tells him that, as someone obsessed with air crashes, Fielder has researched the material deeply and genuinely believes he has found a factor common to most plane crashes. A factor that the series then tries to address.

This is unlike any comedyin intent and in execution. The Rehearsal is frequently funny, taken to incredible extremes, and full of great lines, but its seatbelted in place by earnestness and curiosity. Fielders own commitment is absolute and astonishing, putting himself not only in mortifying situations but going to tremendous lengths: through the six episodes this season, Fielder is a diaper-clad infant suckling from the teats of a giant animatronic puppet, Fielder is a man nervously skirting where he himself may stand on the autism spectrum, and finallymost breathtakinglyhe becomes a licensed airline pilot, flying a planeful of passengers in a real Boeing 737.

The comedians fundamental observation is that on board a commercial flight, the pilot and the first officer dont speak. The system draws so many lines of status, hierarchy and seniority between the two people sitting in the cockpit of a plane that the junior doesnt feel empowered to address the seniorwhich removes a basic check-and-balance between two qualified and experienced professionals that could potentially save a dire situation. Can the comedian, and his all-naturalistic Fielder method", encourage the two people at the helm of a plane to speak freely?

Its a remarkable challenge, and while Fielder tackles it with all his might and insight, its the what-if tangents that make The Rehearsal sensational. To illustrate nature and nurture, he takes a dog that has been cloned and tries to recreate the upbringing its parent" dog gotright down to importing truckloads of air (!!) from another state. He tries to set up a first officer on dates and tries to resolve shyness and insecurity in a different kind of high-pressure situation: a first kiss. At one point, he literally recreates famed pilot Sully Sullenbergers memoir in order to learn what made him so exemplary. Was it his love for the alt-metal band Evanescence? This sounds far-fetched, but we each contain multitudes, even in our playlists. Fielder looks at everything.

The comedian finds learning to fly extremely hard. This is where the constant and copious pretending comes in handy, as he sits in a chair at home and imagines himself as a pilot who isnt afraid of anything. As he eventually passes his tests, Fielder gets overwhelmed by the fact thatafter logging in all their solo hours flying single-seater aircraftpilots are certified for commercial flight only after conquering a simulator. I was in awe," Fielder gushes. A simulation so good, they were willing to bet every passengers life on it. It was the ultimate rehearsal."

The premise of The Rehearsal is massively seductive. The chance to practise everythinga job interview, a deposition, heartbreak, childbirthbefore actually doing it offers the illusion of a second chance at life itself, a command-Z option that allows us to undo what we got wrong. Yet the very fact that we know it is a rehearsal surely must affect our behaviour during the experiment itself: without the HBO cameras and the actors and the multiple retakes, would the co-pilot attempt to kiss the girl?

Maybe he would. Maybe it doesnt matter if he would as long as he thinks he can. Which is what the simulation allows.

When you practise being other people for long enough," Fielder says, you can forget to be yourself." The Rehearsal, miraculously, keeps forgetting to be any one thing. It is a treatise on mental health, on hierarchical issues, on shyness in the workplace, on the importance of feedback. Just because its a joke doesnt mean it cant say something.

Im going to be in the Captains seat," Fielder says, so theres really nothing to be worried about." He then pauses for two beats, instantly creating the aforementioned worry. That masterful pause is The Rehearsal, unique and unpredictable and awkward, capable of leading anywhere at all. As a viewer, I genuinely believe this show has given me more empathy and compassion for pilots. Theirs is a job of impossible pressure, and we owe them this understanding. Hats off.

Raja Sen is a screenwriter and critic. He has co-written Chup, a film about killing critics, and is now creating an absurd comedy series. He posts @rajasen.
Finland: The suspect arrested in connection with the Tampere stabbing attack that injured four, told police that he had no racist or political motive, and that he attacked people randomly.

According to (our) current information, there is no reason to suspect that the act had a terrorist or racist motive, AFP quoted the police as saying.

At least four people were injured on Thursday evening, July 3 (local time) in the stabbing attack outside the crowded Ratina shopping mall in the southern Finnish city of Tampere.

Bloodstains are seen outside the Ratina shopping centre in Tampere, Finland, Thursday July 3, 2025, after several people were stabbed. (Saara Peltola/Lehtikuva via AP)

On Friday, the police said the suspect, who had been arrested is a 23-year-old Finnish man with a previous criminal history.

The injuries of the victims are serious, reported AFP.

Blood stains scene at the site Following the incident, a large pool of blood was visible outside a restaurant and blood trailed from the mall to a nearby highway.

Workers used pressure washers to clean up blood stains outside the mall, Finnish public broadcaster Yle reported.

Earlier, the police had sealed all the entrances and exits of Ratina shopping mall and people weren't allowed to enter or leave the centre. But by early evening, police said they had lifted a lockdown and left the scene.

Tampere, about 160 kilometres north of Helsinki, is known as the sauna capital of the world.

What we know about the suspect Police had been alerted about the stabbing at 4:23 pm (1323 GMT), on Thursday, July 3.

The person arrested in connection with the case is a man in his 20s, reported AFP, citing the Ilta-Sanomat.

When ordered by the police, the suspect had raised his hands and then laid down on the ground without resistance, eye witnesses told Ilta-Sanomat.

Also Read | Where is Travis Decker? Idaho shooting shifts focus to missing dad

Police said it had finished checking the scene's surroundings, and questioning witnesses. The area outside the Ratina shopping centre was no longer cordoned off.
New Delhi: Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday flagged persistent asymmetry in global financial flows as a major impediment to sustainable development in the Global South, warning that it continues to stifle long-term investments in clean energy, urban mobility, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Speaking at the New Development Banks (NDB) Governors Seminar in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sitharaman urged a fundamental rethink of the global financial architecture to better align with the development priorities of emerging and low-income economies.

The asymmetry in global financial flows deters long-term investment and delays critical progress, especially in renewable energy, urban mobility and climate resilient infrastructure, she said.

The result is the widening gap between development potential and the financial realization," she added.

Sitharaman also highlighted the complexity of balancing growth and sustainability, particularly in democracies like India where expanding access to housing, healthcare, education, and livelihoods remains a critical imperative.

The real challenge, therefore, is not choosing between development and sustainability, but designing policies, particularly in partnership with emerging markets and developed economy countries that foster inclusive growth and strengthen sustainable development, she said.

The finance minister added that India is actively aligning its financial system with climate and development goals by deepening its green finance ecosystem.

India has laid a strong foundation for green finance in recent yearsthrough Sovereign Green Bonds, ESG disclosure mandates, and the proposed taxonomy for climate finance, Sitharaman said. We are building a more resilient, inclusive, and innovation-driven financial architecture that connects capital with climate imperatives.

The finance minister underscored the role of institutions like the New Development Bank in reshaping development finance for the Global South.

The NDB was set up to bridge a clear gap in the global financial architecture, one that responds to the unique needs of developing economies, she said.

The NDB, formerly the BRICS Development Bank, was established in 2014 by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa to mobilize funding for infrastructure and sustainable development projects.

Headquartered in Shanghai, it serves as a credible alternative to Western-led institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

Sitharamans remarks in Brazil echoed the concerns she raised earlier this week at the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) in Seville, Spain, where she called for urgent reforms to the global financial system, expanded climate finance, and faster sovereign debt restructuring, especially for vulnerable economies.

The calls come amid growing alarm over stalled progress on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Almost a month after the London's Gatwick-bound Air India AI 717 plane crashed in Ahmedabad, the airliner on Friday said it has paid the compensation to families of nearly two-thirds of the victims who died in the crash, reported PTI.

In the horrific crash, 260 people onboard and on the ground were killed.

"Our teams have been helping families receive interim compensation. Every affected family is being directly assisted by an Air India representative, with nearly two-thirds having already received payment or are in the final stages," Air India Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Campbell Wilson told the airline employees in an internal post.

The Tata Group-owned airline added that the Tata Sons is in the process of establishing the apparatus to provide longer-term assistance to the families and survivors.

AI CEO and MD, Campbell Wilson, also said the carrier will continue to "invest in upgrading aircraft, products, service, systems, capabilities and, most of all, people".

AI 717 crash: On 12 June, London's Gatwick-bound Air India AI 717 plane, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed in Ahmedabad. The crash was one of the worst air disasters in India in decades. Of the 242 people onboard, 241 were killed, while the total death toll stood at 260, including casualties on the ground.

Also Read | Tata Sons holds first board meeting after Air India plane crash  Check details

Compensation to victims' kin: Following the crash, Tata Sons announced that it will provide 1 crore each to the families of each person who died in the crash, while Air India announced that it will provide an interim compensation of 25 lakh, or approximately GBP 21,500, to the families of each of the deceased and survivors.

Other efforts: Wilson also said "the process of reuniting next of kin with their loved ones, and repatriating them to their final destinations, is now complete".

"As we transition from the immediate aftermath to mapping the journey ahead, many efforts are underway. Among them, Tata Sons is in the process of establishing the apparatus to provide longer-term assistance to the families and survivors, and will share more when the time is right," Wilson noted.

Meanwhile, Air India continues to observe its "Safety Pause", the deliberate temporary scale-back of its international and domestic networks. "The 'pause' was an important and necessary move to accommodate voluntary additional aircraft checks, navigate the volatile international airspace environment and to stabilise our flight schedule to restore faith and trust," Wilson said.

The AI CEO also said that the extra aircraft ground time is allowing the airline to accelerate its aircraft reliability enhancement programs.

On 18 June, AI announced a 15 per cent reduction in international flights operated with widebody planes until mid-July. It cited operational disruptions due to enhanced safety inspections and the geopolitical situation as reasons for the reduction.

"Irrespective of any cause, the accident of AI171 and the loss of so many lives will forever stand as one of our darkest days. It must also signal the start of a new era," Air India chief said in the internal post, adding, "we will continue to invest in upgrading aircraft, products, service, systems, capabilities and, most of all, people".
Deputy Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Rahul Singh on Friday said that China had helped Pakistan with live inputs in conflict with India, calling for urgent upgrades to the country's air defence systems.

India fought two adversaries during the conflict, with Pakistan being the "front face" while China provided "all possible support", Lieutenant General Rahul Singh said at a defence industry event in New Delhi, as reported by Reuters.

"When the DGMO (Director General of Military Operations) level talks were going on, Pakistan said that we know that your such and such important vector is primed and it is ready for action ... it was getting live inputs from China," Lt Gen Singh said.

The nuclear-armed rivals used missiles, drones and artillery fire during the four-day fighting  their worst in decades  triggered by an attack on tourists in the Pahalgam district of Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, which India said Pakistan had orchestrated.

India had responded by carrying out precision strikes on May 7, under the name Operation Sindoor, at nine terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Capability Development & Sustenance) Lt Gen Rahul R Singh on Friday said that 81 per cent of the military hardware with Pakistan is Chinese and that China was providing all possible support to Pakistan during Indias Operation Sindoor.

Speaking at the 'New Age Military Technologies' event organised by FICCI, Lt Gen Singh said it was like a live lab for China as it was able to test its weapons against other weapons".

Also Read | Operation Sindoor objective conveyed with great clarity: Jaishankar in US

While acknowledging the Pakistan-China alliance, the deputy army chief pointed out that India has "two adversaries on one borderactually three", where Pakistan was on the front and China was providing all possible support.

Lessons learnt during Op Sindoor He also flagged a few lessons India learnt during Operation Sindoor.

Air defence and how it panned out during the entire operation was important... This time, our population centres were not quite addressed, but next time, we need to be prepared for that, Lt Gen Singh said.

He added, So a few lessons I must flag as far as Operation Sindoor is concerned. Firstly, we had one border and two adversaries, actually three. Pakistan was in the front. China was providing all possible support.

"In the last five years, 81 per cent of the military hardware with Pakistan is ChineseChina can test its weapons against other weapons, so it's like a live lab available to them," he said.

Lt Gen Rahul R Singh further emphasised that Turkey also played an important role in providing the type of support it did.

"They gave Bayraktar and numerous other drones... When DGMO-level talks were on, Pakistan had the live updates of our important vectors, from China... We need a robust air defence system," he observed.

The deputy army chief further emphasised the strategic messaging and integration of technology and human intelligence in target selection and planning.

He further noted, There are a few lessons from Operation Sindoor. The strategic messaging by leadership was unambiguous... There is no scope of absorbing the pain the way we did a few years ago...

"The planning and selection of targets was based on a lot of data that was collected using technology and human intelligence. So, a total of 21 targets were identified, out of which nine targets we thought would be prudent to engage... It was only the final day or the final hour that the decision was taken that these nine targets would be engaged," he said.

Lt Gen Rahul R Singh also lauded the Indian Armed Forces for carrying out precision strikes on terror infrastructure.

He, however, noted that war is easy to initiate, but it's very difficult to control.

Also Read | PM Modi to meet all-party global outreach delegations today

So I would say that was a very masterly stroke that was played to stop the war at an appropriate time, he said.

Operation Sindoor was launched by India on May 7, targeting at least nine terror groups in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. It was carried out in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that had killed 26 people.
The Finance Ministry has announced that the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) will now receive all tax benefits available under the National Pension System (NPS).

The significant decision aims to make UPS a more attractive option for central government employees, reported ANI.

What is Unified Pension Scheme? The UPS was introduced earlier this year as an option under NPS for new central government civil services recruits starting April 1, 2025.

The scheme is designed to provide a more predictable and secure retirement income for government employees, offering assured pension.

This pension scheme for central government employees in India was introduced as an option alongside the National Pension System (NPS).

Under the UPS, the government contributes 18.5 per cent of the employee's basic salary and dearness allowance, while the employee contributes 10 per cent.

Parity with NPS tax benefits Previously, the NPS offered various tax deductions and other tax-saving incentives. With this latest announcement, employees who choose the UPS will now enjoy the same tax relief and benefits.

The decision brings parity between the two schemes and provides a level playing field for employees choosing UPS over the traditional NPS.

Also Read | How the national pension scheme can be utilized for early retirement

"The inclusion of UPS under the tax framework marks another step forward in the government's effort to strengthen retirement security for central government employees through transparent, flexible and tax-efficient options," the Finance Ministry stated in a statement.

Who can opt for UPS? While the UPS is the default option for new recruits from April 1, 2025, existing government employees who are already under the NPS have also been given a one-time option to switch to UPS.

Also Read | Unified Pension Scheme notified for govt employees  All you need to know

To make this new pension plan smoother to implement, the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) issued the necessary rules and regulations in March 2025, the news agency reported.
Following Lt Gen Rahul Singh's explosive remarks that China shared data on India's assets with Pakistan, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Friday said that the deputy army chief's comment gives public expression to what had been feared, which is that we were actually fighting China, we were not fighting Pakistan.



Jairam Ramesh further said that China was micromanaging the Pakistan Air Force to an extraordinary degree", claiming that this was the reason why the Congress has been asking for a discussion on the strategic challenges, economic challenges (and) diplomatic challenges being posed by China.

The Congress MP's comments came after Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Capability Development & Sustenance) Lt Gen Rahul R Singh said that 81 per cent of the military hardware with Pakistan is Chinese and that China was providing all possible support to Pakistan during Indias Operation Sindoor.

China-Pakistan alliance Lt Gen Rahul Singh made the statement while speaking at the 'New Age Military Technologies' event organised by FICCI, on Friday.

While addressing the Pakistan-China alliance, the deputy army chief flagged that India actually has three adversaries, where Pakistan was on the front and China was providing all possible support to India's arch-rival.

Lt Gen Rahul Singh also mentioned Turkey, which has repeatedly vowed its support for Pakistan since Operation Sindoor.

India-China border dispute India and China share a 3, 800 km largely undemarcated and disputed border in the Himalayas and have gone to war over it.

Following the border standoff in eastern Ladakh, India has consistently maintained that peace and stability along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) are essential for normalising overall ties with China.

The standoff began in May 2020, with a deadly clash in the Galwan Valley in June that year leading to a sharp deterioration in bilateral relations.

The face-off effectively ended following the completion of the disengagement process from Demchok and Depsang's last two friction points under an agreement finalised on October 21.

India's Operation Sindoor in Pakistan & PoK For nearly four days after India struck nine terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) as part of its Operation Sindoor, the nuclear-armed nations were locked in intense hostilities, with Pakistan launching a wave of drone attacks across several Indian border states.
Delhi double murder accused Mukesh Kumar was a trusted aide of the Sewani family and even took 45,000 from them before leaving  shocking details have emerged with the investigation unfolding in the case.

According to a report by News18, the victim  Ruchika Sewani  who was allegedly murdered by Mukesh Kumar, used to treat the latter like family. The accused was more than an employee, and was always around  Kumar's co-worker at the Sewani's garment shop told the media outlet.

In an "act of revenge", 24-year-old Mukesh Kumar, on Thursday, July 3, killed his employer's wife and teenage son at their home in Delhi's Lajpat Nagar after the woman allegedly scolded him publicly for not repaying a loan of around 40,000.

Mukesh Kumar was a helper at a garment shop named Kuldeep Garments in Delhi. The victim, Ruchika Sewani, used to manage the shop along with her husband, Kuldeep Sewani, and was often accompanied by their teenage son.

Accused demanded money before going on leave Police revealed that Mukesh Kumar had initially requested an eight-day leave to visit his hometown in Bihar for his engagement.

However, he skipped work for 27 days and repeatedly contacted the Sewanis to ask for money during that time.

According to another worker at the garment shop, Prem Sagar, Mukesh briefly returned, asked for additional funds, and then vanished once moreraising concern among the Sewani family, reported News 18.

Police nab Mukesh Kumar Mukesh Kumar was arrested from a train at Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction in Uttar Pradesh on Friday, July 4.

An outside view of the residence in the Lajpat Nagar-1 area, where a woman, Ruchika (42) and her son, Krish (14), were found dead, in New Delhi on Thursday. The suspect house help has been apprehended. (ANI Video Grab)

The police said Kumar had access to the Sewani residence as the family stored garments in a godown attached to their house. He used this access to enter the house under the pretext of collecting stock and carried out the attack before fleeing with his belongings.

"He has been brought back to Delhi and is being interrogated to ascertain the exact motive behind the brutal killings, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast) Hemant Tiwari told PTI.

Also Read | Decomposed body found in blue drum in chilling echo of Meerut murder case
The Delhi government on July 3 urged the Centre's air quality panel to immediately suspend the fuel ban on overage vehicles and said it will make "all out efforts" to resolve issues related to restrictions on the movement of end-of-life vehicles on city roads.

In his letter to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) chairman Rajesh Verma, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the fuel ban is not feasible and cannot be implemented due to technological challenges.

The move came three days after the ban became effective in the national capital. On Thursday, the traffic police and transport department teams impounded no overage vehicle.

Starting July 1, all end-of-life (EOL) vehicles  diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years  irrespective of the state in which they are registered, cannot be fuelled in Delhi, according to a directive by the Commission for Air Quality Management(CAQM).

Also Read | 8 in 10 vehicle owners of Delhi against fuel ban for end-of-life automobiles

But what prompted the Delhi government to rethink the decision days after implementing it? Was it outrage from the middle class as seen on social media or political pressure that pushed the Bharatiya Janata Party government in the national capital to seek more time to implement the decision?

Sirsa, the capital's environment minister, said that the system being used to identify old vehicles was not fully functional. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the decision was affecting the lives and livelihoods of lakhs of families.

Affecting the lives and livelihoods CM Gupta said her government is working on long-term solutions for clean and sustainable transportation, after the minister's letter was public.

This decision is adversely affecting the daily lives and livelihoods of millions of families. Our government is fully committed to controlling air pollution and is working on long-term solutions for clean, sustainable transport," Gupta said in a post on X.

Through this letter sent by Sirsa ji, we have urged that, keeping the public interest paramount, this order should be immediately suspended and a practical, equitable and phased solution should be prepared by consulting all the stakeholders, she said.

"The Delhi Government always stands with the people of Delhi with its resolve for public welfare and public facilities.

The decision to ban end-of-life vehicles from the roads of Delhi as well as NCR (National Capital Region) is not new. A 2018 Supreme Court ruling banned diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years in Delhi. A 2014 National Green Tribunal order also prohibits the parking of vehicles aged over 15 years in public areas.

'Ban not feasible' In the letter, Sirsa said the fuel ban is not feasible and that it cannot be implemented due to technological challenges.

"In view of the hardships being faced by the citizens of Delhi, our government has written to the CAQM, requesting a reconsideration of the decision to stop supplying fuel to end-of-life (EOL) vehicles. This decision is adversely affecting the daily lives and livelihoods of millions of families," Gupta said in a post on X in Hindi.

She said her government is fully committed to controlling air pollution and is working on long-term solutions for clean and sustainable transportation.

"However, while implementing any decision, it is equally important to maintain a balance with the social and economic needs of the citizens," she added.

The ban on overage vehicles in Delhi is not new, but the way it is being implemented by denying fuel at petrol pumps is new. The decision to deny fuel impacts the middle class, a vote bank that substantially supported the BJP when it came to power in the national capital after 27 years in February 2025.

Social media has been abuzz with public anger over the ban ever since it has been implemented.

Middle Class Anger A majority of Delhi vehicle owners (79 per cent) are against the fuel ban for old vehicles rule, according to a new survey released on July 3. In the survey by LocalCircles, people were asked whether they supported the Delhi government's new rule that petrol pumps cannot sell fuel to 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles (including two-wheelers).

Out of 16,907 who responded to the question, 79 per cent said no, and the remaining 21 per cent said yes.

The opposition has also criticised the ban. Aam Aadmi Party leader and former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia called the move a Tughlaqi farmaan  a draconian order which is against the middle-class.

This decision is adversely affecting the daily lives and livelihoods of millions of families.

The BJP government in Delhi, in collaboration with the auto industry, is forcing the middle class to buy new vehicles. Their target is to compel Delhi's 61 lakh families to purchase new vehicles, Sisodia said in a post on X demanding that the order be immediately withdrawn.
In an unnerving and a surprising twist in the Pune rape case, the police on Friday said that the suspect they had detained earlier in the day is actually the woman's friend.

The 22-year-old techie had claimed that a stranger, who had posed as a delivery agent, entered her flat on Wednesday evening and allegedly raped her. She had also told cops that the accused had left a selfie on her phone with a warning against informing anyone of the incident.

According to a PTI report, the police, however, said that the man was in fact the woman's friend, it was the woman who had clicked a selfie with him, and then typed a threatening message in her phone.

Doubts over woman's version of events They know each other for a couple of years and belong to the same community, Police commissioner Amitesh Kumar was quoted by PTI as saying.

The woman had claimed that she had passed out after the man had entered her home, and when she regained consciousness, he was gone. Before leaving, the accused clicked a selfie using her phone in which her back and a part of his face are seen, and left a message warning that he had taken her pictures and would release them on social media if she reported the incident, she told police.

Also Read | MNS workers slap Pune man for objectionable social media post on Raj Thackeray

Also Read | Uorfi Javed strongly reacts to death, rape threats online after The Traitors win

According to a PTI report, the incident took place at a housing society in Kondhwa area of the city at around 7.30 pm on Wednesday, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 5) Rajkumar Shinde.

The woman, who works in a private firm, was alone at home as her brother had gone out of town, the official said.

Woman took selfie, edited it, typed threat message Cops also ruled out that the use of chemical spray on the woman by the accused, as suspected earlier, the PTI report said. After detaining the accused, who is also a highly-qualified professional, the police found that the woman herself had taken the selfie, which originally showed his face clearly, edited it, and also typed the purported threatening message.

"I will come again," the message read, according to police.

"We are still ascertaining why the victim made allegations of rape and it is still under investigation as the girl's mental state is not good at present," the commissioner said. "The rape part is still under investigation," he added, as reported by PTI.
PM Narendra Modi on Friday was conferred with the 'Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago', becoming the first foreign leader in the island nation to be honoured with such a prestigious award.

With this honour, PM Modi has now 25 international honours bestowed upon him.

The President of Trinidad and Tobago, Christine Kangaloo, conferred Trinidad and Tobago's highest national award to PM Modi.

President Christine Kangaloo presented the award during PM Modi's two-day visit to Port of Spain, where he dedicated it to "140 crore Indians" as a symbol of enduring friendship between the nations.

This visit marked the first bilateral prime ministerial trip from India to the Caribbean nation since 1999.

Trinidad's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar had announced the honour earlier, calling PM Modi's visit "a moment of shared pride" and praising him as one of the world's most respected visionary leaders.

The prestigious award specifically acknowledges PM Modi's global statesmanship, deep connections with the 1.3 million-strong Indian diaspora in Trinidad (nearly 40% of the population), and humanitarian efforts during COVID-19.

President Kangaloo highlighted how PM Modi's "personal intervention" ensured 40,000 vaccine doses reached Trinidad during the pandemic, calling it an act of kinship.

PM Modi emphasised cultural bonds, noting President Kangaloo's ancestors hailed from Tamil Nadu and quoting Saint Thiruvalluvar's wisdom about strong nations.

This recognition reinforces India's commitment to its global diaspora community, including those in challenging regions like Iran where evacuation support remains operational.

25th international honour in diplomatic milestone This distinction marks PM Modi's 25th international state honour  the most received by any Indian leader. It follows his July 2 receipt of Ghana's 'Order of the Star' for distinguished statesmanship.

Recent accolades include Cyprus' 'Order of Makarios III' (June 2025), Sri Lanka's highest civilian honour 'Mitra Vibhushana' (April 2025), and Mauritius' 'Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean' (March 2025).
The row over Prada's use of Kohlapuri chappals without crediting India has escalated, with a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) being filed at the Bombay High Court, demanding that the Italian fashion house must compensate Indian artisans.

The PIL, filed by Intellectual Property Rights advocate Ganesh S Hingemire o July 2, also seeks a public apology of Prada and a direction to the government for protection of the Indian traditional designs.

This Public Interest Litigation seeks directions and appropriate reliefs, including an injunction and damages/compensation for the unauthorised commercialisation of a GI-tagged product, which has caused significant harm to the community traditionally associated with it, particularly in Maharashtra State, the PIL read.

Prada asked to apologise Following a massive backlash for plagiarising Indian artisans' work, Prada shared a statement accepting that its latest summer wear collection was "inspired by Indian artisans".

However, the petitioners claim that the fashion brand (Prada) has not issued any "formal apology" along with any "damages", "compensation" and "entitled remedy" to the Maharashtrian artisans.

"The Kolhapuri Chappal is the cultural symbol of Maharashtra and having special public sentiments attached with it. The brand has privately accepted that its collection is "inspired by Indian artisans," however, this acknowledgement surfaced only after facing widespread backlash on various social media platforms," it said.

This acknowledgement was given to the private entity and not to the applicant, makers of Kolhapuri Chappal, GI Registry, Government or the public at large. The brand has not yet issued any formal apology along with any damages, compensation and entitled remedy and the statement appears to be merely a superficial attempt to deflect criticism.

The petitioners have also demanded a public apology from Prada. The hearing of this case can be held in the Bombay High Court.

The plea further sought to prevent international companies from infringing on geographical indication products.
The prime suspect in the alleged rape case of a 22-year-old techie from Pune has been detained, police said on Friday. The man, who had posed as a delivery agent, had entered the data scientist's flat in a residential society in Kondhwa on Wednesday evening, sprayed some chemical on the woman's face, and allegedly raped her.

According to a PTI report, the suspect's past connections with the woman, if any, were being investigated, said a senior official.

Pune rape case Cops said that the accused, who was posing as a delivery agent, showed the woman what looked like a bank-related document, before entering the house. According to the woman's complaint, the accused had asked her for a pen to sign the documents but entered her house as soon as she turned her back towards him. He then latched the house from inside and forced himself on her, the PTI report said.

The woman told police that she passed out at this point, and regained consciousness an hour later when the accused had disappeared. The police also said that the accused clicked a selfie using the woman's phone in which her back and a part of his face are seen. He left a message warning that he had taken her pictures and would release them on social media if she reported the incident.

NCP MP Supriya Sule slams Maharashtra govt Nationalist Congress Party (SP) MP Supriya Sule on Friday slammed the Maharashtra Government over the Pune rape case stating it to be "alarming and concerning" incident.

Sule mentioned that the crime in Maharashtra and Pune is on the constant rise and stated that she will write to the concerned authorities regarding the incident.

Also Read | Kolkata rape case accused Monojit Mishra believed survivor would stay silent

Also Read | MNS workers slap Pune man for objectionable social media post on Raj Thackeray

It's a sad thing that has happened. Crime in Pune and Maharashtra is really on the rise. It's very alarming and concerning. I will write to the concerned authorities to look into this. We must have zero tolerance against any crime against any citizen, Supriya Sule told ANI.

Speaking to ANI, Zone 5 Pune City DCP Rajkumar Shinde said, Under the jurisdiction of Kondhwa Police Station of Pune City, an offence under the BNS sections 64, 77, and 351(2) has been registered. Yesterday (Wednesday), around 7:30 pm, a delivery boy with a bank envelope entered the flat of a 22-year-old woman.

Action will be taken at the earliest Shiv Sena MLC Neelam Gorhe on Friday condemned the Pune rape case, calling it a "disgusting act" and said that action will be taken at the earliest in the matter.

Addressing reporters, the Shiv Sena MLC said, ...This is a disgusting act. Action should be taken at the earliest...As far as security is concerned, it is essential to have security guards in big residential societies so that those who come for such deliveries are accompanied to see where they are going and when they are coming back. I have also submitted a memorandum for this. A proper SOP should be put in place so that those who come in like this are monitored and a photo of their ID is taken. Action will be taken at the earliest

Earlier on Friday, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Rohit Pawar expressed concern over the prevailing law and order situation in Maharashtra in the aftermath of Pune rape case. The NCP-SCP leader also took aim at the police officials for failing to nab the accused.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a plea by HDFC Banks managing director and chief executive, Sashidhar Jagdishan, seeking an urgent hearing on his petition to quash an FIR lodged against him by the Lilavati Kirtilal Mehta Medical Trust, which runs Mumbais Lilavati Hospital.

A bench comprising Justices P.S. Narasimha and R. Mahadevan declined to intervene as the Bombay high court has already scheduled the matter for hearing on 14 July. The apex court said it did not wish to interfere with the high courts proceedings and asked it to hear the case on the fixed date.

If you are not heard then come here. We sympathise that quash proceedings were initiated in June and bench after bench has recused. We understand that. But now that it is listed, the bench noted.

Jagdishan approached the Supreme Court after three Bombay high court judges recused themselves from hearing the matter, leading to delays.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Jagdishan, argued that the FIR was causing serious reputational harm to the bank.

For the last three weeks, we havent got a hearing in the high court. I am the MD. I have nothing to do [with this matter]. I am being roped in, the bank is suffering. I want interim protection till the matter is heard. The bank has been dragged into a private dispute. The idea is to summon him to the police station. It is affecting my personal reputation, Rohatgi submitted.

Background of the dispute In April, the Lilavati Kirtilal Mehta Medical Trust approached the Judicial Magistrate First Class, seeking an investigation into alleged misconduct by Jagdishan.

According to the complaint filed by Prashant Mehta, son of late Kishor Mehta (former director at Splendour Gems Ltd), Jagdishan allegedly accepted a bribe of 2.05 crore between March and June 2022 in exchange for providing strategic advice to help the Chetan Mehta Group retain control over the trusts governance.

The complaint traced its origins to a long-standing financial dispute. Splendour Gems had availed loans from a consortium led by HDFC Bank in 1995. After defaulting, recovery proceedings began in 2002, and in 2004, the Debts Recovery Tribunal ordered repayment of 14.74 crore with 16% interest. Prashant Mehta alleged that his fathers death in 2024 was caused by mental and physical harassment due to the banks recovery process. Upon taking charge of the company, he claimed to have discovered diary entries indicating payments to Jagdishan.

On 29 May, the judicial magistrate directed Bandra Police to register an FIR under IPC Sections 406 (criminal breach of trust), 409 (criminal breach of trust by banker/public servant), and 420 (cheating), and investigate the allegations. Two days later, Bandra Police registered the FIR against Jagdishan, Chetan Mehta, and six others. A separate FIR was also filed against Chetan Mehta, Phoenix ARC Pvt. Ltd, and others for alleged embezzlement of 2.25 crore from the Trust.

Additional allegations The Trust further alleged that Jagdishan misused his position at HDFC Bank to interfere in its internal governance and that he and his family received free medical treatment from Lilavati Hospital, a benefit never formally acknowledged. It also claimed a potential conflict of interest, stating that the Trust had deposits and investments worth 48 crore with HDFC Bank since 2022.

The complaint alleged that 1.5 crore was offered as purported CSR funds to facilitate the destruction or forgery of evidence relating to internal disputes.

Jagdishan then approached the Bombay High Court last week, seeking to quash the 29 May order and the FIR, along with an interim stay on the investigation and protection from any coercive action.
Tamil superstar-turned-politician Vijay will be the official chief ministerial candidate of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election, PTI reported on Friday, quoting party officials.

A special resolution was adopted in the party's executive committee meeting to pick Vijay as its CM face, added the report.

Speaking at the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam's state executive committee meeting, actor and party chief Vijay said his party will not opt for an alliance with the BJP for selfish political gains. "A TVK-headed alliance would always be against the DMK and the BJP. There is no room for compromise in this. This state executive committee meeting strongly registers this...We are Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, which is not DMK or AIADMK to encourage alliance with the BJP for some selfish political gains," the actor said.

At the meeting, Vijay said, No direct or indirect alliance with the ideological enemy and separatists. The BJP divides people based on religion and encourages division among people to enjoy political gain. Their such poisonous attempts could work anywhere but never in Tamil Nadu.

Move to spread party ideology The TVK also proposed holding a large-scale state conference in August and public meetings in villages to disseminate the party's ideology.

The TVK is also resolved to expand its membership base, setting a target of enrolling two crore members in the state. From September to December, party founder Vijay will embark on a state-wide tour across Tamil Nadu to meet voters and mobilise support.

At the meeting, the party condemned the Union government and the BJP over the way farmers were treated during the Delhi protests. It requested the ruling Tamil Nadu government to drop the proposed Melma SIPCOT industrial expansion plan.

It also vowed to fight for the rights of mango farmers in Krishnagiri, Theni, Thiruvallur, Salem, and Dindigul.

The party demanded that the Narendra Modi government retrieve Katchatheevu island. It condemned this and called it an attempt to cover up the findings at Keezhadi, which it claimed proved a Tamil civilisation dating back over 2000 years.
Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, traces her roots to Bhelupur village in Bihar's Buxar district.

Her great-grandfather, Ram Lakhan Mishra, migrated as an indentured laborer in 1889, a journey confirmed through ship tickets and land records preserved by the family.

During a poignant 2012 visit to her ancestral village, she declared: "Bihar is in my DNA" while embracing relatives. Prime Minister Modi highlighted this connection during his July 2025 visit, calling her "Bihar ki Beti" (Daughter of Bihar) before the Indian diaspora.

Who is Kamla Persad? More on her academic excellence and political history Born in rural Siparia in 1952, Persad-Bissessar earned multiple degrees, including law honors where she topped her class, before teaching at the University of West Indies.



Her political journey began in 1987 as a local councilor. She shattered glass ceilings as Trinidads first female Attorney General (1995), and first woman Opposition Leader (2006), and made history in 2010 as the nations first female Prime Minister.

After electoral victories in 2025, she reclaimed the premiership, taking her oath on the Bhagavad Gita.

Persad-Bissessar actively nurtures Indo-Caribbean ties, hosting PM Modi with Bhojpuri Chautaal folk performances and ministers in traditional Indian attire.

During his visit, PM Modi gifted her Sarayu river water and a Ram Mandir replica, reciprocating the diasporas earlier contributions of sacred water and stones for Ayodhyas temple.

In 2012, India honored her with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, the highest award for overseas Indians, acknowledging her bridge-building efforts.

Personal life and enduring influence Married to obstetrician Dr. Gregory Bissessar since 1971, she balances political life with family in Penal, Trinidad.

Her leadership extends beyond politics; she champions education and womens empowerment, crediting her grandmothers, who supported their families as widows, for her resilience.

Also Read | US threatens 17% food tariffs as EU trade talks near deadline
The government is considering building a tunnel connecting Talkatora Stadium in central Delhi to Gurugram in Haryana, Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari said, in a bid to ease the national capital region's notorious traffic chokeholds.

Delhi, which has over 33,000 kilometres of roads, is one of the worst major global capitals in terms of traffic congestion, which worsens air pollution, increases wasteful fuel consumption and road accidents.

Gadkari said his ministryknown by its acronym MoRTHis conducting a study on the viability of this project, and a consultant has been appointed.

We are planning to make a tunnel, and research and a study are going on...right from Talkatora Stadium to Gurugram. Presently, the project is in a study and research stage. We have appointed one consultant for that," he said in an interview.

Also Read | Gadkari invites retail investors for a speed ride on InvIT highway

Gadkari said the tunnel could reduce the travel time between Talkatora Stadium and Gurugram by road from at least an hour nowdepending upon the time of dayto only 10-15 minutes.

The distance between Talkatora Stadium and Gurugram is approximately 28-30 km, depending on the route taken.

We want to reduce the traffic jams in Delhi and at the same time, we want to make it free from air pollution," said Gadkari, adding that better estimates on travel time via this tunnel will be provided after the study is completed.

Delhis Air Quality Index (AQI) frequently plummets to severe. Delhi has breathed poor, very poor, or severe air for over 40% of the year, every year since 2022, according to the Central Pollution Control Boards (CPCB) data. An AQI of zero to 50 is considered good, 51-100 satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor, and 401-500 severe.

Gadkari added that the MoRTH has major plans for Delhi's roads. We are now newly thinking...we have new projects worth 30-40,000 crore for Delhi," he said.

The MoRTH has allocated a corpus of 1 trillion for decongesting Delhi's roads. Delhi has been a part of key highway projects aimed at cutting travel time. For instance, a 12% reduction in the length of the 1,386km Delhi-Mumbai expressway has halved the travel time from 24 hours to 12 hours.

Similarly, the travel time from Delhi to Katra via Amritsar is down from 12 hours to six hours now due to a 5% reduction in the length of the 669 km corridor, the MoRTH data showed.

Yet, people's rising preference for using private vehicles over public transport shows a worrying trend, said S. Velmurugan, the Central Road Research Institute's (CRRI) chief scientist and head of the traffic engineering and safety division.

"Delhi has over 33,000 km of roads, much higher than other metros in the country. This ideally should reduce congestion. But the share of people travelling by the metro and buses is falling every year. About 17% of commuters prefer the metro, and about 15% prefer buses. The rest opt for their own vehicles, and this creates heavy congestion in many densely populated areas in the city," said Velmurugan.

In 2024-25, the Delhi transport department registered about 450,000 two-wheelers, a little over 190,000 cars, 2,300 buses, and about 17,200 trucks, according to Vahan, the central government's registry of vehicles.

Earlier this week, the Delhi government implemented a ban on the sale of fuel for end-of-life vehicles10-year-old diesel vehicles and 15-year-old petrol vehiclesas these vehicles have typically low fuel efficiency, leading to higher carbon emissions.

The Delhi government later put the ban on h

Also Read | India to notify new rules to meet IMOs zero emission regulations

Idling engines and frequent stop-and-go of vehicles in traffic release significantly more carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, etc., because of the incomplete combustion of fossil fuel. Further, studies show congested traffic can increase fuel consumption by 20-30%, leading to proportional increases in emissions," said Sharif Qamar, associate director of transport and urban governance at The Energy and Resources Institute (Teri), a think tank.

On 13 March, answering a question on traffic congestion in Delhi in the Lok Sabha, Gadkari said the Delhi Police has identified 134 spots in the city where traffic often comes to a standstill, primarily due to construction work, encroachment, and the heavy volume of traffic.

A Delhi transport department official, on the condition of anonymity, said projects to counter traffic congestion were handled by the Delhi Public Works Department (PWD). The Delhi PWD minister's office did not respond to Mint's query.

Subhash Narayan in New Delhi contributed to the story.
The US Independence Day, also known as Fourth of July, is here! Americans are gearing up to celebrate the occasion with fireworks, family getaways, parties, parades and the highly popular Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. Coney Island, New York, will play host to the event.

Some of the world's famous competitive eaters are participating in the challenge, which requires contestants to eat as many hot dogs as possible in a specified time period.

What to expect? Joey Chestnut, a 16-time champion, is back in the July 4 extravaganza after not taking part in it last year due to a major dispute over his conflicting sponsorship with Impossible Foods. CBS News reports that Chestnut was banned from the tournament last year.

Recently, he announced his return in a series of posts on social media, stating that the event "means the world" to him.

Patrick Bertoletti, who won the event last year after eating 58 hot dogs in 10 minutes, is returning this time to face Chestnut and 13 others.

The winner takes home the Mustard Belt along with the $10,000 grand prize.

On the women's side, world record holder Miki Sudo is back in action to defend her title for the fourth consecutive year.

Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest: Schedule The live coverage for the event started at 10:45 am ET. The women's competition kicks off at 11 am.

After this, the coverage for the men's contest starts at noon ET, with the competition slated to begin at around 12:30 ET.

It will come to an end by around 1 PM ET.

How to watch? The Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest is being aired exclusively by ESPN.

On ESPN2, the broadcast will begin at noon ET. The programme will feature a recap of the women's competition and the live telecast of the men's contest.

Fans will be able to watch the event again on ESPN at 5 pm ET and at 6 pm and 9 pm ET on ESPN2, according to CBS News.

Joey Chestnut, Patrick Bertoletti, James Webb, Nick Wehry, Geoffrey Esper, Max Stanford and Derek Hendrickson will participate in the men's competition. George Chiger, Ricardo Corbucci, Gideon Oji, Adrian Morgan, Radim Dvoracek, Darrien Thomas, Cameron Meade and Jerome Burns are also part of the event.

FAQs 1. Where to live stream the contest? The competition is being streamed on ESPN3, the broadcaster's online streaming platform. People who do not have cable can sign up for the ESPN+ account.

2. What's the current record at a hot dog eating contest? The official world record stands at 76, which was set by Joey Chestnut during the 2021 contest.
West Bengal: A leader from the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC party was shot in West Bengal's Cooch Behar district on Friday. BJP MLA from Cooch Behar (Uttar) Sukumar Roy's son and his driver have been arrested in connection with the incident, a police officer said.

The ruling Trinamool Congress has alleged that BJP was behind the attack.

An FIR has also been lodged against four people, said the police, reported PTI.

TMC leader injured The TMC leader  Raju Dey  from the Cooch Behar Block 2 Panchayat Samity, suffered injuries in the attack near Jhinaidanga area around 11 pm on Thursday, said police officials.

"The bullet struck Deys right shoulder. He was taken to a nearby hospital by party workers, and his condition is stated to be stable, the officer said.

The miscreants arrived in a black car and fled the scene, abandoning the vehicle, which has since been impounded, added officials.

The black car is registered under the name of BJP MLA Sukumar Roy. Witnesses reportedly saw the MLA's son inside the car during the incident.

Authorities said the investigation is still underway.

shot in cold blood'  TMC blames BJP Following the attack, TMC took to the social media account on X, alleging that BJP was behind the attack.

"The 2024 Lok Sabha results from Bengal made it clear that @BJP4India was rapidly losing ground in Cooch Behar. Now that the district has slipped from their iron-fisted grasp, they've returned to what they do best: unleashing BRUTE, MINDLESS VIOLENCE," the TMC said in a post on X.

Our Panchayat Samiti worker from Jhinaidanga was shot in cold blood. CCTV footage confirms the involvement of @BJP4Bengal MLA Sukumar Roys son, flanked by their usual gang of armed goons, it said.

The TMC further called the BJP as Bangla Jalao Party which loosely translates to Burn Bengal Party.

TMC's post on X

The saffron party rubbished the charges claiming that the attack was a "pre-planned conspiracy" of the TMC.
Sabeer Bhatia, the Indian-origin entrepreneur who co-founded Hotmail, has once again stirred debate online with his comments about India and the United States. On the occasion of Americas Independence Day, Bhatia shared a message on social media praising the US, which he called his "adopted country," while also offering advice to Indian citizens.

Posting on X (formerly Twitter) on the 250th anniversary of US independence, Bhatia wrote, Happy 250th Anniversary to my adopted country, adding an American glass emoji and the Indian flag. He followed this with a message to Indians, saying that India could achieve the same prosperity as the US if there was a shift in how people think. The way I see it, India can become as prosperous as the US  all it takes is a change in the way its citizens think, he wrote.

Sabeer Bhatia's post.

Faces backlash for earlier criticism of Indias economy This is not the first time Bhatia has faced criticism for his views on India. Last month, he posted on X highlighting poverty levels in the country. Referring to Indias economic pride, he questioned the celebration of being the world's fourth-largest economy while millions still struggle daily.

In a post that drew sharp reactions online, Bhatia wrote, Instead of hanging your head in shame that 415 million people in India survive on \$3.10/day \[approx. 265/day], you brag about being the world's 4th largest economy. Shame on you.

Also Read | US market opens at fresh high amid trade deal hopes, but analysts warn
Lady Elizabeth Anson, cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, shared major insights about the late monarchs true feelings for Meghan Markle, who is married to her grandson Prince Harry. Queen Elizabeth IIs confidante is believed to have known inside details about the late monarchs relationship with Meghan Markle. Anson, who died at the age of 79 in November 2020, spoke to royal author Sally Bedell Smith about various things, including the 'Megxit' row. The posthumous interview was published by The Times of London on July 2.

What Queen Elizabeth II felt about Meghan Markle In the interview, Anson detailed the late Queen's anger over the 'Megxit' row and her sad feelings over the alleged pre-wedding rift with her grandson.

Anson said that her cousin made an unprecedented gesture towards Meghan before things went wrong between them.

Talking about Harry and Meghan's May 2018 wedding, she recalled that the Duke of Sussex wrote to her and said "they were going another way.

He said, I am close to my grandmother, and she is content with this'," Anson said, while referencing that they were planning their own wedding.

But when she met her cousin, she felt that the Queen's feelings were contradictory to Harry's remarks.

When I spoke with the queen, she said she is not at all content, Meghan could turn into nothing but trouble. She sees things in a different way," The Times quoted Anson as saying.

Anson went on to claim that Queen Elizabeth was dismayed after Harry and Meghan made the decision to ask the Archbishop of Canterbury to perform the ceremony in St Georges Chapel, since they did not take permission from the Dean of Windsor first.

According to Anson, this caused a major rift between Harry and his grandmother. She stated that the event was the Dean of Windsors jurisdiction on the religious side, adding that Harry had "blown" the relationship with his grandmother.

The Queen told Anson that she was "really upset" with it. Post the disagreement, her feelings changed on Harrys wife, said Anson, adding that the Queen told her that the jury is out on whether she likes Meghan".

Anson felt that Harry is "besotted and weak about women". She added that things were "not working well" between Meghan and Prince William as well as his wife Kate Middleton.

FAQs 1. When did Prince Harry and Meghan Markle drop their royal titles? They announced their decision to "step back as 'senior' members" of the British royal family in January 2020.

2. For how long have Prince Harry and Meghan Markle been married? The couple tied the knot in May 2018.
(Bloomberg) -- BRICS leaders are poised to adopt a position at odds with US President Donald Trump on trade tariffs, aspects of conflict in the Middle East and the need to tackle climate change.

In a draft statement prepared for their meeting in Brazil starting Sunday, leaders will voice serious concern about unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures, according to two officials from participating governments familiar with the ongoing deliberations.

The government chiefs will also condemn the imposition of unilateral coercive measures that are contrary to international law, the officials said, asking not to be named since the discussions are private and the text of the final communique could still change.

While not mentioning the Trump administration by name, the leading emerging-market nations are clearly referring to the US in the wake of the US presidents unilateral tariffs imposed on countries worldwide. Facing punitive levies, nations including founding BRICS member India are racing to strike deals with the US ahead of a July 9 deadline Trump has given for the tariffs to take effect.

At the same time, the reluctance to directly challenge Trump reflects divisions within the bloc, with some  such as India  closer to Washington than others, amid concerns that BRICS could become a vehicle for its largest member economy, China.

Even so, BRICS nations hosted in Rio de Janeiro by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva are at cross-purposes with the Trump administration on aspects of policy. That includes in the Middle East, with multiple references proposed to Israels war against Hamas in Gaza, according to the draft text.

Grave Concern

The leaders may express grave concern about the situation in Palestinian territory, citing the resumption of Israeli attacks and the obstruction of the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, according to the officials. The language under consideration includes a condemnation of the use of starvation as a method of warfare  a reference to charges leveled at Israel, which it rejects.

They are also deliberating a call for the full withdraw of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, and expressing their opposition to the forced displacement of any of the Palestinian population from their territory.

That kind of statement  if the language appears in the final text when leaders wrap up their two-day summit on July 7  is likely to be an unwelcome intervention as Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares to meet with Trump at the White House the same day.

BRICS leaders are also expected to express their backing for the Paris climate agreement  a pact which Trump unilaterally abandoned  while calling for global governance of artificial intelligence to mitigate potential risks, according to the officials. The US is leading the race to develop AI and is pushing back against attempts at regulation by the likes of the European Union.

The BRICS nations are Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, as well as more recent full members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates. The declaration will welcome a further 10 nations as partner countries, including Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Vietnam and Thailand.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Torrential rains dumped up to 10 inches overnight in central Texass Kerr County, triggering flash floods that killed at least 13 people, with more fatalities expected.

The Guadalupe River surged 26 feet in just 45 minutes near Hunt, shattering 1987 flood records, as water swept away cars, stripped victims of clothing, and left bodies unidentified.

Helicopters and boats rescued survivors clinging to trees, while over 20 people remained missing, including campers at riverside sites.

Summer camp crisis as waters trap children Chaos engulfed Camp Mystic, where 20 girls were unaccounted for after "catastrophic level floods" hit the 750-camper site.

Fourteen helicopters and 12 drones scoured the area, plucking children and counselors from treetops after midnight floods caught them asleep.

Though Camp Waldemar confirmed all campers safe, panicked parents flooded social media with photos, pleading: Post names of rescued! One mother desperately sought her daughters family, last seen in a Hunt cabin.

Warnings ignored as river gauge drowns Despite a National Weather Service (NWS) flood watch issued Thursday, Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly claimed "no warning system existed" and insisted no one knew this flood was coming, even as local reporters cited alerts.

Meteorologist Bob Fogarty explained the Hunt river gauge failed after recording a 22-foot surge, noting: "You wont recognize how bad it is until its on top of you".

Critics questioned why camps werent evacuated, given forecasts of "5-7 inches" and the regions history as Americas most dangerous river valley.

Multi-state toll as storms cancel July Fourth Beyond Texas, violent storms killed three in New Jersey, including a 79-year-old and 25-year-old crushed by a falling tree on their car in Plainfield.

Mayor Adrian Mapp canceled the citys parade and fireworks, calling it a sobering reminder of natures power. In Connecticut, hail caused cars to skid off roads amid widespread power outages.

Also Read | LL Cool J says he wont perform at Philadelphias July Fourth festival in support of workers strike
US President Donald Trump has said he will start sending out letters to America's trading partners starting today to begin charging unilateral tariff rates, which countries will have to pay from August 1.

Talking to reporters, the President said that the tariff rates could start between 10-20 per cent and could go up to 70 per cent.

Theyll range in value from maybe 60 or 70% tariffs to 10 and 20% tariffs, he said.

About 10 or 12 letters will be sent on Friday, Trump revealed, adding that additional letters will go out over the next few days.

I think by the ninth theyll be fully covered, Trump added, referring to the July 9 deadline he had earlier set for countries to reach deals with the US to avoid higher import duties he has threatened.

The Republican leader did not elaborate on which countries would be charged how much tariffs, or if the tariffs would be charged at higher rates on certain goods.

If the 70 per cent tariff claimed by Trump is implemented, it would be higher than any US tariffs the president initially outlined during his Liberation Day rollout on April 2.

The countries would have to start paying taxes to the US by August 1, the President said.

The money will start going to come into the United States on August 1.

US trade deals so far As of now, only three countries  China, Vietnam and UK  have signed trade deals with the US.

However, two were announced weeks back and there has been no new concrete development after that, except for the trade agreement with Vietnam despite Trump teasing more deals.

Trump announced the deal with Vietnam on Wednesday, saying that the US would place a 20 per cent tariff on exports from Vietnam to the US and a 40 per cent rate on goods deemed transshipped through the nation.

The US president initially announced his higher so-called reciprocal tariffs on April 2, but paused those for 90 days to allow countries time to negotiate.

Last month he called off negotiation talks with Canada, calling it a difficult country.

Trump was asked Thursday on whether more deals were coming soon.

Also Read | Trump May Start Telling Nations New Tariff Rates on Friday

We have a couple of other deals, but you know, my inclination is to send a letter out and say what tariffs they are going to be paying, he said.

US-India trade talks Meanwhile, Donald Trump and his representatives from his administration have repeatedly teased an upcoming trade agreement with India, with negotiators reaching Washington DC to participate in talks.
by Xinhua writer Jiang Hanlu BEIJING, July 3 (Xinhua) -- On the banks of the shimmering Huangpu River that cuts through the Chinese metropolis of Shanghai sits the headquarters of the New Development Bank, co-founded by the BRICS countries more than a decade ago to foster the shared development of the world's emerging economies. In his visit to this new landmark in China's financial center late April, Chinese President Xi Jinping told the bank's president and former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff this multilateral institution has been a result of "a pioneering initiative for the Global South to seek strength through unity." For the Chinese leader, the BRICS mechanism is a major platform for promoting cooperation among countries in the Global South. In the coming days, this year's BRICS summit will open in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro under the theme of "Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance." Xi's April visit to the bank demonstrates his long-standing commitment to bolstering the solidarity and common development of the Global South, amplifying the role of over 6 billion people in a world fraught with uncertainty and challenges unseen in a century. COLLECTIVE RISE "The collective rise of the Global South is a distinctive feature of the great transformation across the world," Xi observed when addressing the "BRICS Plus" Dialogue held in Kazan, Russia, in October last year. Much more than a pure geographical or economic term, the Global South refers to a community of emerging markets and developing countries that share similar historical experiences, development stages and goals, and political pursuits. The concept of "South" was first coined in Antonio Gramsci's work "The Southern Question" written in 1926, in which the Italian Marxist philosopher highlighted the development gap between northern and southern Italy. The rise of the Global South has been decades in the making. Back in 1955, the landmark Bandung Conference convened in Indonesia under the flag of solidarity, friendship and cooperation, marking the awakening of the Global South after centuries of Western colonial rule. In 1964, the Group of 77, a coalition of developing countries, was established in Geneva within the United Nations to promote South-South cooperation and form a new international economic order. Through extensive cooperation, the countries of the Global South have emerged as a key driver of global growth. These countries have contributed as much as 80 percent of global growth over the past 20 years, with a share of global GDP increasing from 24 percent four decades ago to more than 40 percent today. China, the world's largest developing country, is a natural member of the Global South. In 2004, the United Nations Development Programme included China in its list of more than 130 Global South countries in a report titled "Forging a Global South." Some Westerners have challenged China's position that it is part of the Global South. In response, Xi has provided a clear answer. "As a developing country and a member of the Global South, China breathes the same breath with other developing countries and pursues a shared future with them," Xi once said. Historically, China has suffered from Western colonialism and imperialism, much like other developing countries, said Cavince Adhere, a Kenya-based international relations scholar. "Even today, despite inordinate success by Beijing to rise from the backwaters of development to be the second-largest economy in the world, as well as the first developing country to eliminate extreme poverty, China still faces common development challenges, and holds similar views regarding the current international order and global governance," he added. "Because of this, China has emerged as a strong champion for the legitimate rights and interests of many Global South countries." LEAVING NO ONE BEHIND Ahead of Xi's state visit to Brazil late last year, the Portuguese edition of the book "Up And Out Of Poverty" was officially launched in Rio de Janeiro. The book, first published in 1992, outlines Xi's perspectives on poverty eradication, local governance, reform and development when he worked in the formerly impoverished prefecture of Ningde in China's southeastern Fujian province. Poverty has long ranked atop among the problems facing the Global South. With Xi's steadfast commitment and strong leadership, China has eradicated absolute poverty in its rural areas, a feat that no one had accomplished in China for thousands of years. At the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro last year, Xi spoke with quiet conviction, recounting his lifelong dedication to poverty alleviation, from his time as a local official to his current role as China's top leader. In his speech, Xi said a weaker bird can start early and fly high. "If China can make it, other developing countries can make it too. This is what China's battle against poverty says to the world," he said. Xi's "weaker bird" metaphor originated from his book on poverty. His speech struck a chord with several foreign leaders, who asked the Chinese delegation whether they could share a copy of the speech. The Chinese leader has placed great emphasis on development. For him, "development holds the master key to solving all problems," particularly when the global development gap continues to widen. Over the years, Xi has also been active in rallying global efforts to put development back on the international agenda as a central priority. When attending the general debate of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly in 2021 via video, Xi proposed the Global Development Initiative, an international policy framework to promote sustainable development around the world. To date, the initiative has garnered the support and participation of over 100 countries and 20 international organizations. To boost common development in the Global South, Xi has been promoting practical cooperation through major infrastructure projects within the Belt and Road Initiative. During his foreign visits over the years, Xi would launch or visit major projects, such as the Chancay Port in Peru, the Dushanbe No. 2 power plant in Tajikistan and the Colombo Port City in Sri Lanka. When hosting leaders of the Global South in Beijing, Xi would also discuss with them major projects for cooperation during their talks. Xi believes that the Global South should be the main driving force for common development and that "On the path to modernization, no one, and no country, should be left behind." He also supports countries of the Global South exploring paths of modernization tailored to their distinctive national conditions, rather than following Western development models. Also at last year's G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Xi outlined eight measures in support of Global South cooperation, ranging from high-quality Belt and Road cooperation to boosting development in Africa. Months earlier, at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing last year, Xi unveiled 10 partnership actions and granted zero-tariff treatment on all product categories to the least developed countries with which it has diplomatic relations. Gu Qingyang, associate professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore, said, "China can play a positive role in the development of Global South countries," adding that Chinese technology and expertise in industrial development can support the modernization of the Global South's various regions. EMPOWERING GLOBAL SOUTH IN INTERNATIONAL GOVERNANCE As Xi once observed, in the face of global changes of the century, pursuing modernization and working for a more just and equitable international order are the sacred historic missions of Global South countries. Xi described the BRICS countries as "leading members of the Global South," calling for building BRICS into "a primary channel for strengthening solidarity and cooperation among Global South nations and a vanguard for advancing global governance reform." Since becoming Chinese president in 2013, Xi has always been a steadfast champion of BRICS cooperation. In Xiamen, he advocated for the "BRICS Plus" program at the 2017 BRICS summit, calling for more active participation from other emerging markets and developing nations. He played a crucial role in propelling the BRICS' historic expansion in 2023, ushering in the era of greater BRICS cooperation. Effective coordination between BRICS members and other countries in the Global South has been adding more bricks to the global governance architecture. The New Development Bank exemplifies this effort. Xi said the bank serves as "an important emerging force in the international financial system," which should work to "make the international financial system fairer and more equitable and effectively enhance the representation and say of emerging markets and developing countries." Over the years, China, under Xi's leadership, has taken concrete steps to advocate for developing countries, help Global South countries enhance their representation and voice in international governance, and promote a more just and equitable international order. At the 2022 G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, China took the lead in supporting the African Union (AU)'s membership in the G20. In their meeting on the sidelines of the summit, then Senegalese President Macky Sall, who was also the AU chairperson that year, thanked Xi for being the first to publicly support the AU's G20 membership. The global leadership today remains lopsided, and rebalancing this skewed system is a shared imperative for both the Global North and South, said Paolo Magri, managing director and chair of the advisory board of the Italian Institute for International Political Studies, a think tank. "Global South countries marching together toward modernization is monumental in world history and unprecedented in human civilization," Xi said at the "BRICS Plus" Dialogue in Kazan, Russia, last year, while acknowledging that "the road to prosperity for the Global South will not be straight." "No matter how the international landscape evolves, we in China will always keep the Global South in our heart, and maintain our roots in the Global South," Xi pledged. (Xinhua reporter Yan Yujing in Nairobi also contributed to the story.)
Federal Judge Randolph Moss issued an emergency order on July 4, 2025, temporarily blocking the deportation of eight migrants to South Sudan just hours before their scheduled 7 PM flight. The dramatic halt came less than 24 hours after the Supreme Courts conservative majority cleared the way for their removal, overriding a Boston judges protections.

The men, from Cuba, Laos, Mexico, Myanmar, Sudan and Vietnam, had been held six weeks at Camp Lemonnier, a U.S. military base in Djibouti, where they lived in converted shipping containers amid malaria risks and inadequate medical care.

Mosss order, expiring at 4:30 PM ET, allowed time to hear arguments that deporting them to a country where they have no ties violates their due process rights.

Migrants face immediate detention or death in conflict zone None of the eight men have connections to South Sudan, a country the U.S. State Department warns Americans to avoid due to rampant violent crime, kidnapping, and active civil war.

Their lawyers argued they could face "torture, imprisonment or death" upon arrival, citing UN reports of escalating violence and food shortages.

Though all had criminal convictions in the U.S., several had completed sentences and planned voluntary returns to their home countries before being rerouted.

The Trump administration claimed "credible diplomatic assurances" from South Sudan about their safety, an assertion immigration advocates dismissed, given the countrys instability.

Nationwide protests escalate amid deportation crackdown This case coincides with mass protests against Trumps immigration policies, with over 260 "Free America" demonstrations occurring nationwide.

In Los Angeles, nightly curfews continued after clashes between protesters and 700 Marines deployed by Trump, while New York police arrested 110 protesters outside immigration courts.

The "Shut Down ICE" movement saw rallies in 30+ cities, including Kansas City where hundreds blocked streets chanting Stop the deportations!

These demonstrations intensified following ICE raids targeting Latino communities, causing several California cities to cancel July 4 celebrations over safety fears.

Legal battles expose systemic immigration conflicts Judge Mosss intervention follows another landmark ruling on July 2, where he blocked Trumps "invasion" proclamation that banned asylum claims at the southern border.

That decisionapplauded by ACLU lawyers as defending "Congresss power to pass laws"found Trump lacked authority to create an alternative immigration system.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Courts 6-3 conservative majority has repeatedly backed Trumps deportation agenda, with Justice Sotomayor accusing colleagues of putting the administration "on speed dial" while rewarding lawlessness.

Also Read | Divided celebrations mark historic July Fourth amid protests and record travel
US President Donald Trump said he did not make any headway toward ending Russias war in Ukraine during a call with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, and expressed frustration at the ongoing conflict.

We had a call, it was a pretty long call. We talked about a lot of things including Iran. We also talked about, as you know, the war with Ukraine, and Im not happy about that, Trump told reporters Thursday evening.

No, I didnt make any progress, he said when asked about their talks.

This was the sixth publicly acknowledged call between the two leaders since Trump returned to the White House in January.

The Kremlin earlier Thursday also indicated there had been little progress on ending the war  a key foreign policy aim of the US president  during the discussions.

Donald Trump once again raised the question of an early cessation of hostilities, Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters after the call, which lasted almost one hour. Putin said Russia will not back down from its war aims, Ushakov added.

He described the conversation as frank, businesslike and concrete, adding that the leaders agreed to continue their discussions soon. Putin and Trump talked about Iran and the situation in the Middle East in considerable detail, Ushakov added.

There was no discussion of a meeting between the two leaders, and they didnt touch on the US decision to halt weapons supplies to Ukraine, he said.

Trump and Putin spoke after the Pentagon announced this week it was pausing the transfer of artillery rounds and air defenses to Ukraine, citing a review of US stockpiles as it weighs the need to save weapons for other threats. Thats as Russia has intensified its missile and drone attacks on Ukraine in recent weeks.

Trump is likely to hold a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday, according to a person familiar with the matter.

The US president campaigned on ending the war in Ukraine quickly, citing his relationship with Putin, but has also threatened to walk away if the two sides cant agree to terms. Trump voiced his frustration at the pace of progress last month, saying it might be necessary to let Ukraine and Russia fight for a little while before trying to broker a peace deal.

While Trump has squeezed weapons supplies to Ukraine, he hasnt imposed any more sanctions on Russia. Thats despite appeals from Zelenskiy and European leaders to ramp up pressure on Putin.

Putin agreed in talks this week with French President Emmanuel Macron to coordinate their approach on Iran, the first phone call between the two leaders since 2022. Iran is said to be cutting off communication with key United Nations atomic watchdog officials, deepening uncertainty over the status of its nuclear program.

Macron wants to coordinate with permanent members of the UN Security Council on pressing Iran to accept the return of International Atomic Energy Agency inspections, Bloomberg reported this week.

The US, Russia, China, France and the UK are permanent members of the Security Council.

With assistance from Stephanie Lai and Ben Holland.

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
Americans celebrated US Independence Day on July 4, 2025, marking 249 years since the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776. Traditional festivities included parades like America's oldest in Bristol, Rhode Island (running since 1785), backyard barbecues, and fireworks displays in major cities like Washington D.C. and New York.

Philadelphia hosted its massive Wawa Welcome America festival featuring free concerts and museum days, culminating in a Jazmine Sullivan performance and fireworks over the Art Museum.

At naturalization ceremonies nationwide, including one at George Washingtons Mount Vernon, new citizens took oaths beneath American flags.

These celebrations honored Americas founding principles of liberty while reflecting John Adams' 1776 vision of Pomp and Parade... Bonfires and Illuminations.

Political tensions reshape local observances This years celebrations faced unprecedented political divisions. Over 260 "Free America" protests organized by Womens March leaders occurred nationwide, criticizing Trump's policies on immigration and healthcare.

Simultaneously, several Latino-majority communities in Los Angeles canceled parades due to immigration raids.

El Sereno organizer Genny Guerrero explained: The fact that theyre taking anyone that is brown, regardless of citizenship, puts everyone in jeopardy.

According to an AP report, despite these divisions, many Americans like California Democrat Scott Allen celebrated anyway, gathering with politically mixed groups.

As Allen noted: We can have protests. We can have free speech. Thats freedom.

Fireworks industry braces for tariff impact Fireworks illuminated skies despite looming challenges. Current 30% tariffs on Chinese fireworks (down from 145% in April) didnt affect 2025s major displays like the East River show featuring 30 colors across four barges.

Retailers absorbed costs without raising consumer prices, but industry leader Julie Heckman warned tariffs threaten future celebrations: Every small town will want special displays for Americas 250th birthday in 2026.

Safety concerns also persisted, with states like California restricting personal fireworks due to wildfire risks.

Record-shattering travel defines holiday week A historic 72.2 million Americans traveled for Independence Day, with 61.6 million driving (a 2.2% increase from 2024) and 5.84 million flying.

Airlines reported 5% more international bookings as European fares dropped 13% year-over-year. Traffic peaked on July 2 and July 6, with drivers in Atlanta and Chicago facing hours-long delays.

Also Read | Police in Brazil arrest a suspect over $100M banking hack
The US has warned it may impose 17% tariffs on EU food and farm exports, an EU diplomat revealed Friday, according to a Reuters report.

This new threat comes as negotiations intensify before President Trumps July 9 deadline to impose 50% tariffs on all EU goods.

Currently, EU products face 10% baseline tariffs, with higher rates for cars (25%) and steel/aluminum (50%).

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that weekend negotiations will continue, while Trump plans to send final tariff letters to trading partners by August 1.

EU considers 10% tariff compromise with exemptions EU negotiators may accept maintaining the 10% baseline tariff for most goods in exchange for sectoral exemptions.

The bloc seeks immediate relief for pharmaceuticals, aircraft, semiconductors, and alcohol exports  critical industries where supply chains span the Atlantic. Germany and Italy support this approach, but France demands matching 10% tariffs on US goods if implemented.

The potential deal resembles the UKs earlier agreement with Washington, avoiding detailed negotiations for now.



Internal EU splits complicate negotiations Significant divisions among EU members weaken the blocs bargaining position. Germanys Chancellor Friedrich Merz prioritizes protecting auto exports, calling for quick solutions over perfect ones.

Frances President Emmanuel Macron insists on full reciprocity, while Italys Giorgia Meloni appears willing to concede more to maintain US relations.

Smaller nations resist bearing retaliation costs for Germanys trade surplus. These splits threaten to reduce the EUs planned 95 billion retaliation package to 72 billion.

Global tariff landscape takes shape Other nations face varied outcomes: Vietnam secured a 20% tariff deal (down from 46%) with strict anti-transshipment rules. China gained eased restrictions on chip software and ethane exports.

Also Read | Googles EU search results could soon feature competitors first
(Bloomberg) -- Russia unleashed a record air strike on Ukraine as US President Donald Trump expressed disappointment over his latest phone call with Vladimir Putin aimed at bringing an end to the war.

Ukrainian air defense said Russia fired 550 drones and missiles, mostly targeting Kyiv, in overnight attacks that lasted more than 11 hours. It reported that 478 aerial targets were intercepted.

Blasts were heard across the capital as impacts registered in five of the citys districts and residential homes were damaged, Kyivs military administration chief, Tymur Tkachenko, said on Telegram. At least one person was killed and 26 were injured, he said.

The assault came as Trump told reporters he was very disappointed over Thursdays call with Putin, in which the Russian president said he will not back down from his war aims, according to a Kremlin readout.

I dont think hes looking to stop and thats too bad, Trump said, adding that he plans to talk to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday. Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said later that the Kremlin is paying close attention to the US leaders statements, Interfax reported.

Zelenskiy said Friday the Russian air strikes were a demonstratively significant and cynical blow that had started almost simultaneously with the discussion in media of the phone conversation between President Trump and Putin.

He urged Ukraines allies to maintain deliveries of air defenses and to intensify sanctions on Russia. The German government said it was in intensive talks to secure Patriot air-defense systems for Kyiv.

Without really large-scale pressure, Russia will not change its stupid destructive behavior, Zelenskiy said on Telegram.

The sixth publicly acknowledged call between Trump and Putin since the US president returned to the White House in January, promising to deliver a swift end to the war, took place as Moscow has intensified air attacks on Ukraine in recent weeks.

Russian troops meanwhile have made only incremental gains on the battlefield and at an increasingly steep human cost. The number of Moscows casualties since the start of the invasion, including soldiers killed and wounded, is estimated to have climbed above 1 million last month.

Russia is also intensifying its use of chemical weapons in its war against Ukraine, the Dutch secret service said on Friday. Moscow was using chloropicrin, a chemical that can be lethal in high concentrations and violates the Chemical Weapons Convention, according to the statement. Peskov didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

Fridays strikes damaged the Polish consulate in Kyiv, Warsaws Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said in a post on X. Please restore supplies of anti-aircraft ammunition to Ukraine and impose tough new sanctions on the aggressor, he said.

The Ukrainian Environment Ministry urged Kyiv residents to stay indoors because of an elevated level of pollution from the smoke caused by the attack.

After Russia unleashed another massive drone and missile assault on Sunday, the Pentagon announced this week that it was pausing the transfer of artillery rounds and air defenses to Ukraine, citing a review of US stockpiles as it weighs the need to save weapons to guard against other security threats.

Trump had said only last week that hed look to send more Patriot air-defense missiles to Ukraine following a good meeting with Zelenskiy on the sidelines of the NATO summit in The Hague. Without more support from Washington, Kyiv risks becoming increasingly vulnerable as the current US funding for military aid that was approved under former President Joe Biden is due to run out in the summer.

The calls signal a renewed attempt by Trump to secure a truce in Russias war on Ukraine, currently in its fourth year. Zelenskiy on Thursday reiterated his support for the US leaders ceasefire proposal, which Putin has so far refused to accept as he pushes his maximalist demands.

The Kremlin also indicated thered been little progress on ending the war during the nearly hour-long discussion between Putin and Trump.

Donald Trump once again raised the question of an early cessation of hostilities, Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters. Our president said that Russia will achieve its goals.

He described the conversation as frank, businesslike and concrete, adding that the leaders agreed to continue their discussions soon. Putin and Trump talked about Iran and the situation in the Middle East in considerable detail, Ushakov said.

There was no discussion of a meeting between the two leaders, and they didnt touch on the US decision to halt weapons supplies to Ukraine, Ushakov added.

Trump campaigned on ending the war in Ukraine quickly, citing his relationship with Putin, but he has also threatened to walk away if the two sides cant agree to terms. While he has squeezed weapons supplies to Ukraine, he hasnt imposed any more sanctions on Russia, despite appeals from Zelenskiy and European leaders to ramp up pressure on Putin.

We had a call, it was a pretty long call, Trump told reporters Thursday evening. We also talked about, as you know, the war with Ukraine, and Im not happy about that.

No, I didnt make any progress, he said.

--With assistance from Stephanie Lai, Ben Holland, Maxim Edwards, Indy Scholtens and Mark Sweetman.

(Updates with casualty count, Kremlin comments on Trump-Putin call, German efforts to secure air defense from third paragraph.)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
A group of UK aviation engineers is scheduled to arrive in Thiruvananthapuram on 5 July to carry out repairs on a British Royal Navy F-35B Lightning jet, which has been grounded since making an emergency landing last month.

Sources told PTI that a 40-member aviation team is expected to arrive in the Kerala capital on a special flight and attempt to fix the technical issue affecting the aircraft, which is part of the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group of the UKs Royal Navy.

They were originally scheduled to arrive on 2 July, but the visit was postponed for unknown reasons, the sources added.

Currently, the aircraft is parked at a bay and is being guarded by a six-member team from the HMS Prince of Wales, they said.

The F-35B Lightning jet, valued at over USD 110 million and regarded as one of the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world, made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram Airport on 14 June.

According to a spokesperson for the British High Commission in India, the aircraft remains at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, awaiting repairs after experiencing a technical issue.

The UK has agreed to relocate the jet to the airports Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility for necessary servicing.

The aircraft will be moved to the hangar once UK engineering teams arrive with specialist equipment, thereby ensuring minimal disruption to scheduled maintenance of other aircraft, the spokesperson said on 27 June.

The F-35B is the only fifth-generation fighter jet with short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) capabilities, making it ideal for operating from smaller decks, austere bases and ships.

Days after the emergency landing, the Indian Air Force stated it was providing all necessary support for the rectification and subsequent return of the aircraft.

The HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group conducted joint military exercises with the Indian Navy earlier in June.

The aircraft will be moved to the hangar once UK engineering teams arrive with specialist equipment, thereby ensuring minimal disruption to scheduled maintenance of other aircraft.

Known simply as the Lightning in British service, the F-35B is the STOVL variant of the fighter jet, designed to operate from short-field bases and air-capable ships.
A once-in-a-decade UN summit, the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development, pulled together governments, businesses and NGOs in Seville recently to address a massive gap in funds to fight poverty. Can it succeed amid US isolationism? Can India help?

Wheres the world on development finance?

This may be one of the toughest challenges facing the world. Developing countries are grappling with a $4-trillion-a-year gap in financing for development and the worst off, as always, are the poorest indebted countries. The money is needed for the world to realize 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) that countries adopted in 2015. These range from ending poverty to womens equality, health, education and fighting climate change. In 2024, official development assistance (ODA) by the worlds wealthiest countries in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) fell 7.1% to $212.1 billion.

What is development financing achieving?

The news is mixed. The latest UN data shows 9% of the global population lived in extreme poverty (surviving on less than $2.15 per day by purchasing power parity) in 2022, compared with 10.5% in 2015. But global poverty reduction is virtually at a standstill", the UN says. For the first time, in 2023, more than half the world population is covered by at least one social security scheme. However, data shows that in every respect, the poorest countries are the worst off, emerging nations are in the middle, and rich nations lead in development metrics. Debt remains a huge problem for the poorest nations to shake off. In 2023, total debt servicing costs for low- and middle-income countries reached a record high of $1.4 trillion.

Which are the main areas hit?

The decline in funding impacts all areas of development. Interestingly, the fall in OECD assistance shows the cuts were led by reduced spending in contributions to international organizations, as well as a decrease in aid for Ukraine, lower levels of humanitarian aid and reduced spending on hosting refugees in donor countries. Spending on Ukraine and hosting refugees shows the money may not be going to the poorest nations.

What can India offer in this bleak scenario?

Indias role has always been more about raising capacity than financing. At the summit in Sevilla, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman called for urgent action to build a comprehensive, equitable, development-oriented global financing framework." With many SDGs off track, India is well placed to share its experience in lifting 250 million people out of multidimensional poverty. Other areas of sharable capacities include digital public infra, digital reform in tax administration, building ecosystems for startups and targeted lending for micro, small and medium enterprises.

What is the future of development finance?

The fall in ODA seen in 2024 came after five years of increases, albeit some of it driven by post-pandemic imperatives. Now, the future looks bleak. The US did not attend FfD4, and doesnt agree with many core objectives like reforming multilateral institutions. OECD officials say some major donors have signalled further, and quite significant, ODA decreases over the coming years. This makes targeted funding crucial. Sitharaman said developing countries can be both drivers and beneficiaries of such funding. India is well-placed to take a leadership role here.

Also Read | Sitharaman urges global financial reforms at FFD4 summit in Spain
Irans Imam Khomeini International Airport has officially reopened its skies to international air travel following a 20-day suspension.

The first foreign flight, a Flydubai flight from the United Arab Emirates, landed on Wednesday, only after extensive security and diplomatic coordination.

Return to stability Mehdi Ramezani, spokesperson for Iran's Civil Aviation Organisation, confirmed the successful landing to the Student News Network, highlighting the extensive security and diplomatic coordination that preceded the flight, ANI reported.

The landing marks a new phase of stability for Irans aviation sector, Ramezani said in a statement, speaking of the disruptions caused by the recent tensions with Israel.

Due to the Israel-Iran conflict, several airlines suspended or rerouted flights, and countries like Iraq, Jordan and Iran closed their airspace for safety concerns.

12-day conflict and ceasefire The 20-day suspension of international flights was a direct consequence of a recent bloody 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel, the news agency reported.

The hostilities began on June 13, 2025, when Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, targeting Iranian nuclear and various military facilities.

After Israel targeted numerous Iranian military infrastructure and nuclear-related sites, Iran responded to the Israeli attacks by firing missiles at Israel.

The conflict escalated further, with Iran also striking a US base in Qatar.
Three terrorists were killed when explosives they were handling detonated prematurely in Pakistans northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, police said on Friday.

The blast occurred in Kot Kundian village in Dera Ismail Khan district while the terrorists were reportedly manufacturing an improvised explosive device (IED) on Thursday night, a PTI report said.

While one of the terrorists remain unidentified, two of the deceased were identified as Sahib Khan from Tank district and Turab from South Waziristan.

Security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to trace handlers and facilitators linked to the incident, the report added.

Gunman opens fire at police vehicle In a separate attack on Thursday night, unidentified gunmen opened fire on a police vehicle in Wana, South Waziristan, critically injuring a deputy superintendent of police.

A police constable, identified as the DSPs gunman, went missing and is suspected to have been abducted. According to the report, the attack occurred when the police team was travelling from Wana to Toi Khula.

Following the incident, security forces launched a large-scale search operation and heightened surveillance across Wana. While no group has claimed responsibility, and investigators are probing the motive, terrorism and targeted retaliation are not being ruled out.

South Waziristan, a former militant hub, has witnessed intermittent violence despite ongoing military operations, the PTI report said.

Blast claimed by IS kills four According to an AFP report, an explosion in northwest Pakistan killed at least four local government officials and police Wednesday, an officer told AFP, in an attack claimed by a branch of the Islamic State group.

"One senior government official, along with another government official and two police officers, were killed in the attack. Eleven people were wounded," said Waqas Rafiq, a senior police official stationed in Bajaur, a city near the border with Afghanistan.

The officials were travelling in a car in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province when "the attack happened in a market in Bajaur city", Rafiq added.

Hours later the Islamic State Khorasan (IS-K) jihadist group claimed to have detonated an explosives-laden moped that targeted the vehicle in which the officials were traveling.
Everyone needs care, but the care needs of some are particularly urgent, and this population is steadily rising. The elderly are projected to reach 158 million in 2025 (UNFPA). There are 158 million children under six (UNICEF), and about 40-90 million people with disabilities (World Bank).

The care of all these segments requires supportive physical and human infrastructure, as it depends on human skill and care-friendly environments at home and outside.

These services can help families secure supplementary care when needed, especially as women continue to be the primary caregivers (Time Use Survey 2025). Similarly, physical infrastructure for care affects how easily primary caregivers can manage their daily responsibilities for their dependents while participating in economic activities.

Also Read: Wholesome care: All hospitals should help their patients make living wills

Let us choose the latter against the backdrop of childcare and womens increasing participation in the labour force, which rose from 23% in 2018 to 37% in 2023. Since 2019, womens care work has remained over 300 minutes daily, while paid work increased by six minutes. Yet, Indias public and workplace infrastructure continues to take care" for granted, assuming that the design of public spaces has no impact on it.

Unlike roads, railways and power grids designed to facilitate movement and commerce, the care infrastructure, including lactation rooms, changing stations and creches, remain inadequate or completely lacking in modern cities.

In metro stations, public parks, courts, police stations, marketplaces and most offices, this infrastructure is either non-existent or inadequate. Navigating streets, buses, railways and footpaths with strollers can be exhausting and impossible, with the hardships compounded for women with disabilities.

Despite accessibility features, the National Building Code lacks lactation rooms, rendering public infrastructure inconvenient and exclusionary to breastfeeding mothers returning to work. Without supportive environments, World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on breastfeeding are difficult to follow for mothers returning to work.

As high as 81% of mothers said they were uncomfortable feeding their children in public due to the lack of proper breastfeeding places. Only 6% of Indian mothers feel comfortable breastfeeding in public despite legal protections. Without safe and hygienic spaces, many are forced to skip feedings or use storage closets and public toilets, which are neither safe nor dignified options.

An IIT Delhi study found that young mothers with infants are the least mobile in India. These design gaps subtly shape who feels welcome in public spaces and potentially push many women out of the workforce after childbirth, thereby weakening Indias economic engine.

Also Read: Gender and Age: We need a female perspective on ageing populations

India must embed care infrastructure into city planning, workplace design and transportation networks. This requires institutionalizing a future-ready national care policy encompassing three key areas:

First, the National Guidelines that mandate lactation centres in health facilities must be extended to all public spaces, with standardized infrastructure like creches, changing stations, incorporating safe and accessible design. This should be integrated into the National Building Code 2016.

Second, investments in human care infrastructure by professionalizing caregiving services and supporting women-led care enterprises.

Third, anchor these through a national care policy, linking care to labour, urban development and health, with adequate budgets and workplace protections. These should encourage affordable and high-quality care services from the private sector. Public campaigns normalizing male caregiving roles and reducing stigma around breastfeeding can strengthen care as a pillar of social equity and economic productivity.

Globally, countries are reimagining care and its supporting infrastructure. Spain and Colombia are integrating care into city planning. Singapore offers portable lactation pods that can be located and accessed through an app. The US has a legal requirement for lactation rooms, with reasonable lactation breaks for breastfeeding employees.

Also Read: Indias growth and urban planning: On different planets

The UK offers up to 2,000 per child annually to help cover registered childcare expenses. Argentina offers childcare allowances for unemployed or informal workers and childcare in the workplace. Germany offers care insurance to cover the costs of long-term care services.

India has the opportunity to craft its unique state-led model rooted in scale, local context and inclusion of families from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. This will allow us to shape a future of work where women are no longer forced to choose between caregiving and economic participation, but are supported in doing both with dignity and freedom.

As Nancy Folbre reminds us, The work of care is not just an obligation, it is a form of social wealth creation." It is time we designed systems that recognize and reward this critical labour as foundational to a just and thriving economy.

The authors are, respectively, associate partner and global lead, gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) practice; and senior manager, GEDSI, MicroSave Consulting.
In one of the most memorable scenes in Pulp Fiction , a film replete with memorable scenes, a Los Angeles gangster, Marsellus Wallace, turns the tables on a man who has kidnapped and abused him. Hes going to get a couple of friends to go to work on his assailant with a pair of pliers and a blow torch," he says, and ensure that he spends the rest of his short life in agonizing pain." In short, hes going to get medieval" on him.

There has been an awful lot of getting medieval" in the world recently. The twelve-day war" between Israel and Iran was all about the most modern weapons of mass destruction humanity has devised. Yet it was frequently discussed in a language that is more resonant of the Middle Ages than the scientific laboratory.

Also Read: Open-book test: The art of dealing with Trump the deal-maker

Consider Donald Trumps rage tweet" in reply to the Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (stupid AOC") and her suggestion that the US President should be impeached for authorizing the bombing of Iran without congressional approval. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar gets called the mouse." President Joe Biden is Sleepy Joe." Senator Chuck Schumer is Cryin Chuck" or Our Great Palestinian Senator."

Trumps political success has been helped by his genius for nicknames. During his run for the Republican nomination back in 2015 and 2016, he brought his Republican rivals down to size with a collection of memorable names: low-energy Jeb" (Jeb Bush), Sloppy Chris" (Chris Christie), Lil Marco" (Marco Rubio). Hillary Clinton was Crooked Hillary;" Biden was Crooked Joe" at first; Kamala Harris was, at various times Crazy Kamala," Laffin Kamala" and Lyin Kamala." As for foreign leaders, Bashar al-Assad is Animal Assad," Justin Trudeau is Governor Trudeau," and Kim Jong Un is Rocket Man" or Little Rocket Man."

Also Read: Mint Quick Edit | An American tariff of 500%? Absurd and unfair

This is all reminiscent of the Middle Ages when every great political figure had a nickname. Sometimes royal nicknames mocked (or celebrated) peoples physical appearance: Charles the Bald, Charles the Fat, Ivar the Boneless, Ragnar Hairy-Pants. Sometimes they celebrated their political or military successes as with Vlad the Impaler or Eric Bloodaxe or Richard the Lionheart. William the Conqueror started life as William the Bastard before he changed his reputation by subjugating England.

Or consider Nato Secretary General Mark Ruttes private letter to Trump (Mr President, Dear Donald"), written on the eve of the recent Nato summit and then leaked by a delighted Trump to the world. Rutte, a former prime minister of the Netherlands, a country that led the enlightenment, simultaneously grovels to the US president and adopts his idiosyncratic language.

The decisive action" in Iran was truly extraordinary" and something no one else dared to do. It makes us all safer." You have driven us to a really, really important moment for the US and Europe and the world" by getting Europe to agree to spend more money on its own defence, he says. You will achieve something NO American president in decades could get done."

The secretary general capped this during the summit, by justifying Trumps use of a profanity in his warning to Iran and Israel to stop fighting on the grounds that daddy sometimes has to use strong language."

Ruttes letter belongs in the long tradition of grovelling loyal addresses to monarchs from their subjects (though with shorter words and more capital letters). Monarchs were routinely praised for their wisdom, justice and foresight; the subjects were equally routinely described as grateful, humble and awestruck. You could never go too far in praising your betters. Far from being embarrassed by too much flattery, the royals simply took it as their due and asked for more. To complete the medieval feel, Ruttes letter even ended with safe travels and see you at His Majestys dinner."

Also Read: World should take note of Paks nuclear bombs

And, finally, consider the language of the Iranian leadership over the bombing. The speaker of the Iranian parliament, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, raged that the evil hand of the Zionist criminal and terrorist gang has once again been stained with the blood of commanders and Mujahideen in Iran, dearer than our lives."

Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei declared that his country had delivered a hard slap to Americas face" and that the Zionist regime" was practically knocked out and crushed under the blows of the Islamic Republic." America and Israel are referred to as the big Satan" and the little Satan."

Such language was common across the medieval world, Christian as well as Muslim, when everybody believed that the forces of Good and Evil would eventually see a final showdown followed by the reign of universal peace and harmony.

Since the 1979 revolution, the Iranian regime has been doing everything in its power to revive this way of thinking. The religious establishment stokes beliefs in the second coming of the Hidden Imam. The Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini adopted the honorific of the Deputy of the Iman of the Age," and an official body discusses the details of the second coming. The TV broadcasts images of red tulips (the blood-stained martyrs) and a white-clad Mahdi riding off into the distance.

Also Read: Nouriel Roubini: Regime change in Iran could give peace a chance in West Asia

This is all a far cry from the traditional language of global affairs when bland politicians and technocrats talked about sub-section three, paragraph five of the latest report by the IAEA or some other acronym-laden authority. It would be comforting to imagine that the re-medievalization of the world" is a passing fad, triggered by Trumps narrow victory over an incompetent Democratic Party and the agonies of an eccentric Iranian regime.

This would be a mistake: We are currently witnessing the overturning of all the basic assumptions about progress that have guided thinking since the Enlightenment.

A growing cadre of strongmen treat their countries as their personal property and international relations as a test of their personal egos. Religion is exercising a growing influence on global politics. And a post-literate and brain-addled public craves nicknames and memes rather than demanding speeches and complicated reasoning.

Whether re-medievalization is compatible with the long-term survival of the species in a world of nuclear weapons and ultra-sonic ballistic missiles is open to doubt.Bloomberg

The author is the global business columnist for Bloomberg Opinion.
(Bloomberg Opinion) -- An obscure provision in the budget reconciliation bill just passed by the Senate could expand access to private school education but make DOGE  if it had feelings  cry at its inefficiency.

The policy would allow donors who give to an eligible scholarship-granting organization to be reimbursed dollar-for-dollar in the form of a tax credit up to $1,700 (down from $5,000 in earlier drafts). Families making up to three times the average income would be eligible for these scholarships, which is to say, most families with school-age children.

For the many kids who are stuck in subpar schools, any additional money could be a lifeline. As Ive written before, school choice is associated with improved student outcomes, including better test scores and retention. Studies also suggest such competition increases the performance of nearby public schools.

For the naysayers who worry that school choice  whether in the form of charter schools, magnet schools or vouchers  will worsen public education, one needs only to look at the 2025 NAEP test scores. Most kids cannot read or do math at grade level. Change is needed. Parents understand this. Ask any mom if shed want the financial freedom to choose the right school for her kid.

But the tax bills delivery method is clunky.

Instead of encouraging a culture of generosity and philanthropy, any money that people donate to scholarship organizations (within the bills limits) is entirely reimbursed. Thats like if I make my kids tithe on Sunday morning and give them a $5 bill Sunday night: hardly a charitable exercise. Its also unclear why donating to education should be treated more favorably than say, giving to a church or to the poor.

An earlier version of the provision was even worse, as the Wall Street Journal recently pointed out. If appreciating stocks were put into the scholarship organizations, then the government would write a check to reimburse the contributing person for the full amount contributed  meaning that it becomes a way (albeit a limited one) to get cash out of your investments without paying capital gains taxes. Presumably, this is something that anyone with stock holdings could have taken advantage of, but only 15% of Americans have stock outside of retirement accounts. It is precisely the kind of thing that affluent investors and their accountants are most likely to use. This approach ends up costing the government (in other words, taxpayers) more money because now its the cost of the scholarship plus the cost of lost tax revenue  and fortunately it did not make it into the final version.

But the approved plan also exhibits some strange logic by reimbursing donations to scholarship funds, rather than direct tuition payments  thats also inefficient, as the cost of overhead at scholarship organizations is likely 10%, at a minimum. This is a lot of money sloshing around before it ever gets to the kids, especially considering the low cap on contributions.

If private school costs an average of $15,000 a year, that would require nine scholarship organization donors for every one student. (Of course, it could cover more children if the costs of school are only partially offset.)

This is only a drop in the bucket considering there are 50 million kids in K-12 schools. And the money could end up largely going to families who already have their kids in private school (the legislation is careful to say that its not kids who are in public school, but only those who would be eligible for public school, who qualify). Thats not to say that those families arent deserving of relief, but the program might not serve as the intended lifeline for students stuck in struggling public schools.

So why are Republicans taking this roundabout way? There are several good reasons, including to ensure that faith-based schools  the preferred choice of millions of families  can access the same level of public support as private ones. Another rationale would be to get school-choice options for kids in states that are loath to pass it themselves. And backers of the plan can point to more than a dozen states that have already adopted similar plans within their borders.

Other justifications are less admirable, including that the tax code is simply a better place to hide things. Middle class parents knee-deep in high property tax payments and public school woes might not be tickled to find that they can contribute funds to offset another childs private education, but not their own kids.

It would be much more efficient for the government to give the money directly to families to use as vouchers at schools of their choosing. Thats what states like Texas are already doing.

The indirect method of dollar-for-dollar reimbursements, which is entirely new for the federal tax code, has another flaw: It opens the door to other uses down the road which conservatives might not smile fondly on. As Ethics and Public Policy Center scholar Patrick Brown rightfully identified, Democrats could use the same logic to pass a dollar-for-dollar reimbursement for Planned Parenthood contributions.

School choice is necessary and it works. But if we are going to do it, lets give the money directly to the families who need it, not use this roundabout, inefficient way that hides the ball and leaves money on the table that could have gone directly to families.

More From Bloomberg Opinion:

(Corrects the article published July 3 to conform to the final version of the tax bill.)

This column reflects the personal views of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Abby McCloskey is a columnist, podcast host, and consultant. She directed domestic policy on two presidential campaigns and was director of economic policy at the American Enterprise Institute.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion
For Vietnam, its latest trade deal with the US is a bitter-sweet outcome. While the country has managed to escape a 46% tariff that US President Donald Trump had threatened to impose on Liberation Day" this April, its US-bound exports will still face a 20% duty.

Also Read: Open-book test: The art of dealing with Trump the deal-maker

If cargo sent from Vietnam happens to be a trans-shipment of merchandise made elsewhere, then that tariff barrier would rise to 40%. This is a device to stop exporters from using its ports to game the US-set matrix of tariffs that vary from one country to another based on a puzzling formula.

Meanwhile, under the deal, US exporters will get total access" to Vietnams markets, as Trump said in a social media post.

Also Read: Trumps tariffs: Turfed out but raring to return

This has been interpreted to mean that Hanoi will impose no import duties on American goods. This is woefully lopsided against Vietnam. But then, given its dependence on exports, a breakdown of trade with the US would probably have been a worse outcome.

Also Read: Export thrust: India should move goods like a horse to trade like a tiger

The raw deal that Vietnam seems to have been lumped with has been met with dismay among observers expecting greater tariff symmetry. Clearly, no US trade partner can lower its guard while negotiating with it. That goes for India too.
Moscow is ramping up its ground offensives and bombing campaigns against cities across Ukraine as its invasion enters a fourth summer. At the same time, the U.S. decision this week to stop delivery of some weapons to the Ukrainians hands Putin a significant boost to his efforts to weaken Western support that is central to sustaining Kyivs resistance.

Putin, in a Thursday call with Trump, signaled that he had no intention of heeding the U.S. presidents calls to end the war. Instead, he reiterated that his goals remained the same as when he invaded: to reassert Russian dominance over Ukraine and force the West to withdraw its support for Kyiv.

Our president said that Russia will achieve its goals, that is, the elimination of the well-known root causes that led to the current state of affairs," said Yuri Ushakov, a close adviser to the Russian leader, according to state news agency TASS. Russia will not back down from these goals."

Putins strategy is aimed at breaking Ukraines ability and will to fight the war, by ratcheting up pressure on its military and civilian population as the countrys most powerful backer shuffles toward the sidelines. The weapons that the U.S. halted include air-defense interceptors that have been helping to protect Ukrainian cities from aerial barrages that have been increasing in intensity.

Ukraine now faces a summer of relentless attacks from its larger neighbor, with Trumps efforts to bring about peace stalled. Putin expressed a willingness to engage in negotiations, Ushakov said, but no new dates for talks have been set.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday that he would discuss U.S. support for Ukraine in a call with Trump in the coming days.

Of course, we count on the continuation of American support, because there are certain things that, unfortunately, Europe cannot provide," he told reporters, highlighting air-defense missiles for Patriot systems, the only type that can shoot down Russian ballistic missiles.

The latest developments are bolstering Russias confidence that it can outlast Ukraine and its supporters in a war of attrition. Ukraine will have to husband materiel, and the move will likely accelerate Russian gains on the battlefield, the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War said in an analysis Thursday.

Russia has massed around 50,000 troops in Ukraines northern Sumy province, advancing to around 12 miles from the regional capital, a new target for Moscow. Russia has roughly three soldiers for every one Ukrainian fighting there, according to Ukrainian troops.

Ukraine has managed to halt the Russian advance for now, but the offensive has further stretched Ukraines meager forces, which are suffering from manpower shortages. Russia is pressing at several spots along the 750-mile front lines, arcing from the northeast to the south, forcing Ukrainian commanders to send some of their best units to plug gaps.

Russias advance accelerated in the spring. Moscow threw fresh troops onto the battlefield, as increased foliage helped conceal their movements.

Still, Russias progress has been incremental and coming at a heavy cost in lives. Russian forces havent seized a significant city since capturing Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine in February 2024.

Its been slow from the Russian perspective," said Nick Reynolds, research fellow for land warfare at the Royal United Services Institute in London. A lot of that is down to the difficulties of Russian ground forces. The level of attrition they are taking has made it difficult for the Russians to apply more pressure."

But gaining territory might not be the most important aim for Russia at this stage of the war. Instead, some analysts said, Putin wants to chew up the troops and equipment of his smaller neighbor and undermine support from civilians as well as in the West.

We should measure not the square kilometers of territory captured but the ratio of losses, because its hard to compensate for losses," said Taras Chmut, head of Come Back Alive, a charity supplying weapons to the Ukrainian army. Our global aim is to make the ratio of losses catastrophic for them."

Ukraines top military commander, Gen. Oleksandr Syrskiy, has repeatedly said that Ukraine cant defeat Russia by staying on the defensive. Of course, we wont remain in mindless defense," he told reporters last month.

A significant increase in airstrikes is battering Kyiv and other cities using missiles and explosive drones, causing mounting civilian casualties, damaging buildings and exhausting residents.

The enemy," said Lt. Gen. Vasyl Maliuk, head of Ukraines SBU security service, is trying to sow terror."

Ukraine, meanwhile, is stepping up efforts to weaken Russias ability to fight by striking far from the front lines. Long-range drones relentlessly target Russian military equipment and production facilities inside Russia, inflicting 15 times the cost of the drones, according to Syrskiy. Shorter-range craft are taking on a growing role striking ammunition and fuel stores close to the front lines.

Early Thursday, Ukrainian forces said they had struck a military store in the occupied eastern region of Donetsk, destroying guided-missile and rocket-artillery ammunition.

Officials from the SBU cataloged a series of long-range strikes in recent days. On Tuesday, Ukrainian drones hit a factory in Izhevsk that produces air-defense systems and drones. Explosive craft destroyed an air-defense system and three helicopters in occupied Crimea on June 28, a day after drones destroyed two Russian Su-34 fighter-bombers.

Ukraine is also targeting Russian military commanders and scientists using both strikes and assassinations.

The Russian Defense Ministry said Thursday that the deputy commander of its navy, Maj. Gen. Mikhail Gudkov, had been killed in Russias Kursk region, which is across the border from Sumy. Unofficial Ukrainian and Russian social-media channels earlier reported that he had been killed in a missile strike on a command post.

Write to James Marson at james.marson@wsj.com
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is electing presidents of its state units, a 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 ten new state heads and held elections for 28 states and union territories.

Also Read | Meet Samik Bhattacharya, the new BJP chief of West Bengal

Nadda, who is also the Union Health Minister, has held the party's national president post since 2020. His term ended in 2023, but the BJP extended it till 2024 so he could steer the party through the Lok Sabha elections.

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.

As the suspense about the BJP's new president builds, some reports suggest that the party might pick a woman leader for the top post. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is the top contender for the post, according to a report by India Today. D Purandeswari and Vanathi Srinivasan are the other two names. LiveMint couldn't confirm the names.

Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently met with BJP President JP Nadda and party General Secretary BL Santhosh at the party headquarters in New Delhi. According to the India Today report, Sitharaman's name has gained considerable traction within the party, with many citing her cabinet experience and organisational depth.

Another advantage of Sitharaman is her connection with the South. As the Saffron Party's first woman president, she can perhaps help strengthen the party's presence in southern India.

Sitharaman, as the party's national president, would also support the BJP's commitment to the proposed 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha, which is expected to come into effect after the next delimitation exercise. Sitharaman is a Rajya Sabha member. She has never won an election.

Before becoming Finance Minister, Sitharaman was the country's Defence Minister and is among the BJP's high-profile faces in the Union Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

D Purandeswari Daggubati Purandeswari, the former Andhra Pradesh state president of the BJP, is also in consideration for the top post, according to the report. Purandeswari is sister-in-law of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and is known for her multilingual proficiency and cross-party political experience.

Naidus wife, Nara Bhuvaneswari, and Purandeswari are sisters.

Purandeswari has served as Minister of State in the Ministry of Human Resource Development in 2009 and MoS in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in 2012. Purandeswari won the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 from Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh by over 2.3 lakh votes.

Purandeswari's name was also making rounds for the post of speaker after the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections.

Vanathi Srinivasan Srinivasan is a lawyer-turned-politician from Tamil Nadu. She is an MLA from the Coimbatore South seat and has been with the BJP since 1993. Srinavasan has also been State Secretary, General Secretary and Vice President of the partys Tamil Nadu unit.

Sitharaman's name has gained considerable traction within the party, with many citing her cabinet experience and organisational depth.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has discovered a rare interstellar comet. It has been officially named 3I/ATLAS.

Comet 3I/ATLAS was discovered on July 1 and spotted by a Chile-based survey telescope named ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System).

Also Read | Who is Anil Menon? The NASA astronaut set for his first ISS mission in 2026

A true outsider According to Reuters, astronomers are tracking a newly spotted comet hailing from parts "unknown".

"It came from outside our solar system and right now, it's inside the orbit of Jupiter, and it is headed for its closes pass to the sun at the end of October," said Davide Farnocchia, a navigation engineer with NASAs Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS).

NASA said that the comet originated from interstellar space (space between the stars) and is arriving from the direction of the constellation Sagittarius.

The comet is currently located about 420 million miles (670 million kilometers) away. It is journeying at a speed of around 37 miles (60 km) per second from the direction of the center of the Milky Way galaxy.

"It was first detected as a speck of light moving relative to background stars," Davide Farnocchia said. "It's gonna pass, visit us, and then on its way out and leave the solar system in the future," he added.

Also Read | What happens if Trump cancels SpaceX contracts with NASA | Explained

Watch this video to understand more:

Rare comet Astronomers said its unusual trajectory indicated it had ventured from beyond our solar system.

"This rare visitor from beyond our solar system was spotted this week, and the global astronomy community is racing to collect more data," NASA JPL wrote in an Instagram post.

The spotting of Comet 3I/ATLAS is the third time such an interstellar object has been observed visiting our solar system.

The only other such interstellar visitors previously observed by astronomers were objects called 1I/'Oumuamua (pronounced oh-MOO-uh-MOO-uh), detected in 2017, and 2I/Borisov, discovered in 2019.

Also Read | Comet or asteroid? Mystery space object hurtling towards Earth puzzles scientist

No threat, all thrill NASA said the comet poses no threat to Earth and will remain at a distance of at least 1.6 astronomical units (about 150 million miles or 240 million km).

The comet, 3I/ATLAS, will, however, reach its closest approach to the Sun around October 30, at a distance of 1.4 au (about 130 million miles or 210 million km)  just inside the orbit of Mars.

Also Read | Stargazers capture rarest celestial view of ancient comet, last seen 80k yrs ago

Is it an icy comet? While NASA JPL refused to comment on the comet, University of Hawaii astronomer Larry Denneau said on Thursday, "The comet has some similarities to 2I/Borisov in that it appears to be an icy comet."

Denneau, co-principal investigator for ATLAS, noted that the comet is much larger, possibly 10 km (6.2 miles) in diameter.

What else we know about Comet 3I/ATLAS Larry Denneau said comet 3I/ATLAS currently has a faint coma, referring to the cloud of gas and dust surrounding a comet's nucleus. "But the coma and tail may increase dramatically as the object comes closer to the sun," he was quoted by Reuters as saying.

Also Read | NASA astronauts get used to life on earth after orbital saga

Astronomers are excited This is a golden opportunity for astronomers to study a pristine object from another star system.

NASA's Davide Farnocchia said, "We're really excited about these objects," while mentioning that so far, "we've discovered three interstellar objects.

"So it's a rare opportunity, and as a scientific community, we want to collect as much data as possible to characterise these objects and learn as much as we can," he said.
Alphabet Inc.s Google could propose a major overhaul of its European search results by giving greater visibility to competitors shopping and travel services, in a move aimed at aligning with the European Unions Digital Markets Act (DMA), according to a Bloomberg report.

As part of the proposed changes, Google intends to introduce a prominent box at the top of its search pages, displaying ranked offerings from rival price-comparison websites. This box will likely allow users to either proceed directly to third-party sites, such as Expedia or Booking.com or click on individual listings that lead to hotel or airline pages, the people said, speaking on condition of anonymity as the plans are yet to be made public, reported Bloomberg.

Importantly, the most relevant site, as determined by Googles ranking algorithm, could be featured in the box, while a drop-down menu will offer links to other platforms, including Googles own comparison tools. In an alternative version of the interface, the company would show a basic list of direct links to shopping or travel providers beneath the main results.

The proposed revamp is Googles latest attempt to placate EU regulators after the European Commission warned the tech giant in March that it was at risk of violating the DMA by favouring its own services, such as Google Flights, over those of its competitors. The Commissions concern stems from longstanding complaints that the firm uses its market dominance to suppress competition.

Last year, Google lost a legal battle over a 2.4 billion fine levied by the EU for similar behaviour related to its shopping services, a case that has come to symbolise Brussels' tougher stance on digital monopolies.

The DMA, which took effect in 2024, aims to prevent dominant tech firms from abusing their position. It prohibits companies from giving preferential treatment to their own services and restricts the merging of personal data across platforms. Violations can result in fines of up to 10 per cent of global annual revenue, or 20 per cent for repeat offences.

Also Read | This is how Google plans to tackle threat of a massive EU fine

Google has previously attempted to address the EUs concerns by expanding the number of visible comparison site links within its results for users in the bloc. However, critics argue that the companys own services still occupy prime positions, often ahead of its competitors.

The proposed adjustments come amid a broader crackdown by Brussels on major US tech firms. Apple was recently fined 500 million over alleged anti-competitive practices in its App Store, while Meta Platforms was penalised 200 million for its consent-or-pay approach to advertising on Instagram and Facebook.

The EUs assertive regulatory campaign has drawn criticism from the United States. Brian Hughes, spokesperson for the National Security Council, described the fines as a novel form of economic extortion, signalling rising diplomatic tensions during delicate trade negotiations. Former President Donald Trump had previously threatened broad tariffs on US trading partners, adding to the strain.
KXCO and the New World of Money

The global financial system is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the rise of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). As of July 2025, 137 countries, representing 98% of global GDP, are exploring CBDCs, with 72 in advanced stages and 49 running pilots, according to recent industry data.

Three nationsBahamas, Jamaica, and Nigeriahave fully launched CBDCs, while major economies like China and India lead with large-scale pilots.

KXCO, a subsidiary of Knightsbridge Financial, is poised to shape this new era of money, leveraging its advanced blockchain infrastructure and regulatory expertise to support CBDC integration and drive financial innovation.

This article explores the CBDC landscape, its implications, and how KXCOs technology and strategic vision position it as a leader in the new world of money.

The Rise of CBDCs: A Global Shift

Central Bank Digital Currencies are digital representations of a countrys fiat currency, issued and backed by the central bank. Unlike decentralized cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, CBDCs are centralized, enabling governments to maintain control over issuance, compliance, and monetary policy. The motivations for CBDC adoption include enhancing financial inclusion, reducing transaction costs, improving payment efficiency, and countering the rise of private stablecoins.

Key global developments highlight the momentum:

Widespread Adoption: 137 countries are exploring CBDCs, with 72 in advanced stages (development, pilot, or launch), a significant increase from 35 in 2020.

Launched CBDCs: The Bahamas, Jamaica, and Nigeria have implemented retail CBDCs, focusing on domestic expansion and financial inclusion.

Major Pilots: Chinas e-CNY leads with massive transaction volumes, followed by Indias e-rupee, which has grown 334% year-over-year.

Emerging Markets: Countries like Hungary, Madagascar, Oman, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines are among the 49 active pilots, signaling broad adoption.

European Efforts: The digital euro pilot aims to strengthen the euros global role, emphasizing privacy and offline functionality.

US Stance: The United States has banned retail CBDC development but is researching wholesale CBDCs through collaborative projects with other central banks.

CBDCs promise faster, cheaper, and more secure payments but face challenges like privacy concerns, financial stability risks, and interoperability. KXCOs technology is designed to address these hurdles, positioning the company to play a pivotal role in the CBDC ecosystem.

KXCOs Readiness for the CBDC Era

KXCO, supported by Knightsbridge Financials century-long expertise in traditional markets, is at the forefront of blockchain innovation. Its proprietary KXCO Armature, a private permissioned blockchain, supports tokenized cash, stablecoins, and cross-border payments, making it an ideal platform for CBDC integration.

The companys upcoming Tokenization Hub, set to launch by August 1, 2025, will further enhance its ability to tokenize real-world assets and digital currencies, aligning with the global shift toward CBDCs.

1. Advanced Blockchain Infrastructure

The KXCO Armature is built for security, scalability, and compliance, key requirements for CBDC implementation. Its private permissioned design restricts access to authorized participants, ensuring robust fraud prevention and regulatory adherence. Features like automated smart contracts, multi-signature support, and biometric authentication provide tamper-proof transactions and settlement finality, critical for central bank operations. The platforms scalability supports high transaction volumes with low latency, making it suitable for both retail and wholesale CBDC use cases.

2. Regulatory Compliance and Trust

KXCO embeds compliance directly into its blockchain, supporting automated Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) checks via smart contracts. This aligns with global regulatory frameworks, such as the EUs Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation and Hong Kongs licensing system, which emphasize 1:1 reserve backing, independent audits, and real-time transparency. By ensuring compliance with these standards, KXCO builds trust among central banks and financial institutions, a critical factor for CBDC adoption.

3. Interoperability and Integration

Interoperability is a major challenge for CBDCs, as systems must communicate across diverse networks and jurisdictions. The KXCO Armatures cross-chain interoperability and chain REST API enable seamless integration with existing financial systems and other blockchains, including Ethereum-based ecosystems. This flexibility supports the development of CBDC-compatible applications, such as decentralized exchanges and payment platforms, ensuring KXCO can adapt to varied central bank requirements.

4. Comprehensive Ecosystem

KXCOs ecosystem, including the Knights Wallet and Tokenization Hub, provides a user-centric platform for CBDC transactions. The Knights Wallet offers enterprise-grade security for digital asset storage, with features like multi-factor authentication and military-grade encryption. The chain REST API empowers developers to build CBDC-enabled applications, fostering innovation. The upcoming Tokenization Hub will facilitate multicurrency stablecoin issuance, fully backed 1:1 with on-chain Proof of Reserves, positioning KXCO to support CBDC pilots and launches.

5. Sandbox Testing and Banking Partnerships

KXCOs experience in sandbox testing with banking partners demonstrates its readiness for CBDC implementation. These tests simulate international settlements, showcasing the platforms ability to process transactions in seconds with 60-80% cost savings compared to traditional methods. Partnerships with leading institutions, as evidenced by collaborations with financial technology consultants, further validate KXCOs enterprise-grade scalability and security, making it a trusted partner for central banks.

Strategic Advantages in the CBDC Landscape

KXCOs capabilities align with the needs of central banks and financial institutions adopting CBDCs:

Cost Efficiency: By eliminating intermediaries and automating processes, KXCO reduces settlement costs, supporting central banks goals of affordable payment systems.

Financial Inclusion: The platforms QR code payment functionality and user-friendly Knightsbridge PWA enable accessible transactions, particularly in emerging markets like those piloting CBDCs.

Global Reach: KXCOs cross-border payment solutions, with near-instantaneous transfers and reduced fees, complement CBDC objectives for seamless international transactions.

Innovation Catalyst: The chain REST API and EVM compatibility encourage developers to create CBDC-based applications, driving ecosystem growth and adoption.

Addressing CBDC Challenges

KXCO is equipped to tackle key CBDC challenges:

Privacy: The KXCO Armatures programmable access controls and encryption ensure user privacy while meeting regulatory requirements, addressing concerns raised in digital euro pilots.

Interoperability: Cross-chain adaptors and protocol compatibility enable KXCO to support multi-CBDC frameworks, such as those explored in Project Agora.

Stability: Built-in compliance and real-time monitoring mitigate financial stability risks, ensuring CBDCs operate within safe parameters.

KXCOs Vision for the New World of Money

KXCO envisions a future where CBDCs coexist with stablecoins and traditional finance, creating a unified digital financial ecosystem. By leveraging its private permissioned blockchain, KXCO aims to:

Support central banks in launching and scaling CBDC pilots, drawing on its sandbox testing expertise.

Facilitate cross-border CBDC transactions, aligning with initiatives like the digital euro and e-CNY.

Democratize access to digital currencies through user-centric tools like the Knights Wallet and Tokenization Hub.

Foster global partnerships with financial institutions and regulators to set industry standards for CBDC implementation.

The companys alignment with ethical standards, including privacy, financial inclusion, and environmental responsibility, further strengthens its position as a trusted partner in the CBDC era. With Knightsbridge Financials strategic oversight, KXCO is well-positioned to bridge the gap between traditional and digital finance, ensuring seamless integration of CBDCs into global markets.

Future

As CBDCs redefine the future of money, KXCO stands ready to lead the charge. Its KXCO Armature blockchain, comprehensive ecosystem, and regulatory expertise make it an ideal partner for central banks and financial institutions navigating the new world of money. With 137 countries exploring CBDCs and pilots expanding across the globe, KXCOs focus on security, scalability, and interoperability positions it to drive innovation and adoption. As of July 4, 2025, KXCO is not just prepared for the CBDC revolutionit is poised to shape its future, delivering transformative value to the global financial system.

Supporting Data Table: KXCOs CBDC-Ready Features

Feature Description KXCO Armature Private permissioned blockchain for secure, scalable CBDC transactions Tokenization Hub Platform for tokenizing digital currencies, launching by April 3, 2025 Knights Wallet Secure wallet with multi-factor authentication and encryption Chain REST API Developer tool for building CBDC-compatible applications Compliance Measures Automated AML/KYC checks, MiCA/FATF-ready with 1:1 reserve backing Interoperability Cross-chain adaptors and EVM compatibility for multi-network integration

Citations:
Trump administration withholds over $6 billion for after-school, summer programs and more

The Trump administration is withholding more than $6 billion in federal grants for after-school and summer programs, English language instruction, adult literacy and more
Canada to take steps to protect vanishing North Atlantic right whales from ships

The Canadian government says it is taking steps this summer to protect a vanishing species of whale from lethal collisions with ships in its waters
Kilmar Abrego Garcia says he was beaten and subjected to psychological torture in El Salvador jail

Kilmar Abrego Garcia says he suffered severe beatings, severe sleep deprivation and psychological torture in the notorious El Salvador prison the Trump administration deported him to in March, according to court documents filed Wednesday
The founder of the sanctuary says the pigs might have been shot by people out of fear, and it was lucky they were rescued before the Fourth, when fireworks could have harmed them.
Crime

By Chris Boyle Published: July 04 2025

The white powder allegedly mailed by Henry Garcia, 63, was not hazardous but was intended to appear as a biological weapon and to threaten the recipient, the FBI says.

Henry Garcia, age 63, of Vero Beach, Florida, has been indicted for mailing a letter containing a hoax white powder that was reasonably believed to contain a biological weapon. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

As alleged in the indictment, on February 22, 2024, Garcia mailed a threatening letter that contained a suspicious white powder to the New York State Attorney Generals Office in Albany. The white powder was not hazardous but was intended to appear as a biological weapon and to threaten the recipient, New York State Attorney General Letitia James.

The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

United States Attorney Sarcone stated: As alleged, the defendant mailed a white powder to Attorney General Letitia James here in Albany. No public servant, regardless of political affiliation, should be subjected to this kind of despicable, abhorrent conduct, which is clearly meant to intimidate and threaten public officials in the exercise of their official duties. Anyone engaging in this type of behavior  targeting New York State officials in Albany  should expect to be prosecuted in the Northern District of New York to the fullest extent of the law and no plea bargain will be offered for this conduct.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Tremaroli stated: No public official should live in fear simply for showing up and doing the job they were elected to do. The FBIs Joint Terrorism Task Force stands ready to aggressively investigate and bring to justice any individual looking to disturb the important work of our government leaders with dangerous threats of violence.

The charge filed against Garcia carries a maximum term of 5 years in prison a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendants sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

Garcia made an initial appearance yesterday in Fort Pierce, Florida, and was detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for Monday, June 30, 2025.

The FBIs Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating the case, with assistance from the New York State Police, New York State Department of Health, New York State Attorney General's Office, United States Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Capitol Police, the Indian River County (Fl.) Sheriffs Office, and the Martin County (Fl.) Sheriffs Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping is prosecuting the case.
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Prince William has officially stepped into a more prominent leadership role as he hosted Kenyan President William Ruto at Windsor Castle, standing in for King Charles III during the monarch's absence.

King Charles III and the Royal Family catch couple breaking protocol at the palace

This appearance marked a significant moment in the evolution of the Prince of Wales's public duties, further solidifying his position as a senior royal figure preparing for future kingship.

The 76-year-old king was unavailable for the prestigious hosting responsibility due to his commitment to Holyrood Week, the royal family's annual celebration of Scottish culture and community.

Video - Free divers underwater protein hack goes viral

In his place, Prince William welcomed President Ruto with all the ceremony expected of a royal event. The pair posed for an official photograph inside one of the castle's grand rooms, symbolizing the growing importance of William's role on the world stage.

The Kenyan president's visit formed part of the ongoing UK-Kenya Strategic Partnership, which aims to bolster bilateral ties across various sectors, including immigration enforcement and economic development.

A central element of the agreement includes coordinated efforts between the UK and Kenyan authorities to combat human trafficking and curb immigration crime, specifically targeting organized criminal networks operating through Kenya en route to Europe.

The strategic partnership also emphasized infrastructure collaboration. According to official UK government materials, London and Nairobi's agreement involved discussions on the Nairobi Railway City project, which "takes inspiration from London's Kings Cross" and could "enable opportunities for UK businesses" while aiming to "drive growth."

Prince William's increased visibility hints at a slow transition of royal responsibility

This latest diplomatic duty follows a series of high-profile engagements where Prince William has acted as a global statesman, championing environmental conservation and sustainable development. In June, the Prince of Wales traveled to Monaco for the Blue Economy and Finance Forum, an event co-hosted by Prince Albert, where he joined world leaders in discussions aimed at protecting the ocean.

William has increasingly positioned himself as a leading advocate for climate action-a continuation of his father King Charles's long-standing environmental legacy.

His efforts will take on even greater significance in November when he is scheduled to speak before global dignitaries and policymakers at the Cop30 summit in Brazil, a major international climate gathering.

The prince is also expected to play a significant ceremonial role later this year when former President Donald Trump returns to the UK for his second official State Visit.

Prince William will help lead the royal welcome as part of the diplomatic proceedings, reinforcing his role as one of the monarchy's primary representatives in global affairs.

This wave of new responsibilities comes at a pivotal time for the royal family. With King Charles III managing both ongoing health concerns and a busy calendar of commitments, and Queen Camilla stepping back from some of her own duties, Prince William has become the most visible royal in many of the Crown's most critical events.
Massachusetts police departments are asking residents to not call 911 to report illegal fireworks on the Fourth of July. But there are numbers you can call to report the illegal activity.

Fireworks in Massachusetts are illegal without licensing and certification. State law mandates that police seize any illegal fireworks they find  even those that were purchased lawfully in another state and then taken to Massachusetts. People who use or possess fireworks illegally can be fined, while those who sell illegal fireworks can be sentenced to jail.

Illegal fireworks have caused more than 200 serious injuries, over 500 fires and explosions and nearly $1 million in damages in Massachusetts alone over the past five years, the fire marshals office said in a press release.

The Boston Police Department established a dedicated non-emergency phone line to report fireworks-related concerns from July 3 through July 6.

To report fireworks activity, residents can call (617) 343-9800.

In Worcester, the Worcester 311 app offers a quick and easy way to submit non-emergency requests for assistance with issues you see around the City.

Other cities and towns are asking residents to call the non-emergency line for their local police departments.

In Chicopee, police are asking residents to call 413-594-1700 unless it is a true emergency, such as a fire.

911 is for emergencies, calling the non-emergency number will ensure that our 911 lines stay available for emergency calls, the police department wrote on Facebook.

The Fourth of July is just a few days away and it is only a matter of time before we start getting calls about... Posted by Chicopee Police Department on Tuesday, July 1, 2025

The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services maintains a continuously updated list of permitted fireworks displays throughout the summer, the fire marshals office said. To view the list and learn more about the dangers of illegal fireworks, visit the Fire Services Departments website.
A veteran pizza chef from Massachusetts has been named among one of the worlds best  showing that his pies can go dough-to-dough with those made by chefs from pizza meccas across the globe.

Juan Gabriel Perez, executive chef at Posto in Somerville, was named the 54th best pizza chef in the world at this years Best Pizza Awards hosted in Milan, Italy.

With more than 15 years of experience in Neapolitan pizza, Perez is praised for his creative flair, seasonal ingredients, and dough innovation, The Best Pizza Awards said of the chef.

With over a million followers worldwide, Juan blends tradition and modernity, earning a global reputation for craftsmanship and passion that honours pizzas authentic roots, the organization said.

Perez, who is affectionately known as JuangPizza, landed at No. 60 in The Best Pizza Awards 2024 selection and at No. 53 in the 2023 selection.

Perezs expertise is reflected in Postos menu, which features the restaurants signature Neapolitan-style pizza baked in a custom Italian oven.

We import the finest 00 pizzeria flour and most flavorful San Marzano tomatoes from Italy and we use our own Fiore di Latte mozzarella cheese which is made fresh every day," Postos website reads. We use local farmers and artisans whenever possible to create Neapolitan classics as well as exciting new ones of our own!

Pizza options range from classics such as Margherita, and pepperoni to more creative pies including a prosciutto pizza with marinara sauce, mozzarella, parmesan, post-oven prosciutto, arugula and lemon and anchovy vinaigrette. Posto also serves classic Italian pastas dishes, entrees and antipasti.

The restaurant, which recently relocated from Davis Square to Assembly Square, is also no stranger to best of lists. Posto made the 50 Top Pizza USA ranking in 2024.

Posto is located at 400 Assembly Row, Somerville. The restaurant is open 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
FILE - Geoffrey Esper, left, and Joey Chestnut, right, compete during the men's competition of Nathan's Famous July Fourth hot dog eating contest, July 4, 2019, in New York's Coney Island. The annual Nathans Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest will see a slate of competitive eaters wolf down as many franks as they can in New York City on Thursday, July 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Sarah Stier, File) AP

Editors note: Geoffrey Espers ranking was updated Friday afternoon.

As Joey Chestnut makes his return to Nathans Hot Dog Eating Contest Friday, a Massachusetts resident is hoping to beat him out.

Geoffrey Esper, of Oxford, is Major League Eatings No. 3-ranked eater in the world. He placed second in the 2023 Hot Dog Eating Contest downing 49 hot dogs, two more than third-place finisher James Webb of Australia. He also placed second in 2024 when, for the first time in 16 years, Chestnut did not compete.

Major League Eating, which organizes the annual food-eating contest, previously announced that Chestnut would not be participating in the 2024 Hot Dog Eating Contest due to his choice to represent a rival brand that sells plant-based hot dogs.

Chestnut holds a world record for eating 73 hot dogs in 10 minutes.

He is returning to the competition in 2025.

FILE - Joey Chestnut, winner of the 2021 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest, poses for photos in Coney Island's Maimonides Park, July 4, 2021, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. AP

Theres still going to be a good battle for that second spot, Esper told WCVB. I think theres going to be a lot of people within one or two hot dogs of each other for that number 2 spot.

Esper holds multiple world records, including eating 36 4.5-ounce bratwurst sausages in 10 minutes. And according to ESPN, Espers career-best is 51 hot dogs.

His Major League Eating profile bills Esper as a quiet, industrious man who says very little but eats very much.

His personal records include eating 9.75 pounds of SPAM from the can in eight minutes, downing 281 Buffalo chicken wings in 12 minutes, and crushing 17.75 bagels (with cream cheese) in eight minutes.

Esper, a high school teacher, previously told WCVB in an interview that his strategy involves separating two hot dogs, eating those, and then dunking the buns in fruit punch to wash them down easier.

The contest is on ESPN2 and ESPN3.

The womans competition will start at 10:45 a.m. ET, while the mens will start at noon. ESPN will air the competition again at 5 p.m. ET and 9 p.m. ET.
Actor Kurt Russell tours the interior of the Jason Russell House & Museum in Arlington, Massachusetts. Jason Russell was Kurt Russell's ancestor from the time of the American Revolutionary War. Chris McLaughlin

Hollywood actor Kurt Russell traveled back in time  but it wasnt on a movie set. Russell, joined by his son Boston Russell, walked the halls of their Revolutionary War ancestors home in Arlington on Friday.

The father and son pairs visit to the Jason Russell House & Museum in Arlington comes as the building, site of the bloody April 19, 1775 Battle of Menotomy, marks a quarter-millennium in the history books.

The Battle of Menotomy  the former name for Arlington  directly followed the better known events of the Battles of Lexington and Concord nearby.

Read More: Battle of Lexington reenactment draws early-morning crowds for 250th anniversary

The historic Jason Russell House & Museum where the April 19, 1775 Battle of Menotomy took place. The home is owned and operated by the Arlington Historical Society. Chris McLaughlin

Jason Russell, who died in the battle after he was shot and stabbed repeatedly with a bayonet by British regulars, is the 8th great-grandfather of Kurt Russell.

Im already hearing things that remind me of my father, my grandfather, my great-grandfather that I remember in my life, maybe even in myself, Kurt Russell said. DNA is a funny thing.

Thats what Im being struck by, Russell added, Is how connected  its not that long ago. Its only seven men ago before me."

A scene of Jason Russell, ancestor of actor Kurt Russell, being stabbed with a bayonet on the doorstep of his home during the Battle of Menotomy on April 19, 1775. The portrait "Jason Russell House in Battle with British Regulars" is from 1975 and was painted by Ruth L. Berry and was commissioned by the Arlington Historical Society. Chris McLaughlin

Russell, who grew up in the Springfield area and has starred in movies like Tombstone, Escape from New York, and The Thing, said hes always had an interest in the American Revolution.

However, upon learning of his familys deeper ties to the war and the Jason Russell House, its something he wants to share with his siblings and other family members.

Read More: Our favorite photos from the 2025 Battle of Lexington reenactment

In a coincidence, actress Kate Hudson, Russells step-daughter with his partner Goldie Hawn, shares her April 19 birthday with The Battle of Menotomy, Russell pointed out.

Boston Russell, whose first name is actually not directly connected to the city, noted that it takes on a new significance in light of learning of his familys history in the region during the nascent days of the country.

Actor Kurt Russell (right) stands next to his son Boston Russell (left) at the historic home of their ancestor Jason Russell in Arlington, Massachusetts. Chris McLaughlin

Standing in the Jason Russell House, Boston Russell said Theres no question. The connection is, you feel it when youre in this room, its strong.

Kurt Russell also addressed that tether to the past, stating that Jason Russells death at the Battle of Menotomy, among others, played a role in shaping the revolution and creating the world we now live in.

Arlington Historical Society tour guide Michael Ruderman said it was factors like the loss of life at The Battle of Menotomy which pushed founding father John Adams to tell a dithering Continental Congress that war between the American colonists and the British was undeniable  helping to alter the course of history.

Jonathan Lane, executive director of Revolution 250, said it has been helpful to have famous descendants of those involved in the American Revolution, like the Russells, who are a so passionate about their family history, who are eager to get to know more, and more importantly, to pass that on to future generations.

Read More: New USPS stamps commemorate historic Massachusetts battles

Lane said that during Kurt Russells visit he was recording videos to preserve for his grandchildren.

That is such an important step for people to recognize, Lane added. We are not the beginning. We are not the end. We are just a conduit through time through which all this information gets passed. The founders felt the same way, and thats the connection we need people to make.

Those interested in seeing the historic Jason Russell House & Museum in Arlington for themselves can visit the site for afternoon open hours and guided tours Thursday through Sunday during the summer.
Two Massachusetts teens and a minor have been charged in connection with driving through Provincetown with airhorns and yelling homophobic slurs at people earlier this week, police announced Thursday.

Framingham resident Ryan Mahimtura and Hudson resident Henry Ward, both 19, and a minor from Hudson  whose identity is not being released due to their age  are all facing two counts of disorderly conduct in connection with the Tuesday incident, Provincetown police said in a press release.

The three are alleged to have traveled throughout the town yelling homophobic slurs at people from their vehicle, according to police. Provincetown is known for having a large LGBTQ+ population.

Thank you to the victims who reported this incident immediately to police, and to the Provincetown Police Department for their work quickly locating the suspects and filing charges, Provincetown Town Manager Alex Morse wrote on Facebook.

The investigation into a possible hate crime

Mahimutura, Ward and the minor may face further charges, police said. It is unclear whether these could be in connection with an alleged assault on June 30  the last day of Pride month  that police previously said they were investigating as a possible hate crime.

The assault is still under investigation, police said Thursday.

Chris Kostka  who identified himself as the victim in the attack in a video posted to social media  said he was walking home from a friends house when three men got out of a car and began beating him. Police said the victim in the attack was evaluated by paramedics and did not require hospitalization, but in the video, a cut and large bruise can be seen below Kostkas right eye.

Read more: Provincetown police investigate possible hate crime after victim says he was attacked

Provincetown police are asking Bradford Street residents to check doorbell and security video recorded between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. on June 30 to see if it may have captured the suspects involved in the attack. They are described as 20- to 30-year-old white men who were driving a black Lexus sedan.

Investigators encourage anyone with information about the incident to contact Provincetown Det. Sgt. Jennifer Nolette at 508-487-1212 or jnolette@provincetown-ma.gov.

How officials are responding to the incidents

Provincetown police will have additional officers on duty throughout the next several days to help look for suspicious and potentially harmful activity, Town Manager Morse announced previously.

Town officials are also organizing a community safety forum for Tuesday, July 8, at 3 p.m. in the Town Hall auditorium, Morse said. During the meeting, officials will provide updates on the two incidents, share safety tips and host a discussion about how best to protect the community.

Read more: Police ask Provincetown residents for help with hate crime investigation

Morse previously encouraged residents and visitors to enjoy July 4 celebrations in Provincetown, but to remain vigilant while doing so and to follow a list of safety tips.

We will not let hate win. Go out and have fun this weekend, support local businesses, tip your Drag Queens, enjoy the Fireworks, and dance the night away, he wrote in a Thursday Facebook post.

Safety Tips:
The Massachusetts Attorney Generals Office has cited a Northborough construction company and its president for nearly $750,000 for violating several state worker protection laws, the attorney generals office announced Thursday.

Franca Service, Inc. and its president, David Franca, have been cited for failing to pay employees proper overtime rates, misclassifying 101 employees as independent contractors, not having an earned sick time policy and failing to maintain accurate employee payroll records, the attorney generals office said in a press release. The citations total over $740,000 and include both civil penalties and restitution for 101 impacted workers.

Franca Service did not respond to a request for comment Friday morning.

When employers violate our laws, including by failing to make timely wage payments, the economic security of workers and their families is unfairly put at risk, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell said in the release. My office will continue to enforce our laws to protect and empower workers, reminding employers that Massachusetts is serious about protecting workers rights.

The attorney generals office began investigating Franca Service after receiving a complaint referral from the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 35 (IUPAT DC 35), the attorney generals office said.

This is a tremendous victory for working people. The brave workers who came forward helped expose a company that was cheating more than 100 men and women out of the wages and protections they were legally owed, Jorge Rivera, IUPAT DC 35s director of organizing, said in the release.

The attorney generals office encourages Massachusetts workers who believe their workplace rights may have been violated to file a complaint with its Fair Labor Division at mass.gov/ago/fld.
Other pickle festivals in the country include the Picklesburgh festival in Pittsburgh (pictured) and Huntsville, Ala.'s Rocket City Pickle Fest. (AP Photo/Ted Anthony) AP

Pickle fans will want to know about two big dill festivals taking place in New England this year: the Connecticut Pickle Festival, and the Winchester New Hampshire Pickle Festival.

The Connecticut Pickle Festival, which bills itself as New Englands largest pickle event of the year, will take place at the Mohegan Sun Expo Center from July 25-27.

Guests who buy single-day tickets or weekend passes will gain access to a smorgasbord of themed foods, ranging from standard pickle fare  fried pickles, pickle pizza and dill pickle kettle corn  to adventurous dishes likes pickle shaved ice and pickle-topped ice cream. Attendees over the age of 21 can double down with pickle shots or pickle martinis.

The events pickle patch will also showcase pickle samples from across the country, and guests can expect performances from country, pop and rock musicians. A pickle eating contest is also listed as a fan favorite part of the schedule.

The Connecticut Pickle Festival offers both general admission and VIP tickets for individual days or the full weekend; prices range from $15.70 to $80.69 for single day passes, while three-day passes range from $51.39 to $101.39.

The Winchester New Hampshire Pickle Festival, on the other hand, is a free event that will take over Winchesters Main Street on Sept. 27. The 27th annual rain-or-shine event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and has previously drawn over 5,000 guests.

While no schedule for 2025 is currently listed on the festivals website, activities in past years have included a pickle parade, a pickle eating contest, live music, a farmers market and a canning contest.

New England isnt home to the countrys only pickle festivals; downtown Pittsburgh will host a three-day Picklesburgh festival later this month, while the Rocket City Pickle Fest took place in Huntsville, Ala. last weekend, among many other dill-ightful annual events.
Desmond Phillip, 45, has been found guilty of first-degree murder in connection with fatally shooting his girlfriend's ex-boyfriend in 2022. Berkshire County District Attorney's Office

A Pittsfield man was found guilty of murder on Thursday in connection with fatally shooting his girlfriends ex-boyfriend in September 2022, the Berkshire County District Attorneys Office announced.

After six hours of deliberations, a Superior Court jury convicted 45-year-old Desmond Phillip on a first-degree murder charge and three gun charges in the death of 43-year-old Teddy Cepeda, the district attorneys office said in a press release.

What happened the night Cepeda was killed

Pittsfield police began investigating Cepedas killing in the early evening hours of Sept. 30, 2022, after responding to the home Phillip shared with his girlfriend, Courtney Haner, at 7 Goodrich St., the district attorneys office said. At the scene, officers found Cepeda unresponsive on the ground with a gunshot wound to his chest. He was rushed to Berkshire Medical Center, where he was declared dead.

The investigation revealed that he had gone to the home to pick up Haner, who was his ex-girlfriend, the district attorneys office said. Phillip had a history of jealous behavior, and when Cepeda arrived, the two men got into an argument.

Eventually, Phillip shot Cepeda once in the chest, the district attorneys office said. During the trial, prosecutors used crime scene photos, security video footage, communications via Facebook and eyewitness testimony to make the case that Phillip knew Cepeda was coming to the home and armed himself with a loaded, illegal gun in preparation.

Teddy Cepeda was shot and killed outside 7 Goodrich St. in Pittsfield in September 2022. Google Maps

The defense argued that Phillip shot Cepeda in self-defense, but Massachusetts law holds that a person who feels threatened by another must attempt to retreat from the situation prior to killing someone out of self-preservation, the district attorneys office said. Prosecutors successfully showed that Phillip made no attempt to back away from Cepeda before killing him.

Phillip is set to be sentenced on July 10, the district attorneys office said. In Massachusetts, a charge of first-degree murder carries a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

My thoughts are with Mr. Cepedas family and friends today. While the guilty verdict will not bring back their loved one, I do hope it provides an opportunity to feel some sense of justice, Berkshire County District Attorney Timothy Shugrue said in the release. I thank the jury for their dedication to this case and thoughtful deliberation.

Phillips account of what happened

On Monday and Tuesday this week, Phillip took the stand to give the jury his account of what happened, The Berkshire Eagle reported. On the day Cepeda was killed, he parked his car near the top of the driveway outside Phillips and Haners home, Phillip testified.

Haner joined him inside the car, and the two argued as Phillip, whod also exited the home, watched from a distance, Phillip told the jury, according to the Eagle. Eventually, according to Phillip, Cepeda turned to him and said, Im going to f--- you up, before grabbing something from the car and walking towards Phillip.

Phillip testified that he assumed Cepeda had grabbed a firearm, and that this was why he then took a gun out of his pocket and shot Cepeda, the Eagle reported. Phillip told the jury he was trying to protect himself from a man who had previously threatened to clap, or kill him, twice.

But Cepeda had actually reached for a cellphone and was unarmed when he was killed, the Eagle reported. During cross-examination, Phillip said he was so afraid of Cepeda that he didnt wait to see if Cepeda had grabbed a gun and that he didnt think to take any alternative actions, such as running away.

How prosecutors countered

The two men previously got into a fight about six months ago during which Cepeda hit Phillip in the face with a pole, the Eagle reported. But a witness in the trial testified that this happened after Phillip chased Cepeda with a knife.

Prosecutors argued that Phillip was motivated by jealousy, despite his testimony that he never felt any animosity towards Cepeda, the Eagle reported. They characterized the situation as a love triangle that arose because Cepeda remained in Haners life after their breakup.

Prosecutors also rebutted the idea that Phillip acted in self-defense based on the fact that he denied shooting Cepeda in his initial police interview, the Eagle reported. They argued that he hid the clothing he was wearing when he shot Cepeda, as well as the gun he used, and lied to police because he knew hed committed a crime.

Legal experts say that only about 50% of defendants testify during their trials, but that it is crucial that they do when using a self-defense argument, TIME magazine reported in 2021. This is because no witness can speak to the fear a defendant claiming self-defense felt in the situation better than they can.

However, legal experts also told TIME that putting a defendant on the stand carries many risks, such as opening defendants up to tough questions from prosecutors. It can also cause the jury to feel the defendant must prove their innocence, even though, legally, the burden of proof is on the prosecution to prove a defendant is guilty.
A 72-year-old woman was killed in a fatal Fourth of July crash in Middleborough.

The crash happened Friday, July 4 at 8:27 a.m. in the area of 446 Wareham St. (Route 28), Middleborough police said.

Upon arrival, officers found a car that had left the road and crashed into a wooded area. The woman driving the car, identified as Susan Sumner, of Middleborough, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The crash prompted State troopers to close the ramps from I-495 to Route 28 (Exit 8) just after 9 a.m., Massachusetts State Police previously told MassLive. The interstate was said to have been completely reopened as of 12:50 p.m.

The crash remains under investigation by the Middleborough Police Department alongside State Police detectives attached to the Plymouth County District Attorneys Office and CRASH Investigative Team.
WASHINGTON  Instant reactions as the Red Sox use a balanced offensive attack  and big days from Lucas Giolito and Trevor Story  to rout the Nationals, 11-2, on the Fourth of July in D.C.:

1) Just about everyone in the Red Sox lineup got in on the action on a day when the club had 16 hits. But no one had a bigger game than Story, who led the club with four hits (and four RBIs)  including a two-run homer off Ryan Loutos in the top of the eighth inning.

Story singled, stole second and scored in the first, hit a two-run single in Bostons big fifth inning, singled again in the sixth and capped off his day with his 13th blast of the year. It was his first four-hit game since August 13, 2023  and just his third as a member of the Red Sox. Story had never had a four-hit, four-RBI game before Friday.

2) Pitching at Nationals Park for the first time since 2016, when he broke into the majors as a rookie with Washington, Lucas Giolito continued a dominant stretch. After allowing two earned runs in his final four starts (25 innings) of June, the veteran stymied a young Nationals lineup for 7  innings, allowing a single run on four hits. It was his longest outing since August 9, 2021, when he went eight innings for the White Sox.

Giolito has now given the Red Sox six or more innings in five straight starts. On Friday, he struck out seven, walked three and tossed 108 pitches (75 strikes).

Giolitos ERA was at 6.42 after a blow-up outing against the Angels on June 4. Its now 3.66. It has been said before but its worth repeating: Giolito has emerged as the Sox much-needed No. 2 starter behind ace Garrett Crochet.

3) The Red Sox celebrated Independence Day with a hit parade against Nationals starter Mike Soroka and reliever Zach Brzykcy.

A two-run second inning (bringing Bostons hit total to five through two frames) was a tone-setter for a breakout in the fifth, when Boston batted around and scored seven runs on six hits and three walks.

The first six batters of the inning reached, including Roman Anthony on a leadoff double and Story on his two-run single. It was the Sox second seven-run inning in five days after doing it in the first inning Monday against the Reds.

4) Everyone in the starting lineup reached base at least once. Story led the way and Jarren Duran was 2-for-5 with a double and three RBIs. Its hard to score nine runs in five innings with just three extra-base hits (all doubles) but the Red Sox did just that. Storys homer was their only blast of the day.

Twelve of Bostons 16 hits came in the first five innings. Eight starters had a hit and six of them (Duran, Anthony, Abraham Toro, Carlos Narvaez, Story and Marcelo Mayer) had multiple knocks. Anthony (two hits, two walks) reached base four times.

5) Storys speed, at 32, can still be game-changing. He stole second to set up Bostons first run in the second and is now 14-for-14 on stolen base attempts this season. The Sox are just past the midway point but Story has the most steals he has had in since 2021 and might eclipse his career-high of 27 (2018).

6) David Hamilton has started 11 of the last 16 games at second base since Kristian Campbell was demoted but might not have that much playing time for long. When Alex Bregman is activated (potentially as soon as next week), it makes sense for Boston to shift Marcelo Mayer to second base on a full-time basis.

Hamilton is playing out of necessity, but his leash would likely be getting short regardless of Bregmans return. He misplayed a hard-hit Josh Bell grounder in the fourth that should have been an error and was ruled a hit. Hamilton did steal two bases in the win.

7) It was another all-around good game for center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela, who opened the scoring for the Sox with an RBI double in the second and made a very nice, over-the-shoulder catch in deep center on a Luis Garcia Jr. fly ball (sacrifice fly) in the sixth.

8) Justin Wilson, who hadnt pitched since June 24 due to a nagging injury (but didnt go on the injured list) returned and got the final out of the eighth inning in relief of Giolito on four pitches.

9) The Red Sox will send Walker Buehler (5-6, 6.45 ERA) to the mound Saturday in what could be a make-or-break outing when it comes to his future in Bostons rotation. Washington will start left-hander Mitchell Parker (5-8, 4.63 ERA). First pitch is at 4:05 p.m. ET.
The Northampton and Easthampton communities are mourning the death of a Northampton police officer who was found dead in Vermont earlier this week.

Easthampton resident Matthew Rice, 59, was found unresponsive in a wooded area behind the I-91 north rest area in Guilford shortly after 9:10 a.m. on June 29, according to Vermont State Police. Guilford emergency services responded and quickly declared him dead.
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The Western Rail Corridor was in focus on the first day of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions' Biennial Conference attended by more than 600 delegates at the Waterfront Hall Belfast. A motion by Castlebar Trades Council was unanimously agreed.

Donna Hyland, Secretary of the Castlebar Trades Council said: I was delighted with the support our motion on the Western Rail Corridor received at conference. This was the first time that ICTU had formally adopted a motion in relation to the reopening of the Western Rail Corridor. After delegates had passed the motion, the General Secretary of SIPTU, Joe Cunningham credited the Castlebar Trades Council and the speakers from the various unions for one of the most interesting contributions' of the day.

The Western Rail Corridor will not only be an amenity for West of Ireland Tourism but it will be a key economic driver of our region. The social, environmental and economic value that the railway will bring will create stability for our region into the future.

READ MORE: Mayo councillor's car lost a wing mirror after being hit by Lime bike

If we are to meet our climate action targets and to address regional imbalance then we need to reopen the Western Rail Corridor as a vital piece of infrastructure for the people of the west and north-west of Ireland she added.

Bernie Ni Fhlatharta of the National Union of Journalists, speaking on the motion, said this was not an issue about a novelty train but a vital piece of infrastructure that would connect no less than five counties in the West of Ireland."

She added that "public transport was a necessary option if the Government expected people to reduce usage of private cars".
Whiskey is set to flow again in the heart of Westport as a new whiskey bonding venture, Westport Whiskey Bonders, prepares to breathe life into the old school house and former Dunnes Stores building on Castlebar Street.

Westport is one of the homes of Grace OMalley and in a way were bringing the whiskey home. We spent the last number of years trying to find a building that would work and the opportunity came up for that building and the project fitted it, Stephen Cope, co-founder and managing director of Grace OMalley Spirits tells The Mayo News.

READ MORE: Popular Mayo late bar to close its doors after 23 years

We're going to open up on a bonded license and do some retail. We're going to start doing tastings and different experiences, and then ultimately open up a visitor centre model after about two years.

The Westport Whiskey Bonders plans dovetail with significant investment into Westport and Louisburgh through a Failte Ireland masterplan around the pirate queen.

The team, which includes Ballina's Connacht Distillery CEO David Stapleton, is aiming to officially open their whiskey bonding facility in April 2026, bringing a new cultural and commercial offering to the area.

Before then, however, theyre hoping to bring the spirit of the project to life with pop-up events this Christmas.

A cooper crafting a cask

The site itself already holds retail zoning and had an off-license in place previously under Dunnes Stores. The new team is in the process of transferring that license to their name in preparation for the upcoming retail activity.

Bringing whiskey back to Westport is more than just a business planits a nod to history. There was a distillery here in the mid-1800s called Livingstone Distillery, the Ballina-native explained. It was located on Distillery Road, just about 100 yards from where well be. So in many ways, were bringing whiskey back to the town.

READ MORE: New outdoor spa highlight for visitors to Mayo's Westport Estate

Since Dunnes Stores vacated the building in 2016, it has been used intermittently over the years as an art gallery and a venue for the Westival arts and music festival.

The historic structure was built in 1824 and was home to the CBS right up until the early 1960s. The National Built Heritage Service explains it was 'erected through the zeal of the Most Reverend Oliver Kelly DD [1777-1834] representing an important component of the early nineteenth-century built heritage of Westport.

The First year class Westport CBS 1963/64 [Credit: Tony Reidy]



The project doesnt stop at whiskey sales. Once operational, the facility aims to offer unique whiskey bonding experiences, allowing visitors to disgorge their own whiskey from the barrel.

As anticipation builds, locals and visitors alike can look forward to a warm, spirited addition to Westports cultural landscapejust in time for the holidays and with a firm eye on the towns rich distilling heritage.
Saint Patricks Church in Newport, County Mayoa landmark of national architectural and cultural significancehas secured more than 24,000 in funding from the Heritage Council under the 2025 Community Heritage Grant Scheme.

The grant will enable the development of a Conservation Management Plan (CMP), a key step in safeguarding the long-term future of this iconic protected structure.

READ MORE: Historic Mayo building to get new lease of life with whiskey visitor centre

Built in 1918 and designed by renowned architect Rudolf Maximilian Butler, Saint Patricks Church is celebrated as one of Irelands finest examples of the Hiberno Romanesque style. The church is home to the last stained-glass window created by the acclaimed artist Harry Clarke, known as The Last Judgement, and features a bespoke Chestnutt organboth considered vital heritage assets.

The Heritage Council praised the project for its robust planning, integration of previous ecological initiatives such as the award-winning Mayo Dark Skies lighting project, and its consideration of renewable energy solutions, including the potential for solar PV installation. The CMP will also address the churchs ecological role, recognising its importance as a nesting site for swifts and a potential habitat for batsspecies that are important biodiversity indicators.

READ MORE: Mayo priest invites others to minister on Croagh Patrick for Reek Sunday

The conservation plan will be led by Southgate Associates, a respected team of conservation experts with experience on major Irish heritage sites. They will work closely with Burrishoole Parish, local community groups, and conservation specialists to ensure broad engagement and expertise throughout the process.

Public participation is a central element of the initiative. During National Heritage Week 2025, the parish will host a special event at Saint Patricks Church to highlight its rich history, architectural features, and the aims of the conservation project, fostering greater awareness of both its heritage value and ecological significance.

READ MORE: Six-figure sum awarded for repair of Mayo church

Fr. Tod Nolan, Parish Priest and project lead, welcomed the funding: Saint Patricks Church is more than a buildingwhile a focal point for the local faith community, it is a beacon of heritage, ecology, and community spirit. This Conservation Management Plan will give us the framework to protect, restore, and reimagine this treasured space for the next century.

The CMP will serve as a foundation for future capital works, supporting broader goals such as energy efficiency, biodiversity enhancement, and inclusive community access, ensuring that Saint Patricks Church remains a vibrant centre for worship and heritage in Newport.
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Lubumbashi, RDC  [Inserer la date]  A loccasion de la 20 edition de la DRC Mining Week, ZTE a deploye avec succes une solution reseau mobile de type campement, offrant une connectivite Internet fiable et a haut debit sur lensemble du site de levenement. Cette installation temporaire innovante comprenait une station de base mobile compacte a deploiement rapide, concue pour assurer des communications fluides dans des environnements dynamiques.

Cette solution sest revelee particulierement benefique pour Vodacom Congo (VDC), lun des principaux partenaires de ZTE, qui a salue la performance et la fiabilite du reseau durant lexposition. Grace a un acces Internet stable et constant, les exposants, visiteurs et organisateurs ont pu profiter dune connectivite ininterrompue pour leurs activites, demonstrations en direct et communications en temps reel.

Lequipe marketing de Vodacom Congo a declare :  Cest une excellente solution reseau proposee par ZTE. Elle sera tres utile pour un deploiement rapide dans les zones minieres ou les infrastructures classiques sont difficiles a installer. 

Principaux avantages de la solution reseau mobile de ZTE :

Deploiement rapide : La station de base mobile a ete installee et activee en un temps record, ce qui en fait une solution ideale pour les evenements temporaires, les operations sur le terrain ou les situations durgence.

Connectivite haut debit : Fournit un debit stable et performant, adapte aux services gourmands en bande passante comme le streaming video et la telephonie VoIP.

Conception flexible et mobile : Sa structure compacte permet un deploiement dans des zones isolees ou difficiles dacces, sans infrastructure prealable.

Efficacite energetique : Equipee de composants modernes a faible consommation, elle reduit lempreinte energetique et les couts dexploitation.

Satisfaction client : La solution a repondu aux attentes de Vodacom Congo et des autres participants, ameliorant lexperience utilisateur et la continuite des activites.

La contribution de ZTE a significativement enrichi lexperience numerique lors de la DRC Mining Week, demontrant comment une infrastructure agile peut soutenir efficacement des evenements majeurs et des environnements evolutifs. Ce deploiement reussi temoigne de lengagement de ZTE envers linnovation, la satisfaction client et une connectivite sans frontieres.

--------- ENGLISH



ZTE Enhances Connectivity at DRC Mining Week with Rapid-Deployment Mobile Network Solution

Lubumbashi, DRC  [June 27th 2025]  During the 20th edition of DRC Mining Week, ZTE successfully deployed an advanced mobile campsite network solution, delivering reliable, high-speed internet connectivity across the entire event venue. This innovative, temporary installation featured a compact, rapid-deployment mobile base station designed to provide seamless communication in dynamic environments.

The solution proved especially valuable to Vodacom Congo (VDC), one of ZTEs key partners, who praised the networks reliability and performance during the exhibition. Thanks to consistent and stable internet access, exhibitors, visitors, and organizers were able to enjoy uninterrupted connectivity for business operations, live demonstrations, and real-time communication.

According to Vodacom Congos marketing team, This is a highly effective network solution from ZTE. It holds great potential for rapid deployment in remote mining areas where conventional infrastructure is not feasible.

Key Advantages of ZTEs Mobile Network Solution:

Rapid Deployment: The mobile base station was quickly installed and activated, making it ideal for short-term events, field operations, or emergency scenarios.

High-Speed Connectivity: Delivered strong and stable data throughput, supporting bandwidth-intensive services such as video streaming and VoIP communications.

Flexible & Mobile Design: Its compact structure allowed deployment in off-grid, remote, or rugged areas with limited infrastructure.

Energy Efficiency: Integrated with modern, power-saving components to minimize energy consumption and reduce operational costs.

Customer Satisfaction: Successfully met the requirements of Vodacom Congo and other event participants, enhancing user experience and productivity.



ZTEs agile solution demonstrated how smart, mobile infrastructure can enhance the digital experience at large-scale events and in challenging field environments. Its successful deployment at DRC Mining Week underscores ZTEs commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and connectivity without boundaries.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, July 3, 2025

A South Carolina gym that is suing Meta Platforms for allegedly overcharging advertisers by $4 billion, should not be able to obtain evidence from the tech company until the judge rules on its bid to dismiss the lawsuit, Meta argues.

"This is a quintessential case in which discovery should be stayed while the court determines whether plaintiff has any valid claim," Meta writes in a motion filed Wednesday with U.S. District Court Judge Charles Breyer in San Francisco.

The company adds that a "preliminary peek at its arguments in favor of dismissal would support its bid to halt the matter. Among other arguments, Meta says Iron Tribe's claims are outside California's four-year statute of limitations.

Meta's new motion comes in a class-action complaint brought earlier this year by Iron Tribe Fitness, which alleged Facebook's auction system failed to protect advertisers from overbidding.

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Iron Tribe alleged that starting in 2013, and continuing until at least 2017, Facebook purported to use a version of a second price auction system but instead, inadvertently, used a blended price system.

In a second price auction, the company with the highest bid wins the auction, but isn't charged more than the company with the second highest bid. But in a blended price system, the winning bidder is charged a price between its bid and the bid that came in second.

The move to a blended price system was due to an error in a 2013 software update, according to Iron Tribe's complaint.

Meta recently urged Breyer to dismiss the case at an early stage for several reasons.

Among others, according to Meta, Iron Tribe's deadline to sue expired in 2021. Meta also argued that the allegations in the complaint, even if proven true, wouldn't prove that the company broke its contract with Iron Tribe.

Among other arguments, Meta says Iron Tribe didn't actually allege that it was overcharged.

Breyer is expected to consider Meta's request in August.
An engine screams down the track  tires kissing asphalt, adrenaline rising with every turn. Whether you're glued to the screen watching Brad Pitt channel his aging racer energy in F1: The Movie, or chuckling at the meme comparisons with Saif Ali Khan as a racer in Ta Ra Rum Pum, one things clear  Formula 1 is back on track. And its hot. F1 style has skidded off the circuit and into our closets. Whether it's Brad Pitt flexing bomber jackets or the casual genius of pit-crew uniforms reimagined as streetwear, F1 fashion can really breathe life to your style quotient. The F1 fashion trend is about capturing the energy, precision, confidence, and the controlled chaos of a life lived in the fast lane. Whether youre a die-hard fan, a meme-scroller, or just someone who likes their jackets with extra attitude, heres how to steal F1s thunder with your wardrobe. Bomber Jackets

 Instagram/Ibrahim Ali Khan The bomber is the MVP of F1 style. Its fast, functional and works on everyone. It is the entry-level F1 flex. Go for nylon or satin finishes with clean lines and subtle details. Racing-stripe accents or sponsor-style logos are great, but opt for small ones instead of going full NASCAR. Take cues from Ibrahim Ali Khans bomber jacket that looks straight out of Saifs wardrobe for Ta Ra Rum Pum! Racing Watch

 Instagram/Brad Pitt FC In Formula 1, precision is everything. A tenth of a second can mean the difference between glory and dust. That same energy translates into racing watches which are bold and designed with purpose. Hence, no F1-inspired outfit is complete without the ultimate power move on your wrist: the racing chronograph. It adds a high-octane edge to literally any outfit. You can pair it with a tee and cargos or slip it under a double-breasted suit cuff. Sleek Sneaker or Driving Boots

 Instagram/Just Jared You cant channel F1 racer energy in clunky soles. F1 footwear is about precision, control, and whisper-quiet confidence. Whether its a retro-inspired racing shoe or a luxe minimalist sneaker, the silhouette should be aerodynamic  even if you're just walking into brunch. Try sleek leather trainers, driving loafers with grippy soles, or even a motorsport collab with brands like Puma. Theyre not made for running, theyre made for arriving. Style them with cargos, suits or joggers. Cargo Joggers

 Store Official Website These trousers take the raw functionality of the track and polish it just enough for the street. Try including tailored cargo pants in your wardrobe with zipped pockets, adjustable hems, or tech fabrics. The beauty lies in their adaptability. Pair them with a blazer, down with a hoodie, or pair them with a bomber for full Brad Pitt energy. Avoid the overly baggy, mid-2000s silhouette  this isnt a Ta Ra Rum Pum flashback. Double-Breasted Navy Suit

 Instagram/Brad Pitt FC When the occasion calls for polish, the double-breasted navy suit is your podium-ready power move. Its timeless, tailored, and gives off major corporate baddie vibes. Brad Pitt wore it a lot while promoting F1: The Movie. Lewis Hamiltons worn versions on magazine covers. Its got structure, elegance, and a subtle aggression. Pair it with a crisp shirt, a luxe tee, or nothing but a gold chain and good posture. Luxe Sunglasses

 Apple Studios You must ALWAYS own a great pair of sunglasses. Oversized, angular, and cool enough to hide your hangover or your game plan, these frames dont just protect your eyes  they amplify your presence. Aviators for that bossman vibe, chunky acetate frames for the retro-racer look, and mirrored lenses if you want people to see themselves trying to keep up. It's the easiest way to glam up any look. Caps

 Instagram/Charles Leclerc FC Caps are a great way to add a F1 twist on streetwear essentials. Structured caps and sleek bucket hats that toe the line between team merch and high fashion are the easiest way to do so. Thanks to them, youre protected from the sun and the paparazzi! Pair it with shades and a bomber, and youve got weekend-driver-in-Monaco levels of drip. The Classic Polo Tee
Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) are becoming a common sight in UK warehouses

The integration of mobile robots with racking systems and other storage infrastructure is set to revolutionise warehousing, according to Edward Hutchison, Managing Director of BITO Storage Systems.

In the face of growing demand for faster delivery and greater flexibilityespecially under the pressures of e-commerce fulfilment and seasonal peakswarehouses are increasingly looking to automation to bridge the gap left by labour shortages and rising costs.

Integrating BITOs racking systems, pick towers and other storage solutions with mobile robots will provide transformative automation that is seamlessly integrated, error-free and deployed without operational disruptions, said Mr Hutchison.

Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) are becoming a common sight in UK warehouses, offering agile solutions that require minimal changes to existing infrastructure.

With the ability to scale up during peak periods by adding extra robots, AMRs are proving invaluable in providing both flexibility and resilience.

According to Grand View Research, the UK market for AMRs is projected to grow by 12.6% annually from 2024 to 2030, driven in part by their ability to work seamlessly alongside racking and shelving systems.

These robots are particularly suited to sectors such as e-commerce, fashion, food and pharmaceuticals, and are highly effective in small-item order picking. Collaborative robotsguided by intelligent control softwarecan dramatically increase efficiency by enabling batch and zone picking, cutting travel times, and reducing the number of required pickers by up to 50%.

Crucially, integration with existing pallet racking, shelving and multi-tier storage systems can take place without interrupting warehouse operations. AMRs are compatible with most Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and ERP software, and require no fixed infrastructure, meaning warehouses can start small and scale up as needed.

This is further supported by the Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS) model, offering scalable, cost-effective access to automation without heavy upfront investment.

BITO notes that well-planned layouts, including narrow aisle configurations, are vital for maximising robot performance. Aisle widths as narrow as 1.12 metres are suitable for some models, while short charge timesaround 50 to 60 minutesensure minimal operational downtime.

For best results, businesses should seek out one-stop-shop suppliers capable of delivering a complete robot and materials handling solution, added Mr Hutchison.

BITO provides its own LEO driverless transport system and collaborates with multiple mobile robot providers. Its solutions also include pick towers, shelving, racking, plastic totes and containers, offering end-to-end, future-ready warehouse automation tailored to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving logistics sector.
The 11th-century Norse onslaught on the British Isles

Has Norse terror been exaggerated? Or have revisionist historians gone too far in rehabilitating the Vikings? Wayne Bartlett assesses the evidence.

Irish warriors meet Viking invaders in the early 11th century AD.

Mention the word Viking in polite company and the chances are that a certain image will be conjured. That image will probably involve a dragon-headed longship gliding in from the sea, falling on an unprotected and unprepared monastery, which is quickly overwhelmed, its monks slaughtered, its buildings left smouldering.

Large-scale Viking raiding began in the 8th century. It was followed by large-scale conquest in the North Sea zone during the 9th century. There was then a partial lull, before a second surge of Viking aggression began in the late 10th century.

This second surge was more powerful. The first wave had been led by independent warlords, standing at the head of relatively small raiding parties of a few hundred at most. The second wave was led by kings and other great lords, and Viking armies now numbered a thousand, two thousand, sometimes more. They enjoyed the advantage that they were a warrior elite  heavily armoured, well-armed, battle-hardened  and that longships and horses afforded them exceptional strategic mobility.

The Viking are here! But were they really as violent and brutal as they are traditionally depicted?

And then, of course, there were the Normans  the Norsemen  who conquered England in 1066. The Duchy of Normandy was a feudal state founded by Viking warlords in the early 10th century. This was the warrior tradition of seaborne raiders transformed into a highly centralised polity, organised for war.

The Vikings in this image are people that inhabit our worst nightmares. It is a picture that was initially crafted by contemporary chroniclers, later amplified by saga-writers, who between them developed the image of a breed of men who were fearless adventurers, but also brutal barbarians.

For the Vikings, there was a great deal of loot on offer. But while the portable treasures of monasteries, royal estates, and even villages were attractive, this was probably not the main target for the raiders.

Vikings (left) versus Anglo-Saxons (right). But were the Vikings any more militaristic than the Anglo-Saxons themselves?

There was another commodity worth even more: human beings. The Vikings became the ultimate slavers, establishing a network that ran across Europe and beyond, to the Middle East and North Africa. Dublin, in particular, came to play a prominent part in these activities.

Contemporary chroniclers, in Ireland and Francia as much as in England, wrote of events on an almost annual basis, implying that the Christian world was under relentless attack.

The Viking invasion of England, for such it ultimately was, continued over a number of years. The size of the attacking forces seemed to get progressively larger, and the inability of the Anglo-Saxon forces to defend the country ever more apparent.

The mythic Irish hero Cuchulainn, the subject of Irish sagas, implies a contemporary warrior culture no less violent than that of the Vikings.

Large amounts of money were sucked out of the economy, both to pay off the attackers and also in futile attempts to strengthen the defences against them.

Atrocities were rife. In one infamous episode, the Archbishop of Canterbury was murdered by drunken Vikings while a hostage. Anglo-Saxon England teetered on the edge of national oblivion.

During the latter half of the 20th century, an alternative image emerged. While recognising that the events in which the Vikings were involved could on occasion be violent, historians now insisted that the negative impact of the Vikings on north-west Europe had been greatly exaggerated.

There is a mitigating factor here, for this was a violent age. In the closing years of the 8th century, Charlemagne had launched a series of assaults on the Saxons in Germany. Thousands died in the attacks that followed, and huge quantities of plunder were taken.

A romanticised reconstruction of the Battle of Clontarf, 23 April 1014, where the Irish kings defeated a Viking invasion and saved Gaelic civilisation.

Yet Charlemagne was a Christian ruler and his campaigns were waged in the name of Christianity. Many of the Saxons who were slaughtered died because they refused to give up their pagan beliefs and convert to the new faith. These were indeed violent times, but the savagery was not limited to pagan Vikings.

The Viking Age came to an end with the defeat of the Norwegian king Harald Hardrada at Stamford Bridge in Yorkshire in 1066. The same year, of course, William the Conqueror won his bloody victory at Hastings, fighting under a papal banner. And less than four decades later, Crusader warriors would conquer Jerusalem, unleashing an orgy of bloodshed in the process  all in the name of Christianity.

So would the real Vikings please stand up? Which image is truly representative? Or is the truth of all this stranger than fiction? As we pull back the layers and reveal the Vikings for what they were, the picture that emerges is surprisingly complex; but not necessarily any less terrifying for all that.



This is an extract from a 14-page special feature on the Vikings, published in the November 2019 issue of Military History Matters.

In our special this issue, Wayne Bartlett takes issue with revisionist historians who doubt the barbarism of Viking warfare, arguing instead that the Vikings fearsome reputation is well deserved. Meanwhile, Jeffrey James focuses on the Viking second wave. He looks particularly at two decisive battles, Assandun (1016) and Clontarf (1014), which determined the respective fates of England and Ireland.

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JERUSALEM  The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, an Israeli-backed American organization running a new aid program in Gaza, on Thursday denied a report by The Associated Press that American contractors guarding the foundation's aid sites inside Gaza were using live ammunition and stun grenades as hungry Palestinians scrambled for food.

APs story, released Wednesday, is based on accounts from two U.S. contractors who spoke anonymously because they were revealing internal operations of their employer. They said they were coming forward because they were disturbed by what they considered irresponsible and dangerous practices. It draws also on text messages, internal reports and videos filmed by one of the contractors.

The GHF said it launched an immediate investigation when it was first contacted by the AP for comment.

Based on time-stamped video footage and sworn witness statements, we have concluded that the claims in the APs story are categorically false, they wrote. At no point were civilians under fire at a GHF distribution site, the GHF wrote.

GHF, Israeli military disagree

In its statement Thursday, GHF said the fire heard in videos obtained by The AP came from Israels military, located outside the immediate vicinity of the aid sites themselves. It offered no evidence.

Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, an army spokesman, told the AP Thursday that the army is not within the sites and not in the immediate proximity to the sites.

GHF said the gunfire in the videos obtained by the AP was not directed at individuals, and no one was shot or injured." The APs initial report included photos taken by the contractor showing a woman lying on a donkey cart after the contractor said she was hit in the head with a stun grenade, a Palestinian crying after the contractor said he was tear gassed and videos where the sound of live ammunition can be heard.

Men dressed in grey  people whom the contractor who filmed the video identified as his colleagues  can be seen lobbing multiple stun grenades toward crowds of Palestinians squeezed into a narrow, fenced-in lane leading to one of the sites. The stun grenades flash as they land, and Palestinians are engulfed in thick clouds. The contractors said they deployed pepper spray regularly.

The contractors also told the AP that Israels military was not stationed at the sites or in their immediate vicinity.

The GHF called the APs decision not to share the videos filmed by the contractor with them ahead of publication troubling. It claimed that the primary source in the story was a disgruntled former contractor who was terminated for misconduct weeks before this article was published.

AP decided not to share videos before publication

The AP reached out to the GHF, Safe Reach Solutions, the company subcontracted to handle logistics for GHF, and UG Solutions, the company that hired the security contractors, a week before publication.

The AP described the videos in detail in an email to UG but decided not to share the videos to protect sources safety during the lead-up to publication. The AP thoroughly vetted both contractors who provided testimony and verified the videos using geolocation, confirming they were filmed at the aid sites, and sought audio analysis from forensic experts who determined the gunfire came from within 50-60 meters in most videos and within 115 meters in one.

The AP has asked to visit the GHF sites numerous times and had not been granted access. Journalists have been unable to visit the GHF sites, located in Israeli military-controlled zones.

The GHF also said in its statement that it had already removed one contractor seen shouting in a video published by the AP.

In the case of one video, the contractor who filmed it said he witnessed two other contractors firing in the direction of Palestinians leaving the site after collecting their food. He said the contractors were egging each other on.

In the video, English-speaking men say I think you hit one, and Hell yeah, boy! after a burst of gunfire sounds, but who is shooting and what is being shot at is obscured. The contractor filming said he watched a man amid a group of Palestinians leaving the site drop to the ground, in the same direction of the bullets being fired.

The contractor who filmed the video says he doesnt know whether anyone was hit or injured in that instance. GHF did not address that account in its statement Thursday but said no one was shot or injured.
The U.S. military B-2 Spirit bomber pilots and crew involved with the coordinated strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities last month have been invited to attend a July 4 celebration at the White House, but it's not clear what measures have been taken to protect their identities.

The White House confirmed to Military.com that those involved in the mission, dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer, were invited to the White House's July 4 celebration. It follows comments made Sunday by President Donald Trump on Fox News in which he said they'd be heading to the White House.

"Hundreds of military families will be present at President Trump's Fourth of July picnic, including personnel from the 509th Bomb Wing, who perfectly executed Operation Midnight Hammer and obliterated Iran's nuclear capabilities," Anna Kelly, a White House spokesperson, told Military.com on Thursday.

Read Next: Sweeping Trump Agenda Bill with $157 Billion Defense Boost, Food Aid Cuts Approved by Congress

But the White House and Air Force officials have not disclosed what steps they're taking to protect the military personnel's identities amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. Given the highly classified nature of military bombing missions, identities of pilots and personnel involved arent typically publicized.

Former pilots, including those who have flown the B-2 stealth bomber, who spoke to Military.com said having them in attendance at a high-profile event like the White House's July 4 celebration does open up potential safety concerns.

Retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Kristin Goodwin knows those risks well. As a former B-2 pilot as well as the former commander of the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, she recalled a time when 50 of her airmen were put on a targeted list by al-Qaida and officials took numerous measures to make them feel safe and protected.

"Identity is a huge concern," Goodwin told Military.com in an interview Thursday. "Protecting that, personally, as a commander, I take that very seriously, because there will be those out there that would want to take potential recourse on those bombings, and they could be targets."

Goodwin said she was confident that commanders are being thoughtful in protecting the safety and identities of their pilots. But service and White House officials are silent about the precautions being taken.

While an Air Force official acknowledged safety concerns faced by those military personnel to Military.com, there was no additional details provided about the measures taken or guidance given to those pilots who will attend the high-profile White House event.

"Our adversaries are skilled at exploiting the digital realm, collecting and analyzing open-source information, and leveraging advanced technologies to target U.S. military personnel, operations and activities," an Air Force official told Military.com. "Airmen involved in sensitive missions are briefed on the risks and vulnerabilities posed by the changing information environment to assist in managing the public release of information in a manner that protects the safety and security of personnel and assets."

The Air Force official added that the intention is for the B-2 bomber pilots and crew to keep a low profile to enjoy the event, and they will not be doing media interviews.

After multiple media outlets, including Military.com, reported that one of the bomber pilots involved in Operation Midnight was a woman, the Air Force declined to comment further, citing operational security concerns, and said the pilots and crew would not be made available for interviews.

"I'd be concerned to identify any of the crews involved, because it doesn't just impact them, it impacts their family as well," Retired Lt. Col. Jessica Ruttenber, an Air Force pilot who flew numerous planes including the KC-135 Stratotanker -- a refueling aircraft, told Military.com in an interview Wednesday.

White House officials did not answer Military.com's multiple questions sent over 24 hours asking them to clarify the nature of the July 4 event or what measures were being taken to conceal the pilots' identities. They did not respond by publication.

"I understand they want to publicize it, and you have a right to be proud, but often we do missions that we're not going to be publicly credited for for a long time until it's safe to do so or years later when it's declassified," Ruttenber said.

Trump has said the strikes conducted by B-2 bombers from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri "obliterated" Iran's nuclear program despite initial intelligence providing more wary assessments.

During a briefing to reporters Wednesday, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the official assessment from the Department of Defense was that Iran's nuclear program was set back "probably closer to two years."

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement provided to Military.com that B-2 bombers, as well as other fighter jets, will be conducting a flyover as part of the celebration.

"America's 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 Iran's nuclear facilities," Leavitt said.

Related: Female Troops Played Key Roles in B-2, Submarine Strikes on Iran's Nuclear Facilities
MOSCOW  U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed Iran, Ukraine and other issues on Thursday in a frank and constructive phone call, the Kremlin said, in their sixth publicly disclosed chat since Trump returned to the White House.

While discussing the situation around Iran and in the broader Middle East, Putin emphasized the need to resolve all differences exclusively by political and diplomatic means, said Yuri Ushakov, his foreign affairs adviser. The leaders agreed that Russian and U.S. officials will maintain contacts on the issue, he added.

The United States struck three sites in Iran on June 22, inserting itself into Israels war aimed at destroying Tehran's nuclear program.

On the conflict in Ukraine, Ushakov said Trump emphasized his push for a quick halt to the fighting, and Putin voiced Moscows readiness to pursue talks with Kyiv, noting the previous rounds in Turkey yielded humanitarian results.

At the same time, the Russian leader emphasized that Moscow will seek to achieve its goals in Ukraine and remove the root causes of the conflict, Ushakov said.

Russia will not back down from these goals, Ushakov told reporters after the call.

Putin has argued he sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022 to fend off a threat to Russia posed by Ukraine's push to join NATO and protect Russian speakers in Ukraine -- arguments rejected by Kyiv and its allies. He insisted that any prospective peace deal must see Ukraine abandon its NATO bid and recognize Russia's territorial gains.

Thursdays call follows the Pentagons confirmation that its pausing shipment of some weapons to Ukraine as it reviews U.S. military stockpiles. The weapons being held up for Ukraine include air defense missiles, precision-guided artillery and other equipment.

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.

Ushakov said a suspension of some U.S. weapons shipments to Ukraine wasnt discussed in the Trump-Putin call.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in Denmark after meeting with major European Union backers that he may talk to Trump in the coming days about the suspension of U.S. weapons deliveries.

I hope that maybe tomorrow, or close days, these days, I will speak about it with President Trump, he said.

Asked about his expectations from the Trump-Putin call, he said that Im not sure that they have a lot of common ideas, common topics to talk (about), because they are very different people.

The previous publicly known call between Trump and Putin came June 14, a day after Israel attacked Iran.

The resumed contacts between Trump and Putin appeared to reflect both leaders interest in mending U.S.-Russian ties that have plummeted to their lowest point since the Cold War amid the conflict in Ukraine.

Ushakov said Trump told Putin about his $4.5 trillion tax breaks and spending cuts bill, and the Russian leader wished him success in pursuing his plans and also congratulated the U.S. on the Independence Day holiday.

The Kremlin adviser noted the leaders also discussed developments in Syria and expressed interest in pursuing bilateral projects in the energy sector and space exploration, during what he described as frank, businesslike and concrete conversation."

Ushakov added that Putin even suggested that the U.S. and Russia could exchange movies promoting traditional values shared by us and the Trump administration.

On Tuesday, Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron held their first direct telephone call in almost three years.

-

Associated Press writers Aamer Madhani in Washington and Lorne Cook in Aarhus, Denmark, contributed.
COLUMBUS, N.M. (AP)  Orange no-entry signs posted by the U.S. military in English and Spanish dot the New Mexico desert, where a border wall cuts past onion fields and parched ranches with tufts of tall grass growing amidst wiry brush and yucca trees.

The Army has posted thousands of the warnings in New Mexico and western Texas, declaring a restricted area by authority of the commander. Its part of a major shift that has thrust the military into border enforcement with Mexico like never before.

The move places long stretches of the border under the supervision of nearby military bases, empowering U.S. troops to detain people who enter the country illegally and sidestep a law prohibiting military involvement in civilian law enforcement. It is done under the authority of the national emergency on the border declared by President Donald Trump on his first day in office.

U.S. authorities say the zones are needed to close gaps in border enforcement and help in the wider fight against human smuggling networks and brutal drug cartels.

The militarization is being challenged in court, and has been criticized by civil rights advocates, humanitarian aid groups and outdoor enthusiasts who object to being blocked from public lands while troops have free rein.

Abbey Carpenter, a leader of a search-and-rescue group for missing migrants, said public access is being denied across sweltering stretches of desert where migrant deaths have surged.

Maybe there are more deaths, but we dont know," she said.

Military expansion

Two militarized zones form a buffer along 230 miles (370 kilometers) of border, from Fort Hancock, Texas, through El Paso and westward across vast New Mexico ranchlands.

The Defense Department added an additional 250-mile (400-kilometer) zone last week in Texas Rio Grande Valley and plans another near Yuma, Arizona. Combined, the zones will cover nearly one-third of the U.S. border with Mexico.

They are patrolled by at least 7,600 members of the armed forces, vastly expanding the U.S. government presence on the border.

Reaction to the military buffer has been mixed among residents of New Mexico's rural Luna County, where a strong culture of individual liberty is tempered by the desire to squelch networks bringing migrants and contraband across the border.

We as a family have always been very supportive of the mission, and very supportive of border security, said James Johnson, a fourth-generation farmer overseeing seasonal laborers as they filled giant plastic crates with onions, earning $22 per container.

Military deployments under prior presidents put eyes and ears on the border, Johnson said. This version is trying to give some teeth.

But some hunters and hikers fear theyre being locked out of a rugged and cherished landscape.

I dont want to go down there with my hunting rifle and all of a sudden somebody rolls up on me and says that Im in a military zone, said Ray Trejo, a coordinator for the New Mexico Wildlife Federation and a Luna County commissioner. I dont know if these folks have been taught to deescalate situations.

A former public school teacher of English as a second language, Trejo said military trespassing charges seem inhumane in an economy built on immigrant farm labor.

If the Army, Border Patrol, law enforcement in general are detaining people for reasons of transporting, of human smuggling, I dont have a problem, he said. But people are coming into our country to work, stepping now all of a sudden into a military zone, and they have no idea.

Nicole Wieman, an Army command spokesperson, said the Army is negotiating possible public access for recreation and hunting, and will honor private rights to grazing and mining.

Increased punishment

More than 1,400 migrants have been charged with trespassing on military territory, facing a possible 18-month prison sentence for a first offense. Thats on top of an illegal entry charge that brings up to six months in custody. After that, most are turned over to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for likely deportation. There have been no apparent arrests of U.S. citizens.

At a federal courthouse in Las Cruces, New Mexico, on the banks of the Upper Rio Grande, migrants in drab county jail jumpsuits and chains filed before a magistrate judge on a recent weekday.

A 29-year-old Guatemalan woman struggled to understand instructions through a Spanish interpreter as she pleaded guilty to illegal entry. A judge set aside military trespassing charges for lack of evidence, but sentenced her to two weeks in jail before being transferred for likely deportation.

She sells pottery, shes a very simple woman with a sixth-grade education, a public defense attorney told the judge. She told me shes going back and shes going to stay there.

Border crossings

Border Patrol arrests along the southern border this year have dropped to the lowest level in six decades, including a 30% decrease in June from the prior month as attempted crossings dwindle. On June 28, the Border Patrol made only 137 arrests, a stark contrast with late 2023, when arrests topped 10,000 on the busiest days.

The first militarized zones, introduced in April and May, extend west of El Paso past factories and cattle yards to partially encircle the New Mexico border village of Columbus, and its 1,450 residents. It was here that Mexican revolutionary forces led by Pancho Villa crossed into the U.S. in a deadly 1916 raid.

These days, a port of entry at Columbus is where hundreds of children with U.S. citizenship cross daily from a bedroom community in Mexico to board public school buses and attend classes nearby.

Columbus Mayor Philip Skinner, a Republican, says he's seen the occasional military vehicle but no evidence of disruption in an area where illegal crossings have been rare.

We're kind of not tuned in to this national politics, Skinner said.

Oversight is divided between U.S. Army commands in Fort Bliss, Texas, and Fort Huachuca, Arizona. The militarized zones sidestep the Posse Comitatus Act, an 1878 law that prohibits the military from conducting civilian law enforcement on U.S. soil.

Russell Johnson, a rancher and former Border Patrol agent, said he welcomes the new militarized zone where his ranch borders Mexico on land leased from the Bureau of Land Management.

We have seen absolutely almost everything imaginable that can happen on the border, and most of its bad, he said, recalling off-road vehicle chases on his ranch and lifeless bodies recovered by Border Patrol.

In late April, he said, five armored military vehicles spent several days at a gap in the border wall, where construction was suspended at the outset of the Biden presidency. But, he said, he hasn't seen much of the military in recent weeks.

The only thing thats really changed is the little extra signage, he said. Were not seeing the military presence out here like we kind of anticipated."

Court challenges

Federal public defenders have challenged the military's new oversight of public land in New Mexico, seizing on the arrest of a Mexican man for trespassing through remote terrain to test the legal waters.

They decried the designation of a new military zone without congressional authorization for the sole purpose of enabling military action on American soil as "a matter of staggering and unpreceded political significance. A judge has not ruled on the issue.

In the meantime, court challenges to trespassing charges in the militarized zone have met with a mixture of convictions and acquittals at trial.

Ryan Ellison, the top federal prosecutor in New Mexico, won trespassing convictions in June against two immigrants who entered a militarized zone again after an initial warning. Theres not going to be an issue as to whether or not they were on notice, he told a recent news conference.

American Civil Liberties Union attorney Rebecca Sheff says the federal government is testing a more punitive approach to border enforcement with the new military zones and worries it will be expanded border-wide.

To the extent the federal government has aspirations to establish a much more hostile military presence along the border, this is a vehicle that theyre pushing on to potentially do so.  And thats very concerning, she said.
Forget Boring Titles: Become a Vegas Text Titan in 60 Seconds Flat







(How To Add Text To Sony Vegas)

Okay, video editors. You nailed the footage. The music hits just right. The cuts are slicker than a greased otter. But somethings missing. That crucial info. A killer title. Maybe just your name shouting I made this! Text. It seems simple. Yet inside Sony Vegas, finding the text magic can feel like searching for a specific noodle in a spaghetti factory. Dont sweat it. Adding text is actually stupid easy. Lets break it down fast.

First, open your Vegas project. Find your timeline. Thats where all your video and audio chunks live. See that track list on the left? Look up. Way up top. Theres a menu bar. Click Insert. A dropdown appears. Find Text Media. Click that. Boom! Vegas plops a brand new text thing onto your timeline. It lands on its own special track, usually called the Title Track. Thats good. Keeps things tidy.

Now, find that new text block on the timeline. It looks like a little colored bar. Double-click it. Seriously, just double-click. This opens the Text Edit window. This is your playground. See that big empty box? Thats where your words go. Type whatever you want. Your name. Best Cat Video Ever. Buy My Stuff! Whatever. Type it in.

The text probably looks awful right now. Default settings are rarely stylish. No problem. Look around the Text Edit window. Youll see options. Lots of options. Font style. Font size. Font color. Play with these. Make the text big, small, red, blue, fancy, simple. Find what fits your video vibe. There are buttons for bold, italic, underline too. Use them if you want.

Position matters. You dont want your text stuck in the corner covering Aunt Mildreds face. See the preview window inside the Text Edit box? Your text is there. Click and drag it. Move it anywhere on the screen. Top center looks pro for titles. Bottom third is classic for names. Stick it wherever it looks best.

Feeling fancy? Vegas lets you animate text. Make it slide in. Fade out. Spin around. Look for tabs like Properties or Effects near your text options. Often theres a preset list. Things like Fade In, Typewriter, Zoom. Click one. See how it looks in the preview. If you like it, keep it. Simple animations add polish without much work.

Done tweaking? Click OK in the Text Edit window. Your text block on the timeline now holds your styled, positioned words. Play your video. Watch the text appear where and how you set it. Perfect? Awesome. Not quite? Double-click the text block again. Tweak some more. Change the font. Adjust the position. Try a different animation. Its flexible.







(How To Add Text To Sony Vegas)

Want the text on screen longer? Grab the end of that colored text block on the timeline. Drag it right. This makes it last longer. Need it shorter? Drag the end left. Easy timing control. Remember to save your project often. Nobody likes losing work. Rendering your final video exports it with your shiny new text included. Thats it. Text conquered. Go make your video pop.

Inquiry us

if you want to want to know more, please feel free to contact us. ([email protected])
HOLLAND, MI -- At the end of the line, behind the counter stand the unsung heroes of summer: ice cream scoopers.

Perfectly positioned between one of Lake Michigans most popular campgrounds and beaches sits the iconic red Ottawa Beach General Store.

The wraparound porch lined with picnic tables is a beach haven for those walking to and from Holland State Park.

What makes this store the elite summer spot? It offers more than 40 ice cream flavors.

Each tub is three gallons, and the store expects to go through one a day for the most popular flavors like Michigan Pothole, Mackinac Island Fudge and Sleeping Bear Dunes Bear Hug.

In one day alone, Grace Hughes, 19, says she and the crew scooped 50 cones of Michigan Pothole.

My triceps muscles get big by the end of the summer, said Hughes, who has worked at the General Store for five years

The building underwent a significant renovation last year, but youd never know looking at it. And thats kind of the point. The building maintains the same vintage charm as when it opened in the 1930s.

Construction crews demolished the building below the studs, down to the basement where the foundation was cracked with tree roots, longtime operator Linda Dykert said.

Before the demolition the crew saved iconic features like beams, doors, posts, floor grates, a bakery case and the 12-foot-long front counter.

Dykert said they tested many, many shades of red to match it to the original.

The last time the building got a fresh coat of paint was around 2010 when the store was purchased by RDV Corp. The Grand Rapids investment firm, owned by the Richard DeVos family, purchased the building after it went into foreclosure.

One year in the newly renovated building and Dykert said customers have been complimentary  some asking if the demolition even happened yet.

Major upgrades include expanding the ice cream room, including adding a walk-in freezer.

The store moves enough ice cream that freezer burn isnt an issue, Dykert said. But storage has improved greatly from the previous structure of two standing freezers, she said.

With a hot start to summer, the improvements came just in time for one of their busiest seasons to date. This Fourth of July, every flavor has a backup, and then a couple more backups.

Ive ordered more [three-gallon] tubs than ever before, Dykert said. Our volume has been so big. Im anticipating a really great weekend.

Beyond ice cream, the general store is in the sugar business in all forms.

Early in the morning the crew makes fresh donuts daily. The store also expanded its candy selection for an endless sugar rush.

The renovation also made more room for Lake Michigan, Holland and Ottawa Beach General Store-themed merch. The expanded souvenir section has been a big hit, Dykert said.

Theres so many [visitors] from out of state and out of the country, so its a really fun thing to be part of that community that welcomes them to Holland, she said.

Still true to its roots, the general store has all the odds and ends travelers are looking for. From honey to WD-40, the stores inventory has expanded and evolved year-over-year based on what customers ask for, Dykert said.

The latest request this week was baby powder to help remove sticky sand. Its already added to the list, Dykert said.
DEARBORN, MI - There arent many places in the country where you can celebrate Independence Day in the 1800s.

Salute to America runs through Saturday, July 5 at historic Greenfield Village in Dearborn.

The event allows visitors to stroll through the streets of the village where they will come across all kinds of different live music like choral singing, ragtime, jazz and more.

Theres all kinds of historic genres of music with small ensembles placed throughout the village, Jim Johnson, Dir. of Greenfield Village told MLive. We also have an antique bicycle club that rides antique bikes in period clothing.

There are also food trucks along Main Street, the 1913 Herschell-Spillman carousel, and presenters in period clothing strolling through the streets.

To culminate the evening, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra will begin playing at around 8:30 p.m., concluding their music program with a fireworks show anchored by Tchaikovskys 1812 Overture and cannon fire.

Its a long term collaboration of 30 years with the DSO, taking over the center of the village with an enormous stage with a big video backdrop. Its a concert in the park-type experience.

IF YOU GO:
Portage Lake Lift Bridge connects Houghton and Hancock in Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula. It's the world's largest and heaviest double-decker lift bridge. Some locals think its better than the Mackinac Bridge. Visit Keweenaw

HANCOCK, MI  The local point of view: This lift bridge in the Michigans Upper Peninsula is better than the Mackinac Bridge.

Visit Keweenaw is adamant that the Portage Lake Lift Bridge beats the Mighty Mac. The visitors bureau even has a list of six reasons why.

Michigan loves a good bridge, Visit Keweenaw said in a news release. But while the Mackinac Bridge might get all the postcards, wed argue the Portage Lake Lift Bridge in the Keweenaw is the real star.

Spanning the Portage Canal between Houghton and Hancock, this double-decker drawbridge is a marvel of engineering, a lifeline, local landmark and gateway to adventure, the release said.

The bridge even has its own festival every June: Bridgefest.

Portage Lake Lift Bridge connects Houghton and Hancock in Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula. It's the world's largest and heaviest double-decker lift bridge. Some locals think its better than the Mackinac Bridge. Visit Keweenaw

Here are all six reasons this bridge is a local favorite:

Worlds largest and heaviest double-decker vertical lift bridge

While the Mackinac Bridge is the fifth-longest suspension bridge in the world, the lift bridge is a heavyweight champion in its own class  and far more unique, the CVB said.

In 2022, the Portage Lake Lift Bridge was recognized as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. The bridge opened in 1959, providing a gateway to the northern reaches of the Keweenaw.

RELATED: 11 lighthouses to discover on Michigans northernmost peninsula

More traffic

Despite its smaller size, the Portage Lake Lift Bridge sees more daily traffic than the Mackinac Bridge, according to state data. More than 28,000 vehicle cross on an average day, compared to Mackinacs 10,000 to 20,000.

Were clearly the peoples favorite bridge, the CVB said.

RELATED: Michigans scenic Brockway Mountain Drive opens for 2025 season

Less intimidating

The lift bridge is lower to the water, shorter and easier to cross than the Mackinac Bridge, the CVB said.

No see-through steel vibrating and shaking under your tires, local officials said. Its a smooth ride without the white knuckles and vertigo.

It lifts for the Ranger III

During the summer, the bridge regularly rises to let the Ranger III ferry pass beneath on its way to Isle Royale National Park.

Its like clockwork magic  plus, it gives you a great excuse to pause and admire the view, the CVB said.

Copper Country Trail National Scenic Byway

The lift bridge marks mile zero of the Copper Country Trail National Scenic Byway that winds through historic mining towns, Lake Superior views, waterfalls and rugged wilderness all the way to Copper Harbor at the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula.

RELATED: Lake effect sun: Michigan has the sunniest summer spot east of the Mississippi River

Snowmobile crossing

When the snow falls, the lower level of the bridge is dedicated to snowmobile traffic between Houghton and Hancock.

The Arnold Transit Company ferry heads under the bridge on a special ferry trip that takes you underneath the iconic Mackinac Bridge on the way to Mackinac Island on Thursday, May 15, 2025. Joel Bissell | Jbissell@mlive.com

Meanwhile, the Mackinac Bridge is a 5-mile-long suspension bridge spanning the Straits of Mackinac about 200 feet above water level. Since opening in 1957, it has connected the Upper and Lower peninsulas of Michigan at Mackinaw City and St. Ignace.

Mackinac Bridge is funded by tolls while the lift bridge is free to cross.

However, most Michiganders wanting to see the Portage Lake Lift Bridge will likely cross the Mackinac Bridge to reach it.

RELATED: Legendary summer road trip? Check. MSN names the best in Michigan
ISLE ROYALE, MI - Pending law enforcement investigation. Those four words have been hoisted often in the last few weeks, used to explain the silence from federal authorities and the National Park Service following the bodies of two campers being found on Isle Royale last month.

They were used by the FBI who flew in to investigate the June 8 deaths of a father and son in a campsite on this remote national park archipelago that sits in Lake Superior, about 55 miles from the Upper Peninsulas mainland. They were used repeatedly as a plausible shield by park officials and local authorities who said they couldnt release any details about the deaths, how they happened or who the victims were, citing the ongoing investigation.

Meanwhile, the parks trails and campgrounds remained open to other hikers who had reached the island by ferry or seaplanes.

The only information released early on was that there was no threat to the public, and that wildlife was not involved in the deaths on an island known for its wolf and moose populations.

Local authorities acknowledged such a dearth of information was unusual. It seemed especially eyebrow-raising at a park known as a pristine wilderness hiking and camping spot - and during a time window in which people on social media reported hearing yelling coming from that area of the island.

The National Park Services first statement on June 10 confirmed the deaths after rangers hiked 11 miles overnight and located two bodies at South Desor Lake Campground.

Due to the remote location, a plane and helicopter were used to transport investigators to the scene, and bring the bodies out of the site.

New Details Emerge

The first new details were released last week. Keweenaw County Medical Examiner Dr. Michael McAllister told MLive that murder-suicide was the suspected cause of the deaths, and that the victims were a father and a son. It was not clear who died first, he said.

This week, local officials released the death certificates for the two men who died. While the information on these one-page sheets is scant, it does offer a small window into who they were. Relatives reached by other media outlets have so far declined to talk about the men.

Bradley Kenneth Baird, 30, lived in Washtenaw Countys Salem Township at the same address as his father, John David Baird, who was 60.

According to the death records, the younger Baird was a self-employed writer. He was unmarried and had taken some college courses.

His father worked in insurance, and had been president of a company. John Baird, who was married, had served in the military and had earned a bachelors degree in college.

The dates of death for both men have been listed as June 10. That likely reflects when authorities reached the bodies in the parks campground and were able to pronounce the deaths officially, but the deaths were reported to park staff on June 8.

Autopsies were performed on both men and their bodies were brought to a cremation service in Wisconsin, according to the certificates. But the cause of death is not listed. For both father and son, it says Pending Law Enforcement Investigation.

An Eaton Rapids funeral home is listed as handling the arrangements for the father and sons cremains. So far, no obituaries for the men have been released.

The sun rises over Chippewa Harbor at Isle Royale National Park. (Cory Morse | MLive.com) MLive/The Grand Rapids Press

A Social Footprint

Soon after the mens names were released this week, media outlets began sharing details from John Bairds social media profiles. Highly connected in the insurance industry, the elder Bairds social footprint shows he often congratulated others on their business moves, retirements and life events.

He talked of his own career changes, and of building a waterfront home near Cadillac.

One of his most recent posts detailed his national park vacations. He had been taking time away to travel and visit 10 national parks with his wife, he said. Baird talked about seeing amazing views in these quiet places. The Minnesota Star Tribune shared lots of those details in a story this week.

The time spent was a dream realized, his recent social media post said. Very proud to be an American.
The Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids has announced plans to merge and close some of its churches. (MLive file photo) Annie Barker | abarker@mlive.com

GRAND RAPIDS, MI  The Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids is planning to merge and close some of its churches due to a shortage of new priests.

Bishop David Walkowiak announced the consolidations in a June 29 pastoral plan, titled Rooted in Christ, which aims to reduce the dioceses total number of church buildings to reduce administrative burdens and strengthen parishes amid a lack of priests, according to the plan.

Walkowiak said priest retirements are outpacing ordinations due to fewer men in the seminary becoming priests. This trend is expected to continue over the next decade, he said.

In 2024, we celebrated one priestly ordination, Walkowiak said in a video announcing the pastoral plan. In 2025, seven pastors were either granted senior priest status or reassigned outside the Diocese of Grand Rapids. There were no priestly ordinations.

Many pastors have offered to shepherd two or three parish communities, but this is not a sustainable long-term model of parish administration, the bishop said.

Because of this trend, the diocese hired consulting firm Meitler to create a "data-driven pastoral plan" that would consolidate its personnel and financial resources.

The resulting plan, Rooted in Christ, details how parishes will be merged, clustered or closed in the coming year. It can be read in full here.

We must make the administrative burdens and sacramental responsibilities more manageable, which requires reducing the footprint of our physical structures within the diocese, the Diocese website reads.

The Diocese of Grand Rapids currently has 79 parishes located across 11 West Michigan counties.

Thirteen parishes are scheduled to merge under the dioceses new plan. There are two types of mergers: a parish can be combined with an existing parish, or two or more parishes can merge to form a new parish.

Eight parishes are slated to create new clusters, which means they would share one pastor.

To determine which churches would merge, cluster or close, each parish submitted its attendance numbers and financial details for the consulting firm to review, the diocese explained. Meitler also analyzed Census data and population forecasts, and toured local parishes to determine which would best benefit from consolidation.

The recommended closures and mergers were reviewed and edited by a diocesan leadership team, clergy, and laity from each parish, the diocese said.

Some parishes are going to be merged and its facilities will be closed, like the facilities at Mary Queen of Apostles in Sand Lake, which will be sold after it completes a merger with St. John Paul II in Cedar Springs.

Others are slated for growth, like the parish of St. Joseph the Worker in Wyoming, which the diocese said will identify a site that will allow for a larger worship space, room for ministry growth and ample parking.

The pastoral plan also proposes the addition of two new parishes.

In the dioceses West Deanery, there are plans to establish a new parish between Robinson and West Olive, on land already owned by the diocese, due to projected population growth.

The diocese also intends to purchase land for a new parish somewhere between Zeeland and Hudsonville due to the areas growth.

A full list of the planned mergers and clusters can be found on pages 51-52 of the pastoral plan. The diocese also answers a list of FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about the mergers on its website.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI  Grand Rapids City Attorney Anita Hitchcock is retiring after 23 years serving the city.

Hitchcock, who has served as the city attorney since 2016, will retire on Sept. 2, the city announced in a news release.

City officials say Hitchcock was instrumental in the citys ongoing police reform efforts, helping shift the Grand Rapids Police Department from a prosecutorial mindset to one focused on restorative justice.

For many years, Anita has been a tireless champion for justice, dedicating her career to making Grand Rapids a more just and equitable community for all our residents, Mayor David LaGrand said in a statement from the city.

Her leadership and legal counsel on initiatives like the Police Policy and Procedure Task Force, multiple municipal projects, high-profile civil litigation and the creation of efficiencies within our legal department truly embody her unwavering commitment to seeking collaborative and innovative solutions to make our community safer while leading with care and compassion for those more greatly impacted within our community.

As city attorney, Hitchcock oversees all of the citys legal affairs, managing a department of 17 attorneys and administrative staff and overseeing a $3 million departmental budget.

Hitchcock began her career with the city in 2002 as an assistant city attorney in the enforcement division of the department of law. She later moved up to director of that division, and in 2016 the Grand Rapids City Commission appointed her as city attorney.

LaGrand and City Manager Mark Washington also praised Hitchcock for her work as a leader and mentor who has helped the next generation of legal professionals.

Anitas leadership of the City Attorneys Office has been exemplary, Washington said. She has fostered a team of highly skilled and dedicated legal professionals, maintaining the highest standards of integrity and service. Beyond her legal expertise, her commitment to fostering a collaborative environment and her tireless work ethic have been a cornerstone of our citys operations.

Hitchcock praised her team and their work to make a difference in the community.

I have built an awesome, hardworking, committed, professional and highly intelligent team that I am very proud of, she said in a statement. I am at peace knowing that I am leaving the Department of Law in good hands.

A Grand Rapids native, Hitchcock graduated from Ottawa Hills High School. She earned her bachelors degree from Aquinas College and her Juris Doctor from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. She is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and the Grand Rapids Bar Association, and is a past president of the Floyd Skinner Bar Association.

The Grand Rapids City Commission will discuss next steps for the city attorney role in the coming weeks, according to the city news release.
EAST GRAND RAPIDS, MI  East Grand Rapids kept to the classics this Fourth of July.

The city celebrated Independence Day with a parade, activities for the family, food trucks, and a mesmerizing water show performed by the Grand City Show Skiers Friday, July 4, on Reeds Lake. The activities were scheduled to run until 3:30 p.m., with music and fireworks starting at 8 p.m.

More than 35 groups participated in the parade, including the Grand Rapids and District Pipe Band, East Grand Rapids drumline, classic cars, city trucks and even little tractors. They walked down Wealthy Street and along Lakeside Drive as onlookers cheered and waved American flags.

Starting at 1:30 p.m. the Grand City Show Skiers delighted attendees with amazing water ski acrobatics.

Inflatable bounce houses were available for kids and several food trucks offered lunch, ranging from sandwiches, falafel, cotton candy, Kona ice and barbecue.

Rachel Fiedler, leisure supervisor with East Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation department, said the celebration pulls both residents and non-residents from as far away as Chicago.

A lot of Grand Rapids residents attend every year, she said, because Grand Rapids celebrations typically occur the day after East Grand Rapids event.

It gives people the weekend to bounce around to different parades and different activities, Fiedler said.

Kira Christofferson, 27, said she has been attending the celebration since she was a kid. She now works for the citys parks and recreation department and enjoys working it.

Its always a great turnout, Christofferson said.

Among those who joined the celebration were Debbie Nol, 53, and her daughter Payton Nol, 20, of Ottawa Hills. Payton Nol is a student at Loyola University in Chicago.

Debbie Nol said they werent aware of the celebration until this morning when they were at the Ottawa Hills parade. Their neighbor told them about East Grand Rapids event.

When they heard about the water skiers, they decided to check it out.

Its been fun. Its awesome to see the bouncy houses and all of the food trucks, Payton Nol said. If I were a little kid with all my friends, this would have been incredible to be out here just running around and having fun.

Its exciting to see everybody having a good time, Payton Nol said. She said she planned to come back to see the fireworks in the evening.

Emily Xie, 32, came out with her husband and little daughter to check out the festivities. Originally from China, they have been living in Forest Hills for eight years.

Xie said they had heard about the celebration from friends.

She appreciates the community turnout, interesting activities and food options, she said. The atmosphere here is very friendly.

The Fourth of July celebration continues Friday evening with the popular bluegrass band Full Cord, followed by fireworks over Reeds Lake at dusk.

The Grand Rapids area festivities continue Saturday, July 5, with the citys downtown fireworks show.

More information about the celebration is available on East Grand Rapids website.

MLive/Grand Rapids Press photojournalist Chloe Trofatter was there Friday to to capture the third annual event. Check out the full gallery above, or click here.
Developer Dori DePree aims to reopen Fennville's historic Steven's Hotel, which has sat vacant since the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Photo courtesy Michigan Economic Development Corporation

FENNVILLE, MI - The revitalization of a boutique hotel in Fennville received nearly $1 million in support from Michigans Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program.

Stevens Hotel in Fennville was one of two historic hotels in West Michigan that received a combined $2.5 million in RAP grants, according to a release from Gov. Gretchen Whitmers office.

The two projects are expected to generate a total capital investment of over $9.9 million while activating vacant properties and creating residential density in the communities.

Across Michigan, we are building affordable housing, revitalizing communities, and investing in people, places and projects, Whitmer said in a statement. Todays announcement will build on that progress, create good-paying jobs, and revitalize vacant properties in Manistee and Fennville.

Developer Dori DePree is working to transform the former Stevens Hotel at 312 E. Main Street in downtown Fennville into a $4.8 million, 12,366-square-foot boutique hotel and restaurant.

The new hotel is being built to accommodate the growing agritourism sector in Fennville  which includes Virtue Cider, Palazzolos Artisan and Crane Orchards  and meet the needs of visitors looking to stay in the community while supporting downtown merchants.

We are thrilled to be working with the MEDC to restore Fennvilles iconic historic hotel and bar/restaurant, DePree said in a statement. The regeneration project will provide new jobs and tourism, boosting the local economy and helping to support Fennville as a premier West Michigan destination.

The two-story hotel will include nine standard rooms and two longer-stay suites, one being a one-bedroom suite and the second a two-bedroom suite. The first floor will include a bar and restaurant, and the lower level will host a speakeasy-style bar, according to a memo from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

The building has sat vacant since 2020 after the previous owners closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The restoration of the historic hotel and bar and restaurant includes bringing back many of the original features dating back to 1910, DePree said.

Construction is expected to begin later this summer, and DePree aims to have the hotel open by next summer.

The RAP grant adds to other recent MEDC-supported placemaking efforts in Fennville. A crowdfunding campaign through the Public Spaces Community Places program will help transform a vacant lot in downtown Fennville into City Square Park.

The new park will include an amphitheater, splash pad and outdoor fireplace, thanks in part to a $50,000 matching grant from the MEDC.
A Michigan State Police logo on the side of a vehicle. (Brad Devereaux | bdeverea@mlive.com)

KALKASKA COUNTY, MI  The state police are investigating a fatal side-by-side crash in northern Michigan.

Michigan State Police troopers from the Houghton Lake Post were called at about 2 a.m. Friday, July 4, to the scene of a fatal crash involving a side-by-side ATV on private property located on Inman Road in Kalkaska Countys Springfield Township.

The off-road vehicle, which was carrying five people, rolled over. None of the occupants were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.

One of the passengers died as a result of the crash, police said. Another passenger sustained a serious head injury, and a third broke an arm.

The driver of the ATV, a 33-year-old Albion man, was arrested and lodged in the Kalkaska County Jail on charges of operating while intoxicated causing death and two counts of operating while intoxicated causing serious injury.

The investigation is still ongoing.
Hikers stand near Chapel Beach Falls at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in this MLive file photo. A body was recovered from the area Thursday, July 3, 2025, according to the National Park Service. (Cory Morse | MLive.com) Cory Morse | MLive.com

MUNISING, MI  Officials recovered a body Thursday, July 3, from Michigans Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

The body was recovered from Lake Superior near Chapel Beach within the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Thursday afternoon, according to the National Park Service.

Park visitors called 911 at about 2:30 p.m. to report seeing a person face down in the water, according to a news release.

Rangers as well as Alger County paramedics responded to the scene where the first responders found the person and began life-saving efforts. The person was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities said preliminary information suggests the death was the result of an apparent suicide.

The identity of the individual is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Chapel Beach and the surrounding areas remain open to the public.
Joey Chestnut returns to the 2025 Nathans Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest following a one-year absence.

Chestnut, who currently holds the record for most hot dogs and buns eaten in 10 minutes with 76 in 2021, has been dominant in the contest throughout the years. He has won the annual contest 16 times, with his biggest competitor being his own records he tries to break.

This years womens contest will be broadcast on ESPN3 starting at 10:45 a.m. and the mens contest will be broadcast on ESPN2 at 12 p.m. with streaming available through FuboTV, Sling or DirecTV.

Streaming Options

Streaming Options Price/Month Free Trial Deal FuboTV $84.99 Yes $20 off the first month Sling $45.99 N/A Half off the first month DirecTV $89.99 Yes $30 off the first month

The annual Nathans Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest takes place on the Fourth of July in Coney Island and has been a staple of the holiday since 1972. Chestnuts success and records have largely popularized the event.

He was banned from the contest last year due to his partnership with a competitor of Nathans but has been allowed to compete this year. Chestnut went head-to-head with rival Takeru Kobayashi in the Netflix special Unfinished Beef last September and broke his own record with 83 hot dogs and buns.

2025 NATHANS FAMOUS HOT DOG EATING CONTEST

When: Friday, July 4

Time: 12 p.m. ET

Where: Brooklyn, New York

Channel: ESPN2
On Friday at 10:07 a.m. EDT the National Weather Service reported an air quality alert in effect until Sunday at midnight EDT for Muskegon, Ottawa, Kent, Allegan and Van Buren counties.

"The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has declared an Air Quality Advisory for July 5, 2025, for elevated levels of ozone along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Pollutants within those areas are expected to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG, Orange AQI) range. The Air Quality Advisory is in effect for the following Michigan counties: Allegan, Berrien, Kent, Muskegon, Ottawa, Van Buren Conditions for ample Ozone development will persist through Saturday along the Lake Michigan shoreline. It is recommended that, when possible, you avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with respiratory diseases such as asthma. People and businesses are urged to avoid activities which can lead to ozone formation. These activities include: Refueling vehicles or topping off when refueling; Using gasoline powered Lawn equipment; Using charcoal lighter fluid. Positive activities include: Driving less; Telecommuting; Walking or bike riding; Delaying or Combining errands; Using water-based paints," according to the weather service.

Guidance for air quality alerts: Insights from the weather service

When an air quality alert pops up on the radar, deciphering its implications is crucial. These alerts, issued by the weather service, come with straightforward yet essential guidance to ensure your safety:

Seek shelter indoors when possible:

If you can, take refuge indoors, especially if you have respiratory concerns, underlying health conditions, or belong to the senior or child demographics.

Minimize outdoor ventures:

When you can't avoid going outdoors, keep outdoor activities to the bare essentials. Reducing your time outdoors is the key.

Scale back pollution-inducing practices:

Be mindful of activities that increase pollution, like driving cars, operating gas-powered lawnmowers, or using motorized vehicles. Limit their usage during air quality alerts.

Banish open burning:

Resist the urge to burn debris or any other materials during an air quality alert. This practice only adds to the air pollution problem.

Stay well-informed:

Stay updated of developments by tuning in to NOAA Weather Radio or your preferred weather news source. Being well-informed empowers you to make informed decisions regarding outdoor pursuits during air quality alerts.

Respiratory health caution:

If you have respiratory issues or health problems, exercise extra caution. These conditions can make you more vulnerable to the adverse effects of poor air quality.

By adhering to the recommendations from the weather service, you can enhance your safety during air quality alerts and reduce your exposure to potentially harmful pollutants. Stay vigilant, stay protected, and prioritize your health above all else.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
NANNING, July 3 (Xinhua) -- Cargo volume on the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor surged 76.9 percent year on year to 746,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in the first six months of this year, according to the China Railway Nanning Group.

Cargo flow along the corridor hit a new record by reaching the 700,000 TEU mark on June 20, 125 days earlier than it did last year. As an important project under the Belt and Road Initiative, it has been playing a key role in connecting China's landlocked western regions to global markets.

A new intermodal transport model was introduced on March 25, when a freight train carrying 200 vehicles from southwest China's Chongqing Municipality arrived at Qinzhou Port in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region for direct transfer to an ocean vessel bound for Dubai's Jebel Ali Port. This first-time use of a "JSQ-type freight train combining a roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) vessel" solution created a new export path for vehicles from Chongqing.

The corridor also launched integrated rail-sea logistics packages this year, reducing shippers' need to coordinate separately with multiple carriers across different transport segments, and enabling full cargo tracking to boost efficiency and lower costs.

The corridor now operates 14 fixed train routes connecting Beibu Gulf Port in Guangxi and Zhanjiang Port in neighboring Guangdong Province to major inland hubs including Chongqing, Chengdu, Guiyang, Lanzhou, Huaihua and Xi'an. Goods transported through the trade corridor via intermodal rail-sea service now cover 1,236 categories, 79 more than a year earlier, spanning electronics, vehicles and auto parts, machinery, household appliances, and food.




1/9 Know Your Interests: Choosing the right career starts with knowing what you enjoy doing. Think about your hobbies, favourite subjects, and the kind of tasks you look forward to. When you work in a field that matches your interests, it becomes easier to stay motivated. Take time to note what excites you the most. This can help guide your career decisions in the right direction.

2/9 Understand Your Strengths: Knowing what you are naturally good at is just as important as knowing what you like. Are you better at solving problems, writing, speaking, or working with your hands? Speak to teachers, friends or family to understand your strengths. Matching your skills with your career choices increases your chances of doing well and being satisfied with your work over the years.

3/9 Do Proper Research: Before choosing a career, take time to find out what the job really involves. Research job roles, daily responsibilities, required qualifications, expected salary and future opportunities. Avoid relying only on what you hear from others. Instead, look at reliable sources and real experiences. This helps you avoid surprises later and ensures that your choice is based on facts, not guesses.

4/9 Take Career Assessments: Career tests or assessments can give useful suggestions based on your interests and personality. These are not final answers but can help you explore options you had not thought about before. Many schools and websites offer simple tools to help you understand which paths might suit you. Use them as a guide not a rule to plan your next steps carefully and with more clarity.

5/9 Talk to People in the Field: If you are curious about a career, talk to someone who is already working in that field. Ask them about their daily routine, the skills they use, and the challenges they face. Real-life experiences give better insight than internet searches alone. This helps you understand what the job truly involves and whether it matches your expectations, lifestyle and long-term goals.

6/9 Consider Education and Training: Each career has its own set of requirements. Some may need advanced degrees, while others need short-term courses or hands-on training. Before choosing a career, check what qualifications are needed and how much time, money and effort you are ready to invest. Make sure the learning path suits your interest and is something you are prepared to follow seriously.

7/9 Think About Job Opportunities: It is important to know how many jobs are available in the field you are thinking of entering. Some careers have lots of openings and strong growth, while others are very competitive. Research job demand, pay levels, location and work-life balance. Choosing a career with better prospects helps you feel more secure and gives you a clearer idea of what to expect after your studies.

8/9 Stay Open to New Options: Your career path does not need to be fixed forever. It is okay to explore different fields and change direction if needed. New jobs are being created every year in technology, design, environment, and more. Being open-minded allows you to try different things and find something that fits better as you grow, learn, and gain experience over time.
Rajni Pandey

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Boney Kapoor says he is 'anxiously waiting' for daughter Anshula's return from her dreamy New York engagement

Vaishnavi Gavankar

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From Butter Chicken to the Cotswolds: Inside MasterChef star Saransh Goila and Divya Raos dreamy proposal

Palak Vij

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Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi actors reunite to celebrate its 25th anniversary with a dinner party, see pics

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Salman Khan reveals powerful first look of Battle of Galwan with Intense motion poster, netizens say, "Bhai is back"

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Sarzameen trailer: It's a face-off between Prithviraj Sukumaran and Ibrahim Ali Khan, Kajol is torn between the two

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Shefali Jariwala's Kaanta Laga retired forever, makers declare won't make its sequel ever, say, "it was yours and it will be yours"

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The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case Review: A gripping and powerful watch that revisits Rajiv Gandhi's assassination with grit and grace

Gayatri Rani

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Air India denies claims of forcing financial disclosures of families involved in Ahmedabad crash

Yaruqhullah Khan

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Donald Trump says countries will have to start paying tariffs from August 1

J Jagannath

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US business activity slows in June, even as the world recovers

Ishaan Gera

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Brajesh Kumar

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India has room to allow GM corn, soya from US strictly for ethanol and soybean oil production: Experts

Shubhangi Mathur

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An India-US trade deal before July 9 hinges on Modi, Trump bonhomie as differences persist

Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years.

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Crizac IPO closes with 60x subscription, GMP surges to 17%: Here's what analysts say

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Zoya Springwala

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Elara Capital explains why EM inflows are at strongest pace since 2023 in last six weeks

Anishaa Kumar

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Khushi Keswani

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Preeti Kulkarni is a financial journalist with over 13 years of experience. Based in Mumbai, she covers the personal finance beat for Moneycontrol. She focusses primarily on insurance, banking, taxation and financial planning

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Rewati Karan

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203 weapons including rifles, pistols recovered in major success for security forces in Manipur; IEDs, grenades also seized

Yeeshu Yadav

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Ria Kapoor

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Bihar election roll revision: Full list of documents required; Aadhaar not one of them

Priyanjali Ghose

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BJP to get first woman national president? RSS on board, Sitharaman and Purandeswari among likely frontrunners

Parimal Peeyush

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China shared real-time intel with Pakistan during Op Sindoor, used it as 'live lab': Army

Rewati Karan

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EAM S Jaishankar to embark on three-day visit to China next week

Yeeshu Yadav

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Grounded F-35B in Kerala to be dismantled under iron-clad secrecy: Decoding costly security headache

Surabhi Pandey

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'Humbled to be first Indian PM to speak at iconic Red House': PM Modi on addressing Trinidad and Tobago's Parliament

Yeeshu Yadav

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'Insult to women': BJP on Congress campaign in Bihar with Rahul Gandhi's photo on sanitary pad boxes

Ria Kapoor

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Jaishankar set to visit China for SCO meet, his first since 2020 military standoff

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MNS workers detained for assault over Marathi, walk free as charges are bailable

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One border, three enemies: Deputy Army chief reveals how China and Turkey aided Pakistan during Operation Sindoor

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'Pakistan sought ceasefire as it knew there was a punch ready': Deputy Chief of Army Staff on Op Sindoor

Chhabi Kala

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PM Modi served food on Sohari leaf during dinner hosted by Trinidad and Tobago counterpart

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'This won't be tolerated': Maharashtra CM Fadnavis on slap incident over Marathi language

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Trinamool minister Sidduqullah Chowdhury threatens to quit after attack on convoy by own party supporters: 'Attempt to kill me'

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TVK announces actor Vijay as CM face for 2026 polls, rules out alliance with BJP and DMK

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A blueprint to get bang for the buck out of governments Rs 1 trillion research support scheme

Arindam Goswami is a software professional and a Research Scholar at The Takshashila Institution. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.

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Rethinking 'Socialist' and 'Secular': Is It Time to Revisit the 42nd Constitutional Amendment?

Arun Anand has authored two books on the RSS. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.

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Japanese company under fire for circulating nude photos of underperforming workers as 'punishment'

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Soham Parekh admits to holding multiple jobs, reveals new role: 'Not proud of it, but I had no choice'

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Earth Expected to Spin Faster on These Days in July and August

Sheetal Kumari

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MC Science Desk Read the latest and trending science newsstay updated on NASA, ISRO, space missions, planets, asteroids, black holes, AI, quantum physics, galaxy discoveries, and more exciting breakthroughs.

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AI for everyone: Oppos Peter Dohyung Lee on why India remains at the heart of brand's strategy

Ankita Chakravarti is a seasoned journalist with nearly a decade of experience in media. She specializes in technology and lifestyle journalism. She has worked with top Indian media houses like India Today, Zee News, The Statesman, and Millennium Post. Her expertise spans tech trends, phone launches, gadget reviews, and entertainment news. Ankita holds a Master's in Journalism and Mass Communication along with a degree in English Literature. She can be reached out at ankita.chakravarti@nw18.com

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Govt sees Foxconn's Chinese staff exit as a challenge, but also opportunity to diversify workforce

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Nvidia beats Apple to become most valuable company in the world

MC Tech Desk Read the latest and trending tech newsstay updated on AI, gadgets, cybersecurity, software updates, smartphones, blockchain, space tech, and the future of innovation.

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DanyangKunshan Grand Bridge: All you need to know about the worlds longest bridge

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

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24 rape cases in 9 days: How Bangladesh is grappling with explosive rise in crime against women

Abhinav Gupta

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90 days, 90 trade deals? Heres what Trump has actually pulled off ahead of July 9 deadline

Abhinav Gupta

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Abhinav Gupta

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Breaking down Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill': Who gains, who loses and what it means for Americans

Abhinav Gupta

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Donald Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' set for July 4 signing - Here's what it covers and when it kicks in

Pragya Trivedi

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Donald Trump says likely to start informing countries of US tariffs Friday

Surabhi Pandey

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Germany has called on China to take immediate steps to prevent any indirect support for Russias military campaign in Ukraine. Speaking at a joint press conference in Berlin, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul asked Beijing to restrict exports that could be used for military purposes. Russias war threatens European security. Ending itand cutting off all external supportmust be a priority, said Wadephul. The message aligns with broader efforts from the European Union, which is increasingly critical of Chinas role in global trade flows linked to Moscow.

Concerns Over Dual-Use Goods

While China is not accused of supplying weapons, EU officials are concerned about dual-use itemssuch as drones, electronics, and other industrial componentsthat could be repurposed by Russia for military use. Its essential that these goods dont reach Russia, Wadephul added. China must act to close these gaps.

Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi responded by reiterating Beijings position: a call for dialogue and peace, and a denial of any weapons support to Russia. We understand Europes concerns. China does not provide lethal weapons and regulates dual-use exports strictly, Wang said.

But Chinas expanding trade relationship with Russia remains a point of contention in Brussels.

Trade Friction Over Rare Earths

Germany also raised the issue of rare earth mineral exports, accusing China of creating instability in supply chains through non-transparent restrictions. These minerals are essential for manufacturing and defense industries across the EU. Ongoing export limits are creating uncertainty and undermining Chinas reputation as a reliable trade partner, Wadephul stated.

As fighting intensifies in Ukraine, Germany says it is increasing its support for Kyiv, including helping Ukraine ramp up weapons production domestically.

However, EU policymakers say meaningful pressure must also be applied to Chinaespecially given its close economic ties to Moscow. The Berlin talks are part of a larger diplomatic effort to push Beijing to reconsider the strategic impact of its trade flows and political neutrality.

Growing Diplomatic Pressure

European officials argue that a neutral position is no longer viable, especially if trade practices are seen as indirectly enabling Russias military operations.

China has yet to signal any shift in policybut with growing scrutiny from Europe, its actions over the next few months could have wide-reaching consequences.
EU plans major overhaul of health laws for 2025

The European Union is planning a major overhaul of its health laws to be delivered in 2025, a move intended to strengthen the bloc's crisis preparedness and build a more robust European Health Union, according to a report in Politico. The initiative is largely a response to vulnerabilities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and aims to improve coordination, secure supply chains for medicines, and update legal frameworks for new technologies. While the report links EU Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi to the effort, his official portfolio is Neighbourhood and Enlargement, with health policy typically falling under the responsibility of the Health Commissioner. Any new legislation would require approval from both the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union.
Pragya Trivedi

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From Red Army to Red Carpet: How Russia's Taliban recognition is a tectonic shift in diplomacy

Surabhi Pandey

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He could get offended: Putin rushes out mid-event to attend phone call with Trump | Watch

Smriti Mishra

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PM Modi receives grand welcome in Trinidad and Tobago; praised as 'transformational force' by counterpart Kamla Persad-Bissessar

Pragya Trivedi

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Mali junta chief granted renewable five-year term, deepening ties with Russia

Mali's military government has officially granted its leader, General Assimi Goita, a five-year presidential term that can be renewed indefinitely, effectively scrapping a previously agreed-upon timeline for a return to civilian rule, France 24 said in a report. This development cements the junta's hold on power in the West African nation, which has progressively shifted its allegiance away from Western partners like France and towards Russia. The move is significant in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war, as it solidifies a pro-Russian regime in a strategic region where Moscow has expanded its influence, partly through the deployment of Wagner Group military contractors, while seeking to counter Western efforts to isolate it on the global stage.
Stalemate or strategy? Why Trump-Xi summit remains a no-show as trade talks tick down to deadline

Abhinav Gupta

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Trump is expected to sign his huge bill of tax and spending cuts at the White House July 4 picnic

101Reporters

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Fighter jets set to fly over White House for Trumps July 4 Big Beautiful Bill signing - Heres the expected cost

Pragya Trivedi

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Trump says he expects Hamas decision in 24 hours on 'final' peace proposal

Smriti Mishra

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On the 104th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of China, Colin Mackerras, Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities and the world-renowned Australian sinologist, noted during the latest episode of W.E. Talk that although Marxism originated in German philosophy, it holds universal value. By adapting it to Chinese realities, the CPC has driven a uniquely Chinese path to modernizationdistinct from Western modelswhile upholding a people-centric approach that unites all social strata and improves living standards. At the same time, China promotes global governance through the concept of a shared future for mankind, demonstrating an inclusive international outlook. (Chen Tianhao)
After massive Russian assault, Zelensky says agreed to work with Trump to 'strengthen' Ukraine air defences

Abhinav Gupta

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Tibetans in exile wonder: Will the next Dalai Lama be as charismatic as this one?

Tibetans in exile wonder: Will the next Dalai Lama be as charismatic as this one? View Photo

DHARAMSHALA, India (AP)  The Dalai Lama has announced that he intends to reincarnate, paving the way for a successor to take on a mantle stretching back 500 years after his death.

But as he approaches his 90th birthday, that news hasnt eased the worries of Tibetan Buddhists who wonder: What will happen when this Dalai Lama is gone?

For decades, the 14th Dalai Lama has been more than a spiritual leader. He has sustained a nation in exile and managed to build a community thats kept the Tibetan culture and identity alive. He is the China -reviled spokesperson for a Tibetan homeland that many, like him, can see only from afar. He has received a Nobel Peace Prize and been courted by royalty, politicians and Hollywood stars, helping him draw global attention and support for Tibet.

When his death comes, it will pitch the global Tibetan community into uncertainty, perhaps for years. His successor will have to be found through the traditional process of reincarnation. China, whose troops took control of Tibet in 1950, says it will reject anyone chosen without Beijings consent.

Tibetans in Indias Himalayan town of Dharamshala, the Dalai Lamas home in exile, and scattered around the world fear a new onslaught on their cultural and religious identity.

The absence of His Holiness would be a huge setback for the Tibetans, said Penpa Tsering, the head of the democratically elected Tibetan government-in-exile. The responsibility lies on us as to how we carry forward the legacy of His Holiness.

A long gap

The Dalai Lama has become one of the worlds most recognizable figures while leading a Tibetan diaspora through their struggle for autonomy and opposition of Chinas control of Tibet. He has not named a successor, but he says they will be born in the free world  outside China.

Previous Dalai Lamas have been identified by senior monastic disciples, under strict religious rituals meant to identify their predecessors reincarnation. Monks interpret signs, consult oracles and send search committees to Tibetan households looking for a child who exhibits the qualities of the Dalai Lama.

All of this takes years of effort, leaving a leadership vacuum. Years of religious education and training are needed before the identified successor grows up and takes up full responsibilities as spiritual leader.

China has already sought to elevate other spiritual figures, particularly Tibetan Buddhisms No. 2 figure, the Panchen Lama, whose legitimacy is highly contested by many Tibetans at home and in exile.

Gyaltsen Norbu was installed by Beijing as the 11th Panchen Lama in 1995 after followers of the Dalai Lama recognized a different boy as the Panchens incarnation. That boy disappeared soon after.

Joy and stubbornness

And theres no guarantee the successor will have the current Dalai Lamas charisma, or his ability to balance a sense of joy with the stubbornness needed to counter China.

He is a fulcrum, hes the epitome of the Tibetan movement, said writer and activist Tenzin Tsundue, who was born in India.

Tsundue for years has advocated for Tibets autonomy. To him, the current Dalai Lamas absence will be hugely felt.

Like many other Tibetans, however, his hopes are pinned on the government in exile. How is home not anything but a genuine human demand? he added.

Such concerns are most prevalent in Dharamshala, where a Tibetan community of over 20,000 administers its own schools, hospitals and monasteries and elects its own lawmakers and president. The Dalai Lama handed over his political powers to a democratically elected government in 2011.

Beijing is likely to appoint its own candidate

China doesnt recognize the Tibetan government-in-exile and brands the Dalai Lama a dangerous separatist. It has shunned direct contact with his representatives for more than a decade.

It has insisted that the Dalai Lamas successor will be from inside China and must be approved by its government.

Tibetans in exile have long been wary of the officially atheist Chinese governments attempts to meddle with the Tibetan Buddhism reincarnation system. They see it as part of Beijings plan to tighten its control over Tibet.

If they do it, they are actually making a mockery of themselves among the free countries, said Geshe Lhakdor, a Tibetan Buddhist scholar, calling Beijings stance hypocrisy.

Tibetans say they were effectively independent for centuries and accuse China of trying to wipe out Tibets Buddhist culture and language. Many of the more than 7 million Tibetans living under Chinese rule accuse Beijing of stifling religious freedoms, changing its ethnic makeup by moving millions of Han Chinese into the region and torturing political prisoners.

The Chinese government denies these allegations.

Waning global attention

For years, governments across the world have feted the Dalai Lama for advocating for Tibetan rights and spreading a message of nonviolence. They have also helped him raise tens of millions of dollars to build Tibetan cultural and religious institutions.

But Tsundue said that global powers have become more unreliable in their support of the Tibetan cause as Chinas influence grows.

Everybody has benefited at our cost because they have been trading with China, Tsundue said. We are, in a way, a victim of geopolitics.

Some countries, including the United States, view Beijings attempts to control the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama as a violation of religious freedom and Tibetan cultural tradition. Others, like the European Union and India, have maintained a cautious stance to avoid friction with China.

Tsering, the president of the government-in-exile, acknowledged this, calling Tibetans efforts to keep the issue of Tibet alive a miracle.

He also cautioned that the future depends on the Tibetan people at large.

Under the Dalai Lamas Middle Way policy, the movement for Tibets autonomy has largely been nonviolent. It espouses autonomy under Chinese sovereignty.

The newly announced succession plan, however, can prompt a reckoning of that policy, and it is unclear how the Dalai Lamas successor might approach dialogue with Beijing.

Tsering cautioned that much could change in the coming years. His biggest worry is that the Dalai Lamas death in exile could trigger a violent response inside Tibet, where in recent years hundreds of monks and others reportedly set themselves on fire in protest against Chinese rule.

I hope the Tibetans wont get radicalized, he said.

By SHEIKH SAALIQ

Associated Press
Indonesia suspends search for 29 missing after ferry sinking because of poor visibility View Photo

GILIMANUK, Indonesia (AP)  Indonesian authorities deployed navy ships and helicopters Friday in the intensified search for 29 people still missing almost two days after a ferry sank near the tourist island of Bali. But the search was later suspended because of poor visibility.

More than 160 rescuers including police and soldiers were involved in the search that resumed after being halted overnight because of poor visibility, said Ribut Eko Suyatno, the deputy chief of operations at the National Search and Rescue Agency.

Bad weather conditions

Three helicopters and a thermal drone had been involved in the search by air over the Bali Strait, while about 20 vessels and fishing boats were mobilized for the sea search, Suyatno said. As weather forecasts predict high waves and rough waters around the Bali Strait on Friday, he said at least three navy ships had been deployed.

Videos and photos released by the agency showed rescuers looking desperately from rescue boats in the waters, but no new survivors or bodies were found by Friday evening.

The search was suspended Friday evening because of bad weather and poor visibility, and will resume early Saturday, Suyatno said.

Suyatno told reporters late Friday that visibility was down to 3 kilometers (under 2 miles) from 10 kilometers (just over 6 miles) on Thursday because of thick fog  that coupled with waves up to 2 meters (more than 8 feet) high and strong winds were hampering our efforts in the second day of search.

Short journey

The KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya ferry was carrying 53 passengers and 12 crew members when it sank almost a half hour after leaving Ketapang port in East Java late Wednesday for a trip of about 5 kilometers (3 miles) to Balis Gilimanuk port.

The agency released the names of 29 survivors and six people confirmed dead late Thursday. But Suyatno revised the survivors to 30 after a male passenger who was initially reported missing went straight home, and only reported himself to authorities on Friday. According to the passenger manifest, 29 people still were missing by Friday evening.

Relatives wait for news

Survivors were being treated at Balis Jembrana Regional Hospital, while distraught relatives gathered at the port office in Gilimanuk on Friday, hoping for news of missing family members.

Television reports showed relatives wailing as they received the body of their loved ones in a handover ceremony at the hospital. One of them was Bintang Nur Hidayat, who lost his wife, Nindi Elly Rosita, whom he had married two weeks ago.

Please forgive me Nindi, Hidayat said, weeping in his relatives arms. I cant take care of you, please forgive me.

His father, Achmad, told reporters, while his 27-year-old son cried next to him, how the newlyweds, who were on their way to honeymoon in Bali, jumped off together when the ferry began to sink.

However, the rapid sinking of the ship had created a huge wave that caused his wife to slip from his grasp, said Achmad, who goes by a single name. He quoted his son as saying that Hidayat kept calling out his wifes name, even as he was being lifted into a lifeboat, and ended up finding his wifes body in the hospital.

Cause under investigation

Indonesian authorities are investigating the cause of the sinking. Some survivors told rescuers there appeared to be a leak in the engine room of the ferry, which was carrying 22 vehicles including 14 trucks.

But a survivor, Bejo Santoso, in an interview with Metro TV, believed that high waves and strong currents caused the sinking.

The high waves hit the ferry several times, causing the vessel to roll to the left when it was halfway to Gilimanuk, said Santoso, who was traveling alone to Bali. He recalled how trucks, buses and other cars immediately fell and piled up on the left side of the ferry, and within less than five minutes, the ship sank.

It all happened so fast that there was not enough time for the crew to issue instructions, Santoso said, adding that there were a lot of life jackets in the ferry, but in such a short time, only the people on the outer deck could reach them, including him. He said he immediately threw one overboard before jumping into the sea.

I didnt get to wear a life jacket on board, but held it as a floating tool for hours at sea until a fisherman rescued us early morning with his boat, Santoso said. He estimated that only half of the people onboard were able to jump into the sea, some with life jackets and others with two lifeboats.

He floated for more than six hours in choppy waters along with three other male passengers, but one of them, who claimed to be suffering from lung disease, died after almost four hours of floating, due to panic and drinking too much sea water, Santoso said. The group of three kept the mans body with them until they were rescued.

History of disasters

Ferry tragedies occur regularly in Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, with weak enforcement of safety regulations often to blame.

Fifteen people were killed after a boat capsized off Indonesias Sulawesi in 2023, while another ferry sank in rough seas near Bali in 2021, leaving seven dead and 11 missing.

In 2018, an overcrowded ferry sank with about 200 people on board in a deep volcanic crater lake in North Sumatra province, killing 167 people.

In one of the countrys worst recorded disasters, an overcrowded passenger ship sank in February 1999 with 332 people aboard. There were only 20 survivors.

___

Niniek Karmini and Edna Tarigan contributed to this report from Jakarta.

By FIRDIA LISNAWATI

Associated Press
Dalai Lama, god-king for Tibetan Buddhists, will have a successor. That decision is consequential View Photo

DHARAMSHALA, India (AP)  The Dalai Lama has often called himself a simple monk, but millions of his Tibetan Buddhist followers have worshipped him for decades as a near deity.

They also see him as the face of Tibets aspirations for greater autonomy, but have for years wrestled with the idea that he might be the last person to hold the role.

He put that speculation to rest Wednesday, just days before he turns 90 on Sunday. There will be a successor after his death, he announced, and the Dalai Lamas office will lead the search and recognize a successor in accordance with past tradition.

The decision is consequential for most Tibetans, who have struggled for decades to keep their identity alive  in Tibet or outside in exile  and rallied behind the Dalai Lama for that cause. It could also irk China, which insists that it alone has the authority to approve the next religious leader, a move seen as Beijings efforts to strengthen its control over Tibets overwhelmingly Buddhist population.

Simple Buddhist monk hailed as a god-king

Recognized worldwide in his red robes and wide smile, the Dalai Lama describes himself as a simple Buddhist monk. But he is also worshipped as living manifestations of Chenrezig, the Buddhist god of compassion, and is the 14th person to hold the title of the Dalai Lama in a tradition stretching back 500 years.

As a village boy, Tenzin Gyatso was thrust onto the Tibetan throne to become the Dalai Lama  a god-king to his people  in 1937. Soon after, Chinese troops swept into his homeland in the 1950s and crushed a failed uprising. He escaped with thousands of his followers to India and established a government in exile.

Since then, the Dalai Lama has spent more than seven decades in exile, living an austere monastic life in regal isolation in the tiny, Himalayan town of Dharamshala. He has also jetted from capital to capital to try to force the aspirations of his tiny community onto the world agenda, uniting and mobilizing Tibetans inside and outside China.

The face of Tibets struggle for autonomy

Tibetans in exile say they were effectively independent for centuries, and accuse China of trying to wipe out Tibets Buddhist culture and language, and encouraging Chinese to move there from other parts of the country. Beijing insists Tibet is a part of China.

While many Tibetans seek full independence, the Dalai Lama has long said that he seeks only substantial autonomy and identity for Tibetan people. He has advocated for a nonviolent Middle Way for autonomy and religious freedom for Tibetan people through peaceful means.

Beijing, however, accuses him of making efforts to wrest Tibets control away from China and inciting rebellion among Tibetans. In the past, Chinese leaders have called him a wolf in monks robes and the scum of Buddhism.

In 1989, the Nobel Peace Prize committee honored him for his consistent resistance to the use of violence in his peoples struggle. In 2011, he relinquished his role as head of the self-proclaimed Tibetan government-in-exile and handed over political powers to a democratically elected government.

Raging dispute

With the Dalai Lama in his twilight years, the question looms about what happens after him.

The Dalai Lama has said that his successor will be born in a free country, indicating that the next spiritual leader could come from among Tibetan exiles and not from China.

China, meanwhile, is determined to control the succession of the Dalai Lama and insists that the reincarnation must be found in Chinas Tibetan areas, giving the Communist authorities immense power over who is chosen.

Thus, many observers believe there eventually will be rival Dalai Lamas  one appointed by Beijing, and one by senior monks loyal to the current Dalai Lama.

China has also sought to elevate other spiritual figures, particularly Tibetan Buddhisms No. 2 figure, the Panchen Lama. A boy recognized by the Dalai Lama as the new Panchen disappeared soon after, and Beijing produced its own successor, whose legitimacy is highly contested.

Search for next Dalai Lama

The search for a Dalai Lamas reincarnation begins only upon the incumbents death. Traditionally, the successor has been identified by senior monastic disciples, based on spiritual signs and visions. They interpret signs, consult oracles and send search parties to the Tibetan region for a child who exhibits qualities of the previous Dalai Lama.

It can take several years after the next Dalai Lama is identified as a baby and groomed to take the reins.

That process might be undone this time as the Dalai Lama has said that he might leave written instructions for finding his reincarnation, or name his successor while still alive.

By SHEIKH SAALIQ

Associated Press
More than 20 are injured including 1 seriously when bus flips over in northeastern Germany

More than 20 are injured including 1 seriously when bus flips over in northeastern Germany View Photo

BERLIN (AP)  A bus carrying travelers from Denmark to Austria skidded off a road in northern Germany and flipped over on Friday, injuring more than 20 people including one seriously, police said.

The bus, operated by Flixbus, left the Autobahn motorway in the pre-dawn hours on an exchange leading to the city of Robel, about 140 kilometers (85 miles) north of Berlin, police said.

The cause of the accident was under investigation.

23 people were injured on the bus carrying 53 passengers and two drivers from Copenhagen to Vienna, according to Flixbus. Rescuers took about two hours to extract one seriously injured victim.

Emergency services, the fire brigade and a rescue helicopter responded. Authorities sealed off the area of the road throughout Friday morning.

Flixbus expressed great dismay that the bus crashed and said it was working with authorities to determine the cause of the incident.
El Salvador President Bukele denies beating and torture of Kilmar Abrego Garcia in prison View Photo

MEXICO CITY (AP)  El Salvador President Nayib Bukele cast aside allegations that Kilmar Abrego Garcia was beaten and subject to psychological torture in a Salvadoran prison on Thursday.

In a post on the social media platform X, Bukele wrote that Abrego Garcia wasnt tortured, nor did he lose weight. In the post, Bukele included pictures and video of Abrego Garcia in a detention cell.

If hed been tortured, sleep-deprived, and starved, why does he look so well in every picture? Bukele wrote.

It comes after Abrego Garcia said he suffered severe beatings, severe sleep deprivation and psychological torture in the notorious El Salvador prison the Trump administration had mistakenly deported him to in March, according to court documents filed on Wednesday.

He said he was kicked and hit so often after arrival that by the following day, he had visible bruises and lumps all over his body. He said he and 20 others were forced to kneel all night long and guards hit anyone who fell.

In the new court documents, Abrego Garcia said detainees at CECOT were confined to metal bunks with no mattresses in an overcrowded cell with no windows, bright lights that remained on 24 hours a day, and minimal access to sanitation.

Abrego Garcias description falls in line with accounts from other Salvadorans who were detained under Bukeles state of emergency, where the government has detained more than 1% of the Central American nations population in its war on the countrys gangs.

Hundreds of people people have died in the prisons, according to human rights groups, which have also documented cases of torture and deteriorated conditions.

Abrego Garcia was living in Maryland when he was mistakenly deported and became a flashpoint in U.S. President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown. The new details of Abrego Garcias incarceration in El Salvador were added to a lawsuit against the Trump administration that Abrego Garcias wife filed in Maryland federal court after he was deported.

The Trump administration has asked a federal judge in Maryland to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that it is now moot because the government returned him to the United States as ordered by the court.
San Andreas, CACAL Fire Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit (TCU) encourages everyone to enjoy the Independence Day holiday while cautioning that fireworks can be dangerous; even those considered safe can start a fire.

Since 2024, fireworks have caused over $35 million in property damage across California, sparking 1,230 fires, said Chief Daniel Berlant, California State Fire Marshal. It is your responsibility to prevent fires and injuries. Dont let your Fourth of July celebration end in flames.

CAL Fire TCU reminds the public that fireworks rules and regulations vary within the unit. In Tuolumne County, all fireworks are banned, including safe and sane fireworks. The same ban applies to Mariposa County. In Calaveras County, safe and sane fireworks are permitted except in the Ebbetts Pass Fire Protection District. However, they cannot be possessed, transported, or discharged in neighboring Tuolumne County. Amador County also allows these fireworks, and a list of communities that permit them can be found by clicking here.

Safe and sane fireworks are usually identified by their label, as shown to the right. CAL Fire provides these safety tips for using safe and sane fireworks:

Local ordinances should be verified before purchasing and/or using fireworks.

Always read directions.

Always have an adult present.

Use fireworks outdoors only.

Never use near-dry grass or other flammable materials.

Light one at a time.

Keep a safe distance.

Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

Never experiment with fireworks.

Have a bucket of water and a hose handy.

Never attempt to relight or fix fireworks.

Do not wear loose-fitting clothing.

Never carry fireworks in your pockets.

Fireworks are not toys.

It is recommended that you use a bucket of gray/reused water to submerge your fireworks after they are used to fully extinguish them.

It is illegal to transport safe and sane fireworks through any city or county where they are not permitted.

CAL Fire TCU officials also warn that dangerous fireworks are illegal in California, regardless of how they arrive in the state. They listed dangerous fireworks below:

firecrackers

skyrockets

rockets, devices using combustible or explosive material that rise in the air

Roman candles, devices that discharge balls of fire

Sparklers longer than ten inches or a quarter inch in diameter.

These can be surrendered at any fire station without penalty; however, those breaking the law could face fines up to $1,000 and up to one year in county jail. Possessing a large quantity of dangerous fireworks could lead to felony charges, punishable by up to three years in state prison and a $50,000 fine.
Lawyers for Kilmar Abrego Garcia ask judge to keep him in jail over deportation concerns

Lawyers for Kilmar Abrego Garcia ask judge to keep him in jail over deportation concerns View Photo

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)  Attorneys for Kilmar Abrego Garcia asked a federal judge in Tennessee on Friday to delay his release from jail because of contradictory statements by President Donald Trumps administration over whether or not hell be deported upon release.

A federal judge in Nashville has been preparing to release Abrego Garcia to await trial on human smuggling charges. But shes been holding off over concerns that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement would swiftly detain him and try to deport him again.

Abrego Garcias attorneys are now asking the judge to continue to detain him following statements by Trump administration officials because we cannot put any faith in any representation made on this issue by the Justice Department.

The irony of this request is not lost on anyone, the attorneys wrote.

Abrego Garcia, a construction worker who had been living in Maryland, became a flashpoint over Trumps hard-line immigration policies when he was mistakenly deported to his native El Salvador in March. Facing mounting pressure and a Supreme Court order, Trumps Republican administration returned him this month to face the smuggling charges, which his attorneys have called preposterous.

In a response to the request by Abrego Garcias attorneys on Friday, acting U.S. Attorney Rob McGuire agreed to delaying Abrego Garcias release. He reiterated his stance that Abrego Garcia should remain in jail before trial and that he lacks jurisdiction over ICE, stating that he has no way to prevent Abrego Garcias deportation.

The Department of Homeland Security, which includes ICE, did not respond directly to a question from The Associated Press regarding its plans for Abrego Garcia. A DHS spokesperson, Tricia McLaughlin, said in a statement that he will never go free on American soil.

Justice Department spokesman Chad Gilmartin told The Associated Press on Thursday that the department intends to try Abrego Garcia on the smuggling charges before it moves to deport him, stating that Abrego Garcia has been charged with horrific crimes, including trafficking children, and will not walk free in our country again.

Hours earlier, Justice Department attorney Jonathan Guynn told a federal judge in Maryland that the U.S. government plans to deport Abrego Garcia to a third country that isnt El Salvador. Guynn said there was no timeline for the deportation plans.

Abrego Garcias attorneys on Friday cited Guynns comments as a reason to fear he would be deported immediately. They accused the Trump administration of bringing Abrego Garcia back to convict him in the court of public opinion with the intention of deporting him before he has a chance to defend himself at trial.

In a just world, he would not seek to prolong his detention further, his attorneys wrote.

Abrego Garcias attorneys have asked the judge to delay his release until a July 16 court hearing, which will consider a request by prosecutors to revoke Abrego Garcias release order while he awaits trial.

Abrego Garcia pleaded not guilty on June 13 to smuggling charges that his attorneys have characterized as an attempt to justify his mistaken expulsion to a notorious prison in El Salvador.

When the Trump administration deported Abrego Garcia in March, it violated a U.S. immigration judges order in 2019 that barred his expulsion to his native country. The immigration judge had found that Abrego Garcia faced a credible threat from gangs that had terrorized him and his family.

The human smuggling charges pending against Abrego Garcia stem from a 2022 traffic stop for speeding in Tennessee, during which Abrego Garcia was driving a vehicle with nine passengers without luggage.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara Holmes in Nashville wrote in a ruling Sunday that federal prosecutors failed to show that Abrego Garcia was a flight risk or a danger to the community.

During a court hearing Wednesday, Holmes set specific conditions for Abrego Garcias release that included him living with his brother, a U.S. citizen, in Maryland. But she held off on releasing him over concerns that prosecutors cant prevent ICE from deporting him.

___

Finley reported from Norfolk, Va.

By BEN FINLEY and TRAVIS LOLLER

Associated Press
Superconducting magnets from dark matter labs can hear universes unheard music Interesting Engineering

Italian Mechanic Transforms Junked Fiat Panda Into the Worlds Narrowest Fully Functional Car Laughing Squid

Water

Pandemics

Well, now the technology is finally emerging that will let us detect viral persistence of COVID.https://t.co/cC6ytdtouD  Friesein (@Friesein) July 3, 2025

Examples in thread:

Crying reading young ppl in TikTok comments discover in real time that they have brain damage from past covid infections. No ones ever told them that its connected and theyre panicking because theyve had Covid so many times. So heartbroken and angry that weve let this happen  Becca Roth (@Becca_Roth) July 1, 2025

China?

India

Africa

Old Blighty

Syraqistan

How did we wind up at war with Iran? Scott Horton explains. (0:00) The History of Why Iran Is Such a Global Focal Point

(11:16) The Jimmy Carter Doctrine

(22:29) The Brutality of the Iraq/Iran War

(29:40) The First Iraq War Was a Massive Mistake

(41:32) Bill Clintons Fatal pic.twitter.com/WnZ3zXBmcF  Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) July 3, 2025

European Disunion

New Not-So-Cold War

Several large fires are burning in Kyiv from the combined missile and drone strikes on the city. https://t.co/ddbaOGEDQi pic.twitter.com/wXyKykp485  AMK Mapping  (@AMK_Mapping_) July 4, 2025

BRICS

Liberation Day

Beijing also achieved a higher-level longtime goal: Washington has now put export controls, a national security tool historically treated as non-negotiable, on the table in trade talks https://t.co/o59AHhIj2t  Shehzad Qazi (@shehzadhqazi) July 3, 2025

Trump 2.0

Disappearance Department

With this vote, Congress makes ICE the highest-funded federal law enforcement agency in history, with more money per year at its disposal over the next four years than the budgets of the FBI, DEA, ATF, US Marshals, and Bureau of Prisons combined. https://t.co/TYe1G8u4IS  Aaron Reichlin-Melnick (@ReichlinMelnick) July 3, 2025

AI Police State

The budget bill opens the floodgates for state surveillance tech and bad AI Blood in the Machine

Silicon Valley/Venture Capital Pentagon

Of course the least controversial component of the Big Beautiful Bill that hardly anyones even noticed or talked about is the first tranche of $25 Billion for this ridiculous Lockheed Martin boondoggle thats about to spur a global arms race pic.twitter.com/b1B2ihkZTp  Michael Tracey (@mtracey) July 4, 2025

Economic Inequality

average change in annual income for americans once the big beautiful bill passes (imminently) pic.twitter.com/CZOqjty5JX  ian bremmer (@ianbremmer) July 3, 2025

Climate

Healthcare

Republicans Are Cutting Medicare. Not Only Medicaid, Medicare. David Dayen, The American Prospect

From the States

Odds and Ends

Taking a page from the China playbook, the budget bill in the House would subsidize US companies to form joint ventures with big Chinese battery makers that currently dominate the industry. The Electric. https://t.co/qV7DJUldgg  Steve LeVine (@stevelevine) July 3, 2025

MAHA

Prasadism Infests the Food & Drug Administration Pandemic Accountability Index

Democrats en deshabille

7 minutes after the Big Beautiful Bill passed, I received a fundraising text claiming Hakeem Jeffries stonewalled Trump. pic.twitter.com/nH1Itd9ETd  Appodlachia (@appodlachia) July 3, 2025

Mamdani

Democratic congressman @Tom_Suozzi slams Zohran Mamdani as a bad example who made lofty, utopian promises: free public transit, free college tuition, more public housing pic.twitter.com/tv3JM76DWh  Ken Klippenstein (@kenklippenstein) July 2, 2025

Mamdani and Beyond ZZs Blog

What I love about Ackman is that he has no problem brazenly showing us how the oligarchy works in this country. This billionaire gets private sit downs with Adams and Cuomo and then decides which of them should run. Democracy? Who needs it. Oligarchy is what we have. https://t.co/TAVTrxwiI3  Mehdi Hasan (@mehdirhasan) July 3, 2025

The Necessity of Birthright Citizenship for Black People Black Agenda Report

AI

ChatGPT creates phishers paradise by recommending the wrong URLs for major companies The Register

No customers! After receiving a $4.7 billion subsidy, Samsungs chip factory in the United States postponed production Karl Sanchez

Police State Watch

Healthcare?

Silicon Valley/Venture Capital Pentagon

We need to escape the Gernsback Continuum Programmable Mutter

The Bezzle

Why crypto companies are rushing for bank charters Axios

Are you caught up on the emerging FAKE EQUITY DEBACLE? So, ICYMI, theres a heated dispute going on between the likes of Elon Musk and Sam Altman over whether Robinhoods new Europe-focused tokenized equities are real equities or not. To generate these contracts Robinhood uses  Izabella Kaminska (@izakaminska) July 3, 2025

Class Warfare

Workers Song The Baffler

Awkward silences Aeon

Antidote du jour (via):

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.
AI-powered digital employees revolutionize banking, work alongside human employees

BNY Mellon has introduced AI-powered workers with company logins that operate autonomously. They handle tasks like coding, payment validation and vulnerability detection without direct oversight.

BNY Mellon's first two AI personas were built in three months, with plans to integrate email and Teams accounts. Goldman Sachs has deployed an AI assistant to 10,000 employees, aiming for firmwide rollout by year-end.

Tools like Goldman's "GS AI Assistant" proofread documents, translate code, and may soon execute complex tasks. JPMorgan's internal chatbot is used by 230,000 staff, signaling widespread AI integration.

Banks debate AI autonomy levels, while Bloomberg predicts 200,000 finance jobs may disappear by 2028 as AI takes over middle-office functions  reshaping traditional employment definitions.

AI's disruption of cognitive roles mirrors the Industrial Revolution's impact, accelerating faster. Banks aim to balance human-AI collaboration, but the workforce will look fundamentally different as "bots join payroll."

The Bank of New York Mellon (BNY) has quietly ushered in a new era of workplace automation, deploying "digital employees" powered by artificial intelligence (AI).

These digital employees are equipped with their own credentials such as company logins, just like their human counterparts. They also operate autonomously  validating transactions, identifying software vulnerabilities and communicating with human managers, all without direct oversight.

BNY Chief Information Officer (CIO) Leigh-Ann Russell said BNY Mellon's initial two AI personas were developed in just three months, and were assigned to specific teams to restrict data access. One was designed to handle coding duties, and the other was assigned to do payment validation.

Soon, they will gain email and Microsoft Teams accounts  blurring the line between human and machine collaboration. "This is the next level," Russell told the Wall Street Journal. "In six months, it will become very, very prevalent."

Goldman Sachs has similarly rolled out an AI assistant to 10,000 bankers and traders, with plans to expand firmwide by year's end. Dubbed "GS AI Assistant," the tool proofreads documents, translates code and may soon execute multi-step tasks like a seasoned employee.

Goldman Sachs CIO Marco Argenti envisions AI evolving to "reason" like a company veteran, generating solutions without explicit instructions. "People are going to be the ones that evolve the AI," he told CNBC, downplaying fears of mass layoffs. Yet, Bloomberg estimates up to 200,000 finance jobs could vanish by 2028 as AI handles middle-office functions. (Related: Bill Gates predicts AI will replace humans in most roles within a decade.)

How AI "colleagues" are redefining finance jobs

Meanwhile, JPMorgan is navigating how much autonomy to grant AI. While the company's Chief Analytics Officer Derek Waldron said defining access levels remains a case-by-case challenge, he predicts every employee will eventually have an AI counterpart.

Already, 230,000 JPMorgan staff use an internal chatbot  hinting at a future where AI concierges manage client interactions. The use of AI by the world's top three investment banks signals a seismic shift in how financial institutions operate.

Historically, automation began replacing manual labor a long time ago: textile workers in the 19th century, factory assemblers in the 20th. Today's AI upheaval targets cognitive roles, mirroring the Industrial Revolution's disruption but accelerating faster. According to Scott Mullins of Amazon Web Services, the finance industry is grappling with a fundamental question: "How do we coordinate [human and digital workers] together?"

As banks test these uncharted waters, the implications stretch beyond efficiency. If AI can validate payments or draft legal documents with near-human judgment, the very nature of employment and who or what qualifies as a "colleague" may need redefinition.

For now, BNY Mellon insists it will keep hiring humans. But with digital employees logging in alongside them, Wall Street's future workforce may look utterly unlike its past. For better or worse, the bots are now on payroll.

Watch this clip of humanoid robots taking over manufacturing processes at a factory in China's Shenzhen province.

This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Restaurants look to ROBOTS to fill openings amid labor shortage.

Amazon's humanoid robots: The future of delivery or the end of human jobs?

Robotics revolution to replace most human workers in three generations; labor class to be systematically eliminated.

Sources include:

ZeroHedge.com

WSJ.com

CNBC.com

Brighteon.com
Record number of boat migrants land in Britain as cross-channel crossings soar past 20,000

A new record was set as over 20,000 migrants crossed the English Channel by July 1  nearly two months earlier than in 2024  marking a 50 percent year-on-year increase.

On July 1 alone, nearly 200 additional migrants arrived, with multiple boats still en route, pushing the total towards 20,250 and putting 2025 on track to surpass all previous records.

The surge coincides with Prime Minister Keir Starmer's first year in office; critics say Labor has failed to deliver on its pledge to dismantle smuggling networks and deter crossings.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp has demanded a return to offshore removals, arguing only strict deterrents can curb illegal arrivals.

A proposed U.K.-France returns agreement is already drawing criticism from several EU countries, which warn the bilateral plan could strain EU migration policy and shift burdens to southern states.

A new record has been set in Britain's ongoing migrant crisis, as the number of people crossing the English Channel by small boat surpassed 20,000 in the early hours of July 1  reaching the milestone nearly two months earlier than last year.

According to the official data of the government, there were 19,983 arrivals by Monday night, June 30, with the threshold broken when a boat carrying around 60 migrants landed on the Kent coastline at approximately 2:00 a.m. the next day. (Related: Boatloads of illegal migrants making their way into Europe via Spain.)

By 8 a.m., two more Border Force ships, Defender and Ranger, had arrived in the harbor with an additional 71 migrants. At least three more small boats were reported to be en route across the Channel as of this morning, raising the likelihood that the total could push this year's count beyond 20,250.

The pace of crossings this year marks a sharp acceleration in the crisis.

Compared to 2024, when the 20,000 mark was not reached until Aug. 29, this year's figures represent a 50 percent increase. The previous record year, 2022, which saw a surge in crossings after Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) travel restrictions were lifted, is now on track to be eclipsed well before the end of 2025.

Starmer faces migrant surge and EU backlash over France deal

The surge comes as the Labour government, led by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, marks its first anniversary in office. Starmer campaigned on a promise to "smash" the cross-Channel smuggling operations fueling the migrant flow, but critics argue that little has changed.

"One year into Labor's Government and the boats haven't stopped  they've multiplied," Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said. "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."

Philp called for a more hardline approach, including removing all illegal arrivals to countries outside of Europe, a model previously attempted under the Conservative government's stalled Rwanda plan.

"We need a removal 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," Philp added.

Moreover, the long-anticipated bilateral deal between France and the U.K. on illegal immigration is already meeting resistance from within Europe. Several EU member states, including Italy, Spain, Greece, Malta and Cyprus, have formally objected to the plan, warning it could destabilize EU migration policy and shift responsibility for irregular migration back onto frontline states.

"We take note  with a degree of surprise  of the reported intention of France to sign a bilateral readmission arrangement. If confirmed, such an initiative raises serious concerns for us, both procedurally and in terms of potential implications for other member states, particularly those of first entry," opposing members of the bloc wrote in a strongly worded letter to the European Commission.

Visit Migrants.news for more stories about the migrant crisis in Italy and other European countries.

Watch this clip from "Bannon's War Room" about the Italian government barring citizens from entering while allowing migrants at the same time.

This video is from the Excellent PODCASTS & Real NEWS channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

U.K. asylum costs will triple to 15.3B over the next decade amid surge in small boat migrants, NAO reports.

UK government working on controversial "dispersed accommodation" plan to scatter migrants throughout Britain.

'Death trap': UK starts housing illegal migrants in controversial barge 'Bibby Stockholm', as it surfaces government spends 7M per day on asylum seekers in hotels.

U.K. and Italy agree to finance the repatriation of migrants attempting to reach Europe.

British government may require illegal migrants to wear electronic tags as immigration detention centers run out of space.

Sources include:

Breitbart.com

GBNews.com

Brighteon.com
Children DENIED medical exemptions as rigid vaccine policies override doctors orders

Children with serious medical conditions are being denied federally protected vaccine exemptions, forcing them to risk severe harm or lose access to education, despite doctors' warnings.

Rigid CDC/ACIP guidelines narrowly define medical exemptions, allowing schools and officials to override physicians judgments, leaving families entangled in red tape.

Doctors face professional consequences for writing valid exemptions, while schools dismiss medical documentation. Cases like that of Sarah Doe  denied an exemption despite seven doctors advice  highlight systemic flaws.

ACIPs 2014 rules omit many valid health risks, dismiss certain adverse reactions and delegate medical decisions to non-experts, prioritizing compliance over safety.

CHD demands clarity on physician autonomy, urging ACIP to acknowledge broader exemption criteria. Recent committee shakeups signal potential policy changes amid debates over vaccine mandates and public trust.

Children with serious medical conditions are being denied federally protected disability accommodations, with some suffering severe harm after being forced to receive vaccines against their doctors' advice.

This troubling trend stems from rigid interpretations of federal immunization guidelines, as revealed when Children's Health Defense (CHD) confronted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The health freedom group demanded urgent reforms to protect vulnerable students.

During the June 25 meeting of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), CHD General Counsel Kim Mack Rosenberg warned that ACIP's 2014 guidelines are being weaponized by schools and state officials to override physicians' professional judgments.

The consequences of weaponizing these guidelines, which narrowly define medical exemptions, are dire. Children with legitimate health risks are being coerced into vaccination or barred from education entirely. (Related: CDC drops COVID-19 vaccine recommendation for healthy kids and pregnant women.)

Rosenberg argued that physicians who write exemptions outside the CDC's narrow criteria face professional retaliation, including threats to their medical licenses. Meanwhile, schools routinely dismiss medical documentation, forcing parents into an impossible choice  risk their childs health or forfeit their education.

One such case involves Sarah Doe, a New York teenager with multiple severe conditions including autoimmune hypersensitivity and a rare bleeding disorder. Seven doctors agreed she should not receive the hepatitis B vaccine, yet her school district refuses to grant an exemption because her conditions arent explicitly listed in ACIPs tables.

Even a walk-in clinic, recognizing the danger, refused to vaccinate her. But without an exemption, Sarah remains locked out of school  a clear violation of federal disability protections.

Current ACIP guidelines restrict medical exemptions to a limited set of conditions, such as severe allergic reactions or immunodeficiency. However, these rules fail to account for complex individual health circumstances, leaving doctors and families entangled in bureaucratic red tape.

ACIP's 2014 document includes a partial list of contraindications (conditions making vaccination unsafe) and precautions (situations requiring extra caution). For instance, immunocompromised patients are advised against the dengue vaccine, and those with prior anaphylaxis must proceed carefully.

Yet the guidelines dismiss certain reactions  such as seizures after the DTaP shot  as "incorrectly perceived" risks, despite evidence that some children may need exemptions. Worse, they delegate critical medical decisions to state and school officials rather than treating physicians.

Bureaucrats or doctors  who should control vaccine exemptions?

Rosenberg urged ACIP to clarify three key points:

The CDC does not have authority to dictate individual medical decisions.

The guidelines are not exhaustive, as many valid exemptions exist beyond their limited tables.

Only doctors, using clinical judgment and patient history, should determine exemptions.

She warned that without these changes, more children will be harmed by inflexible policies that prioritize bureaucratic compliance over patient safety. This debate unfolds amid a broader shakeup at ACIP.

Recently, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. replaced all 17 committee members, citing concerns over conflicts of interest. The new panel led by epidemiologist Martin Kulldorff has pledged to reexamine long-standing vaccine policies, including the childhood immunization schedule.

Critics fear this could undermine public trust, but supporters argue it's a necessary correction after years of one-size-fits-all mandates. Kulldorff acknowledged the need to rebuild confidence, referencing "inflated promises" about Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines.

"The number of vaccines that our children and adolescents receive today exceed what children in most other developed nations receive and what most of us in this room received when we were children," he said.

The battle over medical exemptions isn't just about vaccines. It's about parental rights, physician autonomy and the federal government's role in healthcare. If ACIP fails to act, children with legitimate medical risks will remain collateral damage in a system that values conformity over individualized care.

Watch Tucker Carlson denouncing the ACIP's move to add the COVID-19 vaccine to the childhood immunization schedule.

This video is from the Chinese taking down EVIL CCP channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

MEDICAL HOLOCAUST against children: Vaccine-induced myocarditis in children has 50% fatality rate in five years

COVID vaccine rollout linked to rise in deaths, according to published data

Doctor reveals COVID-19 vaccines lead to more deaths in both children and adults

Sources include:

ChildrensHealthDefense.org

PublicHealthPolicyJournal.com

NPR.org

Brighteon.com
Jury acquits Sean Diddy Combs of serious charges, but hes not yet a free man

Sean "Diddy" Combs was acquitted of severe charges including racketeering and sex trafficking but convicted on two counts of violating the Mann Act (transporting individuals for "immoral purposes"), carrying a potential 20-year sentence.

Prosecutors presented a 2016 surveillance video showing Combs assaulting ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, alongside witness testimony alleging coercion, violent behavior and financial manipulation of accusers.

Combs' legal team framed his actions as drug-fueled jealousy rather than criminal enterprise, calling the acquittals a "victory of all victories" and requesting bail  denied by the judge due to safety concerns.

The trial reflects broader scrutiny of high-profile figures in hip-hop (e.g., R. Kelly) as survivors challenge impunity, tarnishing Combs' legacy despite the partial acquittal.

Combs remains jailed in Brooklyn, with a tentative sentencing date of Oct. 3, marking a pivotal moment in his legal saga beyond his music career.

Rap mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs faced a dramatic legal reckoning after a federal jury acquitted him of serious charges such as racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.

The verdict Wednesday, July 2, nevertheless convicted him of transporting individuals for "immoral purposes" under the 1910 Mann Act. While he was cleared of serious charges, the Bad Boy Records founder isn't a free man just yet. He remains jailed pending sentencing and could still face up to 20 years behind bars.

The case prosecuted in Manhattans Southern District, hinged on claims that Combs leveraged his wealth and influence to manipulate women into drug-fueled sexual encounters  claims his attorneys dismissed as consensual. The mixed verdict capped a sordid trial that exposed allegations of coercion, violence and exploitation.

The 12-member jury made up of eight men and four women rejected the prosecution's most severe charges, including sex trafficking of his ex-girlfriend Casandra "Cassie" Ventura and another anonymous accuser. However, they convicted Combs on two Mann Act violations  which criminalize transporting people across state lines for prostitution or debauchery. (Related: P. Diddy sex trafficking ring allegedly involves the hotel, banking, pharmaceutical industries.)

The trial's most damning moment came when prosecutors played a 2016 hotel surveillance video showing Combs assaulting Ventura, a moment witnesses testified he later tried to pay staff to erase. Ventura, who settled a lawsuit against Combs last year for $20 million, detailed how he allegedly orchestrated humiliating "freak-offs" with male escorts, threatening her with leaked tapes if she refused. Another accuser, "Jane," testified she felt financially trapped into complying.

Judge Subramanian DENIES BAIL, orders Diddy to stay in jail

Combs' lawyer Marc Agnifilo hailed the acquittals as a "victory of all victories." While the rapper's defense team conceded his history of violence, it framed those streaks as erratic, drug-fueled jealousy  not a criminal enterprise.

Given the acquittals, Agnifilo petitioned the court to set his client free, since the racketeering and sex trafficking charges did not hold. The lawyer said Combs should be released to home detention in Miami and offered a $1 million bond.

However, Judge Arun Subramanian denied bail. The magistrate argued that Combs remains a "danger to the community," also noting that "the defense conceded violence in his personal relationship." The 55-year-old rapper remains in Brooklyns Metropolitan Detention Center, where he has been held since his September 2024 arrest.

Federal prosecutors, meanwhile, emphasized the broader fight against exploitation: "New Yorkers and all Americans want this scourge stopped," read a statement from U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.

Combs now awaits sentencing. Subramanian has proposed Oct. 3 as a tentative date, while the rapper's defense team has requested that it be done sooner. The next chapter of his legal battle will be dictated not by beats, but by taps of the gavel.

Visit CelebrityReputation.com for more similar stories.

Watch Greg Reese of "Reese Report" explaining why Sean Combs is the Jeffrey Epstein of the rap industry in this video.

This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Texas law firm identifies 50 of Sean "Diddy" Combs' alleged victims, many of them CHILDREN.

Model warns abusers like Diddy are prevalent in the entertainment industry: "There are others very similar to him".

Sean "Diddy" Combs faces sexual abuse accusations from HUNDREDS of victims with reports of VIDEO EVIDENCE of the rapper's perverse sex crimes.

Sources include:

TheNationalPulse.com

APNews.com

BBC.com

Brighteon.com
Trump announces 60-day Gaza ceasefire proposal as Israel agrees, Hamas remains cautious

President Donald Trump announced on July 1 that Israel has accepted the key terms of a 60-day ceasefire proposal, aiming to halt violence and facilitate broader peace negotiations, with Qatar and Egypt set to deliver the final offer to Hamas.

The proposal, brokered by Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, is the result of intense diplomacy and international pressure. Qatar and Egypt, who maintain ties with both Israel and Hamas, are crucial mediators, with Witkoff expected to continue negotiations in Cairo.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar confirmed Israel's commitment to the ceasefire, emphasizing the country's willingness to reach a hostage deal and ceasefire, despite previous rejections by Hamas, which demanded guarantees for a permanent ceasefire and Israeli military withdrawal.

The Gaza conflict has caused widespread destruction and humanitarian crises, with Trump highlighting the ceasefire as critical for regional goals, including expanding the Abraham Accords. Sa'ar noted Israel's ambition to bring more Arab states into the peace circle while safeguarding its security interests.

Palestinians in Gaza are cautiously hopeful but skeptical due to past experiences, while Hamas indicates readiness for negotiations, insisting on a complete end to the war. The group's delegation is expected to meet with mediators in Cairo, highlighting their willingness to engage in talks.

President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday, July 1, that Israel has accepted the key terms of a 60-day ceasefire proposal.

The announcement comes after weeks of intense diplomacy and rising international pressure. The proposal, brokered by Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, aims to halt the violence and pave the way for broader peace negotiations. However, the success of the plan hinges on Hamas's response, with Qatar and Egypt poised to deliver the final offer. (Related: Trump predicts Gaza ceasefire within a week as Israel's deadly aid blockade sparks global outrage.)

The ceasefire proposal, which Trump hailed as a "potential breakthrough," was the result of a "long and productive meeting" between his representatives and Israeli officials. In a post on Truth Social, Trump emphasized the importance of the agreement, stating, "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 president's announcement was corroborated by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, who confirmed Israel's commitment to the deal.

Sa'ar underscored Israel's willingness to reach a hostage deal and ceasefire, noting that previous iterations of the proposal had been rejected by Hamas. The militant group had demanded guarantees for a permanent ceasefire and Israeli military withdrawal, reflecting the complexities of the negotiations.

Trump credited Qatar and Egypt for their "very hard" work in brokering peace. The involvement of these regional powers is crucial, as they maintain diplomatic ties with both Israel and Hamas. Witkoff is expected to travel to Cairo in the coming days to continue negotiations on the final details of the agreement. The involvement of these mediators highlights the intricate web of diplomacy required to address the conflict.

Humanitarian concerns and regional implications

The war in Gaza has resulted in widespread destruction, particularly in the north, where Palestinians have been forced to flee their homes under intense bombardment. The conflict has also exacerbated humanitarian conditions, with many Palestinians living in dire circumstances. Trump has emphasized that securing a ceasefire is critical to broader regional goals, including the expansion of the Abraham Accords. The president views an end to the Gaza conflict as a pathway to normalizing relations between Israel and additional Arab states.

Sa'ar highlighted Israel's ambitions beyond the immediate conflict, stating, "We have opportunities in front of us." He referenced Israel's goal of expanding the Abraham Accords circle of peace and normalization while safeguarding its essential security interests. Jerusalem aims to bring countries such as Syria and Lebanon into the fold, reflecting a strategic shift in Israel's regional approach.

Reporting from Deir el-Balah, Gaza, Al Jazeera's Tareq Abu Azzoum noted a mix of "guarded hope and deep skepticism" among Palestinians regarding Trump's ceasefire announcement. After nearly 21 months of destruction and displacement, Palestinians are desperate for a pause in the attacks. However, their hope is tempered by past experiences, as ceasefire talks have previously collapsed. Many Palestinians remain skeptical, having heard similar rhetoric from Trump before.

Meanwhile, Hamas has indicated it is "ready and serious" about reaching an agreement, but insists on a complete end to the war in Gaza. Hamas official Taher al-Nunu stated 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 with Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo to discuss the proposal, underscoring the group's willingness to engage in negotiations.

Find more stories about the war in the Middle East at WWIII.news.

Watch the video below that talks about Trump's plan to end the Gaza war in two weeks.

This video is from the Sanivan channel on Brighteon.com.

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Israel accepts U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire, but Hamas rejects terms as insufficient for lasting peace.

Trump pushes Netanyahu to end Gaza war permanently in tense phone call.

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Sources include:

YourNews.com

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TheGuardian.com

Brighteon.com
United Kingdom faces legal and ethical scrutiny over F-35 components supplied to Israel

The British government is under scrutiny for continuing to supply F-35 fighter jet components to Israel, despite suspending other arms exports due to concerns over violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) in Gaza. Officials argue blocking F-35 parts would disrupt the global supply chain, but critics say this exemption may still contribute to civilian harm.

Lawmakers, including Sarah Champion, question whether supplying F-35 parts violates international treaties (Arms Trade Treaty, Geneva Conventions) if Israel uses them unlawfully. The U.K. sends parts indirectly via a U.S.-led program, making it difficult to stop without international agreement.

Hundreds of aid workers, including British nationals, have been killed in Gaza, with some attacks possibly involving foreign-supplied weapons. The killing of seven World Central Kitchen workers in 2024 intensified scrutiny over whether U.K.-supplied components are used in unlawful strikes.

Al-Haq, a Palestinian rights group, is suing the U.K., claiming the F-35 exemption breaches international law. The government defends the policy, citing security concerns and NATO alliance commitments.

MPs demand answers on why military exports to Israel continued after suspensions. If the government fails to justify its stance, pressure may grow for a parliamentary inquiry or judicial review.

The British government is under growing pressure to justify its continued export of British-made F-35 fighter jet components to Israel. At the same time, legal experts and lawmakers question whether these shipments violate international law, particularly as evidence mounts that Israeli forces may be using foreign-supplied weapons in attacks that harm civilians and aid workers.

At the heart of the controversy is a September 2024 decision by the newly elected Labour government to suspend around 30 arms export licenses to Israel after concluding there was a "clear risk" that British weapons could be used in serious breaches of international humanitarian law (IHL) in Gaza.

However, the government made an exception for F-35 parts, arguing that blocking them would disrupt the global F-35 program and threaten international security. Now, senior officials and human rights groups are demanding answers  raising concerns that U.K.-made components could still be contributing to violations.

The legal dilemma: Can the U.K. keep supplying F-35 parts?

Member of Parliament (MP) Sarah Champion, who chairs the House of Commons' International Development Committee, has led the charge in challenging the government's stance. In a letter to Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, she questioned whether exempting F-35 exports aligns with the U.K.'s obligations under key international treaties including the Arms Trade Treaty, the Genocide Convention and the Geneva Conventions.

Champion's concerns stem from the fact that while the U.K. suspended direct arms sales, it continues to allow F-35 components to be sent to Israel indirectly through a global supply pool managed by the U.S.-led F-35 program. Court documents reveal that British officials explored ways to block these shipments but concluded it was impossible without unanimous agreement from all partner nations  a major hurdle given the U.S.'s dominant role in the program. (Related: U.K. to ban Palestine Action as terror group after RAF break-in.)

But Champion, the MP for Rotterham, argues that the U.K. cannot simply "balance" security concerns against the risk of weapons being used unlawfully. Under the Arms Trade Treaty, if there is an "overriding risk" that arms will facilitate war crimes, exports must be stopped, with no exceptions.

She has demanded that the government clarify:

Whether it acknowledges that Israel's actions in Gaza, including blocking aid and mistreating detainees, amount to serious IHL violations.

What legal authority justifies the F-35 exemption when there is a "clear risk" that these parts could be used in unlawful attacks.

Whether the U.K.s continued exports could be seen as aiding and abetting potential war crimes.

Aid workers at risk: Are British weapons being used against them?

One of the most alarming concerns is whether U.K.-supplied arms are being used in strikes that kill or injure humanitarian workers, which is a violation of international law.

Since the start of Israel's military campaign in Gaza, hundreds of aid workers have been killed, including British nationals. The United Nations (UN) and multiple NGOs have accused Israel of repeatedly attacking clearly marked humanitarian convoys and shelters.

Champion's letter highlights that the U.K. could be complicit under international law if British-made F-35 components are involved in such strikes. This fear is not unfounded.

In March 2024, an Israeli airstrike killed seven World Central Kitchen aid workers, an attack that drew global condemnation. While the U.K. has not confirmed whether British-supplied weapons were used in that specific incident, the broader pattern of attacks on aid operations has intensified scrutiny.

Legal challenges and government pushback

The U.K.'s F-35 exemption is already facing a High Court challenge from Al-Haq, a Palestinian human rights group. The organization argues that the government's decision is unlawful because it ignores Britain's obligations under the Geneva Conventions and other treaties.

During a hearing in May of this year, Al-Haq's lawyers stressed that the case is not about judging Israel's overall conduct in Gaza but whether U.K. ministers misapplied the law when they allowed F-35 exports to continue.

The government, however, insists the exemption was necessary to preserve international security and maintain trust with NATO allies. Lawyers defending the policy claim ministers acted within their legal rights, arguing that the broader risks of disrupting the F-35 program justified the decision.

Growing pressure for transparency

Beyond legal battles, MPs are demanding more transparency.

Liam Byrne, chair of the Business and Trade Committee, has repeatedly pressed the Foreign Office to explain why $169 million worth of military equipment was approved for export to Israel in the three months following the September 2024 suspensions.

Byrne has called for ministers to testify before his committee before Parliament's summer recess, signaling that the issue is far from resolved.

Meanwhile, the controversy comes at an awkward time for the British government, which has recently announced plans to purchase 12 new F-35 jets, raising further questions about its commitment to arms control while simultaneously facing allegations of enabling violations in Gaza.

Champion has given the government until July 11 to respond to her questions. If the answers are unsatisfactory, pressure could mount for a full parliamentary inquiry or even a judicial review ruling against the government.

For now, the U.K. remains in a precarious position: caught between its arms trade interests, legal obligations and the moral implications of supplying weapons to a conflict with such devastating humanitarian consequences.

Watch the full video below of "Brighteon Broadcast News" with the Health Ranger Mike Adams about why the illusion of peace in the Middle East won't last long.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Israel inks deal to get 25 additional F-35 fighter jets from U.S. paid for by American taxpayers.

Dutch court bans sending F-35 fighter jet parts to Israel as they may be used to carry out genocide and crimes against humanity.

Global NGOs urge immediate halt to F-35 fighter jet exports to Israel over illegal use in Gaza and West Bank.

Sources include:

MiddleEastEye.net

Committees.Parliament.uk

Reuters.com

Brighteon.com
Blue states sue to shield immigrant Medicaid data from Trump deportation efforts

A coalition of 20 Democrat-led states filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administrations sharing of Medicaid data with immigration officials, alleging violations of federal privacy laws.

HHS provided data on millions of Medicaid enrollees to DHS, sparking fears it could aid mass deportations.

The Trump administration defends the move, citing fraud prevention and a need to protect taxpayer dollars from systemic abuse.

The lawsuit, led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, argues the data transfer breaches the Administrative Procedure Act and jeopardizes public trust.

Simultaneously, House Republicans advanced cuts targeting unauthorized residents, framing it as restoring Medicaid integrity amid budget pressures.

On Tuesday, a coalition of 20 states sued the Trump administration for sharing Medicaid enrollee information with immigration authorities, marking a sharp escalation in tensions over healthcare and deportations. The lawsuit, led by Democratic attorneys general, alleges that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) unlawfully provided personal dataincluding immigration status details  to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), undermining federal privacy protections. The data covers residents in four states: California, Illinois, Washington and Washington, D.C., which expanded Medicaid access to noncitizens. The plaintiffs argue the move violates privacy laws and enables mass deportations, while the Trump administration insists it is combating fraud and protecting taxpayer resources in a politically charged fight with deep implications for immigration policy and federal-state relations.

Privacy violations fuel fears of mass deportations

The lawsuit, filed by California AG Rob Bonta and counterparts in states like New York and Massachusetts, argues HHS acted silently to dismantle legal safeguards. Court documents cite  553 of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), which requires agencies to provide public notice before major policy changes. The federal governments transfer of health data without consent violates congressional mandates and upends the trust essential to public health systems, the plaintiffs stated.

The disputed data stems from an HHS directive enabling DHS to use Medicaid enrollment information to identify noncitizens, including unauthorized migrants. An Associated Press report cited an internal memo revealing that nearly half of Medicaid recipients in the targeted states are noncitizens, many of whom rely on state programs to access healthcare. While federal law restricts Medicaid reimbursements for unauthorized residents except in emergencies, several statesoften with Democratic leadership  have expanded eligibility using state funds.

Critics warn the data could be weaponized, allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to track vulnerable populations. This is the Trump administrations latest scheme to weaponize social services against immigrant communities, said Washington State AG Bob Ferguson.

Restoring accountability to healthcare programs

HHS rebutted the claims, asserting its actions were lawful and necessary to combat waste. Spokesperson Andrew Nixon stated that over 5 billion annually is misdirected to ineligible noncitizens, citing federal budget disputes with states like California, which were forced to repay $53 million in 2024 for improper reimbursements.

Andy Nixon emphasized that the data-sharing protocol, spearheaded by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., was narrow in scope, focusing on systemic compliance issues. The effort, he added, aligns with President Trumps drive to prioritize healthcare for U.S. citizens. We must ensure that hardworking taxpayers dollars go to those legally entitled to them, Nixon said.

Meanwhile, House Republicans advance reforms this week, seeking to bar federal funding for illegal immigrants under Medicaid. The House Energy and Commerce Committees budget reconciliation proposal would exclude roughly 1.4 million unauthorized residents by 2034, though Democrats decried the move as shadowing to gut access for U.S. citizens.

The long history of Medicaid and immigration policy collisions

This conflict echoes decades of political battles over healthcare for noncitizens. The Reagan-era 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act contained provisions to limit federal Medicaid eligibility for unauthorized migrants, requiring states to use state-only funds to cover those populations. In recent years, Democratic-led states like California and New York have defied federal limitations by expanding access, often citing public health crises and economic necessity.

The present lawsuit underscores the fragility of these efforts, as state budgets buckle under surging enrollment. Californias proposed 2025 budget, for instance, includes a $3 billion cut to nonemergency care for unauthorized residents. Were at a breaking point financially, but politically, this is about more than costsits about human rights, a senior California official noted.

The Trump administrations data-sharing push, part of a broader crackdown on what it calls sanctuary policies, has drawn parallels to past immigration enforcements like Operation Wetback in the 1950s. Yet advocates stress that weaponizing healthcare data risks destabilizing public health systems, as patients may avoid care out of fear of deports.

A crossroads for federalism, privacy and public trust

This high-stakes legal and political showdown transcends Medicaid. It represents a fundamental clash over the role of federal oversight in state-managed programs, the ethical use of data and the limits of immigration enforcement. With courts likely to weigh in first, the case could reshape how U.S. policy balances national security, welfare and civil liberties. As one plaintiff attorney cautioned: Once you erode the wall between healthcare and law enforcement, that trust is gone forever. With Trumps 2024 immigration enforcement record already drawing scrutiny, the outcome here may define the eras approach to both healthcare and border security.

Sources for this article include:

TheNationalPulse.com

DailyCaller.com

DailySignal.com
Sen. Rand Paul: Fauci may be subpoenaed to testify over his role in COVID-19

U.S. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) announced plans to subpoena Dr. Anthony Fauci to testify under oath about his role in COVID-19's origins, emphasizing the need for public transparency.

Paul alleges a "vast coverup" and is collaborating with the FBI to investigate claims that Fauci lied under oath about NIH-funded gain-of-function research at China's Wuhan Institute of Virology.

While Fauci received a preemptive federal pardon from Biden, legal experts note it doesn't shield him from congressional testimony, state charges, or civil lawsuits (e.g., Florida's potential inquiry).

Scientists and policymakers (e.g., Richard Ebright, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.) endorse stricter oversight, such as Paul's Risky Research Review Act, and propose alternative accountability measures like a "truth commission."

Documents link Fauci to controversial virus research techniques, and multiple U.S. intelligence agencies now assess COVID-19 likely originated from a lab leak in Wuhan.

U.S. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) has announced that infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci may be subpoenaed to testify under oath regarding his role in the origins of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19).

The senator made the announcement in a series of posts Monday, June 30, on X. "The Senate is now gearing up to subpoena Fauci to testify under oath," Paul wrote. "The American people deserve complete transparency."

Paul, chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, also posted that he is working with Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel to investigate what he calls a "vast COVID-19 coverup." Included in the probe were allegations that Fauci lied under oath about risky virus experiments.

The investigation hinges on funding records showing the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) supported gain-of-function research at China's Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV). Gain-of-function research was banned in the U.S. from 2014 to 2017 due to safety concerns. Fauci meanwhile served as NIAID director from 1984 until his retirement in 2022.

In January, Paul subpoenaed 14 federal agencies  including the FBI and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) seeking transparency on COVID-19s origins. He has accused Fauci of perjury in Senate hearings, citing conflicting testimony on whether NIAID-funded experiments at the WIV qualified as gain-of-function.

Why Fauci's controversial pardon may not be enough

According to legal experts, Fauci isn't off the hook just yet even though he received a controversial preemptive pardon early this year. The pardon, given by former President Joe Biden during the last hours of his term, shields the former NIAID director from federal prosecution for actions between 2014 and 2024.

But attorney Rick Jaffe pointed out that Fauci's pardon doesn't block congressional testimony or state-level charges. "His pardon [also] cannot prevent civil lawsuits, congressional contempt findings or administrative actions like pension forfeiture," he added. True enough, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signaled state-level inquiries could proceed. (Related: Fauci could still face legal troubles despite Biden's backdated pardon.)

Meanwhile, former U.S. Senate investigator Paul Thacker warned Fauci's history of alleged obfuscation heightens legal risks. One such instance involved the infectious disease expert claiming over 100 times in a January 2024 House interview that he didn't recall key pandemic decisions.

"If Fauci is placed under oath and fails to admit that his testimony was misleading, he can be prosecuted," Thacker told The Defender. "Fauci's main problem is that he has a history of lying and getting away with it, so he will likely continue to lie."

Independent scientist Richard Ebright welcomed congressional scrutiny, endorsing Paul's proposed Risky Research Review Act to impose stricter oversight. The NIH has since halted Fauci-established programs funding such research, but Ebright  a longtime critic of gain-of-function research  argues only legislation can prevent future reversals. "Fauci willfully violated federal policies  and caused a pandemic that killed 20+ million," he said in an email.

Echoing calls for accountability, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggested a "truth commission" modeled after post-apartheid South Africa as a way to bypass Biden's pardon. "Anybody who comes and volunteers to testify truthfully is then given immunity from prosecution," he told Tucker Carlson in an interview Monday, July 30. "People who are called and don't take that deal and perjure themselves, they then can be prosecuted criminally."

Documents show Fauci met in February 2020 with University of North Carolina researcher Ralph Baric, whose "seamless ligation" technique allegedly masked evidence of lab-engineered viruses. Multiple intelligence agencies, including the FBI and Central Intelligence Agency, now assess COVID-19 likely emerged from a Wuhan lab leak.

Decades of contentious debate over gain-of-function research underscore the stakes. Paul's investigation seeks to codify stricter controls, but skeptics question whether accountability will follow transparency.

Check out RealInvestigations.news for more similar stories.

Watch Jefferey Jaxen and Del Bigtree exploring the reason why former President Joe Biden pardoned Dr. Fauci below.

This video is from The HighWire with Del Bigtree channel on Brighteon.com.

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ChildrensHealthDefense.org

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Brighteon.com
Chinese spies indicted for espionage: A threat to U.S. military integrity

Chinese nationals Yuance Chen and Liren Lai were arrested for espionage on behalf of Chinas Ministry of State Security.

Accused of spying on Navy bases, recruiting personnel and facilitating a $10,000 dead drop in Texas/Cali.

Part of broader Chinese efforts exposed by 2023s surveillance balloon incident and 2025 visa fraud cases.

Federal agencies warn of CCPs persistent infiltration of U.S. institutions.

Attorney General Pam Bondi vows to combat covert threats to national security.

On Thursday, June 27, the FBI arrested Yuance Chen, 38, and Liren Ryan Lai, 39, for allegedly acting as intelligence agents for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The two men face federal charges of conspiring to conduct clandestine operations targeting U.S. naval facilities and personnel. The indictments, unsealed Monday in San Francisco, reveal a coordinated effort to infiltrate military assets, gather sensitive information and recruit Navy employees  all without registering as foreign agents per U.S. law.

Chen, a legal permanent resident residing in Oregon, and Lai, a visitor on a tourist visa, were apprehended in Houston and Happy Valley, respectively. Their activities, detailed in an FBI affidavit, include photographing Navy recruitment bulletins, coordinating a $10,000 cash transfer to MSS assets and reaching out to service members on social media. Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the operation as part of Beijings sustained and aggressive effort to undermine American security from within.

Operational details: How the espionage unfolded

The DOJ complaint outlines the duos alleged methods:

Dead drop scheme: In January 2022, Chen and Lai collaborated to leave $10,000 in a day-use locker in Livermore, California, as payment for a U.S.-based MSS operative.

In January 2022, Chen and Lai collaborated to leave $10,000 in a day-use locker in Livermore, California, as payment for a U.S.-based MSS operative. Base surveillance: The men photographed Navy recruitment listings in San Gabriel, California, and a Washington state base, focusing on recruits identifying China as their hometown.

The men photographed Navy recruitment listings in San Gabriel, California, and a Washington state base, focusing on recruits identifying China as their hometown. Social media recruitment: Chen contacted a Navy employee on social media, leveraging the individuals Chinese heritage to evaluate their openness to espionage.

Chen contacted a Navy employee on social media, leveraging the individuals Chinese heritage to evaluate their openness to espionage. USS Abraham Lincoln visit: In January 2025, Chen arranged a tour of the San Diego-based aircraft carrier, sharing details with MSS officers in Guangzhou.

FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the operations link to CCP goals: The individuals charged were acting on behalf of a hostile foreign intelligence service  part of the CCPs broader effort to infiltrate and undermine our institutions.

A pattern of covert infiltration

This case builds on recent revelations about Chinese espionage against U.S. military targets:

Surveillance balloon: Two years ago, China launched a spy balloon over the Pacific, which later crashed in South Carolina. The incident exposed Beijings willingness to breach U.S. airspace.

Two years ago, China launched a spy balloon over the Pacific, which later crashed in South Carolina. The incident exposed Beijings willingness to breach U.S. airspace. Ongoing visa fraud investigations: Earlier this year, at least four Chinese researchers were arrested for falsifying visa applications by omitting links to the Peoples Liberation Army. One hid in a San Francisco consulate before arrest.

Earlier this year, at least four Chinese researchers were arrested for falsifying visa applications by omitting links to the Peoples Liberation Army. One hid in a San Francisco consulate before arrest. MSSs role: The Ministry of State Security (MSS), Chinas primary foreign intelligence arm, routinely targets American institutions through academic exchanges, business ties and overt recruitment. The DOJ highlighted MSS officers directing Chen to prioritize Navy personnel with familial ties to China.

Federal response: Vigilance against foreign manipulation

The arrests reflect a broader counterintelligence crackdown.

Cross-agency coordination: The FBI worked with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) to track Chen and Lai, leveraging surveillance and intercepted communications.

The FBI worked with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) to track Chen and Lai, leveraging surveillance and intercepted communications. Legal framework: Both men face charges under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, carrying penalties of up to 10 years in prison and $250,000 fines.

Both men face charges under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, carrying penalties of up to 10 years in prison and $250,000 fines. Administration stance: Assistant Attorney General John Eisenberg emphasized the National Security Divisions focus on dismantling CCP networks: We will expose foreign operatives and protect the American people.

The Chinese embassy dismissed the allegations as baseless, claiming the U.S. has never stopped its espionage activities against China. Yet U.S. officials insist the threat is real: over 20 Chinese-linked spies or conspirators have been charged in America since 2020 alone.

The bigger picture: National security at a crossroads

As China adapts its espionage tactics  from balloon surveillance to deep-cover agents  the U.S. faces a complex challenge. The arrests underscore an ongoing battle for dominance in technology, intelligence and soft power.

Patels vow to disrupt CCP efforts aligns with a conservative advocacy for transparency and critical scrutiny of foreign influence. Yet experts warn that even with aggressive investigations, the scale of CCPs operationsaided by economic embassies, educational programs and tech collaborationremains daunting.

A message to foreign operativesThe U.S. will not stand idle

In a time of geopolitical tension, these indictments send a stark warning: foreign governments that exploit U.S. openness to infiltrate military and civilian targets will face consequences. For the Chinese nationals involved, the stakes are high  years behind bars or deportation. For U.S. security agencies, the fight to safeguard institutions and deter espionage grows more urgent as relations with Beijing sour.

As the DOJ continues its pursuit, one question looms: Can vigilance, combined with diplomatic pressure, prevent the CCP from gaining asymmetric advantages in an era where information is power?

Sources for this article include:

100percentfedup.com

FoxNews.com

APNews.com
Trumps new frontier: Water barriers signal shift in border strategy

Trump administration approves 17 miles of waterborne barriers in South Texass Rio Grande River to address security gaps.

Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem waived environmental laws, citing national security as justification.

Critics argue the move undermines environmental safeguards, echoing opposition from Biden-era legal battles over similar barriers.

U.S. border encounters hit record lows in June 2025, per new data, though migrant risks persist.

The push reflects longstanding tensions between federal immigration policies and border state initiatives.

On July 3, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem fast-tracked construction of 17 miles of waterborne barriers along the Rio Grande River in Texas, marking a new phase in the Trump administrations border security agenda. The barriers  floating buoys and cables  aim to deter illegal crossings, counter drug trafficking and protect agents in an area officials call a "capability gap." The move, made possible by Noems waiver of federal environmental policies, underscores the administrations controversial approach to border security while reigniting debates over ecological and legal consequences.

New barriers target "capability gaps" in waterways

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) framed the project as necessary to address vulnerabilities in waterways rife with smuggling, trafficking and dangerous crossings. A capability gap has been identified in waterways along the Southwest border where drug smuggling, human trafficking and other dangerous and illegal activity occurs, CBP stated in a press release.

The administration emphasized the barriers would create safer conditions for patrolling agents and reduce life-threatening river crossings. Secretary Noem, in a congressional hearing earlier this year, defended such measures as critical to achieving operational control of the Southern border, a priority of President Donald Trumps executive orders.

The brown-water obstacles mirror 2023 efforts by then-Texas Governor Greg Abbott, whose buoy installations were blocked under the Biden administration over safety and sovereignty concerns. Were going to continue to move forward with that infrastructure because it does slow down traffic, it sends a message and it gives our officers more opportunities to truly address the security concerns weve had in the past, Noem told lawmakers in May.

Bypassing environmental laws: A divisive move

To expedite construction, Noem invoked Section 102 of the Real ID Act, which permits the suspension of environmental reviews under national security claims. This is her sixth barrier-related waiver since Trumps January 2025 inauguration, following a similar action in California in April.

Environmental groups condemned that earlier waiver, citing risks to ecosystems and water quality. Waiving environmental, cultural preservation and good governance laws...will only cause further harm to border communities, said Cameron Walkup, an Earthjustice advocate. The nonprofit did not immediately comment on the Rio Grande waiver, but Biden-era litigation over Texas buoys  a case dropped after Trumps election winhinted at renewed clashes.

The administration maintains the barriers save lives while curbing crime. The numbers dont lie  under President Trumps leadership, @DHSgov and @CBP have shattered records, Noem tweeted in June, citing a historic low of 25,243 border encounters nationwide, down 12% from February 2025.

A recurring border standoff

The Rio Grande project revives tensions familiar from the Biden years, when federal and Texas officials clashed over border control. In 2023, Bidens Justice Department sued Abbott over buoys, arguing state installations interfered with federal jurisdiction. Trumps reversal of that policy signals a return to state-federal alignment, but critics argue it leaves communities and wildlife at risk.

Meanwhile, U.S. border data reveals mixed realities: fewer encounters since Trumps return but persistent human rights critiques of detention conditions and migrant deaths. As Noem pushes creative solutions to the danger zone of waterways, the political fault lines remain stark, blending security needs with ecological and ethical imperatives.

A divided border: Security vs. environment in the Rio Grande

The 17-mile water barrier project crystallizes Americas unresolved border dilemma: how to balance physical safety with environmental stewardship and humanitarian concerns.

Republicans and security hawks applaud the administrations ironclad strategy to curb illicit crossings, citing plummeting totals as proof of effectiveness. Opponents counter that sinking buoys sets dangerous precedents for bypassing laws, even as faith in traditional enforcement wanes in divided Congress.

As construction begins, the question lingers: Will the Rio Grandes new obstacles finally secure the border  or merely deepen the nations rift over how to achieve it?

Sources for this article include:

TheNationalPulse.com

NewsMax.com

TheEpochTimes.com
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Mostly sunny skies during the morning giving way to clouds and a few showers late. High 87F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Cloudy skies. Low 67F. Winds light and variable.
A UCSF analysis has found that the newer generation of much more effective diabetes medications are reaching only a fraction of the patients who are recommended to take them based on new guidelines.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D), a condition in which the body can't use insulin to clear sugar from the bloodstream, affects 1 in 10 Americans. It comes with grave health risks, including cardiovascular and kidney disease.

The study assessed medications that patients received within a year of T2D diagnosis. During the period under review - 2014 to 2022 - groups like the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association began encouraging the use of newer medications over some older, less effective ones.

The analysis, which is based on more than 40,000 records from the University of California Health Data Warehouse, found some encouraging results.

The use of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors or glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists - two newer categories of drugs - increased, particularly among patients with cardiovascular or kidney disease.

Meanwhile, the use of sulfonylureas - a category of diabetes drug with severe side effects, now seen as a last resort in treatment - declined. And the use of metformin and insulins, the classic medications for diabetes, declined slightly.

Still, by 2022, just 20% T2D patients were receiving GLP-1 drugs within a year of diagnosis, and less than 15% of patients were receiving SGLT2 drugs - reflecting a gap between what the professional guidelines recommend and the care that patients are receiving.

The researchers gave several reasons for why this might be. One is that GLP-1 drugs, like Wegovy and Ozempic, are expensive, and insurance doesn't always cover them. Another is that not every provider knows that leading organizations recommend prescribing GLP-1 and SGLT2 drugs, like Jardiance or Farxiga, for T2D from the moment of diagnosis.
From wildfire triage to refugee immunization apps, AI technologies are rapidly reshaping how the world delivers care during crises, offering speed, scale, and smarter decisions when lives are on the line.

Study: AI in humanitarian healthcare: a game changer for crisis response. Image credit: stockvideo24/Shutterstock.com

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a revolutionary blend of computing technologies that could transform humanitarian healthcare by developing novel solutions to crises. A recent review in Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence examines the scope of AI-assisted healthcare crisis responses, showing how it could make them more resilient and efficient.

Introduction

AI can partner with and power various technologies that could provide more efficient and high-quality healthcare responses in emergency situations, improving decision-making and resource allocation. It can predict natural disasters, ensuring and improving real-time communication. Its use could ensure that populations at risk receive adequate and timely aid. The review analyzed peer-reviewed literature and real-world case studies from 2001 to early 2025, focusing on disease surveillance, disaster response, mental health, and ethical concerns.

The scope of AI in humanitarian healthcare

Some ways in which AI empowers humanitarian healthcare are illustrated below.

Improving precision and speed in disaster responses

AI allows first responders and planners to respond more quickly and accurately to disasters such as floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, and wildfires.

For instance, during the Los Angeles wildfires, AI-powered drones imaged the fire in real time and analyzed the data to predict how the flames would spread. This enabled the identification of the best evacuation routes and helped send medical teams to the right spots. In addition, the AI-driven triage of patients with burns or respiratory symptoms ensured that resources were used to help those in greatest need.

AI is being used in refugee camps on a pilot basis to analyze local conditions and predict disease outbreaks at an early stage. It also drives telemedicine applications in remote spots or when local medical resources are overwhelmed. The Children Immunization App (CIMA), implemented in Jordans Zaatari refugee camps, supports vaccination surveillance in refugee populations and has increased the rate of follow-up vaccinations in such groups.

According to a non-randomized controlled trial by El-Halabi et al (2022), the intervention group using CIMA had a 26% follow-up return rate within one week, compared to 22% in the control group, with a 19% relative risk reduction in loss to follow-up.

Infectious disease surveillance

AI can track and predict infectious outbreaks, including malaria, tuberculosis, and dengue, integrating variables related to the climate, human population movement, and socioeconomic factors. This could improve resource allocation and drive preventive policies.

For instance, IBMs Watson Health is used by ZzappMalarias AI-powered app to increase the effectiveness and coverage of malaria elimination strategies while reducing the campaign's time required. The app analyzes satellite and environmental data to identify mosquito breeding sites, enabling more targeted and effective larvicide operations.

Mental health support

AI provides counseling to help victims of natural disasters or displacement who are suffering from stress, depression, and anxiety. Mental health resources are typically unavailable in these settings, enhancing the value of AI tools.

Chatbots like Wysa and Woebot use AI to deliver psychological support through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness strategies. They offer immediate, multilingual assistance and help reduce the burden on overwhelmed mental health systems.

AI tools are also used to monitor real-time sentiment on social media and emergency channels, helping identify mental health crises and enabling targeted intervention. In addition, AI-powered simulations are being used to train mental health professionals in crisis counseling scenarios.

Robotic-assisted care

Search-and-rescue robotic devices can help detect and rescue people trapped in debris after earthquakes and other natural disasters. Other robotic devices can help monitor or treat people with infectious conditions such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), enhancing care accessibility.

Robotic prostheses and other rehabilitative systems also help survivors regain or improve mobility and recover faster. Such platforms will likely be used even more as digital health technologies develop. For example, the MERON app, developed and piloted by UNICEF, uses AI to screen for malnutrition in children through image analysis, improving diagnosis and care.

Crisis communication

Differences in language often hinder humanitarian aid. AI-driven natural language processing (NLP) tools translate public health guidelines, medical instructions, and emergency alerts into other languages, reaching widely diverse populations and improving compliance with the recommendations.

The review notes that tools such as Google BERT and OpenAIs large language models are being deployed to perform real-time translations. However, challenges like mistranslation risks and language model training data bias remain.

Supply chain logistics

AI can optimize aid distribution, including medical supplies, food, and equipment. Predicting demand streamlines the process and reduces waste, helping people in need to access the available resources as quickly as possible. AI-powered drones also deliver emergency medical aid and vaccines in remote or cut-off areas.

Organizations like the World Food Programme and Medecins Sans Frontieres have begun using AI-powered analytics and drone systems to improve delivery efficiency and minimize waste in emergency supply chains.

Healthcare security

AI can be used along with blockchain to provide disaster victims with secure identities. This lets them access healthcare and medical data anywhere without losing their medical history. This helps both the treating professionals and the patients. Pilot studies are ongoing in refugee camps. According to the authors, these tamper-proof digital identities enable continuity of care and reduce the administration burden associated with displacement.

Climate mitigation

AI can help forecast extreme weather events using environmental and meteorological data. Thus, it can provide early warning of environmental disasters, including drought, floods, heat waves, hurricanes, and locust swarms. This would enable preventive measures, minimizing the loss of life and property damage.

For instance, Googles Flood Forecasting Initiative is working in Bangladesh and India, among other places, providing local flood predictions based on real-time rainfall and river level data combined with the local terrain. In Africa, AI models are also being used to predict and track locust swarm patterns, helping improve food security by supporting preventative agriculture responses.

Ethical issues

Using AI in humanitarian healthcare is challenging unless urgent limitations are faced and resolved. These include biased algorithms that could skew medical decisions and wrongly allocate resources to the wrong people. This could deprive people in need who lack political or social power or representation of help. AI training requires deliberate use of diverse datasets with constant monitoring and transparency to avoid this.

Data privacy and security are other crucial issues. Another question is accountability: Who is responsible for AIdriven patient care decisions: the doctors, the algorithm developers, or the humanitarian aid providers?

Infrastructural issues could widen healthcare inequities, as AI-powered solutions demand internet connectivity and digital infrastructure, which some populations lack. Regulatory oversight is essential to ensure AI's neutral, impartial, and humane use. This requires collaboration between government and non-governmental stakeholders.

As the paper emphasizes, achieving ethical AI deployment requires inclusive governance, human oversight of critical decisions, and deliberate efforts to avoid digital exclusion in low-resource settings.

Conclusion

While AI-powered interventions promise increased responsiveness, data-driven decision-making, and inclusivity, ethical regulation is vital during the' design and implementation phases of such solutions during humanitarian healthcare crises.

With coordination between governments, NGOs, academic researchers, and technology companies, AI has the potential to become a core enabler of a more responsive, equitable, and human-centered humanitarian healthcare system.

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"Forever chemicals" or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been widely used in consumer and industrial products for the better part of a century, but do not break down in the natural environment. One PFAS, perfluorohexanoic acid or PFHxA, is made up of a shorter chain of molecules and is thought to have less of an impact on human health. New research from the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester suggests otherwise, finding that early life exposure to PFHxA may increase anxiety-related behaviors and memory deficits in male mice.

"Although these effects were mild, finding behavioral effects only in males was reminiscent of the many neurodevelopmental disorders that are male-biased," said Ania Majewska, PhD, professor of Neuroscience and senior author of the study out today in the European Journal of Neuroscience. Research has shown, males are more often diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and ADHD. "This finding suggests that the male brain might be more vulnerable to environmental insults during neurodevelopment."

Researchers exposed mice to PFHxA through a mealworm treat given to the mother during gestation and lactation. They found that the male mice exposed to higher doses of PFHxA in utero and through the mother's breastmilk showed mild developmental changes, including a decrease in activity levels, increased anxiety-like behaviors, and memory deficits. They did not find any behavioral effects in females that were exposed to PFHxA in the same way.

Finding that developmental exposure to PFHxA has long-term behavioral consequences in a mammalian model is concerning when considering short-chain PFAS are thought to be safer alternatives to the legacy PFAS that have been phased-out of production. Understanding the impacts of PFHxA on the developing brain is critical when proposing regulations around this chemical. Hopefully, this is the first of many studies evaluating the neurotoxicity of PFHxA." Elizabeth Plunk, PhD ('25), an alumna of the Toxicology graduate program at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and first author of the study

Researchers followed these mice into adulthood and found that in the male mice PFHxA exposure affects behavior long after exposure stops, suggesting that PFHxA exposure could have effects on the developing brain that have long-term consequences.

"This work points to the need for more research in short-chain PFAS. To our knowledge, PFHxA has not been evaluated for developmental neurobehavioral toxicity in a rodent model," said Majewska. "Future studies should evaluate the cellular and molecular effects of PFHxA, including cell-type specific effects, in regions associated with motor, emotional/fear, and memory domains to elucidate mechanistic underpinnings."

Despite its shorter chain, PFHxA has been found to be persistent in water and was restricted by the European Union in 2024. This follows years of restrictions on longer chain PFAS. Last year, the Environmental Protection Agency set its first-ever national drinking water standard for PFAS, which will reduce PFAS exposure for millions of people. PFAS are man-made chemicals that have the unique ability to repel stains, oil, and water have been found in food, water, animals, and people. They are linked to a range of health issues, including developmental issues in babies and kidney cancer.

Additional authors include Marissa Sobolewski, PhD, of the University of Rochester Medical Center, Katherine Manz, PhD, of the University of Michigan, and Andre Gomes, and Kurt Pennel, PhD, of Brown University. The research was supported by the National Institutes of Health, the University of Rochester Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, and the University of Rochester Environmental Health Services Center.
The CYMEDSEC project is proud to announce a new Perspective article, recently published in npj Digital Medicine.

Authored by Chiara Carboni, Postdoctoral Fellow at the Chair of Digital Cultures, TU Dresden, recently, a result of a collaborative effort by a team of researchers from TU Dresden, including co-authors Celia Brightwell and Orit Halpern (Chair of Digital Cultures), as well as Oscar Freyer and Stephen Gilbert (Else Kroner Fresenius Center for Digital Health).

As a matter of fact, in current cybersecurity frameworks, patients, healthcare professionals, and other end users are often framed as sources of risk. This perspective argues for a fundamental shift: recognizing these users as contributors to security rather than liabilities. Through the secondary analysis of two case studies one involving Swedish hospitals and the other a UK smart-home health monitoring system the article explores the everyday tensions between standardized digital security protocols and the practical, relational needs of care.

We need a new way to think about cybersecurity in digital medicine. Rather than looking down on end-users' non-compliant practices, we should to be curious about the goals and values that inform them, and try to integrate them into security frameworks. In medicine, there can be no security without care." Chiara Carboni, Postdoctoral Fellow at the Chair of Digital Cultures, TU Dresden

The article outlines three key approaches to bridge the gap between cybersecurity and care:

drawing inspiration from existing care practices to reshape security design

acknowledging and empowering end users as co-creators of secure systems

using participatory design to align cybersecurity measures with on-the-ground needs and values

These findings resonate with CYMEDSEC's core mission: to develop robust cybersecurity solutions for connected medical devices that are not only technically sound but also aligned with real-world care practices. In this light, the article offers insights into how care and security, often treated as opposing logics, can in fact be reconciled.

The article is available in npj Digital Medicine.
Delhi PWD to repair three major flyovers in south, build bridges in east

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 19:15 IST

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New Delhi, Jul 7 (PTI) The Public Works Department (PWD) plans to carry out structural repairs on three major flyovers and a culvert in South Delhi, and initiate the construction of three new bridges near New Ashok Nagar in the eastern fringes of the city.

According to PWD officials, the IIT flyover, built in 1994, the Old Rao Tula Ram flyover, and the Modi Mill flyover have been selected for comprehensive repair work. A structural audit of these flyovers, along with a culvert near Lala Lajpat Rai Marg, will be conducted in the coming days.

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In East Delhi, the PWD is set to construct three small bridges near the recently inaugurated RRTS metro station in New Ashok Nagar.

Located near the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border and adjacent to the Shahdara drain, the area has seen increasing traffic congestion, officials said.

For the construction of three small bridges near the New Ashok Nagar metro station, the PWD will hire an agency to carry out a feasibility study and a ground survey of the location. The total cost of the consultancy projects is around Rs 72 lakh.

The consultancy service includes carrying out a tree count survey on the central verge, roadsides and complete right-of-way of the whole stretch for the road widening work of East End apartment road," an official said.

The Outer Ring Road stretch starting from the Modi Mill flyover to the IIT flyover is linked to several South Delhi areas like Greater Kailash 1 and 2, Chitranjan Park, Chirag Dilli, Pamposh Enclave and other areas.

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The flyover repair work would include recarpetting, patchwork, pothole repairs and restoration of roads cut by other agencies. The road repair work is carried out by the PWD from mid-March to mid-June, and then it stops because of the monsoon season.

In Delhi, PWD maintains 1,400 kilometres of road length, which are 60 feet wide. In April this year, PWD Minister Parvesh Verma announced that the Delhi government plans to repair 600 kilometres of road in this financial year. PTI SSM SSM NSD NSD

First Published: July 04, 2025, 19:15 IST
Haryana govt grants extra casual leave to female contractual employees

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 20:15 IST

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Chandigarh, Jul 4 (PTI) The Haryana government on Friday announced changes to the casual leave policy for its female contractual employees, who will now be entitled to two days of additional leave per month.

In an order issued by Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, female contractual employees, including those deployed through Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam Limited (HKRN), will now be entitled to two days of additional casual leave per month, subject to a maximum of 22 days in a calendar year, more than double the previous limit of 10 days.

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Notably, HKRNL provides contractual manpower to all government entities in Haryana.

This new provision is in addition to the existing 10 days of medical leave provided annually, according to an official statement.

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The revision applies to all female contractual employees working under Outsourcing Policy Part-II and those engaged through HKRNL.

All administrative secretaries, heads of departments, managing directors, chief administrators/CEOs of boards, corporations, public undertakings, divisional commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and Sub Divisional Officers (Civil), and Registrars of all universities in Haryana have been directed to ensure strict compliance with these new instructions. PTI SUN NB NB

First Published: July 04, 2025, 20:15 IST
Kerala on alert after Nipah case confirmed in Palakkad

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 20:15 IST

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Palakkad/Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 5 (PTI) A fresh case of Nipah virus was confirmed in Kerala on Friday, triggering heightened concern and swift action in three districts of the state.

A 38-year-old woman from Thachanattukara in Palakkad district has tested positive, an official release said. This prompted the district administration to urge the public and health workers to remain extremely vigilant.

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The infected patient is currently being treated at a private hospital in Malappuram district, official sources said, without elaborating.

Samples from the suspected case were sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for confirmation.

The confirmed case in Palakkad has intensified fears of a possible outbreak in a state that has seen multiple Nipah flare-ups in recent years.

In the meantime, precautionary measures have been rolled out. A total of 58 individuals have been identified as primary contacts, the release said.

Wards within a three-kilometre radius of the infected persons house have been declared as containment zones by the District Collector.

In Thachanattukara Grama Panchayat, Wards 7 (Kundoor kunnu), 8 (Palode), 9 (Parammal), and 11 (Champarambu) have been included. In Karimpuzha Grama Panchayat, Wards 17 (Attassheri) and 18 (Cholakkurissi) have also been declared as containment zones.

Strict restrictions have been put in place in these areas.

The district collector has said that public gatherings are strictly prohibited.

Shops may remain open only between 8 am and 6 pm, except for medical stores, which are exempt.

Tuition centres, anganwadis, madrasas, and other educational institutions must remain closed, though online classes are allowed. Entry of outsiders into the containment zones will be strictly regulated. Families must inform the local Station House Officer and health officials about any ceremonies such as weddings or funerals," the release said.

People inside the containment zones showing symptoms, or those needing dialysis, cancer treatment, or facing other serious health issues, will be permitted to visit hospitals for essential treatment.

Only health workers and police are allowed to enter these zones, and that too while strictly following safety protocols. Residents in the containment areas must use N95 masks at all times.

The district collector has also instructed the public across the district to maintain social distance, wear face masks, practise proper hand hygiene, avoid unnecessary gatherings, and refrain from hospital visits unless essential.

Earlier in the day, state health authorities had sounded an alert in Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Palakkad districts after two suspected cases were flagged during routine testing at government medical colleges in Kozhikode and Malappuram.

We have already strengthened preventive measures in line with the Nipah protocol," said George after chairing an emergency meeting on Friday morning.

She added that 26 special teams have been deployed in each of the three districts to carry out contact tracing, symptom monitoring, and public awareness efforts.

As a part of the containment strategy, the 6th and 8th floors of Palakkad Medical College have been taken over by the district administration for isolation and treatment facilities.

As a precautionary measure against the spread of the Nipah virus, a section of the Pay Ward at Kozhikode Medical College has also been allotted for admitting suspected cases.

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State and district-level helplines have been set up, and the police have been asked to assist in tracing individuals who may have been exposed. Public announcements are being made in all three districts to keep residents informed.

Minister Veena George also urged officials to verify whether any unnatural or unexplained deaths have occurred in the affected areas in recent weeksan early indicator of possible Nipah spread. PTI TGB TGB ROH

First Published: July 04, 2025, 20:15 IST
Suspended TMCP woman leader alleges many student leaders misogynist

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 23:00 IST

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Kolkata, Jul 4 (PTI) Suspended Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) leader Rajanya Haldar on Friday alleged misogynist attitude towards women is prevalent among a considerable section of student leaders.

The TMCP is the student of the ruling Trinamool Congress.

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Haldar had turned up in some recent TV talk shows and condemned the gangrape of a first-year girl student of a law college by an alumnus and two other students asserting she should have the freedom to speak out against the dirt accumulated in her own party".

The former TMCP president of the Jadavpur University unit was suspended in October last year for posting on social media about a short film featuring her in the lead role having the narrative on the barbarism committed on a woman and its aftermath. Having similarities with the rape-murder of a woman medic in R G Kar Hospital in August last year the short film triggered a row.

On Friday, Rajanya told reporters, There are many other Monojit Mishras (the prime accused in the law college incident) lurking in the student units elsewhere in the city and districts.

They had circulated indecent, obscene AI-generated pictures of me among themselves which shows their pervert mindset. They have shown the pictures to juniors in our organisation as well. Such people as predators blackmail women union members by luring them with plum postings in the students union unit and are giving a bad name to the organisation." The TMCP said Rajnya had not flagged any such experience to the partys top leadership in the past and promised action if she comes up with concrete evidence.

I have drawn the attention of party top brass against such abuse and dadagiri (intimidation) by a section of student union leaders. I had spoken for weeding out these black ships who are giving bad names to the party and overshadowing the good works of Mamata Banerjee government, These anti-women people always belittled my merit and hard work and the competence of any woman," she said.

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Rajanya said, These misogynist males should not be identified with any particular party. They are a menace and can be part of any political party." Asked about Rajanyas comments, TMCP state President Trinankur Bhattacharya told PTI, She had never brought up the issue with me in the past." If she brings any allegation of misdeeds to our notice, we will certainly take appropriate action once the charges are proved after fair internal probe," he said.

Senior minister and TMC leader Firhad Hakim said, I have no information who is saying what. The government and the party are always vigilant against any wrongdoing and initiate strict action against the perpetrators. We have zero tolerance to crimes against women." PTI SUS RG

First Published: July 04, 2025, 23:00 IST
Three held in Andheri with hydroponic weed worth Rs 4 cr

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 20:15 IST

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Mumbai, Jul 4 (PTI) Three persons were arrested allegedly with hydroponic weed worth more than Rs 4 crore from Andheri in Mumbai, a police official said on Friday.

They were held when a Crime Branch team was patrolling JB Nagar area, he said.

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We found 4.057 kilograms of hydroponic weed worth more than Rs 4 crore in their possession. A case has been registered under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and probe is underway to unravel the entire peddling network," the official said.

Hydroponic cultivation is the method of growing plants with mineral nutrient solutions in a water-based solvent rather than soil. PTI DC BNM

First Published: July 04, 2025, 20:15 IST
BMW India Reports 10 Pc Jump In Sales, Sold 7,774 Units During Jan-Jun

Published By :

PTI

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 07:58 IST

The company sold 7,774 BMW and MINI cars and 2,569 motorcycles during the January-June period of 2025. Of this, BMW sold 7,477 units and MINI 297 units,

BMW i7 XDrive60 (Photo: Shahrukh Shah/ News18)

German premium car maker BMW group on Thursday reported a 10 per cent jump in total sales in India at 7,774 units in the January-June period of 2025 over the same period year-ago, The Group had sold 7,081 units of BMW and MINI brands of cars in India in the first of CY 2024.

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Besides, the company also retailed 2,569 Motorrad brand of motorcycles during the period under review.

The company also said it continued its leadership position in the luxury electric vehicle sales in India with a massive 234 per cent year-on-year growth in volumes at 1,322 units of BMW and MINI EVs sold during the first half of the current calendar year.

The company sold 7,774 BMW and MINI cars and 2,569 motorcycles during the January-June period of 2025. Of this, BMW sold 7,477 units and MINI 297 units, it said in a statement.

We are on a fast track, posting over 10 per cent growth despite a challenging environment as we continue to unfold new opportunities in the luxury segment," said Vikram Pawah, President and CEO at BMW Group India.

With the companys thrust on electric mobility, BMW Group India witnessed a phenomenal 234 per cent growth in EV sales, he added.

Among SAVs (sports activity vehicles) as well as sedans, our long wheelbase luxury models are in great demand," Pawah said.

The BMW iX1 Long Wheelbase was the highest-selling electric car during this period, followed by the flagship BMW i7, the company said, adding that electric cars now hold 18 per cent share in total sales of BMW Group India.

The long wheelbase BMW models saw 159 per cent growth in the first half of the year. This includes the BMW 7 Series, 5 Series, and 3 Series, as well as BMW iX1.

BMW long wheelbase models account for 47 per cent share in total sales, it said, adding that strategically positioning these models across its portfolio, BMW Group India proactively ascertained customers needs and provided the ideal luxury product in each segment.

The BMW 5 Series was the highest-selling BMW sedan during H1, with close to 20 per cent share in sales.

Meanwhile, the BMW 3 Series retained the class-leading position in the Indian premium sedan segment, the company said.

It also said its 7 Series and i7 models are leading in their respective segments while the X7 has crossed over 5,000 deliveries since launch.

According to the company, its SAVs recorded a double-digit growth of 17 per cent in H1 2025. Compared to 56 per cent in Q1, their share in sales increased to 59 per cent in Q2, BMW Group said, adding that the X1 model was the highest selling SAV not just for BMW (over 30 per cent share in sales), but in the Indian premium compact segment.

The MINI brand of cars delivered 297 units in H1, 2025. With MINI Cooper S as the highest-selling model during the period, seeing a growth of over 60 per cent as compared to H1 2024.

Both Cooper S and the Countryman E models commanded almost equal share in sales, it said.

BMW Motorrad delivered 2,569 motorcycles in H1 2025. The BMW G 310 RR was the most popular smart-cc bike, it said and added that in the GS adventure world, the BMW 900 GS / GSA and the BMW 1300 GS / GSA models were the best-selling models.

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About the Author Shahrukh Shah Shahrukh Shah, Sub-Editor at News18, loves to write about everything that moves on wheels. With years of experience and the required skill sets, he is contributing to the auto section, where he let people know ... Read More Shahrukh Shah, Sub-Editor at News18, loves to write about everything that moves on wheels. With years of experience and the required skill sets, he is contributing to the auto section, where he let people know ... 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 04, 2025, 07:58 IST
Mangalore's Father-Son Duo Travel To Ladakh On Old Splendor, Get Rs 13L-Superbike As Gift | Video

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 09:41 IST

According to the details shared in the video by the influencer, both son and his father are the only people in India who got the Hero Centennial Edition free of cost.

Son-father bike trip in Ladakh on Hero Splendor. (File photo)

In a move to support the motorcycle culture in India, a lot of top manufacturers are putting efforts to push all petrolheads to go extra miles out of their comfort zone. From rewarding gear to giving a free sportsbike, these brands are promoting the culture in every way possible. A similar story surfaced on the internet, where the leading company Hero MotoCorp gifted a superbike worth Rs 13 lakh to the Son-dad after seeing them covering an Iconic Ladakh trip on a 25-year-old Splendor.

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A viral video has been shared on the internet, where Son-dad was seen getting honoured by the brand with the tech-loaded sportsbike Centennial Edition. The clip has been shared on the Meta-owned Instagram by a handle named 69thewanderlust, featuring both men getting rewarded for their adventurous trip. The post also showed a caption that reads, " First ever person in the world to get a 13 lakh worth bike from Hero"

Take a look at viral clip here

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nikhil Renunathan  (@69thewanderlust)

Whats In Clip?

In the clip, the son named Prajwal can be seen going to the Hero showroom, accompanied by his father on the same bike that has been used for the Ladakh trip. As they reached at the venue, the special edition motorcycle in a special edition was already waiting for them.

After doing all the paperwork and formalities, Prajwal was asked to do the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which made him a bit emotional. Later, he took out the two-wheeler from the showroom and posed with the companys limited edition offering.

All About Hero Centennial

In case you are not aware, Hero Centennial is a special edition motorcycle, based on the Karizma XMR. According to the details, the company has restricted the model and built only a limited units to maintain its exclusivity. It has sold the bike via auction, especially to Heros employees, associates, business partners, and stakeholders.

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The sole purpose of introducing the model is to generate money for charitable initiatives. The brand managed to raise 8.6 crore for the same.

About the Author Shahrukh Shah Shahrukh Shah, Sub-Editor at News18, loves to write about everything that moves on wheels. With years of experience and the required skill sets, he is contributing to the auto section, where he let people know ... Read More Shahrukh Shah, Sub-Editor at News18, loves to write about everything that moves on wheels. With years of experience and the required skill sets, he is contributing to the auto section, where he let people know ... 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!

Location : Mangalore, India, India

First Published: July 04, 2025, 08:52 IST
Indias First Electric Tractor Is Here, Will It Transform Indian Farming?

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 10:14 IST

AutoNxt's game-changing electric tractor marks a new chapter for farmers, industries, and the planet.

AutoNxts electric tractor has been successfully tested across multiple Indian states.

AutoNxt, a tech-driven company leading the electric mobility space, has officially launched Indias first indigenously built electric tractor.

The vehicle was formally registered today at the Thane RTO, making history as the first of its kind in the country.

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Maharashtras Transport Minister, Shri Pratap Sarnaik, called the electric tractor a boon" for the agriculture and industrial sectors. He noted it could spark a significant green shift nationwide. The tractor was originally unveiled by former CM Shri Eknath Shinde last year and has already drawn attention from across India.

Performance

AutoNxts electric tractor has been successfully tested across multiple Indian states. It has delivered excellent results in local government projects, cow shelters, biomass plants, dairy farms, and sugar factories. Known for its fuel efficiency and low maintenance, the tractor is also a cleaner, quieter alternative to traditional diesel models.

The Diesel Alternative Farmers Needed

With no electric alternative available until now, farmers and institutions had little choice but to rely on diesel tractors. AutoNxts innovation is expected to change that rapidly. It promises reduced fuel expenses, lower servicing costs, and less pollutionbenefiting both pockets and the planet.

Heres What The Leaders Say

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Kaustubh Dhonde, Founder & CEO of AutoNxt, said, This moment marks the beginning of a transformative shift in agricultural technology. Our indigenously developed electric tractor is a testament to Indias engineering capabilities and our commitment to sustainable solutions. In addition to this Mr. Pankaj Goyal, Co-founder and COO, AutoNXT said Its not just a productits a movement toward a cleaner, more cost-effective, and future-ready India."

Electric vehicles are being widely recognised as a solution to reduce fossil fuel dependence and greenhouse gas emissions. Both central and state governments are actively encouraging EV adoption, including through policies like the Maharashtra Electric Vehicle Policy 2025, which aims for 20% EV registrations by 2025.

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

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First Published: July 04, 2025, 10:14 IST
Lucknow To Kanpur In Just 50 Minutes! Rapid Rail In The Works

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 12:01 IST

The 67-km Lucknow-Kanpur rapid rail corridor will run from Naya Ganj to Amausi, linking two metro-connected hubs for faster, smoother, and more accessible travel

This initiative is being seen as a significant step towards developing a fast, accessible, and safe transport system in the state. (News18)

Following the model of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Rapid Rail, efforts have intensified to construct a high-speed rapid rail corridor between Lucknow and Kanpur. The Uttar Pradesh Housing Department has instructed the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) and the Unnao-Shuklaganj Development Authority to commence work on a Detailed Project Report (DPR), which will evaluate the projects financial feasibility. If implemented, the travel time between these two major UP cities will be reduced from nearly two hours to just 50 minutes.

This initiative is being seen as a significant step towards developing a fast, accessible, and safe transport system in the state. The central government is expected to provide funding for the project.

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However, the next steps will only begin once in-principle approval is granted by the state government. Following approval, a private consultancy firm will be appointed through a tender to prepare the DPR.

According to initial plans, the rapid rail corridor will be 67 kilometres long. It is expected to start at Naya Ganj in Kanpur and end at Amausi in Lucknow. These locations have been chosen as both are already linked to existing metro networks, ensuring better connectivity.

DPR to Determine Cost and Viability

As reported by the Times of India, officials stated that the total project cost, expected daily ridership, potential revenue, and land acquisition requirements will be clearly understood only after the DPR is completed.

The DPR will also outline the amount of land to be acquired and the compensation to be provided. If the project proceeds, it will not only offer a faster and more reliable travel option but also contribute to regional development and generate employment opportunities.

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Parallel Expressway Development

In parallel, a six-lane, 63-km-long expressway is also under construction between Lucknow and Kanpur. This expressway will pass through Bani, Kantha, and Amarsas, ultimately reaching Azad Marg in Kanpur. Once completed, it will further reduce the travel time between the two cities, providing yet another fast and convenient travel option for commuters.

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 : Uttar Pradesh, India, India

First Published: July 04, 2025, 12:01 IST
Big Setback For HDFC Bank CEO As SC Denies Protection From Arrest In Lilavati Trust Case

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 13:01 IST

The Supreme Court refused to grant HDFC Bank MD & CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan an interim protection from arrest.

The Lilavati Kirtilal Mehta Medical Trust, which runs the prominent Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai, has accused Jagdishan of misusing his position as the head of a leading private bank to interfere in the internal affairs of a charitable organisation.

In a major setback for HDFC Bank MD & CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan, the Supreme Court on Friday, July 4, denied him any relief in connection with an FIR of cheating and fraud registered against him on a complaint filed by the Lilavati Kirtilal Mehta Medical Trust, which runs the prominent Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai.

The SC refused to grant him interim protection from arrest. The apex court said it hopes the Bombay High Court hears the matter on July 14.

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We are not inclined to entertain the matter. We will not apply our mind to the merits. If matter is not heard on 14th, you come back. We hope and trust that high court will take the matter up on the designated date," said a bench, comprising justices P S Narasimha and R Mahadevan.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Jagdishan, submitted that the bank has been roped in a private dispute.

The idea is to summon the MD to police station. No proceedings should be taken against the MD," he said.

Rohatgi said they had moved the Bombay High Court but three benches of the high court have so far recused themselves from hearing the matter.

Jagdishan on Thursday moved the Supreme Court challenging an FIR. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Jagdishan, mentioned the matter for urgent listing before a bench of Justices M M Sundresh and K Vinod Chandran.

What Is the Case?

According to the complaint filed by the Trust, Jagdishan allegedly accepted a bribe of Rs 2.05 crore in exchange for providing financial advice to help the Chetan Mehta Group retain illegal and undue control over the Trusts governance.

The Trust has accused Jagdishan of misusing his position as the head of a leading private bank to interfere in the internal affairs of a charitable organisation.

Jagdishans plea seeking quashing of the first information report (FIR) was first listed in the high court in June.

The FIR against Jagdishan was registered at the Bandra police station following an order by a Bandra magistrate court under section 175 (3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), based on an application moved by the Trust.

He was booked under alleged charges of cheating, criminal breach of trust, and criminal breach of trust by a public servant.

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In a public statement issued earlier this month, the Trust alleged that the Rs 2.05 crore payment was part of a larger conspiracy to loot" the Trust and manipulate its decision-making processes in favour of the Chetan Mehta Group.

The Trust has also filed a petition before the high court seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter.

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 04, 2025, 12:34 IST
Crizac IPO Last Day: GMP Surges; Issue Subscribed 62.8x, Retail Quota Booked 10.7x

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 17:16 IST

Unlisted shares of Crizac Ltd are trading at Rs 287 against its upper IPO price of Rs 245, which is 17.14% GMP, indicating mild listing gains for investors.

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 witnessed its final day of bidding on Friday, July 4. The mainboard IPO, which will be closed at 5 pm today, aims to raise Rs 860 crore. On the final day of bidding on Friday, the issue received a 62.89 times subscription, garnering bids for 1,54,53,03,240 shares as against the 2,45,71,427 shares on offer.

The retail and NII participation stood at 10.74x and 80.07x, respectively. The QIB category received a 141.27x subscription.

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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 287 against its upper IPO price of Rs 245. It means a grey market premium or GMP of Rs 42, which is 17.14% over its issue price, indicating mild listing gains for investors.

The GMP is higher than the 8.98% recorded in the morning. However, in previous day on Thursday, the grey market premium was at around 11%.

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: Analysts Recommendations

Crizac Limited, a B2B international education platform, 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.

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.

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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 04, 2025, 10:29 IST
SEBI Bans Jane Street From Indian Markets, Orders Rs 4,843 Cr Seizure Over Derivatives Probe

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 12:00 IST

The action comes as part of SEBIs ongoing probe into suspected market manipulation by Jane Street through its derivatives trading

Sebi in its order said the Jane Street Group made a total profit of Rs 36,502.12 crores across all segments through manipulative strategies in Indian stock markets.

Indias capital market regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), has barred US-based proprietary trading firm Jane Street Group and its associated entities from participating in the Indian securities market. According to a report by Bloomberg and an official order published on SEBIs website, the firm is prohibited from buying, selling, or dealing in any securitieseither directly or indirectlyuntil further notice.

SEBI also directed all banks to freeze withdrawals from accounts linked to Jane Street Group entities. This includes individual and jointly held accounts, unless SEBI provides specific approval for transactions.

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The action comes as part of SEBIs ongoing probe into suspected market manipulation by Jane Street through its derivatives trading activities. The firm reportedly earned over $2.3 billion in profits from equity derivatives trading in India last year.

Rs 4,843 Crore in Unlawful Gains to Be Deposited

SEBIs order further states that unlawful gains of Rs 4,843 croreallegedly earned through manipulative practiceswill be impounded. Jane Street entities have been directed to open an escrow account with a scheduled commercial bank in India and deposit the entire amount. Banks where these companies maintain accounts have also been instructed to not allow any debits without the regulators permission.

Additionally, Jane Street Group and its related entities must close or square off all existing positions within three months or by the contracts expirywhichever comes first.

About Jane Street

Jane Street Group LLC is a global proprietary trading firm that employs over 2,600 people across the US, Europe, and Asia. It operates in more than 45 countries, leveraging advanced algorithmic strategies to identify trading opportunities.

A Timeline of Events

Heres a detailed timeline of the key events, as outlined in SEBIs order:

April 2024: SEBI begins initial analysis after media reports highlight a legal dispute involving Jane Streets alleged unauthorized use of proprietary trading strategies in Indian markets.

July 23, 2024: SEBI instructs the National Stock Exchange (NSE) to examine Jane Streets trading activity to identify potential market abuse.

August 2024: SEBI interacts with Jane Street on August 20, and the firm submits its response on August 30, explaining its trades.

November 13, 2024: NSE submits its examination report on Jane Streets trading patterns to SEBI.

December 2024: SEBI observes unusual volatility in index options, especially on weekly expiry days. It notes that certain entities, including Jane Street, were running exceptionally large risk positions in cash-equivalent terms in the F&O segment.

February 4, 2025: Based on preliminary findings, SEBI believes Jane Street is in violation of Prohibition of Fraudulent and Unfair Trade Practices (PFUTP) regulations.

February 6, 2025: NSE, on SEBIs instructions, issues a caution letter to Jane Street Singapore Pte Ltd and related entities, advising them to refrain from potentially manipulative trading patterns.

February 6 & 21, 2025: Jane Street responds to the caution letter, providing justifications for its trading activities.

May 15, 2025: Despite the warning, Jane Street continues to operate with very large cash-equivalent positions in index options, leading to further regulatory scrutiny.

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What Are Cash Equivalents in F&O?

In the context of futures and options (F&O), cash equivalents refer to short-term, highly liquid instruments such as treasury bills or money market funds. These assets are often used as collateral for margin requirements, allowing traders to earn returns while actively engaging in derivatives trading.

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 04, 2025, 08:11 IST
'Pakistan In A Whirlpool...': Ex-President Links Microsoft Deal Collapse To Regime Change

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 09:45 IST

Stating that Microsoft's decision to shut down operations in Pakistan is a "troubling sign" for the nation's economic future, Arif Alvi links it to regime change in the country.

Jawwad Rehman, who set up and led Microsoft's Pakistan unit, informed about Microsoft's decision to close down its operations in the country in a LinkedIn post.

Even as global tech giant Microsoft has decided to close down its operations in Pakistan after 25 years of service in the country as part of its latest mass layoffs of 9,000 employees, Pakistans former president Arif Alvi said Pakistan is now spiralling into a whirlpool of uncertainty. He added that there is increasing joblessness, talent migration, and a reduction in purchasing power in the country.

Pakistan now spirals in a whirlpool of uncertainty. There is increasing joblessness, our talent is migrating abroad, purchasing power has reduced, economic recovery in the awami context feels like a distant & elusive dream," said Arif Alvi in a post on X.

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Stating that Microsofts decision to shut down operations in Pakistan is a troubling sign" for the countrys economic future, he linked the companys move to the regime change in the country.

Microsofts decision to shut down operations in Pakistan is a troubling sign for our economic future. I vividly recall February 2022, when Bill Gates visited my office. On behalf of the people of Pakistan, I had the honor of conferring the Hilal-e-Imtiaz on him for his remarkable contributions to polio eradication in our country," he added.

Microsofts decision to shut down operations in Pakistan is a troubling sign for our economic future. I vividly recall February 2022, when Bill Gates visited my office. On behalf of the people of Pakistan, I had the honor of conferring the Hilal-e-Imtiaz on him for his remarkable pic.twitter.com/T4SMkp6Mn0 Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) July 3, 2025

Recalling his conversation with Gates, Alvi said they sat in the lawn outside his office, and conversation spanned fascinating topics like AI, Quantum computing, gut microbiomes, longevity, and more.

During our discussion, I asked him directly, Why isnt Microsoft investing in Pakistan?" He leaned in, sharing in confidence that he had just spoken with PM Imran Khan and arranged a call between the PM and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. In a hushed tone, he asked me to keep it quiet, revealing that all is set and within two months, the PM and I will announce a major Microsoft investment in Pakistan," Alvi said.

But then, everything went rapidly downhill. Regime change upended those plans, and the promise of investment slipped away. By October 2022, Microsoft chose Vietnam for its expansion, a decision in which they had initially favored Pakistan. The opportunity was lost," he added.

The only path forward is through political dialogue among stakeholders. Public opinion, as many know, reflects deep disillusionment with the current arrangement & the electoral process. Yet, a vast majority still believes that dialogue is the only way to navigate this crisis, Alvi said.

Jawwad Rehman, who set up and led Microsofts Pakistan unit, informed about Microsofts decision to close down its operations in the country in a LinkedIn post.

According to theregister.com, a Microsoft spokesperson said, As a part of regular process of business evaluation and optimization, we are changing our operating model in Pakistan. Our customer agreements and service will not be affected by this change. We will serve our customers through both our strong and extensive partner organization, and other closely located Microsoft offices."

We follow this model successfully in a number of other countries around the world. Our customers remain our top priority and can expect the same high level of service going forward, the spokesperson said.

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On Wednesday, July 2, IT giant Microsoft 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.

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.

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 04, 2025, 09:40 IST
2,866 Suicides In 3 Years: Danve Raises Farmers Plight In Maharashtra Legislative Council

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 18:56 IST

Ambadas Danve listed multiple unresolved crises plaguing farmers  pending crop insurance payouts, fake seeds, contaminated urea, lack of MSP, and mounting farm loans

Beed sends approximately 1.75 lakh workers, including thousands of women, to other states every year for sugarcane cutting. (PTI Photo)

Ambadas Danve, Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the Mahayuti government over the plight of the states farmers.

Raising the issue through a resolution in the Council, Danve said that 2,866 farmers have died by suicide since the Mahayuti alliance came to power three years ago. Most of these tragic deaths were reported from the drought-prone regions of Amravati and Marathwada.

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Danve listed multiple unresolved crises plaguing farmers  from pending crop insurance payouts and fake seeds to contaminated urea, lack of Minimum Support Price (MSP), and mounting farm loans. He accused the government of failing to keep its election promises, especially the promise of full loan waivers.

While big corporates got loan waivers worth Rs 9.26 lakh crore from the Centre, Maharashtras farmers still carry a debt burden of Rs 8.32 lakh crore. The same banks that write off loans for industrialists refuse to help farmers without checking their CIBIL score first," Danve told the House.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader didnt hold back in ridiculing the states priorities either. Theres money for bullet trains, but none for the people who feed this nation," he said.

He pointed out that the governments own 100-day performance report gave the agriculture department just 35% and the education department only 11%  a sign, he said, of the neglect these crucial sectors face.

Danve also accused Agriculture Minister Dhananjay Munde of making controversial remarks about farmers while failing to ensure their welfare. He contrasted the current governments attitude with former CM Uddhav Thackerays decision to waive Rs 2 lakh in farm loans during his tenure.

One of the most glaring issues, Danve said, is the delayed crop insurance payments. Farmers have been waiting for more than a year and a half for insurance worth Rs 483 crore for their kharif and rabi crops. The state still owes over Rs 1,015 crore to insurance companies, which have, in turn, withheld payments to farmers. Are crop insurance companies meant to protect farmers or push them to ruin," he asked. Danve questioned why the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) hasnt reached those who need it most. He criticised the move to reduce multiple claim triggers to just one, which he said made it harder for farmers to get payouts.

Highlighting individual tragedies, Danve recalled the shocking suicides of Parbhani farmer Sachin Jadhav, his wife, and child, and of award-winning young farmer Kailas Nagare. Imagine a farmer having to plough his own land without bullocks  this is the reality in Maharashtra today," he said, his voice resonating with emotion.

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Adding to the list of grievances, Danve revealed that over 3.31 lakh applications for solar agri pumps remain pending, despite farmers depositing their share. He accused the government of sitting on Rs 944 crore that rightfully belongs to them. He also flagged the dismal state of market committees  with 305 committees running at a loss  and demanded immediate implementation of the recommendations of the Umakant Dangat Committee to strengthen the system.

Danves attack wasnt limited to the state government. He held the Centre responsible for onion price crashes, saying its unstable export policies had allowed countries like China and Pakistan to capture Indias market share globally, hurting Maharashtras farmers even more. In the name of Rs 1 crop insurance, they are filling the pockets of private insurers and middlemen, not helping farmers. If this is not betrayal, what is," Danve asked, rounding off a powerful speech that left the ruling benches scrambling for answers.

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 04, 2025, 18:55 IST
Caught On CCTV: BBMP Staffer Allegedly Assaults Home Owner During Caste Survey In Bengaluru

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 13:04 IST

According to Nandeesh, the house owner, a BBMP staff member reportedly pasted a survey sticker on his residence without first gathering any prior information from the household.

Screenshot from the CCTV footage of the incident.

The ongoing survey of Scheduled Caste (SC) communities in Karnataka has once again become contentious, following a troubling incident in Bengaluru where a Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) staff member allegedly assaulted a house owner. The incident, captured on CCTV, has sparked outrage and raised serious concerns about the conduct and training of personnel involved in the caste data collection process.

The alleged assault took place around 9:30 AM on Wednesday. According to Nandeesh, the house owner, a BBMP staff member reportedly pasted a survey sticker on his residence without first gathering any prior information from the household. When Nandeesh questioned the civic worker about this improper procedure, he was allegedly physically assaulted in response.

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The entire altercation was recorded on a CCTV camera, and the footage has since been widely shared on social media platforms. The video shows the confrontation and the alleged physical assault, leading to widespread condemnation of the BBMP staff members actions.

BBMP staffer caught on CCTV allegedly assaulting a Bengaluru house owner, Nandeesh, during the ongoing SC community survey. Stickers pasted without consent, and when questioned, the civic worker resorted to physical violence. pic.twitter.com/BIFlp0Pvfm Harish Upadhya (@harishupadhya) July 4, 2025

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Meanwhile, Suresh, the BBMP staffer, claimed the homeowner used abusive language and tried to first physically assault him. As quoted by The New Indian Express, Suresh said he pushed the homeowner in anger when he tried to hit him.

This incident closely follows another controversy from the previous day, where a video surfaced showing BBMP workers pasting stickers on houses without interacting with the residents. In response to the lapse, the BBMP had suspended three officials. The latest incident further intensifies concerns regarding the execution of the caste survey and the accountability of the staff involved in Karnataka.

About the Author Harish Upadhya Harish Upadhya, an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18, reports from Bengaluru. Political reporting is his forte. He also tracks India's space journey, and is passionate about environmental reporting and RTI investi... Read More Harish Upadhya, an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18, reports from Bengaluru. Political reporting is his forte. He also tracks India's space journey, and is passionate about environmental reporting and RTI investi... Read More

First Published: July 04, 2025, 13:04 IST
Monetary Dispute Turns Violent As Man Sets Relative's House On Fire In Bengaluru

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 10:08 IST

A CCTV footage confirmed that the accused, Subramani, entered the premises at around 5:21 PM with a bottle of petrol.

No injuries were reported in the incident but the front portion of the house and windows were damaged (Representative image)

A long-standing monetary feud between relatives resulted in a dangerous incident in Bengalurus Viveknagar, where a man set a house ablaze while family members were inside.

The incident that is said to have taken place on July 1 around 5:30 PM, was captured on CCTV.

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According to a report in NDTV, the house belongs to Venkataramani and her son Satish. According to the police complaint, the accused has been identified as Subramani, a relative of the family.

The dispute stemmed nearly 78 years ago when Parvati, another relative, borrowed Rs 5 lakh from Venkataramani for her daughters wedding. Tensions heightened among the relatives as the money was never repaid despite repeated reminders.

Recently, the matter escalated again at a family wedding, where Venkataramani reportedly asked Parvati to return the money, leading to heated arguments, insults and threats. Thereafter, Venkataramanis relatives devised the revenge plan against him.

The report suggested Satish was at work near Domlur when his mother called in distress informing him that somebody attempted to set their house on fire. She and Satishs brother, Mohan Das, were reportedly inside the house when someone entered their compound and poured petrol on the front door, footwear stand, and bedroom window before setting it on fire.

Alert neighbors noticed the flames and rushed to extinguish the fire, helping to prevent any injuries. However, no injuries were reported in the incident but the front portion of the house and windows were damaged.

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Later, a CCTV footage confirmed that Subramani entered the premises at around 5:21 PM with a bottle of petrol. He was seen pouring it on a show rack kept at the front portion of the house and lighting a match, narrowly escaping the flames himself.

Thereafter, a complaint was lodged at Viveknagar Police Station. An FIR was registered and an investigation is underway.

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 04, 2025, 10:08 IST
'Do Amir Khan, Javed Akhtar Speak Marathi?' Maharashtra Minister Slams MNS Over Language Row

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 15:17 IST

Nitesh Rane condemned MNS workers for assaulting a shopkeeper over language row. He warned of government action if attacks persist.

Maharashtra Minister Slams MNS Over Language Row (Credit- ANI/X)

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane expressed strong dejection over the recent assault on a shopkeeper, who refused to speak Marathi. Rane warned the Raj Thackerays Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers, who assaulted the shopkeeper, and said if such attacks continue on Hindus then the government will open its third eye".

The minister also questioned that why MNS workers dont have the courage to beat up Muslims who also cannot speak Marathi and if celebrities like Javed Akhtar and Aamir Khan speak in Marathi? While addressing media, Rane was quoted by ANI as saying, A Hindu was beaten up for not speaking Marathi. If they have the courage, go to Null Bazaar, Mohammed Ali road and tell people there to speak Marathi They dont have the courage to go there and beat up those cap-wearers. Do Javed Akhtar and Aamir Khan speak in Marathi? Why beat up a poor Hindu?"

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Nitish Ranes Statement On Thane Assault

#WATCH | Mumbai | On a viral video of a shop owner in Thane assaulted for purportedly refusing to speak in Marathi, Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane says, A Hindu was beaten up for not speaking Marathi. If they have the courage, go to Null Bazaar, Mohammed Ali road and tell pic.twitter.com/fk0R6cDxLc ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2025

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On Tuesday, a group of men, wearing Raj Thackeray led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) scarves, allegedly assaulted a shop owner for denying to speak in Marathi.

An FIR was registered at the Kashimira police station in Mira-Bhayander against seven persons on a complaint by the shop owner and issued notices to three of them. As per the FIR, on June 29, seven unidentified men entered Mira Road (East) located shop Jodhpur Sweets and Namkeen, they asked the owner of the shop about his identity and then asked them what language is spoken in Maharashtra. The owner responded that all languages are spoken in the state, hearing this, the crowd became aggressive and allegedly assaulted the shopkeeper.

First Published: July 04, 2025, 14:00 IST
ICAI CA Result 2025: CA May 2025 Results On This Date, Download Link & Other Details

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 14:55 IST

ICAI CA Result 2025: CA Foundation, Intermediate, and Final results will be made available on the official website at icai.nic.in.

ICAI to announce CA May 2025 results for all levels on July 6 at icai.nic.in.(Instagram/@icaiorg)

ICAI CA Result 2025 Date: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) will declare the CA May 2025 results for all three levelsFoundation, Intermediate, and Final on July 6, 2025. Candidates can check their results on the official websites by entering their registration number, roll number, and password.

Official Websites To Check ICAI CA Results 2025:

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 icai.nic.in

 icaiexam.icai.org

 caresults.icai.org

ICAI CA Result 2025: How To Download?

Follow these simple steps to check and download ca results:

Step 1: Visit the official ICAI result portal.

Step 2: Click on the Result Portal" and select your course (Foundation/Inter/Final).

Step 3: Enter your roll number and PIN or registration number.

Step 4: Fill in the captcha code and click on Check Result".

Step 5: Your CA May 2025 result will be displayed on the screen.

Step 6: Download and save it for future reference.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) releases a merit list along with the CA exam results for each programme. The ICAI Merit List 2025 for the May 2025 session will be published online and will feature the names of the top 50 rank holders.

To check the ICAI merit list 2025, candidates will need to enter their registration number or roll number, along with the security code provided on the portal.

ALSO READ: UGC NET June 2025 Provisional Answer Key Expected Soon, How To Download

CA May 2025 Passing Criteria

To qualify in a particular group or level of the CA May 2025 exam, candidates must meet two essential benchmarks.

First, they need to secure at least 40% marks in each individual subject. This ensures a basic level of understanding across all tested areas.

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Second, candidates must achieve a minimum aggregate score of 50% across all subjects in that group or level. This combined score determines overall eligibility to pass.

Both conditions must be fulfilled to be declared as having passed that group or level of the examination.

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 04, 2025, 14:49 IST
Madras High Court Dismisses Appeal Challenging NEET UG 2025 Re-Exam Order

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 13:00 IST

The Madras High Court dismissed an appeal seeking NEET re-exam, stating it would severely impact over two million students across the country.

Madras HC rejects plea for NEET UG 2025 re-exam, cites no major impact from power outage.

The Madras High Court on Thursday dismissed an appeal filed by a group of medical aspirants seeking a re-examination of NEET UG 2025. The court observed that allowing such a request would significantly impact over two million students who took the test across the country, as reported by news agency PTI.

The appeal was filed by S Sai Priya and 11 others against the High Courts earlier order on June 6, which had rejected a batch of petitions requesting that the National Testing Agency (NTA) be restrained from declaring the results of NEET UG 2025.

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The petitioners had argued that they experienced power outages at four examination centres in Chennai and urged the court to direct the NTA to conduct a re-exam for affected students.

However, a division bench comprising Justice J Nisha Banu and Justice M Jothiraman upheld the earlier verdict and dismissed the appeal.

The bench stated, It is to be noted that the integrity of the exam is particularly ensured through human supervision including the presence of the Centre Superintendent, Invigilators, NTA appointed Observers and City Coordinator. All these officials have examined and confirmed that the examination was conducted smoothly. A factual enquiry was undertaken by the NTA and the enquiry was conducted with regard to the field verification through the reports of the examination functionaries and an independent statistical analysis of candidate performance data."

The court further noted that an expert committee conducted a statistical analysis using anonymised data, comparing the average number of questions attempted by students at the concerned centres with those from other centres in Thiruvallur District.

This analysis found no statistically significant difference in the number of questions attempted, confirming that the alleged power outage did not materially impact candidate performance. Furthermore, NEET (UG) 2025 is a time sensitive and large scale national examination," the bench observed.

Highlighting the importance of maintaining the integrity of educational assessments, the court said, This Court cannot sit in an appellate jurisdiction against the considered decision of the speaking order passed by the NTA, after field verification of examination centre and statistical analysis by an independent expert committee with no affiliation to the NTA, unless such decision is demonstrated to be manifestly arbitrary, mala fide or illegal."

ALSO READ: Sufficient Sunlight: Madhya Pradesh HC Stays NEET Retest Despite Power Cuts At Exam Centres

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The bench concluded that allowing a re-exam under such circumstances would severely disrupt the process and disadvantage the larger pool of candidates.

In such circumstances, if any re-examination is permitted, the same would severely affect more than two million candidates. Therefore, we do not find any reason to interfere with the order impugned and the writ appeal lacks merit and the same is liable to be dismissed. In the result, this writ appeal stands dismissed," the court ruled.

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 04, 2025, 13:00 IST
Bihar Electoral 'Roll Call': Draft List By August 1 And Final Version On September 30, Says ECI

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 19:47 IST

Nearly 87% (6.86 crore) of Bihars 7.90 crore voters have received enumeration forms during the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR), the ECI said on Friday

On Thursday, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said that the implementation of SIR in Bihar is running as per schedule with the active participation of all election staff and all political parties in a most transparent manner. (Representational image/PTI)

The Election Commission of India is aiming to release the draft electoral roll for Bihar on August 1 and the final version by September 30, the poll body announced on Friday.

Nearly 87% (6.86 crore) of Bihars 7.90 crore voters have received enumeration forms during the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR), the ECI said on Friday, noting that 1.5 crore households have already been covered in the first round of visits by booth-level officers (BLOs).

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These enumeration forms were distributed to voters registered as of June 24.

The remaining houses could be locked, or of dead electors, or of migrants or of those who may be travelling. Since the BLO shall be visiting three times to the houses of the electors during the exercise, these figures are likely to increase further," the poll body explained.

On Thursday, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said that the implementation of SIR in Bihar is running as per schedule with the active participation of all election staff and all political parties in a most transparent manner.

1.55 lakh agents of political parties involved

According to the ECI, 1.55 lakh booth-level agents (BLAs) are supporting the drive, with the BJP, RJD, and JD(U) contributing the highest numbers.

As on July 02, BJP has appointed 52,689 BLAs, followed by 47,504 of RJD, 34,669 of JD(U), 16,500 of INC, 1,913 of Rashtriya Lok Jan Shakti Party, and 1,271 of CPI(ML)L," the ECI noted.

Lok Jan Shakti Party (Ram Vilas) with 1,153, CPI(M) with 578, Rashtriya Lok Samta Party with 270, BSP with 74, NPP with 3, and AAP with 1 have also deployed the agents, the poll body added.

Each BLA can submit up to 50 certified forms per day.

38 lakh forms submitted

Nearly five per cent of filled-up and signed formsclose to 38 lakhhave already been received by the BLOs, the ECI added.

To be featured in the draft electoral rolls due on August 1, voters must submit signed enumeration forms by July 25. Claims and objections will be accepted from August 2, and the final rolls will be published on September 30.

Simultaneous verification of the uploaded forms has also been started.

Despite apprehensions by some quarters, SIR will ensure that all eligible persons will be included," the ECI added.

Eligibility verification will be based on whether supporting documents are attached to the signed enumeration forms.

On the basis of the published Draft of Electoral Rolls, claims and objections will be received from any political parties or any member of public from August 2 onwards," the ECI noted.

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The final electoral rolls will be published on September 30, 2025. Appeals can also be filed thereafter with the district magistrate and the chief electoral officer.

The term of the Bihar assembly is ending in November, and the elections are likely to be held before that.

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 04, 2025, 19:47 IST
Explained: What Russia's Recognition Of Taliban Government Means For Afghan Diplomacy

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 15:56 IST

Sources told News18 that Russia's recognition is considered a step in the right direction for the Taliban regime but short of full international legitimacy.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, right, and Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan's Taliban movement Amir Khan Muttaqi pose for a photo prior to their talks in Moscow, Russia in October 2024. (Image: AP Photo)

Russia officially recognised the Taliban government of Afghanistan on July 3, 2025, becoming the first nation to do so and signaling a major diplomatic change in the region. The step, which was announced following a meeting in Kabul between Russian Ambassador Dmitry Zhirnov and Afghanistans Acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, has been labeled by Afghan officials as a historic step" and the start of a new era in bilateral relations. But the significance of this recognition remains complicated, since formal international validation of the Taliban is still dependent upon the United Nations and global opinion.

Sources told News18 that Russias recognition is considered a step in the right direction for the Taliban regime but short of full international legitimacy. Sources highlight that formal recognition from the UN protocol division is required, and until that time comes, the Taliban will be diplomatically isolated. The development is considered part of a larger trend with most nations interacting with the Taliban at various levels to secure their interests and ensure regional stability.

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India has followed a watchful but pragmatic policy towards the Taliban regime. Although New Delhi has not officially recognised the Taliban, it has resumed a diplomatic mission in Kabul and permitted the Taliban to send a Consul General to Mumbai. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri just held talks with Taliban representatives, which was the highest level of interaction since the Taliban came to power. Indias engagement is motivated by security interests, competition for influence in the region against China, and an interest in keeping a handle on Afghanistan.

The Background: Talibans Return to Power

The Taliban took over Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, after the United States and NATO forces withdrew from the country. The group has since then pursued international recognition while imposing a strict form of Islamic law. Their attempts notwithstanding, no state had officially recognised the Taliban government until Russias recent move, even though several countries, such as China, India, and the United Arab Emirates, have had varying levels of diplomatic interactions with the group.

Russias Diplomatic Revitalisation: From Isolation to Engagement

Russias relationship with the Taliban has evolved dramatically over the past two decades. In 2003, Russia designated the Taliban as a terrorist organisation due to its support for separatists in the North Caucasus. However, the Talibans resurgence in 2021 and the shifting geopolitical landscape prompted Moscow to reassess its stance. In April 2025, Russias Supreme Court removed the Taliban from its list of banned organizations, paving the way for official recognition.

The Announcement and What It Means

Russias Foreign Ministry made the announcement that it accepted credentials from Afghanistans newly appointed Ambassador Gul Hassan Hassan, marking the beginning of productive bilateral cooperation." The ministry highlighted that this acknowledgement would promote cooperation in the fields of energy, agriculture, and anti-terrorism. Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi welcomed the move, terming it a good example for other countries" and hoping that it would spur further global involvement.

Why did Russia Embrace the Taliban?

Strategic Interests

Russias move is based on pragmatic reasons. Moscow considers the Taliban a ground reality and feels that talking to them is necessary in order to protect its interests in Central Asia. The Kremlin is seriously troubled by the ISKP threat, which carried out attacks in Afghanistan as well as Russia. By accepting the Taliban, Russia hopes to enhance security cooperation and counter-terrorism.

Economic Opportunities

Russia is also interested in huge economic benefits that can be derived from Afghanistan, especially in areas like energy, transportation, and agriculture. The Russian Foreign Ministry pointed to the promise of trade and infrastructure initiatives, which could be mutually advantageous for both nations. This economic aspect is a major reason Moscow is ready to normalise relations with the Taliban.

Regional Influence

By assuming the lead in recognising the Taliban, Russia becomes a central figure in deciding Afghanistans future. This decision is most probably aimed at projecting greater Russian influence in the region and establishing a precedent for other nations to do the same. It also constitutes part of Russias larger policy of interacting with regimes that risk being isolated by the West and thus increasing its diplomatic presence.

Engagement Without Recognition: The Global Approach

Chinas Calculated Diplomacy

China has also dealt with the Taliban at multiple levels. Beijing has entertained Taliban ambassadors and permitted them to hold sway over Afghanistans embassy in China, but not formal recognition. China is guided by economic interests, security concerns, and also a reluctance to be seen as the first major power to recognise the Talibans controversial policies.

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Other Countries

Some other nations, such as Turkey, Iran, and Pakistan, have established diplomatic ties with the Taliban but stopped short of conferring formal recognition. Such engagement is usually driven by regional, economic, or security interests, but all fall short of overt diplomatic support.

First Published: July 04, 2025, 15:56 IST
Pigeons As Carriers Of Messages To Diseases: Why Mumbais 51 Kabootar Khanas Will Be Shut | Explained

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 20:50 IST

Mumbais 51 Kabootar Khanas to be shut: Transmission of diseases to triggering allergies and carrying parasites, here's why asking kabutars or pigeons to 'ja ja' is best for you

The Dadar Kabootar Khana. (Local18 File)

Mumbais 51 Kabootar Khanas to be shut: Taking note of the health concerns raised over the years, the Maharashtra government has directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to shut all 51 kabootar khanas (pigeon feeding spots) in Mumbai.

The decision was announced in the Maharashtra Legislative Council. Shiv Sena (UBT) member Manisha Kayande said that the illegal feeding sport across Mumbai had converted footpaths into pigeon shelters. She also cited findings by the Indian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology that states how pigeon excreta can infiltrate the respiratory system and cause severe illness.

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How are pigeons harmful to humans?

Disease transmission: Pigeons can carry and transmit zoonotic diseasesthose that can be passed from animals to humansthrough their droppings, feathers, or mites.

These include:

Histoplasmosis: A lung infection caused by a fungus (Histoplasma capsulatum) found in pigeon droppings.

Cryptococcosis: Caused by the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans, often found in dried droppings.

Psittacosis (Parrot Fever): Caused by Chlamydia psittaci, this can be transmitted by inhaling dried droppings or feather dust, leading to flu-like symptoms or pneumonia.

Salmonellosis: Pigeons can contaminate food and surfaces with droppings that carry Salmonella bacteria.

Allergies and respiratory issues: They can cause allergic alveolitis or pigeon breeders lung)  an immune reaction in some people who are frequently exposed to pigeon droppings or feathers, causing coughing, difficulty breathing, and fatigue. They can also worsen asthma symptoms.

Parasites: Pigeons can carry ectoparasites that may bite humans or infest homes and buildings.

Environmental hazards: Accumulated pigeon droppings are highly acidic and can corrode buildings, statues, and cars, creating a slipping hazard and requiring costly clean-up. Pigeon nests in ventilation systems or attics can lead to unsanitary conditions and mold growth.

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Are there pigeons near your house? Do this

If there are pigeons near your house, prevent nesting and roosting by sealing any openings in your attic, roof, vents, or eaves. On exterior surfaces like ledges, windowsills, and balconies, you can install bird deterrents such as spikes, nets, or sloped covers that make it difficult for pigeons to land or stay. Reflective objects like old CDs, mylar tape, or rotating mirrors can also scare pigeons away, especially when combined with predator decoys like fake owls or hawks.

Never feed pigeons directly, and if you feed other birds, make sure to clean up spilled seed promptly. Keep trash bins closed tightly and avoid leaving pet food or scraps outdoors. If pigeons have already started roosting, regularly clean up droppingsbut do so safely. Always wear gloves and a mask, wet the droppings to prevent dust, and disinfect the area. Avoid dry sweeping or vacuuming without a HEPA filter, as dried droppings can carry harmful fungi and bacteria.

In cases where pigeon activity is heavy, call a professional pest or bird control service.

About the Author Manjiri Joshi At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing special copies ... Read More At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing special copies ... Read More

First Published: July 04, 2025, 20:04 IST
Trump Signs Big, Beautiful Bill Into Law: What Is It, What It Changes And Why Its Controversial

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 05, 2025, 09:32 IST

The One Big, Beautiful Bill was signed into law by US President Donald Trump at a ceremony held on July 4, during Independence Day celebrations at the White House

Donald Trump signs Big Beautiful Bill into law (Reuters Image)

A massive and controversial piece of legislation backed by US President Donald Trump has now been signed into law, capping a dramatic legislative battle that spanned weeks. Officially called the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, this nearly 1,000-page law brings together major tax changes, welfare cuts, defence spending hikes, and cultural policy shifts rolled into a single package.

The bill first cleared the US Senate in a 5050 tie, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote, and was later passed by the House of Representatives with a narrow 218214 margin. It was signed into law by President Trump at a ceremony held on July 4, during Independence Day celebrations at the White House.

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As Trump signed the Act, he called it the biggest bill of its type in history". Addressing the gathering from the balcony of the South Lawn alongside First Lady Melania Trump, the President said, We made promises, and its really promises made, promises kept, and weve kept them. Theres a triumph of democracy on the birthday of democracy, and I have to say that the people are happy."

But what is actually inside this so-called Big, Beautiful Bill"? Why is it controversial? And should India be paying attention?

What Is This Bill Trying To Do?

In simple terms, the law is a one-stop legislative overhaul that aims to permanently extend Trumps 2017 tax cuts, reduce spending on federal welfare programmes like healthcare and food assistance, increase defence and border security budgets, and push through several conservative social policy changes.

This is not a routine budget law, its a broad ideological statement. Trump has long wanted to hardwire certain policies into US law, and this Act is designed to do just that.

The core idea is to reduce the size of government in areas like welfare and climate programmes, while boosting its role in areas like national security and immigration control.

What Changes For Americans?

The One Big, Beautiful Bill locks in Trumps 2017 tax cuts, which were initially set to expire in 2025. These cuts lowered income tax rates for individuals and businesses. By making them permanent, the law ensures that wealthier Americans and large corporations continue to benefit from lower tax rates. According to analysts quoted by Reuters, lower-income households could see an effective decline in income as cuts to safety net programs outweigh modest tax relief.

It also introduces new tax deductionsfor example, on tips earned by service workers, overtime wages, interest on car loans (provided the vehicle was assembled in the US), and some expenses related to elder care. A new savings tool called the Trump Account" has been introduced as well. These accounts are designed to allow parents to invest in their childrens future, with gains exempt from federal taxessimilar in concept to tax-saving mutual funds or education-linked deposits in India.

To compensate for the loss in tax revenue, the law slashes spending on key welfare programmes. Medicaid, a public health insurance programme for low-income Americans, will now have stricter eligibility requirements. The federal food stamp schemeofficially known as SNAPwill also be trimmed. Subsidies for solar energy, electric vehicles and other clean technologies are being rolled back.

The law also reduces funding under Obamacare (the Affordable Care Act), especially for reproductive healthcare services. On the cultural side, the bill limits funding for diversity and inclusion programmes in schools and universities.

The legislation includes a $300 billion defence and homeland security boost, equally divided between the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security, for modernisation of weapons systems, cybersecurity, and border control technologies.

According to estimates by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) an independent US agency that provides non-partisan analysis to lawmakers the law is expected to add $3.4 trillion to the nations $36.2 trillion debt. The same report estimates up to 10.9 million people could lose health insurance due to Medicaid changes and reduced ACA support.

Why Is It Being Called Big And Beautiful?

The name comes from Donald Trump himself, who described it as one big, beautiful bill that will fix everything" during a rally earlier this year. Its not an official legislative name, but the label stuck, partly because of its dramatic scope, and partly because Trump turned it into a campaign slogan.

What Are The Political Stakes?

The signing of the Act marks one of the biggest legislative victories of Trumps second term so far. It consolidates the GOPs core prioritiestax cuts, reduced welfare spending, increased defence funding, and stricter immigration controlinto one omnibus package.

Democrats attempted to delay the vote, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries delivering an eight-hour speech in protest. The focus of this bill, the justification for all of the cuts that will hurt everyday Americans, is to provide massive tax breaks for billionaires," he said.

A small number of Republican lawmakers also raised objections, mainly over the projected increase in the fiscal deficit. However, the bill ultimately passed along party lines in both chambers.

At the signing ceremony, President Trump declared: Its the most popular bill signed in the history of our country, and it includes the largest tax cut and the largest spending cut in American history."

Does The Bill Affect India?

While the law is entirely domestic in scope, its ripple effects may touch India in a few key sectors.

For one, Indian IT and pharma companies that work with the US healthcare sector may face headwinds if American hospitals and insurers reduce spending in response to Medicaid cuts.

In the clean energy space, the US rolling back subsidies for electric vehicles and solar tech may weaken momentum for collaboration with Indian firms. Over the past few years, India and the US have explored joint work on battery storage, green hydrogen, and solar R&Dinitiatives that now may see reduced push. The US pulling back on clean energy subsidies could also affect its broader commitments to global climate finance, where India has been a beneficiary and partner under several multilateral initiatives.

On the other hand, the sharp increase in US defence spending could open new opportunities for IndiaUS defence partnerships, especially in co-production or advanced tech transfers under the iCET framework.

While no visa changes were included, the laws strong stance on immigration and its boost to enforcement budgets could signal tighter scrutiny on work visas like H-1B and L-1 in the future.

What Happens Next?

Now that the Big, Beautiful Bill has officially become law, different parts of it will be rolled out gradually across the United States over the coming months. Some tax changes, like deductions for tips and elder care, or the launch of the new Trump Account" for child-related savings, are expected to kick in within the 2025 financial year, once Americas tax authorities (the IRS) issue formal guidelines.

Other measures, such as cuts to healthcare benefits under Medicaid, reduced food assistance, and restrictions on diversity and inclusion programmes in schools, will take longer to implement. These changes require coordination between central (federal) and state-level agencies, similar to how both the Centre and states in India implement welfare schemes jointly.

Legal battles are expected. Civil liberties groups and Democratic state governments have already said they will challenge parts of the law in US courts, especially provisions that affect reproductive health and public health funding.

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Politically, the bill is set to become the centrepiece of Donald Trumps campaign for the 2026 US midterm elections. It gives him and the Republican Party a major achievement to showcase, while also energising opposition from Democrats and social activists.

For India, theres no immediate direct impact, but sectors like IT services, pharma, clean energy, and skilled migration will be watching closely.

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 04, 2025, 16:41 IST
24,696 KMPH Speed, 2,500KM Range: Indias Bunker Buster To Smash Targets 100m Underground

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 15:13 IST

The bunker buster variant of Agni-5 is being modified to penetrate 80100m underground, carrying a heavier warhead and traveling at hypersonic speeds of 8 to 24 Mach

The bunker buster version of the Agni-5 missile can carry a heavy payload of 7,500 to 8,000 kilograms. (PTI/File)

India is developing an advanced indigenous bunker buster missile system, taking cues from a recent US military operation that significantly impacted Irans nuclear infrastructure. Inspired by the successful use of a 14,000 kg bunker buster bomb by a US B-2 Spirit stealth bomber during the 12-day Israel-Iran conflict, India aims to enhance its strategic capabilities to counter potential threats from Pakistan, which has often issued nuclear attack warnings.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has initiated a project to develop a state-of-the-art bunker buster system, which is expected to be one of the most potent and effective in the world. Although no specific timeline has been provided, the project has already commenced, raising concerns for neighbouring China and Pakistan. Both countries, rich in nuclear weapons, share borders with India, Pakistan to the west and China to the east and north.

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India demonstrated its military prowess during Operation Sindoor, attacking 11 Pakistani airbases with Su-30MKI fighter jets, including the strategically vital Noor Khan airbase near Pakistans nuclear base at Kirana Hills. This operation highlighted Indias capability but also underscored the need for a bunker buster system.

DRDOs Bunker Buster Project

DRDO is developing a missile-based bunker buster solution by modifying the Agni-5 intercontinental ballistic missile, instead of building a bomb like the one used by the US. According to reports, the Agni-5, which has a range of over 5,500 kilometres, will see its range reduced under this plan. However, its conventional warhead capacity will be significantly enhanced to carry sufficient ordnance capable of destroying deeply buried targets.

Can Hit Deep Targets Within 100 Metres Precision

The bunker buster variant of the Agni-5 missile is being adapted to penetrate 80 to 100 meters underground, with a significantly enhanced conventional warhead payload capacity. This missile will travel at hypersonic speeds of 8 to 24 Mach, ensuring it can effectively destroy deeply buried military bases or nuclear weapons depots.

The bunker buster version of the Agni-5 missile will strike enemy targets at speeds ranging from 9,878 to 24,696 kilometres per hour. It is capable of carrying a heavy payload of 7,500 to 8,000 kilograms. Due to this increased payload capacity, its range will be reduced to around 2,500 kilometresenough to reach and destroy fortified underground targets.

Why A Missile-Based Bunker Buster, Not A Bomb?

US dropped GBU-57 bunker buster bombs on Irans nuclear sites using the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. The bomb is reported to weigh around 1,400 kg. While the US opted for bombs in its bunker buster strategy, India is developing bunker buster missiles instead.

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The primary reason is cost. A single B-2 Spirit stealth bomber costs $2 billion (approximately Rs 17,086 crore). In addition, India does not currently possess the technology to manufacture stealth jets. The cost of one GBU-57 bunker buster bomb is $20 million (about Rs 170 crore).

Together, the high cost of the bomber and the bomb, along with the lack of stealth jet production capability, make this approach unviable for India. In contrast, India has significant expertise in missile technology, making the development of bunker buster missiles a more practical and cost-effective option.

First Published: July 04, 2025, 15:13 IST
AI-171 Victim Families Allege Air India Threatening Them Over Compensation, Airline Denies

Curated By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Ashesh Mallick



Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 10:59 IST

Families of victims of the Air India 171 plane crash have alleged that the airline is threatening them over compensation claims.

Air India 171 crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12 (PTI/File)

Weeks after the Air India-171 plane crash killed 241 people onboard in Ahmedabad, the families of the victims have accused the airline of pressuring them during the initial compensation process, alleging that they were being threatened with no compensation" if they failed to complete a questionnaire provided by the company.

They have also claimed that they were forced to sign papers disclosing their financial dependency on the deceased member of their families in an alleged attempt to cut compensation payments.

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The allegations were rejected by the airlines as unsubstantiated and inaccurate".

This comes weeks after all but one of the 242 passengers and crew members on board the ill-fated flight from Ahmedabad to London died in a crash of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner moments after the aircraft took off.

What Did The Families Allege?

A UK-based law firm, Stewarts, has been officially hired by families of more than 40 passengers  both in the UK and India  who died in the crash. The firm is working with Nanavati and Nanavati, a law firm in Ahmedabad, to support Indian families in assisting in their claims against Air India, Boeing, and other potentially responsible parties, an official said.

The law firm, in a statement, said that its clients were told by Air India that they have to complete a questionnaire to receive an advance payment, forcing them to fill out this questionnaire in intense heat with no guidance on the terms and questions within it".

We have now heard that Air India is following up with families and pressuring them to complete the questionnaire under threats of receiving no compensation," the statement said.

This questionnaire is reportedly required just to get an advance payment.

The law firm said that the questionnaire provided by Air India demands consist of legal terms  words that have specific meanings in law  and claimed that the airline was not explaining the terms to the families, in a bid to slash compensation in the future.

Our clients have shown us the questionnaire. It demands legally significant information using terms with a legal definition which is not being told to families. The information being asked could be used against families by Air India in the future, even though few families will understand how the questions should be interpreted or the test that should be applied for each of the terms used," the firm said.

The firm said that they have advised their clients (victim families) not to complete the form, as the company will seek payment for them.

We are shocked and appalled that Air India is pressurising families for this information when they are at their most vulnerable," the statement said.

Air India Responds To Allegations

Air India issued a statement in response to the allegations and said that it had sought basic information" from the recipients of the compensation to establish family relationships to ensure payments are received by those entitled to them".

The airline gave a reason behind including the question regarding financial dependency on the deceased, and said that it was a fair and necessary question" to process payments to those most in need of assistance".

Air India categorically rejects these allegations and refutes them as both unsubstantiated and inaccurate.

Air India has been making considerable efforts to process payment of interim compensation (also referred to as advance compensation) as soon as possible, in order to meet the immediate financial needs of affected family members, with the first payments having been made within days of the accident. However, Air India cannot process these payments in an information vacuum. In order to facilitate payments, Air India has sought basic information to establish family relationships to ensure that the advance payments are received by those entitled to them. Whilst the questionnaire does ask family members to indicate with a yes" or no" as to whether they are financially dependent" on the deceased, Air India believes this is an entirely fair and necessary question in order for us to process payments to those most in need of assistance," the Air India statement said.

It said that the families can respond to the questionnaire during their physical presence at the centre established in Ahmedabad or by email.

Starting 15 June, Air India established a Facilitation Centre at the Taj Skyline hotel in Ahmedabad, where the questionnaire relating to interim compensation is available. In addition, families were sent communications informing them that the questionnaire is also available over e-mail, in the event families do not wish to make a visit to the Centre. Air India staff are present at the Centre to explain the elements of the questionnaire to family members. There is no requirement for family members to complete the questionnaire at the Centre, and several families have chosen to complete the questionnaire at their convenience and submit it over e-mail. Those families who chose to complete the questionnaire at the Centre were provided with copies of their submissions at their request. In addition to being able to ask questions of the Air India staff at the Centre, families are, of course, free to seek legal advice should they wish to do so," the statement said.

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Regarding compensation, Air India said that it has released interim compensation to 47 victim families so far and the documents of 55 others have been verified.

So far, Air India has released interim compensation to 47 families of the passengers and those deceased at the accident site to help them meet their immediate financial needs. The documents relating to a further 55 individuals have also been verified, and interim compensation is being released progressively to their families. We continue to be in dialogue with other families of the passengers and those deceased at the accident site, or their authorised representatives, to release the compensation at the earliest," it said.

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 04, 2025, 09:31 IST
Amit Shah Speaks With CMs Of 5 States Amid Heavy Rains, Assures Them Of Support

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 15:06 IST

Heavy rains have lashed several parts of the country since the arrival of monsoon sooner than expected. Amit Shah has spoken with the chief ministers of five states today.

Amit Shah speaks with CMs of 5 states amid heavy rains

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday spoke with the chief ministers of five states amid heavy rainfall in several parts of the country and assured them of support from the Centre.

He said that an adequate number of NDRF teams have been deployed in the state in case of need.

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In the wake of heavy rainfall in different parts of the nation, I spoke with the chief ministers of Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Chhattisgarh. Adequate numbers of NDRF teams have been deployed in the states for the people in need, and more reinforcements can be sent as and when required. Assured them of all possible assistance from the central government," Shah posted on X.

In the wake of heavy rainfall in different parts of the nation, spoke with the chief ministers of Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Chhattisgarh. Adequate numbers of NDRF teams have been deployed in the states for the people in need, and more reinforcements Amit Shah (@AmitShah) July 4, 2025

Heavy rain has lashed several parts of northern and western India, causing floods, landslides, and damage to roads and buildings. This has led to emergency measures being taken. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been stationed in the affected areas to help with rescue and relief work.

Earlier, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning of heavy rainfall in most parts of the country.

According to IMD scientist Naresh Kumar, two weather systems have developedone over Madhya Pradesh and another over northern Odishawhich are likely to cause heavy rainfall.

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The authorities have issued alerts for central India and western coast. Eastern Rajasthan is expected to witness heavy rain, as the IMD has predicted heavy rainfall.

A circulation has formed in Madhya Pradesh, and another circulation has formed in northern Odisha and surrounding areas. All these conditions are very favourable for the monsoon. An orange or red alert is in place for almost the entire central India and the western coast, due to which we estimate that heavy rainfall may occur in eastern Rajasthan today Overall, we can say that the monsoon is in an active phase. Heavy rain will continue in most parts of India for almost the entire week," Naresh Kumar said.

About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More

First Published: July 04, 2025, 15:06 IST
Over 30 Children Hospitalised In Bihar After Consuming Mid-Day Meal, Lizard Found In Food

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 23:43 IST

Over 30 children were admitted to the hospital after eating the mid-day meal at a school in Bihar's Darbhanga district as a lizard was reportedly found in the food.

A dead lizard was reportedly found in the food. (Representative/File Photo)

In a disturbing incident, more than 30 children were admitted to the hospital after eating the mid-day meal at a school in Bihars Darbhanga district, with reports of a lizard found in the food.

As per the information available, the vegetable served in the mid-day meal was prepared from gram soaked overnight, and a cook said that a dead lizard was found in the food. While eating, a student saw the lizard and screamed loudly and fainted.

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Other children complained of stomach aches and vomiting, and 5-6 more kids fainted afterwards. As the health of the children continued to worsen, all of them were rushed to the Biraul Community Health Centre (CHC) for treatment. Doctors have preliminarily suspected food poisoning.

According to doctors, most of the children are out of danger, but some are kept under observation due to their critical condition.

The parents of the children reached the school and demanded action over the incident. At the time of the incident, the schools headmaster, Amit Kumar Mandal, was reportedly not present on the premises, as he was away on duty as the Block Level Officers supervisor, according to NDTV.

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However, he immediately rushed back upon hearing about the childrens health. Sanjay Kumar Chaudhary, who was in charge of the mid-day meal, said the matter is being investigated and strict action would be taken against those found guilty.

This is not the first time such an incident has happened in Darbhanga or other parts of Bihar. Recently, dozens of children complained of stomach ache, dizziness and vomiting after consuming the mid-day meal at a school in the Supaul district of Bihar.

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 : Darbhanga, India, India

First Published: July 04, 2025, 23:43 IST
Complete Aerial Collapse: How India & Israel Decimated Pakistan & Iran | Exclusive

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 17:13 IST

Op Sindoor, Rising Lion: Standoff weapons, network-centric warfare, and real-time ISR integration allowed India and Israel to dominate without losing a single jet, said sources

Operation Sindoor: photos captured by Maxar Technologies showed visuals of destruction of two terror infrastructures in Bahawalpur and Muridke in Punjab province of Pakistan (Photos: Maxar Technologies/Reuters)

Indias Operation Sindoor and Israels Operation Rising Lion showed complete dominance of the two countries over Pakistan and Iran, respectively, according to intelligence sources.

The era of air superiority is gone. Military superiority is now defined by electromagnetic spectrum, missiles and satellite-fed networks. Both operations example showed the emergence of new era of air dominance through precision, electronic warfare, and psychological deterrence, not traditional dogfighting," said sources.

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Both Iran and Pakistan feared escalation more than defeat, driven by economic fragility, outdated fleets, and crippled air defences. The operations proved that air superiority today is won by convincing your adversary not to fight at all. Both adversaries Pakistan and Iranfailed to contest the airspace. This lead to complete aerial collapse," they said.

Indias Operation Sindoor (May 7-11)

Strikes on Bahawalpur and Muridke began at 01:17 AM on May 7, using SCALP cruise missiles and AASM Hammer bombs from Rafale jets. Follow-up operations targeted eight Pakistani airbases-Sargodha, Nur Khan, Rafiqi with BrahMos missiles and Harop drones between May 8 and 10.

Indias use of electronic warfare systems (SPECTRA) disabled Pakistans radar and SAM systems, allowing uncontested aerial corridors. Pakistans airspace was shut down for a total of 38 hours, costing huge aviation losses and grounding 57 international flights. Pakistan never scrambled fighters beyond initial symbolic gestures. Real-time surveillance and fear of Indias S-400 systems deterred further action," sources said.

Satellite images (May 11) showed burned airfields, cratered runways, and no operational aircraft, indicating full loss of control

Israels Operation Rising Lion (June 13-18)

Started on at 03:00 IRST on June 13, Israeli F-35I stealth jets penetrated Iranian airspace, destroying SAMs (S-300, Bavar-373) and radar systems with SPICE bombs. Over 200 airstrikes occurred within 72 hours, eliminating IRGC command posts, nuclear infrastructure, and missile bases. Irans entire airspace remained closed for 120 hours (5 days), with selected no-fly zones continuing for days after. Daily losses in commercial overflight revenue, and no Iranian fighters including F-14s or MiG-29s took off due to radar blindness and leadership targeting, said sources.

Satellite imagery (June 15-17) confirmed bombed airbases, missile silos, and absence of aerial mobilisation

Iran resorted to ballistic missile launches and proxy responses Hezbollah, bypassing direct air engagement entirely

Similarities between Operation Sindoor & Operation Rising Lion

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Pakistan and Iran lost control of their airspace for nearly 158 hours. This was institutional paralysis rather than conventional defeat.

Use of standoff weapons, network-centric warfare, and real-time ISR integration allowed India and Israel to dominate without losing a single jet in enemy territory.

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

First Published: July 04, 2025, 17:09 IST
Dalai Lama To Get Z+ Security During Stay In Ladakh Amid Bold Reincarnation Stand Against China

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 14:40 IST

In preparation, Ladakh Chief Secretary chaired a high-level meeting directing officials to implement robust security protocols

The Dalai Lama will be in Ladakh from July 12. (File pic)

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama will be accorded Z+ security during his upcoming visit to Ladakh, where he is scheduled to arrive in Leh on July 12 for a month-long stay. The top-tier security cover will include elite armed personnel and surveillance coordination to ensure his safety throughout the visit.

In preparation, Ladakh Chief Secretary chaired a high-level meeting directing officials to implement robust security protocols and detailed logistical arrangements. The visit is expected to draw significant public and spiritual attention, with local authorities prioritizing seamless execution.

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His visit to Ladakh comes at a very crucial time. On July 3, the Dalai Lama made it unequivocally clear that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the Office of His Holiness, holds the sole authority to recognise his future reincarnation, a move that directly challenges Chinas persistent attempts to control the succession of the Tibetan spiritual leader.

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.

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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.

Over the last 14 years, the Dalai Lama has disclosed that he has been consistently urged by Tibetans in Tibet, members of the diaspora, and Buddhist communities across Asia  including in mainland China, Mongolia, and Russia  to preserve and continue the institution of the Dalai Lama.

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 04, 2025, 14:31 IST
Delhi Double-Murder: Accused Helper Took Rs 45,000 Before Leaving, Skipped Work for 27 Days

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 14:38 IST

Ruchika Sewani and her 14-year-old son were murdered by their helper after she scolded him for prolonged absence. The police have learnt the accused took Rs 45,000 from the family.

Delhi Lajpat Nagar double murder case accused Mukesh (L)/ Police at the crime spot (R) (Photos: Social Media/PTI)

Forty-two-year-old Ruchika Sewani, who was murdered along with her 14-year-old son in their Lajpat Nagar house in Delhi, had scolded Mukesh, the accused, who worked as a helper at their garment store, after he had not reported to work for nearly a month, and kept demanding monetary aid.

As the investigations into the Lajpat Nagar double-murder case progress, the police have learnt that Mukesh Kumar had sought an eight-day leave to visit his hometown in Bihar for his engagement. He, however, stayed away for 27 days and kept contacting the Sewanis for money during this period.

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Before proceeding on leave, Mukesh had taken Rs 45,000 from the stores owners.

Another worker, Prem Sagar, at the same garment shop, told the police that Mukesh had briefly come back, had asked for more money, and disappeared again, which started to worry the Sewanis.

Other workers at the shop also confirmed to the police that Ruchika and her husband, Kuldeep Sewani, had recently scolded Mukesh and advised him to be more responsible.

On the fateful day, Ruchika Sewani returned home from the shop at nearly 7 pm. Police believe that between 7.30 pm and 8 pm, Mukesh arrived unannounced at the Sewani residence and rang the bell. When the woman opened the door, he allegedly attacked her with a sharp weapon, slitting her throat.

Her teenage son, who was in the upper portion of the house, is believed to have heard the commotion and came running. The accused also allegedly stabbed him to death in one of the washrooms in the house.

The police received a call from Kuldeep Sewani at nearly 9.43 am, informing them that his wife and son were not answering his calls and that there were bloodstains on the staircase of their house.

As a team of police rushed to the spot, they found Ruchika Sewanis body in the bedroom and her sons in the bathroom.

Later, technical surveillance was used to track the accused, who was caught on board a train at Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction. He was attempting to flee to his home in Hajipur.

Mukesh admitted to killing Ruchika and her son in a fit of rage".

LAJPAT NAGAR DOUBLE-MURDER CASE: WHAT NEIGHBOURS, OTHER WORKERS SAID

The neighbours told the police that the Sewani family lived a peaceful life in the Lajpat Nagar area of southeast Delhi, running a clothing store called Kuldeep Garments in the busy main market.

Ruchika Sewani was a businesswoman and mother, who managed the shop with her husband, often accompanied by their teenage son.

Ruchika and Kuldeep Sewani were polite and hardworking. They never troubled anyone, said Sunil Varma, one of their neighbours.

One of the workers at the shop said Kumar was a trusted aide of the Sewanis.

He was not just an employee, he was around all the time. Ruchika treated him like family," said Rohan, a co-worker at the garment shop.

Kumar was one of the four employees at the store. He was living in Amar Colony with his father and elder brother for the last few years, helping manage the daily operations at the shop.

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Meanwhile, residents in the area demanded stricter verification of shop workers to avoid similar incidents in the future.

ALSO READ | UP Woman Had Affairs With Dead Husbands Father & Brother, Then Killed Mother-In-Law For Land

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 04, 2025, 14:38 IST
2 IAF Personnel Drown In Lake As Heavy Rains Batter Uttarakhand

Published By :

PTI

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 14:35 IST

Prince Yadav (22) from Pathankot, Punjab and Sahil Kumar (23) from Muzaffarpur, Bihar, were part of a group of eight IAF personnel, including four women, vacationing in Nainital.

Uttarakhand rains (Credits: X/Chardham Police Control Room)

Amid heavy rains in Uttarakhand, two Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel drowned in a swollen lake in Bhimtal, officials said on Friday.

Prince Yadav (22) from Pathankot, Punjab and Sahil Kumar (23) from Muzaffarpur, Bihar, were part of a group of eight IAF personnel, including four women, vacationing in Nainital, Circle Officer Pramod Shah said.

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Locals joined the police in the rescue operation to pull Yadav and Kumars bodies out of the lake after a struggle that lasted for almost an hour, he added.

The rains which have been battering the state have affected daily life with the closure of more than a hundred roads across the state, disrupting the Chardham yatra and causing food grain shortages in some villages in the Geeth area of Uttarkashi district.

The highway to Yamunotri has been blocked for the past five days ever since a massive landslide hit the shelters of construction workers at Silai bend, leaving nine people missing and washing out a 12-metre stretch of the road.

The road to Kedarnath also remains blocked due to landslide debris between Sonprayag and Gaurikund, making movement between the two points impossible, officials said, adding that efforts are on to reopen them.

Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday to assess the situation in the disaster-sensitive districts of the state, including Kedarnath Dham in the Rudraprayag district.

Dhami shared this development in a post on X, stating that the Home Minister assured him that the Central Governments emergency relief agencies, including the NDRF and ITBP, are being deployed promptly. This is to ensure that the Chardham Yatra remains uninterrupted and that devotees do not experience any inconvenience while travelling.

On Friday morning, boulders also blocked the Badrinath highway at several locations. A total of 109 roads across the hill state are closed due to rain-related blockages, the State Emergency Operation Centre said.

Most rivers, including the Ganga in Haridwar, Alaknanda, Nandakini and Pindar in Chamoli, Bhagirathi in Uttarkashi and Kali, Gori and Saryu rivers in Pithoragarh district, are in spate, flowing just a couple of metres below the danger mark, officials said.

The Alaknanda river is in spate from Badrinath up to Rudraprayag. The water level of Mandakini has also been on the rise for the last three days, with its banks submerged under water.

The administration is making announcements through loudspeakers, alerting people living close to its banks.

The waters of a lake formed by an overflowing Yamuna river at Syanachatti in the Barkot area of Uttarkashi have begun to inundate houses and hotels located close to its banks, officials state.

Barkot SDM Brijesh Tiwari said that he visited the lake site to assess the situation, and an excavator was brought to remove the silt and unclog the lakes outlet. Efforts are also being made to reopen the Yamunotri highway, which has been breached at multiple locations, including Ojri and Banas. The prolonged disruption of this route has started to cause a shortage of food grains in the villages of the Geeth area, prompting locals to urge authorities to address the issue before it escalates further.

Necessary steps must be taken by the administration to provide food and other essential items to the affected villages without further delay," stated Mahavir Panwar Mahi, a local social worker.

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In Dehradun, the roads remain heavily waterlogged at Prince Chawk and the roundabout near Doon Hospital, where blocked drains and overflowing sewer chambers have added to the woes of officegoers and schoolchildren.

Similar weather conditions are likely to prevail in various districts of the state for the next few days, officials said.

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

Location : Dehradun, India, India

First Published: July 04, 2025, 12:27 IST
Drone Strike Near My Home: Indian Techie Lied During Op Sindoor To Skip Work, Says Ex-Boss

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 17:57 IST

Soham Parekh allegedly manipulated his US employer by falsely claiming to be in a war zone during the India-Pakistan military standoff.

According to Telegin, Soham Parekh falsely claimed that a drone had struck near his home in Mumbai.

Soham Parekh, the Indian tech professional embroiled in a massive moonlighting scandal involving over 30 startups, is now facing fresh allegations- this time of lying about being in a conflict zone during Operation Sindoor in order to avoid work.

Arkadiy Telegin, co-founder of the US-based AI startup Leaping AI, claimed on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that Soham Parekh emotionally manipulated him in May by pretending to be under threat during the cross-border escalation. According to Arkadiy Telegin, Soham Parekh falsely claimed that a drone had struck near his home in Mumbai.

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Soham used to guilt-trip me for being slow on PRs when the India-Pakistan thing was going on, all while he was in Mumbai," Arkadiy Telegin posted, sharing screenshots of their chat. In one message, Soham Parekh wrote, Drone shot down 10 minutes away", later adding that a nearby building was damaged- a claim now believed to be entirely fabricated.

Read more: Soham Parekh Breaks Silence On Moonlighting Allegations: Have I Ruined My Career?

Arkadiy Telegin accused Soham Parekh of using the situation to stall work and deflect accountability, calling the incident manipulative and dishonest." He added sarcastically, The next person should hire him for the Chief Intelligence Officer role."

Soham also used to guilt trip me for his being slow on PRs when India Pakistan thing was going on, all while he was in Mumbai.Next person should hire him for the Chief Intelligence Officer role. pic.twitter.com/kYZqkpWIse  Arkadiy Telegin (@akyshnik) July 2, 2025

Moonlighting At 34 Startups

The latest revelation follows an industry-wide uproar over Soham Parekhs admission that he was simultaneously employed by 34 different startups, many of them backed by leading accelerator Y Combinator. Suhail Doshi, former CEO of Mixpanel, was among the first to flag the issue, revealing that he terminated Soham Parekh within a week of hiring him.

Read more: Who Is Soham Parekh And Why Are Techies On X Looking For Him With Memes?

Other startup founders soon followed with similar experiences. One halted Soham Parekhs trial period after seeing Suhail Doshis post while another said they discovered his overlapping employment only after conducting their own background check.

Soham Parekh Admits To Deception

Soham Parekh admitted to working multiple jobs without disclosure, saying, It is true. Im not proud of what Ive done. But I had to do this out of necessity. I was in extremely dire financial circumstances." He claimed to have handled all assigned work himself without outsourcing or relying on AI tools and said he worked up to 140 hours a week.

Soham Parekh Now Hired By AI Startup Darwin

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Despite the controversy, Soham Parekh landed a new job with Darwin, a San Francisco-based AI startup. Darwins CEO, Sanjit Juneja, expressed support for the hire, saying, Soham is an incredibly talented engineer, and we believe in his abilities to help bring our products to market."

Soham Parekh confirmed that he has ended all other engagements and signed an exclusive agreement with Darwin. In a post, he wrote, Ive been isolated, written off and shut out by nearly everyone Ive known and every company Ive worked at. But building is the only thing Ive ever truly known, and its what Ill keep doing."

First Published: July 04, 2025, 17:57 IST
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar To Begin Three-Day China Visit On July 13 | Exclusive

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 14:36 IST

This will be External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's first visit to China after both sides decided to lock the patrolling agreement last year in October

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will first visit Beijing where he will hold a couple of meetings. (MEA File)

Starting July 13, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar will be on a three-day visit to China. This will be the Ministers first visit to China after both sides decided to lock the patrolling agreement last year in October.

The EAM will first visit Beijing where he will hold a couple of meetings which will be followed by his visit to Tianjin for the SCO Foreign Ministers Meeting.

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Before Jaishankars visit to China, National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval visited China twice, once in December and once last month for SCO security meetings. Foreign secretary Vikram Misri visited China in January and Rakshan Mantri Rajnath Singh went to China to attend SCO Defence Ministers Meeting.

India and China both are normalising ties. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has resumed after a gap of five years. Both sides are also discussing resumption of direct flight. Singh, in a meeting with Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun, stressed on border management and to have a permanent solution of border demarcation by rejuvenating the established mechanism on the issue. The two ministers also agreed to continue consultations at various levels to achieve progress on issues related to disengagement, de-escalation, border management and eventual de-limitation through existing mechanisms.

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China said that its boundary dispute with India is complicated" and expressed its willingness to engage in talks on border delimitation and maintain peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Responding to a query on Singhs remarks, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, What I can tell you is that China and India have established the Special Representatives (SRs) 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."

About the Author Siddhant Mishra Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively on crime, ... Read More Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively on crime, ... Read More

First Published: July 04, 2025, 14:36 IST
Eyeing To Repair Ties, Muizzu Invites PM Modi To Attend Maldives Independence Day Event

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Ashesh Mallick



Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 14:50 IST

Muizzu visited India in October last year, which was his first bilateral visit to India since coming to power.

Muizzu invites PM Modi to Maldives (PTI Image)

In a move seen as an attempt to repair strained ties, Mohamed Muizzu has extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the Maldives Independence Day on July 26 as the Chief Guest.

Maldives President Muizzu visited India in October last year, which was his first bilateral visit to India since coming to power following a campaign last year that seemed to push India out of the island nation.

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During Muizzus visit, India and Maldives agreed to transform the bilateral relationship into a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership.

India also decided to extend support in the form of Rs 30 billion and $400 million as part of a bilateral currency swap agreement, instrumental in tackling the ongoing financial challenges faced by the Maldives.

Muizzus visit to India was seen as an attempt to repair ties with India. PM Modi last visited Maldives in 2019.

The Maldives President had also attended PM Modis swearing-in ceremony for his third term on June 9 last year.

India-Maldives Strained Ties

In November 2023, Mohamed Muizzu became President, campaigning on an India Out" platform  calling for the withdrawal of Indian defence personnel and reducing Indias influence, while showing a pro-China tilt.

In early 2024, the Maldives expelled Indian troops from three aviation platforms and suspended agreements on helicopters.

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A social media spat began when PM Modi promoted Lakshadweep tourism. Three Maldivian deputy ministers responded with offensive remarks.

Indias External Affairs Minister visited Maldives; Maldives Foreign Minister Khaleel visited India in May 2025 to advance a shared economicsecurity framework.

About the Author Siddhant Mishra Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively on crime, ... Read More Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively on crime, ... Read More

First Published: July 04, 2025, 14:49 IST
From Chest-Thumping To Panic: How Pakistan Unwittingly Admitted Indias Op Sindoor Supremacy

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 14:02 IST

PM Sharifs aide revealed Pakistan had 30-45 seconds to decide whether an incoming BrahMos missile was nuclear  the clearest sign yet that Op Sindoor threw Islamabad into panic

Pakistans PM Shehbaz Sharif (front, R) along with the countrys Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir (front, L) arriving to visit the heavily damaged Pasrur Cantonment in Sialkot. (IMAGE: AFP)

For days after Indias Operation Sindoor, Pakistans military and political establishment clung to its familiar playbook  denial, deflections and lofty claims of shooting down Indian jets. But in a series of awkward, contradictory, and ultimately revealing statements, key Pakistani leaders have inadvertently confirmed what India had signalled all along: that Operation Sindoor caught Islamabad off guard, hit critical military infrastructure, and left its leadership scrambling.

Rana Sanaullahs 45-Second Nuclear Panic

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The most jarring admission came on July 3, when Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharifs close aide Rana Sanaullah revealed that Pakistans armed forces had only 30-45 seconds to determine if the incoming BrahMos missile launched by India carried a nuclear warhead.

In a televised interview that is now making headlines across both sides of the border, Rana Sanaullah, special assistant to the prime minister, said: When India fired a BrahMos missile at our Nur Khan airbase, our military had just 30 or 45 seconds to determine if it carried a nuclear warhead. Such a limited timeframe is extremely dangerous. If there had been any miscalculation, it could have triggered a nuclear response, potentially leading to global disaster."

Pakistan begged Trump for a ceasefire after Indian Brahmos (Harmus) hit Noor Khan Airbase and Pak forces had no time to react. Admission of Pakistans defeat by Sp Assistant to Pak PM Rana Sanullahpic.twitter.com/vRnDxEwqCv  Pakistan Untold (@pakistan_untold) July 3, 2025

This was the first on-record confirmation from a senior Pakistani official of the chaos and indecision triggered by Indias strikes. The missile, launched during Operation Sindoor, hit the Nur Khan Airbase in Chaklala, Rawalpindi  a key Pakistan Air Force installation.

But it wasnt just Nur Khan. Satellite images released days later showed extensive damage across several Pakistani airbases  including Sargodha, Bholari, Jacobabad, Sukkur, and Rahim Yar Khan  with visible destruction to runways, hangars, and key operational buildings. The scale and precision of the strikes suggested that India had carefully mapped and degraded Pakistans offensive capacity in a matter of minutes.

Shehbaz Sharifs 2:30 AM Wake-Up Call

This wasnt the first sign that Pakistan was caught off guard.

Back on May 16, PM Shehbaz Sharif stunned many by recounting how he was woken up at 2:30 AM by Army Chief Asim Munir, who informed him that India had launched missile strikes on key Pakistani airbases  including Nur Khan. At around 2:30 am on May 10, General Syed Asim Munir called me on the secure line and informed that Indias ballistic missiles had hit Nur Khan Airbase and other areas," Sharif said, according to Geo News. He added that Pakistans air force had responded using homegrown technology" on Chinese-origin jets.

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif himself admits that General Asim Munir called him at 2:30am to inform him that India had bombed Nur Khan Air Base and several other locations. Let that sink in  the Prime Minister was woken up in the middle of the night with news of strikes deep inside pic.twitter.com/b4QbsF7xJh Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) May 16, 2025

The Prime Ministers admission directly contradicted weeks of official Pakistani statements claiming no damage," Indian jets repelled," and misinformation by Indian media." Sharif essentially confirmed what India had maintained  that Operation Sindoor was a limited but highly calibrated military strike meant to signal retribution for the Pahalgam terror attack.

Ishaq Dars Blunt Confession

In what is arguably the most direct and damaging admission from the Pakistani establishment, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar publicly acknowledged that India struck two key airbasesNur Khan near Rawalpindi and Shorkot in Punjabduring Operation Sindoor.

Speaking in an interview on Geo News, Dar said: India attacked the Nur Khan and Shorkot airbases. They launched missile strikes at 2:30 am, hitting our infrastructure just as we were preparing our response. India moved first, and they hit us."

Pakistan Deputy PM Ishaq Dar openly admits 2 things in this interviewIndia struck the Nir Khan Air base and Shorkot Air base  Ishaq Dar says Saudi Prince Faisal called him asking Am I authorised to talk to Jaishankar also and CONVEY ..and you are READY TO TALK" pic.twitter.com/45TJqnlWKu  OsintTV  (@OsintTV) June 19, 2025

He further revealed that Pakistan immediately sought diplomatic assistance to de-escalate: Within 45 minutes, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan called me and asked: Can I tell [Indian External Affairs Minister] Jaishankar that Pakistan is ready for a ceasefire if India stops? I said, Yes, brother, you can. He then called me back to confirm."

Dars remarks dismantled weeks of official Pakistani denials that dismissed Indian claims of damage.

Khawaja Asifs Misfires And Mixed Messaging

Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has played an unusually revealing role, often attempting to project strength, only to undermine it.

In an interview with CNNs Becky Anderson, Asif had claimed Pakistan shot down five Indian fighter jets during the operationincluding a Rafale. When pressed, he cited social media posts" as evidence  only to be fact-checked live, with Anderson pointing out that the footage was taken from video games and archived war clips. Asif sheepishly admitted: Im not saying its authentic."

Without evidences, claims are useless, khwaja asif was pathetic pic.twitter.com/JHVydQW8A0 Sheikh Shoaib (@shoaib1shoaib) May 8, 2025

Adding to the inconsistency, Asif confirmed in late June that Pakistan remained on high alert after the strikes and that it was receiving intelligence support from China. Meant to reassure, the statement unintentionally revealed dependence on external surveillance, exposing vulnerability at the strategic level, especially for a nuclear-armed state that routinely champions its sovereignty.

Bottom Line: Pakistans Own Words Confirm Indias Win

Despite weeks of chest-thumping, Pakistans top ministers have, in their own words, confirmed that Indias military response was fast, sharp, and effective.

Indias objective was to take out Pakistan-based terror camps  an infrastructure Islamabad has long denied. But Operation Sindoor also delivered a blow to Pakistans military confidence and strategic narrative.

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The operation began on May 7, in direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22, which claimed 26 lives, mostly civilians. In its initial phase, the Indian Air Force focused on dismantling terror camps linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Intelligence reports estimated that over 100 terrorists were neutralised in these strikes.

But when Pakistan attempted a retaliatory military response, including plans to target Indian cities and key installations, India escalated. In a decisive second phase, carried out on the night of May 910, Indian forces struck a string of major Pakistani airbases including Nur Khan, Sargodha, Jacobabad, Murid, and Rafiqui, inflicting damage that Islamabad is still struggling to publicly account for  even as its top ministers slowly, and inadvertently, begin to do so.

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 04, 2025, 13:44 IST
From Muscle Health Research To Gajar Halwa In Space: Shubhanshu Shukla On Life Aboard ISS

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 16:07 IST

Shubhanshu Shukla shared that he brought three types of Indian food developed by ISRO in collaboration with DRDO.

Shubhanshu Shukla is currently on a 14-day scientific mission on the ISS as part of the Axiom-4 expedition. (AFP photo)

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla described his experience aboard the International Space Station as both challenging and exhilarating. He said, The body has to adapt to an entirely new environment in microgravity, which is a learning process in itself." Despite the physical adjustments, he emphasized the thrill of spaceflight, calling the entire experience very exciting." One of the most memorable moments for him was looking down at Earth from space- a view he described as truly breathtaking.

Read more: Shubhanshu Shuklas Space Insurance Could Be The Costliest In The World. Heres What It Covers

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Adding a personal and cultural touch to the mission, Shubhanshu Shukla shared that he brought three types of Indian food developed by ISRO in collaboration with DRDO. Among them were aamras and gajar ka halwa, which, he shared, were a big hit aboard the station. Everybody loved the food," he said with pride.

Shubhanshu Shukla made history by becoming the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS), as part of Axiom Spaces private astronaut mission, Axiom Mission 4. Launched on June 25, the mission includes three other astronauts from the US, Poland and Hungary and joins seven members of Expedition 73 aboard the ISS. Together, the crew is conducting over 60 experiments over a 14-day stay, focusing on biological research, technology testing and STEM outreach.

Read more: Seeing India From Space Was Emotional: Shubhanshu Shukla Interacts With Students

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IAF Group Captain Shukla is leading a critical study on muscle health in microgravity- research that holds significant implications for long-duration space travel and for treating muscle loss conditions on Earth.

During their 14-day stay aboard the ISS, the Axiom-4 crew will carry out approximately 60 scientific experiments and commercial activities in microgravity, representing the interests of 31 countries- including the US, India, Poland, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Nigeria, the UAE and several European nations. India, through the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has contributed seven carefully curated experiments to the mission.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: July 04, 2025, 16:07 IST
From Spy Jets To Minesweepers: Inside India's Rs 1 Lakh Crore Defence Push

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 16:22 IST

India shifts focus to homegrown defence technologies, greenlighting Rs 1,00,000 crore for indigenous mine vessels, QRSAM, and ISTAR spy aircraft

At a cost of Rs 10,000 crore, ISTAR aircraft will significantly enhance India's ability to peer deep into enemy territory. (Photo: ANI/DRDO)

In a bold and strategic shift, India has greenlit a massive defence procurement plan focused entirely on homegrown technologies instead of foreign fifth-generation fighter jets like the US F-35, French Rafale variants, or Russias S-500 air defence system. Buoyed by the global spotlight on indigenous capabilities after Operation Sindoor, the governments decision signals a major pivot in Indias military modernisation policy, emphasising self-reliance over imports.

Indian defence products, especially the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and the Akash surface-to-air missile system, earned global praise following their performance in Operation Sindoor, Indias military offensive against terror camps in Pakistan. The operation showcased Indias evolving battlefield prowess and technological sophistication, prompting speculation about major new arms deals with foreign nations.

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However, the Modi government has made it clear that the future lies in indigenous defence innovation. In a landmark move, the Defence Acquisition Council has cleared three major military purchases and seven other deals, all designed, developed, and manufactured in India. These include next-generation spy planes, mine-sweeping vessels, and mobile missile defence systems.

Rs 44,000 Crore For Homegrown Mine Vessels

Among the most significant approvals is the procurement of 12 indigenous Mine Countermeasure Vessels (MCMVs), with an estimated outlay of Rs 44,000 crore. These 900-1,000-tonne specialised warships are designed to neutralise underwater mines that pose threats to naval operations, especially in wartime scenarios where enemy nations may attempt to blockade ports or shipping routes.

Indian Navy currently relies on basic clip-on" mine detection systems attached to existing vessels. With the induction of purpose-built mine sweepers, Indias warships and submarines will be shielded more effectively. These vessels will serve as a frontline defence, securing maritime corridors from stealthy threats, a critical move given Indias long coastline and the deepening China-Pakistan naval nexus in the Indian Ocean.

Rs 36,000 Crore For QRSAM To Fortify Air Defence

The government has also approved the acquisition of Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAM) worth Rs 36,000 crore. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), these mobile missile batteries are designed to neutralise enemy aircraft, helicopters, and drones within a 30 km radius.

Three squadrons each will be provided to the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force initially. The Army has projected the need for 11 full regiments. These missiles, easily transportable across varied terrains, will plug critical gaps in Indias multi-layered air defence network, which already includes the S-400 and Akash systems.

Rs 10,000 Crore For ISTAR Spy Aircraft

India is also stepping up its electronic warfare and surveillance game with the approval to purchase three ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) aircraft. At a cost of Rs 10,000 crore, these advanced aircrafts will significantly enhance Indias ability to peer deep into enemy territory.

Designed with indigenous sensors and systems, including synthetic aperture radar, infrared sensors, and electro-optical payloads, these aircraft are capable of detecting and tracking even the subtlest movements. Developed in collaboration with DRDO, they are expected to boost precision targeting for both fighter jets and missiles in hostile environments.

Self-Reliance Over Imports

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This aggressive push toward indigenization comes even as other global powers continue to sell fifth-generation fighter jets and next-gen missile defense systems. While India has already inducted French Rafale jets and Russian S-400s, officials say the focus now is on creating a self-sustaining defense ecosystem.

Sources within the Ministry of Defence confirm that Indias own 5th generation fighter project, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), is progressing rapidly, with prototypes expected in the next few years. By opting out of immediate foreign acquisitions, India is signaling confidence in its domestic capabilities and a long-term strategy to emerge as a global defence exporter.

First Published: July 04, 2025, 16:22 IST
Future Wars Could Involve 'Computer Nerds', Says India's Deputy Army Chief

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 18:35 IST

Deputy Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Rahul R Singh, said India needed to prepare for fifth-generation warfare and highlighted the importance of drones.

Deputy Chief of Army Staff Lt General Rahul R. Singh at an event in Delhi. (PTI)

Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Capability Development & Sustenance), Lt Gen Rahul R Singh, said on Friday that future wars could involve a computer nerd controlling the entire thing" as the nature of warfare continues to evolve, as seen in recent conflicts in Israel, Iran and Ukraine.

The top military official made the remarks while speaking on Indias Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in May after a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam on April.

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Speaking at the New Age Military Technologies event organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Lt Gen Singh described Op Sindoor as a master stroke that was played to stop the war at an appropriate time."

The senior military officer elaborated on strategic thinking and intricate planning based on extensive intelligence gathering. The operation was deliberately designed as a tri-services approach involving the Army, Navy, and Air Force to send the right message that we indeed are an integrated force," he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

ALSO READ: Live Weapons Lab: Pakistans Nexus With China, Turkey Exposed, Says Top Military Official

The official also emphasised that India needed to prepare for fifth-generation warfare, saying that future conflicts could involve a computer nerd, maybe perhaps sitting in one part of the country and controlling the entire thing."

He also highlighted the growing importance of drone technology in modern warfare and called for increased investment in research and development. There are so many components that we still bank upon getting from outside. Secret technology, engines we are grappling with we need to invest in these things," he added.

Chinas Provided Live Inputs To Pakistan

Lt Gen Singh also said China gave Islamabad live inputs" on key Indian positions during the deadly conflict. He said Pakistan was the front face" during Operation Sindoor while China provided all possible support".

The top official pointed to the adversaries India is up against and said while conflict was taking place on one border (western), there were three adversaries  Pakistan, China and Turkey, as the latter two provided military hardware and drones to the Pakistani army.

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Pakistani officials had previously dismissed allegations of receiving active support from China in the conflict, but have not commented specifically on whether Beijing gave any satellite and radar help during the fighting.

(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

First Published: July 04, 2025, 18:35 IST
'India Upholds Freedom Of Religion For All': Govt Reacts To Dalai Lama Succession Debate

Curated By :

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Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 19:30 IST

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in a statement, said the Government of India has always upheld freedom of religion for all in India and will continue to do so.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju will attend the Dalai Lamas 90th birthday celebrations in Dharamshala. (Image: X/@KirenRijiju)

In its first official remark on the Dalai Lamas Succession plan announcement, India on Friday said that New Delhi does not take any position or speak on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion."

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in a statement, said the Government of India has always upheld freedom of religion for all in India and will continue to do so.

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The MEAs statement came shortly after China objected to Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijijus remarks that the decision on the incarnation of the Dalai Lama would be taken by the established institution and the leader of Tibetan Buddhists himself and no one else."

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said India should be clear of the anti-China separatist nature of the 14th Dalai Lama and honour its commitments on Tibet-related issues.

Mao also said India should exercise caution in its words and actions, stop interfering in Chinas internal affairs with Tibet-related issues and avoid impacting the improvement and development of the China-India relationship.

On Wednesday, the Tibetan spiritual leader said that 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 his future reincarnation. However, China rejected the Dalai Lamas succession plan, insisting that any future heir must receive its seal of approval.

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," Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning 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," she said.

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Rijiju, a practising Buddhist, and Rajiv Ranjan Singh, a fellow Union minister, are representing the Government of India at the Dalai Lamas 90th birthday celebrations in Dharamshala on July 6.

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 04, 2025, 18:25 IST
'Inalienable Part Of India': MEA Fact-Checks Al Jazeera Over Jammu And Kashmir

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 22:09 IST

MEA rebuked Al Jazeera over its description of Jammu and Kashmir, reaffirming it as an integral part of India.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal (PTI Image)

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a sharp rebuke to Al Jazeera English for describing Jammu and Kashmir as Indian-administered Kashmir". In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the official MEA Factcheck handle called out the news outlet and reaffirmed Indias position. The post read, Disinformation alert! Jammu and Kashmir is an inalienable and integral part of India."

Disinformation alert!Jammu and Kashmir is an inalienable and integral part of India.@AJEnglish pic.twitter.com/8GzRIn5eB3  MEA FactCheck (@MEAFactCheck) July 4, 2025

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New Delhi maintains that the entire Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, including parts under Pakistans control, is an integral part of India. It has repeatedly objected to international media referring to the region as Indian-administered" or disputed"- arguing that such terminology is factually incorrect and undermines Indias sovereignty.

The government has previously raised objections to global media outlets including BBC, The New York Times and The Washington Post over similar usage.

The post quickly drew widespread attention on social media, with many users expressing outrage and urging the Indian government to take stronger action against the Qatar-based media organisation.

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One user wrote, It is not a matter of just fact check dear @PMOIndia. Kindly ask the concerned agencies to arrest this journalist and ban the media house which he works for."

Another added, Why this channel is not banned in India? Why no fine imposed on them?" while a third user demanded, Ban this fraud channel."

First Published: July 04, 2025, 22:06 IST
'Innocents Killed In Name Of Dharma': Rajnath Singh Says Terror Camps Destroyed Based On Karma

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 21:22 IST

Rajnath Singh lauded the patience and restraint shown by the Indian Armed Forces while dismantling the terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh speaking in Telangana. (PTI)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the Indian Armed Forces for taking decisive action against terrorists during Operation Sindoor in May, saying that terrorists linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba had gunned down terrorists based on their dharma (religion), but the Indian Army destroyed their hideouts based on their karma.

Speaking at an event in Telangana on Friday, Singh lauded the patience and restraint shown by the Indian Armed Forces while dismantling the terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, adding that complete caution was exercised so that no civilian population was harmed, as per an official statement.

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Terrorists killed innocent civilians in Pahalgam based on their Dharma, while the Armed Forces, through Operation Sindoor, destroyed the hideouts of terrorists based on their Karma," he said.

India launched precise strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and PoK on May 7 and destroyed key terror hideouts in response to the dastardly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam on April 22. India and Pakistan exchanged four days of hostilities before reaching an understanding.

Rajnath Singh assured that the Armed Forces are free and capable of taking all kinds of action against terrorism in the future, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

According to the statement, the defence minister said estraint showcased by the Armed Forces during Operation Sindoor was similar to the qualities of freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju who made an invaluable contribution to Indias freedom struggle.

The event was held in honour of Alluri Sitarama Raju, whom Singh described as a warrior-saint" and drew a direct line between his legacy and the ethos of Indias modern defence and development strategy.

Alluri Ji was not just a revolutionary, he was a movement. His guerrilla resistance, despite limited resources, remains a shining example of courage driven by principle. He taught us that standing up against injustice is not just a right, it is the nations Dharma," he said.

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He also said the governments efforts were inspired not just by policy but by emotion and deep commitment to the values Alluri ji lived and died for. He also highlighted how Alluri ji transcended caste barriers and is remembered across India as a tribal warrior.

The minister also listed out the recent government initiatives, including the PM Tribal Development Mission, Skill India, and the National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Campaign, describing them as tangible steps towards mainstreaming tribal communities with dignity and opportunity.

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 04, 2025, 21:22 IST
Kolkata Gangrape Case: Survivors Father Seeks Strictest Punishment; 4 Accused Taken To Crime Scene

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 17:28 IST

Kolkata Gangrape Case: Sources said Manojit Mishra allegedly tried to reach out to influential individuals and even attempted to contact the survivor on the night of the incident

The South Calcutta Law College where the 24-year-old was raped. (PTI)

In a major development in the gangrape at Kolkatas Kasba Law College, the police on Thursday took the four accused to the crime scene for a detailed reconstruction that lasted nearly four hours. Investigators also conducted 3D mapping of the location to gather precise forensic and situational evidence. Meanwhile, the survivors family remains in deep shock.

Speaking exclusively to News18, the father of the survivor said, Our entire family is traumatised and mentally shattered. What happened to my daughter should never happen to anyone."

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He added that the police have taken swift action and made arrests in the case, and the family is currently satisfied with the progress of the investigation. I want the highest punishment for the accused. I have full faith in the law of the land. Advocate Arindam Jana is fighting the case for us," he said.

According to police sources, the current focus of the investigation is on gathering more corroborative evidence. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is also awaiting the forensic report, which is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening the case.

Sources further revealed that one of the key accused, Manojit Mishra, 31, allegedly tried to reach out to influential individuals and even attempted to contact the survivor on the night of the incident. Despite mounting evidence, sources say Mishra continues to deny the charges. The other two accused have been identified as Zaib Ahmed, 19, and Pramit Mukhopadhyay, 20, both third-semester students of the college.

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Of the four accused, one is a security guard, who was produced in court on Friday. The guards lawyer claimed in court that he did not have any role in that act and he should be given bail.

Yuvraj Chatterjee, the advocate on record told News18: We are working hard so that she gets justice. We have pointed out that the guards responsibility was to look after students in which he failed. He could have been the whistleblower, which also he did not do." He has been remanded in police custody till July 8.

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 04, 2025, 17:28 IST
Krishna Janmabhoomi Case: Allahabad HC Rejects Plea To Label Eidgah Mosque as 'Disputed Structure'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 15:03 IST

The court stated that such a declaration would amount to prejudging the matter, which is still under adjudication.

The Shahi Eidgah mosque. (File photo: PTI)

In the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Eidgah case, the Allahabad High Court on Friday dismissed a plea seeking to officially refer to the Eidgah mosque in all future legal proceedings as a disputed structure." The court stated that such a declaration would amount to prejudging the matter, which is still under adjudication.

According to LiveLaw, Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra, presiding over the matter, orally observed that the application was being dismissed at this stage."

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The plea was filed in 2023 by advocate Mahendra Pratap Singh and was backed by several other litigants, including plaintiffs. These suits are among 18 currently clubbed together before the court, all broadly aiming to remove what the petitioners claim are illegal encroachments from the premises of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple, which includes the area presently occupied by the Shahi Eidgah Masjid.

The Dispute

The long-standing legal and religious dispute in Mathura centres around the Shahi Eidgah mosque believed to have been constructed during the reign of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Petitioners argue that the mosque stands on the original birthplace of Lord Krishna, alleging that it was built after the demolition of a pre-existing Hindu temple.

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The roots of the current legal battle trace back to 1968, when a compromise was reached between the Shri Krishna Janmasthan Seva Sansthan  the temples management body  and the Trust Shahi Masjid Eidgah. This agreement allowed both religious sites to coexist and function on the same premises. However, this decades-old arrangement has now come under judicial scrutiny.

Several litigants have filed fresh suits contesting the legitimacy of the 1968 compromise. They allege that it was executed fraudulently and lacks legal standing. These petitions seek various forms of judicial relief, including the right to unrestricted worship at the site and the removal of the Shahi Eidgah mosque, which they claim encroaches upon the sacred Janmabhoomi land.

About the Author Abhro Banerjee Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ... Read More Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ... Read More

First Published: July 04, 2025, 14:52 IST
Madhya Pradesh Man Accuses Friend Of Rape, Forced Sex Change And 'Black Magic'

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News18.com

Last Updated: July 03, 2025, 23:34 IST

A man accused his friend of using black magic to control him into having physical relations, while also pressuring him to undergo a sex-change procedure.

A man has accused his friend of pressuring him into undergoing a sex-change procedure.

In a disturbing case from Madhya Pradesh, a man accused his friend of forcing him into having a sex-change operation, raping him and extorting money by locking him in his residence for several days.

The man is reportedly transitioning to become a woman through a sex-change procedure. As per the complainant in the FIR, his friend allegedly performed black magic" to control him and forcibly have sex.

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The complainant has said that he was friends with a man, a resident of Narmadapuram, for the past few years. They entered into a physical relationship; he says that the accused used to do black magic on him," Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Malkeet Singh told news agency ANI.

According to the police official, the accused pressured him to undergo a sex-change procedure under the false pretext of marriage. At the friends insistenece, the victim went to a clinic and underwent a sex-change procedure in November last year.

The victim claims that he (accused) started calling him (victim) again, even locked him up at his residence in Narmadapuram for 10 days and had physical relations forcefully. Since the victim underwent sex-change, currently become a woman and are still being violated."

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The victim also claimed that the man was blackmailing him and demanding money. A zero FIR has been registered and the case was transferred to Narmadapuram.

According to the complaint letter, it is clear that they had physical relations before sex change as well as after, though the victim mentioned that he (the accused) made physical relations forcefully each time. A case has been registered under the relevant sections of Bharatiya Nyay Sahita (BNS), including that of rape and extortion," said the ADCP.

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 : Bhopal, India, India

First Published: July 03, 2025, 23:34 IST
Manojit 'Mango' Mishra Turned Kolkata College Room Into Bar, Drank Alcohol Every Evening

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 19:49 IST

Manojit Mishra, the main accused in the Kasba college gang rape case in Kolkata, used to drink alcohol every evening with his friends, one of his batchmates said.

Monojit Mishra is accused of raping a Kolkata law student. (Image: Facebook)

Manojit Mishra, the main accused in the Kasba gang rape case in Kolkata, allegedly drank every day in the union room of South Calcutta Law College and turned it into a bar, as per reports.

Mishra, a former student and current Organising Secretary of the South Kolkata district of the Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad (TMCP), has been arrested along with his two associates, Zaib Ahmed and Pramit Mukhopadhyay, for allegedly raping a 24-year-old law student in the college. The trio have been remanded to police custody till July 8.

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Police had earlier said that Mishra is very influential and was previously arrested for thrashing a police officer and trying to murder a student. He is also believed to be a repeat offender in harassing women.

One of Mishras batchmates told NDTV that he used to drink alcohol in the union room every evening with his friends and used to harass women. Mishra, also known as Mango, also used to threaten to shoot the college staff over every small issue, she said.

ALSO READ: Kolkata Gangrape Case: Survivors Father Seeks Strictest Punishment; 4 Accused Taken To Crime Scene

Mishra was also accused of ripping off the dress of a woman student in July 2019 and molesting a woman in 2022. He had joined the college in 2007 and dropped out when the Trinamool Congress (TMC) came to power in 2011. He took re-admission in 2007 and passed out in 2022, later joining as a clerical staff member.

The police on Thursday took all the accused to the crime scene for a detailed reconstruction that lasted nearly four hours. Investigators also conducted 3D mapping of the location to gather precise forensic and situational evidence.

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The case has heightened concerns over safety of women in Kolkata campuses, coming less than a year after the dastardly rape and murder case of a post-graduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

In her complaint lodged on June 26, the victim said she had gone to the college to fill a form for a test and was forced to stay back in the union room even after it was completed. Police said Mishra proposed to her for marriage and raped her when she refused.

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 04, 2025, 19:49 IST
Monsoon Menace in Himachal Pradesh: Over 60 Dead, Several Missing As Incessant Rains Continue

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Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 12:54 IST

Incessant rains, cloudbursts, and flash floods in Himachal Pradesh have killed over 65 people and left many missing. IMD has issued a rain alert till July 7.

Monsoon wreaks havoc in Himachal Pradesh

Incessant rains, cloudbursts, and flash floods continue to wreak havoc in Himachal Pradesh. Reportedly, between June 20 and July 3, over 65 people are dead and several are missing in various districts of the state. The adverse weather conditions are expected to prevail till July 7 and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh rain alert for the state.

Notably, the MeT Department has issued a Yellow Alert for heavy rainfall at some places in the state today and tomorrow. While the heavy rain alert is issued till July 7.

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The state administration has closed 250 roads, over 500 transformers are not working and several water drinking facilities are disrupted. Moreover, properties worth Rs 400 crore have been damaged. The deteriorated conditions have severely hampered normalcy and several households are either destroyed or shifted.

Mandi is one of the most impacted districts and as per the latest update, over 17 deaths are reported from the district. Several visuals showing flash floods have emerged. Additionally, 13 lost their lives in Kangra, six in Chamba, and five in Shimla. At least 40 people have been reported missing from Mandi alone.

Centre Assures Assistance

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday spoke with the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh and assured possible assistance from the central government. He took to X (formerly Twitter) and posted, In the wake of heavy rainfall in different parts of the nation, spoke with the chief ministers of Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Chhattisgarh. Adequate numbers of NDRF teams have been deployed in the states for the people in need, and more reinforcements can be sent as and when required. Assured them of all possible assistance from the central government."

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In the wake of heavy rainfall in different parts of the nation, spoke with the chief ministers of Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Chhattisgarh. Adequate numbers of NDRF teams have been deployed in the states for the people in need, and more reinforcements Amit Shah (@AmitShah) July 4, 2025

Location : Shimla, India, India

First Published: July 04, 2025, 12:54 IST
Nitish Kumar Will Be CM Again If NDA Wins Bihar, Im Not Eyeing Deputy Post: Chirag Paswan

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Karishma Jain



Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 08:30 IST

Speaking to CNN-News18, Paswan said rumours about Nitish Kumars health are being blown out of proportion and are not a concern within the NDA

Union Minister and LJP leader Chirag Paswan with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. (PTI Photo)

Nitish Kumar will take oath as the Chief Minister again if the NDA wins the upcoming Bihar elections, Union Minister and LJP leader Chirag Paswan told CNN-News18 in an interview in Patna. Paswan also said he is not interested in becoming Deputy Chief Minister.

This is significant, as there has been considerable speculation over whether the NDA would continue with Nitish Kumar as CM if the alliance wins. I am telling you on behalf of the alliance that Nitish Kumar will be the Chief Minister (again)," Paswan told CNN-News18. He said this will be irrespective of how many seats each NDA ally wins. Paswan also reiterated that he wants to contest from an Assembly seat this time, and that his party wants it to be a general seat.

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I am confident that the NDA alliance of five parties is a winning alliance. This time it will be an all-time high historic win for us with more than 225 seats. We have proved ourselves during recent by-polls. We won Belaganj, which the NDA had not won for over three decades," Chirag Paswan said.

Dont See Myself in Centre: Paswan

Paswan also revealed that CM Nitish Kumar had recently asked him if he was serious" about contesting the Assembly election. He wanted to know which area or Assembly seat I am looking at. I told him I wanted to, and it was my personal wish. I dont see myself too much in the Centre my whole purpose of entering politics was for Bihar and Biharis. It is not possible to do it while living in Delhi as a third-time MP. So, it is high time I move back to my state," the Union Minister said.

Paswan, however, made it clear that he was not aiming for any post like Deputy Chief Minister. It does not lure me this urge of holding a post. If that was my priority, I wouldnt have left the alliance in 2020. Now, after our win and as per the strength of the party, everyone will be given their respective role in the government. I am not aiming for a Deputy CM role. If a situation comes, it will be a party member of ours, not me," he said.

Nitishs Health Is Fine: Paswan

Chirag Paswan also told CNN-News18 that talk about Nitish Kumars health is being blown totally out of proportion of what it actually is" and dismissed such rumours. If it (Nitishs health) were an issue of concern, we would have discussed it inside the alliance. But it is not a concern," he said.

Paswan laughed when asked how he harmed Nitish Kumars party in the 2020 elections after contesting outside the NDA alliance. He, however, explained the context and said he has now buried the hatchet with Nitish Kumar. Immediately after the 2019 election, I felt my party and I were being cornered in the alliance. This was the time when my father was not keeping well. I was naive and new, and they thought I wouldnt be able to pull it off like my father did," he said.

I was not being asked or told things, and not being kept in the loop. I was not given the space. I have issues and concerns now too, but now I have been given the space inside the alliance to voice and address them," Paswan added.

Seat-Sharing And Campaign

Paswan told CNN-News18 that seat-sharing in the NDA in Bihar takes time but is eventually done amicably. It will be very wrong on my part if I share any figure with you before I do it inside the alliance," he said, when asked about his partys desired number of seats. He said the LJP has a superb strike rate and won all five Lok Sabha seats it contested a year ago, and hence wishes for a number of seats that reflects its performance. That is how it should be. Every ally should get seats as per their strength and winnability factor," Paswan said, laying his case for more seats.

Paswan said he is holding rallies across the statein Shahbad, Arrah, Rajgirand will do one in July in Chhapra, followed by Munger and Gaya. This is to charge up our voters and make them understand how beneficial this double-engine government is for our state. PM has already visited Bihar seven times," Paswan said.

ECI Campaign

The Election Commissions campaign to revise electoral rolls in Bihar and seek documents from voters has been touted by the Opposition as a move to deprive people of their right to vote. Opposition parties have also moved the ECI against it. The Opposition is trying to create a perception in Bihar that what the ECI is doing is like nuisanceso that when they lose the Bihar elections now, they can blame this rather than the EVMs, which is a narrative that did not work," Paswan said.

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Paswan said the ECI is following a process that has been done before, and added that he does not understand why the Opposition is making such a big political issue out of it. The voter list has to be sanitised at regular intervals. There are some concerns about documents being available or not. But I think the local administration is more than available to help them with it, and we, as a party organisation, are helping the voters with it. We also have concerns about those who are not part of the voter list," Paswan told CNN-News18.

With the NDA gearing up for a high-stakes battle in Bihar, Chirag Paswans remarks signal a more unified front this time, despite past tensions with Nitish Kumar.

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 04, 2025, 08:26 IST
No Scope To Absorb Pain: Military Official Stresses Readiness For 5 Generations Of Warfare

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 13:08 IST

He broke down the evolving nature of warfare into five distinct generations, each representing a critical shift in how conflicts are fought.

The officer was speaking at an event in Delhi. (ANI)

In a firm message aimed at underlining Indias strategic posture, Lieutenant General Rahul R Singh, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Capability Development and Sustenance), declared that punitive action would be taken whenever required, adding: There is no scope of absorbing pain, the way we did a few years ago. That is one important message that stands out loud and clear."

The comments, made during an event christened New Age Military Technologies organised by FICCI in Delhi, come amid growing concerns about Indias multidimensional threat environment. Lt Gen Singh stressed the urgent need for Indias military to be fully prepared to operate across all five generations of warfare  from trench combat to cyber and cognitive operations.

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#WATCH | Delhi: At the event New Age Military Technologies organised by FICCI, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Capability Development & Sustenance), Lt Gen Rahul R Singh says,  There are a few lessons from Operation Sindoor. The strategic messaging by leadership was pic.twitter.com/V819ZmCbv9 ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2025

He broke down the evolving nature of warfare into five distinct generations, each representing a critical shift in how conflicts are fought. The first generation involves traditional trench-based combat, reminiscent of the large-scale battles seen during World War I and II.

The second generation moves into artillery duels and heavy firepower strategies, which continue to play a role in many present-day conflict zones. Third-generation warfare emphasises manoeuvrability, speed, and tactical surprise  tactics designed to outpace and outflank the enemy. The fourth generation is defined by the increasing role of non-state actors, including insurgent groups and asymmetric threats that challenge conventional military responses.

Finally, fifth-generation warfare introduces a far more complex battleground, encompassing cyberattacks, information warfare, psychological manipulation, artificial intelligence, and threats extending into space, redefining the scope and nature of modern conflict.

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Lt Gen Singh pointed out that India is simultaneously facing elements of all five types of warfare, a unique and complex challenge that demands not only robust defence systems but also cutting-edge innovation and real-time adaptability.

The Indian Armed Forces have to be ready now," he concluded, pointing at an urgent need to bolster readiness, technological integration, and a posture that no longer tolerates strategic passivity.

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 04, 2025, 13:06 IST
On The Run For 26 Years, 2 Accused In South India Blasts Arrested; Had Falsified Identities

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News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 08:56 IST

Two blast accused who had been absconding for over 2 decades were arrested in Andhra Pradesh They had been living with false identities for 26 years in a small town.

Men accused of blasts in South India arrested (PTI)

Two individuals, who were wanted in multiple high-profile bomb blast cases in South India and had been absconding for over 25 years, were arrested in a joint operation by Tamil Nadu Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and Annamayya Police in Andhra Pradeshs Rayachoti town, the officials said.

The arrested persons were identified as Abu Bakar Siddique alias Amanullah and Mohammed Ali alias Mansoor, who were living under false identities for over two decades, the police said.

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Both of them were affiliated with the banned terrorist outfit Al Ummah and had been absconding since 1999 in connection with several bomb blast cases in Tamil Nadu, including incidents in Chennai, Trichy, and Coimbatore, they said.

They had settled in Rayachoti and had married locally. Both operated small businesses under assumed identities, the police said.

They were arrested after the Annamayya District Police carried out searches at Kothapalli and Mahbub Basha Street in Rayachoti on the basis of credible intelligence of their presence.

A large quantity of explosive material capable of being used in improvised explosive devices (IEDs) was recovered from the houses," the police said.

Several incriminating materials were seized from the spot. Electronic items were also confiscated, including walkie-talkies, radio equipment, hacking software, mobile phones, digital storage devices, and coding books. The officials also recovered maps of Indian cities, religious literature, binoculars, edged weapons, and financial records from the site.

The police said that during raids, they also recovered materials capable of manufacturing around 50 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), along with other explosive substances.

ISIS and Al Ummah share similar extremist ideologies, and Al Ummah is considered one of the largest terrorist outfits in South India," the official said.

The police said that there is, however, no confirmation yet on whether the two individuals were carrying out recruitment or training activities in Rayachoti, where they were based in recent years.

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The police are investigating how explosive materials were brought to the area. National intelligence agencies are also actively involved in the case, the officials said.

Amanullah and Mansoor were the main accused in a series of seven bomb blasts that occurred in 1999 across Chennai, Trichy, Coimbatore, and parts of Kerala. While living in Rayachoti, they were involved in the 2013 bomb blasts at the BJP office in Malleswaram, Bengaluru, officials said.

About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More

Location : Andhra Pradesh, India, India

First Published: July 04, 2025, 08:55 IST
HEFEI, July 3 (Xinhua) -- On one side are Chinese entrepreneurs with accented Mandarin; on the other, their business partners speak various languages from Southeast Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. How can they negotiate a deal without the presence of an interpreter? As more Chinese firms go global thanks to robust Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation, the country's fast-growing AI technologies are responding to the need for more translators. Among them is the AI translator developed by Chinese AI firm iFLYTEK. Riding on the company's intelligent speech prowess, this smartphone-sized device masters 85 languages spoken in over 200 countries and regions, as well as 202 dialects and accents in China. "Many of our clients are bosses of small and micro firms, who can't always afford a professional interpreter on their overseas trips," said Sun Jingting, director of the AI translator at iFLYTEK. "In the past, it was their tech and sales staff that often had to improvise as interpreters." Translating for Chinese businesspeople is no easy task today, as they are increasingly traveling to non-Anglophone countries participating in BRI. "English remains widely used in our translation scenarios. But its proportion has dropped to 30 percent from 60 percent, not because of a decline in use, but because demand for other languages like Russian, Vietnamese, and Thai has grown," Sun said. "This is in line with the trend of Chinese companies increasing cooperation with BRI partner countries." Powered by a domestically developed neural processing unit, the iFLYTEK AI translator is capable of quickly identifying the language input and understanding the meanings even without internet access. It is also equipped with a stronger noise cancellation function, as business conversations often occur in noisy environments, such as at an expo or in a factory, according to Sun. China's total goods imports and exports reached 43.85 trillion yuan (about 6.1 trillion U.S. dollars) last year, a 5 percent increase year on year. For the first time, countries participating in the BRI accounted for more than 50 percent of China's total foreign trade value. On the micro level, many Chinese traders are expanding their foreign language skills, often with the help of AI. In the city of Yiwu, known as the "world's supermarket," many local merchants have reportedly attended foreign language courses while also using AI apps to broker deals with visiting foreign buyers. And it's not only businesspeople who are benefiting from multilingual AI. iFLYTEK said its auto-side voice interaction has covered 23 foreign languages, supporting overseas deliveries of over 100 models of Chinese-branded vehicles. Will the ever-more versatile AI one day eliminate the need for human interpreters? Sun said this is not what the translator AI is designed for. "AI has greatly improved its ability to offer accurate translation in the absence of professional translators," he said. "But business negotiations are also about conveying emotions and bridging cultures. This is where humans are not to be replaced."
'Live Weapons Lab': Pakistan's Nexus With China, Turkey Exposed, Says Top Military Official

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 14:19 IST

Deputy Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Rahul Singh exposed the Pakistan-China nexus during Operation Sindoor, stating that Beijing was providing support to Islamabad.

Indian Army official exposes China-Pakistan nexus (PTI Image)

Pakistan was fighting with India during Operation Sindoor, but China was providing all possible support", a top Indian Army official said on Friday, as he exposed the Beijing-Islamabad nexus.

Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Capability Development & Sustenance), Lt Gen Rahul R Singh, said that when the DGMO-level talks between India and Pakistan were underway during the four-day (May 7 to 10) conflict, China shared live updates" of Indias important vectors to Pakistan.

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Exposing China, he said that the country tests its weapons against other weapons", and therefore, Pakistan played the role of a live lab" for the Chinese military.

The top official pointed to the adversaries India is up against and said while conflict was taking place on one border (western), there were three adversaries  Pakistan, China and Turkey, as the latter two provided military hardware and drones to the Pakistani army.

His remarks came while addressing the event New Age Military Technologies organised by FICCI in the national capital.

Air defence and how it panned out during the entire operation was important This time, our population centres were not quite addressed, but next time, we need to be prepared for that We had one border and two adversaries, actually three. Pakistan was in the front. China was providing all possible support. 81% of the military hardware with Pakistan is Chinese China is able to test its weapons against other weapons, so its like a live lab available to them," news agency ANI quoted the official as saying.

#WATCH | Delhi: At the event New Age Military Technologies organised by FICCI, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Capability Development & Sustenance), Lt Gen Rahul R Singh says, Air defence and how it panned out during the entire operation was important This time, our population pic.twitter.com/uF2uXo7yJm ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2025

He also mentioned Turkey for the role it played in Pakistan during Operation Sindoor.

Turkey also played an important role in providing the type of support it did When DGMO-level talks were on, Pakistan had the live updates of our important vectors, from China We need a robust air defence system," Lt Gen Singh added.

Notably, Turkey provided drones to Pakistan, which were used to target Indian cities and military installations during Operation Sindoor. Indian air defence systems had shot down most of the incoming projectiles, including missiles, thus preventing any damage.

Lt Gen Singh also drew a few lessons from Operation Sindoor. He said that India should always be at the top of the escalation ladder, but when the military objective is reached, it should be put to a stop.

#WATCH | Delhi: At the event New Age Military Technologies organised by FICCI, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Capability Development & Sustenance), Lt Gen Rahul R Singh says,  There are a few lessons from Operation Sindoor. The strategic messaging by leadership was pic.twitter.com/V819ZmCbv9 ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2025

There are a few lessons from Operation Sindoor. The strategic messaging by leadership was unambiguous There is no scope of absorbing the pain the way we did a few years ago The planning and selection of targets was based on a lot of data that was collected using technology and human intelligence. So a total of 21 targets were actually identified, out of which nine targets we thought would be prudent to engage It was only the final day or the final hour that the decision was taken that these nine targets would be engaged. A considered decision was taken that it will be a tri-services approach to send the right message that we indeed are an integrated force," he said.

An important consideration was that we should always be at the top of the escalation ladder. When we reach a military objective, we should try and put a stop to it War is easy to initiate, but its very difficult to control. So I would say that was a very masterly stroke that was played to stop the war at an appropriate time," the official added.

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As India struck 11 of Pakistans airbases on May 10, Pakistans DGMO reached out to his Indian counterpart, urging a ceasefire.

India and Pakistan reached an understanding" to halt the military operations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the operation was only on a pause, and Operation Sindoor was not over yet.

About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More

First Published: July 04, 2025, 12:51 IST
China Dumped Poor Quality Weapons On Pakistan: Op Sindoor Exposed Islamabads Weakness | Exclusive

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 18:03 IST

Pakistans reliance on cheap and poor quality Chinese military hardware exposed critical vulnerabilities during Operation Sindoor, said sources

India launched a strike at Markaz Taiba, the LeT camp in Muridke, on May 7. (PTI)

Among other things, Indias Operation Sindoor highlighted one key aspect of Pakistani defence  Islamabad has become a junkyard for downgraded Chinese weapons, said sources.

According to intelligence sources, China supplied Pakistan lower-grade exports compared to the machines used domestically. The weaknesses in the Chinese arms and air defence systems supplied to Pakistan became evident during Operation Sindoor.

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Pakistans reliance on economically cheap Chinese military hardware has exposed critical vulnerabilities, said sources.

WHAT CHINA GAVE PAKISTAN?

Top intelligence sources said that Chinese systems sold to Pakistan are downgraded. The HQ-9P has a 125 km range vs. Chinas domestic HQ-9B 250300 km. A Pakistani LY-80 radar system in Gujranwala was destroyed by Indian Harop loitering munitions due to poor mobility and counter-drone capabilities. The JF-17s KLJ-7A AESA radar has a smaller aperture than Indias Rafales RBE2-AA radar, reducing detection range and tracking accuracy. Limited fuel capacity restricts operational range, forcing reliance on vulnerable mid-air refueling. Exported PL-15E missiles have a reduced range (145 km) compared to Chinas domestic PL-15 (200300 km), allowing Indias Rafales with Meteor missiles (200 km) to outrange them.

HOW INDIA EXPLOITED LOOPHOLES DURING OPERATION SINDOOR? SOURCES EXPLAIN

The Chinese air defence system supplied to Pakistan proved ineffective against stealth and precision threats. Chinas HQ-9B, marketed as a Patriot equivalent, along with the HQ-16, failed to intercept Indian SCALP stealth cruise missiles and HAMMER glide bombs. Their radars struggled with low-altitude, terrain-hugging threats due to limited detection ranges and susceptibility to jamming. Pakistans air defence lacked redundancy and layered coordination.

Indian SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses) tactics exploited this by targeting radar nodes, crippling the entire network.

Pakistan Fighter Jets were outmatched by Indian technology. Reliance on pre-programmed flight paths made them predictable targets. With 81% of Pakistans arms imports being Chinese, a dependency without diversification has been created. Chinas refusal to share cutting-edge tech such as J-20 stealth fighters has left Pakistan with outdated systems.

Indias mix of Russian, Western, and homegrown tech has reduced dependency risks and enhanced adaptability.

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Chinese Wing Loong II and CH-4 drones were easily intercepted by Indias Akash SAMs and SMASH-2000 counter-drone systems due to poor manoeuvrability and lack of stealth features. Pakistans limited defense budget ($10.2 billion vs. Indias $86 billion) led to maintenance shortfalls. Sources say defective Wing Loong drones crashed during missions. Chinese systems require specialized technicians, which Pakistan lacks, causing downtime during critical operations. Pakistani pilots trained on simulators struggled with real-world combat scenarios, unlike Indias Rafale pilots trained in France.

Chinas arms exports to Pakistan suffer from downgraded capabilities and integration flaws. While Chinese machines are cost-effective, their operational inflexibility is apparent. All these systems falter against Indias technologically superior, diversified, and well-integrated defense architecture.

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

First Published: July 04, 2025, 17:52 IST
'Symbol Of Eternal Friendship': PM Modi On Receiving Trinidad & Tobago's Highest Honour

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 20:54 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday received the Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, the country's highest national award.

PM Modi speaking from Trinidad and Tobago. (Photo: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday received the Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, the countrys highest national award. PM Modi accepted it on behalf of 140 crore Indians and said it was a symbol of the eternal and deep friendship" between the two countries.

I express my heartfelt gratitude to you, your government, and the people for being honoured with the highest national award, the Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago," he said.

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This award reflects the eternal and deep friendship between our countries. I accept this honour as a collective pride on behalf of 140 crore people of India. To confer this award upon the first foreign leader reflects our deep relationship, which is based on common history and culture," he added.

Honoured to be conferred with The Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago. I accept it on behalf of 140 crore Indians. https://t.co/eQjnGWHLxV Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 4, 2025

Modi, who is on a two-day visit to the Caribbean island nation on the second leg of his five-nation tour, was bestowed the award in recognition of his global leadership, his deep engagement with the Indian diaspora, and his humanitarian efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic.

He further said it was a matter of great pride that the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago had preserved the shared traditions, culture, and customs of the two countries. He called Trinidad President Christine Kangaloo and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessa as the brand ambassadors" of the Indian community.

The cultural harmony between both countries is evident at every step. President Kangaloos ancestors hailed from Tamil Nadu, the land of Tiruvalluvar. He said strong nations must have six things  a brave army, patriotic citizens, resources, good public representatives, strong defence, and friendly nations that always stand by."

Over 180 years ago, those who came here from India laid the foundation of our friendship. Though their hands were empty, their hearts were enriched with Indian civilisation, culture, and diversity. The seeds of harmony and goodwill they sowed are now bearing fruit in the form of Trinidad and Tobagos progress and prosperity," he added.

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PM Modi also said Trinidad and Tobago was not only a CARICOM partner of India, but an important ally across the world and their cooperation is significant for the entire Global South.

This is Modis first visit to the country as prime minister and the first Indian bilateral visit at the prime ministerial level to Trinidad and Tobago since 1999.

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 : Trinidad & Tobago

First Published: July 04, 2025, 20:37 IST
In Trinidad & Tobago, PM Modi Bats For Global South Leadership: Wish For Fairer World Order

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 22:11 IST

Narendra Modi, addressing a joint session of the Trinidad and Tobago Parliament, said he was "humbled" to be the first Indian PM to address the iconic Red House.

PM Modi addressing Trinidad and Tobago's Parliament. (BJP/X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a joint session of the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago, saying he was deeply honoured" to stand before the elected representatives of a proud democracy and a friendly nation.

I am humbled to be the first prime minister of India to be able to speak in this iconic Red House. This historic red building has seen the struggles and sacrifices of the people of Trinidad and Tobago for freedom and dignity," he said as Trinidad lawmakers applauded.

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The Prime Minister lauded Trinidad and Tobagos just, inclusive and prosperous democracy", while honouring two remarkable women serving as the countrys President and the Prime Minister, who proudly call themselves the daughters of Indian diaspora.

Addressing the Joint Assembly of the Parliament of Trinidad & Tobago. https://t.co/DmXqV6mq4s Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 4, 2025

Both of our nations rose from the shadows of colonial rule to write our own stories with courage as our ink and democracy as our pen. Today, both our nations stand as proud democracies and pillars of strength in the modern world," he added.

He said that democracy was not merely a political model for Indians, but a way of life and a heritage thousands of years old. When I look at the golden words on the Speakers chair, From the people of India to the people of Trinidad & Tobago, I feel a deep sense of emotion. That chair is not just a piece of furniture but a powerful symbol of the friendship and trust between our two nations," he added.

Modi further said India and Trinidad & Tobago share a relationship that was rooted in centuries-old bonds, as two proud democracies. He said both nations supported dialogue, sovereignty, multilateralism and human dignity, and must remain true to those values.

Terrorism is the enemy of humanity. This very red house has itself witnessed the wounds of terror and the loss of innocent blood. We must stand united to deny terrorism any shelter or space," he said.

New And Fairer World Order

Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed his commitment towards the welfare of the Global South. We see our development as a responsibility towards others. And, our priority will always be the Global South. With the same spirit, we are deepening our relations with Trinidad and Tobago"

He said the old global institutions are struggling to deliver peace and progress, and called for a new and fairer world order", in a veiled criticism of the United Nations.

When the UN turned 75, there was great hope across the developing world that long-pending reform would be realised.. that their voice would be heard. But that hope has turned into disappointment," he said.

PM Modi on Indian Diaspora

Prime Minister Narendra Modi put the spotlight on the relations between India and Trinidad and Tobago, by using the example of cricket. I must say, Indians are among the most passionate fans of the West Indies cricket team. We cheer for them with all our hearts, except when they are playing against India

Today, the people of Indian origin are proud bearers of the red, black, and white flag. From politics to poetry, cricket to commerce, and calypso to chutney, they contribute to every field. They are an integral part of the vibrant diversity that you all respect," he added.

He also dedicated the countrys highest national award, the Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago conferred by President Christine Kangaloo, to the enduring friendship and ancestral ties between the two nations.

Women-Led Development

The PM also praised women-led development in all domains and said future generations would see more women shaping the direction and future of India.

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Like you, a woman who rose from humble beginnings to become our President. Two years ago, the Indian parliament took a historic step, which decided to ensure a 33% reservation for women in parliament and state assemblies."

Women leaders are also thriving at the grassroots level in India. Around 1.5 million elected women empower local governance institutions. We are in an era of women-led development," he told the Parliament. We are developing a new model of women-led development in India."

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 : Trinidad & Tobago

First Published: July 04, 2025, 21:33 IST
'Compensation, Apology': PIL Against Prada After Facing Flak Over Kolhapuri Chappal Design

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 13:27 IST

A PIL filed in the Bombay High Court accuses Prada of copying the Kolhapuri Chappal design in its Spring/Summer 2026 collection, demanding compensation and a public apology.

Image shows a collection of Kolhapuri footwear (Source: Social Media)

The Bombay High Court has received a public interest litigation (PIL) against Italian fashion house Prada, demanding compensation to the Kolhapuri chappal artisans for allegedly copying their design in their latest unveiled summer collection, and issuing a public apology.

According to the PIL, Parda has recently released its Spring/Summer collection, showcasing their toe ring sandals that are deceptively similar, stylistically and culturally derived from a GI-registered Kolhapuri Chappal.

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These footwear items are reportedly priced at over Rs 1 lakh per pair and are now rebranded under the European fashion label.

The PIL was filed by Intellectual Property Rights advocate Ganesh S Hingemire on July 2, 2025.

The matter concerns the misrepresentation, cultural misappropriation, unauthorised commercialisation KOLHAPURI CHAPPAL" during an international fashion event held at a Spring/Summer Mens Collection 2026 at Milan, Italy on 22nd June, 2025, where its genuine origin, traditional custodianship and Geographical Indication (GI) status were entirely overlooked," the PIL mentioned.

This Public Interest Litigation seeks directions and appropriate reliefs, including an injunction and damages/compensation for the unauthorised commercialisation of a GI-tagged product, which has caused significant harm to the community traditionally associated with it, particularly in Maharashtra State," it read.

Kolhapuri Chappal is already protected as a Geographical Indication (GI) under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

Following a massive backlash for plagiarising Indian artisans work, Prada shared a statement accepting that its latest summer wear collection was inspired by Indian artisans".

However, the petitioners claim that the fashion brand (Prada) has not issued any formal apology" along with any damages", compensation" and entitled remedy" to the Maharashtrian artisans.

The Kolhapuri Chappal is the cultural symbol of Maharashtra and has special public sentiments attached to it. The brand has privately accepted that its collection is inspired by Indian artisans," however, this acknowledgement surfaced only after facing widespread backlash on various social media platforms.

This acknowledgement was given to the private entity and not to the applicant, makers of Kolhapuri Chappal, GI Registry, Government or the public at large. The brand has not yet issued any formal apology along with any damages, compensation and entitled remedy, and the statement appears to be merely a superficial attempt to deflect criticism, the PIL mentioned.

The petition also seeks a direction to the government for the protection of the Indian traditional designs and to prevent international companies from infringing on geographical indication products.

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The PIL aims to protect the rights of the affected communities and the public of India from such impugned activities by the international brand/entities. The respective Govt department should be directed to comply with the enforcement of the GI and establish strong policies /mechanisms pertaining to the protection of GI rights," it read.

The Petitioners state that the present PIL seeks a direction to the government entities and authorities for protecting the rights of producers/makers of Kolhapuri Chappal and appropriate reliefs to safeguard the cultural heritage, economic interests, and intellectual property rights of indigenous artisans," it added.

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 04, 2025, 13:27 IST
Twist In Pune Rape Case: Police Say Suspect Was Victim's Friend, She Clicked Selfie Herself

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 22:48 IST

A man arrested for allegedly posing as a courier delivery boy and raping a 22-year-old techie in her home in a posh residential society in Pune on Wednesday.

A Pune woman was allegedly raped in a posh society (Representative Image/ PTI)

Pune Rape Case: In a major twist, a man arrested for allegedly posing as a courier delivery boy and raping a 22-year-old techie in her home in a posh residential society in Pune turned out to be a friend of the victim, casting doubt on her version of the events.

The woman had claimed that the accused entered the womans society as a courier delivery boy, Despite the woman saying that she had no courier in her name, he insisted for a signature. When the woman opened the door, he allegedly raped her and clicked a selfie using the womans phone.

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The womans back and part of the accuseds face was visible in the selfie. It was reported that the accused had left a message warning that he had taken her pictures and would release them on social media if she reported the incident, police said. I will come again," the message read, according to police.

However, the police were left baffled when it turned out that the accused was a friend of the victim and that it was the woman herself who took the selfie, police commissioner Amitesh Kumar told news agency PTI.

They know each other for a couple of years and belong to the same community," he said. The suspect turned out to be a highly qualified professional, and police soon found that he woman herself had taken the selfie, which originally showed his face clearly, edited it, and also typed the purported threatening message.

Moreover, no chemical spray had been used on the woman to make her unconscious, as suspected earlier. e are still ascertaining why the victim made allegations of rape and it is still under investigation as the girls mental state is not good at present," the commissioner said.

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Police detained two individuals on Thursday in connection with the incident and said the identification of the accused will take place after the victim completes her medical examination. The process will be based on the victims statement.

The original case was registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 64 (rape), 77 (voyeurism), and 351(2) (criminal intimidation), and had triggered a swift police response. Police formed several teams to nab the accused and forensic experts were brought in to examine the alleged victim.

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 04, 2025, 22:29 IST
Saif Ali Khan Faces Setback As MP High Court Reopens Bhopal Royal Inheritance Case

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 12:39 IST

The court was responding to an appeal by heirs of Nawab Hamidullah Khan who challenged the earlier property distribution

The High Court has now directed the trial court to restart the proceedings from scratch (Photo Credits: Instagram)

In a significant development in the long-standing Bhopal royal family inheritance dispute, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has overturned a 25-year-old ruling by a Bhopal trial court, ordering the case to be heard afresh.

The court was responding to an appeal by heirs of Nawab Hamidullah Khan, who challenged the earlier property distribution that favoured Sajida Sultan, the Nawabs daughter from his senior wife and great-grandmother of actor Saif Ali Khan.

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The original decision had awarded the ancestral estate to Sajida Sultan, but the other heirs have since contested this, arguing that the division should follow Muslim Personal Law.

The High Court has now directed the trial court to restart the proceedings from scratch and conclude the hearing within one year. The move could potentially reshape the inheritance structure of the Bhopal royal family, reigniting one of the most high-profile property disputes in recent memory.

Court Earlier Dismissed Saifs Petition

Actor Saif Ali Khan faces renewed legal trouble after the Madhya Pradesh High Court dismissed his long-standing petition against a government move to classify his familys ancestral properties in Bhopal as enemy property." The matter, rooted in a 2014 notice issued by the Custodian of Enemy Property Department, declared the Pataudi familys assets in Bhopal as falling under the Enemy Property Act.

Saif had contested the declaration in 2015 and secured a temporary stay from the High Court. However, in a major blow delivered on December 13, 2024, the court lifted the stay, dismissing his challenge. In its recent order, the court gave Saif and his family 30 days to approach the appellate tribunal to reclaim their rights over the property, but no claim has been filed within the stipulated time.

With the deadline now expired, the properties are legally eligible for government acquisition, and the Bhopal district administration may initiate the takeover process.

What Is Enemy Property?

The Enemy Property Act, enacted in 1958 and expanded after the 1965 India-Pakistan war, allows the Indian government to seize assets of individuals who migrated to Pakistan or China and ceased to be Indian citizens. Under this law, enemy property" includes land, buildings, and other holdings that once belonged to such individuals.

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The Pataudi estate is entangled in this legislation due to Saifs great-grandmother, Abida Sultandaughter of Nawab Hamidullah Khan, the last ruling Nawab of Bhopalwho moved to Pakistan after Partition and renounced her Indian citizenship. Saif Ali Khan is a direct descendant of the Nawab through Abida Sultans sister, Sajida Sultan.

This ongoing dispute, coupled with a fresh court mandate in the separate Bhopal royal inheritance case, adds yet another legal layer to the complex legacy of the Pataudi family.

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 04, 2025, 12:32 IST
'Statements Under Section 313 CrPC Recorded In Most Mechanical Manner': SC Sets Aside Conviction

Reported By :

LawBeat

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 04:39 IST

The court also set aside the judgment of conviction and sentence against one appellant as he was found to be a juvenile at the time of the offence

The bench recorded the period during which the offence was allegedly committed was from September 1982 to December 1982, and the trial was concluded on May 29, 2006. (File image/AFP)

The Supreme Court has set aside the conviction of two men in a case of cheating, forgery, and other offences made to swindle Rs 13.29 lakh from the State Bank of India in 1982 after finding that their statements under Section 313 of the Criminal Procedure Code were recorded in a most mechanical manner, vitiating their trial.

A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka (since retired) and Ujjal Bhuyan pointed out that only four questions were generally put to the appellants, which did not reflect the specific prosecution evidence that came on record qua the appellants, Ramji Prasad Jaiswal alias Ramjee Prasad Jaiswal, and Ashok Kumar Jaiswal.

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The SC found the manner in which the trial court had recorded the statements of the appellants under Section 313 CrPC was not at all in tune with the requirements of the provision.

As all the incriminating evidence were not put to the notice of the appellants, therefore, there was a clear breach of Section 313 CrPC as well as the principle of audi alteram partem. Certainly, this caused serious prejudice to the appellants to put forth their case. Ultimately, such evidence were relied upon by the court to convict the appellants," the bench said.

Therefore, the court held, there is no doubt that such omission, which is a serious irregularity, has completely vitiated the trial.

Even if we take a more sanguine approach by taking the view that such omission did not result in the failure of justice, it is still a material defect albeit curable," the bench said.

The bench, however, noted that while deciding whether such a defect can be cured or not, one of the considerations will be the passage of time from the date of the incident, as held in Raj Kumar alias Suman Vs State (NCT of Delhi) (2023).

The bench recorded the period during which the offence was allegedly committed was from September 1982 to December 1982, and the trial was concluded on May 29, 2006.

Nineteen years have gone by since then. At this distant point of time, instead of aiding the cause of justice, it will lead to miscarriage of justice if the case qua the two appellants are remanded to the trial court to restart the trial from the stage of recording the statements of the accused persons under Section 313 CrPC," the bench said.

In such circumstances, the court opined that it is neither possible nor feasible to order such remand.

Consequently, appellants are entitled to the benefit of doubt because of such omission in the recording of their statements under Section 313 CrPC, since the trial court had relied on the evidence adverse to the appellants while convicting them," the court held.

The appellants along with others were tried by the court of Special Judge, Central Bureau of Investigation, South Bihar, Patna, for allegedly committing offences under Sections 420, 440, 468, 471, and 120B of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC), read with Section 5(2) and 5(1)(d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947. In 2006, they were found guilty and awarded a sentence of three years, along with a fine. In 2011, the High Court dismissed their appeals.

According to the prosecution, the bank manager, along with the accused, including the appellants, fraudulently and dishonestly obtained payment of Rs 71,456.00 and Rs 12,57,810.00 against certain bills which were accompanied by fake transport receipts issued by the appellants.

The court also set aside the judgment of conviction and sentence against one appellant as he was found to be a juvenile at the time of the offence.

Ordinarily once an accused person was found to be a juvenile on the date of commission of the offence, he was required to be dealt with by the Juvenile Justice Board for carrying out necessary inquiry in terms of Section 14 of the JJ Act and thereafter to pass order under Section 15 including an order directing the juvenile to be sent to a special home for a period of 3 years," the bench said.

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In the instant case, the court, however, said more than four decades have passed since the commission of the offence.

In the circumstances, it is neither possible nor feasible to remand the case of appellant No. 3 to the concerned Juvenile Justice Board to carry out the exercise under Sections 14 and 15 of the JJ Act. Therefore, the judgment and order of the trial court as affirmed by the High Court are hereby set aside on the ground of juvenility," the bench said.

About the Author Sanya Talwar Sanya Talwar, Editor at Lawbeat, has been heading the organisation since its inception. After practising in courts for over four years, she discovered her affinity for legal journalism. She has worked previousl... Read More Sanya Talwar, Editor at Lawbeat, has been heading the organisation since its inception. After practising in courts for over four years, she discovered her affinity for legal journalism. She has worked previousl... Read More

First Published: July 04, 2025, 04:39 IST
Telangana Ex-CM KCR Admitted To Hospital Due To Sudden Indisposition, Condition Stable

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 03, 2025, 23:41 IST

BRS chief K. Chandrashekar Rao was admitted to Yashoda Hospital due to general weakness. CM Revanth Reddy and Union Minister G Kishan Reddy wished him a speedy recovery.

Telangana former Chief Minister and BRS chief K. Chandrashekar Rao (PTI)

Telangana former Chief Minister and BRS chief K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) has been admitted to a private hospital today owing to suddenly being indisposed.

CM Revanth Reddy enquired about his health and checked on the treatment being given to him.

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In a post on X, Telangana CMO said that CM Reddy spoke to medical experts and officials and asked them to ensure the best treatment for Chandrashekar Rao. The Chief Minister wished that KCR recovers quickly and returns with good health after full recovery to his regular duties in public service.

Union Minister G Kishan Reddy also wished for the speedy and full recovery of Chandrashekar Rao. Learned about former CM and BRS chief Sri K. Chandrashekar Rao being indisposed and admitted to a private hospital. Wishing a speedy and full recovery to KCR garu," he wrote on X.

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Yashoda Hospital, Somajiguda, issued a statement giving the details of KCRs health. In the statement, it said that the ex-CM of Telangana has been advised admission this evening at Yashoda Hospital, Somajiguda. He complained of general weakness.

Preliminary investigations revealed high blood sugars and low sodium levels. All the other vital parameters are within the normal limits. He is kept under close observation, and medications have been started to control diabetes and to increase sodium levels. His condition is stable," it added.

Location : Telangana, India, India

First Published: July 03, 2025, 23:41 IST
Thane: After MNS, Sena UBT Leader Gets Traders Slapped, Makes Them Touch Feet For Not Speaking Marathi

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 08:28 IST

In response, Vichare reportedly called the accused traders to his office and allegedly directed his supporters to physically assault them.

Trader was called to Sena office and asked to apologise. (X @sumitagarwal_IN)

In a disturbing instance of language vigilantism, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and former MP Rajan Vichare has landed in controversy after a video surfaced showing traders being beaten and coerced into apologising for not speaking Marathi.

The incident took place in Thane, where Vichare had reportedly summoned a group of non-local traders to his office. In the video, the traders are seen being reprimanded by Vichare and his supporters, with repeated instructions to communicate only in Marathi. Some of the traders were allegedly slapped by Vichares aides and made to touch feet as a form of apology.

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Another shocking incident from Thane  former MP Rajan Vichare (Uddhav faction) summoned traders to his office, got them beaten up by his men, forced an apology, and kept insisting they speak only in Marathi.Safety of traders cannot be compromised. Requesting strict action, pic.twitter.com/MKmKYqZP7p  Sumit Agarwal  (@sumitagarwal_IN) July 3, 2025

According to reports, the confrontation stems from a recent altercation at Thane railway station. A Marathi-speaking youth was allegedly abused and assaulted by non-local individuals during an argument over language. The victim later approached Vichare to register a complaint.

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In response, Vichare reportedly called the accused traders to his office and allegedly directed his supporters to physically assault them. The video, now widely circulated, shows Vichare making one of the traders sit on the ground while verbal abuse and physical intimidation continue.

This comes on the heels of a similar controversy involving Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers targeting shopkeepers and service providers in Mumbai and Thane for not using Marathi in signage or customer interactions.

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 04, 2025, 08:25 IST
Thane Stall Owner Assault: MNS Workers Briefly Arrested, Released On Bail Bonds, Says Report

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 12:48 IST

Seven MNS members were arrested and swiftly granted bail after allegedly assaulting a food stall owner in Thane for not speaking in Marathi.

MNS workers slap food vendor for refusing to speak in Marathi | Image: X

NSMaharashtra Navnirman Sena members, who allegedly thrashed a food stall owner in Thane for not speaking in Marathi, were arrested and were granted bail within hours, NDTV quotes sources.

The report also claimed Maharashtra minister Nitish Rane confirmed the arrest of MNS workers in a brief interview.

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Quoting police sources, the report mentioned that seven members of the MNS had been detained, but were released on bail bonds, since the charges against them hold a maximum punishment of seven years.

One of those accused was also quoted as saying that he, along with others, were allowed to leave as the registered offence is a non-cognisable one.

WHAT WAS THE CASE

A food stall owner in Thane district was beaten up allegedly by activists of a regional political party for not speaking in Marathi, police said on Wednesday.

The incident took place on Tuesday in the Bhayander area of the city.

A video of the incident, widely shared on social media, showed some of the attackers wearing scarves having the symbol of the Raj Thackeray-led MNS.

While purchasing food, one of 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 told news agency PTI.

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Based on the stall owners complaint, the Kashimira Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against unidentified persons under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and a probe was on into the case.

Members of the MNS have been trying to push for the use of the Marathi language in commercial establishments and banks in the state.

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 04, 2025, 12:19 IST
TMC Leader Shot In Bengal's Cooch Behar; Party Blames BJP, Saffron Camp Refutes

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 15:00 IST

Trinamool Congress leader Raju Dey was shot at by unidentified assailants in West Bengals Cooch Behar district late Thursday night and is currently in stable condition.

A file photo showing police officers in West Bengal (PTI)

A leader of the Trinamool Congress was injured and admitted to a hospital after he was shot at by unidentified assailants in West Bengal.

The incident happened in the Coochbehar district of the state, near the Jhinaidanga area, at nearly 11 pm on Thursday.

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The TMC leader was identified as Raju Dey, the karmadhyaksha of Cooch Behar Block 2 Panchayat Samity.

The bullet struck his right shoulder. He was taken to a nearby hospital by party workers and his condition is stated to be stable," news agency PTI quoted a police officer as saying.

The miscreants, who came in a car, fled, leaving behind the vehicle, which has been impounded, the police said.

Meanwhile, the ruling TMC alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was behind the attack on Dey.

However, the saffron party rubbished the charge, terming the attack a result of TMCs infighting.

Further investigations into the case were underway.

In another incident, Bengal mass education extension and library department minister Siddiqullah Chowdhurys car was attacked on Thursday.

Following the incident, Chowdhury expressed outrage and alleged the attack was carried out by the members of his own party, the Trinamool Congress.

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Earlier, the CBI filed a supplementary charge sheet against TMC MLA Paresh Paul and councillors Swapan Samaddar and Papiya Ghosh for criminal conspiracy and murder in connection with the killing of BJP leader Avijit Sarkar during post-poll violence in West Bengal in 2021.

In its second supplementary charge sheet filed before the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, Sealdah, on Monday, the CBI also named 15 others under Indian Penal Code Sections related to criminal conspiracy (120-B), murder (302) and disappearance of evidence (201), among others in connection with the case.

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 04, 2025, 14:56 IST
Vande Bharat, Rajdhani Trains Expected With Launch Of Bairabi-Sairang Rail Line To Aizawl

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 09:47 IST

Mizoram will be the fourth Northeastern state with its capital city linked to the national railway network.

The final stretch of the BairabiSairang New Line Railway Project, from Hortoki to Sairang, was thoroughly inspected by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), Northeast Frontier Circle, in June. (Image: ANI)

Mizorams capital Aizawl is all set to join Indias railway map, with the 51-km BairabiSairang line likely to be inaugurated in July, having received all final approvals. The development comes weeks after Srinagar received direct train connectivity from Katra  which is well connected with most parts of the country.

Everything is completed, and even the approvals for train operations have been received. In the next couple of weeks, most likely in July, the train operations will start," Ministry sources told News18, demanding anonymity.

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The 17-km Bairabi-Hortoki section, part of the 52-km Bairabi-Sairang Rail Line, has been operational since last year.

The project is divided into four sections  Bairabi-Hortoki; Hortoki-Kawnpui (10 km); Kawnpui-Mualkhang (12 km); and Mualkhang-Sairang (13 km). The total cost of the project is Rs 5,021.45 crore.

Mizoram will be the fourth Northeastern state with its capital city linked to the national railway network.

CRS Inspection

The final stretch of the BairabiSairang New Line Railway Project, from Hortoki to Sairang, was thoroughly inspected by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), Northeast Frontier Circle, in June. This marks a significant milestone, as it completes the entire 51.38-km rail line, paving the way for direct rail connectivity to Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram, for the very first time.

In August 2024, the CRS had authorised the operation of freight and passenger trains for the broad-gauge line between Bairabi and Hortoki.

Now, with the remaining three sections approved, train connectivity is set to transform Aizawls future.

Importance of the New Line

Currently, to reach Aizawl, limited flights are available from Kolkata, Guwahati, and Imphal to Lengpui airport, situated 30 km from the main city.

Bairabi is the only functional railway station in Mizoram at present. This station is about 90 km from Aizawl city. The next biggest station for the state is Silchar Railway Station in Assam  around 180 kilometres from Aizawl. The remaining journey has to be completed by bus or taxi.

This is set to change with the upcoming BairabiSairang rail line. Earlier this week, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma said that the Railway Ministry has agreed to connect Aizawl and Delhi with the Rajdhani train. Trains will also operate to the state from Tripura and Kolkata, he assured.

Regarding train services to Aizawl, the official added that initially, limited trains will operate to the city and, slowly, depending on demand, train operations will increase.

Vande Bharat and Rajdhani services will be introduced based on feasibility and demand," they said.

Another Challenging Route

Following successful rail projects in Srinagar and Rameswaram, Aizawl presented another complex engineering challenge.

The route has 48 tunnels with a collective length of around 13 km, apart from 55 major and 87 minor bridges. There are five Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and six Road Under Bridges (RUBs). One such bridge  Bridge No. 196  stands 104 metres tall, 42 metres higher than the Qutub Minar.

Beyond the impressive engineering feats, the project also embraces the regions cultural identitytransforming the railway tunnels into vibrant canvases that celebrate Mizorams heritage.

The railway tunnels along Bairabi-Sairang route have been adorned with striking murals that transform these functional structures into powerful visual narratives, celebrating the rich cultural heritage and identity of the Mizo people. These artistic embellishments turn the railway journey into a cultural experience, blending modern connectivity with timeless tradition," the Ministry said.

What Will Change?

Several industries in the state have the potential to grow, but face significant constraints due to limited infrastructure and connectivity. The state can grow its bamboo-based and handloom and handicrafts industries. Also, the economy of the state depends on agriculture. Several food industries can also boost the economy.

The state has rolling hills, dense forests, and remarkable biodiversity.

With its natural beauty, cultural richness, and warm hospitality, Mizoram holds immense potential as a sustainable and serene tourist destination," the Railway Ministry said in a statement.

Train connectivity to the states capital will boost both tourism and economic development.

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Mizoram shares its borders with Tripura, Assam, and Manipur. It also has international borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh.

With this historic railway connection, Aizawl is not just being linked by tracks and trains, but opening new avenues for economic growth, cultural exchange, and sustainable development  truly bringing Mizoram closer to the heart of India.

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 04, 2025, 09:47 IST
Vijay Rupani Sat In Cockpit On Boeing Plane Months Before AI-171 Crash, Old Pics Resurface

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 14:09 IST

Vijay Rupani was seen sitting inside the cockpit of a Boeing aircraft during his visit to Ahmedabads Indus University months before his death in the Air India crash.

Vijay Rupani in Boeing cockpit (Photo: Instagram/ vijayrupanibjp)

Former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani, who was among the victims of the Air India-171 plane crash in Ahmedabad, had paid a visit to a Boeing planes cockpit a few months ago.

He had visited the Western India Institute of Aeronautics in Ahmedabads Indus University and posted the pictures of his interaction with the students. He also shared his images in the cockpit.

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The pictures of his visit have now resurfaced on social media, days after he died in the plane crash on June 12, in which 240 others on board were killed in the deadly crash. There was a sole survivor in the crash.

During his visit to the university, he had sat inside a decommissioned Boeing 737 aircraft. He sat in the right seat of the cockpit, where the first officer (co-pilot) is mostly seated.

During a visit to the campus of Indus University" in Ahmedabad today, I also visited the Western India Institute of Aeronautics. During this visit, I saw models and real aircraft such as the Boeing 737, Cessna, Zenith, and MiG-21," he posted on Instagram along with the pictures of his visit.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vijay Rupani (@vijayrupanibjp)

The interaction with students from the aviation department was full of energy and enthusiasm. I extended my best wishes for Indian students to make a mark on the global stage," he added.

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Rupani was also seen speaking with Radhika Bhandari, the Dean of Aviation at the university, while standing at the entrance of the aircraft.

He was the chief minister of Gujarat between 2016 and 2021. He also served as a member of the Rajya Sabha from 2006 to 2012.

About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More

Location : Gujarat, India, India

First Published: July 04, 2025, 14:09 IST
'Violence Not Accepted In The Name Of Marathi Pride': Fadnavis Vows Action In Slapgate

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 17:49 IST

Devendra Fadnavis condemned the MNS workers' assault, urging respect for Marathi without violence. He promised strict action against culprits, ensuring no language is disrespected.

CM Devendra Fadnavis emphasised that only after this consultative process is complete will a final decision be taken. (PTI)

While responding to the assault of a shopkeeper by workers of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said that Marathi should be respected without resorting to violence.

The Chief Minister assured that strict actions will be taken against the culprits, emphasising that violence wont be tolerated.

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We respect Marathi, but violence in its name wont be accepted. Strict action will be taken against those resorting to violence. No language in India will be allowed to be disrespected," he said while addressing the media.

The police have filed an FIR and taken action on the incident, and if anyone creates such a language dispute in future, legal action will be taken. We are proud of our Marathi, but injustice cannot be done to any language of India in this manner; we will have to keep this in mind. And sometimes I am surprised that these people embrace English and create disputes over Hindi. What kind of thinking is this, and what kind of action is this? Therefore, strict action will be taken against those who take the law into their own hands," Fadnavis added.

This comes after a 48-year-old shopkeeper, identified as Babulal Chaudhary, who runs the Jodhpur Sweer Shop in Mira Road near Mumbai, was assaulted by the Raj Thackeray-led MNS for asking them why speaking in Marathi should be compulsory. At around 10:30 am, Chaudhary told the police that the men, wearing clothes with MNS insignia, entered his shop and asked for water. When his worker replied in Hindi, they objected, leading to verbal abuse. The dispute intensified when Chaudhary mentioned that his employees, being from out of state, werent proficient in Marathi. The situation worsened when the men allegedly asked him which language is spoken in Maharashtra, with Chaudhary responding that all languages are spoken. The men, reportedly angered by this response, assaulted him and filmed the incident. They warned Chaudhary that he would not be allowed to do business in the area. An FIR has been registered against seven unidentified men at the Kashimira police station under relevant sections of the IPC. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Location : Maharashtra, India, India

First Published: July 04, 2025, 17:18 IST
TMC Minister Siddiqullah Chowdhury's Car Attacked In Bengal, He Alleges Party Involvement

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 10:28 IST

West Bengal minister Siddiqullah Chowdhury's car was attacked while on his way to Bardhaman. He alleged that Trinamool Congress workers were behind the incident.

West Bengal minister's car attacked (Photos: News18)

West Bengal mass education extension and library department minister Siddiqullah Chowdhurys car was attacked in West Bengal on Thursday. The incident happened while he was on his way to Bardhaman.

Following the incident, Chowdhury expressed outrage and alleged the attack was carried out by the members of his own party, the Trinamool Congress.

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Photos from the site showed the windshield of Chowdhurys car damaged, and pieces of glass scattered in the interior of the vehicle.

Chowdhury escaped unhurt in the incident.

Chowdhury, who had won from the Monteswar assembly constituency seat in Purba Bardhaman district on a TMC ticket in 2021, told reporters there was an attempt on his life" as a mob, led by local panchayat pradhan and belonging to a faction of his party, hurled stones at his vehicle and smashed the windscreen causing injury to his hand.

Local panchayat pradhan Rafiqul Islam Sheikh led his supporters in perpetrating this murderous attack on me," he said.

The local inspector in charge took no action to disperse the attackers. Only the security personnel accompanying me came to my rescue," Chowdhury told reporters.

The minister demanded action against the attackers from the administration.

Admitting he had led the protest, Sheikh told reporters, This was a spontaneous black flag demonstration by local people who were upset with the corrupt minister who had done nothing for the people of Monteswar."

As we had wanted him to hear our grievances, his convoy tried to speed away, which might have led to some damage to his vehicle. However, he is staging drama by making wild allegations of attempted murder charges," he said.

The police confirmed the black flag protest and hurling of stones at the ministers convoy and said the crowd was dispersed and the minister was escorted away from the spot by a pilot car after the incident.

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An inquiry was ordered, and raids were on in the area, police said.

ALSO READ | BJP Leader Jagannath Pradhan Arrested Over Assault On Odisha IAS Officer

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 04, 2025, 10:12 IST
Why Did AI Plane Lose Power Before Crashing In Ahmedabad? Telemetry May Hold The Answer | Exclusive

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 11:48 IST

AI plane crash in Ahmedabad: A satellite-based telemetry is an automated process of gathering and transmitting data from an aircraft to a ground station or other remote locations

On June 13, investigators recovered the black box of the London-bound plane from the rooftop of the medical college hostel. (PTI)

The air-borne satellite-based telemetry is likely to give investigators an insight into Air India 171s last moments of operation before the crash in Ahmedabad, according to sources.

A satellite-based telemetry is an automated process of gathering and transmitting data from an aircraft to a ground station or to other remote locations. This data is critical for monitoring critical components such as the speed of the aircraft, its altitude and other parameters. Sensors such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, temperature and pressure sensors must have collected the data on the AI 171 flight.

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The data is used for real-time monitoring and diagnostics of an air-borne aircraft.

Investigators believe this will give them accurate data-based insight into what possibly went wrong with the instruments leading to power loss on AI 171.

THE JUNE 12 CRASH

The London-bound aircraft crashed into a B J Medical Colleges hostel complex in Meghaninagar moments after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1.39 pm on June 12, killing 270 persons, including 241 on board. Only one passenger survived. Five MBBS students of B J Medical College were also killed.

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Officials familiar with the investigation into the crash of Air India flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick suspect a sudden power failure shortly after takeoff may have brought down the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which crashed into a medical hostel building after gaining an altitude of only 625 feet. The aircraft did not reach the minimum altitude required to execute an emergency turnaround or make use of its Ram Air Turbine (RAT), a backup system designed to power critical functions in case of total electrical loss.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), a division of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, is leading the investigation into the crash. The Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and the Cockpit Voice Recorder have also been recovered from the debris, a crucial discovery that is expected to help ascertain the cause of the horrific accident.

About the Author Anvit Srivastava Anvit Srivastava, Principal Correspondent at CNN-News18, covers crime, security, policing and society in Delhi. His impactful ground reports have helped him make his mark among the select credited journalists i... Read More Anvit Srivastava, Principal Correspondent at CNN-News18, covers crime, security, policing and society in Delhi. His impactful ground reports have helped him make his mark among the select credited journalists i... Read More

First Published: July 04, 2025, 11:48 IST
With No Student Body Elections, Calcutta HC Orders Closure Of Union Rooms In Bengal Colleges

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti



Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 10:23 IST

The court observed that several universities and colleges have not held student union elections in recent years, resulting in the absence of recognised student councils.

The South Calcutta Law College where the 24-year-old was raped. (PTI)

In a significant ruling, the Calcutta High Court has directed the closure of all student union rooms in colleges and universities across West Bengal. The decision, passed in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) referencing South Calcutta Law College, comes amid growing concerns over the unregulated use of such spaces and the absence of functioning student bodies in many institutions.

The court observed that several universities and colleges have not held student union elections in recent years, resulting in the absence of recognised student councils. With no elected representatives to administer these spaces, the court stressed that the potential for misuse of student union rooms has increased.

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According to the courts directives, the Department of Higher Education has been asked to issue circulars to all state-run colleges and universities. These instructions mandate that in the absence of a recognised student union, all union rooms must be identified and locked. Students can access these rooms only after obtaining written permission from the Principal, Registrar, or another competent authority. The permission must clearly state the purpose of entry. The court, however, clarified that this restriction is limited strictly to union rooms and will not apply to other recreational or common areas meant for students.

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The PIL also made specific mention of South Calcutta Law College, where the alleged gang rape of a student has drawn the courts attention. In this case, the High Court ordered that the union room be kept accessible solely to the investigating agency until further notice. The colleges governing body has been directed to ensure that academic activities are not disrupted and that the institution returns to normal functioning at the earliest.

The courts order reflects growing judicial concern over the management of student spaces and the need for accountability in the absence of formal student leadership. The matter is now scheduled for its next hearing on July 17, 2025, when the court is expected to review compliance and possibly issue further directions.

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 04, 2025, 10:23 IST
This Simple Coffee Addition Could Improve Digestion, Weight, And Heart Health

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 12:09 IST

A gastroenterologist associated with the Harvard Medical School has recommended adding a particular substance to your morning routine to derive various health benefits.

This simple ingredient can enhance bowel movement, and also slow sugar absorption.

While most of us undoubtedly start our day with a hot cup of coffee or tea, the effect of this routine on our digestive health remains debatable. Research has found no strong link between gut issues and coffee, be it in the case of coffee consumed on an empty stomach or a non-empty one.

However, there is one substance that a credible expert believes can have multiple health benefits if taken with the morning coffee. Dr Trisha Pasricha, gastroenterologist at Harvard Medical School, suggested mixing a spoonful of psyllium husk into the coffee or water that one consumes at the very beginning of their day. The recommendation from her came during an interview with The Washington Post. The goodness of psyllium husk mainly stems from the fact that it is a good source of fibre for the body.

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Here are some of the health benefits associated with psyllium husk.

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Being a soluble fibre, psyllium husk is known for aiding bowel movement. It works by absorbing water in the digestive tract, forming a gel-like substance that ultimately results in softer and bulkier stools. Another major health benefit of consuming psyllium husk is that it slows down the entry of sugar into the bloodstream. This is particularly beneficial for diabetic and pre-diabetic people. The mechanism behind this relies on the gel resulting from the consumption of psyllium. In the absence of this substance, sugars get absorbed into the bloodstream more easily.

Psyllium husk is also considered helpful in weight management as the gel-like mass formed in the digestive tract can make you feel full for longer periods. This eliminates the desire to snack frequently between meals. It is also considered a good agent for the removal of cholesterol from the body. Regular consumption of psyllium has been linked to improved levels of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol). Overall cardiovascular health is known to benefit from the intake of psyllium.

fashion, travel, The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , and culture  with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: July 04, 2025, 11:20 IST
PM Modi Served Food On 'Sohari Leaf' In Trinidad. India Link And Health Benefits Explained

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 15:31 IST

During PM Modi's visit to Trinidad and Tobago, he was served a ceremonial dinner on a 'Sohari' leaf, hosted by PM Persad-Bissessar

PM Narendra Modi shared the moment on his official X handle, posting a photograph of himself seated for the meal. (Source: X/@narendramodi)

A simple leaf turned into a powerful symbol of cultural pride during Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Trinidad and Tobago, as he was served a ceremonial dinner on a traditional Sohari leaf, a gesture that touched hearts both at home and abroad. The moment, rich in emotion and symbolism, quickly went viral on social media, with hashtags like #PMModi #SohariLeaf #TrinidadVisit trending globally.

Hosted by Trinidad and Tobagos Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the dinner became more than a diplomatic courtesy, it was a celebration of enduring Indian heritage across oceans. The Sohari leaf, used ceremonially by the Indian diaspora in the Caribbean nation, evoked deep emotional resonance. As images of the event flooded social media, Indians across the world remarked how India lives wherever Indians do".

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A Cultural Thread Stretching 15,000 KMs

The roots of this tradition trace back nearly two centuries. Large numbers of Indians arrived in Trinidad and Tobago during the 19th century as indentured labourers under British colonial rule. Over time, despite distance and generations, they preserved their rituals  from festivals to food, language to religion. One such preserved ritual is serving meals on Sohari leaves during weddings, religious ceremonies, and feasts, a practice meant to honour ancestors and retain a link to India.

What Is A Sohari Leaf?

The Sohari leaf is a large, flat leaf akin to the banana leaf used commonly in southern and eastern India. It is biodegradable, chemical-free, and imbues food with a subtle fragrance. When hot food is served on it, natural antioxidants from the leaf mix into the meal, which is said to aid digestion and enhance taste. The tradition isnt merely nostalgic; its rooted in ecological wisdom and health benefits.

Eating on leaves like Sohari or banana is an age-old Indian tradition, not just for aesthetics or rituals, but for health," said Dr Meera Nambiar, an Ayurveda expert. Theyre hygienic, rich in phytonutrients, and elevate both the physical and spiritual experience of dining, she added.

PM Modi Joins In, Social Media Reacts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared the moment on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, posting a photograph of himself seated for the meal. His caption read, The dinner hosted by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar had food served on a Sohari leaf, which is of great cultural significance to the people of Trinidad & Tobago, especially those with Indian roots. Here, food is often served on this leaf during festivals and other special programmes."

The dinner hosted by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar had food served on a Sohari leaf, which is of great cultural significance to the people of Trinidad & Tobago, especially those with Indian roots. Here, food is often served on this leaf during festivals and other special pic.twitter.com/KX74HL44qi Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 4, 2025

The post ignited an outpouring of pride. This is not just dinner, this is a full-circle moment of culture," wrote one user, while others echoed, India is not a country, its a culture that blooms wherever its people go."

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While official visits are often marked by formal speeches and protocol, this moment stood apart. Cultural analyst Dr Kavita Ramcharan, based in Port of Spain, explained, To serve the Indian Prime Minister food on a Sohari leaf isnt just hospitality. Its a statement, that we remember who we are and where we came from."

Even fourth-generation descendants of Indian workers in Trinidad have kept the Sohari tradition alive, using the leaf during Diwali celebrations and pujas. In many households, its a non-negotiable part of cultural events, just as it is in parts of rural India.

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 04, 2025, 15:31 IST
Six Indian Cities Among World's Top 100 Food Destinations, Mumbai Ranked 5th

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 13:44 IST

Six cities including Mumbai, Amritsar, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Chennai ranked in TasteAtlas's Top 100 Food Cities across the world, showcasing India's rich culinary heritage

Indian food, often stereotyped as "spicy" or "rich," is far more layered. (Shutterstock)

When the world sits down to discuss food, and six Indian cities find their place on the global map, its not just a moment of pride, its a moment of recognition for centuries of heritage simmered, spiced, and served on a plate. In the recently released TasteAtlas rankings of the Top 100 Food Cities in the World, Indias culinary culture has made a powerful mark with Mumbai (Rank 5), Amritsar (43), Delhi (45), Hyderabad (50), Kolkata (71), and Chennai (75) all making the list.

Indian food, often stereotyped as spicy" or rich," is far more layered. Its the flavour of monsoon-drenched soil, the rhythm of harvests, the rituals of worship, and the timeless echo of family kitchens.

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Every dish from every region tells a story. As food historian Alok Singh explained to The Indian Express, The magic of Indian cuisine lies in its remarkable ability to create entirely different flavour profiles using a shared set of ingredients. Across India, staples such as rice, lentils, wheat, spices, and vegetables are common, but the techniques, proportions of spices, methods of cooking, and even the timing of adding ingredients vary widely. What makes regional Indian cuisines truly distinct is how deeply they are tied to local climate, soil, seasonal availability, and cultural traditions."

Take Mumbai, for instance, which soared to the 5th position globally. Its famed Kheema Pav and Koliwada Prawns are not just street food; theyre a microcosm of the citys chaos, sea air, and soul. In Amritsar, food bursts with ghee-laced joy, from Kulcha-Lassi combos to langar-inspired simplicity rooted in farms and gurudwaras. Delhi, with its Mughal past and modern hunger, serves up Chole-Bhature that carry the taste of both royal kitchens and bustling bazaars.

Hyderabads biryani, Alok Singh points out, was born of Iranian and Mughal influences but has since become unmistakably local, infused with the aroma of Telanganas spices and traditions. Lucknows kebabs and kormas, once exclusive to the Nawabs, now live on in the smoky grills of old city lanes. Kolkatas Kathi rolls and Mughlai parathas retain traces of British and Mughal eras, even as the tang of mustard oil and the rhythm of Bengali cooking make them uniquely regional. In Chennai, the crisp dosa, airy idlis, and tangy sambhar reflect not just cuisine but climate, caste, and community.

What makes these flavours endure across generations? Singh believes its the way food is interwoven into Indian life, not as a necessity but as a form of emotional memory. Whether it is the crispiness of a dosa, the rich layers of biryani, the softness of a kulcha paired with spiced chole, or the playful chaos of flavours in chaat, each of these dishes triggers a sensory and emotional response. They evolve with time and travel well across regions, yet manage to retain their cultural core," he said.

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The TasteAtlas rankings underscore this emotional richness. These cities were not chosen simply for star restaurants or Instagrammable cafes, but for their authentic street fare, homegrown flavours, and the deep cultural contexts in which these dishes were born and evolved.

And yet, the journey of Indian food doesnt end at nostalgia; it continues to travel, transform, and triumph. In faraway lands, dishes like butter chicken, masala dosa, and paneer tikka now headline menus. Even in Trinidad, as seen during Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit, food served on a Sohari leaf drew attention to ancient customs crossing oceans.

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 04, 2025, 13:44 IST
Swami Vivekananda Death Anniversary 2025: PM Narendra Modis Quotes On The Philosopher

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 07:10 IST

Swami Vivekananda's death anniversary: PM Modi often cites his teachings on youth leadership, unity, and spiritual awakening, highlighting their relevance in modern India.

Swami Vivekananda Death Anniversary: PM Modi often credits Swami Vivekananda as a guiding light in his journey. (File Pic)

Swami Vivekananda Death Anniversary 2025: Swami Vivekanandas death anniversary is observed on July 4. A towering philosopher, monk, and nationalist, Vivekanandas teachings on fearless living, selfless service, and spiritual awakening remain deeply relevant in Indias socio-political landscape. Over a century later, his ideals continue to shape leaders, reformers, and youth alike.

Among those who regularly invoke his legacy is Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has often credited Swami Vivekananda as one of the strongest influences on his personal and political life. From addressing youth forums, global conferences, and delivering Independence Day speeches to his monthly Mann Ki Baat programme, the Prime Minister has repeatedly cited the monks teachings as foundational to his personal journey and Indias development goals.

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As we mark the revered monks death anniversary this year, heres a look at some of Prime Minister Narendra Modis most impactful quotes on Swami Vivekananda and why they matter today.

We have to prepare our youth today for leadership in all the areas of Nation Building, Our youth should lead the country in politics also"- PM Narendra Modi

Addressing a Ramakrishna Math event last year, the PM underlined Vivekanandas core belief that Indias future rests on its young citizens. The remark echoed Swamijis own insistence that social change must be youthled.

Swami Vivekananda believed his disciples would come from the younger generation, who would solve every problem like lions."- PM Narendra Modi

Speaking at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue on National Youth Day, PM Modi urged 3,000 delegates to develop the courage Vivekananda demanded of his followers.

On this day in 1893, Swami Vivekananda delivered his iconic address in Chicago. He introduced Indias ages old message of unity, peace and brotherhood to the world. His words continue to inspire generations, reminding us of the power of togetherness and harmony."  PM Narendra Modi

In his 2024 tribute, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commemorated the historic moment when Swami Vivekananda took the global stage at the Parliament of the Worlds Religions in Chicago. The tweet highlights not only the lasting power of his words but also the spiritual and philosophical depth that India brought to the global conversation through Vivekananda.

On this day in 1893, Swami Vivekananda delivered his iconic address in Chicago. He introduced Indias ages old message of unity, peace and brotherhood to the world. His words continue to inspire generations, reminding us of the power of togetherness and harmony. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 11, 2024

When we celebrated the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, the youth of the country understood Indias spiritual and cultural power through new definitions"- PM Narendra Modi

In the 115th episode of Mann Ki Baat," Mr Modi linked Vivekanandas anniversary celebrations to a broader cultural renaissance, noting that commemorations must fuel fresh creativity, not remain ceremonial.

Give me a hundred energetic young men and women and I shall transform India."

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Quoting Vivekananda verbatim at a leadership conclave in New Delhi, the PM turned the 19thcentury exhortation into a 21stcentury challenge, telling startups and NGOs to treat the slogan as a Mantra, not a slogan. He said, Swami Vivekananda wanted to transform India by taking it out of slavery. And he believed that if he had 100 leaders, he could not only make India independent but also make it the number one country in the world."

Swami Vivekananda passed away young, at the age of 39, but his words endure. By routinely weaving those words into modern discourse, Prime Minister Modi ensures they remain more than quotations; they operate as a moral operating system for Indias new generation and beyond.

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 04, 2025, 07:10 IST
Bali To Vietnam: Top 5 Budget-Friendly Asian Holiday Spots For 2025

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 13:57 IST

From Sri Lanka to Vietnam, Asia offers budget travellers a haven of affordability, with cheap stays, mouth-watering street foods, and budget-friendly transport.

These Asian destinations offer affordable stays, street food, and cheap transport options.

Whether youre a seasoned traveller or a first-time adventurer, budget travel can be a liberating experience that opens doors to new destinations and unforgettable experiences. By embracing thriftiness, you might stumble upon hidden gems that lie off the beaten path. And the best part? Budget travel doesnt have to mean sacrificing comfort or flavour  you can still indulge in delicious meals and cosy accommodations without going out of the budget.

For those eager to turn their budget travel aspirations into reality, Karan Agarwal, Director of Cox & Kings, shares valuable insights in an interview with HT Lifestyle. According to Agarwal, Asia is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers, offering a diverse array of experiences that cater to different interests. Asia offers a buffet of options within easy reach, from relaxing beach getaways to spiritual temple trails and vibrant city shopping sprees," he explains.

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Thailand

Thailand remains a popular choice for Indian travellers, and its appeal extends beyond its affordability. The cities of Bangkok and Pattaya offer a unique blend of experiences. Bangkok is known for its vibrant street markets, traditional Thai massages, and historic temples. Pattaya, on the other hand, provides a beachy getaway with opportunities for relaxation and leisure. Some popular activities in Thailand include visiting floating markets, taking day trips to coral islands, and enjoying evening cruises, which allow for a mix of sightseeing and downtime.

Bali, Indonesia

Bali has become a byword for laid-back luxury, making it an ideal destination for couples, honeymooners, and anyone seeking a tranquil getaway. The islands energy is both calming and adventurous, offering a range of experiences to suit different interests. Ubud is a haven for art enthusiasts, yoga practitioners, and nature lovers, with its famous monkey forests. In contrast, Seminyak and Uluwatu offer a more laid-back vibe, with opportunities for surfing, watching stunning sunsets, and enjoying fresh seafood.

Dubai, UAE

Dubai is an ideal destination for short trips that pack a punch, making it perfect for family vacations or first-time international travellers. The city offers a unique blend of sightseeing and spectacle, with a wide range of experiences to suit different interests. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, embark on a thrilling desert safari, and discover the contrasts between modern malls and traditional souks. Dubai seamlessly combines tradition and modernity, making it a fascinating destination to explore.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a charming destination that offers a wealth of experiences, despite its understated nature. Located just a short distance away, the country boasts an array of attractions, including stunning beaches, colonial towns, wildlife, and picturesque tea plantations. Visitors can explore Colombo, then head to Galle to wander its cobblestone streets and enjoy seaside cafes. The hill stations of Nuwara Eliya and Kandy offer scenic train rides and tea tastings, providing a glimpse into the countrys rich cultural heritage.

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Vietnam

Vietnam has become increasingly accessible for Indian travellers, thanks to e-visas and direct flights. Hanoi serves as a charming entry point for exploring the countrys rich heritage, including a cruise through Halong Bays stunning limestone cliffs and a visit to the historic Old Quarter. Ho Chi Minh City, located in the south, offers a glimpse into the countrys history, with its French colonial architecture and vibrant coffee culture thats perfect for Instagram-worthy moments.

fashion, travel, The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , and culture  with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: July 04, 2025, 13:57 IST
Inside Rajkummar Rao And Patralekhaas Picturesque Autumn Getaway To New Zealand

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 09:14 IST

Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa embarked on an adrenaline-filled trip to New Zealand. The couple explored the natural beauty of the country.

They enjoyed a helicopter ride over Taupos geothermal valleys.

After her performance in Phule, actor Patralekhaa recently embarked on a picturesque escape to Aotearoa, New Zealand, with her husband Rajkummar Rao. The couple traded film sets and studio lights for golden sunsets, crisp air, and immersive moments in nature. Their journey was anything but surface-level  sources close to the couple revealed that they specifically chose New Zealand for its raw, unfiltered beauty and its deeply authentic experiences, which foster genuine connections, both with the land and its people.

Their travels led them into the heart of New Zealands rich autumn landscapes, where rust-hued foliage blanketed rolling hills and the air carried a whisper of seasonal magic. At the Brick Bay Wine & Sculpture Trail, nestled just outside Auckland, the couple was spotted walking hand-in-hand amid contemporary installations. They paused reverently beside majestic wind chimes that sang with the breeze  a quiet, poetic moment of harmony with nature.

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Always ones to infuse humour and creativity into their travels, Rajkummar and Patralekhaa recreated Michelangelos iconic Creation of Adam, with a twist, seated apart on a quirky COVID-era social distancing bench. The playful tableau brought a smile to onlookers and reminded us that art and love often find their most powerful expression in simplicity.

Their exploration took a meaningful turn at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, where they met with Ringi, a Maori guide, and Jesse, a conservationist. There, behind the worlds longest pest-proof fence, they delved into stories of indigenous wisdom and ecological guardianship, visibly moved by the cultural and environmental significance of the space.

To round off their journey, the couple soared above Taupos geothermal valleys on a helicopter ride that offered panoramic views of New Zealands dramatic natural theatre. As they touched back down, Rajkummar turned to Patralekhaa with a smile: Love, laughter, and a touch of adrenaline  this was truly a date in the sky, New Zealand style."

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It was a getaway filled with beauty, reflection, and connection  a journey that seemed to echo the very soul of Aotearoa.

fashion, travel, The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , and culture  with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: July 04, 2025, 09:14 IST
Where Does The Soul Go For 49 Days After Death In Tibetan Buddhist Belief? | Explained

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 16:47 IST

According to Tibetan Buddhism, if the soul doesnt attain liberation in Chonyid Bardo, it enters Sidpa Bardo, sees karmic realms, and is reborn in a new form by the 49th day

According to Tibetan Buddhism, death is not the end of the body but the beginning of a new journey for the soul. (Representative/News18 Hindi)

The question of what happens after death has always intrigued humanity. The fate of the soul, its journey, and its existence after death remain shrouded in mystery. Tibetan Buddhism provides detailed insights into this enigmatic journey in the Tibetan Book of the Dead, known as Bardo Thodol. According to this text, the soul embarks on a journey through Bardo, an intermediate state, for 49 days before reincarnating based on its deeds.

The concept of the souls journey after death has fascinated people for centuries, as extensively described in Tibetan Buddhism. According to Tibetan Buddhism, much happens after deaththe soul passes through several stages, and only after completing them is its next birth determined.

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What Is Death In Tibetan Buddhism

According to Tibetan Buddhism, death is not the end of the body but the beginning of a new journey for the soul. Rebirth refers to returning to the world, while salvation means liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The Tibetan Book of the Dead explains that after death, the soul enters bardoan intermediate state that serves as a passage to the next life. This journey through bardo is described in detail in the Bardo Thodol.

How Long Does The Soul Take To Leave The Body After Death?

According to the Bardo Thodol in Tibetan Buddhism, the souls complete departure from the body is a complex process that unfolds in multiple stages. This process typically takes about 3 to 4 days, although the duration may vary depending on the circumstances.

The Time And Stages Of The Souls Departure

First Stage: Immediately After Physical Death (030 Minutes)

Consciousness remains in the body even after breathing stops. According to Tibetan tradition, the deceased should not be touchedespecially on the headduring this time, as it may cause distress to the soul. In this stage, the soul witnesses the light of the great void." If recognized, this moment can lead to liberation.

Second Stage: Dissolution Of Energy Centers (30 Minutes To 3 Days)

The soul gradually withdraws from the bodys energy centers (chakras). Tibetan texts describe that consciousness first leaves the Muladhara Chakra, then ascends upward, exiting finally through the Sahasrara Chakra. This process may take up to three days.

Third Stage: Complete Separation (After 34 days)

On the third or fourth day, the soul completely separates from the body. This marks the beginning of Chonyi Bardo (the post-death state), where the soul encounters various divine or symbolic visions.

In cases of sudden death, such as accidents, the soul may take longer to depart. In contrast, peaceful deaths often allow a quicker release. Souls of those deeply attached to their physical bodies may also take more time to fully separate.

What Happens After Death In The Tibetan Tradition

The body of the deceased is left undisturbed for at least three days. During this period, Bardo Thodol is recited by lamas to guide the soul through its journey. Special rituals and prayers are performed until the 49th day to support the souls transition and potential liberation.

How Many Stages Does The Soul Pass Through After Death

The Bardo Thodol, or The Sutra of Liberation from the Intermediate State of Death," is an ancient Tibetan text attributed to the 8th-century guru Padmasambhava and later compiled by the scholar Karmalingpa. According to Tibetan Buddhism, the soul passes through six bardos, or intermediate states, during the course of life, death, and rebirth.

Shikyi Bardo (State Of Life): This is the state of ones present life, where actions rooted in Dharma and Karma shape the future.

Milam Bardo (Dream State): The state of dreams, where the deeper levels of the mind are revealed and expressed.

Samten Bardo (Meditation State): A state of deep meditation or the near-death experience, where consciousness becomes highly focused.

Chikchayi Bardo (Moment Of Death): The moment when the soul separates from the body and experiences the Great Emptiness".

Chonyi Bardo (Bardo Of Dharmata): The state immediately after death, where the soul encounters pure light and divine visions.

Sidpa Bardo (State Leading to Rebirth): The transitional state preparing for rebirth, where the souls next life is determined based on karma.

What Happens After Death

According to the Bardo Thodol, after death, the soul enters an intermediate state called Bardo, which lasts for 49 days. During this period, the soul moves through various realms and ultimately takes a new birth based on its accumulated karma.

Stages Of The Souls Journey After Death

Chikhai Bardo (Moment Of Death): 3 To 4 Days

Immediately after death, the soul enters the Chikhai Bardo, where it experiences the pure light" (light of Dharmadhatu), symbolising the ultimate truth. If the soul recognizes and merges with this light, it can attain liberation (nirvana). However, due to ignorance or fear, most souls fail to recognize it and continue on their journey.

Chonyid Bardo (Bardo Of Reality): 14 Days

This stage begins around the third or fourth day after death and lasts approximately 14 days. During this period, the soul encounters both peaceful and wrathful deities, which are reflections of its own mind. In the first seven days, calm deities such as Avalokiteshvara and Manjushri appear. In the following seven days, wrathful deities like Yamaraja and Bhairava manifest, representing fear and attachment. Liberation is possible if the soul realises these visions are projections and transcends them through awareness or meditation.

Sidpa Bardo (Stage Of Moving Towards Next Birth)  21 To 49 Days

If the soul does not attain liberation during the Chonyid Bardo, it enters the Sidpa Bardo, which spans from the 21st to the 49th day after death. In this stage, the soul prepares for its next birth based on accumulated karma. It experiences visions of various realmssuch as the heavenly, hellish, human, or animal worldsand is drawn toward the one that aligns with its karmic imprints. By the 49th day, the soul takes rebirth in a new form.

Where Does The Soul Go?

According to the Tibetan Book of the Dead, the path of a soul after death is determined by its karma, state of mind, and depth of meditation. Those with balanced karma are reborn as humans. Souls burdened by greed and attachment may become trapped in the ghost realm. Those driven by ignorance or violence may be reborn as animals. Extremely sinful souls descend into hell, where they undergo intense suffering.

The soul is believed to wander in Bardo for 49 days (seven weeks). This period is symbolically linked to the development of a fetus in the womb, as it takes about 49 days for consciousness to fully settle into a new body. Tibetan scholars maintain that consciousness remains intact during this time, and the next birth is determined within this span.

Enlightened lamas are believed to have the power to choose their rebirth. For instance, the Dalai Lama is part of the Tulku tradition, where enlightened beings reincarnate at will. These lamas retain memories of past lives and are identified through specific signs and tests in their new incarnation.

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Phowa And The Rainbow Body

Tibetan Buddhism also includes the secret practice of Phowa, or the transfer of consciousness, in which a yogi consciously directs their soul to a Pure Land at the time of death. Some advanced practitioners are believed to attain liberation before physical death. In rare cases, the bodies of such lamas do not decay after death, a phenomenon known as the Rainbow Body.

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 04, 2025, 16:47 IST
Deepika Padukone, Ananya Panday Slammed For Praising Alleged 'Wife-Beater, Abuser' Brad Pitt

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 14:06 IST

Meanwhile, Deepika and Ananya's fans questioned why Bollywood insiders accused of abuse continue to get work and stardom in Hindi cinema.

Deepika and Ananya took to Instagram to praise Brad Pitt.

Deepika Padukone couldnt contain her admiration for Brad Pitt following the global release of his much-anticipated film, F1. Recently, the Pathaan actor took to her Instagram Stories to share a playful tribute to Pitt. On Thursday, Ananya Panday followed suit and said that she loved Brad Pitt. However, the actresses have irked a section of Reddit who are trolling them for openly supporting Pitt despite the domestic and child abuse allegations levelled against him by his ex-wife, Angelina Jolie.

Deepika Padukone took to her Instagram Stories and wrote, Brad Pitt. Thats it, thats the post. IYKYK." Ananya Panday posted, I love the movies!! I love F1!! I love caramel and cheese popcorn!! And I LOVE Brad Pitt." With these declarations, Deepika and Ananya joined millions of fans around the world in swooning over the 60-year-old Hollywood actors performance as a Formula One driver.

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However, many Reddit users pointed out that the actresses ignored the fact that there is evidence of domestic and child abuse against Brad Pitt. One person wrote, Wife beater. Thats it. Thats the post. Iykyk." Another mentioned, Are we forgetting Brad Pitt is a known domestic abuser? Is DP ok?" One comment read, The way everyone has moved on from that and pretending like it never happened is crazy to me. The Hollywood industry and just audience in general just dont seem to care. Crazy considering Angelina, the survivor, is a huge star herself."

One comment read, Celebrities should stop supporting and praising known domestic abusers and shitty people." Another added, Brad Pitt is a wife-beater and abuser. Please, someone tell her team." One comment read, We know what he did to his wife and kids to the point that none of his kids want to attach his name to theirs." Another mentioned, When the actor has beaten up his kids and choked their mother in front of them on an aeroplane, it kinda is problematic to LOVE them and to broadcast that love is wildly stupid and insensitive."

For the unversed, the most serious public episode involving Brad Pitt occurred in September 2016 during a private flight from France to Los Angeles with then-wife Angelina Jolie and their six children. According to Jolies later court filings, Pitt grabbed [her] by the head and shook her then choked one of the children and struck another in the face" when they intervened. It was also said that he poured beer on Jolie and poured beer and red wine on the children".

Although Brad Pitt was not charged in the matter, Angelina Jolie reintroduced these serious allegations in a 2022 countersuit within their protracted winery dispute. She accused Brad Pitt of seeking an NDA to silence her and asserted that the 2016 incident included choking their child and physical aggression toward her.

A closed-door family trial awarded Pitt joint custody, though Jolie later appealed due to perceived judicial conflicts. Today, while theres no legal charge of abuse against Pitt, questions linger due to Angelina Jolies detailed claims in 2022 and the fact that their kids do not want to be associated with Brad Pitt.

Meanwhile, as a certain section of the internet continues to troll Deepika and Ananya, their fans questioned why Bollywood insiders accused of abuse continue to get work, audience support and stardom in Hindi cinema. It should also be noted that while others like Karan Johar and Hansal Mehta also shared posts about Pitts film, only Deepika and Ananya were dragged online.

DISCLAIMER: This news piece may be triggering. 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 Kashvi Raj Singh Kashvi Raj Singh is a Sub Editor at News18. She extensively covers Bollywood, Hollywood and television. She not only keeps an eye out for interesting news angles but also often writes social commentary in long-... Read More Kashvi Raj Singh is a Sub Editor at News18. She extensively covers Bollywood, Hollywood and television. She not only keeps an eye out for interesting news angles but also often writes social commentary in long-... Read More

First Published: July 04, 2025, 14:06 IST
Karan Johar Said He Doesn't Want To Work With Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise: 'Don't Want Them In My Movies'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 12:57 IST

Karan Johar said he has 'no interest' in working with Hollywood actors or making an English language film.

Karan Johar also mentioned he didn't care much about the Oscars.

Karan Johar is among the biggest filmmakers and producers in India. As such, he has no interest in waiting in Hollywood offices to get his scripts read. In a 2012 conversation with TBIP, Karan Johar said he has no intention of working with Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise or Will Smith. He said that, unlike Hollywood, Indian cinema has a vast audience even in the domestic sense.

Karan Johar said, We have such a large domestic audience that we have never needed to reach out. I have no interest in whether my film releases anywhere else in the world but India. The diaspora, for sure But I dont want to work with Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise and Will Smith. I dont want them in my movies."

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Karan added, I dont want to make an English language film. I have no interest in going down and sitting in an office in LA and waiting for an actor to hear my script. I have no interest. If they give me an Oscar in my lifetime, Ill accept it as gladly as Id accept a National Award from the President. Itd probably mean more to me."

The filmmaker said that while he watches the Oscars and enjoys the black-tie event on his television, he will not spend years of his life trying to win it. I love the movies I make. I love the world I live in. I love the fact that Hindi cinema is a part of my life. I feel blessed that Im in this profession," Karan mentioned. He wished that Bollywood never needed to reach out to another country" to support its creative endeavours.

Although Karan Johar mentioned that he didnt want Will Smith in his films, it is interesting that years later, the actor made a cameo in Student of the Year 2. The film was produced by Karan Johars Dharma Productions.

Meanwhile, Karan Johar recently critiqued Brad Pitts F1. Karan Johar called F1 a fun watch despite being predictable. He wrote on Instagram, Familiar Tropes, predictable beats, one-liners you see coming a mile away and yet. SO MUCH FUN! You cant stop yourself from reaching the edge of your seat or gasping out loud (sic). Brad Pitt seems to have approached the role with a self-reflecting Zen mode movie star swag! So effective and landed every beat!" He said that he found the climax a bit weak, and ended by saying, Mildly underwhelmed with the climactic beat BUT dont miss this adrenaline race and rush (sic)."

About the Author Kashvi Raj Singh Kashvi Raj Singh is a Sub Editor at News18. She extensively covers Bollywood, Hollywood and television. She not only keeps an eye out for interesting news angles but also often writes social commentary in long-... Read More Kashvi Raj Singh is a Sub Editor at News18. She extensively covers Bollywood, Hollywood and television. She not only keeps an eye out for interesting news angles but also often writes social commentary in long-... Read More

First Published: July 04, 2025, 12:57 IST
Priyanka Chopra Thought Nick Jonas Wouldn't Marry Her After First Meeting With Her Mother

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 07:45 IST

Priyanka Chopra first brought Nick Jonas home at 1 am, without informing her mother beforehand. Madhu Chopra was angry when they showed up unannounced.

Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas tied the knot in 2018.

Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas are among the most loved celebrity couples in the world. They often flaunt their love on social media and dont shy away from expressing their love for one another. However, the start of their love story wasnt as smooth-sailing, and was rather awkward. In a recent chat with Kylie Kelce, Priyanka recalled the awkward meeting between her mother and Nick when she brought him home for the first time.

Priyanka Chopra revealed she and Nick Jonas decided to go to her house to just hang out" ahead of the MET Gala. [At] the end of the night, we went back to my place," Priyanka recalled their first meeting during the fittings for the Gala.

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The actress had cautioned Nick Jonas, My moms home. She might be awake." However, she forgot to tell her mother that she was bringing a boy back home at 1 am. When Nick and Priyanka entered her home, her mother, Madhu Chopra, was laid out on the couch watching [Law & Order] SVU."

Priyanka Chopras mother was so mad" that the actress hadnt given her a warning. Priyanka said, She ran to her bedroom [and] was like, You should have told me." Even as Madhu Chopra was putting on her lipstick", she insisted that she was not coming back out".

However, Nick Jonas didnt seem to be bothered as he didnt consider the meeting to be a date. However, this was not entirely true for Priyanka. We met to kind of see what it was," Priyanka explained and added, Then he gave me a hug at the end of the night, and I thought Id really royally screwed it up.  [He] patted me on the back twice."

Priyanka Chopra thought Nick Jonas had put her in the friend zone" after their meeting. However, they continued to text for about a year" before they went out for a proper date and then never stopped dating".

Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas got married in December 2018 after a short engagement. They welcomed their daughter, Malti Marie Chopra Jonas, via surrogate, in January 2022. Priyanka Chopra is currently seen in Heads of State on Amazon Prime Video.

About the Author Kashvi Raj Singh Kashvi Raj Singh is a Sub Editor at News18. She extensively covers Bollywood, Hollywood and television. She not only keeps an eye out for interesting news angles but also often writes social commentary in long-... Read More Kashvi Raj Singh is a Sub Editor at News18. She extensively covers Bollywood, Hollywood and television. She not only keeps an eye out for interesting news angles but also often writes social commentary in long-... Read More

First Published: July 04, 2025, 07:45 IST
Superman, Batman And Wonder Woman To Team Up In DCU? James Gunn Reacts

Published By :

Bang Showbiz

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 20:25 IST

DC boss James Gunn has said Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman will of course team up in the DC Universe (DCU) - though "not in the next movie".

James Gunn confirms Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman will cross paths in the future (Photo: Bang Showbiz)

James Gunn has said that Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman will of course" meet in the DC Universe (DCU).

The 58-year-old director is set to kick off the DCU on the big screen with the upcoming blockbuster Superman, and while Gunn insisted the superhero will not cross over with Batman and Wonder Woman in the next film, the moviemaker stressed the iconic trio will eventually team up in a future project in the franchise.

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When Deadline asked the DC head if there was a chance Superman could cross paths with Batman and Wonder Woman in the future, he said: Of course, yeah! But not in the next movie."

After the outlet quizzed the Guardians of the Galaxy director on whether the team-up could happen in the next few years, he said: You have to remember all this stuff is talks inside my head.

So theres a lot of chatter in my head that does a lot of things! But the DCU is chatter in my head, not talks!"

This comes after Gunn said he thought Adria Arjona would be a great" Wonder Woman,

He told Extra: I follow Adria on Instagram but everybody came out [and said], He just followed her, that means shes Wonder Woman. Shed be a great Wonder Woman, by the way.

She was in a movie that I made seven years ago. Weve been friends and have known each other since that time. I followed her then, I didnt just follow her."

Gunn also teased Superman may have already crossed paths with Batman in the DCU.

Speaking about how the Man of Steel would react to meeting the Dark Knight in the DCU, The Suicide Squad filmmaker said: Well, first of all, we dont know if hes already seen a man dressed up as a bat.

But I think that hed probably see a kindred spirit in that [heres] another crazy person wearing a crazy costume [albeit] with a very different intent."

DC already has an on-screen Caped Crusader with Robert Pattinsons The Batman, though the movie and its 2027 sequel The Batman: Part II are Elseworlds projects and do not take place in the main DCU timeline.

The idea of bringing Pattinsons Dark Knight into the DCU and portraying the character in the upcoming Batman movie The Brave and the Bold had been theorised, but Gunn has since rejected it.

During an interview with Variety, he said: I wouldnt rule anything out. He could show up in something else. But the actor doesnt exist [for Batman in the DCU yet]."

Gunns Superman  which lands in cinemas on 11 July  follows the titular hero (David Corenswet) as he tries to balance his human and Kryptonian lives, all while Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) does everything in his power to bring about his downfall.

The film will also introduce a range of other beloved DC heroes, such as Guy Gardners Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) and Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi).

Despite his new position as the DCU lead, Corenswet previously insisted he doesnt know what Supermans future will be in the franchise after the film.

When Esquire Espana asked the 31-year-old actor what he would be doing in the DCU post-Superman, he said: I dont think its up to me to answer that. Its up to James Gunn, who has a terrific imagination, and he is just there where they need [him] to be to say what was written, although that doesnt always happen

Location : Los Angeles, United States of America (USA)

First Published: July 04, 2025, 20:25 IST
India's Grand Moment At BRICS Summit: Expansion, Cohesion & Global South Interests | Finepoint

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 11:58 IST

With Xi absent, and Putin constrained, PM Modi becomes the senior-most leader present among the founding members of BRICS.

PM Modi is all set to attend the 17th BRICS Summit in Brazils Rio de Janeiro from July 5 to 8.

PM Modi is all set to attend the 17th BRICS Summit in Brazils Rio de Janeiro from July 5 to 8. And this years summit presents a rare moment, an opening that India is poised to seize. Two of BRICS founding members, China and Russia, will be represented not by their heads of state, but by deputies.

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President Vladimir Putin, still under the shadow of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant, is giving the summit a pass. Brazil, a signatory to the ICC, has not offered Russia the guarantees it sought for Putins presence. Chinas President Xi Jinping, on the other hand, is skipping the summit for reasons far less convincingand far more telling.

Xis Snub, Brazil Ignores

The Chinese leader will not be showing up this time around, making it the first such absence from BRICS in the last 12 years of his presidency. Reports say that it may be because Brazil has invited PM Modi of India for a state dinner following the summit, which means that the India-Brazil relationship will take centre stage at this summit and Xi does not want to appear as a supporting actor".

This Chinese decision has not been viewed well by the government of Brazil. They see it as a snub. Brazilian officials are said to be displeased by the move. One senior source in Brasilia told the SCMP that President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva had travelled to Beijing in May as a gesture of goodwill" and in expectation that the Chinese president would reciprocate" by attending the Rio summit in person.

It also does not help that Chinas official reasons simply do not add up. Beijing has cited scheduling concerns, and that it is busy preparing for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit which is as late September.

Brazil has raised the example of the BRICS Summit in 2010. At the time, China was grappling with a major earthquake. Still, its leader at the time, Hu Jintao, made sure to show up.

An advisor to Lula said, He [Hu Jintao] stayed only one day, but he came." Moreover, Chinese officials say that Xi and Lula have already met twice in under a year, so in-person engagement is not very necessary.

Given that BRICS is now a ten-member group with new heavyweights like Saudi Arabia, UAE and Iran, and its high on demand for aspiring nations in the Global South to join in, Beijings official excuse for Xis absence is somewhat weightless and flippant.

Meanwhile, Beijings snub has not changed Brasilias plans one bit. President Lula has stuck to his decision to host PM Modi, and reports of a major defence pact between India and Brazil are also doing the rounds, with Brazil expressing interest in Indian defence systems like the Akash air defence missiles.

India at the Centre of BRICS

With Xi absent, and Putin constrained, PM Modi becomes the senior-most leader present among the founding members of BRICS. That carries both symbolic and strategic significance.

For China, it has been hard to come to terms with Indias rising profile in multilateral forums. PM Modi is a key figure across summits from the G7 summit to G20 and BRICS.

The evolving context of BRICS makes Indias position all the more relevant. Since 2023, the group has expanded to include energy and resource powerhouses like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Iran. Despite Argentinas withdrawal under President Javier Milei, 13 more countries have joined as BRICS partners": from Indonesia and Nigeria to Cuba and Uzbekistan.

BRICS today accounts for 39 per cent of global GDP in PPP terms, 49.5 per cent of the worlds population, 26 per cent of global trade, 44 per cent of global oil production, 38 per cent of natural gas, 78 per cent of coal and 72 per cent of rare earth mineral reserves.

The geopolitical and economic heft is undeniable. What matters now is how effective the group can be and where it leads.

BRICS is at a major crossroads with the entry of new members. India will play a substantial role in the integration of the new members, while also contributing to decisions on further expansion.

It can push substantive change in the groupings outlook, driving cohesion and even helping it shed its anti-Western image and amplify its non-West focus instead, which has always been the way India has positioned itself at BRICS non-West not anti-West.

India can take this opportunity to advance the interests of the Global South, push trade in national currencies amid geopolitical uncertainties, and greater trade ties overall navigating challenges like the tariff war waged by Trump and the rare earth crunch triggered by China.

Moreover, India will be ensuring that counter-terrorism forms part of the agenda without double standards. China has long attempted to dominate forums like the SCOusing its leverage to protect Pakistani interests, even at the cost of sincerity in counter-terrorism efforts. But BRICS is not SCO. Indias relationships with countries like Brazil, South Africa, UAE, and even Russia act as a counterbalance to Chinese overreach.

At the summit, India is pushing for firm language on terrorismspecifically a condemnation of the recent Pahalgam attack. China and Pakistan blocked any such mention at the recent SCO summit. But India is confident BRICS will not make the same omission.

Dammu Ravi, Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs, said the BRICS declaration on terrorism will be to Indias satisfaction."

Apart from counter-terrorism, Indias push on other fronts is just as strong. Modis agenda includes strengthening trade in national currencies, removing export controls among BRICS countries to facilitate smoother intra-group trade, amplifying Digital Public Infrastructure and cooperation in AI and cybersecurity, advancing the interests of the Global South, promoting a model of multi-alignmentIndias signature foreign policy ethosagainst bloc-based politics.

Unlike China or Russia, India does not view BRICS as a counterweight to the West. It sees it as a platform to amplify the voice of the Global South, not as a geopolitical sledgehammer. As EAM S. Jaishankar succinctly put it: Why the club? Because there was another club! It was called the G7 and you will not let anybody else into that club. So, we go and form our own club."

The Big Picture: A Multipolar Moment

Indias growing stature in BRICS comes not from aggressive ambition, but from strategic consistency. It has maintained strategic autonomy and multi-alignment amidst bloc politics, built credible partnerships across the West and non-West and actively supported inclusive development and multilateral reform.

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Indias rejection of total de-dollarisation, its resistance to rigid bloc politics, and its ability to be a bridge builder between the West and the non-West, are positions endorsed by many in the expanded BRICS family. Most new members and partnersfrom Indonesia to Nigeriaare not looking to pick sides in the new Cold War. They want voice, agency, and accessand India offers a template.

As China turns increasingly insular and confrontational, and Russia remains constrained by war and sanctions, India stands out. Its the only BRICS country that is a founding member, but also a regular G7 invitee. India carves a space for rational Global South priorities, while pushing back against bloc-based power politics that often paralyse global reform. As India takes the reins, the spotlight is firmly on what the BRICS transforms into and what it achieves as a result.

About the Author Shubhangi Sharma Shubhangi Sharma is News Editor - Special Projects at News18. She covers foreign affairs and geopolitics, and also keeps a close watch on the national pulse of India. Shubhangi Sharma is News Editor - Special Projects at News18. She covers foreign affairs and geopolitics, and also keeps a close watch on the national pulse of India.

First Published: July 04, 2025, 11:58 IST
Opinion | 3 Pillars Of PM Modis Global South Doctrine: Diaspora, Democracy, And Resources

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 11:41 IST

As New Delhi charts its course, it has become clear that its engagement with the Global South is no longer merely an extension of post-colonial solidarity

In this image posted by @narendramodi via X on July 4, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a community event in Port of Spain. (@narendramodi on X via PTI Photo)

We are today in an era of geopolitical flux and the realignment of global power. As such, Prime Minister Narendra Modis foreign tours are not just routine diplomatic exercises. Take, for instance, his multi-nation tour of Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil and Namibia. It is a masterclass in a new and assertive Indian foreign policy, one that is moving beyond the traditional paradigms of non-alignment.

As New Delhi charts its course, it has become clear that its engagement with the Global South is no longer merely an extension of post-colonial solidarity. It has matured into a strategic doctrine built on three distinct pillars: the emotive power of the diaspora, the shared values of democracy and the pragmatic pursuit of resources to fuel Indias, and indeed, the Global Souths growth.

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PM Modis stops in Trinidad and Tobago, Ghana, Argentina, Brazil and Namibia are not random dots on a map. Each represents a cornerstone of this new architecture, showcasing a policy that is ambitious, nuanced, and rooted in Indias core national interests  all at once. PM Modis tour of these nations marks his longest and perhaps, most consequential foreign visit since 2014.

The Diaspora As A Bridge: From Culture To Commerce

The first pillarthe diasporawas on full display in Trinidad and Tobago. 40 per cent of this countrys population is of Indian origin. With even leaders who trace their roots to India, Trinidad is a living testament to the strategic value of Indias soft power. A shared heritage creates a foundation of trust that can accelerate negotiations and smooth over diplomatic friction that might otherwise stall progress. After all, the prime ministers visit marks 180 years since the arrival of Indian immigrants in the country, thereby tapping into a deep well of historical connection.

But this relationship is not fuelled by nostalgia alone. Trinidad is the Caribbeans largest producer of oil and natural gas. For India, a nation that imports over 85 per cent of its crude oil and whose economic growth is inextricably linked to energy security, a stable partnership with a major hydrocarbon producer in the Western Hemisphere is a significant strategic asset. Such a dual-pronged approach that leverages cultural ties to cement economic and energy partnerships is, in fact, now a recurring theme.

We saw a similar dynamic play out in Guyana, another energy-rich Caribbean nation with a powerful Indian diaspora that PM Modi visited recently. This is a deliberate strategy: using the human bridge of the diaspora to build durable economic and strategic infrastructure.

Democracy As Bedrock: A Partnership Of Equals

The second pillardemocratic partnershipfinds its anchor in Ghana. In his address to the Ghanaian Parliament, PM Modis emphasis on a shared history of colonial struggle and a mutual commitment to democratic ideals was deliberate. By stating that both nations bear the scars of colonial rule, but our spirits have always remained free," he framed the India-Ghana relationship as a partnership of equals as opposed to one of a donor and recipient.

This is the language of the new Global South, a bloc demanding a greater voice in institutions of global governance. It is also a subtle counter to China, which very often looks to build patronising loan" partnerships with countries in the Global South.

Ghana, one of West Africas most stable democracies and fastest-growing economies, is a natural gateway for India into the region. With significant lithium reserves, Ghana is a critical partner for Indias green energy transition. The $450 million line of credit extended by India for projects like the Tema-Mpakadan railway line is a strategic investment in infrastructure that will help bring Ghanaian resources to global markets, benefiting both nations.

This approach stands in contrast to Chinas models of engagement in Africa that have been criticised for creating unsustainable and predatory debt.

This push is the maturation of a policy that began years ago. Indias role in securing a permanent seat for the African Union at the G20 table during its presidency was a tangible demonstration of New Delhis commitment to acting as a genuine advocate for the Global South. That one move helped it earn immense political capital across the continent.

Pragmatism With A Conscience: The Hunt For Resources

The third pillar is the most pragmatic: resource security. Indias ambition to become a global manufacturing hub requires a secure and uninterrupted supply of critical minerals and energy, especially if India wants this to happen using clean energy." As China tries to curtail the flow of critical minerals around the world, Indias partnership with countries like Namibia and Argentina becomes crucial.

In Namibia, for example, the focus is on uranium for Indias civilian nuclear programme and rare earth elements for its high-tech industries. Yet, the approach is distinguished by its conscience. This resource diplomacy reaches its zenith in Argentina.

At a time when the world is pivoting toward electric vehicles, Argentina, sitting at the heart of the Lithium Triangle," has become indispensable. Holding the worlds second-largest lithium reserves, it is key to the global battery supply chain. For India, securing a stake in Argentinas cost-effective lithium brine deposits is a matter of paramount strategic importance. But Indias interest is broader.

Argentina also holds the worlds second-largest shale gas and fourth-largest shale oil reserves, most notably in the Vaca Muerta formation. This makes it a comprehensive energy partner for India, covering both the green transition and traditional energy security.

Forging A New Global South Order

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Viewed together, these visits reveal the clear-eyed calculus of Modis Global South doctrine. This is not the non-alignment of a bygone era. It is a multi-alignment strategy for a new age, where India builds tailored partnerships based on shared history, common values and convergent interests. It is a policy that understands that in the 21st century, the bonds of diaspora can fortify supply chains, the principles of democracy can underwrite stable investments, and the quest for resources can be balanced with creative and conscientious diplomacy.

This is India stepping into its role not just as a balancing power, but as a leading power, actively shaping the agenda of the Global South from within.

About the Author Sanbeer Singh Ranhotra Sanbeer Singh Ranhotra is a producer and video journalist at Network18. He is enthusiastic about and writes on both national affairs as well as geopolitics. Sanbeer Singh Ranhotra is a producer and video journalist at Network18. He is enthusiastic about and writes on both national affairs as well as geopolitics.

First Published: July 04, 2025, 11:41 IST
Opinion | No Country For Minorities: Bangladesh's Dangerous Descent Into Islamist Violence

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 12:56 IST

Across Bangladesh, reports indicate consistent refusals to accept complaints from minority communities, pointing to institutional bias or complicity

The Cumilla rape case has also exposed how political rivalries exacerbate communal violence, with Hindus caught in the crossfire. (File)

The arrest of Fazor Ali, a local leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), for the alleged rape of a 21-year-old Hindu woman in Cumillas Muradnagar upazila on June 26, 2025, has ignited widespread outrage and protests across Bangladesh. This horrific incident, where Ali allegedly broke into the victims home at knifepoint, underscores a broader crisis facing the nations Hindu minority.

The assault, compounded by the circulation of a graphic video online, has not only violated the survivors dignity but also exposed the persistent vulnerability of Hindus in Bangladesh. Since the fall of Sheikh Hasinas government in August 2024, the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus has faced mounting criticism for its inability to curb escalating violence against religious minorities, particularly Hindus. Reports indicate a surge in attacks, including sexual violence, land grabbing, and temple desecrations, raising alarms about the growing influence of Islamist groups.

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The Cumilla case, where the survivor now faces threats to withdraw her complaint, highlights a systemic failure to protect minorities and deliver justice. Critics argue that Yunuss policies, including the release of individuals with extremist ties and leniency toward fundamentalist groups, have emboldened perpetrators, creating an environment where Hindus live in constant fear.

Inadequate Protection for Bangladeshs Hindu Minority

The Hindu community, comprising roughly 8% of Bangladeshs population, has long faced targeted violence, but the situation has worsened under the Yunus interim government. Since August 2024, reports have documented a spike in attacks, including 13 gang-rapes of Hindu women in Cumilla alone since April 2025. The case of the 21-year-old survivor in Muradnagar exemplifies this vulnerability.

Staying at her fathers home during a local festival, she was attacked while alone with her children, highlighting how Hindus, particularly women, are targeted in moments of vulnerability. The governments responsibility to protect minorities, as emphasised by international observers, has been inadequately fulfilled. The lack of proactive measures, such as increased security in minority-dominated areas or community outreach programmes, has left Hindus exposed to predatory violence.

Temples and homes have been looted and destroyed, with incidents such as the burning of an ISKCON temple in Khulna in August 2024, signalling a broader pattern of unchecked aggression. The Yunus administrations failure to implement robust protective policies has allowed such atrocities to persist, undermining trust in the states commitment to safeguarding its pluralistic identity. Without targeted interventions, the Hindu minority remains at risk, caught in a cycle of fear and marginalisation.

Emboldening Islamist Extremists Through Policy Failures

The interim governments policies have inadvertently emboldened Islamist groups, exacerbating threats to Hindus. Following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina, Yunuss administration lifted bans on groups like Jamaat-e-Islami and released individuals with known extremist affiliations, including those facing terror charges. These decisions have signalled a softer stance toward fundamentalist elements, allowing them to operate with greater impunity.

The Cumilla rape case, involving a BNP leader with a reported history of harassing Hindu women, reflects how political clout and extremist ideologies intersect to perpetuate violence. Local accounts suggest Fazor Alis actions were enabled by his perceived untouchability due to political affiliations, a dynamic that thrives in an environment where Islamist rhetoric goes unchallenged.

The governments reluctance to confront these groups head-on, coupled with Yunuss dismissal of minority attacks as political issues," has further emboldened perpetrators. For instance, Islamist parties threats against the Womens Affairs Reform Commission in May 2025, warning of mass agitation, underscore their growing influence. This permissive atmosphere not only endangers Hindus, but also undermines Bangladeshs secular foundation, as extremist narratives gain traction without sufficient resistance from the state.

Failures in Law Enforcement and Judicial Processes

Law enforcements handling of the Cumilla case reveals systemic flaws that hinder justice for minority victims. The survivor faced a three-day delay in registering her complaint, and authorities failed to conduct a mandatory medical examination within 24 hours, violating procedural standards. Such lapses, described by rights groups as gross violations", reflect a broader pattern of police inaction in cases involving Hindus.

Across Bangladesh, reports indicate consistent refusals to accept complaints from minority communities, pointing to institutional bias or complicity. In the Cumilla incident, while Fazor Ali and four others were arrested, the initial escape of the accused after being beaten by locals suggests inadequate police response at the scene.

The circulation of a graphic video, recorded by bystanders and shared online, further compounded the survivors trauma, yet authorities were slow to act until public outrage forced their hand.

The High Courts intervention, demanding the videos removal and the survivors protection, highlights the judiciarys attempt to compensate for executive failures. However, without systemic reforms to ensure prompt investigations, unbiased policing, and victim support, such incidents will continue to erode trust in the legal system, leaving Hindus without recourse.

Political Exploitation of Communal Tensions

The Cumilla rape case has also exposed how political rivalries exacerbate communal violence, with Hindus caught in the crossfire. The BNPs senior leadership, while calling for exemplary punitive action", has simultaneously alleged that the case is a smear campaign orchestrated by the Awami League to tarnish their image. Such claims, dismissing the survivors ordeal as political propaganda, trivialise the crime and shift focus from justice to partisan battles. This politicisation not only undermines the victims agency but also deepens communal divides, as Hindus are portrayed as pawns in a larger power struggle.

The Yunus governments failure to decisively address these narratives allows extremist elements within political parties to exploit tensions for electoral gain. Historically, both the BNP and Awami League have been criticised for their treatment of minorities, with the BNPs past governance (2001-2006) marked by accusations of harboring insurgents and tolerating anti-Hindu violence.

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The current interim governments inaction in curbing such rhetoric enables a cycle where political actors deflect accountability, leaving Hindus vulnerable to further attacks. Addressing this requires a unified stance against communalism, which the Yunus administration has yet to demonstrate.

The author teaches journalism at St Xaviers College (autonomous), Kolkata. His handle on X is @sayantan_gh. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: July 04, 2025, 12:56 IST
Opinion | Proportionality In Times Of Asymmetric Warfare

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 11:56 IST

In a world where asymmetry has become the norm, there is a need to push the limits of proportionality

Indias retaliatory strike on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan was described by India as focused, measured, and non-escalatory.

At a time when the world finds itself engulfed in overlapping crisesthe US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, the war between Iran and Israel, the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, and, closer to home, the violence in Myanmarthe question that repeatedly surfaces is that of proportionality. We live at a time when the sky has become a battleground and drone attacks redefine notions of accountability. In this context, the doctrine of proportionality finds itself both, invoked and interrogated.

This cardinal principle of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is no longer being merely referenced, it is being distorted, challenged, and sometimes even misused. With every retaliatory strike undertaken by a sovereign state, proportionality becomes a tool of political cudgel.

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Proportionality, in its most distilled legal form, is about equilibrium: the requirement that the anticipated military advantage of an attack not be outweighed by the incidental harm to civilians. The St. Petersburg Declaration of 1868, a foundational text of IHL, enshrined this moral-legal compromise: the necessities of war must be reconciled with the laws of humanity. But this balance has become infinitely more precarious in contemporary warfare where Non-State Actors embed themselves within civilian populations; where states are forced to confront transnational terrorism with measured force; and where the boundaries between principles and policy in warfare grow obscure each passing day.

Against this backdrop, take a look at Indias Operation Sindoor. It was New Delhis response to the April 22nd Pahalgam terrorist attack perpetrated by Pakistan, and targeted innocent Hindu tourists. Indias retaliatory strike on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan was described by India as focused, measured, and non-escalatory". This is a phrase that mirrors proportionalitys ethical objectives. No Pakistani military establishments were targeted. Indias deliberate choice underscored the intent to not cross escalation thresholds while also reaffirming deterrence.

While India was praised for offering a powerful lesson in restraint, there were a few instances where Indias response was called an act of war" and regrettable". This mostly came from Pakistan, and its all-weather ally, China. However, it does push us to think: Can proportionality, as traditionally conceived, account for state responses to threats posed by terrorist organizations often sheltered by complicit regimes like Pakistan?

Proportionality in counterinsurgency is a vital wing of modern-day warfare, albeit evolving. It is an extension of the application of IHL. While IHL developed primarily for conflicts between states, present times force a revamp of the principle. This is because modern-day wars are fought in the non-international armed conflict (NIAC) settingwhere state actors often engage with non-state actors. Scholars remain divided on this, exposing the unresolved contours of proportionality in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency.

Maintaining the status quo on the application of proportionality may, inadvertently, promote insurgencies by giving them a safe space. Insurgents exploit those spaces as operational bases that have dense civilian population, as states avoid attacking such areas due to fears of legal overreach, thereby making them de facto sanctuaries. Governments face a grim dilemma: risk civilian harm and face accusations of war crimes; or abstain from targeting these zones and give tactical advantage to the insurgents. The strategy of civilian camouflage is being increasingly employed in wars all around the globe. In such cases, proportionality risks becoming a weapon in the insurgents arsenal and not a legal standard for the state to follow.

Moreover, the principle of proportionality must not be examined in isolation from its moral cousin: the principle of distinction. This principle states that protection is afforded not to places or objects per se, but to those not actively participating in hostilities. The challenge is that modern, asymmetric warfare has effectively erased this line. Whatever remains of it is becoming increasingly porous as insurgents seek cover among the innocent civilians.

Indias Operation Sindoor, therefore, can become a case study in how proportionality can and should function in modern conflicts and warfare. By targeting only terrorist camps, calibrating intensity to match the provocation, and abstaining from escalation, India not only affirmed its sovereign right to self-defense but did so within the parameters of legal and ethical warfare. It not only kept the lines of communication open with Pakistan, but also reassured them that Indias fight was with terrorism, and not Pakistan and its civilians. This stands in contrast to the prevailing pattern of permissiveness that increasingly defines contemporary, global anti-terror operations. For example, data shows that the United States has killed more than 1,000 people in counterterrorism operations in Yemen. There is growing concern about whether necessity and proportionality are being gradually hollowed out in the name of realpolitik.

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To conclude, it must be underscored that the principle of proportionality is not broken; however, it is being increasingly challenged. Proportionality is a crucial principle that acts as a safeguard against unchecked violence. However, the time has come to revisit the principle  not by recalibrating the standards, but by its application. In a world where asymmetry has become the norm, there is a need to push the limits of proportionality.

Esha Banerji is presently associated with a premier think-tank in India, specialising in defence, security, and strategic studies. Her research interest and focuses of analysis are defence strategy, geo-economics, foreign affairs, and the implications of Chinese security developments on the region, especially India. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: July 04, 2025, 11:52 IST
PM Modis Strategic Push For Energy And Resources: Key Deals In Ghana, Trinidad, And Namibia

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 10:51 IST

With MoUs inked in Ghana and strategic talks lined up in Trinidad and Namibia, India is pursuing long-term energy and resource partnerships

PM Modi meets Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama (Photo: X/ Narendra Modi)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a five-country visit. His first stop was Ghana, where he signed major agreements. Some key deals to watch include LNG contracts from Trinidad and Tobago, uranium and critical mineral deals from Namibia, and positioning Indian fintech and services to enter West Africa through Ghana. The tour will then move to Argentina and Brazil, but more on that later. The Ghana leg of the trip has already concluded, and the Prime Minister is now en route to Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean.

Each nation, before landing on the Latin American mainland, holds significant importance.

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Ghana: Gateway to West African Markets

Prime Minister Modis visit to Ghana, the first by an Indian premier in over three decades, represents a calculated move to establish a strategic beachhead in West Africa. The agreements inked in Accra are foundational, aiming to position India not merely as a trading partner but as an indispensable force in the regions digital and developmental future. Ghana is being cultivated as a crucial launchpad for Indian commercial and technological influence into the wider Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The immediate deliverables are clear. Four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering culture, standards, traditional medicine, and a Joint Commission lay the institutional groundwork for deeper engagement. More significantly, however, is the stated ambition to double bilateral trade from its current level of approximately USD 3 billion within five years.

At the heart of this push is Indias readiness to share its UPI technology. It represents the vanguard of Indias Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) diplomacy, which has been offered to Ghana  a powerful tool to embed Indian systems into the core of emerging economies and create long-term dependencies and partnerships.

Beyond the immediate trade and tech push, the visit laid the groundwork for deeper strategic cooperation. Discussions on establishing a vaccine manufacturing hub, with support from Indian entrepreneurs, signal an intent to make Ghana a centre for regional health security, backed by Indias formidable pharmaceutical capacity.

Similarly, commitments to cooperate in the exploration of critical minerals and enhance defence ties underscore a comprehensive strategy. India is positioning itself as a provider of capital, technology, and security  a holistic partnership designed to supplant other global players and solidify its role as a leading partner for the Global South.

Trinidad And Tobago: Securing Long-Term Energy

As Indias economy expands, energy demand becomes increasingly acute, rendering its security intrinsically linked to stable, diversified sources. The visit to Trinidad and Tobago must be viewed through this lens of strategic necessity. While current bilateral trade is a modest USD 341 million, the true objective transcends this figure. As a significant producer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and a stable democracy in the Americas, Trinidad and Tobago represents a vital opportunity for India to de-risk its energy portfolio.

The primary strategic prize on the table is a long-term LNG supply agreement. Securing such a contract would provide a reliable energy corridor, reducing Indias over-exposure to supply chains from more geopolitically volatile regions.

For a nation that imports the vast majority of its energy, locking in supplies from a partner located far from traditional flashpoints is a critical component of national security. The talks on energy cooperation are therefore not routine diplomatic dialogue; they are central to fuelling Indias continued economic ascent.

Profound soft power advantages buttress this hard-nosed strategic pursuit. The visit, coinciding with the 180th anniversary of the arrival of Indian indentured labourers, carries immense symbolic weight as well.

The island nations population is 4045 per cent of Indian origin, with its President and Prime Minister both proudly acknowledging their Indian heritage. There is a deep, historical connection that provides a foundation of trust and cultural affinity, facilitating complex commercial negotiations.

Namibia: A Critical Minerals And Uranium Nexus

The final leg of this initial tour, Namibia, is arguably the most critical from a resource security perspective. The agenda here is direct and unambiguous: securing access to the building blocks of both the nuclear and green energy revolutions. With bilateral trade of USD 650 million already driven by diamonds, the aim is to move beyond existing commerce into a strategic partnership that will power Indias industrial and technological future for decades to come.

The primary focus is on uranium. As a major global producer, Namibia is a natural partner for Indias civilian nuclear energy programme. Efforts to finalise a long-term uranium supply agreement are paramount. This would provide the fuel needed to expand Indias nuclear power generation  a key pillar of its strategy to meet climate goals while ensuring baseload energy stability. Securing this supply is a non-negotiable requirement for Indias long-term energy planning.

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Equally important is Namibias untapped potential in critical minerals. The country holds significant reserves of cobalt, lithium, and rare earth elements  essential inputs for batteries, electric vehicles, and high-technology manufacturing.

Gaining preferential access to these resources is central to the success of Indias Make in India initiative and its ambition to become a global manufacturing hub in new-age industries. Furthermore, the push to establish direct sourcing routes for Namibian diamonds would disrupt the traditional trade flows through Antwerp and London, capturing significantly more value for Indias world-leading diamond processing industry. The parallel agreement to expand UPI in Namibia demonstrates a multi-pronged approach  using digital integration to cement a strategic resource partnership that is vital for Indias future.

About the Author Sohil Sinha Sohil Sinha is a Sub Editor at News18. He writes on foreign affairs, geopolitics along with domestic policy and infrastructure projects. Sohil Sinha is a Sub Editor at News18. He writes on foreign affairs, geopolitics along with domestic policy and infrastructure projects.

First Published: July 04, 2025, 10:51 IST
Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 10:31 IST

1 / 7 As schools in Tamil Nadu reopen after the summer break, students are excited by the possibility of a three-day long holiday stretch in early July. (News18 Tamil)

2 / 7 The Tamil Nadu government has released the list of public holidays for 2025, announcing 24 government holidays including Sundays. According to the list, only one public holiday falls in July this year. (News18 Tamil)

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3 / 7 The Islamic festival of Muharram, which marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year, is scheduled for Sunday, July 6. However, as the date depends on the sighting of the crescent moon, the festival may also be observed on Monday, July 7. (News18 Tamil)

4 / 7 If the moon is sighted accordingly, there is a possibility that the state government may declare a public holiday on Monday, July 7, in observance of Muharram. (News18

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5 / 7 Schools, government and private institutions, banks, and offices across Tamil Nadu may remain closed on that day, resulting in three consecutive days of holidays - Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. (News18 Tamil)

6 / 7 This potential long weekend has created a sense of anticipation among students, teachers, and working professionals. However, the final decision is subject to government notification based on the moon sighting. (News18 Tamil)

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Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 09:45 IST

1 / 7 Once praised globally for his raw and moving performance in Salaam Bombay! (1988), Shafiq Syed now earns a living as an auto-rickshaw driver on the streets of Bangalore. Despite winning the National Film Award for Best Child Artist, his life never took the trajectory many had expected. Behind the glitter and glory of the silver screen lies the stark reality of countless forgotten talents and Shafiq Syed is one of them.

2 / 7 Salaam Bombay!, directed by Mira Nair, remains a landmark in Indian cinema. The film offered a harrowing yet heartfelt glimpse into the lives of street children in Mumbai. At just 12 years old, Shafiq Syed brought the lead role of Krishna (also known as Chaipav) to life with heartbreaking honesty and vulnerability. His expressive eyes and authentic presence captured hearts worldwide and earned critical acclaim.

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3 / 7 However, the recognition did not translate into opportunities. After one more film, Patang (1994), his acting career came to a halt. Mira Nair had discovered him in a Bangalore slum and offered him a chance to shine, but during the shoot, he was paid just Rs 20 a day and fed a vada for lunch. Fame, but no financial security, followed.

4 / 7 In the early '90s, Shafiq Syed returned to Bangalore. With no stable career in film, he began driving an auto-rickshaw to support his mother, wife, and four children. He briefly worked as a camera assistant for Kannada TV serials, but consistent work remained elusive.

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5 / 7 Reflecting on his journey, Shafiq Syed once said, There was a time when I had no responsibilities. Now, the entire burden of my family is on me. Despite the disappointment, he remains devoted to his role as a father, determined to give his children a better life.

6 / 7 Shafiq Syed's story raises hard questions about the Indian film industry. Why was such a gifted actor cast aside? Was it class prejudice? A lack of connections? Or simply the absence of a support system for child actors? Shafiq Syed was seen only as a slum boy, not as an actor with range. Without a formal education or backing, he slipped through the cracks. Yet, hope endures.

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Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 15:01 IST

1 / 8 The film industry of the 1980s and 1990s was not just about cinematic magic, it was also a time marked by off-screen drama, star romances, and the occasional scandal. Among the many whispered stories of the era, one particular incident involving Jackie Shroff and Tabu still captures attention to this day.

2 / 8 According to media reports, a party hosted in Mauritius in 1987 became the centre of controversy when actor Jackie Shroff, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, attempted to kiss a young Tabu against her will. The party had been organised by Jackie Shroff to celebrate the success of the film Diljala, which starred him alongside Farah Naaz, Tabus elder sister.

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3 / 8 At the time of the alleged incident, Tabuwhose full name is Tabassum Fatima Hashmiwas only 16 years old. Her sister Farah Naaz was already an established actress in the industry and had brought Tabu along to the celebration.

4 / 8 As per a report by Orissa Post, Jackie Shroff, heavily intoxicated, made repeated attempts to kiss Tabu. She resisted, but it wasnt until Danny Denzongpa intervened and physically separated Jackie Shroff that the episode ended.

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5 / 8 Farah Naaz was said to be outraged and openly backed her younger sister, even going on record about the incident. However, in the years that followed, Farah later described the incident as a misunderstanding. Tabu herself never publicly addressed the matter, likely due to her young age at the time.

6 / 8 As a result of the incident, Jackie Shroff and Tabu reportedly never worked together in any film. While the Hindi film industry moved on, the story remained a footnote in Bollywoods complicated history.

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7 / 8 Despite the early controversy, Tabu went on to build one of the most respected acting careers in Indian cinema. She began acting at the age of 11 in Bazaar (1982), followed by Hum Naujawan (1985). Her breakthrough came in 1994 with Vijaypath, and she went on to earn critical acclaim in Maachis (1996), Chandni Bar (2001), Maqbool (2003), Haider (2014), and more.
April 16, 2025, 10:39 AM IST | Episode 36

US Vice-President JD Vance is all set to visit India as a trade deal with the US is being negotiated. This comes at a time when a full blown trade war between US and China has broken out, indicating decoupling and no off-ramp in sight. While the question of who can endure more pain lingers between the US and China, an opportunity presents itself to India. Shubhangi Sharma explains.
Bangladeshi Infiltration To Religious Conversions: BJPs Massive 3-Year Padayatra Plan For Jharkhand

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 16:13 IST

Leading the march will be senior BJP leader and Godda MP Nishikant Dubey, alongside prominent state leaders including Champai Soren and Babulal Marandi

Spanning over three years, the yatra will be conducted in phased intervals, covering every tehsil of the state. (File)

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is gearing up to launch a massive three-year padayatra (protest march) across Jharkhand, focusing on issues such as Bangladeshi infiltration, religious conversions, and the declining tribal population. The party aims to use the yatra as a platform to raise awareness and mobilise public opinion around these key concerns.

The yatra will be conducted in phased intervals, covering every tehsil of the state. It will be held three to four days each week, reaching deep into rural and tribal regions.

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Leading the march will be senior BJP leader and Godda MP Nishikant Dubey, alongside prominent state leaders including Champai Soren and Babulal Marandi.

Joining the campaign will be Mandal Murmu, a descendant of revered tribal freedom fighters Sidho-Kanho, who recently joined the BJP during the assembly elections.

The BJP has been vocal about what it calls a rising number of illegal migrants entering Jharkhand with the tacit support of the current state governmentan issue it highlighted during the last state elections, which the party lost to Hemant Soren. During his campaign in 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had focused on three pillars roti (livelihood), beti (daughters), and maati (land)to emphasise the challenges facing tribal communities. He underlined the lack of employment opportunities, the erosion of tribal identity due to demographic shifts caused by illegal infiltration, and the state governments inaction on the issue.

The Modi government, meanwhile, has underscored its commitment to tribal welfare through multiple initiatives in states like Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. One major highlight is the annual celebration of Birsa Mundas birth anniversary as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, with the Prime Minister referring to him as Bhagwan Birsa Munda to honor his legacy.

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The elevation of Droupadi Murmu, a tribal woman, to the presidency has also been cited by the BJP as a symbol of empowerment for tribal women under its administration.

Through this yatra, the BJP hopes to connect with grassroots communities and send a strong political message: that Jharkhand needs a government committed to protecting tribal interests, combating infiltration, and dismantling what it calls the mafia raj" under a leadership that recently saw its Chief Minister jailed on corruption charges.

First Published: July 04, 2025, 16:07 IST
Congress Marks One Year Of Rahul Gandhi As LoP, But Its Priyanka Who Stole The Spotlight

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Karishma Jain



Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 09:34 IST

As Congress celebrates Rahul Gandhis first year as Leader of the Opposition, it is Priyanka Gandhi Vadras quiet rise in Parliament that has drawn more attention

Interestingly, over the past year, it is Priyanka, not Rahul, who has made the stronger impression inside Parliament. (PTI File Image)

With the Monsoon Session of Parliament set to begin on July 21, the Congress is celebrating one year of Rahul Gandhis tenure as Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha. Gandhi completed a year in the post on July 2, a milestone the party is using to spotlight his speeches, pointed attacks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP government, and his frequent press interactions.

Gandhis elevation last year was a significant moment for the Congressit was the first time in a decade the party had the numbers to claim the LoP post in the Lok Sabha. His appointment also coincided with Priyanka Gandhi Vadras debut as a Member of Parliament, underscoring the return of the Gandhi siblings to the centrestage in Parliament.

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Interestingly, over the past year, it is Priyankanot Rahulwho has made the stronger impression inside Parliament. Her interventions, informal outreach, and symbolic gestures have drawn considerable attention. In particular, her handbags, carried during key sessions, sparked political chatter: one, seen as a show of solidarity with Palestinians, invited criticism of appeasement; days later, another bag signalled support for Hindus and Christians targeted in Bangladesh.

She has also spoken up on Wayanad-related issues, built rapport with Congress MPs, and even met Union Home Minister Amit Shah to seek a special package for the Kerala constituency. These moves, though subtle, have often overshadowed her brothers presence.

Rahul Gandhi, meanwhile, has had a more combative but controversial tenure. His interventions have repeatedly triggered strong reactions. His remarks on the Abhaya Mudra, accusations of the BJP being anti-Hindu, and warnings about constitutional erosion under the Modi government led to a privilege notice. He took his oath holding a copy of the Samvidhan, a symbolic moment that set the tone for his tenure.

Congress insiders say Gandhi accepted the LoP post to sustain the momentum from the Lok Sabha election and translate it into state-level gains. His camp framed the political narrative as a direct face-off: Modi versus Rahul." But that battle hasnt yet delivered results. The Congress suffered defeats in key states such as Maharashtra and Haryana, and Gandhis leadership failed to provide the electoral push many had hoped for.

More critically, he has struggled to unify the INDIA bloc. Far from consolidating the alliance, his leadership has faced resistance, particularly from the Trinamool Congress, which has questioned his suitability for national leadership and pushed for Mamata Banerjee to lead the Opposition front instead.

The BJP, for its part, has repeatedly accused Gandhi of trivialising the LoP post, citing what it calls frivolous remarks and his choice of attire, including track pants, during serious parliamentary discussions like those on the Waqf Bill. The ruling party has labelled him a non-serious" LoP and suggested that his approach undermines the dignity of the role.

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With four years remaining in the current Lok Sabha term, the Congress hopes Rahul Gandhi will grow into the post and assert a more effective leadership style. Within the party, there are those who believe he must now move from symbolism to substance, both to rally the INDIA bloc and to challenge the BJP electorally.

For now, as the party marks one year of his leadership, the story seems less about his transformation and more about the rise of Priyanka Gandhi Vadrawho, quietly and without fanfare, may have emerged as the Congresss most compelling parliamentary presence.

About the Author Pallavi Ghosh Pallavi Ghosh has covered politics and Parliament for 15 years, and has reported extensively on Congress, UPA-I and UPA-II, and has now included the Finance Ministry and Niti Aayog in her reportage. She has als... Read More Pallavi Ghosh has covered politics and Parliament for 15 years, and has reported extensively on Congress, UPA-I and UPA-II, and has now included the Finance Ministry and Niti Aayog in her reportage. She has als... Read More

First Published: July 04, 2025, 09:34 IST
'Insult': Rahul Gandhi's Photo On Sanitary Pad Packets Sparks Row In Bihar, Congress Reacts

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 17:32 IST

Congress will distribute sanitary pads to 5 lakh women in Bihar with Rahul Gandhi's photo under the Priyadarshini Udaan Yojana. Chirag Paswan condemned it.

Congress To Distribute Sanitary Pads With Rahul Gandhi's Picture In Bihar. (Photo/X:@LambaAlka)

Ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, the Congress announced on Friday that it will distribute sanitary pads to 5 lakh women. The sanitary pads will have a picture of the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi.

The initiative, called Priyadarshini Udaan Yojana, aims to raise menstrual hygiene awareness and is part of the Congresss broader women-centric outreach.

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While addressing a press conference in Patna, Congress State President Rajesh Ram said that the party will launch a campaign through the Mahila Congress to distribute sanitary pads to 5 lakh women, while also promoting awareness about health issues among them.

We are going to launch a campaign through Mahila Congress to distribute sanitary pads to women, and our target is to reach 5 lakh women. Mahila Congress members will also spread awareness about health issues," he said.

What seemed to be a key election strategy by the Congress in Bihar, inspired by the film Padman, to woo women voters by distributing sanitary pads, has triggered a full-fledged controversy in the state.

BJP Spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari called the decision to have Rahul Gandhis photo on the sanitary pad an insult to women", emphasising that Congress is an anti-women party, and the women of the state will teach Congress and RJD a lesson."

Union Minister and LJP leader Chirag Paswan condemned the campaign announced by the Congress, calling it an inappropriate" decision to have Rahul Gandhis photo on the sanitary pad.

It is a good thing that the Congress party is distributing sanitary pads, but having Rahul Gandhis photo on them is completely inappropriate. I condemn this," he said.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Alka Lamba responded to the controversy, emphasising the real issue of menstrual hygiene in Bihar. She criticises the BJPs stance as anti-women, highlighting the need to address the root problem of women using cloth during menstruation and facing health risks.

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In the modern era, the question should not be why Rahul jis photo was put on the sanitary napkin boxthe real question is why our daughters in Bihar are still forced to use cloth during menstruation, becoming victims of serious diseases? BJPs thinking has always been anti-women," she posted on X.

The Assembly elections in the state are expected to take place in October or November this year.

First Published: July 04, 2025, 16:59 IST
'Replace Stones With Books': Samik Bhattacharyas Debut Speech Signals BJPs Tactical Shift In Bengal

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti



Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 10:28 IST

A closer reading of his speech reveals that Bhattacharya invoked Bengals complex history, which includes several major riots both before and after independence.

BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad with newly elected BJP West Bengal President Samik Bhattacharya during felicitation ceremony at Science City, in Kolkata. (Image: X/SamikBJP)

In a clear departure from the hardline, polarised politics that have characterised West Bengal in recent years, newly elected BJP state Chief Samik Bhattacharya, in his debut speech before party workers on Thursday, stated that Muslims in the state need to understand that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has never been against them.

The BJP wants to replace stones with books and swords with pens in the hands of Muslim youth," Bhattacharya said, emphasising that Muslim youth have been used merely as a vote bank by Mamata Banerjee over the past one and a half decades.

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This statement is being seen as a major political shift for the BJP in West Bengal, especially with the crucial 2026 Assembly elections approaching. Political circles in the state, long accustomed to intensely polarised politics spearheaded by Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, have taken note. Adhikari has, on multiple occasions, publicly stated, We dont want a single Muslim vote to win West Bengal."

This raises the question: is Samik Bhattacharya moving away from the BJPs core ideology? The answer appears to be no.

A closer reading of his speech reveals that Bhattacharya invoked Bengals complex history, which includes several major riots both before and after independence. He referred to the Great Calcutta Killings of 1946 and the trauma endured by people in Murshidabad, Nadia, and Malda when, during the drawing of the Radcliffe Line, these districts were initially assigned to present-day Bangladesh. It was only after strong persuasion led by Bengal leaders, including Syama Prasad Mookerjee, that they became part of independent India.

Bhattacharya also referenced recent incidents in Bangladesh, where Hindu minorities were attacked, women were raped, and properties burned  subtly reinforcing the idea of protecting minorities in a manner that aligns with the BJPs core ideological framework.

However, political analysts observe that Bhattacharya seems to recognise the limitations of extreme polarisation. His tone suggests a tactical shift: instead of consolidating Muslim voters against the BJP, the party could reach out to those among them who are interested in development and socio-economic upliftment  a strategy that could benefit the BJP in 2026.

This is why Bhattacharya emphasised Bengals secular and pluralistic legacy, appealing to the Bengali educated middle class, who have historically believed in pluralism. He even said he envisions a Bengal where Durga Puja immersion rallies and Muharram processions are co-organised without conflict or communal tension, as has been the case for many years in the state.

Interestingly, Bhattacharya did not use the slogan Jai Shri Ram." Instead, he invoked deities with whom Bengalis as a whole culturally identify  Maa Durga, Maa Kali, and Prabhu Jagannath.

At the same time, Bhattacharya shifted the blame for the rise in polarised politics onto Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of dividing Bengalis for political gain. Analysts say he has effectively set the early narrative for the 2026 Assembly elections.

What Is The Narrative?

For the first time, a senior BJP leader in Bengal is speaking about Bengals asmita"  Bengali pride. Bhattacharya began his address by referencing Bengals glorious economic contribution before British rule, when undivided Bengal accounted for 40 per cent of Indias GDP, a figure that has now dwindled to 8 per cent.

Thus, the narrative he is attempting to build for 2026 focuses on industrialisation vs corruption, democracy vs autocracy, and peace vs violence.

Political watchers note that until now, the BJPs narrative in Bengal largely focused on exposing the corruption of the Trinamool Congress, with little clarity on what the party offered as an alternative. Bhattacharya sought to address that gap today, stating that in 2026, the BJP aims to offer a governance model built on the principles of good governance," as demonstrated under Prime Minister Narendra Modi in BJP-ruled states.

Understanding that the BJP lacks a strong face to counter Mamata Banerjee, Bhattacharya also tackled this issue directly. He argued that Banerjees once-iconic image as a symbol of honesty has collapsed under the weight of multiple corruption allegations, claiming the TMC can no longer portray her as an icon of integrity.

In a strategic move, Bhattacharya reached out to other opposition parties  particularly the Left and the Congress  urging them not to indirectly support the TMC in the name of No Vote to BJP" campaigns. Instead, he called on them to fight independently to remove Mamata Banerjee from power in 2026, assuring them that once the TMC is defeated, there will be space for a healthy opposition  a departure from the governance styles of both the Left and TMC, which were often accused of stifling opposition voices.

With this speech, Bhattacharya appears to be reaching across religious lines, aiming to appeal to the Bhadralok Bengali, who has historically viewed the BJP as untouchable" or culturally alien to Bengal.

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It is often said in Bengal politics that without the support of the Bengali Bhadralok, no political change is possible. This was true in 1977 during the Lefts rise, and again in 2011 when Mamata Banerjee came to power. Bhattacharya, clearly aware of this history, is now trying to reach out to the educated middle class by shifting the narrative from Hindu vs. Muslim to governance vs. non-governance.

That is why he made repeated references to Bengali literature, culture, and stalwarts like Syed Wajid Ali  symbols still deeply revered by Bengals educated middle class.

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 04, 2025, 09:50 IST
Spare The Sangh From Political Rhetoric: RSS Hits Back At Congress

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 05:20 IST

RSS's Sunil Ambekar reiterated that the Sanghs identity has always been of a social and cultural organisation, and it has always focused on 'nation-building'

A three-day Akhil Bharatiya Prant Pracharak Baithak of the RSS will be held from July 4-6 at Keshav Kunj in Delhi, with a key focus on preparations for the Shatabdi Varsh (Centenary Year) in 2025-26, Ambekar said, addressing the media.Pic/News18

Reacting to the repeated attacks by the Congressthe latest coming from Karnataka minister Priyank Khargethe RSS said the political parties should spare" the Sangh, as it has no interest in engaging with politically driven narratives.

Spare the Sangh from such political conversations. We are a social organisation committed to constructive work, not political rhetoric. We do our work organically," said Sunil Ambekar, the RSSs Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh, asserting that an organisation like the Sangh should not be dragged into political controversies. He further reiterated that the Sanghs identity has always been of a social and cultural organisation, and it has always focused on nation-building".

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The RSS does not function like a political party and remains committed to its grassroots social work. People support the Sanghs work, and they get associated. Political parties should stop unnecessarily involving the Sangh in their discourse," he added.

Centenary preparations

A three-day Akhil Bharatiya Prant Pracharak Baithak of the RSS will be held from July 4-6 at Keshav Kunj in Delhi, with a key focus on preparations for the Shatabdi Varsh (Centenary Year) in 2025-26, Ambekar said, addressing the media. While not a decision-making forum, the meeting will review the progress of organisational work across prants (zones) and discuss the functioning of various karya vibhag (sections and zones).

Issues related to Operation Sindoor, atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh, and other geopolitical, social, and border issues, including religious conversion and Khalistani issues in Punjab, will be discussed in the meeting. Two prant pracharaks (in-charges) from Jammu and Kashmir will also join the meeting. Around 46 prant pracharaks from across states and 233 karyakartas will attend the meeting.

Responding to a question on the caste census, Ambekar reiterated the Sanghs old stand that it sees no problem with the government collecting data if it is for public welfare.

Regarding the recent concerns over the Kanwar Yatra and potential law-and-order issues, Ambekar said, Religious events like the Kanwar Yatra happen smoothly every year. Administrative coordination is routine. We also engage with members of the society to ensure peace and harmony."

Outreach as the key

He further confirmed that extensive preparations are underway for the 100-year anniversary of the RSS, with all states and zones having submitted proposals. The centenary year will officially begin with a grand programme in Nagpur on Vijay Dashami, October 2. Regional and zonal programmes will follow along with Hindu Sammelan" across states.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat will also undertake a pravas (outreach tour) of four major citiesDelhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Kolkataas part of the centenary outreach.

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Special initiatives include Grih Sampark Abhiyan (door-to-door contact), Samajik Sadbhav Baithaks (social harmony meetings), and Pramukh Nagrik Goshthis (citizen dialogues) on Hindutva and national vision. Youth engagement will be central, as over 28,571 people registered through the Join RSS" portal between April and June.

Ambekar also outlined the Panch Parivartan vision for societal transformationspanning social harmony, environmental consciousness, cultural pride, family bonding, and civic responsibilitywhich RSS volunteers will promote in collaboration with wider society.

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 04, 2025, 05:12 IST
Unacceptable: Naveen Patnaik Condemns BJP MLA's Sexist Remark Against BJD Leader

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 21:56 IST

BJD Chief Naveen Patnaik condemned BJP MLA Santosh Khatua's sexist remarks against BJD's Lekhasri Samantsinghar. Patnaik criticized BJP's silence. Samantsinghar filed a complaint.

Former Odisha chief minister and BJD President Naveen Patnaik. (PTI)

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Chief and former Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik, on Friday condemned the sexist remarks by BJP MLA Santosh Khatua, targeting the BJDs Lekhasri Samantsinghar, calling it extremely unfortunate and utterly unacceptable".

In a long post on X, the BJD boss said, The derogatory remarks made by BJP MLA Santosh Khatua against a respected BJD woman leader are extremely unfortunate and utterly unacceptable. Attempting to assassinate a womans character in public as a political response is a reflection of a perverse mentality and is aimed at suppressing womens voices. It suggests that all women should remain silent."

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Called out senior BJP members for their profound silence", the former CM said, Not a single leader has come forward to condemn such reprehensible remarks the silence clearly reveals the stance of the ruling party in public."

The BJD chief, whose 24-year reign as Chief Minister crashed to a halt last year, after the BJPs shock election victory, continued his attack on the BJP for failing to respect women", and said, Hearing such derogatory words from an elected representative is utterly intolerable and inhumane. It is quite rare for Odishas political landscape to stoop to such a shameful level."

                                      Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) July 3, 2025

BJD leader Lekha Samantsinghar, who left the BJP for the BJD just ahead of this years general elections, also hit out on X, tagging Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Dear Modiji, please listen to your MLA from Odisha talking about women politicians After listening to it, lets see if you still want to speak of naari ka samman or Operation Sindoor," she said.

The reference to Operation Sindoor  Indias armed response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack  was particularly fierce. According to media reports, the operation had been named by PM Modi because sindoor refers to the vermilion mark Hindu women wear on their forehead after marriage.

Op Sindoor aimed to avenge the honour of women who lost their husbands in Pahalgam, many of whom were targeted by terrorists due to their religious identity.

Samantsinghar also said the BJPs attitude towards women had led to an increase in levels of violent crime in the state. Your promise for women will sound hollow if you fail to take action against such misogynistic elected representatives," she said.

While talking to X, BJD leader Samantsinghar condemned Khatuas remark, saying that the Constitution has enough provisions to safeguard the dignity and respect of women. BJP is misogynistic, anti-women and does not want women to have an equal place in society. We condemn this and will take all steps to restore womens dignity in the workplace. BJD has always been fighting for equal opportunities, safety and security for women. Calling names to any woman is highly condemnable, and we are taking this forward," she added.

Dear Modi Ji @narendramodi,Please listen to your MLA from Odisha talking about women politicians. This is true blood bjp neta giving true salute to women. I know you have very competent and intelligent Odia officers in @PMOIndia and Party. Pl ask them to translate for you. pic.twitter.com/l1f83N1BUO  Lekha Samantsinghar (@DrLekhaShree) July 3, 2025

Kathua has not yet responded to criticism from the BJD leaders.

Samantasinghar also filed a police complaint on Friday, accusing Khatua of making derogatory remarks against her.

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Accompanied by senior BJD leaders, Samantasinghar visited the womens police station in Bhubaneswar and filed a complaint against the MLA from Nilgiri in Balasore district.

Khatua has not only demeaned me but has cast aspersions on every woman of Odisha and India, as well as all the women political workers irrespective of their party affiliations. He has stooped to such a low with his utterances that it is difficult on my part to even narrate it here," she alleged in the complaint.

Location : Odisha (Orissa), India, India

First Published: July 04, 2025, 21:21 IST
Vijay Is TVK's CM Face For 2026 Tamil Nadu Polls, Says No To Alliance With DMK, BJP

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News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 15:04 IST

Vijay said that his party will not ally with the DMK and the BJP directly or indirectly.

The TVK passed the resolution, stating that the party will head the alliance for the 2026 Tamil Nadu polls. (Photo: PTI file)

Actor-turned-politician Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, fondly known as Thalapathy Vijay, will be the chief ministerial face of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) for the Tamil Nadu election, his party announced on Friday.

The TVK passed a special resolution adopted in the partys executive committee meeting, naming its founder Vijay as the partys CM candidate.

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Vijay said that his party will not ally with the DMK and the BJP directly or indirectly for the 2026 Tamil Nadu polls. He added that the BJP will never grow in Tamil Nadu.

We are not like the DMK or the AIADMK to form an alliance with the BJP for political gains because we are TVK," he added.

As per the resolution, the party will head the alliance of parties that are not in the camps of DMK, AIADMK and the BJP.

Attacking the BJP, Vijay alleged that the ruling party at the Centre was attempting to divide people along communal lines" for the sake of cheap politics" and political mileage".

Their mischievous act may work elsewhere, but not in Tamil Nadu," the actor said, adding that Tamil Nadu is a land where social justice, harmony, and brotherhood are deeply rooted.

The BJP will not succeed here by insulting Periyar, Anna, and other stalwarts of the state," he said, as reported by Times of India.

Vijay would embark on his statewide tour from September, TVK general secretary N Anand informed.

The TVK has also proposed to hold a state conference on a large scale next month. It has also decided to hold public meetings in villages to disseminate the partys ideology.

Who Is Thalapathy Vijay?

Vijay is one of the biggest and most influential stars in Tamil cinema (Kollywood), known for delivering numerous blockbuster films such as Ghilli, Thuppakki, Mersal, Bigil, Master, and Leo. Fondly called Thalapathy" (Commander) by his fans, he enjoys a cult-like following, especially in Tamil Nadu, where his film releases are celebrated with grand fanfare.

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Vijay, whose popularity has continued to soar with each passing decade, evolved from a romantic hero in the 1990s to a mass action superstar in the 2000s and beyond.

Vijay took the political plunge last year when he launched the TVK in February 2024. However, the TVK did not contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and has been working to increase its base in Tamil Nadu ahead of assembly polls.

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 04, 2025, 14:38 IST
ChatGPT Plus And Gemini AI Pro Cost The Same In India: Which One Should You Buy?

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News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 10:42 IST

ChatGPT and Gemini premium plans cost over Rs 1,900 per month in India but how do they compare and which one is better?

ChatGPT Plus and Gemini AI Pro almost cost the same in India

ChatGPT Plus and Gemini AI Pro are two paid versions of the popular AI chatbots from OpenAI and Google, respectively. The companies have invested billions into their AI products and now looking to recoup some of that money from its consumers.

And the best way to do that is to offer a package of the AI chatbots that not only unlocks the latest AI models but also bundles them with a slew of services which makes it attractive for the money people are being asked to pay.

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ChatGPT Plus costs Rs 1,900 per month in India, while the Gemini AI Pro version comes for Rs 1,950 per month, which makes them similar in terms of the price range. But do they offer the same set of features or does OpenAI have more in the bank than a giant like Google? Weve decided to do this comparison and help you out with the details.

ChatGPT Plus vs Gemini AI Pro Price In India

ChatGPT Plus is priced at Rs 1,900 which has to be paid every month. Google is charging Rs 1,950 per month for the Gemini AI Pro plan in India. Earlier it used to be called the Gemini Advanced plan.

ChatGPT Plus vs Gemini AI Pro: Features That You Get

Let us first take a look at ChatGPT Plus which has been around for a longer time than Googles model. Here are the features you get from OpenAI

ChatGPT Plus will ensure that you get priority access during high-traffic periods so that you dont get affected by the bottleneck on its server.

You can access the GPT 4o model that is OpenAIs most advanced model, capable of understanding text, images, and audio.

Having access to the latest models means ChatGPT responds to your queries a lot faster.

Besides these you also get support for voice conversations, image generation (using DALL-E), File uploads and analysis, Deep Research tools (where available) and Custom GPT creation.

People have been appealed by these features because their other options were limited. But Google Gemini AI Pro takes the Plus model head on and delivers a more compelling set of benefits. Heres what you get from Google:

Google offers 2TB cloud storage for Photos, Drive and Gmail linked to your Google account

AI film making app Flow is available with this plan

NotebookLM Plus is also accessible

You can get Gemini Assistant working across Google apps like Docs, Gmail and Sheet

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And recently, Google announced that the Veo 3 AI model let you generate 10 videos with native audio support if you take the Gemini AI Pro plan.

Granted, both these AI chatbot plans have certain limits but that is expected when you pay under Rs 2,000 per month to access the latest and powerful AI models from these companies. And thats why they have another premium tier plan called the ChatGPT Pro and the Gemini Ultra that gives you all the Plus/Pro features but opens up the AI models to a whole new playground for the users.

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 04, 2025, 10:42 IST
Nothing Phone 3 Android 16 Update Timeline Revealed By The Company

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 08:15 IST

Nothing OS 4 release will bring Android 16 update for the Phone 2 and other users and the company has shared more details this week.

Nothing Phone 3 could be the first to get the new OS 4 version

Nothing Phone 3 was unveiled earlier this week with a price tag in India that made people check it twice. The company also introduced its first over-ear headphones at the event in London. The Phone 3 comes with Nothing OS 3.0 version out of the box but the brand shared some exciting news for Nothing Phone users about the Android 16 update for their devices.

The new version seems to be already in the works and the company has given a clear timeline for the Nothing OS 4.0 release in the next few months.

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Nothing OS 4.0 Update: When Does It Release?

Nothing CEO Carl Pei on the sidelines of the launch event this week confirmed that the Nothing OS 4.0 version based on Android 16 will be coming later this autumn which ideally suggests somewhere around September-October. Google has already rolled out the stable Android 16 version in June and is expected to launch with the Pixel 10 series, which could be announced as early as August.

So having Android 16 AOSP in their wing means brands like Nothing can start work on their one version, and it would be interesting to see if it can meet its claimed timeline. Nothing Phone 3 is highly expected to be the first device from the brand to get the Nothing OS 4.0 update, especially when the company is offering 5 OS upgrades for the flagship device.

People using the Phone 2, Phone 3a and the CMF Phones will be eager to see how quickly the company can offer the Android 16 update for their devices and we are hoping that happens by early next year.

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Android 16 has a lot of new features and changes with the interface that will be available later this year. Nothing could customise the Android 16 OS version for its devices and integrate all the new privacy and security features.

Nothing Phone 3 has launched in India priced at Rs 79,999. It gets a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, powered by Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset and packs a 5,500mAh battery with 65W charging support for the Indian variant.

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 04, 2025, 08:15 IST
Samsungs Tri-Fold Device Likely To Be Teased Soon And Wont Be Cheap

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 11:25 IST

Samsung is bringing its new Fold and Flip models at the New York event next week but the tri-fold device is getting a lot of interest.

Samsung's first tri-fold phone could adopt a new mechanism

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event in July is just a few days away where we will see the new Fold and Flip models from the company. However, there is a lot of hype around the first tri-fold device from Samsung that could be given a quick teaser at the same event in New York.

Yes, the company could use the platform to build the hype and intrigue for its new product, something it had done for the Galaxy S25 Edge at the S25 launch event in January and then demoed it at the MWC 2025 in February.

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But there is also intrigue about how much this new device could be priced, considering its novelty factor and the special design form that Huawei has also showcased with its market-ready product.

Samsung Galaxy Tri-Fold Device Price Leak: It Wont Be Cheap

Samsungs tri-fold device is still a mystery at least in terms of the features and hardware but a new leak has hinted at its possible launch price. The details from South Korea suggest the Samsung tri-fold price could be around $3,000 (Rs 2.56 lakh approx) which takes it into the Apple Vision Pro territory.

Safe to say that using a new foldable design means the screen will be different and that makes it costly. Samsung will also have to factor in the cost of design and manufacturing such a unique device, and putting all that into one place, you have got a super-expensive product. And with a price tag like that, Samsung, as per reports, could limit its availability to regions like China and South Korea which is its home market.

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Huawei showed us what a tri-fold device can offer, especially when you unfold them. You get a smartphone as well as a 10-inch screen like a tablet packing into one product.

The company even offers a keyboard and other accessories to really make use of its versatility. Samsung is expected to have a similar plan for its rumoured Galaxy Fold G model, and it needs the software to be tuned and optimised to run seamlessly across all the avatars of this device. And if the product is going to cost as much, the company needs everything to be close to being perfect.

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 : Seoul, South Korea

First Published: July 04, 2025, 11:25 IST
'Dutta' To 'Kutta': This Bengal Man Barked Like A Dog Till Ration Card Typo Was Fixed | Watch

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 15:19 IST

After his name was misprinted as 'Kutta' (dog), a man barked at a government officials car in protest; forcing the officer to correct the error on the spot

After multiple failed attempts to get the error corrected through official channels, the man decided to protest in a way the officer could not ignore. (News18)

Some government officials carry an air of invincibility, convinced they are answerable to no one. This sense of entitlement can often lead to the misuse of authority. But they sometimes forget that an ordinary citizen, when pushed too far, can retaliate in unexpected ways.

A Barking Mad Form Of Protest

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A video currently making waves on social media shows a frustrated man using a bizarre but effective method to hold a government official accountable. In the footage, the man is seen barking like a dog in front of an officers vehicle, demanding a correction to a humiliating error on his ration card.

The incident reportedly occurred in Bankura, West Bengal, back in 2022. The mans name, Srikant Kumar Dutta, had been mistakenly printed as Srikant Kumar KuttaKutta meaning dog in Hindi. After multiple failed attempts to get the error corrected through official channels, the man decided to protest in a way the officer simply could not ignore.

Dogged Determination Pays Off

In the viral videoshared by the Instagram handle @tv1indialivethe man is seen barking relentlessly at the government officials car while holding up the incorrect ration card.

Embarrassed and taken aback, the officer quickly reviewed the document and ordered the correction on the spot.

Social Media Reacts

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The clip has amassed over 2.3 million views, with comments ranging from outrage to humour. One user joked the officer deserved a bite, while another called for name corrections to be handled doggy-style.

Some praised the mans unusual protest as creative, while others sympathised with the embarrassing situation.

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 : Bankura, India, India

First Published: July 04, 2025, 15:19 IST
No Vows, Only Vibes: Delhi's Fake Weddings Bring Shaadi Fun Without Couple; Here's How To Attend

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 08:58 IST

Delhi Fake Wedding: Delhi's party scene has now introduced a new fun trend, fake wedding celebrations, where you can do everything you do in a wedding without an actual couple.

Delhi Fake Wedding tickets can be booked online (Representative image)

Do you love the wedding seasondressing up in vibrant ethnic wear, dancing to the dhol beats, relishing delicious food, and soaking in the rituals? If youre someone who eagerly waits for your friends or relatives to get married just for the fun of it, this ones for you!

Now, you dont need to wait for a real wedding or an actual coupleyou can put on your favourite ethnic outfit and attend a fake wedding. Yes, all the fun, none of the strings attached!

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Delhis party scene has now introduced a new fun trend, fake wedding celebrations, where you can do everything you do in a wedding without an actual couple. You can enjoy the night decked up in your favorite ethnic clothes, groove to dhol beats and classic shaadi tracks, and enjoy a night full of food, dance, and celebration.

How Can You Go To The Fake Wedding In Delhi?

If you need to go to the fake weddings, you just need to get yourself a ticket. Follow these steps:

1. Open BookMyShow.com.

2. Search for Fake Wedding.

3. Select the date and buy a ticket.

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In a country where weddings are celebrated with unmatched enthusiasm, its no wonder that wedding-themed parties are catching on as the latest trend.

You no longer have to wait for someone you know to tie the knot to enjoy the music, dancing, and vibrant outfits. With just a ticket, you can step into a full-blown celebration  complete with dhol beats, festive decor, and all the joy of a traditional wedding, minus the actual marriage.

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 04, 2025, 08:58 IST
Bangladeshi Islamist Leader Vows To Follow Taliban Model If Voted To Power: 'Will Introduce...'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 21:17 IST

Faizul Karim vowed to model Bangladesh's governance on Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, sparking backlash from Awami League.

Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim (Image Credit: X)

Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim, leader of the Islamist group JamaatChar Monai and chief of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, declared that if his party forms the next government, it will model Bangladeshs governance on Taliban-controlled Afghanistan and implement nationwide Sharia law. In an interview, Karim said, If government is formed by winning the national election, the Islamic Movement Bangladesh will introduce Sharia law in the country."

The current governance system of Afghanistan will be followed," he added. Karim went on to assert that his partys interpretation of Islamic governance would also draw elements from Iran, as he said, If needed, we will follow Irans model too. We will take what is good from anywhere in the world- America, England, Russia- as long as it does not contradict Sharia."

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Addressing concerns over minority rights, Karim said, Hindus will also get rights in the Sharia law that we will introduce. The rights of minorities will also be implemented."

The remarks sparked sharp backlash from Bangladeshs ruling Awami League, which accused the JamaatChar Monai alliance of openly laying out a blueprint for transforming the secular democracy into a religious state governed by rigid Islamic law.

Calling the interview chilling", the Awami League issued a statement warning of a coordinated agenda by Islamist factions to dismantle democratic norms, enforce religious codes and suppress womens and minority rights.

The silence of the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, is deeply concerning," the statement read, adding, Is this indifference, or quiet complicity?"

The party pointed to a rise in sectarian violence, including attacks on Hindu temples, disruptions of religious ceremonies and increasing threats against women. It blamed the Yunus-led interim government for failing to curb what it called unchecked extremism" since Sheikh Hasinas removal from office in August last year.

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Karim, however, remained unapologetic about his vision, asserting, We are not talking about violence. We are talking about a system based on the Quran and Hadith. And if the people vote for it, then it is their choice."

He also claimed that his party would not immediately dismantle the current state apparatus, saying, We will implement Sharia law step by step. What does not conflict with Islam- we will keep. What does- we will change."

Location : Bangladesh

First Published: July 04, 2025, 21:17 IST
China Rattled By Kiren Rijijus Backing Of Dalai Lama's Succession Plan: Could Impact Ties

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 16:24 IST

China said India should be clear of the anti-China separatist nature of the 14th Dalai Lama and honour its commitments on Tibet related issues

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama speaks via a video message. (Image: PTI)

China on Friday objected to Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijijus remarks that the decision on the incarnation of the Dalai Lama would be taken by the established institution and the leader of Tibetan Buddhists himself and no one else.

In a press conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said India should be clear of the anti-China separatist nature of the 14th Dalai Lama and honour its commitments on Tibet-related issues.

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Mao also said India should exercise caution in its words and actions, stop interfering in Chinas internal affairs with Tibet-related issues and avoid impacting the improvement and development of the China-India relationship.

On Wednesday, the Tibetan spiritual leader said that 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 his future reincarnation. However, China rejected the Dalai Lamas succession plan, insisting that any future heir must receive its seal of approval.

Rijiju, a practising Buddhist, and Rajiv Ranjan Singh, a fellow Union minister, are representing the Government of India at the Dalai Lamas 90th birthday celebrations in Dharamshala on July 6.

Mao reiterated Chinas stand that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama, the second-high priest of Tibetan Buddhism, has to comply with rigorous religious rituals and historical conventions in line with domestic search, lots drawn from a golden urn and the central governments approval.

The present 14th Dalai Lama went through this procedure and was approved by the then-central government, she said.

Maos comments related to the improvement and development of relations refer to the efforts by both India and China to normalisation of ties after over four years of freeze following the Eastern Ladakh standoff.

The two countries resumed ties after a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit at Kazan in Russia last year followed by a series of high-level meetings.

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The resumption of the Kailash and Mansarovar Yatra for Indian pilgrims, which began recently, is stated to be the first step initiated by the two countries to normalise ties.

(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 : Beijing, China

First Published: July 04, 2025, 16:12 IST
Get Blessed, Then $85,000 Gone: How Chinese Scammers Swindled Elderly Women In Australia

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 18:18 IST

Australian police arrested two fraudsters for scamming an elderly woman out of AU$130,000 in a "Chinese blessing scam."

Police said that the suspects deceived the victim into handing over her valuables. (Image: Representational)

The Australian police arrested two fraudsters accused of conning an elderly woman out of AU$130,000 (approximately US$85,000) in cash and jewellery through a so-called Chinese blessing scam"- a long-running spiritual fraud scheme that has targeted elderly members of Asian communities worldwide for over two decades.

A 63-year-old woman was detained at Sydney International Airport after an investigation by Strike Force Sentinel, a New South Wales Police task force formed in April to crack down on the scam network. The next day, her alleged accomplice- a 63-year-old man- was arrested at Brisbane Airport while attempting to board a flight to China.

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The arrests follow the alleged swindling of a 77-year-old woman in the western Sydney suburb of Parramatta in June. Police said that the suspects deceived the victim into handing over her valuables by claiming her family was cursed and required a spiritual cleansing ritual.

How Chinese Blessing Scam Works

The Chinese blessing scam" is a psychological fraud scheme in which criminals target elderly Asian women by convincing them that a loved one is under threat from evil spirits or a curse. Victims are persuaded to gather their valuables- usually cash and jewellery- into a bag for a supposed blessing ritual." The scammer, often posing as a spiritual healer, swaps the bag with one filled with worthless items and instructs the victim not to open it for weeks or months, warning that doing so will bring misfortune.

Theyll convince them its been blessed and to not open the bag for some time. When the victim finally does, they find their money and jewelry are gone. Its disgraceful," NSW Police Detective Superintendent Guy Magee said.

The scammers are like a pack of hyenas" as they swarm" their victims with coordinated roles and prey on cultural beliefs and vulnerabilities in their own community, the police said.

Scam Network Expands Across Australia

The task force is investigating 80 reports of such scams across Australias east coast, with losses estimated at over AU$3 million. Police believe around 50 individuals are involved in the syndicate, with 25 suspects identified by name and 11 arrest warrants already issued.

This is not random," the police said, adding, Its like a role play. Every individual has a deliberate part- from the healer to the person who lures the victim."

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The police further said that many cases likely go unreported due to the victims embarrassment and fear of shame.

The actual number of victims may be double what weve currently recorded," they said.

Location : Australia

First Published: July 04, 2025, 18:18 IST
Dalai Lama To Decide On Rebirth, Not China: President Of Tibetan Govt-In-Exile To News18

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 22:45 IST

He added that the Dalai Lama himself has expressed the intention to live for another 20 years and would determine the time and place of his reincarnationnot the Chinese government

Sikyong also asked that when China talks about the Dalai Lama breaking from traditions, what was the original tradition it was talking about? Pic: Nivedita Singh/News18

Penpa Tsering, president of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, has dismissed speculation over the successor to the 14th Dalai Lama, saying its premature to discuss the issue while he is in good health and active spiritual leadership.

Speaking to News18, he added that the Dalai Lama himself has expressed the intention to live for another 20 years and would determine the time and place of his reincarnationnot the Chinese government.

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Some are talking as if his holiness is going to die tomorrow or the day after or next year or something. He (the Dalai Lama) says hes going to live for another 20 years. So its too early for us who believe in his holiness," Tsering, also called the Sikyong of the Central Tibetan Administration, told News18 at the Dalai Lama Temple in Dharamshala.

Tsering added that the process of identifying a successor traditionally begins only shortly before the Dalai Lamas passingnot decades in advance.

So we have to understand the tradition. I think a lot of people are expecting that his holiness might appoint somebody, or he might say that Im going to be born in this place at that time. It doesnt happen like that," he explained to News18.

The Dalai Lama will celebrate his 90th birthday on July 6 in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh, where he has been camping in exile since China thwarted an uprising in the Tibetan capital Lhasa in 1959.

Traditionally, Tibetan Buddhists believe that the Dalai Lama is reincarnated after his death. The search for a new Dalai Lama only starts after the death of the current leader.

The confusion over his successor was created as back in 2011, Tenzin Gyatso, the current Dalai Lama since 1940, had said that he would evaluate if the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue and, if so, how a successor would be identified when he would turn 90, which is on July 6.

How can China dictate to a Lama where he should be born?

Earlier this week, the Dalai Lama announced that the responsibility for identifying his successor will rest exclusively with the India-based Gaden Phodrang Trust, his office.

However, while India welcomed the decision, China rejected the idea, saying selection must go through a process approved by Beijing.

Reacting to the development, Tsering said, When you dont have truth on your side, then you speak loudly. So the reaction from China is understandable. They always do it" he said.

He also reacted to the Chinese governments claim it they will look for his holinesss reincarnation within Chinas boundaries".

His holiness is going to be reborn where he wants to be reborn. He will decide. How can the Chinese government dictate to a Lama, a spiritual being, where he or she should be born? So its completely absurd. It doesnt go with reason, logic," he said.

China should study Tibetan Buddhism

He further said that the Dalai Lama says China should study Tibetan Buddhism and believe in the concept of life after death.

Then maybe they should look for Mao Zedongs reincarnation because hes no more with us. If they are serious about reincarnation, why go for his holiness? Look for their own leaderships reincarnation," he added.

Golden Urn: Historical context

Sikyong also asked that when China talks about the Dalai Lama breaking from traditions, what was the original tradition it was talking about?

When they talk about breaking from traditions, I think they are referring to the Golden Urn, introduced in 1793 when there was some influence from the Qing over the Tibetan Plateau. But after that, they themselves went through what they call 100 years of humiliation. So before 1793, there were eight Dalai Lamas already chosen, not through the Golden Urn," he said.

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Sikyong counters that the introduction of the Golden Urn itself is an interference from the Qing" over the Tibetans at that time.

He also explained that even after its introduction, the Golden Urn was hardly used by the Tibetans, because Tibetans dont trust in that. Its not the traditional matter".

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

Location : Dharmsala (Dharamshala), India, India

First Published: July 04, 2025, 22:41 IST
Elon Musk's Independence Day Poll Amid Trump Feud: 'Should We Form A New Party?'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 18:53 IST

Elon Musk reignited his feud with Donald Trump by proposing a new "America Party" on July 4th via a poll on X.

Elon Musk and Donald Trump

Elon Musk once again stirred his feud with US President Donald Trump as the tech billionaire posted a July 4th poll on X (formerly Twitter), asking users whether its time to break free from the United States two-party system and create a new America Party."

Independence Day is the perfect time to ask if you want independence from the two-party (some would say uniparty) system," Elon Musk wrote.

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The poll raised the question: Should we create the America Party?" with two options for responders: Yes and No.

Independence Day is the perfect time to ask if you want independence from the two-party (some would say uniparty) system!Should we create the America Party?  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 4, 2025

Elon Musk vs Donald Trump

The post comes amid Elon Musks escalating feud with Donald Trump, following the tech moguls sharp criticism of the administrations controversial Big, Beautiful Bill"- a sweeping 940-page spending and tax overhaul that includes major tax breaks for corporations and cuts to healthcare as well as food assistance programs.

Read more: Elon Musk Responds To Trumps Deportation Threat: So Tempting To Escalate This But

Elon Musk, who earlier served as a senior advisor in Donald Trumps administration and was a major donor to his 2024 campaign, has in recent weeks become one of the most outspoken critics of the bill. In early June, Elon Musk called the legislation a disgusting abomination", prompting a public rift with Donald Trump. Although both appeared to dial back tensions later that month but as Senators debated amendments to the bill this week, Elon Musk reignited his attacks, accusing lawmakers of hypocrisy and betrayal.

Lawmakers who campaigned on cutting spending but back this bill should hang their heads in shame!" he posted on X, adding, And they will lose their primary next year- if its the last thing I do on this Earth."

Read more: From DOGE To Threats Of Deportation: How Trump-Musk Bromance Turned Toxic

Elon Musk went further, declaring that the US now resembles a one-party country- the PORKY PIG PARTY!!" and called for the formation of a new political party that actually cares about the people."

Donald Trump Fires Back: Cut Elons Subsidies

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Donald Trump responded on his Truth Social platform, blasting Elon Musks criticism and accusing the billionaire of massive hypocrisy. He wrote, Elon may get more subsidy than any human being in history, by far. Without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa. No more rocket launches, satellites, or electric cars and our country would save a FORTUNE."

Donald Trump also suggested that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) should conduct a formal review of federal funding received by Elon Musks companies.

Location : San Francisco, California, USA

First Published: July 04, 2025, 18:50 IST
Girl's Dad On Disney Cruise Did Not Place Her On Railing Before Horrifying Plunge, Reveals Probe

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 11:06 IST

The Broward Sheriff's Office said the claims that the father held his 5-year-old daughter on the railing were false.

The swift action by cruise rescue team also helped the two from being left behind.

After the rescue of the father-daughter duo, who were onboard the Disney Dream cruise, from ocean, some reports had emerged claiming that the man had been holding the girl on the ships railing just before the she fell from the ship. As South Florida authorities examined the incident, the claims have been termed false.

According to a report by CBS News, the Broward Sheriffs Office confirmed that the little girl was not being held," and there was nothing suspicious, countering false claims circulating on social media.

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What Broward Sheriffs Office Said?

In a statement on the incident, the Broward Sheriffs Office said, 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. While there doesnt appear to be anything suspicious, Broward Sheriffs Office detectives are investigating the circumstances that led up to the child falling overboard. This family is so blessed. Its great to be able to respond to good news rather than what could have been a tragic outcome. The incident involved a father and his 5-year-old daughter."

Netizens React

Meanwhile, amid the rumors, netizens hailed the fathers action as heroic move" and even demanded apology from Disney cult."

NEW: Father who jumped into the ocean to save his daughter on a Disney cruise ship vindicated, did not prop his daughter on the railing like online Disney conspiracy theorists claimed.The Disney cult owes this man an apology. According to a new report, the mother witnessed the pic.twitter.com/RreXMzxSZ9  Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) July 3, 2025

An X user named Collin Rugg wrote, Father who jumped into the ocean to save his daughter on a Disney cruise ship vindicated, did not prop his daughter on the railing like online Disney conspiracy theorists claimed. The Disney cult owes this man an apology(sic)"

While another commented, Why are people so obsessed with Disney? The bullishness has always been puzzling. If they knew what really went on with Disney, I bet the general public would be horrified.(sic)"

The father was initially hailed as a hero after he made a split-second decision to leap off the fourth deck of a Disney Cruise ship to rescue his 5-year-old daughter, who had accidentally fallen into the ocean. The incident unfolded on Sunday aboard the Disney Dream, as it was sailing back to South Florida from the Bahamas.

According to passengers, the child fell overboard from a significant height, and her father immediately dove into the open water without hesitation. Witnesses described the terrifying moment when the ship was moving so fast that the people became tiny dots in the sea" before disappearing from view. The father reportedly jumped the moment he realized his daughter had fallen off the ship.

As panic erupted on the ship, the captain quickly initiated an emergency stop, turned the massive vessel around, and deployed a tender rescue boat. The crew tossed life preservers into the water as trained responders raced toward the father and child.

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Video clips shared by passengers captured the emotional moment the rescue crew reached the father, who was seen holding his daughter tightly as they floated in the water. He handed his daughter over to the rescuers before climbing into the rescue boat himself. Onlookers cheered and cried in relief as both were brought back aboard safely.

Disney Cruise Line praised its crew in a statement, saying, 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." The company emphasised that the incident demonstrates the strength of its safety protocols and the professionalism of its team.

About the Author Manisha Roy Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18... Read More Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18... Read More

Location : New York, United States of America (USA)

First Published: July 04, 2025, 11:06 IST
How Pakistan Exposed China's 'Proxy Warfare' Tactics During India's Operation Sindoor | Exclusive

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 17:19 IST

Sources said the battle was a testbed for fifth-generation, multi-domain conflict orchestrated by China, executed by Pakistan, and augmented by Turkey

There are those who argue that war is improbable, if not impossible, in the nuclear age. (PTI File)

During DGMO-level ceasefire talks in May, Pakistan provided precise details of Indian strike vectors, sourced through Chinese satellites, SIGINT aircraft, and radar sweeps, exposing Beijings proxy war" tactics, top security sources told CNN-News18 on Friday.

Indian encrypted communications were intercepted via Chinese ELINT platforms, compromising target secrecy and enabling precise Pakistani counterstrikes, they added.

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Pakistan executed strikes with unusual precision, using 81% of its combat inventoryJ-10C jets, PL-15 missiles, and EW modulesand treated the conflict as a live weapons lab, the sources said.

Bayraktar TB2 drones, accompanied by trainers and pilots, were deployed for persistent aerial surveillance and guided artillery barrages.

Electronic Warfare: Indias Project Kautilya jammers disrupted Chinese-Pakistani ISR channels, neutralising enemy drones and artillery accuracy.

Standoff Strikes: SkyStriker drones, BrahMos, and SCALP-EG cruise missiles replaced manned missions; target decisions were compressed to under 60 minutes to evade ISR leaks.

Army, Air Force, and Navy units were synchronised under a dynamic control grid, limiting adversary ISR exploitation.

National security adviser Ajit Doval briefed the US, Russia, the UK, and Gulf partners, securing strategic backing and exposing Chinese covert aggression.

Battlefield Dominance: Indias inability to cloak troop movements in real-time proved costlier than ordnance losses.

Proxy Warfare Now Precision-Guided: Chinas indirect participation weaponised both Pakistan and Turkey, avoiding diplomatic fallout.

Future Warfare Will Be Sensor-Driven, Not Tank-Driven: The enemys advantage lay in seeing first and striking firstISR denial must now drive Indias force posture.

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Rapid Tactical Agility is Indias Edge: Indias swift transition to drone-based strikes, electronic warfare, and theatre-level command within 48 hours stalled the adversarys momentum.

Operation Sindoor was not a conventional war, said the sources. It was a testbed for fifth-generation, multi-domain conflict orchestrated by China, executed by Pakistan, and augmented by Turkey, they added. Indias strategic success, said the sources, lay not in battlefield wins but in recognising and rapidly adapting to this paradigm.

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

First Published: July 04, 2025, 17:19 IST
May Be In Afghanistan: Bilawal Bhutto Says Pakistan Doesnt Know Where Masood Azhar Is

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 23:28 IST

Bilawal Bhutto said Pakistan doesn't know Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar's location, suggesting he might be in Afghanistan.

Former Pakistan Minister Bilawal Bhutto. (AP File)

Pakistani politician Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that Islamabad has no knowledge of the location of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar, one of Indias most-wanted terrorists. Speaking in an interview with Al Jazeera, Bilawal Bhutto said Pakistan would be willing to arrest Masood Azhar if New Delhi provides credible evidence that he is on Pakistani soil.

If and when the Indian government shares information with us that he is on Pakistani soil, we would be more than happy to arrest him," Bilawal Bhutto said, adding, The fact is, the Indian government is not"

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Masood Azhar, who has been linked to a string of terror attacks in India- including the 2001 Parliament attack, the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, the 2016 Pathankot airbase assault and the 2019 Pulwama suicide bombing- was designated a UN global terrorist in 2019. He was previously released from Indian custody in 1999 as part of a hostage exchange following the Kandahar hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC-814.

Read more: Khan Sir Roasts Paks Shahbaz Sharif & Bilawal Bhutto: Bael Buddhi, Uska Charra

India has repeatedly demanded Masood Azhars extradition, along with Lashkar-e-Taiba founder Hafiz Saeed but Pakistan has consistently denied harboring the terrorists despite evidence of their presence in the country.

Hafiz Saeed Is Not A Free Man, Masood Azhar May Be In Afghanistan

Bilawal Bhutto told Al Jazeera that Hafiz Saeed is not a free man and that Masood Azhar may be in Afghanistan. He said, responding to a New York Times report, Thats not accurate. Thats factually not correct that Hafiz Saeed is a free man. He is in the custody of the Pakistani state. As far as Masood Azhar is concerned, we have been unable to arrest him or identify him. Given his past within the Afghan jihad context, it is our belief that he is in Afghanistan."

Read more: If Water Used As Weapon: Bilawal Bhuttos War Rhetoric Returns Over Indus Waters Treaty

Bilawal Bhutto further elaborated on why Pakistan expects cooperation from India to locate Masood Azhar, saying, When you have a counterterrorism cooperation with any country, we provide groups of our concern, they provide groups of their concern. Thats how we managed to thwart attacks here in London, thwart attacks in New York, thwart attacks in Pakistan."

Afghanistan Situation Makes Action Difficult, Says Bilawal Bhutto

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Referencing the current geopolitical situation in Afghanistan, where the Taliban are now in control, Bilawal Bhutto said, If he is in Afghanistan, the West has now handed over the country to a group that once upon a time they called terrorists, and now they call the people in charge of Afghanistan. Its not possible for Pakistan to go and do what all of NATO was unable to do within Afghanistan. Theres no reason for Pakistan to want to see this individual or any individual of concern to be active."

Bilawal Bhuttos comments come in the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which prompted India to launch Operation Sindoor- a targeted military response in which Indian forces struck key terror infrastructure across Pakistan, including the Lashkar-e-Taiba headquarters in Muridke and Jaish-e-Mohammeds base in Bahawalpur. Masood Azhar said that as many as 10 members of his family and four aides were killed in the strikes.

Location : Pakistan

First Published: July 04, 2025, 23:28 IST
PM Modi Gifts Ayodhya Mandir Replica, Sarayu Water To Trinidad & Tobago, Mentions 'Sri Ram' Link

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 08:41 IST

PM Modi recalled how Indian community in Trinidad & Tobago contributed to construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and said that he brought a replica of the temple with same devotion.

PM Modi mentions Ram Temple in Trinidad & Tobago (Photo: X/ Narendra Modi)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that he brought a replica of Ayodhyas Ram Mandir and some water from the river Sarayu to Trinidad & Tobago with the same devotion with which the people of the Caribbean nation had sent holy water for the construction of the huge temple in India.

His remarks came while addressing a large gathering of the Indian Diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago upon his arrival for a two-day visit.

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The Prime Minister hailed the deep faith" of the Indian community in the country in the country and recalled their contribution to the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

I know of your deep faith in Prabhu Shri Ram. In Ramcharitmanas, it is said, The holy city of Lord Ram is so beautiful that its glory is praised across the world. Im sure that you all welcomed the return of Ram Lalla to Ayodhya after 500 years with great joy. We remember, you had sent holy water and Shilas for building Ram Mandir in Ayodhya," PM Modi said at the event, which was attended by over 4,000 people.

Prabhu Shri Ram connects India with Trinidad & Tobago pic.twitter.com/VDpvbhfxox Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 4, 2025

I have also brought something here with a similar sense of devotion. It is my honour to bring a replica of Ram Mandir and some water from the river Sarayu in Ayodhya," he added.

Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, also attended the event along with her cabinet members and MPs.

She announced that her country would confer the highest National Award, The Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, on PM Modi.

PM Modi expressed his gratitude to her and the people of the country for the honour.

Later, taking to X, he said that he presented the replica of Ram Mandir to PM Bissessar.

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At the dinner hosted by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, I presented a replica of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and holy water from the Saryu river as well as from the Mahakumbh held in Prayagraj. They symbolise the deep cultural and spiritual bonds between India and Trinidad & pic.twitter.com/ec48ABwWdB Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 4, 2025

At the dinner hosted by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, I presented a replica of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and holy water from the Saryu river as well as from the Mahakumbh held in Prayagraj. They symbolise the deep cultural and spiritual bonds between India and Trinidad & Tobago," PM Modi tweeted.

About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More

Location : Trinidad & Tobago

First Published: July 04, 2025, 08:05 IST
'Ocean, Big Sea': What Does The Word 'Dalai' In Dalai Lama Mean?

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: July 03, 2025, 23:39 IST

The title "Dalai Lama" is a combination of the Sino-Mongolian word dalai meaning "big sea" and the Tibetan word bla-ma meaning "guru, teacher"

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama speaks via a video message. (Image: PTI)

The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, will turn 90 this week. While he has ended speculation on whether he will have a successor or not after his death by reaffirming his succession plan, this is set to escalate tensions with China that has rejected it.

China has said any future heir must receive its seal of approval, adding a new chapter to Tibetan Buddhisms decades-long struggle with the Chinese ruling Communist Party.

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WHAT DOES THE DALAI LAMA MEAN?

While the Dalai Lama is the face of Buddhism to many people across the world, he is actually the head of just one tradition within Tibetan Buddhism known as the Gelug school.

According to the website of the Namgyal Monastery, the Dalai Lama is a high lama in the Gelug or Yellow Hat" school of Tibetan Buddhism, founded by Tsongkhapa (1357-1419). The title Dalai Lama" is a combination of the Sino-Mongolian word dalai meaning big sea" and the Tibetan word bla-ma meaning guru, teacher", suggesting breadth and depth of wisdom.

Britannica states that it became the title for the leader of the Gelukpa order in the beginning, with the third Dalai Lama who reached an agreement for mutual respect and support with Mongol chief Altan Khan, who bestowed on him that title.

Tibetans believe the Dalai Lama to be the manifestation of Avalokitesvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, and the one who hears the cries of the world". Avalokitesvara is prayed to across Asia, and is known as Chenrezig in Tibet, Guanyin in China, and Kannon or Kanzeon in Japan. The line of Dalai Lamas began as a lineage of spiritual teachers, with the fifth Dalai Lama assuming political authority over Tibet.

WHAT IS THE SUCCESSION PLAN, WHY HAS CHINA REJECTED IT?

On Wednesday (July 2), the Dalai Lama affirmed that the sacred institution of the Dalai Lama will continue and only the Gaden Phodrang Trust will have the authority to recognise his future reincarnation", declaring no one else can interfere" in his succession plan.

The Gaden Phodrang Trust, a non-profit organisation, was founded by the Office of the Dalai Lama in 2015. The statement made by the 14th Dalai Lama, who is also called Lhama Thondup, on May 21, was released by his office four days ahead of his birthday on July 6. A 5.57-minute video of his speech in Tibetan was also released.

I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue and I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has the sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation. No one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter," the statement said.

Earlier, the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism had maintained that Tibets most sacred tradition could be wound up, or his successor could be a woman or someone born outside China.

China, however, has rejected the Nobel Peace laureates succession plan. Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said 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.

The Dalai Lamas 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," she told a media briefing in Beijing while responding to the Dalai Lamas announcement.

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The week-long celebrations to mark the Dalai Lamas 90th birthday commenced at Tsuglagkhang, the main temple at McLeodganj near Dharamshala, on June 30. The occasion is significant, as the Dalai Lama had said in 2011 that at the age of 90, he will decide whether the institution will continue or not.

(With PTI inputs)

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

First Published: July 03, 2025, 23:32 IST
What Powers Does Pakistan Have Now As UNSC President? | Explained

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 12:44 IST

As UNSC President, Pakistan will preside over all meetings, control proceedings, call speakers, and guide discussions, holding key authority in shaping the Council's direction

The presidency rotates monthly in alphabetical order to ensure that all member countries get an equal opportunity to lead the Council. (AP/File)

On July 1, Pakistan took over the presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), a notable development amid its recently strained global standing. Elected as a non-permanent member in January 2025 with 182 out of 193 votes, Pakistan will hold the presidency for the month of July, from July 1 to July 31. This marks Pakistans eighth term as President of the UNSC, having last held the position in 2013.

How Often Has Pakistan Headed The UNSC?

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Pakistan has previously held the UNSC presidency during its non-permanent terms in 195253, 196869, 197677, 198384, 199394, 200304, and 201213.

What Is The UNSC And How Many Members Does It Have?

The UNSC, one of the six main organs of the United Nations, aims to maintain international peace and security and was established on October 24, 1945.

It is headquartered in New York, USA, and comprises 15 members: five permanent members (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States), who possess veto power, and ten temporary members elected by the United Nations General Assembly for two-year terms.

Temporary members are elected on a regional basis: five from Africa and Asia, one from Eastern Europe, two from Latin America and the Caribbean, and two from Western Europe and other regions.

How Are Temporary UNSC Members Elected?

Temporary members of the UNSC are chosen through secret ballot, requiring a two-thirds majority even if unopposed. Elections are held annually to ensure a rotation of new countries joining the Council.

What Does The UNSC Do?

The UNSCs primary functions include maintaining international peace and security, approving peacekeeping missions, sanctions, and military actions, resolving disputes, and intervening in global crises.

Why Was Pakistan Chosen For The UNSC Presidency?

Pakistans presidency results from its position as a temporary member, following a rotational order rather than a special election or diplomatic effort. This automatic rotation ensures that the policy position or image of any country does not influence the presidency.

What Is Pakistans Job At The UNSC?

The President of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) holds several key responsibilities:

Presides over all formal and informal meetings of the Security Council, with the authority to control proceedings, call on speakers, and steer the course of discussions.

Plays a key role in setting the Councils agenda and determining priorities, with the ability to prioritise topicsthough consensus from other members is required.

Issues press statements and public announcements on behalf of the Council.

Ensures coordination and communication among Council members to facilitate smooth proceedings.

Can call an emergency meeting in response to urgent threats to international peace and security.

Oversees the voting process on proposals and resolutions within the Council.

Coordinates the work of the Security Councils subsidiary committees.

Why Is The UNSC Presidency Only For One Month?

The presidency rotates monthly in alphabetical order to ensure that all member countries get an equal opportunity to lead the Council in turn.

Since When Is India Not In The UNSC?

India has not been part of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) since January 2023. It last served as a non-permanent member during the 20212022 term.

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Who Will Be The Next UNSC President?

The presidency rotates alphabetically among member countries. Since Pakistan holds the presidency in July 2025, the next in line alphabetically is Russia, which will assume the role in August 2025, based on the current list of UNSC members.

Location : Pakistan

First Published: July 04, 2025, 12:44 IST
Zohran Mamdani Under Fire For Marking 'Black' Race On Columbia Form Despite Current Denial

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 04, 2025, 07:26 IST

Zohran Mamdani recently denied being identified as Black or African American. However, a report revealed that he had checked all such boxes in his Columbia University application.

Zohran Mamdani race: Report reveals he checked multiple boxes in college application (Reuters Image)

Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, has landed in a fresh controversy after a report revealed that he identified himself as Black or African American in an application to Columbia University in 2009, contradicting his recent claims of not being recognised as any of these races.

Mamdani had recently said that he does not identify himself as a Black or African American, but rather an American who was born in Africa".

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A New York Times report on Thursday revealed that he ticked Asian and Black or African American boxes in his 2009 application. The report also said that listing his race this way might have helped him get an advantage in the admissions process. His application was unsuccessful at Columbia University, and he went on to pursue a bachelors degree in African studies from Bowdoin College in Maine.

The NYT report was based on internal college data that was leaked in a hack.

Mamdani explained the reason behind his choices on the application form to the NYT, Most college applications dont have a box for Indian-Ugandans, so I checked multiple boxes trying to capture the fullness of my background."

He said that he mentioned that he was Ugandan", where the application sought students specific information.

Even though these boxes are constraining, I wanted my college application to reflect who I was," the Democratic nominee said.

At the time Mamdani applied to college, his father was a professor at Columbia University.

Mamdani has never publicly confessed that he identifies as African American or Black. During his campaign against Andrew Cuomo, he spoke about his Muslim and South Asian background. He is now running in the mayoral election, where one of his opponents is current Mayor Eric Adams.

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He told NPR earlier this week that he is the first Muslim elected official to ever run for mayor".

As the first South Asian elected official, the first Muslim elected official to ever run for mayor, the turnout in those same communities has been incredible to see," he had said.

About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More

Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: July 04, 2025, 07:26 IST
Ethiopia's prime minister said Thursday that his country's controversial power dam on the Nile has been completed. Egypt has long opposed the dam because of concerns it would deplete its share of Nile River waters. Egypt has referred to the dam, known as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, as an existential threat because the Arab world's most populous country relies almost entirely on the Nile to supply water for agriculture and its more than 100 million people. Ethiopia disputes that suggestion, and insists it doesn't need authorization from a foreign country to build the dam it views as key to its development needs.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, in his address to lawmakers Thursday, said his government is "preparing for its official inauguration" in September, reports the AP. "While there are those who believe it should be disrupted before that moment, we reaffirm our commitment: the dam will be inaugurated," he said. Abiy said his country "remains committed to ensuring that our growth does not come at the expense of our Egyptian and Sudanese brothers and sisters."

Ethiopia and Egypt have been trying to find an agreement for years over the $4 billion dam, which Ethiopia began building in 2011. The dam, on the Blue Nile near the Sudan border, began producing power in 2022. The project is expected to ultimately produce over 6,000 megawatts of electricity, which is double Ethiopia's current output and enough to make the East African nation of 120 million a net energy exporter.
China's first domestically-built aircraft carrier arrived in Hong Kong on Thursday as part of a drive to drum up patriotism, days after the former British colony marked the 28th anniversary of its return to Chinese rule. The Shandong entered the city's waters alongside another vessel from its battle group in the early morning hours. According to state media, two destroyers and a frigate had accompanied the aircraft carrier into Hong Kong. NBC News quotes Col. Zhang Junshe, a senior colonel for the People's Liberation Army Navy, as saying the warships "fully demonstrate to the outside world" China's military achievements and will "naturally deter some forces with ulterior motives."
A North Korean man made a rare direct crossing into South Korea this week, the South's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) announced Friday. He was spotted by military surveillance equipment between 3am and 4am Thursday close to a shallow stream within the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). According to the JCS, the man moved little during the day, ostensibly to avoid detection, though it was challenging to track him at times due to the density of the forest.

South Korean troops activated at night and made contact with the man near the Military Demarcation Lineessentially the border. They guided him across the line and out of the DMZ in what was a 20-hour operation (following the time of detection, per Stars and Stripes) that required troops to make their way through dense vegetation and areas with landmines, reports Deutsche Welle. The AP reports South Korean authorities say they will investigate the border crossing and did not immediately indicate whether they consider the incident a defection attempt.

Since the 1950s, roughly 34,000 North Koreans have defected to the South, but the vast majority take a more roundabout path than attempting to cross the heavily fortified and monitored border: They first enter China and then travel through a third country, such as Thailand, to reach South Korea. The man's identity and motives have not been disclosed, though the head of the World Institute for North Korea Studies, himself a defector, speculates to AFP that the man is likely a farmer who worked near the DMZ. "The lush summer vegetation within the DMZ likely offered the best cover for a high-risk escape," Ahn Chan-il added.
The 77-year-old mother of a man who fatally shot a South Carolina deputy has been arrested and charged with lying to officers by saying he wasn't home just before he ambushed them, authorities said. Linda Perry Dennett was charged with obstruction of justice and misprision of a felony on Thursday, two days after her son Cameron Ray Dennett was killed in a shootout with a Darlington County deputy, the AP reports.

When Deputy Devin Mason and his partner came to the Dennetts' home in Lamar to arrest him around 1:30am Tuesday, Linda Dennett said her son was not there and asked the officers to leave, according to a sworn statement from a State Law Enforcement Division agent.

Mason went to open a closed bathroom door and Cameron Dennett started firing, wounding Mason's partner. Mason fired back and both the deputy and the suspect were killed, state agents said.
Officials in Kerr County, Texas, said Friday afternoon that at least 13 people have died in "catastrophic" flooding and that about 20 children are missing from a girls camp in the area. Parts of the Guadalupe River, which runs from the county to San Antonio Bay, rose 26 feet in 45 minutes Friday morning, CNN reports. "The entire county is an extremely active scene," the sheriff's office said in a Facebook post . "Residents are encouraged to shelter in place and not attempt travel. Those near creeks, streams, and the Guadalupe River should immediately move to higher ground."

Sheriff Larry Leitha said he expects the death toll to rise. Judge Rob Kelly, the county's chief executive, reported that dozens of high-water rescues had been made, the San Antonio Express-News reports. At least 14 helicopters and 12 drones and more than 500 people were helping to rescue adults and children in trees near Camp Mystic in Hunt, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said. At least some of the missing children could be waiting for help in trees, Patrick said. Parents posted photographs of young girls on social media, per the New York Times, asking for help finding them.

A flash flood warning was issued for the county as heavy rain began around 1am. The National Weather Service raised the severity of the warning multiple times before declaring a flash flood emergency around 4am, CNN reports. "This is the kind of thing that will catch you unaware," Bob Fogarty, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Austin/San Antonio office, said, per the AP. "The water's moving so fast, you're not going to recognize how bad it is until it's on top of you." Gov. Greg Abbott said the state is rushing resources to communities hit by flooding, including Kerrville, Ingram, and Hunt. "This came at night when people were asleep in bed," Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring said. He thanked first responders and urged people to "please, pray for our community."

This file has been updated with new information.
President Trump wants foreign tourists to pay a surcharge to see Yellowstone's Old Faithful or visit any other of the 400 or so national parks. Trump signed an executive order Thursday requiring the Interior Department to come up with a plan for the increase, the Wall Street Journal reports. "The national parks will be about America first," Trump said Thursday night at a rally in Iowa . His order also calls for giving US residents "preferential treatment" over foreign visitors on any "recreational access rules, including permitting or lottery rules" at the parks.

The president said the new revenue would "fund improvements and enhanced experiences across the park system," per CBS News. The department estimated in May that a surcharge would generate more than $90 million a year and that it would lead to a drop in international tourists of about 2%. In overall tourism, that would be a decline of 0.3%. Slightly more than 100 of the parks in the system now collect an entrance fee. The Interior Department has proposed the largest budget cut in the park system's history, more than $1 billion. In addition, Trump's bill that passed Congress on Thursday repeals more than $260 million allocated for park staffing, said the National Parks Conservation Association, a nonprofit advocacy group.

An analysis based on department data shows the park service has lost 24% of its permanent staff since January and that just more than 50% of seasonal employees have been hired, per the Journal. Park visitors have noticed, per CNN. "I've been visiting national parks for 30 years and never has the presence of rangers been so absent," a visitor to Zion National Park in Utah wrote in feedback to the National Park Service. "Hire back park staff. We need them," the visitor wrote.
Before an ecstatic capacity crowd in Wales, Oasis kicked off its reunion tour on Friday, beginning with "Hello"including the "it's good to be back" refrainand carrying on with a celebration of the band's greatest hits. It was a moment fans had longed since the band broke up in 2009, and thousands of them milled about in the streets of Cardiff during the day awaiting showtime"somewhat anxiously," the AP reports. But the perpetually feuding Gallaghers, Noel and Liam, made it through the show without incident. There was no onstage banter between them, and they kept well apart except for an approximation of a hug, but Paul Glynn writes for the BBC that they "sang together perfectly."

Liam Gallagher asked the crowd if it was all worth it. The answer was a yes. At another point, he said, "There are many things I'd like to say to you ... but I don't speak Welsh." Noel, 58, focused on his guitar, per the AP, while Liam, 52, snarled into the microphone with an undimmed swagger. They played for two hours before 60,000 people in Principality Stadium. Assuming the reunion spirit holds, Oasis has another 40 concerts scheduled for the world tour, all of which are sold out, per the New York Times. "The first night, they'll play for sure," said a hotelier from Palermo, Sicily, who slept in a tent in Cardiff. "Tomorrow's show? Who knows."

Other fans said they'd come from Brazil, Peru, South Korea, and the US for the reunion. A 37-year-old woman who traveled from Shanghai said she's loved Oasis since she was 13, per the Guardian. "When I feel sad, their songs make it better," she said. "The songs mean a lottheir spirit gives me the hope to meet difficult things and it can become the energy for me." She added that she thinks the concert will turn out to be an important moment in her life. "It's very, very specialemotional," said a 44-year-old man from Edinburgh who attended with childhood friends. "It's a chapter of our lives."
Hamas said Friday it has given a "positive" response to the latest proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza but said further talks were needed on implementation. It was not clear if that meant the militant group had accepted the US proposal for a 60-day ceasefire, the AP reports. "The movement is ready in all seriousness to enter immediately into a round of negotiations on the mechanism to implement this framework," it said without elaborating. Hamas has been seeking guarantees that the initial truce would lead to a total end to the war, now nearly 21 months old. Also on Friday, Israeli airstrikes killed 15 Palestinians in Gaza, while a hospital said another 20 people died in shootings while seeking aid. Developments on the aid shootings include:
Combining White House celebrations of Independence Day and his latest political victory, President Trump signed the legislative centerpiece of his second term's domestic policy into law on Friday. "The largest spending cut, and yet, you won't even notice it," Trump said during the ceremony, per the New York Times , adding, "The people are happy, they're happy." Demonstrators protesting the new law marched to the White House, and more gathered in hundreds of other places around the country.

In Charlotte, Elizabeth Albritton worried about health care cuts that could affect families including hers. "I work my hardest; I do what I can, but we need those systems in place," she said, per WCNC. Her children, one of whom has asthma, are reliant on Medicaid. "What's he going to do if they say we can't pay for his medicine anymore? What's going to happen if he has an attack?" Albritton asked. In Chicago, a Navy veteran noted the timing, per the Times. "It's our nation's birthday, but I don't think we are the nation that was founded almost 250 years ago," said Lynn Kardasz. "With the passage of Trump's big bill yesterday, our democracy has ceased to exist."

The White House celebration and military family picnic, attended by Cabinet members and Republican lawmakers, included a bomber jet flyover. "We're adding things like the biggest tax cut in the history of our country, a child tax credit," Trump said. "So many things are being added that we wouldn't even have time to discuss them when we were doing it." Lawmakers including GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene have complained about not knowing what was in the bill. Trump several times thanked and pointed out Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, per the Washington Post, who has described her decision to vote for the bill after receiving exemptions for her state from several of its impacts as agonizing.
Fairbanks, AK (99701)

Today

Rain showers in the morning with scattered thunderstorms arriving in the afternoon. High 68F. 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%.
Copper theft up 23% year-over-year, with over 500 cases this year alone, and more than 2,270 since 2022.

Ontario , New Brunswick and Quebec are hardest hit. Ontario leads with 63% of all copper thefts.

, and are hardest hit. leads with 63% of all copper thefts. 75-80% of incidents in New Brunswick occur in the Fredericton and Oromocto region.

occur in the and region. In Quebec most are concentrated in the Saguenay region while in Ontario , Hamilton , Cambridge , and Windsor emerge as the province's hotspots.

MONTREAL, July 3, 2025 /CNW/ - Bell is sounding the alarm over a sharp rise in copper thefts across Eastern Canada, a growing crisis that is endangering public safety and disrupting essential communications infrastructure.

New Brunswick has emerged as one of the nation's hotspots for copper thefts, with more than 80 incidents this year alone. The FrederictonOromocto corridor is particularly affected, with nearly 80% of the province's thefts occurring in this area. Repeated incidents have occurred in communities such as Stanley, Hoyt, Fredericton Junction, and Keswick Ridge.

Damaged copper wire (CNW Group/Bell Canada (MTL))

Copper theft related incidents have increased 23% year-over-year across Canada. Since 2022, Bell has recorded more than 2,270 copper thefts nationwide. Copper thefts now account for 88% of all physical security incidents on Bell's network, with over 500 cases reported in the first half of 2025 alone. Ontario remains the hardest-hit province, representing 63% of all incidents, with hotspots including Hamilton, Cambridge, and Windsor. Quebec follows with 12% of cases, most concentrated in the Saguenay region.

"Copper theft is a serious crime that directly threatens the safety and well-being of Canadians. These thefts are not just about stolen copper; the perpetrators often damage other infrastructure such as fibre cable and the crime can potentially put lives at risk when people can't call 911 as a result of the damage."

 Mark McDonald, EVP and Chief Technology Officer at Bell Canada

Bell is taking decisive action to combat this growing threat:

Installing alarms that alert police to infrastructure tampering

Deploying additional security guards and surveillance cameras

Working closely with law enforcement and pursuing legal action against offenders

Accelerating the transition to an all-fibre network, which now covers 60% of Bell's footprint

Bell is also urging provincial and federal governments to strengthen protections for critical infrastructure by increasing penalties and amending the Criminal Code. The company is calling on the Senate Transportation and Communications Committee to revive its study on theft within the telecommunications sector.

Bell encourages the public to report suspicious activity near telecom infrastructure  such as unmarked vehicles, individuals tampering with utility poles, or the sound of cutting or grinding metal  to local authorities immediately.

About Bell

Bell is Canada's largest communications companyi, providing advanced broadband Internet, wireless, TV, media and business communication services. Founded in Montreal in 1880, Bell is wholly owned by BCE Inc. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca or BCE.ca.

Through Bell for Better, we are investing to create a better today and a better tomorrow by supporting the social and economic prosperity of our communities. This includes the Bell Let's Talk initiative, which promotes Canadian mental health with national awareness and anti-stigma campaigns like Bell Let's Talk Day and significant Bell funding of community care and access, research and workplace leadership initiatives throughout the country. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk.

Media inquiries:

Geoff Higdon

[email protected]



_________________

i Based on total revenue and total combined customer connections.

SOURCE Bell Canada (MTL)
OTTAWA, ON, July 3, 2025 /CNW/ - When people cook together, they nourish more than just their bodiesthey build memories and create lasting traditions. Ingenium  Canada's Museums of Science and Innovation is excited to welcome visitors to Memories are Made in the Kitchen, a brand new exhibition at the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum. This heartwarming, multisensory exhibition celebrates the stories, technologies, and cherished objects found in kitchens from across Canada. Through stories, photographs, artifacts, and kitchen objects, Memories are Made in the Kitchen highlights how the preparation and sharing of food can hold powerful memories and help shape new ones.

Memories are Made in the Kitchen. (CNW Group/Ingenium)

Visitors are invited to explore a series of photographs and meaningful stories from over 100 people participated in making the exhibition from across Canada. They can experience a collection of familiar kitchen artifacts and objects that evoke memories and inspire new culinary discoveries. The exhibition offers a multisensory experience including videos, audio stories, soundscapes, and even taste in the museum's adjoining Demonstration Kitchen. Visitors can get creative, explore new ideas, and connect with food and culture through hands-on fun in the accessible Lil' Chefs Play Kitchen.

Memories Are Made in the Kitchen explores how cooking has been a way for families to sustain culture and pass down traditions to future generations. With a focus on the sense of connection people feel when they cook, the exhibition invites visitors to step into a welcoming, home-like space filled with evocative sights, and sounds. The exhibition offers a series of deeply personal glimpses into the ways cooking helps to sustain culture, adapt culinary traditions, and forge new memories through food.

The exhibition was developed in partnership with Laurysen Kitchens with support from the Ingenium Foundation.

Quote

"Memories Are Made in the Kitchen is a poignant example of what happens when community, culture, and curiosity come together. This exhibition honours the role food plays in connecting people, preserving traditions, and creating new memories. We are deeply grateful to the community participants and cultural experts who generously shared their memories, techniques, and recipes with us. We can't wait to welcome visitors into this new space to discover the intimate culinary traditions and practices of Canadians."

- Kerry-Leigh Burchill, Director General, Canada Agriculture and Food Museum

"Laurysen Kitchens is truly honored to have contributed to the Lil Chef Play Kitchen space at the Canadian Agriculture and Food Museum. This space is designed knowing that it will expose children to food and cooking in such an exciting and playful way, and all while creating lasting impact and memories for all who engage with it. We are so thrilled to see how the ideas of our team and the team at Ingenium have combined to make this project a reality."

- Corey Laurysen, VP of Sales and Service, Laurysen Kitchens

Ingenium  Canada's Museums of Science and Innovation

Ingenium oversees three national museums of science and innovation in Ottawa  the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, and the Canada Science and Technology Museum. Its lngenium Centre houses an exceptional collection of artifacts, a research institute, and a digital innovation lab. Our museums, digital content, outreach programs, travelling exhibitions, and collaborative spaces help to educate, entertain, and engage audiences across Canada and around the world. Our mandate is to bring science literacy and inspiration to people in Canada of all ages, abilities, identities, and backgrounds.

SOURCE Ingenium

Media Contact: Philippe Tremblay, Ingenium - Canada's Museums of Science and Innovation, [email protected], 343-543-5337
A roundup of the most newsworthy press releases from Cision Distribution this week

TORONTO, July 4, 2025 /CNW/ - With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on Cision. To help journalists and consumers stay on top of the week's most newsworthy and popular releases, here's a recap of some major stories from the week that shouldn't be missed.

The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download.

Cision Canada - The Weekly Round-Up (PRNewsfoto/Cision Canada)

Read more of the latest releases from Cision, see our resources for journalists, and stay caught up on the top press releases by following @cnwnews.

About Cision Canada

Cision is a comprehensive communications platform enabling more than 100,000 public relations and marketing professionals around the world to understand, influence and amplify their stories. As the market leader, Cision enables the next generation of communication professionals to strategically operate in the modern media landscape where company success is directly impacted by public opinion. Cision has offices in 24 countries through the Americas, EMEA and APAC, and offers a suite of best-in-class solutions, including Newswire, Brandwatch, Cision Communications Cloud and Cision Insights. To learn more, visit www.cision.ca and follow @CisionCA on Twitter.

SOURCE Cision Canada

For questions, contact the team at [email protected].
A masseuse at a high-class spa in Bergen County has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman during a massage in June, officials with the Bergen County Prosecuters Office said.

Dong H. Oh, 55, of Teaneck was charged with second-degree sexual assault on Wednesday after a nearly month-long investigation, officials said.

Edgewater police were notified about an alleged sexual assault at the SoJo Spa Club in Edgewater on June 4 by the Special Victims Unit of the Bergen County Prosecutors Office, officials said.

Authorities said Oh sexually assaulted a woman during a massage at the spa the previous day, June 3. No further details were released by authorities.

SoJo Spa Club said they are aware of the allegations against Oh and said they believe he will be exonerated.

While we cannot discuss specific details due to the ongoing nature of the legal process, we do wish to report that we have carefully investigated these allegations and firmly believe they are without merit and that our staff member will be fully vindicated, the spa said in an emailed statement to NJ Advance Media.

Oh was arrested in Edgewater on Wednesday and is being held in the Bergen County Jail pending his first court appearance, officials said.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Bergen County Prosecutors Office tip line at 201-226-5532.

Mr. Oh denies the allegations against him and has entered a plea of not guilty, Ohs attorney Omid S. Irani said. He maintains his innocence and will defend his case in court.

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Detectives are searching for a masked person who robbed a Bergen County bank at gunpoint Thursday morning, investigators said

Police were called to the Wells Fargo Bank located at 115 Broadway in Elmwood Park at 9:19 a.m. according to a statement from Bergen County Prosecutors Office Deputy Chief of Detectives Jeff Angermeyer.

One bank employee suffered a minor injury during the incident, Angermeyer said.

The suspect entered the bank wearing a mask and hoodie, and holding a handgun, before assaulting an employee and demanding money, investigators said.

Multiple agencies searched the area but were unable to find the suspect, who fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash before police arrived, he said.

Anyone with information was asked to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or by going online to tips.fbi.gov or the Bergen County Prosecutors Office Tips Line at (201) 226-5532.

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Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com.
Authorities in Mount Holly said they are investigating an incident involving an ambulance that struck a home leaving four people injured Thursday, police said in a social media post.

The incident took place around 3:30 p.m. on the 900 block of Woodlane Road when an ambulance was involved in a motor vehicle collision and then hit a home, police said.

Four people were injured in the incident, including one person inside the home, police said.

The driver of the ambulance, an EMT and a patient inside the ambulance were also injured, police said.

None of the injuries were life threatening, according to police. Police said they do not believe criminal activity was associated with the incident.

The ambulance appeared to be associated with TriCare Medical Transportation, a New Jersey based medical transport company.

TriCare Medical Transportation President, Anthony S. Maneri Jr., said one of the companys ambulances was completing a non-emergent transport from a hospital to a facility when it struck the home on Woodlane Avenue.

One person was in the home at the time of the collision and three EMTs and one patient were aboard the ambulance, Maneri Jr. said.

No one was seriously injured in the incident, according to Maneri Jr.

The safety of our patients, employees, and the community is our highest priority, Maneri Jr. said. We are fully cooperating with local law enforcement and other relevant agencies as they investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident. A full internal review is also underway.

Officials with the Mount Holly Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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Glenn Howerton, co-creator and star of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," recently revealed why he almost left the show's cast. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP) Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP

Glenn Howerton, longtime co-star of hit series Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia, recently revealed why he almost exited the show.

In an Its Always Sunny 20th anniversary celebration in New York City Tuesday, Howerton said that he wanted to quit as he feared the show had peaked ahead of its 12th season.

I was worried that maybe, we had sort of peaked or something, and I just was like, you know, weve been doing this for a long time and I think I was also anxious, Howerton, 49, said. I had not figured out yet how to, stretch myself and be able to do other things that I wanted to do with my career outside of the show... I was aching to do other things and so I was starting to feel a little boxed in, frankly.

*******THIS IS A LINK TO THE VIDEO BUT ITS ACTING CRAZY: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1031250748989097

The Its Aways Sunny co-creator was joined by co-stars Rob McElhenney, Kaitlin Olson, Charlie Day, and Danny DeVito on the panel which celebrated the series status as the longest-running live-action American comedy of all time.

It was unclear if Howerton, who plays Dennis Reynolds on the show, would return for the shows 13th season after Dennis exit to North Dakota at the conclusion of season 12 in 2017. It seemed as if that was the actors out to focus on his next comedy series, A.P. Bio.

The actor explained that it had been a misconception that he wanted to leave Its Always Sunny to focus on A.P. Bio, another comedy he starred in.

He returned to the show for seasons following seasons although he discontinued writing for the show.

A.P. Bio was cancelled in 2021 after four season on Peacock.

The long-running Its Always Sunny series 17th season is currently in development.

More entertainment news:

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Paul Simon performing in 2021. Back pain has forced him to cancel concerts. Angela Weiss | AFP via Getty Images

Paul Simon had no choice but to cancel two of his concerts last month.

The back pain that had dogged him just wouldnt quit. It had worsened to the point of being intolerable.

Now, after undergoing surgery to treat the pain, the music great is delaying another show.

As previously reported, Paul Simon underwent a surgical procedure this week to alleviate severe back pain that he has been experiencing for some time, read a statement posted by Simons Instagram account Thursday (see below).

Thanks to a great team of doctors, the surgery went well, as expected. However, it has become clear he will need one additional day of rest and recuperation to insure he is able to perform at the top of his ability in Long Beach (California). Therefore, out of an abundance of caution, we have made the decision to move the previously scheduled show on Monday, July 7, at the Terrace Theater in Long Beach, to Tuesday, July 8.

Simon, 83, a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, was born in Newark and grew up in Queens.

He previously canceled two concerts on his A Quiet Celebration tour set for June 28 and 29 at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia.

Paul has been struggling with chronic and intense back pain, his representatives said at the time. Today it became unmanageable and demands immediate attention.

They said he would be undergoing a minor surgical procedure.

Simon, who started out as one half of the folk rock pair Simon & Garfunkel with Art Garfunkel, has won 16 Grammys.

He received his first, with Garfunkel, for the No. 1 song Mrs. Robinson (record of the year in 1969) and the soundtrack to The Graduate.

Their album Bridge Over Troubled Water won the Grammy for album of the year in 1971, with the title song also winning record of the year and song of the year.

Simon and Garfunkel were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 and Simon was inducted again as a solo artist in 2001.

His solo hits include the No. 1 song 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover (1975), Loves Me Like a Rock (1973), Kodachrome (1973), Slip Slidin Away (1977) and You Can Call Me Al (1986).

Simons albums include the No. 1 release Still Crazy After All These Years (1975), Paul Simon (1972), There Goes Rhymin Simon (1973), Graceland (1986) and The Rhythm Of The Saints (1990).

His most recent album, his 15th as a solo artist, was Seven Psalms, released in 2023.

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Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com and followed at @AmyKup on Twitter/X, @amykup.bsky.social on Bluesky and @kupamy on Instagram and Threads.
None of the occupants aboard a skydiving plane that crashed Wednesday evening at Cross Keys Airport are believed to have suffered life-threatening injuries, officials said.

The Cessna 208B skydiving aircraft, which had 15 people onboard, went down around 5:30 p.m. near the Monroe Township airport in Gloucester County, according to the FAA.

After experiencing mechanical issues at roughly 3,000 feet, the pilot made the decision to perform an emergency landing, according to a statement from Skydive Cross Keys, a skydiving operation based at the privately-owned airport.

While the aircraft landed on the runway, it was unable to decelerate fully and continued beyond the end of the runway, coming to a stop in a wooded area, the statement read.

The plane was current on all scheduled maintenance and had recently undergone a routine FAA inspection, the company said.

Thirteen occupants suffered injuries that ranged from minor to serious, though none of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening, according to the statement.

Fire apparatus responded after a small aircraft crashed just off the runway at Cross Keys Airport in Williamstown, NJ on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. Dave Hernandez | For NJ Advance

Three occupants walked away uninjured and several of those transported to the hospital have since been discharged, while others continue to receive care, Skydive Cross Keys said.

As of 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, eight remain hospitalized at Cooper University Hospital in Camden with three of those in critical condition, according to a spokesperson for the hospital.

Some of the victims were screaming in pain and many were covered in fuel, while some of the planes occupants were trying to help the more seriously injured victims, Monroe Township Police Chief John McBride said during a Thursday press conference.

The plane was completely mangled, and just beyond repair. It just looked like a big pile of metal, and there was just people crawling out of it, McBride said. We basically had to escort everyone out to a safer location so that ambulance personnel could receive them and take them where they needed to be.

Firefighters and EMTs worked to cut the pilot free from the wreckage, McBride said.

Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we remain deeply concerned for their recovery, Skydive Cross Keys said in its statement. We are closely monitoring their progress and remain hopeful for the best possible outcomes.

Skydive Cross Keys said it was fully cooperating with the FAA and local authorities to determine the cause of the incident.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash and coordinating its efforts with the Federal Aviation Administration, which has investigators at the scene, NTSB spokesman Keith Holloway told NJ Advance Media Thursday.

A preliminary NTSB report is expected within 30 days, he said.

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Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com.
The U.S. Attorney's Office announced a series of settlement agreements and criminal charges on Monday that resulted from a nationwide investigation into health care fraud. Steve Hockstein | For NJ Advance Media

Newark Beth Israel Medical Center will pay $250,000 to resolve allegations brought against the teaching hospitals heart transplant program as part of a nationwide investigation by the United States Justice Department into health care fraud.

From Jan. 1, 2018, through Dec. 31, 2019, doctors working in Newark Beth Israels Center for Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant failed to provide adequate information to patients and their family members before asking them to consent to medical treatment, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

Authorities allege this resulted in unnecessary medical treatments submitted for payment to Medicare.

Newark Beth Israel denies the allegations and contends it never asked patients or their family members to consent to medical treatment without having provided them with full information.

This civil settlement is not in any way an admission of wrongdoing or liability on the part of Newark Beth Israel, a hospital spokesperson said in a statement sent to NJ Advance Media.

Furthermore, the spokesperson said, this matter is completely unrelated to any of the actions announced by the government in its omnibus press release.

The settlement agreement with Newark Beth Israel was announced on Monday as part of a national health care fraud takedown that resulted in criminal charges against 324 defendants, including 96 doctors, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and other licensed medical professionals across the country, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorneys Office.

The charges involve physicians and pharmacies submitting reimbursements for drugs, devices, and tests that patients didnt need, pharmacies seeking reimbursement for drugs they never sold, and healthcare providers who received kickbacks to drive phony prescriptions, according to the press release.

These health care schemes resulted in a loss of over $14.6 billion, according to federal authorities.

The nationwide fraud investigation also resulted in 25 civil settlement agreements, including the one with Newark Beth Israel.

In New Jersey, there were five other settlement agreements.

Excel Pharmacy Inc. in Jersey City is paying $3 million to resolve allegations that from Jan. 2, 2015, through Jan. 25, 2022, the retail pharmacy submitted claims for reimbursement to Medicare and New Jersey Medicaid for drugs that were never sold, according to a settlement agreement. A pharmacist who answered the phone Thursday afternoon said the owner wasnt around to provide a comment.

QuickRx LLC., an entity affiliated with Community Pharmacy and authorized to settle claims on its behalf, has agreed to pay $962,821 to resolve allegations the pharmacy sought reimbursement from Medicare and New Jersey Medicaid for drugs it never sold from Jan. 7, 2015, through Jan. 24, 2022. A pharmacist said the owner of Community Pharmacy was not in when NJ Advance Media called Thursday afternoon for comment.

Raghu Ram Inc., which does business as Camden Discount Pharmacy, is paying $310,000 to resolve claims it billed Medicare and New Jersey Medicaid between Jan. 2, 2015, through Jan. 24, 2022, for drugs it never sold. Raghu Ram claims in the settlement agreement that it underwent a stock sale in January 2018 that resulted in a change in ownership of Camden Discount Pharmacy. The owner was not around Thursday when NJ Advance Media called for comment and did not immediately respond via email.

Rachit Drug Inc., a retail pharmacy located in Newark, has agreed to pay $250,000 to settle claims that it sought reimbursement from Medicare and New Jersey Medicaid from Jan. 2, 2015, through Jan. 25, 2022, for drugs it never sold. Rachit Drug claims in the settlement agreement that it was sold to new owners in May 2022 in an arms-length stock sale, but the conduct occurred prior to the sale. A pharmacist who answered the phone Thursday told NJ Advance Media the owner was not around to comment on the matter.

Premier Dental Holdings, which does business as Sonrava Health, will pay $540,000 to resolve allegations that from Jan. 1, 2021 through July 31, 2023, it submitted reimbursements to Medicare and New Jersey Medicaid for services performed by providers who did not have the proper credentials. Sonrava Health did not immediately respond Thursday afternoon to requests for comment.

There were also three criminal cases announced in the District of New Jersey.

Alan Vaughan, 56, of the United Kingdom, was charged with conspiracy to violate the federal anti-kickback statute in connection with an $80 million scheme to generate referrals for medical equipment and cancer genetic tests. Vaughan, who traveled between the United Kingdom and New Jersey, paid kickbacks to marketers in exchange for personal health and insurance information about Medicare beneficiaries, sent that information to telemedicine companies, and then got kickbacks for each item or each test for which Medicare provided reimbursement, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

Taejin Kim, 43, a licensed physical therapist from River Vale, was charged with defrauding the Amtrak health care program of approximately $2.25 million by submitting false and fraudulent claims. According to charging documents, Kim used businesses he owned and operated to bill the Amtrak health plan for services that were never provided and that were medically unnecessary.

Nestor E. Jaime, the owner of Jaime Pharmacy in Paterson, was charged with health care fraud in connection with receiving $2.5 million from Medicare for prescription medications the pharmacy never sold.

Attorney information was not immediately provided for any of the defendants.

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Jackie Roman may be reached at jroman@njadvancemedia.com.
NY Waterways offers free rides to kids this summer. Here, a ferry departs the Port Liberte terminal in Jersey City on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal)

This summer, children younger than 12 will be able to ride for free on NY Waterway ferries between New Jersey and Manhattan.

The promotion begins Saturday, July 5, and will continue through Monday, Sept. 1. Up to two children younger than 12 can ride at no cost when accompanied by one, single-paying adult rider, according to NY Waterway officials.
More than 400 employees will be impacted when GEODIS, a global transport, logistics and supply chain management provider, closes its Monroe Township location on July 31, said Lauren McKirgan, a company spokesperson.

A total of 426 employees will be laid off as the facility relocates to Eastern Pennsylvania due to key customer moving operations, McKirgan said.

So far 92 employees were laid off on April 27, and the remaining 334 workers began leaving on June 6.

According to McKirgan, the company will provide comprehensive support to those affected and assistance in their career transition.

We are deeply grateful for the continued support of the people and leadership of the Monroe Township area, McKirgan said.

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Rebecca Heath may be reached at RHeath@njadvancemedia.com.
A view of Ellis Island from behind the bridge connecting the island to Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey. Ed Murray| For NJ Advance Media

A wall of scaffolding is surrounding one of the nations most treasured national monuments this Fourth of July.

The scaffolding surrounding part of Ellis Island is visible from Liberty State Park, a short distance away in Jersey City. It is part of two separate renovation projects totaling $117.7 million underway on the historic island, which was the entry point for 12 million immigrants between 1892 and 1954.

One of the projects is dubbed Ellis Reimagined, a $100 million interior project overhauling the museum in what was once the main immigration building. The renovation will modernize exhibits and make other improvements in the 125-year-old building, according to the National Park Service.

The park service is working on the project with the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, which played a key role in restoring and opening the museum and Ellis Island to the public in 1990. The foundation is raising money for Ellis Reimagined.

Our project will ensure that the National Museum of Immigration will welcome, educate, and inspire visitors for decades to come, Jesse Brackenbury, the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundations CEO, said at the start of the project.

The second project includes exterior renovations to the same main immigration building. It is the reason for the scaffolding that has been in place since April 2024, a park service spokesperson said.

The exterior renovation is funded by a $17.7 million contract awarded under the federal Great American Outdoors Act enacted in 2020 to expedite long-delayed repairs at national parks and other public lands.

Work began in November 2023.

We hope to have both projects completed by the end of 2026, the National Park Service spokesperson said.

Visitors walking through a section of Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey, directly across from Ellis Island. Ed Murray| For NJ Advance Media

This years Independence Day is taking place amid an intensifying national debate over immigration, with President Donald Trump and his supporters pushing for additional restrictions.

Ellis Island and the nearby Statue of Liberty, located on Liberty Island, remain the nations two most visible symbols of immigration and the role it has played in the U.S.

In contrast with the Statue of Liberty, which closed for more than a year during a restoration leading up to its 1986 centennial, Ellis Island has remained open during both current renovation projects. Ellis Island previously closed for nearly a year after Hurricane Sandy flooded the island in 2012, resulting in a $77 million cleanup.

During the current renovation, the park service is providing updates on temporary exhibit closures at the museum on its website.

An exhibit on the first floor, Journeys: The Peopling of America 1550-1890 (Coming to America), was listed as closed as of Thursday, along with partial closures to some exhibits on the second floor.

On the third floor, the exhibits Silent Voices and Restoring a Landmark were listed as closed.

Advocates for Ellis Island and the museum said any disruptions are well worth it. The overhaul will create a 21st-century museum experience for the 21st-century visitor, according to the foundation.

The first phase of Ellis Reimagined, which got underway in the spring of 2024, expanded the American Immigrant Wall of Honor to tell a fuller story of immigration, including the names of more recent arrivals, the foundation said.

Previously, the wall was etched only with names of those who arrived at Ellis Island, who mostly were from Europe.

Soundscapes, immersive films, and interactive touchscreens and tableaus are among the contemporary flourishes being added at the museum, as described in an overview on the foundations website.

The project includes new lounge seating near the entrance, Wi-Fi throughout the museum and improvements to electrical and other systems.

The family history center is getting additional exhibit space, a mini-theater and a 50% increase in public research stations Available records are being broadened to include arrivals at ports of entry beyond Ellis Island.

Neither the foundation nor the park service provided an update this week on how much of the work already is complete.

The Manhattan skyline rising behind Ellis Island, as seem from Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey. Ed Murray| For NJ Advance Media

To support Ellis Reimagined, the foundation has launched a range of fundraising ventures.

Those donating at least $18.92  chosen to symbolize 1892, the first year immigrants arrived  will be named, along with their giving level, on the digital stewards manifest, located online and in the islands baggage room.

Separate visitation statistics for the islands are not maintained. Ellis and Liberty Islands reported 3.7 million visitors in 2024, when Ellis Reimagined began. That was about 17,000 less visitors than the year before.

We dont have any indication that the projects have had an impact on visitation, a National Park Service spokesperson said.

The museum has had 50 million visitors since opening in 1990, the foundation said.

Officials in New Jersey have sought for years to allow pedestrian access to Ellis Island from Liberty State Park via the current bridge or a replacement. But the National Park Service has objected, citing security concerns and revenues stemming stemming from the ferry service.

Ferries provide the only public access. A private ferry company brings visitors to the islands from two ports. One is in Liberty State Park in New Jersey, the other is in Battery Park City in New York City.

Caring people have put democracy in action to advocate for a free and green park behind Lady Liberty and Ellis Island. The park is the best neighbor possible for these great national shrines to democracy, said Sam Pesin, president of the Friends of Liberty State Park.

His late father, former Jersey City Councilman Morris Pesin, spearheaded the successful effort establishing Liberty State Park in 1976.

Ferries will be running to Ellis Island and Liberty Island on Independence Day from 9 a.m. through 7 p.m.

A view of the bridge to Ellis Island and New York Harbor as seen from Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey. Ed Murray| For NJ Advance Media

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Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com.
Ana Maria Hill, local 32BJ Service Employees International Union vice president, shows a petition to United Airlines at a demonstration at Newark Airport on July 3. The union is demanding seniority, wage and benefit protections after the airline changes contractors, requiring employees to reapply for their jobs. SL

Newark Airport union workers protested United Airlines decision to change contractors, which they said will force them to reapply for their jobs, lose seniority, benefits and possibly full time work.

Travelers at Terminal C were greeted by members of Local 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union Thursday, which represents airliner cleaners and lift truck drivers, holding signs and making statements about how the change could hurt them in lost seniority, health and other benefits.

The change from Prospect Cleaning Services to United Ground Express, Uniteds wholly owned subsidiary contractor could result in only 20% of the 600 airliner cleaners and lift truck drivers being offered full time jobs, union officials said. The remaining 80% would be offered 15 hour a week part-time positions, union officials said.

United Airlines makes millions of dollars from New Jersey residents traveling in and out of Newark Airport, but they are hiring a contractor who will set our neighbors back, said Ana Maria Hill, 32BJ vice president.

She held up a petition she said signed by 70% of the airport union workers that says we want to keep our jobs and seniority and benefits. It will be presented to airline officials, she said.

The union also contends the change will end employer sponsored health care and free immigration legal services for workers, including deportation defense.

United is moving aircraft cleaning at Newark to United Ground Express (UGE) in October, said Anthony Fleet, a United spokesperson.

UGE has already made conditional job offers to all Prospect employees to fill full-time and part-time roles paying more than $25 per hour and represented by the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAM), he said.

UGE is working closely with Prospect on this transition, and they have been communicating to Prospect employees to make sure they understand their options, he said. These are IAM-covered jobs and of course they include health care, he said.

But some union workers said they will lose years, and in some cases decades of seniority, and that the hiring process has been chaotic.

Shawn Hayes of Kearny said hes worked at the airport for 25 years for different contractors.

If they offer me a part-time job, I will have to get another job. Theyre canceling peoples seniority, he said. Were an asset to the company; we work on a lot of big planes. We will fight for justice.

Hayes said he drives a truck that moves planes to areas where they are serviced.

Weve not been told when job interviews start, we have to reapply for our jobs, he said.

Reducing full timers to part time hours would cut their income by 60%, Hill said.

UGE, Uniteds wholly-owned contractor, does not offer health insurance to its employees without a monthly co-premium, Hill said. It does not offer the legal services benefits enjoyed by 32BJ members, many of whom desperately need legal assistance with immigration.

She said Uniteds statement does not contest any of these cuts.

United claims UGE has offered all employees jobs, but UGE denied several workers applications for no good reason despite New Jerseys Service Worker Retention law, she said.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com.

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Phillipsburg police have made arrests in connection to an incident where shots were fired into a home on Mercer Street. Tim Wynkoop | For lehighvalleylive.com

Phillipsburg police have arrested two people who are accused of firing nine shots into an occupied home Monday night, according to a news release from the Warren County prosecutor.

Dorien E. Roberts, 18, of Port Murray, and Alfatir T. Kelly, 26, of Phillipsburg, are each charged in connection with the shootings just before 2 a.m. Monday at Mercer and River streets, according to the news release issued Thursday.

Police were summoned to the intersection by gunshots detected by the towns ShotSpotter system and determined that nine shots were fired into a Mercer Street home occupied by three people.

When they arrived, police found a stolen car from Pennsylvania and shell casings, according to the release. A group of people ran away from the scene as police approached, it said.

The two suspects are charged with conspiracy to commit two gun crimes, conspiracy to commit criminal mischief and conspiracy to commit aggravated assault.

Both are being held in the Warren County Correctional Center in Belvidere, pending a hearing on a motion for pretrial detention next week.

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Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone is known to lose his cool with umpires now and then, but he's calmly handled his club dropping 13 of its last 19 games through Wednesday. AP

TORONTO  While a lot of Yankees fans are worried, frustrated and angry over what theyve seen in the last three weeks, theres been no panicking for manager Aaron Boone.

Hes calmly handled the Yankees going from seven games up in the AL East in late May to tied.
In two decades of swimming with whales, Tris had seen it all. Or so she thought. Source: Supplied

In 17 years of swimming alongside humpback whales in Tonga, Tris has witnessed just about everything  mothers guiding their calves, thunderous breaches, curious eyes peeking from the roaring waves of Haapai. But nothing prepared her for what she saw on a recent dive.

Originally from Yallingup, in the southwest of Western Australia, Tris has run her business from the Pacific Island nation for almost two decades. There, she leads tours through the surrounding waters, giving travellers the rare chance to swim alongside some of the oceans most awe-inspiring giants.

For most people, swimming beside humpback whales, which are known to grow up to 18 metres long and weigh 40 tonnes, is a rare enough experience. But swimming beside a "porcelain, pure-white" coloured calf? That's practically unheard of, Tris said in an interview with Yahoo News Australia.

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"It was like a dream," she said of the September encounter. "I just felt like I was holding my breath. Ive swum with thousands and thousands of whales and calves, and to me, it didnt seem real."

"I couldnt help thinking it was more precious than everything else."

More albino whale calves are turning up in waters across the Pacific. Source: Whale Discoveries/Tris Sheen/Supplied

Australian woman Tris said she became emotional during the encounter, describing it as 'like a dream'. Source: Whale Discoveries/Tris Sheen/Supplied

What causes albinism in whales?

Due to the genetic mutations that cause their lack of pigmentation, white whales are extremely uncommon. True albinism is the result of a recessive gene that both parents must carry  a rare combination in wild populations. Leucism, another condition that causes pale or patchy colouring, is also unusual and not well understood in whales, making this experience all the more extraordinary.

At the time, Tris had heard reports that an all-white calf was swimming in the area with its mother, while a friend spotted another in Vavau, about 100 nautical miles north. Tris said she'd never seen an albino herself, despite her years of experience, yet suddenly, she was confronted with two young albino females. Initially there was speculation the pair might have been confused as the same individual, but "after analysing photos of the mothers", she "knew we were dealing with two separate calves" in the region.

The calf and her mother were spotted off the coast of Haapai in Tonga. Source: Whale Discoveries/Tris Sheen/Supplied

Tris, of Whale Discoveries, was initially hesitant about taking guests to swim with the baby. "I was very aware of the pressure this whale may have encountered or may encounter in the future with people's desire to swim with it," she said. But eventually, she decided she would take a group, but only for a maximum of 10 minutes.

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"They were completely blown away, even seeing the whale from above the water," she recalled. "We discussed whether we should get in with it or not, ethically. We decided on a quick swim, and they were so grateful and appreciative.

"They realised how rare it was. We have strict regulations in Tonga, and we abided by them, but we were extra careful with the white baby."

Reflecting on the magical moment she spent with the calf, made even more emotional after having lost her own son, Tris described the encounter as "just indescribably beautiful".

"I kind of had expectations that it might behave differently. But in actual fact, mum and baby just acted like any normal mum and baby. We saw it breaching with its mum, playing. It approached us like any other calf might do. The immaculate state of her, no scratches, no cuts. Just pure pristine white.

"When she came really close, I looked at her and saw her bloodstained eye. That's when we knew it was true albinism."

Tris hopes to see the calf again in the upcoming season. Source: Whale Discoveries/Tris Sheen/Supplied

Could Migaloo still be out there, and is he producing offspring?

This week, another white calf was spotted off the NSW Mid North Coast, prompting Tris to reach out to share her remarkable experience and help spark greater interest in these rare sightings. Earlier this month, a white whale was spotted off the Queensland coast near K'gari, generating further excitement.

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For Tris, she believes it's "definitely possible theres some family connection" to Migaloo, the famous albino humpback first detected in 1991. He was seen frequently over the decades, and very likely mated and produced several generations of offspring, but since 2020, he has seemingly vanished.

Tris has taken tourists diving with the albino calf in recent months. Source: Supplied

Though there's no way to tell if any of the recent whale sightings are in any way connected, experts say Migaloo's "genes are still out there". "We havent proven that Migaloo isnt around anymore  he may have made it to the east coast of Australia the year before, then returned to Tonga to birth the white calf we saw," Tris suggested.

"He had a long breeding history, so he may have fathered the calves were now seeing in Tonga. If the genetics are stretching across the Tongan whales, thats an interesting thought."

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HAMMOND  In the midst of divisive national rhetoric around the United States' immigration policies, a group of 28 individuals became U.S. citizens during a ceremony Thursday morning at Wolf Lake Pavilion in Hammond.

"Your presence here is a powerful reminder of what America truly is," said Mark Lopez, representing U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, D-Highland. "A nation continually renewed and enriched by the people who choose it."

The newly naturalized citizens come from 19 countries: Argentina, Belgium, Canada, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Germany, Ghana, Honduras, India, Ireland, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, South Korea, Lebanon, Malawi, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, Venezuela, Vietnam and Yemen.

They were joined by representatives of the League of Women Voters of the Calumet area, local and state government officials, attorneys and immigration service officers who shared the importance of the founding values of the country and the significance of immigrants' impact on the U.S. economy, culture and democracy. Among them were representatives of the offices of Mrvan, Gov. Mike Braun, U.S. Sen. Jim Banks and U.S. Sen. Todd Young; Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales; the Indiana Bar Association's Kerry Connor; Valparaiso University School of Law Professor Emerita Rosalie Levinson; Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr.; state Rep. Carolyn Jackson, D-Hammond; and Hammond City Councilwoman-at-large Janet Venecz. U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Abizer Zanzi presided over the ceremony.

Hammond naturalization ceremony Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. speaks to immigrants as they prepare to become citizens of the United States at the Naturalization Ceremony

Zanzi, Levinson and Morales shared their own personal immigration stories with the group  Zanzi, a first-generation American whose parents immigrated from India; Levinson, the daughter of Jewish parents who fled Europe after experiencing the horrors of the Holocaust; and Morales, who said he recalls the nervousness he felt after filling out the applications and taking the test to become a U.S. citizen.

"I remember that day I became a naturalized citizen. It was one of the best days of my life," Morales said. "I came to this great country with my family from Guatemala, as many of you came from your countries driven by the faith and the belief that here in America, dreams could become reality, and I'm living proof of that."

Patriotic speeches given the day before the country's 249th anniversary sought to confute President Donald Trump's varied remarks about immigration and stricter enforcement of immigration laws since he took office in January. Some speeches showed appreciation for the group of immigrants who came "the right way," and others acknowledged the vilification of immigrants in the current political climate.

At the beginning of Zanzi's remarks, he said a portion of the expected participants did not show up for the ceremony. Approximately two of the five rows of chairs on stage were void of people.

"Demonization of immigrants, as well as political polarization, Islamophobia and white nationalism have polluted our society," Levinson said. "In the last few months, we have all learned that we cannot take our democracy for granted."

The families of the citizens watched with pride as their loved ones took the Oath of Allegiance, one of the final requirements to become a U.S. citizen.

Rebecca Pena attended in celebration of her husband, Jose. She was teary-eyed after she and her young daughters watched him attain his citizenship.

"It's a whole new life [for us]," she said.

Jose Pena said he has lived in the U.S. since he was in second grade. When he was in college, he became a recipient of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, available to the children of immigrants who were brought to America at least five years prior to the program's inception in 2012. The program allowed him to work and provide for his family until he was able to apply for permanent citizenship through his wife.

"It's been a long journey," he said. "But I'm so happy. It's more meaningful now, just because of the state of our overall world."

Hammond naturalization ceremony Yury Avvakumov and Sheldon Shaw chat before the start of the Naturalization Ceremony in Hammond Thursday.

Yury Avvakumov was born in the former Soviet Union but spent most of his life prior to coming to the U.S. in Germany. He arrived in 2010 to teach in the University of Notre Dame's Department of Theology as a medieval historian. He said he loves working at the university and is surrounded by incredible colleagues and fantastic students.

There were many reasons behind his desire to become a citizen, he said, one being the desire to participate in democracy.

"It makes sense to participate more actively in public life here," he said. "To have more confidence in your opinion on various matters."

Hammond naturalization ceremony Olivia Munene, 6, waves her flag after her mother Milika Kamau became a citizen of the United States at the Naturalization Ceremony in Hammond

Eva Cerrato has lived in the U.S. for 12 years. She followed her husband, Edwin Turcios, whom she said was her "first love." Cerrato and Turcios said the citizenship process took about six months. She had to live in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident for five years before she could apply, per U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

Cerrato said they have found more of a fruitful lifestyle in the U.S. as opposed to their home country of Honduras.

"We have more opportunity," Cerrato said. "And safety. Everything is different."

Turcios said he arrived in the U.S. when he was 14 years old. He noted that with more opportunity comes more hard work.

"It's not easy to accomplish here," Turcios said. "But at least you have the chance to do it."

Turcios said many of his counterparts have come to the U.S. to live and work lawfully. He said he doesn't believe it is right to lump every immigrant into one category when they all behave differently.

"I know we're all created equal," Turcios said. "But we're not all equal. A lot of people come here for a better place to live, trying to avoid being persecuted. That's how they're feeling right now. I understand going for the people who don't want to follow the rules. There needs to be respect. But just labeling everybody as equal is not the right approach."

For this naturalized couple, they have another reason to celebrate: Thursday is their 14-year anniversary.

"I'm so happy right now," Cerrato said, smiling.

Hammond naturalization ceremony After becoming citizens of the United States, Rafa Saeed, left, and Valeria Garcia register to vote at the Naturalization Ceremony in Hammond 
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

Make America Paint Again.

On the Fourth of July, this will be the protest chant for J.J. Weinberg when he demonstrates alone outside the Trump Tower in Chicago. Friday marks the 30th death anniversary of Bob Ross, the popular painter, TV personality, and host of the PBS show, The Joy of Painting.

I grew up watching PBS. Bob Ross isnt just an icon. Hes a spiritual archetype. Hes the patron saint of paint, said Weinberg, a graduate of the American Academy of Art in Chicago. Bob taught that there is an artist hidden in each of us.

Weinberg, a professional artist who lives in Valparaiso, will protest in costume as his artistic hero, Ross, known for his Afro perm hairstyle, calm demeanor and quirky catchphrases. His rise to fame emerged from the broad brushstrokes of financial support and international popularity from public media broadcasting.

The state of Indiana has already cut $3.7 million to PBS, Weinberg said. No PBS, no Bob Ross. Its that simple. So now its my mission to stand up for the democratization of imagination.

Raising money, raising a fist

Weinberg chose to protest outside Trump Tower because the Trump administration has stripped federal funding from Public Broadcasting Service and National Public Radio, under the allegation that all public media has a liberal bias. Or, as the White House put it in May, the government will no longer subsidize entities that receive tens of millions of dollars in taxpayer funds each year to spread radical, woke propaganda disguised as news.

Weinberg adamantly disagrees.

Trump has also threatened to freeze $9.4 billion in federal PBS support, he said.

PBS not only gave us Ross and his passionate joy of painting a better world.

It gave us Mark Kistler, who taught me how to draw when I was a kid. It gave us Fred Rogers. It gave us LeVar Burton and an entire generation of permission to imagine, Weinberg said. When PBS is de-funded, imagination becomes a luxury, and media becomes a weapon for the highest bidder.

Every episode of The Joy of Painting was filmed in downstate Muncie, where Ross made his anything-but-paint-by-number dreams come true. Weinberg has visited that city to meet, and paint with, Steve Ross, the late painters son. And to meet with Sally Schenck, the original director of Joy of Painting.

Bob wouldve loved this, she told Weinberg. He wouldve loved you. Keep doing what youre doing.

Protesting in his blood

Fridays protest, in full Bob Ross regalia, is not the first public act of defiance for Weinberg. In 2008, he made national headlines after being arrested for singing a protest song about fossil fuel while standing atop a gas station. That fall, he rode his bike from Valparaiso to Washington, D.C. to personally punctuate his public message.

Hes considering repeating the journey for this issue, this time with a giant Afro attached to his helmet and wearing a denim shirt. In other words, Bob Ross on wheels. (Watch a video at NWI.com.)

Art can change the world. Art has changed the world, Weinberg told me a decade ago.

Since childhood, his artwork has been a conduit of energy for others.

I remember the first time someone said, Wow, you drew that? Thats amazing!' he recalled. I was probably about 8 years old. I just loved the energy I got from that. Its something thats defined my life.

Weinberg speaks in flowery brush strokes of creativity, wonderment and serendipity. His admiration for Ross became a passion project more than a decade ago. He created the Happy Little Hairdos "Bobberverse, a satirical tribute to Ross that spans from physical art to NFTs to live protests.

What began as a whimsical coffee table parody book has evolved into a national movement combining art, protest, NFTs, and performance to defend the values of PBS and reclaim the cultural legacy of Ross. Weinberg is committed to raise $370,000, 10% of the state funding gap, by donating 100% of profits from Happy Little Hairdos until he reaches that goal.

Million Bob March

Last month, Weinberg appeared in Times Square dressed as Ross, silently holding a Happy Little Protest sign and handing out postcards to invite the public to the Million Bob March in October, as Times Square billboards lit up with some of his images of Ross traveling through the multiverse.

This is more than a costume or protest. Its a living art piece inspired by the public media that shaped us, Weinberg said. There has been a philanthropic arm of my work, from day one, and now all focus has shifted to protecting PBS and preserving imagination in the face of de funding, greed, and cultural erasure.

Ross died from cancer at 52, though sporting a wig and a smile the whole time. Weinberg is sharing this part of Rosss story by making appearances as his hero at childrens hospitals to color their outlook with hope.

This isnt parody, its prophecy. This isnt cosplay, its Rossplay, Weinberg said, reflecting the catchy wordplay of Ross.

Hes raising money. Hes raising his fist. And hes raising the banner of public imagination, beginning on Independence Day at Trump Tower. His movement will culminate in the Million Bob March on Oct. 29, Rosss birthday, in Washington, D.C. Hes inviting people from across the country to show up that day dressed as Ross in a joyful, peaceful stand for public media and creative freedom. (For more info, visit www.happylittlehairdos.com.)

I believe this work has the potential to raise real awareness  and real funding  for PBS and the legacy it upholds, he said. Were showing up to protect the right to dream on public airwaves. We're showing up to Make America Paint Again."
An 8-year-old boy in Thailands Uttaradit Province, who had been neglected for years by his drug-addicted mother, spent most of his time with dogs and started communicating by barking.

Paveena Hongsakul of the Foundation for Children and Women learned about an 8-year-old boy in a drug-infested red zone of Uttaradit Province who had been neglected by his mother and older brother for so long that he started behaving like the dogs he spent most of his tie with. The disturbing case had been pitched to her by a school principal in Lap Lae district who claimed that the boys mother had brought him to school once only to collect benefits, but had never enrolled him. The child had not been in kindergarten either and had been emotionally abandoned by his mother and brother. He had found the love and attention he craved from a pack of dogs, and instead of talking like a human, he began to bark like them.

Hongsakul coordinated with local police in Lap Lae district to investigate the case and was shocked to discover that her information had been correct. Upon testing the boys 46-year-old mother and his 23-year-old brother, officers confirmed that they both had drugs in their system and were more concerned with getting their next fix than raising the boy.

After questioning the neighbors, law enforcement officers learned that the mother routinely begged for money and food, and because of her known drug use, most people avoided the whole family. That meant that kids wouldnt play with the womans youngest son, and since she and her older son ignored him, he had taken refuge in a pack of dogs, imitating their behavior, even their barking.

Thai newspaper Khaosod reports that the boy, referred to only as A to protect his privacy, was taken to the Uttaradit Childrens Home, where experts will make sure he learns to communicate in a human language and that he gets a proper education.
TWO men will be granted bail if they surrender firearms to the gardai, a judge decided at Tullamore District Court.

John Pio Ward (41) and Patrick Ward (37), both with different addresses at Kilcruttin Halting Site, Tullamore, appeared in custody before Judge William Aylmer on Wednesday, July 2.

Sandra Mahon, Offaly State Solicitor, told the court the DPP had directed prosecution by indictment and the book of evidence would be available on September 3.

In relation to John Pio Ward, Detective Garda David Bannon gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution and said Mr Ward had no reply when charges were put to him.

He is accused of violent disorder and being in possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life on March 21 last in Tullamore.

Detective Garda Bannon said there had been an incident at the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore on the night of March 21 and afterwards there was another incident at the unofficial halting site in Kilcruttin.

The garda said he opposed bail and it would be alleged that John Pio Ward shot Michael McDonagh in the chest at the unofficial halting site.

He added that Michael McDonagh had made a statement identifying John Pio Ward as the man who shot him after between 12 and 15 men arrived at the unofficial halting site.

READ NEXT: Council makes decision on plans for Offaly direct provision centres

David Nugent, BL, for John Pio Ward, said if admitted to bail the accused man would observe strict conditions, including signing on in a garda station and living in Galway instead of Tullamore.

Detective Garda Bannon said the gardai would not be satisfied if John Pio Ward was granted bail subject to conditions.

Michael McDonagh told the bail application hearing that when he heard a crowd was coming to the halting site he put his two sons into their caravan and when he was standing at the door John Ward lifted a gun, pointed it at him and shot him in the chest.

Mr McDonagh said he 100% knew it was John Ward. He knew John Pio Ward since 2012.

Mr McDonagh had pellet wounds in his chest and face as a result of the shooting and was brought to Tullamore Hospital and then to St James's Hospital.

Mr Nugent called a witness, Lindsay Lowbridge, who said when she visited her friend Eileen McDonagh in the official halting site between about 8.55pm and 11pm on March 21 she saw John Pio Ward at his bay from the hut she was in.

Asked by Sergeant Brendan Kearns why she had not said this previously, Ms Lowbridge said she was a bit afraid and did not come from the Travelling community herself.

She said nobody had asked her to come to court and give her evidence and she knew John Pio Ward because she worked in the nearby Applegreen store and would see him every other day.

Replying to Judge Aylmer, Sergeant Kearns said that while pellets had been recovered, shotguns had not been and it was suspected two firearms had been discharged that night.

Judge Aylmer decided to remand John Pio Ward in custody with consent to bail to appear in court again on July 9 on condition bonds and an independent surety were entered.

In addition, it is a condition of bail that the accused man surrender or procure the surrender of all firearms, certified or uncertified, he or his family had, including any used on March 21.

John Pio Ward is also to reside at an address in Galway city and sign in at the local garda station each Monday, Wednesday and Friday and have no contact with alleged injured parties.

Mr Nugent said his client denied having any firearms but Judge Aylmer told him it was uncontested that there had been a discharge of at least one firearm.

Detective Garda Andrew Dolan outlined similar charges in relation to Patrick 'Pa' Ward and objected to bail.

Detective Garda Dolan said it was alleged that Patrick Ward had shot Anthony McDonagh on the night of March 21 last at the unofficial halting site. Patrick Ward is in a relationship with Anthony's sister Eileen, he added.

The garda stated that Patrick Ward had said Shoot him again, kill Anthony and it would also be alleged that a round was discharged at Anthony McDonagh's son.

Detective Garda Dolan said that while searches had been conducted for firearms they had not been recovered.

A statement was taken from Anthony McDonagh after some time was given for him to recover from his injuries in St James's Hospital, injuries which the gardai believed had been life threatening for a period.

Anthony McDonagh gave evidence that he had been standing outside his home in the unofficial halting site when he was shot in the chest with a shotgun by Patrick Ward. He was 100% sure the man who shot him was Patrick Ward and he had been struck in the lung, heart, shoulders and nose by pellets.

Anthony McDonagh said that after he was shot he went to the back of his caravan and Patrick Ward tried to get into it with another man, Sean Ward.

Mr Nugent, for Patrick Ward, said he would not be calling any evidence but said his client was also willing to live in Galway. He pointed out that his partner was just two-and-a-half weeks away from having a baby.

Judge Aylmer remanded Patrick Ward in custody with consent to bail with similar terms as John Pio Ward.

Three more men were also before the court in connection with alleged incidents on March 21.

Gardai opposed bail being granted to Michael Ward (30), Kilcruttin Halting Site, who was accused of producing an article in the course of a dispute outside the A&E department of Tullamore Hospital.

CCTV footage from the incident was played in court and gardai alleged that a knife had been brandished by Michael Ward.

The court was told that Michael Ward had been on bail prior to this week's court appearance and had not breached the conditions. He had even come to court for a variation of the conditions on the day of his mother's funeral.

Judge Aylmer granted Michael Ward bail and remanded him to appear in court again on September 3 next.

Sean Ward, Kilcruttin Halting Site, a brother of Michael, was before the court on similar charges and gardai also alleged he could be seen in CCTV footage.

Judge Aylmer also granted him bail and remanded him to September 3.

Finally, Richard Ward (27), also of Kilcruttin Halting Site and accused of violent disorder, was remanded on continuing bail to appear in court on the same date. Gardai had no objection to bail in his case.

The DPP had directed trial by indictment in cases of Michael, Sean and Richard Ward, the court was told.
THE information sign which was stolen from Killoughey old graveyard last weekend has been returned to the site by an unknown person.

Odran Condron, who came up with the idea for the development along with his mother Breda, discovered the sign left at the perimeter wall of the graveyard on Thursday evening.

But the sign has been damaged and a new one will have to be manufactured before it can be erected local councillor Neil Feighery told the Tribune.

"I'm delighted to see that it had been returned and I really hope we can draw a line under the incident," said the Fine Gael public representative.

He said the graphics for the original information sign can all be reused for a new sign.

"I look forward to the rescheduling of the official unveiling ceremony," added Cllr Feighery.

Last weekend Cllr Feighery described the theft of the information sign as "a despicable act of evil."

Odran Condron said the theft was "devastating for those who put a year's work" into the project.

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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 Odran,

"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."

Local councillor Neil Feighery said he was "utterly disheartened and disgusted at this low act of theft from a sacred and historic place."

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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.

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.
A Offaly man, who admitted stealing fuel worth 30 from a local service station and driving off, has been convicted and fined.

Jamie Collins (21) of 56 Chancery Park Road, Tullamore pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to the theft of the diesel on September 4, 2023.

Sergeant Enda Daly said the defendant carried out the offence at the Circle K service station, Battery Road in Longford and the incident was captured on CCTV. Mr Collins had nine previous convictions.

Solicitor Fiona Baxter said her client, a father of two young children, has a good work history and up until October 2024 he had been employed as a labourer all around the country.

She stated he had some family difficulties and that seemed to have a 'detrimental affect' on his mental health'.

"Prior to going into custody he was engaging with CADS (Community Alcohol and Drugs Service) and he is awaiting an assessment for ADHD. Ms Baxter said her client's parents are very supportive.

READ NEXT: Tullamore motorist fined 950 for driving with no insurance and licence 

"This is the first time he has spent any time in custody and that has been an eye-opening experience and it has had an effect.

Ms Baxter said there was 30 in court to pay the injured party and she appealed to Judge Bernadette Owens to deal with him as leniently as possible and consider his young age.

Judge Owens considered the case and noted the defendant had no previous theft convictions and that he had offered compensation.

She convicted him and fined him 200 with four months to pay.
VOLUNTEERS at Lough Derg RNLI are celebrating the achievements of their fellow crew who have successfully passed a number of assessments following months of training.

Ciara Lynch is now a fully qualified crew member, while James Corballis has passed out as a navigator on the inshore lifeboat, and Mary Hurley has completed and passed her training as a Launch Authority.

Earlier this month, as part of what is known as a Tier 2 assessment, Ciara Lynch completed a theory exam on shore followed by a detailed assessment afloat that included helming the lifeboat, anchoring and veering, RADAR, recovering a person overboard and other emergency procedures. The achievement is a crucial milestone in a crew members training.

During the de-brief, Sean Ginnelly, RNLI Coastal Lifeboat Trainer, gave Ciara the great news that she had successfully passed out as a Tier 2 crew, thus making her a qualified RNLI crew member. Ciaras success reflects the months of classroom and afloat training in preparation for her assessment.

Living in Dromineer, Ciara became a volunteer with Lough Derg RNLI in the summer of 2021. She works as a primary school teacher, teaching 1st Class in Crinkill National School in Birr. She was encouraged to join the RNLI by her father Pat who served as a Launch Authority at the station for 10 years.

READ NEXT: PROPERTY: Family home in Offaly with stunning gardens and other extras on the market



I always wanted to support a charity, Ciara says, but never previously had the time. Covid changed everything and I enrolled after seeing my friends and neighbours also volunteering with the RNLI. I had no boating experience before joining the lifeboat station team, but I have learned so much in the last few years being a volunteer. I absolutely love being part of the station and especially being a crew member. I love being able to help people and I have learned so much. The crew in Lough Derg are amazing. I have met so many new people through the RNLI too.

Meanwhile, crew member James Corballis sat an hour long written paper, before going afloat for his assessment on the water to become a navigator.

Afloat, James was given numerous scenarios and challenges that included plotting a route to search and assist two casualties reported to be in the water, and once on scene plotting various search patterns. James had detailed assessments of the use of all the electronic navigation aids onboard the lifeboat, as well as initiating alternative navigation with systems failure scenarios. James was also assessed on navigation by RADAR in simulated dense fog.

Demonstrating exceptional skill and knowledge throughout his assessment, James passed his assessment; the culmination of months of training, on and off the water.

James works as a sound engineer. He became a volunteer with Galway RNLI in 2020. Living close to the station there, he was aware of all the work the charity does. His grandmother was also an active fundraiser for Clogherhead RNLI and so from an early age there has been a strong family connection to the RNLI.

James, a keen sailor and boatman, transferred to Lough Derg RNLI in 2024 when he relocated to the area: I already had my sea legs and Yachtmaster Offshore, but I have learned so much more since; the local knowledge and years of experience that is passed down from the helms and crew during training and shouts is invaluable. It has been a steep but rewarding and enjoyable learning curve, covering everything from casualty care to radar.

Mary Hurley, a community nurse, also sat an assessment to successfully pass out as Launch Authority. A keen sailor she joined Lough Derg Yacht Club in 2023.

READ NEXT: 'A despicable act of evil': Sign stolen from graveyard in Offaly

After returning to Ireland after a few decades in the UK, I decided to immerse myself in the community and get involved in a meaningful way. When Christine OMalley, Lifeboat Operations Manager suggested I volunteer for the RNLI, I got involved in April 2024. It has been an interesting experience to be involved in such a respected organisation and knowing that I make a small difference is the reward. I have great respect for the other volunteers and their skills experience and this is what keeps me involved.

As an RNLI Launch Authority, Mary helps save lives on Lough Derg by carrying out the day to day management of the lifeboat station to ensure a permanent state of readiness for service. In this role, Mary authorises the launch of the lifeboat, provides leadership in the absence of the Lifeboat Operations Manager or as delegated, and ensures that all operational activities are carried out to maintain the lifeboats and all associated equipment.
Eight men have been jailed over Irelands largest drugs seizure, made in 2023 after Irish soldiers dramatically intercepted a fleeing cargo ship.

Six of the ships crew and two others received sentences varying in length from 13 and a half years to 20 years in prison for their involvement, totalling 129 years in prison.

The authorities said the prosecutions prove Ireland is not a soft target for drug smuggling.

More than 2.2 tonnes of cocaine worth about 157 million euro (132 million) was found aboard the MV Matthew, after the ship was stormed by Irish troops in September 2023.

The drugs were seized after the Irish Army Ranger Wing boarded the vessel from helicopters in a daring operation conducted while the crew attempted to steer the ship to high seas.

Eight men admitted their roles in trying to smuggle cocaine as part of a massive drug trafficking operation.

Six of the men arrested on board the MV Matthew pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine for sale or supply between September 24 and 26 2023.

Dutch national Cumali Ozgen, 49, who the court heard occupied quarters on the ship ordinarily reserved for senior officers, and who had a supervisory role, received a sentence of 20 years.

The second officer, Harold Estoesta, 31, a Filipino national, received a sentence of 18 years.

The court heard that despite strong character references, Estoesta defied navy and customs instructions in a way unmatched by any other officer.

The captain of the vessel, Iranian Soheil Jelveh, 51 a married father of two, and who was not on board when the ship was intercepted, received 17 and a half years in prison.

Ukrainian national Vitaliy Vlasoi, 33, received a 16-and-a-half-year sentence and Mykhailo Gavryk, 32, received 14 years.

Saeid Hassani, 40, who was the third officer, received a 15-year sentence.

Two other men, who were on the boat the Castlemore, which had been bought in Castletownbere to collect drugs from the main vessel, were also sentenced for attempting to possess cocaine for sale or supply.

Ukrainian national Vitaliy Lapa, 62, with an address at Rudenka, Repina Str in Berdyansk, received a sentence of 14 and a half years.

Jamie Harbron, 31, of South Avenue, Billingham, Co Durham, in the UK, received a sentence of 13 and a half years in prison.

Ms Justice Melanie Greally said that among the mitigating factors taken into account for sentencing were the mens families, health conditions, character references from family and schools, and the challenges of serving time in prison away from home, making visits unlikely because of visas and cost.

The judge said that while the men do not belong to the upper echelons of the organised crime gang, and did not stand to profit from the sale of the drugs, the vast quantity of drugs and the potential harm of the highly addictive drug were taken into account as aggravating factors.

She said that apart from Harbron and Ozgen, each man possessed a high level of sea navigation skills, and that the transportation of large quantities of drugs at sea cannot take place without that knowledge.

Seafarers are not cogs, but valuable components of the engine, which allow drugs to be smuggled across international waters, she said.

She added that the court viewed the defendants, to various degrees, as committed to the success of the venture.

The non-jury court heard how the MV Matthew was registered in Panama in August 2023 and was owned by a Dubai-based company.

It left Venezuela in September, giving its destination as Gdansk in Poland.

The two tonnes of cocaine are believed to have been loaded on board the MV Matthew at sea off the coast of Venezuela on September 5, while the crew were deliberately distracted.

Although it was a 190-metre cargo ship for transporting bulk products such as grain, the court heard that the drugs cargo on board was akin to a few matchboxes in a car boot.

The MV Matthew and the Castlemore were to meet three times near Ireland in late September as part of the drug-smuggling operation.

A group chat was used to co-ordinate the meet-up and to receive instructions from Dubai.

But because of issues with the swell, as well as the smaller vessels struggle with slow speed and WiFi, it missed all three rendezvous and ran aground in Co Wexford.

The ships captain, Jelveh, who had expressed his unhappiness with the weather conditions, had fallen into disagreement with the contacts ashore.

He was winched off the ship into a lifeboat and taken to Waterford hospital, and then taken into Garda custody on September 26.

As the MV Matthew was travelling up the Irish Sea, it drew the attention of Irish Coast Guard.

The ships crew initially said it had changed course to Belfast, and then attempted to drop anchor as it needed to carry out engine repairs over two days, which the court said was evidently a ruse to buy time.

In the early hours of September 26, customs told the MV Matthew to return to Cork harbour.

Estoesta, who was in charge of communication, gave the appearance of compliance, the court said, but began travelling towards international waters.

The naval ship the LE William Butler Yeats, which had been in monitoring mode, switched to a warship and issued warning shots from a rifle and then a machine gun.

Estoesta radioed to the Irish naval ship and said we are a commercial vessel, we have families and that they do not like problems.

I dont like problems either. I want you to comply with our instructions and alter your course, the commander of the Irish naval vessel said.

Please advise are you in hot pursuit of us? Estoesta asked, and he was told they were.

The crew were advised by the Dubai group chat that they would find safe harbour in Sierra Leone and to be confident because there is a law preventing them from boarding the ship.

They were also told by the group to prepare to burn the drugs and dispose of their phones.

The Army Ranger Wing arrived by helicopter and chose the fifth cargo bay to land, which was located at front of the vessel.

Attempts were made by the crew to frustrate the landing of the soldiers on the boat from ropes dangling from helicopters, and to facilitate the destruction of items on board.

The court said the rope was suspended some distance from the landing area as Rangers descended, and therefore posed a risk to the Rangers, with no small amount of courage needed to execute the manoeuvre.

Smoke coming from a lifeboat on the MV Matthew was seen by the Rangers as they descended and because of their quick thinking, the fire was extinguished and the drugs were only partially burned.

They swiftly gained control of the ship without incident and put it on course for Cork.

Detective Superintendent Joe OReilly from An Garda Siochana, said the sentences provide a clear message that Ireland is not a soft target for international organised crime networks.

To those involved in drug trafficking, the message is clear that the full force of the Irish state, supported by our international partners, is against you, he told reporters outside the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin.

The reality facing you is security interdictions, special investigations, the Special Criminal Court, lengthy sentences and asset seizure.

Transnational organised crime gangs cause misery to communities, not only in Ireland but throughout the world.

Tackling these gangs not only makes Ireland safer but all the other countries that they operate in as well.

Detective Superintendent Joe OReilly noted the work of the joint task force, which includes An Garda Siochana, the Revenue Customs Service and the Naval Service, supported by other arms of the Irish Defence Forces including the Army Ranger Wing and Air Corps.
The Communist Party in Kerala has a bigger issue with Governor Rajendra Arlekar's use of 'Bharathamba' portrait in official functions. Besides calling it saffronisation and unconstitutional, the CPM has reignited the concerns raised by Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan when a mural depicting a map of an ancient Indian civilisation was displayed in the new Parliament building.

The mural which advocated the concept of 'Akhand Bharat' (Undivided India) stoked a controversy as it drew sharp reactions from leaders of neighbouring countries. In an article in CPM's mouthpiece 'Deshabhimani', the party state secretary M V Govindan echoes similar sentiments over misrepresentation of India's map.

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"A woman draped in a saffron saree cannot symbolise Bharat Mata. Also, the map in that picture is of RSS-endorsed 'Akhand Bharat'. Raj Bhawan has committed a grave mistake by erroneously depicting India's map. If the countries shown in that map cause a stir saying that India has laid claim to their territory, the Governor will be culpable before the nation. Let's remember the furore raised by Nepal, Bangladesh and others when the mural showing ancient Maurya empire was displayed in the new Parliament building," Govindan wrote in the article.

Akhand Bharat concept propounded by the RSS celebrates Undivided India extending over present-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand. Prahlad Joshi, then Parliamentary Affairs Minister, posted a picture of the mural on X and wrote "The resolve is clear - Akhand Bharat". Former Nepal PM Baburam Bhattarai had said that the controversial mural of Akhand Bharat has the potential of further aggravating the trust deficit already vitiating the bilateral relations between most of the immediate neighbours of India.

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Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, who was then Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, expressed shock over Joshi's tweet and said it perpetrated a revisionist and expansionist mindset. Bangladesh also approached the Ministry of External Affairs, India seeking an official explanation over the mural. Dhaka Tribune quoted Bangladesh then State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Md. Shahriar Alam saying that Indian authorities told Bangladesh that the mural was installed to show the extent of Emperor Ashoka's kingdom and the humandevelopment-oriented governance.

The CPM has unleashed terse statements against Arlekar especially after LDF Ministers P Prasad and V Sivankutty walked out of functions attended by Governor in protest against use of 'Bharat Mata' portrait. The CPM has mostly pitched the criticism around the Constitution saying that Arlekar exhibited unconstitutional practices with his adamant demand for placing 'Bharat Mata' portrait in official functions. The CPM-led state government even sent a reminder to Raj Bhavan stressing the need to uphold only national symbols during official and ceremonial events. CPM Kerala party chief has now added a new dimension to the row by drawing a parallel to the controversial mural displayed in the new parliament building.

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CPM has always steadfastly objected to Akhand Bharat concept. In 2022, CPM then General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, called the concept a way of spreading poison, hate and violence in response to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's comment that India will again become 'Akhand Bharat' in 15 years.
40 years back when first few people in Mumbai and Bangkok were diagnosed with HIV

SHOBHA SHUKLA - CNS



(L to R) Dr Ishwar Gilada (India), Dr Praphan Phanuphak (Thailand)

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Although world is not on track to end AIDS by 2030 but it is no less than a miracle when we take into account the scientific- and community-led progress that has powered the global AIDS response since 1981 - when for the first time AIDS was reported in the world.

In lead up to world's largest HIV science conference (13th International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference on HIV Science (IAS 2025)), let us remember when first few people with HIV were diagnosed in Mumbai, India, and Thailand. CNS (Citizen News Service) spoke with Dr Ishwar Gilada from India (who is credited to establish India's first AIDS clinic in 1986) and Dr Praphan Phanuphak from Thailand, both of whom are widely known to help diagnose first people with HIV.

40 years back, Dr Ishwar Gilada, India's longest-serving HIV medical expert, was working as a senior consultant at government-run JJ Hospital in Mumbai, India. News reports of 1980s show that he was actively campaigning amongst sex workers to encourage them on protecting themselves from sexually transmitted infections including HIV. Noted filmstar Sunit Dutt and several other known personalities had also joined his crusade. Noted journalists Jayashree Shetty and Gopal Shetty have co-authored a 2023 book: "The Blunting Of An Epidemic: A Courageous War On AIDS" chronicling Dr Gilada's tireless and courageous crusade against AIDS for over four decades.

First three HIV infections were in sex workers from Mumbai's Kamathipura in 1985

Dr Gilada said: "We were doing active disease surveillance in Mumbai's sex work area, Kamathipura. In December 1985, three of the blood samples drawn from sex workers tested positive for HIV. One of them was a transgender person. I tested them at the Skin and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Department, JJ Hospital on kits donated by Abbott Laboratories in December 1985. The first HIV clinic in India was established in JJ Hospital by me on 5th March 1986.

"But confirmation of our HIV tests had to be done at government's National Institute of Virology in Pune in January 1986. However, Dr Khorshed M Pavri, then Director of National Institute of Virology, chose to withhold results. Dr Pavri came personally to collect fresh blood samples of people presumptive for HIV. I had to get all 6 sex workers to come to JJ Hospital once again to give their blood samples to Dr Pavri. She then sent samples to CDC Atlanta, USA, which caused inordinate delays in providing confirmation. Dr Pavri then published her scientific article, 'First HIV culture in Indian patients' where I am listed as a co-author along with Dr Jeanette J Rodrigues," shared Dr Gilada. Dr Pavri was India's first virologist, as well as first woman Director of National Institute of Virology.

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Article first published in the charlotte observer

By Robert Weiner and Coby Rinke

North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis recently made the courageous decision not to support the "Big Beautiful Bill" due to its Medicaid cuts, and then announced he would not run for the Senate again in 2026, rather than face a Trump-backed primary challenger. Tillis, now a national hero for courage against the Trump cuts, should speak against cuts to mental healthcare for children meant to address mass shootings as funded by one of his most important legislative triumphs.

Tillis deserves a peaceful retirement. However, before he goes, he must defend one of his greatest political achievements, the passage of the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. The law, which was intended to reduce gun violence in the wake of the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, brought millions of dollars in mental health funding to North Carolina's schools. Unfortunately, the Trump administration recently moved to revoke more than $1 billion of these grants in an effort to root out DEI programs, threatening this crucial initiative.

Two North Carolina school systems, Wake County Schools and Guilford Public Schools, have each lost millions of dollars when their grants were revoked. Unless the federal education department changes course, their funding will not continue past the end of 2025.

Cutting such funding is especially hypocritical, as many Republican politicians blame America's gun violence epidemic not on the weapons, but on mental health issues. Yet, far too many of them, including Tillis, are silent as the funding for mental health is slashed.

Tillis must speak out against these reckless funding cuts. It would be fitting if one of his last acts as a senator is to defend his accomplishment, while simultaneously ensuring the safety of North Carolina's students.

The costs of not doing so are clear in North Carolina, where the stakes are deeply personal. In 2021, two school shootings occurred in the same week in the state, leaving one dead and two injured. Both acts of violence were committed by 15-year-old students. More broadly, the suicide rate for teens and young adults has increased dramatically in recent years.

These tragedies are exactly what Tillis's 2022 legislation aimed to prevent by helping schools hire mental health professionals, add counseling services and intervene early before crises escalate. To that end, other North Carolina school districts like those in Iredell-Statesville, Surry County and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction each received over $5 million-- sometimes as much as $17 million-- from the legislation Tillis helped pass.

The Department of Education is claiming that it canceled the grants (issued under the Biden administration), because they allegedly violated federal non-discrimination laws by engaging in DEI efforts, like race-based hiring quotas. In the case of Wake County, for instance, the grant proposal did call for hiring a more diverse group of mental health professionals. To their credit, research suggests students are more likely to seek out counselors who share their backgrounds.

But focusing on DEI misses the bigger picture. The goal of the grant was clear: to put trained adults in schools to help students in crisis. Among other efforts, Wake County planned to hire 20 new therapists and expand services to 40 more schools.

Whether or not one supports DEI initiatives, cutting existing mental health programs is reckless. These schools have already begun spending the funds. Staff have been hired. Programs have launched. Students are receiving support. The sudden loss of funding threatens to upend that progress and abandon the very children the grants were meant to help.

Senator Tillis's decision to vote against the "Big Beautiful Bill," and not to be a victim of a Trump-backed primary in 2026 was the latest courageous choice in political career defined by such decisions. In 2022, Tillis showed the same courage by reaching across the aisle to pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and protect North Carolina's students. Before he leaves the Senate, he must find that courage one last time and speak out against the Trump administration's shortsighted cuts. This is not about DEI. It's about keeping kids safe and ensuring they get the mental health care they need.

Robert Weiner was a spokesman in the Clinton and Bush White Houses and spokesman/senior staff for Cong. Claude Pepper, John Conyers, Charles Rangel, Ed Koch, Sen. Ted Kennedy, and 4-Star Gen./Drug Czar Barry McCaffrey. He was also the spokesman for the House Government Operations Committee. Coby Rinke is a senior policy analyst at Robert Weiner Associates and Solutions For Change Foundation.
In a deeply troubling move, President Trump's so-called "One Big Beautiful Bill" narrowly passed the Senate on July 1, 2025, with a 51-50 vote, thanks to Vice President Vance's tiebreaker. As the House gears up to vote today, the legislation-- set to balloon the federal deficit by $3.3 trillion over the next decade-- has ignited fierce opposition from progressive lawmakers, healthcare advocates, and public safety experts. Far from delivering on its promise of economic relief, this GOP megabill threatens to strip millions of Americans of healthcare access and undermine critical gun safety measures, all while prioritizing tax cuts for the wealthy.

A Devastating Blow to Healthcare Access

At the heart of the bill lies a staggering $930 billion in cuts to Medicaid and Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces over the next decade, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO). This represents a $100 billion increase over the cuts initially proposed by the House in May, signaling an even more aggressive assault on the healthcare safety net. The CBO estimates that these cuts could leave an additional third of the current 26 million uninsured Americans without coverage, reversing historic gains made under the Obama and Biden administrations that brought the uninsured rate to record lows.

The mechanism for these cuts is as insidious as it is effective: increased bureaucratic red tape. The bill mandates that Medicaid recipients prove their eligibility every six months instead of annually, requiring extensive documentation of income and health status. For low-income families, the elderly, and those battling physical or mental health challenges, this process is a nightmare. "This isn't about efficiency-- it's about kicking people off their healthcare," said Julie Rovner of KFF Health News on NPR's *Up First*. "Forcing sick or struggling people to navigate a mountain of paperwork is a deliberate barrier to access."

Progressive leaders like Senator Elizabeth Warren have decried the bill as a betrayal of vulnerable Americans. "This is a direct attack on working families who rely on Medicaid and the ACA to survive," Warren tweeted yesterday. "The GOP is choosing corporate tax breaks over the health of millions." Advocates warn that the cuts will disproportionately harm communities of color, rural residents, and those with chronic illnesses, exacerbating existing inequities in the healthcare system.

Undermining Public Safety with ATF Rollbacks

Equally alarming are the bill's implications for gun safety. The Trump administration, in collaboration with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is pushing nearly 50 regulatory changes to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). These changes aim to loosen gun regulations, including extending the validity of background checks for firearm purchases from 30 to 60 days and allowing gun dealers to destroy records after 20 years instead of keeping them indefinitely.

These rollbacks are a direct threat to public safety. The ATF's ability to trace guns used in crimes-- described as a "gun's fingerprint" by NPR's Meg Anderson-- is critical for law enforcement. Yet, the Department of Justice has proposed slashing over 500 ATF investigators, gutting the agency's capacity to combat gun violence. Brandon del Pozo, former police chief of Burlington, Vermont, called the cuts contradictory to the Trump administration's "tough on crime" rhetoric. "You can't claim to support law enforcement while dismantling the tools they need to solve crimes," del Pozo told NPR.

Gun control advocates, including Everytown for Gun Safety, have condemned the changes as reckless. "Lengthening background check windows and destroying records makes it easier for guns to end up in the wrong hands," said Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action. "This is a gift to the gun lobby at the expense of our communities."

A Deficit-Ballooning Giveaway to the Wealthy

The megabill's fiscal irresponsibility is another point of contention. While Republicans claim it's necessary to avoid a tax hike as Trump-era tax cuts expire, the CBO's $3.3 trillion deficit projection tells a different story. Critics argue the bill prioritizes tax breaks for corporations and high earners while slashing programs that millions rely on. "This is trickle-down economics on steroids," said Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. "They're gutting healthcare and public safety to fund giveaways for the ultra-rich."

The bill's passage is not a done deal. House Speaker Mike Johnson faces a tight vote, with some conservative Republicans balking at the increased costs compared to the House's May version. Progressive activists are urging Democrats to unite in opposition and rally public pressure to stop the bill. Protests are planned outside the Capitol today, with groups like Indivisible and the Poor People's Campaign calling for action to protect healthcare and gun safety measures.

A Call to Action

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Wondering whether to celebrate or cry on this Fourth of July?

Alternatively, you can take a tip from the art community on how to create the world you want.

Artists have used visual storytelling to awaken conscience, support the dismantling of tyrants and inspire the creation of a better world. Art and imagery can wield a stronger sword than soldiers--fascist leaders know this, which is why they try to dispose of the artists first.

The first step is the role of art as a witness.

Francisco Goya's The 3rd of May 1808, painted in 1814, one of the most iconic images in the world, showcases the horrors of militaristic violence. At the time it was painted, it was revolutionary not only in subject but also in artistic style. Napoleon's military forces on the right are seen executing the Spanish insurgents on the left. The central figure clearly references Jesus on the cross, and has visible stigmata on his palms. Before TV, email or Twitter, it could take weeks or months before people heard about these kinds of events, so paintings like this spread awareness of atrocities whenever they were exhibited.



El Tres de Mayo by Francisco de Goya

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Ilia Repin, a Russian painter, created Barge Haulers on the Volga to depict social inequality. Peasants symbolically pull a huge barge against the current. A steamship that could easily alleviate the suffering of the poor is seen in the far background.



Volga Boatmen by Ilia Efimovich Repin

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The Death of Marat by Jacques-Louis David portrays the formidable French revolutionary leader, Jean-Paul Marat. Marat conducted much of his work, including receiving visitors, from a medicinal bath since he suffered from a painful skin condition. Charlotte Corday met with him under false pretenses and pulled out a knife hidden in her clothing and stabbed him. After his death, Marat was viewed by many as the messiah of the French Revolution.



Death of Marat by David.

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Famous French political cartoonist, Honore' Daumier, depicted the corpulent king consuming the wealth of the poor in Gargantua. Peasants are pouring their money into the king's baskets while he grows fatter. The image was so powerful that the cartoon was censored, both Daumier and his publisher were fined and jailed, and political caricature was made illegal.

The Third Estate Carrying the First and Second Estates shows an exhausted peasant carrying the rich clergy and nobility on his back as they relax. At that time peasants made up 98% of the population and were burdened by taxes and low wages, which enabled the upper 2% to live in luxury. Since the state was fining and imprisoning artists for political cartoons, this one was left unsigned.



The Third Estate

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Protest art resists the status quo. That's the first step. But it is not effective to remain mired in anger and rebellion-- what we need to do is to move forward. Once we point out what we don't want, the next step is to use visionary art to call forth what we do want.

Themes in visionary art include:

Healing and wholeness

Portraying the marginalized as protagonists with power

Beauty as a soul-enriching force

Inviting collective dreaming

Visionary artists collaborate with the viewer to evoke communal visions of something better.

In The Horse America Throwing His Master, the horse throws his rider, King George, symbolizing America's rejection of tyranny.

William Blake's Jacob's Dream represents collective spiritual ascent-- a ladder or spiral toward something higher.



Jacobs Ladder by William Blake

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Joan of Arc by Jules Bastien-Lepage shows Joan having a divine vision-- not as a warrior but as a visionary. The three figures she sees in her vision appear in the painting behind her.



Joan Of Arc

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The Apotheosis of Washington, a fresco on the Capitol rotunda ceiling painted in 1865, places Washington in a divine scene with goddesses like Victoria and Liberty.



US Capitol: Apotheosis of Washington.

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Liberty wears a red cap, a symbol of emancipation since Greek times. Minerva, goddess of wisdom, also appears, as does Armored Freedom who tramples tyranny and kingly power. The motto E Pluribus Unum is surrounded by thirteen goddesses represenging the original 13 states.



Statue of Freedom atop The Capitals rotunda.

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The 19.5-foot tall, 15,000 pound Statue of Freedom has stood atop the U.S. Capitol dome since 1863.



Statue of Freedom, Washington D.C.

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Her helmet is encircled by thirteen stars, and the feathers in the headdress and the blanket draped over her reference the wild and natural qualities of the Native American. She faces East, greeting each new, hopeful day. Her sword and laurel wreath symbolize freedom and victory. I have selected her as a focal point for my thoughts of wellbeing for the USA and my visions of a better future, since she stands directly over Congress.



Front view of Statue of Liberty with pedestal and base 2024.

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Liberty Enlightening the World was a gift from France, so named as they expected the U.S. to be a light to the world, and it is never too late to grow into this vision.



Broken Shackles

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Few people know that the hard-to-see broken chains at her feet represent the abolition of slavery, specifically for African Americans, but that symbolism also calls to mind the relationship between America's poor and the insanely wealthy. Her left foot is set firmly on the ground amidst the broken shackles, but her right foot is lifted behind her, signifying movement forward. In her position in New York Harbor, she is the traditional US welcome for immigrants.



Four Freedoms by Norman Rockwell

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Norman Rockwell's Four Freedoms, based on FDR's 1941 State of the Union address, depicts:

Freedom of Speech

Freedom of Religion

Freedom from Want

Freedom from Fear

Though Rockwell was restricted by the Saturday Evening Post's policy against using Black people in lead roles on covers, he found subtle ways around it in a number of his paintings, and Freedom of Religion includes some visible diversity.

Images created by artists can offer individuals and societies a roadmap toward evolution. But engaging more fully in the creative process is even more useful.

Neurological benefits of creativity:

Increases neuroplasticity (helpful in preventing cognitive decline)

Reduces cortisol (the stress hormone)

Improves cognitive functioning and creative problem-solving

Daily creative activities increase positive emotions and well-being, even into the next day.

Sociologist Emile Durkheim said that group art-making creates collective effervescence-- shared emotional experiences that strengthen bonds. Authoritarian systems divide groups to create isolation, but art brings people together.

Art creates spaces where alternative futures can be imagined before they seem possible.

We must be able to envision the future before we can walk into it. Creating a simple collage from downloaded internet images, such as those listed here, can be a great way to engage in a simple creative activity that not only offers healing for oneself, but helps create a more solid concept of the future.

The Statue of Freedom atop our Capitol and the Statue of Liberty are always inviting us to step forward with our vision of the glorious world we want.


Stop internet censorship - No clean feed

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"John Marshall has made his decision" regarding relations between the Cherokee Nation and the United States, US president Andrew Jackson supposedly said of the US Supreme Court's chief justice in 1832. "Now let him enforce it!"

That sentiment comes to mind when considering the Supreme Court's June 27 decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton. The court ruled that the government of Texas doesn't run afoul of the First Amendment by requiring websites to verify users' ages if those sites serve content the regime deems "harmful to minors."

Even if the Jackson quote isn't apocryphal, there are differences, of course.

One is that enforcement of Texas's age verification law falls to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, not to chief justice John Roberts (or to associate justice Clarence Thomas, who wrote the majority opinion).

The other, bigger difference is that Jackson successfully defied Marshall -- herding the Cherokee westward at gunpoint without further legal consequence -- while Paxton stands virtually no chance of implementing his permission slip from the Roberts court to intrude on Texans' Internet privacy.

The response of the porn industry to these state-based "age verification" laws breaks down into three types:

A few sites comply. They put up a web gate and require users from states with such laws to prove they're over 18 by providing government-issued ID or submitting a face picture that lets AI estimate their ages.

Some other sites put up a different kind of web gate -- they simply don't allow users whose IP addresses seem to be located in states with "age verification" laws to see what's behind the gate.

Those two responses probably cover 10% or so of "porn" sites, mainly the big operators who have a lot of money invested in their operations and don't want legal trouble.

Most sites go a third way: They just ignore the Ken Paxtons of the world.

And, like Andrew Jackson versus Marshall, they can get away with it.

Their servers aren't located in Texas, or possibly even in the United States. Maybe it's possible to tell who operates those servers, maybe not. Anonymous website operators in Thailand probably don't lie awake at night worrying about a Ken Paxton lawsuit.

Paxton might waste a bunch of taxpayer money creating a Chinese-style "Great Firewall of Texas" to stop Texans from viewing web content he doesn't like ... but Virtual Private Networks would get those Texans around that firewall. It would also help those users convince sites that DO require age verification from Texans that they're actually from the Netherlands, Japan, or Romania.

I'm a big fan of VPNs and other tools for circumventing government control of what we can access on the World Wide Web. I'm also old enough to remember the US government's war on encryption in the 1990s. Short version for you youngsters: The government lost that war. Paxton and his co-belligerents will lose this one, too.

That's a good thing. Government control over what we may or may not see and hear on the Internet is far too dangerous to allow.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On July 4, Mr. Kang Bo, Vice President of SERES Group, announced via social media that AITO, the new energy vehicle (NEV) brand co-developed by Huawei and SERES, has surpassed 700,000 units in cumulative deliveriesan achievement reached in just 40 months.

AITO's current model lineup includes the M9, M8, updated M7, and updated M5, all aimed at different segments of the smart NEV market. Among them, the AITO M8, hitting the market on April 16 this year, is positioned as a premium family flagship SUV. It offers three REEV (range-extended electric vehicle) variantsMax, Max+, and Ultrastarting at 359,800 yuan.

Photo credit: AITO

With dimensions of 5,190 mm in length, 1,999 mm in width, and 1,795 mm in height, and a wheelbase of 3,105 mm, the M8 features AITO's signature "Kunpeng design language," blending long proportions and upright stance for a bold, confident look.

The M9 tech flagship model went on sale on December 26, 2023, starting at 469,800 yuan. At launch, Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance ("HIMA") announced that pre-orders had exceeded 54,000 units. In March this year, the 2025 M9 was introduced, continuing at the same starting price.

The AITO M9 adopts the brand's family design cues and features advanced Huawei-developed lighting systems, including dual 2-megapixel intelligent projection headlights and an interactive matrix headlamp setup. The model is available in two powertrain solutions: an REEV version powered by the new HG15T engine rated at 118 kW, and a BEV (battery electric vehicle) version with dual motors (160 kW front, 230 kW rear) offering up to 630 km of range.

According to public data, HIMA delivered 52,747 vehicles across all AITO models in June, setting new monthly and daily delivery records with a single-day high of 3,651 units. Of those, 44,685 were from the AITO lineup. The 2025 M9 accounted for 13,718 units in June alone, pushing the M9's cumulative total past 200,000 units, while the M8 recorded deliveries of over 21,185 units that month.
In a society built on the myth of transparency, silence can be the loudest, most potent form of control. For decades, the American media has championed itself as a free press- a sacred pillar of democracy. Yet, beneath the patriotic branding and polished newscasts lies a doctrine more insidious than outright censorship: selective silence. This isn't merely a passive omission; it is a structural policy, often unspoken but deeply entrenched, that dictates which truths are permitted to see the light and which are condemned to the graves of forgotten narratives.

From the invasion of Iraq to the Israeli assault on Gaza, from mass incarceration to the complexities of the military-industrial complex, American media institutions have demonstrably mastered the art of strategic neglect. The truth, it seems, must first navigate a stringent sieve of corporate interest, geopolitical allegiance, and audience conditioning. If it threatens established power structures, its passage is, more often than not, denied.

The Myth of the Free Press: Ownership and Narrative Control

The First Amendment unequivocally guarantees freedom of speech, yet it remains conspicuously silent on the crucial issue of media ownership consolidation. Today, a mere handful of conglomerates control over 90% of U.S. media-entities with vast economic and political entanglements that stretch globally. What is presented to the public as "balanced reporting" is frequently a meticulously managed narrative, expertly calibrated to maintain public passivity and consumer trust.

What we don't hear can be just as perilous as what we do. Consider the deliberate underreporting of protracted labor struggles, indigenous resistance movements, and critical anti-capitalist discourse. These vital stories exist, undeniably-yet they are consistently buried beneath a deluge of celebrity scandals, partisan bickering, and clickbait distractions. This isn't merely happenstance; it's a systemic design engineered to distract, rather than genuinely inform.

Silence as a Weapon: Complicity Through Omission

Silence is not neutrality. When media fails to adequately report on systemic injustice, it inherently becomes complicit in its perpetuation. Ignoring genocidal acts while obsessively covering electoral cycles is not objectivity; it is a profound value judgment, a deeply political act. By judiciously selecting what is deemed "newsworthy", editors wield immense power, actively shaping the moral and ethical horizon of an entire nation.

Take, for instance, the pervasive narrative surrounding Palestine. For years, mainstream American outlets have consistently downplayed or fundamentally misrepresented Palestinian suffering, often echoing state department talking points while actively marginalizing authentic Palestinian voices. The language is meticulously sanitized: occupation becomes "conflict"; apartheid becomes "tensions". Such linguistic manipulation doesn't just soften the truth; it actively erases the humanity of the oppressed.

Manufacturing Consent-- Through Absence

Noam Chomsky famously articulated how media "manufactures consent". However, in today's intricate information ecosystem, consent is increasingly manufactured through absence. We are not explicitly told to agree with a particular viewpoint; rather, we are simply not told critical information. Consequently, millions remain largely unaware of the full scope of domestic poverty, pervasive racialized violence, or the ecological devastation directly linked to American corporate interests abroad.

This strategic omission is far from accidental. A truly informed public poses a palpable threat to concentrated power. Thus, the system offers the illusion of choice-- be it left-leaning cable news or right-wing talk radio-- both of which operate comfortably within meticulously policed ideological boundaries. The Overton window shrinks incrementally, and genuine dissent is systematically relegated to a fringe indulgence, rather than being embraced as a fundamental civic necessity.

Reviving the Buried: A Call to Action

To effectively challenge this pervasive doctrine of silence, we must first explicitly name it. In this critical era, media literacy is no longer an optional skill; it is an indispensable form of resistance. We are compelled to actively support independent journalism, rigorously question official narratives, and amplify the diverse voices that corporate platforms routinely silence.

Truth is resilient; it cannot be buried indefinitely. But if we fail to dig-- if we neglect to remember-- we become unwitting accomplices in our own deception.

The graves of truth are not merely the stories left untold, but the lives left unvalued, the wars left unopposed, and the futures systematically denied. In a nation that proudly claims to champion freedom, perhaps the most profoundly radical act available to us is simply to listen-- especially to what remains unsaid.

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It is time to make big tobacco pay, endorse now: makeBigTobaccoPay.org

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Will governments firewall public health from tobacco industry's lies and deceptive tactics?

A new WHO report launched in June 2025, warrants stronger measures to save lives from deadly tobacco and nicotine products and hold industry liable

SHOBHA SHUKLA - CNS

An important declaration adopted last week calls upon the governments of the world to accelerate the implementation of all measures under the global tobacco treaty in order to end the tobacco epidemic. Among other actions, it urges countries to: "Recognise the tobacco industry as the biggest barrier to global progress in tobacco control. Reject engagements with organisations working with, or funded by, the tobacco industry. Hold the tobacco industry liable for the harms it causes, including seeking compensation through legal actions."

As the World Conference on Tobacco Control (WCTC) 2025 concluded in Ireland - with the WCTC Declaration reaffirming global commitment-- and in the lead-up to the upcoming intergovernmental meeting on the global tobacco treaty (formally called the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control or WHO FCTC) later this year, the tobacco and nicotine industries have once again been exposed for using the same old tactics and misinformation to hinder public health advocates from implementing stronger measures to save lives from tobacco-related harm.

There is a plethora of overwhelming and growing strong scientific evidence since decades that tobacco causes preventable and life-threatening diseases and untimely deaths. Despite 183 State Parties committing to global tobacco treaty 20 years back and implementing it with domestic laws, every year over 8 million people die of tobacco use. Tobacco continues to be the biggest preventable cause of death worldwide - with most of these deaths taking place in the Global South.

Tobacco industry's so-called 'Techno-innovation' is just another tactic to push profits over people's health and lives

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Philadelphia, PA - July 4, 2025 - The Germantown Fashion & Arts Festival returned in full force on Saturday, June 28, electrifying the historic streets of Germantown with its bold blend of creativity, culture, and community spirit. Set in front of the iconic former United States White House and President George Washington's historic home, the festival welcomed over 15,000 attendees for a day of fashion-forward celebration that left a lasting 
July 3, 2025 (Atlanta, GA) - The "One Big Beautiful Bill" (H.R.1) advancing through Congress has the potential to diminish the health and well-being of Georgians, with a heavy toll falling on students attending public pre-K to 12 schools and colleges & universities. We, the undersigned organizations, are sounding the alarm. We are pleading with fellow Georgians to join us in petitioning political leaders to act on our behalf: 
London, UK - July 2025 - As the UK faces a mounting e-waste crisis, SocialBox.Biz, a Community Interest Company, is leading the charge with a powerful message: reuse before recycle. By partnering with forward-thinking businesses, SocialBox.Biz is successfully diverting usable MacBooks and other tech from landfills and giving them a second life-empowering vulnerable communities and reducing Scope 3 emissions in the process. With the UN projecting 82 million tonnes of global 
- - - Dublin City , County Dublin (Republic of Ireland) : Friday the 4th Day of July 2025 - Press Release (Worldwide / Global / International) - From the 2025 Independent Irish (Ireland) Presidential (President) Election (Wiki Media News Desk) Monitoring Team - - - A (HEART-BREAKING) PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT (FROM PROFESSOR DOCTOR JOSEPH CHIKELUE OBI) : Professor Doctor Joseph Chikelue Obi (Prof Dr Joseph Obi) would like to (Regretfully) Advise 
Multnomah County will close the Hawthorne Bridge beginning 6 p.m. Friday to all motor vehicle traffic. Choose an alternate route. Oregonian file photo. Beth Nakamura/File

Heres a list of governmental office closures and service schedule changes due to the upcoming Fourth of July holiday.

Looking for something to do this Independence Day holiday? Weve got you covered with a list of rodeos, parades, and of course, fireworks across Oregon and southwest Washington: Rodeos, parades, fireworks.

Government offices

Federal offices and courts: Closed Friday, July 4, for the holiday.

Oregon and Washington state offices and courts: Closed Friday.

Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington and Clark county offices, city of Portland and Vancouver offices, Metro regional center: Closed Friday.

Transit

TriMet: Will run buses on Sunday schedules, MAX on weekend service, WES will not run, and the Portland Streetcar will run on Saturday schedules.

C-Tran: Is running on Sunday/holiday service Friday.

Portland Aerial Tram: Closed.

Public Services

Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington county libraries and Fort Vancouver Regional Library District branches: Closed Friday.

U.S. Postal Service offices: Closed, no regular mail service Friday.

Banks: Closed, some in-store branches may be open.

Portland parking meters: Free Friday except in Portland Parks that charge for parking.

The Hawthorne and Morrison bridges will close to motor vehicle traffic Friday night at 6 p.m. for the fireworks show. Oregonian file photo. Peter Talbot | The Oregonian/OregonLive

Bridge closures

Multnomah County will close the Hawthorne and Morrison bridges to vehicles 6 p.m.-midnight on Friday for the fireworks show put on by the Waterfront Blues Festival.

In prior years when the bridge was open to motor vehicles, crowds of pedestrians would generally gather on the bridges to watch the show and cause safety issues. Motorists will need to choose an alternate river crossing during that time. Both bridges will remain open to pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-motorized vehicles.

Visit TripCheck.com for details on closed roads and traffic during the fireworks show.
Childhood friends of Bryan Kohberger, who pled guilty to the murders of four University of Idaho students Wednesday, said they are appalled by his conduct. (AP Photo/Kyle Green, Pool) AP

Childhood friends of Bryan Kohberger, who pleaded guilty Wednesday to stabbing four University of Idaho students to death in November 2022, have tracked his murder case from afar and said they felt shocked the former Pennsylvania resident suddenly agreed to a plea deal to spare his life.

I wont lie, I kind of spiraled yesterday, Casey Arntz, 32, told The Idaho Statesman in a text Thursday. Did he ever have thoughts like that before? Did he ever think that he wanted to kill me or my friends? Were we spared because we were friends with him?

Arntz and her younger brother, Thomas, grew up together with Kohberger in the Pocono Mountains near the Pennsylvania state line with New Jersey among a small circle of friends. They spent time together playing video games after school, as well as getting outdoors in the heavily forested region.

As Kohberger got into drugs in high school, they said, a distance developed. Kohberger later became a heroin addict. With the sporadic exception, they hadnt spoken in years, which made his arrest at his parents Pennsylvania home in December 2022 so startling.

He had been their awkward, chubby teenage friend, with heightened ability to observe and wit to match, they said. Now he was accused of killing four students on the other side of the country in a nationally known investigation that unimaginably ended in their hometown.

The four University of Idaho students stabbed to death in November, were Kaylee Goncalves, top left; Xana Kernodle, top right; Ethan Chapin, bottom left; and Madison Mogen, bottom right. (Moscow Police Department/TNS) TNS

The victims were Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves, both 21, and Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin, both 20. Each suffered multiple wounds in the attack at an off-campus home in Moscow, Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson told the court Wednesday.

The murder allegations floored his childhood friends at the time they were made, they said, and similar emotions rushed back this week after Kohberger, 30, admitted he repeatedly stabbed the four college undergraduates with a large, fixed-blade knife that prosecutors said he bought on Amazon in March 2022 while living in Pennsylvania.

Kohberger brought the knife and Ka-Bar brand leather sheath  which he left behind with his DNA at the crime scene  with him on his move a few months later to Pullman for a Ph.D. program at Washington State University.

On Wednesday, Kohberger pleaded guilty to the four counts of first-degree murder and a count of felony burglary. He agreed to maximum sentences for each, which is likely to see him spend the rest of his life in prison. Kohberger will have no chance of parole and he can never file an appeal, according to the terms of the agreement. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 23.

Donna Yozwiak, Kohbergers high school guidance counselor, reacted with surprise.

Actually, I was hoping that he was not the murderer who killed these four students, she said in an email to the Statesman. I hope that his family will survive this horrendous ordeal and be able to get on with their lives. I also hope that the victims relatives gain much needed closure and heal after this tragedy.

As a society, we may never know the motivation for the murders or if Bryan Kohberger has any remorse for his violent actions.

Kohbergers admissions in court finally put any question of his culpability to bed for Jack Baylis, 31, another of their group of friends at the time.

You wouldnt plead guilty to it unless you did that, he said in a phone interview Thursday. If you were framed, youd be fighting tooth and nail.

Kohbergers decision to take peoples lives was additionally disheartening, he said, because he had kicked his drug habit and seemingly had a life direction. But the desire to learn about people who commit murder  an area of interest for Kohberger  took hold, and he likely wanted to see whether he could get away with the perfect crime, Baylis said.

I think he did it to see what it felt like, to experience it. If he wanted to write a paper about what killers feel and why they kill, to be accurate, you have to experience it yourself to truly understand it, Baylis said. To get into the mind of a killer, you have to be a killer, would be my guess.

Casey Arntz told the Statesman she had conflicting emotions about how, after 2 1/2 years of legal proceedings, her former friend acknowledged he was responsible for the early morning quadruple homicide  perhaps the most talked-about crime in Idaho history. She felt for the victims families, especially those upset that the death penalty was no longer an option with the plea bargain, but welcomed the case nearing its conclusion.

Im disgusted that he could actually do something so heinous, she said. I understand why the families are so upset, they were starved for justice, and I would 100% be, too. However, there was never any guarantee that hed be given the death penalty. So I think him taking the plea deal was better for everyone.

Hes locked up for life. Let the inside deal with him.

Thomas Arntz, 29, shared his sisters sentiments. The result Wednesday removed any chance his childhood friend could be acquitted and get away with murder, he said.

I personally feel relieved with the acceptance of the guilty plea, Arntz told the Statesman, adding he would pray for the four victims families. I am deeply sorry that Bryans parents have to live with this as well.  Ive always thought they were kind people, and they didnt deserve this. And for Bryan, God have mercy on his soul.

For Ben Roberts, 33, a former criminology graduate school colleague of Kohbergers at WSU, Wednesdays guilty pleas felt past due.

The U.S. justice system is built upon the belief that a person is innocent until proven guilty, he said, and yet his former classmates DNA at the crime scene, with no other suspects, strengthened his own suspicions. Still, Kohbergers arrest left him horrified, he recalled.

What surprises me at this point is that it dragged out so long, as I thought that a plea deal would never be reached, Roberts told the Statesman by phone Thursday. My general impression was he was not going to stop fighting it, and to all of sudden have this about-face was very surprising  but a pleasant surprise.

Roberts spent several weeks just a few desks away from Kohberger in the days leading up to the close of the fall 2022 semester  just days and weeks after the murders. His graduate school classmate rarely exhibited much emotion but also did not necessarily set off any red flags, he said.

I noticed that unless he was deliberately trying to put on an appearance  if he didnt have the mask  he was kind of nonexistent, or hollow, I guess, Roberts said. Its kind of like youre staring into an abyss. Theres something human supposed to be there, and it isnt.

A casual hunter, Roberts said he has felt bad in the past when he has shot and killed a deer. He said he couldnt even fathom stabbing a person to death.

I just cant even begin to get inside the head of somebody who could do something like that, and then attend class like its business as usual, Roberts said. Thats just completely alien to me.

Roberts said he did not watch Wednesdays change-of-plea hearing. He didnt want to hear Kohbergers voice or see his face again, even though the latter has been difficult to escape the past two years, he noted. He was glad the high-profile case finally came to an end and without the need for a months-long trial.

The first thing I said was that it was about damned time that the poor thing was put to rest, Roberts said.

For now, the courts gag order in the closely watched case, which restricts attorneys and their agents  including members of law enforcement for the state  is still in effect. Thompson asked that it remain so through sentencing, which Kohbergers defense did not oppose.

The University of Idaho released a statement this week after word broke that Kohberger planned to change his plea to guilty in the shocking crime.

We keep the families of the victims in our hearts as each deals with this outcome in their own way, the states namesake university wrote in the statement. We will never forget the four incredible lives taken ... Since that fateful day in November 2022, our university has become stronger, more intent on its purpose and more supportive of each other. And while we will not forget, we will heal.

Similarly, Moscow Mayor Art Bettge, in office in 2022 when the murders took place and upended the community, shared optimism that the citys residents might finally be freed from the clutches of the tragic incident.

I recognize and understand that we all desire justice for the victims and their families, he said in an emailed statement. My heart, and that of our entire community, go out to the families of the victims. It is my hope that this resolution can begin to provide a small measure of closure for the families and our community. What is clear is that no matter what form justice would have taken, nothing will bring back Ethan, Madison, Xana, and Kaylee, and our world will be forever darkened because of it.

WSUs comment after Kohbergers hearing was more succinct. A Statesman request to speak with professors in its criminal justice and criminology department who knew and taught Kohberger, including the semester he killed the U of I students, was again declined.

Our hearts go out to the families, friends and colleagues impacted, WSUs statement read. We do not have anything to add at this time.

After Wednesdays hearing, one main question remains for everyone, including the victims families: Why? Why did Bryan Kohberger choose to take these four young lives, thereby essentially also ending his own, to some degree?

That question was on the mind of Casey Arntz, Kohbergers Pennsylvania friend thrust into the spotlight and forced to deal with her own form of grief over the past two-plus years.

I wasnt as close to him as my brother or my other friends, but we still hung out and talked a lot, she said. He was in my parents house. I was alone with him.

I guess the one thing I would say to him is what everyone wants to say to him: Why would you do this? Why would you take the innocent lives of four beautiful people? I cant even begin to imagine what he would say. How does someone justify their actions when theyre so morbid?

-- Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman
A coloring remains at a makeshift memorial for the Decker sisters on June 3, 2025, in Wenatchee, Washington. Olivia, Paityn and Evelyn Decker were found dead near Leavenworth after their father Travis Decker failed to return them after a scheduled visitation. (Nick Wagner/The Seattle Times/TNS) TNS

SEATTLE  Wednesday marked one month since law enforcement found Travis Deckers white pickup along Icicle Road near Leavenworth.

But the search for the Wenatchee ex-soldier accused of killing his three young daughters continues.

Youre looking at one of the largest, most complex search rescue efforts that weve ever conducted here in our county, Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison said.

The search has expanded across state and international borders. Law enforcement has checked tips in Idaho, Montana and Canada, and worked with agencies across the nation to follow up on possible sightings, Morrison said.

Its certainly frustrating, Morrison said. I dont believe that Decker is some kind of super villain that has somehow eluded us. I just think, overall, things have worked out in his favor.

Heres where things stand one month into the search.

What led to the search for Decker?

Chelan County Sheriffs Deputy Mike McLeod was riding around the Rock Island campground on his dirt bike wearing plain clothes looking for Decker and his three daughters when he located the truck on June 2, USA Today reported.

The Decker girls disappearance was still a missing persons case until an investigator found the bodies of 9-year-old Paityn, 8-year-old Evelyn and 5-year-old Olivia 50 yards away from the truck. They died of suffocation, an autopsy report said.

The girls were reported missing May 30 after their father failed to return them to their mothers home in Wenatchee per a custody agreement. A petition for a protection order from the girls mom, Whitney Decker, drafted before the bodies were found, said the 32-year-old former U.S. Army soldiers mental health had been spiraling.

Decker has been charged with aggravated murder and kidnapping.

Authorities have released updated photos of Travis Decker, who is wanted in the deaths of his three young daughters, warning the 32-year-old suspect may have changed his appearance.(Chelan County Sheriff's Office/TNS) TNS

Is there any indication Decker is dead or alive?

All law enforcement can say is that Decker is unaccounted for, Morrison said in an interview with The Seattle Times on Wednesday.

We certainly recognize the probability that hes deceased, succumbed to injuries, took his own life, the sheriff said.

There are several places in the large search area that Decker could have thrown himself off a cliff, fallen in the water, or been injured, but the sheriffs office is keeping all options open, Morrison said.

How big has the search for Decker been?

Teams from Kittitas, Douglas, Grant, King, Snohomish and Chelan counties have been joined by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, National Park Services, the National Guard, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service and other entities in the search. Multiple search teams were deployed on the Pacific Crest Trail.

He could be anywhere in the nation, he could be anywhere internationally, Morrison said. But we recognize theres still a very strong potential he could be here locally and were not taking anything off the table.

Search efforts are currently focused in Chelan County, which is east and north of Seattle.

We recognize, too, youve got to be responsible with resources, as well as responsible to the family and all those searching for closure, Morrison said. Its not like these resources are out there for free.

Over the weekend, 25 members of the Chelan County Volunteer Search and Rescue team scoured the area of the crime scene, the sheriffs office said Tuesday in a news release.

Teams from Kittitas County searched the Crystal Creek drainage from the Enchantments through Ingalls Creek last week with the help of a cadaver dog and drone teams.

A swift water rescue team will soon deploy with the National Park Service to search the bodies of water from the campsite where Deckers truck was found down to the Columbia River in Wenatchee, Morrison said.

Teams have flown drones and helicopters over the water and dropped GoPros in. But as soon as the waters go down, they will be able to check spots underwater where Deckers body may have been pinned or caught up in strainers. That could take several months.

Has Decker ever been seen?

The search for Decker intensified June 10, just over a week after the search began, when a hiking party told law enforcement theyd seen a lone hiker in the Enchantments who was ill-prepared for the trail and seemed to be avoiding others. The man began to run from a helicopter flying near Colchuck Lake, the Chelan County sheriffs office said at the time.

The helicopter had to turn around to get fuel and did not redeploy, Morrison said. The sheriffs office did find tracks that they followed to Ingalls Creek, but they didnt find anyone. It remains unconfirmed if the man was Decker or not.

Many people have called to report potential sightings, but after following up, law enforcement found none to be credible or confirmed, Morrison said. Some have reported Decker may have stolen items out of their cabins. Law enforcement tracked down and found items reported missing, tested them for Deckers DNA and came up with no matches.

In his interview with USA Today, McLeod pointed to a torn and abandoned orange tent found a mile outside of where the Decker girls were found that he believed belonged to their father.

Morrison said detectives determined the tent was not Deckers. It was likely left by a camper to save a spot during the busy tourism season, or was discarded for crews to clean up, he said.

Was anyone else involved in the Decker girls murders?

There was speculation that, somehow, Decker had been killed and framed by someone else for the murder of his daughters, Morrison said. But a bloody fingerprint smear on the tailgate of Deckers truck and other samples found at the crime scene were found to match Deckers DNA. No one else was at the scene, he said.

The blood samples means theres potential Decker had some kind of injury that was bleeding, but its nothing that made law enforcement concerned for his safety, Morrison said.

Nonhuman blood was found at the scene as well, which is most likely associated with Deckers dog that law enforcement knew was also present, Morrison said, though officials have not confirmed the match.

The dog was friendly with law enforcement when it was discovered at the campsite and had no injuries that required a visit to the vet, Morrison said. The dog was taken to the humane society.

Chelan County, especially the area where Decker went missing, is a tourist destination. Morrison expects more recreationalists to visit the area to hike and camp, he said. That means additional eyes, though he said people should remain cautious and vigilant because Decker is considered dangerous.

Law enforcement have asked anyone who sees Decker to call 911, and if he is alive, to not approach him.

We havent given up. Well continue to do what we need to do to bring closer to the family and the community as well, Morrison said. And we recognize that, still, Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia need their voices heard and we prefer to have Travis standing in one of our courtrooms facing the charges that weve applied against him.

--By Kai Uyehara, The Seattle Times

2025 The Seattle Times. Visit seattletimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.




People visit the 3rd Tianjin International Shipping Industry Expo in Tianjin, North China, June 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Global Times-While the rise of e-commerce is a challenge shared by the global retail industry, succumbing to anxiety and resorting to trade protectionism is clearly misguided. What may appear as protection for domestic industries has negative consequences.

During an interview with RTL radio on Wednesday, Alexandre Bompard, CEO of Europe's largest food retailer Carrefour, claimed that the EU's proposal to charge a 2 euro ($2.36) handling fee on low-value e-commerce packages is "a joke" and suggested imposing a 100 percent tariff on such parcels, similar to the US approach. He also urged the EU to strengthen controls over Chinese parcels and implement them immediately.

His remarks lay bare the trade protectionist mindset, overlooking both the fundamental principles of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the mutually beneficial nature of economic and trade relations between China and the EU.

If such tariffs were implemented, ordinary European consumers would be the first to suffer by paying more. Trade protectionism, which appears to be helping domestic industries, will actually harm consumers' interests and undermine market vitality. It will weaken market competitiveness, hinder company innovation and development, and trigger trade frictions and disrupt the international trade order.

Moreover, the impact of e-commerce is a common challenge in the global retail industry, not the fault of Chinese parcels. Globally, retailers that have actively embraced change and promoted digital transformation are thriving, while relying on trade protectionism to maintain the status quo is futile.

If anything, the approach of advocating for restrictions against Chinese parcels highlights the shortsightedness of certain business elites.

From a broader perspective of China-EU economic and trade relations, China and the EU share extensive common interests, and economic and trade cooperation has always been one of the driving forces for their economic development.

The Chinese government has always been committed to resolving trade disputes through dialogue and consultation and safeguarding the multilateral trading system. The achievements by Chinese enterprises in the international market are the result of their own efforts and innovation. These achievements have not only brought development to Chinese enterprises but also injected new vitality into the European market.

Thus, while Bompard's remarks reflect the anxiety of some European retailers, they fall far short of representing the entire industry. In reality, numerous European companies recognize the immense potential of cooperation with China and have reaped tangible benefits through mutually rewarding partnerships. Should the EU adopt protectionist measures, it risks not only harming the interests of Chinese businesses but also inflicting damage on its own economy.

In response to a media question asked about European Commission's plan to impose a two-euro tax on small packages into the EU, and most of those packages come from China via digital platforms such as Temu or Shein, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said in May that China believes that an open and inclusive environment for international trade serves the interest of all.

The healthy development of China-EU economic and trade relations is in the interests of both sides. China has always advocated for an open and inclusive international trade environment. It is hoped that the EU will honor its commitment to openness, providing a fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises.
Oregons 2026 recruiting class vaulted into the top 10 after adding two more blue chip prospects.

Five-star offensive tackle Immanuel Iheanacho and four-star safety Devin Jackson each committed Thursday to the Ducks, bringing the class to 10 blue chip players among 14 commitments.

Earlier in the week, Oregon flipped a pair of California offensive line commitments.
Becky Pringle, the president of the National Education Association, addresses delegates during the first day of the union's convention, one of the largest ever held in Portland. Courtesy of the National Education Association/Flickr

About 7,000 educators from around the country descended on Portland this week, for the National Education Associations annual meeting.

The July 1-7 event is among the largest ever hosted at the Oregon Convention Center and happened to coincide with passage of President Donald Trumps signature bill to deeply slash social safety net programs including Medicaid and food stamps and extend tax cuts, particularly to the benefit of the wealthiest Americans.
At Mountain View Middle School, when a teacher grants the digital pass, all teachers can monitor the frequency and length of time that students are out of class, according to the district. Students get between 4 and 10 minutes to leave the classroom, depending on the destination. Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media

A Beaverton parent has sued the school district over its digital hall passes, arguing theyre being used for much more than tracking a students hall activity or bathroom breaks.

Jeffrey Myers, who has an information technology background and by day works in sales operations for the technology company Cohesity, is representing himself in the federal lawsuit.
Siblings Akihiko Yamamoto and Sharon Lovell. The brother and sister met in 2023, after more than seven decades apart. Courtesy of Sharon Lovell

For most of his life, Akihiko Yamamoto believed his American father had abandoned him in Japan.

Raised by his Japanese mother, his classmates and neighbors called him gaijin - meaning foreigner - and told him to go back to your country.

My childhood was terrible, said Yamamoto, 73. Everybody was so mean to me.

He knew nothing about his father, except that he was American.

I had no way to look for my father. There were no clues, no information, said Yamamoto, explaining that he had a strained relationship with his mother, who eventually married a Japanese man and had another son. Yamamoto has not spoken to his mother in more than 30 years.

Meanwhile, Sharon Lovell grew up on the other side of the Pacific Ocean in California in a loving home. She watched as her father wept over a lost child he had fathered overseas while serving in the U.S. military in Japan during the early 1950s, before Lovell was born.

I saw my Dad cry so many times, said Lovell, 71. Most of the time, I knew it was about that.

An undated photo of John Vierra, when he was a member of the United States Navy. Vierra also served in the Marine Corps and the Air Force. Courtesy of Sharon Lovell

Lovells father, John Vierra, fell in love with a Japanese woman when he was stationed in Japan shortly after the end of World War II. The woman became pregnant, and they planned to marry, Lovell said, but Vierra was shipped out before the baby was born. Their relationship ended, and the woman told him the baby was a girl who had been placed for adoption.

Vierra - who went on to become an engineer and part-time mechanic - tried to track down the child but never succeeded, his daughter said.

It really broke my heart, Lovell said. No kid wants to see their parent crying.

Vierra carried that pain, his daughter said, until he died in 2003. He never knew his long-lost child was actually a son - Yamamoto - and that his two children would one day find each other.

Indeed, in 2022, Lovell and Yamamoto were brought together through an unexpected chain of DNA matches, which neither of them initiated.

The connection began when Yamamotos daughter in Japan and Lovells cousins daughter in Southern California both separately submitted DNA samples to MyHeritage, the genealogy platform. The two women were notified of a genetic connection they couldnt explain, and eventually, they connected the dots that Yamamoto was Vierras missing child in Japan.

Thats how we found each other, said Lovell, adding that they corresponded over email and began getting to know one another. I was ecstatic.

I was very, very surprised that I had a sister, Yamamoto said. I didnt know anything about my American family.

Yamamoto was devastated to learn, though, that his father had died before they had the chance to meet.

Ive never seen him, and Ive never heard his voice, Yamamoto said. Its very, very sad for me.

It was painful for Lovell, too, knowing how desperately her father wanted to meet his first child.

I was so sad that our Dad is no longer here, because he wanted to see him so badly, Lovell said.

They decided to do an additional DNA test to confirm they are true half siblings, and it came back positive, as they expected.

It was already obvious that we were brother and sister because Akihiko looks so much like Dad, Lovell said. Its amazing.

Yamamoto was relieved to learn his father - whom he had long felt neglected by - had been yearning for him all his life.

Im so happy that my Dad, our Dad, loved me, he said. That makes me very happy.

Sharon Lovell as a child in California. Courtesy of Sharon Lovell

Despite growing up in different environments and cultures, the siblings said they felt an immediate bond. Fortunately, they said, Yamamoto speaks English, which made it easier to communicate.

Yamamoto calls Lovell my Sharona, and Lovell calls Yamamoto my big brother.

We grew very close very fast, said Lovell, a retired nurse who lives in Visalia, California. She has two daughters, ages 49 and 48, as well as 14 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Lovell is a widow.

Yamamoto has three daughters, ages 45, 40 and 35, and three grandchildren. He lives in Sapporo, Japan, with his wife and is a retired professor.

He and Lovell began corresponding regularly, and they both agreed that they wanted to meet in person. Since 2023, Yamamoto has flown to California to visit Lovell in the summer. On each visit, he stays for three months at her home. He is there currently, his third summer.

Im very happy when he comes, and then I cry a lot when he leaves, Lovell said. He has his own room here.

Having been estranged from much of his Japanese family, Yamamato said he is grateful to feel accepted by his American family. He said he hopes to bring his daughters to the United States to meet them.

I am so glad we found each other, Yamamoto said.

On each of his trips to California, Lovell takes him to spend time with various family members - including Lovells 93-year-old mother.

She loves Akihiko like he is her own son, Lovell said.

They also visit the places Lovell grew up, and theyve taken several short trips to national parks and other sites.

We went to see Dad where he is buried, Lovell said, adding that their fathers grave is at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, about two hours away from where she lives.

Although their father never got to meet Yamamoto, Lovell said, she feels confident that he can see them together now and is filled with pride.

I feel like, in some way, he knows his son now, she said. And hes happy. I know he is.
U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas was among the Oregon Democrats who condemned the passage of the Republican's megabill after it passed the U.S. House on Thursday. Sean Meagher

Oregon Democratic leaders expressed anger, devastation and disappointment with the passage of a nearly 900-page tax and spending cut bill by congressional Republicans expected to take health insurance and food assistance away from millions of Americans while sending tax cuts worth tens of thousands of dollars to the nations highest earners.

Oregons lone Republican congressperson, Cliff Bentz of the states 2nd Congressional District, voted to pass the bill Thursday, while the states two Democratic senators and five Democratic House representatives voted against it when it came up for votes in each chamber this week.

Bentz did not offer any explanation, interview or statement Thursday following the final bills narrow, party-line passage on a 218-214 vote in the U.S. House.

Thank you for reaching out. I will pass along your request to our team, his spokesperson Alexia Spentzas said in an email Thursday afternoon.

Bentz in a June interview with the Capital Chronicle defended the bill, including its near $1 trillion cuts to Medicaid over the next decade, and took pride in playing a key role in drafting those cuts.

About one in three Oregonians relies on Medicaid for their health insurance. But in the 20 counties in Bentzs district, the numbers are even higher. In Malheur, Klamath and Josephine counties, more than 40% of residents rely on Medicaid, according to the Oregon Health Authority. In Jefferson County, where Bentz is from, half of all residents are covered by Medicaid.

Bentz consulted for months with former Democratic Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber, a doctor, on the Medicaid portions of the bill, but incorporated nothing from those conversations into the bill, according to Kitzhaber.

He is well aware of the implications of this bill. I spent several months explaining it to him. Nothing in this bill is good for his district, Kitzhaber told the Capital Chronicle on Thursday. Hes decided to play to an audience inside the Beltway, not the people who sent him to Congress in the first place.

Kitzhaber described it as a sad day for CD-2 , Oregon and the nation.

Anger over cuts to health care, SNAP

Cuts to Medicaid and health care are by far the biggest concern among Oregons congressional Democrats. Rep. Maxine Dexter, a doctor and Democrat representing the states 3rd Congressional District, said in a news release the bill is a betrayal.

People will be forced to choose between buying groceries or filling a prescription, between paying rent or a copay, between keeping the lights on or getting preventive care, she said.

Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, representing Oregons 1st Congressional District, said the federal funding cuts to Planned Parenthood will impede life-saving sexual and reproductive health care. More than 75% of the services Planned Parenthood provides each year are for testing and treatment of sexually transmitted infections and providing contraceptives for birth control.

Republicans are also defunding Planned Parenthood, which provides necessary family planning services and reproductive health care. No other provider network has the capacity, expertise, or reach to replace Planned Parenthoods essential care, particularly in underserved communities. When women cant access comprehensive health care services, they are more likely to die.

She said the bill will have devastating consequences for Oregonians and Americans.

Gov. Tina Kotek, wrote in a news release Thursday that rural Oregonians, like those in Bentzs district, will suffer the most from health care and Medicaid cuts.

She said she has directed state agencies to immediately evaluate impacts of the budget bill to Oregon, and called its passage a moral failure that was inked in greed, not human dignity.

One thing is certain: this budget takes our federal tax dollars and hands a giant tax break to billionaires at the expense of children, families, and communities, she said. Every single year Oregonians pay federal taxes, and those dollars come back to our state through vital services like health care, food assistance, and more. That is how the system should work. The Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress have broken that system.

Oregon Rep. Andrea Salinas, representing Oregons 6th Congressional District, directed her ire at the bills cuts to federal food assistance that roughly 42 million low-income people rely on nationwide, known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

Currently, the federal government covers 100% of the cost of the SNAP program. The Republican bill cuts federal spending on the program by $230 billion over 10 years and limits eligibility for SNAP, requiring parents with children aged 6 and older to meet new work requirements they were previously exempted from.

The cuts would make this the single largest rollback of food aid in American history and would hurt Oregonians who rely on SNAP as well as local farmers and grocers, she said in a news release Thursday. The cuts would extend beyond SNAP to threaten food assistance programs like Meals on Wheels. This is cruel, plain, and simple.

-- Alex Baumhardt, Oregon Capital Chronicle

The Oregon Capital Chronicle, founded in 2021, is a nonprofit news organization that focuses on Oregon state government, politics and policy.
Among politicians who've come under fire for serving despite a purported cognitive decline, many have speculated about the mental capacity of U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell. (Mark Schiefelbein | AP Photo) Mark Schiefelbein | AP Photo

Should members of Congress be subject to mental-acuity standards? U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez thinks so  as do many Americans.

But among certain congressional colleagues, at least, the southwest Washington Democrat is unique in that belief.
Tennessee minors caught bullying or cyberbullying could soon find themselves without a driver's license for up to a year under a new state law that aims to curb harassment among teens by tying consequences to one of their most valued freedoms.

The legislation, HB 1025/SB 0170, was signed into law this summer and allows courts to suspend or delay a teen's driving privileges if they are found to have engaged in bullying, WVLT reported. The measure is part of a broader effort by state lawmakers to send a message that schoolyard cruelty, especially when carried out online, can have serious, real-world consequences.

State Rep. Lowell Russell, who sponsored the bill, said he added the driving penalty specifically to get teens' attention. "This right here adds to that to hopefully prevent tragic events," Russell told the outlet, referencing the links between bullying and youth mental health crises.

Under the law, minors can lose their driving privileges for up to 12 months, though there are available exceptions allowing them to drive to school, work or religious services. Russell said future legislation could include requirements for counseling as well.

Scott Payne, outreach manager at Contact Care Line, said the move shows progress, but he hopes lawmakers will also invest in prevention and support systems.

"You know, bullies aren't just born; they don't just pop up," Payne told WVLT, "They're products of their environment. So we need to be talking with them and finding out what's going on in their lives that's bringing about this type of behavior from them."

Originally published on Latin Times
The United States Supreme Court refused to take a case that seeks the revival of a Montana law that requires people younger than 18 to get parental consent before getting an abortion.

The legislation was originally enacted in 2013 and includes provisions that prohibit a doctor from providing abortion services to a patient who is under 18 years old if they do not have notarized written consent from a parent.

Parental Consent for Abortion for Minors

The Montana Supreme Court previously concluded that the law violated the Montana state Constitution. The latter includes broader protections for abortion compared to the U.S. Constitution.

The Supreme Court itself did not provide a detailed explanation for its decision, but Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas wrote a short statement. There, they asserted that technical problems with the case made it look like a "poor vehicle" for deciding the questions over such laws.

In their appeal, Montana officials told the Supreme Court that parents' authority extends to decisions about medical care. They added that parents are presumed to act in their child's best interest, noting that the state may not interfere with that right, according to CNN.

Read more: Florida Court Blocks Law Letting Minors Get Abortion Without Parental Consent

On the other hand, Planned Parenthood, a non-profit organization, sued over the law, claiming that the case was focused on the state constitution. The organization added that Montana officials seemed to suggest that the existence of parental rights is the start and end of the inquiry.

It noted that as long as there is a federal due process right of parents to participate in decisions concerning their minor child's medical care, there should be no need to consider what other rights could be relevant.

The Supreme Court's Ruling

The state court ruled that a minor's right to control her reproductive decisions is "among the most fundamental of the rights she possesses." It added that the state failed to show its own interests overcame those protections, NBC News reported.

Even among Republican-led states, Montana is an outlier in that abortion is still widely available despite the 2022 Supreme Court ruling overturning abortion rights landmark Roe v. Wade. The state's highest court has long recognized that individuals have a right to abortion under the state Constitution.

The court's decision comes despite Montana being a very red state, where President Donald Trump won with 58% of the vote last November. In Montana, abortion is protected up to the point of fetal viability. Voters also approved a ballot initiative in 2024 that made it illegal for the government to regulate or restrict abortion before viability, as per The Hill.
A teenage aviator, who is also a social media content creator and influencer, was detained in Antarctica while he was trying to fly solo to all seven continents around the world.

The individual, identified as 19-year-old Ethan Guo, was documenting his journey online and sharing his flight with other people. Chilean authorities detained him earlier this week as they argued that he did not have authorization to land his plane on an island off Antarctica.

Teenage Pilot Detained After Landing in Antarctica

In an interview on Thursday, Guo said that he was being housed at a Chilean base on King George Island while the case against him proceeds. Officials later said that while the teenager was initially detained, he was allowed to leave the island with the condition that he remain in Chile while his case was still ongoing.

The teen was sharing his solo flight around the world on TikTok and Instagram, letting his more than 329,000 followers and roughly 1.3 million followers, respectively, watch his progress. Guo had acquired his pilot's license at 17 years old and planned to become the first to fly in a small aircraft to all seven continents, according to the New York Times.

Guo also wanted to use his journey and the fact that he was able to share it with the world to raise $1 million in support of cancer research. The teen's detention comes as Antarctica was the only continent that he had not landed on yet.

Violating National and International Regulations

At around 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, he took off on his plane from Punta Arenas, which is a city found near the southern tip of Chile, with a flight plan that indicated he planned to fly over the city and land again in Punta Arenas.

However, the regional prosecutor of Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica, Cristian Cristoso Rifo, said that Guo conducted an unauthorized flight to King George Island. The island is situated off the Atlantic coast and is claimed by Chile as part of its Atlantic territory, CBS News reported.

The prosecutor in the case said that Guo continued to fly toward Antarctica without informing anyone and landed at the airfield of Lieutenant Rodolfo Marsh Base in Chilean Antarctic territory.

Rifo explained that when the teenager landed in Antarctica, officials quickly detained and formally charged him. The prosecutor said that the content creator not only violated the Aeronautical Code but also several national and international regulations, as per CNN.
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek issued a new executive order that mandates all schools across the state to implement a ban on cell phones during school hours.

The order gives the state's 197 public schools a deadline of Oct. 31, 2025, to create new policy that will prohibit students from using cell phones for the entire school day. This means that they will no longer be able to use their devices during lunch or in between periods.

Oregon Executive Order Banning Use of Cell Phones in Schools

This marks a significant change, particularly for many high school students in Oregon, who have already become used to less strict policies. The governor's executive order makes the state the 27th in the country to regulate the use of devices by students during school hours.

The movement began after widespread concern regarding the academic distractions and mental health impacts of children's constant exposure to social media. A bipartisan group of state lawmakers also supported legislation that would have codified Oregon's stance on device use at school into law, according to Oregon Live.

However, when that piece of legislation passed the House, it fell apart in the Senate Education Committee. That was because there were concerns that the proposal was too prescriptive and would cost too much, particularly for strapped school districts, to implement without any accompanying funding.

Some lawmakers intimated at the time that the bill's backers refused to compromise in order to alleviate those particular concerns. On Wednesday, Gov. Kotek said that she felt motivated by the need to "stand up for the promise of every student in every corner of the state."

Concerns About Consequences on Students

Talking about the executive order, the governor said that schools in Oregon should be a place where students find belonging, support, and the joy of learning. However, she argued that research showed the use of cell phones can create a trifecta of consequences for kids, the Oregon Capital Chronicle reported.

Opponents of the school include some school district leaders, who argue that local schools should be allowed to set their own limits on the use of cell phones. They also expressed concern that the bill would only create a mandate that schools do not have the resources to enforce.

To note, Yondr pouches, which are used to store devices and are used in institutions such as Grant High School in Portland, can cost $25 to $30 for every student. Some parents also expressed concern that the ban would prevent them from being able to contact their kids in case of an emergency, as per OPB.
Norman L. Geisler (1932  2019) was an American evangelical Protestant theologian, philosopher, and apologist. He obtained an M.A. in theology from Wheaton College and a Ph.D. in philosophy from Loyola University, and made scholarly contributions to the subjects of classical Christian apologetics, systematic theology, philosophy of religion, Calvinism, Catholicism, biblical inerrancy, Bible difficulties, biblical miracles, the resurrection of Jesus, ethics, and other topics. He wrote or edited more 90 books and hundreds of articles.

Dr. Geisler was the Chairman of Philosophy of Religion at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (197079) and Professor of Systematic Theology at Dallas Theological Seminary (197988) and a key figure in founding the Evangelical Philosophical Society. He also co-founded Southern Evangelical Seminary. He was known as an evangelical Thomist and considered himself a moderate Calvinist. He was not an anti-Catholic (i.e., he didnt deny that Catholicism was fully a species of Christianity).

This is one of a series of comprehensive replies to his book, Roman Catholics and Evangelicals: Agreements and Differences (co-author, Ralph E. MacKenzie, graduate of Bethel Theological Seminary-West; Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 1995). Its available online in a public domain version, which has no page numbers, so I will utilize page numbers from my paperback copy, for the sake of full reference. I consider it the best Protestant critique of Catholicism (especially in terms of biblical arguments) that I have ever found, from any time period. The arguments are impressively presented, thought-provoking, respectful, respectable, and worthy of serious consideration (which Im now giving them).

Ill be concentrating on the eight sections of Part Two: Areas of Doctrinal Differences (202 pages). These installments will be listed and linked on my Calvinism & General Protestantism web page, in section XVII: Catholics and Protestants (second from the end). Dr. Geislers and Ralph MacKenzies words will be in blue. My biblical citations are from RSV.

*****

The differences over the canonicity of the Apocrypha are not minor. They are both doctrinal and canonical. Doctrinally, the Apocrypha supports prayers for the dead (which also entails a belief in purgatory). (p. 158)

Geisler is presupposing that the New Testament teaches against prayer for the dead or never sanctions it. This is untrue. There are two fairly clear primary texts and several secondary ones. But Ill get to that later in my reply to his chapter on purgatory. Here Ill simply note that its interesting that Geisler assumes that prayer for the dead presupposes the existence of purgatory. And thats because prayer is of no use for someone in heaven; nor is it effective for anyone in hell. Both are  in different directions  beyond prayer.

Canonically, the grounds on which the Apocrypha was accepted undermine the true test for canonicity-propheticity. In short, if the Apocrypha can be accepted in the canon, lacking, as it does, the characteristics that meet the true test of canonicity, then other noncanonical books could be accepted on the same grounds. (p. 158)

Alright. What does Geisler mean by propheticity? Elsewhere, in his book, A General Introduction to the Bible (rev. 1986, pp. 212-216); The Authors Were Apostles or Prophets, he explains:

It had to be a public, not strictly a private writing. That is, it had to be offered to the people of God and not merely a private record. . . . it had to be a word from God for the people of God. . . . In short, a prophet is not infallible in his private utterance but only in his prophetic utterances. Hence it is possible that the prophets wrote other things which were not prophetic. Second, it is possible that a book could be prophetic but still not canonic. For although all canonic writings are prophetic, it is possible that not all prophetic writings are canonic. That is, perhaps God did not intend that all prophetic books would be preserved for posterity but only those select few He deemed necessary for the believers faith and practice. If that be so, then propheticity is only a necessary condition of canonicity but not a sufficient condition. In that case there would be another condition for canonicity. The most likely candidate for such a further condition would be acceptance by the people of God of the books they deemed of value to the broader Christian community.

There were no apostles in the Old Testament. Therefore, by Geislers criterion, Old Testament books had to come from a prophet. Lets see how that theory lines up with various books. Gleason Archer, in his Survey of Old Testament Introduction (Chicago: Moody Press, 1964) wrote about the book(s) of Chronicles and Ezra:

It is quite possible that the Talmudic tradition (Baba Bathra 15a) is correct in assigning the authorship to Ezra. . . . he would have had every incentive to produce a historical survey of this sort. (p. 390) Ezra himself undoubtedly wrote most of the book named after him. (Note the use of I in Ezra 7-10.) (p. 396)

But Ezra wasnt a prophet. He was a priest and a scribe skilled in the Torah (Ezra 7:6). This clashes with Geislers odd contention that all canonic writings are prophetic. Nehemiah is thought to have written the book of the same name (or possibly Ezra recording his word). But he wasnt a prophet, either. He was a cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes I and governor of Jerusalem.

The book of Esther gives no indication of its author. Some Jewish traditions claim that Mordecai was the author, and Archer opines that Other possible authors might be Ezra or Nehemiah . . . (p. 403): none of whom are prophets. This book, by the way, doesnt even mention God or the Lord  but additional chapters of the book that Catholic Bibles contain, do mention God (22 times), and Lord also appears 21 times. So according to Geisler, the Protestant truncated version was a word from God that never mentioned Him, while the Catholic portions that mention both divine titles 43 times, are supposedly not canonical.

The book of Job gives no indication of authorship, and whoever wrote it seems not to have been a prophet, either. I have now shown that six Old Testament books agreed-upon as canonical by all Christians, lack the property of propheticity that Geisler claims they must have as a necessary condition of canonicity. If they lack propheticity, then why couldnt this also be the case with one or more of the deuterocanonical books (known by Protestants as the Apocrypha)?

Thus Geisler saws off the limb of his own argument, that he is sitting on. He undermines his own case, since its revealed to be self-defeating. The most curious thing is that Dr. Geisler, well-trained in logic and very adept at debate, didnt notice this.

Man, the weird things we have to argue about in apologetics!

*
Juss Frankie, owner of hair and scalp restoration company, Juss Vibes, Hair & Beauty Studio in Lemoyne, holds a large check after winning a pitch competition. Photo provided/Hartman Benzon Media

A seven-week entrepreneurship program in Harrisburg culminated with a Shark Tank-style pitch competition where three regional business owners shared $10,000 in prize money.

Juss Frankie, owner of hair and scalp restoration company, Juss Vibes, Hair & Beauty Studio in Lemoyne, won the grand prize of $5,000 on June 18.

M&T Banks pitch competition capped the seven-week Harrisburg Small Business Accelerator Program that launched May 7 in partnership with the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology.

The Harrisburg Small Business Accelerator Program focused on business planning, establishing credit, accessing capital, marketing, branding and networking. Courses were held weekly on Wednesday evenings at Harrisburg University.

Winning this pitch is incredibly meaningful to me, as my business was born from a desire to share my personal journey with others, Frankie said in a news release. Thanks to M&T Bank and the judges, Juss Vibes Hair & Beauty Studio can now broaden our mission to restore confidence, educate, and bring holistic wellness to communities that have been overlooked for far too long.

Alisha Bergman, owner of Clean & Co, won the pitch competitions second-place prize of $3,000. Lisa Lickers, owner of Kingdom Wealth Strategies, won the third-place prize of $2,000.

The Harrisburg Small Business Accelerator Program was offered to entrepreneurs who met the following eligibility requirements:

In business, three years or less;

Annual business revenue of $350,000 or less;

Principal owner must be 18 years or older; and,

Small business owners must reside in Harrisburgs Capital Region.

Each year, were inspired by the passion and drive these entrepreneurs bring to the program, Nora Habig, M&Ts regional president for Central and Western Pennsylvania, said in a news release. Their ideas and commitment to growth are helping shape a stronger, more inclusive small business community in the Capital Regionand M&T is proud to be part of that journey.

The Harrisburg Small Business Accelerator Program launched in 2022.

Past winners of the pitch competition have included:
A hardwood products manufacturing facility is closing, leaving nearly four dozen people out of work.

Weaber Inc., doing business as ChoiceWood filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry informing the state that it is closing its facility at 11117 Skyline Drive in Oil Creek Township, Crawford County, near Titusville on Aug. 25, and 46 people will be laid off.

The layoffs will take place occur on Aug. 25 and continue through Sept. 8.

ChoiceWood was founded in 1984.

The WARN Act is federal legislation that offers protection to workers, their families, and communities by requiring employers to provide notice 60 days in advance of a covered business closing and a covered-business mass layoff. The WARN notice was dated June 25.
Multiple people have faced felony charges in recent weeks with distributing drugs in and around Billings, particularly methamphetamine and fentanyl.

So far this year, local law enforcement, along with their state and federal partners tasked with disrupted drug trafficking, have seized over 45,000 fentanyl pills and 30 pounds of meth during their investigations in the Magic City. Despite the large number of narcotics that task forces have seized, they have yet to eclipse the annual average over the previous three years.

Most recently, a Billings woman pleaded not guilty to accusations of dealing meth following an investigation on the part of members of the Billings Police Departments Street Crimes Unit. Charann Lisa Handl was arrested June 30 after police allegedly witnessed her make a meth sale out of a home on Cook Avenue. Along with seizing a small plastic baggie assumed to contain meth, court documents said, officers also obtained a digital scale and $400 in cash.

Early last month, a BPD investigation resulted in the seizure of hundreds of fentanyl pills, thousands of dollars and four felonies for a Billings man. The suspect, Kyle Andrew Frazelle, was allegedly associated with fentanyl distribution in Billings. On June 9, law enforcement stopped a vehicle that had recently left Frazelles residence near Optimist Park. The three traveling in the vehicle, one of whom was underage, told police they had received drugs from Frazelle, according to court documents.

In total, police seized meth, 83 fentanyl pills and a loaded handgun from the three, charging documents said.

Later that same day, multiple BPD officers intercepted Frazelle at a casino in the Heights. He allegedly agreed to speak with police, saying he would cooperate with the investigation. Officers brought him back to his home, court documents said, where he offered up a black pouch containing 154 grams of meth and around 140 fentanyl pills. Officers seized the drugs, along with over $3,000 in cash that Frazelle was carrying.

Frazelle told investigators he was selling drugs, according to charging documents, in order to catch up on a mortgage payment.

A little over two weeks late, court documents said, a BPD officer received a tip that Frazelle was once again selling drugs out of his home and apparently bragging about how quickly he was able to resupply. Investigators met with Frazelle, who allegedly admitted that he was still selling meth and fentanyl.

At Frazelles home, officers apprehended a man who was walking away from the residence and allegedly carrying nearly 800 fentanyl pills. Frazelle entered Yellowstone County Detention Facility on June 25, and he was eventually charged with counts of distribution of dangerous drugs, dealing drugs to a minor and two counts of criminal possession with intent to distribute. He has since pleaded not guilty to the charges, and its still in custody with his bail set at $250,000.

Also last week, criminal charges were filed in connection to a drug trafficking investigation that began nearly two years ago. In August 2023, Kelly Marie Ross was suspected of dealing meth out of a North Side apartment. When police received a warrant to search her residence, they allegedly found 10 ounces of crack cocaine, 5.5 grams of meth and over $13,000 in cash.

Ross agreed to speak with a detective, according to court documents, saying she had handled around six pounds of meth over the last six months. She was charged with possession with intent to distribute June 26, pleading not guilty to the charge the following day.

Members of the Eastern High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program, which encompasses multiple law enforcement agencies operating throughout the region, contributed to the investigation that resulted in charges against Ross.

From the start of the year through May 31, Eastern HIDTA members seized 31. 25 pounds of meth and 23,367 fentanyl pills. Over the previous three years, they seized a year-long average of nearly 62 pounds of meth and around 53,350 fentanyl pills. Notably, HIDTA has seized nearly 35 pounds of psilocybin mushrooms so far this year, according to data from BPD, trumping totals over the last three years combined.

BPDs SCU has seized approximately 10.25 pounds of drugs seized so far in 2025, including more than 14,000 fentanyl pills.

The illicit proliferation of fentanyl in the United States coincided with a massive surge in fatal overdoses in the United States from 2020 through 2023. In 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a dramatic 27% decrease in fatal overdoses.

From 2019 through 2023, 727 died of unintentional overdoses in Montana, according to data from the states Department of Public Health and Human Services. Annual overdoses peaked in 2022 with 178 deaths. In that same five-year timeframe, 169 people died in Yellowstone County, which had the fourth-highest fatal overdose rate behind Silver Bow, Glacier and Lake counties.
Competitive eater Joey Chestnut eats hot dogs during the 2025 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest in the Coney Island section of the Brooklyn borough of New York, Thursday, July 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) AP

By SUSAN HAIGH, The Associated Press

Famed competitive eater Joey Jaws Chestnut reclaimed his title Friday at the Nathans Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest after skipping last years gastronomic battle in New York for the coveted Mustard Belt.

Chestnut, 41, consumed 70-1/2 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes, falling short of his 2021 record of 76 wieners and buns. It marked the 17th win in 20 appearances for the Westfield, Indiana, eater at the internationally televised competition, which he missed last year over a contract dispute.

I wish I ate a couple more. Sorry guys, a smiling Chestnut told the crowd, many chanting his name. Ill be back next year.

Competitive eater Joey Chestnut celebrates after winning the 2025 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest in the Coney Island section of the Brooklyn borough of New York, Thursday, July 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) AP

Competitive eater Miki Sudo raises a champion belt as she arrives at the 2025 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest in the Coney Island section of the Brooklyn borough of New York, Thursday, July 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) AP

Defending champion in the womens division, Miki Sudo of Tampa, Florida, won her 11th title, downing 33 dogs, besting a dozen competitors. Last year, she ate a record 51 links. She also was apologetic for her performance.

I feel like I let the fans down a little bit. I heard people in the crowd saying, Go for 52, Sudo told ESPN. Obviously, Im always setting my goals high, but the hot dogs werent cooperating. For some reason, the buns felt larger today.

A large crowd, peppered with foam hot dog hats, turned out to witness the annual eat-a-thon, held outside the original Nathans Famous restaurant in Coney Island, Brooklyn, since 1972. Many fans showed up to see Chestnuts much-awaited return to an event he has called a cherished tradition, a celebration of American culture, and a huge part of my life.

Chestnut bested 14 fellow competitors from across the U.S. and the world, including Australia, the Czech Republic, Ontario, England and Brazil. Last years winner, Patrick Bertoletti of Chicago, came in second place after gobbling up 46-1/2 hot dogs and buns, falling short of the 58 he ate to earn the 2024 mens title.

People wait for the 2025 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest in the Coney Island section of the Brooklyn borough of New York, Thursday, July 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) AP

I love being here, Chestnut told ESPN after his win. As soon as I found out I was coming, my body  it was easy to train. I love doing it. And love pushing myself and beating the heck out of people.

Last year, Major League Eating event organizer George Shea said Chestnut would not be participating in the contest due to a contract dispute. Chestnut had struck a deal with a competing brand, the plant-based meat company Impossible Foods.

Chestnut told The Associated Press last month that he had never appeared in any commercials for the companys vegan hot dogs and that Nathans is the only hot dog company he has worked with. But Chestnut acknowledged he should have made that more clear with Nathans.

People prepare hot dogs ahead of the 2025 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest in the Coney Island section of the Brooklyn borough of New York, Thursday, July 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) AP

Last year, Chestnut ate 57 dogs  in only five minutes  in an exhibition with soldiers at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. He said that event was amazing and that he was pleased to still have a chance to eat hot dogs  a lot of them  on July Fourth.

Im happy I did that, but Im really happy to be back at Coney Island, he said.
The countrys second-largest alcohol wholesaler is laying off 1,756 employees in California as it prepares to shut down its entire business in the state, according to reports Thursday citing government filings.

Republic National Distributing Co., which distributed more than 2,500 alcohol brands in California, announced in June that it would cease operations there on Sept. 2.

On Thursday, it filed Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notices with California authorities, reporting layoffs in eight locations, according to The San Francisco Chronicle.

Those eliminated positions include roles in sales, human resources and business analysis, and include jobs that range from warehouse driver to vice president of sales. Some of the jobs were union-represented, according to letters filed by Republic National.

Republic National is headquartered in Texas.

Its CEO, Bob Hendrickson, cited the shutdown on rising operational costs, industry head winds, and supplier changes.

The company had recently lost several of the nations highest-profile alcohol brands, including Titos, High Noon, Cutwater Spirits and Jack Daniels, among others, The Chronicle reported.

Those producers have left since the beginning of the year and joined Reyes Beverage Group, which has historically specialized in beer distribution.

Others have left since the exit became official.

The company announced on June 26 the expansion of its long-standing partnership with Silver Oak, a well-known and much-respected family-owned winery.

It said in a release that it would now represent the Silver Oak portfolio in New York and Pennsylvania.
Catoctin Breeze Winery in Thurmont, Maryland, opens at 11:30 a.m. Thursday through Monday. It's closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Catoctin Breeze Winery

Adam Fizyta has been around grapes and wine much of his adult life.

His familys winery, Catoctin Breeze, established its vineyard in 2010 and opened its tasting room off Route 15 in Thurmont, Maryland in 2017.

Fizyta, 39, said the first vines were planted soon after he graduated from college, but they were on the periphery for years.

I was always around, but rarely got involved in the farming or production, he said. I was too busy building another career, which I eventually got very bored of.

Situated in the northeastern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, around 20 miles southwest of Gettysburg and almost 70 miles northwest of Baltimore, the vines thrive thanks to the well-drained slate-based soils, steeply sloping terrain and a continuous breeze from Catoctin Mountain.

Its a producer that has won its share of awards, primarily for its red vinifera.

Fizyta said everything changed in 2020, when he and wife Vanessa shared a bottle of 2010 Leoville Barton. The wine was a revelation. After finishing that bottle, I was determined to better understand Bordeaux, he said.

The obsession, he said, led him to print out 21 years worth of journal entries made by Jim Law, of Linden Vineyards, one of the pioneers of the Virginia wine industry whose influence on winemaking has extended far beyond that states lines. Fizyta said what he gleaned from those entries gave me the inspiration to become a winegrower, and the confidence to know that fine wine can be made in the eastern United States.

The last step was a visit to Bordeaux in November 2022, and it included technical visits at a few of that regions top producers such as Chateau Latour and Chateau Pichon Comtesse.

Jims writings helped me connect so many dots, Fizyta said. It was during this trip that I decided to commit the rest of my lifes work toward discovering the potential of Catoctin Breeze.

That set in motion a series of initiatives, he said, passing along this list:

Tripled our plantings since 2022 (now at 10 acres). Focusing on Bordeaux reds for our blend program. Primarily Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon are planted. Quit my day job to become winemaker/vigneron in January 2023. I officially became the new owner of Catoctin Breeze in November of 2024, purchasing the estate from my parents. Cashed out 100% of my retirement account to build a new Cuverie production barn, outfitted with concrete tanks from France. Completed an internship with Jim Law, whom I credit with inspiring me, and helping me form my philosophy. Josh Grainer from Lost Mountain has been absolutely essential in my journey these last few years and has become a good friend and mentor of mine. He along with Jim are my sounding boards. Completed a Terroir and Vineyard Management short course at the University of Bordeaux, where I met Professor Kees Van Leeuwen. Subsequently joined the IVES organization to assist me on understanding my terroir, technical knowledge, etc. Connected with Mark Chien, who is our vineyard consultant. Expecting to make our first estate blend in 2025. In the past, our top blend has always been composed of multiple vineyard sites. But our new vines in year 4 are just now bearing fruit.

Fizyta said he sought out Linden and also Grainer, who joined what was then RdV Vineyards in 2008 and remained in a similar role as winemaker after it was purchased last summer by Bordeaux powerhouse Chateau Montrose.

Both Jim and Joshs wines spoke to me, Fizyta said. I was determined to learn from them directly, and am fortunate to be doing so. I remember Josh saying something along the lines of if you want to learn how to make quality wine, come walk the vineyard with me every month for an hour. These walks completely transformed our winegrowing, and I turned to him for almost all of my questions. Despite his cellar being an absolute shrine, I dont think we ever walked through there once during a visit. That was the point. Im incredibly grateful to have formed these mentorships/friendships with Jim and Josh  they didnt have to help me as much as they did. Ive leaned on them both since day one of my journey and still do."

His production barn, mentioned in the list, is expected to be ready sometime this month, giving him and his team a comfortable space to work in. Simplifying things equates to less mistakes. Less mistakes leads to better wine. On top of that, having concrete tanks that we can heat and cool will allow us to better control extraction during fermentation, he said.

He also plans to use the concrete tanks for maturing Catoctin Breezes early-drinking red wines. I saw the use of concrete tanks at many benchmark producers in Saint Emilion  my most recent visit there earlier this year had me convinced that concrete would work well with our program, he said. Quality wines are grown in the vineyard, but we hope that these new tools [tanks] will make it easier to maintain the potential of the vineyard."

Visitors to Catoctin Breeze, open Thursday through Monday, have the option of sitting under the pergola near the tasting room. The winery is located at 5010 Roddy Road in Thurmont, Maryland. Catoctin Breeze Winery

Fizyta was one of more than a dozen winemakers from six states who attended the recent summit at Boordy Vineyards in Marylands Baltimore County: Each brought two wines for a tasting that also assembled wine writers, sommeliers, state wine association heads and others in the East Coast community.

The dozen participants were asked what made them most optimistic about the future of the business. Fityza said it was his Cabernet Sauvignon vines.

After working a bit with Cabernet Sauvignon during my internship at Linden, I have a much better understanding of how big of an impact it can make as far as tannin quality is concerned, he said. Having the opportunity to evaluate the tannins on the berries themselves during harvest, then during extraction [maceration], and finally when they were pressed off the skins was eye-opening. Assuming we can ripen Cabernet to where it needs to be, I expect the quality of our blends to improve significantly. Time will tell.

Asked about the biggest challenge looking ahead, Fityza chose climate change. I thought cold winters were over, but we got one in 2024-25 and it killed over 1,000 baby vines, he said. On top of that, back-to-back droughts in 2023 and 2024 were difficult to manage. 7 of rain in May was  welcomed due to the drought, but still concerning given the amount.

Concerto is a red blend that's primarily Cabernet Franc and also features Merlot and Petit Verdot. The 2022 vintage sold out in three days. Catoctin Breeze Winery Facebook

The move into Maryland of the spotted lanternfly sets up another hurdle, he said, but hes less worried about those than what appears to be year after year of weather extremes.

Still, hes buoyed by the potential.

I still wake up every morning excited to get back into the vineyard to see whats going on, he said, responding to a question about how he feels at this juncture following this five-year career transformation. Its my playground. I love challenges and adventures.

That aside, I have 100% confidence in my site, my team, and myself to grow world-class wines on our small vineyard here in Thurmont, Maryland. Most importantly, we have an incredible wine club who understands and supports this vision. Based on the feedback from mentors and colleagues both in the U.S. and in Bordeaux, I feel very good about the direction in which were headed.
Even on public land, permission is needed before flowers can foraged. George Weigel

Plant foraging has been a niche of those who like to feast on wild edibles since Euell Gibbons ignited the practice with his 1962 book, Stalking the Wild Asparagus.

Lately, though, foraging is catching on with another group  flower arrangers.

Some arrangers are finding more challenge and interest by working with whatever plants and flowers they can scavenge from nature vs. simply buying plants grown in greenhouses or cut-flower farms.

Foraging is an excellent way to increase interest, romance, and variety to your arrangements, writes Jackie Gardner on the Team Flower blog. Foraged elements add depth, contrast, and dimension to your creations.

And its economical, she adds.

Though the idea is simple, the gathering part poses a new dimension as well, one that gets into some legal and ethical issues.

Gardner, a floral designer and owner of Moonset Farm Floral in Maine, offers what she calls the seven cardinal rules of flower foraging:

1.) Know your environment and potential hazards

Hornets, wasps, and other stinging insects is one example Gardner mentions.

Water, trip hazards, and sharp objects lurking in the vegetation are others.

2.) Only forage with permission

Foraging on your neighbors land may seem harmless to you, but to the landowner, it may be seen as stealing and trespassing, says Gardner. Getting approval before you gather is imperative. When asking for permission, make sure the property owner knows that you will respect the land and take only what you need.

3.) Know the local, state, and federal laws about foraging in your area

Most laws focus on food-foraging, but the same gathering rules apply to foraging for flowers.

Foraging laws and rules vary greatly and are often contradictory, Gardner says.

For a thorough rundown on the legal issues surrounding foraging, Gardner recommends the paper, Food Law Gone Wild: The Law of Foraging, by Baylen J. Linnekin, which is a free download from the Fordham University Urban Law Journal.

4.) Take only what you know

Be careful that youre not collecting endangered or rare species.

Two resources to check are the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources web pages on endangered species in Pennsylvania and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services endangered species site.

5.) Be aware of poisonous and/or plants that irritate

Poison ivy isnt the only plant that can cause a serious rash. Poison oak, poison sumac, giant hogweed, stinging nettle, and wild parsnips are others you might want to know before you touch them.

6.) Know what plants and insects are invasive

You dont want to bring bugs or plants with seeds back to the house, especially ones that could lead to an invasion in a new area.

7.) Remove only what you need without damaging the mother plant or environment

Tread lightly, and leave the area as close to its pre-gathering form as possible.
Authorities in Mount Holly, New Jersey, said they are investigating an incident involving an ambulance that struck a home, leaving four people injured Thursday, police said in a social media post.

The incident took place around 3:30 p.m. on the 900 block of Woodlane Road when an ambulance was involved in a crash and then hit a home, police said.

Four people were injured in the incident, including one person inside the home, police said.

The driver of the ambulance, an EMT and a patient inside the ambulance were also injured, police said.

None of the injuries were life-threatening, according to police. Police said they do not believe criminal activity was associated with the incident.

The ambulance appeared to be associated with TriCare Medical Transportation, a New Jersey-based medical transport company.

TriCare Medical Transportation President, Anthony S. Maneri Jr., said one of the companys ambulances was completing a non-emergent transport from a hospital to a facility when it struck the home on Woodlane Avenue.

One person was in the home at the time of the crash, and three EMTs and one patient were aboard the ambulance, Maneri Jr. said.

Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com.
Police check cars arriving at the "Alligator Alcatraz," a new migrant detention facility at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition facility, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Ochopee, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier) AP

By Curt Anderson and Kate Payne, The Associated Press

The first group of immigrants has arrived at a new detention center deep in the Florida Everglades that officials have dubbed Alligator Alcatraz, a spokesperson for Republican state Attorney General James Uthmeier told The Associated Press.
Gen. John L. Gronski is a veteran of the Iraq War, serving from 1978 to 2019. Army Heritage Center Foundation

Maj. Gen. John L. Gronski (U.S. Army, Ret.) has joined the Carlisle-based Army Heritage Center Foundations board of directors.

Gen. John L. Gronski is a veteran of the Iraq War, serving from 1978 to 2019. His decorations include two awards of the Army Distinguished Service Medal, two awards of the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star Medal.

Gronski will join a local board devoted to telling the stories of soldiers spanning 250 years of Army history and supporting the mission of the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center in Carlisle, a press release said.

A native of Scranton, Lackawanna County, Gronski attended the University of Scranton and completed a Master of Business Administration degree at Penn State University. He and his wife now reside in Lebanon, Pennsylvania.

After completing his command of the 28th Infantry Division in 2016, Gronski served as the National Guard Deputy Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe until retiring in 2019.

Gronski authored three books, including Iron-Sharpened Leadership, and operates a leadership consulting business..

For more information on the Army Heritage and Education Center, its new This Well Defend Exhibit, and the nonprofit Army Heritage Center Foundation, visit armyheritage.org.
By Ximena Conde, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS)

Day 1 of a 9,000 municipal worker strike in Philadelphia shocked even the most hardened olfactory senses as bags of seeping garbage quickly formed pungent mountains before the city skyline.

By Day 3, some dubbed the citys new contours Parker piles, laying blame on Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers feet, as the streets felt increasingly apocalyptic.

But if its anything like the 1986 strike, the citys landscape will only grow more grotesque with each added trash bag left to stew in the sun.

Across the city this week, residents stared down the long, hot holiday weekend, worried about the fresh feasts that would accumulate for rodents. Sixty temporary trash drop-offs offered relief to many households, but people like Robert McCann, 87, said they couldnt take advantage of them because of physical limitations.

What am I supposed to do if I dont have a car  and I dont mean this lightly  Uber, Lyft, or taxi cab?" he said.

As negotiations dragged on between the city and District Council 33, part of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, which includes the citys sanitation workers, residents became increasingly panicked by what they saw at their doorsteps and kitchens. The strain was felt in every corner of the city, from neighborhoods that already struggle with littering and illegal dumping, to sections of the city that dont typically worry about unwanted critters.

At the West Philadelphia drop-off site at 5000 Wyalusing Ave., residents said they already deal with pests and bugs coming from the nearby Cathedral Cemetery. On Thursday, dozens of trash bags and pieces of garbage were stacked up along the sidewalk; a smaller group of bags spilled onto the road and slowed traffic across the street.

Its gonna leave the city nasty, said Ivion Preston, 32, after dropping off a bag of trash. They need to stop being cheap with the pay.

Christel Coleman, 53, who lives just a few houses down from a temporary dumping site at 50th and Locust Streets, said shes worried about how the dumpsters and overflowing trash will bring pests to her home.

Municipal workers hold up signs in Center City Wednesday. TNS

You see the trash juice already, she said.

Whats more, residents report disarray at drop-off sites, with people dumping construction materials or bulk items, such as mattresses.

The city has tried to establish some form of order by asking residents to refrain from placing their garbage on the curb and only using drop-off sites on their designated pickup days. So far, the asks have no way of being enforced and the vendors stepping in to empty out the dumpsters have had a difficult time keeping up.

Summer lovin and vermin: A ticking time bomb

Infestation concerns are not unwarranted, according to Michael Bentley, an entomologist who serves as the vice president of the National Pest Management Association.

Trash piling up can quickly cause rodents and insects to multiply, he said, putting residents at risk of the diseases they spread. As bags are torn open, trash can also attract larger scavengers like opossums and raccoons.

Everything pests want and need is in a trash bag, Bentley said. If you put your trash bag outside, youre ringing a dinner bell for cockroaches and flies.

To the chagrin of residents, pests dont need much time to take advantage of the smorgasbords in the hotter months.

Bentley said a week can be enough time to create a ticking time bomb. Flies can breed inside a single trash bag in a can without a lid in that time, while mosquitoes can lay eggs, needing only a bottle caps worth of standing water to do so.

Mosquitoes can carry illnesses like West Nile virus, and rodents and flies crawl through bacteria and pathogens outside that they can then track into a home if they gain entry, potentially spreading gastrointestinal diseases. Rodents can also carry fleas and ticks into a house. Urine from mice and feces from cockroaches can also cause respiratory symptoms or exacerbate asthma, an issue typically avoided with proper waste elimination practices.

Bentley said if residents cant take trash to a drop-off point, they should keep garbage in sealed containers as far away from points of entry as possible. People living near drop-off sites, where large piles of trash have been accumulating, are in a more difficult situation, Bentley said. He recommends being extra diligent about not storing any trash inside the homes, removing clutter from outside their homes where pests could hide, and making sure screens are properly installed on windows or keep them closed.

Pest management professionals can also inspect their homes to make sure insects and rodents cant get inside, he said. Professional help, however, is not financially feasible for many residents, and others say the onus shouldnt be on them.

Workers protest on Thursday on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia. TNS

Coleman, the resident living a few houses down from a drop-off site, said shes had no rodent issues in the 20 years shes lived in the neighborhood and believes the city should pay for pest control for her and her neighbors, considering they received no warning or say in the dumpster placement.

This is unfair to us, she said. No one asked us, informed us. We woke up Monday and there were dumpsters at the corner.

For its part, the Health Department said its vector control services program continues to receive and respond to complaints of rats and mosquitoes. Residents plagued by vermin can call 215-685-9000 for support.

Unfortunately for Philadelphians, Bentley said, even if the strike ends tomorrow, the bells already been rung and the trash has likely already attracted more rodents and insects than usual.

When the waste is inevitably removed, all the pests are going to go, Well, this food is gone, but all these homes are here. Its time to check them out, he said.

Some residents are trying to get ahead of the expected groundswell of pests by hiring contractors.

Ricky Moore, 34, has been hauling trash from peoples homes to the temporary drop-off sites for a small fee, though he said he hasnt charged seniors.

They dont want it in front of their house, he said of the high demand while throwing bags of trash from the bed of his truck into the dumpster at 25th and Spruce Streets. Somebody gotta do it.

Moore said he and a couple of other men hauled trash from more than 125 homes Wednesday in Northeast Philly and Olney. Already, Moore said hes seen an uptick in rats.

Daytime, nighttime, they dont care, he said. Theyre out there.

Still, its not just vermin people are worried about.

As the temperatures rise, so do tensions

The heat, the trash, and the upcoming holiday celebrations, which will only turbocharge the piles of refuse, have put negotiations between the city and DC 33 under mounting pressure.

Parker went so far as to address union members directly Thursday atop the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps, skeptical that they were aware of the offer the city had made them, lambasting union leadership for not coming to the negotiating table. Below her, DC 33 members and supporters brought an inflatable Scabby the Rat to protest contract workers hired to set up for the Wawa Welcome America concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway slated for Friday.

Municipal workers hold up signs at City Hall, Philadelphia, during a workers strike Wednesday. TNS

You can threaten me with not supporting me if I decide to run for reelection, she said. You can call me a one-term mayor, but Ill tell you what I will not do. I will not put the fiscal stability of the city of Philadelphia in jeopardy for no one.

Residents, frustrated by the heaps of food and dog poop bags, mixed with construction material, were similarly getting more on edge. Debates broke out online about whether using the drop-off sites is crossing the picket line, while people who offered trash pickup services online risked being called a scab.

Meanwhile, residents next to the dumpsters took offense to people dropping truckloads of garbage bags on their blocks.

Coleman said shes seen multiple heated disputes between people coming to drop off large loads and neighbors who tell them to take it elsewhere or keep it off the street.

She said she called the mayors office to say the strike needed to come to a conclusion soon, otherwise, Someone is going to end up dead.

Staff writers Fallon Roth and Beatrice Forman contributed to this article.

 2025 The Philadelphia Inquirer. Visit www.inquirer.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A justification sometimes offered for Israels destruction of Gaza is that residents of the Gaza Strip freely elected the terror group Hamas.

However, a poll by Arab Barometer conducted just before Oct. 7 found that, if there had been an election at that time, the Hamas candidate was likely to receive less than 25% of the vote. Furthermore, Gazas population is extremely young, so the majority of the population wasnt born or old enough to vote when Hamas came to power in 2006.

After the murder of a young couple outside of a Jewish museum in Washington, D.C., as well as the horrific attack on Jews in Boulder, Colo., U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) asserted, Collective blame is traditionally one of the most nasty, dangerous forms of antisemitism.

Collective punishment should also be condemned when it is inflicted upon Palestinians.

Terry Hansen, Milwaukee, Wisc.
Terry the Tick visits Little Buffalo State Park in Newport, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, to highlight the importance of residents taking precautions to prevent Lyme disease and tick bites. Commonwealth Media Services (PAcast)

State health and environmental officials gathered at Little Buffalo State Park in Perry County on July 2 to warn Pennsylvanians about the risks of Lyme disease and share strategies for avoiding tick bites during the summer outdoor season.

Pennsylvania recorded 16,620 lab-confirmed cases of Lyme disease last year, keeping the state among the top 10 in the nation for cases per 100,000 residents. Officials emphasized that while most cases can be successfully treated with antibiotics, untreated Lyme disease can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system.

Spending time outdoors supports physical and mental well-being. When outdoors, I encourage Pennsylvanians to take some simple steps to protect their health, said Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen. Take a few extra minutes before heading out the door to apply and carry sunscreen to prevent sunburns, bring water to prevent dehydration, and apply or carry an EPA-approved bug spray to prevent tick bites.

Pennsylvania Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen visits Little Buffalo State Park in Newport, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, to highlight the importance of residents taking precautions to prevent Lyme disease and tick bites. Commonwealth Media Services (PAcast)

The Department of Health offers an online dashboard showing where ticks are prevalent to help residents plan outdoor activities safely.

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn noted that prevention is essential year-round.

By taking simple preventive steps, people can enjoy the mental and physical benefits of spending time outdoors without the added worry  especially when it comes to ticks, Adams Dunn said. Its essential to understand the risks and be prepared throughout the year, whether youre exploring one of Pennsylvanias state parks, hiking in our state forests, or relaxing in one of the more than 6,100 local parks right in your own community.

Four species of ticks are displayed during a news conference hosted by Pennsylvania officials Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Little Buffalo State Park in Perry County. Commonwealth Media Services (PAcast)

Officials warned that ticks carrying Lyme disease have been found in all 67 Pennsylvania counties, in both urban and rural settings. They typically inhabit shrubs, weeds, leaf litter, and tall grasses, but can be present anywhere with foliage.

Ticks that carry Lyme disease have been found in all 67 counties in Pennsylvania, and we constantly monitor other tick-borne diseases that may pose a risk to residents and visitors, said Department of Environmental Protection Deputy Secretary John Ryder. A little prevention goes a long way to keeping you and your family safe from ticks this summer.

Bence the Dog attends a news conference on tick bite prevention hosted by Pennsylvania officials Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Little Buffalo State Park in Perry County. Commonwealth Media Services (PAcast)

Health officials recommend several prevention strategies, including covering exposed skin, wearing light-colored clothing to spot ticks easily, using EPA-approved insect repellent, and treating shoes and gear with permethrin before outdoor activities.

After returning indoors, people should thoroughly check themselves, children, and pets for ticks, shower to wash away unnoticed ticks, and place clothes in a dryer on high heat to kill any remaining ticks.

The officials with Gov. Josh Shapiros administration also highlighted the health benefits of safely enjoying the outdoors, including improved cardiovascular health, stronger muscles and bones, reduced risk of chronic diseases, lower stress levels, and increased social connection.

For more information on Lyme disease, residents can visit the Department of Healths Tickborne Diseases webpage. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website provides information about state parks, public lands, and seasonal programming across the state.

Generative AI was used to organize information for this story, based on data provided by Pennsylvania state agencies. It was reviewed and edited by lehighvalleylive.com.
Advocates in support of Christopher Martinez, a Helena man detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement July 1, urged Lewis and Clark County Commissioners on Thursday to investigate how it was handled, expressing shock over the arrest.

Commissioners Andy Hunthausen, Tom Rolfe and Chair Candace Payne listened to the comments made over 80 minutes by people who asked them to determine what role the county sheriff's office played in the incident.

"I want my dad back," Martinez's daughter, Lourdes, told the commissioners.

Martinez, 31, was arrested July 1 after being stopped by Helena police for expired registration. He was informed by law enforcement he matched the description of two suspects being investigated by federal and local agents, court documents filed by attorneys on behalf of Martinez said.

Despite not being one of the suspects, Martinez was detained by ICE agents and taken to the Lewis and Clark County Detention Center. Many said he had been denied access to his attorneys.

Avery Skibicki, a commentor at the public commission meeting, said she was embarrassed that the arrest happened in Montana and Helena because it happens in Los Angeles and New York, but "not here."

"I am horrified and revolted and disturbed that this happened. A man was racially profiled," she told county commissioners. "... (He) was taken by unidentified officers into an unmarked vehicle and brought to the county detention center. That's horrifying because of the cruelty of it."

Martinez was a father of four children, one boy and three girls. He worked in maintenance at various hotels throughout Helena, his wife Maria Pacheco said.

One of the couple's children spoke at the meeting.

Lourdes, with her head barely sneaking over a lectern in front of the commissioners, talked about her and her siblings' relationship with their father.

"It's hard for me and my family ... it's just a hard moment," she said. "... I like to remember the good times I've had with my dad ... we would go fishing with (my) siblings. We have very good moments, it's just hard to see."

Pacheco followed her daughter's public comment, holding her 1-year-old son draped over her shoulder. She thanked everyone for being at the meeting before requesting the county commissioners to work with Helena Police Department and the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Office to get the bodycam footage of the incident.

Pacheco and her four children are U.S. citizens, but her husband is a citizen of Mexico despite the family's efforts to file paperwork for his citizenship.

Pacheco said July 1 his citizenship was denied in 2018, so she was continuing to file again for him before he was detained by ICE.

Resident Paul Pacini worried over Martinez's arrest, referring to the word "Gestapo" and saying he feared it harkened to a darker time.

"It just seems like we're returning to McCarthyism and the Nazi influence on our country and our lawmakers prior to World War II. It's happening all over again," he said. "...But, this whole situation makes me think that I'm reading Anne Frank's diary or rewatching 'Schindler's List.'"

Others referred to the incident as "kidnapping" and "evil."

SK Rossi, a community member, told commissioners, "You should be infuriated about this situation regardless of whether ICE was involved...You should be infuriated because it was wrong."

"You guys exist for a reason and the reason is to make sure the county has what it needs and functions the way it wants to function," Rossi said. "So, instead of talking about what you can't do, I'd love to hear what you can do."

During the county commission meeting Thursday, supporters of Martinez and his family said they believed the Helena Police Department and the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Office were working in collaboration with ICE.

HPD Chief Brett Petty denied the claims made by the public during a press conference held at the Law and Justice Center July 1.

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."

Helena Mayor Wilmot Collins addressed a crowd during the press conference July 1.

"I'm saying that HPD is not coordinating with ICE on this arrest," he said.

Another issue commenters had was with Sheriff Leo Dutton who reposted a poster from a third-party Facebook account that referenced an ICE arrest in Helena.

Dutton said, "This is pure propaganda and is false information."

The sheriff stood by his comments and said nothing occurred at the courthouse. At the time of his post, he was unaware of the federal arrest and that the detainee was being held in the county jail.

Since then he clarified on the office's Facebook account his concern was for the safety of the employees inside the courthouse.

The post has since been removed from the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Office page.

Martinez was found, through law enforcement's search, to have a federal detainer although he did not have a criminal record, according to his wife.

Since his arrest, the detainee has not spoken to attorneys wishing to represent him from Upper Seven Law.

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.

Federal District Court Judge Dana L. Christensen ordered federal officials July 2 to not move Martinez out of the state until a habeas petition hearing July 10 at the Russell Smith Federal Court in Missoula on July 10 at 1:30 p.m.
FILE - Former Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-N.Y., President-elect Donald Trump's pick to head the Environmental Protection Agency, appears before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on Capitol Hill, Jan. 16, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File) AP

By Melina Walling, The Associated Press

The Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday put on administrative leave 139 employees who signed a declaration of dissent with its policies, accusing them of unlawfully undermining the Trump administrations agenda.

In a letter made public Monday, the employees wrote that the agency is no longer living up to its mission to protect human health and the environment. The letter represented rare public criticism from agency employees who knew they could face blowback for speaking out against a weakening of funding and federal support for climate, environmental and health science.

In a statement Thursday, the EPA said it has a zero-tolerance policy for career bureaucrats unlawfully undermining, sabotaging and undercutting the Trump administrations agenda.

Employees were notified that they had been placed in a temporary, non-duty, paid status for the next two weeks, pending an administrative investigation, according to a copy of the email obtained by The Associated Press. It is important that you understand that this is not a disciplinary action, the email read.

More than 170 EPA employees put their names to the document, with about 100 more signing anonymously out of fear of retaliation, according to Jeremy Berg, a former editor-in-chief of Science magazine who is not an EPA employee but was among non-EPA scientists or academics to also sign.

Scientists at the National Institutes of Health made a similar move earlier in June, but Berg said he was unaware of any at NIH who have been placed on similar administrative leave.

Under Administrator Lee Zeldin, EPA has cut funding for environmental improvements in minority communities, vowed to roll back federal regulations that lower air pollution in national parks and tribal reservations, wants to undo a ban on a type of asbestos and proposed repealing rules that limit planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions from power plants fueled by coal and natural gas.

Zeldin began reorganizing the EPAs research and development office as part of his push to slash its budget and gut its study of climate change and environmental justice. And hes seeking to roll back pollution rules that an AP examination found were estimated to save 30,000 lives and $275 billion every year.

The EPA responded to the employees letter earlier this week by saying policy decisions are a result of a process where Administrator 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.

Follow Melina Walling on X @MelinaWalling and Bluesky @melinawalling.bsky.social.

The Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
President Donald Trump speaks to the media before walking across the South Lawn of the White House to board Marine One en route to Joint Base Andrews, Md., and on to Florida, Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) AP

The Trump administration is asking the Supreme Court to remove three Democratic members of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, who were fired by President Donald Trump but then reinstated by a federal judge.

He has the power to fire independent agency board members, the Justice Department argued in its filing to the high court, according to an Associated Press story.

The administration noted the May ruling by the court supporting a robust view of presidential power. It asked for the firings to be immediate, the story said.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission was created in 1972. Its five members must maintain a partisan split, with no more than three representing the presidents party. They serve staggered terms, the story said.

That arrangement gives each president the opportunity to influence, but not control, the commission, attorneys for the fired commissioners wrote in court filings.

The Supreme Court is seen on Capitol Hill, Feb. 27, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr., File) AP

They argued the recent terminations could jeopardize the commissions independence.

The commission helps protect consumers from dangerous products by issuing recalls, suing errant companies and more.

Trump fired the three Democrats on the five-member commission in May. They were serving seven-year terms after being nominated by President Joe Biden.
Vice President JD Vance traveled to North Dakota for a Fourth of July vacation visit with his family.

Vance flew into Dickinson on Air Force Two shortly after 9:30 a.m. Mountain time. He planned to head to Medora for a short private visit. No public appearances were scheduled, though he met with media at the airport.

Vance said he planned to get out hiking and "try to dig up some dinosaur bones" while he was in the state for the day.

Vance said North Dakota is a part of the country he has never been to, and that being the "vice president of the whole United States" he wanted to come get a sense of what makes North Dakota "such a beautiful place."

"You know, one of the things I know very, very personally growing up in a part of the country that sometimes gets ignored and left behind, is that a lot of times, states like this don't get as much attention from national leadership," Vance said. "So I thought, what better day than the Fourth of July to come to North Dakota and show people we care about them, we're rooting for them."

Vance said he already had plans to be in South Dakota for the holiday, making a stop in North Dakota an "easy trip." He and his family were in the Rapid City and Mount Rushmore areas of South Dakota's Black Hills on Thursday.

Big Beautiful Bill

During his brief meeting with reporters at the Dickinson airport, Vance -- alongside U.S. Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D. -- focused heavily on the "Big Beautiful Bill" that passed Congress on Thursday and was to be signed Friday by President Donald Trump.

Vance said the bill will make it easier to build data centers in America, make it easier to invest in oil and gas drilling in America and make it easier for Americans to build wealth -- all of which he said will benefit North Dakota. Vance said the bill was only the start of what the administration would do for Americans.

"That's a great thing about America's constitutional republic ... we're always working towards that more perfect union," Vance said. "So whether it's job training, whether it's border security, whether it's tax relief, I'm sure the president is going to have a lot of ideas in the years to come. The Big, Beautiful Bill is a very important step to making our fellow citizens' lives better, but it's hardly going to be the only thing the president works on over the next 3  years."

Former North Dakota Gov. Ed Schafer, who served as federal agriculture secretary under President George W. Bush, told the Tribune that the benefits of the bill for North Dakota remain to be seen. He said that North Dakota cut government spending in the late 1990s in a similar way to what the federal government is doing now, to the benefit of the North Dakota economy.

He said the big difference is that North Dakota took a softer approach to government spending cuts that allowed the state to garner public support, something he feels the Trump administration does not have.

"Because of the heavy-handed approach -- 'It's my way or no way,' 'I'm the only one that knows anything,' you know, that kind of approach -- we have to make sure that the benefits of the bill will actually get delivered," Schafer said. "Right now, we're not seeing the public support that's needed to get this stuff done that's in the bill."

Recent polls, including one from conservative media outlet Fox News, show that the bill is not popular with voters. Vance said he felt Americans would come around on the bill and that it would mark the "beginning of the golden age of the United States of America."

"I think when people realize how much this benefits the people of North Dakota, the people of the United States, this bill is going to be very popular," Vance said. "Rome wasn't built in a day, but I think you're going to see a lot of great progress very quickly now ..."

Hoeven said Vance played a large role in getting the bill passed.

"We brought the vice president in -- it must be four or five in the morning -- he was in those negotiations to get this thing done. So he didn't just provide the deciding vote. He actually helped put this together." Hoeven said.

Vance called the passage of the bill a "team effort."

Causing a stir

Vance's motorcade was flown into Bismarck on Thursday and driven to Dickinson. The large airplane caused a stir on social media.

The Federal Aviation Administration imposed "temporary flight restrictions for VIP movement" in the areas of the Dickinson and Rapid City airports during Vance's visit, banning other aircraft for security reasons.

The visit also caused a stir in Dickinson, with over 40 cars backed up near Dickinson's airport waiting for the vice president's motorcade to pass. Some were there to see the motorcade, while others with boats attached to their trucks appeared to have simply been caught up in the controlled chaos of a vice presidential visit.

The Kappes family -- a family of four who came out to see the vice president's motorcade -- said they wanted to watch because "you don't get too many chances" to see the vice president of the United States.

"I'm a huge supporter of the president and the vice president, so, yeah, this was a great opportunity," said 19-year-old Luke Kappes. "What's a better way to celebrate the Fourth of July than see an American patriot?"

One of the places Vance visited was the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library under construction at Medora. Executive Director Robbie Lauf said hosting Vance and his family was an honor.

In the spirit of Theodore Roosevelt, we welcome all who want to dare greatly, think boldly, care deeply and live passionately -- just like TR, he said in a statement.
Aiken, SC (29801)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 95F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. Low 73F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
Charleston, SC (29403)

Today

Partly to mostly cloudy skies with scattered thunderstorms mainly during the morning. Hot and humid. High near 90F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. Low 77F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
Columbia, SC (29201)

Today

A few isolated thunderstorms developing this afternoon under partly cloudy skies. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High around 95F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Mostly cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low around 75F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
Lauren Leibman covers Georgetown County for the Post and Courier. She interned with The State newspaper and worked for The Daily Gamecock during her time at the University of South Carolina.
Mount Pleasant, SC (29464)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms. High 89F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

A few clouds. Low 77F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations.
Nick Reynolds covers politics for the Post and Courier. A native of Central New York, he spent three-and-a-half years covering politics in Wyoming before joining the paper in late 2021. His work has appeared in outlets like Newsweek, Poynter, the Associated Press, and the Washington Post. He lives in Columbia.
Elected King (Synopsis)

Long, long time after the so used to royal ruling, monarchy, and aristocracy, a new idea of government system called republicanism begin to emerge inside the thirteen colonies of British America. Among many of the liberalists and human rights activists, there is one man named John King. He enlightened the entire town about why government should be formed by elected representatives of the people. In many hearts of the commoners, he is remembered as a well loved and badly hated man. Above all, he is the elected king.

On a summer day in mid 18s century, John King packs up his pamphlets. He leaves Boston on a wagon heads to the north, where most of the colonists are still loyal to King George, and reluctant to join force with the others against the newly imposed taxes. During his journey, he meets Grace Osmer, a beautiful girl from England. She is on her way to join her father, a local royal official.

When John arrives in a town named New Cambridge, he witnesses the hanging of a man, who is found guilty of betrayal the king. He knows what the name of the crime implicates and decides to stay. It is the town where Graces Father, Colonel Osmer governs.

John begins to devote himself in what he firmly believe, liberty, equality, and republicanism. He publishes newspaper articles, print pamphlets, talking to business man in the market place, making speech at secret gatherings. More and more people become aware of the new ideas, at the same time, the movement is set to be repressed by King Georges loyalists. John needs to know what and when is going to be the next move of his enemies.

When he meets Grace again, she suggests him to work for his father. The offer is tempting, although John has to repress his feelings toward her. His excuses of avoiding Grace are troubling her. She decides to follow him. When she found out what he has been doing at night, she is happy that there is no one else between them. She tells him that she is willing to be with him all the way to fight for his course. They fell in love with double the passion.

Their secret is soon found out by the Jealous Adjutant under colonel Osmer, James Woodward. He starts to plan his plot to get rid of John.

A few months later, the local committee led by John King has formed, it plans to take over colonel Osmer. It is time for John to confront Colonel Osmer directly. James now has the support of the Colonel to assassinate John.

At the same time, the conflict between the committee and Colonel Osmer intensifies. Osmer is removed from office, and separated from his army. James arranges his man to assassinate John, pending on the colonels approval.

In order to save John, Grace accepts her fathers demand of taking her back to England and lets him hold her hostage in his escape wagon. John has to let them go because he does not want to hurt Grace. It is too late when Grace find out her father has no intention what so ever to go back to England with her, but only to use her to escape.

When Grace is on board the ship back to England, Colonel Osmer and his man are on their way to attack New Cambridge.

One side is well armed man fighting for the King they are born to die for, the other side is militia led by the King they have elected to fight for their own freedom.

A bloody battle marks the beginning of the end of an era

The world is about to welcome the birth of America, the most promising nation for many centuries after, and to come.

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Job-hunting in Nigeria can often feel like a full-time job, especially for fresh graduates and industry novices, but with the right tools, insights, and strategies, landing that next role doesnt have to take forever.

Every job seeker needs to understand that hiring has evolved beyond traditional methods. Today, technology, particularly AI, plays a significant role in how recruiters hire and how job seekers can clinch jobs.

With that in mind, here are seven key things every job hunter should know:

1. Tailor your CV to every job automatically.

Many job applicants make the mistake of creating a generic CV that they use for all job applications. This is where some platforms come in with AI-powered CV matcher tools. These tools help job hunters customise their CVs based on the specific requirements of each job they apply for, significantly improving their chances of passing through applicant tracking systems (ATS).

In todays job-seeking world, over 70 per cent of employers use ATS to filter candidates. This is why applicants must shy away from their supposed one-all-rounder CV: a tailored CV increases your chances of getting seen.

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

2. Tap into a marketplace where jobs are posted daily

Localised search filters are tools that allow job seekers to narrow down their job search to specific locations. These filters are handy for finding jobs in your local area, whether in Lagos, PortHarcourt, or Kano. They help bridge the gap between qualified job-seekers and potential employers by localising available employers or jobs near you.

With these tools, over 1,000 fresh jobs are posted daily, and 1 million monthly users allow job seekers access to a robust ecosystem across industries from tech and media to finance and education.

3. Get discovered by employers without applying

This feature is a game-changer, providing relief to both employers and applicants. It saves resources and bridges gaps that might occur during the hiring process, giving job seekers a sense of hope and optimism.

Have you ever imagined getting hired without applying? Through candidate search features, some employers now scout and approach job seekers directly on platforms where youve uploaded a solid profile and updated CV.

This may require applicants to optimise their search engine. To make this work, job hunters are implored to use profiles updated with keywords from their desired industry. This is a secret to boost ones sales discoverability.

4. Learn from the experts for free

From career webinars to resume clinics and workplace readiness guides, free resources are always available online to support and encourage applicants. Whether youre prepping for interviews or transitioning between industries, theres something to learn from at every stage.

Some platforms offer over 1,000 free career resources and scholarships to help applicants get started, exposed or re-skilled.

5. Stay informed with real labour market insights

Understanding trends, such as what roles are in demand, what industries are hiring, or average salary benchmarks, can sharpen your job strategy.

Some job platforms have recently published regular job market reports and HR advisories that help job seekers and shape government and corporate hiring policies.

These key data points are available to applicants; job hunters can use them as a cheat sheet for industry-specific insights before interviews.

READ ALSO: Reps advance bill to ensure free access to internet in public places

6. Apply smarter, not harder

Instead of applying randomly, use data to your advantage. There are top-ranked platforms that dont just post jobs but also possess practical tools to connect job-seekers to employers.

Also, such platforms prioritise actual placement outcomes, using tools optimised to connect the right candidate with the right employer more efficiently.

Over 52,000 jobs were posted on just one platform in Kenya alone last year, increasing job-seekers chances of landing their dream jobs.

7. Be part of Africas career revolution

Additionally, several career tech platforms aim to connect over 100,000 young Africans to sustainable jobs by 2030, with expansion plans into the UK and smarter AI integrations already underway.

This necessitates that job applicants position themselves effectively on career-based sites to make themselves employable for imminent job expansion.

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In a manner reminiscent of the furore generated by the 2023 movie Gangs of Lagos, several Badagry indigenes are fighting to stop the release of a film titled Badagry (I Bad I Gree).

In 2023, the Isale Eko Descendant Union, represented by its chairman, Adeniji Kazeem, SAN, filed a lawsuit alongside others who sued the producers of Gangs of Lagos on behalf of their respective chieftaincy families.

They argued that the movie desecrated Lagos cultural heritage by depicting the Eyo masquerade as a criminal gang involved in violent activities.

Others who kicked against the movie included the Lagos State Governments Ministry of Tourism and the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu.

The traditional ruler described the movie as defamatory and sacrilegious for depicting the Eyo as criminal gangs that commit grotesque murder and visit terror on innocent citizens.

Badagry (I Bad I Gree)

Like history repeating itself, another movie titled Badagry (I Bad I Gree) will likely face a similar fate.

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Not much is known about the movie except that it is scheduled for release on Friday. It is directed by Davison Izegaegbe and stars Alex Osifo, Yemi Blaq, Jude Orhorha, Nike Adams, Christian Alex, and Destiny Austine Omon, who is also the producer.

A statement by television and film producer, Tunde Alabi-Hundeyin, posits that the yet-to-be-released movie maligns the image and dignity of one of Africas most historically precious pieces of land.

Mr Alabi-Hundeyin said that the yet-to-be-released movie maligns the image and dignity of one of Africas most historically precious pieces of land.

Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin shared the statement on his X page.

Dead on arrival

According to a post on the producers Instagram page, the films title has been changed to I Bad.

He posted a redesigned film poster titled I Bad, captioning it:  Title changed. We move.

Describing the film as dead on arrival, Mr Alabi-Hudenyin, a veteran filmmaker, said he called Shaibu Husseini, the DG of the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board, who confirmed that a group of nine people from Badagry had submitted a petition on the film title to his office.

I didnt ask who they were, but whoever they were, I was proud of them as protectors of the Badagry image. The DG said he immediately contacted the producers, who claimed they named it so because it was shot in Badagry.

The only way that film will ever get released in this country is if they change the title. The content is a crime story that has nothing to do with Badagry. The contribution of the children of Badagry to Nigerias creative and tourism culture is sometimes underestimated, Mr Alabi-Hundeyin added.

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The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has condemned the governments recent agreement to send Nigerian doctors and healthcare workers to Saint Lucia.

The association warned that the move could worsen the countrys ongoing brain drain crisis and negatively impact healthcare delivery.

In a statement signed by NMA Secretary General Benjamin Egbo and shared on Thursday via the associations X handle, the NMA said it was deeply concerned by the announcement, coming at a time when Nigerian doctors are grappling with systemic neglect, poor salaries, and withheld allowances.

The association described the agreement as inexcusable and said it reflects the governments disregard for the worsening welfare of Nigerian doctors.

We consider this move a deeply troubling contradiction and an attempt to bolster Nigerias international image while failing to meet basic obligations owed to doctors at home, the statement read.

Deployment agreement

On Wednesday, the Nigerian government announced a plan to deploy skilled professionals, including teachers, doctors, and agriculturists, to Saint Lucia and other Caribbean nations under a newly signed Technical Manpower Assistance (TMA) Agreement.

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In a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the government said the initiative is part of broader efforts to deepen South-South cooperation and strengthen ties with the African diaspora.

The agreement, signed in Castries by the Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, Yusuf Yakub, will see Nigerian volunteers serve for two years in the host countries, with salaries and logistics covered by the Nigerian government, while Saint Lucia provides accommodation and local support.

Mr Yakub noted that since May 2023, over 300 Nigerian professionals have been deployed across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific under the revitalised TAC scheme.

However, NMA said that while it supports international cooperation, it is morally unjustifiable to export healthcare workers to foreign countries and pay them five times higher than they earned while serving in Nigeria.

NMA highlighted that doctors working in Saint Lucia earn up to N131.7 million each year. Nigerian doctors being sent to Saint Lucia will be paid N40.8 million, while those working in Nigeria earn a maximum of N11.9 million annually.

Frustration over welfare neglect

The NMAs response comes a day after its leadership held a press conference calling the government to immediately withdraw a controversial circular released by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) on 27 June.

According to the NMA, the circular violates multiple collective bargaining agreements previously signed with the government and does not reflect fair or agreed-upon adjustments to salaries and allowances.

Speaking during the press conference, NMA President, Bala Audu, insisted that the document is not only inadequate but also violates previous agreements reached between the government and the association.

NMAs backlash over the Saint Lucia deal is attributed to the worsening state of Nigerias health workforce.

According to the association, doctors still serving in the country are battling poor pay, withheld allowances, delays in receiving the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), and a lack of basic risk protection despite hazardous working conditions.

These challenges have overburdened the doctors left behind, leading to burnout, stress, chronic diseases, and even death, which invariably increases morbidity and mortality among Nigerians, it noted.

Issued ultimatum

During the press conference on Wednesday, NMA also urged the government to immediately reverse the NSIWC circular and revisit all previous agreements on doctors welfare and salary structure.

The association also asked for the immediate payment of the 2025 MRTF, implementation of specialist and hazard allowances, and the full application of CONMESS across all federal and state institutions.

The NMA further called for improved health insurance for all doctors, better hospital governance through the constitution of management boards, and a circular implementing the reviewed retirement age for medical and dental practitioners.

These demands, according to the association, must be met within 21 days or the government risks a major disruption to healthcare delivery in the country.

We have exhibited so much goodwill and intend to continue the same as long as we get our appropriate and timely dues, Mr Audu said.

We hereby expect that attention will be given to our demands within the next 21days to avert disruption in the health services rendered to the Nigerian People.

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Eghosa Osaghae, a professor and the director-general of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), is widely regarded as one of Nigerias leading political scientists and public intellectuals.

A former Vice Chancellor of Igbinedion University and long-time faculty member at the University of Ibadan, his voice carries weight in discussions on education, governance, and regional integration.

In this exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES, the NIIA DG speaks about his formative years in the classroom, an unusual experience teaching Liberias top government officials, his thoughts on the direction of Nigerias higher education and the evolution of ECOWAS at 50.

Excerpts

PT: While you were in school (University of Ibadan), you taught a course that virtually everyone across faculties had to take in one way or another. How did that make you feel? And for those who dont know, please tell us what course it was.

Osaghae: The course is POS 111  Introduction to Politics. Theres an Ethiopian proverb that describes the life of a teacher as a giant tree. Under that tree, from season to season, from week to week, and year to year, everyone comes to enjoy what it offers. To each person, it means something different  wisdom, knowledge, rest, community, even refuge. Thats the life of a teacher.

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The classroom is your factory, your main office  a sacred place where you shape peoples destinies and empower them for life after school. When I taught POS 111, my goal was to ignite students passion for political science.

Politics is a master science  thats not my phrase. The Greek philosophers said it first. Anyone who aims to govern properly must be well-versed in politics. Its central to nation-building, community building, and governance.

PT: Many who passed through you remember you could teach for an hour without referring to notes. How did you manage that?

Osaghae: I never took lecture notes to class. A teacher gives what they have. You cant give what you dont know. So, I made sure I was well prepared, understood what I was teaching, and was ready to challenge and motivate students to think critically.

The classroom isnt just for delivering content  its a space for analytical thinking and engagement. My classes were not monologues. I encouraged students to prepare ahead, to question, and to engage. It was a dialogue. I didnt pretend that I knew everything that I wanted to teach. But the students also helped me a great deal because they had a course outline, and I would encourage them to say, before we come for the next class, make sure that youre also prepared. Go and read ahead of class, and so on

PT: At one point, you were selected ahead of more senior colleagues to go to Liberia and set up the IBB Leadership School. Why do you think you were chosen?

Osaghae: This was 198990. The president of Liberia at the time, may his soul rest in peace, Samuel Doe, was back in school. He was taking a masters in political science in Liberia. And he didnt have the luxury of going to study outside Liberia.

So he approached the Nigerian government to send him a team of seven professors who would teach him and the rest of the class in the MA Political Science course.

The Nigerian government itself then went looking for seven professors in different fields. What was allotted to UI was comparative politics. And thats my speciality. Im in comparative politics.

That was how I got nominated and went to Liberia along with the other professors, seven of us, who then had the most unusual experience, having to teach the president of a country.

And then having to see the entire government, almost, of Liberia in school. Because, as far as I recall, all the ministers in Liberia were in that programme. Even the president of the Senate and the speaker of the House of Representatives.

PT: What was your relationship with President Doe and General Babangida like?

Osaghae: Professional relationship only. Nothing personal or private. With Dr Samuel Doe, he was very enthusiastic. He actually had laid out his future plan, which included leaving the government and becoming a university professor.

But there was something that he found very attractive about me. Two things. First, I was the youngest of all of us who went there. The second was that of the seven of us, I was the only one who studied in Nigeria. So I was homegrown. And that excited him to no end.

PT: Can you describe life in Liberia then? Have you visited since the war?

Osaghae: Liberia had to be one of the sweetest places to live in the world. I was in the US when I was recalled to go to Liberia. From the moment I arrived at Roberts Field International, I saw a country, a society at peace with itself, people who were content and happy.

There was very little crime. I used to joke: if a thief broke into any persons house in Liberia, what would they steal? Maybe two cups of rice. And maybe one piece of cotton on the window. So Liberia was so peaceful, you could leave your doors unlocked.

But you know what happens to a place like Liberia after war? Its not the same thing. The country that didnt know violence at all had come to see that kind of violence on a large scale.

And now Liberia has become a very divided society. That was very unfortunate. But the rebuilding efforts have gone on. They also had a peace and reconciliation process, which has been very helpful. Liberia remains a place of joy.

PT: Recently, ECOWAS marked its 50th anniversary. Would the Founding Fathers be proud of where it is today?

Osaghae: In life, theres always more to be done. When ECOWAS came into being, the model of economic integration was what the world knew. But General Yakubu Gowon, one of the founding fathers, said that following the Nigerian Civil War, he undertook a thank-you visit to his neighbours for their support, and thats how the idea of ECOWAS integration came.

So those founding fathers, on the 28th of May in 1975, signed what is now called the Treaty of Lagos, establishing ECOWAS. And ECOWAS has blossomed. It has gone beyond economic integration to political stability, and now into governance and constitutionalism. One of the more notable ones is the Protocol on Free Movement of Goods and Persons, which has been a huge success.

Most of all, the one area where ECOWAS has become a true model for the global south is the initiative in 1990 with ECOMOG. It was the first time that, for what has become the mantra today  African solutions to African problems  Africa intervened effectively.

PT: Finally, as a former Vice-Chancellor, what are the major challenges facing Nigerias tertiary education today?

Osaghae: I even think that today we have brighter, better-equipped, and better-educated people graduating from our universities. We havent had any decline in the quality of our education. If anything, the quality has grown higher. But what is the challenge? The major challenge I see is that universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education seem to have lost the appearance of relevance to society. Whatever has happened to them is because society can no longer see the difference that they make.

Universities should be at the forefront of solving many of our problems. Look at electricity and clean water. What are the institutions doing about that?

For example, there was a prolonged drought in Cape Town for nearly three years. But the universities came together and conquered drought. These are the kinds of things that one wants to see.

Weve been conditioned to be consumers of things produced from outside. We need a reorientation. We need a new template for our universities and institutions of higher learning. They have to become more relevant. And once they hit that relevance factor, we will be the ones saying: we cannot afford to have the universities closed for even one week.

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The Navy is ramping up production of submarines, and is reaching out to Western New York companies to support its mission.

The Navy and its industry partners say they need additional capable companies, including manufacturers, to join the supply chain to help with the increased output. And around the country, they estimate 100,000 additional skilled workers will be needed to carry out the work, creating career opportunities for young people.

Graham Corp., based in Batavia, knows how significant work for submarine programs can be.

About 45% of Graham's business is related to defense work. Of that 45%, about 60% is from sub-related work, said Matt Conway, Graham's director of operations for marine products.

Graham also handles commercial work for the oil and gas industry. To help offset the cyclical nature of that industry, the publicly traded company about a decade ago increased its focus on its work for the Navy.

"Now I think it's the future of growth for the company," Conway said. "We're going to continue to push the maritime industry."

Graham makes condensers and heat exchangers for the nuclear-powered subs. A relationship with a customer like the Navy can pay long-term dividends.

"As long as you're in good standing and you can hit your delivery dates, you're usually on for follow-on work," Conway said.

That flow of work helps Graham provide steady employment for its workers and provides greater visibility of where the business is headed, he said. Graham has about 350 employees and reported profits of $12.2 million in its past fiscal year, which ended March 31.

A Graham subsidiary was recently awarded a $136.5 million follow-on contract tied to work on Virginia-class subs. The contract extends into early 2034, driving home the long-range nature of such projects.

Demand for subs

The Navy wants to boost its annual submarine production to a rate of one Columbia-class sub and two Virginia-class subs by 2028. The United States also has a contract to manufacture subs for Australia.

The Columbia class are ballistic missile subs, while the Virginia class are attack subs. The vessels are built by General Dynamics Electric Boat and at HII Newport News Shipbuilding.

The Navy has contracted with a nonprofit, BlueForge Alliance, to bolster the submarine industrial base. Part of BlueForge Alliance's work involves outreach, including an advertising campaign to attract visitors to the buildsubmarines.com website.

Submarine industry representatives recently came to the Buffalo area, a region with a robust manufacturing base, to meet with potential suppliers. The two sessions, hosted by the Buffalo Niagara Manufacturing Alliance, shed light on the opportunity as well as the requirements.

Electric Boat is looking for suppliers that can grow with the company and meet its high standards, said Jea Hur, Electric Boat's small business liaison.

"When we onboard you, it's a long process," Hur said. "Time and and money is spent getting you onboarded. We want to keep you for (the) next 30, 40, 50 years, because it's easier for us."

The most critical piece of that relationship is quality, Hur said. "We don't ever want to send a ship out there that doesn't come back. So for Electric Boat, 99.9% is not good enough. You want 100% quality."

Electric Boat starts its new suppliers at a basic level, but they can advance to higher levels based on their performance, Hur said. He cautioned that suppliers should be prepared to have their details squared away.

"Make sure you get everything right, because usually with companies like Electric Boat, if you get an opportunity and you get the bid on it and deliver, you only get one chance," he said. "You don't usually get that second chance."

Building connections

Conway said Graham knows what's involved in establishing and keeping relationships on sub work.

"You have to be ready to put the work in, to work with the Navy, to work with the shipyards, to work with those Tier One suppliers, to make sure that you can meet all the purchasing requirements, all the quality requirements, all the manufacturing requirements, and all the oversight rigor that goes along with being part of those programs," he said.

At the center of everything is how Graham's work must hold up.

"You're going to put 150 submariners in a boat," Conway said. "Sub safety is what we deal with every day."

Graham is also working on building up its workforce, partly through a training program for welders. Those jobs can turn into career pathways at the company, Conway said.

"We have welders that start as welders and work themselves into lead positions and then work themselves into supervisors or work themselves into inspection or engineering," he said.

Next steps

Local manufacturers are weighing whether to join the sub manufacturing supply chain, and if so, what steps they need to take.

"It would be great to capture more than our fair share of business from the maritime industrial base, but it's going to take a concerted effort," said Peter Ahrens, executive director of the Buffalo Niagara Manufacturing Alliance.

The alliance and Insyte Consulting plan to follow up by meeting with local manufacturers that are interested, to advise them on how to navigate a complex process, Ahrens said. They might want guidance on how to obtain the proper certifications, or how to connect with other suppliers already in the chain.

The Navy and its partners are making similar outreach in regions around the country.

"The need is great," Ahrens said. "We've got shops that are willing."
Tomato farmers across the country have blamed shortfall in supply and logistics problems as the reason for the current hike in the produce price.

The heads of tomato farmers associations disclosed this in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

Bola Oyeleke, the national president Tomatoes and Orchard Producers Association Of Nigeria, blamed the reduced supply from the North and logistics problems from South-west for the hike in the price of tomatoes.

The problem resulting in the hike in tomato prices is connected to logistics problems affecting local farmers in the South-west in the last two weeks.

Also, there has been poor supply of the produce from the North, as their harvest cycle for the produce is past.

Local farmers in the South-west have been unable to transport their produce due to the high cost of transportation, which subsequently resulted in increased post-harvest losses.

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Since they were unable to transport their produce down to the open market, to the city, they incurred a lot of loss and sold at any price in their locality just to survive.

Hence, there is an increase in demand in the cities and less supply, which is the main reason for the price hike, Mr Oyeleke said.

He, however, noted that there may be respite in the coming weeks as the price of the produce may likely drop.

But we are still looking at the next week. The price may come down next week because for the past two weeks we have witnessed a steady rise due to the logistics problems, he said.

On his part, Rabiu Zuntu, the chairman of the Kaduna State Chapter of the Tomato Growers and Processors Association of Nigeria, blamed the delayed rains for the shortfall in supply and subsequent price hike.

There is currently a shortfall in the supply of tomatoes up North because the harvest season is over. The demand is higher than what local farmers can supply.

Tomato is a seasonal crop, due to the late rains this year, most farmers did not commence cultivation on time hence the present shortfall in supply and subsequent hike in the price of the produce.

All the places that we are supposed to get the tomatoes is almost finished.

The places where they are supposed to start harvesting have no produce due to delay in the rainfall, so the tomatoes are not ready for harvesting.

We promised that the price of tomatoes will drop after the Sallah celebration but we can (only) predict, we do not determine the market force, Mr Zuntu said.

NAN reports that 50kg of tomatoes sell as high as N50,000 up North, while the same quantity is sold between N85,000 and N100,000 from late June till date in the South.

(NAN)

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PWAN Group, a real estate network marketing company, has refuted allegations linking it to a land scam made by activist Scott Iguma.

In a series of Instagram posts, Mr Iguma accused the company of selling receipts to customers instead of actual plots of land.

Mr Iguma began calling out PWAN on 7 May, when he disclosed in a video on his Instagram page that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) labelled the company a Ponzi scheme and warned Nigerians to avoid falling victim.

On 16 May, Mr Iguma revealed that after he took victims of PWAN and other companies (Deluxe Residences, Ochacho Real Homes, and Gtext Homes), who had alleged fraud to the EFCC, some of the companies refunded, but PWAN didnt.

Since then, Mr Iguma has consistently called out the company on his Instagram page, exposing some of its alleged fraudulent practices.

One such case involved the failure to allocate six plots of land and a home to a young man (name withheld), despite full payment for the property since 2020.

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Responding to the accusations, PWAN described the claims as baseless and misleading in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES on Friday.

Rebuttal

The company maintained that all its transactions are transparent and fully compliant with regulatory standards.

We wish to provide an essential update to our esteemed clients, partners, stakeholders, and the general public on the proactive measures being taken to address concerns related to land allocation.

As a customer-centric organisation built on the pillars of trust, service, and integrity, PWAN Group remains steadfast in its resolve to ensure that every client receives full value for their investment, with timely and equitable land allocations, the company noted.

The real estate company further noted that, in response to the allegations made by the content creator, its founder, Augustine Onwumere, released a public video statement, urging all subscribers facing allocation issues to come forward.

According to the company, this appeal underscored the groups unwavering commitment to accountability and direct client engagement.

PWAN Group has received over 120 formal complaints, each diligently reviewed and processed by our internal resolution task force. As of this release, 82 allocations have been successfully processed and addressed, signifying significant progress in resolving legacy and emerging issues, the company said.

Allocation issues

The company explained that its internal review showed that most complaints were not primarily about non-allocation but related to clients requesting second or follow-up visits to their allocated plots.

It noted that many of these plots are situated outside urban centres, typical of high-yield, emerging estate locations.

While acknowledging the inconvenience of long-distance site visits, PWAN stated that it is exploring digital mapping tools and improving client support services to address these challenges.

The company also encouraged clients to take prompt possession, particularly by fencing their plots once allocated.

The company noted, This simple but critical step prevents future encroachment, clarifies physical boundaries, and strengthens ownership claims. Early possession also helps avert future complaints or misunderstandings regarding location or accessibility.

More explanations

The company further revealed that it has resolved over 75 per cent of land allocation-related issues, with many clients already taking possession of their plots and several commencing development activities.

It also confirmed that a structured reallocation process has been established to address cases involving title-related complications, ensuring that affected clients are offered alternative plots of equal or greater value.

Additionally, the company highlighted the importance of clients completing all necessary payments and documentation, noting that outstanding obligations or incomplete records frequently cause processing delays.

Clients based abroad are encouraged to update their contact details via our verified platforms to ensure seamless communication. PWAN launched the Fence Your Plot Project (FYPP) campaign to complement the call for early possession. This initiative urges all allottees to demarcate their land upon allocation physically. Beyond reinforcing ownership, fencing helps protect client investments, supports structured estate planning, and drastically reduces the risk of trespass or boundary disputes.

In recent weeks, certain inaccurate and misleading narratives have emerged on social media. Specifically, Mr. Scott Iguma has disseminated unverified claims against PWAN Group. The company clarifies that multiple invitations were extended to Mr Iguma to present documented evidence of his claims. Unfortunately, no such evidence has been submitted. PWAN Group continues to prioritise dialogue and has also involved appropriate legal and law enforcement channels to ensure transparency and protect the interests of its clients, said the company.

Furthermore, the company advised the general public to disregard unverified social media commentary and rely exclusively on accurate information published through PWANs official channels.

Despite PWANs repeated rebuttals, Mr Iguma maintains that he will continue calling out the real estate firm for its alleged sharp practices until it settles all outstanding alleged debts owed to its customers.

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Nigerias electoral commission, INEC, said it has received 12 additional applications for registration of political parties in Nigeria in ten days.

INECs Spokesperson, Sam Olumekun, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

This brings to 122 the number of applications for new parties received by INEC so far.

Last week, the commission disclosed it had, as of 23 June, received 110 applications for registration as political parties.

There are 18 registered political parties in Nigeria.

Mr Olumekun said the 12 new applications were received between 23 June and 2 July, a period of 10 days.

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He said one association seeking registration as a political party has changed its interim secretary due to defection to another association.

The associations seeking to be registered as political parties are the Democratic Alliance (DA), I Love Nigeria (ILN), Integrity Party of Nigeria (IPN), National Youth Progressive Party (NYPP), Providence Peoples Congress (PPC) and Democratic Nigeria (DN) and Greater Farmers and Traders

Others are United Nigeria Development Party (UNDP), Alliance for United Nigeria (AUN), African Independent Alliance (AIA), Greater Nigeria Movement (GNM), African Liberation Party (ALP) and Progressive Party (GFTPP).

INEC also appealed to applicants to maintain consistency to facilitate consideration of the applications as they may cause delay to the applications.

INECs powers to register parties

Section 253 (f) of the Constitution mandates INEC to register parties in Nigeria.

Also, Section 78 of the Electoral Act deals with the registration process for political parties, requiring them to submit an application to INEC not later than six months before a general election.

New applications

INEC listed the new applications as:

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The Federal High Court in Ilorin, Kwara State, has sentenced a truck driver, Olamilekan Basit, to one year imprisonment for illegal possession of 30 tons of assorted solid minerals without lawful authority.

This was disclosed in a statement issued Wednesday by the spokesperson of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Dele Oyewale.

Mr Basit was arrested by operatives of the EFCC on 11 June 2024, in Balla, Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State while transporting the minerals without proper documentation.

Upon his arraignment by the EFCC, Mr Basit pleaded guilty to the one count preferred against him.

The development prompted the prosecution lawyer, Rashidat Alao, to present evidence and a witness to establish the facts of the case.

The trial judge, Abimbola Awogboro, convicted and sentenced him to one year in prison with an option of a N1 million fine.

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Additionally, the court ordered Mr Basit to pay N5 million in mineral royalties to the federal government.

Growing trend

This is not the first time the EFCC has secured convictions related to illegal possession of solid minerals.

On 22 May 2024, the Commission arraigned two suspects, Nura Lawal and Tunde Jimoh, before Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Mr Lawal, a truck driver, and Mr Jimoh, the truck escort, were caught conveying about 30 tons of solid minerals without lawful authority.

Mr Lawal pleaded guilty to the charge, which was interpreted to him in Hausa, while Mr Jimoh pleaded not guilty.

In another development, the EFCCs Enugu Zonal Directorate, in November 2024, arrested two Chinese nationalsWang Jiang and Wang Richardalongside two Nigerians, Donatus Agupusi and Michael Agu, for allegedly attempting to illegally export solid minerals.

The EFCC said it received intelligence from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on 3 November 2024, which led to Mr Jiangs arrest at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport during a baggage screening. The others were apprehended at the EFCCs Enugu office.

Investigations by the EFCC revealed the minerals were being exported without the required federal government permit, and the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Internet fraud convictions

Mr Awogboro also convicted two other individuals for cybercrime offences: 25-year-old photographer, Oyerinde Sodiq, and Ibrahim Aranfajo, a phone vendor.

Mr Sodiq was found guilty of impersonating one Vickie Mary on Telegram to defraud a foreign national, identified as Ive Canner, of $550.

He was sentenced to 300 hours of community service, at five hours per day, without an option of fine.

In addition to the sentence, the court ordered Mr Sodiq to forfeit $300, an iPhone 12 Pro Max used in the crime, and to pay the remaining $200 to the victim or serve an additional two months in prison after completing his community service.

Similarly, Mr Aranfajo was sentenced to 300 hours of community service without an option of fine. He also forfeited his iPhone 6X to the federal government.

In a separate ruling, another judge, Haleema Saleeman of the Kwara State High Court sentenced another cybercrime convict, Maruf Babawale, to six months imprisonment or a N200,000 fine.

The court also ordered the forfeiture of his iPhone 11 Pro and the restitution of $300 to his victim.

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The Senate Committee on Constitution Review (CRC) has received 31 proposals for the creation of new states and 18 requests for the establishment of additional local government areas from various interest groups in the country.

The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday by his media office.

The statement outlined the committees programme ahead of the zonal public hearings on the constitution review, scheduled to take place from 4 to 5 July.

The hearings will take place simultaneously across six geopolitical zones, with one city in each zone selected as the host.

Enugu State will host the hearing in the South-east zone, Ikot Ekpene in Akwa Ibom State for the South-south, Jos for the North-central, Maiduguri for the North-east and Kano State for the North-west.

The North-west hearing was postponed to honour the late business icon and elder statesman, Aminu Dantata.

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The hearings will be supervised by senior members of the Senate.

Each geopolitical zone will be supervised by designated Senate leaders. The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio will oversee hearing in South-south zone, Mr Bamidele will handle the South-west, while Deputy Chief Whip Peter Nwebonyi will coordinate proceedings in the South-east.

Others are Deputy Senate Leader Oyelola Ashiru (North-central), Chief Whip Tahir Monguno (North-east), and Senator Barau Jibrin (North-west).

During the hearing, the committee is expected to consider the creation of new states, state police, gender equality, local government autonomy, electoral reforms, judicial reforms, inclusive governance and other national issues.

Breakdown of state and LGA creation proposals

Giving the breakdown of proposals for creation of new states, Mr Bamidele said there were six requests from the North-west, eight from North-central, five from South-east, six from North-east, six from South-south and four from South-west.

He also noted that some prominent stakeholders in Abuja submitted a request seeking recognition of the Federal Capital Territory as a state.

While there are 18 requests for the creation of local government areas nationwide, the committee had received 31 proposals for the creation of additional states with six from North-west, eight from North-central, five from South-east, six from North-east, six from South-south and four from South-west.

Prominent stakeholders of the Federal Capital Territory are seeking recognition as a subnational entity, the statement reads

For local government areas, Mrr Bamidele said seven requests were received from the North-west, five from North-central, one from North-east, three from South-south, one from South-east and one from South-west.

The proposals will be reviewed by lawmakers along with the participating interest groups.

Nigeria is made up of 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory Abuja. The FCT is not classified as a state but operates as a federal territory and administered by an appointed minister.

Each Nigerian state is divided into local government areas, with the country currently having a total of 774 LGAs.

Security reforms

Beyond creation of states and LGAs, Mr Bamidele revealed that the committee also received proposals for the establishment of state police or other state government security agencies.

One of the proposals is the bill seeking to alter the 1999 Constitution to provide for the establishment of state police or other state government security agencies, he said.

He added that there is another proposal seeking to establish the State Security Council to advise governors on matters relating to public security and safety.

Over the years, there have been calls from some state governments and civil society organisations for localised policing as incidents of armed robbery, communal clashes and other security challenges increased.

A National Conference was convened in 2014 during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan where the participants recommended the creation of state police as a strategy to reduce insecurity.

The resurgence of banditry, kidnapping, and other terrorist activities has increased pressure from governors and political leaders for the creation of state police.

In the absence of a formal state policing structure, some regions have established informal security outfits such as Amotekun in the South-west, Ebube Agu in the South-east, and Hisbah in the North-west.

Despite the security challenges, the call for a state police is still a contentious issue among political figures. Some argued that without proper arrangements, state police could be exploited by governors to harass political opponents, suppress dissent, and stifle press freedom.

Others, however, argued that the best way to reduce insecurity is through state policing.

Devolution of powers

Mr Bamidele noted that the panel will also deliberate on a constitutional amendment to transfer some items from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List.

Specifically, a bill has been proposed to allow both federal and state governments to legislate on interstate waterways, labour, and shipping.

There is a proposed bill to transfer control of interstate waterways from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List, thereby granting both the federal and state governments the power to legislate on matters relating to shipping and navigation on interstate waterways, he said.

The senate leader added that there is also a proposal to ensure that every local government in each state has at least one member representing the local government in the House of Assembly to ensure equity, fairness and attract democratic dividends to inhabitants of each local government of the state.

Electoral reforms

He added that the committee will consider independent candidacy, allowing individuals to contest elections without political party affiliation and diaspora voting to enfranchise millions of Nigerians living abroad.

These reforms proposed to expand political participation and strengthen democratic legitimacy.

Budgeting system

On governance, Mr Bamidele said amendments are being proposed to fix specific deadlines for presidents and governors to submit annual appropriation bills and reduce the window for authorising withdrawals from the Consolidated Revenue Fund without an approved budget from six to three months.

He added that the amendment also seeks to revise the derivation formula to include revenues generated internally by states, thereby expanding their financial autonomy.

The proposals further canvass the period within which the President or Governor may authorise the withdrawal of monies from the Consolidated Revenue Fund in the absence of an Appropriation Act from six months to three months.

The proposals seek to provide for revision of the derivation formula by including other revenues generated within each state of the Federation, he said..

All these proposals will be debated during the zonal public hearings, where civil society groups, community representatives, traditional institutions, and other stakeholders are expected to present their views.

After the hearings, the committee will collate findings, draft recommendations, and initiate the process for amendments.

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A former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has denied joining the Abubakar Atiku-led opposition coalition, despite reports to the contrary.

In a statement posted on his X page on Friday, Mr Sirika expressed shock at claims made by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga and former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike that he had joined the coalition.

Mr Sirika, a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), expressed his loyalty to the party and former President Muhammadu Buhari. He stated that he has no plans to leave the APC and will always stand with President Buhari.

The former minister called on the media to fact-check information before reporting, expressing disappointment at the lack of verification in the stories published about his alleged involvement with the opposition coalition.

He also urged loyal APC members to ignore the reports, describing them as pedestrian.

The Atiku-led opposition coalition had on Tuesday adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform for the 2027 general elections.

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The coalition said it aims to provide a competent, capable, and compassionate leadership that prioritises the welfare of Nigerians.

Notable members of the coalition include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Senate President David Mark, who has been appointed as the National Chairman of the ADC

Mr Sirika is currently facing trial for alleged corruption and abuse of office. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accused him of awarding multi-billion naira contracts to companies owned by his family members, including his daughter, Fatima Sirika, and son-in-law, Jalal Hamma.

Specifically, the EFCC alleges that Mr Sirika split a federal aviation contract worth N2.7 billion to bypass regulatory approvals and awarded them to family-controlled companies.

The EFCC said Mr Sirikas daughter and son-in-laws company, Al Buraq Global Investment Limited, allegedly received N1.3 billion for an unexecuted aviation contract.

The former minister pleaded not guilty to the charges.

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The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has approved the appointment of Babatunde Adejumo as the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI).

Tobi Soniyi, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the CJN, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

He said that the appointment of Mr Adejumo, a former President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, will take effect from 1 August.

He noted that Mr Adejumos experience and deep understanding of judicial administration are qualities that are expected to enhance the institutes effort in promoting judicial capacity development and institutional innovation.

He said that the action of the CJN followed the endorsement of Mr Adejumo by the Board of Governors of the institute. The CJN doubles as the chairperson of the Board of Governors of the NJI.

Mr Adejumo succeeds Salisu Garba Abdullahi, whose tenure as administrator will come to an end on 31 July, after four years of service.

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The CJN expresses appreciation to the outgoing administrator for his tireless commitment and invaluable contributions to the growth and development of the institute and the Nigerian judiciary as a whole, Mr Soniyi wrote.

Mr Adejumo, a respected jurist and a seasoned administrator, served as President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria until his retirement in 2019.

The National Judicial Institute is the highest institution responsible for the continuing education, training and development of judicial officers and their support staff across all levels of the judiciary.

It serves as a centre for excellence in judicial studies, with a mandate to promote efficiency, uniformity and improvement in the quality of judicial services nationwide.

The Institute routinely conducts courses, workshops, conferences and other academic and professional programmes tailored to enhance the knowledge, performance, and ethical standards of judicial officers and personnel in line with global practices.

(NAN)

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The Anambra State Children, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Offences Court sitting in Awka has remanded a 72-year-old doctor and two women for allegedly stealing and selling a seven-year-old boy.

The defendants, Daniel Ikebuilo, 72, Ifunanya Ogbonna, 23 and Chidiogo Ogbonna, 20, had pleaded not guilty to a five-count charge of conspiracy, child stealing, illegal deal and sale of a child.

The Chief Magistrate, U.E. Onochie, ordered the defendants to be remanded at the Awka Correctional Centre before adjourning the case until 13 August for ruling on the bail application.

The prosecutor, Chinyere Okechukwu, had earlier told the court that the defendants committed the offences on 30 April at Okpoko in Onitsha.

Ms Okechukwu said that the two female defendants conspired and fraudulently took away the seven-year-old boy from his mother, Kosarachukwu Okpala.

They sold the boy to the doctor for N700,000 and the doctor later re-sold the child for N2.3 million, she said.

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Ms Okechukwu claimed that the offences contravened Sections 495(a) and 321 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Anambra, 1991, as amended.

She added that the offences also violated Section 31(1) (4) of the states Child Rights Law of 2004 and Section 15(1) of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition and Protection Law of Anambra State of Nigeria, 2017.

The prosecutor urged the court to remand the defendants, noting that Ifunanya Ogbonna and Mr Ikebuilo had earlier been arraigned on 5 March for similar offences.

Immediately after they perfected their bail application following the March arraignment, they stole another child in April, she stated

(NAN)

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A federal lawmaker in Nigeria has come under fire for using a 2006 ADC plane crash as an analogy to warn people against joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a political platform adopted by the opposition coalition to challenge President Bola Tinubus reelection bid in 2027.

The ADC Airline flight 053, a Boeing 737-200, crashed shortly after takeoff from Abuja Airport, Nigeria, killing 96 of the 105 passengers onboard.

For many Nigerians, the loss of loved ones in the crash remains a painful memory.

The lawmaker, Clement Jimbo, who represents Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State in the House of Representatives, used the plane crash as an analogy to predict that the newly adopted opposition ADC will crash like the ADC flight.

How many of you remembered the ADC flight 53 that crashed in 2006? Its back again to crash again. Please dont board! he wrote on his Facebook page on Thursday.

The lawmakers post, which has garnered over 230 comments, sparked outrage from Facebook users, particularly those from Akwa Ibom State.

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I remember my uncle was on that plane. Till date, we cannot get over the loss. If this is a joke, please stop it, a Facebook user, Eno Ekanem, commented on the post.

Are you mocking the dead? another user, Ofonime Honesty, asked.

Its insensitive to use events where people lost their lives to draw this narrative, another commenter, Abasiama Udousoro said.

Several other Facebook users who commented on the post accused the lawmaker of mocking the dead.

Mr Jimbo did not respond to a text message or calls from our reporter seeking his comment.

Not the first time

This is not the first time the lawmaker has come under fire over his Facebook post.

This newspaper reported last year how Facebook users criticised the lawmaker for telling a man who claimed to be a student on the social media site to take up some menial jobs. The man told the lawmaker he needed money to pay for his tuition.

Mr Jimbo made a post on Facebook under which the user had commented, asking for financial help to pay his school fees.

If you want to break even early in life, study, understand, and practice delayed gratification. #YouthSlot nuggets, Mr Jimbo wrote on Facebook on 30 March 2024.

In response to the post, Tony Ofon, whose Facebook profile shows he studied at the Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, commented: My MP, Inemesit Clement Jimbo, please, I need your help to pay my tuition fees. My semester exams start next Wednesday.

Roll your sleeves and work on a construction site. A days work as a site operative earns a minimum of 5k, Mr Jimbo replied to Mr Ofons request, a response that triggered a backlash.

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The Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced eight Chinese nationals to one year in prison each for cyberterrorism and internet fraud, in connection with a massive transnational cryptocurrency scam uncovered in December 2024.

The trial judge, Chukwujekwu Aneke, handed down the sentence on Friday after the convicts  Pan Cai Qi, Zeng Xian Tao, Weng Mao Rong, Wang Xiong Wei (a.k.a. Xiao Bai), Shi Dong Fu, Wang Shi Long, Liu Ke Fan, and Ting Liao  changed their pleas from not guilty to guilty.

In a statement on Friday, EFCCs spokesperson Dele Oyewale, said they were among 792 suspects arrested during a sting operation tagged Eagle Flush, conducted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on 19 December 2024 in Lagos.

The syndicate, the EFCC said, comprised foreign nationals and Nigerians involved in romance scams, identity theft, and cryptocurrency investment fraud.

Each of the eight defendants was arraigned on separate charges of cyberterrorism and internet fraud.

One of the charges read, That you, Pan Cai Qi, sometime in December 2024 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, willfully caused to be accessed a computer system for the purpose of destabilising and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended in 2024).

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Following their change of plea, EFCC counsel M.K. Bashir urged the court to convict them accordingly.Mr Aneke sentenced each convict to one year imprisonment, with an option of a N1 million fine.

He also ordered that the convicts be repatriated to China by the Nigerian Immigration Service within seven days of completing their jail terms. All items recovered from them  including mobile phones, laptops, and other digital equipment  were forfeited to the Federal Government.

Previous sentences

The conviction is the latest in a series of prosecutions following the December raid.

In June, the Federal High Court in Lagos sentenced 23 Chinese nationals to one year in prison for similar charges. The convicts, including Yu Hui (a.k.a. A. Bin), Huang Jin Hui, Fei Fan, Lu Qiang, Hu Xi Zheng, Sun Zhi Peng, and others, were arraigned before Justices D.E. Osiagor, D.I. Dipeolu, and A.O. Faji.

They had entered plea bargains and were each fined N1 million in addition to the custodial sentence.Earlier, seven other Chinese nationals  Peng Li Huan, Zhang Jin Rong, He Kun, Guo Long Long, Zhang Hua Zhai  and two Filipinos  Rachelle Cabalona and Caselyn Pionela  were also sentenced to one year in prison by Justices Faji, Aneke, and Yellim Bogoro.

They too entered plea bargains and were ordered deported within seven days of serving their terms.

Likewise, twelve Filipino nationals were convicted by Mr Bogoro for cyberterrorism and fraud.

The convicts  including Anjeanette Topacio, Gladys Joy Mag-Iba, Shairah Mae Reyes, and others  were found guilty of accessing computer systems to recruit Nigerian youths for cyber fraud.

Each was sentenced to one year in prison and fined N1 million, with deportation orders issued upon sentence completion.

Ongoing trial of alleged masterminds

Meanwhile, the trial of four principal suspects believed to be the masterminds of the syndicate is ongoing before a judge, Daniel Osiagor.

The accused are Friday Audu, Huang Haoyu, An Hongxu, and Genting International Company Ltd.A compliance officer from Union Bank, Chidubem Ogbura, testified as the first prosecution witness.

He told the court that Mr Audu was a signatory to a corporate account allegedly used to launder billions of naira linked to the fraud scheme.

Led in evidence by EFCC prosecutor Bilkisu Buhari-Bala, Mr Ogbura submitted account opening documents and transaction records, which the court admitted as exhibits.

Under cross-examination, he confirmed that the banks Know Your Customer (KYC) documentation did not suggest the account was opened for legitimate business.

Background

According to the EFCC, the December 2024 raid netted 792 suspects, including 158 foreign nationals.

READ ALSO: IMF warns Nigeria of increased budget deficit as oil prices fall

The agency said the syndicate had retained over $2.5 million in crypto wallets allegedly controlled by Nigerian and Chinese collaborators.

EFCC revealed that the group had engaged in unauthorised foreign exchange transactions exceeding B2 billion, in violation of Nigerias Cybercrimes Act, Money Laundering Act, and the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act.

So far, over fifty Chinese and Filipino nationals have been convicted in connection with the operation  one of the EFCCs largest cybercrime busts to date.

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Nigerian Army troops serving in the militarys Operation Hadin Kai alongside Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) have deactivated 56 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) discovered on a bridge on the Marte-Dikwa road in Borno State.

The explosives, according to a Facebook post by the Nigerian Army, were believed to be planted by Boko Haram or Islamic State West Africa ( ISWAP) insurgents.

The army said the explosives were discovered during a targeted clearance operation led by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams from the Forward Operating Bases in Marte and Dikwa.

So far, a total of 56 fully prepared IEDs have been safely recovered from the location, it posted. Controlled procedures are currently underway to render the remaining devices safe for complete recovery and disposal.

The army said, This successful operation has prevented a potentially catastrophic attack.

It emphasised the vigilance, expertise, and commitment of Nigerian troops in safeguarding key infrastructure and civilian lives in the North-east.

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READ ALSO: Doctor granted bail in March over child theft accused of stealing another child

The areas where these explosives were recovered have been targeted in the last weeks by ISWAP insurgents who ambushed some military bases. Although the air component of Operation Hadin Kai killed scores of the terrorists, they killed many soldiers and carted away weapons.

The military offensives have forced them, especially Boko Haram fighters, to switch to guerrilla warfare, taking troops by surprise and targeting civilians with IEDs.

At least 34 people have been killed by IEDs planted by terrorists since the beginning of this year.

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Its not every day a professor ends up teaching a countrys president. But thats exactly what happened to Eghosa Osaghae, one of Nigerias most respected political thinkers. He didnt chase the opportunity  it came as a call to serve.

In 1989, while he was barely 30 years old, the University of Ibadan-trained scholar joined a handpicked Nigerian delegation of professors sent to Monrovia to instruct Liberias ruling elite.

The request came directly from then-President Samuel Doe, who had resumed his studies and needed in-country academic support to complete a Masters in Political Science.

It was part of Nigerias support for Liberia, Mr Osaghae, who is now the Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, NIIA, recalls in an exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES. Not military support, but intellectual engagement.

That mission, interrupted by the outbreak of Liberias devastating civil war, remains one of the most fascinating  and little-known  episodes in West African diplomacy.

It not only highlighted Nigerias regional soft power at the time but also marked a unique experiment in statecraft, scholarship, and international cooperation.

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Teaching the government

The Ibrahim Babangida Graduate Programme in International Studies at the University of Liberia was inaugurated in 1988, commemorating then Brigadier General Ibrahim Babangida, former Head of State of Nigeria.

This academic initiative emerged from a bilateral agreement between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Liberia during the tenure of President Samuel Doe.

The programme offers a comprehensive focus on International Relations, Political Theory, Comparative Politics, and Government, fostering academic specialisation in these key areas.

The president of Liberia at the time, may his soul rest in peace, Samuel Doe, was back in school. He was taking a masters in political science in Liberia, Mr Osaghae said. He didnt have the luxury of going to study outside Liberia. So he approached the Nigerian government to send him a team of seven professors who would teach him and the rest of the class.

That rest of the class turned out to be the Liberian government itself.

There were seven of us Having to teach the president of a country. As far as I recall, all the ministers in Liberia were in that programme. Even the president of the Senate and the speaker of the House of Representatives. There were students also.

For Mr Osaghae, then a specialist in comparative politics  one of the foundational subfields of political science  it was an unusual opportunity.

That was how I got nominated and went to Liberia along with the other professors It was a very wonderful experience.

Professional bond with Doe

Despite the sensitive nature of the assignment and the proximity to power, Mr Osaghae maintains that the relationship with Mr Doe was strictly academic.

Professional relationship only. Nothing personal or private.

Still, the connection was genuine. Mr Doe, who had taken his first degree from the University of Liberia, saw in Mr Osaghae a version of the academic future he desired for himself.

He actually had laid out his future plan, which included leaving government and becoming a university professor. But there was something that he sort of found very attractive about me I was the youngest of all of us who went there And I was the only one who studied in Nigeria. So I was homegrown. And that excited him to no end.

Mr Osaghae recalls the former Liberian president often saying: Professor, Id like to be like you.

It was a moment of pride for the Nigerian professor, especially as many of his colleagues in the programme were foreign-trained.

The other guys had studied in the U.S., mostly, and then in the U.K., and so on. But here I was

From peace to chaos

According to Mr Osaghae, Liberia, at the time, was a place of promise. Monrovia, with its U.S. dollar legal tender and its peaceful streets, felt like an ideal posting.

Liberia had to be one of the sweetest places to live in the world, The NIIA DG declared. People who were contented and happy. There was very little crime.

The contrast with what would come shortly after  the brutal civil war that erupted in late 1989  remains stark in his memory.

If a thief broke into any persons house in Liberia, what would they steal? Maybe two cups of rice. Maybe one piece of cotton on the window. You could leave your doors unlocked.

He was in the U.S. when he was called back to go to Liberia and found himself stunned by how peaceful the country was.

READ ALSO: Federal lawmaker under fire for using ADC plane crash to mock coalition against Tinubu

But you know what happens to a place like Liberia after war? Its not the same thing.

The once-cohesive society became fractured. Roads and institutions were destroyed, and violence took root.The country that didnt know violence at all had come to see that kind of violence on a large scale.

Still, Mr Osaghae acknowledges the efforts Liberia has made in recovery.

The rebuilding efforts have gone on. And they also had a peace and reconciliation process, which has been very helpful. Liberia remains a place of joy, he concluded.

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The Nigerjan government has given foreigners overstaying their visas until 1 August to regularise their status or face severe penalties.

In a statement issued on Friday, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) said individuals who fail to comply risk facing daily fines or being banned from re-entering the country.

When this grace period expires on July 31, 2025, the government will immediately enforce stricter penalties, including daily fines and potential bans from re-entering Nigeria, against culprits, the statement read.

The government clarified that this directive does not require affected persons to apply for Nigerian citizenship. Instead, it offers a temporary window to update their immigration status through a newly launched online portal.

The new policy is not forcing those concerned to naturalise, but only giving them a temporary offer to regularise their immigration statuses through a new online portal, the agency noted.

According to the NOA, the measure is part of wider immigration reforms aimed at addressing the growing issue of visa overstays without resorting to immediate deportation.

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Once the grace period expires on 31 July, enforcement will begin immediately, the agency said.

ALSO READ: Trump targets international students as US revokes 600 visas

Nigeria is home to more than 10 million foreigners, making up around 4 per cent of the countrys population.

While there is no official data on the number of those residing in the country illegally, estimates suggest that thousands may be undocumented, particularly in border communities and informal labour sectors.

In January, Nigeria deported 828 illegal immigrants as parts of its effort to control irregular migration and ensure national security.

According to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the foreigners were repatriated by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).

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One of the most poignant examples in history of a leader who failed to confront the real enemies of his people while appeasing his oppressors is the vassal King of Judah, Zedekiah. His reign, between 597 and 589 BCE, was marked by indecision and fear, culminating in the fall of Jerusalem, the Babylonian exile and his eventual death.

Confronted by internal strife and external pressure, he was more concerned with appeasing the nobles than with confronting the reality of Judahs situation and doing what was necessary to save his people.

King Zedekiahs story serves as a cautionary tale of leadership marked by fear and indecision. His reluctance to confront the real threat posed by Babylon and his eagerness to appease certain factions led to the downfall of his kingdom and the suffering of his people.

In the end, Zedekiahs reign is remembered not for its strength or wisdom but for its tragic consequences, illustrating the dangers of leadership driven by fear and the desire to please higher authorities at the expense of ones duty to the people.

Being a Reverend Father, Governor Hyacinth Iormen Alia, must know the story of King Zedekiah in the Bible like the back of his hand. Though the circumstances are different, his handling of the genocide in his state reminds one not only of King Zedekiah but also of the jackal often depicted in folklore and literature as a cowardly, but opportunistic scavenger. The jackal lingers near stronger predators, such as the lion, pretending to be bold while relying on their strength, displaying its eagerness to please or flatter the stronger animal in hope of protection or reward.

Like the jackal, Governor Alia mirrors the classic traits of sycophancy- cowardice, flattery, false courage. He comes across as an insecure creature masking its fear with false bravado and exaggerated loyalty.

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As his citizens were slaughtered by marauding herdsmen, with many taking shelter in displaced persons camps, he puffed with false courage  barring Peter Obi from visiting the state, not because Obi posed a threat, but because the presidency might frown at an opposition leader bringing relief to a wounded land.

Not long after, displaced persons from the Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area of the state took to the streets of Makurdi and blocked all the major entrances leading to the temporary camp located at George Akume Way to protest the shortage of food and other essential items in the camp provided by the state government. What would have been going on in the Rev. Fathers mind as he watched the footage of the protest?

In conduct and utterance, Governor Alia offers platitudes instead of protection, feigning strength yet crouching in cowardly obedience to an aloof Commander-in-Chief. His loyalty is not to justice or the lives lost, but to presidential power  the same power that watched in strategic silence as the blood of hundreds of his people stained the soil.

Like a jackal trembling at the edge of the lions domain, Governor Hyacinth Alia postures with hollow bravado, not in defence of his people, but in desperate service to the throne that ignored their cries. While the soil of Benue was soaked with the blood of the innocent  men, women, and children butchered by marauding herdsmen  the Governor busied himself polishing the boots of indifference epitomised by Aso Rock.

So, typically, after the last massacre, he did not rage against the silence from Abuja. He did not rage at the reported refusal of security agents to intervene while the butchers carried on with their pogrom for hours.

Instead of mourning with his people, Alia declares a public holiday, choreographs pageantry, rolling out drums and forcing school children to stand in the rain, shivering, and waving tributes at a visiting President who preached reconciliation while the charred remains of hundreds of Alias kin lay strewn across the plains of Benue like smoldering glacier.

Instead of a quiet condolence visit and solemn reception for the President and Service Chiefs, Alia organized a fanfare. The streets were lined with groups holding placards emblazoned with images of President Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia. Collectively they turned the blood-soaked soil of Benue into a stage for re-election optics.

At the town hall meeting with the president, Alia made no demand for accountability or justice. No fiery rebuke of the federal governments abandonment. Only sterile speeches and calculated obedience. While the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Iorza Ayatse, spoke truth to power, Alia was tentative, and remained a servant of silence dedicated to the calculus of self preservation.

We want to thank the security agencies in Benue for their efforts, but we solicit for more security measures to be taken to confront the challenges at hand as the attacks on the peace-loving people of Benue have persisted for a decade. We want to thank Mr President for taking time out to come and mourn with the people of Benue as we believe this would bring an end to the security challenges that have persisted. Even though our hearts are heavy over the loss of our loved ones and ancestral homes, our hope is ignited by your visit. We thank Mr President for cancelling other engagements of concern to visit the people of Benue after the Yelwata attack as this is a true demonstration of leadership, he said.

Thus, at a time that demanded grief and grit, the governor offered theatre. He showed his loyalty lies not with the slain or the grieving, but with presidential power which has been cold and remote in what is happening in Benue. And so, while Benue bleeds, its Governor bows, not with sorrow, but with submission, looking more like a leader not of the people, but of protocol and self preservation. A leader more concerned with staying in the good graces of Aso Rock than standing with those who elected him.

In choosing to appease rather than protect, Hyacinth Alia has etched his name, alongside Zedekiahs, as a leader who failed not for lack of means, but for lack of spine.

The cost is not only political; it is human, and it is devastating.

Arinze Anapugars is a media and communications consultant in Lagos.

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A few hours before the event, the organisers got a rude shock when the hotel abruptly cancelled a fully paid reservation. The Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments in Asokoro, Abuja, said they had to cancel the event due to an unspecified internal compliance matter. The very late cancellation could only have meant some powerful people wanted to stop the inauguration of the coalition because they were afraid. Nonetheless, it was very strange behaviour because the reality of Nigeria is that you cannot stop the opposition from meeting.

The owners of political power in Nigeria appeared to have entered panic mode on Wednesday when the platform of the opposition, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), was to be launched. A few hours before the event, the organisers got a rude shock when the hotel abruptly cancelled a fully paid reservation. The Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments in Asokoro, Abuja, said they had to cancel the event due to an unspecified internal compliance matter. The very late cancellation could only have meant some powerful people wanted to stop the inauguration of the coalition because they were afraid. Nonetheless, it was very strange behaviour because the reality of Nigeria is that you cannot stop the opposition from meeting.

On numerous occasions over the past few months, the police have been sent to stop Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) meetings or occupy their offices. It was essentially the concern of opposition parties that the government is crossing red lines in interfering with their structures that created the impetus for unity. Clearly, the Fourth Republic might be facing an existential risk if government seeks to destroy opposition parties.

It is interesting that immediately after the inauguration, the Presidency launched a scathing attack on former President Muhammadu Buharis appointees, who have joined the opposition coalition that is organising to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027. Bayo Onanuga, the special adviser to President Tinubu on media and strategy, criticised some opposition members for their alleged personal ambitions and lack of ideology.

Some of those mentioned by Mr Onanuga include: Rotimi Amaechi, a former minister of transportation and All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, who Mr Onanuga claims lost interest in the party after losing the presidential primary to Mr Tinubu in 2022; Abubakar Malami, a former attorney-general, said to have become estranged from the APC when President Tinubu assumed leadership and once he (Malami) lost the governorship bid in Kebbi; and Hadi Sirika, a former aviation minister facing trial for contract splitting and other allegations, which Mr Onanuga claims has compromised his integrity.

The response of the government has been to apply slash-and-absorb tactics to opposition parties by actively encouraging factional crises within them and enticing key members to abandon ship and join the ruling party. This is not a sustainable tactic because there are limited positions within the ruling party, and giving the new entrants many goodies would mean depriving those within the party of these, which would become a crisis generating mechanism for the ruling party itself.

Finally, there is Rauf Aregbesola, a former governor and internal affairs minister under President Buhari, who Mr Onanuga says was expelled from the APC for anti-party conduct during the last Osun election. If these people have been divorced from the ruling party, why would they not seek new companionship in an opposition platform.

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The key political problem facing the country has been the expectation that President Tinubu would use his vast political networks in every nook and corner of Nigeria to establish an all-inclusive government in which all sections of society would have a sense of belonging. What happened was the emergence of a clannish government with a strong ethnic marker. That was a key characteristic of the preceding Buhari administration and there was deep concern that the same problem had been replicated. Precisely because the key sentiment about the current administration is its lack of inclusiveness, it is no surprise that opposition to the government is blossoming.

The response of the government has been to apply slash-and-absorb tactics to opposition parties by actively encouraging factional crises within them and enticing key members to abandon ship and join the ruling party. This is not a sustainable tactic because there are limited positions within the ruling party, and giving the new entrants many goodies would mean depriving those within the party of these, which would become a crisis generating mechanism for the ruling party itself. As the saying goes, their turn will come.

This was indeed the context that encouraged opposition parties to strategise towards the establishment of a unified mega opposition platform to face the APC in the 2027 elections. We now know that the said platform is the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which was launched on Wednesday. In a swift move, the existing leadership of the ADC stepped down to enable the new entrants take over control, an action that will no doubt be contested by surrogates of the APC.

By making opposition parties ungovernable, the ruling party has created the need within them to opt out and seek unity in another platform. Let us not forget that the APC itself was born from a merger of opposition parties in 2013, culminating in its historic victory over the then-ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015.

The new leadership includes former Senate President David Mark as national chairperson; ex-Osun State governor and former Tinubu ally, Rauf Aregbesola, as national secretary; and former Minister of Youth and Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, as spokesperson. The coalition is mostly composed of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, and some APC members. The opposition coalition includes prominent politicians such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, Bukola Saraki, Rotimi Amaechi, Abubakar Malami, amongst others.

By making opposition parties ungovernable, the ruling party has created the need within them to opt out and seek unity in another platform. Let us not forget that the APC itself was born from a merger of opposition parties in 2013, culminating in its historic victory over the then-ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015.

One of the hopefuls for the presidential candidate of the coalition, Peter Obi, has declared that the platform would offer Nigerians a competent, capable, and compassionate leadership. As he put it, our commitment is to sacrifice and work together towards the 2027 general elections, ensuring that Nigeria gets a competent, capable, and compassionate leadership that will prioritise the nations future by putting the welfare of Nigerians first. This is easy to say. There are many others within the coalition with the same ambition and the success of the coalition would depend of their establishing a level playing ground for intra-party democracy to produce the best candidate. If they fail to do so, their success cannot be guaranteed.

A professor of Political Science and development consultant/expert, Jibrin Ibrahim is a Senior Fellow of the Centre for Democracy and Development, and Chair of the Editorial Board of PREMIUM TIMES.

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On 16 August, 2021, the then President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, signed the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) into law. He described the resulting Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 as Nigerias second-largest achievement in the energy sector. He believed that the Act had the potential to address longstanding challenges and drive significant reforms in the oil and gas sector. Four years down the line, there remains no doubt the former helmsman was right.

It is indisputable that the PIA has driven significant advancements in Nigerias oil and gas sector through the effective functioning of regulatory bodies. Now approaching four years since its enactment, the Act has transformed the regulatory framework, catalysing a series of pivotal reforms and operational achievements. These developments have enhanced transparency, improved efficiency and attracted substantial investment, collectively propelling the sector toward sustainable growth and long-term stability.

During the review period, the Act restructured the regulatory framework of the petroleum sector by dividing oversight responsibilities between two distinct agencies: the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). Each agency has clearly defined roles aligned with their respective segments of the industry.

The Act has also reformed acreage management by introducing effective policies on voluntary conversion and relinquishment. Additionally, it established critical funding mechanisms, including the Frontier Exploration Fund and the Host Community Trust Fund, aimed at promoting exploration, infrastructure development, environmental remediation and the socio-economic advancement of host communities.

The transformation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) into a limited liability company, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, marks a pivotal shift, while streamlined licensing processes have significantly enhanced industry transparency and efficiency.

The PIA also introduced mechanisms for the development of petroleum host communities, fostered a business environment conducive to investment and deepened local content participation. By repealing outdated laws and consolidating regulatory oversight, the Act has provided the basis for the modernisation of Nigerias oil and gas industry, attracting investment and ensuring sustainable economic benefits for the country.

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Building on these foundational reforms, recent executive orders by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, issued between 2024 and 2025, have further strengthened the sector. Tinubu signed four executive orders that introduced targeted tax incentives for gas and oil projects, streamlined contracting processes to reduce timelines and costs, aligned local content requirements with investment and cost efficiency, and fostered performance-based incentives to reward cost savings in upstream operations. Together, these measures aim to position Nigeria as a preferred investment destination within Africas petroleum sector while enhancing fiscal sustainability and operational efficiency.

The ongoing reforms, increased production and substantial investments are expected to enhance the sectors contribution, supporting Nigerias broader economic goals of growth, stability and diversification in 2025 and beyond.

During this period, the PIA made significant strides in several key areas, including regulatory restructuring, which has improved the framework for the industry. The commercialisation of NNPC has paved the way for enhanced operational efficiency. Additionally, the establishment of Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) demonstrates a commitment to fostering positive relationships with local communities.

There has also been a notable impact on investments and the exploration of deepwater projects, which bodes well for future growth. Fiscal and contractual reforms have streamlined processes and created a more inviting environment for stakeholders. And, the transformation of the gas sector reflects a forward-thinking approach aimed at maximising resources and meeting demand. Overall, these achievements position the industry for a sustainable and prosperous future.

The restructuring of the regulatory bodies focused on enhancing governance and operational efficiency within the sector, with the NUPRC for upstream activities and the NMDPRA for midstream and downstream operations. The commercialisation of NNPC transformed the former behemoth into a limited liability company, marking a fundamental shift towards an independent operation that promotes accountability and efficiency.

The introduction of development trusts for host communities was to ensure that socio-economic benefits from oil and gas activities are directed towards the local populations, thereby fostering goodwill and reducing community tensions. The Act mandates the establishment of Host Community Development Trusts (HCDT) funded by 3 per cent of the operating expenditure of oil companies, aimed at ensuring sustainable development for communities impacted by petroleum operations. Although there still exist murmurs in certain quarters, the quietness in oil-bearing communities is loud enough to indicate that the Trust committees are already at work.

There have been noticeable investments and exploration of deepwater resources, as activities have significantly increased due to the clearer and more appealing fiscal terms included in the PIA. This has resolved contractual uncertainties and instilled confidence among international oil companies. As a result, Nigeria is better positioned to access vast offshore reserves and enhance its long-term oil production capacity. The issuance of the first exploration license under the new legal framework marks a pivotal step in revitalising exploration efforts.

The fiscal reforms brought about by the Act have established a transparent and accountable regulatory regime. Apart from creating new regulatory bodies, it has improved corporate governance and introduced effective dispute-resolution mechanisms, which together have enhanced investor confidence, reduced corruption and promoted sustainable development. The transition from the former Directorate of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to the NUPRC and NMDPRA clarified roles and minimised conflicts of interest in regulation duties, thereby improving regulatory oversight.

More fundamentally, the countrys oil and gas sector has been profoundly reshaped by the replacement of the Joint Venture (JV) model with a Production Sharing Contract (PSC) for frontier projects; a development which has enforced acreage management policies, resolved legacy disputes through contract renewals and introduced transparent fiscal and reporting frameworks.

This contractual reform is perhaps one of the most significant strategies that has most critically impacted the sector. The key changes in this direction include the move to PSCs, provisions for contractual stability and simplified fiscal terms, which are designed to attract investment and enhance operational efficiency. By implementing a dual tax system: Hydrocarbon Tax and Company Income Tax, and streamlining royalty rates from 5 per cent to 15 per cent, the PIA aimed at substantial investment in frontier exploration, thus facilitating growth in the upstream segment.

There have also been some significant advancements in gas infrastructure, policy reforms and utilisation initiatives which have supported Nigerias energy security and economic growth goals in the last three years. Under the gas sector transformation, the Act introduced favourable fiscal terms for gas projects to stimulate investment and reduce gas flaring, contributing to Nigerias energy security and economic diversification goals.

Most of these reforms and transformations were driven by the NUPRC in collaboration with other industry stakeholders. The Commission played a pivotal role in steering the successful implementation of the PIA by enhancing regulatory transparency and accountability, which have restored investor confidence and mitigated previous uncertainties. Some of its key contributions include:

Effective Regulation and Stakeholder Engagement: NUPRC has been central in enforcing the PIA with transparency and accountability, which has restored investor confidence and reversed previous regulatory uncertainties and capital flight in the upstream sector. By actively engaging stakeholders, particularly regarding compliance with crucial provisions such as Section 94 related to marginal fields, the NUPRC ensures optimal resource utilisation while promoting local content and Indigenous participation.

Digitalisation and Anti-Corruption Initiatives: The introduction of digital platforms for processes such as licensing, reporting and monitoring has significantly reduced corruption and improved operational efficiency in the oil and gas sector.

Strengthening Host Community Relations: The Commission has strengthened engagement with host communities, ensuring that they fully benefit from oil production, which fosters socio-economic development and minimises conflicts.

Strategic Planning for Investment Attraction: The Commission has developed a comprehensive 10-year strategic plan (2023-2033) aimed at attracting investment, enhancing production capacity and increasing reserves, complemented by transparent licensing rounds.

Driving the Gas Commercialisation Programme: Through initiatives like the Nigeria Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP), the Commission is a key driver of the Federal Governments Decade of Gas Programme, aimed at maximising gas development and reducing environmental impacts from flaring.

Promotion of Local Content and Indigenous Participation: NUPRC has initiated policies that empower indigenous operators, increasing Nigerian companies active participation in upstream activities, thus promoting broad-based economic development. This was exemplified during the 2024 oil bid round.

One of the most concerning issues in the countrys oil operations was the relationship between sector operators and host communities that endured the negative impacts of these activities. The introduction of HCDT was therefore viewed as a catalyst for structured and transparent community development, building on previous frameworks such as the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) and the Offshore Memorandum of Understanding (OMoU).

For rather obvious reasons, vested interests, including youth groups and civil society organisations, are not comfortable with the aspect that allows deductions from the 3 per cent host community fund if communities fail to protect oil infrastructure from vandalism or unrest. They see this provision as punitive. Despite the other provisions in the Act aimed at addressing safety and environmental issues the oil-bearing region, critics argue that they still do not meet expectations for environmental restoration and community empowerment. They claim the law does not adequately address environmental degradation, gas flaring (as a health hazard) and the socio-economic marginalisation of the Niger Delta people. Following up on these contentions, they have called for a considerable review of the Act to fundamentally protect the livelihoods, environment and rights of oil-bearing communities.

Notwithstanding, there is no doubt that the PIA 2021 has significantly transformed Nigerias oil and gas industry by modernising its regulatory, fiscal and contractual frameworks to attract investment and improve governance. Thus, the four years following the PIAs enactment have witnessed foundational reforms that have reshaped Nigerias upstream petroleum sector into a more transparent, investor-friendly and growth-oriented industry.

NUPRCs dedication to regulatory enforcement and stakeholder engagement has garnered acclaim from industry stakeholders, positioning Nigeria to regain competitiveness in the global oil and gas market. The future thus looks bright, if the momentum is sustained, or surpassed.

Akpandem James, a Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, lives in Abuja.

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There are moments in a nations history when a single bold decision rewires the entire system and restores sanity to an industry long ruled by chaos. For Nigeria, that moment arrived in May 2023, when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made the daring choice to remove the petrol subsidy. That decision, painful as it was for many, did not just free up fiscal resources. It catalysed the most transformative era in Nigerias energy sector since independence.

But while the headlines focused on the end of fuel queues and rising pump prices, a quieter revolution was unfolding, with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) at the centre of it. The authority has become one of the most effective regulatory institutions in post-PIA Nigeria. Together, the Presidents political will and Farouk Ahmeds technocratic clarity have redefined what energy security means for Nigeria.

When the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) was signed into law in 2021, it was widely celebrated as a legislative landmark. But laws are only as powerful as the hands that enforce them. The PIA merged three erstwhile regulatory bodies  the Department of Petroleum Resources downstream division, the Petroleum Equalisation Fund, and the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency  into a single streamlined agency: the NMDPRA. It was a necessary consolidation to untangle decades of bureaucratic overlap, but its success hinged on leadership. This paved the way for the emergence of Engineer Farouk Ahmed.

Armed with over three decades of industry experience, Farouk didnt just inherit a new regulatory agency; he repositioned one. From licensing to market surveillance, every touchpoint has been automated. This is not the old petroleum regulatory playbook of backroom deals and selective approvals. This is the rule of law, encoded in software and policy.

Yet perhaps the Authoritys most significant achievement has been restoring credibility to Nigerias energy market. Under the subsidy regime, energy security was a myth  a politically convenient mirage. Products were hoarded, smuggled, or subsidised into oblivion. Refineries were inactive. Marketers were cartelised. And the average Nigerian bore the brunt of an inefficient and manipulated system.

President Tinubus removal of the subsidy did more than unshackle the budget. It provided NMDPRA with the space to do what institutions dream of: reform without interference. And to the Presidents enduring credit, he gave Engr. Farouk Ahmed the autonomy  and the political cover  to act without fear or favour. That autonomy is paying off.

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Since deregulation, Nigerias downstream sector has blossomed into a competitive, liberalised marketplace. The number of marketers sourcing and distributing petroleum products has risen, and monopolies once entrenched by opaque practices are being dismantled. New refineries  from the 650,000 BPSD Dangote facility to smaller modular plants  are coming online, with the NMDPRA ensuring rapid licensing and compliance oversight.

But perhaps most crucial is how this revolution touches the lifeblood of every industrial society: energy security. Energy security isnt a buzzword; its the foundation on which nations rise or fall. No economy can function  let alone industrialise  without reliable access to petroleum products, gas, and electricity. The NMDPRA understands this. Thats why it developed the National Strategic Stock framework, a forward-looking buffer to prevent future supply disruptions. Its why the Authority has invested heavily in gas infrastructure, issuing distribution licences, boosting CNG conversion centres, and commissioning processing plants that collectively add over three billion standard cubic feet of gas per day.

For Nigeria, gas is no longer the fuel of the future  it is the fuel of the present. Through initiatives like the Decade of Gas, PiCNG, and the Midstream and Downstream Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF), the NMDPRA is driving Nigerias transition to a gas-powered economy. Whether for vehicles, industries, or households, natural gas now represents Nigerias best shot at clean, affordable, and abundant energy.

And while the old cartel may have hoped to frustrate this shift  launching lawsuits, sponsoring malign media attacks, and pulling familiar strings  the Authority has remained undeterred. Engineer Farouk Ahmed, with the full support of President Tinubu, has stood his ground. Regulatory frameworks are now enforced without bias. Market pricing is transparent. And no company, no matter how powerful, can hold the nation to ransom.

This is what happens when visionary reform meets fearless execution. When a President refuses to be held hostage by vested interests, and a regulator is protected from interference. Nigerias energy sector is not only stable  it is now investable. And the benefits are already rippling across the economy, from jobs in refining and pipeline construction to lower emissions from CNG vehicles.

Of course, challenges remain. Energy poverty is still widespread. Infrastructure deficits linger. And the global transition to renewables looms large. But for the first time in decades, Nigeria has built a credible foundation for progress. That foundation is anchored in energy security, regulatory certainty, and the courage to do what is hard.

It is tempting to measure leadership in speeches and slogans. But true reform is quiet. It happens in boardrooms, in data centres, in policy drafts, and enforcement notices. It happens when a President backs his technocrats. And when technocrats, in turn, rise to the moment.

With NMDPRA, Nigeria has found that rare thing: a regulator that regulates. The result? A sector once defined by dysfunction is now humming with activity. That, more than anything else, is how nations rise. One policy, one agency, one free hand at a time.

Awaal Gata is a media practitioner and public affairs analyst, and writes from Abuja.

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Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda has officially launched the Climate-Smart Agribusiness Empowerment Scheme, a N100 million initiative designed to transform agricultural practices among smallholder farmers across Katsina State. The flag-off ceremony was held jointly with the partners, the African Union development agency-New Partnership for Africas Development (AUDA-NEPAD).

The comprehensive programme received N63.75 million in funding from NEPAD and N36.25 million from the Katsina State Government, demonstrating a strong commitment to agricultural transformation and climate resilience. Governor Radda described the scheme as a milestone in Katsinas journey toward inclusive agricultural development, emphasising the states commitment to moving farmers from subsistence to commercial production.

This is not just a routine empowerment programmeit is a deliberate investment in our people, in our economy, and in our future, the Governor stated. We want our farmers to move from subsistence to commercial production using smarter, climate-resilient approaches, he added.

The governor issued a direct challenge to extension workers and stakeholders, urging them to ensure proper utilization of the materials and training provided under the programme. Our extension agents must follow up closely. Monitoring and evaluation will be key to assessing the real impact of this initiative. Let us work together to make sure these resources are not wasted, he emphasised.

National Coordinator of AUDA-NEPAD in Nigeria, Salisu Jabiru Tsauri, described the Katsina launch as a strategic alignment between national priorities and continental agricultural goals. This scheme is not just another interventionit is a gateway to achieving Agenda 2063 of the African Union, Mr Tsauri declared.

We are bringing access to inputs, improved seeds, modern farming tools, and most importantly, knowledge and market linkages, he stressed. He commended Katsina States agricultural investments, highlighting the construction and repair of critical dams, procurement of over 20,000 metric tons of fertilizer for the 2025 farming season, and distribution of thousands of solar-powered irrigation pumps.

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Also speaking, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Maryam Sodangi, highlighted the long-term vision behind the initiative. This empowerment scheme reflects our commitment to building climate-resilient farming systems. Its about laying the foundation for food security in the face of environmental changes, she explained.

The initiative will provide farmers with access to improved seeds, modern farming tools, technical knowledge, and market linkages, directly enhancing food security and boosting incomes at the grassroots level. The event was attended by top government officials, including the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Nasir Yahaya Daura, members of the Katsina State Executive Council, extension workers, and hundreds of farmers across the state.

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Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL), Nigerias first large-scale gold mining company and a subsidiary of Thor Explorations Ltd(Thor), has launched a new phase of its Livelihood Restoration Programme (LRP), reinforcing its commitment to delivering sustainable, long-term value to its host communities in Osun State.

The event, which took place on 1 July, 2025, at the Iperindo Community New Town Hall, brought together community members, traditional leaders, and local stakeholders. The distribution marked a significant step in Segilolas ongoing efforts to promote sustainable agriculture, reduce environmental impact, and foster self-sufficiency within its host communities.

The Livelihood Restoration Programme (LRP), implemented alongside paid compensation for project-affected persons, is designed to strengthen economic resilience and promote environmentally responsible livelihoods. In 2023, Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL) commissioned key LRP initiatives in its host communities, including fish farms and vegetable farms, as part of its commitment to sustainable development. Building on this foundation, the latest phase of the programme focuses on two major agricultural interventions: oil palm high-yield seedling distribution and cocoa rehabilitation.

As part of the cocoa rehabilitation initiative (Phase 2), Segilola distributed 400 high- yield cocoa seedlings and agrochemicals to each of the 23 selected beneficiaries from the host communities. Under Phase 1, 100 high-yield oil palm seedlings and agrochemicals were provided to each of the seven beneficiaries. These efforts aim to empower local farmers to establish productive and sustainable farms that can deliver long-term economic benefits.

Speaking at the event, Sikiru Haruna, Senior Mining Engineer at Segilola Resources, stated, The Livelihood Restoration Programme reflects our belief that development should go beyond compensation. It is about enabling local farmers to build stronger, more resilient futures through sustainable agricultural practices. Investing in initiatives like these lays the foundation for economic independence and environmental stewardship within our host communities.

Also in attendance was Nurudeen Bello, Executive Secretary of the Office of Natural and Mineral Resources, who represented Professor Lukmon Adekunle Jimoda, Chairman of MIPREMCO, Osun State Chapter. He applauded the initiative, signaling strong support and recognition of its value to the community.

Through initiatives like the LRP, SROL continues to demonstrate what responsible mining can achieve: development that empowers people, protects the environment, and creates a lasting legacy that benefits present and future generations.

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Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, on Thursday paid a condolence visit to Kano State following the recent passing of elder statesman and prominent businessman, Alhassan Aminu Dantata. Mr Radda first visited the Dantata family residence in Koki area of Kano, where Tajudeen Dantata, the eldest son of the deceased, and Munzali Dantata received him alongside other family members and close relations.

The governor offered special prayers for the repose of the late businessmans soul, joining the family in asking Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus. He then proceeded to condole his Kano State counterpart, Abba Kabir Yusuf, describing Mr Dantatas passing as a great loss to Kano State and Nigeria as a whole.

Mr Radda personally commiserated with Governor Yusuf on behalf of the people and government of Katsina State. Both governors later accompanied Vice President Kashim Shettina to Aminu Kano International Airport, where they bid farewell to the Vice President, who had also visited Kano to condole the Dantata family.

The late Dantata received funeral prayers at the Prophets Mosque in Madinah and was buried at the revered Al-Baqi Cemetery, following Islamic tradition. Governor Radda was accompanied in the visit by his Chief of Staff, Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir.

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The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, ordered the Senate to recall Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from suspension.

Delivering judgment on her suit challenging the disciplinary action taken against her in March, the judge, Binta Nyako, described her six-month suspension as excessive.

But the judge awarded a fine of N5 million against Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan for her satirical apology post on her Facebook page on 27 April.

The judge ruled that the social media post was made in disobedience of a valid court order prohibiting parties to the suit from making comments to the press or on social media regarding the subject matter of the pending suit.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the judge, therefore, ordered Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan to tender an unreserved apology in two national dailies and on her Facebook page within seven days of the judgement to purge herself of the contemptuous act against the court. The senator wasnt sent to prison because her act was adjudged to be civil contempt and not criminal contempt.

Although the judge acknowledged the powers of the Senate to discipline erring senators, she ruled that suspending a senator for six months, which is equivalent to the 181 days the National Assembly is expected to sit in a legislative year, was unconstitutional.

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She said the six-month suspension amounted to silencing the senators entire constituency for a whole year.

Suspension

Ms Akpoti-Uduaghan filed the suit on 3 March, initially, to halt an investigation by the Senate and its Committee on Ethics into alleged misconduct stemming from Senate proceedings where she had an altercation with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, over her assigned seat.

She sued the Clerk of the Senate, the Senate, Senate President Akpabio and Neda Imasuem, who is the chairperson, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Code of Conduct.

Despite the suit and the initial restraining order issued by the former judge Obiora Egwuatu asking the Senate to stay action on its disciplinary proceedings, the Senate proceeded to suspend her on 6 March for six months.

Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a contempt complaint against Mr Akpabio and other relevant Senate officers for disobeying the order halting the disciplinary action against her.

As the case progressed in court, the matter continued to stir up public commentaries in the media prompting Mr Akpabio to urge the court to bar parties to the suit to speak to the press or share social media posts about the matter.

However, late last month, Mrs Akpoti-Natasha mocked Mr Akpabio with a satirical apology posted on her official Facebook page.

In the aftermath of the post, Mr Akpabios legal team filed an application in court, accusing Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan of breaching the gag order banning interviews and such a social media post while the case in court lasted.

However, Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan countered the application, urging the court to dismiss it.

The matter has attracted both local and international media attention, further intensified by Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghans allegations of sexual harassment against Mr Akpabio. The Senate dismissed her sexual harassment petitions on two occasions, while Mr Akpabio vehemently denied the charge.

Mixed decisions

The judge dismissed the preliminary objection filed by Mr Akpabio before lifting the suspension on Mrs Akpabio-Uduaghans suspension.

She dismissed the respondents argument that the court had no business interfering in the internal affair of the legislature, stating that fundamental rights and representation are matters squarely within the courts purview.

Although the judge acknowledged that Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghans suit predated her suspension that it sought to change, she ruled she had a right to take preemptive legal steps to protect her fundamental rights, especially considering the nature of the case.

But the court partly ruled in favour of the Senate and Mr Akpabio in some areas.

It ruled that the refusal to allow Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan to speak during a plenary on the grounds that she was not seated in her designated seat was not a violation of her rights.

The court also held that the Nigerian Senate has the constitutional authority to discipline its members for violating its Standing Orders.

It also ruled that the senate presidents action on 20 February assigning a new seat to Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan was lawful and within his administrative powers under Section 6(1) of the Senate Standing Rules.

The court also held that a senator is only permitted to address the plenary from the seat formally assigned, adding that Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan acted contrary to Section 6(2) of the Rules when she attempted to speak from an unallocated seat.

It added that the referral of the senator to the Senate Ethics Committee for disciplinary action was valid and appropriate, arising from her breach of the Senate Standing Orders.

Akpoti-Uduaghan joins list of successful challengers of Senate suspension

Fridays decision places Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan on a growing list of lawmakers who have successfully challenged their suspension by the senate in court.

In May 2017, the Federal High Court in Abuja nullified the suspension of Borno South Ali Ndume by the Nigerian Senate. Judge Babatunde Quadri ruled that the Senate had no constitutional backing to suspend a member beyond 14 days. He ordered the Senate to pay all of Ndumes withheld salaries and allowances.

A year later, in May 2018, Ovie Omo-Agege, then-senator representing Delta Central, secured a similar judicial victory. The Federal High Court, Abuja, ruled that his 90-day suspension over the comments he made during a National Assembly debate on electoral reforms was unlawful. The court held that the legislature lacked the power to suspend a member in the manner it did.

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Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has said there is a need for Nigeria to adopt rotational presidency to give every region of the country a sense of belonging.

Mr Mbah spoke on Thursday when he received members of the Senate Committee on Constitution Amendment at the Government House, Enugu.

The committee members visited the governor ahead of the regional public hearing on constitution amendment which would be held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu on Friday (today).

Of course, the idea of a rotational presidency is important. We think that obviously would provide the South-east and every other region a chance at the presidency, Governor Mbah said.

Additional state in South-east, state police

Mr Mbah also called for creation of an additional state in Nigerias South-east to meet up with the number of states in other regions of the country.

The South-east suffers injustice. The fact that across the different geopolitical zones, the South-east is the only one with five states. So that is also what we believe will be corrected in this process of amendment, he said.

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The governor equally expressed support for the creation of state police to improve worsening insecurity in the country.

One (thing) that excites us most is the idea of state policing. We have advocated ardently that there is a need for states to create state police services, just as you have the federal police, but with defined jurisdictions and operational parameters.

We think that this is overdue and there could not be a better time for that (than now) given the fragilities we have in our various communities. The state police will be a truly welcome development in our Constitution, he said.

So, these are areas we believe are commendable and we will be presenting our position formally in the hearing tomorrow and the subsequent days, he said.

Why well alter the Nigerias Constitution  Senate

Earlier while speaking during the visit, the Senate Deputy Chief Whip and leader of the delegation, Onyekachi Nwebonyi, explained the committee was in Enugu to get the inputs of the people of the South-east into the constitution amendment process.

It goes without saying that the 1999 constitution has received a lot of criticism from Nigerians, including that it is the product of military dictatorship and, as such, does not represent the interest of all the segments that make up Nigeria. As a result of these criticisms. There is a need to alter the constitution from time to time, he said.

Mr Nwebonyi, who represents Ebonyi North Central District in the upper chamber, expressed hope that the constitution amendment would address some concerns of Nigerians.

We pray that this engagement will afford us the people of South-east the opportunity to right some wrongs as a result of the position of the 1999 constitution, which we the people of South-east are crying foul that we are being marginalised in so many areas, particularly as it relates to the number of states, juxtaposing same with other geopolitical zones of Nigeria, the senator said.

Background

South-east leaders have been demanding for an additional state in the region.

At present, there are 36 states in Nigeria.

While the North-west geo-political zone has seven states, the North-east, North-central, North-east, South-south and South-west have six states each. Only the South-east has five states.

Meanwhile, at the moment, the Nigerias National Assembly is currently considering bills for creation of 31 new states in the country. The South-east, like others, has five of such bills.

Although state creation bills are frequently introduced in the National Assembly, no civilian government has created a new state in Nigeria. The states in the country were all created by successive military administrations.

Again, the South-east has repeatedly canvassed for rotational presidency to give the region an opportunity to produce the countrys president for the first time.

Ahead of the 2023 general election, the Igbo-speaking people of the South-east had consistently asked to be allowed to take a shot at the presidency.

After two dominant political parties in the country  APC and the PDP  failed to zone their presidential tickets to the region, hope was rekindled when Peter Obi emerged presidential candidate of the Labour Party ahead of the 2023 poll.

However, Mr Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, came third in the presidential election won by Bola Tinubu of the APC.

Although Mr Obi was not only the presidential candidate from the South-east at the time, he was perceived as a stronger candidate through which the Igbo presidency ambition could be realised.

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LYSAKER, Norway, July 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Aker BP (OSE: AKRBP) will publish its report for the second quarter of 2025 on 15 July 2025. Today, the company provides preliminary production and sales figures for the quarter.

Production and sales

The company's equity production for the quarter averaged 415.0 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day (mboepd). Due to underlift, the net volume sold during the quarter was 413.8 mboepd.

Volume (mboepd) Q2-25 Q1-25 Net production 415.0 441.4 Overlift/(underlift) (1.1) 16.1 Net volume sold 413.8 457.6 Of which liquids 356.2 394.0 Of which natural gas 57.7 63.5 .



Realised prices (USD/boe) Q2-25 Q1-25 Liquids 66.9 75.0 Natural gas 68.7 85.2

Reporting date

The company will release its report for the second quarter of 2025 on 15 July 2025, at 06:00 CEST. On the same day at 08:30 CEST, the management will present the results via a webcast, available on www.akerbp.com/en. The presentation will be followed by an online Q&A session.

Contacts

Carl Christian Bachke, IR Officer, tel.: +47 909 80 848

Kjetil Bakken, Head of IR, tel.: +47 918 89 889

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/aker-bp-asa/r/aker-bp--second-quarter-2025-trading-update,c4195916

The following files are available for download:

SOURCE Aker BP ASA
Joincare Group to lead the clinical development and commercialization of BRII-693 in Greater China

Brii Biosciences retains ex- Greater China rights to address the global antimicrobial resistance threats and continues investment in other priority pipeline assets

DURHAM, N.C. and BEIJING, July 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Brii Biosciences Limited ("Brii Bio," stock code: 2137.HK), a biotechnology company developing therapies to improve patient health and choice across diseases with high unmet medical needs, today announced that it has entered into a license and technology transfer agreement with Joincare Pharmaceutical Group Industry Co., Ltd ("Joincare Group"). Joincare Group will obtain an exclusive license from Brii Bio for the research, development, and commercialization of BRII-693 in the Greater China region.

Under the terms of the agreement, Joincare Group will assume full responsibility for the development, regulatory approval and commercialization of BRII-693 in Greater China. In return, Brii Bio has received an upfront payment and will receive additional development and commercial milestone payments upon certain future milestone events plus tiered royalties on net product sales.

BRII-693 is a novel synthetic lipopeptide in development for the treatment of critically ill patients with multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant (MDR/XDR) gram-negative bacterial infections, particularly those caused by carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) and Enterobacterales (CRE). Discovered through iterative structural modifications of the polymyxin scaffold, BRII-693 was designed to enhance antibacterial potency while reducing the toxicity commonly associated with older polymyxin agents such as renal and neuro-toxicities. In phase 1 studies, BRII-693 demonstrated a favorable safety, tolerability, and PK profile in healthy non-Chinese and Chinese participants. Brii Bio received IND approval from CDE of NMPA for a Phase 1 PK bridging study in China supporting a future Phase 3 registrational trial in patients with hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia/ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia.

Dr. Zhi Hong, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Brii Bio, commented: "The growing threat of antimicrobial resistance in Greater China underscores the urgency for novel hospital antibiotics. With Joincare Group's proven capabilities in manufacturing and commercializing hospital antibiotics, we found the ideal partner to accelerate the development and commercialization of BRII-693. This partnership enables us to deliver a critical care medicine to Chinese patients facing life threatening infections."

Mr. Nanqi Lin, Chief Executive Officer of Joincare Group, stated, "The Company has a long-standing track record of excellence in innovative drug research and development, underpinned by deep scientific expertise and a robust R&D platform. Driven by Brii Bio's well-established R&D system, the BRII-693 project demonstrated strong innovation and scientific rigor. Early data showing encouraging results in terms of therapeutic potential, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics, suggesting BRII-693's high potential to become a best-in-class therapy to address the critical unmet clinical needs.

We are confident in the clinical prospects of BRII-693. This collaboration further strengthened Joincare Group's strategic positioning in the anti-infection disease area. We look forward to launching this asset soon, providing patients with more high-quality treatment options."

About BRII-693

BRII-693 is a novel synthetic lipopeptide in development for the treatment of critically ill patients with MDR/XDR gram-negative bacterial infections, especially carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Brii Bio holds exclusive global rights to develop and commercialize BRII-693.

About Brii Bio

Brii Biosciences Limited ("Brii Bio", stock code: 2137.HK) is a biotechnology company developing therapies to address major public health challenges where patients experience high unmet medical needs, limited choice and significant social stigmas. With a focus on infectious diseases, the Company is advancing a broad pipeline of unique therapeutic candidates with lead programs against hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The Company is led by a visionary and experienced leadership team and has operations in key biotech hubs, including Raleigh-Durham, the San Francisco Bay Area, Beijing and Shanghai. For more information, visit www.briibio.com.

About Joincare Group

Established in 1992, Joincare Group (Joincare Pharmaceutical Group Industry Co., Ltd) is an innovative scientific research-based integrated pharmaceutical group after many years of steady operation and rapid development. The group owns two major listed companies, Joincare and Livzon Pharmaceutical, as well as more than 20 major holding subsidiaries. The company has always adhered to the concept of scientific and technological innovation as the cornerstone, implementing a dual-driver strategy focused on innovative drugs and high-barrier complex formulation technology platforms, and has carried out rich pipeline layouts around respiratory, anti-infective, gastrointestinal, assisted reproduction, psychiatric, oncology and other areas of significant clinical needs, forming a rich and diversified product matrix and pipeline of drugs under development.

Forward-looking Statements

This contains the disclosure of some forward-looking statements. Except for statements of facts, all other statements can be regarded as forward-looking statements, that is, about our or our management's intentions, plans, beliefs, or expectations that will or may occur in the future. Such statements are assumptions and estimates made by our management based on its experience and knowledge of historical trends, current conditions, expected future development and other related factors. This forward-looking statement does not guarantee future performance, and actual results, development and business decisions may not match the expectations of the forward-looking statement. Our forward-looking statements are also subject to a large number of risks and uncertainties, which may affect our short-term and long-term performance.

SOURCE Brii Biosciences Limited
FORT WORTH, Texas, July 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Four years since launching its first ever pitch competition, the eosera Foundation is preparing to open applications for the eosera Foundation Pitch Competition  this time to a much wider audience, and with a larger cash prize available for the first-place winner.

Photo by Jill Johnson | CEO and Co-founder of ear care company, eosera, poses for a photo with 2024 eosera Foundation Pitch Competition winners: Dr. Meena McCullough of BodySpring (second place), Addison LaBonte of Sweet Addisons (third place), and Lynn Callaway of good dirt (first place). This years competition will offer $42,500 in seed money to women entrepreneurs with promising new businesses. The live event will take place Nov. 13 at the Kimbell Art Museum.

"We're so excited to expand the competition this year to women across the United States," said eosera co-founder and CEO, Elyse Stoltz Dickerson. "The first three years, we really focused on entrepreneurs here in Texas, but our goal was always to eventually have a larger reach and invite more women to apply for this exciting opportunity."

This year, the pitch competition is open to women from around the United States who have been in business for three years or less. Applications will open July 8, and close Sept. 9 , or once the maximum number of entries has been received.

The overall earnings available this year are $42,500, with $30,000 offered for the first-place award, $5,000 for the second-place award, $2,500 for the third-place award, and $5,000 for the people's choice award.

Stoltz Dickerson co-founded ear care company, eosera, in 2015 and was able to use seed money from a pitch competition she won to help get the company off the ground. Ten years later, the company has grown into an ear care empire, with ear drops and sprays sold in more than 28,000 stores nationwide.

Dickerson credits her success to having financial support and mentorship during the early stages of eosera.

"The fact of the matter is that we would not have been able to be so successful in the beginning had it not been for us winning a pitch competition," Dickerson said.

The eosera Foundation Pitch Competition will culminate in a live competition on Nov. 13, 2025, at the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas. Three finalists will present their pitches to a panel of judges and a live audience at a chance to win funding that could transform their businesses and launch their futures. This year's competition is made possible thanks to the generous support of iHeart Impact and Simmons Bank, as well as a host of other generous contributors.

SOURCE Eosera
BEIJING, July 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Forty years ago, residents described Xiamen in East China's Fujian Province as having "uneven roads, dim streetlights, unreliable telephone service, and tap water frequently cut off."

Today, Xiamen has become a high-quality, attractive, modern, and international city praised by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

The remarkable transformation of Xiamen was driven by the strategic layout in the "1985-2000 Xiamen Economic and Social Development Strategy" (Development Strategy), the reform resolve to "cut roads through mountains and build bridges over water," the steadfast commitment to thoroughly implementing a single blueprint, and the unwavering original aspiration: "I will fully commit to the people and never fail them."

By combining toplevel design with a "crossing the river by feeling the stones" approach, for more than 30 years in the past, this single blueprint and one city have demonstrated the power of ideas and exemplified China's governance model.

A farsighted blueprint

Xiamen's current high-quality development stems from the blueprint laid out more than 30 years ago. From planning economic development, industrial growth, and institutional reform, to deploying efforts in technological innovation, ecological protection, cultural advancement, education, and talent cultivation - this comprehensive, scientific, and systematic development blueprint was drawn up under the leadership of Xi, who then served as a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Xiamen Municipal Committee and executive vice mayor of Xiamen.

The Development Strategy charted Xiamen's future and marked a first: it was the earliest 15-year regional blueprint formulated by local authorities, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

A visionary blueprint has turned dreams into reality. Today, Xiamen is fostering the development of new quality productive forces and building a modern industrial system driven by sustained momentum and tiered growth. A total of 10 key industries, including machinery, equipment, and financial services, have exceeded 100 billion yuan ($13.95 billion) in scale, with industrial innovation capacity and overall competitiveness continuously strengthening.

More importantly, at a time when both international and domestic discourse rarely addressed medium to longterm strategic planning for regional development, the Development Strategy introduced an innovative framework for mid to longterm strategic studies. It explored pathways and methods for modern urban governance in China, and through sustained effort, it has proven that medium and longterm development planning plays a critical role in promoting sustainable local development.

The scientific formulation and consistent implementation of five-year plans constitute important experience in the CPC's approach to governing the country.

An epitome

Xiamen's development is an epitome of China's reform and opening-up process.

The Development Strategy outlined a gradual, phased approach, envisioning Xiamen as a "free port-style" special economic zone (SEZ).

SEZs serve as trailblazers for reform and opening-up. During his early career, Xi directly participated in reform and opening-up efforts in this coastal region.

"Leaders chart the course while the people get the job done." The Development Strategy is rich with innovative solutions, reform measures, and open policies that tackle challenges directly.

For more than 30 years, combining top-level design with grassroots experimentation, Xiamen has pursued its three-phase strategic goals, achieving numerous national "firsts" and "pioneering" reforms. These mark the city's remarkable leap in reform and opening-up.

Today, Xiamen is one of China's key hubs for intensive and high-impact reform policies, achieving notable systemic integration.

For instance, the average vessel stay at Xiamen Port is 0.93 days, ranking second globally among major ports. The China-Europe Railway Express (Xiamen) now reaches more than 30 cities in 13 countries.

At present, Xiamen actively aligns with national strategies, striving to become a key node in the new development paradigm. It strengthens global economic loops, boosts domestic market dynamism, and fosters synergy between dual circulation pathways.

The reform direction outlined in the Development Strategy - combining top-down design with grassroots practices - has been pivotal to Xiamen's historic achievements.

Xiamen's success reflects the Chinese people's perseverance and pioneering spirit in overcoming challenges.

Advancing Chinese modernization is a systematic endeavor, and it is also an exploratory undertaking. As reform traverses countless challenges, the era, as the "question setter," continually presents challenges. We must preserve the spirit of bold exploration, maintain the drive for innovation, and uphold the will to act. Within the framework of top-level design, we should strive to open new horizons for reform and development.

Concrete action

The vitality of a plan lies in its execution. Xiamen has unswervingly implemented its Development Strategy for more than 30 years. As a result, by 2023, its GDP had grown by 149.6 times and its fiscal revenue increased by 460.9 times, while the urban area expanded 11-fold.

Guided by the Development Strategy, Xiamen has implemented multiple plans to promote its development in various fields.

In the journey of Chinese modernization, time serves both as a constant test of resolve and a pressing call to action.

The understanding of time of CPC members is measured in centuries or millennia.

Long-term tasks demand strategic patience and consistency, avoiding short-termism or campaign-style approaches. Yet, urgent tasks demand immediate action without delay. Long-term planning and immediate action are dialectically unified. National development advances step by step through sustained collective efforts - neither rushed nor delayed.

Through challenges and progress, China translates historical vision and strategic thinking into concrete action.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202507/1337644.shtml

SOURCE Global Times
"Khachkar Studios makes one of the largest philanthropic investments in modern history to advance Judeo-Christian faith"

Get educated with Briefing Packet #5 at https://khachkarstudios.com/ecosystem-briefing-packet-5/

WASHINGTON, July 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- [EMBARGOED UNTIL 08:00 EDT JULY 4, 2025]

Khachkar Studios today announced a $100 million investment to advance Judeo-Christian faith, one of the largest philanthropic investments in modern history to advance Judeo-Christian faith. This historically unprecedented investment  shepherded by 5,000 senior management hours of world-class benchmarking and management excellence  is primarily focused on revitalizing the U.S. Armenian Christian Ecosystem by closing performance gaps and generating a 6.1x SROI (Social Return on Investment).

$100 Million Investment: Khachkar Studios' $100 million investment is one of the largest philanthropic investments in modern history to advance Judeo-Christian faith, and surpasses by 623% the total religious spending of the four largest Armenian-founded foundations over the past 23 years.



5,000 Hours of Management Excellence: The investment is shepherded by 5,000 pro bono senior management hours of world-class benchmarking and management excellence in 10 skill areas over the next 5 years, which is equally historically unprecedented and will have an unparalleled impact on revitalizing the U.S. Armenian Christian Ecosystem.



Total Armenian Church Annual Spending: Khachkar Studios' historic $100 million initiative is 243% of the total annual spending of all 164 U.S. Armenian churches. Khachkar Studios' "Good News" media outreach will be more than 25 times the size of all other Armenian religious total media spending in the U.S. combined.



Armenian Government Spending: The 2024 increase in Armenian government spending is US$1 billion and 338 times larger than the projected increase in spending by 67 of the largest U.S. Armenian philanthropic organizations.



Ecosystem 12 Body Parts: The 3% "Faithful" U.S. Armenian Christian Ecosystem bottom decile performance permeates 11 of the 12 Ecosystem Body Parts with deeply rooted barriers to change, and the lowest percentage "Faithful" Armenian churches believing they are best of the best with possibly insurmountable barriers to change.



"Faithful" Attendance: A systemic misconception held by many Armenian Americans is that U.S. Armenian churches have among the highest non-holiday church attendance rates, as high as 35%, when in fact they are 10% of major U.S. religions, and rank next to last - bottom decile - among 23 U.S. Orthodox Christian groups.



3 Near-Term Goals: The 3 near-term goals are focused on closing the performance gap, by doubling the number of "Faithful" from 12,894 to 27,847, increasing the number of daily Bible readers from 1,000 to 41,423, and achieving a 6.1x SROI.



High-Impact Pilot Church Funding: Each selected pilot church or ministry can receive between $300,000 and $400,000 or more during the first 5 years of the program from an 8 activities menu ("The Pilot Menu"), approximately 51% of average annual church related income.



Performance Gaps: A careful study of the 19 variables of the 37 Potential "2025 Pilots" reveals insights to have an unparalleled impact on revitalizing the U.S. Armenian Christian Ecosystem, by closing performance gaps with a 6.1x SROI.



10 Pervasive Traits: Our 18 months of research  including 69 years of Armenian Church related materials and world-class benchmarking data  is the foundation for understanding why these 10 pervasive traits yield a 0% SROI.

About Khachkar Studios: Khachkar Studios is a multimedia studio that empowers Christian role models through "Good News" education-training-retention (E-T-R), shepherded by world-class benchmarking and management excellence. Khachkar Studios is an affiliate of the Charles & Agnes Kazarian Foundation, JI-Analytics, and Japonica Partners.

For more information about Khachkar Studios and its initiatives, contact:

www.khachkarstudios.com

[email protected]

SOURCE The Charles & Agnes Kazarian Foundation
LONDON, July 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading international schools group Nord Anglia Education today announced that its Class of 2025 has secured places at many of the world's most prestigious universities.

With over 80 schools across 35 countries, Nord Anglia graduates have received offers to top 100 QS ranked destinations including the University of Oxford, Stanford University, Yale University, and the University of Cambridge, amongst many others.

Since July 2021, Nord Anglia has been the largest provider of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).

THE AMERICAS HIGHLIGHTS

Graduates from Avenues New York are heading to top-tier US universities, including Stanford University , Princeton University , Yale University , and Columbia University .





are heading to top-tier US universities, including , , , and . From British International School Boston, Liv has been accepted at Princeton University , Sofia will be attending Stanford University , and Priyamvada is bound for the London School of Economics .





, will be attending , and Priyamvada is bound for the . Avenues Sao Paulo students are heading to universities such as UC Berkeley, the University of Toronto , Columbia University , and the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor .





, , and the . This year's graduates from Colegio Menor Quito have earned places at esteemed universities including New York University , the University of Notre Dame , and Tulane University .





, the , and . In Mexico , students from Greengates have secured offers at several of the UK's most prestigious universities, such as the University of Cambridge , University College London, King's College London, and the University of Edinburgh .

CHINA HIGHLIGHTS

At The British School of Guangzhou , graduates will go on to study at Berklee College of Music , King's College London, University College London, the University of Hong Kong , and beyond.





, graduates will go on to study at , King's College London, University College London, the , and beyond. Meanwhile, students at Leman International School Chengdu have secured offers from University of Oxford , University College London, Imperial College London, and University of Hong Kong , showcasing academic excellence across science and humanities fields.





, University College London, Imperial College London, and , showcasing academic excellence across science and humanities fields. Graduates of Nord Anglia International School Shanghai, Pudong are also celebrating exceptional outcomes, with destinations including the London School of Economics and Political Science , University College London, King's College London, and the University of Birmingham .

EUROPE HIGHLIGHTS

Students from College du Leman have earned places at some of the world's top 50 universities, such as Cornell University , Imperial College London, the University of Hong Kong , UC Berkeley, and University College London.





, Imperial College London, the , UC Berkeley, and University College London. Dean from Nord Anglia International School Rotterdam will pursue Business at Erasmus University while fellow classmate Ethan is headed to Maastricht University to study Regenerative Medicine and Technology.





while fellow classmate Ethan is headed to to study Regenerative Medicine and Technology. At The British International School Bratislava graduates will begin their next chapters at universities such as Brown University , King's College London, Imperial College London, and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology.





, King's College London, Imperial College London, and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology. At Oxford International College , 106 students have received offers from the UK's most distinguished G5 institutions, including the University of Oxford , University of Cambridge , Imperial College London, London School of Economics and Political Science , and University College London.

MIDDLE EAST HIGHLIGHTS

At Nord Anglia International School Dubai , graduates have received places at world-leading institutions including University College London, University of Southern California , King's College London, University of Virginia , and University of Bath .





, graduates have received places at world-leading institutions including University College London, , King's College London, , and University of . At The British School of Kuwait , Head Girl Salma is pursuing her passion for medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland  Bahrain , while Layan has accepted an offer to study architecture at University College London.





, Head Girl Salma is pursuing her passion for medicine at the  , while Layan has accepted an offer to study architecture at University College London. Graduates from Amman Academy are preparing to begin their next chapter at some of the world's most prestigious universities such as Brown University , University of Pennsylvania , and Cornell University .





, , and . At Swiss International Scientific School Dubai , students have earned over US$10 million in university scholarships, with offers to the London School of Economics and Political Science , University College London, McGill University , UCLA , University of Warwick , Queen Mary University of London , and University of Manchester .

SOUTHEAST ASIA HIGHLIGHTS

This year at British Vietnamese International School, Ho Chi Minh City graduates have earned over 305 university offers and over US$6 million in scholarships from prestigious universities around the world. Students have accepted offers from universities such as UC Berkeley, the University of Edinburgh , and Boston University .





graduates have earned over 305 university offers and over in scholarships from prestigious universities around the world. Students have accepted offers from universities such as UC Berkeley, the , and . At the British International School Ho Chi Minh City six students received multiple offers from South Korea's most prestigious institutions. Amongst them are Seoul National University , Korea University, Yonsei University (collectively known as the SKY universities), the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, and Sungkyunkwan University.





most prestigious institutions. Amongst them are Seoul , Korea University, (collectively known as the SKY universities), the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, and Sungkyunkwan University. British Vietnamese International School, Hanoi students have offers from world-renowned institutions, including the University of Oxford , UC Berkeley, Columbia University , the University of Bath, New York University , the University of Sydney , and the London School of Economics and Political Science .





students have offers from world-renowned institutions, including the , UC Berkeley, , the University of Bath, , the , and the . This year's graduates from the British School Tashkent will continue their academic journeys at universities such as King's College London, the University of Sydney , the University of Washington , Iowa State University , and the University of British Columbia .





, the , , and the . University destinations for this year's class at The British International School Kuala Lumpur include Imperial College London, King's College London, the University of Toronto , the University of British Columbia , the University of Warwick , and more. For example, graduating senior Shumala received offers to the University of Bristol and Imperial College London.





include Imperial College London, King's College London, the , the , the , and more. For example, graduating senior Shumala received offers to the University of and Imperial College London. Dover Court graduates in Singapore are preparing to begin studies at many leading institutions, such as the University of Cambridge , the University of Bath , University College London, King's College London, and the University of Edinburgh .

INDIA HIGHLIGHTS

In India , graduates of Oakridge International School Gachibowli are heading to elite institutions across the United States and United Kingdom . These include the Marshall School of Business at USC , Georgia Tech , Purdue University , and Rutgers , underscoring the school's focus on academic achievement and future-ready learning.

Learn more about Nord Anglia's schools or apply for a place at nordangliaeducation.com.

Media Enquiries:

David Bates

Senior Communications Manager, Nord Anglia Education

M +44 (0) 7787 135223

[email protected]

About Nord Anglia Education:

As a leading international schools organisation, we're shaping a generation of creative and resilient global citizens who graduate from our schools with everything they need for success, whatever they choose to be or do in life.

Our strong academic foundations combine world-class teaching and curricula with cutting-edge technology and facilities, creating learning experiences like no other. Inside and outside of the classroom, we inspire our students to achieve more than they ever thought possible.

No two children learn the same way, which is why our schools around the world personalise learning to what works best for every student. Inspired by our high-quality teachers, our students achieve outstanding academic results and go on to study at the world's top universities.

Our Nord Anglia global family includes 80+ day and boarding schools in 35 countries, teaching over 90,000 students from ages 3 to 18.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1503193/5401060/Nord_Anglia_Education_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Nord Anglia Education
BEIJING, July 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from CRI Online:

The World Internet Conference (WIC) held a press conference in Beijing on July 3 to introduce the 2025 WIC Digital Silk Road Development Forum, which will be held in Quanzhou, East China's Fujian province, on July 24.

The press conference on the 2025 World Internet Conference Digital Silk Road Development Forum is held on July 3, 2025.

The forum is hosted by the WIC and co-organized by the Fujian Provincial Government, with support from the Quanzhou Municipal Government, the Cyberspace Administration of Fujian, and the Fujian Provincial Development and Reform Commission.

With the theme "Embracing the Digital and Intelligent Maritime Silk Road  Jointly Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace," the forum will focus on digital trade under the Belt and Road Initiative and AI-driven private sector development, and smart, sustainable international transport.

Ren Xianliang, secretary-general of the WIC said at the press conference that hosting the forum in Quanzhou, the starting point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road, is a tribute to this shared heritage and a call to advance digital cooperation.

He emphasized the importance of building a shared future in cyberspace through deeper exchanges in e-commerce, data connectivity and smart port development.

Zhang Yan, head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Fujian Provincial Committee, said that Fujian is not only a starting point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road, but also a core area of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road and a pioneer in building Digital China.

He noted that Fujian has fully leveraged its policy and innovation strengths to promote infrastructure, trade cooperation, open platforms, and cultural exchanges. Fujian will use the forum to explore new digital cooperation and strengthen global connectivity, he added.

Liu Linshuang, head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Quanzhou Municipal Committee, said Quanzhou is actively advancing digital economy development and will take this forum as an opportunity to integrate the digital and cultural tourism sectors to further boost the real economy.

The forum will bring together senior representatives from international organizations, governments of countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, internet companies and academia.

Supporting activities include high-level AI governance discussions, training programs on digital innovation, and cultural performance that showcasing the integration of digital technology and traditional arts.

SOURCE CRI Online
Woodland Family Dental, a well-established practice in Woodland, CA, has launched its first official website to better serve the community. The new site features a fully translated Spanish section, making dental care information and access more inclusive for the area's bilingual population.

WOODLAND, Calif., July 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Woodland Family Dental, a trusted local provider of family and general dentistry, is proud to announce the launch of its first official website, www.dentistinwoodland.com. The new site is designed to provide patients with easier access to information, streamline appointment scheduling, and deliver resources in both English and Spanishreflecting the practice's commitment to serving the entire Woodland community.

Woodland Family Dental

Led by Dr. Nikhil Sibal and Dr. Inderjeet Kaur, Woodland Family Dental has earned a reputation for providing compassionate, high-quality care to patients of all ages. Until now, the office operated without a formal website. With the new launch, patients can now learn about services, download forms, and request appointments directly online.

"We've cared for families in Woodland for years, and this new website helps us better connect with our communityespecially our Spanish-speaking patients," said Dr. Nikhil Sibal. "It's a reflection of the modern, patient-focused care we strive to deliver every day."

The site outlines available services such as general dentistry, preventive care, cosmetic dental procedures, and restorative treatments. A large portion of the website is fully translated for Spanish-speaking patients, helping ensure equitable access to dental information and care.

Visit www.dentistinwoodland.com to learn more or request an appointment.

More About Woodland Family Dental

Woodland Family Dental is a locally owned and operated dental practice serving patients of all ages in Woodland, California, and the surrounding areas. Led by Dr. Nikhil Sibal and Dr. Inderjeet Kaur, the team is committed to delivering gentle, high-quality care in a welcoming and inclusive environment. The newly launched website reflects the practice's dedication to making dental care accessible to all, with a full Spanish-language section and user-friendly features for patients.

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Port Of Spain, July 4 : After arriving in Port of Spain on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm and grand reception by the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago and said that he was he was "extremely grateful" for their hospitality.

The Prime Minister also stressed upon the contribution of the local Indian community living in the Carribean nation and enriching the country's development journey as well as excelling in diverse areas there along with retaining their connection with India and being passionate about Indian culture.

"The Indian community in Trinidad & Tobago extended a warm welcome to PM @narendramodi. Their enthusiasm reflected the deep-rooted cultural ties and shared heritage between the two nations," Prime Minister's Office wrote in a post on X.

"Many people from India made their way to Trinidad & Tobago years ago. Over the years, they distinguished themselves in several fields and are enriching Trinidad & Tobago's development journey. At the same time, they have retained a connection with India and are also passionate about Indian culture. Grateful to the local Indian community for an unforgettable welcome in Port of Spain," the Prime Minister wrote in a post on social media platform X.

"Sharing some glimpses from the welcome at Port of Spain. May the friendship between India and Trinidad & Tobago continue to scale new heights in the times to come!" PM Modi said on his official X account.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here where his Trinidad and Tobago counterpart Kamla Persad-Bissessar, dressed in Indian attire, welcomed him at the Piarco International Airport.

PM Modi was also accorded a ceremonial welcome upon his arrival at the airport and 38 Ministers as well as four Members of Parliament were present to welcome him.

A ceremonial guard of honour was presented, accompanied by cultural performances, including portrayals of mythological Indian characters.

After arriving at his hotel, PM Modi was greeted by enthusiastic members of the Indian diaspora, chanting slogans of 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and 'Modi, Modi.' Traditional Bhojpuri Chautaal rhythms and an orchestra performance added to the celebratory atmosphere.

He also met the people of the Indian diaspora waiting for him at the Piarco International Airport.

This is the second leg of PM Modi's five-nation tour, following the successful completion of his visit to Ghana.

During this official visit, PM Modi will hold talks with the top leadership of Trinidad and Tobago to further strengthen the bilateral relationship.

This is his first visit to the Carribean nation as the Prime Minister and the first Indian bilateral visit at the prime ministerial level to Trinidad and Tobago since 1999.

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will hold talks with President Christine Carla Kangaloo and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and discuss further strengthening of the bilateral relationship.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Parliament of Ghana and dedicated the prestigious "Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana" conferred on him to the enduring friendship and shared values between the two countries.

"Leaving for Trinidad & Tobago. Later this evening, I look forward to attending a community programme in Port of Spain. Tomorrow, will be addressing the Parliament of Trinidad & Tobago. Looking forward to deepening ties with a valued partner in the Caribbean, with whom we share very old cultural linkages," PM Modi posted on X after the conclusion of his two-day visit to Ghana.

Trinidad & Tobago (T&T) will be the second stop on the Prime Minister's ongoing five-nation visit and will be followed by visits to Argentina, Brazil and Namibia.

Like Ghana, PM Modi will also address a Joint Session of the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago on Friday.

The visit of Prime Minister Modi to the Caribbean nation will impart fresh impetus to the deep-rooted, historical, cultural and people-to-people connect between the two nations.

President Kangaloo 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, has also visited India in the past and been felicitated with the Pravasi Bhartiya Samman award.

Indians first arrived in Trinidad and Tobago 180 years ago and PM Modi's visit is expected to provide an opportunity to rejuvenate the special bonds of ancestry and kinship that unite both countries.

Interestingly, this is the second visit of Prime Minister Modi to the Caribbean region in a span of eight months - he had previously visited Guyana in November 2024 - and shows the immense importance that India accords to the Caribbean countries and reflects India's growing partnership with CARICOM.

Last November, while addressing the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit in Georgetown, Prime Minister Modi had underscored that India stands firmly for giving voice to the concerns of the Global South. Noting that the Global South countries were the most impacted by the challenges and conflicts of recent years, he had also reaffirmed India's steadfast commitment to Caribbean countries as a reliable partner.

It was on the sidelines of the Summit in Guyana that PM Modi also met with the then Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Keith Rowley and congratulated him for adoption of India's flagship UPI Platform by the Caribbean nation while assuring further collaboration in the field of digital transformation.

Both the countries are seeking to expand and diversify their cooperation into major emerging areas like pharmaceuticals, tertiary care, renewable energy, digital public infrastructure, agriculture, disaster resistance and innovation and technology, along with sports, academic and cultural cooperation.

"The visit comes at an opportune time, as this year, 2025, the country (Trinidad and Tobago) is commemorating 180 years of the arrival of Indian immigrants in T&T," said MEA Secretary (South) Neena Malhotra during a special media briefing on Monday, ahead of PM's five-nation visit.

Bilateral relations between both nations are supported by a vibrant Indian diaspora. Out of the total 1.36 million population of T&T, the Indian diaspora constitutes nearly 40a"45 per cent of T&T's population. The diaspora, descendants of immigrants who arrived starting 1845, continues to maintain strong cultural and emotional bonds with India.

PM Modi's address to the joint session of the parliament of T&T is also being seen as symbolic of India's traditions and democratic values, reaffirming New Delhi's deep rooted and enduring ties with the Caribbean.

"The Speaker's chair in the Parliament has been a gift by India, which is again a symbolic reminder of the strong democratic and parliamentary traditions between our two countries," said Secretary Malhotra.

This visit, she added, is also very special for both the President and the Prime Minister of T&T, since they are both of Indian origin, and hold pride in calling themselves as "daughters of India".

"The entire Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is very enthusiastic about PM Modi's upcoming visit and a large diaspora interaction event is being planned during the visit. During the visit, the PM will hold high-level discussions with both the President and Prime Minister, and the leaders are expected to cover the entire gamut of our bilateral relations, as well as regional and multilateral aspects," the MEA Secretary mentioned.
Port Of Spain, July 4 : Reiterating the contribution of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago and the Carribean country's friendly ties with India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday, also met three Indian youths -- Shankar Ramjattan, Nicholas Maraj and Vince Mahato, who won the 'Bharat Ko Janiye' (Know India) Quiz here.

"Met youngsters Shankar Ramjattan, Nicholas Maraj and Vince Mahato, who are winners of the Bharat Ko Janiye (Know India) Quiz in Trinidad & Tobago. This Quiz has generated widespread participation across the world and deepened the connect of our diaspora with India," PM Modi said in a post on X.

After arriving in Port of Spain on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm and grand reception by the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago and said that he was "extremely grateful" for their hospitality.

The Prime Minister also stressed upon the contribution of the local Indian community living in the Carribean nation and enriching the country's development journey as well as excelling in diverse areas there along with retaining their connection with India and being passionate about Indian culture.

"The Indian community in Trinidad & Tobago extended a warm welcome to PM @narendramodi. Their enthusiasm reflected the deep-rooted cultural ties and shared heritage between the two nations," Prime Minister's Office wrote in a post on X.

"Many people from India made their way to Trinidad & Tobago years ago. Over the years, they distinguished themselves in several fields and are enriching Trinidad & Tobago's development journey. At the same time, they have retained a connection with India and are also passionate about Indian culture. Grateful to the local Indian community for an unforgettable welcome in Port of Spain," the Prime Minister wrote in a post on social media platform X.

"Sharing some glimpses from the welcome at Port of Spain. May the friendship between India and Trinidad & Tobago continue to scale new heights in the times to come!" PM Modi said on his official X account.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here where his Trinidad and Tobago counterpart Kamla Persad-Bissessar, dressed in Indian attire, welcomed him at the Piarco International Airport.

PM Modi was also accorded a ceremonial welcome upon his arrival at the airport and 38 Ministers as well as four Members of Parliament were present to welcome him.

He also met the people of the Indian diaspora waiting for him at the Piarco International Airport.

This is the second leg of PM Modi's five-nation tour, following the successful completion of his visit to Ghana.

During this official visit, PM Modi will hold talks with the top leadership of Trinidad and Tobago to further strengthen the bilateral relationship.

This is his first visit to the Carribean nation as the Prime Minister and the first Indian bilateral visit at the prime ministerial level to Trinidad and Tobago since 1999.

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will hold talks with President Christine Carla Kangaloo and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and discuss further strengthening of the bilateral relationship.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Parliament of Ghana and dedicated the prestigious "Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana" conferred on him to the enduring friendship and shared values between the two countries.

"Leaving for Trinidad & Tobago. Later this evening, I look forward to attending a community programme in Port of Spain. Tomorrow, will be addressing the Parliament of Trinidad & Tobago. Looking forward to deepening ties with a valued partner in the Caribbean, with whom we share very old cultural linkages," PM Modi posted on X after the conclusion of his two-day visit to Ghana.

Trinidad & Tobago (T&T) will be the second stop on the Prime Minister's ongoing five-nation visit and will be followed by visits to Argentina, Brazil and Namibia.

Like Ghana, PM Modi will also address a Joint Session of the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago on Friday.

The visit of Prime Minister Modi to the Caribbean nation will impart fresh impetus to the deep-rooted, historical, cultural and people-to-people connect between the two nations.

Indians first arrived in Trinidad and Tobago 180 years ago and PM Modi's visit is expected to provide an opportunity to rejuvenate the special bonds of ancestry and kinship that unite both countries.

Interestingly, this is the second visit of Prime Minister Modi to the Caribbean region in a span of eight months - he had previously visited Guyana in November 2024 - and shows the immense importance that India accords to the Caribbean countries and reflects India's growing partnership with CARICOM.

Last November, while addressing the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit in Georgetown, Prime Minister Modi had underscored that India stands firmly for giving voice to the concerns of the Global South. Noting that the Global South countries were the most impacted by the challenges and conflicts of recent years, he had also reaffirmed India's steadfast commitment to Caribbean countries as a reliable partner.

It was on the sidelines of the Summit in Guyana that PM Modi also met with the then Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Keith Rowley and congratulated him for adoption of India's flagship UPI Platform by the Caribbean nation while assuring further collaboration in the field of digital transformation.

Both the countries are seeking to expand and diversify their cooperation into major emerging areas like pharmaceuticals, tertiary care, renewable energy, digital public infrastructure, agriculture, disaster resistance and innovation and technology, along with sports, academic and cultural cooperation.

"The visit comes at an opportune time, as this year, 2025, the country (Trinidad and Tobago) is commemorating 180 years of the arrival of Indian immigrants in T&T," said MEA Secretary (South) Neena Malhotra during a special media briefing on Monday, ahead of PM's five-nation visit.

Bilateral relations between both nations are supported by a vibrant Indian diaspora. Out of the total 1.36 million population of T&T, the Indian diaspora constitutes nearly 40a"45 per cent of T&T's population. The diaspora, descendants of immigrants who arrived starting 1845, continues to maintain strong cultural and emotional bonds with India.

PM Modi's address to the joint session of the parliament of T&T is also being seen as symbolic of India's traditions and democratic values, reaffirming New Delhi's deep rooted and enduring ties with the Caribbean.

"The Speaker's chair in the Parliament has been a gift by India, which is again a symbolic reminder of the strong democratic and parliamentary traditions between our two countries," said Secretary Malhotra.

This visit, she added, is also very special for both the President and the Prime Minister of T&T, since they are both of Indian origin, and hold pride in calling themselves as "daughters of India".

"The entire Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is very enthusiastic about PM Modi's upcoming visit and a large diaspora interaction event is being planned during the visit. During the visit, the PM will hold high-level discussions with both the President and Prime Minister, and the leaders are expected to cover the entire gamut of our bilateral relations, as well as regional and multilateral aspects," the MEA Secretary mentioned.
Port Of Spain, July 4 : In a heartfelt and symbolic gesture, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamala Persad Bissessar quoted a poem written by PM Narendra Modi from his Gujarati poetry book 'Aankh Aa Dhanya Che', drawing a deep cultural connection.

The poem she recited read (loosely translated):

"In the recesses of my mind

I travel far into the past

And each phase I see unfolds a memory

My recall comes with ease

Each visage is easily recognised

Nothing stays hidden

For thus is the truth plain to see

For our companions

With whom we suffered

Never forgotten

Together endured those sufferings

They become the journey in the end."

PM Bissessar used the verses to reflect the enduring bond between India and the Caribbean and to celebrate PM Modi's deep cultural roots and emotional ties with the global Indian diaspora.

In her address, the Trinidadian Prime Minister delivered glowing praise for PM Modi, describing his visit as a moment of profound honour and shared history.

"We are graced by the presence of someone who is near and dear to us. We are graced by a leader whose visit is not just a matter of protocol but a profound honour for us. I am deeply privileged to welcome one of the world's most respected, most admired visionary leaders, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India."

She continued, "Prime Minister, you are a transformational force who has refined governance of India and positioned your country as a prominent and dominant global power. Through your visionary and futuristic initiatives, you have modernised the Indian economy, empowered over a billion citizens, and above all, you have instilled pride into the hearts of all Indians all over the world."

She also highlighted PM Modi's lasting contributions to the Indian diaspora and his humanitarian leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic, especially through India's global Vaccine Maitri initiative.

This is PM Modi's first visit to the country as Prime Minister and the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Caribbean nation since 1999. The visit comes at the invitation of Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister.
Jaipur, July 4 : Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visionary and effective foreign policy, stating that it has given India a new identity on the global stage.

Jaipur, July 4 (IANS) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modias visionary and effective foreign policy, stating that it has given India a new identity on the global stage.

He said that through his diplomatic acumen and strong leadership, Prime Minister Modi has positioned India among the most powerful and respected nations worldwide.

The Chief Minister noted that the remarkable achievements of Indian talents across the globe have introduced the world to Indiaas strength and potential.

CM Sharma was addressing the 12th aBharat Gaurav Awarda ceremony, organised by the Sanskruti Yuva Sanstha at the House of Commons in the UK Parliament, via video conferencing from his residence in Jaipur late Thursday night. He said the event not only celebrates the achievements of distinguished Indians but also reflects the deep and cordial ties between India and the UK.

Highlighting Rajasthanas rapid progress, the Chief Minister said the state, known for its rich culture, hospitality, and historical legacy, is scripting a new chapter of growth through the "Rising Rajasthan" initiative.

The CM said investment proposals worth Rs 35 lakh crore have opened immense avenues for employment and prosperity in the state. In the past one and a half years, Rajasthan has seen unprecedented progress in investment, innovation, and inclusive development.

CM Sharma emphasised that Rajasthan holds vast potential for growth, especially in sectors like mining, tourism, and industry.

He mentioned the significant strides being made in education and healthcare, and added that tourists from across the world are drawn to the state's palaces, forts, and havelis. Religious tourism, wildlife sanctuaries, and desert destinations are also witnessing steady expansion. The Chief Minister urged overseas Indians to return, invest in Rajasthan, and become active partners in its developmental journey. Their contributions, he said, would not only accelerate the stateas growth but also strengthen Indiaas position as a global leader.

Congratulating the awardees, the Chief Minister said the Bharat Gaurav Award symbolises Indiaas unity, limitless potential, and growing influence on the world stage.

At the event, 25 individuals from India and abroad were honoured with citation letters, mementoes, and ceremonial scarves. The prestigious ceremony saw participation from representatives of 18 countries.

Dignitaries present at the event included London MP Navendu Mishra, former UK Union Minister and House of Lords member Baroness Sandip Verma, House of Lords member Rami Ranger, former Mayor of London Sunil Chopra, former MP Virendra Sharma, Prayag Maha Kumbh advisor Rakesh K. Shukla, and President of Sanskruti Yuva Sanstha, Pt. Suresh Mishra and others.
Srinagar, July 4 : As a symbolic gesture of goodwill and solidarity, senior civil administration and police officers on Friday joined the 8th Muharram procession in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar city.

The 8th Muharram procession is the biggest assembly of Shia Muslim mourners before the 10th Muharram to commemorate the martyrdom of the Prophet's grandson, Imam Hussain, in Karbala on the banks of the Euphrates in Iraq by the army of King Yazid in 680 AD.

Euphrates has a historic and significant role in Islam as the army of Yazid did not allow drinking water to Imam Hussain, his family members, even the 6-month-old baby, Ali Asghar and women during their siege in Karbala.

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar, and the martyrdom of Imam Hussain and his companions is one of the darkest periods of persecution and torture of the descendants of the Prophet.

The mourning of Muharram is remembered by chest beating and processions by Shia Muslims, while the mourning is common and equally commemorative for the Sunni Muslims the world over.

To show solidarity and unity with the mourners during the procession, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir V.K. Birdi, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Dr Akshay Labroo, and SSP Srinagar Sundeep Chakarvourti joined the 8th Muharram procession at Lal Chowk in Srinagar, where they served water to the mourners under the scorching sun.

The Divisional Commissioner said that all arrangements, ranging from drinking water and medical aid to security and traffic regulation, were put in place well ahead of the religious event to ensure a smooth and safe procession.

"We request all mourners to remain focused on the true purpose of the procession and refrain from altering its nature in any way", the Divisional Commissioner said, urging people to maintain the religious spirit and decorum of the event.

IGP Kashmir Birdi said that all the security arrangements were put in place to ensure that the 8th Muharram procession passes off smoothly.

Asked about the 10th Muharram procession, the IGP said, "Administration is talking to the organisers in all the places where 10th Muharram processions are taken out so that these religious events are facilitated."

Mourners joining the procession said that for the third year now, the authorities are allowing the 8th Muharram procession after making good arrangements.

Since 1990, when armed violence started in Kashmir, authorities had disallowed both the 8th and 10th Muharram processions to maintain law and order.

It was in 2022 that the administration headed by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha allowed the resumption of this religious event.

Since then, the 8th Muharram procession has been taken out peacefully, with thousands of mourners participating along the designated route in Srinagar city.
Seoul, July 4 : The South Korean government said on Friday it will fine SK Telecom for belatedly reporting a data breach affecting all 25 million users and ordered it to waive customer cancellation fees, wrapping up its two-month probe into one of the worst data leak cases in the country's history.

SK Telecom belatedly reported the breach in April, in which universal subscriber identity module (USIM) data was potentially leaked during an unidentified cyberattack on its servers, reports Yonhap news agency.

The government inspected all 42,605 of the company's servers and found 28 infected with 33 types of malicious code, the Ministry of Science and ICT said in a press release.

"Three major factors that contributed to the malware infection were poor account information management, inadequate response to past security incidents and insufficient encryption of critical information," it said.

The probe also revealed that SK Telecom discovered malware infections on its servers as early as February 2022 but failed to report them to authorities as required by law.

Regarding its failure to report, the ministry said it will impose a fine of less than 30 million won (US$21,600) and refer the company for further investigation over its alleged violation of a data preservation order.

"The recent security breach at SK Telecom serves as a wake-up call not only for the domestic telecommunications industry but also for the broader network infrastructure sector," said Science Minister Yoo Sang-im. "SK Telecom must tackle the weaknesses identified in this incident and make information security a top management priority going forward."

Yoo warned that future cyber threats are likely to become even more sophisticated as they combine with artificial intelligence (AI) in the emerging AI era.

Last month, more than 660,000 subscribers canceled their SK Telecom wireless service and switched to competitors KT Corp. and LG Uplus Corp.

SK Telecom resumed new subscriptions on June 24, two months after the government ordered the company to suspend new subscriptions. Since April, the company has offered free USIM card replacements to all subscribers to help prevent identity theft and financial fraud.

To prevent similar incidents, the government has ordered SK Telecom to submit follow-up action plans before the end of this month, and said it will inspect their implementation in November or December.

"If additional measures are needed, the government will issue a correction order to the company," the ministry said.

a"IANS

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Seoul, July 4 : South Korea's current account surplus widened in May from a month earlier, despite falling exports, due mainly to falling global oil prices and an increase in dividend income, central bank data showed on Friday.

The country's current account surplus reached US$10.14 billion in May, following a surplus of $5.7 billion in April, according to the data compiled by the Bank of Korea, reports Yonhap news agency.

It marked the 25th consecutive month of a current account surplus, as South Korea has reported a monthly surplus since May 2023.

In terms of May figures, it was the third largest on record, following $11.31 billion of surplus in 2021 and $10.49 billion reported in 2016.

During the first five months of this year, the cumulative current account surplus stood at $35.11 billion, compared with $27.06 billion recorded during the same period last year.

The goods account logged a $10.66 billion surplus in May, as exports slid 2.9 percent from a year earlier to $56.93, while imports sank 7.2 percent on-year to $46.27 billion on falling imports of raw materials.

The services account, however, registered a $2.28 billion deficit in May due mainly to rising demand for overseas travel.

The primary income account, which tracks the wages of foreign workers, dividend payments from overseas and interest income, logged a $2.15 billion surplus in May, the data showed.

"The declines in exports and imports in May are largely due to such external factors as the global trade environment and falling oil prices," BOK official Song Jae-chang said during a press briefing.

"The impact of U.S. tariffs is becoming evident, particularly in automobiles and steel," Song added. "This effect is expected to become more pronounced in the second half of this year."

In April, U.S. President Donald Trump's administration began imposing reciprocal tariffs on partner nations, including 25 percent duties on South Korean goods, but the new tariff scheme was paused shortly afterward to allow for bilateral negotiations.

South Korea and the U.S. have agreed to pursue a "package" deal on trade and other related issues before July 8, when the 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs is set to expire.

A separate 10 percent baseline tariff and 25 percent duties on steel, aluminum and auto-related products remain in place.

Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo is scheduled to visit the U.S. this week for last-minute negotiations.

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New Delhi, July 4 : A team of US researchers has identified a genetic mutation that increased the risk of humans getting cancer, paving the way for new treatments for the deadly disease.

Researchers from the University of California Davis, US, explain why certain immune cells in humans are less effective at fighting solid tumours compared to non-human primates.

The study, published in the journal Nature Communications, revealed a tiny genetic difference in an immune protein called Fas Ligand (FasL) between humans and non-human primates.

This genetic mutation makes the FasL protein vulnerable to being disabled by plasmin -- a tumour-associated enzyme. This vulnerability seems unique to humans and is not found in non-human primates, such as chimpanzees.

"The evolutionary mutation in FasL may have contributed to the larger brain size in humans," said Jogender Tushir-Singh, Associate Professor in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology.

"But in the context of cancer, it was an unfavorable tradeoff because the mutation gives certain tumours a way to disarm parts of our immune system," Tushir-Singh added.

FasL is an immune cell membrane protein that triggers a programmed cell death called apoptosis. Activated immune cells, including CAR-T cells made from a patient's immune system, use apoptosis to kill cancer cells.

The UC Davis team discovered that in human genes, a single evolutionary amino acid change -- serine instead of proline at position 153 -- makes FasL more susceptible to being cut and inactivated by plasmin.

Plasmin is a protease enzyme that is often elevated in aggressive solid tumors like triple-negative breast cancer, colon cancer, and ovarian cancer.

This means that even when human immune cells are activated and ready to attack the tumor cells, one of their key death weapons -- FasL -- can be neutralised by the tumour environment, reducing the effectiveness of immunotherapies.

The findings may help explain why CAR-T and T-cell-based therapies can be effective in blood cancers but often fall short in solid tumours. Blood cancers often do not rely on plasmin to metastasize, whereas tumors like ovarian cancer rely heavily on plasmin to spread the cancer.

Significantly, the study also showed that blocking plasmin or shielding FasL from cleavage can restore its cancer-killing power. That finding may open new doors for improving cancer immunotherapy.

By combining current treatments with plasmin inhibitors or specially designed antibodies that protect FasL, scientists may be able to boost immune responses in patients with solid tumours.

"Humans have a significantly higher rate of cancer than chimpanzees and other primates. There is a lot that we do not know and can still learn from primates and apply to improve human cancer immunotherapies," said Tushir-Singh.

"Regardless, this is a major step toward personalising and enhancing immunotherapy for the plasmin-positive cancers that have been difficult to treat," he added.
Port Of Spain, July 4 : India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal delivered a heartfelt statement in Port of Spain on Friday, highlighting the historic significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Trinidad and Tobago and said that the visit marks a renewed commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

Speaking in both Hindi and Bhojpuri to connect with the Indian-origin community in the country, Jaiswal emphasised the deep cultural and historical bonds between the two nations.

"The Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, has arrived today in the capital city of Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain, on a historic visit. At the airport, he was warmly welcomed by the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, along with members of her Cabinet and other dignitaries," said Jaiswal.

He stressed the importance of the visit, pointing out the long gap since such a high-level engagement: "This visit is historic from India's side because it is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Trinidad and Tobago in 26 years. It marks a renewed commitment to strengthening our bilateral relationship."

Jaiswal went on to underline the strong people-to-people connections, saying, "The total population of this country is about 1.3 million. Out of this, around 45 per cent are of Indian origin. That is why the relationship between India and Trinidad and Tobago is unbreakable."

He made a special mention of the Indian diaspora's ancestral roots, "The majority of Indian-origin people here trace their ancestry to the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in India. They come from Bhojpuri-speaking regions such as Chapra, Arrah, Ballia, Siwan, Gopalganj, Varanasi, Azamgarh, and others."

By addressing the diaspora in their native tongue, Jaiswal acknowledged the emotional and cultural ties that continue to thrive despite the geographic distance.
Global cocaine trafficking is reaching record levels, authorities say, and the Latin American region remains home to several of the worlds top producers. Photo by Mart Production/Pexels

July 3 (UPI) -- This is part of an occasional series on organized crime in Latin America.

Using new and improved technology should support efforts to combat the sharp rise in crime and drug trafficking across Latin America, representatives from several countries have agreed.

This unanimity come as global cocaine trafficking reaches record levels and the region remains home to several of the world's top producers.

Speaking Tuesday at a regional online conference organized by Legado a las Americas, Argentine Security Minister Patricia Bullrich emphasized the need to equip law enforcement with the best available tools to fight organized crime.

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"We're in a difficult moment for security," Bullrich said, adding that a key priority is to close the gap in resources between law enforcement and criminal groups.

She said that if criminals are using technology to improve communication, launder money through cryptocurrencies and commit cyber fraud, then security forces need the best tools "to pursue them, geolocate them, track the coordinates they use and understand how they communicate."

At the event, Uruguayan Sen. Nicolas Martinelli, a former interior minister, said technology can support efforts to fight organized crime and drug trafficking. But he questioned whether countries in the region are ready for the so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution, where the use of artificial intelligence could infringe on personal privacy.

Martinelli emphasized the need to establish public security policies as long-term state strategies that do not change with each new government.

"In the most insecure countries, 70% to 75% of people are willing to give up privacy in exchange for greater security -- and therefore more freedom. The more unsafe we feel, the more we isolate ourselves, and in doing so, we gradually lose our freedom," Martinelli said.

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Another participant, Cibar Benitez, secretary of Paraguay's National Defense Council, said cooperation between police and military forces is essential to national security.

"Organized crime isn't made up of simple gangs, but of organizations with a defined structure -- even a hierarchy -- that use technology to commit crimes ranging from white-collar offenses to extreme violence," Benitez said.

During the event, Bullrich also noted that cocaine exports from Latin America have risen by 30% in recent years. Drug seizures have increased at a similar rate -- a sign, she said, of governments' efforts to combat trafficking.

Bullrich cited the government of Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa as an example, noting that his administration is confronting criminal gangs that have pushed Ecuador's crime rate to one of the highest in the region over the past decade.

She also discussed reforms to Argentina's federal police aimed at transforming the force into a specialized federal criminal investigation agency -- modeled after Brazil's Federal Police, Chile's investigative police and the FBI.

"It no longer has just one role. Its core missions are now state security and criminal investigation," she said.
Seoul, July 4 : North Korea on Friday denounced the United States' recent indictment of four North Korean nationals on charges of wire fraud and money laundering as "an absurd smear campaign."

Late last month, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia charged four North Koreans in connection with a wire fraud scheme through which they allegedly stole and laundered over US$900,000 in virtual currency. They were also placed on a wanted list.

"The recent incident is an absurd smear campaign and grave violation of sovereignty aimed at tarnishing the image of our state," the Korean Central News Agency quoted a foreign ministry spokesperson as saying, accusing the US of continuing a "hostile move" against a non-existent "cyber threat" from Pyongyang.

Working as a team in the United Arab Emirates, they allegedly posed as remote IT workers using false identities to gain employment at a blockchain development company in Atlanta, Georgia, and a Serbian virtual token firm between late 2020 and early 2021, reported Yonhap news agency.

After earning their employers' trust, they gained access to digital assets and stole cryptocurrency worth $915,000, transferring them to separate accounts, according to the charges.

The North Korean spokesperson expressed "serious concern" and called the indictment a "provocation" that encroaches upon the rights and interests of North Korean citizens by "fabricating the groundless cyber drama."

"The real threat of creating international cyberspace instability comes not from the DPRK but from the US," the spokesperson noted, accusing Washington of turning cyberspace into "a scene of battle and abusing the cyber issue as a political weapon."

DPRK stands for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the official name of the country.

"We will never tolerate any hostile act of the US to encroach upon our state's sovereignty through groundless slander and illegal application of judicial means," the official said, warning that his country has the right to take a proper and proportionate countermeasure to thoroughly protect the security and rights of its citizens.
New Delhi, July 4 : As anticipation mounts for the first edition of Shooting League of India (SLI), launched by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) and set to take place later this year, athletes from around the world have shared their excitement on being part of the tournament.

Talking about the competition and the opportunity, Croatia's Miran Maricic said, "I am truly honoured to be invited to register for the Shooting League in India. It's a fantastic competition that brings together some of the best athletes in the sport, all competing at one venue."

"The level of talent and intensity will be incredible, and I am sure it will be a valuable learning experience for everyone involved. The environment promises to be both competitive and inspiring. Personally, I see this as a great opportunity to challenge myself and grow as an athlete in this exciting new format," he added.

Maricic feels that the league will play a massive role in inspiring youngsters.

"It will be incredibly motivating for young shooters to watch and compete alongside some of the best athletes in the world. This league offers them an opportunity to learn from some of the best, and gain invaluable experience," he said.

Lauding the fan base in India, Maricic said, "I believe India has a fantastic audience for sports, and this league will play a crucial role in promoting shooting to a wider audience. With so many people expected to watch, both in the stands and through broadcast, this league is sure to generate strong interest and take the sport to new heights."

The competition will feature mixed team events across pistol (10m, 25m), rifle (10m, 50m 3 positions), and shotgun (Trap & Skeet), as per the NRAI Technical Committee's guidelines.
Chennai, July 4 : One of Tamil film industry's most successful producers at present, Yuvaraj Ganesan, has now made an open offer to director Shanmugha Priyan, whose recently released Tamil film 'Love Marriage' has now emerged a superhit, saying that if he quickly gave him a script, they could next do a movie in his company's production.

Chennai, July 4 (IANS) One of Tamil film industry's most successful producers at present, Yuvaraj Ganesan, has now made an open offer to director Shanmugha Priyan, whose recently released Tamil film 'Love Marriage' has now emerged a superhit, saying that if he quickly gave him a script, they could next do a movie in his company's production.

Yuvaraj Ganesan, whose production house Million Dollar Studios is currently on a roll having delivered three back-to-back superhits -- 'Lover', 'Good Night' and 'Tourist Family'-- in Tamil cinema, on Thursday participated in the thanks giving meet of director Shanmugha Priyan's 'Love Marriage', featuring Vikram Prabhu, Sushmitha Bhat and Meenakshi in the lead.

The producer, who spoke at the event, praised the entire team and concluded his speech by making an open offer to director Shanmugha Priyan, saying,"If you quickly give me a script, we can do your next film in our company. Will you give it?"

When it was his turn to speak, director Shanmugha Priyan said, "I express my thanks to producer Yuvaraj Ganesan, who has helped me whenever I have asked him for something. You have offered me a film and everybody else has acknowledged it. Your Tourist Family has made over 91 crores. I want to make a film like that for you. I want to give you success like that."

Shanmugha Priyan also took the opportunity to thank the entire cast and crew of his film 'Love Marriage' and the media for their support to the film.

He said, "When I wanted my first film to be a family film, we decided to do this story. When the plot was about a guy who looks to get married to the elder girl but ends up getting married to the younger girl, I was worried about how it would be communicated to the audience but my director Ra Karthick was particular that we should portray our women only beautifully and he was sure we could do that well in this film too."

Shanmugha Priyan also disclosed that they deliberately introduced only one heroine during promotions so as to keep audiences guessing about the film's plot.

"I told actress Sushmitha that she would be there in the first half of the film but that she would not be there in the second half and that she would be a part of promotions. I told Meenakshi that she would not be there in the first half but would be there in the second and that she wouldn't be a part of the promotions," he said with a smile.
Ranchi, July 4 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday carried out raids at eight locations linked to close associates of former Congress MLA Amba Prasad from Jharkhand's Barkagaon Assembly constituency.

Ranchi, July 4 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday carried out raids at eight locations linked to close associates of former Congress MLA Amba Prasad from Jharkhandas Barkagaon Assembly constituency.

The raids are part of an ongoing money laundering probe involving a prominent company engaged in coal transportation, infrastructure, and the power sector.

According to sources, simultaneous searches were conducted in Ranchi, Hazaribagh, and Barkagaon.

Among the locations searched are the residence of Amba Prasadas aide Sanjeet in Kishoreganj (Ranchi) and the homes of her personal assistants -- Sanjeev Sao, Manoj Dangi, and Pancham Kumar -- in Barkagaon.

Security forces have been deployed in large numbers at all the premises where raids are being conducted.

This move comes months after the ED conducted a similar crackdown between March 12 and March 14 this year, targeting Amba Prasad, her father, and former Minister Yogendra Sao, brother Ankit Raj, and several other relatives and associates.

During those raids, the agency had seized Rs 35 lakh in cash, digital devices, fake stamps of banks and government offices, handwritten receipts, diaries, and other incriminating documents.

Officials believe that the current searches are based on evidence and leads gathered during the earlier raids. The ED is now closely examining documents related to financial transactions, land deals, and mining activities.

Ten companies reportedly registered in the names of Amba Prasad and her family members are under scrutiny.

Earlier, the ED had questioned Amba Prasad, her father Yogendra Sao, and her brother Ankit Raj at its zonal office in Ranchi in connection with the same case.

Amba Prasad was elected to the Jharkhand Assembly from Barkagaon in 2019 on a Congress ticket. Her parents -- Yogendra Sao and Nirmala Devi -- have also represented the same constituency in the past.
Ranchi/Palamu, July 4 : Armed criminals opened fire at a four-lane road construction site on National Highway-39 in Jharkhand's Palamu district early Friday morning, injuring one labourer, officials said.

The incident took place around 5.30 a.m. at the construction camp in Singra, under the Sadar police station limits.

According to police, the attackers arrived on a motorcycle and opened fire at labourers who were asleep in tents. One of the workers, identified as Vikram Singh, a resident of Rajderwa village under Satbarwa police station, sustained a gunshot wound to his back. He has been admitted to a private hospital in Palamu for treatment.

The gunfire triggered panic at the construction site. Upon receiving information, police and company officials rushed to the spot and recovered bullet shells from the scene.

Preliminary investigation suggests the attack could be linked to an extortion attempt. However, it is yet to be confirmed whether a criminal gang or a militant group is behind the incident.

Police are examining CCTV footage from the area to identify the assailants.

Road and railway construction sites, along with companies engaged in coal projects in Jharkhand, have increasingly come under attack from extremist and criminal groups. Over the past three years, more than 40 such incidents have been reported across the state.

On the night of June 23-24, armed miscreants attacked the site of a road construction company in the Barkagaon police station area of Hazaribagh district, torching two JCBs, two trucks, a grader, a water tanker, and a generator.

Earlier on June 1, Maoists struck in the Keredari police station area of Hazaribagh, setting ablaze two vehicles belonging to BGR company working on the KD coal project and firing several rounds. A youth was injured in the firing.

In another incident in Hazaribagh district, on the night of March 19-20, armed criminals targeted the New Birsa project of Central Coalfields Limited (CCL). They set fire to a payloader machine, damaged two others, and vandalised three Hiva trucks. The attackers also opened fire to intimidate workers, injuring a CCL employee.
Seoul, July 4 : South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has been briefed on a North Korean person who crossed the heavily fortified land border into South Korea, the presidential office said Friday.

Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung told reporters that relevant authorities were questioning the North Korean person, shortly after the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said it secured the North Korean who crossed the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) inside the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that separates the two Koreas.

The JCS said it has not detected unusual military movements by North Korea, Yonhap news agency reported.

A North Korean civilian crossed the heavily fortified inter-Korean land border this week, South Korea's military said Friday, in an apparent move to defect to the South.

South Korean troops secured the man late Thursday night after identifying him in early morning hours around a shallow stream running along the MDL in the midwestern part of DMZ, a JCS official briefed reporters.

The man, who identified himself as a civilian, was unarmed and followed instructions from deployed South Korean troops, which guided him to the South's side, the official said on condition of anonymity.

During the around 20-hour operation, the North Korean man mostly remained motionless during the day to apparently avoid being detected and began moving at night before South Korean troops came into contact with him.

The individual has since been transferred to relevant authorities for an investigation.

The military has not detected any unusual signs of North Korean troop activity, the official said, adding the US-led UN Command monitoring activities within the DMZ has been notified of the incident.

The two Koreas are separated by the DMZ -- a 4-kilometer-wide buffer zone, which is heavily fortified on both sides.

North Korean defectors usually come to South Korea by crossing the northern border into China, but very few made the journey through the closely-watched inter-Korean border.

Last August, a North Korean soldier defected to South Korea by crossing the MDL in the eastern county of Goseong.
Kinshasa, July 4 : The peace agreement recently signed between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda "is only a beginning; the real work starts now," DRC Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner said at a press conference.

The two neighbours inked the peace deal on June 27 in Washington, aiming to end decades of armed conflict and humanitarian crises in Africa's Great Lakes region.

The signing ceremony was held at the US State Department in the presence of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, along with the foreign ministers of Rwanda and the DRC. Representatives from Angola, Togo, Qatar, and the African Union also attended the ceremony.

Wagner said the deal requires Rwandan troops to leave North Kivu and South Kivu provinces in three stages while Congolese and international partners move simultaneously to neutralise the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a group linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

The accord also mandates the immediate disarmament of all Congolese militias. Any former fighter seeking to join the army or police must pass an individual screening that bars perpetrators of serious crimes, the minister added.

Humanitarian provisions include a structured, voluntary return programme for roughly 250,000 refugees and internally displaced people, along with rapid reopening of aid corridors in conflict-affected areas, said Wagner.

A follow-up summit in Washington between DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame is expected "in the coming weeks," Wagner said.

"We will keep pushing to translate this accord into lasting peace, sustainable development and the full pacification of the eastern provinces and the wider Great Lakes region," she said.

For decades, eastern DRC has been plagued by violence, exacerbated by the resurgence of the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group since late 2021, which Kinshasa accuses Kigali of backing.

Rwanda denies the allegations and accuses the Congolese army of collaborating with the FDLR, Xinhua news agency reported.

Tensions have escalated sharply in recent months, with the M23 group launching renewed offensives in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.
New Delhi, July 4 : The Supreme Court on Friday declined to entertain a plea of HDFC Bank CEO and Managing Director Sashidhar Jagdishan to quash an FIR lodged against him, following a complaint by the Lilavati Kirtilal Mehta Medical Trust, which runs Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital, that he has accepted a bribe of Rs 2.05 crore.

A Bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha and R. Mahadevan opined that it would be improper on the part of the apex court to intervene in the matter when Jagdishan's plea to quash the criminal complaint is tentatively listed before the Bombay High Court for hearing on July 14.

Following the recusal by judges of the Bombay High Court at least on three different occasions, Jagdishan approached the Supreme Court over the delay in listing of his petition and prayed for an immediate interim relief.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing on behalf of Jagdishan, argued that the reputation of HDFC Bank is affected because of an internal dispute between the trustees of the Lilavati Trust, requiring an interim protection order. However, the Justice Narasimha-led Bench declined to pass any interim order and asked Rohtagi to raise all contentions before the Bombay High Court.

"We sympathise that the Bench after the Bench (of the Bombay HC) have recused. It is unfortunate! But, now it is listed," remarked the apex court, hoping that the matter would be taken up by the Bombay High Court for hearing on July 14.

On Thursday, the top court agreed to urgently list Jagdishan's plea for hearing on July 4 (Friday) after it was contended that a "frivolous" FIR was filed as "part of an arm-twisting tactic" to prevent the HDFC Bank from recovering money from the Lilavati Trust.

Jagdishan's plea had come up for hearing in the Bombay High Court on June 30; however, noting that there was no urgency in the matter, it listed the matter on July 14, prompting him to move the Supreme Court for relief.

The FIR, registered last month at the Bandra police station in Mumbai under Sections 406 (criminal breach of trust), 409 (criminal breach of trust by a public servant), and 420 (cheating), levels serious allegations against Jagdishan.

The Lilavati Trust has claimed in its complaint that Jagdishan accepted a bribe of Rs 2.05 crore as a quid pro quo for providing financial advice to help the Chetan Mehta Group retain illegal and undue control over the governance of the Trust. It has accused Jagdishan of misusing his position as the head of a leading private sector bank to interfere in the internal affairs of a charitable organisation.

On the other hand, Jagdishan has strongly denied the allegations, calling the case a malicious attempt to defame him and HDFC Bank. He stated that HDFC, along with a consortium of banks, had granted loans to Splendour Gems Limited in 1995.

When the firm defaulted, recovery proceedings were launched in 2002 against its guarantors, including Kishor Mehta, Prashant Mehta's father. An arrest warrant was issued in 2020, and though Kishor Mehta passed away in 2024, the proceedings continued against his sons.
Moscow, July 4 : US President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the situation in Ukraine, stating that there has been no progress in resolving the conflict following a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"We talked about a lot of things, including Iran, and we also talked about the war in Ukraine. I'm not happy about that [situation]," said Trump, speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews near Washington.

"I didn't make any progress with him at all," he emphasised, referring to the settlement of the conflict.

The Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov mentioned that the telephone conversation on Thursday between Putin and Trump lasted for almost an hour.

"Naturally, the issues surrounding Ukraine were discussed. Donald Trump has once again raised the issue of ending the hostilities as soon as possible. In turn, Vladimir Putin noted that we still continued the search for a political, negotiated solution to the conflict. He informed his counterpart on the progress in implementing the humanitarian agreements reached during the second round of direct Russian-Ukrainian talks held in Istanbul. He also noted Russia was willing to pursue negotiations," read a statement issued by the Russian President's office.

"Additionally, the President of Russia said that Russia would strive to achieve its goals, namely the elimination of the well-known root causes that led to the current state of affairs, the bitter confrontation that we are seeing now. Russia will not back down from these goals," the statement added.

According to Ushakov, there was a detailed discussion of the situation surrounding Iran and the state of affairs in the Middle East in general.

He asserted that the Russian side emphasised it was crucial to settle any and all contentious issues, differences, and conflicts exclusively via political and diplomatic means.

"The two leaders agreed to maintain contact on the issue between the respective foreign services, defence ministries, and presidential aides," said the Kremlin aide.

It was the fourth conversation between Trump and Putin in a month and a half, making it their sixth discussion since the beginning of the year.
Seoul, July 4 : Louis Vuitton has become the latest luxury brand in South Korea to suffer a data breach, according to the company on Friday, following recent similar cases involving Dior, Tiffany and Cartier in the country.

In a notice posted on its website, Louis Vuitton Korea informed customers that a third-party entity temporarily accessed the company's systems on June 8 and leaked some customer information, reports Yonhap news agency.

The company said it learnt of the incident on Wednesday. The compromised data may include customer names, contact details and additional information provided by customers, Louis Vuitton said, but stressed that no financial data, such as passwords and credit card numbers, was affected.

The incident is the latest in a string of high-profile data leaks in the luxury sector in South Korea this year.

In May, Dior apologised after discovering a data breach incident that occurred in January. Tiffany also revealed in May that it had suffered a breach in April. Cartier notified customers last month about a separate incident involving leaked personal information.

aMust Ita, a popular luxury goods e-commerce platform in South Korea, also reported two hacking attempts, coming in May and June. The company warned that user data, including names, gender and dates of birth, may have been stolen.

Meanwhile, the South Korean government said on Friday it will fine SK Telecom Co. for belatedly reporting a data breach affecting all 25 million users and ordered it to waive customer cancellation fees, wrapping up its two-month probe into one of the worst data leak cases in the country's history.

SK Telecom belatedly reported the breach in April, in which universal subscriber identity module (USIM) data was potentially leaked during an unidentified cyberattack on its servers. The government inspected all 42,605 of the company's servers and found 28 infected with 33 types of malicious code, the Ministry of Science and ICT said.
Kottayam, July 4 : The Congress party in Kerala on Friday demanded a judicial probe into the Kottayam Medical College building collapse incident.

The building in the government medical college collapsed on Thursday morning, killing a woman and injuring two people.

State Congress president Sunny Joseph and numerous other state party leaders reached the hospital complex to see for themselves what happened.

"We demand a judicial probe into the entire episode. District Collector is conducting a probe, but it is not acceptable as he is also indirectly involved and hence a probe by him will not suffice," said Joseph.

"We also demand that adequate compensation be given to the family of the 56-year-old Bindhu, who died in the incident. Bindhu's daughter is studying nursing, and the state government should make fee arrangements and ensure she is given a government job. Bindhu visited the hospital for her daughter's surgery. The state government should bear the expense of the treatment," said Joseph.

Joseph strongly condemned the police for registering a case against party legislator Chandy Oommen, who was at the site of the tragedy and was demanding urgent rescue operations.

Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan said the state Health Department under Minister Veena George is on a ventilator.

"The best way out for George is to resign, as under her, no action has been taken on rejuvenating the health sector," said Satheesan.

Meanwhile, at the partially completed home of Bindhu, her son was crestfallen as he had received his first salary, which he wanted to hand over to his mother.

"I am sick and am unable to do any work, while it was Bindhu who used to get Rs 300 per day, who was running our home. Our son got his first salary on Thursday and was waiting to give it to Bindhu. Till 10 a.m., she was with me. This should not happen to anyone," wailed Bindhu's husband.

The Kottayam District Collector on Friday reached the home of Bindhu and assured that the government will do everything it can.

Meanwhile security of Health Minister George has been stepped up on Friday morning, who is facing backlash from political parties.

The maximum ire is against her and State Cooperation Minister V.N. Vasavan, as both reached the spot after hearing about the collapse of the building and categorically stated that only two people have suffered minor injuries.

"The ministers claimed that the building was not in use. It was Oommen who was present at the scene, intervened and raised an alarm, and after that, rescue operations began," the Congress party in Kerala said.

With the Vijayan government on the back foot, the media have now been barred from entering the collapsed building site.

The Congress party has decided to start a protest from July 8 against the "failure" of the Vijayan government to address various health sector issues.

State BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar said this was a tragedy that could have been avoided.

"This tragedy is what we see as an honour killing, as two State Ministers were there and they failed to act, which resulted in the death of Bindhu. The state government should file a case against both these Ministers, and we are launching a protest to see that it's done," said Chandrasekhar.
Pune, July 4 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the responsibility of creating the India of Shivaji Maharaj's dreams rested with 140 crore Indians, and sometimes, there is a need to fight to protect our 'Swaraj'. He cited Operation Sindoor as an example of this.

"When there was a need to fight for Swaraj, we fought. If there is a need to fight to preserve Swaraj, we will fight. Operation Sindoor is an example of this. But alongside Swaraj, the idea of a great India also encompasses the concept of Shivaji Maharaj," he stated in his speech after unveiling the statue of the great patriot and symbol of Maratha pride, Shriman Bajirao Peshwa, on the premises of the National Defence Academy.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, and Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol were among others present on the occasion.

"Our goal should be to create an India where we are number one in the entire world. If there is a personality that inspires effort, dedication and sacrifice for this, it is Shrimant Bajirao Peshwa," he noted.

"PM Modi has given the formula of development and heritage. There have been many personalities in our thousand-year-old culture who keep inspiring us. Their history needs to be given to today's youth. Bajirao never fought for himself. He fought for the country and Swarajya. The British distorted history. Despite having so much prowess and power, Bajirao was a lifelong Peshwa. He fought for Swarajya. In his 40 years of life, he wrote an immortal history that no one will be able to write for many centuries," said the Home Minister.

"The inspiration that will come from installing the statue of Shrimant Bajirao at the National Defence Academy, where the chiefs of all three armed forces train and graduate, will ensure that no one can touch India's borders," he asserted.

"Some rules of the art of war never become outdated. The importance of strategy in war, the importance of swiftness, the spirit of dedication, the spirit of patriotism, and the spirit of sacrifice are important. These are what lead armies to victory; only the weapons keep changing. The most exemplary embodiment of all these qualities in 500 years of Indian history is found only in Shrimant Bajirao Peshwa," said HM Shah.

He further stated, "Shrimant Bajirao Peshwa fought 41 battles in 20 years and did not lose a single one, a record no other commander could match. The most fitting place to install the statue of such a brave warrior, who never let defeat come near him until his death, is the National Defence Academy."

He said the land of Pune is the birthplace of the values of Swaraj. In the 17th century, it was from here that the concept of Swaraj spread across the nation.

"When the time came to fight for Swaraj again in the face of the British, it was Tilak Maharaj who first roared like a lion -- 'Swaraj is my birthright'. The example of how much a person can do for their country in their lifetime was also set by Veer Savarkar from this sacred land of Maharashtra," he added.

HM Shah also connected Bajirao's legacy to the broader historical context, crediting the Maratha warrior and the Peshwas for preserving India's cultural and structural identity through their resistance against external forces.

He stated, "Had the battle for Independence that was started by Shivaji Maharaj and taken forward by the Peshwas for 100 years not been fought, India's basic structure would have ceased to exist."
Bhopal, July 4 : In a blistering yet theatrical address that stirred both chuckles and applause, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav unleashed a satirical critique of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, casting doubt on the renowned economist's understanding of grassroots realities.

Speaking at a public event organised to distribute laptops and transfer funds to meritorious students, CM Yadav cloaked his remarks in irony, alleging that despite Manmohan Singh's international academic laurels and his tenure as both Finance Minister and Prime Minister, "he was unaware that a zero-balance bank account could be opened free of cost."

The comment, sharp yet delivered with a smile, landed squarely in the long-running debate over policy versus practice.

CM Yadav reflected on the irony of a man hailed as a "financial wizard" failing to advocate what he described as a "trivial but transformational" idea. He used the opportunity to highlight the contrast between theoretical knowledge and practical reform, shifting attention to current Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom he described as "the chaiwalah (tea vendor) who achieved what the economists could not".

According to CM Yadav, it was Prime Minister Modi who revolutionised India's banking landscape by launching the Jan Dhan Yojana. The introduction of zero-balance accounts, he argued, laid the groundwork for Direct Benefit Transfers that bypassed bureaucratic bottlenecks and ensured funds reached the poor directly.

Referring to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi's famous remark that only 15 paise of every rupee reached the people, CM Yadav asserted that PM Modi had fixed that "leaky pipeline with intent, not just policy."

Backing his claim with examples, he added, "Now each of you has received 25,000 in your bank accounts. This is the benefit of DBT."

He pointed to the state's laptop assistance scheme, adding that those not given physical devices were credited directly, empowering them to purchase laptops independently.

"If finger-pointing were an Olympic sport, I'd have to thank my Congress friends for keeping me in top form," he quipped.

"Every time I raise an issue, they sigh and ask, 'Why drag us into this?' But if they don't speak, how else will I highlight their blind spots?", CM Yadav said.

Shifting to infrastructure, CM Yadav praised former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for initiating the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (rural road scheme). aFor the first time, the idea of 'Prime Ministeras rural roads' left the dusty file and reached Gandhias India - the real villages," he said.

He then took another dig at Manmohan Singh, claiming the former finance minister once questioned the need for roads in villages, arguing that bullock carts sufficed. "Thankfully, we've moved from bullock carts to bitumen," CM Yadav concluded.

"From golden expressways to quiet village paths, connectivity is no longer just a metaphor. And under Prime Minister Modi, that flame is not flickering - it's blazing. So, degree holders should consider that when the ground beneath you changes, it helps to look up from the textbooks," CM Yadav said.
New Delhi, July 4 : The Supreme Court on Friday rejected a plea raising questions on the final answer key and results of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-undergraduate (NEET-UG) 2025 exam released by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Opining that there could be multiple correct answers for a question, a Bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha and R. Mahadevan remarked that the top court will not interfere with the results of a national-level examination at this advanced stage on the basis of a petition filed by an individual.

The petitioner's counsel cited an order passed by the apex court last year asking the NTA to re-tally the marks of the candidates afresh in view of the opinion rendered by an expert panel of IIT Delhi in respect of a contentious physics question.

However, the Justice Narasimha-led Bench remained firm with its decision not to interfere with the results of the all-India examination, observing that last year's order was warranted in view of widespread discrepancies and shortcomings in the conduct of the NEET-UG 2024 exam.

The latest writ petition filed through advocate Sriram P. sought judicial intervention against the NTA's "arbitrary" and "erroneous" declaration of the final answer key and results, despite receiving well-substantiated objections backed by authoritative academic sources.

As per the writ petition, this refusal to correct demonstrably erroneous answers has led to a grave miscarriage of justice and an unconstitutional denial of marks, severely affecting the petitioner's merit ranking and future career opportunities.

Relying upon the NCERT Biology book of Class 11, the petition said that it has been specifically stated therein that cortisol (which is an adrenal cortical hormone) is also involved in maintaining the cardiovascular system, and therefore, the authorities have erred in not granting marks in relation to Question No. 136.

Seeking a stay on results, the petitioner claimed that a total of 5 marks (4 marks along with the 1 mark for the incorrect answer deducted from the total marks) would affect his rank in getting a better medical college.

It may be recalled that a similar plea challenging the answer key of NEET-UG 2025 was very recently dismissed by the Supreme Court.
Hyderabad, July 4 : AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge unveiled a statue of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Konijeti Rosaiah in Hyderabad on Friday.

The statue, installed at Lakdi Ka Pul in the heart of the city, was unveiled on Rosaiah's birth anniversary.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, state ministers, Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president Mahesh Kumar Goud and other Congress leaders were present.

The leaders paid rich tributes to Rosaiah, who was Chief Minister of erstwhile Andhra Pradesh and former Governor of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Earlier, the Chief Minister, in his message, recalled that Rosaiah presented the state budget as the Finance Minister 16 times during Congress rule in the united Andhra Pradesh.

Recognising the Congress leader's service, the CM said the state government bestowed upon him a rare honour by issuing orders to organise Rosaiah's birth anniversary celebrations officially on July 4.

Rosaiah was known for being non-controversial during his entire 50-year active political life, said CM Revanth Reddy.

The Telangana government has decided to celebrate the birth anniversary of Rosaiah as a state function every year in a befitting manner.

The government directed all the district Collectors to celebrate the birthday of Rosaiah.

Chief Secretary K Ramakrishna Rao issued an order, designating the Youth Advancement Tourism and Culture department as the nodal department to organise the celebrations.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu paid tributes to Rosaiah. He called the late leader a symbol of ideal and honest politics.

"His discipline and eloquence always greatly impressed me. Wishing that todayas generation of leaders take him as an ideal. On the occasion of Roshaiah garu's birth anniversary, I pay my tributes while fondly recalling my closeness with him," CM Naidu said.

Former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy also paid his tributes to Rosaiah. He stated that as the Chief Minister of the united Andhra Pradesh and a long-serving Finance Minister, the services rendered by Konijeti Rosaiah to the state are unforgettable.
New Delhi, July 4 : Two young Indians, from New Zealand, have made a giant leap to win an internship at US space agency NASA's prestigious Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California.

Shivam Desai -- a mechatronics engineering master's student from the University of Auckland -- and Taran John -- a third-year PhD student at Victoria University -- were among seven university students selected under a government initiative offering tertiary students in New Zealand the opportunity to work with scientists and engineers at NASA.

The international internship programme, sponsored by the New Zealand Space Agency, provides the students with three-month placements with hands-on experience on cutting-edge NASA missions at the JPL, one of the world's premier space research centres.

"We're proud to support the next generation of science and space innovators," said Andrew Johnson, deputy head of the New Zealand Space Agency. He added that the initiative "aligns with the government's goal of building an aerospace-capable workforce".

Born in Gujarat's Ahmedabad, 24-year-old Desai developed a fascination for space in high school.

"I watched a documentary by Neil deGrasse Tyson while I was learning about gravity and orbital dynamics and that's when my interest really took off," he said.

He is currently working at the JPL on the deployment mechanism for antenna systems, particularly those launched on small satellites.

Dasai, based in New Lynn, also acknowledged his parents for keeping him connected to his roots.

"We travel to India quite often. I have a lot of family there," said the engineering student who moved to New Zealand as an infant.

Bengaluru-born Taran John, originally from Kerala, is interning at JPL to assist with sampling on Martian or lunar surfaces. His research is focussed on improving interactions between astronauts and their equipment.

"JPL has played a role in so many major space achievements. Being here, you're surrounded by some of the best minds in the world. You can feel how close you are to bleeding-edge tech," he said.

He grew up in Lower Hutt but said he was proud of his Indian heritage.

"We've got a strong Malayali community in Wellington, and growing up around them really helped me stay connected to my culture."
Bengaluru, July 4 : The Karnataka High Court on Friday quashed a sexual assault case filed by an aspiring young actor against Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith Balakrishnan.

A bench, headed by Justice S. R. Krishna Kumar, passed the order after the senior counsel representing the filmmaker pointed out glaring factual inaccuracies in the case.

Senior counsel Prabhuling Navadgi submitted to the court that the case was false. He argued that the alleged incident was said to have occurred at the Taj Hotel near Bengaluru International Airport, which opened in 2016. However, the complaint claimed the sexual assault took place in 2012, four years before the hotel even existed.

According to the complainant, the filmmaker allegedly invited him to the fourth floor of the Taj Hotel and forced him to engage in unnatural sex. It was also alleged that nude photographs of the complainant were taken and sent to an actress in Kerala.

The police had booked Ranjith under Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 66(E) of the Information Technology Act, 2000. He later approached the Karnataka High Court seeking the quashing of the FIR filed against him.

Earlier, a bench headed by Justice M. Nagaprasanna had stayed the criminal proceedings against the filmmaker, citing significant discrepancies in the complaint.

The court also considered the inordinate delay in filing the complaint. Justice Nagaprasanna had noted that the complaint was registered in 2024, whereas the alleged incident occurred in 2012 a" a gap of 12 years - with no explanation offered for the delay.

Taking into account all these factors, the court opined that the case was a classic example of a false complaint.

The filmmaker maintained that the allegations against him were baseless and concocted with malicious intent.

Ranjith is among the top Malayalam film industry figures against whom allegations of sexual misconduct came up in the wake of the release of the explosive Justice K. Hema Committee report on the condition of women in the state film industry.
Thiruvananthapuram, July 4 : At a time when the Kerala healthcare sector is being projected as one of the leading states in the country by the ruling Left government, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is scheduled to leave for the US as part of his medical treatment and follow-up.

He will be on a week-long trip, flying first to Dubai and then to the US.

But his departure comes at a time when the heat is on the state Health Minister, Veena George, with the Congress and the BJP demanding her immediate resignation after her "failure" in multiple events that took place in the past few days.

Incidentally, social media is flush with activity after CM Vijayan slammed Urologist Dr Harris Chirackal, who exposed the serious shortage of equipment and medical supplies in the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College and Hospital. The CM said that he had portrayed "an excellent system of healthcare in poor light". He defended the state's health sector as one of the most advanced and responsive in the country, and also cited consistent national and international recognition.

No sooner did CM Vijayan accuse Chirackal of a "heedless and baseless post" than questions were asked: if Kerala boasts of the best healthcare system, then why was he flying out for medical treatment to the US?

Popular public health activist and former WHO Consultant Dr S.S. Lal said, "When there is a narrative of Kerala being the best, then it's only natural that questions like why CM Vijayan is flying out of the country for medical needs, will be asked. We now know that former Chief Minister V.S.Achuthanandan, for the past several days, is admitted to a leading private hospital and not to a state-run hospital," said Lal, who was the Congress candidate at the 2021 Assembly polls from the capital district constituency at Kazhakootam.

Many years ago, when Achuthanandan went for treatment abroad and Chief Minister E.K. Nayanar visited him at his hospital bed there, that picture was used by the Congress-led UDF during the then Assembly elections, labelling it as "the double standards adopted by the CPI(M)".
Prayagraj, July 4 : The Allahabad High Court on Friday rejected a plea seeking to declare the Shahi Idgah mosque in Mathura as a disputed structure in the ongoing case related to the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah complex.

The petition was filed by Mahendra Pratap Singh, President of the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Mukti Nyas.

The matter was heard by Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra, who had reserved the verdict after hearing arguments from both sides. The judgment was then delivered as scheduled on Friday.

According to the petitioner, the site where the Shahi Idgah mosque currently stands was originally the location of a Hindu temple.

He claimed that the mosque structure bears symbols of Hindu deities on its walls and argued that the Muslim side has not provided any documentary evidence to prove it to be a mosque.

He further stated that the structure is not listed in the official land records (Khasra-Khatauni), has no municipal records, and no taxes have been paid for it -- therefore, it should not be recognised as a mosque.

The Muslim side strongly opposed the petition, asserting that the Shahi Idgah has existed at the site for over 400 years.

They argued that the demand to declare the structure disputed is baseless and must be dismissed.

The court agreed with the Muslim sideas contention and dismissed the petition, declining to classify the Shahi Idgah as a disputed property, unlike in the Babri Masjid case, which the petitioner had cited as precedent.

This was one of the 18 petitions filed by the Hindu side with regard to the claims on the land around Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi.

The controversy is related to the Aurangzeb-era Shahi Idgah mosque at Mathura, which the Hindu side has alleged was built after demolishing a temple at the birthplace of Lord Krishna.
Kolkata, July 4 : Trinamool Congress' former Rajya Sabha member Santanu Sen on Friday approached the Calcutta High Court challenging the suspension of his medical registration for two years by the West Bengal Medical Council.

As single-judge bench of Justice Amrita Sinha admitted the petition from Sen, a medical practitioner, who was recently suspended from the Trinamool on charges of anti-party activities after his differences with the party leadership surfaced over the R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital rape & murder last year. Incidentally, Sen himself is an alumnus of R.G. Kar.

After filing the petition at the Calcutta High Court, Sen claimed that the suspension of his medical registration was illegal and prompted by vendetta from a section within the council. "I will not accept this injustice against me silently," he said.

During the two years of the suspension period, Sen will neither be able to use the abbreviation of "Dr" before his name nor will he be able to issue any prescription to any patient. His medical registration was suspended for two years on charges of referring to the postgraduate qualification of Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (Glasgow) on this letterhead without getting that qualification registered with the state medical council.

Sen, however, refuted the allegation and claimed that he submitted all the related documents for registration of the qualification with the council and also deposited the fee of Rs 10,000 for that purpose.

"Thereafter, I sent several letters and email communiques to the council to know the progress in the matter. I even made an application under the RTI Act. But I did not get any reply. I have been victimised," Sen added.

Sen himself was a state government representative in the West Bengal Medical Council for a long time. However, soon after his differences with the party leadership over the R.G. Kar rape and murder issue surfaced he was first suspended from the party and then removed from the council.
New Delhi, July 4 : External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar will be on a three day visit to China starting July 13, sources in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) revealed on Friday.

They stated that EAM Jaishankar will begin his China visit from Beijing and then visit Tianjin for the Foreign Ministeras Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member countries. China is the current Chair of the grouping.

While the External Affairs Minister has met his Chinese counterpart on the sidelines of multilateral events, this would be his first trip to China since bilateral relations were severely strained following the violent Galwan Valley face-off between the soldiers of the two countries at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in June 2020.

The breakthrough came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a significant bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping - the first at the delegation level in nearly five years - in the Russian city of Kazan on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in October 2023.

At the meeting, PM Modi had conveyed it to the Chinese President that India-China ties have to be based on three mutuals - mutual trust, mutual respect and mutual sensitivity - if they have to return to a positive trajectory and remain sustainable.

Since then, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri have visited Beijing to hold in-depth discussions on several complex issues.

Addressing the 20th meeting of the Security Council Secretaries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States in Beijing last month, NSA Doval said that India is deeply concerned about continued threat from terror groups designated by United Nations Security Council (UNSC), including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) a" two of the most dangerous and state-supported terror outfits operating out of Pakistan - besides Al Qaeda, ISIS and its affiliates.

Spotlighting the barbaric Pahalgam terror attack and India's subsequent Operation Sindoor to dismantle terror infrastructure across the border, the National Security Advisor called for the urgent need to shun double standards in the fight against terrorism and take decisive actions against UN-proscribed terrorists and entities.

During his visit, NSA Doval also met with Wang Yi, Member, Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the country's Minister of Foreign Affairs.

"During the meeting, both sides reviewed recent developments in India-China bilateral relations and underscored the need to promote the overall development of the India-China bilateral relations, including by fostering greater people to people ties. NSA also emphasised the need to counter terrorism in all its forms and manifestations to maintain overall peace and stability in the region. Views were also exchanged on other bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest," read a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Almost around the same time, Defence Minister Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart Admiral Dong Jun on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' meeting in Qingdao. The two Ministers held in-depth discussions on the need to maintain peace and tranquility along the Indo-China border.

"Raksha Mantri acknowledged the work being undertaken by both sides to bring back semblance of normalcy in the bilateral relations. He highlighted the necessity of solving the complex issues through a structured roadmap of permanent engagement and de-escalation," the Ministry of Defence stated.

Appreciating the resumption of Kailash Manasarovar yatra after a gap of five years, Defence Minister Singh also highlighted the important milestone of reaching 75 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Rome, July 4 : An explosion ripped through a gas station in eastern Rome on Friday morning, injuring more than 40 people, local media reported.

According to local authorities, the explosion took place at a gas station on Via Gordiani in the Prenestino district of eastern Rome. While none of the injured are in critical condition, five people were hospitalised for treatment. Some of the casualties included rescue workers responding to the scene.

Preliminary findings from the local fire department suggest the explosion may have been triggered by a pump detaching from a tanker truck. Authorities are conducting further investigations.

A spiral of smoke was seen rising into the sky from a distance of approximately three or four kilometers, around 8 am. A small explosion at the gas station made the rescue operations difficult initially, but it was soon followed by a much powerful explosion, one which was heard in many areas in Italy's capital city. The shock wave of the explosion was reported to be around 200 metres. Rescue teams are using a helicopter and a foam truck, Italian daily Il Foglio reported on Friday afternoon.

It also added that among the injured were operators, a firefighter, local residents who live in the area of Via Romolo Balzani, and around eight police officers. The strong smell of gas initially led to the timely intervention and rescue of the local residents, moving them as far away as possible from the site, to areas that were less densely populated.

Flames after the explosion reached a warehouse behind the petrol station and also caused damage to nearby buildings.

The Prime Minister of Italy, Georgia Meloni has connected with the Mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, who will be visiting the site of the explosion. The Italian leader is being updated constantly by the authorities, with particular detail and attention to the people injured in the incident.

"I am closely following the consequences of the explosion that occurred this morning at a gas station in the Prenestino neighborhood, in Rome. I have spoken with the mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, and I remain in constant contact with Undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano and the relevant authorities to monitor the evolution of the situation," Meloni posted on X.

"I express my solidarity with all the injured - including law enforcement officers, firefighters, and healthcare workers - and extend my heartfelt thanks to all those engaged in rescue and safety operations," she added.
Mumbai, July 4 : As political tensions in Maharashtra continue to rise over Hindi language imposition, Shiv Sena-UBT spokesperson Anand Dubey on Friday strongly condemned the remarks made by BJP leader and Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane regarding a recent assault incident.

Dubey made it clear that his party does not support any form of violence or assault, and accused the BJP of politicising the issue to provoke communal sentiments.

The controversy stems from a recent incident involving a shopkeeper who was reportedly assaulted for refusing to speak Marathi. In reaction, BJP leader Nitesh Rane issued a provocative statement directed at Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), challenging them to confront Muslims who, he claimed, also don't speak Marathi. Rane warned that if Hindus were targeted, the "third eye" of the Mahayuti government would be awakened.

Speaking to IANS, Anand Dubey said: "Our party categorically does not support any form of assault or violence. People who speak Hindi, Gujarati, Marwari  they are all our fellow countrymen. They have been living and working in Maharashtra for decades. We believe they should learn Marathi, which is a beautiful language written in the Devanagari script. In fact, the Shiv Sena-UBT is even ready to teach Marathi to those who want to learn it."

Dubey emphasised that the recent incident was a personal dispute and should not be blown out of proportion.

"This was not a linguistic issue. BJP is trying to provoke the matter for political mileage. We, in the Shiv Sena-UBT, promote harmony, peace, and unity among all communities," he added.

Dubey further reacted to AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi's recent criticism of the Uttar Pradesh administration for allegedly enabling vigilante groups to harass hotel staff during the ongoing Kanwar Yatra. Owaisi had questioned why such groups are being allowed to operate as a "parallel government," citing reports of pilgrims forcing men to remove their pants to "prove their religion."

Dubey responded by saying: "The Kanwar Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage in Hinduism where devotees offer water to Lord Shiva. While security is important and the police must maintain order, the enforcement should be lawful and respectful. Mixing faith with aggression or coercion is unacceptable. Sentiments must be protected, but not at the cost of dignity. Law enforcement must act with sensitivity and discretion."

Addressing Owaisi's announcement that the AIMIM may contest the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections in alliance with the INDIA Bloc, Dubey clarified the Shiv Sena-UBT's stance.

"Political alliances are a party's internal matter. The AIMIM is not part of the INDIA bloc, while the RJD is. Bihar's political landscape is based on its own dynamics, and every state has different socio-political realities. Maharashtra's politics cannot be compared with Bihar's,: Dubey said.

Dubey also reacted to the ongoing debate surrounding the Election Commission of India's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls ahead of the Bihar polls. Several opposition parties, including INDIA Bloc members, have raised serious concerns about potential voter disenfranchisement, claiming that the SIR could result in the removal of over two crore voters.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has maintained that the process is fair, inclusive, and transparent. He stated that the goal is to include all eligible voters while removing only those who are ineligible.

Despite this reassurance, Dubey expressed scepticism, citing past concerns over the neutrality of the Election Commission.

"We expect CEC Gyanesh Kumar to ensure there is no tampering or carelessness in the electoral roll. Every Indian citizen who wants to register to vote must be allowed to do so through a fair and transparent process. The BJP's political manipulations should not be allowed to interfere with democracy," he said.

"We have witnessed the golden era of election commissioners like T.N. Seshan, who upheld the integrity of the democratic process. Today, however, it feels as if the Election Commission is increasingly acting under pressure from the Central government. We hope Gyanesh Kumar will take steps to restore public trust, especially with Bihar's elections around the corner."
New Delhi, July 4 : Congress party's unique women-centric initiative and public outreach via sanitary pads has sparked controversy in the poll-bound Bihar, with political parties reacting sharply to what they called 'weird' attempt to woo voters.

The ruling Janata Dal (United) launched a tirade at the grand old party for politicizing issues sensitive to women and called it an example of its ideological bankruptcy.

The criticism was triggered by a photograph of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi featuring prominently on sanitary pad packets, being distributed under the party's Priyadarshini Udaan Yojana, aimed at raising menstrual hygiene awareness among women in Bihar.

The Congress launched the initiative as part of a larger campaign for women voters in the state. The party claimed that over 5 lakh sanitary pad boxes will be distributed, with an aim to address menstrual health, break social taboos, and also spread awareness across rural and urban areas alike.

However, JD-U spokesperson Neeraj Kumar strongly criticised the Congress over the move.

"What has happened to the Congress Party?" he asked, calling the strategy a shallow electoral gimmick.

"Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has been working continuously to empower the daughters and sisters of state, to empower them and to build a robust landscape for their overall development. The election year has come; daughters, women are a symbol of respect and honour, but you, in an arrogant display of power, put your face on it (sanitary pads)," he said, slamming the use of Rahul Gandhi's image on the sanitary pads.

Neeraj Kumar further said the Congress's alliance with a party like the RJD has led to such political missteps.

"It shows, in politics, what is called ideological bankruptcy or lack of intellect. Not understanding the situation, or, naturally, the outcomes of being with a party like RJD, which is known for its political misdeeds, the effect of that co-operation was seen."

The sanitary pad distribution is part of the party's Priyadarshini Udaan Yojana, under which the Congress claims to be advocating for menstrual hygiene and awareness.

In addition, the party has unveiled the Mai Bahin Maan Yojana, a flagship welfare scheme for the economic empowerment for women.

Under the Mai Bahin Maan Yojana, the Congress promises to provide Rs 2,500 per month directly into the bank accounts of economically disadvantaged women, if the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) forms the government in Bihar.
Mumbai, July 4 : Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik on Friday said the government has launched a survey of the mangrove forests along the coast of the state from the border of Gujarat to the border of Goa.

The survey will help to find out the exact area of mangrove forests in the state.

He was responding to a question raised by Shiv Sena-UBT leader Bhaskar Jadhav during the Question Hour.

Minister Naik said, "Instructions have been given to install CCTV for the protection of mangrove forests in Palghar district. It has also been instructed that officers of the Forest, Revenue and Home Departments should patrol alternately for the protection of mangrove forests. If debris from Mumbai is found being dumped in mangrove forests, legal action will be taken against them."

He responded to another question raised by BJP member Sneha Dube Pandit who raised the issue of the reckless cutting of mangroves in Vasai and around Palghar district.

The minister also informed that a review petition will be filed in the Supreme Court regarding the verdict on the conservation of mangrove forests.

Meanwhile, Environment Minister Pankaja Munde said that there are mangrove forests in the fields or personal lands of farmers on the seashore. Farmers will be empowered to protect these mangrove forests.

"The government will take positive steps to provide 'carbon credits' for the protection of mangrove forests in such places," she added during her reply to a question by BJP legislator Manisha Chaudhari.

Pankaja Munde said that strict legal action will be taken against those who encroach on mangrove forests.

The Forest Department has a ' Mangrove Cell ' for the protection and conservation of mangrove forests. The work of mangrove conservation is being done through this cell.

"Action will definitely be taken against those who are creating an imbalance in the environment by degrading the mangrove forests on the coast of Maharashtra. About 19 cases have been registered in this regard," she said.

However, BJP legislator Sneha Dube Pandit said no arrests took place in these cases and demanded that stringent provisions should be made so that those booked in such offences do not easily get bail.

Pandit said the period of imprisonment in cases involving the hacking of mangroves should be increased to seven years from five years.
Bengaluru, July 4 : Commenting on the repeated statements by Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge about banning the RSS if the Congress comes to power at the Centre, state BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra dismissed the remarks as foolish.

He was speaking to the media at the BJP state office, Jagannath Bhavan, in Bengaluru on Friday.

When asked about Priyank Kharge's statement that the RSS would be banned if Congress came to power at the Centre, Vijayendra responded: "We won't respond to such foolish remarks. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become Prime Minister for the third time, and his popularity is increasing. The country is progressing rapidly."

If someone makes irresponsible speeches, India would not have become the fourth-largest economy in the world, he stated.

"The way Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji has worked for development and led the country over the past 11 years has earned him this position. If Priyank Kharge dreams at night of Congress coming to power at the Centre, we have no objection," the BJP leader said.

Criticising the IAS Officers' Association for meeting the CM demanding action against BJP MLC N. Ravikumar, Vijayendra questioned, "When the Chief Minister behaved in a way that insulted IAS officers, where was the IAS Officers' Association? Why didn't they file a complaint against the Chief Minister at that time?"

He further said, "I have taken note of the media reports regarding MLC Ravikumar's statement. He has also issued a clarification in this regard. Later, it was reported that the IAS Officers' Association met the Chief Minister and submitted a complaint."

"Some Congress leaders also met the Chief Secretary yesterday and filed a complaint. An FIR has reportedly been registered," Vijayendra said in response to a question.

"Keep MLC Ravikumar's issue aside for a moment. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah himself attempted to slap a senior police officer in a public rally in Belagavi. Where was the IAS Officers' Association then? The same Chief Minister, at another official event, insulted a Deputy Commissioner by saying, 'Hey, stand up!' Where was the IAS Officers' Association then?" he questioned further.

"Let this too be debated. The public is observing everything," he added.

"Many are praying and trying hard to become Chief Minister. They're planning to call Karnataka Congress in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala to conduct ground-breaking ceremonies and foundation stone events. Let's wait and see what unfolds in the coming days," he said, responding to another question on Congress infighting.

"It doesn't matter to us who becomes CM if Siddaramaiah resigns. What's important is that the people of Karnataka are fed up with this Congress government. This government has no concern for the farmers who are in distress," Vijayendra criticised.

"This Congress government is unable to provide houses to the poor or implement the Ganga Kalyana scheme. What does it matter who is CM? Nothing is developing. For the first time in the state's history, after the Congress came to power, the government is unable to pay salaries to its employees," he slammed.

Even in the Police Department, salaries cannot be disbursed on time. In the Irrigation Department, salaries have not been paid properly for the last 23 months. The same situation prevails across all departments," Vijayendra stated.

"People are now wondering if such a bankrupt government can even survive," he added.

"Regardless of who is CM, the situation will not improve," he remarked.

"Not just BJP leaders, but even the general public is talking about a change of government in the state. Even ruling party MLAs are speaking out. In response to Ramanagara MLA Iqbal Hussain's statement, I ask  what is the Chief Minister's reply to that?" he questioned.

MLA Iqbal Hussain, even after being served notice by the party not to issue statements on leadership, stated that Dy CM D. K. Shivakumar should become the CM.

"Union Minister and our senior leader Pralhad Joshi is working on resolving some internal issues in certain districts of our party. I personally requested him to look into these minor matters. Accordingly, he is taking time to understand and resolve the issues," Vijayendra concluded.
Mumbai, July 4 : After combating gods, titans, sorcerers, and multiversal threats, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has a new villain in the form of Galactus.

The latest installment in the MCU, "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" introduces us to one of the most horrific forces to date - Galactus.

Galactus also known as the Devourer of Worlds, is a cosmic entity even older than most galaxies. Unbothered by common sentiments such as revenge or power, Galactus must consume planets to survive.

Unlike other MCU villains such as Thanos, Galactus does not bother justifying himself or negotiating with others. He is known for only one thing - annihilation.

The larger-than-life character of Galactus will be brought to life by Ralph Ineson, who was previously seen in "Game of Thrones" and "The Witch".

Galactus first appeared in the Fantastic Four #48 back in 1966, making them the first to confront him in the comic a" and probably the only ones who could reason with Galactus or even stop him.

Following the footsteps of Thanos, who was teased in post-credit scenes for years, Galactus is also expected to make his way into the Marvel universe slowly but steadily.

Directed by Matt Shakman, "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" enjoys an ensemble cast including Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn in kye roles, along with Julia Garner, Natasha Lyonne, Paul Walter Hauser, and Ralph Ineson as the ancillary cast.

Backed by Marvel Studios, the drama will be the 37th film in MCU, and the second reboot of the 'Fantastic Four' film series.

The screenplay for the superhero drama has been provided by Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan, and Ian Springer, with music scored by Michael Giacchino.

"The Fantastic Four: First Steps" will be reaching the Indian audience on 25th July in multiple languages including English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.
Kyiv, July 4 : Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday announced that Russia has launched one of the largest-scale air attacks against Ukraine in recent times, involving 550 targets, including at least 330 Russian-Iranian 'Shahed' drones and ballistic missiles.

"Firefighting efforts and debris removal are still ongoing after another Russian strike. This was one of the most large-scale air attacks a" deliberately massive and cynical. In total, 550 targets were launched, including at least 330 Russian-Iranian 'Shaheds', along with missiles, including ballistic ones." Zelensky posted on X.

"The capital was the main target of this Russian strike. Our warriors managed to shoot down 270 aerial targets, while another 208 drones were jammed by electronic warfare. Interceptor drones have started operating a" dozens of drones were taken down. We are doing everything possible to develop this element of defence for our cities. And it is critically important that our partners continue to support us in defending against ballistic missiles," the post added.

Zelensky mentioned the Russian strike affected not only Kyiv but also the Dnipro, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Chernihiv regions, and 23 people are known to have been injured so far.

"Everyone is receiving assistance. There are many sites where drone and missile debris fell. Sadly, there were also direct hits," the Ukrainian leader stated.

According to Zelensky, the first air raid alerts in the Ukrainian cities and regions on Thursday began to blare almost simultaneously with media reports discussing a phone call between US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, adding that only on Friday morning did the air raid alert end in Kyiv.

"All of this is clear evidence that without truly large-scale pressure, Russia will not change its dumb, destructive behaviour. For every such strike against people and human life, they must feel appropriate sanctions and other blows to their economy, their revenues, and their infrastructure. This is the only thing that can be achieved quickly to change the situation for the better. And it depends on our partners, primarily the United States," he further added.

Meanwhile, US President Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation in Ukraine, stating that no progress is being made in the settlement of the conflict, after a telephonic conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin

"We talked about a lot of things, including Iran, and we also talked about the war in Ukraine. I'm not happy about that [situation]," said Trump, speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews, near Washington.

"I didn't make any progress with him at all," he emphasised, referring to the settlement of the conflict.

The Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov mentioned that the telephone conversation on Thursday between Putin and Trump lasted for almost an hour.

"Naturally, the issues surrounding Ukraine were discussed. Donald Trump has once again raised the issue of ending the hostilities as soon as possible. In turn, Vladimir Putin noted that we still continued the search for a political, negotiated solution to the conflict. He informed his counterpart on the progress in implementing the humanitarian agreements reached during the second round of direct Russian-Ukrainian talks held in Istanbul. He also noted Russia was willing to pursue negotiations," read a statement issued by the Russian President's office.

aAdditionally, the President of Russia said that Russia would strive to achieve its goals, namely the elimination of the well-known root causes that led to the current state of affairs, the bitter confrontation that we are seeing now. Russia will not back down from these goals," the statement added.
Thiruvananthapuram, July 4 : Kerala Education Minister V. Sivankutty on Friday said that a lesson on the "constitutional powers of the Governor" has been included in Class 10 textbooks in the state from the current academic year.

Announcing this decision, Sivankutty said that the textbooks will reach the students very soon.

"This will be included in the second volume of the Social Science textbook under the chapter, Democracy an Indian Experience," said Sivankutty.

"It will include the responsibilities, rights and duties of the Governor, and there will be other topics which include the Emergency period, the Apex Court judgment cancelling the electoral bond and a few others," said Sivankutty.

Last month, Minister Sivankutty announced that the state government is planning to include a lesson on Constitutional powers of Governor in Class 10 textbooks, soon after he staged a walkout from an official event at the Governor's residence, protesting the display of a controversial Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)-style image of the Bharat Mata.

Notably, the announcement came after tensions escalated between the Kerala government and Raj Bhavan.

On an earlier occasion during the World Environment Day celebrations, State Agriculture Minister P. Prasad skipped a Raj Bhavan event after learning that the same image would be displayed.

The state government then hastily organised a parallel event at the Secretariat to avoid a confrontation.

Incidentally, the friction between Raj Bhavan had reached a new low when Tilomattama Arlekar's predecessor, Arif Mohammed Khan, had several skirmishes with the Kerala Ministers and even with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. On a few occasions, not even the customary pleasantries were exchanged between the leaders, even after being on the same stage.

Neither CM Vijayan nor any of his Cabinet Ministers came to bid farewell to Arif Mohammed Khan when he left Kerala to assume the office of Bihar Governor.
Mumbai, July 4 : Tata Steel on Friday said that it has received a demand notice of Rs 1,902.72 crore from the Deputy Director of Mines in Jajpur, Odisha.

The notice relates to an alleged shortfall in the dispatch of minerals from the company's Sukinda Chromite Block.

According to a stock exchange filing by Tata Steel, the demand is based on a revised calculation of average sale prices provided by the Indian Bureau of Mines.

The mining authorities issued the notice on July 3 under Rule 12A of the Minerals (Other than Atomic and Hydrocarbon Energy Minerals) Concession Rules, 2016. They have also moved to use the company's performance security amount to recover the dues.

"On July 3, Tata Steel Limited has received a demand letter issued by the Office of Deputy Director of Mines, Jajpur, in connection with revised assessment of shortfall in dispatch of minerals from the Company's Sukinda Chromite Block, for the fourth year in terms of Mine Development and Production Agreement (i.e., July 23, 2023 through July 22, 2024) in alleged violation of Rule 12A of the Minerals (Other than Atomic and Hydrocarbon Energy Minerals) Concession Rules, 2016, and consequent appropriation of performance security," the company said in its filing.

"The revision in assessment is based on declaration of average sale price notified by the Indian Bureau of Mines," the company added in its filing.

The shortfall in mineral dispatch is said to have taken place during the fourth year of Tata Steel's mining agreement -- from July 23, 2023, to July 22, 2024 -- under the Mine Development and Production Agreement (MDPA) for the Sukinda block.

Tata Steel has disagreed with the demand. The company said the claim has no justification or proper basis, and it plans to challenge the notice through legal channels.

"The Management believes that the State's demands lack justification and substantive basis," the firm stated.

"Accordingly, the company will pursue suitable legal remedies before the appropriate judicial or quasi-judicial forum(s)," the company added.

Sukinda, located in Odisha's Jajpur district, is one of the largest chromite reserves in the country and plays a key role in Tata Steel's raw material supply.
Bengaluru, July 4 : In a major breakthrough in its continuing investigation into the targeted killing of BJP Yuva Morcha member Praveen Kumar Nettaru by cadres of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI), the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday arrested a key accused, who had been absconding for the last two years.

An official statement mentioned stated that Abdul Rahaman was taken into custody by an NIA team at the Kannur International Airport in Kerala on his arrival from Qatar.

A total of four accused, including Abdul Rahaman and two other absconders, were chargesheeted by NIA in this case in April this year, taking the total chargesheeted in the case to 28, the NIA stated.

NIA had also declared rewards for information relating to six absconders. Abdul Rahaman was carrying a reward of Rs 4 Lakh for this arrest.

NIA investigations had revealed that Abdul Rahaman had, on the directions of PFI leadership, voluntarily harboured the main assailants and others involved in the case. He had fled to Qatar after the attackers were arrested, the NIA said.

Praveen Nettaru was brutally killed with sharp weapons by PFI cadres/members on July 26, 2022 in Bellare village of Sullia Taluk in Mangaluru District.

The killing was part of a larger conspiracy aimed at striking terror among the people and unleashing communal hatred and unrest in the society, the NIA stated.

The NIA, which had re-registered the case on August 4, 2022, is trying to track down the remaining absconder, the statement said.

The murder of Praveen Nettaru resulted in communal strife for a prolonged time in the coastal region of Karnataka. Praveen's murder resulted in a series of cases of revenge killings and stab incidents in the Mangaluru region.

Mohammad Fazil was killed by Hindu activist Suhas Shetty gang to avenge the killing of Praveen Nettaru.

Suhas Shetty was hacked to death recently to avenge the death of Fazil. To avenge the death of Suhas Shetty, a gang had killed Imtiyaz, a pick-up driver and the secretary of a local mosque.
New Delhi, July 4 : India's high-level official delegation, led by chief negotiator Rajesh Agrawal, has returned from Washington after the trade talks with US officials without reaching a final agreement on the sensitive issue of trade in agricultural and dairy products that the US is pushing for.

However, there is still a glimmer of hope that an interim bilateral trade agreement may be reached at the highest political level in the two countries before the July 9 deadline for the 26 per cent hike in US tariffs on Indian exports to kick in.

The Indian team was in Washington for negotiations on an interim trade agreement with the US from June 26 to July 2.

The US is seeking broader market access for its agricultural and dairy products, which is a major hurdle, as for India, this is a livelihood issue of the countryas small farmers and hence is considered a sensitive area.

While India is looking to secure an exemption from President Donald Trump's 26 per cent tariffs by concluding an interim deal before July 9, it is also pushing for significant tariff concessions for its labour-intensive exports such as textiles, leather and footwear.

Meanwhile, President Trump has announced that the US administration will start sending letters informing trading partners of their tariff rates as soon as Friday, even as negotiations with various countries, including India, to avoid higher US levies have stretched into the last lap.

Trump told journalists late on Thursday that about "10 to 12 countries will get letters on Friday" with additional letters coming "over the next few days".

He said that the tariffs will range in value from 60 per cent to 70 per cent and 10 per cent to 20 per cent, which these countries will have to start paying from August 1, to do business with the US.

"Iad rather just do a simple deal where you can maintain it and control it. Youare going to pay a 20 per cent or 30 per cent tariff, and weare going to be sending some letters out, starting probably tomorrow, maybe 10 a day, to various countries, saying what theyare going to pay to do business with the US," he added.

Trump has announced a number of trade deals, including with Vietnam and China. He had stated last month that the US and India may sign an agreement that will open up India for US goods.
Seoul, July 4 : Ten more South Koreans and their Iranian family members have evacuated Iran since Iran and Israel agreed to a ceasefire following an intense armed conflict, the Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

One South Korean and two Iranians departed Tehran between Wednesday and Thursday via a land route and safely arrived in Turkmenistan, the ministry said in a release.

Separately, seven South Korean citizens flew out of Iran, transiting through Oman and Dubai, and arrived home on Friday, Yonhap news agency reported.

A total of 66 South Koreans have left Iran since the Iran-Israel conflict began with Israel's airstrikes on Iran last month, the ministry said.

Earlier on June 24, a total of 150 South Korean nationals and their family members evacuated Iran and Israel amid the escalating armed conflict between the two Middle Eastern nations.

The government also provided support, including transportation and consular assistance, to help 56 people escape Iran to Turkmenistan, and 26 others to Jordan.

Earlier on June 19, 20 South Korean nationals and their family members had evacuated Iran via a land route and arrived safely in Turkmenistan.

Eighteen South Koreans and two Iranian family members crossed the border into the Central Asian country by transportation provided by the South Korean government and arrived in the capital, Ashgabat.

The eastern border land route chosen by the government is about 1,200 kilometres, and it generally takes around 16 hours to travel by bus without breaks.

A rapid response team from Seoul was in Turkmenistan to assist with the evacuation efforts.

On June 13, Israel launched sustained airstrikes on multiple Iranian sites, including nuclear and military facilities.

Top military figures, including Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Mohammad Bagheri and Chief Commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Hossein Salami, and prominent nuclear scientists, were reportedly killed.

On June 24, US President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Iran have reached a formal agreement to implement a complete and total ceasefire, marking what he called the end of the "12-Day War."
New Delhi, July 4 : Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by the Metropolitan Police Service.

The incidents are alleged to have taken place between 2021 and 2022. He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on August 5. The Ghanaian midfielder recently left Arsenal, on July 1, after not signing a contract extension with the Gunners.

"The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the Metropolitan Police Service to charge a man after a file of evidence was submitted by detectives.

"The Met has issued a charge and requisition to Thomas Partey, 32 (13/06/1992), of Hertfordshire, in connection with the following offences: Five counts of rape, One count of sexual assault," read the statement by the Metropolitan Police.

Two of the counts of rape relate to one woman, three counts relate to a second woman, and the one count of sexual assault relates to a third woman.

Partey signed for Atletico Madrid in 2012 and made 188 appearances for the Spanish club, helping them win the Europa League in 2018 and La Liga in 2021. Arsenal signed Partey from Atletico Madrid on the transfer deadline day in October, 2020 after meeting his 45 million pound release clause. The midfielder went on to play 167 games for Arsenal whilst finding the back of the net on nine occasions and providing seven assists. He has 53 caps for the Ghana national team and has scored 15 goals for the African nation.

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, whose team is leading the investigation, said, "Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward.

"We would ask anyone who has been impacted by this case, or anyone who has information, to speak with our team. You can contact detectives about this investigation by emailing CIT@met.police.uk."
Ranchi, July 4 : The Jharkhand High Court has dismissed a petition challenging the appointment of lecturers made in 2008 across various universities across the state.

The court observed that the matter was already under the scrutiny of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and declined to interfere at this stage.

A single bench of Justice Deepak Roshan passed the order on Friday after hearing arguments from all parties involved.

The petition, filed by Meena Kumari and 19 others, had alleged large-scale irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) examination conducted in 2008 for lecturer recruitment.

The petitioners had demanded cancellation of the selection list prepared by JPSC, citing the fact that even those charge-sheeted by the CBI were continuing in service, receiving postings and transfers.

They pointed out that a CBI probe had uncovered massive corruption in the recruitment process, leading to the filing of chargesheets against several individuals. Despite this, many of the accused were still working as lecturers in state universities, they claimed.

Advocates Sanjay Piperwal and Prince Kumar Singh, representing the JPSC, argued that the matter was already being investigated by the CBI, and charge sheets had been filed in the lower court. Since the judicial process was still underway, they contended, it would be premature and legally unsound to cancel the appointments at this stage.

Agreeing with JPSCas position, the High Court noted that the issue was sub judice in the lower courts and that any intervention at this point would be inappropriate. The court then dismissed the petition.

The JPSC had conducted the Jharkhand Lecturer Eligibility Test (JET) in 2008 and recommended the appointment of 750 lecturers across 27 subjects.

Following allegations of widespread irregularities and manipulation in the selection process, the CBI was directed to conduct an inquiry. The agency later filed charge sheets against 69 individuals. The trial is going on in the lower courts.
Jabalpur, July 4 : In a major judicial development concerning one of Bhopal's most protracted royal property disputes, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has set aside a two-decade-old trial court judgment and ordered a fresh hearing in the celebrated case involving the descendants of the erstwhile Nawab of Bhopal, late Mohammad Hamidullah Khan.

A single bench of Justice Sanjay Dwivedi, delivering the verdict on first appeals, ruled that the civil suits pertaining to the division of the Nawab's estate were erroneously dismissed by the District Court, Bhopal, in 2000.

The trial court had based its ruling on a now over-ruled precedent laid down by the Allahabad High Court in the Talat Fatima Hasan case. The appellants, comprising multiple family members including noted celluloid figure Sharmila Tagore, Saif Ali Khan and his sister.

Two civil suits were filed in 1999 seeking partition, possession, and a proper accounting of the ancestral estate that includes an expansive list of properties across categories.

They contended that, upon Nawab Hamidullah Khan's death in 1960, the properties -- asserted to be his personal holdings -- should have devolved upon his heirs under Muslim Personal Law, and not solely upon his daughter, Begum Sajida Sultan.

However, the Government of India had, through a letter dated January 10, 1962, recognised Sajida Sultan as the sole successor, citing the Bhopal Merger Agreement of 1949 and provisions under Article 366(22) of the Constitution.

The defence argued that under the law of primogeniture and terms of the merger, the ruler's private properties passed entirely to the appointed successor of the Gaddi  not to be divided amongst heirs.

The High Court has now found fault with the trial court's heavy reliance on the Allahabad judgment, which the Supreme Court explicitly overturned in 2020, affirming that private property of erstwhile rulers must be treated under personal succession laws and not merely as political inheritance.

Given the "outdated legal basis" of the original ruling and the nature of the dispute, which hinges on familial succession and claims over significant immovable property, the High Court invoked its powers under Order 14 Rule 23A of the Civil Procedure Code to remand the matter back for retrial.

Acknowledging the long pendency of the case  originally filed more than two decades ago  the Court urged the lower court to expedite proceedings and ideally conclude the trial within one year.

The judgment signals a renewed legal battle over the legacy and wealth of one of India's most storied princely houses, where tradition, law, and lineage continue to intersect in complex and often contested ways.
Moscow, July 4 : Russia and Ukraine on Friday conducted another round of prisoner exchange, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

In accordance with the Russian-Ukrainian agreements reached on June 2 in Istanbul, another group of Russian servicemen has been returned from the territory controlled by Ukraine, the ministry said in a statement.

It added that a group of Ukrainian Armed Forces prisoners of conflict was handed over in exchange. The number of released prisoners from both sides was not provided.

Russian servicemen are in Belarus and will be taken to Russia for treatment and rehabilitation in the military's medical institutions, Xinhua news agency reported.

During their latest round of talks in Turkey's Istanbul, Russia and Ukraine agreed on an "all-for-all" exchange involving seriously ill and wounded prisoners, as well as soldiers under the age of 25.

Earlier on June 26, Ukraine and Russia carried out another round of their prisoner exchange, according to Ukraine's Coordinating Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War.

The swap involved soldiers under the age of 25, as well as ill and wounded servicemen from the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the National Guard and the State Border Guard Service, the agency said in a statement.

Most of those released had been in captivity for more than three years, with some having taken part in the battles for Mariupol, the statement said.

All returning soldiers will undergo medical examination, receive psychological support and physical rehabilitation, it said.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasised in his post on Telegram the importance of bringing all Ukrainians home from Russian captivity.

Earlier on June 19, captured servicemen had been returned home in a prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine, the Russian Defence Ministry had said.

"In accordance with the Russian-Ukrainian agreements reached in Istanbul on June 2, a group of Russian servicemen was released from Ukrainian captivity in a Kyiv-controlled area. In exchange, a group of Ukrainian war prisoners was handed over to Kyiv," the ministry had said.
New Delhi, July 4 : Reacting to the recent statement made by Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, India on Friday stated that it does not take "any position" or speak on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion.

"We have seen reports relating to the statement made by His Holiness the Dalai Lama about the continuation of the Dalai Lama institution. Government of India does not take any position or speak on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion. Government has always upheld freedom of religion for all in India and will continue to do so," said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in response to media queries on the issue.

As exiled Tibetan spiritual leader 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, the Dalai Lama 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.

However, Tenzin Lakshey, spokesperson of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) headquartered in McLeodganj, clarified that 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 mentioned.

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.
New Delhi, July 4 : Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship said on Friday that India is not only experimenting with outcome-based financing but is also institutionalising the same to build a resilient, inclusive skilling ecosystem.

Addressing the high-level panel organised by OECD and Impact Alliance at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in Spain, the minister said, "Models like the Skill Impact Bond and Project AMBER demonstrate how public funds, philanthropic capital, and private investment can come together to drive measurable social impact at scale."

Chaudhary was in Spain as part of an Indian delegation led by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

He joined global leaders to represent India at a high-level panel titled 'Accelerating SDG Impact through Outcomes-Based Financing'.

The session focused on India's leadership in linking development finance to real-world outcomes, particularly in the areas of skills, women's empowerment and livelihoods.

The high-level panel comprised senior leaders and ministers from across the globe, including representatives from the Governments of Colombia, South Africa, Kenya, Norway, Turkey, Canada, Sierra Leone, and the United Kingdom.

Representatives of key multilateral agencies such as the World Bank and the United Nations Population Fund also participated.

The Indian minister held a number of bilateral talks with important international stakeholders on the fringes of FfD4.

The Union Minister discussed how the OECD's extensive knowledge of data systems and impact measurement frameworks could help India's outcomes financing efforts with OECD Deputy Secretary-General Mary-Beth Goodman.

The $14.4 million skill impact bond, the significance of employer engagement, and data integration were the topics of another fruitful conversation with Kate Hampton, CEO of CIFF.

Additionally, he had strategic discussions about unlocking private capital to drive large-scale impact in employment and entrepreneurship with Tom Hall, CEO of the UBS Optimus Foundation, and Richard Hawkes, CEO of the British Asian Trust.

The minister reaffirmed that India is prepared to collaborate with international stakeholders in bringing these models to scale, echoing Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's keynote address at FfD4, which emphasised outcome-based funding as essential to enabling sustainable, impactful growth.
Jaipur, July 4 : Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma attended a mass wedding ceremony at Rajya Mahila Sadan, Sanganer, celebrating the wedding of 11 women in a programme organised to promote social inclusion and women empowerment.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, both the Central and State governments are committed to the holistic development of women.

He emphasised that mass marriage conferences not only support the underprivileged but also offer a positive direction to society. The Chief Minister described the event as a reflection of the state governmentas unwavering dedication to empowering women and uplifting economically and socially disadvantaged families.

He stated that the mass marriage conference had become a new dawn for many daughters, offering them dignity, affection, and a path toward self-reliance.

Highlighting the transparent selection process, Sharma revealed that after the last marriage event, over 1,900 applications were received from youths who wished to marry the daughters residing at the Mahila Sadan.

Out of these, 11 eligible grooms were selected, with full consideration given to the preferences and dignity of the daughters.

The Chief Minister said this process reflected the governmentas respect for the autonomy and voice of women. Sharing the stateas commitment to womenas welfare, Sharma informed that more than Rs 71 crore has been provided as financial assistance to over 13,000 daughters in the past 18 months under the Chief Minister Kanyadaan Yojana, which offers aid ranging from Rs 21,000 to Rs 51,000.

He added that schemes like the Lado Protsahan Yojana are playing a transformational role in encouraging the birth of daughters and ensuring their access to healthcare, education, and empowerment.

On this special occasion, the Chief Minister blessed all 11 newly married couples, presenting them with cheques of Rs 21,000 each under the Kanyadaan Yojana.

He reaffirmed that the government is determined to help every daughter in Rajasthan become self-reliant and build a strong identity in society.

The event was also graced by Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Avinash Gehlot, Director of the Department Ashish Modi, Commissioner of Municipal Corporation Greater Gaurav Saini, as well as other officials.

Several social workers and local citizens were also present, making the event a memorable celebration of unity, empowerment, and community spirit.
Thiruvananthapuram, July 4 : Amid calls for the resignation of Kerala Health Minister Veena George coming from various quarters, the ruling CPI-M's top leadership, at their weekly meeting on Friday, categorically dismissed the demands.

Angry opposition activists, who demanded George quit, engaged in protests across the state and at several places, they clashed with the police.

At a few places, police used water cannons and force to chase away the protesters.

Calls for George's resignation have come from the Congress, the BJP, and the protesting Asha Workers for her statement that only two people were injured when a building that housed the toilet block at the Kottayam Medical College hospital collapsed on Thursday morning.

When she and her cabinet colleague, Cooperation Minister V.N.Vasavan, were telling the media that there were no casualties in the incident, 56-year-old Bindhu, at that time, had breathed her last as she was lying under the debris. Bindhu had come with her daughter for treatment, and she had gone to the toilet when the building came crashing down.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also broke his silence and said on Friday that the state government will strongly support Bindhuas family and has asked the respective authorities to ensure that such tragedies do not happen.

CPI-M state Secretary M.V.Govindan said there is no reason for George to resign at all.

"There is a concerted attempt to tarnish the image of the government, and this has been going on for a while. There has been no laxity at all in starting the rescue operations when the building collapsed. A section of the media is joining hands with the private sector to tarnish the government health sector," he said.

Meanwhile, the body of Bindhu was cremated in the presence of a big crowd who had come to join the grieving family, near her home at Kottayam.

A large number of Congress's top leaders were present, while Vasavan visited the bereaved family at their home.

Bindhuas distraught husband said now that CM Vijayan has reacted, they trust his words.

"A while ago, George spoke to me over the phone and promised me that she would visit in a day or two," he said.

The Congress has demanded a judicial probe, and the BJP state President Rajeev Chandrasekhar has demanded a case be registered against both George and Vasavan.
Srinagar, July 4 : Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said that over 20,000 devotees have arrived so far for the holy glimpse of Baba Amarnath.

Addressing media personnel at Balta in Ganderbal, the LG said that "the environment in Jammu and Kashmir is very enthusiastic and joyful" amidst the ongoing Amarnath Yatra.

"There is a very lively atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir. People from different parts of the country are visiting here, and people of Jammu and Kashmir are welcoming them with open hearts," he said.

He also stressed that the government and the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board have made strong arrangements to facilitate the pilgrims. "The Jammu and Kashmir Government, local administration, and the Shrine Board have improved tourism facilities significantly," he said.

He also highlighted the initiatives taken by the ONGC, which has developed new tourist accommodations which have now been dedicated to Baba Amarnathas devotees.

On the issues of early arrivals for Amarnath Yatra, the LG said: "Some devotees whose registration is for later dates are arriving early. I request that no one be turned away. Those registered for July 4 or 5 will be given priority and accommodated within 2a"3 days."

ONGC has also set up a permanent disaster management complex at Baltal for pilgrims undertaking the Amarnath Yatra. As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, it is developing these complexes at four key locations a" Baltal, Nunwan, Bijbehara, and Sidhra a" in Jammu and Kashmir.

This holy yatra is now being held against the backdrop of a deadly terror attack in Pehalgam on 22 April in which 26 innocent tourists were killed by a Pakistan-sponsored terror outfit.

Looking at the security situation, the Kashmir police have issued a security advisory. In a post on X, Kashmir Zone Police said: "#Advisory for Yatris of Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2025. All the pilgrims undertaking Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2025 are advised to travel only in designated convoys originating from Bhagwati Nagar, Baltal and Nunwan Base Camps."
Puducherry, July 4 : Puducherry will be free from tuberculosis (TB) as early as possible, compared to national goals, Lt Governor K. Kailashnathan said on Friday.

India aims to eradicate TB -- the deadliest infectious disease globally -- in 2025, five years ahead of the global target.

Speaking to IANS, Kailashnathan said that the Union Territory has made significant progress in eradicating TB.

"Puducherry has made substantial progress as far as the eradication of TB is concerned, and even though this goal has to be achieved by 2030 (globally), I think we will achieve it earlier...," the LG said.

He informed that the small district of Mahe is free of TB already.

"In Mahe, there are absolutely no TB patients. I hope the remaining parts of the Puducherry will also be totally free from tuberculosis shortly," Kailashnathan said.

He attributed the success in Puducherry to better medical facilities, giving people more access to better treatments, and education making people more aware.

"We have seven TB units, 28 diagnostic centres, and one Intermediate Reference Laboratory (IRL). Notably, this lab was recognised as Indiaas best IRL last year. It is equipped with molecular testing and gene sequencing facilities, making it one of the world-class diagnostic centres," DM Kulothungan A. told media reporters.

He also mentioned molecular testing facilities, gene sequencing facilities in the UT, and called them "world-class testing facilities" that are enabling Puducherry to fight TB.

In addition, the "door-to-door TB screening programme is helping find active cases. We are identifying the vulnerable population and screening them with the help of all the stakeholders, like government doctors, private medical colleges, and other volunteers," Kulothungan said.

"We have very good treatment facilities at government and private hospitals as well as high follow-up" on patients -- the reasons behind the success of TB eradication in the UT.

"In 98 per cent of cases, we are able to achieve success in the TB treatment. For less than 2 per cent of patients, we are unable to follow up we were due to migration of the patients," Kulothungan said.

A significant example of follow-up is the UT's "Family Adoption Programme".

"Puducherry is the first state to include screening for TB patients under the initiative of the 'Family Adoption Programme," said Dr. Kavita Vasudevan, Head of Community Medicine, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Puducherry.

Under this programme, "medical students adopt families as part of their community outreach. When medical students adopt a family, they also screen all members of the family for TB".

"If any member of the adopted family is found to have symptoms of TB, the students assist with both diagnosis and treatment," she added.

The NMC has made it mandatory for medical students to adopt 3 to 5 families and follow up with them for three years.
Bhopal, July 4 : The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a scathing directive to Madhya Pradesh authorities, highlighting serious lapses in police handling of a rape case involving allegations of 'deceitful romantic entrapment,' sexual exploitation, and forced religious conversion of Hindu girls.

The Commission has demanded a rigorous re-investigation and departmental action against erring officers, citing systemic negligence and potential links to a wider trafficking network.

The case, registered as No 254/2025 at Bagsevania Police Station, revolves around a complaint by a young woman who alleged that she was raped by one Farhan Khan in Indore.

Despite her explicit statement to the Dial 100 emergency helpline, the attending officer allegedly "downplayed" the incident, "misrecorded" her statement, and advised her to visit the police station the next day.

The NHRC described this response as "gross negligence" and "a callous attitude" in the face of a heinous crime.

The Commission's investigation division, after an initial fact-finding, found the complainant's allegations credible and indicative of a disturbing pattern.

The report noted that the case was not an isolated incident but part of a broader trend involving "deceitful romantic relationships" that culminate in sexual exploitation and coerced religious conversions.

The NHRC equated such practices to a "Pattern of Dominant Gender Crime of Trafficking", underscoring the need for a pan-India investigation to uncover any organised network behind such crimes.

The Commission emphasised that while the right to choose one's partner is a fundamental right, any conversion that is "forcible, deceitful or dishonest" is a violation of personal liberty and dignity.

It called for a forensic investigation of "Club 90", a location linked to the alleged crime, and urged the state to submit a compliance report within two weeks. A complete report has been requested by July 25, 2025.

The NHRC's intervention comes amid growing national concern over cases involving "love jihad"  a controversial term used by some groups to describe alleged efforts by Muslim men to lure Hindu women into relationships for the purpose of religious conversion.

While the term lacks legal standing, several states, including Madhya Pradesh, have enacted laws to curb forced conversions under the guise of marriage.

The Commission's directive is expected to intensify scrutiny on law enforcement agencies and their preparedness to handle sensitive gender-based crimes.

It also raises questions about the efficacy of existing safeguards for women and minors in vulnerable communities.

As the deadline for the compliance report approaches, all eyes will be on the Madhya Pradesh government's response  and whether it leads to meaningful accountability and systemic reform.
New Delhi: In Bangladesh, the legacy of punishment by the government in power targetting the opposition parties began after the assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Presently, the culture of violence is deeply ingrained in the party system of the country. Several violent political incidents have occurred in Bangladesh with the weak democratic culture of Bangladesh having given rise to violent politics.

The rise in political violence has especially been enormous since Muhammad Yunus took over after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ouster. Since taking office, Yunus has been preventing the publication of real events through strict censorship in the media.

From July 16, 2024 to June 16 this year, barbaric and brutal murders have been committed in various ways. Some victims were burned, some hacked or beaten and others shot. Killings have also taken place in prisons and in the custody of law enforcement authorities.

Even as cases of extrajudicial killings continue to rise in the country, Yunus remains bent on extending the tenure of his unelected regime.

According to various media reports, at least 47 individuals have been subjected to extrajudicial execution since September 8, 2024. Human rights observers suspect the actual number is significantly higher.

The families of the victims of all these barbaric killings have not been able to take any legal action against the criminals and perpetrators, nor have they been able to file cases in the police station or courts. In particular, the current interim government has been granting indemnity to those who committed murder, arson, looting, encroachment from July 8-August 15, last year.

The interim government is systematically destroying evidence and accurate statistics of all crimes. Even in the cases of criminal offences, including murders after last August 15, the families of leaders and activists of the Awami League and its affiliates have not been able to take any legal action. On the other hand, false cases are being filed in the names of Awami League leaders and activists by pressuring the victim families instead of taking action against the real culprits.

Every instance of extra-judicial killing must be subject to an impartial investigation. Those responsible, regardless of rank or status, must face justice. The culture of impunity must end. As such, these serious allegations are either ignored or dismissed outright.

With the government exercising near-total control over the press, many of these cases are under-reported or go entirely unreported. Journalists who dare to investigate or publish such stories face grave consequences: arrests, job losses, revocation of press accreditation, and violent attacks on newsrooms. Some reports are later removed under pressure -- an erasure of truth, enforced by fear.

Pro-Pakistan, never-elected Yunus administration operates without accountability to the people and promotes intolerant political culture. It was given a limited mandate. The banning of the Awami League on May 12 under the Anti-Terrorism Act clearly indicates Yunus crossing the red line.

As Managing Director of the Grameen Bank, Yunus allegedly siphoned crores of Taka abroad thereby fleecing the poor. Later, he took a licence to operate Grameenphone. The profits of the Grameenphone did not go into the hands of the poor as promised by Yunus, nor to the Bangladesh treasury. Rather Yunus sold the shares and made Grameenphone his personal property. Presently, Yunus retains about 30 per cent share of Grameenphone. It is relevant to mention that Yunus, being a US Democratic Party lobbyist, also tried to stop World Bank funding in the Padma Multipurpose Bridge project.

The rickety interim administration of Yunus regularly targets the Hindu minorities, who have been Awami League supporters. His failure to maintain communal harmony has drawn severe international criticism. The Yunus administration's silence is deafening. Temples have been attacked, worship disrupted, women targetted and the secular fabric of Bangladesh has been completely eroded.

There are varying figures on violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh. Ain O Salish Kendra reported a total of 926 violations against religious minorities between August-December 2024. This was post Hasina's removal from power. However, the Bangladesh Buddhist-Hindu-Christian-Unity Council reported 2,184 incidents of violence between August 4 and December 31, last year.

In January 2025, the Bangladeshi Police force examined 1,769 attacks and acts of vandalism against Hindus between August 4 to August 20, 2024. These attacks were politically motivated and communal in nature. Violence was especially prevalent in areas perceived to be sympathetic to the Awami League.

Yunus' administration lacks sensitivity with Bangladesh experiencing "rogue and killer waves" within. Increasingly, the civilian bureaucracy and police force are slipping beyond the control of the interim administration.

The escalating discontent and instability is due to the absence of democracy and Yunus knows how to divert public attention. Sheikh Hasina, as the leader of the Awami League, was committed to establish democracy and human rights.

In the last 11 months, Yunus has visited 11 foreign countries at the Bangladeshi taxpayers' expense. Normally, he and his sizable entourage travels by foreign airlines, which are more expensive than Bangladesh's own national flag carrier Biman Bangladesh.

In these 11 months, the costs of all foreign visits during 75 days away from Bangladesh have come to about Taka 270 crore and 80 lakh. These foreign tours aimed at enhancing Yunus 'personal branding are highly publicised by the press wing of the Chief Advisor's office. It is also noteworthy that these foreign trips have resulted in zero diplomatic gains for Dhaka. Yunus, it seems, has forgotten that he leads a transitional government and has pledged transparency, reform and responsible governance. Critics have questioned what national interests were served during these frequent foreign trips.

During this time, Bangladesh has endured lawlessness, religious radicalism, corruption, and administrative collapse under Yunusas shadow rule. He promised liberalism, but delivered fanaticism. He claimed to represent progress but unleashed chaos.

Certainly, the people of Bangladesh know that only the Awami League had held this nation together, defeating militants, resisting jihadist politics, and building the economy at the same time. While others burned the country for personal gains, the Awami League built roads, bridges, schools, enhanced connectivity, brought in the Rooppur Nuclear power plant and gave dignity to the people of Bangladesh.

Blending capitalistic and socialistic values, Sheikh Hasina's government had confronted enormous political risks in pursuing socio-politico and economic reforms. She was able to administer a sense of confidence and pride in the Bangladeshi population. Her bold, fearless and pragmatic approach led to Bangladesh's success.

However, pro-Pakistan radical Islamists are running amok in Bangladesh now.

The July Revolution to root out authoritarianism is under pressure from radical Islamists. The truth is that Islamists and extremists have taken control of Bangladesh now. Regrettably, Yunus is merely a manipulated tool in the hands of the West and radical Islamists within Bangladesh.

(The writer is an expert on South Asia and Eurasia. He was formerly with Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. Views expressed are personal)

-- IANS

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Hyderabad, July 4 : Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday reviewed the party's organisation-strengthening mission in Telangana and implementation of key welfare measures by the Congress government in the state.

Hyderabad, July 4 (IANS) Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday reviewed the partyas organisation-strengthening mission in Telangana and implementation of key welfare measures by the Congress government in the state.

He, along with party General Secretary, Organisation, K.C. Venugopal and in-charge for Telangana, Meenakshi Natrajan, attended the meeting of the Political Affairs Committee, the Political Advisory Committee, and the Executive Committee of the state Congress unit in Hyderabad.

Venugopal posted on X that a key focus of their discussions was the Congress's ongoing organisation-strengthening mission in Telangana.

He stated that a majority of Block, Mandal, and Division-level appointments have already been made. The Mandal-level structure will be completed by July 30, and Gram Panchayat-level committees by August 30 - building a robust and responsive party framework at the grassroots, he said.

"We also reviewed the implementation of key welfare measures by the Congress Government, including the caste census - a landmark step towards equity and justice," said Venugopal.

He noted that the Samvidhan Bachao Abhiyan has been successfully completed in a majority of districts and assembly segments, and efforts are underway to ensure it reaches all remaining areas.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, state President Mahesh Kumar Goud, state ministers, MPs, MLAs and other leaders attended the meeting.

The Chief Minister, in his speech, exuded confidence that Congress will remain in power in the state for the next 10 years.

He claimed that Telangana has become a model for other states in the country. He told the meeting that the state government had achieved a lot in education and employment.

He stated that the party succeeded in making the Central government include a caste census in the general census.

Revanth Reddy revealed that when he was the state unit president, 45 lakh people became active members of the party.

Many leaders from the Youth Congress, the NSUI and the partyas district Presidents have been given posts in the government.

He asked the party leaders not to take party posts casually and said they get recognition and respect because of their party posts. "This will help in your political growth," he said.

The Chief Minister told the party leaders that the number of Assembly and Parliament seats will increase in the coming days.

Delimitation of constituencies, women's reservation and simultaneous elections will have their impact, he said.

Revanth Reddy said the 2029 elections should be the platform for the new leadership. "If you want to emerge as leaders, you should work hard from now onwards," he said, asking them to visit the villages, go to the field and work in coordination. He also asked them to make sure that the governmentas welfare schemes reach the people.

He urged the party functionaries to unitedly prepare a plan and work hard from today to bring the Congress to power for a second term.

Revanth Reddy advised party leaders to take inspiration from party chief Kharge, who has been getting elected as a peopleas representative for a long time.
Kolkata, July 4 : A special court in West Bengal's Malda district on Friday sentenced Rafikul Islam a.k.a Bhelu, the first convict in one of the 2021 post-poll violence cases in West Bengal that were investigated by the Central Bureau of India (CBI), to life imprisonment.

He was convicted on Wednesday by a special court for Posco cases after he was found guilty of charges in the rape of a minor girl of just nine years old at Manikchak in Malda.

The convict is a retired teacher of a state-run school in West Bengal, and he was the first convict in one of many cases relating to the 2021 post-poll violence in West Bengal.

Bhelu was booked under various sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso), 2012 and on Friday, the court convicted him to life imprisonment, CBI counsel Amitabha Moitra said.

"The statements of a total of 22 witnesses were recorded in the court during the trial process. Finally, the accused has been sentenced to life imprisonment," he added.

Bhelu was found guilty of the offense under Section 6 of the Pocso Act and Section 376AB of the earlier Indian Penal Code (IPC) for committing rape on a minor girl.

The CBI investigation revealed he raped the minor girl on the evening of June 4, 2021, while she was playing in the mango orchard of the accused.

He was charged with raping the minor after alluring her with money and both the victim and the eyewitnesses deposed strongly about the incident of rape before the special Pocso court.

The convict specially targeted the victim, since the latteras family members were known as active BJP supporters in the Manikchak area. Several events of post-poll violence were reported from different pockets of West Bengal after the results of the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections were announced in May of that year.

The CBI took over the investigation following an order of the Calcutta High Court.
Puri, July 4 : Joya, a devotee from Dubai on Friday described her unplanned visit to Puri's Gundicha Temple as a "rare divine blessing," expressing overwhelming joy after Lord Jagannath's sacred darshan during the ongoing Jagannath Rath Yatra.

Puri, July 4 (IANS) Joya, a devotee from Dubai on Friday described her unplanned visit to Puri's Gundicha Temple as a "rare divine blessing," expressing overwhelming joy after Lord Jagannath's sacred darshan during the ongoing Jagannath Rath Yatra.

Speaking to IANS, Joya said: "I had no prior plans to visit Mahaprabhu. It was a spontaneous decision, and today I feel incredibly fortunate to stand in His divine presence. I never imagined travelling this far would lead to such a rare and blessed opportunity for darshan."

Sharing her deeply emotional experience, she added: "When the material world offers you happiness on one side, the spiritual joy of feeling Mahaprabhu's presence is incomparable on the other. I feel truly blessed to witness this rare, divine moment."

She urged others not to miss such an opportunity if it ever comes their way.

"If life gives you even one chance to receive such grace, don't let it slip away. Such blessings are given only to the truly fortunate. Everyone should come and experience the divine darshan of Mahaprabhu at least once in their lifetime," she said.

The annual Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra, which began on June 27, will conclude on July 5 with the Bahuda Yatrathe ceremonial return of Lord Jagannath and his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, to the main temple from the Gundicha Temple. This nine-day festival is one of India's most celebrated spiritual events, drawing lakhs of devotees from around the world.

The Jagannath Temple in Puri is among Hinduism's Char Dham pilgrimage sites and holds profound spiritual significance. Dedicated to Lord Jagannath - a revered form of Lord Vishnu, the temple is also known for its inclusive and non-sectarian traditions, with representations found across Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.

Each year, during the Rath Yatra, the three deities are ceremonially brought out of the temple's sanctum (Garbhagriha) and placed on grand, decorated chariots.

Volunteers and devotees pull these chariots through the streets to the Gundicha Temple, located around 3 kilometres away. After a few days of stay, the deities make their return journey to the main temple in the Bahuda Yatra, completing this sacred cycle of divine travel and public darshan.
Chandigarh, July 4 : BJP national General Secretary Tarun Chugh, along with Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar, met Governor Gulab Chand Kataria here on Friday and apprised him about the land pooling policy of the AAP-led Bhagwant Mann government.

Jakhar told the media after meeting the Governor that the government has not even framed any rules or regulations under the Land Pooling Policy of 2025.

"This raises grave concerns about how far this loot could go in its next phase." He said the BJP would take this unconstitutional loot to the courts as well.

Jakhar pointed out that while the land under notification is still officially recorded in farmers' names, in reality, the farmers cannot sell it, nor can they mortgage it for loans in times of need.

Chugh said Kejriwal has hijacked Punjab's democratically elected government and is using the Mann administration "as a puppet to benefit land mafias and close aides".

He said the land pooling Bill is not only unconstitutional but also completely lacks any transparent roadmap, clearly pointing to a pre-planned design to benefit land mafias and Kejriwal's "close coterie at the cost of farmers".

"This is tyranny. The BJP will fight this battle legally, politically and on ground. We will challenge this Bill in court and take our fight to every village of Punjab. If protests fail, we are ready to go on fast unto death. But we will not allow even an inch of land to be taken from Punjab's farmers," Chugh and Jakhar said.

They slammed the AAP government's false promise of 400 years of planning, saying: "They couldn't manage Punjab for four years and now they speak of 400. Their misgovernance has pushed Punjab to the bottom of financial rankings and now they want to hand over land to mafias. This is arrogance and betrayal."

Chugh exposed the tacit support of the Congress, saying their silence on this issue proves their secret alliance with AAP. He thanked the Governor for assuring that no undemocratic or unjust step will be allowed in Punjab and warned AAP that its countdown in Punjab has begun.
Rio De Janeiro, July 4 : New Development Bank (NDB) has shown that a Global South-led institution can deliver development solutions that are timely, trusted and context-specific, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Friday.

Addressing the 10th Annual Meeting of Board Governors of New Development Bank here, the Finance MInister said the Bank should foster cross-country partnerships to promote knowledge exchange, policy innovation and technical cooperation.

"India stands ready to collaborate with NDB in sharing successful models, such as our achievements in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), scaling up renewable energy adoption, for broader replication," she told the gathering.

FM Sitharaman said India reaffirms its steadfast commitment to inclusive, sustainable and innovation-led development of the Global South.

"To ensure that the Global South plays a pivotal role in discussions about issues impacting them, India's efforts led to the landmark inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20," she informed.

Indian economy has demonstrated remarkable growth and resilience in the post-pandemic era.

"Strong focus on macroeconomic stability, targeted efforts to promote digitalization and inclusive policy design have been instrumental in achieving this, despite facing multiple domestic and external challenges," the Finance Minister noted.

She further stated that India is poised to remain one of the fastest growing economies globally in the coming years.

In Rio de Janeiro, the Finance Minister also attended the BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting (FMCBG).

On the sidelines of the NDB meetings, the Union Finance Minister was set to hold bilateral meetings with her counterparts from Brazil, China, Indonesia and Russia, according to the ministry.

The visit comes at a time when India is likely to see a GDP growth of 6.5 per cent in current fiscal (FY26) due to robust domestic demand, a normal monsoon and monetary easing.

IANS

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Jaipur, July 4 : Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma said that the state government is working relentlessly to improve the lives of 8 crore citizens and accelerate the state's development.

Jaipur, July 4 (IANS) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma said that the state government is working relentlessly to improve the lives of 8 crore citizens and accelerate the stateas development.

Addressing a public meeting in Girudi village of Bansur Assembly Constituency in Kotputli-Behror district on Friday, he stated that long-pending public issues are being swiftly resolved through Antyodaya camps. He emphasised that the government has accomplished more in the past one and a half years than the previous government did in five years.

The camps, organised under Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Antyodaya Sambal Pakhwada, aim to bring the poorest into the mainstream, in line with Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay's vision of Antyodaya.

The Chief Minister highlighted the strategic importance of Kotputli-Behror district, located along Jaipur-Delhi-Mumbai route, and known for both its agricultural strength and industrial growth.

He noted that Neemrana Industrial Area has become a preferred destination for global investors and continues to generate employment for the local population.

To support this growth, the government has allocated a budget of Rs 4,102 crore for the districtas overall development.

In the Bansur Assembly segment, multiple development works have been initiated, including the upgradation of Narayanpur to a municipality and increasing bed capacity at the Narayanpur CHC to 50.

Several major road projects are also underway, with significant investments.

Sharma reiterated that his government prioritises the upliftment of those at the bottom of the social ladder, in line with the ideologies of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

Camps are helping resolve land disputes and issuing ownership documents, along with supporting livestock owners through animal insurance, health check-ups, and vaccinations.

Under the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Garibi Mukt Gaon Yojana, surveys are being conducted in 10,000 villages to identify BPL families and connect them with welfare schemes.

Additional services offered in these camps include tank cleaning, tap connection distribution, Ayushman card issuance, and the resolution of pending NFSA cases to ensure food security for the poor.

The Chief Minister cited several examples where decades-old disputes were resolved through these camps, such as a 20-year-old land division case in Gram Panchayat Kolaheda, land division in Mahtawas, and a 50-year-old name transfer case in Chimanpura.

He stated that these are clear indicators of how the government is addressing peopleas concerns efficiently.

Sharma also outlined his governmentas broader achievements, claiming that in just 18 months, they have built over 32,000 farm ponds and provided subsidies for 253 lakh meters of fencing, compared to less than 30,000 ponds and 113 lakh meters by the previous government in five years.

Power generation capacity has increased by 4,270 MW under his government, compared to 3,948 MW earlier. They have also constructed 142 college buildings and connected 1,381 villages with roads, whereas the previous regime managed 57 colleges and 1,104 villages.

Under the Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme, around 49,000 devotees have undertaken pilgrimages in the last 18 months, nearly matching the previous government's five-year figure of 54,000.

At the event, CM Sharma distributed cheques and certificates to beneficiaries including Balveer Bhupseda (PM Kusum Scheme), Sarpanch Priyanka Naruka and Sarpanch Sita Devi (TB Free Village), Anita Devi (PM Swanidhi Scheme), and Pooja (Mangala Animal Insurance Scheme). Land ownership documents were also handed over to Ramkaran, Rajendra, and Gopi Ram from Morodi village.

Earlier, the Chief Minister distributed land papers under the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Antyodaya Sambal Pakhwada initiative.
Mumbai, July 4 : Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai on Friday was felicitated by the Bombay Bar Association during a progammme during a programme here. Speaking on the occasion, the CJI said "this bar association is the mother institution that provides intellectuals to the judiciary".

"The building of the Bombay High Court, the Bombay Bar Association and my colleagues here have made me what I am today. Whatever I am today is because of these institutions. The Bombay Bar Association is like my family. Without the support of this institution, I would not have been in this position today," he said.

CJI Gavai said that "the Constitution is our ultimate guiding principle and our responsibility as judges is not only to exercise power but also to perform our duties".

"If the vacant posts of judges are filled, the pendency of cases will come under control. We are bringing transparency in the appointment process. Many new appointments have been made in the last few days."

He praised the 'Podcast Series' and 'BBA App' launched by the Bombay Bar Association.

"In the very courtroom where he is being felicitated today, the cry of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, 'Swaraj is my birthright', continues to inspire us," said CJI Gavai and recounted his journey till date.

He shared his experiences of working on the benches of Mumbai, Nagpur, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar and Goa during his career and also explained how all those professional journeys were useful in shaping his judicial outlook.

Justice Dipankar Dutta, while praising CJI Gavai said that he is an example of knowledge of the law and the Constitution.

"Chief Justice Gavai's career, which started from a court in Nagpur, is a symbol of hard work, honesty and integrity. His tenure in the Bombay High Court is remembered not only for his historic decisions but also for his calm composure, strong legal intelligence and gentle sense of humour. His appointment as the Chief Justice of India is a moment of pride not only for the Mumbai Bar but also for the entire Bombay High Court judges," he added.

Chief Justice of Bombay High Court Alok Aradhe, in his speech, made a proud mention of CJI Gavai's work. He said that public service and the judiciary are the true service, which is his philosophy.

"The rulings he has given so far show the sensitivity of the judiciary and loyalty to the Constitution. He is a visionary. His orders have strengthened the public's faith in the judiciary," he noted.

On this occasion, Advocate General Birendra Saraf and Additional Solicitor General of India Anil Singh also expressed their views.
Imphal, July 4 : In a major breakthrough within three weeks, the security forces in joint operations, have recovered 203 arms, mostly sophisticated and around 160 different types of ammunition from the hilly areas of restive Manipur, officials said here on Friday.

A senior police official said that acting on specific intelligence regarding the presence of a large cache of arms, ammunition, and other warlike materials concealed in various locations, coordinated operations were launched simultaneously at multiple sites in the interior and suspected areas of four districts in the hill region.

He said that joint teams comprising Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) launched intensive operations simultaneously at multiple sites in the interior and suspected areas of Tengnoupal, Kangpokpi, Chandel, and Churachandpur districts on Thursday and continued till Friday. These operations resulted in the recovery of the 203 arms and around 160 different types of ammunition, explosives, and other warlike stores.

The arms include 21 INSAS Rifles, 11 AK series rifles, and 26 Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs), two sniper rifles, three carbines, 17 PT - 303 rifles, two 5 mm Mor, two MA Assault rifles, three M 79 Grenade Launchers, one Rifle with Scope, 18 Single shot Breech Loaded, 11 Single Barrel Bolt Action, six pistols, one - Point 22 Rifle, two Lathode, 25 Single Bore, three pistols (country-made), four Muzzle loaded rifles, six Single Bore, 38 - Pompi and one Lathode.

The ammunition and explosives included 29 - 5.56 mm, 80 - 7.62 mm, 30 IEDs, 10 Grenades, nine Pompi Shells, and two Lathode Grenades.

The official said that these intelligence-based coordinated operations in the hill districts represent a significant achievement for the Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, Army and Central Security Forces in their ongoing efforts to restore normalcy, maintain public order, and ensure the safety and security of citizens and their property.

The Manipur Police reiterates its commitment to fostering a peaceful and secure Manipur, he told the media.

A statement issued from the office of the Director General of Police (DGP) said that the Manipur Police authority urged the people to cooperate with the police and Security Forces, and to promptly report any suspicious activity or information related to illegal arms to the nearest police station or the Central Control Room.

Senior police officials remain in close coordination with all security stakeholders to ensure that such operations continue in a sustained and focused manner, aimed at restoring normalcy, maintaining public order, and safeguarding the lives and property of all citizens.

The latest recovery of huge arms and ammunition took place three weeks after the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition following joint operations of the security forces on June 13-14.

The security forces in joint operations on June 13-14 recovered 328 arms and around 9,300 different types of ammunition from Manipuras five Imphal valley districts -- Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching districts.

After the imposition of President's Rule in Manipur on February 13, four days after the resignation of N Biren Singh from the Chief Ministeras post, the security forces achieved two major successes in the recovery of arms and ammunition in three weeks.

Till March 6, around 1,000 looted and illegally held weapons, including many sophisticated arms, and a huge cache of ammunition, have been returned to the security forces since Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla made the appeal for the first time on February 20.
Mumbai, July 4 : The Congress has distanced itself from the joint 'victory rally' by estranged brothers Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray on Saturday to celebrate the state government's move to withdraw its two government resolution on the introduction of Hindi along with Marathi and English for Classes 1 to 5.

A large section of the Maharashtra Congress strongly opposed the party's participation in tomorrow's rally saying that although party is opposed to the imposition of Hindi it does not want to disturb the non-Marathi vote bank especially ahead of the upcoming BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation elections.

The party has decided a conscious decision not to attend the Uddhav-Raj Thackeray show tomorrow.

"We have always maintained that we do not support the BJP government on its mission to impose Hindi. We had made our stand clear much before any other party. We stand with Marathi but respect every other language. I received the invitation for the Saturday program on Friday. I had my travel plans fixed which I cannot change," said Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal.

Sapkal has outrightly rejected the Narendra Jadhav committee formed by Maharashtra government to give its report on the three-language formula in primary education.

"We oppose the policy itself. There is no question of supporting this committee. It should be scrapped right away," he said.

The Congress insiders said that the party does not want to get dragged behind Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on the issue of dispute between Marathi and non Marathi speakers.

"A large chunk of Congress leadership and workers in Mumbai come from north Indian as well as non-Marathi speaking population. Why should we disturb our voters?" questioned a Congress leader from Mumbai.

The other state Congress leaders too are wary about going with Thackerays at present.

"At present, it seems that the local body elections are going to be a solo show for all. We should focus on strengthening our organisation instead of following others," said a senior party MLA and leader from Vidarbha.
Bengaluru, July 4 : The Karnataka High Court, while granting temporary relief to Chief Whip and BJP MLC N. Ravikumar in the case related to alleged objectionable remarks against Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, expressed concern over the deteriorating standard of language used by politicians.

Hearing the petition challenging the FIR, the High Court bench headed by Justice S.R. Krishna Kumar on Friday issued an interim order directing that no coercive action be taken against Ravikumar until July 8.

The court also issued a stern directive to Ravikumar to cooperate with the investigation.

Expressing displeasure, the bench observed that the language used by politicians has stooped to a new low. "Politicians are going to a new low," the bench remarked.

Ravikumar's counsel submitted that his client, while protesting in front of Vidhana Soudha, had issued a statement criticising the insensitivity of the Chief Minister and the state government, which was now being given a political twist.

The bench questioned the prosecution on whether the complaint was based solely on a media clip.

Responding to this, Special Public Prosecutor B.A. Belliappa played the video clip containing Ravikumar's alleged derogatory statement at the court's request and urged the bench not to grant him any relief. He also brought to the court's notice that even IAS officers in the state had strongly protested against the remarks.

The prosecutor further argued that granting bail to Ravikumar could demoralize the police force. He also highlighted Ravikumar's alleged objectionable remarks about Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Tarannum.

Earlier, reacting to the controversy, N. Ravikumar had clarified that he had not made any derogatory remarks against Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh.

In a press statement, Ravikumar said, "I am shocked by the circulation of selective video clips and claims in print and social media alleging that I have spoken in a derogatory manner against the Chief Secretary."

The Karnataka police had filed an FIR against Ravikumar on Thursday for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh.

The Karnataka IAS Officers' Association has condemned Ravikumar's alleged remarks and demanded an unconditional apology.

Ravikumar allegedly made the controversial statement on July 1 in the presence of the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, and several police officials.

According to the Congress, Ravikumar, while expressing displeasure over the Chief Secretary's absence during the submission of a BJP delegation's memorandum, allegedly mocked her by saying she spends the day working on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's tasks and performs her official duties only at night.
Jaipur, July 4 : On his very first day in office, newly appointed Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Sharma appeared in the Rajasthan High Court in connection with a habeas corpus petition related to missing minors that was taken up for hearing.

The Division Bench comprising Justice Avneesh Jhingan and Justice Bhuvan Goyal expressed dissatisfaction with the current working style of the police, highlighting that they are still relying on outdated technology in critical cases such as tracing missing children.

The court remarked that in almost every case, police reports claim that the mobile phone of the missing person is switched off, and therefore cannot be traced.

"Today's youth are smart; they know exactly when to turn off their phones. Relying solely on call records and tower location is no longer enough," said the Bench.

The judges stressed the need for the police to adopt modern technologies, which could significantly improve the recovery rate of missing minors.

Responding to the court's observations, DGP Rajeev Sharma said that the police are already exploring alternative recovery methods and will actively focus on integrating modern technology and digital tools into future investigations.

The court had summoned the DGP in light of several habeas corpus petitions, including one concerning a minor who went missing from the Ramganj police station area on February 6.

Advocate Syed Saadat Ali, representing the family, informed the court that despite a named FIR, the police have made no progress in tracing the child. The court further criticized the lack of inter-state coordination in such cases.

"When the location of a missing minor is traced to the Northeast, Rajasthan police teams are sent from here to apprehend suspects. Instead, the police should immediately coordinate with local officers in the respective state or district to ensure swift action. No accused is going to wait for you to arrive," the court observed.

Highlighting another area of concern, the Bench pointed out that the police have no centralised DNA database and no method for age progression or AI-assisted sketching of missing children.

"We are hearing a case where a two-year-old child disappeared six years ago. The police still do not have any updated image or visual sketch of the child," the judges noted.

They advised the department to utilise AI-based tools for such sensitive investigations to enhance efficiency. Concluding the hearing, the court said: "You have just joined, and we hope that under your leadership, Rajasthan Police will adopt modern methods and effective investigation practices."

"This will eventually reduce the number of petitions being filed before us."

In addition, the court sought a detailed report within 10 days in two specific cases, including one involving a youth who went missing from Khatushyamji in Sikar in May 2025.

Advocate Nagendra Sharma informed the court that the Sikar SP was also present during the hearing and that the accused has agreed to undergo a polygraph test.

The court instructed that the findings of the test and overall investigation report be submitted within the stipulated time.
Kolkata, July 4 : Two police officers including one erstwhile officer-in-charge of a police station under the jurisdiction of Kolkata Police have been named as accused in in the latest supplementary chargesheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) earlier this week at a special court in Kolkata in connection with the murder of BJP worker Abhijit Sarkar in the post-poll violence in the state after the 2021 West Bengal Assembly election.

The inspector named as accused in the fresh supplementary chargesheet of CBI filed at the special court last month is the then officer-in-charge of Narkeldanga Police Station Subhojit Sen.

The then lady sub-inspector of the same police station, Ratna Sarkar has also been named as an accused in CBI fresh supplementary chargesheet.

These names are in addition to the names of one Trinamool Congress legislator and two ruling party councillors of Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) mentioned as accused persons in the case in that fresh supplementary chargesheet.

The party legislator named in the latest supplementary chargesheet is the Trinamool Congress legislator from Beliaghata assembly constituency in north Kolkata. The two Trinamool Congress councillors of Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) who are named in that supplementary chargesheet are Swapan Samaddar from ward number 58 and Papiya Ghosh from ward number 30.

Samaddar is also a member (mayor-in-council) of KMC.

On July 2, CBI issued a statement informing about the submission of the fresh supplementary chargesheet naming 18 additional accused persons.

With the 18 additional accused persons being named in the chargesheet, the total number of accused persons in the case rises to 38.

Initially, the investigation into the matter was started by the homicide squad under the detective department of Kolkata Police, which in its chargesheet named a total of 15 accused persons.

Subsequently, following an order of the Calcutta High Court, the CBI took over the investigation by registering a case in August 2021 and in September 2021 filed a supplementary chargesheet against 20 accused persons, including the 15 previously chargesheeted by the city police.

Last month, a prime absconding accused in the killing of Abhijit Sarkar was arrested by the CBI sleuths after four years since the killing took place.

The arrested person was Arun Dey, on whom CBI had earlier announced a reward of Rs 50,000. He was one of the five prime accused persons in the murder of Sarkar, a resident of the Kankurgachi area in North Kolkata in the post-poll violence.

To recall, Abhijit Sarkar was killed on May 2, 2021, soon after the results of the 2021 West Bengal assembly elections were declared where Trinamool Congress bagged a landslide victory.
Agartala, July 4 : Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said on Friday that nationalism must be inculcated among students, and they should be involved in various social activities.

The Chief Minister said that simply creating a career should not be the only motto of the students; they should be involved in various constructive and social activities.

"I have not found many students who secured top positions in board and university examinations in social and innovative activities," he said after launching the 'Tripura School Quality Assessment and Accreditation Framework-TSQAAF'.

Saha, who also holds the Education portfolio, said that through this assessment (TSQAAF) process standard of education in schools would be evaluated and accordingly they would be given a ranking. The Chief Minister in a post on X said, "Education is not just about acquiring formal certificates; it's a vital catalyst for instilling moral values in life." "Tripura has already taken robust steps to implement the National Education Policy. The School Education Department is working tirelessly to create a healthy, competitive environment, transforming each school into a centre of excellence." "Just as NAAC-accredited higher education institutions are based on quality standards, we're launching the Tripura School Quality Assessment and Accreditation Framework (TSQAAF) for schools," he said.

As per the NEP-2020 monitoring of studies, the performance of students and teachers would be improved in a big way, the Chief Minister said, adding that the teachers must go beyond the stipulated syllabus, and they should encourage the students to do something positive. He said that on June 23, Tripura became the third state in the country to achieve full literacy after Goa and Mizoram.

"By successfully implementing the 'ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society)  New India Literacy Programme', Tripura's literacy rate has now increased to 95.6 per cent," Saha pointed out. He said that Tripura has achieved the recognition of a fully literate state, which is a matter of great pride for the people of the state.

Senior Education Department officials said that the state's dropout rate in all levels of school education is less than the national average.
Mumbai, July 4 : The Maharashtra government's stand on the proposal to increase the height of the Almatti Dam is clear and it government will continue to oppose any such move by the Karnataka government, said Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil during the Question Hour in the Legislative Council on Friday. He was replying to a question raised by Bhai Jagtap (Congress).

Stating that water discharge and its management are important issues, Minister Vikhe-Patil said that policy measures have been formulated in this regard.

He said that the amount of discharge for daily use and to prevent possible floods is also being considered.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has communicated to the Chief Minister of Karnataka through a letter not to raise the height of the Almatti Dam, he told the state council.

Vikhe-Patil recently said that the state government has consistently opposed Karnataka governmentas plans to increase height of Almatti dam.

The government has sought report from the National Institute of Hydrology in Roorkee which will provide an unbiased assessment of the potential impacts stemming from the proposed elevation of the dam.

CM Devendra Fadnavis recently in a letter to the Karnataka CM objected to increasing the height of the Almatti dam. Expressing concern that Sangli and Kolhapur districts in Maharashtra would face flooding if the height was raised, CM Fadnavis has asked for re-evaluating the plan to raise the height.

CM Fadnavis had urged Karnataka to areconsider the plan to increase the height of Almatti dam from the present level of 519.6 metres to full reservoir level (FRL) of 524.256 metres to protect the safety of people from floods in Kolhapur and Sangli districts in Maharashtra".

However, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah in a letter to Maharashtra CM Fadnavis defended Karnatakaas decision to increase the height of the Lal Bahadur Shastri reservoir on the Krishna at Almatti. He has argued that Karnataka has the right to increase the dam height even without waiting for the Union government to publish the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal award.
Bhubaneswar, July 4 : Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh each for the families of Odia victims who lost their lives in the explosion at a manufacturing unit in Pashamylaram near Hyderabad in Telangana on June 30.

"The Chief Minister Mohan Majhi has announced financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh each from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund for the families of Odia individuals who lost their lives in an accident at a factory in Telangana. Additionally, a team of state government officials monitoring the rescue and medical operations remaining present at the accident site," informed the Chief Minister's Office on Friday.

As many as eight workers belonging to Odisha including three from Ganjam and two from Nabarangpur districts lost their lives in the tragic explosion on June 30.

As per reports, a major explosion occurred in the plant in Pashamylaram, Patancheru Mandal, Sangareddy district on June 30.

The plant manufactures Microcrystalline Cellulose powder, which is used in tablets and capsules as a binding agent.

The death toll in the fire and explosion at Sigachi Industries Ltd's manufacturing unit rose to 39 on Friday as one of the injured succumbed at a hospital.

Bheem Rao, one of the injured workers undergoing treatment at Dhruva Hospital at Patancheru, died on Friday. He was a native of Maharashtra.

Meanwhile, Sangareddy District Collector P. Pravinya said out of 143 people who were in the factory premises at the time of the blast, 61 came out safely.

Sigachi Industries on Thursday revised the number of dead to 38 from 40 it had announced.

The company also stated that out of the 33 injured team members, 12 have been discharged, each provided with Rs 1 lakh as interim relief.

It has already announced that it will provide full medical and rehabilitation support to the injured employees.
Jaipur, July 4 : Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) chief and Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal on Friday strongly criticised the BJP-led state government for pasting an eviction notice outside his government residence.

Beniwal alleged that the act was politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing his image.

"Many people without entitlement are occupying government bungalows, but no notices have been served to them. If I were chasing government accommodation, I would not have resigned from the BJP government or refused a ministerial position," he stated.

Clarifying his position, Beniwal said: "I have not encroached on the bungalow. I have been paying rent regularly. Moreover, I was not involved in any kind of electricity theft. There is a clear difference between non-payment of dues and theft of electricity."

The electricity connection to his Jaipur residence was recently disconnected due to outstanding bills, which he claims were under dispute and partly paid.

Speaking at an ongoing dharna at Shaheed Smarak in Jaipur -- organised to demand the cancellation of the SI recruitment exam and reorganisation of the Rajasthan Public Service Commission -- Beniwal alleged that the BJP government is fearful of his rising influence.

"This government is scared of me. I opposed both Ashok Gehlot and Vasundhara Raje in the past. If I hadn't stood against Vasundhara, a new leadership in BJP wouldn't have emerged," he said. Beniwal further accused the current regime of having a double standard.

"The BJP government has started shielding the paper mafia just like the Congress did. It is now indulging in phone tapping to suppress dissent. But no matter what they do, this government cannot silence our voices," he added.

Referring to social media trends such as #BhajanlalHatao and #RajasthanBachao, Beniwal said the anger among the youth is palpable.

"The announcement of our Delhi march has clearly rattled the government. We are currently finalizing its roadmap, and soon, a big movement will be launched from the capital," he warned.

He also alleged that those close to Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma have been engaging in illegal businesses like gravel mining, showing no concern for public welfare. "The BJP has betrayed its election promises. People will no longer be misled," Beniwal asserted.
Ahmedabad, July 5 : Gujarat State Monitoring Cell (SMC) from Gandhinagar seized foreign liquor worth Rs 1.19 crore during a raid in Chotila taluka of Surendranagar.

Acting on a tip-off, the SMC team raided a farmhouse near Kherdi village, close to Nagaraj Hotel, and uncovered nearly 1,000 boxes containing 8,596 bottles of foreign-made liquor.

In total, police seized goods worth Rs 1.26 lakh, including the liquor consignment and a pickup vehicle suspected to be used for transport.

A case has been filed against 10 individuals, including Dilip Bavku Dhandhal of Nani Moldi village. Authorities say some of the accused are still absconding and further investigation is underway.

In dry-state Gujarat, liquor seizures in 2025 have continued at an alarming scale, revealing the deep-rooted network of smuggling operations despite decades of prohibition. In just the first half of the year, authorities have conducted multiple high-value raids across districts.

In Banaskantha, foreign liquor hidden in plastic-wrapped packages valued at Rs 17 lakh was confiscated.

Smaller but frequent raids have also been carried out, including one that netted two men transporting liquor and beer worth Rs 7.35 lakh, and another operation yielding over Rs 62,000 in seized alcohol.

Although full-year data for 2025 is still unfolding, trends mirror those of 2024, when Gujarat police seized over 82 lakh bottles of IMFL worth Rs 144 crore, averaging nearly one bottle every 4 seconds.

The State Monitoring Cell (SMC) alone had registered 455 cases, confiscating liquor worth Rs 22.5 crore, with total seized property crossing Rs 52 crore.

Gujarat follows one of the strictest liquor prohibition policies in India, rooted in the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and enforced under the Gujarat Prohibition Act, 1949.

The law bans the manufacture, sale, purchase, consumption, and possession of alcohol across the state.

However, exceptions exist. Individuals can apply for a health permit to consume alcohol for medical reasons, usually limited to people above 40 or with specific conditions, and tourists visiting Gujarat can apply for a temporary liquor permit, valid for up to a month and only usable at licensed liquor shops in certain cities.

Penalties for violations can be severe a" including hefty fines, imprisonment, and seizure of vehicles or properties involved in smuggling.
New Delhi, July 5 : In a significant breakthrough, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday arrested Harsh Sharma, an accused who had been absconding for eight years in connection with a housing loan fraud case involving Punjab National Bank.

According to the CBI, the case was registered on August 2, 2017, against Sharma and others, including the builder M/s Shree Balaji Hitech Construction Pvt. Ltd, for allegedly defrauding the public sector bank through a bogus housing loan racket. Sharma, who had remained untraceable since the registration of the FIR, was arrested on Friday following sustained efforts by the investigative agency.

"Investigation revealed that Harsh Sharma had entered into a criminal conspiracy with the builder M/s Shree Balaji Hitech Construction Pvt Ltd and supplied KYC documents based on which the lender bank Punjab National Bank was induced to disburse a housing loan to the builder," the CBI said in a press statement.

"The accused was one of the bogus buyers of a flat which was sold on paper to multiple bogus buyers to secure a loan from the bank," it added.

The agency had filed a chargesheet in the case on March 19, 2024, before the Special Judicial Magistrate (CBI), Ghaziabad.

After Sharma repeatedly failed to appear before the court, a non-bailable warrant was issued against him. He was finally tracked down and arrested on Friday.

"After strenuous efforts to locate the accused, the CBI team executed a Non-Bailable Warrant today morning and arrested the absconding accused," it said.

Sharma was produced before the Special Judicial Magistrate (CBI), Ghaziabad, who remanded him to judicial custody till July 15, 2025.

The investigation into the wider conspiracy and involvement of other individuals is still ongoing, the agency noted.
Buenos Aires, July 5 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, left for Buenos Aires, Argentina, after completing his historic and productive two-day visit to Trinidad and Tobago, during which the two countries elevated their historical, civilisational and bilateral ties.

Taking to social media platform X, Prime Minister's Office in a post said: "PM @narendramodi concludes a productive visit to Trinidad & Tobago and departs for Buenos Aires, Argentina."

"Thank you Trinidad & Tobago. The moments here will never be forgotten. We've added new momentum to India-Trinidad & Tobago friendship. My gratitude to President Christine Carla Kangaloo, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the Government and people of this wonderful nation," PM Modi said in a post on his official X account.

"Gratitude to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for taking part in the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' (a tree for Mother) movement," the Prime Minister said in another X post.

"India and Trinidad & Tobago understand the adverse effects of climate change and will do everything possible to make our planet greener and better," he said on X.

"The talks with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar covered the full range of India-Trinidad & Tobago friendship. We agreed that it is important to add further momentum to our economic partnership and focus on sectors such as disaster management, climate change and defence," PM Modi wrote on his X account.

Earlier, on Friday, PM Modi was conferred with 'The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago' by President Christine Carla Kangaloo.

PM Modi will travel to Argentina, the third leg of his five-nation tour, on an official visit on July 4 and 5, at the invitation of the President of Argentina, Javier Milei.

He is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with President Milei to review ongoing cooperation and discuss ways to further enhance India-Argentina partnership in key areas, including defence, agriculture, mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, trade and investment, and people-to-people ties, while also reaffirming a shared position against terrorism.

This visit by PM Modi marks a significant diplomatic engagement between India and Argentina, the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the South American nation since Indira Gandhi's visit in 1968.

It also precedes the BRICS Summit in Brazil, positioning Argentina as an important stop in India's broader outreach to Latin America and the Global South.

Argentina's vast reserves of lithium, copper and shale gas have emerged as a key area of interest for India.

Lithium, in particular, is essential to India's clean energy ambitions used in batteries for electric vehicles and grid storage and Argentina is part of the 'Lithium Triangle' along with Bolivia and Chile.

Indian state-backed firm KABIL (Khanij Bidesh India Ltd) has already secured rights for lithium exploration in Argentina's Catamarca province and further announcements are expected during the visit.

Beyond minerals, Argentina's growing capability in LNG and its untapped shale energy resources, second-largest shale gas reserves in the world, are now drawing attention in New Delhi.

With traditional suppliers in the Gulf facing volatility, the Narendra Modi government is looking to diversify its energy sources and Argentine LNG is part of that equation.

Buenos Aires has indicated interest in expanding LNG exports and attracting Indian investment in upstream sectors.

Bilateral trade between India and Argentina crossed $5.2 billion in 2024, with India now among Argentina's top six trading partners.

While the trade basket has historically centred around edible oils, particularly soybean oil, there is growing interest in moving beyond agri-commodities.

Argentina is looking to import Indian pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and IT services, while New Delhi is pushing for access to Argentina's agricultural markets for fruits, vegetables, dairy and grains. Both sides are expected to review trade imbalances and look at measures to improve two-way market access.

Argentina's reform-minded President Milei, who took office in December 2023, has signalled openness to economic partnerships beyond the West.

With India pushing to revive trade negotiations with MERCOSUR, Argentina's role is pivotal.

The visit is also expected to expand discussions on defence collaboration. While still at an early stage, Argentina has shown interest in Indian-built defence systems, including the Tejas light combat aircraft. Talks may cover joint training, co-production and technology transfers.

In addition, Indian officials have confirmed that digital public infrastructure and telemedicine are also areas where cooperation may be scaled up. Argentina is said to be keen on learning from India's experience in rolling out large-scale digital governance platforms and affordable healthcare delivery models.

Space and satellite technologies are also on the table. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Argentina's CONAE space agency have previously worked together, and both sides see this visit as a chance to formalise future collaboration, especially for low-cost satellite deployment.

One of the more symbolic and politically important aspects of the visit will be a shared declaration on terrorism. Argentina was among the first countries to condemn the recent terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam area, where 26 tourists were killed.

For Argentina, which faced two devastating terror attacks in the 1990s, the 1992 Israeli Embassy bombing and the 1994 AMIA Jewish Centre bombing in Buenos Aires, there is a deeply personal understanding of the threat terrorism poses to democratic societies.

"We understand India's pain. Terrorism is unacceptable in any form," Argentine Ambassador to India Mariano Caucino said ahead of PM Modi's visit.

"We must act against those who support or shelter such elements."

Argentina's desire to reform Mercosur, the South American customs union, has added weight to India's push for a deeper trade relationship with Latin America. While trade talks between India and Mercosur have been ongoing for years, PM Modi's visit signals a fresh momentum.

"There is a common understanding that Mercosur needs to reform and connect to the world. India can be a key partner in that process," Ambassador Caucino said.

During his time in Buenos Aires, PM Modi is expected to pay tribute at the statue of General Jose de San Martin, Argentina's Independence hero, and participate in ceremonial and delegation-level talks.

President Milei will host a state luncheon in his honour.

The visit comes just ahead of the BRICS summit in Brazil, where India is expected to push for broader engagement across the Global South.

India and Argentina upgraded their ties to a Strategic Partnership in 2019. With this visit, both sides are aiming to inject fresh momentum into a relationship built on shared democratic values, mutual economic interests, and a desire for multipolarity in global affairs.
Houston, July 5 : At least six people were killed and an unknown number of children from summer camps along the Guadalupe River went missing during the major flash flooding caused by heavy rain overnight in central Texas, authorities said.

Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly confirmed the toll, but did not reveal the victims' identities, Xinhua news agency reported.

Further details would not be released until families were notified, according to the Kerr County Sheriff's Office.

"We can't say for sure that they're all accounted for. We know that there are some missing," Kelly said during a briefing on Friday morning.

The area has multiple summer camps along the river, including Camp Mystic, a camp for girls, which issued a statement on Friday morning, saying the parents of the missing children had been notified.

If a parent has not been contacted, their child is accounted for, the camp said.

Several other camps along the river have issued statements, saying all children had been accounted for, NBC News reported.

Kelly said the county did not have a related warning system to alert residents or campers.

The Houston Fire Department is assisting first responders nearly 300 miles away in Kerr County as rescues are underway in high flood waters.

Four members from the Tactical Deployment Unit and an engine will assist first responders, while another three firefighters will help the Texas A&M Task Force One.

"As we so often see help from around the state come to Houston when we face floods, we are proud to be able to support others in their time of need," Houston Fire Chief Thomas Munoz said on Friday.

At about 4 a.m. local time, the National Weather Service upgraded its flash flood warning, which allows wireless emergency alerts to be sent to cell phones for residents and campers along the river, the NBC News report said.

The service also warned that a "large and deadly flood wave" was moving down the Guadalupe River.

The Guadalupe River in Kerr County rose from 7.5 feet (about 2.3 metres) to nearly 30 feet overnight and is expected to crest at 34 feet in Spring Branch on Friday afternoon, the service said.

Cars, campers and mobile homes were swept away as the section of the Guadalupe River surged in the county, online videos showed.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott said on X that the state is "surging all available resources" to respond to the flooding.

"The immediate priority is saving lives," the Governor said.

More than half a million people in central Texas were still under flash flood warnings as of Friday afternoon.
Kyiv, July 5 : Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that he had discussed Ukraine's air defence capabilities in a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump.

They agreed that they would work together to strengthen protecting the skies of Ukraine, Zelensky said on Friday in a post on social media.

The call came as Russia escalated its aerial campaign across Ukraine, including an overnight July 4 attack that struck Kyiv and several other regions, injuring at least 23 civilians and sparking dozens of fires in the capital, Xinhua news agency reported.

"Today we discussed the situation: Russian air strikes and, more broadly, the situation on the front lines. President Trump is very well informed," the Ukrainian President said.

"We discussed air defence options and agreed to work on increasing airspace protection. We agreed on a meeting between our teams."

According to the Ukrainian President, they also discussed defence industry capabilities and the possibilities of joint production.

The conversation also covered mutual procurement and investment, diplomatic situation, and Ukraine's cooperation with the US and other international partners, Zelensky said.

The Trump administration had halted part of military aid to Ukraine following a review of US own stockpiles, the White House and Pentagon confirmed on Tuesday.

On Thursday, Trump said he did not make any progress on Iran and the Ukraine conflict during a phone call with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

"We are ready for direct projects with America and believe that this is extremely necessary for security, especially with regard to drones and related technologies," Zelensky added.

Trump told Zelensky that the US is willing to assist Ukraine with air defence amid intensified Russian strikes, Axios reported, citing unnamed sources.

The call between the two Presidents reportedly lasted about 40 minutes.

This conversation followed a phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on July 3, during which the Kremlin said Putin reaffirmed that "Russia will continue to pursue its goals" in its war against Ukraine despite US calls for a ceasefire.

Trump told reporters on July 3 that he was "very disappointed" by the conversation with Putin.

"I don't think he's there... I don't think he's looking to stop this fighting."

The call also followed the US Defence Department's decision to pause shipments of key weapons systems to Ukraine, including Patriot missiles and precision-guided artillery rounds.

Kyiv has warned that the delay threatens to weaken its air defences and emboldens Moscow.

Despite repeated expressions of frustration about Russia's continued aggression, Trump's administration has yet to impose new sanctions or approve additional aid for Ukraine since taking office in January.

While Russia and Ukraine resumed direct talks in Istanbul this year, the two rounds of negotiations a" on May 16 and June 2 a" have yielded only prisoner exchanges and no progress toward a ceasefire.
J.E. Thomas tackles themes of loneliness and belonging through a contemporary sci-fi lens in her newest middle grade novel The AI Incident. Having lived in nine foster homes, 12-year-old Malcolm Montgomery is determined to make himself more adoptable. Though he has his self-made How to Get Adopted Checklistwhich includes rules such as Never argue and All As in school, EVERY year!hes grateful for the extra help he finds in his new schools AI program FRANCIS. When FRANCIS suggests additional adoption tips, such as wearing his shirt inside out, Malcolm doesnt question the validity of the instructions. But as FRANCIS becomes increasingly independent, Malcolms troubles soon take a back seat. Thomas spoke with PW about plumbing her own experiences to inform her writing, and the differences between real and artificial emotional connection.

What did you learn from working on your debut novel Control Freaks that helped you write The AI Incident?

 I love stories that explore the intersection of technology and humanity. 

I learned a lot about character development and about digging deeper into what challenges the characters were facing. It revealed a little bit more of my own insecurities. I was able to put more of those into the characters of The AI Incident than I did in Control Freaks.

In this book, I really wanted to explore loneliness, which is something that I think everybody experiences at some point or another, and to do that, I had to excavate my own emotions and dig into how I felt when I was lonely. Sometimes, with difficult emotions, we work our way through them once, and then we try to pack them away. I had to step back and remember a time that I felt lonely, particularly when I was 12 or 13. How did that feel? Not just how did it feel emotionally, but how did it feel in my body? How did that emotion manifest later when I was in my 20s and 30s and 40s? Thinking about that helped inform how each of the characters would present themselves.

What research or experiences did you bring in to portray Malcolms navigating the foster care system?

I approached it from two different angles. First, I was fortunate enough to spend quite a bit of time with a retired case worker who told me about her experiences helping kids in the system, and how that impacted her, both as a case worker and as an observer. Kids who navigate that system feel untethered, because theres not an anchoring home for them.

Second, my dad grew up in kin care, so he was raised by his aunts and uncles rather than his immediate family. After he retired, he spent probably 20 years researching our familys history. He talked quite a bit about how it impacted him to not grow up in his family of origin. Even though he was extremely well cared for and he adored the people who raised him, it was just one of those lasting experiences that informed his life.

I took those two experiences, and I put them into this character who was struggling to find his anchor, his home. And I had him do what I do, and what I suspect other people do: I had him internalize external situations. The fact that he has been unable to find a permanent home makes him think that theres something wrong with him. Thats why he created his checklist: he believes that if he can check all those boxes, if he can become the perfect kid, then he will earn a family.

Why did you inject sci-fi elements like AI into a story about loneliness?

As I was writing, I was trying to imagine where technology would be in 2025. I made the assumption that companies would move to a point where they would package technology like it was a friend or something that appeared to be human and would speak to people in a very human way. And I should note that I was working on this story prior to the announcements that different AI platforms could be used as a therapist or a buddy. But I wanted to explore the difference between having a computerized substitute for a friend and the process of building a real human friendship, a real human connection, which takes time.

Control Freaks also has a STEAM angle. What drew you to these topics and why did you make them foundational aspects of both your middle grade novels?

I am a science fiction fan from way, way back. I love stories that explore the intersection of technology and humanity, so I wanted to explore that in my own writing as well. I laugh when I think about Control Freaks because, in that book, one of the characters creates an app that scans the internet and writes papers for him. Then one of his friends says something like, Yeah, its accurate, but its so hollow. As that book was coming out, discussion about kids using ChatGPTwhich I didnt know anything aboutto write papers was becoming more prevalent. And teachers were saying that the papers didnt have any originality or humanity. I love exploring things like that.

The AI Incident by J.E. Thomas. Levine Querido, $18.99 July 8 ISBN 978-1-6461-4508-9
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Some of the most influential music of the 20th century was born in a storefront on North Jackson Street, next to a strip club in Athens, Georgia.

Thats where soon-to-be international superstars R.E.M. used to hole up and rehearse, alongside other Athens bands like The Side Effects, who played alongside R.E.M. at their first ever show at the famed St. Marys Steeple in 1980.

The storefront was rented out for less than $100 a pop, and it soon became a popular space for Athens bands to rehearse throughout the years. But all of those storefronts and art studios that once housed these rehearsal spaces have since been converted to rental apartments.
While mobility aggregators such as Rapido and Uber have welcomed the decision, gig workers associations and unions remain concerned.

IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

The ministry of road transport and highways, in a notification, allowed the use of non-transport motorcycles for passenger journeys. The change is part of the revised Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines (MVAG) 2025. This is the first time the Centre has urged state governments to allow private motorcycles to operate as taxis.

The notification read: "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 Centre has given state governments three months to adopt the revised guidelines.



Mobility aggregators such as Rapido and Uber have welcomed the revised MVAG 2025. However, gig workers' associations and unions remain concerned.



The Indian Federation of App-based Transport Workers (IFAT) and the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) welcomed certain provisions but flagged concerns over the lack of uniform fare regulation, unchecked surge pricing, and gaps in enforcement.



Citing their concerns, IFAT and TGPWU said the guidelines allow fares to increase by up to 2X during high-demand periods, leading to exorbitant ride costs during emergencies, festivals, rains, or peak hours. They added that the current model benefits only the aggregators, with customers overpaying and drivers receiving inconsistent and unfair payments.



The unions demanded that state governments not implement the guidelines without involving the unions concerned in the monitoring and enforcement process.



"When fares increase by 2X or 3X, passengers blame drivers. But the truth is, both drivers and passengers are suffering while only app companies profit. We need fixed, fair fares across India, strong state enforcement, and an end to illegal operations like bike taxis without yellow plates. Only then can we ensure safety, dignity, and fairness for both customers and workers," said Shaik Salauddin, national general secretary of IFAT and founding president of TGPWU.



The revised guidelines state that aggregators such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido can now charge up to twice the base fare during peak hours, up from the earlier cap of 1.5X.

During non-peak hours, the fare must be at least 50 per cent of the base rate. The base fare refers to the rate notified by the respective state government for the specific category or class of motor vehicles.



Under the new rules, drivers operating their own vehicles must receive at least 80 per cent of the applicable fare, including all costs. The aggregator may retain the remaining amount.

Drivers or customers may be charged a cancellation fee of 10 per cent of the fare -- capped at 100 -- if a ride is cancelled without reason.



Welcoming the move, a spokesperson for Rapido called the policy a milestone, saying it would create employment opportunities for riders while offering affordable transportation for customers.



"By recognising non-transport 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 areas. We see this policy shift as a catalyst for creating hundreds of thousands of flexible livelihood opportunities for riders across urban and rural India," the spokesperson said. Rapido initially launched as a bike-taxi platform.



A spokesperson for ride-hailing platform Uber said: "We welcome the guidelines as a forward-looking step toward fostering innovation and regulatory clarity in India's digital mobility sector. 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."



Both Rapido and Uber said their platforms are committed to working with state governments to implement the guidelines, ensure responsible onboarding of riders, and comply with safety and insurance norms. The move also comes as a relief: in June, the Karnataka high court had issued a directive suspending bike-taxi operations from June 16, 2025.



For the safety of passengers and riders, aggregators must ensure that drivers have health and term insurance of at least 5 lakh and 10 lakh, respectively. Aggregators are also required to provide a minimum of 5 lakh as insurance coverage for passengers.
Delhi high court ruling on numbers as trademarks could be a trendsetter.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff

A recent Delhi high court ruling allowing arbitrary and distinctive numerical combinations to be eligible to be registered as a trademark in India may result in multiple litigations of similar looking, sounding, and appearing trademarks, legal experts said.

They are of the opinion that while numbers have historically been accepted as a trademark globally, the ruling paves the way for big business houses and opportunistic persons monopolising the registration of culturally significant and popular numbers, especially in countries such as India.

Numerals have historically been popular forms of trademarks, said Swati Sharma, partner (head-intellectual property) at law firm Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas.

"Some examples include '555' trademark, for a popular cigarette brand, and 'No. 5', registered as a perfume by Chanel, among others," she said, adding that as long as the numerals are distinctive for the goods and services to which they are applied, these can be registered as a trademark.

Other experts, however, caution that there could be an outburst of litigation with similar looking trademarks, and a flood of entries in the trademark register.

The ruling would, therefore, need a lot of legislative reformation in the field of intellectual property laws, said Varun Singh, the founder and managing partner at law firm Foresight Law Offices.

The Delhi high court ruling came in an appeal by Vineet Kapur, who sought to register 2929' as a trademark for a cosmetics product.

The Trade Marks Registry rejected Kapur's application on the grounds that the trademark sought to be registered lacked distinctiveness and comprised common numerals, which the applicant was not entitled to monopolise.

Kapur appealed this decision before the Delhi high court.

In her decision, Justice Mini Pushkarna held that a numeral mark such as '2929' fell within the definition of a 'mark' under Section 2(1)(m) of the Trade Marks Act, 1999, and couldn't be rejected only because it consisted of numbers.

Globally, several iconic brands such as Jack Daniel's 'Old No 7', Levi's '501' jeans, 'WD-40', and '4711', a traditional German cologne brand, rely on numeric trademarks to convey distinctiveness.

In India, products such as '5 Star' and '7 Up' have also used numerals very effectively as the central element of their brand identity.

"The test remains whether the consuming public associates the number with a particular commercial origin. If it does, then the law affords it the same protection as any other trademark," said Ankit Sahni, partner at law firm Ajay Sahni and Associates.

While the high court appears to be legally sound, it might raise a few questions on the process of registration of trademarks, and whether a trademark on numbers can be registered if the said digits are written in a completely different design, font, and colour scheme.

"Can numerical marks in word form, say 'twenty-nine twenty-nine', confer distinctiveness? Can word-form numerals in Hindi, Urdu, or regional languages, say 'saat sau sattavan' for 757, be considered distinctive," Singh asked.

Section 9 of the Trademarks Act prohibits registration of trademarks that are not only devoid of distinctive character, but are also descriptive, obscene, customary in trade and language, that hurt religious susceptibilities, and deceive consumers or are prohibited by law.

"Numerals that have become evocative of a national/international event or incident, such as 911, may be refused registration by the Trademarks office," Sharma said, "as these numerals denote an international event and may hurt the sentiments of the public, may be regarded as scandalous."

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff
Only in the event of the RSS managing to force Modi into accepting a consensual candidate, will the party not continue to 'being' the 'next Congress', observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

IMAGE: Narendra Modi waves to the gathering in Siwan, Bihar, June 20, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

The choice of the new Bharatiya Janata Party president, whenever she or he is 'elected', will indicate whether the party continues being on the path to being the next Congress, or not.

Because this may make little sense without providing the backdrop, let us step in the past, 34 years to be precise, to the days after all constituencies voted in the 1991 Lok Sabha elections, hyphenated by Rajiv Gandhi's assassination.

This election, for the first time, drew considerable media interest on the BJP's prospects. There were speculations galore, if the party's performance in the previous poll, in November 1989, was a 'fluke show'.

After all, it registered an astounding 42.5 times growth from its 1984 tally of two Lok Sabha seats, to the startling mark of 85.

The added interest was because the BJP chose to contest the elections sans allies, unlike in 1989 when it made tactical seat adjustments with the Janata Dal and several alliance partners.

The interest was also due to the highly divisive Somnath to Ayodhya Rath Yatra led by its then president, Lal Kishenchand Advani.

It was stopped in October 1990 by Lalu Yadav as Bihar chief minister leading to the BJP withdrawing support from the V P Singh-led National Front government, eventually, triggering the 1991 polls.

Had the Ram temple issue become an electoral issue, this was a major point of deliberation.

One evening, several journalists in Delhi, including this columnist, were cloistered around K N Govindacharya, then a key BJP functionary known for frank informal chats with scribes.

He listed out the BJP's likely tally from various states and as the numbers swelled, one colleague intervened: "So, you may even replace the Congress as the largest party?"

Known for off-the-cuff remarks, Govindacharya retorted with a laugh, "not replace, we WILL BE the next Congress".

Eventually, the BJP fell short of his expected tally although it emerged as the largest Opposition party and Advani assumed the position of Leader of Opposition and declared the party to be a 'government in waiting'.

But Govindacharya's jocular remark of 'becoming the next Congress' appeared true from 2014 onwards, insofar as dismantling the gravitas of the BJP's organisation set up was concerned.

IMAGE: Bharatiya Janata Party President J P Nadda garlands the statue of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh's founding president Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his death anniversary, June 23, 2025. Photograph: @JPNadda X/ANI Photo

To understand the change in the character of the BJP after Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014, one has to step further back into the political era before 1969 when Indira Gandhi seized control of the Congress party and faction identified as the Syndicate established the Congress (Organisation).

The unified Congress party prior to this watershed year remained a strong organisation with an independent voice and at par with the legislative wing of the party or the government, headed by the prime minister of the day.

Although Jawaharlal Nehru seized control of the party for four years from 1951 to 1955, he eventually relinquished the presidentship to organisational strongmen like N Sanjeeva Reddy, K Kamaraj and S Nijalingappa as a result of which it regained its distinct identity.

But after Indira Gandhi split the Congress and assumed control of the breakaway faction, Congress (Requisitionists), the distinctness between the government and organisational fold of the party disappeared.

Although Jagjivan Ram and Shankar Dayal Sharma were party presidents in the early 1970s and provided a semblance of distinctness, complete subservience of the party came during Devkanta Barooah's tenure during the Emergency when he made the absolutely sycophantic remark that 'Indira was India and India was Indira'.

The Congress since then, never reworked the postulation that the 'government was the party' in the years it was in office, be it during the tenure of Indira Gandhi, her son Rajiv Gandhi (he was party president too from 1985 to 1991) and even P V Narasimha Rao (simultaneously party chief, between 1991 and 1996).

Barring the two years thereafter, when Sitaram Kesri helmed the party in the late 1990s and the period after 2022, when Mallikarjun Kharge became president, it has been the Gandhis all along, Sonia for almost twenty years till 2017 and Rahul Gandhi for the next two years, after which his mother again held the fort.

Despite 10 years in Opposition, the party hardly has an organisational network worth its name.

In contrast, the BJP from its inception in April 1980 was noted for a collegial style of functioning and well-oiled organisational machinery.

Even sharp differences of opinion were openly debated and resolved amicably through charchha or discussions.

Although the party president was clearly the first among equals, the BJP was never a one-person led party.

An early divergence of viewpoint was over the party's decision to adopt Gandhian Socialism as its principal credo.

IMAGE: Modi with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat pays tribute at the RSS' Smruti Mandir in Nagpur, March 30, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

At the first plenary meet of the party in December 1980, Vijaya Raje Scindia was publically highly critical of this idea and demanded that the party should retain its old values rooted in the Bharatiya Jana Sangh.

She was assuaged and senior leaders politely explained to her that after the acrimonious collapse of the Janata Party, mainly over the 'dual membership' issue in which erstwhile Jana Sangh members were accused of being primarily loyal to the RSS and not to the party, it was 'tactically necessary' to mark a degree of separation from the RSS and its ideology.

Even during the height of the Ayodhya agitation, there were differences between Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Advani, but these were amicably discussed and ironed out.

In the run-up to the 1991 polls, although Advani remained the campaign spearhead, party workers spread the message that the BJP was fortunate to have 'ek mayan mein do talwaar (two swords in one sheath)'.

The party retained its distinct identity during Vajpayee's tenure as prime minister and there were issues on which the party expressed reservations.

Intra-party committees met regularly and in meetings of the national executive, discussions were held frankly.

The party witnessed some very significant differences and eventually one group deferred to the majority.

One such instance was in the Goa meeting of the national executive in the summer of 2002 when Vajpayee wanted Modi to resign as Gujarat chief minister, whereas he had the backing of Advani and several others.

Finally, Vajpayee had to bow to the majority view despite continuing to disagree. He expressed his dissatisfaction after the BJP's defeat in 2004 by attributing it to the Gujarat riots.

This style of the BJP's functioning ended within weeks Modi becoming prime minister when in July 2014, the BJP's central parliamentary board unanimously approved Amit Shah's appointment as party president.

Because Shah was an undisputed Modi loyalist, all power of both government and party, got vested in one hand. Intra-party democracy became a casualty soon.

In November 2015, Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Shanta Kumar and Yashwant Sinha (he was in the BJP then) issued a joint statement hitting out at the leadership over Bihar debacle.

The statement stated that the party has been 'forced to kowtow to a handful and its consensual character had been destroyed.'

The veterans, all of who had been sidelined by Modi, also claimed that the party was 'emasculated' after the Modi-Shah combine took charge.

But there was no response from either the party leadership, or from Modi. The Union government, from the first day till date, remains a PMO-centric enterprise with most ministers merely being implementing agents or file pushers.

Likewise, in the party the office bearers, including the president, especially after 2019 when J P Nadda took over as president after Shah relinquished charge, have remained merely to pay lip-service to what has already been decided.

The redundancy of very important party fora is best understood by the fact that after the 2024 Lok Sabha verdict, neither the party's parliamentary board nor the parliamentary party, formally elected Modi as its leader to once again become prime minister.

While his selection was inevitable or even unpreventable, but even the formal procedure has been done away with.

IMAGE: J P Nadda welcomes Modi as he arrives to attend the National Democratic Alliance chief ministers and deputy chief ministers meeting in New Delhi, May 25, 2025. Photograph: Jitender Gupta/ANI Photo

Just as years of sycophancy in the Congress has destroyed the party organisation, in the BJP signs of its complete destruction is visible.

Over the last year, J P Nadda has continued being the party president even while being a Union minister, thereby violating the principle of one-person-one-post which was followed almost without fail, especially for lesser mortals.

Nadda has continued because the Modi-led clique remained at loggerheads with the RSS leadership.

The disagreement is over the choice of the next president -- the RSS wants to have an independent person as party president, while Modi has been insistent on another loyalist like Shah and Nadda.

Only in the event of the RSS managing to force Modi into accepting a consensual candidate, will the party not continue to 'being' the 'next Congress'.

If Modi has his way, Govindacharya's words will continue to resonate. This will necessarily raise questions over the party's capacities in the post-Modi era, but that is another question.

Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay's latest book is The Demolition, The Verdict and The Temple: The Definitive Book on the Ram Mandir Project.

He is also the author of Narendra Modi: The Man, The Times.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
'I am not an aspiration-oriented politician.'

'This is the time to redefine politics.'

'Politics of power is not real politics.'

IMAGE: Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari at the Times Drive Auto Awards 2025, March 25, 2025. Photograph: Press Information Bureau

In a free-wheeling conversation in New Delhi, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari spoke to Business Standard's Dhruvaksh Saha and Nivedita Mookerji on why elections should not matter while setting targets, his take on being seen as a future prime minister, and much more.

Is your ambitious target of getting to 100 km/day road construction on track, and will it coincide with Viksit Bharat in 2047?

This is a target -- can't say when this will be met. Even I feel it's a difficult target, almost impossible. When anyone keeps a target, it should be ambitious and merit-based.

Till now, whatever targets I've aimed for, I've achieved. So this is also something we'll work on.

We are trying to make our policies better and straighten out issues so that execution of projects is faster.

You have mentioned long-term targets but with the 2029 elections coming in four years, are there any short-term targets you have set?

I don't keep targets keeping elections in mind. I'm a three-time member of Parliament. I tell people in my constituency that if they're happy with my work, they should vote for me.

If they don't, it's alright. I'll still work for them. This is not coming from a place of arrogance -- I'm humble.

But my conviction is that the country will become developed and a Vishwaguru -- a $5 trillion economy soon.

My value system doesn't allow me to think about elections while working.

Dattopant Thengadi was a prominent thinker from my region.

He used to say, 'Every politician thinks about his next election for five years, but every socioeconomic reformer and nation builder thinks from century to century.'

But ultimately, as politicians, we have to fight elections. I can work only because people vote for me.

Any construction target for this year?

We have been trying to increase the target and execution but we have not been able to do it so far. We had reached 40 km per day.

The ideal target for us is 100 km per day (36,500 km for the year). We are reforming policies... The true test of leadership is to convert the impossible into possible.

IMAGE: An aerial view of the newly inaugurated 91.352 km long Gorakhpur Link Expressway, built at the cost of Rs 7,283 crore, in Azamgarh, June 20, 2025. Photograph: @myogioffice X/ANI Photo

How is your ministry handling the unfinished work under the Bharatmala programme, which was shut down?

All the remaining projects of Bharatmala are being cleared one by one and it's happening at a fast pace. The name will no longer be Bharatmala.

There are broad themes in the Gati Shakti framework under which projects will be assessed-port connectivity, highway connectivity, religious tourism, and mining and industrial clusters.

During this year, projects worth Rs 1.5 trillion have already been cleared. We are targeting projects worth Rs 5 trillion for which we would like to issue an appointment date.

This would include both new projects and pending Bharatmala projects.

Every year, we have projects worth Rs 2.6-2.8 trillion getting sanctioned. We are trying to double this figure to around Rs 5 trillion this financial year.

You recently said that Indian roads will be better than those in the United States over the next 18 months or so. How will you explain that?

We have around 50 express highways which are in progress right now. Eventually, the whole country will be connected by green expressways and the national highway network will be world-class -- from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.

Today, you go to any state and ask the people-they all recognise and acknowledge the revolution in national highways.

Moreover, whatever has happened so far is just the tip of the iceberg. There's a lot more in the pipeline.

What have been your top three achievements of the last 11 years?

In roads, bridges and tunnels, there are plenty of achievements and seven world records in the Guinness Book of World Records.

But on a personal level, I feel the biggest achievement is elsewhere.

In our country, millions were engaged in the manual labour of carrying and ferrying people on their shoulders, especially in states like Jharkhand and West Bengal and others.

In 2014, I introduced the mechanised e-rickshaws. This was a revolution -- some 15 million people engaged in this manual labour were freed from exploitation.

Among other achievements, I made the Worli-Bandra Sea Link and Mumbai-Pune highway.

The Delhi-Mumbai Expressway will be completed soon and the Dwarka Expressway will be a state-of-the-art project featuring multiple tunnels, including one connecting the Indira Gandhi international airport.

What are the things that you feel you haven't been able to do in the last 11 years?

I have no regrets but everything I wanted, I haven't been able to do. There is so much more to do and that is the agenda I'm trying to move forward with.

Whatever I've achieved, people are happy about it but in my heart, I know that there is so much more to do in green mobility, alternative fuels, new modes of transport and I have many initiatives for that in progress right now.

IMAGE: Nitin Gadkari with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule and senior officials at a review meeting on the Nag River pollution abatement project, June 22, 2025. Photograph: @CMOMaharashtra X/ANI Photo

What are the other flagship projects on your agenda?

For the environment, I am responsible for the degradation (as the road transport minister), because 40 per cent of the air pollution is because of fossil fuels.

I have encouraged alternative fuels and I can see that these are becoming mainstream.

Today, there was a meeting where the ministry wrote to the Automotive Research Association of India giving them the mandate to do trials for 25 to 27 per cent ethanol blending in petrol.

We are also trying to blend isobutanol with diesel. There are large-scale trials ongoing to see if we can do 10 per cent blending of isobutanol in diesel-we believe that it can be an alternative fuel for diesel.

With ethanol, farmers of rural India have been the biggest beneficiaries.... We should focus on smart villages, not just smart cities.

I've been working on this dream since 2004 -- these steps will reduce pollution, import requirements will decrease, and the economy will strengthen.

What is the government's outlook on the current geopolitical situation?

This does not fall in my purview but our external affairs ministry is closely monitoring the situation.

There are concerns that essential bitumen supplies may be getting impacted due to the Iran-Israel situation. Is your ministry working on it?

There are trials going on where we built a 1-kilometre road using bio-bitumen, where the lignin is procured using stubble.

The country used 9.8 million tonnes of bitumen of which around 5 million tonnes would be imported. Lignin constitutes 35 per cent of the process of making bitumen.

Indian Oil has started a project in Panipat under which stubble is being used to generate ethanol, bio-bitumen, and sustainable aviation fuel.

Irrespective of the global developments, it is important that our country becomes 'atmanirbhar' in everything -- imports should reduce and exports should increase.

But the EV segment is struggling due to the paucity of rare-earth magnets from China. What are your thoughts on the way forward?

Our startups, research institutions, and engineering colleges are working hard to find solutions for several problems.

For example, there was a semiconductor shortage problem. We created the PLI (production-linked incentive) scheme for it and now we are working on a large-scale on semiconductors.

Similarly, we are working to find alternatives for this (rare-earth magnets) -- the problem will be solved.

The government is working on a net-zero strategy by 2070. Since road transport is one of the biggest polluters, what has been the road ministry's strategy in this exercise?

A strategy is being worked out, I can't talk about the inter-ministerial exercise as all departments are doing it.

On our part, we are working on 10 major projects on hydrogen fuel cells in which companies like Tata, Ashok Leyland and others will operate hydrogen-based trucks and buses.

This is a priority project. We are making arrangements for transportation and refilling facilities for hydrogen.

Moreover, we are looking at the existing internal combustion engines (ICE) for retrofitting and converting into hydrogen vehicles.

We are also working on a tree bank policy-in wastelands. We will have tree banks where we would be planting and e-tagging additional trees in the multiples for those that will be affected due to national highway construction.

Bhupender Yadav (minister of environment, forest and climate change) has given an in-principle approval to this plan.

Additionally, we are now trying to make the construction process green. We're working on bringing more construction equipment which runs on electricity, hydrogen and other alternative fuels.

There have been concerns about some national highways having quality issues leading to accidents. What is the way forward?

Our ministry is only responsible for national highways. Yes, there have been issues with some projects. In the case of NH-66 collapse in Kerala, we banned the contractor.

We have decided to do the toughest probes on contractors and take action.

Hum chhodenge nahi (we will not let them get away). These are the assets of the country and we will not compromise.

While I'm only responsible for national highways, I'm working on projects worth Rs 1 trillion to decongest Delhi.

We will now have projects worth Rs 30,000 crore on top of this. Similar work is going on in Bengaluru.

IMAGE: Bharatiya Janata Party MP Hema Malini during the inspection of the newly constructed Mathura Bareilly Highway - National Highway 530 B, in Mathura, June 19, 2025. Photograph: ANI Video Grab

As a politician, what is your next aspiration?

I am not an aspiration-oriented politician. My belief is that politics is an instrument of socio-economic reform. I work for the society and the country, villages, underprivileged, and farmers.

My honorary doctorates are not even in road transport but agriculture. I work with organic farming, small enterprises, farmers, and youth.

This is the time to redefine politics. Politics of power is not real politics. Social and development-oriented work is actual politics.

I do 90 per cent social work, 10 per cent politics.

IMAGE: Nitin Gadkari with Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat. Photograph: Rediff Archives

A lot of people think you re a future prime minister. What do you have to say on that?

I don't know. I have no such desire. God has given me much more than what I needed and I'm happy with it. We have Modiji under whose leadership the country is progressing fast.

Neither do I have any such desire (to be the PM) nor an expectation. Till the time I'm active, I'll keep working.

I'm a swayamsewak of the RSS and a worker of the Vidyarthi Parishad. I've worked with the same conviction all my life and I'll keep working with the same drive.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
'There are tall personalities who have utilised Mumbai and Maharashtra for their career growth, but they never thought it is their responsibility to learn Marathi.'

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff

As debates around Hindi imposition intensify, a deeper question must confront Maharashtra: Can Marathi evolve into a language of economic empowerment?

In the concluding part of a three-part interview (you can read the first two parts in the related links on the right), Dr Deepak Pawar, president of the Marathi Abhyas Kendra, tells Prasanna D Zore/Rediff that agitations, tweets, or campaigns will amount to little unless Marathi becomes a language of employment -- integrated into banking, education, governance, and culture. (This interview was conducted before the Maharashtra government withdrew its order to teach Hindi from Class 1.)

Before Raj Thackeray's tweet, the MNS's 'Marathi in Banks' campaign saw its workers engage in some violent agitations recently.

What methods do you think will be used in the future by those agitating against the imposition of Hindi?

The MNS demand is not new. The bank circulars (issued by the RBI) clearly state that the regional language should come first, then Hindi, and then English. That applies to every single document -- including ATMs, forms, everything.

So if prominent people have gone to banks and asked them to comply, why should bank officers be upset?

Some nonMaharashtrian officers say, 'We don't want MNS to threaten us.' But would they dare ask the same question to the DMK in Tamil Nadu or to parties in Andhra Pradesh?

What MNS or any party is demanding is that Marathi be respected in Maharashtra. Officers working in these banks -- whether Maharashtrian or not -- must follow the threelanguage formula.

If they are so unhappy with the use of Marathi in Maharashtra, they should quit and go back to their native states. If they want to work only in Hindi, they should go to UP and Bihar -- and see what happens to their employment opportunities.

Do you think Maharashtra is ripe for an antiHindi agitation like we've seen in Tamil Nadu? And will politicians try to seek dividends from it?

The situation is not only ripe for an antiHindi agitation -- but also for a genuine federal movement. It's ripe for healthy Centrestate relations and greater autonomy to the states.

What (Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K) Stalin is asking for in Tamil Nadu -- the situation in Maharashtra is similar. Whether our political class and elites are mature and agile enough -- that only time will tell.

Beyond political parties, how are civil society players -- like teachers' unions, parentteacher associations, and cultural organisations -- mobilising people on the teaching of Hindi from Class 1?

Most people are speaking against the imposition of Hindi -- whether they are in civil society, teachers' bodies, cultural organisations, or even celebrities.

They are all united in spirit. But more importantly, this entire effort must be consolidated. It needs to be institutionalised. There must be longterm, perpetual pressure on the political elite to not reverse their stand on the regional language.

That will take some time.

Raj Thackeray has linked Hindi imposition to Maharashtra's economic woes -- loan waivers, youth unemployment, industrial decline. How might these material grievances amplify linguistic polarisation?

Linguistic anger is also part of the political economy.

In urban and semiurban Maharashtra, when jobs are scarce and North Indians take the ones that are available -- there is bound to be a sense of grievance, of anger.

(The undivided) Shiv Sena and MNS have long failed to realise that language must also be an instrument of employability. Language education must go beyond literary education -- it must generate jobs.

If civil society and the government focus on this, we can perhaps sail through these tough times for the Marathi language.

On one hand, politicians like Raj Thackeray and other parties have started a sort of antiHindi movement. On the other hand, Marathimedium schools -- especially governmentrun ones -- are shutting down. How do you see this contradiction?

The organisation I work with -- Marathi Abhyas Kendra -- has been saying for years: No love for Marathi is meaningful unless we strengthen Marathimedium schools.

Politicians and elites must send their children to Marathimedium schools. The inferiority complex that the Marathi manoos has about sending their kids to such schools has to go. Yes, that complex has seeped in.

So opposing Hindi imposition is right -- but that alone is not enough. We have to ensure more children study in Marathi. We must develop proper reference material and textbooks in Marathi. Marathi must become a language of employment.

Only then will these agitations have any real meaning.

Could enforcing Marathionly spaces in business, investment, or tourism in the state backfire? What steps can policymakers take to strike a balance between linguistic identity and economic openness?

See, having Hindi cinema might have given employment to some Maharashtrians. Definitely, it has given employment to Maharashtrians. But at the same time, it has given sizeable employment to nonMaharashtrians.

If you look at Film City (the film studio in suburban Goregaon, north west Mumbai), you'll see that it was initially made for shoots of Marathi serials and Marathi cinema, but now you'll find very few studios there where Marathi serials are being shot.

There's complete Hindi hegemony; absolute Hindi hegemony. And those who are enjoying that hegemony -- they are so shameless -- they don't think it is their responsibility to learn Marathi.

So whether it is the socalled sadiyon ka mahanayak Amitabh Bachchan or the person whom Raj Thackeray calls for his Marathi Bhashadeen programme Javed Akhtar -- they can't speak in Marathi.

So there are celebrities, there are tall personalities who have utilised Mumbai and Maharashtra for their career growth, but they never thought it is their responsibility to learn Marathi.

Like Rajinikanth learnt Tamil?

Yes, he's a Maharashtrian by birth, but Rajinikanth today is more Tamilian than Tamilians!

Now this does not happen with Amitabh Bachchan or Shah Rukh Khan or Salman Khan. Maybe Aamir Khan would make some minor effort to learn Marathi, but that is too little and too less.

Dr Deepak Pawar makes a point as Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) President Uddhav Thackeray, right, listens in, at a press conference, June 26, 2025. Photograph: Saahil Salvi

What steps can policymakers take to strike a balance between linguistic identity and economic or social openness?

As far as linguistic development is concerned, the government is not doing much. But as far as economic development is concerned, what are they doing?

What is it that Maharashtrians are asking for? Maharashtrians are not saying that they don't want Hindispeaking people. Maharashtrians are not saying they don't want people from outside the state.

Maharashtrians are simply asking for some respect for their language. If they're asking for respect for their language, that respect cannot be considered a hurdle to openness.
'We are now in a situation where our country is not yet free.'

'China is still very strong and militarily powerful.'

'In such a situation, we need the Dalai Lama to bring about a resolution to the cause of Tibet.'

'That's one of the main reasons that at age 90, he has accepted that there should be a 15th Dalai Lama after him.'

IMAGE: His Holiness The Dalai Lama attends Medicine Buddha prayers organised by the Sera Mey monastery in honour of his 90th birthday at the main Tibetan temple in Dharamsala, June 15, 2025. Photograph: Kind courtesy Dalai Lama/Instagram

"The Dalai Lama has prepared the Tibetan community for the eventual future," says Tenzin Tsundue, the well-known Tibetan activist-writer and freedom advocate.

Tsundue's parents escaped the Chinese invasion of Tibet and arrived in India as refugees in 1959. Born in India in 1975, Tsundue has been a steadfast advocate of Tibetan independence.

He shot to fame when he unfurled the Tibetan flag and a giant 'Free Tibet' banner after scaling 14 floors of Mumbai's Oberoi Towers hotel where then Chinese premier Zhu Rongji was in a meeting in 2002. He did the same during premier Wen Jiabao's visit to Bengaluru in 2005 to register his protest against Chinese occupation of Tibet and has been arrested several times.

As a 22 year old, he crossed into Tibet with a burning zeal to fight for freedom and was subjected to torture in a prison in Lhasa. The Chinese police thought he was an Indian spy. He was released after three months and handed back to Indian security personnel at the Ladakh border.

Mr Tsundue, now 50, always wears a red bandana as a sign of protest against Chinese occupation of Tibet and has vowed to take it off only after Tibet is free.

In an interview to Rediff's Archana Masih, he spoke about His Holiness's recent declaration on the continuation of the Dalai Lama tradition and succession -- and what the 14th Dalai Lama means to the Tibetan people.

What does His Holiness the Dalai Lama mean to you and the Tibetan people, especially in view of his 90th birthday over the weekend?

For Tibetans, he's everything.

The Dalai Lama is our spiritual and political leader. Tibetans recognise him as Avalokiteshvara, the avatar or incarnation of the Bodhisattva of love and compassion.

As he turns 90, there is a great sense of joy that he's with us. At the same time, there is a constant fear that considering his age, we may have limited time with him.

So it's both anxiety and satisfaction.

His Holiness has brought the entire Tibetan community in exile to a level where we are united, aware, educated, empowered and connected to the world.

We have passed through very difficult times since the Chinese invasion and occupation of Tibet 75 years ago.

It is mainly because of His Holiness, his long-term vision and leadership that we have come thus far.

IMAGE: The Dalai Lama blesses actor Richard Gere in Dharamsala, June 30, 2025, in this screen grab from a video. Photograph: Reuters TV/via Reuters

You mentioned that there's an element of fear and concern about his advancing age. Since he has been such a towering personality, what concerns do the Tibetans have about a future without him?

You are looking at it from the outsider's perspective. For Tibetans, there is never a time without the Dalai Lama. The institution of the Dalai Lama is 400 years old.

The Dalai Lama has prepared the Tibetan community for the eventual future.

We have a democracy. We have an elected leader. In fact, the Dalai Lama does not want Tibetans to be solely dependent on the Dalai Lama.

IMAGE: The Dalai Lama affectionately greets a young child in Japan. Photograph: Jigme Choephel

The 14th Dalai Lama is a colossal global personality. His successor will have very giant shoes to fill. Is that a concern for the Tibetan community?

We have had 14 Dalai Lamas and all have been different.

There's never been a Dalai Lama who's more popular than His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama.

He is charismatic, charming and has sought world peace rather than just freedom for Tibet. If he had been selfish and worked only for the Tibetan cause, he wouldn't have got this kind of love and reverence around the world.

Almost one-and-half-lakh Tibetans have been living outside Tibet for the past 65 years. They have built a relationship with the international community.

On Wednesday [July 2], the Dalai Lama has announced that the Gaden Phodrang Trust is the authority that will conduct the succession process.

Earlier, a regent took care of the religious and political affairs in the interim period between the previous and the next Dalai Lama.

That system of the regent was discontinued.

The Dalai Lama devolved his political authority in 2011. Since then, he is only the spiritual leader, but of course, the Tibetan community doesn't look at it that way.

For us, he's the both the spiritual and political head, the ultimate leader for the Tibetan community.

At the insistence of the Dalai Lama himself, changes were made in the charter of rules that govern the exile community. The charter discontinued the system of regency and the Dalai Lama relinquished political authority.

The political authority now lies with the elected leadership.

The Tibetan government-in exile [Central Tibetan Administration] has 45 members of parliament. It has a separate executive and judiciary. Sikyong is the president or political leader of the executive.

The leadership has been created through a democratic process. A culture has been created that in itself will provide leadership.

Democracy can be chaotic. Democracy can be difficult, but we have a system in place.

We have seen how Donald Trump is tumbling everything in the United States. But democracy is a genuine practice that is happening around the world. We will also have our own democracy.

IMAGE: Tenzin Tsundue. Photograph: Kind courtesy Tenzin Tsundue/Instagram

What are your thoughts on the Dalai Lama's statement that the tradition will continue and a successor will be selected by the trust?

We have been expecting His Holiness the Dalai Lama to accept the prayers and requests to continue the institution of the Dalai Lama.

He's such a modern man. He wanted that the institution of the Dalai Lama should end and was the one who devolved the political authority. He proposed democracy within the community because he wanted the Tibetan community, like other communities in the world, to be modern and to be able to do things on their own.

He did not believe that a religious leader should run the country. He wanted to bring an end to it.

We are now in a situation where our country is not yet free and independent. China is still very strong and militarily powerful. In such a situation, we need the Dalai Lama to bring about a resolution to the cause of Tibet.

I think that's one of the main reasons that at age 90, he has accepted that there should be a 15th Dalai Lama after him.

Should the issue of Tibet not get resolved within his lifetime, then there will be a need for a leader like the Dalai Lama.
China on Friday objected to Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju's remarks that the incarnation of the Dalai Lama should follow his own wishes, urging India to act cautiously on Tibet-related issues to avoid its impact on the improvement of bilateral relations.

IMAGE: The Dalai Lama affectionately greets a young child in Japan. Photograph: Jigme Choephel

"India should be clear of the anti-China separatist nature of the 14th Dalai Lama and honour its commitments on Xizang (Tibet) related issues," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a media briefing responding to a question on Rijiju's comments. China refers to Tibet as Xizang.

"India should exercise caution in its words and actions, stop interfering in China's internal affairs with Xizang related issues and avoid impact on the improvement and development of the China-India relationship," Mao said.

Rijiju on Thursday asserted that the decision on the incarnation of the Dalai Lama would be taken by the established institution and the leader of Tibetan Buddhists himself and no one else.

It was the first reaction from a senior Indian government functionary on the comments of the Dalai Lama on his successor.

On Wednesday, the Tibetan spiritual leader said that 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 his future reincarnation.

Rijiju's remarks came after China rejected the Nobel Peace laureate's succession plan, insisting that any future heir must receive its seal of approval.

Rijiju, a practising Buddhist, and Rajiv Ranjan Singh, a fellow Union minister, are representing the Government of India at the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday celebrations in Dharamshala on July 6.

The minister said that the birthday event is a religious function and has nothing to do with politics.

Mao reiterated China's stand that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama, the second-high priest of Tibetan Buddhism, has to comply with rigorous religious rituals and historical conventions in line with domestic search, lots drawn from a 'golden urn' and the central government's approval.

The present 14th Dalai Lama went through this procedure and was approved by the then-central government, she said.

The reincarnation of the Dalai Lama must uphold those principles and follow religious rituals, historical conventions, Chinese law and regulations, she said.

Mao's comments related to the improvement and development of relations refer to the efforts by both India and China to normalisation of ties after over four years of freeze following the Eastern Ladakh standoff.

The two countries resumed ties after a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit at Kazan in Russia last year followed by a series of high-level meetings.

The resumption of the Kailash and Mansarovar Yatra for Indian pilgrims, which began recently, is stated to be the first step initiated by the two countries to normalise ties.
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's 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 [which 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. 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.

Virginia 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.
Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir has described terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir as a 'legitimate struggle', saying his country would always stand by the people of Kashmir in their struggle.

IMAGE: Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir addresses his troops in Tilla field firing ranges in Mangla. Photograph: Inter-Services Public Relations/Handout via Reuters

Field Marshal Munir also warned India of a 'befitting response' in case of any future attack, weeks after the two nations briefly locked horns in a dangerous conflict.

"What India labels as terrorism is, in fact, a legitimate and lawful struggle for freedom, recognised by international law," Munir said while addressing a passing out ceremony at Pakistan Naval Academy, Karachi, on Saturday.

"Those who have tried to suppress the Kashmiri people's will and pursue conflict elimination instead of resolution have only made the movement more relevant through their own actions," he claimed.

He said that Pakistan would always stand by the people of Kashmir in their struggle for the right to self-determination.

"Pakistan is a strong advocate for a just resolution of the Kashmir issue in accordance with United Nations resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people," he added.

In the past, Munir had described Kashmir as Pakistan's 'jugular vein'.

India has repeatedly told Pakistan that the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh 'was, is and shall forever' remain an integral part of the country.

The ties between the two countries nosedived after India abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution, revoking the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, and bifurcating the State into two Union Territories on August 5, 2019.

In his address, Munir also claimed that Pakistan proved itself as a 'net region stabiliser' after having repelled the Indian military attack twice.

He was apparently referring to the 2019 Balakot strike after the Pulwama terror attack and the recent Operation Sindoor following the Pahalgam terror attack.

"Pakistan, despite grave provocations, acted with restraint and maturity and demonstrated its commitment to regional peace and stability, which has led to Pakistan's role as a net regional stabiliser," he claimed.

"As we steadily, but surely, build our comprehensive national power, any enemy acting on the perceived vulnerability of Pakistan under the illusion of strategic impunity or miscalculation, would get a swift and a very befitting response," he said.

The army chief also said that undeterred by the efforts by adversaries, Pakistan would continue on the path of progress, development and prosperity.

He also reaffirmed the armed forces' commitment to eradicating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, vowing to take the fight to its logical conclusion.
The Madhya Pradesh government on Saturday suspended seven engineers including two chief engineers of the Public Works Department for the `faulty design' of the new Rail Over Bridge in Aishbagh area of the city with an unusual 90-degree turn.

IMAGE: An aerial view of a newly-built bridge featuring a 90-degree turn in Aishbagh area, in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Photograph: ANI Photo

"I took cognizance of the serious negligence in the construction of Aishbagh ROB and ordered an inquiry. On the basis of the inquiry report, action has been taken against eight PWD engineers," Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said on X late in the evening.

Seven engineers including two chief engineers were suspended with immediate effect while a departmental inquiry will be conducted against a retired superintendent engineer, he added.

The construction agency and design consultant have been blacklisted, and a committee has been formed to make necessary improvements in the ROB, the chief minister said.

"The ROB will be inaugurated only after improvements are made," he added.

The newly built over-bridge became a subject of criticism and ridicule with local residents and netizens questioning its design and wondering how vehicles would negotiate the sharp 90-degree turn.

The engineers against whom action was taken for the alleged faulty design were chief engineers Sanjay Khande and G P Verma, in-charge executive engineer Javed Shakeel, in-charge sub-divisional officer Ravi Shukla, sub-enginner Umashankar Mishra, assistant engineer Shanul Saxena, in-charge executive engineer Shabana Rajjaq, and retired superintendent engineer M P Singh, said PWD additional chief secretary Neeraj Mandloi.

The government also blacklisted architect firm M/s Puneet Chaddha and design consultant M/s Dynamic Consultant, he said.

Built at a cost of Rs 18 crore, the ROB was built to improve the connectivity between Mahamai Ka Bagh, Pushpa Nagar and the station area with New Bhopal, benefiting some three lakh people.

Last week, the PWD formed a committee to find a solution in order to ensure safe movement of vehicles on the bridge.

Officials associated with the construction had argued that they had no other option but to build the bridge this way given the paucity of land and presence of a metro rail station nearby.

If a little extra land is made available, the 90-degree sharp turn can be converted into a curve, officials had said.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday called on everyone in the party to work together, abiding by the advice and message given by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, as he refused to comment on whether he was still in the race to become the CM of the state.

IMAGE: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar offers prayers to Goddess Chamundeshwari at the top of Chamundi Hills in Mysuru. Photograph: @DKShivakumar/X

After offering prayers to Goddess Chamundeshwari at the top of Chamundi Hills in Mysuru, he said, "Efforts may fail, but not prayers", and that he had made his wish before the Almighty.

There has been speculation within political circles, especially among the ruling Congress, for some time now about a possible change in the chief minister later this year, citing a power-sharing agreement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.

"I don't want any discussions now. I have not come here to speak about politics. I want good for the state. Mallikarjun Kharge is the Congress President; he has given us a message and advice. Abiding by his words, let's all work together," Shivakumar said, responding to a question on whether he was out of the CM race after Siddaramaiah's statement that he would serve a full five-year term.

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, Shivakumar said he, along with his family, had offered prayers to Goddess Chamundeshwari for the welfare of the state, himself, his family, and everyone.

Asked whether the time had come for the Goddess to bless him for his prayers, he said, "Efforts may fail, but not prayers. I believe in this. I have prayed to the Goddess and wished for whatever I want."

However, with Siddaramaiah asserting that he will be the CM for the full five-year term, Shivakumar on Wednesday said he had no objection and that he would stand by and support Siddaramaiah.

Indicating that he had "no option", Shivakumar, who is also the State Congress President, said he would abide by the directions of the high command.

There was stiff competition between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar for the CM's post after the Assembly election results in May 2023. The Congress managed to convince Shivakumar and made him the Deputy CM.

There were also reports at the time that a compromise had been reached based on a "rotational Chief Minister formula," under which Shivakumar would become CM after two-and-a-half years. However, this has not been officially confirmed by the party.
The Allahabad high court on Friday dismissed a plea seeking a direction that the word "disputed structure" be used in place of "Shahi Idgah mosque" of Mathura.

IMAGE: A view of Sri Krishna Janamsthan and Shahi Idgha Mosque, in Mathura, in Uttar Pradesh. Photograph: ANI Photo

The application was moved with a prayer to direct the stenographer concerned to use the word "disputed structure" in place of "Shahi Idgah mosque" in the entire further proceedings of this original suit along with other connected matters.

The application was supported by an affidavit of advocate Mahendra Pratap Singh. On the other hand, a written objection was filed on behalf of defendants.

The order was passed by Justice Ram Manohar Narain Mishra hearing a bunch of original suits relating to Krishna Janmabhoomi and Shahi Idgah mosque dispute in Mathura.

The Hindu side has filed 18 suits for possession of land after removal of the structure of Shahi Idgah masjid as well as for restoration of the temple and for permanent injunction.

Earlier, at one stage on August 1, 2024, the high court had rejected applications of the Muslim side challenging maintainability of suits of Hindu worshippers and held that all suits of Hindu worshippers are maintainable.

In the August 1 order, the court had also held that these suits are not barred by Limitation Act, Waqf Act and Places of Worship Act,1991, which prohibit conversion of any religious structure as existed on August, 15, 1947.

At another stage, on October 23, 2024, the high court had rejected an application moved by the Shahi Idgah mosque committee to recall the high court's January 11, 2024 order consolidating all suits filed in connection with the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Eidgah dispute at Mathura.

The controversy is related to the Aurangazeb-era mosque which is alleged to have been built after demolishing a temple at the birthplace of Lord Krishna.
The Kerala high court on Friday asked the Kerala University registrar, who was suspended recently, how 'Bharat Mata' can be a religious symbol and how putting up a portrait of the same can be a law and order problem.

IMAGE: Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar asserted that there would be no compromise on Bharat Mata Photograph: @KeralaGovernor/X

The queries were posed by Justice N Nagaresh to the Registrar, K S Anil Kumar, during the hearing of his plea challenging the suspension.

Kumar was suspended on July 2 by Kerala University Vice Chancellor Dr Mohanan Kunnummal for allegedly issuing a notice cancelling a private programme, which was attended by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at the Senate Hall, where a portrait of Bharat Mata carrying a saffron flag was displayed.

Declining Kumar's interim plea to stay his suspension, the court asked the petitioner "how 'Bharat Mata' was a religious symbol? What was the provocative photograph and on putting it up on display, what law and order problem was going to occur in Kerala?"

The petitioner told the court that there was a clash between the Communist Party of India-Marxist and Bharatiya Janata Party's student wings -- Students Federation of India and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), respectively -- over the display of the portrait.

He also said that he was informed by the university's security officer that a religious symbol was displayed in the university's senate hall and in that circumstance, the programme can be cancelled.

Kumar also claimed that the VC can suspend the registrar in only emergency situations.

The court said that the VC can pass orders when the syndicate is not in session and that the senate has to approve the suspension order.

It also asked Kumar whether things should have been handled in that manner when the Governor was coming for an event.

The court said that the exact problem was still not clear and directed the police to file a reply stating whether there was a big law and order problem.

It also sought a detailed reply affidavit from the registrar.

With the direction, the court listed the matter for hearing on Monday, July 7.

According to the suspension order of July 2, the registrar, on June 25, cancelled the sanction granted to Sree Padmanabha Seva Samithi for the use of the University Senate Hall after the programme had commenced and while the Governor -- who also serves as Chancellor of the University -- was on stage.

The registrar has rejected the allegation, stating that the notice was issued before the Governor arrived at the venue and that he has evidence to prove it.
India on Friday said it does not take any position on matters concerning faith and religion, two days after the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader, unveiled a plan for choosing his successor that has been rejected by China.

IMAGE: His Holiness The Dalai Lama attends Medicine Buddha prayers organised by the Sera Mey monastery in honour of his 90th birthday at the main Tibetan temple in Dharamsala, June 15, 2025. Photograph: Kind courtesy Dalai Lama/Instagram

Ahead of his 90th birthday on Sunday, the 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso had on Wednesday affirmed that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue and that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust will have the sole authority to recognise his future reincarnation, declaring no one else can "interfere" in his succession plan. The Gaden Phodrang Trust was founded by the current Dalai Lama in 2015 to oversee matters related to the 600-year-old institution of the Dalai Lama.

External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Indian government has always upheld freedom of religion for all in the country and will continue to do so.

"We have seen reports relating to the statement made by His Holiness the Dalai Lama about the continuation of the Dalai Lama institution," he said.

"The government of India does not take any position or speak on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion," Jaiswal added.

Jaiswal was responding to media queries on the statement by the Dalai Lama that also ended speculation on whether the Tibetan spiritual leader will have a successor or not after his death. The Dalai Lama has been living in exile in India since 1959.

Earlier in the day, China urged India to act cautiously on Tibet-related issues to avoid its impact on the improvement of bilateral relations. Beijing was responding to Union Minister Kiren Rijiju's assertion on Thursday that the decision on the Dalai Lama's incarnation would be taken by the established institution and the leader of the Tibetan Buddhists himself and no one else.

Rijiju reiterated on Friday that all the devotees and followers of the Dalai Lama want the Tibetan spiritual leader to decide on his successor.

Rijiju, however, clarified he was not making the remarks on behalf of the Indian government and neither was he commenting on a statement made by China on Wednesday.

Rejecting the Nobel Peace laureate's succession plan, China insisted 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.

Asked by reporters in Delhi about China's statement on the issue, Rijiju said, "I do not want to react to China's statement. I speak as a devotee, I have faith in the Dalai Lama, those who follow the Dalai Lama wish that he decides his successor."

"There is no need for any confusion on the Dalai Lama issue. All the people across the world who believe in Buddhism and follow the Dalai Lama want him to decide (on his succession). There is no need for me or the government to say anything. Who would be the next Dalai Lama, it will be decided by him," Rijiju said.

On Thursday, Rijiju had said the Dalai Lama is the "most important and defining institution" for Buddhists.

"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. No one else has the right to decide it except him and the conventions in place," he had said.

Reacting to a question on Rijiju's remarks made on Thursday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said India should be clear of the anti-China separatist nature of the 14th Dalai Lama and honour its commitments on Xizang (Tibet) related issues. China refers to Tibet as Xizang.

India should exercise caution in its words and actions, stop interfering in China's internal affairs with Xizang related issues and avoid impact on the improvement and development of the China-India relationship, Mao told a media briefing in Beijing.

Rijiju, a practising Buddhist, and Rajiv Ranjan Singh, a fellow Union minister, are representing the Government of India at the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday celebrations in Dharamshala on July 6.

The minister said the birthday event is a religious function and has nothing to do with politics.

Meanwhile, monks clad in maroon and saffron robes headed towards Tsuglagkhang, the main Dalai Lama temple, in the Himalayan town of McLeodganj, a suburb of Dharamshala.

The small town in Himachal Pradesh, also known as 'Little Lhasa' for being the host to the Tibetan government-in-exile, is at the centre of global interest as a series of events, celebrations and, perhaps, announcement of a successor mark the 90th birth anniversary of the leader of Tibetan Buddhism.

The week-long celebrations that began on June 30 have picked up pace with a lineup of religious conferences, youth forums, film screenings, and communal prayers over the weekend.

In Beijing, Spokesperson Mao reiterated China's stand that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama, the second-high priest of Tibetan Buddhism, has to comply with rigorous religious rituals and historical conventions in line with domestic search, lots drawn from a 'golden urn' and the central government's approval.

The present 14th Dalai Lama went through this procedure and was approved by the then-central government, she said.

The reincarnation of the Dalai Lama must uphold those principles and follow religious rituals, historical conventions, Chinese law and regulations, she added.
An Indian-origin doctor was booked for allegedly killing her four-year-old daughter in South Florida, US.

IMAGE: Dr. Neha Gupta is the child specialist. Photograph: X

Dr. Neha Gupta, a 36-year-old pediatrician, was booked into the Oklahoma County Jail in Oklahoma City.

Gupta was on vacation in El Portal village in Miami with her daughter, Aria Talathi, when she dialled 911 at around 3.30 am on June 27 about a drowning in the pool at their short-term rental, the New York Post reported, citing the Miami-Dade County Sheriff's Office.

Upon arrival at the scene, officers and fire rescue personnel found the 4-year-old unresponsive in the pool, promptly removed her, and began administering CPR. She was rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Centre, where she was pronounced dead.

A Miami-Dade sheriff's homicide detective in an affidavit which was obtained by news agency Associated Press said that Gupta "attempted to conceal the killing of the deceased victim by staging an accidental drowning within the swimming pool of a rental property."

According to jail records, n addition to facing the murder charge in Florida, she is accused of fleeing to the Oklahoma City area where she lives to avoid prosecution in Florida,

Gupta told investigators that she was sleeping with her daughter Aria at the Airbnb rental home when she heard a noise around 3:20 am on June 27.

She noticed a sliding-glass door in the bedroom that led to the outdoor patio was open.

When she got up and went outside, she found her daughter in the water and unresponsive in the deep end of the pool, the affidavit states.

Gupta told the investigator that she tried to save the girl, but she doesn't know how to swim and was unable to get Aria out of the water.

Police and firefighters arrived and performed CPR on the girl, but Aria was pronounced dead at a hospital before dawn.

However, a doctor who performed an autopsy at the medical examiner's office did not find water in the child's lungs or stomach and ruled out drowning as being the cause of death.

The doctor advised authorities that she believes the child was dead before being placed in the pool.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is set to visit China around July 13 to attend a conclave of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, people familiar with the matter said on Friday.

IMAGE: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar speaks at Newsweek's headquarters at One World Trade Centre in Manhattan, US. Photograph: @DrSJaishankar/X

It would be Jaishankar's first visit to China after the ties between the two countries came under severe strain following the 2020 military standoff along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi may also visit India this month to hold a fresh round of talks with NSA Ajit Doval under the framework of Special Representatives (SR) dialogue on the boundary dispute, it is learnt.

In December, NSA Doval visited Beijing and held the SR talks with Wang. Doval visited China last month as well for a meeting of top security officials of the SCO member nations.

The people cited above said the external affairs minister is likely to travel to Beijing for talks with Wang before going to Tianjin for the conclave of the SCO foreign ministers that will be held on July 14 and 15.

Jaishankar's visit is taking place less than three weeks after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh travelled to the Chinese port city of Qingdao to participate in the SCO defence ministers' conference.

China is the current chair of the SCO, and it is hosting the meetings of the grouping in that capacity.

The military standoff in eastern Ladakh began in May 2020, and a deadly clash at the Galwan Valley in June that year resulted in a severe strain in ties between the two neighbours.

The face-off effectively ended following the completion of the disengagement process from the last two friction points of Demchok and Depsang under an agreement finalised on October 21.

The decision to revive the SR mechanism and other such dialogue formats was taken at a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan on October 23.

The Modi-Xi meeting came two days after India and China firmed up a disengagement pact for Depsang and Demchok.

In the last few months, India and China have initiated a number of measures to repair the bilateral ties.

Last month, the two sides resumed the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra after a gap of nearly five years.
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi representing Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Friday argued that the Enforcement Directorate's National Herald case was "truly a strange" one.

IMAGE: Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra after the CWC meeting, in New Delhi, May 2, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

Singhvi began his rebuttal after additional solicitor general SV Raju for ED on July 3 concluded his arguments on the point of cognisance of the chargesheet filed in the case.

"This is truly a strange case. More than strange. Unprecedented. This is an alleged case of money laundering, without any property, without use or projection of property," Singhvi argued.

The ED has accused Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, late Congress leaders Motilal Vora and Oscar Fernandes aside from Suman Dubey, Sam Pitroda and a private company Young Indian of conspiracy and money laundering over the fraudulent takeover of properties valued over Rs 2,000 crore belonging to the Associated Journals Limited (AJL), which published National Herald newspaper.

ED alleges Gandhis held the majority 76 percent shares in Young Indian, which fraudulently usurped assets of AJL, in exchange for a Rs 90 crore loan.

Singhvi, however, submitted that the exercise was undertaken to make AJL debt-free.

"Every company is entitled under law and does every day, make their companies get free by a variety of instruments. So you take away the debt and assign it to another entity. So this company becomes debt free," Singhvi said.

He said that Young Indian was a not-for-profit company.

"Means it cannot give dividends, it cannot give perks, it cannot give salaries, it cannot give those bonuses. It can give nothing," the senior lawyer argued.

Singhvi said the ED did not do anything for several years and instead picked up a private complaint.

"They are, obviously people associated with the Congress. To have the National Herald in a body not associated with the Congress would be worse than having Hamlet without the Prince of Denmark," he said.

Singhvi continued by mentioning the grounds on which the present court did not have the jurisdiction to try the case.

On July 3, Raju argued on the point of chargesheet's cognisance, saying the Gandhis were the "beneficial owners" of Young Indian and acquired its total control after the death of other shareholders.

The ED filed its chargesheet against the Gandhis and others under Sections 3 (money laundering) and 4 (punishment for money laundering) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The chargesheet also names Dudey, Pitroda, Sunil Bhandari, Young Indian, and Dotex Merchandise Private Limited.
Asaduddin Owaisi's All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen has expressed its willingness to join the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar, which currently includes the Rashtriya Janata Dal, the Congress and Left parties, ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.

IMAGE: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi. Photograph: ANI Photo

AIMIM's Bihar state president Akhtarul Iman, the party's lone MLA in the state, has written to RJD president Lalu Prasad, formally requesting inclusion in the grand alliance.

In a letter dated July 2, which party leaders have shared on social media, Iman has said the inclusion of AIMIM in Bihar's prototype of INDIA bloc "will prevent a split in secular votes".

"This will ensure that the next government in the state is formed by the Mahagathbandhan", Iman has claimed, adding that his party had tried to join the coalition in the last Assembly polls, too, and this time he (Owaisi) has already expressed his wish to "leaders of the Congress and the Left over the phone".

In the 2020 assembly elections, the AIMIM contested in alliance with former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the now-defunct Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) headed by former Union minister Upendra Kushwaha, who is now in the NDA.

The AIMIM had won altogether five seats, all in Seemanchal region, which has a sizeable Muslim population, and is said to have cut into the votes of Mahagathbandhan in several constituencies.

The Mahagathbandhan, which is helmed by the RJD, had fallen short of a majority by a dozen seats.

Barring Iman, all the remaining MLAs elected on AIMIM tickets joined the RJD in 2022.
Virginia has a new budget as of last Tuesday, but it doesn't 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 Nardo's letter.

"They said, 'We're ignoring it,'" Richmond political analyst Bob Holsworth said on Monday. "They've made their statement."

Youngkin publicly disagreed with Nardo's determinations in May, vowing that his vetoes "will stand."

"And that's how we're going to run the executive branch going forward, with these vetoes standing," he told the media after a public event.

It's 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 don't 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's constitution because they did not eliminate the entire item. Then-House Speaker Bill Howell, R-Stafford, a Republican for 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 clerk's determination.

With just more than 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 governor's refusal to acknowledge the clerk's determination, preferring to focus on elect former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-7th, as governor in November to help enforce legislative prerogatives.

"He wants a fight," Scott said after the governor's statement in May. "At the end of the day, he'll be gone in eight months."

The speaker had no further comment on Youngkin's position last Monday. Scott instead praised a budget that the Democrat-controlled assembly had reshaped as its own, including tax relief, public education and health care.

"We covered all the bases," he said. "We should be pleased by this budget."

Democrats in the state Senate, who already have challenged Youngkin over appointments to the boards of public colleges and universities, are less willing to abide by Youngkin's 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 last Monday. "I don't know why the governor thinks they will."

"I want to do whatever I can to make sure that the legislature prevails," Lucas said.

But it's not clear what, if anything, the state Senate can do about it.

State Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Charlottesville, a senior member of Senate Finance, agreed that "the law is what is enrolled."

However, Deeds said, "The Senate would not have standing to sue."

With the House demurring and the state 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 last Monday, the Virginia Health Care Association said it "is extremely disappointed" the state Medicaid office will 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 will 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, spokeswoman 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.

"I've never seen them not follow the law," he said.
Pakistan always remains desirous of normal neighbourly relations with India, the foreign office said on Friday.

IMAGE: A general view of a damaged portion of a mosque, after it was hit by an Indian strike, in Muridke near Lahore, on May 7, 2025. Photograph: Gibran Peshimam/Reuters

"We want to pursue the track of diplomacy. Pakistan's commitment is well known and very clear on that," foreign office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said when asked about the normalisation of relations with India.

"Pakistan always remains desirous of normal neighbourly relations with India," he said.

The spokesperson said that India's action of placing the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance is totally illegal and has no standing in terms of international law.

A day after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, India took a series of punitive measures against Pakistan that included putting the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960 in "abeyance".

Last month, Pakistan urged India to resume the normal functioning of the IWT, saying the recent decision by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague showed that the agreement was still "valid and operational".

India has never recognised the proceedings at the Permanent Court of Arbitration after Pakistan raised objections to certain design elements of the two projects under the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty.

India on Friday strongly rejected the ruling, saying it has never recognised the so-called framework for dispute resolution with Pakistan.

The foreign office spokesperson said that at the political level, the treaty remains the cornerstone of the management of a critical resource which is water, between the two countries, which has withstood the test of so many ups and downs throughout the decades.

If there is a dispute, the two sides have tried to resolve it through the dispute settlement mechanism in the treaty, he said.

The spokesperson also said that Pakistan remains committed to the principles and objectives of the SAARC charter and desires SAARC to function as an important forum for regional cooperation.

On cooperation among Pakistan, China, and Bangladesh, he said that China is a very important country that enjoys friendly relations with most of the South Asian countries.

China pursues an agenda of peace, development, and common prosperity, and in that sense, these three countries are working together. There is nothing out of the ordinary about these mini-lateral processes which we hope will gather strength, and will contribute to the development of all three countries, he said.
Trinamool Congress MPs Kalyan Banerjee and Mahua Moitra got embroiled in a bitter war of words over the alleged gang rape of a student in a law college in Kolkata with the former launching a personal attack on the latter.

IMAGE: TMC MPs Kalyan Banerjee and Mahua Moitra engaged in a bitter war of words. Photograph: Sanjay Sharma/ANI Photo

Banerjee, who represents the Serampore Lok Sabha seat in West Bengal, claimed that Moitra, the Krishnanagar MP, was back in India after her honeymoon and started attacking him.

He was responding to Moitra's 'anti-woman' charge over the gang rape incident.

"Anti-woman, she has charged it? What she is? She has broken up a 40-year marriage and married a guy of 65 years...Did she not hurt the lady? Women of the country will decide it...," Banerjee alleged.

The Serampore MP was referring to Moitra's recent marriage to former Biju Janata Dal MP Pinaki Misra.

The row erupted after Banerjee's earlier comments on the gang rape case drew sharp criticism from various quarters, including within the party.

In response, the TMC condemned his statement, prompting Banerjee to openly reject the party's position.

Addressing reporters, Banerjee had said, "If a friend rapes another friend, then how will the government ensure protection in such cases?"

Following TMC's rebuke, Banerjee said he "completely disagreed" with the party's stance and accused unnamed leaders of shielding those involved in the case.

"Are they indirectly supporting the leaders who are shielding such criminals? Mere formal statements won't bring any real change unless immediate action is taken against those leaders directly responsible. What's more unfortunate is that some of the leaders who emerged after 2011 are themselves under question in such crimes," he said.

Mahua Moitra took a veiled swipe in a post on X: "Misogyny in India cuts across party lines. What differentiates @AITCofficial is that we condemn these disgusting comments no matter who makes them."

In a sharp retort, Banerjee on Sunday claimed that Moitra had joined the TMC after it came to power in 2011.

"I will be the last person to have any regressive mindset or misogynistic outlook towards any woman," he said.
After two decades, the estranged Thackeray cousins -- Uddhav and Raj -- will share public stage and jointly hold a "mega victory gathering" on Saturday in Mumbai to celebrate the Maharashtra government's roll back of the three-language policy in primary schools.

IMAGE: Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray with his cousin and MNS president Raj Thackeray. Photograph: PTI Photo/Rediff Archives

Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president Raj Thackeray, whose parties are known to aggressively push the cause of Marathi identity and language, are coming together one one stage just ahead of the local body polls, including the cash rich Mumbai civic corporation.

The last time the two cousins shared the stage was during the election campaign of Malvan assembly bypoll in 2005 after former chief minister Narayan Rane had quit the undivided Shiv Sena. Raj Thackeray quit the Shiv Sena shortly in the same year and floated the MNS in 2006.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS have jointly organised the "victory" gathering at the NSCI Dome in central Mumbai's Worli, which also happens to be in the assembly constituency of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray.

The two parties have urged other political outfits who have protested against making Hindi "compulsory" in primary schools, and also people from the field of literature, art to participate in the gathering.

The victory celebration is being held at a time when MNS activists were caught on camera assaulting a footstall owner for not speaking in Marathi, while two persons were made to apologise to a man in the presence of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Rajan Vichare for allegedly assaulting him.

Although both Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS have decided not to use any party's flag, banners, poll symbol, hoardings and scarf during the event, the political messaging is evident at a time when they are witnessing diminishing electoral influence after their dismal performance in the 2024 state assembly polls. The Sena (UBT) won 20 assembly seats, while the MNS drew a blank.

The Congress, an ally of the Sena (UBT), will not be a part of the victory celebration, state Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal said, but maintained his party supports the protest against making Hindi "mandatory" for students of Classes 1-5.

NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar, who is allied with the Congress and the Sena (UBT) under the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) banner, told reporters in Pune on Thursday that he will not attend the event due to prior commitments.

NCP (SP) state president Jayant Patil told PTI that his party's working president Supriya Sule, party MLA Jitendra Awhad or either of them will attend the celebration. He said MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar had called him to invite the NCP (SP) for the event.

On ground, Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS cadres were charged up for the event considering their top leaders will come together for the first time in two decades for such an event.

On June 29, amid a growing chorus against the introduction of the Hindi language in Maharashtra schools from Classes 1 to 5, the state cabinet withdrew two GRs (government orders) on the implementation of the three-language policy. On the same day, the Sena UBT and MNS leaders' had burnt copies of the GR and had planned a "mega" protest march on July 5.

Uddhav and Raj had then said the government blinked after witnessing the unity of Maharashtrians and did not want them to come together. Claiming victory, both decided to hold a victory celebration on the same day.

The BJP-led Mahayuti government had issued a GR on April 16, making Hindi a compulsory third language for students in Classes 1 to 5 studying in English and Marathi medium schools. Amid a backlash, the government issued an amended GR on June 17 making Hindi an optional language.

The move was criticised by the Opposition parties -- Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS, and NCP (SP)- which dubbed it the "imposition" of Hindi on Maharashtra.

Adjoining Thane city witnessed a wave of celebration and symbolic unity on Friday as MNS and Sena (UBT) workers jointly distributed sweets on the rally-eve.

To mark the occasion and celebrate the growing bonhomie between the two warring cousins, activists distributed 'laddoos' to citizens at major junctions in the city accompanied with traditional drum beats, music, and cheers.

Wearing party caps and waving flags, workers stationed themselves in front of large hoardings of the Thackeray cousins and handed out sweets to motorists and pedestrians alike.

In a parallel development, members of the Koli community came together in prayer, holding a special pooja at the Aai Ekvira Temple in Louiswadi, Thane. The event was a symbolic gesture to pray for unity between the Thackeray cousins.
The Madhya Pradesh high court has set aside a 25-year-old trial court's order in relation to Bhopal Nawab's properties dispute and remanded back to the trial court for deciding it afresh.

IMAGE: Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan with wife Kareena Kapoor Khan. Photograph: ANI Photo

The descendants of Bhopal's Nawab Hamidullah Khan, who passed away in 1960, along with the heirs of his elder brother, Obaidullah Khan, initiated legal proceedings in 1999 to seek division and inheritance of the Nawab's private properties according to Muslim Personal Law.

Speaking to ANI, an advocate for the respondent Harshit Bari, said, "The matter is related to a property dispute of the Bhopal Nawab's family, which has been overdue since 1960 after the death of Nawab Hamidullah Khan. When the property was handed over to Sajida Sultan, daughter of Hamidullah Khan, in the civil suit due to principle of primogeniture and the Royal Bhopal Act, it was said that because she is the only heir and ruler so being the successor, all the private properties should be given to her."

"It was wrong because after the implementation of the Constitution, the property division of 'riyasat' should be according to the Muslim Personal Law. With reference to the judgment of Rampur state case which was upheld by the Supreme Court, where the partition was equally distributed among all relatives, the MP high court mentioned it in its order that as the position of law has been changed, so now the partition should be made according to the Muslim Personal Law and remand back the matter to trial court, setting aside the decree of principle of primogeniture," Bari said.

In the order stated by the trial court 25 years ago, a decree was made according to the principle of primogeniture in which the successor of the ruler was entrusted with all private properties.

As Sajida Sultan was the successor and was the new ruler, all the private properties were allocated to her with the said decree. Now that decree has been set aside, he added.

"The order of June 30 stated that the matter has been remanded back to trial court and the trial court has been asked that the property should be partitioned according to Muslim Personal Law among all relatives and given a time of one year for the purpose," the advocate said.

He added that the matter is related to the family of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, his paternal grandmother Sajida Sultan's sisters and Obedullah Khan, elder brother of Nawab Hamidullah Khan.

According to the high court order copy, it observed, "The trial Court without considering the other aspects of the matter had dismissed the suits, that too relying upon the judgment which has already been overruled by the Supreme Court, the matters need to be remanded back to the trial Court for deciding it afresh because these are the suits for partition and if ultimately, the trial Court comes to the conclusion that suits have to be allowed then share of the parties can be determined only by the trial Court while passing the preliminary decree and that can be further finalised by the trial Court itself after carrying out the necessary formalities of partition."

"The impugned judgment and decree deserve to be and are hereby set aside. The matters are remanded back to the trial Court for deciding it afresh and if so required, the trial Court can allow the parties to lead further evidence in view of the subsequent development and changed legal position. It is made clear that since the suits were initially filed in the year 1999, therefore, the trial Court shall make all possible efforts to conclude and decide it expeditiously, preferably within a period of one year," it added.
Actor politician Vijay, founder-chief of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), will be its chief ministerial candidate for the 2026 Assembly election, the fledgeling party announced on Friday.

IMAGE: Actor and founder of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, Vijay. Photograph: ANI Photo

A special resolution was adopted at the party's executive committee meeting in this regard.

Also, it has proposed to hold a state conference on a large scale next month and public meetings in villages to disseminate the party's ideology.

Speaking on the occasion, Vijay said that his party would never form an alliance with either the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam or the Bharatiya Janata Party.

"The BJP wants to divide people on religious lines for cheap political gains. There will be no direct or indirect alliance with our policy opponents and divisive forces. I firmly state that we will not have any truck with either the DMK or the BJP," he said.

Also, he flayed the DMK government over the proposal for establishing a greenfield airport for Chennai at Parandur, and said the move would displace several thousands of families and severely affect agriculture in the neighbourhood.

Vijay criticised Chief Minister M K Stalin for not visiting the people of Parandur and said, "They are also our people. If you don't go and meet the people of Parandur area, then I am willing to bring them to meet you at the Secretariat."

The executive meeting authorised Vijay to decide on alliances and also resolved to undertake a membership campaign to enroll two crore members.

Vijay would undertake a statewide tour from September to December to meet voters and garner support for the party.

A resolution called upon the Centre to retrieve Katchatheevu islet from Sri Lanka, while another flayed the Union government for attempting to 'cover up' the findings at Keezhadi that established an urban civilisation over 2,000 years ago.

Another resolution condemned the BJP government at the Centre over the 'treatment' of farmers during their protest in New Delhi. It also urged the state government to give up the proposal to establish the SIPCOT industrial expansion project at Melma.

The TVK would take up the cause of the mango farmers in the state, said a resolution read out by the party president at the meeting held in Panayur.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said while there was nothing wrong in expecting people to speak Marathi in the state, it was unacceptable to resort to violence for its insistence and that one cannot be "obstinate" about it.

IMAGE: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis pays tribute to Shrimant Thorle Bajirao Peshwe during the unveiling ceremony of Bajirao Peshwe's statue, in Pune, July 4, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

He also warned of legal action against those taking the law into their hands over the issue.

The CM's remarks came in response to a recent incident in which Maharashtra Navnirman Sena workers assaulted a food stall owner in Thane district's Bhayandar for not speaking Marathi, and a businessman in Mumbai issuing a statement declaring he would not speak Marathi despite having lived in the city for many years.

"You can ask people to speak Marathi in Maharashtra, but you cannot be obstinate about Marathi," Fadnavis told reporters on the premises of the Vidhan Bhavan, the state legislature complex in Mumbai.

"Marathi people cannot have so much hatred against other languages," he added.

Cautioning against linguistic chauvinism, he said, "Even I am Marathi. There are (Marathi) people working in other states. If they get similar treatment (there), then it is not fair. Whoever takes the law into their hands will face legal action."

He criticised the selective outrage over languages, and said, "I sometimes wonder how these people embrace English, but create controversy over Hindi. What sort of thought process is this?"

Calling for constructive promotion of the language, Fadnavis said, "If you are truly proud of Marathi, then speak Marathi. Encourage others to speak Marathi. Start classes to teach Marathi. Why do you send your children to schools where Marathi is taught as the third language? Send them to Marathi medium schools."

According to him, the police have taken action against MNS workers who manhandled a businessman in Thane who could not speak in Marathi.

Speaking about the withdrawal of two government resolutions linked to the implementation of the three-language policy amid a growing chorus against the introduction of the Hindi language in Maharashtra schools from classes 1 to 5, Fadnavis said the opposition was being opportunistic.

"The two parties seem very happy with the cancellation, but people are aware that when Uddhav Thackeray was the chief minister, it was his government that accepted the NEP, formed a committee and implemented the same decisions," he said.

"We have now formed a committee that will look into all the aspects. Whatever is good for our students, the committee will recommend, and we will implement it," he said.

On deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde raising "Jai Gujarat" slogan at an event attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Pune, Fadnavis defended his colleague.

"He was attending an event of the Gujarati community because he was invited there. His statement was in their context. It doesn't mean he loves Gujarat more than Maharashtra," the CM said.

He pointed out that such interpretations were short-sighted.

"A few years ago, Sharad Pawar had gone to Chikodi in Karnataka and raised the slogans of 'Jai Maharashtra, Jai Karnataka'. Does that mean he loves Karnataka more than Maharashtra?" Fadnavis asked.

"This kind of narrow view towards the Marathi language is not good. Marathi language and Marathi people have contributed immensely across fields. There were prominent Marathi personalities in our country's freedom movement as well," he added.

Speaking about the status of the proposed Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway, the CM said, "Most of the land-related issues have been resolved. Some farmers in Sangli have raised objections. We are considering a realignment in Kolhapur. The opposition to the project now is purely political.
Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane has taken exception to Maharashtra Navnirman Sena supporters allegedly beating up a 'Hindu man' for not speaking in Marathi, and asked if "those who wear skull caps" speak the language well.

IMAGE: BJP leader and Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane. Photograph: @NiteshNRane/X

He was reacting to a viral video showing workers of the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena thrashing a shop-keeper in Bhayandar area on the outskirts of the state capital for allegedly refusing to speak in Marathi.

"A Hindu man was beaten up....Why are poor Hindus being assaulted? If you have the courage, try going to Null Bazaar or Mohammad Ali Road and show your strength there," Rane said at the legislature complex on Thursday.

Null Bazaar or Mohammad Ali Road are predominantly Muslim localities in south Mumbai.

"Do those with beards and skull caps in Mohammad Ali Road (area) speak pure Marathi? Do Javed Akhtar or Aamir Khan speak Marathi? You do not have the courage to make them speak in Marathi, but you choose to assault poor Hindus instead," the minister further said.

The controversy over Hindi was an attempt to divide Hindus, Rane claimed.

"This is a conspiracy to turn the country into an Islamic state. Through love jihad, land jihad and other tactics, attempts are being made to reduce the number of Hindus in Mumbai. This violence is part of that strategy. Why do you not go to Malvani and assault people there? Do they speak in pure Marathi?" the BJP leader said.

The present government was elected by the Hindus and is rooted in Hindutva ideology, he said, adding, "If anyone dares to act in this manner, our government will also respond."

Elsewhere, Rane's cabinet colleague Pratap Sarnaik, a leader of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, also took a swipe at the MNS, saying it does not have a monopoly over Marathi.

"Does the MNS alone possess the right to fight for the Marathi language? If someone is taking law into their hands and targeting working-class individuals for political or financial gains, it will not be tolerated," Sarnaik said.

"We also take pride in being Marathi and in our Hindutva identity. We will not tolerate such incidents. Traders should not be threatened. I had asked the police to take action, and they have done so," he said.

The language issue came to the fore ahead of coming civic elections after the BJP-led government sought to introduce Hindi as a third language from Class 1 in state schools. The order triggered angry protests with allegations that Hindi was being imposed on students, and was eventually withdrawn.

While the video of the shopkeeper being assaulted in Bhayandar circulated on social media, another viral video showed two persons being made to apologise to a man in the presence of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Rajan Vichare for allegedly assaulting him, and one of them was slapped by the victim.

"Speak in Marathi since you have hit a Marathi person," a voice is heard telling one of the two men while he tries to say something to Vichare, a former MP from Thane.
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 86F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies. 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.
Exaba is set to launch a sovereign software-defined storage platform in October that will offer service providers a mini-cloud with the capability to provide an alternative to hyperscalers.

Headquartered in New Zealand, the vendor is helmed by co-founders Peter Boyle and Stuart Inglis, who also hold the roles of CEO and CTO, respectively. The pair took their experience from working in the storage industry to address what they saw was a gap in the market: offering object storage to the masses.

We thought a lot of the solutions out there were potentially focused on enterprise and there wasnt really a good solution out there for service providers that wanted to create their own cloud, Boyle said.

The solution from Exaba is an S3-compatible, object storage platform thats been built for backup, archive and long-term storage workloads.

Its deployable on off the shelf hardware paired with its own software and offers what the vendor refers to as a modern alternative to Amazon Web Services (AWS), Wasabi Technologies and traditional enterprise vendors such as VAST and Pure Storage

[Service providers are] doing most of the work and they see all of that revenue go out the side door towards the hyperscalers, Boyle said.

So, what it offers them is the ability to have their own mini-cloud that they are running instead of using the hyperscaler for their backup storage to run their own storage platform and compete really well  on price.

A key part of the offering, in Boyles view, is how it adheres to data sovereignty.
The European Commission and Kyiv have struck a preliminary deal that should allow more Ukrainian agricultural exports into the European Union.

The agreement represents a compromise between two trade regimes.

One of them is the total trade liberalization known as the Autonomous Trade Measures (ATMs), which Brussels granted Ukraine after Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. The other is the regular free-trade tariff system that came back into force on June 5 after the ATMs expired.

That regular tariff system -- part of the EU-Ukraine association agreement in place since 2016 -- hasn't been as lucrative for Ukraine as the temporary ATMs were.

Kyiv has argued that reverting fully to the association agreement could cost the country 3 billion ($3.4 billion) annually and potentially reduce its gross domestic product by 1 percent unless more preferential terms are offered.

The fine details of the preliminary deal stuck on June 30 between Kyiv and Brussels still need to be ironed out and not all numbers have been published yet, so it is hard to calculate how much better it is for the Ukrainian agricultural sector.

'Frontline' States

What is totally obvious, however, is that Brussels negotiated the new document with EU farmers in mind -- notably those in so-called frontline states near Ukraine, such as Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia.

Farmers in these countries at various times in 2023 and 2024 blocked the borders with Ukraine in protest, arguing that cheaper Ukrainian agricultural products were flooding local markets and creating unfair competition.

In response to the protests, the European Commission introduced safeguard measures to limit imports of certain products once they reached specific thresholds -- a brake that has been pulled numerous times recently.

Safeguard measures will also be part of the new agreement -- and, under the revised rules, individual EU member states can now raise concerns about national trade irregularities. The previous agreement required them to act as a regional group.

Another key demand from the frontline member states that the commission has also accepted is that Ukraine gradually align with relevant EU standards on sanitary measures, animal welfare, and the use of pesticides by 2028.

This requirement is linked to Ukraine's bid to join the European Union, as full compliance with EU rules is essential for membership.

The potential problem here is that Ukraine is unlikely to become a member that quickly and the costs of undergoing these changes will ultimately be borne by Ukrainian farmers. In this sense, their products risk becoming more expensive and possibly less attractive on global markets, which is a major source of income for the country.

The EU has pledged to help Ukrainian exporters reach their traditional markets outside Europe, aiming to allow Ukrainian agricultural goods to transit through its territory without ending up on sale locally. However, with no concrete commitments from Brussels so far, it's unclear how this will be achieved.

Concessions For Kyiv

So, what has Ukraine gained from this deal?

For some products that are a sensitive issue for EU farmers -- such as sugar, poultry, eggs, wheat, maize, and honey -- Kyiv has secured larger export quotas than those under the original association agreement. Notably, quotas for eggs, sugar, and honey have increased nearly fivefold, while those for key items like poultry and maize have almost doubled.

Although this doesn't amount to a complete free flow of goods, Ukraine will at least be able to export more to the EU market than it did in 2021. Additionally, Ukraine has secured full free trade on certain products, including mushrooms, grape juice, processed milk products, yogurts, and kefirs.

On the downside for Ukraine, quotas for most meat products -- including beef, pork, and lamb -- remain unchanged from the 2016 association agreement, reflecting another win for EU farmers wary of too much competition in this sector.

A final agreement, due to be presented to EU member states in the coming weeks, will need approval by a qualified majority -- meaning 55 percent of member states representing at least 65 percent of the total EU population. While most in Brussels believe this is achievable, farmers' lobby groups could still pressure some member states to push for a deal more favorable to EU agricultural producers.

Ukraine will be relieved that the association agreement measures currently in place look set to be lifted, but it is clear that these negotiations very much reflect a harder EU stance toward Kyiv.

Negotiations on this deal were put on the backburner during the Hungarian presidency of the Council of the European Union in the latter half of 2024 due to Budapest's reluctance to be seen as helping Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the Polish presidency during the first six months of this year also pushed the European Commission to pause negotiations until after Poland's presidential election on June 1. Both main candidates pledged to protect domestic farmers in their campaigns.
Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze told RFE/RL in an exclusive interview on July 4 that Russia can go on for a while in its war against Ukraine as it is cannibalizing all the civilian economy and prioritizing everything around the battlefield.

Her comments come after recent reports that the Russian economy is showing clear signs of slowing down, with manufacturing activity contracting.

It's suffering, it's very clearly suffering, Braze noted, but voiced pessimism that Russia was ready to agree a cease-fire.

Braze was speaking to RFE/RL during a visit to the Czech capital, Prague, hours after Russia again attacked Ukraine with more than 500 drones and 11 missiles.

The attack came after Washington said it would halt some weapon shipments to Kyiv due to worries that its own stockpiles were dwindling too quickly.

US President Donald Trump was due to discuss the matter with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskiy in a phone call later on July 4.

That conversation comes after Trump spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin on July 3  a call that Trump said left him "disappointed" as Putin apparently gave no indication he was willing to agree to a cease-fire.

Russia Shows No Progress Toward Peace

There is always potential for peace, but indications within Russia are such that there is no serious movement towards peace," Braze said.

"And as there is no movement towards peace by leaders of Russia or by elements in the system, what is needed is further pressure.

While Russia remains bogged down in Ukraine, European politicians have said that Moscow wont stop if it is successful there and could be ready to attack a NATO country within the next five years.

Latvia or the other Baltic republics are often cited as being potential targets.

Braze noted that for now we don't have direct military threats against any of NATO's member states," but added at the same time, obviously, Russia is a threat to NATO's allies' security.

No Belarus Sanctions Policy Shift Expected

While the situation looks bleak with Russia, another of Latvias neighbors, Belarus, recently took some steps that could indicate a change of political course.

In June, a number of political prisoners were released, including Syarhei Tsikhanouski, who was detained in May 2020 while attempting to run for president against authoritarian leader Aleksandr Lukashenko.

The move came after US envoy Keith Kellogg visited Minsk and there have been suggestions that Western countries might reduce sanctions on Belarus.

Braze dismissed the idea.

We expect the Belarusian regime to release more than 1,000 prisoners that are still there. And that's (just) political prisoners, there are also others imprisoned," she said.

"So, we don't see a big change yet in the policy of the regime. Quite clearly, Belarus is enabling Russia's war in Ukraine. Russian troops are marching through. Russia has fully integrated Belarus into its ZAPAD (military) exercise preparations.

Braze also dismissed the possibility of allowing EU-sanctioned Belarusian fertilizers, one of the countrys big exports, to once again be transported via Latvia, amid media speculation that this was one of Kellogs promises to Minsk in exchange for the prisoner releases.

There has been no ask from the US about it," she said.

"We don't know where that disinformation comes from but nothing like that has happened and there is a whole spectrum of sanctions on Belarusian fertilizers and potash...So, everything stays as it is.
The Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze told RFE/RL in an exclusive interview on July 4 that Russian can go on for a while in its war against Ukraine as it is cannibalizing all the civilian economy and prioritizing everything around the battlefield.
13 The aftermath of the 1981 blast at RFE/RLs Munich headquarters.



Patrick Moore was a senior analyst at RFE/RL and arrived at the scene of the blast soon after it took place. The smell of destruction was everywhere, he recalled in an email. He says many RFE/RL staff had suspected such an attack on the then loosely guarded building was likely. This was the Cold War, and we were on the front line, he says.
At the Georgian-Russian border, many Ukrainians deported by Russian authorities are stuck in harsh conditions. Even those with valid documents face obstacles, as rising deportations and upcoming changes to Georgian migration laws complicate their return home. Most of them are former inmates of prisons in Ukrainian territory forcibly seized by Moscow who are now being deported via Georgia.
A windowless basement space at a remote border crossing in Georgia has become the cramped home for Ukrainians who have been held by Russia, in some cases for years, and who are now being deporting.

Russia is kicking the Ukrainians out after forcibly removing most of them from territory its forces occupied as they advanced following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Many are convicts or suspects who were in Ukrainian jails and prisons when Russian troops seized swaths of land in southern and eastern Ukraine.

Once they are brought to whats known as the buffer zone at the Kazbegi border crossing, most of them go no further, stranded while the wheels of bureaucracy turn. Ukraine must confirm their identity, check their citizenship, and issue new ID documents when necessary.

Recently, there have been as many as 56 people staying in the crowded space at a time, with new arrivals being sent in by Russia almost daily and others trickling out after waiting for two or more weeks. Others wait as long as 3 1/2 months, according to Volunteers Tbilisi, an aid group that helps Ukrainian refugees in Georgia.

While they stay, they live in horrible conditions, one inmate said in a video clip, panning around the room with a camera.

There are no tables; everythings made of spare parts, he said. The toilet is awful. There are only 19 beds for 50 people, and they keep bringing people in without stopping.

Volunteers help out with food, thank God, the man shooting the video said. Otherwise, its totally bare -- the police bring nothing -- no food or water.

Some of the people sent to the buffer zone facility have been diagnosed with HIV or tuberculosis, and their supplies of medicine have run low in some cases, Volunteers Tbilisi director Maria Belkina told RFE/RL. In acute situations, inmates have been taken to the hospital in Georgia.

In addition to former inmates in Ukrainian jails and prisons, some of the Ukrainians being sent across the border at Kazbegi were convicted in Russia in 2014-15, the first years of the Moscow-fomented war in the Donbas -- the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of eastern Ukraine, according to Belkina.

When Belkina spoke to Current Time in late June, she said that 18 of the Ukrainians at the holding facility had not been convicted of any crime by Ukraine or Russia.

According to Belkina, the Ukrainian authorities do their best to complete the processes needed to get people out of the facility. But while Georgian authorities previously allowed the Ukrainians to stay in Georgia if they wanted to, they are now escorted to the airport and deported.

She also said that Georgia sometimes does not allow Ukrainians to leave the facility even if their documents are in order, and that this may be a reaction to the increasing numbers of Ukrainians being sent there by Russia. That, in turn, may be an effort by Russia to move the Ukrainians out before tighter Georgian immigration legislation takes effect this autumn.

We think this is very careful preparation [by Russia] for what will happen in Septemberwhen Georgian migration policy changes, she said, adding: I suspect this is an effort to remove as many people as possible in advance of the stricter rules, which she said would enable Georgia to refuse people entry without explanation.

Adapted by Steve Gutterman from the original Current Time report by Zviad Mchedlishvili
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has praised what he called a "very important and useful conversation" with his US counterpart Donald Trump in a phone call on July 4 that came hours after a massive Russian attack on Kyiv.

The call was also highly anticipated as it followed what Trump said was a disappointing call he had with Russian President Vladimir Putin the previous day.

But it was not immediately clear what, if any, concrete results the Trump-Zelenskyy talks produced. There was no immediate comment from Washington.

Zelenskyy indicated that the two leaders had discussed air defense, a key concern in Kyiv following the decision by Washington this week to halt some military aid to Ukraine.

This includes Patriot air defense missiles according to US media reports.

"We discussed the possibilities of air defense and agreed that we will work on increasing the protection of the sky," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram.

"We agreed on a corresponding meeting of our teams," he added.

539 Drones Strike Ukraine

The issue of air defense was given added impetus by Russia's massive overnight attacks on Ukraine.

Kyiv bore the brunt of the attack, which Ukrainian authorities said was the biggest yet of the war with 539 drones and 11 missiles.

The State Emergency Service of Ukraine reported that one person was killed in Kyiv. Rescuers recovered the victim's body from the rubble of a destroyed building.

More than 20 people were injured in the strikes, which hit civilian targets including a medical facility in the Ukrainian capital.

RFE/RL Ukrainian Service correspondent Oleh Haliv visited a 5-story apartment building with shattered windows and an impact hole in a wall.

"Everyone had gone down to the shelter...We saw through the window that everything was already on fire and exploding, so we (also) went down," a resident, Rina, said.

"Literally 10 minutes later, one hit this very building. We heard a huge explosion," she added.

Russian authorities said one woman was killed in the Rostov region amid a Ukrainian drone strike. They said Ukraine also injured one person and damaged power infrastructure near Moscow.

Trump Very Disappointed With Talk With Putin

The attacks on Kyiv underlined the message that Putin put to Trump in a roughly 1-hour phone call on July 3 that Moscow would not give up its aims in Ukraine.

"I'm very disappointed with the conversation I had today with President Putin, because I don't think he's there, and I'm very disappointed," Trump said.

"I'm just saying I don't think he's looking to stop, and that's too bad."

Political analyst Alexandra Filippenko told Current Time: "This is probably the first time were hearing such an admission from Donald Trump, because usually its bravado, usually its a story about how everything went wonderfully."

Zelenskyy said that his July 4 talks with Trump also covered "the capabilities of the defense industry," and "the possibilities of joint production."

He did not provide details of this.

Another Prisoner Exchange

Earlier on July 4, Russia and Ukraine exchanged prisoners as part of an ongoing agreement that has seen busloads of prisoners-of-war cross the border both ways.

Zelenskyy posted images on Telegram showing returned soldiers wrapped in Ukrainian flags.

"Today, our defenders who defended Ukraine in different regions are returning," he wrote, above a video showing emotional scenes as returnees emerged from a bus.

Russia's Defense Ministry said its returned soldiers were currently in Belarus, where they would receive medical and psychological support.

It was not immediately clear how many people were involved in the exchange.
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/RLs 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 theyve got over there, well 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. Its like hunting now, said one soldier.

Despite exhaustion, the artillery crews remain determined.

Well hold it, one soldier said. Weve 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.
As several months of US-led diplomacy have failed to broker a cease-fire between Russia and Ukraine, the Kremlin has used the time to massively ramp up aerial attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities.

Russia almost doubled its monthly totals of missiles and drones fired at Ukraine between December 2024 and May 2025, according to figures compiled by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project, or ACLED.

The numbers increased every month going from 1,269 in December to 2,436 in May.

The US-based ACLED recorded 2,110 strikes between June 1 and June 27, but this does not include air strikes last weekend which Kyiv said were the largest of the war so far.

Official figures provided by the Ukrainian Air Force put the numbers even higher. It said Russia fired a record 5,438 drones in June.

A 16-Fold Increase In Drone Attacks

This is a roughly 25 percent increase compared with May 2024, and a 16-fold increase compared with June 2024. The figures also show missile attacks almost doubling in the same period.

Russias ongoing aerial assault has caused hundreds of deaths every month, including many civilian casualties.

One of the factors behind the increasing scale of attacks is that Russia has steeply increased drone production. The Ukrainian government estimates that Russia is now able to manufacture some 5,000 drones per month.

This includes modernized versions of Iranian Shahed drones which are better at evading Ukrainian defenses.

[Russian drones] now use a more powerful warhead. We see that they have changed the design and some electronics because of the different warhead, Oleksandr Vysikan of the Kyiv Research Institute of Forensic Examinations said.

More Attacks Are Getting Through Air Defense

As the number of Russian drones and missiles launched has increased, Ukraines interception rate has dropped.

It fell from 95 percent in June 2024 to 79 percent in June of this year for drones and from 74 percent to 50 percent for missiles, according to figures published by Ukraines Air Force, which is responsible for air defense.

Large drone swarms, including decoy drones without warheads, also help to overwhelm Ukrainian defensive capacity.

Ukrainian military analyst Vladyslav Seleznyov told RFE/RLs Russian Service that air defense in Kyiv has been unable to cope with attacks involving 300 or more drones.

Seleznyov said that Ukraines best form of defense may be attack, citing recent Ukrainian drone strikes on targets deep within Russia.

In my view, attacks on Russias military-industrial complex can have the biggest effect, he said.

This is showing good results. But these strikes need to be stepped up, added Seleznyov, who was formerly a spokesman for the Ukrainian military.

A Bad Time For Washington To Halt Patriot Supplies

Concerns about the upward trend in attacks have been exacerbated by Washington announcing it was halting some arms supplies to Kyiv.

This includes Patriot air defense missiles, according to US media reports.

The Trump administration said a Pentagon review of US military support to other countries around the world had determined that US stockpiles of certain weapons had declined too much.

A decision was made to put Americas interests first following the Defense Department's review, said White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly in a statement.

Zelenskyy said he raised this issue in a July 4 phone call with Trump.

We discussed the possibilities of air defense and agreed that we will work on increasing the protection of the sky, he wrote on Telegram.

We agreed on a corresponding meeting of our teams, he added.

There was no immediate comment from Washington.

The previous day, Zelenskyy announced a deal to jointly produce drones, including interceptors, with a US company.

Several European nations have also supplied air defense systems, including the German IRIS-T and Gepard weapons.

Much of Ukraines defense against drones is based not on sophisticated anti-aircraft missile systems, but on soldiers using machine guns mounted on their vehicles.

Their guns are able to hit targets at a range of about 2,500 meters, while the Russian drones now often fly at 3,000 meters or more.

Another element of Ukraines air defense is its fighter aircraft. Ukraine is believed to have around 85 US-made F-16 jets as well as Soviet-made Sukhoi jets.

During the mass attack on June 29, the Ukrainian Air Force said US-made F-16 jets shot down dozens of incoming targets.

One pilot, Maksym Ustymenko, reportedly shot down seven targets before his jet was damaged. Ustymenko was killed when the jet crashed as he did not have time to eject.
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 Americas 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.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine is now working with the United States to clarify the details of further US military aid to his country.

Ukraine and the United States are working out the details of supplies of defensive aid, including air defense, Zelenskyy said. One way or another, we must ensure the protection of our people.

Kellys 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 wont be sent.

In a Telegram post, Andriy Yermak, the Ukrainian president's chief of staff, urged Ukrainians not to react to loud headlines, adding that only official information matters.

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.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on July 2 that "the less weaponry that is supplied to Ukraine, the sooner the special military operation will come to an end.

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 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.

At least one member of Congress, Representative Adam Smith (Democrat-Washington), said cutting off promised support to Ukraine harms US national security and only benefits Russian President Vladimir Putin.

This decision clearly appears to be part of an effort to reward Putin, even as Ukraine has agreed with every US demand and peace proposal thus far. It calls into question exactly who the President supports in this war," Smith said in a statement.

Mark Cancian, a military expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, said some officials at the Pentagon, including Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby, want to build up inventory of Patriot missiles as a hedge against China.

This is a strategic decision. Colby strongly believes the US should focus on China and reduce emphasis on Europe, including Ukraine, and the Middle East, Cancian said.

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 nations interests, he said.

With reporting by AP and Politico
Eoin Reynolds

The six men caught on board the bulk carrier MV Matthew with 2.2 tonnes of cocaine and two others who attempted to take the illicit load on board a second vessel in the Irish Sea have been jailed for a combined 129 years.

Passing sentence at the Special Criminal Court on Friday, Ms Justice Melanie Greally described the ship's experienced and highly expert crew as "valuable components of the engine that drives international drug smuggling".

The defendants, who hail from Iran, Ukraine, Philippines and the UK, were "committed to and invested in" the criminal enterprise on behalf of an organised crime group with "apparently unlimited resources", the judge said.

Having set headline sentences ranging from 30 years to 22 years, the three-judge court reduced each sentence after considering mitigating factors.

The longest sentence imposed was against Dutch national Cumali Ozgen (50), who received a 20-year sentence.

Ms Justice Greally said Ozgen had the closest connection to the Dubai-based criminal organisation that planned and funded the operation and that stood to gain from its success.

Ozgen, along with Ukrainians Mykhailo Gavryk (32) and Vitaliy Vlasoi (33); Iranians Soheil Jelveh (52) and Saeid Hassani (39) and Filipino Harold Estoesta (31); previously pleaded guilty that between September 24th and 26th 2023, both dates inclusive, at locations outside the State, on board the vessel "MV Matthew" they possessed cocaine for sale or supply contravention of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations.

The drugs have been valued at 157 million.

Ukrainian national Vitaliy Lapa (62), with an address at Rudenka, Repina Str in Berdyansk, and Jamie Harbron (31) of South Avenue, Billingham in the UK pleaded guilty that on dates between September 21st and 25th 2023, at a location within the State, they attempted to possess cocaine for the purpose of selling or otherwise supplying to another.

Ms Justice Greally on Friday sentenced Ozgen to 20 years in prison; Estoesta to 18 years; Jelveh to 17.5 years; Vlasoi to 16.5 years; Hassani to 15 years; Gavryk to 14 years; Lapa to 14.5 years and Harbron to 13.5 years.

The court previously heard that while the MV Matthew was sailing under the flag of Panama, it was owned by a Dubai-based company known as 'Symphony Marine'. It departed from Curacao, off the Venezuelan coast before being loaded with 2.2 tonnes of cocaine.

The court also heard that an organised crime group in Dubai instructed the crew of the MV Matthew as it attempted to evade law enforcement and deliver the drugs to an Irish vessel.

Despite repeated warnings from the Irish Navy, including warning shots fired from the LE William Butler Yeats, the person overseeing the operation told the crew to keep going and head for a safe port in Sierra Leone.

The original plan was that the MV Matthew would deliver the drugs to a second ship, the Castlemore, but rough seas and technical difficulties caused the Irish vessel to miss the connection and later to run aground.

As the MV Matthew tried to evade capture, members of the Irish Army Rangers were lowered by rope ladder from a helicopter onto the ship's deck.

The crew had tried to set the drugs on fire but the rangers acted quickly to quench the flames and save the drugs as evidence. One of the rangers, a former member of the Navy, steered the vessel to Cork Harbour.

In sentencing, Ms Justice Greally said a significant aggravating factor was that the operation was on behalf of a criminal organisation with international reach and "apparently unlimited resources to invest in transnational drug-trafficking".

She said each defendant's culpability was based on the "vast quantity" and value of the drugs, the meticulous planning of the operation and the group's technical sophistication.

Cocaine is a "highly addictive drug which is causing widespread societal harm and dysfunction," she said.

While none of the convicted men belong to the "upper echelons" of the criminal organisation and they did not own the drugs or stand to profit from their sale, Ms Justice Greally said they played an important role in the operation.

Apart from Ozgen and Harbron, they possessed a "high level of seafaring and navigational expertise," which is vital to such operations, she said. "Seafarers are not cogs but valuable components of the engine that drives international drug smuggling," she said.

Each had proven competence at sea and obtained a high level of trust in the organisation. They were "committed to and invested in the success of the venture," she said.

Ms Justice Greally noted that Ozgen and the officers on board the MV Matthew had given varying accounts of when and how they came to know of the illicit nature of the ship's cargo.

However, Ms Justice Greally said a failure to understand the purpose of the voyage would require a level of "wilful ignorance" that is "tantamount to knowledge".

She pointed out that the MV Matthew is a large bulk carrier which left Venezuela for Gdansk in Poland with no cargo. While at sea, the ordinary seamen were plied with alcohol before armed men on board a second vessel lifted the drugs onto the MV Matthew by crane.

She said there was also evidence from a group chat being used by the officers that each of them knew that the MV Matthew was using "spoofing" software to misrepresent its location as it crossed the Atlantic.

Ozgen, the judge said, was the crew member most closely connected to the criminal organisation in Dubai and was to be paid a significant sum for his role.

He had specific knowledge of the drugs and was on board to ensure the job was successful, the judge said. He provided progress reports to Dubai every couple of days and occupied the captain's cabin so he could supervise and monitor what the other officers were doing.

"The evidence supports that he was a malign and intimidatory presence on the ship," she said.

Hassani and Lapa, she said, were in debt and were motivated by the financial pressure they were under and their family circumstances. Harbron, a drug addict, was primarily looking to reduce his drug debt, the judge said.

Jelveh, who was the captain of the vessel, contacted the Irish Coast Guard after two failed rendezvous with the Castlemore and asked to be airlifted away for medical reasons.

He therefore left the MV Matthew before the operation's failure was certain, Judge Greally said, and had no role in later attempts by the crew to defy the orders of the Irish Navy and customs officers or to prevent the Irish Army Rangers from making their landing.

Estoesta, the judge said, demonstrated a level of commitment to the criminal organisation that was "unmatched by any other officer". When presented with a choice between obeying the Irish authorities or the criminal organisation, he chose to try to evade justice and escape Irish waters, hoping to get to Sierra Leone in west Africa.

When a helicopter attempted to lower the rangers to the ship by rope ladder, Vlasoi was steering the ship. Ms Justice Greally said Vlasoi manoeuvred the ship to frustrate their landing, exposing them to danger and creating a further aggravating factor.

Ms Justice Greally set headline sentences for each accused, ranging from 30 years for Ozgen, the most culpable, to 22 years for Harbron who was deemed least culpable.

Before finalising the sentence, Ms Justice Greally said the court took into account that each defendant pleaded guilty and that all, except Harbron, have no previous convictions.

She further considered their family situations and the difficulties they will face in a foreign prison, far away from home. Within the prison system, each defendant has enhanced status for good behaviour.

Ms Justice Greally backdated each sentence to when they went into custody following their arrests in September 2023.

Ms Justice Greally concluded by saying that she had observed the "professionalism and competence" of the joint task force involving gardai, customs and revenue officers, the navy and the Irish army.

They had succeeded in preventing the ship from escaping Irish waters and from evading justice. The skill of the army rangers, she said, was critical to the operation's success.

She further commended the investigation team and lawyers for the clarity of the evidence presented in court which, she said, "without doubt led to the guilty pleas being entered".

Outside court, Detective Superintendent Joe O'Reilly said this remains the largest seizure of controlled drugs in the history of the State.

He added: "The sentences imposed today provide a clear message to persons involved in international drug trafficking that Ireland is not a soft target for transnational organised criminal networks.

"This and other drugs interdictions over recent years clearly demonstrate that all agencies of the State, supported by our international partners, will work together to successfully disrupt and dismantle criminal networks engaged in drug trafficking, thereby reducing harm to our communities.

"To those involved in drug trafficking, the message is clear: The full force of the Irish State, supported by our international partners, is against you. The reality facing you is security interdictions, special investigations, the Special Criminal Court, lengthy sentences and asset seizure.

"Transnational organised crime gangs cause misery to communities not only in Ireland but throughout the world. Tackling these gangs not only makes Ireland safer but all the other countries that they operate in."
A federal judge has ruled that a lawsuit against the Sweet Home Fire & Ambulance District may proceed, but only on two of nine claims.

Former Sweet Home Fire paramedic Zachary Lincoln filed a $7.3 million district court lawsuit in April 2024. The filing specifically names defendants Fire Chief Nick Tyler, former Fire Chief Chris Barringer and Timothy Doney, a former police chief who was hired to investigate Lincoln.

Lincoln, now working in Brownsville, alleged violations of free speech and whistleblower protection, violation of due process rights, unreasonable search and seizure, failure to prevent harassment, blacklisting, tampering with public records, failure to reinstate an injured worker, preventing civil service hearings and work schedule violations.

I am glad that it is moving forward and getting closer to being able to allow a jury to decide the outcome of the case, Lincoln said via email. For me this is not about money, this is about right and wrong. Thats the reason I have refused multiple settlement offers.

Supervisor Tyler asked Lincoln to resign, the latter said, during a yearlong investigation, but he wouldnt resign even for a $500,000 payout because resigning under investigation is an admission of guilt.

Now, Lincoln is hopeful for some accountability, so history does not repeat itself with another employee. But so far, the fire districts board of directors has not acted on multiple requests for an investigation of Tyler.

It doesn't even cost the taxpayer a dime to have the district's insurance come out and investigate, but they still refused, Lincoln said.

Tyler declined to discuss the allegations, citing district policy against commenting on pending litigation.

Tracked by app

Judge Mustafa Kasubhai ruled in May that Lincolns lawsuit could advance on two allegations: unreasonable search and seizure and preventing civil service hearings.

The unreasonable search and seizure claim pertains to an allegation that former fire Chief Barringer violated Lincons Fourth Amendment rights by using an emergency responder application on Lincolns cellphone to track his location for a nonemergency.

But the story begins with a 2012 incident in which coworkers played a prank on Lincoln, leaving him with great anxiety and later led to a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder, according to his lawsuit. He claims a lack of accommodation for his condition ultimately led to his being on administrative leave and then terminated.

After being accidentally stuck with a needle, Lincoln needed an HIV test. Two coworkers and a hospital employee conspired to change the HIV test result from negative to positive, leaving it by his bunk while he was sleeping. The coworkers were later disciplined, and a hospital employee was fired over the prank, he said.

Years later, when his shift was changed in 2021, Lincoln told his supervisor the new schedule was giving him clinical anxiety. The night before a shift, he shared the problem with his friend, Halsey-Shedd Fire District Chief Travis Hewitt, who recommended he take a sick day and spend some time with him so that he wasnt alone.

While he was there, someone at Sweet Home Fire sent out an alert to everyones phone that there was an emergency. Barringer allegedly used that page to access Lincolns GPS location via his phone. Lincoln was then placed on administrative leave.

Denied hearings

The second claim the judge allowed to move forward stems from allegations that Lincoln was blocked from receiving civil service hearings required under state law, and that Tyler improperly enacted rules that violated the charter ordinance or regulation of the civil service commission, as required by state law.

Lincoln alleges a set of civil service rules was quickly and unlawfully created to block a public hearing he requested after he was deprived of certain privileges, including his removal from the Oregon State Fire Marshal Incident Management Team. As a member, he had responded to wildland fires for eight years.

Plaintiff alleges that his employment was protected by the rules of the civil service commission and that defendants alleged failure to adequately respond to his written demand for an investigation and hearing violated his legal rights, Kasubhai wrote in his opinion. Plaintiff adequately alleges that defendants caused a legally cognizable injury.

Kasubhai ordered the remaining claims dismissed with prejudice, which cleared Doney from the lawsuit as well.

Leading up to the lawsuit

Prior to lodging the suit, Lincoln filed workplace complaints, brought allegations against the fire district to public meetings and built a website to speak out against the discrimination he alleges happened to him.

An investigation conducted by the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries, the agency that reviews workplace grievances, substantiated some of Lincolns claims against the district, including that it discriminated against him based on his disability and did not engage in meaningful interactive processes to identify accommodations, among other findings.

In response to complaints filed a year before, a BOLI notice from January determined there was substantial evidence that Sweet Home Fire engaged in unlawful employment practices based on Lincolns complaint, including subjection to different terms, conditions or privileges of employment; retaliation; and termination of employment in violation of state law.

The notice also cited a finding of unlawful employment practices based on Lincolns whistleblowing activities, again in violation of state law.

However, BOLI did not find substantial evidence of violations involving Lincolns use of the workers' compensation system or the Oregon Family Leave Act, which was included among his complaints.

Another state agency has also weighed in. Lincoln provided a copy of a stipulated final order from the Oregon Government Ethics Commission issued in February, in which the agency found Sweet Home Fire & Ambulance Board of Directors President Dawn Mitchell violated the state's public meetings law with a closed-door session in April 2024 to discuss Lincolns unfair labor practice complaints.

The Ethics Commission said the complaints to the Employment Relations board did not constitute current litigation or litigation likely to be filed, which would allow the fire district board to hold an executive session that is closed to the public.

The commission also found that the meeting notice for that session did not include an agenda or list of principal subjects, another violation of public meetings law.

Mitchell has indicated that she wishes to conclude this matter by agreeing to the terms and conditions in this stipulated final order without completing the investigative phase, the order states. Mitchell will receive a letter of education in lieu of a civil penalty in order to settle and compromise this matter.

Lincoln is representing himself in the federal lawsuit. He acknowledges the challenges of self-representation and the potential impact on his fire service career, whether the lawsuit goes his way or not, but he wants accountability for what he experienced.

Between the high cost, his struggle to find an attorney or firm specializing in the various fields his lawsuit touches upon and having time on his hands, Lincoln said he decided to go it alone.
Druid, one of Irelands leading theatre companies co-founded by Ballaghadereem native Garry Hynes, is marking its 50th anniversary this year with a series of special events.

Led by Artistic Director Garry Hynes, actor Marie Mullen and the late actor Mick Lally, Druid Theatre Company started in Galway in the summer of 1975, becoming Irelands first professional theatre company outside Dublin. Its first performance was staged on July 3rd of that year.

The three founders originally met through the drama society of U.C.G. where they studied. Hynes late brother Jerome was Druid general manager during its fledgling years.

Over the last five decades, the Galway theatre company has become an acclaimed touring theatre company criss-crossing the country to bring world-class theatre to audiences in their own communities. In February this year, it staged Three Short Comedies by Sean OCasey at Roscommon Arts Centre.

The company hit the global headlines in the late 1990s when it won several Tony Awards for its production of Martin McDonaghs The Beauty Queen of Leenane.

Hynes won a Tony Award for Best Direction, the first woman to receive the award.

She is a recipient of many other theatre awards and has received honorary Doctorates from the University of Dublin and The National University of Ireland, Galway. She was awarded the Freedom of the City of Galway in 2006.

Final rehearsals have got under way for the first part of the companys anniversary programme of events, a Galway Arts Festival double bill this month, featuring Riders to the Sea by JM Synge and Shakespeares Macbeth at the Mick Lally Theatre in Galway city.

The 50th anniversary year celebrations also include two books charting the history of the company and a University of Galway symposium Druid Theatre: Performance, Place, People taking place between October 31st and November 2nd.
HSE West and North West has lodged a planning application with Galway County Council for an extension of the emergency department

at Portiuncula University Hospital.

The development will consist of a new 310m single story extension to the existing emergency department, helping to create a more comfortable environment for patients and staff. It is estimated the investment in Portiuncula University Hospital through this development will be in the region of 12 million. This project is part of an overall programme for the development of healthcare infrastructure in Galway.

The extension will provide nine new patient cubicles, including gynaecology treatment room and associated staff and clinical support facilities. The extension will link into the existing building by way of a new accessible reception, leading to a newly formed dedicated Paediatric waiting area and toilet facilities. This will improve segregation of paediatrics in the department.

At the existing lower ground floor level, a new public entrance lobby with security room will be formed adjacent to a reconfigured ambulance drop-off and set-down area.

The existing emergency department will undergo a series of phased internal refurbishment works to provide additional patient treatment cubicles, a reconfigured storage and staff support facilities and modernised staff changing facilities.

The works will include a reconfiguration of the existing internal campus 2-way traffic flow to become a 1-way traffic flow in the vicinity of the Emergency Department extension, formation of a new accessible set-down area, reconfigured ambulance drop-off areas and works to form a new pedestrian crossing and improve accessibility and safety around the immediate site.

James Keane, General Manager Portiuncula University Hospital welcomed this next phase in the development: This is a major development for the provision of healthcare for the people of East Galway, Westmeath, North Tipperary, Roscommon and Offaly. The extension to the Emergency Department will help to ensure the continued improvement in the delivery of this vital service. It is projected that it will accommodate 9 additional treatment bays for patients, will improve the overall layout of the department and provided better access for all age groups using the service at the Emergency Department.

If the planning application is successful the next steps will be to proceed to tender and appointment of a contractor for the construction of the building.
Claire Henry

A woman who forcefully pushed her partner, which resulted in his death, has been sentenced to two years and nine months in prison.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Olesja Hertova (49) of Hastings Lawn, Balbriggan, Dublin, pleaded guilty to one count of the unlawful killing of James Ryan on August 11th 2024, at the above address.

She has no previous convictions.

Passing sentence on Friday, Judge Martin Nolan said that on the night in question, Hertova lost her temper with Mr Ryan and pushed him forcefully.

I have no doubt that she did not intend to kill him, he said.

CCTV footage shown in court showed that Hertova forcefully pushed her partner, and he struck his head. The judge noted, It is tragic for his children and extended family.

Judge Nolan said Mr Ryan seems to have been a very popular and vital to his family. He said that his death has caused huge trauma and expressed the court's sympathies to them.

Judge Nolan said the mitigation in the case was very clear. He noted Hertova entered a guilty plea and co-operated with gardai. He noted that she has no previous convictions, and, due to her previous good character, he said he does not believe she will reoffend in the future.

Judge Nolan set a headline sentence of five years and, after taking the mitigating factors into consideration, reduced this sentence to two years and nine months. He backdated to when she went into custody in August 2024.

Detective Garda Eoin McDonald told Fiona McGowan BL, prosecuting, that Hertova and Mr Ryan had been in a relationship for sixteen years and had a 15-year-old daughter together.

On the day in question, Mr. Ryan had purchased a half-bottle of vodka for Hertova to have at a barbecue at their house. Once she had consumed the bottle of vodka, she went to the shop and purchased more alcohol.

After the barbecue, Mr Ryan went to a local pub and at 1am was seen entering a takeaway. He then took a taxi home, arriving at 1.30am.

The court heard that when Mr Ryan arrived home, both he and Hertova began to argue, and Mr Ryan walked out the front door of his home and unlocked a car in the driveway. Hertova followed him out and told him not to drive. She then pushed Mr Ryan, and he fell to the ground.

The court heard Hertova went to walk back into the house, but then turned and went over to Mr Ryan and fixed his glasses. Their daughter came out of the house, neighbours also came over, and an ambulance was called. At first, Mr Ryan was unconscious, and there was blood coming from his ear. When he regained consciousness, he was unable to stand up.

An ambulance transferred Mr Ryan to Beaumont Hospital, where a brain CT showed bruising to his frontal lobe along with a haemorrhage. Mr Ryan's level of consciousness dropped and his pupils began to dilate, but before medical staff could reduce this pressure, his condition deteriorated, and he was referred to palliative care. Mr Ryan passed away the following day on August 11th.

Gda McDonald said a post-mortem examination was carried out, and the cause of death was a blunt-force head injury due to a fall. It was also noted that he had COPD and Parkinson's disease, but these did not contribute to his death.

The court heard that neighbours of Mr Ryan looked at CCTV footage from their home and, upon doing this, gave the footage to the gardai. The home of Mr Ryan and Hertova was searched.

On August 27th, 2024, the house was searched again, and Hertova was arrested, detained and interviewed. During interview, Hertova said that she was trying to pull Mr Ryan away from the car so he would not drive it. She expressed remorse during her interview.

When the CCTV footage was played in court, Hertova became visibly upset, as did members of Mr Ryan's family. Mr Ryan was 69 years old at the time of his death and had been in a relationship with Hertova since 2006. He was previously married, and a number of his children from that marriage were present in court.

Gda McDonald agreed with Bernard Condon SC, defending, that the CCTV footage showed Hertova coming back out of the house and staying with Mr Ryan to comfort him until the emergency services arrived.

The garda agreed with counsel that in a witness statement, Hertova was kissing Mr Ryan and that both Mr Ryan and Hertova were laughing together.

Ms Karen Ryan, who is Mr Ryan's adult daughter, read victim impact statements on behalf of herself and Mr Ryans siblings. She said: My dad was known and described as a gentleman. Nothing could prepare me for the destruction his death caused. I dont know how to exist without him.

She said that since her father's death, she worries daily about her younger sister.

No one sees the ripple effect when someone is violently taken from your home, she said. I have not had time to deal with my own grief.

Referring to Hertova, Ms Ryan said, She didnt just kill him, she tried to hide it. This person knew exactly what she did; she tried to hide it.

She watched our pain and stayed silent. The cruelty is hard to put into words, and it will haunt me for the rest of my life.

This trauma has affected my personal and professional life, and sometimes it is hard to get out of bed. My children are the reason I keep going.

"The loss has changed our lives in a way we can never fully express.

Ms Ryan also read a victim impact statement on behalf of Mr Ryans sisters, Una and Jackie, who described their brother as the cornerstone of our family and cherished by all who knew him.

This has left a scar on our family. It is such an immense loss, our family will never be the same again. We will never hear his laughter or see his cheeky smile. She has stolen our brother away.

Mr Ryans daughter, Lynn, read her victim impact statement to the court, saying: The wound inflicted on my family will never truly heal.

She [Hertova] extinguished the light of our family. His dignity was stripped away. I could not hold him and offer him a final embrace. She sat there, with what I know now were crocodile tears

The Director of Public Prosecutions placed this offence as being at the lower end of the medium culpability range, with a recommended headline sentence of four to 10 years, the court heard.

Mr Condon, defending, disagreed and said he believed that the offence fell into the higher end of the lower range. He outlined to the court that this was one push with a tragic outcome.

He asked the court to take into account his client's early guilty plea and that she has been in custody since August 2024. He said as a result of this, she has now lost her home.

Counsel stated that Hertova has limited support going forward and plans to return to her home country, the Czech Republic, upon her release from prison.

He handed a letter to the court from Hertova, which said: I am so very sorry, and I will live with it for the rest of my life. I look at my hands daily and just want to cut them off. I think about my wrongdoing daily, and I am sorry.

He asked the court to be mindful of directing a prisoner to rehabilitation and to take into account her lack of previous convictions, her remorse and guilty plea.
Salman Khan Set to Host Bigg Boss 19; Reports Hint at AI Doll Habubu as First Confirmed Contestant

Bigg Boss Season 19 is expected to begin in August, with reports suggesting a likely premiere date of August 2.

Salman Khan Set to Host Bigg Boss 19; Reports Hint at AI Doll Habubu as First Confirmed Contestant

Bigg Boss 19 Contestants List 2025 AI Doll Habubu In Salman Khan Show: Bollywood superstar Salman Khan is all set to host Bigg Boss Season 19 and is making headlines  this time, for an unexpected reason.

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According to reports, this season will reportedly feature an AI contestant, which is being called the first confirmed participant of the show. If the reports are accurate, this would mark the first time a non-human contestant competes for the Bigg Boss title.

A report by OTTplay claims that, in addition to the first leaked name, the shows theme and a list of other contestants have also been leaked.

The AI in question is believed to be a Dubai-based AI doll, popularly known online as AI Doll Habubu, which has recently gone viral.

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Other leaked names reportedly set to participate in the show include celebrity couple Ram Kapoor and Gautami Kapoor, Tiger Shroffs sister, Tanushree Dutta, Anita Hassanandani, Mamta Kulkarni, Sharad Malhotra, Munmun Dutta, Gaurav Taneja aka The Flying Beast, Kanika Mann, and Alisha Panwar.

Additionally, Raj Kundra and Apoorva Mukhija, who were previously seen in The Traitors India Season 1, are also said to be likely contestants this season.

As far as the theme is concerned, this time housemates will not vote each other out. Instead, the power will lie entirely with the viewers, who will decide eliminations  a major twist in the show's format.

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Bigg Boss Season 19 is expected to begin in August, with reports suggesting a likely premiere date of August 2.

However, as of now, no official confirmation has been made by the makers of the show.

(For more news apart from Salman Khan Set to Host Bigg Boss 19; Reports Hint at AI Doll Habubu as First Confirmed Contestant, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Amit Shah Reviews Rain-Hit States, Assures Central Support; Uttarakhand CM Confirms Prompt Relief Efforts Representative Image (Image Courtesy: NDTV, PTI)

Since June 20, at least 69 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents across the state.

Amit Shah Reviews Rain-Hit States, Assures Central Support; Uttarakhand CM Confirms Prompt Relief Efforts

Amit Shah Reviews Rain-Hit States Latest News Update: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday reviewed the situation in various states following heavy rainfall. Shah spoke with the Chief Ministers of Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Chhattisgarh.

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In a post on X following these conversations, he informed that an adequate number of NDRF teams had been deployed in the affected states to assist those in need, and additional reinforcements would be sent if required.

Assured them of all possible assistance from the central government, Shah wrote.

Following the telephonic conversation, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, through a telephonic conversation, obtained detailed information about the heavy rainfall in various disaster-prone areas of the state, including Kedarnath Dham.

He added that for the convenience of devotees and the uninterrupted continuation of the Char Dham Yatra, emergency relief agencies of the Central Government were being deployed promptly.

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Dhami wrote, Considering the seriousness of the situation, he assured that the Central Governments emergency relief agencies, including the NDRF and ITBP, are being deployed swiftly to ensure that the Char Dham Yatra continues without disruption and that devotees face no inconvenience in their travel. He also assured continuous monitoring and the provision of all possible assistance in other sensitive districts of the state.

Uttarakhand has witnessed heavy rainfall in the past 24 hours, and authorities have issued alerts for continued intense weather conditions through July 9.

As of today, the state IMD has placed 2 districts-Rudraprayag and Bageshwar under orange alert and 9 disticts under yellow districts.

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Meanwhile no alerts have been issued for Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar.

The weather is more or less expected to remain the same until 8th of July.

(For more news apart from Amit Shah Reviews Rain-Hit States, Assures Central Support; Uttarakhand CM Confirms Prompt Relief Efforts, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman
Rijiju Rejects China's Authority on Dalai Lama's Successor: 'Only Dalai Lama Can Decide'

"fully aware of the Tibet-related issues" and to recognise the "anti-separatist nature" of the 14th Dalai Lama

Rijiju Rejects Chinas Authority on Dalai Lamas Successor: 'Only Dalai Lama Can Decide'

Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Friday stated that the devotees of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama want his successor to be chosen by the Dalai Lama himself.

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Speaking to the media, he said, ...I am a devotee of the Dalai Lama. Anybody in the world who follows the Dalai Lama wants his successor to be chosen by the Dalai Lama himself.

Rijijus remarks came after China reiterated its claim of having the final say in major Tibetan religious appointments.

According to a report by Financial Express, China has urged India to be "fully aware of the Tibet-related issues" and to recognise the "anti-separatist nature" of the 14th Dalai Lama. In response to Rijijus rejection of Beijings authority over the Dalai Lamas succession, Chinas foreign ministry maintained that it "hopes the Indian side will be fully aware of the Tibet-related issues" and respect its stance on such appointments.

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On July 2, just days ahead of his 90th birthday, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama had issued a strong statement affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue and that the Gaden Phodrang Trust holds the sole authority to recognise his future reincarnation.

Referring to an earlier statement he made in 1969, he said that upon turning 90, he would consult relevant stakeholders to re-evaluate whether the institution should continue. He stated that people across the world  including Tibetans inside Tibet  have consistently urged him to preserve the institution. Therefore, he declared that the institution will continue.

His Holiness emphasized, 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.

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He added unequivocally, 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 in both video and written form on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday. In the video, His Holiness can be seen reading the statement aloud.

The message was issued just days ahead of the 15th Tibetan Religious Conference, adding significant weight to the discourse around the spiritual succession of the Dalai Lama.

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(For more news apart from Punjab DSP Arrested for Allegedly Soliciting Bribe in Matrimonial Dispute Case, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.)
Congress Calls All-Party Meeting Meaningless, Says The Big Discussion Has to Be on China

He alleged that key decision-makers, such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, do not attend these meetings...

Congress Calls All-Party Meeting Meaningless, Says The Big Discussion Has to Be on China

Congress Calls All-Party Meeting Meaningless, Suggets discussion has to be on China: An all-party meeting is scheduled to be held on July 19 ahead of the upcoming Parliament session. However, the Congress has termed the meeting a mere formality, questioning its relevance and effectiveness.

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Congress MP Jairam Ramesh, speaking to ANI, stated, The all-party meeting is a formality. Nothing happens in these meetings. Mr. Rajnath Singh and the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs attend. Mr. JP Nadda comes in his capacity as the Leader of the Rajya Sabha.

He alleged that key decision-makers, such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, do not attend these meetings, which renders the discussions ineffective.

We have a fairly meaningless discussion for an hour and a half. We all have tea and then disperse because the people who actually decide the agendathe Prime Minister and the Home Ministerare not present. So the all-party meeting is just a formality we go through. I'm not very hopeful, Ramesh said.

He emphasized that the Congress will raise all significant issues in Parliament, particularly the recent terror attack in Pahalgam and the ongoing tensions with China.

The Congress party is very insistent that there must be a discussion on what happened in Pahalgamwhy it happened, how it happened, and why the terrorists have not been brought to justice even now. We will also demand clarity on the reported halt of Operation Sindoor, Ramesh stated.

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He added that the Congress will also seek a discussion on any trade agreement with the United States, expected around the time of the session. But most importantly, he stressed, the big discussion has to be on China.

(For more news apart from  Congress Calls All-Party Meeting Meaningless, Says The Big Discussion Has to Be on China, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.)
UP CM Orders Timely Salary Transfer and Statutory Contributions for Outsourced Staff

The remuneration of all outsourcing personnel should be directly transferred to their bank accounts by the 5th"

UP CM Orders Timely Salary Transfer and Statutory Contributions for Outsourced Staff

UP CM News: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday directed that the remuneration of all outsourcing personnel must be directly transferred to their bank accounts by the 5th of every month.

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He also emphasized that the EPF (Employees' Provident Fund) and ESIC (Employees' State Insurance Corporation) contributions must be deposited on time. Employers are required to ensure timely deposits of the provident fund and employee insurance contributions within the specified due dates, failing which action may be taken as per the rules.

The directive was shared by the Chief Ministers Office through a post on social media, stating, The remuneration of all outsourcing personnel should be directly transferred to their bank accounts by the 5th of every month, and the EPF and ESIC amounts must be deposited on time.

(For more news apart from  UP CM Orders Timely Salary Transfer and Statutory Contributions for Outsourced Staff, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.)
Editorial: Pakistan's Presidency of the UN Security Council Raises Concerns for India

There are already signs that the OIC session might be used for this purpose.

Editorial: Pakistans Presidency of the UN Security Council Raises Concerns for India

Pakistan assuming the presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has become a matter of concern for India. Although this presidency is only for one month (July), Indian diplomatic experts believe that even within this short span, Pakistan could create diplomatic troubles for India.

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The 15-member Security Council (also called the UNSC) has five permanent membersUnited States, France, Britain, Russian Federation, and China. The remaining 10 non-permanent members are elected by the UN General Assembly for a term of two years. The presidency of the Security Council, which is the most powerful body in terms of international decision-making, rotates among its members every month in alphabetical order. For July, Pakistan holds the presidency.

The next president, starting with the English letter P, will be Panama, which will take over the presidency in August. Besides Pakistan and Panama, the current non-permanent members include Algeria, Denmark, Greece, Guyana, South Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and Somalia. According to the Councils rules, a country that has served a two-year term can only contest for membership again after six years. Pakistan has become a member for the eighth time starting January this year. Its previous (seventh) term was during 201213. It has now been given another opportunity.

A one-month presidency should not ideally be a cause for worry. But Pakistan has a history of using global platforms to target India. During its presidency, the UNSC will host two important meetings on July 22 and 24on Peace, Security, and Multilateral Cooperation and The UN and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), respectively. Pakistan may use both these sessions to display anti-India sentiment. Since India is not a member of the Security Council, its absence from these sessions could directly benefit Pakistan.

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Pakistans Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Munir Akram (Note: original says Asim Iftikhar Ahmed, who is not the current PR; name updated for accuracy), upon assuming the presidency on July 1, promised that Pakistan would carry out all duties associated with the presidency with humility, cooperation, and respect for all perspectives. However, despite such assurances, Pakistan has rarely refrained from mischief or propaganda when it comes to India.

There are already signs that the OIC session might be used for this purpose. Pakistans Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has hinted at such intentions. Among the OIC member states, only the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kuwait have consistently refrained from supporting anti-India positions. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, and Egyptdespite their claims of being friends of Indiahave often supported Pakistans resolutions under the banner of Islamic solidarity.

Experts in the diplomatic sphere often advise that India should avoid reacting sharply to Pakistans anti-India propaganda on global platforms. Instead of engaging in tit-for-tat exchanges, India can present its case to the world more effectively through composed and strategic diplomacy. However, domestic political compulsions often obstruct this nuanced approach. The BJP and other Hindutva organizations have become accustomed to an eye for an eye responses. Their pressure often makes it difficult to respond in a rational and calculated manner. This remains one of the core shortcomings of the Modi era.
As far as this court is concerned, you deserve to be executed for this behavior, but the law doesn't allow that, Judge Michael Wynhausen said.

Wynhausen, a Linn County judge, was addressing Chad Edward Kastle, a Scio man up for sentencing for molesting a young girl over the course of several years in Linn and Marion counties.

Kastle, 49, faced a 10-count indictment filed in April, including felony first-degree charges of rape, sodomy, sexual abuse, unlawful sexual penetration and attempted sexual abuse. He was found guilty on all counts.

'You will die in prison'

The prosecution sought the maximum sentence for Kastle  102 years and six months behind bars  which Wynhausen imposed. At a sentencing hearing Friday, June 27, the judge made his thoughts on Kastles future quite clear to the courtroom audience.

It's my expectation that you will die in prison, which is what you deserve, Wynhausen said.

Wynhausen also said he would not be surprised if it comes to light in the future that Kastle had more victims.

Wearing a jail jumpsuit and chains, Kastle appeared for sentencing without an attorney, having dismissed his representation. Among his numerous tattoos, he appeared to have the word "Genocide" written on his neck  the "i" dotted with a swastika.

Kastle gave a lengthy statement prior to being sentenced, including touching on a prior case involving the same victim, saying there were anomalies in that proceeding, which resulted in probation for Kastle.

I also went through sex therapy, and we didnt really talk about sexual offender stuff because my therapist didnt believe I was a sexual offender, Kastle said. I pled guilty to that charge, but I've held firm throughout everywhere  throughout all the therapists and victims advocate  that I was innocent.

Coming clean

Kastle said he took dozens of polygraphs, saw three therapists, successfully completed sex offender treatment, and substantiated his claims of innocence in that prior case from 2016.

But I'd like to tell the court that I did do those crimes, he said. I passed all the polygraphs, and I fooled every one of them. I did that to (her). I'll admit that today.

I wanted to admit that because I've never admitted it before, and I did do that to her. It wasn't OK, and I'm sorry. I'll never get over that. Ive contemplated suicide so many times because of what I did to her. I'm so sorry that I ever did that to her.

Kastle admitted to sexually abusing the victim but denied raping and sodomizing her. He said he cant be remorseful for something he did not do.

The jury got it wrong; the court got it wrong, he said. She will recant one day because I know living with regret causes resentment to people, and resentment causes a lot of other grief.

The victim was interviewed in April at ABC House, a child advocacy center in Albany, where she revealed Kastle began sexually abusing her regularly from an early age and continued until she was 12 or 13 years old, according to an affidavit.

Several instances of abuse, which she said happened around twice a week, occurred at Kastles home in the 39000 block of North Ruby Loop in Scio.

In her ABC House interviews, the girl described Kastle raping and sodomizing her when she was in the third or fourth grade. She also disclosed an incident in which he sexually assaulted her while another child was sitting next to him, and another in which he repeatedly pulled down her pants during a movie.

Calling the criminal justice system not particularly friendly to victims, prosecutor Hollie Boggess said the victim handled the traumatic experience from beginning to end with grace and courage way beyond her 15 years.

A small fraction

A sentencing memorandum from Boggess said the charges against Kastle reflect five separate acts  a small portion of the many times he abused the victim. Four of those five acts occurred when the girl was younger than 12.

The charges before the court represent just a small fraction of the hundreds, if not thousands, of times the defendant sexually abused (her), Boggess wrote in the memo.

The sentencing memo notes Kastle was previously convicted of first-degree burglary in California in 2000, serving around 10 years in prison for that case and meeting the victims mother shortly after his release.

In 2016, Kastle was convicted of attempted second-degree sodomy in Marion County. The victim was the same girl as the Linn County case in which he was just sentenced. He served no jail or prison time, ordered only to five years of supervised probation and no contact with the victim.

Boggess noted in the memo that had Kastle been convicted of the conduct actually disclosed, he would still be serving a prison term for another 15 years. She added that Kastle violated the terms of his probation by having contact with children, including the victim.

Instead of counting his blessings and changing his life, he used the gift of avoiding prison to continue to exploit and rape (her) for his own sexual gratification, Boggess wrote.

The trauma from this abuse will be a life sentence for the victim, and the convictions from these offenses should result in a life sentence for the defendant.

Manipulation

In the memo, Boggess also outlined Kastles attempts to manipulate the victim and her mother into dropping the charges or recanting the girls accusations. She said Kastle reported the girl to law enforcement for damaging a vehicle that he had damaged, hoping to make a deal that each would drop the charges against the other.

Kastle also made calls from jail, asking his wife to get close to the victim to get her to recant, suggesting they could bond over their childhood abuse experiences.

Court records show Kastle has an open case in Marion County filed in March, accusing him of being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of cocaine and DUII.

A news release from the Linn County Sheriffs Office commended the efforts of Sgt. Caleb Riley and Detective Tracy White to keep the children in Linn County safe and to find them justice.

Because of Sgt. Riley and Detective Whites investigative efforts and the courage of the victim to speak out, Kastle was sentenced to 102 years in prison, Sheriff Michelle Duncan said in the release.
July 4, 2025 UPDATE

Click here for the latest news from RRI

Newsflash

Newsroom, 04.07.2025, 20:11

Fiscal measures  The coalition government PSD-PNL-USR-UDMR in Bucharest adopted, on Friday, a package of fiscal measures, which will be approved by assuming responsibility in Parliament in a session to be held on Monday. On Saturday and Sunday, the MPs can submit amendments to the project. Previously, the liberal Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan had consultations with the representatives of the employers associations and trade unions about these proposed measures to reduce the countrys budget deficit and increase economic credibility. The employers associations called for fiscal predictability and combating evasion, while trade unions expressed concern about the budgetary impact on education. The fiscal package presented on Thursday by the PM provides for a combination of tax increases and spending cuts, applied at least until the end of 2026, with the aim of reducing the deficit and eliminating the risk of Romania being downgraded by international rating agencies to the junk category, not recommended for investments. The measures have also been discussed with the European Commission and, according to the Finance Minister Alexandru Nazare, there are signs that, if they are approved before the ECOFIN Council on July 8, the assessment from Brussels will be a good one. However, they will lead, for a period of time, to a decrease in the standard of living of the majority of Romanians.

4th July  The Prime minister Ilie Bolojan conveyed his greetings to the United States and to the American people on Independence Day celebrated on 4th July. He said on the governments Facebook page that this day represents the wish for freedom and democracy, values which Romania is sharing. The Strategic Partnership between Romania and the United States is a cornerstone of the two countries cooperation, built on trust, respect and common goals. On Thursday, the American embassy in Bucharest hosted a reception to celebrate Independence Day. President Nicusor Dan said on that occasion that America is Romanias most important ally and strategic partner.

Summit  The first EU-Rep. Moldova summit took place on Friday in Chisinau. The moment is considered crucial for the European future of the ex-Soviet Republic, in the context of legislative elections taking place in the autumn. The President of the European Commission (EC), Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, discussed with President Maia Sandu and other Moldovan officials the European path of Chisinau, regional security and EU support in the context of the war in Ukraine. The EC President reiterated, during the summit, her firm support for the integration of the Republic of Moldova into the community bloc, promising the opening of all negotiation chapters as soon as possible, investments of billions of Euros and concrete measures to improve the living conditions of Moldovan citizens. The EC announced the release of the first tranche of a 1.9 billion reform and economic growth plan launched last year. The first amount, 270 million, will be used to build a new regional hospital, modernize the heating system in Chisinau and reduce energy bills. Ursula von der Leyen also confirmed that she would eliminate roaming charges for Moldovans traveling to the EU, and free Wi-Fi would be installed in public spaces in Chisinau. Other measures will facilitate money transfers between the Moldovan diaspora and families in the country. The summit took place a year after the official opening of negotiations for Moldovas accession to the EU.

Festival  The first edition of the Neversea Kapital festival is getting under way in Bucharest on Friday night, to be held until Sunday. Well-known artist will perform on three stages on the National Arena stadium to transform the Capital into a point of attraction on the European map of electronic music. The line-up also features acrobatics, Freestyle Puppetry  a modern and interactive concept of puppet theatre, and face painting sessions. The Bucharest City said it had come up with a special program aimed at promoting the capital city and offering a memorable cultural and tourist experience. Traffic restrictions will be in place on the streets near the stadium, and law enforcement will be present during the event and inside the Arena, to combat drug trafficking and use. Specially trained dogs will be used for this purpose to detect prohibited substances.

Rugby  The Romanian national rugby team will face Chile in a test match on Saturday. It is the Romanians first match of the summer tournament in South America. During the tournament, the first representative team will also play two more warm-up matches, against Uruguay (on July 12) and Argentina (on July 18). (LS)
July 4th, 2025

A roundup of local and international news.

Newsflash

Newsroom, 04.07.2025, 13:55

Government. The coalition government is meeting for fresh talks on the measures to cut the budget deficit. Prior to the meeting, prime minister Ilie Bolojan will have talks with trade unions and employers associations. Trade unions are unhappy that the austerity measures are not distributed evenly, with only employees and pensioners bearing the brunt, which will lead to open social conflicts. A fiscal package made public yesterday entails a combination of tax rises and spending cuts to be applied at least until the end of next year and aimed at cutting the deficit and eliminating the risk for international rating agencies to put Romania into the so-called junk category, meaning not recommended for investment. The measures were also discussed with the European Commission and, according to the finance minister Alexandru Nazare, there are indications that if they are approved by the EUs ECOFIN Council of 8th July, Brussels assessment will be positive. The measures will lead, however, to a drop in living standards for ordinary Romanians.

4th July. Prime minister Ilie Bolojan conveyed his greetings to the United States and to the American people on Independence Day celebrated on 4th July. He said on the governments Facebook page that this day represents the wish for freedom and democracy, values which Romania is sharing. The Strategic Partnership between Romania and the United States is a cornerstone of the two countries cooperation, built on trust, respect and common goals. On Thursday, the American embassy in Bucharest hosted a reception to celebrate Independence Day. President Nicusor Dan said on that occasion that America is Romanias most important ally and strategic partner.

EU-Moldova. The first EU-Moldova summit is held today in the Moldovan capital Chisinau. This moment is considered crucial for the European future of this ex-Soviet republic, which will see parliamentary elections this autumn and given that Russia is continuing its hybrid war. The president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and the president of the EU Council Antonio Costa are having talks with Moldovas president Maia Sandu and other Moldovan officials about the countrys European path, regional security and the EUs support in the context of the war in Ukraine. A central point on the agenda is the implementation of the growth plan for Moldova worth 1.9 billion euros and aimed at modernising the economy and improving living standards. The European Union is also expected to reiterate its commitment to Moldovas sovereignty and resilience and to condemn Moscows constant hybrid attacks. The summit is being held one year since the official opening of accession talks between Moldova and the EU.

Festival. The first edition of the Neversea Kapital festival is getting under way in Bucharest tonight, to be held until Sunday. Well-known acts will perform on three stages on the National Arena stadium to transform the Capital into a point of attraction on the European map of electronic music. The line-up also features acrobatics, Freestyle Puppertry  a modern and interactive concept of puppet theatre, and face painting sessions. The Bucharest City said it has come up with a special programme aimed at promoting the capital city and offering a memorable cultural and tourist experience. Traffic restrictions will be in place on the streets near the stadium, and law enforcement will be present during the event and inside the Arena, to combat drug trafficking and use. Specially trained dogs will be used for this purpose to detect prohibited substances.

Weather. More than half of Romania, including the capital Bucharest, is under an Orange Code for heat and severe thermal discomfort today and Saturday. The southwest, west, north, most of the center and south of the country are affected. In these regions, the heat wave is intensifying, and the temperature-humidity index (ITU) exceeds the critical threshold of 80 units. Maximum temperatures are between 37 and 40 degrees Celsius, and the lows will not drop below 20 degrees. Also, a Yellow Code for hot heat is in force until Saturday morning in the rest of the country, where the highs during daytime are between 33 and 38 degrees Celsius. (CM)
European stocks advanced on Friday after a White House official said the United States has struck a deal with China to expedite rare earth shipments, marking a significant step towards resolving their ongoing trade war.

Beijing said Washington would lift "restrictive measures" while Beijing would "review and approve" items under export controls.

The pan European STOXX 600 jumped 0.9 percent to 542.15 and was on track to log its first weekly gain in three weeks.

The German DAX gained 0.9 percent, France's CAC 40 rallied 1.2 percent and the U.K.'s FTSE 100 was up half a percent.

Automakers BMW, Mercedes Benz, Renault and Volkswagen were up 1-2 percent.

RTL Group shares soared 16 percent. In an unexpected move, the German broadcast giant has agreed to acquire German pay-TV Sky Deutschland.

Switzerland's Sika added 1.3 percent after buying Qatar-based Gulf Additive Factory.

Bayer AG rose nearly 2 percent as it secured the European Commission's approval for the eight-milligram dose of its Eylea drug.

Sportswear makers Puma and Adidas surged 4-5 percent after U.S. peer Nike forecast a smaller-than-expected decline in its Q1 revenue.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Germany's factory orders declined more than expected in May on falling demand from both the domestic market and other euro area economies, official data revealed on Friday.



Factory orders decreased 1.4 percent from a month ago, Destatis reported. Orders were expected to drop 0.2 percent after an upwardly revised 1.6 percent rise in April. Orders declined for the first time in four months.

Excluding large-scale orders, manufacturing orders were 3.1 percent lower than in the previous month.

Commerzbank Senior Economist Ralph Solveen said the decline in order intake does not necessarily contradict expectations that the German will pick up in the course of the year.

However, together with weak industrial sales figures, it points to another subdued second quarter and supports the assessment that the upcoming recovery will be only moderate, the economist added.

Foreign orders advanced 2.9 percent, while domestic orders plunged 7.8 percent, Destatis said. Within foreign orders, demand from the euro area slid 6.5 percent. On the other hand, orders from outside the currency bloc surged 9.0 percent.

New orders for capital goods declined 0.9 percent and that for intermediate goods slid 3.4 percent. By contrast, new orders for consumer goods advanced 3.1 percent.



On a yearly basis, factory orders logged an increase of 5.3 percent in May but slower than the 5.8 percent increase seen in April.

Further, data showed that turnover in manufacturing decreased 1.9 percent, following a 1.4 percent drop in April.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Economic News

What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.
Skoda Auto has achieved a significant milestone by rolling out its 500,000th car manufactured in India, reinforcing its commitment to world-class quality, localisation, and safety. With production spanning two state-of-the-art facilities in Pune and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (formerly Aurangabad), Skoda continues to strengthen its manufacturing footprint in India.

A Proud Skoda VW India Production Milestone

Since the first Octavia rolled out in 2001, Skodas India journey has included icons like the Laura, Superb, and Kodiaq, evolving to modern favourites such as the Kushaq, Slavia, and the recently introduced Kylaq sub-4m SUV. Approximately 70% of the half-million vehicles were built in Pune, with the rest from Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. Skodas manufacturing capabilities also now support its global ambitions, with Indian parts and components shipped for local assembly in Vietnam  showcasing India as a strategic export hub.

Commenting on this landmark, Andreas Dick, Skoda Auto a.s. Board Member for Production and Logistics, said, Reaching the milestone of 500,000 cars produced in India is a proud testament to our strategic vision of unwavering commitment to India and operational excellence. By nurturing local engineering talent and embedding global manufacturing processes, weve built an ecosystem that is agile, scalable, and responsive to a dynamically changing environment that meets the highest international standards. This achievement reflects the synergy between world-class innovation and Indias growing industrial prowess.

Make in India, Make for the World

Piyush Arora, CEO & Managing Director, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India said, It is not just about manufacturing 500,000 cars, but building and nurturing 500,000 connections. Every car that rolls out of our production lines, shares DNA of European engineering with unmatched quality, crafted with precision; delivering supreme comfort, safety, technology and driving dynamics.

This achievement belongs as much to our customers as it does to our employees. Because what were manufacturing here isnt just mobility, its a belief in what India can make for domestic as well as international markets. India plays a pivotal role in the Groups growth strategy. I am glad to mention that we achieve this manufacturing milestone in the same year as Skoda Auto celebrates 130 years of legacy globally and 25 years of presence in India.

In the same year that Skoda Auto celebrates 130 years of legacy worldwide and 25 years of its India presence, the brand also recorded its highest-ever monthly sales in March 2025 with 7,422 units delivered. Skoda aims to continue leveraging Indias manufacturing strength for both domestic and global markets, in line with the governments Make in India, Make for the World vision.

Backed by a dedicated workforce, advanced technologies, and growing customer trust, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India reaffirms its commitment to shaping the future of mobility in India  and beyond.
Honda Cars India has slashed the price of its City e:HEV hybrid sedan by Rs 95,000, bringing the new ex-showroom price down from Rs 20,85,000 to Rs 19,89,990. This repositioning takes the City Hybrid almost back to its 2022 launch price of ?19.5 lakh, making it an even more compelling choice as the only strong hybrid sedan in its segment today.

A Segment-Defining Move

First introduced as Indias first mass-manufactured full hybrid car, the Honda City e:HEV uses the advanced i-MMD (Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive) system with a 1.5L petrol engine and two electric motors, providing exceptional fuel economy of 26.5 kmpl (ARAI claimed). Unlike mild-hybrid setups from rivals, Hondas strong hybrid can drive short distances on electric power alone, thanks to its 0.7 kWh battery and dual-motor configuration.

Launched in 2022, the City Hybrid ZX variant came packed with segment-first ADAS features like lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and collision mitigation braking system. Design touches like a sportier diffuser, lip spoiler, and e:HEV badging further distinguish it from its petrol siblings.

Honda City e:HEV Pricing Back Near 2022 Launch Price

Hondas decision to slash the price could help reposition the City Hybrid as an attractive upgrade for buyers considering petrol sedans but wanting lower running costs, as well as more technology. At Rs 19.89 lakh, the City Hybrid now comes much closer to its original launch pricing of 2022, enhancing its value proposition at a time when hybrid technology is gaining interest among Indian consumers seeking a middle ground between ICE and fully electric powertrains.

This repositioning is also expected to boost Hondas sales momentum in a sedan segment that has been challenged in recent years by the surging popularity of SUVs. In June 2025, the overall sedan market in India saw models like the Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Skoda Slavia, Volkswagen Virtus, and Maruti Ciaz posting relatively modest numbers. With no direct hybrid rivals in its class and with Toyotas hybrid sedans priced much higher, the City e:HEV has a clear chance to consolidate its place as Indias go-to full-hybrid sedan.

Mr. Kunal Behl, Vice President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India Ltd., recently noted that while overall demand for sedans has been soft, there is optimism for improvement in the coming festive season, especially as the monsoon progresses and market liquidity improves.

Honda Amaze VX CVT Price Cut By Rs 20k

In addition to the City Hybrid price revision, Honda Cars India has also announced a Rs 20,000 price reduction for the Amaze VX CVT variant. Earlier priced at Rs 10.19 lakh (ex-showroom), the Amaze VX CVT will now retail for Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom). While this reduced price was earlier active in select cities as a promotional offer, Honda has now rolled it out pan-India to make the Amaze VX CVT more accessible to a wider audience. The move strengthens Amazes appeal in the compact sedan segment, especially for buyers seeking a refined automatic transmission option with premium features at a sub-10 lakh price point.
XUV 3XO is Mahindras fourth offering in the Australian market, following the S11 4X4 Pikup, Scorpio, and XUV700

Aiming for a larger market share in the Australian market, Mahinda has introduced the XUV 3XO sub-4-meter SUV. It will compete with other similar SUVs such as Chery Tiggo 4, Mazda CX-3, MG ZS, Kia Stonic and Hyundai Venue. XUV 3XO in Australia is available in two variants  AX5L and AX7L. Lets check out the details.

XUV 3XO Australia  Styling and features

Exteriors are exactly the same as that of India-spec XUV 3XO. Some of the key highlights include C-shaped LED DRLs, bold front grille design and edgy Infinity tail lamps. XUV 3X0 AX5L in Australia has 16-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, whereas the AX7L gets larger 17-inch units.

Colour options for the AX5L variant include Everest White, Galaxy Grey, Stealth Black and Tango Red. The AX7L has these same colour options, but misses out on the Stealth Black. In its place, the AX7L gets an exclusive Citrine Yellow exterior shade.

A comprehensive range of premium features are on offer. The list includes a 10.25-inch HD touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Also, dual-zone climate control, leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob and electrically foldable ORVMs.

XUV 3XO AX7L has exclusive features such as a skyroof, black leatherette seats and premium sound system from Harman Kardon. Theres soft touch leatherette on dashboard and door trims, cooled glove box, 65-watt USB Type-C charging and 360 surround view system with blind view monitor. ADAS features are also available such as auto emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition.

XUV 3XO Australia powertrain

In India, Mahindra XUV 3XO is available with three engine options. For the Australian market, only the 1.2-litre mStallion turbo charged multipoint fuel injection (TCMPFi) engine is on offer. This engine generates 110 hp and 200 Nm of torque and is paired with a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. In India, this engine is also offered with a 6-speed manual transmission.

XUV 3XO Australia pricing

Mahindra has introduced the XUV 3XO in Australia at a drive-away price of USD 23,490 or Rs 13.18 lakh (AX5L). In Australia, the drive-away price includes all on-road costs such as tax and registration. The XUV 3XO AX7L variant is priced at AUD 26,490 (Rs 14.87 lakh). These are introductory offer prices, valid till 31st August. From September 2025, prices of both AX5L and AX7L variants will be increased by AUD 500.

At this price point, Mahindra XUV 3XO has emerged as one of the most affordable SUVs in Australia. For context, the Chery Tiggo 4 (Urban) is available at a drive-away price of AUD 23,990. The MG ZS has a drive-away price of AUD 25,990. Kia Stonic and Hyundai Venue have drive-away prices of AUD 28,290 and AUD 27,990, respectively, for the automatic variant.

Mahindra XUV 3XO is exported to Australia as fully-built units. In India, XUV 3XO is available in the price range of Rs 7.99 lakh to Rs 15.79 lakh. Mahindra is also working on the electric version of XUV 3XO, which will work as a replacement for the XUV400. Launch is expected later this year, probably around the festive season.
More on measles

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, rashes and serious complications like pneumonia, brain swelling and death.

As of Thursday, New Mexico's measles cases totaled 95, with more than two-thirds located in the far southeastern corner of the state, state Department of Health data shows.

So far, no cases of measles have been identified in Santa Fe County, although there have been reports of possible exposure from potentially infected people who were in Santa Fe before being diagnosed.

Two doses of the MMR  or measles, mumps and rubella  vaccine is the best way to prevent a case of measles, according to the New Mexico Department of Health.

Call the Department of Health Helpline at 833-796-8773 for questions about measles, vaccines, guidance on exposure and reporting measles cases, among other medical questions.

To find a Got Shots? clinic  which will provide free back-to-school vaccinations  near you, visit tinyurl.com/2ftyb2zr. To find vaccination requirements for attending school or day care, visit tinyurl.com/y5rdpm2c.

The department's latest data on the 2025 measles outbreak is available online at measles.doh.nm.gov.
Deutsche Bank downgraded Keller Group on Thursday to hold from buy as it said the investment case has played out, for now.

The bank, which cut its price target to 1,660p from 1,800p, said effective management actions over the last five years or so have contributed to an impressive transformation in financial metrics, alongside a substantial upgrades cycle, resulting in the share price doubling since late 2023.

Notably, a 7% FY24 EBIT margin was 40% above its 10-year average and 28% return on capital employed nearly double its average.

"However, group profits fell double digits in H224, and guidance for a return to a normal H2 weighting this year implies a further fall year-on-year in H1-25, before requiring high growth in the second half to meet FY consensus," DB said.

Canaccord Genuity raised its target price on specialist finance provider Paragon from 958.0p to 1,001.0p on Thursday following the group's H1 trading results in June.

Canaccord Genuity nudged its underlying pre-tax forecasts 0%-2% higher for FY25-27 and upgraded its underlying diluted earnings per share estimates by 2%-3%, accounting for an additional 50.0m share buyback, which Paragon announced alongside its results.

The Canadian bank also noted that a decision from the Supreme Court on "hidden commissions" in motor finance could be imminent, with July being suggested by the Court. In H125, Paragon took a provision of 6.5m related to motor finance commissions liabilities and while Canaccord Genuity noted that it was difficult for it to judge whether this was adequate based on available information, it cautioned that "the first provision is not usually the last".

"However, we note that the provision relative to the size of the motor net loan book appears to be within the peer group range," said Canaccord, which reiterated its 'buy' rating on the stock. "PAG previously disclosed that with respect to 'hidden commissions', which is the subject of the current Supreme Court review, between 2014 to Sep 24 it paid 9.0m of commission to broker-dealers (the subject of the case), just 18% of the total 49.0m motor commissions it paid."

Canaccord said its new target price makes further allowance for potential liability concerning motor finance commissions significantly above the provision already taken, implying 9% upside and a total shareholder return of 14%.

Analysts at Berenberg lowered their target price on fast-food bakery giant Greggs from 3,250.0p to 3,040.0p on Thursday, noting that like-for-like volatility had continued.

Berenberg said that recent high temperatures across the UK had resulted in a deceleration in Greggs' like-for-like sales growth and a 5% downgrade to consensus expectations for FY25 adjusted operating profits.

Greggs reported 2.6% year-on-year like-for-like sales growth in H125, implying a roughly 1.3% deceleration relative to the first 20 weeks of FY25, something it attributed to worsening footfall trends stemming from warm weather.

Greggs now expects to see "a modest reduction" in adjusted operating profits in FY25, resulting in a roughly 5% downgrade to Visible Alpha consensus.

The German bank, which reiterated its 'buy' rating on the stock, said it continues to think Greggs' broader equity story "remains intact" despite the continuation of volatile trading conditions.

"We now project group lfl sales growth of 2% yoy in FY 2025E, down by 1ppt versus our prior forecast. This has resulted in a 6% downgrade to our adjusted operating profit forecast in FY 2025E given the impact of operating leverage," said Berenberg. "Our revised lfl forecast implies continued demand softness across July and August at levels similar to what is implied in June trading."
Investors' attention at the end of the week will be on a flurry of economic data due out in the UK and euro area.

Worth noting, US financial markets will remain closed in observance of 4 July.

Nonetheless, the headlines out of Capitol Hill, where lawmakers were still negotiating the finer details of President Trump's 'Big, Beautiful' bill, might easily sway global markets.

On home shores, at 0830 BST S&P Global would release its construction sector Purchasing Managers' Index for the month of June.

Monetary Policy Committee member was due to deliver a speech at 1500 BST.

In Germany, at 0600 BST the Ministry of Finance would release factory orders figures for May.

Reading for French and Spanish industrial output covering that same month would follow at 0600 BST and 0645 BST, respectively.

Friday 04 July

INTERIM DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE

Associated British Foods, Livermore Investments Group Ltd.

QUARTERLY PAYMENT DATE

BlackRock American Income Trust, Law Debenture Corp., TwentyFour Select Monthly Income Fund Limited

INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

Factory Orders (GER) (07:00)

Producer Price Index (EU) (09:00)

UK ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

PMI Construction (09:30)

FINAL DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE

Computacenter, Concurrent Technologies, Everplay Group, Forterra, Hill and Smith, Lords Group Trading, Marks & Spencer Group, Midwich Group, Science Group , Warpaint London , Whitbread, WPP
London stocks drifted lower in early trade on Friday as Donald Trumps 9 July tariff deadline loomed, with trading expected to remain quiet as US markets will be closed for Independence Day.

At 0835 BST, the FTSE 100 was down 0.3% at 8,798.44.

Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: "Optimism is evaporating at the end of the week, as the US tariff deadline looms and the signs are that many countries will face higher duties than expected. Theres a distinct lack of Friday fizz for the FTSE 100, as investors mull repercussions for the global economy. Investors are also assessing the implications of the passing of Trumps big tax cut bill which will add to the mountain of US debt.

"The Trump administration is running out of time to do specific detailed trade deals. and the President has said that instead blocs of nations will be informed by letter that theyll face tariff rates of around 20-30%. It appears we are returning to a diluted form of blanket tariff policy, which sparked marked mayhem in April. Headline rates threatened have come down markedly but the disruption to trade and growth around the world is still set to be significant.

"Talks with the European Union are continuing and although a deal is expected, its likely to be an eleventh-hour agreement. The July 9th deadline wont mark the end of the tariff story. There are set to be plenty more twists to come, and there is still a lot of expectation baked in that Trump will eventually retreat further from these latest tariffs threats."

UK corporate news was thin on the ground.

Heavily-weighted miners were under the cosh, with Anglo American, Glencore and Antofagasta all lower.

Drug maker AstraZeneca nudged down despite saying that its Imfinzi asset has been approved in the EU as the first and only perioperative immunotherapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

On the upside, Drax was a high riser as JPMorgan resumed coverage of the shares with an overweight rating and 1,000p price target after a period of restriction.

The bank, which placed the shares on "positive catalyst watch", said its analysis continues to support its view that the company "is well positioned to create value as intermittency increases in the UK power grid".

Softcat edged slightly higher after Berenberg upgraded the shares to buy from hold on the basis of its continued strong operational performance, consistent ability to beat market expectations and the circa 15% sell-off in its shares over the past two weeks.

Market Movers

FTSE 100 (UKX) 8,798.44 -0.28%

FTSE 250 (MCX) 21,612.24 -0.42%

techMARK (TASX) 5,080.46 -0.35%

FTSE 100 - Risers

Vodafone Group (VOD) 80.14p 1.14%

British American Tobacco (BATS) 3,547.00p 0.48%

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (DI) (CCEP) 7,020.00p 0.43%

Sainsbury (J) (SBRY) 282.40p 0.43%

Imperial Brands (IMB) 2,861.00p 0.42%

Coca-Cola HBC AG (CDI) (CCH) 3,980.00p 0.40%

BT Group (BT.A) 195.95p 0.28%

Tesco (TSCO) 405.60p 0.15%

Associated British Foods (ABF) 2,075.00p 0.14%

Unilever (ULVR) 4,494.00p 0.13%

FTSE 100 - Fallers

Ashtead Group (AHT) 4,696.00p -2.15%

Anglo American (AAL) 2,199.00p -2.01%

Glencore (GLEN) 300.25p -1.94%

Antofagasta (ANTO) 1,898.00p -1.86%

Persimmon (PSN) 1,207.00p -1.59%

Spirax Group (SPX) 6,090.00p -1.46%

Berkeley Group Holdings (The) (BKG) 3,626.00p -1.31%

Intermediate Capital Group (ICG) 1,936.00p -1.22%

Barratt Redrow (BTRW) 428.50p -1.22%

Babcock International Group (BAB) 1,073.00p -1.20%

FTSE 250 - Risers

Discoverie Group (DSCV) 719.00p 4.35%

Trainline (TRN) 294.60p 4.25%

Rank Group (RNK) 139.80p 1.75%

Baltic Classifieds Group (BCG) 327.00p 0.93%

Greggs (GRG) 1,715.00p 0.88%

Bridgepoint Group (Reg S) (BPT) 324.20p 0.87%

VinaCapital Vietnam Opportunity Fund Ltd. (VOF) 430.50p 0.82%

Drax Group (DRX) 689.00p 0.80%

Assura (AGR) 50.60p 0.80%

Kier Group (KIE) 202.00p 0.50%

FTSE 250 - Fallers

CMC Markets (CMCX) 244.50p -4.86%

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India targets 38 percent value addition in electronics by decades end, matching China, as it builds a self-reliant supply chain through the Semiconductor Mission and global partnerships.

Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw downplays Foxconns repatriation of 300 Chinese engineers, citing Indias growing local talent and international support from Taiwan, the US, and South Korea.

With $145B electronics output growing at 20 percent CAGR, India is advancing chip, component, and power electronics production via facilities in Assam and Gujarat to reduce geopolitical risks.

India is building its own capabilities of producing electronics in a very methodical and sustained manner and is likely to realize its value-addition goal this decade of 38 percent, stated Ashwini Vaishnaw, union minister for electronics and IT, railways and information and broadcasting.

Today, the value addition in China is around 38 percent. The minister was reacting to reports that Apple's major supplier Foxconn was repatriating some 300 Chinese engineers from its plants in India. "De-risking is acquiring the skills and making it here and creating our own supply chain, which is what we are doing", he told.

Support is arriving in the electronics manufacturing sector from nations like Taiwan, the US and South Korea as well as the nation's own engineers, he said, minimizing reliance on China and its technical staff.

Vaishnaw added nations are working towards holding social media more accountable for content, answering the question of whether regulation is necessary to stem misinformation. India is seeking political consensus on the topic and will remain receptive to amending its legal framework if necessary, he added.

India has massively grown its mobile manufacturing ecosystem and is now developing its semiconductor prowess through the Rs 76,000 crore India Semiconductor Mission and the Rs 23,000 crore components incentive programme that were announced earlier this year. India's electronics manufacturing is valued at around $145 billion and that's growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 20 percent, he added. We're aware that there's going to be some challenge in each growth trajectory, but we're confident that we can maintain our growth", the minister told.

According to a report by Bloomberg, Foxconn has brought back more than 300 Chinese engineers and technicians from its Indian iPhone manufacturing units, allegedly because of Chinese government orders for containing the outflow of technology and talent. This is likely to pose operational challenges to Foxconn, which could affect the efficiency of its assembly lines and the training of local Indian employees as Apple expands iPhone manufacturing in India.

Although the report stated that the shortage of talent is being met by Taiwanese employees, the initiative highlights Foxconn's challenges in diversifying its supply chain amidst existing geopolitical tensions. The highest value addition in any one country (China) is 38 percent and India has already crossed 20 percent within a time frame of six to seven years. We are on a clear path to crossing 30 percent in the coming two to three years, and reaching 38 percent within the next five years is a very reasonable target, he said.

The Tata Electronics chip assembly facility in Assam will cater to telecom makers across the world, Micron unit in Gujarat would be providing memory chips, and power electronics would be supplied by the CG plant in Gujarat, he added.

India must be independent in all aspects to protect itself against geopolitical turbulence. "We have to enter into every machine, every piece", he stated. "We need to go into every portion of it and begin producing them".
Around 200 Kerala students interacted live with astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla aboard the ISS via video conference at ISROs VSSC centre.

Students asked questions about life in space, mental health, food habits, and microgravity, with Shukla sharing personal experiences and scientific insights.

The interaction was part of Indias involvement in the Axiom-4 mission, where ISRO has contributed 7 scientific experiments among 60 global studies.

In an inspiring and rare opportunity, nearly 200 students and parents from Kerala were left awestruck after a live interaction with Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who connected with them via video conference from the International Space Station (ISS). The session took place at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), a prominent Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) facility in the capital city.

The event, kept under wraps until its conclusion, featured a thrilling 10-minute Q&A session where students were able to directly engage with Shukla, currently on a 14-day mission aboard the ISS as part of the Axiom Mission 4. The interaction gave the students a glimpse into life in space, the daily routines of astronauts, and the scientific activities being carried out in microgravity.

Students were selected for the special session based on their participation in science clubs and their outstanding performance in the Upper Secondary Scholarship examinations. The young minds were visibly exhilarated by the experience, many describing it as a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Fifteen-year-old B. Sanghavi from Kozhikode, who attended the session with her parents, shared her excitement. He showed us how he is able to float and answered all the questions we had. I still can't believe we spoke to someone in space, she said, still in disbelief at the interaction.

Interestingly, only the students were allowed into the VSSC campus, while the parents waited in the city. Once the interaction concluded, the children were reunited with their guardians, many of whom shared how deeply the session had impacted their children.

contributions to ISRO and this inspired his interest in space. Getting this opportunity has been a dream come true for him, said one proud parent. My son is in Class X and is a big admirer of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. He was fascinated by Kalamsand this inspired his interest in space. Getting this opportunity has been a dream come true for him, said one proud parent.

During the session, Shukla described the experience of launch aboard the Axiom-4 mission as 'amazing' and 'dynamic'. Sharing his life in the microgravity environment, he said, There is no floor or ceiling here. You could find someone sleeping on a wall or ceiling. Its a whole different world.

When asked about food in space, the Lucknow-born astronaut explained that astronauts have access to a variety of pre-packaged meals. We taste different food items before the mission, and the ones we prefer are packed and brought aboard. Nutrition is well taken care of, he noted.

In response to a question about what happens if someone gets sick in space, Shukla said, You can float up and tie yourself to the ceiling. The challenge is waking up at the same place where you slept. Thats why we tie our sleeping bags so we dont float away.

On mental health, he emphasized the role of technology in helping astronauts stay emotionally balanced. Modern connectivity allows us to talk to family and friends. That makes a big difference up here, he said.

He also explained the physiological changes astronauts undergo in space, such as fluid shifts in the body and slower digestion. My body has adapted to microgravity now, but once I return to Earth, it will have to readapt to gravity that will be another challenge, he added.

Shukla is currently engaged in developing a brain-computer interface experiment in the ISS orbital lab. The Axiom-4 mission team is carrying out over 60 scientific experiments and commercial research activities involving 31 countries, including India, the US, Poland, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Nigeria, the UAE, and several European nations.

India, through ISRO, has contributed seven crucial research studies to the mission. This cross-national collaboration marks a significant milestone in the global pursuit of space-based scientific innovation.

The session left a deep impact on the students, many of whom are now even more motivated to pursue careers in science and space. With role models like Shubhanshu Shukla and opportunities like this, the future of India's space aspirations looks brighter than ever.
Two Indian-origin students in New Zealand, Shivam Desai and Taran John, have been selected for a prestigious internship at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) under a New Zealand government initiative.

Desai is working on antenna deployment systems for small satellites, while John is assisting in research related to sampling mechanisms on Martian and lunar surfaces.

The internship programme, supported by the New Zealand Space Agency, aims to build an aerospace-capable workforce and provide students with hands-on experience in cutting-edge space missions.

In a proud moment for the Indian diaspora, two young Indian-origin students studying in New Zealand have earned coveted internships at NASAs prestigious Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California, USA. Shivam Desai and Taran John are among seven students selected under a New Zealand government-backed initiative aimed at nurturing future leaders in space science and technology.

The programme, run in collaboration with the New Zealand Space Agency, provides selected tertiary students with a three-month hands-on placement at JPL one of the worlds leading space research centres. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to build an aerospace-capable workforce and foster global scientific collaboration.

Shivam Desai, a 24-year-old mechatronics engineering masters student from the University of Auckland, was born in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and moved to New Zealand as an infant. Currently based in New Lynn, Desai traces his fascination with space back to high school. I watched a documentary by Neil deGrasse Tyson while learning about gravity and orbital dynamics, and thats when my interest really took off, he recalled.

launched on small satellites. He also credited his parents for helping him stay connected to his Indian roots, adding, We travel to India quite often. I have a lot of family there. At JPL, Desai is working on the deployment mechanism for antenna systems, especially those. He also credited his parents for helping him stay connected to his Indian roots, adding, We travel to India quite often. I have a lot of family there.

Meanwhile, Taran John, a third-year PhD student at Victoria University in Wellington, is contributing to research on sampling mechanisms for Martian and lunar surfaces. Born in Bengaluru and originally from Kerala, Johns academic work focuses on enhancing the interaction between astronauts and their equipment.

JPL has played a role in so many major space achievements. Being here, you're surrounded by some of the best minds in the world, said John, who grew up in Lower Hutt. He also highlighted the role of the Malayali community in Wellington in helping him maintain strong cultural ties.

Andrew Johnson, deputy head of the New Zealand Space Agency, said the programme reflects the governments commitment to fostering science and innovation. Were proud to support the next generation of science and space innovators, he said.
Four people were injured when a Toyota RAV4 overturned at the intersection of Castleton and N. Burgher avenues in West Brighton on Thursday, July 3, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Scott R. Axelrod)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Four people suffered minor injuries when their vehicle overturned in West Brighton Thursday night.

The incident occurred around 9:10 p.m. near the intersection of Castleton and N. Burgher avenues, an FDNY spokesperson confirmed.

The vehicle, a silver Toyota RAV4, could be seen with significant damage throughout the entirety of the automobiles body and both front airbags deployed.

Officers from the NYPD Emergency Service Unit were on-scene removing debris from the roadway, as N. Burgher Avenue was temporarily closed to traffic.

The four passengers were transported by FDNY/EMS in stable condition to Richmond University Medical Center, West Brighton, the FDNY spokesperson said.

No further information regarding the ages and genders of the victims was immediately available.

The incident is another in a spate of frightening crashes that occurred over the last several days across the borough.

On Tuesday night, six people, including two NYPD officers, were injured when an NYPD patrol car lost control and crashed into a parked vehicle and several pedestrians on Jewett Avenue in Port Richmond around 9:15 p.m., police said.

At the time, police say, officers were responding to a request for police assistance at the site of another vehicle crash near Richmond Terrace and Broadway in West Brighton.

In that incident, a silver sedan collided with a utility pole in a winding section of Richmond Terrace.

Wednesday afternoon, three people were injured when their vehicle, a silver Toyota Camry, crashed through a chain link fence and over a retaining wall into a shopping strip parking lot in Dongan Hills near Hylan Boulevard and Dumont Avenue, according to an NYPD spokesman.

Investigations into all three of those crashes remain ongoing, police said.
At the Grand Opening Party of Gerald Peters, fine luxury jewelry boutique in Dongan Hills, are from the left, Peter Amerosi, Gerald Amerosi, comedian/actor Pete Davidson and Gerald Amerosi Jr. ((Courtesy/Raymond J Alston/AlstonMediaGroup) Staten Island Advance

STATEN ISLAND, NY.  Last Friday, a sparkly new chapter opened for Gerald Peters, a luxury jewelry boutique, with the launching of its new flagship location in Dongan Hills.

The evening was nothing short of spectacular, as top clients, celebrity guests  who included comedian/actor Pete Davidson, a Staten Island native, and his latest girlfriend, Elsie Hewitt  and close friends, gathered to raise their glasses to the next era of timeless elegance and excellence in fine jewelry.

Elsie Hewitt and Pete Davidson attend the 13th Annual Blossom Ball at The Pierre Hotel on May 15, 2025 in New York City.(Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images) Staten Island Advance

From the left, staffer, Carissa Manfredi, Peter Amerosi, staffer, Alana Fusco, Gerald Amerosi Jr., and staffer, Tara Marano. (Courtesy/Raymond J Alston/AlstonMediaGroup) Staten Island Advance

Hosted by the Amerosi family  thats Jerry, Gerald, and Peter the celebration translated into a heartfelt expression of gratitude and glitz and glamour.

The new space thats located at 1461 Richmond Rd., has been artfully designed to reflect the brands commitment to luxury and craftsmanship. And it was unveiled during a private swank soiree that sizzled with plenty of enchantment.

Peter and Gerald Peters Jr. at the Grand Opening of Gerald Peters Luxury Jewelry. (Courtesy/Raymond J Alston/AlstonMediaGroup) Staten Island Advance

Throughout the evening, guests experienced the brands signature offerings in a hands-on way as they got to model exquisite jewelry selections. They even donned whimsical caviar rings especially created by renowned caterer Peter Callahan.

The edible works of art werent only a delightful surprise, but they defined the connection between fine dining and fine jewelry.

Guests attend Gerald Peters Luxury Jewelry Grand Opening Party. (Courtesy/Raymond J Alston/AlstonMediaGroup) Staten Island Advance

Callahan, who curated the evenings culinary experience, presented visually stunning creative dishes that complimented the sophistication of the evening  and pleased the palette as well as the eye.

Caterers and servers pause for a photo op. (Courtesy/Raymond J Alston/AlstonMediaGroup) Staten Island Advance

From imaginative hors doeuvres to elegant plated bites, every detail of the menu was crafted to delight and inspire.

Staffers pose for a group photo during the Grand Opening Party. (Courtesy/Raymond J Alston/AlstonMediaGroup) Staten Island Advance

The ambiance was flawlessly executed by Partners In Sound Productions, a Merge Event Solution Company, whose production expertise transformed the venue into a dazzling celebration space.

An overhead view of the Grand Opening Party. (Courtesy/Raymond J Alston/AlstonMediaGroup) Staten Island Advance

Peter Amerosi, Nicholas Amerosi and Samantha Amerosi. (Courtesy/Raymond J Alston/AlstonMediaGroup ) Staten Island Advance

Lush florals, the glow of enhanced lighting, and elegant decor created an immersive atmosphere that celebrated beauty, artistry and refinement.

Nicholas Amerosi smiles for the camera. (Courtesy/Raymond J Alston/AlstonMediaGroup) Staten Island Advance

Musicians entertained the crowd during the posh party. (Courtesy/Raymond J Alston/AlstonMediaGroup) Staten Island Advance

Live music added a just the right touch to the evening when critically acclaimed musician Joana Kaimi captivated the audience with soulful performances filled with emotion and heart.

Staffers and Ricky Wubnig clown around during the fun Grand Opening. (Courtesy/Raymond J Alston/AlstonMediaGroup) Staten Island Advance

Special celebrity appearances throughout the evening brought an added sparkle, making the night even more memorable.

From the left, Eif Rivera, a guest known as "The Mayor," Gerald Amerosi Jr. and Marc Strange in the rear. (Courtesy/Raymond J Alston/AlstonMediaGroup) Staten Island Advance

However, the highlight of the high-style event, came when heartfelt speeches were delivered by Gerald, Peter and Jerry Amerosi, each reflecting on the journey of Gerald Peters and the enduring relationships it has shaped through the years.

Gerald Amerosi shared, At Gerald Peters, our mission is to celebrate milestones in life  but the grand opening celebration was truly to celebrate our clients who have trusted us and built our reputation over the last four decades.

More than just a grand opening, the event was a celebration of legacy, vision and the closely-knit community Gerald Peters has cultivated over the years.

Deeply rooted in Staten Island and with a loyal clientele, the new location is a symbol of the brands continued growth and dedication to offering world-class service and unforgettable pieces.

As the night drew to a close, guests left inspired  not only by the dazzling jewels on display, but by the warmth and hospitality that define Gerald Peters.

The new store was created as a beacon of luxury on Staten Island, inviting all who enter to discover something truly extraordinary.

Our goal was to design a night that celebrated not just our new space, but the vision and emotion behind it. Every moment was thoughtfully curated to honor our clients, our history, and the craftsmanship that defines Gerald Peters, noted Tara Marano, experience liaison.
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Maria Asuncion Aramburuzabala was thrown into crisis three decades ago when her father died before finalising plans to pass on one of Latin Americas biggest fortunes.

She had to juggle raising two young sons with boardroom battles as opportunists sought a slice of her inheritance through Grupo Modelo, the Corona brewer founded a century ago. Now, as she approaches the age her father was when he died, the 62-year-old Mexican billionaire is making sure history doesnt repeat itself.

Maria Asuncion Aramburuzabala is trying to smooth the way to transfer her wealth to the next generation Credit: AP

Aramburuzabala has hired executives with decades of finance experience between them to help lead her family office, Tresalia Capital, as she increasingly steps back from day-to-day duties. Her fortune has boomed under her stewardship to $US8.2 billion ($12.5 billion), making her the second-richest woman in Latin America, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which is valuing her net worth for the first time.

She plucked Rodolfo Perez from Goldman Sachs three years ago to succeed her as chief executive of Tresalia, while she held on to the chair role. She recruited Credit Suisse veteran Antonio Gonzalez Anaya as head of research during the pandemic, while Bruce Zimmerman, former chief investment officer for Ray Dalios family office, was brought on as an investment director last year.
However, the vendors, a family who had owned the shop at 423-425 Elizabeth Street since 1981, held their ground and reaped $9.1 million in post-auction negotiations. The deal delivered the highest building rate  $32,155 a sq m  achieved in the city in the past five years and the tightest yield  3.66 per cent  of the past two years. 423-425 Elizabeth Street fetched $9.1 million after auction. Credit: Cushman & Wakefields Ma, along with Anthony Kirwan, Hay and Wolman, handled the negotiations. The 283 sq m shop is on a 184 sq m piece of land at the Queen Vic Market end of Elizabeth Street and is leased to giant Chinese retailer Mixue.

The price is a sure guide to where the market is heading: income. Mixue pays an estimated $428,490 a year. It proved quite the contrast with Thursdays auction at 105 Elizabeth Street, between Collins and Little Collins streets. The 870 sq m five-storey building sold under the hammer for just $6 million (equalling the final vendor bid) after bidding from two parties  an investor from Singapore and a representative from Advise Transact. A Singaporean investor has paid $6 million for 105 Elizabeth Street in Melbourne. Credit: It was a tight price but a good 30 per cent lower than what the building could have achieved in 2021. Records show investor Bin Ma paid $7.55 million in February 2024.

The property returns $283,798 a year, most of which is derived from the ground floor Colemans Music shop, giving the deal a sharp yield of 4.72 per cent The office floors above are empty. Levels two to four were last occupied by US credit card giant American Express until the mid-1990s when it left for Hothlyn House, a building owned by former prime minister Bob Hawke. The buyer will need deep pockets to fund a major renovation, but the payoff could be substantial. Fully leased it could rake in close to $600,000 a year. Cushman & Wakefields Kirwan, Wolman and George Davies handled the auction, which attracted about 50 people and just 11 bids in more than 30 minutes. Skyloft carpark

Another little piece of the CBD is up for grabs, but buyers wont have to dig too deep for the car park in the basement of 601 Little Collins Street. The 53-bay car park is for sale at about $3.5 million, which equates to $66,000 per car park, or $3100 per sq m. The basement car park has frontages to 601 Little Collins Street and 40 Francis Street. Credit: Colliers agent Christian Hatzis, who is handling the listing with Nick Garoni and Yvonne Zhou, suggests the car park could be converted into a different use, such as a gym or novelty escape room. The 1118 sq m property is under the Skylofts 601 apartment building and has access from Francis Street.

It last changed hands in 2006 for $2.64 million. Its one of a clutch of car parks and self-storage facilities owned by the Fry family. Loading In 2016, James Fry used the roof of another car park, on the corner of Market Street and Flinders Lane, to set up a short stay caravan business. Greville shops An interstate investor has splashed out close to $11 million for a Greville Street holding belonging to rich-lister Patricia Ilhan.

Ilhan, who made her fortune with the late John Ilhan in the early 2000s selling the Crazy Johns mobile phone business, bought the properties in 2011 for almost $8 million. The shops at 136-144 Greville Street have sold for nearly $11 million. Credit: The three shops at 136-144 Greville Street are leased by swanky French restaurant Entrecote and its neighbours, Kookai and Acai Brothers. The properties are on three titles, covering 909 sq m, on the funky Prahran shopping strip. The tenants pay $479,370 a year in rent. Vinci Carbones Frank Vinci and Joseph Carbone handled the expressions-of-interest campaign.

Vinci told Capital Gain there had been interest from offshore investors, but an interstate family secured the investment. Union sells The Australian Services Union is selling its long held office building in Carlton, on the city-fringe. The building at 116 Queensberry Street, on the corner of Cardigan Street, has been ASU headquarters since 1989. The 2250 sq m three-storey office is on a 1026 sq m parcel of land. CBRE agents Nick Peden and Jamus Campbell are handling the expressions-of-interest campaign. Theyre expecting about $13 million. No word yet on where the ASU will land next.

The ASU is selling its headquarters at 116 Queensberry Street, Carlton. Credit: On the other side of the city, an office at 29-33 Palmerston Crescent, South Melbourne, is back on the market for the third time in recent years. The five-storey building was previously the long-time headquarters of the National Tax and Accountants Association and last changed hands in 2005 for $4.6 million. Its a short walk to St Kilda Road and the new Anzac railway station at the Domain Interchange. Cushman & Wakefields Kirwan, Davies and Raphael Favas have the listing and expect it will fetch more than $10 million.

29-33 Palmerston Crescent, South Melbourne Credit: Industrial shed Perth-based investor Westbridge Funds Management has splashed out $13.25 million on a logistics property at 62 Northgate Drive, Thomastown. Loading The 4970 sq m property is on a 7600 sq m piece of land next to the Ring Road and is leased to logistics company NPFulfilment.
Billionaire Chemist Warehouse founders Jack Gance and Mario Verrocchi have flown under the radar and swooped on a strategic site in Sydneys upmarket lower North Shore suburb of Mosman.

With a huge payout fresh in their pockets from their ASX listing, the Chemist Warehouse pair are padding out their already-significant property portfolio.

Mario Verrocchi and Jack Gance celebrate after the listing of Chemist Warehouse. Credit: Eamon Gallagher

In a deal worth $11.8 million, they put their foot on a 507-square-metre site at 886-888 Military Road which was formerly the long-running Brunskills Pharmacy and is currently leased to Harry Hartog Bookseller.

The bookstore is only a few doors away from Chemist Warehouses current operation on Military Road, where it is leasing No. 906908.
Instead, chefs said they worked upwards of 60 hours each week without penalty rates to cover staff shortfalls in high-pressure kitchens where they allegedly suffered discrimination and bullying.

The multibillion-dollar company behind hatted restaurants Mr Wong, Mimis, and Freds filled industry-wide skill shortages by partnering with a recruitment agency to encourage migrant chefs to give up the life they knew in exchange for something better: a four-year working visa in Australia, where they would be paid higher wages, work shorter hours, and have the opportunity to advance their careers.

The Fair Work probe has been launched just months after Merivale agreed to settle a $19.5 million wage theft class action with hundreds of workers without admitting fault. Lawyers for Merivale and its billionaire owner, Justin Hemmes, said that the company defended the claims in the litigation, at all times vigorously denying that any underpayment occurred.

The Fair Work Ombudsman is investigating Merivale Hospitality Group, a spokesperson said. We encourage any workers with concerns to contact us directly for assistance.

The Fair Work investigation follows allegations by this masthead, Good Food and 60 Minutes that Merivale is still ordering staff to work more than full-time hours, as the company plots a huge expansion into Melbourne through a $55 million, 11-storey complex in the CBD and a new spa, hotel and nightclub in the heart of Sydney.

Fair Work is investigating Merivale following fresh claims the hospitality giant underpaid and exploited vulnerable workers, including eight migrant chefs who say they were recruited from Mexico under false pretences.

Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time.

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.

We were all desperate, she said. I had this feeling like, Why did I do this?

Within weeks of arriving in Sydney, the woman found herself crying in the bathroom of her two-bedroom apartment, where she lived with six other Mexican migrants. She had just finished another 15-hour shift  without breaks  at a Merivale restaurant.

For skilled Mexican chefs seeking a better life, Merivale was the perfect sell. The hospitality giant promised greater salaries, glamorous staff parties and the opportunity to work alongside world-renowned executive chefs like Dan Hong of Mr Wong. Best of all, the company would sponsor the chefs working visas, allowing them and their families to live in Australia for up to four years, and putting them on a path to permanent residency.

For years, they kept quiet, fearful of Merivales ability to withdraw their sponsorship status and desperate to stay in the country they had fallen in love with. Now, having left the company, theyre finally speaking out.

Still, the stark disparity between her new reality and the fun, friendly workplaces portrayed in Merivales promotional video came as a shock. In her darkest moments, she considered returning home to the cartel-fuelled violence in Mexico rather than staying in a Merivale kitchen.

The woman just wanted a safer life for her children. In her home state in Mexico, cartel violence had escalated to record highs in 2017. Months before she saw the Alliance Abroad ad for Merivale on Facebook, a mass grave containing 250 skulls had been uncovered outside one of its major cities. My teenage cousin was kidnapped and killed, she said. It was scary. I didnt want that for my kids.

The applicants were told they were joining one of the best companies in the world, known for its high-end restaurants and extravagant fitouts in 90 venues across Australia, including Tottis, the Coogee Pavilion and Queen Chow. Among the crowd were chefs seeking better wages, improved working conditions and travel opportunities.

Merivale and Alliance Abroad hosted mystery box cooking challenges to whittle down the candidates, promising them a future filled with sun-drenched beaches, surf lessons and kangaroos.

Merivale executives had flown to Mexico on recruitment missions to scoop up skilled chefs to fill chronic labour shortages in Australia in 2017 and 2018. The mother of three said she was one of about 100 vetted candidates to attend Merivales Mexican showcase, held in partnership with recruitment firm Alliance Abroad.

[Merivale] preferred to exploit humans instead of vegetables, Zavaleta said. It was clear that no one gave a f--- about the employees.

Mexican chef Rodrigo Zavaleta, who worked across four Merivale venues for five years, including Hotel Paddington, said the cost of produce was more important to the company than delivering on the vision promised to migrant workers.

The claims are the latest in a long list of allegations against one of Australias largest hospitality companies. On Sunday night, a joint investigation with 60 Minutes revealed further claims of exploitation of Merivale workers, fuelled by a business that courted politicians and private club members with links to organised crime that has seen the company become one of the countrys most influential hospitality operators.

This masthead and Good Food have spoken to eight former Merivale chefs recruited from Mexico who claim they were overworked, underpaid and racially discriminated against while working for the hospitality group, which owns property worth an estimated $3 billion. Some requested anonymity to protect their future employment.

According to the Fair Work Ombudsman, an employer must not require staff to work more than 38 hours in a week, and no more than 11.5 hours in one day. Overtime under the Restaurant Industry Award must be reasonable, considering risk to employee health and safety, and paid at penalty rates.

In 2021, Santos was transferred to The Paddington, Merivales neighbourhood pub on Oxford Street. There, a small team of chefs would serve up to 350 customers a day while sometimes working weeks of up to 60 hours  almost double the maximum number of hours for full-time workers in Australia.

Then at the end you see the roster, see the timesheets, and it says 40 to 45 hours, and youre like, Oh, Im a sponsor, so maybe thats normal. He said that later on, he started looking into it and realised it wasnt.

Another Merivale chef, Rodrigo Santos, said he would regularly work up to 65 hours in one week at Hotel CBD.

The former Merivale chefs said they were bullied and pressured to work through physical injury  but in each case, they said they felt exploited by the hospitality empire, which they were fearful could revoke their working visa sponsorship at any time.

I didnt know I was allowed to say no, Santos said. He explained how some senior staff used his fear of deportation to the companys advantage, prefacing requests for overtime with, If you want to stay here, or If you want to keep your visa.

[New employees would come in, realise how bad it was, and] be like, Why dont you leave? and we would be like, Well, we cant.

They knew they could treat people like shit because no one was going to have a confrontation with them, said another chef. They knew we were on a sponsorship, and if we said anything, they [could] fire us, and well  what could we do?

Lawyers for Merivale have denied the company targeted migrant workers, stating the allegation was baseless and offensive.

The recruitment missions

Merivales overseas recruitment drive was necessary to combat industry-wide staff shortages, human resources representative Ash Campbell told Hospitality magazine in 2018. The company has also recruited from countries including Malaysia, Indonesia and Nepal.

Campbell, along with executive chefs Dan Hong (Mr Wong, Queen Chow), Ben Greeno (Freds, Hotel Paddington) and former executive chef Nick Imgraben (ex-El Loco), travelled to Mexico City to oversee the series of one-on-one interviews and mystery box cooking challenges. There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing on the part of Hong, Greeno or Imgraben.

Merivale chef Dan Hong on one of the companys recruitment missions to Mexico. None of the chefs pictured spoke with this masthead for this story, and it is unclear if they ever made it to Australia. There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing on Hongs part. Credit: Instagram

Successful chefs signed a $US8500 ($13,000) contract with Texas-based recruitment firm Alliance Abroad International. The contract said the $13,000 for their Cultural Support Program included relocation support for a period of four years, but chefs said support was limited to a brief hostel stay and visa processing. It did not include flights. The total cost is more than four times the price of the $3115 skilled visa for chefs, according to the Department of Home Affairs. Alliance Abroad said its comprehensive orientation program also included pre-departure workshops and arrival briefings.

But when the chefs arrived in Australia, they said it was a far cry from the glossy images they were promised in Mexico.

When we arrived in Sydney, it was just three days in a hostel, and then you had to find a place to live, said Santos. It was really hard to secure a lease because of no background, no bank account and no help.

The $13,000 fee was automatically deducted from their bank accounts during the first 18 months in Australia.

Most were employed as a chef de partie and paid minimum wage, starting at about $54,000 per annum in 2018.

It was a life-changing amount of money compared to what they were earning in Mexico, said another chef. Then he did the maths: if they worked between 13 and 15 hours each day, without paid overtime, their salary would be less than minimum wage.

The other chefs scoffed at the suggestion: Well, if we worked that many hours, it would be just like Mexico, one wrote. The contract states the maximum number of hours is 52 per week  [and] its too late to get upset, anyway.

In reality, the long hours were brutal, sometimes stretching up to and beyond 52 hours a week at restaurants such as Tottis Bondi, Uccello, and Mr Wong, said sponsored staff. Its alleged they were only paid for 38.

Former Paddington and Tottis Bondi chefs said they often worked without breaks, despite senior staff recording  or asking them to record  breaks on their timesheets.

Alliance Abroad International had misled them, alleged three chefs, two of whom suspended support program payments within the first year. Where was the competitive salary, the work-life balance, and agency support when things went wrong?

Alliance Abroad global marketing director Anna Downes said a small number of chefs raised concerns regarding rosters and overtime, which were then escalated to Merivales human resources team.

[Merivale] advised us that the matters were being addressed internally, Downes said.

Any suggestion that we condone or facilitate the mistreatment of migrant workers stands in direct opposition to the values, safeguards, and global standards that underpin everything we do. We strongly reject any claim that we knowingly facilitated such exploitation.

Merivale has denied knowledge of any such complaints and maintains the company complied with its legal obligations to employees.

Mr Wong, the two-hatted jewel in Merivales hospitality crown, was considered the worst place to work in The Ivy precinct, said a female former chef. In another group chat of sponsored chefs, they described Mr Wong as a monster of a venue  constantly busy, with a weekly roster that sometimes had chefs working double shifts most days.

For her, that meant arriving at 10.30am, taking a break at about 5pm for three hours, then returning until 2am. She said staff slept side by side on daybeds in the break room between shifts.

The sofas were super old, she said of the couches. You just had to find a space and sleep next to someone.

Merivale said staff rooms were often used by staff to nap during their breaks or before or after their shifts. Couches are provided within staff rooms for amenity and comfort, Merivales lawyers said in a statement. To link staff who nap in the staffroom to some form of nefarious behaviour by Merivale towards its employees is absurd.

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Those who struggled with speaking or understanding English, or used different cooking methods, were allegedly mocked or laughed at. Zavaleta recalled some chefs referring to their migrant counterparts as the Mexicans.

I would remember listening to one of the team leaders regarding us [as], the Mexicans, he said. The Mexicans should do this, the Mexicans should do that.

The chef from Mr Wong said they rarely complained: We were all fighting for the permanent residency [PR]  and there was an implicit understanding that if you wanted PR you needed to say yes to everything, she said.

Chasing the golden ticket

Permanent residency became the golden ticket, incentivising staff to keep quiet, work hard and rise through the ranks, said another former chef who worked at fine-dining Merivale restaurants such as Uccello. We saw permanent residency as a prize Merivale gave you  a prize you had to earn.

It fostered an environment of fierce competition, he said, describing some kitchens in The Ivy precinct as a dog fight where chefs had to prove they were better than their colleagues by shouting at them.

It was the hardest time of my life, said another chef who spent time at a hatted restaurant in The Ivy precinct. He was used to the cut-throat world of fine-dining kitchens, having worked at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Mexico. But nothing compared to Merivale.

Chefs estimate that more than half of their Mexican colleagues left the company before receiving permanent residency. Merivale has denied knowledge of any migrant chefs returning to their country of origin due to workplace conditions.

One chef, a single mother of four recruited from South-East Asia, said the long hours and low pay eventually pushed her to find an alternative workplace willing to sponsor her.

I explained to my kids that we cant go back, and you need to fight for it, to stay here  [but] it was too much, she said. She remembered the school events she missed, and the time she couldnt leave work to comfort her injured child on an ambulance ride to the hospital.

I just worked, worked, worked, all the time  but it wasnt enough to [cover the cost] of the kids, she said. After tax, rent and the Alliance Abroad fee were deducted from her weekly salary, she estimated she was left with about $300.

Alliance Abroad and Merivale are preparing to return to Mexico for another recruitment drive. This month, the agency emailed the Mexican chefs theyd recruited for Merivale in 2017 and 2018 to request testimonials that would encourage other talented chefs in Mexico to follow in [their] footsteps.

Staff warned to work

In late 2019, hundreds of staff who alleged they had been systematically underpaid for years by the hospitality giant filed a class-action lawsuit. When migrant workers were given the option to sign onto the lawsuit and receive compensation, many declined for fear of losing their sponsorship, despite the promise of confidentiality.

Alliance Abroad said it was unaware of the class action lawsuit until it became public through media reporting.

Merivale agreed to settle the $19.5 million class action without admitting fault in November. Lawyers acting for the company said Merivale has at all times vigorously denied underpaying its staff, and maintains the claims are false. The settlement prevents any signatory from making statements to the contrary.

But new documents show some staff are still being told to work more than full-time hours.

Internal emails reveal that in September, Merivale executives were forcing full-time staff to work 45 hours per week by warning to pull lists of staff members who were not hitting those hours.

A payslip from May shows a staff member being paid for a 38-hour week, despite a separate time card showing they registered 60 hours that same week. Some staff earning more than the award of $78,000 do not get any overtime until they have worked a sixth or seventh day in a row.

The staff member, who worked shifts of up to 14 hours, alleges they had 60 hours squeezed into five days.

Merivale denied these claims, stating its employees receive pay that meets or exceeds the relevant award entitlements.

But the punishing work conditions took a heavy psychological toll, fuelling depression and anxiety among chefs.

Every day felt like a test, Santos said. People [would] tell you youre wrong, youre shit, whatever, so you started to [adopt] that kind of mentality.

It took a plea from a concerned colleague for management to cut down their hours. For some chefs, conditions slowly improved after the COVID pandemic. The staffing shortage had become dire, and Merivale fought to retain staff with promotions, shorter work weeks, and the occasional overtime payment.

Some venues became known among employees as less complicated than others, said one chef from Tottis Bondi, who received regular annual pay rises in line with the award.

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Among the chefs who stuck it out and received permanent residency, one said he is traumatised, some suffer from ongoing physical injuries, and another is in therapy.

But, free from Merivale, they are happy.

Im glad Im here, said Zavaleta, who left the company in 2023. [I just wish] they had told me, Hey, were going to treat you like shit. Were going to give you shit. But in five or six years, youre going to become a resident of this beautiful country.

F--- it, Ill take it, Im down. But they didnt deliver it like that. It was all smoke-screens and make-believe.

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Xinhua News Agency: July 5 marks the 65th anniversary of China-Ghana diplomatic ties. How does China view its relations with Ghana?

Mao Ning: Ghana is among the first sub-Saharan countries to establish diplomatic relations with China. Its also the first sub-Saharan country that Chinese leader visited. The two countries enjoy a time-honored and enduring friendship. Over the past 65 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, bilateral relations have maintained sound and steady growth, political mutual trust has been deepened, and practical cooperation has borne fruitful results in various areas. Last year, the two countries established a strategic partnership.

On the occasion of the 65th anniversary of China-Ghana diplomatic ties, China stands ready to work with Ghana to further deepen traditional friendship, enhance political mutual trust, strengthen practical cooperation in various areas, have closer coordination and collaboration in international affairs, solidify the China-Ghana strategic partnership, and deliver more tangibly for the two peoples.

Bloomberg: My colleagues reported that the Chinese side has canceled some events of the two-day EU-China summit. Can you please confirm it and offer comments?



Mao Ning: This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-EU diplomatic ties. Bilateral ties face new opportunities for development. Both sides agree to make full preparations for the next China-EU Summit and maintain communication on the specific arrangement.

El Pais: Its reported that Beijing doesnt want to see a Russian loss in Ukraine because it fears the United States will turn or shift its whole focus towards China, according to several people familiar with the exchange. I would like to know your comments on this.



Mao Ning: China is not a party to the Ukraine issue. Chinas position on the Ukraine crisis is objective and consistent, that is, negotiation, ceasefire and peace. A prolonged Ukraine crisis serves no ones interests. China supports a political settlement to the crisis as early as possible. Together with the international community and in light of the will of the parties concerned, we will continue playing a constructive role towards this end.

AFP: The Afghan government said yesterday that Russia has become the first country to formally recognize the Talibans government. Whats Chinas comment and does China also have the same plan to make that recognition?



Mao Ning: We welcome the new development in the relations between Russia and the Afghan interim government. As a traditional friend and close neighbor of Afghanistan, China always believes that Afghanistan should not be excluded from the international community. China supports the international community in enhancing engagement and exchanges with the Afghan interim government. We encourage the Afghan interim government to actively respond to concerns of the international community, help Afghanistan in realizing reconstruction and development, and support its effort of combating violence and terrorism and making positive contribution to regional peace, stability and prosperity.

No matter how Afghanistans domestic and external situation has changed, the diplomatic ties between China and Afghanistan have never been interrupted. Since the Afghan interim government has been established, the two sides diplomatic missions in each others country have kept normal operation and played a positive role in the development of bilateral ties. China will stay committed to a foreign policy of friendship toward all Afghan people and support exchanges and cooperation in various areas with Afghanistan.

AFP: U.S. President Donald Trump said yesterday that he would soon start sending letters to countries to identify the tariff rates they would face on imports to the United States. Whats Chinas comment?



Mao Ning: Id refer you to competent authorities for anything specific. Theres no winner in a tariff war. We hope the U.S. will work with China in the same direction to uphold and act on the important common understandings reached between the presidents of the two countries during their phone call and jointly promote the sound, steady and sustainable development of China-U.S. economic and trade ties.

Reuters: The U.S. told GE Aerospace on Thursday that it can restart jet engine shipments to Chinas COMAC, according to sources. Would the Foreign Ministry be able to confirm this?



Mao Ning: Id refer you to competent authorities on that.
Australias struggling culture sector could be handed much-needed extra funding under plans to use a radical shakeup of the nations tax system to alleviate the burden of rising costs, rapidly shifting audience trends and waning philanthropic support.

Exempting prize money from GST, giving wealthy benefactors added incentives to donate, taxing vacant commercial spaces and allowing arts workers to claim new expenses are options being considered by the NSW government as part of the bid to convince its federal counterparts of the need for urgent reform.

Live Performance Australia says a pre-production rebate will see more homegrown hits like The Picture of Dorian Gray. Credit: Marc Brenner

Arts Minister John Graham will on Saturday call a cultural arts tax summit at the Sydney Opera House for September 26, with any changes potentially applying to galleries, libraries and museums; performing arts such as theatre, dance and comedy; music; screen and digital games; visual arts and crafts; literature and writing; and the design, architecture and fashion industries.

This will be the most unusual show the Opera House has hosted, and its impact could last generations, Graham said of the impending summit.
R&B icon Usher has cancelled all of his Australian tour dates just months after announcing what was going to be his first tour down under in over a decade.

A statement was posted on the Ticketek website on Friday, stating that the promoter of Ushers Australian tour regrets to advise that the scheduled shows to take place in November/December will no longer be proceeding. A Live Nation spokesperson confirmed none of the shows would be going ahead.

Yeah! No. Usher will not be returning down under later this year. Credit: Getty Images

No specific reason for the cancellation was cited.

In March, the My Boo singer shared news of the Australian leg of his Past, Present, Future tour on Instagram, telling fans he would be bringing the A to the AUS later this year. He was scheduled to perform six shows at Melbournes Rod Laver Arena between November 19 to 26, and another six shows at Sydneys Qudos Arena between December 1 and 11. Tickets went on sale in May, less than two months ago.
ABC nature journalist Dr Ann Jones, best known for her ornithological series, The Secret Lives of Urban Birds and Meet the Penguins, has revealed her wilder side. In the new six-part series, Dr Anns Secret Lives, she swaps the gentle art of backyard bird-watching for the choppy seas off Queensland and Western Australia, and the jungles of Borneo, chasing bull sharks, sea snakes, orangutans, sea turtles, dugongs and pangolins. The scientists dedicated to monitoring their survival are as much a focus as the animals.

We dont exist separate to nature, says Jones, who lives with a strictly indoor Maine Coon cat named Bubbles and a freshwater prawn called Prawn Connery.

Dr Ann Jones chases bull sharks, sea snakes, orangutans and sea turtles in her new show Dr Anns Secret Lives.

All natural history documentaries are made on the back of research from people, like those featured in this program, says Jones. I think its important to not shy away from how we get information, which sometimes means that youre uncomfortable. But thats how we find out things that will protect the species.

In the series, marine ecologist Nicolas Lubitz remarks that the work of biologists is, 95 per cent boredom, 5 per cent chaos.
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Eating outFood One of Brisbanes best sushi restaurants is finally complete It opened in 2021, but not to the owners original specifications. Now, theres a new entrance, dining area and bar. When you walk in now, theres that sense of arrival. Matt Shea July 4, 2025 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

Sushi Room is complete. Whats now often regarded as Brisbanes best sushi restaurant may have opened in 2021, but not to owner Simon Gloftis original specs. The wrinkle? An existing ground-floor tenant on the Doggett Street side of The Calile. Sushi Room beneath The Calile has reopened with a new bar and dining section and entrance. Markus Ravik It meant a rework, with the intended street-side entrance relocated to a nondescript door just off The Calile lobby. It gave Sushi Room a low-key, hidden vibe, but Gloftis was never entirely happy with it.

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I always felt it needed a sense of arrival, a place like Sushi Room, Gloftis says. Its a very special room, a really special environment  walking in off The Lobby Bar was OK, but it didnt feel like youd arrived anywhere. It felt a bit too easy. Related Article Expect queues out the door at this hot new King Street patisserie As of late May, though, Sushi Room is a restaurant transformed. The Doggett Street tenant is gone, the former shopfront transformed into a new bar and al fresco dining area that, yes, also acts as the restaurants entrance. In charge of the fit-out was regular Gloftis designers Richards & Spence. Compared with the soft moodiness of the restaurant dining room, the Brisbane-based firm has leant the new space a bolder, more approachable design that suits its street-side location, with upholstered booths, a striking marble bar and a mirrored ceiling installation. Outside, brushed-steel furniture lines the sidewalk, while inside a noren curtain leads the way to the original restaurant.

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A noren curtain separates the new bar and dining area from the original restaurant. Markus Ravik The new space is designed to be versatile  diners can use it to start or finish the night, or dine there a la carte  and gives the restaurant more scope to handle walk-ins. When you walk in there now, theres that sense of arrival, Gloftis says. You go into the bar, through the noren curtain and into the dining room proper, and its oriented the right way. You walk in and all the sushi chefs are standing in front of you. The restaurant deserved that treatment. I couldnt be happier. The new dining area features a terrazzo bar, mirrored features and banquette seating. Markus Ravik

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The central dining room remains much the same: theres still the 9.3-metre imported hinoki dining counter, and still the bright-red private dining room upstairs. The menu remains much the same, and continues to leverage Gloftis deep connections with local suppliers and fishers: theres alfonsino, fatty tuna and vinegared mackerel nigiri; mud crab and tempura prawn hand rolls; and toothfish and Kagoshima A5 rib eye cooked on the hibachi. Guests can order either a la carte or choose a $330 omakase experience. Sushi Rooms central dining room remains much the same, and retains its signature 9.3-metre imported hinoki dining counter. Markus Ravik Weve had some time off so weve improved a couple of little things, Gloftis says. Weve added a beautiful little wakame salad and a couple of other little raw dishes that are really nice, but the bulk of the menu is 90 per cent the same. Gloftis likes to talk of a meal at Sushi Room as a journey, and reckons the updated restaurant completes that journey.

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It does, he says. The way the restaurant is set out now, people say, Its totally changed. And they look around and you go, No, actually it hasnt. Its just that youve walked in a different door. Youre facing the right way. It just feels right. Open Tue-Thu 5.30pm-late; Fri-Sat 12pm-2.30pm, 5.30pm-late The Calile Hotel, 48 James Street, Fortitude Valley, (07) 3741 5976 st-albans.com.au/venues/sushi-room

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Review Eating outAbbotsford Melbournes most expensive banh mi costs $58. Is it a gimmick or worth it? Ostentatious and theatrical, OTT Vietnamese steakhouse TungThit makes an impact on scruffy Victoria Street. Dani Valent July 4, 2025 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

This story is part of the June 28 edition of Good Weekend. See all stories .

1 / 11 A stags head overlooks the dining room at TungThit Sizzling Steak in Abbotsford. Bonnie Savage 2 / 11 Individual beef Wellington. Bonnie Savage 3 / 11 The cross-section of the beef Wellington. Bonnie Savage 4 / 11 Sizzling steak platter. Bonnie Savage 5 / 11 Signature pho with beef short rib and marrowbone. Bonnie Savage 6 / 11 TungThits ostentatious room stands out on scruffy Victoria Street. Bonnie Savage 7 / 11 Braised beef short rib banh mi. Bonnie Savage 8 / 11 The banh mi cross-section. Bonnie Savage 9 / 11 Vietnamese beef carpaccio with rice crackers. Bonnie Savage 10 / 11 Bonnie Savage 11 / 11 Coconut ice-cream scooped into a coconut shell topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of Vietnamese coffee. Bonnie Savage Previous Slide Next Slide 14 / 20 How we score Vietnamese$$$$ Some people complain when a banh mi costs more than $10, so wait till they hear about the $58 Vietnamese roll at TungThit, an Asian fusion restaurant in Abbotsford. Me, though? Ive been back for another one. Its not because its served in a formal restaurant setting, though the ostentatious room  with its arched windows, marble fittings, artfully distressed brick walls, black-and-white movie star photos and an enormous, and incongruous, stags head  does make an impact, especially on scruffy Victoria Street. Braised beef short rib banh mi. Bonnie Savage

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The banh mi tastes great, of course: slow-cooked beef short rib is smooshed into a crusty roll along with grated carrot and a profusion of herbs (beef isnt a normal filling for banh mi, pork being the takeaway fallback). But thats not it, either. The reason Ive been back is the service: its dinner and a show. Nothing here is ordinary. Flair bartending is a style of mixology that involves acrobatic pouring and the juggling of cocktail shakers: TungThit has invented flair food. That banh mi I was talking about is brought to the table on a wooden board by a black-gloved waiter who extracts the short rib bone with sword-from-a-stone drama. The meat is massaged across the bread, the roll carved with camp theatrics and  if you like  a succulent strand placed directly in your mouth. Its silly and fun and I am so here for it. The cross-section of the beef Wellington. Bonnie Savage The actors  sorry, waiters  have more scenes. Halved marrow bone is scraped at the table into pho. Beef Wellington is sliced at the table for a juicy reveal, the halves separated with the same sense of timing as a magician flipping the final card. Its a perfect blushing pink, the culinary worlds ace of hearts.

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Sizzling steak platters are ferried through the dining room, hissing like a shamans basket of snakes. Sizzling steak platter. Bonnie Savage None of this would work if the food wasnt good. TungThit sources premium beef, much of it high-quality wagyu, and cooks it properly. The short rib is braised long and slow, the steaks are charred and rested well, the broths are simmered for hours, bringing flavours to a subtle crescendo. Its dinner and a show... its silly and fun and I am so here for it. I love this wacky development in Australian Asian cuisine which, though exciting and ever-changing, is often subject to an ongoing conversation around pricing: why can tortellini be expensive, but dumplings must be cheap? Why shouldnt a banh mi that uses premium ingredients and relies on skilled labour be priced accordingly?

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Owner Tung Anthony  Nguyen brings a telling mix of experience to this restaurant (and its Springvale sibling). In Vietnam, he managed five-star hotel restaurants, then jumped to Gucci as a store manager, both on home turf and Europe. He moved to Melbourne seven years ago, working first in a meat factory, then seizing an opportunity to export beef to Asia. You can see the five-star and couture angles in TungThits extravagance and immersive experience as well as Nguyens entrepreneurial passion. A coconut ice-cream sundae is served in a coconut shell. Bonnie Savage Beef is the undeniable focus (thit is meat), but theres also seafood, pasta, a few dishes for vegetarians, and a dessert that trips back in time to Nguyens childhood in Ho Chi Minh City. Every weekend, hed go for ice-cream at a famous store called Bach Dung. His rendition is like the old favourite, coconut ice-cream scooped into a coconut shell topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of Vietnamese coffee. Its nostalgia with a frisson of flair. The low-down Atmosphere: Exuberant and theatrical Go-to dishes: Sizzling steak (from $62); short rib banh mi ($58); signature pho ($68); beef Wellington ($119) Drinks: The beverage menu is showy, like the food. There are a couple of big, spendy reds if thats what you need with expensive meats, and theres an okay list of cocktails, so long as your tastes lean sweet. Vietnamese coffee is available hot or cold, and theres house-made iced tea. Cost: About $190 for two, excluding drinks Related Article We tried Melbournes new drive-through banh mi spot. This is our verdict Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant cant pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.

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Eating outSandwich watch These four hot, soft and self-assured sandwiches make the new Kostas a must-visit Theyre using bespoke hoagies this time and filling them with juicy adobo pork, mustardy roast chicken, amazing Brussels sprouts and crunchy fish fingers. Good Food 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

There are few cafes in Sydney that encourage as much sandwich admiration as Kostas Takeaway. Kostas was in our recent Essential Sydney Cafes and Bakeries list for best sandwiches, and its legendary schnitty was an early addition to Sandwich Watch, a column dedicated to the Sydney rolls, wraps, subs and jaffles that deserve your attention. Thats why when the Rockdale-born Kostas opened a new outlet in a Martin Place food court, we thought wed stop by. It was a wise decision, here are four sandwich reasons you should too. Four reasons to visit the new Kostas Takeaway. Dion Georgopoulos Starting with the fabulous adobo pork hot roll, $18 This is a self-assured sandwich. Kostas splits its soft roll and piles it high and wide with pork thats been made adobo style (braised in a tangy and savoury Filipino sauce). To balance that juicy, smoky meat, theyve added mayo and topped it with a delightful pineapple salsa  a medley of chipotle (smoked jalapeno), onion, coriander and beautiful sweet fruit. Add fermented chilli, too. If you like tacos al pastor, youll love this.

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The self-assured adobo pork sandwich. Dion Georgopoulos Soft rolls are new for Kostas, yeah? They are. For this new outlet, Kostas founder Benjamin Terkalas says theyre using customised hoagies made at Kirrawees Thoroughbread Bakery. Theyre soft, long and excel at containing the meat juices. Tell me more about the Martin Place venue Its inspired by the LA food truck scene and strong European flavours Terkalas says. By that I mean all the things we love to eat put on bread. So, roast chicken and gravy in bread, and steak with skordalia. (Skordalia is a Greek dip of mashed potato with garlic). They recruited Brazilian-born Gabriel del Conti (who was previously group head chef at the Love Tilly Groups Ragazzi and Dear Sainte Eloise), who has brought some cheffing techniques to the sandwiches.

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The sweet mustardy tang on the chicken roll comes from the house cultured mustard butter and a condiment sauce. Dion Georgopoulos Case in point: the roast chicken hot roll, $17 This is a tasty tribute to the tradie lunch and late-night servo snack. The birds are marinated in a mix of oregano, confit garlic oil and white pepper to give them that seasoned Sunday roast taste. Theyre chopped and stuffed into the soft bun then drenched in chicken bone gravy. The sweet mustardy tang comes from the house-cultured mustard butter and a condiment sauce spiked with Dijon mustard, mustard seeds and sweet-and-sour pickles. All it needs is a few fat chips, which you can pick up from the food courts Seafood Shack. I didnt expect it to work, but it really did. Dion Georgopoulos Dont miss the Brussels sprout sandwich, $16

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Controversial? Genius? One things for sure, its a conversation starter. It might be a total wildcard sandwich pick, but from the first bite, youre hit with a punch of sweet, tangy and sourness. Then comes the roasted, creamy Brussels sprouts and cauliflower, which are mellow, earthy and unexpectedly comforting. I didnt expect it to work, but it really did. While it could benefit from some extra texture and crunch, I think youll find it a surprise, like I did. Chunky crumbed fish fingers. Make sure you go for the chilli. Dion Georgopoulos And then theres the fish fingers, $20 The name might conjure up memories of the bland fish fingers of your childhood, but the chunky crumbed fingers here are more like giant thumbs, bursting out of the sandwich. Beneath them lies a tangy tartare sauce mingling with melted American cheese. Say yes to the addition of chilli to amp up the acidity. Where to get them

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Kostas Takeaway is in the level 6 food court of 25 Martin Place. Its open Monday to Friday, 7am to 3pm. This is the latest instalment of Sandwich Watch, a column dedicated to the Sydney sandwiches you need to know about. The 25 Martin Place outlet. Dion Georgopoulos

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Its the stuff of nightmares. Broken bones. Burnt hands. Children strapped into high chairs for hours and force-fed until they vomit. Toddlers yanked, shaken, dragged along the ground. Kids found unsupervised in car parks or roaming next to busy main roads. Babies left in soiled nappies all day. Ignored, neglected, left to cry.

And then theres the video  just nine seconds long. A defenceless baby, strapped into a bouncer, crying hysterically as a childcare worker slaps her across the face repeatedly for fun. Her colleague films it, laughing, and uploads it to Snapchat. Its hard to believe this is happening in Australias childcare centres, but its been going on for years, all in plain sight.

Illustration: Monique Westermann Credit:

But theres even more heinous crimes. It took the announcement of a 26-year-old male educator being charged with more than 70 counts of child sexual abuse at a Melbourne childcare centre before people started asking the question  is childcare safe?

For someone like me, who has been investigating childcare for almost a year now, the news was horrifying but not a surprise. In Victoria, NSW and Western Australia, at least one report of sexual misconduct is made every day. And thats just whats tracked and reported. In Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory, theres no reportable conduct scheme, so we simply dont know.
Doctors and patients have urged the NSW health minister to intervene before one of Sydneys busiest hospitals loses a critical emergency and trauma service due to the latest mass resignation in the states public health system.

The entire team of 10 interventional radiologists at Westmead Hospital have submitted their resignations, leaving the major tertiary hospital without the service from Tuesday unless a deal is reached.

Eastwood GP Fiona Dennison wrote to Health Minister Ryan Park on Wednesday, urging him to intervene to prevent the collapse of interventional radiology services at Westmead Hospital. Credit: Monique Westermann / Getty

Interventional radiologists use ultrasound or CT to guide specialised needles and wires through small incisions, enabling them to perform procedures that would otherwise require more invasive surgeries.

They are particularly important to control bleeding in emergency and trauma cases, obtain samples for diagnoses, or to insert stents into blocked blood vessels.
Two bodies have been found in a dilapidated terrace in inner Sydney, with police saying they could have been there for weeks.

Police were called to the two-storey house on Cleveland Street in Surry Hills on Thursday afternoon. They located the body of one man before discovering the body of a second in another room.

The bodies of two men were found at a house in Surry Hills. Police say they could have been there for weeks. Credit: Nick Moir

Both men are believed to have died in the home at different times within the past month, and are thought to be aged in their 70s and 80s, but are yet to be formally identified.

A 63-year-old woman who lives at the same house has been spoken to by detectives.
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 . Notorious Sydney crime figure Abe Saffron played his cards close to his chest. He didnt talk to the media, turning down countless requests for interviews, despite accusations he was involved in prostitution, drugs, bribery and corruption. The only time he did speak was at an impromptu press conference after hed been named in the South Australian parliament as Mr Sin  a major figure in Australian organised crime. It was a tag he hated and, along with the accusations against him, vehemently denied. At the 1983 inquest into the disappearance of Juanita Nielsen, he essentially said he knew nothing. But now, almost 20 years after his death, he has spoken from the grave and named the man behind her murder: his one-time business associate James McCartney Anderson. It seems the confines of Parliament House, Canberra, loosened his tongue. It was there on a late Spring day in 1992 that he was ushered into a first-floor committee room for a secret meeting with the joint committee on the National Crime Authority. The committees hearings had been sparked by an article in the Herald published in November 1990 that questioned why the NCA had used Anderson as an informant in a tax evasion case against Saffron but had turned a blind eye to evidence about his role in the murder of Nielsen. The explosive claims Saffron made that day have remained hidden behind federal parliamentary rules for the past 33 years, but the Herald believes that on the 50th anniversary of Nielsens murder there is clear public interest in the evidence that Saffron, and then Anderson, gave before the committee being revealed.

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Under questioning by committee members  perhaps fascinated to be sharing a room with someone with such a scandalous reputation  Saffron zeroed in on Anderson and Victoria Street property developer Frank Theeman. Saffron said Theeman had paid Anderson $25,000 to have Nielsen killed. And then, in the years that followed, Anderson blackmailed the developer for more money. Asked about Nielsens activities, Saffron told the committee: I knew nothing of her existence until her disappearance. Nothing at all. I did not know that she had a newspaper even, until I read it in the paper. Evidence at the 1983 Nielsen inquest pointed to Anderson ordering Eddie Trigg, the night manager of the Carousel Cabaret in Kings Cross, to lure Nielsen to the club, where she was killed. Saffron said that after her disappearance on July 4, he had quizzed Anderson about her visit to the Carousel. I said whats going on? He said, Everything is in order. She came up just on normal business.

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Saffron told the committee he was an acquaintance of developer Frank Theeman, having met him at the Hakoah Club in Bondi. Anderson, on the other hand, was very close with him. Theemans proposal to demolish historic terraces and build high-rise units in Victoria Street had been vigorously opposed by Nielsen. Saffron said that at one point Theeman had approached him, pleading for help. He wanted $25,000 in cash. Theeman had said: I have given a cheque to Jim Anderson for $25,000. It is important I get it back and I do not have the cash. According to Saffron, Theeman had been quite agitated. Saffron said he refused his friends plea, saying he didnt have that sort of money lying about at home and adding: I do not want to get involved, Frank, in such a transaction. Abe Saffron testified that Frank Theeman (pictured) had asked him for money so that the property developer could pay Jim Anderson in cash. Credit: Fairfax Media Asked the purpose of the $25,000 payment to Jim Anderson, Saffron told the parliamentary committee: My personal opinion now is that it was to do with her disappearance. I think there is absolutely no doubt he was paid to get rid of Juanita Nielsen. Saffron added that Jim Anderson was also involved in the 1973 kidnapping of Victoria Street resident and activist Arthur King. There is no doubt in my mind that he was involved in that. King survived the harrowing three-day ordeal but immediately left the street.

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Asked if he believed Nielsens death was intentional, Saffron said: In my mind, no doubt  no doubt at all that that was the intention. There was some talk among the talkative people in Kings Cross that Anderson had arranged this disappearance and that it was because of the problems that Theeman was experiencing in Kings Cross with his development. There was some basis for that thought. Appearing at the same hearing, Saffrons solicitor, Peter Wise, said he told Saffron he could not imagine Frank Theeman wanting Nielsen deliberately killed. But Saffron had been definite and told him: No, he did not want her just out of the way or frightened. He wanted her killed. Jim Anderson (above) was alleged to be blackmailing Frank Theeman. Credit: Julian Zakaras Saffron said Theeman had complained to him that he was being blackmailed, saying: I have given him [Anderson] so much money. Saffron replied: Well, it is your business if you have given him money, Frank. That is nothing to do with me. Theeman had responded: Well, I cannot afford any problem about the Juanita Nielsen disappearance.

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Saffrons evidence needs to be seen against his bitter falling-out with Anderson, who the National Crime Authority had used to mount a case of tax evasion against him. With Anderson giving evidence in the 1987 trial, Saffron was convicted of using two sets of books for his Kings Cross nightclubs and restaurants between 1969 and 1981 to defraud the Commonwealth of $1.5 million in taxes. While he strongly denied the case against him, he was sentenced to three years jail. In a moment of reflection, he shared his thoughts about his one-time business associate with the committee: It was a sad day that I ever met him. On December 21, 1992, it was the turn of Anderson to give his side of the story. Perhaps somewhat theatrically, he was accompanied by a bodyguard as he entered federal parliament. Not surprisingly, he denied having anything to do with Nielsens murder. He also said he was a little bit miffed about reports that I tried to blackmail Frank Theeman because of the Juanita Nielsen incident. Graffiti on the wall outside Frank Theemans mansion in Bellevue Hill. Credit: Victor Colin Sumner/Fairfax Media I am categorically telling you that at no stage was I ever involved in anything to do with Juanita Nielsen. Allegations have been made and continue to be that I am the person that murdered her, but I somehow managed to manipulate and craft an alibi. I never needed an alibi because I had nothing to do with it. He asserted that it was implausible that Frank Theeman was behind the murder because the building was up, his apartment was up. Members of the parliamentary committee reminded him that this was incorrect as the development was stalled and costing Theeman $3000 a day in interest payments.

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The spokesperson said Heritage was working closely with LGS to ensure the approved conservation works were completed as quickly as possible. This would include the roof, gutters, downpipes and reconstruction of the former chimneys. But Heritage was unaware that all work on the site had been stopped since August 2023, after a stop-work order was issued by the City of Sydney, which has delegated authority on all heritage properties in its local government area. This was issued, the council said, after the owner started work on a verandah awning without consent. Once a construction certificate is issued, the stop-work order will be lifted and works can continue under the approved DA. A spokesperson said: Council does all it can within its powers to conserve and protect heritage items.

On the Cleveland House website, Vincent said the stop-work order came after a member of the public complained. He said it had prevented urgent and necessary repairs to the roof and exposes the building to potential damages being wrought from the increased weather elements being experienced in our time. This saga is typical of negotiations between Vincent, who bought the property in 1988, the City and Heritage NSW over the past 15 years. A stop-work order was issued on Cleveland House in Surry Hills in August 2023. Credit: Nick Moir LGS has received two NSW heritage grants for conservation works, the first in 2011-13 and, more recently, a $30,000 heritage grant in the 2023-25 round. Vincent was granted an extension to complete the works funded by the grants because he had obtained the required heritage and construction approvals.

Vincent has criticised delays in getting approval on his website and Facebook page. They detail how some applications for remedial work were rejected by Heritage NSW and how other development approvals were also rejected by council. Last October, his website celebrated a win in his bid to build a new toilet block, saying: Finally, after four years of communications it appears that the outstanding GTAs [General Terms of Approval] relating to the construction of the new toilet block may have been resolved. Loading Five development applications by LGS Enterprises for works totalling more than $500,000 have been approved by the City of Sydney since 2014. More were lodged before that. Some have timed out because they are older than five years. Other works got the go-ahead from the Heritage Council in 2011. The approvals provide for improvements to the commercial parts of the building, previously used by a publishing company, a new period fence, changes to windows, doors and the verandah. Other approvals relate to heritage materials.

When it was listed by the National Trust in 1973, the home was described as an excellent example of colonial Georgian domestic architecture. It had two curious entrance doors, a splendid exterior staircase, fan-lighted doors, and it was rich in cedar joinery. Vincent has repeatedly updated the houses Facebook page to announce that restoration works would begin imminently, only for those works to stop. The Herald has been asking the owner to comment on the propertys progress since 2022. Vincent has declined to answer, other than saying he could reveal more in six months. He often says sensitive negotiations are continuing. A Friends of Cleveland House Facebook update attributed to the owners said, The reasons for the slow movements on the restoration of this building are entirely due to the ridiculous heritage and Sydney councils with whom we have been fighting for more than 10 years. We have now obtained (after much headache) approvals for most of what we are planning to restore this beautiful building, so I think you will see some substantial improvements throughout 2024. In early 2022, an update on the groups Facebook page said works would be completed in mid to late 2023.

Loading In mid-2021, COVID lockdowns were blamed for delays, with a promise that work would continue when things open again. This week, he said it was a delicate period and he didnt want to enter into discussion which may affect the progress forward. Delays are common in historic properties. These can include unexpected finds  a house in Bellevue Hill found unexploded ordnances, and a major institution discovered its old building didnt have footings. The planning and approval process is complicated, and work requires specialised trades and is expensive. Locals now hope for a breakthrough. Everyone is over it, said a neighbour, declining to be named. And they realise what a beautiful home it was and how important it is historically, but there doesnt ever seem to be any progress.
More than $3 million in cash and valuables have allegedly been stolen from elderly Chinese women in a spiritual blessing scam organised by an overseas syndicate, as police search for at least 50 fraudsters after charging a woman in an ongoing investigation.

Yuee Ruan was arrested at Sydney International Airport on Thursday evening after disembarking a flight from China. Police allege she was returning to the country to continue offending.

The 63-year-old woman was arrested at Sydney International Airport on Thursday evening. Credit: NSW Police

Theyre best described as FIFO criminals. Theyre organised criminals that fly in for short periods of time, on up to 20 occasions over two years, and fly out, Detective Superintendent Guy Magee alleged at a press conference on Friday.

The plot generally targets elderly Chinese women and exploits their cultural fears to encourage them to hand over money and valuables, including jewellery, Magee explained.
The horror run for Brisbanes embattled Star Entertainment Group continues, with hundreds of its employees walking off the job during the peak of post-work Friday drinks.

United Workers Union confirmed on Friday that members employed by Star Casino would take protected industrial action for the first time, striking from 4pm until 6pm.

The strike will involve staff from the gaming floor, Star-owned restaurants and bars, including Sky Deck, and the housekeeping team.

Star Brisbane casino workers have walked off the job on Friday. Credit: Catherine Strohfeldt

UWU national president Jo Schofield said workers were taking a stand against an insulting offer from the company that did not account for current cost-of-living pressures.
They were joined in the exclusive Merivale ranks by Russian miner Alex Alexander, who was arrested by Australian Federal Police in 2015 over allegations he owed workers and creditors millions from his collapsed diamond mine in WA (Alexander was later acquitted), and David Carr: the dentist to the stars who had his registration stripped after exposing his semi-erect penis and testicles while operating on a patient in 2016, and was convicted of indecently assaulting his assistant in 2018.

They included Alisina Razzaghipour, who was later jailed in 2020 for smuggling $10 million worth of cocaine in a plasma-cutting machine from a handler known as El Chapo, as well as Michael Snounou, who was sentenced to a decade in prison last year for providing chemicals that flooded into Sydneys methamphetamine supply, and two of Australias largest tax fraudsters: Simon Anquetil and Dev Menon, who swindled the Australian public of more than $100 million through the Plutus Payroll scam.

Now an investigation by The Sydney Morning Herald , The Age, and 60 Minutes can reveal that as Hemmes political capital rose, so did the future criminals that swelled the membership ranks of Merivales private club, Level 6.

On the other are some of Australias meth suppliers, cocaine dealers and largest tax fraudsters.

On one side was Australias former treasurer Josh Frydenberg, Seven chief executive Ryan Stokes and the Liberal MPs who pay homage to the leader of the Merivale empire each election at his Hermitage mansion in Vaucluse.

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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.

The VIPs entered a world filled with caviar, $1000 bottles of champagne and women. In this world, discretion was paramount. Nothing could be photographed, said a Merivale VIP host, one of dozens of Merivale figures interviewed for this story, some of whom requested anonymity because of the non-disclosure agreements the companys staff sign when they leave the company.

The Rolls is used to come into Merivale venues and to drive clients home, internal Merivale management documents show.

In the loading dock beneath the sprawling Ivy complex, the Hemmes familys Rolls-Royce would deposit VIPs to take a lift straight up to the Level 6 penthouse, away from prying eyes. Hemmes former driver, John Hart, pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine after being caught by police while driving the IVY-plated Rolls-Royce in Redfern in 2011.

We can confirm that our clients do not require customers to provide their criminal record, if any, before allowing them to book a table at a Merivale venue, the lawyers said. To be clear, our clients deny any suggestion of criminal conduct or knowingly participating in such conduct.

Through their lawyers, Hemmes and Merivale stated that they were not aware of the criminal histories of the Level 6 members.

More staff have come forward to expose a culture that they say continues to prioritise wealthy customers over staff as it faces the findings of an investigation by SafeWork NSW and a new probe ordered by Fair Work following reporting by this masthead and 60 Minutes on Sunday.

Hemmes said he was devastated by the claims and commissioned an internal review by Kate Eastman, SC. Merivale said this week that the review found the claims could not be substantiated, but stated it would not be releasing the report because it is subject to legal privilege.

In October, the Herald and The Age revealed claims Merivale exploited women, encouraged them to have sex with customers, perpetuated sexual harassment and facilitated frequent drug use. The VIP penthouse was one step away from being a brothel, one Merivale manager said.

Merivale accused this masthead of malicious journalism after it sent the company and Hemmes 77 detailed questions last week. The companys lawyers said they would consider whether some of the questions amount to harassment and intimidation via a carriage service.

But it also raised questions about the power of older men over younger women in a company run by an increasingly influential political operator: Justin Hemmes.

The VIP service was risque and lucrative for Merivale and some of its staff. The VIPs would spend tens of thousands of dollars each year at Merivale venues, including tips of up to $3000 a night.

Wed have to write the report almost like it was a newspaper article, said one host. Even if it was a slow night, you kind of had to sell it.

The company was intimately aware of its Level 6 members preferences because they were detailed in nightly dispatches to Merivale executives, known as the Mr John Report. The report is named after Hemmes father, John Hemmes, who founded the Merivale empire and was treated like royalty by staff, who would have to stand when he entered head office.

We consider this a family, so we like to ensure that each new member is the right fit for the venue, the documents state. Membership grants access to a discreet yet extravagant space, filled with every conceivable luxury.

Internal documents show VIP members were referred by other members and vetted by Merivale.

Thank god we didnt get raped, because there were just so many situations that happened up there, said one former Level 6 VIP host. Its like a spider with different legs of just f---ed-up stories.

Jeremy Bond got drunk the other night and took out his penis and put it in his drink, one manager wrote. The grandson of fraudster Alan Bond is now the chief investment officer at Terra Capital. This is the first I have heard of this incident, and categorically deny that it occurred, Bond said.

One VIP host was renowned for her ability to endure spending hours with high-flying Kiwi fraudster Gavin Clifford Bennett while he talked about himself. Bennett was sentenced to eight years in prison in 2012 for a $94 million Ponzi scheme described by a New Zealand judge as an unprecedented level of fraud in our criminal history.

Remember Dev Manon? one manager wrote in 2019, referring to the Plutus payroll founder Dev Menon, who was jailed for 14 years for the $105 million Plutus tax fraud. Crazy how many L6 members have been charged with something.

Messages between managers reveal the growing infamy of Merivales client list at its most infamous private penthouse club.

The reports would detail the whole story of the night, including who came in and what they spent money on. They were so tightly scrutinised that managers would get in trouble if they used anything other than Arial size 11, the official font and size.

In 2019, another Merivale patron got so wasted after being served a dozen drinks that he removed his penis from his pants and flopped it about for other patrons to view, according to a notification for a first strike offence against Merivale issued by Liquor and Gaming NSW.

FOJ: Friend of Justin

Inside Merivale, the company had three different classifications: VIP, VIP black, and the highest tier, FOJ: Friend of Justin. Level 6 members had three membership options, ranging from $5500 to $20,000 per year. They could pay at the bar or transfer it directly into a designated account titled Hemmes Account.

Each applicant goes through a vetting process following formal referral, the internal documents show. Quality over quantity maintains the exclusivity of the brand.

The profile for one of its top black VIPs, Matthew Palavidis, reveals he would drink magnums between two guests.

It warned staff at Felix to Always have 1 lobster [per] guest available for when he dined at the hatted restaurant with his puppy. At Queen Chow in Enmore, the restaurant was instructed to have 1 x MUDCRAB on standby always for the multi-millionaire acoustic engineer.

Across Merivales portfolio of restaurants, Palavidis insisted they always have an $800 bottle of 1983 Chateau Leoville-Las Cases Saint Julien and a $700 bottle of 1996 Chateau Lynch Bages on hand.

Over time, its alleged he made junior female staff so uneasy that they updated his profile. Only to be served by male staff or management. Has made multiple female staff uncomfortable, his profile states. Through his lawyers, Palavidis denies ever making any female staff feel uncomfortable and rejects any allegation strongly.

But Merivale continued to allow him access to its venues, offering him silver service treatment while he spent tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of dollars at its bars and restaurants.

In November, a Merivale waitress took Palavidis to court for allegedly sexually touching her without consent. The court heard Palavidis attempted to undo the waitresss top while she served him a bump of caviar at two-hatted Mimis in Coogee as a present to himself.

Merivale VIP Matthew Palavidis arriving at Waverley Local Court in May. Credit: Louise Kennerley

Palavidis has denied the allegations. Merivales lawyers did not respond to questions about whether the 63-year-old was still allowed into its venues.

Palavidis and Hemmes know each other, Palavidis lawyer Paul McGirr told this masthead in November.

There is nothing that he cannot get or do within the venues, because they need to protect that whale, said one former Merivale manager.

At no stage has our client called himself a whale, McGirr said. Where and when our client goes as a private taxpaying citizen is entirely a matter for him.

They created monsters

The allegations of sexual harassment and exploitation span several of Merivales 90 venues, including Level 6 and Hemmesphere in the Ivy precinct.

Those two spaces are kind of the centre of the universe for all this bad behaviour, said one former manager.

One former staff member recalled a Merivale executive grabbing her, throwing her on the couch and putting her hand up her dress. You certainly didnt feel like you could say anything about it, she said, citing a fear of repercussions.

An assistant manager at the Ivy Pool Club told a senior manager she had been groped under her skirt by a VIP, but was told not to pursue it further or she would be opening a can of worms. When one VIP guest allegedly pushed a staff member into the bathroom to do a line of cocaine and ripped open her top, she was told by her supervisor: Dont beat yourself up about it.

The area of the precinct formerly known as the Ivy Pool Club.

In response, Merivales lawyers said: What do any of these allegations say about the culture at Merivale? They do not say a thing  they are allegations  which does not mean that they are true. Merivale is and has always constantly strived to improve its workplaces and services.

Suburban venues, including Queen Chows in Enmore and the Coogee Pavilion, had a better reputation among employees. But the VIP program meant that over time, cashed-up members would filter into Merivales neighbourhood restaurants, expecting the same level of attention they received at the Ivy.

One manager recalls getting a plate for a VIP to do cocaine in a private dining room at a suburban Merivale restaurant. Then they had to console a distraught staff member after a VIP put his hand up her skirt.

A manager who raised concerns about the behaviour of VIPs was allegedly told by a Merivale executive: They can do whatever they want, and its up to us to make sure they have a good time.

The experience was not the same for all employees. Several long-serving staff said they enjoyed their time at the company.

Theres a whole bunch of really great professionals who are kind of being indirectly affected by the bad actors within these groups, said one former Merivale manager.

Shane Blackett, a former VIP host, said she was sad that she no longer works for Merivale. Ive met some of my closest friends through staff and patrons that I still hold to this day, she said.

But the litany of complaints about alleged sexual harassment by VIPs, and the roster of Level 6 members with ties to organised crime pumping cash into Merivale venues, make for an uneasy contrast with Hemmes public persona as a philanthropist, entrepreneur and political donor.

Hemmes and the Liberal love rat

Hemmes and his companies have donated more than $350,000 to the Liberal Party since 2018, Australian Electoral Commission records show, while hosting fundraisers with prime ministers at his $100 million mansion, the Hermitage.

Internal messages between managers show the company targeted those with political capital for special treatment.

In one exchange, a manager asks for a list of complimentary Level 6 members close to Hemmes, who did not have to pay in the world-class members-only venue Level 6.

The list includes Australian Financial Review columnist Joe Aston, LJ Hooker chairman Janusz Hooker, Barrenjoey banker Dyson Bowditch, former realestate.com.au chief executive Jamie Pride, and Rod Bruce, who served as chief of staff to former deputy premier Andrew Stoner. There is no suggestion of wrongdoing from these men.

Bruce, who went on to become an executive at Star Casino, was a strong contender for biggest prick up there, one VIP host said, who would bore the living daylight out of me with the endless drivel of his waffling.

Michael Photios arrives at Ms Gs restaurant in Potts Point. Credit: Christopher Pearce

The list also included Tom Callachor, the former chief of staff to both Stoner and former health minister Jillian Skinner.

Internal messages show Callachors privileges were put in doubt as soon as he left government. [Callachor] might not be any more (as hes not working in government anymore), one manager says in the internal messages between Level 6 managers that appear to tie free membership to government access.

Callachor then worked at Sodali, the crisis communications firm that represented Merivale until this year. There is no suggestion of wrongdoing by Bruce or Callachor or that Hemmes personally directed staff to change Callachors level of membership after he changed position.

Liberal powerbroker Michael Photios also features prominently as a complementary member.

The former Liberal MP has spent the past decade wielding his influence over the Liberal Party. Photios acolytes include Climate Change Authority chair Matt Kean.

Dubbed the love rat by The Daily Telegraph in 2007, Photios celebrated his 50th birthday party in 2011 at the Ivy with his now-wife, Kristina Iantchev. The lobbyist continues to host his lavish Premier Christmas Party each year at the Ivy, with a guest list that features state and federal ministers and media identities.

Merivale staff described Photios and Hemmes as besties for the regularity with which they were seen drinking together at Hemmes venues. Photios did not respond to requests for comment.

One host, then in her early 20s, was told on her first night in 2013 that her job was to take care of Hemmes and Photios. The host shared messages with a friend about the incident.

I remember being in Hemmesphere, and Justin came in with his bestie. His names Michael Photios, she told the Herald, The Age and 60 Minutes.

Then my manager said, OK, for the rest of the night, your job is to sit with Justin and drink with him. Id never drunk with anyone before, nor had I ever been drunk on the job.

I just felt really uncomfortable. My managers just kept saying, no, you have to, you have to stay there. That is your job for the rest of the night. I just remember getting really inebriated to the point where I sort of felt like Ive passed that threshold when you sort of start to panic a little bit.

And I remember Michael Photios saying, Why dont you guys just go and have sex?  The host claims Hemmes responded by saying the host was too innocent and too green.

But the exchange left a lasting impression.

I felt pretty quickly that women are kind of disposable, she said.

Lawyers for Hemmes said their client has no recollection of the alleged events.

Hard to explain the aura

When Hemmes walks into one of his 90 venues, the first thing he often does is adjust the volume.

Hes a stickler for sound and lighting, said one former staff member. Its a bit to show he is hands-on, that he knows what ambience is better than anyone else here.

Hemmes lives like a monk for 300 days a year, but when he lets his hair down, it can spiral.

In 2010, when Pierre Fajloun, the bar manager of Ivys Level 6, died in a motorcycle accident at the age of 26, Merivale organised a wake for his family in the Ivy penthouse. Then the next thing you know, its 7am and Justin is there making margaritas, said one former staff member.

If our client did mourn as alleged, so what? Hemmes lawyers said.

Its alleged the wake got so out of control that the staff member was worried it would breach the Ivys licence. They called the police to try to get it shut down. The police never arrived.

Justin Hemmes would allegedly ask staff back to his harbourside mansion when Level 6 closed. Credit: Louie Douvis

Hemmes had a schoolboy kind of love for young women, the staff member said, that often extended to the people he hired.

Staff would be asked to go back to Hemmes harbourside mansion when Level 6 closed. The girls would be like, Do we have to go? and the security guard would be like, Yeah, you have to go, the former staff member said.

He doesnt want anybody to go home. He doesnt want the party to finish. But you cant tell him what to do. You cant say no to him.

The power dynamics were complicated in a company that was in the business of partying, and had a leader who was both relatively young, charismatic and insanely rich.

Hemmes, who runs the company with his sister, Bettina, reports only to himself.

Its very hard to explain the aura that is around a person who is inherently very charismatic, and has always been, to me, personally, unfailingly nice, one staff member said. You are all-powerful. People are terrified of you and also look up to you.

Former associates say that while Hemmes was brash with women, some would fawn over him because of his status and charm. And its hard to separate in this environment, what is appropriate, what is not appropriate, one said. People would just melt.

Managers would send messages updating one another on Hemmes whereabouts. Justin had baby, one manager wrote. 2 days before he was wasted at L6 surrounded by floozeys.

Hemmes lawyers described the claims as uncorroborated scuttlebutt.

In 2009, a woman filed a police report after Hemmes allegedly pushed her in the chest at his club Hemmesphere. The police report has never previously been revealed.

Hemmes allegedly forcibly grabbed the arm of the woman on the dance floor and then wrestled her partner to the ground after putting him in a headlock. The woman and her partner were asked to leave. When the woman went to collect her bag, she called Hemmes a pig.

Then he shoved me with enough force that I would have fallen to the ground if there hadnt been a security person behind me, she said. We were so shocked that we went immediately to the police.

The woman considered pressing assault charges but changed her mind after she claimed police warned her that the case would attract a lot of attention.

The stress of it all was too much, she said.

Hemmes lawyers claimed the woman had spat on Hemmes and behaved aggressively towards him with her male friend. [CCTV] footage completely vindicated our client, and showed that the allegations were plainly false, they said. Because of that, it did not go any further.

The woman denied Merivales allegations. This is absolutely untrue, she said.

Do you know who the f--- I am?

NSW Police have had a topsy-turvy relationship with the billionaire, who first came to their attention when he crashed his Scarab class 12-metre speedboat in 1998. The crash threw a dozen passengers into the ocean and sank the $400,000 boat registered in the name of IJUSTIN. The same year, the then-26-year-old reportedly lost his licence for driving his Ferrari under the influence.

But it was his $66 million gamble on the Ivy that really catapulted him into the crosshairs of police.

In 2010, he allegedly ordered the strip-search of an employee, Danny Luu, after he was suspected of stealing thousands of dollars from the Establishment in Sydney.

CCTV of the strip-search of Danny Luu after he was suspected of stealing thousands of dollars from the Establishment in 2010.

Do you know who the f--- I am? Hemmes allegedly demanded of his employee as he was strip-searched, according to court documents obtained by The Daily Telegraph. Luu sued Hemmes for false imprisonment, assault and trespassing. Hemmes later settled the case.

A year later, 19-year-old Nicholas Barsoum was punched, kicked, gagged and hauled down the stairs into Ivys basement by four bouncers, including trained cage fighter Emmanouil Ntaras. Barsoum was bashed after he confronted bouncers with a group of friends after being kicked out of the club.

NSW Police were deliberately diverted from discovering the bashed teenager, and a Merivale cleaner removed forensic evidence from the basement, according to police facts first reported by The Australian.

Ntaras was jailed for 27 months over that attack, but Merivale needed an enforcer to continue monitoring the organised crime figures that would pile into its venues.

They turned to Chris Bakis, a boxer respected by Hemmes and the bikies and drug dealers who would turn up at the Ivy. That included Mostafa Baluch, who was caught hiding in a truck in 2021 after cutting off his ankle bracelet while attempting to flee Australia over a 900-kilogram cocaine bust.

Hemmes and Bakis became so close that Bakis was put in charge of Hemmes personal security, including for his own office. Perched high above Merivales sprawling Ivy compound on George Street, with a table worth hundreds of thousands of dollars surrounded by Eames chairs, it was where the most intimate of Hemmes parties were held.

Bakis, who trained Australian boxer George Kambosos Jr, died in 2023. Merivales lawyers said Bakis was an operations manager at Coogee Pavilion.

The more ruthless the crew, the better, said one former staff member. They served as muscle at the Ivy, intervening in situations beyond the regular security guards capabilities, particularly when dealing with suspected gang members and affiliates. They were Chris boys roaming around inside the venue while Chris was stationed at the entrance of Ivy.

Bakis made police uneasy. One assault charge was withdrawn by consent after Bakis died in 2023.

Lovely guy, though quite scary, said another former staff member. He was an affiliate, but wasnt a gang member himself. A very valuable person for the company.

Bakis struck fear into both patrons and staff, making it clear that he was between Hemmes and everybody else.

If a bikie turned up at the door, then the presence of Chris there, he commanded enough respect that he could say no, a former staff member said. A lot of bouncers would be afraid to because their lives would be threatened.

But there was a problem: Bakis had no licence to be a security guard. NSW Police questioned why he was running security operations for Australias largest hospitality company.

In a meeting with Merivale, NSW Police quickly backed down when Merivale told them that they would be calling the police to handle the situation every time a group of bikies turned up.

While Bakis became the point man for criminals, Hemmes needed a political operator to smooth over relations with the state government after NSW Police began naming and shaming the states most violent venues. The Ivy was consistently at the top of the list. On a busy Saturday night, the Ivy could have more than 100 police walk through the site. It was full-on, a former staff member said. It was unreasonable.

The then-NSW police commissioner Andrew Scipione launched a crackdown on Sydneys largest hospitality company as the state government introduced lockout laws following the fatal alcohol-fuelled bashings of teenagers Thomas Kelly and Daniel Christie in 2012 and 2013.

Hemmes turned to Photios, the former Liberal MP turned Merivale VIP and lobbyist, to convince the Liberal government and eventually police that, because of its size, the scrutiny on Merivale was unjustified, cementing a relationship that has continued to pay political dividends.

They create their own rules

Ministerial diaries show the former state Liberal government had 20 meetings with Merivale between 2019 and 2023, involving the premier, police minister, transport minister, and treasurer. NSW Labor Premier Chris Minns has had two meetings with Merivale since being elected in 2023.

In 2021, Merivale secured one of the biggest government catering contracts in the state: a six-year multimillion-dollar deal under a competitive tender by the Liberal government to provide food and drinks at two of Sydneys largest stadiums, the SCG and Allianz.

The quality and high standards of Merivales food and catering services are unmatched, Merivales lawyers said in a statement. This is an incontrovertible, publicly acknowledged fact.

Merivale owner Justin Hemmes and Kerry Mather, the chief executive of Venues NSW, at Allianz Stadium.

The family company, Hemmes Trading Pty Ltd, run by Hemmes, his sister, Bettina, and their mother, Merivale, donated $300,000 to the federal Liberal Party that year. Hemmes and Bettina have a net worth of $1.56 billion.

The contract was awarded while Merivale was in the midst of a multimillion-dollar scandal involving allegations it had systematically underpaid some of its lowest-paid employees.

In November 2024, Merivale agreed to settle the $19.5 million underpayment class action without admitting fault. Merivale defended the claims in the litigation, at all times vigorously denying that any underpayment occurred, the company said.



But new documents show Merivale, which has more than 5000 employees, is still forcing some staff to work more than full-time hours.

Internal emails reveal that in the middle of the underpayment negotiations, Merivale executives were allegedly forcing full-time staff to work 45 hours per week.

The maximum weekly hours for a full-time employee are 38 hours per week, according to the Fair Work Ombudsman and Merivales contracts with its employees. It is common for staff in many industries to work more than 38 hours voluntarily, but they cannot be forced to do so.

Merivales policies are that overtime applies after 46 hours worked in one week, meaning the company is effectively forcing staff to work a free day of work per week under a company-wide policy initiated from at least 1 July 2024.

It seems like the message is not getting through, an executive wrote to staff in September 2024. All full-timers are required to work 45 hours. Snr management are pulling lists of staff members that are not hitting these hours.

Hemmes top lieutenant, Merivales group general manager Frank Roberts, and one of its executive chefs reiterated the warning in October.

All full-timers must work to a minimum 45 hrs per week, again [sic] again no exceptions, they said.

On Monday, eight migrant chefs from Mexico alleged they were overworked, underpaid and racially discriminated against while working up to 60 hours a week for the hospitality group, which owns property worth an estimated $3 billion.

Merivale denied these claims, stating its employees receive pay that meets or exceeds the relevant award entitlements.

Fair Work is investigating the company.

NSW Legislative Council member Dr Sarah Kaine, the state governments chair of committees, said the wage underpayment scandal, ongoing claims of exploitation of employees, allegations of sexual harassment and Merivales political and criminal links were deeply, deeply concerning.

Labors Dr Sarah Kaine says she is deeply concerned by allegations raised against Merivale. Credit: Janie Barrett

We dont want a situation where any worker in NSW faces those kinds of conditions, but we particularly dont want that with our young workforce. We dont want that to shape how they experience whats acceptable at work, or indeed for them to bear scars of that into the future, the Labor MP said.

I think Sydneysiders, Melburnians, anyone would be really distressed to think that going into what is branded as a high-end hospitality experience, that that might be off the back of workers who are being mistreated.

Kaine accused the former Liberal government of failing to do its due diligence on Merivale when it was awarded the multimillion-dollar state government contract.

I think the pub test, that one might not pass, she said.

Party boy millionaire to political billionaire

The wage underpayment scandal, claims of sexual harassment, exploitation of female employees and Merivales links to VIPs with serious drug and tax fraud convictions have not dented Hemmes reputation among the Liberal political elite.

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In Canberra, Hemmes was ringside for three of then-treasurer Josh Frydenbergs budgets between 2019 and 2022, flying in on his private plane to take his seat in the parliamentary gallery alongside his rat pack of Seven boss Ryan Stokes and Aussie Home Loans boss James Symond as Frydenberg handed down more than $88 billion in JobKeeper payments. Frydenberg, Symond and Stokes are not accused of any wrongdoing.

On a podcast hosted by Liberal senator Andrew Bragg, Hemmes said the JobKeeper payment was one of the most fantastic incentives the government could have done after it kept thousands of workers on Merivales books during the pandemic. Bragg described his podcast with Hemmes as a very exciting day.

Hemmes sponsored Braggs Christmas party at the Ivy in 2023, according to the senators declaration of interest. In May, Bragg was appointed to Liberal leader Sussan Leys cabinet as the opposition minister for housing, productivity and deregulation. Bragg was contacted for comment.

In March, five months after this masthead revealed claims of staff being sexually harrassed and exploited, and four months after Merivale agreed to settle the wage underpayment scandal, Hemmes hosted former Liberal leader Peter Dutton at the Hermitage after the then-opposition leader jetted in from flood-ravaged Queensland for the night.

The Victorian gothic mansion in Vaucluse is the same venue where Hemmes hosted the Sydney Childrens Hospitals Foundations Silver Party for 300 guests in May.

Duttons soiree followed a $13,000-a-head private dinner for Scott Morrison in 2019 and a $10,000-per-ticket fundraiser with Malcolm Turnbull in 2016.

It is also the same $100 million mansion where Level 6 staff were allegedly asked to come back to continue Hemmes private parties after a night of serving VIPs with political and criminal links.

Staff say they have a complicated relationship with the 52-year-old. Hemmes is respected for pioneering Sydney nightlife, but he has made his fortune through a company that has repeatedly allegedly exploited their labour.

Theyll murder it down there

Hemmes now cuts an increasingly private and anxious figure. Senior staff and even junior chefs have been forced to sign non-disclosure agreements as a condition of receiving payouts.

The impact on his VIP business has been significant. Sydneys corporate high-flyers now head to rival venues that can offer a more discreet service after the revelations in this masthead in October.

Merivales venues have also changed, perhaps none more so than the Ivy. The Ivy Pool Bar is now Jimmys rooftop, named after the more family-friendly Jimmys Falafel chain. Hemmes has shifted his businesses away from after midnight to the daytime crowd. His appetite for property, including a $55 million redevelopment of a car park in Melbourne, shows no signs of slowing down.

Theyll murder it down there, said one former staff member. Theyll build those two sites and take over the CBD.

But regulators in NSW are now paying attention. SafeWork NSW has been investigating both Merivale and Sydneys other major hospitality player, Swillhouse, following earlier claims of sexual assault and exploitation in both of their venues. Merivale resigned from the board of the Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association in October after Hemmes told staff he was devastated by the claims.

An artists impression of the planned Merivale development at the Parkade car park in Melbournes CBD. Credit: Merivale

Kaine said questions need to be answered as the state government considers changes to its $40 billion-a-year procurement budget, which could see contracts shortened and awarded only to businesses that provide good outcomes for their employees.

Its not the 1950s. Get with the program. I dont care how long its been going on; its unacceptable, she said. We should make sure that we do everything we can to keep workers safe, particularly young women workers who are vulnerable to exploitation in these circumstances.

But there is a bigger threat looming. Jacqueline Munro, the NSW Liberal shadow assistant minister for the 24-hour economy, asked the NSW deputy secretary of hospitality and racing, Tarek Barakat, in September if Merivale and Swillhouse were putting their licences at risk.

If allegations are proven, Barakat responded, the authority may determine, based on that advice, that that individual is not a fit and proper person to be associated with a liquor licence in NSW, and they can ban them for a period of time or for life from operating in the industry.

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Experience the Cuphead zoetrope at ACMI ACMIs permanent The Story of the Moving Image exhibition contains little-known delights that will excite the animation enthusiasts and gamers among us. Such as a zoetrope, the pre-film animation device that produces the illusion of motion by displaying a sequence of drawings or photographs. Characters from the Cuphead video game come to life at ACMI. One such device has been designed by Studio MDHR, specially for ACMI, to produce the illusion of 90 characters from the Cuphead video game magically coming to life. Inspired by surrealist cartoons of the 1930s, the 2017 video game  one of the most successful run-and-gun video games in recent memory  is playfully evoked through this contemporary incarnation of the popular 19th-century invention.

Walk along the Solar System Trail One of the lesser-known attractions of St Kilda is the Solar System Trail, a walking trail thats a scaled replica of our solar system. The 1,392,000-kilometre diameter of the sun is rendered into 139 centimetres, so each millimetre you walk represents 1000 kilometres and Port Phillip Bays crescent shape means the sun can be viewed from every one of the nine model locations. Start with the sun in Marina Reserve, walk the short distance to the first five planets  Earth is only 150 metres from the sun  and end in Port Melbourne with dwarf planet Pluto, 5.9 kilometres from where you initially started. In essence, youve travelled 5.9 billion kilometres. Belt your heart out at Kono Coin Karaoke Diverge from Melbournes archetypal private karaoke rooms and open mic nights and exercise your lungs at Melbournes first coin-operated karaoke destination, Kono Coin Karaoke.

Loading Disco-lit booths that come equipped with two microphones each, fun props and a range of songs in English, Korean, Chinese and Japanese are spread across two floors, with the option to sing on a public stage if thats your preference. You pay by song  $2 for one or $20 for 12. Experience letterbox-sized art at Mailbox Art Space Avail yourself of the wonders of Melbournes smallest artist-run space, nestled in the art deco-tiled foyer of the refurbished Pawson House on Flinders Lane. Nineteen restored glass-fronted letterboxes play host to an ever-changing display of paintings, sculptures, jewellery and illustrations that respond to a particular theme at any given time.

The current exhibition is Indonesian-born, Melbourne-based visual artist Badra Ajis No More Dreaming Tonight, which navigates the charged terrain of race, sex and power through a fragmented yet intimate narrative. Visit the National Communication Museum Housed in a 1939 telephone exchange building, the new National Communication Museum in Hawthorn showcases integral technologies from the past alongside cutting-edge technologies that will connect us into the future. Playing tunes on a switchboard synthesiser at the National Communication Museum. Credit: Casey Horsfield Step into the retro Cyber Cafe for an immersive experience narrated by Rita Arrigo, one of the pioneers behind Australias first internet cafe, Netcafe, which opened in St Kilda in 1995.

Meander into the Conversations Gallery and find yourself interacting with Samoan dance using hand-tracking technology, tapping out Morse code in a Guitar Hero-style game or getting close to iconic innovations such as the first computer mouse. See a wall of oscilloscopes come to life as you watch a vintage horror film made in the Telecom Research Labs, or pick up a rotary phone, dial the number and watch your call work its way through a real, functional Strowger step-by-step telephone exchange. The museum has two floors for other interactive exhibits. Insert yourself in the frame at ArtVo. Become part of the art at ArtVo How you feel about ArtVo will hinge on how you feel about traditional art galleries and museums, where one isnt allowed to touch and interact with the artworks and where photographing oneself with an exhibit is generally considered gauche.

At self-guided trick art gallery ArtVo  which stretches across several different zones  visitors can do all these things and more, becoming part of the artwork themselves through optical illusion. Fantasy is the gallerys current theme, and there are larger-than-life hand-painted murals depicting oceans, polar ice caps, outer space and lush forests cascading to the floor. Its ideal for children. Immerse yourself in zines at Sticky Institute The wonderful world of zines and DIY ethics and the enduring spirit of punk is on full display at the Sticky Institute. Sticky Institute offers a refuge for buyers, sellers and creators of unique zines. Credit: Joe Armao

Part open-resource working space and part non-profit retail space, Sticky Institute  run by a dedicated team of volunteers  offers a space for zinemakers to create, showcase and sell their work and provides access to essential tools such as typewriters, long-armed staplers and photocopiers. If youre new to the world of zines but interested in learning more, Sticky Institute runs workshops every fortnight and two annual zine fairs: the 17-year-old Festival of the Photocopier Zine Fair in February and the Hallozeen Zine Fair, a Halloween-themed event in October. Explore the Johnston Collection The Johnston Collection is a hidden gem, so hidden no one knows the exact address of the 1860s townhouse that contains it. All exhibitions, lectures and events must be pre-booked and 10 minutes before your session starts, youll meet a staff member from the Pullman Melbourne on the Park who will transport you to the townhouse.

Fina Ficheras Kangaroo 2 from the Art and Heritage Collection. Once youre there, discover more than 1500 items predominantly of English 18th-century origin  ranging from ceramics, furniture and glass to horology, metalwork, paintings and textiles  with a selection of items from Europe, India, China and Japan. Tours are limited to eight people, so ready yourself for an intimate experience. Meander through the Art and Heritage Collection Embark on a free guided tour of the City of Melbournes Art and Heritage Collection, located in the Melbourne Town Hall, and sift through 13,000 exhibits ranging from ornate embroideries and a vintage bottle of Spumante to a ceramic Chiko Roll and 1980s photographs of people watching the Moomba parade. These works respond to and challenge traditional narratives, bring to life emblems of Melbourne cultural life, and provide a glimpse into this citys rich social history.
A much-loved family man will never get to meet his young daughter after his life was taken in a stabbing attack.

Nyaiek Anyang told the Victorian Supreme Court she found out she was pregnant with her partner Myek Rings baby after he was murdered on December 30, 2022.

Myek Ring loved playing basketball and spending time with his daughter.

Even though he is gone, he left a piece of himself, she said in a victim impact statement to the court. Raising our daughter without him is incredibly hard.

Rings killer, Malwal Aweng, 28, listened silently to Anyangs statement as he faced a pre-sentencing hearing on Friday morning.
Hunters and fishers have celebrated a vow from Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos that the Victorian government will not legislate a new national park spanning more than half a million hectares.

Conservationists had for a decade campaigned for the creation of a Great Forest National Park, which would add another 355,000 hectares of forests to triple the area of Central Highlands that is now protected.

Forests in the Central Highlands are home to the critically endangered Leadbeaters possum. Credit: Dan Harley

The expanded national park, joining seven existing forests and state parks, would have offered critical protections for endangered and imperilled animals such as the Leadbeaters possum.

But the proposal has been controversial among bush users groups, who say it would lock recreational park users out.
Landscape architect Jill Burness describes her latest project as both a labour of love and an environmental insurance policy.

For the past three years, she has been part of a team transforming a section of degraded tobacco plantation beneath the Grampians into a botanic garden dedicated to the preservation of endemic plants.

Burness, who formerly worked with Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria for 27 years, said the Grampians contained more than 30 per cent of the states flora, with dozens of endemic species, which means they do not grow anywhere else.

The Grampians is one of the biodiversity hotspots of Victoria, she said. Its truly amazing when you think about it. Its a relatively small area to contain that much representation of the states flora.
Winston Churchill: A machinegun response. Credit: Press Association It made British and American papers and even sparked interest in Paris, the culinary capital of the world, with this headline: Affaire du buf Wellington empoisonne: le thriller imprevisible et original qui fascine lAustralie (Poisonous beef wellington affair: The unpredictable and original thriller thats fascinating Australia). Since Shakespeares Hamlet, we have been a little fascinated by poisonings. Victims include Cleopatra, Hitler, Socrates, Rasputin and Phar Lap. Russian dissidents have been killed with the prod of a poisoned umbrella. Spies carry decoding devices and cyanide pills. Even Winston Churchill purportedly dabbled in the field. When Lady Astor remarked: If I were married to you, Id put poison in your coffee, Churchill responded: If I were married to you, Id drink it.

In Japan, the deadly fugu fish is a delicacy that can only be prepared by licensed chefs. Ill stick to the tinned tuna. Loading In Australia, no one has died consuming our local delicacy  the dim sim. Although it didnt do Normie Lee much good. Normie was a member of the Great Bookie Robbery Gang and he also owned a dim sim factory. He was shot dead by the Special Operations Group in 1992 when he was pulling a million-dollar stick-up at Melbourne Airport. Lees co-offender Stephen Asling, who would later become a hitman, once became upset when a Chinatown restaurant refused to open when he wanted a post-nightclub snack. When he kicked in the door, the chef presented not with fortune cookies but a meat cleaver, chopping at Aslings foot as if it were an errant Peking duck. When they presented at the same hospital, they jumped from their trolleys to resume hostilities. MSG will do that. So why are we so fascinated by poisoning cases?

The black comedy Arsenic and Old Lace, the story of two elderly women who poisoned 11 lonely old men to end their suffering, was a hit play turned into a hit movie. John and Lorraine Moss on their wedding day. There was one case that took 17 years to resolve. John Moss, a Bendigo meat worker, first became ill in 1978. Five times he was hospitalised, making partial recoveries, before relapsing. It took him six years to die, and by the time doctors found the cause it, was too late. His wife, Lorraine, cared for him when he was released from hospital, feeding him home-cooked meals and taking him to the local pub in a wheelchair when he was too weak to walk. In August 1983, doctors took nail and hair samples to test for lead and arsenic poisoning. The results were lost for a time, with Austin Hospital staff finally receiving them on January 12, 1984. Moss, 38, died the next day. The tests showed he had 80 times the normal level of arsenic.

Believing there was a 15-year statute of limitations for murder, Lorraine made a half-baked confession to her daughter. Seventeen years after Moss death, Lorraine was charged with murder and eventually sentenced to 18 years jail. The homicide detective who charged her, Jack Jacobs, said: It was a case of cold-blooded torture. She always offered us a cup of tea. I always made sure I never took it. Loading There has long been an interest in infamous last meals, with websites dedicated to what American serial killers order before their executions. John Wayne Gacy was executed by lethal injection for committing 33 murders. His last feed was a dozen fried shrimp, a bucket of original recipe KFC, fries and strawberries. Just before triple murderer Allen Lee Davis was sent to the electric chair in Florida, he ordered lobster tails, fried potatoes, fried shrimp, fried clams, half a loaf of garlic bread, and nearly a litre of root beer. Clearly cholesterol was no longer an issue.

Ever since Eve tempted Adam with an apple, food and mysteries have been partners in crime, particularly in Melbournes fruit and vegetable industry. Our introduction to organised crime was the 1963-64 market murders  a power struggle for control over industry kickbacks. Four men were shot, including Honoured Society leader Vincenzo Muratore, blasted with a double-barrelled shotgun as he left his Hampton home for Victoria Market. Detectives check a truck as part of the Market Murders investigation. Credit: Fairfax More than 20 years later, the syndicate was demanding a payment of 50 cents per case of produce even from the biggest retailers, with Coles paying $6 million a year. In 1992, Vincenzo Muratores son Alphonso met with Coles Myer representatives in the hotel Parkroyal in Little Collins Street to explain the system and offer an alternative.

Two weeks later, Muratore was murdered  outside his Hampton home on his way to the market  a replica of his fathers 1964 murder. Loading In prison, where hard men have too much time on their hands, grudges can be deadly. In 1975, standover man Mark Brandon Chopper Read was entrusted with the job of collecting 60 cooked sausages to be distributed  two to each inmate as a Christmas treat. Sadly, Read arrived empty-handed with suggestions he had eaten the lot, an allegation he dismissed as foul gossip and rumour.

It sparked the H-Division Great Sausage War that lasted five years and resulted in 60 attacks and 11 attempted murders. Loading According to Chopper, the most deadly food in H Division was a vegetable curry made by Russell Cox, who spent 11 years on the run after escaping from NSW. According to Read, the curry was so hot it could blow a hole in a bluestone wall. Melbournes underbelly war was often linked to the culinary arts. Alphonse Gangitano (killed in 1998) was known as The Black Prince of Lygon Street; Michael Marshall (2003) was killed outside his hot dog van; Willie Thompson (2003) was a lollipop salesman; Lewis Moran (2004) was killed at the Brunswick Club near bar snacks; Flower Drum regular Graham Kinniburgh was shot outside his Kew home in 2003; and Des Tuppence Moran (2009) was killed at his favourite cafe. And hitman Andrew Veniamin was killed (in self-defence) by Melbourne identity Mick Gatto in a Carlton restaurant in 2004.

When it comes to underbelly and food in your belly, no one topped former suburban pizza shop owner turned drug boss Tony Mokbel. Loading At his Boronia pizza shop, the favourite was Number 15, Tonys Special  tomato, cheese, ham, bacon, onions and egg. Once his favourite meal from Sopranos Restaurant (naturally) was an upmarket version of surf and turf  a medium-rare eye fillet steak topped with fresh shrimp and smoked salmon. Sopranos manager Frank Sarkis said, He came for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

He also ordered in. Sarkis said: Money was no object. Hed regularly spend $200 a night on pizza and pasta. The staff cried (when Tony jumped bail). He was a big tipper [in] $100 bills. Loading Visiting a mate in the Melbourne Custody Centre, he peeled off $350, persuading a guard to nip up to a North Melbourne Italian restaurant to pick up 40 gourmet pizzas and soft drinks (anchovies make you thirsty) for inmates and staff. His love of fast food went as far as looking after a mate, Paul Howden, who took the fall when police discovered a $78 million lab owned by the Mokbels. While Howden was doing time in a country prison, Tony would drive there to shout him a big feed of McDonalds.
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Jockey Rory Hutchings is keen to repay the faith of top trainer Chris Waller at Rosehill on Saturday after returning from a one-month suspension for improper conduct and trying to cheat the scales in what he described as a brain snap moment.

A three-time New Zealand champion apprentice, Hutchings had three rides for Waller without a win at his first meeting back, at Warwick Farm on Wednesday, and he has two  Barking Mad (race one) and Seafall (seven)  for him on Saturday. He also has the job on Elouyou for Victorian trainer Scott Cameron in the eighth.

Rory Hutchings riding Unusual Legacy to victory for Chris Waller at Scone on May 18, 2024. Credit: Getty Images

Hutchings was suspended for an incident on May 24 at Randwick when he attempted to weigh out pre-race for a ride on the Waller-trained Providence without his mandatory safety vest on. When caught by clerk of scales David Sylvester, Hutchings used the words, Ill look after you.

In the stewards inquiry, Hutchings pleaded guilty to a charge of trying to weigh out without the vest in an attempt to make the allotted weight, saying it was a brain snap. He pleaded not guilty to an improper conduct charge in relation to his comments, saying how it was interpreted was not what he intended, but stewards found him guilty.
It was the legendary Liverpool FC manager, Jurgen Klopp, who famously declared: Football always seems the most important of the least important things.

Those words seem more poignant now than ever, as the glory from Liverpool FCs record 20th Premier League title fades in the face of another devastating dose of perspective.

On Thursday evening, the world learned of the death of Liverpool and Portugal star Diogo Jota in a car accident in north-western Spain.

The death of Diogo Jota, 2025
Ive never given any thought to Elton Johns taste in hotels until, on the desk in my guestroom, I see a framed black-and-white photo of him, smiling wryly and wearing sunglasses, with To La Residence with love Elton John scribbled in one corner.

After inquiries at reception, I discover Elton John stayed here once. Not just here, at La Residence outside Franschhoek in the wine lands just beyond Cape Town. But here, in my guestroom, which is called the Maharani suite.

La Residence is outside Franschhoek in the wine lands just beyond Cape Town.

And so for a couple of days, I shadow Elton John around. Hed have liked the room key, attached to an orange mini-featherduster. And the two chairs that sit like thrones  one with gold upholstery, one red, both laden with gilt  that flank an occasional table.
Volodymyr Zelensky thought he had done everything right.

When US President Donald Trump demanded that he sign away Ukraines mineral rights in exchange for military aid, he did it. When the White House decided that offering Moscow an unconditional ceasefire was the only way to stop the war, the Ukrainian leader quickly acquiesced. When the US asked Ukraine to hold off using NATO military equipment against targets inside Russia, it agreed.

In the end, it didnt make any difference.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Denmark on Thursday. Credit: Getty Images

This week, Politico broke the news that the US Department of Defence (DoD) had paused key weapons deliveries already agreed to and funded by Congress under the Biden administration; this leaves Ukrainian cities defenceless against Russian missile strikes and its troops dangerously low on ammunition.
Kyiv: Waves of drones and missiles targeted Kyiv overnight in the largest aerial assault since Russias invasion of Ukraine began more than three years ago, officials said on Friday, amid a renewed Russian push to capture more of its neighbours land.

Hours after the barrage that killed one person and wounded at least 26 others, including a child, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had a very important and productive phone call with US President Donald Trump.

Smoke rises after a Russian strike on Kyiv, Ukraine. Credit: AP

The two leaders discussed how Ukrainian air defences might be strengthened, possible joint weapons production between the US and Ukraine, and broader US-led efforts to end the war with Russia, according to a statement by Zelensky.

The US has paused some shipments of military aid to Ukraine, including crucial air defence missiles. Ukraines main European backers are considering how they can help pick up the slack. Zelensky says plans are afoot to build up Ukraines domestic arms industry, but scaling up will take time.
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 Ramallah: The settlers stormed into town as the sun began setting. Dozens of men, their faces hidden by black masks. Spray-painting graffiti, torching cars and hurling rocks through windows as they rampaged through Kafr Malik, a Palestinian village 17 kilometres north-east of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, last Wednesday. When visiting the town this week, we see burnt-out vehicles, damaged homes and bullets strewn across the ground. We meet Hamde Hamayel, 27, as a doctor treats his bloodied wounds; he was shot in the leg by Israeli soldiers after rushing to defend the town from attack. And we stand where a firebomb flew into a nearby family home, landing next to a crib while a young mother breastfed her 20-day-old daughter. The mother and baby survived, but not everyone was so lucky. Three young Palestinian men died after being shot by the Israeli military, which stated that Palestinians opened fire on them after arriving at the scene. Locals vehemently deny that any Palestinians used firearms during the attack, and no evidence has emerged to support the militarys claims. Five Israeli settlers were taken for questioning, then quickly released without charge. What triggered their rampage through Kafr Malik is unclear. What is obvious almost immediately after our arrival in the West Bank is that settler violence here has surged from already alarmingly high levels. According to the United Nations, 95 Palestinians in the West Bank were injured by Israeli settlers in June, the highest in two decades. The previous peak came during our most recent visit, in October 2023, when tensions flared following Hamass shock attacks that killed 1200 people. While the war between Israel and Iran ended after 12 days and hopes are growing of an imminent ceasefire in Gaza, tensions in this fiercely contested territory are only growing more intense. The Israeli government uses the biblical name of Judea and Samaria to refer to the region, which it seized during the 1967 Six-Day War with neighbouring Arab nations. Around 2.8 million Palestinians and 500,000 Israelis live in the territory, which sits outside Israels internationally recognised borders. Traversing the West Banks rugged mountains, the challenge is not finding recent victims of settler violence willing to tell their story. It is squeezing in time to meet them while navigating the maze of Israeli-controlled checkpoints and iron gates that make it difficult, and at times impossible, to travel between Palestinian cities and villages. From Kfar Malik we travel south to Masafer Yatta, a collection of villages that was the subject of this years Academy Award-winning documentary, No Other Land. Many villagers here still live a traditional agrarian life revolving around olive harvesting, and sheep and goat herding. Hundreds also dwell in caves, a traditional practice that has taken on new meaning more recently as a way to escape attacks by Israeli settlers. Among them are the family of Saeed Rabaa, a Palestinian farmer who looks older than his 60 years. Now living in a converted cave on his land, Saeed Rabaa had his leg amputated after being attacked by settlers in the village of Tawani in the West Bank. Credit: Kate Geraghty As his son pours Arabic coffee into thimble-sized cups, Rabaa tells how he woke up late one night in April to hear settlers trying to destroy the olive trees outside his home. When he and his sons tried to defend his property, he says the settlers started choking him. He says Israeli security forces then arrived at the scene. Instead of targeting the settlers, they shot him in the leg; after a long wait to be taken to the hospital, his leg had to be amputated. Looking at the Israeli settlements and outposts surrounding the home his family has lived in for generations, he says: They are taking our land and putting their flag on it.

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The UN is now recording an average of four settler-related incidents a day, up from one a day in 2021 and three a day in 2023. Regavim, a pro-settler organisation, argued in a recent report that such figures are inflated, and that settler violence is a marginal phenomenon that does not reflect the silent majority of settlers. The group points out that Israelis also face threats from Palestinians in the West Bank, which is true. In April, a Palestinian shot dead a pregnant Israeli settler who was driving to give birth; Israeli settlers waiting at bus stops have been targeted in ramming attacks by Palestinian drivers. Loading The scale of the threat is not equal, however. Unlike Palestinians, Israeli settlers are allowed to carry firearms and can usually rely on the Israeli military to defend them from attack. Since the beginning of 2023, 1122 Palestinians have died in confrontations with Israeli police or settlers, compared to 79 Israelis who have died in confrontations with Palestinians. While international condemnation of the phenomenon has been growing, the issue receives strikingly little public attention in Israel. Even left-wing Israelis have been far more focused on securing the release of remaining Israeli hostages from Gaza rather than the explosion of settler violence in the West Bank. That changed two days after the rampage in Kafr Malik, when Israeli settlers targeted their nations own army, apparently angered by the arrests of settlers and efforts to remove some unauthorised settler outposts. They set fire to a military base near Kafr Malik, vandalising military vehicles, spraying graffiti as they threw stones and choked soldiers. The attacks crossed a red line for the vast majority of Israelis, prompting the question: how did some radical settlers become so emboldened that they believe they can attack Israeli soldiers, as well as Palestinian villagers, with seeming impunity? The protests are widely believed to be linked to the Hilltop Youth, a far-right organisation that the then-head of Israels domestic intelligence agency last year described as a large stain on Judaism. If these incidents arent addressed now, they will spread, Israel Defence Forces chief of staff Eyal Zamir said. Disaster lies ahead, and thats why, alongside the security forces, a systemic and immediate response is needed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to prosecute the rioters, saying: No civilised country can tolerate violent and anarchic acts such as the burning of a military installation, damage to IDF property, and assaults on security personnel by citizens of the state. Netanyahu went on to insist he would not allow a violent and fanatic few to tarnish an entire community, describing the Israeli settler community in the West Bank as a model and an example of developing the land, meaningful service in the IDF, and contributing to the cultivation of Torah scholars.

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Yair Golan, the leader of the progressive Democrats party, countered that violent Jewish extremism could not be dismissed as a fringe phenomenon but rather a dangerous current that has taken a deep hold, even around the governments table. Golan was referring to two far-right ministers who prop up Netanyahus coalition: Itamar Ben-Gvir and Belazel Smotrich. Both were sanctioned by Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Norway last month for inciting violence against Palestinians. Loathed by centrist and left-leaning Israelis, they hold 17 per cent of seats in the Israeli parliament but command enormous influence because of their ability to collapse Netanyahus government and force him to hold new elections. A new Israeli settler outpost on the outskirts of the Masafer Yatta village of Tawani. Credit: Kate Geraghty Ben-Gvir, who was exempted from Israeli military service in his youth because of his extreme religious nationalist views, is the minister for national security. This gives him control over the Israeli police, which exerts authority across most of the West Bank. The head of the police investigations unit in the West Bank was last year suspended and placed under a criminal investigation for allegedly failing to take action against Jewish extremists in the hopes of scoring a promotion from Ben-Gvir, who lives in a West Bank settlement. Smotrich, the finance minister and a prominent settler leader, has vast administrative authority over the West Bank and in May approved 22 new settlements, the biggest expansion in decades. While some settlers are simply looking for cheap housing, others see it as part of an ideological and religious project to assert Jewish sovereignty over what they call Greater Israel, an area including the entire West Bank and Gaza. Australia and most countries officially oppose the settlements on the basis that they are illegal under international law and will make it harder, and perhaps impossible, to establish an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. Such lofty geopolitical concerns are far from Ayman Soufans mind as he looks out the window of his home on the outskirts of Burin, a town near Nablus in the north of the West Bank. According to the regions governor, Ghassan Daghlas, nowhere else in the West Bank is experiencing so many settler attacks. Two weeks ago, Soufan discovered that Israeli settlers set up a tent just a few hundred metres from his home. As is common with such outposts  which are unauthorised under Israeli law  the makeshift structure sits on a hilltop, allowing the settlers to look down at the home the butcher lives in with his wife, children and brothers family. Life was already tough enough here because of the aggressive presence of the nearby Yitzhar settlement, regarded as one of the most radical in the West Bank. The Biden administration last year sanctioned Yitzhars security co-ordinator for attacking Palestinians and trying to drive them off their lands.

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I feel like Im under siege, Soufan says as the settlers tarp flutters in the breeze behind him. They have a goal: to force us out and take our homes. The windshield of his car is shattered after being pelted with stones just a few days earlier. This is just one of many examples of harassment he says he has suffered from his hostile neighbours. He says settlers regularly attack his children with stones as they walk to school, and fly drones over his home to track his familys movements. They have thrown red paint on his exterior walls and plastered his front doors with stickers saying no future for Palestinians. The settlers regularly come to his home and curse the Prophet Muhammad to antagonise him, he adds. Ayman Soufan looks out at a settler outpost from his home in Burin. He and his brother take it in turns to watch for settler attacks. Credit: Kate Geraghty In many ways, his home now resembles a prison. Barbed wire surrounds the property, which is guarded by a barking Belgian Malinois, a breed typically used for police dogs. Each night, he and his brother operate in shifts, taking turns to stay awake to keep watch over the house. Yawning, he says he cant remember the last time he had a good sleep. He says the settlers often wear military uniforms, making it difficult to tell them apart from soldiers. The IDF are letting them do what they like, he says. For now, the teenage settlers camping out opposite his home are unarmed, but soon they could have guns. Over time, they could also convert the tent into a more permanent structure. Several outposts that began as tents and caravans have been retrospectively approved by the Israeli government and grown into large, densely populated settlements. Loading On the hilltop, a teenage settler flashes a peace sign. For Soufan and his family, who are battling to stay in their home, peace feels like nothing more than a mirage. Continuing south in the Nablus region, we meet Maher Ebder, who walks gingerly on crutches and has a bandage on his face. As the 58-year-old talks, he winces in pain. He says that two days earlier, settlers attacked him while he was visiting his beloved family olive groves, hitting his face and legs with sticks. All he could make out on their balaclava-clad faces were their eyes. This followed an attack in which settlers destroyed hundreds of his olive trees  a common target for attacks because they are both a crucial source of livelihood and a symbol of Palestinian nationalism. Dr Khalel Safady treats Hamde Hamayel, who was shot in the leg during a settler rampage in Kafr Malik on June 25. Credit: Kate Geraghty

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PHILIPSBURG:--- The Parliament of Sint Maarten under the leadership of President of Parliament, the Hon. Sarah A. Wescot-Williams, hosted a Celebratory Evening in commemoration of the International Day of Parliamentarism, on Monday, June 30, 2025, for all current Members of Parliament, all former Members of Parliament, several dignitaries including the Governor, the President of the Collectivity of Saint-Martin, the Presidents of the Parliaments of Aruba and Curacao, and representatives of the High Councils.

The evening commenced with the Sint Maarten Song performed by Elysian, followed by the opening prayer by Apostle Orlando Wilson.

The Master of Ceremonies for the evening, Mr. Rolando Tobias, then invited Ms. Tamara Groenveldt to perform her poem titled: the Parliament Pelican, composed specially for this event. This was followed by the Address of the President of Parliament, Mrs. Wescot-Williams, who acknowledged the strides Sint Maarten's Parliament has made since 2010 but also pointed candidly to the challenges that continue to undermine public trust. She urged Members of Parliament and the wider public to focus on building systems that protect the voice of the people and support long-term national development.

The President's Address was followed by a presentation by two Group 5 students, Letha Lucas and Jonathan Lake, of the Methodist Agogic Center - John A. Gumbs Campus, who presented their papers on "How can we fix education in Sint Maarten?" They then presented all papers from their classmates to the President of Parliament.

The Keynote Address of the evening was presented by Attorney at Law and former Chairman of the Central Voting Bureau, Mr. Jason Rogers, LL.M, who asked to commit ourselves to a path of inclusivity, stability, reform, modernization, and cooperation, ensuring that our parliamentary democracy not only endures but thrives, ultimately serving the best interests of the people of Sint Maarten.

Mr. Rogers recommended that we promote diversity by actively seeking to include all Sint Maarteners in our political discourse and representation. We invest in education by developing programs that educate citizens about parliamentary democracy and encourage civic engagement from a young age. We embrace Technological Advancements by implementing digital solutions that enhance transparency, foster public engagement, and streamline parliamentary processes. We encourage Open Dialogue to facilitate discussions on the effectiveness of our parliamentary system and consider reforms that reflect our unique societal needs.

Attendees were also entertained by the reigning Junior Calypso King, King Jojo, which was followed by a Toast by the President of Parliament in honor of the 2025 International Day of Parliamentarism.

Thereafter, the Presidium of Parliament, consisting of the President of Parliament, 1st Vice President, the Hon. Sjamira D.M. Roseburg, and 2nd Vice President, the Hon. Ludmila N.L. de Weever, honored three persons and two institutions as "The Bearers of Our Democratic State". These persons or institutions have or continue to advance democracy, education, and civic awareness in service to the people of Sint Maarten.

The late Mr. Louis L. Duzanson was honored for his life of service, passion, and purpose. His quiet strength, institutional wisdom, and unwavering integrity made him a cornerstone of public life in Sint Maarten for over four decades; a living archive of our island's political and administrative evolution.

Drs. Eugene B. Holiday was honored for his constitutional stewardship, principled leadership, and his unwavering devotion to public service. As the first Governor of the country, Sint Maarten, he guided our nation through its formative years.

In retirement, he turned his insights into a written legacy, publishing Nation Building: Our Challenges, Resilience, and Responsibility in 2023.

Dr. Julio R. Romney was honored for his deep commitment to civic education, institutional integrity, and informed democratic participation. He continues to propose electoral reform measures grounded in democratic fairness, transparency, and accountability.

The University of St. Martin was honored for its role as an institution that places knowledge at the service of the binational community and the region, contributing to the island's socio-economic development and sustainable living. The University does this, inter alia, as our foundation for thinking, history, and academics, with its course: St. Martin History and Cultural Heritage.

The St. Maarten Youth Council Association was honored for its decades of service and continuing to influence, teach, and guide our youth to eventually be able to take up (political) positions here in Sint Maarten.

The evening culminated with a social during which former and current Members of the Parliament of Sint Maarten, along with parliamentary staff, other dignitaries, and guests, took the opportunity to socialize, and in some cases, reconnect.

This was the first event/ project of Parliament leading up to the 15th Anniversary of Country Sint Maarten and the 15 years of existence of the Parliament of Sint Maarten.
US deploys 200 Marines to Florida to assist immigration tasks



Washington, July 4 (AFP) Jul 04, 2025



Around 200 Marines were deployed to Florida on Thursday to provide administrative and logistical support for immigration enforcement raids happening in the southeastern state.

The deployment is the first round of several requested by the US Department of Homeland Security to help its Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency facilitate President Donald Trump's migrant crackdown, a top priority of his second term.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved the mobilization of up to 700 troops, with additional deployments planned for the southern US states of Louisiana and Texas, officials said.

"Service members participating in this mission will perform strictly non-law enforcement duties within ICE facilities," US Northern Command said in a statement.

"Their roles will focus on administrative and logistical tasks, and they are specifically prohibited from direct contact with individuals in ICE custody or involvement in any aspect of the custody chain."

Earlier this week, Trump toured a new migrant detention center in Florida dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" that can house up to 1,000 people.

The deployment also comes a month after the Republican leader sent 4,000 National Guard members and 700 Marines to Los Angeles, California, in response to protests against immigration raids conducted by ICE.

California officials heavily criticized Trump over his use of the military, saying it escalated protests that local law enforcement could have handled.

The Trump administration insisted the deployment was necessary to quell unrest and protect federal property and personnel.
Drone shot down near Iraqi airport hosting US troops: security forces



Arbil, Iraq, July 4 (AFP) Jul 04, 2025



A drone was intercepted late on Thursday near Arbil airport, which houses US-led anti-jihadist coalition troops in Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region, Kurdish security forces said.

"At 21:58 (1858 GMT) an explosive-packed drone was downed near Arbil International Airport, without causing casualties or damage," said the counterterrorism services of the Kurdistan region.

Arbil airport, which includes a military base of the international anti-jihadist coalition, was a frequent target in previous years for rocket and drone attacks.

A US defence official told AFP "we are aware of an explosion from a UAV that occurred outside of the airbase in Arbil", adding that the "incident is under investigation".

"All US personnel are accounted for and there were no injuries or damage to the base or US assets in the area," he said.

Dana Tofeek, the airport's interim director, told AFP that the facility is "safe", adding that "only one flight was slightly delayed due to security measures".

There has been no claim of responsibility for the drone attack.

In the past days, drone and rocket attacks have been reported in different parts of Iraq, including drones that landed in open spaces.

Earlier on Thursday, an explosive-packed drone fell near Kirkuk airport, which was struck on Monday by two rockets, a senior security official told AFP.

Kirkuk airport hosts Iraqi army units, federal police and the Hashed al-Shaabi, a coalition of pro-Iran former paramilitary forces now integrated into the regular armed forces.

Early on Tuesday, Iraq's anti-aircraft defence engaged at least one drone near the key refinery of Baiji in Salaheddin province.

Last week, hours before a ceasefire ended the 12-day Iran-Israel war, unidentified drones struck radar systems at two military bases, in Baghdad and southern Iraq.

Iraq has long been a battleground of drone and rocket assaults and proved a fertile ground for proxy wars.

The country has only recently regained a semblance of stability after decades of devastating conflicts and turmoil.
Germany considering buying US air defence systems for Ukraine



Berlin, July 4 (AFP) Jul 04, 2025



Germany was exploring the possibility of purchasing more Patriot air defence systems from the United States for Ukraine, a government spokesman said Friday, as Russia intensifies its aerial attacks.

Asked to comment on reports that the government in Berlin had reached out to Washington over a deal for new anti-missile systems, government spokesman Stefan Kornelius said he could "confirm that more intensive discussions are indeed taking place on this".

The United States, which has been Ukraine's biggest military backer since the launch of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, said Tuesday it was halting some key weapons shipments to Ukraine.

Among the items affected, according to US media, were Patriot anti-missile systems, which Ukraine deploys to shield itself from Russian attacks.

Moscow has in recent weeks ramped up missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, as US support for Kyiv has appeared to waver under President Donald Trump.

German officials were particularly concerned about the impact of a potential halt to deliveries of Patriot systems and ammunition, German daily Bild reported Thursday.

Berlin had spoken to US officials about a deal that would see it purchase the weapons on Kyiv's behalf and deliver them to Ukraine, Bild reported.

Germany was waiting on a response from the US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to a request for two Patriot units made "several weeks ago", the paper said.

Ukraine has long stressed its need to improve its air defence, including with more Patriot systems, but has struggled to source them.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in April his government wanted to purchase "at least" 10 Patriot systems to defend against Russian attacks.
Australias most ambitious womens leadership gathering is set to make history this September, with former US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and former Prime Minister Julia Gillard AC confirmed as headline speakers for what organisers describe as the countrys largest women in leadership event.

The Women UNLIMITED Leadership Summit will span six cities and seven events simultaneously from September 29 to October 1, bringing together more than 3,000 attendees and over 200 speakers in an unprecedented show of support for womens professional advancement.

Star-studded speaker lineup

The summit has secured an impressive roster of influential voices, with Clinton making exclusive in-person appearances at the Sydney and Canberra events. Her sessions will be livestreamed to other locations, ensuring participants across the country can access her insights on leadership and breaking barriers.

In a technological first for such events, former Prime Minister Julia Gillard will present via hologram across all locations, demonstrating the summits commitment to innovation in delivering world-class content to attendees nationwide.

The speaker lineup extends beyond political figures to include prominent media personality Leigh Sales AM and renowned leadership expert Holly Ransom, creating a diverse mix of perspectives from across sectors including government, non-profit, education, and corporate leadership.

Corporate focus and strategic content

For corporate attendees, the summit promises high-level strategic insights from powerhouse executives including Christine Holgate, Lisa Annese, and Professor Michelle Ryan. The corporate track will tackle challenging themes that resonate with todays business environment.

Sessions are designed to explore understanding failure as a sign of success, harnessing the power of mentoring, and the phenomenon of the Glass Cliff  addressing both practical leadership skills and the unique challenges women face in executive roles.

Ellen Foxall, Head of Production at The Hatchery, emphasized the summits practical focus beyond traditional inspirational content.

We are immensely proud to bring the worlds most influential voices in leadership to the Women UNLIMITED Summit stage, Foxall said.

This event goes beyond inspiration, it equips thousands of women across Australia with the practical tools, connections, and confidence to lead transformative change within their organisations and industries.

Unprecedented Scale and Growth

The 2025 summit represents a dramatic expansion from its modest beginnings just two years ago. Since launching in 2023 with 300 attendees, the event has grown ten-fold, reflecting what organizers describe as an urgent need for dedicated womens leadership development spaces.

Since launching in 2023, the momentum behind this Summit reflects the urgent need for spaces such as these, and 2025 marks a defining moment in that journey, Foxall explained.

The scale of the event positions it as Australias premier gathering for women in leadership, bringing together participants from across government, corporate, and non-profit sectors in a coordinated national effort.

Multi-city coordination and technology

The simultaneous multi-city format represents a logistical achievement in event management, with coordinated programming across Australias major centers. The Canberra summit will run from September 29-30, while other cities host events from September 30 to October 1.

This approach ensures maximum accessibility for participants while maintaining the quality and impact of a major leadership conference. The use of holographic technology for Julia Gillards presentation demonstrates the organizers commitment to leveraging innovation to deliver consistent, high-quality experiences across all locations.

Comprehensive learning experience

The summit offers various participation options, from individual tickets to group packages for organizations bringing 50 or more attendees. All packages include two post-summit online seminars, extending the learning journey over three months beyond the main event.

VIP experiences are available in select cities, including exclusive lunch opportunities with Hillary Clinton, providing intimate networking opportunities with one of the worlds most recognizable political figures.

This extended learning approach reflects recognition that leadership development requires ongoing engagement rather than one-off events, with the post-summit programming designed to reinforce and build upon insights gained during the main sessions.

Behind the scenes: The Hatcherys vision

The Women UNLIMITED Leadership Summit is curated by The Hatchery, an Australian company established in 2020 that specializes in high-impact conferences and leadership development events. The organization has built a reputation for delivering around 50 major events annually, primarily for government and publicly funded organizations.

Their expertise spans diverse areas including public sector leadership, regulation, Indigenous outcomes, domestic violence prevention, and aged care reform. This breadth of experience positions them uniquely to understand the leadership challenges facing women across different sectors.

The Hatchery also delivers over 100 practical masterclasses and 20 expert-led seminars annually, demonstrating their commitment to practical skill development alongside high-profile summit events.

Addressing critical leadership gaps

The summit comes at a time when organizations across Australia are grappling with leadership diversity challenges and the need to better support womens career advancement. The focus on practical tools and organizational change reflects recognition that individual inspiration must be coupled with systemic transformation.

The inclusion of topics like the Glass Cliff phenomenon  where women are more likely to be appointed to leadership positions during times of crisis or difficulty  demonstrates the summits commitment to addressing real-world challenges rather than offering generic leadership advice.

National impact and future implications

With thousands of participants expected across multiple sectors, the summit has the potential to create ripple effects throughout Australian organizations. The combination of inspirational content from global figures like Clinton and Gillard, alongside practical workshops and networking opportunities, is designed to generate lasting change.

The events growth trajectory from 300 to 3,000 participants in just two years suggests strong demand for dedicated womens leadership development, potentially inspiring similar initiatives across the country.

For attendees, the summit offers not just learning opportunities but the chance to be part of what organizers position as a defining moment in Australias approach to womens leadership development.

Tickets and packages for the Women UNLIMITED Leadership Summit are now available, with organizations and individuals able to secure their participation in what promises to be a landmark event in Australias professional development calendar.

For more information and to secure your place, visit: https://womenunlimited.co/

Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Salvadoran ex-army officers handed 60 years over Dutch journalists killings



San Salvador, July 4 (AFP) Jul 04, 2025



A court in El Salvador has sentenced three former military commanders to 60 years for the killings of four Dutch journalists in 1982 during the Central American country's civil war.

Journalists Koos Koster, Jan Kuiper, Hans ter Laag and Joop Willemsen were filming a documentary on the conflict when they were killed in an ambush.

The defendants, now in their 80s and 90s, are former defense minister Jose Guillermo Garcia, former Treasury Police chief Francisco Moran and ex-infantry brigade commander Mario Adalberto Reyes Mena.

The court initially sentenced them to 15 years each in June but clarified Thursday that because four people were murdered, the total sentence for each man is 60 years.

However, they will serve only 30 years because this was the maximum allowed under the law in force at the time of the killings, the victims' lawyer Gustavo Huezo told reporters.

The court also ordered the Salvadoran state to publicly apologize to the families "for the delay in justice" and because the perpetrators belonged to the military high command.

President Nayib Bukele, as commander of the armed forces, must issue the apology within 30 business days.

The case was frozen in 1993, after the enactment of a law pardoning war crimes.

It was reopened in 2018 after the Supreme Court declared the amnesty law unconstitutional, but relatives of the victims still had to wait years for the main hearing.

El Salvador's civil war, which pitted the military against leftist guerrillas, left more than 75,000 people dead.

Garcia led the Armed Forces from 1979 to 1983, when the worst massacres perpetrated by the military took place.
Macron to co-chair Ukraine talks with Europe leaders while in UK: Elysee



Paris, July 4 (AFP) Jul 04, 2025



President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will during the French leader's visit next week to the UK co-chair talks with other European leaders on boosting Ukraine's defences, the Elysee Palace said on Friday.

"There will certainly be a discussion on how to seriously maintain Ukraine's combat capability," the Elysee Palace said, adding that Starmer and Macron will co-chair the meeting of Kyiv's allies by video link.

The meeting on July 10 will come as US-led peace talks on ending the more than three-year-old war against Ukraine have stalled.

The United States, Ukraine's biggest military backer since the launch of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, said Tuesday it was halting some key weapons shipments to Ukraine.

Macron will pay a state visit to the United Kingdom from July 8 to July 10, when he will receive a royal welcome and address parliament.

During the Ukraine meeting, Macron and Starmer will speak to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the French presidency said.

The summit will touch upon the deployment of "a reassurance force" to Ukraine after a ceasefire, the Elysee Palace said.

The discussions will also focus on "how to increase pressure on Russia to accept an unconditional ceasefire that it has consistently refused," the French presidency added.

Moscow has in recent weeks ramped up missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, as US support for Kyiv has appeared to waver under US President Donald Trump.

Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin spoke by phone on Thursday.

The US president said he made no progress with Putin on ending the Ukraine war, as the Kremlin insisted Putin would stick to his aims in the conflict.
Germany considering buying US air defence systems for Ukraine



Berlin, July 4 (AFP) Jul 04, 2025



Germany was exploring the possibility of purchasing more Patriot air defence systems from the United States for Ukraine, a government spokesman said Friday, as Russia intensifies its aerial attacks.

Asked to comment on reports that the government in Berlin had reached out to Washington over a deal for new anti-missile systems, government spokesman Stefan Kornelius said he could "confirm that more intensive discussions are indeed taking place on this".

Chancellor Friedrich Merz had raised the issue in a telephone call with US President Donald Trump on Thursday, Der Spiegel magazine reported subsequently. The exchange was confirmed to AFP by Kornelius.

The United States, which has been Kyiv's biggest military backer since the launch of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, said Tuesday it was halting some key weapons shipments to Ukraine.

Among the items affected according to US media were Patriot anti-missile systems, which Ukraine deploys to shield itself from Russian air attacks.

Moscow has in recent weeks ramped up missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, as US support for Kyiv has appeared to waver since Trump returned to office at the beginning of the year.

German officials were particularly concerned about the impact of a potential halt to deliveries of Patriot systems and ammunition, according to German media.

Berlin had spoken to US officials about a deal that would see it purchase the weapons on Kyiv's behalf and deliver them to Ukraine.

Germany was waiting for a response from the US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to a request for two Patriot units made "several weeks ago", the German daily Bild reported.

Ukraine has long stressed its need to improve its air defence, including with more Patriot systems, but has struggled to source them.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in April his government wanted to purchase "at least" 10 Patriot systems to defend against Russian attacks.
10 Niger soldiers killed in jihadist attacks: govt



Niamey, Niger, July 4 (AFP) Jul 04, 2025



A double attack Friday by suspected jihadists near Niger's western border with Burkina Faso left 10 troops dead, authorities said whilst stating that 41 attackers were also killed.

The west African country, now run by a military junta, has been battling violence by groups linked to Al-Qaeda and Islamic Jihad for the past decade.

Defence Minister General Salifou Modi said in a statement the simultaneous attacks by "several hundred mercenaries" took place in Bouloundjounga and Samira in Gotheye department.

The statement, read on national television, said 10 soldiers were killed and 15 wounded.

"On the enemy side, 41 mercenaries were neutralised," it added.

Gotheye department is near the borders with Mali and Burkina Faso and has long been a zone known for jihadist attacks.

The village of Samira has Niger's only industrial scale gold mining company. Eight of the company's workers were killed in May when their vehicle was blown up by a roadside bomb.
New scheme launches to pay Londoners up to 15k to rent out spare bedrooms

New scheme launches to pay Londoners 15k to rent out spare bedrooms
The motion could become law as early as this weekend once it has been signed off by Ms Cooper, which would make membership of, or support for, the direct action group a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
Following the High Courts decision on Friday, Ms Ammori said: The Home Secretary is rushing through the implementation of the proscription at midnight tonight despite the fact that our legal challenge is ongoing and that she has been completely unclear about how it will be enforced, leaving the public in the dark about their rights to free speech and expression after midnight tonight when this proscription comes into effect.
The head of the judiciary in England and Wales added: "Both sides, if there was any prospect of an appeal, ought to have had all of these matters well in hand, if you were going to come to the Court of Appeal and ask for a decision by midnight.
A decision by Washington earlier this week to halt some shipments of critical weapons to Ukraine prompted warnings by Kyiv that the move would weaken its ability to defend against intensifying airstrikes and battlefield advances. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday that he hopes to speak with Trump on Friday about the supply of US weapons.
Today [July 4th] is the two hundred forty-ninth anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. On July 4th, 1776, delegates from thirteen of Britain's North American colonies adopted a resolution "that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states. . ." In time, these thirteen independent states would become one nation -- the United States of America.



The task of drafting America's Declaration of Independence fell to a thirty-three-year-old Virginia planter named Thomas Jefferson. In clear and concise language, Jefferson stated the causes of the American revolution and the principles for which the new government stood: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."



Having established that legitimate government rests solely on the consent of a free people, Jefferson asserted the right and the duty of all people to overthrow "absolute despotism" and establish governments that respect human rights.



Most of the Declaration of Independence is devoted to a detailed description of the civil rights that Americans hold dear -- and of the abridgement of those rights by British authorities. The Declaration noted that British authorities had rendered "the military independent and superior to the civil power" in America. Americans were subjected to taxation and laws by a government in which they had no representation.



Those who opposed colonial rule were subject to arbitrary arrest and denied trial by jury. An economic blockade was imposed to force the American people into submission. Jefferson wrote that Americans had exhausted every peaceful means of redress; that their petitions had been met only by more repression. Given a choice between revolution and submission to despotism, Americans chose to fight.



In his 2020 4th of July proclamation, President Donald Trump noted that, the enduring commitment to the ideals of liberty and justice that have come to define our American spirit stem from our Nations founding. The principles grounded in the Declaration of Independence, he noted, continue to guide our Nation forward and maintain its standing as a beacon of liberty, prosperity, and opportunity for all.
The Irish author said in court documents that the ban would prevent her from speaking at future public events as she could not in good conscience disguise or lie about my principles if it comes into effect at 12.01am on Saturday as planned.
Bucharest acting Mayor Stelian Bujduveanu and Bulgarian officials discussed on Thursday the future of the Solacolu Inn during a meeting that was also attended by the director of the Municipal Administration for the Retrofitting of Quake-Endangered Buildings (AMCCRS) Razvan Munteanu, where they looked at cooperation opportunities, the municipality said in a release.

Stelian Bujduveanu welcomed on Thursday at the headquarters of the Capital City Hall the official delegation of the Republic of Bulgaria to Romania headed by ambassador Radko Vlaykov and Deputy Minister of Culture Ashot Kazaryan, on which occasion the subject of the rehabilitation of the Solacolu Inn, a historical monument built by Bulgarian merchants in the 19th century, and which is currently in the conservation phase, was addressed, as well as its transformation into a "living cultural space", open to both communities.

The sides analyzed the possibility of working out two distinct documents, a Memorandum of Understanding and a potential Cooperation Agreement, which would be then voted on by the General Council and which would officially be binding for both parties.

Also, the intention of the Bucharest Municipality to organize an international competition for solutions for the actual rehabilitation of the inn after the completion of the current structural safety works was emphasized.

The Bulgarian officials previously visited the inn's construction site, together with the AMCCRS team, expressing appreciation for the quality of the intervention works already carried out.

Stelian Bujduveanu emphasized that the Solacolu Inn is "a priority project for Bucharest" and that the Romanian side has full openness to "a solid and sustainable partnership". The initiative implies "activating a common heritage", with meaning for the present and the future and which goes beyond the mere preservation of a historical monument, the release also states.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Oana Toiu welcomed Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Romania Stefan Tomasevic on Thursday for a farewell visit, on which occasion, the Romanian official emphasised the importance of the Romanian minority in Serbia and the Serbian minority in Romania in developing bilateral cooperation.

According to a Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) press release, the Romanian minister appreciated the good collaboration between the Ministry and the Serbian ambassador during his mandate in Bucharest, which contributed to the intensification of political and diplomatic dialogue, as well as economic and sectoral cooperation, including at cross-border level, agerpres reports.





"The Romanian minister emphasised the importance of the Romanian minority in Serbia and the Serbian minority in Romania in developing bilateral cooperation. In this context, she highlighted that respecting the rights of persons belonging to national minorities, including preserving their cultural identity, is essential," the Ministry release reads.
The Government approved, in a meeting on Friday, through a Decision, the technical and economic indicators related to the investment objective "Extension of the metro network, Metro Line 4, Gara de Nord - Gara Progresul Section", the duration of the works being 50 months.

"The length of the newly built route will be about 12 km, of which approximately 11 km will be in operation with passengers and approximately 1.1 km in operation without passengers - the connection with the Progresul Depot. The Gara de Nord - Gara Progresul section will have 13 stations and a newly built aboveground depot, plus the Gara de Nord 2 station. The connection with the existing Metro Line 4 will be made at the Gara de Nord 2 station by continuing the axes of the existing Line 1 and Line 2 tracks," a Government statement said.

The total value of the investment is over 17 billion lei, and the financing will be made from Non-Reimbursable External Funds (NEF), the 2021-2027 Transport Program, from the state budget, through the budget of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, as well as from other legally established sources, within the limits of the amounts approved annually for this purpose.

"The extension of metro line 4 from Gara de Nord to Gara Progresul was designed as a junction between regional, national and international rail transport with the urban area. The construction of this line will create the largest and most important metro line on the north-south axis of the city, which will connect the Otopeni and Bucharest Baneasa International Airports with the Baneasa, Basarab, Gara de Nord and Gara Progresul railway stations and, implicitly, the interconnection with surface public transport. The construction of the Gara de Nord - Gara Progresul section will lead to time savings in urban passenger transport, reduced CO2 emissions, reduced air pollution, and reduced the risk of road accidents," the press release further states.
Representatives of local authorities in Galati county, members of parliament and MEP Dan Nica express their concern over the critical situation of the steel mill Liberty Galati and call on the prime minister and the economy and finance ministers to intervene in this case.

An open letter addressed to Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, Minister of Economy Radu Miruta, and Minister of Finance Alexandru Nazare, was signed by MEP Dan Nica, the president of the County Council of Galati, Costel Fotea, the mayor of Galati, Ionut Pucheanu, senator Marius Humelnicu and MPs Bogdan Ciuca, Marius Margarit and Viorica Sandu.

"We are making a strong and responsible public appeal to you concerning the deep crisis in which the Liberty Galati steel mill is in. The plant's employees have not received their salaries, the prospects for resuming operations are increasingly bleak, and the signs of possible bankruptcy are alarming.

It is a situation of extreme gravity, which not only affects more than ten thousand families in Galati County, but jeopardizes the stability of a strategic industry at national level.

The steel plant in Galati is Romania's largest steel producer, a major contributor to the state budget, and a pillar of support for tens of thousands of jobs, both directly and indirectly. Its collapse would have catastrophic effects not only on the local economy, but also on Romania's national economy and industrial security.

Therefore, we request the immediate intervention of the Romanian Government, through concrete measures and the implementation of the reorganization plan developed for the largest steel giant," states the open letter made public and sent to the press on Friday..

At the same time, the signatories of the open letter urge the National Agency for Fiscal Administration (ANAF) "to reconsider its position expressed three weeks ago and to support, by vote, the restructuring plan to be approved by the Court of Galati on July 7, 2025".

"At this crossroads moment, a vote against can irreversibly block the rescue of the plant. This is a moment when we cannot allow 'Liberty' to become an industrial ruin. Galati needs support! Romania needs a functioning plant! I trust that you will treat this situation with due responsibility," the open letter further shows.
The National Federation for Social Labour Solidarity, which represents employees of the Pension Offices, is protesting on Friday in response to the austerity measures announced by Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, calling for a 'rigorous and objective' analysis of public institutions' activities before the adoption of any measures that would affect personnel.

'The National Federation for Social Labour Solidarity, affiliated with the National Trade Union Bloc (BNS), expresses its deep dissatisfaction with the way the current government continues to implement measures with major impact on employees, without consulting social partners. Today, 04.07.2025, our members have launched a protest as a legitimate and united reaction to a decision deemed unfair and discriminatory. The latest decisions, adopted without genuine dialogue, impact analysis, or transparency, demonstrate a lack of respect for democratic principles and for the rights of workers, as enshrined in both national and European legislation,' reads a press release from the National Trade Union Bloc, agerpres reports.





Another issue raised by the union is the absence of transparency and consultation in the decision-making process.
Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan on Thursday said a reform concerning local public administration will be implemented in the near future.

"Administrative reorganisation is a necessity for Romania, but I would be lying to the Romanian people if I told them it would be carried out this year or the next, because it is difficult to undertake many complex operations at the same time. The energy of this government is focused on pulling Romania out of this difficult period. However, one of the components we will implement in the coming period, starting this summer, is a reform relating to local public administration - not in the sense of abolishing localities, as this is generally done at the end of an electoral cycle. Even if we wished to begin this tomorrow, those in office - elected officials - generally complete their mandates," said Prime Minister Bolojan, when asked on Antena 3 private television broadcaster whether he intends to carry out territorial reorganisation by abolishing counties and creating development regions, agerpres reports.





"What will we do? Starting next week, we will form working groups for each type of administrative unit - municipalities, towns, and communes - because their issues differ significantly. (...) This is not about abolishing entities, but about taking measures to make them more efficient. It is true that over 60% of communes cannot cover their personnel expenses from the taxes and duties they collect from citizens. However, they have the power to determine the number of employees in their town halls, to set salary levels up to that of the deputy mayor. (...) They also have the lowest levels of local taxation, because in the Romanian public mindset, there is no connection between the tax paid to the town hall and the quality of services provided. We therefore need to work on mechanisms whereby, if the government gives you funding to function, we also provide a salary framework, a staffing limit to curb spending - there is no need for every mayor to have two personal advisers," the Prime Minister explained.
Sales nationwide in the 2025 summer season increased in June by 3%, while the total number of tourists decreased by 7% year-over-year, according to data provided on Friday by a tour operator offering holidays in Romania.

The apparently contradictory development is said to reflect a changing market: tourists are more selective and prefer tourist packages, oriented towards comfort, with various facilities, experiences and complete personalised services. The average length of stay remained constant, at four nights, indicating stability in the tourist consumption behaviour, agerpres reports.





Nationwide in June, the average value of a stay was RON 1,040, 9.5% higher than in June 2024, when it was RON 950. The growth is influenced both by price increases of 10-15% and by the tourists' preference for higher quality services.
Romania and the United States are linked by a solid Strategic Partnership, built on trust, military cooperation and common values, Defense Minister Ionut Mosteanu said on Friday on the occasion of U.S. Independence Day.

''Happy Birthday, United States of America! Romania and the United States are linked by a solid Strategic Partnership, built on trust, military cooperation and common values: freedom, democracy, commitment to peace.

Our troops have trained and fought shoulder to shoulder in theaters of operations. Today, together, we continue to consolidate NATO's eastern flank, modernize the Romanian Army and defend security at the Black Sea,'' Mosteanu said in a message posted on Facebook.

According to him, Romania will remain a reliable ally.
Romania is monitoring the conditions for the safe reopening of the Romanian Consulate in Odessa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Oana Toiu, announced on X on Friday,.

''Appalled to learn of yet another massive attack of the Russian forces against Ukrainian civilians in many Ukrainian cities including Kyiv and Odessa. Once more Russia proves utter disregard for international law and contempt for human life. Romania strongly condemns this barbaric attack and conveys its solidarity to the Ukrainian people,'' the Romanian chief diplomat said.

She also referred to the conditions for reopening Romania's diplomatic mission in Odessa.

''Our utmost appreciation for the bravery of Ukrainian soldiers, many of them of Romanian ethnicity, and for the resilience of Ukrainian citizens, including the Romanian community in Ukraine. We remain in close coordination with our Ukrainian partners while thoroughly monitoring conditions for the safe reopening of Romania's Consulate General in Odessa as soon as the situation on the ground allows it,'' Oana Toiu said.
Aisha Sultan | Post-Dispatch Columnist and features writer Follow Aisha Sultan | 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

Growing up, I heard my father describe America as the greatest country in the world, and it made perfect sense, given his core beliefs and life choices.

He chose to leave his homeland and family as a young man for the proverbial better life in America. He believed wholeheartedly in the foundational values of freedom, justice and liberty for all.

Perhaps he wasnt as well-versed in the details of our countrys darkest chapters. Maybe he hadnt lived here long enough to repeatedly witness the ways in which his adopted country fell short of its highest ideals. Conceivably, he had not yet felt betrayed by the countrys leadership.

At any rate, his love for this country had made such a deep impression on me that I literally cried when I read the unvarnished history of America as a teenager. It taught me that the truest form of patriotism is embodied by those who have fought and sacrificed in the pursuit of freedom, justice and liberty for all.

Immigrants and their children have levels of patriotism that match or exceed those of native-born Americans, according to research by the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank. In its 2021 Immigration and Identity National Survey, it found that an overwhelming majority (80%) of immigrants say they feel grateful to be Americans.

They say this despite being more likely to report experiences of being treated like an outsider, the report stated. For instance, first-generation immigrants are more likely than the third generation and higher to say that others frequently or occasionally presumed they were not American (51% vs. 10%), confused them for a store employee where they didnt work (45% vs. 31%), called them racial slurs (39% vs. 20%), or made negative comments about the food they ate (40% vs. 20%).

Many immigrants and their children can separate how they might be treated by fellow Americans from their faith in Americas institutions  such as courts that uphold the rule of law and the Constitution, a free press unafraid to call the powerful to account, and fair elections that represent the will of the people.

So, what should one do when institutions fail to protect the core tenets of democracy? When corporate media has cowered, the will of the people has been ignored or outright overturned, and your leaders actions resemble the authoritarian governments your parents fled?

So many things I never thought would happen in this country have now happened: a man convicted of multiple felonies and found guilty of sexual abuse elevated to the presidency, due process eliminated, mass purging of inspectors general and government watchdogs, aggressive consolidation of executive power, dismantling of civil service protections, decimation of federal agencies, suppression and criminalization of dissent, undermining and ignoring court orders, withholding billions in federally approved funds, disappearing people off the streets and erasing entire chapters of American history.

The hypocrisy of so many institutions and individuals has been laid bare for all to see.

These are dark and discouraging times for our republic.

While its tempting to try to simply ignore the constant onslaught of bad news, to disengage and try to survive as best as one can, thats not what the true patriots are doing right now.

Look at the millions of people who have taken to the streets to protest the governments authoritarian actions. Millions more are calling and writing representatives; others are deciding to run for office or registering to vote. Some are getting more involved in providing direct aid to the most vulnerable communities. I hear the voices of those consistently speaking out against the abuses of human rights perpetrated by the state.

When current institutions have failed, its time to build new ones. More news consumers are turning to independent or nonprofit sources; several long-form podcasts draw larger audiences than cable news shows; an upstart candidate, Zohran Mamdani, toppled a political dynasty in New York; and grassroots initiatives are focusing on local civic engagement.

This is what Americans have done throughout our history.

This is what love of ones country looks like.
ST. LOUIS  A man from Moline Acres was charged Thursday in the fatal shooting of a Ferguson man June 9 in St. Louis' Walnut Park West neighborhood.

Treyvon Perry, 23, of the 9800 block of Portage Drive, was accused of first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of Lamarie Pigram, 23.

The incident took place in the 6100 block of Lucille Avenue.

A probable cause statement said the men knew each other and were arguing when Perry fired at the victim. Court records said Perry was being held without bond.
ST. LOUIS  A St. Louis judge sentenced a man Thursday to 10 years in prison for a 2018 homicide.

Antonio L. Steed, 30, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the death of Nathan Owen, who was visiting St. Louis from California when he was killed July 30, 2018.

Prosecutors argued that Steed and his friend, Ralandus Lathon, left the downtown Horseshoe casino  then called Lumiere Place  with Owen minutes after he cashed out $400 of winnings.

About 25 minutes later, a police gunshot detection system alerted on Athlone Avenue just south of O'Fallon Park. There, they found Owen's body.

In a 2022 trial, Steed was convicted of robbery and armed criminal action and was sentenced to 14 years in prison.

But the jury couldn't decide whether to convict on a first-degree murder charge.

On Thursday, Steed pleaded guilty to manslaughter in exchange for 10 years in prison. He will serve his new term at the same time as his 14-year robbery sentence.

Lathon pleaded guilty in 2022 to second-degree murder, robbery and armed criminal action in exchange for a 16-year prison sentence.
WOOD RIVER  Two people died Thursday morning when their vehicle was struck by a vehicle running a red light while fleeing police, authorities said.

The fatal crash took place at the intersection of Routes 3 and 143, Wood River police said in a news release. The suspect, who resisted arrest at the scene but was subdued by officers, was airlifted to a hospital.

Authorities have yet to release the names of the victims or the suspect.

The news release said the series of events began about 10:50 a.m. when a Wood River officer tried to conduct a traffic stop at Sixth Street and Edwardsville Road.

Police said the motorist refused to halt, driving recklessly through a business parking lot, jumping a curb and continuing south on Sixth. The driver then went west on Route 143, ran the red light and hit the other vehicle, which was going northbound on Route 3.

The impact pushed both vehicles into a ravine, where the struck vehicle caught fire. That vehicle's driver and a passenger died in the fire, the news release said.

Police Chief Brad Wells asked the Illinois State Police to take over the crash investigation. The release did not say why police tried to stop the suspect.
KANSAS CITY  Abortion services are poised to resume across Missouri after a Jackson County judge on Thursday blocked a series of restrictions that temporarily banned access.

Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Jerri Zhang, in an order issued late Thursday afternoon, halted requirements that abortion providers must obtain state licenses, among other restrictions. The licenses included rules that providers called unethical, including mandatory pelvic exams for women.

The order marks a key moment for abortion rights supporters, effectively restoring access after a procedural ruling from the Missouri Supreme Court temporarily banned the procedure in late May.

Planned Parenthoods clinic in Kansas City immediately planned to restore access on Monday, the organization said.

Planned Parenthood officials said the organization doesnt know exactly when its St. Louis clinic will restart the procedure but that it will work as quickly as possible to resume scheduling abortion appointments.

The decision is a step forward toward fully realizing Missourians right to reproductive freedom following voter approval last year of a measure putting abortion rights in the state constitution, said Margot Riphagen, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Rivers in St. Louis.

Attorney General Andrew Bailey, meanwhile, said Thursday night he will expeditiously appeal the ruling.

We respectfully but firmly disagree with the Courts decision to once again block the enforcement of Missouris duly enacted health and safety regulations, said a statement issued by Baileys office.

Missouri will not stand idly by while the abortion industry seeks to strip away basic medical safeguards.

Thursdays ruling came roughly a month after the state Supreme Court ordered Zhang to vacate two preliminary injunctions that had allowed abortions to resume in the state. The Supreme Court order temporarily halted all abortions in what providers called a de facto ban.

The court had ordered Zhang to reevaluate her rulings based on a different legal standard. After a series of legal fights between abortion providers and attorneys for the state of Missouri, Zhangs order on Thursday blocked the same restrictions and effectively restored access.

Zhangs order on Thursday was mixed and did not block all the restrictions in state law. It did not, for example, address medication abortions, which remain on hold.

But the ruling halted enough of the regulations for Planned Parenthood to begin offering procedural abortions again.

The order states the regulations should be blocked after voters in November approved the abortion rights amendment, called Amendment 3, that enshrined reproductive rights in the state constitution.

The restrictions, often called TRAP laws or Targeted Restrictions on Abortion Providers, included a 72-hour waiting period before receiving an abortion and clinic licensing rules.

The regulations effectively caused the number of abortions in Missouri to drop from 6,163 in 2010 to 150 in 2021 before the states former ban was enacted in 2022.

Abortion rights supporters quickly celebrated the ruling as a victory in the fight for restored access.

Missourians voted to end the abortion ban and establish the right to reproductive freedom in the constitution, and today, a Missouri court once again ruled to uphold the will of the people, said Mallory Schwarz, the executive director of Abortion Action Missouri.

But while Thursdays ruling marked a win for abortion rights supporters, it also comes as a new fight at the ballot box looms.

Republican lawmakers in May voted to put a new abortion ban on the 2026 statewide ballot. If approved by voters, the proposed constitutional amendment, which will also be called Amendment 3, would strike down the November vote that legalized access and ban nearly all abortions in the state.

Schwarz nodded at the upcoming ballot fight in a statement on Thursday, saying, attacking Missourians freedom will always be a losing strategy.

We will defeat abortion bans as many times as we have to, and we know that the majority of Missourians are with us, Schwarz said.

Austin Huguelet and Mark Schlinkmann of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.
In a matter of days, an isolated training airport in the Everglades where endangered Florida panthers roam became a sprawling immigration detention center christened "Alligator Alcatraz," modeled after the state's frequent responses to hurricanes and built in part by companies whose owners donated generously to Republicans.

In less than two weeks since the state seized the property from Miami-Dade County, massive tents were erected and a stream of trucks carrying portable toilets, asphalt and construction materials drove through the site inside the Big Cypress National Preserve around the clock in what environmentalists fear will have a devastating impact on the wildlife in the protected wetlands.

"We are dealing with a storm," said Jae Williams, spokesman for Republican Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who is credited as the architect behind the proposal. "And the storm's name is immigration."

The first detainees arrived July 3 at the facility, which will cost $450 million to operate and consists of tents and trailers surrounded by razor wire on swampland about 45 miles west of downtown Miami.

Republicans named it after what was once one of the most notorious prisons in the U.S. and billed it as a temporary lockup that is essential to President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown.

Opponents decry it as a political stunt and fear it could become permanent. The Republican Party of Florida took to fundraising off the detention center, selling branded T-shirts and beer koozies emblazoned with the facility's name.

"The proposal was rolled out without any public input in one of the most ecologically sensitive regions of Florida, and arguably the United States," said Eve Samples, executive director of Friends of the Everglades, which is among environmental groups that sued to stop the project.

Some GOP donors whose companies helped build and will assist in running the facility are being given seven-figure sums. Five Democratic state lawmakers who tried to visit the site issued a statement calling it "a pay-for-play scheme to enrich GOP donors under the pretense of border enforcement." One of the lawmakers, state Sen. Shevrin Jones, posted on social media that they were denied access.

Expertise from storms

Hot, humid summers; regular flooding; and wildlife that includes alligators and venomous snakes make the area where the detention center is located inhospitable to long-term living.

For the state emergency management staff leading the project, it wasn't unlike responding to another hurricane, just with more chain-link fencing, and barbed wire stretching more than 28,000 feet, according to state officials.

Florida's leaders pride themselves on the state's disaster response capabilities, an expertise sharpened by tropical storms. Florida had a system and a command structure, as well as a fleet of vendors ready to help set up portable generators, floodlights, temporary kitchens and bathrooms, officials said.

"We understand how to act fast without bureaucracy in the face of any emergency," said Kevin Guthrie, director of Florida's emergency management division, sitting alongside DeSantis and Trump in one of the temporary shelters during an unveiling event at the facility. "We're able to translate this knowledge to what we did here," Guthrie added.

Human rights advocates say this is not a storm, but people  people who could be left indefinitely in inhumane conditions.

Uthmeier said the location had the advantages of an existing site and a 10,500-foot runway, with the Everglades serving as a natural security perimeter. For DeSantis, the location in the rugged and remote Everglades was meant as a deterrent from escape, much like the California island fortress Republicans named it after.

It's also another sign of how the Trump administration and its allies are relying on scare tactics to persuade people in the country illegally to leave voluntarily.

GOP donors will be paid

Vendors chosen for the project include Lemoine CDR Logistics and CDR Health Care, companies led by Carlos Duart, a major Republican donor who along with his businesses gave millions of dollars to political committees for DeSantis, Trump and other GOP candidates, according to federal records. CDR Companies has been a go-to vendor for the state for years, and it provides engineering, emergency management and health care services across the country.

Duart confirmed his companies' involvement but declined to specify the services they're providing, citing a nondisclosure agreement. Asked if his businesses were picked because of his political support, he said, "we get chosen because we do exceptional work."

A database of state contracts also showed that Granny's Alliance Holdings Inc. signed a $3.3 million contract to provide meals at the facility. IRG Global Emergency Management inked a $1.1 million deal to provide "flight and operational support" services. Some of the company's vehicles were seen at the facility, according to images shared with the AP.

The president toured the facility July 1. The White House posted on its social media account a graphic of the president standing beside alligators sporting Immigration and Customs Enforcement ball caps under text of "Alligator Alcatraz: Make America Safe Again."

Ecosystem is fragile

In recent decades, $3.9 billion in federal and state funds were allocated to restore grasslands in the Everglades. The ecosystem was degraded and transformed when a highway connecting Tampa and Miami was built in 1928.

In response to the environmental groups' lawsuit over the detention center, the federal government said in court papers that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security hadn't authorized or funded the facility, which the state built and will operate.

However, Florida plans to seek payment from the federal government.

DeSantis described the facility as temporary, with no plans for sewers, and claims there will be "zero impact" on the Everglades. His administration reiterated that stance in court papers responding to the lawsuit.

Opponents still fear it will become permanent.

"If it becomes more permanent, that is a bigger concern since that permanently evicts these species from the site so they can never come back," said Elise Bennett, a senior attorney for the Center for Biological Diversity, which also joined the lawsuit trying to stop the construction. "Our concerns are great now and will only become greater as this project proceeds."

Trump tours an immigration detention center dubbed 'Alligator Alcatraz'
The story of Narciso Barranco seems antithetical to the values and rights of Americans we celebrate on the 4th of July each year.

A disturbing video captured Barranco being beaten and arrested by seven masked federal agents while working as a landscaper at an IHOP in Santa Ana, California. Barranco is pinned to the ground and struck repeatedly in the face and head while he cries out during the brutal apprehension.

The circumstances of the arrest have become a flashpoint in Americas immigration debate. Department of Homeland Security officials claim Barranco swung a weed whacker at an agents face and refused to comply with commands, justifying what they describe as appropriate use of force. Witnesses, however, tell a different story, describing a man who panicked and ran before being tackled and beaten.

CNN reported that Barranco came to the United States from Mexico in the 1990s and has lived here for more than three decades. During that time, he built a life that embodies many American ideals: hard work, family devotion, and service to the country through his children.

All three of Barrancos sons serve in the U.S. Marine Corps. His eldest, Alejandro, is a 25-year-old veteran who said of his father: He was always a good dad. He always made sure we had food on the table. He always taught us to respect, to love our country, to always give back.

Barrancos son has been concerned about conditions at the detention center where his father is being held. He told NBC that when he saw his father at the facility, he was wearing the same clothes as when he was arrested, that he had not been able to wash his face or shower, that he had blood on his shirt and that his eyes were burning.

Alejandro said his father told him he is being held in a cage with at least 70 other people, with one toilet and no privacy, and that he has received water maybe once a day and very, very little food.

In 2024, President Donald Trump ran on a campaign of securing our border and deporting dangerous criminals. Trump and his administration have been successful in their efforts on largely sealing our southern border and should be praised for doing so.

Where Trump has overreached is the detention and deportation of non-criminals who have been productive members of their communities, sometimes for decades.

This contradiction reveals something uncomfortable about American immigration policy: it often punishes the very people whose labor and families strengthen American communities.

Barrancos detention serves no clear public safety purpose beyond demonstrating the governments capacity for enforcement action.

The video of Barrancos apprehension has sparked outrage partly because it crystallizes broader concerns about immigration enforcement tactics. The use of masked agents and the apparent disproportion between the alleged offense and the response all contribute to an image of enforcement that seems designed more to intimidate than to serve justice.

Yes, Barranco is undocumented and came here illegally. But his case highlights the need for a comprehensive immigration policy  one that provides pathways to legal status for long-term residents with strong community ties while maintaining the rule of law.

The answer is for Congress to do its job and to pass comprehensive immigration legislation. But few believe they will any time soon.

The measure of any immigration policy should be whether it makes America stronger, safer and truer to its founding principles. By that standard, the detention of Barranco feels less like justice and more like a failure of imagination about what American believe in and what we celebrate on its birthday.

Alejandro said his father is a hard worker, with no criminal record. He said his fathers first worry when they spoke the day after he was arrested was finishing the job he was doing at an IHOP restaurant when the arrest happened. He asked me to talk to the manager at the IHOP and make sure that he knew that I was going to be taking over.

As an American, I want more people like Barranco joining us as citizens. As a country, we need to figure out how to welcome them, not assault them. Barranco raised three good boys who as men volunteered to make the ultimate sacrifice for this country, as well as doing a job that frankly many Americans would not want to do.

Barrancos situation embodies a profound contradiction between Americas ideals and its practices, between the country his sons serve and the one that views their father as an enemy.

Alejandro told NBC: My dad and mom, theyve always taught us to respect this country, to be thankful for this country and to just be appreciative of all the opportunities this country offers for us.

This is exactly the message we should all wish to espouse on our countrys birthday.
Heres one thumbnail assessment of how this deeply divided country clashes on the concept of patriotism: Todays political right enthusiastically defines it by the combative standards of nationalism  a different and far less noble thing  while the political left increasingly rejects it altogether.

Both mindsets merit rethinking as America celebrates its national birthday Friday.

A new Gallup poll confirms what other polls have shown for some years now: Americans are becoming, by their own definition, a less-patriotic population  but the trend is being driven entirely by recent, deep declines in self-described patriotism on the political left and middle.

At the start of the current century, polls showed that between 80% and 90% each of Republicans, Democrats and independents all described themselves as patriotic. The new Gallup poll, in contrast, finds that today, while 92% of Republicans still say they are extremely proud to be Americans, just 53% of independents and a meager 36% of Democrats say the same.

The Trump effect is undoubtedly a factor. The nosedive in self-described patriotism by Democrats coincides with Donald Trumps emergence on the national stage a decade ago, and has hit its lowest point during his second term.

But theres more at play here than just partisan backlash to losing the White House. Republicans never dipped below 90% in their professed patriotism throughout the eight years of the Obama administration. They did (for the first time) during the Biden administration, but even then never dropped below 84%.

Are conservatives just more patriotic? If the results of this poll and the many others like it are to be believed, that appears to be the consensus across the political spectrum.

And, yes, thats a problem.

Its easy to see how progressives, watching a presidential administration systematically bulldoze what they consider to be bedrock American values with the support of almost half their fellow citizens, could conclude that their nation is not currently worthy of their patriotism.

But if thats the standard  if agreement with whomever is in the White House is the determining factor for ones love of country  then patriotism stops being a core aspect of citizenship and becomes just another partisan marker in a deeply divided country.

It is also a capitulation. The constructive response to the feeling that the country is off course is to work toward putting it back on course, not to throw up your arms and retreat to political nihilism.

On the other side of the equation is the question of how to define patriotism in the first place.

Trump and his most enthusiastic supporters have frequently demonstrated that their definition is power-based: tanks on the streets of Washington; federal troops on the streets of L.A.; rhetorical, legal and even physical aggression toward perceived domestic enemies, from low-level government workers to journalists to opposing politicians to, well, pretty much anyone who disagrees with them.

Consider Trumps all-caps Memorial Day message that savaged the tens of millions of Americans who voted against him as scum that spent the last four years trying to destroy our country. The entire message was couched in the language of patriotism  but a belligerent, us-versus-them version of it. No wonder many citizens are rejecting the concept of patriotism, if thats how its being defined.

But why accept that definition? Here are some others to consider:

Patriotism means respecting the principle that we are a nation of laws and of constitutional process. That means accepting the validity of election results we dont like and court rulings we dont agree with. Thats not to say those outcomes cannot be challenged, but they must be challenged within those electoral and legal systems, in adherence to the U.S. Constitution.

Patriotism means respecting the constitutional rights of speech and peaceful protest (any other kind invalidates itself) even when we disagree with the sentiments being expressed.

As such, neither the rights tendency toward suppression of protest (as in L.A. last month) nor the lefts tendency toward cancellation of opposing opinions (as in shouting down academic conservatives) is patriotic.

Patriotism means welcoming people from around the world to America, via a system of legal immigration. But it also means extending compassion and due process to those who run afoul of that system out of desperation or through no fault of their own  as with immigrants brought here as children.

Patriotism means promoting and defending democracies around the world as only the worlds sole remaining superpower can do. By that definition, blocking Irans development of nuclear weapons was patriotic  and so is defending Ukraine from Russian aggression.

Of course, all those definitions are subjective. Recognizing the right to disagree on what it means to be an American is the most patriotic principle of all.

If our divided country can agree upon nothing else on our national birthday, lets agree upon that.
It's hard to believe it was only 100 years ago that General Electric, one of the largest U.S. corporations, voluntarily gave its workforce a pension, profit sharing, life insurance, medical coverage and housing assistance. Today if the chairman of GE or any large U.S. corporation gave his workers an equivalent number of benefits, he would be labeled a socialist out of touch with his peers.

Capitalism is the greatest economic system in the history of the world, but it is being abused. Were living in a second Gilded Age with a version of capitalism that is seductive and wrongheaded. It is monopolistic. Some argue extreme wealth inequality is not a problem for the US; history tells us otherwise. Rugged individualism is an enduring American myth. But virtually everyone has needed help on their way to the top.

There is nothing wrong with Jeff Bezos spending $50 million on his three-day wedding in Venice while sailing on his $500 million yacht if he would pay his workers a living wage and provide decent health care. Im not against wealth or the wealthy. Most everyone aspires to become wealthy. But with wealth comes responsibility.

James Etling

St. Louis
Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Noah Tobin was killed Tuesday, July 1, 2025, during parachute training exercise in Porterville, Calif. (U.S. Navy)



A special warfare sailor was killed Tuesday during a parachute training exercise in Porterville, Calif., according to the Naval Special Warfare Command in San Diego.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Noah Tobin, who is from California, had arrived at his first assignment with Special Boat Team 20 in Virginia in May 2024, the Navy said in a statement. He was qualified at a special warfare boat operator. Navy officials said they would not release his age or hometown.

Tobin was taking part in the parachute course at the Naval Special Warfare Advanced Training Command at the time of his death.

The cause of the incident remains under investigation. The Navy has paused all parachute training at the command and is conducting a safety review.

Tobins death was the first special warfare parachute training fatality since February 2023, when Michael Ernst, a chief special warfare operator, was killed in a freefall during training in Marana, northwest of Tucson, Ariz.

The Navy has not released the findings of its investigation of that incident.

Tobin joined the Navy in 2021. After boot camp, he earned the enlisted special warfare combatant crewman designation in 2023.

Special Boat Team 20 operates fast, small watercraft to insert and extract Navy SEALS and other special warfare troops.

The Porterville airport in Tulare County in central California is frequently used for Navy parachute training, according to a report on Fresno television station Fox 26 News.

Eyewitnesses to the incident told the television station that several parachutes deployed from a small plane, but one jumpers chute did not open and fell rapidly to the ground.

Naval Special Warfare Command is assisting personnel with counseling and other support, as well as aiding Tobins family, the Navy said.
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Germany has several mountain coaster tracks, on which gravity provides the thrills. (iStock)



The kids are off from school and summer vacation time is entering full swing. While adults exploring Europe might swoon over its historical sites and cultural riches, a younger generation may want for nothing more than space to play and thrills to be had. Here are some ideas for adventurous and close-to-nature experiences this summer:

Mountain coasters: The German term sommerrodelbahn refers to a sledding track or toboggan run built into the contours of a steep hill or mountainside that can be used without benefit of snow or ice. After riding a chairlift or being towed uphill in the very contraption one goes down in, chutes or rails carry carry riders swiftly downwards, reaching speeds of up to 25 miles per hour as they go.

Germanys longest such attraction, the Hasenhorn Coaster, is found in the Black Forest town of Todtnau. The nearly two-mile descent features enough bends and tummy-twisting drops to give even grown-ups a thrill. The attraction remains open year-round. Adults pay 14.50 euros for the up-and-down trip; a single ride for children ages 4 through 15 costs 12.50 euros. Online: hasenhorn-rodelbahn.de

Similar attractions can be found throughout Germany; other ones close to U.S. bases include the Sommerrodelbahn in Garmisch-Partenkirchen or the Eifel-Coaster Sommerrodelbahn in Gondorf, close to Spangdahlem. Those based in the United Kingdom have a single option available to them; the Fforest Coaster in Betws-y-Coed, Wales. The alpine coaster is just one of many thrills available at this particular location of the recreational facility known as Zip World; other possible experiences include ziplines, a freefall or taking a turn on a massive, five-passenger swing. Online: zipworld.co.uk

Ziplines: While acrophobics would rather give a miss to the Hirschgrund Zipline Area in Germanys Black Forest region, thrill-seekers will revel in this park built into the stunning natural landscape of the Kinzig Valley. Here, brave adventurers make their way along a circular route leading high above slopes and valleys, hills and streams. Each of the seven ziplines to be traversed has its own particular charm and character, but the biggest adrenaline kick is promised by the ride along the Grundlebahn. Towering 270 feet about ground and stretching a third of a mile long, the zipline is rated by many as the best single ride in the country. A trip along the parcourse accompanied by a guide (the only way to do it) costs 59 euros adults and 52 euros for youth ages 12-16. Reservations are essential. Online: hirschgrund-zipline.de

One of the worlds fastest ziplines can be found in Wales. Velocity 2, embedded in Penrhyn Quarry in Snowdonia, allows its riders to achieve speeds of up to 100 miles per hour along its nearly mile-long course. The attractions four parallel lines allow friends and family to experience the adrenaline rush simultaneously. A ride on Velocity 2 costs from 92 UK pounds ($126).

Those based in Italy can make way to the Dolomites for their high-flying adventures. The Adrenaline X-Treme Adventures park in San Vigilio di Marebbe is home to a series of seven ziplines that stretch over a combined distance of some two miles. At one point, the void beneath ones feet is roughly the equivalent in height to a 30-story building. Riders rave about not only the experience but the stunning surroundings. A guided adventure along the course costs 89 euros. Online: adrenalineadventures.it/en

Via Ferrata: A via ferrata, or iron road in Italian, is a fixed climbing route through mountainous terrain. Steel cables, ladders and other fixtures allow newbies to get a taste of the thrills experienced by more seasoned climbers. The use of helmets, clips and harnesses greatly reduces the chance of accidents and injury. Germany-based adventurers could opt for a trek along the Calmont Klettersteig, which passes through the Mosel Valley, home to some of the steepest vineyards in Europe. While experienced hikers note this two-mile route is nothing like the via ferratas found in mighty mountain ranges such as the Alps, any walkers wishing to take on this particular hike should be sure of foot and not prone to dizziness. At just a half-hours driving distance from the Geierlay Suspension Bridge, the two attractions would combine nicely as a fun-packed and inexpensive day out. Online: tinyurl.com/5b7z8c5d

Canyoning: The jumping, rappelling and climbing demanded by the sport of canyoning makes this activity the most active of our options. The LOLGarda outdoor activity provider uses northern Italys Lake Garda and other smaller lakes such as Ledro, Idro and Tenno as its playgrounds. With wetsuits, footwear and a waterproof case provided by the outfitter, adventurers are led through a course along one of the rivers that serve as feeders to the lakes. A four-hour trek along the Rio Nero costs 75 euros per participant. Online: lol-garda.it/en

Canyoning can also be enjoyed in the environs of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Canyoning-Tour is a provider offering three different tours. The Who Made You tour featuring slides, jumps and abseiling provides beginners with an introduction to the sport. A four to five-hour tour including use of all necessary equipment goes for 109 euros. Tours for more advanced participants are also available. Online: canyoning-tour.de
(iStock)



Can I have that bed? Huh? Can I? Puh-leeese? I begged my mother, pointing desperately to the sleeping compartment above the cab of our rented Winnebago RV. Permission was granted, and I could hardly contain my excitement.

Much like today, economic times were tough for my middle-class parents in the summer of 1979. My father believed renting an RV would make for a cost-effective family vacation, and would enable my older brother, a rising senior in high school, to visit a few colleges along the way.

My mother was hesitant due to motion sickness, but after assurances of a smooth ride from my father, she envisioned herself a traveling June Cleaver, serving cold cuts and Shasta in the spiffy mobile kitchen. My brother was concerned about the outdated 8-track tape player, until one of his buddies lent him a mixtape for the trip. Id spent years playing with my Barbie Country Camper  although I had to pretend Barbie suffered a grizzly attack after my brother ripped the tent off the side  so for me, this trip was a dream come true.

After packing our belongings into the appropriate compartments, we were off.

My father hadnt fully backed out of the driveway when my mother grabbed the countertop to steady herself and yelled, Stop! I feel sick! Despite Moms vision of serving us lunch over a game of Parcheesi on the convertible table, she spent the rest of the drive firmly planted in the passengers seat where she could watch the road.

From my perch above the cab, I had a panoramic view, climbing down occasionally for a cold can of Tab from the refrigerator. My brother played cards at the table and sang along with mixtape hits like Devil Went Down to Georgia and Ring My Bell. My parents settled in, and our golden retriever found a comfortable spot to nap. We were all beginning to enjoy the RV lifestyle.

Three days later, we were in pure hell.

Wed discovered that the slightest turn of the wheel caused the refrigerator to fly open, leaving pickle jars and soda cans rolling on the cabin floor. The constantly-looping eight-track tape was like an enhanced interrogation technique, especially during the high notes of You Can Ring My Bell. Also, we learned that the air conditioner was not adequate to cool the cabin, making the living areas muggy at best, and my upper hideout a veritable sauna.

Camping stops were not exactly idyllic. In an Annapolis KOA campground while visiting the Naval Academy, my father endured the buggy gnat-infested heat to complete the complicated series of RV hookups, only to unhook it all so we could go out for seafood. At another scorching campground near Duke University, the water and lights in the shower house shut down promptly at 8 p.m., to the surprise of my father and brother, who had just lathered up. Another night, I whined incessantly about the heat when the cabins finicky AC unit finally gave up the ghost, prompting nearby campers to yell, Cant you keep her quiet?!

After paying exorbitant prices at a Maryland gas station, my father inadvertently backed into the pump, ripping the spare tire cover. My brother tore a 6-inch hole in the vinyl interior upholstery when he forgot about a screwdriver in his back pocket. The piece de resistance happened while in the searing heat of North Carolina, when my brother left a bag of fish he caught in a compartment under one of the seats, which wasnt discovered until we located the source of the pungent aroma two days later.

By the time we headed home from our summer vacation, our top-of-the-line RV looked more like a rolling ghetto careening down I-95, reeking of dead fish, with curtains flying out open windows, food rolling around the cabin floor and the ripped tire cover and dogs tongue flapping in the wind.

On a dirt road somewhere outside of Cumberland, W.V., we kept a lookout while Dad illegally emptied the septic tank into a ditch. From my sweltering lookout, I decided right then and there that my Barbie Country Camper would soon be taking a trip  straight to the Goodwill.

Read more at themeatandpotatoesoflife.com and in Lisas book, The Meat and Potatoes of Life: My True Lit Com. Email: meatandpotatoesoflife@gmail.com
A concrete slab marking the Military Demarcation Line is pictured from the North Korean side of the Joint Security Area. (Aaron Kidd/Stars and Stripes)



This story has been corrected

A North Korean man was taken into custody by the South Korean military Thursday after crossing the heavily fortified border between the two Koreas, according to the Souths Ministry of National Defense.

The unidentified North Korean crossed the Military Demarcation Line  the actual border that divides the peninsula  Thursday evening, the ministry said in a text message to reporters Friday morning. The message did not specify his motive for crossing.

The North Korean was first spotted in a shallow stream in the midwestern part of the border early Thursday using South Korean surveillance equipment, the ministry said in a separate message Friday, citing the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

South Koreas military deployed troops to the area and guided the man, who identified himself as a civilian, out of the Demilitarized Zone, the message said. The operation took about 20 hours after the North Korean was first detected, the message added.

No unusual activity by the North Korean military was detected after the incident, the ministry added. The North Korean remains in custody and will be investigated by law enforcement agencies.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung was briefed on the incident and relevant government agencies are continuing their investigation, presidential office spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said Friday at a news conference in Seoul.

North Korean soldiers stationed along the border regularly perform manual labor, such as clearing land, constructing anti-tank barriers and laying mines. About 1,000 North Korean troops are working near the border, the Souths military said this week.

The communist regime recently informed U.N. Command  the multinational body responsible for enforcing the armistice between the two Koreas  of its intent to restart construction projects on its side of the border.

The June 25 message was meaningful in that it conveyed North Koreas interest in preventing an unintended confrontation between the two sides, Ministry of National Defense spokesman Jeon Ha Gyu said during a news conference Monday.

That message came two weeks after Lee ordered a halt to loudspeaker broadcasts aimed at the North along the 160-mile border. The decision was part of an effort to build trust with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the presidential office said June 11. The North stopped its own propaganda broadcasts later that day.

North Korean land-based defections across the demarcation line are rare  most defectors flee via other neighboring countries, particularly China.

A North Korean army staff sergeant was apprehended after crossing the southeastern border on Aug. 20, 2024, nearly two weeks after a North Korean defected to the South via the Yellow Sea off the peninsulas western coast.

At the time, South Koreas military warned of possible defections due to the harsh working conditions imposed on North Korean conscripts.
A B-2 bomber arrives at Whiteman Air Force Base Mo., June 22, 2025. (David Smith/AP)



DUBAI, United Arab Emirates  President Donald Trump campaigned on keeping the United States out of foreign wars, but it didnt take long to convince him to come to the direct aid of Israel, hitting Iranian nuclear targets with bunker-buster bombs dropped by B-2 stealth bombers and Tomahawk cruise missiles fired from a submarine.

Beyond the attacks immediate impact on helping bring the 12-day war to a close, experts say Trumps decision to use force against another country also will certainly be reverberating in the Asia-Pacific, Washingtons priority theater.

Trumps strikes on Iran show that hes not afraid to use military force  this would send a clear message to North Korea, and even to China and Russia, about Trumps style, said Duyeon Kim, a senior analyst at the Center for a New American Security based in Seoul, South Korea.

Before the strikes, Pyongyang and Beijing might have assumed that Trump is risk averse, particularly based on his behavior his first presidency despite some tough talk, Kim said.

China, North Korea and Russia all condemn US strike

Ten days into the war between Israel and Iran, Trump made the risky decision to step in, hitting three nuclear sites with American firepower on June 22 in a bid to destroy the countrys nuclear program at a time while negotiations between Washington and Tehran were still ongoing.

The attacks prompted a pro forma Iranian retaliatory strike the following day on a U.S. base in nearby Qatar, which caused no casualties, and both Iran and Israel then agreed to a ceasefire on June 24.

North Korea, China and Russia all were quick to condemn the American attack, with Russian President Vladimir Putin calling it unprovoked aggression, Chinas Foreign Ministry saying it violated international law and exacerbated tensions in the Middle East, and North Koreas Foreign Ministry maintaining it trampled down the territorial integrity and security interests of a sovereign state.

While the strikes were a clear tactical success, the jury is still out on whether they will have a more broad strategic benefit to Washingtons goals in the Middle East or convince Iran it needs to work harder than ever to develop a nuclear deterrent, possibly pulling the U.S. back into a longer-term conflict.

US allies could see attack as positive sign for deterrence

If the attack remains a one-off strike, U.S. allies in the Asia-Pacific region likely will see the decision to become involved as a positive sign from Trumps administration, said Euan Graham, a senior defense analyst with the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.

The U.S. strike on Iran will be regarded as net plus by Pacific allies if it is seen to reinforce red lines, restore deterrence and is of limited duration, so as not to pull the administration off-course from its stated priorities in the Indo-Pacific, he said. China will take note that Trump is prepared to use force, at least opportunistically.

In China, many who have seen Trump as having a no-war mentality will reassess that in the wake of the attacks, which were partially aimed at forcing Irans hand in nuclear program negotiations, said Zhao Minghao, an international relations professor at Chinas Fudan University in Shanghai.

The way the U.S. used power with its air attacks against Iran is something China needs to pay attention to, he said. How Trump used power to force negotiations has a significance for how China and the U.S. will interact in the future.

But, he said, Washington should not think it can employ the same strategy with Beijing.

If a conflict breaks out between China and the U.S., it may be difficult for the U.S. to withdraw as soon as possible, let alone withdraw unscathed, he said.

China and North Korea present different challenges

Indeed, China and North Korea present very different challenges than Iran.

First and foremost, both already have nuclear weapons, raising the stakes of possible retaliation considerably in the event of any attack.

There also is no Asian equivalent of Israel, whose relentless attacks on Iranian missile defenses in the opening days of the war paved the way for the B-2 bombers to fly in and out without a shot being fired at them.

Still, the possibility of the U.S. becoming involved in a conflict involving either China or North Korea is a very real one, and Beijing and Pyongyang will almost certainly try to assess what the notoriously unpredictable Trump would do.

North Korea will likely be quite alarmed at what Israel, with a relatively small but high-quality force, has been able to achieve over Iran, said Joseph Dempsey, a defense expert with the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

At the same time, it likely will be seen internally as justification for its own nuclear weapons program,

If Iran did have deployable nuclear weapons would this have occurred? Dempsey said. Probably not.

The U.S. decision to attack while still in talks with Iran will also not go unnoticed, said Hong Min, a senior analyst at South Koreas Institute for National Unification.

North Korea may conclude that dialogue, if done carelessly, could backfire by giving the United States a pretext for possible aggression, he said.

Instead of provoking the Trump administration, North Korea is more likely to take an even more passive stance toward negotiations with Washington, instead focusing on strengthening its internal military buildup and pursuing closer ties with Russia, narrowing the prospects for future talks, he said.

China and Taiwan will draw lessons

China will look at the attacks through the visor of Taiwan, the self-governing democratic island off its coast that China claims as its own territory and President Xi Jinping has not ruled out taking by force.

The U.S. supplies Taiwan with weapons and is one of its most important allies, though Washingtons official policy on whether it would come to Taiwans aid in the case of a conflict with China is known as strategic ambiguity, meaning not committing to how it would respond.

Militarily, the strike on Iran raises the question of whether the U.S. might show less restraint than has been expected by China in its response and hit targets on the Chinese mainland in the event of an invasion of Taiwan, said Drew Thompson, senior fellow with the Singapore-based think tank RSIS Rajaratnam School of International Studies.

It will also certainly underscore for Beijing the difficulty of predicting Trumps actions, he said.

The U.S. airstrike on Irans nuclear facilities caught many by surprise, Thompson said. I think it demonstrated a tolerance and acceptance of risk in the Trump administration that is perhaps surprising.

It also gives rise to a concern that Taiwans President Lai Ching-te, who in recent speeches has increased warnings about the threat from China, may be further emboldened in his rhetoric, said Lyle Goldstein, director of the Asia Program at the Washington-based foreign policy think tank Defense Priorities.

Already, Lais words have prompted China to accuse him of pursuing Taiwanese independence, which is a red line for Beijing. Goldstein said he worried Taiwan may try to take advantage of the American use of force against Iran to increase its deterrent situation versus the mainland.

President Lais series of recent speeches appear almost designed to set up a new cross-strait crisis, perhaps in the hopes of building more support in Washington and elsewhere around the Pacific, said Goldstein, who also is director of the China Initiative at Brown Universitys Watson Institute.

I think that is an exceedingly risky gambit, to put it mildly, he said.

Tong-hyung Kim in Seoul, South Korea, and Didi Tang and Albee Zhang in Washington contributed to this report.
Marines board a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa, Japan, on May 8, 2025. (Kendrick Jackson/U.S. Marine Corps)



The Marine Corps on Thursday deployed 200 troops from North Carolina to support federal immigration agents in Florida, while another 500 troops are slated to move to other locations.

The Department of Homeland Security in May requested military support for Immigration and Customs Enforcements increased efforts to detain migrants within the United States, according to U.S. Northern Command, the joint military headquarters overseeing operations that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved for the 700 troops.

Service members will perform non-law enforcement duties within ICE facilities, according to NORTHCOM.

Their roles will focus on administrative and logistical tasks, and they are specifically prohibited from direct contact with individuals in ICE custody or involvement in any aspect of the custody chain, the command said.

The 200 Marines deployed to Florida are assigned to the Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., according to NORTHCOM.

The command did not respond Thursday on whether the troops would go to the detention facility dubbed Alligator Alcatraz that President Donald Trump visited earlier this week. ICE referred questions about the locations to the Department of Homeland Security, which did not immediately respond to questions.

The sprawling facility is situated in a nature preserve within the Florida Everglades on property the state seized from Maimi-Dade County, according to the Associated Press. Within two weeks, the site transformed to hold massive tents, and trucks have delivered portable toilets, asphalt and construction materials  causing concern among environmental groups.

The remaining 500 troops will go to locations in Texas and Louisiana, according to NORTHCOM. All 700 will provide administrative and logistical support at locations directed by ICE.

The Marines are now deployed on three fronts of Trumps increased immigration enforcement. Hundreds of Marines are part of the 8,500 troops deployed to the U.S. border with Mexico to support Customs and Border Protection, and 700 are in Los Angeles protecting federal facilities from immigration protesters.
Don Allen practices mindfulness as he washes the dishes each afternoon at his St. Paul home. Allen is among the veterans who participated in a study of mindfulness exercises from 2020 to 2022 at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. (Jeff Wheeler/The Minnesota Star Tribune)



Don Allens left knee has hurt ever since an accident during his Army service in 1981. His right knee has been acting up as well. But the St. Paul man has one surefire way to blunt the pain:

Doing the dishes.

Mindfulness training from the Minneapolis Veteran Affairs Medical Center taught him to stay focused on present moments and activities, distracting from his physical pain as well as his stress and depression. Allen later discovered cleaning the kitchen helped him stay in that relaxed zone at night.

My cousins think Im crazy for this, he said.

But hes hardly alone.

VA researchers have been providing mindfulness training to veterans, alone and in groups, and finding it accelerates pain relief when paired with standard treatments such as medication and physical therapy. Their work, honored last week as the Minneapolis VAs clinical paper of the year, also showed mindfulness training works online, making it easy to provide anywhere.

Pain is a difficult thing to address in general. We have so many different approaches. Sometimes, they move the needle. Sometimes, they dont, said Collin Calvert, a statistician who co-authored the study. So seeing any kind of improvement with something like this, hey, thats pretty important.

What is mindfulness?

Mindfulness uses breathing, movement, listening, visual or other exercises to help people focus on the present moment and surroundings. The discipline has centuries-old roots in Buddhism and eastern philosophy, introduced in U.S. medicine in 1979 as a stress-reduction program. But it has gained traction as the population ages and seeks alternatives to drugs for pain relief.

Negative emotions or panic can cause pain to intensify and radiate beyond the site of a physical injury or disease such as cancer, said Diana Burgess, the lead author of the research and an investigator at the VAs Center for Care Delivery Outcomes Research.

There are these mini-mindfulness practices that might be grounding you when your thoughts are spiraling, she said. Focus on your breath. Focus on your sensations. A lot of it is trying to tamp down those negative spirals that cause agitation and contribute to chronic pain.

Researchers from the VA and the University of Minnesotas Integrative Health & Wellbeing Research Program condensed a standard, eight-session mindfulness training program to focus on pain relief and combine verbal instructions with a mobile app. Veterans either participated in group online discussions or used the app to learn mindfulness techniques on their own, discussing them one-on-one with a study leader. The randomized clinical trial took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, so all instructional sessions were remote.

Compared to veterans only receiving standard pain management, both mindfulness groups self-reported 30% more pain reduction on average through six months, the paper showed.

Success stories

Allen said he embraced mindfulness as a source of pain relief because he didnt want to take narcotic painkillers that could make him less sharp during the day when he teaches high school English. He called it paying attention on purpose and said his continued focus on the present moment has also helped him manage stress and depression.

The pain relief also helped him keep pace with his two active teenage sons, though he started scheduling more activities together that are easier on his knees, such as swimming.

Allen said he enjoyed the group sessions during the VA study because he learned more about mindfulness. But he also gained other tips, like the one from a Fergus Falls veteran who swore by the use of Epsom salts in a hot tub for his joint pain.

It worked! Allen said.

The VA presented new findings from the mindfulness research last week, showing the group approach was a little more helpful for female veterans in addressing pain intensity.

However, it was less helpful for veterans dealing with anxiety or depression on top of physical pain, Calvert said.

They just didnt like being in a group setting if theyre anxious, talking about their pain and their experiences, he said.

Army veteran Bill Roberts said pain has amassed from a variety of service-related injuries. He tore his Achilles tendon in one ankle while in Guantanamo Bay and the rotator cuff in one shoulder while in Afghanistan. Pain on a 10-point scale once hovered at nine, he said, keeping him in bed on some days. Mindfulness brought it down to six or seven at worst.

If youve got back pain, he said, you can go out and look at the sunlight and imagine how beautiful it is, and the focus comes off of your back. And now youre looking at your surroundings.

The 68-year-old veteran participated in the VA research remotely from his home in Spring Hope, N.C. He is now serving as an advisor to Burgess next study, which offers online mindfulness training and other therapies to rural veterans who often struggle to access health care and pain management.

Accessing mindfulness

Burgess said the group or individual support sessions likely help veterans overcome skepticism about mindfulness and adopt the exercises in useful ways. However, one possibility is veterans could simply use a QR code to download the mindfulness app on their phones and do the exercises on their own.

Not everybody is going to want to do it, she said, but it could be a tool that wouldnt really cost anything because this stuff is already available.

The study customized the mindfulness app and training sessions so the veterans felt comfortable with them, but university researchers believe others could achieve the results. They have launched a similar study through their Partners4Pain project to see if mindfulness training helps disadvantaged populations who struggle to afford health care and pain management.

The VA study was novel because veterans continued to report less pain after the instructional sessions, said Roni Evans, director of the universitys wellbeing research program, located at the Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing. The outcomes ... sustained themselves over time, which is very unusual.

2025 The Minnesota Star Tribune.

Visit startribune.com.

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China and the European Union are poised to deepen dialogue and cooperation, as this year marks the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, with senior officials from both sides emphasizing the importance of mutual respect, open engagement and a shared commitment to global stability.

At the 13th round of China-EU High-level Strategic Dialogue held on Wednesday in Brussels, Belgium, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas agreed to deepen mutual understanding and work together to get well-prepared for the upcoming leaders' meeting for enhancing cooperation.

Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, noted that over the past five decades, China-EU relations have weathered many challenges and continued to grow stronger, with cooperation serving as the anchor for both sides.

China and the EU should work as partners, rather than act as rivals, he said, calling for both sides to properly handle their differences through dialogue.

Wang said that China and the EU share extensive common interests and have no fundamental conflicts of interest, adding that both sides support multilateralism, uphold the central role of the United Nations and are committed to resolving disputes peacefully through dialogue.

Amid growing global uncertainty and instability, China and the EU, as two major powers and economies, should enhance exchanges and advance cooperation to safeguard the international order and provide the world with much-needed certainty, he emphasized.

China stands ready to work with the EU to ensure that the upcoming China-EU summit is productive and better guides their bilateral relationship, he said.

Wang noted that China's diplomacy is rooted in the harmonious traditions of Chinese civilization, which advocates peace, inclusiveness and cooperation. China is not the United States and its path should not be viewed through the lens of the US' historical trajectory, he said.

The differences between China and the EU in terms of history, culture and values should not warrant rivalry, nor should their disagreements necessitate confrontation, he said.

Wang reiterated that China firmly supports European integration and the EU's pursuit of greater strategic autonomy. He urged the EU to respect China's core interests, including the Taiwan question, which he said concerns China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He called on the EU to earnestly uphold the one-China principle as set out in Resolution 2758 of the UN General Assembly.

Kallas said the EU and China are partners with shared responsibilities in maintaining the international order and supporting the UN's central role.

The EU remains committed to the one-China policy and stands ready to work with China to ensure that the upcoming leaders' meeting sends a positive signal for stronger ties and fairer economic cooperation, she said.

Experts said the recent global economic headwinds and trade tensions have once again highlighted the importance of trust-building and open communication.

Bart Dessein, a professor at the Egmont Royal Institute for International Relations in Belgium and a member of the Royal Academy for Overseas Sciences, said that Europe's purchasing power makes it an important partner for China, especially as market access challenges grow elsewhere.

"We are each other's top trading partners and our welfare is interdependent. Constructive dialogue can help shape a fairer, stronger partnership for both sides," he said.

Bernard Dewit, chairman of the Belgian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, said that despite geopolitical challenges, EU-China collaboration remains vital in trade, technology, climate and culture. "This year marks 50 years of EU-China diplomatic relations, highlighting deep economic ties. China is now Belgium's top non-European supplier," he said.
Daniel ORiordan contested the charges, testifying that he was not behind the wheel.

A motorist who led Gardai on a high speed chase from North Louth to the border during which he overtook other traffic at speed and ignored road signs has avoided a prison sentence.

Last April, Daniel ORiordan (37), Mullacrew, Louth Village, and originally from Bellurgan Point, Dundalk, was convicted of five counts of dangerous driving.

He contested the charges, testifying that he was not behind the wheel, nor even in the area where the pursuit commenced. His girlfriend also gave evidence that he was with her the whole time.

However, at the conclusion of evidence, Judge Nicola Andrews convicted the defendant of dangerous driving at Jenkinstown Post Office, Bellurgan, Ballymascanlon, Thistle Cross and Carrickaneena, before adjourning finalisation of the case for reports.

There were 61 previous convictions, 27 under the Road Traffic Act, including for dangerous driving causing death for which a five-year sentence was imposed in February 2011.

Judge Andrews sentenced him to 120 hours community service in lieu of four months imprisonment for dangerous driving at Jenkinstown Post Office along with a two-year driving disqualification. The other charges were taken into consideration.

Legal aid was granted.

The district court had heard that Gardai began a surveillance operation at the post office at 8.30am on December 2, 2024, to apprehend Mr ORiordan who had eight outstanding bench warrants.

Gda Ian McDonnell said that he was in an unmarked car and at 4.27pm he spotted a silver Volkswagen Passat arrive. The defendant, whom he knew, was the sole occupant.

A high speed pursuit subsequently began, along the main Dundalk Road, past the Ballymascanlon Hotel and through Thistle Cross. It ended when the Passat overtook on a bend under a railway bridge and crossed into Northern Ireland.

Gda McDonnell said that he could see it driving dangerously along Edenappa Road. The PSNI was alerted.

The pursuit was over 8.6km and lasted approximately eight minutes.

On December 10 at 7.10am, the court heard, Mr ORiordan was arrested with the assistance of the Garda Armed Support Unit at a residence in Mullacrew.

Dundalk Courthouse

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 4th

The offending car was parked tight to the rear of the dwelling so it couldnt be seen from the road.

Daniel ORiordan testified that he didnt go to Bellurgan that day. His girlfriend drove him to a yard in Culloville, Co. Armagh to collect his wages.

He continued that he was in Bellurgan the next day. He gets the Dole in Jenkinstown Post Office.

I wasnt driving. I wasnt even in Jenkinstown. Its not my car. I dont know who has access to it, he said.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme
Now in his 20s, the man was giving evidence at an inquiry into alleged professional misconduct by the teacher at a Dublin school in 2018.

A young man has denied that his female English teacher groomed him while he was a Leaving Cert student, although they had sex in a hotel after the exams were finished.

The then-18-year-old said apart from the single sexual encounter with the teacher, they were not romantically involved before or since and denied that they exchanged daily Snapchat messages while he was still at school.

He also insisted he had no reason to tell untruths in an attempt to protect her.

Now in his 20s, the man was giving evidence at an inquiry into alleged professional misconduct by the teacher at a Dublin school in 2018.

She is denying allegations that she had a romantic relationship with the student that summer and exchanged photos or videos with him on Snapchat every day between June 14 and his final Leaving Cert exam on June 20.

It is claimed the daily messages continued while he was awaiting his exam results, until August 14 that year.

Photo: Getty

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 4th

She is also alleged to have had a sexual encounter with him on a date in early August, and though she accepts this took place, she maintains it was a one-off" and did not amount to misconduct.

The fitness-to-teach inquiry is being held by the Teaching Council following a complaint by the school principal, after the womans ex-partner discovered the alleged affair and reported it to her colleagues.

The council says the allegations amount to disgraceful or dishonourable professional conduct of such seriousness as to bring the profession into disrepute and are contrary to the Code of Professional Conduct for Teachers.

Today, the former student gave evidence that one night in August, 2018 he was at a pub with work friends in Dublin city centre when he noticed the teacher and approached her.

I walked over and maybe said hello," he said. "We were talking for a while and we just ended up going to a hotel near where we were.

The teachers barrister Eoghan Cole SC asked him if there was a connection" as they talked.

Yeah maybe, he replied. He did not think anything physical happened in the pub, but agreed there was flirting.

They both decided to leave together but he was not sure which of them suggested it. He was not involved in any pre-booking of the hotel room and was not sure if the teacher had booked it.

We just ended up spending the night, I don't remember how that happened, or who suggested it, maybe I did, he said.

During the course of when you were in the hotel, you had sex together, Mr Cole asked.

Yeah, the witness replied.

He was pretty sure the next morning the teacher left before him. They did not exchange numbers and had no contact of any kind before or since, he said.

He knew nothing about the allegations until his former principal phoned his parents in 2019.

He said when he heard it was alleged there was grooming going on his reaction was: that's not me, thats nothing to do with me.

That is completely false, he told the inquiry, and he wanted to clear it up.

Snapchat messages purporting to be between him and the teacher were submitted and he denied this was his account, saying he was not using the platform at the time and never had his teacher as a friend or contact on any social media.

He also denied he had ever been at the teachers house or that they had spent another night together in her car, as had been claimed.

Cross-examined by Eoghan OSullivan BL, for the director, the witness said he had only ever had a normal teacher-student relationship with the woman, who taught him in fifth and sixth year. He said he had no reason to tell untruths to protect her as I dont really know her outside of what happened that night, and school.

He was asked about Facebook messages alleged to have been between the womans ex- partner and him in early September 2018. The ex was alleged to have tried to phone him after finding the teenager's messages to the teacher.

Who the f**k are you and why are you texting my girlfriend?, the ex had said, explaining: Your teacher, you little muppet. I seen the messages.

The teenager allegedly replied: Just talking to her about absolute bollocks because I get on with her. Nothing more than that, if thats what youre thinking. (She) is my teacher, pal, theres hardly anything going on with her.

These messages were completely inconsistent with his assertion that he had no other contact with her, Mr OSullivan said.

The witness said he could not say for sure if it was him in the messages as he did not remember it, and did not recognise the Facebook profile.

Mr OSullivan put it to him that it would have been a memorable event if he had a sexual encounter with someone who was recently his teacher and her irate partner contacted him to get to the bottom of what was going on.

Mr OSullivan also said it would have been unusual if he and the teacher did not kiss or touch before they got to the hotel, if there was no form of relationship already.

The witness replied he just wouldnt be like that in general in public. He did not tell his mates about the sexual encounter, saying it wasnt really that big a thing for me, to be brutally honest.

The inquiry was told earlier that the teacher is now working at a different Dublin school.

Chairperson Fergal McCarthy adjourned the hearing which will continue on a later date. When it concludes, a disciplinary panel will assess the evidence and if the allegations are found to be proven, potential sanctions range from "advice" on future conduct to removal of a teacher from the register.
Bridget McDonagh is charged with using fake documents to apply for an Irish passport and having possession of Rolex watches and a stash of sterling cash.

A Donegal woman is to stand trial charged with using fake documents to apply for an Irish passport and having possession of Rolex watches and a stash of sterling cash.

Gardai believe that the items seized from Bridget McDonagh, including four luxury watches, are the proceeds of criminal conduct.

McDonagh, with an address at Coil an Airgid, Donegal Road, Ballybofey, was before Letterkenny District Court.

Garda Sergeant Jim Collins told the court that a book of evidence had been served on Ms McDonagh.

Rolex Daydate 36mm in gold

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 4th

He said the Director of Public Prosecutions has now agreed to send the accused woman forward for trial to the next sitting of Letterkenny Circuit Court which commences on July 8th next.

Ms McDonaghs solicitor, Mr Frank Murphy, said that due to the seriousness of the case he was requesting both senior and junior counsel and this was agreed to.

The 44-year-old was charged that on November 20, 2025 she was in possession of the proceeds of criminal conduct, to wit, 9,300 in sterling cash, and four Rolex watches, valued at a total of 132,950.

She was also charged in relation to an incident at the Irish Passport Office, Balbriggan, Dublin, on August 23, 2023.

She was charged that she did, in connection with an application for the issue of a passport, provide false information or documents which were false or misleading.

Ms McDonagh is currently out on bail with a number of bail conditions attached.

Mr Murphy told Judge Eiteain Cunningham that his client was looking to vary the bail conditions but that this application had been objected to by the Garda National Bureau of criminal Investigation.

After some legal argument the court was told the application could be made when the case came before the circuit court.

The case was adjourned to July 8th.
Olesja Hertova (49) of Hastings Lawn, Balbriggan, Dublin, pleaded guilty to one count of the unlawful killing of James Ryan on August 11, 2024.

A woman who forcefully pushed her partner, which resulted in his death, has been sentenced to two years and nine months in prison.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Olesja Hertova (49) of Hastings Lawn, Balbriggan, Dublin, pleaded guilty to one count of the unlawful killing of James Ryan on August 11, 2024, at the above address. She has no previous convictions.

Passing sentence today, Judge Martin Nolan said that on the night in question, Hertova lost her temper with Mr Ryan and pushed him forcefully.

I have no doubt that she did not intend to kill him, he said.

CCTV footage shown in court showed that Hertova forcefully pushed her partner, and he struck his head. The judge noted, It is tragic for his children and extended family.

Judge Nolan said Mr Ryan seems to have been a very popular and vital to his family. He said that his death has caused huge trauma and expressed the court's sympathies to them.

Judge Nolan said the mitigation in the case was very clear. He noted Hertova entered a guilty plea and co-operated with gardai. He noted that she has no previous convictions, and, due to her previous good character, he said he does not believe she will reoffend in the future.

The judge set a headline sentence of five years and, after taking the mitigating factors into consideration, reduced this sentence to two years and nine months. He backdated to when she went into custody in August 2024.

Victim James Ryan's family led by victims sister Karen Ryan. Pic Collins Courts

Detective Garda Eoin McDonald told Fiona McGowan BL, prosecuting, that Hertova and Mr Ryan had been in a relationship for sixteen years and had a 15-year-old daughter together.

On the day in question, Mr. Ryan had purchased a half-bottle of vodka for Hertova to have at a barbecue at their house. Once she had consumed the bottle of vodka, she went to the shop and purchased more alcohol.

After the barbecue, Mr Ryan went to a local pub and at 1am was seen entering a takeaway. He then took a taxi home, arriving at 1.30 am.

The court heard that when Mr Ryan arrived home, both he and Hertova began to argue, and Mr Ryan walked out the front door of his home and unlocked a car in the driveway. Hertova followed him out and told him not to drive. She then pushed Mr Ryan, and he fell to the ground.

The court heard Hertova went to walk back into the house, but then turned and went over to Mr Ryan and fixed his glasses. Their daughter came out of the house, neighbours also came over, and an ambulance was called. At first, Mr Ryan was unconscious, and there was blood coming from his ear. When he regained consciousness, he was unable to stand up.

An ambulance transferred Mr Ryan to Beaumont Hospital, where a brain CT showed bruising to his frontal lobe along with a haemorrhage. Mr Ryan's level of consciousness dropped and his pupils began to dilate, but before medical staff could reduce this pressure, his condition deteriorated, and he was referred to palliative care. Mr Ryan passed away the following day on August 11.

Gda McDonald said a post-mortem examination was carried out, and the cause of death was a blunt force head injury due to a fall. It was also noted that he had COPD and Parkinson's disease, but these did not contribute to his death.

The court heard that neighbours of Mr Ryan looked at CCTV footage from their home and, upon doing this, gave the footage to the gardai. The home of Mr Ryan and Hertova was searched.

James 'Shey' Ryan

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 4th

On August 27, 2024, the house was searched again, and Hertova was arrested, detained and interviewed. During interview, Hertova said that she was trying to pull Mr Ryan away from the car so he would not drive it. She expressed remorse during her interview.

When the CCTV footage was played in court, Hertova became visibly upset, as did members of Mr Ryan's family. Mr Ryan was 69 years old at the time of his death and had been in a relationship with Hertova since 2006. He was previously married, and a number of his children from that marriage were present in court.

Gda McDonald agreed with Bernard Condon SC, defending, that the CCTV footage showed Hertova coming back out of the house and staying with Mr Ryan to comfort him until the emergency services arrived.

The garda agreed with counsel that in a witness statement, Hertova was kissing Mr Ryan and that both Mr Ryan and Hertova were laughing together.

Ms Karen Ryan, who is Mr Ryan's adult daughter, read victim impact statements on behalf of herself and Mr Ryans siblings. She said: My dad was known and described as a gentleman. Nothing could prepare me for the destruction his death caused. I dont know how to exist without him.

She said that since her father's death, she worries daily about her younger sister.

No one sees the ripple effect when someone is violently taken from your home, she said. I have not had time to deal with my own grief.

Referring to Hertova, Ms Ryan said, She didnt just kill him, she tried to hide it. This person knew exactly what she did; she tried to hide it.

She watched our pain and stayed silent. The cruelty is hard to put into words, and it will haunt me for the rest of my life.

This trauma has affected my personal and professional life, and sometimes it is hard to get out of bed. My children are the reason I keep going. The loss has changed our lives in a way we can never fully express.

Ms Ryan also read a victim impact statement on behalf of Mr Ryans sisters, Una and Jackie, who described their brother as the cornerstone of our family and cherished by all who knew him.

This has left a scar on our family. It is such an immense loss, our family will never be the same again. We will never hear his laughter or see his cheeky smile. She has stolen our brother away.

Mr Ryans daughter, Lynn, read her victim impact statement to the court, saying: The wound inflicted on my family will never truly heal.

She [Hertova] extinguished the light of our family. His dignity was stripped away. I could not hold him and offer him a final embrace. She sat there, with what I know now were crocodile tears

The Director of Public Prosecutions placed this offence as being at the lower end of the medium culpability range, with a recommended headline sentence of four to 10 years, the court heard.

Mr Condon, defending, disagreed and said he believed that the offence fell into the higher end of the lower range. He outlined to the court that this was one push with a tragic outcome.

He asked the court to take into account his client's early guilty plea and that she has been in custody since August 2024. He said as a result of this, she has now lost her home.

Counsel stated that Hertova has limited support going forward and plans to return to her home country, the Czech Republic, upon her release from prison.

He handed a letter to the court from Hertova, which said: I am so very sorry, and I will live with it for the rest of my life. I look at my hands daily and just want to cut them off. I think about my wrongdoing daily, and I am sorry.

He asked the court to be mindful of directing a prisoner to rehabilitation and to take into account her lack of previous convictions, her remorse and guilty plea.
I watched Natasha's documentary last night and it really hit me

Influencer Chloe Koyce who was the victim of a sinister stalking has said she she could not stop crying after watching the RTE documentary on Natasha OBrien.

Chloe who recalled her own frightening experience in a Dublin hotel in March, posted a message on Instagram revealing how she became upset having watched the documentary featuring the Limerick woman.

Really in my feels today, Chloe wrote. I recorded a whole story chat and had to delete it because I can't stop crying today (and it's only 8am) perfect.

I watched Natasha's documentary last night and it really hit me. I felt for her and her mam. I could understand completely why she felt the way she felt because of my own experience.

It's not until you've gone through something in anyway similar that you start acting and feeling so different towards these situations

She adds: What I'm trying to say is, thank you Natasha, for your bravery. I would not have been able to do what you did and I'm sure a lot of girls can agree.

Influencer Chloe Koyce

News in 90 Seconds - Thursday, July 3

You really made a change. Watching you going through that, not getting this attention you deserved, not getting the information you needed, you've changed it all now.

My own incident would not have been reported or taken as seriously as it has been, if it wasn't for you and the change you made.

I can say confidently and I believe it.

This traumatic experience (whether it's minor or major) and being here has definitely pushed me to inspire and encourage others.

Natasha O'Brien

Natasha has definitely done that for me.

The documentary entitled simply Natasha reveals how after surviving a violent assault by a serving soldier, who was convicted but walked free with a suspended sentence, Natasha OBrien refused to stay silent in her search for justice.

Influencer Chloe recently described the arrest of her alleged stalker as good news.

The man was arrested and questioned by Gardai following an incident at a hotel on Harcourt Street in Dublin on March 21.

Days later Chloe shared a video to TikTok explaining that a man followed her off the street and into her hotel lift where he proceeded to remove his belt.

Koyce said she pressed record on her phone while she was in the lift in the hopes of gathering evidence just in case something did happen to her.

In the clip, the man, whose face is blurred out, can be seen holding his belt in his hands in what Chloe believed was an effort to intimidate her.

The man, who was in his twenties then followed her to her hotel room but fled after Chloes mother opened the door.

Thanking her followers for their support following news of the arrest, she shared a video to her Instagram stories.

Obviously, the news is out, and they released a statement, and it's good news, she said.

It brings everything back again but it's a positive thing.

This is almost like reassurance first of all, but also just proof to anyone that doubted the situation that thought I was looking for attention.

Its taken really, really seriously because it's a really, really bad thing that has happened and also just to prove that you can report any minor or major incident and something will be done, she added.
The men, from Dublin, who are related and include a father and son, were denied bail at Sligo District Court and remanded in continuing custody.

Three suspected members of a burglary gang were charged yesterday with organised crime offences.

The men, from Dublin, who are related and include a father and son, were denied bail at Sligo District Court and remanded in continuing custody.

The court previously heard the case against them was part of a wider investigation into a large number of burglaries, mostly in the west of Ireland.

The three are Edward Connors (50) and his son Larry Connors (27), both of Bridgeview, Cloverhill Road, Clondalkin, and Edward Connors (28), of Drumkerring Park, Fettercairn, Tallaght.

Edward Connors (50)

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 4th

They face a range of charges linked to separate burglary and associated offences.

They were brought before Sligo District Court yesterday and charged with organised crime offences as part of an investigation carried out by gardai from the Western Region.

The elder Edward Connors was charged with one count under Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 of facilitating and enhancing the activities of a criminal organisation in relation to a garda interception in Co Kildare last November.

He was further charged under Section 73 of the same act, which states that a person who commits a serious offence for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with, a criminal organisation is guilty of an offence.

In his case, these alleged offences are concerned with two burglaries, in Co Sligo in April 2023 and Co Tipperary last August.

Larry Connors (27)

Among other offences he is charged with is alleged criminal damage to a van that occurred in Co Roscommon last November.

Larry Connors was charged with the same two offences under the Criminal Justice Act, with his Section 73 charge related to an alleged burglary in Co Roscommon last November.

The men are further charged with handling stolen jewellery

The younger Edward Connors was charged with a single Section 72 offence under the organised crime legislation.

As with the other two defendants, this charge is related to the circumstances of his arrest in Co Kildare last November 29.

Gardai had earlier charged all three men with having in their possession gloves, torches, a pry bar, pliers, a heavy-duty axe, screwdrivers, a signal interference device, a telescopic ladder, a vehicle refuelling kit, surface disinfectant and two sets of number plates not matching the car they were travelling in, when they were stopped at Cadamstown, Johnstownbridge, Co Kildare, last November 29.

They have been in custody since their arrests last November.

All three were refused High Court bail during an application before Mr Justice Tony Hunt in early January and were again refused bail at yesterdays hearing.

Bail could not have been granted to them at the district court on the organised crime charges.

Convictions in relation to Section 72 or 73 of the act can attract a maximum prison sentence of 15 years.

Their case is expected to be sent forward to the next sitting of Sligo Circuit Criminal Court, and it has been remanded for a week for service of books of evidence.

The men are further charged with handling stolen jewellery taken during the course of a burglary at a house in Tuam, Co Galway, last November 28.

They are charged with further separate offences, some of which were upgraded at yesterdays court sitting.
Officials say that while there were no drugs on board, the vessel was designed to carry up to 1.5 tons of cocaine and travel a distance of about 1,200km

The Colombian Navy has announced the first ever seizure of an unmanned "narco sub" equipped with a Starlink antenna off the Caribbean coast.

The empty semisubmersible was not carrying drugs, but the Colombian navy and Western security sources believe it was a trial run by a cocaine trafficking cartel.

"It was being tested and was empty," a naval spokeswoman confirmed to AFP.

Officials say that while there were no drugs on board, the vessel was designed to carry up to 1.5 tons of cocaine and travel a distance of about 1,200km.

While manned semisubmersibles built in secret jungle shipyards have been used for decades to ferry cocaine from Colombia, the world's biggest cocaine producer, to Central America or Mexico, this marks the first known discovery of an autonomous narco-submarine in South American waters.

The narco-sub surrounded by navy vessels

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 4th

The Colombian navy said the drone semisubmersible was owned by the Gulf Clan, the countrys largest drug trafficking group and one of several cartels recently designated as foreign terrorist groups by the United States.

According to the US State Department, the group's "primary source of income is from cocaine trafficking, which it uses to fund its paramilitary activities.

The submarine had two antennas including one protected with fiberglass that was connected to a Starlink satellite modem for communication.

It was also equipped with two surveillance cameras, one for navigating the vessel and the other for monitoring its engine.

Naval officials said the unmanned semi-submersible that was built in Colombia travels close to the waters surface, making it hard to detect, with only the air inlets and antenna visible above the waterline.

Admiral Juan Ricardo Rozo, Chief of the Colombian Navy, told a press conference that traffickers are moving toward more advanced and unmanned smuggling systems.

He added that the use of such technology shows a shift in drug trafficking strategies toward more innovative and adaptive methods.

However, this is not the first time a Starlink antenna has been used at sea by suspected drug traffickers.

In November, Indian police seized a giant consignment of meth worth $4.25 billion in a vessel steered remotely by Starlink near the remote Andaman and Nicobar islands.

Juana Cabezas, a researcher at Colombia's Institute for Development and Peace Studies, told AFP that powerful Mexican drug cartels, who operate in Colombia, "hired technology experts and engineers to develop an unmanned submarine" as far back as 2017.

"Removing the crew eliminates the risk of captured operators cooperating with authorities," Henry Shuldiner, an investigator for the US-based InSight Crime think tank, stated.

Shuldiner also highlighted the challenge of assembling crews to sail makeshift subs described as floating "coffins."

In 2023, a "narco sub" with two dead bodies and nearly three tons of cocaine aboard was seized off the coast of Colombia.

A near record number of the low-profile vessels were intercepted in the Atlantic and Pacific in 2024, according to the report.

Other unmanned vessels have also been detected in the Mediterranean, often used for short coastal trips between countries like Albania, Italy, Morocco, and Spain.

In another case in November 2024, a semi-submersible loaded with five tons of Colombian cocaine was seized en route to Australia.

Colombian law punishes the use, construction, marketing, possession and transportation of semisubmersibles with penalties of up to 14 years in prison.

Though commonly spotted off the coast of Colombia, narco subs have been intercepted across the globe in recent months.

Just last week, the Mexican navy seized 3.5 tons of cocaine hidden in a semisubmersible vessel off the Pacific coast, while releasing video of the "narco sub" being intercepted.

In March, Portuguese police said forces had confiscated nearly 6.5 tons of cocaine from a semisubmersible vessel off the remote Azores archipelago that was bound for the Iberian peninsula. In January, a suspected narco sub broke in two pieces as a fishing boat was towing it to a port in northwest Spain.

According to the UN drug agency, cocaine production, seizures, and use all hit record highs in 2023. Colombia, the worlds largest cocaine producer, has seen a sharp rise in production due to increased global demand.

Colombian law punishes the use, construction, marketing, possession, and transport of semi-submersibles with sentences of up to 14 years in prison.
By Nazrin Abdul



On July 3, 2025, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister for Political Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, on the sidelines of the 17th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit held in the city of Khankendi, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry.

According to the information, the meeting highlighted the strong friendship and brotherhood between the two countries' leaders as a solid foundation for advancing bilateral relations. The role of the political consultations mechanism between the two Foreign Ministries in deepening the strategic partnership was also emphasized.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with ongoing cooperation in areas such as economy, trade, investment, energy, and humanitarian affairs. They also praised productive collaboration within international platforms including the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the UN Climate Change Conference.

The meeting underscored the success of joint projects in the field of renewable energy, with achievements in this area receiving high praise.

Minister Bayramov briefed the UAE delegation on the reconstruction efforts in Azerbaijans liberated territories, the return of former internally displaced persons, and the ongoing threat posed by landmines.

He also expressed appreciation for the UAEs support in humanitarian demining and reconstruction activities in these regions.

The two sides exchanged views on other bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest.
Zhang Di, vice president of Kuaishou Technology and technical head of KLING AI, speaks at Forum on the Development of Integrated Applications of Artificial Intelligence during the Global Digital Economy Conference 2025 in Beijing, capital of China, July 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin)

Zhang Di, vice president of Kuaishou Technology and technical head of KLING AI, speaks at Forum on the Development of Integrated Applications of Artificial Intelligence during the Global Digital Economy Conference 2025 in Beijing, capital of China, July 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin)

Guests attend the Forum on the Development of Integrated Applications of Artificial Intelligence during the Global Digital Economy Conference 2025 in Beijing, capital of China, July 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin)

Editor: WXY
Workers were forced to live in squalid conditions with threats made to their lives and those of their families should they fail to comply with the conspirators demands

Eight members of a ruthless crime gang who forced trafficked migrants to work in cannabis farms have been jailed for a total of 80 years in the UK.

The organised crime gangs that produced drugs on an industrial scale exploited vulnerable migrants who had been smuggled or trafficked into the UK for the sole purpose of being put to work.

Workers were forced to live in squalid conditions with threats made to their lives and those of their families should they fail to comply with the conspirators demands.

Two separate National Crime Agency (NCA) investigations into the activities of the organised whose ringleaders were both based in Birmingham, revealed how they ran farms across the Midlands, London and north of England.

The first gang was dismantled following an NCA investigation into the activities of convicted people smuggler Mai Van Nguyen (35) of Beetham Tower, Birmingham.

He led a criminal network involving fellow Vietnamese nationals Doung Dinh (38) from Birmingham, and Nghia Dinh Tran (24) from Lewisham, London, who exploited migrants by putting them to work.

Mai Van Nguyen, Duong Dinh, Nghia Dinh Tran, Shamraiz Akhtar, Tasawar Hussain, Amjad Nawaz (Image: NCA)

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 4th

A trial at Birmingham Crown Court in January and February heard how taxi drivers Shamraiz Akhtar and Tasawar Hussain, both 50 and from Birmingham, were paid hundreds of pounds for moving migrants around various properties for the gang,

They would also transport cannabis or equipment for the farms.

A sixth member of the gang, Amjad Nawaz (44) from Birmingham, acted as a middleman for Nguyen as they organised workers, the buying and selling of cannabis, and arranging for properties to be used in Birmingham.

Their trial heard from a victim of trafficking, a Vietnamese national named only as Witness Z who was exploited by the gang after arriving in the UK by boat in November 2020.

Witness Z said he had no choice but to work in a number of cannabis grows, as he was in debt bondage to the people who had transported him to the UK.

He was arrested in June 2021 after officers from Cleveland Police raided a farm at a house in Hartlepool where they found a note pinned to a bedroom door saying take what you want, please dont hit me, I do not know English.

Officer also discovered a hand-written diary extract from a migrant in which they ask why did I get beaten up and forced to work?

Over the course of the NCA investigation cannabis farms linked to the network were found in Tipton, Coventry and Edgbaston in the West Midlands, Derby, Hartlepool, East Ham in London and Gatley in Cheshire.

Harvested cannabis was recovered from a further property in Hall Green, Birmingham.

Nguyen and Tran both pleaded guilty to conspiring to produce cannabis, but the others denied the charge.

All six denied charges of trafficking for exploitation but were found guilty of all charges on Monday, February 24 following a seven-week trial at Birmingham Crown Court.

Today, Nguyen was jailed for 15 years, Dinh got 14 years, Tran was sentenced to 11-and-half years, Nawaz 12 years, while Hussain and Akhtar got 10 and 10-and-a-half years respectively.

In separate hearing at the same court two other members of a second organised crime group were also sentenced today.

Roman Le (37) from Birmingham, was the leader of a gang that operated at least eight farms in residential and commercial properties, as well as a storage facility housing both equipment and harvested cannabis.

Posing as property developer, Le sourced the properties and either bought or rented them, in some cases erecting scaffolding around the buildings, making it look like renovation work was taking place, to disguise the real use.

Le worked with co-defendants Yihao Feng (29) from Manchester, and David Qayumi (36) from Birmingham, to source and operate the properties including a disused nightclub in Coventry, a former public house in Birmingham, and an old hotel in Lancashire.

Together, the farms were capable of making millions of pounds worth of cannabis.

Qayumi, who posed as a businessman, worked alongside with Le to buy, rent or sub-let the properties, while Feng acted as an operations manager making sure the secret factories kept working.

Today, a judge handed Feng a sentence of three-years-and-two-months in prison, Qayumi got three-years-and-four-months. Le will be sentenced on 30 July.

NCA Branch Commander Kevin Broadhead said todays sentencing hearings are the culmination of two major NCA investigations.

These gangs were involved in drug production on an industrial scale, often exploiting migrants who had been smuggled or trafficked into the UK for the sole purpose of being put to work, or who were working to pay off debts, he said.

The men sentenced today didnt care that these migrants were brought to the UK in incredibly dangerous ways in lorries or in boats and were then made to live in degrading conditions, often under the threat of violence. They just saw them as a way to make money.

The sentences handed out today should serves as a warning, the NCA is determined to target, disrupt and dismantle the criminal gangs involved, and we will use all the powers at our disposal to do so.

Lauren Doshi of the Crown Prosecution Service added: These defendants make use of vulnerable people who are driven by poverty to seek to work illegally in the UK.

They were forced to live in squalid conditions with threats made to their lives and those of their families should they fail to comply with the conspirators demands.
Locals said Danny Kavanagh (31), who was from the town of Carrick on Suir, was "a thorough gentleman.

Tributes have been paid to an avid fisherman who lost his life in a boating tragedy in County Tipperary on Tuesday night July 1st.

Danny Kavanagh (31) was among a group of men in a boat fishing on the River Suir and drowned after he got into difficulty in the river water. The incident happened at Tinhalla, Co. Waterford just outside Carrick-on-Suir town about 8.30pm on July 1.

Locals said Mr Kavanagh, who was from the town of Carrick on Suir, was "a thorough gentleman.

Paying tribute his cousin Johnny wrote: RIP Danny you were a good one. You will be missed by everyone who loved you. Im sure yourself and Paddy will be up there hunting and doing what you loved.

Danny Kavanagh (31)

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 4th

One friend wrote: A young life lost doing what he loved God love his heartbroken family and friends Rest in peace Danny.

Another wrote: What a lovely man we will miss him so much in our lives it's so sad condolences to all that new him may he RIP.

Emergency services including the Gardai, Fire Service personnel, the Coastguard Helicopter Rescue 117 based in Waterford and Carrick-on-Suir River Rescue volunteers were involved in the search for the man.

His body was recovered from the river by Carrick River Rescue team members around 5am on Wednesday, July 2. Inland Fisheries Ireland officers are also reported to have been at the scene.

Inland Fisheries Ireland confirmed it was liaising with An Garda Siochana in relation to the tragic incident at Tinhalla, county Waterford.

In a statement, a garda spokesperson said: "Gardai were alerted to an incident where a male encountered difficulty in the water in Carrick-On-Suir on Tuesday 1st July 2025 at approximately 8:30pm.

"His body has since been recovered from the river. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

"Investigations are ongoing."

No funeral arrangements have been made as yet.
Irvines conviction continues to create ongoing tensions within the UVF, the loyalist terror group to which he belonged.

A procedure once condemned by PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher is being used to shut down questions about Winston Winkie Irvine, the Sunday World can reveal.

And the Scapaticci Clause  as the process is known informally to members of the legal profession in Northern Ireland  is also being used by the Court Service.

One of its functions at present, it appears, is to deny the release of information relating to the recently convicted gunrunner Winston Winkie Irvine.

All this is taking place while the fallout from Irvines conviction continues to create ongoing tensions within the UVF, the loyalist terror group to which he belonged.

At a recent hush-hush meeting of the UVFs B Coy in a Shankill Road social club, Irvine was shown the red card by the very men he once commanded.

UVF leaders sat stoney-faced while foot soldiers listed a litany of complaints against the former B Coy boss. Several respected loyalists demanded to know how Irvine went from street rioter who sparked a bloody internecine feud with the UDA in 2000 to the very top of the UVF.

Shankill man Harmless Harry Stockman  who is believed to hold the rank of No2 in the loyalist terror group hierarchy and is seen as a supporter of Irvine  failed to attend the meeting.

Instead, Stockman left it to veteran UVF boss John Bunter Graham to deal with rank-and-file unrest. The fury felt among the organisations First Battalion  which exerts influence throughout the greater Shankill  cannot be over-stated, sources say.

John Bunter Graham

It is believed Graham  now in his early 80s  had been planning an exit strategy as he headed towards retirement, but any move to stand down at the moment would be viewed with suspicion inside the secretive world of the UVF.

Before taking over the reins of the PSNI, Chief Constable Jon Boutcher headed the Kenova Inquiry, which investigated allegations of state collusion inside the Provisional IRAs Internal Security Unit, also known as The Nutting Squad.

And he often criticised official state policy of neither confirming or denying, more commonly known as NCND orders. But many legal eagles now believe the police service he commands has arguably adopted a similar information policy once heavily criticised by the PSNI supremo.

And they have given it the unofficial title of the Scappaticci Clause  after Belfast-born Freddie Scappaticci who, after he was recruited by the British Secret Service, successfully operated at the very top of the IRA for decades.

This is because the public first became aware of the states practice of repeatedly neither confirming or denying inquiries relating to the agent codenamed Stakeknife.

Jon Boutcher is on record as stating he disagreed with the policy, as it created a climate of suspicion and conspiracy.

Freddie Scappaticci

While giving evidence to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee last year, Mr Boutcher said: By this Iron-Curtain approach it leads to a lack of trust and confidence towards the security forces. It is unnecessary and the world has moved on from that.

But despite Boutchers assertion that the world has moved on from the use of the so-called Scappaticci Clause, last week the PSNI used a similar strategy to block Sunday World inquiries into secret information the PSNI held on Irvine, also known until 2007 as Winston Gibney.

Two weeks ago, the Sunday World revealed the UVF man had changed his name by deed poll from the ancient Irish one of Gibney to Irvine because he believed his original name was too Catholic.

The Sunday World had written to the PSNI with a number of queries relating to the man now known as Winston Irvine.

Initially the PSNI press office ignored our communication.

When pressed, a curt reply was issued in bold print stating: We have no further comment to make in relation to this matter.

Deed poll notice Winston 'Winkie' Irvine

The Sunday World made a similar request, linked to the legal entities known as Winston Irvine and Winston Gibney, to the Court Service of Northern Ireland.

sensitive

In a written reply, the Court Service Communications department used three separate legal clauses to invoke its right to use the term neither confirm nor deny.

And the Court Service also stated that to confirm or deny... would in itself disclose sensitive or potentially damaging information.

But local lawyers we canvassed over the responses from the PSNI and Court Service said the strategy would do nothing to instil public confidence.

One said: It looks like the Scappaticci Clause is here to stay.

Since our exclusive that Winkie Irvines true identity had been hidden from even his closest associates in loyalism, many activists on the Shankill Road are demanding answers.

The want to know about Irvines identity and background, as well as why he was able to survive for as long as he did.

Many UVF A Coy men claim suspicions around Irvine alone were enough to have him stripped of any protection he had from the loyalist organisation.

Good men have been labelled touts for less, a veteran UVF man told us.

But the strongest vitriol was used in connection with members of the UVF leadership, who went out of their way to afford Irvine protection.
The Celtic Crossing Irish Pub & Restaurant marked the occasion with a new 'Irish Detour' cocktail

The damage caused to the bar as reported by Action News

A popular Irish pub in Memphis is celebrating its reopening having been closed after a SUV crashed into it.

The Celtic Crossing Irish Pub & Restaurant marked the occasion with a new 'Irish Detour' cocktail as the pub opened its doors while repairs continue.

The bar, located at Cooper Street and Oliver Avenue was badly damaged on June 30 when a SUV crashed through the patio fence and struck a tree at around 9am.

The bar's patio broke in half, local media reports, as the car was removed while the driver of the vehicle was transported to the hospital in non-critical condition.

The damage caused to the bar as reported by Action News

News in 90 Seconds - Thursday, July 3

As the clean-up and rebuilding process continues, a spokesperson for the restaurant said guests are still welcome.

A tent will be set up to provide shade while live music will continue as scheduled.

"The outpouring of support and kindness we've received from our incredible community and neighbors has been nothing short of overwhelming, a spokesperson for the bar told the news site Commercial Appeal.

"We're eternally grateful to the City of Memphis, our amazing first responders, dedicated contractors, tireless staff, and our supportive family and friends for their unwavering efforts in getting the pub back on its feet."

In an earlier statement the bar said: Our team is currently dedicating their attention to this incident. We are very thankful there were no injuries among our staff, and were keeping the driver in our thoughts.

Police say the crash occurred because the driver fell unconscious because of a medical issue.

That driver was given a citation for striking a fixed object and financial responsibility.
A new door-to-door Volunteer Drive Support Service is helping those in and around Te Puke who lack access to reliable transport.

The COLAB initiative started in March after a number of factors made it obvious it was needed.

Weve been getting quite a bit of feedback around transport issues in terms of safety and also just about local services which are quite costly for the elderly and also for youth, said COLABs community led development facilitator Hinemoa Wetere.

Among the issues for youngsters was getting to and from work.

Some of them are a bit hesitant about getting employment outside Te Puke because of the transport issues. If they have to go further afield that actually means catching a couple of buses, which can be quite expensive.

There are no taxis operating in Te Puke, so they must come from out of town, adding to the cost and putting them out of reach of many who want to get to town and back home for shopping or appointments.

Driving services

COLAB looked at other services, with the initial pilot based on a scheme in Whakatane.

The service must be booked and there are charges  $5 per local trip and $10 out of area and under 50km. Trips of over 50km are possible, with the price negotiated.

The service has been well received with people using it saying they have regained their independence. Costs are kept as low as possible by using volunteer drivers.

One of them is Rae Hosking.

She decided to volunteer because she had a little bit of time and it felt like meaningful way to contribute to the community.

Ive had my own experiences in life, not that Ive benefited from being a recipient of volunteer services, but its taken a lot of help from people to get to a point in my life that Im really happy and comfortable so I think I see the benefit in wanting to help the community in ways that I can.

Hosking moved to Mount Maunganui from Adelaide this year, and has no links to Te Puke, but she immediately recognised the need for the service in the town after reading about COLABs various initiatives.

The transport side of things was particularly appealing because Ive had my own hardships in life and one of the huge barriers for me when I was younger was trying to get places. I didnt have a traditional pathway of getting my licence when I was young and didnt get car licence until I was 30.

That was a barrier to lots of things, and I can see that being socially isolated can be really tough.

Volunteering

Hosking said as well as bridging that gap, she sees volunteering as providing a bit of company for people and creating connections.

It gives you an opportunity to connect with a diverse range of people and people you might not necessarily have an opportunity to connect with in more organic ways.

Im 38 and most people I get to drive around for the transport service are probably in their 60s and 70s. These sorts of social interactions dont come up in my working life and home life outside of family and its a really nice way to connect different generations across different cultural groups and across different religious groups.

Hosking would strongly encourage others to find a volunteer role if they are able.

I think its something that can be so deeply rewarding and [Id encourage people] just to be open-minded about it and if you have the opportunity to help the community in that way to jump at it because you can just learn so much and it feels good.

She said she sees having the capacity to volunteer as a privilege.

Wetere said the service is still on the lookout for more volunteers.

She said as well as a clean drivers licence, there is the need to have a cheery disposition, be prompt and honest.

Were very lucky with our volunteers.

Visit COLABs website to find out more about the service or how to volunteer.
Parts of Bay of Plenty received more than 100mm of rain in 24 hours with flooding reported this morning.

An atmospheric river of rain moved across the country on Thursday with Bay of Plenty being described as a scoop for wild weather.

All heavy rain warnings have been lifted for the region. However, heavy showers with thunderstorms and hail were possible this afternoon and tonight, MetService said.

Whakatane District Council said its crews worked through the night responding to last nights weather.

Flooding has closed Reid Rd in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, while Awahou, Pokairoa and Manawahe Rds were passable with caution because of trees and debris, the council said via social media.

A boil water notice remains in place for Ruatoki.

Our roads are slippery and may have debris on them. Please drive with caution today.

A Rotorua Lakes Council spokesperson said one weather-related event was reported to the council yesterday - a tree down and blocking Paradise Valley Rd, which was cleared.

Nothing was reported overnight.

MetService said Waimana received 111mm of rain from 9am Thursday to 9am today while Kawerau got 83mm, Rotoehu 82mm, Opotiki 76mm and Rotorua 51mm.

Further west, Waihi had 47mm of rain and Tauranga 43mm during the same period.

The Pinnacles in Coromandel received 91mm, Whangamata 77mm and Whitianga 59mm.

Whakatane had a maximum wind gust of 81km/h, and Rotorua 68km/h.

High wind gusts were recorded at the islands offshore the Coromandel, including 107km/h at Slipper Island.

A Bay of Plenty Regional Council spokesperson said the Paraiti, Kaituna, Tauranga, Waioweka, Whakatane and Otara Rivers all reached their normal channel capacity.

All rivers have now peaked except for the Whakatane River.

It will near its peak later this morning, which looks to be around second warning level.

This is still well within the flood defences around the river such as a stopbank or floodway.
The president of the Tribesmen Aotearoa gang says he didnt want a fellow member to be killed, and didnt order a hotbox attack to take place.

Mark Shark Hohua died after a series of assaults at president Conway Rapanas Hodges Rd property in Waimana, Eastern Bay of Plenty in June 2022.

The Crown has told a jury that the attack was a hotbox, ordered by Rapana, who was allegedly upset that the 48-year-old victim had set up an automatic payment from the gangs bank account for three online purchases.

A hotbox is when a gang delivers a beating to one of its members.

In his closing, Crown Solicitor Richard Jenson said Rapana had been heard to say that Hohua needed to be killed after finding out about the money.

Rapana, vice-president Heremaia Gage, patched members Ngahere Tapara and Te Patukino Biddle, and prospect Dean Collier are on trial in the High Court at Hamilton, accused of Hohuas murder.

He didnt want him to die

Rapanas defence counsel Nick Dutch said Hohuas death was a tragedy, we cant shy away from that.

On 19 June 2022, Conrad Rapana lost his friend of over 20 years.

Rapana had previously taken Hohua to his house to help shake him out of his addictions, banning drinking and drugs, and instead getting him fit and strong.

Hohuas partner, Rebecca Van Der Aa, testified that she hated Rapana but she admitted the pair had been friends and that Rapana had tried to help Hohua, including when hed threatened her.

Dutch also reminded the jury about a time when Hohua texted his resignation to the gang in the weeks before his death.

Conrads response was, Love you brother, I will miss you, my bro, Tribesmen.

Unfortunately, though, Mark Hohua died.

No one wanted this to happen. Conrad Rapana certainly didnt want him to die.

He disagreed with the Crowns suggestion that Hohuas death was planned.

This was instead unplanned fighting.

It was just chaos.

Tribesmen Aotearoa president Conway Rapana in the High Court at Hamilton last month. Photo / Belinda Feek

There was also no hotbox, he said.

It wasnt a hotbox. The children wouldnt have been there if there was a hotbox.

[Rapanas partner] wouldnt have been there if it was a hotbox.

In a text exchange with Gage, Rapana had described the incident as a f***** ugly mess.

And thats what it was, Dutch said.

There was also no evidence that Rapana had ordered a hot box on Hohua.

Theres no evidential foundation.

The text evidence is that no one knew.

It was the opposite, in that Rapana hadnt been heard saying to start a fight, only to stop fighting.

They just heard him say, stop with urgency.

Biddles lawyer Matthew Goodwin told the jury earlier in the trial that Hohuas fatal injuries were caused when he fell on a set of steep and unstable concrete steps while fleeing the house.

Dutch reminded the jury that Justice David Johnstone had already made it clear that they cant convict the defendants of murder if theyre not sure he did fall.

And you cant guess, because if there are two or more logical conclusions, you cant draw an inference that one is preferred to the other.

He referred to a pathologists evidence, who ruled that the head injury being caused by a fall was an entirely possible scenario.

Mr Rapana is not guilty of murder and not guilty of manslaughter.

Hes admitted culpable homicide

Patched Tribesmen Aotearoa member Te Patukino Biddle. Photo / Belinda Feek

Biddles counsel, Matthew Goodwin, said his clients phone call from June 28, 2022, held several key markers of his clients defence.

He admitted giving Hohua a hiding, or at least part of it.

He knew hed made some sort of contribution to his death because he talks about manslaughter.

Of course hes had no legal advice for that call ... but he was pretty much on the money because he pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

In the phone call, played again to the jury, Biddle is asked by a friend about what happened and whether he was going down for it, and did you give him the hiding?

Pretty much, Biddle replied.

Asked whether his defence couldnt be that someone had sent him to do it, he replied, nah, nope.

He then said his intention was never to kill him.

The c**t just jumped off the bank and f***** himself up, Biddle is heard saying.

Goodwin also took issue with Jenson, on behalf of the Crown, appearing to only take pieces of his clients evidence that suited them.

The staircase was a crucial factor ... in causing Mr Hohuas injury.

The Crown is scared of that reality, and thats why they try to present a different picture to you.

Jenson had submitted that Biddle was trying to soften the blow by admitting manslaughter on the phone.
New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) is supporting NZ Drinks Ltd in recalling Hydr8 Spring Water (600ml x 24 packs) due to the potential presence of blue plastic shreds in the product.

Vincent Arbuckle, deputy director-general of NZFS, said the concern with the affected batches is that they could contain soft fragments of blue plastic, posing a choking hazard.

He said anyone who has Hydr8 Spring Water in the 24-pack of 600ml bottles, with best-before dates of 10 June 2027, 11 June 2027 or 16 June 2027, should not drink it. Consumers are advised to return the product to the place of purchase for a refund. If that is not possible, they should dispose of it.

The affected products were sold at selected supermarkets throughout the North Island. NZFS confirmed the products have been removed from store shelves and have not been exported.

No injuries associated with the contamination have been reported to New Zealand Food Safety.

Mr Arbuckle said NZFS will work with NZ Drinks Ltd to determine how the contamination occurred and to prevent a recurrence.

For the latest updates and photographs of the recalled product, consumers can visit the New Zealand Food Safety recall page.
Jose Antonio Munoz Granada Friday, 4 July 2025, 15:19 Compartir

New York photographer Spencer Tunick is looking for volunteers to take part in an artistic project that he will be creating in Granada on 20 September, entitled 'Portrait Alhambra 1925'. The project marks the centenary of the city's Alhambra brewery.

There is no limit to the number of volunteers and those who do sign up will be asked to pose naked, but with green make-up, in an olive grove near the city. They will receive a copy of the resulting photograph signed by the artist by way of thanks.

Tunick explains that the volunteers will be asked to arrive early in the morning and that the session will finish by midday. He is encouraging "shy" people to join in as they will be wearing make-up.

Tunick says, "I've always liked art, not only photography, but also sculpture and painting. When I was young, my mother took me to the Museum of Modern Art, where Henri Rousseau's The Dream was on display. There was a naked woman, reclining, surrounded by nature. I feel that by doing the work we are going to do in Granada I am returning to that origin of my vocation, as we are going to work in a natural environment, with the green of the olive groves as the main protagonist, and all the people posing for the photo will be wearing green make-up, the colour of the bottle of Alhambra 1925".

He goes on to say, "I consider myself an artist who does photography, not just a photographer." Returning to the work of art that influenced the start of his vocation, the next question is whether he dreams about what he is going to do before he does it. "I don't dream at night, but I dream a lot during the day," he answers. "I live daydreams. And this is what happened to me in the case of Granada. On the journey between Madrid, where my plane landed and that city, I looked out of the car window, saw those fields, and imagined what this installation could be like when I saw the leafy branches of the olive trees, the undulations of the landscape, and the image that the bodies in contact with that environment would give."

One of the characteristic elements of Tunick's work is his treatment of colour. The international code assigns red to passion and blood, white to purity, yellow to the sun and blue to the sea and sky. Green is the colour of nature and the environment, but for the artist it is also the colour of growth and renewal. In addition, his installation also has a vindictive component. "I know that the climate in the south of Spain is becoming more and more extreme and that the vegetation is disappearing. It's an opportunity to remember that," he says.

Granada, its landscape and its light were in Tunick's mind before he got to know the city. "When I came here I saw that green has a direct relationship with the life of the people of Granada and I'm glad it's the colour that's going to dominate the project.

To register for the project go to www.retratoalhambra1925.com.
Jose Antonio Sau Friday, 4 July 2025 | Updated 07/07/2025 09:54h. Compartir

More than 170 nurses have graduated this year from the Faculty of Health Sciences and another 50 from the University of Malaga (UMA) University School of Nursing in Ronda: 220 in total. However, their job opportunities once they enter the labour market are greatly reduced, according to the Andalusian Nursing Council (CAE) and the Official College of Nurses of Malaga. The first of these institutions estimates that "more than 50 per cent of the nurses who graduate annually" from the region's universities leave. In Malaga more than 110 students who have completed their degrees leave the province to work in other regions or countries.

However, the Junta de Andalucia's health and consumer affairs department argues that "the total number of nurses in Andalucia in 2025 is 37,085 - 8,407 more than in 2018". It added that there isn't a "drain of professionals in the region" which is "committed to the role of nursing in the public health system and in line with remunerating them appropriately". However, it added, "There is always room for improvement, on which we are working hard."

According to the Junta, "measures have been implemented to improve the salary conditions of nurses: the increase of 150 euros in allowances for all A2 health staff (nurses, physios, midwives...) working in hospitals stands out, bringing their salaries in line with those of other autonomous communities, with Andalucia being the third in terms of remuneration for this group. In addition, for professionals working in primary care in this category, a modification of the value of age-adjusted cards (TAE) has been approved, which will have an impact on their paychecks".

The CAE considers the large shortage of nurses currently experienced in health centres in Andalucia as "very worrying" and says it is being "aggravated in this summer period", in addition to pointing to the lack of foresight in the recruitment of professionals. "This generates chaos, professional dissatisfaction and an extreme overload of care for the professionals who are left to attend to the health needs of the population," they explain.

"We give our best, but in order to care, we also need to be cared for, and that requires job stability and adequate replacement of professionals who go on holiday," explains the CAE, which claims to have brought this reality to the attention of the regional government on several occasions.

They want to set up a more efficient recruitment procedure and the CAE warns that some professionals have resigned. They claim that staffing levels are depleted and contracts, especially in summer, are on a monthly basis. "We suffer the constant flight of our professionals to other regions and even to other countries, in search of decent working conditions that they cannot find in Andalucia. If we are talking about recently graduated nurses, trained in our region, as well as specialists finishing their residency, we continue to suffer a constant exodus, where they are offered better conditions," says the CAE, which describes this as a "loss of talent".

The ratio of nurses per 100,000 inhabitants is 556 in Andalucia, far below "the Spanish ratio, which is 636, or the European ratio, which stands at 819", adds the regional nurses' professional body. The Junta handles other data and measures the ratio in a different way: per thousand inhabitants. "The ratio of patients/nurse in Andalucia has grown from 4.74 to 5.51 since 2019 thanks to the incorporation of 7,886 new nursing professionals to the SAS workforce," said the regional health spokesperson, Rocio Hernandez, speaking at the Junta de Andalucia on 22 May. She added: "We are getting closer and closer to the national average, which currently stands at 6.28".

Hernandez explained that the increase (somewhat lower than the latest data provided by the ministry, which speak of more than 8,400 nurses) "means that the SAS has 27.7% more nurses than six years ago and that the ratio of the population assigned to nurses in Andalucia is 1,357, while in 2018 it was 1,744. Therefore, with more population than ever, as Andalucia has just surpassed 8.6 million inhabitants, according to the INE, nurses have to take care of fewer and fewer patients. In other words, they have more time to devote to the most complex patients," she said.

The Official College of Nursing in Malaga, has insisted on the same idea: "Recent graduates in Nursing have begun to leave Andalucia due to the lack of stable job opportunities in line with their training." They believe that there is a lack of recruitment offers for new graduates. "We don't leave because we want to, we leave because they don't offer us anything", says the college in relation to the experience of many young professionals.

"Andalucia cannot be allowed to train excellent professionals and then let them leave due to lack of planning and political will," stresses the organisation, which adds that many of these workers nourish the health systems of other communities and countries with their talent and their departure from the autonomous region "leaves an ageing Andalusian system without a replacement".

The Malaga College of Nursing is calling on the Junta to work on structural solutions: stabilisation, professional recognition, strategic planning and dialogue.
BEIJING, July 3 (Xinhua) -- The Buddhist Association of China on Thursday issued a statement on the recent claims of the 14th Dalai Lama regarding his reincarnation. The following is the full text of the statement:

The 14th Dalai Lama recently released the so-called "Statement Affirming the Continuation of the Institution of Dalai Lama," once again violating the precepts and making false claims regarding his own reincarnation.

Starting from the 5th Dalai Lama, all successive Dalai Lamas have been conferred by the central government, which is the source of the religious status and historical legitimacy of Dalai Lama's title.

The central government has the right to make the final decision on the reincarnation, which is by no means subject to the 14th Dalai Lama's individual discretion.

Throughout the historical process of the searches for the spiritual successors of Dalai Lamas, a complete set of traditional religious rituals and historical conventions has been developed.

Since the establishment of the lot-drawing ceremony from the golden urn, the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama has required adherence to the "drawing lots from the golden urn" procedure, with the selected candidate subject to approval by China's central government. This process is the only way for the candidate to earn public credibility and religious authority.

Moreover, the National Religious Affairs Administration has issued the Measures on the Management of the Reincarnation of Living Buddhas of Tibetan Buddhism, which strictly govern all reincarnation procedures for Living Buddhas, including the Dalai Lama.

Editor: GSY
Edurne Martinez Seville Friday, 4 July 2025, 11:18 Compartir

The people of Seville have felt under siege this week as the city hosted a major United Nations conference attracting some 50 world leaders, including presidents and other heads of government.

The Andalusian capital has been hosting the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development, aiming to draw attention to the problem of government debt and its effects on economic growth.

The event takes place in a different venue every ten years and this time was opened by King Felipe, who hosted a dinner at the Real Alcazar palace in the city with Queen Letizia. The United States was among the countries not present.

In total, Seville counted on the presence of 5,900 National Police officers and 1,800 Guardia Civil, as well as 550 members of the armed forces, with the city hall spending millions of euros.
Oscar Bartual Bardisa Alicante Friday, 4 July 2025, 11:41 Compartir

Spanish shipping company Balearia has presented the 'green corridor' project between Spain and Morocco, which is scheduled to be operational in 2027. The plan envisaged in this project is for two zero-emission and 100% electric 'fast ferries' to connect Tarifa and Tangier for the next 15 years. Balearia was selected as the best bidder for the contract created by the port authority of the Bay of Algeciras (APBA).

These two sister ships will be built at the Spanish shipyard Armon. Each catamaran will be equipped with enough battery power to make the full 29-kilometre crossing in one go.

Balearia's general manager Georges Bassoul said that these trips "will meet the 2050 targets by 2027", adding that the catamarans have four diesel combustion back-up generators, with a total power of 11,200 kW, which will be able to provide support in contingency situations.

The vessels will be fully recharged during the one-hour stopover in each city. To achieve this, storage systems with batteries of 8 MWh gross each will be installed at both ports, which will be added to the shore power supply of 5 MW in Tarifa and 8 MW in Tangier.

Charging will be carried out by two autonomous robotic arms - a system known as "state-of-the-art OPS, which will allow recharging of the batteries needed for the route in just 40 minutes". Adding the on-board and shore-based facilities, the total storage capacity will reach 39 MWh gross, equivalent to the battery of approximately 765 electric cars.

President of Balearia Adolfo Utor described this new line as "a green umbilical cord that will unite two countries with a close relationship". He highlighted the pioneering public-private collaboration project that "will allow, for the first time, completion of the entire route with electric energy, without emitting CO2".

Presentation of the project

These vessels are similar to those already operating in the Balearic Islands, although optimised for the route. They will have a beam of 25 metres and capacity to house 804 passengers and 225 vehicles. They can reach up to 26 knots. On the other hand, the catamarans will be capable of manoeuvring with precision, thanks their design.

The presentation ceremony of the most sustainable connection between Europe and Africa took place in Tangier and gathered around 200 people, among whom were public figures of authority from both Morocco and Spain.
SUR in English Gibraltar Friday, 4 July 2025, 11:31 Compartir

Gibraltar's new police commissioner, Owain Richards, officially took office on Tuesday this week in a special Cabinet session led by Chief Minister Fabian Picardo.

Picardo welcomed Richards to the Rock and outlined government priorities, particularly regarding the pending EU Treaty implementation. Picardo briefed Richards on the administration's perspective regarding events over the past five years, including former commissioner Ian McGrail's early retirement and ongoing Royal Gibraltar Police (RGP) matters.

The government emphasised its commitment to working with Commissioner Richards throughout his tenure. Officials expressed particular interest in leveraging his expertise for EU Treaty implementation, especially in police work areas critical to the government and Gibraltar's citizens.

The appointment comes as Gibraltar prepares for significant changes in its EU relationship, with policing expected to play a key role.
SUR in English Friday, 4 July 2025, 11:37 Compartir

Education Minister John Cortes met UK Education Minister Stephen Morgan in London last week, accompanied by Director of Education Keri Scott and Guy Dumas from Gibraltar's London Office.

Discussions covered university fees for Gibraltarian students, special educational needs, artificial intelligence in education, school attendance, behaviour management and sustainability.

The meeting enabled Gibraltar to access UK support and information when needed.
Alekk M. Saanders Santander Friday, 4 July 2025, 12:54 Compartir

In the 18th century, the benefits of bathing in the sea were scientifically confirmed. During that period, the first facilities for bathing in the sea were created in the seaside town of Scarborough in North Yorkshire, offering rolling bathing machines. Wooden carts with a roof and walls allowed people on the beaches to change into swimwear and return to their normal clothes.

Men and women usually bathed separately to avoid seeing people of the opposite sex in swimming costumes. As the pioneers were members of high society, there was a special etiquette in sea bathing.

Sea bathing is a royal affair

There is a legend that during his stay in Scarborough, King George I of Great Britain and Ireland was seen among the sea bathing enthusiasts.

In Spain it was the queen Isabella II who was fond of sea bathing, or rather, simply followed the recommendations of her doctor who advised her to go to the beach to alleviate some skin problems.

This is how a wooden hut came to be located on the picturesque city beach of La Concha in San Sebastian. By that time, this Basque city had already been a favourite resort of the royal family, but under Isabella II it became a place for natural cures.

It is believed that after bathing in the Bay of Biscay, the queen's skin diseases improved. San Sebastian eventually became a meeting place for the aristocracy and high society, who liked to swim in the sea or (as the Spanish called it) enjoy the banos de ola (wave baths).

Zoom Sardinero Beach in Santander. SUR

In the mid-19th century, the flourishing commercial port of Santander was considered the centre of beach recreation. In fact, it was not surprising, because the capital of Cantabria was economically closely connected with Great Britain, and many English people often visited and settled in this city sharing their customs and habits with locals.

The local newspapers also actively promoted sea bathing, emphasising the many healing properties of the sea water. El Sardinero was the first beach to specialise in sea bathing, with two wooden huts (for ladies and gentlemen) with several isolated rooms located some distance from each other. Lunch and snacks were also offered there.

The capital of Cantabria was economically closely connected with Great Britain, and many English people often visited and settled in this city sharing their customs and habits with locals

Since few people could swim, an anchor tied to a rope was thrown into the water so that bathers could hold on to it and wade into the sea. The person in charge of the rope on the shore was called a maromo. For greater safety, a boat with trained personnel was nearby to help those who fell off the rope.

Zoom Today's Santander. A.M.S.

There was also a beautiful cast-iron pavilion on the seafront to receive people arriving by carriage from the centre of Santander. Sea bathing became a new trend, and thousands of wealthy people from Madrid and other representatives of the Castilian bourgeoisie also began to arrive en masse on the Cantabrian coast by omnibus, as there was no railway.

Spreading in the south

Wave bathing spread all along the Cantabrian coast and gradually moved south to Barcelona to continue down the Mediterranean coast. One of the most fashionable beaches on the Mediterranean coast was in Cullera (30 km from Valencia), located near the mouth of the river Jucar. It was called in English - Jucar Beach, thus giving it an international flavour.

In contrast to the cold waters of the north, the coastal destination of Andalucia offered places with warmer seawater, almost year-round sunny weather, as well as wines and horseback riding

As for Andalucia, one of the first beaches intended for bathing in the sea was proclaimed to be in Puerto de Santa Maria in Cadiz province. Huelva, a region with a high concentration of English people, was also advertised as the healthiest place in Spain for sea bathing. At that time, the beach at Punta Umbria gained fame as the most beautiful beach in Europe.

Zoom Picturesque beaches in Sanlucar de Barrameda. A.M.S.

In contrast to the cold waters of the north, the coastal destination of Andalucia offered places with warmer seawater, almost year-round sunny weather, as well as wines and horseback riding. Steamboats on the river between Seville and Sanlucar de Barrameda took noble holidaymakers to the coast from the Andalusian capital. The railway also contributed to the popularisation of sea bathing in Andalucia.
Irene Quirante Malaga Friday, 4 July 2025, 12:00 | Updated 17:20h. Compartir

The Malaga prosecutor's office has requested the provisional dismissal of the "hair growth medicine" case, where minoxidil (hair growth treatment) was mistakenly supplied to 21 children aged two to seven-years-old across different Spanish areas, including Malaga, in 2019, instead of omeprazol (a stomach protector) due to packaging errors.

The prosecution found insufficient evidence to charge the four investigated individuals, noting that affected children suffered no adverse effects after stopping the medication and only required basic medical attention, with no lasting side effects.

Regarding potential public health crimes, prosecutors determined this was a labelling and repackaging error rather than intentional wrongdoing.

The pharmaceutical company held proper permits for handling both medications and didn't endanger public health.

The Spanish Medicines Agency initially suspended the company's ability to supply both active ingredients as administrative punishment, deemed appropriate for the packaging errors without constituting gross negligence.

However, lawyers representing affected families in Cantabria and Castellon are pursuing criminal charges, seeking up to five years imprisonment for company executives and requesting trial proceedings before Malaga's provincial court, despite the prosecutor's recommendation for dismissal.
Tony Bryant Marbella Friday, 4 July 2025, 12:53 Compartir

The family of a 60-year-old man from Belfast, Northern Ireland, who settled on the Costa del Sol in 2015, has made an urgent appeal to raise 100,000 euros for cutting-edge throat cancer surgery that could prolong his life. Paul McCaughey was recently told by doctors that he has around six months left to live, and now his family are trying to raise funds so that he can undergo specialist treatments "that offer real hope".

McCaughey lives in Nagueles, Marbella, with his wife, Sam, and their seven-year-old daughter, Mable, who was born after two years of IVF treatment. The birth of their "miracle baby" was the catalyst for his parents to move to Marbella, where their lives revolved around community, health and sport. However, this ideal life would drastically change in 2022, after a visit to the doctor for "a sore throat that had lingered too long".

"In 2022, I visited an ear, nose and throat doctor. After further tests, I was diagnosed with stage 4 laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. The cancer had already spread, and our peaceful world was turned upside down," McCaughey told SUR in English.

He then endured 50 "toxic and exhausting" sessions of chemotherapy, immunotherapy and other intense treatments at the HC Marbella hospital and Hospital Costa del Sol, none of which were effective.

"Two months ago, my doctors told me there was nothing more they could offer and sent me home to let nature take its course. I was given four to six months to live," he explained.

Despite this, McCaughey said that he had no choice but to keep working full-time.

"I run a small business that still doesn't fully support us, and the financial pressure has been immense. We've sold everything we could just to keep searching for a solution," he said.

After months of soul-searching, the family made the decision to ask the public for help, because he is "not ready to stop fighting".

"I'm fighting cancer, and while the path forward isn't guaranteed, there are several cutting-edge treatments available internationally," he explained.

Through the GoFundMe campaign, the family are trying to access these treatments, which are available in India, Mexico and Germany.

"We know how hard things are for many people right now. Your support means the world - not just to me, but to my family, who are walking this road with me every day," he concluded.
Jennie Rhodes Malaga Friday, 4 July 2025, 12:03 Compartir

On Gamel Woolsey's grave in the English Cemetery in Malaga appears a quote from a poem by William Shakespeare, taken from his play Cymbeline: 'Fear no more the heat o' the sun.' The American writer and poet is buried next to her husband, the English Hispanist and author, Gerald Brenan.

Born Elizabeth Gammell Woolsey in South Carolina in 1895, in later years she took her middle name which she shortened to Gamel. She moved to New York in 1921 where she had dreams of becoming an actress or a writer and it is where she met the British novelist Llewelyn Powys, with whom she would have a stormy relationship but it was with him that she moved to England.

Woolsey met Brenan in London and the couple married in Rome in 1931 and at the end of 1934 they moved to Spain and bought a house in Churriana. However, two years later they were forced to leave as Malaga was in the grips of the Civil War. They stayed away until 1953.

In her book Malaga Burning, Woolsey explains how the war affected them: "We tried to forget the war, but all the while it lay heavy and sore at the bottom of our minds," she says.

Zoom

Although a writer and poet in her own right, Woolsey spent much of her time typing and editing Brenan's manuscripts and she never left his side, despite the numerous infidelities in their relationship.

Woolsey wrote six books of poems which have never been published in Spain even though some of them refer to her time in Malaga, such as Alba, in which she pays tribute to Churriana.

The couple were visited by contemporaries including Ernest Hemingway, Virginia Woolf and E. E. Cummings and had a busy social life while living in Malaga.

Gamel Woolsey died of cancer in January 1968. Brenan's diaries reveal that her final days were marked by great pain and the doctor, afraid of being accused of euthanasia, would not allow her to be sedated.
Eugenio Cabezas Axarquia Friday, 4 July 2025 | Updated 07/07/2025 09:47h. Compartir

Guardia Civil officers have arrested a middle-aged foreign man for his alleged involvement in a "brutal" attack with a pickaxe on a married couple living in Espino, a hamlet to the north of Alcaucin on the east of Malaga province and near to the border with Granada province. The victims, aged 57 and 56, are both in hospital in Malaga city in a serious condition with severe head injuries.

The assault on the rural house happened at around 7.30am on Wednesday 2 July, when the alleged assailant broke into the plot where the property is located. He had previously been spotted by local residents looking into cars parked nearby, SUR has learned.

The Guardia Civil is investigating the motive for the assault to try to clarify the circumstances in which the events took place.

The arrest took place a few hours after the assault in Alcaucin.

SUR has learned that the man was arrested a few hours after the incident in the same vicinity. The alleged perpetrator used a pickaxe on the property, hitting the two residents. He attacked the man first who had come out of the house having spotted the man. The individual allegedly assaulted him "brutally" with the pickaxe, without saying anything.

Upon hearing his screams, his wife came out of the house to help him, but she was also allegedly attacked with the same pickaxe. It was the couple's 30-year-old daughter who managed to hide in the house from where she called the emergency services.

Evacuated by helicopter

Due to the seriousness of the man's injuries, a medical helicopter was sent to take him to the Regional Hospital in Malaga. The woman was initially taken by ambulance to the Hospital Comarcal de la Axarquia in Torre del Mar. However, she was later transferred to the Malaga Regional Hospital due to the seriousness of her injuries. The couple's daughter was treated for anxiety and suffered bruises at the scene, having tried to fend off the man who was subsequently arrested.

Health sources have informed SUR that the man remains in a coma in the intensive care unit of the hospital. The woman has undergone surgery and is conscious.

The brutal attack on these residents of the rural village of Espino has shocked the small town of Alcaucin in the Axarquia, which has a population of just 2,700 and six smaller hamlets. Espino is the smallest of them all, with around twenty properties.
Pilar Martinez and Ignacio Lillo MALAGA. Friday, 4 July 2025, 13:31 Compartir

The unstoppable growth of passenger numbers at the Costa del Sol airport has finally been addressed in an expansion project that the president of Spain's airport operator (Aena) Maurici Lucena presented to Malaga mayor Francisco de la Torre and the head of the provincial authority, Francisco Salado, on Friday last week.

The expansion plan for Malaga Airport will be included in the official document that regulates the growth and development of Spain's airports (Dora III), which will be approved in 2027. According to the project, the Costa del Sol facility will almost double its surface area, growing from the current 80,000 square metres to 140,000.

"This great project is clear evidence of Aena's commitment to connectivity in and development of the province of Malaga and Andalucia," said the operator's president adding, "Airports are at the service of the region they are in, to guarantee and improve the mobility of its people and businesses."

Demolition and new building

Although the financial scope of this investment has not been announced, some of the actions have already been listed, for example, the demolition of Terminal 1 and the piers for non-Schengen flights (B and C) as well as the construction of a new area next to the second runway.

It is expected that the project will be put out to tender in the next few weeks, once the functional design has been revealed. The plans could start to be drawn up next year and the environmental reports carried out in 2028. This would mean that work could start in 2029.

Aena has specified that the capacity of the new terminal space will be adapted to suit demand through the construction of a new pier for non-Schengen flights with a centralised border control.

The number of stands for planes will be increased to improve the quality of service provided to airlines and passengers and more space will be provided for security controls. The luggage management system will be redesigned to improve handling, among other improvements.

"All of this will mean an improved experience for the passenger, thanks to more space available for all services," said sources.

Similarly the area for security controls will increase by 112%; departures passport control will have 515% more space; the non-Schengen waiting and boarding area will increase by 380%; and the Schengen boarding area will have 126% more space.

Zoom

Last year the airport, which currently has a capacity for 30 million passengers a year received 25 million, a figure expected to continue rising in the next few years, with the airport in danger of becoming too small.

This expansion announced by Aena last week will take the maximum capacity up to 36 million passengers a year. This figure was not provided when the plans were announced last Friday, however it has since been revealed by technical sources.

The number can be interpreted in different ways. The airport currently has a limit of 30 million passengers a year, although airport managers are confident that the figure could be "stretched", with more passengers in winter months and in the early hours of the morning when there are currently few flights.

What is causing concern is the capacity of the terminal buildings, and not the runways, which could cope with a greater number of flights.

The airport has dealt with 7.7% more passengers in the first five months of this year, a bigger increase than other Spanish airports. Passenger figures in May were up 8.7% on the previous year with 2,584,681 passengers using the airport during that month alone.

Regional minister says announcing an expansion plan without a budget is a 'joke' The Malaga Airport extension plan announced at the end of last week by the Socialist central government has not convinced the PP-run Junta de Andalucia. The regional minister for tourism, Arturo Bernal, said he felt "very disappointed" saying that this was "another joke from [transport] minister Puente, with the support of [Andalusian Socialist leader] Maria Jesus Montero. Announcing work without a budget or executive plans is no more than a show for the gallery. A political manoeuvre that aims to gain time in the face of an unfair and chronic situation: an insult to Malaga and Andalucia in terms of infrastructure." Meanwhile the president of the Diputacion provincial authority, Francisco Salado, said that the meeting last week with the Aena president Maurici Lucena had been "very professional" in an atmosphere of "collaboration and cordial dialogue".

A quick calculation reveals that if the current rate of growth continues, this year will end with around 27 million passengers, implying that the 30-million limit could be reached in a maximum of two years.

If the current growth trend continues, therefore, the airport will only be able to cope for a couple more years.

Even after the expansion announced at the end of last week, which is expected to cost hundreds of millions of euros, the airport's capacity will remain limited to 36 million passengers and only last for another few years.

The worrying conclusion, however, is that that is as far as it can go. Once this latest project has been carried out, the airport will be able to grow no more, bearing in mind the space occupied by the two runways.

"That's the maximum the airport can stretch to," said technical sources consulted by SUR.

So to continue growing, the expansion debate has to move further away. New terrain could be considered, such as the Ciudad Aeroportuaria business park in Alhaurin de la Torre, for example.

Other options could include looking at building another airport, such as the project there once was in Antequera, or to make more use of Granada Airport as a satellite of Malaga (as happens in other big European cities). In that case a fast train service from the airport to Malaga would be vital.
As a result of the massive enemy attack on Kyiv, 23 people were injured, Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported on Telegram as of 8:05 Friday.

"At the moment, according to doctors, 23 victims of the enemy attack on the capital are known. Some 14 of them were hospitalized. The others were provided with outpatient or on-site assistance," Klitschko said.
Europa Press Malaga Friday, 4 July 2025, 17:11 Compartir

La Malagueta beach in Malaga city will host a dynamic exhibition on 8 July to display the Spanish Navy's resources during an amphibious landing on the Costa del Sol.

Marines, planes, helicopters, fast boats and landing craft will perform a simulated hostage rescue operation.

The landing, which will take place at 11am, will include Navy flagship Juan Carlos I and the naval ship Galicia, which can be seen from the beach.

Units participating in the display have just completed their deployment in Atlantic and Mediterranean waters as part of the expeditionary battle group Daedalus 25.

Units participating in the display have just completed their deployment in Atlantic and Mediterranean waters

These deployments demonstrate the Spanish Navy's ability to lead and project an expeditionary force at and from sea and, where appropriate, to integrate and interoperate with other Alliance units or groupings.

During exercises, the expeditionary battle group conducted joint activities with the Army and Air Force as well as with Portugal, France, Slovakia, Croatia, Romania and Italy. It was also integrated into Atlantic Alliance activities to contribute to deterrence and collective defence for two days.
Matias Stuber Malaga Friday, 4 July 2025, 10:22 Compartir

Once you walk through the doors of the Palacio de Ferias in Malaga this weekend, you will see more than 2,000 cars for all tastes and budgets lined up: petrol cars, hybrids, electric vehicles, limousines, SUVs, convertibles, etc. The Motor Malaga fair in the city opened yesterday and will close its doors on Sunday, 6 July.

Since its creation, Motor Malaga has consolidated itself as the largest car show in southern Europe. It is a tempting event, seeing as many of the dealers exhibiting cars will be offering and exclusive discounts during the fair.

It is a huge showcase of the automotive industry and on display are consolidated brands as well as emerging ones such as Ebro or MG, which stand out for their affordable prices. If anyone thought that the sun was setting in the industry, the Palacio de Ferias is proof that this is not the case.

Salvador Salas

The fair is open from 11am until 10pm every day, except on Sunday when the show will close at 6.30pm. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Palacio de Ferias ticket office for five euros. Access will be free for children under the age of 14 and retired persons, which aims to encourage the participation of families, young people and senior citizens in an environment designed for everybody.

'Variety' is the key word used to describe the fair that attracts people from all backgrounds and budgets. Visitors will find cars like Porsches with lots of horsepower, electric vehicles that look like spaceships and more affordable brands, with discounts of up to 2,000 euros.

Hope for the future

In recent years, Motor Malaga has also become a symbol of the sector's future. The decline that the most negative voices have been predicting for years is not coming. To say that the automotive industry has made a major contribution to the well-being of Europe would be no exaggeration. The automotive industry is not surviving - it is thriving.

"We want this edition to be not only bigger but also more useful, more dynamic and more profitable, both for the visitor and the exhibitor. That is why we have designed it with the total user experience in mind," said Oussama El Gharib, president of the motor platform association.
Ignacio Lillo Malaga Friday, 4 July 2025, 14:01 Compartir

Accustomed to seeing it every morning, many residents in the eastern area of Malaga city wondered where the Brilliant Lady had gone on Thursday. The Virgin cruise ship has been anchored in the waters of the bay since October last year, as part of the ship's commissioning and testing plan.

Where is it? Well, it is certainly not in front of La Malagueta beach, nor is it moored inside the port. Vesselfinder - an online tool that allows you to locate almost any vessel in real time - shows that the cruise ship is in Gibraltar, probably to refuel, as it is cheaper there. This would not be the first time the shipping company has done this.

In recent weeks, the vessel has also been moved a number of times, having moved to the Levante dock to rehearse nautical manoeuvres or to let the personnel rest for a few nights.

The Virgin shipping company has been the first to choose the bay and the port of Malaga to set commission its new cruise ship

It is the first time a shipping company of this type has chosen Malaga for the commissioning and staff training of one of its ships. The bay was chosen due to the almost year-round calmness of the waters, the permission of the port authorities and the proximity and good international connections of the airport. Initially, it was going to be in Malaga waters until May, but the stopover ended up getting an extension.

Back to Malaga

The Brilliant Lady will return to Malaga in the next few days, although this long stay is now entering the final stretch. The Brilliant Lady is scheduled to be inaugurated in New York in August, from where it will begin operating its holiday itineraries in Miami.

Therefore, if there is no change of course (as happened in the past), July will foreseeably be the last month that the Brilliant Lady will be seen from the city's La Malagueta. For the time being, there is no sign of another delay and the shipping company maintains that the first route will begin in the Caribbean on 5 September.

The Bahamas-flagged Brilliant Lady is 278 metres long and 38 metres wide (beam), and has a gross tonnage of 110,000 tonnes. It can sail at a speed of 20 knots. The ship has capacity for 2,762 passengers, who will travel aboard 1,404 cabins. The vast majority have balconies and there are 78 suites. They will be accompanied by 1,150 crew members.

The accommodation and leisure facilities are spread over 17 decks (with 14 lifts). The Brilliant Lady is classified as a "top level luxury" cruise ship and will be for adults only. On board there will be 12 bars and lounges, 12 restaurants, a cinema, library, spa, casino, exhibition hall, theatre, games room and discotheque.
Juan Cano Malaga Friday, 4 July 2025, 11:09 Compartir

Police in Marbella never closed the case of the murder of Paco 'El del Quiosco' ('The guy from the kiosk'), which happened 10 years ago. The investigators have been dedicated to finding the suspects and bringing them to justice for the family's peace of mind. Almost a decade later, they have succeeded.

Last week, the National Police located and arrested one of the main suspects of the murder in Jerez de la Frontera. The detainee is a middle-aged waiter, who has now been provisionally imprisoned, while the investigation is assessing the new information. With this, the case has been reopened.

Paco was 57 and originally from Canillas de Aceituno, although he had been living in Marbella for more than 30 years. There, he ran a small kiosk on the corner of Avenida Nabeul and Avenida Ramon y Cajal, just a few metres from his home in the centre of town. Much-loved in the neighbourhood, he was single and lived alone and always had the support of his family, who are still a close-knit group. Paco was the youngest of four siblings and had six nephews and nieces who adored him.

He used to open very early and close late, around midnight, which is why his neighbours speculated that he might have been mugged by "someone who knew his timetable and who knew that he was taking the profits of the day home".

On the day of the murder, 6 November 2015, someone saw him close the kiosk after midnight, just a few minutes before the attack that cost him his life. It was then when, according to the investigation, he was robbed and beaten to death.

A couple who had gone for a walk found him lying in a pool of blood in the doorway of the building where he lived - Calle Juan Alameda 7. It was around 2am. When the paramedics arrived, he was dying. For 40 minutes, they tried to save him by performing CPR, but their efforts were in vain. He was pronounced dead at 1am.

The investigators noticed that the body showed severe trauma to the face, with several fractures - evidence of a violent death. Everything suggests that he was beaten with extreme violence. The door of the flat was open, which suggests that the argument may have started inside the flat and that he either chased his assailant into the street or went out to the doorway to get something and saw him there. The interior of the property was not ransacked.

After years without progress, police investigations have led to the identification of the main suspect, who had been working in the hotel industry in Marbella at the time of the murder, but had moved to Jerez de la Frontera. He agreed to testify before the judge, although his statement has not been revealed. The investigators are quite clear that the motive for the crime was robbery and that money and tobacco had been stolen from Paco's flat.
Archive image of an UCO officer of the Guardia Civil during an operation.

Europa Press Malaga Friday, 4 July 2025, 15:39 Compartir

The historical heritage section of the Guardia Civil's central operations unit (UCO) has recovered 62 cultural items illegally exported from Spain to Italy by a German couple that used to live in Marbella.

Spain's Ministry of Culture has already said that it will decide the fate of these works, which include an altarpiece, paintings, sculptures, tapestries and antique furniture provisionally valued, according to the police force at more than three million euros.

The export of the works was detected after the death of the German couple in Italy. Investigators had been tracking the loot since they became aware of a communication sent by the Carabinieri police in Italy via Europol in June 2023.

The message reported the police seizure of a polychrome wooden altarpiece from the early 16th century, measuring 1.99 metres high, 1.76 metres wide, and 27 centimetres deep. Subsequently, Renaissance panels, some of them triptychs, and pieces attributed to Amadeo Modigliani, Auguste Rodin and Brueghel were also found.

The altarpiece had been installed in a mansion on the shores of Lake Maggiore in the town of Lesa (Italy). The altarpiece was moved to the Galleria Sabauda in Turin for better security and conservation conditions.

Once the UCO investigation began, the illegal export of the altarpiece was confirmed, which had been expressly denied in 2018 by the Spanish Ministry of Culture when the owners - the German couple based in Marbella - formally requested its departure from the country.

The investigation focused on the manner in which the altarpiece was exported, in addition to verifying whether there were other objects that had been illegally removed.

After learning that more than 90 works had been exported from Marbella to Italy, using the services of a transport company not specialised in this type of object, the images were shared with the Carabinieri.

Italian officers confirmed that many of the works were in the same house where the altarpiece was found, as well as in Italian art galleries and private homes in Genoa and Milan. Other works had already been sold and exported from Italy to other countries.

Works also in Germany and the UK

At the request of the investigators, the court in Marbella processed several European investigation orders addressed to the judicial authorities of Italy and Germany, as well as an international rogatory letter to the UK, in order to obtain the restitution of the works under investigation in those countries.

On Thursday, 3 July, a ceremony for the restitution of these cultural assets was held at the Galleria Sabauda in Turin, in the presence of the Spanish consul in Milan, the director for cultural heritage and fine arts of the Spanish Ministry of Culture, the the general brigadier head of the Judicial Police of the Guardia Civil and the general head of the command for the protection of cultural heritage of the Carabinieri.
Julio Portabales MALAGA. Friday, 4 July 2025, 13:19 Compartir

It may seem difficult to find common ground between Scotland and Spain: separated by hundreds of miles and very different climates and lifestyles. However, there is a link that unites the two, rooted in history. A symbolic bridge has been built between two small municipalities: Teba and Melrose.

Teba is a town in the Guadalteba region of Malaga province with 3,700 inhabitants. Melrose is a Scottish town with a population of 2,500. These two communities were officially linked on 21 June in a ceremony held in the iconic abbey in Melrose.

While it was recently made official, this link dates back to the 14th century. A figure fundamental in the history of both towns, Robert the Bruce was King of Scotland and led his country in the fight for independence from England. On his deathbed, Robert the Bruce entrusted his knight, Sir James Douglas, to carry his embalmed heart to the Holy Land. However, Douglas never reached Jerusalem: he died in 1330 during a crusade in Teba - fighting against Muslim forces. According to the tale, Douglas' body was buried in Malaga and the king's heart returned to Scotland, where it was laid to rest in Melrose Abbey. This story has lived on for centuries and served as the basis to formalise the twinning of the two towns.

An agreement based on shared memory and mutual respect, the ceremony was held in a particularly relevant place: the abbey that guards Robert the Bruce's heart. Civil authorities, Scottish politicians and Melrose residents participated in the event alongside official delegates from Teba, led by the mayor, Cristobal Corral.

During the speech, in both Spanish and English, he highlighted the historic and symbolic weight of the gesture. "Today we are not just signing a document. We are sealing a bond of friendship forged by history," said the Mayor of Teba - recalling the sacrifice Douglas made which established an everlasting connection between the towns.

Since 2005, Teba has commemorated the story every summer with cultural events which pay homage to Sir James Douglas and the historic relationship between the two regions. In fact one of the main roads in the town is called Melrose, reflecting the bond that has now been institutionally consolidated.

During the event, organisations like the Asociacion para la Defensa del Patrimonio Historico Hisn Atiba and Teba town hall were acknowledged for their fundamental role in the conservation of their shared legacy.

The ceremony ended with a poignant message: the twinning is not an end point, but the start of a new era of cultural, educational and social collaboration. "This signature opens the door to new opportunities of exchange and, above all, sincere friendship between Melrose and Teba." Although separated by many miles, Teba and Melrose share a history that transcends time and distance.
Enrique Miranda Malaga Friday, 4 July 2025, 10:05 Compartir

The first weekend of July has arrived and with it starts Spain's first major holiday traffic operation of the summer, with hundreds of thousands of vehicles taking to the roads in search of their final destinations. The national Directorate-General of Traffic (DGT) expects more vehicle movements compared to last year - an increase of 2.5% in the Andalucia region, with 221,600 journeys forecast just for Malaga province over this first weekend.

Extreme caution will be essential to avoid road accidents and the traffic management centres based in Malaga and Seville will be monitoring the situation 24 hours a day. In addition to the more than 60 officers and specialised technical staff, there will be two helicopters and several drones covering the main routes and focusing on those points where incidents are likely to occur.

As usual, the DGT will update information about the busiest points and peak traffic times, due to the expected large accumulation of vehicles in certain areas. Malaga is one of the most saturated provinces in terms of traffic, seeing as it receives a large influx of tourists. These will be the busiest hours over this weekend (4-6 July):

On the A-357, A-45, A-7, A-92, A-92M, AP-46, AP-7 and MA-20 roads:

- Friday, 4 July, from 3pm to 10pm

- Saturday, 5 July, from 10am to 3pm and from 5pm to 10pm

- Sunday, 6 July, from 11am to 3pm and from 5pm to 10pm

These are likely to be the busiest spots: the area of Alto de Las Pedrizas on the A-45 motorway (between kilometres 115.000-118.00); another two on the A-7 motorway: one in San Pedro Alcantara (at kilometre points 1053.000-1050.00) and the other in Fuengirola (1015.000-1013.00); and on the MA-20 in the city of Malaga, the section between kilometres 0 and 12.6.

Road work likely to affect traffic

The DGT has also listed roads where construction is taking place, which can complicate traffic. Most of these roadworks concern tunnels on the A-7 motorway.

- In Marbella, San Pedro Alcantara tunnel (1054,000-1055,00)

- In Malaga city, Churriana tunnel (999.000-997.00); San Jose tunnel (983.600-982.70); Cerrado Calderon tunnel (980.300-979.500)

- In Velez-Malaga, Lagos tunnel (944,600-943,700)

- In Torrox, Tablazo tunnel (939.200-938.60) and Torrox tunnel (937.500-935.900)

- In Nerja, Frigiliana tunnel (933.000-932.500) and Capistrano tunnel (931.600-930.200)

- On the AP-7, in Torremolinos (998.000-996.000) and in Marbella, in two sections: 1043.000-1047.300 and 1048.900-1049.50

- On the A-397, Parauta - Benahavis (13,000 - 38,300)

- On the A-45, in Casabermeja (128,600 - 127,000)

Alternative routes

The DGT has also listed alternative routes:

- To get from the north of Malaga province to the east, take the A-45 to the exit of the A-356 road (called 'de arco'), heading towards La Vinuela - Velez-Malaga and from there towards Torre del Mar, Algarrobo, Torrox and Nerja.

- To get from Seville to the west of the province, take the A-374 towards Ronda and then the A-397 to San Pedro Alcantara.

- To get from Seville to Malaga, take the A-92 to the Sierra de Yeguas exit, from there to Campillos on the A-365 and from Campillos to Malaga on the A-357.
Irene Quirante Malaga Friday, 4 July 2025, 09:27 Compartir

What is believed to be one of the largest networks of trafficking women for the purpose of sexual exploitation that has ever operated in Malaga has been broken up. According to the police investigation, more than 500 victims were forced to work as prostitutes in inhumane conditions that put their health at risk in four flats that the alleged organisation ran in Malaga city. Two siblings - a man and a woman - of Ecuadorian origin were allegedly in charge of the scheme, which saw another dozen women accused. The prosecutor's office is asking for sentences totalling 256 years in prison for the two relatives.

According to the conclusions of the public prosecutor's office, to which SUR has had access, the alleged ringleaders, together with the defendant's partner and another woman, had been managing the transfer of women from Latin American countries (most of them from Colombia) since 2021 to sexually exploit them in Malaga. Both face the same sentences as the two siblings (128 years each).

Not all the victims were in the same circumstances, according to the prosecution, but what they did have in common was that they were in a situation of extreme need and that they were carrying family burdens in their countries, which the network would have taken advantage of. Most of them were allegedly recruited in Colombia with false offers to work in beauty salons or similar jobs in Malaga.

The prosecutor pointed out in its written statement that the scheme had four flats - in the Cruz de Humilladero, Huelin and Camino de Suarez areas - in which the women were sexually exploited in "unconscionable conditions". To do this, the main defendants allegedly took charge of buying the flight tickets and instructing the victims on what to do once they landed at Malaga Airport.

The organisation only informed the victims that they would have to prostitute themselves once they were already in the network's brothels, where they would live. According to the public prosecution, they had no choice but to obey, otherwise they would be left on the streets, which added to the fact that they were in the country completely alone and without papers, in addition to the debt incurred for their travels.

They allegedly also recruited women who were already in Spain, who were also in vulnerable situations due to lack of documentation and employment. Although they did tell them that they were going to work in brothels, they lied to them about the conditions. At no point were they warned that these would be inhumane and that they would put their health at serious risk, as they were allegedly even forced to have sex without a condom. According to the prosecutor's office, they were under the control of the 'mamis' in the houses, who forced them to remain available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in case a man came looking for sex.

The victims also did not have the option to refuse any clients, regardless of whether they were aggressive or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In addition, they were allegedly made to distribute narcotic substances such as cocaine or Viagra. This sometimes resulted in them being subjected to hours of sexual practices during which they suffered injuries, despite which, they had to continue working.

The organisation kept them under control through cameras distributed in the flats and, above all, trapped by the debt contracted to come to Spain, which was continuously increased through a system of fines. They were only allowed to leave for two hours and, if they took ten minutes longer than the agreed time, they were fined. They were also fined if the flat was not kept clean.

The case has been on trial at the Malaga provincial court since Tuesday and is due to finish today (Friday 4 July). Each of the four main defendants are facing a request for 128 years in prison for a crime of membership of a criminal group; nine crimes of human trafficking - with eight relating to prostitution and one against workers' rights; eleven relating to prostitution and trafficking in large quantities of substances that cause serious damage to health. The sum total of the sentences requested by the prosecutor's office for the four of them amounts to 512 years in prison.

For the other defendants, the alleged 'mamis', the public prosecutor's office initially requested sentences of around 60 years for each of them as alleged perpetrators of 19 crimes related to prostitution and drug trafficking. However, according to sources close to the case, this request has been considerably reduced to two years and without imprisonment, after the defendants acknowledged their involvement in the crimes.
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Ever since the EU began distributing its Next Generation funds in 2021, supposedly to help member states recover from the ruinous effects of lockdown, Spain has been criticised by Brussels for opacity in managing its disbursements. Now Madrid is under fire for not requesting enough of its allocated 163 billion euros: this week, thirteen months before the August 2026 deadline for Next Gen funding requests, it emerged that Spain has only asked for 30% of the amount available to it. Italy, by contrast, has already received 72% of its allocated 194 billion euros.

This post-pandemic booty was hailed in 2021 by Pedro Sanchez as the key to unprecedented prosperity and equality. The spending plan for 2022 was the largest in Spanish history, infused with almost 30 billion of Next Gen funds and described by finance minister Maria Jesus Montero as the budget of a fair recovery. Three-and-a-half years later, the Spanish economy is booming - but not as a result of EU funds. From the beginning, Spains deployment of Next Gen cash has been dogged by inadequate technology, lack of transparency and alleged corruption.

In February 2023, Monika Hohlmeier, chairwoman of the EUs Committee on Budgetary Control, went to Madrid on an investigative mission. We will go to Spain, she said, because the [Spanish] government doesnt tell us where the [Next Gen] recovery funds are. Hohlmeiers request for information wasnt exactly treated as urgent: two months later, she was still waiting for a response.

Things havent improved. Last March, a year after Hohlmeiers trip to Madrid, Siegfried Muresan, Vice President of the European Peoples Party, revealed that the EU Parliament is very concerned about Spain, which he said had become a problem case in Europe.

This was partly a reference to the alleged misuse of Next Gen funds in the Koldo corruption case, which is now being investigated by the European Public Prosecutors Office (EPPO); and partly to the Catalan amnesties, defined by Muresan as an attack on the rule of law (although they were recently upheld by Spains Constitutional Court). The EPPO is also looking into the possibility that Next Gen money was diverted away from a national quantum computer project in Barcelona.

In August last year, the European Court of Auditors, the blocs fiscal watchdog, identified Spain as the most ineffective spender of Brussels money and called for it to return misused and unspent funds. Far from fuelling a post-lockdown recovery that will reach everyone (Montero again, back in the dreamy days of late 2021), Spains Next Gen funds have had very little impact on the economy. Most of them remain parked in Brussels bank accounts, while others seem to have disappeared into a black hole - or bottomless pockets.
Carlos Barea Friday, 4 July 2025, 11:51 Compartir

Same-sex marriage was approved in Spain on 3 July 2005, making it the third country in the world to make the move. This milestone, which was undoubtedly historic for the LGBT+ community, was a relief for many couples. From then on, couples were able to have their relationship legally recognised and benefit from legislative protection that put them on an equal footing with straight couples.

Book Title 'Rebeldes del deseo. Gais, lesbianas y bisexuales en la creacion artistica del siglo XX'

Author Carlos Barea

Publisher Plaza y Janes

The author of this report pondered on the lives of LGBT+ people throughout history in this recent publication.

However, it is important to remember those people who, before the updated law, had to manage without protection and 'valid' recognition of their relationships in the eyes of society. Many had no choice but to invent tricks to protect themselves legally and - in the event a partner's death - be able to receive their inheritance.

Let's not forget, saying 'I do' means much more than the possibility of having a wedding reception, buying a nice suit or enjoying a fortnight's holiday from work. The recognition of same-sex marriage solves basic but important problems, such as being able to access the hospital to see their partner when only family members are allowed in. This was among the great tragedies of the HIV/Aids crisis: the powerlessness of not even being able to decide on the fate of your own partner in the absence of a legal bond to reflect your relationship.

So, as a tribute to those couples who went against the grain to fight for their love, we will take a look at some couples who definitely would have made use of the right to same-sex marriage - if it had existed at the time. Also some other examples who managed to evade the law to join in holy matrimony.

Sergio and Bacchus

In fourth-century Syria, there were two Roman soldiers who were a couple. Due to their Christian devotion, they were martyred and in the martyrology - the book that tells of the lives of saints and martyrdoms - they are presented as 'erastai' (lovers in Greek), according to researcher John Boswell. Apart from that, there is also evidence that they participated in the rite of 'adelphopoiesis', a kind of spiritual union between two men in ancient times. Therefore, we could say that Sergius and Bacchus were the first same-sex couple to marry. Nowadays they are considered unofficial patrons of unions between men.

Carmen Tortola Valencia and Angeles Magret-Vila

Tortola Valencia was one of the most important dancers of the first half of the 20th century. Her career was strongly supported by intellectuals of the time, such as Valle-Inclan and Pio Baroja, and it is said that she had an affair with the painter Zuloaga, who made her his muse. Although she was clearly bisexual, her great love was Angeles Magret-Vila, a Catalan woman fourteen years younger than her, with whom she shared her life until the end.

Carmen loved the young Catalan woman so much that she adopted Angeles as her daughter. The adoption had a double purpose: first to silence romours of their relationship, but also so that Angeles could come into Carmen's inheritance once she died. Both women were buried in the Poblenou cemetery, their shared tomb reads: "The great artist Carmen Tortola Valencia rested in the peace of the Lord on 15 February 1955", followed by: "And her grateful adopted daughter Angeles Magret-Vila y Tortola accompanied her in her eternal rest on 1 August 1963".

Vicente Aleixandre and Carlos Bousono

Vicente Aleixandre was one of the most outstanding poets of Generation 27 and recipient of the Nobel Prize for Literature. After the Spanish Civil War he stayed in Spain, unlike other literary peers who were forced into exile; and he turned his house into a refuge for dissident artists. Within its walls he also had a torrid affair with student Carlos Bousono, with whom he struck up a relationship thanks to the fact that the young man was studying Aleixandre's poetry for his thesis.

"Hey, Carlitines (what a precious name, Carlitos, my boy, my love, my happiness, my madness, my only destiny). I will love you until death. You, my Spaniard, my little boy, you won't ever go away, will you? will you? will you and I never part?", Aleixandre wrote to him in his more than numerous - and a little cloying - letters that bear witness to their intense romance. Eventually, the relationship broke up and Carlos ended up marrying a woman. Nevertheless, Aleixandre named Bousono trustee of his artistic and personal archives, something which did not sit well with the poet's immediate family.

Carmen Conde and Amanda Junquera

Carmen Conde was another outstanding figure of Generation 27 and the first woman to join the Spanish Royal Academy (RAE). Her Republican past brought her some problems, but fortunately she never stopped writing. A different fate befell her husband, Antonio Oliver, who was sentenced to house arrest for several years in his native Murcia.

Shortly before the war broke out, Carmen met Amanda Junquera and, once both their husbands were dead, they began a relationship that lasted until the end of their lives. In fact, the couple lived on the top floor of Vicente Aleixandre's house, since they were close friends. Years after their deaths, the private correspondence between the two women was published, as well as a selection of Carmen's poems dedicated to her beloved, 'Poemas a Amanda' (Torremozas, 2021), further proof of their unconditional love.

Jaime Gil de Biedma and Josep Madern

Gil de Biedma was, among many other things, a free soul who enjoyed the male body like no other. In short, what some might call a hedonist, although this was combined with a deep melancholy that led him to several suicide attempts. Whilst the poet was a flirt, Catalan actor Josep Madern was by his side until the end and cared for him with devotion even in his last years, when the complications of Aids diminished the poet's capacities. The love story between these two men was explosive: they never stopped fighting but equally couldn't live without each other. A relationship of more than ten years - interrupted by Gil de Biedma's death.

Elisa and Marcela

The story of Elisa and Marcela is well-known. Isabel Coixet directed a film (Elisa & Marcela, 2019) that told the unique story of these two women who managed to get married in 1901 thanks to one of them adopting a male identity. Later, the situation was discovered by the authorities and they had to flee - which eventually led them across the pond to settle in Argentina.

Elisa and Marcela's wedding is considered the first attempt at same-sex marriage in Spain. Although it should be noted that Elisa could also have been intersex, as was the case she fought to the authorities, or a trans man. Be that as it may, the love of these two people managed to break all the imposed legal barriers and circumvent the strict moral norms of their time.
The German government has been negotiating for more than four weeks to buy two Patriot systems and hundreds of missiles for Ukraine from the United States, Bild reported on Thursday.

According to an investigation by Bild, the German government is doing this at the request of the Ukrainian government, convinced that Ukraine can no longer withstand massive Russian air strikes on its infrastructure.

"Although after Ukraine has been unable to reach Washington for two months, the Trump administration also seems unwilling to allow the US defense industry to sell air defense systems to Germany and then transfer them to Ukraine," the publication notes.

"The negotiations were slowed down by high ranking US officials from the very beginning and after the latest Trump shift to not give Ukraine any more PAC3 missiles, it is uncertain if US-German negotiations on the two systems will continue at all," Julian Ropcke, one of the co-authors of the Bild article, wrote on the X platform.
C.P.S Madrid Friday, 4 July 2025, 13:11 Compartir

Spain's Ministry of Consumer Affairs has fined seven online commerce companies for offering fake discounts during the Black Friday sales November 2023.

Minister Pablo Bustinduy's department has sanctioned the companies for irregular and misleading practices: raising the price of various products a few days before the event in order to lower them to their original price during the sales period and offer the products with a percentage discount.

These practices are a breach of article 20 of the Ley de Ordenacion del Comercio Minorista (retail trade law), which stipulates that, when displaying the discount on a product, the lowest price it has had in the 30 days prior to the discount must be indicated as a reference price as well. Therefore, the false discounts "are a direct deception for consumers, as they do not comply with what the law says in relation to the percentage of the offer applied".

Serious infringements

The practices have been sanctioned as serious infringements, resulting in fines of almost 350,000 euros and a ban on repeating such actions in the future.

Of the seven companies sanctioned, three have admitted to these misleading practices and have decided not to appeal, promptly paying the fines. The remaining four companies refused to admit, resulting in higher penalties.

In order to carry out these sanctioning proceedings, Consumer Affairs monitored hundreds of prices during Black Friday 2023, using the 'price reduction tool'. This was developed by the European Commission for monitoring in real time whether offers made during periods of high consumption comply with the regulations on price indication.
SUR Malaga / Madrid Friday, 4 July 2025, 10:57 Compartir

The opposition Partido Popular (PP), led by Alberto Nunez Feijoo, has begun sounding out other political parties about a possible vote of no confidence in Pedro Sanchez's government, as pressure continues to mount on the prime minister amid the corruption scandal engulfing former senior members of his PSOE party. Despite widespread speculation, it remains unclear how far the inquiry will reach and how much closer it will get to Sanchez's innermost circle.

The case took a dramatic turn this week when Santos Cerdan, the former organisational boss in Sanchez's Socialist party, appeared before the Supreme Court to answer charges related to an alleged network of illegal commissions.

During a tense hearing, Cerdan agreed to answer questions only through his own lawyer. A frustrated judge noted clear indications of likely offences. Cerdan was denied bail and sent to Madrid's Soto del Real prison.

So far, the other two key political figures in the scandal - Jose Luis Abalos, former senior minister, and Koldo Garcia, a party and ministerial aide - have avoided pretrial detention, largely because they are cooperating to some extent with the investigation, unlike Cerdan.

Cerdan accuses the judge and public prosecutor of imprisoning him in search of a confession. His lawyer has asked the Supreme Court for his release due to "lack of evidence" and denounced the "creativity" of the investigating judge in attributing to him the management of alleged bribes "that have not been proven".

Unlikely

The legal fallout from Cerdan's detention has intensified the pressure on Sanchez, who is already facing a crisis of confidence. While the no-confidence vote would be unlikely to succeed, the opposition is gaining momentum, and the corruption scandals are far from over. As more figures become implicated, commentators suggest the prime minister may be forced to make difficult decisions to regain control and maintain the fragile coalition with the Sumar party that keeps him in power.

Sumar leader Yolanda Diaz said, "This cannot continue like this," urging the prime minister to "take measures" ahead of his scheduled appearance before MPs to debate the scandal next Wednesday.

Police investigators in the Cerdan case have had authorisation from the Supreme Court judge to analyse nearly 500 bank accounts across 35 financial institutions.
SUR Malaga Friday, 4 July 2025, 11:43 Compartir

Spain's Banco Sabadell has agreed to sell the UK's TSB bank to Spanish rival Santander for 3.1 billion euros.

Sabadell has owned TSB since 2015 and has recently been the subject of a controversial planned takeover by another Spanish rival, BBVA.

That takeover looks less likely if the sale of TSB goes ahead. Buying TSB helps Santander rival the biggest UK banks. It beat Barclays in the bidding.

There had been doubt about Santander's commitment to its British arm, but the firm said it was excited about growing in the UK with TSB. The deal still needs regulatory approval.
Tony Bryant Alhaurin de la Torre Friday, 4 July 2025, 10:51 Compartir

Fans of jazz music will enjoy the 28th instalment of the El Porton del Jazz festival, a well-established gathering that has presented some of the top bands and solo musicians connected to today's jazz scene. Held in the municipal auditorium (El Porton) in Alhaurin de la Torre, this festival offers all styles of the genre, from New Orleans jazz to ragtime and swing, to bebop and cool jazz.

Originating in the African-American communities of New Orleans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it has been recognised as a major form of musical expression in traditional and popular music.

With an international line-up that strikes a balance between legendary and emerging artists, this year's festival kicks off tonight (Friday) with jazz vocalist Sarah Dowling, and continues on each Friday throughout July.

Voted Best Vocalist in the British Jazz Awards in 2019, Dowling, who has Palestinian and Irish heritage, is widely regarded as one of Europe's most influential vocalists of her generation. She first trained as a cellist, before emerging as a powerful and expressive jazz vocalist.

On Friday 11 July, Luis Guerra and the CMQ Big Band will take to the stage, an ensemble that brings together 17 Cuban and Spanish musicians to pay tribute to the music of Beny More, one of the most popular Cuban jazz artists of all time.

Other concerts will present Seamus Blake (18 July), a New York based saxophonist/composer who is recognised as one of the finest exponents of contemporary jazz, and particularly noted for his bold improvisations; and the Jonathan Kreisberg Quartet (25 July), fronted by Kreisberg, a New York born guitarist whose style and approach has created a strong following of fans around the world.

Tickets cost 25 euros and are available from www.mientrada.net
Sadie Skinner, who works at Shorty's Deli in Camden, watched ICE agents arrest the owner of the Chinese restaurant on the same block on June 25, 2025. Michelle Breidenbach

Sadie Skinner had just started her day as a sandwich artist at Shortys Deli in Camden last Wednesday when a bunch of cops showed up in a blacked out van and took away the owner of the neighboring Chinese restaurant.

Skinner watched U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers put Jian Hao Zhang in the van, leaving his wife and two grown children standing in the parking lot with the local police chief.

Its wild to me, she said later. The Zhang family has run China Moon, on Main Street, as long as she can remember.

Chief Sean Redden said he showed up because he got a call from a concerned resident, not the federal government. A week later, hes just as bewildered as the rest of the Oneida County town of 2,100 residents. ICE agents simply told him Zhang had an immigration violation.

I have no idea where hes gone. I have no idea where hes going, he said, then added. Id like to know.

Zhang, 56, is in an ICE detention center in Batavia. Its hard to track him down in the mysterious immigration court system. An online search only works with a case number, not a name.

Even then, the immigration court notice doesnt say the reason Zhang was grabbed or list any charges. It does not say if he has a lawyer. It says he has no court date.

An ICE spokesperson shared this information in response to a Syracuse.com inquiry: Zhang came to the U.S. on a fraudulent visa in 1990. In 1999, an immigration court judge in New York City ordered him to leave the country by July 2000.

He didnt go.

The alien has a final and executable order of removal, the spokesperson said.

For security reasons, they wont say what happens next.

For 25 years, ICE has considered Zhang an immigration fugitive.

The Zhangs are hardly hiding on Main Street in the mostly white, rural village that handles traffic between the Tug Hill ski region and Oneida Lake.

But now, President Donald Trumps administration has ordered the federal government to use every possible resource to find and remove people who live in America without permission. The crackdown has gone beyond a roundup of rapists and murders, as Trump advertised.

People in small towns all over America are watching the government detain the undocumented immigrants who make their food, pick their vegetables and landscape their yards.

In rural Upstate NY, a minor car collision with a deer landed an undocumented mother in a Louisiana detention center. Migrant workers are refusing to leave dairy farms, where ICE agents need a warrant to come in their company-provided houses.

The residents of the Camden area chose Trump with 73% of the vote in the 2024 election, records show.

Mayor Jeffrey Oatman voted for Trump. He agrees with most of the work ICE is doing.

But arresting Zhang and shutting down a village restaurant isnt what he had in mind. Oatmans kids grew up with the Zhangs kids, who could be seen most nights doing their homework in the restaurant while their parents made a life for them, he said.

Its the perfect American dream scenario, he said.

All I know is that we lost a pretty good, upstanding citizen in our village, he said. Thats sad.

Mikey Merritt, a barber in Camden, voted for Trump. But he didn't expect the president's immigration efforts would result in the detention of the owner of the local Chinese restaurant. Michelle Breidenbach

Barber Mikey Merritt said he voted for Trump. On Monday, he saw the headline Ice Raids China Moon across the top of the Queen Central News, the local weekly newspaper published out of a house on Church Street.

Its unfortunate to see something like that happen especially in a community like this where theyre not messing with anybody, theyre not bothering anybody. The community likes them, Merritt said. These arent the immigrants people voted to have sent away.

Zhang and his wife Jin Ping bought the building at 48 Main St. in 2013 for $50,000. They cook traditional Chinese American food on the first floor from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day but Sunday. They live on the second floor.

The store closed after the arrest last Wednesday and has not reopened. The blinds are drawn and a note on the door directs delivery drivers to the liquor store next door.

Jin Ping Zhang and her daughter Winnie said they had no comment when a reporter visited Wednesday.

In fact, they have asked the entire town not to talk about what happened. They dont want anyone to advocate for them. They dont want anyone to raise money. They have a lawyer, they said.

China Moon, the Chinese restaurant on Main Street in Camden, is closed after ICE agents arrested the owner. Michelle Breidenbach

Their neighbors are doing their best to honor those wishes. The administrator of the Camden community Facebook page posted a message that says he will not allow any discussion about what happened to China Moon.

But at the same time, the story needs to be told, residents say.

Without facts about the Zhang family, neighbors are left to talk in general about the larger issues around immigration.

Who belongs here and who does not? When did their families arrive and did they do it the right way?

Wouldnt law enforcement resources be better spent finding the three kids on bikes who held up the Byrne Dairy with a BB gun on the same day?

Who called this tip in to ICE?

And why isnt anyone helping people like the Zhangs get their paperwork in order?

Chris Padgett owns the new Letter and Leaf bookstore in Camden, NY. Michelle Breidenbach

Chris Padgett owns the new Letter and Leaf bookstore one block away from China Moon.

You would think that after that many years, if they were deeply alarmed at them not being a U.S. citizen, then why not walk with them through that journey and try to make that easier? Padgett said. Where does he even go after 25 years?

The community calls Camden the Queen Village because of its stately Victorian Houses and community pride.

With no information to support their optimism, neighbor after neighbor said they were hopeful Zhang would return and the restaurant would reopen.

Community members are ready to help in one way they hope honors the Zhangs wishes.

We want to sell them out of food, said Skinner, the sandwich maker at Shortys. If they open back up, everybody go eat Chinese food that night.

Contact Michelle Breidenbach | mbreidenbach@syracuse.com | 315-470-3186.
When warm weather hits, hiking trails across Upstate New York come alive with activity. Now, two of the regions most scenic trails have been recognized on a national level.

USA Today has released its list of the 10 best hiking trails in the United States for 2025. Two trails in New York state ranked in the top five: the Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen State Park and the Trapps Trail at Mohonk Preserve.

No. 3: Gorge Trail - Watkins Glen State Park

This iconic Finger Lakes trail, is one of the most visited trails in New York. The 2.2-mile Gorge Trail winds through a dramatic glen with 19 waterfalls, stone bridges, and tunnels carved into the rock. Its a favorite for photographers and families looking for a scenic, short hike with a big visual payoff.

For a chance at having this photogenic path all to yourself, visiting on a weekday or during early morning hours is ideal.

Starting July 7, the main tunnel entrance and Sentry Bridge will be closed for repairs. Hikers can still reach the Gorge Trail via the North Rim Trail, South Entrance or North Entrance.

Note: The Gorge Trail features many stairs that can be slippery from waterfall mist. Wear proper footwear. Pets are not allowed on the Gorge Trail but are welcome on the parks upper rim trails.

Beginning July 7, the main tunnel entrance and the Sentry Bridge at the start of the trail will be closed. You will still be able reach the Gorge Trail after July 7 via the North Rim Trail at the main entrance, the South Entrance, or the North Entrance.

Nearby stay: Want to turn your trip into a Finger Lakes weekend getaway? Naturluxe & Stars, a glamping with plush beds and private bathrooms, was recently named one of the best luxury camping spots in the country.

No. 2: The Trapps - Mohonk Preserve

Just 90 miles north of New York City, the Trapps Trail at Mohonk Preserve in New Paltz offers an expansive escape into nature. Nestled in the Shawangunk Mountains, known affectionately as the Gunks, this 5-mile loop is family- and dog-friendly, with wide paths and spectacular views of the valley.

The Trapps are also a popular rock climbing destination. As you hike along Undercliff Road, dont be surprised to see climbers scaling the cliffs. Park officials advise hikers not to throw anything from the overlooks, as climbers may be directly below.

For those looking to add a bit more mileage on to their trip, a detour off the trail to Awosting Falls is also available on this trail system. The cascade was recently a backdrop for a dramatic scene in the Apple TV+ hit series Severance.

Nearby stay: Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground was named one of the best campgrounds in America to stay in.
Multiple New York colleges were among those offering the highest average amounts of financial aid. Stock photo. (SimpleImages | Getty Images) SimpleImages | Getty Images

Nine colleges in New York were among the 50 that offered students the highest average amount of financial aid during the 2022-2023 school year, according to federal data.

The top New York school on the list, and No. 4 nationwide, was Columbia University, which offered average financial aid of about $65,000 during the 2022-2023 school year, the most recent year for which federal data was available.

The numbers come from the National Center for Education Statistics.

The highest-ranking Upstate New York school on the list was Cornell University in Ithaca, which gave students average aid of more than $56,000 during the 2022-2023 school year. That ranked the school 28th in the U.S.

The complete list of New York schools in the top 50:

Columbia University, New York City: Average aid of $65,173. No. 4 nationwide.

Cornell University, Ithaca: Average aid of $56,741. No. 28 nationwide.

Colgate University, Hamilton: Average aid of $56,696. No. 29 nationwide.

Webb Institute, Long Island: Average aid of $56,652. No. 30 nationwide.

Bard College, Dutchess County: Average aid of $56,380. No. 31 nationwide.

Barnard College, New York City: Average aid of $56,190. No. 32 nationwide.

Hamilton College, Clinton: Average aid of $54,359. No. 35 nationwide.

Vassar College, Poughkeepsie: Average aid of $53,840. No. 37 nationwide.

Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs: Average aid of $49,522, No. 49 nationwide.

The numbers reflect the average federal, state, local and institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduate students. Only public and private, nonprofit schools that primarily award bachelors degrees and above are included in the rankings.

Many of the schools offering high financial aid are also among the nations most expensive colleges, according to federal data. Barnard, for example, was the eighth-most expensive school in the U.S. during the 2023-2024 school year, with a total cost of more than $89,000 for out-of-state students living on campus.

You can see the full list of the top 50 schools for financial aid in the U.S. during the 2022-2023 school year in the table below. If you cant see the table, click here to open it in a new window.
Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) testifies before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on her nomination to be Ambassador to the United Nations on Capitol Hill on January 21, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images) Getty Images

A new poll is shedding light on whether Republican candidates can beat Gov. Kathy Hochul for New York states top job.

Hochul, a Democrat, leads GOP favorites U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, and Rep. Mike Lawler by at least 20 points each, according to a Siena College poll of registered voters in New York state. The results, released Tuesday, show Hochul leads Blakeman 44-19%, Stefanik 47-24%, and Lawler 44-24% in potential head-to-head races for New York governor.

Stefanik, who represents all or part of 15 different counties in Upstate New York, is expected to announce her gubernatorial bid soon and Lawler, who represents the Hudson Valley, previously said hed make a decision in June. Stefanik leads both Lawler and Blakeman by double digits in a hypothetical primary, according to Sienas new poll and an April poll of GOP voters conducted by GrayHouse.

Hochul also has an overwhelming lead in a potential Democratic primary, Siena found, with 49% favoring Hochul over Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado (12%) and Representative Ritchie Torres (10%). The results are consistent with a similar poll in May, but may show some vulnerability for Hochul as her favorability rating dipped to 42-47% from 44-46% a month ago.

While the early leads seem large, Hochul is not hitting the magic 51% mark against any of these opponents, and in each matchup, between a quarter and a third of voters wasnt able to choose between the two candidates, said Don Levy, director of the independent, non-partisan Siena College Research Institute.

The poll also found Empire State residents would like to eliminate Manhattans congestion pricing tolls (44-37%), support allowing doctors to prescribe lethal drugs for a terminally ill patient to end their life (54-28%) and approve of reforming New Yorks prison system with comprehensive audio and video surveillance (76-10%).

The findings are from a Siena College poll conducted June 23-26 among 800 registered voters in New York state. Respondents included 499 people contacted through a dual frame (phone or completed via text to web) and 301 drawn from a proprietary online panel. The results have an overall margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percentage points.

Data from collection modes was weighted to balance sample demographics to match estimates for New York States population using data from the Census Bureaus 2023 U.S. American Community Survey (ACS), on age, region, race/ethnicity, education, and gender to ensure representativeness. According to SCRI, the sample was also weighted to match current patterns of party registration using data from the New York State Board of Elections.
The center of Kirkland is closed off to flooding as residents recover from severe property damage, injuries and three fatalities Sunday morning, June 22, 2025, when a devastating storm passed through. In nearby Vienna, a couple were rescued from a trailer that was crushed by a tree. (N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com) N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com

Vienna, N.Y. - Vienna Fire Chief Ryan Roberts arrived at the campground in the dark in the middle of a violent storm to find a tree had badly crushed a camper.

It was still raining hard, the wind was blowing and lightning was striking everywhere.
Photo: https://t.me/VadymFilashkin/

Five civilians were killed and twelve were wounded as a result of enemy shelling during Thursday, the head of Donetsk regional military administration, Vadym Filashkin, reported on the Telegram channel.

"In Pokrovsk, the enemy killed two men born in 1977 and 1978, and wounded two women. In Bilytske, a 54-year-old and a 69-year-old man were killed, a woman was wounded, and four two-storey buildings and three garages were damaged. Another person was wounded in Myrnohrad - there the enemy hit a civilian on a motorcycle with an FPV drone. In Mykolaivka, a person was wounded, four high-rise buildings and a coffee shop were damaged. The Russians attacked Illinivka with an FPV drone: they killed a man who celebrated his 47th birthday today, wounded five people, and damaged a house. In Kostiantynivka, two people were wounded, five high-rise buildings, two administrative buildings, a shop, a transport stop, and a power line were damaged," Filashkin informed.
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Re: Delhi Govt. ban on fuel sale to old vehicles; AI cameras, traffic police teams deployed at pumps As mentioned by people out here in this forum, the restrictions were in force from late 2014. That is enough time for people who were in the market for a new car at the time to make a good decision on their purchase. But who might have thought about it evolving into an actually serious problem it is today??



I would have made the critical mistake of not showing enough seriousness towards this law if I were a person from Delhi at the time with all those wonderful machines in the market. The fact that most of them are unaware of this law being introduced in 2014 gives an insight about how relaxed the law was back then. In my opinion, we should avoid bashing the government on this. While there are many other aspects that could be considered to bring the pollution down, let's just say that this is the government's first initiative towards disinfecting the capital of India and we can expect the other restrictions pointed out in the coming days. But, I would expect the government to provide the necessary infrastructure, facility and incentives for the alternatives if they REALLY expect the public to take part in this transition which is surprisingly deficient or missing. We have started to see some interesting EV's in the market right now and despite my strong stand against them, it makes more sense financially to go with these choices for the people residing in Delhi who retain a vehicle for a very long period with much less running. If the government would be willing to get these fundamental things right, I don't think there will be a proper reason to complain about this ban on older cars and I feel like this is the consequence of the government imposing restrictions on existing options without a proper/reliable alternative. Which is a very stupid move from their part and I think it might be the reason why some people feel like the government is forcing EV's or other alternatives towards the public. I'm surprised by how they missed out on even the most important thing before implementing these strict bans.



But now, Will those people who are reluctant to let go of their well preserved beauties abide by the law or keep them running on the roads through an illegal way?? Since the government has restricted these old cars from entering the fuel station, what are the chances of fuel trade through secondary parties which could turn into a real mess? The government has made a mistake by making big moves in a very short span, it should have been a small yet progressive approach. Now, the general public is suffering the aftermath of all the small actions whose outcomes have compounded over the years which otherwise would have been under control if they were given proper attention in the initial stage.



Feel sad for the enthusiasts over there who might have to sacrifice the joy of driving the already vanishing diesels or even an ICE car in some cases. Hopefully they can accept this cruel law and move on with their available options. Let's hope for the best!!
What just happened? The US government has abruptly reversed course on a key technology restriction, lifting export controls on chip design software to China less than six weeks after imposing them. The decision, communicated this week to industry leaders Siemens, Synopsys, and Cadence, allows these companies to immediately resume unrestricted sales and support of their electronic design automation (EDA) tools to Chinese customers.

This policy shift marks a significant moment in the ongoing trade relationship between the United States and China, coming on the heels of a broader framework agreement between the two countries.

The deal, confirmed by both governments last week, involves China easing its own export controls on rare earth minerals in exchange for the US rolling back certain technology restrictions. The US Commerce Department has not yet issued a public statement explaining the rationale for the reversal, but the timing aligns closely with the rare earths agreement and a series of high-level trade talks in London and Geneva.

For the three EDA giants  Siemens (through its US-based Siemens EDA unit), Synopsys, and Cadence  the news brings immediate commercial relief.

All three companies had been forced to halt or severely restrict business with Chinese clients following a May directive from the Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security, which required case-by-case export licenses for sales of advanced chip design software to China. The restrictions had rattled the global semiconductor industry, given that these firms collectively control over 70 percent of the global EDA market and dominate the Chinese sector.

Industry analysts noted that the move removes a major source of uncertainty for these companies, whose China sales account for a not insignificant portion of their global revenue  about 16 percent for Synopsys and 12 percent for Cadence.

The initial export controls were part of a broader US effort to curb China's access to advanced semiconductor technology, citing national security concerns and the potential for military applications.

The May restrictions on EDA tools followed earlier bans on the sale of high-end AI processors from companies like Nvidia and AMD to Chinese firms. However, the lack of detailed guidance and the abruptness of the restrictions had left the industry in a state of confusion, with many companies suspending operations in China pending clarification.

The new trade framework appears to represent a pragmatic compromise. In return for the US lifting restrictions on chip design software and other key technologies, China has agreed to accelerate export approvals for rare earth minerals, which are essential for a wide range of US industries.
The big picture: Nvidia came within striking distance of setting a new record for the most valuable company in history on Thursday, as its market capitalization soared to $3.92 trillion during intraday trading, just shy of the $4 trillion mark. The chipmaker's rapid ascent, fueled by relentless demand for its advanced AI chips, briefly pushed it past Apple's previous record closing value of $3.915 trillion set in late 2024. By the end of the trading session, Nvidia's value settled at $3.89 trillion, slightly below the all-time high but still underscoring its extraordinary run.

"When the first company crossed a trillion dollars, it was amazing. And now you're talking four trillion, which is just incredible. It tells you that there's this huge rush with AI spending and everybody's chasing it right now," Joe Saluzzi, co-manager of trading at Themis Trading, told Reuters.

The surge in Nvidia's stock reflects a broader wave of optimism on Wall Street about the future of AI. The company's latest chips have become essential for training and running the largest and most sophisticated AI models, fueling a race among technology giants to build powerful data centers and dominate the next era of computing. Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, Alphabet, and Tesla are all competing to expand their AI infrastructure, and Nvidia's specialized hardware sits at the heart of this transformation.

According to LSEG data, Nvidia's current valuation now exceeds the combined market capitalization of all publicly listed companies in Canada and Mexico, and even surpasses the total value of all publicly traded firms in the United Kingdom.

Four years ago, the company was valued at $500 billion and was largely known for its graphics technology used in video games. Since then, its market capitalization has grown nearly eightfold, propelled by the explosive growth in AI applications and the company's ability to deliver the high-performance chips that power them.

Credit: Companies by Marketcap

The company's financial performance has been equally impressive. In the most recent quarter, Nvidia reported $44.1 billion in revenue, a 69 percent increase from the previous year, with data center sales alone contributing $39.1 billion. This puts Nvidia on track to approach $170 billion in annual revenue for fiscal 2026, up from $130.5 billion in 2025.

Analysts expect the company's next-gen Blackwell Ultra GPUs to further accelerate growth, with Wall Street anticipating that Nvidia could soon reach, and potentially surpass, the $4 trillion market cap milestone.

Nvidia's rise has also reshaped the broader stock market. The company now represents a significant portion of the S&P 500 index, and its performance has left many investors, including those saving for retirement through index funds, increasingly exposed to the fortunes of the AI sector.

Microsoft, currently valued at $3.7 trillion, and Apple, at $3.19 trillion, round out the top three most valuable companies. But Nvidia's momentum has set a new benchmark for what is possible in the technology industry.

Despite its dominance, Nvidia faces challenges, including ongoing trade restrictions that limit the sale of its most advanced chips to China, as well as rising competition from rivals developing custom AI hardware. However, the company's innovation pipeline remains robust, with expansion into new markets such as autonomous vehicles and physical AI systems, signaling that its influence in the tech world is likely to persist.
The US Justice Department has shared the letters that they sent to the likes of Apple and Google which talked about the TikTok Ban earlier this year. These letters informed the companies that they would not be held liable for allowing TikTok to continue operating.

President Donald J. Trump and his administration supported TikTok and promised the company that it would not be banned in the US.

TikTok took a sharp blow thanks to the Foreign Adversary Act, which highlighted it as an application controlled by foreign operators and could be a national security threat to the US and its citizens.

US Justice Letters Sent to Apple, Google

Engadget reported that the letters that the US Justice Department sent to app marketplace operators and other platforms to allow TikTok to operate in the country have been publicized for the world to see.

Among those that received this were Apple, Google, Amazon, Oracle, Microsoft, and more, and these letters told them to ignore the TikTok ban and allow the platform to continue operating in the US.

These letters were publicized through a Freedom of Information Act request made by Anthony Tan, a software engineer and Google shareholder who sued the tech company for not adhering to the ban.

Attorney General Pam Bondi penned the letter and told the likes of Apple and Google that the ban "would interfere" with President Trump's "constitutional duties" on US national safety. The letter also assured these companies that they would not incur "any liabilities."

Following the January 19 deadline, TikTok faced a short ban in the United States before being reinstated several hours later. This was because of Trump and the Justice Department's interference that heavily favored the social media platform.

Finding TikTok a Buyer

President Trump could not effectively save TikTok from the law, and the best thing he could do was to extend the deadline for the Chinese social media to find a buyer for 75 days. The first one saw an April deadline, but at this time, there were no chosen buyers yet. This led to the second sale extension from the US President.

The last deadline gave TikTok, ByteDance, and China until June 19 to finalize a deal, but as it also came and went, they were not able to come up with a deal, and another extension was given.

More than a week since the last extension, President Trump revealed that he had already found a group willing to buy TikTok and continue its operations in the United States but has yet to unveil who is behind it.

Additionally, it still needs to ask for China's approval on the sale before any move can be made to finalize the sale of the platform.
Helen Toner, a former OpenAI board member, is questioning whether Meta can retain its coveted talent amid the AI hiring spree.

Speaking with Bloomberg recently, Toner forecasted that Meta would experience instant pressure from competing companies seeking to poach its newly hired AI professionals.

$15 Billion Bet on AI and High-Profile Hires

Toner told Bloomberg that Meta will be trying to "poach them back" to other firms beginning on day one. She added that Facebook's parent firm shows that it's "moving fast enough" to retain new hires.

Meta last month made a whopping $15 billion investment in ScaleAI, a data-labeling company that plays a central role in the creation of machine learning models.

The agreement also saw ScaleAI CEO Alexandr Wang appointed as Meta's Chief AI Officer. He will co-head the newly established Meta Superintelligence Labs with GitHub's previous CEO, Nat Friedman.

Meta also brought aboard a gaggle of researchers from AI giants such as OpenAI, Google DeepMind, and Anthropic. The sprees of new hires are occurring as the wider technology sector is enduring an intensifying war for the best AI talent.

Meta's Internal Culture Could Undermine Progress

Even with Meta's aggressive attempts, Toner is unconvinced. "It'll be hard," she said, citing inside battles and company politics.

From Toner's perspective, it's not about managing high performers; it's about managing egos and challenging deep-seated power structures.

"That takes a lot of willingness to stare down powerful people inside your company, who maybe don't want to lose and tell them that you actually don't want them to do what they want. The question will be, in part, can Mark Zuckerberg, if this is his big personal project, is that enough to change their organizational dynamics."

Sam Altman Also Questions Meta's Strategy

Toner's worries resonate with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who recently spoke out against Meta's compensation-driven hiring strategy, according to Business Insider.

During a recent appearance on the "Uncapped with Jack Altman" podcast, he described it as "crazy" that Meta reportedly offered his employees $100 million signing bonuses.

According to the genius behind ChatGPT, Meta isn't going to establish a tremendous culture with its approach of having a ton of upfront guaranteed comp.

Altman and Toner have a bitter past. In November 2023, Toner supported the removal of Altman as OpenAI CEO, a move soon overturned amidst external and internal protests. She has since resigned from the board and reported not having spoken with Altman since.

With detractors referencing both internal and external difficulties, Meta needs to do more than invest. It also needs to motivate and bring people together.
Digital switchover: The Nordics were first; its the UKs turn next then were all in this together

There are just over 500 days to go before the UKs telecoms infrastructure goes digital. Its difficult to recall a time when this deadline wasnt looming, but the end of analogue is finally upon us. So where are we in terms of ensuring the millions of people who rely on telecare in the UK enjoy a seamless transition for the devices they use come January 2027?

The technology enabled care sector is largely ready for the call. Companies like us have upgraded our systems and recognised the opportunity that digital connectivity represents in terms of devising new services and products. Its been more of a challenge for those working in supported housing and other community care settings in both the private and public sectors, given the financial and resource challenges they face. Many have delayed making decisions on upgrading their analogue devices and systems or have sought hybrid solutions as a short-term fix.

From what were seeing with 18 months to go is that most, if not all, care providers have now either completed or already started the planning needed to ensure that telecare and social alarm service reliability and safety is not compromised. The question now is what comes next. For that longer term planning it helps to consider the experience of other parts of the world that have already experienced the analogue to digital switch.

Were in a unique position given that we also operate in Sweden and Finland, which went through all this over a decade ago. Theyve come through the first wave of digital transformation and are out the other side.

This was a topic that came up recently when we brought our sales teams from across Everon Group together in Sweden. During the meeting they explored the subtle differences that exist between the three countries but also the common ground. Digital transformation may have happened earlier in the Nordics but the same challenges of rising demand for assisted living services with finite resources remain.

The Nordics were way ahead of the UK for the last wave of technology change and quick to recognise the potential of optic fibre telephony, although in truth providers had no option  like here  but to make the switch from analogue. For the next revolution to hit well all be in it together as data fed AI and machine learning technology provide more of the solutions needed to save money, increase efficiency and reduce delivery pressures on healthcare providers. Get it right in 2027 and the UK will at least be on the curve and not behind it.

Like the UK, Finland and Sweden have been looking at policy changes around adult social care and attempting to square the circle of maintaining the highest standards of care for those who need it most while finding cost savings. Like the UK, the focus has been on exploring how technology can be embraced to deliver a more prevention-led model of care to reduce expensive hospital admissions and help people to live independently for longer.

The full detail of the UK governments 10-year health plan has finally been published. This coincides perfectly with the digital shift thats finally underway. Health Secretary Wes Streeting, says the plan is about fixing whats broken and building a modern, responsive NHS thats fit for the future. This, he says will mean harnessing the very best of innovation  bringing cutting edge technology into hospitals, homes and communities to deliver faster, smarter and more personalised care.

Were ready, alongside others in our sector, including TEC organisations like the TSA and TechUK, to show the difference this investment can bring. In Sweden, for example, we recently had the results back on a study into a set of digital services that we operate there. These related to nurse call services in home care settings known as scheduled digital supervision run in two municipality areas. In both regions, we replaced physical night visits with digital supervision for a number of service users eligible for the service and who gave permission directly or through their family.

It showed that by reducing the number of physical visits and replacing with digital calls,

nursing staff could work more efficiently and focus on those needing more intensive levels of care. For those traditionally needing three physical visits previously, it was found two could be completed digitally, saving an estimated 6,000 SEK a month per customer, largely in nursing time.

I mention this example to illustrate the difference technology is making, even with existing alarm-style digital platform technology. The next phase will be the data driven intelligent software that uses AI and machine learning for smarter care where it matters that will enable our customers across all three countries in which we operate to deliver an integrated preventative model of care. Digital switchover has happened in the Nordics and its coming to the UK. Digital transformation is already here. Get it right this time and well be ready for the next wave with a health system across the UK and beyond thats better fit for purpose.
In Kharkiv region, five injured as result of enemy shelling

Over the past day, the Russian Armed Forces have struck nine settlements in Kharkiv region, five injured among the civilian population, said head of the regional military administration Oleh Synehubov.

"In the village of Prykolotne, Vilhuvatka community, a 57-year-old man and a 51-year-old woman were injured; in the village of Savyntsi, a 22-year-old and 39-year-old woman and a 23-year-old man were injured," Synehubov wrote on his Telegram channel.

For the shelling, the Russian military used unguided aircraft missiles, aerial bombs, as well as UAVs of various types.

In Kupiansk district, a municipal service vehicle and two civilian vehicles were damaged, and in Izium district - four houses, two outbuildings, as well as an administrative building, power grids, and a vehicle.
In Russia, facilities in Moscow and Rostov regions were attacked, said head of the Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Andriy Kovalenko.

"Despite the difficult night, there is also good news. Facilities were attacked in Russia, in particular, in Moscow and Rostov regions. The Azov Optical-Mechanical Plant was attacked," Kovalenko wrote on the Telegram channel.

He added that this enterprise "manufactures critical components for the Russian army: sights, rangefinders, thermal imagers and fire control systems for tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, ships and even aircraft. It is here that the eyes for Russian armored vehicles are assembled."

Russian media outlets also report an attack on a substation in the Zirochka neighborhood of Sergiyev Posad, Moscow region. As a result of the drone attack, five neighborhoods of the city were left without power.
California battles biggest wildfire of the year



Los Angeles, United States, July 3 (AFP) Jul 03, 2025



More than 300 firefighters battled on Thursday a massive blaze in California, which is dreading summer wildfires at a time when President Donald Trump is gutting federal agencies tasked with fighting climate disaster.

The "Madre Fire" broke out on Wednesday in San Luis Obispo, a rural county in the heart of the US state. Around 200 people were ordered to evacuate, with dozens of buildings threatened by the flames.

It is the largest blaze so far this year in California, which was scarred by wildfires that destroyed swaths of Los Angeles at the start of the year.

The fire has spread quickly: in 24 hours, it has ravaged over 52,000 acres (21,000 hectares), according to the state's fire service Cal Fire.

Images from the state warning system showed thick columns of black smoke overhanging mountains in the hilly, remote region.

"The state will always show up to protect all communities -- no matter where a fire begins," California Governor Gavin Newsom said on X, announcing the deployment of reinforcements.

The "Madre Fire" comes at the heel of several other blazes, raising fears of a difficult summer ahead for the state already traumatized by the wildfires that killed 30 people in January.

It was an unusually dry winter and spring in southern California, and vegetation is already parched, noted UCLA extreme climate events specialist Daniel Swain in a blog post.

"Given the expectation of even more intense and widespread heat later this summer, that extra month or two of vegetation drying will heavily factor into burning conditions later this season," said Swain.

It is the first summer season since Trump ordered budget and personnel cuts at the Forest Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and FEMA, the federal agency which coordinates disaster response.

On Wednesday, Newsom accused Trump of not funding enough wildfire prevention projects.

"We need an equivalent commitment of resources - not rhetoric," Newsom said at a press conference, reminding that "57 percent of the land in this state is under the jurisdiction of the federal government."

rfo/aks/acb
'Frogging' takes off in Borneo's jungle



Kuching, Malaysia, July 4 (AFP) Jul 04, 2025



Dodging fire-ants, snakes and millions of nighttime creepy-crawlies, a group of trekkers advances through the humid Bornean rainforest, scanning with torches for some of the jungle's most unlikely stars: frogs.

"There's another one! And it's massive," British tourist Lauren Heywood exclaimed as she spotted the telltale reflective glint off a pair of blinking eyes, seemingly waiting to be photographed by admirers.

"Frogging", or the hunt for the exotic amphibians that call the rainforest home, is taking off in Malaysia's Sarawak state in Borneo.

And herpetologists say few places rival Kubah National Park, around half an hour's drive from state capital Kuching.

It is home to some of the world's smallest and most unusual frog species.

While many visitors flock to Borneo's jungle to see charismatic large species like orangutans or elephants, some of its tiniest residents are increasingly getting their turn in the spotlight, according to Kubah park ranger Muhammed Tajuddin.

"More and more people are coming to see our frogs," he told AFP.



- Frog central -



The tour begins at dusk, with Indigenous Dayak guide Dominic Jikie leading a 45-minute hike up Mount Serapi, the highest peak in the area, to frog central.

Here, surrounded by ancient jungle trees is a shallow pond around the size of two swimming pools.

Scientists say it serves as the primary breeding ground for many of the 180 frog and toad species found on Borneo -- the world's third-largest island, divided between Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei.

Dozens of species dot almost every surface, submerged in the torchlit water, or perched on leaves, branches or tree trunks, placid and unbothered by their human fans.

"There is something special here," said Jikie, 64, a retired park ranger who now specialises as a frogging guide.

"People come to the park because they don't have the species that we have here back at home."

Among the stars of the show on this visit are pinkish harlequin flying frogs with mottled underbellies, file-eared tree frogs with distinctive sharp noses and white-lipped frogs whose lurid green backs give way to a stripe of white along their bottom jaw.

One of Borneo's most famous species, the giant river toad nicknamed "frogzilla" for its dinner-plate size, is not seen in Kubah.

But there are other more delicate types, according to Jikie.

"We have one of the world's smallest frog species, that breed inside pitcher plants," he said, training his sharp spotlight on a pair of amphibian eyes just up the steep mountain road.

The Matang narrow-mouthed frog was officially described by Malaysian and German herpetologists in 2010 after its discovery in Kubah.

It grows to a maximum of just 11 millimetres (less than half an inch) as an adult.

British tourist Thom Harris and his fellow visitors spotted 11 species on their nighttime trek.

"This was an amazing experience," he told AFP. "They are just stunning creatures."

"There are a few fire ants and a few other things to be careful of -- and a lot of bugs," he laughed.

"But it's definitely worth it. And it's a lot of fun!"



- 'I love nature' -



The rising popularity of the forest frogs is a chance for environmentalists to highlight the serious threats they face.

Deforestation, climate change and overhunting are all putting pressure on the tropical island's frog population, scientists say.

"Even slight changes in the temperature and climate may affect the survival of the frog species in a particular habitat," University of Malaysia, Sarawak researchers Nur Hidayah Zulkefli and Ramlah Zainudin wrote in 2022.

Deforestation in Sarawak remains significant and ongoing, statistics by environmental group Global Forest Watch showed, including for timber and to make way for palm oil plantations.

Sarawak's government said it backed community conservation movements to preserve the amphibians and it ran well-protected game and nature reserves like Kubah National Park.

Awareness events include the annual International Bornean Frog Race, which sees scientists and the public compete to spot and photograph as many frog species as possible within a set timeframe and area.

For park ranger Tajuddin, the more people are able to engage with the unique creatures, the more they will understand the need to protect them and their habitats.

"I love nature," he said. "Frogging is a unique way for me to share that love with all our visitors."
Crete wildfire 'retreating', say Greek firefighters



Athens, July 4 (AFP) Jul 04, 2025



A wildfire on the Greek island of Crete that forced the evacuation of 5,000 tourists and locals is "retreating", firefighters told AFP Friday.

Some 230 firefighters and six helicopters are still at the scene near the resort town of Ierapetra, where 3,000 visitors had to leave their hotels and guest houses on Wednesday evening.

"The fire is retreating," fire department spokesman Vassilios Vathrakoyannis told AFP. "There are still fears of flare-ups, but there is no longer a major front," he added.

Scattered hot spots still remain and firefighters are dealing with several smoke-filled areas from which flare-ups have restarted, the fire department told the ANA press agency.

However, weakening winds in the hard-to-reach area have improved the situation, firefighte rs said.

Another blaze fanned by strong winds that broke out near the port of Rafina, about 30 kilometres (18 miles) east of Athens, was brought under control on Thursday evening, the authorities said.

However with the wildfire not far from Athens International Airport, fire crews remain on alert with winds still strong.

The fire, which led to the evacuation of 300 people, destroyed a few houses and vehicles, the local mayor Dimitris Markou told public broadcaster ERT.

It also disrupted ferries to and from tourist islands in the western Aegean, including Mykonos.

Greece has so far been spared from the heatwave roasting parts of Europe, particularly Spain, Portugal and France. But starting this weekend, temperatures will rise and reach up to 43 degrees Centigrade (109 Fahrenheit) in some areas of the country.

Hot dry weather is not unusual for Greece at this time of year, with the heightened risk of devastating wildfires that have plagued the country in recent years.
Firefighters master one Turkey wildfire as two others rage on



Istanbul, July 4 (AFP) Jul 04, 2025



Firefighters early Friday gained control over a major wildfire in the western Turkish province of Izmir but two others continued to ravage forests there, a minister said.

Although Turkey was spared the recent heatwaves that hit the rest of southern Europe, firefighters have been battling more than 600 fires in the drought-hit nation over the past week which have been fuelled by high winds.

By Friday morning, they had gained control over a major fire near the resort town of Cesme, some 80 kilometres (50 miles) west of Turkey's third city Izmir, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said.

The firefighters' "intense work overnight and the air intervention that resumed at dawn have brought the fire in Cesme under control," he wrote on X.

But they were still battling two other wildfires, one in Buca just south of Izmir and another in Odemis, about 100 kilometres further east where an 81-year-old man and a forestry worker died on Thursday.

Forecasters said temperatures were set to rise over the weekend and would reach around 40 degrees Celsius (104 degree Fahrenheit) in the province early next week.

With the fire under control in Cesme, the road linking the peninsular to Izmir was reopened, Anadolu state news agency said.

But the motorway connecting Izmir and Aydin to the southeast was closed because of the Buca fire, which began at 4:00 pm on Thursday and spread quickly due to the wind, CNN Turk said.

It said two people who had been cutting iron for use in construction had been arrested on suspicion of starting the fire.

On Monday, more than 50,000 people were evacuated, mostly in the Izmir area but also from the southern province of Hatay, the AFAD disaster management agency said.

According to figures on the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) website, there have been 96 wildfires in Turkey so far this year that have ravaged more than 49,652 hectares (122,700 acres) of land.

The area of land burnt has more than doubled since Monday when it stood at nearly 19,000 hectares. EFFIS only maps fires that cover an area of 30 hectares or more.

Experts say human-driven climate change is causing more frequent and more intense wildfires and other natural disasters, and have warned Turkey to take measures to tackle the problem.
Photo: NBC News

US President Donald Trump has said that the supply of weapons to Ukraine continues. He said this during a conversation with journalists at Andrews Air Force Base, Fox News reports.

We havent, we're giving weapons. But we've given so many weapons and we're working with them, trying to help them. Biden emptied out our whole country giving weapons and we have to make sure that we have enough for ourselves, Trump said.

He said this in response to media questions about his conversation with Vladimir Putin on Thursday.

According to Trump, during the conversation with Putin, no progress was made on the ceasefire in Ukraine. Trump noted that he was dissatisfied with Putin's position on the agreement with Ukraine.
Indonesia court dismisses peatland smoke lawsuit



Jakarta, July 4 (AFP) Jul 04, 2025



An Indonesian court has thrown out a lawsuit filed by residents against plantation companies, which accused the firms of causing lung-choking smoke by lighting peatland fires.

Eleven plaintiffs filed a lawsuit in the city of Palembang on the western island of Sumatra, demanding damages from three plantation companies.

But a court in the city declared their case inadmissible, according to a post on the court's website Thursday, without giving a reason.

The ruling had left residents "in a difficult situation" after a months-long struggle for justice, said one of the plaintiffs' lawyers Sekar Banjaran Aji, also a Greenpeace Indonesia forest campaigner.

"The court should provide justice but, instead, they do not help the people," Sekar told AFP on Friday.

She said they were planning to appeal the verdict.

Three companies named in the lawsuit -- PT Bumi Mekar Hijau, PT Bumi Andalas Permai, and PT Sebangun Bumi Andalas Wood Industries -- are suppliers to Asia Pulp & Paper, one of Indonesia's largest pulp and paper companies.

The lawsuit alleged fires in the companies' concessions have contributed to widespread haze in Palembang in 2015, 2019 and 2023, said Greenpeace Indonesia.

The NGO said the court's reason was that the plaintiffs "lacked standing to sue".

Plaintiff Muhkamat Arif called the ruling "disappointing".

"This will not dampen our spirits to continue fighting until we win," he said in a statement.

Asia Pulp & Paper did not respond to an AFP request for comment.

A prolonged dry season has caused higher risks of wildfires in Indonesia, stoking fears of repeat haze-belching forest fires that have also affected neighbouring Malaysia and Singapore in recent years.
Heavy snow hits Turkey's northeast as southwest burns



Istanbul, July 4 (AFP) Jul 04, 2025



A rare blanket of heavy snow fell on parts of northeastern Turkey on Friday as the rest of the country sweltered in searing summer heat with firefighters battling wildfires, local media reported.

Experts say human-driven climate change is causing more frequent and more intense extreme weather events, from droughts to heatwaves and hailstorms.

Temperatures plunged in several mountainous areas inland from Rize, a town on Turkey's northeastern Black Sea coast, that lies about 120 kilometres (75 miles) from the border with Georgia.

Gencaga Karafazlioglu, a local journalist from Rize, said the area -- which is known for its lush greenery and heavy rainfall -- was used to unusual weather but said he had never before seen snow in July.

"It's been snowing for about four or five hours. I'm 65 years old, I've lived in Rize for most of my life, and this is the first time I've seen snow in July," he told AFP.

"In Rize, we're used to weather anomalies. We've had snow several times in March but never this much. The older generation say they saw snow in July 30 or 40 years ago but never this much."

In Ovit Yaylasi, a plateau some 2,500 metres above sea level, the fields could be seen blanketed in white, the overhead skies heavy with snow, footage on social media showed.

The snowfall covered an area stretching at least 100 kilometres, from Anzer Yaylasi plateau through the Kackar Mountains National Park and beyond, in a region known for its livestock farming.

"The town of Artvin was the worst hit," Karafazlioglu said of a town 50 kilometres inland that lies 350 metres above sea level.

The whiteout came as firefighters battled a string of wildfires in Izmir province, some 1,600 kilometres to the west, where temperatures were forecast to hit 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in the coming days.
Drought plunges Poland's longest river to record low



Warsaw, July 4 (AFP) Jul 04, 2025



Poland's longest river, the Vistula, on Friday hit a record-low water level in Warsaw, as the country faces an unprecedented drought, the national weather agency said.

Its level at one measuring station fell to 18 centimetres (7 inches), beating the previous record set last year, by two centimetres, according to the IMGW weather institute.

According to IMGW forecasts, the water level will continue to fall until it reaches 12 centimetres -- 200 centimetres less than its average depth.

There has not been such a severe hydrological drought in Poland at this time of the year "since measurements began", Grzegorz Walijewski, hydrologist at IMGW, told AFP.

Walijewski said climate change was to blame, as higher temperatures and fewer rainfall days push down water levels.

The record comes a day after temperatures in Warsaw reached 36 degrees Celsius (97 degrees Fahrenheit), as part of a heatwave that has swept Europe.

Walijewski warned of the consequences of the drought, which "affects every branch of the economy".

He highlighted how the drought diminishes agricultural harvests and drives up food prices.

Outside of Poland, neighbouring countries have also been struggling with droughts.

"It's definitely a European problem, and in many instances a global one," Walijewski said.
New wildfire near Athens, Crete blaze 'retreating': firefighters



Athens, July 4 (AFP) Jul 04, 2025



A wildfire on the island of Crete that forced the evacuation of 5,000 tourists and locals is "retreating", Greek firefighters told AFP on Friday, but a new blaze fanned by strong winds is spreading east of the capital, Athens.

Hot dry weather in Greece -- not unusual for this time of year -- has heightened the risk of summer wildfires, and scientists say human-driven climate change is making them more frequent and more intense.

The new wildfire broke out at Koropi, a town some 30 kilometres (20 miles) east of Athens, where residents received text messages from civil protection units urging them to evacuate the vicinity.

That fire "has reached the courtyards of the houses", Koropi mayor Dimitris Kiousis told public television channel ERT.

"The fire is ongoing. All residents (in threatened areas) have been evacuated," Thodoris Grivas, deputy mayor of Koropi, told ERT.

"We do not yet know the extent of the disaster," Grivas added.

A fire department official later told AFP that the situation appeared "improved". "There remain some scattered clusters," he added.

In all, 120 firefighters were at the scene, with 30 engines, eight planes and the same number of helicopters, fire service spokesman Vassilis Vathrakoyannis told reporters.

A coastguard vessel was patrolling nearby.

Concerns remain for the coming days, particularly Saturday. when temperatures are due to rise, with the risk of fire still high.

Temperatures are forecast to reach up to 43 degrees Celsius (109 Fahrenheit) in some areas of the country, according to the EMY weather agency.

Greece had until now been generally spared the heatwave roasting parts of Europe, particularly Spain, Portugal and France over recent days.



- High risk -



Early on Friday afternoon, at least two water bombers and two helicopters were battling flames fanned by strong winds blowing across Attica, the Athens region, and the capital itself.

The fire was destroying olive trees and brushwood, ERT images showed.

Firefighters earlier managed to bring under control a separate fire which had on Thursday threatened the port of Rafina, around 20 kilometres northeast of Koropi, after some 300 local people were evacuated from their homes.

Fire crews remained on alert, as the Rafina wildfire was not far from Athens International Airport and winds still posed a threat.

The blaze destroyed a several houses and vehicles, local mayor Dimitris Markou told ERT.

It also disrupted ferries to and from tourist islands in the western Aegean, including Mykonos.

On the island of Crete, around 230 firefighters, 48 fire engines and six helicopters remained at the scene near the resort town of Ierapetra, even though the blaze was receding.

Some 3,000 visitors had been forced to leave their hotels and guest houses on Wednesday evening and 2,000 local residents were also evacuated, authorities said.

"The fire is retreating," Vathrakoyannis told AFP.

"There are still fears of flare-ups but there is no longer a major front," he added.

Scattered hot spots still remained and firefighters were dealing with several smoke-filled areas from which flare-ups had restarted, the fire department told the ANA press agency.

Weakening winds in the hard-to-reach area had improved the situation, firefighters said, although a fire brigade spokesperson had warned overnight of some "difficult" days ahead.

Last month, fires on Greece's fifth-biggest island Chios, in the northern Aegean, destroyed 4,700 hectares (11,600 acres) of land, according to the WWF and the National Observatory of Athens research institute.

The most destructive year for wildfires was 2023, when nearly 175,000 hectares were lost and there were 20 deaths.
Syrian authorities evacuate citizens amid major forest fires



Damascus, July 4 (AFP) Jul 04, 2025



Syrian rescuers were evacuating residential areas in the coastal Latakia province because of major forest fires, authorities said on Friday.

Fires have been spreading across large parts of Syria, particularly the coast, for several days, with firefighters struggling to control them due to strong winds and an intense drought.

Abdulkafi Kayyal, director of the Directorate of Disasters and Emergencies in the Latakia province, told the state-run SANA news agency that the fires in the Qastal Maaf area had spread to the vicinity of several villages, prompting firefighters and civil defence members to evacuate them.

Syria's civil defence, also known as the White Helmets, warned residents of "the spread of rising smoke emissions to the northern section of the coastal mountains, the city of Hama, its countryside, and southern Idlib areas".

"Our teams recorded losses in the orchards due to the widespread spread of the forest fire in several areas of the Latakia countryside," the civil defence added, asking citizens to report anyone they suspect of starting fires to the authorities.

With man-made climate change increasing the likelihood and intensity of droughts and wildfires worldwide, Syria in recent years has been battered by heatwaves, low rainfall and major forest fires.

In June, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation told AFP that Syria had "not seen such bad climate conditions in 60 years", noting that an unprecedented drought was on course to push more than 16 million people into food insecurity.

The country is also reeling from more than a decade of civil war, with the transition from the iron-fisted rule of Bashar al-Assad, toppled in December, ongoing.

Kayyal said the presence of mines and unexploded ordnance in the area was hindering the work of rescuers, along with the strong winds spreading the fires.
Several dead and missing in Texas floods



Houston, July 4 (AFP) Jul 04, 2025



Multiple people have been killed in "devastating floods" in south-central Texas, local authorities said Friday, with children who were attending a summer camp among the missing.

The number killed by the sudden rise in water levels was uncertain, said judge Rob Kelly of Kerr County, located northwest of San Antonio.

"We're trying to get the identity of these folks," Kelly told a press conference after heavy rain led to the "devastating and deadly flood."

The judge, who oversees disaster relief in the county, said there were "some missing" children who had been attending a summer camp in the valley, which is often the site of flooding.

"But in terms of how many, exactly, how many are missing and unaccounted for, we're not sure about that number," he said.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott said the southern state was "surging all available resources" to the area.

"We didn't know this flood was coming," said Kelly, adding that the region has "floods all the time."

"This is the most dangerous river valley in the United States," he added, referring to the Guadalupe River that flows through the region.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the water level of the Guadalupe rose dramatically overnight, from 7.5 feet (two meters) to 29.5 feet.

The weather service issued a flood warning for Kerr County, urging residents to avoid all travel and those living near the Guadalupe River to "move to higher ground."

In mid-June, at least 10 people were killed by flash flooding in San Antonio following torrential rains.
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The Beatles drummer Ringo Starr said he sat down with Sam Mendes to go over and change parts of the script for the filmmaker's forthcoming biopic of him.

The Oscar-winning director has announced plans to make four separate movies about the biggest band in history, one from the perspective of each member.

It was revealed earlier this year that Paul Mescal will play Paul McCartney, Joseph Quinn will play George Harrison, Barry Keoghan will play Ringo Starr, and Harris Dickinson will play John Lennon.

In a new interview, Starr detailed how he spent two days with Mendes to go over the script line by line for his film and gave him extensive notes to ensure depictions of him and first wife Maureen Starkey Tigrett were accurate.

He had a writer  very good writer, great reputation, and he wrote it great, but it had nothing to do with Maureen and I, Starr told The New York Times. Thats not how we were. Id say, We would never do that.

Starr added that he was satisfied with his depiction now and sent Mendes peace and love.

Starr met Tigrett in 1962 and they married in 1965 but divorced a decade later in 1975. They had three children  former Oasis drummer Zak Starkey, son Jason, and daughter Lee. Tigrett died in 1994 from leukaemia.

open image in gallery It was revealed earlier this year that Paul Mescal will play Paul McCartney, Joseph Quinn will play George Harrison, Barry Keoghan will play Ringo Starr, and Harris Dickinson will play John Lennon ( Getty )

Keoghan shared in May that he had spent time with Starr at his home to prepare for the film and observe the musicians mannerisms.

The Saltburn star described the nervous interaction, saying: He played the drums for me. He asked me to play, but I wasn't playing the drums for Ringo. When I was talking to him, I couldn't look at him. I was nervous, like right now. But he's like, You can look at me, he said on Jimmy Kimmel Live. My job is to observe and kinda take in mannerisms and study him. I want to humanise him and bring feelings to it and not just sort of imitate.

Despite the nerve-racking situation, Keoghan said Starr was absolutely lovely during their time together.

open image in gallery Musicians Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr of The Beatles at the 56th Grammy Awards ( Getty )

Mendes, who has been developing a story about the Fab Four for years, said the films will premiere in April 2028, describing the release strategy as the first binge-able theatrical experience.

Ive been trying to make a story about The Beatles for years, he said.

Mendes is producing all four films along with Pippa Harris and Julie Pastor. In May, it was reported that he had got award-winning writers Jez Butterworth (Edge of Tomorrow), Peter Straughan (Conclave) and Jack Thorne (Adolescence) to join the biopics.
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Are you, or do you know, a Wonderwall warrior? One of the many Gen-Zers who used their ninja-like internet skills to beat drug-muddled original fans to Oasis tickets, despite only knowing their most famous song? Wondering  aloud, online, to much gnashing of furry hood from the millions of parka dads who missed out  if they have any other good songs you should listen to before you go?

At your service. Oasis, at least up until around 1996 or so, were among Britpops most brazen purveyors of songwriting excellence, thundering riffs and lyrics made up on the spot about the producers dog. Their early years produced a veritable deluge of classics that marked them out as one of the top-tier acts in British rock history, and they sporadically tapped that same rich seam even after the drugs stopped working.

As Noel and Liam Gallagher prepare to kick off their reunion tour, Roisin and I select and rank our personal favourites, compiled on the basis that the biggest hits arent always the best. Apologies in advance, Wonderwall warriors...

20. Shes Electric

Off to a controversial start, and why not? Its oddly polarising, yes, but Shes Electric happens to be one of my favourite songs from (Whats the Story) Morning Glory?. Liams delivery has that signature nasal quality, as though he can hardly be bothered to get the words out: Shes got a cousin/ In fact, she's got bout a dozen/ Shes got one in the oven/ But its nothing to do with me. The jangly guitar sends up his insouciant tone, while the absurd nature of the lyrics is one of the most obvious nods to both The Beatles and The Kinks. Its silly, harmless, and an absolute earworm. Roisin OConnor

19. Roll with It

Again, some critics love to make the case for the B-sides and Roll with It is one such victim, as naysayers make the case for Its Better People instead. Even Noel himself has sniffed at it, claiming in a 2019 interview with Dermot OLeary that the track has never been played by anybody since the band split up. The fact that Roll with It famously lost in the highly publicised Battle of Britpop to Blurs Country House probably doesnt help. For me, though, its a classic case of Oasis being able to say something in a gratifyingly uncomplicated way, with the bonus being that its great to sing along to. Sometimes, thats all you want. ROC

18. A Bell Will Ring

More controversy! A Bell Will Ring is consistently ranked in the bottom tier of Oasis songs, but I will fight on behalf of the endearingly psychedelic, trippy nature of this Gem Archer offering. Theres a sharpness to the instrumentation here  the opening guitar riff growls into being like the rev of a Harley. Liams voice, too, is full of grit and danger, forever sounding like hes poised on the balls of his feet for the inevitable scrap. Yet the lyrics are about renewal and second chances, as one friend reminds the other: I can tell you what you wanna hear/Ive been here once before/ You pulled me through my empty nights/ Sleepless on your floor. ROC

open image in gallery Group portrait of British rock band Oasis at Nomad Studios in Manchester ( Getty )

17. The Hindu Times

Of the numerous return-to-form singles Oasis released ahead of return-to-dirge albums in the Noughties, The Hindu Times promised the most of its parent record, 2002s Heathen Chemistry. Its loping groove exuded all of the insouciant rock confidence of their greatest early material, and its coiling eastern guitar riff suggested a giant evolutionary leap in their music, all the way from John to George. Mark Beaumont

16. Some Might Say

With its crunchy, T Rexs Get It On guitar intro, Some Might Say captures the roaring, stadium-filling, distorted sound Oasis became associated with peak-Britpop. Its common, and perfectly acceptable, to argue that its inferior to the B-side Acquiesce  personally, I find Acquiesce to be trudging and monotonous when set against the thrilling build of Some Might Say. The latter is a rollercoaster ride, sending you rattling around to the shimmy of the tambourine, then soaring upwards on that classic anthemic chorus. Its special, too, simply for being Oasiss first No 1 single. ROC

15. Live Forever

Noels ability to self-mythologise comes into full play on Live Forever, bottling a specific kind optimism that simmers in the verses then spills over on the chorus: Maybe I just wanna fly/ Wanna live, I dont wanna die/ Maybe I just wanna breath/ Maybe I just dont believe/ Maybe youre the same as me/ We see things theyll never see/ You and I are gonna live forever. Released as the third single from their debut, Definitely Maybe, it is widely regarded as the one that got the worlds attention  you can hear why. In a way, Live Forever really did immortalise the band, capturing them in that moment when they were on the cusp of world-dominating, headline-shrieking fame, the picture of youthful possibility. ROC.

14. Little by Little

In a recent feature for The Independent, Hamish MacBain argued that younger generations were able to appreciate Oasiss later musical output more than those who were truly there at the height of their fame. As someone who was still only 10 years old when Oasis released their fifth album, Heathen Chemistry, Im inclined to agree. It seems all too easy to point to the bands internal squabbling and public antics and blame that on the supposedly lacklustre nature of anything released after 1995. How, then, do you explain the practically beatific sense of peace on Heathen Chemistry  from Liams sweet-natured Songbird to the soothing Stop Crying Your Heart Out and, indeed, Little by Little?

Making this album was a lot of fun because there were no late, drunken nights, no ranting and raving, or smashing up the equipment, Noel told Now magazine in 2002. I went into the studio at midday every day, left at eight or nine oclock every night and was just there making music. It felt like wed recaptured something special that wed lost on the last two albums. Liam was apparently meant to record lead vocals but conceded to his older brothers version after struggling in the studio. Yet its Noels slightly more doleful, brow-beaten vocal that makes the track what it is, singing with moving resignation: You know I didnt mean/ What I just said/ But my God woke up on the wrong side of his bed/ And it just dont matter now. ROC

open image in gallery Oasis before their Knebworth Park concert in 1999 ( PA )

13. Champagne Supernova

Midway between the sky-sailing simplicity of Live Forever and the exhausting, overblown coke pomp of All Around the World, Oasis perfected the art of the show-stopping stadium ballad with the closing track from (Whats the Story) Morning Glory?. Champagne Supernova didnt force its grandeur on you but  from its trippy Doors-ish intro  invited you in, offered you a flute of its finest and treated you to seven relaxing minutes in its celestial hammock, where lyrics simply didnt have to make sense anymore. Where were you while we were getting high? We were busy comprehending rudimentary cannonball physics, Noel. MB

12. Stand by Me

Talent borrows, genius steals, Noel Gallagher strips for parts. Britpops arch skip-diver of classic rock once claimed to have got three songs out of David Bowies All the Young Dudes  you can hear him singing it knowingly along to Whatever in 1997 clips. His best nobble from it, though, was on Be Here Nows only real belter; a classy orchestral rehash of Live Forever that was elevated to classic status by a rising chord progression in the chorus that will be strangely familiar to any boogaloo dudes listening in. MB

11. Whatever

Its only, legally speaking, loosely an Oasis song. The band were sued for plagiarism by Neil Innes over the opening lines clear similarity to his How Sweet to Be an Idiot  Noel claimed hed never heard the song, but it was etched deep into the subconscious of any teenager whod ever watched 1982s Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl. But from Inness throwaway melodic seed, Oasis grew a towering beanstalk of a Christmas single, a dry run for both the mid-paced elegance of a Wonderwall and full-on, Beatles-aping orchestral rock excess. Lightweight of melody perhaps, but the middle eights blast of Verve-like psych rock kept it sufficiently rocknroll. MB

open image in gallery Noel Gallagher studied the rock masters and knew his craft ( PA )

10. Cigarettes and Alcohol

Writing as someone who once stood on a table at an awards ceremony (other people were doing it too!) while Liam sang Cigarettes and Alcohol to a horde of boozed-up journalists, music industry folk and fans, I can say with complete confidence that there are certain songs that just get to you. Just ask Noel, who  as evidenced here  really cant get enough of T Rex. That doesnt detract from what is simply one of Oasiss best and most quintessentially them songs: snarly, lairy, in-your-face and pretty obnoxious, in a strangely charming way. Theres something fascinating about Liams over-egged pronunciation in the verses (Is it worth the aggravasssssshiunn?), matched perfectly with the squalling guitars that gather like storm clouds overhead. ROC

9. Songbird

Fans occasionally debate whether Songbird is underrated in the Oasis canon. Some argue that its No 3 chart position upon its release in 2002  as the fourth single from Heathen Chemistry  means you can hardly claim it flew under the radar. However, it is correct that it is often (outrageously) omitted from your typical Oasis best of.

The first Oasis single written by Liam, it was described by his brother Noel as a perfect song. The key is its simplicity; Liam, of course, is king of the succinct. So you have the two-chord tune on the acoustic guitar, the whimsy of the harmonica, and those sweet, bright piano notes. Paired with his lyrics  simple couplets such as A man can never dream these kind of things/ Especially when she came and spread her wings/ Whispered in my ear the things Id like/ Then she flew away into the night  its an absolute knockout. ROC

8. Slide Away

If many of Oasiss initial classics  Shakermaker say, or Cigarettes and Alcohol  got by on brashness, noise, direct and uncomplex songwriting and the self-belief of a flagrant sonic shoplifter, Slide Away was sure sign that Noel had studied the rock masters and knew his craft. Working through his feelings towards an ex-girlfriend, it begins in churning despondency (my today fell in from the top), reaches a hopeful middle eight and then ascends into a chorus of reconciliatory euphoria. Noel claims the song wrote itself the minute he picked up one of Johnny Marrs guitars and, listening back, youd almost believe in Fendergeists. MB

7. Rock n Roll Star

The opening track from Definitely Maybe never got to fulfil its original purpose. It was written as an inspirational call to arms for downtrodden Manchester dreamers aching for escape from dole-drum lives. But by the time anybody got to hear it on record, Oasis were already bona fide rocknroll stars, and the song instead represented the epitome of the bands bullish bravado, achieving ambitions almost as quickly as they could picture them. Its revved-up Formula One velocity has never let it sound tired of the big time, though; its still as ravenous and unstoppable as when it was clawing at the ceiling of the Manchester Boardwalk. MB

6. The Importance of Being Idle

A completely shameless Kinks pastiche by Noel, here, but it works! A celebration of the sloths among us, The Importance of Being Idle nods to his quitting cocaine in 1998 while also poking some light-hearted fun at his celebrity status. Against that slow, jangling Sunny Afternoon strum, you have his keening pitch, griping: My best friend called me the other night/ He said, Man, are you crazy?/ My girlfriend told me to get a life/ She said, Boy, you lazy From a songwriting standpoint, its one of Noels best  also containing one of the bands most killer lines, I cant get a life if my hearts not in it. Bonus points for the superb music video starring Welsh actor Rhys Ifans. ROC

5. Morning Glory

Morning Glory lands in a three-way tie with Rock and Roll Star and Cigarettes and Alcohol as Oasiss spiciest song. As Mark mentioned earlier, the album (Whats the Story) Morning Glory? saw the band perfect the art of the show-stopping stadium ballad. The title track, meanwhile, demonstrates how theyd also mastered the anthem: Morning Glory practically bristles at you, fists clenched, gunning (or gurning, given the subject matter) for a fight. Its also one of their best songs live, thanks to the snarl of the guitar and pounding drumbeat, guiding Liam in for his spectacular, hollering opening verse. ROC

open image in gallery Oasiss album (Whats the Story) Morning Glory? demonstrated how theyd perfected the art of the show-stopping stadium ballad ( PA )

4. The Masterplan

Wonderwall broke Oasis to the masses, but was too jerry-built to stand up to the subsequent decades of relentless overplaying. Instead, its 1995 EP now sounds better backwards. Because tucked on the end of its four tracks was this most sumptuous of Oasiss many impressive Nineties B-sides, and arguably their most successful crack at Beatledelica. A dolorous acoustic ballad  equal parts White Album, French chanson and Suedes Dog Man Star  gets hoisted aloft by Sgt Pepper orchestration, a psychedelic backwards guitar solo and Noels chorus tumbling on to glory. A B-side why? I was young and stupid, Noel explained. MB

3. Dont Look Back in Anger

All hail the Twitter/X meme magician who pasted a picture of a Donald Trump rally beneath the caption The great Oasis are back. Liam and Noel. They were very unfair to one another. Oasis. They made Sally wait Because if one Oasis song could worm its way into the most cotton-candied mind, its Noels heartfelt terrace tribute to the ever-patient Sally; a future-facing sentiment rendered so poignant by its roar-along chorus that it was adopted as Manchesters anthem of grief in the wake of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing. MB

2. Columbia

A sonic Vesuvius from which the rest of Definitely Maybe seemed to flow, Columbia  named after the London hotel theyd frequent until being banned for trashing the owners Mercedes by dropping furniture on it from the first-floor bar  would go virtually unmatched in Oasiss career in terms of elemental rock noise. The demo version, which would be released as their first white-label promo single, was recorded on acid, and fittingly so: their most visceral display of churning rock power was rooted in the darkest psychedelia and seemed to grow fresh sets of demon teeth by the minute. MB

open image in gallery The origin of Supersonic alone is the ultimate in Manc-rock cockiness ( Fear PR )

1. Supersonic

Many of the most definitive Oasis songs spelt out the bands defining traits like a ladrock Sesame Street. Rock  n Roll Star: theyre quietly confident in their stadium-filling abilities. Live Forever: immortality is all part of the master plan. Cigarettes and Alcohol: theyve been known, on occasion, to quite like it somewhat large. Supersonic, though, is the best Oasis song because its significantly more show-dont-tell. The song itself oozes the confidence, melodic brilliance and superstar quality their other hits often have to ram down our throats. And that it was an immediate shoo-in for their debut single the minute they wrote it is testament to how it crystallised everything great about Oasis in 1994 without even trying.

Its origin alone is the ultimate in Manc-rock cockiness. Noel knocked the whole thing off the top of his head in half an hour during a demo session, while his band had a Chinese takeaway. They recorded it in a day for about 200 and released it as it was: Why try to recreate genius? Noel said. As a result, it sounds like the primal spirit of the band caught on cocaine-coloured vinyl. It  yes  swaggers in on a winding guitar riff fully aware of its own ragged brilliance and a drumbeat that squares up to you like youve just elbowed its bump all over Salfords roughest boozer. It encapsulates their trademark gnarled glam roar that, overnight, rescued the rock zeitgeist from Seattles torture basements and smuggled it back to the home of T Rex, Bowie, Zeppelin and their beloved Sixties pop melodicism.

Its nonsense lyrics  loners living under waterfalls, Alka-Seltzer addicts with a thing for flying doctors  were far and away the best Noel would ever write; all sex, drugs and psychedelia, but wry and cryptic enough not to sound like a corny Sixties throwback, or a script for a Flaming Lips video. And its all delivered by Liam at the most self-assured hed ever sound. Which is saying something.

Supersonic wasnt just one of indie rocks greatest arrival announcements since This Charming Man (superseded, in the interim, only by Suedes The Drowners). Nor merely a mission statement that, in itself, completed the mission. It was the sound of an instant, one-band British rocknroll revival; its electric clash of attitude and ability hit Britpop like an H-bomb and set the tone for however much of the Nineties was left standing. The sound barrier broke on single one; from there, it was all a downward glide. MB
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Bob Geldof has rejected the idea that he is a white saviour due to his charity work in Africa.

The Irish musician and activist has found himself described as such since the Eighties, when he first began raising awareness of the famine in Ethiopia.

Geldof helped create Do They Know It's Christmas? Band Aid single and organised the 1985 Live Aid concerts, which raised funds for the cause.

The 73-year-old, however, takes issue with being called a white saviour. The term is attributed to white people helping non-white people for self-serving purposes, such as admiration from others.

It comes from all that 1968 Derrida/Foucault language b****cks, he told The Times, referring to French philosophers Jacques Derrida and Michel Foucault. Its nonsense.

The Boomtown Rats frontman admitted, however, that he had initially understood the argument.

I was a late 20th-century creature of the media, he said. Im only in Africa because of television and some guy writing in The Times. The media came to me and said, When are you going to Africa? I said, What are you talking about? They said, You have to go. And I said, Why? And they said, Because youre the f***ing story.

He continued: And I said, Im not the story. People are f***ing dying of no food in a world of surplus food, thats the story. And they said, We cant keep doing the starving child, the starving mother, weve done it, Bob.

This is not the first time that Geldof has spoken out against the term. In 2024, Geldof dismissed a critical comment from the Guardian  which highlighted how some viewed Live Aid as reinforcing a patronising image of Africa as a continent desperate for, and dependent on, western aid  as the greatest load of b****cks ever.

open image in gallery Bob Geldofs Live Aid concerts raised more than 114m for the famine in Ethiopia ( Getty )

If there was a famine in Italy and someone reacts and theyre white, are they a white saviour? Are the only people allowed to react to an African famine Black? he said in response.

Are they the only ones allowed to do it? Because, wow, people in Africa are Black, so it can only be a Black person who does that. If theres a famine where people are green, do you have to be green to do it? This is a nonsensical, absolutely dismissive argument. It is. I think its rubbish.

Controversy erupted again later that year after a new version of Do They Know Its Christmas? was released to celebrate its 40th anniversary. The updated song featured the vocals of Ed Sheeran, who claimed that he was not asked permission to use his voice on the track.

Posting to Instagram Stories, Sheeran shared a comment by Ghanaian-British musician Fuse ODG, who accused the campaign of [dehumanising] Africans and [destroying] our pride and identity in the name of charity.

open image in gallery Bob Geldof and Ed Sheeran shared a disagreement over the release of the Band Aid 40 single in 2024 ( Getty )

My approval wasnt sought on this new Band Aid 40 release and had I had the choice I would have respectfully declined the use of my vocals, Sheeran wrote.

A decade on and my understanding of the narrative associated with this has changed, eloquently explained by [Fuse ODG]. This is just my personal stance. Im hoping its a forward-looking one. Love to all.

In response, Geldof defended the songs legacy of fundraising to support those in need.

This little pop song has kept millions of people alive, he told The Sunday Times, listing the work the charity does including education and healthcare.

Why would Band Aid scrap feeding thousands of children dependent on us for a meal? Why not keep doing that? Because of an abstract wealthy-world argument, regardless of its legitimacy?

He continued: No abstract theory regardless of how sincerely held should impede or distract from that hideous, concrete real-world reality. There are 600 million hungry people in the world  300 million are in Africa. We wish it were other but it is not. We can help some of them. Thats what we will continue to do.
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Oasis have officially reunited, with Liam and Noel Gallagher performing for the first time together in 15 years.

On Friday (4 July), thousands of fans gathered at Principality Park in Cardiff to watch the rock band, who broke up after a backstage fight in 2009, tear through their many hits.

The reunion announcement came 15 years after Noel quit the Britpop band, saying he simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer, following a brawl at the Rock en Seine festival in Paris.

But they confirmed the Oasis Live 25 tour last August, and after their UK and Ireland leg is over, they will perform shows in countries including America, Mexico, Brazil and Japan.

Much of the discussion surrounding their return is what songs the Gallagher brothers will play, with setlist rumours trickling in throughout the week.

Fans across Cardiff claim to have heard what they believe to be rehearsals in the Principality, with songs including: Rock n Roll Star, Whatever, Slide Away, Some Might Say, Cigarettes & Alcohol, Live Forever and Wonderwall.

open image in gallery Oasis reunion tour has kicked off ( Big Brother Recordings )

Find the first official Oasis 2025 setlist below.

Hello

Acquiesce

Morning Glory

Some Might Say

Bring It on Down

Fade Away

Supersonic

Roll With It

Talk Tonight

Half the World Away

Little by Little

DYou Know What I Mean?

Stand by Me

Cast No Shadow

Slide Away

Whatever

Live Forever

Rock 'N' Roll Star

open image in gallery Liam Gallagher at Oasis first reunion show ( REUTERS )

Encore

The Masterplan

Dont Look Back in Anger

Wonderwall

Champagne Supernova
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on the return of Ukrainian servicemen from Russian captivity in exchange.

"Our people are at home. Most of them have been in Russian captivity since 2022. Today, our soldiers who defended Ukraine in different regions are returning: Donetsk region and Mariupol, Luhansk, Kharkiv, and Kherson regions. These are soldiers of the Armed Forces, National Guard, State Border Guard Service, State Special Transport Service. As well as civilians," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram on Friday.

However, he did not specify the number of people who managed to be returned.
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Robbie Williams has revealed a blue plaque in London to honour Oasis as the band begin their reunion tour tonight (July 4).

The plaque has been installed on Berwick Street, Soho, which was the location for the cover of Oasis second album (What's The Story) Morning Glory? (1995)

It reads: Robbie Williams - heard it, saw it, loved it, lived it, wanted it and snorted it ... Thats The Story.

In an Instagram post, the pop star posted a picture of the sign, commenting: Good luck tonight lads.

Williams also recreated the iconic album cover, which features DJ Sean Rowley and Brian Cannon, the albums designer, walking past one another.

The former Take That band member can be seen wearing the infamous red tracksuit he sported at Glastonbury in 1995.

Williams upcoming album, Britpop, which was recently previewed, also sees him wearing the same outfit on its cover.

Last month, Williams unveiled a blue plaque at Glastonbury to mark 30 years since his visit to the festival, which sparked rumour as to whether he would be performing a secret set at the event.

While discussing Oasis reunion with NME in 2024, Williams said: The soap opera alone will either be exciting and or ghoulish to watch. As for the shows? Theyre gonna be incredible, off-the-scale special.

A rift between the artists erupted after Noel Gallagher referred to Williams as the fat dancer from Take That, which led to the pop star challenging Liam to a fight at the 2000 Brit Awards.

In 2022, Williams told Apple Musics Zane Lowe that the two Gallagher brothers were gigantic bullies, although he admitted he was still a huge fan of the band.

Oasis take to the stage of Cardiffs Principality Stadium tonight, with support from Cast and Richard Ashcroft of the Verve.

During an interview with talkSPORT, Noel teased that the band are sounding huge and theres no going back now.

The reunion announcement came 15 years after Noel quit the Britpop band, saying he simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer, following a backstage brawl at the Rock en Seine festival in Paris.

The brothers announced the Oasis Live 25 tour last August, starting with two dates in Cardiff on Friday and Saturday (5 July), before heading across the UK and Ireland. They will then take the tour to Japan, South Korea, South America, Australia and North America.
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Kae Tempest describes his new album, Self Titled, as a celebration of the journey hes been on for the past five years. This means the records distinctively raw, buttonholing saff-east London poetry comes charged with some biblically bold production courtesy of Grammy winner Fraser T Smith (best known for his work with Stormzy, Raye and Adele). He delivers mighty orchestration and beats that come crashing down from Tempests mountain with the heft of stone tablets. Facing down those whose fear leads them to view trans people as disgusting on single Statue in the Square, Tempest assures his community that: We dont need their permission to shine!

That confidence has been hard won. Anyone who saw the 2023 BBC documentary Being Kae Tempest will have seen the then 37-year-old poet, playwright, author and rapper bluntly breaking down the distress of gender dysphoria and his struggles with panic attacks before finding calm I have never known after receiving top surgery. People are obsessed about how difficult being trans is, he told NME in April. Being trans isnt difficult, its f***ing extraordinarily beautiful. Whats difficult is being in the closet, hiding from yourself, lying to yourself, the living death of self-denial the hatred I get from other people is nothing compared to the fear, pain and hatred I was giving myself.

On the single Diagnoses  over which Smith scrawls an acidic synth hook  Tempest spits out an alphabet spaghetti of challenges facing his audience. C-PTSD, ADHD, OCD and PMDD/ Anxious attachment TBI/ But its the world thats sick baby, were alright The much-garlanded child of a media lawyer and a teacher then gives us a wink and notes that, at risk of losing us in the slew of acronyms, its lucky that I turned down that MBE. Its a line that both cements his allegiance to his outsider tribe and also sparkles with a cheeky wit  one this album could probably have used a little more of.

Tempest has often been accused of a wearying earnestness. Live shows  such as his charismatic set at Glastonbury  can dispel this, but on record, you still sometimes catch a stale whiff of the sixth-form common room that could be blown away with a little more humour. But Tempests blunt reality cuts both ways. The moments that make you wince or drift into mundanity can also be the most human and relatable. There he is on a bus, in the rain on Sunshine on Catford, while Neil Tennants singing swooshes over Tempests rapped bars like a windscreen wiper. The Pet Shop Boy has always made a point of setting moments of personal drama against the comforting/dispiriting grey of English suburbia. His light, thin, arch voice is the perfect foil for Tempests deeper, more urgent register.

While the first half of the album delivers string-soaked, high-stakes drama, the second settles into more reflective electronica. Bless the Bold Future has a cool, trancey vibe over which Tempest explores the societal tendency to repeat patterns. Prayers to Whisper and Hyperdistillation ride on loping trip-hop beats and cooling ripples of piano while Forever brings some pizzicato punch to the party. Tempest plods a little through his breakdown of the social issues  poverty and addiction  facing modern Brits. There is power and truth in his weary clarity, but it can also feel a little prosaic. The pace, if not the mood, picks up on Breathe as Tempest addresses gang culture and describes a scene in which he found himself with blood on his trainers, delivered over a jittery trap beat that recalls Mike Skinner.

Props go to Smith for keeping the sonic textures varied; he chucks in samples throughout and eases us into the final track, Till Morning, with the bluesy gust of a harmonica. He ensures Tempests personal story maintains its accessible momentum, hopefully ensuring that, as well as providing comfort to existing fans, Self Titled should reach the ears of those who might not otherwise engage with these unique human stories.
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A voice declares this is not a drill, a barrage of reunion headlines fill the stadium-wide screens. Two brothers walk on a stage hand-in-hand, one wails hello, hello, its good to be back, while the other provides grunge-glam guitar, and its like Caesar swaggered home.

And so, after much fan frenzy and media frothing, finally begins the rock reunion to end them all. And thats no overstatement. Its tough to imagine another non-pop comeback on such a momentous scale that might keep the reunion industry ticking over in years to come. Could The Smiths fill seven Wembley Stadiums overnight? A reunited Pink Floyd? Led Zeppelin, even? And what are the chances of those ever happening?

To fully conceive the significance of the Oasis reunion we must finally crystalise their place in rocknroll history. Throughout the Nineties they cockily aspired to be the biggest British band since The Beatles, and by some measures they were. The Stones, Queen, Zep, U2 and Floyd all had their triumphal eras and several shifted more units, but consider this  if all 2.5 million people who applied for tickets to see Oasis at Knebworth in 1996 had got one, the band would have played 20 nights there.

That was the mark of a true phenomenon; in comparison, punk was but a (extraordinarily influential) flash in the pan. And  uniquely  its a phenomenon that the bucket hat-wearing hordes of Cardiffs Principality Stadium get to relive authentically on Friday night. Unlike the recent Blur and Pulp reunions, the euphoria involved in watching the Gallagher brothers together onstage after 16 years of virulent animosity is little to do with hearing these songs played live again. Although, over two hours of Oasis hits uninterrupted by solo material is a massive fan rush that has much of this mixed and surprisingly unladdish crowd roaring along like Britpop warriors throughout. Theres not much of the setlist that you couldnt have heard any time in the past 10 years or so performed by one Gallagher or the other. Yes, there is a life-affirming Hollywood ending to the sight of warring brothers united after such a long, vicious and tawdry online soap opera, described by one hysterical backstage newscaster as Shakespearean. But that too is only a third of the Morning Glory story.

The real underlying thrill is of a historical moment fully revived. For all the laddish boorishness that Oasis undoubtedly encapsulated, the Britpop era, for Millennials and Gen Zers alike, is as halcyon as Beatlemania or the summer of love  a time of vivid colour, jubilant melody, political stability and affordable flats. And to be a part of this second wind of torrid Oasismania, hyped by effusive press coverage and leading to historic shows such as this one, is as close to actually being there as its possible to get. For this multi-generational crowd, both nostalgia heads and those whove waited a whole lifetime to spend a day in the Gallagherss reflected sunshine, Oasis in Cardiff is their bona fide Shea Stadium 1965. 2.5 million wanted Knebworth 96 tickets; 14 million wanted tickets to this tour. This generations Oasis moment is now.

That the show opens with Hello, a thunderous, brotherly Acquiesce  We need each other/ We believe in one another, Noel admits, fairly convincingly  and a Liam cry of Yes beautiful people, we turned up! is as predictable as the lager showers that greet each, but this is not a night for the obtuse. Some Might Say follows Morning Glory and Oasis pile into the hit-hammering job in hand, in chunky and re-energised form. The punk roots of Bring it on Down and Cigarettes and Alcohol  thrown out early, with Liam strangely insisting we turn our backs on them until the riff kicks in  may re-curl their classic snarl. Oasis were never a band of much emotional venting or brotherly onstage banter. But there is a heartwarming closure in seeing the two juxtaposed on side-by-side screen panels, sharing chorus lines like some might say we will find a brighter day again.

open image in gallery This generations Oasis moment is now: Noel Gallagher during the first night in Cardiff for Oasis Live 25 ( Reuters )

The cockiness of 50 million quid or so in each of their back pockets prompts bold moves. Supersonic, one of their best songs, rockets by just half an hour in. Roll With It, among their most pedestrian, pounds out like a highlight of the canon, strafed with expensive psychedelic montage visuals, and is duly received as such. At a momentous moment in even his elevated career, Noel mumbles his crowd chat before an exquisite solo segment of Talk Tonight, a rousing, horn-stroked Half the World Away  rocks ultimate B-side singalong?  and a swelling, kaleidoscopic Little By Little as though hes trying to justify a pumped-up plumbing quote.

open image in gallery The band reunites after 16 years ( PA )

Restraining order conditions presumably fulfilled, Liam returns for an inevitable period of mid-set plodding. DYou Know What I Mean is an elephantine slab of stodge with no purpose other than to prove they can recover from it. Thankfully a majestic, Bowie-honouring Stand By Me, festooned with visuals of family snapshots, makes it look like a disco nap and Cast No Shadow quickly regains sublime ground. From there its a historic closing stretch: an almighty Slide Away; the crowd carrying the orchestral refrain of Whatever; an elemental Live Forever, complete with a back-of-shirt tribute to late Liverpool star Diogo Jota.

Having punched their way out of the main set with a climactic RocknRoll Star and returned to introduce uber legend Bonehead on guitar, they construct the sort of vaulting encore that their Nineties peers could only sporadically match. Noels elegantly crafted The Masterplan sets up a roof-rattling singalong to Dont Look Back in Anger that makes the subsequent Wonderwall feel slight, and Champagne Supernova sends Cardiff home suitable heart-swollen and glimmer-eyed.

All the hits, precious little slack and a casual brotherly hug as they leave. Was it worth the 40,000 you paid for a ticket? Liam asks at one point, and the most gouged among us howls the affirmative. To a reviewer who saw Oasis both at Knebworth and on many a post-Nineties slogathon, this is the best theyve been since 96. Some might say better.
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Gary Lineker has hit out at his former employer, stating that the BBC is bowing to pressure from the top.

The former Match of the Day host, who quit the corporation after 28 years earlier this year, attended a screening of the highly anticipated documentary Gaza: Doctors Under Attack in London on Thursday (3 July).

A synopsis for the film states that it examines allegations that Israeli forces have repeatedly targeted hospitals and healthcare workers during the Gaza conflict in breach of international law. Israel denies this claim.

Produced by Basement Films and commissioned by the BBC, the documentary was later pulled by the corporation over impartiality concerns. The decision prompted an outcry from the public, with British director Mike Leigh and Susan Sarandon among the 600 public figures who demanded the documentarys release.

Gaza: Doctors Under Attack eventually found a home on Channel 4, where it aired on Wednesday (2 July). The rights were also acquired by Zeteo, who released the film globally on the same day.

One of the most important films Ive ever seen, certainly the most moving. I might need a minute here, said Lineker in footage shared on social media that appeared to show the presenter tearing up during a panel appearance.

It needed to be seen. It really did need to be seen. I think everyone would agree with that, he continued. I think the BBC should hold its head in shame. Ive worked for the corporation for 30 years; to see the way its declined in the last year or two has been devastating really. Ive defended it and defended it against claims that it is partial.

Lineker held back tears as he shared his thoughts at a screening in London ( Getty Images )

Lineker added: It talks about impartiality all the time. The truth is at the moment, at the very top of the BBC, not the BBC all over, because as you know there are thousands and thousands of people who work at the BBC that are good people that understand what is going on here and can see it.

Were seeing it on our phones everyday. The problem is theyre bowing to pressure from the top and this is a worry. I think the time is coming where a lot of people are going to be answerable to this and complicity is something that will come to many.

The Independent has contacted the BBC for comment.

In a statement issued on 20 June, the BBC explained its decision to not air the movie. 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.

Channel 4s head of news, current affairs and specialist factual and sport, Louis Compton, later green-lit the project, stating the film 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.

Compton added: 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.

Gaza: Doctors Under Attack is now available to watch on Channel 4.
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Former Love Island USA contestant Yulissa Escobar has opened up about her unceremonious exit from the shows seventh season after videos of her making racial slurs resurfaced online.

Escobar, who was one of 10 original singletons to join the reality series current season, was quietly removed last month in episode two. At the time, the shows narrator, Iain Stirling, simply stated that Yulissa has left the villa, without further elaborating.

It was later reported that her departure came amid immense fan backlash over old podcast clips showing her using the N-word.

The Miami-born entrepreneur has now spoken out in a new TikTok video to share the real story of her exit.

She prefaced the video, admitting that while she cant share certain things, she will share the majority of what happened.

Yulissa Escobar was booted from season seven of 'Love Island USA' after racist comments she made resurfaced ( Peacock )

So, regular ass day. I did not wake up in the middle of the night, they didnt get me in the f***ing morning. They didnt drag my ass out of bed, Escobar explained.

She said she was sitting and waiting with the other contestants for the arrival of bombshells Cierra and Charlie, when she was then called to the front to meet with the producers, expecting it was just to film a confessional.

But she soon realized something serious was happening when a producer asked her to take off her mic.

I honestly got scared, I thought something was happening with a family member or something. I didnt know what was going on, Escobar said. They didnt really tell me anything, they just said, you know, a video resurfaced [on the] internet and its not looking too good.

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She explained that at that point, because she didnt have her phone, she wasnt sure what video they were referring to.

After the producers confirmed she was being sent home, she was taken to a hotel and left without her phone for two days while awaiting the release of the two episodes she appeared in.

During that time, she was losing my f***ing mind because I didnt know what was going on. I just knew that there was a video out there.

So finally, I got my phone back, and when I got my phone back, I was like, Holy s*** no way, and it was a lot. It was a lot to take in, she said, adding that she continued to frantically search her name on the web.

And I was like, f***, no. I cant believe people think Im racist. I mean, I get it, I said a word that I should have not said, Escobar acknowledged.

I wish I would have never said that, she said. It is what it is. I cant go back in time. I am sorry that I said that word.

Escobar previously addressed the controversy in a June Instagram post, apologizing for using a word I never shouldve used, a racial slur.

I used it ignorantly, not fully understanding the weight, history, or pain behind it. I wasnt trying to be offensive or harmful, but I recognize now that intention doesnt excuse impact. And the impact of that word is real. Its tied to generations of trauma, and it is not mine to use, she wrote.

At the time, I was speaking casually in conversation, not thinking deeply or critically about what I was saying. But that doesnt take away from how wrong it was. The truth is, I didnt know better then, but I do now. Ive taken the time to reflect, to learn, and to grow from that moment.
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Netflix subscribers have been left heartbroken over the cancellation of The Residence.

The streaming service has made a habit of prematurely cancelling acclaimed shows over the years, with the most controversial cases including The OA, Mindhunter and Kaos, all of which were canned despite securing a cult fanbase.

It has now been announced that murder mystery series The Residence, starring Orange is the New Blacks Uzo Aduba, will not be returning for a second season.

The Residence followed eccentric detective Cordelia Cupp (Aduba), who is invited to the White House to solve a murder that was committed during a state dinner.

Reviews for the series were positive upon its release in March, with fans and critics expressing hope that Cordelia Cupp would return to solve more mysteries in future seasons in a similar vein to Benoit Blanc, Daniel Craigs super detective in the Knives Out film series.

While the show earned strong ratings for the streaming giant, it is believed that Netflix bosses had higher expectations for its performance. The shows overall success may have also been impacted by the fact it followed a week after the release of Adolescence, one of Netflixs most successful titles.

Another reason for its cancellation could be down to budget. The Residence was praised by fans for its impressive production design, which saw the White House re-created across seven stages. According to Netflix, this reconstruction included 144,000 pounds of flooring and 10 miles of molding.

open image in gallery The Residence has been cancelled by Netflix ( Netflix )

Fans have been left unimpressed by the news of its cancellation, with one viewer writing on X: The Residence was actually good wtf.

Another added: Too bad  The Residence was excellent. A third frustrated subscriber wrote: The Residence, another incredible series that Netflix abandons after just one season.

The Residence is not alone, however, with Netflix also announcing that Pulse will not be returning for a second season either. The series, starring Willa Fitzgerald, Colin Woodell and Justina Machado, followed a group of ER residents in a Miami hospital.

Fans of the medical drama were left particularly upset by news of the cancellation due to the fact season one had ended on a cliffhanger.

open image in gallery Pulse has been cancelled by Netflix ( Netflix )

Brooklyn Nine-Nine star Andre Braugher had been midway through filming The Residence when he died in 2023 of lung cancer. Although there was speculation the actor might appear posthumously in the show, the team made the decision to recast his role, with Breaking Bad star Giancarlo Esposito playing the part.

Esposito said it a difficult decision for me to step into the shoes of Andre.

When the series launched on Netflix in March this year, fans noticed that the show was dedicated to Braugher.
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Amal Clooney has opened up about how incredibly lucky she feels to share her life with husband George Clooney.

In a new interview, the human rights lawyer spoke about the balance she and the Oceans Eleven actor have found between their professional responsibilities and parenting.

I have a partner in life who is so supportive of what I do. So I dont feel like I have to apologise for it or rein it in, Amal told Charlotte Tilbury in a conversation for Glamour.

And I remember when I became a mom, which was obviously a new frontier, he was the first one to say, I know youve got this speech at the Security Council. You have to go, Ive got the kids, dont worry about it. I feel so incredibly lucky to share every day with him. And now were four. And I dont take any of it for granted. I treasure the laughter and the joy that I get from just being with them.

The couple got married in September 2014, and welcomed twins, Alexander and Ella, in 2017.

open image in gallery ( Getty Images )

Amal also talked about the strict no phones policy she follows at home to ensure their children are kept out of the spotlight.

Creating private moments and spaces is becoming increasingly difficult. But thats also why we entertain a lot at home. I now have a phone basket that I use to take everyones phones away! Its important to get that balance where you have time alone with your family and with your friends where people feel like you can have a safe and frank exchange, she said.

And I would say becoming a parent means youre more troubled by some of the intrusions. So we do the best we can to minimise any impact on our children. We dont put our children out there, weve never put their photo out there or anything like that.

George has also previously spoken of how important it was to him to keep their children out of media headlines.

I have a goal of trying to protect, I dont want pictures of my kids. We deal in very serious subject matters, with very serious bad guys, and we dont want to have photos of our kids out there. So we have to work hard at trying to stay private, and its tricky, as you can imagine, he said in an interview with GQ last year.

open image in gallery Amal also spoke at length about the philanthropic work she does with the Buckingham Palace for the The Kings Trust ( Getty Images )

Amal also spoke at length about the philanthropic work she does with the Buckingham Palace for the The Kings Trust, and the establishment of the Amal Clooney Womens Empowerment Award.

I was really touched and really honoured that we could have this opportunity to shine a light on one example of what they do, which is try to empower women through up-skilling and training in some of the most remote parts of places like Kenya and India and Pakistan, she said.
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Bravo reality star Janet Caperna has reportedly left her home in America for Switzerland amid a wave of hateful messages from viewers.

Caperna, known for being an antagonist on The Valley, a Vanderpump Rules spin-off following five couples in Californias San Fernando Valley, spoke out about her decision to flee the country with her husband, Jason, and their 18-month-old son, Cameron. She has also made her Instagram account private.

Im sick of threats and slurs being normalized because we signed up for this when we joined reality TV, she told the Daily Mail.

Thats sick and not normal and Im not ever going to pretend its normal or acceptable to message strangers threats and slurs, Caperna added. Its sad to me that people go this far, its definitely the worst part about this job.

She continued: Im learning how to put boundaries on social media in place and learning as I go. I support healthy dialogue around reality TV and think some of the best conversations about modern culture stem from shows like ours.

open image in gallery Jason and Janet Caperna have been married since June 2022, and share one 18-month-old son, Cameron ( Getty Images for CLD PR and Settecento )

Im far from perfect, and people are seeing the best and worst of all of us when we put our lives in front of cameras. My hope is people can have fun conversations about reality TV without going as far as some have recently.

Along with her statement, she included some of the threatening messages she allegedly received from online trolls.

In one of the screenshot messages, shes told: I hope you rot like you deserve. I hope your child grows up absolutely hating you.

Go drown in a sewer like the dirty attention seeking rat you are, the message reads.

open image in gallery The Valleys Janet Caperna is known for causing drama on the reality series ( Getty Images )

A second claimed: I know where you live. Ive seen where your son goes when youre not with him, while another told her to die a slow and painful death.

Caperna additionally opened up about the hostile DMs shes been sent on the latest episode of her This Side of the Hill podcast.

Speaking with her co-host, Jared Lipscomb, she said she was surprised to see that a majority of the profiles messaging her appeared to belong to normal and sweet women.

It makes me wonder, how many people throughout my day am I interacting with that are like this behind closed doors? the TV personality said. Like, when Im checking out at the grocery store, is that person messaging someone that they dont like, hate like this?

Caperna, a former assistant to Cameron Diaz, has appeared on The Valley since its March 2024 debut. Throughout her time on the Vanderpump Rules spinoff, shes infamously feuded with co-stars Kristen Doute, Nia Sanchez, and Danny Booko.

The Valley is currently airing its second season, which is expected to come to an end soon before production begins on season three.
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Red Dwarf actor Chris Barrie has cancelled his forthcoming public appearances due to an ongoing medical situation.

The 65-year-old played Arnold Rimmer on the popular science fiction sitcom, which aired on the BBC from 1988 to 1999 and on Dave from 2009 to 2020. The show, starring Craig Charles as Dave Lister, the last living human, gained a cult following over time.

Barrie, also known for his role as Gordon Brittas in The Brittas Empire, was scheduled to appear at London Comic Con over the weekend alongside Red Dwarf co-stars Robert Llewellyn, Craig Charles, Danny John-Jules, and Hattie Hayridge.

In a post shared to his website on Thursday (3 July), Barrie told fans he could no longer make the event.

Hello everyone. Im going to be brief, but over the last week I have been dealing with a medical situation which I am only just beginning to get my head around, he said.

In the light of this I shall be attending no more events over the summer and into the autumn. Updates on all this will be issued as and when.

Scheduled to appear at the Newcastle comedy event Scarborough Unleashed on 9 November, Barrie said that he would leave this date on his calendar in the interim.

In the meantime I shall leave Scarborough on the itinerary for now and will look forward to returning there in the early winter, he said. Obviously I shall miss not being with the posse in London this Sunday but Im afraid that is the way it is. Enjoy!

Craig Charles as Dave Lister (left), Robert Llewellyn as Kryten (middle) and Chris Barrie as Arnold Rimmer (right) attend a photocall for the return of Red Dwarf with a new six-part series 'Red Dwarf X' on October 3, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart Wilson/Getty Images) ( Getty Images )

At the peak of its popularity, Red Dwarf attracted more than 8m viewers, sold over 11.5 million DVD and videos worldwide, and was broadcast in some 25 territories worldwide. The series also won International Emmy and British Comedy Awards.

When it was revived in 2009, Charles left his role as Lloyd Mullaney on Coronation Street to take up the gig.

I have had an absolutely fantastic 10 years on Coronation Street and I will be very sad to leave. Lloyd has become a huge part of my life and I have made some amazing friends with whom I will always keep in touch, said Charles.

But I feel I owe it to my colleagues on Red Dwarf to join them in filming the new series and finding out what is in store for Lister and the others. I would love to return to Coronation Street at some point in the future.
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Sophia Hutchins, the 29-year-old manager and close friend of Caitlyn Jenner, has been killed in a road collision that sent her plummeting down a cliff.

Hutchins, who has managed Jenners business affairs since 2017, was driving an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) when she reportedly ran into another cars bumper with such impact that it sent the vehicle plunging 350 feet down into a ravine.

The accident, which was first reported by TMZ, occurred near her home in Malibu and Hutchins was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

There were two people in the car hit by Hutchins ATV, but they were not injured in the crash.

The Independent has contacted Jenner, authorities and the Kardashians for comment.

Hutchins, who was the CEO of a now-defunct beauty brand, formed a close bond with Jenner after meeting in 2015 when she came out as a transgender woman. They were introduced by their hairdresser.

She regularly appeared in the documentary tracking Jenners life post-transition, I Am Cait, as well as Keeping Up with the Kardashians.

open image in gallery Businesswoman Sophia Hutchins went to Pepperdine and became Caitlyn Jenners manager in 2017 ( Getty Images for Vanity Fair )

In 2017, Hutchins, who was also transgender, replaced Jenners ex-wife Kris Jenner as Caitlins manager following their divorce, moving into her Malibu home worth $3.5m.

She also became CEO and director of the Caitlyn Jenner Foundation, a non-profit organisation that promotes equality and combats discrimination against transgender people.

After posting regular photos from the mansion, it was incorrectly reported that the pair were romantically linked  but Hutchins told The New York Times in 2018 that this was never the case.

She spoke about their friendship in more detail on The Hidden Truth podcast, stating: I wouldnt describe it as romantic. I would describe it as: were partners, business partners.

We have so much in common and see the world so similarly, and are both such a good match for each other because we challenge each other. Were partners in everything we do  were inseparable, were business partners, we live together, we share a dog, we share family, we share a life together.

open image in gallery Caitlyn Jenner and Sophia Hutchins first met in 2017, forming a close bond ( Getty Images for EJAF )

She said that she offered to manage Jenner as she noticed all these people taking massive advantage of the reality star, who appeared on ITV series Im a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Haere! in 2019.

I was saying: Caitlyn, if I dont step in here and start managing you, youre going to go broke, she told The New York Times in 2019.

Hutchins also revealed that she was supported by Jenners ex Kris, with whom Caitlin has two daughters, Kylie and Kendall Jenner.

Its not like were like girlfriends having drinks all the time, but you know, if theres ever a concern or ever a question or anything I have needed help with, Kris would be the first phone call, Hutchins told Behind the Velvet Rope podcast in 2020.
Despite his campaign promise to end the bloodshed in Ukraine in 24 hours, US President Donald Trump has been unable to make progress on a ceasefire and is hesitant about further sanctions against Moscow, insisting on closer economic ties with the Kremlin, Politico wrote on Friday.

That debate is also firing up his administration. While White House special envoy Steve Witkoff wants to lift energy sanctions on Russia, according to two people familiar with the matter, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum would rather displace Moscow to make room for more U.S. imports, the publication reports.

In any case, Europes energy sector is at the heart of that potential cooperation. Moscow is in talks with Washington over restarting Nord Stream, backed by U.S. investors.

Thats sparking anxiety in Brussels. Trump and Putin want to divide the European energy market and create [separate] spheres of influence, said a second EU official, also granted anonymity.
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Bryan Kohberger, who pleaded guilty this week to the brutal murders of four University of Idaho students, will likely spend the rest of his life in whats widely considered one of the worst prisons in the country.

Tucked away in a desolate area on the outskirts of the capital Boise, the Idaho Maximum Security Institution (IMSI), has earned a grim reputation for its harsh conditions with allegations of abusive guards, violent brawls, feces-covered recreation cages and a dirty ventilation system described as being biohazard.

The maximum-security facility houses some of the states most dangerous criminals  including convicted killer Chad Daybell, the husband of Doomsday cult mom Lori Vallow.

And now, 30-year-old Kohberger is expected to join them after he is sentenced later this month for the sayings of Maddie Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin, a case that rocked the small college town of Moscow in November 2022, the New York Post reported.

open image in gallery Bryan Kohberger admitted to killing four University of Idaho students and will be sentenced on July 23. Hes expected to be transferred from Ada County Jail to the Idaho Maximum Security Institution ( AP )

In the two and a half 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 option to spare his life before the start of Kohbergers highly-anticipated trial in August.

Kohberger avoided the death penalty in pleading guilty to the crimes this week in exchange for spending the rest of his life in prison.

He has been held at the Ada County Jail in Boise under maximum security since the trial was moved from Moscow. But now he will live out the rest of his days at a remote prison about 10 miles south  a place surrounded by a double perimeter fence with razor wire, an electronic detection system, and 24-hour armed guards.

Its a place that was designed for what the Idaho Department of Correction describes as the states most disruptive male residents.

In 2024, the Security Journal Americas named IMSI one of the 15 Worst Prisons in America, along with the Louisiana State Penitentiary known as The Farm, Californias San Quentin, and New Yorks Attica Correctional Facility.

open image in gallery In 2024, the Security Journal Americas named IMSI one of the 15 Worst Prisons in America ( Google/Security Journal Americas )

The unfavorable recognition came after 90 inmates went on a hunger strike demanding better treatment and services.

Reports at the time cited excessive use of solitary confinement, a lack of mental health resources, and a tense and volatile environment stemming from overcrowding and inmate violence, according to the Idaho Statesman.

Solitary confinement at IMSI has long been a point of concern. In 2016, then-Director of the Idaho Department of Correction, Kevin Kempf, launched efforts to reform the practice, noting that many inmates were confined alone for up to 23 hours a day, with minimal human contact, meals delivered in their cells, and showers limited to three times a week  a routine that, for some, lasts years, local outlet KBOI reported.

open image in gallery Reports at the time cited excessive use of solitary confinement, a lack of mental health resources, and a tense and volatile environment stemming from overcrowding and inmate violence ( KBOI )

Ninety-seven percent of these guys are going to get out and walk into an Idaho community, Kempf told KBOI at the time.

If we treat them like animals, theyre going to walk out of prison like that.

For Kohberger, his likely transfer to IMSI would mark the beginning of the life sentence without the possibility of parole plea deal he accepted in exchange for taking the death penalty off the table.

open image in gallery Maddie Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Ethan Chapin, 20, and Xana Kernodle, 20, were killed on November 13, 2022. Kohberger will spend the rest of his life behind bars for their murders ( Instagram )

The 11th hour bombshell decision came about just weeks before Kohbergers long-awaited trial was set to begin.

At his plea deal hearing on Wednesday, the former criminology student remained impassive as he admitted to breaking into the off-campus home and killing the four students who appeared to have no connection with him.

Prosecutors did not reveal a motive behind the slayings.
How did you feel when you heard that a jury of eight men and four women found Sean Diddy Combs not guilty of the most serious sexual crimes he was charged with by federal prosecutors? The reactions of most women I know ranged from sad to angry, but the overwhelming beat from my pinging WhatsApps was sad, but not surprised and how are we still here in 2025?

Although Judge Arun Subramanian denied Combs bail on Thursday, citing clear evidence of violence and lawlessness, the jury acquitted Diddy of racketeering and sexual trafficking. The latter acquittal  sex trafficking  means the jury was not convinced that the female witnesses were not consenting sexual partners.

For most women (and many men) who watched video evidence of violent assault and read the testimony of witnesses  describing years of violence, threats, rape and humiliation  this verdict felt like a heartbreaking letdown, and a grim and inevitable one too.

A jury of peers is a fundamental aspect of the justice system. But consider this. There were 77 million Americans who voted to re-elect Donald Trump as president after he was found liable for sexual abuse. Trumps America has invited in a parade of alleged sexual predators, from Andrew and Tristan Tate (currently being tried for rape and sex trafficking in Romania) to Irish MMA fighter Conor McGregor, found guilty of rape in a civil case in November 2024, who was seen partying at the White House on St Patricks Day in March 2025.

The manosphere has morphed from being a pathetic and abusive male subculture into something very mainstream.

As the British Netflix series Adolescence brilliantly and bleakly depicted, every student is literate in manosphere lore: they know their alphas from their betas, can spot a Chad or a Stacy, identify friends as incels or pick-up artists, and text abbreviated misogyny maxims like AWALT (all women are like that).

A mistrustful, conspiratorial and transactional attitude to women transcends social and educational barriers. Academic Jordan Peterson made it his business to argue that the masculine spirit is under assault, encouraging a victim mentality in disenfranchised young men.

But the statistics tell a different story from their poor men narrative. Across Europe, while overall crime rates are falling, reports of domestic violence and sexual assault are rising. But more subtle markers of modern misogyny are everywhere. Anecdotally, friends agree that were seeing fewer mixed male-female friendship groups hanging out and travelling together than when we grew up in the 1990s and 2000s. Online dating is increasingly viewed as a game, with gendered rules to follow, and winners and losers.

open image in gallery Cassie Ventura, pictured here in 2015, gave evidence at the musicians trial ( Invision/AP )

Unregulated online pornography available to all today is so violent, degrading and dangerously delusional that it makes pornography of the 1990s seem positively quaint. Dior still thought it appropriate to keep Johnny Depp as their front man for its Sauvage aftershave even after a courtroom heard his text messages describing how he wanted to burn or drown his partner Amber Heard.

Against this backdrop, it appears that in 2025 juries, there is still little understanding of consent. From the girls in the Rotherham child sexual exploitation scandal to women with A-list boyfriends, the legal system and courtroom feel like just another unsafe place for women.

When people look at someone staying in an abusive relationship with the assumption they can just walk out of it when things get dark, they are saying they have no understanding of the slow chipping away of agency that comes from sexual abuse, violence and coercive control. Yes, some people do leave, but thousands dont, which is why we are still left with the horrifying statistic of two women killed a week by a current or former partner.

open image in gallery Many of his supporters flocked to the courtroom despite seeing horrific video evidence of him violently attacking his partner ( AP )

We can have as many consent classes as we like in schools, but it appears that any progress having been made by the #Metoo movement, seven years on is being dialled back. And the backlash to women finding their voice has been swift and its punishment brutal, because this backlash brings with it self-righteousness, violence and intensity, and consequentially, hating women has never been such a popular and public position.

In the past, the abuse and exploitation of women was largely ignored. Now it feels like it is sometimes even celebrated with a sort of gleeful sadism posing as a mans fight for justice. Many famous men in the dock arent seen as accused criminals; theyre seen as warriors for modern masculinity, with an almost medieval degree of public ire and scorn levelled at their female accusers. Why? Because mainstream misogyny so often does a defences job for abusive men.

The prosecution in the P Diddy trial called 34 witnesses to describe Sean Combss violent and sexually violent behaviour over seven weeks of testimony, the star witnesses being ex-girlfriends Cassie Ventura, an R&B musician, and a woman identified only as Jane Doe.

open image in gallery Combs pictured attacking his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in 2016 ( CNN )

The defence chose not to invite witnesses to the stand to defend Diddy. Instead, they invoked the language which chimed with a misogynistic climate. The defence described Cassie Ventura as a winner and a woman who likes sex, a nasty piece of faux-feminism that deftly turns an exploited woman into a sneaky exploiter. They filled the courtroom with the ideas, language and well-worn tropes, suggestions that she probably enjoyed it, she was asking for it, she got what she wanted out of the deal and she could have left at any time. The language used to describe Sean Combs, meanwhile, was heroic verse, a man being unfairly victimised by an ultra-woke mainstream media and man-hating, glory-hunting prosecutors.

The so-called masculine energy rhetoric continued after the verdict: He showed up and tried this case like a man, announced Diddys defence lead Marc Agnifilo. Thats what winning is.

Sean Combs still faces up to 10 years in jail, and more than 30 civil sexual misconduct suits. Its not yet clear if this was a win for him. What is clear, however, is that in this climate of modern misogyny, we are all the losers.
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A man convicted of murdering a convenience store clerk during a 1997 robbery is set to be executed by nitrogen gas in Alabama this September.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has scheduled Geoffrey Todd West, 49, to be put to death on September 25.

West is on death row for the killing of Margaret Parrish Berry.

Prosecutors stated that West drove to Harolds Chevron in Attalla, a store where he had previously worked, with the intention of robbing it.

Berry, 33, was shot in the back of the head while lying on the floor behind the counter.

Court records indicate that $250 was stolen from a cookie can containing the stores money.

A jury found West guilty of capital murder, recommending a death sentence with a 10-2 vote. A judge subsequently upheld the recommendation, sentencing West to death.

open image in gallery Geoffrey Todd West will be executed in September ( Alabama Department of Corrections via AP )

During the 1999 sentencing, Etowah County Circuit Judge William Cardwell said that it was difficult to order the execution of a young man.

However, the shooting death was clearly deliberate and intentional, carried out execution style, the judge said.

Prosecutors also charged Wests girlfriend with the slaying. She pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 35 years in prison.

In 2024, Alabama became the first state to carry out an execution with nitrogen gas, a method that involves pumping nitrogen through a face mask and depriving the inmate of oxygen.

open image in gallery Alabama Governor Kay Ivey scheduled the execution for September 25 ( AP )

The method has now been used in six executions  five in Alabama and one in Louisiana. Alabama has scheduled another nitrogen execution in August.

Proponents claim it is an instant and painless death, while opponents claim it is untried and amounts to torture.

The method has sparked international backlash, including protests from the Vatican in 2024.

West was one of several Alabama inmates who selected nitrogen as their preferred execution method after state lawmakers authorized the method.

He made the selection before Alabama developed procedures for the method.
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An Oklahoma City pediatrician accused of killing her young daughter in what is believed to have been a staged drowning was fired from her job weeks before the alleged murder, it has been revealed.

Dr Neha Gupta has been charged with firstdegree murder after her four-year-old died in a residential pool at a South Florida shortterm rental on June 27.

Though initially considered an accident, an investigation led to Guptas arrest after her account unravelled. An autopsy later reportedly found no water in Aria Talathis lungs or stomach and a coroner determined her injuries likely came from asphyxiation by smothering.

The 36-year-old doctor had been terminated from her position at OU Health at the University of Oklahoma, on May 30  less than a month before the incident  the institute confirmed to Local 10 News. The University of Oklahoma also confirmed that Gupta is no longer affiliated with their health system.

In addition, court documents obtained by Local 10 revealed that Guptas ex-husband, Dr Saurabh Talathi, requested that she undergo psychiatric evaluations after the pair finalized their divorce in 2024. It is unclear if the evaluations ever took place.

open image in gallery Dr. Neha Gupta, 36, and her daughter, Aria Talathi, 4, were on vacation in El Portal, Florida, when the girl was found dead. ( Oklahoma County Detention Center )

According to Guptas lawyer, Richard Cooper, she and her daughter, Aria, were on vacation in El Portal when she called 911 about a child drowning in a residential pool at 3:40 a.m. on the day of the incident.

When officers arrived, Gupta walked them to the backyard where the child was unresponsive, still in the deep end, an autopsy report obtained by the outlet states.

Talathi was unresponsive and CPR was attempted. The child was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospitals Ryder Trauma Center, but was later pronounced dead.

However, an autopsy later 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 a claim by Gupta that she had eaten 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.

Cooper and Guptas other attorney, Michael Mirer, previously told Local 10 News: 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.

They added: We look forward to a full investigation which will uncover the truth of the matter.
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New DNA evidence has led to the arrest of a 72-year-old man accused of killing his girlfriend more than four decades ago.

Mark Sanfratello was arrested in Chico, California on Saturday in connection with the 1983 disappearance of his then-girlfriend Teresa Peroni. He was indicted on a murder charge Friday after new DNA evidence shed light on the cold case.

He is awaiting extradition to Josephine County, Oregon, the local sheriffs office said.

Peroni disappeared around July 4, 1983, when she was 27 years old. She was last seen at a party walking into a wooded area with Sanfratello, who was 29 years old. The couple had an argument over Peroni dating someone else shortly before she disappeared, according to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System.

Peronis family says the couple had other arguments, too. Her brother, Russell Neill, told The New York Times their aunt once witnessed Sanfratello become really furious with Peroni because she joined a church. Part of the reason Peroni joined the church was to turn her life around after going through a divorce before she met Sanfratello, Neill said.

open image in gallery Teresa Peroni poses for a photo one year before she disappeared. Her then-boyfriend Mark Sanfratello has been charged with her murder after police found new DNA evidence ( National Missing and Unidentified Persons System )

She had a lot of hurt and damage done to her but she still remained a loving person, Neill said of Peroni.

Soon after Peroni disappeared her family reported her missing. The Josephine County Sheriffs Office considered her disappearance suspicious, but did not have enough evidence to move forward with an indictment.

For 14 years, the case was cold  until a group found a human skull on property nearby where Peroni disappeared, the sheriffs office said. That skull was sent to the University of North Texas for examination and DNA analysis.

open image in gallery Teresa Peroni fought with Mark Sanfratello shortly before she disappeared, her brother said ( National Missing and Unidentified Persons System )

The sheriffs office reopened the case last year, and investigators sent new DNA to the University of North Texas. There, they confirmed it was Peronis skull.

Investigators say they used DNA results and information from the original case to indict Sanfratello on a murder charge.

Sanfratello has a prior criminal record. In 1985, he was charged with two counts of attempted murder, one count of rape and one count of burglary in Yreka, California, according to the NYT. The charges were in connection with the stabbing of Sanfratellos ex-wife and her 14-year-old daughter.

open image in gallery Mark Sanfratello was arrested in Chico, California last week. He's now awaiting extradition to Oregon ( Josephine County Sheriff's Office )

He was convicted of attempted murder and sentenced to more than 15 years in prison.

In 1999, Sanfratello was also convicted of theft or embezzlement of U.S. property. He was sentenced to two years of probation and had to pay $4,000 in restitution, the NYT reports.

The Independent has contacted Sanfratellos attorney for comment.
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An online scammer tricked a Trump supporter out of more than $250,000 worth of cryptocurrency by pretending to be part of the presidents 2025 inaugural committee, federal officials alleged this week.

In late December, the fraudsters sent out emails purporting to be Steve Witkoff, then the co-chair of the committee, soliciting over $250,000 worth of USDT.ETH cryptocurrency, prosecutors alleged in a federal court complaint.

The victim paid the funds, and the crypto was soon distributed across numerous other cryptocurrency addresses, including a Nigeria-based Binance account tied to the name Ehiremen Aigbokhan, according to court documents.

All donors should double and triple check that they are sending cryptocurrency to their intended recipient, Washington U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said in a statement. It can be extremely difficult for law enforcement to recoup lost funds due to the extremely complex nature of the blockchain.

Binance and Tether, firms and currencies associated with the alleged scam, complied with FBI requests later that month to freeze accounts containing some of the stolen funds, and federal prosecutors are seeking to seize about $40,000 worth of crypto across two accounts that have not been withdrawn.

Email fraudsters used fake addresses to get donor to send over $250,000 worth of crypto to a series of wallets, including one tied to Nigeria, federal prosecutors allege ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Officials allege the money was gained through wire fraud and money laundering.

The Independent has contacted an email officials said was associated with Aigbokhan for comment.

Federal officials said the scheme was an example of a business email compromise scam, and that the fraudster made subtle tweaks in email domain names, substituting a lowercase L for an uppercase I to appear to be associated with the official @t47lnaugural.com email addresses.

Trump and Witkoff, now a special Middle East envoy for the administration, are associated with a variety of legitimate crypto endeavors, including World Liberty Financial, which they launched with their sons last year.
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Tesla has bucked industry trends by recording a second straight drop in sales amid a booming electric vehicle market.

The company reported on Wednesday that customer deliveries had fallen by 14 per cent in the second quarter of the year, marking the worst quarterly decline in Teslas history.

It followed a 13 per cent year-on-year dip in the first quarter of 2025 for the once all-conquering electric car maker, which has now lost its lead to Chinese rival BYD in terms of EV sales.

Market analyst Liz Lee, who serves as an associate director at Checkpoint Research, blames Teslas decline on a combination of increased competition and growing concerns over brand reputation.

Tesla CEO Elon Musks involvement in Donald Trumps administration between late January and May resulted in protests and boycotts throughout the US and Europe, turning some potential and existing customers towards other brands.

As a result, we expect Teslas global electric vehicle sales to decline by 10 per cent year-on-year in 2025, she told The Independent, adding that she expected BYD to see customer deliveries continue to increase.

We expect BYDs global EV sales to grow by 45 per cent year-on-year in 2025, to reach a record high and significantly outpace most legacy peers.

Trump and Musks relationship has broken down in recent weeks, though Musks continued support of far-right politicians in Europe continues to taint the company for many EV enthusiasts.

Tesla saw its sales plummet throughout Europe between January and March this year, with the UK offering the only sign of growth. This anomaly was addressed in April, as UK sales shot down by 62 per cent from the previous April.

BYDs positive trajectory is more reflective of the broader market, with demand for electric vehicles hitting record highs in 2024.

Data from the International Energy Agency (IEA) and OurWorldinData show that global sales of combustion engine cars appear to have already peaked, with electric cars making up 22 per cent of all new cars sold worldwide in 2024.

This figure is up from just 2.6 per cent in 2019, with sales of non-electric cars decreasing by 20 per cent over that same five-year period.

Teslas falling sales have impacted profits, which were down 71 per cent in the first quarter of the year compared to the same period last year.

It was the third consecutive drop in net income for Tesla, tumbling from $3.3 billion in the first quarter of 2022, to $409 million in the first quarter of 2025.

The earnings for the second quarter are set to be announced on 23 July, though expectations are once again low following the dip in sales.

Musks allegiance with Trump saw Teslas share price collapse in the months following the US presidents inauguration, before a brief recovery after the tech billionaire left his role as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Poor sales figures, together with threats from Trump to cut incentives for electric cars, has seen the share price begin to slide again.

As Teslas largest shareholder, Musks wealth is intrinsically tied to the fortunes of the electric car company.

The worlds richest person has seen more than $100 billion wiped from his net worth in 2025, mirroring the trajectory of Teslas share price.
Footage of the 17th ECO Summit participants' visit to Aghdam has been posted on the official Instagram page of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Azernews reports.

The post reads:

Presidents, participants of the 17th ECO Summit in Aghdam.
Trump dissatisfied with conversation with Putin about war in Ukraine: I dont make any progress with him at all

Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/

US President Donald Trump said that he was disappointed with the results of the conversation with Vladimir Putin about the war in Ukraine and stated that there was no progress in ending it.

We had a call. It was a pretty long call. We talked about a lot of things, including Iran. And we also talked about, as you know, the war with Ukraine. And I'm not happy about that, Trump told reporters Friday night at the airport after returning to Washington.

Asked if he was pushing back progress on the "Ukraine deal" after this conversation, the US president replied: No, I didn't make any progress with him today at all.

He later confirmed that he was very disappointed with the conversation I had today with President Putin. Because I don't think he's there. And I'm very disappointed. Well, I'm just saying, I don't think he's looking to stop and that's too bad, Trump said.

At the same time, he once again called the Russian-Ukrainian war Biden's war, his predecessor as US president, and expressed his belief that this would not have happened if I were president.
Qantas chief Vanessa Hudson has defended the airlines handling of its frequent flyer customer data after this weeks cyber breach and pledged to take lessons from such privacy violations in the future.

Two days after the airline informed the world that cyber criminals had accessed details on up to six million Qantas customers through a third-party vendor, the airlines boss has vowed to keep passengers interests front and centre.

Qantas chief Vanessa Hudson: Were treating the hack incredibly seriously. Credit: Eamon Gallagher

Hudson would not disclose the number of frequent flyer members who actively use their accounts, but said 80 per cent of the six million passengers caught up in the data breach were members of the loyalty scheme.

We feel very confident that our frequent flyer database is very secure, she said. Qantas claims 17 million frequent flyer members globally.
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 In our age of distraction, the arts appear to be responding in kind, shrinking and streamlining themselves to capture what they can of our withering attention spans. Pop songs are down a full minute from the 1990s. Television seasons are getting shorter. Childrens books, which averaged 190 pages in the 1930s, tap out at 60 pages today. Adult bestsellers have lopped off about 50 pages in the last decade alone, and novels, in particular, seem ever sleeker and more straightforward, more dialogue-driven and less cognitively demanding, with smaller casts, a single story strand, a single point of view. In the midst of such minimalism, at least one form bucks the trend. Biography continues to cut a billowing 19th-century profile, trailing its footnotes and family trees, tipping the scales at nearly 1000 pages  fat, splendid and wholly implacable in the face of our diminishing stamina. Biography feels perennially robust and continues to sell steadily  this years offerings include fresh assessments of the well-worn lives of Mark Twain, Paul Gauguin and Gertrude Stein, and even a biography of a biography: Ellmanns Joyce, by Zachary Leader, an account of Richard Ellmanns life of James Joyce from 1959, long held to be the genres gold standard. Among the biographies landing this year will be fresh takes on the lives of, (from left) Gertrude Stein, Mark Twain and Paul Gauguin. Credit: Getty Images It was biography, according to Gertrude Stein, that truly fulfilled the novels zeal for showing the full sweep of a life, and the genre has stayed faithful to its obsessive interest in character and its formation, the labyrinth of human motive, all those crooked paths through which experience yields insight, insight shapes psychology, and psychology ripens into fate. But biographys stolid facade conceals a sensitive, turbulent history. Biography alters as we do, as our conceptions of motive evolve, as theories of personality float into fashion or fade away. It offers a snapshot of our working notions of selfhood, of what we hunger to assert and what we are not yet prepared to know. Literary giants Sylvia Plath and D. H. Lawrence have long fascinated biographers. What lay at the root of D. H. Lawrences rages? His harsh upbringing? His scorn for inhibition? That little stowaway, Mycobacterium tuberculosis? Over the years, Lawrences biographers have made cases for all three. Why did Sylvia Plath kill herself? Was it an act of despair, revenge or desperate agency? Every age seems to need, and produce, its own biographies  we reportedly have 15,000 books about Abraham Lincoln alone  not just as certain archives become available, but as certain questions and approaches become possible.

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Take the case of James Baldwin. The writers estate has been fiercely protective of his correspondence, forbidding biographers to quote even a word of it. In 2017, the archive was acquired by the Schomburg Centre for Research in Black Culture, a division of the New York Public Library, and the bulk of his letters, along with rarely viewed notes and manuscripts, were made public. In due time, new biographies have arrived, drawing from this material. Loading Two will be published this year: Baldwin: A Love Story, by Nicholas Boggs, and James Baldwin: The Life Album, by Magdalena J. Zaborowska. Each book stitches the story of his private life, long relegated to footnotes if not outright omitted. Each book captures Baldwin at unseen angles; neither concerns itself with offering a definitive portrait. I excavate the parts of your life that have been obscured by some readers, scholars, even your family, Zaborowska writes, addressing Baldwin. I centre your erotic and sexual love for men (and some women), your domestic life, and your authorship as forms of imaginative activism. James Baldwin with items from the Schomburg Centre for Research in Black Culture. Credit: New York Times The biography of today recoils from stuffing its subject into a straitjacket of interpretation, with all contradictions smoothly reconciled into a unified self. Instead, we find an emphasis on the fragility and provisionality of identity, on performance, on motive being mysterious and many-tentacled. Baldwin seemed to be composed of carefully crafted personae, woven like armor, Zaborowska writes. (Such tact in that seemed.) The veteran biographer Hermione Lee has said that she admires how her subjects, such as playwright Tom Stoppard, preserve their privacy, how they elude her. In The Power of Adrienne Rich (2020), Hilary Holladay considers how the feminist poet was elusive to herself  the absence of a fully knowable self was her deepest wound and great prod. In Katherine Bucknells Christopher Isherwood Inside Out (2024), we learn that Isherwood was also consumed by this search for a singular self. Candy Darling, one of the stars of Andy Warhols Factory, was always acting, Cynthia Carr reports in Candy Darling: Dreamer, Icon, Superstar (2024). I dont know which role to play, she once wrote in an unsent letter, which trails off. I would like to live with someone whom I could   A biography of Andy Warhol acolyte Candy Darling quotes her as saying I dont know which role to play. Credit: Getty Images

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Recent lives of poet Sylvia Plath, TV producer Lorne Michaels, talk-show host Johnny Carson and psychiatrist and philosopher Frantz Fanon, among others, revel in various perspectives and conflicting accounts. The celebration of Fanon as prophet fixes him in an essence as surely as his race does, Adam Shatz writes in The Rebels Clinic. It treats him as a man of answers, rather than questions, locked in a project of being, rather than becoming. How does one depict this business of becoming? It is a preoccupying formal concern of these biographies, an effort to allow subjects more spaciousness, to acknowledge that their lives and selves were as improvised as our own, that their choices were not ordained but made in a kind of innocence, in the precarious cradle of their own present tense. Biography is always trying to sidle closer to how the self understands itself, to wedge its way into where our real lives unfurl  insisting, sometimes unfashionably, on the importance of personality, of choice. Out of the dry heaps of letters and records, it wants to conjure the actual person, to send him striding upon the page. Here is writer Samuel Pepys, resurrected in the middle of the Great Fire of London, tearing out of his house to bury his precious parmesan cheese in the backyard for safekeeping. Here is Baldwin, reading at twilight in his mothers kitchen, the newest baby on his hip. English writer Samuel Pepys buried his precious parmesan cheese in the backyard for safekeeping during the great Fire of London. Credit: Getty Images By recreating the past we are calling on the same magic as our forebears did with stories of their ancestors round the fires under the night skies, the biographer Michael Holroyd has written. The need to do this, to keep death in its place, lies deep in human nature, and the art of biography arises from that need. If history sends us scattering like billiard balls, making a mockery of notions of free will, along comes the biographer to dust us off, one by one, and to take grave interest in our individual trajectories  staunchly, stubbornly hung up on the human. If history sends us scattering like billiard balls, making a mockery of notions of free will, along comes the biographer to dust us off. To be fair, biography resists narrative straitjackets of its own. The health of the genre owes much to its indifference to stated aims, set practices, established rules or professionalisation of any kind. Too motley to be a discipline, biography simply swallows every style and school in its path: history, psychology, literary criticism, detective fiction, self-help. Paradox is its essence. We categorise it as non-fiction, but its facts ride upon a raft of speculation. It elicits strong approbation, even moral horror, but its sternest critics (Sigmund Freud, novelist Elizabeth Hardwick, journalist Janet Malcolm) count among its most interesting practitioners.

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Biography, the impossible genre. It elevates and enshrines; it may mock and expose. Plutarch and Suetonius, among the progenitors of the form, wrote to praise famous men, if gently undermining them all the while  taking note of their comb-overs and questionable taste in robes. A chance remark or joke, Plutarch wrote, may reveal far more of a mans character than the mere feat of winning battles. From the Romans to the Victorians, life writing generally consigned itself to the public life and social self. Character was regarded as inborn, not made; childhood held little narrative interest. The biographers obligation was to register the vividness of personality, not muck about backstage  Samuel Johnson, for example, as observed by James Boswell in his famously obsessive The Life of Samuel Johnson (1791), holding forth at the tavern, sloshing around in his brilliance and beer, wandering off, shrivelled wig askew. Where are you going, Dr Johnson? An 18th-century caricature of Samuel Johnson and his biographer, James Boswell. Credit: Getty Images In 1909, Freud wrote to Carl Jung: The domain of biography, too, must become ours. Biography discovered the nursery and the riot of adolescence, the lives and drives we conceal from one another and ourselves. A secret, at least tacit, life underlies the one we are thought to live, Ellmann could now write  and the biographers job became to call it forth. (We could now acknowledge that Johnson might have been en route to enjoy the attentions of writer and socialite Mrs Hester Thrale and her elegant assortment of whips.) Biography was contracted to produce the man behind the eminence  no more monuments! Greatness was no longer a prerequisite for the biography; ordinary lives  of the sisters and wives of genius, for example  began to be told with sympathy and admiration. And in the lives of genius, there was an attention to the routine, to the life of the body as well as mind. For Ellmann, it was crucial to tell the story of Joyce with the same warm, coarse candour Joyce brought to Ulysses, which enshrined the commonplace  of head lice and menstruation, marital boredom and pleasure. Ellmann skimps on theory in favour of scenes, showing Joyce lolling in bed until 11am, taking visits and gossiping with his tailor, rising only to practice the piano and put off his creditors. In Richard Ellmanns biography, James Joyce is shown lolling in bed until 11am, rising only to practice the piano and put off his creditors. Credit: Getty Images For Ellmann, all biographies give incomplete satisfaction, because no life will yield all its secrets; what we respond to is the approach of the biographer  the detective work, the imaginative sympathy, the peculiar and obsessive preoccupation with the life of another. (A moment to honour the zealots of years past: the biographers who bought and lived in the same homes as their subjects, grew beards to match them or wore their jewellery, had affairs with their mistresses  such diligence!  or, in the case of one Norman Sherry, followed Graham Greenes path to Mexico and fell ill with dysentery in the same mountain village.)

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The effort to come close, Ellmann puts it, to make out of apparently haphazard circumstances a plotted circle, to know another person who has lived as well as we know a character in fiction, and better than we know ourselves, is not frivolous. It may even be, for reader as for writer, an essential part of experience. Loading Why is that? Why is watching someone else work in the dark, with incomplete information, such an integral part of our experience? The subterranean drama of the biography, as the critic and practitioner Janet Malcolm has written, is provided by the biographers own motives and masks  the choices the biographer might make when confronted invariably with the gaps in the archives, the burned letters and lost diaries. How the biographer moves into the silences  filling them with speculation or outright claims, with their own desires, or, as we increasingly see, choosing to note and marvel at them. A biography is less a portrait than a record of an encounter. This effort to come close, to apprehend, is what we track, what gives the life its pulse. Biography may be built on facts, but a fact, as Saul Bellow wrote, is a wire through which one sends a current. Let us return, for a moment, to Zaborowskas account of Baldwin, as he pretended to sleep one day, daydreaming and watching his mother. He sees her lean out of the tenement window to gossip with a neighbour, who passes her something  a piece of black velvet covered with stars. That is a good idea, he recalled his mother saying, thanking the woman. For years, Baldwin later wrote, I thought that an idea was a piece of black velvet. Loading The plotted circle that Ellmann envisions contains much more than mere data; it must make room for mishearing and contingency, for the fact that we reportedly spend 50 per cent of our waking hours, like Baldwin as he watched his mother, daydreaming. A biography cannot satisfy without conveying some flavour of the subjects most secret life, of his own private idiom. What did his imagination look like when he was young, and how was it battered and burnished as he grew older? Katherine Rundell asks in her biography of John Donne, Super-Infinite. Did it protect him from sorrow and fury and resentment? (To spoil the suspense: it did not.) Did it allow him to write out the human problem in a way that we, following on four hundred years later, can still find urgent truth in it?

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The Russian Armed Forces struck Kupyansk, a hit was recorded in the central part of the city, near a store, a woman was killed, reported the head of Kharkiv Regional State Administration Oleh Synehubov.

"A 55-year-old woman was killed. Two more people were injured by the blast - a 56-year-old man and a 61-year-old woman. The victims were hospitalized, and doctors are stabilizing them, the message posted on the website of the Regional State Administration reads.
Australias leading conservation advocacy group has accused federal Environment Minister Murray Watt of ignoring his own transparency promise by refusing to reveal the conditions applied to Woodside under his provisional approval of the companys North West Shelf extension.

Watts decision to keep private the conditions on the 50-year extension of its North West Shelf assets on the Pilbara coast followed advice from Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water bureaucrats, internal department documents have revealed.

Australian Conservation Foundations climate campaigner Piper Rollins. Credit: Hamish Hastie

This masthead understands the conditions will likely not be made public until after Watts attendance at the UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting in Paris later this month, where he will argue for rock art on the Burrup Peninsula to be World Heritage-listed.

However, the Australian Conservation Foundation used Freedom of Information laws to obtain an internal department note from May 19, which recommended Watt approve Woodsides proposal and agree not to publish the decision on the internet for public comment.
Children at Sydneys Jewish schools are afraid to wear their school uniform and have been approached by strangers shouting Heil Hitler, principals have told a parliamentary inquiry into antisemitism.

Moriah College principal Miriam Hasofer told the inquiry on Friday morning that a year 9 girl had been chased up Queens Park Road near the eastern suburbs school by a woman repeatedly shouting F--- the Jews and free Palestine.

Moriah College in Queens Park was one of Sydneys Jewish schools which gave evidence to the inquiry. Credit: Louise Kennerley

This was a child walking to school. She was terrified, said Hasofer, adding that what was once repugnantly un-Australian has become disturbingly routine.

The unacceptable has been normalised, she said.
A man has been charged with attempted murder after he allegedly set a woman alight outside a home in Melbournes north, leaving her fighting for life.

Police were called to View Street in Glenroy about 6.40am Thursday after the man allegedly threw a flammable substance over the woman before lighting her on fire.

The 35-year-old Glenroy woman was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries. She was in a critical but stable condition on Friday afternoon.

The alleged offender, a 41-year-old man from Glenroy, was arrested at the scene. Arson and explosives squad detectives later charged him with attempted murder, Victoria Police said on Friday.
Premier David Crisafulli has made an audacious bid to get US President Donald Trump to Queensland as he pushes the states claims to host the Quad leaders summit.

The Quad  Australia, the United States, Japan and India  has a stated goal of defending a free and open Indo-Pacific, but is widely seen as an attempt to contain Chinas influence in the region.

With India hosting this years summit, the earliest Australia could host would be 2026.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli is making a pitch to host US President Donald Trump and the Quad in Queensland. Credit: Monique Westermann

The premier used an American Independence Day event in Brisbane to announce Queenslands candidature if, as he expected, Australia was confirmed host.
No one was injured in any of the incidents and none have been deemed terrorism, but Victoria Police Commander Zorka Dunstan said on Saturday officers would investigate the motives of those involved. The investigation is under the security investigation unit, who is part of our counterterrorism command. The security investigation unit investigates matters of communal violence, Dunstan said. Victoria Police Commander Zorka Dunstan on Saturday. Credit: Penny Stephens We do recognise that these crimes are disgusting and abhorrent, but at this stage, we are not declaring this a terrorist incident. In the course of our investigation, we will examine the intent and the ideology of the persons involved or person to determine if this is in fact, terrorism. However, Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel described the attacks as terrorism.

Targeting Jewish houses of worship and an Israeli restaurant is terrorism, aimed at intimidating an entire community simply because of their religion and identity, she said. Haskel said the attacks are yet another reminder of how far racist, antisemitic hate crimes have spread in the heart of Australia and expressed solidarity with Melbournes Jewish community. These attacks are not just assaults on Jews or Israelis  they are assaults on Australian values of tolerance, diversity and freedom. Dunstan said the three incidents all had inferences of antisemitism or anti-Israel protest activity, but investigators had yet to find a connection between them.

The vandalised business, Lovitt Technologies Australia, on Para Road in Greensborough, is a weapons company with links to Israel and had previously been targeted by protesters opposing the Israeli military. The business was contacted for comment. In the synagogue attack, it was unclear whether the offender knew anyone was inside the building at the time, Dunstan said. At this stage, we believe its just one person involved, but were not discounting there might be more. So were just canvassing for the CCTV to see what we can identify. We are taking all three incidents incredibly seriously. Theres no place in Australia for hatred or discrimination of any kind, and we condemn it. A damaged car on Saturday and evidence of old graffiti on a wall at Lovitt Technologies Australia in Greensborough. Credit: Aaron Francis Police officers were providing proactive patrols in the areas around the attacks and supporting Melbournes broader Jewish community.

There would also be a significant police presence in the CBD on Sunday in response to multiple planned protests, a Victoria Police spokesperson said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Jacinta Allan both condemned the attacks on Saturday. Antisemitism has no place in Australia, Albanese said. Those responsible for these shocking acts must face the full force of the law, and my government will provide all necessary support toward this effort. The burnt doors seen from inside the East Melbourne Synagogue after the arson attack on Friday night. Allan said: This is disgraceful behaviour by a pack of cowards. That this happened on Shabbat makes it all the more abhorrent.

Jewish Community Council of Victoria president Phillip Zajac said firefighters responded to the synagogue attack quickly and contained the fire, which caused only superficial damage to the bluestone building and heavy timber doors. Lighting a place of worship [on fire] is just dreadful, Zajac said. A place of worship has got nothing to do with the Middle East dispute. This has really gotten to me. About the same time on Friday night, police said a splinter group of about 20 people broke off from a larger anti-police protest in Melbournes CBD and walked to the Israeli restaurant on Hardware Lane, where they shouted offensive chants. An independent photographer at the scene said the group asked patrons why they were giving money to the restaurant. The group chanted Death to the IDF and Miznon out of Melbourne, the photographer said.

The aftermath at Miznon on Friday night. Credit: Alex Zucco Pro-Palestine protesters have been calling for a boycott of Miznon after it emerged that one of its part-owners, Israeli entrepreneur Shahar Segal, is also a spokesman for the controversial aid group Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. This week, the Associated Press reported that American contractors were using live ammunition and stun grenades to guard Gaza Humanitarian Foundation aid distribution sites while hungry Palestinians scrambled for food. Nina Sanadze, a Jewish gallery owner and friend of Miznons owners, went straight to the restaurant after receiving a call on Friday night. When she arrived, police had blocked the street and Miznon staff were sweeping away broken glass and remnants of tomatoes thrown at the windows.

Sculptor Nina Sanadze with her installation Chiur, made of burnt chairs from the Ripponlea synagogue that was firebombed last year. Sanadze went to Miznon on Friday night after a group stormed the restaurant. Credit: Penny Stephens Inside, Sanadze said, staff were hugging, crying and shaking. It was a very, very scary experience. Sanadze said that when the group arrived, the restaurants managers tried to step in and push the protesters out, and directed customers to the back of the restaurant. It was hard for customers to do anything, she said. I think the brawl broke out because people were actually trying to stand up and say, go away. After closing the doors, Miznon managers apologised to their shaken staff for the ordeal and carried on with their usual Friday tradition of Shabbat, lighting candles, singing Jewish songs and eating Challah.

A Miznon staff member conducts prayer ritual before the restaurant opened on Saturday. Credit: Aaron Francis We were not in the mood to eat, it was more of a thing of tradition and resilience to stand together, Sanadze said. Sanadze emphasised that Miznons workers were a mix of nationalities and that the restaurant has nothing to do with the [Israeli Defence Force] or anyone over there. On Saturday morning, detectives attended Miznon and spoke with one of the co-owners. One staff member came out with a pan, burning sage and waving it around the outside of the restaurant. Blessings to everyone, he said. Good energy.

A 28-year-old person from Footscray was arrested for hindering police and has been released on summons over the restaurant incident, police said. Dunstan said there was not enough evidence to arrest anyone else, but the identities of those involved had been recorded as investigations continued and police combed social media and CCTV footage. The death to the IDF chant was also heard in Melbournes Bourke Street Mall during last Sundays regular anti-Israel protest, and shouted from the Glastonbury stage in the UK by band Bob Vylan in its controversial performance. Loading

The attack follows the firebombing in December that gutted the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea. Counterterrorism police later revealed that attack involved criminals for hire and a known underworld getaway car, but have yet to rule terrorism in or out. Dunstan did not have further information on that investigation. The East Melbourne Synagogue, founded six years after Victoria was established as a colony, is known as the city shul and is the only Jewish place of worship in central Melbourne. The front doors of the synagogue were locked at the time of the attack, which was after traditional Shabbat prayers. Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece attended the synagogue on Friday night after he learnt of the attack. He described the fire and targeting of Jewish businesses in the city as despicable and racist. The criminal attacks on Jewish businesses in the CBD and the East Melbourne Synagogue are shocking and should be condemned in the strongest possible terms, he said. I am angry and dismayed that once again our community is confronted with the despicable and racist actions of a few people.

Rabbi Dovid Gutnick and Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece in East Melbourne on Saturday morning. Credit: Aaron Francis My thoughts are with the Jewish community, who are hurting deeply after these vile attacks. Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin said the latest attacks were a return to the antisemitic terror of the summer months and clear evidence that the antisemitism crisis is not only continuing, but getting worse. Those who chant for death are not peace activists. Those who would burn houses of prayer with families inside do not seek an end to war. Loading

Zionist Federation of Australia president Jeremy Leibler said: About 20 Victorians could have been murdered last night, and another Melbourne synagogue destroyed, had this terrorist attack not been stopped in its tracks. And just days after Glastonbury revellers were led to chant for death, their chant was repeated in Melbourne by a mob storming a restaurant much-loved by the Jewish community and many others. Victorian Police Minister Anthony Carbines said he had spoken to federal Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, who had approved the use of ASIO and Australian Federal Police resources to support Victoria Police investigating the arson attack in East Melbourne. The intimidation of violence that we saw at a restaurant in the CBD: lets be really clear, this behaviour is totally unacceptable, Carbines said. Burke and Multicultural Affairs Minister Anne Aly said the federal government was committed to supporting improved security measures at places of worship. Their statement did not detail what further measures were being considered.

Aly said she had spoken with Jillian Segal, the special envoy to combat antisemitism, about the need for a broader approach to educate people about bigotry faced by the Jewish community. In a separate incident last month, vandals targeted a historic synagogue in South Yarra. Graffiti on the synagogue in South Yarra last month. Attackers used red paint to scrawl Free Palestine and Iran is Da Bomb, set inside the outline of a nuclear mushroom cloud, on the heritage-listed synagogue. The latest attacks in Melbourne prompted the federal opposition to call on Albanese to increase security for the Jewish community.
London: Tesla boss Elon Musk has taken another blow from European consumers who are rejecting his companys electric vehicles, with sales plunging in Germany after similar falls in other countries.

The latest results reflect gains for Chinese carmakers from the troubles at Tesla, while signalling the dislike for Musk among European voters unhappy at his support for conservative causes.

A Tesla car dealership in Berlin was doused in blue paint in March. Credit: Getty Images

Tesla sales slumped 60 per cent in June in Germany compared with the same month last year, according to results from German road traffic agency KBA. They fell 58 per cent over the six months to the end of June.

But the dramatic shift did not deliver any wins for Germanys automotive giants, with January-to-June sales flat or slightly down at Audi, Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz, and up 3.8 per cent at BMW.
And there are. In securing US involvement in last months strikes on Iran, Israel has managed to further weaken and isolate Hamas, an Iranian proxy, beyond the wrecked cities and towns of Gaza. This has to be the window to use the leverage thats been created to drive towards the end of the war and getting all the hostages home, former US Pentagon official and ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro told the Israeli journalist Neria Kraus on Tuesday. Fire and smoke rise into the sky after an Israeli attack on the Shahran oil depot in Tehran. Credit: Getty Images Iran is weaker than its ever been, exposed in ways it has never been before  that should be leveraged, and I think can be leveraged, to get Hamas to be more flexible on the terms of the hostage deals. That same day, Trump issued another social media declaration, saying that Israel had agreed to the necessary conditions to finalise the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War.

Hamas confirmed it was considering the proposal. Tellingly, though, in its statement, the terrorist group emphasised that it wanted a US commitment that the ceasefire would lead to a permanent end to the war. This position has been a sticking point in previous rounds of negotiations, with Israel determined that the war should not end before it achieves what it views as a complete victory. This would include a return of all remaining hostages and the removal of Hamas from Gaza. There will not be a Hamas, Netanyahu said at a public meeting on Wednesday. There will not be a Hamastan. Were not going back to that. Its over. We will free all our hostages. Benjamin Netanyahu (pictured in court in December) has been able to successfully argue for delays to court proceedings against him. Credit: nna\Jorgebranco Observers within Israel note there is more in play than the competing demands of Israel and Hamas. Netanyahu is also concerned with his political future and the personal legal threats he faces. Rynhold believes Netanyahu sees the maintenance of power not only as a goal in its own right, but as a shield against prosecution, and that this will have an impact on peace negotiations. To maintain power, Netanyahu must balance the demands of the parliamentary coalition he has stitched together, which includes not only his right-wing Likud party, but members of far-right and Orthodox parties.

I dont think he can distinguish between whats good for him and whats good for the state of Israel. He just thinks whatevers good for him is good for the state of Israel. Loading Rynhold believes that even if Netanyahu could secure a comprehensive enough victory in Gaza to allow him to consider a peace deal, supported by the majority of voters, he might still perceive a political threat within his coalition. This could be an incentive for him to draw out negotiations. There is an irony here. As Rynhold notes, Netanyahu built a strategy of tacitly supporting Hamas before the war to divide Palestinian power blocs. As the politics play out, the carnage in Gaza has only intensified.

In January, Israel banned the United Nations lead relief agency for Palestinians, UNRWA, from operating, and between March and May, it blocked all food aid to Gaza in an effort to force Hamas to negotiate, driving more than 2 million people towards starvation. Last month, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a private organisation backed by the US and Israel, took over food relief operations. GHF is now led by the American evangelical leader and businessman Johnnie Moore jnr, who once praised Trumps proposal to take over the Gaza Strip, saying: The USA will take full responsibility for [the] future of Gaza, giving everyone hope and a future. Israeli tanks take up position near the GHF aid hub in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. Credit: AP GHF has limited distribution to four sites, rather than the hundreds the UN had used. Those sites soon became killing zones, with the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) firing machine guns and mortars at starving civilians gathering at the sites before they opened. According to a report by Haaretz last Friday, which quotes multiple unnamed IDF soldiers, some senior officers gave orders to shoot. Netanyahu has denied the report. These are malicious falsehoods designed to defame the IDF, the most moral military in the world, he said.
Letter From Europe - Post Monoco Grand Prix SuperCar Road Trip













SEE ALSO: Letters From Europe 1997 to Present

Letter From EuropeBy Andrew Frankl European Bureau ChiefThe Auto Channel

Greeting from steaming Budapest. Like the rest of Europe we are talking 80s and 90s but in our little apartment it feels double that.

First of all the Pride parade. The whole world was obsessed by the event which went off without a hitch and is history over here and after my home country's past history there was no violence, no aggro, nada how pleasant.

Turning on to things automotive I owe you a Ferrari test or two.

As our regular readers know after the Monaco Grand Prix every year we always drive to Maranello.

This year thanks to dear friend and PR supreme Joanne Marshall we had to 12cilindri automobiles. First the coupe which did very little for me, it is for serious pedal to metal folks. Rock hard with rock hard seats. The engine is of course the unique and gorgeous V12 but then it is also the same in the spectacular dear spider. Now you are taking! Softer seats, softer suspension same lovely engine-a must buy if you have 500 thousand dollars to spare.

My long time friend Kata and I were lucky enough to drive a friends 812 spider in California and I must be honest the difference is not that great, the 812 is already a great automobile.

Because the folks at Lamborghini are old friends we also went for a spin in the latest Urus which we love. I cannot think of anything nicer than to head into the Sierras in this wonderful 5 seater.

The icing on the cake is Lambos 1001 horsepower Revuelto which is where one runs out of superlatives. A close relative of the Lambo which just won the 24 hours of Spa. Big congratulations.



I must also put a word of praise in for Audis RS6, an amazing product which propelled the family up into the mountains during the Winter. This time round it took us to Maranello, four plus luggage, has to be one of the best cruisers in the World.

Turning on to cars people drive in Central Europe the chances are most readers will shake their heads saying never heard if it. Skoda from the Czech Republic-maybe, Dacia from Romania, most unlikely and there are many Chinese brands that are turning up daily including BYD which I have written about.

There is great excitement surrounding the new Neue Classe BMW which will be produced in Hungary as well as in Germany. Supposed to be the ultimate bees knees. Will keep you posted.

Finally something very different but interesting nevertheless.

Years ago I went to Brands Hatch motor racing circuit in , Kent, West Kingsdown, United Kingdom, fulfill my dream to learn how to become a professional raceing driver, my instructor told me to forget about it.

But just recently I met Zsolt Matics in Budapest he runs an outfit called www.fit4race.com, who could have saved me all the angst back then.

His business is a performance lab designed for professional drivers. It is a full scale science based human performance solution so if you think you will be the next Lewis Hamilton visit them first and save yourself a fortune-they will tell you if you are hopeless, just like I was. So if you are reading this in the United States and have just watched the F1 movie consider a trip to Europe where apart from sightseeing you could spend a day in his lab and who knows you might just be perfect for auto racing.

If you get to Budapest and catch up with Matics - keep me posted.







Maybe you will achieve something I could only dream of.

Have a good rest of the summer, talk with you next month.
Photo: https://t.me/dsns_telegram/

As a result of a combined attack on Kyiv using UAVs and ballistic missiles on Friday night, one person was killed, reports.

"Kyiv: at one of the locations, rescuers freed the body of a person from under the rubble of a destroyed building as a result of a massive Russian strike. In total, 26 people were injured in the capital, including one child. Psychologists of the State Emergency Service provided assistance to 39 people," the service said on Telegram.

It is noted that the liquidation of the consequences of the attack continues, fire extinguishing and rubble clearing are underway. More than 300 tonnes of debris from building structures have been removed.

Cynologists, 512 rescuers, 135 units of State Emergency Service equipment, including a fire robot, police, volunteers of the Ukrainian Red Cross and other city services are working at the scene.

According to the head of Kyiv City Military Administration, Tymur Tkachenko, the body was discovered in Sviatoshynsky district.

Earlier, he reported that in Sviatoshinsky district, there are consequences and damage at least in six locations. At least 10 apartment buildings are damaged most of all on Lesia Kurbasa Street. Rescuers extinguished the car fire. In one of the locations, the 2nd and 3rd floors of a 14-story residential building are damaged.
A bill on improving the legal regime of the list of taxpayers with a high level of compliance with tax legislation (White Business Club) has been submitted for registration, head of the parliamentary committee on finance, taxation and customs policy Danylo Hetmantsev reported on Telegram.

"We took into account the proposals of entrepreneurs and proposed more flexible conditions for access to this regime," the head of the committee wrote on Friday.

According to him, the document provides for the relaxation of the requirement for the absence of facts of violation of tax obligations for reporting - fines of up to one minimum wage (UAH 8,000) are allowed, provided they are paid.

The draft law also proposes to regulate the calculation of the salary criterion for payers with a unique foreign economic activity code within the region or country and to refine the VAT payment level indicator to expand the circle of payers for whom this criterion should objectively not be applied.

Among other things, the document provides for the regulation of the inspection procedure - if the inspection has already begun, clear rules and clarification of the procedure for calculating income tax for a more objective assessment apply.

Hetmantsev emphasizes that the draft law contains a clause on the extension of the general preference for not conducting documentary scheduled inspections of taxpayers included in the White Business Club and to taxpayers engaged in activities in the field of production and/or sale of excisable products.

The document emphasizes the transparency of the ownership structure and obliges the taxpayer to provide data on the ultimate beneficiary and the absence of a mark on the possible unreliability of such information in the unified state register.

Hetmantsev said that further work on the document would be carried out in the committee and during consultations with business.

"The idea of the Territory of High Tax Trust is already working successfully - it is about mutual trust, transparency and partnership between the state and business. But constructive proposals for changes are a sign of development and interest," the chairman of the committee added.
1975 Emergency is black day in Indian history: CM





Staff Reporter

RAIPUR,

BJYM holds mock parliament on Emergency

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai vehemently denounced the 1975 Emergency as a black day in Indian history, saying that the unutterable suffering inflicted during that period. Speaking at a mock parliament programme organised by the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) at Agrasen Dham in Raipur, commemorating 50 years since the imposition of Emergency, Sai asserted that it was a politically motivated decision by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. June 25, 1975, was a black day for our country, Sai stated, highlighting how political selfishness led to the imprisonment of freedom fighters without cause and the creation of unimaginable hardship. He commended the youth for their exemplary role-playing as MPs in the mock parliament, noting the detailed and meaningful discussions on critical issues.

We all consider the Emergency as Constitution Hatya Diwas (Constitution Murder Day), he declared, expressing solidarity with the MISA (Maintenance of Internal Security Act) prisoners and their families. Sai reiterated his governments commitment to honoring the sacrifices of these Loktantra Senani by reinstating their pension, which was halted by the previous Bhupesh Baghel Government, and by enacting the Loktantra Senani Samman Bill to ensure future continuity. Recalling the personal ordeal of his political guru, Balkrishna Sharma, who was jailed for 19 months during the Emergency, Sai said families were severely impacted by emergency. He further condemned the media censorship, forced sterilizations, and the systemic dismantling of democratic pillars. Vidhan Sabha Speaker Dr Raman Singh echoed the Chief Ministers sentiments, emphasising the importance of educating youth about the Emergency. Addressing the mock parliament, he stated, This platform not only expands knowledge, but also makes us realise our responsibility towards our country.

Dr Singh stressed that the Youth Parliament serves not just to recall history but to learn from it, preventing future mistakes that could harm the nation. Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, addressing the mock parliament, urged future generations to grasp the horrors of the Emergency. He accused Indira Gandhi of plunging the nation into an emergency solely in greed for power, violating civil rights and imprisoning over a lakh people. Sao highlighted press censorship, with over two hundred journalists jailed, and the weakening of all four pillars of democracy. He pointed out that while India has seen three emergencies (1962, 1971, 1975), the third, declared on June 25, 1975, was based on a fabricated internal disturbance to maintain power. Finance Minister O P Choudhary remarked on the individualistic politics of the Congress, noting that only two Prime Ministers, Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, awarded themselves the Bharat Ratna. Senior BJP member and Bilha MLA Dharamlal Kaushik, acting as Speaker in the mock parliament, condemned the Emergency as a violation of fundamental rights.
Agri-Startup: A careers starting point





By Dr Moni Thomas :

The growth of Indian agriculture is unique in the entire world. The strategic growth model was a combination of political, technical, financial, social and ecological factors in India. Volumes have been written on the success story of Indian agricultural transformation from begging bowl status till 1970s to a leading food exporting country in the present times. Prominent revolutions like Green, Blue, White, Yellow and Grey are often quoted. Agriculture in India is a well-defined primary sector and also a State subject. Contribution of agriculture to the Indian GDP declined from 59(1950) to about 16(2024) per cent, this is another fact. Yet it still engages about 45 per cent of Indian population directly and indirectly. Agriculture that was once considered as backbone of the Indian economy is overtaken by service sector (Tertiary sector) since the last decade.

Major focus in agriculture over the last seven decades was on improving crop production technology, resource use efficiency and crop management. It paid immense dividends in terms of food surplus, self-sufficiency and exports. Growth in agriculture and allied sectors also took its own course. Food wastage associated with improper post-harvest management, marketing and value addition are the other side of the coin. As mentioned earlier intensive focus in this core sector was on crop production related technology generation and technology transfer. Thus, comparatively less attention to promote agri-entrepreneurship and Agri-Business, had its own fallout. In an Industrial (Secondary Sector) ecosystem, activities like Production, Procurement, Marketing, Branding or Sales are handled separately by highly skilled team. Against this, an average Indian farmer gets immersed into a multi-role, from procurement of inputs, human (labour) resource management, production of crops, hiring of machines and services, grading, packaging, and sales to mention a few.

In the absence of effective training to farmers in the area of marketing or sales, they continue to face issues related to sale of their produce every year. Engaging farmers and rural youth in entrepreneurial skills and volume selling through collective approach, is one of the recent policy shifts. Farmers Producer Organisations (FPOs), Self Help Groups (SHGs), One District One Product (ODOP) are few prominent policy tools in this direction. Adding to this league is Promotion of Agri-Startups as an advanced step to promote Agri-entrepreneurship and Agri-business among farmers. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), through a policy initiative in 2018 introduced RAFTAAR (Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied Sector Rejuvenation) under its Innovation and Agri-Entrepreneurship Cell, in the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, New Delhi). In an effort to promote Agri-Startups, twenty-nine Agri-Business Incubators (ABIs) are established across the Country. These ABIs of RVKY are referred to as R-ABIs.

The R-ABI established in Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya (JNKVV)Jabalpur is coinedas Jawahar RABI or J-RABI. Institute of Agri-Business Management (IABM)in JNKVV Jabalpur was established in 2017. J-RABI established in the year 2018 in IABM, is the only Agri-Business Incubator in Madhya Pradesh. Since its inception, J-RABI has established 63 Agri-Startup Companies. Of these 46 are from MP, while the rest are from its neighbouring States. J-RABI is acknowledged as the leading Rural centric Agri-Business Incubator. The three categories of GoI-funded Agri-Startup are Students Orientation Programme (SOP), Agriculture Orientation Programme (AOP) and Agriculture Incubation Programme (AIP). They carry a Grant in Aid of Rs. 4.00, Rs. 5.00 and Rs. 25.00 lakhs respectively. Every year Online applications are invited for these three categories of Agri-Startup programmes. The J-RABI Team visits almost all districts of the State to create Agri-Startup awareness among rural youth, farmers and farmwomen. During the awareness campaign the Team explains the concept of the Agri-Startups to the participants with simple examples .

They also help in filling the Online applications on the spot or even at a later stage. Any innovative and scalable idea related to agriculture from production, processing value addition, recreation to services can qualify for an Agr-Startup. The programme is not just limited to rural areas and farmers. Students from ITI, Technical, Engineering and Professional Institutions, Home Science Colleges, even housewives and retired personnel, if they have any innovative idea, product or services in Agriculture Sector, can also be an applicant. The experienced, entrepreneur friendly J RABI Team, its cozy infrastructure with a network of over 45 industrial and institutional experts can be the best place for anyone to kick start his Agri-Business adventure.

(The author is the Director, Institute of Agri-Business Management Jawaharlal Nehru Agricultural University, Jabalpur, MP)
File affidavit on progress of probe: HC to WB Govt



Law College rape case

KOLKATA :

THE Calcutta High Court on Thursday directed the West Bengal Government to file a report on the progress of investigation into the law college gang rape case in the form of an affidavit. A division bench presided by Justice Soumen Sen also asked the State to produce the case diary of the investigation before it on the next date of hearing on July 10. Three PILs were filed in connection with the alleged gang rape of a student at South Calcutta Law College by an alumnus and two of her seniors on the evening of June 25 inside the campus. The prime accused is the alumnus who is also a contractual staff member of the institute. The division bench also asked the State to reply in the form of a report on the next date of hearing some questions raised by one of the petitioners in connection with the appalling incident involving the female law student.

The State was asked to answer how a former student was permitted entry into the college premises after official hours in violation of access control protocols, and how staff members present on campus long past college hours without any official purpose or administrative supervision. It was also directed to State what monitoring or security measures were in place to prevent or detect unauthorised access to the college building. The petitioner also questioned why the college administration and the local police did not take preventive action, despite having been allegedly informed of threats made to the victim.

He asked, Why does a reputed law college lack essential surveillance infrastructure, such as CCTV coverage and a functional security apparatus, especially in a time when gender-based violence is on the rise? Senior counsel Phiroze Edulji requested the division bench, also comprising Justice Smita Das De, to ask the State to produce the case diary of the investigators in the alleged rape case, as it enumerates every activity done by the police in probing the matter. Appearing for the State, senior counsel Kalyan Banerjee submitted before the court that the Kolkata Police, which is investigating the case, have done everything necessary in connection with the probe in the matter so far. One of the three petitioners prayed for direction to the CBI to hold a preliminary enquiry into the incident of gang rape as complained by the victim and file an interim report before the court.

The other petitioners are seeking an investigation under the supervision of the court and steps to ensure security in colleges across West Bengal. Claiming that the main accused Manojit Mishra has close proximity with the ruling party in the State, the petitioner prayed in the public interest litigation (PIL) that the investigation into the alleged gangrape case be transferred to the CBI from the Kolkata Police for an impartial probe. A day after the alleged incident, the police arrested the prime accused Manojit Mishra, along with students Promit Mukherjee and Zaid Ahmed. A guard of the college was also apprehended later. The city police initially formed a special investigation team (SIT), led by an assistant commissioner rank officer, to probe the case. The probe was handed over to the detective department on Wednesday.
Nobody except Dalai Lama can decide his successor: Rijiju





NEW DELHI :

IN A snub to China, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday asserted that the decision on the Incarnation of the Dalai Lama would be taken by the established institution and the leader of Tibetan Buddhist himself and no one else. This is the first reaction by a senior government functionary on the comments of the Dalai Lama on his successor. On Wednesday, 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 his future reincarnation. Talking to reporters here, Rijiju said the Dalai Lama is the most important and defining institution for the Buddhists.

And 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.

The ministers remarks came after China rejected the Nobel Peace laureates succession plan, insisting that any future heir must receive its seal of approval. Rijiju, a practising Buddhist, and Rajiv Ranjan Singh, a fellow Union Minister, are representing the Government of India on the Dalai Lamas 90th birthday event in Dharamshala on July 6. The minister said the birthday event is a religious function and has nothing to do with politics. The 14th Dalai Lama is the most important institution for Tibetans and all those who follow the Nalanda tradition of Buddhism.
PM Modi conferred with Ghanas national honour





ACCRA :

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, the countrys national honour, for his distinguished statesmanship and influential global leadership. Modi received the award on Wednesday from the Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama. Honoured to be conferred with The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, the Prime Minister said on X. In his acceptance speech, Modi said the award was a matter of great pride and honour for him. I humbly accept the award on behalf of the 140 crore Indians, he said, dedicating it to the aspirations and bright future of the youth of the two countries, the historical ties between Ghana and India, and their rich cultural traditions and diversity.

This honour is also a responsibility; to keep working towards a stronger India-Ghana friendship. India will always stand with the people of Ghana and continue to contribute as a trusted friend and development partner, he said in an X post. The award was conferred on the Prime Minister in recognition of his distinguished statesmanship and influential global leadership, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. Thanking the people and Government of Ghana for the special gesture, the PM noted that the shared democratic values and traditions of the two countries would continue to nurture the partnership. He said the award further deepens the friendship between the two countries and places new responsibility on him to embrace and advance bilateral ties.

Apart from Modi, prominent personalities awarded the Order of the Star of Ghana include Queen Elizabeth II as Queen of the UK, Nelson Mandela, the former President of South Africa, and Kofi Annan, the former Secretary-General of the UN, King Charles III as the Prince of Wales in 2018, King Mohammed VI, the King of Morocco, and Giorgio Napolitano, the former President of Italy. Modi asserted his confidence that his historic State visit to Ghana would impart a new momentum to India-Ghana ties, according to the MEA. A testament to the deep and long-standing India-Ghana ties,  MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on X. Earlier, Modi held wide-ranging talks with Mahama, after which India and Ghana elevated their ties to the level of a comprehensive partnership. The PM is in Ghana on the first leg of his five-nation tour. It is the first Prime Minister ial visit from India to Ghana in three decades.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump held a conversation, details later, said head of the Presidents Office of Ukraine Andriy Yermak.

"A very important and meaningful conversation between the presidents. All the details will be available very soon," he wrote on his Telegram channel on Friday.

Axios journalist Barak Ravid, citing sources, reported that the leaders' conversation lasted about 40 minutes.

Trump and Zelenskyy discussed the escalating Russian strikes on Ukraine and the supply of Air Defense to Ukraine, per source, the journalist said on X.
Power Police Stations to be set up in State





By Bhavana Aparajita Shukla :

To act tough against power theft, power corporation in the State going to deployed special Energy Police force in the State. As the power pilferage is a prevalent issue that significantly impacts the power sector in various parts of the State. But a significant decision has been taken in this direction. Power Police Stations will be set up in the State. In the first phase, six dedicated Power Police Stations will be opened in six major cities. These stations will support inspection teams during surprise checks, file FIRs under the Electricity Act, and ensure protection of discom property and recovery of dues. The distribution companies have also been directed to physically verify electricity usage in the agriculture sector to ensure transparency and proper subsidy usage.

There is good news for smart meter holders and motivation for those have not opted for this new meter that Power corporation is going to provide relief to its consumers in electricity rates if they have smart meter. Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav has said that electricity is a basic necessity for all, and ensuring its availability to everyone is a top priority of the government. He emphasised that electricity should be available at affordable rates and highlighted the smart meter model as the best solution. He directed that smart meters be installed in every household, enabling consumers to get electricity at 20% lower rates. Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav was addressing review meeting of the Energy Department at Samatva Bhawan, Chief Ministers Residence, on Wednesday. He noted that smart meters help consumers assess their own consumption and manage usage accordingly to reduce their bills. He instructed officials to accelerate the pace of smart meter installations. So far, over 21 lakh smart meters have been installed out of a total target of 1.34 crore.

CM Dr Yadav discussed the recent power disruptions in May-June and instructed the department to run maintenance activities throughout the year to avoid outages due to storms, rain, or other incidents. He suggested new approaches, procurement of advanced equipment, coating of electric wires running under dense trees, reducing power/line losses, and strict implementation of energy-saving measures. Promote Solar Energy for Households and Industries: The CM emphasised that with rising domestic and industrial power demand, both sectors should be encouraged to adopt solar energy. Consumers can even sell excess power generated.

He added that agricultural electricity use should also shift to solar-powered pumps. He directed the department to formulate a policy for establishing transformer repair units in all needy districts and asked both Energy and Renewable Energy Departments to work together to maximise benefits for electricity consumers. Make Power Distribution Companies Profitable in Two Years: CM Dr Yadav set a target for all three power distribution companies to become profitable within two years, asking them to expand revenue streams, adopt new technologies, and innovate to benefit both the companies and the consumers. Ensure Power Availability for Rabi Season: CM Yadav directed officials to start preparations early for Rabi 202526, ensuring enough electricity to meet the estimated demand of 20,200 MW, compared to 18,913 MW last year. One-Time Settlement Scheme: Energy Minister Pradyuman Singh Tomar announced a One-Time Settlement Scheme for consumers with outstanding electricity dues. The scheme, valid for six months, will offer relief on surcharges for domestic, industrial, and commercial users. Post deadline, defaulters connections will be disconnected. He also discussed restructuring of power distribution companies and thanked the CM for approving key proposals. ACS (Energy) Neeraj Mandloi informed that Madhya Pradesh ranks nationwide first, achieving 97.92% collection efficiency. The department has set performance goals for current and coming financial years, aiming by 202627 to reduce tariffs.
PWD Minister, officials chalk out plans for key projects to transform Jabalpur into tourism hub





Staff Reporter

In a significant move towards transforming Jabalpur into a major tourism hub, State Public Works Minister Rakesh Singh held an important meeting with senior officials in the State capital on Wednesday to chart out detailed plans for several key projects related to the city. Speaking on the occasion, Singh said that as per Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadavs announcement, the Sanskardhani, known for its rich cultural and historical heritage will now step into a new era of tourism development. A comprehensive plan is being prepared to transform Thakurtal area, located in the Madan Mahal hills into an Eminent Tourism Hub.

The ambitious project will include a Forest Safari - Zoo cum Rescue Centre and integrated development of the historic Sangram Sagar Lake. Minister Singh stated that to give the project a deeper cultural significance, Chief Minister Yadav has announced that it will be developed after the name of the legendary queen Veerangana Rani Durgavati. Expressing gratitude to the Chief Minister, Singh added that the tourism project will spread in about 85 to 100 hectares, offering a blend of natural wildlife experiences and modern amenities. Major attractions include a Robotic Interpretation Centre, Butterfly Park and a Long Carnival featuring exotic animals such as Yellow Tigers, White Tigers, Panthers, Lions and Bears. A special reptile house for crocodiles and snakes, along with dedicated zones for exotic and native birds, zebras and giraffes are also proposed.

Other modern amenities include a Water Interpretation Centre and species-specific interpretation areas. To enhance the adventure aspect, the entire zone from Sangram Sagar Lake to Thakurtal will be connected via trekking routes, ziplining and boating facilities. The project will also offer serene experiences such as forest bathing and panoramic view-points in the Thakurtal region. Minister Singh informed that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be finalised within the next three months, after which on-ground development work will commence. He emphasised that the initiative will not only place Jabalpur on the global tourism map but will also generate employment opportunities, promote environmental conservation and preserve the citys cultural legacy.
Scolded by employer, house help kills woman, teen son in act of revenge in Delhi





NEW DELHI :

IN an act of revenge, a domestic help killed his employer and her teenage son at their home in southeast Delhis Lajpat Nagar after the woman scolded him, police said on Thursday. The accused, Mukesh (24), a native of Hajipur in Bihar, was nabbed by Uttar Pradesh railway police from a train while he was trying to flee, police said. The incident came to light when a PCR call was received at 9.43 pm on Wednesday from Kuldeep Sewani, a resident of Lajpat Nagar-I. He informed police that his wife Ruchika (42) and son were not answering his calls and that there were bloodstains on the staircase of their house. A PCR van and an investigation team rushed to the spot where Kuldeep reported that the main gate of the house was locked from outside. Bloodstains were seen on the staircase leading to the house. Police forcibly opened the door and found the bodies of the woman and her son inside, said DCP (Southeast) Hemant Tiwari.

The body of Ruchika was found with the throat slit in the bedroom, while the body of her 14-year-old son was recovered from the bathroom. Both of them were killed with a sharp weapon, he said. According to police, Mukesh was working with the family for the past 3-4 years. Though he was employed as a domestic help, he also assisted Kuldeep and Ruchika at their garment shop in the Lajpat Nagar market and worked as their driver. Kuldeep and Ruchika jointly ran the business and their son was a class 10 student, said DCP Tiwari. Another police officer privy to the investigation said, Prima facie the incident took place between 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm on Wednesday. The accused was scolded by the woman during the day, which appears to have triggered the act of revenge. It seems that he first slit the throat of the woman and then killed the boy.

After the information about the double murder was received, multiple teams were formed and the photo of the accused was shared with police and railway police of other states, the officer said. He said that after killing the two, Mukesh locked the house from outside and fled with his belongings. He was traced with the help of technical surveillance and arrested from a train at Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction by Uttar Pradesh railway police while he was heading towards Bihar. The accused will be brought to Delhi for questioning and formal arrest. We are also checking CCTV footage from nearby locations to verify whether the accused also stole any valuables from the house before fleeing, the officer said. A case has been registered in the matter and further investigation is underway. Jangpura MLA Tarvinder Singh Marwah visited the area and said he spoke to senior police officers soon after the incident. When I got a call about the incident, I spoke to the DCP and other senior police officers.

The SHO, ACP, and DCP have been working since last night and the accused was apprehended overnight. Everything should be investigated thoroughly, he said. Police cordoned off the area as curious residents and onlookers gathered near the Sewanis residence. Sunil Varma, a local resident, said, I live across the park and came when I heard that there had been a murder. I later got to know that the family ran a kurta shop and had been living here for the past 10 to 15 years. The shop was quite old. I did not know them personally.
SRIMSR clearance bribery scam CBI FIR reveals dummy faculty, biometric fraud





By Mukesh S Singh

New Delhi/Raipur

Ravi Shankar Ji Maharaj, Atul Tiwari, Atin Kundu, Laxminarayan Chandrakar among top SRIMSR staff named in FIR n Inspection team handpicked for collusion, accepted bribes for favourable report

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has formally named all key players in its FIR filed in the pan-India medical inspection bribery racket, revealing chilling details of how Rawatpura Sarkar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (SRIMSR), Nava Raipur, and several other institutions allegedly benefited from a deeply entrenched nexus between regulatory officials, middlemen, and inspection assessors.

The 16-page FIR, accessed by The Hitavada, has been registered under RC2182025A0014 by the Anti-Corruption Unit-III (AC-III), New Delhi branch of CBI. The report was formally lodged on June 30, 2025, at 7 pm, based on source-level inputs concerning the criminal conspiracy. According to investigators, SRIMSRs Chairman, Ravi Shankar Ji Maharaj, and Director Atul Kumar Tiwari led efforts to illicitly acquire confidential inspection schedules and assessor identities from sources within the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the National Medical Commission (NMC). The information was used to stage a controlled, false demonstration of compliance ahead of the institutes scheduled inspection on June 30, 2025. The FIR outlines how dummy patients were deployed, faculty attendance was faked via biometric manipulation, and Rs 55 lakh was delivered through hawala channels to bribe the assessors for a favourable outcome. The role of D P Singh, then chancellor of Tata Institute of Social Sciences, is also under scrutiny for allegedly facilitating the assessment teams compliance.

The four-member inspection delegation - comprising Manjappa C N, Satish, Chaitra M S, and P Rajini Reddy - allegedly colluded to divide the bribe amongst themselves. According to the CBI, Manjappa instructed Satish to collect Rs 55 lakh in cash from a hawala contact, while Chaitra was promised her share at home or through internal delivery. The FIR lists seven accused from SRIMSR: chairman Ravi Shankar Ji Maharaj, director Atul Kumar Tiwari, faculty member Atin Kundu, accountant Laxminarayan Chandrakar, and staff members Sanjay Shukla and Manoj Kumar. The institute itself - SRIMSR, Raipurhas been named as Accused No. 3. D P Singh is separately named for his alleged enabling role in the arrangement. Sections applied in the FIR include IPC 120-B for criminal conspiracy, 420 for cheating, and 465, 468, and 471 for forgery and use of forged records. Additionally, provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act - Sections 7, 8, 9, 10, 13(1)(d), and 13(2) - have been invoked for bribery and abuse of official position, along with BNS Section 61(2) for public servant fraud. The FIR further identifies Mayur Raval, registrar of Geetanjali University, and Randeep Nair, Techinfy project head, for allegedly leaking NMC inspection data electronically. These leaks enabled SRIMSR to prepare responses in advance, simulate compliance, and project legitimacy it did not possess. CBI officers have characterised SRIMSRs involvement as central and deliberate- not peripheral or incidental to the wider conspiracy.
Tribal woman gives birth by roadside under sky after river crossing on foot





Staff Reporter

Jashpur/Raipur,

A tribal woman from Satalutoli village in Manora tehsil of Jashpur district was forced to deliver her baby on the roadside after being carried across a flooded river by two Asha workers. Notably, Jashpur is home district of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, where this incident unfolded, unveiled a grim snapshot of rural neglect in healthcare system of the state. On Tuesday morning at 8 am, Mitanins Bifni Bai and Relo Bai set out with the pregnant Manjita Bai to reach the nearest health facility.

The villages only connecting bridge has been broken for years, and the unpaved path was washed out by heavy rains. With mobile networks down and no ambulance in sight, the women were left to depend entirely on their will and strength. Braving the current, both Asha workers physically supported and carried Manjita Bai through the river. But before they could reach a health centre, the woman went into labour near the roadside by a villagers home. In pouring rain, without shelter, and with no trained medical personnel, the baby was delivered with the help of the two Mitanins and the womans mother. Jitendra Singh, a local correspondent from Surguja division under which Jashpur district falls, told The Hitavada, The hospital is barely 1.5 km away. But during monsoons, its a no-mans land. The locals have pleaded for a bridge and a proper road for years. Singh, who also runs a web news portal and shared the video of the entire episode with this newspaper reporter, added, Children here often miss school, teachers cant enter the village, and sick villagers must walk miles in dangerous conditions. This is not an isolated incident - such hardships worsen every monsoon, year after year.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has held a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump, the parties discussed the situation at the front and the possibility of strengthening air defense.

Today we discussed the current situation, including Russian airstrikes and the broader frontline developments. President Trump is very well informed, and I thank him for his attention to Ukraine. We spoke about opportunities in air defense and agreed that we will work together to strengthen protection of our skies. We have also agreed to a meeting between our teams, Zelenskyy said on X Friday.

The President also said that he congratulated Trump and all the American people on Independence Day.

We - in Ukraine - are grateful for all the support provided. It helps us protect lives, safeguard our freedom and independence. We have achieved a lot together with America and we support all efforts to stop the killings and restore just, lasting, and dignified peace. A noble agreement for peace is needed, Zelenskyy stressed.

In addition, the leaders discussed the capabilities of the defense industry and the possibility of joint production.

According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine is ready for direct projects with the United States.

We believe this is critically important for security, especially when it comes to drones and related technologies, he added.

Zelenskyy and Trump also discussed mutual purchases and investments and exchanged views on the diplomatic situation and joint work with America and other partners.
The enemy struck a power transmission frid connecting the temporarily occupied Zaporizhia NPP with the unified power system of Ukraine, which caused a blackout in the plant, the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine said on Friday.

"This grid allows us to support our own needs to ensure the level of radiation safety () This is another act of nuclear terror by the Russians," the department said.

The ministry recalled that since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Zaporizhia NPP has already experienced a complete blackout eight times and has repeatedly been on the verge of a power outage.

As reported with reference to Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi, the Russian-occupied Zaporizhia has remained on one 750 kV power grid since May 7 after the last backup 330 kV grid was damaged.

Zaporizhia NPP with six VVER-1000 power units with a total capacity of 6,000 MW has not been generating electricity since September 11 of the same year after its occupation on March 3-4, 2022.
Ameritas Advisory Services LLC reduced its holdings in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO  Free Report) by 67.9% in the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 3,528 shares of the companys stock after selling 7,472 shares during the quarter. Ameritas Advisory Services LLCs holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S were worth $245,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Victory Capital Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 58.5% in the 4th quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 62,897 shares of the companys stock worth $5,410,000 after acquiring an additional 23,223 shares in the last quarter. North Star Investment Management Corp. boosted its holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S by 18.2% during the first quarter. North Star Investment Management Corp. now owns 20,742 shares of the companys stock worth $1,440,000 after purchasing an additional 3,200 shares during the last quarter. Stanley Laman Group Ltd. bought a new stake in Novo Nordisk A/S in the 1st quarter worth about $390,000. Dover Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Novo Nordisk A/S in the 1st quarter worth about $505,000. Finally, Natural Investments LLC purchased a new stake in Novo Nordisk A/S in the 4th quarter valued at about $1,345,000. 11.54% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of brokerages have recently weighed in on NVO. Hsbc Global Res upgraded Novo Nordisk A/S to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, April 28th. Guggenheim lowered Novo Nordisk A/S from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, April 17th. BNP Paribas assumed coverage on Novo Nordisk A/S in a research note on Tuesday, April 15th. They issued an underperform rating for the company. Kepler Capital Markets raised Novo Nordisk A/S from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, March 13th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets reissued a market perform rating and issued a $64.00 price target (down from $105.00) on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a report on Thursday, April 17th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating, four have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Novo Nordisk A/S presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $112.00.

Novo Nordisk A/S Stock Down 1.1%

Shares of NYSE NVO opened at $69.05 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70, a current ratio of 0.74 and a quick ratio of 0.56. The stock has a market capitalization of $308.31 billion, a PE ratio of 20.43, a P/E/G ratio of 1.36 and a beta of 0.64. Novo Nordisk A/S has a one year low of $57.00 and a one year high of $143.69. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $69.82 and its 200-day moving average price is $76.19.

Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 7th. The company reported $0.92 EPS for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.92. The business had revenue of $11.87 billion for the quarter. Novo Nordisk A/S had a net margin of 34.52% and a return on equity of 80.94%. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Novo Nordisk A/S will post 3.84 EPS for the current year.

About Novo Nordisk A/S

(Free Report)

Novo Nordisk A/S, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the research and development, manufacture, and distribution of pharmaceutical products in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, North America, and internationally. It operates in two segments, Diabetes and Obesity Care, and Rare Disease.

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Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB de CV (OTCMKTS:WMMVY  Get Free Report) and Weis Markets (NYSE:WMK  Get Free Report) are both retail/wholesale companies, but which is the better stock? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their profitability, analyst recommendations, dividends, valuation, risk, institutional ownership and earnings.

Profitability

This table compares Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB de CV and Weis Markets net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

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Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB de CV 5.46% 23.56% 10.46% Weis Markets 2.24% 7.49% 5.16%

Dividends

Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB de CV pays an annual dividend of $0.48 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.5%. Weis Markets pays an annual dividend of $1.36 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.8%. Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB de CV pays out 30.2% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Weis Markets 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.

Analyst Recommendations

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB de CV 0 0 1 1 3.50 Weis Markets 0 0 0 0 0.00

Volatility & Risk

This is a summary of current recommendations and price targets for Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB de CV and Weis Markets, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB de CV has a beta of 0.77, suggesting that its stock price is 23% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Weis Markets has a beta of 0.46, suggesting that its stock price is 54% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Valuation and Earnings

This table compares Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB de CV and Weis Marketss top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB de CV $52.21 billion 1.10 $2.96 billion $1.59 20.77 Weis Markets $4.77 billion 0.43 $109.94 million $3.99 19.00

Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB de CV has higher revenue and earnings than Weis Markets. Weis Markets is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB de CV, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Summary

Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB de CV beats Weis Markets on 12 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB de CV

(Get Free Report)

Wal-Mart de Mexico, S.A.B. de C.V. owns and operates self-service stores in Mexico and Central America. The company operates discount warehouses and stores, hypermarkets, supermarkets, and membership self-service wholesale stores. It operates Bodega Aurrera discount stores, Walmart hypermarkets, Walmart Express supermarkets, and Sams Club membership self-service wholesale stores. The company operates Despensa Familiar and Pali discount stores; Paiz, La Despensa de Don Juan, La Union, and Mas x Menos supermarkets; Bodegas, Maxi Bodega, and Maxi Pali stores; and Walmart hypermarkets in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and El Salvador. In addition, it imports and sells goods; develops properties; and manages real estate companies. The company was founded in 1958 and is headquartered in Mexico City, Mexico. Wal-Mart de Mexico, S.A.B. de C.V. operates as a subsidiary of Intersalt, S. De R.l. De C.v.

About Weis Markets

(Get Free Report)

Weis Markets, Inc. engages in the retail sale of food through a chain of supermarkets in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. The companys retail food stores sell groceries, dairy products, frozen foods, meats, seafood, fresh produce, floral, pharmacy services, deli products, prepared foods, bakery products, beer and wine, and fuel; and general merchandise items, such as health and beauty care, and household products. It operates stores in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia primarily under the Weis Markets name, as well as Weis, Weis 2 Go, Weis Great Meals Start Here, Weis Gas-n-Go, and Weis Nutri-Facts. Weis Markets, Inc. was founded in 1912 and is based in Sunbury, Pennsylvania.

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Calamos Wealth Management LLC raised its position in American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) by 1.1% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 53,852 shares of the payment services companys stock after acquiring an additional 566 shares during the period. American Express makes up approximately 0.7% of Calamos Wealth Management LLCs holdings, making the stock its 29th biggest holding. Calamos Wealth Management LLCs holdings in American Express were worth $14,489,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Calamos Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of American Express by 0.7% in the 1st quarter. Calamos Advisors LLC now owns 202,571 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $54,502,000 after purchasing an additional 1,415 shares in the last quarter. Conning Inc. raised its stake in American Express by 36.5% in the first quarter. Conning Inc. now owns 5,759 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $1,549,000 after buying an additional 1,541 shares during the last quarter. Davidson Trust Co. boosted its holdings in American Express by 18.8% in the first quarter. Davidson Trust Co. now owns 1,959 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $527,000 after acquiring an additional 310 shares in the last quarter. Onyx Bridge Wealth Group LLC boosted its holdings in American Express by 9.7% in the first quarter. Onyx Bridge Wealth Group LLC now owns 891 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $240,000 after acquiring an additional 79 shares in the last quarter. Finally, TKG Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of American Express by 6.7% during the first quarter. TKG Advisors LLC now owns 19,683 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $5,296,000 after acquiring an additional 1,229 shares during the last quarter. 84.33% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of analysts recently commented on AXP shares. Truist Financial lifted their target price on shares of American Express from $315.00 to $335.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, May 23rd. BTIG Research lowered their target price on American Express from $272.00 to $240.00 and set a sell rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, April 21st. The Goldman Sachs Group cut their price objective on shares of American Express from $367.00 to $330.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, March 18th. Bank of America raised shares of American Express from a neutral rating to a buy rating and lowered their target price for the stock from $325.00 to $274.00 in a research note on Friday, April 11th. Finally, Citigroup restated a neutral rating and issued a $327.00 price target (up previously from $300.00) on shares of American Express in a research note on Wednesday. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, sixteen have given a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $295.25.

American Express Stock Performance

AXP opened at $328.36 on Friday. American Express Company has a twelve month low of $220.43 and a twelve month high of $329.14. The firm has a market capitalization of $230.05 billion, a PE ratio of 22.93, a PEG ratio of 1.58 and a beta of 1.25. The company has a current ratio of 1.58, a quick ratio of 1.57 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.64. The firms 50-day moving average price is $294.35 and its 200 day moving average price is $289.65.

American Express (NYSE:AXP  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, April 17th. The payment services company reported $3.64 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.47 by $0.17. American Express had a return on equity of 32.48% and a net margin of 15.31%. The company had revenue of $16.97 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $17.04 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $3.33 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that American Express Company will post 15.33 EPS for the current fiscal year.

American Express Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 8th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, July 3rd will be paid a dividend of $0.82 per share. This represents a $3.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.00%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 3rd. American Expresss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 22.91%.

Insider Activity

In other news, insider Glenda G. Mcneal sold 3,019 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, April 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $264.66, for a total transaction of $799,008.54. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 10,919 shares in the company, valued at $2,889,822.54. This trade represents a 21.66% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, insider Howard Grosfield sold 9,450 shares of American Express stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $275.50, for a total transaction of $2,603,475.00. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 9,402 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,590,251. The trade was a 50.13% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.20% of the companys stock.

About American Express

(Free Report)

American Express Company, together with its subsidiaries, operates as integrated payments company in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the Asia Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, Canada, the Caribbean, and Internationally. It operates through four segments: U.S. Consumer Services, Commercial Services, International Card Services, and Global Merchant and Network Services.

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Oriental Land (OTCMKTS:OLCLY  Get Free Report) is one of 35 public companies in the HOTELS & MOTELS industry, but how does it weigh in compared to its peers? We will compare Oriental Land to similar companies based on the strength of its earnings, institutional ownership, risk, valuation, dividends, analyst recommendations and profitability.

Volatility & Risk

Oriental Land has a beta of 0.65, meaning that its stock price is 35% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Oriental Lands peers have a beta of 1.00, meaning that their average stock price is 0% less volatile than the S&P 500.

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Valuation & Earnings

This table compares Oriental Land and its peers gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Oriental Land $4.46 billion $815.34 million 44.50 Oriental Land Competitors $3.30 billion $347.37 million 24.65

Dividends

Oriental Land has higher revenue and earnings than its peers. Oriental Land 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.

Oriental Land pays an annual dividend of $0.07 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.3%. Oriental Land pays out 14.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, HOTELS & MOTELS companies pay a dividend yield of 1.2% and pay out 30.9% of their earnings in the form of a dividend.

Analyst Ratings

This is a breakdown of recent ratings for Oriental Land and its peers, as reported by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Oriental Land 0 1 0 0 2.00 Oriental Land Competitors 269 1598 1599 51 2.41

As a group, HOTELS & MOTELS companies have a potential upside of 0.94%. Given Oriental Lands peers stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Oriental Land has less favorable growth aspects than its peers.

Profitability

This table compares Oriental Land and its peers net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Oriental Land 18.26% 12.90% 8.91% Oriental Land Competitors -12.17% -49.20% 1.64%

Insider & Institutional Ownership

71.1% of shares of all HOTELS & MOTELS companies are held by institutional investors. 26.7% of shares of all HOTELS & MOTELS companies are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

Summary

Oriental Land peers beat Oriental Land on 8 of the 15 factors compared.

Oriental Land Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Oriental Land Co., Ltd. operates and manages theme parks and hotels in Japan. It operates through Theme Park, Hotel Business, and Other Business segments. The Theme Park segment operates and manages Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea theme parks. The Hotel Business segment operates and manages Tokyo Disneyland Hotel, Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta, Disney Ambassador Hotel, and Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel, as well as Tokyo Disney Resort Toy Story Hotel. The Other Business segment operates and manages Ikspiari, a shopping complex that includes shops and restaurants, and a cinema complex; and Disney Resort Line, a monorail connecting four stations within Tokyo Disney Resort. It is also involved in the land development. Oriental Land Co., Ltd. was incorporated in 1960 and is based in Urayasu, Japan.

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Huntleigh Advisors Inc. raised its stake in The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE:SHW  Free Report) by 1.5% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 5,198 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock after purchasing an additional 76 shares during the quarter. Huntleigh Advisors Inc.s holdings in Sherwin-Williams were worth $1,815,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Several other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Park Square Financial Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of Sherwin-Williams in the 4th quarter worth $27,000. Perkins Coie Trust Co purchased a new position in Sherwin-Williams during the first quarter worth about $27,000. Lee Danner & Bass Inc. bought a new stake in Sherwin-Williams in the 4th quarter worth about $28,000. Barnes Dennig Private Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in Sherwin-Williams in the 1st quarter worth about $30,000. Finally, HWG Holdings LP purchased a new stake in Sherwin-Williams in the 1st quarter valued at about $46,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 77.67% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Jefferies Financial Group reaffirmed a hold rating and issued a $380.00 target price (down from $423.00) on shares of Sherwin-Williams in a report on Monday, March 10th. Mizuho set a $395.00 price objective on Sherwin-Williams in a research note on Tuesday, April 15th. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded Sherwin-Williams from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $350.00 to $420.00 in a research note on Wednesday, April 30th. Royal Bank Of Canada increased their price target on shares of Sherwin-Williams from $410.00 to $420.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, May 1st. Finally, Citigroup lowered shares of Sherwin-Williams from a buy rating to a neutral rating and lowered their price objective for the stock from $405.00 to $385.00 in a research report on Friday, June 13th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating, ten have assigned a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $391.31.

Sherwin-Williams Price Performance

SHW stock opened at $350.16 on Friday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $350.84 and a 200-day moving average of $347.99. The firm has a market capitalization of $87.75 billion, a P/E ratio of 33.10, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.17 and a beta of 1.18. The Sherwin-Williams Company has a 12 month low of $294.32 and a 12 month high of $400.42. The company has a current ratio of 0.77, a quick ratio of 0.45 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.90.

Sherwin-Williams (NYSE:SHW  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, April 29th. The specialty chemicals company reported $2.25 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.23 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $5.31 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.42 billion. Sherwin-Williams had a net margin of 11.63% and a return on equity of 71.86%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 1.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $2.17 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that The Sherwin-Williams Company will post 12 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Sherwin-Williams Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 6th. Investors of record on Friday, May 16th were given a dividend of $0.79 per share. This represents a $3.16 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.90%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, May 16th. Sherwin-Williamss payout ratio is 29.87%.

Sherwin-Williams Profile

(Free Report)

The Sherwin-Williams Company engages in the development, manufacture, distribution, and sale of paints, coating, and related products to professional, industrial, commercial, and retail customers. It operates through three segments: Paint Stores Group, Consumer Brands Group, and Performance Coatings Group.

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IFM Investors Pty Ltd grew its stake in shares of Welltower Inc. (NYSE:WELL  Free Report) by 2.6% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 264,368 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after acquiring an additional 6,604 shares during the quarter. IFM Investors Pty Ltds holdings in Welltower were worth $40,504,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. bought a new position in Welltower in the first quarter valued at about $28,000. Smallwood Wealth Investment Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Welltower in the 1st quarter worth approximately $28,000. Franchise Capital Ltd purchased a new position in shares of Welltower in the first quarter worth approximately $32,000. ZynergyRetirementPlanningLLC bought a new stake in Welltower during the first quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Finally, Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC grew its position in Welltower by 57.2% during the first quarter. Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC now owns 294 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $45,000 after buying an additional 107 shares during the period. 94.80% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Insider Transactions at Welltower

In related news, Director Andrew Gundlach purchased 20,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, June 30th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $151.46 per share, for a total transaction of $3,029,200.00. Following the purchase, the director directly owned 20,000 shares in the company, valued at $3,029,200. This trade represents a  increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. 0.21% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research firms have weighed in on WELL. Scotiabank reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Welltower in a research report on Monday, June 23rd. Evercore ISI raised their target price on Welltower from $145.00 to $157.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a report on Thursday, May 1st. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on Welltower from $158.00 to $175.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, June 2nd. Mizuho upped their price target on Welltower from $141.00 to $170.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, March 18th. Finally, Wedbush reaffirmed an underperform rating on shares of Welltower in a research note on Thursday, April 17th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating, eight have issued a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $168.18.

View Our Latest Stock Report on Welltower

Welltower Trading Up 1.4%

Shares of WELL stock opened at $152.77 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46, a quick ratio of 4.23 and a current ratio of 4.23. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $150.95 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $144.24. The firm has a market capitalization of $99.90 billion, a PE ratio of 87.80, a PEG ratio of 1.75 and a beta of 0.92. Welltower Inc. has a 52-week low of $102.92 and a 52-week high of $158.55.

Welltower (NYSE:WELL  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Monday, April 28th. The real estate investment trust reported $1.20 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.15 by $0.05. Welltower had a return on equity of 3.41% and a net margin of 12.65%. The firm had revenue of $2.42 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.40 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.01 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 30.3% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts predict that Welltower Inc. will post 4.88 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Welltower Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, May 22nd. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, May 14th were issued a dividend of $0.67 per share. This represents a $2.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.75%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, May 14th. Welltowers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 154.02%.

About Welltower

(Free Report)

Welltower Inc (NYSE:WELL), a real estate investment trust (REIT) and S&P 500 company headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, is driving the transformation of health care infrastructure. Welltower invests with leading seniors housing operators, post-acute providers and health systems to fund the real estate infrastructure needed to scale innovative care delivery models and improve peoples wellness and overall health care experience.

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Aurora Private Wealth Inc. increased its position in shares of Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA  Free Report) by 6,956.4% during the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 27,026 shares of the credit services providers stock after acquiring an additional 26,643 shares during the period. Mastercard accounts for about 3.8% of Aurora Private Wealth Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 2nd largest position. Aurora Private Wealth Inc.s holdings in Mastercard were worth $14,813,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Mastercard by 0.5% in the 4th quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 77,179,138 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $40,640,219,000 after buying an additional 377,302 shares during the period. FMR LLC grew its holdings in Mastercard by 4.3% during the 4th quarter. FMR LLC now owns 22,267,937 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $11,725,627,000 after acquiring an additional 912,856 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its position in shares of Mastercard by 1.5% in the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 18,657,792 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $9,800,202,000 after purchasing an additional 282,739 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Mastercard in the 4th quarter valued at $6,022,224,000. Finally, Wellington Management Group LLP lifted its position in shares of Mastercard by 9.1% during the 4th quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 9,760,740 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $5,139,713,000 after purchasing an additional 817,836 shares during the last quarter. 97.28% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In other Mastercard news, insider Craig Vosburg sold 9,428 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $353.05, for a total value of $3,328,555.40. Following the sale, the insider owned 58,451 shares of the companys stock, valued at $20,636,125.55. This trade represents a 13.89% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, Director Julius Genachowski sold 310 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, June 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $561.00, for a total transaction of $173,910.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 8,323 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,669,203. The trade was a 3.59% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 38,441 shares of company stock valued at $20,173,035 in the last quarter. Insiders own 0.09% of the companys stock.

Mastercard Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:MA opened at $566.53 on Friday. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $566.17 and a 200 day simple moving average of $546.25. 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 Incorporated has a 1 year low of $428.86 and a 1 year high of $594.71. The firm has a market cap of $516.51 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 39.73, a P/E/G ratio of 2.44 and a beta of 1.02.

Mastercard (NYSE:MA  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 1st. The credit services provider reported $3.73 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping 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 firm had revenue of $7.25 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $7.12 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $3.31 earnings per share. Mastercards revenue for the quarter was up 14.2% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Mastercard Incorporated will post 15.91 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Mastercard Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 8th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, July 9th will be issued a dividend of $0.76 per share. 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 dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 21.32%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

MA has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Mastercard from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, June 14th. 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. Evercore ISI initiated coverage on Mastercard in a research report on Wednesday, April 9th. They set an in-line rating and a $550.00 target price on the stock. UBS Group boosted their target price on Mastercard from $660.00 to $670.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, June 3rd. Finally, Monness Crespi & Hardt lowered shares of Mastercard from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 9th. Seven 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 company. According to MarketBeat.com, Mastercard presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $611.50.

Read Our Latest Research Report on MA

Mastercard 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.

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Shares of Pacific Gas & Electric Co. (NYSE:PCG  Get Free Report) have been assigned an average rating of Moderate Buy from the twelve brokerages that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, four have assigned a hold recommendation and seven have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average twelve-month price objective among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is $20.73.

PCG has been the topic of several analyst reports. UBS Group downgraded shares of Pacific Gas & Electric from a buy rating to a neutral rating and dropped their price target for the stock from $22.00 to $19.00 in a research note on Wednesday, March 19th. Evercore ISI lifted their target price on Pacific Gas & Electric from $15.00 to $17.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a research report on Monday, April 28th. Guggenheim boosted their price target on Pacific Gas & Electric from $16.00 to $17.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, April 25th. Mizuho raised their price objective on Pacific Gas & Electric from $20.00 to $21.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, May 19th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company restated an overweight rating and set a $24.00 price objective on shares of Pacific Gas & Electric in a report on Friday, April 25th.

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Pacific Gas & Electric Price Performance

Shares of NYSE PCG opened at $13.91 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.79, a current ratio of 0.95 and a quick ratio of 0.90. Pacific Gas & Electric has a 1-year low of $13.34 and a 1-year high of $21.72. The company has a market capitalization of $37.20 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.76, a PEG ratio of 0.99 and a beta of 0.55. The business has a 50-day moving average of $15.86 and a 200-day moving average of $16.67.

Pacific Gas & Electric (NYSE:PCG  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 24th. The utilities provider reported $0.33 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.35 by ($0.02). The company had revenue of $5.98 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.23 billion. Pacific Gas & Electric had a return on equity of 10.35% and a net margin of 9.81%. The firms revenue was up 2.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.37 EPS. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Pacific Gas & Electric will post 1.49 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Pacific Gas & Electric Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, July 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, June 30th will be issued a $0.025 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, June 30th. This represents a $0.10 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.72%. Pacific Gas & Electrics dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 9.17%.

Insider Activity

In related news, EVP Carla J. Peterman sold 32,519 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, April 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $17.30, for a total transaction of $562,578.70. Following the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 151,116 shares in the company, valued at $2,614,306.80. This trade represents a 17.71% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.14% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Pacific Gas & Electric

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Deseret Mutual Benefit Administrators lifted its holdings in Pacific Gas & Electric by 45.0% in the first quarter. Deseret Mutual Benefit Administrators now owns 2,173 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $37,000 after acquiring an additional 674 shares during the last quarter. Level Four Advisory Services LLC raised its position in shares of Pacific Gas & Electric by 7.5% during the 4th quarter. Level Four Advisory Services LLC now owns 11,066 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $223,000 after purchasing an additional 772 shares during the period. Farther Finance Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Pacific Gas & Electric by 1.9% in the 1st quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 42,747 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $738,000 after purchasing an additional 785 shares during the last quarter. Optiver Holding B.V. boosted its position in Pacific Gas & Electric by 23.9% during the 4th quarter. Optiver Holding B.V. now owns 4,271 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $86,000 after purchasing an additional 825 shares during the period. Finally, Parallel Advisors LLC boosted its position in Pacific Gas & Electric by 2.4% during the 1st quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 38,625 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $664,000 after purchasing an additional 887 shares during the period. 78.56% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Pacific Gas & Electric Company Profile

(Get Free Report

PG&E Corp. operates as a holding company, which engages in generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity and natural gas to customers. It specializes in energy, utility, power, gas, electricity, solar and sustainability. The company was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Oakland, CA.

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Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT  Get Free Report) has earned an average rating of Hold from the twelve brokerages that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat.com reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, five have issued a hold recommendation and six have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average twelve-month price target among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $88.08.

Several equities analysts have recently commented on TXT shares. Jefferies Financial Group restated a buy rating and issued a $95.00 price objective (up from $85.00) on shares of Textron in a report on Thursday, June 12th. UBS Group upped their price objective on shares of Textron from $62.00 to $63.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a report on Monday, April 28th. Morgan Stanley decreased their price objective on shares of Textron from $82.00 to $71.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, April 11th. Citigroup cut their target price on shares of Textron from $111.00 to $107.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, April 10th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group reaffirmed a neutral rating and set a $85.00 target price (down from $95.00) on shares of Textron in a research note on Tuesday.

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View Our Latest Analysis on TXT

Textron Stock Performance

NYSE:TXT opened at $82.50 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46, a current ratio of 1.80 and a quick ratio of 0.83. The firm has a market capitalization of $14.89 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.71, a PEG ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 1.17. The companys 50-day moving average is $75.28 and its two-hundred day moving average is $73.92. Textron has a 1-year low of $57.70 and a 1-year high of $94.57.

Textron (NYSE:TXT  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 24th. The aerospace company reported $1.28 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.17 by $0.11. Textron had a net margin of 5.98% and a return on equity of 14.77%. The firm had revenue of $3.31 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.26 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.20 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 5.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts forecast that Textron will post 6.12 EPS for the current year.

Textron Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 13th were given a $0.02 dividend. This represents a $0.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.10%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, June 13th. Textrons dividend payout ratio is presently 1.81%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Textron

A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Acadian Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Textron in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $1,293,000. Focus Partners Wealth grew its position in shares of Textron by 18.0% in the 1st quarter. Focus Partners Wealth now owns 4,814 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $348,000 after buying an additional 735 shares during the last quarter. SageView Advisory Group LLC grew its position in shares of Textron by 19.1% in the 1st quarter. SageView Advisory Group LLC now owns 11,833 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $855,000 after buying an additional 1,899 shares during the last quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC grew its position in shares of Textron by 0.7% in the 1st quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 791,912 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $57,216,000 after buying an additional 5,634 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Empowered Funds LLC grew its position in shares of Textron by 6.3% in the 1st quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 21,397 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $1,546,000 after buying an additional 1,265 shares during the last quarter. 86.03% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Textron Company Profile

(Get Free Report

Textron Inc operates in the aircraft, defense, industrial, and finance businesses worldwide. It operates through six segments: Textron Aviation, Bell, Textron Systems, Industrial, Textron eAviation, and Finance. The Textron Aviation segment manufactures, sells, and services business jets, turboprop and piston engine aircraft, and military trainer and defense aircraft; and offers maintenance, inspection, and repair services, as well as sells commercial parts.

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The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW  Get Free Report) insider Paul V. Woolway sold 3,290 shares of Charles Schwab stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, July 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $90.95, for a total value of $299,225.50. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 35,864 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,261,830.80. This trade represents a 8.40% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website.

Charles Schwab Stock Performance

NYSE:SCHW opened at $91.20 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $165.71 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.64, a PEG 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 businesss 50-day moving average price is $87.22 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $80.68. The Charles Schwab Corporation has a twelve month low of $61.01 and a twelve month high of $92.15.

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Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, April 17th. The financial services provider reported $1.04 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.01 by $0.03. Charles Schwab had a net margin of 31.71% and a return on equity of 18.31%. The business had revenue of $5.60 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.46 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.74 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts predict that The Charles Schwab Corporation will post 4.22 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Charles Schwab Dividend Announcement

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

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 currently 32.73%.

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Atwood & Palmer Inc. bought a new stake in Charles Schwab during the first quarter worth about $25,000. Westside Investment Management Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Charles Schwab by 75.0% during the 1st quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. now owns 350 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $27,000 after buying an additional 150 shares in the last quarter. CBIZ Investment Advisory Services LLC raised its holdings in shares of Charles Schwab by 97.9% during the 1st quarter. CBIZ Investment Advisory Services LLC now owns 386 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $30,000 after buying an additional 191 shares in the last quarter. Stone House Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in Charles Schwab in the 1st quarter worth approximately $31,000. Finally, Activest Wealth Management boosted its stake in Charles Schwab by 6,650.0% in the first quarter. Activest Wealth Management now owns 405 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 399 shares in the last quarter. 84.38% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research firms have recently weighed in on SCHW. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $93.00 to $87.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, April 8th. Redburn Atlantic upgraded shares of Charles Schwab from a sell rating to a neutral rating and lifted their price objective for the company from $65.00 to $82.00 in a research note on Monday, June 9th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $90.00 to $93.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, April 22nd. TD Securities raised their price target on Charles Schwab from $95.00 to $113.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, May 20th. Finally, Barclays reduced their price target on Charles Schwab from $96.00 to $84.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, April 7th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and fifteen have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $89.40.

Read Our Latest Report on SCHW

About Charles Schwab

(Get Free Report)

The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services.

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The suspension of U.S. military aid to Ukraine was a unilateral move by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, despite a military analysis that found the aid did not threaten U.S. combat readiness, NBC News reported, citing three unnamed congressional aides and a former U.S. official familiar with the matter.

A senior Pentagon official, Elbridge Colby, the undersecretary of defense for policy, has backed the moves, the sources said. Colby has long advocated scaling back the U.S. commitment in Ukraine and shifting weapons and resources to the Pacific region to counter China.

The ezine say that Hegseth has twice before suspended aid to Ukraine without apparent coordination with lawmakers on Capitol Hill or even within the administration. The first time, in February, drew a prickly response from the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Roger Wicker, R-Miss., who called the move a rookie mistake. The next time was in early May, according to a Senate aide. In both cases, the suspensions of aid were reversed within days.

Critics of the decision to suspend supplies included both Republicans and Democrats, according to congressional aides. Lawmakers from both parties were frustrated that they had not been notified in advance and were investigating whether the delayed shipment violated laws that mandate security assistance to Ukraine.

It is noted that critics of the decision included Republicans and Democrats who support aiding Ukraines fight against Russia. Lawmakers from both parties were frustrated by the lack of advance notice and were looking into whether the delayed shipment violated laws that mandate security assistance to Ukraine, congressional aides said.

A leading House Democrat, Adam Smith of Washington, said it was disingenuous of the Pentagon to use military readiness to justify halting aid when the real reason appears to be simply to pursue an agenda of cutting off American aid to Ukraine. We are not at any lower point, stockpile-wise [of weapons and ammunition], than weve been in the 3 years of the Ukraine conflict, Smith said in an interview with NBC News.

It is reported that in Poland and other European countries, some of the U.S. weapons had already been loaded onto trucks, ready to be delivered to Kyiv to help its government fend off Russian missile attacks and hold the line against ground forces in the countrys east. Then, military officers and officials handling the shipment got word that the delivery had been called off, said two sources with knowledge of the matter.

The White House has defended the decision, saying it followed an ongoing review by the Defense Department of U.S. assistance to allies and partners abroad that began last month. The review began after Hegseth issued a memo ordering the Pentagons Joint Staff to review stockpiles of all munitions. According to three officials familiar with the matter, the assessment found that some stockpiles of high-precision munitions were at lower levels but not yet beyond critical minimums. But the Joint Staff concluded that providing continued assistance to Ukraine would not drain U.S. supplies below a required threshold needed to ensure military readiness, the officials said.

The Pentagon did not respond to a request for comment Thursday.
Avantax Planning Partners Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO  Free Report) by 5.7% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 44,800 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after purchasing an additional 2,429 shares during the period. Avantax Planning Partners Inc.s holdings in Valero Energy were worth $5,917,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Calamos Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Valero Energy by 1.1% during the first quarter. Calamos Advisors LLC now owns 69,603 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $9,192,000 after purchasing an additional 775 shares during the period. Conning Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Valero Energy by 5,928.4% during the 1st quarter. Conning Inc. now owns 268,564 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $35,469,000 after buying an additional 264,109 shares during the last quarter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC grew its stake in shares of Valero Energy by 4.9% in the 1st quarter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC now owns 6,014 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $794,000 after buying an additional 281 shares in the last quarter. North Capital Inc. acquired a new position in Valero Energy in the first quarter worth approximately $58,000. Finally, D.A. Davidson & CO. raised its position in Valero Energy by 4.6% during the first quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. now owns 69,621 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $9,195,000 after acquiring an additional 3,044 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.69% of the companys stock.

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Valero Energy Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:VLO opened at $143.53 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $44.96 billion, a PE ratio of 50.72, a PEG ratio of 2.45 and a beta of 1.00. The company has a current ratio of 1.56, a quick ratio of 1.09 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39. Valero Energy Corporation has a 1-year low of $99.00 and a 1-year high of $167.78. The businesss 50 day moving average is $129.99 and its 200-day moving average is $127.99.

Valero Energy Announces Dividend

Valero Energy ( NYSE:VLO Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 24th. The oil and gas company reported $0.89 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.16 by ($0.27). The business had revenue of $28.76 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $28.54 billion. Valero Energy had a return on equity of 6.30% and a net margin of 0.72%. Valero Energys revenue was down 4.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $3.82 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts predict that Valero Energy Corporation will post 7.92 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, June 18th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, May 20th were issued a dividend of $1.13 per share. This represents a $4.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.15%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, May 20th. Valero Energys payout ratio is 159.72%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several analysts have commented on the stock. Evercore ISI started coverage on shares of Valero Energy in a research report on Wednesday, June 18th. They issued an in-line rating and a $135.00 target price for the company. Raymond James Financial increased their target price on shares of Valero Energy from $150.00 to $155.00 and gave the stock a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their target price on Valero Energy from $152.00 to $147.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, April 28th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised Valero Energy from a neutral rating to a buy rating and raised their price objective for the company from $127.00 to $154.00 in a research note on Tuesday, May 13th. Finally, Barclays upped their target price on Valero Energy from $140.00 to $141.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, May 12th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, thirteen have assigned a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $150.88.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on VLO

Valero Energy Company Profile

(Free Report)

Valero Energy Corporation manufactures, markets, and sells petroleum-based and low-carbon liquid transportation fuels and petrochemical products in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Latin America, Mexico, Peru, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Refining, Renewable Diesel, and Ethanol.

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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:
The Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Korea has launched a new Economic Innovation Partnership Program (EIPP) with Ukraine for the next four years, for which the Korean government will allocate $10 million, according to a statement on the website of the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine on Friday.

As reported by the Ministry of Economy, the initiative provides for the provision of strategic consultations, development of projects and pre-project studies aimed at long-term economic cooperation between the two countries. It is expected that up to 25 initiatives can be implemented under this program in total.

During a meeting with the First Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine Oleksiy Sobolev, representatives of the delegation of Korea Overseas Infrastructure & Urban Development Corporation (KIND) told which projects would be prioritized.

The Ministry of Economy, in turn, noted that they see great prospects in partnership with KIND within the framework of the new program in both the public and private sectors, in particular regarding the possible inclusion in the financing of priority initiatives for the government within the Unified Project Portfolio of Public Investments, as well as private projects presented in the investment guide.

"We hope for KIND's participation in the technical preparation of projects, as we do within the PPF and PPU with the World Bank, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Another promising direction is privatization  consulting assistance and attracting investors," the press service of the department said, citing Sobolev.

The Ministry of Economy reported that KIND is ready to join the general planning of industrial parks in Ukraine and work on reducing risks for investors. They discussed the possibilities of involving the Republic of Korea in cooperation with the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency MIGA and with export credit agencies to expand mechanisms for insurance of war risks.

The parties also agreed to coordinate work on each of the areas of cooperation, as well as sign a memorandum of understanding, which would allow starting work on the selection of projects for financing and implementation.

The Korean state corporation KIND has been implementing projects for the restoration of Ukraine for over two years, in particular the transport master plan of Kyiv region, the plan for the reconstruction and restoration of Ukrainian airports, the renovation of the railway and other projects with the participation of cities and municipalities.
Macron and Starmer to hold new meeting of Coalition of Willing

French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, together with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, will hold another meeting of the Coalition of the Willing to Maintain Ukraine's Combat Capability, the Elysee Palace announced on Friday, BMFTV reports.

The meeting will be co-chaired by Macron and Starmer at Northwood Air Force Base near London on July 10.

European leaders will hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other leaders, including Merz and Meloni, who will meet in Rome at the same time for a conference on Ukraine's reconstruction, as well as with other leaders in other capitals, the French presidency said.

"Of course, there will be reflection on how to seriously support Ukraine's combat readiness," the message says.

The aim is also to ensure "the revival of the Ukrainian army" and the deployment, "when the time comes, of pacifying forces within the framework of the ceasefire."
By Akbar Novruz



Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar on the sidelines of the 17th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit held in Khankendi, Azernews reports, citing the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the current state of the AzerbaijanPakistan strategic partnership, highlighting the strong momentum gained through recent high-level visits and frequent political dialogue. Both ministers agreed that these developments have significantly elevated bilateral ties and created new opportunities for enhanced cooperation.

Particular emphasis was placed on expanding collaboration in key areas such as economy, trade, investment, energy security, and transport. The ministers noted the untapped potential in these sectors and expressed readiness to strengthen institutional mechanisms to deepen economic engagement.

Bayramov and Dar also exchanged views on regional developments, reaffirming their mutual support on issues of sovereignty and national interest. Both sides underlined the importance of continued alignment on regional and international platforms, noting that Azerbaijan and Pakistan have consistently backed each other in multilateral organizations.

In the context of Pakistans July presidency of the United Nations Security Council, the two officials discussed upcoming initiatives and reaffirmed their intention to coordinate positions on pressing global issues.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to further deepen AzerbaijanPakistan ties across all spheres and continue fostering solidarity on the international stage.
The agreement between Ukraine and Denmark on joint production of weapons is important from the point of view of security and investment, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

"Today there is an important decision in Europe, in Denmark - our first agreement on arms production in Europe for us, joint production between Ukraine and Denmark. This is important both from the point of view of security and from the point of view of investment," Zelenskyy said in an evening address on Friday.

As reported, Ukraine and Denmark signed an agreement paving the way for the creation of Ukrainian defense production facilities on Danish territory.
The family members of the 13-year-old minor girl, Tamanna Khatun, who was killed in a bomb blast last month at Kaliganj in Nadia, will petition the Calcutta High Court for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the case.

The victims mother confirmed on Thursday that in this legal battle at the Calcutta High Court, they will be represented by senior advocate and CPI-M Rajya Sabha member Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya.

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The current investigation being carried out by the state police is nothing but an eyewash. Many of the identified accused individuals are still roaming outside. Under such circumstances, we are certain that neither we nor our dead daughter will get justice if the state police continue with the investigation. So, we have decided to move the Calcutta High Court seeking a CBI probe in the matter. Bikash Bhattacharya will be representing us, the victims mother said.

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The victims father also said that so far, they have kept faith in the investigation by the state police. But now we are seeking a CBI probe into the matter. All we want is justice for our daughter, he said.

The total number of arrests in the case so far is nine. However, 15 others, who were also named in the complaint registered by the victims mother and all allegedly linked to the ruling Trinamul Congress, are still absconding.

Tamanna Khatun was allegedly killed after getting hit by splinters of a bomb that was hurled during a victory procession of the ruling Trinamul Congress to celebrate the victory of the party candidate Alifa Ahmed in Kaliganj bypolls.
The Calcutta High Court on Thursday directed the West Bengal government to submit a detailed progress report and produce the case diary within seven days in connection with the alleged gang-rape of a first-year law student from South Calcutta Law College.

The directive was issued by a division Bench comprising Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Smita Das during the initial hearing of three public interest litigations (PILs) demanding a CBI probe into the June 25 incident.

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However, the court was informed by the victims parents, who were present during the proceedings, that they currently support the ongoing investigation by the city police and are not in favour of a CBI inquiry at this stage.

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The next hearing is scheduled for 10 July. The Bench has also asked the state and the college authorities to file their respective affidavits before that date.

The case, which was first registered at Kasba police station, saw rapid developments. Within 24 hours of the FIR being filed, three suspects were arrested: Monojit Mishra, an ex-student; and Zaib Ahmed and Pramit Mukhopadhyay, both senior students of the same institution.

Initial investigation was carried out by local police before it was transferred to a Special Investigation Team led by an officer of ACP rank. On Wednesday, the detective department of Kolkata Police formally took over the probe and invoked additional charges, including kidnapping and assault with dangerous weapons.

According to investigators, the assault reportedly took place inside the guards room of the college premises. Mishra is accused of committing the rape, while Ahmed and Mukhopadhyay allegedly abetted the crime. Mobile phone location data and call detail records are being examined to track the suspects movements around Ballygunge Station Road and Fern Place on 26 June.

Their whereabouts on that day could reveal critical details, a police officer said, adding that investigators are also looking into people the suspects may have met.

The accused, all trained in legal procedures, are reportedly giving contradictory statements during interrogation. They are using their legal knowledge to complicate the investigation, the officer added.

Police have also questioned vice-principal Dr Nayna Chatterji twice, particularly about a phone call from Mishra on 26 June. Others who were present on campus at the time are also being questioned.

A stained bed sheet recovered from the guards room is being analysed by the forensic team.
Promoting a culture of entrepreneurship among the youth, the Punjab government is set to host the states first-ever Business Blasters Expo at IIT-Ropar. At the event, Classes 11 and 12 students of government schools will showcase their innovative ventures and participate in Shark Tank-style pitch sessions before a distinguished panel of investors, entrepreneurs, and incubators, announced Harjot Singh Bains, Punjabs minister for school education.

Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan on Friday evening, Bains said the expo aims to enable funding, incubation, and industry partnerships for scalable student ventures. It also seeks to inspire stakeholders to support school-based entrepreneurship.

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The minister added that around 40 teams will display their products at the expo on Saturday. In total, students from government schools in Classes 11 and 12 have developed 18,492 business ideas.

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To support these ventures, the state government has provided 16,000 in seed funding to over 7,000 student teams, helping them develop and launch their businesses under the guidance of teachers and expert mentors. The primary goal of the expo is to help students identify market opportunities and engage with real customers to generate revenue and profit.

Bains highlighted that the Business Blasters initiative, spearheaded by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, empowers students through practical, team-based learning. It fosters essential skills in communication, problem-solving, and financial management through real-world business experiences. He further noted that many student ventures are already generating revenue and scaling up operations.

During the press conference, Bains introduced four student teams and their innovative products. He said that a team from Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Roopnagar, has created resin-based coasters, keychains, and candle moulds. They have already sold over 250 units. Students from Government Senior Secondary School, Pathankot developed a rechargeable electric bicycle designed for urban last-mile mobility.

A team from Government Senior Secondary School, Bathinda has created a chemical-free herbal shampoo using traditional ingredients. They have sold 80 units and received positive customer feedback. Students from Government Senior Secondary School, Ferozepur have designed a self-defence stick featuring an LED light, shock points, and a concealed blade. The product targets women, senior citizens, and other safety-conscious users.

A team from Government Senior Secondary School, Moga, has launched BB Choco Dreams handmade, preservative-free chocolates. The team has already earned a profit of over 4,000. Bains concluded by stating that Indias growth depends on business and economic development, and the Punjab Government is committed to nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset starting from school level.
Reliance Retail plans to transfer its fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) from from Reliance Retail Ltd (RRL) to a new entity called the New Reliance Consumer Products Ltd (New RCPL) as part of its internal restructuring exercise, according to scheme filed before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), it has been announced.

Earlier on June 25, the Mumbai bench of the NCLT had asked Reliance Retail to convene a meeting for approval of the internal restructuring process, under which its consumer business is transferred as a going concern.

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As things stand, Reliances consumer goods business is spread in three verticals, namely Reliance Retail Ltd (RRL), Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd (RRVL) and Reliance Consumer Products Ltd (RCPL). RRVL is in the business of supply chain and logistics management for the retail business of Reliance, while RCPL is engaged in manufacturing, distribution, selling as well as marketing of multiple products under the FMCG category, and investments in subsidiaries and joint ventures engaged in the FMCG category retail business.

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Explaining the reasons behind the internal restructuring exercise, Reliance has stated that its consumer brands business is a business where brands are built by managing the entire product lifecycle from research, development, manufacturing, distribution and marketing.

This is a large business by itself, which requires specialised and focused attention, expertise and different skill sets as compared to retail business. This business also entails large capital investments on an ongoing basis and can attract a different set of investors, the company had stated.

The restructuring of companies in the RIL group would house the Consumer Brands Business in New RCPL and would have RIL and other investors of Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL) holding the same percentage shareholding as in RRVL, the company had told NCLT.

The proposed scheme intends to transfer and vest the FMCG brands business from Reliance Retail Ltd (RRL) to the parent firm RRVL as a going concern on slump sale, as well as a merger of RCPL with RRVL, besides a demerger of the consumer goods business from RRVL to New RCPL, during the third stage. Both RRL and RCPL are wholly owned arms of RRVL.

On April 25, the boards of directors of RRl, RRVL and RCPL had passed a resolution to transfer the FMCG brands business from RRL to RRVL. Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), the parent company, holds 83.56% in RRVL, while other investors hold 16.44%.

Later, NCLT had directed that a meeting of the unsecured creditors of RRL, RRVL and RCPL be convened and held within 70 days from the date of the order being uploaded on its website, for the purpose of considering and approving the scheme.
Delhi PWD Minister Parvesh Verma on Friday said the BJP government has done substantial work on fixing the drains and other waterlogging spots in the city ahead of the monsoon season.

The monsoon is welcome in Delhi. Earlier, people used to say it is better if it does not rain in Delhi but our government welcomes the monsoon. We will show that over the last four months, the government has worked on the drains.

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He informed that the government has worked on Minto Bridge, ITO, and other such places that were prone to water logging.

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According to Verma, the concerned departments are working day and night on the identified water logging spots as per the goals set by the government in this regard which included short term, mid- term and long term plans.

He informed that as part of the short term plans, the works that were identified and started have been completed which included work on the majority of the water-logging spots.

However, Verma also informed that at some places where the construction of big drains is taking place, that may take around a year, and some projects will take another four to five months for completion.

Verma assured that now the work of making the city better in all aspects will keep going on, and during the next rainy season, the capital will appear much better than it is at the moment.

He reiterated that although the kind of water-logging that used to happen at Minto Bridge, where buses would get submerged, or the water-logging seen at ITO, will no longer be seen.

The minister also informed that the government has worked tirelessly and most of the drains of the city have been cleaned which include big and small drains.

Meanwhile, in a step aimed at protecting Delhis frontline workers from extreme hot weather, minister Verma launched the pilot of Cool Vest Jacket Initiative, to provide a tangible, immediate solution.

He mentioned that those who stand under the open sky are the real backbone of the city, and the gear being given to them is like a promise to care for them, as they care for Delhi every day.

The key Features of the Cool Vest Jacket is that it has a battery-operated dual fan unit for cooling, and is also equipped with an ice collar technology that lowers surface body temperature by up to 15C.

The lightweight, water- and abrasion-resistant fabric is suitable for long duty hours, and its unisex design ensures wide usability across departments.

The initiative is being implemented by ADRA India, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA).
Michael Madsen, the gritty, unforgettable presence in many Quentin Tarantino classics, has died at the age of 67.

Best known for his role as Mr. Blonde in Reservoir Dogs, Madsen was found unresponsive at his home in Malibu on Thursday, reportedly due to cardiac arrest, according to Variety.

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Madsens death brings to a close a decades-long career that saw him embody some of cinemas most intense, unpredictable, and quietly magnetic characters.

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In a joint statement, his managers Susan Ferris and Ron Smith, along with publicist Liz Rodriguez, said Madsen had recently been deeply involved in independent film projects and was looking forward to new creative chapters.

In the last two years, Michael Madsen has been doing some incredible work with independent film. That includes upcoming feature films Resurrection Road, Concessions, and Cookbook for Southern Housewives, they said. He was also preparing to release a new book titled Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems.

They added, Michael Madsen was one of Hollywoods most iconic actors, who will be missed by many.

Born on September 25, 1957, in Chicago, Michael Madsen was raised in a creative household. His mother, Elaine, was a filmmaker and author, and his father Calvin was a firefighter. He was one of three siblings, including Cheryl Madsen and Oscar-nominated actress Virginia Madsen.

Virginia issued an emotional statement mourning her brother: He was thunder and velvet. Mischief wrapped in tenderness. A poet disguised as an outlaw. She reflected on his layered personality: a father, a son, a brother, etched in contradiction, tempered by love. She wrote, Were not mourning a public figure. Were not mourning a myth, but flesh and blood and ferocious heart.

She added that her brother stormed through life loud, brilliant, and half on fire, calling him half legend, half lullaby.

Though hell always be remembered for his collaborations with Quentin Tarantino, from Reservoir Dogs to both volumes of Kill Bill, The Hateful Eight, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Madsens body of work spans over 300 films.

He brought his distinctive touch to roles in Donnie Brasco, Thelma & Louise, Species, Sin City, The Doors, Mulholland Falls, and Once Upon a Time in Mexico, among many others.

But beyond the screen, Madsen was also a poet. He had a deep love for words and wrote several books over the years, including Burning in Paradise and Expecting Rain.

His family has not yet announced details of a public memorial but asked for privacy as they process the loss.
Actor Parag Tyagi is mourning the untimely loss of his wife, Shefali Jariwala, who passed away on June 27 at the age of 42.

Days after her death, Tyagi took to Instagram to pen a deeply emotional note, honouring her life, spirit, and the love she shared with everyone around her.

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Known widely as the face of the early 2000s hit Kaanta Laga, Shefali was far more than her public image, Parag wrote.

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In his moving tribute, he called her Meri Pari, his angel, and described her as a woman of substance and soul. She was fire wrapped in grace, sharp, focused, and fiercely driven, he shared.

Parag Tyagi on Shefali Jariwala:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Parag Tyagi (@paragtyagi)

Tyagi went on to describe Shefali not only as a successful and determined woman but as someone who truly embodied selfless love. She was sab ki maa, always putting others first, offering comfort and warmth simply through her presence, he wrote.

From being a devoted daughter and affectionate wife to a nurturing dog-mom to Simba and a loving sister and friend, Parag recalled how Shefali touched countless lives with her generosity and compassion.

In the post, Parag made a heartfelt appeal to fans and the public. He asked them to remember Shefali not through rumours or speculation, but through love.

In the chaos of grief, its easy to be swept away by noise But Shefali deserves to be remembered by her light. By the joy she sparked. By the lives she lifted, he wrote.

He ended the note with a message filled with emotion: Love you till eternity.

On the day of her passing, Parag rushed her to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital after she reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest. Tragically, doctors declared her dead on arrival.

Following protocol, Mumbai Police sent her body for a post-mortem to determine the exact cause of death. However, officials later stated that the cause remains reserved pending further investigation.

On July 2, a prayer meet took place in her memory. Their close friends and family came together to honour her life and say their goodbyes.

Shefali Jariwala rose to fame with her bold presence in Kaanta Laga. She later appeared in shows like Bigg Boss and Nach Baliye.
Actor Aparshakti Khurana is ready to break new ground, this time, in Tamil cinema, and on Thursday, the actor took to Instagram to share a big update: hes all ready to make his Tamil film debut with a project titled ROOT: Running Out of Time, a sci-fi crime thriller currently under filming in Chennai.

Sharing pictures from the films official launch in Tamil Nadu, Aparshakti expressed his excitement about stepping into the world of Tamil films.

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Super thrilled to announce my first Tamil film! A sci-fi thriller called ROOT with the extremely passionate team, he wrote on Instagram.

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aparshakti Khurana (@aparshakti_khurana)

The film will see him alongside Gautham Karthik, known for films like Devarattam and Vai Raja Vai. The two actors will be sharing screen space for the first time.

In a statement, Aparshakti reflected on the significance of this new chapter in his career. I am absolutely thrilled to be making my debut in Tamil cinema with ROOT: Running Out of Time. Its a challenging and unique script, and Im excited to explore this new territory. The opportunity to work with such a talented team and connect with a new audience is something Im truly looking forward to.

The film is production of Verus Productions and helmed by director Sooriyaprathap S, whos previously worked on Naalaiya Iyakkunar Season 1 and served as an associate director on Kochadaiiyaan, which starred Rajinikanth.

Sooriyaprathap is popular for his innovative storytelling style. And, ROOT appears to be no exception, combining science fiction with crime and thriller elements.

The announcement post has already sparked a wave of enthusiasm online. Aparshaktis brother, actor Ayushmann Khurrana, showed support by dropping a heart emoji. His wife Aakriti Ahuja left fire emojis in the comments.
The Allahabad High Court, after hearing the arguments in the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah case, rejected the plea of the Hindu side to declare the Shahi Idgah in Mathura a disputed structure.

Earlier on May 23 last, after the completion of the hearing , the court had reserved its judgement.

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The single bench of the court comprising Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra rejected the petition filed on behalf of the plaintiff, Mahendra Pratap Singh, president of Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Mukti Trust, who had demanded that the court should declare the idgah as a disputed structure as was done in the case of Babri Masjid.

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He also claimed that the Shahi mosque of Mathura was also built after demolishing the original sanctum sanctorum of Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi.

The petition filed on March 5 had said that the mosque should be declared a disputed structure since it does not have land papers as it was built on an encroached land.

The Hindu side claimed that the royal idgah was a temple first. The Muslim side could not produce any evidence of its existence till date. What is being called a mosque bears symbols of Hindu deities on its walls.

The petitioners contended that by encroaching someone elses land, one cant claim it to be his. Whats more, the name of the mosque is not in the Khatauni connected to the land. There is no record in the municipal corporation nor tax is being paid. Even the reported power theft case had been registered against the Shahi Idgah management committee. Why then should it be called a mosque?

They compared the Ram Temple-Babri Masjid dispute in Ayodhya with the birthplace of Lord Krishna in Mathura. The petitioners lawyers pointed out that the court had declared the Babri Masjid a disputed structure before giving its decision in the Ayodhya case. Hence, the mosque in Mathura should also be declared a disputed structure.

The Muslim side had objected to the demand, pointing out that the Shahi Idgah has been there for the past 400 years.
In a major intelligence-led operation under the ongoing anti-drug campaign Yudh Nashian De Virudh launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Amritsar Commissionerate Police has busted two separate modules, an international narco-arms module and an inter-state narco-hawala syndicate, with the arrest of nine accused.

The police recovered 1.15 kg of heroin, five sophisticated pistols, and Rs 9.7 lakh in drug money from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.

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The arrested individuals have been identified as Jaspreet Singh Chauhan alias Kalu (26) of village Sokha Bhaini in Barnala; Harpreet Singh alias Happy (25) of village Bholoke in Gurdaspur; Tejbir Singh alias Teji (21) of village Basti Lal Singh in Tarn Taran; Danish alias Gaggu (19) of Dashmesh Nagar, Amritsar; Saloni (19) of Kot Khalsa, Amritsar; Jobanpreet Singh alias Joban (28) of village Meharbanpura, Amritsar; Kulwinder Singh (28) of village Kakka, Ludhiana; and Abdul Rehman (45) and Pardeep Pintu (44), both residents of Karnataka.

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DGP Yadav stated that two separate First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered at Police Stations Sadar and Islamabad in Amritsar. Further investigations are underway to trace both forward and backward linkages to unearth the entire smuggling network.

Sharing details of the first operation, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that in an intelligence-led operation, police teams arrested three individuals, Jaspreet, Harpreet, and Tejbir, who were involved in an international narco-arms module.

Five sophisticated pistols were recovered from them, including three 9MM Glocks and two .30 bore Chinese pistols, along with live cartridges.

Preliminary investigations revealed that two of the arrested, Jaspreet and Harpreet, had recently returned from Malaysia and were in contact with their handlers in Malaysia and Pakistan.

Acting on instructions, they came to the Amritsar area along with their associate Tejbir to pick up a consignment of weapons and drugs. These weapons were intended to be delivered to criminal elements for further illegal activities, he added.

In this regard, a case (FIR No. 106 dated 2.7.2025) has been registered under Section 21C of the NDPS Act and Section 25 of the Arms Act at Police Station Sadar, Amritsar.

In another operation, CP Bhullar said that police teams arrested six accused linked to a narco-hawala network with connections to Delhi, Karnataka, and Dubai. The team recovered 9.7 lakh in drug proceeds and 150 grams of heroin from their possession.

The arrested individuals were part of an organised hawala syndicate allegedly operated by Abdul Rehman and Pardeep Pintu, who routed drug proceeds to Dubai through illegal channels.

Further investigations are ongoing, and more arrests and recoveries are expected in the coming days. A case (FIR No. 191 dated 27.6.2025) has been registered under Sections 21-B, 29, and 27-A of the NDPS Act at Police Station Islamabad, Amritsar.

ENDS
The American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine has appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump to protect American business in Ukraine from destruction by Russia by urgently providing the defense equipment needed to stop these attacks, American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine Chairman Andriy Hunder has said.

" More than 50% of the 600 members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine have suffered direct damage to their offices, factories, and infrastructure during the war. American business is being destroyed by Russia. We are calling on the U.S. Administration, on The White House and on Donald J. Trump to act  to protect American business in Ukraine by urgently providing the defensive equipment needed to stop these attacks," Hunder said on Facebook on Friday.

He said that on the U.S. Independence Day, they in Ukraine "endured a night of terror" in the form of air strikes across the country, including in the center of Kyiv.

"America was built on the values of independence, freedom, and justice. Ukraine is fighting for those very same principles today. Together, we stand united," Hunder said.

As reported, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with representatives of the U.S. companies and entrepreneurs  the American Chamber of Commerce's members on Wednesday. "We talked about how important it is to work in Ukraine and with Ukraine  to pay taxes, preserve and create new jobs. We also count on the voice of American business in our relations with the United States. Our defense is common, and American systems in Ukraine protect not only people's lives, but also businesses," he said.

During the meeting, Hunder noted Ukraine's resilience in wartime and noted that 88 members of the chamber have relatives and friends who serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He also reported that 53% of companies suffered damage to their facilities and offices as a result of Russian shelling.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday alleged that the Congress party discourages members of the Muslim community from wearing their traditional attire at its public events.

His comments have ignited fresh debate around identity politics and communal representation in the state ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls.

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Addressing reporters, CM Sarma claimed that Congress leaders ask Muslim supporters to avoid wearing skull caps or traditional garments during political gatherings, ostensibly to avoid alienating other voter groups.

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Congress seeks votes from the Muslim community, yet they dont want to stand with them openly. They instruct them not to wear caps or come in traditional Muslim dress when attending meetings, he claimed.

Drawing a contrast with his own party, Sarma added, Would we ever ask our Bodo brothers not to wear their Dokhona? Or tell someone not to wear a Gamusa? Can anyone imagine the BJP telling Rabha or Sarania communities to avoid their cultural identity?

Sarma asserted that the BJP encourages all communities to embrace and showcase their traditional attire at political events, suggesting that such cultural expression reflects unity and pride in Assams diverse heritage.

But Congress is just the opposite. They take votes from Muslims but stop those with long beards or in traditional dress from being seen at their events, he alleged.

He went a step further by calling on Muslim voters in Assam to reflect on their political allegiance. Now the Muslim community must decideshould they continue to support a party that is ashamed of their identity?

The Congress party has not yet issued a formal response to the Chief Ministers allegations.

Muslims, who make up over 34% of the states population, have traditionally backed the Congress but have also been courted by newer political forces such as the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) and regional parties like Raijor Dal and AJP in recent years.
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We had one border and two adversaries, actually three. Pakistan was in the front. China was providing all possible support. Around 81 per cent of the military hardware of Pakistan is Chinese. China was able to test its weapons against other weapons, so its like a live lab available to them. Turkey also played an important role in providing the type of support it did.

He added that when DGMO-level talks were on, Pakistan had the live updates of important vectors, from China and stressed that We need a robust air defence system.

Lt Gen Rahul R Singh said there are a few lessons from Operation Sindoor, and the strategic messaging by leadership was unambiguous.

There is no scope of absorbing the pain the way we did a few years ago. The planning and selection of targets was based on a lot of data that was collected using technology and human intelligence. So a total of 21 targets were identified, out of which nine targets we thought would be prudent to engage. It was only the final day or the final hour that the decision was taken that these nine targets would be engaged, he shared.

He noted that a considered decision was taken that it will be a tri-services approach to send the right message that we indeed are an integrated force.

An important consideration was that we should always be at the top of the escalation ladder. When we reach a military objective, we should try and put a stop to it, he added.

He stressed that war is easy to initiate, but its very difficult to control. So I would say that was a very masterly stroke that was played to stop the war at an appropriate time, he added.

Briefing the FICCI & business communities, he said Indias immediate need of Robust Air defence systems and technological advancements manufacturing boost in the country, so that next time they are well prepared.
The Congress party Friday came out strongly against the Election Commissions decision to undertake a Special Intensive Revision of the electoral rolls in Bihar ahead of the Assembly elections.

According to Congress General Secretary (Organisation) K C Venugopal, the SIR is a sinister exercise aimed at depriving lakhs of voters of their franchise.

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This government specialises in giving people hell. The SIR is a sinister exercise to deprive lakhs of voters of their franchise, Venugopal said, in a post shared on handle X.

The unnecessary haste and their absolute refusal to address genuine concerns raised by the Opposition point to this being a clear effort to destroy the electoral system in Bihar. We will not let this go through. They must halt this ridiculous exercise immediately, Venugopal warned.

The Congress partys empowered group of leaders and experts has consistently been expressing concerns that the SIR would lead to the wilful exclusion of voters and that lakhs of union and state government officials would control and dictate who has the correct documents and who doesnt.

The opposition apprehends that the move is being seen as an explicit admission by the EC that all is not well with Indias electoral rolls, echoing concerns previously raised by the Congress and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi.

The special intensive revision, already in progress, involves visiting every single household and re-enrolling every eligible voter in Bihar after verifying identity and residential documents, effectively discarding the current electoral rolls and creating a fresh new electoral roll for voters across the state. However, the poll panel has clarified that the SIR exercise will be carried out on 2.93 crore of the States 7.89 crore voters.
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar will undertake a three-day visit to China, starting July 13, sources in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday.

This will be the External Affairs Ministers first trip to China since bilateral relations were severely strained following the violent Galwan Valley face-off between the soldiers of the two countries at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in June 2020.

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The breakthrough came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a significant bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping  the first at the delegation level in nearly five years  in the Russian city of Kazan on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in October 2023.

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At the meeting, PM Modi conveyed to the Chinese President that India-China ties have to be based on three mutuals  mutual trust, mutual respect and mutual sensitivity  if they have to return to a positive trajectory and remain sustainable.

Since then, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri have visited Beijing to hold in-depth discussions on several complex issues.

According to the sources in the Ministry, Jaishankar will begin his China visit from Beijing and then visit Tianjin for the Foreign Ministers Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member countries. China is the current Chair of the grouping.

NSA Doval, while addressing the 20th meeting of the Security Council Secretaries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States in Beijing last month, said India is deeply concerned about continued threat from terror groups designated by United Nations Security Council (UNSC), including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)  two of the most dangerous and state-supported terror outfits operating out of Pakistan  besides Al Qaeda, ISIS and its affiliates.

Spotlighting the barbaric Pahalgam terror attack and Indias subsequent Operation Sindoor to dismantle terror infrastructure across the border, the National Security Advisor called for the urgent need to shun double standards in the fight against terrorism and take decisive actions against UN-proscribed terrorists and entities.

During his visit, NSA Doval also met with Wang Yi, Member, Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and the countrys Minister of Foreign Affairs.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed recent developments in India-China bilateral relations and underscored the need to promote the overall development of the India-China bilateral relations, including by fostering greater people-to-people ties. NSA also emphasised the need to counter terrorism in all its forms and manifestations to maintain overall peace and stability in the region. Views were also exchanged on other bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest, said a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Almost around the same time, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers meeting in Qingdao. The two Ministers held in-depth discussions on the need to maintain peace and tranquillity along the Indo-China border.

Raksha Mantri acknowledged the work being undertaken by both sides to bring back a semblance of normalcy in the bilateral relations. He highlighted the necessity of solving the complex issues through a structured roadmap of permanent engagement and de-escalation, the Ministry of Defence stated.

Appreciating the resumption of Kailash Manasarovar yatra after a gap of five years, Defence Minister Singh also highlighted the important milestone of reaching 75 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has served notices on nine registered political parties in Rajasthan, including the BJP Rajya Sabha MP Ghanshyam Tiwari-led Bharat Vahini Party.

The poll panel issued notices to these parties for their electoral inactivity for the past 6 years. The notices sought replies to two questions: whether they have decided to end their poll activities, and second, whether they have limited area-wise or time-wise participation in the electoral process.

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The notices issued on June 26 are returnable within a fortnight, official sources said.

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Senior BJP leader and long-serving former Rajasthan Minister Tiwari formed the Bharat Vahini Party in 2018 after parting ways with the saffron party.

Under the banner of his new party, he contested the 2018 state assembly elections from several seats; however, the party drew a blank. He himself suffered a heavy defeat, even losing his security deposit. Since then, the party has not participated in any election.

Tiwari himself joined the Congress, but only for a brief period, as he later returned to the BJP following a word from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Besides the Bharat Vahini Party, the Rajasthan Janta Party, Rashtriya Jansagar Party, Khushhal Kisan Party, Bharatiya Janhitkari Party, Nationalist Jansatta Party, Swachh Bharat Party, Nationalist Peoples Front, and Maharana Kranti Party are the other parties that have received notices.
The sleuths of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at the premises Debock group of companies for probing into suspected irregularities in stock Market dealings.

According to official sources, the raiding parties began search and investigations Friday morning at around 10 locations of the Debock Group of Companies in Jaipur, Tonk, and Deoli.

The sources said that ED officials suspect irregularities in transactions and other related procedures in stock market dealings that might have led to a scam to the tune of Rs 100 crore.

They said a sudden and steep hike in the rate of the share of the group made the ED officials suspicious. The face value of the shares of the companies has gone up from Rs 8 to Rs 153 in a period of six months.

The ED sleuths have also sought records and clarification from the group Chairman, Mukesh

Manveer.

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The INDIA bloc will take its fight against the Election Commission of Indias (ECI) Special Intensive Revision of the voter list in Bihar to the streets on 9 July by participating in the Bharat Bandh called by the Left parties.

The nationwide strike was called by the Left parties to highlight the law-and-order situation in Bihar and the problem of workers.

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Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly Tejashwi Yadav made the announcement after meeting the Election Commissioner of Bihar in Patna on Friday.

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Tejashwi Yadav, who led a delegation of the India Alliance leaders, questioned the ECIs decision to ask every resident of Bihar to prove his citizenship. The demand that only people of Bihar need to provide proof of citizenship is suspicious and suggests a larger conspiracy. I urge everyone to come out on the street on 9 July and support our fight against this injustice, he said.

He also challenged the Election Commission of Indias decision to approve only 11 documents to ascertain a voters eligibility and asked the EC to prove its constitutional and legal basis.

The RJD leader asked, If the list of documents has been prepared by administrative order or internal guideline, is it appropriate to grant it such sweeping authority over democratic processes and civil rights? The Election Commission must explicitly clarify the legal basis  the specific law or clause  used to select these 11 documents.

He said the rejection of government-issued IDs like Aadhaar, ration cards, and MNREGA job cards during voter list revisions is puzzling.

Tejashwi said two-three months ago his wife got registered as a voter here on the basis of an Aadhaar card. Now, the same document is declared invalid by the same institution. The Aadhaar card application process itself demands rigorous proof of identity and residence, including biometric data. This inconsistency raises the question: why would the government reject the very IDs it meticulously verifies, he said.
Its official now. Actor-turned-neta Vijay is the Chief Ministerial candidate of his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), making the contest for the numero uno post in Tamil Nadu a four-cornered one.

A resolution to this effect was passed at the TVKs General Council meeting, chaired by Vijay, at suburban Panaiyur in Chennai on Friday. With this, it becomes evident that the TVK is not prepared to play second fiddle to any other party though it remains open to alliance with the lure of coalition government. Another resolution empowered Vijay, the founder president of the party, to take decisions pertaining to alliances.

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Addressing the functionaries, Vijay asserted that the TVK would not have any truck either directly or indirectly with ideological enemies and divisive forces. There is no compromise on fighting both the DMK and the BJP, and the party remains very firm and clear on this. The alliance led by the TVK will always be opposed to both the BJP and DMK, he said, drawing huge applause from the members.

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As the CM face of the TVK, he will now be taking on incumbent MK Stalin of the DMK-led alliance, determined to retain power; former Chief Minister and AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS), who is intent upon returning to office in the company of the BJP and a few other NDA constituents; and the ultra-Tamil nationalist Seeman of Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), with 8 per cent vote share, ploughing a lonely furrow.

Former BJP state president K Annamalai and Anbumani Ramadoss of the OBC Vanniyar dominant Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), expected to be potential contenders are no more in the reckoning.

While Annamalai has been eased out and replaced by Nainar Nagendran as the state party chief, Anbumani is engaged in a bitter war of succession with his father and party founder S Ramadoss and is moving closer to the BJP.

At the first state conference of the TVK in October last year, Vijay had declared the BJP as the partys ideological enemy and the ruling DMK as the political enemy. Though the party was launched months ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha poll, it stayed away from the election stating that it was focused on the 2026 assembly election with the motto of heralding a change. The TVK had roped in acclaimed poll strategist and Jan Suraksha Party (JSP) president Prashant Kishore to chalk out the roadmap for the assembly election.

The much-awaited mass outreach of Vijay will commence in September, preceded by the partys second state conference in August, the general council has decided. With his film charisma, Vijay remains a crowd puller, and his state-wide tour is aimed at taking the party closer to the people and to galvanise the TVK rank and file.

Condemning the Union Government for attempting to impose Hindi and Sanskrit, a resolution said Tamil Nadu should continue with its time-tested two-language policy of Mother tongue Tamil and English. The general council urged the Union Government to take on lease Katchatheevu, a rocky islet in the Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka, so as to protect Indian fishermen from the attacks by the island nations navy.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will leave for the United States via Dubai on Friday night, reportedly for a follow-up medical treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.

Sources said the CM will have a layover in Dubai, from where he will fly to the United States.

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The Chief Ministers trip comes amid mounting criticism of the states health sector. The state government is under criticism for its alleged inept handling of the health department. The health department has been facing severe criticism from various quarters, including from the opposition parties after a building collapse at Kottayam Medical College claimed a life on Thursday. The lack of equipment in medical colleges had also come to light.

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The Head of the Urology Department at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College had recently revealed that surgeries had to be halted due to lack of equipment. Protests are growing across Kerala , demanding Health Minister Veena Georges resignation.
A local court in Meghalayas East Khasi Hills district has extended the judicial custody of three men accused of brutally murdering Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi during his honeymoon in May.

The accused  Akash Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauhan, and Anand Kurmi  were produced before the court via video conferencing from Shillong District Jail, where they have been lodged since their arrest. The court extended their judicial custody by 14 days.

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Raghuvanshi, 35, had travelled to Meghalaya with his wife Sonam for their honeymoon after the couple got married in Indore on May 11. He went missing on May 23 while visiting the picturesque Sohra region , a favoured destination for tourists in Meghalaya. His mutilated body was recovered from a deep gorge in the East Khasi Hills on June 2.

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Investigators allege that Raghuvanshi was lured to his death by his wife Sonam, who was having an affair with a man named Raj Kushwaha. Both Sonam and Kushwaha were arrested in connection with the murder and are currently in judicial custody.

According to police sources, the murder was meticulously planned and carried out by the three hitmen from Madhya Pradesh, reportedly at the behest of the couple.

In a parallel investigation in Indore, three other men  a property dealer, the owner of a flat, and a security guard have also been arrested. Authorities say the trio helped Sonam and Kushwaha cover their tracks after the murder by facilitating their stay and allegedly tampering with evidence at a flat in the city. They face charges related to obstruction of justice and destruction of evidence.
Russian reporters visit Lanzhou Beef Noodle Museum

17:00, July 03, 2025 By Zhang Wenjie, Chu Mengqi ( People's Daily Online

Recently, a delegation of reporters from several major Russian media outlets visited the Lanzhou Beef Noodle Museum in Lanzhou, capital of northwest China's Gansu Province. The group watched live demonstrations of noodle-pulling, learned about the craftsmanship and cultural significance behind this traditional dish, and experienced the charm of Chinese noodle culture.

Lanzhou beef noodles enjoy widespread popularity for their meticulous preparation and distinctive flavor. The dish consist of a flavorful and clear broth, shaved beef, white radish slices, red chili oil, green garlic leaves and coriander, and chewy hand-pulled "lamian" noodles. Diners can even request the specific thickness and shape of their noodles.

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Du Mingming)
The Orissa High Court has granted ten-day interim bail to Chintan Raghuvanshi, Deputy Director of the Enforcement Directorates regional office, who was arrested by the CBI on bribery in May last, to enable him to see his newborn baby observing that the birth experience of a child in a family more particularly the bond of father to new born baby cannot ordinarily be expressed in words.

The Single Bench judge, Justice G Satapathy, granting bail to the ED officer on humanitarian grounds, said the petitioner is neither a hardened criminal nor is there any material to suggest that he would abscond; rather, he is a Central Government employee.

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Raghuvanshi, a 2013-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, was arrested by CBI on 30 May last for allegedly accepting Rs 20 lakh bribe from a quarry owner and businessman Ratikanta Rout.

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Since the wife of the petitioner has delivered a baby child, at least on humanitarian grounds, the petitioner-father should be allowed to meet his child, since he is in confinement, the petitioners counsel argued.

The prosecution counsel highlighted that it would not be proper to grant interim bail to the petitioner, merely because his wife has delivered a baby, who is found to be healthy, and there is no complication in the delivery.

What would be the emotion of a father to a newborn child can only be experienced in the circumstance, since a child is a gift of God.

The birth experience of a child in a family itself can be deeply personal with very emotional responses for all the family members, more particularly the bond of father to newborn baby cannot ordinarily be expressed in words, Justice Satapathy observed in the judgment.

The petitioner-Chintan Raghuvanshi, is, however, advised to surrender to custody immediately after expiry of the interim bail, failing which the Court in session is at liberty to take coercive steps to commit the petitioner to prison, the order concluded.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President Christine Carla Kangaloo on Friday to discuss ways to strengthen the relationship between India and Trinidad & Tobago.

Delighted to meet President Christine Carla Kangaloo. Our discussions focused on enhancing the bond between India and Trinidad & Tobago, including boosting economic and cultural linkages, PM Modi said.

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The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude after being conferred with The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the countrys highest national honour.

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I express my heartfelt gratitude to President Christine Carla Kangaloo, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the Government, and the wonderful people of Trinidad & Tobago for bestowing upon me The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. This honour symbolises the eternal friendship between our two countries, he said.

PM Modi highlighted the strong cultural connection between the two nations. At every step, one can witness the cultural connect between our countries, he observed, emphasizing the deep-rooted ties.

He also noted that this is the first time the honour has been conferred on a foreign leader.

I am deeply honoured that this is the first time this award has been conferred upon a foreign leader. This recognition will further strengthen our resolve to deepen ties with Trinidad & Tobago, he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was Friday conferred The Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, the highest national award of the Caribbean nation.

Expressing his gratitude for the honour, Modi said, I accept it on behalf of 140 crore Indians. I express my heartfelt gratitude to you, your government, and the people for being honoured with the highest national award.

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The award recognizes his global leadership, deep ties with the Indian diaspora, and humanitarian efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Modi highlighted the significance of this honour, stating that it symbolizes the eternal and deep friendship between India and Trinidad and Tobago.

This honour is a symbol of the eternal and deep friendship between our two countries. I accept this honor on behalf of 140 crore Indians as a shared pride, he added.

Trinidad and Tobago is not only a CARICOM partner for India but also an important partner globally. Our cooperation is significant for the entire Global South, the prime minister said.

He also praised the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago, saying they have preserved Indias traditions, culture, and customs. It is a matter of great pride that the Indian community has preserved our shared traditions, culture, and customs to this day, Modi said, appreciating President Kangaloo and Prime Minister Kamla for their role in promoting the community.

Modis visit to Trinidad and Tobago marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between the two countries, with the Indian community playing a vital role in shaping their shared heritage.

Nearly 40-45 per cent of Trinidad and Tobagos population is of Indian descent, underscoring the deep cultural and emotional ties between the two nations.
The proposed Puri Greenfield International Airport, a flagship infrastructure project of the Government of Odisha, has received a significant boost with a series of key regulatory clearances and milestones.

The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) granted site clearance for the Greenfield airport on September 22, 2023. This was followed by the Centres recent in-principle approval, paving the way for further development, an official said on Friday.

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Spanning a total area of 1,164 acres, the project involves minimal forest diversion, only 68 acres fall under the District Level Committee (DLC) and Revenue Forest category.

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The Commerce & Transport Department of the Government of Odisha has already submitted all necessary compliance documentation to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).

The Regional Empowered Committee (REC) under the Integrated Regional Office (IRO) of MoEF&CC in Bhubaneswar has recommended the project for Stage-I Forest Clearance.

The forest diversion proposal is currently under active consideration by the Central Ministry.

At its meeting held on June 24, 2025, the Advisory Committee of the MoEF&CC requested additional inputs, including a Wildlife Conservation Plan and mitigation measures for ecologically sensitive species such as Olive Ridley turtles, dolphins, and migratory birds. The conservation plan is being prepared in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).

Government officials clarified that these steps are part of standard procedures for large-scale infrastructure projects.

The Commerce & Transport Department has already initiated the development of mitigation measures in line with the Advisory Committees recommendations and will submit the plan to obtain Stage-I clearance.

In a significant development, the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) under MoEF&CC has already recommended Environmental Clearance for the project during its meeting held on June 26, 2025.

With these critical milestones achieved, the Odisha Government is expected to finalize modalities for issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP), transitioning the project into its execution phase.

Once operational, the Puri International Airport will provide direct air connectivity to one of Indias most revered spiritual and cultural destinations, boosting tourism, employment, and regional economic growth, officials added.
A crucial National Executive Committee meeting of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) was held in Patna on Friday, where party leaders resolved to oppose the Election Commissions Special Intensive Revision of the voter list in Bihar.

Addressing the meeting, Leader of Opposition in Bihar Assembly Tejashwi Yadav denounced the Election Commissions Special Intensive Revision of the voter list, calling it undemocratic and unconstitutional.

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He described it as a plot to disenfranchise the poor, Dalits, extremely backward castes, backward castes, scheduled tribes, and minorities.

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The National Executive meeting was a significant step towards strengthening RJD unity, and consolidating Tejashwis position as leader.

It was further established as the National Executive Committeeannounced that Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi Yadav will be solely responsible for all major decisions concerning the upcoming assembly elections.

Though this decision will be formally ratified at the National Council meeting in Patna on Saturday, it is seen as a significant political move ahead of the Bihar assembly elections.

Earlier, addressing the meeting, RJD National President Lalu Prasad Yadav also highlighted Tejashwi Yadavs remarkable achievements during his 17 months as Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, citing them as a model for future progress.

He also stated that the people of Bihar are ready for change. Rallying party workers, he called for a stronger party to defeat the BJP and seize power.

RJD Spokesperson Chittaranjan Gagan said that the meeting was focused on mapping out its election strategy and campaign for the Bihar assembly elections. Several proposals related to political, economic and foreign policy were also presented in the meeting. The proposals approved by the National Executive will be presented for discussion in the National Council meeting on Saturday. After that it will be presented for approval in the open session.
Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Capability Development and Sustenance) Lieutenant General Rahul R Singh has revealed that India was fighting three adversaries at the same time during Operation Sindoor.

Speaking for the first time since the launch of Operation Sindoor, the Deputy Chief of Army Staff said that India had one border and two adversaries, actually three.

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Pakistan was in the front. China was providing all possible support. Turkey also played an important role in providing the type of support it did. When DGMO-level talks were on, Pakistan was actually mentioning that your such and such important vectors are ready for action and requested us to pull it back. They were getting real time updates from China, said the Lieutenant General during his keynote address at a FICCI defence seminar, New Age Military Technologies here on Friday.

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India launched Operation Sindoor on the intervening night of May 6-7 against terrorists and terror hubs located in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) to avenge the killings of 26 civilians during Pahalgam terror attack in April.

Speaking about the close ties shared between China and Pakistan, Singh said that the red dragon was using Pakistan as a proxy to test its military hardware. Its no surprise that 81% of the military equipment Pakistan has acquired in the past five years is Chinese. China would rather inflict pain through its neighbours than directly engage, he said while dubbing the conflicts as live lab which Beijing is using to evaluate its weapon systems against other weapons.

This must be taken very seriously, he added.

Operation Sindoor, Indias retaliatory action, exposed both vulnerabilities and strengthsbut more importantly, it showed the growing depth of Sino-Pak-Turkish defence cooperation, he added.

Stating that war is easy to initiate, but its very difficult to control, the DCOAS said there were a few lessons from Operation Sindoor.

The planning and selection of targets was based on a lot of data that was collected using technology and human intelligence. So, a total of 21 targets were identified, out of which nine targets we thought would be prudent to engage. It was only the final day or the final hour that the decision was taken that these nine targets would be engaged, he said.

Highlighting the evolving nature of modern warfare, Lt Gen Singh has stressed the critical need for a robust and layered air defence system to protect Indias vast geography and densely populated areas.

Speaking in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor, he acknowledged that while some indigenous air defence systems had delivered commendable performance, others had exposed significant operational shortcomings.

We dont have the luxury of systems like Israels Iron Dome because of our vast geography and limited resources. Still, our population centres must be protected with layered air defence, he asserted.

Lt Gen Singh also emphasised the increasing prominence of drones, counter-drone technologies, and long-range artillery on the battlefield. We need to move very fast. Its a cat-and-mouse game, he remarked, underscoring the dynamic and rapidly changing nature of current military engagements.
The death of a woman following the collapse of a building at the Government Medical College Hospital in Kottayam on Thursday sparked violent protests across Kerala on Friday.

Various organisations held protest marches to Kottayam Medical College, the health ministers ancestral home in Pathanamthitta, and her official residence in Thiruvananthapuram, demanding Health Minister Veena Georges resignation.

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Youth Congress workers staged a protest rally at Kottayam Medical College Hospital, raising slogans demanding Veena Georges ouster. Police used water cannons to disperse protesters who attempted to breach the barricades.

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In Pathanamthitta, demonstrators marched to the ministers ancestral home carrying a symbolic coffin, claiming it represented the deteriorating condition of Keralas healthcare system. Tension escalated when police tried to block the demonstration and resorted to water cannons.

BJP workers marched to Health Minister Veena Georges official residence in Thiruvananthapuram, accusing her of mishandling the health department and demanding her resignation. Police again used water cannons to disperse the crowd.

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said government hospitals in Kerala are in a pathetic condition and urged the chief minister to sack Veena George if she refuses to step down. Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, VD Satheesan, said the states healthcare system is on ventilator support.

BJP Kerala president Rajeev Chandrasekhar criticized the LDF government, calling its claim of having the countrys No. 1 healthcare system an inflated balloon.
In a significant move aimed at strengthening the higher education landscape in Uttar Pradesh, the state government has approved the operation of two new private universities.

Acting on the directives of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the state has granted permission for the establishment of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ramayan University in the sacred city of Ayodhya and has issued a Letter of Intent for the creation of Ajay Kumar Garg University in Ghaziabad.

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The decision reflects the Yogi governments commitment to making Uttar Pradesh a leading state in higher education. The establishment of Ramayan University in Ayodhya and an engineering-focused university in an industrial city like Ghaziabad is a clear indication that the New Uttar Pradesh is rapidly moving toward becoming a frontrunner in the field of higher education.

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Under the leadership of CM Yogi, the Uttar Pradesh government is working with the mission to make education more accessible, inclusive, and modern.

State Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay said here on Friday that the government is encouraging innovation and infrastructure development in higher education through private sector participation. In the coming years, Uttar Pradesh is set to become a leading state in the field of education.

He mentioned that in order to improve the quality of education and provide youth with access to higher education institutions at the local level, both university proposals were approved through a time-bound process.

The minister informed that the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ramayan University in Ayodhya has been officially notified and granted permission under the Uttar Pradesh Private Universities (Amendment) Act, 2025. The university will now be able to operate formally as per the set conditions and official notification.

Similarly, the Ajay Kumar Garg University, proposed by the Indian Institute of Management and Engineering Society, Ghaziabad, has been issued a Letter of Intent under Section 6 of the Uttar Pradesh Private Universities Act, 2019. To establish the university, the institution must meet certain requirements, including a minimum endowment fund of 5 crore, 20 acres of land in an urban area, and at least 24,000 square meters of academic infrastructure.
Traditional wisdom on environmental governance, captured through the Environment Kuznets curve, posits that countries grow first and clean up later. This empirical insight is informed by the experience of now developed countries which exploited the natural environment, at home and abroad, to feed the resource requirements of the growth process. But such luxury is not available to countries like India, which still need to grow rapidly to meet the development aspirations of their large population. When the NDA assumed office in 2014, the challenge was to accelerate growth and development on the cardinal principles of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi which is Reform, Perform and Transform without compromising with the rigour of environmental safeguards, wherever required, and providing a quantum jump to ease of doing business.

Today, as we stand in 2025, we have not only met this challenge but created a governance model that the world acknowledges. Prime Minister Modis vision was clear: transform this system into one that serves both ecology and economy. Our first major initiative was the launch of the Swachh Bharat Mission in 2014, which went beyond cleanliness to establish a comprehensive framework for waste management and environmental stewardship. This mission demonstrated our commitment to integrating environmental concerns with social development. It was launched as a mass movement involving all citizens and raising the demand for a cleaner, more resourceefficient India.

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The National Air Quality Index was launched soon after, providing real-time air quality monitoring across cities to the citizens in a transparent manner The Make in India initiative, also launched in 2014, incorporated stringent environmental compliance standards, proving that we could promote manufacturing at a much faster scale and speed while maintaining ecological integrity. The Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Scheme in 2015 was expanded to promote energy efficiency and include more energy-intensive industries, creating a market-based mechanisms for energy efficiency. From 2016 onwards, all key waste management rules are being regularly updated for effective waste management, enhancing resource efficiency and fostering a circular economy. The foundational principle of this approach is a reliance on marketbased mechanisms and the extended producer responsibility framework based on the polluter pays principle. The Plastic Waste management Rules, the E-waste Management Rules, the Tyre, Battery and Used Oil Waste Management Rules were all framed on these principles.

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This led to the creation of an ecosystem whereby nearly 4,000 recyclers of various materials have been brought from the informal sector to the formal sector as registered recyclers generating revenue of more than Rs.1600 crore in FY 24-25. The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) portals launched in 2022 represent an important step towards the circular economy. In FY 24-25, 61,055 producers have registered on EPR portals for plastic packaging, ewaste, waste tyres, battery waste, and used oil. After publication of the Waste Rules, 2022 and introduction of EPR portals, the quantity of waste processed has increased to 127.48 lakh tonnes in FY 24-25 million MT per annum compared to 3.6 MMT per annum before publication of these rules. This has been possible because of the co-operation and support of all the stakeholders.

To cut down procedural delays and carry out a comprehensive environmental assessment, an online IT tool known as PARIVESH (Pro-Active and Responsive facilitation by Interactive, Virtuous and Environmental Singlewindow Hub) was launched in 2018. This digital platform revolutionized the interaction between businesses and environmental regulators, embodying Prime Minister Modis Digital India vision. PARIVESH transformed environmental clearances from a cumbersome, paper-based process to a streamlined and robust digital experience. This approach maintained the rigor of environmental assessment while reducing processing times significantly and enhancing transparency.

The official launch of the National Clean Air Programme in 2019 with city-specific action plans marked our transition from policy maker and regulator to that of an implementer. NCAP targets a 40 per cent reduction in PM10 concentrations by 2025-26 or achieve national standards of 60 microgram/m3 as compared to the baseline year of 2017-18. The CPCB has played a crucial role in close monitoring of NCAP as well as air quality trends in 131 NCAP cities, leading to continuous improvement in air quality. In 2021, the Portal for Regulation of Air Quality in Non-Attainment Cities (PRANA) was created as a single point web-based tool for paperless project management, tracking physical and financial progress on clean air measures implementation.

The ban on single use plastic from 1st July,2022 and the ban on plastic sheets with thickness more than 120 microns from 31st December 2022 demonstrated bold environmental leadership, while the Jal Jeevan Mission launched the same year integrated water access with environmental sustainability. India became one of the first countries in the world to develop a comprehensive India Cooling Action Plan which has a long-term vision to address the cooling requirement across sectors and lists out actions which can help reduce the cooling demand. Cooling requirement is cross sectoral and an essential part for economic growth and is required across different sectors of the economy such as residential and commercial buildings, cold-chain, refrigeration, transport and industries. India ratified the Kigali amendment to the Montreal Protocol on 27th September 2021 for phase-down of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), committing to complete phase-down in four steps from 2032 onwards with reductions of 10, 20, 30 and 85 per cent in 2032, 2037, 2042 and 2047 respectively.

The Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act passed in 2022 established Indias carbon credit trading scheme, creating market-based mechanisms for emissions reduction. The operationalization of our Carbon Credit Trading Scheme in 2023 under the Bureau of Energy Efficiency is a major milestone in creation of Indias first comprehensive carbon market. Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), announced by PM Modi at Glasgow on 1 November 2021 during COP26 is another exemplary action promoting sustainable consumption patterns by nudging human behaviour. Besides carbon credit, a positive intervention in the form of the Green Credit Programme was launched in 2023 during COP 28 at UAE for rewarding positive environmental actions thereby creating incentives for voluntary environmental stewardship.

The full implementation of Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) emission norms nationwide in 2024 and the development of our Green Taxonomy framework for sustainable finance are some of the other initiatives which show Indias firm commitment to a cleaner and greener environment and how environmental governance can drive both technological advancement and financial innovation. To promote the production and use of environment friendly and quality sustainable products, the Ministry notified the Ecomark Rules, 2024, under the E(P) Act, 1986, covering 17 broad categories with 80 sub-categories of products for encouraging sustainable production and consumption practices, with CPCB nominated as the key administrating agency.

The evolution of PARIVESH from its 2018 launch to PARIVESH 2.0 in 2024 with a modern decision support system incorporating GIS and even better environmental assessment features exemplifies our commitment to continuous technological and qualitative improvements in environment management and monitoring. The integration of environmental clearances into the National Single Window System created a one-stop digital platform for business approvals, contributing to Indias dramatic improvement in the World Banks Ease of Doing Business ranking from 142nd in 2014 to 63rd in 2020. Between 2014-2020, we granted environmental clearances to nearly 2,053 projects out of 2,115 applications, with markedly improved processing efficiency. To incentivize the industries towards adopting best practices in reducing effluent discharge and lessen the compliance burden, a new methodology was introduced to categorize industries. This scientific approach led to the classification of activities into Red, Orange, Green, White, and Blue categories.

The innovative Blue category industries, representing environmentally positive activities like sewage treatment plants, composting units, biogas plants, and material recovery facilities. As we move forward, our environmental governance framework continues to evolve with advanced AI capabilities, enhanced public participation mechanisms, and predictive environmental management systems. The recent developments in 2025, including enhanced digital monitoring systems and strengthened ESG reporting requirements, demonstrate our commitment to staying at the cutting edge.

This decade-long journey from red tape to green innovation demonstrates what visionary leadership can achieve. Prime Minister Modis approach of balancing environmental protection with economic development has created a governance model that serves multiple objectives simultaneously. As we work toward Indias goal of becoming Viksit Bharat@2047, the environmental governance framework that has been put in place over a decade provides a strong foundation for sustainable development.

(The writer is Union Cabinet Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change.)
In less than four months from now (October 2025), the Sixteenth Finance Commission (SFC) has to wind up its assessment and submit a report so that recommendations can be accommodated in the Union budget of 2026-27 as well as the State budgets. This would not only ensure commencement of the SFC recommendations (1-04-2026) in time but also enable the national and sub-national economies a safe landing in 2031. The Commission may also prefer to go the last Finance Commissions way and submit the first years recommendation early, keeping the reports about remaining years in abeyance for the time being.

The SFC was constituted well in time (Dec 2023) under the chairmanship of Arvind Panagariya and two other members. Thereafter, right from January 2024, Mr. Panagariya was on the move from State to State and also meeting various autho  rities. Since visiting the States has almost come to an end, it can now safely be surmised that the Commission is engaged in drafting with full force and vigour. This time, the States are ex  pecting some positive awards from the 16th FC, especially taking into account their two major demands, namely 1) adopting a set of more effective criteria for determining the rational share of each State from the divisible pool of taxes and 2) enhancing the total share to be devolved to the States. The divisible pool of taxes refers to the net proceeds of all taxes (after deducting cess, surcharge, and cost of collecti  on) collected by the Union, which is sharable with the States. The 11th FC shared 29.5 per cent of the divisible pool with the States. It marginally increas  ed to 30.5 per cent in the 12th FC, 32 per cent in the 13th FC, 42 per cent in the 14th FC, and 41 per cent in the 15th FC.

Almost all Indian states ~ irrespective of their size of per capita income and GSDP ~ depend largely on the funds transferred by the Union government to varying degrees. Each state receives its specified share of central taxes and other grants-in-aid as approved by the commission. Even the most developed states have to rely on the FCs funds for an average of 23-25 per cent of their total budgetary requirements. For example, Maharashtras own resources could cover only 74 per cent of the States requirements (2024-25). For the remaining part, the State has to depend on the amount received through central transfer. Similarly, Karnataka, another developed State, could cover only 78 per cent of its requirement from its own revenues ~ the gap is bridged by funds that come from the Centre. Other similarly placed states with the proportion of their own revenue sources are Andhra Pradesh (57 per cent), Kerala (76 per cent), Tamil Nadu (74 per cent), Telangana (72 per cent), Gujarat (73 per cent), Rajasthan (59.55 per cent), and West Bengal (46.0 per cent).

This position underlines the gravity of the fiscal situation of the States. Apart from FC grants and the tax devolutions received from the Centre, the States in their effort to bridge the gap, rely continually on borrowing. It was under this backdrop that States submitted their memoranda before the Commission. Mr Panagariya recently disclosed at a press conference that 22 out of 28 States ~ including Uttar Pradesh ~ have advocated devolution of a 50 per cent share from the divisible pool of resources. This time, however, it will be tough for the Finance Commission to come to a decision about devolving funds to this extent to the States. It is already in the air that the Union government is not in favour of enhancing the states share; rather it may press the Commission to reduce the share to 40 per cent.

Mr. Panagariya, has already in a way negated the demand of the States saying that, Practically speaking, I cant tell you (the press) what the commission will do because I also dont know it yet, as its a decision of the full membership of the commission. What I can speculate, though, is it is not going to be 50 per cent because that would be too large a jump, and such a large jump would upset too many carts. In a recent move, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, while attending the 10th General Council Meet of the NITI Aayog, told PM Modi that the Centre must consider devolution of at least 50 per cent of Central taxes.

Enhancement of the devolution proportion has been a cause of concern for many other states as well, especially when the approved proportion is also not devolved by the Centre under the pretext of a shortage of funds. However, in view of the speculation of Mr Panagariya, it is to be expected that he will take the middle path and attempt to maintain an equal distance from both Centre and States ~ with a slight tilt towards Centre. In this context it is worth noting that the 14th Finance Commission (2015-20) faced the tremendous task of reinvigorating the deteriorating fiscal situation of States in the face of the sudden stoppage of funds flow from the Planning Commission.

Another challenge in the context of restricting fund flows to states before the 14th FC was to examine Central intervention in the State list by way of implementation of some centrally-sponsored schemes. The revenue receipts position of states received a big jerk when the Centre suddenly abolished the Planning Commission, resulting in a stoppage of plan funds. The 13th Finance Commission allocated 31 per cent of the divisible pool of resources to the States. The 14th FC had to take care of the changing situation, and as a step towards relief to the States recommended 42 per cent of the share of the divisible pool of resources.

The Commission in its report stated that it was necessary to bridge the gap created by the abolition of the plan funds. The allocation of funds by the 15th FC in terms of the proportional share appeared to be lower than the allocation made by the 14th FC in the case of some high-performing States in the areas of economic de velo  pment. The States which suffered such low allocation are Andhra Pradesh (4.3 per cent, 4 per cent ~ of the two figures within the attached parenthesis, the first is for 14th FC and the second is for 15th FC), As sam (3.31, 3.13), Karnataka (4.713, 3.65), Kerala (2.50, 1.93), Odisha (4.64, 4.53), Telangana (2.42, 2.1), UP (17.95, 17.93), etc. Although in absolute terms, the present proportions yielded a higher amount, yet the absolute amount yielded by the lowest and the highest proportion varied further, indicating further discrepancy in the allocations.

These states are now claiming a fair deal in terms of fixation of proportion. However, this will be possible only when the criteria considered for devolution of funds are either reviewed or rationalised. The criteria for devolution of funds for the 14th and 15th FC were more or less similar. These two commissions followed five criteria frameworks for determination of the proportion of the share of each state. Each criterion is attached with a specific weight in the form of a percentage. For example, the 15th FC gave 45 per cent weightage to deviation from the highest perca pita income, 15 per cent weightage to population, 15 per cent weightage to the area, and 12.5 per cent weightage to demo graphic performance (newly introduced). 10 per cent weightage to forest and ecology and 2.5 per cent to tax and fiscal efforts.

One serious objection levelled against the Union government is the shortfall in the disbursement of the States share of various grants-in-aid. The 15th FC recommended the release of funds to the States under various headings. Some of these are transferred to the States as grant-in-aid, and others are transferred as normal budgetary provisions. For example, post-devolution revenue deficit grants, local bodies grants, disaster management grants, etc., are transferred to the States as grant-in-aid. The total transfer recommended under these three heads was Rs 845,026 crore. Out of this, the Central government till October 2024 had released only Rs 559,698 crore, or 66.23 per cent of the allocation. The remaining amount of Rs 285,328 crore is yet to be re  leased. Of these three schemes, more than 90 per cent of the recommended amount was released in the case of a post-devolution revenue deficit grant.

On the other hand, only around 50 per cent was released in the case of local bodies grants. In the case of disaster management grants, the release was to the tune of 66.75 per cent.

Such shortfalls appearing at the time of releasing amounts recommended by the Finance Commissions has become a normal phenomenon today. The shortfall usually occurs more in the case of grants-in-aid meant for the rural local bodies. Moreover, a funds crunch is not always the main reason for non utilisation of Finance Commission awards ~ sometimes time constraints also prevent spending of resources in hand. The 16th FC, as it appears, will not take much time to disclose the awards allocated under various heads, as they have already made up their mind on the crucial question of expanding the divisible pool of taxes. They will attempt to expand the tax bases but not the magnitude of the share. The situation for the 16th FC is much easier than what was faced by the 10th, 11th, and 14th Finance Commissions.

(The writer is a former IAS officer, who retired as Secretary, Finance, Government of Assam)

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China's landmark trade corridor cargo volume jumps 76.9 pct in H1

Xinhua) 08:37, July 04, 2025

A drone photo taken on July 3, 2025 shows gantry cranes loading containers onto a freight train in Qinzhou railway container center station in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Cargo volume on the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor surged 76.9 percent year on year to 746,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in the first six months of this year, according to the China Railway Nanning Group. The corridor now operates 14 fixed train routes connecting Beibu Gulf Port in Guangxi and Zhanjiang Port in neighboring Guangdong Province to major inland hubs including Chongqing, Chengdu, Guiyang, Lanzhou, Huaihua and Xi'an. Goods transported through the trade corridor via intermodal rail-sea service now cover 1,236 categories, 79 more than a year earlier, spanning electronics, vehicles and auto parts, machinery, household appliances, and food. (Xinhua/Zhang Ailin)

NANNING, July 3 (Xinhua) -- Cargo volume on the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor surged 76.9 percent year on year to 746,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in the first six months of this year, according to the China Railway Nanning Group.

Cargo flow along the corridor hit a new record by reaching the 700,000 TEU mark on June 20, 125 days earlier than it did last year. As an important project under the Belt and Road Initiative, it has been playing a key role in connecting China's landlocked western regions to global markets.

A new intermodal transport model was introduced on March 25, when a freight train carrying 200 vehicles from southwest China's Chongqing Municipality arrived at Qinzhou Port in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region for direct transfer to an ocean vessel bound for Dubai's Jebel Ali Port. This first-time use of a "JSQ-type freight train combining a roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) vessel" solution created a new export path for vehicles from Chongqing.

The corridor also launched integrated rail-sea logistics packages this year, reducing shippers' need to coordinate separately with multiple carriers across different transport segments, and enabling full cargo tracking to boost efficiency and lower costs.

The corridor now operates 14 fixed train routes connecting Beibu Gulf Port in Guangxi and Zhanjiang Port in neighboring Guangdong Province to major inland hubs including Chongqing, Chengdu, Guiyang, Lanzhou, Huaihua and Xi'an. Goods transported through the trade corridor via intermodal rail-sea service now cover 1,236 categories, 79 more than a year earlier, spanning electronics, vehicles and auto parts, machinery, household appliances, and food.

An aerial drone photo taken on July 3, 2025 shows an ocean vessel fully loaded with containers docking at an automated container terminal of Qinzhou Port, in Qinzhou City, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Cargo volume on the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor surged 76.9 percent year on year to 746,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in the first six months of this year, according to the China Railway Nanning Group. The corridor now operates 14 fixed train routes connecting Beibu Gulf Port in Guangxi and Zhanjiang Port in neighboring Guangdong Province to major inland hubs including Chongqing, Chengdu, Guiyang, Lanzhou, Huaihua and Xi'an. Goods transported through the trade corridor via intermodal rail-sea service now cover 1,236 categories, 79 more than a year earlier, spanning electronics, vehicles and auto parts, machinery, household appliances, and food. (Xinhua/Zhang Ailin)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 3, 2025 shows a view of Qinzhou Port in Qinzhou City, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Cargo volume on the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor surged 76.9 percent year on year to 746,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in the first six months of this year, according to the China Railway Nanning Group. The corridor now operates 14 fixed train routes connecting Beibu Gulf Port in Guangxi and Zhanjiang Port in neighboring Guangdong Province to major inland hubs including Chongqing, Chengdu, Guiyang, Lanzhou, Huaihua and Xi'an. Goods transported through the trade corridor via intermodal rail-sea service now cover 1,236 categories, 79 more than a year earlier, spanning electronics, vehicles and auto parts, machinery, household appliances, and food. (Xinhua/Zhang Ailin)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 3, 2025 shows a container yard of an automated container terminal of Qinzhou Port in Qinzhou City, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Cargo volume on the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor surged 76.9 percent year on year to 746,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in the first six months of this year, according to the China Railway Nanning Group. The corridor now operates 14 fixed train routes connecting Beibu Gulf Port in Guangxi and Zhanjiang Port in neighboring Guangdong Province to major inland hubs including Chongqing, Chengdu, Guiyang, Lanzhou, Huaihua and Xi'an. Goods transported through the trade corridor via intermodal rail-sea service now cover 1,236 categories, 79 more than a year earlier, spanning electronics, vehicles and auto parts, machinery, household appliances, and food. (Xinhua/Zhang Ailin)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 3, 2025 shows an ocean vessel fully loaded with containers leaving Qinzhou Port, in Qinzhou City, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Cargo volume on the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor surged 76.9 percent year on year to 746,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in the first six months of this year, according to the China Railway Nanning Group. The corridor now operates 14 fixed train routes connecting Beibu Gulf Port in Guangxi and Zhanjiang Port in neighboring Guangdong Province to major inland hubs including Chongqing, Chengdu, Guiyang, Lanzhou, Huaihua and Xi'an. Goods transported through the trade corridor via intermodal rail-sea service now cover 1,236 categories, 79 more than a year earlier, spanning electronics, vehicles and auto parts, machinery, household appliances, and food. (Xinhua/Zhang Ailin)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Fast-depleting global carbon budget

The global carbon budget, translated into a quantifiable cap on the release of CO2 emissions to the atmosphere has emerged as a thorny climate policy discourse bristling with perplexities. IPCC, The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, estimates that to have a 66 per cent chance of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, we can emit no more than 250300 gigatons of CO. Scientific assessments demonstrate that at current emission levels, the remaining carbon budget will likely be exhausted in the next five years, i.e. by 2030, raising the alarm bell for the countries to accelerate their decarbonisation efforts. However, it is worrisome to see that despite a fast-depleting carbon space, the global climate policy actions by countries presented through NDCs collectively fall far short of the global targets. Scientific studies on climate change indicate that close to 50 per cent of total carbon dioxide emissions are removed by natural carbon sinks such as plants and oceans. However, the threat emanates from the gradual declining efficiency of these natural sinks to absorb the CO2 emissions from the atmosphere. There are reinforcing effects of having a high quantity of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and consequent high negative impacts on the sinking ability of nature and conversely.

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Gap in the legal backing to the global carbon budget

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While carbon budget as a scientific concept has received global recognition, it has not really translated into globally actionable legal binding targets so far either in the form of an agreement or treaty. Though, the nationally determined contributions (NDCs) declared under the Paris Agreement and the fiveyear Global Stock Taking (GST) exercises hint at collective limits on the temperature rise thereby indicating an indirect cap on the carbon budget. However, neither of the global climate goals has provisions for allocating an enforceable budget scheme. Nevertheless, there are some patchy and sporadic efforts undertaken at some individual country level in this direction. For instance, countries like the UK and Ireland have already integrated it into national climate Action plans. The UKs Climate Change Act necessitates the Government of UK to set a carbon budget and makes it a legally binding policy goal with a five-year limit on greenhouse gas emissions. Similar targets are also set for Ireland.

While the magnitude of the global carbon budget is built on the scientific consensus on its assessment and evaluation, the challenge lies in the mechanism and rationale of allocating the available budget across countries. While various allocation approaches are debated worldwide such as allocation based on historical emissions, egalitarian principles, national sovereignty, and allocation based on capabilities, however, none of them has received any common consensus and are mostly limited within scholarly circles. In this context, developing countries strongly assert whether the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities be unleashed as an approach for carbon budget allocation where all countries share the obligation to tackle climate change; however, those who emitted more in the past and have more resources should shoulder a greater share of the burden.

Global carbon budget and implications for India

For a country like India, which is home to the worlds largest population and a rapidly growing economy, equity in the allocation of the remaining global carbon budget is not just desirable, it becomes imperative. With per capita emissions significantly lower than developed nations, India must be afforded the developmental space to peak responsibly without being unfairly constrained by a budget already consumed disproportionately by the industrialised world. The United States has emitted around 400 billion tonnes of CO since the Industrial Revolution, accounting for about 25 per cent of all historical emissions. The European Union (EU) is not far behind, contributing roughly 22 per cent of cumulative emissions. China, which industrialised later but on a massive scale, is the largest emitter today, yet its cumulative share since the 1800s is about 11 per cent, roughly half that of the U.S. In contrast, Indias cumulative contribution is only on the order of 34 per cent of global emissions. In other words, India accounts for approximately four per cent of global CO emissions, yet it hosts over 17 per cent of the global population. Even looking at current emissions on a per-person basis, the gap is striking. The average Indian emits approximately two metric tonnes per person per year, compared to the United States at over 1415 tonnes, China nearly eight tonnes, and the EU at around 67 tonnes per year. In fact, the global average is about 4.8 tonnes per person, which means Indians emit less than half the world. Another way to put it: an average Indian emits in an entire year what an average American might emit in about six weeks.

India must push for a more equitable carbon budget allocation framework, grounded in:

Per capita emissions equity: Recognising current and cumulative emissions on a per-person basis.

Developmental needs: Accounting for access to energy, industrialisation needs, and poverty levels.

Population weighting: Reflecting demographic realities in budget distribution models.

Historical responsibility: Allocating less budget to nations that have already emitted far beyond their fair share.

This argument should not be seen as obstructionist in the global climate policy orders. On the contrary, India is already leading on several climate fronts, from the creation of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to the acceleration of green hydrogen policy and development and afforestation drives. But to maintain credibility and traction, the global system must create room for just growth, not just net-zero targets.

The global carbon budget is not just a scientific threshold; it is a geopolitical battleground. For India, the stakes are existential. The nation needs time, space, technology, and trust to fulfil its development potential without breaching planetary boundaries. That means developed nations must decarbonise deeper and faster, freeing up space for emerging economies to climb the development ladder sustainably.

The writers are respectively research scholar, Department of Policy and Management Studies (DoPMS), TERI School of Advanced Studies, New Delhi and associate professor and head, TERI School of Advanced Studies, New Delhi
The Kerala High Court on Friday refused to grant an immediate stay on the suspension of Kerala University Registrar Dr. KS Anil Kumar, who was suspended by the vice-chancellor over a row involving a Bharat Mata portrait at a function attended by Governor Rajendra Arlekar.

While considering a petition moved by the Kerala University registrar challenging his suspension from service following the recent controversy over his opposition to the use of Bharat Mata portrait with a saffron flag at an event involving Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar, a single bench of Justice N Nagaresh raised severe criticisms against Registrar Anil Kumar .

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The court said the registrars actions undermined the dignity of the Governor. The matter should have been handled differently. It questioned the polices ability to manage the law-and-order situation at the venue, calling it unfortunate that Bharat Mata has been referred to as a woman carrying a flag.

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The court asked the police to clarify whether there was indeed such a serious law and order issue during the June 25 event that they were unable to control, despite the governor of Kerala attending the event.

The court ordered the state police and the university to file their response by Monday.

I also want to know the polices version. Such a violent situation which the Kerala Police was not able to handle, in a program where a Governor is attending, was there such a big problem? Justice Nagaresh asked.

The court asked the Registrars lawyer why he had ordered the program in which the Governor was participating to be stopped. The lawyer informed the court that the program was ordered to be stopped because a religious symbol was displayed. To this , the court asked the counsel what religious symbol was displayed at the university Senate hall during the function.

The court criticized the lawyers description of Bharat Mata, a woman holding a flag. When pressed, the Registrars counsel said the image displayed was of a Hindu deity. The court said it was unfortunate that Bharat Mata was described as a woman carrying a flag.

The registrars counsel argued in court on Friday that the vice-chancellor had overstepped his authority by suspending the registrar without following due procedure. According to him, only the University Syndicate, which is his appointing authority, has the legal power to suspend him. He contended that the vice-chancellor acted unilaterally, without a Syndicate decision, which constitutes a clear violation of the University Act. He described the suspension as arbitrary, improper, illegal, and discriminatory.

The court will hear the petition again on Monday.
At least eight Baloch individuals have gone missing following a series of raids carried out by Pakistani security forces in Balochistan and in the Baloch-populated region of Taunsa, southern Punjab, as reported by The Balochistan Post.

Families of the victims have confirmed the incidents, raising serious concerns over the growing trend of enforced disappearances, The Balochistan Post reported.

In the Kech district of Balochistan, four young men were forcibly taken during a raid in the Mand area. As per The Balochistan Post, the victims have been identified as Jasim, son of Yaqoob; Malik, son of Faiz Muhammad; and Faisal and Raziq, both sons of Bijar.

Sources revealed that five individuals were initially detained during the operation; however, one was later released, while the remaining four were transferred to an undisclosed location. Their whereabouts remain unknown.

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In another case from the Gwadar district, The Balochistan Post reported that Bashir, son of Sabzal, was abducted by security personnel in the Lanti Daan area of Pasni. According to his family, Bashir was taken without any explanation and has not been heard from since. His relatives are calling for his immediate and unconditional release.

Meanwhile, in Taunsa, southern Punjab, three more Baloch individuals were abducted during a nighttime raid on a local hotel. As reported by The Balochistan Post, the abducted men have been identified as Muhammad Khan Chakarani Buzdar, Jumma Khan Mithwani Buzdar, and Iftikhar Chakarani Buzdar, an eleventh-grade student.

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Family members of the disappeared fear for their safety and claim that such detentions often result in extrajudicial killings disguised as encounters. Enforced disappearances have become commonplace here, a kin said. People are taken, later falsely accused, and killed without any due legal process.

In a related case, the sister of Ghulam Ali Baloch, a student abducted by Pakistani intelligence from Quettas Jinnah Town on June 22, issued an emotional plea for his return. The Balochistan Post quoted her as saying the family has received no updates on his location or condition since the morning raid.

I am one of the unfortunate sisters whose brother was taken in broad daylight in front of everyone, she said. It has now been many days, and we have no idea where he is or in what condition he remains. There is no information available, and no contact has been made. Our mother is heartbroken.

She called on the government, judiciary, and international human rights organisations to intervene. If there are any allegations against him, he should be brought before a court. We demand justice, she said.

She condemned the practice of enforced disappearances, labelling them as illegal, inhumane, and a violation of basic human dignity. All we wish is to have our brother returned alive and safe, she told The Balochistan Post. Please support us by becoming an advocate for Ghulam Alis safe return.
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has reported the brutal killings of two Baloch civilians in separate incidents in Kech and Awaran districts, as Pakistans state-backed death squads continue to carry out extrajudicial violence across Balochistan.

According to BYC, 24-year-old Dolat Baloch, son of Charshamby, was shot dead in Hoshap Bazar on July 2 while accompanying his mother, who was collecting financial aid under the Benazir Income Support Programme. BYC mentioned in a post on X that a white Toyota Corolla intercepted them in the market. Without any warning, Dolat was fired upon at point-blank range in front of his family. The assailants fled in the direction of a nearby military camp, highlighting their impunity and protected status.

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BYC, in a post on X, emphasised that this was not the first time Dolats family had been harassed by state-affiliated armed groups. His killing has sparked outrage in the region, as the incident occurred in broad daylight and has further shaken public confidence in civilian safety under Pakistans security establishment.

In a separate but equally chilling incident, BYC reported that on the night of June 29, Qadir Bakhsh, an elderly resident of Khandari village in Mashkay, district Awaran, was forcibly disappeared by personnel of the Pakistan Army and its proxy death squad. Hours later, his tortured and bullet-riddled body was found dumped near the village.

According to BYC, Qadir Bakhsh was the father of two sons who were both previously killed extrajudicially. His family has lived under constant surveillance and intimidation by the military for over a decade.

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Such acts are not isolated but part of a systematic campaign to terrorise and eliminate Baloch civilians, especially those with a history of resistance or political activism, BYC stated.

The Baloch Yakjehti Committee has urged international human rights organisations and the United Nations to intervene and hold the Pakistan Army accountable for what it described as institutionalised war crimes and crimes against humanity in Balochistan.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Friday (India time), arrived in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, on a state visit, marking the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country since 1999.

Upon his arrival, PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour and welcomed with special cultural performances.

Trinidad and Tobagos Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, dressed in Indian attire, received PM Modi at the airport, accompanied by members of her Cabinet and several dignitaries.

Landed in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago. I thank Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, distinguished members of the Cabinet and MPs for the gesture of welcoming me at the airport, PM Modi said in a post on X.

This visit will further cement bilateral ties between our nations, he added.

During his visit, PM Modi witnessed a Bhojpuri Chautaal performance, highlighting the cultural connection between Trinidad and Tobago and India, particularly with eastern UP and Bihar. He also met winners of the Bharat Ko Janiye (Know India) Quiz, praising the widespread participation and deepened connection with India.

A cultural connect like no other! Very happy to have witnessed a Bhojpuri Chautaal performance in Port of Spain, PM Modi said.

PM Modis visit aims to deepen ties between India and Trinidad and Tobago, with discussions focused on further strengthening bilateral relations.

During the visit, PM Modi will hold talks with President Christine Carla Kangaloo and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and address a joint session of Parliament.

This visit marks the second leg of PM Modis ongoing five-nation tour, which also includes Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. The tour underscores Indias commitment to strengthening partnerships with countries in the Global South. Looking forward to deepening ties with a valued partner in the Caribbean, with whom we share very old cultural linkages, PM Modi had said earlier in Ghana ahead of emplaning for Port of Spain.

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After arriving in Port of Spain on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm and grand reception by the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago and said that he was he was extremely grateful for their hospitality.

The Prime Minister also stressed upon the contribution of the local Indian community living in the Carribean nation and enriching the countrys development journey as well as excelling in diverse areas there along with retaining their connection with India and being passionate about Indian culture.

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The Indian community in Trinidad & Tobago extended a warm welcome to PM @narendramodi. Their enthusiasm reflected the deep-rooted cultural ties and shared heritage between the two nations, Prime Ministers Office wrote in a post on X.

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Many people from India made their way to Trinidad & Tobago years ago. Over the years, they distinguished themselves in several fields and are enriching Trinidad & Tobagos development journey. At the same time, they have retained a connection with India and are also passionate about Indian culture. Grateful to the local Indian community for an unforgettable welcome in Port of Spain, the Prime Minister wrote in a post on social media platform X.

Sharing some glimpses from the welcome at Port of Spain. May the friendship between India and Trinidad & Tobago continue to scale new heights in the times to come! PM Modi said on his official X account.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here where his Trinidad and Tobago counterpart Kamla Persad-Bissessar, dressed in Indian attire, welcomed him at the Piarco International Airport.

PM Modi was also accorded a ceremonial welcome upon his arrival at the airport and 38 Ministers as well as four Members of Parliament were present to welcome him.

A ceremonial guard of honour was presented, accompanied by cultural performances, including portrayals of mythological Indian characters.

After arriving at his hotel, PM Modi was greeted by enthusiastic members of the Indian diaspora, chanting slogans of Bharat Mata Ki Jai and Modi, Modi. Traditional Bhojpuri Chautaal rhythms and an orchestra performance added to the celebratory atmosphere.

He also met the people of the Indian diaspora waiting for him at the Piarco International Airport.

This is the second leg of PM Modis five-nation tour, following the successful completion of his visit to Ghana.

During this official visit, PM Modi will hold talks with the top leadership of Trinidad and Tobago to further strengthen the bilateral relationship.

This is his first visit to the Carribean nation as the Prime Minister and the first Indian bilateral visit at the prime ministerial level to Trinidad and Tobago since 1999.

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will hold talks with President Christine Carla Kangaloo and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and discuss further strengthening of the bilateral relationship.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Parliament of Ghana and dedicated the prestigious Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana conferred on him to the enduring friendship and shared values between the two countries.

Leaving for Trinidad & Tobago. Later this evening, I look forward to attending a community programme in Port of Spain. Tomorrow, will be addressing the Parliament of Trinidad & Tobago. Looking forward to deepening ties with a valued partner in the Caribbean, with whom we share very old cultural linkages, PM Modi posted on X after the conclusion of his two-day visit to Ghana.

Trinidad & Tobago (T&T) will be the second stop on the Prime Ministers ongoing five-nation visit and will be followed by visits to Argentina, Brazil and Namibia.

Like Ghana, PM Modi will also address a Joint Session of the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago on Friday.

The visit of Prime Minister Modi to the Caribbean nation will impart fresh impetus to the deep-rooted, historical, cultural and people-to-people connect between the two nations.

President Kangaloo was the Chief Guest at this years Pravasi Bhartiya Divas and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who has recently assumed office for the second term, has also visited India in the past and been felicitated with the Pravasi Bhartiya Samman award.

Indians first arrived in Trinidad and Tobago 180 years ago and PM Modis visit is expected to provide an opportunity to rejuvenate the special bonds of ancestry and kinship that unite both countries.

Interestingly, this is the second visit of Prime Minister Modi to the Caribbean region in a span of eight months  he had previously visited Guyana in November 2024  and shows the immense importance that India accords to the Caribbean countries and reflects Indias growing partnership with CARICOM.

Last November, while addressing the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit in Georgetown, Prime Minister Modi had underscored that India stands firmly for giving voice to the concerns of the Global South. Noting that the Global South countries were the most impacted by the challenges and conflicts of recent years, he had also reaffirmed Indias steadfast commitment to Caribbean countries as a reliable partner.

It was on the sidelines of the Summit in Guyana that PM Modi also met with the then Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Keith Rowley and congratulated him for adoption of Indias flagship UPI Platform by the Caribbean nation while assuring further collaboration in the field of digital transformation.

Both the countries are seeking to expand and diversify their cooperation into major emerging areas like pharmaceuticals, tertiary care, renewable energy, digital public infrastructure, agriculture, disaster resistance and innovation and technology, along with sports, academic and cultural cooperation.

The visit comes at an opportune time, as this year, 2025, the country (Trinidad and Tobago) is commemorating 180 years of the arrival of Indian immigrants in T&T, said MEA Secretary (South) Neena Malhotra during a special media briefing on Monday, ahead of PMs five-nation visit.

Bilateral relations between both nations are supported by a vibrant Indian diaspora. Out of the total 1.36 million population of T&T, the Indian diaspora constitutes nearly 4045 per cent of T&Ts population. The diaspora, descendants of immigrants who arrived starting 1845, continues to maintain strong cultural and emotional bonds with India.

PM Modis address to the joint session of the parliament of T&T is also being seen as symbolic of Indias traditions and democratic values, reaffirming New Delhis deep rooted and enduring ties with the Caribbean.

The Speakers chair in the Parliament has been a gift by India, which is again a symbolic reminder of the strong democratic and parliamentary traditions between our two countries, said Secretary Malhotra.

This visit, she added, is also very special for both the President and the Prime Minister of T&T, since they are both of Indian origin, and hold pride in calling themselves as daughters of India.

The entire Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is very enthusiastic about PM Modis upcoming visit and a large diaspora interaction event is being planned during the visit. During the visit, the PM will hold high-level discussions with both the President and Prime Minister, and the leaders are expected to cover the entire gamut of our bilateral relations, as well as regional and multilateral aspects, the MEA Secretary mentioned.
A madrasa student in Bangladesh was assaulted for a social media post criticising the 2024 July uprising, as locals and students in Tongi in Gazipur district near Dhaka cut off his hair before handing him over to the police, local media reported on Thursday.

Confirming the development, Tongi West Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Iskander Habibur Rahman told leading Bangladeshi newspaper The Daily Star that the student allegedly posted an objectionable remark on Facebook regarding the July uprising.

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Rahman mentioned that the incident occurred on the campus of the Tongi branch of Tamirul Millat Kamil Madrasa on Tuesday evening. In addition, a case has been registered against the student.

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Reports suggest that the police produced the student before a local court on Wednesday afternoon, after which the court ordered his imprisonment.

We have handed him over to the Tongi West Police Station considering the demands and safety, said Saidul Islam, General Secretary of the madrasas student council, while addressing the local media.

Since the matter is sensitive, we have handed him over to the police in the interest of maintaining law and order. The police will take further action in accordance with the law, said madrasa Principal Hifazur Rahman.

Meanwhile, a group of 88 expatriate journalists, writers, researchers, cultural and rights activists have raised grave concern over the continued torture of journalists and suppression of free speech in Bangladesh under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government.

In a joint statement, the group alleged that efforts are being made to suppress freedom of speech under the Yunus administration by imposing various official and unofficial controls on both mass media and social media, denouncing it as shameful and repulsive.

Last year, starting July 1, Bangladesh witnessed a violent student movement demanding reforms of the quota system in government jobs, which led to the overthrow of the democratically-elected government led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The unceremonious exit of Hasina last August following the violent student protests was globally seen as a major setback to the democratic set-up in the country, reportedly ushering in a period of severe human rights abuses and suppression of freedom of speech under the Yunus-led interim government.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be conferred with the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the highest civilian award of the Caribbean nation, as announced by the countrys Prime Minister, Kamala Persad Bissessar, while delivering glowing praise for the Indian PM.

The honour is being bestowed in recognition of his global leadership, deep ties with the Indian diaspora, and his humanitarian efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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In her address, Trinidad & Tobago Prime Minister Kamala Persad Bissessar delivered glowing praise for PM Modi, calling his visit a moment of pride and shared history.

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We are graced by the presence of someone who is near and dear to us, she said, adding, We are graced by a leader whose visit is not just a matter of protocol but a profound honour for us. I am deeply privileged to welcome one of the worlds most respected, most admired visionary leaders, Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, she said.

Prime Minister, you are a transformational force who has refined governance of India and positioned your country as a prominent and dominant global power, she added.

Praising PM Modis vision, she mentioned, Through your visionary and futuristic initiatives, you have modernised the Indian economy, empowered over a billion citizens, and above all, you have instilled pride into the hearts of all Indians all over the world.

Recalling PM Modis earlier visit to the country in 2002, she said:

On your first visit to the country in 2002, you were not the Prime Minister but a cultural ambassador. Today, you return as head of government of more than 1.4 billion people  a distinguished and celebrated leader whose influence transcends boundaries. We bow to you, Sir.

The Trinidadian Prime Minister also lauded PM Modis commitment to the Indian diaspora and his efforts in preserving shared heritage and culture. She also highlighted Indias critical support to the Caribbean during the pandemic through its global vaccine initiative.

Under your leadership, India has extended its hand to the world, never more so than through your compassion and benevolence with the Vaccine Initiative four years ago. You, sir, ensured that vaccines and supplies reach even the smallest nations, including Trinidad and Tobago. Through your benevolence, you brought hope and calm where there was fear. This was more than diplomacy, this was an act of kinship, an act of shared humanity and an act of love.

This is one of the many reasons that we are deeply proud to bestow upon you The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, our nations highest honour, she added.

The honour from Trinidad and Tobago adds to a growing list of accolades received by PM Modi during his current tour. Earlier, Barbados, Guyana, and Dominica also conferred their highest national honours upon him.

Guyana and Dominica awarded PM Modi for his exceptional leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic and his outstanding contributions to the global community, as well as for strengthening bilateral ties with the two Caribbean nations.
Naval fleet led by Shandong aircraft carrier visits Hong Kong, opens for tours

Xinhua) 08:52, July 04, 2025

People watch as the aircraft carrier Shandong arrives in Hong Kong waters, south China, July 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

From Friday to Sunday, the fleet will host open tours, lectures, drill demonstrations and other exchange activities.

HONG KONG, July 3 (Xinhua) -- On his 28th birthday, Lieutenant Xie Huigui of the Chinese Navy was on board China's first domestically built aircraft carrier Shandong, bound for a five-day visit to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

He was born on July 1, 1997, the day of Hong Kong's return to the motherland. His given name "Huigui" -- meaning "return" -- marked the historic day.

Xie arrived in Hong Kong on Thursday morning on board the Shandong. The aircraft carrier, leading a formation comprising three other vessels, entered the Victoria Harbour at 8 a.m.

The fleet was escorted by helicopters and vessels sent by the HKSAR government and the Hong Kong Garrison of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA). More than 700 officers and soldiers spelled out Chinese characters "secure country, sweet home" on the Shandong's flight deck.

The sight of the naval fleet sparked instant cheers from crowds gathered along the coasts of the Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula.

"I feel extremely lucky to be able to see the Shandong with my own eyes. It is truly magnificent," said a retired maritime pilot gazing at the vessels with a binocular.

Journalists on a highland capture images of a fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong as it arrives in south China's Hong Kong, on July 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)

Atop Hong Kong's various mountains, crowds have started gaining vantage points from as early as 6 a.m. to snap pictures of the fleet's arrival. Many of them came from mainland cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen.

Naval officers and soldiers lined the sides of the aircraft carrier and waved back at the welcoming crowds. Qi Zhengkun, who visited Hong Kong on board the aircraft carrier Liaoning in July 2017, told younger soldiers about the metropolis' iconic spots -- the Golden Bauhinia Square, Hong Kong's tallest skyscraper International Commerce Center and the Victoria Peak.

The aircraft carrier and the Yan'an missile destroyer were anchored near the west end of the Victoria Harbour. The Zhanjiang missile destroyer and the Yuncheng missile frigate docked at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base in Stonecutters Island, where HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee welcomed the fleet.

Among the welcoming crowd at the naval base were students from Heung To Middle School, who were overjoyed to board the Yuncheng because the opportunity was given as a reward for upstanding students. "My family is from Yuncheng City in North China. My hometown has the same name with the vessel," said a particularly excited eighth-grader surnamed Gung.

A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrives in Hong Kong, south China, July 3, 2025. (Photo by Pan Xiaoyuan/Xinhua)

From Friday to Sunday, the fleet will host open tours, lectures, drill demonstrations and other exchange activities. Hong Kong residents who signed up for on-board tours will be able to view homegrown fighter jets and helicopters up close on the aircraft carrier's sprawling flight deck.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Aviation industry leaders and government officials gathered in Dehradun on Friday for a dialogue on civil aviation opportunities available to states across Northern India. The dialogue was chaired by Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu.

Joint Secretary Asangba Chuba from the Union Civil Aviation Ministry highlighted the transformative impact of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme.

He explained how the initiative had successfully established 625 Regional Connectivity Scheme routes nationwide, benefiting over 1.53 crore passengers while strengthening air connectivity across various states.

A modified UDAN scheme aims at serving four crore passengers over the next decade while connecting 120 destinations, demonstrating the government's commitment to democratising air travel and exploring new operational possibilities.

Infrastructure growth in the sector needs to be matched by skilled workforce development, as India is poised to become the worlds third-largest aviation market by 2030.

The ministry projected that the country's airports would expand from 162 to potentially 400 by 2047, requiring approximately 45,000 aviation maintenance technicians by 2040, according to Airbus estimates. This brings up an urgent need for states to establish comprehensive training institutes covering pilots, technicians, ground staff, and air traffic control personnel.

Smit Shah, the President of the Drone Federation of India, highlighted India's rapidly evolving drone ecosystem, which has over 33,000 registered drones, 24,000 certified pilots, 120 drone model type certifications, and 178 approved training schools across the nation.

He urged state representatives to embrace drone technology by creating specialised launch pads and fostering startup ecosystems, arguing that states must develop comprehensive drone policies and promote entrepreneurship in this emerging sector.

A spotlight was also beamed on Project Sanjeevani, the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) initiative.

Collaborating with AIIMS Rishikesh and the Uttarakhand State Government, this project exemplified how aviation serves critical social needs in providing medical services to remote areas. Over 65 successful relief and rescue operations have so far been completed in the state.

Concluding the session, Pavan Hans Limited General Manager P.K. Markan focused on helicopter infrastructure development, specifically advocating for permanent helipad construction across states.

His argument centered on versatility, explaining how permanent helipads support diverse operations from emergency medical services to disaster relief, civil operations, and military applications, ultimately enhancing each states operational capabilities and increasing possibilities for helicopter operations.
During Operation Sindoor, India was up against "two adversaries on one border" as Pakistan was heavily backed by China, Deputy Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Rahul R Singh said. Beijing provided "all possible support" for Pakistan during the conflict, while Turkish supplies were also crucial for General Asim Munir's forces, the Deputy COAS (Capability Development and Sustenance) confirmed on Friday.

ALSO READ | In Turkey, Indian drones saved lives but Erdogan's UAVs try to kill our civilians and soldiers, says angry social media

China ensured Islamabad had "live updates" on India's important vectors while DGMO-level talks were happening, the Lieutenant General said, adding that the Communist regime treated the situation as a live lab to test its weapons. Around 81% of Pakistani military hardware is Chinese, and the conflict underlined the importance of having robust air defence systems. Lieutenant General Rahul R Singh was speaking at the New Age Military Technologies event organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

Acknowledging the Pakistan-China alliance, Lieutenant General Rahul R Singh said, "...a few lessons I must flag as far as Operation Sindoor is concerned. Firstly, we had one border and two adversariesactually three. Pakistan was in the front. China was providing all possible support. In the last five years, 81% of the military hardware with Pakistan is Chinese." Air defence and technological advancement during military operations can no longer be taken lightly, he added.

ALSO READ | China's support for Pakistan through intelligence, military aid and diplomatic safeguards adds to India's strategic concerns

While civilian settlements were largely not targeted by enemy fire during Operation Sindoor, that essentially wouldn't always be the case, and India needs to prepare by deploying air defence systems. Such complexities of modern warfare were the key lessons the nation learnt from Operation Sindoor, he said. "Air Defence and how it panned out during the entire operation was important... This time, our population centres were not quite addressed, but next time, we need to be prepared for that..."

Underlining how Turkey became Islamabad's second ally behind China, the Deputy COAS said the country "played an important role" by arming the Pak Army with Bayraktar and numerous other drones.
Families who lost their dear ones in the tragic Ahmedabad Air India plane crash now accuse the airline of "pressuring" them over the compensation settlement process during the initial days after the crash. However, Air India denied the allegations.

The families alleged they were threatened with "no compensation" if they failed to fill out a questionnaire, which lawyers allege was loaded with legal terms, difficult to comprehend for the general public. The families also alleged they were forced to reveal their financial dependency on the deceased. The allegation comes amid reports that families of Britishers who died in the crash planning to sue the airline and Boeing over compensation.

Peter Neenan, an aviation lawyer with UK law firm Stewarts, told The Guardian that the airline could save at least 100 million by undercompensating families. "This is the real horror of what theyre potentially looking to do," he told the publication.

Neenan said the families were "put in a crowded, dark room in the intense heat" with other affected families, and were asked to fill out documentation and a complicated questionnaire on financial information. The families were not given any legal warning, he said.

The lawyer charged bereaved families told him that they were falsely advised that they would not receive any payments unless they completed the forms. Our clients have shown us the questionnaire. It demands legally significant information using terms which have a legal definition, which is not being told to families," Neenan told The Guardian.

However, Air India denied the charges and said they are doing everything possible to disburse the compensation at the earliest. In order to facilitate payments, Air India has sought basic information to establish family relationships to ensure that the advance payments are received by those entitled to them. Family members have been issued with a questionnaire to allow Air India to gather the information required to process compensation payments." The airline also denied charges of making unsolicited visits to the residences of affected families.

Air India, in a statement, said they have released interim compensation to 47 families, and payments will be released for 55 families shortly.
Chinese medical team donates medical supplies to Ethiopian hospital

Xinhua) 09:03, July 04, 2025

Eshetu Tadele, chief executive officer of Tirunesh-Beijing Hospital, speaks at the handover ceremony at the Tirunesh-Beijing Hospital, on the outskirts of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on July 2, 2025. The 25th batch of the Chinese medical team in Ethiopia has donated much-needed medical supplies to the Tirunesh-Beijing Hospital, also known as the Ethio-China Friendship Hospital, located on the outskirts of Addis Ababa. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)

ADDIS ABABA, July 3 (Xinhua) -- The 25th batch of the Chinese medical team in Ethiopia has donated much-needed medical supplies to the Tirunesh-Beijing Hospital, also known as the Ethio-China Friendship Hospital, located on the outskirts of Addis Ababa, the East African country's capital.

Addressing the handover ceremony on Wednesday evening, Eshetu Tadele, chief executive officer of Tirunesh-Beijing Hospital, hailed the successive Chinese medical teams for their "life-saving contributions" to the people of Ethiopia and for imparting medical knowledge and skills to their Ethiopian counterparts in the process.

He said Chinese medical teams based at the hospital have demonstrated that "the health system has no boundary. That is why you showed your heart and your kindness in helping Ethiopia."

Highlighting that the latest donation of medical supplies marks the third such contribution to the hospital within a year, Tadele said a recent similar donation, coupled with a successful skills transfer initiative, has enabled the establishment of a fully-equipped eye treatment unit at the hospital.

"I would like to thank you very much for the huge and tremendous donation to our hospital. Since the establishment of this hospital, the Chinese government has been donating lots of medical equipment, and lots of experts have been assigned to our hospital to help Ethiopian communities," Tadele said.

"I would like to thank you for the support in terms of human resources, medical equipment, and skills transfer, which strengthens the health system in Ethiopia," he added.

While welcoming the 26th batch of the Chinese medical team, the hospital community also commended the outgoing team members for their "important support" in safeguarding the health and well-being of the Ethiopian people.

They underscored that Chinese doctors' service is a vivid manifestation of the two countries' growing people-to-people ties.

Liu Junying, head of the 25th batch of the Chinese medical team, said his team, which began work at Tirunesh-Beijing Hospital in May 2024, has been delivering medical services to Ethiopian communities as part of the long-standing Sino-Ethiopian health cooperation.

He further reiterated China's commitment to sending successive medical teams to provide healthcare for Ethiopians in need, while also sharing expertise with local medical professionals.

The newly dispatched 26th Chinese medical team, consisting of 16 specialists across various fields, continues China's medical mission to Ethiopia, which has been serving the local population since the 1970s.

People unload medical supplies from a truck at the Tirunesh-Beijing Hospital, on the outskirts of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on July 2, 2025. The 25th batch of the Chinese medical team in Ethiopia has donated much-needed medical supplies to the Tirunesh-Beijing Hospital, also known as the Ethio-China Friendship Hospital, located on the outskirts of Addis Ababa. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)

Liu Junying (L), head of the 25th batch of the Chinese medical team, poses for a photo with Eshetu Tadele, chief executive officer of Tirunesh-Beijing Hospital, at the handover ceremony on the outskirts of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on July 2, 2025. The 25th batch of the Chinese medical team in Ethiopia has donated much-needed medical supplies to the Tirunesh-Beijing Hospital, also known as the Ethio-China Friendship Hospital, located on the outskirts of Addis Ababa. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Trinidad and Tobago for a two-day visit on Friday and said the journey of the Indian community in the country was one of courage. The prime minister will be presented with 'The Order of Trinidad and Tobago', the Caribbean nation's highest honour, during his first official visit to the country.

Addressing the Indian diaspora after arriving in Port of Spain, Modi said it felt completely natural, as "we are part of one family". "I know the story of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is about courage. The circumstances your ancestors faced could have broken even the strongest of spirits. But they faced hardships with hope. They met problems with persistence," Modi said.

Modi said the children of Girmitiyas are no longer defined by their struggles but by their "success, service and values." Girmitiyas were indentured labourers from British India transported to work on plantations in Fiji, South Africa, Eastern Africa (namely Mauritius, Seychelles, Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda), Malaysia, Singapore, and the Caribbean as part of the Indian indenture system.

The Caribbean country has a population of 13 lakh, and 45 per cent of them are of Indian origin.

The prime minister said his government has announced several initiatives to connect with the global Girmitiya community. "We are actively working on creating a comprehensive database of the Girmitiya community. Documenting the villages and cities in India from which their ancestors migrated, identifying the places where they have settled, studying and preserving the legacy of the Girmitiya ancestors, and working to organise World Girmitiya Conferences regularly," Modi added.

Modi also announced OCI cards will be given to the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago. Talking about Indian space missions, Modi said India is working on a manned space mission, Gaganyaan, and "the time is not far when an Indian will walk on the moon and India will have its own space station".

Modi presented his counterpart, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, with a replica of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. He urged the Indian diaspora to visit India and said, "Bring anyone who enjoys chai and a good story. We will welcome you all  with open arms, warm hearts, and jalebi!"

The prime minister is expected to address a joint session of the Trinidad and Tobago Parliament during the visit.
Amid China's objection to the Dalai Lama succession process, India has clarified its stance, saying it does not take a position on matter concerning faith and religion.

"We have seen reports relating to the statement made by His Holiness the Dalai Lama about the continuation of the Dalai Lama institution," stated Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson for the Union Ministry of External Affairs, on Friday, pointing out that India has always upheld freedom of religion for all in India and will continue to do so.

The MEA statement comes two days after the Dalai Lama said the Gaden Phodrang Trust, a non-profit organisation founded by the Office of the Dalai Lama in 2015, is the only legitimate authority that can choose his successor.

However, the Chinese foreign ministry insisted that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama needs the approval of Beijing, adhering to traditional procedures like using the golden urn. "Tibetan Buddhism was born in China and is a religion with Chinese characteristics," said Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning.

Our response to media queries regarding recent statement by HH the Dalai Lama

 https://t.co/u24fGzWzEz pic.twitter.com/PwSUezcjGr  Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) July 4, 2025

In response, Dhundup Gyalpo, Bureau Secretary (New Delhi) for the Dalai Lama, pointed out that the reincarnation system is unique to Tibetan Buddhism and is different from the Chinese Han Buddhism.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, who is a practising Buddhist, said no one else can decide the Dalai Lama's successor, calling it the "most important and defining institution" of the Tibetan Buddhists. "This is not about politicsits about religious belief," Rijiju said.

China, however, on Friday slammed Rijuju's remarks, saying India should tread carefully on Tibetan issues, calling the 14th Dalai Lama an "anti-China separatist figure". Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning warned that India stay clear of any commitments towards the religious figure.
Soon after Iqbal Hussain, a Congress legislator from Karnataka, claimed last week that DK Shivakumar might become CM within months, it led to unrest within the party camp. Again stirring the debate on rotational chief minister formulae, where the current chief minister Siddaramaiah would step down to make way for Shivakumar.

Although the party has officially denied any such development, the core issue in Karnataka Congress is the under-the-surface friction between the two camps led by Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. Notably, it is the general secretary in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala who has been getting into firefighting mode to resolve the matters from time to time.

According to senior leaders in the state, it is Surjewala, from the day one of his appointment as Karnataka supervisor, who coordinated between the two state-level heavyweights and maintained the balance in the party. "Surjewala gets along well with Siddaramaiah as well as Shivakumar. And both the leaders take him seriously. Therefore he has become very important with respect to Karnataka."

Surjewala is widely known to have expressed his desire to work in Haryana as state unit president. But a section of senior leaders feel if he moves away from Karnataka, the situation there can become volatile," a senior Congress leader at the AICC said.

According to party insiders, the managerial performance of Surjewala has not gone unnoticed. "The top leadership of the party has appreciated his thorough investment in Karnataka," a party insider said, "And therefore he has full confidence and support of the top leadership."

A week earlier, Congress leader Randeep Surjewala travelled to Bengaluru to address tension among Congress MLAs, who expressed concerns over delays in government's development works and fund allocations.

Surjewala met with around 100 Congress MLAs on June 30 to asses their performance and invalidate speculation about replacing the chief minister Siddaramaiah, and moreover confirming his continuation in office.
Bharatiya Janata Party MLC N. Ravikumar has courted fresh controversy for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Karnataka Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh.

The BJP leader, who had earlier drawn flak for questioning the nationality of Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner Fauzia Tarannum (suggesting she could be from Pakistan), has now landed himself in a fresh legal entanglement.

She works all night for the government and all day for the Chief Minister.



These vile, misogynistic words from a BJP MLC N Ravikumar against Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh are a stain on our democracy.



Mr. Modi, is this the respect for women you preach?



Your leaders keep pic.twitter.com/oYzCoxCWBb  Srinivas BV (@srinivasiyc) July 3, 2025

The Vidhana Soudha police in Bengaluru, based on a complaint by social worker Nagarathna, filed an FIR on Thursday against Ravikumar under Sections 351 (3), 75 (3), and 79 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS Act) that deal with criminal intimidation, sexual harassment and offense of insulting the modesty of a woman.

It is alleged that Ravikumar made the controversial statement on July 1, during a protest at Vidhana Soudha, while expressing displeasure over chief secretary not turning up at the venue (near Gandhi Statue) to receive their memorandum.

The chief secretary does her state government duties at night and all through the day works for the chief minister, Ravikumar had mocked.

The IAS Officers' Association, Karnataka, submitted a letter of condemnation to the chief minister and demanded a public apology, legal action, and a formal resolution of censure in the Legislative Council.

The Chief Secretary holds the highest civil office in Karnataka and is a widely respected officer known for her integrity, commitment, and distinguished public service. The remarks made in public are not just vulgar and defamatory, but they also directly undermine the dignity of her office and the larger civil service. Such remarks not only denigrate public institutions but also erode the trust they hold, the association said.

A Congress delegation led by Saleem Ahmed, chief whip in the Legislative Council, met the Chairman of the Upper House, urging the suspension of Ravikumar.

Women and Child Development Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar lashed out at Ravi Kumar and demanded a public apology while questioning the silence of the BJPs central leaders.

In a statement issued to the media, Ravi Kumar denied making any derogatory remarks against the chief secretary and said the reports (in the media) were "absolutely baseless, misleading, mischievous and slanderous."

"I am appalled that a remark against the chief secretary purportedly made by me is making rounds in some sections of print media and social media. Let me assert with all the forces at my command - that I have not made any derogatory remarks against the chief secretary," said Ravikumar, adding that he was in Hyderabad for the last three days on official work and was shocked to learn that a statement attributed to him was making rounds.

"I am supposed to have made the derogatory statement against the chief secretary on the day we had a protest demonstration in front of the Gandhi statue near Vidhana Soudha. I neither delivered the speech nor spoke to the media. So, the question of making derogatory remarks against the chief secretary does not arise at all," said Ravi Kumar and challenged the Congress leaders to produce evidence against him.

Apparently, the MLC was heard making the remark during a casual chat with LOP Chalavadi Narayanaswamy and other BJP leaders, which was recorded by a TV channel.
The Kolkata police took Monojit Mishra and other main accused in the alleged gang-rape of a law student to South Kolkata Law College on Friday to reconstruct the crime scene.

The accused were taken amid heavy security to the college premises to reconstruct the crime scene. According to reports, senior police officers took the accused to college during the early hours of Friday and spent close to five hours on the college premises, reconstructing the crime scene.

Besides Mishra, law college students Pramit Mukherjee and Zaib Ahmed, and security guard Pinaki Banerjee were taken to the college premises around 4.30am on Friday, and the police spent close to five hours at the college reconstructing the crime scene.

"The reconstruction of the crime scene is a vital part of the investigation. We completed the task today. The four accused persons were taken to the South Calcutta Law College early this morning, and the task is done," a senior police officer told PTI. "Our findings will now be cross-checked with the allegation of the woman and verified with other evidence," the officer added.

The 24-year-old first-year law student was allegedly gang-raped by Monojit Mishra in the guard's room at the college for about three hours on June 25. The two senior students stood guard at the doors while the horrific crime happened, according to police. Police arrested the security guard of the college later for allegedly failing to do his duties and for not taking action against the horrific crime. According to victim's complaint, the crime took place at multiple locations inside the campus, including the guard's room.
The Supreme Court on Friday rejected a plea contesting the final answer key and results of the NEET-UG 2025 examination conducted by the National Testing Agency.

A bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha and R. Mahadevan was hearing plea filed by candidates Shivam Gandhi Raina, alleging that there was mistake in the answer given by the NTA to one question.

At the outset, the bench said that it had dismissed a similar matter on Wednesday and said, "Exam matter we are not going to interfere. You may be right on principle that there could be multiple correct answers.

Senior Advocate R. Balasubramaniam, appearing for the petitioner urged the bench that the Supreme Court had earlier interfered in the 2024 NEET-UG exam and ordered the correction of mistakes based on an expert report given by IIT-Delhi.

"It is a matter affecting the career of the students. One mark difference will mean a lot. So many students are affected by this," Balasubramaniam submitted urging the constitution of an expert committee to ascertain the matter.

But the bench refused to change its stand, saying that it cannot interfere in an individual matter in a national exam.

Justice Narasimha clarified that the Supreme Court's interference in 2024 was due to widespread grievances regarding the discrepancies and shortcomings in the conduct of the exam.

According to the plea, petitioner has secured an All India Rank of 6,783 and a General Category Rank of 3,195. If the incorrect answer is corrected, the petitioner will get 5 more marks, improving his position, the petition states.

The petitioner sought a direction to the NTA to correct the alleged error in the answer key as per the authoritative NCERT texts and revise the results accordingly. He also seeks stay of the counselling process as an interim relief.
In the latest update on the alleged rape of a Pune IT professional at her home, the police on Friday clarified that one suspect (currently detained in connection with the case) was her friend, and not a stranger who gained entry by posing as a courier delivery agent, casting doubt on the victim's version of the events.

It was the woman herself who took a selfie with him and typed a threatening message in her phone, police commissioner Amitesh Kumar explained.

ALSO READ | Pune horror: Man posing as delivery agent rapes woman, clicks selfies on her phone as she passes out

"They know each other for a couple of years and belong to the same community," he pointed out, as per a PTI report.

#WATCH | Pune, Maharashtra | Pune rape case: Additional Commissioner of Police, Manoj Kumar Patil arrives at Kondhwa Police Station in Pune.



Zone 5 Pune City DCP Rajkumar Shinde says, "Yesterday, around 7:30 pm, a delivery boy with a bank envelope entered the flat of a pic.twitter.com/ylMwuJ4g9u  ANI (@ANI) July 3, 2025

The 22-year-old woman had claimed that a man who posed as a courier delivery agent had entered her flat in the Kondhwa area on Wednesday evening when she was alone, and forced himself on her. She passed out, and when she regained consciousness, he was gone, she had said.

Before leaving, the accused clicked a selfie using her phone, in which her back and a part of his face was seen. He had also left a message warning that he had taken her pictures, and would release them on social media if she reported the incident, the 22-year-old had told the police.

The original caseregistered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 64 (rape), 77 (voyeurism), and 351(2) (criminal intimidation), had triggered a swift police responsewith forensic experts brought in to examine the 22-year-old and collect samples, as per a Times of India report.

However, CCTV footage from the housing society showed no trace of the alleged courier agent, and no visitor entries had been logged in the app-based system used by the society.

Indeed, after detaining the suspectsaid to be a highly qualified professionalthe police found that the woman herself had taken the selfie, which originally showed his face clearly. She then edited it, and also typed the purported threatening message.

Kumar also noted that no chemical spray had been used to render her unconscious, as suspected earlier.

"We are still ascertaining why the victim made allegations of rape, and it (the rape part) is still under investigation as the girl's mental state is not good at present," the commissioner said.
A court in Lucknow has issued a notice to the American newspaper, The Washington Post, for publishing a story that claimed that a WhatsApp message was forwarded by Prasar Bharati to an Indian journalist about the Pakistani army chief getting arrested.

Former IPS officer Amitabh Thakur, who heads a political outfit called Azad Adhikar Sena, filed the suit that alleged that the newspaper failed to present any evidence to support the story despite a legal notice being sent to it. Thakur said that this was a matter that had hurt every Indian and that the publication should pay a notional compensation of 100 (USD 1.17).

The said article, titled How misinformation overtook Indian newsrooms amid conflict with Pakistan written by Karishma Mehrotra starts with the following: Shortly after midnight on May 9, an Indian journalist received a WhatsApp message from Prasar Bharti, the state-owned public broadcaster. Pakistans army chief had been arrested, the message read, and a coup was underway. Within minutes the journalist posted the information on X, and others followed suit. Soon enough, it was splashed across major Indian news networks and went viral on social media.

It goes on to say how the countrys information system became inundated with falsehoods  and how it warped the publics understanding of a crucial moment, This, the writer says, is based on conversations with more than two dozen journalists.

Thakur, in his plaint has said that he wrote to the newspapers customer care email id, twice  on June 10 and on June 24  asking for evidence to prove these claims, but received no response besides the auto generated Thank you for contacting The Washington Post.

He also sent a copy of the legal notice sent to the newspaper, to Prasar Bharti.

Thakurs argument is that since the newspaper is widely read, it contributes to how international events and actors are perceived. This can influence how other countries and organizations respond to global issues.

A civil judge has now issued a notice to the newspaper.
Fearing that he would be annihilated by Israel like his predecessors, Iran tried to conceal the name of the emergency military command (Khatam al-Anbiya) chief. But, seems like there was no escaping Israel, as within hours, Mossad went on X to publish the name via a 'guess the name' post.

One of the first targets of Israel's Operation Rising Lion on June 13 was Gholam Ali Rashid, the commander of Khatam-al Anbiya, a branch of the IRGC. He was targeted along with his son in an airstrike in Tehran. Rashid was key in the operations of Irans unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) programme, mostly consisting of the use of drones in warfare.

After Rashid's death, Iran appointed senior officer Ali Shadmani as the next chief of Khatam al-Anbiya. Shadmani, however, could hold the office only for a few days after he too was killed in an Israeli airstrike on a command centre in the heart of Tehran.

Stung twice, Iran decided to keep the name of its third chief a secret.

IRGCs Secret Commander Exposed in Hours



Iran tried to hide the identity of its new Revolutionary Guards commanderfearing assassination.

But in the age of digital eyes anonymity didnt last long.



Iranian social media users quickly unmasked him as Ali Abdollahi Aliabadia pic.twitter.com/pd2B5T3iTv  Charles Martyn (@charlesBBM12) July 2, 2025

However, Mossad had a different plan. An Farsi account belonging to the Israeli spy organisation, too, to X to put up a 'guess the name game'. The post read: "The Tasnim news agency announced that the Iranian regime will not publish the name of the new commander of Khatam al-Anbiya in order to protect him. We know exactly who he is and know him well. Unfortunately, such basic information is hidden from the Iranian people. Please send us your guesses about his name."

Soon, names began to pour in. There were over 2000 responses, some threatening Mossad and others suggesting options like Ahmad Vahidi, adviser to the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps; former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif; and Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Among them was the right answer. An Iranian user named Behnam Golipour rightly guessed that the name of the secretive new head of the Iranian emergency command was Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi. Mossad replied: "The lucky winner who successfully guessed the secret name is Mr. Behnam. Please contact us privately to receive your prize."

Aliabadi previously served as a deputy minister and governor in Mahmoud Ahmadinejads government. He was also the deputy commander of the IRGC Air Force and had been sanctioned by the United States, according to Ynet News.
Banarasi Langda, Dasheri, Chausa, Sunderja, Amrapali, Malda, Bharat Bhog, Prabha Shankar, Lakshman Bhog, Mahmood Bahar, Vrindavani, Fasli, and Mallikathese were among the notable Indian mangoes on display in Abu Dhabi. The United Arab Emirates is the biggest importer of mangoes from India, and the onset of summer in the region brings with it fruits from the tropics.

In an effort to bring global fame to GI-tagged and regional varieties of mango from India, the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry joined hands with the Indian embassy in the UAE and the Lulu group to launch an in-store mango festival, Indian Mango Mania 2025.

The campaign, under the purview of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), coincided with the mango season in the Middle East, as international consumers and the Indian diaspora in the region would have the opportunity to taste a unique variety of Indian fruits.

Indias finest mangoes conquer UAE markets, posted Union Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal on X, Our farmers and exporters are tasting the sweet success of their hard work with surging demand from global markets.

India's finest mangoes conquer UAE markets 



Indian Mango Mania 2025 is bringing the flavours of our premium local fruit sourced from orchards across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh to customers across the Emirates.



Our farmers and exporters are pic.twitter.com/SKUyC5q7C9  Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) July 3, 2025

The campaign was inaugurated at Lulu Hypermarket, Khalidiyah Mall, Abu Dhabi, by the Ambassador of India to the UAE, Sunjay Sudhir. Chairman of Lulu Group, Yusuff Ali M.A. was present at the event with Counsellor (Trade & Investment), Embassy of India, Rohit Mishra and Deputy General Manager of APEDA, Dr C.B. Singh.

Through this festival, the freshness and richness of Indian mangoes, especially from states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and the Eastern region, will reach households across the Gulf, Ambassador Sudhir said.

According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the UAE imported over 12,000MT of mangoes, worth around $20 million, from India. APEDA, which falls under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has been aggressively pushing for the export of premium horticultural produce, such as mangoes, to more trade partners and countries.

This initiative not only celebrates Indias mango diversity but also generates significant export opportunities for Indian growers and supports the farming community, APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev pitched in, via a message from India.

From the Indian Mango Mania 2025 at Khalidiyah Mall, Abu Dhabi | APEDA/X

The latest promotion of the Indian varieties of mangoes also saw a curated selection of mango-based dishes. These included bakery and dessert items such as mango pastries, doughnuts, macaroons, mango bread, and cakes, as well as traditional Indian dishes like mambazha payasam, mango pulao, mango fish curry, mango chutney, and mango kichdi.

The event also heroed various pickles and preserves (mango-dates pickle, garlic mango pickle, Kashmiri-style pickles), and beverages like fresh mango juices, smoothies.
New book on Chinese culture, language launched in Tanzania

Xinhua) 09:05, July 04, 2025

Guests and officials attend the launch ceremony of "Overview of China" in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on July 3, 2025. The Confucius Institute at the University of Dar es Salaam, in collaboration with China's Chang Jiang Printing Media Co., Ltd., on Thursday unveiled the new two-volume book titled "Overview of China." (Xinhua/Emmanuel Herman)

DAR ES SALAAM, July 3 (Xinhua) -- The Confucius Institute at the University of Dar es Salaam, in collaboration with China's Chang Jiang Printing Media Co., Ltd., on Thursday unveiled a new two-volume book titled "Overview of China."

Tailored for Chinese language learners in Tanzania, the book consists of two volumes, each comprising 12 chapters that cover a total of 19 themes, primarily aimed at enhancing linguistic proficiency, according to Zhang Xiaozhen, the Chinese director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Dar es Salaam.

The book is designed to provide Tanzanian students with a strong foundation in both the Chinese language and culture, deepening their understanding of Chinese cultural practices, Zhang added.

The launch ceremony took place at the Confucius Institute, officiated by the University of Dar es Salaam Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Bonaventure Rutinwa, alongside Li Zhi, general manager of the Chinese publishing company.

Li said that the book series explores various aspects of Chinese life and culture to help Tanzanian readers gain a broader understanding of the nation.

Rutinwa expressed hope that the book series will encourage students to continue advancing their Chinese language skills, also calling upon the Confucius Institute to translate the book series into Kiswahili to make the content accessible to a broader local audience.

Xu Yongliang, the representative of the Chinese ambassador to Tanzania, said that more efforts should be made to jointly release textbooks aligned with Tanzania's curricula, culturally relevant learning materials, and increase the publication of Chinese educational content in Swahili.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
The United States and Iran are expected to resume stalled nuclear talks in Oslo next week, in what would be the first formal engagement between the two sides since Israels 12-day war with Iran and the US bombing of Iranian nuclear sites. According to a report by Axios, White House special envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in the Norwegian capital, though a final date has yet to be confirmed. The report, which cited two unnamed sources, has not been publicly acknowledged by either Washington or Tehran.

Irans mission to the United Nations declined to comment, while a White House official said there were no travel announcements at this time.

The two countries had previously held five rounds of nuclear discussions beginning on April 12, and a sixth was due to take place just days before Israel launched a wave of strikes on Iran on June 13. On June 22, the United States, in support of its ally Israel, carried out its own unprecedented air raids on Irans nuclear facilities at Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz.

Despite these developments, Iranian officials have signalled a continued openness to diplomacy. Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi told NBC News yesterday that Iran was still prepared to engage with the United States, provided Washington offered assurances it would not resort to military action during negotiations.

We are for diplomacy, said Ravanchi. But Washington must convince us they are not going to use military force while we are negotiating. That is an essential element for our leadership to be in a position to decide about the future round of talks.

A central point of contention remains Irans uranium enrichment programme. Tehran insists that enrichment is a sovereign right and has reiterated its commitment to continue despite the recent conflict. Our policy has not changed on enrichment, Ravanchi said. Iran has every right to enrich uranium within its territory. The only thing we must observe is not to pursue militarisation.

Earlier this week, Foreign Minister Araghchi hinted that Iran could resume enrichment activities soon, though he also stressed that further dialogue with the United States would require greater clarity regarding American intentions. We still need more time before returning to talks, he said.

Iran, which denies seeking nuclear weapons, currently holds a stockpile of uranium enriched to 60 per cent puritywell above the level needed for civilian energy use and just short of weapons-grade material. Israel maintains that Tehran has taken recent steps towards weaponisation, though this claim remains unverified.

Axios reported that Irans highly enriched uranium stockpile is currently inaccessible, sealed off after the US and Israeli strikes. However, debris clearance operations could potentially restore Irans access in the coming weeks. Irans uranium reserves are expected to be a major issue in any future negotiations.

Despite the fraught situation, Irans foreign ministry said there was still room for diplomacy. In an interview conducted in Tehran with Sky News, ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said back-channel efforts were underway involving intermediaries such as Oman and Qatar.

Diplomacy must not be abused or used as a tool for deception or psychological warfare, Baqaei said, accusing Washington of violating international law by backing what he described as Zionist aggression. Nevertheless, he maintained that diplomacy never ends, confirming that indirect contacts with US allies in the Gulf were ongoing.

Oil markets reacted swiftly to the Axios report, with West Texas Intermediate crude dropping 0.7 per cent to $67 a barrel, and Brent falling below $69. Analysts said the prospect of renewed talks eased fears of a wider regional conflict, further reducing oils geopolitical risk premium.

As speculation mounts over the future of US-Iran relations, President Donald Trump told reporters yesterday that he believed Tehran was open to dialogue. Iran does want to speak, and I think they'd like to speak to me, and it's time that they do, Trump said at Joint Base Andrews. We're not looking to hurt them. We're looking to let them be a country again.
The Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), launched on June 25 2025 from NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida, is now entering its final stagea safe return to Earth.

This private spaceflight, led by Axiom Space with support from SpaceX and NASA, included four astronauts: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla from India, Peggy Whitson from the USA, Sawosz Uznanski from Poland, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. For India, Poland, and Hungary, this was their first human mission to the International Space Station (ISS) and their return to human spaceflight after over four decades.

Once the 14-day mission is over, the team will return to Earth. Experts point out that their return to Earth will take nearly 17 hours from the time they undock from the ISS to when they splash down in the Pacific Ocean. This long duration is crucial to ensure the spacecraft lands in a safe zone and follows all necessary safety protocols.

The first step begins when the astronauts pack up their equipment and research samples. They double-check all the systems inside their SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, named Grace. Once the systems are confirmed to be working well, the hatch between the ISS and the capsule is sealed. This happens when the ISS is orbiting about 400 km above Earth. The temperature inside the capsule remains comfortable at around 2025C, explained space expert Girish Linganna.

After sealing the hatch, the spacecraft will undock from the ISS. This is an automatic process using small thrusters to gently move the spacecraft away. Though the outside space temperature is extremely cold at 273C, the cabin stays warm and safe. Once free from the ISS, the capsule will start slowly drifting in orbit for several hours. During this time, its flight path will be adjusted using small thruster burns. These adjustments will make sure the capsule aligns exactly with the selected splashdown site in the Pacific Ocean.

The next step is the separation of the service module or trunk, which is a section of the spacecraft that carries solar panels and extra hardware. This part is no longer needed during re-entry and is jettisoned safely, burning up in the atmosphere.

Post that the most critical part comes inthe deorbit burn. Deorbit happens at about 350km above Earth. The spacecraft fires its engines to reduce its speed and drop out of orbit. This burn is what begins the journey back to Earth. At around 120km altitude, the capsule starts entering Earths atmosphere. This phase creates extreme friction, heating the outer surface to about 1,9002,200C. Thankfully, the capsule is equipped with a heat shield that absorbs the heat and keeps the crew safe inside. The astronauts feel strong G-forces, and a brief communication blackout can occur due to hot plasma forming around the spacecraft, added Linganna.

As the capsule descends, it will continue to slow down naturally due to thicker air layers. At 18,000 feet (5.5km), two small drogue parachutes will be released. These will help stabilise the capsule. A few seconds later, at about 6,000 feet (1.8km), four large main parachutes will open to slow down the descent further.

Finally, the spacecraft will make a soft splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, possibly near the coast of California, around 6.30pm IST on July 9 or 10, 2025. The sea temperature is usually between 15C and 20C. The spacecraft is designed to float, allowing the SpaceX recovery team to reach it quickly.

The recovery team will arrive in small boats and first check for any fuel leaks or hazards. Once everything is safe, they will open the hatch and help the astronauts out. Since the crew has spent nearly two weeks in microgravity, their muscles will need time to adjust. They may be carried on stretchers to avoid strain.

After the astronauts are brought on board the recovery ship, they undergo basic medical checks. They are then flown back to a secure base, most likely in Florida or California, where they will begin their full post-mission recovery process.
China on Friday rebuked Union Minister Kiren Rijiju's support for the 14th Dalai Lama's choice to be the sole selector of his successor, saying that India needed to tread carefully on Tibet-related issues to avoid a dampening of relations with Beijing.

When asked about Rijiju's comments at a press conference in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning explained that the 14th Dalai Lama was an anti-China separatist figure, and demanded that India stay clear of any commitments towards the Tibetan spiritual leader, a PTI report said.

ALSO READ | In snub to China, India says Dalai Lama alone can decide his successor: 'It's not about politics'

She added that even the present (14th) Dalai Lama had been selected through this procedure, and was approved by the then-central government.

The practice of Living Buddha reincarnation is a unique succession method of Tibetan Buddhism.



The reincarnation of the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama follows rigorous religious rituals and historical conventions. pic.twitter.com/JHdtFf8xwx  Mao Ning  (@SpoxCHN_MaoNing) July 4, 2025

Rijiju's reaction to China's insistence on the Dalai Lama being approved by its 'Golden Urn' methodand then subject to further approval from officials at Beijingis the first reaction from a senior Indian government functionary on the topic of the Tibetan spiritual leader, who currently resides in exile at Dharamshala, India.

"This is not about politicsits about religious belief," the Union Minister, a practicing Buddhist, had said, "No one has the right to interfere or decide who the successor of His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be."

ALSO READ | 'Damned lies': Tibetan official slams China for 'hijacking' Dalai Lama succession process

"His followers believe that deeply. Its important for disciples across the world that he decides his succession, he added.

Both Kiren Rijiju and Rajiv Ranjan Singh, a fellow Union minister, will be representing the Government of India at the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday celebrations in Dharamshala on July 6. The ministers have said that the birthday event was a religious function, and had nothing to do with politics.

ALSO READ | 'Dalai Lama's focus has been on Dialogue': Geshe Dorji Damdul, Director of Tibet House | INTERVIEW

Mao's comments come amid a slow resumption of India-China ties after a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit at Kazan in Russia last year, followed by a series of other high-level meetings, the PTI report added.

The Kailash and Mansarovar Yatra for Indian pilgrims, which were recently resumed again, is said to be the first step initiated by the two countries to normalise ties in that regard.
Malaysian security forces have cracked down on an Islamic State module comprising Bangladeshi nationals working in the Southeast Asian nation, said officials.

The Islamic State module recruited members from the Bangladeshi expatriate community through social media and messenger apps like WhatsApp and Telegram where extremist ideologies are shared to radicalise them, according to Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail.

They also raised money through international bank transfer services and e-wallets to fund the ISIS in Bangladesh and Syria. Though the exact amount of the funds raised has not been revealed, the official said they collected RM500 from each person as annual membership fee.

Muslim-majority Malaysia is one of the preferred destinations for Bangladeshis who travel abroad for work, most of whom are labourers in plantations and construction sites. IGP Ismail said no Malaysians were found to be involved in the ISIS network, clarifying that Malaysia was not a target for the group and was merely used as a place for recruitment and funding.

Since April, the authorities have nabbed 36 Bangladeshis, aged between 25 and 35, who were working in factories, construction sites and service sector. On April 28, six people were detained in Selangor, followed by arrests of 14 in Johor on May 7. Between June 19 and 21, 16 more were arrested from various places.

Five of them were slapped with charges of being members of a terror outfit while 15 others who had minimal involvement will be deported to Bangladesh. The remaining 16 workers are still under investigation and more people could be arrested, according to the inspector general. As much as 150 people, mostly Bangladeshis, are suspected to be part of the module.
This is to be a BRICS Summit for India like no other in the past, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi readies himself for a diplomatic outreach among the worlds emerging economies during the BRICS Summit in Brazil. In Rio de Janeiro, Modi will have to apply his best diplomatic manoeuvres.

The two-day summit begins on July 6 and takes place amid sagging support for India in its immediate neighbourhood, and among traditionally close friends.

ALSO READ | Pick a team: Why is India beset by US, Russia pressure to choose a side?

A diplomatic policy that pursues the middle path, as well as conveniently-named strategic autonomy that prioritises national interest above anything else has resulted in India maintaining a precarious balance among emerging global blocsone led by the US, and the other being the growing China-Russia axis.

However, there is a growing feeling in diplomatic circles that strategic autonomy may have outlived its utility.

Consequently, India has not offered categorical and unambiguous support, either for traditionally close friends Russia or for Ukraine in the ongoing military conflict between the two.

The strategic positioning was such that India could also not clearly support old friend Iran or major military partner Israel when they fought an intense 12-day-long war.

ALSO READ | 'Super Premium Frequent Flier PM running away again': Congress jibes as Modi embarks on 5-nation tour

At the same time, while India is a key member in US-dominated multilateral groupingslike the G20 and the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (or the Quad)it is also a primary member in the BRICS and SCO groupings that have China, Russia, and Iran as members. The obvious ambiguity has landed India in a delicate position.

A dominant share of Indias military equipment is of Russian origin, while New Delhi has pursued close military collaboration with the US.

With Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese supremo Xi Jinping not in attendance at BRICS, Modi will meet Russian defence minister Sergei Lavrov, where a contentious point would be Indias support in a joint Quad declaration that had slammed North Korea and expressed concern about nations closely associating with Pyongyang, such as Russia, China and Iran.

The July 1 joint declaration had said: We express deep concern about countries that are deepening military cooperation with North Korea, which directly undermines the global non-proliferation regime.

ALSO READ | OPINION | Diplomatic fault lines: How Chinas influence is shaping India-Pakistan tensions

On the other hand, US President Donald Trump has been very critical of BRICS, which has de-dollarisation and multi-polarity as its primary planks.

Notably, the 11-member BRICS has been growing in importance since its setting up in 2009. Its nations now account for about 55 per cent of the worlds population and 42 per cent of the worlds GDP. It is also increasingly being seen as a voice for the Global South, of which India has been a keen votary.

In his longest foreign jaunt in more than a decade, PM Modi has already visited Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Argentina before his Brazil trip. He will end the five-nation tour with an official visit to Namibia.
As July 2025 approaches, Japan's tourism sector is facing an unanticipated and bizarre crisis-one that stems from a decades-old manga rather than a natural disaster.

A terrifying prophecy in 'Watashi ga Mita Mirai' (The Future I Saw), a graphic novel originally published in 1999 by the elusive Japanese artist Ryo Tatsuki, has been attributed to a sharp drop in vacation reservations to Japan, particularly from Hong Kong and mainland China. Due to its purported prediction of a major disaster on July 5, 2025, this obscure manga has gone viral on social media in recent months, leading thousands of people to rethink or cancel their plans to visit Japan.

Online fear has been stoked by the manga's disturbing assertion that there is "a crack opening up under the seabed between Japan and the Philippines" and that the waves are "three times as tall" as those from the 2011 tsunami. The prediction recalls memories of the terrible earthquake that struck Fukushima in March 2011 and the ensuing nuclear accident, which the manga ominously foreshadowed years before it happened. Even though experts caution that such predictions are not supported by science, this coincidence has given Tatsuki's work an unsettling sense of legitimacy.

According to Mathrubhumi English, data collected by Bloomberg Intelligence and ForwardKeys indicates that reservations from Hong Kong to Japan have dropped by 50% year-on-year. The substantial impact of this social media-fueled hysteria is demonstrated by the 83% decline in bookings between late June and early July.

Bookings for Japan have been cut in half for Hong Kong-based travel company EGL Tours. Director Steve Huen told Travel and Tour World that the company hasn't been able to prevent the cancellation wave, even with discounts and even earthquake insurance. Hong Kong is not the only place experiencing this frenzy. Rumours have spread as far as Thailand and Vietnam, where posts and videos warning against visiting Japan this week are all over social media. Hong Kong and mainland China, Japan's second and fourth-largest tourist markets, have been especially alarmed, according to CNN.

Experts and seismologists have been quick to refute the idea of prophetic accuracy, despite the fact that the speculation is widespread. Professor of seismology Robert Geller of the University of Tokyo told Travel and Tour World that "even scientifically-based earthquake prediction is impossible," pointing to decades of research that has yielded no reliable predictions.

In an attempt to calm the growing panic, Tatsuki herself has come forward. She made it clear in an interview with Mainichi Shimbun that she is not a prophet and that she never meant for her writings to be interpreted literally. She claimed that her intention was to promote readiness and awareness rather than fear. In an interview with The Guardian, she restated this idea and counselled readers to trust professional judgement and scientific advice.

Japan, which is situated along the unstable Pacific Ring of Fire, is hit by thousands of earthquakes annually, the majority of which are minor. However, even though the majority of the quakes were negligible, Travel and Tour World reports that over 900 tremors have been recorded in recent days near Kyushu, Japan's southernmost island, adding fuel to the speculative fire. Travel communities are still plagued by fear despite Tatsuki's warnings and the scientists' assurances.

In the era of social media, the panic surrounding 'The Future I Saw' is a perfect illustration of how deeply fiction can meld into what is perceived as reality. Although there is no solid proof of an impending catastrophe, the manga's uncanny parallels to historical occurrences, heightened by online rumours, have caused very real economic consequences.

However, experts think that despite being temporarily shaken, Japan's tourism industry will recover. According to Travel and Tour World, the nation is still a popular travel destination for millions of people, and after the viral dust settles, the lure of the country will probably outweigh the fear. Until then, July 5th is just another day on the calendar, but one that is tainted by a particularly significant chapter in manga history.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in an X post on Friday that he had discussed air defences in a conversation with US President Donald Trump, with the two agreeing to work together on increasing Kyiv's capability to "defend the sky" as Russian attacks escalate.

The conversation also touched upon defence industry capabilities and joint production, with Zelenskyy adding that Ukraine was ready for direct projects with the United States, as he felt that it was critically important for security, especially when it comes to drones and related technologies.

I had a very important and fruitful conversation with @POTUS. I congratulated President Trump and the entire American people on the US Independence Day.



We - in Ukraine - are grateful for all the support provided. It helps us protect lives, safeguard our freedom and pic.twitter.com/kQ3Byipvd2  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) July 4, 2025

This comes as Russia's latest offensive overnight into Friday morning superseded their previous one, which was reportedly the biggest attack from Moscow since the beginning of the three-year-long conflict.

ALSO READ | Can the West still force Russia away from Ukraine? Moscow warns 'illegal' EU sanctions would backfire

According to separate statement from Zelenskyy, as many as 550 air munitions were launched, including at least 330 Russo-Iranian shaheds, along with 11 missiles (including ballistic ones). This deliberately massive and cynical attack came just hours after what Trump described was a disappointing phone call with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, on Thursday.

Firefighting efforts and debris removal are still ongoing after another Russian strike. This was one of the most large-scale air attacks  deliberately massive and cynical. In total, 550 targets were launched, including at least 330 Russian-Iranian shaheds, along with missiles, pic.twitter.com/vnn31oST0z  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) July 4, 2025

The statement added that despite the onslaught targeting the capital cityas well as parts of Dnipro, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Chernihiv270 of the air munitions were shot down, while 208 drones were jammed by electronic interference.

As of now, 23 people are known to have been wounded. Everyone is receiving assistance. There are many sites where drone and missile debris fell. Sadly, there were also direct hits, he said.

A recent US decision to halt some shipments of weapons to Ukraine prompted warnings by Kyiv that the move would weaken its ability to defend against Russia's airstrikes and battlefield advances.

ALSO READ | Russian attack: How badly was consulate of Poland in Kyiv hit in largest drone strike of war? 5 confirmed damage reports

However, after the very good conversation between Zelenskyy and Trump, the latter had told the Ukrainian president that he would check what US weapons due to be sent to Ukraine (if any) had been put on hold, as per Reuters and Axios reports.

Zelenskyy urged Kyiv's allies to impose truly large-scale pressure on Russia, especially mentioning the US, since the US has not yet imposed separate sanctions on Moscow, despite Trump's commitment to increasing defence spending at the recent NATO summit, and despite the EU imposing its own sanctions packages, urging America to follow suit.
I had given up on the 'Jurassic' franchise when I saw Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, because there was such a strong and offensive decline in quality that it felt like they were beating a dead horse (or dinosaur). So I did not bother to see the last one, 'Dominion', because everything that came before in the Jurassic World series was bland, with a phoned-in quality to them.

So, the only reason a spark of interest was ignited in me to see Jurassic World: Rebirth was the fact that, this time around, they hired director Gareth Edwards ("Rogue One: A Star Wars Story", "The Creator") to make it. After all, Edwards is a monster movie veteran given that he made his debut with a low-budget creature feature titled, well, Monsters, and directed the 2014 Godzilla reboot. Some of his films may not have worked on a storytelling level; however, there's no denying the man has a great visual sense; he has proven himself adept at handling visual effects seamlessly while conjuring up stunning images with a far lesser budget than some of his contemporaries require. His entire filmography up to this point is a testament to that.

One of the prime reasons for Jurassic World: Rebirth being, in my view, the best of the franchise since the first two films directed by Steven Spielberg  Jurassic Park (1993) and The Lost World (1997)  is the involvement of Edwards and David Koepp, the writer of those two films. If you ask whether this film brings something new to the franchise in terms of storytelling, I'm going to have to say no.

What it does bring back, though, is the sense of awe, atmosphere, grace, and all the other goodness that we remember the Spielberg films for. Rebirth proves there is no better filmmaker right now than Edwards to emulate the look of the early films of Spielberg (who is an executive producer on this franchise). You get the feeling that the makers were more serious about delivering a competent product than the last time.

Rebirth has the usual stock characters, but they are relatively more tolerable than the ones in the previous 'Jurassic World' entries. Scarlett Johansson's past action movie outings come in handy for the part of a covert operative named Zora. Jonathan Bailey plays a palaeontologist who is a mix of Indiana Jones and Sam Neill's Alan Grant. He gets some terrific lines about how man is nothing in front of nature  and dinosaurs, of course. There's also the shady corporate guy (Rupert Friend) that we love to hate, who has much in common with another shady corporate guy from James Cameron's Aliens. His creepy vibes are even mentioned to his face, and become part of a running joke.

If there's one character we feel the closest to, it has to be Mahershala Ali's Kincaid, Zora's longtime friend and liaison, who becomes a more integral character as the film progresses. More characters join them later, and that's one of the best things about Rebirth  it splits them into two groups confronting their respective threats from all kinds of creatures with names ending in 'saur', on land and air.

But let's not pretend that we watch these films to see Oscar-worthy performances. We go for a rollercoaster ride that gives bang for our buck. And Rebirth has enough creatures, friendly and unfriendly, to ensure that we are in for a great time. We get multiple scenarios that evoke the memory of watching the first Jurassic Park, and composer Alexander Desplat applies a reworked version of the classic John Williams score of the original in pleasing ways in the most suitable places.

Moreover, Edwards and cinematographer John Mathieson ("Gladiator") give us striking vistas of the remote island the principal characters venture into, and present them in such a way that we can sense the menace lurking around in every nook and cranny, under every rock, behind the bushes, on tree trunks, in the skies.... All these unseen dangers reveal themselves in good time. And it's in the staging of these revelations, peek-a-boo, and surprise attacks that Edwards excels as much as Spielberg did.

Interestingly, it's not just Spielberg's first two Jurassic Park films that Rebirth reminded me of. There are also obvious nods to other Spielberg properties, such as Jaws (which is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary), Indiana Jones, and even E.T. (you'll know when you see it).

And Edwards employs light, sound, smoke, and colours in the same way that filmmakers once did in the 80s and 90s, when they used to shoot on celluloid, when everything didn't look so dark and underlit as in most films shot on digital today, when the green screen use wasn't obvious. You know what? I think I'll go for one more round.

Film: Jurassic World: Rebirth

Director: Gareth Edwards

Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, Mahershala Ali, Rupert Friend

Rating: 4/5
Mumbai, Jul 4 (PTI) VFS Education Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of VFS Global, on Friday said it has signed an agreement with three public Technical Universities (TU) of Austria to enable Indian students to pursue higher education in engineering and technology.

This landmark public-private partnership aims to support Indo-Austrian mobility for skilled engineering and technology students, especially for those from recognised colleges across India, according to a statement.

"We are delighted to be working with the Austrian Universities of Technology to open up higher education opportunities for Indian students.

"This initiative not only provides students with world-class and affordable learning opportunities, but also reflects our overarching mission to create better futures and strengthen international cooperation in education," VFS Global Group founder and CEO Zubin Karkaria said.

The programme comprises a two-year Master's degree, entailing theory as well as industry work experience as part of the course component.

The Universities will also support on-campus placements and career open day engagements with industry experts.

As part of the academic programme, the students will be eligible for a one-year post study visa extension upon graduation, supporting their transition into the international workforce.
The decision by the United States to pause some weapons shipments to Ukraine has come at a tough time for Kyiv: Russias bigger army is making a concerted push on parts of the roughly 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line and is intensifying long-range drone and missile attacks that increasingly hammer civilians in Ukrainian cities.

Washington has been Ukraines biggest military backer since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of its neighbor on Feb. 24, 2022. But the Trump administration has been disengaging from the war, and no end to the fighting is in sight, despite recent direct peace talks.

Heres a look at Ukraines options following the U.S. pause of some arms deliveries:

Specific weapons needed from U.S.

Amid recurring concerns in Kyiv about how much military support its allies can supply and how quickly, Ukraine has raced to build up its domestic defense industry.

The countrys output has gradually grown, especially in the production of more and increasingly sophisticated drones, but Ukraine needs to speedily scale up production.

Crucially, some high-tech U.S. weapons are irreplaceable. They include Patriot air defense missiles, which are needed to fend off Russias frequent ballistic missile attacks, but which cost $4 million each. That vital system is included in the pause, and many cities in Ukraine, including Kyiv, could become increasingly vulnerable.

A senior Ukrainian official said Thursday that Patriot systems are critically necessary for Ukraine, but U.S.-made HIMARS precision-guided missiles, also paused, are in less urgent need as other countries produce similar assets.

Other countries that have these (Patriot) systems can only transfer them with U.S. approval. The real question now is how far the United States is willing to go in its reluctance to support Ukraine, he told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because of sensitivity of the subject.

The official said that Patriot missiles exist in sufficient numbers globally, and he said that accessing them requires political resolve.

There are enough missiles out there, he said, without providing evidence.

He also stated that Ukraine has already scaled up its domestic production of 155 mm artillery shells, which were once critically short, and is now capable of producing more than is currently contracted. Supplies from abroad have also become more available than before, he said.

Backup plan

Amid at times fraught relations with U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been enlisting greater European help for his countrys arms manufacturing plans.

European countries dont have the production levels, military stockpiles or the technology to pick up all the slack left by the U.S. pause, but Zelenskyy is recruiting their help for ambitious joint investment projects.

Draft legislation to help Ukrainian defense manufacturers scale up and modernize production, including building new facilities at home and abroad, will be put to a vote in the Ukrainian parliament later this month, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced this week.

Zelenskyy said last month that major investments will go to the production of drones and artillery shells.

The volume of support this year is the largest since the start of the full-scale war, he said about commitments from foreign countries.

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 help at all, according to Germanys Kiel Institute, which tracks such support.

For the first time since June 2022, four months after Russias full-scale invasion, European countries have 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.

Big battlefield problem

Without Patriot missiles, as well as the AIM-7 Sparrow air-to-air missile and shorter-range Stinger missiles that are also included in the pause, Ukrainian cities likely will take a bashing as more Russian missiles pierce air defenses.

On the front line, Ukrainian troops havent recently voiced complaints about ammunition shortages, as they have in the past. They have always said that during the war, they have never had as much ammunition to as their disposal as Russian forces.

The army faces a different problem: Its desperately short-handed. Its turning to drones to compensate for its manpower shortage, and analysts say the front isnt about to collapse.

Asked about the timing of the U.S. pause, the Ukrainian official emphasized the need for stable, reliable supply lines.

This is war  and in war, steady deliveries are always crucial, he said.

(AP)
Swiss Kung Fu enthusiast chases Wing Chun dream in E China's Yantai

People's Daily Online) 09:32, July 04, 2025

Natalie, a 31-year-old Kung Fu (Chinese martial arts) enthusiast from Switzerland, practices the fundamentals of Wing Chun, a traditional southern Chinese Kung Fu style, in a martial arts school in Yantai, east China's Shandong Province, June 2025. (Photo/Qu Zhengyang)

Fascinated by Chinese Kung Fu (martial arts) movies since childhood, 31-year-old Natalie from Switzerland chose to major in sinology in college for systematic training in Chinese language, history and philosophy, and now she is learning Wing Chun, a traditional southern Chinese Kung Fu style, in China.

"I was captivated by Chinese Kung Fu movies when I was 7 years old, and have mimicked simple moves in front of the TV since then," Natalie recalled.

After graduating from college, she joined the Swiss National Museum, continuing to follow Chinese martial arts, especially Wing Chun, in her spare time.

"Most Chinese martial arts schools in Switzerland focus on Shaolin Kung Fu, but Wing Chun's compact and swift techniques feel more suitable for women. That's exactly what I wanted to pursue," she explained.

After finding out online that Kunyu Mountain Shaolin Martial Arts Academy in Yantai, east China's Shandong Province offers specialized Wing Chun courses, she contacted the school and enrolled without hesitation.

In April this year, Natalie finally arrived in China to embark on her martial arts journey.

Natalie, a 31-year-old Kung Fu (Chinese martial arts) enthusiast from Switzerland, practices Chinese Kung Fu in a martial arts school in Yantai, east China's Shandong Province, June 2025. (Photo/Qu Zhengyang)

At the school, she trains daily alongside classmates from various countries and age groups, observing masters' demonstrations attentively and recording videos to watch and study movements repeatedly.

She has devoted most of her extracurricular time to practicing with wooden dummies, eventually discovering how to apply force effectively.

"What I used to watch in movies is now unfolding right before my eyesand I'm living it," she said.

Besides learning Wing Chun, the cross-cultural encounters have been equally enriching.

During this year's Dragon Boat Festival, Natalie joined her classmates in making Zongzi (glutinous rice dumplings), and crafting sachets.

She has developed a fondness for Baozi (Chinese steamed stuffed buns) and eggplant dishes at the school canteen, and particularly enjoys a traditional Chinese tea-making method called Kung Fu tea.

Natalie, a 31-year-old Kung Fu (Chinese martial arts) enthusiast from Switzerland, trains with international classmates in a martial arts school in Yantai, east China's Shandong Province, June 2025. (Photo/Qu Zhengyang)

"Kung Fu training has made me more patient and more confident, and taught me to approach both people and situations with reverence," she reflected.

Natalie plans to continue her studies in China until next year. Her long-term goal is to open a small martial arts studio in Switzerland to practice Wing Chun techniques and share the traditional Chinese martial arts culture and tea ceremonies she's learning in China with local Kung Fu enthusiasts.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
President Donald Trump complained Thursday that the United States provided too many weapons to Ukraine under the previous administration, his first public comments on the pause in some shipments as Russia escalates its latest offensive.

Speaking to reporters before boarding Air Force One for a flight to Iowa, Trump said former President Joe Biden emptied out our whole country giving them weapons, and we have to make sure that we have enough for ourselves.

Air defense missiles, precision-guided artillery and other weapons are among those being withheld from Ukraine. The country suffered a new barrage overnight, with warnings of ballistic missiles followed by explosions in Kyiv. The sound of machine gun fire and drone engines could be heard across the capital.

Trump, who also spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, suggested he wasnt completely cutting off American assistance to Ukraine.

Weve given so many weapons, he said, adding that we are working with them and trying to help them.

Trump said he had a pretty long call with Putin that didnt make any progress in resolving the war, which the Republican president had promised to swiftly bring to a conclusion.

Im not happy about that, he said.

The Kremlin described the conversation as frank and constructive  the sixth publicly disclosed chat between the two leaders since Trump returned to the White House.

While discussing the situation around Iran and in the broader Middle East, Putin emphasized the need to resolve all differences exclusively by political and diplomatic means, said Yuri Ushakov, his foreign affairs adviser.

The leaders agreed that Russian and U.S. officials will maintain contact on the issue, he added.

The United States struck three sites in Iran on June 22, inserting itself into Israels war aimed at destroying Tehrans nuclear program.

On the conflict in Ukraine, Ushakov said Trump emphasized his push for a quick halt to the fighting, and Putin voiced Moscows readiness to pursue talks with Kyiv, noting the previous rounds in Turkey yielded humanitarian results.

At the same time, the Russian leader emphasized that Moscow will seek to achieve its goals in Ukraine and remove the root causes of the conflict, Ushakov said.

Russia will not back down from these goals, Ushakov told reporters after the call.

Putin has argued he sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022 to fend off a threat to Russia posed by Ukraines push to join NATO and to protect Russian speakers in Ukraine  arguments rejected by Kyiv and its allies. He insisted that any prospective peace deal must see Ukraine abandon its NATO bid and recognize Russias territorial gains.

Ushakov said a suspension of some U.S. weapons shipments to Ukraine wasnt discussed in the Trump-Putin call.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in Denmark after meeting with major European Union backers that he may talk to Trump in the coming days about the suspension.

I hope that maybe tomorrow, or close days, these days, I will speak about it with President Trump, he said.

The previous publicly known call between Trump and Putin came June 14, a day after Israel attacked Iran.

The resumed contact between Trump and Putin appeared to reflect their interest in mending U.S.-Russian ties that have plummeted to their lowest point since the Cold War.

Ushakov said the leaders discussed developments in Syria and expressed interest in pursuing bilateral projects in the energy sector and space exploration, during what he described as frank, businesslike and concrete conversation.

The Kremlin adviser added that Putin even suggested that the U.S. and Russia could exchange movies promoting traditional values shared by us and the Trump administration.

On Tuesday, Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron held their first direct telephone call in almost three years.

(AP)
Zohran Mamdani, the democratic socialist New York City mayoral candidate, is facing intensifying scrutiny as past statements and resurfaced videos reveal an agenda indistinguishable from old-school communist dogma.

While Mamdani has brushed off accusations of being a communist as cheap distractions, footage paints a far more radical picture. In a 2021 speech to socialist activists, Mamdani explicitly urged allies not to compromise on seizing the means of production, language long synonymous with communist revolutionary movements.

In another video, released that same year by The Gravel Institute, Mamdani laid out a sweeping plan to transform housing in New York City from a private commodity into a public asset. He called for replacing luxury condos with communal-style living arrangements featuring shared kitchens, laundry rooms, food cooperatives, and public bathhouses. He pointed to postwar communist-era Vienna as a partial model, even as he acknowledged that many residents there still live in private housing and pay rent.

Mamdani argued that treating housing as a market product was the root cause of homelessness and inequality, railing against developers and landlords for prioritizing profit. Housing doesnt have to be seen as a market at all, Mamdani declared, promoting community land trusts as a mechanism to gradually buy up private housing stock and convert it into collective ownership.

His vision of full de-commodification of housing, in which high-quality homes would be guaranteed to all as a human right rather than bought and sold, has drawn fierce condemnation from conservatives and centrists alike.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

President Donald Trump has branded Mamdani a 100% Communist Lunatic and vowed to save New York City should Mamdani win the mayoralty. Trump even suggested he might withhold federal funds if Mamdani doesnt behave, warning on Truth Social that, 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!

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
The Supreme Court on Thursday cleared the way for the deportation of several immigrants who were put on a flight in May bound for South Sudan, a war-ravaged country where they have no ties.

The decision comes after the courts conservative majority found that immigration officials can quickly deport people to third countries. The majority halted an order that had allowed immigrants to challenge any removals to countries outside their homeland where they could be in danger.

The courts latest decision makes clear that the South Sudan flight can complete the trip, weeks after it was detoured to a naval base in Djibouti. There, the migrants who had previously been convicted of serious crimes were held in a converted shipping container.

It reverses findings from federal Judge Brian Murphy in Massachusetts, who said his order on those migrants still stands even after the high court lifted his broader decision.

Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said federal authorities would complete the trip to South Sudan by the next day.

The Supreme Court majority wrote that their decision on June 23 completely halted Murphys ruling and also rendered his decision on the South Sudan flight unenforceable. The court did not fully detail its legal reasoning on the underlying case, as is common on its emergency docket.

Two liberal justices, Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson, dissented, saying the ruling gives the government special treatment. Other litigants must follow the rules, but the administration has the Supreme Court on speed dial, Sotomayor wrote. Justice Elena Kagan wrote that while she disagreed with the original order, it does countermand Murphys findings on the South Sudan flight.

The eight migrants could face imprisonment, torture and even death in South Sudan, where escalating political tensions have threatened to devolve into another civil war.

We know theyll face perilous conditions, and potentially immediate detention, upon arrival, Trina Realmuto, executive director of the National Immigration Litigation Alliance, said Thursday.

The push comes amid a sweeping immigration crackdown by Trumps Republican administration, which has pledged to deport millions of people who are living in the United States illegally. The Trump administration has called Murphys finding a lawless act of defiance.

McLaughlin said the Supreme Courts intervention is a win for the rule of law, safety and security of the American people. Attorney General Pam Bondi called Murphy a rogue district court judge and said the justices had rebuked him.

Authorities have reached agreements with other countries to house immigrants if authorities cant quickly send them back to their homelands. The eight men sent to South Sudan in May had been convicted of crimes in the U.S. and had final orders of removal, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials have said.

Murphy, who was nominated by Democratic President Joe Biden, didnt prohibit deportations to third countries. But he found migrants must have a real chance to argue they could be in danger of torture if sent to another country, even if theyve already exhausted their legal appeals.

The men and their guards have faced rough conditions on the naval base in Djibouti, where authorities detoured the flight after Murphy found the administration had violated his order by failing to allow them a chance to challenge the removal. They have since said theyre afraid of being sent to South Sudan, Realmuto said.

(AP)
One year ago, Torah in Eretz Yisroel stood at the brink. A sudden government freeze left more than 1,400 yeshivos and kollelim without vital support. Yungeleit went unpaid, meals were cut, and the entire infrastructure of limud haTorah was in danger of collapse. Klal Yisroel responded with extraordinary achdus and mesirus nefesh. Under the guidance of Gedolei Yisroel, and with the support of over 30,000 donors around the globe, $115 million was raised to keep the flame of Torah burning bright.

We had hoped the crisis would pass. But the war in the north and south still rages, the draft law remains unresolved, and the funding freeze continues. There is no political solution in sight, and no safety net in place. Today, more than 120,000 lomdei Torah are relying on Keren Olam HaTorah for their very survival.

Over the past two weeks, Gedolei Eretz Yisroel  among them Harav Dovid Cohen, Harav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, and Harav Don Segal, who traveled all the way from Switzerland despite recovering from illness  visited major kehillos across the United States on behalf of this urgent cause. They traveled to Baltimore, Chicago, Lakewood, Brooklyn, Monsey, Passaic, Deal, Toronto, and the Five Towns. In every city, their message was the same: the achrayus for the future of Torah rests upon us.

Their journey has already ignited a powerful wave of support. So far, 5,000 donors have contributed an incredible amount of more than $80,000,000. But the goal is $132 million, and we are still far from the finish line. The ones who got us there last time  those 30,000 donors who gave with large checks or small  are the ones we need again now.

This is not just another campaign. This is about ensuring the survival of Torah in Eretz Yisroel during one of the most challenging moments in its history. We did the impossible once. Bezras Hashem, with your help, we will do it again.

BE A PART OF IT
President Donald Trump campaigned on keeping the United States out of foreign wars, but it didnt take long to convince him to come to the direct aid of Israel, hitting Iranian nuclear targets with bunker-buster bombs dropped by B-2 stealth bombers and Tomahawk cruise missiles fired from a submarine.

Beyond the attacks immediate impact on helping bring the 12-day war to a close, experts say Trumps decision to use force against another country also will certainly be reverberating in the Asia-Pacific, Washingtons priority theater.

Trumps strikes on Iran show that hes not afraid to use military force  this would send a clear message to North Korea, and even to China and Russia, about Trumps style, said Duyeon Kim, a senior analyst at the Center for a New American Security based in Seoul, South Korea.

Before the strikes, Pyongyang and Beijing might have assumed that Trump is risk averse, particularly based on his behavior his first presidency despite some tough talk, Kim said.

China, North Korea and Russia all condemn US strike

Ten days into the war between Israel and Iran, Trump made the risky decision to step in, hitting three nuclear sites with American firepower on June 22 in a bid to destroy the countrys nuclear program at a time while negotiations between Washington and Tehran were still ongoing.

The attacks prompted a pro forma Iranian retaliatory strike the following day on a U.S. base in nearby Qatar, which caused no casualties, and both Iran and Israel then agreed to a ceasefire on June 24.

North Korea, China and Russia all were quick to condemn the American attack, with Russian President Vladimir Putin calling it unprovoked aggression, Chinas Foreign Ministry saying it violated international law and exacerbated tensions in the Middle East, and North Koreas Foreign Ministry maintaining it trampled down the territorial integrity and security interests of a sovereign state.

While the strikes were a clear tactical success, the jury is still out on whether they will have a more broad strategic benefit to Washingtons goals in the Middle East or convince Iran it needs to work harder than ever to develop a nuclear deterrent, possibly pulling the U.S. back into a longer-term conflict.

US allies could see attack as positive sign for deterrence

If the attack remains a one-off strike, U.S. allies in the Asia-Pacific region likely will see the decision to become involved as a positive sign from Trumps administration, said Euan Graham, a senior defense analyst with the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.

The U.S. strike on Iran will be regarded as net plus by Pacific allies if it is seen to reinforce red lines, restore deterrence and is of limited duration, so as not to pull the administration off-course from its stated priorities in the Indo-Pacific, he said. China will take note that Trump is prepared to use force, at least opportunistically.

In China, many who have seen Trump as having a no-war mentality will reassess that in the wake of the attacks, which were partially aimed at forcing Irans hand in nuclear program negotiations, said Zhao Minghao, an international relations professor at Chinas Fudan University in Shanghai.

The way the U.S. used power with its air attacks against Iran is something China needs to pay attention to, he said. How Trump used power to force negotiations has a significance for how China and the U.S. will interact in the future.

But, he said, Washington should not think it can employ the same strategy with Beijing.

If a conflict breaks out between China and the U.S., it may be difficult for the U.S. to withdraw as soon as possible, let alone withdraw unscathed, he said.

China and North Korea present different challenges

Indeed, China and North Korea present very different challenges than Iran.

First and foremost, both already have nuclear weapons, raising the stakes of possible retaliation considerably in the event of any attack.

There also is no Asian equivalent of Israel, whose relentless attacks on Iranian missile defenses in the opening days of the war paved the way for the B-2 bombers to fly in and out without a shot being fired at them.

Still, the possibility of the U.S. becoming involved in a conflict involving either China or North Korea is a very real one, and Beijing and Pyongyang will almost certainly try to assess what the notoriously unpredictable Trump would do.

North Korea will likely be quite alarmed at what Israel, with a relatively small but high-quality force, has been able to achieve over Iran, said Joseph Dempsey, a defense expert with the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

At the same time, it likely will be seen internally as justification for its own nuclear weapons program,

If Iran did have deployable nuclear weapons would this have occurred? Dempsey said. Probably not.

The U.S. decision to attack while still in talks with Iran will also not go unnoticed, said Hong Min, a senior analyst at South Koreas Institute for National Unification.

North Korea may conclude that dialogue, if done carelessly, could backfire by giving the United States a pretext for possible aggression, he said.

Instead of provoking the Trump administration, North Korea is more likely to take an even more passive stance toward negotiations with Washington, instead focusing on strengthening its internal military buildup and pursuing closer ties with Russia, narrowing the prospects for future talks, he said.

China and Taiwan will draw lessons

China will look at the attacks through the visor of Taiwan, the self-governing democratic island off its coast that China claims as its own territory and President Xi Jinping has not ruled out taking by force.

The U.S. supplies Taiwan with weapons and is one of its most important allies, though Washingtons official policy on whether it would come to Taiwans aid in the case of a conflict with China is known as strategic ambiguity, meaning not committing to how it would respond.

Militarily, the strike on Iran raises the question of whether the U.S. might show less restraint than has been expected by China in its response and hit targets on the Chinese mainland in the event of an invasion of Taiwan, said Drew Thompson, senior fellow with the Singapore-based think tank RSIS Rajaratnam School of International Studies.

It will also certainly underscore for Beijing the difficulty of predicting Trumps actions, he said.

The U.S. airstrike on Irans nuclear facilities caught many by surprise, Thompson said. I think it demonstrated a tolerance and acceptance of risk in the Trump administration that is perhaps surprising.

It also gives rise to a concern that Taiwans President Lai Ching-te, who in recent speeches has increased warnings about the threat from China, may be further emboldened in his rhetoric, said Lyle Goldstein, director of the Asia Program at the Washington-based foreign policy think tank Defense Priorities.

Already, Lais words have prompted China to accuse him of pursuing Taiwanese independence, which is a red line for Beijing. Goldstein said he worried Taiwan may try to take advantage of the American use of force against Iran to increase its deterrent situation versus the mainland.

President Lais series of recent speeches appear almost designed to set up a new cross-strait crisis, perhaps in the hopes of building more support in Washington and elsewhere around the Pacific, said Goldstein, who also is director of the China Initiative at Brown Universitys Watson Institute.

I think that is an exceedingly risky gambit, to put it mildly, he said.

(AP)
All the talk about me in Iran doesnt excite me; its already passe,' is how Kamal Penhasi, the IDF spokesperson in Farsi, describes his attitude to the reactions hes been receiving since the outbreak of the war, and especially in recent days.

It should be noted that the IDF Farsi account, which was launched several years ago, is separate from the Mossad Farsi account that was recently launched and is also experiencing great popularity. On Thursday, the Mossad wrote, We expected it, but not to this extent! Hundreds of active IRGC soldiers and officers, fed up with this regime, are reaching out to us. We promise to contact you, please be patient.

I dream of the day Ill walk the streets of Tehran, and it will happen, Penhasi said in an interview with the IDF website.

The numbers speak for themselves. Last Thursday, the IDFs Farsi Instagram page had 365,000 followers, and as of Thursday, it has 922,000 followers, more than 95% of them from Iran, despite all the restrictions and surveillance there on the internet.

The citizens there encourage us to continue attacking. We see it in the responses and comments. It strengthens us to continue creating content on various platforms, with an emphasis on young people who were born into this regime and see us as friends. Its something that cannot be described in terms of joy and hope.

Even before the war, Kamal was preparing the groundto clarify that the enemy of the State of Israel is not the Iranian people, but the Revolutionary Guards.

The communication systems there are a political tool in every sense of the word, he said. They serve the draconian regime and convey distorted information to the citizens. Our goal is to provide them with reliable information and to explain the situation to them in unconventional ways in order to reach the heart of the Iranian people.

And as someone who grew up with them, the Iranians are indeed close to his heart: I lived there for 15 years, and I have very beautiful childhood memories. We were two Jewish families, one Christian family, and the rest of the families in the neighborhood were Muslim. We lived in harmony with each other; there was no hatred or antisemitism of any kind.

But all this changed when the previous regime (the Shah) fell in 1979. Those were days of fear, pressure, and worry, which culminated in the blackest daythe day of the revolution. It was a cruel regime. Those were dark daysuntil we managed to immigrate to Israel.

I may be Israeli in my head but completely Persian in my heart. As a person who loves history, culture, and literature, especially Iranian, I would research, study and read a lot. I think that the Iranian people, like each of us, have the option for a good life. I am optimistic. They will gain freedom, even if it takes timeI believe in them.

(YWN Israel DeskJerusalem)
A Syrian source has outlined two potential frameworks for a political settlement between Israel and Syria over the Golan Heights, according to details shared with i24News.

The first scenario envisions Israel retaining control over approximately one-third of the Golan Heights while returning another third directly to Syrian sovereignty. The final third would be leased by Israel from Syria for 25 years, allowing for a continued but non-sovereign Israeli presence in that portion.

In the second proposed framework, Israel would maintain authority over two-thirds of the Golan Heights, while the remaining third would be handed back to Syria, potentially with a lease arrangement. Under this proposal, Syria could also receive administrative control over the Lebanese city of Tripoli, additional northern Lebanese territories, and parts of the Beqaa Valley.

The Syrian source, described as close to President Ahmed al-Sharaa, indicated that Syrias new leadership has shown an unprecedented openness and has established direct communication channels with Israel, focused on security and military coordination in southern Syria. The source suggested that returning specific portions of the Golan Heightsparticularly areas beyond what Israel captured following the collapse of the Assad regimewould be critical to securing domestic support for any future peace agreement. Failure to include such concessions, the source warned, could generate substantial internal resistance to a deal.

At the same time, the source clarified that removing U.S. sanctions on Syria should be regarded as a separate diplomatic matter and not as a form of Israeli payment for a peace agreement.

Syrian state media, however, recently characterized talk of a peace accord as premature. An unidentified official quoted by Syrian state television stated that negotiations would not be possible until Israel complies fully with the 1974 disengagement agreement and withdraws from areas it has entered since the Assad regimes fall.

These developments come against the backdrop of major regional changes, including the overthrow of former Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad in December and the weakening of Hezbollah after its most recent clash with Israel. Syrias new Islamist government has confirmed indirect talks with Israel to ease tensions, while the London-based Arabic outlet Al-Sharq Al-Awsat reported this week that direct negotiations are taking place in Jordan on security issues and a phased withdrawal of IDF forces from southern Syria. Senior Syrian officials, including the countrys defense minister, are reportedly taking part in these discussions, which also cover possible security arrangements to stabilize Israels northern border.

Despite this engagement, sources close to the Syrian leadership have maintained that President al-Sharaa is not ready to sign a formal peace treaty with Israel at this time. Syrias primary demand continues to be a complete Israeli withdrawal from territories occupied after Assads fall, along with a rejection of expanding any buffer zones in the south.

Axios recently reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed interest in pursuing U.S.-mediated negotiations with the new Syrian authorities. Netanyahu reportedly conveyed this during a meeting with U.S. Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack, seeking a revised security agreement that could eventually lead to a full peace treaty  the first such direct diplomatic effort between Israel and Syria since 2011.

This Israeli initiative came after President Donald Trump met with President al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia and subsequently lifted U.S. sanctions on Syria, despite Jerusalems initial reservations about al-Sharaas links to Turkey.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
American-Israeli Edan Alexander, the last living U.S. hostage freed from Hamas captivity in May, met with President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the White House on Thursday.

Alexander, 21, who was abducted from the Kissufim military base on October 7, 2023, during Hamas attack on Israel, thanked Trump for his efforts in securing his release, which he described as life-saving. I came to thank the person who is responsible for saving my life, Alexander told reporters after the meeting.

During their 30-minute conversation, Alexander shared details of his captivity and expressed concern for the roughly 50 hostages still held in Gaza. I shared with the president my fear that continued fighting endangers the hostages, and that I hope he can achieve another historic breakthrough  a comprehensive deal to free them all, Alexander said.

Trump, accompanied by senior officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, told Alexander he was proud to have helped secure his release. Trump said the fact Alexander was an American citizen played a major role. Were very proud that I saved you, he told Alexander, calling the mission very important to both him and the first lady.

Alexander described his emotions upon returning to the White House, where his parents had previously advocated for his release. I was deeply moved to be in the White House  the same place where my parents had been many times during their fight for my release, but this time together with them, he said.

Alexander was joined at the meeting by his parents, Adi and Yael, and his siblings Mika and Roy. His father described the conversation with the president as excellent.

According to Israeli journalist Barak Ravid, a source present said Trump revealed that U.S. officials had feared Alexander might have been killed during an Israeli strike on a Hamas tunnel. Alexander reportedly confirmed that he narrowly escaped before the tunnel collapsed, highlighting the ongoing danger facing those still in captivity.

Trump, who also spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, reportedly assured Alexander he would continue working to bring the remaining hostages home, telling him: Were going to make a deal.

Alexanders release in May was widely seen as a goodwill gesture by Hamas toward the Trump administration, with little involvement from Israel. His mother, Yael, has publicly credited Trump and his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, who helped broker the deal, for her sons freedom.

Currently, about 50 hostages remain in Gaza, including 20 believed to be alive, according to Israeli officials. Hamas is also holding the remains of an IDF soldier killed in 2014.

Alexander, who returned home to Tenafly, New Jersey, in June, reflected on the timing of his visit to the White House: Im deeply moved that I could celebrate my own freedom on the eve of Independence Day.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
As Israel braces for a critical reply from Hamas on a long-negotiated ceasefire and hostage deal, reports emerged Friday that President Donald Trump is prepared to personally guarantee efforts to end the Gaza war, in a dramatic bid to bridge final gaps and lock in an agreement ahead of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahus high-stakes White House visit next week.

According to a Hebrew-language Channel 12 report, Trump is expected to pledge to Hamas that negotiations over the terms for ending the war will continue even after a temporary ceasefire, and that I will do everything in my power to help the parties reach an agreement on the terms of a permanent ceasefire.

The message, reportedly crafted as part of the so-called Witkoff framework, would offer Hamas a lifeline: if it agrees to release 10 living hostages in two phases, plus 18 bodies of slain captives over three phases within a 60-day truce, the U.S. will remain fully engaged to ensure that talks on a final cessation of hostilities continue.

Israel is facing fierce pressure from Washington to finalize a deal before Netanyahus meeting with Trump on Monday. Mediators believe a positive answer from Hamas could trigger proximity talks within days in Doha, where negotiators will hammer out the final sticking points  including the pullback of Israeli troops from Gaza during the pause.

Israel insists on retaining the option to resume its offensive if negotiations collapse, while Hamas is demanding a guarantee that the fighting will end for good. Trumps direct involvement is seen as a last-ditch bid to break the impasse.

Under the emerging outline, Channel 13 reported, the first exchange would see eight living hostages freed on day one, with staged releases of bodies and two more live captives over the coming weeks. Israel would free Palestinian prisoners and permit more humanitarian aid into the Strip.

Senior Israeli officials indicated that a negotiating team is on standby to fly to Qatar at a moments notice if Hamas gives the green light, and a full security cabinet vote is scheduled for tomorrow night. Should a deal advance, the ceasefire could even take effect while Netanyahu is in Washington.

Meanwhile, political and military leaders are locked in tense deliberations over the order in which hostages would be released, weighing medical and humanitarian considerations. Israeli sources said that details will only be finalized if proximity talks with Hamas begin.

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, speaking to Israeli media Thursday, expressed hope that a deal was a done deal but made clear Hamas would bear responsibility if it collapsed. Lets hope they understand its time for this to end, Huckabee said, adding pointedly that Hamas has no future in Gaza.

(YWN World Headquarters = NYC)
Israeli forces reportedly staged a prolonged incursion into Syrian territory overnight Friday, according to the Lebanese Al-Mayadeen network and Syrian sources.

Three IDF helicopters are said to have landed at a facility once tied to the presidential guard of former Syrian President Hafez al-Assad in the Yafour area, roughly 10 kilometers west of Damascus. The Israeli troops allegedly held their position for nearly five hours before withdrawing.

Simultaneously, three IDF armored vehicles reportedly crossed into Syrian territory near the Lebanese border, entering the village of Rakhla under the cover of night.

The purpose of the operation remains shrouded in secrecy, but the presence of Israeli forces so close to the Syrian capital  and for such an extended period  marks an extraordinary escalation in Israels long-running shadow war against Iranian entrenchment and Hezbollah activity inside Syria.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Post-00s Chinese artisan replicates exquisite phoenix crown with colored glass

People's Daily Online) 14:44, July 04, 2025

Sun Qiye, a post-00s Liuli (colored glass) artisan from Zibo, east China's Shandong Province, has wowed netizens and museum visitors with a dazzlingly beautiful Liuli replica of the renowned Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) Empress Xiaoduan's phoenix crown.

The unique artwork has become the star attraction at an ongoing art exhibition titled "Luminous Brilliance: The Artistry of Zibo Glass" at the National Museum of China located in Beijing.

Photo shows the renowned Nine-Dragon and Nine-Phoenix Crown that belonged to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) Empress Xiaoduan. The precious cultural relic is on display at the National Museum of China. (Photo/CCTV News)

The original artifact, named the Nine-Dragon and Nine-Phoenix Crown, was unearthed from the Dingling Mausoleum, part of the Ming Tombs in Beijing, in 1957. It is believed to be an important crown worn by Empress Xiaoduan on formal occasions and is among the national treasure-level cultural relics that are prohibited from being exhibited abroad.

By virtue of its exquisite craftsmanship and beautiful appearance, the cultural relic has captured many hearts.

Last year, a fridge magnet inspired by the phoenix crown became a huge success among cultural and creative products in China with a record-breaking sales volume of more than 1 million pieces within eight months.

The intricate Liuli replica of the crown comprises nearly 5,000 individual components, including nine dragons, nine phoenixes, and 4,800 Liuli pearls, all handcrafted and assembled by a team of four led by Sun.

The combo photo shows a metal version (left) and a wooden version (right) of a fridge magnet inspired by the renowned Nine-Dragon and Nine-Phoenix Crown that belonged to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) Empress Xiaoduan. (Photo/CCTV News)

What's surprising is that the young artisan's masterful skills only began to emerge by chance over a year and a half ago. Also, when he agreed to create a Liuli replica of the phoenix crown, he thought he was being asked to just make a fridge magnet.

According to Sun, his previous job was unrelated to Liuli, and he only went to take classes on Liuli-making techniques to fill a vacancy because his mother signed up for a course for herself and couldn't finish it due to illness.

Though disinterested at first, he was fascinated by the traditional art form after struggling to replicate a delicate Liuli butterfly in class. His failure ignited a determination that led him to fall in love with the craft.

"When I became fully absorbed in the process, I found inner peace," he recalled.

Driven by a growing interest in the craft, Sun later worked at a local Liuli art studio to hone his skills. One of his early works  a chrysanthemum-themed Liuli artwork won widespread praise online and was eventually exhibited at the Zibo Ceramic and Glass Museum, earning him recognition in the industry.

That very piece opened the door to the crown-making project.

Photo shows a Liuli (colored glass) replica of the renowned Nine-Dragon and Nine-Phoenix Crown that belonged to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) Empress Xiaoduan. The replica was created by a team led by young Chinese Liuli artisan Sun Qiye. (Photo/Xinhua)

Sun couldn't help laughing as he recalled being approached through his mother to craft what he thought was a souvenir  a miniature fridge magnet shaped like the crown. Only later did he realize the request was to recreate the actual crown with Liuli for a major museum exhibition.

"At the time, my mom took a call on my behalf and then showed me a picture of a fridge magnet featuring the Nine-Dragon and Nine-Phoenix Crown. She asked, 'Someone wants you to make thiscan you do it?' I said, 'Sure, I can!'" he recalled.

Despite having just over a year and a half of experience in traditional Liuli artwork making and that the exhibition was only about three months away, Sun embraced the project.

"I wanted to challenge myself  to bring the centuries-old art of Zibo Liuli into conversation with a national treasure," he said.

The recreation process was far more difficult than his team had anticipated. Sun and three fellow artisansZou Yuxi, Chen Yuqiang, and Gan Yuchenhad to start from scratch to find the right techniques for each part, relying solely on online photos and measurements for the details as none of them had ever seen the real crown in person.

The team opted to use a special type of "soft" Zibo Liuli  a challenging material known for its clarity and brilliance but extremely sensitive to temperature changes.

"We made over 60 dragons, but only nine made it onto the final crown," Sun said, adding that many attempts failed due to cracking or deformation.

Chinese Liuli (colored glass) artisan Sun Qiye poses for a photo with a Liuli replica of the renowned Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) Empress Xiaoduan's Nine-Dragon and Nine-Phoenix Crown created by a team led by him. (Photo/CCTV News)

In total, the crown comprises nearly 5,000 components, including side ornaments and decorative beast motifs, involving seven to eight different Liuli-making techniques.

After countless failed attempts, the final piece stands 50 centimeters tall and exudes a majestic presence that impressed both visitors and netizens.

"As new-generation Liuli artisans, we feel a strong sense of accomplishment for innovating the Liuli art of Zibo," Sun said.

"For me, it's not just about copying an ancient artifact," Sun said. "It's about bringing together traditional aesthetics and modern innovation. If we want Zibo's time-honored Liuli art to thrive, we must keep pushing boundaries. This crown is my way of honoring the craftsmanship of the past and giving it new life."

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
The number of FTSE 100 shareholder rebellions more than doubled in the first half of 2025 as investors increasingly rejected excessive executive pay.

Analysis by consultancy group Indigo shows 11 of the 56 FTSE 100 firms that held their annual general meeting between January and June faced a revolt from investors, up from just five over the same period last year.

Indigo said that the rise was mostly driven by resistance to executive pay packages.

Seven blue-chip businesses had at least a fifth of their investors vote against their proposals on director remuneration reports or policies, compared to just three the previous year.

Among the most notable examples was engineering giant Melrose Industries, the owner of automotive parts manufacturer GKN.

Two-thirds of its shareholders voted at the start of May against handing more than 50million each to three former executives - Simon Peckham, Geoffrey Martin, and Christopher Miller - and 45.4million to the current CEO, Peter Dilnot.

Opposition: Two-thirds of Melrose shareholders voted in May against handing more than 50million each to three former executives and 45.4million to the current CEO, Peter Dilnot

Soon after, British Gas owner Centrica, whose boss Chris O'Shea once described his pay as 'impossible to justify', suffered a revolt from nearly 40 per cent of investors over its compensation plans.

A fortnight later, about one-third of Convatec shareholders rejected a proposal to hike the maximum share award of the medical products maker's boss, Karim Bitar, from 300 per cent of his yearly salary to 425 per cent.

Almost a quarter also opposed the establishment of a new share incentive plan.

Unilever, Taylor Wimpey, InterContinental Hotels Group, and London Stock Exchange Group have also experienced rebellions over executive pay.

Bernadette Young, co-founder of Indigo, said: 'Boards must be prepared for heavy scrutiny of any proposals put to shareholders, but particularly in relation to emotive issues such as pay and sustainability, where investors are more likely to take a strongly principled stance.'

She added that the uptick in revolts was 'indicative of the increasingly activist shareholder culture that we have seen develop in the UK in recent years'.

The UK Corporate Governance Code defines a shareholder rebellion as when at least 20 per cent of a firm's shareholders vote against a board resolution at an AGM.

Should this happen, company boards must detail the actions they will take to consult with investors in order to understand the reasons behind the vote.

Shareholder votes on issues such as directors' remuneration are largely non-binding, meaning businesses are not legally obligated to abide by the outcome.

Nonetheless, Young believes boards should 'proactively engage with shareholders and advisors before and after any major changes are made to company policies to ensure they have not misread investor sentiment and are not forced into embarrassing climbdowns or providing high-profile justifications for their actions'.
Tesla sales in Britain bounced back last month after a backlash against Elon Musk hit demand earlier in the year.

The electric car maker sold 7,719 vehicles to British motorists in June  a 14 per cent increase from a year earlier, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Tesla revealed this week that overall global sales fell in the second quarter.

The firm delivered 382,122 vehicles in the three months to the end of June, a 13.5 per cent drop from 443,956 a year earlier and its second quarterly fall in a row.

Tough talk: The plunge in demand for cars has been blamed on Elon Musk's involvement in Donald Trump's administration - and his support for hard-Right parties across Europe

The plunge in demand for Tesla's cars has been blamed on chief executive Musk's involvement in Donald Trump's administration  and his support for hard-Right parties across Europe.

An ageing car line-up and tougher competition from cheaper Chinese firms such as BYD has also dented sales.
An AstraZeneca cancer drug received the green light by European regulators yesterday.

The London-listed drugs maker revealed that its bladder cancer treatment Imfinzi has been approved to treat adult patients in the European Union.

It comes amid reports that AstraZeneca  the FTSE 100's largest company  is considering moving its listing from the UK to the US in what would be a hammer blow to London's stock market.

The speculation was fuelled by the pharmaceutical sector's growing frustration with the UK's rules on approving medicines as well as a row over drug prices between the industry and the NHS.

Boost: AstraZeneca revealed that its bladder cancer treatment Imfinzi has been approved to treat adult patients in the European Union

Dave Fredrickson, head of AstraZeneca's oncology haematology unit, said: 'Imfinzi is poised to transform the standard of care for muscle-invasive bladder cancer in Europe.'

AstraZeneca shares edged up 1.3 per cent yesterday.
Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK  Free Report) had its price objective lowered by Barclays from $123.00 to $122.00 in a research note released on Tuesday,Benzinga reports. Barclays currently has an overweight rating on the utilities providers stock.

A number of other research firms have also issued reports on DUK. Morgan Stanley reduced their target price on Duke Energy from $125.00 to $124.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, June 18th. Raymond James Financial initiated coverage on Duke Energy in a research note on Friday, June 13th. They issued a market perform rating for the company. Guggenheim raised their price objective on Duke Energy from $132.00 to $135.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, March 5th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on Duke Energy from $127.00 to $138.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, May 7th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets decreased their price target on shares of Duke Energy from $128.00 to $123.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, April 10th. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Duke Energy presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $126.88.

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Duke Energy Price Performance

NYSE DUK opened at $117.59 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 0.77, a quick ratio of 0.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.57. Duke Energy has a 1 year low of $99.55 and a 1 year high of $125.27. The company has a market cap of $91.39 billion, a PE ratio of 19.50, a PEG ratio of 2.92 and a beta of 0.37. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $117.26 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $115.30.

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 (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.59 by $0.17. Duke Energy had a net margin of 15.40% and a return on equity of 9.88%. The business had revenue of $8.25 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.70 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.44 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 7.5% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts predict that Duke Energy will post 6.33 EPS for the current year.

Duke Energy Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, June 16th. Stockholders of record on Friday, May 16th were paid a dividend of $1.045 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, May 16th. This represents a $4.18 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.55%. Duke Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 69.32%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Duke Energy

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Fiduciary Financial Group LLC lifted its position in shares of Duke Energy by 7.7% in the second quarter. Fiduciary Financial Group LLC now owns 3,070 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $365,000 after buying an additional 220 shares during the last quarter. Burkett Financial Services LLC raised its stake in shares of Duke Energy by 0.8% in the 2nd quarter. Burkett Financial Services LLC now owns 11,926 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,407,000 after acquiring an additional 95 shares in the last quarter. Voya Investment Management LLC lifted its holdings in Duke Energy by 20.1% in the 1st quarter. Voya Investment Management LLC now owns 1,102,810 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $134,510,000 after purchasing an additional 184,891 shares during the last quarter. 1248 Management LLC bought a new stake in Duke Energy during the first quarter worth approximately $72,000. Finally, Blue Oak Capital LLC acquired a new position in Duke Energy during the first quarter valued at approximately $206,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 65.31% of the companys stock.

About Duke Energy

(Get 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.

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Western Alliance Bancorporation (NYSE:WAL  Free Report) had its price objective hoisted by JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $80.00 to $87.00 in a report released on Tuesday,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has an overweight rating on the financial services providers stock.

WAL has been the topic of several other research reports. Royal Bank Of Canada cut their price target on Western Alliance Bancorporation from $105.00 to $85.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, April 23rd. Jefferies Financial Group began coverage on Western Alliance Bancorporation in a report on Wednesday, May 21st. They issued a buy rating and a $95.00 target price on the stock. Barclays reduced their price target on Western Alliance Bancorporation from $107.00 to $97.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, April 8th. Wall Street Zen raised Western Alliance Bancorporation from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 21st. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company cut their price objective on shares of Western Alliance Bancorporation from $95.00 to $80.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, April 9th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twelve have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $96.29.

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Western Alliance Bancorporation Stock Performance

Shares of WAL stock opened at $85.16 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 0.88, a quick ratio of 0.83 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73. The companys fifty day moving average price is $74.42 and its 200-day moving average price is $78.33. The stock has a market cap of $9.40 billion, a PE ratio of 11.68, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.63 and a beta of 1.29. Western Alliance Bancorporation has a 12 month low of $57.05 and a 12 month high of $98.10.

Western Alliance Bancorporation (NYSE:WAL  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, April 21st. The financial services provider reported $1.79 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.78 by $0.01. Western Alliance Bancorporation had a net margin of 15.80% and a return on equity of 12.57%. The business had revenue of $790.10 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $792.25 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.72 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts expect that Western Alliance Bancorporation will post 9.05 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Western Alliance Bancorporation Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, May 30th. Investors of record on Thursday, May 15th were issued a $0.38 dividend. This represents a $1.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.78%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, May 15th. Western Alliance Bancorporations dividend payout ratio is 20.85%.

Institutional Trading of Western Alliance Bancorporation

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Voya Investment Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Western Alliance Bancorporation by 23.4% in the first quarter. Voya Investment Management LLC now owns 676,575 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $51,981,000 after acquiring an additional 128,362 shares during the period. Inspire Investing LLC boosted its stake in Western Alliance Bancorporation by 234.6% in the 1st quarter. Inspire Investing LLC now owns 42,391 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,257,000 after purchasing an additional 29,722 shares during the period. Strs Ohio purchased a new stake in Western Alliance Bancorporation during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $7,041,000. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC grew its holdings in Western Alliance Bancorporation by 11.3% during the 1st quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 347,529 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $26,701,000 after buying an additional 35,276 shares in the last quarter. Finally, United Services Automobile Association bought a new stake in shares of Western Alliance Bancorporation during the first quarter valued at approximately $527,000. 79.15% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Western Alliance Bancorporation Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Western Alliance Bancorporation operates as the bank holding company for Western Alliance Bank that provides various banking products and related services primarily in Arizona, California, and Nevada. It operates through Commercial and Consumer Related segments. The company offers deposit products, including checking, savings, and money market accounts, as well as fixed-rate and fixed maturity certificates of deposit accounts; demand deposits; and treasury management and residential mortgage products and services.

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Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT  Free Report) had its price objective boosted by Wells Fargo & Company from $370.00 to $410.00 in a report published on Tuesday,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has an underweight rating on the stock.

A number of other research analysts have also recently issued reports on the stock. HSBC upgraded shares of Trane Technologies from a hold rating to a buy rating and boosted their price objective for the company from $405.00 to $415.00 in a report on Friday, April 25th. UBS Group boosted their price target on shares of Trane Technologies from $470.00 to $500.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, May 22nd. Citigroup lifted their price objective on shares of Trane Technologies from $415.00 to $445.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, May 1st. Royal Bank Of Canada raised their price objective on shares of Trane Technologies from $363.00 to $408.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Thursday, May 1st. Finally, Barclays decreased their price target on Trane Technologies from $500.00 to $475.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, March 10th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating, seven have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $430.13.

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Trane Technologies Price Performance

Shares of TT stock opened at $439.64 on Tuesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $98.05 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.58, a PEG ratio of 2.85 and a beta of 1.15. The company has a current ratio of 1.09, a quick ratio of 0.74 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. The firms 50 day moving average is $418.47 and its 200-day moving average is $378.93. Trane Technologies has a 1 year low of $298.15 and a 1 year high of $438.15.

Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, April 30th. The company reported $2.45 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.20 by $0.25. Trane Technologies had a net margin of 13.47% and a return on equity of 36.10%. The business had revenue of $4.69 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.46 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.94 earnings per share. Trane Technologiess revenue was up 11.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts forecast that Trane Technologies will post 12.83 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Trane Technologies Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 30th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 5th will be paid a $0.94 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 5th. This represents a $3.76 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.86%. Trane Technologiess payout ratio is 31.28%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Trane Technologies

In other news, insider Donald E. Simmons sold 3,571 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, April 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $380.00, for a total value of $1,356,980.00. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 3,593 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,365,340. The trade was a 49.85% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. 0.38% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Neville Rodie & Shaw Inc. boosted its position in shares of Trane Technologies by 7.7% during the second quarter. Neville Rodie & Shaw Inc. now owns 2,805 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,227,000 after buying an additional 200 shares during the last quarter. Swedbank AB raised its stake in Trane Technologies by 29.2% in the 1st quarter. Swedbank AB now owns 866,248 shares of the companys stock valued at $291,856,000 after acquiring an additional 195,820 shares during the period. Voya Investment Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Trane Technologies by 24.0% during the 1st quarter. Voya Investment Management LLC now owns 69,535 shares of the companys stock valued at $23,428,000 after buying an additional 13,455 shares in the last quarter. Maple Capital Management Inc. bought a new position in Trane Technologies in the 1st quarter worth about $257,000. Finally, BROOKFIELD Corp ON raised its position in shares of Trane Technologies by 11.0% in the first quarter. BROOKFIELD Corp ON now owns 8,227 shares of the companys stock worth $2,772,000 after buying an additional 812 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.97% of the companys stock.

About Trane Technologies

(Get Free Report)

Trane Technologies plc, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, sells, and services of solutions for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, custom, and custom and transport refrigeration in Ireland and internationally. It offers air conditioners, exchangers, and handlers; airside and terminal devices; air sourced heat pumps, auxiliary power units; chillers; coils and condensers; gensets; dehumidifiers; ductless; furnaces; home automation products; humidifiers; indoor air quality assessments and related products; large and light commercial unitary products; refrigerant reclamation products; thermostats/controls; transport heater products; variable refrigerant flow products; and water source heat pumps.

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Hyatt Hotels (NYSE:H  Free Report) had its target price boosted by Robert W. Baird from $146.00 to $148.00 in a report released on Tuesday morning,Benzinga reports. Robert W. Baird currently has a neutral rating on the stock.

Several other equities analysts have also commented on the stock. Melius Research raised shares of Hyatt Hotels to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, April 21st. Jefferies Financial Group reduced their target price on shares of Hyatt Hotels from $161.00 to $120.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, April 9th. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their target price on shares of Hyatt Hotels from $110.00 to $123.00 and gave the company a sell rating in a report on Friday, May 2nd. Barclays increased their target price on shares of Hyatt Hotels from $122.00 to $127.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, May 2nd. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus reduced their target price on shares of Hyatt Hotels from $156.75 to $132.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, April 16th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have issued a hold rating, eight have assigned a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $150.63.

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Hyatt Hotels Stock Performance

Hyatt Hotels stock opened at $147.36 on Tuesday. The firms fifty day moving average price is $130.93 and its 200-day moving average price is $136.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.04, a quick ratio of 0.98 and a current ratio of 0.98. The stock has a market cap of $14.07 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.14, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.69 and a beta of 1.42. Hyatt Hotels has a fifty-two week low of $102.43 and a fifty-two week high of $168.20.

Hyatt Hotels (NYSE:H  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 1st. The company reported $0.46 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.30 by $0.16. The firm had revenue of $1.68 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.71 billion. Hyatt Hotels had a net margin of 11.94% and a return on equity of 8.98%. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.71 EPS. On average, equities research analysts expect that Hyatt Hotels will post 3.05 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Hyatt Hotels Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, June 11th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, May 29th were paid a dividend of $0.15 per share. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.41%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, May 29th. Hyatt Hotelss payout ratio is 7.79%.

Insider Activity

In related news, major shareholder Hotels Corp Hyatt bought 996,587 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 13th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $13.50 per share, with a total value of $13,453,924.50. Following the purchase, the insider owned 117,077,441 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,580,545,453.50. This trade represents a 0.86% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, insider David Udell sold 3,891 shares of Hyatt Hotels stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $134.03, for a total transaction of $521,510.73. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 16,756 shares in the company, valued at $2,245,806.68. The trade was a 18.85% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 371,111 shares of company stock worth $49,273,516. 23.70% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of H. Long Pond Capital LP purchased a new position in Hyatt Hotels during the 1st quarter valued at about $191,922,000. Raymond James Financial Inc. purchased a new position in Hyatt Hotels during the 4th quarter valued at about $77,136,000. Invesco Ltd. lifted its position in Hyatt Hotels by 241.4% during the 4th quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 679,557 shares of the companys stock valued at $106,677,000 after acquiring an additional 480,523 shares during the period. Principal Financial Group Inc. lifted its position in Hyatt Hotels by 16.4% during the 1st quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 3,135,774 shares of the companys stock valued at $384,132,000 after acquiring an additional 441,417 shares during the period. Finally, Norges Bank purchased a new position in Hyatt Hotels during the 4th quarter valued at about $61,572,000. 73.54% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Hyatt Hotels

(Get Free Report)

Hyatt Hotels Corporation operates as a hospitality company in the United States and internationally. It operates through Owned and Leased Hotels, Americas Management and Franchising, ASPAC Management and Franchising, EAME Management and Franchising, and Apple Leisure Group segments. The company manages, franchises, licenses, owns, and leases portfolio of properties, consisting of full-service hotels and resorts, select service hotels, and other properties, including timeshare, fractional, residential, vacation, and condominium units.

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Shares of Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) have received a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the twenty analysts that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eleven have assigned a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating on the company. The average 12-month price target among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $78.33.

WFC has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price target on Wells Fargo & Company from $76.00 to $86.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, June 10th. Evercore ISI upped their target price on Wells Fargo & Company from $72.00 to $88.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, June 4th. Bank of America upped their target price on Wells Fargo & Company from $83.00 to $90.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, June 4th. Royal Bank Of Canada raised Wells Fargo & Company from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $80.00 price objective for the company in a research note on Thursday, March 13th. Finally, Phillip Securities raised Wells Fargo & Company from a moderate buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, April 14th.

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Institutional Trading of Wells Fargo & Company

Wells Fargo & Company Price Performance

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. McLean Asset Management Corp acquired a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $251,000. Kera Capital Partners Inc. acquired a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $236,000. AG2R LA Mondiale Gestion D Actifs acquired a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $9,070,000. Swedbank AB lifted its position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 3.8% in the 1st quarter. Swedbank AB now owns 783,197 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $56,226,000 after acquiring an additional 28,665 shares during the period. Finally, Compass Financial Services Inc lifted its position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 51.9% in the 1st quarter. Compass Financial Services Inc now owns 2,527 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $181,000 after acquiring an additional 863 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.90% of the companys stock.

Shares of WFC opened at $83.32 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $271.12 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.96, a PEG ratio of 1.38 and a beta of 1.16. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $75.07 and a 200 day moving average price of $73.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.06, a current ratio of 0.84 and a quick ratio of 0.84. Wells Fargo & Company has a 12 month low of $50.15 and a 12 month high of $83.95.

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, April 11th. The financial services provider reported $1.39 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.23 by $0.16. The firm had revenue of $20.15 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $20.82 billion. Wells Fargo & Company had a return on equity of 12.15% and a net margin of 16.19%. The firms revenue was down 3.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $1.20 EPS. On average, research analysts forecast that Wells Fargo & Company will post 5.89 earnings per share for the current year.

Wells Fargo & Company Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Sunday, June 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, May 9th were issued a $0.40 dividend. This represents a $1.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.92%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, May 9th. Wells Fargo & Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 28.73%.

Wells Fargo & Company announced that its board has initiated a share buyback plan on Tuesday, April 29th that allows the company to repurchase $40.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization allows the financial services provider to reacquire up to 17.2% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are often a sign that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued.

About Wells Fargo & Company

(Get Free Report

Wells Fargo & Co is a diversified and community-based financial services company, which engages in the provision of banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance products and services. It operates through the following segments: Consumer Banking and Lending, Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Wealth and Investment Management.

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Shares of Telefonica Brasil S.A. (NYSE:VIV  Get Free Report) have received an average rating of Moderate Buy from the five brokerages that are currently covering the company, Marketbeat reports. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and three have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average twelve-month price target among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $17.23.

VIV has been the topic of several recent research reports. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price objective on shares of Telefonica Brasil from $9.20 to $10.30 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, April 30th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Telefonica Brasil from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, June 7th.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On Telefonica Brasil

Telefonica Brasil Stock Up 1.9%

Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in VIV. Truist Financial Corp acquired a new position in shares of Telefonica Brasil in the 4th quarter valued at $242,000. Bank of New York Mellon Corp acquired a new position in shares of Telefonica Brasil in the 4th quarter valued at $81,000. US Bancorp DE lifted its stake in shares of Telefonica Brasil by 150.6% in the 4th quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 45,450 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock valued at $343,000 after purchasing an additional 27,315 shares during the period. Raymond James Financial Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Telefonica Brasil in the 4th quarter valued at $403,000. Finally, SPX Gestao de Recursos Ltda acquired a new position in shares of Telefonica Brasil in the 4th quarter valued at $120,000. 5.16% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

NYSE:VIV opened at $11.83 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $19.54 billion, a PE ratio of 19.39, a P/E/G ratio of 1.31 and a beta of 0.75. Telefonica Brasil has a twelve month low of $7.47 and a twelve month high of $11.81. The company has a current ratio of 0.96, a quick ratio of 0.92 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20. The companys 50 day moving average is $10.28 and its two-hundred day moving average is $14.27.

Telefonica Brasil (NYSE:VIV  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, May 12th. The Wireless communications provider reported $0.11 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.12 by ($0.01). The business had revenue of $2.53 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $14.41 billion. Telefonica Brasil had a net margin of 10.07% and a return on equity of 8.09%. Analysts anticipate that Telefonica Brasil will post 0.6 EPS for the current year.

About Telefonica Brasil

(Get Free Report

Telefonica Brasil SA, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a mobile telecommunications company in Brazil. Its fixed line services portfolio includes local, domestic long-distance, and international long-distance calls; and mobile portfolio comprises voice and broadband internet access through 3G, 4G, 4.5G, and 5G, as well as mobile value-added and wireless roaming services.

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Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (TSE:CM  Get Free Report) (NYSE:CM) shares passed above its fifty day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of C$92.43 and traded as high as C$97.93. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce shares last traded at C$97.75, with a volume of 2,407,294 shares trading hands.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several analysts recently commented on CM shares. National Bankshares set a C$95.00 price target on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, May 22nd. Scotiabank raised shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, May 15th. Jefferies Financial Group cut Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from a buy rating to a hold rating and dropped their target price for the company from C$100.00 to C$89.00 in a research report on Monday, April 21st. Canaccord Genuity Group set a C$96.00 price target on Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, June 24th. Finally, National Bank Financial downgraded Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating in a research report on Thursday, May 29th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating, seven have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of C$96.23.

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Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Price Performance

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Announces Dividend

The business has a fifty day simple moving average of C$92.43 and a 200 day simple moving average of C$88.36. The firm has a market cap of C$91.45 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.91, a PEG ratio of 3.03 and a beta of 1.12.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 28th. Stockholders of record on Monday, July 28th will be paid a $0.97 dividend. This represents a $3.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.97%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, June 27th. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerces dividend payout ratio is presently 47.55%.

Insider Transactions at Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

In other Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce news, Senior Officer Shawn Beber sold 3,151 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$94.61, for a total value of C$298,126.51. Also, Senior Officer Hratch Dikran Panossian sold 9,006 shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce stock in a transaction on Monday, June 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of C$94.96, for a total transaction of C$855,240.38. Insiders have sold a total of 105,837 shares of company stock valued at $9,903,590 over the last ninety days. Company insiders own 0.02% of the companys stock.

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce is Canadas fifth- largest bank, operating three business segments: retail and business banking, wealth management, and capital markets. It serves approximately 11 million personal banking and business customers, primarily in Canada.

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Gaokao opens the door wider for all

09:15, July 04, 2025 By Li Xinshu ( People's Daily

The homeroom teacher of Jiang Xintong cheers her up before gaokao. (Photo from Ziyang Guancha)

Amid China's 2025 national college entrance examination, known as gaokao, scenes of quiet determination played out across the country.

In Suzhou, east China's Anhui Province, Wang Ziwen, a student with osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as "brittle bone disease", was gently assisted into the exam hall by staff. In Ziyang, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Jiang Xintong, paralyzed from the waist down due to myelitis, arrived at the examination room 30 minutes early via a special access route. In Shenzhen, Guangdong Province in south China, Chen Xinhe, the only fully blind candidate in the province, took his braille exam with the support of special education teachers, a counselor, and medical staff arranged by the test center.

These touching moments reflect not only the resilience of the examinees, but also the progressive enhancement of inclusivity measures within China's education system.

Reasonable accommodations for examinees with disabilities are now systematically standardized: Blind candidates receive 150% of the standard exam duration; those with hearing impairments may utilize assistive devices such as hearing aids or cochlear implants; candidates with severe upper limb disabilities or those with severe writing difficulties are granted a 30% time extension.

Volunteers present Children's Day gifts to children in a special education school in Guanyun county, Lianyungang, east China's Jiangsu province, May 30, 2025. (Photo by Ren Yigang/People's Daily Online)

This year, among the 13.35 million students who registered for gaokao, over 14,000 candidates with disabilities qualified for specialized support - a stark contrast to the mere 100 students in 2012 - representing a 140-fold increase in just over a decade.

Gaokao has long been regarded in China as one of the most equitable systems for talent selection. This perception stems not only from its rigorous procedures and transparent mechanisms, but also from its institutional inclusiveness - offering individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds an equitable pathway to pursue academic aspirations. For candidates with disabilities, this educational access constitutes a profound motivator.

The rights to survival and development are among the most fundamental human rights. As China advances economically while strengthening public services and social security systems, the basic needs of people with disabilities are increasingly met. Building upon this foundation, more attention now focuses on fulfilling their self-actualization aspirations. The once-exceptional practice of requesting examination accommodations has evolved into standardized practice, exemplifying how a modern society elevates vulnerable populations through systemic compassion.

Education is essential to holistic human development. As of 2024, China has more than 915,900 students enrolled in special education programs. Initiatives such as assistive device access in schools, large-print textbooks included in the national curriculum, as well as flexible programs like home-based instruction and remote learning, have helped special education steadily advance, creating a pathway for students with disabilities to achieve personal growth and success. While individual journeys differ, inspiring stories multiply of students overcoming physical challenges to lead fulfilling lives.

Beyond education, China is working to improve support across the full spectrum of life.

Several students help push their physically challenged classmate out of an exam venue after the national college entrance examination in Suqian, east China's Jiangsu province, June 9, 2025. (Photo by Chen Hong/People's Daily Online)

In employment, tailored job assistance for college graduates with disabilities and local job creation projects have been rolled out, and more than 9 million people with disabilities were employed across China in 2024.

In healthcare, dynamic adjustment mechanisms for severe disability care subsidies are being refined, and participation in disability-inclusive health insurance programs continues to rise. A more comprehensive and tightly woven support network, ranging from daily care to medical treatment, is being built to better empower people with disabilities in their pursuit of aspirations.

Through equitable, inclusive, and accessible approaches to public welfare, China is striving to ensure that the benefits of development are shared by all, regardless of physical conditions.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Erdene Resource Development Co. (TSE:ERD  Get Free Report)s stock price crossed above its 50-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of C$0.94 and traded as high as C$0.98. Erdene Resource Development shares last traded at C$0.96, with a volume of 132,492 shares trading hands.

Erdene Resource Development Stock Performance

The firm has a fifty day moving average of C$0.94 and a 200 day moving average of C$0.77. The firm has a market capitalization of C$343.11 million, a PE ratio of -381.24 and a beta of 1.63.

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Insider Activity at Erdene Resource Development

In other news, insider 2176423 Ontario Ltd. purchased 100,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 26th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of C$0.91 per share, with a total value of C$91,390.00. Also, Director David Vaughn Mosher sold 200,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, April 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$0.82, for a total transaction of C$164,000.00. Insiders acquired 1,300,000 shares of company stock valued at $1,175,870 in the last ninety days. 22.51% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

About Erdene Resource Development

Erdene Resource Development Corporation focuses on the exploration and development of precious and base metal deposits in Mongolia. The company explores for copper, molybdenum, gold, silver, lead, and zinc deposits. The company was formerly known as Erdene Gold Inc and changed its name to Erdene Resource Development Corporation in May 2008.

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Great Lakes Graphite Inc (CVE:GLK  Get Free Report) passed above its 50 day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of C$0.03 and traded as high as C$0.04. Great Lakes Graphite shares last traded at C$0.04, with a volume of 73,021 shares traded.

Great Lakes Graphite Price Performance

The firm has a 50-day moving average of C$0.03 and a 200-day moving average of C$0.04. The stock has a market cap of C$4.64 million and a PE ratio of -1.75.

Great Lakes Graphite Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Great Lakes Graphite Inc, doing business as NovoCarbon Corporation, engages in the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties in Canada. It holds a 100% interest in the Lochaber graphite project, which includes 45 claims covering 2,649 hectares located in the Buckingham Graphite region in Outaouais/Gatineau, Quebec.

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First Horizon Advisors Inc. trimmed its position in shares of iShares Russell 1000 ETF (NYSEARCA:IWB  Free Report) by 1.9% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 16,624 shares of the companys stock after selling 328 shares during the quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc.s holdings in iShares Russell 1000 ETF were worth $5,099,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Penobscot Wealth Management lifted its stake in shares of iShares Russell 1000 ETF by 39.2% in the first quarter. Penobscot Wealth Management now owns 1,725 shares of the companys stock worth $529,000 after buying an additional 486 shares in the last quarter. FSM Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in iShares Russell 1000 ETF in the 1st quarter worth approximately $289,000. Detalus Advisors LLC lifted its position in iShares Russell 1000 ETF by 489.5% in the 1st quarter. Detalus Advisors LLC now owns 4,958 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,521,000 after acquiring an additional 4,117 shares in the last quarter. Rossby Financial LCC bought a new position in iShares Russell 1000 ETF in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Finally, Clear Creek Financial Management LLC purchased a new stake in iShares Russell 1000 ETF during the 1st quarter valued at $200,000.

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iShares Russell 1000 ETF Trading Up 0.8%

iShares Russell 1000 ETF stock opened at $343.73 on Friday. iShares Russell 1000 ETF has a 12 month low of $264.17 and a 12 month high of $344.22. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $323.61 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $319.27. The firm has a market cap of $42.06 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.71 and a beta of 1.01.

About iShares Russell 1000 ETF

iShares Russell 1000 ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares Russell 1000 Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Russell 1000 Index (the Index). The Index is a float-adjusted capitalization weighted index that measures the performance of the large-capitalization sector of the United States equity market and includes securities issued by the approximately 1,000 largest issuers in the Russell 3000 Index.

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Valero Energy (NYSE:VLO  Get Free Report) and Andatee China Marine Fuel Services (OTCMKTS:AMCF  Get Free Report) are both energy companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, valuation, profitability, risk, dividends, earnings and institutional ownership.

Profitability

This table compares Valero Energy and Andatee China Marine Fuel Services net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

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Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Valero Energy 0.72% 6.30% 2.85% Andatee China Marine Fuel Services N/A N/A N/A

Risk and Volatility

Valero Energy has a beta of 1, suggesting that its stock price has a similar volatility profile to the S&P 500.Comparatively, Andatee China Marine Fuel Services has a beta of 4.05, suggesting that its stock price is 305% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Institutional and Insider Ownership

Valuation & Earnings

78.7% of Valero Energy shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.0% of Valero Energy shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 51.9% of Andatee China Marine Fuel Services shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

This table compares Valero Energy and Andatee China Marine Fuel Servicess revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Valero Energy $129.88 billion 0.35 $2.77 billion $2.83 50.72 Andatee China Marine Fuel Services N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Valero Energy has higher revenue and earnings than Andatee China Marine Fuel Services.

Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of current ratings and price targets for Valero Energy and Andatee China Marine Fuel Services, as provided by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Valero Energy 0 2 13 2 3.00 Andatee China Marine Fuel Services 0 0 0 0 0.00

Valero Energy presently has a consensus target price of $150.88, indicating a potential upside of 5.11%. Given Valero Energys stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Valero Energy is more favorable than Andatee China Marine Fuel Services.

Summary

Valero Energy beats Andatee China Marine Fuel Services on 9 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Valero Energy

(Get Free Report)

Valero Energy Corporation manufactures, markets, and sells petroleum-based and low-carbon liquid transportation fuels and petrochemical products in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Latin America, Mexico, Peru, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Refining, Renewable Diesel, and Ethanol. The company produces California Reformulated Gasoline Blendstock for Oxygenate Blending and Conventional Blendstock for Oxygenate Blending gasolines, CARB diesel, diesel, jet fuel, heating oil, and asphalt; feedstocks; aromatics; sulfur and residual fuel oil; intermediate oils; and sulfur, sweet, and sour crude oils. It sells its refined products through wholesale rack and bulk markets; and through outlets under the Valero, Beacon, Diamond Shamrock, Shamrock, Ultramar, and Texaco brands. The company owns and operates renewable diesel and ethanol plants, as well as produces renewable diesel and naphtha under the Diamond Green Diesel brand name. In addition, it offers ethanol and various co-products, including dry distiller grains, syrup, and inedible distillers corn oil to animal feed customers. The company was formerly known as Valero Refining and Marketing Company and changed its name to Valero Energy Corporation in August 1997. Valero Energy Corporation was founded in 1980 and is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas.

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.

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Davidson Trust Co. raised its stake in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY  Free Report) by 10.1% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 14,064 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,285 shares during the period. Davidson Trust Co.s holdings in Bristol Myers Squibb were worth $858,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in BMY. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC boosted its holdings in Bristol Myers Squibb by 8.9% in the first quarter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC now owns 13,114 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $800,000 after purchasing an additional 1,076 shares during the last quarter. North Capital Inc. bought a new position in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb during the 1st quarter valued at $67,000. Principal Financial Group Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb by 1.3% in the 1st quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 2,476,248 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $151,026,000 after buying an additional 32,394 shares during the last quarter. Xcel Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb by 46.6% in the first quarter. Xcel Wealth Management LLC now owns 21,732 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,325,000 after acquiring an additional 6,913 shares during the period. Finally, Mutual Advisors LLC increased its position in Bristol Myers Squibb by 24.4% during the first quarter. Mutual Advisors LLC now owns 68,897 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $4,202,000 after acquiring an additional 13,504 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 76.41% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

BMY has been the topic of several research reports. Argus raised Bristol Myers Squibb to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, April 25th. UBS Group dropped their price objective on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb from $60.00 to $54.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Friday, April 11th. The Goldman Sachs Group reaffirmed a neutral rating and set a $55.00 target price (down from $67.00) on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a report on Tuesday, April 8th. Piper Sandler initiated coverage on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research report on Tuesday, April 22nd. They issued an overweight rating and a $65.00 price target on the stock. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald reissued a neutral rating and set a $55.00 price objective on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research report on Tuesday, April 22nd. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have given a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $58.00.

Insider Activity at Bristol Myers Squibb

In related news, EVP Samit Hirawat bought 4,250 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, April 25th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $47.58 per share, for a total transaction of $202,215.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 83,513 shares in the company, valued at $3,973,548.54. The trade was a 5.36% increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 0.09% of the companys stock.

Bristol Myers Squibb Trading Down 1.3%

Shares of BMY stock opened at $47.02 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.65, a quick ratio of 1.17 and a current ratio of 1.28. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $47.75 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $53.69. The firm has a market capitalization of $95.68 billion, a PE ratio of 17.61, a PEG ratio of 1.41 and a beta of 0.36. Bristol Myers Squibb Company has a 52-week low of $39.35 and a 52-week high of $63.33.

Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, April 24th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.80 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.50 by $0.30. The firm had revenue of $11.20 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.77 billion. Bristol Myers Squibb had a return on equity of 87.62% and a net margin of 11.38%. The firms revenue was down 5.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business posted ($4.40) earnings per share. On average, analysts predict that Bristol Myers Squibb Company will post 6.74 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Bristol Myers Squibb Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 1st. Stockholders of record on Thursday, July 3rd will be given a dividend of $0.62 per share. This represents a $2.48 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.27%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 3rd. Bristol Myers Squibbs payout ratio is currently 92.88%.

Bristol Myers Squibb Profile

(Free Report)

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, and neuroscience diseases. The company's products include Eliquis for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in non-valvular atrial fibrillation, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for various anti-cancer indications, including bladder, blood, CRC, head and neck, RCC, HCC, lung, melanoma, MPM, stomach and esophageal cancer; Pomalyst/Imnovid for multiple myeloma; Orencia for active rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis; and Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia.

Further Reading

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Insider and Institutional Ownership

13.2% of Highway shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 57.2% of shares of all METAL PROC&FABR companies are owned by institutional investors. 32.1% of Highway shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 12.0% of shares of all METAL PROC&FABR companies are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Profitability

This table compares Highway and its peers net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

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Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Highway -10.36% 1.53% 0.93% Highway Competitors -11.34% -7.25% 2.12%

Valuation and Earnings

This table compares Highway and its peers gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Highway $7.41 million -$960,000.00 -8.86 Highway Competitors $2.04 billion $107.04 million 6.12

Dividends

Highways peers have higher revenue and earnings than Highway. Highway is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its peers, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry.

Highway pays an annual dividend of $0.07 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.6%. Highway pays out -41.2% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, METAL PROC&FABR companies pay a dividend yield of 1.6% and pay out 39.1% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Highway is clearly a better dividend stock than its peers, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio.

Risk and Volatility

Highway has a beta of 0.26, suggesting that its share price is 74% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Highways peers have a beta of 1.00, suggesting that their average share price is 0% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Summary

Highway beats its peers on 6 of the 11 factors compared.

Highway Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Highway Holdings Limited, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and supplies metal, plastic, electric, and electronic components, subassemblies, and finished products for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and contract manufacturers. It operates through two segments, Metal Stamping and Mechanical OEM; and Electric OEM. The company also trades in plastic injection products; and manufactures and assembles automation equipment. Its products are used in the manufacture of products, such as photocopiers, laser printers, print cartridges, electrical connectors, electrical circuits, vacuum cleaners, LED power supplies, stepping motors, pumps for dishwashers, and other washing machine components. In addition, the company assists customers in the design and development of the tooling used in the metal and plastic manufacturing process, as well as provides an array of other manufacturing and engineering services, including metal stamping, screen printing, plastic injection molding, pad printing, and electronic assembly of printed circuit boards. It operates in Hong Kong and China, Europe, North America, and other Asian countries. Highway Holdings Limited was incorporated in 1990 and is headquartered in Sheung Shui, Hong Kong.

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Catalyst Capital Advisors LLC lessened its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF (NYSEARCA:EWL  Free Report) by 5.1% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 446,817 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 24,012 shares during the quarter. iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF comprises about 0.5% of Catalyst Capital Advisors LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 29th largest holding. Catalyst Capital Advisors LLC owned approximately 2.01% of iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF worth $23,141,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the stock. Allianz SE bought a new position in iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF in the 4th quarter valued at about $35,000. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. acquired a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF in the first quarter valued at approximately $47,000. Trifecta Capital Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF during the first quarter worth approximately $69,000. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB lifted its holdings in iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF by 17.8% during the 1st quarter. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB now owns 1,669 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $86,000 after purchasing an additional 252 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Dunhill Financial LLC bought a new stake in iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF in the 1st quarter valued at $88,000. Institutional investors own 68.30% of the companys stock.

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iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF Price Performance

Shares of NYSEARCA EWL opened at $54.90 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $1.33 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.82 and a beta of 0.81. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $54.42 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $51.42. iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF has a one year low of $45.56 and a one year high of $56.31.

iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF Profile

iShares MSCI Switzerland Capped ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI Switzerland Capped Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI Switzerland 25/50 Index (the Index).

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IFM Investors Pty Ltd lifted its holdings in Cheniere Energy, Inc. (NYSE:LNG  Free Report) by 9.6% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 74,532 shares of the energy companys stock after buying an additional 6,505 shares during the quarter. IFM Investors Pty Ltds holdings in Cheniere Energy were worth $17,247,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. D.A. Davidson & CO. grew its holdings in shares of Cheniere Energy by 10.6% in the first quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. now owns 11,016 shares of the energy companys stock worth $2,549,000 after purchasing an additional 1,052 shares during the last quarter. Xcel Wealth Management LLC lifted its stake in Cheniere Energy by 4.3% in the first quarter. Xcel Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,800 shares of the energy companys stock worth $417,000 after acquiring an additional 75 shares during the period. Teacher Retirement System of Texas raised its holdings in shares of Cheniere Energy by 0.8% in the 1st quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas now owns 108,111 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $25,017,000 after purchasing an additional 823 shares in the last quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. raised its position in shares of Cheniere Energy by 16.1% in the 1st quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 2,069 shares of the energy companys stock worth $479,000 after acquiring an additional 287 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Compound Global Advisors LLC grew its stake in Cheniere Energy by 281.7% in the first quarter. Compound Global Advisors LLC now owns 3,817 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $833,000 after purchasing an additional 2,817 shares during the last quarter. 87.26% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Insider Transactions at Cheniere Energy

In related news, Director Neal A. Shear sold 4,300 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $245.93, for a total transaction of $1,057,499.00. Following the sale, the director owned 29,733 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,312,236.69. This trade represents a 12.63% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 0.26% of the companys stock.

Cheniere Energy Stock Down 0.3%

Shares of LNG opened at $239.46 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $53.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.52 and a beta of 0.42. Cheniere Energy, Inc. has a 52 week low of $167.66 and a 52 week high of $257.65. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $235.54 and its 200-day moving average price is $227.02. The company has a quick ratio of 1.06, a current ratio of 1.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.24.

Cheniere Energy (NYSE:LNG  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 8th. The energy company reported $1.57 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.81 by ($1.24). Cheniere Energy had a net margin of 18.37% and a return on equity of 32.62%. The company had revenue of $5.44 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.73 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $2.13 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 28.0% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Cheniere Energy, Inc. will post 11.69 EPS for the current year.

Cheniere Energy Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, August 18th. Investors of record on Friday, August 8th will be paid a $0.50 dividend. This represents a $2.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.84%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 8th. Cheniere Energys dividend payout ratio is currently 14.63%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on LNG. Wall Street Zen downgraded Cheniere Energy from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, May 9th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on Cheniere Energy from $252.00 to $265.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, April 28th. Raymond James Financial reaffirmed a strong-buy rating on shares of Cheniere Energy in a research report on Wednesday, April 23rd. UBS Group reiterated a buy rating and set a $277.00 price target on shares of Cheniere Energy in a research note on Tuesday, March 18th. Finally, Mizuho raised their price objective on Cheniere Energy from $248.00 to $254.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, March 18th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fifteen have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Cheniere Energy has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $258.36.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on LNG

Cheniere Energy Company Profile

(Free Report)

Cheniere Energy, Inc, an energy infrastructure company, primarily engages in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) related businesses in the United States. It owns and operates the Sabine Pass LNG terminal in Cameron Parish, Louisiana; and the Corpus Christi LNG terminal near Corpus Christi, Texas. The company also owns Creole Trail pipeline, a 94-mile natural gas supply pipeline that interconnects the Sabine Pass LNG Terminal with several interstate and intrastate pipelines; and operates Corpus Christi pipeline, a 21.5-mile natural gas supply pipeline that interconnects the Corpus Christi LNG terminal with various interstate and intrastate natural gas pipelines.

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Huntleigh Advisors Inc. raised its holdings in Champion Homes, Inc. (NYSE:SKY  Free Report) by 10.1% in the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 8,118 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 745 shares during the quarter. Huntleigh Advisors Inc.s holdings in Champion Homes were worth $769,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in SKY. Bank of New York Mellon Corp boosted its position in Champion Homes by 80.7% in the 4th quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 351,060 shares of the companys stock valued at $30,928,000 after buying an additional 156,757 shares during the period. Proficio Capital Partners LLC purchased a new position in Champion Homes in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $1,692,000. US Bancorp DE lifted its position in shares of Champion Homes by 3,916.3% during the 4th quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 9,117 shares of the companys stock worth $803,000 after purchasing an additional 8,890 shares during the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of Champion Homes by 6.6% during the 4th quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 682,259 shares of the companys stock worth $60,107,000 after purchasing an additional 42,278 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Victory Capital Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of Champion Homes by 9.8% during the 4th quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 379,595 shares of the companys stock worth $33,442,000 after purchasing an additional 33,971 shares during the last quarter.

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Champion Homes Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:SKY opened at $66.91 on Friday. The companys fifty day moving average price is $74.66 and its 200 day moving average price is $86.65. Champion Homes, Inc. has a 12 month low of $59.44 and a 12 month high of $116.49. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02, a current ratio of 2.41 and a quick ratio of 1.61. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.83 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.56 and a beta of 1.16.

Champion Homes ( NYSE:SKY Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, May 27th. The company reported $0.65 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.75 by ($0.10). Champion Homes had a return on equity of 13.61% and a net margin of 7.99%. The company had revenue of $593.87 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $595.42 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.62 earnings per share. Champion Homess revenue was up .7% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Champion Homes, Inc. will post 3.63 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Champion Homes announced that its Board of Directors has approved a stock buyback program on Friday, May 30th that authorizes the company to buyback $50.00 million in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the company to purchase up to 1.3% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback programs are often a sign that the companys board of directors believes its shares are undervalued.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

SKY has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Royal Bank Of Canada decreased their price objective on shares of Champion Homes from $96.00 to $82.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, May 28th. Barclays decreased their price objective on shares of Champion Homes from $97.00 to $72.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, May 28th. Finally, Zelman & Associates raised shares of Champion Homes from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, June 5th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Champion Homes currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $80.60.

View Our Latest Research Report on Champion Homes

Champion Homes Company Profile

(Free Report)

Skyline Champion Corporation produces and sells factory-built housing in North America. The company offers manufactured and modular homes, park models RVs, accessory dwelling units, and modular buildings for the multi-family and hospitality sectors. It builds homes under the Skyline Homes, Champion Home Builders, Genesis Homes, Athens Park Models, Dutch Housing, Atlantic Homes, Excel Homes, Homes of Merit, New Era, Redman Homes, ScotBilt Homes, Shore Park, Silvercrest, and Titan Homes brands in the United States; and Moduline and SRI Homes brand names in western Canada.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SKY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Champion Homes, Inc. (NYSE:SKY  Free Report).

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GF Fund Management CO. LTD. lifted its holdings in Southern Company (The) (NYSE:SO  Free Report) by 4.9% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 83,355 shares of the utilities providers stock after buying an additional 3,884 shares during the quarter. GF Fund Management CO. LTD.s holdings in Southern were worth $7,664,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of SO. OneDigital Investment Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Southern by 0.7% during the first quarter. OneDigital Investment Advisors LLC now owns 42,024 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $3,864,000 after acquiring an additional 293 shares during the period. Silver Oak Securities Incorporated boosted its holdings in shares of Southern by 3.7% in the first quarter. Silver Oak Securities Incorporated now owns 15,489 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,412,000 after purchasing an additional 558 shares during the period. MBA Advisors LLC bought a new position in Southern in the first quarter worth approximately $203,000. Davidson Trust Co. purchased a new position in Southern during the 1st quarter worth $648,000. Finally, Checchi Capital Advisers LLC increased its holdings in Southern by 3.5% during the 1st quarter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC now owns 13,962 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,284,000 after purchasing an additional 474 shares during the period. 64.10% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

SO has been the subject of several research reports. KeyCorp cut Southern from a sector weight rating to an underweight rating and set a $78.00 target price for the company. in a report on Wednesday, May 14th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded Southern from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and set a $94.00 price objective for the company in a report on Tuesday, April 8th. Barclays increased their target price on shares of Southern from $83.00 to $90.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday, April 22nd. Jefferies Financial Group raised shares of Southern from a hold rating to a buy rating and cut their target price for the company from $102.00 to $100.00 in a research report on Thursday, June 5th. Finally, Raymond James Financial started coverage on shares of Southern in a report on Friday, June 13th. They issued an outperform rating and a $98.00 price target for the company. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have assigned a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Southern presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $92.93.

Southern Trading Down 0.2%

NYSE:SO opened at $90.97 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $99.98 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.71, a PEG ratio of 3.26 and a beta of 0.38. Southern Company has a 52 week low of $77.47 and a 52 week high of $94.45. The company has a quick ratio of 0.65, a current ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.69. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $89.73 and a 200 day moving average of $87.76.

Southern (NYSE:SO  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 1st. The utilities provider reported $1.23 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.20 by $0.03. Southern had a return on equity of 12.70% and a net margin of 16.54%. The firm had revenue of $7.78 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $7.17 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.03 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 17.0% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Southern Company will post 4.29 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Southern Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 6th. Shareholders of record on Monday, May 19th were paid a dividend of $0.74 per share. This is a positive change from Southerns previous quarterly dividend of $0.72. This represents a $2.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.25%. Southerns dividend payout ratio is presently 70.64%.

Southern Company Profile

(Free Report)

The Southern Company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. The company also develops, constructs, acquires, owns, and manages power generation assets, including renewable energy projects and sells electricity in the wholesale market; and distributes natural gas in Illinois, Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee, as well as provides gas marketing services, gas distribution operations, and gas pipeline investments operations.

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By Nazrin Abdul



Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an has departed for Azerbaijan to attend the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Azernews reports, citing TRT Haber.

The summit, taking place in Khankendi, will focus on the theme: New Economic Cooperation Organization Vision for a Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Future. President Erdo?an is slated to deliver a keynote address during the session hosted by Azerbaijan.

Beyond economic collaboration, Erdo?ans agenda will also tackle pressing regional and global challenges.

This visit underscores Turkiyes active role in promoting regional cooperation and addressing critical geopolitical issues alongside its economic partnerships.
Regions across China ramp up efforts to protect migratory birds, yield fruitful results

People's Daily Online) 13:08, July 04, 2025

China ranks among the countries with the richest bird resources in the world and is an important cross-border migration corridor for migratory birds. Four of the world's nine major flyways pass through China. In recent years, China has significantly strengthened its conservation efforts, designating 1,140 key stopover sites and recognizing 58 nationally important wetlands, building a flyway protection network.

Guangdong Haifeng Wetlands: A thriving habitat for migratory birds

At daybreak at the Haifeng Bird Provincial Nature Reserve in Haifeng county, Shanwei city, south China's Guangdong Province, Zeng Xiangwu, a senior engineer with the science and education team of the nature reserve's management department, began his daily patrol.

With more than 20 years of experience in migratory bird conservation, Zeng pays close attention to the black-faced spoonbill, a species under first-class state protection in China.

Photo shows a western swamphen at the Haifeng Wetlands, a wetland site considered internationally important, in Haifeng county, Shanwei city, south China's Guangdong Province. (Photo/Zeng Xiangwu)

The Haifeng Wetlands, a wetland site considered internationally important, boast a rich coastal wetland ecosystem, with its favorable natural conditions turning the area into a vibrant sanctuary for birds.

During a routine patrol last summer, staff members spotted five glossy ibises, a species under first-class state protection in China, marking the first time this rare bird has ever been recorded in Haifeng or even Shanwei.

"Glossy ibises are very sensitive to habitat quality. Their presence confirms how far we've come in protecting the environment," Zeng explained.

The nature reserve is also a crucial point on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. Each year from November to March, tens of thousands of migratory birds arrive to overwinter.

"In February last year, we observed eight black storks and 209 oriental white storks searching for food in the grassy shallows of a reservoir, the highest count on record," said Zeng.

To ensure the safe passage and overwintering of migratory birds, the nature reserve has implemented grid-based management, stepped up patrolling and monitoring, and recorded detailed data on bird behavior and migration routes.

"To boost monitoring efficiency, we've installed eight high-definition cameras that run 24/7. This year, we're also adopting AI-powered systems to create an integrated space-air-ground bird recognition network," Zeng added.

Wild bird populations in Haifeng Bird Provincial Nature Reserve are steadily increasing. The number of recorded species has risen from 72 in 1998 to 273 currently, including 14 under first-class state protection and 55 under second-class state protection. The black-faced spoonbill population has hit a record high of 451.

Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve: A destination for more migratory birds

In late April 2025, the Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve in Dongying, east China's Shandong Province celebrated the hatching of its first artificially incubated crested ibis chick of the year.

"This year's first chick hatched a month earlier than last year's," said Wang Andong, head of the nature reserve's research center. That's great for the growth of the chick and a clear sign that crested ibises are adapting well to the area's environment," Wang explained.

Oriental white storks search for food at the Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve in Dongying, east China's Shandong Province. (Photo/Yang Bin)

The crested ibis is known as the "Oriental Gem." In 1981, Chinese experts discovered the world's last seven wild crested ibises in a remote valley in Yangxian county, Hanzhong city, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. In December 2022, 20 crested ibises were relocated from Hanzhong, traveling over 1,300 kilometers to the migratory bird habitat at the Yellow River estuary.

During the 2024 breeding season, a mix of artificial and natural incubation produced 20 crested ibis chicks. On March 27, 2025, the first three crested ibis eggs of this year were laid at the Yellow River estuary.

The Yellow River Delta is located at the crossroads of two major flyways, the East Asian-Australasian Flyway and the West Pacific Flyway.

"Back in 1988 when I first arrived, it was all barren and dust storms," recalled senior engineer Zhang Xitao, who has worked at the nature reserve for 37 years.

Things began to change with systematic ecological restoration. The nature reserve reconnected water systems and cleared tidal channels. In the past three years, over 510 million cubic meters of water have been reintroduced. Salt-tolerant seepweed was the first to return, followed by reeds and tamarisk, signaling ecological recovery.

At the nature reserve's monitoring center, Zhao Yajie, deputy head of the nature reserve, pulled up a live video feed. Atop a 40-meter tower, a pair of oriental white storks is feeding their chicks. To support the breeding season, staff members released 5,000 kilograms of fish fry into the wetland. In 2025, the nature reserve recorded a record-breaking 233 nests and 536 hatched chicks of oriental white storks.

Zhao explained that to tighten the conservation network, the nature reserve has established an integrated sky-land-sea monitoring system and a real-time bird tracking platform.

"We've equipped some chicks with satellite trackers to monitor their movements online in real time. We've also developed technology to identify oriental white stork breeding behavior," he said.

In recent years, the number of bird species has doubled at the nature reserve, from 187 when it was just established to 374 now.

Yalu River Estuary Wetland provides a stop for migratory to rest

Since 2021, Dong Yonggang has served as a patrol staff member at the Gushan station of the management center of the Yalu River Estuary Wetland National Nature Reserve in Dandong, northeast China's Liaoning Province. Each week, he completes at least three full patrols of his assigned area.

Situated along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, the area is one of the most important stopover sites for shorebirds. Dong explained that his patrol zone sees frequent human activity. During peak migration seasons, he increases patrol frequency to reduce disturbances and help ensure the estuary remains a peaceful sanctuary where people and birds can coexist.

Common kingfishers are seen at the Yalu River Estuary Wetland in Dandong, northeast China's Liaoning Province. (Photo courtesy of the Yalu River Estuary Wetland National Nature Reserve)

The vast intertidal mudflats at the estuary teem with benthic life, providing a rich feeding ground for migratory birds. Species recorded here include spoon-billed sandpiper, with a global population of just a few hundred, and Nordmann's greenshank, with a global population of just over 1,000.

"During peak migration season, we have to be at the observation sites by 4 or 5 a.m., before the tide rolls in," said Sui Yanzuo, deputy director of the management center at the nature reserve.

"Once the mudflats are underwater, we head to nearby ponds to track where the birds settle. Some days, we barely manage three or four hours of sleep. This spring, during just one monitoring cycle, we recorded 36 species of waterbirdsover 160,000 individuals in total," Sui added.

To enhance conservation efforts, the nature reserve has partnered with research institutions to track migratory birds via satellite. The data collected supports the creation of a science-based network of protected stopover sites and contributes to global flyway conservation.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Kintegral Advisory LLC lessened its stake in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY  Free Report) by 32.9% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 84,367 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 41,378 shares during the period. Bristol Myers Squibb accounts for approximately 0.8% of Kintegral Advisory LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 29th biggest position. Kintegral Advisory LLCs holdings in Bristol Myers Squibb were worth $5,146,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of BMY. Harel Insurance Investments & Financial Services Ltd. acquired a new position in Bristol Myers Squibb in the 1st quarter valued at $31,000. IFM Investors Pty Ltd grew its holdings in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb by 9.4% during the first quarter. IFM Investors Pty Ltd now owns 435,849 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $26,582,000 after buying an additional 37,363 shares in the last quarter. Aviance Capital Partners LLC raised its position in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb by 1.9% in the first quarter. Aviance Capital Partners LLC now owns 36,704 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $2,239,000 after buying an additional 686 shares during the last quarter. Moody Aldrich Partners LLC purchased a new position in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in the first quarter worth about $302,000. Finally, Aurora Private Wealth Inc. acquired a new position in Bristol Myers Squibb during the first quarter worth about $6,039,000. 76.41% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Bristol Myers Squibb Trading Down 1.3%

NYSE BMY opened at $47.02 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.65, a current ratio of 1.28 and a quick ratio of 1.17. The stock has a market capitalization of $95.68 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.61, a PEG ratio of 1.41 and a beta of 0.36. The firms 50-day moving average is $47.75 and its two-hundred day moving average is $53.69. Bristol Myers Squibb Company has a 12 month low of $39.35 and a 12 month high of $63.33.

Bristol Myers Squibb Announces Dividend

Bristol Myers Squibb ( NYSE:BMY Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 24th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.80 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.50 by $0.30. Bristol Myers Squibb had a net margin of 11.38% and a return on equity of 87.62%. The firm had revenue of $11.20 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.77 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted ($4.40) EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 5.6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Bristol Myers Squibb Company will post 6.74 earnings per share for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 1st. Stockholders of record on Thursday, July 3rd will be paid a $0.62 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 3rd. This represents a $2.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.27%. Bristol Myers Squibbs payout ratio is presently 92.88%.

Insider Activity

In other news, EVP Samit Hirawat bought 4,250 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, April 25th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $47.58 per share, for a total transaction of $202,215.00. Following the acquisition, the executive vice president directly owned 83,513 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,973,548.54. The trade was a 5.36% increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.09% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research firms have commented on BMY. Jefferies Financial Group cut their price objective on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb from $70.00 to $68.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, April 23rd. William Blair reaffirmed a market perform rating on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a report on Friday, April 25th. UBS Group reduced their price objective on Bristol Myers Squibb from $60.00 to $54.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, April 11th. Argus upgraded Bristol Myers Squibb to a hold rating in a report on Friday, April 25th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a neutral rating and set a $55.00 price target (down previously from $67.00) on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a report on Tuesday, April 8th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have issued a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $58.00.

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About Bristol Myers Squibb

(Free Report)

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, and neuroscience diseases. The company's products include Eliquis for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in non-valvular atrial fibrillation, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for various anti-cancer indications, including bladder, blood, CRC, head and neck, RCC, HCC, lung, melanoma, MPM, stomach and esophageal cancer; Pomalyst/Imnovid for multiple myeloma; Orencia for active rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis; and Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia.

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Boeing (NYSE:BA  Get Free Report) and GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE  Get Free Report) are both large-cap aerospace companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their profitability, institutional ownership, valuation, dividends, risk, analyst recommendations and earnings.

Volatility and Risk

Boeing has a beta of 1.41, indicating that its share price is 41% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, GE Aerospace has a beta of 1.37, indicating that its share price is 37% more volatile than the S&P 500.

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Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of current ratings and recommmendations for Boeing and GE Aerospace, as reported by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Boeing 3 3 17 2 2.72 GE Aerospace 0 1 10 0 2.91

Profitability

Boeing presently has a consensus target price of $215.77, suggesting a potential upside of 0.01%. GE Aerospace has a consensus target price of $223.75, suggesting a potential downside of 9.33%. Given Boeings higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Boeing is more favorable than GE Aerospace.

This table compares Boeing and GE Aerospaces net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Boeing -16.58% N/A -8.57% GE Aerospace 17.63% 29.15% 4.51%

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares Boeing and GE Aerospaces top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Boeing $66.52 billion 2.45 -$11.82 billion ($17.92) -12.04 GE Aerospace $38.70 billion 6.80 $6.56 billion $6.43 38.38

GE Aerospace has lower revenue, but higher earnings than Boeing. Boeing is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than GE Aerospace, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Insider and Institutional Ownership

64.8% of Boeing shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 74.8% of GE Aerospace shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.1% of Boeing shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 0.2% of GE Aerospace shares are owned 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.

Summary

GE Aerospace beats Boeing on 10 of the 15 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Boeing

(Get Free Report)

The Boeing Company, together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, sells, services, and supports commercial jetliners, military aircraft, satellites, missile defense, human space flight and launch systems, and services worldwide. The company operates through Commercial Airplanes; Defense, Space & Security; and Global Services segments. The Commercial Airplanes segment develops, produces, and markets commercial jet aircraft for passenger and cargo requirements, as well as provides fleet support services. The Defense, Space & Security segment engages in the research, development, production, and modification of manned and unmanned military aircraft and weapons systems; strategic defense and intelligence systems, which include strategic missile and defense systems, command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, cyber and information solutions, and intelligence systems; and satellite systems, such as government and commercial satellites, and space exploration. The Global Services segment offers products and services, including supply chain and logistics management, engineering, maintenance and modifications, upgrades and conversions, spare parts, pilot and maintenance training systems and services, technical and maintenance documents, and data analytics and digital services to commercial and defense customers. The Boeing Company was incorporated in 1916 and is based in Arlington, Virginia.

About GE Aerospace

(Get Free Report)

GE Aerospace (also known as General Electric) is a company that specializes in providing aerospace products and services. It operates through two reportable segments: Commercial Engines and Services and Defense and Propulsion Technologies. It offers jet and turboprop engines, as well as integrated systems for commercial, military, business, and general aviation aircraft. GE demerged into GE Vernova, GE Aerospace, and GE Healthcare.

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Resonant Capital Advisors LLC grew its stake in The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS  Free Report) by 8.0% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 783 shares of the investment management companys stock after purchasing an additional 58 shares during the quarter. Resonant Capital Advisors LLCs holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group were worth $428,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other large investors have also modified their holdings of the stock. Teacher Retirement System of Texas raised its holdings in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 22.6% during the first quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas now owns 86,185 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $47,082,000 after purchasing an additional 15,899 shares during the period. American Capital Advisory LLC acquired a new position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in the 1st quarter valued at about $29,000. Krane Funds Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 2.7% in 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 period. Aaron Wealth Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of 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 buying an additional 182 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Coastline Trust Co raised its stake in The Goldman Sachs Group by 30.7% during the first quarter. Coastline Trust Co now owns 1,803 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $985,000 after acquiring an additional 424 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 71.21% of the companys stock.

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Insider Transactions at The Goldman Sachs Group

In other news, Director John B. Hess purchased 3,904 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, April 15th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $511.68 per share, for a total transaction of $1,997,598.72. Following the transaction, 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 SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Insiders own 0.55% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities analysts have commented on GS shares. Daiwa Capital Markets downgraded The Goldman Sachs Group from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $560.00 target price for the company. in a research note on Friday, April 4th. Morgan Stanley raised their price target on The Goldman Sachs Group from $570.00 to $592.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Monday, June 23rd. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price objective on The Goldman Sachs Group from $680.00 to $650.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, April 15th. Barclays dropped their target price on The Goldman Sachs Group from $760.00 to $720.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, April 15th. Finally, Evercore ISI boosted their price target on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $630.00 to $715.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have issued a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, The Goldman Sachs Group has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $603.73.

Check Out Our Latest Report on The Goldman Sachs Group

The Goldman Sachs Group Stock Performance

Shares of GS opened at $725.05 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $222.47 billion, a PE ratio of 16.83, a P/E/G ratio of 0.98 and a beta of 1.35. The company has a quick ratio of 0.68, a current ratio of 0.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.41. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $613.48 and a 200 day moving average price of $590.57. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a 52-week low of $437.37 and a 52-week high of $726.00.

The Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE:GS  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, April 14th. The investment management company reported $14.12 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $12.57 by $1.55. The company had revenue of $15.06 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $14.99 billion. The Goldman Sachs Group had a net margin of 11.86% and a return on equity of 13.76%. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $11.58 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 47.12 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The Goldman Sachs Group Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 27th. Shareholders of record on Friday, May 30th were given a $3.00 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, May 30th. This represents a $12.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.66%. The Goldman Sachs Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 27.85%.

The Goldman Sachs Group Company Profile

(Free Report)

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc, a financial institution, provides a range of financial services for corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals worldwide. It operates through Global Banking & Markets, Asset & Wealth Management, and Platform Solutions segments. The Global Banking & Markets segment provides financial advisory services, including strategic advisory assignments related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, corporate defense activities, restructurings, and spin-offs; and relationship lending, and acquisition financing, as well as secured lending, through structured credit and asset-backed lending and involved in financing under securities to resale agreements.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 4. The 17th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) summit starts today in the Azerbaijani city of Khankendi. Holding this key meeting in Azerbaijan for the third time confirms the country's growing role as a strategic hub for transport, logistics, and energy ties between the region's states. The Summit will be an important milestone on the way to deepening economic integration and political interaction among ECO member states.

The Summit will bring together ECO Heads of State and Government, ministers, observers, special guests from countries outside the organization, as well as heads of international structures. The main objective of the meeting is to develop joint solutions to achieve sustainable development and prosperity of the region through strengthening economic integration, especially relevant in the context of global geopolitical instability.

ECO Week as an indicator of the scale of interaction.

The peculiarity of this summit was the organization of a large-scale and inclusive ECO Week in Azerbaijan, within the framework of which were held:

- ECO Youth Forum on July 1 in Aghdam;

- ECO Women's Forum on July 2 in Lachin;

- The 6th ECO Business Forum was held on July 2 in Fuzuli with the participation of business leaders and investors.

ECO Secretary General Asad M. Majid Khan noted in an interview with Trend that thanks to the initiative and leadership of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, a whole week of ECO events with the participation of a wide range of stakeholders is being held for the first time this year. All these events are aimed at forming a common ECO development strategy for the next decade, he emphasized.

Azerbaijan as a strategic transportation and energy hub

Asad Majid Khan also noted that Azerbaijan traditionally plays an important and active role in the organization's activities. The official launch of the ECO Clean Energy Center, the establishment of which has already been approved and ratified by a number of member countries, is planned within the framework of the current summit. This will give the summit a special significance, he emphasized, "especially in the current conditions of serious geopolitical transformations, creating the need for a personal meeting of the region's leaders to exchange views and determine further guidelines for the ECO work.

The organization unites 10 countries of South and Central Asia and the Middle East, covering a huge economic and demographic potential. Azerbaijan, being a full member of ECO since 1992, due to its unique geostrategic position in the South Caucasus region at the crossroads of international East-West and North-South transport corridors, plays the role of a connecting link between the member countries.

In particular, major infrastructure projects such as:

- Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK), connecting Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkiye, provides reliable land access to European markets, reinforcing the country's role as a transportation bridge between East and West;

- Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) and Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum, creating the basis for energy security and exports of Azerbaijani gas;

- Alat International Sea Trade Port, turning Azerbaijan into the main logistics hub of the Caspian region.

All these projects not only strengthen Azerbaijan's position in the ECO but also make a significant contribution to the development of transportation and energy infrastructure in the Eurasian space.

A special role is played by the development of the Middle Corridor passing through Azerbaijan and connecting China and Europe, as well as the formation of the Caspian Green Energy Corridor connecting Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to transport green energy and achieve climate goals.

In addition, the Lapis Lazuli project creates a transportation corridor that will connect the city of Torghundi in Afghanistan's Herat province to Ashgabat in Turkmenistan, then to the Caspian port of Turkmenbashi, a new port in Alat (Azerbaijan), Tbilisi and Ankara with branches to Poti and Batumi, and from Ankara to Istanbul. Thus, Azerbaijan becomes an integral part of this multilevel route, opening access for Central Asian countries to European markets.

Results of Azerbaijan's chairmanship in ECO

Meanwhile, during Azerbaijan's chairmanship of ECO in 2023, notable progress was achieved in key areas. Thus, the 9th meeting of the ECO Council of Heads of Customs Administrations (CHCHA) was held in Baku, where progress was made on several issues, including:

- preparation for the launch of the ECO Anti-Smuggling and Customs Offenses Database;

- development of an Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) system;

- Finalization of the Agreement on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters;

- Identification of capacity-building needs in the area of customs cooperation.

Significant growth of trade turnover

An important indicator of the effectiveness of cooperation between Azerbaijan and ECO countries is the growth of trade turnover. The volume of trade turnover between Azerbaijan and ECO member countries amounted to $3.5 billion in the period from January through May of the current year.

According to Trend's calculations based on the data of the State Customs Committee, this figure increased by $328 million, or 10.2 percent, compared to the same period of 2024. Thus, in January-May 2024, the volume of trade turnover between Azerbaijan and member countries of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) amounted to $3.2 billion.

The table below shows the volume of trade operations conducted between Azerbaijan and ECO member countries from January through May of the current year in thousand US dollars.

ECO Member Countries Export Import Turnover Turkiye 1,431,525 1,012,771 2,444,296 Uzbekistan 19,661 195,151 214,812 Kazakhstan 45,019 422,616 467,635 Kyrgyzstan 2,965 14,953 17,918 Turkmenistan 19,224 99,256 118,480 Tajikistan 6 005 533 6,538 Pakistan 3 14,446 14,449 Afghanistan 5,341 106 5,447 Iran 6,087 251,878 257,965 Total 3,547,540

In particular, only one of the ECO member countries (Turkey) was among the main countries to which Azerbaijan exported crude oil during the reporting period of the current year. During this period, 34,800 tons of crude oil worth $16.9 million were exported to Turkey.

At the same time, the main countries to which Azerbaijan exported non-oil products were the three ECO member countries (Turkey, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan). Thus, non-oil products worth USD 251.4 million were exported to Turkey, $44.8 million to Kazakhstan, and $19.3 million to Uzbekistan.

This significant trade turnover confirms the dynamic development of Azerbaijan's economic ties with ECO partners.

Thus, the ECO summit in Khankendi opens a new page in the development of economic cooperation in the region, strengthening Azerbaijan's position as a strategic center of transport, energy, and logistics corridors. The Summit and ECO Week demonstrate the determination of the ECO Member States to jointly build a prosperous, interconnected, and sustainable future, where Azerbaijan plays one of the key roles.
A member of An Garda Siochana "went above and beyond" to help one woman who lost her phone at Dublin Airport recently before boarding a plane to Poland.

In a post shared on An Garda Siochana's social media page, they said this phone was particularly special for the woman, Aleksandra, as it contained precious photos, voice notes and videos of her grandfather who had just recently passed away.

None of these were backed up, meaning that the only way of retrieving those sentimental memories was by getting the phone back.

The phone was so important to Aleksandra that she was willing to fly back to Ireland from Poland to search for it after she realised it was lost.

An Garda Siochana explained that Aleksandra had just been visiting Ireland when she lost the phone and unfortunately she was "already airborne when she realised that she had left it behind."

Luckily, a woman found the phone and managed to send a text from it to Aleksandra's fiance telling him that she would hand it in for them. However, she didn't happen to mention where she would hand it in and the phone's battery eventually died.

READ NEXT: 'There's going to be more' - Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary warns of more flight cancellations

When she returned to Ireland, airport staff told Aleksandra that the phone couldn't be located and so she tried the Garda Station near Terminal 1 where Garda Grace Roddy stood in to help.

An Garda Siochana said: "Garda Grace Roddy was on overnight duty at the public desk and having heard the story, was determined to help. Garda Roddy went 'above and beyond to assist' doing all the rounds in the airport to find it, but to no success.

"Not giving up, she decided to make her way back to the gate that Aleksandra had flown out from only days previous. Tucked away out of sight in a drawer at one of the airlines desks, was the phone.

"Garda Grace Roddy had asked Aleksandra to sit tight in the departures hall hoping to return to her with only good news. And here they are."

The post ended: "The phone with all the much cherished photographs, videos and audio clips was returned to Aleksandra on what happened to be her 30th birthday - her grandfather no doubt making this very important birthday wish come true."
This nasty Kansas City metro case seems like the conclusion of the news week and just a reminder of foodie weekend danger . . . Here are the basics and more reporting of a nasty episode in local culinary history . . . Check-it:

"The man accused of contaminating food at a Johnson County restaurant and possessing child sexual abuse material pleaded guilty this week to all charges against him.



"Jace Hanson entered a guilty plea Thursday to all 33 charges, including food tampering and 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a child."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Man accused of contaminating food at Leawood Hereford House pleads guilty A former Hereford House employee pleaded guilty on Thursday in his food contamination case.

Hereford House in Leawood closes after food contamination scandal, leaving some diners 'heartbroken' A beloved Kansas City favorite since the 1950s, Hereford House expanded into Leawood in November 1996. The steakhouse cited "financial strains" created by continued legal fallout from an ex-kitchen worker's alleged food contamination.

Developing . . .
As always, even if we don't agree . . . www.TonysKansasCity.com admires political savvy.

Credit to the Jackson County Prosecutor for declaring victory against crime during Summer vacation weekend when NOBODY would dare challenge her on her assertions.

Here's the word from the courthouse put forth with EXCELLENT TIMING to evade public scrutiny . . .

Prosecutor Johnson highlights progress in first six months

Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson today released a six-month review highlighting the offices work during her first six months in office, including case filing rates, prosecution outcomes, and review of her launch of several initiatives designed to enhance public safety and hold high-impact offenders accountable.



I am incredibly proud of the progress our office has made in these first six months, said Prosecutor Johnson. We have more than doubled our case filing rate from January to March, while maintaining exceptional conviction rates. Thats excellence in both quantity and quality of prosecutions.



The Prosecutors Office has shown steady improvement in case filing rates throughout the first half of the year. Of the total cases sent by law enforcement for review, the office filed:



41% in January

52% in February

79% in March

67% in April

74% in May

58% in June



The June filing rate reflects the offices thorough review process, with 275 cases still under active review in June alone. Currently, 35% of all the cases sent by law enforcement are under examination by prosecutors. When cases are under review, prosecutors are working collaboratively with law enforcement to obtain additional information and carefully evaluating evidence to determine whether there is a legal basis to file criminal charges beyond a reasonable doubt. The office follows a careful review process to ensure only cases meeting Missouris strict legal standards proceed to prosecution.



Higher filing rates are meaningless if the cases we charge and proceed with are not carried through to conviction, said Prosecutor Johnson. We are doing our due diligence to ensure each case we charge meets Missouris beyond a reasonable doubt standard.



When cases do proceed to prosecution, the results have been impressive. The office secured guilty pleas in 65% of disposed cases and achieved guilty verdicts in 99% of cases that went to trial. Additionally, 120 cases were successfully diverted to specialty courts, including Drug Court, Veterans Court, and New Start, with Drug Court specifically maintaining a more than 70% success rate.



To date, 870 unique individuals have been held accountable through the offices efforts this year.



The Prosecutors Office has significantly increased community engagement, with prosecutors attending and participating in more than 70 business meetings, community events, and neighborhood association meetings. These included participation in the Downtown Council Safety Task Force, Prospect Corridor Public Safety Task Force, Marlborough Community Coalition, meetings with Westside businesses, and Midtown Public Safety Coordination.



In Prosecutor Johnsons first month in office, she directed municipal prosecutors and law enforcement agencies in Jackson County to send serious domestic violence cases and drug distribution cases to the Prosecutors Office for felony charges rather than handling them at the city level. This would ensure offenders would face appropriate consequences and be deterred from reoffending.



In March, Prosecutor Johnson expanded the Crime Strategies Unit to focus on holding SAVE KC members accountable, identifying crime patterns, and targeting repeat offenders who have the greatest impact on community safety. In the last six months, CSU has received a total of 38 cases involving SAVE KC defendants. Of these 38 cases, 28 have been filed for charges and seven cases are currently under review. CSU received a total of 39 high-impact offender cases. Of those 39 cases, 24 have been filed and 10 cases are currently under review. CSU has also worked with law enforcement to charge five members of a burglary ring responsible for numerous small business burglaries across our community.



Our expanded Crime Strategies Unit is continuing to identify the high-impact offenders who cause the most harm, and our new policies ensure serious domestic violence and drug cases receive the felony attention they deserve. While we have seen some progress in these first six months, there is still significant work ahead. This office remains committed to building on this foundation and continuing to serve our community with excellence and accountability, said Prosecutor Johnson.



# # #

Developing . . .
A decision 8 years in the making . . .

"More than two weeks after accused Kansas City, Missouri, serial killer Fredrick Scott was last in court, a judge ruled he is competent to stand trial . . .



"Scott is charged in the deaths of six people. Five of them were killed near the Indian Creek Trail in south Kansas City, Missouri. Five of his alleged victims were older white men.



"Although it's been almost eight years since he was charged, Scott still hasn't gone to trial, primarily because he's slipped in and out of mental competency.



"As we've covered in multiple reports, Scott was diagnosed with Schizophrenia while in custody and was put on medication."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

KSHB: Alleged Kansas City serial killer Fredrick Scott competent to stand trial

Developing . . .
First and foremost . . . If nobody told you yet . . .

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY KANSAS CITY!!!

Even better . . .

SPECIAL THANKS TO TROOPS, VETERANS & FIRST RESPONDERS!!!

There wouldn't be any freedom to debate without brave souls willing to risk their biscuit in order to protect this country.

And the point of this post . . .

EVERY JULY 4TH TKC ASKS: WHAT CAN WE DO TO IMPROVE FREE SPEECH IN KANSAS CITY!?!

We'll start with a few of our concerns and then open up the discussion to anybody who cares . . .

A pat on the back for our blog community . . .

Nobody talks trash about local politics better than TKC readers.

Now that the daily newspaper has faded and public radio fears MAGA cuts we find that our blog community dominates the discourse as far as politics are concerned.

Sure, there are much more popular social media hype blogs . . . And even a few nice Facebook groups full of old ladies constantly complaining about trash pickup.

However . . .

When it comes to impacting policy, talking about elected officials and reflecting on "the culture" of Kansas City -- This blog community can compete and offer insight greater than or equal to any local news outlet staffed by dozens of journalists.

But things aren't perfect in our bloggy corner of the world . . .

The Disqus comment system is the best we can afford right now and there are creeps who take advantage of it . . .

Lesser commenters will wait HOURS to troll more thoughtful users with personal attacks or stupid references.

Interestingly . . . Foreign agents lurk the Internets and we've noticed a few curious perspectives attempting to advance the interests of adversarial nations in our humble TKC comment section . . . Which is kinda weird for a blog that is much more concerned with streetscaping along Southwest Blvd than international affairs.

Still . . . We're not too worried about MILLIONS of Chinese dudes attempting to earn a check from their government when they're not spamming reddit.

Sometime very soon . . . In an effort to sustain this bloggy outlet . . . TKC MIGHT offer a paid option that doesn't require any waiting, offers a few special features and maybe a place for more influential denizens of our community wherein we won't apologize for BLOCKING commenters.

And that brings us to our main conundrum . . .

Mayor Q gets a lot of heat for blocking critics and taking abuse is part of his job . . .

More than anything we love free speech and open discourse in Kansas City . . . That's why we allow "trusted users" to post almost anything they want without any wait.

But, for better or worse, what we've discovered is that NOT ALL COMMENTARY IS CREATED EQUAL and as the Internets moves forward . . . The challenge is to search for thoughtful and worthwhile perspectives in a sea of AI Bot content slop, constant trolling and outright hateration.

Nobody has solved this problem as even the world's richest dude has turned Twitter/X into a hellscape that continues to lose users.

Here at TKC . . . Growth of our readership has ALWAYS trended upwards, even during our blogging slumps and slowdowns.

We remain committed to the cowtown discourse and want to keep updating this blog for as long as humanly possible as we continue to tinker, adjust and struggle.

As always, we thank you for reading www.TonysKansasCity.com and hope that everybody has a safe & fun July 4th.

Peace.
For dedicated news lovers we share a fond memory of hottie Jordan along with a peek at pop culture, community reporting and top headlines.

Check TKC news gathering . . .

Local Honor Saved . . .

Purple Heart of Kansas City WWII veteran rescued from auction A long-lost Purple Heart medal earned by a KC native is now in safe hands. Olivia Acree shares the story of how it was rescued from an auction in Gardner.

Fireworks Tonight

What to know ahead of the Stars and Stripes Picnic at the World War I Memorial Everything you need to know before you head out to the Stars and Stripes Picnic.

Morning Inferno Report

1 dead, 3 others injured, including firefighter in eastern Independence fire One person died, and two others injured, including a firefighter in an overnight eastern Independence fire.

Dead-Tree Debate . . .

In today's divided political climate, what does patriotism mean? Hear from Kansas Citians Kansas Citians open up about patriotism and their love for July 4th traditions, from fireworks to barbecues, in the current political climate.

Cowtown Melodrama

Shakespeare in the Park returns to Kansas City with a 1950s twist on 'Love's Labour's Lost' Kansas City's Shakespeare in the Park returns with a 1950s twist on Love's Labour's Lost.

Friday Flashback . . .

German Model Jordan Carver -- Well Endowed ... With Lethal Weapons? German model Jordan Carver's incredible assets are so large ... there oughta be a law -- and turns out there is ... sorta. Not that you care ... just enjoy the video.

MAGA Enjoys Moment

Trump touts 'very popular' domestic policy bill ahead of White House signing President Trump's sweeping domestic policy bill passes Congress with tax cuts, immigration measures, and Medicaid restructuring, despite polls showing most Americans oppose the package.

Political Adulting Proposed

Democrats Should Become the Pro-Porn Party An immodest proposal.

AOC Leads Criticism

'A dark day for our country': Democrats furious over Trump bill's passage Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib condemns major policy bill as 'disgusting' as party vows to 'mobilize and fight back'

MAGA Denounces Opposition

Trump on Democrats who voted against GOP megabill: 'I hate them' President Trump slammed Democrats in Congress who voted against his "big, beautiful bill" that the House passed on Thursday and was sent to his desk for signing on Friday. "All of the things we di...

No Worker Protections?!?

EPA puts on leave 139 employees who spoke out against policies under Trump The Environmental Protection Agency has placed on administrative leave 139 employees who signed a so-called "declaration of dissent" against the federal agency's policies.

Vald Launches Latest Attack

Russia launches record number of drones at Ukraine after latest Trump-Putin phone call | CNN Russia launched a record number of drones at Ukraine overnight into Friday, striking multiple buildings and residential areas, hours after US President Donald Trump said he had made "no progress" towards a ceasefire deal in a phone call with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

Holy Land Fight For The Sky

Israel showed that seizing air superiority isn't gone from modern warfare, but Iran isn't China or Russia Military officials have warned that the air superiority the US and its allies have enjoyed for decades may not be possible in modern war.

Curtain Call For Cinematic Tough Guy

'Reservoir Dogs' star Michael Madsen dies at 67 Madsen had a decadeslong career in Hollywood.

Celeb Shares Bedroom Deets

Charlize Theron Dishes On A "F*cking Amazing" Night She Had With A 26-Year-Old During a recent appearance on 'Call Her Daddy,' Charlize Theron opened up about having sex with a 26-year-old.

Home Team Comeback

Royals even the series in a late night 3-2 thriller On to Arizona

Forecast For Now . . .

Chance of rain for holiday weekend Rain chances increase Saturday and Sunday

Ray Charles - America The Beautiful is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
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BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 4. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov met with Deputy Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Ishaq Dar at the 17th Economic Cooperation Organization Summit in Khankendi on July 3, 2025, Trend reports via Azerbaijani MFA.

The meeting discussed the current state of the Azerbaijani-Pakistani strategic partnership, opportunities for expansion of bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

Moreover, it was emphasized at the meeting that the dynamics of mutual high-level and high-level visits and the intensity of our political dialogue in recent times play an important role in the transition of our bilateral relations to a fundamentally new stage and their further enrichment.

In the course of the meeting, the sides emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation in economic ties, trade, investment, energy security, transport, and other promising areas.

The parties exchanged views on regional developments, challenges, and opportunities, and, as in the bilateral format, a consensus was reached that Azerbaijan and Pakistan have always supported each other's legitimate interests on regional issues and will continue mutually beneficial cooperation for the benefit of our states and peoples.

Subsequently, the ministers had a broad exchange of views on initiatives within the framework of Pakistan's presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in July.

The meeting also discussed other bilateral and international issues of mutual interest.
Celebrate Summer with Timeless Stays and Exclusive Perks at Shaza Hotels and Mysk Hotels



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With a presence across the regions most beloved destinations and a deep understanding of cultural values and modern expectations, Shaza Hotels continue to lead the way in luxury travel and personalised experiences.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 4. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov met with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for Political Affairs Lana Zaki Nusseibeh within the framework of the 17th summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization held in Khankendi on July 4, 2025, Trend reports via Azerbaijani MFA.

Meanwhile, at the meeting it was noted that close friendly and brotherly relations between the Heads of State of Azerbaijan and the UAE have created a solid basis for the development of our relations, and the role of the mechanism of political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries in the further development of strategic partnership was discussed.

Moreover, satisfaction was expressed with cooperation in economic, trade, investment, energy, and humanitarian spheres, as well as mutually beneficial activities within the framework of international organizations and platforms such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Non-Aligned Movement, and UN Climate Change Conference.

The sides discussed successful joint projects in the field of alternative energy and highly appreciated the results achieved in this area.

Minister Jeyhun Bayramov briefed the other side in detail on the reconstruction and rehabilitation works carried out in the territories liberated from occupation, the return of former IDPs to their homeland, and the mine hazard posing a serious threat to these processes.

The UAE's support to the humanitarian demining and reconstruction works in the territories of Azerbaijan liberated from occupation was highly appreciated.

The sides also exchanged views on other bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest.
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All eyes on China after Russia recognizes Taliban govt

Russia Thursday became the first country in the world and a UN member to recognize the Taliban government in Afghanistan, sparking speculations over Chinas next move

Friday July 4, 2025 7:56 PM , ummid.com News Network

[Russia's ambassador to Afghanistan Dmitry Zhirnov (L) meeting with Amir Khan Muttaqi, Afghanistan's Foreign Minister in Kabul in April, 2025.]



Moscow/Beijing: Russia Thursday became the first country in the world and a UN member to recognize the Taliban government in Afghanistan, sparking speculations over Chinas next move.

On Thursday July 03, 2025, Russia accepted the credentials of a new ambassador of Afghanistan in Moscow as part of an ongoing drive to build friendly relations with Afghanistan under Taliban.

We believe that the act of official recognition of the government of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will give impetus to the development of productive bilateral cooperation between our countries in various fields, said the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement on Thursday.

Afghanistan called the Russian move a brave decision.

This brave decision will be an example for others, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said in a video posted on X after meeting with Dmitry Zhirnov, the Russian ambassador to Kabul.

All eyes on China

China has not officially recognized the Taliban government. But, it hosts Afghanistans ambassador in Beijing . China was also the first country to publicly extend support for the Taliban's government in Afghanistan soon after its formation.

China has welcomed the Russian decision, adding the country aims to pursue a foreign policy of friendship towards the Afghan people.

As a traditional friendly neighbor of Afghanistan, the Chinese side has always believed that Afghanistan should not be excluded from the international community, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Mao Ning said.

Taliban came to power in Afghanistan after a 20-year long period, following the hasty withdrawal of American forces from the country - with the last U.S. soldier leaving the country on August 31, 2021 .

Interestingly, Taliban fighters were used by the USA and its allies to fight against Russia.

China, Afghanistan Ties

During the turmoil and war, Chinese embassy in Afghanistan remained operational despite other countries shutting down and calling home their envoys. Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Mao recalled this Friday.

No matter how the internal or external situation changes in Afghanistan, diplomatic relations between China and Afghanistan have never been interrupted", she said.

The diplomatic institutions of the two sides in each others countries have maintained their normal functioning and have played a positive role in promoting the development of relations between the two countries, she added.

Along with diplomatic ties, China has also maintained a strong trade relationship with Afghanistan, even wishing to include the country in its signature project CPEC .

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Watch: Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS passes through solar system

Canary Islands Institute of Physics Thursday July 03, 2025 shared visuals showing rare interstellar comet '3I/ATLAS' passing through our solar system

Friday July 4, 2025 11:10 PM , ummid.com News Network

[The trajectory of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS as it passes through the solar system. It will make its closest approach to the Sun in October. (Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech)]

Canary Islands Institute of Physics Thursday July 03, 2025 shared visuals showing rare interstellar comet '3I/ATLAS' passing through our solar system.

The NASA-funded ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) survey telescope in Rio Hurtado, Chile, first reported observations of a comet that originated from interstellar space Tuesday July 1.

Arriving from the direction of the constellation Sagittarius, the interstellar comet has been officially named 3I/ATLAS.

Watch Video

After the discovery of the new comet by NASA funded telescope, Al Khatim Astronomical Observatory in Abu Dhabi, European Space Agency (ESA) and other observatories also tracked and captured the 3I/ATLAS.

3rd known interstellar comet

Comet 3I/ATLAS is the only third confirmed object from outside the solar system after 'Oumuamua (2017) and comet 2I/Borisov (2019) .

"The comet poses no threat to Earth and will remain at a distance of at least 1.6 astronomical units (about 150 million miles or 240 million km)", NASA said.

Initially dubbed A11pl3Z, 3I/ATLAS should remain visible to ground-based telescopes through September, after which it will pass too close to the Sun to observe. It is expected to reappear on the other side of the Sun by early December, allowing for renewed observations, the American space agency said.

The extrasolar entity is too faint to be visible to the naked eye or through amateur stargazing equipment, although it may brighten sufficiently to become visible to backyard telescopes in the coming weeks and months.

Commenting on the discovery of the new comet, ESA said, each new interstellar visitor - whether its 1I/Oumuamua, 2I/Borisov, 3I/ATLAS or the future target of an interceptor mission, reminds us that we are part of a vast and dynamic galaxy  and that sometimes, the Universe comes to us.

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Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 4. Foreign Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov met with Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov within the framework of the 17th Economic Cooperation Organization Summit in Khankendi on July 3, 2025, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani MFA.

Meanwhile, the sides talked about the role and significance of mutual visits and high-level contacts between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan and further development of bilateral ties.

The sides discussed issues of regional security, cooperation within international organizations, as well as the Caspian Sea.

Furthermore, the parties exchanged views on possibilities of expanding cooperation in the economy, trade, energy, transportation, humanitarian, and cultural spheres.

Both sides expressed solidarity that the traditional friendly and brotherly ties historically established between the peoples will be further developed based on partnership relations between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan.

In the course of the meeting, the sides exchanged views on other bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual interest.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 4. President Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to US President Donald Trump, Trend reports.

''Dear Mr. President,

On the occasion of the national holiday of the United States of America  Independence Day  I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you and, through you, to the friendly American people, on behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan, and convey my best wishes.

We attach special importance to the friendly relations and partnership between Azerbaijan and the United States. Our active and effective cooperation in strengthening international peace and security, combating terrorism and its various manifestations, ensuring energy security, and in a number of other important areas is a hallmark of our close partnership.

I am pleased to note that the United States has been a reliable partner of Azerbaijan in the energy sector for many years. Our cooperation, built on positive traditions and solid foundations, continues successfully today. We highly value the consistent support of the United States for Azerbaijans energy strategy and the implementation of major infrastructure projects that contribute to stability and development in the region.

Today, there are excellent opportunities to elevate the Azerbaijan-United States friendly relations and partnership to a qualitatively new level. I believe that there is great potential for the development of mutually beneficial cooperation in economic-trade, energy, transportation, industry, aviation, high technologies, investments, and other important areas.

I am confident that, thanks to our firm political will and joint efforts, the relations and cooperation between our friendly and partner countries will continue to expand comprehensively in the future, in line with the interests of our peoples.

On this significant day, I wish you robust health, happiness, and success in your endeavors, and to the friendly people of the United States  lasting peace and prosperity,'' the letter reads.
Vietnam Briefing has developed into a premium source for insight on doing business in Vietnam. It publishes business news concerning foreign direct investment into Vietnam, including the most important tax, legal and accounting issues. The Vietnam Briefing Magazine was first published in 2009, and is contributed to by investment professionals based in Vietnam.
US President Donald Trump signed his flagship tax and spending bill into law Friday, capping a grandiose White House Independence Day ceremony featuring a stealth bomber fly-by.

"America is winning, winning, winning like never before," Trump said before signing the so-called "One Big Beautiful Bill" while flanked by Republican lawmakers who helped push it through Congress.

Trump also played down criticism by Democrats that the unpopular legislation will slash social welfare programs, saying: "You won't even notice it."

With First Lady Melania Trump at his side, Trump watched from the White House balcony as two B-2 bombers -- the same type that recently struck Iranian nuclear sites -- roared overhead, accompanied by F-35 and F-22 fighter jets.

The 79-year-old's victory lap came a day after Republicans fell into line and passed the sprawling mega-bill, allowing him to sign it as he had hoped on the Fourth of July holiday.

The bill honors many of Trump's campaign promises: extending tax cuts from his first term, boosting military spending and providing massive new funding for Trump's migrant deportation drive.

- 'Never been anything like it' -

The legislation's signing caps two weeks of significant wins for Trump that have seen him tighten his grip on power and his party alike.

The successes include the recent Iran-Israel ceasefire that was sealed after what he called the "flawless" US air strikes on Iran.

Pilots who carried out the bombing on Iran were among those invited to the White House event, which included a picnic for military families on the South Lawn.

"The last two weeks, there has never been anything like it, as far as winning," said Trump.

Trump had however forced through the tax bill despite deep misgivings in the Republican Party that it would balloon the national debt.

The legislation is expected to pile an extra $3.4 trillion over a decade onto the US deficit.

It squeezed past a final vote in the House of Representatives 218-214 after Republican Speaker Mike Johnson worked through the night to corral the final group of dissenters.

Trump thanked Johnson at the White House event, saying: "What a job."

- 'Horrible day' -

Trump's billionaire former ally Elon Musk was among the most vocal critics, and he has pledged to set up a new political party to oppose Republicans who backed the bill.

Democrats and many voters have meanwhile expressed concerns that the "big beatuiful bill" will gut health and welfare support.

The bill will force through the largest cuts to the Medicaid health insurance program for low-income Americans since its 1960s launch, while also shrinking federal food assistance programs.

Up to 17 million people could lose their insurance coverage under the bill, according to some estimates. Scores of rural hospitals are expected to close as a result.

But Trump played down the concerns.

"They've developed a standard line, and we can't let them get away with it. 'Oh, it's dangerous. Oh, everybody's going to die.' It's actually just the opposite," said Trump.

Democrats hope public opposition to the bill will help them flip the House in the 2026 midterm election, pointing to data showing that it represents a huge redistribution of wealth from the poorest Americans to the richest.

People attending the Fourth of July parade in Washington on Saturday had mixed feelings.

"Yesterday was a horrible day, today is the best part of America," said Elisabeth Hubir, 70.

dk/jgc
Our director of publication and editor-in-chief directed French magazines several years ago, and has won journalism awards abroad. He has regularly contributed to some fifteen major dailies and magazines around the world.

Voltaire, International Newsletter is available by subscription for 500 a year, is published 42 times a year (not in July-August, nor during the Christmas holydays). Its an indispensable tool for any professional in international relations or defense.

Whats more, 10 times a year, subscribers are invited to Zoom virtual meetings with publications director Thierry Meyssan.

Contents of issue N138

EDITORIAL

 3649 Donald Trump leaves the G7 summit before the end

AMERICAS

 3650 Pentagon Positions Ships in Middle East

 3651 Yechiel Leiter says Israel can destroy Fordo nuclear site without U.S. assistance

 3652 FBI Accuses China of Interfering in 2020 Presidential Election

 3653 House of Representatives Investigates Planned Parenthood

 3654 CBS advertises "No Kings!" protests

 3655 Bluesky denies JD Vances account

 3656 The Pentagon attaches Greenland to the Northern Command

 3657 Marco Rubio on the Israeli attack on Iran

 3658 Donald Trump on Israels attack on Iran

 3659 Tucker Carlson Mobilizes Trump Voters Against Israeli Expansionism

 3660 Lockheed Martin announces improvements to its F-35s and more improvements to come

 3661 Who financed the California riots?

 3662 Confirmation of the conviction of Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner

EUROPE

 3663 France closes Israeli stands at the Paris Air Show

 3664 Protests in the Netherlands and Belgium against the war in Gaza

 3665 Nikos Christodoulides, intermediary between Iran and Israel

 3666 Denmark to invest in Greenland

 3667 EU to fund European political parties and their foundations

 3668 The Council of Europe follows in the EUs footsteps for "informational control"

 3669 Phone conversation between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump

 3670 Simona Halperin clarifies Israeli objectives in Iran

AFRICA

 3671 FLA rebels destroy an Africa Corps Su-24

 3672 Boko Haram acquires kamikaze drones

 3673 Agreement between the DRC and Rwanda

ASIA

 3674 Operation "Rising Lion"

 3675 Israels air defense system is no match for hypersonic missiles

 3676 "Judgment Day" sheltered in Greece

 3677 Israeli Military Censorship in Action

 3678 Israel Katz calls for the elimination of Ali Khamenei

 3679 Hezbollah will go to war if the U.S. attacks Iran

 3680 Rise in anti-US tension in Iraq

 3681 Iran Tries to Restrict Dogs

 3682 Israeli bombings in Iran

 3683 Irans response to Israels preemptive strike

 3684 Israel bombs TV stations

 3685 Ali Khamenei and his family safe

 3686 Ali Khamenei addresses the Iranian nation

 3687 Israel and Iran each call on the inhabitants of the enemy country to evacuate areas close to military targets

 3688 Iran appeals to Arab partners for help

 3689 Resumption of U.S.-Iran talks

 3690 How to interpret the NPT?

 3691 Kim Jong-un sends 6,000 more military personnel to Russia

INTERGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS

 3692 Cancellation of the UN Conference on Palestine

 3693 The General Assembly establishes the "International Day against Unilateral Coercive Measures"

 3694 The Ocean Conference (UNOC3) establishes marine protected areas

 3695 Special Committee on Decolonization Considers Situation in Puerto Rico

 3696 Special Committee on Decolonization Considers Situation in Gibraltar

 3697 Special Committee on Decolonization considers the situation of the Falkland Islands (Malvinas)

 3698 UN Security Council Examines Israeli Bombing of Iran

 3699 Rafael Grossi passes IAEA confidential information to Isaac Herzog
Photo: Press service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 4. On July 4, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received a delegation of the United Arab Emirates led by Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, in Khankendi, Trend reports.

The Minister conveyed the greetings of the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to President Ilham Aliyev.

President Ilham Aliyev expressed gratitude for the greetings and asked Sultan Al Jaber to convey his own greetings to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Sultan Al Jaber wished success to the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) held in Khankendi. He shared his deep impression of the restoration and reconstruction works underway in Karabakh and East Zangezur, as well as the regions natural beauty.

During the meeting, they hailed the strategic development of relations between Azerbaijan and the UAE in line with the vision of both countries' leaders.

They emphasized that Azerbaijan and the UAE support each other within international organizations.

The sides also discussed the operations of the UAEs Masdar company in Azerbaijan, cooperation in the field of renewable energy, strategic cooperation programs, and potential future projects in this area.

The meeting also touched on cooperation in the fields of energy, tourism, humanitarian affairs, and culture.
Here we are: the confrontation between Israel and Persia has begun. Its origins lie not in the Islamic Republic, but in what preceded it. This war is expected to last until one of the adversaries is exhausted.

To understand what is happening and avoid falling prey to one of the two official narratives that mask the reality of the problem, several steps back in time are necessary.

Irans Enemies in the 20th Century

All demonstrations in Iran against external enemies end with the inevitable "Death to the United Kingdom! Death to the United States! Death to Israel!" It is a cry that comes from the depths of the suffering of the Persians since the First World War.

 Indeed, while we in the West are unaware of it, Iran was the victim, in 1917-1919, of the largest genocide of the First World War [1]. 6 to 8 million people died of starvation out of a population of 18 to 20 million, or between a quarter and a third of Iranians. Iran, although neutral, was crushed by the British armies, against a backdrop of rivalry with the Bolsheviks and the Ottomans. This horror has left a traumatic memory that is still very present in Iran [2]. There is no doubt for an Iranian that the United Kingdom is his countrys primary enemy.

 The British, who had colonized Iran behind one of their officers, Reza Shah (1925-1941), overthrew him to place his son in power, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi (1941-1979). Behind these screens, they plundered the countrys oil. However, in 1951 the Shah chose Mohammad Mossadegh as Prime Minister. The latter nationalized the oil to the detriment of London. This ensued a quarrel during which the British made a bad faith assault and a color revolution that they organized with the help of the United States. This was "Operation Ajax" [3]. The new regime was no longer held by London, but by Washington. The United States Embassy, which installed the telephone, placed derivations of the lines of all the ministers to listen to them without their knowledge, live. This system was exposed during the 1978 revolution. Iranians therefore have no doubt that the United States is their second enemy.

 When Mossadegh was overthrown, the British imposed General Fazlollah Zahedi in his place. Zahedi was a Nazi they had imprisoned in Cairo, but London was counting on him to restore "order." He therefore formed a secret police force modeled on the Gestapo. He recruited former Nazis to train it, and several hundred "revisionist Zionists" were sent by Yitzhak Shamir (then working for the Mossad) to supervise them. [4] The horrors of the SAVAK, the most terrible secret police in the world at the time, can still be seen in the museum dedicated to it in Tehran. [5] Iranians therefore have no doubt that Israel is their third enemy.

Israels Sole Enemy in the 20th Century

Contrary to what the Israeli population believes after 25 years of "revisionist Zionist" propaganda, Iranneither that of the Shah nor that of the Islamic Republicnever aimed to annihilate the Jewish population of occupied Palestine. As President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad made clear, the goal was to destroy the State of Israel as Russia had destroyed the USSR. [6] No, the only enemy of the State of Israel is the one that, for 80 years, has sabotaged any attempt at peace between Jews and Arabs: the United Kingdom. As I have often explained, when the Foreign Office drafted its plan, The Future of Palestine, in 1915, it specified that a Jewish state should be created in Mandatory Palestine, but that it should under no circumstances be capable of ensuring its own security. It was only two years later that David Lloyd Georges government drafted the Balfour Declaration announcing the establishment of the Jewish National Home, and that the Woodrow Wilson administration committed itself to creating an independent state for the Jews of the Ottoman Empire.

The author of this text, Lord Herbert Samuel, became British High Commissioner to Palestine. True to form, he favored Jabotinskys "revisionist Zionists" on the one hand and, on the other, appointed the anti-Semite Mohammed Amin al-Husseini as Grand Mufti of Jerusalem.

He was subsequently appointed Home Secretary in Archibald Sinclairs government.

This policy continues unabated to the present day: the United Kingdom still supports the "revisionist Zionist" Benjamin Netanyahu on the one hand and the Muslim Brotherhood, of which Hamas is the Palestinian branch, on the other.

The Continuation of the Conflict Between the "Revisionist Zionists" and Iran

Immediately after the Second World War, US President Dwight Eisenhower expressed concern that his Israeli counterpart, Chaim Weizmann, was creating a "Greater Israel," that is, not the reconstitution of the Kingdom of Jerusalem (which was already largely included in the State of Israel), but of the ancient Assyrian Empire (i.e., from the Nile to the Euphrates). He asked his Secretary of State, John Foster Dulles, to organize an alliance between Syria and Iran to balance Israeli influence.

It was at Washingtons request that Syrian President Adib Shishakli (SSNP) (1953-1954) signed a military cooperation agreement with Iranian ruler Mohammad Reza Pahlavi on May 24, 1953. [7] It is therefore foolish today to denounce this same alliance (now called the "Axis of Resistance") simply because both regimes have been decolonized.

Yet that is what we are doing. In 1979, President Jimmy Carter ousted the Shah of Iran and his claim to dominate the Middle East by acquiring an atomic bomb supplied by French President Valery Giscard dEstaing and his Prime Minister, Jacques Chirac. [8] To replace him, on the advice of his security advisor, Zbigniew Brzezinski, he moved Imam Ruhollah Khomeini from France to Tehran. Israel initially supported Iran against Iraq, supplying it with weapons as needed. Tel Aviv even organized the Iranian part of the Iran-Contra scandal. Then, it gradually changed its strategy [9] while retaining certain remnants of the Shahs period. Thus, the EAPC-B consortium, half-owned by each of the two states, continues, even today, to operate the Eilat-Ashkelon pipeline, essential to the Israeli economy. In 2018, the Knesset adopted a law punishing any publication about the owners of this company with 15 years of imprisonment [10]. Since the Anglo-Saxon invasion of Iraq in 2003, allegedly because of its role in the September 11, 2001 attacks, London and Washington began spreading rumors about an alleged Iranian nuclear weapon, just as they had done about Iraqi weapons of mass destruction [11]. At the time, London and Washington hoped to force Iran to help them against Iraq.

These intoxications led to the passage of United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1737 (December 23, 2006) and 1747 (March 24, 2007) [12]. The leader of the Israeli opposition, Benjamin Netanyahu, then seized on this propaganda. For twenty-five years, he continued to denounce the "imminent" Iranian construction of an atomic bomb, even as Tehran tabled a proposed resolution at the United Nations creating "a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East" [13].

In any case, in 2013, William Burns (Joe Bidens CIA director at the time) negotiated the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) with Iran in Oman on behalf of President Barack Obama. This was staged at the 5+1 meetings (i.e., the five nuclear powers of the Security Council plus Germany) in Geneva. But it was not signed in Vienna until two years later, with the United States and Iran reserving a long suspension to conclude a secret additional annex.

In a very long interview [14], just before the end of his second term, Barack Obama explained that he refused, as a precaution, to prevent Iran from embarking on the race for an atomic bomb, but that he was ready to intervene if Tehran pursued a military nuclear program. His Security Advisor, Susan Rice, declared: "The Iran deal was never primarily about trying to open a new era of relations between the United States and Iran. It was much more pragmatic and minimalist. The goal was very simply to make a dangerous country considerably less dangerous. No one expected Iran to become a benevolent actor." The United States position [15] has not changed. Certainly, during his first term, President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the JCPoA and the secret annex that Barack Obama had negotiated, but he only verbally refused to allow Iran to enrich uranium, not during negotiations.

During this period, Iran began mobilizing Shiite communities in the Middle East to ensure its security. Then, with General Qassem Soleimani, Tehran returned to the Khomeini doctrine of aid rather than instrumentalization. Iran already had no more "proxies" before Israel destroyed Hamas, Hezbollah, and many others. Each had become independent.

The events that triggered the confrontation

It so happens that, on June 7, Esmail Khatib, Irans Minister of Intelligence, made public an operation by his secret services. They succeeded in stealing confidential documents on Israels nuclear program, just as the Mossad had managed, in April 2018, to steal Iranian documents on its nuclear research [16].

On June 12, the IAEA Board of Governorsunder the chairmanship of Rafael Grossiadopted a resolution [17] in which it noted that the Director General, as stated in document GOV/2025/25, cannot provide assurance that Irans nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful. It therefore considered that Irans numerous failures since 2019 to comply with its obligations to cooperate fully and timely with the Agency regarding undeclared nuclear material and activities at multiple undeclared locations in Iran, as detailed in document GOV/2025/25, constitute a breach of its obligations under its Safeguards Agreement with the Agency within the meaning of Article XII.C of the Agencys Statute;. Accordingly, it referred the matter to the United Nations Security Council.

But while the Iranian documents seized by the Mossad revealed no military nuclear program [18], despite statements by Benjamin Netanyahu, the first Israeli documents seized by the Iranian Intelligence Ministry called into question the neutrality of Rafael Grossi, director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), an Argentinian. They revealed that he had transmitted observations from his organization to Israel, even though Israel is not a member. Among the IAEA governors, Russia, China, and Burkina Faso opposed this resolution.

It turns out that Rafael Grossi has already been criticized for his strange silence during the Russian special operation in Ukraine: he revealed, during a speech at the Davos Forum in 2022, that the Ukrainian regime had stockpiled 30,000 kilos of plutonium and another 40,000 kilos of enriched uranium at the Zaporizhzhia power plant. Then, nothing more, despite Russian objurgations.

The day after the publication of the documents seized by Iran, Tel Aviv attacked Iran. This is exactly the same behavior as during the war against Lebanon in 2006. Israel claimed to be acting after several of its soldiers were captured by Hezbollah. In reality, it intervened to halt investigations by the Lebanese police and justice system into a vast Israeli espionage and terrorism network in Lebanon; investigations that could have led to a new interpretation of the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri, as I showed in my book The Terrible Imposture 2 [19].
 NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte summarized the three priorities of the Atlantic Alliance on the eve of the Hague Summit. He said:

"Our defense budgets must increase," he stressed. "Today, we are safe. But if we still want to be safe in three to five years, we have to make an extra effort. The proposed standard for defense spending was set on the basis of indisputable facts. Together, we have made a comprehensive inventory of our capability gaps and explored how to fill them; Last Thursday, the Defense Ministers approved the new capability objectives; now it is up to the Heads of State and Government to approve the defense spending standard that will enable us to implement these targets."

"In the U.S., throughout Europe and Canada, we have industries that are remarkable, but they are not producing fast enough. They must therefore run faster and equip themselves with new production lines."

"We must ensure that Ukraine is in the most favorable position possible not only today, to resist Russias aggression, perpetrated without any provocation, but also in the future, when a ceasefire or a lasting peace agreement takes shape. The goal is that Mr. Putin never ventures into an enterprise of this nature again."

 Exceptional security measures surrounded the NATO summit in The Hague. However, the summit was kept to a minimum: just three hours of work, during which unelected Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky was not admitted.

 US President Donald Trump has asserted himself as the undisputed leader of the West, basking in his glory for his role in the Israeli-Iranian ceasefire. Mark Rutte affectionately called him "Daddy" [after Trump had compared Iran and Israel with two fighting kids that need to be separated].

 The final declaration, which holds on a single page, reaffirms that member states will support Ukraine in the long term, nothing more. It said:

"Allies agree that this engagement [in response to Russias long-term threat to Euro-Atlantic security and the persistent threat of terrorism] will have two main components. On the one hand, by 2035, they will increase to at least 3.5% the share of GDP devoted each year to the financing of defense needs in the strict sense  i.e. the expenditure covered by the definition of defense expenditure agreed to NATO  and to the achievement of NATO capability objectives. Allies will present a national plan each year setting out a realistic path to achieve this percentage gradually. On the other hand, they will make investments with the aim of protecting their critical infrastructure, defending their networks, ensuring civil preparedness and resilience, unlocking innovation potential and strengthening their defense industrial base; they will be able to declare each year under this component expenditures representing up to 1.5% of GDP. The trajectory and distribution of expenditure set out here will be reviewed in 2029, in light of the changing strategic context and the review of capability objectives [...] Aid that contributes directly to the defense of Ukraine and the development of its defense industry will be included in the calculation of the Allies defense expenditure."
Since the fall of Iraq, under the blows of the British and the United States, London and Washington have popularized the myth of Irans military nuclear program, following on from the myth of Iraqs weapons of mass destruction. This myth has been taken up by Israeli "revisionist Zionists" (not to be confused with "Zionists" per se) and their leader, Benjamin Netanyahu. For twenty years, Westerners have been inundated with this propaganda and have come to believe it, although announcing for such a long period that Tehran will have "the" bomb "next year" makes no sense.

However, even if Russia, China, and the United States all agree that there is currently no Iranian military program, everyone clearly sees that Iran is doing something at its nuclear power plants. But what?

In 2005, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was elected President of the Islamic Republic, replacing Sayyed Mohammad Khatami. He is a scientist whose vision is to liberate colonized peoples. He therefore believes that by mastering the atom, he will enable all peoples to free themselves from Western oil transnationals.

Iran then develops training programs for nuclear scientists in numerous universities. Its not about creating a small elite of a few hundred specialists, but about training battalions of engineers. There are now tens of thousands of them.

Iran intends to discover how to achieve nuclear fusion, whereas Westerners are content with fission. Fission is the splitting of an atom; while fusion is the joining of atoms, which releases immeasurable energy. Fission is used for our power plants, while, for the time being, fusion is only used for thermonuclear bombs. Mahmoud Ahmadinejads project is to use it to generate electricity and share it with developing countries.

This knowledge is revolutionary, in the Khomeinist sense of the term, that is, it allows for an end to the dependence of the Southern states and their economic development. It clashes head-on with the British vision of colonialism, according to which His Majesty had to divide and rule and prevent the development of the colonized. We recall, for example, that London forbade Indians from spinning the cotton they grew themselves so that it could be spun by its factories in Manchester. In response, Mahatma Gandhi set an example for his people and spun his own cotton, defying the British monarchy. Similarly, Mahmoud Ahmadinejads project challenges the power of the West and the Anglo-Saxon oil transnationals. It is perfectly understandable to be concerned about Iranian investment in nuclear power because these technologies are, by definition, dual-use, both civilian and military. It is clear that this is not the usual civilian use, and that the detailed discovery of fusion processes could also be used for military purposes. In any case, Iran is seeking an inexhaustible source of energy.

China and Russia have repeatedly stated that Iran has not had a military nuclear program since 1988. Unlike us, Russia knows what it is talking about: it is involved in Irans research. There are Russians in many Iranian nuclear facilities. It goes without saying that Moscow fears proliferation as much as we do. But, unlike us, not civilian nuclear power. Building on the work of Andrei Sakharov, Rosatom and the Russian Academy of Sciences are continuing research, particularly for the Tokamak project. China, South Korea, the United Kingdom and France have their own research on this subject.

It should also be remembered that Iran is a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). It is for this reason that it is subject to inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Since 1988, the IAEA has never found any evidence suggesting that Iran still has a military nuclear program. However, the Agency has asked numerous questions to clarify certain aspects of its civilian program and has received no answers, which is perfectly understandable given the investment in Iranian-Russian fusion research. In practice, documents released by the Iranian press two days before the Israeli attack attest that the IAEA Director, the Argentinian Rafael Grossi, behaves like a spy in the service of Israel, to which he transmits all information from its inspectors; this is despite the fact that Israel is not a signatory to the NPT and therefore not a member of the IAEA.

Tehran submitted a proposal for the "Establishment of a Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone in the Middle East" to the United Nations Conference of the Parties to the NPT on May 4, 2010 [1]. This proposal was well received by all states in the region, with the exception of Israel. Indeed, Tel Aviv, which benefited from transfers of French technology from senior officials of the Fourth Republic, possesses the atomic bomb [2].

Finally, if Washington does not intervene alongside Tel Aviv and use its penetrating bomb to attempt to destroy the Fordo plant, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) could resort to the "Samson option" [3], that is, the atomic destruction of Iran, even if they were to suffer a nuclear response. [4]

General Mohsen Rezaee, a senior officer in the Revolutionary Guard Corps and a member of Irans National Security Council, said in an interview on June 14 that "Pakistan has assured us that if Israel uses a nuclear bomb against Iran, it will also attack Israel with a nuclear bomb." However, Pakistani Defense Minister Khwaja Asif has not confirmed these statements. Without denying them, he simply stated: "Israel has targeted Iran, Yemen, and Palestine. If Muslim countries do not unite now, everyone will suffer the same fate. We support Iran and will defend it in all international forums to protect its interests."

Ultimately, the Trump administration was convinced, as White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated: "Lets be very clear, Iran has everything it needs to achieve a nuclear weapon. All they need is a decision from the Supreme Leader to that effect, and it would take them about two weeks to complete production of that weapon."

Thus, it has been secretly preparing "Operation Midnight Hammer" since early June at the instigation of General Michael Kurilla, commander of US forces in the Middle East (CentCom). To do this, the general met with his Israeli counterparts on April 25 and gathered the most detailed information on his targets. On June 10, he presented to the House of Representatives his strategic analysis of the opportunities that the upheavals in the Middle East offered the United States. In the process, he revealed that he had presented President Trump with a broad range of options for exploiting them. [5].

On June 16, President Donald Trump hurriedly left the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Canada. On his plane back to Washington, he published an angry post about his allies: "Because he is seeking publicity, President Emmanuel Macron of France falsely stated that I left the G7 summit in Canada to return to Washington to work on a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. This is false." He doesnt know why Im on my way to Washington now, but it certainly has nothing to do with a ceasefire. Much bigger than that. Whether deliberately or not, Emmanuel is always wrong. Stay tuned." [6]

On the night of June 21-22, President Trump, in violation of the UN Charter, launched an attack on Irans main nuclear sites, but not on the Bushehr plant, due to the presence of Russian personnel. However, it appears that Washington had warned Tehran in advance that it was going to strike: a column of trucks was seen by satellite evacuating equipment from the Fordo base.

This surprise attack can be understood in two ways: either President Trump saved Israel from massive destruction by Fatah-1 hypersonic missiles, or, conversely, he saved Iran from an Israeli nuclear bombardment. The fact that the Pentagon did not attack the Fatah-1 launchers, which are less well protected than civilian nuclear power plants, leans toward this second interpretation.

In any case, by destroying Irans nuclear research program, President Trump deprived Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the argument he had been using for twenty years to wage his "war on seven fronts."

We must remember that President Donald Trump, during his first term, ordered the assassination of ISIS Caliph Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi (October 27, 2019), followed by that of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani (January 3, 2020). In his mind, the goal was to strike the main Sunni military leader and the main Shiite military leader in order to bring their two groups into line. Which worked.

It is therefore possible that bad news awaits an Israeli leader in the coming months. The arrest of Benjamin Netanyahu by the Israeli justice system, for example.
Our director of publication and editor-in-chief directed French magazines several years ago, and has won journalism awards abroad. He has regularly contributed to some fifteen major dailies and magazines around the world.

Voltaire, International Newsletter is available by subscription for 500 a year, is published 42 times a year (not in July-August, nor during the Christmas holydays). Its an indispensable tool for any professional in international relations or defense.

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Contents of issue N139

EDITORIAL

 3700 "Daddys" triumph at the NATO summit

AMERICAS

 3701 EU-Canada Partnership on Defense and Security

 3702 Donald Trumps Speech

 3703 Donald Trump Talks About Possible Regime Change in Iran

 3704 U.S. military bases in the Middle East spared by Iran

 3705 First impeachment attempt on US President Trump

 3706 Steve Witkoff Announces Extension of Abraham Accords

 3707 Anna Paulina Luna wants to sanction disobedient allies of the United States

 3708 Decrease in the number of immigrants in the United States

EUROPE

 3709 Statement by the Leaders of Germany, France and the United Kingdom

 3710 Spain "exempted" by NATO from the 5% military expenditure

 3711 Will Mark Rutte be tried?

 3712 Donald Trump is a double nominee for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize

 3713 No committee of inquiry into EU funding of NGOs

 3714 An expert report on the implications for the EU of the ICJ opinion on the occupation of the Palestinian territories

 3715 The European Parliament will debate a motion of censure against Ursula von der Leyen

 3716 European Commission releases 202 million for Palestinians

 3717 EU will not question the association agreement with Israel, but wants dialogue with Tel Aviv to improve the situation for Palestinians

 3718 The EUs priorities at the United Nations

 3719 Nine EU states call on the European Commission to develop proposals to comply with ICJ opinion on Israeli occupation of Palestine

 3720 EU toughens its stance against China

 3721 The program of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU

 3722  128 NGOs question the revision of the EU-Israel Association Agreement

 3723 Technocratic analyses of the EU-Russia balance of power

 3724 Iran Attacks Peoples Mujahidin Websites

 3725 Council of Europe and Ukraine set up a "Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine"

 3726 Dmitry Medvedev on "Operation Midnight Hammer"

ASIA

 3727 The war against Iran is very expensive for Israel

 3728 Speech by Benjamin Netanyahu

 3729 Donald Trump calls for an end to the trials against Benjamin Netanyahu

 3730 More than 30,000 Israeli homes damaged or destroyed by Iran

 3731 EU sanctions Syrian-Russian businessmen

 3732 Masoud Pezeshkian designates the United States as Israels instigators

 3733 Address by Masoud Pezeshkian

 3734 Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra challenged

 3735 Australia, Japan and South Korea decline invitation to NATO summit

 3736 Guo Jiakuns Statement

INTERGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS

 3737 In 1981, the UN ordered Israel never to bomb nuclear facilities protected by the IAEA

 3738 UN Security Council examines the IAEAs denunciation of Irans non-compliance with its obligations

 3739 UN Security Council Considers Operation Rising Lion
Several elements of the "12-Day War" remain unexplained, which doesnt stop each major player (Israel, the United States, and Iran) from claiming to have won it. Above all, the questions raised about fundamental elements make it difficult to establish with certainty whether Washington deliberately violated international law or whether it believed it had to do so to avoid much worse.

The Iranian Nuclear Research Program

We have, in these columns, explained at length the conflict surrounding Iranian nuclear research [1]. It began in 1981 when the Islamic Republic of Iran demanded the enriched uranium to which it was entitled under the Iranian-French nuclear program, proposed by President Valery Giscard dEstaing and Prime Minister Jacques Chirac to Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, as part of the US "Atoms for Peace" program. It was in this context, and in the face of Frances refusal to give the Islamic Republic what it had intended for imperial Iran, that attacks by the Lebanese Revolutionary Armed Factions, linked to Iran, eliminated US and Israeli diplomats in France.

This conflict developed following the Anglo-Saxon invasion of Iraq (2003). Washington and London, which had invented the fabrication of Saddam Husseins weapons of mass destruction, extended it to that of Irans weapons of mass destruction. They succeeded in having the United Nations Security Council adopt Resolutions 1737 (December 23, 2006) and 1747 (March 24, 2007), which were intended to pave the way for war against Iran. However, following the Iraq Study Group, known as the "Baker-Hamilton Commission," these fantasies were abandoned by Washington, and the conflict with France was resolved.

The conflict flared up again when Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad launched a vast research program on nuclear fusion; a project that was inherently dual, meaning it could have both civilian and military applications. [2] Supported by a majority of UN member states, he then rightly refused to allow the Security Council to demand that Iran surrender one of its rights in order to "restore the confidence" of others in it (resolution 1696 of 31 July 2006); a polemic exemplary of the drift that the West has influenced in the United Nations following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Iran, which had already experienced the overthrow of Mohammad Mossadegh, when he attempted to nationalise Iranian oil, could not fail to resist this Western attempt to prevent it from finding an inexhaustible source of energy. The controversy worsened with the adoption, again by the Security Council against the General Assembly, of resolution 1929 of 9 June 2010,

The "revisionist Zionists" (i.e., the disciples of the fascist Vladimir Jabotinsky)not to be confused with the "Zionists" tout court, i.e., the disciples of Theodor Hertzlseized on the issue. Fifteen years later, they succeeded in infiltrating the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), of which Israel is not a member, and influencing its director, the Argentinian Rafael Grossi [3].

On April 2, 2025, Jean-Noel Barrot, French Minister of Foreign Affairs, declared before the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Assembly: "We only have a few months before the expiration of this agreement [the JCPOA, from which the United States withdrew]. If it fails, a military confrontation seems almost inevitable."  [4] He added that the new EU "sanctions" against Iran related to the detention of foreign citizens would be approved in the coming weeks.

On April 28, 2025, the United Nations Security Council held two closed-door meetings on the "Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction." We do not know precisely what was discussed, but the meeting was stormy, as evidenced by the publication the following day of a letter of protest from the Islamic Republic of Iran (S/2025/261 [5]). According to this document, Jean-Noel Barrot, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, who had flown in from Paris specially for the occasion, allegedly claimed that "Iran [is] on the verge of acquiring nuclear weapons."

Jean-Noel Barrot and his Minister Delegate for Europe, Benjamin Haddad, took office in Michel Barniers government and were reappointed in Francois Bayrous. While Jean-Noel Barrots thinking is not well known, that of his Minister Delegate is. Benjamin Haddad is not simply a former senior official in the European Unions foreign service; he was also a long-time employee of the Tikvah Fund of the "revisionist Zionist" Elliott Abrams [6]. It was he who defined Benjamin Netanyahus strategy to convince Europeans to support Israel against the Palestinians [7].

A month later, the IAEA asserted, in its two quarterly reports on Verification and Monitoring in the Islamic Republic of Iran in Light of UN Security Council Resolution 2231 (2015) [8] and on the NPT Safeguards Agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran, that Iran [9] and Tehran were hiding something. However, these documents were not based on objective observations, but on the conclusions of the artificial intelligence software Mosaic. However, this software, designed to detect terrorist plots from an infinite amount of data, did not simply analyze them, but presented alerts as certainties. For the first time, an AI, designed to detect anomalies, was used to describe reality. As a result, the anomalies detected in Iran were interpreted as the preparation of an atomic bomb. On this grotesque and expensive basis, Rafael Grossi alerted the Agencys Board of Governors on June 12.

The Mosaic software is produced by Palantir Technologies, a company whose main clients include the CIA, the Pentagon, the IDF, and the Mossad, as well as the French Directorate General for Internal Security (DGSI). It is owned by the South African-American-New Zealander Peter Thiel, director of the Bilderberg Group.

During a particularly heated meeting on June 12, the IAEA Board of Governors adopted a resolution [10] stating that "the Director General, as stated in document GOV/2025/25, cannot provide assurance that Irans nuclear program is exclusively peaceful." Despite China and Russias protests, the IAEA referred the matter to the United Nations Security Council. The Russian delegation to the UN then urgently distributed an analysis (S/2025/377) denouncing the duplicity of Germany, France, and the United Kingdom and their misleading interpretation of IAEA data [11]. Reading this document, it is clear that these three countries were not fooled by Rafael Grossi, but participated in its staging.

Operation "Rising Lion"

Without waiting, Israel launched Operation "Rising Lion." At this point, it is unclear whether the three European countries conspired to pave the way for this operation. They may simply have been manipulated into supporting it. However, previous episodes, such as that of June 2024 [12], attest that these states and their allies were no longer respecting their obligation to lift their "sanctions" against Iran, particularly as signatories to the Vienna Agreement (JCPoA). Just as in the 1980s, they no longer considered themselves bound by their signature of the nuclear agreement with Iran after the Islamic Republic succeeded the Iranian Empire, so today, they no longer consider themselves bound by their signature of the JCPoA after the United States denounced it. The first hypothesis is therefore the most likely.

Officially, US President Donald Trump was also reportedly convinced that Iran was preparing to build a nuclear bomb within two weeks. At least, thats what he said, shutting up his National Intelligence Director, Tulsi Gabbard, who claimed that Iran had no military nuclear program [13].

In any case, informed by Tulsi Gabbard of the imminence of an Israeli nuclear attack on Iran ("Samson Option") against its nuclear research centers, President Trump proposed supporting a conventional Israeli attack on Iran, rather than allowing it to carry out a nuclear bombing. The Israeli Air Force therefore launched a massive attack against Iranian nuclear research centers, its ballistic missile system, and several of its military leaders and nuclear scientists. All this was based on intelligence from US radars at Camp al-Udeid (Qatar), as Israeli radars do not cover Iran.

According to the presentation that Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar made to the Security Council (S/2025/390 [14]), Israel claims to have sought to "neutralize the existential and imminent threat posed by Irans nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs." It relies on IAEA discussions (based not on observations, but on the artificial intelligence of the Mosaic software) to falsely claim that Iran is not complying with its obligations to the IAEA and has "accelerated its clandestine efforts to develop nuclear weapons." However, even assuming that Israeli leaders believed that Iran would soon acquire an atomic bomb and use it against them, "The Lion Rising" also targeted the ballistic missile system, several of the military leaders and nuclear scientists. The Israeli attack therefore does not aim at the stated objective, but at the destruction of Iranian defense and research resources.

The question of the violation of international commitments by Israel and the United States, that is, international law [15], arises once again. Israels Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Danny Danon, spoke of a "preventive and preemptive" war. Thus, Israel would have acted without being provoked (preventively) and in the interest of the international community (preemption). In this game, anyone could assassinate their neighbor at any time. It has already been noted, even before Operation Iron Swords in Gaza, that Israel behaves without regard for the human lives of civilians, that is, to use the words of the 1899 Hague Conference (foundation of international law), not "like a civilized nation, but like barbarians." The military participation of the United States, with the radars at the al-Udeid base, allows us to make the same judgment about Washingtons behavior.

Israel has not limited itself to bombings from its planes. The IDF has also used drones, present in Iran, to assassinate military leaders and nuclear scientists in their homes. This is the second time this method has been used, the first being the attack on Ukraine by Russian strategic bombers (Operation "Spiders Web") on June 1, 2025. How can we not draw parallels between the two operations, especially since it was noted at the time that this action had been coordinated with a foreign secret service, whether American or Israeli? Besides the fact that we should reconsider the possibility that Israel could have declared war on Russia, we must remember that the "integral nationalist" General Vasyl Maliuk, director of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), is a great admirer of SS officer Otto Skorzeny [16]. However, after World War II, Skorzeny, protected by the CIA and MI6, founded an agency, the "Paladin Group," which worked for Israel, among other things. Of course, Israel did not bomb the Bushehr nuclear power plant, where many Russian engineers work.

Moreover, the day before the Israeli attack, the Iranian press published the first nuclear documents stolen by Iranian intelligence from Israel. One of these is a list of nuclear scientists provided to Tel Aviv by Rafael Grossi. It turns out that this is the exact list of scientists assassinated during Operation "The Rising Lion." This does not mean that the IAEA director himself designated the men to be killed, but it does make him complicit in their deaths.

Operation Midnight Hammer

President Donald Trump launched Operation Midnight Hammer on the night of June 21-22. The goal was to destroy three Iranian nuclear research sites. According to the official version, the GBU-57 bombs could be launched one after the other into the same hole, penetrating 80 meters of granite. Maybe, maybe not. In any case, by assuring that the mission was accomplished, the US president intended to deprive West Jerusalem of any justification for continuing its attack on Iran. Benjamin Netanyahu made no secret of the fact that he was also working to overthrow the "regime," and Donald Trump appeared not to be opposed to it.

While a controversy erupted in Washington with the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), the IDF continued to bomb Iran, destroying fuel stocks and various infrastructure. This was a far cry from the stated objectives, just as in Gaza, starving the civilian population has no connection with the sole stated objective of defeating Hamas.

President Trump then banged his fist on the table, and the Israeli planes still heading towards Iran were forced to halt their mission and return to their bases.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 4. The 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) was held in the city of Khankendi on July 4, Trend reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev welcomed the heads of state and government, as well as the heads of delegations participating in the Summit.

The event participants posed for a family photo.

President Ilham Aliyev addressed the Summit.

Speech by President Ilham Aliyev

- Distinguished Heads of State and Government,

Dear Summit participants,

Welcome to Khankendi - to the ancient Azerbaijani land of Karabakh, for the participation in the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).

I express my gratitude to Kazakhstan for the successful chairmanship of the ECO.

Azerbaijan is hosting the ECO Summit for the third time. The previous two summits of 2006 and 2012 were held in the capital city of Baku.

Organization of todays Summit in Karabakh, in Khankendi, holds particular symbolism. Several significant international events have already been held in our lands liberated from Armenias occupation. I would like to mention the ECO Council of Ministers held in Shusha in 2023, the first informal Summit of the Organization of Turkic States held in 2024, and the Trilateral Summit of the leaders of Azerbaijan, Turkiye and Pakistan held in Lachin this May.

Today, the ECO Summit is taking place in Khankendi, at the newly built Congress Center.

At present, large-scale reconstruction and development efforts are underway throughout the entire liberated Karabakh and East Zangezur regions.

Armenia had held nearly 20 percent of Azerbaijans territory under occupation for almost 30 years, conducting ethnic cleansing and expelling over one million of our fellow Azerbaijanis from their native lands.

The state of Azerbaijan and its people have never come to terms with the occupation. On numerous occasions, we made it clear to Armenia and the states supporting it that if Armenia failed to withdraw voluntarily from our occupied territories, we would resort to military force to restore our territorial integrity. Unfortunately, Armenia and its patrons did not take our warnings seriously - and eventually came to regret it.

In the course of a 44-day Patriotic War of 2020, Azerbaijan had crushed Armenia on the battlefield, and liberated over 300 cities and villages. Armenia had to sign the capitulation act on 10 November 2020.

During the occupation, Armenia razed our cities and villages to the ground, along with our cultural and religious sites. Armenia had demolished 65 of the 67 mosques; the remaining two were severely damaged and used as barns for cows and pigs. This was a clear act of disrespect and insult toward the Islamic faith and Muslims around the world.

Cemeteries, too, were vandalized - destroyed, and tombstones were looted and taken to Armenia.

A commission composed of state agencies, with the involvement of foreign experts and drawing on international experience, estimated that the damage caused to Azerbaijan as a result of the occupation amounted to nearly $150 billion.

Armenia planted more than one million mines on our territory. Since the Patriotic War, nearly 400 of our citizens have been killed or seriously injured by mine explosions.

Today, in the lands devastated by Armenia, new cities and villages are being built. The Great Return program is underway. So far, we have facilitated the return of former internally displaced persons to 16 cities and villages. More than 50,000 people now live, work, and study in the liberated territories.

Ensuring the rights of Azerbaijanis deported from Armenia is also a matter of significant importance. We highly appreciate a resolution affirming the right of return of Azerbaijanis forcibly displaced from Armenia, adopted by the unanimous decision of all 57 members at the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Istanbul, last month.

The Istanbul Declaration, adopted alongside the resolution during the Council of Foreign Ministers session, reaffirms the right of Azerbaijanis displaced from present-day Armenia to return, and condemns Armenia's refusal to engage in dialogue with the Western Azerbaijan Community.

The efforts to ensure the peaceful return of the Western Azerbaijanis to their ancestral lands in Armenia will continue.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Azerbaijan has always been actively involved in the ECOs activity. Our relations with the ECO member states have been developing successfully.

Last year, COP29 conference was held for the first time ever within the ECO region. This conference brought together participants from 197 countries, welcomed 70 heads of state and government, and recorded a total of 77,000 registrations.

Conferences primary achievements included increasing the financial commitment from $100 billion to $300 billion, to support the developing nations, operationalizing Loss and Damage Fund, and reaching consensus on carbon markets.

This year, for the first time, ECO Week is being held at Azerbaijans initiative. The ECO Business Forum in Shusha, the Youth Forum in Aghdam, and the Womens Forum in Lachin have taken place. The representatives who took part in the Forums will report to the Summit on their outcomes today.

Work is underway to ensure the launch of ECOs Research Centre and Clean Energy Centre to be hosted by Azerbaijan.

I am grateful for the declaration of the city of Shusha as the ECO Tourism Capital for 2026.

The issues to be discussed today are of particular importance for deepening economic cooperation. Azerbaijan enjoys a very favorable investment climate. Over the past 20 years, approximately $350 billion has been invested in Azerbaijans economy, with foreign investments accounting for half of that amount.

Today, Azerbaijan ensures the energy security of several countries and exports natural gas to 12 countries through various pipelines. Based on this indicator, we hold top positions worldwide.

East-West and North-South transportation corridors run across Azerbaijan and most ECO member states use these corridors.

Dear friends,

I am confident that our todays discussions will be fruitful and contribute positively to the further development of relations between our countries.

Thank you.

x x x

Then, the Chairman of the 16th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, delivered a speech.

Speech by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev

- Distinguished heads of delegations!

It is a great pleasure to meet with you in the ancient land of Karabakh, in the beautiful city of Khankendi, which embodies a unique historical and cultural heritage. As true brothers, we are delighted to witness this region becoming a place of peace and development. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to His Excellency, Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, for the high-level organization of the Economic Cooperation Organizations Summit on this land and warm hospitality.

Since our historic meeting in Tashkent, significant progress has been made in strengthening the Organizations institutional capacity and establishing cooperation in new areas. I would like to take this opportunity to underline the effective chairmanship of the Republic of Kazakhstan in our Organization.

We are also pleased by the fact that after a long break the delegation of the Interim Government of Afghanistan is taking part in our Summit. Indeed, we consider neighboring Afghanistan as an integral part of our Organizations space, important member of broad economic cooperation and regional transport connectivity processes, and we widely support this.

Dear participants of the meeting!

Our Summit is taking place amid difficult circumstances, when the world community is going through a critical stage. This is particularly evident given that most conflicts and disputes are occurring within the very space of our Organization. The events that have occurred in South Asia and the Middle East in recent months have caused deep concern for all of us. The erosion of international law and global security institutions is further weakening the room for dialogue and cooperation, paving the way for the use of force and violence. In particular, the military actions against the Islamic Republic of Iran, a member of our Organization, created the danger of dragging the entire region into war and triggering a large-scale environmental catastrophe. We therefore support the ceasefire agreement reached between Iran and Israel. We consider this decision as an important step towards reducing the tension in the region and restoring the stability. We believe that this agreement will provide a solid foundation for resolving all issues through diplomatic and constructive negotiations. Given that the non-proliferation and non-use of weapons of mass destruction are becoming one of the most pressing international security issues, we once again call on the global community to expand the geography of the nuclear-weapon-free zones. It must be noted that endurable peace and stability in the Middle East cannot be achieved without a fair and just resolution of the IsraeliPalestinian conflict. We call for the end of military actions in the Gaza Strip, the removal of all obstacles to providing humanitarian assistance to those suffering from hunger and inhumane conditions, and the establishment of an independent State of Palestine in accordance with the UN resolutions.

Distinguished participants of the Summit!

The foundation of any peace and development is based, first and foremost, on economic cooperation. Therefore, our partnership within the Organization is not only natural, but also of great strategic importance. In accordance with the agenda of the meeting, I would like to draw your attention to a number of issues. First of all, we need to clearly define the medium and long-term development priorities of our Organization. To this end, it is necessary to adopt the concept of Strategic Goals of Economic Cooperation  2035. Along with the traditional areas, such as trade, investment, transport, energy, industry, agriculture, ecology, tourism and education, we should also pay a special attention to strengthening cooperation in innovation, artificial intelligence and digital technologies. Simplifying trade in goods and services, gradually eliminating technical and non-tariff barriers, and developing e-commerce are particularly relevant. I would also like to highlight that the current volume of our mutual trade remains low. In 2024, this figure stood at $95 billion, accounting for 10% of our countries total trade turnover. We propose holding a meeting of our trade ministers in Tashkent this year to discuss the strategic issues in this area and conclude Agreement on Trade Facilitation. Besides, it is very important to create a system of Green Corridors for the rapid data sharing on agricultural trade and unrestricted supply of goods. We put forward an initiative to adopt a long-term Eco-Invest Program to take our investment cooperation to a new level, and make the investment climate more transparent and attractive. The main goal of this program is to captivate private investors, banks, and international financial institutions to promising projects in our region. There is another priority area. The recent geopolitical events have once again demonstrated the risks of disruption of the supply chains, highlighting the strategic importance of establishing alternative transport corridors. The launch of the China  Kyrgyzstan  Uzbekistan railway project last year was a significant event. In the future, this railway will be connected with the Trans-Afghan corridor, effectively integrating transit networks across our vast region. We believe that it is time to implement the initiative to create a Digital Transport and Customs Office in order to systematically organize the digitalization of the transport and logistics sector, and we support intensifying negotiations at the expert level.

Our important tasks also include launching new air routes in the region, implementing innovative cooperation between airlines, and developing integrated marketing strategies between the tourism and aviation sectors. We propose organizing the National Airlines Forum in Samarkand to discuss these issues. We have enough potential to double tourist arrivals. Developing a Roadmap for the Expansion of Tourism Services within the Organization will help to achieve this goal.

I would also like to draw your attention to another important issue. It is essential that our countries coordinate and combine their efforts on the global climate agenda. We firmly support the full implementation of commitments and agreements reached at the successfully held COP29 Global Climate Summit in Baku. We propose developing a Transboundary Green Initiative within the Organization aimed at planting forests in desert areas and establishing recreational zones.

Distinguished heads of delegations!

We appreciate the High-Level Committees efforts to enhance the activity of our Organization. I believe you will support the idea of assigning the Committee to develop by the next Summit proposals and recommendations to reform and boost the Organizations functions. These reforms will undoubtedly elevate our collaboration to a new level, strengthen the Organizations international prestige and influence, and improve its work to meet modern requirements.

I am convinced that todays Summit will give a new impetus to achieve our commitments and plans in elevating multifaceted and practical cooperation to a new level.

Thank you for your attention!

x x x

The event continued with other speeches.

Irans President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of establishing a Free Trade Zone among the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) member states and expressed gratitude to Azerbaijan for hosting the 17th ECO Summit.

Your Excellency, Honorable President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, I would like to express my gratitude to you and the esteemed Azerbaijani people for hosting the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization and for your generous hospitality.

Kyrgyzstans President Sadyr Zhaparov underscored the significance of advancing cooperation in renewable energy, digital technologies, and transport-logistics connectivity. He also addressed the impact of climate change on economic diversification and highlighted the importance of holding the ECO Summit in Khankendi.

The holding of our meeting in the historic city of Khankendi, located in Azerbaijans Karabakh region and a symbol of peace, carries special significance. Dear Ilham Heydar oglu, I express my heartfelt gratitude to you and the brotherly Azerbaijani people for your traditional warm hospitality and for the excellent organization of this event.

Pakistans Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif praised the excellent organization of the Summit and specifically commended Azerbaijans efforts to strengthen the ECO.

First, allow me to congratulate my dear brother, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, for successfully chairing the 17th Summit of the ECO. We are also grateful to him for the warm hospitality extended to us in the historic and beautiful city of Khankendi. Ladies and gentlemen, I would also like to note that I highly value the efforts you have made to deepen cooperation among the member states of our organization.

Tajikistans President Emomali Rahmon called for enhanced cooperation in trade, transport, energy, industry, and agriculture. He emphasized that broad and coordinated collaboration could effectively address modern challenges and expressed confidence that the Summit in Azerbaijan would contribute to the comprehensive development of relations.

I would like to first express my gratitude to Esteemed Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, for the organization of todays meeting and the warm reception. At the same time, dear Ilham Heydar oglu, I congratulate you on your election as the chair of our organizations 17th Summit.

Turkiyes President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that Khankendi, the Summits host city, would become a new hub for development and peace in the Caucasus region. He also congratulated Azerbaijan on the designation of Shusha as the ECO Tourism Capital for 2026.

I express my gratitude to my brother, President Ilham Aliyev, all official representatives, and the Azerbaijani people for their warm hospitality in hosting us in this beautiful city. The organization of this Summit in the liberated city of Khankendi lends special significance and meaning to the event. I wholeheartedly believe that, thanks to my brother Ilhams visionary approach, this ancient city will become a new hub of development and peace in the Caucasus.

I hope that todays discussions, as well as the womens, youth, and business forums held since July 1, will bring benefits to our countries and our region.

Dear brothers, I believe it is entirely appropriate that this Summit of our organization, which holds vast potential in fields ranging from trade to transport, environment to energy, is dedicated to addressing climate change. I would also like to inform you that the process of approving documents for the establishment of Clean Energy and Research Centers in Azerbaijan is in its final stages in our country.

On the occasion of Shushas declaration as the Economic Cooperation Organization Tourism Capital for 2026, I extend my congratulations to all our Azerbaijani brothers, through my friend, President Ilham Aliyev.

Kazakhstans Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov stressed the importance of adopting the ECO 2035 Strategy and noted that hosting the Summit in Khankendi reflects Azerbaijans commitment to peace and development.

First and foremost, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, for his warm hospitality and for the excellent organization of this significant Summit in the historic and beautiful city of Khankendi. We consider it important that this Summit is being held in this city. At the same time, I convey the greetings of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to you. We view the hosting of this event here as a shining example of Azerbaijans commitment to peace, development, and regional integration. Undoubtedly, the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization, held under Azerbaijans chairmanship, will provide a new impetus to the further development of regional partnership.

Afghanistans Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Ghani Baradar expressed his gratitude to Azerbaijan for organizing the 17th ECO Summit, adding that Afghanistan is interested in establishing strategic relations with ECO member states.

I sincerely thank the President of Azerbaijan for the hospitality shown to us and the excellent conditions provided. This prestigious Summit took place here. The Summit is a significant historic moment and serves as a guide for us. It is an event that promotes regional cooperation, mutual understanding, and progress.

Turkmenistans Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov emphasized that the Economic Cooperation Organization serves as a vital platform for developing multilateral cooperation and thanked Azerbaijan for the invitation.

First, allow me to express my gratitude to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, for the invitation sent to the leadership of Turkmenistan to participate in todays Summit. Taking this opportunity, I would like to convey the greetings and deep respect of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, to the heads of the ECO member states, the heads of government, and the President of Azerbaijan. On behalf of the Turkmen delegation, I wish to sincerely thank the Azerbaijani side for the excellent organization of the ECO Summit and the warm hospitality.

President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Ersin Tatar expressed satisfaction with the successful reconstruction of Azerbaijans liberated territories and praised the organization of such a prestigious Summit in the historic and ancient Azerbaijani city of Khankendi.

First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to my brother, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, for hosting this important Summit, as well as to the Economic Cooperation Organization, represented by Secretary General Mr. Asad Majeed Khan.

We are especially pleased that this meeting is being held in the historic and ancient city of Khankendi, in the brotherly country of dear Azerbaijan. The revival of these native lands in just five short years under the leadership of the Conqueror of Karabakh, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, and through unparalleled national unity, makes us proud as well. Karabakh is Azerbaijan, and Azerbaijan is Karabakh!

Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, thanked Azerbaijan for its warm hospitality as the Summit host.

"I express my gratitude to the Government and people of the Republic of Azerbaijan for the invitation and sincere hospitality. I would like to thank Mr. Ilham Heydar oglu Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan, for hosting this important Summit at a time when the global community stands at a critical crossroads amid economic uncertainty. In addition, we thank His Excellency for granting accreditation to the Embassy of Nigeria in the Republic of Azerbaijan 20 years ago."

Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), specifically commended Azerbaijans efforts in combating climate change.

I express my sincere gratitude to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan for his leadership in advancing multilateral cooperation - as the initiator of the first Summit of the UN Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia, and for hosting both the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference and this ECO Summit. This meeting, while reflecting ECOs vision for 2025, also takes place within the framework of the new ECO direction for a climate-resilient future aimed at redefining the organizations common path toward sustainability and economic resilience.

Last year, for the first time, the global average temperature rose more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Recent forecasts indicate that the global temperature will remain at or near this level over the next five years. While this does not yet constitute a permanent breach of the Paris Agreement threshold, it clearly signals that the window for decisive action is rapidly closing.

I would like to take this opportunity to invite you all to the 82nd session of our Commission, to be held in Baku in April 2026. The theme of that session will be fostering inclusiveness, leaving no one behind, and developing societies. I thank His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, for his support for this important initiative.

Additionally, Turkiyes Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Ozdemir Goktas, Azerbaijans Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov, and Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan Syeda Anah Batool delivered speeches.

In conclusion, ECO Secretary General Asad Majeed Khan noted that, thanks to the foresight of President Ilham Aliyev, many firsts have been achieved under Azerbaijans leadership. He emphasized that Azerbaijan is not only setting new standards for the ECO but is also strengthening solidarity within the organization.

We express our deepest gratitude to His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev for his high-level oversight of the preparations for this historic Summit held in the beautiful city of Khankendi  a city that today stands as a powerful symbol of courage, resilience, and revival.

Your Excellency, thanks to your leadership and foresight, a number of important firsts have been achieved at this Summit. For the first time, during this ECO Summit, we were able to bring together not only regional leaders and distinguished guests, but also the entire ECO family as part of the inaugural ECO Week. This was held as part of the first ECO Week. Furthermore, for the first time in the history at this Summit, we involved not only governments but also other stakeholders  including women, youth, and the private sector  in the development of ECOs new strategic objectives up to 2035.

It is clear that Azerbaijan has not only set a new standard and introduced new benchmarks for ECO summits, but has also taken a significant step toward fostering the spirit of ECO family unity. We hope that future summits will build upon this valuable experience.

x x x

President Ilham Aliyev concluded the Summit, saying:

- Distinguished heads of state and government,

Distinguished participants of the Summit,

Dear friends,

The 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) has come to an end.

I express my gratitude to each of you for your participation, ideas, and proposals.

The Khankendi Summit has become yet another clear example of our friendship.

I am confident that the ideas and proposals voiced here will be summarized by the Secretariat and taken into account in ECOs future activities, including the preparation of the development document for 20262035.

I would like to thank the ECO Secretary General, Mr. Asad Khan, and the Secretariat for their support in organizing the Summit, as well as the Business Forum, Youth Forum, and Womens Forum.

Finally, I would like to thank the participants and speakers of the forums who contributed to ECO Week.

Thus, the Summit is hereby declared closed. Once again, I express my sincere gratitude to each of you. Thank you.
Photo: Press service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 4. On July 4, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, in Khankendi, Trend reports.

The Pakistani Prime Minister commended the excellent organization of the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), praising Azerbaijans efforts to strengthen the organization.

Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif lauded the development of brotherly relations between the two countries, fondly recalling his visit to the city of Lachin this May and the trilateral meeting held in the Azerbaijan-Turkiye-Pakistan format. The Prime Minister also noted the extensive restoration and reconstruction efforts underway in Karabakh, including in the city of Khankendi, and emphasized the successful development of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan in all areas, including politics, economy, trade, investment, energy, and other sectors.

The President of Azerbaijan expressed his gratitude to the Pakistani Prime Minister for accepting the invitation and participating in the summit.

President Ilham Aliyev also recalled with satisfaction the Prime Ministers visit to Lachin and the discussions held in the trilateral format.

During the conversation, the sides hailed the cooperation between their countries within international organizations and exchanged views on regional issues.
Birthday Corner

A very happy birthday is wished to Kitty Brown, Ballybeg Drive, who celebrated her birthday on Tuesday, July 9. Birthday wishes come to her from all her family and grandchildren, and her many friends.

A very happy birthday is wished to Padraig Mongey, Glencarra, who celebrated his 8th birthday on July 7. Birthday wishes come to him from his mam and dad, Joanne and Eamon, his sisters Roisin and Eireann, his grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and all his friends in school and in St Saviour's GAA where he is a popular player.

Waterford FC

Waterford FC will host their annual mass on Sunday, July 13, in the Sacred Heart Church at 11.30am. All are welcome to attend, past players, supporters and family members.

The Mass will be celebrated by Fr Gerry Chestnutt PP.

Edmund Rice ARA

The Edmund Rice ARA are now on their summer break. Please be advised there is no meeting in July. See you all in September.

St Saviour's Newsletter

We will be having a mass to celebrate the estate's 50th Jubilee, more information to follow.

St Saviour's Parish Shop is open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 12pm.

Baptism takes place at 12pm each Sunday. A week's notice must be given.

Fr Grant PP is available after mass for all your spiritual need and the booking of masses.

Notes

Any information for these notes can be emailed to marian.murphy@hotmail.com before Thursday each week.
Minister of State John Cummins has said he will hold the Minister for Transport to account on Waterford Airport.

The Waterford News & Star asked the Minister for State about Wednesdays long-anticipated meeting about the airport with the Department of Transport.

While information was sparse following the meeting, it is understood that the meeting did not go as well as local parties had hoped.

Minister Cummins said the airport is in the Programme of Government and there is therefore a commitment to deliver on it.

I will be working with and also holding Minister OBrien to account to deliver on those commitments that are in the programme for government, said Minister Cummins.

Commenting on the meeting, Minister Cummins said: There was a frank exchange of views, but the important thing, I think there is a pathway forward. The Secretary General was very clear that the project has to follow the transport infrastructure guidelines, as every transport project has to.

And I suppose we can argue over the process which I have been doing for the last three months with the minister and the department or we can roll up our sleeves and provide the department with the information they require in order to make a positive decision in relation to this project, which is so important for Waterford and the entire south east region, said Minister Cummins.

The guidelines, the Minister explained, are called gateways. Those, he said, consist of strategic assessment, preliminary business case, detailed business case and procurement strategy and final business case.

Minister Cummins said the outcome was not unexpected.

The airport has already been working on information in that respect in anticipation of moving into this next step. So they are ready and awaiting that detailed guidance now," said Minister Cummins.

The meeting

The meeting on Wednesday, July 2, was attended by both Waterfords Ministers of State, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council Sean McKeown and Council Director of Services Michael Quinn, as well as the Secretary General, Head of Aviation, Principal Aviation Officer and the Minister for Transport, Darragh OBrien.

The Waterford News & Star revealed last week that the meeting was arranged with Minister for Transport Darragh OBrien to find a clear pathway forward to deliver the runway extension.

A statement after the meeting from Waterford City and Council said that there was a constructive, frank and robust exchange of views and the meeting allowed for Waterford City and County Council to set out the Local Authoritys position as a key stakeholder in Waterford Airports future.

While support for the project was expressed by Minister OBrien, the Department requested that a Business Case be submitted with updated infrastructure guidelines, as per the Public Spending Code.

It was confirmed that Waterford Council were to meet with the Waterford Airport Board of Directors in the coming days to discuss next steps.

A Department of Transport spokesperson similarly told the Waterford News & Star: The Programme for Government commits to work with all stakeholders to quickly progress the Waterford Airport project to lengthen and widen the runway" and that "next steps for progressing the project are being considered".

Bombshell

However, on Friday morning, Minister of State and Government Chief Whip Mary Butler told WLR FMs Damien Tiernan that the Department of Transport said the document was not a business case at all.

That is despite the document being referred to as such by local officials and senior members of the Government alike.

Further information was sought and received by the Department of Transport in the following July.

So the story is that the department, in their opinion, does not believe it was a business case. And the title of it is The Waterford Airport Capital Expenditure Strategic Assessment Report. So that was what was submitted to the department.

And what they also said, and I quote, 'It was not in the format that was requested. Now Im only quoting what was quoted back to us. So we need to get to a situation where we work with the hand that is dealt to us. We have a spending code that is ironclad.

But from what I understand, the next step is a strategic assessment, and a preliminary business case makes up 90% of the final business case. That is my understanding, and all of the information that has been submitted will make up what they need, but they are still saying that a business case was not submitted as per the guidelines of the spending code, said Minister Butler.

Minister Butler said she would not argue with Damien Tiernan when he suggested it could take a year for the project to go through the gateway process.

And that, as costs have gone up since the 12 million investment was announced in December 2023, the project could cost significantly more.

However, the Minister also said she did not expect funding to be a problem as there was money put aside for regional airport projects.

Reaction

Reacting to the outcome of the meeting, Sinn Fein TD David Cullinane expressed disappointment.

We hoped that the meeting would move things on and the funding would be given, obviously thats not the case, he said.

It seems the delegation was told that a new business case aligned with the public spending code would now be needed. I see this as a delaying tactic.

Deputy Cullinane said he doesnt predict any funding being made available this year.

I cant envisage a situation where a full business case can be turned around that quickly, so we are looking at, in my view, another prolonged delay in getting an announcement of funding, said Deputy Cullinane.
As part of its ongoing expansion plans, IKEA will open the doors to its seventh Plan and Order Point in Ireland, located in Waterford, at 10:00am on July 17.

Situated at Tramore Road Business Park, Tramore Road, at the former Mum N Me mother and baby store premises, the new location will be IKEA's largest store outside of Dublin, introducing an enhanced 'Plan and Order Point' experience.

Spanning 840 sqm, the Waterford Plan and Order Point is slightly smaller than IKEA's Carrickmines store in South Dublin (approximately 1,393 sqm), and it is over eight times larger than all other existing Plan and Order Points in Ireland, which typically range from 70-100 sqm.

15 new co-workers from the Waterford area will be recruited.

While retaining its core focus on kitchen, wardrobe, and living room storage planning, the Waterford Plan and Order Point will also feature a dedicated section with 100 different IKEA products available for immediate purchase.

This unique offering, ranging from popular accessories like KALLAX units and RASKOG trolleys, to essential home items and products for 5 or less, allows customers to walk away with items on the same day.

Additionally, the store will provide a Click & Collect service, allowing customers to order any IKEA item online and pick up locally free of charge. It will also serve as an in-store returns location.

The new location will operate on a cashless basis, accepting card and digital payments only.

This latest opening forms part of IKEAs extensive expansion plans for Ireland, with three more locations ear-marked to open within the next year.

More on this story will be available in next Tuesday's edition of the Waterford News & Star.
A new McDonalds drive-thru restaurant at Waterford Retail Park has been granted planning permission to progress by An Bord Pleanala.

The development consists of a single-storey drive-thru restaurant.

Following the submission of the planning documents in December 2024, a concerned citizen objected to the development.

His appeal said that the project would negatively impact on existing restaurants and takeaways in the general area and that the construction of a McDonald's would "fundamentally alter the nature of the retail warehouse park".

In February, Waterford City and County Council granted permission for the proposed development. This decision was subsequently brought to An Bord Pleanala for further review.

Senior Planning Inspector Matthew Redmond advised this week that permission be upheld.
The trial of Catherine O'Brien continued at Waterford Circuit Court on Thursday, July 3.

O'Brien, of An Grianan, Ballinroad, Dungarvan, Co Waterford, stands accused of three charges of making gain or causing loss by deception contrary to Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.

A jury of seven women and five men heard more evidence about the circumstances leading up to the complainant John Blake transferring upwards of 20,000 to the accused for the purchase, transport and insurance of a French broodmare named Lingreville.

On Wednesday, July 2, investigating officer Detective Garda Joe Wyse and State prosecutor Conor O'Doherty went through extensive messages shared between the accused and the complainant John Blake.

Zero risk

The parties first came into contact through the dating site Plenty o' Fish in late 2017 and began a regular correspondence.

The messages detail how Mr Blake came to invest 20,000 into the breeding rights of a stallion horse named Shakeel based in Ireland.

O'Brien claimed to have bought the stallion in late 2017 from renowned breeder Aga Khan. In January 2018, she sent Mr Blake a picture of the thoroughbred stallion Shakeel.

O'Brien told Blake through Whatsapp that there was 'zero' risk for investing in the breeding rights of the stallion, promising a yearly return of 14,000, tax-free.

She messaged: "I'd really love for ordinary people to do well in the equine industry."

Mr Blake wrote that the premise was 'too good to be true'. In the messages, O'Brien claimed to want to 'help people' experience and thrive in the equine industry: "Success should be shared."

Over several months, O'Brien wrote about the work she put into buying broodmares and trying to attract investors into buying breeding rights.

She claimed at the time to have bought 72 mares, but needed 150.

Soon after he invested 20,000 of his savings into the breeding rights of Shakeel, O'Brien broached the subject of buying a broodmare for the stallion.

She claimed to have found a mare named Lingreville from French blood agent Guy Petit. It was understood to Mr Blake that the mare would be brought to Ireland to be 'covered' by Shakeel.

After some discussion, Mr Blake agreed to pay 20,000 for the horse, and secured a loan from the Credit Union.

By April 2018, he was shown a mare that he believed to be Lingreville at the Kinnegad stud farm in Mullingar, Co Westmeath, alongside O'Brien's associate John Walsh.

Defence barrister Simon Donnagh put it to Mr Blake that the horse he had actually purchased was a mare named Shamalana, not Lingreville. Mr Blake rejected the claim.

Litany of misfortune

Toward the end of 2018, Mr Blake tried to arrange to meet with O'Brien only for meetings to be cancelled last minute due to various misfortunes suffered by O'Brien.

On more than one occasion, from late 2018 until early 2019, a meeting was cancelled by O'Brien because her mother or another relative was in hospital. On another date, she claimed that her car broke down. Soon afterwards, she told Mr Blake that she had been kicked in the chest by a horse and had broken ribs. On another date she claimed that she was headbutted by a horse and suffered a broken nose and fractured jaw and cheekbone.

On Thursday, July 3, the jury heard from professionals from the equine industry about the various rules and arrangements in place when exporting or importing a thoroughbred horse from one country to another. Under the official guidelines, thoroughbreds have to be registered with identity documents that hold all their information relating to DNA, pedigree, markings, etc. The jury heard that a thoroughbred cannot be exported or imported to other countries without the proper documentation. There was no record of Lingreville being exported to Ireland in the years 2018 and 2019.

In June 2019, O'Brien told Mr Blake that the mare had given birth to a foal after a 12 month gestation, and sent him videos of a colt.

By September 2019, however, Mr Blake travelled to Lismore to find John Walsh and his home, where he believed Lingreville to be. At this address, Mr Blake learned that the horse was not there, and eventually learned that the horse was never registered as having left France.

He messaged O'Brien multiple times seeking answers about the horse and the foal.

O'Brien wrote: "I have CCTV and I have your car reg and I have gone to the Guards.

"Should anything happen to me John I have sent these texts to others." Mr Blake responded: "Not my problem nothing to do with me."

This was the last message between the two parties heard in court. O'Brien was charged by the DPP in September 2021.

A document from October 2021 suggested Mr Blake received a sum of 22,000. A document from that time pertained that John Walsh, Catherine O'Brien and John Blake had agreed on a settlement over the mare named Shamalana and the breeding rights of the stallion Shakeel. At the outset of the trial, Mr O'Doherty told the jury that such a settlement was not a defence against deception charges. Mr Blake stated on the witness stand that he couldn't recall signing the document.

The trial continues before Judge Eugene O'Kelly.
A 51-year-old Ferrybank woman has avoided jail at Waterford District Court on the condition that she attend bereavement counselling and treatment for alcoholism.

Teresa Purcell, Belmont Heights, Ferrybank, (51), was before Judge Kevin Staunton at Waterford District Court for a significant number of charges, with the vast majority under the Public Order Act.

Two counts of threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour, from April 26 at Treacy's Hotel and May 1 at The Quay, Waterford city, were concluded at a sitting this week.

Judge Staunton, in passing sentence, said the woman was known to the court.

He said that when she drinks, she gets into trouble, but she cannot stop drinking.

The most important thing is that [the defendant] deals with her alcohol issues, and she needs help doing that.

She is a very difficult customer to deal with and the amount of court and garda time taken up with her is unacceptable, said Judge Staunton.

Judge Staunton imposed two consecutive two-month prison sentences, suspended for 12 months each.

The suspension of her sentence was, he said, on the condition that she follow all recommendations of the probation service and get treatment for her addiction.

If she does not do what the probation people said, she will go to prison for four months, said Judge Staunton.

Her solicitor, Ken Cunningham, asked the judge to make an additional condition that she complete bereavement counselling.

Given the tragedy that has befallen this lady in her teens and the most recent loss of her partner, said Mr Cunningham.

The judge agreed to her counsels suggestion.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 4. Extensive restoration and reconstruction efforts are currently underway across all of Karabakh and East Zangezur, liberated from occupation, said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev during his speech at the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Trend reports.

The head of state recalled that Armenia occupied nearly 20 percent of Azerbaijans territories for almost 30 years, carried out ethnic cleansing, and displaced more than one million Azerbaijanis from their ancestral lands. The President emphasized that the Azerbaijani people and state never reconciled with the occupation.

We repeatedly warned Armenia and its backers that if Armenia did not voluntarily withdraw from the occupied territories, we would restore our territorial integrity by military means. Unfortunately, Armenia and its supporters did not take our warnings seriously, and as a result, they faced the consequences, President Ilham Aliyev said.
Waterfords Comeraghs Wild Festival returns from this July 10 to 13 with a rich line-up of heritage and history events that showcase the regions deep cultural roots and dynamic storytelling traditions.

During the festival, Kilmacthomas will unveil a stunning new chapter in its cultural life with the opening of the 8 Arch Gallery, located in the beautifully restored Old Woollen Mill.

Once a powerhouse of local industry, the mill is now reimagined as a creative hub, launching with an inspiring exhibition of works by some of Irelands most respected living artists.

Meanwhile, in Portlaw, the past comes vividly to life with a series of events marking 200 years since the arrival of the Malcolmson family and the transformation of the village into a thriving centre of cotton production.

Renowned historian Dr. Tom Hunt will deliver a talk on the villages industrial journey, hosted in Portlaw Heritage Centre.

Visitors can then lace up their walking shoes for an immersive heritage walk through the villages historic heart.

Rathgormack invites cinema lovers and locals to gather for a special photographic exhibition commemorating 50 years since the filming in the Comeraghs of Stanley Kubricks masterpiece, Barry Lyndon.

Author and performer Terri Ryan will bring her inimitable blend of humour, folklore, and song to Micilins Bar in Kilrossanty, and for those who prefer a more hands-on connection to heritage, expert craftswoman Margaret Ryan will lead a wet felting workshop in Kilmacthomas.

Participants will learn this ancient textile art and create their own felted piece using soft, locally sourced Comeragh wool.

For a true taste of the Comeraghs, Cooneys Yard will host a lively outdoor BBQ showcasing succulent Comeragh lamb, with fire-grilled flavours, local produce, live music, and fireside stories.

For more information check out comeraghswild.com
Anyone who has rented (or knows a renter) knows the woes of living on someone elses terms: unresponsive landlords, rent hikes and the threat of getting evicted despite doing everything right. Theres also the bitter aftertaste of effectively paying off someone elses mortgage  or simply topping up their bank balance while watching your own dwindle.

Recently, Ive started looking for an exit  or rather an entry. House and unit price growth across most of our capital cities has slowed recently, but they are still steadily climbing, meaning many home owners continue to watch their wealth grow. Thats made it harder for many first home buyers to get a foothold in the housing market, but Im also increasingly getting the sense that Im missing out on boarding the growth train so many people seem to be on.

Credit: Matt Davidson

Between inspecting some properties this week (as a hopeful home buyer rather than a renter for the first time), I started chewing through a copy of the book finding its way onto the bedside tables of our top decision-makers and their staffers.

Two American journalists, Derek Thompson and Ezra Klein, have lit a bit of a fire under the seats of left-leaning governments  and lefties more broadly  with their new book: Abundance.
For most travellers, the Whitsundays are synonymous with the aquatic pursuits their position within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area invite.

But theres a whole other story on land. Beyond the resorts and developed settlements are tracts of ancient rainforest and other stunning coastal landscapes, with dramatic rises and escarpments providing spectacular views and enticing walks to reach them.

Hinchinbrook Channel and Hinchinbrook Island. Credit:

Indigenous owners have deep connection to this land and their storytelling adds a spiritual, cultural and historical dimension to appreciating the natural wonders of the Whitsundays.
What in the World, a free weekly newsletter from our foreign correspondents, is sent every Thursday. Below is an excerpt. Sign up to get the whole newsletter delivered to your inbox.

Cambodia: It is so tranquil in the grounds of the Preah Vihear Temple it is difficult to imagine it any other way.

Only a few tourists are around this afternoon, which Im told is typical. If anyones making chit-chat, its swallowed by the vastness or muted by the trees. The birds are all you can hear. At this height on the Dangrek mountain range, the air is impossibly still.

The Preah Vihear temple complex in northern Cambodia. Credit: National Authority for Preah Vihear

We amble the 800-metre-long stone causeway that links a series of World Heritage-listed sanctuaries, each seemingly grander than the last, until the scene gives way to a sheer cliff face and breathtaking views of lush plains and jutting mountains.
By Nazrin Abdul



Trends Coverage in the Spotlight of Regional Media: Central Asia and the ECO Strategy - an article recently shared in the media - highlights the growing attention given to Trend News Agencys analytical materials on cooperation between Central Asian countries and the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).

Analytical materials prepared by Trend News Agency on cooperation between Central Asian countries and the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) have drawn considerable attention across the regional media landscape.

Ahead of the 17th ECO Summit, set to take place in the city of Khankendi, Trends publications have been widely cited by major media outlets across the region.

Uzbekistan, one of Central Asias key players, features prominently in Trends analysis. As the leading Uzbek news outlet Daryo notes, citing Trend, the countrys economic role within the ECO is growing significantly, making waves and attracting attention.

Uzbekistan is one of the fastest-growing economies in Central Asia, with a population of over 37 million. By the end of 2024, trade with ECO member states is expected to reach $12 billion... Strengthening transport connectivity has become a strategic priority for Uzbekistan, which sits at a key crossroads linking Central and South Asia, the Caucasus, and the Middle East. This geographic advantage boosts the countrys position as a vital transit and logistics hub, the outlet quotes Trend as saying.

Kazakhstani media have also actively engaged with Trends reporting. The countrys leading international news agency, Kazinform, citing Trend, highlights Astanas contributions to ECOs institutional development. According to the materials, Kazakhstans current ECO chairmanship  the second in its history  signals the countrys commitment to playing a leading role in regional integration.

At the center of attention are concrete steps to modernize transport infrastructure and eliminate bottlenecks along the Trans-Caspian route and the NorthSouth corridor. Kazakhstan is pushing ahead with digital customs solutions, port modernization, and the creation of a unified transit space. By 2027, transit along the TITR is expected to more than double  from 4.5 to 10 million tons, Kazinform reports, citing Trend.

The Turkish newspaper Yeni ?afak also refers to Trends analysis, emphasizing the symbolic importance of holding the summit in Khankendi, which it describes as a space for new dialogue and opportunity.

Uzbekistan has already outlined its key priorities  from green energy development to trade digitalization. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan, as the current chair of ECO, is actively shaping the strategic framework for cooperation... Kazakhstan is building a new model for regional engagement, the article notes. The countrys initiatives  including the creation of the ECO Transport Council and efforts to expand cross-border production chains  are seen as key drivers of sustainable growth and regional economic integration, Yeni ?afak writes, citing Trend.

The strong response to Trends materials from respected media outlets across the region reflects the agencys growing influence and the trust placed in its analysis. As regional cooperation gains momentum, Trends reporting continues to serve as an important resource for understanding the political and economic dynamics shaping the ECO space.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 4. Ensuring the rights of Western Azerbaijanis deported from Armenia is of great importance, said President Ilham Aliyev during his speech at the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Trend reports.

The head of state noted: Last month, we highly appreciate the unanimous adoption by all 57 member states of a resolution supporting the right of return of Azerbaijanis forcibly displaced from Armenia at the session of the Council of Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation held in Istanbul.
Following Colombias strong results as a full beneficiary of the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) from 2019 to 2023, the country agreed to pursue a Targeted Country Project (TCP) under the second phase of the Programme (GTFP-II). This new phase focuses on innovative elements and emerging trends in international trade, aiming to ensure the long-term sustainability of measures implemented during the first phase. Furthermore, it will support the implementation of efficient procedures for express shipments and e-commerce as a tool to facilitate the cross-border movement of goods and reduce trade costs.

The official launch of GTFP-II took place on 9 June 2025 in Bogota, Colombia. The ceremony brought together key stakeholders, including the Director of SECO Colombia and senior officials from Colombias National Tax and Customs Directorate (DIAN - Direccion de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales). Representatives from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism, the Ministry of Information and Technology, the National Institute of Drug and Food Surveillance, the Colombian Agricultural Institute, the National Postal Service Operator, and the National Police of Colombia also participated in the event. In addition, several prominent private sector stakeholders were in attendance, including Cladec, ASOCOINTRA, and the Colombian Chamber of Electronic Commerce.

Immediately following the launch, the first activity under GTFP-II was held: a workshop on Expedited Shipments with an Emphasis on E-Commerce Procedures (9 -13 June 2025). The workshop aimed to review existing Customs procedures and practices related to expedited shipments and e-commerce and to support the formulation of a targeted Enhancement Plan for these processes.

The workshop was attended by 22 Customs officials from DIAN Headquarters and the countrys most important ports of entry. The key outputs include strengthened institutional capacity for expedited shipments and e-commerce, identification of key areas of opportunity, and development of a strategic roadmap for optimised procedures in this regard. This initial activity lays the foundation for improved efficiency and effectiveness in cargo inspection and trade facilitation of expedited shipments in Colombia.

The WCO will continue to support Colombia in strengthening the modernisation of its customs procedures for express shipments through optimised and digitalised controls, updated regulations, and enhanced coordination with relevant stakeholders.

For more information on the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), please contact Capacity.Building@wcoomd.org.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 4. I express my gratitude to the dear Azerbaijani people and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev for organizing the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said at the 17th Summit of the ECO held in Khankendi today, Trend reports.

"I express my gratitude to the President of Azerbaijan for the generous hospitality at the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization," he noted.
Eoin Reynolds

The six men caught onboard the MV Matthew with Irelands largest-ever drugs seizure and two others who attempted to take the illicit load onboard a second vessel in the Irish Sea have been jailed for a combined 129 years.

More than 2.2 tonnes of cocaine worth around 157 million was found on the MV Matthew after the ship was stormed by Defence Forces soldiers in September 2023.

The Special Criminal Court heard that a number of the crew had been hired by an international organised crime group in Dubai to crew the Panamanian-registered bulk carrier.

Eight men had admitted their roles in trying to smuggle cocaine as part of a massive drug trafficking operation.

At sentencing on Friday, Dutch national Cumali Ozgen (49) received a sentence of 20 years, while Filipino Harold Estoesta (31) received a sentence of 18 years.

The captain of the vessel, Iranian Soheil Jelveh (51), received 17-and-a-half years in prison.

Ukrainians Vitaliy Vlasoi (32) received a 16-and-a-half-year sentence and Mykhailo Gavryk, also 32, received 14 years imprisonment.

Saeid Hassani (40), who was the third officer, received a 15-year sentence.

Two other men, who were on a boat that had been purchased in Castletownbere to collect drugs from the main vessel, were also sentenced for attempting to possess cocaine for sale or supply.

Ukrainian national Vitaliy Lapa (62), with an address at Rudenka, Repina Str in Berdyansk, received a sentence of 14 and a half years.

Jamie Harbron (31), of South Avenue, Billingham in the UK, received a sentence of 13-and-a-half years in prison.

The court previously heard that while the MV Matthew was sailing under the flag of Panama, it was owned by a Dubai-based company known as 'Symphony Marine'.

It departed from Curacao, off the Venezuelan coast and sailed across the Atlantic before arriving in Irish territorial waters.

The court also heard that an organised crime group in Dubai instructed the crew of the MV Matthew as it attempted to evade law enforcement and deliver the drugs to an Irish vessel.

Despite repeated warnings from the Irish Navy, including warning shots fired from the LE William Butler Yeats, the person overseeing the operation told the crew to keep going and head for a safe port in Sierra Leone.

The original plan was that the MV Matthew would deliver the drugs to a second ship, the Castlemore, but rough seas and technical difficulties caused the Irish vessel to miss the connection and later to run aground.

More to follow...
Ballina-based industry Hollister has lent its support to Mayo Mental Health by recently presenting the charity with a cheque for 5,000.

The presentation comes just weeks after Mayo Mental Health hosted the 'Hello, How Are You' mental health campaign on Pearse Street in Ballina.

The event was held on Friday, May 16th, as part of a nationwide initiative, and included a live broadcast on Midwest Radio's Tommy Marren Show.

Notable guests included Dr Pat Bracken, who discussed the importance of recognising recovery as a social and community-based journey, and Professor Brendan Kelly, who explored how wellbeing is rooted in relationships, purpose and belonging.

Live interviews included Lianne McManamon and Jenna Walsh on the role Mayo Mental Health Association play within the post-primary schools and wider communities of Mayo. Another interviewee was Maureen Nalubego, former IPA representative with the Refugee Council in Uganda, who shared reflections on resilience, displacement, and connection, while Jacqui Lodge, Hello, How Are You? Cafe volunteer in Ballina, spoke about setting up a one-hour weekly Hello Cafe in coffee shops across Ballina, starting with Costa.

Young volunteers including Anna Cunningham, Sienna Keane and Leah Gallagher were also part of the conversation, highlighting how mental health messaging resonates with younger generations across Mayo.

More than 20 volunteers supported the Ballina effort, engaging the public on Pearse Street and distributing over 400 conversation cards. The team facilitated countless meaningful conversations, transforming the simple act of saying Hello into opportunities for connection, empathy, and support.

This campaign continues to prove that connection matters, said Teresa Keane from Mental Health Ireland. We saw conversations happening between strangers, colleagues, students and neighbours  and it reminded us that checking in, asking that one question, can truly change someones day  or life.

Lianne McManamon from Mayo Mental Health Association echoed this sentiment: Hello How Are You is a phrase that rolls off the tongue on the daily for the majority of us and we never truly wait for the answer or acknowledge the weight that such a simple phrase can have. This campaign reminds us all, that small conversations when you take the time to truly listen, can often make the biggest difference."

The campaign is backed by compelling data: 29% of participants last year said they would seek further support after engaging in Hello events  up from 6% in 2022  showing the real-world impact of these grassroots conversations.
A councillor has called for Mayo Co Council to install panels featuring street art to enhance the Market Square area of Ballina.

Cllr Annie-May Reape called for the installation of panelling between the car park and public realm area at Market Square. She said the feature should include street art further highlighting Ballina's identity as Ireland's Salmon Capital.

Executive architect Emmet ODonnell said he welcomed the proposal which may be possible to implement on a trial basis.

Subject to cost and funding being available, it may be possible to trial the impact of screening the carpark from the plaza with moveable hedge-planters in order to gauge its longer term effect on the public realm, said Mr ODonnell.
KHANKENDI, Azerbaijan, July 4. We regard the holding of the summit in Khankendi as a symbol of Azerbaijan's aspiration for peace, sustainable development and regional integration, the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov said during the 17th summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Trend's special correspondent reports.

"Undoubtedly, the 17th summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization under the chairmanship of friendly Azerbaijan will give a new impetus to the development of regional partnership," he said.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Gather in your masses for the Supernaut tribute to Black Sabbath in Garbos Live Music Venue, Mayo Leisure Point, Castlebar on Saturday 19th July.

Supernaut have been gaining fans all over Ireland since their formation in 2010. Featuring the blistering guitar work of Stephen Marsden, Brian Murphy on bass, Michael McGoran on drums, and Brian Newell belting out Ozzy Osbournes lyrics, the band pays homage to the Black Sabbath classics  hear War Pigs, Paranoid, Iron Man, Fairies Wear Boots and many more songs made famous by the greatest heavy metal band of the era.

Tickets are available on Eventbrite , or limited tickets will be available on the door.

Doors open at 9pm.

For further details, contact Mayo Leisure Point on 087 2800536.
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
Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

KHANKENDI, Azerbaijan, July 4. It has been proposed to hold the 18th summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in Kabul, Deputy Prime Minister of Afghanistan Abdul Ghani Baradar said during the 17th summit of the ECO, Trend's special correspondent reports.

He noted that the geographical location of Afghanistan positions it as a vital link between the nations of the region, paving the way for partnerships that can bear fruit for all involved.

Baradar said that Afghanistan is open to joint work and invited regional and friendly countries to actively participate in economic projects in the country.

According to him, novel initiatives are being operationalized in the Central Asian and South Asian regions, particularly within the domains of transit infrastructure and market dynamics, with the objective of enhancing collaborative synergies and establishing equitable opportunities for all stakeholders, inclusive of Afghanistan.



He articulated that these initiatives function as a conduit for enhancing reciprocal trust and pragmatic collaboration, particularly within the domains of energy and transportation.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
AET and learnership programmes are back

The adult education and training (AET) programme empowers employees with literacy, numeracy, lifelong learning, and personal growth skills.

Its back to school for 81 employees who are part of the 2024/5 intake enrolled in learning programmes spearheaded by the Operations and Facilities Department (OFMD). For many, these interventions remain a rare and empowering chance to reshape their future, to one filled with potential, purpose, and pride.

The AET and learnership programmes were first introduced in 2019 to upskill staff who had limited education due to various reasons. Their life journeys have largely been influenced by the countrys socio-economic history. The programmes represent the Universitys commitment to support transformation and lifelong learning among its employees.

In this article staff share what motivated them to try again.

Chwayitha Mondiles journey with the AET Programme is a heartfelt reflection of personal growth and resilience. A Wits staff member since 2012, she enrolled in the AET Programme in March 2025, starting at level 2 and progressed to level 3. She enrolled in the programme motivated by a strong desire to enhance her spelling, pronunciation, communication skills, and vocabulary.

As a mother, she found it challenging to help her children with homework, which inspired her to return to learning. "My son is in Grade 6, and he often brings home the same homework as mine. We end up laughing and helping each other," she shares.

Despite initial fears about her English skills, she quickly found confidence in the programmes supportive and non-judgmental environment. She credits the patient and understanding educators for helping her overcome her insecurities and embrace learning.

To those hesitant about joining, Chwayitha offers reassurance: No one will make you feel bad for getting things wrong. Just come for one day, you will have a good experience.

Olga Teboho Sono, has been part of the Wits community since April 2012, initially employed through an outsourced service provider. In January 2017, she was insourced as a general worker.

In November 2024, Olga embraced a new chapter by enrolling in the programme at Level 2, following encouragement from her manager, and is currently enrolled at Level 3.

Having left school in Grade 11 due to personal responsibilities, she is now determined to complete her education to honour her late parents and set an example for her children.

She values the open and respectful culture at Wits, which allows her to express herself and feel heard. Her message to others is clear: Dont give up. The support is there, and the teachers are kind.

Gugu Mncubes journey with Wits began in 2009 when she started working at a cafeteria at the Braamfontein East Campus. After ten years of working at the cafeteria, she became a Wits employee in 2019, taking on a new position as a general worker in the Services Department (now OFMD). Having left school in Grade 10, Gugu always felt she could do better.

When the AET programme was offered, she seized the opportunity. In 2023, she enrolled in Level 1, completed Level 2 in November 2024, and is now working towards Level 3.

One of Gugus proudest moments? Standing confidently in front of her class to give a presentation, something she never thought she would do. I talked about my community, its challenges with drugs and crime, and what could be done to uplift it. That day I realised I can be confident and comfortable speaking in front of people.

When asked about the support she has received, Gugu beams: The teachers are very patient. They understand that most of us have not been in school for years. They take their time to help us understand, she says.

Kenneth Mwale, a 52-year-old employee at the Knockando dining hall, has been part of the Wits community for eight years. Before joining Wits, he worked in the hospitality industry, however, this ended when the company started retrenching.

Mwale, motivated by a desire for self-improvement, enrolled in the AET programme and started attending on 05 May 2025 after learning about it through his Dining Hall Liaison Office.

With an educational background up to Grade 11, Mwale is determined to pursue further qualifications and continues to stay focused on his dream of one day becoming an executive chef.

He values the AET programme for giving employees a second chance at education. Education doesnt end, he says.

You have to do it for yourself because you never know where life will take you.

This article was originally published in the OFMDs newsletter. Wits staff serving under the OFMD Department, formerly known as the Services Department and the Property Infrastructure and Management Division, that are interested in the programme should contact janice.degouveia@wits.ac.za. The programme is for Wits employees under OFMD.

Related article:

Small steps on the road to true empowerment
Built in 1898 as the Wisconsin State Reformatory, the prison is today a maximum security prison known as the Green Bay Correctional Institution (GBCI).
Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

KHANKENDI, Azerbaijan, July 4. Turkiye is located in the region most affected by the negative effects of climate change, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said at the 17th ECO Summit in Khankendi, Trend reports.

"In this regard, I consider it particularly important for the member states of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) to focus their efforts on combating the climate crisis," he explained.

According to the head of state, it's crucial for the ECO countries to implement their national sustainable development concepts, taking into account the climate change factor.

Erdogan also highlighted the environmental goals declared by Ankara, including efforts to reduce atmospheric polluting emissions to zero by 2053.

"Today, we are making efforts to direct the main sectors of the economy to a 'green transformation' by relying on innovative methods and the active use of renewable energy sources," he emphasized.

He noted that the share of renewable energy sources in Turkiye's total installed energy capacity has reached 59 percent.

"According to this indicator, Turkiye ranks fifth in Europe and 11th in the world," the head of state said, adding that Ankara is ready to share its experience with other ECO countries.

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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. &&
A restructuring plan at University of Cardiff means that courses in Ancient History, Religion and Theology face the axe, with teaching of German, Italian and Portuguese also targeted as unsustainable.

The university announced the cuts on June 18 with its Our Academic Future Business Case. It wrote to students claiming the plans were designed to improve your student experience and make our university financially and academically sustainable.

The main building of Cardiff University

Earlier, in January, the university had mooted plans to cut 400 jobs and close courses in nursing, music, modern languages and ancient history. Cardiffs revised plans will see student numbers reduced in each, with the loss of 220 full time equivalent jobs, or nearly 12 percent of the workforce.

No area of the university will be left unscathed:

Three full time equivalent posts (FTE) have already been lost from the School of Music, with another six planned for elimination in the next academic year, almost 40 percent of the workforce.

The School of Modern Languages has eliminated 7.6 FTE through voluntary redundancies and plans to cut 17 FTE more in future years, over 45 percent in total.

26 FTE roles have been cut in nursing, with more cuts planned in coming years. Another 23 FTE positions have been lost at the School of Medicine, and 13 in Biosciences.

In chemistry, mathematics and computer science 13 FTE were lost, and 14.4 FTE will be cut from engineering in the next three years.

The School of English, Communication and Philosophy cut 14.4 FTE through a combination of voluntary job cuts, expiry of fixed-term contracts, and reducing workers hours.

Almost 24 FTE were cut from Cardiff Business School, with another 24 FTE saved because they were ringfenced to deliver new commitments in Kazakhstan [where the university has a campus].

The Business Case sets targets for each department to increase the student-staff ratio and reduce optional modules available to students, claiming the current level of subject choice means unsustainable levels of optionality.

Cardiffs cuts were announced on June 18, just days after a High Court Injunction targeting protest against the Gaza genocide on university property. The injunction means that students and staff must seek permission for any protest, occupation or other form of assembly, including literature stalls, or risk a two-year prison sentence.

The injunction lasts until July 2026, covering the entire first academic year after the cuts. The university sought the injunction to repress protests over its complicity in the Gaza genocide, but it could also be used against striking workers picketing their workplaces in defence of their jobs, and students protesting cuts to their education.

Opposition stifled

In March, University and College Union (UCU) members at Cardiff voted by 83 percent to strike against the planned cuts, on a 64 percent turnout. But on April 30, just days before the first 24-hour strike, the UCU, Unite and Unison unions put a proposal to their members cancelling industrial action in return for a temporary withdrawal of compulsory redundancies until the end of 2025.

The equivalent of 151 full-time posts had already been cut through voluntary resignations, but the minor revisions were promoted by the UCU as a victory. The Media and Communications Officer of the unions Cardiff branch told the Stalinist Morning Star in May that Cardiff University has blinked.

But the UCUs strike cancellation gave university management a free hand to press ahead with cuts. The UCUs declaration of victory over no compulsory redundancies in 2025 is effectively meaningless, since courses marked for closure need to be taught out. The planned cuts will fall in future years. The total number of job losses was reduced by clawing savings elsewhere in the budget. Cuts to mathematics were only withdrawn as the department received a 500,000 external grant.

The universitys original plan to end nursing courses by 2028 would have breached its contract with NHS Wales to supply trained nurses, incurring a 5 million penalty, according to Nation Cymru. This raises the possibility that the course will be eliminated after the contract expires in 2029.

Labours cuts nationally

Over 5,000 job cuts across UK universities have already been announced this year, with thousands more in the pipeline, according to figures from the University and College Union (UCU). But the UCU is isolating struggles on a campus-by-campus basis, allowing major cuts to proceed, while citing agreements negotiated over no forced redundancies to call off action.

After long-running strikes, Newcastle University announced it was no longer seeking compulsory redundancies, celebrated by the UCU as a big win for all those across the UK challenging job losses in higher education. But as Times Higher Education reported, the threat of compulsory redundancies was lifted after Newcastle met its target of cutting 20 million through voluntary redundancy and redeployment.

The UCUs University of Dundee branch posted a message last week on social media announcing there would be NO REDUNDANCIES at the University of Dundee. This is entirely untrue, with Dundees Principal confirming there is still a voluntary severance scheme which will cut 300 jobs. This is less than the 700 originally planned, after Dundee received a 40 million bailout from the Scottish Government.

The UCU has stated that universities should work with us or face sustained disruption. The union is happy to help universities make whatever cuts they like without disruption provided they offer the fig leaf of consultation and a voluntary scheme.

Higher education workers are facing a jobs massacre.

Lancaster University is seeking to cut 400 jobs, the equivalent of almost one-fifth of academic staff. Cardiff Metropolitan University is planning between 30 and 50 compulsory redundancies.

Bangor University is seeking 78 more job cuts and says it has made good progress on cutting the 200 jobs it announced at the start of the year.

Birmingham City University has put 342 workers in professional services at risk of redundancy, telling them to apply for one of 320 newly advertised positions, according to the THE. It is effectively a mass fire-and-rehire.

The University of Bristol is planning massive cuts to its Centre for Academic Language and Development, which runs pre-sessional courses preparing international students for graduate courses.

Fully funded public education, not marketisation and cuts!

Cardiff Universitys cuts have exposed a management committed to running the university like a profitable business. At a Senedd committee on June 12, chair of the universitys Council, Patrick Younge, emphasised that universities do not have a viable business model and were losing money through research and inadequate tuition fees for home students.

He held up the appalling state of student accommodation and crumbling facilities as an argument against spending money on staff, insisting that the universitys 140 million in reserves is to invest in the future of the university and that the rest of the university, i.e. workers, need to learn to live much more within our means, because we havent been.

Staff were rightly enraged by Younges claim that faculty consultation had somehow endorsed the Universitys ideas which I think everybody bought into that Cardiff University needs to be a slightly smaller, more focused university with better experiences for staff and students. He added, I think everybody buys the vision, but nobody wants their bit to be the bit that gets smaller.

In fact staff across the university voted overwhelming to strike, and not a single member of the universitys Senate voted in favour of the proposals.

The universities funding crisis has been produced by decades of underfunding by Tory and Labour governments alike, under the banner of marketisation. Labours anti-immigrant measures are also severely impacting universities. The National Centre for Universities and Business reported last month that recent changes to international student dependent visas have already led to an 85% reduction in issued visas and a significant decrease in international fee income, estimated at 1.1bn over two years.

Against the UCUs efforts to negotiate with university managements over where the cuts should fall, staff and students must take matters into their own hands and organise united action to demand the abolition of tuition fees and a fully funded public education system. Rank-and-file committees of students and staff must be created to launch a fightback, breaking the grip of the financial oligarchy and ending the subordination of education to the capitalist market, in the fight for socialism.
KHANKENDI, Azerbaijan, July 4. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has congratulated Azerbaijan on the election of Shusha as the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) tourism capital in 2026, Trend reports.

Speaking at the 17th ECO Summit in Khankendi, the Turkish head of state stressed the importance of cooperation in the field of tourism, recalling that the current tourism capital of the organization is Turkiye's Erzurum.

"Cooperation in the field of tourism places special obligations on the ECO countries," said Erdogan.

He articulated his assurance that the resolutions enacted in Erzurum will serve as a strategic framework for subsequent collaborative initiatives in this domain.

"I congratulate the entire Azerbaijani people, represented by President Ilham Aliyev, on the election of Shusha as the ECO tourism capital in 2026," he stressed.

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Seven workers are missing after a fire triggered a series of massive explosions at a fireworks warehouse Tuesday evening in the northern California town of Esparto, in a largely rural area about 30 miles northwest of Sacramento. For days, firefighters and emergency workers have had to delay efforts to search for the missing because of ongoing fires and unexploded fireworks.

On Friday, after initial search efforts began, the Yolo County coroner confirmed the presence of human remains at the site. County officials said no positive identifications have been made and recovery efforts were expected to continue through the weekend.

The initial fire injured two workers who were treated and released from the hospital. The blaze ignited a huge supply of fireworks being prepared for Fourth of July celebrations across northern California, leading to multiple explosions, which destroyed warehouse buildings, at least two homes and several vehicles. Authorities say spreading fires burned at least 80 acres surrounding the facility.

In a Wednesday afternoon press conference, Esparto Fire Protection District Chief Curtis Lawrence said the warehouse had been reduced to a large debris field with large pieces of shrapnel. The chief added, This is a very complex and risky scenario right now I have not experienced something like this.

While authorities did not release the identities of the missing workers, Syanna Ruiz, 18, identified one of them as her 18-year-old boyfriend Jesus Maneces Ramos. She told KCRA Sacramento News that it was his first day working at the facility.

Ramos and his two brothers, Johnny Ramos and Junior Melendez, were stuck in the warehouse, possibly dead, she said, as she demanded officials focus on their rescue during Wednesdays press conference.

We have a baby on the way, she said, telling another local station, KXTV, that Jesus was excited about the new chapter in their lives.

'They were all three incredible men who had so much coming for them,' Ruiz said. And Im just praying to God someway, somehow, that theyre OK.'

The people who evacuated, they are OK, Ruiz said. The people in there are possibly dead, have no life and their families have yet to get any information... Maybe theyre stranded without [being] able to communicate.

A father of three sons from the San Francisco Bay Area who work at the facility told KCRA he was also waiting for answers. Two of the three young men started their first day on the job on Tuesday, he told reporters.

We all saw that on the newshow were they not at least saying, Hey, the chances are very slim? Darlene Sanchez, a friend of one of the missing individuals, told KCRA reporters.

Sanchez's best friend's husband, Carlos Javier Rodriguez, 41, is among those presumed lost, Sanchez said. Hes a devoted father, a hardworking man, a husband, dad, uncle, and best friend.

She told KCRA that the family has come to terms with the grim reality and would be meeting with the coroners office Thursday. Theres nothing left, and its been more than 24 hours. He would have found a way to let us know if he were alive,' Sanchez said. She added, Theres six other families grieving and wanting answers.

Officials have told families that unexploded fireworks made the area hazardous and it would take more time for the fire to cool and explosive experts to enter the site carefully and secure the area. Crews are reportedly using drones to assess remaining hazards. A one-mile evacuation zone remained in effect Wednesday.

The city of Marysville, Yuba City, Sutter County and Yuba County issued a joint statement saying the warehouse was operated by Devastating Pyrotechnics.

On Wednesday evening, the companys web page posted the following statement.

Our hearts and thoughts are with those we lost, their families, and everyone impacted in our community. We are grateful for the swift response of law enforcement and emergency personnel. Our focus will remain on those directly impacted by this tragedy, and we will cooperate fully with the proper authorities in their investigation.

The state firefighting agency Cal Fire said the company was an active pyrotechnic license holder, but investigators would work to determine whether all of its operations were in line with license requirements. This type of incident is very rare, Cal Fire said in its statement.

In fact, such tragedies have repeatedly occurred in the US and internationally in recent years.

In December 2022, four employees were killed and one other hospitalized for months with near-fatal injuries after an explosion at an Orlando, Florida fireworks warehouse. The workers employed by Magic in the Sky Florida LLC, ranging in age from 22 to 27 years old, were trapped when ignition sparked a fire and explosions in the storage facility.

Following its investigation, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found the company failed to protect its employees by following established safety protocols and issued citations for 10 serious violation. This included failure to ensure proper storage of explosive materials, failure to comply with OSHA standard for preventing or minimizing the unplanned ignition of explosive materials, and failing to ensure electrical equipment in the work area was designed and classified for use in hazardous locations and could not serve as an ignition source.

OSHA initially fined the company $109,375. After Magic in the Sky Florida LLC contested the fines, the number of citations was lowered from ten to seven and the penalty reduced to $79,000 for the four workers lives.

Similar disasters have occurred internationally. Last month, an explosion at a fireworks factory in central China killed nine workers and injured 26 others. The June 16 explosion at the Shanzhou Fireworks factory occurred in a mountainous part of Linli county, and the risk of further explosions and lack of water complicated firefighting and the search for victims. Firefighters used remote-controlled water cannon and brought in 28 water tankers to put out the blaze.

In March 2023, seven workers were killed and 15 injured in a powerful blast at an illegal fireworks workshop near Mexico City. Explosions at such facilities are common, costing the lives of dozens of workers in recent years, according to the AP. In 2018, 24 people were killed in an explosion of fireworks in the town of Tultepec, just north of Mexico City, in the worst such blast in recent memory.

Other fireworks disasters have occurred in Thailand (23 killed in 2024 and 12 killed in 2023), India (20 killed in 2021) and the Netherlands (23 killed in 2000).

The deadly toll will only increase as the Trump administration guts whatever remains of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Chemical Safety Board (CSB) and other federal agencies.

The administration is removing all restrictions on the capitalist exploitation of the working class. This will guarantee an increase in the number of families mourning loved ones murdered and maimed in Americas industrial slaughterhouse.

In the face of this, the Democrats and trade union bureaucracies are functioning as Trumps enforcers, with unions like the Teamsters, the United Auto Workers, the International Longshore Association and others aligning themselves with the fascist president.

This makes even more urgent the independent investigation initiated by the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) into the death of Stellantis worker Ronald Adams Sr. The 63-year-old skilled trades worker was crushed to death on April 7 when an overhead crane that moves engines suddenly engaged and pinned him to a conveyor.

In the nearly three months since the fatal accident, Adams family and co-workers have not been given any substantial explanation by the company, the United Auto Workers or the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) about why the father and grandfather was killed. On Thursday, MIOSHA officials told the World Socialist Web Site that the investigation remains open.

The IWA-RFCs investigation, led by rank-and-file workers, is seeking to uncover the truth, hold those responsible for Adams preventable death to account, and give workers the information needed to expand rank-and-file control over safety in every factory and workplace.
A Leopard 2 tank is seen during a visit of German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius at the Bundeswehr tank battalion 203 at the Field Marshal Rommel Barracks in Augustdorf, Germany, Feb. 1, 2023. [AP Photo/Martin Meissner]

While the US government is scaling back its military aid to Ukraine, and even halting previously promised arms shipments, the German government is intensifying its military cooperation with Kiev.

This was the central aim of Foreign Minister Johann Wadephuls (Christian Democrat, CDU) inaugural visit to Kiev this past Monday. Wadephul was accompanied by high-ranking representatives of German arms companies, who reportedly even participated at times in a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, left, and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stand at the entrance of St. Michael Monastery in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 30, 2025. [AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky]

The names of the participating corporate executives are being carefully withheld, and details of the arms deals remain undisclosed. Given growing public opposition to militarization, the weapons cooperation is evidently intended to proceed as quietly as possible, behind the backs of the public. It is already well known, however, that the arms manufacturer Rheinmetall operates a tank factory in western Ukraine. Its CEO, Armin Papperger, has made repeated public appearances in Kiev.

Which other arms and industrial companies were represented, and by whom? Could it be that Sigmar Gabriel was also part of the delegationthe former Social Democratic Party (SPD) minister who now sits on the supervisory board of Rheinmetall and serves as chairman of the Atlantik-Brucke (Atlantic Bridge)?

VW recently announced plans to enter the arms business and has initiated a collaboration with Rheinmetall to convert its Osnabruck plant for military vehicle production. Furthermore, the Bombardier plant in Gorlitztraditionally involved in railway carriage construction and taken over by Alstom in 2021has been sold to arms manufacturer KNDS. The IG Metall union has actively supported all these deals.

Rheinmetall intends to further expand its activities in Ukraine. Until now, the company has maintained and repaired German infantry fighting vehiclessuch as the Marderat the joint venture it operates with the Ukrainian defence industry in western Ukraine. In the future, it will also begin assembling and producing new tanks there, especially the Lynx infantry fighting vehicle.

The fact is, with the partial withdrawal of the United States, Germany has become Ukraines most important trading and military partner. At the same time, the war-ravaged country is increasingly being swallowed up by Germany. Its rich natural resources, strategic location, and above all, its cheap labour, are once again to benefit German capital. According to auditing firm KPMG, monthly personnel costs per worker in Ukraine amount to only 367 grosscompared to an average of 4,400 in Germany.

Wadephuls delegation reportedly initiated up to 20 projects, partnerships and joint ventures. The minister is also said to have guaranteed the installation of a total of 16 IRIS-T air defence systems, six of which have been set up since April.

The German governmentcomprised of the CDU/CSU and SPD under Chancellor Friedrich Merzis pushing not only to supply German weapons systems to Ukraine, but increasingly to utilize low-cost Ukrainian production directly. This is the purpose of the deceitful propaganda portraying Ukraine as a bastion of freedom bravely resisting the authoritarian Russian aggressor. In Kiev, Wadephul declared: The freedom and future of Ukraine is the most important task of our foreign and security policy.

That the Zelensky regime has nothing to do with freedom is demonstrated by the fact that Ukraines security service, the SBU, has held 26-year-old socialist Bogdan Syrotiuk in prison for over 14 months, along with numerous other political prisoners. Accused of high treason, Syrotiuks only crime was to oppose the war and advocate unity between Ukrainian and Russian workers.

The German government and EU claim they stand firmly by Kievs side, according to the Foreign Ministry website. Following the NATO summit in The Hague, the German government affirmed: We will continue to support Ukraine in all areasespecially militarily. Germanys support is effectivewhether it is self-propelled howitzers, the IRIS-T air defence system, or water purification systems.

In Kiev, Wadephul stressed: Our arms cooperation is a real trump card. It is a logical continuation of our material deliveries, and both sides can even profit from it.

His trip was not announced in advance for security reasons. At Kievs train station, he was received by Germanys ambassador to Ukraine, Martin Jager, who previously served as ambassador to Iraq and is now expected to become the next head of Germanys foreign intelligence service, the BND.

Wadephul and his economic delegation also visited the port of Odessa, where they were given a tour of the port facility and briefed on the local situation by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. Germany has backed the largest cargo terminal in Odessa with federal guaranteesmeaning that German taxpayers will cover any war-related damages. After arms technology, the port of Odessa represents Germanys second-largest investment in Ukraine. Support for air defence in the area is to be strengthened to keep the port operational despite the war.

On Tuesday, Wadephul continued on to Moldova. Regarding this small country, surrounded on three sides by Ukraine, Germany has clear intentions of integrating Moldova into the EU and NATO, thereby tightening the ring around Russias western border.

The NATO military buildup along Russias western flank is advancing rapidly. It is drawing Europe ever closer to a war with Russiaone that could plunge the entire continent into nuclear catastrophe.

In Lithuania, the German army has already stationed a permanent combat brigadea direct and dangerous provocation against Russia. A fully equipped force of 5,000 soldiers, complete with tanks and heavy weaponry, now stands just a few hundred kilometres from the Russian border. This is happening in a country where Hitlers war of extermination led to the murder of approximately 95 percent of the Jewish population.

Other NATO members are also positioning their troops against Russia. Norway, for example, is in the process of relocating its F-35 fighter jets to Poland. This is said to be necessary to secure the transport of materiel to Ukraine, and according to an official statement, Norway will within days contribute soldiers, aircraft, and air defences.

Germanys arms cooperation with Ukraine is a key driver in imperialist preparations for war against Russia. In February 2024, General Inspector Carsten Breuerthe highest-ranking officer in the German militarydeclared that he expected a war with Russia within 5 to 8 years. He added: And because I am a soldier, I say: in five years, we must be ready for war.

Since then, Social Democratic Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has made it his primary task to echo this marching order from the military high command. At every opportunity, he stresses that the goal of the German government is to make Germany ready for war again.
US Ambassador Julie Chung (centre), with ITAK parliamentarians (from left): Kaveendiran Kodeeswaran, Elayathamby Srinath, Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, Thurairasa Ravikaran, Sivagnanam Shritharan, P. Sathiyalingam, Gnanamuththu Srineshan, K. S. Kugathasan [Photo: X/Julie Chung]

The criminal war waged by the US and Israels Netanyahu government against Iran has once again exposed the pro-imperialist character of Tamil bourgeois nationalist parties in Sri Lanka.

Israel launched the war against Iran on June 12, attacking its nuclear facilities, military installations and economic targets across the country, assassinating top military and civilian officials. The Trump administration fully backed Israel's aggression and, on June 22, joined the war directly by bombing major Iranian nuclear sites.

More than 600 people, including children, have been killed, over 4,000 seriously injured, and much civilian infrastructure has been left in shambles. A fragile ceasefire proposed by Trump is now in operation and will hold only until Washingtons next move.

Amid its aggression against Iran, the Israeli Zionist regime has continuously intensified its ethnic cleansing onslaught in Gaza, killing hundreds, including those seeking food, and aid workers trying to serve them.

US imperialism is determined to re-establish direct neo-colonial dominance over Iran, which it lost 45 years ago following the toppling of CIA-backed Reza Shah Pahlavi in the 1979 revolution. It is part of a broader strategy to maintain control over the oil-rich Middle East and to prepare for war against Russia and China.

Hundreds of thousands of workers, young people, and the oppressed internationally have taken to the streets to express their outrage over the war on Iran and the genocide in Gaza.

During the past two weeks, however, none of the political parties of the Tamil bourgeoisie in Sri Lanka has criticized, let alone condemned this illegal imperialist war of aggression. Largely they have simply said nothing.

This includes the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK), Tamil National Peoples Front (TNPF), Peoples Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE), and Eelam Peoples Revolutionary Liberation Front (EPRLF), among others.

This is no surprise. All of these parties have cultivated close relations with the imperialist powers, including the US, particularly since the end of the 26-year communal war waged by successive Colombo governments against the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) that ended in May 2009.

Tamil groups cravenly support the global geo-strategic interests of Washington and other powersparticularly against Chinaand appeal to them to pressure the Colombo regime to concede privileges for Tamil elite, as part of a power-sharing arrangement for the North and East of the island.

ITAK MP Kaveendiran Kodeeswaran made one of the few remarks on June 19 in parliament, declaring: Both countries supported the Sri Lankan government in the final stages of the civil war. Now Iran itself is experiencing the same situation.

Kaveendiran Kodeeswaran [Photo: Facebook/Kaveendiran Kodeeswaran]

By declaring a plague on both houses, Kodeeswaran consciously covers up the fact that US imperialism and its proxy Israel waged an unprovoked war of aggression against a historically oppressed nation. Indirectly, he implies that Iran is responsible for the situation, equating the opportunist decisions of the Iranian regime with the Iranian masses who bear the brunt of the war.

Kodeeswaran follows this utterly unprincipled stance, by focusing on the narrow, parochial interests of the Sri Lankan bourgeoisie. He called for the Colombo government to join other countries to support stopping the war. Why? Not because of the criminal imperialist character of the conflict, but because Sri Lankas economy is in a fragile situation and must be protected.

An article published on June 22 in the Tamil Guardian entitled Israel, Iran, and Sri Lanka is devoted entirely to the potential economic impact of the war on Iran, proposing that the Tamil bourgeoisie exploit the situation to enhance its interests in Sri Lanka. The UK-based website is the voice of the well-off layers of the Tamil diaspora.

The article declared: For Colombo, the fallout could have far-reaching economic and political consequences. It then added: As global instability forces Colombo to look outward for economic lifelines, international partners must seize this moment to press for long-overdue reforms.

By international partners, the Tamil elite mean the imperialist powers, including the US, that are waging wars in the Middle East, against Russia in Ukraine and are preparing for war in the Indo-Pacific against China. And moreover, these powers, along with India, fully backed Colombos communal war that slaughtered tens of thousands of civilians in the final months.

Even as it warns that the war against Iran could turn into a global conflict, the Tamil Guardian is solely concerned about the interests of the Tamil bourgeoisie in Sri Lanka, above all meaningful autonomy for the Tamil homelandthat is, greater scope for it to exploit the Tamil working class and oppressed masses.

Tamil oppressed workers and the poor in Sri Lanka have faced discrimination and violence by Colombo regimes for decades, which continues under the current Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna/National Peoples Power government. Just as the Tamil elites contemptuously treat the oppressed masses in Iran and Palestinians in Gaza, so they regard the Tamil masses with the same contempt.

The Tamil elites propagate the same insidious and reactionary argument on the US/Israeli bombardment of Iran as they have over the Israeli genocide: no one opposed the 26-year communal war against the LTTE so Tamils should do and say nothing about the plight of the masses in the Middle East.

This is another lie. Even if we take only those final months of war, when Tamil civilians faced massacre after massacre, hundreds of thousands of people demonstrated in major cities of imperialist countries against communal war in Sri Lanka. It was the leaders of Tamil parties, including the LTTE, who kept making futile appeals for peace to the same powers that were providing political and military support for the Colombo governments bloody assault.

The Tamil masses are continuously campaigning to find out the truth about what happened to their loved ones who surrendered to the military, about those disappeared, and justice for war crimes.

The position of the Tamil capitalist parties is little different from that of the JVP/NPP government and the rest of the Colombo political establishment.

On June 23, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a carefully crafted three-sentence statement, avoiding any mention of the US and Israel, and making no criticism of their illegal and unprovoked war against Iran. Its expressions of grave concern and appeals for de-escalation and dialogue were driven above all by concern not to alienate US imperialism and of the economic impact of the conflict.

Workers, youth, and students must reject both Tamil and Sinhala capitalist parties' cynical, bankrupt and pro-imperialist positions and should take a bold stand against the imperialist criminal war drive.

The working class in Sri LankaTamil, Sinhala and Muslimstand in the same trench as their class brothers in Iran, Gaza, throughout the Middle East, including Israel, and internationally, including in the US. What is unfolding in Europe, in the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific is a global conflict between nuclear-armed powers that threatens humanity with catastrophe.

The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) and its sister parties of International Committee of the Fourth International base themselves on the internationalist and Marxist principle of defending oppressed nations from the onslaught of imperialism through the unified struggle of the working class and oppressed.

The catastrophe of world war can only be prevented by building an international anti-war movement of the working class based on a socialist program.

In Sri Lanka, the SEP fights to unite Tamil, Sinhala and Muslim workers to oppose all forms of discrimination and communalism, demand with the withdrawal of all troops from the North and East and defend democratic rights. As part of this struggle, we call on workers and the poor to rally for the fight for a Sri LankaEelam Socialist Republic.

The SEP and the IYSSE have organised public meetings on the theme: Oppose US-Israel war on Iran!

We urge you to attend these meetings, which will discuss the US war drive and US-Israel aggression against Iran and how to fight it.

Sunday July 6 at 7 p.m.Virtual Meeting

Please register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/vgd37er4T7WeEj_VFXQBvw

Tuesday July 8 at 3 p.m.Veerasingham Hall (2nd floor), Jaffna
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.

Asia

India: Outsourced NHM workers in Uttarakhand strike over non-payment of wages

Over 370 outsourced National Health Mission (NHM) workers from Tehri, Almora and Nainital districts stopped work on Tuesday to demand payment of wages for the past three months. Strikers included nurses, ANMs (Auxiliary Nurse Midwives) and data entry operators, who also complained that their Employment Provident Fund deductions have not been paid to the government for the past six months.

How can we respond to disaster situations, when our morale is so low due to lack of wages? a worker told media. Their union warned of a wider strike if wages are not paid soon. There are around 1,400 NHM workers in Uttarakhand state.

Punjab: Mohali Municipal Corporation sanitation workers walk out

Sanitation workers from the Mohali Municipal Corporation began strike action on June 30 to protest the arbitrary actions by sanitation inspectors over attendance issues. Workers accused the inspectors of seeking early promotions while sanitation workers are not promoted even after working 10 to 15 years. The strike became a stand-off between workers and sanitation inspectors, but the corporation and state government MLA sided with the sanitation inspectors and demanded the strike end soon.

West Bengal LPG bottling plant workers in Parganas strike for pay rise

Workers at the LPG bottling plant of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) in Parganas district protested inside the plant on Tuesday to demand a pay rise. Workers halted production for some time and removed gas from cylinders as part of their protest. The bottling facility fills between 45,000 and 50,000 cylinders a day.

Police attack protesting Pakistan government employees outside the Karachi Press Club

Police violently assaulted members of the Sindh Employees Grand Alliance who were protesting outside the Karachi Press Club on Monday following the breakdown of negotiations over salary increases. Police fired tear gas and water cannon and detained 87 workers who attempted to march towards the chief ministers house.

The workers demands include payment of pensioners dues, increase in salaries and pensions by 70 percent, a 50 percent increase in Disparity Reduction Allowance (DRA) and House Rent Allowance, as well as promotions. Workers have vowed to maintain their protest outside the club.

Bangladeshi garment workers protest killing of a co-worker

On Tuesday, hundreds of apparel workers from Greenland Garments in Gazipurs Konabari area protested demanding justice for the culprits of the brutal killing of Hridoy, 19, a fellow worker. The strike was organised by the Bangladesh Garments and Sweater Workers Trade Union Centre. Their protest blocked the highway for several hours, while police were deployed to prevent the protest spreading. The factory was indefinitely closed.

Hridoy, a mechanic at the factory, was killed on June 28 after allegedly being accused of theft. Workers began their protest after a video of him being beaten was posted on social media and went viral. Workers claimed Hridoy was tortured to death by security guards.

The Konabari Police Station have arrested a security guard and an employee of the factory. The officer-in-charge told the media that factory authorities initially tried to cover it up and arranged to send Hridoys body to Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital. Hospital authorities, however, recorded the young man as dead on arrival at the facility.

Australia

Qantas engineers begin industrial action for pay rise

About 580 Qantas line engineers, responsible for towing and marshalling aircraft and performing turnaround checks on aircraft to ensure they are safe to take off again, put in place rolling work bans at all major airports across Australia on June 25. The action is part of their long-running campaign for higher pay. Bans were imposed on 20 duties, including restrictions on towing aircraft, de-icing and using forklifts.

The workers are represented by three unions, the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union, Australian Workers Union and the Electrical Trades Union, who have allowed negotiations with Qantas to drag on since April last year. The latest action follows a series of strikes last year at airports across the country over the issue that involved 1,000 members.

Qantas has offered 3 percent per annum wage rises in a three-year agreement. Workers want a 15 percent wage rise in the first year and 5 percent for every year thereafter to compensate for three-and-a-half years of wage freezes agreed to by the unions during the COVID pandemic.

Qantas air freight pilots take industrial action in pay dispute

About 100 pilots represented by the Transport Workers Union (TWU), Australian Federation of Air Pilots and the Australian & International Pilots Association implemented low-level industrial action on Friday in their pay dispute with Express Freighters Australia, a cargo line owned by Qantas. The action, which includes not working on days off or completing work before scheduled shift commencement, follows six months of failed negotiations.

The TWU said Qantas had refused to improve an offer that in some cases would see pilots remuneration hovering around the bare legal minimum of the Air Pilots Award 2020, and would entrench poor work-life balance. The unions are calling for an increase in pay to match current industry standards, as well as improvements to roster protections and additional days off to improve work-life balance.

Express Freighters pilots mainly fly overnight, back of the clock flights and spend up to 260 hours away from home per month. Earlier this year, Qantas posted half-yearly results of $1.39 billion in underlying profit.

Grilld fast-food restaurant workers strike over low pay and exploitation

Grilld fast-food restaurant workers in Victoria, South Australia and Queensland walked out for 24 hours on June 28 to demand higher pay and an end to exploitation. The workers, mostly teenagers, are represented by the United Workers Union, which has accused the company of using a business model based on underpaying young people.

According to the union, many workers are classified as trainees and paid below the legal minimum wage, between $12.26 and $22.06 an hour, while the company receives government funding for employing them. Workers 18 years and under are trapped in the junior rates system that pays them less simply because of their age.

The strike followed a 24-hour walkout by Grilld workers in Melbourne in October against underpayment of wages and exploitative traineeships. Workers are demanding an end to junior wages and exploitation and higher pay in a new enterprise agreement.

Queensland nurses and midwives escalate action in pay dispute

The Queensland Nurses and Midwives Union (QNMU) have notified the Liberal-National Party (LNP) state government that on July 8 its members will implement Stage 2 industrial action in opposition to the governments proposed enterprise agreement. Thousands of QNMU members employed by Queensland Health have been given a list of 13 actions they can choose from. These could include taking the full period of all breaks, not doing overtime, not attending management meetings, no cleaning or making beds, among others.

QNMU members approved the latest action after two weeks of restarted negotiations with the government failed this week. Thousands of nurses and midwives began low-level Stage 1 industrial action on June 5, opposing the governments proposed reductions in parental leave, reproductive leave, and flexible working arrangements. They rejected the governments pay rise offer of 3 percent on April 1 followed by 2.5 percent and 3 percent in the following two years. Nurses said the offer falls short of what the LNP promised in the lead-up to the state election.

While the industrial action is the first in two decades, the union bureaucracy is working to keep action as limited as possible. QNMUs stage 1 actions called for members to wear QNMU badges and shirts, put up posters and wear pink. Meanwhile the union has no concrete demands, including on pay, but is merely pleading that the LNP government delivers on its election promise of nation-leading wages.

I-MED radiology workers in Victoria hold another strike for a pay rise

On Monday, Victorian Allied Health Professionals Association (VAHPA) members at six of I-MEDs 68 radiology clinics in Victoria walked out for 24 hours at Camberwell, Caulfield, Collins Street, East Melbourne, Kew and South Yarra in their dispute with the company over its proposed enterprise agreement. The action followed two-hour stoppages at eight other clinics on May 22 and June 25.

The VAHPA has been in negotiations with I-MED since the expiry of their previous agreement in July 2024, but without being able to reach a deal. The company is refusing to meet workers demands for the industry standard of five weeks annual leave or for an acceptable wage rise.

VAHPA has over 190 members at I-MEDs Victorian clinics. After the company refused to improve its pay rise offer, workers voted overwhelmingly on May 7 to take protected industrial action that could include bans on billing and overtime and a number of other measures as well as strikes.

I-MED is on track to record $1.35 billion in revenue for the 202425 financial year.

Crown forklift manufacturing workers in Victoria strike for pay rise

Over 80 workers at Crown Equipment forklift truck factories in Wodonga, Mulgrave and Truganina walked out for 48 hours on Monday and rallied outside Bunnings, one of their major customers premises, at Box Hill in east Melbourne. They held signs saying, Crown workers deserve respect and  Hands off our allowances, in opposition to the companys proposed enterprise agreement.

On June 6, workers put in place a ban on overtime and callouts after the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) failed to reach a deal in a new agreement. Negotiations began before the expiry of the last agreement in March. The AMWU claimed Crown wants to freeze allowances. The workers have not had a pay rise since April 2024.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon attended the NATO summit at The Hague on June 24-25 during an overseas trip that included a stopover in Beijing to meet with Chinese President XI Jinping.

Luxon was at the summit as part of NATOs Indo-Pacific 4 (IP4) grouping which consists of Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and Australia. The four non-member countries have since 2021 been regular invitees as NATO forges closer ties with its so-called partner countries in the Indo-Pacific to prepare for war with China.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at 2025 NATO Summit in The Hague [Photo: NATO]

Luxon was the only top leader of the IP4 present, the other three countries sending alternates, including Australias deputy prime minister, Richard Marles. Suggestions that US President Donald Trump would meet separately with the group failed to eventuate.

As the WSWS has explained, the NATO summit marked a historical turning point. In the presence of Trump, the 32 member states committed to a massive rearmament program, pledging to commit at least 5 percent of GDP to their militaries. Unprecedented in both scale and ambition, this buildup is not only directed against Russia and Chinait targets the working class in every country, the WSWS noted.

The imperialist alliances subservience to the fascist Trump was highlighted by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, who referred to him as daddy and congratulated him for getting the massive funding increase approved, while also lauding the illegal and unprovoked US bombing attack on Irans nuclear facilities.

NATOs Asia-Pacific partners had already come under pressure over defence spending ahead of the summit. At the Shangri-La meeting, held in Singapore on May 30-June 1, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told military allies and partners throughout the region to boost military spending and put themselves on a war footing. The threat China poses is real. And it could be imminent, he declared.

In a war-mongering speech at Chatham House in London on June 9, Rutte had emphasised that NATO had to become a stronger, more lethal Alliance, prepared to counter China as well as Russia, and with every ally contributing their fair share.

Rutte stated, Russia has teamed up with China, North Korea and Iran.

They are expanding their militaries and their capabilities. China, he declared, was modernising and expanding its military at breakneck speed. There was therefore no one theatre of potential military conflict and the IP4 had a vital role to play in the Indo-Pacific.

At The Hague, Luxon echoed these sentiments. He told media the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions face many of the same security challenges. Thats why its important New Zealand is at the table at NATO for these critical discussions with like-minded partners.

Inverting reality, Luxon falsely claimed, We can see the links between the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific in North Koreas support of Russias invasion of Ukraine, and Russias technical expertise that can help North Korea develop its nuclear program.

In fact, it is US imperialism that has waged three decades of illegal invasions and wars in a desperate bid to maintain its global hegemony. As it escalates its war against Russia in Ukraine and fully backs Israels barbaric war in Gaza, the Trump administration is plunging headlong towards a conflict with China, which it regards as the chief threat to US global dominance.

In discussions with NATO leaders, Luxon made explicit that he fully supports an escalation of war in the Ukraine against Russia. Luxon earlier announced a fresh $16 million support package for Ukraine, bringing New Zealands total financial assistance to over $133 million. This follows new sanctions targeting Russia. Luxon declared New Zealand stands in solidarity with Ukraine, whose war of self-defence is well into its fourth year and our condemnation of Russias illegal full-scale invasion remains undiminished.

One lie is piled upon another. While Putins February 2022 invasion was thoroughly reactionary, it was provoked by the US and NATO powers, which backed the anti-Russian coup in Kiev in 2014, and relentlessly escalated the war to cement their domination of the Eurasian landmass.

Rutte lauded New Zealands contribution from afar to the war in Ukraine. Some 97 NZ Defence Force personnel are in Europe and the UK training Ukrainian soldiers, and providing intelligence, liaison and logistics support. Luxon claimed that New Zealands fledgling defence industry could benefit from massively increased European military procurement.

New Zealand, a minor imperialist power, relies on Washingtons backing for its own neo-colonial operations in the Pacific. Successive NZ governments have supported US-led wars over the past 30 years, including the criminal invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, and endorsed the US-Israeli genocide in Gaza. Luxon has not criticized, let alone condemned, the Trump administrations criminal bombing of Iran.

A highlight of the summit for Luxon was the opportunity he took to meet with Ukraine President Volodomyr Zelensky. I think hes feeling incredibly supported, Luxon said afterwards. I think, you know, this is a big win for Ukraine as well because of the big investment that NATO had committed to.

A beaming Luxon posted a friendly photo of the pair on X, absurdly declaring; New Zealands support for Ukraine is unwavering. It is support for Ukraine that brings peace to the world and security closer for all nationsa complete lie.

Speaking to RadioNZ, Luxon insisted that he wasnt pressured to increase New Zealands military spend to 5 percent of GDP. The National Party-led government is however doubling the defence budget from just over 1 to 2 percent, a $NZ9 billion increase over 4 years. Luxon boasted that a lot of our partners at NATO were incredibly impressed by the commitment.

New Zealands entire ruling elite is in lock-step. The opposition Labour Party agrees with doubling military spending while Foreign Minister Winston Peters, leader of the NZ First Party in the coalition, wants it increased even further. The billions required will see sweeping attacks on the social conditions of working people. In the face of widespread popular anti-war sentiment, the vast buildup aims to prepare the military for joint operations with the US and Australia, aimed against China.

Luxons overseas trip, and the diplomatic maneuvering that accompanied it, underscored the pressures facing New Zealand imperialism amid the ratcheting up of war preparations against the countrys most important trading partner. Following the signing of a Free Trade Agreement in 2008, China accounts for nearly one third of all exports, worth $NZ20.85 billion, mainly primary produce, with imports valued at $17.4 billion.

Luxon came away from his meetings in Beijing on June 18-20 declaring them successful. Luxon and Premier Li Qiang announced 11 new agreements covering climate change, cultural linkages, tourism and initiatives regarding trade flows. Xi reportedly promised there would be new progress for our comprehensive strategic partnership in a new decade, and this will certainly better serve our two peoples.

Significantly, before leaving Beijing Luxon found it necessary to distance himself from Ruttes earlier bellicose condemnation of China. Luxon dismissed the claim that China was working with Russia, Iran and North Korea to undermine the West. Saying he disagreed with Rutte, Luxon told media, Weve seen bilateral associations, say, between Russia and North Korea, with respect to the war in Ukraine. Weve seen bilateral arrangements between Iran and Russia as well, but we havent seen evidence of a wholesale forcea reference to China.

New Zealands corporate media delivered glowing appraisals of Luxons 12-day trip. Senior political reporter for The Post, Thomas Manch, travelling with Luxon, said he had hit his foreign policy stride. Fran OSullivan for the New Zealand Herald proclaimed Luxons success abroad and enthused over the coming increased military interoperability with NATO.

In reality, New Zealand is involved in an unsustainable balancing act. Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to the summit with a sharply worded statement slamming NATO for reaching beyond the geographic scope defined in its treaty and into the Asia-Pacific and demanded the organisation stop manipulating issues on China.

The statement also noted that NATO countries account for 55 percent of the worlds military spending yet are demanding a more lethal NATO. What exactly, it asked, is NATOs objective behind this? In fact, as the summit revealed, 75 years after its founding, the imperialist alliance has set the stage for a catastrophic world war.
At least 600 Palestinians have been killed over the past five weeks at food distributions operated by the US and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), Gazas government media office said this week.

The killings took place in over 20 separate massacres, which have become an almost daily occurrence as a critical component of the ongoing Gaza genocide.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the Associated Press and BBC published reports, based on firsthand interviews, that American private military contractors working for the GHF opened fire on Palestinian civilians, contradicting claims by the GHF, the US, and Israel that the contractors had not taken part in the mass killings.

The reports by the Associated Press and BBC present a picture of the aid distributions as a type of dehumanizing target practice, in which the humanitarian employees laugh at killing civilians and egg each other on to commit violence.

A man carries a child, who was killed in an Israeli strike, as he walks outside the Shifa Hospital, Gaza City, Monday, June 30, 2025. [AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi]

One former employee who spoke to the BBC said that the contractors were given license to kill with impunity. Were going into Gaza so its no rules. Do what you want, he said. He said he was told, If you feel threatened, shootshoot to kill and ask questions later.

The Palestinians were referred to by the US contractors as zombie hordes, the source told the BBC, insinuating that these people have no value.

The AP reported, Each contractor was equipped with a pistol, stun grenades, tear gas and an Israeli-made automatic rifle capable of firing dozens of rounds within seconds, said the contractor who took the videos.

Each aid distribution is regularly accompanied not only with lethal rounds, but stun grenades and rubber bullets. The AP reported, During a single distribution in June, contractors used 37 stun grenades, 27 rubber-and-smoke scat shell projectiles and 60 cans of pepper spray, according to internal text communications shared with the AP. That count does not include live ammunition.

The reports by the BBC and AP further substantiate allegations that the GHF distributions are being used to identify people for arrest or murder using artificial intelligence. The AP reported that some cameras are equipped with facial recognition software.

In March, Israel initiated a total blockade of all food, water, and electricity entering the Gaza Strip, effectively shutting down the operations of humanitarian organizations, including the United Nations and MSF in the enclave. In May, the GHF began its food distributions, accompanied by near daily mass killings. Last month, the Trump administration announced that it was providing $30 million in funding to the GHF.

On Tuesday, a group of over 150 humanitarian organizations issued a statement condemning the GHF. It declared, Concentrating more than two million people into further confined areas for a chance to feed their families is not a plan to save lives.

The statement added, The humanitarian system is being deliberately and systematically dismantled by the Government of Israels blockade and restrictions, a blockade now being used to justify shutting down nearly all other aid operations in favor of a deadly, military-controlled alternative that neither protects civilians nor meets basic needs.

It added, Under the Israeli governments new scheme, starved and weakened civilians are being forced to trek for hours through dangerous terrain and active conflict zones, only to face a violent, chaotic race to reach fenced, militarized distribution sites with a single entry point. There, thousands are released into chaotic enclosures to fight for limited food supplies.

Last week, the Israeli newspaper Haaretz published an investigation featuring interviews with Israeli troops, who said they were repeatedly ordered to open fire on unarmed crowds of aid seekers in an operation whose name apparently references the homicidal red light, green light game in the fictional Squid Games television series.

In an interview with Al Jazeera, Dr. Mads Gilbert, an emergency medicine doctor who has practiced in Gaza for decades, said that the operation of the GHF is part of the [Israeli military forces] and the Israeli government plan to ethnically cleanse and to fulfill their goal of genocide in Gaza.

He added, The distribution organization is aimed at using food as bait to attract starving people, to terrorize them and to kill them. The shooting of people in food lines is a war crime.

At least 66 children have died of malnutrition in Gaza during the US-Israeli genocide, Gazas government media office said this weekend, as mass hunger continues to skyrocket in the besieged enclave.

In June alone, over 5,000 children between 6 months and 5 years of age have been diagnosed with malnutrition. This represents a 50 percent increase from May and a 150 percent increase from February.

On Tuesday the Israeli Maariv publication reported that last month, on their way back from attacking Iran, Israeli fighter pilots dumped their unused munitions over Gaza, allowing the mass killing to continue despite the onslaught being waged against Iran.

More than 300 Palestinians were killed by Israeli troops over the past two days, the Gaza Government Media Office said Thursday. The attacks took place throughout the whole of Gaza, and included refugee camps, homes, and markets.

On Wednesday, Dr. Marwan al-Sultan, director of the Indonesian Hospital, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on his home in western Gaza.

Since October 2023, Israel has killed at least 57,000 Palestinians in Gaza, and the real death toll is likely to be far higher.
President Donald Trump, right, is joined by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., left, as he speaks with reporters upon his departure from the Capitol following a meeting with the House Republican Conference, Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in Washington. [AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.]

The House of Representatives gave final approval to President Trumps tax and spending bill Thursday, with a 218-214 vote that fell nearly along party lines. Republicans backed the legislation by 218-2 and all 212 Democrats opposed it.

The bill cuts taxes for the wealthy by $3 trillion, slashes more than $1 trillion from social spending on Medicaid and food stamps and pours $300 billion more into military violence abroad and domestic repression, particularly against immigrants.

Trump plans to sign the legislation Friday in a fascist-style ceremony drenched in Fourth of July hoopla, topped off with a flyover by B-2 bombers, the same warplanes that he ordered to attack Iran barely 10 days ago.

The bill was unchanged from the version passed by the Senate two days before, despite the clamor from the fascistic House Freedom Caucus that it did not sufficiently cut the federal deficit, while more than a dozen Republican moderates deplored the cuts, particularly in Medicaid, as too large.

In the end, however, nearly every Republican fell in line with the dictates of the White House, with Trump threatening to purge anyone who voted against his principal legislative initiative by supporting primary challengers against them. Underlying the political bullying was the deluge of online threats against anyone who might oppose the bill, including threats of violence.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, addressing the House just before the vote, delivered an anti-communist tirade in which he declared that the United States was the first country to be founded on religious principles, pointing to the slogan In God We Trust embossed on the wall of the chamber (put up not by the Founding Fathers but by the McCarthyite witch-hunters of the 1950s and early 1960s).

As the WSWS explained when the bill passed the Senate:

The bill is one of the largest transfers of wealth from workers and the poor to the oligarchy in US history. It calls for $930 billion in cuts to the Medicaid program, which, according to the Congressional Budget Office, will deprive 11.8 million low-income and disabled workers of medical care. It also includes $285 billion in food stamp cuts, a 20 percent reduction in a program on which 40 million Americans rely to feed themselves and their families. Nearly 11 million people, including 4 million children, could lose food assistance.

While the Democratic Party claimed to oppose the bill and every Democrat in the House and Senate voted against it, there was no serious effort by the party leadership to mobilize popular opposition.

The Democrats did not call a single protest in Washington or in any way alert the American population to the onslaught against their living standards and right to access healthcare services that this legislation authorizes. Instead, they engaged in a handful of futile gestures on Capitol Hill.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries delivered an eight-hour and 32-minute speech opposing the Trump bill, breaking the previous record for such a performance, but this only delayed passage in the House until Thursday afternoon. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer did even less, making a parliamentary point of order that led to a change in the name of the bill, which the Republicans wished to call the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, in tribute to Trumps sloganeering.

The real attitude of these gentlemen to the fascist in the White House was demonstrated in the weeks leading up to the passage of the tax and spending bill.

In the Senate, Schumer intervened to break a parliamentary deadlock over a so-called Continuing Resolution, legislation required to provide funds to keep the government running. He led a group of Democrats to give the Republicans a 60-vote majority needed for passage.

In the House, Jeffries mobilized a majority of the Democratic caucus to vote against a resolution to impeach Trump for ordering air strikes on Iran without seeking congressional authorization, let alone the constitutionally required declaration of war.

If the congressional arithmetic were reversed, with Democrats holding a narrow majority in each house over the Republicans, the Democrats would not even have attempted to push through their supposed priorities over Republican opposition.

It should be recalled, for example, that the Biden administration was unable to enact either an increase in the federal minimum wage, significant debt forgiveness for college student loans, or measures to curb police violence after the nationwide protests against the police murder of George Floyd, because one or two right-wing Democratic senators blocked the legislation.

The spinelessness of the Democratic Party cannot by itself explain the passage of this monstrous legislation. The Democrats were responding to their real constituencies, Wall Street and the military-intelligence apparatus, and not to the working people whom they claim to defend.

The corporate oligarchs wanted the Trump tax cuts, enacted in 2017 and set to expire at the end of this year, made permanent. The legislation guarantees the 21 percent corporate tax rate and includes a treasure chest of other pro-corporate provisions that allow giant companies and billionaires to pay taxes at lower rates than factory workers and school teachers.

There is considerable discontent on Wall Street that the tax cuts will be financed largely through borrowing, since the spending cuts are to be phased in over a 10-year period and in any case do not come close to the $4 trillion windfall for the wealthy. But it is well understood that the cuts in Medicaid and food stamps are only a down payment, and that even more savage cuts are being prepared in future years, targeting Social Security and Medicare, the two largest social spending programs.

As to the military-police aspects of the legislation, roughly equal sums of about $150 billion each are provided for the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security. The DHS funds will go to finish building the wall on the US-Mexico border begun during Trumps first term, and to build a network of concentration camps to detain the millions of immigrants Trump and his fascist aides Stephen Miller and Tom Homan plan to round up and expel.

The Pentagon funds will be used at least in part to begin work on Trumps proposed anti-missile program. This is not a defensive measure but a direct preparation for nuclear war, since it would encourage a US nuclear attack on a foreign antagonist, such as Russia or China, in the illusion that the US would survive a retaliatory strike.

The Democrats have said virtually nothing about either measure, because they support the massive build-up of both the US military machine and the apparatus of domestic repression directed against immigrants and the working class as a whole. They have criticized Trump only for his most overtly fascistic methods of attacking immigrants, and for his shifting the focus of US foreign policy away from the war against Russia in Ukraine and towards the Middle East and China.

There are a raft of anti-democratic measures incorporated into the 950-page bill, which the WSWS will analyze in the coming days. One provision stands out immediately: The bill authorizes the Trump administration to terminate all federal funding for healthcare services through Planned Parenthood clinics. That is a longstanding demand of the fascist right, which seeks to bankrupt Planned Parenthood, the largest provider of abortion services, by cutting off funding for its non-abortion healthcare operations as well.
President Donald Trump meets Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in Washington [AP Photo/Evan Vucci]

Negotiations between Prime Minister Mark Carney, top aides in his Liberal government, and the White House on a new Canada-US economic and security framework resumed this week after US President Donald Trump abruptly canceled them last Friday.

In a brief social media post, Trump pulled the plug on the talks citing the impending entry into force of Ottawas new digital services tax. The Trump administration, like that of the Democrat Joe Biden before it, has vehemently opposed the tax, which would force Meta, Alphabet (Google), Amazon and other US-based tech giants to pay taxes on the enormous profits they generate in Canada from their online services.

Stung by Trumps action, Canada quickly retreated. On Sunday evening, Carney announced the tax was being withdrawn. The White House gloated about Trumps negotiating prowess in response, with his press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, declaring Canada caved.

Details about the Canada-US talks are clouded in secrecy, even as Canada seeks to hold Washington to a July 23 deadline for an agreement.

However, Canadian officials have indicated that Ottawa is ready to align Canadas economic policies and military-security strategy vis a vis China even more closely with Washington; accelerate the militarization of the Arctic; and pay tens of billions of dollars to support Trumps Golden Dome project, a continent-wide missile defence scheme aimed at making nuclear war winnable. US Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra has also talked up the importance of establishing joint US-Canadian military bases in Canadas Far North.

The Canadian ruling class has long viewed its close ties to Washington and Wall Street as pivotal to upholding and advancing its predatory global interests, and a pillar of its economic and political stability. But all that has been thrown topsy-turvy.

Not only has Trump effectively abrogated the US-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (the successor to NAFTA that he himself negotiated), hitting Canada with a barrage of tariffs. He has repeatedly vowed to make Canada Americas 51st state and use economic force to do so.

In an interview with Fox News broadcast last Sunday, Trump again voiced his annexationist ambitions. After a rant about Canadian trade practices, including its dairy-supply management system, Trump said, Frankly, Canada should be the 51st state. Only minutes before, the fascist US president had insisted that in any trade negotiations with Canada, we have all the cards, every single one.

Carney, a former central banker and lifelong representative of the financial oligarchy, led the Liberals to victory in the April 28 federal election. He did so based on the claim that he would be best able to counter Trumps attempt to break us so America can own us, while negotiating a new economic and security partnership with Washington that secures Canada privileged access to the US market.

As the World Socialist Web Site has repeatedly explained, the Canadian ruling class principal objective is to secure a recognized place as US imperialisms junior partner in a Trump-led Fortress North Americaa protectionist economic bloc and military alliance aimed at securing global hegemony against all comers, above all China.

It has no qualms about working with and bolstering the fascist Trump as he seeks to impose a presidential dictatorship. Indeed, under Justin Trudeau and now Carney Ottawa has rushed to deepen its coordination with Washingtons border and immigration polices. This under conditions where Trumps anti-immigrant witch hunt is very much the spearhead of his attempt to overturn core democratic rights and deploy the military to suppress mounting popular opposition.

There are, however, deep apprehensions in the ruling class about the current Canada-US negotiations. Even if Trump were to agree to withdraw all the tariffs, there is no guarantee he would not re-impose them under a different pretext in the future. Moreover, the White House is likely to insist that the cost of trade concessions to Canada are changes to its economic, foreign and military-security policies that will deepen its integration with the US, making it still more vulnerable to pressure from Washington and Wall Street.

The Canadian ruling class response to this predicament is to veer radically to the right. Under the cover of the poisonous Canadian nationalism it has whipped up, with the assistance of the trade unions and NDP, they are massively increasingly military spending in preparation for world war and dramatically intensifying the class war assault on the working class.

On June 9, Carney announced an immediate $9.3 billion or 17 percent military spending hike. This huge boost to the war budget, coming as governments at all levels turn the screws to slash all public and social spending, means that Canada will hit NATOs old annual military-spending floor of 2 percent of GDP during the current fiscal year. This is five years ahead of the 2030 target set by Carney and Pierre Poilievre, the far-right leader of Conservatives, during the just completed election campaign.

In justifying this massive diversion of social resources to war, Carney asserted the Canadian ruling class determination to secure its share of the spoils in the imperialist drive to secure control over production networks, critical resources, markets and strategic territories in a new division of world. Middle powers, he declared, compete for interests and attention, knowing that if they are not at the table, theyre on the menu.

Massive as is this years 17% military spending increase, it is a mere down payment. Before the month of June was out, Carney had joined the other NATO heads of government in agreeing to raise the minimum military spending target to 5 percent of GDP by no later than 2035. This Carney acknowledged would mean an increase in military spending to the equivalent of $150 billion in current dollars. Raising such funds will require the elimination of what remains of the concessions made by the bourgeoisie to the working class following World War II, including all social programs, workplace protections, and benefits.

Canadas ruling class bristles against Trump, but only in so far as he threatens their profits and sovereign right to the lions share of the profits derived from Canadas abundant resources and the exploitation of its working class.

Their disagreements revolve entirely around areas where the interests of American and Canadian imperialism diverge or collide. Thus Ottawa has joined with the European imperialist powers in seeking to ensure that the US-NATO instigated war with Russia is intensified, and that Trump doesnt make a deal with Moscow over the heads and at the expense of Americas NATO partners. While he was in Europe for the NATO leaders summit, Carney signed Canada up to participate in the European Unions Rearm Europe program, with a view to strengthening Canadas military-industrial base and its hand in the current and future negotiations with Washington.

Otherwise, the ruling class is rushing to implement Trump-like socio-economic policies, using his bullying as the cover to push through changes for which it has long agitated.

Carney has declared a new era of fiscal responsibility, that is austerity. He has begun to flesh out what this means with his call for sacrifices to pay for rearmament and war, and his-oft repeated pledges to forego any tax increases and to use AI to increase federal-worker productivity.

Backed by the Conservatives, the government rushed legislation through parliament before it rose for the summer that removes environmental and other regulatory restrictions on resource and infrastructure projects deemed to be in the national interest. It has also tabled an omnibus bill that guts the rights of refugee claimants, and grants the police and spy agencies sweeping powers to obtain information about targeted individuals and the internet, medical and other services provided them without a warrant. Carney has also pledged to table legislation that would ban protests at schools, places of worship, and other locationsa direct response to widespread opposition to Israels imperialist-backed genocidal assault on the Gaza Palestinians.

The trade union bureaucracy and social-democratic New Democrats have made the lurch to the right in political life possible through their systematically suppression of the class struggle and promotion of Canadian nationalism and the Canadian state as a progressive alternative to Trump. All of the major unions were unstinting supporters of the Trudeau Liberal government. Canadian Labour Congress head Bea Bruske congratulated Carney on his election victory in April, while Canadian Union of Postal Workers President Jan Simpson hailed it as the best possible outcome for workers. Carneys Liberal regime has proceeded to force postal workers to vote on a concessions-riddled proposed contract drafted by Canada Post management.

Top union officials have echoed and amplified the ruling elites nationalist rhetoric over the trade talks with Trump. Lana Payne, president of Unifor, Canadas largest private-sector union, has repeated Carneys mantra of Trump being out to get us. Unifor, the CLC, and the NDP are all represented on the governments Canada-US advisory council alongside leading figures from corporate Canada.

In opposition to the corporatist alliance of the unions, government, and big business for austerity and war, the Socialist Equality Party has stood alone in advancing a fighting program for the working class to oppose Trump and all sections of the Canadian ruling class on the basis of a socialist-internationalist program. As the SEP declared in its election statement in April,

Trump is a menace to the workers of Canada and the world. But workers cant fight him and all he representsoligarchy, dictatorship and imperialist warby lining up with the Canadian bourgeoisie, any of its rival factions or political representatives. Rather, they must assert their independent class interests by forging a movement for workers power and fighting to fuse their struggles with the mass opposition to Trump now emerging within the American working class. Canadian workers must assist their American colleagues in breaking free of the Democratic Party, which no less than Trumps fascist Republicans is a party of Wall Street and the CIA, and its trade union allies. The cross-border movement must spearhead the struggle for a united socialist North America.
Charles Sturt University (CSU), one of Australias largest regional universities, last month became the latest of the countrys 39 public universities to announce or foreshadow damaging job losses.

Without specifying the numbers of retrenchments, CSU vice-chancellor Renee Leon said the distressing cuts flowed from the Albanese Labor governments policies to restrict the number of international students.

Charles Sturt University [Photo: Charles Sturt University]

Leon cited a sharp drop in the number of overseas students, whose fees had previously been used to subsidise students from regional, rural and remote locations. In 2019 Charles Sturt had 8,460 international students. In 2024, we had approximately 10 percent of that number.

For more than six months, despite outraged protests by staff and students at many individual universities, managements have continued to unveil the destruction of academic and professional staff jobsnow over 3,000 nationally.

These retrenchments are mostly a direct result of the Albanese governments reactionary cuts to enrolments by overseas students, on whose exorbitant fees the chronically-underfunded universities have increasingly relied for the past decade and a half.

By cutting the enrolments, the Labor government is deliberately applying financial pressure to the universities, in order to restructure them to align with national priorities set out in last years Universities Accord report.

The plunge in numbers at CSU indicates that the governments measuressetting enrolment caps, more than doubling visa fees and rejecting thousands of visa applicationsare having a particularly severe impact on regional universities and communities.

The CSU cuts will hit hard in areas where there is little alternative employment, especially in the education sector. CSU has campuses in regional centres across the state of New South Wales, in Bathurst, Wagga Wagga, Albury-Wodonga, Dubbo, Orange and Port Macquarie.

Even deeper and wider cuts are to come. Education Minister Jason Clare has boasted of slashing the number of new international students by 30 percent this year, but the government has vowed to halve them, to 270,000 a year, from the level of 548,000 in 2023. That means greater job losses for 2026 and 2027.

Other regional universities are among those suffering the most. At the University of Southern Queensland, a proposed restructure would eliminate 150 full-time positions, after an earlier round of cuts in late 2024 terminated 109 roles, including 85 redundancies and 24 pre-retirement arrangements.

This would mean major course cuts and bring the total loss of jobs since the start of 2024 to just under 20 percent of the universitys workforce.

At Federation University, which has campuses across Victoria, management is moving to cut 200 full-time equivalent positions, despite spirited protests by staff and students. The number of international students attending Federation fell by 49 percent between 2019 and 2023.

Job destruction is also intensifying at major city universities, including most recently at Western Sydney University and Sydneys Macquarie University.

At the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra, the management last month formally launched the first of several rounds of job cuts.

It issued change proposals under its enterprise agreement with the trade unions to eliminate 37 jobs in Information Technology Services, the Information Security Office and the Planning and Service Performance division. That represents a reduction of between 9 and 14 percent of staff in each of those three areas.

ANU management this week unveiled 59 more academic and professional job cuts in the College of Science and Medicine, the College of Arts and Social Sciences, and the Research and Innovation Portfolio.

ANU is expected to announce hundreds more job losses by the end of September, also to be executed via change proposals. ANUs staffing levels already have been reduced by 635 full-time equivalent positions since March 2024, mostly through misnamed voluntary redundancies.

Nevertheless, the leaders of the main campus unions, the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) and the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU), are continuing to oppose any unified fight by university workers and students against the flood of job destruction and accompanying course closures.

Instead, the union apparatuses have sought to blame individual vice-chancellors for the job destruction, blatantly trying to politically shield the Labor government.

At ANU, the NTEU Australian Capital Territory division secretary Lachlan Clohesy even urged Education Minister Clare, the chief enforcer of Labors cuts, to intervene under federal legislation to sack Vice-Chancellor Genevieve Bell. Clohesy accused her of single-handedly destroying one of the worlds great universities.

At the same time, the NTEU is offering to assist the managements to achieve the required cost-cutting by other means, including voluntary redundancies, just as the NTEU did at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and in response to each previous attack on jobs and conditions.

In fact, the unions have lined up behind the Labor government on every front. They have refused to oppose the overseas student cuts. The Labor government is vying to outdo the opposition Liberal-National Coalition in blaming students, along with migrant workers, for the housing affordability and cost-of-living crisis that is still devastating working-class households.

The unions have remained silent on another significant contributor to the governments financial pressure on the universities. The number of commencing domestic undergraduate students also fell to 262,396 in 2023, down by 8.9 percent since 2017.

That is largely due to the punishing fees of nearly $17,000 a year inflicted on arts, humanities, business and law students. Labor has maintained the previous Coalition governments job ready graduates program to push students into priority and skills courses such as maths, science, teaching and nursing.

The Albanese governments promise to introduce legislation this year to cut ex-students outstanding HECS fee repayment debts by 20 percent will do little to offset this burden.

Without any opposition by the unions, the Labor government also advised universities and researchers to comply with a questionnaire sent by the fascistic Trump administration threatening to cut off joint funding for research unless their projects served the needs of US foreign policy and military objectives. At least 11 universities have suffered research funding cuts as a result, which will mean deeper job losses.

This assault is set to accelerate. July 1 saw the inauguration of an interim government-appointed Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC). As of January 1, each universitys funding will be tied to a mission-based compact with ATEC, setting out how the university must contribute to Labors national priorities.

These priorities were outlined in last years Universities Accord report. They include servicing the narrow skills requirements of employers and meeting the needs of the AUKUS military pact and military-related industries in preparation for a US-led war against China.

While starving the universities of funds, the government is pouring hundreds of billions of dollars into military spending, while backing the Gaza genocide, the criminal attacks on Iran and the US-NATO war against Russia in Ukraine.

Fighting Labors destructive agenda requires the building of new organisations, rank-and-file committees, independent of the unions. This is part of a broader necessary struggle against capitalism itself and its program of ever-greater billionaire wealth and a turn to war and Trump-style dictatorial rule.

To discuss and develop this fight, the rank-and-file committees at Western Sydney and Macquarie universities will soon announce a national online public meeting. To join this campaign, contact the Committee for Public Education (CFPE), the educators rank-and-file network.

Contact the CFPE:

Email: cfpe.aus@gmail.com

Facebook: facebook.com/commforpubliceducation

Twitter: CFPE_Australia
Philadelphia city workers picket outside of City Hall, July 2, 2025.

The strike by 9,000 Philadelphia municipal workers completed its third day yesterday, with a defiant mood among workers in the face of court injunctions and threats from the citys Democratic Party administration. The strike, the citys largest in decades, has won widespread public support while provoking fear and anger in the ruling class.

The workers, members of AFSCME District Council 33, are fighting against poverty pay, demanding a minimum of eight percent annual wage increases. Stagnant wages are bound up with a broader crisis in the citys funding, which is replicated in nearly every large city in the country. Philadelphias school district has a $300 million shortfall, while the SEPTA transit agency is preparing a doomsday budget to cut services by half.

You cannot get by on thirty or forty thousand dollars a year. That is not even a living wage, one striker said. The [days of 2 percent annual wage increases] are over. There is no rent control in Philadelphia. My rent went up eighty percent, from $700 to $1235 a month. My pay check does not pay the rent. But it is a bigger issue than just our situation. A lot of people are tired. I am going to continue to be hopeful. I would like to see us, all workers, come together. My work is like a sweatshop, but it takes knowledge. You have to be able to inform people about all the services people use.

The Mayor gave herself a nine percent raise the first week, another worker said. All politicians make promises and back peddle. Everybody must work together to overthrow Trump but that will take a collective effort from everyone.

There is enormous potential for the expansion of the strike across the city and the country. Recently, 14,000 Philadelphia educators voted to strike; their contract expires August 31. On Wednesday, workers at the Penn Museum, members of AFSCME District Council 47, voted unanimously to authorize strike action.

In a sign the strike is gaining public support, rapper LL Cool J announced yesterday that he would not perform as scheduled at the citys Welcome America July 4 festival if it meant crossing picket lines.

The contract for the citys 3,000 professional workers expired July 1, but AFSCME DC 47 agreed to a 14-day extension, blocking a joint struggle of blue and white collar municipal workers.

One DC 47 member who joined pickets in solidarity on Wednesday explained that the librarians were trying to stay out and not cross the picket line of the DC 33 library assistants and guards. We are asking questions of how we can work safely and that we would end up having to do the jobs of the striking workers who were not there. We need to expand the strike but DC 33 and 47 negotiations are not in sync, and people are not happy about that.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Party administration of Mayor Cherelle Parker is attempting to break the strike through court injunctions and slandering the picketers as vandals. In a speech yesterday, she appealed directly to workers to cross the picket line and return to work, cynically reminding them of double-time pay for working the July 4 holiday. No contract talks took place on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the Parker administration is trying to shut down the strike piecemeal using court injunctions. One injunction limited pickets to eight people per location, and ordered 911 operators and water department workers back to work. Yesterday, another injunction ordered 30 workers with the citys Medical Examiners Office to go back to work, citing a supposed backlog of bodies in storage.

The city has also set up around 60 trash drop-off centers across the city. One striker described conditions at these facilities to the WSWS as extremely dangerous, as they are being set up and manned by scabs.

This escalation can only be responded to by an expansion of the strike. This must be organized through building rank-and-file strike committees in order to take control of the strike out of the hands of the union bureaucrats, who have intimate ties to the Democratic Party and who are working to isolate the strike.

In particular, rank-and-file committees should fight for an immediate increase to the inadequate $200 in weekly strike pay, and for expanding the strike to include the citys white collar workers and transit workers. They should also appeal for support from city workers in other cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles and New York, where city governments are also preparing steep cuts.

By mobilizing the collective power of the working class, independent of the big business parties, city workers will be able to answer the attacks on the strike by organizing joint actions with other workers across Philadelphia and the country.

Industrial action has to be combined with a political movement of the working class against the strikebreaking injunctions and the Democratic political establishment, which is acting as the enforcers of the bipartisan austerity and the Trump administration.

The Democrats offered no serious opposition to the passage yesterday in Congress of trillions of dollars in tax cuts and hundreds of billions slashed from Medicaid and other social programs. This is because, as the other party of American capitalism, they are terrified of a movement from below and committed to the ruthless defense of Wall Street, which, through the cuts, is trying to bleed workers white.

Defiant mood on the picket lines

Among workers there is a defiant response to the strikebreaking efforts of the city government. Numerous reports suggest strikers are either ignoring or skirting around the injunction limiting pickets to eight people. In several instances earlier this week, eight picketers were backed by anywhere from 10 to 40 or more strikers present but standing or sitting behind them.

A revealing episode took place in Northwest Philadelphia Wednesday, when dozens of workers rallied outside a garbage drop-off site, attempting to get residents to not undermine the strike by depositing their garbage. This led to a standoff with police, reported in detail by local public radio:

At first, workers and law enforcement stood away from each other, having what appeared to be friendly conversations. The standoff lasted for hours, with some moments more tense than others.

Then, a law enforcement officer with a sheriffs badge handed out the court order and read it out loud to an increasingly rowdy crowd, who started shouting back, questioning their authority and sometimes swearing loudly.

I understand your position, but we cant let nobody in or out, said one man who appeared to be a union striker but refused to identify himself.

Workers also confronted the reporters, demanding to know whether they wereon their side.

The attempts to enforce the picket lines are entirely justified and should be welcomed. This essential and basic element of a strike was once commonplace but largely disappeared in the United States over the past several decades as the union bureaucracy drew together with management and began actively helping to impose concessions and limit or neutralize strikes.

In fighting the injunction, workers are also defying the AFSCME bureaucracy, which issued a statement imploring workers to strictly adhere to the injunction, calling it not only a legal obligation but essential to ensure the safety and integrity. They described these cowardly instructions as [upholding] principles of lawful protest and [demonstrating] our commitment to responsible activism.

What they call responsible actions in fact weakens the strike and only encourages more attacks against workers. Throughout history, workers have always had to fight for their rights in the teeth of court injunctions, police lines and worse. American capitalism never gave up an inch without a fight.

While the bureaucrats did everything to try to avoid a strike, they are now trying to isolate and wear down workers. Yesterday, workers reported that the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) has instructed its members to cross picket lines at work sites preparing for the citys Welcome America Fourth of July events. IATSE allegedly justified this on the thin technicality that the pickets they cross were not official but set up in solidarity with the strikers.

Nevertheless, the fact that AFSCME has not organized actions at this major event, which draws people from across the region and has a significant impact on the local economy, is a sign of their efforts to isolate the strike and keep it from spreading.

AFSCME has done nothing to publicize the strike outside of Philadelphia. President Lee Saunders, until recently a member of the Democratic National Committee, has not issued a public statement, and the union does not even reference it on their website. The only acknowledgement of it on AFSCMEs national social media was a single repost of a press conference on its X/Twitter account.

Instead of raising strike pay so workers can dig in for a protracted fight, DC 33 is advertising loans from local credit unions on its Facebook page. Meanwhile, the District Council alone has $27 million in assets and AFSCMEs national headquarters has more than $300 million. All told, the American trade unions control tens of billions in assets, all paid for by workers dues money. Workers must demand these resources be deployed to support the strike, rather than financing six-figure salaries of top officials.

The strike, however, will not be decided on the picket lines alone, no matter how militant. The strike is part of a broader conflict emerging between the working class and the corporate oligarchy which controls the country. The fight of the city workers must be connected with a movement of the working class for socialism against capitalism, which is in terminal crisis and whose survival is possible only at the expense of the working class.
KHANKENDI, Azerbaijan, July 4. Northern Cyprus is fully committed to the goals of the ECO Vision 2035, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Ersin Tatar, said at the 17th summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Trend's special correspondent reports.

He stated that Northern Cyprus has been participating in the activities of the organization since 1992 and has been actively contributing to its work since 2012, when it received observer status.

Tatar also touched upon the Cyprus issue in his speech.

"Despite our good attitude in all the discussions on the Cyprus issue, which have lasted for 62 years, we, as the Turkish side, have not been able to achieve any results. "At a time when peace, tranquility, and stability are most necessary in the world and in our region, we have sent cooperation proposals to the other side that are beneficial to both peoples living in the islands of Cyprus.

We seek to solve problems through dialogue and diplomacy. We have once again put forward proposals for cooperation that will link today with the future, not only in words but also in deeds. Unfortunately, the leadership of the Republic of Cyprus has left these proposals unanswered, he concluded.
Dana plant in Ft. Wayne, Indiana

The World Socialist Web Site Autoworker Newsletter recently spoke to a worker at Dana Corp. in Fort Wayne, Indiana about the conditions at the company. The worker contacted the Autoworker Newsletter after hearing about the investigation initiated by the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) into the death of Stellantis Dundee Engine worker Ronald Adams Sr. The workers name has been withheld to avoid retaliation.

Monday marks 12 weeks since the fatal accident that killed Adams, a 63-year-old machine repairman. Adams, a husband, father and grandfather, highly skilled and respected by his coworkers, was crushed on April 7, 2025, when an overhead gantry lifting engine blocks engaged, pinning him to the conveyor. In the three months since the tragedy, Adams family has not received any information from the United Auto Workers (UAW) bureaucracy, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or Stellantis.

Since the launch of the investigation by the IWA-RFC, Dundee workers and workers across the US and internationally have come forward to provide testimony to the investigation and build an independent opposition to the company and UAW bureaucracy.

The Fort Wayne Dana worker said, Just like Dundee, we have no lockout tagout procedure. We have to look around for locks and find them when going into the cages. No posting of where they are; you have to look for them. Theres supposed to be a lock on the cages, but there are none. Stellantis is like our plant; it depends what department you are in; some have lockout tagout measures and some are much more dangerous. Were supposed to have our own keys. With what happened to [Ronald] can happen anywhere.

The company pushes back on safety rules. They wiggle out of the rules and, like with anything else, the company says, what are you going to do? During the contract the union let the company always talk first. Theyre like puppets of the company. Theres just one guy that tries to help us, but the company and the United Steel Workers go against him. We had almost 30 people go to the plant manager to get him to write up a superintendent, Don Radar, that harasses everyone. Of course nothing happened. Don targets people and is racist towards some others. Anyone who doesnt agree with him has a target on their back.

Dana sent him to Ohio, then brought him back to Fort Wayne. All the workers hate him. He called a woman a black b*tch, then pushed another person. He never got in trouble. If one of us did this, we would be fired. He purposely comes in early to finger workers.

In 2021, 3,000 Dana parts workers throughout the country waged a struggle against the company, rebelling against the sabotage of the United Auto Workers (UAW) and United Steelworkers (USW) bureaucracy, who deliberately isolated and attempted to pit workers against one another. Fort Wayne workers were falsely told by their union that Pottstown, Detroit, Toledo, Lima and others supported the rotten contract. In reality, there was overwhelming support to strike in a united struggle against the sellout deal.

To advance their fight, Dana workers founded the Dana Workers Rank-and-File Committee. While workers rejected the initial contract by 90 percent, workers were kept on the job by both the USW and UAW. Using threats and lies, workers were forced to continue stockpiling parts critical for the Big Three automakers as the UAW and USW prepared to ram through a second agreement. Throughout the struggles the Dana Workers Rank-and-File Committee continued to expose the brutal conditions in the plants while fighting to break the grip of the union bureaucracies.

On June 1, 2021, Danny Walters, a 60-year-old worker from Dry Ridge Kentucky, hit his head while working, went into convulsions and died later that evening. The UAW refused to stop the line during his seizure. Workers in Pottstown reported high levels of CO2 in the plant with little to no ventilation.

In a separate incident, workers in Fort Wayne were gassed with Aspen One Step, a chemical disinfectant that Dana claimed it was using for cleaning the department against the threat of COVID-19. Another worker inside a robot cage stepped on a loose controller cord, fell and slammed her head twice on the concrete floor. Despite her injuries, she was sent back to the floor, later collapsing from a seizure and sent to the emergency room. Within a week she was back on the floor.

I remember when that happened, this worker said. The oil inside the robot cages continuously drips and there is no way to clean it. Management gives us sponges and vacuums. Then they expect us to use mops when its too thick. The committeeman, Antonio King, directs us all to clean when OSHA is scheduled to come inthey call it clean day. Then, when theres a complaint, they try to vet each worker since some people are truthful.

The worker went on to connect the conditions inside the plant with the broader attacks on the working class. There are cuts to OSHA and then EPA cuts. I knew it was over when those things were cut. Its another Erin Brockovich situation. Social Security cuts are not fair, you live your whole life working, then no retirement. He cuts all this and gives the family of one of those who stormed the capital $5 million. We have to overthrow Trump. The cost of the war is coming out of our pockets, when we didnt vote on it. Just like when we opposed the contract here by 11 votes, they rammed it through anyway.

Describing the vote on the sellout contract he said, When the majority voted against it, the reps Greg and Antonio told us it was only 11 votes. We put years of blood into this place while the union left us out to dry, then give us the BS about brothers and sisters. Dont get in our faces when you dont take care of your workers. We all remember when that man had a heart attack, no moment of silence, nothing. Most people didnt know about it.

Following the betrayal of the 2021 contract struggle, in 2023, workers at Dana Toledo Driveline and Pottstown developed rank-and-file committees, independent of the union bureaucracies, in opposition to layoffs and arbitrary firings. Dana is closing its Lima, Ohio driveshaft manufacturing plant by the end of the year, and began to lay off the factorys 300 workers late last month. UAW Local 1765 officials have done nothing to resist this.

Carrying forward these struggles and many others, the IWA-RFC is conducting a rank-and-file investigation into the death of Ronald Adams Sr., aiming to further develop the independent class struggle and organization of the working class. Workers must take matters into their own hands, fighting for their own interests, by building the IWA-RFC. If production stopped at Dana, it would have a massive ripple effect across all industries, the Dana worker said. Due to the interconnectivity between all industries in the globalized world economy, Dana workers would be in a position to impact corporations even beyond the Big Three, further strengthening their power.

To participate in the Ronald Adams investigation and report on conditions in your own plant, fill out the form below. Your identity will be protected.
Yvonne Wheeler, President, LA Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, far left, Los Angeles Council members, from left, Hugo Soto-Martinez, Ysabel Jurado, and Eunisses Hernandez outside Los Angeles City Hall in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. [AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes]

The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously last week to declare a fiscal emergency, thereby initiating sweeping austerity measures to close a projected $1 billion deficit in the upcoming fiscal year. The vote is aimed at preparing budget cuts, hiring freezes, and large-scale layoffs of city workers across multiple departments.

What is unfolding in Los Angeles is part of a nationwide wave of fiscal crises in major cities. In Philadelphia, 9,000 municipal workers are on strike in a city where the school district has a $300 million deficit, and the transit system is preparing doomsday cuts. The New York Metropolitan Transit Authority is billions of dollars in the red. Chicago is preparing similar doomsday transit cuts in addition to education cuts.

In LA, mayor Karen Bass has proposed eliminating as many as 1,600 city positions. The resolution passed by the City Council specifically places 614 layoffs on the table, including dozens of workers in the Fire Department, Sanitation, LAPD civilian staff, Information Technology and other areas. While some impacted employees may be shifted to enterprise-funded departments like the Port and Airports, many face the prospect of job losses.

Janice Hahn, chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, second from left, welcomes Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to City Hall in Los Angeles Monday, April 17, 2023. At far left is Hydee Feldstein Soto, the 43rd Los Angeles City Attorney. At right is Paul Krekorian, president of the Los Angeles City Council. [AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes]

The fiscal emergency resolution was passed 140, including the support of all four council members affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA): Nithya Raman, Eunisses Hernandez, Hugo Soto-Martinez and Ysabel Jurado. City Controller Kenneth Mejia, also backed by the DSA, has cited overspending, liability payouts, and even the cost of recent labor agreements as key drivers of the deficitsignaling that city workers wages and benefits are being targeted for rollback.

Basss $47.9 billion budget proposal for 202425 represents a $2 billion increase from the previous year, however, this growth masks previous major reductions in public services and employee compensation.

This includes a $17.6 million reduction to the Fire Department last year$7 million of which came from overtime. This cut weakened aerial firefighting capacity and disaster response in the lead-up to the destructive wildfires that swept through Southern California in January. Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, who warned that the cuts endangered public safety, was removed by Bass in February.

Los Angeles is home to 56 billionaires with a combined net worth of over $240 billion. Yet city officials, both Democrat and DSA-aligned, insist that there is no alternative but to slash jobs and services. Their real concern is maintaining the citys credit rating and securing the confidence of the financial markets.

The planned cuts throw into sharp relief the Democratic Partys response to Trumps deployment of the military to the city to suppress immigration protests, a move which millions protested in last months No Kings protests. Bass and Californias Democratic governor Gavin Newsom opposed the move, not because it is part of Trumps plans to build a dictatorship, but on the grounds that local riot cops were enough to quell the protests.

This position, coupled with their near-absence from the mass protests against Trump, flows from their mutual hostility to the working class. The Democrats are just as much a party of war and inequality as Trump and the Republicans.

The social resources from these cuts are being redirected upward through massive tax cuts for the richincluding over $3 trillion in the budget passed Thursday in Congressalongside record military budgets for war against Russia, Iran, China and others.

Union officials have responded with hypocritical words. David Green, president of SEIU Local 721, which represents many city employees, issued a statement opposing layoffs, declaring, Were not going to allow out-of-touch bureaucrats to balance the budget on the backs of city workers  Even one layoff is too many.

But the union played a direct role in paving the way for these cuts. Just weeks ago, the SEIU announced a tentative agreement for 55,000 workers at the county level that failed to meet workers demands, after shutting down a limited two-day strike in April without any resolution. At no point did the union warn workers that layoffs were being planned. The contracts real purpose was to impose labor peace, thereby giving the city breathing room while it prepared its austerity offensive.

The class character of this agreement was made even clearer by comments from Los Angeles County Chief Executive Fesia Davenport, who warned that the deal would require belt tightening across departments. In other words, the cost of the contract would be borne not by the regions corporate elite, but by working peoplethrough job cuts, service reductions, and further erosion of public infrastructure.

This is a repeat of what happened earlier this year in Chicago. There, the Chicago Teachers Union pushed through a concessionary contract, only for the school district to turn around and, citing a budget crisis, threaten to tear even this up. Significantly, the DSA is in control of both the CTU and the mayors office.

The role of the DSA in Los Angeles and other cities is to provide a left cover for this agenda. While claiming to speak for workers, its officials in government not only rubber-stamp budgets, but actively organize and help carry out layoffs. Their actions show that they are not an alternative to the Democratic Party, but, instead, provide an important service for the party by capturing and demobilizing left-moving social opposition.

Workers cannot defend their jobs, wages and services within these official channels. What is required is the building of independent rank-and-file committees, uniting workers across departments and industries, to prepare a real fight against the cutsand against the entire political and economic system responsible for them.
President Donald Trump congratulates Robert F. Kennedy Jr., after he was sworn in as Health and Human Services Secretary in the Oval Office at the White House, Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, in Washington. [AP Photo/Alex Brandon]

In an extraordinary breach of scientific protocol, Dr. Vinay Prasad, the Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) chief vaccine official appointed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has personally overruled the recommendations of approximately 30 FDA scientists in order to restrict access to COVID-19 vaccines. Internal documents released this week reveal that FDA staff had concluded the benefits of both Modernas mRNA and Novavaxs protein-based vaccines outweighed the risks for all Americans 12 and older, following analysis of extensive clinical trials.

Instead of following established scientific procedures, Prasad issued override memos limiting these vaccines to Americans 65 and older and those with underlying health conditions. He justified this with the lie that even rare vaccination related harms both known and unknown now have higher chance of outweighing potential benefits. These claims directly contradict the scientific evidence reviewed by his own staff, including CDC data which show that COVID-19 continues to cause 32,000 to 51,000 official deaths annually in the US alone.

Top FDA leaders typically do not involve themselves in individual product reviews, and such overrides are exceedingly rare. Prasads actions establish a dangerous precedent whereby political appointees can unilaterally dismiss scientific evidence that contradicts their ideological positions, fundamentally undermining the FDAs credibility as a regulatory body guided by evidence-based medicine.

Prasads actions must be understood within the context of Kennedys systematic dismantling of Americas vaccine advisory system. Last month, Kennedy purged all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the independent expert panel that has guided vaccine policy since 1964. This clean sweep violated Kennedys previous assurances to Congress and marked the first time in the committees 61-year history that its entire membership was dismissed.

The new ACIP is stacked with notorious anti-vaccine quacks like Dr. Robert Malone, who has spread false claims about COVID-19 vaccines causing brain damage and infertility in children, and Dr. Martin Kulldorff, co-author of the Great Barrington Declarationthe herd immunity manifestowho was fired from Harvard for refusing COVID-19 vaccination. Under Kulldorffs leadership, the reconstituted committee has announced plans to review the entire childhood vaccination schedule, targeting vaccines that have protected children for decades.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has boycotted ACIP meetings entirely, declaring the process no longer credible. AAP President Dr. Susan Kressly stated defiantly, We wont lend our name to a system that is being politicized at the expense of childrens health.

The practical implications are immediate and severe. Insurance coverage for vaccines depends on CDC recommendations, which flow from ACIP guidance. With the committee now stacked with anti-vaccine ideologues, healthy children and pregnant women face losing access to COVID-19 vaccines, forcing families to pay out-of-pocket costs ranging from $136 to $230 per dose. For a family of four seeking full vaccination, costs could reach $900, out of reach for the vast majority of the US population.

The Trump administrations assault on science extends far beyond US borders, threatening to unleash a global health catastrophe that is set to kill millions in the coming years. Three simultaneous withdrawalsfrom the World Health Organization, USAID and the Gavi vaccine alliancerepresent a coordinated abandonment of Americas role in global health initiatives which will have devastating consequences for the worlds most vulnerable populations.

A groundbreaking study published Monday in The Lancet provides the most comprehensive assessment yet of the human cost of these policies. Analyzing data from 133 countries over two decades, researchers found that USAID programs alone prevented 91 million deaths between 2001 and 2021, including 30 million children under five. The agencys work was associated with a 65 percent reduction in HIV/AIDS deaths (25.5 million lives saved), a 51 percent decline in malaria fatalities (8 million deaths), and a 50 percent reduction in deaths from neglected tropical diseases (8.9 million lives).

Average per capita USAID disbursement from 2001 to 2021, by quartile (A), and deaths (all ages) prevented by USAID implementation as a percentage of the total over the study period 200121 (B) [Photo by Daniella Medeiros Cavalcanti et al. via The Lancet / CC BY 4.0

While USAID has delivered vital aid and saved millions of lives, it has always functioned as an instrument of US imperialismusing soft power to secure American dominance, suppress popular movements and impose pro-corporate policies worldwide. The Trump administrations dismantling of USAID does not represent a break with this legacy but rather the lifting of any pretense of humanitarianism, with catastrophic consequences for the worlds poorest as famine and disease spread unchecked.

The Trump administrations 83 percent cut to USAID programs threatens to reverse two decades of public health progress in low- and middle-income countries. The Lancet study projects that if current cuts continue through 2030, over 14 million additional deaths will occur, including 4.5 million children under fiveequivalent to 700,000 excess child deaths annually. As the studys authors noted, For many low- and middle-income countries, the resulting shock would be similar in scale to a global pandemic or a major armed conflict.

Kennedys withdrawal from Gavi, announced last week, will further compound this global health crisis. The vaccine alliance has immunized over 1.1 billion children since 2000, preventing 18.8 million deaths. Gavi models predict that losing US funding could leave 75 million children unvaccinated, causing 1 million preventable deaths over the next five years. Doctors Without Borders warned that countless children will die from vaccine-preventable diseases, as over half the vaccines used in humanitarian settings come from Gavi-procured supplies.

Trumps withdrawal from WHO eliminates Americas 15 percent share of the organizations budget, crippling global disease surveillance and outbreak response capabilities. Harvards Jesse Bump warned that public health disasters that dont have to happen will happen, because those capacities arent there anymore.

The combined effect of these three pullouts from global public health alliances threatens to create a health infrastructure collapse, with the heaviest burden falling on the worlds poorest populations who depend most heavily on international aid.

The Trump administrations systematic assault on scientific institutions represents more than policy disagreementit constitutes a fascist offensive against the very foundations of modern civilization. As only the World Socialist Web Site has consistently warned, these attacks flow from the terminal crisis of American capitalism and the ruling classs turn toward authoritarian methods of rule.

The fight for science has become a critical front in the class struggle of the modern epoch. Every aspect of contemporary societyfrom the safety of the food supply and water to the development of life-saving medicinesdepends on scientific research and evidence-based policy. The capitalist ruling class, facing an unprecedented crisis, seeks to confine these advances to serve only the oligarchy while abandoning the masses to conditions of barbarism not seen since the rise of fascism in the 1930s.

The Trump administrations assault on vaccineswhich have prevented 154 million deaths globally since 1974represents a conscious effort to drag society backward, sacrificing human life on the altar of corporate profit. Only the international unification of the working class and the rebuilding of society on socialist foundations can guarantee fully-funded public health infrastructure and the development of science for all humanity.
A Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority bus (SEPTA) is driven on Market Street in Philadelphia. [AP Photo/Matt Rourke]

On Thursday, June 26, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authoritys (SEPTA) Board of Trustees approved a doomsday budget that will ensure the devastation of the regions public transportation system.

The budget, which will force a 45 percent reduction in services, will further solidify a decline in living standards for the working-class communities within SEPTAs service region if no solution is found.

The budget was passed only days before a strike began of over 9,000 city workers (including trash removal, water, and street maintenance) against poverty pay. Similar massive cuts are taking place across America, placing the working class on a collision course with the two-party systems budget cutting agenda. This situation has produced opposition in section after section of the working population.

August 24 will mark the first phase of service cuts, with the elimination of 32 bus routes, a reduction in services on existing routes, and the end of special event services. A 21.5 percent fare increase is also slated for September. The second phase of cuts, beginning January 1, 2026, will see the elimination of five regional rail lines, 18 more bus routes, and the imposition of a 9:00 PM curfew on all remaining services.

This budget will effectively dismantle SEPTA, said SEPTA general manager Scott Sauer in announcing the boards decision. Once this dismantlement begins, it will be almost impossible to reverse, and the economic and social impacts will be immediate and long-lasting for all Pennsylvanians, whether they ride SEPTA or not.

These cuts will hit the most vulnerable within the working class. In 2022, 50 percent of SEPTAs ridership earned $34,000 or less annually, another 21 percent earned $15,000 or less. Many of these riders are completely reliant on public transportation for general mobility within the community, and as their sole means of commuting to and from work.

The reduction of transportation services is also estimated to have a devaluing effect of around $19 billion in real estate.

The current structural deficit that SEPTA faces is primarily linked to the ending of COVID relief funds, totaling around $213 million. Meanwhile, SEPTA and transportation systems across the country face rising operating costs and a loss of ridership since the start of the pandemic.

Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro and the Democrats who control the State House are pursuing a measure which they know is doomed to failure. It will not gain the required Republican support, as it has already failed to do three times in the pastsomething Governor Shapiro has openly acknowledged. The Public Transportation Trust Fund Act would raise a percentage of already allocated sales tax funds, forecast to generate around $292 million.

Republican State Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman has already expressed opposition to the legislation: With the state already investing billions of dollars in mass transit annually, asking for more than $300 million more this year for transit is difficult to reconcile.

Delaware County, which falls within SEPTAs service region, is still reeling from the devastating consequences of a private equity firms financial parasitism. In late April, this led to the closure of Crozer-Chester and Taylor hospitals, leaving the community with zero hospitals. The current financial crisis within SEPTA only promises to amplify the compounding crisis, with fewer healthcare facilities accessing fewer transportation options.

Chicagos transportation system is also facing devastating cuts of around 40 percent. Democrats have controlled the city and state for years, and despite numerous warnings about the current budget crisis, they have done nothing to prevent it. Instead, they are now bracing the public to do more with less, as stated by Democratic Mayor and former teachers union organizer Brandon Johnson.

In New York City, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is currently facing a $1.5 billion operating budget gap, with as much as a $35 billion dollar shortfall for its four-year capital plan. It is currently seeking $14 billion in emergency federal dollars to assist it.

At the federal level, representatives in Congress have voted to adopt Trumps massive attack on Medicaid, food stamps and other social programs in order to fund his permanent tax cuts for the wealthy. Resources used for critical public services are being drained away into the coffers of the wealthy and set aside for global war.

The assault on working class living standards is of a piece with the general counter-revolutionary drive of the American ruling class to claw back social gains made over the last 80 years.

But the heightened assault on living standards are not going unchallenged. On Thursday, Penn Museum workers affiliated with AFSCME District Council 47 in Philadelphia voted to ratify strike action if a contract isnt offered by July 14. They would join fellow municipal workers in District Council 33 who are currently out on strike.

On June 17, members of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT) voted overwhelmingly to strike if a contract agreement is not reached with the School District of Philadelphia (SDP) by August 31, 2025. Elsewhere in the state, over 1,400 healthcare workers, affiliated with the Service Employees International Union at Wellspan Chambersburg Hospital, voted on Tuesday, July 1, to strike if negotiations failed to produce a contract.

The critical issue involved in these struggles is political leadership. In each instance, the official trade unions are not seeking to link up workers fights for basic social rights. Instead, despite empty proclamations of solidarity from various leaders, they are being kept separate and isolated from each other.

In the case of the teachers, the PFTs leaders have sought to bury the members strike vote. Instead, the leaders have pivoted to promoting unity with the SDP as they appear, hand-in-hand, at the state capital to beg for school funding.

The SEPTA transit workers vote to strike last November was disregarded by the Transport Workers Union local 234, which kept its members at work while it continued negotiating a sellout contract with the transit system.

Workers in the city of Philadelphia must take the struggle into their own hands by forming independent rank-and-file committees, elected from among their own fellow shop floor members, and make plans for linking their struggles with workers across the board. This is a necessary step toward preparing for a general strike, which will carry the goals of not only securing decent living standards for all, but forcing out of office the sworn enemies of the working class in the Democratic and Republican parties.

For this fight, no support can be placed upon the pro-corporate trade union apparatus. Whether in the private or public sector, these institutions function as the company police, intent to sell out the workers struggle.
There Is No Place for Us: Working and Homeless in America (2025, Crown)

In There Is No Place for Us: Working and Homeless in America, Brian Goldstone says of one of his subjects, Celeste, that pride and dignity were luxuries she could no longer afford. These words sum up the devastating experience of being homeless, depicted in clear-eyed detail in this new work.

There Is No Place for Us: Working and Homeless in America

Goldstones is hardly the first useful book to reveal the countless trap doors leading to homelessness or the virtually inescapable webs that hold millions of Americans in that condition once they are caught. But with There Is No Place for Us, Goldstone has added another valuable work to a tradition of exposures in American journalism that goes back to Ida Tarbells revelations about the Standard Oil Company and Upton Sinclairs seismic expose of the meat packing industry in The Jungle.

Goldstones book focuses on the Atlanta area, a region experiencing both burgeoning growth and rapid gentrification. There Is No Place for Us registers this dynamic, exploring its brutal consequences.

The means by which Goldstone conveys his investigative work is a braid of narratives that follow the experiences of five working class families, all of whom, sliding gradually or dropping suddenly, fall into homelessness.

When we first meet Michelle, for instance, she is putting the finishing touches on a lavish Christmas dinner for her three young children and her boyfriend. The family is living in the Eastwyck Village apartment complex, a dilapidated site but acceptable as a temporary home for a woman on her way up.

But Michelles story, like those of the books other protagonists, provides a case study in the fragility of working class existence. In her case, all that is needed is the end of her relationship with her boyfriend Jacob, who had been supporting the family, to bring about disaster. Having developed a drug addiction, Jacob has burned through the familys meager savings, leaving Michelle unable to pay the rent on the apartment. Soon she and her children are living at the A2B Budget Hotel, where an acquaintance has found Michelle a job as the night clerk.

So begins Michelles downward spiral that at least threatens most adult low-wage workers. A bosss demand that she take a position at another location conflicts with her childcare needs, and Michelle loses her job. Within a year she will sleep with her children on the floor of a basement storage room, beg on the street with her youngest daughter in her arms, consider prostitution, develop an alcohol and drug addiction and be separated from her children.

For Celeste, the spiral begins when the house she and her children have been living in is burned to the ground by a former boyfriend. Despite admirable ingenuity and pluck, Celestes efforts at staying above water are sabotaged by a cancer diagnosis and the fact that the effects of chemotherapy leave her incapable of holding down two jobs. Britt, though she wins the lottery for a state housing voucher, learns that very few landlords will accept the vouchers due to the economic disincentives built into the system.

Homelessness is business

In effectively transparent prose, Goldstone constructs a damning brief. Though he limits his condemnation to the American housing system, the evidence he presents belies this limitation and makes an airtight case against capitalism itself.

In relating Britts experience of searching for an apartment with her useless voucher, Goldstone explains that, despite the 30 percent rule, which warns against paying more than that proportion of ones earnings on rent plus utilities, the vast majority of low-income renters pay between 80 and 90 percent of their earnings to landlords. In such precarious circumstances, these workers see themselves as having little or no bargaining power versus the vampires who own the cut-rate apartment complexes, long-term hotels (Stay a nite or stay forever reads the menacing motto of one such establishment) and horrific rooming houses.

A homeless encampment on a street in downtown Los Angeles [AP Photo/Richard Vogel]

When Celeste, who is battling cancer, attempts to draw Social Security Insurance, she waits hours to speak with a representative at Gateway, the organization for all homeless aid intake in Atlanta. When she finally meets with the official, she is made to answer a short series of questions. However, because she lives with her children in a filthy long-term hotel and is neither in a shelter nor on the street, Celeste is told, she does not qualify under HUDs (Housing and Urban Development) definition of homeless.

Such hotels constitute what the gueststhe owners will not allow them to be tenants and thus enjoy tenant rightscall the hotel trap, an exploitative business model preying on poorly paid workers. In this model, the principle is to displace and replace, allowing residents who complain about appalling conditions (mold, broken windows, holes in walls, etc.) to find somewhere cheaper and canceling the stay of those who cannot meet their weekly bill.

The first blow workers receive, however, often comes in the form of gentrification, the jump in property values in areas receiving investment from predatory developers. As property values rise, so do rents, until lower-income workers can no longer afford to live in neighborhoods where their families may have lived for generations. Telling of the willingness of new homeowners in one Atlanta-area community to watch low-rent housing disappear from their newly upper middle-class neighborhoods, Goldstone neatly crystallizes the class issues at work in the phenomenon of gentrification:

The Chosewood Park Neighborhood Association (CPNA), composed almost entirely of homeowners, made no complaints, formally or informally, regarding the removal of Gladstones residents from their homes. This was largely because they didnt see these low-income rentersmany of whom had been living in the neighborhood for more than a decadeas part of the community. Paul McMurray, the associations vice president at the time, recalled that most of his neighbors qualms about Empires redevelopment plan concerned the threat to the areas old-growth tree canopy.  Another member, lamenting the displacement of local wildlife, posted a photo of a deer wandering the neighborhood.

Gentrification is not simply lucrative for investors due to the newly valuable property. The homelessness it triggers is itself an industry. In fact, the long-term hotels, Goldstone reveals, are many times under the hidden ownership of Wall Street investment firms. For example, in 2020 Blackstone and Starwood Capital Group partnered to purchase the predatory hotel chain Extended Stay America, which in that economically bleak year raked in $96 million in profits.

The very fabric of Goldstones narratives is the thousand and one injustices suffered by the working poor from employers, landlords, and state agencies and their representatives. There is one instance of collaborative rebellion in There Is No Place for Us that must be mentioned. Led by a remarkable volunteer, who works tirelessly to provide what she can for Atlantas homeless, Celeste and a score of other tenants who have been evicted at gunpoint from an extended-stay hotel organize their talents and resourcesand fight back.

Though they are initially buoyed by enthusiasm and gain some valuable press coverage, before long the relentless demands of their personal lives and the fatigue that comes with protracted struggle act as a centrifugal force on the group, and they scatter leaving a wake of acrimony and petty jealousies. Nevertheless, the reader finds this section of the book invigorating and senses that the tenants are on the right track.

The liberal fog

Goldstone has produced a powerful and valuable document with There Is No Place for Us. It is necessary, however, to indicate the books limitations.

The Introduction asks the reader to accept that Goldstone, a seasoned journalist, was surprised to learn that people with jobs can actually live in their cars or in long-term hotels. After all, he says, the term the working homeless seems counterintuitive, an oxymoron. In a country where hard work and determination are supposed to lead to successor at least stabilitythere is something scandalous about the very concept.

While Goldstone may be feigning disbelief here to make a case, his readers are presumably aware that the US national minimum wage has stagnated at a derisory, provocative $7.25 for over fifteen years and no state minimum has kept up with sharp increases in the cost of living.

However unfamiliar with the American working class Goldstone may have been at the start of his project, in the books Epilogue, and elsewhere in the work, he evinces a naivete that reveals him to be ensconced in the fog of liberalism. The crux of that naiveteagain, genuine or feignedis found in his use of the word we.

Rightly calling for housing to be a universal right, Goldstone says, If we are serious about ending this countrys epidemic of homelessness and housing insecurity, then we must confront it head on and commit to a guiding principle: everybody in America should and can have a home. Such an aspiration, however, remains utopian as long as it relies, as Goldstone does, on the notion that the country is guided by some idealistic we that, we are to suppose, will turn its dreams into realities through the alchemy of elections. For this to be the case, we would have to live in a world where electoral politics is not controlled by the same oligarchy that profits off both gentrification and the misery it produces.

But this new American homelessness is a choiceone we have collectively made as a society, Goldstone scolds. This is not true at all. No one has chosen the nations homelessness epidemic, now affecting an estimated 4 million, but the financial parasites who profit from it.

We are not to blame for the plight of the homeless. The blame rests squarely with the ruling elite.

Despite this liberal shortcoming, Goldstones book is a valuable work and should be read.
Ward Sakeik

Ward Sakeik, a 22-year-old stateless Palestinian newlywed, was released late Tuesday from the Prairieland Detention Center in Texas after enduring nearly five months in US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody.

While her release marks an important victory for immigrant rights, it is a warning that the lawless and punitive policies of the Trump administration continue to target thousands with no criminal record, in open defiance of basic legal protections and constitutional rights.

Sakeiks release came after a long series of brazen attacks on her rights by Trumps immigration Gestapo. Her ordeal with ICE began during her honeymoon in February 2025, when she was detained at the St. Thomas Airport in the US Virgin Islands while returning home with her husband, Taahir Shaikh.

Sakeik, a stateless Palestinian born in Saudi Arabia, had lived in the US since age eight after her familys asylum claim was denied. Though she had a deportation order from 2011, she was allowed to stay in the US under supervision, regularly checking in with immigration authorities and fully complying with all requirements.

Despite her compliance and a pending green card application, Sakeik was detained and transferred to several ICE facilities, including Prairieland Detention Center in Texas. ICE then attempted to deport her twice without warning.

On June 12, ICE officers brought her onto the tarmac at Fort Worth Alliance Airport and told her they were deporting her to the border of Israel, despite the governments knowledge that she is stateless and has no path to citizenship in Israel or in the West Bank.

Her deportation was only halted due to the launching of a war against Iran by Israel. Sakeiks family has described her situation as a procedural black hole, with no bond eligibility and no clear path to legal status.

Despite a federal court order explicitly prohibiting her removal from the country, ICE attempted to deport Sakeik on June 30 for the second time.

At 5:00 a.m. on Monday, June 30, guards at the Prairieland Detention Center woke Sakeik and ordered her to pack her belongings, telling her she was being removed from the facility immediately. She was not told where she was being deported to, and her belongings had already been placed outside the intake door.

Buses were waiting outside to take her away. When Sakeik tried to explain to officers that a federal judge had issued an order forbidding her removal, she was told, Its not up to me. She was denied the opportunity to contact her husband or attorneys. Her husband, Taahir Shaikh, only learned of the attempted removal from another detainee.

Her legal team scrambled to alert ICE and reiterated the court order, while ICE officers refused to provide information about her destination or the justification for the removal attempt.

Ward Sakeiks defense was led by a team of attorneys, including Eric Lee, Waled Elsaban and Maria Kari with Project TAHA, an advocacy group for stateless individuals and Palestinian rights.

Eric Lee condemned the governments actions:

The Trump administrations 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. As the Supreme Court sits on its hands and lets this happen, the American people must stand up and oppose Trumps descent to dictatorship.

Maria Kari, who works with Project TAHA, stated:

Today marks a powerful step forward for Ward who has been released from immigration detention and reunited with her spouse, Taahir, after 141 days. This is a moment of much needed relief and joyone that every family deserves. Ward's case is one of too many that are emblematic of this administration's cruelty-based immigration enforcement system where daily we are seeing loved ones torn apart.

Sakeiks husband, Taahir Shaikh, has been at the forefront of the campaign to secure her release, organizing public protests, media outreach, and petition drives. His tireless efforts kept her case in the public eye and mobilized support from immigrant rights groups and the broader community.

Reflecting on her release, Shaikh said:

We are overjoyed that Ward is finally free, but we will not forget the trauma and fear inflicted on our family. This nightmare should never have happened. We will continue to fight for justice for Ward and for all those still trapped in ICE detention.

Sakeiks case is part of the criminality and attack on basic democratic rights that define the Trump administrations fascist political program. ICEs repeated attempts to deport her despite a federal court order are not an aberration but part of a broader pattern of belligerent rejection of judicial oversight.

Immigrant rights organizations have condemned the treatment of Sakeik, and thousands like her. In a statement, Project TAHA said:

Wards case demonstrates the utter lawlessness and cruelty of the Trump administrations immigration policies. Detaining and attempting to deport a stateless womanmarried to a U.S. citizen and fully compliant with the lawshows that no one is safe from this regimes attacks.

Godshall-Bennett, an advocate with Project TAHA, added:

The cruelty the government inflicted on Ward and her family puts in stark relief just how depraved this administrations immigration policies are. Ward was arrested and almost deported simply because she is Palestinian and ICE thought they could get away with it. The new American secret police are out of control, but the fault lies with generations of legislators who have happily demonized immigrants in their race to the fascistic bottom.

Ward Sakeiks release is a victory for her family, her legal team, and all of those fighting for immigrant rights. But her case is also a warning: the Trump administrations immigration apparatus is openly defying the courts and targeting and trampling on the rights of the most vulnerable. As long as this administration remains in place, and with the complicity of the Democratic Party, thousands remain at risk of indefinite detention, deportation, and family separation.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 4. Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), on the sidelines of the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) held in the city of Khankendi, Trend reports via the Foreign Ministry.

The convening centered on the prevailing status and future trajectories of collaborative synergies between Azerbaijan and UNESCAP.



The Executive Secretary of UNESCAP articulated her appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the Summit and acknowledged Azerbaijan's proactive initiative to convene the 82nd session of UNESCAP in 2026.

The meeting emphasized Azerbaijans growing role in the region and on international platforms, as well as the countrys contributions to the UN mission, including the successful hosting and productive chairmanship of the Summit marking the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) in 2023 and the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (COP29). These achievements were recalled with satisfaction.

The parties conducted a comprehensive analysis of synergies for the execution of collaborative initiatives in the domains of climate adaptation and sustainable energy solutions, transportation networks, technological advancements, and digital transformation.

The meeting also exchanged views on other global developments and challenges of mutual concern.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Perhaps because his movies rely on surprising plot twists, M. Night Shyamalan has a reputation for being fairly secretive while filming his projects. He has proved no different here in Rhode Island, where he has been filming "Remain," a supernatural romantic thriller in Providence's Cranston Street Armory as well as locations around the state.

No doubt, much of his work has flown under the public's radar, but a few filming locations have leaked, giving local residents the thrill of having a movie film in their town and a chance to spy celebrities, including stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Phoebe Dynevor and Ashley Walters.

Filming is expected to wrap in August, with Warner Bros. scheduled to release the movie October 23 of next year.

What do we know about the plot of 'Remain'?

Meanwhile, in an unusual arrangement, Shyamalan and New York Times bestselling novelist Nicholas Sparks have joined forces, telling the same original story two ways: as a movie and as book. Both will share credit on each incarnation of "Remain."

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The book version, due out in October this year, is already available for pre-order on Amazon. A synopsis on the bookseller's website says the story centers around New York architect Tate Donovan, who, having just gotten out of a psychiatric facility, is designing a friend's house on Cape Cod. Donovan, who is dealing with the death of his sister, who divulged on her death bed that seeing spirits runs in the family, meets a woman named Wren, who bears secrets of her own.

Who is in 'Remain'?

Phoebe Dynevor, known for her role as Daphne Bridgerton in the hit Netflix series "Bridgerton," will be playing a major role in the project alongside Gyllenhaal, according to a Facebook post by Steve Feinberg, executive director of the Rhode Island Film & Television Office.

Ashley Walters is also a star in the film. Walters is known for the Netflix series "Adolescence," a British crime drama that's made several 'best TV of 2025 so far' lists.

When will 'Remain' come out?

The film will be released just before Halloween next year, on Oct. 23, 2026, by Warner Bros.

Is Jake Gyllenhaal in Rhode Island

Gyllenhaal has been seen around Rhode Island as of June 26, as he is currently filming the Shyamalan-helmed film "Remain," including grabbing a coffee at The Nitro Bar in Providence.

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Shop founder Audrey Finocchiaro posted a TikTok on June 18 with the caption, "oh and did I mention Jake Gyllenhaal came into @The Nitro Bar today ."

The coffee establishment, which was founded in 2016 as The Nitro Cart, has amassed almost half a million followers on TikTok. It has since expanded to three brick-and-mortar stores  one in Providence and two in Newport.

Signs around RI give clues to filming

One of the signals that a film crew is in town will be when signs are put up directing cast and crew to locations where they need to be to set up for shooting or actually film.

These signs are often several feet across and made of yellow plastic, but other colors and materials may be used.

Here's everywhere we know of that 'Remain' has been filmed:

Warren

Coffee Depot, June 18

Filming of "Remain" began around noon on Wednesday, June 18, inside the Coffee Depot on Main Street, Warren. Background actors walked to and fro on the sidewalk outside the coffee shop, to be seen by cameras filming inside.

Bristol

Prudence Island Ferry, June 18

Cast and crew boarded the Prudence Island Ferry's Herbert C. Bonner for several hours of filming on Narragansett Bay, with possible additional filming after returning to the Bristol dock.

Newport

Washington Square, June 25

Shyamalan filmed a festive scene with many extras in Eisenhower Park, in front of the Florence K. Murray Judicial Complex.

Foster

Swamp Meadow Covered Bridge

A report in the Valley Breeze said that cars were filmed crossing the bridge the week of June 19. This might fit with a June 23 casting call for amputee actors who would be comfortable with fake blood and portraying being crushed by a bridge. The casting call didn't specify what project was being cast, except to say it was a feature film being shot in Rhode Island, with a shooting day of June 26.

Glocester

Tavern on Main, June 26

The more than two-century-old tavern was the site of several key developments during the 1842 Dorr Rebellion.

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After the June 26 filming, the restaurant and several employees reported on Facebook that staff members were given roles as extras in the movie.

Little Compton

Gray's General Store, Adamsville, June 20 and 23

The more than 200-year-old store, once recognized as the oldest continuously operating store in America, was used for two days of filming.

Haffenreffer estate, Sakonnet Point, June 27

Formerly part of the estate of onetime Narragansett Brewery president Carl Haffenreffer, part of Sakonnet Point perched on the Atlantic Ocean was used to film a scene in a meadow.

Providence

Besides serving as home base for the production company, Providence's Cranston Street Armory also housed a sound stage used as a set during filming of M. Night Shyamalan's "Remain."

Cranston Street Armory

Though it's unclear when filming begins at the armory, it's expected that much of the action will take place on a sound stage set up inside, beyond the prying eyes of the public.

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With reports by trending reporter Rin Velasco. She can be reached at rvelasco@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Here's where M. Night Shyamalan and Jake Gyllenhaal have filmed in RI
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 4. An official lunch was held in Shusha on behalf of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in honor of the heads of state and government and heads of delegations participating in the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization on July 4, Trend reports.
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King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima's eldest daughter, Princess Catharina-Amalia, has a bright future ahead as the heir to the Dutch throne, but for the moment, the 21-year-old is carrying on with her studies. This week, the Dutch royal family announced the Princess of Orange will be taking on a bachelor's degree in Dutch law and will also train to become a military reservistbut the royal's recent horse accident will prevent her from taking part in some of these activities.

On Monday, June 30, Princess Catharina-Amaliawho had surgery for a broken arm on June 10 after falling off her horsejoined her parents along with sisters Princess Ariane, 18, and Princess Alexia, 20, for the family's annual summer photo call. The event was postponed from its original June date following the Princess of Orange's accident.

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Per a statement from the palace, Catharina-Amaliawho goes by Amaliais nearly done with her bachelor's degree in politics, psychology, law and economics at the University of Amsterdam. In the fall, she'll begin another bachelor's degree in Dutch law at the university and will also attend the Defensity College to become a military reservist for the next two years. However, her arm injury will slightly alter her entry into the program.

The Princess of Orange, seen on June 18 with King Willem-Alexander, wore her arm in a sling after her surgery. | Credit: Getty Images

Amalia's arm was covered in a large bandage during the family's summer photo call on June 30. | Credit: Getty Images

The Dutch royal family is seen at Huis ten Bosch Palace. | Credit: Getty Images

"Due to the recent fracture in her arm, she cannot participate in all physical components right away," the statement read. "Amalia will start with that after recovery." It's unclear how long it will take for the Princess of Orangewho is an avid equestrianto fully recover from the surgery.

The princess appeared in public for the first time after the accident on June 18, joining King Willem-Alexander for a military event while wearing her arm in a sling. During the family's summer photo call, Amalia's arm was covered in a large bandage, but she didn't let that stop her from making a fashion statement.

The princess wore a wore a cropped, backless green floral blouse by Danish brand Rotate Birger Christensen, pairing it with white jeans, Celine sunglasses and green Adidas sneakers.

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As for her future studies, the palace added, "The goal of Defensity College is to offer students a meaningful side job during their studies and to increase the visibility and connection between the armed forces and society."

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Paris-based Loco Films has picked up international sales rights to Peruvian Daniel Vidal Toches feature debut The Anatomy of the Horses, (La anatomia de los caballos), which world premieres in Proxima Competition at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival.

Filmed in the Peruvian Andes in Spanish and Quechua languages, The Anatomy of the Horses represents an exploration of time and revolution in the remote highlands of Peru.

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Loco Films has shared the trailer in exclusivity with Variety.

Spaniard Ignacio Vuelta produced the feature at Tarifa-based Playa Chica Films and co-wrote the screenplay alongside Vidal Toche. Both are graduates at Spains Madrid Film School ECAM, behind ECAM Forum.

Further co-production partners are Sideral Cinema in Spain, Pioneros Producciones in Peru, Colombias Los Ninos Films and Mito Films and Promenades Films from France.

Actors Juan Quispe and Edith Ramos topline a story that intertwines two periods, that following the 18th century revolutionary Angel Pumacahua, defeated in battle, who flees to his village and, upon his arrival, finds himself in the Peruvian Andes of the 21st century.

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A meteorite has crashed nearby, tearing through time and marking the collision of eras. There, amidst the echoes of this rupture, Angel meets Eustaquia, searching for her twin sister, who disappeared in the fight against a mining company.

Together, they question whether revolution is something inherent within us or merely a construct we are destined to pursue forever, Vidal Toche explained.

With The Anatomy of the Horses, I aimed to express my feelings about my country, where the desire for change always seems to fail. In Peru, as in Latin America, it feels like we start again and again from the same place, trapped in an unbroken cycle, he said.

In the Andean region of Puno, the landscape is harsh, relentless; a place where the earth itself seems to resist as if the weight of history and suffering persists in every corner, he added.

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A world sales and production company created by seasoned European film executives Laurent Danielou and Enrique Gonzalez Kuhn, Loco Films aims to find and unveil the finest of independent filmmaking.

Madrid-based Sideral handles Spanish distribution rights to The Anatomy of the Horses, which world premieres July 7 at the Karlovy Vary Festival, as part of the Proxima Competition.

Proxima offers space to the worlds new voices to complement the Crystal Globe Competition by celebrating contemporary cinema with a collection of forward-thinking films and discoveries.

The 59th Karlovy Vary Intl. Film Festival runs July 4-12.

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Does it get more patriotic than John Cena as the president of the United States?

Just in time for Fourth of July weekend, the 18-time wrestling champ and Charlize Theron are in action-hero mode as they hit your streaming services. Several films are just arrived on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon's Prime Video, Disney+ and more, from theatrical releases finally coming home (Ryan Coogler's vampire-filled horror hit) to original fare (a recorded version of the "Frozen" stage musical).

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Here are 10 new and notable movies you can stream right now:

'Ash'

Eiza Gonzalez stars as an astronaut who wakes up on an alien planet and has no idea what's going on in the sci-fi horror film "Ash."

A trippy paranoia space thriller that turns into a gonzo gore-fest. Eiza Gonzalez plays an astronaut who wakes up on an alien planet, not knowing who she is but seeing a bunch of dead crew members around, and she needs to figure out if her rescuer (Aaron Paul) is on the level or not.

Where to watch: Shudder

'The Day the Earth Blew Up'

It's up to Daffy Duck and Porky Pig to stop an alien invasion in the animated Looney Tunes comedy "The Day the Earth Blew Up."

Who better to stave off an alien invasion than ... wait, what? Daffy Duck and Porky Pig?! This Looney Tunes animated comedy features the iconic 'toon twosome as roommates and coworkers at a chewing gum factory who uncover a mind control plot when the launch of a new flavor turns people into zombies.

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Where to watch: Max

'Frozen: The Hit Broadway Musical'

Samantha Barks stars as Elsa in "Frozen: The Hit Broadway Musical," a recording of the West End stage production.

"Frozen" fans who never got to see the musical version on Broadway now have their chance  and even if you've seen the original 1,000 times, the stage show hits different. This live recording of a West End production features Samantha Barks (who starred in 2012's "Les Miserables" movie) letting it go with gusto as Elsa.

Where to watch: Disney+

'Heads of State'

The British prime minister (Idris Elba, left) and American president (John Cena) have to learn how to work together in "Heads of State."

John Cena plays an action-movie star elected president of the USA. Idris Elba is the British prime minister (and ex-soldier) who has no time for his tomfoolery. The two world leaders have to work together to save the day in this breezy action comedy, and Cena and Elba are aces working their macho chemistry as rival frenemies.

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Where to watch: Prime Video

'The Old Guard 2'

Two female titans do battle in "Old Guard 2": Uma Thurman as Discord (left) and Charlize Theron as Andy.

Based on the comic-book series, the action sequel reunites Andy (Charlize Theron) with her crew of immortal warriors. Andy, however, is learning to live with a newfound mortality when she reunites with an old friend (Henry Golding) and faces an ancient enemy (Uma Thurman) who emerges as an existential threat.

Where to watch: Netflix

'On Becoming a Guinea Fowl'

Susan Chardy stars as a Zambian woman who finds the dead body of her uncle in the road in the drama "On Becoming a Guinea Fowl."

In the amusing and gut-wrenching drama, Susan Chardy stars as Shula, a Zambian woman driving one night when she spots the body of her uncle in the street. She's supposed to help put together a funeral, but the aftermath leads to an emotional divide among the family as they deal with the uncle's history of sexual violence.

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Where to watch: Max

'My Mom Jayne'

Young Mariska Hargitay with her mother, Jayne Mansfield. Hargitay writes and directs the HBO documentary "My Mom Jayne."

We knew Mariska Hargitay was one of TV's top cops. What we didn't realize is she's also a gifted documentarian. Hargitay was just 3 when her movie star mom, Jayne Mansfield, died, and the film is her way to figure out who Mansfield was. The documentary disconnects the sex symbol from the real person while also revealing the biological father Hargitay kept a secret.

Where to watch: Max

'Please Don't Feed the Children'

Regan Aliyah (far left), Andrew Liner, Dean Scott Vazquez, Zoe Colletti and Emma Meisel play kids trying to stay alive in the horror film "Please Don't Feed the Children."

With her first feature film, director Destry Allyn Spielberg  yes, the daughter of that Spielberg  creates an intense world where a pandemic has stricken adults instead of kids and teens on the run are taken in by a stranger (Michelle Dockery). Then Spielberg shows her true mettle by pulling off a twist that proudly goes full horror.

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Where to watch: Tubi

'Sinners'

Smoke (Michael B. Jordan, center), flanked by brother Stack (also Jordan) and pal Cornbread (Omar Miller), is wary of uninvited guests in the period horror film "Sinners."

Ryan Coogler's sinfully good period musical gangster vampire horror flick is one of the best movies of the year, period. Thrill to Michael B. Jordan as the Smokestack twins, who return to their Mississippi hometown to open up a swinging juke joint and have their opening night crashed by a band of bloodsuckers.

Where to watch: Max

'The Woman in the Yard'

Okwui Okpokwasili plays a veiled lady who mysteriously shows up on a family farm in "The Woman in the Yard."

Danielle Deadwyler stars as an injured widow and single mother knocked for a loop by tragedy when a mysterious woman in a black veil shows up out of nowhere to haunt her family's yard. It's psychological horror that digs deep into depression and mental health, with a harrowing ending that leaves much up to audience interpretation.

Where to watch: Peacock

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New movies on Netflix, Amazon, Disney+, Max, Hulu to stream now
With so many "top 10" lists and travel influencers hyping up their favorite spots, it can feel like every country is being called the perfect destination, making it easy to forget that the perfect place to visit is ultimately personal. To find out what travelers actually think, u/AliveRelationship551 asked, "Which country do you think is the PERFECT tourist destination according to your personal experience?" In response, people offered a mix of passionate favorites, underrated picks, and some notes about what makes a place truly special to them:

1."I have been to 44 countries, and I find Japan to be the perfect tourist destination. Japan is well-endowed with a rich cultural heritage, diverse, breathtaking natural scenery, and the hospitality is top-notch. Japanese cuisine is designated as UNESCO intangible heritage. There are 47 prefectures in Japan. Each prefecture has its own distinctive character. I have been to Japan six times, and I have never been bored with it. There is so much to do, see, and experience in Japan. Japan is truly the most perfect country for tourism based on my experience."

Jackyenjoyphotography / Getty Images

u/AliveRelationship551

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"I know someone who has been to 85 countries. I asked him which country he'd like to visit again. He didn't even think for a second. He just said Japan."

u/MathCsCareerAspirant

"Currently in Japan right now on my second trip. It's pretty amazing, and the public transportation leaves a lot to be desired in whichever country you call home."

u/thuggerybuffoonery

"I agree. Japan has literally everything from snow mountains in Hokkaido to pristine beaches in Okinawa. Not to mention, it has the biggest city in the world and historical places such as Kyoto. Everything is so convenient and cheap (right now), and people are so nice to tourists. Living there is not a pleasant experience, but it is the best country to visit for sure."

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u/lkh9596

2."I love Vietnam. Visited it two times, and I love that the place feels safe. Since I'm from Japan, I only miss the quiet streets (no car horns at all here). Be prepared to hear horns all day long. Another thing that's great about Vietnam is that I'm probably less scammed than in other places I've visited."

Ho Ngoc Binh / Getty Images

u/kyookenkk

"I've been to 60 countries and Vietnam three times, and it's definitely one of my absolute favorite destinations. It's so vibrant and quirky, with amazing food. It feels safe, it's constantly changing, and the people are really friendly. They have become really good at tourism over the past 15 years. I didn't experience anyone trying to scam me, except maybe some aggressive sales tactics at some markets."

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u/rebeccavt

3."Bosnia. Great food, inexpensive, lots of great outdoor activities, and easy to get around."

Sergio Formoso / Getty Images

u/[deleted]

4."Peru. If you can speak Spanish or are fine using Google Translate to get around in other areas apart from Cusco/Lima, you'll find a wonderful place that has a lot to offer. Particularly Machu Picchu. It's the one famous place I feel is underrated. No matter how much you talk about how cool it is, it's still better than that."

Anna Gorin / Getty Images

u/35mmistoobig

"I agree with you. It has the trifecta of culture, nature, and food. Plus, it's affordable compared to other destinations with similar tourist potential. I've been three times, and it's always a top contender for where I want to go next."

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u/what_the_fax_say

5."Oh, I want to vote for Thailand. Cheaper than Japan, but lots to do and see. It's just got something for everyone. Food is fantastic also!"

Jackyenjoyphotography / Getty Images

u/SmashBrosUnite

"I also tell people that Thailand has something to offer everyone. It's so big and geographically diverse, you can have whatever kind of holiday you want there."

u/lucciolaa

6."Spain and Germany also rank pretty high. They are both easily accessible to tourists and have a wide variety of things to see and do."

KARRASTOCK / Getty Images

u/nowhereman136

7."I'm going with Greece. Unparalleled history, incredible sites, and museums. Stunning natural beauty, obviously islands, but a lot more than just perfect summer vibes. It's inexpensive and has friendly people who are very hospitable and welcoming to visitors."

George Pachantouris / Getty Images

u/Enosis21

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"Greece is unreal. The food is so damn good, and every island was completely stunning. Meteora is probably the most unique place I've ever visited, and Athens was like an open-air museum. I'd say Greece is one of my top five countries  amazing place to visit."

u/Ambry

"I love Greece! Been there multiple times, including month-long stays. I've never been to the famous islands like Santorini and Mykonos. I just came back from three weeks in Crete, including 12 days camping in the wild. It was amazing. My 2018 road trip through the Peloponnese was also incredible.

The people are the best. I'm Latin American, and I don't like how boring and closed-off Europeans in general are. My only exceptions are Greeks and Irish. I also love how easy it is to find live local music in Greece. If you go to watch some flamenco stuff in Spain, there are only tourists. But you sit in a random tavern in Greece, and you might find someone playing some bouzouki, and there are mostly Greeks there singing and appreciating it. It wasn't an 'old dude thing'; it was full of young people too.

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As a Brazilian who loves samba and bossa, Greece felt very, very homey because of that. I even bought myself a baglama! Food-wise, it's my top two countries (top one is Vietnam). Honestly, if the government wasn't so bad, I'd consider moving there."

u/edalcol

8."Turkey is pretty incredible."

Prmustafa / Getty Images

u/Carpe_Cervisia

9."Cliche, but it must be France. I prefer the style of Spain and Italy, but if we're talking about pure tourism, France. The sheer number of beautiful villages, cities, and historical sites is astonishing. They also have more money, so the sites are always well-kept and renovated with top-notch facilities. Their castles and historical buildings are prettier and more grandiose than those in Spain and Italy. They have a wide variety of scenery, regions, and climates, from the hot South a la Italian to the rugged Brittany where you feel like you're in Ireland."

Alexander Spatari / Getty Images

u/traboulidon

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"France is my answer, too. I enjoy outdoor travel, and they have the Alps and Pyrenees (plus other options), and they don't ruin them by not allowing backpacking like so many other countries. There are places I prefer for outdoor or urban travel, but if I want to do both or rate a country on both, France it is.

Obviously, it's very strong in the cultural department. I also find French people to be fine if you just learn their etiquette. I think a lot of the 'rude French people' thing comes from people who can't be bothered to learn to say 'Sorry, I don't speak French, do you speak English or is Translate OK?' and learn the greetings."

u/[deleted]

10."Spain and Italy are two of my favorite countries to see things. So much amazing architecture, heritage sites, and diverse scenery to boot. I remember taking a train from Florence to Genoa (IIRC), fell asleep briefly, woke up to the ocean on my left and mountain cliffs on my right. It was surreal. As for a city, nothing is comparable to Rome. When I'm retired and have done my travel goals, I want to just spend a month in Rome staring at random ancient buildings. And the entire city of Florence is an art. Venice is a pain in the ass because of crowds, but hey, I'm so glad I didn't die before seeing it. I grew up around Disneyland and was completely flabbergasted that people would even compare this miracle of a city to a theme park. WTF, for real."

Querbeet / Getty Images

"Southern Spain is something else. La Alhambra puts most other architectural works to shame. And I know Barcelona doesn't have the best reputation, but I've always loved it. The weather, the architecture, the walks along the beach, and seeing local kids play beach volleyball. The best meal in Gracia, where the loveliest owner tried to convey to me 'belly cut' by pointing at her own stomach."

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u/niji-no-megami

11."Slovenia. It's really underrated but extremely beautiful."

Emicristea / Getty Images/iStockphoto

u/[deleted]

"Had the best hitchhike of my life in this country. Bled and the Julian Alps are amazing, and Ljubljana is both fun to say and to visit."

u/Funky_pigment

12."Portugal! I traveled all throughout my 20s and used to never want to return to the same place twice since there was so much to see in the world. However, I'm heading back to Portugal now for my third extended visit. Love the beaches, the people, the food, the whole vibe there. It's great!"

DANNY HU / Getty Images

u/bikealjackson

13."This really is a personal question. Mine would be Indonesia. That being said, I speak Indonesian and have been there many times. But Indonesia is so big and diverse that every time I go, I discover something new."

Abdul Azis / Getty Images

u/FoodSamurai

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14."Iceland was lovely."

Darekm101 / Getty Images/RooM RF

u/pegman55

"My best holidays were in Iceland in winter. Nature's wonders there are hard to match  auroras, geysers, volcanoes, waterfalls, glaciers, ice caves. Just amazing."

u/fercarp32

15."Argentina. People are talkative and kind, but not over the top. A diverse amount of nature and foods from other cultures that meld into one. I have been twice and would come back a third time."

Arturo Pena Romano Medina / Getty Images

u/z399

16."So far, Mexico is my top spot."

Ferrantraite / Getty Images/iStockphoto

u/kwguy77

"I've traveled the world for both work and pleasure. But Mexico is where I set down roots. It has such variety in geography, incredible food, and the kindest people I've ever known. And no jet lag!"

u/damned-if-i-do-67

17."I have visited some 30-odd countries, but I loved Norway a lot. Lofoten is pure rugged beauty. No crowds. There are spots where you have everything in one frame  beach, snow, mountains, and waterfalls. And we spotted rainbows three times in three days. It was out of this world."

Dibrova / Getty Images/iStockphoto

u/Life-Rope89

18."Australia. My friend and I traveled the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne, then flew to Cairns in order to drive up to Port Douglas to go diving in the Great Barrier Reef. Then we flew to Sydney to climb the bridge and watch Macbeth at the Sydney Opera House. It was an amazing trip!"

Kokkai Ng / Getty Images

u/catpunsfreakmeowt

19."Switzerland. Infrastructure, high quality of life, and one of the most beautiful places in the world."

@ Didier Marti / Getty Images

u/wandpapierkritiker

20."I would say Germany. They have so many great cities, which offer different experiences, great infrastructure and museums, and theater galore."

Elxeneize / Getty Images

u/[deleted]

21."It's got to be New Zealand. Incredible geographic diversity, great food, great coffee! Great wine, not wildly expensive. You can go from Wellington and get any food imaginable to the middle of a volcanic plain surrounded by green mountains in just a couple of hours. Would go all the time if it weren't so damn far away."

Beerpixs / Getty Images

u/BetaCuck_1776

22."I have to say Jordan is really up there. It's a Middle Eastern country that's safe, but also has more character than the oil-rich states. The country is almost perfectly designed and shaped for a vacation. The people were great as well. All very friendly and totally opposite of spots like Egypt. Some places gave out baklava for free because I only ordered a little. Tour guides brought lunch that wasn't part of the tour package to give us more time at the sights. Locals helped tourists tie their scarves properly. Coffee stores would make an effort to write my name in Arabic on the cup, etc. There were lots of little nice interactions, and I can't remember any bad ones. And then the food  Jordanian food has to be one of my favorite cuisines, and everything was so fresh and delicious. We ate only local food the entire time to make every meal count."

Elizabeth Beard / Getty Images

"Start in Amman, then visit Petra, then Wadi Rum, then the Dead Sea, then back to Amman and fly out, with other places easily added around those."

u/Live_Studio_Emu

"Jordan was incredible  easily in my top three destinations. We went as a group of four women and drove ourselves. Driving was easy, people were incredibly hospitable (and the men were actually funny and not overbearing or threatening). The food and hookah were top-notch. We slept on cots in a Bedouin tent and stayed at a five-star Dead Sea resort, and I'd rank both of them among my favorite experiences ever. It really was pretty much perfect."

u/alloutofbees

23."Belize is spectacular. Culturally and geographically diverse in a small enough area to really explore it in a reasonable amount of time. Wonderful people. Some of the most amazing historical sites and affordable. Getting a lot of tourism recently, and with good reason."

Bre McAfee / Getty Images

u/cassiuswright

"So glad to see this comment. I saw the question and immediately thought of Belize. The culture is so laid-back, I consider it a 'first international' destination for Americans who have never traveled abroad. I've been to 35-ish countries. It's one of three I've returned to, and I can't wait to go back."

u/stbernardgirl

24."I've been to about 25 countries. After I visited China, that number stopped growing because I just kept going back there. It's been years since then. It's large enough to keep me busy, and each place is very different. It's also not too 'easy,' so I still feel a sense of adventure."

Dongfang Zhao / Getty Images

u/AW23456___99

Have a favorite country you keep going back to  or one that surprised you in the best way? Drop your personal picks in the comments and let us know what makes them perfect in your book!

Note: Responses have been edited for length/clarity.
The commander of Ukraines Unmanned Systems Forces warned on July 4 that Russian Shahed drone strikes could escalate to 1,000 per day, prompting Ukraine to consider relocating drone production.

"Under the pressure of increasing mass use by the enemy of a cheap, but everywhere accessible Shahed... There will be 1,000 units (launched) per day and more," Robert "Magyar" Brovdi said in a social media post.

Russia regularly targets Ukrainian cities with Iranian-designed Shahed drones. On the night of July 4, it launched drones and ballistic missiles at Kyiv, injuring at least 26 people and killing one. President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia had launched a record 550 drones and missiles during the seven-hour barrage.

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"I am not scaring anyone," Brovdi added, saying his warning is based on intelligence analysis.

Meanwhile, Kyiv is considering relocating drone production amid the increased threat of Russian attacks. Ukraine has also sought to expand its own defense production abroad, reaching key agreements with allies in recent weeks.

On July 4, Copenhagen and Kyiv signed an agreement that allows Ukrainian defense companies to open production facilities in Denmark, Strategic Industries Minister Herman Smetanin said.

Meanwhile, Skyeton Prevail Solutions  a joint venture between Ukrainian drone manufacturer Skyeton and U.K.-based Prevail Solutions, will manufacture and supply Raybird drones in the U.K., the two companies announced on July 2.

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Zelensky and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer met in London on June 23, where the two leaders agreed to an "industrial military co-production agreement."

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
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A digital reconstruction of the Palaspata temple complex, which was about the size of a city block. | Credit: Jose Capriles/Penn State

Archaeologists in Bolivia have discovered the ruins of a temple that was built by a little-known civilization up to 1,400 years ago.

The temple, called Palaspata after the native name for the area, comes from the Tiwanaku civilization, a predecessor of the Inca Empire . Tiwanaku society disappeared around 1,000 years ago and little is known about the civilization, but these temple ruins shed light on how it may have functioned in its prime. Analysis of the discovery was published June 24 in the journal Antiquity .

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"It's kind of shocking how little we know" about the Tiwanaku, Steven Wernke , an archaeologist and historical anthropologist of the Andean region of South America at Vanderbilt University who was not involved in the study, told Live Science. "This finding is quite significant."

Who were the Tiwanaku?

The Tiwanaku civilization, based just south of Lake Titicaca in the Andes mountains, was extremely powerful at its peak. "It boasted a highly organized societal structure, leaving behind remnants of architectural monuments like pyramids, terraced temples and monoliths," Jose Capriles , an anthropological archaeologist at Penn State and lead author of the study, said in a statement .

The society collapsed around A.D. 1,000, leaving only ruins by the time the Incas entered the region about 400 years later.

The Tiwanaku are logistically hard to study, even compared to similar civilizations in the region, like the Wari . Not only are resources for archaeological research limited in Bolivia, but many Tiwanaku sites are at very high altitudes and in remote areas of the Andes. "It's objectively difficult to document some of these sites," Wernke said.

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Related: 31 ancient temples from around the world, from Gobekli Tepe to the Parthenon

Despite these obstacles, scientists have gleaned some limited information about the Tiwanaku, like the location of its capital and some offshoots of nearby settlements. But understanding the social, economic and political structures of the society has proved trickier.

The biggest debate among experts is how the Tiwanaku state was organized, Wernke explained. Some models posit a ruling class of patrimonial Tiwanaku that oversaw provinces from the capital , while others present the society as a more equitable alliance of diverse peoples across the civilization.

The newfound Palaspata temple

After noticing an unmapped plot of land, the researchers conducted uncrewed flights over the area to get better photos. They then used photogrammetry, a technique that combines many digital photos together to create a virtual 3D model, to construct a detailed rendering of the structure. Their analysis found that the stones' alignment revealed a terraced platform temple with four-sided rooms arranged around an inner courtyard, according to the statement.

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The ruins measure roughly 410 by 475 feet (125 by 145 meters)  about the size of a city block  and their structure seems designed for the performance of rituals around the solar equinox , Capriles said. Radiocarbon dating of charcoal samples from the site showed that it was most intensively occupied from about A.D. 630 to 950, the researchers found.

The Palaspata temple complex, roughly 130 miles (210 kilometers) south of the previously established Tiwanaku archaeological site, was located strategically. It was built in a spot that linked three diverse trade routes  joining highlands to the north, an arid plateau to the west, and valleys to the east  so researchers believe the temple was, in part, meant to connect people from across the society, according to the statement.

Fragments of keru cups, used by the Tiwanaku civilization for drinking a traditional beer during celebrations, were found scattered across the temple ruins in Bolivia. | Credit: Jose Capriles/Penn State

Fragments of keru cups, used for drinking a traditional maize beer called "chicha" during celebrations, were found within the ruins. These cups suggest the temple may have been a central hub for trade, Capriles said, because the drink requires ingredients from the relatively distant Cochabamba valleys in central Bolivia.

"This site makes us rethink long-distance connections from Tiwanaku to Cochabamba and further south," Erik Marsh , an anthropologist at the National University of Cuyo in Argentina who was not involved in the study, told Live Science in an email.

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2,400-year-old puppets with 'dramatic facial expression' discovered atop pyramid in El Salvador

The temple also likely had religious significance, Capriles explained. "Most economic and political transactions had to be mediated through divinity, because that would be a common language that would facilitate various individuals cooperating."

Palaspata supports the model of a coordinated, centralized Tiwanaku societal structure because of its strategic location, Wernke said.

"It presents an enticing and exciting new piece of the puzzle about Tiwanaku and early imperialism in the Andes," he said. "It's also certainly not the last piece we'll hear about."
DILLON, S.C. (WBTW)  Two people are dead after a shooting late Thursday afternoon in Dillon, authorities said.

Dillon police responded at about 5 p.m. to E. Dargan Street, where Chief David Lane said two people were shot and that one person had died. Dillon County Coroner Donnie Grimsley confirmed Friday morning that the second person also died.

News13 photo: Curtis Graham News13 photo: Curtis Graham News13 photo: Curtis Graham

Lane said Friday morning that he did not have any additional information about what happened.

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Photos taken by a News13 photographer Thursday evening showed several law enforcement vehicles and crime scene tape in the area. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is assisting Dillon police in its investigation.

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.

* * *

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.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
The fireworks explosions and fires that damaged four homes in Pacoima have also claimed a life.

The body of a 30-year-old man was recovered from the scene of the fires near 12933 Corcoran St., according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

The fires began just after 9 p.m. on Thursday, officials confirmed that several people and pets had been injured in the blazes and exploding fireworks.

They include a burned woman, 33, who was hospitalized in critical condition, as well as a 68-year-old woman who inhaled smoke but refused a visit to the hospital.

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David Ortiz of the LAFD told KTLAs Carlos Herrera that three others also complained of smoke inhalation but declined to go to the hospital.

We still encourage those people to seek medical care with their primary care physician, he said.

Citizen footage of a fireworks-related fire in Pacoima, California on July 3, 2025. (KTLA)

Additionally, a dog was rushed to an emergency veterinary hospital, while L.A. Animal Control was called for other injured pets.

The incident came just hours after a similar tragedy in Simi Valley, which also killed a person.

Its happening throughout the Southern California region, Ortiz said. We see more and more of these powerful illegal fireworks being sold out of private residences, and theyre being handled by people who are not trained to handle fireworks. We want to remind folks that not only are they endangering themselves, theyre endangering their neighbors.

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Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez noted that fireworks have traumatized another neighborhood.

This incident is a reminder that the selfish and thoughtless use of fireworks are not harmless, they can be deadly and cause irreparable harm, she 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 KTLA.
A young woman died in a crash in Pasco that shut down traffic on Highway 395 near the blue bridge Thursday afternoon.

Both drivers were injured.

Dairin Euceda Aguilera, 22, of Chantilly, Va., was a passenger in a Toyota Scion that was being driven west on Lewis Street just after 4:30 p.m. Thursday.

As the Toyota was turning onto Highway 395 to the south, it collided with a GMC Sierra pickup being driven by Michael S. Morrison, 35, of Kennewick, according to the Washington State Patrol.

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Morrisons pickup was taking the Lewis Street exit from the highway, according to the WSP.

Aguilera, who was wearing a seat belt, died before she could be taken to a hospital.

The driver of the car she was riding in, Alejandro Osorio Perez, 20, of Aurora, Colo., was taken to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland.

Morrison, who was not wearing a seat belt, also was hurt, but was not taken to a hospital, according to the WSP.

The WSP has not issued any charges in the crash, which it attributed to improper lane usage by Osorio Perez, according to a WSP report. No drugs or alcohol were involved, it said.

The Washington Department of Transportation reported Highway 395 had been reopened at about 5:20 p.m.
WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  Interstate 840 westbound has reopened after a tractor-trailer crash, according to Williamson County Fire and Rescue.

Interstate 840 westbound was originally shut down near mile marker 22 after the crash occurred around 7 p.m., according to fire and rescue officials.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Around 7 p.m., Williamson County Fire and Rescue said that the interstate is shut down near mile marker 22 due to a motor vehicle crash. The Tennessee Department of Transportations SmartWay map said the crash involved multiple vehicles with the incident reported around 6:56 p.m. near mile marker 23.6.

(Courtesy: Williamson County Fire Rescue)

News 2 has reached out to the Tennessee Highway Patrol for more information.

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 Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go.

 Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox.

 Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee.

This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 4. On July 4, the open court proceedings continued in the case against citizens of the Republic of ArmeniaArayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and otherscharged with crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, including planning and waging aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, as well as terrorism, financing terrorism, forcible seizure and retention of power, and numerous other offenses committed during Armenias military aggression against Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

The hearing at the Baku Military Court, presided over by Judge Zeynal Aghayev, with Judges Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev (reserve Judge Gunel Samadova), ensured that each accused was provided with a translator in their preferred language and defense attorneys.

The session was attended by the accused, their defense counsel, several victims, their legal heirs and representatives, and prosecutors representing the states charges. Judge Zeynal Aghayev introduced the court panel, prosecutors, translators, and others to the victims participating for the first time and explained their rights and obligations under the law.

During the proceedings, victims who were taken hostage, injured, or otherwise harmed by Armenian military actions in Azerbaijans formerly occupied territories provided testimony.

Bakhtiyar Mahammad oglu Guliyev testified that on March 31, 1993, while evacuating Kalbajar with family members and other civilians via an area known as the Tunnel, they came under fire from Armenian armed forces. His brother, Islam Guliyev, was killed, and most of the 21 people in their truck were massacred. Bakhtiyar was shot in the thigh. Armenian forces captured them, first taking them to Heyvali village in Aghdara and then to Khankendi, where they endured torture. I was injured when taken hostage. They poured cold water on my wound to stop the bleeding. I was held for seven months in deplorable, unsanitary conditions and treated inhumanely, he said. He was released and handed over to Azerbaijan on September 22, 1993. In response to questions from prosecutor Fuad Musayev, he confirmed that no safe corridor was provided for evacuation during Kalbajars occupation.

Nasiba Guliyeva testified that she was 13 years old during Kalbajars occupation on March 31, 1993. She said that Armenian forces opened fire on the truck in which she and her siblings were fleeing via the Tunnel. Most passengers were minors, and there was no military escort. They fired so many bullets, it felt like hail, she said. She sustained six bullet and shrapnel wounds, with visible scars to this day. Her three-year-old sister, taken to Vang village in Aghdara for alleged treatment, was later reported dead. Nasiba has had no news of her sister or her brothers Aygun, Yashar, and Mazahir Guliyev since. She noted that her brother Bakhtiyar, aged nine at the time, still suffers from health issues after being struck in the head by an Armenian soldier. In response to prosecutor Tarana Mammadova, she said they were held in Khankendi for three months and 15 days, then transferred to Yerevan before being released to Baku. My parents are still alive and still waiting for their three missing children, believing they are being held by Armenians, she added.

Tahmaz Shahverdiyev, a resident of Bashlibel village in Kalbajar, testified that he was taken hostage in an area called Atdarasi during the occupation. There were seven of us; two were killed, and five were taken hostage. In response to prosecutor Vusal Abdullayev, he said they were first taken to Kalbajars center, then to Armenias Basarkechar district, and later to Yerevan, where they were forced to work as laborers and subjected to regular torture. He said they were given just one piece of bread per day, occasionally two. He witnessed a fellow hostage being tortured to death. He was held captive for seven months and two days before being released.

Elbrus Amirov, from Aghdaban village in Kalbajar, testified that in April 1992, Armenian forces attacked their village using various weapons, killing 67 civilians, injuring many, and burning 14 people alive, including his grandparents, Bakir Gojayev and Zeynab Gojayeva. Livestock was confiscated, and survivors were taken hostage. In response to senior prosecutor assistant Vusal Aliyev, he confirmed the details of the attack.

Goshgar Guliyev, the driver of a truck carrying civilians, confirmed Nasiba Guliyevas account of the Tunnel incident on March 31, 1993. He was shot in the leg and taken hostage, first to Heyvali village in Aghdara, then to Khankendi, and later to Shusha prison on June 1. In Shusha, beatings three times a day were routine, sometimes more, he said. He was held for nearly eight months and released in late 1993. In response to a question from the victims lawyer, he said they were forced to work from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Farman Guliyev, from Guneshli village in Kalbajar, testified that during the March 31, 1993, Tunnel incident, their truck, carrying women, children, and the elderly, was fired upon despite being clearly civilian. He saw a burning KamAZ truck just 50 meters ahead. At the age of 16, he was wounded and forced to carry injured Azerbaijani hostages. His brother died in Heyvali village, and he was ordered to dig a shallow grave and bury him. He was held in Shusha prison, Khalifali and Malibayli villages, Khankendi Childrens Hospital, and the Armenian 4th Battalions base in Khankendi. He endured torture for three years and two months until his release on May 5, 1996. When accused David Manukyan asked about the torture, Farman showed a scar on his neck, saying, Your people tried to cut my throat; the scar remains. They started but then changed their minds.

Taryel Guliyev, also from Guneshli village, was 14 during the Tunnel tragedy. He testified that Armenian forces attacked with hundreds of soldiers, injuring his younger sister, a 4th-grade student, and taking his father, sister, and brother hostage. He endured torture during eight and a half months of captivity.

Yadigar Mamishov, from Guneshli village, was 11 during the March 31, 1993, Tunnel incident. His mother was shot four times, and his nine-year-old brother, Taleh Mamishov, was wounded and remains missing. Yadigar was separated from his family in the Bulanig area of Kalbajar, taken to Heyvali village, then to Khankendi, and tortured despite being a child. They beat us, kicked us, hit my head against the wall. My nose is still broken, and I have scars on my head, he said. He was released on September 15, 1994. When accused David Babayan asked about his brother, Yadigar said, I have no news of him. I hope hes alive. He asked for water in Bulanig, but your people wouldnt let me give it to him.

Aziz Goyushov, a legal heir, testified that his grandmother (his fathers mother) went missing during Kalbajars occupation, with no information about her to date.

Anar Aliyev, a participant in the 44-day Patriotic War in 2020, testified that he was wounded in Khojavend on November 9, 2020, and captured the following day. He was transferred to Yerevan on November 11, held in a hospital and then in a detention facility, where he was beaten and tortured. He was handed over to Azerbaijan on December 14, 2020.

Rabil Babayev, from Garadaghli village in Khojavend, testified that the village was besieged by Armenian forces in February 1992. On February 13, an attack killed civilians, with 10 people shot after being removed from a truck en route to Khankendi. The remaining passengers were fired upon, leaving about 20 survivors out of over 60. In Khankendi, they kept us face-down in the snow. I was held for 47 days and beaten at least three times daily, he said.

Nizami Ismayilov, from Guneshli village, said he fled with relatives in late March 1993 due to Kalbajars occupation, but his father, Ganboy Ismayilov, stayed behind and remains missing.

Nurbala Amirguliyev, a First Karabakh War veteran, testified that he was wounded in Aghdam, captured, and taken to Khankendi. Injured, I was beaten for a day in a prison-like place. When they saw I was dying, they took me to a childrens hospital, where a military doctor named Stepanyan cut decayed parts of my wound without anesthesia, he said. He still limps due to the injury, as confirmed in response to prosecutor Nasir Bayramov. He was held for two months, tortured, and later released in an exchange.

The court also announced the results of forensic medical examinations of the victims.

The trial is scheduled to continue on July 7.

Fifteen defendants of Armenian origin are accused in the criminal case concerning numerous crimes committed during the aggressive war waged by the Armenian stateincluding the aforementioned criminal associationon the territory of Azerbaijan, in violation of domestic and international legal norms. These crimes were committed for the purpose of military aggression against Azerbaijan and were carried out under the direct leadership and participation of the Armenian state, officials of its state institutions, its armed forces, and illegal armed formations, through their written and verbal orders, instructions, and guidelines; material, technical, and personnel support; centralized management; as well as under strict control and under the leadership and direct or indirect participation of Robert Sedraki Kocharyan, Serzh Azati Sargsyan, Vazgen Mikaeli Manukyan, Vazgen Zaveni Sargsyan, Samvel Andraniki Babayan, Vitali Mikaeli Balasanyan, Zori Hayki Balayan, Seyran Musheghi Ohanyan, Arshavir Surenovich Garamyan, Monte Charles Melkonyan, and others.

The following individualsArayik Vladimiri Harutyunyan, Arkadi Arshaviri Ghukasyan, Bako Sahaki Sahakyan, Davit Rubeni Ishkhanyan, David Azatini Manukyan, Davit Klimi Babayan, Levon Henrikovich Mnatsakanyan, Vasili Ivani Beglaryan, Erik Roberti Ghazaryan, Davit Nelsoni Allahverdiyan, Gurgen Homeri Stepanyan, Levon Romiki Balayan, Madat Arakelovich Babayan, Garik Grigori Martirosyan, and Melikset Vladimiri Pashayanare being charged under the following articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan: Article 100 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression); Article 102 (attacking persons or organizations enjoying international protection); Article 103 (genocide); Article 105 (extermination of the population); Article 106 (enslavement); Article 107 (deportation or forced displacement of population); Article 109 (persecution); Article 110 (enforced disappearance of persons); Article 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law); Article 113 (torture); Article 114 (mercenary service); Article 115 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare); Article 116 (violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict); Article 118 (military robbery); Article 120 (intentional murder); Article 192 (illegal entrepreneurship); Article 214 (terrorism); Article 214-1 (financing terrorism); Article 218 (creation of a criminal organization); Article 228 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and devices); Article 270-1 (acts threatening aviation security); Article 277 (assassination of a state official or public figure); Article 278 (forcible seizure and retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state); Article 279 (creation of armed groups not provided for by law); and other articles.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  A New Jersey mans wife is suing Lakeway Marina on Lake Travis, and others, after he was hit in the head and killed by an out-of-control jet ski, a lawsuit says.

The lawsuit was recently filed in Travis County, but it incident it details happened in August 2023.

According to the lawsuit, a boy, who was 14 at the time, was operating the jet ski and jumping wakes on the lake when he lost control. The jet ski flew over the back of the boat, hit Robert Montalbano in the head and landed on the boat, the lawsuit details.

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Montalbano was in Austin attending a real estate agent training conference with his agency in August 2023, according to documents.

The lawsuit alleges Lakeway Marina didnt provide required boater education safety training to the group Montalbano was with, prior to renting out a pontoon boat and jet ski. The lawsuit also alleges the boat was over capacity.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 1 dead following boat, jet ski crash on Lake Travis

Montalbanos wife is suing his real estate agency, team leader, the boy who was operating the jet ski and his mother. KXAN has reached out to the attorneys listed in the lawsuit for all parties involved and has not yet heard back.

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Carter Faubus has worked for a separate boat rental company, Luxury Boat Rentals, for decades. Though he nor Luxury Boat Rentals are connected to the lawsuit, Faubus remembers the 2023 tragedy that resulted in Montalbano losing his life.

At the end of the day, [people who can rent boats without a captain are] out there on their own, Faubus said. I can preach boater safety and all the safety stuff I can to our guests, but at the end of the day, when they leave our docks, they are on their own until they come back at the end of the day.

Faubus said hes never lost a guest on the water due to a safety issue. He adds that he and his staff try to do their due diligence to educate boaters before they step foot on a boat.

Sometimes, I hate to say it, we have to put a little shock and awe into it, because I dont really think theyre comprehending what can happen out there, Faubus said. At the end of the day, youre going to come back safe and thats what matters.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
One person was killed and two others were seriously injured in a house fire on a farm in rural Missouri near Independence Friday, a fire department spokesman confirmed.

Firefighters with the Fort Osage Fire Protection District initially responded to a call about the fire shortly after 5 a.m. at North Lake City Valley Road and East Bundschu Road, near Buckner, according to Eric Michel, a spokesman with the Independence Fire Department.

The Independence Fire Department was called to assist in extinguishing the fire.

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While crews were searching the home, firefighters found one person dead and two others who were seriously injured, Michel said.

Officials have not yet publicly confirmed the name, age or gender of the individual who died.

While conducting a search of the house, Michel said, an Independence firefighter fell down stairs. They were treated at a hospital and released a few hours later.

Firefighters have been working for several hours to put out the blaze, Michel said. By around 10:30, most of the fire had been put out.

Investigators from the Independence Police Department and Missouri State Fire Marshalls Office will work to determine what caused the fire, Michel said.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
In the grand scheme of human history, it's incredibly strange to think that the American Civil Rights Movement wasn't really that long ago. It defined the entirety of the 1960s, when Jim Crow laws were in effect, schools and public transportation were segregated, violence toward Black Americans was the norm, and legal protections were scarce.

Citizens across the country  particularly in the South  were making it clear that the old ways needed to go. At the time, even restaurants were segregated, and those that chose to ignore laws designed to keep people separate and judge based on skin color were few and far between. Those that did became safe havens for activists, protesters, and civil rights leaders, and had front-row seats for a long-overdue change.

Some restaurants became crucial to the formation of the Civil Rights Movement, serving as meeting places to plan everything from boycotts and protests to marches and rallies. Others went above and beyond to feed those on the front lines, while some provided safety, security, and a promise to look out for customers. Restaurants, owners, chefs, and staff were willing to risk everything for what they believed in, and some of these places are still around today. Let's talk about some of the restaurants and cafes that witnessed some of the biggest moments in modern American history.

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Read more: Anthony Bourdain's 12 Favorite Spots To Eat And Drink At In The South

The Busy Bee Cafe (Atlanta, Georgia)

White wooden tabletop with assortment of dishes including mac and cheese, fried fish, and fried shrimp - Busy Bee Cafe ATL/Facebook

The Busy Bee has been serving the Atlanta area since 1947, and there's a ton of history packed into this place  along with a ton of award-winning recipes. Garnering acclaim from the James Beard Foundation as well as the Michelin Guide and the Atlanta Hospitality Hall of Fame, The Busy Bee's menu is filled with southern favorites.

In other words, it's the place to go for the kind of comfort food that, once you've tasted it, just thinking of it again will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. That all comes with a heavy helping of history, too: The Busy Bee was a key meeting spot during the Civil Rights Movement. When civil rights leader Andrew Young spoke with Atlanta magazine about the time he spent working with Martin Luther King Jr., he noted that The Busy Bee was one of their frequent stops  alongside Paschal's. "But you didn't go to those places so much to eat as you did to meet," Young explained. "That's where you found out what was going on."

Martin Luther King Jr. also frequented this spot and, according to the stories, one of his favorite dishes was the ham hocks. Although the restaurant was sold by the original owner and has changed hands several times, the current owners and chefs pride themselves on continuing the legacy of serving delicious soul food and welcoming everyone who comes through the doors.

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thebusybeecafe.com(404) 525-9212810 Martin Luther King Jr Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314

Brenda's Bar-Be-Que Pit (Montgomery, Alabama)

The exterior of Brenda's Bar-Be-Que Pit - Brenda's Bar-Be-Que Pit/Facebook

Today, Brenda's Bar-Be-Que Pit has customers who say that there are a lot of options in the area for some classic BBQ, but nothing matches Brenda's  especially when it comes to the wings. Reviews follow a theme, saying that the portions are massive, everything is delicious, the smoked meats are so good that there's really no need for sauce, and when some people fly in to visit, they have their Uber make a pit-stop here before even making it to their destination.

Brenda's has been family-owned since 1942, and it was founded by Jereline and Larry James Bethune (Brenda was their daughter). History buffs will know that Montgomery, Alabama, was the location of Rosa Parks' powerful act of civil disobedience, and it was followed by the Montgomery Bus Boycott. It was far from peaceful: Protestors were arrested and had their homes bombed, and Brenda's turned into the heartbeat of the resistance.

Not only was it a meeting site, but the restaurant printed and disseminated literature, and held classes to prepare people to pass the literacy tests required before they were allowed to vote. Brenda's passed on to Jereline's granddaughter, Donetta Bethune, who told AL.com, "She always believed in helping people, always believed in Black people getting educated so that you could create a lane of your own." Photos of Jereline, including one of her at the Selma to Montgomery march for voting rights, are on display at the restaurant.

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facebook.com/brendasbarbequepit(334) 262-93461457 Mobile Rd, Montgomery, AL 36108

Big Apple Inn (Jackson, Mississippi)

Person standing in front of Big Apple Inn sign holding a plate of food - Big Apple Inn/Facebook

Every state has its own iconic dishes, and some restaurants have signature dishes as well. Head to the Big Apple Inn, and you'll find it's still serving up the same fan-favorite sandwich that's been on the menu for years: Pig ears and red smoked sausages come together on a slider bun (along with slaw and sauce) for sandwiches affectionately called smokes and ears. That was the creation of the restaurant's original owner, and today, it's still in the family  albeit four generations down the line.

Founded by Juan Mora, the local icon traces its roots back to 1939. Fast forward a few decades, and the Big Apple Inn became one of the go-to locations for civil rights leaders to meet, plan, and strategize. Medgar Evers was a regular there, and for a time, rented office space above the restaurant.

The Freedom Rides kicked off in 1961. It was a series of multi-state bus journeys, where an integrated group of riders made it a point to cross lines desegregating facilities along the way. They were largely planned at the Big Apple Inn, and meetings were so popular and widely attended that attendees filled the entire building. Smokes and ears were served, and even above and beyond that, the restaurant's owners were known to participate in events, donate food when needed, and bail out those who were arrested during protests.

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facebook.com/BigAppleInn(601) 354-9371509 N Farish St, Jackson, MS 39202

Lannie's Bar-B-Q Spot (Selma, Alabama)

Sign outside for Lannie's Bar-B-Q Spot against the blue sky - Lannie's Bar-B-Q Spot/Facebook

Yes, you can still visit Lannie's BBQ Spot in Selma, Alabama. Things have changed, though, as June of 2023 saw demolition-day posts on Facebook. After devastating tornado damage left the family-run business stuck between a rock and a hard place, they completely demolished and rebuilt the building, and reopened at the same location in June of 2024.

Part of the reason that they opted for a rebuild was to accommodate large groups, often those touring some of the most important locations of the Civil Rights Movement. Selma was the starting point of a 50-mile march to the capital, and it was also the site of a violent confrontation on Edmund Pettus Bridge. Known as Bloody Sunday, protesters were tear-gassed and beaten by law enforcement, leading to more than 50 hospitalizations.

Lannie's wasn't just a meeting spot, but it welcomed everyone. As then-owner Lulu Hatcher explained to the Southern Foodways Alliance, "We were the only place that wasn't segregated. White, Black, whoever. They bought what they wanted. I don't know of any other place that did that." When word broke that Martin Luther King Jr. was going to be heading to Selma in 1965, celebrations were held at Lannie's, but Hatcher also recalled being in the center of protests and violence. "It was tough back then, in '65," she recounted. "We had some mean people back then."

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facebook.com/people/Lannies-Bar-B-Q-Spot/100048685224601(334) 874-44782115 Minter Ave, Selma, AL 36703

The Four Way (Memphis, Tennessee)

Platter with crayfish, corn, potatoes, and sausage - The Four Way/Facebook

Reviews of the Four Way in Memphis suggest that this is the place to go for comfort food. There's a lot of it, it's delicious, and it's served by friendly staff who love what they do. The menu is huge, with staples like burgers, hot dogs, and catfish sandwiches. If you were to go back in time and ask Martin Luther King Jr. what he recommended, you could still get his picks today: Go for the fried catfish and the fried chicken, and then finish things off with some peach cobbler.

The Four Way opened in 1946, and just a few decades later, it would be one of the places where the leaders in the fight for equal rights would go to talk, to meet those they were fighting for, and to work out the details of the campaign. King was a regular, and so was the Rev. Samuel Billy Kyles, together with scores of musicians who worked at Stax Records. They all knew they could count on founders Irene and Clint Cleaves to open at all hours, ready to feed activists, protesters, and marchers.

The restaurant has had an up-and-down history in recent years, but it continues to serve up comfort food with a side of history. In addition to the restaurant, there's also the Four Way Legacy Plus Building, which is a community center that hosts programs like the youth mentoring charity Hope Activated.

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fourway901.com(901) 507-1519998 Mississippi Blvd, Memphis, TN 38126

Dooky Chase's (New Orleans, Louisiana)

Sign for Dooky Chase's outside - Dooky Chase's Restaurant/Facebook

Dooky Chase's is named for founder Dooky Chase Sr., who opened the New Orleans hotspot in 1941. It was his son's wife, Leah Chase, who cemented the restaurant's reputation as a place for incredible food, outstanding music, and as a place where people came together. She explained the restaurant's importance, saying (via Civil Rights Trail), "Food builds big bridges. If you can eat with someone, you can learn from them, and when you learn from someone, you can make big changes. We changed the course of America in this restaurant over bowls of gumbo."

Before it became a key meeting place for civil rights leaders, the restaurant had already opened its doors to those fighting for workers' rights in the 1950s. It hosted Martin Luther King Jr., served as a planning site for bus and lunch counter protests, and it didn't go unnoticed: It was bombed in 1965 (fortunately, no one was hurt).

The Chase family still helms the restaurant, and Leah Chase is still widely known as the Queen of Creole Cuisine. There are a lot of Creole dishes that you should try at least once, and it's safe to say that the U.S. knows about at least some of them because of Chase. Dooky Chase's has had its share of difficulties  including suffering severe damage during Hurricane Katrina  but you should probably make reservations, and definitely try the gumbo.

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dookychaserestaurants.com(504) 821-06002301 Orleans Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119

Ben's Chili Bowl (Washington, DC)

Exterior of Ben's Chili Bowl - Ben's Chili Bowl/Facebook

Ben's Chili Bowl has a few locations now, but since we're talking about the places that were front and center during the Civil Rights Movement, that means talking about the location on U Street. That's where some of the foremost civil rights leaders of the era sat down to plan the 1963 March on Washington, that day when more than a quarter of a million people descended on the capital and witnessed one of the most powerful and famous speeches in American history.

After King's assassination, riots kicked off across the country, including in Ben's neighborhood. The Chili Bowl didn't just stay open, though  it served activists and protesters along with law enforcement and first responders, and remained untouched amid the destruction. Ben's role in planning some of the biggest moments of the Civil Rights Movement is just part of what makes it famous: This is also the restaurant that helped popularize the half-smoke as the iconic dish of Washington, DC.

If you happen to head there, you can recreate Martin Luther King Jr.'s favorite order. According to what co-founder Virginia Ali told the Washingtonian, "Dr. King always ordered the chili cheeseburger. That was his favorite." About King himself, she added, "He was just a very calm, cool, self-confident, easy-to-be-around person. He was so passionate about what he was doing. Helping people  not just Black people, all people."

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benschilibowl.com(202) 667-09091213 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Paschal's (Atlanta, Georgia)

Group eating at a table in front of black and white photos on the wall - Paschal's Restaurant/Facebook

When Paschal's first opened in 1947, it was only a small place with no stove  the only thing on the menu were cold sandwiches  and room for 30 seats. It was soon able to expand in a huge way, including into the nearby La Carrousel Lounge. Both the jazz club and the restaurant ignored segregation laws, and by the time the Civil Rights Movement was in full swing, Paschal's was pretty naturally at the forefront.

The restaurant became well-known not only as a meeting place, but as the place where leaders hashed out the details on planned protests that would turn into history-changing events like the March on Washington. It was so important that it earned itself the nickname of the Black City Hall, and photos of those leaders still adorn the walls of Paschal's today.

There is, however, a bit of a footnote to this one. The original Paschal's location is now a part of the Clark Atlanta University campus, but one of the original founders  James Paschal  was the driving force of the reborn restaurant on Northside Drive. Some of the same recipes are still being used, and the restaurant still gets high praise for comfort food favorites like the black-eyed peas, biscuits, mac and cheese, and peach cobbler. It's not far from the airport, so it's also an excellent option for anyone with a long layover and a few hours to spare.

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paschalsatlanta.com(404) 835-0833180 Northside Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Chris' Famous Hotdogs (Montgomery, Alabama)

Exterior of Chris' with historic marker - Chris' Famous Hotdogs/Facebook

The Chris that gave his name to Chris' Famous Hotdogs is Chris Katechis, a Greek immigrant who opened the restaurant in 1917. It's still family-owned today, and has been passed down through his son and grandson, and they're still doing things much the same way as they've always been done. Loyal customers still love the handmade burgers, and while there are a ton of different variations on the humble hot dog, it's Chris' carefully perfected sauce that keeps customers coming back.

During the Civil Rights Movement, Chris' became a meeting spot that ignored segregation laws  and Chris's son, Theo, recalled working there as a boy, at a time when they were threatened by the KKK for allowing Black patrons to go through the front doors. He told WSFA12, "A lot of restaurants, they came in the back door. Well, this restaurant doesn't have a back door. So they said that will be ok, but it shows you how much power the Ku Klux Klan [had] at one time. It was pretty frightening."

Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. were both regular customers, and so was George Wallace  before he was governor, and before he campaigned and won on a pro-segregation platform. Chris', meanwhile, built a reputation on feeding those in need, raising money for local charities, and today, reviewers still say that it's a no-frills kind of place with a heart of gold.

chrishotdogs.com(334) 265-6850138 Dexter Ave, Montgomery, AL 36104

Florida Avenue Grill (Washington, DC)

Group photo behind the counter at the Florida Avenue Grill - Florida Avenue Grill/Facebook

The Florida Avenue Grill lays claim to the wildly impressive title of the oldest soul food restaurant in the country. It's obviously changed hands since opening in 1944, but a look at the menu shows that, in the best possible way, not much else has changed. You don't mess with perfection, after all, and this little diner is still serving up all-day breakfasts, half-smokes, buttermilk biscuits, and lunch items like fried chicken, salmon cakes, and pigs' feet. Soul food got its distinctive, celebratory name as a tribute to embracing an entire heritage, and it's that heritage that Florida Avenue Grill was built on.

Visit the Florida Avenue Grill today, and you'll be dining in a building that relatively new owner Imar Hutchins created to be not only a diner, but a museum to the area's past and involvement in the Civil Rights Movement. It's here that Martin Luther King Jr. sat while he planned a portion of the March on Washington, and the booth is still there.

The restaurant, too, was caught in the middle of the riots that kicked off after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., and was one of the fortunate survivors  even though it was firebombed. The family credited the prolonged survival of the restaurant to good food and a good atmosphere, and according to those who've visited the new version of the Florida Avenue Grill, the fried pork chops are delicious, the chitterlings are a consistent win, and the hot cakes are everything you could want in a breakfast and more.

floridaavenuegrill.com(202) 265-15861100 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009

Read the original article on Tasting Table.
Hawaiis JD Sanchez has taken the X Games world by storm in the last 2 weeks. The 16-year-old has won 3 X Games medals in the competitions last 2 event locations.

Its a crazy feeling because I would never have thought that I would have even been in the X Games, let alone get 3 medals, said Sanchez.

Sanchez earning his 1st medal in X Games Osaka where he won the Silver Medal in the Mens Skateboarding Vert.

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Then just a week later, he took to Salt Lake City where he won 2 medals.

Once I got that 1st one I was like Oh sick, heck yes, my first ever medal, and I was like, you know what? Lets try to go for another 2 more in SLC and I did it, I was stoked, said Sanchez.

In SLC, Sanchez finished 2nd in the Mens Skateboarding Vert, where 2 out of his 3 runs were scored of at least an 84. his 3rd and final run was his best which secured the 2nd place finish.

I didnt land my run first try or I didnt land it the 2nd run, so on mu 3rd run, I was so nervous. I was like Dude I got to land this, I got to put it down and I finally landed my 3rd run which made me so relieved, said Sanchez.

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The Waianae skater also had to battle nerves as he was skating in front of skateboarding legends.

The crowd out there in SLC was definitely bigger and theres like so many legends watching, Tony Hawk, Bob Burnquist, Andy Macdonald all those people were watching and that just added on to it, said Sanchez.

During his 2nd event, Sanchez competed in the Mens Skateboarding Vert Best Trick.

In this one he came away with a 3rd place finish after doing a move that had never been landed before.

I landed a trick thats never been done before and ended up getting a Bronze which Im stoked onThe trick was called a double flip Indy 540 It felt great, I was honestly surprised because right when the contest started, my 1st try I landed it and during practice I wasnt getting the closest. so when I landed first try, I was like dang okay, Im stoked on that, said Sanchez.

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Next up for the 16-year-old he will head to Canada for his next event in just a couple of weeks.

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LAURENS COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  Deputies have arrested two people in Laurens County after 43 animals were found living in deplorable conditions.

Officials with the Laurens County Sheriffs Office said deputies arrived at a home on Townsend Street at around 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, after receiving reports of child abuse and ill treatment of animals.

Inside the home, deputies said dogs were kept inside small crates stacked on top of one another with no food or water.

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Officials said the crate trays were full of feces, bile and urine. Many of the dogs, deputies added, were living with skin conditions, fleas and intestinal parasites.

Children were also found inside the home, walking barefoot on floors covered in feces, urine, and filth.

Additionally, officials said they were given evidence of unlawful conduct toward a child.

Deputies with Laurens County Animal Control removed 42 dogs and one rabbit from the home.

Candice and Chad Phillips were arrested and charged with:

Candice Phillips:

Unlawful conduct toward a child

Ill treatment of animals

Chad Phillips:

Unlawful conduct toward a child (two counts)

Ill treatment of animals

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Laurens County Sheriff Don Reynolds condemned the Phillips alleged actions.

These despicable people committed these acts against these innocent children and animals, he said. To say the conditions were deplorable is an understatement.

The animals rescued from the home are receiving care from the Carolina Loving Hound Rescue and Lucky Pup Rescue SC.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
KERRVILLE, Texas  Central Texas was hit by historic rain on Friday morning, triggering a "deadly flood wave," and leading to four Flash Flood Emergencies amid widespread high-water and home rescues throughout the affected areas.

Officials in Kerr County say they have found multiple bodies so far and put the number of fatalities at around 24, with the death toll expected to rise in the coming days.

Victims were reported to be adults and children, with around 2 dozen still missing after the catastrophic flooding.

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"This is a catastrophic flooding event in Kerr County," the Kerr County Sheriff's Office said.

Among the missing are some children who were attending a summer camp. A letter to parents from Camp Mystic, a private Christian summer camp for girls located 18 miles from Kerrvile in Hunt, said they had experienced "catastrophic level" floods. While two of the groups have been fully accounted for, the letter stated "if your daughter is not accounted for, you have been notified."

The camp says they've lost power, water, and Wifi and the highway has washed away, leaving them struggling to get help.

"Please continue to pray and send any help if you have contacts to do so," the letter concluded.

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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott declared a disaster declaration for more than a dozen counties in the Texas Hill Country.

According to Texas authorities, nearly 300 people have been rescued, but the exact number of those needing help is unknown because of the many parks and recreational areas along the Guadalupe River.

The FOX Forecast Center said the first Flash Flood Emergency was issued near San Angelo after 12-15 inches of rain was reported and flooding was ongoing.

"Automated rain gauges indicate a large and deadly flood wave is moving down the Guadalupe River," the National Weather Service (NWS) warned in issuing their Flash Flood Emergency. "Flash flooding is already occurring. This is a Flash Flood Emergency for the Guadalupe River from Center Point to Sisterdale. This is a particularly dangerous situation. Seek higher ground now!"

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Another was issued near Kerrville after the Guadalupe River rose over 20 feet in just an hour at Kerrville and 26.7 feet in just 45 minutes at Comfort, Texas.

"We didn't know this flood was coming," Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly said during a late Friday morning press conference. "Rest assured, no one knew this kind of flood was coming."

Over 7 inches of rain in six hours was reported in Kerr County. In Brady, water reached homes and rescues took place. The NWS said the river has reached the second-highest height on record, higher than the famous 1987 flood.

The Guadalupe River rose several feet in only a few short hours early Friday morning.

"All Kerrville residents who live near the Guadalupe River are urged to evacuate now," Kerrville police said. "This is a life-threatening event. Do not wait."

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A nearby Walmart has been established as a shelter.

The Kerr County sheriff's office said they are working with a wide variety of local and state agencies to respond to calls and rescues.

"The entire county is an extremely active scene," deputies said. "Residents are encouraged to shelter in place and not attempt travel. Those near creeks, streams, and the Guadalupe River should immediately move to higher ground."

San Angelo officials said there's a 2-mile-wide area of town that has been "greatly affected" by catastrophic flooding. Emergency crews are still combing the area looking for people in distress.

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The city's dispatch center received over 100 calls for help and water rescues just between 5-6 a.m. Friday.

Flood Watches have been posted across West Texas and parts of New Mexico through Friday where some locations could see 3-5 additional inches of rain.

The culprit? A stationary front that is continued to be draped across the region, sparking the chance of storms, the FOX Forecast Center said. There is also an upper-level disturbance moving through the Four Corners that will also aide with lift.

The latest catastrophic event is similar to flash flooding that impacted the region more than 35 years ago.

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Slow-moving thunderstorms in mid-July 1987 caused significant flooding along the Guadalupe River, which resulted in the deaths of around a dozen people, with dozens of others injured.





Original article source: At least 24 killed during catastrophic flash flooding in Central Texas with dozens unaccounted for
HAYWARD, Calif. - Fireworks exploded at a home in Hayward, leaving two people critically injured on Thursday afternoon, authorities said.

Scary moments for neighbors

What they're saying

The explosions occurred inside a residence on Mandarin Avenue near Sumatra Street, according to the Hayward Police Department.

Residents say they heard a series of booms beginning around 12:15 p.m. Police and firefighters arrived after the first blast and found a man in the home with fireworks-related injuries.

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Authorities said while officers were at the scene, a second explosion happened, prompting nearby homes to evacuate.

"They knocked on the door. They were like You guys are not in trouble, but you guys need to get out because you guys are just way too close to the spot," said neighbor Jino Ferrer.

Aerial video showed the damage to the home where the explosion happened. The roof over the garage was apparently blown off by the explosion.

Several people were evaluated by medics at the scene and two were hospitalized.

"I don't think this should be happening. They put fear in our kids," said another neighbor, Gisselle Melgoza.

Police say residents were manufacturing illegal fireworks

Dig deeper

Police suspect people were manufacturing illegal fireworks inside the home, though they're still investigating the origin of the fireworks. They have not said whether any arrests have happened or are forthcoming.

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Neighbors said police have been called to the home in question several times because of fireworks.

"Honestly, even when it's not a holiday, they do light off fireworks pretty often," said neighbor, Edilla Ferrer. "They do get noise complaints about that pretty often."

Nearby residents were allowed back into their homes late Thursday.

Yolo County fireworks explosion

Seven people are missing Thursday following an explosion at a fireworks warehouse in Yolo County that caused a massive fire that spread to farm fields and forced evacuations in the surrounding community, authorities said.

Emergency crews and investigators are 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.

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Among those missing are brothers, Jesus Maneces Ramos, 18; Johnny Ramos, 22; and Joel Melendez, 28.

People were urged to avoid the area after the blast, which set off a barrage of fireworks and caused a blaze that led to other spot fires and collapsed the building near Esparto, about 40 miles northwest of Sacramento.

The cause of the explosion is under investigation.

July 4th safety

Ahead of Independence Day, fire and police departments in the Bay Area are warning of the dangers of fireworks, and advocating for safe holiday celebrations.

The Alameda County Fire Department set a controlled burn on Wednesday to demonstrate how fast a fire can spread when residents use fireworks illegally.

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The department says they will have increased staffing over the holiday weekend to help put out any potential fires.

A deputy chief explained other ways the department is preparing to mitigate fire risk.

"Making sure that vegetation is managed with our fuel management crew. Four additional fire engines, one water tender, one bulldozer, one hand crew, and one battalion chief," Ryan Nishimoto said.

In Oakland, the police department plans to have additional officers throughout the city this weekend.

They say officers will be focusing on enforcing laws against illegal drug and alcohol sales, celebratory gunfire, sideshows and illegal fireworks.

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All fireworks are prohibited in Oakland.

If you're caught possessing or using fireworks in Oakland, you could face a fine of up to $1,000.

"We do ask that you celebrate responsibly. All fireworks are considered illegal in the city of Oakland, including those labeled safe and sane," said Oakland Police Capt. Aaron Smith. "Residents can surrender unused fireworks at any of the Oakland fire stations designated."

The Source

Hayward Police Department and interviews by KTVU's John Krinjak
MADISON COUNTY, Iowa  Two people were killed in a crash in Madison County Thursday afternoon.

Trump supporters and critics react ahead of Des Moines visit

According to a post on Facebook, the Madison County Sheriffs Office responded to a two-vehicle crash in the 1800 block of Earlham Road, just south of Earlham. The sheriffs office said that two people were killed in the crash.

The 1800 block of Earlham Road will be closed as the investigation into the crash continues. No additional information has been released.

Iowa News:

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
SHANNON, N.C. (WBTW)  Robeson County authorities have arrested two more suspects and are looking for another person in connection with a shooting last month in Shannon that left a 37-year-old man dead.

A 16-year-old was arrested at about 9:15 a.m. Friday and Kevin Hall, 18, of Shannon, was taken into custody at about 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sheriff Burnis Wilkins office said in a news release. Investigators are still looking for Ann Marie Locklear, 28, of Maxton.

They are accused of killing Jacob Roy Williamson of Shannon, who was found dead on June 26 by deputies, who responded at about 11:10 p.m. to the 300 block of Lyndsey Lane in Shannon after getting a report that someone had been shot.

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Authorities previously arrested a 17-year-old on June 30 and charged them with first-degree murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, felony conspiracy, and discharging a firearm within an enclosure to incite fear.

Hall and the 16-year-old are facing the same charges, according to deputies. Hall is being held without bond at the Robeson County Detention Center, while both juveniles are in custody at the Cumberland Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Locklear is wanted on charges of first-degree murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and felony conspiracy, deputies said. Anyone with information about her whereabouts or the investigation is asked to contact the sheriffs office at 910-671-3170.

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 Sign up for WBTW email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox.

 Find todays top stories on WBTW.com for the Grand Strand and Pee Dee.

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* * *

Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.

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MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)  A Midland woman has been charged with abandoning a child after a 2-year-old boy was found walking alone through an RV park, wearing only a diaper, on a hot summer afternoon.

39-year-old Gina Torres Contreras was arrested Monday, June 30, by the Midland County Sheriffs Office after deputies responded to a report of a small child walking in the roadway near West County Road. The toddler was found without shoes or a shirt. Deputies said the child appeared to be unsupervised and at risk of harm.

According to an affidavit, deputies located the childs residence nearby and found the front door open. Inside, the home was in disarray. Investigators described the living conditions as hazardous, with dog feces, scattered trash, and a foul smell throughout the space.

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Deputies also found an 11-year-old boy, later identified as the toddlers older brother, asleep in a bedroom. When questioned, the older child told investigators that their mother, Gina Contreras, had left for work earlier that morning. He named his stepfather as the only other adult in the home.

According to reports, Contreras arrived back at the residence while deputies were on the scene. Officers said that at first, she told investigators that she had briefly left to buy milk around 12:45 p.m. and had been picked up by a manager. However, according to the report, this account was contradicted by multiple witnesses, including her supervisor.

A manager confirmed to authorities that Contreras had clocked in for work at 12:08 p.m. and was dropped off by her husband.

Confronted with the conflicting timeline, Contreras changed her statement during a voluntary interview. She told investigators she left the house around 11:30 a.m. to work an early shift after receiving a text from her employer. She admitted that both children were asleep when she left and that she expected her husband to return shortly after dropping her off.

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Investigators noted that the call for service was initiated at 12:41 p.m., meaning the child may have been alone in the roadway for some time. A passerby reportedly noticed the child and called authorities.

Child Protective Services responded to the scene and later transported both children to the Midland Childrens Advocacy Center for forensic interviews. Contreras was taken into custody and transported to the Midland County Sheriffs Office for questioning.

She was booked into the Midland County Detention Center just after 4 p.m. Monday. Jail records show she was charged with abandoning a child with intent to return, a state jail felony under Section 22.041(d)(1) of the Texas Penal Code. Her bond was initially listed at $15,000.

As of Tuesday, her name no longer appeared on the countys publicly available jail roster. It remains unclear whether she has posted bond.

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According to the arrest affidavit and booking records, the case remains under investigation. Authorities have not confirmed whether additional charges are being considered or whether the children remain in state custody. It is also unclear if the child suffered any injuries or if prior reports had been filed with Child Protective Services. Contreras has been charged but not convicted, and is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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President Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to President Donald Trump on the occasion of the United States national holiday, Independence Day.

In his letter, President Aliyev emphasized the great importance Azerbaijan places on the friendly relations and partnership with the United States. He highlighted that the active and effective cooperation between the two nations in strengthening international peace and security, combating terrorism in its various forms, ensuring energy security, and other critical areas is a defining feature of their close partnership.

I am pleased to note that the United States has been a reliable partner of Azerbaijan in the energy sector for many years, President Aliyev stated. He underscored that this cooperation, rooted in positive traditions and solid foundations, continues to thrive. Azerbaijan highly values the consistent support from the United States for its energy strategy and the implementation of major infrastructure projects that promote regional stability and development.

The letter further noted that there are excellent opportunities to elevate Azerbaijan-U.S. relations to a new level. President Aliyev expressed confidence that significant potential exists for expanding mutually beneficial cooperation in fields such as economic-trade, energy, transportation, industry, aviation, high technologies, and investments.

President Aliyev affirmed his belief that, through resolute political will and joint efforts, the relations and cooperation between the two friendly and partner nations will continue to grow comprehensively, serving the interests of their peoples.

In closing, President Ilham Aliyev extended wishes of robust health, happiness, and success to President Trump, and lasting peace and prosperity to the friendly people of the United States.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 4. On July 4, the Military Court of Baku continued hearing the cases involving Azerbaijani citizens who were taken hostage by Armenian forces during the occupation of Azerbaijani territories, Trend reports.

The victim, Nasiba Guliyeva, told the court that she was only 13 years old during the occupation of Kalbajar. On March 31, 1993, she and her siblings were fleeing the region in a cargo truck when they came under fire by Armenian soldiers near an area known as Tunnel.

She clarified that at that time they moved without military escort and the majority of those present in the vehicle were children.

They were shooting so much it felt like hail falling, she said.

The victim recalled that her 3-year-old sister and three younger brothers were with her during the attack.

I was hit by six bullets and shrapnel. Even today, I still carry many fragments in my body, she stated.

Guliyeva later testified that she was taken hostage by Armenian forces. Her sister was taken for alleged medical treatment to the village of Vank in the Aghdara district during the first days of captivity. The next day, the family was informed of her death. Guliyeva told the court that her family has never heard from her sister Aygun and two of her brothers, Yashar and Mazahir Guliyev, since that time.

She also said that her brother Bakhtiyar, who was nine years old at the time, continues to suffer from long-term health problems after an Armenian soldier kicked him in the head while in captivity.

Guliyeva testified that they were detained in Khankendi for 3 months and 15 days. Upon her release, she was first taken to Yerevan and then brought to Baku.

My parents are still alive. They are still waiting for their three children. They say the Armenians are keeping them, and that one day they will return, she said.

The court proceedings continue against Armenian nationals accused of crimes including war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, aggression, terrorism, and violations of the laws of war. The charges also include financing terrorism, the violent seizure and retention of power, and other serious offenses.
Two Massachusetts teens and a minor are accused of yelling homophobic slurs in Provincetown, police said Thursday night.

Ryan Mahimtura, 19, of Framingham, and Henry Ward, 19, and an unidentified minor, both of Hudson, have been charged with two counts of disorderly conduct in relation to a July 1 incident in Provincetown, police said.

Mahimtura, Ward and the minor are all accused of driving through town threateningly with air horns yelling homophobic slurs from their vehicle at several people, police said.

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Additional charges may be filed, police said.

An alleged assault that happened in Provincetown on June 30 remains under investigation, police said.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Provincetown Police Detective Sgt. Jennifer Nolette at 508-487-1212, or via email at jnolette@provincetown-ma.gov.

Citizens may also contact the police departments tip line at 508-487-2828 or send an email to report-a-tip@provincetown-ma.gov.

The Police Department will have additional officers on duty throughout the next several days to help look for suspicious and potentially harmful activity and be a visible presence in town during this busy holiday week, police said.

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Residents and visitors are reminded to stay vigilant and report any suspicious or threatening behavior immediately to police by calling 911.

Town officials will host a Community Safety Forum on Tuesday, July 8 at 3 p.m. in the auditorium at Town Hall.

During the forum, the town manager and police chief will provide updates on the recent incidents, share safety tips, and hear from community members, police said.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Two tourists have died after an elephant trampled on them at the South Luangwa National Park on July 3

Easton Taylor, 68, from the United Kingdom and Alison Taylor, 67, from New Zealand were walking in the safari with a tour group when they were killed by the female elephant

The elephant was reportedly with when her calf at the time





Two people have been killed by an elephant while on a safari in Zambia.

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Easton Taylor, 68, from the United Kingdom and Alison Taylor, 67, from New Zealand, were on a walking safari in South Luangwa National Park when the tragic incident occurred on Thursday, July 3, according to ITV News, the BBC and the Associated Press.

The elephant was reportedly with her calf when she charged and trampled on the tourists.

While the tour guides tried to stop the animal by firing shots, they were unsuccessful and the women died at the scene.

Alamy Elephant at South Luangwa National Park Elephant at South Luangwa National Park

According to the BBC, the British womans family is being supported by the British Foreign Office.

Despite the women having the same last names, its unknown whether they were related.

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.

PEOPLE has contacted the South Luangwa National Park, the Zambia Police Service, British Foreign Office and the New Zealand Foreign Affairs & Trade for comment.

Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket via Getty Elephants in South Luangwa National Park Elephants in South Luangwa National Park

Eastern Province police chief Robertson Mweemba also told the outlet that the pair were part of a group being taken on a tour at the park. They had also been staying at the Big Lagoon Camp for four days.

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"They were moving to other camps when the elephant charged from behind. We are really sorry that we have lost our visitors," Mweemba said. They both died on the spot.

Female elephants are protective and territorial over their calves, the BBC and AP reported.

"It is very difficult to control the animals and tourists like feeding them," Mweemba said, according to the BBC.



Read the original article on People
The Trump administration is sending some 200 Marines to Florida to aid Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in its deportation raids in the state, the U.S. military announced Thursday.

The Marines, which will come from Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 based in New River, N.C., will support ICE in its interior immigration enforcement mission via critical administrative and logistical capabilities at locations as directed by the agency, according to a statement from U.S. Northern Command (Northcom).

The release noted that the Marines are just the first wave of service members to help ICE in its deportation efforts, with other deployments expected in Louisiana and Texas.

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Northcom stressed that service members participating in this mission will perform strictly non-law enforcement duties within ICE facilities, with roles focused on administrative and logistical tasks.

They are specifically prohibited from direct contact with individuals in ICE custody or involvement in any aspect of the custody chain, according to the statement.

The Marines mobilization was in response to a Department of Homeland Security request made to the Pentagon on May 9, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approving a mobilization of up to 700 active, National Guard, and reserve component forces.

President Trump in his second term has used the military significantly more in his immigration agenda compared with his first. The administration has sent 8,500 service members to the U.S.-Mexico border and 5,000 to Los Angeles  including 700 Marines  to protect buildings and ICE agents, who have received pushback due to sweeping immigration raids.

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And on Wednesday, the Pentagon announced that just fewer than 70 Florida National Guard troops will provide base camp security at the remote migrant detention center in the states Everglades known as Alligator Alcatraz.

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U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) is sending approximately 200 Marines to Florida in support of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements (ICE) interior immigration enforcement mission.

Marines attached to Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 and Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina are responding as part of a request by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Defense Department spokesman Sean Parnell requested backup in support of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Florida, Louisiana and Texas with critical administrative and logistical capabilities at locations as directed by ICE.

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Pentagon Releases 150 National Guard Troops From Security Mission Deployment In La As Wildfire Threats Mount

Parnell said that a mobilization of 700 in all to include active, National Guard and reserve forces had been approved. The Marines are in the first wave of USNORTHCOMs support.

"Service members participating in this mission will perform strictly non-law enforcement duties within ICE facilities. Their roles will focus on administrative and logistical tasks, and they are specifically prohibited from direct contact with individuals in ICE custody or involvement in any aspect of the custody chain," according to a statement released by USNORTHCOM.

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Parnell stated in his statement that the support will relieve some of the unnecessary strain on law enforcement.

Troops At The Border: How The Militarys Role In Immigration Enforcement Has Exploded Under Trump

Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell speaks during a press conference at the Pentagon on Mar. 17, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia.

"This support provides critical resources to support ICE's mission, freeing up law enforcement personnel to focus on law enforcement tasks and missions. The Department remains committed to securing 100% operational control of the border," the statement said.

The U.S. Air Force and Navy have also taken over positions on federal land along the southern border, under a directive from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

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The area, a roughly 250-mile stretch, located in Texas Cameron and Hidalgo counties, is being transferred to Air Force control and will fall under the jurisdiction of Joint Base San Antonio. It will be managed as part of a newly established National Defense Area (NDA).

In June, a battalion of 500 U.S. Marines mobilized to Los Angeles in response to anti-immigration enforcement riots, causing an outcry from liberal critics such as California Gov. Gavin Newsom, filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration.

The governors office both downplayed the troop movement and called it "completely uncalled for."

The moves are part of a broader mission managed by the Joint Task Force  Southern Border (JTF-SB), a joint effort between the Air Force and U.S. Northern Command to consolidate and strengthen military presence along the border.





Original article source: 200 Marines head to Florida in support of ICE as military takes stronger stance on immigration
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  A 25-year-old is facing robbery charges in connection with a Wednesday robbery in D.C., according to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

Fans begin tailgating for Beyonce hours ahead of Northwest Stadium concert

Around 7:10 p.m., on July 2, a suspect reportedly went into an establishment in the 3300 block of 14th Street, Northwest.

After reaching over the counter, the suspect took money from the register and then fled the scene, D.C. police said. The suspect was then arrested by officers searching the area.

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Elijah Harrison, of Northeast, D.C., was arrested and charged with robbery (snatch).

Check DCNewsNow.com for updates. To keep up with the latest news and weather updates, download our Mobile App on iPhone or Android.

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NEED TO KNOW

25 South Carolina restaurants are accused of falsely advertising imported shrimp as local

The South Carolina Shrimpers Association claims the false labels damage the states reputation

Some restaurants deny wrongdoing and say they source shrimp locally when available





A number of South Carolina restaurants are in potential hot water over the shrimp they use in their dishes.

According to the federal lawsuit obtained by PEOPLE, filed with the District of South Carolina on Friday, June 13, by the South Carolina Shrimpers Association, 25 restaurants across the state are being challenged for their false and misleading representations of selling local shrimp.

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According to the suit, the local shrimping industry is integral to the states tourism industry, generating billions of dollars for South Carolina. The accused are allegedly intentionally conflating the local, high-quality product grown by the Shrimpers Association with a product of inferior quality and distant origin, which damages the states reputation.

These accusations allegedly violate both the federal Lanham Act and the South Carolina Unfair Trade Practices Act, both of which govern trademark law and unfair competition.

Leaders of the Shrimpers Association publicly announced the lawsuit at the Pineapple Fountain in downtown Charleston, S.C. This fountain, with its graceful waters, represents the very essence of what we, as South Carolina shrimpers, strive to embody: a genuine, honest welcome, said South Carolina Shrimpers Association Vice President Bryan Jones, per WCSC.

Getty Stock image of chilled shrimp at a restaurant Stock image of chilled shrimp at a restaurant

We believe that when we invite our family, our friends, and our cherished guests to our beautiful Lowcountry, they deserve nothing less than the real, authentic thing  and in this case, that means our delectable and incomparable, wild-caught South Carolina shrimp.

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The lawsuit was amended on Thursday, July 3, to include all 25 restaurants.

PEOPLE reached out to several restaurants listed in the lawsuit but have not received immediate responses. However, a couple of the accused have released statements regarding the legal action.

When we say [South Carolina] shrimp, we know its from [South Carolina] because they are coming directly from our known vendors, and we have the receipts to back up those purchases, stated a spokesperson for Mount Pleasant Seafood. When fresh local shrimp are not available, we do have frozen local shrimp that we will sell until fresh become available.

Crave Hospitality Group stated to WCSC, "We take sourcing and transparency seriously at Mill Street Tavern. We were exceptionally surprised to learn weve been named in a lawsuit and are actively reviewing it with counsel."

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Also floored to be named in the lawsuit is Pages Okra Grill, who spoke to the outlet, stating, We agree that restaurants should not advertise using all local shrimp on their menus, which is why we dont do that and so we are angry to be lumped in that category. We do not claim on any of our menus that our shrimp is all local or East Coast.

The Shrimpers Association is requesting to be awarded an undisclosed amount towards actual damages, treble damages, attorneys' fees, and punitive damages along with any such other relief that the Court deems just and proper.

Read the original article on People




NEED TO KNOW

A police officer allegedly died after undergoing Brazilian Butt Lift surgery in Miami back in March according to a report from NBC6 South Florida

Wildelis Rosa had traveled to Miami for the surgery, and she also celebrated her 26th birthday during the trip

Rosa's cause of death was ruled to be pulmonary embolism from blood clots associated with cosmetic surgery, according to NBC6, citing the Miami-Dade Medical Examiners Officer





A New Orleans police officer and U.S. army reservist died after undergoing Brazilian Butt Lift surgery in Miami back in March according to reports.



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NBC6 notes that Wildelis Rosa, 26, died on March 23 following the cosmetic procedure, which, per the Cleveland Clinic, sees fat removed from different parts of the body and transferred to the buttocks to increase their size.

On March 18, the police officer reportedly arrived in South Florida before having pre-operative blood work the following day at Prestige Plastic Surgery Clinic.

New Orleans Police Department Facebook Wildelis Rosa Wildelis Rosa

According to NBC6, an invoice revealed that Rosa paid $7,495 for the procedure, which saw her bum injected with fat from 12 areas of her body. Rosa then told her family about the procedure three days later, on March 22, with her sister, Anamin Vazquez, revealing to the outlet that she was immediately worried.

"We had just that feeling in our guts like something is wrong," she said, adding that she texted her later on March 22, her 26th birthday, but there was "no answer."

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Rosa died the next day, March 23, after collapsing in the bathroom. A friend who had been staying with her reportedly found her unresponsive and, despite attempting CPR, Rosa passed away.

The Miami-Dade Medical Examiners Office ruled her cause of death to be pulmonary embolism from blood clots associated with cosmetic surgery, NBC6 reported.

Vazquez told the outlet that her sister had complained of extreme pain the day after her surgery. She was also allegedly discharged from the hospital just one hour after the procedure.

She says thatshe was having complications, Vazquez said of a text message Rosa had sent another friend at the time.

Getty Stock image of a plastic surgeon Stock image of a plastic surgeon

Paying tribute to her sister, Vazquez says that Rosa had "just come back from a deployment to Kuwait as a U.S. Army Reservist, adding that she wanted to work for the FBI and had a "very bright and promising future."

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Vazquez revealed that the family didnt know Rosa, the youngest of five siblings, was going to get cosmetic surgery. She had told them she was going to Miami to celebrate her 26th birthday.

Per The Mirror, Vazquez said she wanted her sister's death to be a "cautionary tale for those who are thinking of having these surgeries."



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Back in March, the New Orleans Police Department also paid tribute to Rosa following her death.

The New Orleans Police Department is heartbroken by the sudden passing of Officer Wildelis Rosa, a cherished member of our NOPD family, they wrote in a post on Facebook. While her passing was not related to active duty, this loss is deeply felt by all who had the privilege of working alongside her.

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They added, Officer Rosa served with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the people of New Orleans.

Her former teacher, Roger, described Rosa as one of the "sweetest, kindest, intelligent, caring, and compassionate people I have ever known," The Mirror notes.

PEOPLE has contacted the Prestige Surgery Clinic and the Miami-Dade Medical Examiners Office for comment but did not immediately hear back.



Read the original article on People
CHICAGO (WGN)  A woman was taken into custody Friday morning after allegedly stabbing three children, one fatally, and setting fire to a Logan Square home.

Officers were called to the home on the 3600 block of West Palmer Street shortly after 9 a.m. on a report of a person with a knife. Police said a 45-year-old woman used a knife to attack three children in the home: a 4-year-old boy, a 10-year-old boy, and a 13-year-old girl.

All were taken to John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County. The 4-year-old passed away from a stab to the chest, officials said. The 10-year-old boy was listed in serious condition with a stab wound in his right arm. The teen girl was critically wounded, with stab wounds on her face, chest and back, authorities said.

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Its sad because its a day of celebration, the Fourth of July, neighbor Juan Miranda said. Its sad.

Investigators have not confirmed the relationship of the woman and children, but neighbors told WGN it was a mother who turned on her own kids.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

As authorities investigated the attack, fire crews battled the fire at the home, which at one point was raised to two alarms. Crews were eventually able to get the flames under control by around 11:30 a.m. after it spread to a nearby home.

A 31-year-old woman and a 34-year-old man from the adjacent home were listed in fair condition at Stroger Hospital, where they were treated for smoke inhalation.

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Three of the responding officers were also transported in fair condition to area hospitals to be treated for smoke inhalation.

Area Five detectives are investigating the attack and 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 WGN-TV.
DES MOINES, Iowa  The Des Moines Police Department says three people have been charged following a shooting incident early Friday morning in downtown.

According to the DMPD, just after 2:30 a.m., patrol officers were called to the 1400 block of Ingersoll Avenue on reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, officers learned the incident had occurred in the 200 block of Court Avenue, and the involved persons fled to the Ingersoll location.

Driver crashes into DMPD patrol car, charged with OWI

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Authorities say witnesses reported a dispute between several people that escalated when 38-year-old Antowarren Bailey reportedly said he was getting a gun from his vehicle. Police say 25-year-old Mikkah Lyke responded to Bailey by pulling a gun and firing a shot.

Police later identified a third person involved after 24-year-old Shateanna Vang was found to be in possession of a handgun.

Bailey has been charged with Public Intoxication and Possession of a Dangerous Weapon While Under the Influence. Lyke has been charged with Reckless Use of a Firearm. Lange has been charged with Public Intoxication and Possession of a Dangerous Weapon While Under the Influence.

Three handguns were recovered during the investigation. A handgun was recovered from Baileys vehicle, and two more were recovered from the involved persons.

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Des Moines Police detectives are continuing the investigation into this incident. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
Three Tacoma women say they faced a campaign of retaliation from higher-ups after reporting a supervisor for sexual assault and harassment at Joint Base Lewis-McChords Madigan Army Medical Center, where they prepared and served meals.

One woman is still employed in the hospitals Nutrition Care Division but two others left their jobs due to a hostile work environment that followed the womens disclosures that their first-line supervisor had subjected them to inappropriate touching and comments, according to a federal lawsuit.

The suit, filed June 26 in U.S. District Court in Tacoma, claims that the supervisor grabbed one womans breasts, slapped another womans buttocks and told another woman plating a meal for a customer, youre making my apron hard, among other inappropriate behaviors. After reporting the fellow civilian worker to Army criminal investigators, the women allege they faced harassment and bullying from the Nutrition Care Divisions leadership, including military and civilian personnel.

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One of the things that this highlights for me is, when individuals come forward and make reports of sexual harassment and sexual abuse, the tendency to protect the unit, to protect the perpetrator is still ever present (in the military), attorney Michael McNeil, who is representing the plaintiffs, said in an interview Tuesday. And I think thats what we see here and that needs to change.

The suit names the U.S. Department of Defense and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in his official capacity, as defendants and seeks to hold them liable for claims of sex-based discrimination, retaliation, hostile work environment and disparate treatment. The Defense Department did not respond to a message from The News Tribune seeking a response to the allegations.

A spokesperson for Madigan Army Medical Center, which isnt named as a defendant in the suit, didnt immediately return a message offering an opportunity to comment Tuesday.

The three women began working in the Nutrition Care Division, which the complaint says has more than 60 employees, in 2020 or 2021. The sexual assault or harassment from their supervisor started as early as 2020, according to the suit. The News Tribune generally doesnt name alleged victims of sex abuse and isnt naming the supervisor because he isnt named as a defendant in the civil case and theres no indication he was charged with any crimes.

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The plaintiff still employed at the military hospital became aware in late 2020 that the supervisor had previously sexually harassed other women in the division, causing some to resign, according to the lawsuit.

After she and the two other plaintiffs were interviewed by the Armys Criminal Investigation Division about their own experiences, the supervisor was placed on paid administrative leave for a week in April 2022 but then allowed to return to work and continue supervising the women, the suit said.

That same month, one woman alleged she was informed by Army investigators that they determined the supervisor was guilty, according to the suit. Still, he was simply moved to a different shift and the women continued to regularly see him and interact with him, the suit said.

All the while, the supervisor allegedly tried to make the women uncomfortable or intimidate them, or acted disrespectfully toward them, until he was again placed on paid administrative leave in May 2022 pending a separate investigation by the Nutrition Care Division, according to the suit.

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It isnt clear from the legal complaint what became of the investigation. The filing notes that he was on paid administrative leave until 2024. McNeil said that he only knows that the supervisor no longer works there and that additional details about his departure wouldnt be learned until attorneys can investigate further as part of the cases proceedings.

The supervisor had claimed that the women fabricated the allegations in an effort to set him up, the suit said, and alleged that one woman had come onto him and he was reciprocating her flirtatious behavior. The woman denied his account, the suit said.

Between May 2022 and 2024, the plaintiffs say they were retaliated against and subjected to a hostile work environment and disparate treatment for reporting their claims against their supervisor.

He had a lot of friends within the leadership of the Nutrition Care Division, McNeil said. My take on it is, when the allegations came out, a lot of people, including the leadership, didnt think they were very serious.

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Upset over the claims, division leaders sought to make the plaintiffs quit and manufactured a negative record on each to try to fire them, according to McNeil.

Their work performances were inaccurately called into question, their opportunities for promotions were stonewalled or threatened, they were unnecessarily admonished for taking days off for medical reasons and faced other targeting treatment, the suit said.

The suit, which demands a jury trial, seeks unspecified damages, legal fees and other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 4. A group of personnel of the Azerbaijan Air Force participated in the "Anatolian Eagle - 2025" international tactical-flight exercise held in Turkiye, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.

During the exercise, participants were given a briefing on safety rules, movement routes, assigned tasks, and meteorological situations.

At the practical stage of the scenarios execution, after the aircraft were brought to readiness and final inspections were carried out by the technical personnel, Azerbaijani military pilots conducted group flights from the airbase. During the flights, military pilots carried out tasks on conducting aerial reconnaissance, achieving air superiority, destroying simulated targets, and other assigned tasks.

In accordance with the plan, along with executing air-to-air and air-to-ground tasks, Azerbaijani military pilots also conducted joint flights with aircraft crews of the Turkish Air Force.

At the closing ceremony held on July 4 in Konya, the high level of professionalism demonstrated by the personnel of the Azerbaijani Air Force during the "Anatolian Eagle - 2025" international tactical-flight exercise was highlighted.

It should be noted that representatives of the Air Forces of Azerbaijan, Hungary, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, the United States, and NATO took part in the exercise, conducted to strengthen mutual cooperation, enhance interoperability, and improve combat training among the Air Forces of the participating countries.
Three years after the launch of the three-digit 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, the service is seeing increases in call volume, state-level support and reported effectiveness, as well as reductions in specialized offerings, including one designed to help LGBTQ youth.

"This year, the 988 Lifeline continued to provide life-saving help to millions of people, with about a 20% higher volume of calls, texts and chats compared to the year prior," Dr. John Palmieri, acting director of SAMHSA's 988 Lifeline Office, told ABC News via email.

SAMHSA is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the division of the Department of Health and Human Services which oversees 988.

Gabriella AbdulHakim/ABC News - PHOTO: The Central Wyoming Counseling Center is one of two in the state of Wyoming.

"Recent evaluation work affirms the effectiveness of the 988 Lifeline, with studies showing that the vast majority of suicidal callers saying they thought their crisis call helped them and stopped them from killing themselves," he added.

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A network of more than 200 crisis call centers field calls, chats and texts on behalf of the Lifeline, offering support to callers experiencing suicidal crises and other forms of mental distress. This network has existed in some form for at least a couple of decades, beginning with the precursor to 988 -- the 10-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which was started in 2005.

During his first term, President Donald Trump signed into law the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act of 2018, which designated 988 as the new three-digit number to call in case of a mental health emergency. The new number, intended to be easier to remember and access in times of crisis, officially launched on July 16, 2022.

13 million contacts so far

Since that launch date, the Lifeline has answered over 13 million calls, chats and texts across the U.S. and its territories, according to SAMHSA.

"The transition to 988 three years ago sparked coordinated efforts across the country -- inspiring local governments, states, Tribes and healthcare providers to improve crisis care response systems in communities nationwide," Palmieri said.

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Despite increasing state-level support for the Lifeline, recent downsizing efforts across the federal government have had an impact on the ability to "build out a crisis continuum of care across the country," Hannah Wesolowski, chief advocacy officer for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, told ABC News.

"Interestingly, the administration has proposed flat funding for 988 for fiscal year 2026, so that was really encouraging that they're proposing keeping funding levels at [$519.6 million]," Wesolowski said. "But with a lot of the changes within HHS, we've seen a fair number of the staff within the 988 behavioral health crisis coordinating office depart the administration."

Kelly Livingston/ABC News - PHOTO: A 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline sign at the entrance to Taft Bridge in Washington is photographed on Feb. 10, 2023.

The Trump administration has implemented significant workforce reductions for HHS and SAMHSA over the last few months. HHS also recently announced a major restructuring effort, which includes plans for additional staffing cuts and and the reorganization of some of the department's agencies, including SAMHSA, under a new entity called Administration for a Healthy America.

Asked how these changes to SAMHSA's place within the federal government may impact its oversight of 988, SAMHSA told ABC News via email that, "The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline will continue daily, life-saving work, helping thousands of people every day and millions of people every year."

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MORE: Trump administration to close LGBTQ+ suicide hotline program next month

In addition to the federal funding of 988, states offer varying levels of funding to support the Lifeline's operation. Many states have chosen to either adopt fees or recurring state appropriations in order to maintain efficient service and availability of counselors.

Currently, twelve states charge a small tax on phone bills every month to fund 988 operations. This funding structure is modeled after the one used to fund 911 call centers. Those twelve states include Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, Minnesota, Illinois, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and Vermont.

The permanent funding fees range from no cost in New York to $0.60 in Delaware.

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An additional five states -- Arizona, Utah, Kansas, Georgia, Florida -- have implemented recurring state appropriations, meaning those states' legislatures offer funding through their annual budget.

"We've seen an increased commitment by states to create sustainable funding mechanisms for the service and a growth in local response to people in crisis," Palmieri said via email.

While states have been increasing resources to support 988, the Lifeline's offerings nationwide are about to change.

Currently, callers to the Lifeline are prompted to press numbered options for certain specialized services -- 1 for the Veterans' Crisis Line, 2 for the Spanish-language subnetwork and 3 for LGBTQ-youth centered care.

'Press 3' option for LGBTQ youth

SAMHSA recently announced that the Press 3 option, which provides specialized care for LGBTQ youth, will no longer be a part of the Lifeline. That repeal was announced during LGBTQ Pride Month, just under three years after the subnetwork was first established as a pilot program in 2022.

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The cut came as a surprise to those working on the specialized line, including The Trevor Project, which has been operating this type of service for ten years, according to Interim Vice President of Advocacy and Government Affairs Mark Henson.

Henson told ABC News that the federal funding for the service allowed The Trevor Project and other organizations to "double our capacity to serve youth."

Since the launch of Press 3, Henson says the option has fielded over 1.3 million calls, chats and texts. Monthly calls have also increased from 1,752 at the option's launch to 69,057 answered contacts in its last reported data from SAMHSA in May 2025.

In a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., a bipartisan group of Congressional representatives responded to the cut announcement, noting that the subnetwork has averaged approximately 2,100 contacts per day.

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"These numbers reflect the critical, ongoing demand for this targeted support," the members said. "To a young person feeling alone and scared, 988 is truly a lifeline."

MORE: LGBTQ, legal groups slam UPenn for 'caving' to Trump's trans athlete ban

In a statement announcing the discontinuation, SAMHSA said the move comes in response to significant operation costs and "to focus on serving all help seekers, including those previously served through the Press 3 option."

"The Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus included a Congressional directive for $29.7 million to fund the specialized services," SAMHSA said. "Federal funding in FY24 for the Press 3 services increased to $33 million. As of June 2025, more than $33 million in funds have been spent to support the subnetworks, fully expending the monies allocated for 988 Lifeline LGB+ subnetwork services."

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Despite the evident utility of the specialized option, "Press 3 option has run out of Congressionally directed funding," an HHS spokesperson wrote in a statement to ABC News, adding, "continued funding of the Press 3 threatened to put the entire 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in danger of massive reductions in services."

Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images, FILE - PHOTO: In this Aug. 14, 2022, file photo, a bookmark with the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline emergency telephone number iis shown in Casper, Wyo.

The Trevor Project remains adamant that the change to the program will do more harm than good because it neglects the specific challenges that people in the LGBTQ community face.

"I think there's a fundamental lack of understanding that suicide prevention is about risk and not about identity," Henson told ABC News. "It's because of the life experiences and the stigma and the bullying associated with LGBTQ+ young people that make them more than four times as likely to attempt suicide."

"It's their life experiences and the unique drivers that have increased their risk of suicidality and therefore, have tailored care," he added.

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For NAMI's part, Wesolowski said the organization is, "continuing to advocate with Congress," to reverse the decision to remove press 3, saying that, "members of Congress on both sides of the aisle express some concern around this."

Despite the federal shifts, Wesolowski says she hopes the foundation of 988 is strong enough to withstand political changes, both now and in the future.

"The goal has always been that anyone who's in a mental health crisis or emotional distress gets appropriate mental health care response," she said. "And I think right now, the [political] uncertainty is creating a lot of concern. [But] I think there's still strong bipartisan support and cross systems support."

If you are experiencing suicidal, substance use or other mental health crises, or are worried about a friend or loved one, please call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You will reach a trained crisis counselor for free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also go to 988lifeline.org.
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The archaeological investigations have revealed wooden frames from the hull of Nossa Senhora do Cabo among the ballast stones. | Credit: Center for Historic Shipwreck Preservation

Archaeologists say they've found the submerged wreck of a sailing ship captured in 1721 near Madagascar, during one of history's most infamous pirate raids.

The American researchers, from the Center for Historic Shipwreck Preservation , have investigated the wreck for 16 years and now think it's the remains of Nossa Senhora do Cabo, a Portuguese ship carrying cargo from India that was attacked and seized by pirates, among them the notorious pirate captain Olivier "The Buzzard" Levasseur.

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The wreck now lies on the floor of a small harbor on the island of Nosy Boraha off the northeast coast of Madagascar, which was a hangout known as Ile Sainte-Marie during the "Golden Age of Piracy" in the early 18th century. New details of the investigations have been published in the latest issue of Wreckwatch magazine .

The identification of the wreck is "supported by multiple lines of evidence," the center's co-founder and director Brandon Clifford , one of the researchers, told Live Science in an email. These include analysis of the structure of the ship from its underwater remains, historical records and artifacts found in the wreckage.

Among them are devotional figurines and objects made from wood and ivory, including one that depicts Jesus' mother Mary; part of a crucifix; and an ivory plaque inscribed with gold letters that read "INRI." (According to the Christian gospels, these letters were inscribed by the Romans above the crucified Jesus and stood for "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews" in Latin.)

The researchers think these artifacts were made in Goa, which was then the center of a Portuguese colony on India's west coast, and were being shipped to Lisbon in Portugal.

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Related: 'Pirate' shipwrecks that sank in 1710 off Costa Rica are actually remains of Danish slave ships

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A sonar image showing a blob of color where the shipwreck is located on the ocean floor

A sonar image of the seafloor shows the wreck thought to be that of Nossa Senhora do Cabo. Researchers think there are at least four pirate wrecks in the main harbor on the island of Nosy Boraha, off Madagascar.

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A mosaic image showing piles of stones on the seafloor

A mosaic image of the harbor floor shows overlapping piles of ballast stones from ships' hulls. The ballast pile from Nossa Senhora do Cabo is at the right.

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A group of people stand on shore while another two stand in a boat on the water

The island of Nosy Boraha off Madagascar's northeast coast was once a notorious hangout for European pirates known as Ile Sainte-Marie.

Pirate raid

According to records, Nossa Senhora do Cabo (Portuguese for "Our Lady of the Cape") had left Goa early in 1721 bound for Lisbon, with the outgoing Portuguese viceroy and the Archbishop of Goa both on board.

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But the vessel was attacked and captured by a group of pirate ships on April 8, 1721, near the French island of La Reunion (also known as Reunion Island) in the Indian Ocean.

The treasure it carried included ingots of gold and chests full of pearls, according to the researcher Denis Piat in his book " Pirates & Privateers in Mauritius " (Didier Millet, 2014).

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Gold coins and fragments of porcelain

Artifacts recovered at the wreck site include gold coins inscribed with Arabic writing and pieces of fine porcelain.

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Multiple views of a white statuette of a praying figure

The researchers have recovered several religious figurines and other devotional objects made from wood and ivory, presumably at Goa.

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An array of ceramic shards laid out on a table

More than 3,300 artifacts have now been recovered from the wreck, but many others are still covered by sand and silt.

Clifford and his colleague Mark Agostini , an archaeologist at Brown University, said the Portuguese ship had already been badly damaged in a storm and had jettisoned most of its cannons to stay afloat; and so it was captured with little resistance.

The viceroy was eventually ransomed, but it's not known what became of the archbishop. About 200 enslaved people from Mozambique below decks, but there are no records of what happened to them.

According to Clifford and Agostini, the entire haul was "an eyewatering treasure, even by pirate standards," and the cargo alone may have been worth more than $138 million in today's money.

Sea dog base

The pirates then steered their captured prize toward Madagascar, about 400 miles (650 kilometers) west of La Reunion, to divide up their loot.

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The researchers wrote that Ile Sainte-Marie was chosen by European pirates because its sheltered anchorages were close to major shipping lanes. It was also known for its "absence of colonial governance," making it an ideal pirate base.

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Clifford added that between seven and 10 shipwrecks were wrecked or scuttled near Ile Sainte-Marie during the Golden Age of Piracy and "at least four pirate shipwrecks or their prizes lie in the harbor itself."

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Agostini, meanwhile, told Live Science in an email that more than 3,300 artifacts had now been recovered from the wreck of Nossa Senhora do Cabo, but that the overlying silt and sand had made further recoveries difficult.

He added that archaeologists had previously overlooked Ile Sainte-Marie and the scientific treasures it contained. "Ideally, future fieldwork will lead to more analysis of the many wrecks there," Agostini said.

Editor's note: This story was updated at 2:32 p.m. ET to remove a detail about a gold- and ruby-encrusted cross being on the ship at the time of its capture. This cross was mentioned in a book about the shipwreck, but Live Science has since learned that it might be a myth.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Four people were charged in connection with a Paincourtville shooting.

Deputies responded to the Idea Street area near LA 308 in connection with gunshots fired on June 28. A car was found in the LA 1 area of Belle Rose that had been shot at. Investigators determined that four people were in the car.

Harley J. Montet, 17, of Bayou LOurse, Javvon Jaquanta Williams, 19, of Labadieville, Denarion Javontey Truehill, 17, of Napoleonville, and a juvenile were identified as suspects. According to deputies, shots were fired after an argument.

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Montet, Williams and Truehill were arrested and charged with four counts of attempted first-degree murder, four counts of aggravated assault with a firearm and one count each of aggravated criminal damage to property and illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities.

All three were arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center on Wednesday.

A verified complaint was filed against a person from Gonzales who was 16 at the time of the shooting. The suspect was taken into custody Thursday and charged with one count each of attempted first-degree murder, illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities by a juvenile and illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile.

Baton Rouge police make second arrest in Town South Avenue shooting

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4-year-old reported missing in St. Louis County: Police

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo.  A four-year-old boy has been declared missing by the Northwoods Police Department.

Police say Anthony Terrel Jackson was last seen on July 2 around 7011 Winchester Drive in a Northwoods neighborhood.

Police say the child was taken from his mothers home by a non-custodial parent and has not been seen since.

According to officials, they were alerted to the missing persons incident shortly after 6:15 p.m.

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Jackson is described as a Black male who is 36 and weighs 47 lbs. He also has long brown/black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black T-shirt, blue shorts and blue Crocs.

Authorities believe they last saw an adult male with Jackson.

Police identified the potential suspect as Joseph Vincent Jackson Jr., 59.

Police say a Hyundai Genesis 4 is potentially associated with the incident, but officials are unaware of the vehicles direction.

FOX 2 has learned the car was rented.

Authorities describe Jackson Jr. as a Black male, standing at 58 and weighing 175 lbs. Other characteristics of his include balding and brown eyes. Jackson Jr. also has tattoos on both arms and another tattoo on his hand, saying BLM.

Anyone who may have spotted the child, the alleged suspect or the vehicle is urged to dial 911 to contact their nearest law enforcement agency.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Conde Nast Traveler released a list of the 13 best beach towns on the West Coast  with four Oregon beach towns earning spots on the list.

The list, published June 23, spans surfing spots in California to the moody coastlines of the Pacific Northwest.

Hawaii and the East Coast tend to attract the most attention (we get it), but theres something about West Coast beach towns that just hits differently, Traveler said. Maybe its the raw power of the Pacific, or maybe its their proximity to some of the countrys most stunning landscapes. Regardless, these coastal towns in Washington, Oregon, and California are well worth planning a trip around.

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Outdoor paradise: CNN names this Oregon town among best to visit in 2025

The first Oregon beach town named on the list: Astoria.

Evening Light Warms The Astoria-Megler Bridge. Astoria, Oregon, United States Of America. (Photo by: Robert L. Potts/Design Pics Editorial/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Astoria, near the meeting point between the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean, is a fitting metaphor for the city itselfa crossroads of cultures and histories that somehow flow perfectly together, Traveler said.

The past is on display via hillside Victorian homes and old salmon canneries, and you can honor the towns Nordic roots at the Astoria Scandinavian Midsummer Festival each June. But quirky establishments such as Weird Sisters Freak Boutique and Fort George Brewery are very much in the present (and very Oregon). For an only-in-Astoria experience, ride the Riverfront Trolley to Pier 39, where you can see colonies of sea lions gathering on the docks, Traveler recommended.

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Positively Portland

The next Oregon beach town on the list: Bandon.

Seagulls on an almost empty beach on a misty summer morning in Bandon, Oregon, on the Oregon Pacific Coast, 2011. (Photo by Buddy Mays/Getty Images).

Bandon is the perfect transition between California and Oregonit has the same soft, golden sand youll find further south, as well as the epic rock formations (and indisputable Oregon coolness) as its northerly neighbors. Get some of the best views along the five-mile Beach Loop Drive, or walk down the stairs at Coquille Point and try to spot sea lions andif youre luckya gray whale or two. Then head back inland to Old Town Bandon for seafood shacks, old-fashioned candy shops, and indie bookstores, Traveler wrote.

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Cannon Beach, Oregon also scored a spot on the list.

The famous Haystack Rock with an incredible cloudscape building up on the horizon. The mist of the waves spraying up in front while all kinds of birds are flying around the nature reserve. Lots of people down at the Beach enjoying this wonderful summer day in Cannon Beach, Oregon. (Credit: Getty Images)

Drive about 80 miles northwest of Portland and youll wind up on one of the most beautiful stretches of sand in the country: Cannon Beach, Traveler said. Known for Haystack Rocka 235-foot monolith protruding out of the water, best viewed from nearby Ecola State Park or the guest rooms at Stephanie Innthe eponymous village on the shore was officially incorporated in 1957. Its popular today for its cute chocolate shops, art galleries, microbreweries, and cozy vacation rentals

Newly-opened Portland smores bar expands with suburban outpost

The last Oregon spot on the list: Florence.

Waves coming from the sea in Heceta Head Lighthouse State Park. (Getty Images)

The Oregon Dunes stretch for nearly 50 miles on the states central coastline, making the site one of the largest expanses of oceanfront sand dunes in the world. (Need even more bragging rights? The huge, windswept piles of sand inspired Frank Herbert to write Dune in 1965.) To best explore the natural wonder, set up camp in the cute town of Florence, Oregon, on the northern end of the dunes. Not only does the riverfront community offer easy access to the Oregon Dunes and Heceta Head Lighthouse, but its Old Town has plenty of seafood restaurants and jaw-dropping views to keep you busy between sandy excursions, Traveler said.

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Among the top California beach towns, Traveler named Point Reyes Station, California, followed by Avalon, California; Carmel-by-the-sea, California; Newport Beach, California and Sausalito, California.

Other beach towns on the list include Friday Harbor, Washington; Sequim, Washington; Port Angeles, Washington and Port Townsend, Washington.

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Thousands of city employees in Boston are experiencing a pay delay due to the July Fourth holiday falling on a payday.

The city is attributing the delay to the holiday affecting bank processing schedules, as each bank follows a different processing timeline.

City leaders have assured employees that they will receive their pay despite the delay. City Councilor Erin Murphy criticized the oversight, stating that the issue should have been flagged sooner.

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Ive spoken directly with the Treasurer and know she and her team are doing everything they can to help workers today. But this mistake was not theirs alone to carry. Its the result of a failure across City leadership to plan ahead and protect our workforce from this completely foreseeable problem, Murphy said. Our city workers keep Boston running. They shouldnt be left holding the bag for a payroll failure they had no way to prevent."

Officials are working to resolve the issue, and employees are expected to receive their pay shortly, a spokesperson with Mayor Michelle Wus office told Boston 25 News.

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CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP)  Friday is the Fourth of July, but what does that mean for businesses and stores?

Preparations begin for biggest July 4th event in western Massachusetts

The origins of the Fourth of July date back to July 4, 1776, when the U.S. unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, according to USA Today.

Luckily, most major retailers, fast food chains, and grocery stores will be open for the holiday, however, Costco is closed. Locally owned businesses may not, or they may have limited hours for Independence Day. Its best to call ahead or check online to see if the business youre looking for is open.

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The Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission Regulations state that Massachusetts residents can buy alcohol from liquor stores on the Fourth of July. Beer, wine, and liquor can also be purchased at open grocery stores. While there are no specific hour restrictions, people should check their local liquor stores hours.

All post offices will be closed for retail transactions, and there will be no regular residential or business mail deliveries. UPS and FedEx pickup and delivery services will not be available. UPS Store locations may be closed, and FedEx Office hours will also be modified.

Branches of Bank of America, Wells Fargo, PNC, Truist, Citibank, JPMorgan Chase, and Capital One will be closed. Capital One Cafes will remain open.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Five Los Angeles residents were arrested this week for alleged EBT fraud in Kern County and other areas, prosecutors said.

Camelia Ionita, 41, Vasile Barbu, 44, Briceag Ionita, 49, and two juveniles were taken into custody Wednesday in Fresno, according to a Kern County District Attorneys Office release. A total of 181 cloned EBT cards and $42,866 in cash were seized, as well as electronic devices used to commit the fraud, prosecutors said.

The adults are due in court Monday.

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Theyre the latest suspects arrested this year on allegations of using cloned EBT cards in Kern County. Some cases have resulted in plea bargains, others are ongoing.

These criminal acts target vulnerable families who depend on these benefits for their basic needs, District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer said in the release. We will not allow this in our community and will continue to pursue and hold accountable those who engage in these crimes.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News.
Five Mexican nationals were arrested Wednesday in Taft after a search warrant led law enforcement officers to about 242 pounds of methamphetamine and more than 2,500 pounds of the same drug in liquid form.

The Kern County Sheriff's Office reported Thursday that the arrests resulted from the warrant's execution at a residence in the 700 block of North Street.

A KCSO news release noted the operation led to the dismantlement of a large meth conversion lab at the property.

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The men arrested at the site were listed as Emanuel Carmen, age 40, from Mexico City; Abraham Casarez, 21, from Sinaloa, Mexico; Jorge Castro-Medina, 43, from Mexico City; and Julio Valencia-Hurtado, 38, from Mexico City.

The release noted the fifth arrestee, 45-year-old Lauriano Castro, from Mexico City, was found and arrested in the 4900 block of South Union Avenue.

All five were booked into the Lerdo Justice Facility on suspicion of making a controlled substance, having a controlled substance for the purpose of sales, keeping a residence for drug sales and conspiracy to comment a crime.

The arrests were the work of KCSO, the Kern County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, the Bakersfield Police Department Major Narcotics Unit and the Department of Fish and Wildlife.




NEED TO KNOW

Ema, 5, was accidentally shot in a road rage incident in Cary, N.C.

The bullet pierced her leg and became lodged in her sippy cup

Charles Edward Stevenson Jr., 20, has been charged in the shooting





A 5-year-old girl was accidentally shot during a road rage incident in North Carolina, authorities said.

The young girl, Ema, whose last name has been withheld for privacy, was allegedly shot in an apparent road rage incident in Cary. The shooter fired at her father's vehicle, sending the bullet through her leg that then got lodged in her sippy cup, according to NBC affiliate WRAL.

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Shes just a bundle of joy, always smiling and playing and running around. Just an angel, honestly, Aubree Allison, Emas aunt, told the outlet. For something like this to happen to such a sweet and innocent child is heartbreaking.

Ema has undergone several surgeries and will soon begin physical therapy to rehabilitate her leg, according to WRAL. PEOPLE has reached out to the Cary Police Department for a statement.

Charles Edward Stevenson Jr., 20, was charged with discharging a weapon into an occupied property, The News & Observer reported. Court documents obtained by ABC affiliate WTVD on Monday, June 30, indicate that Stevenson Jr. discharged a firearm into a Ford F150 along U.S. 1 between the U.S. 64 offramp and Cary Parkway overpass.

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.

Stevenson Jr. was also previously charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, but this was later dismissed by the state. On Wednesday, July 2, his charges were upgraded.

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District Attorney Lorrin Freeman said that, based on new information, the charges were upgraded to assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, inflicting serious injury, according to The News & Observer.

One of your charges was dismissed as being recharged in a different way. And so, well see you tomorrow, said Judge Eagles. At this time, youre going to be held with no bond on this charge.

Stevenson Jr. appeared in court again on Thursday, July 3. The judge denied him bond. His next court date is July 23.



Read the original article on People
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 4. Chairman of the Board of Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) Vugar Suleymanov met with Ambassador of Belgium Julien de Fraipont, Trend reports via the agency.

During the convening, the envoy was apprised of the advancements in humanitarian demining initiatives being executed in the Karabakh region and East Zangezur.

The stakeholders engaged in a dialogue regarding prospective collaborative initiatives between the two nations in the domain of demining, encompassing the orchestration of training modules and the exchange of best practices pertaining to mine detection canines, alongside additional areas of reciprocal significance.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
By Olivia Le Poidevin

GENEVA (Reuters) -The U.N. human rights office said on Friday it had recorded at least 613 killings both at aid points run by the U.S.- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) and near humanitarian convoys run by other relief groups including the U.N.

The GHF uses private U.S. security and logistics companies to get supplies into Gaza, largely bypassing a U.N.-led system that Israel says had let militants divert aid. The United Nations has called the plan "inherently unsafe" and a violation of humanitarian impartiality rules.

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"We have recorded 613 killings, both at GHF points and near humanitarian convoys - this is a figure as of June 27. Since then ... there have been further incidents," Ravina Shamdasani, the spokesperson for the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, told reporters in Geneva.

The GHF began distributing food packages in Gaza at the end of May and has repeatedly denied that incidents had occurred at its sites.

Of the 613 people killed, 509 were killed near the GHF distribution points, the OHCHR said.

The OHCHR said its figure is based on a range of sources such as information from hospitals, cemeteries, families, Palestinian health authorities, NGOs, and its partners on the ground. It said it is verifying further reports and cannot yet give a breakdown of where they were killed.

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The GHF previously told Reuters it has delivered more than 52 million meals to hungry Palestinians in five weeks, and said other humanitarian groups had "nearly all of their aid looted." Israel lifted an 11-week aid blockade on Gaza on May 19.

The U.N. office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) told Reuters that there have been some instances of violent looting and attacks on truck drivers, which it described as unacceptable.

"Israel, as the occupying power, bears responsibility with regards to public order and safety in Gaza. That should include letting in far more essential supplies, through multiple crossings and routes, to meet humanitarian needs," OCHA spokesperson Eri Kaneko said in a statement to Reuters.

COGAT, the Israeli military aid coordination agency, was not immediately available for comment.

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The Israeli military acknowledged on Monday that Palestinian civilians have been harmed at aid distribution centres in Gaza, saying that Israeli forces had been issued new instructions following what it called "lessons learned".

Israel has repeatedly said its forces operate near the centres in order to prevent the aid from falling into the hands of Palestinian Hamas militants.

There is an acute shortage of food and other basic supplies after a nearly two-year-old military campaign by Israel against Hamas militants in Gaza that has reduced much of the enclave to rubble and displaced most of its two million inhabitants.

(Reporting by Olivia Le Poidevin, Editing by Friederike Heine, William Maclean)
Jul. 3A wildfire south of Cheney remains uncontained as of Thursday afternoon.

The Siegel fire, burning near Bonnie Lake and South Texas Ferry Road, broke out Wednesday, according to a Northeast Washington Fire Information new release.

While winds have lessened since Wednesday, a Level 3 evacuation remains in place for the area near the wildfire. That means residents should be ready to leave immediately.

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The fire's cause is under investigation, although Public Information Officer Anjel Tomayko confirmed it was human-caused. The release said Wednesday's winds forced the flames north.

No structures were threatened Thursday afternoon, and those that were Wednesday have since been protected, Tomayko said.

"Crews have made good progress," she said, but there is no outlined goal for containment . As of 4:45 p.m., a new incident command is determining "a tactical plan for the next few days."

Caroline Saint James' 's reporting was funded by Comma's First Amendment Club.
EDITORS NOTE: This article has been updated to include new details from the arrest affidavit and booking photo obtained by KMID/KPEJ. The new information sheds light on what police say happened inside the home before a 72-year-old woman was arrested for murder.

MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- A 72-year-old Midland woman has been charged with murder after her husband was stabbed to death inside their home Thursday morning.

According to police, officers with the Midland Police Department responded to a suspicious medical call around 10:09 a.m. on July 3 at a residence in the 3600 block of Loop 250 North, in the Renew North Park II community.

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When officers arrived, they found 63-year-old Humberto Aldana Fonseca with a stab wound to his chest. He was pronounced dead at the scene by EMS.

Police confirmed that all individuals present in the home at the time were family members. Among them was Fonsecas wife, Maria Mercedes Lago Bennett, who was quickly identified as the primary suspect and taken into custody.

According to the arrest affidavit, Fonsecas adult stepson told investigators he was awakened by Fonseca calling for help. When he entered the bedroom, he reportedly saw Fonseca restraining Bennett from behind while she clutched a kitchen knife. Fonseca was allegedly shouting that Bennett had a knife.

The stepson said he intervened and was able to disarm and restrain her until officers arrived. Detectives noted that Bennett had blood on her back, which they said was consistent with the stepsons statement.

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During a recorded interview, Bennett allegedly admitted to stabbing her husband in the chest during an argument.

Bennett was booked into the Midland County Detention Center on a charge of murder, a first-degree felony under Texas Penal Code Section 19.02. Her bond has been set at $750,000.

This case remains under investigation.

All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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For much of the past century, the Dalai Lama has been the living embodiment of Tibets struggle for greater freedoms under Chinese Communist Party rule, sustaining the cause from exile even as an increasingly powerful Beijing has become ever more assertive in suppressing it.

As his 90th birthday approaches this Sunday, the spiritual leader for millions of followers of Tibetan Buddhism worldwide is bracing for a final showdown with Beijing: the battle over who will control his reincarnation.

On Wednesday, the Dalai Lama announced that he will have a successor after his death, and that his office will have the sole authority to identify his reincarnation.

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I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue, the Nobel Peace laureate said in a video message to religious elders gathering in Dharamshala, India, where he has found refuge since Chinese communist troops put down an armed uprising in his mountainous homeland in 1959.

The cycle of rebirth lies at the core of Tibetan Buddhist belief. Unlike ordinary beings who are reborn involuntarily under the influence of karma, a revered spiritual master like the Dalai Lama is believed to choose the place and time of his rebirth  guided by compassion and prayer  for the benefit of all sentient beings.

But the reincarnation of the current Dalai Lama is not only pivotal to Tibetan Buddhism. It has become a historic battleground for the future of Tibet, with potentially far-reaching geopolitical implications for the broader Himalayan region.

He has been such a magnet, uniting all of us, drawing all of us, said Thupten Jinpa, the Dalai Lamas longtime translator, who assisted the leader on his latest memoir, Voice for the Voiceless.

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I often say to the younger-generation Tibetans: We sometimes get spoiled because we are leaning on this very solid rock. One day, when the rock goes away, what are we going to do?

In that memoir, published this year, the Dalai Lama states that his successor will be born in the free world outside China, urging Tibetans and Tibetan Buddhists globally to reject any candidate selected by Beijing.

But Chinas ruling Communist Party insists it alone holds the authority to approve the next Dalai Lama  as well as all reincarnations of Living Buddhas, or high-ranking lamas in Tibetan Buddhism.

At the heart of this clash is the ambition of an officially atheist, authoritarian state to dominate a centuries-old spiritual tradition  and to control the hearts and minds of a people determined to preserve their unique identity.

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Beijing brands the current Dalai Lama a dangerous separatist and blames him for instigating Tibetan protests, unrest, and self-immolations against Communist Party rule.

The Dalai Lama has rejected those accusations, insisting that he seeks genuine autonomy for Tibet, not full independence  a nonviolent middle way approach that has earned him international support and a Nobel Peace Prize.

To his Tibetan followers, the self-described simple Buddhist monk is more than a spiritual leader or former temporal ruler of their homeland. He stands as a larger-than-life symbol of their very existence as a people, defined by a distinct language, culture, religion and way of life that critics say Beijing is trying to erase.

But the Dalai Lamas death could also pose a new dilemma for the Communist Party. Some younger Tibetans in exile view his middle way approach as overtly conciliatory toward Beijing. In the absence of a unifying figure to guide the exile movement and temper its more radical factions, demands for full Tibetan independence could gather momentum.

A Tibetan stupa on the grounds of the Dalai Lama's residence-in-exile in Mcleod Ganj, Dharmsala, India. - Education Images/Universal Images Group/Getty Images

Battle over loyalty

The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, was only 15 when communist troops  having won the Chinese civil war  marched into Tibet in 1950 to bring the remote Himalayan plateau under the control of the newly founded Peoples Republic.

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The Communist Party claims it liberated Tibet from feudal serfdom and reclaimed a region it says has been part of China for centuries. But many Tibetans resented what they saw as the brutal invasion and occupation by a foreign army.

The resistance culminated in an armed uprising with calls for Tibetan independence in March 1959, sparked by fears that Chinese authorities were planning to abduct the Dalai Lama. As tensions mounted and the Peoples Liberation Army fired munitions near the Dalai Lamas palace, the young leader escaped the capital Lhasa under cover of night. The Chinese army ultimately crushed the rebellion, killing tens of thousands of Tibetans, according to exile groups, though the exact number remains disputed.

After fleeing to India, the Dalai Lama established a government-in-exile in Dharamshala. Since then, he has come to represent Tibet, said Ruth Gamble, an expert in Tibetan history at La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia.

Before the 1950s, the idea of Tibet was much more diffuse  there was a place, there was a state, and there were all of these different communities. But over the years, hes almost become an abstract ideal of a whole nation, she said.

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The Chinese Communist Party has waged a decades-long campaign to discredit the current Dalai Lama and erase his presence from Tibetan life, while tightening restrictions on religious and cultural practices. The crackdown often intensifies around sensitive dates  especially his birthday  but devotion to the spiritual leader has quietly endured.

Despite all these years of banning his photos, in every Tibetan heart there is an image of the Dalai Lama there. He is the unifying figure, and he is the anchor, Jinpa, the translator, said.

Its a profound emotional and spiritual loyalty that defies the risk of persecution and imprisonment  and one that the Communist Party deems a threat to its authority, yet is eager to co-opt.

Over the years, Beijing has cultivated a group of senior Tibetan lamas loyal to its rule, including the Panchen Lama, the second-highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism after the Dalai Lama himself.

The Chinese government-selected 11th Panchen Lama Gyaincain Norbu at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 4, 2024. - Greg Baker/AFP/Getty Images/File

Historically, dalai lamas and panchen lamas have acted as mentors to each other and played a part in identifying or endorsing each others reincarnations  a close relationship likened by Tibetans to the sun and the moon. But in 1995, years after the death of the 10th Panchen Lama, Beijing upended tradition by installing 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.

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Beijings Panchen Lama is seen as an imposter by many Tibetans at home and in exile. He is often shown in Chinas state-run media toeing the Communist Party line and praising its policies in Tibet. Last month, in a rare meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, the Tibetan monk reaffirmed his allegiance to the rule of the Communist Party and pledged to make his religion more Chinese  a tenet of Xis policy on religion.

Experts and Tibetan exiles believe Beijing will seek to interfere in the Dalai Lamas eventual succession using a similar playbook  appointing and grooming a candidate loyal to its rule, with the backing of the state-appointed Panchen Lama and other senior lamas cultivated by the government.

That could lead to the emergence of two rival dalai lamas: one chosen by his predecessor, the other by the Communist Party.

Jinpa, the Dalai Lamas translator, is unfazed by that prospect.

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Personally, I dont worry about that, because its kind of a joke. Its not funny because the stakes are so high, but its tragic, he said, referring to Beijings likely attempt to appoint its own dalai lama. I just feel sorry for the family whose child is going to be seized and told that this is the dalai lama. Im already feeling sad for whoevers going to suffer that tragedy.

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 Voice for the Voiceless.

With his characteristic wit and playful sense of humor, he adds: Before Communist China gets involved in the business of recognizing the reincarnation of lamas, including the dalai lama, it should first recognize the reincarnations of its past leaders Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping!

A picture of the 4-year-old 14th Dalai Lama taken in September 1939 in Kumbum, Tibet. - Popperfoto/Getty Images

The search for a dalai lama

Tibetan Buddhism reveres its spiritual leader as the human manifestation of the Bodhisattva of Compassion  an enlightened being who, rather than entering nirvana, chooses to be reborn to help humanity. The current Dalai Lama is the latest in a long lineage of reincarnations that have spanned six centuries.

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The search for a dalai lamas rebirth is an elaborate and sacred process. Important clues are the instructions or indications left by a predecessor (it could be as subtle as the direction in which the deceased dalai lamas head was turned). Additional methods include asking reliable spiritual masters for their divination, consulting oracles, and interpreting visions received by senior lamas during meditation at sacred lakes.

Following these clues, search parties are dispatched to look for young children born after the dalai lamas death. Candidates are subject to a series of tests, including identifying objects that belonged to the previous incarnation.

But the dalai lamas reincarnation hasnt always been found in Tibet. The fourth dalai lama was identified in the late 16th century in Mongolia, while the sixth was discovered about a century later in what is currently Arunachal Pradesh, India.

The current Dalai Lama, born into a farming family in a small village in the northeastern part of the Tibetan plateau, was identified when he was two years old, according to his official biography. He assumed full political power at 15, ahead of schedule, to guide his distressed people as they faced advancing Chinese Communist forces.

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If the next dalai lama is to be identified as a young child, as per tradition, it could take some two decades of training before he assumes the mantle of leadership  a window that Beijing could seek to exploit as it grooms and promotes its own rival dalai lama.

For us, the one recognized by the Dalai Lama, born in exile, is the real one. So as far as the matter of faith is concerned, I think there is no issue. Its just the politics and geopolitics, said Lobsang Sangay, the former prime minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamshala.

For instance, Beijing could pressure other countries to invite its own dalai lama for ceremonies, said Sangay, now a senior visiting fellow at Harvard Law School.

Tibetan Buddhism is a form of Vajrayana Buddhism  one of the major branches of the faith  which is widely practiced in Mongolia and the Himalayan regions of Bhutan, Nepal and India.

These countries  and to a lesser extent, other nations with large Buddhist populations such as Japan and Thailand  could be forced to choose which dalai lama to recognize, according to Gamble in Melbourne. Or they may and say: Were not going to get into it. But even that might anger the Chinese government, she added.

Aware of his own mortality, the Dalai Lama has been preparing the Tibetan people for an eventual future without him. He laid what he sees as the most important groundwork by strengthening the institutions of the Tibetan movement and fostering a self-reliant democracy within the exile community.

The Potala Palace in Lhasa, seen here in 2020, was the winter home of the Dalai Lama until he went into exile in 1959. - AFP/Getty Images

In 2011, the Dalai Lama devolved his political power to the democratically elected head of the Tibetan government-in-exile, retaining only his role as the spiritual head of the Tibetan people.

Sangay, who took up the baton as the political leader of the exiled government, said that by making the transition to democracy the Dalai Lama wanted to ensure Tibetans can run the movement and the government on their own, even after he is gone.

He has specifically said: You cannot just rely on me as an individual Im mortal. The time will come when I wont be there. So it is for the Tibetan people, while Im here, to transition to full-fledged democracy  with all its ups and downs  and to learn from it and grow, mature and be stronger, moving forward, he said.

That goal has taken on added urgency as the Tibetan movement for safeguarding their culture, identity and genuine autonomy increasingly finds itself in a precarious moment.

Under leader Xi Jinping, Beijing has ramped up security and surveillance in its frontier regions, intensified efforts to assimilate ethnic minorities, and rolled out a nationwide campaign to sinicize religion  ensuring it aligns with Communist Party leadership and values.

The Chinese government says it has safeguarded cultural rights and religious freedom in Tibet and touts the regions economic development and significant infrastructure investment, which it says has improved living standards and lifted hundreds of thousands of people out of poverty.

United Nations experts and the Dalai Lama have expressed concerns over what they call an intensifying assimilation campaign by the Chinese government, following reports that Chinese authorities have closed a large number of rural area Tibetan language schools and forced about a million Tibetan children to attend public boarding schools. Officials in Tibet have strongly pushed back on the accusations.

And as Chinas political and economic clout has grown, the Dalai Lamas global influence appears to be waning, especially as old age makes it difficult to sustain his extensive globe-trotting. The spiritual leader has not met a sitting US president since Barack Obama in 2016, after numerous visits to the White House since 1991.

But some Tibetans remain hopeful. Jinpa, the translator, said that while the Dalai Lama is still alive, Tibetans must find ways to establish a sure footing for themselves.

My own feeling is that if we can get our act together and the dalai lama institution continues with a new dalai lama being discovered, the power of the symbol will be maintained, he said.

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911 calls shed new light on moments before employee, APD officer got into bar fight

An Atlanta police officer is on leave and an employee at a midtown Atlanta bar is facing charges after a fight over the weekend.

Officer Garrett Rolfe, who shot and killed a Black man after a confrontation at a Wendys in 2020, is under investigation after the fight at X early Sunday morning.

Calls to 911 from the employee who was ultimately arrested, Raefeal Ray Penrice, reveal more about the moments that led up to the fight.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

I have a guy here claiming to be APD, and he keeps following me, Im at the back door of my job like taking out the trash, Penrice can be heard saying.

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Hes not in uniform? a 911 dispatcher asks.

No, hes not in no uniform, and hes drinking. Him and his buddy are drinking, Penrice responds.

Witnesses told Channel 2 Action News that the fight started after Rolfes friend accused a bartender of overcharging for drinks. They started arguing, and thats when witnesses say Penrice tried to escort the officer and his friend out of the bar.

Instead of them leaving, they wouldnt leave, Penrice says in the 911 call. I told them they need to leave, and, like I said, the other guy runs up behind me, like I said, grabs me in my rib cage and my shoulder and my wing area.

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Witnesses say it was Rolfe who attacked Penrice.

Hes such a nice guy  hes always made everyone feel very safe and I think its absolutely heinous that after several eyewitnesses told the arresting officers that it was in fact the off-duty police officer who threw the first punch, yet he was still the one taken to jail, said a witness who spoke to Channel 2s Tyisha Fernandes on the phone.

Channel 2 Action News reached out to Rolfes attorney for a statement.

My client is a victim. Hell be fully cooperating with this investigation, attorneys said in a statement.

The incident report for the fight is not yet available.

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Abortion services are poised to resume in Kansas City and across Missouri after a Jackson County judge on Thursday blocked a series of restrictions that temporarily banned access.

Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Jerri Zhang, in an order issued late Thursday afternoon, halted requirements that abortion providers must obtain state licenses, among other restrictions. The licenses included rules that providers called unethical, including mandatory pelvic exams for women.

The order marks a key moment for abortion rights supporters, effectively restoring access after a procedural ruling from the Missouri Supreme Court temporarily banned the procedure in late May.

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Planned Parenthoods clinic in Kansas City immediately planned to restore access on Monday, the organization confirmed to The Star.

Abortion is legal again in Missouri because voters demanded it and we fought for it, Emily Wales, the president and CEO of Comprehensive Health of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, said in a statement. Care starts again on Monday in Kansas City. Were not stopping until every Missourian can get the care they need, close to home.

Thursdays ruling came roughly a month after the state Supreme Court ordered Zhang to vacate two preliminary injunctions that had allowed abortions to resume in the state. The Supreme Court order temporarily halted all abortions in what providers called a de facto ban.

The court had ordered Zhang to reevaluate her rulings based on a different legal standard. After a series of legal fights between abortion providers and attorneys for the state of Missouri, Zhangs order on Thursday blocked the same restrictions and effectively restored access.

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Zhangs order on Thursday was mixed and did not block all restrictions sought by abortion providers, including a ban on medication abortions. But the ruling halted enough of the regulations for Planned Parenthood to begin offering procedural abortions again.

The order states the regulations should be blocked after voters in November approved an abortion rights amendment, called Amendment 3, that enshrined reproductive rights in the state constitution.

The restrictions, often called TRAP laws or Targeted Restrictions on Abortion Providers, included a 72-hour waiting period before receiving an abortion and clinic licensing rules. The regulations effectively caused the number of abortions in Missouri to drop from 6,163 in 2010 to 150 in 2021 before the states former ban was enacted in 2022.

Abortion rights supporters quickly celebrated the ruling as a victory in the fight for restored access.

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Missourians voted to end the abortion ban and establish the right to reproductive freedom in the constitution, and today, a Missouri court once again ruled to uphold the will of the people, said Mallory Schwarz, the executive director of Abortion Action Missouri.

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, a Republican who fought against restored access, said in a statement that would he would immediately appeal the decision.

I will always fight to make Missouri the safest state in the nation for women and children, Bailey said.

While Thursdays ruling marked a win for abortion rights supporters, it also comes as a new fight at the ballot box looms.

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Republican lawmakers in May voted to put a new abortion ban on the 2026 statewide ballot. If approved by voters, the proposed constitutional amendment, which will also be called Amendment 3, would strike down the November vote that legalized access and ban nearly all abortions in the state.

Schwarz nodded at the upcoming ballot fight in a statement on Thursday, saying, attacking Missourians freedom will always be a losing strategy.

We will defeat abortion bans as many times as we have to, and we know that the majority of Missourians are with us, Schwarz said.
The man accused of shooting two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses last month made a court appearance on Thursday, where he asked for special accommodations at the jail he is being housed at during legal proceedings.

Vance Luther Boelter, 57, asked to be placed in a cell where the lights are not on 24 hours a day. He also asked for a pencil so he could take notes. It's unclear if both of his requests would be granted, but the judge said it would be taken care of by the jail.

Boelter is accused of dressing as a police officer and shooting state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, at about 2 a.m. on June 14 at their home in Champlin before fatally shooting former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, in Brooklyn Park, at 3:30 a.m.

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Boelter also allegedly drove an SUV with flashing emergency lights and a license plate that read "police."

Minnesota Shooting Timeline: Suspect Vance Boelter's Last Words To Family Before Capture

Boelter appeared in court on Thursday wearing a yellow Sherburne County Jail top and bottom with orange jail-issued slippers and carrying a manila envelope.

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His public defender said the prosecution agreed to give her some discovery, and they agreed to move forward with the planned detention hearing.

Minnesota Lawmaker Happened To Be On Vacation When Masked Suspect Knocked On Door

Vance Luther Boelter was arrested after a two-day manhunt in June 2025.

Boelter waived his right to preliminary and detention hearings, and when asked if he was aware that he was waiving the federal preliminary hearing, he said, "Im looking forward to court and looking for the facts of what happened on the 14th to come out for you and the public"

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Minnesota Shooting Suspect Vance Boelter To Face Federal Charges In Lawmaker Attacks

The next court date has not yet been determined, as the case must go to a grand jury for an indictment. The grand jury has 30 days from Boelters arrest date of June 15 to file an indictment.

Boelter, 57, is charged with two counts of stalking, two counts of murder and two counts of firearm-related crimes in federal court. He is also facing second-degree murder charges on the state level.

U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson has said that Boelter's primary motive was "to go out and murder people" as authorities announced the suspect's capture after a two-day manhunt.

Fox News' Madelin Fuerste contributed to this report.





Original article source: Accused Minnesota lawmaker slayer asks for special accommodations during court appearance
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  Acting Texas Gov. Dan Patrick has provided statements addressing overnight flooding that has resulted in a mass response from government and first responder agencies in the Concho Valley and Hill Country.

The statements come as rainfall total data gathered by West Texas Mesonet weather stations for the last 24 hours as of 8:45 a.m. on July 4 indicate an estimated 3.33 inches fell on the Angelo State University campus and an estimated 14.46 inches fell 7 miles northwest of San Angelo on Highway 87.

The rainfall caused severe flooding in San Angelo and its surrounding communities, with San Angelo Police Department Chief Travis Griffith reporting in a press conference held during the morning of July 4 that over 100 water rescues had already occurred.

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Near historic: First responders, City holds conference amid dangerous San Angelo flooding

Below is Patricks statement, issued from the Texas State Emergency Operations Center:

I am working in coordination with the states emergency response team on the significant flooding that occurred in the Hill Country and Concho Valley regions in the early hours of this morning. The Kerr County Sheriffs Office has reported catastrophic flooding in the area, with several people missing and confirmed loss of life. Additional rain is forecast in those areas. Even if the rain is light, more flooding can occur in those areas. There is an ongoing threat for possible flash flooding from San Antonio to Waco for the next 24 to 48 hours in addition to the continued risks in west and central Texas.

I urge Texans in impacted areas to heed the guidance of their local officials. The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and other state emergency response assets are on the ground assisting Texas communities with response operations and any unmet needs. I will hold a press conference from the Texas State Emergency Operations Center in Austin later this afternoon to brief the public and the media with the latest updates. Media advisory to follow.

This is a developing story. Stick with Concho Valley Homepage for updates as more information becomes available.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo are calling for a full investigation into allegations that Zohran Mamdani falsely identified himself as African American on his Columbia University application.

However, Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa says the controversy is a distraction from Mamdanis socialist agenda and only turns him into a victim, energizing his supporters and swaying undecided voters.

Both Adams and Cuomo warned that Mamdanis alleged racial misrepresentation could signal deeper deceit  with the Adams campaign calling the move "possibly fraudulent" and Cuomos campaign warning it might be "just the tip of the iceberg."

A New York Times report from Thursday discovered that NYC mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani identified as Black on his application to the prestigious Columbia University in 2009.

Curtis Sliwa Vows To Stay In Nyc Mayoral Race As Donors Plot To Stop Mamdani

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Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City, identified as "Black or African American" on his 2009 Columbia University application, even though he now says he does not consider himself Black, The New York Times reported Thursday. Mamdani, then a high school senior, also checked "Asian" and reportedly wrote in "Ugandan" in the space for additional background. He was ultimately not accepted to Columbia, even though his father is a professor at the elite school. He was not a U.S. citizen at the time.

Mamdani told The Times he identifies as "an American who was born in Africa," and said checking multiple boxes was an effort to reflect his "complex background" and not to gain an edge in the competitive admissions process.

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However, Adams condemned Mamdanis actions as "an insult to every student who got into college the right way."

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"The African American identity is not a checkbox of convenience," Adams said. "Its a history, a struggle, and a lived experience. For someone to exploit that for personal gain is deeply offensive."

Rich Azzopardi, a spokesperson for the Cuomo campaign, echoed the calls from the Adams camp.

"This should come as no surprise as Mamdani  his proposals, his funding, and his background  received absolutely no scrutiny," Azzopardi said. "This issue must be fully investigated because, if true, it could be fraud and just the tip of the iceberg."

Adams is running as an Independent, having been elected as a Democrat in late 2021, while Cuomo is weighing an independent route to Gracie Mansion, having lost to Mamdani in the Democratic primary.

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Ackman Backs Adams To Stop Socialist Mamdani, Calls On Cuomo To Drop Out

Sliwa, on the other hand, is taking the high road and sees the controversy as a political distraction that will only help Mamdanis cause.

"Theres so much we can criticize Zoran forto me, what are we doing here?" Sliwa told Fox News Digital. "We're making him a martyr. We're victimizing Zohran and getting away from the issues of why his election would be a threat to New York City.

"Hes being attacked as a Muslim, hes being mocked for how he eats in a video. Stop that. Youre enraging people who might otherwise disagree with him on the issues. Youre galvanizing his support."

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Mamdanis win has caused a political earthquake in the Big Apple, striking fear into moderates, independents, conservatives  and even parts of the Democrat Party  who believe his socialist policies could have devastating and long-lasting consequences on the financial capital of the world. Mamdani ran on a platform that included economic policies aligned with progressives and socialists in the Democratic Party, such as a $30 minimum wage, tax hikes on businesses and the rich, and other policies, like creating city-owned grocery stores and imposing a rent freeze for stabilized tenants.

Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa sees the controversy as a political distraction that will only help Zohran Mamdanis cause.

Sliwa warned critics that critics are handing Mamdani a political gift.

"Even people who dont agree with him on the issues will rally to his defense when they think the attacks are unfair or over the top," Sliwa added. "Let's get back to the issues where there are clear differences between how Zohran Mamdani wants to run the city and the way I want to run this city  or Eric Adams or Andrew Cuomo. Stop this, you're just victimizing him."

The Adams campaign is calling on Columbia University to publicly release Mamdanis 2009 admissions records, clarify whether his non-citizen status influenced admissions or financial aid decisions, and conduct a formal review to determine whether any university policies were violated.

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"We need answers," Adams spokesperson Todd Shapiro said. "Because the people of New York deserve to know whether the man asking for their vote built his career on a possibly fraudulent foundation."

Fox News Digital reached out to the Mamdani campaign about the controversy and his opponents' takes on it but did not immediately receive a response.

Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is weighing an independent run for office. His campaign also called for a probe into Zohran Mamdani's college application.

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Mamdani told The Times that aside from those college forms, he doesnt recall ever identifying as Black or African American. His parents are both of Indian descent. His father, Columbia professor Mahmood Mamdani, has lived in East Africa for generations, but Mamdani said there had been no intermarriage in the family with native African groups.

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Mamdani has leaned into his South Asian and Muslim identity on the campaign trail.

During a June speech at Al Sharptons National Action Network, he also stressed his African roots, saying, "I was born in Kampala, Uganda... I was given my middle name, Kwame, by my father, who named me after the first Prime Minister of Ghana."

Fox News Jasmine Baehr contributed to this report.





Original article source: Adams, Cuomo push probe into Mamdani's college race claim; Sliwa slams it as distraction
Incumbent Big Apple Mayor Eric Adams demanded Columbia University release Zohran Mamdanis admission records in which the Democratic socialist candidate identified as Asian and African American  before he became a US citizen.

Mamdani, a 33-year-old Muslim immigrant from Uganda who is the frontrunner in the citys mayoral race, applied to the Ivy League in 2009 and checked the two boxes for Asian and African American because he felt that either alone didnt encompass his identity, he told the New York Times Thursday.

The Queens lawmaker was not yet a US citizen at the time and was naturalized in 2018. He holds dual citizenship in the US and Uganda, the outlet reported.

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In another portion of the application  which was ultimately rejected  that allowed him to elaborate on his identity, Mamdani clarified that he was Ugandan.

Mayor Eric Adams criticized Zohran Mamdani for claiming he was Asian and African American in his rejected Columbia application in 2009, when he was not yet a US citizen. ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Zohran Mamdanis 2009 admission records with Columbia University were leaked. AFP via Getty Images

Adams was appalled by Mamdanis actions, especially for skirting around the system in an insult to every student who got into college the right way.

The African American identity is not a checkbox of convenience. Its a history, a struggle and a lived experience. For someone to exploit that for personal gain is deeply offensive, Hizzoner, who is black, said in a statement.

His campaign went a step further, accusing Mamdani of possibly having taken away an admission offer from a true African American applicant.

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Its now clear that Zohran Mamdani misrepresented his racial identity to gain admission to Columbia University, and at the time, he wasnt even a US citizen. This is not just dishonest  its possibly fraudulent. It may have taken a place away from a qualified African American applicant and misused a process designed to correct real, systemic inequities, campaign spokesperson Todd Shapiro charged in the statement.

We need answers. Because the people of New York deserve to know whether the man asking for their vote built his career on a possibly fraudulent foundation.

A hacktivist stole sensitive information from Columbia University late last month. GHI/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Mamdanis application was leaked to the Times after a hacktivist reportedly stole sensitive information from more than 2 million members of the university, including applications.

The Adams campaign ordered Columbia University to make Mamdanis admissions records public, perform an investigation into whether it violated university policy, and clarify whether his status as a non-citizen impacted their decisions.

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Mamdanis father, Mahmood Mamdani, is a professor of anthropology, political science and African studies at Columbia University. He joined the faculty in 1999.

Mamdani is the clear frontrunner in Novembers general election, an American Pulse survey released Thursday shows.

He nabbed 35% of voters polled, while ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo pulled in 29%. Republican Curtis Sliwa had 16% while incumbent Adams, who is running as an independent, came in with 14% while fellow independent candidate, Jim Walden, had 1%.

The Post has reached out to Mamdanis campaign.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 4. Greece has expressed full support for the Seville Outcome Document adopted at the 4th UN Conference on Financing for Development, Trend reports citing the Greek Foreign Ministry.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece, Yiannis Loverdos, represented Greece at the Conference, which took place in Seville from June 30 through July 3, 2025.

In his address to the plenary session of the Conference, Loverdos welcomed the adoption of the Document, emphasizing that it conveys a clear political message, namely that the international community is committed to closing the financing gap for sustainable development and achieving the UN goal, not only in words, but through action.

He expressed his expectation that the adopted Document will contribute to the systemic transformation of the global financial architecture, grounded in equity and solidarity.

The Deputy Minister concluded his speech by emphasizing Greece's steadfast dedication to this joint effort and its commitment to collaborating with all partners to build a resilient, fair, and inclusive global financial system.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
U.K. environmentalists are calling for urgent government regulation of "sewage sludge" on farmland.

They have warned that outdated rules are allowing toxic chemicals and microplastics to be spread on cropland.

Polluted crops, soil, and waterways pose risks to human health and the environment.

What's happening?

The Byline Times reported that sewage sludge or biosolids become fertilizer. Farmers are sold or given this treated material (which contains human waste) by water companies. The solid material contains some useful nutrients, but the harm it does is great.

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Campaign group Fighting Dirty argues that "regulatory failure" caused sludge toxicity. The material carries substances like dioxins, furans, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and PFAS (forever chemicals), according to the news report.

The core issue is that sludge testing hasn't been updated since 1989, per the environmental groups. Primary tests are for regulated metal; testing for pathogens is optional. This means other synthetic chemicals go untested.

A 2017 Environment Agency report found that English crops were contaminated with chemicals. It noted that microplastics in sludge could leave "soils becoming unsuitable for agriculture," according to the Byline Times.

Why is toxic sludge on farmland concerning?

The unregulated spreading of contaminated sludge on agricultural land poses significant risks.

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Crops can absorb toxic substances, which then enter the food chain. Runoff can pollute rivers and groundwater, poisoning drinking water and aquatic life. Microplastics and chemicals in soil degrade its health and long-term fertility.

Pollutants transfer from wastewater treatment plants onto land for food production. This harmful farming practice impacts public health and the ecological health of the countryside.

Former Environment Agency Chair Emma Howard Boyd described these rules as "decades-old" and out of touch. Georgia Elliott-Smith, the director of Fighting Dirty, added, "The 'do nothing' option  presents unacceptable risk to human health whilst leaving our soil unfit for agriculture. This can't be allowed to continue."

What's being done about toxic sludge contamination?

Campaigners are imploring the U.K. government to modernize testing and regulation. Treating sewage sludge with the same caution as other industrial wastes is necessary, they argue. Comprehensive testing for more contaminants will set legal limits for their presence.

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"This issue should and could have been sorted out years ago," said chef and environmentalist Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, a fellow petitioner, per the Byline Times report. "All we're missing now is that political steer."

The Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs mentioned an ongoing Independent Water Commission that is exploring the regulatory framework for sludge spreading. Water companies have raised concerns about costs and where to dispose of sludge if the rules change, as an Unearthed report detailed.

Despite this lockstep, pressure is mounting for more robust, science-based regulations.

Consumers concerned about chemical exposure and microplastics can support organic farming practices. They can advocate for agricultural policies that prohibit sewage sludge.

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Choosing organizations with stronger environmental protections saves the local and global food supply. Meanwhile, using fewer plastic products reduces the risk of microplastics entering our environment.

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.












Fires have broken out and multiple facilities have been damaged in Kyiv Oblast as a result of a large-scale Russian attack. A school, a canine training centre, residential buildings and vehicles have all sustained damage.

Source: Mykola Kalashnyk, Head of Kyiv Oblast Military Administration, on Facebook

Quote: "In Bucha district, an apartment block, two houses and several vehicles have been damaged.

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In the Fastiv district, fires in the roof of an apartment building and garage units have been extinguished. A canine training centre building, three vehicles and windows in three apartments in high-rise buildings have been damaged.

In Brovary district, windows in an educational institution have been damaged."

The aftermath of the attack

Photo: Kalashnyk on Telegram

Details: Kalashnyk said that the air-raid warning in the oblast lasted for over 15 hours, but no casualties have been reported.

Firefighters working at the scene

Photo: Kalashnyk on Telegram

Quote: "Air defence systems were active in the region. Some enemy targets were shot down Tonight, as part of an experimental project, around 60 enemy drones were intercepted. In total, nearly 550 enemy UAVs have already been downed over Kyiv Oblast during several months of the projects operation."

The aftermath of the attack

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Photo: Kalashnyk on Telegram

Background: On the night of 3-4 July, the Russians launched a large-scale attack on Kyiv Oblast using strike drones. According to initial reports, residential buildings were damaged in Bucha and Fastiv districts.

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July 3 (UPI) -- The Department of Agriculture has announced that it will host the Great American Farmers Market on the National Mall Aug. 3 to Aug 8., inviting local producers and growers from throughout the country to attend.

"There is no greater celebration of America's legacy than through American agriculture!" Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said in a statement. "Farmers helped found our nation and for centuries have diligently passed down the craft of feeding, fueling, and clothing their fellow patriots. The Great American Farmers Market is a celebration of the almost 250 years since our inception and a chance to honor the heart of our nation."

The USDA, which was founded by Abraham Lincoln as the "People's Department" during the Civil War, is the only department to be located directly on the National Mall, which officials have said signifies the importance of American agriculture.

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Th event has hosted a farmers market every year since 1995 to provide access for vendors in the Washington, D.C., area. This year, the event is being expanded to include farmers from all 50 states.

The farmers market event is designed to recognize agriculture "as the cornerstone of our history, providing direct market access to the heart of Washington, inspiring the next generation of farmers and ranchers, and Making American Health Again with fresh food grown by our farmers," the release said.

The Great American Farmers Market will be held as part of America 250, the celebration of the country's birthday.
Reeds view

The media business is facing a crisis brought on by artificial intelligence. Since the dawn of the internet, people have had to click links to read articles. Now, they can just ask a chatbot whats going on in the world.

Even if people like Cloudflare co-founder and CEO Matthew Prince have been laudably trying to find a way for publishers to charge the bots, the current business model of internet publishing is under threat.

But the advent of AI and the related shakeup also brings a huge opportunity for entrepreneurship in local and niche publishing.

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During the last tech era, we had Substack, which allowed some traditional journalists to strike out on their own and make a living by charging loyal followers for content. Some success stories in tech media include Casey Newton, Eric Newcomer, and Alex Kantrowitz.

AI moves us past the era of platforms and into something new and, in many ways, better. Platforms often have a reward structure that leads to homogeneity. But AI will reduce almost every barrier to media creation, negating the need for a one-size-fits-all platform. And what applies to a tech reporter in the Valley could also apply to a small-town newspaper reporter left behind by the tech revolution that decimated the industry.

AI tools can cut the costs of launching a publication to close to zero. And it can also be used to figure out growth strategies and business models. In one town, events might be a good revenue model. In another, subscriptions or corporate sponsorships might work. Video and other media can be tacked on with minimal investment.

The best-case scenario is that AI enables high-quality media startups to pop up all over the country and the world in underserved niches, and allows those of us who are already underway to spend our time and money doing what AI cant do: gathering information that isnt online and connecting with an audience. The worst-case scenario is that real journalists ignore the opportunities, and powerful new AI tools are used by entities less committed to accurate information.

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What happens next could have a meaningful impact on the health of democracy.

Notable
Air pollution levels in Kyiv are high on the morning of Friday 4 July following a large-scale combined Russian attack overnight.

Source: Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine

Details: The reason for the deterioration in air quality is fires caused by Russia's large-scale attack on the night of 3-4 July.

Air pollution in Kyiv.

Map: saveecobot.com

Until the situation stabilises, Kyiv residents are advised to avoid being outdoors if possible, not to ventilate rooms, to keep their fluid levels up, and, if they have an air purifier, to turn it up to maximum. People with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases should pay particular attention to this advice.

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Background radiation levels in the city remain normal.

Background:

From 18:00 on 3 July, Russian forces attacked Ukraine with a record 550 aerial assets. Of them, 478 targets were destroyed, but there were strikes in eight locations and debris fell in 33 locations.

The main target of the Russian strike was the city of Kyiv. Medical reports indicate that 23 people were injured in the attack on the capital. Fourteen of them were taken to hospital. The others were treated at the scene or on an outpatient basis. Numerous fires broke out.

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President Volodymyr Zelensky called for more air defence for Ukraine after a massive drone and missile attack on Ukraine's capital overnight on July 4.



According to Zelensky, as U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin were talking on the phone on July 3, air raid sirens blared across Ukraine.

"Moreover, the first air raids in our cities and regions began yesterday almost simultaneously with the start of media discussions of President Trump's phone call with Putin," Zelensky wrote.

"This was one of the most large-scale air attacks  deliberately massive and cynical... Russia is once again demonstrating that it is not going to end the war and terror."

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The overnight attack struck Kyiv and several other regions, injuring at least 23 people and setting off dozens of fires in Ukraine's capital. Russian forces launched more than 550 aerial weapons, including over 330 Iranian-type Shahed drones and multiple types of missiles, including ballistic missiles, Zelensky said.

Firefighting efforts and debris removal are still ongoing after another Russian strike. This was one of the most large-scale air attacks  deliberately massive and cynical. In total, 550 targets were launched, including at least 330 Russian-Iranian shaheds, along with missiles, pic.twitter.com/vnn31oST0z  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) July 4, 2025

Kyiv was the main target. Ukraine's military said it shot down 270 aerial threats, while 208 additional drones were jammed by electronic warfare. Interceptor drones also downed dozens more, Zelensky said, calling their growing use a key defense priority.

Zelensky stressed the need for continued and increased military aid from allies, especially air defenses. "Patriots and their missiles are real defenders of life," Zelensky said. "It is very important to maintain the support of partners in ballistic missile defense."

Despite Russia's escalating attacks and Ukraine's desperate need for air defense munitions, the U.S. has decided to halt shipments of Patriot missiles and other promised weapons to Kyiv, claiming it needs to secure its own stockpiles.

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Beyond Kyiv, strikes also hit the Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, Kharkiv, Chernihiv, and Kyiv oblasts, according to Zelensky. Fires and damage were reported in nearly every district of the capital, including residential buildings, schools, medical facilities, and railway infrastructure.

Local authorities described the night as "terroristic." Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported fires in at least five districts. Air quality in the city remained dangerously poor by morning, as noted by the Ministry of Environmental Protection.

Meanwhile, Russian state media reported that during the Trump-Putin call, Putin reiterated his determination to continue pursuing the Kremlin's goals in Ukraine, despite mounting international calls for a ceasefire.

Zelensky called on Ukraine's allies, particularly the United States, to apply massive and immediate pressure on Russia. "We need to ensure that for every such attack on people and lives, they (Russia) feel the corresponding sanctions and other blows to their economy, their earnings, their infrastructure," he said. "Only this can bring faster change."

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Read also: Ukraine scrambles to clarify extent of US military aid pause and whether everything will continue

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An Indian man was arrested after allegedly trying to smuggle monkeys and tortoises into India after a trip to Thailand.

What's happening?

The incident occurred at the international airport in Chennai, India. The Week reports that customs officials became suspicious of a passenger's luggage after a flight landed from Bangkok.

Officials examined the man's checked luggage, and inside one bag, they found two ventilated bags and a taped-up cloth bag.

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"On closer inspection, movements were noticed inside the ventilated bags," customs officials said in a release.

At that point, officials found two African black monkeys, each hidden inside a separate ventilated bag, and seven African tortoises wrapped inside the cloth bag.

The passenger, a 40-year-old man from Chennai, had just returned from a trip to Thailand, DT Next reports. He could not provide proper documentation for the animals, so he was arrested under India's Customs Act and Wildlife Protection Act.

The animals were sent back to Thailand.

Why is animal trafficking concerning?

The United Nations' latest World Wildlife Crime Report found that, from 2015 to 2021, illegal trading affected roughly 4,000 plant and animal species and occurred in more than 160 countries and territories.

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Recently, Malaysian law enforcement discovered nearly 2,000 pounds of body parts from endangered green sea turtles during the routine patrol of a boat off the Sabah coast. In Indonesia, officials stopped an operation that attempted to smuggle hundreds of songbirds from Bali to Central Java.

In that example, 32 of the birds had sadly passed away by the time they were found. That's an unfortunate reality of many animal-smuggling operations, as the animals are typically placed in cramped spaces, without access to the food, water, and light they desperately need.

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Even if animals survive their journey, they can cause major damage to their new ecosystems. Anytime a foreign animal is introduced to a new locale, it could become an invasive species  one which spreads quickly in its new surroundings and steals valuable resources from native plants and wildlife.

What's being done about animal trafficking?

Just like many countries, India has strong laws against trafficking wildlife. But, as the U.N. notes, much illegal smuggling is connected with some of the world's largest organized crime groups.

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To truly improve conditions for wildlife and to slow this abhorrent practice, the U.N. says that more consistent and comprehensive data is needed on wildlife crime. This will require significant investment, not just at the country level, but also globally.

"Wildlife crime inflicts untold harm upon nature, and it also jeopardizes livelihoods, public health, good governance and our planet's ability to fight climate change," Ghada Waly, executive director of the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime, said in a release. "To address this crime, we must match the adaptability and agility of the illegal wildlife trade."

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A man accused of assaulting police at Manchester Airport last summer had been "aggressive" and got "in the face" of a Starbucks customer before head-butting him, a jury has heard.

Brothers Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 20, and Muhammad Amaad, 26, are alleged to have used a "high level of violence" when assaulting three police officers at Terminal 2 on 23 July 2024.

Liverpool Crown Court heard police were at the airport responding to an incident at Starbucks in which Mr Amaaz is alleged to have headbutted a man and punched him.

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Mr Amaaz and Mr Amaad, both from Rochdale in Greater Manchester, deny the allegations and claim self-defence.

Mohammed Fahir Amaaz stands charged over an altercation at Manchester Airport [PA Media]

Opening the prosecution's case on Friday, Paul Greaney KC said police officers traced the brothers to the terminal's car park payment area.

Mr Greaney told the court that two armed officers - PC Zachary Marsden and PC Ellie Cook - and their unarmed colleague PC Lydia Ward approached the defendants.

He said: "The officers attempted to move Mohammed Fahir Amaaz away from a payment machine in order to arrest him, but he resisted, and his brother Muhammad Amaad intervened."

Mr Greaney said both suspects assaulted PC Marsden.

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"In the moments that followed, the first defendant [Mr Amaaz] also assaulted PC Cook and then PC Ward too, breaking her nose," Mr Greaney told members of the jury.

"The defendants used a high level of violence."

Mr Amaaz is alleged to have assaulted PC Marsden and PC Ward, causing them actual bodily harm.

He is also accused of assaulting PC Cook and the earlier assault of Abdulkareem Ismaeil at Starbucks.

His older brother Mr Amaad is charged with assaulting PC Marsden, causing actual bodily harm.

Muhammed Amaad arrives at Liverpool Crown Court [PA Media]

Mr Greaney said the defendants had travelled to the airport with their young nephew to collect their mother, who was due to arrive on a flight from Qatar.

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He said it was clear "something happened" involving Abdulkareem Ismaeil - who was on the same flight as the brothers' mother - that had "made [her] unhappy".

She pointed out Mr Ismaeil, who was in Starbucks with his family, to her sons as they were walking through the terminal.

"At just after 8.20pm, the defendants entered Starbucks and confronted Abdulkareem Ismaeil," said Mr Greaney.

"During that confrontation, Mohammed Fahir Amaaz delivered a headbutt to the face of Abdulkareem Ismaeil and punched him, then attempted to deliver other blows, all in front of a number of children.

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"The prosecution case is that this was obviously unlawful conduct."

'Quite aggressive'

Starbucks manager Cameron Cartledge told the court he was in his office doing some paperwork when he heard "raised voices" and went to the door to see what was going on.

As his colleague prepared the Mr Ismaeil's order at the counter, Mr Cartledge said he saw another man, wearing a blue tracksuit and subsequently identified as Mr Amaaz, "quite close to him, shouting at him".

Mr Cartledge said the shouting was in a foreign language he did not understand.

The witness said: "At the time of the arguing he was very close to him, like in his face.

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"Blue tracksuit man seemed quite aggressive, obviously annoyed about something, I don't know what. Blue tracksuit man was aggressively shouting.

"His body language, his tone of voice, was quite aggressive."

Mr Greaney asked: "What about Mr Ismaeil, the man with his back against the counter?"

The witness replied: "He had a raised voice, but I would say he was more defensive than aggressive.

"There was arguing, I don't know what was being said, then blue tracksuit man headbutted the man we see in the black.

"He got him in the face. It did not look like it hurt Mr Ismaeil much but it was forceful enough to make him stagger back into the counter."

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Mr Cartledge said Mr Amaaz then threw two punches which he thought had landed on Mr Ismaeil's shoulder.

Working at the airport, Mr Cartledge said he saw people "arguing all the time" but, after witnessing the headbutt, called police.

Imran Khan KC, defending Amaaz, suggested to Mr Cartledge that the conversation had been in English.

Mr Cartledge replied: "It didn't sound like it was in English."

Asked if he sensed any aggression from Mr Ismaeil, Mr Cartledge said: "No, he was more defensive. He just stood there probably more worried about his children behind him."

'Not a complicated case'

Starbucks barista Justine Pakalne also told the court she did not believe the conversation between the two men had been in English.

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Mr Khan put it to her that Mr Ismaeil had been the "aggressor" and that he had stepped forwards towards Mr Amaaz.

Ms Pakalne said: "Even if he stepped forward he didn't lay a hand on him. It was the other way round - he (Amaaz) headbutted him."

Mr Greaney told jurors the Crown's case was this was "not a complicated case" since events had been captured on CCTV.

"So you will not have to depend only on the recollections of witnesses. You will also be able to see with your own eyes what happened," he said.

He suggested the defendants would say "that at all stages they were acting in lawful self-defence or in defence of the other".

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"Our prediction is that you will readily conclude that the defendants were not acting in lawful self-defence and that their conduct was unlawful," he added.

The trial is due to resume on Monday.

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President Donald Trump speaks to reporters after signing executive orders in the Oval Office on April 23, 2025. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer and Secretary of Education Linda McMahon look on. The U.S. Department of Education froze nearly $7 billion in congressional-approved grants for personnel and afterschool programs.Alabama schools will lose $68 million for those projects. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

President Donald Trumps attempt to freeze nearly $7 billion in congressional-approved grants for personnel and afterschool programs means Alabama schools will lose $68 million.

These are programs already approved and funded by Congress, Alabama State Superintendent Eric Mackey said in a statement. 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.

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The U.S. Department of Education informed states on Monday that it would withhold the $6.8 billion in grants, one day before they were due to be sent out. The notice did not provide any timeline or reason for the move, saying decisions have not yet been made concerning submissions and awards for this upcoming academic year.

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Richard Franklin, president of the Birmingham chapter of the American Federation of Teachers, said in an interview Thursday that the withholding of congressionally-approved funds should have never happened in the first place.

Theyre using our kids as political pawns to prove a point politically, when we should all be providing our kids with an education, he said. Thats the one thing we should be doing, the one thing weve always done in this country.

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Michael Sibley, the director of communications at ALSDE, did not have an available list of programs affected or a copy of the email sent to superintendents. The affected programs, according to the Democrats on the Senate Appropriations Committee, include:

Title I-C, on migrant education

Title II-A, on improving the effectiveness of teachers and school leaders

Title III-A, on English language acquisition

Title IV-A, on STEM education, college and career counseling and other activities

Title IV-B, on before- and after-school programs and summer school programs

Grants geared toward adult education and literacy programs

Franklin said with school starting in just over a month, it was one of the worst times to change funding. Because of the short notice, if local school districts cannot afford to pay the impacted teachers salaries, they would likely be let go.

Its just so dangerous what theyre doing, and were so close to school, Franklin said. They dont have a lot of guidelines to what theyre doing, just to say were investigating.

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He said that rural and inner city school systems would be the most impacted by the lack of funds, like Montgomery Public Schools and Gadsden City Schools. A message seeking comment with both systems superintendents was left Thursday.

We are hopeful that the review period will be expedited, and funds will be released quickly, Mackey wrote. 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.
Gov. Mike Dunleavy discusses proposed education legislation at a news conference on Jan. 31, 2025. (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

In a meeting with Republican members of the Alaska House of Representatives on Wednesday, Gov. Mike Dunleavy had what he called an unorthodox request.

He asked that the 19 members of the Houses Republican minority caucus stay away from the first five days of a special legislative session he called for Aug. 2 in Juneau.

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Under the Alaska Constitution, the Legislature must vote to override or sustain a governors vetoes in the first regular or special session following the vetoes. If those Republicans are absent, it increases the odds that his vetoes will be sustained.

An absence is as good as a no vote when it comes to getting the 45 votes needed to override a veto of line items in a budget bill or the 40 votes needed to override a veto of a policy bill.

In May, lawmakers voted 46-14 to override Dunleavys veto of a policy bill that permanently increases the states public-school funding formula. Eight of the 19 House minority members voted for the override.

Now, theyre being asked whether to override the governors decision to only partially fund that formula.

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The governors opponents will have a difficult task. Some lawmakers, including Sen. Forrest Dunbar, D-Anchorage, are expected to be unavailable for the special session. Dunbar has been deployed with the National Guard in Poland.

Others may have family commitments that are obstacles to attending. If minority-caucus legislators heed the governors request and avoid the special session, they will be largely immune to last-minute lobbying by their colleagues or members of the public.

If you want the veto override to fail, when were talking about less than $50 million here on a multibillion-dollar budget, I guess you pull out every stop, and this is a stop that Ive not seen pulled out by any governor, said Speaker of the House Bryce Edgmon, I-Dillingham and a supporter of the override.

Reporters were not invited to the meeting between the governor and the House minority, but Jeff Turner, the governors communications director, confirmed the details, first reported by KTUU-TV.

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Governor Dunleavy asked house minority members to not show up for the first five days of session because like any governor, he does not want his vetoes overturned, he said by email.

Dunleavy has designated education policy and the creation of a Department of Agriculture as the subjects of the special session. Turner said the governor planned to introduce an education bill for lawmakers to consider during the session.

Arriving on the sixth day also means legislators begin the session with a clean slate for conversations on public education reform policies. The Governor is also willing to reinstate the $200 BSA increase, if he and lawmakers can reach an agreement on the education bill he will introduce next month, Turner said.

House Minority Leader Mia Costello, R-Anchorage, did not return a call seeking comment, but other members of the minority spoke freely about the governors request.

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I will use the governors exact word: Unorthodox. It was definitely an unorthodox request that took me by surprise, said Rep. Justin Ruffridge, R-Soldotna.

While the governors official special session proclamation lists education and a proposed Alaska Department of Agriculture on its agenda, he was very clear that a big portion of the strategy for him was, he did not want to be overridden on anything: bills, budget, all of it.

Ruffridge voted in favor of the prior override and indicated that hes willing to vote the same way in a special session.

Ive taken the approach sort of since day one, that if I vote yes on something, that my yes means something, I know that probably doesnt always align with the political winds that might blow, but I think thats something that my constituents at least respect, he said.

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Ruffridge said he absolutely intends to show up at the special session.

If a special session is called, I think all representatives and senators have an obligation to attempt to be there, if at all possible, Ruffridge said. I think thats part of what we signed up for when we signed up to do the job. And I mean, if youre not going to show up, I think essentially, youre just afraid of taking hard votes at that point.

Rep. Jamie Allard, R-Eagle River, has a different perspective.

I think thats fine, she said of the governors request. It costs a lot of money. Its $300 per diem per day. You have to pay for flights and hotels. I think its a good idea. Those who do want to continue to override, they could go ahead and go down there, and those of us who dont, its an automatic no vote for us when we dont go there to vote.

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My job is to make sure we save as much money as possible, she said. And again, if were not in Juneau, its an automatic no vote. If you show up in Juneau, then I believe those individuals are going to be voting yes or wasting taxpayer dime.

Jeremy Bynum, the Republican representative from Ketchikan, said he intends to show up in Juneau on Aug. 2, even though it means missing Ketchikans largest annual celebration, the blueberry festival.

Hes interested in attending the special session because he hopes that legislators will take up education policy, even though he doubts that will happen.

The multipartisan House majority caucus controls the legislative agenda, and it isnt clear that there is sufficient common ground between the majority and the governor to enable progress.

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Rep. DeLena Johnson, R-Palmer, said shes still considering her options and is undecided about whether to travel to Juneau.

Before the House minoritys meeting with the governor, Rep. Kevin McCabe, R-Big Lake, said he doesnt see the governors call for a special session as significantly different from legislative committees attempts to advance or derail legislation by using legislative procedures or schedules. He pointed to the way that the Senate Finance Committee has used take-it-or-leave-it tactics with regard to the state budget.

Rep. Elexie Moore of Wasilla said shes likely to attend in order to vote against an override and to sustain the governors veto.

Earlier this year, she was absent from the Capitol on a day that unexpectedly brought a key vote on the Permanent Fund dividend.

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She was dragged on social media for three weeks afterward, she said by phone.

People expect their legislators to be in the Capitol, she said, and most people arent able to follow the maneuvering that might explain an absence.

I think thats the perspective of somebody who doesnt understand what it means not to go, Allard said when told about Moores thinking. (Not attending the session) means that youre a no vote. But if she wants to go and spend, you know, $5,000 to $10,000 in taxpayer money, thats fine. I understand she was dragged on social media, but those were some bad decisions that were made  not necessarily by her  but on information about what she was doing. But I would recommend that she stay with the caucus and dont go down there.

I think its a good idea, said Rep. Mike Prax, R-North Pole, about the governors request.

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Prax supports the governors position and said he believes the special session is a good idea, because it settles the school funding issue early. Without a special session, lawmakers would have to wait until January to decide whether to override or sustain the governors decisions.

The Fairbanks North Star Borough school board voted in June to finalize a budget that expects lawmakers to override the governor.

If an override fails, Prax said, its better that it fails early, so the district can change its budget before school begins.

While members of the House and Senate majority caucuses have indicated that they intend to take up only the veto overrides during the special session, Prax said he hopes lawmakers will stay and consider education policy.

While lawmakers have convened an education task force to discuss future changes, he doubts the effectiveness of that group, given the Legislatures failure to adopt the recommendations of a prior fiscal policy working group. The task force deadline to make recommendations is January 2027, after the next election.

I am not at all optimistic that theres even any intention, frankly, of the task force coming up with something, he said.

Edgmon, the House speaker, said that his recommendation to any legislator, is to show up to Juneau, get their work done and make the tough vote whether they are a yea or a nay.

Legislative rules allow any lawmaker to issue a call on the House that compels legislators to attend. Edgmon said that might be deemed dilatory and out of order in this case.

In the end, will absences even matter? Lawmakers who stay away are likely to be those most likely to support the governor.

That could be the case for sure, Edgmon said, and itll be the voters in their districts that will judge whether or not theyre doing the right thing.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 4. Defense Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina Zukan Helez spoke during the plenary sessions about the current state of the economy in the country, with reference to global and regional trends and their impact on the countrys economic and monetary position, Trend reports via the Bosnian Defense Ministry.

He clearly emphasized that Bosnia and Herzegovina does not currently need additional borrowing, and that the countrys economic development is showing growth. With conditions of political stability, fiscal discipline, and continued reforms, the economic and industrial development of the country can be significantly enhanced.

Helez highlighted that Bosnia and Herzegovina has committed to protecting the most vulnerable segments of the population through its fiscal measures and will continue to do so in the upcoming period.

The official expressed gratitude to the IMF for its key role in providing financial assistance, technical support, and capacity building, helping Bosnia and Herzegovina overcome economic challenges and implement crucial reforms.

The IMF has recently been helping us strengthen the capacity of the Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina, improve fiscal management, and maintain macroeconomic stability. With the establishment of the IMF Technical Assistance Center in Vienna, Bosnia and Herzegovina can expect more significant and concrete support from the IMF for the countrys economic development, Minister Helez said.

On the sidelines of the IMF plenary sessions, Minister Helez held several meetings with IMF representatives, including Marnix van Rij, Deputy Executive Director for the Bosnia and Herzegovina constituency, Mark Horton, Deputy Director of the IMFs Europe Department, as well as representatives of other countries governments.

Minister Helez also thanked Luxembourgs Finance Minister, Gilles Roth, for the countrys support of one million euros through the NATO package for building Bosnia and Herzegovinas defense capacities (DCB).

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NEW ALBANY, Pa. (WETM)  A New Albany man has been sentenced to serve time in state prison after officials say he engaged in a shootout with his neighbor in November of 2024.

Isaiah L. Covert, 26, was sentenced to a minimum of 28 months to a maximum of seven years in state prison for the crimes of aggravated assault, causing bodily injury with a deadly weapon (a grade two felony), as stated in a release from the Bradford County District Attorneys Office.

Officials say Covert was charged with the crime after an incident that occurred on Nov. 6, 2024, following an investigation conducted by Pennsylvania State Police into a shooting incident that took place in Overton Township.

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New Albany man arrested after shootout with neighbor in Bradford County

During the incident, officials say Covert and his neighbor were arguing about Coverts dogs when the neighbor threatened to shoot one of them. Covert and his neighbor then exchanged gunfire, with Covert managing to hit his neighbor with a round and cause serious injury that was at one time considered life-threatening.

Officials say that since the neighbor was able to recover from his injuries, Covert was charged with aggravated assault rather than manslaughter or another criminal homicide charge.

In addition, officials say that due to his sentence, Covert will not be able to legally own a firearm in the future.

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A new poll has found that almost half of Americans disapprove of the new Alligator Alcatraz set up in the Florida Everglades to house undocumented migrants detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

In all, 48 percent of the 2,983 people who responded to the YouGov survey on Thursday said they were not in favor of the facility while just 33 percent said they supported it, with another 18 percent unsure.

While Republicans and Democrats were largely split along party lines, just 26 percent of respondents who identified themselves as independent voters said they backed the idea while 53 percent were against it.

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Another noteworthy finding from YouGovs poll was the revelation that 47 percent of Americans believe detainees are being treated too severely by ICE while 23 percent said they were being treated appropriately, 10 percent they were not being treated harshly enough, with the remainder unsure.

President Donald Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem tour the temporary migrant detention center informally known as Alligator Alcatraz in Ochopee, Florida, on Tuesday July 1 2025 (Reuters)

The Alligator Alcatraz was announced last month by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who explained in a social media video that it was being built over 39 square miles on the site of the disused Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, which lies west of Miami.

The facility consists largely of tents, will have the capacity to house up to 5,000 people and cost $450m a year to run.

Uthmeier gloated in the video that it would require minimal additional security due to its remote location, which is home to such dangerous wildlife as alligators and pythons. Nowhere to go, nowhere to hide, he beamed.

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He has since appeared on Newsmax to boast that Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other communist members of Congress would not be able to protest outside the center because they would not be able to find it.

Trump himself visited it in person on Tuesday, accompanied by Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and seemed particularly taken with the threat the local wildlife posed.

You dont always have land so beautiful and so secure, he observed. We have a lot of bodyguards and a lot of cops in the form of alligators... I wouldnt want to run through the Everglades for long.

Florida protest against the new detention center ahead of Trumps arrival on Tuesday (AP)

He recalled joking about running a moat populated by vicious creatures along the base of his U.S.-Mexico border wall during his first term.

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It was meant more as a joke, but the more I thought of it, the more I liked it, he said.

Trump also used the trip to threaten to arrest New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani and Noems predecessor Alejandro Mayorkas, call his own predecessor Joe Biden a son of a b***h, suggest deporting American citizens who commit crimes and hint, even more darkly, that the Alligator Alcatraz could be the first of many more detention centres.

We'd like to see them in many states, the president mused. And at some point, they might morph into a system.

The detention center has been equally well received by conservatives on Fox News, with Laura Ingraham telling DeSantis during a recent interview that she loved the idea and panellists discussing it on the same networks Gutfeld! chat show saying they too relished the prospect.

The disused Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport in the Florida Everglades, where the center is being constructed (Office of Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier)

Comedian Joe Devito was particularly enthusiastic, telling guest host Tyrus, an ex-wrestler, that it amounted to The Shawshank Redemption meets Jurassic Park and going on to suggest that the government go further and staff it with grizzly bears and an evil squid to frisk inmates with its tentacles.

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Far-right activist Laura Loomer got into hot water by talking up the facility in a social media post on Monday in which she wrote: Alligator lives matter. The good news is, alligators are guaranteed at least 65 million meals if we get started now.

The figure appeared to be a reference to the total number of Latinos in the United States, chiming with U.S. Census data for the demographic, inviting an angry response from commentators on X.
Agamise Cheranfant hides as soon as he finishes his work at a banana plantation in the Dominican Republic. Like many others, he is Haitian, undocumented, and lives in constant fear of deportation.

Owners of farms, construction companies and tourism businesses are also nervous -- they rely on Haitian laborers to work long days under the scorching sun.

On the banana plantations in Mao, in the country's northwest, most of the workers are from Haiti, which shares an island with the Dominican Republic.

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It is an arduous job that few Dominicans want to do.

The daily wage of 800 pesos (less than $14) "is very low," said Cheranfant, 33.

And with immigration authorities breathing down undocumented workers' necks, "we're always scared, we're always hiding," he said.

Relations between the Dominican Republic and Haiti are marked by resentment and mistrust.

Dominican President Luis Abinader has toughened his policy on migration from the neighboring country, which is plagued by poverty and gang violence that has led thousands of Haitians to flee.

Abinader ordered the construction of a wall on the border and increased raids and deportations of undocumented immigrants.

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In the first half of 2025 alone, more than 200,000 Haitians were sent home, even as gang violence there soars.

Such "disorderly" repatriations have reduced the availability of labor in tasks that "aren't of interest to Dominicans," according to the construction workers' association, Acoprovi.

In some areas, the labor supply has fallen by between 40 and 80 percent.

In tourism, the labor squeeze has affected areas such as cooking, said Henri Hebrard, an economist and consultant.

"This could affect the quality of service," he said.

- Companies demand change -

Business leaders are calling for a regularization plan for undocumented laborers.

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Acoprovi proposes issuing 87,000 temporary work permits.

But the government, so far, has shown no signs of flexibility regarding the requests.

Antony Florestal has a passport, alien identification card and work card that have all expired.

If he is caught in a raid, he faces deportation.

"I'm scared," said the 32-year-old, who has been working in agriculture since 2009.

"I live here (on the farm) so I don't have to go out on the street."

The Dominican Republic exports bananas to the United States, Europe and other countries in the Caribbean, with agriculture representing 5.6 percent of the country's economic output.

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- 'Can't live in peace' -

At the plantation where Cheranfant works, bunches of bananas are harvested with machetes, before being placed on a steel hook and moved along a cable to another area where they are sorted and packed for sale.

The best bananas are exported, in this case to Germany. The rest are sold on the local market.

The country's banana industry was already in crisis due to factors including the weather, pests and rising costs.

Production fell 44 percent between 2021 and 2024, according to the Dominican Association of Banana Producers.

The labor shortage is yet another blow.

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"Here, the workforce has decreased by more than 50 percent" due to the deportations, said producer Osvaldo Pineo.

Some Haitians now work "nomadically," he said.

"Today, they offer you the service, but tomorrow, you don't know if you'll get it."

For employers, too, there is a risk.

"If you put them in a vehicle and it's checked (by the authorities), you're accused of being a trafficker of undocumented migrants," Pineo said.

Cheranfant has already been deported several times but always returns -- life is a constant game of cat and mouse with immigration authorities.

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His wife and three children live in a town near the plantation.

"Almost every day we flee, in the morning, at night, at three in the morning, at one in the morning," Cheranfant said.

"You're scared while you sleep and while you eat. We can't live in peace."

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Angelica Ortiz waited for 31 years to become an American citizen.

"I want to cry," said the mother and grandmother from Mexico, 56, surrounded by her friends and family at a naturalization ceremony held in Phoenix on Independence Day. Ortiz worked for years as a shampoo assistant at a hair salon in Surprise while raising her daughters, learning English and paying her way through beauty school.

"I feel like I have waited all my life for this day," she said.

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The ceremony, held at South Mountain Community College July Fourth, welcomed 100 new American citizens from 30 countries and was presided over by U.S. District Judge Roslyn O. Silver, who welcomed the new citizens with a call to vote.

"You have now a privilege, a right, that other people in the world do not have...That's the right to vote," said Judge Silver. "Your right to vote is worth as much as mine, as much as everybody on this podium here, and as much as the president of the United States."

Judge Silver also praised the rights guaranteed to the new American citizens under the First Amendment.

"You have a right to speak in favor of your government, but also to speak in order to improve your government. Very few countries have the right to free speech like we have in America," she said, to emphatic nods from the new citizens.

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The 2025 ceremony included a video message from President Donald Trump welcoming new citizens and urging them to preserve American culture.

"It is with great pride and wisdom, in so many different ways, because you have such great wisdom, that I welcome you into our national family," Trump said in the video, speaking from behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office. "All of the triumphs and glories of American history now belong to you. You have it in your being. You have it, like nobody's had it before."

U.S. District Judge Roslyn Silver takes photos with people celebrating their newly obtained U.S. citizenship on July 4, 2025, after presiding over a naturalization ceremony at South Mountain Community College.

Trump's message came amid a national crackdown on undocumented migrants  a push that does not necessarily spare naturalized citizens. In January, the Trump administration revived a push to denaturalize U.S. citizens, raising the possibility of revoking the citizenship of some of his political opponents.

Still, President Donald Trump's administration has held up naturalization as an example of doing immigration "the right way," according to a news release sent out by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ahead of the holiday.

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Amid the waving flags and background noise of drums and "God Bless America," the new citizens said they could not ignore the mounting fear and insecurity many American immigrants face in this moment.

"Right now, I am their hope," said Karen Rohr-Gutierrez, 31, a new American citizen from Venezuela, referring to the many members of her immediate and extended family who want to become citizens.

"These feelings, they're all mixed," said Rohr-Gutierrez, an interior designer and new mother, acknowledging the fear that many of her friends and family members live with daily. "I'll be able to help all of them."

People celebrate their new U.S. citizenship on July 4, 2025, during a naturalization ceremony on at South Mountain Community College.

Many young couples were in the crowd, with the shared story of one partner beginning their citizenship journey through a K-1 visa, also known as a fiance visa.

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"We would wonder for months, is the paperwork even being reviewed by anyone? Did it actually get put in the trash?" said Georgia Souza Da Silva, who was celebrating the naturalization of her husband, Elano Souza Da Silva, originally from Brazil.

The two met on a cruise ship almost a decade ago and have spent the last three years working towards his citizenship so they could live as a family.

"The process has been so hard; we are just grateful to be living as a family now," said Elano Souza da Silva, their 2-year-old daughter playing nearby.

John and Anna McBride, another couple celebrating Anna McBride's naturalization, talked about the complicated feelings the ceremony brought up. Anna McBride, 28, moved to the United States from Mexico four years ago and has been working towards citizenship since.

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"Just with everything we read in the news right now, it's nice to breathe a little bit," said John McBride. "We're so grateful for this little bit of security, but it comes with some guilt, just knowing that there are so many people living in fear about their status."

"I was just sitting there and was like, thank God, because I know how many people are praying to be sitting here in these seats right now," Anna McBride said.

The new citizens represented a diverse mixture of countries, including Armenia, Bosnia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Guatemala, Honduras, Liberia and Vietnam. After the ceremony, new citizens were encouraged to register to vote at a table set up in the back of the room, staffed by the Maricopa County Recorder's Office. A second table of volunteers from the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs offered new citizens assistance with passport applications.

Eric-Lee Yu-Ward, 56, from Liberia, was there with his wife, Esther, and their children and grandchildren to celebrate his naturalization. His mother-in-law, dressed in traditional garb, had traveled in from Liberia for the event. The process of reuniting his family, which began with his wife moving to the States two decades ago, has been a long and difficult one, he said.

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"For this day to come and pass, it's a joy," said Esther Yu-Ward, gesturing around to her family. "It's a joy I cannot express by words."

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 100 new US citizens celebrate at Phoenix July Fourth ceremony
A quiet town in Vermont is the latest community saying "no thanks" to Big Tech. Residents in Essex are pushing back against Amazon's plans to build a massive distribution center in their backyard, and they're not staying silent about it.

What's happening?

Amazon is eyeing Essex, Vermont, as the next site for a 106,000-square-foot distribution center, reported NBC 5. But the proposal has sparked strong opposition from residents who say the company's presence threatens the character and well-being of their town.

Close to 100 locals packed a recent Development and Review Board meeting, with many expressing concerns about noise, traffic, and environmental degradation. The facility would be built on an undeveloped field off Kimo Drive, a quiet residential area that neighbors say should stay that way.



"Jeff (Bezos) can find another way to make a billion or two!" said one resident.

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The proposal would bring 200 jobs to the area, according to Amazon's New England head of economic development, Jonathan Greeley. "The focus here is to serve our customers and provide better access across New England, Vermont and the country for the small businesses," he said.

Why is this proposal concerning?

Amazon's growing logistics network has long been criticized for its environmental toll. A 2023 report revealed the company's data centers alone emit more planet-heating pollution than many small countries. Critics fear that adding yet another fulfillment hub, especially in a rural community like Essex, will only deepen Amazon's already massive carbon footprint, increase truck traffic, and contribute to air and noise pollution.

Residents are also especially worried about increased storm runoff into the nearby Winooski River, deforestation, and how Amazon's presence reshapes small-town economies and quality of life.



"I don't think that Amazon supports any of the values we want to see to grow and strengthen our community," said Essex resident Missie Thurston.

What's being done about Amazon's environmental impact?

Amazon has made some strides toward improving its environmental track record. It has committed to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, added thousands of electric delivery vans to its fleet, and recently started phasing out plastic air pillows in packaging. But critics say these steps are far from enough, especially as the company continues expanding its infrastructure at breakneck speed.

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Community resistance, like what's happening in Essex, is becoming more common, with residents organizing to challenge large-scale corporate development that threatens their neighborhoods. For those looking to make a difference, showing up at local zoning meetings, using your voice to advocate in your community, and supporting policies that protect land and water can be powerful tools.

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.
On Friday, millions of Americans will celebrate the Fourth of July, the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

This year, its the 249th anniversary of the country and big plans are already underway for 2026 celebrations to mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S.

While thousands will flock to the National Mall in Washington, D.C., for celebrations and a firework show this weekend and celebrations will take place in communities across the country, next years plans are expected to be much grander.

Trump shares message to country ahead of Independence Day

President Donald Trump departed the White House Thursday afternoon en route for Des Moines, Iowa, for an event to kickoff the countdown to Americas 250th birthday.

President Donald Trump boards Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Thursday, July 3, 2025, en route to Des Moines, Iowa. | Cliff Owen

The Salute to America event is being held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds and is described as an event to welcome the new era of American greatness.

A look at celebrations

America250, a nonpartisan organization, has been working in tandem with the D.C. local government to plan events to celebrate the countrys 250th birthday.

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This multi-year effort, from now through July 4, 2026, is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nations past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond, the organization said on its website.

The Semiquincentennial Commission was created by Congress in 2016 to plan the countrys 250th anniversary celebration. Its chaired by former U.S. Treasurer Rosie Rios, who has been working to facilitate the celebration.

The White House is lit with the colors of the American flag to support team USA competing in the Paris Olympics, on Monday, July 29, 2024, in Washington. Former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush will join an effort to commemorate America's 250th anniversary in 2026, highlighting the initiative's attempts to build bipartisan momentum in an era of extreme political polarization. The former presidents and first ladies Michelle Obama and Laura Bush will serve as honorary national co-chairs of America250, the organization created by Congress in 2016 to oversee the celebration of the the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. | Jose Luis Magana

Celebrations kicked off this year with a U.S. Army parade in Washington and will continue through the year with festivals, volunteer opportunities and state-specific events.

In Washington, the National Independence Day parade will take place Friday, there will be family events at various memorials along the National Mall and a star-studded concert outside the U.S. Capitol will feature military bands, the Beach Boys and more.

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In Utah, Gov. Spencer Cox began the yearlong celebration this week at the state Capitol in Salt Lake City. Cox urged Utahns to lead the country by introducing a new era of patriotism. He pushed for unity among Americans and said its important to believe in institutions created by the Founding Fathers years ago.

Utah, known for its pioneering endeavors and outdoor landscapes, is participating in America250s initiatives with Walk250. Its a challenge to move 250 miles over the next year to commemorate the movement of people through the landscape.

Utahns and Americans have created paths to explore and survive, from seasonal migrations of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone to pioneer trails, as well as transcontinental railways to shoreline routes, the organization said.




NEED TO KNOW

An American Airlines flight diverted back to Puerto Rico after a passenger oversaw another passenger receive a cryptic text message

The passenger assumed it was a threat to the flight, and the plane was diverted "due to a possible security concern," a spokesperson for the airline tells PEOPLE

The flight resumed its course to Dallas after the text was determined not to be a threat





An American Airlines flight diverted back to San Juan, Puerto Rico, after a passenger misinterpreted a text message they oversaw next to them.

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A passenger saw their seat neighbor receive a text message that read "R.I.P." (the acronym commonly used for "rest in peace") and assumed it was a threat to the flight, according to Puerto Rico's Office of Explosives and Public Safety. Local outlet Primera Ahora was first to report the news.

A spokesperson for American Airlines tells PEOPLE, "American Airlines flight 1847, with service from San Juan (SJU) to Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), returned to SJU shortly after departure due to a possible security concern."

"The flight landed safely at SJU, and law enforcement inspected and cleared the aircraft to re-depart. Safety and security are our top priorities and we apologize to our customers for the inconvenience," the statement continued,

American Airlines flight 1847 took off from Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in Isla Verde. The flight was headed for Dallas, but ultimately returned to San Juan amid the perceived threat about 30 minutes after taking off.

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Aerostar's deputy director of security, Felix Alvarado, investigated the message as a potential threat. The passenger who received the message proved that a relative had died the day before, adding that they were on the flight after leaving their vacation early, per Primera Hora.

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"It was a mix-up that was handled in accordance with safety protocols. There was no real threat to the flight or its passengers," Nelman Nevarez, Aerostar's director of operations, told Primera Hora in an interview translated from Spanish to English.

The plane, which carried 193 passengers, resumed its route and prepared for takeoff at 10 a.m. local time.

Read the original article on People
An American Airlines plane was forced to return to its origin airport after a snooping passenger spotted  and misinterpreted  a text message received by another traveler.

According to a report in local news outlet Primera Hora, a passenger on a July 3 flight leaving San Juan, Puerto Rico, saw another traveler receive a test message that said "RIP." Rest in peace is an idiom frequently used in relation to the recently dead.

The passenger who saw the text reportedly interpreted it as a threat to the flight, according to Puerto Rico's Office of Explosives and Public Safety.

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The flight, American Airlines 1847, was on schedule for its trip between San Juan and Dallas, but after the passenger flagged the message the plane returned to San Juan, just 32 minutes after takeoff.

Once it landed, airport security and the Transportation Security Administration gave the plane a thorough inspection, and the passenger who raised the alarm about the text was questioned by law enforcement.

An American Airlines flight departing San Juan, Puerto Rico on July 3 was forced to turn around after a passenger misinterpreted a text message received by another traveler and reported it to the cabin crew. (Getty)

The passenger who received the text message was also questioned by Puerto Rican law enforcement. They explained the message was sent in response to one of their relatives who had passed away the day before the flight. The passenger was trying to get to Dallas to assist their family following the death.

Once the flight was cleared, it was scheduled to depart again around 9.40 a.m. The plane was delayed by around three-and-a-half hours.

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Passengers had to stay on board the plane during the investigation. No arrests were made.

American Airlines confirmed the incident to USA TODAY, and said the plane was eventually cleared to carry passengers and fly once it was determined there was no threat.

"It was a mix-up that was handled in accordance with safety protocols. There was no real threat to the flight or its passengers," Aerostar Airport Holdings' operations director, Nelman Nevarez, said in a statement.

Aerostar Airport Holdings manages the airport in San Juan.

"The flight landed safely at SJU, and law enforcement inspected and cleared the aircraft to re-depart," the airline said in a statement. "Safety and security are our top priorities and we apologize to our customers for the inconvenience."
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  President Donald Trump campaigned on keeping the United States out of foreign wars, but it didn't take long to convince him to come to the direct aid of Israel, hitting Iranian nuclear targets with bunker-buster bombs dropped by B-2 stealth bombers and Tomahawk cruise missiles fired from a submarine.

Beyond the attack's immediate impact on helping bring the 12-day war to a close, experts say Donald Trump's decision to use force against another country also will certainly be reverberating in the Asia-Pacific, Washington's priority theater.

Trumps strikes on Iran show that hes not afraid to use military force  this would send a clear message to North Korea, and even to China and Russia, about Trump's style, said Duyeon Kim, a senior analyst at the Center for a New American Security based in Seoul, South Korea.

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Before the strikes, Pyongyang and Beijing might have assumed that Trump is risk averse, particularly based on his behavior his first presidency despite some tough talk," Kim said.

China, North Korea and Russia all condemn US strike

Ten days into the war between Israel and Iran, Trump made the risky decision to step in, hitting three nuclear sites with American firepower on June 22 in a bid to destroy the countrys nuclear program at a time while negotiations between Washington and Tehran were still ongoing.

The attacks prompted a pro forma Iranian retaliatory strike the following day on a U.S. base in nearby Qatar, which caused no casualties, and both Iran and Israel then agreed to a ceasefire on June 24.

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North Korea, China and Russia all were quick to condemn the American attack, with Russian President Vladimir Putin calling it unprovoked aggression, China's Foreign Ministry saying it violated international law and exacerbated tensions in the Middle East, and North Korea's Foreign Ministry maintaining it trampled down the territorial integrity and security interests of a sovereign state.

While the strikes were a clear tactical success, the jury is still out on whether they will have a more broad strategic benefit to Washington's goals in the Middle East or convince Iran it needs to work harder than ever to develop a nuclear deterrent, possibly pulling the U.S. back into a longer-term conflict.

US allies could see attack as positive sign for deterrence

If the attack remains a one-off strike, U.S. allies in the Asia-Pacific region likely will see the decision to become involved as a positive sign from Trump's administration, said Euan Graham, a senior defense analyst with the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.

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The U.S. strike on Iran will be regarded as net plus by Pacific allies if it is seen to reinforce red lines, restore deterrence and is of limited duration, so as not to pull the administration off-course from its stated priorities in the Indo-Pacific, he said. China will take note that Trump is prepared to use force, at least opportunistically.

In China, many who have seen Trump as having a no-war mentality will reassess that in the wake of the attacks, which were partially aimed at forcing Iran's hand in nuclear program negotiations, said Zhao Minghao, an international relations professor at Chinas Fudan University in Shanghai.

The way the U.S. used power with its air attacks against Iran is something China needs to pay attention to, he said. How Trump used power to force negotiations has a significance for how China and the U.S. will interact in the future.

But, he said, Washington should not think it can employ the same strategy with Beijing.

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If a conflict breaks out between China and the U.S., it may be difficult for the U.S. to withdraw as soon as possible, let alone withdraw unscathed, he said.

China and North Korea present different challenges

Indeed, China and North Korea present very different challenges than Iran.

First and foremost, both already have nuclear weapons, raising the stakes of possible retaliation considerably in the event of any attack.

There also is no Asian equivalent of Israel, whose relentless attacks on Iranian missile defenses in the opening days of the war paved the way for the B-2 bombers to fly in and out without a shot being fired at them.

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Still, the possibility of the U.S. becoming involved in a conflict involving either China or North Korea is a very real one, and Beijing and Pyongyang will almost certainly try to assess what the notoriously unpredictable Trump would do.

North Korea will likely be quite alarmed at what Israel, with a relatively small but high-quality force, has been able to achieve over Iran, said Joseph Dempsey, a defense expert with the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

At the same time, it likely will be seen internally as justification for its own nuclear weapons program,

If Iran did have deployable nuclear weapons would this have occurred? Dempsey said. Probably not.

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The U.S. decision to attack while still in talks with Iran will also not go unnoticed, said Hong Min, a senior analyst at South Koreas Institute for National Unification.

North Korea may conclude that dialogue, if done carelessly, could backfire by giving the United States a pretext for possible aggression, he said.

Instead of provoking the Trump administration, North Korea is more likely to take an even more passive stance toward negotiations with Washington, instead focusing on strengthening its internal military buildup and pursuing closer ties with Russia, narrowing the prospects for future talks," he said.

China and Taiwan will draw lessons

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China will look at the attacks through the visor of Taiwan, the self-governing democratic island off its coast that China claims as its own territory and President Xi Jinping has not ruled out taking by force.

The U.S. supplies Taiwan with weapons and is one of its most important allies, though Washington's official policy on whether it would come to Taiwans aid in the case of a conflict with China is known as strategic ambiguity," meaning not committing to how it would respond.

Militarily, the strike on Iran raises the question of whether the U.S. might show less restraint than has been expected by China in its response and hit targets on the Chinese mainland in the event of an invasion of Taiwan, said Drew Thompson, senior fellow with the Singapore-based think tank RSIS Rajaratnam School of International Studies.

It will also certainly underscore for Beijing the difficulty of predicting Trump's actions, he said.

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"The U.S. airstrike on Irans nuclear facilities caught many by surprise," Thompson said. "I think it demonstrated a tolerance and acceptance of risk in the Trump administration that is perhaps surprising.

It also gives rise to a concern that Taiwans President Lai Ching-te, who in recent speeches has increased warnings about the threat from China, may be further emboldened in his rhetoric, said Lyle Goldstein, director of the Asia Program at the Washington-based foreign policy think tank Defense Priorities.

Already, Lai's words have prompted China to accuse him of pursuing Taiwanese independence, which is a red line for Beijing. Goldstein said he worried Taiwan may try to take advantage of the American use of force against Iran to increase its deterrent situation versus the mainland.

President Lai's series of recent speeches appear almost designed to set up a new cross-strait crisis, perhaps in the hopes of building more support in Washington and elsewhere around the Pacific, said Goldstein, who also is director of the China Initiative at Brown Universitys Watson Institute.

I think that is an exceedingly risky gambit, to put it mildly," he said.

___

Tong-hyung Kim in Seoul, South Korea, and Didi Tang and Albee Zhang in Washington contributed to this report.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Republican lawmakers in Washington, DC are celebrating Thursday night after the House passed the so-called One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act. The massive budget bill boosts spending for border security, immigration enforcement and defense.

Ellsworth B-1B Lancers flying over to celebrate Independence Day

It also extends President Donald Trumps 2017 tax cuts, increases the child tax credit and ends taxes on tips and overtime pay. However, Democrats voted unanimously against the bill citing steep cuts to programs like SNAP and Medicaid.

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The cuts to Medicaid also have the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network worried.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that under the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, Medicaid could be cut by $930 billion with nearly 12 million people at risk of losing healthcare coverage.

Ben Hanson with the South Dakota Chapter of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network says his organization worries about what that could mean for cancer patients on Medicaid.

We know that one out of every 10 cancer patients relies on Medicaid for their coverage for either screenings or treatment, Hanson said. Were very worried about what is going to happen with them and dont think enough discussion about that has been on the bill. We want to make sure with its implementation that they arent being left in the lurch, especially if theyre in need of that care because the worse possible thing you can do when undergoing cancer treatment is pause it for a while.

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Now, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network is calling on Congress to extend the enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits before they expire at the end of the year.

So, those are a little bit more obscure, maybe, for folks. They were tax credits given under the ACA for cancer patients that we think were very helpful to them, Hanson said. And again, theyre simple tax credits, they have to be earned off of someones income. We think thats just a smart thing to do when someone is literally battling for their lives.

In a press release, South Dakota Representative Dusty Johnson said the One Big, Beautiful Bill is, quote, pro-family, pro-small business, pro-energy and pro-America.

When it comes to Medicaid, Johnson said in the release that this bill changes eligibility for certain non-citizen groups and enforces work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents under 14 years old. He goes on to say the work requirements will not affect vulnerable populations like pregnant women, seniors, people with disabilities or those with young children at home.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 4. A ceremony marking the Day of the Logistics Brigade was held on Friday, July 4, at the Peter Petric Barracks in Kranj, Slovenia, Trend reports via the country's government website.

The brigade's commander, Lieutenant Colonel Igor Versnik, used the occasion to highlight the unit's development and role in the Slovenian Armed Forces, as well as to speak about its ongoing transformation.

Lieutenant Colonel Versnik, who took command of the Logistics Brigade in March this year, stated that over the past two decades, the brigade has evolved into a unit that has been, and continues to be, the backbone of support for the Slovenian Armed Forces.

The Logistics Brigade is more than just a military structure. It is a community. It is a mission. It is an alliance among people who trust each other, he said.

According to Versnik, this year's celebration comes at a time of significant change, as the brigade undergoes a transformation to adapt to new conditions, challenges, and modern standards.

During the ceremony in Kranj, the most deserving members received medals and commendations, and the best soldier and non-commissioned officer of the Logistics Brigade for 2024 were announced.

Members of the Slovenian Armed Forces' Logistics Brigade celebrate their units day on July 1. On that date in 2002, a working group was established at the Sentvid Barracks, laying the foundation for the operation of the Support Units Command.

Over the years, the Logistics Brigade has developed into an efficient and successful organization that supports all units of the Slovenian Armed Forces both at home and abroad.

Since 2013, it has included members of the 157th and 670th Logistics Regiments, the Military Medical Unit, and the Engineering Unit with the Physicochemical Laboratory, all under the brigades command. On the brigades anniversary this year, the 157th and 670th Regiments were officially transformed and renamed the 157th and 670th Logistic Support Battalions.

The vision of the Logistics Brigade is to be a successful, efficient, adaptable, and recognizable military organization both domestically and internationally. Its members carry out their mission and duties by continuously upholding leadership principles and military ethics, and by improving knowledge at all levels.

Using information-supported, rational, and optimal processes, they follow logistics trends similar to those in modern market organizations. By observing military standards, they incorporate the principles of modern logistics into the logistical support of the Slovenian Armed Forces.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
American dream: 20 people celebrate naturalization, citizenship on Independence Day

Twenty people in Charlotte became United States citizens on Independence Day.

As America celebrates its 249th birthday, the Charlotte Museum of History helped 20 people from 13 different countries celebrate their new citizenship.

We always hear about this American dream, and its been an American dream for me, said Maria Abreunria, who immigrated from Mexico.

Many of the new citizens, like Enrique Fabrda from Venezuela, told Channel 9s Almiya White that they began the process for citizenship nearly five to 10 years ago.

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This was a goal I was looking for a long time ago, and finally I got it, Fabrda said. I feel privileged to live in this country. Its amazing.

READ: Hickory protesters rally against spending bill on Independence Day

Michael Adioo, from Ghana, came to the United States seven years ago to begin furthering his education.

Back home, everyone dreams about America, he said. Im looking forward to more opportunities and being involved in the community. Doing volunteer work and help out as much as I can in any shape and any form.

Tracy Shaw, from Scotland, said she also looks forward to participating in democracy.

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Im excited to be able to vote, she said.

But some told White they are upset by tensions surrounding immigration.

I feel sad and angry sometimes, Abreunria said. We didnt have another choice to come. It was a choice to survive or sometimes to die in our country.

The museum hosted a ceremony to embrace and celebrate the new citizens hard work, patience, and patriotism.

To make this most sacred oath and dedicate yourself to our nation, on the nations birthday, speaks volumes to their commitment to being great citizens and great contributors to our nation, said Terri White, president of the Charlotte Museum of History.

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And now 20 new Charlotte citizens can say they are proud to be Americans.

For the fact that its Independence Day  its a day I will never forget, Adioo said. And its really a good day for me. I wouldnt want any other day a part of this day."

WATCH: Hickory protesters rally against spending bill on Independence Day
[Source]

National pride in the U.S. has fallen to a record low, with only 58% of Americans describing themselves as extremely or very proud to be American, according to new findings from Gallup. The poll, conducted June 2 through 19 and released June 30, marks the lowest combined total since Gallup began tracking the sentiment in 2001.

Erosion in national pride

The decline is driven by a drop in respondents who say they are very proud, which fell from 26% last year to 17% in 2025. The share who say they are extremely proud held steady at 41%. The total is five percentage points lower than the previous low of 63%, recorded in 2020.

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Gallups first reading in January 2001 showed 87% of Americans felt extremely or very proud. That number spiked to 90% after the September 11 attacks and remained above 80% through the early 2010s. By 2017, it had fallen to 75%, then dropped each year that followed, including during periods of both Republican and Democratic leadership.

Party line divergence

Sharp differences in pride levels continue to reflect political affiliation, with 92% of Republicans saying they are proud to be American, compared to 53% of independents and just 36% of Democrats  the lowest Gallup has recorded for that group. The partisan gap has widened over the past decade, largely due to declining pride among Democrats.

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Correlation with age

Just 41% of Generation Z adults say they are proud to be American. Millennials report 58%, Generation X 71%, baby boomers 75% and the Silent Generation 83%. According to Gallup senior editor Jeffrey Jones, the long-term shift is generational but not limited to younger adults. Even among the older generations, we see that theyre less patriotic than the ones before them, and theyve become less patriotic over time. Thats primarily driven by Democrats, he said.

Common discontent

Disillusionment with national institutions appears to be growing alongside declining patriotic sentiment. In a separate CNN/SSRS poll released in January, fewer than one in 10 Democrats or Republicans described themselves as proud of U.S. politics. Most respondents across the political spectrum said they felt disappointed or frustrated. While the survey focused on government rather than identity, the emotional tone aligns with the broader erosion of pride measured by Gallup.

Pride as a tracked indicator

Gallup plans to continue tracking national pride as part of its annual polling. With the 2026 midterms on the horizon and generational attitudes diverging from traditional expressions of national identity, future surveys may show whether pride continues to fall  or levels off at a new norm.

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GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV)  The American Red Cross of Wisconsin hosted its 39th annual Super Donor Days Blood Drive on Thursday.

Donors got free sunglasses, a coupon for a pint of Kwik Trip ice cream, and an all-day water theme park ticket to Mount Olympus in the Wisconsin Dells.

Officials say these donations come at a time when they are very critical.

Green Bay Police narrowly win Battle of the Badges blood drive

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You see a decrease in appointments over the summer when people are busy, and sometimes its hard to take that time to come out and donate, said American Red Cross of Wisconsin Account Manager Amy Harmatys. We really appreciate anybody who is taking the time out to come and donate. Blood supply can get to a critical level, and we want to keep it available for everybody that needs blood within our community and beyond.

While the Super Donor Days Blood Drive is now over, anyone interested in donating can check with the Red Cross on where to donate.

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An American teenager has been detained on an Antarctic island, creating a major delay in his attempt to fly his small plane to every continent that is being followed online by more than a million people.

Chilean authorities stopped Ethan Guo, 19, after he submitted a false flight plan, according to the BBC's US partner CBS News.

His deviation from that plan in the air had "activated alert protocols", Chile's General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics said in a statement.

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Mr Guo was taken into custody after landing on King George Island, home to a number of international research stations and their staff, where July temperatures typically stay well below freezing.

Mr Guo's small Cessna 182 aircraft took off from the city of Punta Arenas, near the southernmost point of Chile, and flew to the island off the Atlantic coast, which is claimed by Chile. It is named after the UK's King George III.

He was detained at Teniente R. Marsh airport.

Mr Guo had allegedly submitted a plan to fly over Punta Arenas, but not beyond that, according to regional prosecutor Cristian Cristoso Rifo, as cited by CBS.

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He has been charged for violating two articles of the country's aeronautical code, including one that could lead to short-term imprisonment.

In the statement, Chile's General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics said Mr Guo had also allegedly violated the Antarctic Treaty, which regulates international relations with respect to the uninhabited continent.

Mr Guo posted an update on X on Wednesday, saying: "I'm alive everyone, I'll make an update soon."

Ethan Guo has flown his Cessna aircraft to all the other six continents in his journey spanning more than 140 days, according to his social media feed.

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He is hoping to become the first pilot to complete solo flights across all seven continents in the Cessna aircraft, and simultaneously aims to raise $1m ( 731,000) for cancer research at the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
I was sitting in my living room last week when an unexpected knock came at the door.

As a begrudgingly middle-aged woman alone in her home, it startled me. But in all likelihood, it was probably just an Amazon or FedEx delivery. Nothing to worry about.

But for others, that knock could mean something entirely different. Its not just a package delivery or a friend stopping by for a visit  it could be men wearing masks preparing to arrest those inside for the crime of wanting to be an American, but not going about it the right way.

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As of this writing, the Department of Homeland Security is on a mission to gut our nations already challenged infrastructure  from our food supply to hospitality and construction  leaving us with higher prices, rotting crops and a worsening housing shortage.

President Donald Trump, who is giving DHS and ICE their orders, has wavered on what exactly he wants.

Our great Farmers and people in the Hotel and Leisure business have been stating that our very aggressive policy on immigration is taking very good, long time workers away from them, with those jobs being almost impossible to replace. Trump wrote on Truth Social. In many cases the Criminals allowed into our Country by the VERY Stupid Biden Open Borders Policy are applying for those jobs. This is not good. We must protect our Farmers, but get the CRIMINALS OUT OF THE USA. Changes are coming!

A single-day pause on immigration raids on farms and hotels went out.

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More from Opinion: Trump promised pause on some immigration raids. Another TACO moment?

The next day: the policy was reversed, and ICE arrested over 70 migrants at a meat processing plant in Omaha, Nebraska.

This unraveling is taking place through the deportation of people whove worked incredibly hard to get to the United States. People who pay taxes, put food on our tables and strive for better lives for their children.

Now were seeing stories of families being ripped apart. Immigration agents are unsure whether someone is an American citizen or not. Entire communities living in fear. Its bad policing  plain and simple.

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Its no different than arresting the wrong person for a murder. We should be embarrassed by the way our government is treating human beings who are guilty only of wanting a better future for themselves and their children.

Are there people coming to this country with bad intentions? Yes. But are there also Americans who leave their homes every day with harmful intentions? Also, yes.

Some might say this makes me less conservative  or even unpatriotic. I reject that entirely. In fact, I would argue that the free market relies on people coming here. They come because America offers more opportunity than any other country on earth. We millennial Americans arent having children at a rate that can sustain our population. Without immigrants, we are a shrinking country.

Immigrants come to live, work, go to school and contribute to society. They pursue the American Dream  something conservatives and Republicans have claimed to champion for generations.

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Meanwhile, we have enemies in the world  people who are offended by my ability, as a woman, to speak freely; people who are threatened by our global leadership in many industries; people who are, quite frankly, jealous of the abundance we enjoy in this country.

And yet, the majority of people coming here are not enemies. Theyre people with the same dreams my family had nearly 300 years ago: a dream of something better.

My ancestors came here by ship, forged new paths, and quite literally expanded this country. After landing on the East Coast, they traveled by foot, wagon, or horseback all the way to the far west of Kentucky before 1800.

So how is traveling through the Cumberland Gap in 1797 all that different from an immigrant making the treacherous journey through the Darien Gap in 2025?

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Back in 1797, the federal government wanted my ancestors to move into the middle of the country. It even gave Samuel Garrison  my ancestor  land in return for his service in helping free this country from the king.

More from Opinion: 'Big, beautiful bill' would leave food banks overwhelmed, says Forgotten Harvest CEO

Samuel, his wife, and seven of their nine children left a prosperous life in North Carolina and set off for a land full of promise. They believed that what lay ahead was worth the journey  and they were right. They went on to have two more children and built a new life in a new place. That included bringing Samuels sister and her husband and other relatives over the following years.

America has always stood as a beacon of freedom and opportunity  not because we tear down our borders, but because we uphold our values. But in trying to appear tough, weve created a system so tangled and broken that only the desperate or incredibly fortunate can navigate it. Thats not strength  its bureaucracy that fails us.

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We should be opening legal, orderly pathways for those who want to work hard, raise families, pay taxes and contribute to the fabric of this nation  not terrifying children. Making it easier to become an American doesnt undermine our country  it strengthens it. It reflects the principles our Founders fought for and helps secure the future that every generation of Americans has worked to build.

Free Press contributing columnist Andrea Bitely is the founder and principal of Bitely Communications, a Lansing-based public affairs firm specializing in political, corporate and crisis communications. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters, and we may publish it online or in print.

Andrea Bitely

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Trump's wavering orders to ICE harm America | Opinion
TOPEKA (KSNT)  Kansas Democratic Governor Laura Kelly is speaking out regarding her recent divorce with her ex-husband Dr. Ted Daughety.

27 News reached out to the Office of the Governor on July 3 regarding reports Kelly and Daughety are divorced. Kellys office confirmed the divorce occurred in the fall of last year.

Throughout my time in public office, Ive always guarded my familys privacy  its been my policy to keep my personal life separate from my public one to the extent possible, Kelly said. It has come to my attention that my marital status has become a topic of some speculation, so I will share that Ted and I divorced in October of 2024. It was amicable and mutual, and we both continue to share in the lives of our family.

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We are deeply disappointed: Kansas lawmakers, organizations react to Big Beautiful Bill passing the U.S. House

Kelly is currently serving her second term as governor of the State of Kansas. She and her ex-husband have two daughters, Molly and Kathleen, along with one grandchild, according to her website.

Laura and I made this decision together, based on what worked best for us and for our family, Daughety said in a statement released by the governors office.

Daughety spoke with 27 News in 2019, commenting on what is like to be married to the governor of Kansas. He had been married to Kelly for 36 years as of the 2019 report. He was also the third first gentleman of Kansas.

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Kansas phones bombarded with scam texts

For more Capitol Bureau news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
Past Texas McCombs Consortium Students in front of the UT Austin Tower

The University of Texas at Austins McCombs School of Business appears to have ended its decades-long partnership with the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management effective July 1, according to a consortium email to prospective applicants obtained by Poets&Quants.

Due to recent changes in state and federal policies regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, UT Austin has notified us that they will be ending our formal partnership, writes Consortium Vice President for Graduate Programs Michael J. Bates in an email to applicants that was forwarded to P&Q.

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This decision comes after four decades of collaboration since our partnership began in 1984, he writes. This separation is not a reflection of the value or quality of our work together. UT Austin has made clear that this decision is purely driven by regulatory compliance requirements, not by any dissatisfaction with our partnership or mission.

McCombs full-time MBA Class of 2025 included 37 students who were members of the Consortium, about 15% of the 241 students in the class.

TRUMPS ONGOING WAR AGAINST DEI

The break up is just the latest in a long line of state and national DEI rollbacks amid the Trump Administrations intensifying push to remove race-conscious policies from higher education.

Within days of the inauguration of his second term, Trump signed several executive orders ending DEI programs in the federal government. The administration and its allies have more recently set their sights on higher education, and several universities and university systems  particularly public schools in Red states that rely on federal money  have also pulled back on DEI initiatives amid Republican crackdowns.

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The administration has also filed lawsuits against elite schools like Columbia and Harvard over similar grounds, and is still fighting to revoke Harvards certification to host international students through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

Perhaps the most egregious development is the ouster of University of Virginia President James Ryan who announced on June 26 that he was stepping down under pressure from a justice department investigation into its DEI policies. Ryan, a vocal defender of diversity and inclusion, will will remain on the faculty.

Critics say the DOJs intervention is a threat to academic freedom and a threat to institutional autonomy. Inside Higher Ed reported that it is the first time federal officials explicitly tied grant funding to the removal of a university official (see How The Trump Administration Is Strong Arming Higher Education).

Meanwhile, several states have enacted laws targeting DEI initiatives, even before Trump took office. In Texas, UTAustin last year eliminated roughly 60 DEI-related positions and shut down its Division of Campus & Community Engagement to comply with Senate Bill 17, which went into effect in January, 2024. Ending the McCombsConsortium partnership is just the latest chapter in a sweeping purge of diversity measures.

END OF A 40-YEAR PARTNERSHIP

The Consortium was founded in 1966 at Washington University in St. Louis when management professor Sterling Schoen realized that no Fortune 500 company of the time had an African American in its management. He and others created a network of universities who pledged to help Black students earn MBAs and enter corporate leadership pipelines.

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Today, the Consortium has 24 top business schools and more than 75 corporate partners in its network and has expanded its mission to create pathways for underrepresented minorities in graduate management education. University of Chicagos Booth School of Business was the latest school to join, effective July 1, 2024.

The networks provide full-tuition fellowships, professional development, and a powerful network of peers and alumni for MBAs.

UT McCombs joined the Consortium in 1984, and has hosted hundreds of Consortium fellows. Recent McCombs MBA classes included 29 to 37 fellows annually, according to class profile data.

The schools exit leaves a noticeable gap but does not shake the organizations foundation, Bates writes.

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If you were considering UT Austins McCombs School of Business as part of your graduate education plans, we strongly encourage you to apply directly to their programs. While our formal partnership has ended, McCombs remains an outstanding institution with excellent graduate programs that may align with your academic and career goals, he says.

A QUIET EXIT

So far, McCombs exit from its 40-year partnership has been a quiet one. There doesnt appear to be any formal announcement from either the Consortium or the business school as of July 3.

Poets&Quants has reached out to Bates, UT Texas at Austin, and McCombs Business School for further comment and clarification, but have not heard back as of publication. We will continue to update the story as more information comes in.

But, user ConsiderationFew6406, posted Bates email to the popular Reddit thread, r/MBA. Several users expressed their dismay.

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Class of 27 Consortium fellow at UT here. Really disappointed that Im the last Consortium class but also not really surprised. I think were gonna see more public schools following pretty soon, one user wrote.

This is not going to be a UT-specific problem. The federal government took down the president of UVA, and Dardens participation in the Consortium was cited as evidence. It seems inevitable for the Consortium to get killed at every MBA program, wrote another.

Added user 007Spy: Pretty disappointing to see this, not sure what UT A saw down the line or what has been broached with them to move to this decision. Hopefully this does not snowball into something worse in terms of other schools.

As of July 3, University of Virginia Darden School of Business is listed on the Consortiums page of business school partners. McCombs is not.

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DONT MISS: HOW THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION IS STRONG-ARMING HIGHER EDUCATION or TRUMPS ATTACK ON HARVARDS FOREIGN STUDENTS WILL HAUNT U.S. HIGHER EDUCATION FOR YEARS

The post Amid DEI Backlash, UT Austins McCombs Quietly Ends 40-Year Partnership With The Consortium appeared first on Poets&Quants.
August Kiefer, an 18-year-old Denver resident, raises an American flag while standing with other demonstrators during an anti-ICE protest at the Colorado Capitol on June 10. (Quentin Young/Colorado Newsline)

Thomas Paine in Common Sense, which helped persuade colonists to fight for independence from the British crown, faulted King George III for qualities that are all too familiar to Americans today.

The king had been an inveterate enemy to liberty, and discovered such a thirst for arbitrary power, Paine wrote, adding that the king was willing to accept no laws but such as suit his purpose.

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Within half a year of the pamphlets publication, Americans declared, on July 4, 1776, their independence.

Half a year into his second term, President Donald Trump has adopted a king-like style of rule. His administration regularly deprives people of their liberty with little or no cause, and it repeatedly shows disdain for laws it doesnt like. Trumps policies are aggressively anti-American, more aligned by far with George IIIs tyranny than with any of the countrys previous administrations.

On this Fourth of July, Constitution-abiding Americans might despair over the meaning of the holiday under these circumstances. Whats to celebrate when the president is as unaccountable as a monarch and the national government holds unalienable rights in contempt?

But the idea of the country persists even as the state of the country pains. The soul of the holiday isnt the occupant of the White House or the manner of his rule or the innumerable ways America in practice failed to live up to its promise, never more so than in its earliest days and the decades that followed. Rather its the timeless ideals of equality and liberty that propelled the founding and inspired people around the world. And as they stood up in recent months for the values on which July 4 is a time to reflect, Coloradans have proved themselves worthy of the holiday and exemplars of its spirit.

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They have plenty to celebrate.

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On the day Trump was first inaugurated in 2017, more than 100,000 people in Denver protested against his presidency during the Womens March, a worldwide demonstration for human rights and equality, and such acts of resistance to fascist encroachment have only expanded in Colorado since Trumps second inauguration.

Coloradans have turned out in the streets time and again, at scale, to protest administration abuses. Enormous crowds appeared in Denver and elsewhere in the state on Presidents Day, twice in April, in early June, and again in June as part of the nationwide No Kings movement, which saw thousands of protesters march even in Republican-leaning Mesa County.

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Protesters who decry the lawless mass deportation activities of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have held a weekly vigil at the ICE detention center in Aurora, where the administration has detained, among many others, Denver immigration rights activist Jeanette Vizguerra.

When in March U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York appeared in Greeley and Denver as part of their Fighting Oligarchy tour, they drew capacity crowds. The turnout in Denver was estimated at 34,000 people.

In the hundreds of rallies that I have done, we have never, ever had a rally as large as this, Sanders told Coloradans. And Denver, your presence here today is not just significant for Colorado. You are sending a profound message all over the world. The whole world is watching, and they want to know if the people of America are going to stand up to Trumpism, oligarchy and authoritarianism.

That message, that the fight against authoritarianism matters beyond state or national borders and can stir the political will of liberty-seeking people anywhere they live, is central to the idea of America. The American cause of the 1770s inspired French revolutionaries only a decade later and has been a model for anti-autocracy mobilization ever since.

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The sun never shined on a cause of greater worth, Paine wrote in 1776. Tis not the concern of a day, a year, or an age; posterity are virtually involved in the contest, and will be more or less affected, even to the end of time, by the proceedings now.

The Fourth of July is an occasion for Coloradans to observe that they are still involved in the contest, still affected, as Paine foresaw, and that the worth of the cause could not be greater.

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The Great Fire of Northampton occurred in 1675 [All Saints Church]

A new animated film is being created to mark 350 years since a town fire broke out, and the public is invited to help bring it to life.

Northampton Film Festival (NFF) is leading the project, which starts on Saturday, and will reflect both the events of the 1675 Great Fire of Northampton and the modern-day spirit of the town it transformed.

The fire tore through 700 of the town's 850 buildings and claimed 11 lives.

Becky Carrier, director of NFF, said: "We hope people, young and old, will come down to the Northants Makers Market to think about the unique essence of Northampton."

Becky Carrier from Northampton Film Festival is organising the short film production [Ollie Conopo/BBC]

The fire, believed to have started from sparks from an open fire at a home in St Mary's Street, quickly spread, and residents sought refuge in the Market Square.

Despite efforts to control it, prominent buildings, including All Hallows Church, were destroyed.

Following a community-driven effort, the town raised 25,000 to fund reconstruction.

'Community spirit

To commemorate the anniversary, NFF is running a series of free creative activities throughout July and August as part of a five-month programme that also features light shows, art exhibitions, processions and themed displays.

On Saturday, the public can meet professional animators, sketch elements for the film's opening scenes and add their ideas to a "Great Fire wall."

Children are also invited to cast spells for a future Northampton, with help from a "Great Fire Wizard".

Ms Carrier added her own imagined spell would contain "a pinch of rebel energy, a cup of rainbow paint and a bucket load of community spirit".

The final film will include the public's creations alongside historical commentary and voices from Northampton residents.

It is set to premiere in the town's Market Square on 20 September.

Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

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The Anti-Defamation League on Friday condemned President Donald Trumps use of the term Shylock at a Thursday night rally, saying the president was invoking a centuries-old antisemitic trope.

During a campaign-style rally speech in Iowa on Thursday  in which the president basked in his megabill success  Trump touted what he and Republicans have promoted as benefits of the sweeping legislation.

No death tax. No estate tax. No going to the banks and borrowing from, in some cases, a fine banker  and in some cases, shylocks and bad people, Trump said.

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The use of the word Shylock, which is viewed as an antisemitic term, prompted immediate outcry from prominent Jewish organizations, including the ADL, which decried Trumps use of the term in a statement posted to X Friday morning.

The term 'Shylock' evokes a centuries-old antisemitic trope about Jews and greed that is extremely offensive and dangerous. President Trump's use of the term is very troubling and irresponsible, the statement read. Words from our leaders matter and we expect more from the President of the United States.

The Jewish Council for Public Affairs, a progressive organization, also condemned Trumps comments on Friday, saying in a statement that the presidents use of the word is not an accident.

Shylock is among the most quintessential antisemitic stereotypes. This is not an accident. It follows years in which President Trump has normalized antisemitic tropes and conspiracy theories  and its deeply dangerous, the councils statement read.

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But Trump has claimed that he did not know the weight the term carried.

"I've never heard it that way, the president told reporters aboard Air Force One early Friday morning. To me, Shylock is somebody that's a moneylender at high rates. I've never heard it that way. You view it differently than me.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on ADLs statement.

The term Shylock originated in the Shakespearean play The Merchant of Venice, in which Shylock is a Jewish character representing stereotypes of greed wielded against Jewish people. In the play, Shylock is an unscrupulous moneylender who demands a pound of flesh from a debtor, painting the Jewish character as villainous and money-hungry.

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Thursday nights comments arent the first time Trump has been criticized for playing into antisemitic tropes.

Trump ruffled feathers at an event with Jewish donors in 2015 where he appeared to suggest that the group wanted to pay to prop up a puppet in the White House, telling the crowd, I dont want your money. You want to control your own politician."

He has also derided Jewish Americans who vote for Democrats, suggesting at times it would be a great disloyalty to vote for the other party.

The president also came under fire after hosting known white nationalist and antisemitic Holocaust revisionist Nick Fuentes at his Mar-a-Lago residence in 2022.

Trump has been vocal about cracking down on what his administration describes as rampant antisemitism in higher education during his second term, making a point of targeting universities where students have held protests against Israels war in Gaza.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 4. The NATO Force Integration Unit (NFIU) in Lithuania celebrates its 10th anniversary since its establishment on September 1, 2015, as a critical link in strengthening collective defense in the Baltic Sea region, Trend reports.

The units primary mission is to ensure the rapid deployment of NATOs Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) in Lithuania, coordinate multinational military exercises, and integrate allied forces, enhancing the alliances deterrence and defense posture.

Today, at a change-of-command ceremony held at Vilnius Town Hall, Danish Army Colonel Peter Nielsen officially handed over command of the unit to Dutch Army Colonel Merlijn Heiliger. Lithuania remains the only NATO member to appoint a commander from another allied country to lead its NFIU, a symbolic and forward-looking move that deepens Lithuanias integration into NATOs command structures.

A decade ago, we and our allies established this unit to signal our readiness to defend every inch of NATO territory. Today, the NFIU in Lithuania stands as a cornerstone of our collective defense. It guarantees rapid reaction capability, strong interoperability between nations, and practical preparedness for any potential threat, said Minister of National Defense Dovile Sakaliene.

Minister Sakaliene extended her sincere gratitude to Denmark and Colonel Nielsen for his professional and committed leadership, which shaped a confident and unified international team. She also congratulated the Netherlands and welcomed Colonel Heiliger as the new commander.

Lithuania remains firmly committed to strengthening NATOs collective defense, improving military mobility, deepening cooperation with allies, and investing in security as a fundamental guarantee of our national freedom, she added.

Colonel Peter Nielsen, who has led the NFIU Lithuania since 2021, brings more than 40 years of military experience, including missions in Afghanistan, Bosnia, and service at NATOs strategic headquarters in Brussels.

His successor, Colonel Merlijn Heiliger, brings a strong background in logistics, strategic planning, and international defense operations. Most recently, he headed the Dutch Defense Movement and Transportation Organization, promoting military mobility across Europe.

This ceremony is proof that NATOs strength lies not only in plans but in the people who bring them to life. Since its founding in 2015, the NFIU Lithuania has served as a vital link between Lithuania and allied forces. We thank Denmark for a decade of steadfast leadership and Colonel Nielsen for his professionalism and integrity. We also welcome the Netherlands and Colonel Heiliger, and wish him success as he opens a new chapter for the unit, said Vice Minister of National Defense Orijana Masale.

The NFIU Lithuania is an integral part of NATOs Readiness Action Plan, adopted during the 2014 Wales Summit. The unit currently includes personnel from 12 NATO member states, working closely with the Lithuanian Armed Forces and local communities to reinforce security and collective defense across the Baltic region.
During the incident in which Zamir was killed, two soldiers in the 53rd Armored Corps Battalion, 188th Battalion were severely wounded.

Sgt. Asaf Zamir was killed in combat in Khan Yunis in southern Gaza when a terrorist fired an anti-tank missile at the tank he was in, the IDF and Army Radio announced on Friday.

Sgt. Zamir, 19, from Dimona, served in the 53rd Armored Corps Battalion in the 188th Brigade under the 36th Division.

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In the incident in which he was killed, two soldiers in the 53rd Armored Corps Battalion, 188th Battalion, were severely wounded, and another was moderately wounded.

During the operation to remove the wounded from the tank, an explosion occurred in a second tank, likely due to an anti-tank missile or an additional explosive that was triggered at the site, Army Radio said.

The company commander, who was in the second tank, was lightly wounded by shrapnel and was evacuated to the hospital, along with the others who were wounded.

IDF tank in Gaza, July 4, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

The military is still investigating the incident. According to initial findings, the terrorist came from an alley towards the tank. The tank personnel saw the terrorist behind them just before the explosion occurred and did not have time to act against the terrorist, according to Army Radio.

IDF announces death of Sgt. Eliyahou in northern Gaza

On Friday morning, the IDF announced the death of Sgt. Yair Eliyahou, 19, who was killed during operational activity in northern Gaza. Sgt. Eliyahou was from Ezer and served as a combat engineer.

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He was killed when the vehicle he was in overturned during an operation to demolish buildings in a combat zone.

During the incident, a heavy machinery operator, for unknown reasons, struck another vehicle that Sgt. Eliyahou was operating, which was positioned nearby. As a result, the vehicle overturned, and it is currently not possible to determine whether a sharp maneuver, limited visibility, or a change in the terrain caused the incident.

According to the IDF's tally, the deaths of Sgt. Zamir and Sgt. Eliyahou raised the total number of soldiers killed on or since October 7, 2023, to 883.

Some 438 of this number were killed since the start of the military's ground operations in the Strip on October 27, 2023.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez warned that the effects of President Donald Trumps Big Beautiful Bill will quickly turn ugly.

On the heels of the budget plan skating through the House of Representatives, AOC took to Bluesky to sound the alarm that the worst is yet to come.

I dont think anyone is prepared for what they just did w/ ICE, she wrote on Thursday after the bill passed the House. This is not a simple budget increase. It is an explosionmaking ICE bigger than the FBI, US Bureau of Prisons, DEA,& others combined.

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The legislation, which now heads to President Donald Trumps desk for signature, allots $170 billion to support the administrations immigration crackdownwhich includes $45 billion for detention centers, $30 billion for Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and just under $50 billion will go to build a wall at the southern border.

It is setting up to make whats happening now look like childs play, AOC added. And people are disappearing.

On top of this, the budget is expected to add $3.4 trillion to the national debt of $36.2 trillion, drawing criticism from several Republicans and Democrats in the lead-up to its passage.

Trump was in jubilant mood in Des Moines, Iowa. / Scott Olson/Getty Images

Trump has championed the bill as the biggest tax cuts in our countrys history and dismissed any notion that the package was unpopular among Americans at an Iowa rally on Thursday.

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He claimed that the only poll he had seen unfavorable of the package was a Democratic poll.

At his rally, he touted, No death tax, no estate tax, no going through the banks and borrowing fromin some cases, a fine bankerand in some cases, shylocks and bad people, using an antisemitic slur.

However, CNN reported polls from the Washington Post, Pew Research Center, Fox News, Quinnipiac University, and the Kaiser Family Foundation showing that the spending package had notched negative approval ratings at -19, -20, -21, -26, and -29 percent, respectively.
FREDONIA, Arizona (ABC4)  After 40 years of serving northern Arizona communities, Kane County Hospital has been asked to end all ambulance services in the state  that includes parts of the Grand Canyon.

Since 1989, Kane County Hospital has assumed responsibility for ambulance operations for a large area in northern Arizona that includes Fredonia, Jacobs Lake, and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Now, the state of Arizona is asking Kane County Hospital to stop all transports within its borders.

UPDATE: Fredonia declares state of emergency due to Kane County Hospital EMS loss

Alleged illegal transports in Arizona

According to Kane County Hospital CEO, Kurt Loveless, the hospital received a Notice of Investigation after the complaint was filed. He says it was related to alleged illegal transport of patients from Banner Page Hospital. The notice also said ambulance operations without a Certificate of Need (CON) is illegal in the State of Arizona.

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Loveless, says his team has repeatedly applied for documentation since 2022, but have repeatedly been denied the necessary certificate. Jeff Mosdell, board chair with Kane County Hospital, says all of the hospitals EMTs are licensed and certified to operate in Arizona.

A complaint was filed by Page Fire Department after our ambulance transported a patient from Banner Page Hospital, Loveless told ABC4. We have been [responding] for 40 years.

In a statement to ABC4.com, The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) said all ground ambulances operating in the State of Arizona are required to be registered with them. They add that they have been working with Kane County Hospital on a CON application submitted to allow them to legally operate an ambulance service within Arizona.

Kane County Hospital has been notified and they have the ability to continue working with the Department once they address the items within their initial application that remained deficient through the application process, an ADHS spokesperson told ABC4.com.

Citizens respond

Nearly 100 residents of Fredonia gathered at the citys offices in an emergency town hall meeting Thursday afternoon to discuss the risks they may face since the change. City leadership presided over the meeting.

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During the town hall, several residents voiced their concerns about the removal of coverage.

Its all because of an interpretation of a law, Mosdell, said during the town hall Thursday.

This is one of those times when we understand what it means to be a community, said Paiute Tribe Chair Roland Maldonado during the meeting. Its not just us, but all those communities that will be affected.

Other options for ambulance operations

ADHS said there are two neighboring CON providers that are able to provide services to the Fredonia area: the Colorado City Fire Department and the Page Fire Department. Directly south is Guardian Ambulance Service, also known as Flagstaff Medical Center who can also provide ambulance services.

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Kane County Hospital said in a statement that Page Fire Department has a strict rule to not travel outside of the city of Page, leaving the only other ambulance service to be an all-volunteer department in Colorado City.

ABC4 reached out to Page Fire Department for a comment but has not received a response.

No one has been willing to cover this particular part of Arizona, yet we have been denied the CON and now are being investigated for helping Arizona with ambulance transports, Kane County Hospitals statement reads.

Loveless told ABC4 that one Arizona Department of Health Services official, Noreen Adlin, has since threatened civil action if the hospital continues to transport patients. We asked if she realized the impact this would have on the citizens of Fredonia she said, Im aware.'

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According to ADHS, an out-of-state ambulance service can provide transport services to Arizona residents under two exceptions:

If they are responding to a major catastrophe or emergency in the state because there are insufficient registered ambulances to respond in that situation.

The provider is operating either from a location outside of Arizona to transport a patient to a location within Arizona or operating from a location outside of Arizona and crossing through Arizona to transport a patient to a location outside Arizona.

Exploring a resolution

The hospital says it will continue to pursue receiving permission to operate in Arizona. As soon as we are allowed to operate in the State of Arizona, we will resume our ambulance services to our Friends and Neighbors to the South.

Mosdell says the hospitals resolution going forward is to receive communication with the state about what needs to be done to allow their ambulances to once again enter Arizona.

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Joseph DeGolyer contributed to this reporting.

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  With Arkansas already leading the nation in food insecurity, local hunger relief organizations are warning of severe fallout after the passage of a sweeping federal budget bill that cuts billions from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The billnicknamed the Big Beautiful Bill by its supporterspassed both chambers of Congress this week and is now headed to President Donald Trumps desk.

While the legislation includes tax breaks and energy boosts, it also outlines nearly $200 billion in SNAP cuts, through increased state costs, stricter work requirements, and limited benefit updates. According to the Arkansas Foodbank, these changes could mean fewer meals for hundreds of thousands of Arkansans.

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Central Arkansas nonprofit combating food insecurity sees rise in demand

These changes threaten access to food for families who are already struggling, said Arkansas Foodbank CEO Brian Burton. We call on our community to give, volunteer, and advocatebecause no Arkansan should have to wonder where their next meal will come from.

According to the Arkansas Food Bank, one in five Arkansans faces food insecurity. Last year alone, more than 240,000 Arkansansabout one in 13 residentsrelied on SNAP, and 64% of those recipients are families with children.

At Potluck Food Rescue in Little Rock, Executive Director Chris Wyman says nonprofits like his are already seeing rising demandand this bill will only add to the strain.

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Were looking at folks who work two jobs and still cant afford groceries, Wyman said. When youre working that hard, the last thing your family should have to worry about is where their next meal is coming from.

Arkansas nonprofit launches campaign to keep food cold and families fed

Potluck acts as a redistribution hub for surplus food, working with the Arkansas Foodbank and local donors to get meals into schools, libraries, shelters, and rural communities. Wyman says if SNAP is scaled back, more people will turn to places like hisand they may not have the resources to keep up.

If you dont think its going to affect you, it just hasnt yet, he added.

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Julie, a retired cake decorator from Pulaski County, says she receives just $60 a month in SNAP benefits. It isnt much, but its essential.

It fills the gap, she said. Cutting those benefits means a lot of elderly people and children will be left out. For some of us, its the only way we can eat.

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  A group is organizing a protest for Arkansans after the passage and expected signing of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law.

The Peoples Protests & Marches AR is planning the protest as a candlelight vigil beginning at 9 p.m. in Little Rock on July 4. The protest will begin at the entrance to the Junction Bridge, located at 400 President Clinton Avenue.

Thousands of Arkansans protest in No Kings march on Saturday

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The vigil will take place during the July 4 fireworks display in Little Rock as an act of what organizers are calling quiet resistance.

The group maintains that the budget bill is an undemocratic action by the Trump administration.

(Courtesy The Peoples Protests & Marches AR)

Organizers state the protest will be an opportunity to reflect, to grieve, and to recommit ourselves to justice and compassion.

As Americans mark the anniversary of our nations independence, we gather to honor the ideals of liberty, equity and human dignityand to shine a light on the people and communities left behind or directly harmed by the Trump administration and its ongoing legacy, organizers said.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  An armed man in a stolen car fled on foot after police tried to initiate a traffic stop in South Memphis on Monday, according to Memphis Police.

On June 30, between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m., a victim reported their red 2020 Hyundai Elantra was stolen in the 600 block of Saint Paul Avenue in South Memphis.

Courtesy of MPD Courtesy of MPD Courtesy of MPD

According to reports, the vehicle was later spotted in the area of Mendenhall Road and Knight Arnold Road, driven by a man.

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When officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the driver refused to stop. The driver got out of the Elantra and fled on foot with a handgun.

Police said the vehicle was covered and towed to the vehicle storage lot, and the suspect may be involved in other crimes in the Shelby County area and Memphis.

If you have any information that could help police, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.

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A former Army Ranger was seriously injured after a boat propeller sliced into him while snorkeling in the Bahamas.

Brent Slough was vacationing with his family on June 30 when the hit-and-run incident occurred in the Exuma district of the islands. The driver of the boat did not stop and has not been charged.

Slough, a West Point graduate and former Ranger who served six years in the military as well as one tour in Iraq, was in the water before dinner when a boat skimming the shallows struck him.

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According to his wife, Whitney Slough, the propeller hit Slough underneath the buttocks and the legs, causing him to bleed profusely.

Recalling the incident to WFAA, she said: We hear Brent screaming, Help me, help me, help me. We didnt realize that he was struck by the boat.

Former Army Ranger Brent Slough was injured in a hit-and-run incident while snorkeling in the Bahamas. (GoFundMe/ TheSlough Family)

Slough's family, with the help of other Good Samaritans on the beach, pulled him from the water and wrapped his legs in towels in an attempt to stop the bleeding. He was taken to a nearby hospital.

He was later airlifted back to the U.S. and is currently in the ICU in Miami, having undergone surgery, which lasted four hours.

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His wife told WFAA that doctors were unable to stitch the wounds because they're so deep and have packed them instead. A GoFundMe to help with his medical bills has so far raised over $50,000.

Bahamian authorities are now searching for the boat and those responsible.

"They know they hit him, they saw him snorkeling," Whitney Slough said. "And they drove off. I just can't let that be. We're lucky that he's alive and there's no way that they should be able to get away with this."

She added: "[The Bahamas] is such a beautiful place. But I feel like I'm in a nightmare."
Army veterans family faces loss after lightning destroys S.C. home

An Indian Land family is working to rebuild their life after lightning struck their home, creating flames that roared through their roof.

Natasha Thomas and her four children were actually inside the home when that lightning struck last Friday. She described to Channel 9s Eli Brand how life can change in the blink of an eye.

Thomas said she could barely react before her son ran downstairs and said he saw fire.

They all ran out with their dogs before seeing the flames and realizing how bad it was.

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Its crazy. Its like a one-in-a-million type of thing. You happen to be struck by lightning and watch your house go up in front of you. Its almost still not real, Thomas told Brand.

Much of the home was destroyed. Thomas says her youngest sons room is a complete loss. Her other children lost most of their possessions too.

ALSO READ >> Lightning strike injures group during bridal photo shoot in the mountains

Her husband, John Thomas, was out of town when the fire happened. He is veteran sniper who served in the U.S. Army, deploying seven times in his career.

He says most of his military collection was also lost, including his coins.

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Thomas says his career prepared him for tragedy, but he hurts for his family.

Im used to this. Theyre not. Im trying to absorb as much as I can from them but theyre experiencing a lot, and I wish I could absorb it a little bit more, John said.

Much of the community surrounding the Thomases stepped up to help them. Several neighbors have donated clothes and helped with other necessities.

The family says it could be up to nine months before they can rebuild. Their goal now is to keep going, and keep faith.

Were going day by day, trying to figure out whats next. When can we go to work? When can we go to school? Natasha said.

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The couple says neighbors have stepped up to help them find housing while they try and rebuild their own home. They have also started a GoFundMe if youd like to help.

(VIDEO: Veterans group donates big rig truck to Hurricane Helene relief efforts)
MOUNT VERNON, Va. (DC News Now)  Americas First Action Hero. Love, Arnold.

That was the message on the wreath that Arnold Schwarzenegger placed at the tomb of George Washington on July 4 when the former California governor visited Mount Vernon, home of the countrys first president.

Anold Schwarzenegger, actor and former California governor, places a wreath at the tomb of George Washington in Mount Vernon, Va. on July 4, 2025. (Mount Vernon Ladies Association)

Schwarzenegger was the keynote speaker at a naturalization ceremony in which more than 100 people from 95 countries took the oath to become citizens of the United States.

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Fans begin tailgating for Beyonce hours ahead of Northwest Stadium concert

The actor and former governor, who was born in Austria, took the oath in 1982.

The day I raised my right hand and became an American citizen was, without a doubt, one of the greatest days of my life, Schwarzenegger said. If you told me on that day that 43 years later I would be standing at Mount Vernon, the home of one of my heroes and a historic symbol of freedom and democracy, to welcome more new citizens, I would have been shocked. But thats the beauty of the United States of America: nothing is impossible.

Schwarzenegger added, I owe everything to this country, and I cant wait to share this moment with these new citizens to remind them of the limitless opportunity afforded by their new home. I hope they will feel the same debt of gratitude that Ive tried to repay throughout my whole life by giving back, being committed to our Constitution, and united by our shared values.

The action film star provided design input for the wreath. The flowers that were part of it included white yarrow and Austrian fir to represent Austria, white stock, red, and blue anemone, along with silver dollar eucalyptus to represent California, freedom red roses, dark and light blue delphinium, white hydrangea, and red hypericum berry to represent Mount Vernon.

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Teen clocked driving 85 mph over speed limit on Prince William Parkway, police say

Doug Bradburn, Mount Vernon President and CEO, read Washingtons Prayer for His Country.

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Police have seized drugs and made five arrests as part of an operation targeting county lines gangs.

Officers from North Yorkshire Police executed warrants at 36 properties in Scarborough, Selby, Richmond and Harrogate across a seven-day period.

Det Supt Fionna McEwan said while the county "remains one of the safest places in the country" gangs were still operating in the region.

Urging members of the public to report any suspicious activity, she said: "The information maybe the missing piece of the jigsaw that helps us to further protect our communities."

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County lines refers to the movement of drugs from usually bigger cities to small communities and often involves the exploitation of vulnerable people.

During the week of action, officers also made checks at homes where people may have been subjected to "cuckooing" - when a perpetrator takes over a person's home and uses the property for criminal activity.

Det Supt McEwan added: "I want to thank the fantastic partners we work with every day who help build intelligence, educate young people, protect those people who are being exploited, and target the offenders running these lines.

"It is the strength of the partnership that makes the difference."

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 4. As part of its ongoing commitment to modernizing its armed forces, Lithuania has strengthened its air defense capabilities with the recent delivery of GROM man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS), Trend reports.

According to information, this acquisition follows a contract signed in 2023 with Polish defense manufacturer MESKO S.A., valued at 28 million euros

The GROM system, manufactured in Poland, is designed to engage visually identified airborne targets emitting infrared radiation, including aircraft, helicopters, fighter jets, and remotely piloted aerial vehicles.

Equipped with a heat-seeking warhead, GROM missiles can lock onto targets before launch and neutralize them at altitudes of up to 3.5 kilometers and distances of up to 5.5 kilometers. These systems allow Lithuanian troops to engage airborne threats from various positions, standing, kneeling, from trenches, naval platforms, or even from slowly moving vehicles.

Known for its mobility and versatility, the GROM system is suitable for use by infantry units and for the protection of critical infrastructure against direct air attacks.

Lithuania remains firmly committed to the modernization of its armed forces, with a strategic focus on enhancing air defense, the Ministry of National Defense stated.

The addition of GROM systems represents another significant step in strengthening Lithuanias national security and deepening defense cooperation with NATO allies in the region.
A family farm play centre has been badly damaged in an arson attack, according to Humberside Fire and Rescue Service.

Four fire crews were called to a blaze in a building at the Pink Pig Farm, near Scunthorpe, on Thursday evening.

Owner Sally Jackson said the fire was "absolutely devastating" and had completely destroyed a covered play area.

No people or animals were hurt in the incident, Ms Jackson added.

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"We just saw a big plume of smoke come over at about 19:00 BST last night and obviously ran out there," Ms Jackson told BBC Radio Humberside.

"We have a building which is an undercover play, with lots of bales in it and ride-on tractors. It was very much on fire."

A spokesperson for the fire service said: "Firefighters first to arrive found a fire involving a barn containing approximately 30 hay bales, which had spread to a nearby grassed area.

"Due to the hot and dry conditions, the fire spread quickly."

Firefighters remained at the site until 22:00 damping down the area to prevent the fire restarting.

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"The incident has been labelled deliberate and has been handed over to the police. Fire investigation is ongoing into the cause," the spokesperson added.

Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.

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The Brief

University of Florida scientists are developing new technology using artificial intelligence (AI) to make assessing crop damage after hurricanes faster and easier.

Farmers will be able to get answers about their fields and crops by interacting with an AI assistant through a chat-based interface that will eventually work with smartphones and computers.

TAMPA - University of Florida scientists are developing new technology using artificial intelligence (AI) to make assessing crop damage after hurricanes faster and easier.

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Imagine youre a farmer, and, unfortunately, a hurricane has just come through: How do you assess crop damage? Right now, it might be through surveys, field visits, and drones.

But wouldnt it be easier, and faster, if you could just ask your phone or computer: What percentage of my field is damaged?

Thats the kind of technology scientists at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) are working on right now.

"The system is like ChatGPT combined with some maps," Nikos Tziolas, a faculty member at the UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, said.

Dig deeper

Known as the Gaia Bot, farmers interact with an AI assistant through a chat-based interface by typing in questions about their crops and fields.

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"We just ask if my crops look healthy," Tziolas explained while showing FOX 13 an example. "And in real time, (the AI system) generates this map."

OTHER NEWS: Higher rain chances for Bay Area on Thursday, more heavy rain possible for July 4th

Farmers type in simple questions and also respond when asked for more information about their fields and crops. Then the conversational AI system analyzes satellite imagery, weather information, and soil maps developed in UF labs before responding.

"The system automatically retrieves this data without any experience from the user," Tziolas added.

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By quickly generating maps and data for specific fields, this technology  which is funded by a USDA-National Institute of Food and Agriculture grant -- can help tell farmers which areas saw the most flooding and how their crops are looking before and after a storm.

What's next

UF/IFAS scientists expect this technology to be available to farmers at no cost later this hurricane season in the fall.

Agricultural losses can be costly after hurricanes.

UF estimates the state saw up to $640 million in agricultural damage during Milton.

The Source

FOX 13's Ariel Plasencia gathered the information for this story.
FALKVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  An Athens man who ran from the Falkville Police K-9 Unit was arrested after a short chase that happened on July 4.

After the short-lived chase ended, officers found the following items during a probable cause search:

A quantity of methamphetamine

Multiple drug paraphernalia items including, baggies for sale and Glass smoking pipes

Over $6,000

Two firearms

As a result, Benjamin Stinnett, 30, of Athens, was arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute and attempting to elude a police officer.

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He was transported to the Morgan County Jail and was granted a $12,000 bond by a Morgan County Circuit Judge.

This arrest is another reminder that illegal activity doesnt take a holiday, and neither do we. Great work by our officers in getting dangerous drugs and weapons off the streets. We remain committed to protecting our community, day in and day out. Happy 4th of July! Falkville Police Department

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
ATHENS, Ala. (WHNT)  Athens State University has some exciting events coming up in the month of July.

The University will be celebrating Homecoming at the Sandridge Student Center Ballroom & Annex on Friday, July 25 from 5 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

We invite you to visit and reconnect with former classmates, faculty, and friends. We are extremely proud of your accomplishments, and we are honored to have played a role in your success, said Athens State University.

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Tickets are free, but registration is required for catering purposes.

You can RSVP for the event here.

On Saturday, July 26, Athens State University, is hosting its Summer Commencement in the Carter Physical Education Center  Gymnasium at 10 a.m.

In addition to diploma documents, a digital version of diplomas will also be provided. A students major or minor does not appear on the diploma but is listed on the students academic transcript. For Summer 2025 graduates, diplomas will be mailed by August 22, 2025.

If your not able to attend in person, you can stream the ceremony live here.

For more information, contact the Office of Academic Affairs at (256)-233-8103.

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OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  A standoff on the citys northwest side Thursday morning had Oklahoma City police working to take a suspect into custody who refused to get out of his car.

I thought it sounded like maybe somebody like slammed a door and on the house, but I knew there was nobody in the house, neighbor Billi Warwick said. So, I just blew it off. But then thats whenever we heard all the commotion.

That commotion was due to a big police presence at a home near NW 63rd Street and MacArthur Boulevard. However, thats only part of this story.

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Three arrested in human trafficking investigation

It was about 7:55 this morning when police received a call of a man firing a gun, Msgt. Gary Knight with the Oklahoma City Police Dept. said. This was around the area of Northwest 16th and Purdue.

About 4 miles down the road, Oklahoma City police said a man confronted some people he knew that were working with a lawn crew in the area.

This area is not that bad, so I would never really expect that to happen here, neighbor Moises Nunez said.

Standoff comes to end in NW OKC with one arrested, Image KFOR

Pistol-whipped one of the guys, as the victims were trying to flee, he actually fired shots, Knight said.

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The man has been identified by police as 40-year-old Tony Ramos.

Police dont know if Ramos fired at them or in the air, but from there, he hopped in a car to get away and took one of the lawn crew workers with him. They ended up at the suspects home near NW 63rd Street and MacArthur Boulevard.

That person in the car with him jumped out and got out of the car, but the suspect refused to get out of his vehicle, Knight said.

All of it happened just one street over from Warwick.

So, if theyre there in their house that they try to escape. our backyards right here, she said. So its nervous, you know.

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Oklahoma City mother charged with murder in infant sons death

Ultimately, a tactical team deployed gas into the car and even had to use a taser, but they got the suspect out and took him into custody. It brought an end to something someone like Warwick thought theyd never see.

I feel safe in this neighborhood. Its pretty quiet. Theres not a lot of problems going on. Thats why this was kind of shocking, she said.

Ramos only suffered minor injuries, and no one else was hurt.

Neighbors say they will be more aware of their surroundings from now on.

Probably try to be a little more safe after that, be a little more protective and watch who you talk to, Nunez said.

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Ramos now faces complaints of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, shooting with intent to kill, and pointing a firearm.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
NEW ORLEANS, La. (KLFY)  A child sexual abuse survivor in New Orleans, John Lousteau, became the first to be awarded damages after the Louisiana Supreme Court upheld a law allowing survivors to file a lawsuit no matter how long ago the alleged abuse occurred.

This comes after a previous 2021 law from the Louisiana Legislature, Act 322, which gave survivors a three-year window until June 2024 to file civil lawsuits for damages of alleged childhood sexual abuse that occurred after 1993. However, the Louisiana Legislature amended Act 322 with Act 386 in 2022, which states all victims of childhood sexual abuse could seek justice regardless of when the said abuse occurred.

On June 25, a jury in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana returned a verdict in the amount of $2.375 million for Lamothe Law Firm client, 68-year-old John Lousteau. The case, Lousteau v. Congregation of Holy Cross Moreau Province, alleges a member of the Congregation of Holy Cross School in New Orleans sexually assaulted Lousteau during a summer camp in the late 1960s.

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The decision marks a significant victory for Lousteau, who was brought long-awaited closure to the matter after first coming forward in 2019. Lousteaus attorney, Kristi Schubert, with the Lamothe Law Firm, said getting justice for Lousteau was nothing short but powerful.

Louisiana Bureau of Investigation arrests two men in separate child porn cases

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Someone like Mr. Lousteau after everything hes been through and how hard hes had to fight, said Schubert. It was just a wonderful feeling to see him get a good outcome in this case and a fair and just outcome, said Schubert.

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Schubert spoke about how Lousteau first came forward in 2019, but due to the way Louisianas laws were written, it was too late for Lousteau to file a lawsuit.

New Iberia man charged with possession of child porn under 13

His time limit had expired when he was twelve years old, which is the whole reason the legislature passed this new lookback window law because they recognized that expecting a 12-year-old to file a lawsuit based on the sexual abuse they endured is just not going to happen, said Schubert.

Despite this, Schubert urges other people who have experienced sexual abuse to speak out against what they endured.

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To me its just such an incredible honor and I hope that other survivors who are out there know that there are people who, if theyre ready and able to, there are people who want to hear their story and want to help them find justice, said Schubert.

Under Louisiana Act 386, all adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse will now have an extended window until June 2027 to file civil sex abuse lawsuits under the lookback law.

Latest news

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com.
SYDNEY (Reuters) -Australia will likely still be subjected to the 10% tariff rate on all exports to U.S. but the government will continue to try and negotiate for an exemption, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Friday.

A 90-day pause in the U.S. "reciprocal" tariffs are set to expire early next week, with President Donald Trump threatening to send letters to countries laying out the tariff rates they will face on U.S. imports.

When asked if Australia will stay on the 10% baseline tariff rate after July 9 during an event in Sydney, Albanese said, "I assume that will be the case." The U.S. tariff deadline of July 9 is not expected to affect Australia, he added.

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"We are in a position where on July 9 that won't really have an impact on us because that's about other countries who have higher rates," said Albanese.

"No country has a better tariff level than 10%. Now we will continue to put our case as we do."

Albanese's scheduled meeting with Trump on the sidelines of the G7 was cancelled last month when Trump left the summit early due to tensions between Israel and Iran.

The government is still trying to get a meeting with Trump, and Albanese said on Friday there would be many opportunities to meet at various forums between now and the end of the year.

(Reporting by Stella Qiu; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)
KERR COUNTY, Texas (KETK) Several people have died in Kerr County due to the immense flooding that occurred on Friday morning, according to the Kerr County Sheriffs Office.

The department confirmed several fatalities did occur but stated they will not release any further information until the next of kin has been notified. The Associated Press reported that at least 13 people have died in the floods and that 20 girls attending Camp Mystic in Kerr County are unaccounted for.

At least 13 dead in Texas floods and more than 20 children missing from a girls summer camp

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This is a catastrophic flooding event in Kerr County. We can confirm fatalities but will not release further information until next of kin are notified, Kerr County Sheriffs Office said.

Local officials are working with a wide variety of local and state agencies to respond to calls and rescues.

The entire county is an extremely active scene. Residents are encouraged to shelter in place and not attempt travel. Those near creeks, streams, and the Guadalupe River should immediately move to higher ground, the Kerr County Sheriffs Office said.

A reunification center was set up at Ingram Elementary School, located at 125 Brave Run W, Ingram, TX 78025. Authorities currently do not have an estimate of the number of homes or businesses affected.

Courtesy of the City of Kerrville

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Due to the severe flooding, the Kerrville Mayor issued a Declaration of Disaster earlier this morning. Additionally, the National Weather Service has issued multiple Flash Flood Warnings, with a Flash Flood Emergency declared early Friday morning.

Governor Abbott issued a statement regarding the flooding, stating resources have been sent to Kerrville and urging residents to take proper precautions.

Rep. Moran believes passing of One Big, Beautiful Bill will positively impact East Texas families

The State of Texas today has mobilized additional resources in addition to the resources sent in preparation for the storms, Abbott said. I urge Texans to heed guidance from state and local officials and monitor local forecasts to avoid driving into flooded areas.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.




NEED TO KNOW

Authorities rescued an 8-year-old child who was unable to speak, according to Thai outlets

He was found living with relatives who abused drugs and a handful of dogs

His level of education is unclear, but he did not appear to be regularly attending school when he was saved on Monday, June 30





An 8-year-old boy is recovering after authorities rescued him from an unsafe living environment, in which he was surrounded by a handful of dogs and found unable to speak.

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An English version of Khaosod, a Thai newspaper, reported officials rescued the child, publicly identified only as "A," from Thailand's Uttaradit province on Monday, June 30.

He had been living in a ramshackle wooden home with his 46-year-old mother and 23-year-old brother, who both struggled with drug addiction, along with six dogs, according to the outlet.

He didnt speak, he just barked, said Pawina Hongsakul, president of the Pawina Hongsakul Foundation for Children and Women, a group that helped with the rescue, per The Thaiger. It was pitiful to see.

Authorities launched the rescue operation in response to a report from a local school principal, according to Khaosod. He is now being cared for at the Uttaradit Children's Home, and his relatives are facing charges related to drug use.

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There are conflicting reports about his level of education, but he did not appear to be regularly attending school at the time officials saved him.

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The boy will be given a chance at a good life, said Hongsakul, per The Thaiger. Well follow up with him to make sure he gets everything he needs.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

Read the original article on People
(QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A North Carolina TikTok influencer is warning fellow travelers about a mistake that nearly cost her hundreds of dollars, all because of an apple in her bag. Chief Transportation Correspondent and pilot Maycay Beeler explains what happened, the penalties she narrowly avoided, and what every traveler needs to know about declaring food and agricultural products when flying internationally.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 4. On Tuesday, July 3, representatives from the Ministry of Economics, leadership of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), and regional coordinators met at LIAAs Jelgava office to review the performance and strategic role of LIAAs regional offices, Trend reports.

The meeting delineated critical focal points for forthcoming operational endeavors.



During the event, Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis underscored the pivotal function that regional representatives fulfill in the effective execution of LIAAs current reform initiatives.

The active work of regional representatives is essential for LIAAs transformation. Regional business development is the foundation of a sustainable economy. Our goal is to ensure that every company in Latviaregardless of locationreceives the support it needs to grow, export, and attract investment, Valainis stated.

LIAAs regional offices have taken on a more proactive role in working with both existing businesses and potential investors, implementing initiatives that enhance the environment for entrepreneurship, innovation, exports, and investment in cooperation with regional and industry partners.

This year, the role of LIAAs regional offices has grown significantly. Since March, weve held over 320 meetings with both foreign and domestic companies to identify investment opportunities, understand business needs, and provide tailored support. Our goal is to be present, work closely with municipalities, and support sustainable investment attraction in the regions, said LIAA Director Ieva Jagere.

From March to July, LIAA conducted 321 meetings with companies generating at least 1 million euros in annual turnover and with export potential243 of them in Latvian regions and 49 in Riga. These engagements helped identify business needs and collaboration opportunities aligned with state support programs. Notably, 43 meetings were dedicated to post-investment service for existing investors.

Furthermore, 42 municipalities have met with LIAA representatives to discuss their integration into local development plans and investment attraction strategies.

In April, LIAAs Jelgava office became home to the first permanent regional representation of the Ministry of Economics, reinforcing state presence and enabling closer cooperation with regional businesses and investors. The office now serves as a platform for long-term public-private collaboration in the Zemgale region.

The meeting also included preparation discussions for one of the years major international investment and export missionsa state visit to Germany from September 24 to 26, led by Prime Minister Evika Silina and Economics Minister Viktors Valainis. Latvian entrepreneurs are invited to participate, with registration open until July 16 via business.gov.lv. The mission will promote cooperation with companies in Hamburg and Rostock, key regions in ICT, defense, biotech, and smart energy.

Participation in such international visits is supported by the EU co-funded Innovative Entrepreneurship Development Program for SMEs, through the European Regional Development Fund and state funding.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has paid tribute to 30 police officers posthumously awarded the Elizabeth Emblem.

The award, named after the late Queen, recognises public servants, such as police and firefighters, who died in the line of duty.

Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) officers and PSNI officers are among 100 people people being posthumously recognised across the UK on Friday.

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Among the recipients are Constable Philippa Reynolds who died in 2013 aged 27 when a stolen car crashed into a police vehicle in Londonderry.

The first RUC officer killed in the Republic of Ireland during the Troubles was also recognised.

Constable John Doherty, a 31-year-old, Catholic man who was part of the Criminal Investigation Branch team based in Omagh, County Tyrone, was shot by the IRA while visiting his widowed mother at their family home in Lifford, County Donegal in 1973.

Reserve constable Margaret Cherry Campbell, one of the few women on the list, died in 1975 aged 24 after being struck by a speeding car as she assisted other officers at the scene of a road accident on the main Londonderry to Limavady road.

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Fellow reserve constable Robert Struthers died a few years later in 1978 when two armed men entered the shop where he was working in Londonderry and shot him.

Jon Boutcher said the officers' sacrifice and the grief carried by their families must never be forgotten [PA Media]

It is the second such list since the award was announced last year and the first to include recipients from Northern Ireland.

"Their sacrifice and the enduring grief carried by their families must never be forgotten," Mr Boutcher said.

"The Elizabeth Emblem is a poignant and powerful symbol of national gratitude  a recognition not only of the officers' ultimate sacrifice, but also of the pain their loved ones have been left behind to process and carry.

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"Today, I stand with our police families who have lost a loved one  the Elizabeth Emblem serves as a lasting memory of their bravery.

"Many of our fallen colleagues included on the list lost their lives during the Troubles in Northern Ireland  a painful and turbulent chapter in our history.

"We will honour their memory, and I stand alongside their families in quiet reflection, pride and sorrow."

What is the Elizabeth Emblem?

The Elizabeth Emblem recognises public servants, such as police and firefighters, who died in the line of duty. [PA Media]

The Elizabeth Emblem is the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross, which recognises members of the armed forces who died in action or as a result of a terror attack.

The design of the emblem includes a rosemary wreath - a symbol of remembrance - around the Tudor Crown, which King Charles adopted when he took the throne.

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It is inscribed with the words "For A Life Given In Service" and has the name of the person it commemorates on the reverse.

The commemorative emblem is based on a nomination system where members of the public can submit an application for someone who they believe should be recognised after losing their lives undertaking public service.
US President Donald Trump has said that the US wants to help Ukraine with air defence due to the escalation of Russian attacks. Trump made the remark during a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday 4 July.

Source: Axios, citing two informed sources, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Sources told Axios that the Zelenskyy-Trump phone call lasted about 40 minutes and was devoted mainly to Ukraines air defence needs.

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One source said the US president was aware of the recent escalation by Russia, particularly airstrikes on Ukrainian cities and on the front line.

"Trump said he wants to help with air defence and that he will check what was put on hold if anything," the source said.

A Ukrainian source reports that Trump and Zelenskyy agreed that representatives of the United States and Ukraine will soon meet to discuss the supply of air defence equipment and other weapons.

Background:

Zelenskyy previously reported that he and Trump had discussed the situation at the front, the supply of air defence equipment and joint defence production.

On 3 July, Trump spoke with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. After the conversation, Trump admitted that he had not made progress regarding the war in Ukraine and expressed his disappointment.

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The Bahai faith  a small but global religion with an interfaith credo  fits comfortably into the religious spectrum of most countries. In several Middle East nations, however, Bahai followers face repression that is drawing criticism from human rights groups.

The abuse is most evident in Iran, which bans the faith and has been widely accused of persecuting its adherents, human rights advocates say. They also report systemic discrimination in Yemen, Qatar and Egypt.

Iran has been a driving force in the spread of anti-Bahai repression in countries where it holds influence, advocates say  a plan first made public in a leaked 1991 government document. These include Yemen, where Iran backs Houthi rebels who control much of the country, and Qatar, where links include co-ownership of the worlds largest natural gas field.

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The sheer arsenal the Iranian government has expended to crush the Bahais in every avenue of life has been astronomical, said Nazila Ghanea, an Oxford University law professor and U.N. Special Rapporteur on religious freedom.

It has also extended its reach, time and again, beyond the border of Iran, she said.

Anti-Bahai discrimination includes forced deportations and family separations, as well as denial of marriage licenses, public school enrollment and access to burial grounds.

In Qatar, the leader of the small Bahai community has been detained since April. Remy Rowhani, 71, went on trial last month, charged with promoting the ideology of a deviant sect on the countrys Bahai social media account.

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A far-flung faith

The Bahai faith was founded in the 1860s by Bahaullah, a Persian nobleman considered a prophet by his followers. He taught that all religions represent progressive stages in the revelation of Gods will, leading to the unity of all people and faiths.

There are no Bahai clergy. Communities are organized through elected local spiritual assemblies.

From the faiths earliest days, it was denounced by Shiite Muslim clerics in what is now Iran; they considered followers apostates. That repression continued after Irans 1979 Islamic Revolution, when many Bahai followers were executed or went missing.

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There are less than 8 million believers worldwide, with the largest number in India. The faith is present in most countries.

Michael Page of Human Rights Watch described Iran as a guiding animus against Bahais because it perceived them as antithetical to the regimes own interpretation of Shia Islam.

This is an authoritarian government that brutally cracks down on people who dont agree with it, Page told The Associated Press. The hate speech directed at them is so at odds with the Bahai faith tradition, it would feel laughable if the consequences werent so serious.

Not all Muslim countries are hostile. Saba Haddad, the Bahai International Communitys representative to the U.N. in Geneva, cited Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Tunisia as welcoming.

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We are the measure of tolerance  for any government, any country, she said. We dont have any political stance, we dont interfere with politics, we dont have a Bahai country. Its truly about ... tolerance and acceptance.

Bahai leader faces Qatar trial

Rowhani has been detained since April 28 in what Human Rights Watch denounces as a violation of religious freedom reflecting long-running discrimination against Bahai believers. He faces up to three years in prison. His trial is recessed until Aug. 6.

Rowhanis daughter, Noora Rowhani, who lives in Australia with her husband and 9-year-old daughter, said she hasnt been able to speak to her father since a brief call before his arrest.

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As for why Qatar is doing this, I ask myself that every day, she told AP. A country that brands itself as a leader on the world stage, hosting global conferences and sporting events, cannot justify the quiet targeting of its citizens  just because they belong to a different faith.

Qatars International Media Office didn't respond to an AP email seeking comment about Rowhanis case or accusations of systemic abuse of Bahai followers.

Rowhani  former head of Qatar's Chamber of Commerce  was jailed twice before, accused of offenses like routine fundraising related to his leadership of Qatar's Baha'i National Assembly. The latest charge involves the sects X account, which contains posts about Qatari holidays and Bahai writings.

These new charges highlight the lengths to which the authorities in Qatar are prepared to go to erase the Bahais from their country, said lawyers Helena Kennedy and Steven Powles of Doughty Street Chambers law firm  founded by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer  which is assisting in Rowhanis defense.

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Bias in Egypt and Yemen

Since 1960, Egypts government has denied legal recognition to its small Bahai community.

This includes denying marriage licenses and birth certificates, barring children from public schools and restricting where Bahai families can bury their dead.

The Bahai International Community issued a statement in November decrying intensification of the persecution.

Egypts Foreign Ministry didn't respond to AP queries about the accusations.

In Yemen, 100-plus Bahai followers have been detained by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, according to Amnesty International. Keyvan Ghaderi, 52, was imprisoned for four years on charges including spying for the U.S. and Israel. He was released in 2020 and deported without being allowed to see his wife and children.

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Eventually, Ghaderi was granted a humanitarian visa to the U.S. He lives with his family in Salt Lake City.

Ghaderi attributed the Houthis animosity to fear of change.

They had this fear that wed change ideas in Yemen, in the middle of civil war ... that we might change the narrative of young generations going to war, he 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.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A judge increased bail Wednesday to $2.5 million for the Las Vegas man accused of driving to Colorado and kidnapping a 14-year-old girl, records said.

Clark County Chief Judge Jerry Wiese increased bail for Cameron Scruggs, 25, from $150,000 during a grand jury return hearing. A Clark County grand jury voted to indict Scruggs on charges of first-degree kidnapping of a minor and statutory sexual seduction, records said.

Police arrested Cameron Scruggs on Wednesday, June 25. He is accused of kidnapping the teenager from Aurora, Colorado, on June 17, sparking a search for her across western states that involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI.

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After his arrest, a Las Vegas Justice Court judge set the lower bail amount. During the hearing, Scruggs attorney noted his client has no criminal history.

The FBI and Las Vegas Metro police found Scruggs and the teenager in a northwest valley apartment the day of his arrest, police said.

The teenager, who was 13 when she began talking online with Scruggs and 14 at the time of his arrest, talked with older men on sites including Discord and Reddit, officials said.

The girl told police she met Scruggs online and talked about life with each other, documents said. Scruggs brought the teenager to a motel and later drove her with his girlfriend to Las Vegas.

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This defendant drove to Colorado to pick her up from there and bring her to Las Vegas and have sex with her, Clark County Chief Deputy District Attorney Richard Scow said during a court hearing last week.

The teenager said she was living in Scruggs  apartment on a mattress on the floor, documents said. During the week, Scruggs sexually assaulted the teenager, police said. Scruggs initially denied touching the girl but later said he might have had sex with her when trying to keep her emotionally stable, police said.

Scruggs was due to appear in district court on Monday.

In Nevada, the age of consent is 16. However, different statutes involve different sex-related crimes and generally use sexual assault over rape.

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Baltimore City Council President Zeke Cohen holds a bag of postcards he said were written by city residents complaining of high energy bills during a news conference Thursday. (Photo by Christine Condon/Maryland Matters)

The Maryland General Assembly spent countless hours on energy reform this session, and emerged with a package of bills aimed at lowering customer costs.

But bills are still rising  and not only because of summer heatwaves  and a group of Baltimore policymakers and advocates called for more to be done Thursday.

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The group, led by Baltimore City Council President Zeke Cohen, gathered outside Baltimore Gas & Electric headquarters and pressed the Maryland Public Service Commission to bring an end to multiyear rate cases, which let utilities apply for several years of rate increases at a time. The plans have delivered record profits to Exelon shareholders at the expense of hard-working Baltimoreans, Cohen said, referencing BGEs parent company.

Del. Elizabeth Embry (D-Baltimore City) said the Next Generation Energy Act, passed this year, gave regulators the tools to address multiyear rate plans and excessive natural gas infrastructure replacements, which she called major contributors to higher bills. The act lets the PSC approve multiyear rate plans only if the utility demonstrates the customer benefits of the investment.

We are now here asking for those tools to be implemented and for the spirit of that legislation to be respected, Embry said.

A BGE spokesperson pushed back against the notion that multiyear plans were harming customers.

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All of the work we do, we do to benefit customers  full stop, said BGEs Nick Alexopulos.

Under the law, a utility that does get multiyear approval is locked in to that rate; it cannot go back later and try to recoup any additional unexpected costs from ratepayers.

The PSC, for its part, is still evaluating the law, which only took effect June 1, and determining how to alter its procedures on multiyear ratemaking, Commission Chairman Fred Hoover said.

Baltimore City Council President Zeke Cohen tries to deliver ratepayer postcards to BGE Thursday. The bag was turned away for security reasons.(Photo by Christine Condon/Maryland Matters)

Does it make sense to continue this? Does it make sense to continue it, but change it in some way? Or does it just not work? Hoover said in an interview Thursday.

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Before making a decision, the commission is likely to ask all affected parties  including utilities and the Office of Peoples Counsel, which represents ratepayers  how they believe the language from the law should be applied, Hoover said.

Alexopulos, argued that Maryland is not an outlier among U.S. states because it allows multiyear rate cases, but said the process is fairly new to Maryland.

BGE filed its first multiyear plan in 2020, Alexopulos said. The process allows BGE to consult the PSC, and all other stakeholders, before it incurs costs  and ask for higher rates. Before that, BGE went to the PSC to ask for higher rates after incurring the costs, Alexopulos said.

So, the multiyear plan the process itself adds transparency that didnt exist before. And you know what the rates are going to be three years into the future, he said.

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In addition to ending multiyear plans, the group also called on BGE to cancel its 2026 rate distribution increase.

Were looking at folks who are deciding between groceries, rent or gas and electricity, Cohen said. And so, it is not a sustainable situation.

Alexopulos argues that those increases fund critical upgrades to the system, which promote safe and reliable service. And Hoover said Thursday that the commission cant intervene to reject that increase.

We cant go back and sort of adjust the rates in a retroactive manner, Hoover said. What we can do is say: Well, in the future, you have to make this adjustment in what youre charging.

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Cohen attempted to deliver a bag of postcards Thursday that he said were from Baltimore ratepayers calling for BGE to end multiyear rate plans amid high bills. But a BGE employee who met him at the door declined the bag, citing security protocols. Alexopulous criticized Cohen for rejecting a meeting with BGEs new CEO, Tamla Olivier.

He declined, and instead decided to have a performative press conference about this issue rather than engaging in real conversation, Alexopulos said of Cohen.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

Cohen said he declined the meeting because he felt it would not be productive unless BGE produced a plan for ratepayer relief.

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I dont do meetings for meetings sake, he said. I want to see action from this company.

At the PSC, just a few blocks from BGEs downtown Baltimore building, Cohen received a warmer reception. Hoover accepted the bag, and highlighted the commissions previous orders focused on lowering costs to ratepayers.

In late May, the commission ordered BGE to spread out an upcoming rate increase, caused in part by a historically costly electricity auction at PJM, which runs the electric grid for Maryland and about a dozen other states. The commissions decision will lessen the impact higher prices this summer  when bills will increase due to high temperatures  and push it into the fall.

The PSC is also in charge of determining how utilities will dole out $200 million in state-funded customer rebates beginning later this summer. In June, Exelon announced $19 million in additional relief for low- and middle-income households, with $15 million going to BGE customers.

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Most recently, the PSC changed the rules on extensions of the natural gas system, ordering that customers who request extensions must pay the cost themselves. That way, the rest of the customer base isnt paying for extensions of a system that could eventually be phased out amid concerns about fossil fuel use and climate change.

It was a concern long voiced by consumer advocates. Hoover said it came down to a basic principle of rate-making.

The economic principles say that the people that cause the cost are the ones that should bear it. And so thats what weve applied in this situation, he said.

Hoover said that wont be the only order issued amid the commissions Future of Gas proceeding. More could be coming in the weeks ahead, he added.
Happy Birthday, America!

Today, you turn 249 and, honestly, you dont look a day over 248. (Ha ha.)

Seriously, its perfectly understandable why theres more gray on your scalp and deeper worry lines on your face. This last year has been challenging, to say the least.

A convicted felon and adjudicated sex abuser was elected president  history made!  and ever since has worked tirelessly and diligently to establish himself as the nation's first monarch, and a fabulously remunerated one at that.

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Federal troops are occupying the nations second-largest city, over the objection of the states leaders, as masked agents scoop people off the streets of Southern California for the temerity of venturing out with brown skin and an accent.

Our social safety net is being shredded, the country is pulling back from its international leadership in the arts and science, and weve squandered our global standing as a beacon of hope and compassion.

But that's not all.

Read more: Barabak: By stooping to conquer, Sacramento Democrats show their pettiness and arrogance

Political violence is becoming about as familiar and normalized as schoolyard shootings. In roughly the last 12 months weve witnessed two attempts on Trump's life and the assassination of a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband.

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Medicaid, the program that serves millions of the needy, elderly and disabled, is on the chopping block. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, which helps Americans weather the worst times after natural disaster, has been drastically depleted just as we're heading into the fire and hurricane seasons.

As for the loyal opposition, Democrats are in bad odor with voters and even many of their own partisans after Joe Biden's handlers gaslighted the public on the frailty and declining faculties of the octogenarian president.

Only after a cataclysmically bad debate performance, which revealed his infirmities for all to see, did Biden grudgingly stand aside in favor of his anointed successor, Vice President Kamala Harris.

Once more, Democrats are wandering the wilderness, wearing a familiar groove in their desolate pathway as they debate  again  whether to veer left or hug the center.

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That's quite the catalog.

But no one ever said this representative democracy thing was going to be easy, or endlessly uplifting.

America, you're a big, boisterous nation of more than 342 million people, with all sorts of competing impulses and interests, and no end of certitude to go around.

In our last presidential election, we split nearly evenly, with Trump squeaking past Harris in the popular vote 49.8% to 48.3%. It was one of the narrowest margins of victory in the last century, though you wouldn't know it from Trump's radical actions and the servility of the Republican-run Congress.

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But our differences are more profound than the now-familiar gulf between red and blue America.

In a recently completed deep dive on the state of our democracy, researchers at UC Berkeley found an almost even divide over how to measure our political system's success.

Slightly more than half of those surveyed said a successful democracy is one that's adaptable and has the capacity for change, while nearly half said success stems from adherence to long-standing principles.

With that kind of stark disagreement on such a fundamental question, is it any wonder we struggle to find consensus on so much else?

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But, heck, if it's any consolation on this star-spangled holiday, the country has been through worse. Much worse. And you, America, have not only survived but also in many ways grown stronger by facing down your flaws and overcoming some knee-buckling challenges.

Slavery. Civil war. Racist exclusionary laws. Two worldwide conflicts. Depression. Financial crises. And too many deadly natural disasters  floods, fires, earthquakes, hurricanes  to possibly count.

Your treatment of some Americans, it should be said, hasn't always been fair and just.

People are despairing over the Supreme Court and its deference to the president. But it's worth noting that earlier court majorities held that Black Americans  "beings of an inferior order," in the words of the notorious Dred Scott decision  could be denied citizenship, that racial segregation was constitutional and that compulsory sterilization based on eugenics was perfectly legal.

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That sordid history won't necessarily make anyone feel better about the current state of affairs, nor should it. But it does give some perspective.

Read more: Barabak: Newsom stood tall against Trump. Does that make him presidential timber?

All of that said, today's a day to celebrate the good things and the bright, shining place you aspire to be, with liberty and justice for all. So, chin up, America! Have another slice of birthday cake, and don't worry about the calories  you really do look terrific for 249!

Meantime, it's up to us, your citizens, to keep working toward that more perfect union. Whatever ails you, America, the remedy resides with we the people and the power we hold, particularly at the ballot box. Unhappy with the wrecking crew that's chain-sawing federal programs and allowing Trump to blowtorch the Constitution and rule of law? Vote 'em out, starting with the 2026 midterm election.

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Don't give up hope or the belief that, as dark and difficult as things seem right now, better days lie ahead.

That abiding faith is what makes America great.

Get the latest from Mark Z. Barabak

Focusing on politics out West, from the Golden Gate to the U.S. Capitol.

Sign me up.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  The Baton Rouge Police Department has arrested a second suspect in connection with a shooting that occurred on Town South Avenue on April 12.

Jesse Harris Jr., 22, was booked on July 2 and faces charges of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated criminal damage to property, and illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities.

Officers responded to the 7300 block of Town South Avenue, where two victims had been shot at. One victim suffered a gunshot wound to the leg and a graze wound to the head.

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Teen arrested in connection with deadly shooting in Baton Rouge

According to an affidavit, surveillance footage captured Harris at the scene before and during the shooting, as well as fleeing behind a nearby business immediately afterward. Still images from the footage were shared through Crime Stoppers, and tips from the public confirmed his identity.

The first suspect, 17-year-old Cardan Lee, was arrested in May and faces the same charges.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Smoke Bayou is turning up the heat this 4th of July with the traditional barbeque, but also bringing new food items to the holiday menu.

The popular restaurant is offering a barbeque meat pizza, an ultimate nacho platter, wings, homemade boudin balls, and more. Calvin Collier, the owner of Smoke Bayou, said hes serving up something everyone in the family can enjoy.

As the business continues to grow, Collier said hes focused on giving back to his community. Hes hosting a back-to-school drive on Aug. 3.

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Fourth of July: Events with music, parades, fireworks shows in, near Baton Rouge

Were filling up a bus. Were looking for sponsorswell have guys cutting hair, said Collier.

Donations for the school supply drive can be dropped off at the restaurant. Theyre open Tuesday through Sunday. A 10% discount will be given for those who participate.

Smoke Bayou is located at 10655 Coursey Blvd. For a list of hours and their full menu, check out their Facebook page.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
For months, more than a dozen Hill Republicans have been sounding the alarm about the steep Medicaid cuts in President Donald Trumps sprawling agenda package, which is now just hours away from becoming law.

North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis called cuts to Medicaid inescapable. Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley called Republicans targeting of Medicaid a mistake. Nebraska Rep. Don Bacon, who once declared he wouldnt support anything with over $500 billion in cuts, said he reluctantly supported the Senates nearly $1 trillion in cuts because of other tax breaks in the bill.

Now, Democrats are turning those precise GOP warnings into the centerpiece of their strategy to seize control of Congress in the midterms next November.

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Its 2018 all over again, said Rep. Jared Golden of Maine, a Democrat who holds one of his partys toughest, most Trump-friendly swing seats.

Im not gonna predict the future but I think today was a pretty bad vote for them, Golden told CNN, adding that he did not consider voting for the GOP bill, despite billions for border security and military funding. I would never vote for these Medicaid cuts. Never.

Recent polling so far shows Republicans have a tough sales job ahead of them, with 53 percent of voters opposing the bill in a Quinnipiac University poll from June. But the GOP plans to hit back, armed with their own argument that Democrats stood in the way of broadly popular tax breaks for many Americans, billions more for border security and additional support for American troops. They argue that Democrats are vastly exaggerating the cuts to Medicaid, most of which come from work requirements largely targeted at able-bodied adults without dependents who dont work or attend school 80 hours a month.

Speaker Mike Johnson described the bill as the most comprehensive, complicated piece of legislation in recent memory, and arguably in the top two or three in the history of the Congress. Trump praised the legislation at an event in Iowa on Thursday and suggested using Democrats opposition to it on the campaign trail.

Republican members of Congress reach to shake hands with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, after Johnson signed the bill. - Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP

New York Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis offered an emphatic defense of the legislation while calling Democratic critics liars and accusing them of fearmongering. And she argued for the new Medicaid work requirements by saying, Nobody loses benefits if they choose.

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But Democrats insist they have a far more potent message.

We will look back on election night last November, on what just happened this week, culminating with this vote today, as the beginning of the House majority for Democrats, Rep. Brendan Boyle of Pennsylvania told CNN.

Theres nothing more effective than a member of Congress saying things in their own words about how bad this bill is, added California Rep. Ami Bera, who is heavily involved in the Democrats campaign operation.

He pointed to Republicans like Rep. David Valadao, whose rural California district is heavily reliant on state and government aid. Roughly two-thirds of people in his district get their health insurance from Medicaid. This is really a bad vote for David, Bera said.

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The bill cuts nearly $1 trillion over a decade from Medicaid, which has seen its costs balloon since an Obama-era expansion of that program across 40 states. Roughly 12 million people could lose health insurance by 2034 because of the changes to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act under the bill, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Some of the starkest impacts wont be felt for years, and the bills work requirements wont take effect until the end of 2026.

Protesters are seen outside the US Capitol building as the House held a procedural vote on the bill, early Thursday morning. - Francis Chung/Politico/AP

Democrats already pummeling battleground Republicans with ads

Ahead of its final passage, the big, beautiful bill was already the subject of an intense lobbying campaign, with more than $35 million spent on advertisements in June in an attempt to sway members and their constituents.

Those ad wars are continuing, as outside groups and dark money networks on both sides prepare large advertising campaigns for the coming weeks and months in a race to define the sprawling legislation.

After this vote, every time you wait longer at a doctors office or get a higher utility bill in the mail, its gonna have a brought to you by MAGA disclaimer to go along with it, said Jesse Ferguson, a Democratic strategist who has worked on House races.

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A collection of Democratic outside groups  including Save My Care, Protect Our Jobs, Unrig Our Economy and others  are set to spend several million dollars between the beginning of July and the end of the year, according to data from the ad tracking firm AdImpact, targeting about a dozen key seats. Many were on the air throughout June and have continued launching new attack spots amid the legislative wrangling this week.

Demonstrating the reactive posture, Unrig Our Economy launched a new spot following Thursdays vote, targeting GOP Rep. Juan Ciscomani, from Arizonas competitive 6th Congressional District, linking criticism of his vote to the July 4 holiday deadline.

While Americans are celebrating our country with family, friends, and fireworks, Republicans in Congress just passed the largest cut to Medicaid in history, the ad says, singling out Ciscomani.

House Majority Forward, a nonprofit affiliated with House Democratic leadership, is creating ads to hit multiple vulnerable Republicans later this month, including Reps. Scott Perry in central Pennsylvania, Tom Barrett in southern Michigan and Derrick Van Orden in western Wisconsin, according to a person familiar with the plans.

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A spokesperson for the organization, CJ Warnke, said in a statement that Democrats will use their own words against them in our ads next year, and we will take back the House in 2026.

Van Orden, for his part, shrugged off any analysis predicting that millions of people would lose coverage because he doesnt trust the Congressional Budget Office.

The state of Wisconsin is going to get an additional billion dollars a year for our healthcare system. Thats why Im not worried about any of the junk youre talking about with reelection, Van Orden said, adding that hes also getting $500 million for rural healthcare infrastructure.

Democrats still have work to do to win the messaging battle against Trumps legislative agenda. Polling conducted on behalf of House Democrats last month showed that few battleground voters knew much about the GOPs massive tax and spending cuts package, which initially passed the House in May, according to PowerPoint slides of the data presented to members, obtained by CNN.

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In a private meeting to discuss the 2026 midterms, House Democrats brought in an outside pollster who presented internal Democratic polling that showed few voters said they had heard a lot about the bill, while larger shares said they had heard a little or not at all.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries speaks to reporters after speaking for 8 hours and 45 minutes during the House's debate on the bill. - Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Some Democrats saw the data as a warning sign that their party is struggling to land political hits against the bill.

Dont allow Republicans to define this bill, said one slide in the presentation, which was obtained by CNN.

Key Democratic outside groups are already at work fine-tuning the messaging with off-year races in Virginia and New Jersey and the 2026 midterms in mind, aiming to raise voter awareness of the cuts to safety net programs.

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A research report commissioned by one of those groups, Protect Our Care, and obtained by CNN, showed survey results for ads across 11 battleground districts, aiming for movement among 2024 Trump voters and swing voters and developing content effective at lowering the job approval of Republican incumbents.

Pairing the Republican effort to cut Medicaid with the simultaneous reduction in taxes on the rich and corporations is an effective way to reduce Republican job approval, the report said.

President Donald Trump's bill is seen after being signed by House Speaker Mike Johnson. - Umit Bektas/Reuters

Its up to the GOP to sell this bill

Republicans are readying their own attacks on Democrats for voting against the more popular provisions in Trumps first big legislative priority, emphasizing tax cuts and border security.

In a political memo obtained by CNN the day of the House vote, the National Republican Congressional Committee previewed the case it will make, saying that House Republicans will be relentless in making this vote the defining issue of 2026.

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Every Democrat voted to hurt working families and to protect the status quo. This vote is now their political identity, and the NRCC will work every day from now until next November to brand House Democrats with it, the memo says. And Republicans argue that Americans generally support the idea of work requirements for federal safety net programs like Medicaid and SNAP.

GOP Rep. Tim Burchett, who represents the Knoxville-area in Tennessee, insisted that the bill would not complicate reelection chances for his colleagues in swing districts.

America understands that things like, if youre able to work, you ought to work. We need to clear up some of the fraudulent behavior so that it provides for those single moms with two kids that are maybe just getting by and it doesnt collapse the system, Burchett said.

But North Carolina Rep. Chuck Edwards, a Republican who had raised concerns about the bill and the potential impact of Medicaid cuts, expressed some lingering reservations about the legislation.

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No bill is perfect, Edwards said. I wish I had more time to digest the Senates version and have one-on-one dialogues back at home, but I believe that weve made some steps in the right direction.

Asked about his message to constituents who could lose access to Medicaid under the new policies, Edwards said, I dont see a situation at this time where anyone that is entitled to Medicaid would be losing it, but Id be open to hear folks thoughts and ideas as they might see differently.

Meanwhile, Securing American Greatness  a group aligned with Trumps political network and its mountain of funds  and several other Republican outside groups have been on the air amid the legislating, providing support to members in battleground districts.

Congressman Ryan Mackenzie just voted for working family tax cuts that mean higher wages and lower taxes for working families, says one of the groups ads, running in support of the freshman representative from a swing district in Pennsylvania.

The pro-Trump group, which spent nearly $8 million in June, is also at work hitting battleground Democrats over their opposition to the bill. Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez voted for a 22% tax hike on working families, says another spot targeting the Washington Democrat coming off two consecutive narrow elections.

Matt Gorman, a Republican strategist, laid out the task ahead of Republicans. This is the culmination of the best two weeks Trump has had since he became president, he said. Now its up to the GOP to sell this bill to a base that needs to turn out next November.

GOP Rep. Troy Nehls of Texas, asked if hes worried about people losing health care, told reporters with a post-vote victory cigar in his hand: Its just some Americans, who arent Americans. Just illegals.

CNNs Ali Main, Arlette Saenz and Aileen Graef contributed to this report.

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BAYLOR COUNTY (KFDX/KJTL)  The Baylor County Sheriffs Office (BCSO) is investigating multiple reports of cattle thefts across the county.

Over 50 baby calves, heifers, steers, momma cows and a bull or two have gone missing throughout the past couple of months.

Paramount to film Landman season 2 scenes in Jacksboro

BSCO, along with a Texas Southwest Cattle Raisers Association Ranger, is looking to identify the suspect or suspects in these thefts. Livestock Theft is a third-degree felony and is punishable by up to 20 years per incident.

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A vehicle that may have been spotted in the area is being described as a 2003-2010 Dark Gray Chevy 2500 HD pickup truck. The driver is said to be a White male, about 62 in height, with a paunch belly, wearing sunglasses, a sandy mustache and a black taco cowboy hat.

Baylor County relies on the use of animals for their agricultural community. These thefts really hurt the economy of the entire county.

If you have any information on who could be behind these thefts, please call the anonymous tip line at (940) 889-3333 or text or call Sheriff White at (940) 503-0150. You can also message BSCO on Facebook.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 4. At todays Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit, held in Khankendi, special attention is being paid to how member states are shaping their regional strategies.

For Turkmenistan, the summit presents an opportunity to reaffirm its role within ECOs transport and energy frameworks.

As ECO Secretary General Asad Majid Khan stated in an interview with Trend, Turkmenistan plays a proactive role within ECO, particularly in advancing regional connectivity, sustainable energy, and the development of cross-border trade mechanisms.

ECO is working to turn these proposals into practical mechanisms through institutional structures such as working groups, technical committees, and ministerial platforms, he said.

Turkmenistan maintains consistent engagement with ECO institutions. Its participation focuses on existing energy and transport routes. The countrys leadership has repeatedly emphasized the importance of regional connectivity through active involvement in ECO initiatives.

In 2025, over 2 million tons of cargo transited through Turkmenistan via several corridors, including those connected with ECO.

Trade promotion is facilitated by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, which regularly participates in ECO business forums. Several Turkmen companies operate active trade platforms and maintain bilingual communication: Turkmenhimiya, Turkmen Gaz, Turkmennebit, Turkmen Demiryollary, and the Turkmenbashi International Seaport. Exports are dominated by natural gas, petrochemicals, and textiles, while imports primarily include machinery, food products, and consumer goods.

At the annual ECO Council of Foreign Ministers in September 2024, Turkmenistans Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov stated that the country is ready to expand exports of natural gas and electricity to ECO member states. This offer reflects Turkmenistans national capacity, as the country produces over 70 billion cubic meters of gas annually, with around 40 billion cubic meters available for export.

Despite ongoing infrastructure challenges, Turkmenistan continues to actively expand its energy cooperation with ECO member states. Gas deliveries to Iran, though subject to fluctuations due to technical and financial factors, reflect the mutual commitment to maintaining energy dialogue and partnership. The TAPI pipeline project, for which the Turkmen section has already been successfully completed, represents significant potential for regional integration. This strategic route, led by the national company Turkmengaz, may in the future significantly enhance energy connectivity between South and Central Asia. Turkmenistan consistently reaffirms its readiness to serve as a reliable supplier, emphasizing the importance of cooperation with neighboring countries, particularly Iran and Afghanistan, for the implementation of cross-border infrastructure.

Transport is one of ECOs most active areas, and Turkmenistan participates in several initiatives with parallel coordination.

As ECO Secretary General Asad Majid Khan noted, mechanisms such as the ECO Transit Transport Framework Agreement (TTFA) enable member states to cooperate on infrastructure development, customs simplification, and the implementation of key regional corridors, including the IstanbulTehranIslamabad (ITI), KazakhstanTurkmenistanIran, and TajikistanUzbekistanTurkmenistanIranTurkiye (TUTIT) railway routes. These initiatives aim to reduce trade costs, improve competitiveness, and enhance regional mobility, he said.

Moreover, the KazakhstanTurkmenistanIran railway, launched in 2014, has become a vital component of the regions transit architecture and has strengthened connectivity among ECO member states. The 917.5-kilometer route significantly expands logistics capacity from Central Asia to the Middle East and Turkiye. While cargo traffic is largely governed by bilateral agreements, this highlights the flexibility of the format and the ability of states to adapt cooperation to economic realities. The Lapis Lazuli transport corridor, developed by Turkmenistan in cooperation with Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkiye, aligns well with ECOs transportation goals. Originating from a concept first proposed within the ECO framework, it demonstrates how country-led initiatives can successfully evolve both within and alongside multilateral structures.

The 17th ECO Summit opens an important window of opportunity for Turkmenistan to strengthen its dialogue with multilateral ECO initiatives and to promote a pragmatic, cooperation-driven approach in the energy sector. Even with moderate participation, the country can demonstrate strategic vision and reaffirm its readiness to deepen engagement. The potential for closer integration depends on the consistent implementation of institutional and economic steps that can enhance Turkmenistans role as a constructive and reliable partner within the ECO framework.
French police have waded into shallow waters off a beach south of Boulogne and used knives to slash an inflatable small boat - packed with men, women and children - that was wallowing, dangerously, in the waves.

All those onboard clambered to safety as the boat collapsed in chaotic scenes.

The intervention was highly unusual.

French police usually follow strict rules that bar them from going into the sea in case they put lives at risk.

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"Let's go in," said one of the gendarmes, pulling off his body armour, and taking out a small knife. His colleagues took their heavy armour off, too, placing equipment in the back of a nearby police car before rushing into the water.

There had been some speculation that this rare incident could be evidence that the French police - under growing pressure to stop a surge of small boat migrant crossings to the UK - are changing their tactics.

But they have made it clear to the BBC that police have not adopted any new tactics in dealing with small boat launches, that the rules forbidding intervention in the water remains in place and officers must continue to prioritise safety on the beaches. They are allowed to intervene, however, if they believe lives are at immediate risk.

Well-placed sources in France have told us that the procedural changes now being considered will almost certainly focus on the use of patrol boats at sea to intercept the "taxi-boats" before they're fully loaded, rather than on approving more aggressive interventions from police on the beaches.

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The UK prime minister's official spokesman said the images of French police destroying a boat were "a significant moment and we welcome this action".

"We want to see tougher action taken, that's precisely the focus of our work, it is the outcome of that close work that you've seen," the spokesman said.

A French police officer uses a knife to slash an inflatable boat with migrants in the English Channel [BBC]

A few metres offshore, the boat itself was clearly in trouble. People were crowded around the outboard motor, which had briefly stalled but was being restarted.

Waves were breaking underneath the boat, causing it to lurch wildly, and there were loud screams from several children who were in danger of being crushed onboard.

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Earlier, two large groups of people already wearing orange life jackets had emerged from the nearby dunes and rushed towards the sea.

In all there were probably 80 or 100 people. But when the first "taxi-boat" - used by the smuggling gangs to collect passengers from various points along the French coast - sped past perhaps 100m from the shore, it was clearly full already and did not stop to pick anyone else up.

A few minutes later, a second boat, with almost no passengers, came towards the shore, watched by a French coastguard boat further into the English Channel.

Initially, people were ushered forwards in organised groups, holding hands, and directed by one man who appeared to be leading events.

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But as the inflatable boat turned and reversed towards the shore, there was a scrum as dozens of people scrambled to climb aboard in water that was at least waist deep.

At first the gendarmes declined to intervene and stood watching from the shore.

One officer repeated a now-familiar explanation to me - that they were barred from going into the water except to rescue people.

But as the situation became increasingly chaotic, the officers at the scene clearly felt that a line had been crossed, that those on board were now in danger, and that there was a brief opportunity to disable the boat in relative safety and while any smugglers - who might have fought back - were distracted by their attempts to restart the engine.

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As a policeman slashed repeatedly at the rubber, there were cries and shouts of anger and frustration from some of those onboard.

A young girl, who had been in the middle of the scrum, squashed at the stern of the boat close to the engine, was plucked to safety as others scrambled on to the nearby sand.

Moments later the boat was dragged ashore by the police as the migrants began collecting items they had dropped on the beach and then headed inland, up the sandy paths through the dunes towards the nearest village and a bus-ride back to the migrant camps further north.
With the Fourth of July weekend, beach lovers are ready to hit the shores. Authorities, however, are warning visitors to avoid any beach activities that involve getting wet at eight beaches.

The warnings have been issued ahead of the holiday weekend due to excessive bacteria levels, county officials said.

The Los Angeles County Public Health Department released a statement Wednesday warning residents to avoid surfing, swimming and other ocean-water activity after tests indicated that street runoff had increased bacterial levels at certain beaches.

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Swimming in water with bacteria can make you sick or cause skin infections, the department said in astatement. Children, the elderly, and those who have weak immune systems are at higher risk of getting sick or infected.

The department could not estimate when the warnings would be lifted, but state law requires weekly tests be conducted on the waters.

The following beaches were affected:

 Avalon Beach at Catalina Island: the swimming area 50 feet west of Green Pleasure Pier and the Step Beach swim area east of the Casino arch.

 Santa Monica Beach: Santa Monica North Lifeguard Tower 12 and 100 yards up and down the coast from the Wilshire Boulevard storm drain.

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 Ramirez Creek at Paradise Cove in Malibu: 100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

 Will Rogers State Beach: 100 yards up and down coast from the Bel Air Bay Club border fence.

 Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey: the entire swim area.

 Topanga Beach: 100 yards up and down the coast from the Castlerock storm drain.

 Santa Monica Beach: 100 yards up and down the coast from the Santa Monica Pier.

 Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro: the entire swim area.

The health department will issue updates as they become available.

Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Cloud Nein

A viral video making the rounds on social media shows beachgoers in Portugal encountering an enormous and unnervingly tsunami-like cloud rolling in.

Footage shows an enormous, foreboding wall of dark clouds rapidly approaching a lush beach. It was frightening enough for plenty of beachgoers to pack up their belongings and seek shelter away from the waterfront.

The wave, called a "roll cloud," appears when cold air comes in contact with high temperatures. Portugal, along with the rest of Europe, is suffering from a rare and deadly heatwave, hot enough to force Paris to close the summit of the Eiffel Tower.

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The cloud, an exceedingly rare meteorological phenomenon that's more common in Australia, must've been an incredible sight to behold.

"These clouds are spectacular," Imperial College London climate scientist Paulo Ceppi told the Washington Post. "They look massive, like it goes on forever, but they look scarier than they really are."

Wave Riders

Roll clouds can stretch to lengths of hundreds of miles, and tend to appear when there's not enough moisture in the air to trigger a rain or thunderstorm.

Parts of Portugal are in the grips of the heat wave, with temperatures spiking to a record 116 degrees Fahrenheit in the center of the country. Ceppi told WaPo that the heat wave "contributed to the perfect conditions" for the ominous, tsunami-like clouds.

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However, roll clouds don't survive once they hit land and appear in the sky as a wave "thats stopped, always breaking on the same spot," as PlanoClima climatologist Mario Marques told the Associated Press.

"It is beautiful to watch," he added. "Its just like, for those who like race cars, the equivalent of driving a Ferrari."

Unsurprisingly, given the steady rise in temperatures worldwide caused by climate change, Ceppi told the WaPo that roll clouds will become an increasingly common fixture.

At least, unlike plenty of other side effects of global warming, the spectacular weather phenomenon is entirely harmless in and of itself.

"There are more worrying things about climate change," Ceppi said.

More on clouds: Microplastics Are Infesting Clouds, Affecting Weather
The Brief

Residents of Beacon Hill Apartments in Southwest Houston are demanding improved security after multiple cars had their wheels stolen both inside and outside the complex.

Tenants Julius Alegba and Enchantress Davis expressed frustration with the property manager's dismissive response and lack of effective security measures.

The property manager has advised residents to file police reports.

HOUSTON - Residents of Beacon Hill Apartments in Southwest Houston are calling for improved security measures after several cars had their wheels stolen, both inside and outside the complex.

What they're saying

Residents at Beacon Hill Apartments are searching for answers after discovering their car wheels were stolen. Some vehicles were parked inside the complex, while others were outside. The thefts have prompted tenants to demand changes to the security protocols at the complex.

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Julius Alegba, a resident who has been a victim before, expressed his frustration.

"It's very sad because this is not the first time. This is the second time this happened to me," he said.

Enchantress Davis, another affected tenant, shared her shock.

"I live here, and even though Im on city property, there should be some type of security and protection," she said.

Alegba recounted his experience with the leasing office.

"When it happened, I went to the leasing office, and the manager told me 'no one is safe in America.' I said, 'what do you mean no one is safe in America?' She told me, 'that's going to keep on happening.'"

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Davis also faced a similar response from the property manager. "Absolutely nothing. Met with an attitude when I went in to report it. 'Im already on it. Blah blah blah,'" she said.

Residents have pointed out that the exit gate is always open, which they believe contributes to the security issues. Davis discovered the theft early in the morning on her way to work.

"The bricks my car is sitting on come from the front office. So apparently whoever did this gained access inside the property," she noted.

Alegba added, "Im just very sad every time this happens. I have no help from nobody. No help."

What you can do

The property manager has advised residents to file a police report with the Houston Police Department's citizen alert website.

The Source

FOX 26 Reporter Jonathan Mejia spoke with several residents about what happened to them.
A beautiful night: Boston Pops gears up for annual fireworks spectacular

The stage is set and the performers are ready for the annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular.

Joining the Pops this year is Hamiltons Leslie Odom Junior, Bell Biv DeVoe, and Grammy winner LeAnn Rimes.

Dozens of people came out for the dress rehearsal Thursday night.

It makes it for a very festive pre-July 4th, said Priscilla Douglas, who comes to the rehearsal every year. Stars and Stripes and of course the 1812 and the cannons.

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Its a chance to see the performance without the crowds, and this year is extra special for Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart.

Its his 30th year performing on this stage for the Fourth of July.

Its certainly easier to do this than it was 30 years ago, I kind of have gotten comfortable with the idea and its a beautiful night, said Lockhart.

Lockhart says its also a great year to be in Boston for the holiday after celebrating the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War here in Massachusetts.

I think this year, with the anniversary of the events with Lexington and Concord, this is really the center of where we celebrate the American Revolution; this is where it really began, said Lockhart. It gives us a chance to think about what that revolution was about and what we can do to manifest those ideals today.

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If youre planning on attending the big event, you may want to use public transportation since parking will be limited with lots of street closures, and the MBTA will be free after 8:30 PM Friday night.

The show will start at 7 PM Friday, but you can find a seat starting at noon at the Hatch Shell.

The big fireworks display will likely start around 9:40 PM along the Charles River.,

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  Bella Vista honored the United States Independence Day and veterans form the past and present hosting their annual parade at Sugar Creek Shopping Center.

The parade had over 60 entries showcasing many veteran and charity groups, and local businesses decked out in patriotic gear. The parade kicked off at 9 a.m. by firing a realistic looking canon.

Hundreds from the Northwest Arkansas region were flocking to Bella Vista to see the decked-out floats, firetrucks and veterans walking across the roadways. The crowd was loud cheering on the parade while waving their American flags. Cars, trucks and firetrucks were lined up throwing candy out to the kids and blasting their horns.

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Hundreds of veterans came out today to participate in the parade, families expressed their gratitude and respect shouting thank you for your service while driving by in their float.

Fourth of July events 2025 in Northwest Arkansas and River Valley

Veterans David Neiman from the Marine Corps League expressed his feelings about what today is truly about beyond the fireworks.

When I think of the 4th of July, its not the fireworks, its the history of when we were born, said Neiman.

Event coordinator Julie Hull said she had a mutual feeling and why she loves planning the event.

The kids looking up at them getting candy, waving the American flag, and recognizing the veterans for their service, Hull said.

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The parade had a large turnout closing the event out playing patriotic music and kids leaving with a bag full of candy.

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The Brief

A Bay Area preschool teacher retires after 45 years at the same school.

Michelle McSweeney began at Miss Sandie's School in Novato one year after the preschool opened.

She first joined the school as a high school student, working as a teacher's aide.

NOVATO, Calif. - With hugs, flowers, and many expressions of love, Michelle McSweeney this week said farewell and walked out of the North Bay school where she worked for 45 years.

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The beloved and longtime preschool teacher retired from Miss Sandie's School in Novato on Wednesday.

McSweeney was among the first to work at the school, which has been in operation for 46 years.

The backstory

She first became a part of the preschool back when she was a high school student and started working there as a teachers assistant.

"I walked in when I was 16 years old, not knowing what I was going to do," she told KTVU. "I never thought I'd be walking out the door 45 years later having experienced Miss Sandies family."

It didnt take any time for her to realize this would be her calling.

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"The first day I walked in, being surrounded by little people that just looked to you for guidance and caring and love, and its easy to do," McSweeney shared. "And I knew that in my heart thats where I wanted to be, so I stayed for many years."

Over those many years, her job at the school involved wearing many hats. In addition to teaching, she supported the school in a variety of other roles, including working as the schools assistant director and its director.

Her family said, by far her favorite role was being teacher to those kids, which included leading the schools pre-kindergarten group for the last two decades.

Family affair

For McSweeney, her presence at Miss Sandie's became a family affair in multiple ways through the years, as her own children became students there.

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And then, when they got older, all three would later help out at the school, working as teachers' aides over their summer or spring breaks.

Eventually, her grandkids would also be students where their grandmother taught.

McSweeney's grown children attended Wednesdays send-off, expressing how incredibly proud they were of their mother.

Michelle McSweeney's children Molly (left) Maggie (center), and Mitchell were on hand for their mother's retirement event on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Novato.

What they're saying

"She's been really lucky to be at Miss Sandie's, but Miss Sandie's has been even luckier to have her," daughter Molly McSweeney said.

"We're just so proud of her," her son Mitchell McSweeney said. "She's impacted so many lives."

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Daughter Maddie McSweeney said it was a bitter-sweet and well-deserved celebration and told us how their mom's work had a deep impact on their own lives.

"We learned so much from her, we learned how to ensure that the kids wer playing safely, kindly, caring for each other, how to talk to kids when they're handling hard situations," the daughter said. "We learned all of that through her, and we couldn't be more grateful."

RELATED: After 58 years at the same school, legendary teacher celebrated for her illustrious career

In addition to her kids, McSweeney said she was very lucky to have opportunities to work alongside her own mother and brother at certain points during her career, and she even got to teach with her sister, which was an extra-special gift for her.

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"My sister has been my ride or die too, this whole time. Shes been working alongside in the same school for almost as many years as I have been, and the last two years we were able to work together for the first time after being here," McSweeney said. "We are each other's yin and yang, Abbott and Costello, Laverne and Shirley. Its been a nice way to end my career."

Touching send-off

Handmade posters marked Miss Sandie's School in Novato to honor Michelle McSweeney's retirement.

Large colorful banners decorated by the young kids and the schools leaders adorned the fence at Miss Sandies, wishing the veteran teacher love, congratulations, and a happy retirement from a career that was more than just going to work.

More than a job

"It was a life. It was more than a job. It was coming in every day and working with little people, knowing that they're going to be big people, and knowing that I might have had a little impact on that between stage," McSweeney shared. "So that has been the long-lasting lesson and meaning for me."

She was handed balloons, flowers, embraced in hugs and showered in words of gratitude.

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And in turn, she expressed her gratitude to her colleagues and the many families that became a part of her life.

"I worked with so many wonderful teachers made long-life friendships that will remain with me til my end. And the children and the families that I have been with have just filled my heart to the brim," the teacher said, "and I will go home knowing that I was loved, and I loved."

Michelle McSweeney gets a hug after leaving her classroom at Miss Sandie's School in Novato for the last time.
A New York City jewelry store that has served customers for over a century will be closing its doors.

Van Cott Jewelers was founded in 1914 in Binghamton, NY. The store was established by Rubine 'Ruby' Levine, an immigrant who worked in a jewelry factory during the first World War.

Levine would pass the store down to his son Herbert, who would later pass it on to his son Bill and his wife Birdie. Bill and Birdie have owned the store for 45 years in Vestal, New York but unforeseen circumstances have caused them to shut down.

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"This is something we have to do," the couple said on the company's website.

"For over a century, Van Cott Jewelers has been honored to serve this incredible community. Thank you for your loyalty, your trust and for allowing us to be a part of your lives for all these years. The memories we've shared with you will stay with us forever."

On Facebook, the Levines shared that they enjoyed helping couples choose engagement rings among other experiences at the store.

The store specialized in those engagement rings, as well as earrings, bracelets and pendants. Bill and Birdie cited "recent life-changing events" as the reason for the closure in a press release, according to National Jeweler.

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My grandfather Ruby always taught us that it was better to make friends than customers. My dad, Herbert, believed that everyone should leave our store with a smile," Bill Levine said.

"Birdie and I want to thank all our smiling friends, literally thousands and thousands over the past 46 years, who have made our dreams come true.

The store expanded from the initial location to a total of three before contracting back to its final address at Town Square Mall in Vestal.

Customers, who voted the jeweler as the best in the Southern Tier for 38 years, express their sadness over the store's closure.

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"My ex husband bought my ring from Bill's father back in the day. We were young and had little money but he sold it to us on credit," Theresa Detrick said, according to the Daily Mail.

"Through the years I got anniversary gifts ONLY from Van Cotts because they believed in us. The marriage didn't last but the pieces I got from there still do. In fact I handed the ring down as a family heirloom."

The Levines thanked customers for their loyalty and trust in their final message.

Beloved Jewelry Store Announces Closure After 111 Years first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 3, 2025
Jul. 3BEMIDJI  Nearly all facets of the June 21 storm recovery process were addressed during a

Beltrami County

Board of Commissioners work session on Tuesday.

While a continual and laborious process, Tuesday's work session aimed to provide an update on recovery efforts as well as inform the public of preparation ahead of the storm that allowed for an appropriate response.

This marked the commission's first meeting since it

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extended a State of Emergency for the county at a June 23 special meeting.

"It became very evident that early that week (leading up to the storm), we were in for something that was going to be big that weekend, and it happened," Beltrami County Emergency Management Director Chris Muller said. "We didn't want it, but we were prepared and that is a good thing. As tragic as it is for our community, what's celebrated is that we were prepared and nobody got hurt."

Muller detailed communications sent out to the public prior to the storm, noting a peculiarity with the timing of the area's risk issuance for bad weather by the National Weather Service.

"Being at an enhanced risk two days out is relatively rare," Muller said. "That's something that you normally see hours or a day before, not two days before."

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Vastly altering its landscape, the storm swept through the Bemidji area in the early morning hours of Saturday, June 21,

producing wind speeds up to 120 miles per hour  equivalent to a Category 3 hurricane

or EF2 tornado.

The recovery process would soon begin, but having exhausted the immediate area's emergency response crews, it was clear that additional help would be needed.

"The devastation was something like we haven't seen in very recent history," Beltrami County Administrator Tom Barry said. "As the sun rose, it was clear that this catastrophic event would require additional resources. The county was just not resourced to take on this event on its own."

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Barry noted that representatives from the Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency were quick to respond as well as other agencies at the state and local levels.

"The city, county and state resources immediately began clearing debris," Barry said. "It was very important for us to at least get most of the roads passable for additional emergency services that might be needed and that happened pretty quickly."

Structural damage to hundreds of homes necessitated the opening of a post-storm resource center at the old First National Bank building as well as an emergency shelter, setting up shop inside the Sanford Center in partnership with the American Red Cross and Salvation Army.

Such a development proved serendipitous.

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"It's ironic that the opening of the shelter in a catastrophic storm event was something that we had trained on simply two months ago," Barry said, "so that was a very smooth operation for us and the team."

Providing a safe haven for those displaced by the storm, Public Health Director Amy Bowles commended Sanford Center General Manager Bobby Anderson for his willingness to open the space for the most vulnerable.

"I couldn't be more grateful for the support from Bobby," Bowles said. "As soon as I called him and said I needed him at the Sanford Center, he said 'I'll meet you there.'"

The Sanford Center provided basic necessities including meals, water and overnight shelter for those requiring it.

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"One of our biggest concerns on that first and going into the second day was the access to food," Bowles added, "and being able to get enough food to the people in the building and our first responders needing a place for a hot meal."

Bowles and Anderson teamed up once securing breakfast items to serve roughly 500 people.

Due to the cancellation of the 2025 Loop the Lake Festival,

the Sanford Center received donations of hot dogs, cookies and water to serve as its second meal.

Preliminary numbers show that the Sanford Center served a total of 4,838 residents from 3,253 households, giving out 1,050 meals, 164 people spending the night and 400 volunteer hours being put in.

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The clean-up process has been quite the task and continues to be. Public Works Director Bruce Hasbargen noted considerable workload in terms of

solid waste management at the Beltrami County Demolition Landfill

and a second site at Pine Products.

"We directed the commercial haulers there to begin with, but once we got our feet under us at the demolition landfill, we closed that down," he said. "There's a cost to having these sites open."

According to Hasbargen, an estimated 2,500 vehicles came through the demolition landfill the Monday after the storm alone. While considerable progress has been made in terms of clean-up, Hasbargen reminded the board of the long road ahead.

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"Overall, I'd like to say we're past the peak rush of people bringing material in," he said, "but it's going to be a drawn-out process."

Following other updates, commissioners thanked all staff for their work in the face of adversity as recovery continues.

"I always brag that Beltrami County has staff that are second to none," District 4 Commissioner Tim Sumner said. "This past week has proven that you really stepped up when we needed you guys the most, and I appreciate everything that you've done."

The full work session can be viewed on the

county's YouTube channel.

The commission's next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 15.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56)  Kentucky leaders from both sides of the aisle are speaking out following the passage of Trumps Big Beautiful Bill, which has led to mixed input from Democrats and Republicans.

Kentucky Democratic Party Chair Colmon Elridge said in a news release on Thursday that the budget kicks hundreds of thousands of state residents off of Medicaid, forcing families to seek care out of their communities.

Kentucky doctor vanishes during Alaskan cruise, searches unsuccessful

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Our Commonwealth will lose more than $12.3 billion in rural health care funding  more than any other stateshutting down as many as 35 rural hospitals and firing 20,000 health care workers, Elridge said. The long-term outcome of the GOPs gross betrayal is an indefensible truth: rural clinics, hospitals, nursing homes and addiction recovery programs will disappear outside of big cities and Kentuckians who would otherwise have health care will lead shorter, sicker lives.

Congressman Harold Rogers reportedly voted in support of the Big Beautiful Bill, saying the budget prevented a 25% tax hike for Kentuckians and would provide up to a $10,600 increase in take-home pay.

Our country will be safe again, as this bill secures our borders by equipping border patrol and I.C.E. agents with the tools necessary to crack down on drug cartels and dangerous illegal immigrants, Rogers wrote in a news release on Thursday. It funds the U.S. Golden Dome missile defense system and modernizes our military. Air travel will also be safer as a result of the bill and the investments it makes in air traffic control improvements.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

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Gov. Beshear said Kentucky deserved better.

The passage of the big, ugly bill marks a sad day for our country and commonwealth, Beshear posted on Facebook around 2:30 p.m. on Thursday. This bill risks 200,000 Kentuckians lives, the jobs of 20,000 health-care workers, 35 rural hospitals and our economy.

Trumps bill passed in the House of Representatives on May 22 before passing in the Senate on July 1. Trump will reportedly sign the bill into law on Friday.

The Big Beautiful Bill can be viewed in full here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
According to an old Russian tactic, as soon as the tone of official statements softens, various so-called experts begin to broadcast slander en masse.

Here is one such figure in the photo  Sergey Mardan. A regular on Solovyovs show, he claims that Azerbaijan never existed and that people there fail to understand that a great power deserves respect.

Oh, Sergey. On air, you present yourself as a bold patriot of Russia. Interestingly, the surname "Mardan" translates from Arabic as brave. But this bravery is as false as your pseudonym, which you adopted only 78 years ago.

And yet, theres something you still fail to grasp. You  and others like you  have brought this situation upon yourselves. With your own hands and your own decisions.

You are creating enemies instead of allies. You've been gradually dismantling your country for more than a century  and it seems you won't stop until its completely undone.

Well then, well wait and watch.
Uzbekistan, AzerSun Holding explore partnership on agricultural projects

Uzbekistan and Azerbaijans AzerSun Holding are deepening negotiations on joint projects in agriculture and food processing. During President Mirziyoyevs visit to Baku, both sides identified key areas for cooperation, including modern technology adoption and investment in fruit and vegetable processing.

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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  The Big Bay Boom, the largest Fourth of July celebration on the West Coast, returns to San Diego Bay on Friday.

With thousands of people expected to flock to beaches and bays for a glimpse of the action, they should also expect to encounter congested roads before and after the event. Fortunately, the fireworks can be seen from multiple areas.

Big Bay Boom 2025: Watch 4th of July fireworks over San Diego Bay

Here are some different places to watch the excitement from on July 4.

Map of the four barges launching fireworks for the Big Bay Boom on July 4, 2025. (Port of San Diego)

Shelter Island

Shelter Island directly faces one of the four barges where fireworks will be launched from on San Diego Bay. Big crowds are expected along Shoreline Park from the north to south ends of the island. Those watching from Shelter Island Pier may also get a good view of the show.

Harbor Island

Harbor Island also faces one of the four barges on the bay which will be launching fireworks. Although Harbor Island Park may arguably be the best spot to camp out in the area to be close to the pyrotechnics, those who want to avoid the congestion along Harbor Island Drive after the show may enjoy a similar view from Spanish Landing Park, just across the water from Harbor Island.

Embarcadero and Marina District

Those viewing along the Embarcadero and the Marina District will get a front-row seat to the fireworks launching over the bay. Whether watching from a rooftop at a downtown hotel or from the ground from a sidewalk, theres no shortage of action from this general area. Two of the four barges will be located directly across from the USS Midway Museum and the Embarcadero Marina Park near The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park.

Liberty Station

Liberty Station in Point Loma offers a few good options for watching the fireworks show without as much traffic and congestion as areas closer to the center of the show such as Shelter Island or Harbor Island, for example. The Naval Training Center Park has plenty of space for people to watch fireworks light up the sky. Plus, its a fitting setting for celebrating Americas Independence Day, given its history as a former Navy training center.

Coronado

Take a ferry across the bay to Coronado and enjoy the fireworks show set against the backdrop of the downtown San Diego skyline. Ideal viewpoints include Centennial Park, Coronado Ferry Landing Park, Bayview Park and Coronado Tidelands Park for those who want to see the fireworks launch directly from the barges. Though located on the opposite side of the bay, fireworks may still be seen from places like Coronado Beach and Hotel del Coronado.

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Cant watch the fireworks in person? FOX 5 will be livestreaming the Big Bay Boom fireworks show on air and on the free TV streaming app, FOX 5 KUSI Now, available on Roku, Apple TV and Fire TV.

The FOX 5 special show begins Friday at 8 p.m.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
The Brief

The U.S. House passed a "Big Beautiful Bill" that includes a fund to potentially reimburse states, like Texas, for border security efforts.

This "State Border Security Reinforcement Fund" could cover costs for border walls, barriers, and other enforcement actions initiated since January 2021.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott previously requested over $11 billion in reimbursement for the state's border security initiatives; the bill now heads to President Trump's desk.

On Thursday, the U.S. House passed a sweeping tax and spending bill. After a 218-214 vote, the "Big Beautiful Bill" is now headed to President Trump's desk for approval.

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The 940-page bill contains several items, including one that could reimburse Texas for its efforts to stop illegal immigration during the Biden administration.

Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) highway patrol troopers look over the Rio Grande as migrants walk by a string of buoys placed on the water along the Rio Grande border with Mexico in Eagle Pass, Texas, on July 15, 2023, to prevent illegal immigration entry to the US. (Photo by SUZANNE CORDEIRO / AFP) (Photo by SUZANNE CORDEIRO/AFP via Getty Images)

State Border Security Reinforcement Fund

What we know

The bill would establish a fund within the Department of Homeland Security called the "State Border Security Reinforcement Fund."

The fund would give grant money to states and local governments who took steps to secure the border on or after January 20, 2021, the date of Joe Biden's inauguration.

The money could be used to reimburse payments made for border walls, border fencing or other barriers along the southern border, any work to prepare the ground or land to construct a border wall or fencing, efforts to detect or stop illegal substances, efforts to detect or stop people who entered the United States illegally and committed a crime, and the relocation of migrants illegally in the United States from small population centers to other domestic locations.

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Each state must apply for a grant and explain why the state wants the funds and what they plan to do with it.

Applications will upon within 90 days of the bill going into effect.

The federal government also provides up to $10 billion for the reimbursement for border security efforts until Sept. 2029.

What they're saying

"I was in the state house for 12 years. I voted for over $20 billion for border security, specifically because the last four years, the federal government not only said they're not going to enforce the laws on the books for border of security, they actually told the border patrol agents to stand down not to do their jobs," said Rep. Craig Goldman (R-Fort Worth). "We were able to get 12, 13 billion dollars reimbursed to the state of Texas for border security in this bill."

Gov. Abbott asks for $11 billion in border security reimbursements

The backstory

In January, Gov. Greg Abbott asked for Congress to reimburse Texas for efforts to secure the border during the Biden Administration.

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He called for the federal government to pay back $11.1 billion that was spent on Operation Lone Star, Texas' border security effort.

READ MORE:After Texas stops funding border wall program, 'One Big Beautiful Bill' would fill the gap

The Governor later made a trip to Washington to discuss the potential reimbursement.

By the numbers

In the letter, Gov. Abbott included a funding breakdown of Operation Lone Star.

$4.75 billion - Border wall, other border barriers, local border security grants, processing criminal trespass arrests, relocation of migrants

$3.62 billion - Personnel costs deployment of National Guard soldiers

$2.25 billion - Personnel costs Texas state troopers

$311.2 million - Anti-gang intelligence

$77.3 million - Court costs for prosecution of border crimes

$62.6 million - Personnel costs game wardens

$32.8 million - Health and safety services at criminal processing centers

$19.2 million - Investigation and prosecution of vehicle thefts along Texas-Mexico border

$13.7 million - Human trafficking interdiction by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission

$10 million - Removal of brush to improve visibility for law enforcement

$5.2 million - Prosecutions by the Attorney General for crimes relating to human trafficking

The Source

Information in this article comes from House Bill 1 - The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a letter from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and past FOX coverage.
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  With less than 24 hours before the July 4th deadline, President Trumps Big Beautiful Bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives. This is the final stage before the bill goes to the Presidents desk to be signed.

Experts say that this bill will affect Michiganders in a variety of ways. Haley Stevens is a congresswoman for Michigans 11th district, and she says that this will change how funding looks.

This is going to change how we fund things and meet federal matching like Medicaid. Weve got 700,000 Michiganders over a series of years who might lose access to their Medicaid, said Stevens.

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MSU Assistant Professor of Political Science Jon Kuk says Michigans economy and residents who rely on social safety nets will be impacted.

The bill is really complicated. So, a lot of the programs or program cuts are impacted at different times, said Kuk. I believe the sad reality is a lot of people will learn about these changes closer to the election, because thats when Democratic lawmakers or Democratic candidates are going to start bombarding airwaves about these changes.

Kuk says the three main areas of focus for Michigan effects would be the electric vehicle tax credit suspension, which could hurt the auto industry, Medicaid cuts, and SNAP cuts.

Its expected for the Medicaid cuts that there will be about 3% increase in uninsured population in Michigan, which is not a lot compared to the nation like nation. There are some states that are going to be hit harder than others, said Kuk.

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The effects of this new bill could be seen right away, according to Stevens.

Were certainly in the ACA subsidies within this year, and were going to see changes in our manufacturing economy and food assistance right away. Well see some of the broader Medicaid cuts play out over a multitude of 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 WLNS 6 News.
Jul. 3WASKISH  Big Bog State Recreation Area is set to host several programs throughout the month of July.

10 to 11 a.m., Sunday, July 6: Nature Stories: Over and Under the Pond.

"Welcome to our enchanting nature story time, a magical experience crafted for curious minds of any age," a release said. "Immerse your little ones in the wonders of the natural world through a delightful blend of stories, crafts and other fun activities that will spark their imaginations and ignite a love for learning."

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Throughout nature stories, children will learn about whirligig beetles, dragonflies, leeches and more. After the stories, there will be an opportunity to search for these animals in the Tamarac River.

Dress for the weather because a portion of this program will be outdoors. Adults must accompany their children.

Afterwards, attendees can spend time in the Visitor Center and play puppets or a fishing game, do a puzzle or color.

The group will meet in the Visitor Center.

1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Sunday, July 6: Zoom in on Bugs!

During this event, attendees will learn about insects, such as spiders, butterflies and bees, native to Minnesota.

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"After that, participants will get hands-on experience constructing a bug hotel to help support insect life," the release said. "Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to learn more about the tiny critters that play a big role in our ecosystem!"

This event is geared towards ages 8 and older. The group will meet in the Visitor Center.

10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, July 12: Boglands Uncovered: Exploring Nature's Mysterious Wetlands.

"Step onto the Bog Boardwalk and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of one of nature's most captivating landscapes on this guided tour," the release said. "This unforgettable expedition offers a rare opportunity to venture into the heart of a pristine bog ecosystem, where secrets abound, and every step unveils a new wonder.

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Throughout the tour, the naturalist will illuminate the hidden mysteries of the bog, sharing fascinating insights in to the unique flora and fauna that call this ecosystem home.

The boardwalk is wide and flat and is one mile long. So, expect to walk a total of two miles. The boardwalk is ADA accessible, and a wheelchair is available at the park office to borrow.

There is no shade, so be prepared for warm temperatures if it is sunny. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water.

The group will meet by the picnic shelter at the Northern Unit.

10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, July 12: I Can Fish!

"Experience the fun of casting into the water and the excitement of a tug on the line," the release said. "These hands-on programs teach all the basics, from fish identification to casting."

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Attendees will receive hand-on instruction from skilled anglers. This program is designed for first-time anglers.

All vehicles entering the park need a valid Minnesota State Parks vehicle permit, which costs $7 for a day or $35 for a year.

All equipment will be provided. The cost to attend is $7 for adults, or free for children 12 or younger with a registered adult. Taxes not included.

Advance registration is required and is limited to 12 participants. To register, visit

www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/ican/fish.html.

Fishing licenses are not required for this program.

2 to 3 p.m., Saturday, July 12: Feathered Friends: Birdwatching for Beginners.

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"This delightful nature program is designed for those eager to explore the avian wonders that surround us every day," the release said. "Join our park naturalists as they introduce you to the basics of birdwatching, common bird identification and how to use binoculars."

After the presentation, attendees will go for walk to practice their skills and look for birds. Bring binoculars, as there will be a limited number available to borrow.

The program is geared towards children ages 6 and older. Dress for the weather because a portion of the program will be outdoors.

The group will meet in the Visitor Center.

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11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Saturday, July 26: Smokey Bear's Fun Fest.

"Come on out to Big Bog to celebrate Smokey Bear! Follow a treasure map to learn about the history of Smokey Bear and fire towers," a release said.

Attendees will meet wildland firefighters and learn about how they protect forests, see fire trucks, climb the fire tower, meet Smokey Bear, and more.

Attendees can pick up their treasure map at the visitor center.

This event is for all ages and the group will meet at the Sourthern Unit by the Visitor Center.

A valid Minnesota State Park vehicle permit is required and is $7 for a day or $35 for a year.
Nine major employers have joined forces to express their frustration about the effect of the partial closure of the Orwell Bridge.

The businesses and institutions, which collectively employ more than 3,000 people, have voiced concerns about the consequences of a 6m repair project.

In an open letter they called for either a northern bypass to be built past Ipswich, which could link the A14/A140 and the A12, or a "practical alternative" to try to prevent a repeat of the disruption seen in recent weeks.

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Chris Chambers, cabinet member for transport at Conservative-run Suffolk County Council, previously 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.

Traffic queues have formed along the A14 south of Ipswich as lanes are closed on the Orwell Bridge [John Fairhall/BBC]

The Orwell Bridge on the A14 south of Ipswich is currently operating with lane closures while the repair works are carried out to replace expansion joints.

National Highways started work on 16 June, shutting one lane on the eastbound carriageway which caused severe tailbacks.

Martin Fellows, regional director for the east region at National Highways, said he was hopeful the work would finish in mid to late August.

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"We do recognise the significant effect work on the bridge has on road users, businesses and local communities," he previously said.

This week an additional lane - on the westbound carriageway - was also closed, further affecting motorists and also businesses which have reported losses.

In the open letter, the nine businesses referenced how the closures had "had a significant impact on our bottom line and our employees' wellbeing".

"We have all seen employees stuck in traffic for up to two-and-a-half hours on their journeys to work," they said.

"Apart from the loss of productivity caused by their lateness, being stuck in traffic in hot weather isn't good for people's wellbeing or work-life balance."

'Absolute chaos, it's a joke'

The businesses which have signed the letter are Birketts, the Willis Tower Watson group, University of Suffolk, Suffolk New College, Ashtons Legal, UK & Ireland OCS, Barnes Construction, Associated British Ports, and the Tru 7 Group.

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Guy Nichols is the CEO and owner of the Tru7 Group, which supplies goods to the construction, demolition and agriculture industries.

He told the BBC his trucks were "doing less than half of the work they would normally do" each day because of the severity of traffic.

"It's absolutely horrendous, absolute chaos, it's a joke," he said.

"We're fortunately an older family business, so there's a bit of meat on the bone, but there's a lot of smaller businesses who are really going to hurt."

Guy Nichols, the CEO and owner of the Tru7 Group, is calling for a northern bypass to be built [Supplied]

"A northern bypass needs to happen, otherwise all these high paid jobs will just gradually disappear," added Mr Nichols.

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The open letter from the businesses said they "fully accept maintenance of the bridge is required" and that "contractors and National Highways have done all they can to minimise" the impact.

However, they added they were "genuinely concerned" prospective employees may choose to work elsewhere.

Suffolk County Council's proposals for an Ipswich northern bypass in 2019 included these options for routes through dozens of villages [Suffolk County Council]

In a different letter, recently sent to MP Heidi Alexander, secretary of state for transport, Mr Chambers said "strategic investment in Suffolk's transport infrastructure" "has not been forthcoming".

"Suffolk's continued exclusion from significant transport investment programmes cannot continue if we are to meet our ambitions for growth, sustainability, and connectivity," he said.

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The Department for Transport, meanwhile, said it remained "committed to supporting reliable, safe transport links in Suffolk and beyond".

"While works to improve safety on the Orwell Bridge have increased congestion, some closures remain necessary to protect road users and maintain vital routes," a spokesperson added.

Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

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WE ALL KNOW THAT THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, adopted 249 years ago today, proclaims that all men are created equal, and that the brave members of the Second Continental Congress pledged our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor to the cause of separation from Britain.

But largely forgotten amid the Declarations historically consequential opening and its stirring conclusion is the true heart of the document: its laundry list of twenty-seven grievances against King George III. The representatives in Philadelphia sought to explain to Britain and the world why Americans demanded independence. This catalogue assembled by the Declarations drafter, 33-year-old Virginia delegate Thomas Jefferson, was designed to clinch the case.

Most of the points detail the monarchs interference with the colonists courts and assemblies, but perhaps the most serious charge was that he ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people. Within these short phrases lies the biggest patriot coverup of the war, one in which Jefferson was intimately involvedand one perpetuated long after the Revolutionary War was won.

THERE IS NO DISPUTING that King George IIIs military forces treated New Englands coastal towns harshly at the start of the conflict. At the Battle of Bunker Hill in June 1775, redcoats torched the Boston suburb of Charlestown to prevent patriot snipers from targeting their troops during the bloody fight.

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That fall, in retaliation for a deadly patriot attack on a Royal Navy ship in Maine, Admiral Samuel Graves, writing from Boston Harbor on July 6, ordered a fleet under Captain Henry Mowat to lay waste burn and destroy such Sea Port towns as are accessible to His Majestys ships in the northern province. On October 17, Mowat gave the residents of Falmouthtodays Portlandtwo hours to evacuate. The subsequent bombardment and landing parties left most of its four hundred buildings in ruin and nearly half the population of 2,500 homeless.

But the fates of Charlestown and Falmouth paled in comparison with the annihilation of the port of NorfolkVirginias largest city and the eighth-largest settlement in the thirteen colonieswhich lay five hundred miles to the south. With its fine harbor and recent influx of Scottish merchants, the port had burgeoned from a regional trading center into an important node in the expanding Atlantic trade. As the largest port between Philadelphia and Charleston, it boasted a population triple that of the capital of Williamsburg. Half were enslaved people, many of whom were highly skilled laborers in the Scottish-owned factories, at the shipyards, on the docks, and aboard the many vessels plying the waters.

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Virginias royal governor, Lord Dunmore, had fled Williamsburg in the summer of 1775 and made a Norfolk shipyard his base of operations to defeat the rebels. By years end, however, the patriots had seized the town, pushing his troops and civilian loyalists onto ships in the harbor. On New Years Day 1776, after a bombardment by four Royal Navy warships to destroy sniper posts, an enormous fire swept the port that burned for three days. Soon not a single building was left standing. Dunmore was immediately fingered as the villain.

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The news shocked and outraged Americans. John Hancock, presiding over the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia, called the act contrary to the rules of war . . . by all civilized nations. George Washington, commander of the young Continental Army, decried British leaders who behaved like the most barbarous Savages, and predicted the destruction of Norfolk, & threatned devastation of other places, will have no other effect than to unite the whole Country.

By the spring of 1776, moderates found themselves hard put to argue for accommodation with Britain as ships of war laid waste to defenseless American cities. What had long been a radical notionindependencequickly found favor among colonists. Even members of Parliament were appalled by the actions. Speaking in the House of Lords on March 5, 1776, the Duke of Richmond lambasted devastation hitherto unprecedented in the annals of mankind that would render us despised and abhorred. He predicted the disaster in Virginia would turn the whole continent . . . into the most implacable and inveterate enemies. In response, the Duke of Manchester suggested that the colonists, despite their own wishes, might be forced into independency. That is precisely what happened.

WHAT NEITHER THE AMERICAN PUBLIC nor Parliament knew was that the man who would go on to draft the Declaration had secretly encouraged Norfolks ruin shortly before it happened. Nor did they know that the colonys patriots perpetrated the deed themselves and successfully blamed it on the enemy. Later historians continued to consider Dunmore the culprit in what was arguably the greatest war crime of the American Revolution.

The truth only came out sixty years later, when a 1777 report on Norfolks destruction, long hidden, came to light. The careful study of the blaze by a committee of Virginia patriots determined that 96 percent of the destruction was causedon purposeby the patriots themselves. They had used Dunmores bombardment, which by itself had caused limited damage, as an opportunity to set fire to and loot the town. They did not even spare the Anglican church, Masonic Hall, or homes of fervent patriots.

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This was not, however, the result of raw troops running amok. According to eyewitnesses deposed by the committee, officers urged them on. Letters from patriot leaders also reveal that there was a secret plan to destroy the town, despite their public insistence that they would protect all property. Just weeks before the blaze, a pseudonymous newspaper writer urged the patriotic residents of Norfolk to take action for the general good, even if it cost the lives of a few and resulted in either the partial or total destruction of the town. A few days after that, Jefferson wrote a letter to John Page, a senior Virginia patriot, that concluded on an intriguing line, rendered in capital letters: DELENDA EST NORFOLKLatin for Norfolk must be destroyed, an allusion to the famous declamation about Carthage with which Cato the Elder ended all his speeches while calling for war.

THE PERPLEXING QUESTION IS WHY Virginias patriot leaders would want to burn the leading city in their own colony. Other ports like Philadelphia and New York had large loyalist factions, but no one proposed demolition as a solution. Some have argued that Norfolks destruction was a simple move to deny the British a strategic harbor. Yet after the Royal Navy abandoned Boston in the spring of 1776, no one seriously proposed leveling that town.

A major reason has little to do with tea or taxes and a lot to do with immigrants and race. The rich tobacco planters of English descent who led Virginias rebellion had long viewed Norfolks prosperous Scottish merchants with suspicion. Many also owed them a good deal of money. As Jews were (and often still are), these savvy Scots were viewed as wealthy and untrustworthy cosmopolitans.

The port posed another threat to tobacco planters, since it had long been a magnet for the enslaved people who made their lives easy. In the crowded alleys and dark taverns along the waterfront, those who had fled plantations could hide, forge papers, and even find a measure of liberty in servitude rare in Virginias plantations, which were tightly controlled forced-labor camps. Then, in November 1775, Lord Dunmore freed those in bondage if they would fight for the king. This emancipation proclamation, and the resulting black regiment, terrified the patriots. Norfolks destruction promised to snuff out this dual threat to their wealth and power.

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By the end of 1776, Virginias patriot assembly ordered deportation of all Scottish merchants, crippling the young states economy. New restrictions were placed on those in bondage to prevent them from seeking liberty. Their freedom only came ninety years later, after an even bloodier war. Meanwhile, the myth of Dunmores villainy can still be found in textbooks.

We still struggle with Jeffersons challenging call in the Declaration to treat all people as equals under the law. But we can at least face up to the often-ugly facts of our founding, whether the senseless demolition of a city, the tragic deportation of valuable residents, or the inhumanity of lifetime servitude. Surely, we are old enough nownearly a quarter of millenniumto handle the self-evident truths of our beginnings.

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A Jessup man caught on camera trying to break into a house in Blakely where he thought his girlfriend was cheating on him faces prowling and loitering charges.

Mario Ortalano, 36, of 322 Second Ave., initially denied trying to enter the residence. When police told him he was on video, he changed his story, according to a criminal complaint.

He told police he had been tracking his girlfriends cellphone and believed she was at the residence.

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According to the criminal complaint:

Blakely police responded to a house in the 400 block of Travis Alley at about 10:30 p.m. on Sunday. Two people who lived at the house told police they checked their cameras after their dogs began barking. They saw a man walking around their house and pulling on doors.

The footage they provided to police showed a man with a dark beard wearing a tank top and a hat first pulling on the basement door, then the front door, and walking around the property.

Police then responded to a convenience store near the residence, where witnesses reported a man attempting to abduct a 16-year-old girl. Witnesses said a man, later identified as Ortalano, had been there and was acting strangely.

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Police went to Ortalanos address and found him outside in the same clothing as the man in the surveillance footage.

Ortalano told officers he approached a young girl at the convenience store because he thought she was his girlfriend, who told him she was going there to get gas.

Officers asked him why he had been walking around the Travis Alley residence and pulling on the doors. When he denied going to the residence, officers told him he had been caught on camera.

Officers arrested Ortalano and noted he seemed to be under the influence of narcotics. They searched his vehicle and found a pen used as a snorting straw with white powdery residue inside. They also found two glass pipes with a burnt, white powdery residue and a small silver container with suspected methamphetamine.

Ortalano told police the meth was from months ago and he hadnt used drugs for several months.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Aug. 6 before District Judge Laura Turlip.
By David Latona and Libby George

SEVILLE (Reuters) -Brutal heat scorched Spain this week, a blistering reminder of the climate change that is battering the world's poorest countries - stretching their finances even as government debt climbs to new heights.

But at a once-a-decade UN development finance conference in Seville, two key ingredients were in less abundance: money and power.

Just one G7 leader - France's Emmanuel Macron - attended the event, where he and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez addressed rooms with dozens of empty chairs. Organisers initially said they expected 70 heads of state; that was whittled to 50 as the conference got under way.

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Back in Washington, Paris, London and Berlin, rich-country leaders are slashing aid and cutting bilateral lending in a pivot to defence spending and rising debt at home.

"The mood is ... I would say realistic, but also a sense of unity and of pragmatism," said Alvaro Lario, president of the International Fund of Agricultural Development, adding the question on everyone's mind this week was how to do more with less.

"How can we come together, or think out of the box, or create new types of ways of really stretching it more?"

The Financing For Development meeting is a flagship UN conference, charting the trajectory to help tackle changes the world must make to tax policies, aid spending or key areas such as debt, health and education. Its outcomes guide global aid funding and UN policies for the decade to come.

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EMPTY CHAIRS, MISSING LEADERS

Few disagree over the need for action. Hundred-year floods and storms are happening with alarming regularity, and rising debt-servicing costs are siphoning money away from health, education and infrastructure spending in the developing world.

But even top developing-world leaders Mia Mottley, the Barbados prime minister and prominent global climate champion, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, currently chairing the Group of 20 major economies, backed out of the event at the last minute.

The media room was stacked with Spanish press gossiping about a domestic political scandal while disillusioned civil-society leaders stalked the halls, upset with the watered-down agenda and the lack of fiscal or political firepower.

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"We are facing a backsliding of many agendas that we had advanced a few years ago," said Henrique Frota, director of ABONG, a Brazilian association of NGOs.

"Developed countries are reducing their investment in (official development assistance) and European countries are not fulfilling their commitment ... they are giving less and less money right now for every kind of agenda."

Event leaders were relieved to produce an outcome document - despite gnawing fears in the past months that Washington would torpedo any deal.

In the end, U.S. officials backed out altogether.

"The entire community was very afraid of coming here because one country wasn't attending," said UN Assistant Secretary General Marcos Neto. "But the document ended up working out ... I'm leaving happy, with more optimism than I thought I would leave with."

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Neto highlighted significant steps toward implementing climate and development goals, including the Seville Platform and multiple agreements from public and private sectors to leverage funds for the biggest possible impact.

The Seville Commitment included tripling multilateral lending capacity, debt relief, a push to boost tax-to-GDP ratios to at least 15%, and get more rich countries to let the IMF use "special drawing rights" money for countries that need it most.

But in Seville, only host nation Spain signed on to commit 50% of its "Special Drawing Rights" for the purpose.

Civil society organisations were critical of the measures outlined in the document, saying it was watered down by wealthier nations unwilling to walk the talk.

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FUNDING UNDER PRESSURE

UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed acknowledged that the attendance was not as star-studded as hoped, and that public funds were under pressure.

"But there's innovative financing, there's the private sector, there's the triple lending of MDBs ... so the resources are there," she said.

"We just have to have the political will to leverage through these mechanisms that have come out of the platform of action and continue moving with them."

U.S. President Donald Trump, despite his country's absence, loomed large over the event; his climate change scepticism, hostility toward diversity initiatives and pledge to review U.S. participation in multilateral organisations made some keen to strip out references to climate change and rebrand initiatives as focused on resilience, education or health.

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Still, some said the gloomy backdrop should not deter leaders focused on progress.

"Ultimately the important thing is doing it," said Jose Vinals, former group chairman of Standard Chartered and co-chair of both the FFD4 Business Steering Committee and the Global Investors for Sustainable Development Alliance.

"The private sector is, for the most part, still willing to walk the talk."

(Reporting by David Latona in Seville; Additional reporting by Karin Strohecker, Simon Jessop and Marc Jones in London; Writing by Libby George; Editing by Daniel Wallis, Edmund Klamann and Kate Mayberry)
Most blue state governors and lawmakers are responding to hundreds of billions of dollars in Medicaid cuts in the GOPs megabill in one way: Do nothing for now  and blame Republicans.

Congress Medicaid cuts came as dozens of state legislatures dried the ink on their own annual budgets and adjourned  some for the summer, many for the year. But in the face of a funding chasm no state can bridge, uncertainty over the effects of the cuts and the view that Republicans will take the lions share of the blame, many blue states are opting to wait and see before trying to solve a problem they didnt create.

The megabill, which passed Thursday, cuts roughly $1 trillion from Medicaid. While a $50 billion fund for rural hospitals was added last minute to assuage Republicans representing some rural and purple districts, there are still strong concerns over how the cuts will affect the millions of Americans on Medicaid and the rural communities that overwhelmingly voted to send President Donald Trump back to the White House.

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States that took advantage of the Medicaid expansion programs created by the Affordable Care Act stand to lose the most. Some GOP-led states, like Ohio, already have plans to roll back their own expansions in the wake of Congress cuts. But few states have the budget capability to make up for the massive sums of federal dollars they could lose from cuts to Medicaid, food assistance and other benefit programs.

Rather than make eleventh hour budget changes or immediately summon special sessions, Democratic lawmakers launched last-ditch efforts to get Congress to reject the bill. While ultimately unsuccessful, the strategy is a sign of how Democrats may continue to message federal cuts headed into the 2026 midterms.

You don't have to be a genius political consultant to conclude that its a pretty devastating political message, said veteran Democratic strategist Lis Smith. The only thing voters hate more than people who take away their benefits are people who lie and take away their benefits.

Lawmakers and party officials quickly organized events across the country to pin the blame for the Medicaid cuts on the GOP. Alaska Democrats held an emergency town hall on Wednesday  attended by Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.)  to criticize Republican Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, and Rep. Nick Begich for voting in favor of the bill. Murkowskis support was key to its passage by a single vote.

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In blue Colorado, Sen. John Hickenlooper and Gov. Jared Polis, along with Democratic House members and state lawmakers, held a virtual rally on the extreme budget bill  which passed with only Republican support.

Democrats can, generally speaking, afford to wait. Many of the cuts wont hit until fall at the earliest, with the bulk going into effect next year. Most Democrats believe that Republicans will largely take any blame leveled.

Part of the problem for Democratic lawmakers is that no matter what they do, an insurmountable gulf remains between what their states can contribute versus what they will lose in federal dollars.

We're going to do everything we can to preserve health care, but there's no way we can get  billions of dollars that they're taking away, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker told reporters Wednesday. The governors of Washington, Pennsylvania, Colorado and Arizona echoed Pritzkers sentiment in recent days.

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In New York and California, leaders are already hedging their bets. Democratic Govs. Kathy Hochul of New York and Gavin Newsom of California could face pressure from supporters hoping theyll be compelled to make up at least some of the gap left by Congress and President Donald Trump. Hochul was already putting blame squarely on the states Republican House members as the GOP megabill neared the finish line.

Theyre in the majority, they have the power, Hochul said of the delegation . You have the power, and if you dont use that power, then you are complicit in this attack on the American people.

Some states  including New Mexico, Massachusetts and Oregon  have already made preparations for the anticipated cuts by preemptively increasing state health care program dollars or leaving an unallocated surplus in budgets passed this spring.

Oregons recently-passed budget included $10 million for reproductive health in anticipation of cuts to federal funding for Planned Parenthood, for example. New Mexico  which has one of the nations highest poverty rates and relies deeply on federal medicaid dollars and SNAP  will lose $2.8 billion in federal funding under the Big Beautiful Bill, according to numbers shared with POLITICO by the New Mexico Health Care Authority. The states all-volunteer Legislature created a Federal Funding Stablization Committee specifically to address the cuts, and passed a bill in March that creates a trust fund to protect its Medicaid program. The first allocation into the trust fund was just $300 million, however, a far cry from the nearly $3 billion in cuts. But the fund is set to increase gradually until it reaches $2 billion.

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In New Jersey, which finalized its budget late Monday with a $6.7 billion surplus, state Senate President Nick Scutari said even that large reserve wont make up for the federal cuts. Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy does not have immediate plans to call the legislature back into session

Most states, in fact, say they have the time to wait.

A spokesperson for Colorados Polis said the governor is considering all options, including whether a special session would be needed. California officials told POLITICO its too soon to know how the cuts will affect Medi-Cal or the state budget, but policy experts said the state may have to open up the budget this year to begin creating the tech infrastructure needed to process the new work requirements included in the megabill. That could include sending money to counties to hire welfare eligibility workers.

As Democrats sort out their approach, they believe they have political winds at their backs.

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If your home burns down, you blame the arsonists. You don't blame the firefighters, said Democratic strategist Jesse Ferguson. The challenge for Democrats is keeping the focus on the arsonist who lit the match between now and the 2026 midterms, he explained.

In red Ohio, the Legislatures Democratic minority already believes the cuts will help them scrape away at the states Republican supermajority. The state legislature recently passed a budget with trigger language that would roll back state Medicaid coverage if federal contributions to the program are reduced by 10 percent or more. State Rep. Tristan Rader, a progressive Democrat, said the effects of the state cuts would be felt sooner than the federal cuts.

Without Trump at the top of the ticket, we know that we can take back a few seats, Rader told POLITICO. Theyre making incredibly unpopular decisions of giving away literally billions of dollars to billionaires while undercutting education and Medicaid  we know that's not popular.

Shia Kapos, Ry Rivard, Rachel Bluth and Kelly Garrity contributed to this report
Jul. 3The latest step in a multi-agency effort to overhaul Expo New Mexico, the site of the New Mexico State Fair, took place Thursday as a new board tasked with controlling a financial tool for the area met for the first time.

The board, which was created by legislation passed during this year's 60-day legislative session, includes state officials, legislators, neighborhood representatives and city and county leaders.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller, Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart, D-Albuquerque, Rep. Janelle Anyanonu, D-Albuquerque, District 6 Neighborhood Coalition President Peter Belletto, Albuquerque District 6 City Councilor Nichole Rogers and Bernalillo County Commissioner Adriann Barboa attended the meeting at a pavilion located on the state fairgrounds.

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"This is really about a vehicle to create financial security and opportunity across these jurisdictions, to invest in this community," Lujan Grisham said. "This is the way that we make good on our commitment to provide meaningful resources to a community that didn't have access for decades."

In addition to creating the new board, the legislation approved this year implements a Tax Increment Development District, or TIDD, at the site of the State Fairgrounds. According to the legislation, the board will govern the TIDD for six years.

Multiple presentations were given to the board, including one from Stantec, an engineering consultant firm that was recently awarded an $850,000 contract to design a master plan for the redevelopment of the fairgrounds.

"We understand that urban solutions are complicated. It's not just one person, a whole team of people, and Albuquerque has very specific needs," said Colleen Ruiz, senior principal, community development practice leader for the company's Albuquerque office.

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Lujan Grisham announced plans late last year to convert the fairgrounds into a mixed-use development with affordable housing and relocate the State Fair.

While the governor recently said the master plan could eventually call for leasing or selling portions of state-owned Expo New Mexico to private developers, she floated the idea Thursday the annual festival might not have to find a new venue.

"I want to be really clear about that, because you'll notice I didn't say a plan to move (the State Fair)," Lujan Grisham said.

Also in attendance  and key to assisting the governor in the endeavor  were the state's Economic Development Adviser Alex Greenberg and former Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez. Lujan Grisham joked about firing the two multiple times during the meeting.

The board will meet monthly and convene next on Aug. 7.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 4. A delegation of the Supreme Audit Court of Saudi Arabia is visiting Baku to conduct a collegial assessment of the Accounts Chamber's activity, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani Chamber of Accounts.

According to the information, the delegation of the Supreme Audit Office of Saudi Arabia (SAO) was received by Deputy Chairman of the Accounts Chamber Nasir Sadigov.

Deputy Chairman of the Accounting Chamber thanked the delegation for the assessment initiative and emphasized the importance of the existing cooperation between the two institutions. He noted that the activities of the Court of Accounts have been previously evaluated by other SAOs, and these processes were successfully completed.

The head of the delegation of the Saudi Arabian SAO expressed gratitude to the management and staff of the Accounting Chamber for hospitality, provided brief information on the peer reviews conducted by the SAO, and expressed confidence that this project will also be successfully implemented.
DENVER (KDVR)  The Denver Police Department has released body camera footage after an officer-involved shooting that happened on a campus of a local high school.

The incident occurred just after 10:30 p.m. on June 23 at Kepner-Beacon Middle School, 911 S Hazel Court.

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Police responded to a call about possible trespassing on the campus.

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Two police officers said they approached two suspects, a 46-year-old man and a woman. Both had active warrants for parole violations.

Denver Police say, at one point, the man flashed a gun, ran and fired 8 rounds at officers. Denver Police said officers fired back 38 rounds, killing the 46-year-old man.

Police are still looking for the woman involved, and an independent investigation into the incident is underway.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
The body of a Kentucky physician who vanished after leaving a cruise ship to go hiking has been found, authorities say.

Dr. Marites Buenafes body was located just before midday Thursday by an Alaska Army National Guard helicopter, two days after she failed to return to the Norwegian Bliss during its stop at Juneau.

The 62-year-old Lexington native was reported missing at around 3.20 p.m. on Tuesday having missed the ships 1:30 p.m. departure time, Alaska State Troopers said.

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The physician, who worked at University of Kentucky Healthcare and had been in practice for more than two decades, was reported on the trip with two family members.

The morning she went missing, Dr. Buenafe texted her family that she had planned to hike a popular trail from the Gold Ridge to Gastineau Peak, according to authorities.

The physician went missing near a popular hiking destination in the Alaska state capital (Alaska State Troopers)

Melody Buenafe, Dr. Buenafes sister, wrote on Facebook Wednesday morning that she had last received a text from her sibling at 7.35 a.m. and knew the cruises departure time.

No answers to our numerous texts and phone calls, she added. Melody said she and her mother flew back to Juneau after the ship set sail again at 1.45 p.m.

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Officials said Dr. Marites was last seen on surveillance footage at 7.30 a.m. Tuesday at the top of the Mount Roberts Tramway, a well-known spot providing views of Juneau and the Gastineau Channel.

Three stills from the security footage shared by Melody showed her sister wearing a dark pair of trousers and jacket, a spotted navy bandana and a maroon backpack.

Search and rescue teams deployed dogs, drones and helicopters before her body was found 1,700 feet below the ridge line of Gold Ridge on Thursday morning, Alaska Department of Public Safety spokesperson Austin McDaniel said.

Dr Buenafe's body was found by a National Guard helicopter two days after she went missing (Alaska State Troopers)

Troopers and Juneau Mountain Rescue were able to recover her body with the assistance of Temsco Helicopters and the National Guard, state troopers said in a statement Thursday evening.

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The search had concentrated in the mountains just south of downtown Juneau, an area McDaniel said was not especially remote.

Overcast and rainy weather late Wednesday had limited the number of aerial searches.

Dr. Buenafes family has been notified and her body was due to be sent to the state medical examiner's office for autopsy, officials said. The cause of her death was not immediately clear.

The face of Mendenhall Glacier is seen from along the Mount McGinnis trail in Juneau (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Juneau is a popular cruise ship destination, with visitors often staying close to the developed area that includes the tram. There are still areas of snow on the local peaks.

McDaniel said that visitors who hiked the well-trodden trail from Gold Ridge to Gastineau Peak are encouraged to become familiar with the area and pack extra clothes, food and water.

Trips into Alaskas backcountry can go from expected easy day trips to very challenging with one wrong step or fall, McDaniel cautioned.
July 4 (UPI) -- Rescuers in Alaska recovered the body of a 62-year-old woman who went on a hike in the mountains near Juneau after leaving the Norwegian Bliss cruise ship.

Marites Buenafe, a medical doctor from Kentucky, was a passenger on the Norwegian Bliss, which was a seven-day round-trip from Seattle. Her body was found on Thursday, the Alaska Department of Public Safety State Troopers announced.

Around 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, she texted family members that she was going up going up Mount Roberts Tramway in Juneau and would hike from Gold Ridge to Gastineau Peak, the troopers reported.

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Security footage showed Buenafe at the top of the tramway.

The 4-mile hike is challenging and usually takes three hours, hiking website AllTrails states.

The ship was scheduled to depart around 1:30 p.m. At around 3:15, Buenafe was reported missing.

Juneau Mountain Rescue searched on the ground and used thermal drones to scan the area, the Alaska Department of Public Safety said.

Also, an Alaska Wildlife Troopers helicopter and a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter conducted aerial searches, the department said.

The search continued Wednesday with more than a dozen professional volunteers, as well as Juneau police officers, Alaska state troopers and Juneau Mountain Rescue.

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Also utilized were drones and K-9s. Helicopter use was limited because of windy conditions.

The search resumed Thursday. At 11:56 a.m., Alaska Army National Guard helicopter crew located Buenafe's body some approximately 1,700 feet below the ridge line of Gold Ridge, the Alaska Department of Public Safety said.

Crews then recovered her body, which was taken to the state medical examiner's office for autopsy.

Buenafe was listed on the University of Kentucky Healthcare system's website as a doctor.

DPS spokesperson Austin McDaniel told KYES-TV it is important to inform somebody of hiking plans.

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"If you don't return on time, they can alert first responders, alert search and rescue teams, the troopers, so we can immediately begin formulating a plan and activating resources to help get you out of the field," McDaniel said.




NEED TO KNOW

The body of 62-year-old cruise ship passenger Marites Buenafe has been found two days after she vanished after embarking on a solo hike in Alaska, authorities have said

Buenafe had told family on the morning of Tuesday, July 1 that she was going up Mount Roberts Tramway and planned to hike Gold Ridge to Gastineau Peak, the Alaska State Troopers confirmed in an initial press release

She was reported missing after failing to return to her cruise ship, the Norwegian Bliss





The body of a 62-year-old cruise ship passenger has been found after she went missing during a solo hike in Alaska, authorities have said.

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On Thursday, July 3 at 11:56 a.m. local time, an Alaska National Guard helicopter crew located Marites Buenafe's body. That was two days after the Alaska Wildlife Troopers were notified that she hadn't returned to her cruise ship after getting off on the morning of Tuesday, July 1, per an Alaska State Troopers press release.

Buenafe had told her family that morning that she was going up the Mount Roberts Tramway in Juneau and planned to hike Gold Ridge to Gastineau Peak, an initial release stated.

Her cruise ship, the Norwegian Bliss, was set to depart Juneau at 1:30 p.m. on the day she went missing. The Kentucky native was on the trip alone, according to the Juneau Police Department.

ALASKA STATE TROOPERS Marites Buenafe Marites Buenafe

Security cameras last spotted her at the top of Mount Roberts Tramway. She departed the buildings around the time she sent a text to her family, police added.

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After a two-day search, Buenafe's body was located approximately 1,700 feet below the ridge line of Gold Ridge, the state troopers said in an update on Thursday evening.

"Troopers and Juneau Mountain Rescue were able to recover her body with the assistance of Temsco Helicopters and the National Guard. Her next of kin have been notified, and her body will be sent to the state medical examiner's office for autopsy," the release stated.

It continued, "Wildlife Troopers would like to thank all of the volunteers and agencies that assisted with this search and rescue."

ALASKA STATE TROOPERS Marites Buenafe Marites Buenafe

A spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line previously told PEOPLE that when Buenafe did not return to the ship by the all-aboard time, she was reported missing to local state troopers.

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"An active search is ongoing, and we are providing assistance to local authorities as appropriate. Our CARE team is providing support to the guests family and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time," the spokesperson said earlier on Thursday.

Juneau Mountain Rescue/Facebook Marites Buenafe Marites Buenafe

Before Buenafe's body was found, Juneau Mountain Rescue had "conducted a ground search and utilized thermal drones," the state troopers said in an initial release.

"AWT Helo 5 and a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter conducted aerial searches of the area," the post added, later stating that weather conditions had allowed limited helicopter searches late in the day on Wednesday.

"Yesterday, July 2nd, over a dozen professional volunteers from Juneau Mountain Rescue and SEADOGS joined Troopers and Juneau Police Officers for an extensive search using drones, K-9s, and ground teams, with no signs of Marites," the state troopers had said in Thursday's release.

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Buenafe was a physician at UK HealthCare in Lexington, Ky., according to The New York Times. The healthcare system's website shows that she received her degree from Case Western Reserve University and completed her residency in family medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

Medioimages/Photodisc/Getty A photo of a cable car moving down Mount Roberts in Alaska A photo of a cable car moving down Mount Roberts in Alaska

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According to the U.S. News and World Report website, Buenafe had been in practice for more than 20 years.

The Alaska State Troopers and Norwegian Cruise Line didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for comment.



Read the original article on People
US aerospace giant Boeing has been awarded a $2.8-billion contract to develop satellites for a United States Space Force programme, the company and the US government announced on Thursday.

The initial agreement covers two satellites, with options for two additional units in the future, the company said in a statement.

The satellites "will support Initial Operational Capability for strategic warfighters and assure continuity of the Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications mission execution," the Space Systems Command said in a statement.

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The company is expected to deliver the first of the two space vehicles by 2031.

When deployed in geostationary orbit approximately 35,700 kilometres above Earth, the Evolved Strategic Satellite Communications (ESS) will provide persistent global coverage for strategic warfighters, it added.

"It's a critical time to advance US space capabilities to ensure peace through strength," said US Space Force's Cordell DeLaPena.

"The strategic communication mission requires protection, power and always-available capability, even through adversary attempts to interrupt our connectivity. These satellites will provide connectivity from space as part of a refreshed NC3 architecture for our nation."
[Watch in the player above: What is a boil water advisory?]

AKRON, Ohio (WJW)  Two early Friday water main breaks prompted Akron officials to issue a precautionary boil water advisory for the Highland Square area.

The alert affects about 1,000 addresses in the area of Blair House, Carlton House, Portage Country Club and Highland Square, where residents are urged to fully boil tap water for at least three minutes, then allow it to cool, before drinking or cooking with it.

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More Ohio National Guard troops called up for deployment

Akron residents living inside the highlighted area were cautioned to boil tap water before using on July 4, 2025.

The breaks happened simultaneously early Friday morning on Morningside Drive and Delia Avenue, reducing water pressure for some customers in the area.

Crews went out Friday morning to make repairs, which are expected to be completed on Friday afternoon.

But the boil advisory will remain in effect until further notice  at least 18 to 24 hours after the repairs are completed and water pressure is restored, according to the release. The city plans to issue another notice when the advisory is lifted.

BOOM! Heres where you can see fireworks tonight

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Loss of tap water pressure can also leave water discolored or temporarily increase its lead content, which is unsafe in any amount  especially for children. To reduce lead exposure:

If the tap has not been used in several hours, run the tap until you can feel it get colder. To flush water that may contain lead, run the tap for 30 seconds to three minutes before drinking or cooking with the water.

Use cold water for cooking, drinking and preparing baby formula. Boiling water does not reduce its lead content.

Clean your faucet aerator regularly.

Learn more about lead-safe practices on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency website.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
BOLIVAR, Mo.  Construction is set to begin on the South Albany Avenue pedestrian and stormwater improvement project on Monday, July 7, in Bolivar.

According to a City of Bolivar press release, crews with Emery Sapp & Sons are set to begin the South Albany Avenue project to improve safety, improve storm water management and enhance pedestrian accessibility on Monday.

Photo courtesy of City of Bolivar

The $1.3 million project will focus on sidewalk, street improvements and box culvert installation in the area of South Springfield Avenue, South Albany Avenue and East Walnut Street in Bolivar, the release says.

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DNR awards $437k loan to Dade County town for drinking water improvement project

The city says that the intersection of South Albany Avenue and South Springfield Avenue will be permanently closed during the time of the project.

Were happy to see safety improve on our highly traveled roadways by eliminating a dangerous five-way intersection without eliminating access to South Albany, Kyle Lee, City of Bolivar community development director, said in the release. The improvements will help control traffic speeds, as well as provide better entry into and exit from South Albany.

The project will lead to a new intersection north of the existing intersection to allow traffic to continue to turn from South Springfield onto South Albany Avenue.

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Construction will lead to new 8-foot-wide multi-use paths, which will improve the communitys ability to walk and bike in the area.

The project was first identified in the 2017 Traffic Engineering Assistance Plan, which staff first began working on the current version in 2022. The funding of the project has been provided through grants from the Missouri Department of Transportation TAP program and Missouri Department of Natural Resources ARPA funds.

The new path is part of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, which will help enhance pedestrian traffic in Bolivar.

The city alerts residents to use caution during the process of the project as construction crews begin work during the upcoming months.

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The project is planned to be completed in late November.

For updates on the project, visit the City of Bolivars website.

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Pride Month may be over, but the Cherry Grove Archives Collection (CGAC) is planning to keep this summers celebration of LGBTQ+ history going with a trio of multimedia projects honoring Fire Island, New Yorks queer-inclusive beach destination.

On July 26, the CGAC will publish Safe/Haven, based on the acclaimed traveling exhibit of the same name, as a limited edition photo book featuring 77 pages of Fire Islands Cherry Grove community in the 1950s. That same day, Parker Sargents new film Making Miss Cherrys, which chronicles the 30-year history of the Miss Cherrys Allstars pageant as seen through the eyes of drag icon Sabel Scities, will be screened for the first time.

Safe/Haven, a 77-page photo book based on the acclaimed exhibit of the same name, will be released July 26. Gift of Harold Seeley/Cherry Grove Archives Collection

Then theres Queer Grove, a new podcast hosted by Sargent which premiered in May. The seven-episode podcast features a plethora of special guests including Fire Island writer and star Joel Kim Booster, RuPauls Drag Race veteran Bianca Del Rio and late LGBTQ+ rights icon Edie Windsor.

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In an interview with HuffPost, Sargent  who is also CGACs creative director  said she hoped to offer listeners and viewers inspiration and instruction through a careful examination of the queer folks who struggled through neglect and hate, who fought for the freedoms that we are in danger of losing today.

Going back and reexamining the interviews Ive done with community members over the last 10 years has been a comfort for me, in a time when I dont feel very safe in this country as a trans woman, she said. Hearing the trials and triumphs of my elders and people I respect has helped to keep things in perspective.

Patricia Fitzgerald and Kay Guinness in September 1952. Gift of Gay Nathan & Julie Paradise/Cherry Grove Archives Collection

She went on to note: Listening to their stories, we can find hope and plans of action.

The CGACs new programming follows what was, for some in the queer community, a somewhat subdued Pride Month. Though many celebrated the 10th anniversary of marriage equality in the U.S., June was also marked by a notable decrease in corporate support for LGBTQ+ causes.

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Since taking office in January, President Donald Trump has moved quickly to roll back civil rights for the LGBTQ+ community, while the Supreme Court last month tossed several rulings that were favorable to transgender people and upheld a Tennessee ban on gender-affirming care for minors.

Resistance, Sargent said, begins with queer joy.

The Cherry Grove ferry, circa 1950. Gift of John Sorensen & Walter Caron/Cherry Grove Archives Collection

We hope that those we have spotlighted in our works feel honored and that those who get to hear their stories, share in their memories and see their photos, will be inspired and energized, she said.

This year  more than any in the past few decades  I believe this safe space is needed to heal our bodies and souls from the hateful attacks coming from the alt-right movement to silence our community, she added. We need to come together, to relax in the sun, to love passionately, to scream loudly, to dance proudly and to find the inspiration to continue fighting.

Roman Holiday House, circa 1952. Gift of Harold Seeley/Cherry Grove Archives Collection

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MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Friday she expects boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr to be deported to Mexico to serve a sentence for arms trafficking and organized crime, after being detained in Los Angeles by U.S. immigration authorities.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Chavez was determined to be in the country illegally last week after he made fraudulent statements on a 2024 application for permanent residence based on his marriage to a U.S. citizen.

Sheinbaum, in her regular morning press conference, said Mexico has had a warrant for his arrest since 2023, stemming from an investigation initiated in 2019.

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She added that Mexico had failed to bring him into custody over that period as Chavez Jr had spent most of his time in the United States.

"So that there is a deportation and that he can serve the sentence, that's the process the attorney general's office is working on," Sheinbaum told reporters.

On Thursday, Homeland Security said the 39-year-old boxer, son of Mexican world champion fighter Julio Cesar Chavez, is suspected of having ties to Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel, which Washington has designated a foreign terrorist organization..

Michael Goldstein, a lawyer for Chavez, said more than two dozen immigration agents arrested the boxer at his home in the Studio City area of Los Angeles on Wednesday.

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"The current allegations are outrageous and appear to be designed as a headline to terrorize the community," Goldstein said. His family in Mexico said in a statement that they "fully trust his innocence."

His wife, Frida Munoz Chavez, was previously married to the son of former Sinaloa Cartel leader Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, who is serving a life sentence in a U.S. prison. The son, Edgar, was assassinated in 2008.

Sheinbaum said she did not know if Chavez Jr had links to the Sinaloa Cartel.

Chavez lost to influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul, 28, last weekend before a sold-out crowd in Anaheim, California, in a unanimous decision after 10 rounds.

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He won the WBC middleweight championship in 2011, but lost the title the following year.

His career has been overshadowed by controversies including a suspension after testing positive for a banned substance in 2009 and a fine and suspension after testing positive for marijuana in 2013.

(Reporting by Mexico City bureau; editing by Stephen Eisenhammer and Chizu Nomiyama )
WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. (WTNH)  AAA said 72 million people are traveling this weekend, and they are expecting an almost 1.5% increase in the number of air passengers this week compared to the last 4th of July holiday.

That means close to six million people flying domestically. At Bradley International Airport Thursday morning, though, the crowds were not that bad.

CTDOT: How you can make roads safer during Fourth of July weekend

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I thought it was going to be so much more busy, but I have to admit this has been great, Kelly Briles of Wallingford said. Weve gotten in, weve gotten right through, and were on our way to our flight.

Briles is flying to Ohio to visit family. So is Sharon Hite of Meriden, who has lots of experience flying.

You get here a little early, Hite said. Its a holiday, of course, its going to be busy. Its not bad at all. Just going to go out to Ohio and have a good time with family.

Bradley seems to be the exception. AAA said, nationwide, changes in the airline business have made airports, and airplanes, busier than ever.

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Some airlines have reduced routes, so that means that if there are fewer flights out there and demand is high, those airplanes are going to be packed, AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz said.

A spokesman for Bradley said they do expect to be busier than usual for the next few days. He recommended downloading your airlines app to stay informed.

Travelers have some advice, too.

Make sure you have TSA pre-check and Clear, Hite said. You get in and out of the airport a lot quicker, and if you have a husband who can take your bags, its even quicker.

Bradleys spokesman also reminded everyone the airports busiest times are early in the morning and late in the afternoon.

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TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, July 4. Uzbekistan is advancing efforts to deepen economic ties with Afghanistan through trade and infrastructure cooperation, Trend reports, citing the press service of the President of Uzbekistan.

During the summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization in the city of Khankendi, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held talks with the Acting Deputy Prime Minister of Afghanistan for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar.

The leaders discussed expanding mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, logistics, energy, and other sectors. They expressed satisfaction with the current pace of development in bilateral relations, particularly the growing trade turnover and increase in the number of joint ventures.

President Mirziyoyev highlighted recent developments, including the opening of Uzbek trading houses in Kabul and Mazar-i-Sharif in May, and the signing of a Preferential Trade Agreement in June. He stressed the importance of boosting cross-border trade, improving related infrastructure, and launching joint projects in key sectors such as mining, textiles, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, and agricultural processing.

Special focus was placed on accelerating the implementation of the Trans-Afghan Railway project. Once completed, the railway is expected to become a critical component in the transport corridor linking Central and South Asia.
NITEROI, Brazil (AP)  A Brazilian hiker who died after falling from the ridge of a volcano in Indonesia was buried on Friday in Rio de Janeiro state.

Juliana Marins body arrived in Brazil on Tuesday, a week after authorities confirmed her death. Her family has accused Indonesian authorities of negligence and delays in the rescue and repatriation process.

On June 21, the 26-year-old tourist began summiting on Mount Rinjani, an active 3,726-meter (12,224-foot) volcano on the Indonesian island of Lombok, with a guide and five other foreigners, when she fell about 600 meters (nearly 2,000 feet), Indonesian authorities said.

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Indonesian rescuers retrieved her body on June 25. Authorities confirmed her death on Tuesday after the rescuers reached and examined the body, which was found using a thermal drone after four days of intensive searches complicated by terrain and weather. The retrieval took at least five hours because of the rocky and steep terrain and foggy weather.

Millions of people in Brazil followed the rescue efforts. Indonesian authorities and the rescuer team met with Marins family to explain the process.

Mount Rinjani, Indonesias second-tallest peak, is a popular destination for trekkers.

Manoel Marins, the hikers father, told reporters at the burial in her hometown of Niteroi that what happened to his daughter was a matter of disregard for human life, blaming what he called Indonesias precarious public services.

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Unfortunately, its a tourist destination  known worldwide, a country that depends on tourism to survive," he said. It should have better infrastructure, better resources to rescue people.

___

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DEKALB COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  A Brentwood woman has died after getting trapped by a boats engine propeller on Center Hill Lake, officials said.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has identified the woman as 57-year-old Mary Beth Foran.

The DeKalb County Fire Department said crews were sent to a single-boat incident on Center Hill Lake near Hurricane Marina just before 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 3.

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Emergency first responders reportedly found a ski boat approximately 300 yards away from the marina when they arrived. Then, crews said they discovered an unconscious woman, now identified as Foran, in the water and under the boat, trapped by the boats inboard engine propeller.

Courtesy: DeKalb County Fire Department

In addition, officials reported the operator of the boatonly described as an adult malewas in the water at the back of the boat in an attempt to rescue Foran.

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According to the DeKalb County Fire Department, rescue personnel were able to free Foran, but she had already succumbed to the traumatic injury.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Several agenciesincluding the Smithville/DeKalb County Rescue Squad, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, DeKalb County Emergency Medical Service, DeKalb County Sheriffs Department, and the Putnam County Rescue Squadresponded to the incident on Center Hill Lake Thursday evening.

Officials said those involved are from Brentwood, Tennessee.

The TWRA is investigating the deadly incident.

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U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican whose district includes all of Bucks County and part of Montgomery County, talks to reporters in 2023. (Jennifer Shutt/ States Newsroom)

After weeks of debate, Republicans in Congress managed to pass a massive spending bill containing many of President Donald Trumps domestic policy priorities.

Broadly, the bill includes a slew of tax cuts and increases to defense and immigration enforcement spending, which is partially paid for with cuts to safety net programs like Medicaid and food assistance. Still, the bill is projected to add more than $3 trillion to the countrys debt during the next decade.

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Debate over the bill threatened to split the Republican caucus, with deficit-wary hardliners decrying its price tag and others warning of the impacts of cutting social services like Medicaid and food assistance. Ultimately, the final version of the bill passed mostly along party lines, with three Republican senators and two Republican House members joining every Democrat in opposing the final legislation.

The only Pennsylvania Republican to oppose the bill was Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-01), a moderate representing the Philadelphia suburbs.

Fitzpatrick voted in favor of an earlier version of the bill that passed the House, but opposed the amended version that returned from the Senate. It included even steeper cuts to Medicaid than had already been proposed.

I voted to strengthen Medicaid protections, to permanently extend middle-class tax cuts, for enhanced small business tax relief and for historic investments in our border security and our military, Fitzpatrick said in a statement after the Thursday afternoon vote. However, it was the Senates amendments to Medicaid, in addition to several other Senate provisions, that altered the analysis for our PA-1 community.

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The bills Republican defenders see it differently.

This bill delivers on the promise I made to the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania by providing the largest working-class tax cuts in American history, eliminating taxes on tips and overtime and securing the southern border, said Rob Bresnahan (R-08), who represents Northeast Pennsylvania. We also protect and strengthen Medicaid by cracking down on the fraud, waste and abuse that is driving the program toward collapse. This ensures Medicaid is there for seniors, people with disabilities, and vulnerable families, not for those who can work but refuse to do so.

According to an analysis of census data by KFF, a nonprofit focused on health policy research, 92% of Medicaid recipients under 65 are either working, attending school, or not working due to caregiving, illness or disability.

Nearly 12 million Americans could lose health insurance when the bills provisions take full effect, according to estimates from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

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The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services estimated a previous version of the bill could have resulted in 310,000 Pennsylvanians losing Medicaid coverage, and another 270,000 losing access to government-backed Affordable Care Act plans because of the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits. The version of the bill that passed Thursday made even steeper cuts.

Primarily, Medicaid cuts are accomplished by implementing strict work requirements and reporting mandates. Medicaid recipients will have to prove theyre working or volunteering at least 80 hours a month if they are not children, elderly, disabled, seriously ill, in recovery or caretakers of children under 14. They will also have to certify their eligibility at least twice a year or risk losing benefits.

Previous efforts to implement similar work requirements in Georgia and Arkansas resulted in tens of thousands of people who should have qualified for the program becoming uninsured.

The bill also sets new limits on how much states can tax health care providers like hospitals to help pay for their Medicaid programs, reducing the top rate from 6% to 3.5% by 2032.

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The Department of Human Services says the move could cost them $2.7 billion in tax revenue and federal matching funds when the change takes full effect.

The bill also cuts the federal share of SNAP funding in some cases, shifting some of the burden of paying for the food assistance program to states for the first time. Alaska and Hawaii aside, states with error rates above 6%  meaning the frequency that they underpay or overpay recipients  will have to fund between 5% and 15% of the program themselves.

Pennsylvanias error rate was 10.76% in 2024, slightly below the national rate of 10.93%

Gov. Josh Shapiro has said repeatedly in recent weeks that Pennsylvania does not have the money to make up for lost federal funds for safety net programs.

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Shame on these members of Congress who spent the last few months saying, Oh, Ill never cut Medicaid, Shapiro told WILK radio Thursday morning. This is just crazy that theyre voting to knock poor people off of this assistance. Why? Because they wanted to give a huge tax cut to people at the highest income level.

The cuts led to concerns about the financial impact on rural hospitals that rely on Medicaid dollars to stay afloat. To offset that, the Senate inserted a provision creating a $50 billion fund for them.

The biggest expenses in the bill are tax cuts. It extends the first Trump administrations 2017 tax cuts that were set to expire; it makes good on Trumps campaign promises to eliminate taxes on tips and overtime pay; it extends the child tax credit from $2,000 to $2,200; and it raises the SALT tax deduction cap, which allows people to deduct a portion of local taxes paid from their federal filings, from $10,000 to $40,000.

There are also new tax cuts for businesses that will allow them to write off additional expenses. However, many tax cuts for green energy projects passed under the Biden administration will be eliminated.

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The bill includes $350 billion in new spending for national security and immigration enforcement, including $46 billion for a U.S.-Mexico border wall, $45 billion for migrant detention facilities and $30 billion for Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.

Another $25 billion will go towards developing a country-wide missile defense system Trump has referred to as the Golden Dome, named after Israels Iron Dome that was built with U.S. assistance.

The CBO estimated the version of the bill that passed the House primarily benefited the wealthiest Americans, while costing the poorest.

Factoring in cuts to safety net programs, the poorest 10% of households are expected to lose around $1,600 per year, while middle income households will gain between $500 and $1,000 and households in the top 10% of income levels will gain about $12,000 annually.

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Despite his ultimate opposition, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has already hammered Fitzpatrick for voting on the initial version of the bill. Then, it passed the House on a 215-214 vote, where a single flip could have held it up.

Now, Fitzpatrick is trying to cover his tracks because he knows that his vote to advance massive cuts to Medicaid in order to fund tax cuts for billionaires will end his career,  Eli Cousin, a DCCC spokesperson said in a statement.

While Fitzpatrick has held onto his seat since 2018, his district voted for Democratic nominee Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.
Leaders from the BRICS bloc, often presented as a counterweight to the West, will soon meet in Rio de Janeiro, just as U.S. President Donald Trump threatens to reignite his trade war with a flurry of new unilateral tariffs.

The summit, held on July 6 and 7, will feature officials from the groups founding membersBrazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africaand its newer additionsEgypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Indonesia, and Iran. Leaders from partner countries, a new category created in January as a stepping stone to full membership, will also attend. Vietnams Prime Minister, Pham Minh Chinh, is traveling to Brazil after the Southeast Asian country became the newest BRICS partner in June.

The agenda includes discussions on vaccine cooperation, the green energy transition, and reform of the World Trade Organization (WTO), prompted by mounting concerns over a rise in unilateral tariffs.

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Trade protectionism has dominated recent headlines owing to Trumps Liberation Day tariffs. On Thursday, Trump said he could set unilateral tariffs on as many as a dozen U.S. trading partners as soon as Friday. He suggested that the new levies, which could go as high as 70%, will come into effect by Aug. 1.

The Trump administrations pause on reciprocal tariffs expires on July 9; without an extension, tariffs will rise back to levels first proposed on April 2.

Yet Trumps tariffs violate the World Trade Organizations most-favored-nation clause, which requires that members treat one another equally in trade agreements. China already initiated a WTO dispute over the U.S.s new tariffs in April.

The WTOs failure to enforce its own rules has led to calls for reform. The U.S. has blocked appointments to the organizations appellate body since 2019, arguing that it regularly exceeds its authority with its rulings. BRICS countries point to the lack of a well-functioning dispute settlement mechanism as an impetus for reform.

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Trade and tariffs wont be the only contentious issue at the summit. Russias continued war in Ukraine and the recent Iran-Israel conflict could create dangerous distractions to an effective summit outcome, Christopher Sabatini, a senior research fellow for the Americas at Chatham House, wrote earlier this week.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be attending in person, owing to an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court. As an ICC member, Brazil would be obligated to arrest Putin on arrival.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will also not be attending the BRICS summit, with Premier Li Qiang going in his place.

Interest in BRICS has grown in recent years, as countries explore different groupings as a hedge against the current U.S.-led international system. BRICS membership might also lead to better access to markets like China.

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Yet the group has its own geopolitical divisions, such as between India and China. And tensions within BRICS have already surfaced this year. In April, the groups foreign ministers failed to issue a joint statement about rising trade protectionism.

Still, observers sometimes see the BRICS as a potential threat to the U.S. One such observer: Trump, who has threatened 100% tariffs against BRICS countries if they ever explore a common currency to replace the U.S. dollar.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Is Britain becoming a hotel for the worlds criminals? New analysis by the Conservative Party has revealed that illegal immigrants who cross the Channel in small boats are 24 times more likely to go to prison than the average British citizen.

Although the rate at which foreign nationals are sent to prison is only slightly higher than that for British nationals, the rate at which some nationalities are imprisoned is much higher. That includes nationalities which are among the largest groups of small boat arrivals, such as Afghans, Albanians, and Iranians.

Some 3.4 per cent of small boat arrivals could go to prison, according to the research, which is 24 times higher than British nationals and 18 times higher than for all migrants. Not only is our asylum system being abused to allow foreign criminals to enter, it is being dominated by those groups of foreign nationals most likely to commit crime.

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That means that around 700 of the 20,000 small boat arrivals this year could go to prison. As there is more crime than is ever detected or solved, and as many successfully prosecuted crimes do not result in a custodial sentence, the actual number of small boat migrants who commit a crime will be even higher than that.

The Afghan double-murderer and drug dealer Lawangeen Abdulrahimzai was able to conceal his prior crimes when he entered Britain on a small boat, and his assaults on people in Britain, including threatening school children, only came to light after he murdered 21-year-old aspiring Royal Marine Thomas Roberts.

Among some nationalities, the rates are even higher. Based on prison data from March, 12 per cent of all people with Somali passports in Britain are in jail.

This is only the latest data analysis to show the over-representation of some migrant groups when it comes to serious crime. Prior analysis by the Centre for Migration Control has found that foreign nationals accounted for over a quarter of sexual assaults on women that are successfully prosecuted. The top ten nationalities for sexual assault of a woman included Iranians and Afghans, who are over-represented among small boat arrivals.

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The recent national audit of group-based child sex abuse by Baroness Casey also revealed a link between illegal immigration and the rape gangs. The Prime Minister has spoken of his personal commitment to halving violence against women and girls, but Labours current commitment to a broken asylum system means allowing more people to come here who will be a danger to them.

The Home Office has disputed the Conservative analysis, pointing out that those arriving on the small boats are disproportionately young and male, the group which commits the most crime in society regardless of nationality.

That may be true, but the over-representation is so high that this cannot explain it entirely and is a tacit admission that small boat migrants are likely to be more criminals than the general population. Nor is it much comfort to most people, who are still being asked to pay their taxes to put up illegal immigrants in hotels near them, that the Home Office admits such groups are a potential danger.

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BOSTON (WWLP)  Governor Healey announced on Wednesday that mandatory renter-paid brokers fees will soon be banned in the Bay State.

Re-married Gold Star spouses to be eligible for benefits

These fees, paid upfront when a renter signs a new lease, cover a real estate brokers services in helping the renter find a property and secure a lease, regardless of whether the renter or landlord hired the broker.

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They typically cost the equivalent of one months rent, which is an average of $2,800 here in the Bay State.

The fiscal year 2026 budget will change this cost by making whoever hired the brokerusually the landlordresponsible for the fee.

The Governor announced that she will be approving the broker fee portion of the budget via X alongside a Love Island meme, calling the exorbitant cost of moving into a new apartment and paying a brokers fee quote ridiculous.

This is about saving you money. Thousands of dollars that you can now spend on whatever you need, or put it away for the future. And this is just one way were lowering costs and getting after high housing prices, said Governor Healey.

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There is some concern that the cost landlords will now be paying for broker fees will be passed to the renter through a hike in rent, and it is not yet clear if the state plans to prevent that from happening.

Massachusetts will be following New York Citys example, as an Act banning brokers fees for renters unless the renter hired the broker themselves went into effect there last month.

The Bay States ban on mandatory renter-paid brokers fees will take effect on August 1.

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WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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FARMERSBURG, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) Do you know all of the laws Indiana has on fireworks? The Knox County Sheriffs Office is giving a refresher on the Fourth of July so you know the safest way to celebrate.

Fireworks can only be purchased by persons 18 years of age or older. Fireworks use is limited to personal property, the property of someone who has approved the use of fireworks, or a location designated specifically for the use of consumer fireworks. Throughout the year, it is legal in Indiana to set off fireworks from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., but this may be limited further by local ordinances. Citizens living in city limits should check with local officials. On state holidays, it is legal to set off fireworks from 9 a.m. to midnight. The times on the following dates are protected in Indiana for consumer use of fireworks and may not be prohibited by local ordinance: June 29 to July 3: from 5 p.m. until two hours after sunset

July 4: from 10 a.m. to midnight

July 5 to July 9: from 5 p.m. until two hours after sunset

December 31: from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. All public fireworks displays must receive a state permit, which includes approval by the chief of the local fire department. A permit is needed not only to conduct the display, but also to possess and transport the fireworks used in these shows. Fireworks laws and safety are covered in IC 22-11-14-6. A person who violates this law can be charged with a class C infraction. However, if a person recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally uses fireworks and the violation causes property damage, they can be charged with a class A misdemeanor. If there is bodily injury, it is enhanced to a Level 6 felony, and if there is death, a Level 5 felony.

What to know about Fourth of July holiday origins and traditions

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The Knox County Sheriffs Office added that its important to remember those with PTSD and other medical conditions who could be affected by the usage of fireworks. Its also good to remember that setting them too late at night can disturb others sleeping habits. Similarly, dogs and other animals can be sensitive to the bright lights, loud noises, and strong smells that fireworks create. This can lead to animals reacting in fear, such as hiding, shaking, barking, or running away to escape a stressful environment.

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The European Commission on Friday condemned new tariffs announced by China on European brandy exports.

"The EU regrets China's decision to impose definitive anti-dumping measures on imports of EU brandy to China," a spokesman for the European Commission told reporters in Brussels.

China is set to impose tariffs on brandy from the European Union from July 5 amid an ongoing trade dispute with Brussels, the Commerce Ministry said on Friday, with surcharges of between 27.7% and 34.9% set to apply.

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"We believe that China's measures are unfair. We believe they are unjustified. We believe they are inconsistent with the applicable international rules and are thus unfounded," he added.

"Regrettably, these measures are also part of a worrying pattern of China abusing trade defence instruments, starting and conducting investigations on the basis of questionable allegations and insufficient evidence."

The commission was going to study the announced measures and assess next steps, the spokesman added.

Products from companies that have agreed to price commitments are exempt from the tariffs if they meet the necessary conditions, according to the ministry.

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The trade restrictions affect more than 60 companies, according to a list released by the Commerce Ministry.

However, 34 of these companies may be eligible for exemptions, according to a further statement.

Most of the companies affected are based in France, for which China is an important sales market.

The Chinese authority previously investigated whether brandy originating from the EU was being sold below market price in China in order to gain a competitive advantage - a practice known as "dumping."

The ministry concluded that dumping was taking place and that the domestic industry was facing "significant damage." The measures will initially apply for five years.

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EU representatives have consistently rejected China's dumping allegations.

For China, however, the anti-dumping investigation against brandy is an important bargaining chip in its dispute with Brussels. Beijing is annoyed by EU tariffs on electric cars manufactured in China, which have been in place since October last year.

Brussels justified the levies by arguing that Chinese manufacturers are able to sell their vehicles in Europe at low prices thanks to state subsidies, thereby distorting the market.

The Chinese decision comes just a few weeks before a planned EU-China summit in Beijing at the end of July.
(NewsNation)  Bryan Kohberger will spend the rest of his life in a facility considered one of the worst prisons in America after he confessed to murdering four college students.

Kohberger took a plea deal, agreeing to serve four life sentences for the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin. He confessed to killing them in court, avoiding a trial where prosecutors intended to seek the death penalty.

Kohberger has been held in Ada County Jail under maximum security while awaiting trial. He may be transferred to Idahos toughest prison after his sentencing on July 23, prison consultant Leonard Vare told NewsNations Ashleigh Banfield.

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Trumps tax cuts: Who will it benefit?

The Idaho Maximum Security Institution opened in 1989 and holds the most violent and disruptive male inmates in the state.

Located in Kuna, Idaho, the prison is known for harsh conditions, with lockdowns and solitary confinement used frequently to control residents.

Kohbergers case is already likely to be familiar to others in the facility, Vare said.

Because of the notoriety that this case brings, everyone in the Idaho prison system, all the inmates and all the staff, are waiting to see what happens next, Vare said.

Inmates spend most of their time in cells, with few chances for recreation, rehabilitation programs or social interaction. There are reports of inmates being in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day, showering just three times a week and eating alone in their cells.

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Named one of the 15 worst prisons in America by Security Journal Americas in 2024, the prison joined the ranks of other notorious facilities, including Attica Correctional Facility in New York, San Quentin in California and Louisiana State Penitentiary, also known as The Farm.

Texas 4-year-old was left in hot van after field trip: Affidavit

IMSI has been criticized for harsh treatment and inadequate mental healthcare, which, combined with the psychological distress from extensive solitary confinement, can lead to a cycle of worsening mental health.

The prison is also known for violence between inmates and allegations of excessive force by staff, made worse by overcrowding that can raise tensions.

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In 2024, 90 inmates went on a hunger strike for better conditions, complaining of recreation cages covered in feces, long stays in isolation, delays in medical care and an HVAC system so dirty they called it a biohazard.

The prison admitted that it had halted many services, including access to some religious practices, in response to staff shortages brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Idaho Department of Corrections claimed that those behind the protest were attempting to force staff to segregate housing by gang and racial affiliation.

Man charged for possession of hundreds of pounds of illegal fireworks in San Francisco

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IMSI is designed to hold up to 549 inmates and is home to Idahos death row, where all eight of the states male inmates who are facing death are held.

Kohberger wont be the only notorious inmate in the facility.

Chad Daybell, on death row for murdering his first wife and his second wifes two children, is also housed at ISMI.

Serial killers Gerald Pizzuto, convicted of murdering four people, and Thomas Eugene Creech, who may have murdered up to 43 people but was only convicted in five cases, are also held in the prisons death row.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Will Buc-ee's, the Texas-based string of gas station/convenience superstores with a cult following throughout the South and Midwest, finally make its way into Pennsylvania to challenge Wawa and Sheetz?

Here's everything we know about Buc-ees' play for Pennsylvania.

Will Buc-ee's come to Pennsylvania?

It's getting closer.

The Texas-based gas station superstore opened a new location June 30 off Interstate 81 in Mount Crawford, Va. Another Virginia location is planned near New Kent, outside of Richmond.

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Virginia is the 12th state to have a Buc-ee's. As of July 1, there are 53 Buc-ee's in the United States. Buc-ees are located in Texas, Georgia, Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.

An Ohio Buc-ee's was slated to open this year near Dayton but its opening has been delayed and is now expected to debut in spring 2026

What is Buc-ee's?

Buc-ee's is an oasis of consumer joy along the interstates of the United States. The franchise, which started in Texas, provides travelers with everything they need. Think if you combined a Wawa, Walmart and your favorite barbecue joint into one store and dropped it strategically throughout the United States.

The store is so popular that it has developed a cult following. It's not uncommon to see signs proclaiming how many miles, including 100s of miles, you are from Buc-ee's.

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Buc-ee's recently teased Pennsylvanians through a series of billboards of an impending move into the Keystone State.

As recently as fall 2024, there was a Buc-ee's billboard spotted at the Reading and Morgantown exits of the Pa. Turnpike near mile marker 291 in Lancaster.

Raising the hype even further, Buc-ee's also posted a cryptic and hilarious billboard in New Jersey, prompting thoughts that Buc-ee's might expand.

One of the signature food items at the new Buc-ee's in Smiths Grove, Kentucky is the brisket. Gabriel Torres slices up some slow-cooked meat Monday morning. June 24, 2024. Will Buc-ee's ever come to Pennsylvania?

Outside of the billboards, Buc-ee's has been quiet about any plans to expand into Pennsylvania.

Buc-ee's hasn't released any official news releases concerning the billboards nor any plans to expand in Pennsylvania and the Delaware Valley, and Buc-ee's Facebook and X accounts don't mention any mid-Atlantic expansion plans.

Why is Buc-ee's such a big deal?

Buc-ee's is best known for its food, array of gas pumps and its mascot.

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According to its website, Buc-ee's has also broken world records for largest convenience store and longest car wash. On average, Buc-ee's locations occupy 75,000 sq. ft. and house up to 120 gas pumps.

Buc-ee's is also known for its sparkling bathrooms, but if it does come to Pennsylvania, it may have to battle Wawa and Sheetz for the "best bathroom" title.

What does Buc-ee's have to eat?

Its market is the size of a small grocery store with a wide variety of well-received store-brand products such as jerky, roasted nuts, fudge, brisket, the signature Buc-ee's Beaver Nuggets, the usual gas station items and then some. And there is a sitdown dining area.

Did you forget your vacation grill? Buc-ees has them. Forget your cornhole game? Buc-ees has them. Need housewares for the rental property you're going to? Buc-ees has them. Need a set of koozies with the Buc-ees Beaver on them? Buc-ees has them. Did your child forget his or her teddy bear? Buc-ee's has you covered with a plethora of plush Buc-ee's mascots. Need a hoodie or shorts with the Buc-ee's mascot on it, you better believe Buc-ee's has them.

What else does Buc-ee's offer?

Several Buc-ee's locations have Mercedes-Benz High-Power Universal Charger ports and Tesla Supercharger stations.

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Damon C. Williams is a Philadelphia-based journalist reporting on trending topics across the Mid-Atlantic Region.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: WIll Buc-ee's move into PA, challenging Wawa with new locations
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 4. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing a 25 million euros loan to PBZ Leasing, a universal leasing company, for on-lending to local micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Croatia, Trend reports via the EBRD's latest reports.

The loan will help to improve access to financing for Croatias private sector, with at least 30 percent of the funds dedicated to leasing environmentally friendly technologies and equipment. This will support the EBRDs Green Economy Transition (GET) goals and encourage Croatian MSMEs to invest in energy-efficient solutions. By making green leasing more accessible, the project aims to boost sustainable investments and raise awareness of the benefits of cleaner, more efficient technologies.

The loan agreement was signed by Nikolina Zganec, a member of PBZ Leasings Management Board, and Bogdan Drakulic, President of the Management Board, while the EBRD was represented by Miljan Zdrale, Regional Director for Central Europe.

Bogdan Drakulic said: We are pleased to be deepening our partnership with the EBRD through this new facility, which will strengthen our ability to support the growth and competitiveness of Croatian MSMEs. This cooperation also reflects our firm commitment to promoting sustainable investments and accelerating the green transition of Croatian businesses.

Miljan Zdrale said: While MSMEs are a key driver of the Croatian economy, access to leasing financing remains relatively limited, which can pose challenges for business growth and competitiveness. Through its targeted investments and technical assistance, the EBRD is working to expand financing options and improve access to leasing solutions, helping MSMEs to unlock their full potential and contribute to economic development more broadly.

Since it started operating in Croatia, the EBRD has invested just under 5 billion euros in the country across 263 projects. The Banks focus in Croatia is on supporting efforts to accelerate the reform process, leveraging the benefits of European Union membership to advance transition, and restructuring and commercialising public-sector enterprises.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Butler Township police have located a missing 13-year-old boy.

The Butler Township Police Department is seeking information on the whereabouts of 13-year-old.

MISSING: Tyrone Wise

He was last seen around noon on Thursday, July 3 on Miller Lane. Shortly after reporting him missing at 7:30 p.m., the boy returned home around 8:40 p.m.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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The Fourth of July is here, and for those celebrating with spirits, here are some things you should be aware of concerning the laws around liquor sales in Tennessee.

For the United States' 249th birthday, most of the country will enjoy the day with friends, family and possibly a drink or two. In 2024, Americans spent an estimated $3.87 billion on alcohol, according to Capitol One Research.

Tennessee is among 21 states that have a full or partial alcohol ban on several holidays throughout the year; however, alcohol is allowed to be purchased on July 4.

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The only law regarding the sale of alcohol that some Tennesseans need to worry about over the July 4 weekend is Sunday's 10 a.m. start time.

Here is what to know about when you can buy alcohol in Tennessee.

Can you buy alcohol on the Fourth of July in Tennessee?

While it used not to be the case, Tennessee does allow the sale of beer, wine and liquor on the Fourth of July now.

This law, which was previously more restrictive, was amended in 2018. Before that, Tennesseans could not buy alcohol on New Year's Day, Easter, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day.

It is also important to note that liquor stores may be closed or have limited hours on the fourth as it is a federal holiday.

What holidays can you not buy alcohol on in Tennessee?

There are three holidays when alcohol of any kind is prohibited from being sold in Tennessee. As you've probably guessed, Christmas is one of those holidays. The other two days are Thanksgiving and Easter. The other 362, or 363, days of the year, you are able to buy alcohol.

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There was an attempt in 2021 to allow the sale of all alcohol on Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas, but it hasn't been signed into law.

When are liquor stores open in Tennessee for the Fourth of July?

During a regular week, alcoholic beverages can be purchased in Tennessee from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday and after 10 a.m. on Sundays, according to the Tennessee State Government's website.

Can you buy alcoholic beverages in Tennessee grocery stores?

Yes, but only beer and wine are sold in grocery stores.

What states limit alcohol sales on holidays?

According to a 2024 report from USA TODAY, all 50 states permit the sale of alcohol on the Fourth of July with either minimal or no restrictions. The only restrictions applied to alcohol sales in different states on the holiday are whether it can be purchased from grocery or liquor stores or not.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: When can I buy alcohol on July 4th in Tennessee? What's open
CADDO PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS)- Caddo Parish commissioners stand by their special resolution that welcomed Senator Bernie Sanders to Shreveport.

The commission passed the resolution Thursday afternoon that welcomed Senator Sanders for of his Fighting Oligarchy rally at the Municipal Auditorium on June 21 that recognized his years of public service and commitment to issues affecting working families across the nation.

The resolution did not pass unanimously. Seven commissioners voted in favor, with five against.

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The commission did not discuss the resolution.

Parish attorney Donna Frazier said she is reviewing the bylaws in response to Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrills instruction to the Louisiana Department of Justice to investigate the commission.

Murrill said the commission may have potentially violated an open meeting law when it presented the resolution before adding it to the agenda at a properly held public meeting.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
Californias largest wildfire of the year grew to an estimated 70,801 acres Friday, producing smoke that has affected millions of residents across the southern part of the state.

The Madre Fire in San Luis Obispo County erupted early Wednesday afternoon near the small town of New Cuyama along Highway 166 on the Carrizo Plain, according to Cal Fire.

Fueled by strong winds, the blaze quickly expanded to nearly 53,000 acres by Thursday afternoon, and had scorched roughly 82 square miles of dry brush by Friday afternoon, prompting evacuations in both San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.

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Fifty structures were threatened, with containment at 10%, incident commanders said.

U.S. Forest Service firefighter Kai Montes battles the Madre Fire as it makes a run along Highway 166 on Thursday, July 3, 2025, in San Luis Obispo County, Calif. (AP Photo/Noah Berger) The Madre wildfire burns on Thursday, July 3, 2025, in San Luis Obispo County, Calif. (AP Photo/Noah Berger) Firefighters scrambles to keep the Madre Fire from crossing a dozer line as it makes a run along Highway 166 on Thursday, July 3, 2025, in San Luis Obispo County, Calif. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

More than 600 firefighting personnel were battling the fire on the ground and from the air, using seven air tankers and two helicopters. No injuries had been reported.

The cause of the fire remained under investigation.

A temporary evacuation shelter was established at the California Valley Community Services District facility at 13080 Soda Lake Road in Santa Margarita.

Smoke from the fire has drifted south and east into metropolitan Los Angeles, prompting health officials to issue an air quality alert for areas including the Santa Clarita and San Gabriel valleys, as well as the San Bernardino Mountains.

A Cal Fire map showing the location of the Madre Fire and evacuation zones on July 4, 2025.

(Air pollution) levels due to Independence Day fireworks are also expected to reach Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups or higher, the South Coast Air Quality Management District said in an advisory, with the Air Pollution Index expected to reach hazardous levels at times on Friday and Saturday in large parts of Los Angeles and Orange counties and the Inland Empire.

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The AQMD offered the following tips for residents in smoke-affected areas:

Limit exposure by staying indoors with windows and doors closed, or seek alternate shelter.

Avoid vigorous physical activity.

Run air conditioning and/or an air purifier. Avoid using swamp coolers or whole-house fans that bring in outside air.

Avoid burning wood in fireplaces or fire pits, and minimize indoor air pollution from candles, incense, pan-frying and grilling.

If you must go outside, a properly fitted N95 or P100 respirator may offer some protection.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
A California couple was convicted on Monday after causing irreversible brain damage to their young son.

The Orange County district attorney's office determined that parents John Andres Gonzalez, 38, and Jaqueline Navarro, 45, were both guilty of felony child abuse and endangerment. They were each sentenced to a maximum of 12 years in prison, a punishment enhanced by the aggravating circumstance of causing great bodily injury to a child under 5.

According to the OCDA's press release, charges against Gonzalez and Navarro stemmed from "exposing their newborn son to extreme heat and cold" and "withholding vital nourishment."

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The couple's negligence was said to have nearly killed the infant and resulted in severe brain damage, leaving the child "a quadriplegic unable to walk, talk, or see."

The press release went into detail about the parents' dangerous health practices. Gonzalez and Navarro subscribed to naturopathy, which is the belief that the body can heal itself from diseases without the help of modern medicine.

When the baby was born in 2019, the parents did not feed him breast milk or formula, believing both to be "toxic" for their child. The couple considered themselves vegan mucus-free fruitarians, which pushed them to feed their son only soy-based formula, fruits, and vegetables. They also exposed him to "high-temperature saunas" and "ice baths" when he was just weeks old.

The lifestyle eventually led to a medical emergency. The baby was rushed to the emergency room of an Orange County hospital in August 2020. The then-10-month-old infant was in a catatonic state and had graying skin. Gonzalez continued pushing his extreme health beliefs while his son was hospitalized, imploring medical staff to starve his son to heal him.

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While the child survived, he was left with irreversible brain damage.

His paternal grandmother, Patrizia Sanchez, repeatedly reported what was happening to the Tulare County Department of Child Welfare Services when the child was still a month old. Despite over a dozen calls to the office, the agency failed to act on Sanchez's warnings, per the press release.

Sanchez later filed a lawsuit against the Tulare County, leading to the largest settlement of its kind in California history. Sanchez was awarded custody of the child.

Related: Patient Died After Surgeons Removed Wrong Organ, Lawsuit Alleges

California Parents' 'Extreme' Health Views Left Child a Quadriplegic first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 4, 2025
(NewsNation)  President Donald Trumps trade war strained relations with Americas northern neighbor, and now, Canadian demand for U.S. real estate appears to be on the decline.

Canadian interest in U.S. homes dropped 26% year-over-year in May, marking the fourth straight month of double-digit declines, according to Redfin.

Redfin said the first major drop-off in Canadian searches for U.S. homes came in February, when the White House implemented 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico.

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Niagara Falls tackles tourism concerns as Canadians reduce spending

Two months later, Trump unveiled his Liberation Day agenda, and searches for U.S. real estate nosedived further, falling 34% in April from a year earlier.

Heather Mahmood-Corley, a Redfin Premier agent in Phoenix, said she normally works with five Canadian buyers each spring, but this year, there were none.

People from Canada are retreating from owning real estate in the U.S. because of political tensions, Mahmood-Corley said in a statement.

Housing red flag: Data show increase in cancellations of home purchase agreements versus a year ago

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The drop-off is especially noticeable given that Canadians have historically made up the largest share of international homebuyers in the U.S. In 2024, Canadians accounted for 13% of foreign buyers, spending $5.9 billion on U.S. real estate, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Sunny resort areas in the U.S. are particularly popular with Canadians, and cities like Miami and Orlando saw even sharper year-over-year declines in search interest compared to the national average, down about 30% in May.

That said, housing markets in Florida have cooled for Canadians and Americans alike, with high insurance costs and the threat of natural disasters dissuading buyers. In fact, this years spring homebuying season was anything but in many places.

At a metro level, Redfin said fewer Canadians are searching for homes in all but two of the 50 largest U.S. metros: Indianapolis and Austin.

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The biggest decline in Canadian interest is in big cities: Searches in Houston dropped 55% year over year in May, 53% in Philadelphia and 47% in Chicago.

The slowdown in Canadian interest in U.S. homes is just the latest sign of a frosty U.S.-Canada relationship. International tourism has been declining at Niagara Falls State Park in New York since the beginning of the year, and the number of Canadians driving to the U.S. is way down.

Redfins analysis was based on the number of users in Canada searching for homes for sale and for rent in the United States.

The 10 U.S. metros with the biggest year-over-year decline in Canada-based Redfin user searches (May 2024 to May 2025)

Houston, TX (-55.2%) Philadelphia, PA (-53.0%) Chicago, IL (-47.0%) Cincinnati, OH (-45.8%) Kansas City, MO (-44.3%) Minneapolis, MN (-44.2%) Milwaukee, WI (-42.3%) San Antonio, TX (-39.9%) New Brunswick, NJ (-38.9%) Nashville, TN (-37.9%)

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New conditions will be in place for three years in an attempt to crack down on anti-social behaviour at a car cruising hotspot.

The public space protection order (PSPO) is being used by Peterborough City Council at Pleasure Fair Meadow car park.

The council said it had received several reports from nearby residents of noise, smoke and odours from the site.

A consultation found 151 out of 169 responses were in favour of the PSPO, which could see fines of up to 1,000 or penalty notices for people who break the rules.

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People told the council about meets involving up to 300 cars and smaller gatherings of vehicles where some drivers carried out manoeuvres like doughnuts and handbrake turns.

There were also complaints about litter, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Cabinet member for housing and communities, Alison Jones, said: "We have listened to feedback from residents and are taking direct action by setting up a PSPO aimed at tackling crime and improving the quality of life for communities within this area of the city."

Pleasure Fair Meadow car park is monitored by a council-operated CCTV camera, which logged 32 incidents of anti-social or dangerous driving between April 2023 and November 2024.

Councillor Christian Hogg said it had taken "an incredibly long time" for the order to be put in place [Google]

Leader of the Liberal Democrat group, Christian Hogg, represents the Fletton and Stanground ward where the car park is located.

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He said: "It is absolutely most welcome, as the residents around Pleasure Fair Meadow Car Park have been blighted for years with screeching tyres, revving engines and loud music on a regular basis.

"Hopefully this PSPO will finally produce a solution because it gives the police far more power to move people on and for them to not come back 15 minutes later."

In Peterborough there are currently two area PSPOs  one in the city centre and one covering the Millfield, New England, Eastfield and Embankment areas.

Independent councillor Julie Stevenson chaired the task and finish group created to examine the issue.

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She said: "This is great. It has taken a long time but now it is here and hopefully it will be effective in just getting people some nights where they can sleep again."

Follow Peterborough news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

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Police are advising gig-goers to plan their journey as a result of the vehicle and grass fire, which temporarily closed the A131 in both directions [Owen Ward/BBC]

People heading to a music festival headlined by Justin Timberlake have been warned to expect travel delays due to a car fire.

Crews were called to the blaze at about 18:35 BST, near the Tesco roundabout on the A131 at Great Notley in Essex.

The fire affected about 400 yards (365m) of surrounding grassland, temporarily closing the road in both directions, a spokesperson for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said.

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Up to 25,000 people are expected to watch artists at Chelmsford City Live throughout the weekend.

Timberlake is due to headline the event at Chelmsford City Racecourse on Friday; Duran Duran top the bill on Saturday, and Olly Murs is due to headline on Sunday.

At 20:15, a stretch of the southbound carriageway was still closed.

Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

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After more than five years of serving Pepsi products, Carnival Cruise Lines is reuniting with the Coca-Cola Company to offer its soft drinks, zero-sugar offerings and sparkling flavored water starting later this summer.

Guests sailing from one of Carnivals 13 U.S. homeports can soon enjoy Coca-Cola brands, which include the classic soda of the same name, Sprite, Fanta, Powerade, Topo Chico and Fairlife, among others.

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, in a news release. 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.

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The cruise line anticipates the new offerings will be fully integrated across its North American fleet by the end of September. Carnivals Australian-based ships already serve Coca-Cola beverages.

Regent Cruises new massive luxury suite starts at $25,000 a night

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 of foodservice and on-premise for The Coca-Cola Companys North American operating unit, in a news release. 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.

Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com. Stay up to date with our latest travel, arts and events coverage by subscribing to our newsletters at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.
Veteran Democratic strategist James Carville said during a recent interview that the Republican tax and spending bill, which President Trump signed Friday, will be seen as a mass extinction event, predicting the Democratic Party will pick up more than 40 House seats in the 2026 midterms.

And I like with the unified party  every Democrat voted against this. Every Democrat, regardless of the ideology, their ethnicity  we can all rally around this, and we can run on this single issue all the way to 2026. And Paul is right, were going to pick up more than 40 House seats, Carville, the former strategist for former President Clintons campaign, said during a Thursday appearance on CNNs Anderson Cooper 360.

I can tell you what the poll says today: The Democrat in New Jersey is up 20 points. Thats in a state that we won by 2 1/2 or 2 [points] in 2021. I mean, you know, political anthropologists are going to look back at this, and its going to be called a mass extinction event because there are a lot of them are going to be extinct, Carville told host Anderson Cooper.

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The House GOP passed President Trumps big, beautiful bill Thursday, sending it to the president who is expected to sign it Friday evening. The package, which was adopted by a 218-214 vote, contains the presidents major spending priorities, extending the 2017 tax cuts and also cuts to Medicaid, which some Republican members of both chambers have expressed concerns about.

All but two House Republicans  Reps. Thomas Massie (Ky.) and Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.)  voted for the package Thursday. All Democrats voted against the bill.

Trump hammered Democrats late Thursday during his rally in Des Moines, Iowa, saying he hates them for not supporting the massive package and that Republicans will be able to benefit from those votes politically when midterm elections come around.

All of the things we did with the tax cuts and rebuilding our military, not one Democrat voted for us. And I think we use it in the campaign thats coming up, the midterms, Trump told the crowd.

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But all of the things that weve given, and they wouldnt vote. Only because they hate Trump. But I hate them, too. You know that? I really do, I hate them, the president added. I cannot stand them, because I really believe they hate our country, you want to know the truth.

Carville said Thursday that when people go to the polls voting for this, I promise you, I promise you, this thing is really  its like 25, 26 points underwater already.

And we havent even started our education program, the longtime operative added.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

KHANKENDI, Azerbaijan, July 4. President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov has suggested establishing preferential tariffs in seaports for landlocked countries, the head of state said during the 17th ECO summit, Trend's special correspondent sent to Khankendi reports.

"Within the framework of the ECO, we consider it appropriate to create preferential conditions for access to port infrastructure for landlocked countries. In particular, we can talk about establishing preferential tariffs for services for receiving, unloading, and storing cargo in seaports," he said.

According to him, the evolution of transportation and logistics synergies, encompassing the integration of digital innovations within the logistics framework, represents a pivotal domain of collaboration among the entities involved.

"It's necessary to promote active digitalization of cargo transportation processes, including along rail and road routes," the head of state added.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
MILTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD)  Deputies say a motorcyclist crashed in Cass County after trying to avoid a deer.

It happened around 11:40 p.m. Thursday at the roundabout at Gumwood Road and Redfield Street in Milton Township, according to the Cass County Sheriffs Office.

The motorcyclist, a 58-year-old woman from Elkhart, Indiana, was heading north on Gumwood. Thats when a deer ran into the road, according to the sheriffs office. Deputies say the motorcyclist tried to avoid the deer but lost control, hitting the curb.

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The woman was taken to the hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. She wasnt wearing a helmet, according to deputies.

Investigators do not believe alcohol or drugs were involved.

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Originally appeared on E! Online

More details have come to light regarding Juliana Marins death.

After the Brazilian tourist was found dead in Mount Rinjani in Indonesia, coroners from the country have confirmed her cause of death.

In a report obtained by Agencia Brasil and translated from Portuguese, Marins is confirmed to have died from internal bleeding caused by damage to the organs as well as bone fractures from a blunt force trauma only hours before her body was discovered. Marins is thought to have died about 20 minutes after the bleeding began. The medical personnel were able to rule out hypothermia as there were no signs of damage to Marins fingers.

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A final autopsy including toxicology results is forthcoming, per Agencia Brasil. E! News has attempted to obtain Marins initial autopsy report.

Marins, 27, was hiking around the active volcano when she slipped and fell off of a 12,000-foot cliff June 21. The coroner reported, per Agencia Brasil, that she was likely alive and waiting for rescue for several days before her body was recovered June 24. Throughout the hikers disappearance, approximately 50 people assisted in search and rescue efforts.

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The Brazilian government announces, with deep regret, the death of Brazilian tourist Juliana Marins, who had fallen from a cliff that surrounds the trail next to the crater of Mount Rinjani, Marins home country wrote in a statement June 24, noting that her body was found after four days of work, hindered by adverse weather, terrain and visibility conditions in the region.

Mount Rinjanis official Instagram account also confirmed that Marins body was difficult to locate due to the conditions on the hiking trails.

The rescue operation was challenging due to steep terrain and heavy fog, a June 25 statement read, but thanks to the coordinated efforts of all involved, the mission was successfully completed.

Juliana Marins/Instagram

Days after Marins body was recovered, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva signed a decree to pay for the transportation of her body back to her home country.

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Im going to issue a new decree so that the Brazilian government takes on the responsibility of paying for the costs of Julianas transfer to Brazil, Lula da Silva wrote in a June 27 Instagram post, so that her family and friends can say goodbye to her with all the affection and love she deserves.

Keep reading for more freak accidents...

Maddie Aldridge

Jamie Lynn Spears' then-8-year-old daughter Maddie Aldridge was driving an ATV in February 2017 when she accidentally flipped it into a pond near their Louisiana home, leaving her submerged under water for minutes. "When we were finally able to get her out of the water and I saw her and then the first responders took her from me, we thought she was gone," Jamie Lynn recalled on a 2020 episode of Maria Menounos Better Together podcast. "We thought we'd lost our daughter." Though the family wasn't sure what sort of damage had been done, Maddie was awake and talking two days later. A few weeks after that, she was back to her normal routine. "God gave me the blessing of giving me my daughter back," Jamie Lynn continued. "I lost her and I got her back."





Rebel Wilson

Filming on Rebel Wilson and Anna Camp's 2025 action comedy Bride Hard turned dramatic during the Aussie's final day of playing secret agent. "In a fight scene, a gun accidentally got whacked across my face," Rebel explained to Access Hollywood in a June 2025 interview. "It was just a freak accident, and my nose got split open, so I left set. It was my last night of shooting. I was like, 'How unlucky can I be?'" Surrounded by a pool of her own blood, "I was freaking out," she admitted of the 2023 incident. "They take an ambulance and they have to call a plastic surgeon, because if they didnt, I would have been permanently disfigured. So we got the plastic surgeon, they did all the stitches, and you cant tell now."





Jimmy Fallon

Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon almost lost his finger after he tripped and fell in his own home. He tried catching himself on the counter and his ring got stuck on the way down, pulling his finger out. He described it as "ring avulsion," and it kept him in the hospital for 10 days as doctors worked to prevent him from having to get it amputated.





Zane Wach

An experienced hiker who competes in distance running, swimming and triathlons, Zane Wach was nearly felled by altitude sickness while hiking with his dad Ryan Wach on California's Mount Whitney in June 2025. "He started to experience some hallucinations," Ryan explained to to the SFGATE of the 14-year-old. "He knew he was hallucinating. He said he saw things like snowmen and Kermit the Frog." Ryan managed to stop his teen from walking off the cliff multiple times as they made their way back down the trail. He was in an altered mental state, and I dont know what caused it. We still dont know, the father noted. My best guess is a combination of exhaustion, sleep deprivation, probably some dehydration and lasting effects from the altitude sickness. But he essentially started to doubt reality. And on a third attempt, Ryan was too far away to catch Zane, watching as his son fell roughly 120 feet off the cliff. After waiting six hours for an Inyo County Search & Rescue helicopter to get there and fly Zane to Southern Inyo Hospital in Lone Pine, he was stabilized and transferred to a pediatric trauma center in Las Vegas. Placed into a medically induced coma, he eventually began breathing on his own. Its going to be a survival story in the end," Ryan said of his teen, who suffered head trauma along with a broken finger, ankle and fractured pelvis, "but right now were still in the middle of it."

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Jeremy Renner

On New Years' Day 2023, Avengers star Jeremy Renner was using a snowplow to tow a truck that was stuck in the snow on the driveway of his Lake Tahoe home. But after exiting the machine, he was pulled under while trying to stop the plow from hitting his nephew and suffered 38 broken bones. "As I lay on the ice, my heart rate slowed, and right there, on that New Years Day, unknown to my daughter, my sisters, my friends, my father, my mother, I just got tired," he wrote in his 2025 memoir My Next Breath. "After about thirty minutes on the ice of breathing manually for so long, an effort akin to doing ten or twenty push-ups per minute for half an hour . . . thats when I died." Fighting broken bones, blood loss and the threat of hypothermia, "I know I diedin fact, Im sure of it," he wrote. When the EMTs arrived, they noted that my heart rate had bottomed out at 18, and at 18 beats per minute, youre basically dead."





Trigg Kiser

TikToker Emilie Kiser and her husband Brady Kiser were forced to face the unimaginable when their 3-year-old son Trigg Kiser fell into the pool at their Arizona home in May 2025. Chandler Police Department told USA Today that officers responded to a drowning call at a residence on May 12, for a child who had been pulled unconscious out of a backyard pool. Both police and firefighters administered CPR on the scene, before taking Trigg to Chandler Regional Hospital. But, sadly, the toddler died six days later. Emilie later filed a lawsuit against Maricopa County public offices requesting that the court prohibit the public release of details surrounding his death. "Emilie is trying her best to be there for her surviving son, two-month-old Theodore," the lawsuit stated. "But every day is a battle."





Cara Hodgson

A family vacation to Thailand turned into "the worst 10 days" of Dr. Cara Hodgson's life after she was electrocuted by power lines in December 2023. After blacking out and being rushed to the ER, the influencer spent the next week and a half "going in and out of hospitals fighting to regain my strength and fighting for my life," she detailed in a New Year's Day Instagram post. "I am so lucky to be here today." As such, the orthodonist found a new reason to smile through the pain. The experience "taught me something I think we all need to be reminded of when we get caught up in the little things: What a precious privilege it is to be alive," Cara shared, "being able to breathe, eat, talk, move your body, is something grand and something to be celebrated."





Juliana Marins

Tragedy occured when Brazilian tourist Juliana Marins was hiking on Mount Rinjani, an active volcano in Indonesia, in June 2025. After she fell off a cliff (but not into the volcano's crater), a team of 48 search and rescuers spent four days "hindered by adverse weather, terrain and visibility conditions in the region," the Brazilian government shared in a statement, and eventually located Juliana's body. "Today, the rescue team managed to reach the place where Juliana Marins was, detailed a post on an Instagram account providing updates from her family. With great sadness, we inform you that she did not survive. We remain very grateful for all the prayers, messages of affection and support that we have received."

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Tori Spelling

When former Beverly Hills, 90210 star Tori Spelling attended a 2015 Easter brunch at Japanese restaurant Benihana, she tripped and burned her right arm on one of the Hibachi grills. After undergoing skin grafts to treat the injury, the actress ultimately deciding to sue the restaurant. I have a skin graft that they had to take from my leg," she later detailed on a 2024 episode of her and Jennie Garth's podcast 9021OMG. "Not many people can say, 'Hey, I'm wearing my thigh on my arm,' and I'm not even kidding. So I'm wearing a thin layer of my thigh on my arm because the skin burnt so bad."





Tony Knight

When comedian Tony Knight attended France's Rock&Cars festival in June 2024, he was killed after two large branches fell from a tree. "He was only 54 and having the time of his life," Joanne Allen, the sister of Tony's longtime partner Hayley Wright detailed in a GoFundMe message. "He was fit, healthy, happy and had everything going for him. He was charismatic, funny, passionate." And, of course, adored by his longtime love. "He was an exceptionally talented man, with so many strings to his bow," Haley wrote in her own Instagram post. "There really was nothing he couldnt do. He was a fantastic friend to so many, an amazing dog Dad.but most of all he was my world & it will never be the same without him."





Sanjay Shah

A company celebration turned catastrophic in January 2024. To kickoff the planned 25th anniversary festivities for Chicago-based software company Vistex, CEO Sanjay Shah and president Vishwanath Raju Datla were suspended in an iron cage meant to be lowered 20 feet onto a dais at the India-based party, a company official told The Times of India. Instead, two wires snapped, causing the men to crash onto the concrete stage. Sanjay, 56, died of his injuries at the hospital following the accident, the paper reported, while 52-year-old Vishwanath sustained a severe head injury and passed months later.





Orlando Bloom

"When I was 19 I fell three floors from a window and broke my back," Orlando Bloom shared in a joint 2022 Instagram video with UNICEF. He had been trying to climb to the rooftop terrace of a three-story building with friends when the drainpipe he was scaling collapsed. Though he broke several vertebrae in his back, "I was very fortunate to survive the fall because my spinal cord was still just intact." Still, he detailed, "When I was in the hospital, I was told for the first four days that I may never walk again. That was really the beginning of what was a long and painful journey for me into recognizing and understanding some of the patterns that had been in my life that had led me to having numerous accidents. And the culmination was breaking my back, which was a near-death experience." Leaving the hospital in a back brace with heaps of physical and emotional pain, "I started partying straight awaywith the back brace on," he shared with GQ in 2005. "It took me a couple of months to realize this was my life, and I didn't want to mess it up." The experience has "informed everything in my life," he added. "Until you're close to losing it, you don't realize. I used to ride motorbikes and drive cars like everything was a racetrack; it was ridiculous. It wasn't because I thought it was cool; it was just because I loved living on the edge. But I've chilled."

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NEED TO KNOW

Authorities have revealed the cause of death for Brazilian hiker Juliana Marins.

Marins was hiking Indonesias Mount Rinjani with five friends when she fell from the volcano on June 21 and was found dead three days later

An autopsy showed she "died of internal bleeding caused by damage to organs and bone fractures"





A 26-year-old hiker's cause of death has been released by authorities after she died after falling from a volcano in Indonesia.

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On June 21, Brazilian tourist Juliana Marins fell from a cliff that surrounds a trail next to the crater of Mount Rinjani, a volcano that is more than 12,000 feet high, on the Indonesian island of Lombok, according to a previous translated statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil.

The fall occurred about 6:30 a.m. local time while she was en route to the peak, the Gunung Rinjani National Park stated in a previous news release.

After multiple days of searching, authorities announced on June 24 that her body had been found.

Three days later, on June 27, a local coroner discussed Marins' cause of death at a press conference at Bali Mandara Hospital in Denpasar, where her body had been examined, according to Brazilian outlet O Globo.

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Agencia Brasil that an autopsy had confirmed Marins had "died of internal bleeding caused by damage to organs and bone fractures."



BASARNAS HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Search for Juliana Marins Search for Juliana Marins

The injuries are thought to have "stemmed from blunt force trauma a few hours before the body was recovered," the agency stated, adding that the final results of the autopsy, which will also include toxicology tests, are expected in two weeks.

Marins is believed to have died less than 20 minutes after the bleeding began, the agency reported.

Coroner Dr. Ida Bagus Putu Alit said that there were "no signs of hypothermia or prolonged suffering after the injury," per the translated O Globo report.

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PEOPLE has attempted to contact Alit for additional information.

Marins' family confirmed her death in a statement the same day that authorities revealed she'd been discovered deceased.

"Today, the rescue team managed to reach the place where Juliana Marins was," read a translated message on June 24. "With immense sadness, we inform you that she did not survive. We remain very grateful for all the prayers, messages of affection and support that we have received."

Marins' family had created an Instagram account to track recovery efforts. On Wednesday, June 25 the family said they would be seeking justice for their daughter they believed to be neglected in her final moments.

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Juliana suffered great negligence on the part of the rescue team, the family wrote in a translated statement. "If the team had reached her within the estimated time of 7 hours Juliana would still be alive."

Marins was en route to the peak with her five friends when she fell, Muhammad Hariyadi, the head of local rescuers, told Reuters. Marins didnt fall into the volcano's crater, but the soft sand where she was located made it difficult for the rescue team of 50 people to retrieve her.

Drone footage obtained by Brazilian outlet TV Brasil EBC appeared to show Marins sitting in the grey sand conscious and fidgeting.

Juliana Marins/Instagram Juliana Marins Juliana Marins

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Marins was nowhere to be found in the drone footage shown the following morning, but she was located again by rescuers on Monday, June 23, according to the BBC.

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The day before her body was found, Marins family made a desperate plea for help on social media. A WHOLE DAY and they had advanced only 250m below, they were 350m away from Juliana and they retreated," they wrote. "WE NEED HELP, WE NEED THE RESCUE TO REACH JULIANA URGENTLY!"

Mount Rinjani is a popular hiking destination and Indonesias second-highest volcano at 12,224 feet.

Read the original article on People
The Brief

A suspect is dead after being shot by a police officer following a vehicle and foot pursuit that ended in Dallas.

The incident began with a call about an impaired driver and involved the suspect fleeing officers before being shot in a wooded area.

A witness told FOX 4 he saw a man speeding through the neighborhood in a U-Haul. Minutes later, he heard officers giving the man commands, followed by an exchange of gunfire.

CEDAR HILL, Texas - An investigation is underway following an incident in a neighborhood involving Cedar Hill police officers.

What we know

It happened near the corner of Town Creek Drive and Glen Oaks Boulevard around 2:20 p.m..

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Police incident reports indicate there was a call about an officer needing assistance with an ambulance.

Cedar Hill Police officers initiated a vehicle pursuit in the 700 block of Highway 67 involving a driver believed to be impaired. The suspect fled from officers, leading them on a pursuit that continued into the City of Dallas.

Cedar Hill police say at approximately 2:16 p.m., the suspect exited the vehicle and fled on foot into a wooded area. During the foot pursuit, one Cedar Hill officer discharged his firearm, striking the suspect.

Officers immediately provided lifesaving aid and carried the individual to a nearby roadway to meet responding EMS personnel. Despite these efforts, the suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene.

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No officers were injured during the incident.

Images from SKY 4 show crime scene tape around a wrecked U-Haul truck and a covered body not far from the truck.

There were also marked and unmarked police vehicles in a nearby field, as well as additional first responder vehicles from both Cedar Hill and Dallas.

What they're saying

A man who lives near the crime scene told FOX 4' David Sentendrey that he saw the U-Haul truck speed past his house. Minutes later, he heard an exchange of gunfire.

"Half a second, it looked like he was going to drop to the ground and give up, but I think panic set in," said witness, Michael Christopher.

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Christopher says the U-Haul driver had something in his hand.

"When he exited the vehicle he had a bag," he said. "Immediately afterward, I heard 8 rapid-fire gunshots, then three more controlled gunshots."

"This is incredibly sad. Theres no reason why any of this should have happened."

Lluvia Martinez didnt know what would happen after she began recording video of a U-Haul truck speeding away from Cedar Hill police officers on Thursday afternoon.

"Yeah, he goes under the bridge, and he's just going and going, I'm like, wow," she said.

Martinez and her husband caught multiple angles of the pursuit.

Lluvia Martinez

Lluvia Martinez

"And basically we followed him, we just saw that it ended up here, and he got off, but we didnt continue watching. We were like, lets go."

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Dallas city councilman Maxie Johnson lives in the neighborhood.

"I wanted to make sure our community was safe," she said. "But I didnt think it would end up like this."

Dig deeper

In accordance with standard protocol, the Cedar Hill police officer involved has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. The Dallas Police Department Special Investigations Unit, with oversight from the Dallas County Public Integrity Division, is leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting.

What we don't know

The deceased individual has not been positively identified at this time but is described as a white male.

The Source

The information in this story comes from police incident reports and the SKY 4 helicopter. Additional information is provided by the Cedar Hill Police Department.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  Many of you may be getting ready to head out the door to enjoy the Fourth of July, or maybe youre heading to a cookout, then catching some fireworks.

What will the weather be like on the 4th of July?

Right above the Memorial Bridge, you will be able to witness fireworks in Springfield. A show you wont want to miss. The fireworks can be seen for miles, and the music can be heard on 93.1 FM.

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The professionals who handle those fireworks have been doing this setup for more than 35 years. On Thursday night, they drove in three flatbed trucks filled with them, ensuring they will do everything they can to make this years show unique

We have a staging crew for the staging, we have five technicians, the DPW workers, they help us out, theyre awesome.

The fireworks show is expected to last between 14 and 16 minutes. All of the technicians have more than 170 years of experience combined. Their advice, leave it to the professionals and enjoy the show. The show is free, and people are encouraged to stop by Star-Spangled Springfield at River Front Park.

That kicks off at 6:00 p.m. and fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
There's not a lot that unites Americans anymore, with too many people more aligned with their political tribes than with their shared nationality. But one thing that just about all of us like to do is bitch about people who hold government office. We don't bitch about the same lawmakers and officials, but we have that resentment of those who wield coercive power and the vitriol we direct at them in common. If nothing else ties us together as Americans, our eagerness to criticize the powers that be may stand as a final connection.

Not Even the Flag Holds Us Together

Even on Independence Day, not even the American flag necessarily speaks for our common citizenship.

"Today, flying the flag from the back of a pickup truck or over a lawn is increasingly seen as a clue, albeit an imperfect one, to a person's political affiliation in a deeply divided nation," Sarah Maslin Nir wrote for The New York Times in 2021. "What was once a unifying symbol  there is a star on it for each state, after all  is now alienating to some, its stripes now fault lines between people who kneel while 'The Star-Spangled Banner' plays and those for whom not pledging allegiance is an affront."

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That squares with polling that finds Republicans view the flag more positively than Democrats. Little more than a third of Democrats now report being proud to be Americandown from almost two-thirds a year ago when their party held the White House. Meanwhile, more than 85 percent of Republicans consistently report pride in being American.

but We Have Harsh Words for the Powerful in Common

But proud of their country or not, and with or without the red, white, and blue, Americans have a common taste for calling out politicians and government officials for their conduct, their ideology, their personal failings, and especially for abuses of power. That's been true from the country's very beginning, when the founders tore into the British government and its king in the Declaration of Independence:

When a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States.

Criticism of politicians didn't settle down after the revolution. After George Washington's presidency, the first contested presidential election in 1796 saw Federalist John Adams triumph over DemocraticRepublican Thomas Jefferson. Language directed by the partisans of the solidifying political factions against one another became increasingly heated in ways that we could recognize today. Among the nicer things said, Federalists called themselves "friends of government" and their opposition "disorganizers."

From their dominant position, Federalists handled the exchanges of words by passing the Sedition Act which made it a crime to "cause or procure to be written, printed, uttered or published, or [to] knowingly and willingly assist or aid in writing, printing, uttering or publishing any false, scandalous and malicious writing or writings against the government of the United States, or either house of the Congress of the United States, or the President of the United States."

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We're Americans. This did not calm things down. During the rematch of 1800, journalist James Thomson Callender described Adams as "a hideous hermaphroditical character which has neither the force and firmness of a man, not the gentleness and sensibility of a woman."

Later, unhappy with Jefferson, Callender wrote articles revealing that that Thomas Jefferson had fathered children with his slave, Sally Hemings.

In 1801, publisher and congressman Matthew Lyon, who had been prosecuted under the Sedition Act (and was reelected to Congress from jail), wrote to Adamsby then unsuccessful in his bid for a second term and handing his office to Thomas Jeffersonto gloat. "I hope and pray your fate may be a warning to all usurpers and tyrants, and that you before you leave this world, may become a true and sincere penitent, and be forgiven all your manifold Sins in the next," he gloated.

'No Kings' and 'Let's Go Brandon'

Usurpers and tyrantsthose words sound familiar in today's political environment. It's common now to refer to opponents who win office as illegitimate beneficiaries of crooked vote counts and a rigged system, and as either "communists" or "literally Hitler" when theyinevitably, it seemsabuse the power of their offices.

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In fact, there's a lot that seems familiar, after the anti-Trump "no kings" protests of June 14 which are scheduled to be reenactedwhen else?on Independence Day.

Can there be anything more American than protesting against government officials on Independence Day?

But just as American were the "let's go, Brandon!" chants and bumper stickers during the Biden administration. Born from a quite possibly deliberate misrepresentation by the press of "fuck Joe Biden!" chants by the crowd at a NASCAR race, the words became a way of tweaking the media while getting the point across without being bleeped or bowdlerized in news reports.

Just as when Adams and the Federalists were in office, members of whichever political faction temporarily has the whip hand often characterize those who have unkind words for them as disloyal or even treasonous. Under the old Biden-regime, criticism was "disinformation" or "misinformation." Under the Trump administration, protesters are "people that hate our country."

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That's bullshit. Sure, there's some inaccurate information mixed in with the harsh wordsthere always has been, going back to the foundation of the country. And maybe some demonstrators really don't like the countrybut most just have a different vision from that of their opponents of how it should work.

Americans don't agree on the role of government, economics, culture, education, or even about flying the flag. We'd be better off left alone to shape our lives and make our own way in this world. But we all agree that we have a natural-born right to unload our insults on government officials who piss us off.

Happy Independence Day. Go insult a politician to celebrate in traditional style.

The post Celebrate Independence Day by Insulting a Politician appeared first on Reason.com.
ST. LOUIS  Fireworks displays that are part of Celebrate St. Louis 2025 attract visitors beyond St. Louis.

We had to come to see the arch, said Manny Mosqueda, a Kansas resident.

Summer Harness and Cole Reeves made Celebrate St. Louis part of their honeymoon trip from New York. They took a tram ride to the top of the Gateway Arch before Thursdays fireworks.

Fleurette Henderson, a St. Louis County resident, was on the Arch grounds with her grandson, Camerin Roberson. He was admiring the Gateway Arch.

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I love seeing fireworks, said Roberson.

Henderson was pleased that Celebrate St. Louis included tributes to troops and recognition for veterans.

Without our armed forces, were not safe. So, I thank anyone I see whos been involved with the armed forces. I thank them for their service, and I mean it from the heart, Henderson said.

In addition to music, food and fun, Fridays celebration will include a first before the fireworks begin.

Weve got a drone show, said Tim Meers, chair of Celebrate St. Louis 2025. Weve partnered with Warner Bros. Productions, and they will have a Superman-themed drone show right ahead of the fireworks for that evening.

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Fireworks along the St. Louis riverfront reflecting on the Gateway Arch continue to be a highlight for many visitors.

Its an amazing sight to see, and its fun to bring it together for families, said Meers.

He thanked the hundreds of volunteers who helped ensure the tradition of bringing a free celebration to downtown St. Louis continued for another year.

Fridays event lineup can be found here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
After lightning impacts 2 Florida drivers this week, another victim speaks about recovery

A man continues to recover in the hospital after a lightning strike sent a tree onto his truck with him inside Thursday. That happened in Altamonte Springs.

This was the second driver affected by lightning the central Florida within a week. A driver in Brevard County says he was taken by surprise when his truck was zapped by lightning while driving on State Road 528.

All of a sudden it was like boom, said Michael Zarrella. It just puts you in almost a panic attack, like what just happened?

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It happened when he was driving his pickup truck on the 528 near the Banana River a week ago. He said it felt like the lightning came from the ground up.

I hear this huge bang, and huge flash of light really caught me by surprise. The hairs on my neck and arms were standing up, he said.

He says it came out of nowhere, saying I was in shock. I hadnt seen lightning or heard thunder. I saw the dark clouds. It was a little rainy.

Zarrella says the strike fried the power to his truck but didnt leave any burn marks on his vehicle.

I called my insurance agent and was like I think I just got struck by lightning.

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These two incidents hit home for 18-year-old Daniel Sharkey, who has recovered after being burned on his neck and arms during a lightning strike in Altamonte Springs last year.

He said the strike charred and blew holes though his clothes, and it was all caught on surveillance video.

I was unconscious. I flew through the air. I remember my first thought was am I dead, he said,

Sharkey warns that a strike could happen anywhere. Ge realizes he too is lucky to be alive.

To not have any serious injuries is a definite blessing, he said. Its an eye-opener. Its scary, but its reality.

Sharkey says he uses a lightning app that alerts him to go inside if theres a bolt nearby.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  In 1973two years before the official end of the Vietnam War  hundreds of American prisoners of war were finally released from North Vietnamese prison camps. Among the most notorious was the Hanoi Hilton, where many U.S. servicemen endured years of brutal conditions, isolation, and psychological warfare.

Cut off from the outside world, their families  and even one another  the prisoners found a powerful way to stay connected: The Tap Code.

This simple but ingenious communication system, introduced by then-Air Force Captain Carlyle Smitty Harris, used a series of taps on prison walls to represent letters. Through this coded language, prisoners shared vital information, offered each other encouragement, and preserved their sanity in the darkest of circumstances.

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We brought together four central Ohio veterans  former POWs of the Hanoi Hilton  to reflect on their time in captivity and the code that sustained them. Lt. Col. Paul Kari (2795 days as a POW), Maj. Gen. Edward Mechenbier (2076 days as a POW), Capt. Guy Gruters (1912 days as a POW and Col. Thomas Moe (1887 days as a POW) share a story not only of survival, but of resilience, ingenuity, and brotherhood.

The Tap Code is more than a history lesson  its a testament to the unbreakable human spirit. Watch the full story above and join us in honoring those who served and endured.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. (WIVB)  For months, people who work near a short road in Cheektowaga have been trying to get deep potholes there fixed. But the problem is some people arent sure who actually owns the road and who should repair it  and theyre calling for action.

If you drive on Leo Place in Cheektowaga, you may regret that you did.

Most of them are potholes, but thats a crater, and thats a crater down there too, said Corina Czerniejewski, the manager of the Cambridge Building.

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We took a look at Google Maps and found images from two years ago that show potholes all over Leo Place, and theyve only gotten worse. Some potholes are three feet wide. We found one thats six inches deep and another thats nine inches deep.

When WIVB News 4 stopped by Leo Place, near Union Road, we found some drivers going on the other side of the street to avoid the potholes  an obvious safety hazard.

People work in this area, and we found at least one person who lives on Leo Place.

Im worried about damage to my car, No. 1, but also Im worried about people possibly riding their bicycle or their motorcycle down the street and getting seriously injured, said Victor Mole, a tenant of the Cambridge Building.

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Mole works just off of Leo Place and for months has been on the winding road to figure out who owns the street.

We happen to have the DOT (Department of Transportation) in the building; I went right over, knocked on the door, questioned him. And he said, It is not us, its either the town or its Life Storage. So I went back to the town; the town once again said, Hes lying to you, it is not our responsibility, its DOT,' Mole said.

Pretty much everybody says its not theirs, so at this point, we really dont know whose it is, Czerniejewski said.

We took a look at town records, which show that Extra Space Storage, previously Life Storage, which has a location at the end of Leo Place, owns the road.

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The hundreds and hundreds of roads we have here, the many roads we have in the Town of Cheektowaga, the vast majority of them are owned by the town. You have some owned by (the) state, you have some owned by the county, this ones just a rare exception to where its essentially a private access road, said Brian Nowak, supervisor of the Town of Cheektowaga.

And, because of this, town leaders say they cant fix the road themselves.

In response to our story, the Town of Cheektowaga has issued a citation to Extra Space Storage, requesting that the company fix Leo Place by the end of the month or be subject to fines  or possibly be taken to court.

Rick Rusiniak, highway superintendent of the Town of Cheektowaga, said: Im hoping the owner steps up, takes care of the problem. It should happen very quickly if they care about what theyre doing, which we hope thats the kind of company they are.

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In a statement, Extra Space Storage says the company, which acquired this property two years ago, has a full repave of the road planned and budgeted for next year. In the meantime, we are getting bids to fill the potholes this year.

On Friday, a spokesperson updated News 4, saying that the potholes will be filled within the next two weeks.

In response, Czerniejewski said, Oh, well that would be great if they can get the potholes taken care of.

I just want somebody to take accountability for it. Again, I dont like finger-pointing, Mole said.

That citation from the town to Extra Space Storage says code enforcement will revisit Leo Place on Aug. 1, roughly four weeks from now, to make sure these potholes are filled.

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If you have a Call 4 Action complaint, you can click here or call our hotline at 716-879-4900.

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Jeff Preval is an award-winning anchor and reporter who joined the News 4 team in December 2021. See more of his work here.

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KHANKENDI, Azerbaijan, July 4. Iran proposes establishing a regional artificial intelligence (AI) center within the framework of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian said during the 17th ECO summit, Trend's special correspondent reports.

"New technologies and artificial intelligence are changing the economy. If our countries do not prepare for digital transformation, they will lag behind global players. We propose to create a specialized regional center for artificial intelligence under the auspices of the ECO," he said.

Pezeshkian mentioned that the organization's member countries need to get their ducks in a row and bolster the transport infrastructure that links domestic and interregional routes.

"Iran and its transit neighbors play a key role in this. It is necessary to develop logistics networks and ensure international standards at borders and ports," the head of state emphasized.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
CHESTERFIELD, Mo.  Missouri American Water notified Chesterfield residents on Friday afternoon about a water main break that will close roads in the area for several hours.

According to the alert, crews are making emergency repairs to the main break that began on Friday around 12 p.m., which closed Baxter Road to Heathercroft and Old Clarkson between Leiman and Baxter.

Residents in the area may experience discolored or cloudy water with low water pressure or no water, according to Missouri American Water.

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Road collapse on N. Broadway in Near North Riverfront

Locals are advised to run cold water at the lowest level of their house if they are experiencing discoloration. If experiencing cloudy water, they should run water at the highest point in their home.

Landlords were also advised to notify their tenants of the issues, and residents were advised to give crews room to work.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
The Brief

Five people were shot early Thursday in the 600 block of East 133rd Street on Chicagos Far South Side.

Victims range in age from 21 to 31 and are hospitalized with injuries ranging from stable to critical.

No arrests have been made, and police continue to investigate the shooting with no details released about a suspect or motive.

CHICAGO - A shooting early Thursday on Chicagos Far South Side left five people injured and hospitalized, police said.

What we know

The shooting occurred at 3:17 a.m. in the 600 block of East 133rd Street. Police said an unknown suspect opened fire on a group of people gathered outside, striking five victims.

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The victims are:

A 21-year-old man with gunshot wounds to the arm and thigh, in critical condition at the University of Chicago Hospital

A 31-year-old man with multiple gunshot wounds, in critical condition at Christ Hospital

A 29-year-old woman with a gunshot wound to her arm, in stable condition at Christ Hospital

A 29-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the shoulder, in serious but stable condition at the University of Chicago Hospital

A 31-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the thigh, condition unknown at Christ Hospital

What we don't know

No further details on what led to the shooting or the suspect have been released.

No arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The Brief

A 45-year-old woman stabbed three children and set a home on fire in Logan Square Friday morning, killing a 4-year-old boy and injuring multiple others, according to police.

A 10-year-old boy and 13-year-old girl were hospitalized with serious stab wounds; two neighbors and three police officers were treated for smoke inhalation.

The woman was taken into custody and hospitalized; her identity and any charges have not yet been released as the investigation continues.

CHICAGO - A woman stabbed three children and set a home on fire in Logan Square on Friday, killing a 4-year-old boy and injuring several others, according to police.

What we know

On a day meant for celebration, frantic calls were heard over the police scanner as first responders raced to rescue three children who had been stabbed, and were stuck inside a burning building.

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The incident happened around 9:12 a.m. in the 3600 block of West Palmer Street.

According to Chicago police, the suspecta 45-year-old womanused a knife to stab the children before starting a fire inside the residence. The Chicago Fire Department initially responded to the scene for a medical emergency, but the call was later upgraded to a fire response.

The victims include:

Jordan Wallace, 4, was stabbed in the chest and taken to Stroger Hospital, where he died from his injuries. His identity was released by the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office on Friday evening.

A 10-year-old boy was stabbed in the right arm and taken to Stroger in serious condition.

A 13-year-old girl was stabbed multiple times in the face, chest and back and taken to Stroger in critical condition.

A 31-year-old woman from a nearby residence was taken to Stroger in fair condition for smoke inhalation.

A 34-year-old man from a nearby residence was also taken to Stroger in fair condition for smoke inhalation.

Three responding officers were taken to nearby hospitals for smoke inhalation.

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Chicago police took the woman suspected of attacking the children into custody and transported her to Community First Medical Center. Her identity and any potential charges have not been released.

Police Scanner Audio

According to police scanner audio, officers arriving at the scene reported seeing a child yelling for help from a basement window.

An officer also reported seeing blood and said the childs mother was upstairs, armed with a knife. Additional units were requested.

Police are heard describing the scene to a dispatcher, saying at least two people were injured, and the woman was "covered in blood."

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Moments later, an officer is heard shouting, "There's a juvenile in there. The building is on fire." The dispatcher responded, "We got fire rolling."

Officers said one juvenile was out of the home, but they were trying to rescue the others.

Police then requested squad cars be moved to allow fire crews access to the scene.

The full scanner audio can be heard below. Disclaimer: The audio shared below may be disturbing to some readers.

What they're saying

The harrowing situation has left neighbors in disbelief. As the community came together in the hours after the incident, the American Red Cross responded to offer their support.

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"The majority of what we do is we provide mental health and health service resources," explained Kyle McCoy, disaster action team member, American Red Cross.

Community members shared that the children who were stabbed moved into the building with their parents less than one year ago.

Multiple families were displaced in the fire, which also spread to the building next door.

"They've had a bad time, and we just want to make everybody feel better and feel like they have somebody here for them," McCoy said.

SkyFOX Drone video captured the extent of the damage.

"This house, they can rebuild it, they can rebuild it, you cannot bring the life back," said Carlos Rojas, who is visiting relatives in the area.

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Rojas has a young daughter himself.

"Sad, to be honest, super sad," he said.

He is in town visiting relatives who lives down the street from where the incident unfolded and says his heart hurts for the children involved.

"I'm a dad. If something happened to my kids... The kids, they just barely started their life," Rojas said.

What's next

Further details on what led to the stabbing and fire are unknown at this time.

The investigation is ongoing. We'll bring more updates to this story as they become available.
By Sakshi Dayal

NEW DELHI (Reuters) -China gave Islamabad "live inputs" on key Indian positions during Pakistan's deadly conflict with its neighbour in May, the deputy chief of India's army said on Friday, calling for urgent upgrades to the country's air defence systems.

The nuclear-armed rivals used missiles, drones and artillery fire during the four-day fighting - their worst in decades - triggered by an April attack on Hindu tourists in Indian Kashmir that New Delhi blamed on Islamabad, before agreeing to a ceasefire.

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Pakistan has denied involvement in the April attack.

India fought two adversaries during the conflict, with Pakistan being the "front face" while China provided "all possible support", Lieutenant General Rahul Singh said at a defence industry event in New Delhi.

"When the DGMO (director general of military operations) level talks were going on, Pakistan ... said that we know that your such and such important vector is primed and it is ready for action ... he was getting live inputs from China," he said.

Singh did not elaborate on how India knew about the live inputs from China.

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The Chinese foreign and defence ministries, and Pakistan army's public relations wing did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.

India's relationship with China was strained after a 2020 border clash that sparked a four-year military standoff, but tensions began to ease after the countries reached a pact to step back in October.

India had earlier said that although Pakistan is closely allied with China, there was no sign of any actual help from Beijing during the conflict.

Regarding the possibility of China providing satellite imagery or other real-time intelligence, India's chief of defence staff had said such imagery was commercially available and could have been procured from China or elsewhere.

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Pakistani officials have previously dismissed allegations of receiving active support from China in the conflict, but have not commented specifically on whether Beijing gave any satellite and radar help during the fighting.

Beijing, which welcomed the ceasefire in May, has helped Pakistan's struggling economy with investments and financial support since 2013.

The Chinese foreign minister also vowed support to Pakistan in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity when he met his Pakistani counterpart days after the ceasefire.

Singh said that Turkey also provided key support to Pakistan during the fighting, equipping it with Bayraktar and "numerous other" drones, and "trained individuals".

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Ankara has strong ties with Islamabad, and had expressed solidarity with it during the clash, prompting Indians to boycott everything from Turkish coffee to holidays in the country.

Turkey's defence ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

(Reporting by Sakshi Dayal in New Delhi, Additional reporting by Asif Shehzad in Islamabad; Editing by Kim Coghill)
BEIJING (AP)  China on Friday imposed anti-dumping duties on European brandy, most notably cognac produced in France, as trade tensions between Beijing and United States allies continue to rise.

Chinese authorities agreed to exempt some major cognac makers on condition they maintain their prices above minimum levels.

The tariffs, effective on Saturday, will range from 27.7% to 34.9%, China's Commerce Ministry said. They are to be in place for five years and will not be applied retroactively.

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French President Emmanuel Macron said on X that the exemptions for most cognac and armagnac producers are a positive step towards putting an end to the dispute that was threatening our exports.

We will continue to support our industry to ensure that its interests are fully protected, Macron said.

The announcement came during a European visit by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi aimed at ironing out trade differences. Wang was set to visit Paris after stops in Brussels and Berlin.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said he will discuss the issue with Wang when the pair meet later Friday.

The anti-dumping duties are the result of a probe China launched last year into European brandy, after the European Union undertook a probe into Chinese electric vehicles subsidies.

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The investigative authority finally ruled that the dumping of related imported brandy from the EU has existed, read a statement by Chinas Commerce Ministry. The domestic brandy industry faces a material threat of damage, and there is a causal relationship between the dumping and the substantial damage threat.

Besides cognac, China has also launched investigations into European pork and dairy products. The brandy probe was the first and targeted mainly French makers of cognac and similar spirits such as Armagnac.

China initially announced provisional tariffs of 30.6% to 39% on French cognac producer Remy Martin and other European brandies after a majority of E.U. countries approved duties on electric vehicles made in China.

Exemptions include French producers Pernod Ricard, Remy Cointreau and Hennessy.

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In a written statement, Barrot praised the broad scope of exemptions as a positive step for many players in the cognac and armagnac industry."

He noted that several important points remain unresolved, in particular the exclusion of certain players from the scope of exemptions."

"We remain fully committed to finding a definitive solution, based on the conditions that existed prior to the investigation," Barrot added.

Wangs European tour comes ahead of a China-EU summit to be focused on trade later this month in Beijing.
BEIJING (AP)  The Chinese government is signaling enough is enough when it comes to the fierce competition in the country's electric car market.

China's industrial policy has engineered a remarkable transformation to electric vehicles in what is the world's largest auto market. In so doing, it has spawned far more makers than can possibly survive. Now, long-simmering concerns about oversupply and debilitating price wars are coming to the fore, even as the headline sales numbers soar to new heights.

Market-leader BYD announced this week that its sales grew 31% in the first six months of the year to 2.1 million cars. Nearly half of those were pure electric vehicles and the rest were plug-in hybrids, it said in a Hong Kong Stock Exchange filing. The company phased out internal combustion engine cars in 2022.

BYD came under thinly veiled criticism in late May when it launched a new round of price cuts, and several competitors followed suit. The chairman of Great Wall Motors warned the industry could come under threat if it continues on the same trajectory.

When volumes get bigger, its just much harder to manage and you become the bullseye, said Lei Xing, an independent analyst who follows the industry.

The government is trying to rein in what is called involution  a term initially applied to the rat race for young people in China and now to companies and industries engaged in meaningless competition that leads nowhere.

BYD has come under criticism for using its dominant position in ways that some consider unfair, sparking price wars that have caused losses across the industry, said Murthy Grandhi, an India-based financial risk analyst at GlobalData.

With the price war in its fourth year, Chinese automakers are looking abroad for profits. BYD's overseas sales more than doubled to 464,000 units in the first half of this year. Worried governments in the U.S. and EU have imposed tariffs on made-in-China electric vehicles, saying that subsidies have given them an unfair advantage.

Market leader BYD comes under attack

The latest bout of handwringing started when BYD cut the price of more than 20 models on May 23.

The same day, the chairman of Great Wall Motors, Wei Jianjun, said he was pessimistic about what he called the "healthy development of the EV market. He drew a comparison to Evergrande, the Chinese real estate giant whose collapse sent the entire industry into a downturn from which it has yet to recover.

"The Evergrande in the automobile industry already exists, but it is just yet to explode, he said in a video message posted on social media.
China will pay families to have children in an attempt to combat the countrys declining birth rate.

Xi Jinpings government will give parents 3,600 yuan (367) a year per child until they are three years old under plans that will come into force this year, according to Bloomberg News.

It comes amid concerns that China will not be able to care for its ageing population unless a baby boom creates a new generation of future workers who can pay taxes. Demographic decline also threatens to be a drag on economic growth.

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Chinas birth rate reached a record low of 6.39 births per 1,000 people in 2023, down from 6.77 births in 2022. That same year, India overtook China to become the worlds most populous country.

In 2023, China suffered the largest population decline since 1961, when the Great Famine of the Mao Zedong era claimed millions of lives.

The population fell for a third consecutive year in 2024, with the number of deaths outpacing births.

China is one of the worlds most expensive countries to raise a child. A 2023 report by the YuWa Population Research Institute found. The average nationwide cost from birth to 17 was about 59,000, rising to 74,500 to support a child through university.

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More than 20 administrations in local provinces across the country have already started offering childcare subsidies.

Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia, also promised in March to provide care for new mothers by giving them a daily cup of free milk.

One-child legacy

Authorities are struggling to boost the birth rate after 35 years of a strictly enforced one-child policy, which was only dropped in 2015.

President Xi said in 2023 that women must establish a new trend of family. He told Chinas state-run news agency that the country needed to actively cultivate a new culture of marriage and childbearing and strengthen guidance on young peoples views on marriage, childbirth and family.

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The number of people aged 65 or above makes up more than 14pc of the Chinese population. Without a change in trends, the number of over-60s is the country is forecast to reach 500m by 2050, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. At that point, pensioners would account for nearly 35pc of the population.

China is not the first country to experiment with payments to boost ailing birth rates. Russias Oryol region began offering cash payments of nearly 1,000 to girls as young as 16 who are more than 12 weeks pregnant in an effort to combat a population slump.

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China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi reportedly told the EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas on July 3 that the country cannot afford for Russia to lose the war in Ukraine amid fears the U.S. would shift focus towards Beijing, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported, citing sources familiar with the conversation.

As the war in Ukraine drags on, Wang's reported comments suggest that Russia's war in Ukraine may serve China's strategic needs as focus is deviated away from Beijing's mounting preparation to launch its own possible invasion into Taiwan.

China has been a key ally to Russia during its full-scale war, helping Moscow evade Western sanctions and becoming the leading source of dual-use goods fueling the Russian defense industry.

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U.S. President Donald Trump, who has not managed to broker a promised ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv, has long viewed China as the United States' main adversary and is predominantly focused on relations between the two nations.

In June, Bloomberg reported Trump is pulling back from pressuring China over its support for Russias war effort, instead prioritizing other aspects of the U.S.-China relationship. The publication reported that the administration lowered the issue of Russia's war against Ukraine on its list of foreign policy priorities and is focusing on bilateral issues with Beijing, though they noted Trump could still shift course.

The frankness of Wang's reported admission was greeted with surprise by EU official, according to Hong Kong-based SCMP, amid China's past public statements in favor of a peace deal. Two sources familiar with the meeting told SCMP that they believed Wang was providing Kallas with a lesson in realpolitik during the four-hour encounter.

Wang on July 3 again reportedly rejected Western accusations that it was providing funding and weaponry to support Moscow's war effort in Ukraine.

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President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly accused Beijing of providing weaponry to Moscow. On May 29, Zelensky said that China had stopped selling drones to Ukraine and Western countries while continuing to supply them to Russia.

Wang's comments come amid waning support from Kyiv's main military backer, the United States. On July 1, the U.S. Defense Department paused shipments of key weapons systems to Ukraine, including Patriot air defense missiles and precision-guided munitions.

As Russian-Chinese relations continue to grow, Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to meet Chinese President Xi Jingping in September in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit.

Read also: Trump says he didnt make any progress with Putin following phone call





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BEIJING, China (ABC4)  Government officials in Beijing released an announcement last week banning activities of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

On Sunday, June 22, the Civil Affairs Bureau of Chaoyang District of Beijing announced it was banning the Mormon Beijing Branch. The bureau cited a 1998 agreement between the United States and China.

The agreement reads as follows:

The registration and management bureau must cancel the registration of social organizations that engage in fraudulent or deceptive activity when applying for registration or that have not conducted activities within one year of receiving the Social Organization Legal Entity Registration Certificate.'

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In response, Doug Anderson, global director of Media Relations for the Church, said, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints strives to honor, obey, and sustain the law in every country and encourages its members to do the same.

Arizona cuts ties with Kane County ambulance services leaving large part of Northern Arizona without coverage

The ban comes amid recent crackdowns by the Chinese Government on foreign religious groups.

In March 2025, Chinas National Religious Affairs Administration issued an order implementing tighter restrictions on many religious groups, according to Chinese State Media.

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The order requires foreign religious organizers to have no hostile words or deeds against China, have no negative records.

Groups are now required to provide city officials with a number of details of the religions activities including time arrangement, activity methods, number of activities, number of participants, security measures, etc., the order states.

In places where laws are evolving and subject to interpretation, it seeks understanding through dialog and adapts to changing environments as needed, Anderson added.

On April 5, 2020, in a stunning announcement, President Russel M. Nelson announced construction of a Latter-day Saint temple in Shanghai, China. However, no groundbreaking date has been released.

Latest headlines:

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
[Source]

Chinese authorities have arrested dozens of gay romance writers in recent weeks, escalating the countrys crackdown against the boys love genre amid efforts to improve its falling birth rates.

The latest: Police in the northwestern province of Gansu reportedly apprehended as many as 50 individuals who have posted gay stories on Haitang Literature City, a Taiwan-hosted website, in recent weeks. Other estimates say at least 100 have been affected. The writers, most of whom are young women, now face obscenity charges for allegedly producing and distributing illegal content. Chinas regulations classify material with more than 5,000 views as criminal distribution, while earnings above approximately $34,500 can trigger life sentences.

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What theyre saying: Among those recently caught is a graduate student who earned less than $400 from her novel spanning 75 chapters. Her lawyer, Mr. Wu, told The New York Times, The police asked her during the interrogation, Did you know that writing this could be a crime? She answered that she didnt know until the police contacted her. Another summoned in May expressed the same shock, writing in a Weibo post, Id never expected this day to come, to be hit in the face with every word Ive written in the past.

The big picture: Boys love, also known as danmei, centers on male romantic relationships and draws a predominantly female readership. The genre has grown from Japanese manga origins in the 1990s into a major cultural force in China, with adaptation rights for some works selling for millions of dollars. Government officials, however, increasingly see it as conflicting with efforts to boost Chinas falling birth rates. The Chinese government wants to promote traditional family values and liking danmei novels is seen as a factor in making women less willing to have children, Liang Ge, who teaches digital sociology at University College London, told the BBC.

Trending on NextShark: Chinese police are arresting 'boys love' writers

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Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

KHANKENDI, Azerbaijan, July 4. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has proposed developing low-carbon corridors within the ECO framework, Sharif said during the 17th ECO summit, Trend's special correspondent sent to Khankendi reports.

"Pakistan proposes the development of low-carbon corridors, a corporate carbon market platform, and regional disaster resilience systems.

A dedicated framework for mobilizing climate finance, along with regional clean energy corridors and ecotourism initiatives, can further spur inclusive and sustainable growth by creating green jobsespecially for youth and womenand supporting livelihoods in vulnerable regions," he said.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
[Source]

Chinese social media users are casting Elon Musk as a heroic figure amid his escalating feud with President Donald Trump over the administrations flagship spending bill.

State of play: The latest dispute intensified when Musk announced his plans to create a new political party  the America Party  following the Senate passage of Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill this week. The legislation, which Musk called insane, is projected to add $3.3 trillion to the national debt. Trump responded by telling reporters his administration would have to take a look at deporting Musk and suggested We might have to put DOGE on Elon, referencing the Department of Government Efficiency that Musk formerly headed. Trump argued that Musk was angry about provisions removing electric vehicle incentives, saying Elon would have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa.

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What theyre saying: Hours after the Senate approved the controversial bill on Wednesday, the hashtag #MuskWantsToBuildAnAmericaParty became a trending topic on Weibo, drawing over 37 million views. Users posted messages backing Musk, with one writing, 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. Another user wrote, Brother Musk, youve got over a billion people on our side backing you. Interestingly, the pro-Musk discussions have continued on the heavily regulated social media platforms, indicating that officials may see potential benefits in Washingtons political turmoil.

The big picture: Musks support in China stems from his extensive business operations there, where Tesla operates its highest-volume manufacturing facility in Shanghai and earned $21.75 billion in 2023, accounting for 22.5% of global revenue. He has cultivated ties with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, while his mother, Maye Musk, enjoys celebrity status on Chinese social media. Still, Tesla faces growing competition from local brands like Xiaomi, whose YU7 electric SUV attracted 240,000 orders within 18 hours of launch, priced nearly 4% below the Model Y. Teslas Chinese market share has also dropped from a 2020 peak of 15% to 7.6% through May 2025.

Trending on NextShark: Trump admin expands efforts to strip naturalized Americans of citizenship

The public spat comes as Trump considers cutting government contracts with Musks companies, which analysts warn could set U.S. space exploration back by decades.

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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.

Trending on NextShark: Asian immigrants among Guantanamo Bays newest detainees

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.

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Trending on NextShark: Trump warns 'Mr Japan' of steep tariffs ahead of July 9 deadline

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COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  For the second time in less than a year, a fire has struck the 103-year-old 24th Street Missionary Baptist Church.

The blaze Wednesday night picked up where the November 4, 2024 fire left off. Since the fire last November, the congregation has been meeting elsewhere, while the church sits vacant and thats a concern.

I knew that there was a homeless population around and I knew that they had been in the church back and forth since the first fire in November 2024, said Evangelist Carla Flournoy, a church member.

The church issued a statement Thursday morning saying:

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Since our move, the vacant building has unfortunately become a target for repeated vandalism and unauthorized occupation. Despite efforts to secure the premises, individuals have entered the property and, in some cases, taken up residence inside.

Daniel Macon, the Deputy Chief of Operations for Columbus Fire and EMS, told WRBL News 3 that vagrants in vacant buildings is also a concern for his department.

Usually those structures do not have power, so they try to create their own power by tapping into somewhere in the grid, using generators inside, or using lanterns or fires, Macon explains.

Especially those that are marked for demolition. We do have a working relationship with codes and enforcement that they can be moved up into the demotion schedule, Macon said.

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Making it safer for the community and firefighters.

Macon says vacant buildings may not be structurally sound, which potentially puts the community and firefighters at risk.

He asks that the public report vacant buildings to Code Enforcement at 706-225-4126 and Columbus Fire and EMS at 706-225-3500.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
As millions stand to lose access to Medicaid under Donald Trumps massive spending bill, Rep. Troy Nehls enjoyed a cigar and shrugged off their worries.

House Republicans passed the Big Beautiful Bill on Thursday, despite bipartisan concerns about its steep cuts to Medicaid and other social safety net programs. Trump is expected to sign it into law on Friday.

It will result in 11.8 million people losing health insurance over the next decade, according to a recent estimate from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, with other calculations putting the figure at over 17 million.

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Scripps News correspondent Elizabeth Landers asked Nehlswhose hands were wrapped in bandagesabout that analysis after the bills passage on Thursday.

Can I ask you about the CBO score and the idea that 11 million, 12 million Americans may lose health insurance? she asked.

And heres another Republican @RepTroyNehls when I asked the same question about Americans losing healthcare access pic.twitter.com/V2JaMtDQ34  Elizabeth Landers (@ElizLanders) July 3, 2025

I dont have any faith and confidence in the CBO, their scoring, theyre wrong half the damn time, the Texas congressman said. I dont give anynah. Im not worried about the CBO."

Youre not worried at all that Americans may lose their healthcare because of this bill? Landers followed up.

Nehls seemed to suggest, without evidence, that the cuts would only impact undocumented immigrants.

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Some Americans that arent Americans. And that is, the illegals, said the lawmaker, who has on multiple occasions worn ties emblazoned with Trumps face to work. Why should illegals be on Medicare?

We did a great job with it all! he added. The American people spoke.

According to recent polling, most Americans oppose the bill. A Fox News national poll found that only 38% of respondents favored the legislation. Other polls throughout June showed that Americans largely disapprove of it.

Troy Nehls is routinely seen smoking cigars on Capitol Hill, and once wore gold Trump sneakers and a Trump tie to work. / Tom Williams / CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Imag

Nehls office did not immediately return a request for comment on his remarks or the bandages.

While multiple other GOP lawmakers have dismissed the concerns about the bills effects on Medicaid, one North Carolina senator effectively quit amid a dispute over it.

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Sen. Thom Tillis announced last week he would not seek re-election after railing against the Medicaid cuts. His opposition had prompted primary threats from Trump. In a fiery floor speech after his announcement, Tillis told Trump that supporting the latest version of the bill will hurt people who are eligible and qualified for Medicaid.

The bill will impose work requirements for Medicaid, which Republicans insist will weed out people who shouldnt qualify. But experts warn it will create a bureaucratic nightmare that will end up stripping coverage from eligible people, often in the most vulnerable segments of the population.

It will slash about $1 trillion from the program, marking the largest cut in its history. Trump had previously vowed not to touch Medicaid.
Two years after the discovery of a major, long-buried indigenous village on a Brickell redevelopment site prompted a major preservation battle, archaeologists excavating at a separate bayfront site owned by the same developer just blocks away have uncovered yet another significant Native American settlement and cemetery thats several thousand years old.

But exactly whats been going on behind the construction fence at 1809 Brickell Avenue for the past year and a half appears to have been largely kept under wraps by the city of Miami.

A preliminary archaeological report from last October, which the city took two months to release in response to a records request from the Miami Herald, summarizes initial but tantalizing finds on the site, owned by developers Related Group and Integra Investments, that date as far back as 3,500 years ago

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Starting in December of 2023, the report says, an archaeological team found traces of fire pits and artifacts such as pottery shards, tools and spearheads, as well as bones and shells from animals hunted, fished or consumed by the indigenous people, probably Tequesta, who occupied the site. The report also details the discovery of ancient human remains, including that of an infant, that had been buried in formal fashion, suggesting the site served as an indigenous cemetery.

But the full extent of the find to date, and whats being done about the artifacts, is all but impossible to publicly ascertain even as construction cranes have been erected on the site and cement mixers pour concrete for a high-end high-rise condo. Miamis preservation laws require developers building in archaeological zones that cover much of Brickell and downtown to conduct careful excavations under city supervision and submit public reports before getting clearance to build.

Related and its project partners Integra Investments say they have fully complied with all legal requirements, including regular reporting to regulatory agencies. A statement released by a spokesman also says excavation continues, but does not specify whether thats in a particular portion of the property. A visit to the site suggests extensive foundation work for the new tower is now underway.

In a photo from a previously undisclosed October 2024 report submitted to the city of Miami, an archaeological worker digs at 1809 Brickell Avenue, the location of a significant discovery of an indigenous burial and settlement site dating back some 3,500 years. South Florida Archaeological and Historical Conservancy

We understand the importance of carefully preserving any findings, and plan to adhere to the applicable regulations for such preservation, the statement reads, without further elaboration. Related declined requests for an interview.

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In a response to a followup question, Related said recovered artifacts are carefully stored under the supervision and control of our archaeological team in spaces which meet specific guidelines to their interim care.

Out of the public eye

City of Miami officials, however, appear to have kept the findings  important enough that the archaeologists working for the developers on the dig say the site should be partially preserved and merits listing on the National Register of Historic Sites  hidden from scrutiny by the public and preservation experts.

They have not presented the discovery to the citys historic preservation board, typically a routine action, or, until the Herald engaged a First Amendment attorney at the Holland & Knight firm, failed to release archaeological reports on the prehistoric finds. Such reports, required under city preservation laws, are public records meant to be readily available to anyone who asks.

The city says the October report, by noted archaeologist Bob Carr and his South Florida Archaeological and Historical Conservancy, is the only one Related has submitted. Neither city historic preservation officer Kenneth Kalmis nor city media relations officials responded to requests for interviews on the handling of the excavation.

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That means there has been no publicly available update since October on whats been found on the site, how its been handled or the precise status of the excavation  typically a lengthy and exhaustive process required under city preservation laws.

The apparent lapse comes two years after the city and Related came under withering criticism from the public and independent experts for the handling of the discovery of extensive remnants of a 2,000-year-old Tequesta village on the Miami River just off Brickell Avenue.

The preservation board, whose members said briefings by city preservation officials had not made the sites importance clear, took action to require partial preservation and exhibition of the finds after pleas by independent archaeologists prompted worldwide attention and a public uproar. Related has since consistently denied media requests to visit the site and to this day wont provide interviews on the find or its handling of it.

In a photo from a previously undisclosed October 2024 report submitted to the city of Miami, an archaeological worker uses a backhoe to excavate below an old parking lot at 1809 Brickell Avenue. Beneath the asphalt, archaeologists discovered a significant indigenous burial and settlement site dating back some 3,500 years. South Florida Archaeological and Historical Conservancy

Even as the board and Related reached an agreement on the Miami River site, it turns out the developers archaeological team was ready to start exploratory excavation on a second site some 15 blocks to the south on Brickell Avenue  a dig that promptly began yielding evidence of indigenous settlement much older than the river site.

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But no one from the city apparently bothered to tell the board, which has legal jurisdiction over archaeological sites and discoveries and has the power to order preservation measures..

Two members of the preservation board recently told the Miami Herald they were unaware of the 1809 Brickell discovery and confirmed that neither city preservation officer Kalmis nor his staff have presented it to or discussed it with the board.

Given previous discoveries of ancient and extensive indigenous burial and settlement sites in the immediate vicinity of 1809 Brickell during condo construction in the 1990s, independent archaeologists say, its long been presumed that the Related site likely contained similar remnants  a theory that appears to be confirmed by the new excavation. The entire Brickell shoreline along Biscayne Bay has long been designated an archaeological zone by the city because previous finds suggested extensive occupation by prehistoric tribes or groups.

Traci Ardren, a University of Miami archaeology professor who helped publicize the Miami River discoveries, said she has no details on the 1809 excavation but that the site is believed to be one of two extensive Late Archaic cemeteries in the area.

Project replacing previous building

At 1809 Brickell, Related and their partners in the project, Integra, bought and demolished a 17-story residential tower, built in the 1960s as affordable housing for teachers, for construction of a luxury St. Regis Residences condo. Construction of the earlier tower had mostly destroyed traces of ancient occupation along the eastern portion of the lot, but Carrs team of archaeologists found intact remnants in solution holes in the limestone bedrock under the parking lot and in a green space adjacent to the property entrance on Brickell, the October report notes.

Construction of a luxury condo tower was under way in late June 2025 at 1809 Brickell Avenue, the location of a significant and previously undisclosed archaeological discovery of an indigenous burial and settlement site dating back some 3,500 years. Pedro Portal/pportal@miamiherald.com

According to Carrs October report, preliminary excavation at the 3.23-acre site uncovered well preserved middens  mounds of earth that contain refuse, animal bones and artifacts such as pottery shards, tools and spear or projectile points. The materials date back to between 1,000 and 3,500 years ago, which spans a period from the Late Archaic and to more recent Glades II periods, the report says.

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Mixed in with the ancient finds are some later artifacts, likely from European and later U.S. settlers, that date from the 19th or early 20th centuries, including a pewter cross of unknown origins.

In his report, Carr recommends that some of the better-preserved sections of the site be saved.

It is recommended that intact portions of the site be avoided if feasible, the report says. This will include the green space abutting Brickell Avenue. Any areas of intact midden that can be preserved should be identified by the developer.

The report also promises an archaeological management plan, but Related said in its statement that its not ready because the excavation continues. Related and Integra did not provide details on the status of the excavation.

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The city, meanwhile, took two months to comply with a public records request from the Herald and, then, in an unusual move, initially released a version of Carrs October report with passages redacted that the city attorneys office acknowledged describe finds of human remains. Thats something that archaeological reports released by the city in the past have routinely included without censoring.

After the Heralds attorney notified the city that Florida public records laws contain no exemptions for those descriptions, the city removed the redactions from the publicly available report. The city attorneys office said the redactions were done at the request of the state archaeology division.

In 2023, an archaeological team sifts through soil excavated from the site of a planned Related Group residential tower complex on the Miami River in Brickell. MATIAS J. OCNER/mocner@miamiherald.com

The state archaeologist, Kathryn Miyar, referred a request for an interview to the Florida department of states media office. That office did not address the interview request in an emailed response that asked if a reporter wants to send a records request to the state.

The fact that the site could be an ancient cemetery is key to its historic and archaeological importance, archaeologists say.

Developer: Findings are timely reported

In their emailed statement, the 1809 Brickell developers suggest that Carrs team has been reporting in to government agencies regularly, but doesnt name the agencies or specify in what form those updates have come.

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Any and all findings are timely reported by our professional archaeological team to the appropriate governing agencies in accordance with applicable guidelines, it says, adding that public agency representatives have conducted site visits and a thorough review of all activities onsite.

The statement does not specify whether that includes city and state officials, both of whom have jurisdiction over aspects of the excavation. The state, in particular, is charged with ensuring proper reburial of human remains at a confidential location in accordance with directives of officially recognized state Native American tribal groups.

The previous find on the river, confirmed to be a extensive and remarkably well preserved remnants of what had been a large Tequesta town spanning both banks of the river, prompted a heated and lengthy showdown between the preservation board and Related.

After the backlash, Related relented and has been working on a plan to preserve and exhibit some of the findings on the site, where two towers are now well under construction. Because Related had obtained development permits before the preservation board intervened, board members had little power to block or alter those designs.

An aerial view taken in September 2024 shows two residential towers under construction by Related Group on the Miami River site where archaeologists unearthed remnants of a 3,000-year-old indigenous village. Construction began after extensive archaeological excavations concluded. Excavated materials are being stored at the 444 Brickell building, at left, which is slated for a third tower that wont be built until that site is also excavated starting around 2028. MATIAS J. OCNER/mocner@miamiherald.com

However, under an agreement with Related, the board designated as historic a third abutting site, 444 Brickell, a partially occupied office and commercial building that the developer eventually plans to demolish for a third tower. When that happens, Related must carry out another excavation thats expected to uncover more remnants of the Tequesta village, and the preservation board could have a significant say in the design and approval of the project as well as the plan for exhibits and preservation now in the works.
FUJAIRAH, United Arab Emirates (AP)  The humble road rumble strip, used around the world to alert drifting drivers to potential hazards or lane departures, can play Beethoven on a mountain highway in the far reaches of the United Arab Emirates.

For nearly a kilometer (a half mile) along the E84 highway  also known as the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road  motorists in the right-hand lane coming into the city of Fujairah can play Ludwig van Beethovens Ninth Symphony where the rubber meets the road.

The 'Street of Music,' of course, is an art project that exists in some countries ... but we wanted this project to be in our country, said Ali Obaid Al Hefaiti, the director of Fujairah Fine Arts Academy, which recently wrapped up the project in collaboration with local authorities.

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I think that the project is focused on spreading the art culture. The combination of music in our lives and our normal lives," he added.

For drivers coming into Fujairah, the rumble strip initially looks like a larger, rectangular version of the dash lines separating the three-lane highway. That's until you hit the first block, and the grooves of the road combine with the speed of the vehicle to make music.

Driving over each block sounds out the best-known parts of Beethovens Ninth Symphony  the final movements known commonly as the tune Ode to Joy," or in its more modern form, the official anthem of the European Union. Al Hefaiti recommended motorists hit the blocks at around 100 kph (60 mph) to get the tune just right.

The road has become a social media sensation, bringing visitors to one of the lesser-known emirates in the UAE along its eastern coast with the Gulf of Oman.

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Drivers have been spotted slowing down to experience the musical road as they come into the city. Passers-by can get the same effect from standing on the side of the road, though motorists often come in quickly.

The concept isn't new  there have been so-called singing shoulders deployed in other countries including across the Persian Gulf in Iran. But Al Hefaiti believes this is the first one in the Arab world. Beyond it going viral, Al Hefaiti thinks it will bring classical music into everyday life and raise awareness about the importance of art culture.

As for why an Emirati fine arts school picked a European composer born in the 18th century to represent Fujairah, Al Hefaiti said that he always encourages his students to explore different cultures.
A video circulating in Indonesian-language social media posts shows a religious pilgrimage, not Israeli refugees who fled from Iranian missile strikes during the 12-day war between the Middle East arch foes. While thousands of people caught up in the conflict were evacuated, the clip matches satellite imagery of a cultural heritage site in southern Peru.

"Blue refugee tents cover the slopes, filled with Israelis fleeing from city bunkers," reads Indonesian-language text on a TikTok video shared on June 25, 2025.

Viewed more than 160,000 times, the video shows an overhead view of crowds moving between densely packed tents in a mountain valley. Its caption claims it shows an Egyptian mountainside.

The video circulated a day after a US-proposed ceasefire brought an end to the Iran-Israel war (archived link).

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The arch foes traded devastating missile attacks after Israel launched an unprecedented bombing campaign targeting Iran's nuclear and military facilities. The strikes left more than 900 people dead in Iran and 28 people dead in Israel (archived link).

Governments around the world had evacuated thousands of their nationals caught up in the conflict, organising buses and planes and in some cases assisting people crossing borders on foot (archived link).

Screenshot of the false TikTok post captured on July 4, 2025, with a red X added by AFP

The same footage was shared in similar posts elsewhere on Facebook and SnackVideo.

But the video does not show Israeli refugees nor was it filmed in Egypt.

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A reverse image search on Google using keyframes from the falsely shared video led to the same footage uploaded on June 19 (archived link).

Screenshot comparison of the falsely shared clip (left) and the June 19 Facebook video (right)

A keyword search of the video's caption led to an entry on the UNESCO website for the "Pilgrimage to the sanctuary of the Lord of Qoyllurit'i", which was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2011 (archived here).

According to the entry, the pilgrimage "combines elements from Catholicism and worship of pre-Hispanic nature deities".

"It begins fifty-eight days after the Christian celebration of Easter Sunday, when 90,000 people from around Cusco travel to the sanctuary, located in Sinakara hollow."

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Structures seen in Google Maps satellite imagery of the sanctuary in southern Peru also correspond to buildings visible in the falsely shared footage (archived link).

Screenshot comparison of the falsely shared footage (left) and Google Maps satellite imagery (right), with corresponding elements highlighted by AFP

Video available on Google Maps appearing to show rows of blue tents and scores of pilgrims in June 2025 also matches the falsely shared footage (archived link).

AFP has debunked other false claims about the Iran-Israel war here.
A federal judge on Friday denied an eleventh-hour request for a temporary restraining order blocking the removal of eight migrants detained in the African nation of Djibouti, paving the way for the Trump administration to complete their removal to South Sudan.

The migrants, who were convicted in the United States of violent crimes, were given notices of removal and placed on a flight from the U.S. to the East African country of South Sudan in May -- but after U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy blocked the administration's attempt to deport the group without giving them a sufficient chance to contest their removal, the group disembarked in Djibouti, where they were held in a U.S. military facility in legal limbo.

In an unsigned opinion on Thursday, the Supreme Court explained that since it lifted Judge Murphy's due process requirements for third-country removals last month, the government can no longer be held to account for allegedly violating the requirements, clearing the way for the administration to remove them to South Sudan -- a country with which the men have no ties.

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MORE: Supreme Court says administration can remove 8 migrants being held in Djibouti

On Friday, just hours before the men were scheduled to board a plane for South Sudan, U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss issued an administrative stay in a new case filed on behalf of the eight men.

"We are not seeking to challenge a removal order," an attorney representing the men said at a hearing Friday afternoon in Washington, D.C. "We are seeking to challenge the act of sending petitioners to a place where they may be tortured, harmed or definitely imprisoned."

Judge Moss ordered the stay to allow the parties to seek relief from the District of Massachusetts, where Judge Murphy made his original ruling.

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Judge Murphy, in an order issued Friday evening, denied the plaintiffs' request for a temporary restraining order.

Lucy Nicholson/Reuters, FILE - PHOTO: The badge of ICE Field Office Director, Enforcement and Removal Operations, David Marin and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Fugitive Operations team search for a Mexican national at a home in Hawthorne, Calif., March 1, 2020.

"This Court interprets these Supreme Court orders as binding on this new petition, as Petitioners are now raising substantially similar claims, and therefore Petitioners motion is denied," Judge Murphy wrote.

Justice Department lawyers said the men were scheduled to be flown to South Sudan at 7 p.m. ET.

DOJ attorneys claimed during Friday's hearing that they had spoken with State Department officials during the break and that they had received assurance from South Sudan that upon their deportation there, the men would be granted an immigration status "in accordance with South Sudan's national laws and immigration procedures" that would allow them to remain in the country "temporarily." But the lawyers did not have any information about whether or not they would be detained.

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"We certainly haven't asked for them to be detained, and our understanding is that there's no reason to think that they will be, but that last part is obviously speculation," a DOJ lawyer said.

Judge Moss echoed the plaintiffs' lawyers concerns that the men could face torture and be harmed if they were deported to South Sudan.

MORE: ICE agents and migrants they're holding in Djibouti are at risk of rocket attacks, malaria: Official

"I think, like all of us, I do not want to see anything happen to any of these plaintiffs in this case, or to anybody involving violent acts or bodily harm or anything of that nature," the judge said. "Obviously it goes without saying that even when somebody has been convicted of having committed a terrible crime, after that person has served their sentence for it, our government, nor anybody else should be in the business of inflicting pain and suffering on other human beings, simply for the sake of doing so."

"And I think it seems to me almost self evident that the United States government cannot take human beings and send them to circumstances in which their physical well-being is at risk simply either to punish them or to send a signal to others that if you come into the country and commit a crime, not only are you going to get prosecuted in the United States for that, but you're going to be sent to some horrible situation," he said.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A coalition of community, faith and labor organizations have launched a petition to end the tax on groceries in Tennessee, and make corporations that recently received a tax break from the state pay what they argue is their fair share.

Tennessee For All told News 2 the petition has gained a lot of traction since its launch this week, sending a clear message to lawmakers that many Tennesseans want to see the grocery tax go away. At last check, the petition had more than 1,000 signatures.

Read the latest from the TN State Capitol Newsroom

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This would put upwards of about $400 back in the pockets of the average Tennessee family when they go back to the grocery store, Michaela Winter with Jobs with Justice said. This would make daily life more affordable. It would make food more accessible to purchase, and it would be a good signal to working families in Tennessee that we are heading towards an economy that works for everyone and not just the wealthy few.

Lawmakers have talked for years about ending the grocery tax, which currently sits at 4%, but both Republicans and Democrats have failed to get their proposals passed. Republicans said they need to be sure the state can make up at least some of the revenue it would lose by eliminating the tax.

We have to be confident that we have a robust economy coming forward  where theres going to be revenues coming into the state in sales tax dollars from Tennesseans  to be able to cut that tax, House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-Portland) said. Weve cut about one and a quarter percent previously, and we can cut it again.

Democrats have criticized the Republican supermajority for not eliminating the grocery tax, and instead approving major tax cuts for corporations. Their bill would have replaced the grocery tax revenue by raising taxes on corporations they argue dont pay their fair share.

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Instead of helping people who are buying groceries every week, these guys have prioritized tax cuts for people who own stocks, a tax cut for highly-paid professionals, and two separate tax cuts that primarily benefit out-of -tate corporations, Sen. Jeff Yarbro (D-Nashville) said.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Tennessee For Alls petition asks state lawmakers to hold a summer study on closing corporate tax loopholes and ending the grocery tax.

Tennessee is one of 10 states that still taxes groceries.

Republicans have said they are working to end the grocery tax, however, they didnt include any funding in next years budget for a grocery tax holiday, like they have in years past.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
An extensive search for two people on Lake Erie came up empty Wednesday night, and one coast guardsman said they werent out looking again Thursday.

Pennsylvania State Police and other responders did not provide much additional details, but several emergency boat crews and even a helicopter were searching for two people on the lake Wednesday night after calls went in regarding a vessel in distress.

And with a busy boating weekend lying ahead with the Fourth of July, emergency crews could have some more work ahead of them.

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Water rescue call prompts large search effort on Lake Erie

Its Fourth of July weekend. Its a popular holiday. It is very common for people to go out in force on their boats to enjoy the weather, the fireworks. Theres going to be a lot of boating traffic, especially the bay area is very busy, said Rivera Goodspeed, a machinery technician with the U.S. Coast Guard

With increased boat traffic across the lake, the risk of needing a water rescue becomes more likely.

But as one fish and boat commission official put it, many dangerous situations can be avoided by just having a life jacket.

Unfortunately, every year we do see fatalities as a result of people not wearing their life jackets. Nationwide, about 80 percent of boating fatalities are connected to not wearing your life jacket, said Tim Schaeffer, executive director of the PA Fish & Boat Commission.

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State officials emphasize National Safe Boating Week ahead of Memorial Day

Even though a life jacket could save a life in extreme situations, there are more ways to ensure youre being as safe as possible out on the water.

At minimum, life jackets, flares, a reliable way to communicate with emergency services or other vessels like a VHF radio or a charged cell phone if you happen to be in a serviced area, said Goodspeed.

Goodspeed said boat operators should follow the law and avoid drinking alcohol at all, and a BUI is just as bad as a DUI.

The coast guardsman said if you do see someone fall overboard to contact the coast guard or call 911 immediately.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
Jul. 3Coeur d'Alene Fire Chief Thomas Greif thanked the community for its support and asked for safe and responsible celebrations for July 4 after the death of two firefighters in an ambush on Sunday.

"Let your actions reflect the strength and spirit of this community and serve as a tribute to those we have lost and those who continue to protect us," Greif said in a news release on Thursday.

Battalion Chiefs Frank Harwood and John Morrison were killed and fire engineer David Tysdal was seriously injured after being shot by 20-year-old Wess Roley while responding to a fire on Canfield Mountain intentionally set by the shooter.

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Private memorial services for the slain firemen have been scheduled.

Greif also thanked everyone who showed up to a procession that followed the tragedy Tuesday.

"I want to take a moment to express my deepest appreciation to every member of this incredible community," Greif said. "You have shown us the true meaning of unity, compassion and resilience."

Greif went on to ask the community to come together for July 4, mentioning the Coeur d'Alene parade to honor all first responders, especially those who sacrificed their lives on Sunday.

The theme of the parade is Home of the Brave, honoring veteran and active-duty service members, but Linda Coppess, President and CEO of the Coeur d'Alene Region Chamber of Commerce, said in an interview with KXLY that there will be a tribute to the firefighters as well.

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A celebration of life for Morrison, 52, is set for Thursday. The following day, a celebration of life for Harwood, 42, is scheduled. Both will take place at the Hagadone Event Center in Coeur d'Alene.

The services will be relatively private and not open to the public. The families of the firemen have requested only close family, friends and uniform personnel attend, according to a Facebook post from Kootenai County Fire and Rescue.

Condolences and means of sympathy can be sent to 5271 E Seltice Way in Post Falls for Harwood and 300 E. Foster Ave in Coeur d'Alene for Morrison, according to the city's fire department.

Amid the tragedy, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a New York organization meant to support fallen officers and firefighters' families in the decades after 9/11, has stepped up to pay their mortgages.

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"Every day, our first responders put on that uniform and don't know if they will return home to their families. Chief Morrison and Chief Harwood answered the call to serve and protect their communities, and they were targeted for doing their jobs. In this time of tragedy, we hope to offer some solace to their families by paying off their mortgages, so that they can grieve with some peace of mind knowing that their greatest bill is taken care of," the organization's CEO, Frank Siller, said in a statement.

Closer to home, Coppess said it's not final, but she plans to begin the parade with two riderless horses. It will start at 10 a.m. and run till 12 p.m., going through Sherman Avenue in downtown Coeur d'Alene.

"On behalf of the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department, thank you truly for your ongoing support, your compassion and your shared commitment to making this community what it is today," Greif said. "Have a safe and meaningful Fourth of July weekend."

Reporter Mathew Callaghan contributed to this article.

Corbin Vanderby's work is funded in part by members of the Spokane community via the Community Journalism and Civic Engagement Fund. This story can be republished by other organizations for free under a Creative Commons license. For more information on this, please contact our newspaper's managing editor.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 4. At the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in Khankendi, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian underscored the urgent need to strengthen transport infrastructure connecting both domestic and cross-border routes among member states.

Iran and its transit neighbors have a key role to play. We need to expand logistics networks and ensure that border crossings and ports meet international standards, he said.

Regional transport development was a central theme of Pezeshkians speech. He placed strong emphasis on modernizing ports and customs facilities, stressing that they must be brought up to the highest global benchmarks.

He also addressed the economic dimension of integration, noting that intra-regional trade within ECO still accounts for just 8% of the blocs total trade volume. We must accelerate negotiations on creating a free trade zone and aim to deliver concrete results by 2035, the president said.

This highlights the need for both infrastructure upgrades and legal frameworks to enhance economic cooperation across the region.

In this context, Irans active development of the International NorthSouth Transport Corridor (INSTC) takes on added significance. The route connects India with Russia and Europe via Iran, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan, and is fast becoming a vital artery for Eurasian transit.

In May 2025, geological surveys began on a key 14.2-kilometer stretch of rail between Rasht and Astaraconsidered the last missing link on the Iranian side of the corridor. As part of the "Transit 2025" initiative, Iran and Russia signed an agreement to complete the section, with Azerbaijan also contributing to the project.

At the same time, the three countries are working to attract investment in railway infrastructure, aiming to increase cargo volume on the NorthSouth route to 10 million tons. A key milestone has been the completion of the Astara terminal in northern Iranbuilt in partnership with Azerbaijanwhich is expected to speed up cross-border freight movement.

Efforts to establish a free trade zone within ECO are a logical next step. With the physical infrastructure already taking shape, attention is now turning to the legal and economic frameworks that will support deeper regional integration.

In this light, Iran is positioning itself as a strategic connector in the region. By upgrading critical segments of the NorthSouth Corridor and fostering stronger ties not only with neighboring countries but also with global partners like India and Russia, Tehran is helping to lay the foundation for a more connected and economically integrated Eurasia. The corridor has the potential to become a key growth driver, reshaping trade flows across the continent.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Officials have identified a woman who was found buried in the basement of a Nashville home  nearly 40 years after her murder.

According to the Metro Nashville Police Department, two women were killed by James Schaffer in 1985. Schaffer reportedly confessed to the murders two years after the women were discovered in shallow graves within the basement of a home on Charlotte Avenue on Nov. 7, 1987.

RELATED: New rendering released of 1985 cold case victim found buried in basement of Nashville home

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This past January, the unidentified women were disinterred for contemporary forensic analysis, police said. However, two days before authorities collected DNA samples, a woman reportedly called the Cold Case Unit after seeing information online and reported that her mother had been missing since 1984.

Officials said DNA samples were collected from the cold case victims daughters and were returned on Wednesday, July 2. According to the MNPD, the DNA came back as a confirmed match.

Now, authorities have identified one of the victims 23-year-old Sheila Cummings from Elgin, Illinois.

 Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts 

Meanwhile, the Cold Case Unit is continuing their investigation to identify the other victim, who was also known as Lil Bit.

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In April, News 2 shared a rendering of Lil Bit. She is believed to have been 20 to 40 years old and stood at approximately 5-feet-7 inches tall.

Rendering of Lil Bit (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Investigators added that she was discovered wearing a copper Grim Reaper ring, had an open-faced gold overlay on her right tooth and was found to have her lower spine fused together, which would have given her back problems.

Anyone with information about Lil Bit is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463, the MNPD Cold Case Unit at 615-862-7369 or the Davidson County Medical Examiners Office at 615-743-1800.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
CASTLE ROCK, Colo. (KDVR)  A Douglas County judge sentenced a man to life in prison on Thursday for the 2024 death of a U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel.

Paul Wayne Stephenson, 57, was convicted for a DUI crash that killed Matt Anderson, 39, who was a combat veteran and devout father.

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Stephenson was also given an additional 92 years for the crash that left Andersons children hurt.

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After spending the day at the Douglas County Fair, the Anderson family stopped for gas at a 7-Eleven located at Plumb Creek Parkway and Perry Street.

The video released by the 23rd Judicial District Attorneys office shows a pickup truck moving through traffic and then heading into that convenience store parking lot, where Anderson was pumping gas into his familys vehicle.

The pickup truck then crashed into the gas pumps and Andersons car, at a high rate of speed.

Anderson was pumping gas when he was killed.

Other videos in the hearing, showed Castle Rock Police officers helping several of Andersons children who were injured. One of those officers fought back tears while trying to describe the efforts to help the bloodied children moments after the crash.

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The district attorney used an aggressive DUI charge that includes first degree murder with extreme indifference, stating Stephenson drank a bottle of Fireball Whiskey and two beers before the crash. He then got behind the drivers seat to look for more alcohol when the fatal crash occurred.

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This was the third time Stephenson was convicted of a DUI.

Several people gave impact statements including a member of the Air Force, Andersons wife, sisters and father.

I hope this sends a message to people that just go out and get all drunk up and get in their car, truck, or whatever, and go drive somewhere. He killed a guy. He killed him, Andersons father, Wayne Anderson, said after the hearing.

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The judge in the case sentenced Stephenson to life in prison without parole plus 92 years for all the charges which also included attempted murder and child abuse.

This is a good sentence. This is a good sentence because were here because the defendant did not care. He didnt care whose life he took. He didnt care who he got injured. He didnt care what was left behind. But luckily for all of us, what was left behind was an incredibly strong family, stated 23rd Judicial Senior Deputy District Attorney Nate Marsh.

During the hearing, videos and pictures showing Anderson, in a green military jump suit, leaving the Douglas County Fair last summer. He was smiling and pushing a stroller with one of his children in it.

That was just 10 minutes before he was killed.

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Back in the courtroom, Stephenson never offered an apology for killing Anderson. He spoke out in court saying the trial was unfair.

District Court Judge Victoria Klingensmith spoke sternly to Stephenson saying the defendant continued to make the case all about him and then ultimately gave him his life sentence.

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A Colorado man who killed an Air Force veteran while driving drunk last year will spend the rest of his life behind bars after he was found guilty of first-degree murder.

Paul Stephenson, 57, of Castle Rock, was convicted in April of killing USAF Lt. Col. Matt Anderson and injuring his four children after he crashed his truck into their vehicle while driving drunk in August 2024.

Stephenson was sentenced to life in prison plus 92 years.

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Anderson was stopped at a 7-Eleven gas station with his family following a trip to the Douglas County Fair when he was killed, according to the 23rd Judicial District Attorneys Office. His wife was walking into the store when Stephenson drove his Chevy Silverado into their vehicle.

Illegal Immigrant Convicted In 100 Mph Dui Crash That Killed Washington State Trooper

Paul Stephenson was found guilty of first-degree murder after he killed a USAF veteran while driving home.

While in court, Stephenson admitted to drinking a bottle of fireball whiskey and two beers before driving and his blood alcohol level was 2.5 times the legal limit, the DA's office said.

Read On The Fox News App

Stephenson racked up his third DUI conviction when he was found guilty of killing Anderson.

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District Attorney George Brauchler said his office pursued the first-degree murder charge to "send a message to drunk drivers in Douglas County."

Brauchler, who prosecuted the case, said it is a "bitter coincidence" that justice was handed down against Anderson's killer one day before July Fourth.

USAF Lt. Col. Matt Anderson had just left the Douglas County Fair with his family when he was struck and killed.

Republican Da Bucks Blue State's 'Broken Sentencing' With Tough-on-crime Approach

"It is a bitter coincidence that the day before we celebrate our nations independence, we have to confront the loss of one of Americas great Patriots who died Not at the hands of the enemy But by the selfish conduct of one of us," Brauchler said.

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"The only appropriate sentence in this case is the one that will prevent things like this from happening again by scaring the hell out of those who would engage in similar behavior."

USAF Lt. Col. Matt Anderson with his wife and his children.

Brauchler acknowledged that Douglas County is the most aggressive on drunk drivers compared to other jurisdictions in the area.

Anderson's father said the verdict gives their family "a small amount of closure" and thanked the agencies involved in handing the sentence down.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Nate Marsh commended the jury's decision and said it reflected how serious it is to drive drunk.

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"The defendant cared only about himself and showed a complete disregard for the value of human life. This was murder in the first degree-extreme indifference and the jury agreed. His life sentence will ensure he cannot rip anyone else from their family," Marsh said.





Original article source: Colorado man sentenced to life in prison for DUI that killed Air Force veteran, injured his children
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  A person who was killed in a shooting that happened on Thursday near Hearthstone Drive has been identified.

The person killed has been identified as 21-year-old Jacquez Tremayne Banks, according to the Columbus coroner.

Earlier Thursday evening, the Columbus Police Department posted a message on X (Twitter) on Thursday, announcing that one person was dead after a shooting.

Police say the shooting happened in the 4800 block of Hearthstone Drive and the Violent Crimes Unit has launched an investigation.

A deadly shooting is under investigation in the 4800 block of Hearthstone Dr. One deceased. Our Violent Crimes Unit is leading the investigation. Anyone with information is urged to call 911. #cpdga  Columbus, Georgia Police Department (@CPDGA) July 3, 2025

Columbus PD encourages anyone with additional information on the incident to dial 911.

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Heres a little story for summertime, a tale of two seaside amusement parks of days of olde:

One eventually got itself a reputation as a rackety, unsavory hangout where you didnt have to look hard to find gambling, dive bars, tattoo parlors (back when nice people didnt go near them), and soiled doves, what the Victorians called prostitutes.

Notoriously, someone once found a corpse there  as a sideshow exhibit, not a murder victim. More about him presently.

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The other park, not far up the coast, was as perky and clean-cut as a barbershop quartet, painted the colors of sand and sky, with shipshape and jaunty ocean-inspired adventures, and zippy, futuristic, razzle-dazzle rides.

Now, which one do you think lasted longer?

It was the first one, the older one  the Pike, in Long Beach. It opened in 1902, when the electric cars first brought sweaty, landlocked Angelenos to the beach breezes and the Pikes carnival delights, like the fabled Cyclone Racer roller coaster that swooped its riders fast and furious above the water.

It was finally done, and done in, in 1979, replaced by shops set among the Long Beach Convention Center and the Aquarium of the Pacific.

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The other one, Pacific Ocean Park, straddled the sand of Santa Monica and Venice. It opened in 1958, three years after Disneyland, and didnt last even 10 years. Santa Monica has seen amusement parks come and go over more than 120 years, but POP is of fairly recent and fond memory.

That place should not to be confused with the much smaller Pacific Park that operates now on the Santa Monica pier, the heir to L.A.s long beachfront amusement park heritage.

A historic postcard showing crowds at the Pike in Long Beach. (From the collection of Patt Morrison)

POP was a creature of Cold War America. Westinghouse Electric Corp. built one display, a replica of the hull of the atomic-powered Nautilus submarine, with sound effects like an actual submarine at sea. A spaceship theater took the audience to Mars, to see the Red Planet and its imagined Martian residents. A house of tomorrow [sound familiar, Disneyland fans?] ran on electronic age conveniences with an artistic representation of the atomic city of tomorrow, as the old Pomona Progress-Bulletin newspaper wrote in September 1958. An ocean skyway ride took visitors in clear gondolas out over the Pacific surf.

Zev Yaroslavsky, the L.A. native, longtime county supervisor, and City Council member, still misses the place, even all these decades later. In elementary school, in junior high and high school, me and my buddies would take the bus out there, and wed spend the day having fun. It was a great place to go with girls on whom we had a crush. It was the poor boys Disneyland.

Postcards show Pacific Ocean Park in Santa Monica. (Christina House/Los Angeles Times)

You entered through the watery darkness of the aquarium, and when you came out the other side, Yaroslavsky remembers, you were greeted by the bright sunshine on the pier with the attractions and the Pacific Ocean in my line of sight, like being wafted from the humdrum to the exciting fantasy land of a shoreline amusement park.

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I felt wronged when it closed, and I have missed it ever since.

In 1960, an FM station, KSRF  K-Surf  began broadcasting from POP, but it was POPs live dance shows that brought in big names and the crowds that followed them  Ritchie Valens, Sam Cooke, and the Beach Boys. Brian Wilson wrote a short foreword to the lavishly illustrated 2014 book Pacific Ocean Park.

The 1950s and 60s gave us a glut of amusement parks, and as with any boom, there was a bust. POP became one of the busted. Competition from that place in Anaheim was unrelenting. So too is sea air, and its assault on wood and metal and human-crafted things in general, and the price for keeping all of that at bay was untenable. Rides broke down and went un-repaired.

City building projects messed up the roads into POP. By the autumn of 1967, POP was closed  ostensibly for repairs but in fact for good. The apocalyptic forces that work against amusement parks, neglect and fires, did their handiwork. As The Times wrote in February 1975, as the last of POP was being demolished, Sooner or later all dreams come to an end.

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Read more: Commentary: Rising from mudflats to world-class cargo hub, the ports of L.A. and Long Beach face a wave of Trump tariffs

Yet the Pike soldiered on  rather, sailored on. In 1919, Long Beach became the home port for the nations Pacific fleet of battleships, and in time, more ships followed. The Navy was big business for Long Beach, and for the Pike, where thousands of Navy gobs stationed here spent some of their shore leave and their earnings.

A postcard depicts "A daily scene at the Pike, Long Beach." (From the collection of Patt Morrison)

Like Las Vegas, the Pike, too, underwent an identity shift, if not a crisis. It too suffered from competition of more family-focused resorts. As parents took their kids holidaying at Disneyland or Knotts Berry Farm, the Pike was left more and more to grownups like boisterous sailors and footloose Angelenos and their tastes for pool rooms, bars, dance halls and sideshows.

In 1946, a sideshow fixture billed as Miss Elsie Marks, the Cobra Woman, died after her seven-foot diamondback rattlesnake bit her. That was the first big headline. The second was that the Cobra Woman was in fact a 6-foot-3-inch man surnamed Nadir, who had traveled in circus sideshows over the years as, serially, the dog-faced boy, then the monkey man and the bearded lady.

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The Pikes louche doings made for great newspaper copy. In 1914, the Duke of the Pike  a debonair character who lived large, mostly on brash cheek and bad checks  finally got caught when his car broke down in Compton. He was asking the police chief to lend him $10 for repairs when a sergeant recognized him as a wanted man.

A postcard depicts a day at the Pike in Long Beach California. (From the private collection of Patt Morrison.)

The next year, a businessman who said he had simply wanted to show a young girl the sights on the Pike was arrested for breaking a local law delicately phrased by The Times as being in a certain state of mind when approaching an apartment house where the girl was living on his largesse.

In 1943, at the height of World War II, Deputy Dist. Atty. Ted Sten announced that gambling was going on on the Pike: I personally counted eight last night. There are wide-open crap games, and the only police down there are watching the merry-go-round. In fact, the Pike was probably the most heavily policed part of Long Beach, but players will be players.

In the 1950s, the Pike rebranded itself Nu-Pike, in a makeover that tried to snag more families as customers. That didnt rescue the Pike, nor did another new name for the area: Queen Park, after the ocean liner RMS Queen Mary, permanently anchored on the Long Beach landscape.

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Geography itself worked against the Pike, too. Beyond its actual borders, unsavory operations sprang up, but the whole stretch was identified as the Pike. In 1965, as Long Beach began sprucing up the harbor, a dredging operation piled up a landfill at the edge of the Pike. In short order, the Pike was no longer at the beach. A man who ran a grill restaurant in the Pikes Fun Zone told The Times in 1979 that they pushed the beach back so far they killed business.

Read more: Palm trees are about as L.A. as it gets. But is it time to bid them a frond farewell?

By 1967, a columnist at the Long Beach Independent had to defend his town to an anonymous letter writer demanding an expose of Long Beachs gay bars and brothels, including the Pike, that nightmare alley with its rock-bottom characters and perverts in plain view   The columnists retort was valiant but rather weak sauce: There are only three gay bars in Long Beach  down from nine two years before. At the notorious hotel occupied by prostitutes, there was only one arrest there in the last six months.

In 1979 the city had big plans that did not include the Pike. Nu-Pike May Be No Pike, ran The Times headline. Leases were not renewed. Attractions that hadnt already fallen down were knocked down.

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(A small museum of Pike artifacts survived in the Lite-A-Line game arcade in Long Beach, operated by the Looff family, which had run the same attraction at the Pike for decades. But even that closed, in 2022.)

A postcard, copyright 1910, show The Pike, Long Beach. (From the collection of Patt Morrison)

By 1979, too, one of the Pikes foremost attractions was already gone, first to the L.A. County coroners office, and then to a graveyard in Oklahoma.

In 1976, a wax dummy painted Day-Glo red was being moved around in the Laff in the Dark attraction when an arm fell off. Underneath was not more wax, but a human bone. The dummy was a mummy  the desiccated corpse of Elmer McCurdy.

McCurdy was a B-list, turn-of-the-century outlaw, a neer-do-well train robber who was so lousy at his craft that he held up virtually empty trains instead of the gold-toting ones he thought he was targeting.

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He once blew up a trains safe that was full of loot, but the bang fused all of the coins to the safes inside walls. He was shot down by a sheriffs posse in Oklahoma in 1911. After that, his unclaimed body began its wanderings: as a greeter for an Oklahoma funeral home, as a sideshow attraction for touring carnivals, and even in a titillating 1933 pre-Code film, Narcotic. (It wasnt a speaking role.)

Once out of the carny racket, McCurdy became more famous in death than he had been in life. Times columnist Steve Harvey christened him the King Tut of the Tumbleweeds. McCurdys post-posthumous credits: a BBC documentary, two biographies, a Celtic folk song, and a murder mystery weekend. He was buried in a historic cemetery in Guthrie, Okla.  under a two-foot layer of concrete, lest anyone be tempted to take him on tour again.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
HARLEM, Manhattan  Long before the nighttime fireworks displays light up the skies across the Tri-state region, people in backyards, at beaches, and other open spaces celebrate the nations independence in various fun ways all day long.

That spirit was especially strong at the more than 1,700 public parks in the city on Friday.

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Morningside Park, in Harlem, is representative of the local Fourth festivities. Preparations for the holiday in the park began around sunrise on Friday.

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Since 6:00 this morning, to be precise, said Ebony Beecham. Thats when she arrived at the park from her apartment a few blocks away, and started stretching out yellow caution tape to designate a barbecue area for herself, her friends, and her family, who were in town for the first time, from Tampa, Florida.

The early start, Beecham said, is basically mandatory.

Its first come, first serve, she explained. So youve got to come and get your spot. Were coming out big, so you got to come early.

With the exception of the yellow caution tape shed put up, it was red, white, and blue everywhere at her barbecue spot. It was among dozens set up in the park that stretches for 13 blocks.

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Beecham said that while shed planned her barbecue to be for herself and more than 50 guests, it was also meant to celebrate inclusively.

For the kids, the adults, she said, even hungry people that might walk by, were going to take care of them, too. Thats what kind of vibe we have, she said.

It was a similar scene in parks across the city, especially in the 40 of them across the five boroughs where barbecuing is allowed.

Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx is one of them. On Friday, there were barbecues, tents, sound systems, and even a store-bought bouncy house.

Some parkgoers routines were similar to that of Nani Campbell and her family. Theyd also cordoned off a section of Morningside Park while they prepped for what they called an all day affair. It was not only underway outside, in the park, Campbell said.

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Were cooking in the house right now, she told PIX11 News. Actually, theres food on the stove right now, she continued. Boiling ribs, chicken, stuff like that to put on the grill, so its actually cooked and stuff.

She added that this July Fourth in the park is yet another opportunity to take Independence Day seriously into the holiday evening.

You can party a little bit harder, Campbell explained about the Fourth of July in Morningside Park, which has been her neighborhood green space for her whole life. Its just been a place where we can gather and chill, she said. We just like being around people and doing stuff as a group.

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  This morning saw a community come together to recognize a fallen veteran.

Daniel Burt Turner was laid to rest today with full military honors at Dayton National Cemetery.

When considering the Independence Day holiday, the fireworks and celebrating may overshadow the sacrifices made by those who fought to protect the freedoms enjoyed and the day and every day.

Ron Galyon, with the Dayton National Cemetery, was surprised by all the support for Turner.

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I didnt expect this many people this morning  community turnout was incredible.

The cemetery saw dozens of people out to support the late U.S. Navy, Vietnam era veteran.

Photo by Joe Gurnig/WDTN Photo by Joe Gurnig/WDTN Photo by Joe Gurnig/WDTN Photo by Joe Gurnig/WDTN Photo by Joe Gurnig/WDTN Photo by Joe Gurnig/WDTN Photo by Joe Gurnig/WDTN

Galyon said that Turner had gone unclaimed, with no family present, making the ceremony that much more important.

This is our final salute. And its very important to honor Mr. Turner because he was a veteran that passed away with no family present.

The funeral was handled by the Schlientz and Moore Funeral Home. The Final Salute Society, fellow veterans and families were there to support as well.

Every veteran has earned their place at the National Cemetery, said Sara Moore, owner of the funeral home. Im an Army brat. My dad served in the U.S. Army and weve had other friends and family that have, are also buried here at the National Cemetery.

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So many vets are patriotic, Galyon added. As veterans, we care about our brother veterans and to do it on a patriotic day such as 4th of July, our independence was won on 4th of July, celebrated on 4th of July. You know, its important to do this today.

Galyon said too that today signified the countrys promise that no veteran will be forgotten.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
One week after Milwaukee police officer Kendall Corder was shot and killed, about two dozen people gathered at the scene of the crime to remember the slain officer and call for an end to the violence.

Corder, 32, and his partner, 29-year-old Christopher McCray, were shot in an alley near North 24th Place and West Garfield Avenue on June 26 as they responded to a call for a subject with a gun. McCray survived, but Corder, a six-year police veteran, became the sixth Milwaukee officer killed since 2018.

Residents at the July 3 vigil expressed anger, especially for youth in the area, who deal with the social and psychological effects of violent crime, such as police shootings.

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"These are all little, little babies, and they should be safe," said Maria Beltran, a nearby Lindsay Heights neighborhood resident and community activist. "So should our police officers that serve our city  they should be safe. A lot of us do not feel that they're on our side, but they're human beings. They're in the flesh, and they believe just like us, and they're our brothers and sisters, and we need to respect each other and love one another."

The vigil comes the same day that a Shorewood police officer was shot in the vest after a suspect opened fire on them as they responded to a reported shooting, marking the third time an officer in the Milwaukee area has been shot at within a week.

Tracey Dent, community activist and one of the vigils organizers, called turnout for the event disappointing. He encouraged the community to get more involved by attending regular community meetings held by respective police districts.

We have to show up, he said.

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The Milwaukee County District Attorneys Office charged 22-year-old Tremaine Jones in connection to the double Milwaukee police shooting.

Community 'hurting,' resilient

Corder and his partner worked at Police District Two. Virginia Pratt, a pastor, community outreach worker and former correction officer, recalled that she worked with them.

"They are my family too," Pratt said. "They are good officers."

Kahlil McKinstry, with the North Avenue Community Ambassadors Program, came to the vigil with his young son. He called the shooting a tragedy, and said he believes that police officers are overworked.

"We're making cops afraid and nervous, he said. "This is our community, and the community is hurting. I don't want anything to happen here."

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Karin Tyler, the interim director for the city's Office of Community Wellness and Safety, arrived at the quiet block of the shooting the day after it occurred with a cohort of around 30 volunteers and outreach workers from the office's critical response. The group canvassed the neighborhood throughout the afternoon, handing out pamphlets and gun locks, and offering passersby different forms of clinical or "healing" support.

Tyler pointed out that the neighborhood falls into one of Milwaukee's designated "promise zones"  areas of the city that have historically seen high levels of violence and a low investment of resources.

"Our office is always mobilizing in these areas, and we have specific groups that are basically assigned to this specific area," Tyler said. "We know that people are pretty devastated by this, and there was a lot of fear in this area, for sure."

In a statement, Midtown Neighborhood Alliance, a local community organization, affirmed the neighborhood's "remarkable strength," but noted that "lasting safety" would require addressing systemic challenges and investing in public resources.

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"While these acts of violence have shaken us, they do not define Midtown or its people," the organization wrote in the statement. "Midtown is a strong, caring, and resilient urban community where neighbors support one another and work tirelessly to build a better future."

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Community leaders hold vigil to remember police officer Kendall Corder
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW)  The official launch of My Brothers House" Community Missions' 24-hour shelter service isn't meant to be only a place of rest for St. Joseph's homeless community.

"The main priority is their safety," Outreach Coordinator Charley Lundy said. "It will help having this to get people off the street."

The 24-hour service has been something that Community Missions has been aiming to get off the ground for a while. In past years, the shelter has been limited to providing food, water, a bed to sleep and counseling to the winter months.

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"I've been out on the streets," St. Joseph resident Christa Nolannd said. "As a woman, it's a big relief to know that we have an all-around-the-clock shelter. It's a feeling of security to have a place to stay, where it's safe. Sometimes women are preyed on a little more than a man. And it means a lot to me to have a safe place."

Now they can offer these services year-round to potentially help some people become self-sufficient.

"We're doing classes in groups and things like that," executive director Rachael Bittiker said. "We're helping them obtain IDs & birth certificates, the essential things that you need to be able to get employment for jobs. To be able to do things to function in society.

The priority for the shelter going forward is to further increase the volunteers and sponsors, along with supporting efforts being made within the community.
The Northampton and Easthampton communities are mourning the death of a Northampton police officer who was found dead in Vermont earlier this week.

Easthampton resident Matthew Rice, 59, was found unresponsive in a wooded area behind the I-91 north rest area in Guilford shortly after 9:10 a.m. on June 29, according to Vermont State Police. Guilford emergency services responded and quickly declared him dead.

The Vermont Chief Medical Examiners Office is determining Rices manner and cause of death, but the preliminary investigation does not indicate that his death was suspicious, Vermont State Police said.

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Rice joined the Northampton Police Department in 1995 and was a special police officer, Northampton police said in a Facebook post.

Matt will be deeply missed by his NPD friends, family and community, the department wrote.

Easthampton Councilor-at-Large Jason JT Tirrell urged community members not to speculate about the circumstances surrounding Rices death in a Thursday statement.

Matts 30 years of dedicated service as a Special Police Officer with our neighbors at the Northampton Police Department exemplified his commitment to the safety and well-being of our region. His legacy of service will be remembered with gratitude, the statement reads.

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KHANKENDI, Azerbaijan, July 4. Kazakhstan deems the Baku-Supsa pipeline to be promising for pumping its oil, Kazakh Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov told in an interview with Trend on the sidelines of the 17th summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in Khankendi.

According to him, a roadmap for cooperation has already been signed between the national companies of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan - KazMunayGas and SOCAR - which the parties strictly follow.

"In the first six months of this year, about 750,000 tons of oil were pumped along existing routes, while for the entire last year, this figure was almost one and a half million tons," he said.

The minister noted that in 2025, the same volumes of supplies are expected to be maintained, and Kazakhstan is ready to increase them.

"We are in constant contact with our colleagues from SOCAR and are considering any possible transport corridors, including Baku-Supsa," Akkenzhenov emphasized.

He added that a pipeline with a capacity of 5 million tons per year could become an important alternative for Kazakhstan to supply oil to the Black Sea ports, provided that it is economically feasible.

The official also praised the organization of the ECO summit in Khankendi, noting the participation of heads of state and government, as well as the rich delegation of Kazakhstan led by the prime minister.

He emphasized that the discussions were meaningful and covered a wide range of issues, including the current topic of the green agenda.
DISCLAIMER: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty

TEXARKANA, Tx (KTAL/KMSS)  The community is gathering around a woman who was arrested earlier this week after police say she endangered her children by leaving them at home while she worked. 5 hours into her shift, their house went up in flames.

In a since-deleted post, the Texarkana Texas Police Department announced on Facebook the arrest of 29-year-old Hilda Xona Cojoc, who was arrested on Sunday, June 29, 2025, for Abandoning/Endangering a Child, after the department says her children were found to be home alone during a house fire.

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Police say around 12:50 that afternoon, they were called to a fire in the 1900 block of Walnut Street where flames were shooting from the roof of the home.

Neighbors were able to help the two young boys, aged 7 and 10, across the street, and authorities were alerted to the fire.

When speaking to officers, the boys reported that their mom had left them home alone around 8 a.m. to go to work. Officers contacted the mother, and she immediately arrived at the scene, where she was then arrested.

The department shares in the post because of the obvious danger the kids were in, she was arrested. She was booked into the Bi-State Jail with a bond later set at $150,000.

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The department continued, Were just incredibly grateful this didnt turn into something even worse. This could have been ended in absolute tragedy. ending with the hashtag NotInMyNeighborhood and posting her mugshot.

Now with over 1,000 Facebook posts, Texarkana residents are flooding Facebook with opinions, the majority in support of the mother.

One Facebook User $150,000 bond, are you kidding me?! Im reposting to highlight the injustice of our justice system for the economically disadvantaged.

Another A hard working mother treated as a criminal ; because she was working to provide for her two children and unfortunately an accident happened.

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Some Facebook users even challenge that the childrens ages are not an issue.

A 10-year-old child is old enough to stay home alone and watch after their 7-year-old sibling if a parent says they are. What we need here is an activist judge who actually wants to do something GOOD. Give this mother a BREAK!

The community is also putting action behind their words.

A GoFundMe was created in support of the mother on July 2, and in less than 24 hours, the fundraiser had already received 119 donations totaling just over $5,000.

Supporters did not stop there. A petition requesting the reconsideration and reduction of her bond, posted on Change.org, now has over 1,100 signatures.

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Members of her church are coming together to support her and organize a plan of action While we acknowledge the seriousness of the incident involving the fire and her two young children, we believe that the current bond amount is excessively high given the circumstances. They continue, We recognize the need to protect children and prevent neglect, but we also believe in fairness and proportionality in the justice system. A bond this high may impose undue hardship on Ms. Cojoc and her family, limiting her ability to prepare her defense and care for her childrens welfare. We ask the court to consider lowering the bond to a more reasonable amount that balances public safety with Ms. Cojocs rights and circumstances.

The children are currently in the care of CPS.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
(Photo by Getty Images)

This Fourth of July, I bought an American flag. As a refugee, I bought this flag not because America is perfect, but because of its promise.

The first time I saw the American flag, I was nine years old. My family and I were at the PakistanAfghanistan border, preparing to return to Afghanistan after years of fleeing the Taliban and living in exile.

We waited to be vaccinated and processed for return, and the American flag was attached to the back of a U.S. Army vehicle. My uncle, pointing at the flag, said, Look, now we will be safe. At that moment, the American flag felt like a promise.

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Since then, the flags meaning has shifted, but I refuse to let hate define it.

Years later, I was granted a student visa and arrived in the United States as an international student. In the airport, I stood again in front of the American flag, where it waved its thirteen red and white stripes and fifty stars. It was a profound moment when I felt welcomed. I knew then, deep in my heart, that I was safe and my life was full of possibilities.

As I experienced America and life in it, that sense of safety changed. Slowly, I began to fear the flag that once gave me hope.

I saw the American flag in the hands of people shouting vulgar things about immigrants. I saw it on t-shirts worn by those who looked at me with hate. I started to believe that when an American flag was hanging on someones porch or painted on their truck, it meant I wasnt welcome. The flag that once symbolized safety and freedom slowly started to feel like a warning.

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But, a few days ago, I found myself revisiting the most joyful moments of my life in this country: arriving in the U.S. for the first time, the day I became a U.S. citizen, my siblings making it to America safely, and my mother stepping off a plane onto American soil.

In every photo from those moments, we are smiling  some of us crying  with the American flag waving in the background. Despite everything, that flag was always there, not just in fear, but in celebration of survival and homecoming.

This Independence Day, I bought an American flag.

I do not believe this country is perfect, but I believe we belong in it. I know we are part of Americas flawed, painful, and beautiful story. I bought the flag because we, too, arrived here with teary eyes and hopeful hearts. Like that little girl at the border all those years ago, I still choose to believe in the promise of safety, dignity, and a better life.

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But belief alone is not enough. We must act.

When you turn on the news or scroll through social media, the stories are grim. The Trump administration continues to sow fear and division. In states like Maine, where refugees are revitalizing communities, federal policies are stripping refugee resettlement while programs have been indefinitely paused. Funding cuts have gutted resettlement and legal support systems. Fundamental rights, such as asylum and due process, are under constant attack. Families are being separated. People from entire countries are once again banned from entering America. Refugee and immigrant rights organizations are being systematically targeted.

Last year, 625 refugees found safety in Maine, bringing their resilience, vibrancy, and skills to a state facing an aging population and labor shortages. Maines essential refugee agencies are now grappling with how to preserve basic services after federal funding cuts gutted their support systems. These actions are a cowardly way to treat people who have crossed continents and oceans, left everything behind, and risked it all to come home.

For many of us, America was not our first choice. However, it is our last hope. And still, we love this country not because its easy, but because weve invested our futures in its promises and potential. Refugees know that we are not just part of America  we help make it whole.

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As we step into a new chapter of American history, the flag belongs to us all. The flag, and the country for which it stands, belong to those who believe in something better, kinder, and in the promise of liberty and justice for all. It belongs to everyone who dares to hope, who fights for compassion, and who still  despite everything  believes in its promise. This flag is our flag.

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PALISADE, Colo. (KREX)  As of July 1st, Colorado residents applying for or renewing a permit to conceal and carry a handgun must first complete in-person training from a verified instructor.



The legislation behind this move was enacted last year, raising the bar on requirements for Colorado residents who wish to conceal and carry. Previously, you could apply for a permit within 10 years of training, now training must be completed in one, according to officials.

The Mesa County Sheriffs Office tells us, instructors must teach prospective conceal and carriers for a minimum of eight hours, covering various topics mandated by the Colorado statute. These topics include safe storage, safety around children with firearms, and laws pertaining to use of force using a firearm.

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Individual instructors are afforded some freedoms to structure their class how they see fit, some even including lessons on identifying and treating life-threatening wounds. But to get a conceal and carry certificate, all students must shoot a minimum of 50 rounds with an accuracy of at least 70 percent.

You can find a list of verified firearm instructors in Mesa County on their official website.

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Its business as usual for a North Andover jewelry store after an armed robbery on Thursday led to the hunt for several armed men, with one suspect still at large.

But concerns about safety continue at the business and also in the neighboring city of Lawrence as police continue to search for the armed suspect.

On Thursday, law enforcement officials combed through a wooded area in Lawrence for hours. The hunt for five armed men prompted a school evacuation, an alert to residents and multiple road closures in Lawrence.

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Police say the target of that robbery was Milos Joyeria, a jewelry store in North Andover. A photo shared by North Andover Police shows jewelry and multiple firearms confiscated by officers.

Four of those suspects are now in custody.

On Friday, Boston 25 News went back to the neighborhood where officers conducted their search, many local residents say they are still shaken up.

I still dont feel safe today, one neighbor told Boston 25 News.

Another neighbor saw some of the suspects as she was getting off the Marston Street exit.

As I am getting off the exit theres a guy running up the exit and I thought thats kind of weird where is he running from and he was holding a bag, it looked like a grocery bag, like a Market Basket bag, the neighbor said. It was white. It looked like it had rocks in it, cause you could see that it was bulging and heavy.

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The last guy coming out of the woods was like, and it was a hot day, he had like a mask on and a hat on so all you could was his eyes and thats what really made me think something bizarre was going on, she added.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Essex Police is closing half of its front counters - affecting stations in Basildon, Braintree, Clacton and Harlow - with the aim of refocussing efforts on providing visible policing on the streets. But what do people in Basildon make of it?

Local postman, Vasile Moldovan, 49, said the move was "very, very bad" as some people, such as the elderly, might not have access to the internet.

He described his experience of using the Basildon front counter in the past: "We saw somebody there, he was very good, because we could show him what the problem was, because sometimes by telling them you might not express the exact problem, or they might not be able to understand."

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Marie, 51, is against the change, having appreciated talking to a human being when she reported a potential fraud.

"It won't be the same, unfortunately."

David Archbold, who was visiting the town he grew up in, said he liked the concept of visible policing, but was not seeing it.

"I've been in Basildon all morning, I haven't seen one police officer."

He said his wife used the front desk when she was assaulted and was not sure if the front counter service was worth the four hours of giving statements.

"(Online) would probably have been easier," he said.

Basildon police station is one of those to see the closure of its staffed reception [Henry Godfrey-Evans/BBC]

Carol Greener, 79, was "shocked" to hear the news.

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"We used to have - in the town square - a police cabin, which was really handy, but now you can't even go to a police station and talk at the desk. It's quite worrying, really," she said.

"It's all the cutbacks isn't it, just a phone or a text message... you want to speak face-to-face to someone."

Noak Bridge resident Myra Sinclair, 76, was shopping in Basildon for the afternoon.

She described the reception closures as awful.

"Especially for us older people, we just don't want to deal with that. We just need a person to speak to," she said.

Carol misses the police cabins from the town square [Henry Godfrey-Evans/BBC]

But local resident Chaz described a bad experience with the service.

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"I remember going to one once when I found a purse and there was money in it," he explained.

He said he queued for 20 minutes before being told there were no forms.

"I just walked out, left the purse on the counter."

However, he valued the service, saying they should "definitely have more" open.

Basildon Labour councillor Aidan McGurran echoed this point on BBC Essex, saying people would be less likely to hand in valuables now.

He also addressed the lack of public consultation: "The speed with which it's being done is quite extraordinary," he said.

He added the population living near the station was on the increase, and demand would go up with that.

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UNISON Eastern regional organiser Tom Rhodes weighed in, calling it "another worrying blow for visible policing in Essex".

"These enquiry points are a vital link between the public and the police.

"It's already clear how much people in this county value visible policing. Earlier this year, police chiefs had to abandon plans to scrap police community support officers after a public outcry."

Assistant chief constable Stuart Hooper said out of the 6,703 people who used the force's front counters in January, only 203 reported new crimes or intelligence.

"Ninety per cent of people tell us that they want to see, or they find it reassuring to see, a visible policing presence in their neighbourhood," he added.

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Chelmsford, Colchester, Grays and Southend front counters would remain open and unchanged, the force added.

"Our three cities in our county have a front counter provision and actually we've looked at not only footfall but geographic spread within our county, so members of the public have got a choice of locations where to go to for wherever they live," ACC Hooper said.

Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

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CONEY ISLAND, Brooklyn (PIX11)  The Coney Island boardwalk was already buzzing Thursday, as dozens of beachgoers and shops got ready for whats expected to be one of the biggest holiday crowds of the summer.

John Fields came out to kick off his long holiday weekend and said hell be back Friday, on the Fourth of July. He shared what hes looking forward to most about his beach days.

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Just relaxing in the sun, he said. Swimming. Im a swimmer so you know, I like my deep explorations in the water.

Italian tourist Stella Cernusche is visiting the U.S. for the first time and getting ready to celebrate her very first Fourth of July. She soaked up some sun and sand on the Coney Island Beach to get a head start on the festivities.

Its my first time in Coney Island and I love it, Cernusche said. Its like a very beautiful place.

She added, We come here to take in sand, and after we go to Luna Park and get a slice of pizza.

A Fourth of July tradition unlike any other returns to Coney Island Friday  the Nathans Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. World champ Joey Chestnut is returning to reclaim his title after a brief hiatus. Fans got a preview Thursday during the official weigh-in ceremony at Hudson Yards. Longtime fans and reigning chug champ Eric Badlands Booker are ready.

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This is our Super Bowl in competitive eating, said Booker. We do contests all year round but when its time for the Fourth of July you got to be at Coney.

Meanwhile, businesses along the boardwalk are gearing up for the big day. Brooklyn Beach Shop co-founder Maya Miller launched a limited-edition Nathans pop-up this year, complete with exclusive merchandise. Shes also stocking up on inventory and bringing in extra staff to handle the expected crowds.

Its a very important day for us and weekend. Loading up on beach items, said Miller. The weather is priceless. We are stocked to the brim and were ready.

If youre planning to spend your Fourth of July at Coney Island, there will be a fireworks show that kicks off at 9:45 pm right over the boardwalk.

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Its hard to convey just how big the new budget makes the countrys immigration enforcement infrastructure.

The Bureau of Prisons? Bigger than that. The FBI? Bigger. The Marine Corps? Bigger even than that, by some estimates.

All in all, the bill directs around $170 billion through 2029 to various forms of immigration enforcement, according to an analysis by the American Immigration Council and TPMs own read of the legislation. ICE, responsible for enforcement, detentions, and removals, will oversee much of the spending.

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The picture is not so much of an expanded immigration enforcement system, but of an entirely new one.

Its going to get really scary, Adriel Orozco, senior policy counsel for the American Immigration Council, told TPM. I do think that we are in a place where the Trump administration is centering a lot of the law enforcement authority of the federal government into the Department of Homeland Security.

Take this example of how the legislation ranks which parts of the immigration system are important.

The bill gives ICE $29.8 billion to hire new staff and conduct deportations. That will lead to a hiring spurt of deportation officers; an additional $4.1 billion bump goes to Customs and Border Protection for new personnel.

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For immigration detention, also overseen by ICE, the bill allocates a whopping $45 billion.

If thats not enough, theres more: Remember the wall? It was Trumps big immigration-related promise during the 2016 campaign. It didnt get built during his first term (and Mexico never paid for it, as Trump promised). Congress allocated $46.5 billion for its construction in this legislation. (A Senate source tells TPM that this, too, was drafted in such a way as to be fungible, so it could be used for building detention facilities as well.)

Its a headspinning increase from ICEs 2024 funding, that, per a recent CRS report, stood at $9.9 billion.

At the same time, the bill adds only a modest number of immigration judges, capping the number at 800 starting in November 2028  an increase from the current approximately 700.

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Tom Homan, Trumps border czar, cast the funding surge last week in the administrations favored light: a means of evicting criminal aliens from the country. The operation that the numbers envision goes far beyond that; Homan complained that, at current funding levels, the country only has between five and six thousand deportation officers.

More agents means more bad guys arrested, taken off the streets of this country every single day, he said of the new funding. Every day we arrest a public safety threat or national security threat, that makes this country much safer. Who the hell would be against that?

To Homan, the Trump administration, and its allies in the right-wing media, every undocumented immigrant apprehended and removed is a criminal alien. Its how they cast the Alien Enemies Act removals, even though a 60 Minutes analysis found that around three-quarters of those removed had no documented criminal background.

The point is mostly to justify the massive scale of the resources now being marshaled to detain and eject immigrants. This is all new money to be added on top of that which Congress has already marked for immigration enforcement. Under this legislation, ICE will receive a budget for detention alone thats more than two-thirds larger than that of the federal prison system. The bill also makes a $10 billion slush fund available to the Secretary of Homeland Security, currently Kristi Noem, for reimbursing costs incurred in undertaking activities in support of the Department of Homeland Securitys mission to safeguard the borders of the United States.

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Absent the constant claim, expressed by Homan and others, that undocumented immigrants present a criminal threat beyond the administrative violation of crossing the border, theres little argument for this level of spending.

Orozco, the Immigration Council attorney, said that more than half of those currently in immigration detention had no criminal record.

Its a lie that theyre trying to use these resources just for folks with, with serious criminal histories, he said.

For the past five months, immigration enforcement has been the focus of the Trump administrations most egregious abuses of civil liberties. Removing people to El Salvadors CECOT without a hearing; using the military to intimidate anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles. Its the tipping point of the spear for much of the current administrations authoritarian impulses.

Because of this, thats about to get a lot bigger.
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  For most people, the Fourth of July and the holiday weekend are a time to unwind and forget about the stress of work. But for one man, this Independence Day brings with it the responsibility of serving in arguably the most consequential job in the whole state.

For three days starting on Friday, State Sen. Martin Looney, a Democrat from New Haven, will serve as acting governor of Connecticut.

This Week in Connecticut: Gov. Lamont reveals more about potential third term

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As the President pro tempore of the Connecticut State Senate, Looney, 76, is third in the line of gubernatorial line of succession. The state constitution instructs that whenever the governor is out of the state, the lieutenant governor serves as acting governor. In the event both the governor and lieutenant governor are travelling outside Connecticuts borders, the top job falls to Looney.

This weekend, both Gov. Ned Lamont and Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz are out of state.

For Looney, serving as acting governor is neither new or particularly burdensome. Hes served as the State Senate president since 2015. During his tenure, hes occasionally received a letter from the lieutenant governor informing him that he is being called upon to assume the powers of the governorship. Bysiewicz sent him a formal notice on Thursday.

It happens usually a couple of times a year, Looney told News 8.

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Connecticut State Sen. Fazio strongly considering entering race for governor

What powers does an acting governor have?

For the most part, the title of acting governor is a formality. The state constitution was written before the age of the internet. Today, governors can stay in constant contact with top state officials and manage most state business wherever they are in the world. When Gov. Lamont goes on international trade missions or vacations at his familys sprawling property off the coast of Maine, he regularly checks in with his team back home. Even so, the legal powers of the governors office still technically transfer to whoever is serving as acting governor in the absence of either Lamont or Bysiewicz. Recently, those temporary powers were needed to respond to fast-changing events.

In the summer of 2024, when flash floods devastated parts of the state, Lamont and Bysiewicz were both travelling. Looney was serving as acting governor. Looney joined meetings with emergency management officials and was asked to sign disaster declaration documents. Lamont quickly flew back to Connecticut to assess the damage and meet with local leaders, but the incident highlighted the practical application of a seemingly arcane portion of the state constitution.

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Thats the only time when its happened where I actually ended up having something substantive to do, Looney said.

Tips to keep your family safe this Fourth of July

Can the line of succession create a power struggle?

In some states, the gubernatorial line of succession has become a source of political tension. Certain states elect their governor and lieutenant governor separately, meaning the two officials sometimes come from opposite parties or find themselves on opposite sides of an issue.

In North Carolina, former Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, served for eight years with a Republican lieutenant governor. During the 2024 presidential election, Cooper reportedly expressed concern over leaving his Republican lieutenant in charge if he was chosen as Vice President Kamala Harriss running mate and needed to leave the state to campaign.

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In 2021, the Republican lieutenant governor of Idaho engaged in a brief power struggle with the governor, also a Republican. While serving as acting governor, the lieutenant governor issued executive orders regarding the Covid-19 pandemic only to have them rescinded when the governor returned from travelling.

Such maneuvers have traditionally not been seen among the officials in Connecticuts line of succession.

There isnt anything that amounts to an opportunity for a temporary coup or anything that may happen in states where you have a governor and lieutenant governor of different parties, Looney said.

How will Looney use his temporary powers this weekend?

Looney, a progressive who recently clashed with the more moderate Lamont over the veto of two bills passed during this years legislative session, said he has no plans to use his temporary powers to call the legislature back into session and quickly pass the bills while Lamont is gone. One of Lamonts vetoes struck down legislation that would have given striking workers access to unemployment benefits. The other killed a sweeping housing bill.

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I dont think there would be time to call the special session and get the housing bill passed and get the striking workers bill and get it to my desk and signed before the governor came back, Looney said with a chuckle. Much as I might like to, I think not.

Lamont is in Maine for the July 4th holiday. When he rushed back to the state to respond to last years floods, he flew on a corporate jet directly from an airport near his familys retreat to Waterbury-Oxford Airport.

First responders, lawmakers preach safety for Fourth of July

Proposed changes to gubernatorial succession

While Connecticut doesnt appear poised to have any showdowns over who exercises the power of the governors office, lawmakers have considered adding additional officials to the list of those who can legally succeed the governor or act as an interim. Currently, the line of succession ends with Looney  making Connecticuts contingency plan one of the shortest in the country. Among legal experts queried by News 8, there is no clear consensus on what exactly happens if the line needed to go beyond Looney. Other states have succession plans that include officials like the state attorney general, state treasurer, secretary of the state, comptroller and speaker of the state house of representatives.

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Legislation to add several officials to Connecticuts gubernatorial line of succession failed to pass this year. It won unanimous approval in the state House but stalled in the State Senate as the clock ran out on the legislative session.

Looney said he generally supports the idea of making the line of succession longer.

It would certainly make sense to add the speaker to the line of succession, Looney said.

The Senate president also said it might be worth taking a look at the underlying constitutional rule that requires the governor to relinquish their power upon leaving Connecticut.

Maybe it ought to be some issue of a radius, whereby if a governor could get back to the state very quickly, you wouldnt necessarily have these powers be invoked, Looney mused.

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As for what hell do this weekend, Looney reiterated that he doesnt have any major plans.

I might go to a cookout with some friends and relatives, the soon-to-be acting governor said.

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State roads were bustling on Thursday in anticipation of the July 4th holiday Friday and Connecticut State Police and troopers were busy.

State troopers responded to 1,487 calls for the service in the time period beginning Thursday, July 3 at midnight, and ending at 11:59 p.m.

CT man dies after being hit by car after being thrown off motorcycle on highway

There were a total of 317 traffic stops, and 199 traffic services offered on Thursday. The traffic related services included debris removal and assisting with disabled or hazardous motor vehicles.

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There were for four DUI arrests made, 104 motor vehicle crashes and eight with injuries with no serious injuries or fatalities on Thursday.

However, shortly after midnight there was at least one fatality in the state, which would be included in the July 4 Connecticut State Police report for Friday incidents.

According to Connecticut State Police, Ezequier Ernesto Galarza, 25, of Waterbury, was killed early Friday morning. Police said Galarza was thrown off of his bike at approximately 3:31 a.m. and was later struck by a car after he walked back into the left lane of Interstate 84 East in Southbury.

According to the Department of Transportation, there were 110 fatalities on state roads this year through July 1, which is down about 28%. At this point of the year in 2024, there were 150 fatalities, in 2023 there were 136 and 160 in 2022.

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This was anticipated to be another busy week of holiday travel in the state and the country. Overall, 849,000 Connecticut residents were expected to travel 50 miles or more and 3.5 million people were projected to travel across New England through July 6. Both numbers are up by 2.3% from last year, according to AAA.

According to AAA, travel in the country has increased by 1.7 million travelers compared to last year and 7 million more than 2019.

Of the Connecticut residents traveling, 87% (739,000) are driving to their destination. There are 66,000 flying to their destinations and 45,000 using other modes of transportation.
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  Connecticut state leaders celebrated Independence Day on Friday morning as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of Connecticut held a ceremony in the Hall of Flags at the State Capitol Building in Hartford.

CTDOT: How you can make roads safer during Fourth of July weekend

The ceremony reflected on Connecticuts place in American history, and honored the sacrifices made to this country.

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The ceremony featured several patriotic songs, including the national anthem and God Bless America.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 4. At the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in Khankendi, Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif proposed the development of low-carbon corridors across the ECO region.

The initiative envisions the establishment of a regional carbon market, disaster resilience systems, and a platform for mobilizing climate finance. Its goals include promoting sustainable economic growth, creating green jobsparticularly for youth and womenand supporting vulnerable regions.

As a country deeply affected by the impacts of climate change, Pakistan is seeking to enhance regional cooperation on sustainable development.

At the COP29 summit held in Baku in November 2024, Pakistan took an active role in advocating for stronger climate diplomacy and increased financial support for climate-vulnerable countries. Sharif expressed hope that the summit would serve as a finance COP, restoring trust in climate pledges and boosting funding for developing nations. At the ECO summit, he again emphasized the need for developed countries to fulfill their climate finance commitments.

Within the ECO framework, Pakistan is also working to strengthen regional integration and trade, particularly through the development of transport corridors such as the NorthSouth route. These projects are viewed as vital to expanding market access and deepening regional connectivity.

To bring this low-carbon vision to life, significant investment in green projects will be needed, alongside the creation of carbon trading mechanisms and modern infrastructure. The success of the initiative will depend on the political will of ECO member states and effective collaboration. If realized, Pakistans proposal could become a major step toward a greener regional economy and serve as a model for other developing nations.
PINE VALLEY, Utah (ABC4)  The more than 660 firefighters battling the Forsyth Fire near Pine Valley have increased containment on the flames as it spread over another 30 acres overnight, bringing the total to 13,597 acres burned.

In the latest update provided by the U.S. Forest Service said crews added containment to the north side of the fire, creating a containment line from the West Valley burn scar to the Saddle burn scar south of Pine Valley. With the added containment, the Forest Service reports the Forsyth Fire is 46% contained as of Friday, July 4.

Firefighters continue battling flames into holiday weekend

On Independence Day, fire crews will continue to add containment around the Pine Valley Recreation Area. Crews have also been chipping dead and downed fuels around Oak Grove campground and New Harmony.

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The U.S. Forest Service said firefighters will also be working to repair bulldozer lines around the northern tip of the fire to strengthen containment while performing aerial bucket drops for fire suppression.

Critical fire danger raises concerns

Officials said July 4 is another critical fire weather day, raising concerns as the fire fight continues.

As a warming trend begins today, the chance of moisture dissipates, and temperatures increase, the U.S. Forest Service said in a media release. Strong southwest winds may reach speeds of 35 mph on ridgetops, and humidity will be in the low teens. This drying trend will continue throughout the rest of the week, and fuels will continue to dry, increasing the risk of extreme fire behavior.

In anticipation of the fire dangers, Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect for all lands in Washington, Iron, and surrounding Counties.

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However, as containment of the Forsyth Fire increases, the evacuation orders have relaxed. The communities of Pine Valley, Grass Valley and Grays Ranch have been downgraded to a Ready level evacuation, down from a Set order. Pinto is no longer under any evacuation status.

For the most up-to-date evacuation order status, the U.S. Forest Service said to visit the Washington County website. Anyone with questions regarding evactuation statuses can call the Washington County Sheriffs Office non-emergency dispatch line at 435-634-5730.

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On this Fourth of July, with federal troops still on the ground in Los Angeles, our own American Revolution provides a surprising lesson on the perils of military overreach in domestic affairs. Notably, the nation's political and military leaders should consider the British blunders of the 1770s as they weigh the prospect of militarizing American streets, now and in the future.

Parliaments Stamp Act tax of the mid-1760s ignited the Anglo-American conflict. Yet, as historians broadly agree, it was escalating martial law in Boston under different legislation, the Coercive Acts of 1774, that transformed American resistance into full-scale revolution.

Lets start by recalling what had happened four years earlier during protests over the Townshend duties, a series of taxes Parliament added to everyday goods, including tea, exported to the colonies. The British ministry responded to the unrest by stationing approximately 2,000 redcoats in Boston.

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Read more: Contributor: Hear what the founders are saying

On the night of March 5, 1770, in an accidental bloodbath set off by the pelting of soldiers with snowballs, the British opened fire on a crowd of unarmed civilians outside the Custom House, killing five and wounding others.

 Let me observe , Sam Adams soon wrote about the Boston Massacre, how fatal are the effects, the danger of which I long ago mentioned, of posting a standing army among a free people.

The problem worsened after the Boston Tea Party. The hacking to pieces of 342 crates of tea owned by the East India Co. in late 1773 was, of course, criminal activity. As such, it warranted the full application of colonial and municipal law against the offenders.

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Instead of leaving justice to the locals, however, Parliament passed the four draconian bills known as the Coercive Acts. To enforce them, in a fatal progression, King George IIIs ministers dispatched a military governor and occupying army to Boston, in effect imposing martial law on the entire colony for the unlawful actions of a few.

Read more: The Fourth of July is all about America's first principle  the right of revolution

Each of the Coercive Acts struck at the heart of Massachusetts self-rule. The Boston Port Act shut down all trade through Boston Harbor and its surrounding waterways, while the Massachusetts Government Act dissolved the colonys assembly, courts and town meetings. The remaining two acts allowed trials to be relocated overseas and forced residents to house British troops at the governors discretion.

Taken together, the Coercive Acts constituted an unprecedented assault on the rights and freedoms of the American people. Colonists decried them as  barbarous , diabolical and Tyrannic  the work of a Despotic power.

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What followed is familiar to many Americans. Massachusetts, under martial law, summoned the other colonies to a continental congress in Philadelphia. In reaction, the king and Parliament declared the colonies to be in a state of rebellion, ordering thousands of additional redcoats across the Atlantic to crush dissent and make arrests.

A conflict the British thought they could resolve with boots on the ground only escalated. On April 19, 1775, in another tragedy of unintended carnage  this time triggered by a stray bullet  the kings troops gunned down eight colonials on Lexington Green, turning protest into civil war.

Read more: Contributor: The American Revolution has not ended ... yet

Fifteen months later, as a remedy of last resort, the colonies declared independence, highlighting Britains regime of martial law as the first cause of the breach. The declaration pointedly charges King George with  abolishing our most valuable laws , suspending our own Legislatures and [keeping] among us, in times of peace, standing armies, without the consent of our legislatures.

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History doesnt deliver road maps, but it does abound in examples of military overreach sparking unpredictable violence. In the case of the American Revolution, we are reminded that deploying an army on the streets where ones own citizens live and work provokes tension, fear and anger  and sometimes, by the twin forces of accident and escalation, bloodshed and lasting civil discord.

Eli Merritt is a political historian at Vanderbilt University. He writes the Substack newsletter American Commonwealth and is the author of "Disunion Among Ourselves: The Perilous Politics of the American Revolution."



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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Residents displaced by the fire at The Cooper apartments in Fort Worths Near Southside are seeking legal advice to get answers and looking into the possibility of filing a class-action lawsuit.

Tenants say they are upset about the lack of communication and assistance from management following the historic 6-alarm fire that damaged large sections of their apartment complex on West Rosedale Street and forced more than 800 people out of their homes. Some of them are looking for legal avenues to get compensation for the personal items they lost, the financial hardship of finding a new home and other damages suffered.

On June 30, Gov. Greg Abbott announced that he directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to request the U.S. Small Business Administration join state and local partners in conducting a preliminary damage assessment. He also said that residents can submit a self-reported damage survey on TDEMs website.

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This effort will help determine whether Texas is eligible for federal disaster assistance as we continue to assist our fellow Texans to recover and rebuild, Abbott said in a statement.

Kaleb Godwin from KG Legal PLLC, a Texas business law, personal injury law, real estate law, contract law and estate planning attorney, has taken on some of The Cooper tenants as clients.

He said the process for the tenants is going to be that every tenant should make their own individual claim. While he thinks the claims should be resolved without turning into a lawsuit involving The Cooper and all of the affiliated parties, he doesnt think that will be the case.

I expect a fight and pushback and them to say that It was nothing that they could control, Godwin said. And if thats the case, then ultimately each individual tenant will have the right to turn their claim into a lawsuit.

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Some tenants have expressed interest in pursuing a class-action lawsuit against the management company and other parties involved.

Godwin said that entails a separate process and that a court would have to certify it as a class-action suit. He is exploring that process while he reviews individual claims from the tenants.

One of the issues he is examining is renters insurance. Many tenants said they were confused by language in their leases and communications from management about insurance, which may have left them without coverage for personal damages.

The fire-damaged portion of The Cooper apartments in Near Southside Fort Worth on Tuesday, June 24.

Katie Steele, a lawyer for Varghese Summersett, said the firm is representing a number of tenants from The Cooper apartments fire as well.

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Its heartbreaking  hundreds of residents lost their homes and most of their belongings in a matter of hours, Steele said in an email. No one expects to start their day and end it without a home, without their memories, and without the basic sense of security we all deserve. The tenants deserved better.

She said If the fire was caused by negligence, like an electrical failure tied to poor maintenance or faulty electrical components, tenants may have strong legal grounds to hold the property owner or other responsible parties accountable. If the fire was fueled by negligence, tenants have every right to seek justice and demand accountability, she said.

In Texas, tenants have a right to safe and habitable housing under the law, Steele said. After a historic, 6-alarm fire like the one at the Cooper complex, they may be entitled to compensation for personal injuries, lost belongings, relocation costs, and emotional distress.

At the time of the fire, a contractor for Cano Electric Inc. was working on one of the HVAC units located on the roof of Building 1, according to a Fort Worth Fire Department report. The electrician told investigators that he installed a new breaker to replace one that appeared to be faulty. The new breaker auto-tripped, and when he went to disconnect the wiring he smelled smoke and called 911, according to the report. The electrician told the fire investigator that he had wired the new breaker the same way the old one was wired.

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Cano sends sincere condolences to all those affected by the fire and appreciates the efforts of all emergency responders at the scene, said Debbie Cano, general counsel for Cano Electric, in an email. Due to the recency and complexity of the event, Cano feels it would be premature and inappropriate to speculate or comment more substantially at this time. Cano is fully cooperating with investigators and all other associated parties and is motivated to fully understand what led to the fire.

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The Star-Telegram has reached out to the owners of The Cooper apartments, Lightbulb Capital Group, which listed the apartment complex and others in North Texas as their property online. Lightbulb Capital has not responded to the request for comment.

The complex is managed by Cushman and Wakefield. We cannot comment as this is an ongoing investigation, but as always, the safety and security of the residents is our top priority, a Cushman and Wakefield spokesperson said in a statement.

What concerns have tenants raised?

Alexandrea Carrera, a tenant on the first floor of Building 1 at The Cooper, said that she was working from home the day of the fire, on June 23, and during her lunch break, she heard banging in the hallway. She said that noise in her section of the complex was normal because of the amenities on the first floor.

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I hear more banging, but now I hear like yelling and multiple men yelling, so I thought that was a little strange and then ... out of the corner of my eye, I turned to look towards my patio, and I see fireman like running/briskly walking past my unit, she said.

At this point, she said, she became concerned and changed her clothes and went outside to check what was happening. She noticed smoke outside and went back inside to grab her dog and cat.

From the time she heard noise and saw firefighters outside, about 30 minutes passed before she got a text message from the complex saying there was a fire, she said.

She said that in that time she didnt hear any fire alarms, even though she has heard them go off at other times.

Tenants and employees of The Cooper apartments are standing in the parking lot on July 1, waiting to sign in to get into their units to collect personal items, and asking for more information.

Carrera isnt the only tenant who said that they didnt hear the alarms inside their unit or in their hallway.

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When she moved into her apartment, she had her own renters insurance policy, but a couple of months afterward she said she received an email from Cushman and Wakefield saying that mandatory insurance would be added to the rent fees.

There wasnt any sort of explanation of what their policy was, Carrera said. I dont know, when you go into something like that and they tell you can have your own renters insurance or well put you on our equivalent, you think its an actual equivalent.

When she reached out to management through email after the fire, she said they told her that the policy paid through rent only covers liability for the building.

Some residents who thought they were covered by the insurance included in their lease learned too late that it did not protect their belongings, Steele said. It appears that there may have been some shady dealings going on  and now tenants are paying the price for misinformation they never should have received.

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Tenants said that leaves them wondering why they were paying $14 a month for a policy that covers the building, but not their personal belongings and why it was labeled as rent insurance in their monthly statement.

The Fort Worth Fire Department responds to a six-alarm fire at The Cooper apartment complex in the 1000 block of West Rosedale on Monday, June 23, 2025.

With respect to the insurance claim, then that could likely be enough to tip the scale to turn it into a class-action for a list of reasons, Godwin said.

What can tenants do to protect themselves now?

Godwin said that tenants should keep a record of everything that was in their apartment down to their socks and an estimate of what everything cost. They should track down receipts for any big-ticket items lost in the apartment, appraisals or comparable items online.

Residents also should keep track of their other expenses caused by the fire such as hotel bills, food, gas, time off work, and moving costs, he said.

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The attorneys said that tenants who have any evidence of reporting prior damage, electrical problems, smelling smoke, or other concerns about maintenance at The Cooper should save copies of those communications.

As the property owner, Lightbulb Capital has a legal duty to ensure the premises are safe and compliant with code, Steele said. If they knew or should have known about a hazardous condition and failed to act, they may bear responsibility. Similarly, Cano Electric could be liable if its work on the HVAC system was faulty or contributed to the electrical failure that sparked the fire.

Steele said that in the end liability depends on what each party knew, when they knew it and what actions they took or didnt take to prevent the tragedy.
Not since Pulp and the Pyramid Stage were united in perfect harmony in 1995 has the Glasto crowd been this excited about a new partnership.

They once chanted: Oh, Jeremy Corbyn to the beat of the White Stripes Seven Nation Army. They have since declared death, death to an actual army, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Now, as if by some Eavis-inspired magic, these two worlds have collided to produce Jeremy Corbyn: The Sequel, guest-starring Zarah Sultana.

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Although the Marxist mash-up is yet to be officially confirmed, we understand the former Labour MPs are unified by a desire to harness Left-wing and Muslim anger to defeat centrists such as Wes Streeting at the next election. Heady stuff.

In a social media post, Sultana said the Government is an active participant in genocide in Gaza and highlighted growing poverty, Labours position on welfare, and the cost of living as reasons for establishing her new party.

Labour has completely failed to improve peoples lives. And across the political establishment, from Farage to Starmer, they smear people of conscience trying to stop a genocide in Gaza as terrorists. But the truth is clear: this Government is an active participant in genocide. And the British people oppose it.

In fact, a majority of Britons (55 per cent) do not view Israels actions as genocidal, according to the latest YouGov poll, but pro-Palestinian fanatics have never been very good with facts.

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Corbyn, never a man in much of a hurry, has not yet broken his silence to say whether or not he supports the new party Sultana claims to have set up with him. As soon as he does, we can surely expect a slow pilgrimage of so-called progressives to Islington North, where all new members will be given rainbow Queers for Palestine badges and keffiyeh scarves.

Disappointingly, old Compos lefty pals John McDonnell and Diane Abbott have refused to sign up. Clive Lewis, the Labour MP for Norwich, who once had to apologise for using the phrase: Get on your knees, bitch has also sadly ruled himself out as a future minister for women and equalities. Shame.

Sultana famously once said she would celebrate the deaths of Tony Blair and Benjamin Netanyahu  yet claims to espouse a socialism without barbarism.

Im not so sure. Im not certain someone like Sultana  the MP for Coventry South who lost the Labour whip soon after being re-elected in 2024  should be considered an expert on barbarism. She once wrote of her support for violent resistance by Palestinians.

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Sultana has been accused of using racist slurs while a student at Birmingham University, when she described a Jewish student as a YT (whitey) in a Facebook post. In 2015, the 31-year-old, who sat on the national executives of both Young Labour and the National Union of Students, posted on Twitter: Yay, the white woman didnt win the Ethnic Minorities Officer Election!

Yay, indeed!

She has previously criticised the police and the monarchy. In 2014, she posted: Can we get rid of the monarchy while were fighting the establishment and its institutions? Viva la revolucion!

In 2015, she tweeted: Solidarity with those protesting in London right now. Keep safe from the thugs that are the police. Although she later apologised for her comments about the police, she denies any suggestion she is an anti-Semite, insisting: As an anti-racist campaigner and a Muslim, Im committed to fighting racism in all its forms and I know that these forms are interconnected and must be fought collectively.

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Which brings us nicely on to Corbyn, who similarly claims to be a lifelong anti-racism campaigner, despite presiding over the Labour Party when a number of Jewish MPs and members were forced out.

In 2016, the 76-year-old said he regretted once describing Hamas and Hezbollah as friends. The admission came two years after he attended a wreath-laying in Tunisia for Palestinian leaders linked to the Black September group which carried out a terror attack on the 1972 Munich Olympics, killing 11 people Israelis.

Corbyn insisted he was primarily there to pay his respects to the victims of a 1985 Israeli airstrike on Palestinian Liberation Organisation offices in Tunis. Despite being pictured holding a wreath, he said: I was present at that wreath-laying, I dont think I was actually involved in it. Right, Jezza.

The important thing to note here is that this isnt Change UK, dreadful though Anna Soubry is.

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This has the potential to be a political force more frightening than anything Britain has ever known.

Despite Sultanas insistence that she is standing up for an island thats suffering  she is not actually interested in the needs of British citizens; her primary aim is to free Palestine. The clue is in the line that she wants money spent on public services, not forever wars.

Similarly, her suggestion that we need homes and lives we can actually afford, not rip-off bills we pay every month to a tiny elite bathing in cash, suggests that she is , in fact, more than content with waging a forever war when it comes to class. Or against those she disagrees with, who in her mind are either Tory scum, Zionist scum, racist scum or, of course, genocidal maniacs.

Contrary to preaching gentler, kinder politics, Corbyn and Sultana are the high priest and princess of the kind of nasty, vindictive, and divisive hard-Left ideology that saw the Jewish former Labour MP Luciana Berger require police protection to attend the Labour Party conference in 2018.

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Given half the chance, they would impoverish us in their communist quest for a more equal society and would revel in our immiseration, believing that we must pay for the sins of empire.

Sultana describes Farage as a grifter. Yet in her and Corbyn we have the ultimate pair of political fraudsters, purporting to represent the many when, in fact, they are simply a mouthpiece for a vocal minority of deranged zealots.

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High profile left winger Zarah Sultana has quit Labour and vowed to launch a new political party with Jeremy Corbyn.

That, however, seems to have come as news to him.

In a social media post, the former Labour leader congratulated Sultana on her "principled decision" to leave and said he was "delighted that she will help us build a real alternative".

But he said "the democratic foundations of a new kind of political party" were still taking shape and discussions were "ongoing".

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Sultana appears to have jumped the gun, taking not just Corbyn but others involved in the project by surprise.

But that does not mean it is not happening.

There is no name yet - Arise and The Collective have been bandied about. Corbyn is thought to like the phrase "Real Change", but not necessarily as a party name.

No timetable for a launch has been agreed, although there has been talk of fielding candidates at next May's local elections.

But all of those involved in the project believe there is a huge gap in the market to the left of Sir Keir Starmer's Labour Party, with millions of potential votes up for grabs.

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Are they right?

And what would the arrival of a new socialist party mean for the Greens who have scooped up many left-wing voters in recent times - not to mention the Labour Party itself?

It is very difficult to assess support for a party that does not yet exist, has no leader and no policies.

Pollsters More In Common recently tested the sort of support a party to the left of Labour would have  specifically one led by Jeremy Corbyn.

Their research suggested it could pick up 10% of the vote - reducing Labour's standing by three points but far more dramatically eating in to support for the Greens, which would fall from 9% to 5% in the polls.

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Notably, a Corbyn-led party could become the country's most popular party among 18- to 24-year-olds with 32% of the vote.

Former Corbyn aide Andrew Murray said Sir Keir Starmer had "created the space" for a party to Labour's left by ruthlessly expelling left wingers from the party and dropping his leadership campaign promises.

Speaking to GB News's Choppers Podcast, Murray said Labour's 2017 vote - 3.2 million more than Sir Keir's in 2024 - showed the scale of potential support for a new left-wing party.

Thousands of votes had leaked away from the Tories to Reform UK at last year's election, he added, and "there are similarly huge numbers of people who regard themselves as progressives and are looking for something different."

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A veteran left-wing organiser, who did not wish to be named, told the BBC even with a double digit share of the national vote it is "quite hard for new parties to become positive forces in the UK".

"I think it could do quite a lot of damage to Labour and the Greens if it gets above a critical mass," he said.

Senior Greens have told the BBC they are not worried about a new insurgent party.

Green leadership hopeful Zack Polanski said "anyone who wants to challenge Reform and this failing Labour government is a friend of mine".

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But he added: "In the past there's been lots of left-wing parties, but only the Green Party has endured and had sustained growth."

Polanski's point was echoed by his leadership contest rival Adrian Ramsay, who currently co-leads the party, who said anyone looking for a "progressive alternative to Labour" should join the Greens.

Any damage to the Greens could be limited by a "non-aggression" pact with the new party, running candidates on a joint ticket, for example, or agreeing to stand aside in certain circumstances.

Jeremy Corbyn has been working for some time under the radar to turn the small group of independent MPs he co-ordinates into a full-blown political party which could stand candidates at the local elections next year.

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Last year, the Islington North MP united with Shockat Adam, Ayoub Khan, Adnan Hussain and Iqbal Mohamed - four independents that beat Labour candidates in the 2024 election with their pro-Palestinian stance in constituencies with large Muslim populations.

On Wednesday he hinted that a new party could be on the way, telling ITV's Peston he and his fellow pro-Gaza independents would "come together" and "there will be an alternative".

The MPs are united in their condemnation of Keir Starmer's approach to the Gaza crisis, but we don't know what their rest of their policy programme would be.

We do not even know for certain that Jeremy Corbyn would be their leader. He is thought to favour a democratic convention to decide on leadership but others in the project are impatient to get on with it.

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Sultana is clearly keen to play a leading role, although her statement was carefully worded - she wants to co-lead the "founding" of a new party with Corbyn.

One thing is clear - any new party will not be a reincarnation of the previous Corbyn project, as key figures on Labour's left show no sign of leaving.

Corbyn's former shadow chancellor John McDonell said he was "dreadfully sorry to lose Zarah from the Labour Party" but is not expected to quit himself.

The chair of the Labour party under Corbyn - Ian Lavery  told the BBC he planned to stay in the party until he retired.

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The Independent MPs were elected last year in areas where voters felt Labour wasn't taking a strong enough line on Israel's actions in Gaza.

We don't know how resonant the issue will be at the next election, four years away.

But where Keir Starmer's strategists might be concerned is that a new left-wing party might just reduce the Labour vote by enough in some seats to allow a second-placed Reform UK to sneak home.

And Labour may have to be more mindful that it can lose votes on the left and not just the right.

It was once seen as close to impossible to successfully launch a new political party in the UK, under Westminster's first-past-the-post voting system.

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But Reform UK, which has five MPs and is currently ahead in the polls, has shown how volatile politics now is and the extent to which traditional party loyalties no longer matter.

A well-known leader and some eye-catching policies could potentially redraw the map of mainstream politics.

[BBC]

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It could have happened to anybody: Neighbor unnerved at violent Orlando home break-in

Orlando police are investigating a home break-in that ended with a woman sexually battered.

Thats really terrifying, I mean, I hope that you know that doesnt happen to anybody else around here, said a neighbor who lives right next to the home and did not want to identify herself. It could have happened to anybody, any one of us.

The incident happened at the Villa Marquis Condominium, off Curry Ford Road. According to Orlando police, Wesley Hernandez Rios broke into a womans home early Wednesday.

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Court documents allege Rios entered the home through the back door with a gun. He then allegedly attacked the victim, using his body to restrain and a pillow to cover her face. Rios even used his phone to film the incident, records state.

The 26-year-old was later arrested and now faces several charges, including sexual battery and attempted homicide.

I feel unsafe, the neighbor said. It only takes us to be a woman to be unsafe in this world.

According to police, the victims roommate called 911 after seeing the man on a surveillance app on her phone.

The police report also shows the victim knew the man. Theyve known each other for about three months.

The suspect is being held at the jail with no bail.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A 75-year-old man considered endangered was found and rescued from the bottom of a ravine thanks to a new tracking bracelet, authorities said.

Bill McCord went missing from his home on Southwest Scenic Drive in Washington County around 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday. He wandered off without his cellphone but he was equipped with a Project Lifesaver bracelet, leading law enforcement to his location.

Everybody was looking, once we got a signal off of his bracelet and were able to hone in on the area, the canine teams working in that area. This is a situation that could have been a lot worse and it ended in the best way we could ask for, said Washington County Sheriffs Office Deputy Aaron Codino.

A Washington County Sheriffs Office search and rescue team pulled a man to safety after he had fallen into a ravine. July 3, 2025 (WCSO).

Project Lifesaver is a community public safety nonprofit organization designed as a protective, and if necessary, location tool, for people with cognitive disorders who may be prone to wandering off or engaging in other life-threatening behavior, the sheriffs office said. Project Lifesaver is a part of the sheriffs Elders Safe Program. The wrist bracelet can alert people wearing it to law enforcement, fire and rescue teams or caregivers with their location in emergency situations.

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Deputies believe the technology was critical in saving McCord, who was only equipped with the bracelet the day before he had gone missing.

Rescue teams, with the help of drones and canines, navigated the treacherous terrain to locate McCord and bring him to safety after he had fallen at the bottom of a ravine near his home. He was trapped by thick foliage and unable to get himself out. The team pulled him out, then took him to a hospital about three hours after he was reported missing.

For more information or to sign up for Project Lifesaver at the Washington County Sheriffs Office, please contact 503-846-6048.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Donald Trump won the presidency in part on promises to deport immigrants who have criminal records and lack permanent legal status. But his earliest executive orderstrying to undo birthright citizenship, suspending critical refugee programsmade clear he wants to attack immigrants with permanent legal status too. In our series Who Gets to Be American This Week?, well track the Trump administrations attempts to exclude an ever-growing number of people from the American experiment.

For over 100 years, the United States has been a hub for immigrants looking for a better life. Millions were welcomed in and went on to become naturalized citizens, contributing immensely to our communities, economy, and culture. Yet, President Donald Trump has placed a target on these Americans backs, instructing his administration to go after naturalized citizens over ill-defined national security threats and strip them of their U.S. citizenship. Though this is not the first time an American president has focused on denaturalizing folks, Trump is authorizing the process in a much more sweeping way, evidenced in a newly published memo instructing Department of Justice employees to prioritize denaturalization cases.

Meanwhile, some positive news: An immigrant child battling a leukemia diagnosis who was arrested last month after showing up with his family to a court hearing filed the first lawsuit against the Trump administrations policy directing immigration agents to target courthouses, and it worked to secure his release.

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Heres the immigration news were keeping an eye on this week:

Department of Justice Focuses on Denaturalizing Americans

A new memo dropped this week, and in it Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate directs all Civilian Division employees to prioritize denaturalization, the process of revoking someones U.S. citizenship. The mechanism has historically been used under relatively rare circumstances, but it is being revived by the White House under the pretense of protecting national security. To Elora Mukherjee, clinical law professor at Columbia University and director of the schools Immigrants Rights Clinic, its an effort to redefine who gets to be American.

The memo from June 11 lays out the agencys new priorities, emphasizing denaturalization cases alongside ending antisemitism and attacking sanctuary jurisdictions. Under federal code, denaturalization is only possible if the government has evidence that a person illegally procured their American citizenship, meaning they intentionally misrepresented themselves when applying. But the Department of Justice memo instructs the agency to also target naturalized Americans who engaged in financial fraud, furthered criminal gangs or drug cartels, face pending criminal charges, or threaten national security. Plus, DOJ can decide to pursue denaturalization for reasons outside of these new categories, as it sees fit.

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The categories set forth in this memo are almost limitless, Mukherjee said, and noted that the addition of the caveat that the DOJ can pursue denaturalization cases at its own discretion suggests that in essence, there are no limiting principles guiding who the Civil Division should not denaturalize.

Denaturalization was a tactic used during the first half of the 20th century against former Nazi officials and other war criminals who used forged and fraudulent credentials to obtain U.S. citizenship in order to avoid accountability, according to a Case Western Reserve University report. The Obama administration revived it, focusing on denaturalizing citizens who were deemed potential terrorist threats, and Trump continued the effort in his first term. By 2018, there had been a 200 percent increase in denaturalization cases. But it still remained a relatively rare occurrence, with only 300 denaturalization cases pursued between 1990 and 2017, according to the American Immigration Council. Plus, a 2017 Supreme Court decision made it harder for the federal government to revoke a naturalized Americans citizenship.

Mukherjee believes this latest memo seems to authorize more and broader denaturalizations than during Trumps first administration. Often, immigrants must give up their home countrys citizenship in order to obtain U.S. citizenship, but if they lose both, that person effectively becomes stateless. Its also not clear what this would mean for children and family members who derived their U.S. citizenship through a naturalized person targeted by the Trump administration.

This is part of the effort to terrorize those who were not born in the United States and instill fear in immigrant communities and mixed-status families, Mukherjee said. People assume that they would be safe because they are U.S. citizens.

Children Arrested by ICE Are Suing the Federal Government

Back in May, a 6-year-old boy, along with his 9-year-old sister and mother, sat in a Los Angeles immigrant processing center for 11 hours. While in custody, an officer lifted his shirt, revealing a gun. Terrified, the young boy urinated on himself and remained in his soiled clothes until he and his family were transferred to a Texas detention center. On Thursday, after more than a month, the family was released.

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The family of three filed the first lawsuit challenging the arrest of children at courthouses, a policy the Trump administration has been using to target immigrants. They were initially arrested after attending an immigration court hearing, where they discovered the federal government was dismissing their case. The family is from Honduras and applied for asylum in the U.S. last year under the Biden administrations CBP One appTrump immediately ended the program upon entering his second termand was lawfully admitted.

The president has long accused immigrants of being criminals for entering the country illegally, but Mukherjee, who is representing the 6-year-old boy and his family, told me that this family did everything right.

They waited to enter the United States until they had lawful authorization to do so through a CBP One appointment. Then at the point that the family was paroled into the United States, Homeland Security made the determination that the family was not a flight risk and did not pose a danger to the community.

While the family was put in a Texas detention center, the government placed them under expedited removal, when immigration officers can summarily deport certain noncitizens without a court hearing. The 6-year-old boy has leukemia and missed medical appointments while being held in detention, where Mukherjee said his mother watched her sons health deteriorate.

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Mukherjee filed a habeas petition for the family, arguing the government violated their due process rights and the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable seizure. This familys release shows that ICE responds to public pressure, Mukherjee said. When people across the nation expressed concern about this family being snatched out of their community, subject to arrest at a courthouse and detention for weeks, ICE released them.

Judge Rules Trump Cannot Block Asylum Claims

One of the first actions Trump took upon beginning his second term was signing an executive order cutting off legal pathways for migrants hoping to seek refuge in the U.S. through the southern border. He directed his Cabinet to reject migrants asylum claims with no exceptions. A group of immigrant rights groups along with 13 migrants filed for a restraining order back in February, and finally, after it worked its way through the courts, on Wednesday U.S. District Court Judge Randolph Moss ruled the president does not have the unilateral authority to take away the opportunity to apply for asylum.

The president cannot adopt an alternative immigration system, which supplants the statutes that Congress enacted, Moss wrote in a lengthy decision, explaining how the presidents order misconstrues federal immigration law. Since 1980, asylum has been grounded in U.S. immigration law, where any migrant who comes to a U.S. border and expresses credible fear of persecution in their home country can be lawfully admitted. According to a Department of Homeland Security report, in 2023 over 50,000 migrants were granted asylum out of over 400,000 applications.

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This is a hugely important decision, Lee Gelernt, an attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union who argued on behalf of the plaintiffs, said in a statement. 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.

All of the individual plaintiffs in this case applied for asylum but had their claims dismissed and were either detained by U.S. immigration agents or sent back to their home countries, which included Afghanistan, Ecuador, Egypt, Peru, and Turkey. While Moss agreed that Trumps order was unlawful, he postponed his order from taking effect for two weeks to allow the government to file an appeal. He also agreed to certify the asylum-seekers into a class-action lawsuit, enabling this case to cover immigrants currently present in the U.S. This will be a test case of expanded class-action status in the wake of the Supreme Courts recent decision limiting nationwide injunctions.

Haitian Immigrants Are Protected From DeportationFor Now

Since 2010, when Haiti was struck by a devastating earthquake, nationals of Haiti have been allowed legal entry into the U.S. under Temporary Protected Status. That has allowed Haitians to live and work here without threat of deportationuntil Trump returned to office. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem tried to revoke TPS for Haitian nationals, but on Tuesday U.S. District Court Judge Brian Cogan blocked Noem, ruling she doesnt have the statutory or inherent authority to do so.

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The Trump administration has been furiously trying to undo TPS designations the Biden administration extended in the waning months of that presidency, but have faced legal challenges nearly every time. Haiti is the latest country to be targeted, with DHS announcing last week that Haitian immigrants will lose their TPS on Sept. 2, after the Biden administration had extended it until 2026. A group of Haitians quickly filed suit, claiming Noems actions violate federal law.

Judge Cogan agreed, noting that by shortening the length of these Haitians TPS designation, Noem has given them less than three months to sort out their lives until they face potential deportation. Thats a situation also facing hundreds of thousands of immigrants currently in the U.S. under TPS from Afghanistan, Syria, Venezuela, El Salvador, and Honduras who have limited time left until they will no longer be allowed to remain in the U.S. lawfully.

According to the State Department, since March 2024, Haiti has been in a state of emergency. Its the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, facing political instability thats given way to widespread robbery, carjackings, sexual assault, and kidnappings. For years Trump has spewed vitriol against Haiti, accusing Haitian immigrants of spreading AIDS in the U.S. and referring to it as a shithole country. Last year, he baselessly claimed Haitian immigrants in Ohio were eating cats and dogs.

Rallying from a recent win at the Supreme Court in the separate birthright citizenship case, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said the government would be appealing Cogans decision. This unlawful order will meet the same fate similar injunctions have met in the Supreme Court, she said.
Vodka is synonymous with Russian culture. There, the clear, hard liquor isn't just a boozy add-in to a barside cocktail, it's a way of life, consumed both socially and as a supposed cure-all to any minor sickness. The proper Russian vodka shot is chilled, drank straight, and followed up with a sniff of bread as a chaser. And don't even try to outdrink a Russian, either. On average, Euromonitor (via Quartz) estimated that the federation's citizens consumed over 17 shots of vodka each per month, as of 2022. Alcohol consumption rates have increased significantly amidst the nation's war with neighboring Ukraine, which has also resulted in U.S.-led boycotts of Russian vodka brands. But despite its political and cultural connections to Russian life, it's surprisingly not the country that produces the most vodka in the world.

For that honor, we look westward to the Scandinavian Peninsula. Though it may not immediately spring to mind when it comes to vodka-producing countries, Sweden is by far the world's #1 vodka-producing country, and, according to data from Statista, the Scandinavian nation exported $456 million worth of the spirit in 2023. There's a high chance that you've seen and/or consumed vodka hailing from the northern European nation, as it's home to some of the world's most popular vodka brands. This includes Absolut, a favorite for mixed drinks worldwide, and Svedka, a wallet-friendly spirit with a seemingly-endless set of flavors (which we've previously ranked from worst to best).

Read more: The 15 Best Value Vodka Brands, According To Experts

Despite Thriving Vodka Exports, Sweden Boasts A Strict Drinking Culture

Absolut Vodka with ice and lime - AtlasStudio/Shutterstock

When you think of Sweden, you might think of Ikea, flashy pop music, or the nation's all-important coffee break culture. Frequent drinking (or rather, excessive drunkenness from hard liquor consumption) isn't exactly a major aspect of the country's reputation -- especially when compared to that of Russia or other nearby nations -- and that's entirely by design. Despite being the number one global exporter of vodka in terms of economic value, Sweden doesn't rank high in the consumption of the high-proof spirit on the world scale. Since the start of the 20th century, the Swedish government has kept the sale of hard liquors under tight regulation. Any beverage that's over 3.5% alcohol cannot be found lining supermarket shelves or behind convenience store counters.

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Instead, they're exclusively sold at government-owned liquor stores called Systembolaget, which translates to English as "The System Company." They feature strict hours, with no sales late at night or on Sundays. Not to mention, Sweden also boasts one of the highest rates of taxation on spirits in all of Europe, which further limits the consumption of hard liquors. As of June 1, 2025, smaller, independent distilleries are allowed to sell liquor free of Systembolaget's brick-and-mortar locations, though it's incredibly restrictive. Companies are limited to selling just one small bottle of hard liquor per person, and it can only be sold during the hours when the governmental liquor stores are open.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.
Elizabeth Beth Pasierb will fill a vacant seat on the Frederick County Planning Commission.

In a letter to the Frederick County Council recommending the appointment of Pasierb, County Executive Jessica Fitzwater wrote that we are fortunate that someone with her depth of experience wants to continue to serve our community.

Pasierb is retired as a supervisor for Frederick County Public Schools. She was a facilities planner with FCPS for over a decade before that.

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She also has been the director of planning, zoning and public works for the town of Walkersville and a planner with Frederick County.

In an interview on Wednesday, Fitzwater said the diversity of Pasierbs experiences stood out.

The county executive said reviewing materials in preparation for Planning Commission meetings is an immense amount of work.

I think its a testament to our community when we have folks willing to serve in these roles and willing to bring their knowledge and experience back to the community in a service to the community, Fitzwater said. Thats always exciting to me.

The County Council voted 6-1 to approve the appointment on Tuesday.

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Council Members Steve McKay, Jerry Donald, M.C. Keegan-Ayer, Renee Knapp, Kavonte Duckett and Brad Young voted in favor.

Council Member Mason Carter was opposed.

Carter wrote in a text message on Wednesday that when the council interviewed Pasierb during a January meeting, he wanted to see her display a higher level of understanding of county code and the commissions procedures.

However, I wish Ms. Pasierb luck and I congratulate her on her appointment to the Planning Commission, Carter wrote.

After being confirmed on Tuesday, Pasierb will serve a five-year term ending on June 30, 2030, according to Jen Specht, a spokesperson for the county.

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Pasierb could not be reached by LinkedIn message or through messages to her FCPS email and phone number on Wednesday.

She will join Tim Davis, Sam Tressler III, Barbara Nicklas, Mark Long, Joel Rensberger and Craig Hicks on the commission.

Pasierb will fill a seat held by Commissioner Carole Sepe.

On Monday, Sepe finished the second of two consecutive five-year terms in the role.

At the June 18 Planning Commission meeting, her final as a commissioner, Sepe thanked her fellow commissioners, as well as the county employees she worked with over the years.

Its not always easy being on this side. We cant always agree on everything, Sepe said in the June meeting. We give our time to attend and prepare for these meetings because we love Frederick County.

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Rensberger thanked Sepe at the meeting for her service, saying he learned a lot by listening to her ask insightful, purposeful and detailed questions.

Sometimes, I didnt know where you were going, but with an ounce of patience, it soon revealed itself, he said.
By Qabil Ashirov



Vuqar Suleymanov, Chairman of the Management Board of the Azerbaijan Republics Mine Action Agency (ANAMA), received Julien de Freycon, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Belgium to Azerbaijan, Azernews reports, citing ANAMA.

During the meeting, Suleymanov briefed the ambassador on the progress of humanitarian de-mining operations currently underway in the Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur regions.

The discussion also focused on future cooperation opportunities between Azerbaijan and Belgium in combating mine threats, including the organization of training programs for mine-detecting dogs and exchange of expertise. Other areas of mutual interest were also explored.

This engagement highlights Azerbaijans continued commitment to ensuring safety and advancing international collaboration in the critical field of mine clearance.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 4. Active promotion of mutual investments between Azerbaijan and Pakistan has been discussed, Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov wrote on his X page, Trend reports.

"Within the framework of the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization held in Khankendi, we were delighted to meet with Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Pakistans Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

During the meeting, we exchanged views on strengthening bilateral economic and trade relations, actively promoting mutual investments, and exploring prospects for enhanced partnerships between the business communities of both countries," he emphasized.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
The Rockwall County Commissioners Court on Tuesday appointed 21-year Heath resident Steve Frazier to the open constable position for Precinct 3 seat following the retirement of Dan Otto.

Frazier brings more than 36 years of experience in public safety and corporate security to Rockwall County after his honorable retirement from the Garland Police Department. As a lifelong Texan, he has built a distinguished career grounded in integrity, professionalism and a deep commitment to the community.

Until his appointment, Frazier had served as an armed security officer for Rockwall ISD since 2023.

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My goal is to protect and serve all Rockwall County residents with the highest standards possible, Frazier said.

Frazier has hit the ground running  completing his required 20-hour training in El Paso. He said he aims to provide strong, faith-based leadership with good judgment and unwavering dedication to the community.

I am honored to have been considered and appointed by the commissioners court and look forward to being duly elected by residents of Precinct 3 in 2026, Frazier said.
A Florida couple on a summer road trip struck it rich earlier this week when they unearthed a massive 3.36-carat diamond at Arkansas Crater of Diamonds State Park.

Scott and Jennifer Freitas were checking off bucket list adventures as they traveled across the country. One of those stops: digging for diamonds at the only public diamond mine in the world where visitors can keep what they find.

Armed with a bucket, spade, and some rented sifting screens, the couple got to workand their efforts paid off in a big way.

The Freitas rented their equipment from LoveJoy Diamond Screens, a local business that helps visitors increase their odds of striking it lucky. Owners Gary and Cyndi Lovejoy shared the exciting find on social media Tuesday, along with a photo of the sparkling gem.

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I just love seeing and feeling the excitement when people come back saying, Look what we found! I couldnt ask for anything better, said Cyndi Lovejoy.

According to Lovejoy, the average diamond found at the park is about the size of a match head, making the Freitas diamond around 15 times larger. She estimates the stone could be worth at least $9,000 to $10,000.

Minnesota Man Finds 3.81 Carat Brown Diamond at Arkansas State Park

Theyre excited. Were excited. The whole town gets excited. The whole state gets excited, she added. And this little bitty town ends up trending in international news.

Want to Try Diamond Hunting Yourself?

Crater of Diamonds State Park, located in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, is a 37-acre plowed field that is the only place in the world where the public can search for diamonds in their original volcanic source.

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For more information, visit: https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/crater-diamonds-state-park

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.
NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP)  A civil suit has been filed against Highbrow Wood Fired Kitchen and Bar after a customer died from a food allergy.

Barstools Dave Portnoy visits Chicopee pizza shop

The estate of Kierstin Hedin has filed a civil suit against Highbrow Wood Fire Kitchen & Bar in Northampton after they claim she was served dairy cheese on her pizza after she requested vegan/lactose-free cheese due to her life-threatening dairy allergy.

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On January 8, 2023, Hedin met friends at the restaurant where she ordered the braised short rib & grilled red onion pizza, requesting non-dairy cheese. The claim says that after consuming the food, she began experiencing symptoms of an allergic reaction and went to the bathroom.

Hedin experienced an anaphylactic reaction, resulting in a brain injury was pronounced dead 5 days later. Since 2023, the pizza has been stored in a freezer maintained by the Northampton Police Department, but the current dilemma is and reason to get the courts involved.

In December of 2024, the plaintiff, Hedins estate, proposed using a Massachusetts lab, Trelfa Labs, the only in-state facility equipped to conduct testing, qualitatively, to detect the presence of milk but not the quantity.

About a month later, Highbrow requested a different, more complex quantitative test; however, no lab in the state of Massachusetts performs these tests.

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The estate of Hedin proposed using the food allergy research and resource program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, a nationally respected facility capable of performing the desired quantitative test. However, there was one catch with the labs internal policies. They do not allow third-party observation or video recording of the procedures, and the defendant wanted to be present.

On April 29, 2025, the defendant, Highbrow, agreed to proceed with the procedure. However, two days later rescinded their word and objected to the protocol.

The lab at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln said that the protocol is non-negotiable. They can thoroughly photograph the pizza, documenting each stage of testing. However, Highbrow has not agreed.

With the statute of limitation expiring in six months, the estate of Hedin says they have no alternative but to seek judicial intervention, hoping to get the pizza released from the police department and to the facility in Nebraska for testing.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
COVINGTON, Tenn.  Police and firefighters in Covington are warning citizens about how fireworks can turn a celebration into a disaster.

July 4th marks a year since a family of six escaped a house fire in Covington, believed to have been started by someone throwing fireworks.

Covington house fire possibly caused by fireworks

This house on Best Street in Covington remains a charred shell, evidence of what happened the night of July 4th, 2024.

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Shawn Beard was in tears last July, just after her Covington home burned. Her family, three adults and three children, escaped with the clothes on their backs. The family has since left Covington.

I dont have a home, Beard said last year. I dont have any vehicles. We just put all our money in food, and now thats gone too.

Covington Fire Chief Richard Griggs says the fire was ruled arson and says his department is on alert this weekend for disasters that come with mishandling fireworks.

Business fire sparks accidental fireworks show: VIDEO

Covington Police Chief Donna Turner says some leads were developed in the fire on Best Street, but no one has been charged. There is still an active investigation into the fire.

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Those folks had no idea their house was going to be on fire after they went to bed, Griggs said. We have seen here in Covington alone people with their hands blown off.

An ordinance that prohibits the sale and shooting of fireworks within the Covington City limits can be hard to enforce.

But were like every other community that has those restrictions by ordinances, Turner said. People still have fireworks, and they will still shoot them within the city limits.

During this holiday, officers will respond as quickly as possible to complaints of fireworks.

Its not necessarily the shooting of the fireworks, Turner said. Thats one violation, but its what the fireworks do. So if it does cause damage or something is vandalized, then those are other charges.

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The case of arson, or burning of a structure, can bring felony charges. Officials here are hoping common sense will prevail among those who decide to shoot fireworks this weekend and remember the cost of carelessness.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The Trout Fire, burning north of Silver City, New Mexico, showed a slight increase in containment levels on Thursday, July 3, fire officials reported on Friday in an update.

The fire has burned 47,294 acres and is now 85 percent contained, up from 83 percent where it was for nearly a week.

There are 263 firefighters still on the scene battling the blaze, which started on June 12. The fire was determined to be caused by lightning.

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Visitors are encouraged to review the current forest closure before traveling in the area and are asked to maintain heightened awareness this weekend. Firefighters, utility vehicles, heavy machinery, and support personnel continue working along roadways.



Thursday, on the north end of the fire area, crews completed brush removal in the Lake Roberts area. North of Signal Peak Road, personnel completed fireline repair work.

Fridays focus remains on debris management along roadways and near infrastructure, including removal of hazard trees. Firefighters also remain actively engaged in suppression activities on the western and southern perimeter of the fire, checking for and extinguishing heat sources and smoldering fuels, fire officials said.

This ongoing suppression work is essential to prevent rekindling and to reinforce the fire perimeter, especially as warmer weather returns to the region this weekend, fire officials said.



As the weekend progresses, road crews are preparing to begin blading and repairing roads and access routes throughout the fire area. This work includes grading uneven surfaces, filling washouts, repairing culverts, and removing any remaining debris left behind by firefighting activities and recent rainfall. These repairs are critical for restoring safe access, and they help prevent long-term erosion and road damage, fire officials said.

Dry, breezy conditions are moving into the region Friday. Temperatures will reach the low 80s and gradually climb into the upper 80s over the weekend.

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Here are some links for information about the Trout Fire:

Local air quality ratings are good, fire officials said. Click here for real-time smoke conditions.



Road closures click here.



Gila National Forest closures and alerts click here.

Stage 2 fire restrictions click here.



Temporary flight restriction click here.

Another wildfire is burning in the Gila National Forest. The Turkeyfeather Wildfire is in the northern portion of the Gila and was first reported on June 30.

As of July 4, it is now at 331 acres. It is located west of the Middle Fork of the Gila, south of Iron Creek and east of Copper Canyon.

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The fire was started by lightning and is burning in the Whitewater Baldy Wildfire scar of 2012.

About 15 firefighters are battling it and they are using a full suppression response. There are no closures in place for this 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 KTSM 9 News.
Felonies

The following people were booked into the Lee County-Tupelo Adult Jail in connection with felony charges ending Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Lalen A. Cox, 21, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, felony malicious mischief.

Joshua Allen Holcomb, 38, of Saltillo, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, possession of a Schedule II drug, failure to dim headlights, disregard of a traffic device, possession of marijuana.

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Katie E. Holcomb, 34, of Saltillo, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, possession of a Schedule II drug.

Jermaine D. King, 45, of Plantersville, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, possession of a firearm by a felon, careless driving, two counts of speeding, possession of marijuana in a motor vehicle.

Derrick Wages, 50, of Pontotoc, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, burglary of a vehicle, false ID.

Lee County Sheriffs Office

The following reports were filed Monday and Wednesday by the Lee County Sheriffs Office.

A County Road 1149, Plantersville, woman said she thinks the residents of a house just up the road moved away and left their dog chained to a tree. She tried knocking on the door, but no one answers. She said the dog has been there for more than a week. She has provided the dog food and water.

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A Tupelo man said he was mowing his aunts County Road 931, Tupelo, property when he saw a homeless man behind the house. He said the homeless man is squatting in empty 18-wheeler trailers at the business next door. He said he told the homeless man to not trespass on the aunts property.

A man said someone abandoned a vehicle on his County Road 1145, Tupelo, property. Since the car is on private property, the deputy told the man he could call a wrecker service and have it towed.

A Tupelo woman said she was at work at Stanley Black & Decker on Highway 145 South. She said she took her diabetes medication in the break room around 12:30 p.m. during a break. She put the medicine back in her bag and returned to her workstation. When she later looked for the silver and black zippered bag, it was missing. Besides the diabetes medicine and a blood tester, the bag contained her blood pressure medication and a set of keys. She has no idea who took the bag.

A Palmetto Road woman said her security system went off at 1:30 a.m. while she was out of town. The camera showed two white males walking around the property. Deputies responded to the address, but the suspects had left. The woman said she would call when she returned if anything was missing.

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A Herzog Railroad Services employee was working on the railroad near County Road 520 in the Brewer area when two stray dogs walked up to him. There was no one anywhere near the dogs, one all black and the other black and white. He believed they were not being cared for.

A Presley Drive woman said her neighbor pays someone to mow his yard. The 40-something Black male keeps mowing past the property line and cutting her grass as well. She has told the neighbor many times that he needs to tell the mower to stop mowing in her yard.

A County Road 41, Palmetto, woman got up around 3 a.m. to take her dogs outside. When she opened the door, an unknown white male was standing under her carport. She began screaming and the man took off running down the driveway, turning south on County Road 41. The responding deputies observed footprints where the suspect had run through the yard.

Anyone with information on any of these repots is urged to call the Lee County Sheriff's Office at 841-9041, the Tupelo Police Department at 841-6491 or Crime Stoppers of Northeast Mississippi at (800) 773-TIPS or download the P3 Tip App and leave an anonymous tip that way.
(WJW)  Law enforcement is searching for a 62-year-old cruise passenger who went missing in Alaska while the ship was docked there.

According to the Juneau Police Department, Marites Buenafe, of Kentucky, told her family around 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday that she was getting off the Norwegian Bliss cruise ship and planned to take the Mount Roberts Tramway up the mountain.

Courtesy of Alaska State Troopers

Buenafe planned to hike Gold Ridge to Gastineau Peak alone, but according to Alaska State Troopers, she never returned to the ship in Juneau for departure at 1:30 p.m.

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I-Team: Suspect in Aliza Shermans murder freed after posting $2M bond

Investigators said surveillance footage showed the woman leaving the buildings at the top of Mount Roberts Tramway on Tuesday morning.

Credit: Getty Images

Multiple agencies have been searching for her ever since.

On Wednesday, more than a dozen volunteers from Juneau Mountain Rescue worked with police officers and state troopers for an extensive search of the area, using drones, K-9s and ground teams, with no signs of Marites, the Alaska Department of Public Safety reported.

In a Thursday update, department said ground and aerial teams would resume the search.

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Bret Michaels considers changing summer tour schedule after on-stage health scare

A spokesperson for Norwegian Bliss released a statement to People, saying, in part, An active search is ongoing, and we are providing assistance to local authorities as appropriate. Our CARE team is providing support to the guests family and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.

Buenafe is described to be 50 with black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts should reach out to the Alaska State Troopers at 907-465-4000 and reference incident AK25063914.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.




NEED TO KNOW

Marites Buenafe is a 62-year-old Kentucky native traveling on the Norwegian Bliss in Alaska

She was reported missing on Tuesday, July 1, after not returning to the cruise ship from a hike

Security cameras last spotted her at the top of Mount Roberts Tramway





A 62-year-old cruise passenger is missing after embarking on a solo hike in Alaska.

According to a bulletin from the Alaska State Troopers, at around 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 1, Marites Buenafe texted her family to say she was heading up the Mount Roberts Tramway with plans to hike Gold Ridge to Gastineau Peak.

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Her cruise ship, the Norwegian Bliss, was set to depart Juneau at 1:30 p.m. The Kentucky native was on the trip alone, according to the Juneau Police Department.

Sergi Reboredo/VW PICS/Universal Images Group via Getty Photo of Mount Roberts Tramway in Juneau dock, Alaska, Photo of Mount Roberts Tramway in Juneau dock, Alaska,

She was last spotted by security cameras at the top of Mount Roberts Tramway, departing the buildings around the time she sent a text to her family, the bulletin explains.

A spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line told PEOPLE that when Buenafe did not return to the ship by the all-aboard time, she was reported missing to local state troopers.

"An active search is ongoing, and we are providing assistance to local authorities as appropriate. Our CARE team is providing support to the guests family and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time," the spokesperson said.

ALASKA STATE TROOPERS Marites Buenafe Marites Buenafe

The search for Buenafe began with the Alaska Wildlife Troopers Helo 5 and a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter conducting aerial searches of the area, according to a dispatch from the Alaska Department of Public Safety.

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While the search was paused overnight, the Juneau Mountain Rescue and Southeast Alaska Dogs for Organized Ground Search resumed efforts on Wednesday, July 2, with over a dozen professional volunteers utilizing drones and K-9 Units.

Although weather conditions allowed for limited helicopter searches late in the day, the Alaska Department of Public Safety stated that ground and aerial search teams would continue their search on Thursday.

PEOPLE reached out to the Juneau Police Department and the Alaska Department of Public Safety for additional comment.



Buenafe is a physician at UK HealthCare in Lexington, Ky., according to The New York Times. The healthcare system's website shows that she received her degree from Case Western Reserve University and completed her residency in family medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

ALASKA STATE TROOPERS Marites Buenafe Marites Buenafe

According to the U.S. News and World Report website, Buenafe has been in practice for more than 20 years.

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The Alaska State Troopers report that she is 5 feet tall, weighs 118 pounds, has black hair, and brown eyes.

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Anyone with information related to her whereabouts is asked to contact the Alaska State Troopers in Juneau at 907-465-4000 and reference incident AK25063914.



Read the original article on People
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  A popular San Diego pier is reopening starting next week.

On Monday, Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach will fully reopen after closing for 18 months following storm damage in December 2023.

From January 2024 to March 2025, the pier underwent two emergency construction phases, replacing dozens of damaged or broken braces supporting the wooden structure. Crews then focused on non-emergency work to repair and replace remaining braces that were damaged.

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The iconic Crystal Pier will once again be open to the public thanks to the collaborative and dedicated efforts of City staff and Bill and Claudia Allen from the Crystal Pier Hotel, said Council President Joe LaCava. While the pier is open and structurally sound, work will continue to strengthen its resilience against rising tides and increasingly intense storms.

Dont swim near these San Diego-area beaches, officials say. Heres why

The repairs included the public portion  or the westernmost half of the pier  and the portion that is leased to the hotel  or the western half of the wider section, according to the city.

The easternmost half of the wider section is owned by the Crystal Pier Hotel and any repairs in that section are the responsibility of the property owner, the city said.

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The total construction cost for the pier was around $2.06 million.

The Crystal Pier will not undergo any additional construction, but staff will continue to monitor the nearly 100-year-old structures condition for any future damage, the city added.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
The family-owned Packaging and Crating Technologies, LLC, also known as PACT is finishing up its 3rd annual Military Heroes Charity Program to benefit both the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the American Legion of Thomaston Post 22.

It was held throughout the month of May and through July 4, with 1 percent of sales proceeds from its entire line of moving containers and shipping products donated to the causes.

Tunnel to Towers Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps military families secure mortgage-free homes.

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A $1,000 contribution will go to the American Legion of Thomaston Post 22, which ensures proper health and other essential benefits for current service members and veterans.

Pact, based in Watertown, has in the prior two years raised about $10,000 for Americas servicemen and women, a spokeswoman for the company said.

Memorial Day is always met with eager anticipation of warmer weather and fun summer vacations, however, for thousands of military families, May is a time of sadness and solemnity as they remember their fallen loved ones, said Rodger Mort, chief operating officer at PACT.

The United States military is a key customer that uses our packaging containers as all branches of service personnel are moved to different posts, and we are always grateful to help such humble heroes in any way possible, he said.

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According to a PACT spokeswoman, The Tunnels to Towers Foundation was founded to recognize the life of New York City firefighter Stephen Gerard Siller. Siller was assigned to Brooklyns Squad 1 and had just finished his shift when he got word over his scanner of a plane hitting the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

Siller drove his truck to the entrance of the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, but it had already been closed for security purposes. Determined to carry out his duty, he strapped 60 pounds of gear to his back and raced on foot through the tunnel to the Twin Towers, where he gave up his life while saving others.

To date, the foundation has provided over 600 mortgage-free homes for families, including specially-adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders, the spokesperson said.

The American Legion is the largest U.S. veterans organization with more than 1.6 million members who work with a goal to strengthen the country through programs, services and advocacy for those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, youth and communities.

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Today, the organization is committed to destigmatizing mental health support by offering peer-to-peer resources in the fight to end veteran suicide, Mort said.

This is the perfect time of year to show gratitude to our troops and first responders and we encourage all Connecticut residents to help us reach our goal through a direct donation to these two wonderful charities, Mort said.

PACT manufactures sustainable packaging products for industrial and moving and storage businesses, noting it use a patented process of cross-core lamination of triple-wall, double-wall and fiber board, that produces light weight recyclable crates that are as strong as wood.
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Eighteen Connecticut residents and two from Rhode Island mobilized to help fight wildfires in Alaska, according to state officials.

The crew left from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Eastern District Headquarters in Marlborough.

The Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Compact and Northeast Coordination Center coordinated the deployment.

The Alaska fires are prompting evacuations and threatening homes and infrastructure, according to multiple media reports from that state.

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The eighteen Connecticut members, experts in wildfire suppression tactics, safety, and incident command, are from the Connecticut Interstate Fire Crew and the two Rhode Island members are from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.

CIFC is coordinated by CT Forestry Division and is made up of agency staff members and private individuals. Many of the private participants are members of local fire departments and are certified for forest and wildfires.

Crew members must complete a rigorous training program and participate in an annual physical work capacity test and refresher training, according to the DEEP.

This is the first call for the Connecticut contingent this wildfire season.

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Among the state members are seven who are full-time DEEP staff and are trained call-when-needed wildland firefighters, according to the agency. They are certified to national wildland firefighting standards. All of the crew member volunteer for these wildfire assignments, according to the agency.

Connecticut maintains this firefighting capability to participate in a reciprocal aid program operated by the U.S. Forest Service, DEEP noted in a statement.

Under this program, trained personnel from other parts of the nation are available to assist Connecticut in the event of a fire emergency or other natural disaster in return for the support of Connecticut personnel when needed. The importance of this partnership was demonstrated during our historic fall wildfire season last year, when firefighters came from various states (and even from Quebec, Canada) to assist us in response to the Hawthorne Fire in Berlin and countless other fires that started during that time.

State environmental officials last fall were monitoring or managing 70 to 80 wildfires or brushfires around Connecticut as dry conditions and very little rainfall plagued the region.

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After a heavy rain event last August that caused catastrophic flooding in parts of the state, the following months were the driest on record in Connecticut since drought data started being tracked in 1905.

The wildfires in Alaska have been burning for a few weeks.

According to the DEEP, all state agency expenses directly associated with these deployments are 100% reimbursed to the State by the U.S. Forest Service.

According to reporting from the Anchorage Daily News, Alaskas fire season started slowly but exploded in mid-June following a barrage of lightning strikes amid hot weather.

The state has become the countrys highest wildfire priority with nearly 1,500 firefighters working on 27 staffed fires as of this week, the Anchorage Daily News reported on Wednesday.
Connecticut Republicans are hailing certain aspects of President Donald Trumps mammoth tax-and-spending bill, but Democrats continue blasting the deep spending cuts that will sharply impact those receiving Medicaid and food stamps.

In Connecticut, lawmakers are still trying to determine the exact impacts of a 940-page bill that covers virtually all aspects of the federal government. Lawmakers here say they can dip into the states rainy day fund  now at $5 billion to fill any funding gaps left by the actions of Trump and the U.S. Congress.

The multi-faceted bill includes a range of tax cuts and large spending increases for immigration enforcement to carry out Trumps plans to round up undocumented immigrants across the country. At the same time, the measure includes deep cuts for those who rely on Medicaid for their health insurance and food stamps to help feed their needy families.

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House Republican leader Vincent Candelora of North Branford said the bill is large enough to generate both plaudits and complaints as lawmakers struggled for long days in Washington, D.C. before the final vote Thursday that sealed the deal before the July 4 holiday weekend.

I think, generally speaking, that neither side of the aisle at the federal level is free from criticism, Candelora told The Courant in an interview. We have had a process that has been broken for decades.

On the tax side, one of the biggest victories for tax-cutting Republicans is raising the $10,000 cap per couple on federal deductions for state and local taxes, which is known as the SALT tax. First enacted in 2017 under Trump, the law has said that homeowners with high property taxes, for example, could only deduct the first $10,000 on their federal taxes. That has become a key issue through the years in high-tax states like New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and beyond.

For New England, its impactful, Candelora said. A $10,000 cap doesnt cut it any more.  We certainly have an issue in states like ours that have massively high property taxes.

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In the updated, final version of the bill, the U.S. Senate switched its position and pushed the cap to $40,000 per year for five years in a number that would increase by 1% each year. The increased provision would cover those with incomes up to $500,000 per year before the deduction would start to phase out.

Senate Republican leader Stephen Harding of Brookfield agreed with Candelora, saying that the SALT deduction impacts homeowners statewide.

That obviously helps a lot of our constituents, Harding told The Courant. We can certainly squabble over other aspects of the bill. Regardless of the other aspects, in terms of the SALT deduction, that is beneficial to the people of the state of Connecticut, which generally has higher state and local taxes and are able to deduct more and potentially get a reduced tax bill.

After the SALT deduction was capped in 2017, then-Connecticut tax commissioner Kevin B. Sullivan and others crafted a workaround by creating the pass-through entity tax in the state for the first time. Since then, the taxes paid by pass-through entities have exploded to $2.2 billion in the current fiscal year that ends June 30, which Sullivan says is far beyond anyones expectations at the time that the tax was created.

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In a key point, federal lawmakers successfully pushed for a provision that would allow pass-through entities to continue deducting state and local taxes.

While many Connecticut taxpayers no longer itemize their federal deductions after the 2017 tax changes, the wealthiest tax filers also have the highest SALT deductions. Among those earning more than $1 million per year, the deductions were among the highest in the nation in 2015, at nearly $330,000, according to the legislatures nonpartisan research office.

Taxpayers earning between $75,000 and $100,000 per year would pay additional taxes, on average, of only $19 per year, the research office said. Those earning more than $1 million per year would pay an additional $118,000 per year, boosting the overall average.

Connecticut was traditionally tied with New Jersey for the second-highest percentage of taxpayers claiming the SALT deduction  at 41% of federal tax returns before the tax changes.

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The state and local tax deduction limit for married taxpayers who file separately is $5,000, compared with $10,000 for couples, under the current law.

The final bill includes the politically popular idea of no tax on tips, although relatively few workers actually receive tips in their jobs. But restaurant servers, food delivery drivers, barbers, and bartenders, among others, often rely heavily on tips for their compensation.

Tax cuts

Democrats have blasted Trump and Republicans for providing large tax cuts for the wealthiest residents.

Candelora, though, says that the wealthiest pay the largest amount of taxes at both the state and federal levels. Between the income tax and the pass-through entity tax, the wealthy have paid billions of dollars through the years that have led to the recent surpluses under Gov. Ned Lamont and enabled the state to pay down billions in pension debt.

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Statistics from Lamonts budget office show that in 2022 the top 2.5% of tax filers paid 41% of the state income tax. At the other end, the bottom 49% of filers  representing essentially half of filers statewide  paid only 2.9% of the income tax.

Less than 3% of the income taxes is paid by 830,000 filers who are earning less than $50,000 per year in adjusted gross income  for both singles and couples filing jointly. Filers earning more than $100,000 per year pay 85% of the income tax, while those under $100,000, representing 72% of filers, pay 15%, according to the statistics.

The top 1%, which includes filers at $1 million and above, pays about 30% of the income taxes. In addition, the state is projected to collect $2 billion this year from the pass-through entity tax, which is largely paid by entities controlled by wealthy small business owners.

But deputy House Speaker pro tempore Bob Godfrey of Danbury harshly criticized Trumps tax policies in the bill.

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Billionaires, big corporations, big businesses getting tax cuts funded by cuts to working-class families, poor people, children, and sick people is disgusting, Godfrey told The Courant in an interview. I remember Trumps big tax bill in his first term that was supposed to be so helpful for everyone. All I knew is that before that, I was getting $2,000 a year back from the IRS in my tax return, and then afterwards, I had to pay $2,000 a year. It was a $4,000-a-year switch for me. I wasnt happy about it.

Medicaid and SNAP

One of the most controversial provisions of the sweeping bill is the cuts in Medicaid, the nationwide health insurance program.

Medicaid is overextended, Candelora said, noting that Medicaid was expanded during President Barack Obamas tenure and now includes more patients than in the past.

Republicans have repeatedly said that the state could save $116 million over two years by ending Medicaid coverage for illegal immigrants. But state social services commissioner Andrea Barton Reeves said the cost is actually $40 million per year.

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Whether its $40 million or $100 million, should the state of Connecticut or any state be providing health insurance to illegal immigrants? Candelora asked. The state of Connecticut is providing a Cadillac plan to illegal immigrants. Our federal government cant keep giving everything away.

While national Republicans have repeatedly stated that Medicaid is rife with fraud, Harding said he was not sure about the levels of illegality.

Do I think there is fraud in Medicaid at times? Unfortunately, yes, Harding said. Do I believe its widespread? I have no evidence to say that. Do I believe that there potentially is fraud, albeit maybe hopefully isolated? Yes.  I dont have evidence that shows that its widespread as maybe some people have tried to say.

Concerning food stamp cuts, Harding said, I dont want to see any benefits cut from anyone that rightly deserves it and needs the funds to help feed themselves and their family.  Id like to think that legislators on all sides of the aisle are compassionate.

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U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, blasted Trumps bill.

Republicans just raised the cost of living for working Americans, DeLauro said after the final vote. President Trump promised to lower the cost of living from day one. Instead, he and Republicans in Congress cut taxes for the ultra-wealthy while sticking working and middle-class families with the bill. President Trumps budget bill hands $4.5 trillion in tax cuts to billionaires and the biggest corporations while gutting the very programs that help everyday Americans survive. This bill will make peoples daily lives more expensive for years to come.

DeLauro added, This bill slashes Medicaid and Affordable Care Act coverage, ripping critical, affordable healthcare away from nearly 17 million Americans, including 186,580 people in Connecticut that rely on HUSKY or Access Health CT. It would trigger a further $500 billion cut to Medicare. It guts clean energy investments, raising electricity bills across the country. And it cuts $200 billion from proven food assistance programs like SNAP while grocery bills keep rising, taking food away from 42 million Americans.

Like DeLauro, U.S. Rep. John B. Larson of East Hartford voted against the package.

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It has always been President Trumps number one priority to make his tax cuts for the wealthy permanent, and that is exactly what this bill does, Larson said. What he does not mention is that it pays for those tax breaks by kicking 17 million Americans off their health care and raising premiums for others, slashing food assistance and student aid, and exploding the national debt. This bill is unprecedented in both how big of a tax cut billionaires like him and Elon Musk will receive, and also how it will hurt children, the elderly, the disabled, and our nations veterans.

Christopher Keating can be reached at ckeating@courant.com
The Security and Information Service of Czechia (BIS) will investigate Czech companies that may have exported equipment to Russia for weapons manufacturing.

Source: iRozhlas citing BIS spokesperson Ladislav Sticha, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The Czech news outlet reports that BIS will launch an investigation into companies named by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Zelenskyy has stated that eight Czech companies may be supplying Russia with machine tools intended for weapons production.

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"As soon as we receive the list, we will investigate these companies and shops," Sticha said.

He noted that hundreds of companies are attempting to export goods to Russia.

"We have not yet received the official list of potential domestic exporters, so it is difficult to comment on which companies and goods are involved," Sticha said in response to a question about whether BIS already knows which companies Zelenskyy was referring to.

He added that a significant share of goods now subject to embargoes had been exported before Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, when sanctions were not yet in place.

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"However, almost certainly, this would not have been direct export from Czechia to Russia, as this is impossible without a licence and such goods could not have crossed the border legally," he explained.

Sticha highlighted that the goods in question may have been supplied before 2022 or re-exported through third countries.

He also noted that many companies apply for export licences to so-called safe countries, including EU states. While they are required to ensure that the buyer is the end-user, goods are sometimes resold and re-exported to Russia through intermediaries. "Companies often claim they were unaware of the resale, and it is very difficult to prove otherwise," Sticha said.

The spokesperson also pointed to a lack of funding and personnel to combat the export of embargoed goods.

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"This area requires more and more financial and human resources. Right now, there are neither. Only a few dozen state experts are dealing with hundreds of companies trying to export goods to Russia," he concluded.

Background:

In early 2025, a scheme to supply sanctioned equipment to Russia was uncovered in Lithuania. Similar violations have been reported involving a German company.

In late June, Finnish customs announced an investigation into suspected shipments of sanctioned goods to Russia between 2022 and 2023 involving a company from Finland's east.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  There are signs of progress for Dakota Briley, 20, who was hit by a car in late June while loading surfboards into a van at Chuns on Oahus North Shore.

After five surgeries, he is now breathing on his own, but the family is still asking for prayers.

Hawaii, worldwide love pouring in for Dakota Brileys recovery

Hes been my protector since birth, said his younger cousin Kala Lau. I dont know what I would do without him, but I know hes going to get through because hes our drill sergeant and hes so strong, and hes the healthiest person I know. When I heard the news, it was the hardest news Ive ever heard.

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The family says they are maneuvering through all the stages of grief while remaining strong for Briley.

Hes awake, but due to the severity of his brain injury, its going to take a long time, we dont know how long for him to recover his abilities, Brileys sister Erin Lau explained.

He has been able to move a few fingers, he is able to breathe on his own, but its unknown if he will be able to walk or the extent of his head trauma.

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The 20-year-old has undergone five major surgeries since the crash occurred on June 14. His family said he has had surgery on his legs, lung, pelvis, spine and recently had a skin graph.

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Right now he doesnt have any feeling in his lower body, but the spinal cord is very damaged, Erin Lau said.

She added that despite the severity of the damage, the family is still optimistic on Brileys recovery.

Every day there have been dozens of people at Queens Medical Center lobby praying and singing for Briley and showing his ohana support.

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Its so amazing how many people came down to support him, hes getting so much love which is so good, such positive energy, said Brileys younger cousin Peyton Lau. I love you Dakota, Im praying for you every day, and I just want the best for you.

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His family added that his strong personality is a driving force in his healing.

My brother is the strongest person I know, and the most stubborn person I know, Erin Lau added. I want people to know he is so full of love, hes a fantastic student, grandson, son, brother, and friend and community member. If you know him your life is better for it, and I just want people to know hes so good and if anybody can get through this, its him, hes strong.

The Brileys say they are focused on his recovery.

Police say the crash is still under investigation, no citation or arrest has been issued.

The family has started a GoFundMe to assist with medical costs, loss of income, and Dakotas rehab.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
DHARAMSHALA, India (AP)  The Dalai Lama has often called himself a simple monk, but millions of his Tibetan Buddhist followers have worshipped him for decades as a near deity.

They also see him as the face of Tibets aspirations for greater autonomy, but have for years wrestled with the idea that he might be the last person to hold the role.

He put that speculation to rest Wednesday, just days before he turns 90 on Sunday. There will be a successor after his death, he announced, and the Dalai Lamas office will lead the search and recognize a successor in accordance with past tradition.

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The decision is consequential for most Tibetans, who have struggled for decades to keep their identity alive  in Tibet or outside in exile  and rallied behind the Dalai Lama for that cause. It could also irk China, which insists that it alone has the authority to approve the next religious leader, a move seen as Beijing's efforts to strengthen its control over Tibet's overwhelmingly Buddhist population.

Simple Buddhist monk hailed as a god-king

Recognized worldwide in his red robes and wide smile, the Dalai Lama describes himself as a simple Buddhist monk. But he is also worshipped as living manifestations of Chenrezig, the Buddhist god of compassion, and is the 14th person to hold the title of the Dalai Lama in a tradition stretching back 500 years.

As a village boy, Tenzin Gyatso was thrust onto the Tibetan throne to become the Dalai Lama  a god-king to his people  in 1937. Soon after, Chinese troops swept into his homeland in the 1950s and crushed a failed uprising. He escaped with thousands of his followers to India and established a government in exile.

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Since then, the Dalai Lama has spent more than seven decades in exile, living an austere monastic life in regal isolation in the tiny, Himalayan town of Dharamshala. He has also jetted from capital to capital to try to force the aspirations of his tiny community onto the world agenda, uniting and mobilizing Tibetans inside and outside China.

The face of Tibet's struggle for autonomy

Tibetans in exile say they were effectively independent for centuries, and accuse China of trying to wipe out Tibets Buddhist culture and language, and encouraging Chinese to move there from other parts of the country. Beijing insists Tibet is a part of China.

While many Tibetans seek full independence, the Dalai Lama has long said that he seeks only substantial autonomy and identity for Tibetan people. He has advocated for a nonviolent Middle Way for autonomy and religious freedom for Tibetan people through peaceful means.

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Beijing, however, accuses him of making efforts to wrest Tibets control away from China and inciting rebellion among Tibetans. In the past, Chinese leaders have called him a wolf in monks robes and the scum of Buddhism.

In 1989, the Nobel Peace Prize committee honored him for his consistent resistance to the use of violence in his peoples struggle. In 2011, he relinquished his role as head of the self-proclaimed Tibetan government-in-exile and handed over political powers to a democratically elected government.

Raging dispute

With the Dalai Lama in his twilight years, the question looms about what happens after him.

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The Dalai Lama has said that his successor will be born in a free country, indicating that the next spiritual leader could come from among Tibetan exiles and not from China.

China, meanwhile, is determined to control the succession of the Dalai Lama and insists that the reincarnation must be found in Chinas Tibetan areas, giving the Communist authorities immense power over who is chosen.

Thus, many observers believe there eventually will be rival Dalai Lamas  one appointed by Beijing, and one by senior monks loyal to the current Dalai Lama.

China has also sought to elevate other spiritual figures, particularly Tibetan Buddhisms No. 2 figure, the Panchen Lama. A boy recognized by the Dalai Lama as the new Panchen disappeared soon after, and Beijing produced its own successor, whose legitimacy is highly contested.

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Search for next Dalai Lama

The search for a Dalai Lamas reincarnation begins only upon the incumbents death. Traditionally, the successor has been identified by senior monastic disciples, based on spiritual signs and visions. They interpret signs, consult oracles and send search parties to the Tibetan region for a child who exhibits qualities of the previous Dalai Lama.

It can take several years after the next Dalai Lama is identified as a baby and groomed to take the reins.

That process might be undone this time as the Dalai Lama has said that he might leave written instructions for finding his reincarnation, or name his successor while still alive.
A dance company based in Londonderry has said it has lost its appeal against a decision to have 100% of its annual funding axed.

In May, Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company announced that its funding application for more than 112,000 had been rejected by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland (ACNI).

In a statement on Friday, a spokesperson for Echo Echo expressed deep disappointment after the appeal was rejected, calling the decision "extremely disappointing, to say the least."

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ACNI said it "does not make any decisions with regard to Annual Funding Programme Funding Review Requests".

Previously, ACNI said that after Echo Echo Dance Studio's application to the 2025/26 Annual Funding Programme (AFP) was unsuccessful, the organisation was offered an award of more than 28,000 to assist with its transition out of the AFP portfolio.

Following that decision, ACNI said at the time that it wanted to reassure the dance community in Northern Ireland that public investment in dance in Derry and the north-west region "remains a priority, and we will be working to ensure that provision for dance continues."

In a statement to BBC News NI on Friday, ACNI said Echo Echo Dance Studio's funding review request "was considered by and rejected by an independent reviewer".

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"As advised by ACNI, Echo Echo is now free to bring the matter to the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman if they wish."

Enough funds to 'postpone potential closure'

The Derry dance company said previously the AFP funding would have covered the wages of three staff members as well as some overheads and described the rejection of the funding as "catastrophic" at the time.

The company said it now plans to take its case to the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman, the next step in the formal funding review process.

Echo Echo said that, following what it called a "successful crowdfunding campaign," it has raised enough funding "to postpone its potential closure from this month to the end of September 2025."

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It said it continues to work closely with Derry City and Strabane District Council (DCSDC) and is currently exploring additional funding streams in hopes of sustaining operations into the next financial year.

The dance theatre company emphasised that the loss of ACNI's annual funding  its core funding source  severely jeopardises its ability to secure other grants and partnerships.

"Without this ongoing principal support and form of assurance for other funders... sourcing replacement ongoing support at the level required is a massive challenge."

"Our small, hardworking group of directors, artists, and staff have been working around the clock trying to keep the company alive."

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The ACNI added: "The group was also encouraged to apply to ACNI's Project Funding programme which can award grants of up to 75k and is a scheme from which many former Annual Funding Programme clients receive support.

"The organisation chose not to apply to the Project Funding scheme."
DARTMOUTH, Mass. (WPRI)  A New Bedford man is facing domestic violence and gun-related charges after he was arrested Saturday morning in Dartmouth.

Nathan Faria (Courtesy: Dartmouth Police Department)

Nathan Faria, 34, was taken into custody after a reported disturbance at Dartmouth Motor Inn on State Road, according to Dartmouth police.

A detective obtained a search warrant for Farias pickup truck after learning he had guns and ammunition inside. Police said they seized thousands of rounds of assorted .556-caliber, .45-caliber, 12-gauge and 9 mm ammunition, along with two firearms, a silencer, and several magazines:

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Sig Sauer M400 AR-15 rifle

VR80 12-gauge shotgun

Six fully loaded 30-round high-capacity AR-15 magazines

Five empty 30-round high-capacity AR-15 magazines

Four 10-round high-capacity 12-gauge shotgun magazines

Two 5-round 12-gauge shotgun magazines

Firearms and magazines seized from Nathan Farias vehicle (Courtesy: Dartmouth Police Department)

Ammunition seized from Nathan Farias vehicle (Courtesy: Dartmouth Police Department)

Faria does not have a valid license to carry a firearm in Massachusetts or any other state, police said. Dartmouth police charged him with the following:

Carrying a gun without a license (2 counts)

Possession of a large-capacity feeding device (15 counts)

Possession of ammunition without an FID card

Possession of a silencer

Violating an abuse prevention order

Police said he also faces domestic violence charges out of New Bedford for a previous incident there.

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The Iowa Department of Education has awarded over $2 million in competitive grants to eight school districts  including districts in the Quad Cities area  to establish therapeutic classrooms for learners whose emotional or behavioral needs impact their ability to be successful in their learning environment, a news release.

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.

The districts awarded a Therapeutic Classroom Incentive Grant for the 2025-26 school year are:

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Bondurant-Farrar CSD

Cedar Rapids CSD

Cherokee CSD

Davenport CSD

Durant CSD

Keokuk CSD

Pella CSD

Spencer CSD

The Therapeutic Classroom Incentive Grant was established through state legislation signed into law in 2020 and is part of a statewide effort to increase mental health supports for children, youth and families. Now in its fifth round of funding, the awardees may use the grants to establish new classrooms or enhance critical components into current classrooms or programs that are being developed as therapeutic classrooms. Therapeutic supports include such things as skill building, support to cope with stress and trauma, mental health treatment and crisis intervention and follow-up.

In determining awards, priority was given to competitive district applicants that had applied previously and not received an award and to new district applicants that scored competitively. Additional consideration was given to ensure representation across small, medium and large districts. Applicants collaborating with other agencies to provide the therapeutic classrooms across Iowas Behavioral Health Districts were also prioritized.

Proposals submitted by the eight awarded districts will serve over 150 pre-K through grade 12 students, establish 17 new therapeutic classrooms and will expand mental health supports for youth across eight counties located in five of the states Behavioral Health Districts.

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Grants will be distributed this fall for district implementation during the 2025-26 school year.

More information about Therapeutic Classroom Incentive Grants is available on the Iowa Department of Educations website.

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July 4 (UPI) -- On this date in history:

In 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming U.S. independence from Britain.

In 1826, in one of history's notable coincidences, former U.S. Presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died, 50 years to the day after the Declaration of Independence was adopted.

In 1863, Union troops defeated Confederate forces in a battle at Vicksburg, Miss.

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In 1895, the poem "America the Beautiful," by Wellesley College Professor Katherine Lee Bates, was published. The poem with music by Samuel A. Ward was published as a song in 1910.

On July 4, 2013, the Statue of Liberty reopened to the public nine months after it was closed because of damage caused by Hurricane Sandy. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

In 1910, American boxer Jack Johnson took on former undefeated heavyweight champion James J. Jeffries, beating him in 15 rounds, to stake his claim as the as the greatest heavyweight in the world.

File Photo by Library of Congress/UPI

On July 4, 1939, Lou Gehrig gave his "luckiest man on the face of the Earth" speech in announcing his retirement from the New York Yankees.. File Photo courtesy of Pacific & Atlantic Photos, Inc

In 1939, Lou Gehrig gave his "luckiest man on the face of the Earth" speech in announcing his retirement from the New York Yankees. Gehrig had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a debilitating motor neuron disease. United Press writer Jack Cuddy wasn't impressed with the Yankees' "Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day," saying doctors made up his ailment to explain his unexpected retirement.

In 1976, Israeli commandos raided the airport at Entebbe, Uganda, rescuing 103 hostages held by Arab militants.

In 2010, U.S. Army Gen. David Petraeus took command of the Afghan war, acknowledging the "tough fight" ahead for NATO forces while pledging "We are in this to win." File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI

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In 1986, more than 250 sailing ships and the United States' biggest fireworks display honored the Statue of Liberty in its 100th birthday year.

In 1995, the British Parliament reconfirmed John Majors as prime minister.

In 1997, NASA's Pathfinder reached Mars to become the first U.S. spacecraft to land on the planet in more than two decades. Pathfinder returned more than 16,000 images and some 8.5 million measurements back to Earth before its final transmission on September, 27, 1997.

File Photo courtesy of NASA

In 2006, North Korea test-launched seven ballistic missiles in what it called "routine military exercises," causing a firestorm of anger among its neighbors and the United States.

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In 2010, U.S. Army Gen. David Petraeus took command of the Afghan war, acknowledging the "tough fight" ahead for NATO forces while pledging "We are in this to win."

In 2013, the Statue of Liberty reopened to the public nine months after it was closed because of damage caused by Hurricane Sandy.

In 2018, Hong Kong's high court ruled unanimously that same-sex couples are entitled to spousal visas like married heterosexual couples.

In 2022, seven people died and dozens others were injured in a mass shooting during an Independence Day parade in Highland Park, Ill., near Chicago. Far-right activist Robert Crimo III, then 22, was charged with murder for the shooting.
Jul. 4A Dayton man who was accused of harming his 5-month-old child was sentenced to probation.

Brandon Landsiedel, 24, was ordered to spend up to five years on community control sanctions, according to Montgomery County Common Pleas Court records.

As part of the conditions, he must attend a parenting program.

If Landsiedel violates the terms of his probation, he could face nine months to three years in prison.

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He was indicted on one count of endangering children in February.

The charge stemmed from an investigation that started after Dayton Children's Hospital contacted Dayton police about a 5-month-old child with "significant injuries," according to the Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office.

Landsiedel is the child's father and was present when the injuries happened, the prosecutor's office said.

In June he pleaded guilty to endangering children. He is not to have contact with the child as part of the plea, according to court records.

Staff writer Daniel Susco contributed to this report.
A 72-year-old woman was killed following a crash in Middleboro on Friday morning.

According to state police, officers were called to the area of 446 Wareham St. (Route 28) for reports of a crash around 8:27 a.m.

Upon arrival, officers discovered a single-vehicle crash involving a vehicle that left the roadway and crashed into a wooded area.

The driver, identified as 72-year-old Susan Sumner, of Middleboro, was pronounced dead at the scene

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Route 28 and ramps connecting I-495 were closed for hours due to the crash.

The crash remains under investigation by the Middleboro Police Department with assistance from the state police.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  A review by a prosecutor has concluded that officers were justified in their use of deadly force in a shooting that killed a Jacksonville man.

The announcement stems from a March 24 incident in which 23-year-old Willie Joe Larry-Purdiman of Jacksonville was shot and killed by officers in the 7900 block of Baseline Road.

Suspect in US Marshals shooting identified

According to a release from the Arkansas State Police, officers with the U.S. Marshals Service Eastern Arkansas task force attempted to arrest Larry-Purdiman for multiple outstanding felony warrants out of Pulaski County.

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Officials said that as task force officers attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by Larry-Purdiman, he exited the vehicle and fled on foot. The release said that while running, he began shooting at officers who returned fire, killing him at the scene.

US Marshals involved in shooting on Baseline Road in Little Rock

The release said that no civilians were injured during the incident, but one officer was injured during the pursuit and was treated by a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Agents from the ASPs Criminal Investigation Division investigated the shooting and presented a case file to the Pulaski County Prosecuting Attorney, who determined the use of deadly force was consistent with Arkansas laws.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
A deadly storm with winds topping 60 mph tore through central New Jersey, forcing one town to cancel its Fourth of July celebrations.

Thursday night's severe thunderstorm killed at least three people: one in North Plainfield and two in Plainfield, about 30 miles west of New York, ABC New York station WABC reported.

WABC - PHOTO: In this screen grab from a video taken on July 4, 2025, a large downed tree is shown after a storm moved through North Plainfield, N.J.

MORE: 'Catastrophic flooding' turns deadly in Texas' Kerr County, some forced to evacuate

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The Plainfield fatalities were 79-year-old Rocco Sansone and 25-year-old Brian Ernesto Valladares, who died when a tree fell on their car, according to the city.

"Our hearts are heavy," Mayor Adrian O. Mapp said in a statement. "We mourn with the families and stand ready to support them in every way possible."

WABC - PHOTO: In this screen grab from a video taken on July 4, 2025, a work crew is shown after a storm moved through North Plainfield, N.J.

MORE: 4th of July travel likely to shatter records: What to expect

Plainfield is under a state of emergency, with the mayor saying the "devastating storm" left "deep scars."

Homes and cars have been damaged and some houses are structurally compromised from fallen trees, city officials said. Over 80 trees were knocked down, including many that are blocking roads or are entangled with power lines, officials said.

WABC - PHOTO: In this screen grab from a video taken on July 4, 2025, a work crew is shown after a storm moved through North Plainfield, N.J.

MORE: Expert tips for Fourth of July travel: Plan ahead for weather and prepare for busy holiday

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"In light of this tragedy, we cannot, in good conscience, proceed with our Fourth of July parade, concert, or fireworks," the mayor said in a statement overnight. "This is not a time for celebration. It is a time to regroup and focus all our energy on recovery."

"There will be a time to celebrate again, to raise our flags and enjoy the joys of community," the mayor said. "But right now, we must come together to clean up, to support one another, and to begin the work of rebuilding."
A deal has been reached to ensure supplies of crude oil to a refinery after its owner went into administration.

Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery Limited, which owns the plant in Immingham, North East Lincolnshire, filed for insolvency on Sunday, putting hundreds of jobs at risk.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) said an agreement had now been reached to resume deliveries in and out of the refinery.

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The BBC understands crude oil stocks already held at the site have been bought with taxpayers' money to allow the refinery to keep operating.

Earlier this week, the Reuters news agency reported the government was in talks with commodities trader Glencore over the status of its supply and offtake contract with the refinery.

In a statement on Friday, a spokesperson for DESNZ said: "An agreement has been reached to resume deliveries in and out of the Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery. The official receiver is ensuring continued safe operations at the site.

"The UK is well supplied with fuel  the site is right next door to one of the biggest and most efficient refineries in the country, and stock levels are normal across the UK."

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Prax Group, which is led by chairman and chief executive Sanjeev Kumar Soosaipillai, purchased Lindsey Oil Refinery from French company Total in 2021. The company's financial reports indicated the plant recorded losses of about 75m between the takeover and February 2024.

There are 420 employees at the refinery, though Unite the Union said 1,000 jobs could be affected when taking into account contractors and the supply chain.

Prax Group bought the refinery from Total in 2021 [Getty Images]

Speaking in the Commons on Monday, Michael Shanks, the energy minister, said workers had been "badly let down" and the government was demanding "an immediate investigation into the conduct of the directors and the circumstances surrounding this insolvency".

Shanks also said the government was actively looking for a buyer for the business and, if that failed, other potential uses for the site.

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According to the government, Lindsey is the smallest of the UK's oil refineries producing fuel. It is located next to the Phillips 66 Humber refinery, which is the dominant fuel supplier in the region and continues to operate at profit.

Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.

More on this story
HUALIEN, Taiwan (AP)  After decades in service, Taiwans Vietnam-era F-5 fighter jets are being retired as part of the island democracys transition to more advanced hardware.

To keep pace with increased threats from mainland China, Taiwan has been upgrading both its manned and unmanned aerial assets, including purchasing 66 of the latest generation F-16V fighters and upgrading existing aircraft to modern specifications.

China claims the island as its own territory and has never dropped its threat to invade since the sides split amid civil war in 1949.

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The air force invited journalists on Friday to witness one last flyby by the F-5, which first entered service with Taiwan in 1965 and most of which have now been converted to trainers, reconnaissance planes or decoys.

The planes began moving into a backing role 30 years ago when Taiwan began acquiring more modern American F-16s, French Mirage 2000s and domestically developed Ching Kuos.

The F-5 is one of the world's most widely produced jets, with Taiwan the largest operator at one point with 336, producing some 100 domestically. Dozens of countries still use them, including the U.S., which uses them as pretend opponents in training exercises.

The planes gained favor for their high speed and maneuverability, alongside their low cost and ease of maintenance. For Taiwan, they guarded the skies above the Taiwan Strait against mainland China's Soviet and domestically built fighters.

Taiwan's F-5s were based along the eastern coast, separated from China by both the 160 kilometer (100 mile)-wide Taiwan Strait and Taiwan's formidable Central Mountain Range.
As Congress considers legislation that would strip federal funding from public media, filmmaker Ken Burns is speaking out on the prospect, calling it foolhardy and telling CBS News John Dickerson, I couldnt do any of the films Ive done without them being on PBS.

Burns has been a prominent voice defending public media, but he also will be a major figure in talking about the American Revolution, as the U.S. prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence next year.

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PBS has slated Burns six-part The American Revolution for this November. The project, which Burns produced and directed with Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt, will include a companion book from Geoffrey Ward, its primary author who wrote the documentary series.

As President Donald Trump has issued executive orders directing federal agencies to focus on the 250th anniversary, and his Big, Beautiful Bill provides funding for it, Burns has offered a more comprehensive and complicated perspective of American history. In his interview with Dickerson, which will air Sunday on Face the Nation and was taped at Thomas Jeffersons Monticello, Burns talked about the need to present history as more than slogans.

Dickerson asked Burns, President Trump has issued an executive action in which he says basically, history has gotten out of balance. [He] says that the American government either funds it through museums or national parks, and he said instead that this federal role in history should instead focus on the greatness of the achievements and the progress of the American people. So President Trump thinks theres an imbalance in the way we talk about history. How do you see that?

Burns said, I dont see the imbalance. I think we need to celebrate the greatness of the American people. The greatness of the American people comes from telling these complicated stories, and thats a good story. A good story is a good story. Thats what youre looking for. You dont want to just say it otherwise, its just sort of slogans that are- that are put up on the wall. We want to feel that we know who Thomas Jefferson is. We need to understand the internal struggles that Abraham Lincoln had. We have to understand what was going through Rosa Parks mind when she, you know, refused to give up her seat on the bus. This, in no way takes away from the glory, it just makes the story fuller and richer and- and permits purchase for everyone you want a history to be complicated because it gives everybody a chance to own or have access to it. There is my door where Im going through.

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Burns added, Theres a wonderful scholar, Maggie Blackhawk in our film, who says, after our scene on the Declaration of Independence, that its deeply significant to people at the margins. That these words that do not include them. They do not include women, they do not include the poor, they do not include any enslaved or free African Americans. They do not include Native Americans. But the words themselves are so inspirational that they begin to suggest a much larger and more, what we would say, kind of American polity. That a bunch of us all together, of different varieties, doing lots of different things and pursuing happiness, this idea of virtue and lifelong learning.

The House of Representatives last month voted to strip the Corporation for Public Broadcasting of about $1.1 billion in federal funding that was already allocated for the next two fiscal years. Trump and Republicans have long attacked PBS and NPR, deeming them biased to the left. The Senate has yet to take up the legislation, part of a rescissions package that also slashes funding for foreign aid.

Asked about the threat to PBS, Burns said, It is the Declaration of Independence applied to the communications world. Its a bottom up. Its the largest network in the country. Theres 330 stations. It mostly serves  and this is where the elimination of funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting is so short sighted  it mainly serves rural areas in which the PBS signal may be the only signal they get. They also have not only our good childrens and prime time stuff, they have classroom on the air continuing education, homeland security, crop reports, weather emergency information. That were going to take away?

Burns continued, This seems foolhardy and seems misguided, mainly because there is a perception among a handful of people that this is somehow a blue or a left wing thing, when this is the place that, for 32 years, gave William F. Buckley a show, right?  That show is, by the way, is still going on and moderated by a conservative. So I just think that maybe were throwing the baby out with the bath water.

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Burns has testified multiple times before congressional committees on the need for PBS funding.

He told Dickerson, I couldnt do any of the films Ive done without them being on PBS. I could go into a streaming service or a premium cable tomorrow and get every one of the millions of dollars it took to do this in one pitch, but they wouldnt give me 10 years. They want it in a year or a year and a half, and thats the deal. I cant do that. Same with Vietnam, same with the Civil War, same with Jazz, same with The National Parks, same with, you know, The Roosevelts. All of those- Country Music, all of those have taken time to incubate, and that has been under the system that has one foot tentatively in the marketplace and the other proudly out, kind of like the national parks or the Declaration of Independence applied to the landscape. These are really good American institutions that represent everybody from the bottom up, which is what its always about. Thats the essence of what Thomas Jefferson was talking about.

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Created 1776, The United States Declaration of Independence is the pronouncement adopted by the Second Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 4, 1776. The Declaration explained why the Thirteen Colonies at war with the Kingdom of Great Britain regarded themselves as thirteen independent sovereign states no longer under British rule. With the Declaration these new states took a collective first step toward forming the United States of America. The declaration was signed by representatives from New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.

In Congress, July 4, 1776

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America

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When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Natures God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

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He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

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He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.

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He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

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For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

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He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

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He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

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The Declaration of Independence is the pronouncement adopted by the Second Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 4, 1776. The Declaration explained why the 13 colonies at war with Great Britain regarded themselves as 13 independent sovereign states no longer under British rule. With the Declaration, these new states took a collective first step toward forming the United States of America. The declaration was signed by representatives from New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. (Getty Images)

Were republishing the text of the Declaration of Independence in full today on Americas 249th birthday.

In Congress, July 4, 1776

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The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Natures God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
NEW YORK (AP)  Alarmed by the policies of President Donald Trump, millions turned out last month for protests around the United States and overseas. Mindful of next years 250th anniversary of American independence, organizers called the movement No Kings.

Had the same kind of rallies been called for in the summer of 1775, the response likely would have been more cautious.

It ('No Kings') was probably a minority opinion in July 1775, says H.W. Brands, a prize-winning scholar and chair of the history department at the University of Texas at Austin.

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There was a lot of passion for revolution in New England, but that was different from the rest of the country, says Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Joseph Ellis. There were still people who don't want to drawn into what they feared was an unnecessary war.

This month marks the 250th anniversary  the semiquincentennial  of a document enacted almost exactly a year before the Declaration of Independence: The Olive Branch Petition, ratified July 5, 1775 by the Continental Congress. Its primary author was John Dickinson, a Pennsylvanian whose writing skills led some to call him the Penman of the Revolution, and would stand as a final, desperate plea to reconcile with Britain.

They put forth a pre-revolutionary argument

The notion of No Kings is a foundation of democracy. But over the first half of 1775 Dickinson and others still hoped that King George III could be reasoned with and would undo the tax hikes and other alleged abuses they blamed on the British Parliament and other officials. Ellis calls it the Awkward Interval, when Americans had fought the British in Lexington and Concord and around Bunker Hill, while holding off from a full separation.

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Public opinion is changing during this time, but it still would have been premature to issue a declaration of independence, says Ellis, whose books include Founding Brothers, The Cause and the upcoming The Great Contradiction."

The Continental Congress projected unity in its official statements. But privately, like the colonies overall, members differed. Jack Rakove, a professor of history at Stanford University and author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Original Meanings, noted that delegates to Congress ranged from radicals such as Samuel Adams who were avid for independence to such moderates as Dickinson and New York's John Jay.

The Olive Branch resolution balanced references to the delusive pretences, fruitless terrors, and unavailing severities administered by British officials with dutiful tributes to shared ties and to the king's royal magnanimity and benevolence.

(N)otwithstanding the sufferings of your loyal Colonists during the course of this present controversy, our Breasts retain too tender a regard for the Kingdom from which we derive our Origin to request such a Reconciliation as might in any manner be inconsistent with her Dignity or her welfare, the sometimes obsequious petition reads in part.

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The American Revolution didnt arise at a single moment but through years of anguished steps away from the mother country  a kind of weaning that at times suggested a coming of age, a young persons final departure from home. In letters and diaries written in the months before July 1775, American leaders often referred to themselves as children, the British as parents and the conflict a family argument.

Edmund Pendleton, a Virginia delegate to the Continental Congress, urged a reconciliation with Our mother Country. Jay, who would later help negotiate the treaty formally ending the Revolutionary War, proposed informing King George that your majestys American subjects are bound to your majesty by the strongest ties of allegiance and affection and attached to their parent country by every bond that can unite societies.

In the Olive Branch paper, Dickinson would offer tribute to the union between our Mother country and these colonies.

An early example of peace through strength

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The Congress, which had been formed the year before, relied in the first half of 1775 on a dual strategy that now might be called peace through strength, a blend of resolve and compromise. John Adams defined it as to hold the sword in one hand, the olive branch in the other. Dickinson's petition was a gesture of peace. A companion document, The Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms," was a statement of resolve.

The 1775 declaration was drafted by Thomas Jefferson, who a year later would be the principal writer of the Declaration of Independence, revised by Dickinson and approved by the Congress on July 6. The language anticipated the Declaration of Independence with its condemnation of the British for their intemperate Rage for unlimited Domination and its vows to make known the Justice of our Cause.

But while the Declaration of Independence ends with the 13 colonies absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, the authors in 1775 assured a nervous public that we mean not to dissolve that Union which has so long and so happily subsisted between us, and which we sincerely wish to see restored.

Necessity has not yet driven us into that desperate Measure, or induced us to excite any other Nation to war against them, they wrote.

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John Adams and Benjamin Franklin were among the peers of Dickinson who thought him naive about the British, and were unfazed when the king refused even to look at the Olive Branch petition and ruled that the colonies were in a state of rebellion. Around the same time Dickinson was working on his draft, the Continental Congress readied for further conflict. It appointed a commander of the newly-formed Continental Army, a renowned Virginian whom Adams praised as modest and virtuous ... amiable, generous and brave."

His name: George Washington. His ascension, Adams wrote, "will have a great effect, in cementing and securing the Union of these Colonies.
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)s Forestry Division announced Thursday they have coordinated the mobilization of a 20-person crew of New England wildland firefighters to assist with wildfire suppression efforts in Alaska.

The deployment was coordinated with the Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Compact (NFFPC) and Northeast Coordination Center. Of the 20 firefighters, 18 are from the Connecticut Interstate Fire Crew (CIFC). The other two members are from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.

2 firefighters injured after fire in Hartford

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The crew left from DEEPs Eastern District Headquarters in Marlborough on Thursday. It is the first crew assignment for the CIFC this season.

Among the crew are seven full-time DEEP staff members. Others are trained call-when-needed wildland firefighters, who are certified to national wildland firefighting standards. Crew members must complete a training program and participate in an annual physical work capacity test, along with refresher training.

Connecticut maintains this firefighting capability to participate in a reciprocal aid program operated by the U.S. Forest Service. Last year firefighters came from various states to assist us in response to the Hawthorne Fire in Berlin and countless other fires that started during that time.

All state agency expenses directly associated with these deployments are 100% reimbursed to the state by the U.S. Forest Service.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
Kazakhstan sees sharp increase in Qatari investment inflows in 2024

Photo: Kazakh Invest

On July 4, 2024, the seventh meeting of the High-Level Intergovernmental Commission between Kazakhstan and Qatar was held in Astana. Key topics discussed included political, trade, economic, and investment cooperation. Gabidulla Ospankulov highlighted a significant increase in Qatari investments in Kazakhstan, which grew 17-fold to $156 million in 2024.

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DeKalb family desperate for answers one year after loved one shot, run over

Its been one year since someone shot and ran over Shannon Boswell in Dekalb County, and the family said they need more contact with police.

Shannon Boswell, 30, died July 2, 2024. Boswells mother, little brother and two sisters-in-law met outside the Dekalb County Police Department on Thursday night, disappointed.

I havent slept, and its hurtful, said Tammy Boswell.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

She said told Channel 2s Courtney Francisco that she has not heard from detectives or victim advocates since someone killed her child, and she fears the case is getting overlooked.

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Shannon mattered. I promise you, Shannon mattered, and Shannon was very much so loved. I promise you that, said Tammy Boswell.

The murder happened on North Hairston Rd. near Trace Terrace in DeKalb County.

Autopsy results show someone shot and killed Boswell. Then, ran over Boswells body as they drove off.

To kill someone and run and hide, thats a problem. I have no respect for cowards, said Tammy Boswell.

Channel 2 Action News reached out to DeKalb County Police Department to try to find out where the search for the killer stands, how many leads detectives have followed and if there are any suspects. Investigators said there are no new developments at this time.

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Weve been fighting, praying that something just happens overnight, said Pierre Boswell.

He thinks the killer targeted Boswell for being transgender.

Its definitely a hate crime, said Pierre Boswell.

In 2024, Georgia ranked number five for highest number of violent deaths of transgender people in the U.S., according to the Human Rights Coalition.

TRENDING STORIES:

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Family wants police to speed up the investigation and improve communication.

A whole year and no answers, no contact with a detective or nothing, thats what really hurt me the most, said Pierre Boswell.

They said an arrest could bring some peace and safety to the community.

Thats the truth. Its sad to say. I pray they stop with all the killings, said Tammy Boswell.

Police said if anyone has information, and they want to share it anonymously, they can do so through the free Tip411 app or by texting DKPD to 847411, followed by the tip.

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Florida Rep. Maxwell Frost, a Democrat, sparked a firestorm during Tuesdays House Rules Committee hearing on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, accusing pro-life Republicans of caring only about children during infancy.

Frost, who represents Orlando and is the first Gen Z member of Congress, was seated as a witness in the hearing when he described how gun violence shaped his decision to seek public office and made the remark that sparked the uproar.

The situation heated up after ranking member James McGovern, D-Mass., said it "blows my mind there's more passion and energy" in Congress for Second Amendment advocacy than healthcare access for cancer patients, an apparent reference to Medicaid-centric debate on the budget bill.

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Ilhan Omar Quashes Senate Bid Rumors With Re-election Announcement

"That tells you all you need to know about the difference between Republicans and Democrats on this," McGovern said, yielding to Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez, D-N.M.

Leger Fernandez said Democrats have been the party of pursuing their "convictions," citing former Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., marching across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Alabama knowing hed be beaten by police for protesting in support of civil rights before ceding the floor to Frost.

Read On The Fox News App

Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Fla., and Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C.

Frost said he got involved in politics at age 15 after the Sandy Hook shooting in Connecticut and was one mile from the Pulse Nightclub when 49 people were murdered there.

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"[Shooter Omar Mateen] didnt like them because they were gay and Latino. Three months later, I survived an instance of gun violence in Downtown Orlando."

Frost, a progressive who, while not a member of "The Squad," has said he has "plenty of love and admiration" for the group, went on to claim gun rights groups want to lobby Congress to pass amendments to "sell more guns" even if "more people [are] dying."

Far-left Lawmaker Breaks Silence After Unearthed Social Media Post Ignites Firestorm

He claimed former President Joe Biden worked to reduce gun violence and contrasted that with his pointed allegation of Republicans.

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"They say they're 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," he said, before being cut off by an enraged Chairwoman Virginia Foxx, R-N.C.

Foxx began slamming her gavel and reprimanding Frost, though her initial comments could not be discerned because her microphone was not on.

"You've gone over the cliff. We are all going to be quiet now," she commanded.

"I meant every word," Frost retorted.

Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga., made a motion to strike Frosts words after Foxx suggested she wanted the same.

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But Scott soon relented when Foxx said it "might be better to leave them on" the record for the public to view.

"You are not going to come into this room and impugn our integrity. You will not. We are pro-life people from conception to natural death; most of us are.

"Don't you come in here and say we want to preserve life so people can get shot," the Smoky Mountains congresswoman added.

Foxx adjourned the hearing shortly after Leger Fernandez used up her remaining time, but the fireworks werent over just yet.

As lawmakers and witnesses stood up, Rep. Andrew Clyde, R-Ga., called out, "I might remind my Democrat colleagues of Proverbs 13:5," prompting a raised murmur on the left side of the dais.

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"You can add [Proverbs] 14:5 to that too," Clyde added after Rep. Deborah Wasserman-Schultz, D-Fla., reprimanded Scott for using the term "Democrat Party" instead of "Democratic Party."

The shorter name largely originated as a pejorative from former Rep. Joe McCarthy, R-Wis., during his investigations into the creeping of communism into American society and institutions.

Rep. James McGovern, D-Mass.

The term "Democrat Party" was preferred to "Democratic" by former radio icon Rush Limbaugh and occasionally President Donald Trump.

Proverbs 13:5 says, "The righteous hates falsehood, but the wicked brings shame and disgrace."

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Clydes second referenced Bible passage said, "A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness breathes out lies."





Original article source: Dem ignites showdown after declaring GOP is only pro-life so kids can grow up and 'get shot in school
A Democratic congressman has rejected the Pentagons claims that it halted shipments of U.S. military weapons and munitions to Ukraine over concerns about dwindling American stockpiles.

Rep. Adam Smith, the ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, told NBC News the U.S. isnt facing a worrying shortage of weapons and suggested the decision is part of a broader agenda to cut military aid to the country fighting off Russias invasion.

We are not at any lower point, stockpile-wise, than weve been in the three and a half years of the Ukraine conflict, Smith said. The Washington lawmaker added that his staff has seen the numbers of available stockpiles, and they do not justify suspending aid to Ukraine.

Rep. Adam Smith suggests the Pentagon is using U.S military readiness as an excuse to end the country's cooperation with Ukraine. / Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Politico originally reported that the move to pause some weapons shipments was spearheaded by Elbridge Colby, President Donald Trumps pick to serve as undersecretary of defense for policy.

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Colby has long argued that the U.S. should scale back its commitment to helping Ukraine, calling instead for Americas national security focus to shift toward China and the Indo-Pacific region.

However, the pause was actually a unilateral step taken by Hegseth, with Colby supporting the decision, according to NBC News, which cites multiple unnamed sources. Its the third time Hegseth has attempted to halt military aid to Ukraine, with his previous efforts in February and May reversed days later.

Hegseths latest decision followed a memo he sent ordering the Pentagons Joint Staff to review U.S. munitions stockpiles. The review found that while some high-precision munitions are running low, levels havent dropped below critical minimums, sources told NBC News.

Elbridge Colby, the undersecretary of defense for policy, has Hegseth's attempts to halt military shipments to Ukraine all three times. / BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI / Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell addressed the review during a press briefing on Wednesday. Were always assessing our munitions and where were sending them and part of what we wanted to do here at the department was, again, create a framework, Parnell said.

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We cant give weapons to everybody all around the world. We have to look out for America and defending our homeland and our troops around the world.

Elsewhere, Trump complained Thursday that the U.S. under President Joe Bidens administration had given so many weapons away.

And were working with [Ukraine] and trying to help them, but we havent [completely stopped], Trump said. You know, Biden emptied out our whole country giving them weapons, and we have to make sure that we have enough for ourselves.

Overnight, Moscow launched the largest barrage of missiles and drones against Kyiv since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his invasion three years ago. The attack came mere hours after Trump said hed held a disappointing phone call with Putin about seeking an end to the conflict.

I didnt make any progress with him at all, Trump told reporters on Thursday.

The Defense Department declined to comment further when contacted by The Daily Beast.
Attorney Ned Pillersdorf, left, is pictured with his wife, former Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Janet Stumbo, and their dogs. (Courtesy of Ned Pillersdorf)

Prestonsburg attorney Ned Pillersdorf is hoping to unseat longtime Republican U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers next year.

Pillersdorf was scheduled to formally announce his candidacy at the Rosenberg Square in the Floyd County seat Friday afternoon, but he spoke with the Kentucky Lantern earlier this week about his plans. Pillersdorf, a Democrat, said his decision to run stems mostly from Rogers support for the sweeping GOP megabill that includes cuts to social safety net programs on which many people in the district depend.

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Rogers, of Somerset, has represented Kentuckys 5th Congressional District for nearly 45 years. The region includes much of Appalachian Kentucky.

The congressional district is also one of the nations poorest and one of the most dependent on Medicaid. Almost half of the constituents in the district  44%  rely on the state-federal program to pay for their health care and it has been critical to sustaining hospital services in Eastern Kentucky.

Pillersdorf  whose law office proclaims, We represent underdogs  is known as the attorney who stepped up to represent thousands of Eastern Kentuckians who lost disability benefits after being represented by disgraced attorney Eric Conn.

Conn was convicted of defrauding the Social Security Administration and sentenced to prison. Pillersdorf is featured prominently in the 2022 Apple TV+ documentary series, The Big Conn, which recaps the case and Conns capture after he fled to Honduras.

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Pillersdorf also is no stranger to politics, as he helped run nonpartisan campaigns for his wife, former Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Janet Stumbo. She became the first woman elected to the states high court in 1993.

U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers

However, Pillersdorf says this campaign is not so much about me but whats on the horizon for people who will lose safety net resources under the GOP bill.

Pillersdorf said Rogers backing of the legislation is a betrayal of the needs of our citizens, as the legislation will cause incalculable damage to this region. As the legislation moved through Congress, Pillersdorf said he decided to combine his campaign announcement with a protest against the safety net cuts.

I just think that that bill will have tremendous impacts across the board, and Hal Rogers truly betrayed the needs to protect the safety net, Pillersdorf said.

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The Democratic candidate also has concerns about other clawbacks of federal funding for local programs under the Trump administration, such as a shutdown of Job Corps programs and education funding that is now up in the air. Within the congressional district, Letcher County Schools planned to use its remaining $3 million in pandemic relief funding to replace 25 school buses lost during 2022 floods, but Trumps U.S. Department of Education nixed the reimbursement. The Trump administration also canceled a grant to the Hindman Settlement School in Knott County that was to support reading and math intervention programs.

There is just a systemwide attack on the safety net on multiple fronts, and my criticism of the Democratic Party is we dont pay attention to rural voters, and we are a rural district, and we are under attack, Pillersdorf said. And I intended to be an independent Democratic voice for our rural community to fight back about whats going on on multiple fronts.

Pillersdorf acknowledged that the Democratic Partys reputation in rural America right now is problematic. Kentucky Democrats have faced a recent setback in Eastern Kentucky after longtime state Sen. Robin Webb, of Grayson, joined the Republican Party. However, Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin told Kentucky Democrats during a June dinner that he is focused on getting the DNC out of D.C. in hopes of bringing rural voters back into the fold.

The political landscape is radically changing as voters hear more about the GOP megabill, Pillersdorf said. He added that he believes the legislation has reshuffled the deck for Democrats.
Three Democratic US senators have launched an investigation into the reasons behind the more than five-month pause by President Donald Trump's administration in introducing new sanctions against Russia due to its war against Ukraine.

Source: The Hill, citing a joint statement by senators Jeanne Shaheen, Elizabeth Warren and Chris Coons

Details: The senators stated that since the beginning of President Trump's second term, the US has not imposed any new sanctions against Russia and, in some cases, has even eased existing restrictions.

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"Instead of taking clearly available steps to pressure the aggressors, President Trump is doing nothing and we will be investigating this missed opportunity to push for an end to this war," the senators said in a joint statement.

According to The New York Times, Washington under President Joe Biden imposed over 6,200 sanctions  averaging more than 170 per month  targeting companies, trade and financial operations that support Russia's war machine.

The senators believe that the lack of pressure from the US is allowing Putin to continue waging war against Ukraine.

"Americans should be asking why a president who says he wants to end a major war is instead letting the aggressor run rampant," they wrote.

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Quote: "On top of halting key assistance to Ukraine, President Trump has blocked regular updates to our sanctions and export controls for five months and counting  enabling a growing wave of evaders in China and around the world to continue supplying Russia's war machine."

Details: The senators added that the refusal to use existing tools "emboldens Putin to keep fighting".

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WINDSOR HEIGHTS, Iowa (AP)  It is big and it is beautiful, President Donald Trump says.

But for many Democratic leaders, the tax break and spending cut package passed by Donald Trump's Republican allies in Congress on Thursday represents the key to the Democratic Party's resurgence.

Even before the final vote, Democratic officials were finalizing ambitious plans for rallies, voter registration drives, attack ads, bus tours and even a multiday vigil, all intended to highlight the most controversial elements of Trump's big beautiful bill: deep cuts to the nation's safety net that will leave nearly 12 million more people without health coverage and millions of others without food assistance, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

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In political battlegrounds across Alaska and Iowa, Pennsylvania and California, Democrats have begun to use the bill against Republicans. Democrats are promising that the Republican president's domestic policy achievement to date will be the defining issue of every major election between now and next falls midterms.

One thing is abundantly clear: Republicans own this mess and its an albatross around their necks heading into the midterms, Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin told The Associated Press. This is the least popular legislation in modern history, and the more voters learn about it, the more they hate it. Thats a clear directive for Democrats -- were going to make sure every single voter knows who is responsible.

Even with early public opinion on their side, however, it's far from certain that the legislation will be the political winner Democrats hope.

The Democratic brand remains deeply unpopular, the party has no clear leader, its message is muddled and core elements of the Democratic base are frustrated and drifting. Some of the bill's provisions will not take effect until after the 2026 election, so voters may not have felt the full impact by the time they vote. At the same time, it's unclear how many voters are paying attention to the Washington-based debate.

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The Democratic super political action committee Priorities USA warned this week that Democrats must work harder if they want their message to break through.

We cant just assume that because were angry that the voters that we need to communicate with are angry. Everyone needs to step up and realize the enormous challenge thats in front of us, executive director Danielle Butterfield said. Were nowhere near a good starting place.

The bill provides for $4.5 trillion in tax breaks that were enacted in Trumps first term and would have expired if Congress failed to act. New breaks will allow workers to deduct tips and overtime pay. There are $1.2 trillion in cuts to Medicaid and food stamps and a major rollback of green energy investments. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates the package will add $3.3 trillion to the deficit over the decade.

Democrats' challenge on display

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Privately, some Democrats conceded that Republicans were smart to pass the bill on the eve of a holiday weekend when fewer voters would be paying attention.

As some Democrats in Washington predicted a political backlash across America, the response was somewhat muted Thursday at a Democratic event in Iowa, barely 10 miles from the State Fairgrounds where Trump later drew thousands for an evening rally.

An audience of roughly 100 people listened as local Democratic officials railed against the legislation and called on voters to oust Republican Rep. Zach Nunn, the local congressman, for supporting it.

Audience member Michael Rieck, 69, said Iowa Democrats left him a message about the rally, but when he went online to learn more, there was nothing.

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I texted back to them that I didnt see any advertisement, he said. They slowly corrected that. Im still not impressed with what they did to advertise this event.

Rieck said he wants to see different factions of the party better coordinate their message.

Progressive activists were moving through Minnesota in a big green bus as part of Fair Share America's 29-stop stop the billionaire giveaway tour. The group is focused on Republican-led congressional districts where elected officials have largely stopped having in-person town halls with constituents.

We know were fighting upstream, said Fair Share's executive director, Kristen Crowell. "But when people hear exactly whats in this bill, theyre adamantly opposed."

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What the polls say

The bill is generally unpopular, according to polling conducted throughout the month of June, although some individual provisions are popular.

For example, a Washington Post/Ipsos poll found that majorities of U.S. adults support increasing the annual child tax credit and eliminating taxes on earnings from tips, and about half support work requirements for some adults who receive Medicaid.

On the other hand, the poll found that majorities oppose reducing federal funding for food assistance to low-income families and spending about $45 billion to build and maintain migrant detention centers.

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The price tag could be a sticking point. About 6 in 10 U.S. adults in the poll said it was unacceptable that the bill is expected to increase the U.S. national debt, currently at $36 trillion, by about $3 trillion over the next decade.

But polling indicates that most Americans arent paying attention to the nuances of the bill, either.

The Washington Post/Ipsos poll found that only about one-third of U.S. adults have heard a great deal or a good amount about it.

Democrats are planning a summer of organizing

The Democratic National Committee and its allies plan an organizing summer that will feature town halls, training and voter registration drives in at least 35 competitive congressional districts. The message will be focused heavily on Trump's bill.

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Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, who leads the Democratic Governors Association, said her party must keep the bills contents at the forefront of peoples minds to ensure its an issue in the midterms and even the next presidential election in 2028.

Well just have to keep that on the radar, she said.

Progressive groups are planning a Families First day of action for July 26 in all 50 states. They will highlight people hurt by the new Medicaid cuts and will hold a 60-hour vigil at the U.S. Capitol.

We have made a promise to each other and to future generations that there will be a safety net in place when we need it. And this is whats being ripped away. And people will not stand for it, said one of the Families First organizers, Ai-jen Poo, president of the National Domestic Workers Alliance.

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___

Peoples reported from New York. Associated Press writers Amelia Thomson DeVeaux in Washington, John Hanna in Topeka, Kansas, and Marc Levy in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, contributed to this report.

___

This story has been corrected to reflect that the day of action planned by progressive groups for July 26 is being promoted as Families First, not Family First.
A convicted Pakistani criminal can stay in the UK after a judge ruled his deportation would damage his sons mental health.

The father of two was jailed for more than two years for holding false identity documents after living in Britain for 18 years, an asylum tribunal was told.

The Home Office decided to deport him, yet he has successfully appealed under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), arguing that his son would not be able to get the same mental support in his home country.

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The court was told his 14-year-old sons mental health had deteriorated during his fathers time in prison and would only get worse should be deported.

The case, disclosed in court papers, is the latest example uncovered by The Telegraph where illegal migrants or convicted foreign criminals have been able to remain in the UK or halt their removal.

Ministers are proposing to raise the threshold to make it harder for judges to grant the right to remain based on article 8 of the ECHR, which protects the right to a family life, and article 3, which protects against torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

The 56-year-old Pakistani national, who entered the UK in 2007 as a visitor, is married and has two children, aged 14 and 10.

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His wife suffers from depression and is undergoing therapy for chronic low mood, high anxiety levels and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.

In February 2020, he was convicted of possession of false identity documents and sentenced to 28 months in prison.

The Home Office decided to deport him but he launched legal action claiming the move would be unduly harsh on his family.

The lower tier tribunal judge accepted that the man, known only as AA, was genuinely remorseful and had a low risk of reoffending yet dismissed his claim. He then appealed the decision.

However, the upper tribunal was told by a psychologist that his eldest child was vulnerable and would be significantly affected by his fathers deportation. It was likely to worsen his extremely elevated levels of anxiety, depression and stress.

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Should the child be forced to leave the UK with his family, the detrimental impact on his mental health would likely be profound, the psychologist told the tribunal.

He has a lack of family support in Pakistan, speaks limited Urdu and there are difficulties he would face adjusting to a different educational and cultural environment and the absence of his established support network leading to increased feelings of isolation, which could trigger self-harming behaviours.

Childrens interests primary consideration

Another psychologist added: While I am not familiar with the conditions in Pakistan for children, as a UK-based psychiatrist, I would anticipate his mental health would deteriorate if removed from the UK and required to live in a country where he does not want to reside.

The Home Office argued that it would be extraordinary to imagine there being a scenario in a deportation case where a child would not feel disappointed by the prospect of his family departing the United Kingdom.

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However, Judge Sarah Pinder, sitting on the upper tribunal, ruled in the criminals favour.

I must have regard to the childrens best interests as a primary consideration, she said.

I am satisfied that [AA] has demonstrated, through the submission of medical, expert and country background evidence, that the health and needs of his eldest son in particular will be exacerbated upon any return to Pakistan.

Expecting the eldest child to accompany the appellant to Pakistan would have a profoundly detrimental impact on his mental health.

With the eldest childs needs, I do not consider that a move to Pakistan for him would just be merely uncomfortable, inconvenient, undesirable or just difficult. Rather, I am satisfied that, for him, such a move would be unjustifiably severe and would meet the threshold of unduly harsh.

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KENDALL, Mich. (WOOD)  A man threw multiple pipe bombs at authorities near Gobles on Friday morning, according to deputies.

The Van Buren County Sheriffs Office said deputies were at the door of an RV located behind a house on County Road 388 near 12th Avenue, with an arrest warrant for the man at around 11 a.m. It was then the man threw a detonated pipe bomb at them from the other side of the door.

According to deputies, the man had previously failed to appear for sentencing in St. Joseph County in a firearms case and a drug warrant in April.

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The bomb set the RV on fire, which the man put out. Officials then attempted to use tear gas on the man.

Van Buren County Undersheriff Casey Davis said that the man then began to yell at officials, telling them that he wasnt going back to jail and threatening to kill them.

Officers threw tear gas into he camper to try and get the man to exit. The sheriffs office said he left the RV twice and both times threw pipe bombs at officers and members of a SWAT Team that were assisting authorities.

After the second bomb, deputies say they shot the man using non-lethal beanbag rounds. The man went back into the RV before surrendering. He was taken to the hospital for his injuries and is expected to be jailed after.

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News 8 was on the scene and heard a boom from behind the house shortly after 6:30 p.m. Crews saw the Kalamazoo bomb squad working to dispose of an explosive they had found.

Davis said that no officers were injured.

The case remains under investigation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
Los Angeles County Sheriffs deputies shot a person in East Los Angeles Friday morning.

The shooting occurred at about 4:35 a.m. in the 1500 block of Helen Drive, the department said.

The events leading up to the shooting are unclear, but the person was struck by gunfire at least once.

Their condition is not known.

Alexis Lewis 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.
As part of his long list of budget vetoes this year, Gov. Ron DeSantis denied funding for two prison reform initiatives that would have brought Florida inmates air-conditioning and access to free phone call minutes.

Prison advocates were left disappointed after the state budget was signed Monday, June 30. DeSantis' list of vetoes included the $1.3 million legislators approved to improve conditions inside the state's correctional institutions.

After a long, drawn-out session, lawmakers agreed on allocating $300,000 to a nonprofit that would've launched a pilot program, bringing air-conditioning units to the 10 institutions that the organization runs a reform program out of.

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Another pilot program received $1 million that would've provided inmates who exhibit good behavior with one free 15-minute phone call a month to loved ones.

The fight for air-conditioning in Florida prisons has been ongoing (file photo).

Horizon Communities Corp. Executive Director Nathan Schaidt, alongside prison advocate Connie Edson, pushed lawmakers to support an air-conditioning initiative in some of Florida's southernmost prisons.

Horizon is a faith and character program offered to inmates in the Calhoun, Dade, Everglades, Franklin, Hamilton, Homestead, Lowell, Okeechobee, Tomoka and Wakulla correctional institutions.

The fight for air-conditioning has been ongoing, and the two advocates' attempted to fund air-conditioning units in prisons at a time when Dade Correctional Institution was slapped with a lawsuit about the lack of A/C.

Contact with family helps reduce chance of rearrest, experts say

While Schaidt and Edson focused their efforts on air-conditioning, other advocates and loved ones of inmates were hoping to see funds make it across the finish line for a free phone call program.

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Last year, funding ran out to provide state inmates with their coveted 15-minute phone calls. The pilot program received $1 million in non-recurring funds in 2023 from the Inmate Welfare Trust Fund.

University of Florida student Graham Bernstein, who advocated for the idea, was working with lawmakers to reinstate the funding this year. Bernstein and other supporters said that access to loved ones via phone calls is crucial for reducing recidivism.

This year's vetoes mark the latest legislative loss for state prisons as the 2024 legislative session was also a letdown for prison reformers. Several bills last year targeted numerous initiatives, including air-conditioning in the prisons, but were to no avail.

Elena Barrera is the local government watchdog reporter for the Tallahassee Democrat, a member of the USA TODAY NETWORK  Florida. She can be reached at ebarrera@tallahassee.com. Follow her on X: @elenabarreraaa.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Gov. DeSantis vetoes funding for Florida prison reform initiatives
National Bank reports decline in Kazakhstan's business activity index

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In June 2025, Kazakhstan's National Bank reported a slowdown in business activity, with the Business Activity Index dropping to 50.6 from 51.4 in May. Growth persisted in manufacturing, services, and trade, while construction and mining declined.

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Your citizenship, like mine, is an accident of birth.

You were born here. So was I. The rub is I was born to immigrants who were not yet legal residents.

That makes me a birthright citizen under the 14th Amendment. That also allegedly makes me an anchor baby. Im referring to the assertion that immigrants have come to the U.S. and have babies only so they can gain legal residency later.

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Real life is more complicated than that for millions of immigrants who come to the U.S. for a variety of reasons  whether they are fleeing violence in their home countries or simply seeking a better life, as generations in our nation of immigrants have done.

Does the immigration status of my parents really matter? How long ago did your immigrant ancestors first step foot here? How many generations does it take for citizenship to be deserved?

The Constitutions 14th Amendment says unequivocally that Im as deserving as the accident of your birth makes you. If you are born here, youre a U.S. citizen. Me, too. Thats birthright citizenship.

On Jan. 20, newly inaugurated President Donald Trump issued an executive order ending automatic citizenship for babies born to parents who dont have lawful status in the U.S.

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In a recent 6-3 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court did not address the constitutionality of Trumps order. Instead, it ruled that lower courts have no power to issue nationwide injunctions, voiding district courts rulings that Trump may not deport people who have been U.S. citizens all their lives.

After the ruling, some groups began the slow process to challenge the law in a nationwide class action lawsuit. But until the Court decides otherwise, the fundamental question whether someone is considered a U.S. citizen will have different answers in different states.

Meanwhile, raids on immigrant communities continue.

The Trump administration is clearly emboldened. The Supreme Courts ruling allows the ban on birthright citizenship to take effect in those 28 states that didnt challenge the presidents initial executive order. And the administration is counting on the high court to see it his way on the constitutional question eventually.

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At this point, I lack the confidence to say it wont.

I understand the argument that children born to U.S. citizens are more deserving than I am. But my ancestors emigrated here legally, say more deserving citizens. Never mind that the barriers to coming to this country legally have moved up and down. Today, even people with demonstrable asylum claims are being shut out.

Back in the day, if you showed up to these shores, you simply got in. It wasnt until 1924 that the U.S. started enforcing quotas for national origin. Aside from immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe (deemed then as too foreign, i.e. not white enough), these quotas favored other white immigrants. And it specifically targeted Asians for exclusion.

This preference for white immigrants continues. White immigrants from, say, Canada and Ireland, dont seem to be affected by this attempted purge.

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So lets be honest. Many of your immigrant ancestors were legal simply by default.

Other people will argue that ICE is targeting immigrants who have committed violent crimes. A couple of big problems: according to the libertarian CATO Institute, 65% of those taken by ICE have no criminal record and 93% have not committed a violent crime.

As a group, immigrants are a safer group than U.S.-born citizens. They commit fewer crimes.

The issue is not criminality. Its race. All across the country, Latinos are being detained because of the color of their skin.

Some folks insist that the 14th Amendment dealt only with the children of slaves freed after the Civil War.

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Heres what the amendment says: All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof (my emphasis), are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.

Clearly, even those here without documents are subject to U.S. and state laws. That puts them under U.S. jurisdiction. The courts have confirmed birthright citizenship as early as the late 19th Century (United States v. Wong Kim Ark.).

Is military service an indication of deserving citizenship?

Immigrants and their children are populations the military covets for recruitment. About 5% of active-duty personnel are children of immigrants and 12% of living veterans are immigrants or the children of immigrants.

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Meanwhile, there is a shrinking pool of Americans able to serve, owing to their own criminality, fitness and, importantly, willingness.

So, maybe this ire for birthright citizens like me is about how much of a drain we are on government services and the economy.

But, bucking a trend for other Americans, the children of immigrants often surpass the economic success of their parents. Thats been true in my family and virtually everyone else with my background Ive encountered.

So, who deserves to be a citizen?

I contend that a chief quality of those who deserve citizenship is that they dont take their citizenship for granted. They know their parents sacrificed much to make it happen. We are proud Americans. We belong here. And we deserve to stay.

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KERR COUNTY, Texas (KXAN)  In a media briefing Friday morning, Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly confirmed multiple people are dead, several others are unaccounted for, and crews have made dozens of water rescues. He did not provide any specific numbers.

Suffice it today this has been a very devastating and deadly flood, Kelly said. He added that officials are having to fingerprint some deceased victims at the funeral home to identify them.

Various state and federal agencies are assisting in the recovery efforts, including the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM), Texas Parks and Wildlife and the U.S. Coast Guard.

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Reunification centers are set up at Ingram Middle School and the Arcadia Theater in Kerrville.

Rest assured, no one knew this flood was coming

Kelly addressed how the county is a flood-prone area and that its used to dealing with floods when it rains, but called this event sudden, catastrophic, and the worst hes seen.

We didnt know this flood was coming. Rest assured, no one knew this flood was coming, he said. This is the most dangerous river valley in the United States. When it rains, we get water. We had no reason to believe this was going to happen here. Whatsoever.

Kelly also said the county does not have a warning system, and the event happened in a very short window. Officials had been closely monitoring weather conditions all morning.

Flooding in Kerrville (City of Kerrville photo) (City of Kerrville photo) (City of Kerrville photo) (KXAN viewer photo) (KXAN viewer photo) (KXAN viewer photo) (KXAN viewer photo)

How to help

What we need is cooperation, Judge Kelly said.

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He asked anyone willing and able to donate to coordinate with the American Red Cross crews in town.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
The Department of Homeland Security is preparing to cut nearly 75% of staffing at the agencys office tasked with developing and sharing threat intelligence with state and local partners, according to an official familiar with the plans.

The planned cuts of about 750 at the Office of Intelligence and Analysis, which has a staff of around 1,000, are part of the departments efforts to remove what leadership considers redundant roles or those working on non-critical programs, DHS said in a statement Thursday.

Some Democratic lawmakers asked DHS to pause the cuts, raising concerns over the elevated threat environment intelligence officials have reported.

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The roughly 275 staffers left after the planned cuts will still be tasked with the mission established in the wake of the September 11, 2001, attacks on the US - to provide intelligence related to threats to the homeland to local and state law enforcement as well as other government officials.

Under President Trumps leadership, we focused on getting the Department of Homeland Security back to its core mission of prioritizing American safety and enforcing our laws, the department said. DHS component leads have identified redundant positions and non-critical programs within the Office of Intelligence and Analysis.

In a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Democratic lawmakers on the House and Senate committees on homeland security implored the officials to reconsider the planned cuts.

We urge you not to take this drastic and unilateral step and instead to consult with Congress about alternative ways to make I&A as effective and efficient as possible, the lawmakers wrote in a letter Wednesday. Radically reducing I&As workforce at headquarters or in the field would create dangerous and unnecessary security gaps and could again leave us in the dark about the threats that lie ahead.

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The letter continued, noting that at a time when DHS is rightly warning about an elevated threat environment from terrorists and cartels, we should be focused on plugging security gaps rather than senselessly creating new ones.

The planned cuts may not be the last seen under the Trump administration to offices inside DHS.

The Department is actively working to identify other wasteful positions and programs that do not align with DHSs mission to prioritize American safety and enforce our laws, the agency said.

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DENVER (KDVR)  On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, putting the United States on the path to evolve into what it is known as today.

As the celebrations of freedom commenced on the East Coast, a much more distant Colorado remained untouched by British colonials. It wouldnt be until 1876 that Colorado was admitted to the Union, as it earned its title as the Centennial State after being admitted 100 years after the Declaration of Independence.

Joey Chestnut reclaims title in Nathans Famous hot dog eating contest, wins 17th Mustard Belt

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So what did Colorado look like on July 4, 1776?

The land was occupied by Native tribes, while the Spanish partially expanded its empire near the region, which included sending a party of 10 to navigate a path through Colorado at a time when famed westward expeditionaries Meriwether Lewis and William Clark were only two and six years old, respectively.

According to History Colorado, the Native tribes in Colorado at the time included:

Apache

This tribe was located in southeastern Colorado and was known for its nomadic buffalo hunting and gathering lifestyle.

Arapahoe

The Arapahoe tribe was located in northeastern Colorado after migrating from the Great Lakes region earlier in the century.

Cheyenne

Also located in northeastern Colorado, the Cheyenne aligned with the Arapahoe at times and were known for their horse riding and buffalo hunting.

Comanche

The Comanche had recently expanded into the southeastern plains of the region in the 18th century and were known for their exceptional horse riding ability.

Ute

The Ute tribe was split into two locations, in central Colorado and west towards the Rocky Mountains. The Utes are considered the oldest continuous residents in the state.

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Colorado has seen its Native civilizations change over the centuries, with the aforementioned tribes being those who interacted with the Spanish around the time before and in 1776.

By 1776, the Spanish had been in Colorado in some capacity for nearly 300 years, with Spanish explorers finding their way to the state as early as the 15th century, while traveling around uninhabited lands in New Mexico and Texas for the Spanish Empire, according to Southern Ute History.

Since the 15th century, leading up to 1776, there had been interactions between the Spanish and the Native tribes, which included conflicts, tension and occasional trading. One significant development in the time frame was the introduction of horses to Native tribes. However, it wouldnt be until the mid-1700s that major trading would commence, according to the National Park Service.

The Spanish Empire had established itself in California and New Mexico, and in 1776 wanted to find an overland route from Santa Fe to Monterey.

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In July of 1776, a team of 10 led by Fathers Francisco Atanasio Dominguez and Silvestre Velez de Escalante embarked on their six-month journey through Colorado in what became known as the Dominguez-Escalante Expedition.

The expedition party consisted of men born in Spain, Mexico and New Mexico, as well as three Utes who served as guides for the party, including a 12-year-old boy who was met at a Ute village in Colorado.

The expedition to California was not completed, as the group determined that with winter on the way, the route would become too dangerous and decided to return to Santa Fe after finding their way into Utah. The group arrived back home on Jan. 2, 1777, according to the National Park Service.

While the journey may have been ruled a failure, the expedition has become a key resource for historians, as it showed some of the first documented interactions between the Spanish and Native tribes in Colorado, as well as the first mapping of the geography of the region.

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Photos: NICU babies celebrate Fourth of July

Escalante kept a detailed journal during the trip, which gave a first-hand look into plant and animal life, and the appearance, dress and food of the Native tribes in Colorado.

Another man in the group, Don Bernardo Miera y Pacheco, drew a slightly inaccurate, yet important map of the region, becoming the first documentation of the land by Europeans.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
The Fourth of July, also referred to as Independence Day, has been celebrated across the United States since 1776  and nearly 250 years later, big cities, small towns, counties and states alike continue to cap off the night with dazzling displays of fireworks.

But when  and how  did the entire nation agree to commemorate freedom in the same explosive way?

Fourth of July fireworks

The Original Independence Day

Independence Day celebrations began before the American Revolutionary War concluded, when the Second Continental Congress voted for the U.S. to declare its independence from Great Britain on July 2, 1776.

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John Adams, who would soon become the first vice president before succeeding George Washington, wrote to his wife, Abigail, that July 2 would become the celebration of independence for years to come, and should include Pomp and ParadeGames, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other," according to History.com.

Despite the vote to break away from Britain occurring on July 2, it was ultimately two days later when delegates from the Thirteen Colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence. And from then on, the Fourth of July became the day that Americans would recognize the country's independence, even if it would be several more years until the fight for freedom concluded.



Jeenah Moon/Bloomberg/Getty Fireworks during the Macy's Fourth of July celebration in New York City on July 4, 2021

Why do we celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks?

Following the first public readings of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the festivities traditionally held for King George III's birthday  including concerts, bonfires, parades, and cannon firings  were also adopted for the July 4, 1776, celebrations.

But it was during the first organized Fourth of July celebrations in Philadelphia on the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 1777 that fireworks really took center stage.

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In the city regarded as the birthplace of America, a cannon fired a 13-gun salute to honor the Thirteen Colonies on July 4, 1777. Then, the evening "closed with the ringing of bells, and at night there was a grand exhibition of fireworks (which began and concluded with thirteen rockets), the Pennsylvania Evening Post reported the next day, per the National Conference of State Legislatures.

The 1777 celebrations extended all the way to Boston, where fireworks were also used over the Boston Common that same year  and the tradition of shooting light across the sky continued each July Fourth thereafter.

When were fireworks invented?

Americans were far from the first people to celebrate important occasions with fireworks.

Firecrackers in their simplest form were widely believed to have originated in ancient China, by throwing bamboo into a fire and making it pop, then grew into a more legitimate "firework" following the invention of gunpowder in China between 600-900 A.D., according to the American Pyrotechnics Association.

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Fireworks eventually made their way over to Europe, and by the 15th century, the continent was widely incorporating light shows into celebrations and festivals. European settlers who arrived in America were well aware of fireworks when they started thinking of their own ways to celebrate important occasions.

While modern pyrotechnics used today are far more evolved than they were in even the 1700s, the United States' Founding Fathers still experienced illuminated skies during their celebrations. Colorful and complicated displays more similar to what we see today didn't start popping up until the 19th century.

Robert Shafer/Stockbyte/Getty Images Fireworks light up the Washington, DC skyline.

When did the Fourth of July become a federal holiday?

In 1781, Massachusetts was the first state to officially observe July Fourth as a state holiday. However, following the War of 1812, observing the holiday became a popular nationwide tradition.

Later, in 1870, Congress made Independence Day a federal holiday, after it became "the most important secular holiday on the calendar," according to the Library of Congress.

Starting in 1941, all federal employees were granted a paid holiday on July 4 in celebration of the anniversary.

Read the original article on People
PARIS  Dior has extended its partnership with UNESCO to provide opportunities for young women through its Women@Dior mentoring and educational program.

Olivier Sastre, deputy managing director in charge of human resources and sustainable development at Dior, made the announcement on Thursday at the fifth edition of the annual event, held at the headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in Paris.

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During the coronavirus pandemic, Dior joined forces with UNESCOs Global Education Coalition to launch an online learning platform to address school closure gaps and expand the company initiative globally.

Participants have access to courses taught by professors from schools such as Central Saint Martins in London, Bocconi University in Milan and HEC in Paris.

To date, 2,500 women of 140 nationalities have been mentored through the program, which pairs students of business, engineering, art and fashion from selected universities with Dior employees.

This community is unstoppable, Sastre enthused. You are bright, bold and talented, you are changemakers acting with purpose, energy and impact. You show curiosity and a will to learn and grow. Innovation is part of who you are. You bring fresh ideas to every challenge.

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To be sure, the meeting lacked the star power of Maria Grazia Chiuri, who stepped down in May as artistic director of womens collections at Dior. She was succeeded by Irish designer Jonathan Anderson.

During previous editions, Chiuri shared her feminist message and chaired a jury that chose winners of the Dream for Change Project to empower women and girls in their local communities.

This time around, the two winners were selected by the audience among five finalists pitching their initiatives on stage.

They were Mama Maisha, a nongovernmental organization that aims to teach financial literacy to female vendors in Kenyas informal markets, and Feminilab, a French platform for young women entrepreneurs which organizes workshops in high schools and runs an online training platform.

Womens Rights Under Attack

In our challenging world shaped by social, environmental and technological shifts, womens empowerment and inclusion are priority needs, Delphine Arnault, chairman and chief executive officer of Christian Dior Couture, said in a video message.

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Now more than ever, the education of women is essential for building a more sustainable society, she added. It truly makes a difference, because beyond ideas, were seeing a movement that is actively transforming lives on the ground and strengthening leadership of women.

Attendees heard uplifting speeches by world champion skydiver Domitille Kiger and Nobel Peace Prize nominee Zuriel Oduwole, whose advocacy work helped pave the way for a law criminalizing child marriage in Mozambique.

But speakers highlighted challenges, too, at a time when womens rights are under attack worldwide.

When there are crises, whatever crises  wars, pandemic or climate crisis  girls and women are the first ones that are hit, and this is why we need to have stronger focus, stronger attention to girls education, girls empowerment, womens empowerment across the world, said Audrey Azoulay, director general of UNESCO.

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Maud Alvarez-Pereyre, group chief human resources officer at LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, which owns Dior, said the company is grappling with challenges ranging from the impact of artificial intelligence on the workplace to a slowdown in spending on luxury goods.

Its really a tsunami of changes for us, she said, adding that this has hampered progress toward gender equality.

In a crisis, its not only in the world that equality is going back and gender equity, its also in companies, Alvarez-Pereyre noted. Times are tough at the moment, and what you see is that there is less and less women CEOs, so its really a worry.

French conductor Zahia Ziouani, who took part in the closing ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, said she founded her own orchestra, Divertimento, in part because there are still few opportunities for women in her profession.

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Its almost as difficult as when I started 25 years ago, when I was a beginner, so there is still a lot to do, she emphasized.

Behind the Trad Wife Trend

The meeting concluded with a panel led by fashion creative Tamu McPherson in which she discussed the rise of the trad wife trend on social media with three mentees.

Is it performative, or is it a true trend moving into a direction in the past? And what about women who wholeheartedly want to aspire to this identity? What about their feelings? Whats driving them back to a time last seen in the 1950s? she questioned.

Sanjana Nurani, the cofounder of SheStrength, a Mumbai-based NGO that seeks to empower women through self-defense training and mentorship, argued that all choices are valid provided theyre authentic. Empowerment isnt about what you do, its about why you do it, she said.

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If you do something because it fulfills you, if you choose to do it, that is empowering, but if youre doing it because of societal pressure, it becomes a performance. It becomes something youre forced to do. Thats not empowering, she said.

Tiyi Ayeva, 25, said many women of her generation were frazzled by economic and geopolitical upheaval.

Its safe to say that our generation has dealt with a certain level of burnout or fatigue, and I think thats also why a lot of women are turning towards this idea of being a trad wife, she said.

At 16, Ayeva founded an NGO focused on educating youth about gender inequality in Japan. She is now cofounder and CEO of Passelle, a sustainable fashion tech start-up. Despite her remarkable achievements, she is skeptical of the leaning in philosophy.

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This idea of having it all, its also a very gendered expectation. We dont ask men to have the perfect careers and the perfect body and the perfect skin and to be amazing homemakers, she remarked.

Its really about being grateful for what you have, waking up every day and choosing not to be perfect, but to be fully human, and just going toward your goals, step by step, one at a time, she said.

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Childhood friends of Bryan Kohberger, who pleaded guilty Wednesday to stabbing four University of Idaho students to death in November 2022, have tracked his murder case from afar and said they felt shocked the former Pennsylvania resident suddenly agreed to a plea deal to spare his life.

I wont lie, I kind of spiraled yesterday, Casey Arntz, 32, told the Idaho Statesman in a text Thursday. Did he ever have thoughts like that before? Did he ever think that he wanted to kill me or my friends? Were we spared because we were friends with him?

Arntz and her younger brother, Thomas, grew up together with Kohberger in the Pocono Mountains near the Pennsylvania state line with New Jersey among a small circle of friends. They spent time together playing video games after school, as well as getting outdoors in the heavily forested region.

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As Kohberger got into drugs in high school, they said, a distance developed. Kohberger later overcame a heroin addiction. With the sporadic exception, they hadnt spoken in years, which made his arrest at his parents Pennsylvania home in December 2022 so startling. He had been their awkward, chubby teenage friend, with heightened ability to observe and wit to match, they said.

Now he was accused of killing four students on the other side of the country in a nationally known investigation that unimaginably ended in their hometown. The victims were Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves, both 21, and Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin, both 20. Each suffered multiple wounds in the attack at an off-campus home on King Road in Moscow, Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson told the court Wednesday.

The allegations floored them then, and similar emotions rushed back this week after Kohberger, 30, admitted he repeatedly stabbed the four college undergraduates with a large, fixed-blade knife that prosecutors said he bought on Amazon in March 2022 while living in Pennsylvania.

Kohberger brought the knife and Ka-Bar brand leather sheath  which he left behind with his DNA at the crime scene  with him on his move a few months later to Pullman for a Ph.D. program at Washington State University.

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On Wednesday, Kohberger pleaded guilty to the four counts of first-degree murder and a count of felony burglary to avoid a possible death sentence at trial. He agreed to maximum sentences for each, which is likely to see him spend the rest of his life in prison. Kohberger will have no chance of parole and he can never file an appeal, according to the terms of the agreement. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 23.

Donna Yozwiak, Kohbergers high school guidance counselor, reacted with surprise.

Actually, I was hoping that he was not the murderer who killed these four students, she said in an email to the Statesman. I hope that his family will survive this horrendous ordeal and be able to get on with their lives. I also hope that the victims relatives gain much needed closure and heal after this tragedy.

As a society, we may never know the motivation for the murders or if Bryan Kohberger has any remorse for his violent actions.

Let the inside deal with him

Kohbergers admissions in court finally put any question of his culpability to bed for Jack Baylis, 31, another of their group of friends at the time.

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You wouldnt plead guilty to it unless you did that, he said in a phone interview Thursday. If you were framed, youd be fighting tooth and nail.

Kohbergers decision to take peoples lives was additionally disheartening, he said, because he had kicked his drug habit and seemingly had a life direction. But the desire to learn about people who commit murder  an area of interest for Kohberger  took hold, and he likely wanted to see whether he could get away with the perfect crime, Baylis said.

I think he did it to see what it felt like, to experience it. If he wanted to write a paper about what killers feel and why they kill, to be accurate, you have to experience it yourself to truly understand it, Baylis said. To get into the mind of a killer, you have to be a killer, would be my guess.

Casey Arntz told the Statesman she had conflicting emotions about how, after 2  years of legal proceedings, her former friend acknowledged he was responsible for the early morning quadruple homicide  perhaps the most talked-about crime in Idaho history. She felt for the victims families, especially those upset that the death penalty was no longer an option with the plea bargain, but welcomed the case nearing its conclusion.

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Im disgusted that he could actually do something so heinous, she said. I understand why the families are so upset, they were starved for justice, and I would 100% be, too. However, there was never any guarantee that hed be given the death penalty. So I think him taking the plea deal was better for everyone.

Hes locked up for life. Let the inside deal with him.

Bryan Kohberger, 30, a former Washington State University Ph.D. student pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder Wednesday at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise. He will be sentenced on July 23.

Thomas Arntz, 29, shared his sisters sentiments. The result Wednesday removed any chance his childhood friend could be acquitted and get away with murder, he said.

I personally feel relieved with the acceptance of the guilty plea, Arntz told the Statesman, adding he would pray for the four victims families. I am deeply sorry that Bryans parents have to live with this as well.  Ive always thought they were kind people, and they didnt deserve this. And for Bryan, God have mercy on his soul.

He was kind of nonexistent

For Ben Roberts, 33, a former criminology graduate school colleague of Kohbergers at WSU, Wednesdays guilty pleas felt past due.

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The U.S. justice system is built upon the belief that a person is innocent until proven guilty, he said, and yet his former classmates DNA at the crime scene, with no other suspects, strengthened his own suspicions. Still, Kohbergers arrest left him horrified, he recalled.

What surprises me at this point is that it dragged out so long, as I thought that a plea deal would never be reached, Roberts told the Statesman by phone Thursday. My general impression was he was not going to stop fighting it, and to all of sudden have this about-face was very surprising  but a pleasant surprise.

Roberts spent several weeks just a few desks away from Kohberger in the days leading up to the close of the fall 2022 semester  just days and weeks after the murders. His graduate school classmate rarely exhibited much in the way of emotion around him, but also did not necessarily set off any red flags, he said.

I noticed that unless he was deliberately trying to put on an appearance  if he didnt have the mask  he was kind of nonexistent, or hollow, I guess, Roberts said. Its kind of like youre staring into an abyss. Theres something human supposed to be there, and it isnt.

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A casual hunter, Roberts said hes felt bad in the past when hes shot and killed a deer. He said he couldnt even fathom stabbing a person to death.

I just cant even begin to get inside the head of somebody who could do something like that, and then attend class like its business as usual, Roberts said. Thats just completely alien to me.

Bryan Kohberger, right, pleaded guilty to the murdering four University of Idaho students Wednesday during a hearing at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise. The 30-year-old was represented by defense attorney Anne Taylor.

Roberts said he did not watch Wednesdays change-of-plea hearing. He didnt want to hear Kohbergers voice or see his face again, even though the latter has been difficult to escape the past two years, he noted. He was glad the high-profile case finally came to an end, and without the need for a monthslong trial.

The first thing I said was that it was about damned time that the poor thing was put to rest, Roberts said.

We will heal

For now, the courts gag order in the closely watched case, which restricts attorneys and their agents  including members of law enforcement for the state  is still in effect. Thompson asked that it remain so through sentencing, which Kohbergers defense did not oppose.

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The University of Idaho released a statement this week after word broke that Kohberger planned to change his plea to guilty in the shocking crime.

We keep the families of the victims in our hearts as each deals with this outcome in their own way, the states namesake university wrote in the statement. We will never forget the four incredible lives taken on King Road, they are forever Vandals and each holds a place in our Vandal Family. Since that fateful day in November 2022 our university has become stronger, more intent on its purpose and more supportive of each other. And while we will not forget, we will heal.

Similarly, Moscow Mayor Art Bettge, in office in 2022 when the murders took place and upended the community, shared optimism that the citys residents might finally be freed from the clutches of the tragic incident.

I recognize and understand that we all desire justice for the victims and their families, he said in an emailed statement. My heart, and that of our entire community, go out to the families of the victims. It is my hope that this resolution can begin to provide a small measure of closure for the families and our community. What is clear is that no matter what form justice would have taken, nothing will bring back Ethan, Madison, Xana, and Kaylee, and our world will be forever darkened because of it.

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WSUs comment after Kohbergers hearing was more succinct. A Statesman request to speak with professors in its criminal justice and criminology department who knew and taught Kohberger, including the semester he killed the U of I students, was again declined.

Our hearts go out to the families, friends and colleagues impacted, WSUs statement read. We do not have anything to add at this time.

After Wednesdays hearing, one main question remains for everyone, including the victims families: Why? Why did Bryan Kohberger choose to take these four young lives, thereby essentially also ending his own, to some degree?

That question was on the mind of Casey Arntz, Kohbergers Pennsylvania friend thrust into the spotlight and forced to deal with her own form of grief over the past two-plus years.

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I wasnt as close to him as my brother or my other friends, but we still hung out and talked a lot, she said. He was in my parents house. I was alone with him.

I guess the one thing I would say to him is what everyone wants to say to him: Why would you do this? Why would you take the innocent lives of four beautiful people? I cant even begin to imagine what he would say. How does someone justify their actions when theyre so morbid?
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth unilaterally halted a weapons shipment to Ukraine on July 2 despite internal military assessments showing the aid would not compromise American military readiness, NBC News reported on July 4, citing three U.S. officials.

The pause in aid, which included critical air defense systems and ammunition, reportedly caught the State Department, members of Congress, Ukraine, and key European allies off guard.

Ukraine suffered one of the largest attacks on July 4, with President Volodymyr Zelensky calling for more air defense to protect civilians in the cities. The attack on Kyiv killed one person and injured 23 more.

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A senior U.S. military review had concluded that while some munitions stockpiles, including precision weapons, were low, they had not fallen below critical thresholds, according to NBC. Despite this, Hegseth opted to stop the shipment. This is reportedly his third such move since February.

"We are not at any lower point, stockpile-wise, than weve been in the three-and-a-half years of the Ukraine conflict," Congressman Adam Smith the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, said. Smith, who said his staff reviewed the Pentagon's figures, called the justification "disingenuous."

The shipment reportedly included dozens of Patriot interceptors, 155 mm artillery rounds, Hellfire missiles, guided missile systems (GMLRS), Stinger and AIM air-to-air missiles, and grenade launchers.

Two sources told NBC that some of the weapons had already been loaded onto trucks in Poland when the halt was ordered.

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Zelensky recently called Patriot systems "real defenders of life," since Patriot missile systems are the best air defense in Ukraine's arsenal. They are considered to be the most effective measure against Russian ballistic missiles like Iskander and Kinzhal.

Read also: Major casualties among civilians  US freeze on air defense missiles is terrible news for Ukraine

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell described earlier the decision as part of a broader "capability review" to ensure U.S. forces remain equipped.

The halt has initiated debate over the future of U.S. support for Ukraine.

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Lawmakers from both parties, including Republican Congressman Michael McCaul, expressed frustration at the lack of advance notice. "Now is the time to show Putin we mean business," McCaul wrote on X.

Republican Congressman Joe Wilson also reacted to the halt, warning of its consequences amid Russia's ongoing strikes.

"As Americans begin to enjoy the sounds of fireworks in celebration of our Nation's Independence, war criminal (Russian President Vladimir) Putin, who is losing his pathetic war, resorts to scorched earth tactics across Ukrainian cities that predate Moscow's existence," Wilson wrote.

Wilson said he is "confident the Department of Defense will advance President Trumps objectives stated at The Hague to send additional air defense and approved weapons to help stop this absolute depravity, as allies have and must continue doing at a rapid pace."

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Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick has requested an emergency White House briefing, warning the decision could cost lives.

Trump has denied that the U.S. paused shipments on July 3, contradicting both Pentagon confirmation and reporting.

"We haven't," Trump told a reporter. "We're giving weapons." He also claimed the Biden administration had "emptied out our whole country" and insisted Washington must prioritize its own defense.

Read also: Nothing but terror and murder  Russia pounds Kyiv with record overnight drone, missile attack, 1 dead, 23 injured

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
By Nate Raymond

(Reuters) -Texas authorities may not enforce a Republican-backed state law that would let them arrest and prosecute people suspected of illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, a divided federal appeals court ruled late on Thursday.

A 2-1 panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld an injunction that blocked enforcement of the disputed law, which former Democratic President Joe Biden's administration had gone to court to challenge.

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Republican President Donald Trump's administration dropped the federal government's case, but the Texas law known as SB4 had continued to be challenged by, among others, the immigrant rights group Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center, which argued federal law preempted the state's.

The law, which Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed in December 2023, would make it a state crime to illegally enter or re-enter Texas from a foreign country and would empower state judges to order that violators leave the United States, with prison sentences up to 20 years for those who refuse to comply.

U.S. Circuit Judge Priscilla Richman, writing for the New Orleans-based court's majority, said that for nearly 150 years, the U.S. Supreme Court has recognized that the power to control immigration was exclusively a federal power.

Relying on a 2012 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down parts of an Arizona immigration law, she said the Texas law, if allowed to be enforced by the Texas Department of Public Safety, would interfere with the federal government's ability to enforce complex U.S. immigration laws.

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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican, vowed to appeal the decision, saying "I will always fight to stop illegal immigration."

The ruling upheld a lower-court judge's February 2024 preliminary injunction. The U.S. Supreme Court a month later briefly allowed the law to take effect, but the 5th Circuit within hours halted it pending further review.

The opinion by Richman, an appointee of Republican President George W. Bush, was joined by U.S. Circuit Judge Irma Carrillo Ramirez, a Biden appointee.

U.S. Circuit Judge Andrew Oldham, a Trump appointee, dissented. He said the majority treated as irrelevant that Trump has been encouraging states to aid his administration's efforts to ramp up immigration enforcement.

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"It is a sad day for the millions of Americans who are concerned about illegal immigration and who voiced those concerns at ballot boxes across Texas and the Nation," Oldham wrote.

Cody Wofsy, a lawyer for the plaintiffs at the American Civil Liberties Union, in a statement welcomed the ruling, saying state immigration laws like the one Texas adopted have been repeatedly rejected by courts and "are deeply harmful to our communities.

(Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Aurora Ellis)
Jul. 4WRENSHALL  The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources plans to expand Carlton County's largest wildlife management area by another 495 acres.

The DNR is working to acquire land formerly owned by lumber company Potlatch, which previously owned the Sappi paper mill in Cloquet, that is adjacent to the 4,026-acre

Blackhoof River Wildlife Management Area

south of Wrenshall.

"It's a rich site," said Melissa Koelsch, an assistant area wildlife supervisor for the DNR overseeing the acquisition. "It's diverse of habitat types, and it's diverse of wildlife species because of it."

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Wildlife management areas are state-owned sites aimed at protecting wildlife habitat while providing hunting, fishing and recreational opportunities,

according to the DNR.

The effort is part of a larger state project for the DNR to obtain land owned by the Conservation Fund, a national nonprofit focused on land acquisition for conservation. The land is being purchased using funds from the Reinvest in Minnesota program, a state initiative focused on protecting and restoring wetlands and native grasslands.

The DNR must receive the approval of the Carlton County Board of Commissioners, which is scheduled to vote July 8 on the sale.

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The area consists of riparian forests dissected by steep river valleys and ravines. It is home to deer, bear, turkey, grouse and other small game. Though Koelsch said it is a popular hunting destination, it is also popular among non-hunting nature enthusiasts seeking to use the WMA's extensive trail system or canoe access.

Potlach last timbered the land about 25 years ago. It is now home to regenerated aspen hardwoods and coniferous forests, according to Carlton County Land Commissioner Mark Westphal. Though the land was initially for sale, because much of the area is wetlands, Westphal said it wasn't ideal for private development

"It was stuff that's on an island in the middle of a swamp," Westphal said. "You don't want people out there building a house or trying to build a house or something crazy like that."

For the DNR, Koelsch said the acquisition allows for greater control of the WMA's natural resources, which include strands of old-growth forests and stark topography that make the Blackhoof River a unique mosaic of habitat.

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Because of the thermal cover provided by the existing WMA's river valley corridors and south-facing slopes, Koelsch said it is a known wintering area for white-tailed deer. The DNR hopes to expand its management of the deer habitat even more through these lands, which are home to aspen trees that provide ideal deer forage.

Westphal said the acquisition will also provide greater access to the WMA in areas that were previously only accessible by crossing rivers and ravines, as well as secure access to adjacent land managed by the county for timber and recreation.

"We really wanted the DNR to acquire this, because then it preserves access into all these county lands," Westphal said. "We will forever have that access into these weird county parcels back there."

Koelsch commended Carlton County officials for their interest in preserving wildlife and habitat  something she said other local governments have been more hesitant to do. Westphal lauded it as a good example of a partnership between local government and the state.

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"This was a great avenue to go, and it doesn't cost anything to anyone, really," Westphal said. "So I think it's kind of good foresight and good use."

Koelsch said the acquisition would also allow for the possible expansion of the WMA's hunter walking trails  popular among grouse hunters  to the new parcels.

"If I were someone who was an aspiring bird hunter and stuff, I would definitely investigate the area this fall," Westphal said. "I may or may not have my own personal experience down there over the years."
KHANKENDI, Azerbaijan, July 4. The 17th summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) is taking place in the city of Khankendi. One of the key topics of the meeting is energy security and the development of green energy. Tajik President Emomali Rahmon's speech drew attention with a proposal to create a unified regional energy market within the framework of the ECO.

President Rahmon noted that Tajikistan supports the implementation of projects to interconnect the energy systems of the member countries of the organization. In particular, he emphasized the significance of the construction of the CASA-1000 power transmission line, which will connect Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan with Afghanistan and Pakistan, and also announced the completion of one of the stages of the project - the launch of the 500 kV Datka-Sugd power transmission line between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

"We are interested in the formation of a regional energy market within the framework of the ECO. In this context, the development of an energy sustainability strategy for the region is very relevant. The implementation of such projects will contribute to increasing the production and export of green energy and, in general, promoting a green economy," President Rahmon said.

The creation of a common energy market could be a strategic step for the ECO countries, given their rich resource base. For example, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan have significant oil and gas reserves, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have hydropower potential, and Uzbekistan is developing both gas and solar energy.

A special place in this process is occupied by Azerbaijan, which is implementing large-scale energy projects that unite the regions and create an infrastructural basis for the formation of a regional market. The key project is the Trans-Caspian Green Energy Corridor, implemented by Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. It involves integration with the green routes and interconnectors, Caspian-Black Sea-Europe and Azerbaijan-Turkey-Europe, creating opportunities for large-scale and uninterrupted transmission of renewable energy along the Middle Corridor connecting Asia and Europe.

Green energy interconnectors are becoming a key infrastructure element, ensuring efficient supply of solar and wind energy, promoting efficient utilization of renewable energy sources, and ensuring mutual sustainability of the region's energy systems.

In addition, today, Azerbaijan plays a leading role in ensuring the energy security of Europe by exporting its own energy resources and providing transit opportunities for the resources of other friendly countries. The most effective and attractive routes of energy supplies from ECO countries to Europe pass through the territory of Azerbaijan along the line Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkiye-Europe.

Thus, Tajikistan's initiative to create a regional energy market on the ECO platform opens new opportunities for strengthening energy security, increasing exports of green energy, promoting a green economy, and strengthening integration of the countries of the region. Joint implementation of infrastructure projects, including with the participation of Azerbaijan as an energy and transit center, will increase the importance of ECO as a leading integration organization in Eurasia.
The Brief

Fireworks shows are best left to the professionals.

But if youre shooting some off from your own stash for the July 4th holiday, firefighters and doctors have tips for how to be smart and safe this holiday weekend.

Tampa Bay area doctors often see burn injuries related to fireworks, and firefighters respond to calls of house fires due to fireworks reigniting.

TAMPA - Shooting off your own fireworks can be fun, but it doesnt take much for the lightshow to become a nightmare.

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We see injuries that happen not only from those fireworks that shoot up in the sky, but you can see injuries happen from sparklers or fireworks that you'd buy at the local drug store.

The backstory

Dr. Patrick Mularoni, a pediatric emergency medicine physician with Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg, said they often see children coming to the emergency room because of sparklers.

"So, what I tell families is to, when you're going to be using sparklers, make sure that your elbow is locked so that your arm is straight out in front of you. And make sure you're staying in one spot. There's no running around with sparklers because you could get burned," said Mularoni.

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Firefighters are reminding you not to ignite anything else, and always have a bucket of water or a hose nearby to put fireworks out.

"We have seen structure fires, residential structure fires, an uptick on them in the last couple of years from folks who thought they cooled them enough, they put them in a box or something, in the garbage in the garage and let thing you know they werent cooled and the next thing you know your house is on fire," said Rob Herrin, the public safety information chief with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue.

Dig deeper

Fireworks leave a lot of debris and trash to clean up, especially when people set them off in open public spaces.

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"One of the biggest ones would be Ben T. Davis and the Courtney Campbell Causeway," said Allan Antolik, the deputy director of Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful.

Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful also cleans up on Davis Islands and Cypress Point Park. This July 4th, they said the Ben T. Davis parking lot will be closed, and the causeway will be open. But both were closed last year, and Antolik said that made a big difference.

July 4th Forecast: How will the weather be on July 4? Here's what you need to know

"I think we had around 500 pounds, but that was mixed trash as well from just people being out there. In years past, it has been five times that amount with what's left behind," said Antolik.

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This time around, rain could make cleanups more challenging.

"It becomes an issue because rain usually comes with wind and the rain itself will push things down into waterways, and it's able to get out into the water a lot faster than what you would normally see," said Antolik. "You just don't have the time to pick it up like you would in the past."

What's next

Cleanup volunteers said theyre going to try and get out to those common trash spots fast, so it doesnt end up polluting local waterways.

The Source

FOX 13's Briona Arradondo gathered the information for this story.
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  The San Francisco Fire Department was called to Fort Funston in San Francisco around 11 a.m. on the Fourth of July to save a dog stuck on the steep cliffside.

Firefighters used a rope team to reach the dog. However, when firefighters were in position to make the rescue, the dog climbed down the cliff on its own and was reunited with its owner.

Firefighters attempted to rescue a dog from the cliffside at Fort Funston in San Francisco on the Fourth of July. (SFFD)

Fourth of July fireworks shows around the Bay Area

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The dog was unharmed and tail wagging, SFFD said. Please be aware that some areas of Fort Funston require dogs to be leashed. Check signs when in the area.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
What were the motives of the Founding Fathers in forging our nation? Oh, that we could hear their personal intentions today as a country so as to be thoroughly fair and accurate in our judgement of them.

Let us be considerate of them by making this a matter of careful study, focused on documented quotes and primary source writings to determine their intentions. Did they forge the Union to protect their own economic interests or for a love of freedom?

The cynical take

Two writers believe the Founding Fathers economic interests were at the forefront. Howard Zinn, author of A Young Peoples History of the United States," writes:

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Around 1776, some important people in the British colonies of North America made a discovery. They found that by creating a nation and a symbol called the United States, they could take over land, wealth, and political power from other people who had been ruling the colonies for Great Britain. When we look at the American Revolution this way, it was a work of genius. The Founding Fathers created a new system of national control that has worked very well for more than two hundred years.

Charles A. Beards 1913 book, An Economic Interpretation of the Constitution of the United States, proposes that the Constitution was a tool of American wealthy landowners who were attempting to legitimize and maintain their political and economic power in the new nation.

The author suggests those who constructed the Constitution only represented their upper class, while farmers and laborers were hardly thought about by these men.

Evidence of courage

These arguments are mistaken. When Patrick Henrys battle cry roused the patriots to fight, he did not say, Give me economic wealth or give me death  it was liberty he raised as a rallying cry for the people.

American statesman Patrick Henry delivers his patriotic "give me liberty, or give me death" speech before the Virginia Assembly. | Getty Images

That freedom was the energizing force behind the quest for independence. As the French observer Alexis de Tocqueville wrote in "Democracy in America," These Founding Fathers publicly announced their treason against Britain  a country and government they had previously loved  when they pledged their lives, fortunes and sacred honor to the cause of independence.

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In pre-Revolutionary War times, approximately half of American exports went to Britain and Ireland. Between 1762 and 1775, exports to Britain doubled and America enjoyed 75% of its imports coming from Britain, according to historian Robert Paul Thomas.

Thus, it would have been economically profitable for the colonial world to remain connected to Britain than to wander off and start from scratch financially.

On the eve of the Revolution, America was experiencing rapid extensive growth, writes Vanderbilt historian Jeremy Atack. The Revolution, however, plunged the country into a new and uncertain political and economic environment.

Why would the Founding Fathers put their lives on the line to protect their economic interests when interests of the upper class were effectively protected under the British Empire?

The witness of Washington

During his time as commander of the Continental Army, George Washington used his own money, when possible, to relieve the conditions of his soldiers. When Washington became our first president, he initially declined a salary, later accepting to avoid setting a precedent that only wealthy individuals could serve as president.

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He would be president, but not king.

In this photo taken from the Metropolitan Museum of Art's website, the 1851 oil on canvas painting by Emanuel Leutze entitled "Washington Crossing the Delaware" is shown. | Metropolitan Museum of Art, Associated Press

Thomas Jefferson in 1814 said of George Washington: It may truly be said, that never did nature and fortune combine more perfectly to make a man great, and to place him in the same constellation with whatever worthies have merited from man an everlasting remembrance.

These are my opinions of General Washington, he added, which I would vouch at the judgment seat of God, having been formed on an acquaintance of thirty years.

George Washington himself said to his fellow countrymen and women, Your love of liberty, your respect for the laws, your habits of industry, and your practice of the moral and religious obligations, are the strongest claims to national and individual happiness.

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Could this person who led the fight for freedom and for whom more monuments have been erected than any other American, have had the motive of financial success and monopoly as his greatest desire?

In describing our Founding Fathers, historian Henry Steele Commager calls them a galaxy of leaders who were quite literally incomparable. What explains this remarkable outpouring of political leadership, this fertility in the production of statesmen  a fertility unmatched since that day?

Barbara W. Tuchman, a historian, journalist and author, reflects, It would be invaluable if we could know what produced this burst of talent from a base of only two and a half million inhabitants.

Seeing the founders truthfully

Contemplate the possible extermination of these signers of the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution of the United States, who actually put their names to documents defying British rule knowing it might not work  many of whom faced tragic consequences in their own families as a result.

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Benjamin Rush once said that war and even deadly defeat would be preferable to loss of liberty. He recalled that when these men were signing the Declaration of Independence, they felt the pensive and awful silence that pervaded the house might be our own death warrant.

Two hundred years after the Founding Fathers, we live in an information age. As convenient as it is to have access to unlimited information, facts and statistics, they are not always completely accurate. In fact, artificial intelligence models are trained on information and data which can be incomplete, biased or contain inaccuracies, leading to flawed outputs.

In honor of the great men and women who sacrificed, lived and died to establish our great United States of America, may we choose to see their pure intentions, as reflected in the actual details of history itself.

Is that not what we would want for ourselves?

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When it came time for the states to ratify the Constitution, because of his poor health, Benjamin Franklin needed help to sign the document. As he did so, tears streamed down his face.

This image, provided by the National Archives, shows the 19th century engraving "Drafting the Declaration of Independence in 1776, 1859" by Alonzo Chappel, which depicts the committee chosen to draft a declaration of independence. The five members are, from left, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Philip Livingston and Roger Sherman. One of the nations Founding Fathers  but never president  Franklin was born to a soapmaker and earned his wealth as printer, publisher and inventor. | Alonzo Chappel, National Archives via Associated Press

Our liberties in the United States today are a result of balanced power and authority defined in this precious document created 200 years ago. Does that arise from the efforts of selfish men?

In the Bible, the Savior himself says, Ye shall know them by their fruits. It would be hypocritical of us to celebrate our freedom of speech and freedom of religion as we attack and fault the very tree that produced such rights.

A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit, the Lord continues (Matthew 7:18).

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The Declaration of Independence, the Revolutionary War, the Constitution of the United States of America and all the ensuing actions and words of great minds and courageous hearts (not perfect by any means) represent a good tree developing a land of freedom.

May we never forget it.

The author expresses thanks for helpful feedback and editing from Tad R. Callister.
President Donald Trump drew fierce criticism and was accused of antisemitism for a comment he made during a speech in which he celebrated the passing in Congress of his so-called big, beautiful bill on Thursday.

Trump was boasting to supporters in Des Moines, Iowa, at an event starting the year-long celebration of the 250th anniversary of Americas founding about how they would now benefit from various parts of his signature, controversial taxation and spending bill when he said:

No death tax. No estate tax. No going through the banks and borrowing from, in some cases, a fine banker, and in some cases, Shylocks and bad people.

TRUMP: No estate tax, no going through the banks and borrowing fromin some cases a fine banker and in some cases a shylocks and bad people. pic.twitter.com/VHQt3k1U6u  Acyn (@Acyn) July 4, 2025

The term Shylock, a reference to the name of the Jewish moneylender in William Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice, is now considered to be an antisemitic slur, playing as it does on antisemitic stereotypes.

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Rep. Daniel Goldman (D-N.Y.) led the criticism of the president on social media.

The congressman accused Trump of blatant and vile antisemitism and claimed the president knows exactly what hes doing.

This is blatant and vile antisemitism, and Trump knows exactly what hes doing.



Anyone who truly opposes antisemitism calls it out wherever it occurs  on both extremes  as I do.



Where is @EliseStefanik and the GOP now that antisemitism is coming from Trump? https://t.co/PFoxu9DBZc  Daniel Goldman (@danielsgoldman) July 4, 2025

Shylock is among the most quintessential antisemitic stereotypes, added Amy Spitalnick, of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs.

This is not an accident by Trump and is deeply dangerous, she added.

Shylock is among the most quintessential antisemitic stereotypes. This is not an accident. It follows years in which Trump has normalized antisemitic tropes and conspiracy theories  and its deeply dangerous. https://t.co/unuY4poqod  Amy Spitalnick (@amyspitalnick) July 4, 2025

Trump was reportedly confronted over his use of the term when flying back to the White House on board Air Force One.

Ive never heard it that way, the president reportedly said. The meaning of Shylock is somebody thats a money lender at high rates. You view it differently. Ive never heard that.

A Shylock comes from Shakespeares The Merchant of Venicea Jewish moneylender who demands a pound of flesh. The term later became a slur for a greedy or ruthless lender.



 Its widely seen as antisemitic and offensive today.  Molly Ploofkins (@Mollyploofkins) July 4, 2025

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Shylock is an antisemitic trope. https://t.co/ItTsF9aEYe  Dr. Brian Goldman (@NightShiftMD) July 4, 2025

The bigotry just slips out sometimes...  Lib Dunk (@libdunkmedia) July 4, 2025

Trump has those old slurs ready to go https://t.co/SV9orYVI8X  PatriotTakes  (@patriottakes) July 4, 2025

Maybe instead of going after universities for allegedly not doing enough to fight anti-semitism the president should police his own words and actions. https://t.co/nNM7HbGxB7  Pam Fessler (@pamelafessler) July 4, 2025

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A disgusting antisemitic smear from a president who dines with Holocaust deniers and called Neo Nazis fine people.



Said at a time when antisemitism is rising around the world. https://t.co/39Hmz5M3bZ  Andrew Bates (@AndrewBatesNC) July 4, 2025

This is an antisemitic slur. An old one https://t.co/OqTD57rGY8  Jennifer Mascia (@JenniferMascia) July 4, 2025

Hes busting out the 40s antisemitism https://t.co/JXFscW29AS  evan loves worf (@esjesjesj) July 4, 2025

So slurs are whats making America great again?  Melissa Nold, Esq. (@savage_esquire) July 4, 2025

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Today, at a rally in Iowa, Trump said this:



"No death tax, no estate tax, no going to the banks and borrowing from, in some cases, a fine banker. And in some cases, shylocks and bad people."



For those unaware, "shylock" is an antisemitic slur.



It comes from Shakespeare's The  Charlotte Clymer  (@cmclymer) July 4, 2025

Related...
When the gunfire started outside her home in the Damascus suburb of Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, Lama al-Hassanieh grabbed her phone and locked herself in her bathroom.

For hours, she cowered in fear as fighters dressed in military-style uniforms and desert camouflage roamed the streets of the neighbourhood. A heavy machine gun was mounted on a military vehicle just beneath her balcony window.

"Jihad against Druze" and "we are going to kill you, Druze," the men were shouting.

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She did not know who the men were - extremists, government security forces, or someone else entirely - but the message was clear: as a Druze, she was not safe.

The Druze - a community with its own unique practices and beliefs, whose faith began as an off-shoot of Shia Islam - have historically occupied a precarious position in Syria's political order.

Under former President Bashar al-Assad, many Druze maintained a quiet loyalty to the state, hoping that alignment with it would protect them from the sectarian bloodshed that consumed other parts of Syria during the 13-year-long civil war.

Many Druze took to the streets during the uprising, especially in the latter years. But, seeking to portray himself as defending Syria's minorities against Islamist extremism, Assad avoided using the kind of iron first against Druze protesters which he did in other cities that revolted against his rule.

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They operated their own militia which defended their areas against attacks by Sunni Muslim extremist groups who considered Druze heretics, while they were left alone by pro-Assad forces.

But with Assad toppled by Sunni Islamist-led rebels who have formed the interim government, that unspoken pact has frayed, and Druze are now worried about being isolated and targeted in post-war Syria.

Recent attacks on Druze communities by Islamist militias loosely affiliated with the government in Damascus have fuelled growing distrust towards the state.

Lama witnessed the outbreak of violent attacks against Druze in Ashrafiyat Sahnaya [BBC]

It started in late April with a leaked audio recording that allegedly featured a Druze religious leader insulting the Prophet Muhammad. Although the leader denied it was his voice, and Syria's interior ministry later confirmed the recording was fake, the damage had been done.

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A video of a student at the University of Homs, in central Syria, went viral, with him calling on Muslims to take revenge immediately against Druze, sparking sectarian violence in communities across the country.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based monitoring group, said at least 137 people - 17 civilians, 89 Druze fighters and 32 members of the security forces - were killed in several days of fighting in Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, the southern Damascus suburb of Jaramana, and in an ambush on the Suweida-Damascus highway.

The Syrian government said the security forces' operation in Ashrafiyat Sahnaya was carried out to restore security and stability, and that it was in response to attacks on its own personnel where 16 of them were killed.

Lama Zahereddine, a pharmacy student at Damascus University, was just weeks away from completing her degree when the violence reached her village. What began as distant shelling turned into a direct assault - gunfire, mortars, and chaos tearing through her neighbourhood.

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Her uncle arrived in a small bus, urging the women and children to flee under fire while the men stayed behind with nothing more than light arms. "The attackers had heavy machine guns and mortars," Lama recalled. "Our men had nothing to match that."

The violence did not stop at her village. At Lama's university, dorm rooms were stormed and students were beaten with chains.

In one case, a student was stabbed after simply being asked if he was Druze.

This university student, also named Lama, says her dorms were stormed and Druze students were beaten [BBC]

"They [the instigators] told us we left our universities by choice," she said. "But how could I stay? I was five classes and one graduation project away from my degree. Why would I abandon that if it wasn't serious?"

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Like many Druze, Lama's fear is not just of physical attacks  it is of what she sees as a state that has failed to offer protection.

"The government says these were unaffiliated outlaws. Fine. But when are they going to be held accountable?" she asked.

Her trust was further shaken by classmates who mocked her plight, including one who replied with a laughing emoji to her post about fleeing her village.

"You never know how people really see you," she said quietly. "I don't know who to trust anymore."

Druze volunteers were brought in to help protect their community during the attacks [Getty Images]

While no-one is sure who the attackers pledged their allegiance to, one thing is clear: many Druze are worried that Syria is drifting toward an intolerant Sunni-dominated order with little space for religious minorities like themselves.

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"We don't feel safe with these people," Hadi Abou Hassoun told the BBC.

He was one of the Druze men from Suweida called in to protect Ashrafiyat Sahnaya on the day Lama was hiding in her bathroom.

His convoy was ambushed by armed groups using mortars and drones. Hadi was shot in the back, piercing his lung and breaking several ribs.

It's a far cry from the inclusive Syria he had in mind under new leadership.

"Their ideology is religious, not based on law or the state. And when someone acts out of religious or sectarian hate, they don't represent us," Hadi said.

"What represents us is the law and the state. The law is what protects everyoneI want protection from the law."

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The Syrian government has repeatedly stressed the sovereignty and unity of all Syrian territories and denominations of Syrian society, including the Druze.

Hadi's lung was pierced by a bullet fired by an armed group that ambushed his volunteer group [BBC]

Though clashes and attacks have since subsided, faith in the government's ability to protect minorities has diminished.

During the days of the fighting, Israel carried out air strikes around the Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, claiming it was targeting "operatives" attacking Druze to protect the minority group.

It also struck an area near the Syrian presidential palace, saying that it would "not allow the deployment of forces south of Damascus or any threat to the Druze community". Israel itself has a large number of Druze citizens in the country and living in the Israeli-occupied Syrian Golan Heights.

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Back in Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, Lama al-Hassanieh said the atmosphere had shifted - it was "calmer, but cautious".

She sees neighbours again, but wariness lingers.

"Trust has been broken. There are people in the town now who don't belong, who came during the war. It's hard to know who's who anymore."

Trust in the government remains thin.

"They say they're working toward protecting all Syrians. But where are the real steps? Where is the justice?" Lama asked.

"I don't want to be called a minority. We are Syrians. All we ask for is the same rights - and for those who attacked us to be held accountable."

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Several lawmakers told BI that they still don't use AI chatbots like ChatGPT or Grok.

Some cite the risk of "hallucination," while others worry about retaining their thinking skills.

"I still like to compose original thoughts," one House Democrat told BI.

AI has become a big topic on Capitol Hill, and some lawmakers are finding ways to use it in their daily lives.

But while some are using Grok to come up with one-liners, asking ChatGPT to punch up speeches, or deploying AI to scrutinize their own records, plenty of their colleagues still haven't gotten into it.

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"I haven't had the chance to really explore the tools," Democratic Rep. Gabe Vasquez of New Mexico told BI. "I'm a little behind the times in that sense."

There's no single reason why. Some remain skeptical about the technology's ability to provide reliable information. Others fear that if they use it, they'll erode their own faculties. At least one has publicly fought with an AI chatbot on X. And often, it simply comes down to a lack of interest.

For Sen. Tim Kaine, it's a combination of several of those things.

"I feel like I'm so comfortable with my ability to access information that I don't really need it," the Virginia Democrat said, explaining that he's never used AI chatbots "voluntarily."

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He does, however, encounter artificial intelligence involuntarily: Recently, his email client began furnishing him with AI-generated summaries of his email.

"It's like, first, I didn't ask for it. Second, it's got a high error rate," Kaine said. "Third, to do an AI summary of emails I can read myself is a use of energy, somewhere, that I have to feel like is kind of an excess."

'I still like to compose original thoughts'

BI spoke to roughly a dozen lawmakers in June about their use, or lack thereof, of AI chatbots like Grok and ChatGPT. Polling has shown that a growing number of Americans are using AI in the workplace, with a recent Gallup poll finding that 40% of employees use it a few times per year and 27% use it frequently or daily.

Republican Rep. Greg Murphy of North Carolina, who remains a practicing urologist in additional to his congressional duties, says he's "dabbled" with AI, primarily for medical questions.

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He says he doesn't use it for his official work, and he doesn't want his staff to do so either.

"I don't want people writing speeches for me, or doing letters to constituents with that," Murphy said, adding that if his constituents "wanted something from ChatGPT, they could have Googled it themselves."

Sen. Josh Hawley, a fellow Republican, takes an even harder line against AI  he doesn't use AI chatbots out of principle.

"I don't trust it, I don't like it, I don't want it being trained on any of the information I might give it," the Missouri senator, a frequent critic of Big Tech, told BI.

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Some lawmakers' reservations are rooted in their hesitance to rely on technology for something they already do themselves.

"I've just never felt the need, and I like being creative," Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York told BI. "Writing is a use-it-or-lose-it skill, and I don't want to lose it."

"I still like to compose original thoughts, and not rely on technology to help state what I feel," Democratic Rep. Jim McGovern of Massachusetts said.

Large language models are also known to confidently deliver faulty information  known as "hallucination." For Sen. Elizabeth Warren, that's enough to discourage her from using it.

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"I might as well go out on the street and ask a random person a question and see what words they come up with," the Massachusetts Democrat told BI. "Maybe they're right, but then again, maybe they're not, and the only way to know that is to do the research yourself."

Read the original article on Business Insider
A downtown Meadville restaurant was cited last month by the Pennsylvania State Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, according to a press release issued Wednesday.

Margarita King, 251 Chestnut St., was cited for allegedly failing to adhere to additional restrictions placed on the restaurants liquor license when the license was renewed in an agreement with the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) in 2020. The alleged violations occurred April 12 and April 24.

The restrictions imposed in the PLCB agreement remained in effect when the bar was subsequently sold and then eventually reopened in 2024 as Margarita King.

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The restrictions came about following a series of incidents resulting in criminal charges for patrons of Chestnut Street Pub, most notably an August 2019 brawl that occurred just after the bars normal 2 a.m. closing time and involved numerous people who had been at the bar, according to Meadville Police Department. Four people involved in the melee eventually faced charges. One man was stabbed and a responding city police officer suffered a serious injury from broken glass when several of the large front windows of a business directly across the street were broken in the fight.

Among the numerous conditions are requirements for standard alcohol management training as well as prohibitions on certain large containers of alcoholic beverages and a ban on alcohol being served after 11:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 10:30 p.m. on other days. The agreement also requires the presence of a security guard at night and numerous security cameras both inside and out and requires the bar to share its security video with city police upon request.

The charges will be brought before an administrative law judge who has the authority to impose penalties ranging from $50 to $1,000 for minor offenses and up to $5,000 for more serious offenses.

In addition, the judge can also impose a license suspension or revocation of the license based on the severity of the charges. The judge can additionally mandate training for the licensee in an effort to educate them on the requirements of being a licensee.

Margarita King was the only Crawford County establishment cited by Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement officers in June.
At least 50 Palestinian families from a Bedouin community in the occupied West Bank have fled their homes, following repeated assaults and harassment from Israeli settlers under the protection of Israeli forces, according to media reports and a local rights group.

Thirty Palestinian families were forcibly displaced on Friday morning from the Arab Mleihat Bedouin community, northwest of Jericho, the Palestinian news agency Wafa reported, while 20 others were displaced on Thursday.

Before the forced displacement, the community was home to 85 families, numbering about 500 people.

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A Palestinian rights group, the Al-Baidar Organization for the Defense of Bedouin Rights, said the families were forced to leave after years trying to defend themselves without any support. Attacks by Israeli forces and Israelis from illegal settlements have surged across the occupied West Bank since Israels war on Gaza began on October 7, 2023.

Alia Mleihat told Wafa that her family was forced to flee to the Aqbat Jabr refugee camp, south of Jericho, after armed settlers threatened her and other families at gunpoint.

Separately, Mahmoud Mleihat, a 50-year-old father of seven from the community, told the Reuters news agency that they could not take it any more, so they decided to leave.

The settlers are armed and attack us, and the [Israeli] military protects them. We cant do anything to stop them, he said.

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Hassan Mleihat, director of the Al-Baidar Organization, said families in the community began dismantling their tents, following sustained provocation and attacks by Israeli settlers and the army.

Footage posted on social media and verified by Al Jazeeras Sanad agency showed trucks loaded with possessions driving away from the area at night.

Hassan told Wafa that the attacks also threatened to erase the community, and open the way for illegal colonial expansion.





We want to protect our children

Israeli human rights group BTselem has documented repeated acts of violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in Muarrajat, near Jericho, where the Mleihat tribe lives.

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In 2024, settlers armed with clubs stormed a Palestinian school, while in 2023, armed settlers blocked the path of vehicles carrying Palestinians, with some firing into the air and others hurling stones at the vehicles.

We want to protect our children, and weve decided to leave, Mahmoud said, describing it as a great injustice.

He had lived in the community since he was 10, Mahmoud said.

Alia Mleihat told Reuters the Bedouin community, which had lived there for 40 years, would now be scattered across different parts of the Jordan Valley, including nearby Jericho.

People are demolishing their own homes with their own hands, leaving this village theyve lived in for decades, the place where their dreams were built, she said, describing the forced displacement of 30 families as a new Nakba.

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The Nakba, meaning catastrophe in Arabic, refers to the mass displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from their homes during 1948 at the birth of the state of Israel.





Israels military has not yet commented on the settler harassment faced by the Bedouin families or about the families leaving their community.

Asked about violence in the occupied West Bank, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar told reporters on Monday that any acts of violence by civilians were unacceptable and that individuals should not take the law into their own hands.

Activists say Israeli settlement expansion has accelerated in recent years, displacing Palestinians, who have remained on their land under military occupation since Israel captured the occupied West Bank in the 1967 war.

Most countries consider Israeli settlements illegal and a violation of the Geneva Conventions, which ban settling civilians on occupied land.
WAUKEE, Iowa  A driver was arrested after they drove on a recreational trail in Waukee on Friday.

According to the Waukee Police Department, around 11:30 a.m., authorities received multiple calls of a vehicle driving dangerously on the recreational trail along SE L.A. Grant Parkway, near Waukee High School.

Callers also reported that the driver had narrowly missed several pedestrians as it moved westbound on the trail, Waukee police say.

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3 handguns recovered, 3 charged in overnight gunfire incident

Westcom dispatch and responding officers located the vehicle within minutes near the Ashworth Drive and Warrior Lane intersection.

Officers conducted a traffic stop and took the driver, a female resident of West Des Moines, into custody. She was charged with reckless driving and taken to the Dallas County Jail.

No injuries have been reported as a result of this incident.

Waukee Police Chief Chad McCluskey released this statement about the incident.

This was not an act targeting pedestrians, but the drivers actions were clearly reckless and

put lives at risk, said Chief McCluskey. The safety of our residents, families, and

visitors is our top priority  especially during large community events like todays

Independence Day celebration. We have additional officers on duty for todays events and

we remain ready to respond to any situation at a moments notice.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
DES MOINES, Iowa  A driver was charged with an OWI after crashing into a Des Moines Police Department patrol car early Friday morning.

According to the DMPD, the crash occurred in the 6200 block of SE 5th Street just after 1 a.m. when a 1955 Chevrolet Bel-Air hit a 1st watch patrol officer nearly head-on.

The driver, 62-year-old Daniel Thornburg, drove away from the scene of the crash. He was located by other officers near SE 4th Street and Payton Avenue within three minutes of the crash.

New Madison County Auditor appointed following months of controversy

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Authorities say both Thornburg and the patrol officer sustained minor injuries in the crash.

Photos courtesy of Des Moines Police Department

Thornburg was arrested and charged with OWI-1st Offense, Improper Lane Use, and Leaving the Scene of an Accident.

Des Moines Police remind residents that the Iowa Governors Safety Bureau is offering a $10 Uber voucher, encouraging drivers to plan ahead and make it home safely.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, between 2019 and 2023, 40 percent of the more than 2,500 drivers were killed during the annual holiday period.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 4. The news portal Day.Az has published an article titled "Trends Coverage in the Spotlight of Regional Media: Central Asia and the ECO Strategy".

According to the article, analytical materials prepared by Trend News Agency on cooperation between Central Asian countries and the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) have drawn considerable attention across the regional media landscape.

Ahead of the 17th ECO Summit, set to take place in the city of Khankendi, Trends publications have been widely cited by major media outlets across the region.

Uzbekistan, one of Central Asias key players, features prominently in Trends analysis. As the leading Uzbek news outlet Daryo notes, citing Trend, the countrys economic role within the ECO is growing significantly, making waves and attracting attention.

Uzbekistan is one of the fastest-growing economies in Central Asia, with a population of over 37 million. By the end of 2024, trade with ECO member states is expected to reach $12 billion... Strengthening transport connectivity has become a strategic priority for Uzbekistan, which sits at a key crossroads linking Central and South Asia, the Caucasus, and the Middle East. This geographic advantage boosts the countrys position as a vital transit and logistics hub, the outlet quotes Trend as saying.

Kazakhstani media have also actively engaged with Trends reporting. The countrys leading international news agency, Kazinform, citing Trend, highlights Astanas contributions to ECOs institutional development. According to the materials, Kazakhstans current ECO chairmanship  the second in its history  signals the countrys commitment to playing a leading role in regional integration.

At the center of attention are concrete steps to modernize transport infrastructure and eliminate bottlenecks along the Trans-Caspian route and the NorthSouth corridor. Kazakhstan is pushing ahead with digital customs solutions, port modernization, and the creation of a unified transit space. By 2027, transit along the TITR is expected to more than double  from 4.5 to 10 million tons, Kazinform reports, citing Trend.

The Turkish newspaper Yeni Safak also refers to Trends analysis, emphasizing the symbolic importance of holding the summit in Khankendi, which it describes as a space for new dialogue and opportunity.

Uzbekistan has already outlined its key priorities  from green energy development to trade digitalization. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan, as the current chair of ECO, is actively shaping the strategic framework for cooperation... Kazakhstan is building a new model for regional engagement, the article notes. The countrys initiatives  including the creation of the ECO Transport Council and efforts to expand cross-border production chains  are seen as key drivers of sustainable growth and regional economic integration, Yeni Safak writes, citing Trend.

The strong response to Trends materials from respected media outlets across the region reflects the agencys growing influence and the trust placed in its analysis. As regional cooperation gains momentum, Trends reporting continues to serve as an important resource for understanding the political and economic dynamics shaping the ECO space.
JOLIET, Ill. (WGN)  A person is recovering in the hospital on Friday morning after a road rage shooting along an interstate in the southwest suburbs.

According to Illinois State Police Troopers, the incident unfolded just after midnight Thursday along Interstate 80, near North Larkin Avenue, in Joliet.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

Troopers said a preliminary investigation indicates that a road rage incident involving two drivers escalated, eventually leading to gunfire.

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The victim later told troopers they heard at least five or six shots during the incident.

The victim, whose age and gender remain unknown, was struck at least once. They were later taken to the hospital, though their condition is unclear.

Currently, it is unclear what led to the incident and troopers say no arrests have been made.

An investigation into the shooting 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 WGN-TV.
Tensions rise as the US military faces heightened security concerns amid ongoing strikes in the Kurdistan Region.

A drone was downed in the Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq on July 3. The drone was reportedly intercepted over Erbil on Thursday.

This happened around 10 in the evening near Erbil International Airport.

The drone was said to be an explosive-laden drone or kamikaze drone. These are the kind used by Iran and Iranian-backed groups. It follows ten days of similar attacks in Iraq.

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The drone did not cause any casualties or material damage, the Directorate General of Counter Terrorism (CTD), which is part of the Kurdistan Region Security Council (KRSC), said.

Rudaw media reported on the attack. Earlier in the evening, Rudaw published CCTV footage showing the moment the drone fell in a village near the airport. The attack came after another drone attack also took place in Sulimaniyehs Garmiyan area.

A drone view shows dried-up riverbeds on the outskirts of Najaf, Iraq, May 29, 2025, As Iraq bans summer farming and rice cultivation due to a deepening water crisis, farmers in Najaf are abandoning their lands and livelihoods. (credit: REUTERS/Alaa Al-Marjani)

Sulimaniyeh and Erbil are two of the key cities in the Kurdistan region.

Similar drone attacks take place

Another drone attack occurred in Sulimaniyeh on July 2. There was also reportedly an attack on a Yazidi IDP camp on the same day.

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Rudaw also noted that remains of a suspected drone were found in Kirkuk late Thursday. It is not clear where these drones originate from, but they are believed to be related to the latest deadly war between Iran and Israel.

Iranian-backed groups have used drones and rockets in the past.

They have targeted Israel with drones. Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq also killed three US service members in January 2024 in Jordan in a drone attack.

There have been other recent attacks in Iraq.

Kirkuks airport, which is also a military base called K-1, was targeted by Katyusha rockets on July 1.

On June 24, the military airports at Camp Taji and Imam Ali were also targeted with drones.

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The drones hit the radar sites at the bases. Another base near Baghdad was also targeted.

According to the Iraqi media Hatha Al-Youm, Aan informed source revealed, on Friday, that US forces stationed at the Ain al-Assad base, west of Anbar, imposed strict security restrictions in the wake of the attack that targeted the Harir base in Erbil.

American soldiers housed near base

The source told Baghdad Today that the drone attack near the Harir base, which houses hundreds of American soldiers in Erbil, on Thursday evening, before it was shot down, prompted American forces at Ain al-Assad base to impose strict security measures in anticipation of any emergency."

The source said, Security restrictions remain in place at the time of writing this report, despite the fact that hours have passed since the attack, which did not result in any human or material losses, according to available information."

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The source indicated that "the measures are part of precautionary measures, especially in light of the recent recurrence of missile and drone attacks, amid growing questions about who is behind these attacks, whether in Erbil or Kirkuk."

Asad base is one of the few areas in Iraq where US military personnel are located.

The US withdrew from many sites in 2020 in the wake of numerous rocket attacks by Iranian-backed militias.

The US also has forces in the Kurdistan region. Iran carried out a ballistic missile attack on the Asad base in January 2020 after the US killed Iranian IRGC Quds Force leader Qasem Soleimani.

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Soleimani was killed by a US drone near Baghdad airport. Abu Madhi al-Muhandis, the leader of Kataib Hezbollah, was also killed.

Kataib Hezbollah is a key Iranian-backed militia in Iraq. It has carried out numerous drone attacks in the past and continues to do so.
A drug dealer who tortured and murdered a love rival has been given a life sentence.

John Belfield, 31, was one of a four-strong gang that killed Thomas Campbell in Tameside after 38-year-old Mr Campbell started a relationship with Belfield's former partner, Demi Lee-Driver.

Jailing Belfield for 34 years and 261 days at Manchester Crown Court, Mr Justice Graham, told him he had had "no doubt you took pleasure in his pain".

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There were cries of "rot in hell" from the public gallery as Belfield, 29, was sentenced.

The court heard Belfield, who fled the country after the murder, was one of a group of men who had lain in wait for Mr Campbell when he arrived home late on 2 July, 2022.

When they attacked, Mr Campbell could be heard to scream. He was then bundled into his house in Riverside Drive in Mossley, Tameside.

For the next two hours he was stabbed, strangled and had hot liquid poured on his genitals.

Prosecutors said he was "tortured to death" and suffered 61 separate injuries.

Two other men who took part in the murder have already been jailed, but a forth remains at large.

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Belfield fled to Suriname, a former Dutch colony north of Brazil, before he was arrested there in March 2023.

He was then flown back to Manchester a year later.

Judge Graham said Belfield had "wanted Thomas Campbell to suffer".

Mr Campbell's father, Terry Campbell's victim impact statement was read out in court. He said "there are no words to describe the loss of Thomas".

"We all live with a broken heart. No parent should outlive their child," he added.

Last year, Reece Steven, 29, of Poplar Street, Middleton, was found guilty of murder with conspiracy to rob and sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 37 years.

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Steven Cleworth, 38, of Charles Street, Heywood, was found guilty of manslaughter with conspiracy to rob and was jailed for life with a minimum of 12 years.

Coleen Campbell, 38, of Bamford Street, Manchester, was found guilty of manslaughter with conspiracy to rob and sentenced to 13 years, with a minimum of two-thirds to be served in prison.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.

More on this story
Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

SALT LAKE COUNTY, Utah (ABC4)  A dump truck driver has been charged after driving recklessly and shouting at another driver because he was frustrated with normal traffic, according to documents.

Joshua Robert King, 43, has been charged with aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, and reckless driving, all with a road rage enhancement. He was also charged with an infraction of disorderly conduct.

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According to documents, on June 12, a driver contacted police after a road rage encounter on I-80 in Salt Lake County. The driver said he was in his Toyota and stopped for traffic while on the 5600 West off-ramp.

READ NEXT: Man arrested after fatal motorcycle crash in Spanish Fork

When the Toyota driver stopped for traffic, a Volvo dump truck began tailgating him and honking. The driver of the dump truck was later identified as King. The Toyota driver told police that King allegedly drove onto the shoulder and forced his way into the lane, making the Toyota driver merge quickly to avoid a collision.

As the Volvo dump truck forced its way in, it nearly struck a Subaru that had been in front of the Toyota. The Toyota driver continued on the off-ramp and waited in the turn lane at a red light. King then pulled up next to him, documents say.

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At this point, King exited the Volvo dump truck and began pounding on the Toyotas front driver side window, telling the driver to exit and come fight. King then got back into his vehicle and merged into the Toyota drivers lane a second time, nearly causing another collision, and continuing to yell at the driver.

The Toyota driver pulled into a nearby parking lot and contacted the police. Dash camera footage from the Toyota corroborated the drivers story. A trooper contacted the dump truck company, which confirmed that King was operating the vehicle at the time of the incident.

Latest headlines:

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Dunwoody woman accused massage therapist of assault, finds other alleged victims

A metro Atlanta woman is sharing her story after a man was charged with sexually assaulting her during a massage. She learned just this week that there are other victims.

Melanie Avalon is a podcaster, and shes been sharing her story after the unlicensed massage therapist was charged when she said he assaulted her in a spa.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

It wasnt until two other women received a $13 million judgement because of claims about the same man, that she learned others shared her same story.

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Avalon said she was in shock when a massage crossed the line at a Dunwoody spa.

I asked him to stop but he did some more, said Avalon.

The worker, Iben Franklin Hernandez Bartolon was charged with sexual battery in Dekalb County. He ended up taking a plea deal for disorderly conduct and was sentenced to 11 months and 27 days on probation.

They actually did reduce his sentence so he could be applicable for citizenship, said Avalon. It was really shocking.

Avalon, a health and wellness podcaster, didnt realize there were two other women who made the same accusations against Hernandez Bartolon 13 months prior to her assault.

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Police reports show the women said Hernandez Bartolon assaulted them in at the Ponce Feet Spa on Ponce in Northeast Atlanta. Hernandez Bartolon was never criminally charged in the Atlanta cases.

Atlanta Police said SVU investigators were unable to establish probable cause to pursue criminal charges.

But just last week, a jury awarding the two women a $13 million judgement against the spa and spa owner for hiring an unlicensed Hernandez Bartolon.

I had no idea this had happened before with him with other women, said Avalon. I just had so much gratitude that this was coming to light.

Avalon has been sharing her story on her podcast for years now. Attorneys for the two women in the Atlanta case believe there are other victims out there, and Avalon agrees.

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Shes hopeful by sharing her story, others will feel come forward.

So many women reaching out saying something like this happened to me to and now that youre talking about it, it empowers me to speak up, said Avalon.

Channel 2 emailed the Department of Homeland Security to find out Hernandez Bartolons immigration status, but we have not heard back.

As for the owner of that Ponce Feet Spa in Atlanta, her attorney said theyre exploring appealing the $13 million judgement against her.

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Dutch intelligence services have collected evidence of Russia's large-scale use of banned chemical weapons in the war against Ukraine.

Source: European Pravda; Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans in a comment to Reuters

Details: Brekelmans said that his country's intelligence can confirm that Russia is increasing its use of chemical weapons, and he called for tougher sanctions against Moscow.

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"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," Brekelmans said.

Peter Reesink, Head of the Dutch military intelligence, said the conclusions were based on "our own independent intelligence".

Brekelmans said that at least three Ukrainian deaths were related to the use of chemical weapons, and more than 2,500 people wounded on the battlefield reported chemical weapons-related symptoms to Ukrainian health authorities.

Reesink, for his part, spoke of "thousands of instances" of chemical weapons use, referring to Ukrainian data on 9,000 cases.

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"We must further increase the pressure. This means looking at more sanctions and specifically not allowing them (Russia) to participate in international bodies like the Executive Council of the OPCW," Reesink said.

The Dutch military and general intelligence services, in cooperation with foreign partners, say they have found concrete evidence of Russia's intensification of chemical weapons production.

Reesink said this includes increased research capabilities and the recruitment of scientists to develop chemical weapons. He emphasised that Russian officials have instructed soldiers on how to use toxic chemical warfare agents.

"This isn't just some ad-hoc tinkering at the frontline; it is truly part of a large-scale programme. And that is, of course, also concerning because if we don't clarify and publicise what Russia is doing, it's highly likely these trends will continue," Reesink said.

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The head of the Dutch military intelligence emphasised that the use of chemical weapons by the Russian armed forces is "almost standing operating procedure".

"We specifically linked the use of chloropicrin to improvised munitions, such as filled light bulbs and empty bottles that are hung from a drone. When it comes to teargas, we see that they are also misusing and converting existing munitions to act as the carrier for the gas," Reesink said.

Chloropicrin is listed as a banned choking agent by the OPCW, which was established to implement and monitor compliance with the 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention.

It can cause severe irritation of the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. If ingested, it can cause burns to the mouth and stomach, nausea and vomiting, and difficulty breathing.

Background:

In May 2024, the United States justified its sanctions against Russia by claiming that Russian troops had used a banned chemical agent, chloropicrin, against the Ukrainian armed forces.

In October, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on three Russian entities and one individual in connection with the use of chemical weapons by the Russian military against Ukraine.

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ALLEGAN COUNTY, Mich. (WOOD)  Just ahead of the busy Fourth of July weekend, a swim advisory at Gun Lake County Park Beach has been lifted. However, some beachgoers are still hesitant to get in the water.

Earlier this week, routine testing by the Allegan County Health Department detected high levels of E. coli in the water. It measured more than 325 E. coli per 100 milliliters, above the states safety limit of 300. That prompted officials to issue a swim advisory warning the community to avoid swimming or full body contact with the water.

What to keep in mind while swimming this summer

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E. coli is a type of bacteria that signals the water has been contaminated with fecal matter. When it is detected in high levels, it can mean there is other harmful bacteria in the water. Exposure can lead to illness such as swimmers itch, skin or eye irritation and stomach pain.

Tess Scheidel, a groundwater specialist with the Allegan County Health Department, said the likely culprit is the recent heavy rain. She said the temporary spike in contamination could have been from runoff from nearby fields.

When we issue these advisories, its basically just telling people to make informed decisions about the water theyre recreating in, said Scheidel. We resample so we can have the most up-to-date information on the conditions there and to help people make the most informed decision on their choice in recreating.

Officials took new samples and results came back much lower, around 102, so they were able to lift the advisory by Thursday morning. However, some families decided it still wasnt worth the risk.

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Erin Rives brought her daughter to enjoy the sunshine before the big holiday crowds. They packed swimsuits, but after hearing about the E. coli concerns, they chose to stay on sand.

Local programs aim to reduce the drowning divide with free swim lessons

I dont feel great about it, honestly, said Rives. I know it can make people sick, but it can for sure make animals sick.  It definitely gives me caution about going into lakes because I dont want to get sick or my family sick.

The Allegan County Health Department does weekly beach monitoring at all of its public beaches from Memorial Day through Labor Day and posting results online. They encourage anyone heading out to swim to look up the latest data on the states water quality portal.

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The health department also advises practicing good hygiene at the lake and to follow their recommendations:

Keep pets off the beach

Do not feed the birds

Use the restroom before swimming

Do not swim in water that smells foul, looks murky, or immediately after a heavy rain

Do not swallow lake water

Vigorously towel off after swimming

Wash your hands with soap and water before eating

Shower as soon as possible when you return home

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
Equatorial Guinea launched a case against France at the top United Nations court on Friday, the latest salvo in a long-running legal battle over a swanky Paris mansion confiscated by French authorities.

The west African nation asked the International Court of Justice to issue emergency orders against France over a building seized after the conviction of Vice President Teodorin Obiang for corruption.

It asked the court to order France not to sell the mansion, located on the upscale Avenue Foch near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, which the two countries have been squabbling over for several years.

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French authorities seized the property, which boasts a cinema, hammam and marble and gold water taps, after convicting Obiang under a law targeting fortunes fraudulently amassed by foreign leaders.

In 2021, France's top appeals court gave Obiang -- the eldest son of the long-standing president of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang -- a three-year suspended sentence and 30 million euros in fines.

France also confiscated assets, including the luxurious Avenue Foch building with an estimated value well above 100 million euros.

In its latest complaint to the ICJ, dated July 3 but published by the court on Friday, Equatorial Guinea says French police entered the property last month and changed the locks on several of the doors.

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Equatorial Guinea called on the court to order France to give it "immediate, complete and unhindered access" to the building.

- Embassy or residence? -

The mansion was also at the centre of an earlier case filed by Equatorial Guinea in 2016 at the ICJ, which rules on disputes between UN member states.

Equatorial Guinea argued the building served as the country's embassy in France and that France had broken the Vienna Convention, which safeguards diplomats from interference by host countries.

But the UN court sided with France, which said the building was merely Teodorin Obiang's residence and served no diplomatic purpose.

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The ICJ upheld France's objections that Equatorial Guinea had only tried to designate it as such after the investigation began into Obiang, and that the country already had an embassy in Paris.

A request for emergency orders -- provisional measures, in the court's jargon -- takes precedence over all other court business.

The ICJ is currently wrestling with a busy caseload, including a high-profile case brought by South Africa against Israel alleging breaches of the UN Genocide Convention in Gaza.

It is also expected to deliver a key ruling on countries' climate change obligations within months.

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While the ICJ is the top United Nations court, whose rulings are binding, it has no way of enforcing its decisions.

For example, it has ordered Russia to stop its invasion of Ukraine -- to no avail.

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Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

EAGLE MOUNTAIN, Utah (ABC4)  An Eagle Mountain daycare had its license suspended after the owner was charged with two felonies following an incident of alleged child abuse at the daycare.

Eagle Mountain Kids Care had its license revoked on June 19 because the owner is facing felony charges. DeNae Vanderburg, 33, was charged on July 3 with two counts of witness tampering, a third-degree felony, and five counts of obstruction of justice, a class A misdemeanor.

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The incident that led to these charges being filed happened on August 30, 2024, when an employee at Eagle Mountain Kids Care (not Vanderburg) allegedly picked a child up who was crying in a sandbox and forcefully shoved his face into the sand for several seconds, according to the indictment.

READ NEXT: Moab man arrested for child endangerment after 9-year-old allegedly overdoses on LSD

The employee who allegedly abused the child was charged for the incident, and that case is also ongoing. Reportedly, she admitted to police that she put the childs face in the sand and said that she was trying to shock him to get him to stop crying.

According to the indictment, another employee reported what happened to Vanderburg, who reportedly told the childs parents that an employee had thrown a bit of sand into the childs face.

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Vanderburg reportedly told investigators that the childs parent was watching the incident over a live stream and said that the parent did not want to be a witness in the investigation. She also told police she could not give them the parents contact information because of privacy concerns and because the parent was no longer a client.

Police claim to have obtained a text message conversation between an employee and Vanderburg where they were discussing video of the incident, and Vanderburg allegedly called the video very damning.

Police say that Vanderburg told them that she instructed the childs parent to delete the footage because it went against the daycare contract for the parent to have it.

UTAH COUNTY: Provo couple arrested, accused of aggravated child abuse

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When police contacted the childs parent, she informed them that Vanderburg told her not to speak to police and that Vanderburg could handle it. She also said that Vanderburg called her right before she began to speak with the deputy. Reportedly, Vanderburg told the victims parent that the deputy wanted to talk to her, but there must be a misunderstanding, and Vanderburg would clear it up.

The victims parent also told the deputy that she never saw any video of the incident and that Vanderburg told her it was another parent who saw the video, and that parent wanted to remain anonymous.

How did the daycare lose its license?

Vanderburg is the DBA for Eagle Mountain Kids Care, meaning that she is doing business as the daycare, as the sole proprietor and owner of the business.

According to Utah state code, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) can suspend a license if there is a failure to comply with rules. In this case, Vanderburg could not be licensed as a childcare provider because she has pending felony charges, according to Utah Admin. Code R430-90-8(7). She also failed to pass a background check, and her license was revoked, per Utah Admin. Rule R430-90-8(10).

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Vanderburg is required to notify the parents of every child at the daycare about the license being suspended and to post a notice of the suspension visibly on the site of the daycare. The daycare must suspend all childcare services and cannot accept any new enrollments. Vanderburg will also be able to request an administrative hearing to dispute the suspension.

ABC4.com reached out to Eagle Mountain Kids Care who declined to comment at this time.

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Voters showed a preference for early in-person voting and the use of mail-in ballots in the 2024 election, a new report shows.

Early voting and mail-in ballots rise in last years election

Why you should care

The U.S. Election Assistance Commission released a report using data gathered at the local level and provided by states that highlights the popularity of alternative voting practices even as they have been criticized in recent years by some Republicans.

RELATED: Can noncitizens vote? State-by-state laws

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Citing the report, the Associated Press noted that 158 million ballots were counted for the November 2024 presidential election. Additionally, voter turnout was 3 percentage points lower than in 2020 but nearly 4 percentage points higher than during the 2016 presidential election.

Mail voting is popular despite rhetoric

Dig deeper

About 30% of voters in 2024 used a mail ballot, a drop from the 43% who did so during the pandemic election in 2020 but higher than pre-pandemic elections, when mail ballots accounted for about 25% of votes cast.

The U.S. Election Assistance Commission report found that four states  Washington, Indiana, South Dakota and Utah  had higher percentages of mail voting in 2024 than four years earlier.

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RELATED: Roughly 82 million voted early in the 2024 election  here are some takeaways

President Donald Trump has complained that mail voting opens a path to fraud. Trump signed an election executive order in March, which is facing several lawsuits, targeting mail voting by stating all ballots must be received by Election Day.

According to the Associated Press, there are 18 states and Puerto Rico that accept mailed ballots received after Election Day as long as they are postmarked on or before that date.

Oregon and Washington filed their own lawsuit against Trumps order, concerned that most of their voters could be disenfranchised if the order is allowed to stand.

The popularity of early in-person voting grows

By the numbers

According to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission report, the 2024 presidential election experienced a decline in Election Day voting and an increase in early, in-person voting.

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RELATED: How do Puerto Rican voting rights work?

The report reveals that Election Day voting fell from 49% in 2022 to roughly 37% in 2024, when 35% of constituents voted early. South Carolina and Delaware saw the largest growth in early, in-person voting compared to 2020.

Ballot drop boxes are used in areas where they are permitted

Local perspective

The report showed that drop boxes were used in 35 states and Washington, D.C. in 2024. Approximately 21 states reported a total of almost 15 million mail ballots returned with the use of a drop box, accounting for about 45% of all mail ballots returned by voters.

Moreover, four states reported double-digit increases in the percentage of mail ballots returned at drop boxes: California, Kansas, Utah, and Nevada.

The Source

Information for this story was provided by the Associated Press, which cites data from a report released by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. This story was reported from Washington, D.C.
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, July 4. Tajikistan and Iran reaffirmed their intention to deepen comprehensive cooperation during a meeting between President Emomali Rahmon and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit, Trend reports via the press service of the Tajik president.

President Rahmon expressed Tajikistans unwavering commitment to further strengthening relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran. He extended his condolences to the Iranian people in light of recent national events, reaffirming Tajikistans solidarity with its close partner.

The two leaders navigated the intricate tapestry of their bilateral ties, celebrating the blossoming progress in vital realms, and underscored the significance of weaving together the threads of agreements forged at the presidential summit.



In particular, the flourishing of the Sangtuda-2 Hydropower Plant stood as a shining beacon of fruitful collaboration between the two nations.



Both parties recognized the importance of keeping the wheels of collaboration turning, nurturing the seeds of joint endeavors, and engaging in fruitful dialogues on issues that bind them, such as the harmony of their region, the weaving together of economic threads, and the flow of energy that fuels their aspirations.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
EAST LONGMEADOW, Mass. (WWLP)  The Fourth of July celebrations in East Longmeadow took on a creative spin this year with a fun concert light show for residents.

Preparations begin for biggest July 4th event in western Massachusetts

The annual fireworks show was canceled due to ongoing construction at the East Longmeadow High School, but a new experience was brought to residents, and rain certainly didnt stop them from enjoying the show.

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Held at Mapleshade Elementary School, the concert light show was hosted by the towns Rotary Club. These free events are part of their summer concert series. Sponsors included East Village Tavern, Springfield Spring Corporation, and W.B. Hill Incorporated, all making the magic happen.

The rain did delay the fun, but attendees patiently waited in their cars and did get the entirety of the show.

Alison Donnelly with the East Longmeadow Rotary Club told 22News, It was awesome pulling in here tonight and seeing cars already here, they are braving the rain. Trailer trash has a phenomenal following as well, so I think its going to get even busier as the night proceeds.

Western Massachusetts modern country band, Trailer Trash, makes an appearance, kindly extending their performance due to the stormy weather.

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Six other fireworks celebrations are set for Friday in several locations in western Massachusetts. Click here to see all the local happenings.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
TYLER, Texas (KETK) The East Texas Food Bank (ETFB) released a statement addressing their concerns after the U.S. Senate passed a bill that will cut an estimated $186 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

East Texas Food Bank losing over $850,000 after Trump administration cuts

Since its modern-day inception 50 years ago, SNAP has provided Americans with food assistance during times of crisis, economic downturn and natural disaster. The bill will alter the programs structure by shifting billions in costs to states, including Texas, and represents the most sweeping rollback of SNAP in U.S. history.

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ETFB chief executive officer, David Emerson, spoke about how the cutting of SNAP funds will have a negative impact on East Texas families and urged lawmakers to act now to protect SNAP.

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, Emerson said. 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.

Celia Cole, the CEO of Feeding Texas, also released a statement about the negative implications that cutting SNAP will have on Americans.

The consequences would be profound and devastating. Millions of Americansincluding children, seniors, veterans and working familiescould go hungry, Cole said. 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.

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According to an ETFB press release, the senates bill will increase Texas share of the administrative costs for SNAP by $716 million per year by the 2028 fiscal year. ETFB said this would force Texas state lawmakers to either raise new money, divert funds to cover those costs or lower SNAP benefits for Texans.

How Trumps megabill will impact health care

SNAP is a lifeline for millions of Texans, especially during times of crisis, Cole said. The program works because its federally funded and responsive to fluctuations in the economy. Offloading benefit costs to states would undermine SNAPs ability to respond to economic downturns and natural disastersprecisely when families need help the most, and state coffers are most depleted.

The ETFB was established in 1988 and currently serves 26 counties. The non-profit provides around 31 million meals to East Texans every year and is part of the Feeding Texas network, which is comprised of 20 food banks and over 3,000 local partners.

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.

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GREENVILLE, N.C.  ECU Health is warning people of the dangers of handling fireworks on their own, especially since its illegal in North Carolina to shoot off fireworks that leave the ground.

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is by attending a larger event where professionals handle the flames. Experts also suggest that children use a glow stick instead of sparklers.

So certainly burns are the greatest injury, Ellen Walston, injury prevention coordinator said. One thing that we do see is when folks light a firework and then it seems to be a dud, they may go back and try to light it again. And we always suggest never relighting a firework.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.
CAIRO (AP)  Egypt said Friday that Ethiopia has consistently lacked the political will to reach a binding agreement on its now-complete dam, an issue that involves Nile River water rights and the interests of Egypt and Sudan.

Ethiopias prime minister said Thursday that the countrys power-generating dam, known as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, on the Nile is now complete and that the government is preparing for its official inauguration in September.

Egypt has long opposed the construction of the dam, because it would reduce the country's share of Nile River waters, which it almost entirely relies on for agriculture and to serve its more than 100 million people.

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The more than the $4 billion dam on the Blue Nile near the Sudan border began producing power in 2022. Its expected to eventually produce more than 6,000 megawatts of electricity  double Ethiopias current output.

Ethiopia and Egypt have spent years trying to reach an agreement over the dam, which Ethiopia began building in 2011. At one point, tensions ran so high that some feared the dispute would escalate to war.

Both countries reached no deal despite negotiations over 13 years, and it remains unclear how much water Ethiopia will release downstream in case of a drought.

Egyptian officials, in a statement, called the completion of the dam unlawful and said that it violates international law, reflecting an Ethiopian approach driven by an ideology that seeks to impose water hegemony instead of equal partnership.

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Egypt firmly rejects Ethiopias continued policy of imposing a fait accompli through unilateral actions concerning the Nile River, which is an international shared watercourse, Egypts Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation said in a statement Friday.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, in his address to lawmakers Thursday, said that his country remains committed to ensuring that our growth does not come at the expense of our Egyptian and Sudanese brothers and sisters.

We believe in shared progress, shared energy, and shared water, he said. Prosperity for one should mean prosperity for all.

However, the Egyptian water ministry said Friday that Ethiopian statements calling for continued negotiations are merely superficial attempts to improve its image on the international stage.

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Ethiopias positions, marked by evasion and retreat while pursuing unilateralism, are in clear contradiction with its declared willingness to negotiate, the statement read.

However, Egypt is addressing its water needs by expanding agricultural wastewater treatment and improving irrigation systems, according to the ministry, while also bolstering cooperation with Nile Basin countries through backing development and water-related projects.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The El Paso Chamber of Commerce announced a $150 million state allocation for Phase 3 of the Borderland Expressway, according to the news release sent on Thursday afternoon, July 3.

The allocation from the Draft 2026 Unified Transportation Program is a significant step forward for mobility, trade and economic development in our region, according to the news release.

According to the El Paso Chamber, the new State Spur 320, to be called the Borderland Expressway, will reduce congestion, improve trade efficiency and provide a new route for commercial and passenger vehicles around El Paso.

Courtesy of TxDOT.

As KTSM previously reported, the first phase of the project was opened to the public back in February, with four lanes that run from Railroad Drive to Business Route U.S. 54 (Dyer Street).

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1st phase of new loop highway in Northeast El Paso nearly complete

In April, the El Paso Chamber led a delegation of regional leaders to advocate for the Border Expressway before the Texas Transportation Commission (TTC), the news release read.

The El Paso Chamber said the delegation included state Sen. Cesar Blanco, County Commissioner Sergio Coronado, El Paso Chamber Board Chair Elizabeth OHara, El Paso MPO Executive Director Eduardo Clavo, and Chamber President and CEO Richard Mora.

This state investment in the Borderland Expressway is a game-changer for El Pasos economy and business community. By easing congestion and expanding freight capacity, this project will strengthen our position as a hub for trade and economic growth, Blanco said. I want to thank the Texas Transportation Commissioners, all of whom accepted my invitations to visit El Paso and see our unique infrastructure needs firsthand. Their visits helped secure this critical funding. Im also grateful to the El Paso Chamber for mobilizing local leaders and ensuring our regions voice was heard in Austin. When we advocate together, we get results.

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This $150 million allocation is a testament to what can be accomplished when regional leaders advocate with a shared vision, Mora said. The Borderland Expressway will not only enhance mobility and connectivity in El Paso, but also serve as a vital artery for Texas and the nations

economy.

Our strong regional leadership of the County, cities, MPO, chamber, and the El Paso Mobility Coalition is in constant collaboration and deliberation on how we can best maximize our own transportation plan, Coronado said. The El Paso region appreciates the continued partnership with TxDOT and the TTC in modernizing our transportation network.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  El Paso City Council will be presented with the proposed budget for next fiscal year at the start of budget meetings next week.

In a roundtable held Thursday afternoon, July 3, City Manager Dionne Mack and other City officials presented the key highlights of their proposed budget, which she said will be flat, and invest in areas El Pasoans have said are their priorities.

Its a pretty flat budget. Were working on making sure that this year its about stabilizing operations across the board. We dont have a tremendous amount of new initiatives that were funding, Mack said.

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Mack said the proposed budget took into account feedback from the El Paso community.

This year we had an opportunity to not only go out into the community and talk to them about what their priorities were through budget townhall meetings, but we also had the highest response rate for our time in survey. And so, what we saw out of that survey was a focus on infrastructure, on public safety, quality of life, and economic development, Mack said.

Mack said the proposed budget will reflect a continued focus on investing in the Citys Police and Fire departments. Mack said the investment will be directed toward improving both departments infrastructure and on growing their workforce.

According to the City, nearly 80% of the increase to the proposed budget will be directed to the Police and Fire departments.

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Its a $19.4 million increase year over year that is going to help us be able to support 120 new police cadets. We also have some new incentives as a part of the collective bargaining agreement that will come in place. For El Paso Fire, were making sure were taking care of existing staff, but also we have 48 new firefighters who are on board that were previously being funded through grants, Mack said.

City leaders said the budget also proposes to increase the Citys Over 65 and Disabled property tax exemption to $45,000, which is more than twice the $20,000 exemption offered by the County.

To improve City infrastructure the budget will allocate $10 million for street resurfacing projects, $1.5 million for traffic safety projects at intersections, and $17.4 million for City vehicles, equipment, and facilities.

With all 2012 Quality of Life Bond projects now completed and facilities fully operational, the City proposes to continue increasing investing into City parks. The budget proposes an added $500,000 for park amenity replacements. That would increase the total investment into Quality of Life projects to $1.5 million.

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Mack said that the goal for the proposed budget was to keep it simplified and stabilize operations across City departments.

With a largely new-look City Council set to review and decide on a new budget for the first time, Mack said shes confident her staff did its due diligence in breaking down the budget for them, and that the budget is in line with what council members want to prioritize.

We want the council to ask the difficult questions. We want them to be very comfortable because the budget thats adopted in August is theirs. Weve made sure that we provide them briefing opportunities. Weve tried to make sure that were aligning to what we know are their critical priorities. But a council of this size whove just come in, they cant know the level of detail, in terms of every single solitary contract. And so weve been working on making sure that theyre well educated on that, Mack said.

Im very confident that they are prepared to ask those questions, and that my staff are able to respond to those and that we have sufficient time to pivot if we need to in any area that weve made a recommendation in, Mack added.

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Following next weeks City Council meetings, City staff will hold budget meetings throughout El Paso. You can find the schedule and locations below.

 Monday, July 7 at 9 a.m. at City Hall, Council Chambers, 300 N. Campbell

 Tuesday, July 8 at 9 a.m. City Hall, Council Chambers, 300 N. Campbell

 Tuesday, July 15 at 6 p.m. at Beast Urban Park Recreation Center, 13501 Jason Crandall

 Wednesday, July 16 at 9 a.m. at Veterans Recreation Center, 5301 Salem

 Wednesday, July 16 at 5:30 p.m. at Veterans Recreation Center, 5301 Salem

 Tuesday, July 23 at 10:30 a.m. at Nolan Richardson Recreation Center, 4435 Maxwell

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 Wednesday, July 23 at 5:30 p.m. at Irving Schwartz Library, 1865 Dean Martin

 Tuesday, July 29 at 5:30 p.m. at Memorial Senior Center, 1800 Byron

 Wednesday, July 30 at 6 p.m. at Municipal Service Center, Cotton Patch Room, 7968 San Paulo

 Thursday, July 31 at 6 p.m. at Westside Command Center, 4801 Osborne

Key Dates in the FY2026 Budget Process

 July 78: Budget presentations

 July 31: Presentation of certified property values and introduction of proposed tax rate

 Aug. 12: Public hearing on budget and tax rate

 Aug 19: City Council adoption of the FY 2026 budget and tax rate

For more information, visit www.ElPasoTexas.gov/budget.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A 44-year-old man who is the owner of a garbage disposal company has been arrested for illegal dumping, the El Paso County Sheriffs Office said.

Abraham Ryan Romero, 44, owner of Road Runner Disposal, was arrested on Thursday, July 3 and charged with one count of illegal dumping of more than 1,000 pounds or more than 200 cubic feet. His bond was set at $2,000.

Abraham Ryan Romero  Courtesy of El Paso County Sheriffs Office

On June 23, deputies were called out to the 500 block of North Ascension Street in East El Paso County after receiving a report about suspected illegal dumping.

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Upon arrival, deputies discovered over 200 cubic feet of waste unlawfully dumped on a private lot, the Sheriffs Office said.

A joint investigation was conducted by patrol deputies and detectives from the Peter J. Herrera Patrol Station Criminal Investigations Division.

Through their efforts, investigators identified Romero, a resident of the 200 block of Emerald Sun and owner of Road Runner Disposal, as the individual responsible for dumping the waste on property not authorized as a solid waste site, the Sheriffs Office said.

Sheriff Oscar Ugarte reminds the public that illegal dumping is a criminal offense in the State of Texas and urges residents to report any suspected illegal dumping activity to their local law-enforcement agency.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A 33-year-old man was arrested on Thursday, July 3 for submitting falsified court documents in a criminal case, according to the news release from the El Paso County Sheriffs Office (EPCSO).

According to EPCSO, Jose Alejandro Vaquera was arrested and charged with tampering with or fabricating physical evidence and online impersonation.

Jose Alejandro Vaquera. Photo courtesy of the El Paso County Sheriffs Office.

Vaquera was booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility with a total bond of $30,000, the Sheriffs Office said.

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According to the news release, Vaquera is accused of submitting falsified documents and emails to the County Criminal Court No. 1 in connection to an unrelated criminal case.

The materials appeared to show compliance with court-ordered requirements and included what seemed to be records from a Battering Intervention and Prevention Program, read the news release.

EPCSO said with concerns about the legitimacy of the documents, the Criminal Investigations Division launched an in-depth investigation, where they confirmed that the documents and emails had been fabricated.



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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
An El Paso woman was found guilty of killing a young father in a 2023 crash as she drove drunk on U.S. 54 in Chaparral, New Mexico, authorities said.

Rebecca Herrera, 34, of El Paso, was convicted by an Otero County jury on June 25 of vehicular homicide while driving while intoxicated in the death of Isaac Garcia, 21, New Mexico's 12th Judicial District Attorney Ryan Suggs announced in a news release.

Rebecca Herrera

The jury deliberated for about 10 minutes before reaching a verdict, the news release states. Herrera was remanded into custody to await sentencing. A sentencing date has not been set. She faces up to 18 years in prison.

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Judge Stephen P. Ochoa presided over the trial in the 12th District Court in Alamogordo, New Mexico. Assistant District Attorneys Randy Summers and Taylor Weary prosecuted the case for the 12th Judicial District Attorneys Office.

Herrera drove 99 mph on wrong side of road

Herrera left a party in West El Paso about 1:40 a.m. March 5, 2023 "when, due to her level of intoxication, she became disoriented and crossed into New Mexico," the news release states.

A witness called 911 to report a vehicle driving the wrong direction on U.S. 54 near the Otero County Prison Facility in Chaparral, New Mexico. Herrera was driving south in the northbound lanes, going about 99 mph in her car, the news release states.

Less than five minutes after the 911 call, an Otero County Sheriffs Office deputy found a "catastrophic head-on collision," the news release states.

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More: Hudspeth man gets 50-year prison term for sexually abusing girls for more than a decade

Herrera admitted to drinking excessively and leaving a party, the news release states. She was taken to University Medical Center in El Paso for treatment.

Garcia, a dedicated young man and father, was driving to his job at the Otero County Prison Facility, the news release states.

"He was less than two miles from his workplace when his life was cut short," the news release states. "Isaac was a beloved son, brother, partner, and father  a pillar of his family and community."

More: 'I'm hit.' Bodycam video shows El Paso police shootout that killed man, wounded officer

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He is survived by his partner, Carolina Luna, and his daughter, who was just 3 years old at the time of the crash, the news release states.

This crash caused a senseless and irreversible loss, a statement from the prosecutors included in the news release states. You drink, you drive, you lose. This tragedy should serve as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of impaired driving.

Aaron Martinez covers the criminal justice system for the El Paso Times. He may be reached at amartinez1@elpasotimes.com or on X/Twitter @AMartinezEPT.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso woman convicted in fatal drunked driving wreck in Otero County
MEXICO CITY (AP)  El Salvador President Nayib Bukele cast aside allegations that Kilmar Abrego Garcia was beaten and subject to psychological torture in a Salvadoran prison on Thursday.

In a post on the social media platform X, Bukele wrote that Abrego Garcia wasnt tortured, nor did he lose weight. In the post, Bukele included pictures and video of Abrego Garcia in a detention cell.

If hed been tortured, sleep-deprived, and starved, why does he look so well in every picture? Bukele wrote.

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It comes after Abrego Garcia said he suffered severe beatings, severe sleep deprivation and psychological torture in the notorious El Salvador prison the Trump administration had mistakenly deported him to in March, according to court documents filed on Wednesday.

He said he was kicked and hit so often after arrival that by the following day, he had visible bruises and lumps all over his body. He said he and 20 others were forced to kneel all night long and guards hit anyone who fell.

In the new court documents, Abrego Garcia said detainees at CECOT were confined to metal bunks with no mattresses in an overcrowded cell with no windows, bright lights that remained on 24 hours a day, and minimal access to sanitation.

Abrego Garcias description falls in line with accounts from other Salvadorans who were detained under Bukele's state of emergency, where the government has detained more than 1% of the Central American nations population in its war on the country's gangs.

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Hundreds of people people have died in the prisons, according to human rights groups, which have also documented cases of torture and deteriorated conditions.

Abrego Garcia was living in Maryland when he was mistakenly deported and became a flashpoint in U.S. President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown. The new details of Abrego Garcias incarceration in El Salvador were added to a lawsuit against the Trump administration that Abrego Garcias wife filed in Maryland federal court after he was deported.

The Trump administration has asked a federal judge in Maryland to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that it is now moot because the government returned him to the United States as ordered by the court.
KHANKENDI, Azerbaijan, July 4. I propose holding a meeting of the trade ministers of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in Tashkent, the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev said during the 17th ECO summit, Trend's special correspondent sent to Khankendi reports.

"The current level of mutual trade between member states remains low - only about 10 percent of their total foreign trade turnover, which is about $95 billion as of 2024. To discuss ways to develop strategic cooperation in this area, we propose holding a meeting of the trade ministers of the ECO member states in Tashkent," he said.
By Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -El Salvador President Nayib Bukele on Thursday denied accusations that Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the migrant returned to the U.S. in early June after being wrongfully deported to his native El Salvador, was tortured in a Salvadoran prison.

In a court filing in the U.S. on Wednesday, Abrego Garcia gave a first-hand description of his experience at the Salvadoran high-security prison CECOT and reported severe mistreatment.

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His lawyers said he lost 31 pounds (14 kg) in his first two weeks there and was "subjected to severe mistreatment upon arrival at CECOT, including but not limited to severe beatings, severe sleep deprivation, inadequate nutrition, and psychological torture."

Bukele disputed that in a social media post on Thursday.

"But the man wasn't tortured, nor did he lose weight," Bukele said. "If he'd been tortured, sleep-deprived, and starved, why does he look so well in every picture?"

Bukele's post included pictures and video of Abrego Garcia in detention.

A Maryland resident whose wife and young child are U.S. citizens, Abrego Garcia was deported from the U.S. on March 15 to El Salvador, despite a 2019 immigration court ruling that he not be sent there because he could be persecuted by gangs. Officials called his removal an "administrative error."

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Critics of U.S. President Donald Trump pointed to the case as evidence his administration was prioritizing increased deportations over due process - the principle that people in the U.S., whether citizens or not, can contest governmental actions against them in courts.

Trump has pledged to crack down on illegal immigration and says Abrego Garcia belongs to the MS-13 gang, an accusation his lawyers deny.

The Justice Department brought Abrego Garcia back to the U.S. on June 6 after securing an indictment charging him with working with at least five co-conspirators as part of a smuggling ring to bring immigrants to the U.S. illegally.

He has pleaded not guilty and the government says it plans to deport him again. He is currently detained in Tennessee while his criminal case is pending.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)
Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele on Thursday dismissed claims that Kilmar Abrego Garcia was mistreated during his time in El Salvadors custody.

He also cast blame on the mainstream media and crumbling Western judiciary for claims he said have been accepted as truth without evidence.

But the man wasnt tortured, nor did he lose weight. In fact, photos show he gained weight while in detention, Bukele wrote Thursday on the social platform X. Theres plenty of footage from different days, including his meeting with [Democratic Maryland] Senator Van Hollen, who himself confirmed the man seemed fine.

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He added, If hed been tortured, sleep-deprived, and starved, why does he look so well in every picture? Why would he gain weight? Why are there no bruises, or even dark circles under his eyes?

The Salvadoran leader paired the post with a video and photos of Abrego Garcia  who made national headlines earlier this year after being mistakenly deported to the Central American country in March amid President Trumps crackdown on illegal immigration  in his prison quarters.

Bukeles post comes days after Abrego Garcia, according to court filings late last month, recounted the psychological torture and physical abuse he said he suffered while being held in El Salvadors notorious CECOT prison. The man, who had been living in Maryland under a protective order, also said he suffered from sleep deprivation while detained.

The prison is well-known for overcrowding, bunk beds without mattresses and toilets shared by too many prisoners. The lights are left on at all times and, according to court filings, there are no windows, fans, or air conditioning, despite the regions warm and humid climate.

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When he arrived, according to Abrego Garcia, he was kicked in the legs with boots and struck on his head and arms to make him change clothes faster, and his head was shaved with a dull razor, among other allegations.

Bukeles comments come after the Trump administration brought Abrego Garcia back to the U.S.  months after the Supreme Court ruled the administration needed to facilitate his return and as the president and White House officials doubled down on their decision deport the man they alleged at the time was connected to MS-13 gang activity

Abrego Garcia was returned to face criminal charges against him stemming from a 2022 traffic stop in Tennessee, when he was accused of trafficking immigrations more than 100 times and a related conspiracy charge, according to the indictment. He pleaded not guilty to the charges in court last month.

Attorneys for Abrego Garcia have asked he remain in jail in Tennessee while he awaits trial after prosecutors threatened to deport him to a third country following his potential release, a separate court filing indicates. The request was granted.

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El Salvadors President Nayib Bukele has disputed claims that Kilmar Abrego Garcia experienced severe mistreatment and torture while he was held in Salvadoran custody.

This week, Abrego Garcias attorneys said the 29-year-old was subject to severe beatings, severe sleep deprivation, inadequate nutrition, and psychological torture while he was held in a notorious, maximum-security prison known as CECOT. Abrego Garcia was sent there in March after the Trump administration wrongfully deported him.

Now, Bukele says Abrego Garcia wasnt tortured, nor did he lose weight.

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Bukele wrote: If hed been tortured, sleep-deprived, and starved, why does he look so well in every picture? Why would he gain weight? Why are there no bruises, or even dark circles under his eyes?

Bukele included a three-and-a-half-minute video of what he said was Abrego Garcia in custody. The clips appear to show Abrego Garcia doing various activities, including speaking with his cellmate, eating, working at a fish farm and holding a parrot as part of a mental wellness activity.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia is seen at Centro Industrial, a Salvadoran detention center, in footage shared by El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele (Nayib Bukele)

Kilmar Abrego Garcia is seen holding a parrot while in Salvadoran custody (Nayib Bukele)

Salvadoran officials say Abrego Garcia was held in two facilities while in custody: CECOT and a second, lower-security detention center known as Centro Industrial. The video appears to show Abrego Garcia in the lower-security detention center.

Abrego Garcias attorneys say he was brutally beaten at CECOT. Prison employees hit him with wooden batons when he first arrived, his lawyers wrote in their recent filing. The next day, Abrego Garcia had visible bruises and lumps all over his body, they said.

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Abrego Garcias attorneys said he was forced to share a cell with 20 other Salvadorans. They were all forced to kneel from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., with guards striking anyone who fell from exhaustion, the complaint states.

During this time, Plaintiff Abrego Garcia was denied bathroom access and soiled himself, his lawyers wrote. The detainees were confined to metal bunks with no mattresses in an overcrowded cell with no windows, bright lights that remained on 24 hours a day, and minimal access to sanitation.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia was wrongfully deported to El Salvador in March (AP)

Abrego Garcia lost 31 pounds while in custody, his lawyers added.

Abrego Garcia entered the U.S. illegally at 16 years old after fleeing El Salvador. Before he was deported, he was living and working in Maryland with his wife and children.

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Lawyers for the Trump administration admitted the government wrongfully deported Abrego Garcia. But the administration launched a weeks-long legal battle to keep him in El Salvador soon afterward.

The Supreme Court ordered the Trump administration to facilitate Abrego Garcias return in April. He was returned to the U.S. in June after a grand jury indicted him on charges related to illegally transporting immigrants across the country.

Abrego Garcia has pleaded not guilty.
Two female tourists, including a British pensioner, have been killed by a charging elephant while on safari in Zambia, police have told the BBC.

Easton Taylor, 68, from the UK and 67-year-old Alison Taylor from New Zealand were attacked by a female elephant that was with a calf at the South Luangwa National Park, said local police chief Robertson Mweemba.

The two tourists were trampled to death by the nursing elephant after efforts by tour guides to stop it by firing shots failed. Both women died at the scene, he said.

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The British Foreign Office said it was supporting the family of a British woman who had died in Zambia and was liaising with local authorities.

Mr Mweemba said the two women were part of a guided safari group who were walking in the park on Thursday when the elephant charged towards them at high speed.

The two tourists had stayed for four days at the Big Lagoon Camp, about 600 km (370 miles) from the capital, Lusaka, where the attack happened.

"They were moving to other camps when the elephant charged from behind. We are really sorry that we have lost our visitors," Mr Mweemba said.

"They both died on the spot," he added.

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It is not clear whether the pair were related.

Female elephants are very protective of their calves and Zambian authorities have previously called on tourists to exercise extreme caution while observing wildlife around the country.

"It is very difficult to control the animals and tourists like feeding them," Mr Mweemba said.

Last year, two American tourists were killed in separate attacks by elephants in the southern African country. Both cases involved elderly tourists who were in a safari vehicle when they were attacked.

Additional reporting by Dingindaba Jonah Buyoya in Lusaka

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BOX ELDER, S.D. (KELO)  Parades and fireworks will take center stage across the country on Friday.

Even the 28th Bomb Wing B-1B Lancers will be flying over western KELOLAND to celebrate Independence Day.

From Mt. Rushmore, to parades in Gillette, Custer, and Belle Fourche to name a few, two B-1B Lancers will be flying over to add to the spectacle of Independence Day.

1 dead in Interstate 90 crash west of Wall

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An awesome view from the ground, because to us everything like the buildings look bigger and we can see all of the buses and everything. Were like alright this is it, were going to go do this flyover and get a bunch of attention and you see us flying over, you hear the crowd getting super excited about it and thats awesome, EAFB B-1 Pilot Stephen Moore said.

Whether its a mission across the world, flying over sporting events, or celebrations like this, timing is everything.

While the two B-1s will be making several flyovers throughout 4th of July celebrations here in the Black Hills and over in Wyoming, this is also a training opportunity for those airmen here at Ellsworth to make sure they are getting their timing correct.

The 4th of July kind of trek that were doing, were sending two jets and there are a bunch of flyovers that were hitting all around, right? So you have to kind of be down to the second in order to hit all of those on the timings. A giant firework finally or whatever the event is planning, its really helpful for us to kind of get into the nitty gritty of how fast we have to fly and how were going to get there, Moore said.

These pilots hope that they can bring a little joy to those celebrating Independence Day and maybe even inspire future pilots.

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Flyover schedule:

9 a.m.  Mt. Rushmore (Keystone, S.D.)

10 a.m.  Gillette 4th of July Parade (Gillette, W.Y.)

10 a.m.  Hot Springs 4th of July Celebration Parade

10:10 a.m.  Custer Patriots Day Parade (Custer, S.D.)

10:20 a.m.  Piedmont 4th of July Parade (Piedmont, S.D.)

10:30 a.m.  Belle Fourche Black Hills Roundup Parade (Belle Fourche, S.D.)

11:00 a.m.  Lambert Main Street Parade (Lambert, M.T.)

11 a.m. (CST)  Fort Pierre Independence Day Celebration (Fort Pierre, S.D.)

12:00 p.m.  Lead/Deadwood Gold Camp Jubilee (Lead, S.D.)

12:15 p.m. Spearfish Independence Day Parade (Spearfish, S.D.)

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Archrivals Elon Musk and Sam Altman may have found something to bond over.

The two tech billionaires are both disenchanted with US politics.

Both posted about their political frustrations on X this Fourth of July.

Forget fireworks and cookouts: Elon Musk and Sam Altman are spending their Fourth of July sharing their frustrations about US politics.

The rival tech billionaires each celebrated Independence Day with social-media posts in which they vented about the state of the 50 states.

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Musk rekindled his idea of starting a new political party called the "America Party" in an X post. This comes after a falling out between the Tesla CEO and his former ally, President Donald Trump.

"Independence Day is the perfect time to ask if you want independence from the two-party (some would say uniparty) system!" Musk wrote on X.

Musk's musings may have been prompted by Trump's so-called "big, beautiful bill," which the billionaire slammed as being full of bloat.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman also expressed dissatisfaction with politics, specifically with the Democratic Party. Once a Democratic mega-donor, Altman wrote on X that he's now "politically homeless."

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Altman's missive started as a love letter to the US. "I'm not big on identities, but I am extremely proud to be American," he wrote. "This is true every day, but especially today  I firmly believe this is the greatest country ever on Earth."

But don't expect Altman to host fundraisers for Democrats anytime soon. The tech mogul said he's a believer in "techno-capitalism," where wealth flows from innovation, entrepreneurship, and education. In his view, the Democratic Party is now out of step with that mission.

"The Democratic party seemed reasonably aligned with it when I was 20, losing the plot when I was 30, and completely to have moved [sic] somewhere else at this point," Altman wrote. The billionaire added that "I care much, much more about being American than any political party."

Altman's shift may come as anti-billionaire sentiment among Democrats, including New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, is on the rise.

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"I'd rather hear from candidates about how they are going to make everyone have the stuff billionaires have instead of how they are going to eliminate billionaires," Altman wrote.

Musk is also a former self-identifying Democrat who became alienated from the party and eventually threw his support behind Republicans, culminating in his former leadership role in Trump's DOGE project.

Despite his frustrations, Altman might not join Musk's America Party, given their squabbles.

But if Altman and Musk do squash their beef, it could be because of this Fourth of July  and it won't be because they're grilling.

Read the original article on Business Insider
West Midlands emergency workers who died in service have been recognised for their sacrifice, along with 96 others.

Those honoured with the Elizabeth Emblem include: David Morris of Hereford and Worcester Fire Service, David Morgan from Wye Valley NHS Trust and West Midlands Ambulance Service's Jeremy Daw and Tammy Minshall.

Andrew Le Comte, of West Midlands Police, Ashley Stephens, of Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service and Bernard Butt, a teacher at T.P. Riley Community School in Walsall, have also been recognised.

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The award is the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross and recognises the sacrifices made by public servants who have lost their lives as a result of their duty.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden said: "We owe an enduring debt to the public servants who give their lives to protect others.

"The Elizabeth Emblem is a reminder not just of the ultimate price their loved ones have paid in service of our communities, it is a lasting symbol of our national gratitude for their incredible sacrifice."

Mr Morris, from Hereford, died during a fire at the Sun Valley poultry processing factory, when he was trapped by a fallen ceiling on 6 September 1993.

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The 35-year-old had been a full-time firefighter with 11 years' service when he was sent to the fire, which started in a unit for defrosting meat.

In 2023, Mr Morris and his colleague John Davies, who was also killed in the blaze, were remembered with a parade and wreath-laying ceremony.

Andrew Le Comte, 21, died on 4 February 1984 when he fell from a shop roof while searching for suspects at night.

In 2022, West Midlands Police Federation chair Rich Cooke paid tribute on the anniversary of his death.

He said: "We will continue to remember him as we do all our fallen colleagues who can never be forgotten."

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Ashley Stephens' dad was one of the last people to see him alive on the night of a fire which claimed the lives of four Warwickshire firefighters in 2007.

Paul and his son, both retained firefighters, attended a fire at a vegetable packing warehouse in Atherstone-on-Stour, near Stratford-upon-Avon.

Ashley, 20, John Averis, 27, Darren Yates-Badley, 24, and Ian Reid, 44, entered the building wearing breathing apparatus. None of them survived.

Ashley was not officially on duty that night but volunteered to help anyway.

"The last words I said to him were, 'just be careful, it's hot in there, just be careful'," Paul said.

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Tammy Minshall was killed when the ambulance she was in was involved in a crash with a car.

The 31-year-old was airlifted to hospital and later died on 3 July 2019 after the crash in Barton-under-Needwood, near Burton-upon-Trent.

To pay tribute to the paramedic, colleagues lined the path to St Mary's Church in Stretton when Ms Minshall's funeral was held there.

She had "had an amazing career ahead of her", a West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesperson said.

Mr Daw, a historian and a former paramedic, came out of retirement to help during the pandemic but died on 24 April 2021 after an object hit the ambulance he was in.

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The ambulance service said an "object of some description" pierced the windscreen in "a tragic accident".

The 66-year-old had worked in Leominster and Hereford for almost 30 years.

Speaking at the time of his death, emergency operations delivery director Nathan Hudson said: "He was a remarkable character.

"He was one of life's good guys and he will be sorely missed."

Mr Morgan died at Hereford County Hospital, where he had worked for about seven years, after testing positive for Covid-19 on 28 January 2021.

He was described as "everyone's go-to guy" by Jane Ives, Wye Valley NHS Trust managing director.

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Speaking at the time, his wife Penny said the family was "truly devastated" by their sudden loss.

"He was my amazing husband and incredible father and grandfather," she added.

Bernard Butt died on a school trip in 21 October 1988 when a cruise ship sank following a collision with a freighter near Piraeus in Greece.

The 41-year-old history teacher was reportedly attempting to save students during the sinking.

Other individuals from the West Midlands to be awarded the Elizabeth Emblem are:

Clive Blackburn, of Staffordshire County Police, who died on 24 February 1967

Keith Marshall, of West Midlands Fire Service, who died on 18 March 1974

George Barrett, West Midlands Fire Service, who died on 2 December 1976

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On Friday, the Supreme Court delivered a powerful message: The job of the judiciary is to apply the Constitution and laws enacted by the peoples representatives, not to implement a judges political agenda. In delivering this message, Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett humiliated ideologue Ketanji Brown Jackson, who declined to engage in legal analysis, because it was (as Jackson put it) "mind-numbingly technical."

In decision after decision this term, the court restored jurisprudential principles to the judiciarys mission, culminating in repeated rebukes of progressive judges who use the Constitution and federal law as props to advance their political agendas. The era of liberal activist judges that began with Earl Warrens ascension to chief justice in 1953 has officially ended.

The re-emergence of the Constitution began when the court eschewed "penumbras" emanating from the Constitution hallucinated by Justice William O. Douglas in Roe v. Wade, returning abortion decisions to the states. Then, a unanimouscourt stopped Democrats from protecting democracy by depriving voters of the opportunity to vote for Trump. Ending the Biden administrations lawfare, a split court next explained that because the powers of the executive branch are vested in just one person, the president must have immunity to utilize the powers of the office. In other words, the courts are not the presidents boss.

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Since January, activist Democrat-appointed judges committed to preserving radical left policies have repeatedly enjoined Trumps orders. Even liberal appeals courts have begun to stay or reverse the most egregious abuses involving tariffs, immigration, and government layoffs.

Last week, after U.S. District Court Judge Charles Breyer enjoined Trump from federalizing the California National Guard because he disagreed with Trumps prescription for quelling the violence caused by anti-ICE rioters, a three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit unanimously reversed. The panel rejected Breyers right to decide the law, facts, and policy, and reminded him (and 111 other district court judges in the Ninth Circuit) that on matters related to the National Guard, the presidents judgment stands unless it is so extreme as to be dishonest.

During the first 20 weeks of Trumps second term, the administration filed 19 emergency applications to the Supreme Court to stop district court judges who substituted their policy judgments for the presidents. In almost all cases, the administration prevailed, at least pending a complete judicial review, preserving its right to deport illegal aliens; permitting DOGE to review government spending and recommend cuts; disqualifying transgender people from military service; and allowing cuts to ideologically driven federal grants.

On its regular calendar, the Supreme Court unanimously: held that straight white people have the same rights to be protected from discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as do so-called marginalized minorities; protected a Catholic charity threatened with loss of its tax exemption by Wisconsin for offering services to non-Catholics; and dismissed the Mexican governments effort to sue U.S. gun manufacturers for drug cartel violence.

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Friday alone, the court ruled that the American judiciary is required to consider only the "cases and controversies" before it, and may not order nationwide injunctions; agreed parents may withdraw their children from classes that indoctrinate them in trans ideology; held that Texas may bar minors from viewing internet pornography; and strengthened Trumps powers to impose tariffs by reaffirming, in an unrelated case, that Congress can delegate power to executive agencies if it lays out the general policy, principles and boundaries.

In Mahmoud v. Taylor, Justice Sonia Sotomayor argued that indoctrinating children in trans ideology is "critical to our Nations civic vitality" and overrides the First Amendment right to religious freedom. Writing for the majority, Justice Samuel Alito blasted her "deliberately blinkered view" that the purpose of the program at issue was to teach kindness, adding that Sotomayor "ignores what anyone who reads these books can readily see" - that the purpose is to advocate the use of pronouns and choice of gender as "values and beliefs" to be "celebrated" and contrary values and beliefs to be "rejected."

In Trump v. CASA, Inc., a case the administration may ultimately lose involving Trumps authority to end birthright citizenship, the majority held that federal courts do not have the power to grant nationwide injunctions that go beyond the specific parties and issues before them to block administration orders.

The liberal justices dissented, complaining that the limitation would allow Trump too much leeway. Apparently tired of Jacksons substituting politics for legal analysis, in her majority opinion, Barrett excoriated Jacksons dissent for being untethered to any legal doctrine, dismissively declaiming: "We will not dwell on Justice Jacksons argument, which is at odds with more than two centuries worth of precedent, not to mention the Constitution itself. We observe only this: Justice Jackson decries an imperial Executive while embracing an imperial Judiciary."

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When Supreme Court justices and even the Ninth Circuit use strong language to rein in activist judges, the end of the imperial judiciary is nigh.

Kenin M. Spivak is founder and chairman of SMI Group LLC, an international consulting firm and investment bank. He is the author of fiction and non-fiction books and a frequent speaker and contributor to media, including The American Mind, National Review, the National Association of Scholars, television, radio, and podcasts.
Enterprise, Ala.  Mayor William E. Cooper, Sr. has officially announced July 2025 as Park and Recreation Month in the City of Enterprise, joining communities nationwide in recognizing the vital role parks and recreation play in enhancing quality of life.

From day one, my administration and the City Council have made parks and recreational facilities a top priority because we know how important they are for families and for strengthening our sense of community, Mayor Cooper said. We are committed to providing facilities that will serve generations of Enterprise residents.

Park and Recreation Month highlights how parks, programs, and staff promote active lifestyles, mental health, and community connection.

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The citys commitment is evident in recent projects like the new Recreation and Aquatics Center, which has quickly become a hub for fitness classes, tournaments, and family fun.

Enterprise Parks and Recreation Superintendent Landon Adams noted ongoing improvements across the city, including new multipurpose fields, sand volleyball courts, and an upcoming outdoor fitness court.

Its clear our community is deeply invested in the opportunities offered through Enterprise Parks and Recreation, Adams said.

Blake Moore, Director of Community Services and Recreation, praised the staffs dedication.

Whether theyre cutting grass at one of our parks or coordinating a citywide event, our team takes great pride in their work, he said.

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Mayor Cooper also commended the departments willingness to support events citywide, from the Farmers Market to Civic Center programs. They are the epitome of team players, he said.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to explore Enterprises parks throughout July and celebrate the power of recreation in building a stronger, healthier community.

For more information about Enterprise Parks and Recreation, visit www.enterpriseal.gov.

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The Environmental Protection Agency has suspended at least 139 of its staffers who signed a letter protesting the direction the agency has taken under President Donald Trump.

The Declaration of Dissent was sent to EPA administrator Lee Zeldin on Monday. It accused the Trump administration of harmful deregulation, mischaracterization of previous EPA actions, and disregard for scientific expertise.

Some of the 170 staffers who put their names on the letter began to receive notices on Thursday that they had been placed on administrative leave, according to The Washington Post. Multiple people were even removed from the building, although its not clear how many.

The 139 staffers were suspended after criticizing the direction the EPA had taken under administrator Lee Zeldin and Trump. / Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images

An anonymous EPA official told the Post that 139 of the staffers had been suspended pending an investigation. The person alleged that the letter misrepresented the work of the EPA.

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An EPA spokesperson defended the mass suspension in a statement to the Daily Beast.

The Environmental Protection Agency has a zero-tolerance policy for career bureaucrats unlawfully undermining, sabotaging, and undercutting the administrations agenda as voted for by the great people of this country last November, the statement said.

One employee who was placed on leave told the Post that they knew what they were signing up for.

I took the risk knowing what was up, the person said. Ill say it before and now it rings even more true If this is the EPA they want me to work for then I dont want to work for the EPA.

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The letter was signed by approximately 300 EPA staff, 170 of whom risked the Trump administrations wrath by signing their names.

The letters specific complaints included the Trump administrations rollback of environmental health standards, the dismantling of the EPAs research office, and its promotion of a culture of fear among staff.

Zeldin, formerly a Republican congressman, has long been an ally of Trumps. / Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

It called on Zeldin, a former Republican congressman who was appointed by Trump, to honor your oath and serve the American people.

Zeldins nomination as EPA administrator was met with concern due to his close ties to Trump and his lack of extensive experience on environmental issues.

During his testimony before the Senate for the nomination, Zeldin made headlines for flunking an impromptu pop quiz on basic science questions about climate change.
Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

KHANKENDI, Azerbaijan, July 4. President Masoud Pezeshkian proposed to hold the Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in Iran, Iranian President said during his speech at the 17th ECO Summit in the city of Khankendi, Trend's special correspondent reports.

The Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms its readiness to host one of the next ECO summits and welcomes the participation of the esteemed member states, he said.

In addition, Masoud Pezeshkian noted the necessity to further develop cooperation within the ECO framework in key areas.

"Regional trade within ECO still accounts for only 8% of the countries' total trade. We must intensify the negotiations on the free trade area and bring them to a concrete outcome by 2035. Revision of the trade agreement and its early implementation is essential," the head of state added.
With friends like these 

Mayor Eric Adams is refusing to shake scandal-scarred cronies who plagued his first administration  while telling skittish backers that they have been taken off his re-election campaign, The Post has learned.

Indicted former top Adams adviser Ingrid Lewis-Martin has been quietly making calls for the campaign, insiders said, with one source describing her as his shadow political director.

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Two other confidantes whose homes were raided by the feds in the run-up to Adams historic corruption case  former City Hall aide Winnie Greco and fundraiser Brianna Suggs  are also helping his campaign, sources said.

Just unbelievable, one source said, when told about the crews return to Adams good graces.

The trios resurrection comes to the chagrin of Adams powerful backers, who want him to shed problematic pals to have any shot at beating Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani in Novembers election, insiders said.

Mayor Eric Adams indicted longtime consigliere Ingrid Lewis-Martin is helping with his re-election campaign. Paul Martinka

At least one backer called Adams campaign last week to raise alarm about Lewis-Martin and Greco, but were told the pair were no longer with the re-election effort, sources said.

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Lewis-Martin and Greco are still working with the campaign in a volunteer capacity, while Suggs has quietly remained on the payroll since the federal probe emerged into public view, said spokesman Todd Shapiro.

These people are not working in government, theyre simply volunteering on a campaign with a thousand others, Shapiro said. We are not stopping people from volunteering.

The longtime Democrat Adams is running as an Independent in a tough re-election battle against Mamdani, Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, independent candidate Jim Walden and, potentially, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Business leaders and moderates frightened over the prospect of a Mamdani mayoralty have shown signs that theyll flock to Adams as their last, best shot after Cuomo was trounced by the socialist upstart in the Democratic mayoral primary.

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Insiders have been telling Adams he needs to cut loose troublesome cronies to have a shot at re-election  as well as distance himself from President Trump and MAGA allies, sources said.

Adams acknowledged in a spree of mea culpa-style interviews that he hired staffers during his first term whom he should not have brought on board.

But behind the scenes, Hizzoner has also stubbornly refused to cut the cords, either to his friends or Trump  a refusal that threatens to kill his long-shot re-election bid as fed-up voters associate him with corruption and the GOPs attacks on the Big Apple.

One source pointed out this was straight out of Adams playbook  returning to chums he came up with, regardless of their baggage.

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The more someone tells him he cant do something, hell want to do the opposite, the source said.

Another source close to the mayor defiantly dismissed the backers concerns.

These are the same people that told the mayor not to run, and now they are begging him to run, the source charged. So, why should he listen to these people?

Blasts from the past

Lewis-Martin stepped down from her powerful City Hall post in December, days before prosecutors accused her of trading favors to two New York City hoteliers in exchange for $100,000 in bribes.

She denies the accusations.

Lewis-Martin faces bribery and conspiracy charges. Steven Hirsch

Her resignation came as Adams  then facing his now-dismissed federal corruption case  was under pressure from Gov. Kathy Hochul to finally shed a cadre of close friends who faced criminal probes after being elevated to top spots in his administration.

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Lewis-Martin, whom Adams once called his sister ordained by God, had a strained relationship in the days leading to her resignation and indictment, sources had said.

Sources said Lewis-Martin, who declined to comment, has since been making calls for Adams re-election campaign.

Shes like his shadow political director, a source said.

Lewis-Martin has been close to Adams for decades. Paul Martinka

Shapiro downplayed Lewis-Martins role in the campaign, noting she has known Adams for 40 years.

She is not holding an official title, he said. We do not restrict people from giving their support.

Suggs, the top campaign fundraiser whose shocking federal raid last year first revealed the corruption probe into Adams, attended the mayors official re-election campaign launch last week.

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Not only that, but Suggs stood alongside Greco  a longtime Adams aide who resigned from City Hall after her properties in the Bronx were raided by FBI agents.

Insiders were stunned to see her at the event and refused to embrace her, sources said.

Neither Greco nor Suggs has been charged in connection with the raids.

Adams backers concerned about Zohran Mamdani becoming mayor want Hizzoner to shed problematic friends. Paul Martinka for NY Post

Both Adams and Cuomo have been jockeying for support from political and business poohbahs anxious over Mamdani.

Those bigs fear that Adams and Cuomo could end up splitting anti-Mamdani votes in November and ease the socialists path into Gracie Mansion.

Cuomo, for his part, has flip-flopped over whether hell actively run as an Independent in Novembers general election  and sources said hes trying to position himself as the best candidate to defeat Mamdani, despite his lopsided primary loss.

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But many of Cuomos former supporters view his Independent run as dead-on-arrival.

Billionaire hedge fund titan Bill Ackman on Wednesday backed Adams bid and urged the subdued Cuomo to drop out.

Erics first term has not been without flaws, Ackman wrote in a lengthy X post.

In particular, he relied too much on friends of Adams to staff his administration; however, when one looks at his record in totality, he has had a strong first term.
An escaped pet lion chased a woman and two children down a busy street in Pakistan's Lahore, police said Friday, with dramatic footage showing the big cat leaping a wall before pouncing on them.

CCTV footage released by the police showed the lion jumping the barrier around its home and pursuing a woman on Thursday night. The lion jumped on her back, knocking her to the ground, the footage showed.

A police report quoted the father as saying the lion then turned to his 5-year-old and 7-year-old children, and clawed their arms and faces.

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All three were taken to a hospital but were not in a critical condition.

The owners who ran out of the house were "amused to see their lion attack" the passersby, the father added in the report.

Police said Friday that they had arrested three men.

"The suspects fled from the spot, taking the lion with them. They were arrested within 12 hours of the incident," the office of the Deputy Inspector General Operations in Lahore told AFP.

The lion, an 11-month-old male, has been confiscated by police and sent to a wildlife park.

Officials at the facility said that the animal appears to be in good health.

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Keeping exotic animals, especially big cats, as pets has long been seen as a sign of privilege and power in Punjab, the most populous province of the country.

In December 2024, an adult lion escaped from its enclosure in another neighborhood of Lahore, terrorizing residents before being shot dead by a security guard.

The incident prompted the provincial government to pass new laws regulating the sale, purchase, breeding and ownership of big cats.

The law now requires owners to obtain licenses for the animals which are barred from being kept in residential areas.

Breeders have to pay a hefty fee for registration, while farms have to be a minimum of 10 acres in size.

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Big cats are imported and bred across Pakistan, seen as symbols of wealth and power to the elite that own them.

Last year, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, which rules the government, banned supporters from bringing lions  the symbol of the party  to political rallies.

In late December, Pakistani YouTube star Rajab Butt was gifted a lion cub on his wedding day, and authorities quickly took notice when they saw video of the animal on social media. The next month, Butt managed to avoid jail after promising a judge to upload animal rights videos for a year.

The attack in Pakistan comes one month after a lion killed a businessman at a luxury lodge in the remote northwest of Namibia. In April, a lion killed a 14-year-old girl outside Kenya's capital in a ranch to the south of Nairobi National Park.

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ESSEX, Conn. (WTNH)  After Thursday nights storm left communities throughout Connecticut without power and damage, the Essex fire marshal is urging residents to be cautious as cleanup operations are underway.

The fire marshal said in a Facebook post that many hazards, live wires, low-hanging or unstable tree limbs, remain.

Avoid unnecessary driving or outdoor activities until clean up is completed, and turn off all appliances like stoves and ovens to prevent accidental fires when power is restored, the fire marshal said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
On Wednesday 9 July, the European Parliament is set to vote on the resolution on the human cost of Russias war against Ukraine and the urgent need to end Russian aggression: the situation of illegally detained civilians and prisoners of war, and the continued bombing of civilians.

Source: final draft of the agenda of the European Parliament session on 7-10 July 2025, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The voting session will run from 13:00 to 14:00 Central European Time, with the resolution on Ukraine scheduled as the last item on the agenda.

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Quote from Delphine Colard, chief spokesperson for the European Parliament: "Another important point to conclude the debate that took place in the preceding June plenary session, the MEPs will have a vote on Wednesday to condemn the deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia, as well as the execution and acts of torture inflicted upon Ukrainian soldiers."

Background:

European Pravda reported that on 7 July, the European Parliament will assess Ursula von der Leyen's performance as head of the European Commission, and on 10 July, it will hold a vote of no confidence in the Commission.

Meanwhile, European Pravda notes that the vote is unlikely to result in von der Leyens resignation, as there is insufficient support for a no-confidence motion among MEPs.

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EU leaders are pushing for mass drone production in the face of growing threats.

Europe's slow military mobilization leaves it vulnerable to future conflicts.

Ukraine's drone success highlights the need for EU collaboration and innovation.

As the prospect of a renewed Russian threat looms over Europe's eastern flank, EU leaders are accepting that the continent is ill-prepared when it comes to the risk of future conflict.

Last week, Andrius Kubilius, the European commissioner for defence and space, called for a sweeping ramp-up of drone production, urging EU nations to produce millions of drones a year by 2030.

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Ukraine delivered over 1.3 million drones to its military in 2024, highlighting the gap in Europe's preparedness.

"The fact that European nations need to urgently rearm, and to do so in a way that is relevant to the threat from Russia, is not a new discovery," Keir Giles, senior consulting fellow at Chatham House, told Business Insider.

"What's alarming is that it's being presented as news," he said, adding that this suggests the realization that rearmament is vital "still hasn't sunk in evenly across Europe."

The war in Ukraine has demonstrated the transformative nature of drones in modern combat.

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From cheap first-person view drones to advanced loitering munitions and AI-guided strike systems, the war has pioneered new forms of drone warfare, with Ukraine often outmatching Russian capabilities in speed and creativity.

Katja Bego, a senior research fellow at Chatham House, said that "Ukraine's remarkable success with drones has shown it is possible to rapidly ramp up production if the urgency is there. Europe is now learning these lessons."

Currently, however, the EU is still far behind. Both Russia and Ukraine reportedly outproduce the entire EU bloc "by orders of magnitude," Bego warned.

But it's clear that there is increasing interest from EU states to work with and import Ukrainian expertise and systems.

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"If European countries are serious about acquiring drones at the pace and scale that is being described, they must do so in and with Ukraine," Giles said.

The latest push for mass drone manufacturing in Europe isn't just about meeting current threats. It's about leapfrogging into the technologies that will define future conflict.

"Europe sees an opportunity to leapfrog," Bego said. "Smaller drones are much cheaper than a lot of traditional weapons and can be produced much more quickly."

However, making the most of this moment requires more than just factories.

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"Getting to the scale of relevance for deterrence and defense is more than an issue of defense production," Skip Davis, a senior fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis, told Business Insider.

"It's about the ability to field prototypes, train operators, revise operational concepts, and integrate drones into logistics and manoeuvre formations," he said. "All of that requires a new mindset."

That would involve deeper collaboration between militaries and agile, often non-traditional tech firms.

Davis said that in the current environment, "many of the companies leading innovation are small startups or commercial companies not used to working with militaries."

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For Europe to succeed, he said it must grow more comfortable with experimentation and iteration.

Compounding the urgency is the decreasing estimate of when Russia could be ready to attack a NATO country.

The estimate of five years was what we were hearing this time last year, Giles said. "Since then, the timescale has continued to shrink  and the reduction in US support to Ukraine brings the time closer."

This shortening horizon makes the EU's slow progress all the more dangerous.

"Crash rearmament is feasible, if there is sufficient political will," Giles added.

At the same time, experts warn that ramping up drone output is not a silver bullet.

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"Policymakers are at risk of seeing small agile drones as a panacea which will solve both their financial and manpower woes," Bego said. But "there is still a need for large platforms like jet fighters, too," she added.

Meanwhile, Europe's vision of "strategic autonomy" in defense risks being undermined by its reliance on foreign tech.

"A lot of critical components in drone manufacturing are still produced in China," Bego said. "Europe must diversify these supply chains or reproduce them within its own borders."

With the clock ticking and Russian production accelerating, the EU's ambitious drone target looks ever more necessary, and could mark a pivotal moment in European defense.

Read the original article on Business Insider
BELGRADE, Serbia (AP)  Europe's human rights watchdog Friday expressed concern that Serbian authorities were using excessive force and arbitrary detentions to break up street protests against the populist government of President Aleksandar Vucic.

Michael OFlaherty, the Council of Europe's commissioner for human rights, said in a statement that freedom of assembly and freedom of expression are key human rights enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights and it is Serbias duty to guarantee them."

I am concerned about the current human rights situation in Serbia, where, despite the assurances I received from the authorities during my visit in April, excessive use of force is being applied to curb demonstrations, OFlaherty said.

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Amnesty International and Civil Rights Defenders urged restraint and an investigation into any use of unlawful force.

Footage of Serbian riot police indiscriminately targeting peaceful protesters gathered at blockades on the street and in front of universities in Belgrade are alarming, the rights groups said in a joint statement on Friday. A heavy-handed response to peaceful dissent cannot be justified.

Riot police have detained scores of demonstrators since a major rally last weekend, including university students, their professors and others, who have been blocking traffic throughout the country demanding an early parliamentary election.

Tensions have soared since the rally last weekend by tens of thousands of people in Belgrade which ended with clashes between riot police and groups of protesters. Monthslong demonstrations previously had been largely calm.

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Police also intervened on Friday to clear traffic blockades in Belgrade, briefly detaining a number of protesters. Defiant demonstrators protesters returned to jam the streets on Friday evening.

University students behind the protests have said that police have injured many peaceful demonstrators in the past several days. Witnesses told local media that riot police beat up protesters with batons and shields, and that four students were hospitalized early Thursday, including one with a broken clavicle.

Police have denied the use of excessive force, warning that blocking traffic is illegal. Vucic has described ongoing protests as terror and an attempt to bring down the state.

OFlaherty's statement said that increased levels of the use of force by the police as well as arbitrary arrests and detention have occurred during the week.

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I am particularly concerned about the arrest of children, as well as the number of students being charged for criminal offenses or hospitalized for the treatment of injuries, OFlaherty said in a statement.

He added that mischaracterization of this largely peaceful student-led movement should be avoided at all costs.

Both the European Union mission in Serbia and the U.N. Human Rights Office said Thursday that they were watching the situation closely and urged restraint.

Persistent protests that have rattled Vucic first started in November after a renovated train station canopy collapsed in Serbia's north, killing 16 people. Many in Serbia blame the tragedy on alleged corruption-fueled negligence in state infrastructure projects.

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Critics say Vucic has become increasingly authoritarian since coming to power more than a decade ago, stifling democratic freedoms while allowing corruption and organized crime to flourish, which he has denied.

Serbia is formally seeking entry to the EU, but Vucics government has nourished relations with Russia and China.
Cross-Channel train service Eurostar is allowing passengers to board trains earlier in an attempt to reduce overcrowding at Londons St Pancras station.

Travellers can now take their seats 30 minutes prior to departure, instead of waiting in the departure lounge.

The move is part of a three-stage plan to increase capacity at the station amid predictions that demand for international rail travel is set to triple.

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It also comes as part of the transport hubs preparations for the launch of the EUs new Entry/Exit System (EES), due to come into force in October this year.

Eurostar services are more popular than ever

As demand grows for international rail travel, St Pancras station has been feeling the pressure.

So far this year, Eurostar has already recorded two of its busiest ever weeks, reaching 136,000 passengers.

The operator says passenger numbers from St Pancras are up 4.23 per cent year-on-year - which works out as an additional 101,000 travellers between January and June.

While its a success for the rail company, it has resulted in overcrowding at St Pancras station.

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The historic building has limited space, resulting in long queues for check-in, security and border checks. The departure lounge is often so crowded that there is often only standing room available.

The transport hub and Eurostar say the move to allow passengers earlier boarding will ease the queues.

International rail travel from St Pancras projected to triple

Earlier boarding is part of a phased plan to double passenger capacity and future proof St Pancras as international rail travel soars in popularity.

Both the transport hub and operator Eurostar say they want to offer a service that competes with the high standards of Heathrow Airports Terminal 5.

The aim is to boost international passenger traffic at St Pancras from 1,800 people an hour last year to up to 5,000 an hour over the next few years.

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St Pancras and Eurostar at the highest level are absolutely committed to creating space at St Pancras that is absolutely amazing for the travelling public, Richard Thorp, chief operating officer of London St Pancras High Speed, told UK newspaper The Standard.

Demand for international rail travel is projected to triple at St Pancras by 2040, from 11 million to 35 million passengers per year.

We are very conscious of what the competition offers. We need to outperform that and promote what is great about the city centre to city centre transport experience  the cafe to cafe journey experience, Thorp added.

Eurostar prepares for the EUs EES

Border checks between the UK and the EU that came in as a result of Brexit have already caused delays.

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There are concerns these will be exacerbated by the EUs EES - an electronic system which will replace the physical stamping of passports when you go through passport control.

It requires new technology and scanning systems to be implemented at the EU and Schengen Zone borders.

Related

At St Pancras, as well as doubling the number of border staff, Eurostar will also double the number of manual booths.

There isnt space for all of the new EES kiosks, up to 49 from 24, in their usual location, so theyll be installed at various other places around the station, currently used by both domestic rail operators and the HS1 service, a high-speed railway linking London with the Channel Tunnel.

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Eurostar has also assured passengers that there will be specially-trained staff available at all times at the new booths.

The EES will be followed by the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) in late 2026. This will require British and other non-EU passengers to pre-register more details and pay 7 before crossing the Channel, including on the Eurostar.
SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO)  Its a warm and humid start to the day. Air temps are in the 60s and 70s as dew points are in the upper 60s and low 70s for many in eastern KELOLAND.

Expect a hot and humid day with developing storms west to east. Cooler weather will move in from the west to help aid in storm development today. Scattered storms in central and western South Dakota by 3 or 4:00 this afternoon. Periods of heavy rain and strong gusty winds will be possible with any storms that develop this afternoon through the evening.

Theres a marginal risk for severe storms for central and eastern KELOLAND with strong wind being the main threat.

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The scattered storms will move into eastern South Dakota during the evening. Not everyone will get wet, but keep an eye to the sky not only for fireworks but for scattered storms.

Highs today will reach the 80s and 90s with strong south winds ahead of the front at 15 to 30 mph.

Scattered storms will continue tonight as lows fall to the 60s.

The moisture lingers tomorrow, so expect another round of scattered rain (mainly east of Interstate 29). Highs tomorrow will be in the 80s.

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Western South Dakota will have developing storms during the evening with a marginal to slight risk for severe weather.

Cooler and drier air moves in for Sunday. As highs fall to the lower 80s, dew points will fall to the 50s to near 60, so expect the air to feel a lot drier on Sunday.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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

Stapleton sentenced: 5 years in prison, 15 on probation for child exploitation.

Tip sparked case: ICAC tip led to charges over abusive images downloaded from 20182020.

Online fallout: Wife responds to backlash, says "misinformation" is spreading.

BARTOW COUNTY, Ga. - A former Cartersville resident with a sizable social media following has been sentenced in Bartow County to serve 5 years in prison after pleading guilty to 20 counts of sexual exploitation of children.

What we know

Joshua David Stapleton, 39, received a 20-year sentence, with 5 years to be served in custody and the remaining 15 on probation, according to documents dated June 24 filed by Bartow County Superior Court. The sentencing comes more than four years after authorities launched an investigation based on a tip submitted through the Internet Crimes Against Children program.

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Stapleton will also have to follow multiple "sex offender" conditions upon his release.

Joshua David Stapleton. Courtesy of Bartow County Sheriff's Office

The backstory

The Cartersville Police Departments Criminal Investigations Division led the case, working in partnership with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Investigators determined that between 2018 and 2020, Stapleton downloaded numerous images of prepubescent children in sexually abusive situations.

ORIGINAL STORY: Cartersville man charged with possessing child pornography

Stapleton, who is listed as the owner of the Josh Stapleton State Farm Agency in Cartersville on LinkedIn, was initially charged with 15 counts of possession of child pornography and later indicted on 40 counts of sexual exploitation of children. As part of a non-negotiated plea agreement, he pleaded guilty to 20 counts, and the remaining 20 were dropped.

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Stapleton and his wife are known online as the "Gulf Coast Stapletons," with more than 81,000 followers and over a million likes on TikTok and Instagram. Their content typically features workout routines, boating excursions, restaurant outings, and ski trips. Social media profiles associated with the couple list their residence as Perdido Key, Florida.

What they're saying

Once news of Stapletons sentencing broke, social media users quickly began sharing posts and reactions, with many discussing the details of the case and its outcome.

Bryan Canty lived across the street from Stapleton in Cartersville.

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"Just a mild-mannered guy, nothing that would even give you the slightest inclination that there was some type of criminal activity going on," Canty said.

Canty remembers the night in 2020 when Cartersville Police, the GBI and Homeland Security rolled up to Stapleton's home.

"It was Homeland Security. And I was just like, wow, what in the world is going on? l learned about the Child Exploitation charges later and that just threw me for a loop. I had absolutely no idea," said Canty.

Stapleton's wife, Brittani Morris Stapleton, is also speaking out and correcting some of the "misinformation" that has spread online about her husband. Brittani and Joshua were married in 2023.

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"Josh was absolutely upfront with me about everything in the charges, there were no secrets," said Brittani.

She took offense with those who said the videos of their lives they posted weren't real.

"People keep saying we were living fake lives. There's nothing fake about it. It was our lives, We are still happy. He and I have no issues," said Brittani.

Bartow County authorities have not released additional information about the plea proceedings. Stapleton is currently being held in the Bartow County Sheriff's Office Jail.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  After retiring from Portland Fire & Rescue in 1997, Dean Johnston has continued to serve the community as president of Toy N Joy Makers.

Now, Johnston is retiring after 50 years of serving the community, and he is going out with high honors.

Johnston was honored with the Ribbon of Merit, for his 40 years of dedication and kindness with Toy N Joy Makers.

Toy N Joy Makers is a Portland Fire & Rescue program that brings refurbished and new toys to families during the holiday season.

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During his time as president, Johnston helped bring over a million toys to families.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
By Qabil Ashirov



On July 4, the Military Court of Baku continued hearing the cases involving Azerbaijani citizens who were taken hostage by Armenian forces during the occupation of Azerbaijani territories. Witnesses offered painful testimonies recounting their experiences under captivity.

According to Azernews, one of the victims, Nasiba Guliyeva, told the court she was only 13 years old during the occupation of Kalbajar. On March 31, 1993, she and her siblings were fleeing the region in a cargo truck when they came under heavy fire by Armenian soldiers near an area known as Tunnel.

They were shooting so much, it felt like it was hailing bullets, she said. She added that the vehicle had no military escort and was filled mostly with children.

Guliyeva recalled that three of her younger siblings were with her during the attack, including her 3-year-old sister and three younger brothers.

I was hit by six bullets and shrapnel. Even today, I still carry fragments in my body, she stated.

She recounted being taken hostage by Armenian forces. Her younger sister was taken for alleged medical treatment in the village of Vank in the Aghdara district during the first days of captivity. The next day, the family was informed of her death. Guliyeva told the court that her family has never heard from her sister or two of her brothersAygun, Yashar, and Mazahir Guliyevsince that time.

She also said that her brother Bakhtiyar, who was nine years old at the time, continues to suffer from long-term health problems after an Armenian soldier kicked him in the head while in captivity.

Guliyeva testified that she and other hostages were held in Khankendi for 3 months and 15 days. Upon her release, she was first taken to Yerevan and then brought to Baku.

My parents are still alive. They are still waiting for their three children. They say the Armenians are keeping them... they will come back someday, she said tearfully.

The trial continues against several Armenian nationals charged with a wide range of serious crimes, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, the planning and waging of aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, terrorism, financing of terrorism, and the illegal seizure and retention of power, among others.
KHANKENDI, Azerbaijan, July 4. The next summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) is scheduled for 2027 and will be held in Iran, Trend reports via ECO.

"In the future, the next ECO summit is scheduled for 2027 and will be held in the Islamic Republic of Iran, which will allow us to continue moving towards regional cooperation and progress," the ECO statement said.

The statement noted that the 17th ECO summit in Khankendi became the most important platform for strengthening the common commitment of member states to sustainable economic growth, deepening regional integration, and inclusive development. An important contractual event took place at the summit, during which the Republic of Kazakhstan signed the Charter of the ECO Clean Energy Center, located in Baku.

A number of multilateral forums were also held within the framework of the summit. On July 1, the ECO Youth Forum on the theme "Strengthening the Role of Youth in Building a Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Future" was held in Aghdam. Following this, on July 2, the ECO Women's Forum was held in Lachin, dedicated to the theme "Strengthening the Role of Women in Building a Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Future". On the same day, the 6th ECO Business Forum was held in Fuzuli, bringing together entrepreneurs and investors under the motto "Promoting Investment and Trade as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development in the ECO Region".

The meaningful discussions and ideas voiced at the Youth, Women's, and Business Forums within the ECO Week will form the basis of the new strategic document of the Organization - "Strategic Goals of Economic Cooperation - 2035", the statement emphasized.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Someone sound the (fire) alarm.

Former Squad Rep. Jamaal Bowman could land on the short list to be the citys next schools chancellor if his pal Zohran Mamdani is elected mayor, sources told The Post.

A source close to United Federation Teachers said the former middle school principals name is already circulating within the Mamdani camp as a potential candidate to head the nations largest public school system with more than 900,000 students in 1,596 schools.

Ex-Squad Rep. Jamaal Bowman, a former Bronx middle school principal and lefty soulmate of Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani, could land on a short list to be the next New York City schools chancellor. Courtesy of the Mamdani Campaign

Bowman  who infamously pulled a fire alarm in a congressional office building and delayed a key House vote  was voted out of office by Democrats in party primary last year.

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He sidestepped whether he was interested in the role, saying he was focusing on helping Mamdani win the general election for mayor.

I am not thinking about any of that. I want to help my brother get elected, Bowman, 44, said of Mamdani.

I am exceptional in compartmentalizing. Right now, I want to help Zohran win the general election.

Bowman endorsed Mamdani in May, one of the few black leaders to do so.

The Mamdani campaign had no immediate comment.

Bowman lost his Democratic primary re-election bid last year to former Westchester County Executive George Latimer in the 16th House District that takes in parts of Westchester and The Bronx, in large part because of voters disgust over his anti-Israel positions and a series of missteps that even riled members of his own party.

Bowman was voted out of office in last years primary after he infamously pulled a fire alarm in a congressional office building. Instagram/@zohrankmamdani

He accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza and belatedly apologized for denying the horrific rapes of Israeli women during the Oct. 7, 2023 attack by Hamas that killed an estimated 1,200 people  including 33 Americans.

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The left-leaning Squad representative had pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count for falsely pulling the fire alarm in the Cannon House Office Building in September 2023 ahead of a vote to avert a partial government shutdown, and agreed to pay a $1,000 fine.

The House of Representatives later voted to censure Bowman for the fire alarm fiasco.

He also was forced to apologize after it was revealed that he espoused conspiracy theories about the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks while serving as a school principal of Cornerstone Academy for Social Action in the Bronx in 2014..

One Jewish leader denounced the possibility of Bowman being considered for the top leadership post.

Bowman said his goal is to help Mamdani win the general election for mayor in November. Courtesy of the Mamdani Campaign

We wouldnt accept the appointment of a racist. Why would we consider a person who has expressed hateful rhetoric against the Jewish people? said Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, executive vice president of the New York Board of Rabbis.

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Even some of Bowmans views on education have been considered controversial.

In 2015, then principal of Cornerstone Academy, Bowman called standardized testing of students racist or the modern version of slavery, The Post reported at the time.

Public school high-stakes standardized testing is a form of modern-day slavery, and it is designed to continue the proliferation of inequality, Bowman said in a blog entry titled The Tyranny of Standardized Testing.

Every morning, the NY POSTcast offers a deep dive into the headlines with the Posts signature mix of politics, business, pop culture, true crime and everything in between. Subscribe here!

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America was born of horror for black people and that horror continues today for brown and poor people as well, he went on.

Slavery, Jim Crow, redlining, crack cocaine and now standardized testing were all sanctioned by the American government. All designed to destroy the mind, body and soul of black and brown people.

Bowman also once put a fugitive convicted cop killer  Joanne Chesimard aka Assata Shakur  on his Bronx middle schools Wall of Honor. Shakur was convicted with two others in the execution-style slaying of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster in 1973 before she escaped jail and fled to Cuba.

Mamdani, who supports the boycott divestment and sanctions movement against Israel, and has refused to denounce the violent slogan globalize the intifada, have said he and his team are conducting outreach to Jewish leaders and vowed to fight antisemitism as mayor.

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Mamdani, 33, won a crowded Democratic Party primary last week to earn the party line in November.

Hes considered the frontrunner in the deeply blue Big Apple, but will still face several candidates on the general election ballot, including Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa.

Current Mayor Eric Adams is running as an independent after foregoing the Democratic Party primary, while former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and lawyer Jim Walden will also appear on the ballot.
By Lisandra Paraguassu

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) -China has signaled to the Brazilian government that it will invest in the Tropical Forests Forever Facility, a multilateral mechanism funding conservation of endangered forests around the world, two people with knowledge of negotiations told Reuters.

An investment by China in the fund, which Brazil first proposed in 2023, would signal an important shift in climate finance, which has relied on funding from wealthy nations most responsible for global warming to date.

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China's commitment to the fund could pave the way for emerging economies to contribute financially to climate change mitigation, moving beyond the mandatory requirements imposed on developed nations by the 2015 Paris Agreement.

The new approach comes as wealthy nations such as the United States retreat from ambitious pledges to fund projects curbing climate change, despite growing pressure from poorer nations struggling to cope with the impacts of a warmer climate.

At last year's United Nations climate summit, leaders of developing countries lambasted wealthy nations over their annual $300 billion global finance target, covering just a fraction of the $1.3 trillion that economists say is necessary.

Chinese Finance Minister Lan Fo'an expressed the intention to contribute to the forests fund, known as TFFF, in a meeting with his Brazilian counterpart Fernando Haddad on Thursday, sources said. They spoke on the sidelines of a meeting of finance ministers in the run-up to the BRICS summit of major developing nations that starts in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday.

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"(Lan) told (Haddad) that he considered the fund idea important and that China would collaborate," said one source, who witnessed the conversation, adding that the discussion did not involve specific values.

The Brazilian government has taken the message from China's finance minister as a signal that Beijing will contribute funds, the sources said, although a public announcement is not expected until the U.N. climate summit, COP30, in November.

China's embassy in Brasilia and Brazil's Finance Ministry did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva had previously discussed the fund with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to China in May, according to sources.

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Brazil also aims to attract other resource-rich developing nations to the fund, particularly from the Middle East, the sources said.

The Brazilian government sees potential for the TFFF to be its main new deliverable at COP30, which it will host in the Amazonian city of Belem.

Policymakers have envisioned TFFF as a $125 billion fund, combining sovereign and private-sector contributions, to be managed like an endowment paying countries annual stipends based on how much of their tropical forests remain standing.

While sources do not expect the fund to launch at that scale, the idea received initial signs of support from the U.K., France, Germany, Norway, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.

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Early backing from the United States evaporated after President Donald Trump exited the Paris Agreement.

The interest in the TFFF underscores growing international attention on the preservation of tropical forests, rich in planet-warming carbon, as a powerful tool to combat climate change and stave off biodiversity loss.

(Reporting by Lisandra Paraguassu in Rio de JaneiroWriting by Manuela AndreoniEditing by Brad Haynes and Chizu Nomiyama )
By Anthony Deutsch

THE HAGUE (Reuters) - Dutch and German intelligence agencies have gathered evidence of widespread Russian use of banned chemical weapons in Ukraine, including dropping a choking agent from drones to drive soldiers out of trenches so they can be shot, they said on Friday.

Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans called for tougher sanctions against Moscow.

"The main conclusion is that we can confirm Russia is intensifying its use of chemical weapons," he told Reuters.

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"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 normalized, standardized, and widespread."

Germany's BND foreign intelligence agency confirmed the findings, saying in a statement that it had obtained the evidence alongside its Dutch counterparts. Reuters was first to report on the intelligence.

The head of the Dutch Military Intelligence Agency (MIVD), Peter Reesink, said the conclusions followed "our own independent intelligence, so we have observed it ourselves based on our own investigations."

Reuters has not been able to independently verify the use of banned chemical substances by either side in the Ukraine war.

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The United States first accused Russia of using chloropicrin, a chemical compound more toxic than riot control agents and first used by Germany during World War One, in May last year.

Ukraine alleges thousands of instances of Russian chemical weapons use.

Russia's defence ministry did not immediately respond to a request to comment for this article. Russia has denied using illegal munitions and it has accused Ukraine of doing so.

Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry, said on Wednesday that the Federal Security Service discovered a Ukrainian cache of explosive devices in the east of the country containing chloropicrin.

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Ukraine has consistently denied such accusations.

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), a disarmament agency in The Hague with 193 member states, said last year that initial accusations levelled by both countries at each other were "insufficiently substantiated".

It has not been asked to conduct a full investigation, which must be initiated by member states.

At least three Ukrainian deaths have been tied to chemical weapons use, Brekelmans said, while more than 2,500 people injured on the battlefield reported chemical weapons-related symptoms to Ukrainian health authorities.

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Increased use of chemical weapons by Russia poses a threat not only to Ukraine but to other countries, Brekelmans added.

"We must further increase the pressure. This means looking at more sanctions and specifically not allowing them (Russia) to participate in international bodies like the Executive Council of the OPCW," he said.

Reesink spoke of "thousands of instances" of chemical weapons use, while also citing a Ukrainian figure of 9,000.

Rotating two-year seats on the OPCW council will be up for negotiation in the coming months.

The intelligence findings were presented in a letter to the Dutch parliament on Friday.

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LARGE-SCALE PROGRAM

Russia is a member of the OPCW and, like the United States, has destroyed its declared chemical weapons stockpiles.

Increased sanctions could happen in conjunction with the European Commission, which has proposed listing 15 additional new entities and individuals to its sanctions framework, including for suspected use of chemical weapons in Ukraine.

The Dutch military and general intelligence agencies, working with foreign partners, say they have uncovered concrete evidence of intensified Russian chemical weapons production.

This includes heightened research capabilities and the recruitment of scientists for chemical weapons development, Reesink said. He added that Russian officials have given instructions to soldiers on the use of poisonous warfare agents.

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"This isn't just some ad-hoc tinkering at the frontline; it is truly part of a large-scale program. And that is, of course, also concerning because if we don't clarify and publicize what Russia is doing, it's highly likely these trends will continue," Reesink said.

He called the use of chemical weapons by Russian armed forces "almost standing operating procedure."

"We specifically linked the use of chloropicrin to improvised munitions, such as filled light bulbs and empty bottles that are hung from a drone. When it comes to teargas, we see that they are also misusing and converting existing munitions to act as the carrier for the gas," he said.

Chloropicrin is listed as a banned choking agent by OPCW, which was created to implement and monitor compliance with the 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).

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It can cause severe irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. If ingested, it can cause burns in the mouth and stomach, nausea and vomiting, as well as difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.

(Additional reporting by Andreas Rinke in Berlin; Editing by Mike Collett-White and William Maclean)
Priests and choristers at a cathedral mired in controversy did a "seven last shots of Christ" drinking game at a pub on Good Friday after services at the Archbishop of Wales' cathedral.

People who sang with the choir at Bangor Cathedral have told the BBC there "seemed to be any excuse to bring out the wine" and "go to the pub" because of a "binge drinking culture".

The claims come days after Andrew John retired as Archbishop of Wales with immediate effect after two critical reports highlighted safeguarding concerns and misbehaviour at his Bangor diocese.

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The Church in Wales said the "abuse of alcohol is always inappropriate" and said a policy regarding alcohol use was being developed.

Mr John will also retire as Bishop of Bangor on 31 August but the church has called for a series of reviews and investigations of his diocese and cathedral.

This comes after reports highlighted "a culture in which sexual boundaries seemed blurred", excessive alcohol consumption and governance and safeguarding weaknesses.

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While there is no suggestion the then archbishop, the leader of the Church in Wales, behaved inappropriately, the church's representative body said there must be a "change in leadership, procedures and governance in the diocese of Bangor".

Andrew John retired as Archbishop of Wales last month and will retire as Bishop of Bangor on 31 August [BBC]

Jessica, not her real name, said she was assaulted by someone who was trying to become a priest who had been drinking at a Bangor Cathedral Oktoberfest event in 2022.

"He had had considerably too much to drink," she told the BBC.

"I'd already warned people that night he's drinking a lot more than everyone else. So these warning signs were ignored and that led to that assault."

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Jessica, now in her early 20s, said another person was also sexually assaulted by the man at the event in the 6th Century Gwynedd cathedral.

She reported it and he apologised, but she said the drinking culture didn't change.

"Several bottles of prosecco would be gone through on a Sunday morning," Jessica added.

"Any sort of external event or big internal event there was prosecco or wine."

The Church in Wales confirmed that Jessica was one of two people who complained about the man's behaviour and his priest training was not taken forward.

'Seven last shots of Christ'

After a cathedral concert on Good Friday in 2023, members of the choir went for drinks.

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"A few of the priests came out with the choir," recalled Jessica. "It was deemed appropriate to do the seven last shots of Christ."

The Seven Last Words of Christ refers to seven last sentences that Jesus spoke from the Cross on Good Friday as quoted in the Bible.

"Because Christ has seven last words, therefore we sang seven pieces of the seven last words in the concert - and that somehow translated into seven shots of Christ," she recalled.

"I think I left after the first shot because I was like 'I don't think this is appropriate'. There's too many people taking shots in dog collars for me to be comfortable."

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Jessica said she went on a tour to Rome with the choir in June 2023.

"Every night we'd go to a bar first and then a restaurant," she recalled.

"At the time I was teetotal. I would be like I don't want wine, I don't want to drink in this situation. I don't want alcohol.

"That would not be an okay answer, that would be questioned beyond belief. Like, this alcohol is free. Why are you not taking it? You should have it."

Esme Byrd said she left her position as a lay clerk at Bangor Cathedral because no-one listened to her concerns about the culture at the diocese [Esme Byrd]

Esme Byrd was a lay clerk at Bangor Cathedral for six months and regularly sang with the choir until leaving in January 2023.

The 29-year-old said the culture and attitude to alcohol was "deeply unhealthy" with some people getting "really catastrophically drunk".

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"There was a culture of binge drinking," said Esme.

"Not necessarily all the time, but certainly there was a lot of alcohol around almost all the services or various events. It seemed to be any excuse to bring out the wine, any excuse to go to the pub."

Esme, who sometimes worked directly with the children in the choir, said she became concerned about the wellbeing of younger members of the choir, especially the language used around them.

"It was the level of 18-rated sexual jokes, crude sexual humour done in front of children as young as six or seven," said Esme.

"In terms of safeguarding training, there was absolutely nothing. There was no training, so in terms of certainly me starting and me doing my job, there was no training of anything whatsoever."

Esme Byrd sometimes worked directly with the children in the choir at Bangor Cathedral [Esme Byrd]

Esme said she was only asked to do a DBS check a couple of weeks after starting, despite being appointed months in advance.

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"I looked around and I just thought, this is not safe," Esme told BBC Wales Investigates. "This is not a safe and nurturing and good environment for children to be in."

She added: "It felt a lot more like a badly run after school club rather than a professional organisation."

Esme said she raised her concerns but eventually left because she became frustrated with the lack of action.

"It's not a sense of malevolence, but a huge sense of negligence and neglect and not following good practice," added Esme.

"Creating the space where a malevolent actor could have done almost whatever they wanted."

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The Church in Wales said "concerns about a drinking culture" prompted them to investigate and said alcohol was "not now generally available" after services.

A spokesperson said they did not believe that Bangor Cathedral was unsafe for children, but said improvements to policy and practice were required.

The spokesperson said: "Previous concerns about a drinking culture at the Cathedral contributed to the decision to undertake a Bishop's visitation.

"The Implementation Group who are addressing the recommendations from the visitation are developing a policy concerning alcohol use. Alcohol is not now generally available after services.

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"The inappropriate use of alcohol within and during cathedral-related activities included encouragement by some towards others to consume alcohol.

"This inappropriate behaviour is addressed in the actions which are required following the visitation process.

"DBS checks are required and safeguarding training delivered in line with UK legislation, and the Church in Wales policies."

Regarding the blessing of beer, the spokesperson said this was occasionally practised in churches but that "the abuse of alcohol is always inappropriate".
Thousands of American immigrants in Israel mark US Independence Day with barbecue, music, and gratitude, even as some say their identities are shifting

This Fourth of July marks 249 years of American independence, and US citizens all over the world are finding ways to celebrate the holiday.

In Israel and much of the Middle East, there is a notable difference in festivities this year in the aftermath of the 12-day war between Iran and Israel and the US bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities.

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According to the Association of Americans Resident Overseas, the best estimate of Americans living in the Middle East and North Africa is just over 300,000, with more than half residing in Israel.

The US Embassy in Jerusalem, which usually hosts a large Fourth of July event, had to postpone it this year because of the war with Iran. The Association of Americans and Canadians in Israel, a nonprofit organization established to support North American immigrants in Israel and foster connections between the country and North American Jewish communities, also typically hosts an event in honor of the holiday. Still, a representative told The Media Line the organization would not be doing one this year.

Nefesh BNefesh, a nonprofit supporting those making aliyah, despite the uncertainty of the past few weeks, forged on with their plans to celebrate the holiday with a rooftop party at the Nefesh BNefesh campus in Jerusalem. The organization estimates that about 2,000 North American immigrants are expected to arrive over the summer, according to The Times of Israel.

Benjamin Lankin (left) and Daniel Damti (right) closeup. (credit: THE MEDIA LINE)

Rena Levin, the events and marketing coordinator for the organization, told The Media Line that they were unsure the party would take place due to the war with Iran, but on the evening of July 3, young people from the US to Ukraine gathered in honor of American Independence Day. With lively conversation, a barbecue dinner, an American playlist, and scenic views of Jerusalem, immigrants and native Israelis alike celebrated the holiday.

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While many people attended the party to show their patriotism, connect with other Americans, or simply have a good time, Leonid Baratz, a Ukrainian Jew who has been in Israel since October 7, working as a journalist for the Ukrainian National Broadcasting Corporation, came with a different goal in mind.

I wanted to thank them, to thank them on behalf of all Ukrainians, to thank all Americans in their faces for supporting Israel and for supporting America, he said.

He said the conflicts in Israel and Ukraine are the same war with a common enemy, claiming that Russia is responsible for preparing October 7, backing up Hamas, and helping the Iranian nuclear program. Russia can play neutral or play Israels ally, but it is behind all the terror of Iran, he said.

He came to the Fourth of July party to speak with Americans and gauge their understanding of the situation, but he also expressed his gratitude to them.

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Israeli Kedem Yomtov, part of Gush Etzion Brewstillery that provided the drinks at the party, finds it cool that the Fourth of July is being celebrated in Israel, saying theres no problem with combining Zionist, Israeli, and American values.

Israelis are feeling very positive about America at the moment, he said.

For many US and Israeli dual citizens, celebrating July 4 is a way to stay connected to their American heritage. They recall watching fireworks shows, attending barbecues, setting up picnics, and participating in other traditional Fourth of July activities.

In the US, there were always parties happening, especially barbecues. Barbecues here just are not the same to me as American barbecues, said Chaya Friedman, who moved to Israel two years ago from Brooklyn.

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Fourth of July, to me, is to remember still that I was born and raised in California, I was born and raised in America, said Benjamin Scharf, the DJ for the event. Originally from Los Angeles, he moved to Israel nine years ago to learn in a yeshiva and later volunteered in the IDF. He explained that July 4 is a way to hold on to his American identity, as well as spend time with other Americans.

To celebrate together with the American friends has become a tradition. Its almost like were being patriotic in our own way of celebrating together, he said, sporting a red, white, and blue flannel shirt he had specifically picked out for the occasion draped over his stand, as well as two small American flags perched proudly on either side of his setup.

For Asher, who is originally from New York and is now studying in yeshiva with the hopes of becoming a rabbi, the holiday is something familiar. Having made aliyah six years ago, he now feels a stronger connection to being Israeli. However, he still finds ways to celebrate his American identity, such as standing for the national anthem and giving respect to the president.

As much as I live in Israel, the least I can do to be thankful for my own country is to spend some time to celebrate it, he said.

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Despite animated spirits for the holiday, many American-born Israelis feel less connected with their US citizenship, especially the longer they live in Israel.

This is true for Orly Tamir, manager of the aliyah division at Nefesh BNefesh. She made aliyah 19 years ago from New York when she was 14 and has since fully integrated into Israeli society, including attending high school in the country and serving in the army.

Im more Israeli than I am American at this point in my life, thank God, she said. Im American on my passport. I was born there, but my identity is not American.

As an Orthodox Jew, Scharf said he feels more comfortable in Israel than in the US, where he feels like an outsider when celebrating Jewish holidays.

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Israel feels more of a home than Ive ever felt in America, he said.

Friedman also feels a stronger connection to her Israeli citizenship than to her American citizenship. She explained its culture shock when she goes to New York now, claiming the city is deteriorating with increased crime, garbage in the streets, and police not doing their job as they should.

Theres definitely a certain feeling in New York thats not so American anymore, she said, stating that her family is moving out of the city because Zohran Mamdani, who she claims to be an antisemite, is now the Democratic candidate for mayor.

Another immigrant from New York, Shoshana, who moved to Israel eight years ago, said she feels safer walking the streets of Jerusalem even in wartime than she does in New York. For Shoshana, whose grandparents originally immigrated to New York because of the Holocaust, July 4 was not a big deal when she was in the US, mainly serving as a day off.

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Chaim Davids, owner and founder of the Prohibition Pickle, which catered the event, also said he never really felt a connection to the Fourth of July, despite growing up in Baltimore.

Like a lot of US Jews, very connected to America in the sense that its been a safe haven, he said, but explained he never felt very patriotic about the holiday, even in Israel. The Fourth of July connection is just being in this Anglo community that Nefesh BNefesh has built, and thats special.

Shoshana explained that the longer a person spends in Israel, the more it becomes their identity, a statement Asher echoed.

My identity leans more toward Israeli, but it doesnt mean that I am ignoring my American heritage, he said. Though he feels more connected to his Israeli identity, he doesnt believe it means giving up his American heritage.

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It doesnt necessarily mean that you have to give one up to become the other, he said.

Law intern Daniel Damti, whose family moved to Israel when he was 12, said being Israeli-American is the best of both worlds, although he admitted he misses Super Bowl Sunday.

For many American immigrants, the US holiday they continue to celebrate most in Israel is Thanksgiving. Israeli stores even know to stock up on turkeys before the holiday, Shoshana said. Though her family celebrates Thanksgiving, she told her mother doesnt understand the need to cook for it on Thursday and then immediately prepare for Shabbat dinner the next day.

Benji Lanken originally came to Israel in 2014 for yeshiva, then served in the army, attended law school, and is set to take the bar exam next week. He said his family, whom he brought to Israel after he first made aliyah, has always been extremely connected to Thanksgiving.

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We still try to do Thanksgiving every year, but its not the same thing, he said.

The Fourth of July event was organized by Nefesh BNefesh, which works in partnership with the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, the Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael, and Jewish National Fund-USA.

Outside of Israel, many hotels and restaurants in the Middle East, such as in the UAE and Bahrain, have hosted events in the past in honor of the Fourth of July, sometimes preparing a special menu of American food and drinks. This year, however, many places are not taking part in the festivities.

While it is quieter for some venues, Claw BBQ in Dubai is still celebrating the American holiday with a Fourth of July theme and a special menu, according to Megan Waldeck, an employee, who told The Media Line. She said the Dubai branch has celebrated the occasion ever since it opened two years ago. The venue was full last Fourth of July, and they are preparing for the holiday this year, she said.

Also in Dubai, the iconic Burj Khalifa will be lit up with the American flag at 8:10 p.m. on July 4, a representative confirmed with The Media Line. The worlds tallest building, which also displays the American flag on the Fourth of July, has a history of being lit up for patriotic days of other nations, such as Bastille Day in France.

With the large American diaspora across the Middle East, and the US strengthening ties with many Arab nations, as well as continuing to support Israel, American Independence Day celebrations have become common overseas. Despite living thousands of miles outside the US, Americans can still feel connected to their country through patriotic festivities.

Addie J. Davis is a recent graduate of the University of North Texas and an intern in The Media Lines Press and Policy Student Program.
For kids who have autism, the July Fourth holiday can require planning, strategizing, and foresight to keep the holiday low-stress and enjoyable. Like any other holiday or time of change, it can often either be overly stressful or overly exciting for a little one on the spectrum, said Dr. Sarah Mohiuddin, a physician who works with children with autism and developmental disabilities.

Jessica Palmer, 37, has experienced the latter with her 7-year-old son with autism, Colton, who in the past has gotten overly excited and taken off during a July Fourth festival. This tendency, known as elopement, is common for kids with autism and can be panic-inducing and exhausting, Mohiuddin said.

It burns you out a lot to go do things, Palmer said. But I think its important to make the effort even if it might not look as easy as what it seems to be for parents with neurotypical kids. Its a lot more than just going to fireworks or a festival.

The 2025 Ford Fireworks viewed from The Rooftop Party presented by Ford in Detroit on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

Experts say the key to navigating the Fourth with kids who have autism is preparing them for whats in store for the weekend, adjusting to your childs needs and anticpating how the holiday's events will affect them.

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You know their likes and dislikes, Mohiuddin says. You just have a lot of different options to help prepare for something like fireworks.

And if this is your first time celebrating the Fourth with your kid or theyve been recently diagnosed with autism, dont fret. It can be hard to predict exactly what their reaction to the holiday will be. And if something doesnt work, you learn and change it for next year, said Kelli Higgins, executive director of Autism Community Connection, an Indiana-based non-profit that supports kids and young adults of all ages who have autism.

Below, experts share strategies and tips for keeping kids with autism safe and happy on July Fourth.

Talk to your kid ahead of time

Each child's case will likely be different, Mohiuddin said, with some who find holidays exciting and some for whom sensing any kind of change in the air can be stressful.

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Think about how your child typically reacts to change or holidays and anticipate that here, she said.

People watch the 2025 Ford Fireworks at Hart Plaza in downtown Detroit on Monday, June 23, 2025.

One way to prepare your kid and find out how theyre feeling about the upcoming holiday is to create a social story, Higgins said. Talk about it coming up, walk through it with them. For some kids with autism, this helps them comprehend the change, by seeing pictures or hearing it repeated again and again.

Both Mohiuddin and Higgins suggest watching Youtube videos of fireworks, in particular, to give kids a sense of the noise level.

Many kids on the spectrum also have anxiety, said Mohiuddin, so walking them through the experience ahead of time can help parents and kids make a plan to address their concerns. If theyre worried about safety, talk about safety procedures. If youre going out to an event, they might want their stuffed animal or blanket to help them feel safe. If people are coming over for a barbeque, talk to them about who is coming over to prepare them for that general change, she said.

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Talking through things also gives kids the choice to opt out of the festivities if they feel overwhelmed, which is important, too, Mohiuddin said.

A person takes a video as people watch the Ford Fireworks in Spirit Plaza on June 23, 2025 in Downtown Detroit, Michigan.

Adjust the experience to address sensory overload

For many kids with autism, sensory overload can be most stressful  whether its light, sound, the smell of firework smoke, or the heat of summer, these things can be extra agitating for a kid with autism. Those lights you see with fireworks popping off, we might see it as pretty, but that might be a huge, bright flash of colors everywhere for them, same thing with sound, Higgins said. Its 10 times more the experience.

One option for dealing with fireworks in particular is noise cancelling headphones. You can test them out in advance to see if your kid can tolerate putting them on, Mohiuddin said. If youll be outdoors, you can also try to find a quieter spot further away from both the fireworks and the crowds, Higgins said. She has two daughters who have autism and watching from their car in view of the fireworks, with the events music playing from the radio has been a great option. We were still able to experience it like other families, we might not be sitting outside, but we adapted, she said.

Another option, to the extent that its possible, is to forgo fireworks altogether. It would just be different, but you can still enjoy the experience without that, Mohiuddin said.

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Though Higgins, who said she lives in a neighborhood thats heavy on fireworks, acknowledges even if you choose to forgo, they can often go off where you live, at random, which can be a particularly challenging part of the holiday.

For overly excited kids on the spectrum, fireworks can be a hazard

While sensory overload is an issue for many, a lot of kids on the spectrum get very excited for the Fourth of July holiday. For some kids, theyre gonna want to be as active and as close as possible to the fireworks, said Mohiuddin. The majority of her patients actually fall into this category, she said.

Excitement is great, but because 60% to 80% of kids with autism also have Attention Deficit Disorder and struggle with impulsivity, its important for parents to exercise additional caution if their holiday is going to involve fireworks in any way, she said.

'It shouldn't be this hard': How Michigan parents are piecing together summer child care

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During July Fourth, kids' fireworks and sparkler injuries are some of the most common in pediatric ERs, Mohiuddin said. Even more so for kids who struggle with impulsivity and are on the spectrum.

Mohiuddin suggests demarcating a physical boundary of the space you dont want your kid to cross into. Draw a chalk line, she said.

She said its often best to also assign one adult to keep an eye on an overexcited kid rather than having the entire group responsible, to take an additional safety measure when dealing with fireworks.

Watch out for your kid taking off

For kids on the spectrum, elopement, or taking off without warning, can be common. It can be caused by a variety of factors including sensory overload and anxiety or excitement.

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Mohiuddin calls it a serious and scary problem and suggest parents thinking through the holiday first ask themselves whether it is even safe to attend a crowded event with their child. If your kid has serious issues with elopement, consider not going, she said.

If running off isnt as significant of an issue for your kid, Mohiuddin said, considering putting an Airtag with them is an easy option to maintain safety in crowds in a pinch. There are also autism-specific monitoring systems she advises parents to obtain if your kid has a tendency to wander away.

Make sure to have an early exit strategy from July Fourth festivities

Mohiuddin and Higgins suggest parents of kids with autism always have early exit strategies for holiday festivities in mind in case things go sideways. Your kid might want to go to sleep early or leave early and it can be useful to have a plan for when your kid is either verbalizing or giving cues that its time to go. Higgins suggests also cluing in family if your July Fourth events entail gathering with family, so that theyre aware, understand, are involved, and can make the experience smoother.

Think through your early exit plan, Mohiuddin said. It becomes less stressful.

Joy is present during holidays for kids on the spectrum

Anticipation and planning can reduce stress for many families who have kids on the spectrum. But during this holiday, Mohiuddin said its also important for parents to understand that while potential overwhelm, hazards and issues may be more readily abundant, July Fourth can be a joyous time for a child with autism.

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The thing to remember with kids with autism is that they can experience the same, if not more joy and excitement than other kids can, Mohiuddin said. And they also could experience more stress from any holiday, it just depends on the kids level of understanding. But even if the level of understanding is more limited, they can still enjoy the experience.

Beki San Martin is a fellow at the Detroit Free Press who covers child care, early childhood education and other issues that affect the lives of children ages 5 and under and their families in metro Detroit and across Michigan. Contact her at rsanmartin@freepress.com.

This fellowship is supported by the Bainum Family Foundation. The Free Press retains editorial control of this work.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Strategies for July Fourth fireworks for kids with autism
Police in Oldham have been granted additional stop-and-search powers following overnight disorder which involved a car chase and machetes being brandished.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said three men - two in their 20s, the other in his 50s - had been arrested on suspicion of affray and remain in custody for questioning.

The force said Section 60 powers, granted under the 1994 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act, would remain in place in Oldham until 02:59 BST on Saturday.

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GMP said it had been called to "a number of incidents overnight involving weapons" in parts of the town.

'Smashed taxi'

Officers responded to reports of a chase between two SUVs on Lee Street at about 18:00 on Thursday.

GMP said one of the cars crashed into a tree before machete-wielding men attempted to attack its driver.

Then, at about 22:20, a large disturbance involving at least 10 men "with various weapons" was reported.

GMP said more than 100 people were on the street, "with pockets of disorder still in the area".

People dispersed after officers arrived, the force said.

About 15 minutes later, officers were called to reports that a man had been attacked on Roundthorn Road.

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They found a "smashed taxi" and a man in his 20s with minor injuries.

'Potentially dangerous weapons'

Supt Cara Charlesworth, from GMP's Oldham division, said the Section 60 order was a "proportionate and necessary" response to the disorder.

"This authority enables officers to utilise extra powers to stop-search individuals and hopefully ensure some potentially dangerous weapons that we have been aware of overnight are taken off the street," she said.

"We have made arrests, seized vehicles that are believed to be involved in these incidents, CCTV inquires are ongoing and arrest attempts for outstanding suspects are being made."

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The Section 60 order covers the junction between Constantine Street and Greenacres Road, Greenacres Road to Oldham Way, and Oldham Way to Park Road.

It also includes Park Road to the junction with King's Road, King's Road via the outer border of Snipe Clough Nature Reserve, Snipe Clough Nature Reserve to the Dean Terrance junction with Alt Lane, and Alt Lane to the Abbey Hills Road junction with Holts Lane.

The order further includes Holts Lane to Sunny Bank, Sunny Bank to the Thomas Street junction with High Street, High Street to the Lees Road junction with Wellyhole Street, and Wellyhole Street to the junction between Constantine Street and Greenacres Road.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.

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The Syrian national suspected of having injured multiple passengers on a German high-speed train en route from Hamburg to Vienna was seen praying before the attack, according to eyewitnesses.

The 20-year-old suspect is also believed to have uttered the words "Allahu Akbar," said lead prosecutor Thomas Rauscher - Arabic for "God is the greatest" and a common phrase in Islam.

However, it was still unclear whether Thursday's attack had an extremist motive, he stressed.

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Five people were injured, including the attacker himself, when he drew an axe on the busy express train travelling through Bavaria and attacked four passengers - three Syrians aged 15, 24 and 51 as well as a 38-year-old German national.

Prosecutor Rauscher said the man is being investigated over attempted murder in the case of the 24-year-old and the 38-year-old. He is also being investigated over grievous bodily harm in the other two cases.

The suspect was brought to a hospital following the attack on Thursday, and at least three narcotics have been found in his blood.
By Ali Sawafta

JORDAN VALLEY, West Bank (Reuters) -Thirty Palestinian families left their home in a remote area of the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Friday, saying they were forced out after years of persistent harassment and violence by Israeli settlers.

The families, members of the Bedouin Mleihat tribe from a shepherding community in the Jordan Valley, began dismantling homes built with iron sheets and wooden boards on Friday, overwhelmed by fears of further attacks.

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"The settlers are armed and attack us, and the (Israeli) military protects them. We cant do anything to stop them. We cant take it anymore, so we decided to leave," said Mahmoud Mleihat, a 50-year-old father of seven from the community.

As the Palestinians took down their encampment, an Israeli settler armed with a rifle and several Israeli soldiers looked on.

Palestinian communities in the Jordan Valley, a sparsely populated region near the Jordan River, have faced escalating harassment from settlers in recent years, including violence.

Israeli human rights group B'Tselem has documented repeated acts of violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in Muarrajat, near Jericho, where the Mleihat tribe lives. In 2024, settlers armed with clubs stormed a Palestinian school, while in 2023, armed settlers blocked the path of vehicles carrying Palestinians, with some firing into the air and others hurling stones at the vehicles.

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"We want to protect our children, and weve decided to leave," Mahmoud said, describing it as a great injustice.

He had lived in the community since he was 10, Mahmoud said.

Israel's military did not immediately respond to Reuters questions about the settler harassment faced by the Bedouin families or about the families leaving their community.

Asked about settler violence in the West Bank, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar told reporters on Monday that any acts of violence by civilians were unacceptable and that individuals should not take the law into their own hands.

Activists say Israeli settlement expansion has accelerated in recent years, displacing Palestinians, who have remained on their land under military occupation since Israel captured the West Bank in a 1967 war.

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B'Tselem representative Sarit Michaeli said the Mleihat tribe had faced "intense settler violence" that included, theft, vandalism, and assault. This week, she said, the settlers had established an informal outpost near the Palestinians' home.

The military was failing to protect Palestinians from attacks by settlers, who she said acted with impunity.

Aaliyah Mleihat, 28, said the Bedouin community, which had lived there for 40 years, would now be scattered across different parts of the Jordan Valley, including nearby Jericho.

"People are demolishing their own homes with their own hands, leaving this village theyve lived in for decades, the place where their dreams were built," she said, describing the forced displacement of 30 families as a "new Nakba".

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The Nakba, meaning catastrophe in Arabic, refers to the mass displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from their homes during 1948 at the birth of the state of Israel.

Most countries consider Israeli settlements a violation of the Geneva Conventions which ban settling civilians on occupied land; Israel says the settlements are lawful and justified by historic and biblical Jewish ties to the land.

(Writing by Alexander Cornwell, Editing by William Maclean)
Claim:

H.R. 1, the budget omnibus bill U.S. President Donald Trump called the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," will add trillions of dollars to the national debt.

Rating:

Rating: True

Amid the U.S. Congress' voting and deliberations over the annual budget bill in June and July 2025, which President Donald Trump deemed "One Big Beautiful Bill," was  as usual  some conversation around how the proposed changes would affect the national debt.

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In particular, posts on social media popped up claiming that the bill would add "$3.9 trillion to the national debt."

MAJOR BREAKING: After midnight, the non partisan CBO is out with its official projections:



The Senate version of Trumps Big Beautiful Bill will add over $3.9 TRILLION to the national debt.



Theyre not shrinking government. Theyre burning it to the ground. pic.twitter.com/2WyAXRVhdU  CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) June 29, 2025

The number in the claim, theoretically, comes from nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office reports. The office is required by federal law to provide estimates on how major legislation would affect the federal budget, including the budget bill  H.R. 1.

However, the numbers in those reports change as legislators workshop and amend the bill. For instance, on June 18, the CBO's report on the version of H.R. 1 passed by the House of Representatives found the bill would increase the federal debt by about $2.8 trillion over the next 10 years. Meanwhile, on June 29, the CBO released data on the Senate's version of the bill that found it would increase the federal debt by about $3.3 trillion over the next 10 years.

In this case, the $3.9 trillion estimate appeared to come not from the CBO but from the Committee for a Responsible Budget, a nonprofit group that advocates for cutting government spending and reduce the national debt.

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While the number in social media posts was not based on CBO reports, the claim that the CBO found Trump's budget bill would add trillions of dollars to the national debt over the next 10 years was true.

The federal government's budget surplus is calculated by subtracting the amount of money the government spends in a given year from the amount of money it raises. When the government spends more than it earns, the budget is in a deficit, as has been the case since 2001.

The debt is the total of the yearly deficits. According to the Treasury Department's website, the national debt is $36.21 trillion, as of this writing. (The government also must pay interest on the debt.)

On July 1, the Senate passed the bill  Republican Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Rand Paul of Kentucky and Thom Tillis of North Carolina joined all Democrats to vote no, with Vice President JD Vance breaking the 50-50 tie.

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The bill returned to the House of Representatives to reconcile the two versions. The House passed it in a 218-214 vote (two Republicans joined all Democrats to vote against it) on July 3. Trump said he would sign the bill on July 4.

Sources:

CBO Score Shows Senate OBBBA Adds Over $3.9 Trillion to Debt-2025-06-28. 28 Jun. 2025, https://www.crfb.org/blogs/cbo-score-shows-senate-obbba-adds-over-39-trillion-debt.

Estimated Budgetary Effects of an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Relative to the Budget Enforcement Baseline for Consideration in the Senate | Congressional Budget Office. 28 Jun. 2025, https://www.cbo.gov/publication/61533.

Fiscal Data Explains the National Debt. https://fiscaldata.treasury.gov/americas-finance-guide/national-debt/. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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Fiscal Data Explains the National Deficit. https://fiscaldata.treasury.gov/americas-finance-guide/national-deficit/. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

Green, Justin. "Senate's 'Big, Beautiful Bill' Would Add $3.3 Trillion in New Debt: CBO." Axios, 29 Jun. 2025, https://www.axios.com/2025/06/29/senate-big-beautiful-bill-deficits-debt.

Gross Domestic Product. 26 Jun. 2025, https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/GDP.

H.R. 1, One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Dynamic Estimate) | Congressional Budget Office. 17 Jun. 2025, https://www.cbo.gov/publication/61486.

Izzo, Jack. "Posts Online Correctly Cracked the Formula for Trump's Tariffs." Snopes, 4 Apr. 2025, https://www.snopes.com//news/2025/04/03/trump-tariff-formula/.

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Sangal, Deva Lee, Leinz Vales, Maureen Chowdhury, Shania Shelton, Aditi. "Live Updates: Congress Passes Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill' | CNN Politics." CNN, 3 Jul. 2025, https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/trump-big-beautiful-bill-house-vote-07-03-25.

"Senate Republicans Advance Trump's Tax and Spending Cuts Bill after Dramatic Late-Night Vote." AP News, 28 Jun. 2025, https://apnews.com/article/trump-tax-breaks-spending-cuts-senate-deadline-8c72d6db7c9725d9d56db8294012809e.

Stein, Chris, and Rachel Leingang. "Senate Republicans Pass Trump's Sweeping Policy Bill, Clearing Major Hurdle." The Guardian, 1 Jul. 2025. The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jul/01/senate-passes-big-beautiful-bill-vote.

Swift, Rocky, et al. "Trump's 'big, Beautiful' Bill Set to Further Tarnish Treasuries' Lustre Overseas." Reuters, 30 Jun. 2025. www.reuters.com, https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/trumps-big-beautiful-bill-set-further-tarnish-treasuries-lustre-overseas-2025-06-30/.

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"The One Big Beautiful Bill Slashes Deficits, National Debt While Unleashing Economic Growth." The White House, 30 Jun. 2025, https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2025/06/the-one-big-beautiful-bill-slashes-deficits-national-debt-while-unleashing-economic-growth/.

U.S. Senate: U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes 119th Congress - 1st Session. https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00372.htm#position. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
Celebrating the breathtaking alpine landscape with a frost-inspired dial and mountain engraving. The piece is part of Hamiltons exclusive series of location-inspired timepieces available only at its four global stores in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Lancaster and Zermatt.

In celebration of Hamilton's growing global presence through its exclusive stores, we have created a series of four special editions of Khaki Field Mechanical timepieces. Each watch draws inspiration from the unique surroundings of its city, offering collectors a meaningful connection to these significant Hamilton destinations. Each watch is only available at their dedicated stores, creating an authentic and immersive Hamilton experience that rewards those who experience them in person.

The Khaki Field Mechanical Zermatt Exclusive Edition captures the rugged beauty of the surrounding Swiss Alps, particularly the unmistakable near-symmetrical form of the famed Matterhorn. The watch features a striking frost-effect dial that evokes the icy, glaciated high alpine terrain. The intricate texture of the dial creates a dynamic effect, shifting in appearance with the light, imitating how sunlight transforms mountain faces throughout the day.

The back of the Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm Hamilton

Complementing the dial is a specially designed blue and white striped NATO strap, representing the contrasting shades of snow in bright sunlight and shadow. This rugged textile strap, evolved from military origins, ensures security on the wrist while providing versatile comfort for mountain adventures and urban exploration alike. The case back features an exquisitely detailed engraving of the Matterhorn's distinctive silhouette. Like each watch in this store collection, the Zermatt Exclusive Edition comes with a secondary strap option, for customizing looks while maintaining the watch's alpine-inspired essence.

Based on Hamilton's best-selling Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm model, this exclusive timepiece combines proven field watch reliability with distinctive design elements that celebrate the natural wonders surrounding the Zermatt store. The watch embodies both Hamilton's Swiss precision and American spirita meaningful and lasting keepsake for those who make the journey to experience our unique presence in this renowned mountain destination.
Speeds reached 120-140 miles an hour as police chased crack-cocaine fueled Fallon Tallent on Interstate 40 in a pursuit that started in Knoxville on July 9, 2003.

The chase ended in Mt. Juliet when Tallent killed two police officers who were deploying spike strips near Exit 226.

It was never a who-done-it case when it went to trial in June 2004.

There was no question, nor argument that Tallent, age 21 at the time of the wreck, was responsible for the horrific deaths of Mt. Juliet Police Sgt. Jerry Mundy, 43, and Wilson County Sheriff's Deputy John Musice, 49.

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Both of the bodies were beyond recognition, then acting Wilson County Sheriff Terry Ashe said about the scene he vividly remembers approximately 22 years later. I found the remains of John Musice myself."

Yet, the trial that gripped the entire Wilson County community and beyond was not a forgone conclusion with wide gaps on sentencing limits according to what Tallent could ultimately be convicted for.

Prosecutors wanted a first-degree murder conviction and life in prison. But that would require proof of intent and convincing a jury of premeditation.

Not proving that intent could mean a lesser conviction like criminally negligent homicide with a 1-2 year prison sentence or reckless homicide at 2-4 years at the time. A second-degree murder conviction at 15-25 years per count could also have been considered.

Fallon Tallent during a portion of the 2004 sentencing hearing when Judge John Wootten Jr. sentenced her to two consecutive life terms in prison for the murders of Wilson County Sheriff Deputy John Musice and Mt. Juliet Police Sgt. Jerry Mundy on Interstate 40 during a police chase.

Graphic accounts of a case mounted during the emotional trial that had six days of testimony and more than 40 witnesses as family members and friends of both officers were present throughout. Just some of the testimony included:

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Two drivers who witnessed the crash testified the Mercedes-Benz make a "controlled" turn toward the officers.

A TBI agent testified that Tallent said in an interview the same day as the crash: "I was flying. I had a crack pipe in one hand and a steering wheel in the other." Tallent told police she had been smoking crack for seven straight days leading up to the chase.

Dorothy Cash was the passenger in the car Tallent was driving and Cash testified that Tallent said watch this, before running over Musice and Mundy. The defense questioned whether that was actually said and Cash's credibility with a reported history of drug use and prostitution.

Dorothy Cash listens to a recording of a statement that she made as she testifies in court during the trial of Fallon Tallent in 2004.

Expert testimony that no skid marks that indicated that Tallent did not hit the brakes when hitting the officers.

Evidence mounted and Tallent wanted to take the stand as testimony, according to attorney David Boyd who was part of the defense team.

Four words Tallent said rang loud as prosecuting assistant district attorney Robert Hibbett's questions came to a moment when he strongly suggested Tallent wasnt going to stop that day for anyone or anything.

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I guess youre right, Tallent answered.

The sequestered jury selected from Sullivan County  about 250 miles away from Wilson County because of the publicity that had included a benefit concert for the families by Charlie Daniels  found Tallent guilty on two counts of first-degree murder after seven hours of deliberation.

Surrounded by Sheriff Terry Ashe, far right, and other police officers, Fallon Tallent, wearing blue, is led out of the Wilson County Court House in 2004 after being found guilty on two counts of first degree murder.

To us, reckless homicide should have been the charge selected by the jury, Boyd said. The element of recklessness is a conscious disregard you are putting others in, which we contend was present in this case. There was no premeditation by Fallon to cause the death of either of the officers, which is necessary for a conviction of first-degree murder. Reckless conduct yes, negligent conduct yes, but no premeditation.

The conviction carried two life sentences, which Judge John Wootten ruled would be served consecutively. Tallent is now incarcerated at the Womens Therapeutic Residential Center in Henning, Tennessee, according to the Tennessee Department of Correction.

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The two officers continue to be remembered including two white crosses at the crash site. The Wilson County Criminal Justice Center in Lebanon is named for Musice and a Mt. Juliet park is named for Mundy.

Crosses just off Interstate 40 in Wilson County where Jerry Mundy, a Mt. Juliet police officer, and John Musice, a Wilson County sheriff's deputy, were killed in 2003. The officers were involved in the deployment of spike strips for a high-speed pursuit that originated in East Tennessee.

The Tennessean is publishing a Notorious Nashville story for each year from 2000-2024. Catch up on the series here.

Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Fallon Tallent 2004 murder trial shook Wilson County
Tears streaked the faces of Jhony Ramos Sr. and Mercedes Lemos soon after arriving Thursday afternoon outside of the evacuation zone perimeter butting against Esparto.

About a mile south  at a rural corner lot since flattened by Tuesdays calamitous explosions at a fireworks storage facility  laid the place where their missing sons and grandsons, respectively, were last known to be.

There is nothing, Lemos told reporters in Spanish when asked what the family had been told by authorities. And why? We are all human. They are indifferent. And how can they be? ... We all eat, we all feel and we all need.

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Seven people remain unaccounted for after the blast obliterated the facility along with nearby homes and outbuildings.

Meanwhile, a national Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms response team was called to Esparto. The specialized team assembles for major fire and explosives investigations, like the Esparto blaze dubbed the Oakdale Fire, for a nearby road where pyrotechnics were hurled after Tuesdays first blast.

The team is made up of ATF special agents, fire investigators and forensic chemists; fire protection and electrical engineers; explosives specialists, intelligence researchers and accelerant-detecting dog teams.

National Response Teams have responded to some of the most notable disasters in recent U.S. history, including the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995 and the September 11, 2001, terror attack on the World Trade Center.

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The rapid response team will assist investigators who have been poring over the explosion site since Tuesday night, Cal Fire officials said in a Wednesday evening update as the search for answers into the blast continues now into a third day in still-unstable conditions.

Syanna Ruiz, 18, whose boyfriend Jesus Ramos is missing, confronts Cal Fire Public Information Officer Jason Clay about the lack of transparency during a news conference on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, about an explosion at pyrotechnics facility in Esparto the previous night. Seven people are missing after the incident.

Pyrotechnics company issues statement

In a statement, officials at Devastating Pyrotechnics, whose facilities were destroyed in the explosion, offered thoughts to the families of those believed lost in the blast and gratitude to first responders who rushed to the scene.

Our hearts and thoughts are with those we lost, their families, and everyone impacted in our community, the statement read. We are grateful for the swift response of law enforcement and emergency personnel. Our focus will remain on those directly impacted by this tragedy, and we will cooperate fully with the proper authorities in their investigation.

The companys attorney, Douglas Horngrad, offered little else, saying that while we understand the publics need for more information about the warehouse facility in Esparto, we cannot provide any further comment at this time.

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No other officials from the San Francisco-based company have discussed the incident with The Sacramento Bee or responded to repeated inquiries about the inferno.

The pain in this rural community in far western Yolo County, about 30 miles west of Sacramento, has intensified as the names and the stories of the missing remain known.

But family members have said that among them are Jesus and Jhonny Ramos Jr., 18 and 22 years old, respectively. Their brother Joel Junior Melendez also remains missing.

Missing from the Esparto fireworks explosion, from left, are Joel Melendez, 22, Jesus Ramos, 18, and Jhonny Ramos, 22.

Ramos Sr., who traveled with family from Los Angeles after learning of the explosions, told reporters Thursday that authorities had not given the family more information about their missing relatives. Syanna Ruiz, the 18-year-old girlfriend of Jesus Ramos, had also spoken out on the lack of information about the missing at the end of a news conference Wednesday.

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They were, all three, incredible men who had so much coming for them, that had so much coming their way, Ruiz told The Bee on Wednesday. Im just praying to God that some way, somehow, theyre okay.

The family was told by authorities they would hear an update by Saturday.

Esparto Fire Chief Curtis Lawrence speaks Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at a news conference about an explosion at a pyrotechnics facility in Esparto the previous night.

Esparto Fire Chief Curtis Lawrence at a Wednesday news conference said crews could not go onto the site due to the dangers that remained. Recovering the bodies of the blast victims was a big concern, Lawrence said when Ruiz asked what fire crews were doing on that front.

Melendez is the father of an 11-month-old son. His wife, Maria, is expecting their second child, her cousin, Marilly Kepoo-Galicia, said in a GoFundMe appeal for the family.

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This tragic accident has taken so much from so many, and for Maria, its shattered her entire world, Kepoo-Galicia wrote. What should be a joyful and hopeful time has instead become filled with fear, uncertainty, and heartbreak.

Recovery effort beginning amid danger

Authorities on Thursday said the priority for Esparto and local fire crews was to gain access to the ruined facility so authorities can begin to recover those lost in the disaster and bolster investigative efforts for the explosion investigation.

The pyrotechnics explosions at the fireworks warehouse in the 26400 block of County Road 23 near County Road 86A, about a mile south of Highway 16, was said to have ignited numbers of spot fires in the area. Cal Fire said the Oakdale Fire blackened 78 acres before crews halted forward progress Tuesday night.

Mathew Davis, a spokesperson for the Yolo County Sheriffs Office, addressed the missing individuals families at the news conference, acknowledging their concerns but saying personnel cannot move forward with the recovery effort until the scene is safe.

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Its important that we operate safely, carefully and securely and in a dignified manner that respects all involved, Davis said. We cannot move forward and risk any more injury to anyone else on this scene.

Lawrence, the towns fire chief, said firefighters had begun targeted fire suppression efforts to mitigate the risks of recovery and said the area was a little bit safer for responders.

The identities of four others who remained missing were unknown and officials at Thursdays news conference refused to answer any questions from reporters or the relatives among the scrum.

Syanna Ruiz, center, displays a photograph on her boyfriend Jesus Ramos on her cellphone on Wednesday to reporters at the road closure near the Esparto fireworks facility that exploded the night before. Ramos was working at the site.

While Lawrence could not confirm the number of individuals that were forced to evacuate, he said more than 150 PG&E customers were affected by power outages relating to the incident. By Thursday afternoon, 89 customers in the area were without power controlled by a substation on the 18500 block of County Road 89, roughly two miles east of the fire, according to data collected by the Governors Office of Emergency Services.

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Yolo County District 5 Supervisor Angel Barajas said on Thursday that the board, along with various agencies, were investigating the incident to see whether proper procedures were followed. Barajas said if protocols were violated, the board would revise and modify them to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

We have trust in our partners and our agencies that the investigation is going to be transparent, Barajas said at Thursdays press conference. We want to make sure that it becomes a quick and a timely investigation, but were going to leave the subject-matter experts to perform those duties.

Officials offer support for those affected

Barajas said the county has provided the families of those unaccounted for with food and hotel vouchers as well as counseling services.

First and foremost, our priority is the families making sure that theyre comfortable during this investigation and this recovery procedure, Barajas said.

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For frustrated loved ones of the missing and authorities alike, questions remain.

What triggered the blast?

Were additional materials beside fireworks stored at the site?

Did more than one company store its pyrotechnics there?

People near the facility when the explosions took place just about 6 p.m. described a sequence of blasts that rattled buildings and homes in nearby Esparto and was felt by some in Woodland, about 14 miles away. The large blasts, followed by a series of fireworks rattling off from the burning facility, sparked multiple grass fires that firefighters controlled soon after the explosions.

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There are thousands of questions, Lemos said. There are no answers.

Explosions at pyrotechnics facilities are extremely rare, Julie Heckman, executive director of the American Pyrotechnics Association, an industry group, told The Sacramento Bee this week. Human interaction is almost always the culprit, she said, triggering catastrophe.

Storage facilities like the doomed Esparto site must be licensed by both state fire authorities and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, said Heckman, a member of Cal Fires fireworks advisory committee, and must be specially built with materials that do not create sparks or static electricity.

Fireworks for Fridays Independence Day festivities from Marysville to Placerville and the north Bay Area were stored at the Yolo County facility, the blast forcing organizers to reschedule, postpone or cancel their events.

The Bees Sharon Bernstein and Daniel Hunt contributed to this story.
HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN)  Three months after federal agents raided a birthday party in Hays County, basic details about the operation remain shrouded in secrecy, including how many people were actually detained.

At a press conference Thursday morning at the Hays County Courthouse, community advocates and local officials said they have received no substantive information about the April 1 raid that resulted in the detention of what organizers said were 49 Venezuelan nationals, including several children. That number differs from earlier reports that put the figure at 40 or 47 people.

Karen Munoz, associate counsel at LatinoJustice and a Hays County resident, said the lack of information reflects broader issues with immigration enforcement.

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We now know the names and whereabouts of some of the people taken from our community, Munoz said. Our elected officials have pushed for answers beyond that and have been met with silence.

VIDEO: New look at operation leading to 40 people possibly linked to Venezuelan gang arrested in Hays County

Federal agencies and the Texas Department of Public Safety have claimed the operation targeted members believed to be part of Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang, but have not provided evidence to support that assertion.

We have zero reason to believe that. The false claims are just that  false, said Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra, the countys top elected official who recently led the county commissioners court in passing a resolution calling for due process and humane treatment of immigrants.

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Becerra said he has received no information about the raid despite repeated requests to federal agencies.

Ive reached out to all levels of federal government and all different branches, and we have received a boilerplate ridiculous sheet of paper that is a generic three sentence press release, he said.

ICE veteran weighs in on agency practices

Scott Mechkowski, who worked for Immigration and Customs Enforcement from 1996 to 2018, including during the first Trump administration, said the agencys approach to information sharing during enforcement operation is standard practice.

Theres a lot of things that go into an investigation, said Mechkowski, who retired as deputy field office director from the New York Field Office. While the investigations ongoing, they arent going to say too much, and thats normal for any agency.

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Mechkowski said the raid could have been part of a larger transnational case involving the Venezuelan gang, though he said he was not familiar with the specifics of the Dripping Springs operation.

When asked about local officials requests for information, Mechkowski said proper channels exist for such requests. They can go to their congressman. They could ask them for an explanation, and then if its an ongoing investigation, theyll get bits and pieces, he said.

Becerra said his attempts through official channels have not yielded information.

Terrell County Sheriff Thad Cleveland, a former Border Patrol agent with 26 years of experience, said agencies should balance transparency with operational security.

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I believe its good if an agency at any level of government provides feedback to the communities as to the result of their operations. However, depending if there is an ongoing investigation or specifics that could hamper their investigation, they may not provide details until the investigation is complete, Cleveland said.

Cleveland said providing details of operations helps avoid conspiracy theories and dispel rumors. He said ICE may limit advance information sharing because some operations have been leaked, putting agents and officers at risk.

Constitutional questions raised

Former Hays County District Judge Bill Henry said the raid raises constitutional issues. One of the criticisms that Americans had with King George is that he arrested people and took them to foreign lands. And here we are with another wannabe King whos doing the same thing, Henry said.

Munoz said the raid may indicate increased collaboration between local and federal immigration enforcement, particularly given the passage of Senate Bill 8, which requires certain local sheriffs to work with ICE.

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U.S. Rep. Greg Casar, a Democrat who represents the area, said he is seeking transparency from federal agencies about the raid.

In far too many cases, Donald Trumps immigration policies are ripping apart families and going after people who have done nothing wrong. We are demanding transparency from ICE about the Dripping Springs raid, and we encourage anyone facing challenges with the federal government to contact our offices, Casar said.

Families seek information

The press conference concluded with a statement from families affected by the raid, read by organizers. Our families deserve answers for why they were taken away. We dont know where they are, where they are being detained, and when we ask for those answers, we are told no one can help us.

Family detained in Hays County raid says no gang ties existed, expert questions tattoo evidence

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The statement said many of those detained were fleeing those same gangs they are accusing us of being in and fleeing government kidnappings, only to come here and suffer the same fate.

At the courthouse, organizers placed 49 roses to represent each person they said was detained.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.




NEED TO KNOW

A family of 6, including a child and an elderly woman, was rescued from the Kuskokwim River on Monday, June 30

According to the Alaska Army National Guard, the family's boat became stuck on a sandbar amid intense stormy weather

We could tell that the group hadnt anticipated being stranded for that amount of time with the clothes and gear they were wearing, AKARNG Chief Warrant Officer 3 Nick Lime said, per a release





A family of six, including a child, has been rescued after spending close to 24 hours on an Alaska River amid stormy weather.

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On Monday, June 30, the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center received a request for assistance from Alaska State Troopers (AST) after a familys boat became stuck on a sandbar near Tuntutuliak on the Kuskokwim River, according to a release from the Alaska Army National Guard (AKARNG).

The family had become stranded on their journey to Tuntutuliak amid high wind and rough water that also made it impossible for community efforts to reach them. Before their phones died at around midday on Monday, the family sent several messages to the AST.

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reisegraf/Getty Yukon Kuskokwim River Delta near Dawson City Yukon Kuskokwim River Delta near Dawson City

Alaska Army National Guard aviators (AKARNG) then launched a UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter from the armory in Bethel and flew 25 miles south to search for them, according to the release.

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We could tell that the group hadnt anticipated being stranded for that amount of time with the clothes and gear they were wearing, AKARNG Chief Warrant Officer 3 Nick Lime said, per the release. We were able to get them out of there at an ideal time.

Lime was joined on the rescue mission by AKARNG Chief Warrant Officer 3s Bryan Kruse and Colten Bell, alongside AST Trooper Trevor Norris. The group overcame heavy rain, fog and wind gusts of 45 miles per hour to help the family.

It took around 30 minutes for them to spot the stranded group. Lime recalled that the elderly woman among them could barely move or communicate due to the amount of time they had been exposed to the elements.

All six members of the family were close to hypothermic, according to the AKARNG release. They were taken to Bethel Armory, where volunteers from the Bethel Fire Department and three ambulances were waiting to take them to Yukon-Kuskokwim Regional Hospital.

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Kruse, the pilot in command, praised the collaboration between the volunteers and local air traffic controllers, saying, This effort really reinforces the relationships that we have with our local community here.

The controllers did a great job at clearing the airspace for us on the way back, so we could get these patients back safely, he added, according to the AKARNG release.

Alaska National Guard courtesy photo by Chief Warrant Officer 3 Bryan Kruse Alaska Army National Guard Alaska Army National Guard

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Despite the Bethel-based Black Hawk crew not being formally equipped for rescues, they often play an important role in assisting emergency services in Western Alaska, a community not connected to roadways.

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Were extremely proud of our execution during missions like this, Kruse said, per the release. With all the capabilities we have at our disposal, it could not have gone better. We do the best with what weve got.

Read the original article on People




NEED TO KNOW

On Wednesday, July 2, around 2:30 p.m. local time, a Subaru Forester rear-ended a semi-truck on Interstate 70 in Colorado

Three of the four occupants in the Subaru Forester were killed, and the driver was taken to the hospital

The driver of the semi-truck was not injured





Three people, including two children, were killed in a crash in Colorado, according to authorities.

Around 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2, a blue 2021 Subaru Forester rear-ended a semi-truck that was hauling a trailer on Interstate 70, Colorado State Patrol (CSP) said in a news release. The crash occurred around 75 miles east of Denver.

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CSP Trooper Sherri Mendez told The Colorado Gazette that the collision tore the passenger side of the Subaru off. The car spun out of control and rolled over onto its roof, which severed the front passengers seatbelt and led to ejection from the vehicle.

A family from Montana was inside the Subaru, according to the outlet. The victims, identified by police as a 47-year-old woman, a 13-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy, were all killed, reported The Colorado Gazette and NBC affiliate KUSA-TV.

The driver, a 62-year-old man, was taken to the hospital and as of the morning of Thursday, July 3, his condition is stable, according toThe Colorado Gazette.

The driver of the semi-truck was not injured.

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A witness who saw the crash told local Fox affiliate KDVR that the driver of the Subaru got out of the car after the crash asking for help and said that his family was traveling to Arkansas for his mother's funeral.

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I feel bad for the gentleman, you know, he lost his family, as we pulled up to the car, instantly I noticed that they  well, they didnt survive it, John Andazola told the outlet. The top of the vehicle was sheared off, and it was upside down."

"He couldnt comprehend, you know, clearly there was trauma to him as well, and we ended up pulling him to the side so he didnt have to see his family members," Andazola added.

The eastbound lanes of Interstate 70 were closed until 8 p.m. Wednesday night, according to NBC affiliate KOAA-TV.

The crash remains under investigation.



Read the original article on People
PHOENIX - Arizona family stepping up for baby whose mom died; explaining the "Senior Bonus" in the Big Beautiful Bill; and more - here's a look at some of your top stories on FOX10Phoenix.com for Thursday, July 3, 2025.

1. Arizona family stepping up for girl who was found with deceased mother

What we know

An emaciated newborn baby girl, identified as Harmony, was found alive next to her deceased mom, 31-year-old Jade Hardin, inside a Phoenix apartment in May.

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Harmony will soon need a new home, and her family in Tucson is ready to take on that responsibility.

What they're saying

"We want to have that baby experience, the same love that we have for our kids," Derrick Hill said. Hill is the father of Harmony's 7-year-old brother.

Read More

2. Oklahoma doctor accused of staging drowning

(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gustavo Castillo/Released)

What we know

Detectives say Oklahoma pediatrician is accused of staging the death of her 4-year-old daughter to make it appear the child drowned in the swimming pool at their rental vacation home in Florida.

The other side

The suspect's lawyer said the pediatrician is a victim of a terrible tragedy. The attorney also said they cooperated with authorities,and were surprised when the murder charge was announced.

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3. Shocking revelations in deadly Tempe road rage incident

Dustin Jackson, who was arrested over his alleged role in the incident.

What we know

In a story we first brought you on July 2, court documents are providing new details surrounding an incident that led to the death of 29-year-old Steven Bevan near a Tempe intersection.

Dig deeper

In court documents, investigators wrote that both Bevan and the suspect, Dustin Jackson, had kids in their respective vehicles at the time of the deadly incident.

Read More

4. Explaining the "Senior Bonus"

(U.S. Navy photo by Elizabeth Kearns/Released)

What we know

Some older Americans may see additional tax relief as a result of the "Big Beautiful Bill," which was passed by House lawmakers on July 3, and is expected to be signed into law by President Donald Trump.

Big picture view

Under the bill, Americans aged 65 and over may qualify for the "senior bonus." Both the Senate and House have passed their versions of the bonus, with differing deduction amount.

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5. Driver stuck under semi-truck

What we know

A woman was hurt on July 3, after police say she drove underneath a semi-truck, and became stuck there.

What we don't know

There's no word about what caused the woman to drive underneath the semi-truck.

Read More

A look at your weather for tomorrow

By the numbers

We are expecting a high of 104F in the Phoenix area for the 4th of July.

"The entire 4th of July weekend should remain dry," read a portion of National Weather Service's forecast.

Get the Full Forecast
UPDATE: Woman, 72, dies in fatal Fourth of July crash in Middleborough

Authorities are investigating a fatal car crash that shut down part of a major highway on the Fourth of July.

State troopers closed the ramps from I-495 to Route 28 (Exit 8) just after 9 a.m. Friday, July 4 because of the deadly crash, Massachusetts State Police told MassLive.

MassDOT said on X that a crash had shut down that portion of the highway at around 9:42 a.m. The interstate was said to have been completely reopened as of 12:50 p.m.

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No further details about the crash were immediately available. The investigation is ongoing.

MassLive has reached out to Middleborough police for further information.

More public safety stories

Read the original article on MassLive.
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  A 7-month-old boy suffered multiple hemorrhages on his head as well suffered a broken bone near his shoulder, leading a pathologist to say he died of abusive head trauma.

And now, the man who was watching him when he was found unresponsive in a South Peoria apartment, Dwyane Davis, 41, is charged with his son, Eland Davis death.

Davis, who faces a single charge of first-degree murder, was ordered held by Peoria County Judge Mark Gilles pending the outcome of the allegations.

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Gilles said he found Davis explanation of what happened, that he possibly rolled over on him while they were sleeping in the same bed, unbelievable.

Such a victim, he said, was completely vulnerable and harmless and needing the protection of a parent. Gilles also noted that Davis waited to call 911 until after he called his mother and she arrived at his home in the RiverWest complex.

Lastly, the judge noted that the injuries suffered by the baby were varied and appeared to span various lengths of time.

Assistant States Attorney, in pushing for Davis detention at the county jail, said the boy suffered horribly and Davis own admission that he alone was with the boy on Tuesday morning when he was found unresponsive.

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No one else, Davis allegedly told police, could have caused any of the injuries suffered by Eland Davis.

The Peoria Police Department was called at 10:06 a.m. Tuesday to the 300 block of South Kersee Street to a report that the boy was not breathing, but that CPR was being performed, the prosecutor said in open court.

Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood said in a Facebook post that Eland Davis was transported to OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center. Eland was unresponsive, not breathing, and had no heartbeat.

He died not long after he arrived.

Assistant States Attorney Terry Muench said the injuries suffered by the young boy were not consistent with what was found during an autopsy. Harwood was more blunt the other day, calling the boys injuries abusive head trauma.

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Davis will next appear in court on July 31. If convicted, he faces up to 60 years behind bars.

This story will be updated.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com.
(NewsNation)  As millions of Americans prepare to celebrate this Fourth of July holiday weekend, authorities across the country are on alert for potential lone wolf attacks.

Ongoing global conflicts, as well as possible copycats, have prompted a notice from federal law enforcement agencies urging the public to stay vigilant.

Former FBI agent Jennifer Coffendaffer told NewsNation that lone wolf attacks are the most common type of terrorism in the U.S.

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Boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. arrested by ICE over Sinaloa Cartel ties

If you look over the past five years, 93% of attacks in the West have been by lone wolves, she said.

Federal agencies across the country are telling people to be aware, with the most concern about that lone wolf style of attack during this Fourth of July holiday week. With the holiday falling on a Friday, its going to be a busy one and a lot of folks are taking time off already.

In a joint bulletin, the FBI, Department of Homeland Security and other law enforcement agencies said individuals or small groups motivated by political, racial or personal grievances are most likely to target large gatherings like the Macys fireworks show in New York City, or other celebrations across the country.

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The agency has also warned about potential copycat attacks following the New Years Day incident in New Orleans.

Individuals shouldnt be paranoid, Coffindaffer said, but should be paying attention to their surroundings.

Megabill includes $40M for Trumps Garden of Heroes: Who would be in it?

How can you get out of a particular corridor that you might be in if something bad were to happen? Are you looking to make sure that the street blockades are in the proper location, and if not, you can notify somebody, she said. How about social media? Have you seen anything coming across your social media that is wrong, where people are threatening or doing something?

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They say global conflicts, including tensions with Iran and the Israel-Hamas war, are also contributing to that heightened threat environment.

The Department of Homeland Security told News Nation its enhancing security measures right now and coordinating with federal, state and local partners to keep celebrations safe.

Coffindaffer said those measures can include things like barricades and removal of things like trash cans, which could be used to conceal an explosive device, as well as monitoring crowds.

Buying a home? Youll need a $17K raise, Zillow finds

Youre looking for everything from backpacks being left to suspicious activity of individuals, sometimes people dressed in inordinately warm clothing, she said.

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Officials emphasize there are no specific credible threats at this time, and they are just asking people to stay vigilant and if they see something, say something.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
The Northeast should be on high alert for exposure to disease-carrying ticks, according to experts.

Fordham Universitys Tick Index currently shows the risk at a nine out of 10, indicating that people in New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey should limit exposure and use extreme caution.

If youre thinking of taking a hike, consider going to a movie instead, the index says, noting that both the nymph and adult ticks are active during this time of year in warmer and wetter conditions.

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This year, the threat of multiple tick species has closed a Connecticut beach for the entire summer.

We regret to inform everyone that Pleasure Beach will remain closed to the public for the 2025 summer season, the City of Bridgeport wrote in a post on Facebook. This decision comes after extensive consultation with state environmental experts following the discovery of multiple tick species on the island  including the invasive Asian longhorned tick.

Northeastern residents should be on high alert for disease-carrying ticks. Black-legged ticks can carry Lyme and other kinds of disease agents (Getty Images/iStock)

The city government said that it would conduct a series of treatment and containment efforts throughout the area, with the goal of reopening the beach next year.

The most common ticks in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut are deer ticks, American dog ticks, and lone star ticks. All three are capable of transmitting disease to humans, but Rutgers University professor and entomologist Dina Fonseca previously told The Independent that nymphal blacklegged ticks are the ones people really need to worry about, as they can be infected with four different disease agents.

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That includes Lyme disease, which may lead to facial paralysis and irregular heartbeat if untreated. More than 89,000 cases were reported to federal authorities in 2023, most of which were in the northeastern states.

At the size of the poppy seed, the nymphs can be hard to spot. Symptoms may also be elusive, and Lyme is often misdiagnosed as arthritis, a sports-related injury, or another common medical condition, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People with Lyme may experience fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, and other symptoms within three to 30 days of a tick bite. Theyre often recognizable by the classic bulls-eye rash, but dont always appear that way. Late symptoms may appear between days to months later.

Connecticuts Pleasure Beach is closed for the season because of ticks. The City of Bridgeport said it would hopefully reopen by 2026 (City of Bridgeport, CT - Government/Facebook)

To avoid exposure, people should wear tight clothing, tuck in shirts and pants legs, and wear clothes treated with 0.5 percent permethrin repellent.

If you dont apply repellent, they can be ruthless, Fonseca said.

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This year, New York City  the home to 8.2 million residents  has experienced a surge in the number of black-legged tick nymphs, Joellen Lampman, of the New York State Integrated Pest Management program, told the Advance/SILive.com.

Basically, you should be on guard, Lampman cautioned.

Ticks are so, so, good at just hanging onto their energy and just waiting for something to cross its path, she added.
The email had no urgent subject line, nor any prior warning. Film producer and cultural manager Elena Fortes, 44, learned of her induction into the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences when it was already a done deal. She had taken part in the process, yes  but she never imagined shed be named alongside actress Adriana Paz, director David Pablos, producer Astrid Rondero, and screenwriter Julio Chavezmontes as part of the group of Mexicans who, starting this year, will vote for the films competing in the 98th edition of the Academy Awards. Five names. Five long-standing careers that have been recognized.

But Fortes didnt reach this point by chance. For nearly two decades, she has traveled across Mexico  and other countries  with Ambulante, the documentary film festival she co-founded with Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna, driven by the conviction that real stories, if told well, can cut through the noise, spark change, and plant questions. Documentary is the most fertile ground in cinema, she says in an interview with EL PAIS, with the same passion she has discussed Amublantes screening routes through rural communities, universities, and public squares.

Fortes feels proud to represent Mexico. She speaks of the country with the conviction of someone who chose to stay when she could have left. Of someone who loves  not without criticism  a nation that never ceases to be a source of pain and amazement.

Diversifying the Academy also means diversifying the stories that make it to the Oscars, she says. And at a time when hate speech is resurging, access to information is increasingly fragmented, and the industry is becoming more guarded about funding, Fortes insists: Creativity and a sense of humor overcome fear. Even in the bleakest scenarios, Mexicans hold on to both.

Question. What would you like to contribute to the Oscar selection process in your new role?

Answer. Im interested in being a messenger for the voices, talents, and stories that exist in Mexico and that often fail to cross certain barriers. Although there are many variables involved (award campaigns, visibility, distribution), I believe my role can help diversify the initial selection, the one that makes it to the shortlist. I will also be able to nominate future members in the documentary category, and thats essential to me because its urgent to add young voices to the Academy.

Q. Ambulante is committed to bringing documentary film to all audiences, even in adverse contexts. How has this experience shaped your understanding of cinema?

A. Ambulante was my school. When we started, there was a strong bias toward documentary, but our hypothesis was clear: Theres an audience out there, you just have to go find it. We found that there is an interested and engaged audience, and that when you bring cinema closer to its context, the impact is greater. What I learned there is that the collective vision of a film must prevail over any other factor. If theres an authentic vision and a commitment to the story, the audience will come. And we must dare to tell new stories, not just those we know work, because otherwise, the collective imagination doesnt evolve, nor does the cultural exchange.

Q. Is it a mistake to underestimate the Latino audience?

A. Absolutely. Sometimes, due to lack of access or prejudice, its assumed that audiences arent interested in certain types of cinema, and thats false. One of the great lessons of Ambulante was not to underestimate the audience. On the contrary, you have to take risks with the projects you want to present.

Q. You previously told EL PAIS that a documentary can help change the world. What specific examples have you seen that confirm this statement?

A. The first case that comes to mind is Presumed Guilty, which had a huge impact on public debate and the push for criminal justice reform in Mexico. It wasnt the only factor, but it certainly offered a new perspective on the justice system, showing how trials actually worked.

Another case, on a personal level, was Midnight Family, which I co-produced. When I saw the first footage the director filmed, I had no idea this was how ambulances worked in Mexico. It was a reality in my own city, one I was completely unaware of. That documentary revealed a structural situation so critical that it even prompted press coverage on the issue and regulatory efforts that, while not all successful due to lack of support, were a reflection of its impact.

Q. Hollywood is a space that has historically monopolized narratives. How can it become more open to other perspectives and realities?

A. Today, one of the main challenges is the lack of willingness to take risks. We continue to rely on tried-and-tested formulas, on stories we already know work. To make space for other perspectives, the first step is precisely to dare to tell new, different stories that are uncomfortable, that challenge, that arent designed solely to please the market. Another fundamental step would be to encourage international co-production because when different countries are involved from the early stages of a film  from project development, to scriptwriting, to research  other perspectives are inevitably integrated.

Q. How is that achieved in practice?

A. I think we need to create more funding opportunities, especially for the development stage, which is the most critical and at the same time the most neglected. Without the resources to write, research, or structure a solid idea, its very difficult to reach the production phase. Its key to strengthen international support mechanisms that combine public funds with private investment from different countries. These types of mixed schemes can open the door to more diverse projects and facilitate their global circulation, including on platforms like the Academy Awards and the Oscars.

Q. Has the film industry been affected by the reduction in funding for international cooperation?

A. Sadly, yes. Its worrying that many of the institutions that have historically supported documentary film and independent journalism in the United States are at risk. There are funds that could disappear, or that are being weakened precisely because critical thinking and independent creation are perceived as a threat. Thats why I believe its urgent to strengthen international co-production networks and collective support from other regions.

Q. With Donald Trump back in the White House and anti-immigrant policies resurfacing, what role can documentary film play in defending the rights of migrant communities and countering hate speech?

A. I think cinema, and documentary film in particular, has a fundamental role to play right now. In fact, that should be one of its main tasks: to make visible whats happening, offer other perspectives, and cultivate critical thinking in the public. We are living in an era marked by misinformation, where many people dont have the tools  or the time  to question the information they consume. This has facilitated the proliferation of dangerous discourses, like those were seeing re-emerge now in the United States. In that context, cinema can open up questions, generate empathy, and build bridges.

Q. At this juncture, what does it mean to you to represent Mexico within a space like the Academy?

A. It means, above all, a way to counteract that hate speech. Being there as a Mexican, with pride, is a way to showcase the wealth and talent our country has. Its also an opportunity to connect with the Spanish-speaking communities living in the United States. I deeply love my country, and although Ive had opportunities to live abroad, Ive always preferred to stay because I believe theres no end to what Mexico has to offer when it comes to is stories, its humor, its empathy, and its creativity.

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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?
A federal judge has allowed key portions of Ocean City and Fenwick Islands legal challenge to US Winds offshore wind turbine project to proceed, denying the developers request for a full dismissal of the case.

U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher dismissed three of the eight claims in the lawsuit but ruled that five substantive claims may continue. The decision keeps the legal spotlight on potential impacts to migratory whales and whether federal agencies properly adhered to their own regulatory standards when approving the wind energy project.

Last month, Marylands Department of the Environment approved permits for US Wind to build the first large-scale offshore wind project near the coastal town. According to MDE, The proposed construction and commissioning of the offshore wind project would not cause violations of any applicable air pollution control regulations.

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In her ruling, Gallagher rejected the plaintiffs arguments under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Coastal Zone Management Act. However, the court is still reviewing claims filed under the Endangered Species Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, and the National Historic Preservation Act.

The Town of Ocean City, its Mayor and Council, and 34 other co-plaintiffs filed the suit earlier this year to block the Bureau of Ocean Energy Managements Record of Decision that allowed the US Wind project.

In a statement following the courts decision, Ocean City officials praised the ruling.

As we have stated for over eight years, this project threatens to devastate our tourism industry, commercial and recreational fishing sectors, and poses risks to national defense, the statement read.

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Ocean City officials also reiterated environmental concerns, saying the project could lead to the deaths of hundreds of marine mammals, including the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale  all so that an Italian company can receive subsidies from the State of Maryland to produce unreliable and expensive electricity.

With the case now proceeding, Ocean City and its co-plaintiffs will continue their legal fight against the U.S. Department of the Interior and BOEM, challenging the legality of the Maryland Offshore Wind projects federal approval.

The Town of Ocean City and our co-plaintiffs stand united with our residents and property owners in the fight to protect our community, our economy, our ecosystem, our fishing industry, and everything that makes this place we call home special  today and for future generations, the statement said.

US Wind has not yet publicly responded to the ruling.

Have a news tip? Contact Todd Karpovich at tkarpovich@baltsun.com or on X as @ToddKarpovich.
AMHERST TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WJW)  Faith Federspiel, 50, loves celebrating Independence Day at her home in Amherst Township, but like her 2-year-old Great Pyrenees mountain dog, Sue, she dreads July 4 fireworks.

Federspiel is a retired U.S. Air Force chief master.

When I dont hear something coming, its a shock to my system, and its an instant I have to react and that reaction then drives fight or flight because a boom sound is a bomb going off, and Im thinking, Where is my nearest bunker?' she said.

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Where are fireworks illegal in Northeast Ohio?

Federspiel retired in 2022 after a 27-year career as a medic in the U.S. Air Force and the Air National Guard. During the war in Iraq, she treated wounded service men and women in the combat zone. It led to her being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, and fireworks can trigger a powerful reaction.

Emotionally and psychologically, it brings instant memories of youre in a war zone,' she said.

Federspiel said it is the percussion created by fireworks that dredges up painful memories of being in a combat zone.

It wasnt until four years after I came home from Iraq that I got my first reaction, she said. It was with my son. I love fireworks. I grew up with fireworks. The fireworks started going off and of course, youre paying for a good show, so theyve got you right next to them, and thats the first time I had any trigger to fireworks.

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2025 Northeast Ohio fireworks displays

The retired veteran said she takes precautions over the Fourth of July weekend by retreating to a quiet space in the basement and putting on headphones.

Doesnt always keep out the boom, but it makes it better I guess you could say, she said.

She said she is fortunate because her neighbors are aware of her situation and are considerate enough to let her know when they plan on setting off fireworks. She hopes by sharing her story, veterans suffering from PTSD will realize they are not alone, and their fellow patriots will be aware of the potential impact of fireworks.

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I believe people should have fireworks, she said. Just be considerate of others if youre in a neighborhood.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
(Portland Tribune)  A St. Helens native is among the firefighters ambushed in a fatal weekend attack in Coeur dAlene, Idaho.

The man accused of killing 2 Idaho firefighters had once aspired to be one

David Tysdal, a firefighter and engineer with the Coeur dAlene Fire Department since 2002, was seriously injured Sunday, June 28, when he and other first responders were called to a fire and then ambushed with gunfire.

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The 47-year-old grew up in St. Helens and graduated from St. Helens High School in 1996. Tysdal joined the Moscow Volunteer Fire Department in Moscow, Idaho, as a sophomore at the University of Idaho.

Officials said his injuries are severe, and hes had two surgeries as of Monday afternoon, June 30.

Tysdal Family fundraiser

Engineer Tysdal is currently fighting for his life and recovery, Ricky Walsh, the vice president of the firefighters union that Tysdal belongs to, said in a social media post.

Read full story here.

The Portland Tribune and its parent company Carpenter Media Group are KOIN 6 News media partners

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  He was hoping to get a lesser charge than murder. After all, he told detectives, he didnt make a habit of killing people. He didnt want them to think he blatantly offed somebody.

Jeremy Daniel Cruzen told Bakersfield police detectives he acted in self-defense when he hit a man in the head with a rock in August 2014 by the Kern County Vietnam War Memorial. He said he was fighting off an attempted sexual assault.

The crime scene, however, indicated otherwise, investigators say in court documents.

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Based on the injuries suffered by Christopher Wagstaff, its likely he was lying down when a large rock was slammed down on his head, according to the documents. His injuries indicate he was then hit with smaller rocks.

Cruzens wish for a lesser charge wasnt granted  hes charged with first-degree murder and is being held without bail.

His arrest came more than a decade after Wagstaffs death, thanks in part to fingerprints left on a Red Bull can found in a shopping cart near the crime scene.

The killing

Surveillance video captured a man pushing a shopping cart as he walks along Truxtun Avenue at about 4:40 a.m. on Aug. 31, 2014, documents said. The man stops just north of the memorial. He leaves the shopping cart and walks toward the area  out of view of the camera  where Wagstaffs body was later found.

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He leaves that area about 90 seconds later and stands by a light pole. Then he returns to the crime scene area, reappearing a minute later. He walks away while pushing the shopping cart.

Around 7 a.m., police were called to a report of a man down by the memorial and found Wagstaff with severe head trauma, documents said. He was declared dead at the scene.

A search of areas where it was believed the suspect may have gone turned up a shopping cart in the south parking lot of the Bakersfield City Council Building.

It contained an empty Red Bull can, two plastic Fastrip soft drink cups, a plastic milk carton and, significantly, pieces of broken rocks consistent with rocks found by Wagstaffs body, according to the documents.

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A number of leads were followed up; the case went cold.

Prison interview

It wasnt until September of last year that detectives got a break  a hit on fingerprints left on the Red Bull can identified Cruzen as their owner.

Cruzen, incarcerated at Corcoran State Prison on an unrelated case, was interviewed in May.

He admitted to the assault while making a number of bizarre statements  including that Wagstaff had survived but was then shot by Bakersfield police.

That was easily disproved; Wagstaffs body had no gunshot wounds.

Detectives also didnt buy Cruzens self-defense claim. The surveillance video and other evidence indicates there wasnt a struggle, according to the documents.

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Cruzen claimed to have been injured badly and was hospitalized, but law enforcement contacted him twice within 24 hours after the killing  once for running in traffic  and found no injuries, according to the documents.

Additionally, no one was admitted to hospitals in Bakersfield with assault injuries matching Cruzens description around the time of the homicide, documents said.

Cruzen seemed incredulously detectives didnt believe him.

You guys think that I just walked up and just blatantly offed somebody? he asked. Is that what you really think?

Cruzen is due back in court in late August.

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A fire broke out at a local Catholic school on Friday.

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Firefighters were called to St. Helen Catholic School on Burkhardt Road in Riverside around 11:45 a.m.

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Riverside Battalion Chief Brett Wenzler told News Center 7 that when crews got to the scene, they found a small fire smoldering on the second floor and were able to put it out.

The fire caused some heat and smoke damage inside the school.

The only people in the school at the time of the fire were some members of the maintenance crew, who Wenzler said were doing some floor cleaning.

No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire in under investigation with the assistance of the State Fire Marshals Office.

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Thirty-four Honolulu firefighters put out a house fire in Aiea last night shortly before midnight.

The Honolulu Fire Department received a 911 call at 10 :55 p.m. about a fire on Halawa Heights Road and responded with nine units staffed by 34 personnel. The first crew arrived at 11 :05 p.m. to find a single-story home engulfed in flames.

Firefighters launched an aggressive attack and brought the fire under control by 11 :29 p.m. It was fully extinguished by 11 :58 p.m., HFD said.

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No injuries were reported, and all responding firefighters were accounted for.

Fire investigators are working to determine the cause and origin of the blaze. Damage estimates have not yet been released.

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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  With the Fourth of July upon us, fire officials and health experts are urging everyone to celebrate responsibly and make safety a top priority.

Dr. William Bianchi, emergency services medical director at Sharp Coronado Hospital, said this time of year is busy in the emergency department.

Injuries that come in from people enjoying things from BBQs to fireworks, he explained.

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Dr. Bianchi is no stranger to treating people who regret the choices they made. If youre holding something that explodes in your hand and you lose a finger or cause a burn injury, theres no guarantee that youre going to make a full recovery from that, said Dr. Bianchi. And so, thats a moment thats going to change your life forever.

Big Bay Boom: Places to watch fireworks over San Diego Bay

The days leading up to the Fourth of July are also busy for fire crews. Year to date, fireworks have sparked over 1,200 fires and caused more than $35 million in property damage statewide, according to Capt. Robert Johnson with Cal Fire San Diego.

The fire official also said patrols will be on the lookout for use of illegal fireworks. Already this year, the Office of the State Fire Marshal has seized over 600,000 pounds statewide.

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Its not just the use of illegal fireworks that pose a risk.

If youre having a recreational campfire, a cooking fire, BBQ  be aware of your surroundings, said Capt. Johnson. Make sure theres no dead, dry grass around where youre cooking.

Additionally, he said its best to have water supply on-hand in case a fire does happen.

San Diego boating businesses ready for Fourth of July holiday weekend

Meanwhile, Dr. Bianchi said ER visits spike around the holiday for a number of reasons.

E-bike injuries are pretty big on the island and in San Diego, he explained.

Other top reasons for visits are DUIs, food-borne illness, heat-related illness, and run-ins with stingrays. Dr. Bianchi suggests staying hydrated, storing food properly, following posted signs on beaches, and avoiding areas where stingrays are common if possible.

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When it comes to fireworks he said, Its best left to the professionals.

Fireworks of any kind are illegal in San Diego County, and anyone caught setting them off could face up to a $50,000 fine or a year in jail.

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In the crackdown of nationalist Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's government on culture and media, heads of major cultural institutions have been replaced.

The government says it wants to promote "Slovak culture", accusing those dismissed of "wasting public funds" and other violations, but the moves have drawn thousands into the streets in Bratislava to protest the sector's "destruction".

Here, three dismissed directors told AFP they were fired suddenly without explanation and rejected the government's blanket accusations of improper management against the sector.

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- 'Undignified' -

"The doorbell rang at 9.30 in the morning. Two big guys were standing in the corridor, and between them, a slim lady I knew from HR," Matej Drlicka recalled the day in August 2024 when he found out he lost his job as the director of the Slovak National Theatre.

On sick leave and in his bathrobe when the trio turned up, Drlicka said his dismissal was "undignified", with it becoming a symbol of the government's rash measures.

The 48-year-old former clarinettist turned cultural manager did two stints as Slovak National Theatre head, stabilising its finances and building up its reputation at home and abroad.

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Since his dismissal, Drlicka, who is also known for founding Slovakia's largest classical music festival, has become one of the leading critics of the culture ministry.

He has slammed Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova as "everyone's laughing stock" and accused her of incompetence.

"What happened in Hungary was done by Simkovicova in one year," said Drlicka, referring to Prime Minister Viktor Orban's restriction of the cultural sector since his return to power in 2010.

- 'Highway to hell' -

After Drlicka's firing made waves, the ministry was more cautious when it dismissed Branislav Panis in September 2024.

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An expert in history and numismatics, Panis had been with the Slovak National Museum -- which encompasses 18 museums -- for more than 25 years, serving as its director from 2016 to 2024.

"Its representatives came very politely to my office, handed me the decree, and we shook hands. Everything happened very quickly and with the utmost respect," the 50-year-old recalled.

Accusing the government of creating a "highway to hell", he fears the museum will decline slowly and become internationally isolated.

Last year, it lost three million euros ($3.5 million) in state funding and a tenth of its employees. While some quit, others did not get their contracts renewed.

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"I'm not saying culture is going to die but I'm afraid that we will return to the 90s," a period of decline under the then-communist leadership, he said.

- 'Chaos' 

Zuzana Liptakova's dismissal in March 2024 was the one to set off the "cascade" of firings, she said.

Liptakova, 50, headed the International House of Art for Children, or Bibiana, from 2022, boosting its reputation in Slovakia and internationally.

The ministry called her on a Friday evening. Unable to reach her, they summoned her on Monday through her secretary and dismissed her "with immediate effect" without providing an official reason, she said, recalling her surprise.

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"We didn't have time to prepare, and chaos reigned," she said.

An economist with no artistic experience replaced her the very next day, leading to several employees to quit in protest.

Some contracts were also not renewed, and many projects fell apart.

"This has greatly damaged our professional reputation," Liptakova said, lamenting the "thrown away" work.

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WEST WENDOVER, Utah (ABC4)  The City of Wendover has canceled its Fourth of July fireworks show after an accidental detonation led to multiple injuries early Friday morning.

Details are currently extremely limited; However, in a statement, the City of West Wendover confirmed the detonation happened just after 9 a.m. City officials later confirmed that a few individuals received non-life-threatening injuries. All of those injured were assessed and received medical treatment on the scene.

West Wendover Mayor Jasie Holm confirmed that a firefighter was among those injured in the accidental detonation, adding, Prayers to the injured firefighter and for the safety of all our firefighters and public workers.

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In a statement, City officials said, given the incident, there would be no fireworks display.

It is currently unclear what caused the accidental detonation or what injuries the firefighter suffered. ABC4 is working to learn more and will update this article as more information becomes available.

This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as new information becomes available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Every second countsnow more than ever: the fourth season of The Bear (Disney+) has premiered, a series that both delights and unnerves the hospitality industry. Small spoiler alert: in this new chapter, the first blow comes in the form of a harsh review that seems to set Carmy on the path to reconciling with himself  and with others.

But the most striking image is the countdown clock the investors install in the kitchen. The restaurant has 1,440 hours left to live; when the digits hit zero, the shutters will close for good  unless a miracle happens. While the characters walk a tightrope on screen, in the real world, thousands of chefs will crack open a beer and collapse onto the couch in the early hours of the morning to see how the hell one of Chicagos best fictional restaurants gets out of the mess.

Anxiety (of watching the show)

The Bears connection to the restaurant world runs deep; Christopher Storers series seems tailor-made for those who work in the industry. I havent met a single chef who denies its realism  its raw, documentary-like portrayal of the inner workings of a kitchen comes without a hint of gloss. The way it digs into the countless fires during service is exactly what draws in  and unsettles  hospitality workers like Israel Ramirez, director of the Madrid restaurant Saddle and a fan of the show. I cant watch it after work; its so realistic in so many ways that when I see the problems piling up, I feel like jumping in to help, he says.

Chef and restaurateur Eugeni De Diego (formerly of elBulli) says watching The Bear makes him relive the relentless pressure of the kitchen. That need to get everything right even as the world collapses around you, that obsessive love for cooking. At elBulli, the bar was just as high. There was no room for error: you learned to listen, to repeat, to improve  to live for this and through this, he says.

Chefs to one another after watching 'The Bear.' Giphy

The show also brought back memories for Pablo Lagrange, whose path has clear parallels to Carmys, the protagonist of The Bear. Lagrange worked in top-tier kitchens like Noma and Mugaritz, but eventually left fine dining to open Choripa, a small, street-level sandwich spot in Barcelonas Gracia neighborhood, along with two partners. There are scenes that took me straight back to moments of intense pressure, anxiety, and controlled chaos  its all captured so well that for those of us whove worked in high-end kitchens, it can be uncomfortable, he says. Not because its bad, but because its painfully real.

Culinary realism

Across its first three seasons, The Bear has sought expert advice and immersed itself in the world of fine dining like few other shows. Technically, says Lagrange, its flawless. What impresses me most is the detail in how the team operates: the communication, the awkward silences, the unspoken hierarchies. Even their movement through the kitchen is spot-on: How they dodge each other, how they coordinate, how they speak without speaking, he notes.

For Ricardo Suarez, head chef at Besta (Barcelona), the show captures the nonstop stress of being a chef: That feeling of being on the edge of collapse  or deep in the shit  all the time. The military-style language and hierarchy are also very real, and essential for a kitchen to run properly.

The team dynamic  the strange kind of family that forms in the cramped heat of the kitchen  is another aspect that Eugeni De Diego believes the show nails. Ive learned this over the course of my career, and The Bear reflects it: you dont need a perfect team to do something great. What matters is having people who are eager to learn, humble, and committed. For De Diego, the character of Tina embodies that. She starts out out of place, almost defensive, and ends up being key.

It's impossible not to love Tina. Giphy

As if that werent enough, the nods to real-world gastronomy make The Bear feel like it shares an existential plane with its viewers. We see Richie reading Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara  a book that inspires him and plays a prominent role in Season 4. The show also features countless legendary chefs, like Thomas Keller and Rene Redzepi, to name just two  details that give the series an added layer of authenticity.

Still, Israel Ramirez is drawn to more substantial ingredients than celebrity cameos. He points to the standout episode of Season 2, Forks, in which the hotheaded Richie has a transformative stint at a world-class restaurant. I really appreciate that the show depicts team members being sent to top restaurants to learn how others work, he says. Thats very real  its what everyone who wants to be great does. In that sense, I like the way the effort, the work, and the sacrifice of the different characters to excel is reflected, and its also very close to reality, he says.

Giphy

Dont yell at me, I cant see you

Sure, The Bear is a little too real in many respects. But for viewers unfamiliar with what really happens in restaurant kitchens, it might paint the industry as a pit of testosterone and toxicity  a constant threat to anyones sanity. More shouting and walkouts per minute than an episode of The Real Housewives. Violence, verbal abuse, even firearms. Its commendable that the series tries to address mental health in such a high-pressure environment, but its shock-therapy approach often goes too far.

For Ramirez, the noise level is excessive. Arguments between team members can happen, but never punches, screaming, and certainly not guns like in one episode. These kinds of behaviors were more common in the industry 25 years ago, but I havent seen anything like that in ages, he says. In the restaurants where hes worked  and at Saddle as well  such conduct is strictly prohibited.

Still, these heightened mental and workplace crises are the dramatic fuel behind some of the shows most powerful scenes. Lagrange admits the intensity can be a bit much. That level of constant yelling and emotional breakdowns doesnt happen every day in every top kitchen, he says. In the scene where everything falls apart because they start accepting online orders without a filter  I see more fiction than reality. In a real kitchen, that kind of mistake wouldve been shut down much sooner.

Giphy

Knives, walk-in refrigerators and ego

If my opinion counts for anything, Ive yet to step into a serious restaurant where amphetamine-fueled screaming is the norm. Its hard to picture Angel Leon grabbing his sauce chef by the collar in a fit of rage, or the ramen bar cook of the moment firing shots to scare off a hungry crowd  or a staff-on-staff knife attack.

Yes, a knife attack  because in one of the funniest moments of The Bears first season, Sidney accidentally stabs Richie in the butt during the kitchens daily chaos. I guess its scenes like that which landed the show in the comedy category at the Emmys. Kitchens come with cuts, burns, and injuries, sure  but the chefs interviewed say theyve never witnessed a spontaneous stabbing. If youve done your workplace safety training and follow it properly, that shouldnt happen, says Ramirez.

A little prevention and you save yourself being stabbed in the bottom. Giphy

Its also striking that a series as meticulous as The Bear reaches its emotional peak with one of the most hotly debated scenes on social media: when Carmy gets locked in the walk-in fridge and cant get out for the entire service. Its a dramatic device meant to underscore his personal crucible at the end of season two  though maybe he shouldve just called a technician to fix that latch.

In any case, its far from typical in todays kitchens. Modern walk-ins are built so you can open the door from the inside. Like everything in life, a chain of events can happen and everything can fail, but it shouldnt happen, says Eugeni de Diego. Suarez agrees: That said, there are services where youd rather stay locked in the fridge and wait for hell to blow over, he jokes.

There is also concern that The Bear turns suffering in the hospitality industry into something cool. The chef with a broken life, a bruised ego, and rage issues is certainly compelling on screen  but increasingly feels like a dramatic stereotype, detached from reality. Case in point: Carmys C. Tangana moment in season three, when his obsession drives him to create a different menu every single day in pursuit of a Michelin star. Nearly every chef I spoke to sees that as pure logistical madness.

Ricardo Suarez is one of them. When you do something different every day, you cant correct mistakes and bring it to excellence; youre always dealing with unexpected events. Whats more, many preparations, such as fermented or cured foods, take days. Its chaotic; its not viable. You couldnt use the leftover menu the next day because everything changes, he says.

Not to mention the stock management nightmare it would create in the freezers, walk-ins, and storage. Only a superhero could pull it off. Just like only a superhero could turn a greasy sandwich shop into a Michelin hopeful overnight. Every second counts  but lets not get carried away.

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A fire safety whistleblower is urging the Trump administration to investigate what she calls one of the largest intentional occupational poisonings known to mankind.

Diane Cotter, whose husband was diagnosed with cancer after decades in the fire service, told The Dallas Express, I worry this administration is unwilling to investigate, as she renewed calls for federal scrutiny of the multibillion-dollar firefighter gear industry.

Cotter said she submitted documentation to the FBI, Department of Justice, and the new administration under President Trump earlier this year.

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When you are a whistleblower and you give over very sensitive information, there is no chain of command There is no recordkeeping for the whistleblower, Cotter said, referring to the binder of materials she mailed to top federal officials earlier this year.

She is calling on President Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and others to launch a formal investigation into industry and union leaders who she claims allowed the widespread use of carcinogenic PFAS chemicals in required firefighter gear.

We are really owed the seat at the table, Cotter said. Just let us be heard.

Cotters campaign began after her husband, Lt. Paul Cotter of the Worcester Fire Department, was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer in 2014. Since then, she has collected thousands of pages of documents and filed complaints with multiple agencies.

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In July, she told The Dallas Express that she is documenting her years-long struggle in a forthcoming memoir titled Products of Deception.

Despite progress in state and federal bans on PFAS in firefighting gear, Cotter claims the federal government has failed to hold accountable those who promoted the use of the chemicals for years.

She has called for a presidential executive order to investigate, saying industry players are now profiting from supplying new PFAS-free gear  after decades of allegedly selling the contaminated equipment.

Cotter also criticized Harold Schaitberger, former head of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), noting his close ties to the Biden administration.

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A 2022 Politico report said federal authorities issued subpoenas for IAFF records, including Schaitbergers financials and personnel file.

A union panel cleared Schaitberger of wrongdoing in retirement payments, but the DOJ, FBI, and Department of Labor were all reportedly involved in the wider probe.

The Dallas Express contacted the FBI earlier this year for a status update but received the following reply: Due to longstanding DOJ policy, we cannot confirm or deny the existence of any investigation and have no comment to provide. A spokesman for the Department of Labor gave a similar response.

As Cotter previously explained, there was a cozy relationship between the IAFF leadership under the Schaitberger era with the gear/chemical manufacturers. She said the relationship was defined by perks and incentive programs that the industry offered to those who made decisions about ordering gear.

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Schaitberger has never been found liable in a court of law for any civil or criminal offense related to this matter.

Concurrently, cancer rates amongst firemen remained elevated. According to IAFF data, two-thirds of firefighters are diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes. Not all cancer diagnoses in the fire service are attributable to PFAS; however, links between the chemicals and cancer are now well established.

During the 2024 presidential election, Cotter called out then-Vice President Kamala Harris for what she characterized as a late and politically convenient embrace of PFAS reform.

In 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, the union was promulgating the DuPont propaganda of theres nothing wrong with your turnout gear, Cotter said in a 2024 interview with The Dallas Express. Harris co-sponsored PFAS legislation in 2019, but only on what Cotter called the third round.

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Campaign finance data reviewed by The Dallas Express shows that Harris 2024 presidential campaign received about $90,000 in contributions from networks tied to chemical manufacturer DuPont and gear manufacturer 3M, while Trumps campaign received just $8,000.

Cotter responded, Let this be a lesson to the Harris campaign. Youve shown us exactly who you are. Accepting $26,000 from DuPont while seeking the endorsement of the cancer-ridden fire service  youve shown injurious leadership to my community #MAGA #MAHA.

Still, some departments have begun to change course. Cotter said Worcesters fire department, where her husband served, has started transitioning to PFAS-free gear, albeit slowly. National mandates, such as the NDAA provision requiring PFAS-free gear by 2026, are also on the horizon  but Cotter insists those are not enough.

Without your intervention, she wrote in a letter to President Trump this spring, industry will be rewarded after two decades of saturating the gear with PFOA.

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Whether this new administration will act remains uncertain. But Cotter, undeterred, says her fight is far from over. If you are a congressional [member] and [ignoring this situation]  that, too, will be part of my memoir.

The White House, HHS and the DOJ were contacted in the production of the story but representatives for these institutions did not immediately return comment.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Firefighters are battling a 2-alarm structure fire in southwest Bakersfield Friday afternoon.

Firefighters were dispatched to the 700 block of Deseret Way around 12:19 p.m. A second alarm was prompted.

It is not immediately known what started the fire.

This is a developing story.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News.
Firefighters early Friday gained control over a major wildfire in the western Turkish province of Izmir but two others continued to ravage forests there, a minister said.

Although Turkey was spared the recent heatwaves that hit the rest of southern Europe, firefighters have been battling more than 600 fires in the drought-hit nation over the past week which have been fuelled by high winds.

By Friday morning, they had gained control over a major fire near the resort town of Cesme, some 80 kilometres (50 miles) west of Turkey's third city Izmir, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said.

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The firefighters' "intense work overnight and the air intervention that resumed at dawn have brought the fire in Cesme under control," he wrote on X.

But they were still battling two other wildfires, one in Buca just south of Izmir and another in Odemis, about 100 kilometres further east where an 81-year-old man and a forestry worker died on Thursday.

Forecasters said temperatures were set to rise over the weekend and would reach around 40 degrees Celsius (104 degree Fahrenheit) in the province early next week.

With the fire under control in Cesme, the road linking the peninsular to Izmir was reopened, Anadolu state news agency said.

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But the motorway connecting Izmir and Aydin to the southeast was closed because of the Buca fire, which began at 4:00 pm on Thursday and spread quickly due to the wind, CNN Turk said.

It said two people who had been cutting iron for use in construction had been arrested on suspicion of starting the fire.

On Monday, more than 50,000 people were evacuated, mostly in the Izmir area but also from the southern province of Hatay, the AFAD disaster management agency said.

According to figures on the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) website, there have been 96 wildfires in Turkey so far this year that have ravaged more than 49,652 hectares (122,700 acres) of land.

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The area of land burnt has more than doubled since Monday when it stood at nearly 19,000 hectares. EFFIS only maps fires that cover an area of 30 hectares or more.

Experts say human-driven climate change is causing more frequent and more intense wildfires and other natural disasters, and have warned Turkey to take measures to tackle the problem.

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Firefighters are working to begin efforts to recover seven individuals who are unaccounted for at the site of multiple fireworks explosions that destroyed a pyrotechnics warehouse in Esparto, officials said at a news conference Thursday afternoon.

Mathew Davis, a spokesperson for the Yolo County Sheriffs Office, addressed the families of the missing individuals, acknowledging their concerns but saying personnel cannot move forward with the recovery effort until the scene is safe.

Its important that we operate safely, carefully and securely and in a dignified manner that respects all involved, Davis said. We cannot move forward and risk any more injury to anyone else on this scene.

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Esparto Fire Chief Curtis Lawrence on Wednesday said conditions were too dangerous for crews to search for the missing individuals on scene, calling it a once-in-a-career incident.

A little bit safer for responders

At Thursdays briefing, Lawrence said firefighters had begun targeted fire suppression efforts to mitigate the risks of recovery and said the area was a little bit safer for responders.

Lawrence and Davis did not answer questions from the media or families.

While Lawrence could not confirm the number of individuals forced to evacuate, he said more than 150 PG&E customers were affected by power outages from the incident.

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As of Thursday afternoon, 89 customers connected to a substation on the 18500 block of County Road 89, roughly two miles east of the fire, remained disconnected, according to data collected by the Governors Office of Emergency Services.

Supervisor Angel Barajas, who represents the western portion of Yolo County including Winters and Esparto, said that the board, along with various agencies, were investigating the incident to see whether proper procedures were followed. Barajas said if protocols were violated, the board would revise and modify them to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

We have trust in our partners and our agencies that the investigation is going to be transparent, he said. We want to make sure that it becomes a quick and a timely investigation, but were going to leave the subject-matter experts to perform those duties.

Officials offer support for those affected

Barajas said the county was providing the families of those unaccounted for with food and hotel vouchers as well as counseling services.

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First and foremost, our priority is the families making sure that theyre comfortable during this investigation and this recovery procedure, Barajas said.

At a Wednesday news conference, family members of three of the missing individuals  Jesus Ramos, Jhonny Ramos and Joel Junior Melendez confronted fire officials about their handling of the event after Lawrence said firefighters next priority was decreasing the evacuation zone, rather than locating the missing individuals.

Lawrence later said finding the missing was a big concern for the department.

You guys should be more worried about finding the people first and then worrying about the people when evacuating, said Syanna Ruiz, the girlfriend of Jesus Ramos. Those are people who possibly lost their lives because of you guys not doing your job well enough, and because you guys are not taking your job as serious as you guys supposedly do.

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In a statement, officials at Devastating Pyrotechnics, whose facilities were destroyed in the explosion, offered thoughts to the families of those believed lost in the blast and gratitude to first responders who rushed to the scene.

Our hearts and thoughts are with those we lost, their families, and everyone impacted in our community, the statement read. We are grateful for the swift response of law enforcement and emergency personnel. Our focus will remain on those directly impacted by this tragedy, and we will cooperate fully with the proper authorities in their investigation.

The companys attorney, Douglas Horngrad, offered little else, saying that while we understand the publics need for more information about the warehouse facility in Esparto, we cannot provide any further comment at this time.

No other officials from the San Francisco-based company have discussed the incident with The Sacramento Bee or responded to repeated inquiries about the inferno.

Investigation continues

A State Fire Marshals Arson and Bomb Unit has been on scene investigating the incident since Tuesday, but currently has no updates on their investigation, Lawrence said.

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Questions about the investigation sent to officials at the Cal Fire division remained unanswered, too.

A national Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms response team, which typically assembles for major fire and explosion incidents, was called to the Oakdale incident in Esparto, Cal Fire officials said on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, Cal Fire spokesperson Jason Clay said the investigation would be lengthy.

Julie Heckman, executive director of the American Pyrotechnics Association, an industry group representing all aspects of the fireworks business, said explosions like the Oakdale incident are often human caused.

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Usually when a bad incident happens, there are workers dealing with the product, Heckman said. Fireworks do not just ignite on their own.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal on Wednesday emphasized that incidents like this are rare due to stringent licensing standards. Still, the agency said its team would investigate whether activities at the site complied with both state and federal regulations.

The Bees Darrell Smith, Daniel Hunt, Jake Goodrick and Sharon Bernstein contributed to this story.
Two large wildfires in Greece - one on Crete and the other in the Athens area - have been brought under control by the Greek fire brigade with the help of firefighting planes and helicopters.

However, there is no reason to sound the all-clear, the fire brigade said on Friday, warning that strong winds could turn even the smallest fires into a major blaze at any time.

Greece's meteorological office says a heatwave is expected to reach south-eastern Europe in the coming days. Weather experts predict temperatures of around 40 degrees Celsius from Saturday until next Wednesday, especially in urban areas.

Thanks to sea breezes, it is expected to be three to five degrees cooler on the islands and along the Greek coast, a meteorologist told the broadcaster ERTnews.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  The largest fireworks show in the region kicks off Friday night at Riverfront Park in Springfield.

Preparations begin for biggest July 4th event in western Massachusetts

The Springfield skyline will light up soon, with thousands expected to fill Riverfront Park to watch the fireworks off Memorial Bridge.

We brought in enough technicians this year, weve got 170 years of experience on this bridge, Chief Pyrotechnician Gerry Smith said. Right now, our technicians will be working over 30 hours straight to get this production on for you.

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The Spirit of Springfield has been held annually since 1991. Officials are reminding the public to leave fireworks to the professionals, as more than 550 fires and explosions involving illegal fireworks have occurred between 2020 and 2024. Only licensed professionals are allowed to use fireworks in Massachusetts.

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WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  On June 24, the first Texas case of West Nile virus in 2025 was confirmed in Brazos County, according to public health officials. This was also later confirmed by the Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

In 2024, Texas saw 455 cases of West Nile, with some in Clay and Montague counties. Over the past 5 years, Texas has had over 100 deaths from the virus.

RELATED | How to protect yourself from ticks year-round

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Texans should be aware that mosquitoes transmit disease, and some of these illnesses, like West Nile and dengue, can be severe, Department of State Health Services Commissioner Jennifer A. Shuford, MD, MPH, said. But taking steps to prevent mosquito bites and eliminating mosquito breeding areas around homes are proactive measures that can reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illness.

Infected mosquitoes transmit the virus after biting. While 80% do not get sick, those who do will suffer severe symptoms of fever, nausea, headache, fatigue and muscle and joint pain. Less than one percent of those who are exposed will suffer from West Nile, which can cause disorientation, neck stiffness, tremors, paralysis, convulsions and even death.

DSHS said that anyone who experiences symptoms of West Nile should seek medical care from their provider immediately and mention any exposure to mosquitoes.

How to protect yourself from illnesses from mosquitoes

Texans should not allow mosquitoes to bite when spreading diseases. Here are some ways you can protect yourself and your loved ones from getting sick:

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Wear long sleeves and pants. Create a barrier to mosquito bites by covering up.

Apply insect repellent. Use an EPA-registered repellent such as those containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol or 2-undecanone.

Keep mosquitoes out by keeping doors and windows closed and/or installing window screens.

Remove standing water. Emptying water that accumulates in toys, tires, trash cans, buckets, clogged rain gutters, and plant pots will deny mosquitoes a place to lay their eggs and reproduce.

Other tips on how to prevent mosquitoes from breeding can include:

Change water in pet dishes daily.

Rinse and scrub vases and other indoor water containers weekly.

Change water in wading pools and bird baths several times a week.

Use mosquito dunks with larvicide for water that cant be emptied or covered.

Keep backyard pools and hot tubs properly chlorinated and free of debris.

Treat front and back door areas of homes with residual insecticides if mosquitoes are in abundance nearby.

If mosquito problems persist, consider pesticide applications for vegetation around the home.

United Regional Physician Group teams with Dr. Reddy to open cancer center

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It is important to know that mosquitoes stay active until November or December in Texas, so just cause it may have gotten chillier does not mean you need to stop protecting yourself and those around you. For more information on how to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses, visit the Mosquitoes in Texas page on facts and how to Fight the Bite.

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CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY)  To add some extra fun to the holiday weekend, Clarksburg First Friday welcomed a new addition to its celebration, the Liberty Market.

Rocking out at the Liberty Market (WBOY image).

The market was held at the upper portion of the VA Park on Thursday as an add-on to the City of Clarksburg First Friday, which was held a day earlier than usual due to the holiday weekend.

The Liberty Market welcomed more than 85 vendors, and event coordinator Kerri Burrows said there was a waitlist with even more who were interested.

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Harrison County Commission votes to tear down partially collapsed Shinnston building

12 News spoke with Burrows about how the addition of the Liberty Market came to be.

We just wanted to build onto what First Fridays usually is, and we used 5 to 10 vendors, and we just started pushing. Beth Gain from the Clarksburg History Museum and I have been working together, and then Marsha from the Italian Heritage Festival. We all just kind of merged brains and put all of our contacts together, and there we go; we had a waiting list. There were more who wanted to come, Burrows said.

Mikes Sign Creations, handmade wooden signs by Mike Pumphrey. (WBOY image)

Vendors varied from all kinds and included handmade crafts and jewelry, petting animals, tarot card readings and baked goods. Bouncy houses and blow-up toys were also available for kids in attendance.

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To keep up with events like the Liberty Market, you can follow Clarksburg First Fridays on Facebook.

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Teeth from an elderly man who lived around the time that the earliest pyramids were built have yielded the first full human genome sequence from ancient Egypt.

The remains are 4,800 to 4,500 years old, overlapping with a period in Egyptian history known as the Old Kingdom or the Age of Pyramids. They harbour signs of ancestry similar to that of other ancient North Africans, as well as of people from the Middle East, researchers report today in Nature.

Its incredibly exciting and important, says David Reich, a population geneticist at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts, who was not involved in the study. We always hoped we would get our first ancient DNA from mummies.

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Numerous labs have tried to extract DNA from ancient Egyptian remains. In 1985, evolutionary geneticist Svante Paabo reported the first ancient DNA sequences from any human: several thousand DNA letters from a 2,400-year-old Egyptian mummy of a child. But Paabo, who won a Nobel prize in 2022 for other work, later realized that the sequences were contaminated with modern DNA  possibly his own. A 2017 study generated limited genome data from three Egyptian mummies that lived between 3,600 and 2,000 years ago.

The hot North African climate speeds up the breakdown of DNA, and the mummification process might also accelerate it, said Pontus Skoglund, a palaeogeneticist at the Francis Crick Institute in London who co-led the Nature study, at a press briefing. Mummified individuals are probably not a great way to preserve DNA.

The remains that Skoglunds team sequenced pre-date widespread mummification: the person was interred instead in a ceramic pot, a sign of high, but not elite, status. The remains were found at an archaeological site called Nuwayrat, 265 kilometres south of Cairo along the Nile river. The teeth and bones were discovered in 1902, when Egypt was under British colonial rule. They were donated to institutions in Liverpool, UK, where they have been ever since, even surviving German bombing during the Second World War.

Low expectations

Skoglund says his expectations were low when his team extracted DNA from several teeth from the Nuwayrat individual. But two samples contained enough authentic ancient DNA to generate a full genome sequence. Y-chromosome sequences indicated that the remains belonged to a male.

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The majority of his DNA resembled that of early farmers from the Neolithic period of North Africa around 6,000 years ago. The rest most closely matched people in Mesopotamia, a historical Middle Eastern region that was home to the ancient Sumerian civilization, and was where some of the first writing systems emerged. Its not clear whether this implies a genetic direct link between members of Mesopotamian cultures and people in ancient Egypt  also hinted at by similarities in some cultural artefacts  or whether the mans Mesopotamian ancestry arrived through other unsampled populations, the researchers say.

The rest of the ancient Egyptian mans bones revealed more details about his life. Evidence of arthritis and osteoporosis suggest he died at an advanced age for the time, possibly in his sixties. Other signs of wear indicate a life of physical toil, sitting hunched over on hard surfaces. On the basis of this and imagery from other tombs from this period, he might have been a potter, said co-author Joel Irish, a bioarchaeologist at Liverpool John Moores University, at the press briefing.

The publication of a whole-genome data set of an ancient Egyptian constitutes a significant achievement in the field of molecular Egyptology, says Yehia Gad, a geneticist at Egypts National Research Centre in Cairo, who praises the researchers for presenting the provenance of the remains clearly. But he points out that the genome is from one individual and might not fully represent ancient Egypts gene pool, which was probably a melting pot of different ancestries.

For this reason, researchers are eager for more ancient Egyptian genome data  perhaps even from a mummy. Advances in ancient-genomics technology and local capacity  Gad supervises an ancient DNA lab at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Cairo  means it hopefully wont take another 40 years.

This article is reproduced with permission and was first published on July 2, 2025.
SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE)  A total of five juveniles were detained by Santa Fe police on Wednesday morning after a family, including a pregnant woman, was attacked at a local Burger King. All five are facing a myriad of charges, including assault and child endangerment.

By initial appearances it looks like they were possibly under the influence of something, said Lt. Patrick Trujillo with the Santa Fe Police Department.

Convicted Albuquerque rapist learns his sentence

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Police responded to the Burger King on Zafarano Drive at about 9 a.m. on Wednesday after receiving a report of six armed juveniles attacking a family. Police said the minors started acting disorderly, with one even pulling down his pants. Police say the father asked them to pull up their pants, and one of the teens threw a cup of ice at him. When the pregnant mother said something, the police said three female teens started kicking and beating her. The caller said the suspects had fled on foot towards the Zafarano Shopping area.

The youth is getting violent and a lot younger now. It used to be wed see this with older kids, maybe closer to 17, um, but now its a lot younger. Were seeing a lot more juvenile crime when theyre 11, 12 years old, said Trujillo.

Upon arriving, officers found two male and three female juveniles from 12 to 16 years old, as well as a 19-year-old male walking towards Todos Santos. All six individuals were detained. Officers found the juveniles were not armed during their arrest, but they found the suspected firearm in a nearby backyard.

The adult male was found not to be involved. The two juvenile male suspects were found to have active arrest warrants. They were arrested and booked at the San Juan County Juvenile Detention Facility. The Juvenile Probation Office was contacted  they did not authorize incarceration for the three females, and they were released to their families.

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Because JPO did not authorize the incarceration of the juvenile offenders for the incident that took place on July 2, 2025, Santa Fe police said in a news release on Thursday. The following charges were forwarded through to the Juvenile Probation Office for all five juveniles

You can find the list of charges below:

Indecent exposure

Assault with intent to commit a violent felony (aggravated battery)

Tampering with evidence

Child endangerment

Battery

Unlawful carrying of a firearm for a person under 19

Minor under the influence

Disorderly conduct

Three of the juveniles, including both of the males, have the following criminal history, according to Santa Fe police:

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Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon

Unlawful Taking of a Motor Vehicle

Criminal Damage to Property (Felony)

Bomb Threats (Bringing a Firearm onto School Grounds)

Unlawful Use / Possession of a Firearm by a Person Under 19

Negligent Use of a Deadly Weapon

Tampering with Evidence

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Possession of Synthetic Cannabinoids

Disorderly Conduct

Possession of Burglary Tools

Receiving/transferring Stolen Motor Vehicles

Burglary

Several Juvenile Probation Office Violations

Kind of like for the older, you know the older people sometimes its a revolving door, said Trujillo. He said he would like to see reform to the childrens code. Wed rather rehabilitate the juveniles instead of incarcerate them, but in this case, it seems some of our efforts were futile and were not working, said Lt. Trujillo. I would like to see that the consequences are something you dont want to have to face if you get in trouble.

The family that was attacked includes a father, a pregnant mother, and their young child who were eating at the Burger King. The mother was taken to a local hospital for medical care. Her eye was injured from being struck by the hands and feet of the females.

Maybe not the physical scars, but the emotional scars are probably pretty bad, said Trujillo.

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This case is under investigation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
Colombias Petro accumulates crises in wake of Leyva case The foreign minister resigns, a diplomatic conflict with the US shows no signs of abating, and the justice system requests the arrest of the highest-ranking former government official over corruption

Colombian politics, under Gustavo Petro, move at a dizzying pace. The smiles seen at the Casa de Narino, the seat of government, on Saturday, when the president successfully passed his pension reform, have now been replaced by nail-biting in the face of three new crises. The first political tremor came around 7 a.m. on Thursday, when Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia, Petros former right-hand aide at the Administrative Department of the Presidency (DAPRE), decided to publish her resignation letter: she is leaving after a disagreement with the head of state over a tender for printing passports. Good luck, Petro replied.

Two hours later, a judge requested an arrest warrant for another former DAPRE director, Carlos Ramon Gonzalez, for being at the center of a corruption case. The president said nothing. The third blow, the biggest, came from the United States, where Secretary of State Marco Rubio decided to recall his acting ambassador in Bogota for consultations due to the baseless and reprehensible statements from senior Colombian government officials.

The move came after Petro requested an investigation into whether his former foreign minister, Alvaro Leyva, sought the support of two U.S. Republican congressmen to stage a coup against him, following leaked audios published by EL PAIS. Petro, who prefers to manage diplomatic relations through social media, took up Rubios challenge: he also recalled his ambassador in Washington for consultations. The damage has yet to be measured.

Petro appears calm; chaos doesnt intimidate him. Speaking at the inauguration of a new Constitutional Court justice, he again denounced a Dubai-based drug trafficking junta, said he would be willing to work hand in hand with President Donald Trump against transnational crime, and spoke again about ending inequality and the environment. Nothing was said about Gonzalez or Sarabia, and very little about the Secretary of State. I dont think Marco Rubio is involved in a coup against Petro, because the far-right figures involved in that didnt make it to his office but to someone elses office, he said. And thats a matter for the Attorney General to determine, not me. Petro has asked the Attorney Generals Office to investigate Leyva for treason.

The three crises highlight three of the presidents weaknesses, the chief one being his relationship with the United States. A first crisis with the Trump administration occurred earlier this year, when the U.S. president threatened Colombia with tariffs after Petros decision to return two planes carrying chained migrants. The crisis was resolved, but the relationship has remained passive-aggressive ever since. In his Thursday address, Rubio criticized the Colombian administrations irresponsible statements, expressed his deep concern about the current state of bilateral relations, and at the same time emphasized that Colombia is an important strategic ally. Politicians on both sides are no experts at lowering their tone either. Florida Representative Carlos Antonio Gimenez, whom Alvaro Leyva mentions as one of the politicians he met with, attacked Petro on Thursday as a narco-terrorist and socialist who lives in the Casa de Narino. Colombian Interior Minister Armando Benedetti responded that with this language and ideas, anyone would think he might support a coup detat.

The Colombian presidents inner circle has changed a lot since his administration began, but not only because his allies, like Sarabia, are resigning. Also because those who are very loyal to him are under investigation by the justice system. This is another one of the presidents weaknesses: the corruption scandal at the National Risk Management Unit (UNGRD), which is increasingly looming over his office. The arrest warrant for Carlos Ramon Gonzalez raises new questions about the extent of corruption in the Cabinet. The former director of DAPRE was one of the presidents closest officials. He is now being charged by the Prosecutors Office for allegedly asking the then director of UNGRD, Olmedo Lopez, to inflate a contract that was initially worth 46.8 billion pesos (more than $11 million). The money would then go to pay bribes for Ivan Name, former president of the Senate, and Andres Calle, of the House of Representatives. Authorities have already arrested others in this corruption scandal. But Gonzalez is, of all those investigated, the highest-ranking former official, and closest to Petro.

Just a few days ago, the government was celebrating the presidents signature on the labor reform, the approval of the pension reform in Congress, and the Constitutional Courts decision that the National Electoral Council could not investigate the president. Today, the crises are piling up. Happiness is fleeting in the government of change.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  The Albuquerque Police Department charged five teens with the murder of a homeless woman in June. According to APD, the five teens were cruising early in the morning of June 10 when they ran low on gas. A witness told police that the teens decided to rob homeless people for money.

Shiprock man facing murder charge in connection to stabbing

The teens stopped their vehicle near Central Ave. and Zuni Rd. Thats when two of the teens, 17-year-old Terrance Morris and 16-year-old Ean Spencer, got out of the car with guns and approached people in the alleyway demanding money.

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Someone nearby exited a travel trailer and began shooting at the teens, who returned fire. After moving back, Morris returned and shot two more rounds. The group then fled the scene. Marlene Gutierrez, 35, was hit by a bullet and died.

Morris and Spencer, along with 16-year-old Jeffrey Moore, 16-year-old Victoria Belmudez Candlearia, and 17-year-old Jazelle Dudley, were charged with murder among other charges. Four of the teens have been arrested. Police are still searching for Dudley.

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IOWA (KCAU)  Flags around Sioux City and across the state are flying at half-staff on July 3.

Governor Reynolds is requesting that they remain at half-staff until sunset tonight in honor and remembrance of Iowa Senator Rocky De Witt.

Story continues below

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De Witt, of Lawton, Iowa, was a 22-year career employee of MidAmerican Energy before joining the Woodbury County Sheriffs Office. He was then elected to the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors and the Iowa Senate as the representative for District 1.

Last January, De Witt announced a pancreatic cancer diagnosis while serving in the Senate. He passed away on Wednesday, June 25.

Flags are flying half-staff on the state capitol building and flag displays in the capitol complex, as well as all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
Editors note: The video above first aired on July 1, and although it is not directly related to the July 3 rain showers, it gives safety tips that can be used anytime.

ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- A round of heavy rain on Thursday led to a busy day for Odessa first responders, with multiple rescues and road closures reported across the city.

According to city officials, Odessa Police Department officers responded to approximately 10 assist motorist calls throughout the day. Odessa Fire Rescue handled around 16 high-water rescue calls, as sudden flooding created hazardous driving conditions in several areas.

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Temporary road closures were issued at the following intersections due to high water, but have since reopened:

42nd Street and Golder Avenue

42nd Street and Andrews Highway

42nd Street and Dixie Boulevard

22nd Street and Security Avenue

21st Street and Tom Green Avenue

North Service Road of the 3100 block of East I-20

No injuries were reported during the incidents. Officials are reminding drivers not to attempt to cross flooded roadways and to use caution during periods of heavy rain.

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Air passengers hoping to get a nap in might be best advised to keep one eye open and their wits about them, following a warning by Singapore's police that criminal gangs are behind a recent upsurge in reported theft on flights over Asia.

"They will only take some cash and maybe one or two cards. They wont take your whole wallet, because if they do, it is easier to notice," Malathi Muthu Veran, the city-states airport police commander, told local media in late June.

Malaysia and Hong Kong logged hundreds of cases of in-flight theft in 2024, up around 70% on the previous year, while Vietnam and Japan have also seen increases.

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But catching an airplane thief is usually not so straightforward: suspects typically work in pairs, booking short-haul flights in and out of a destination before victims notice they have been robbed.

"A timely report is important for our officers to quickly track and trace the suspects and intercept them before they catch their next flight," Malathi said.

According to Nick Careen, a senior vice president at the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the rise in onboard theft appears to be "organised" and largely run out of China.

Speaking at the IATAs recent annual meeting in Delhi, Careen said his organization, which represents around 300 airlines that carry approximately 80% of the worlds passengers, was planning to discuss the matter with governments and law enforcement officials.

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"How we deal with that, whether its security on board or cooperation from local governments in terms of the appropriate penalties, those are the types of things that we will see come out of this," he said.

Police in Singapore have advised passengers to keep valuables with them rather than putting them in the overhead compartments and to keep an eye out for passengers rummaging through luggage storage areas.

In a June 4 statement detailing the arrests of two Chinese suspects who flew in from Kuala Lumpur two days prior, the Singapore police explained how a vigilant passenger spotted one of the suspects "taking the bag and allegedly hiding the victim's belongings in his jacket before returning the bag to the compartment."
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Flights were grounded temporarily Thursday at Harry Reid International Airport as a severe thunderstorm warning was issued.

The alert warned of possible 60 mph gusts with quarter-sized hail. By late Thursday, the strongest gust in the valley was in North Las Vegas at 49 mph, according to the National Weather Service. There were reports of hail, but it was smaller than pea-sized.

Rain totals were above a half-inch in the south valley, with the highest at 0.63 inches near Rainbow Boulevard and Cactus Avenue. A gauge near the South Point hotel saw about a half-inch of rain.

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Departures at the airport were grounded with a chance that the delays would be extended, according to airport officials, but flights were on time or close to it by Thursday night.

The severe thunderstorm warning for central Clark County in Southern Nevada expired at 4 p.m.

Wild Las Vegas storm leaves trail of damage across valley, emergency center opens

At about 3:15 p.m., a storm over Southern Highlands was spotted moving east at 15 mph, according to NWS.

The warning affected Henderson, Boulder City, Southern Highlands, Anthem, Lake Las Vegas, Mountains Edge, Green Valley, Enterprise, Sam Boyd Stadium, Paradise, Spring Valley, The Strip, East Las Vegas, Sloan, Railroad Pass, Seven Hills, Silverado Ranch, Harry Reid International Airport, Allegiant Stadium and Black Mountain.

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A report late Thursday from Las Vegas Fire and Rescue indicated two people were yelling for help in the flood channels near Symphony Park in downtown Las Vegas just before 4 p.m. Rescue teams responded and brought the two to safety. The were in stable health condition and needed no medical attention, officials said.

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A Florida city commissioner said she was shocked to find herself "standing alone" after her colleagues in the state's southernmost municipality voted this week to end an agreement between the police department and federal immigration authorities.

Key West city Commissioner Lissette Carey told Fox News Digital that she considered the potential consequences of severing the 287(g) agreement, which allows police officers to stop, question and detain illegal immigrants.

"I did my research prior to the meeting," Carey said. "I was the only member of the Commission who understood the consequences and respected our state and federal government enough to uphold the law."

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Desantis Administration Threatens To Punish Island City That Voted To End Police Agreement With Ice

An aerial scenic image of Key West, Fla. On Tuesday, city leaders voted to end a partnership with immigration authorities. One commissioner, Lissette Carey, voted against voiding the agreement.

In a 5-1 vote, the commission voted to void the agreement, a move that came amid the Trump administration's crackdown on illegal immigration and nationwide mass deportation operations.

"I was deeply disturbed by the lack of understanding and the disregard for the safety, security, and long-term well-being of our city," Carey said. "As the first to cast a vote on this matter, I was disheartenedand frankly shockedto find myself standing alone in recognizing the importance of upholding this agreement."

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The move has already met opposition from leaders in the state capital of Tallahassee.

In a letter dated Wednesday to the commissioners, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said their vote violates state law and has essentially made Key West a " sanctuary city ."

"Florida law unequivocally forbids sanctuary cities," Uthmeier wrote while demanding the city leaders reverse course. "Failure to take corrective action will result in the enforcement of all applicable civil and criminal penalties, including removal from office by the governor."

Large City Signs Onto Deal With Ice: 'Keep The American People Safe'

Key West Commissioner Lissette Carey was the lone dissenting vote when the city voided an agreement to cooperate with immigration authorities.

He added that they could face removal from office if they don't reverse course.

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Carey, whose mother and grandparents arrived in Key West from Cuba in the 1950s, said she supports legal immigration.

"I am proud of my heritage, and I honor the many contributions immigrants make to our communities," she said. "But I also believe in following the law and ensuring public safety."

"Key West is often seen as a carefree, liberal town, but it's also home to conservatives like me who support law enforcement," added Carey.

Earlier in the week, Gov. Ron DeSantis said the issue is a matter of following state law.

Florida Ag Takes 'Victory Lap' After Blue City Says It Won't Violate Sanctuary Ban

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"I think the attorney general has weighed in on that, and Ill let him do the analysis and send them whatever warnings need to be sent," DeSantis said at the opening of the new "Alligator Alcatraz" immigration detention center in the Everglades.

"But the reality is you have a responsibility for full participation," he added. "And you can virtue signal and try to make political statements, but the reality is local governments have to abide by Florida law."

Choosing not to cooperate with immigration authorities only puts residents in those municipalities at risk, a White House spokesperson told Fox News Digital.

"Local officials refusing to work with federal law enforcement will not stop the Trump Administration's mission to remove dangerous, criminal illegal aliens from American communities," the spokesperson said. "It will only put American citizens living in their jurisdiction at risk. Quickly and efficiently deporting violent aliens makes every American community safer."

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Other Florida cities have done the opposite. In Miami, city commissioners there narrowly voted in favor last month to allow police officers to work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by entering into its own 287(g) partnership.





Original article source: Florida city commissioner 'shocked' to stand alone as colleagues defy Trump immigration crackdown
A Florida couple who own a sushi restaurant in Rockledge has been accused of scamming seniors out of thousands of dollars across multiple states, according to police in Wisconsin.

The Elm Grove Police Department in Wisconsin has been investigating the alleged scams since 2023, linking the couple to fraudulent activities involving gift cards and money transfers.

Mei Dong and Dong Dong Ye, owners of Da Sushi on Barnes Boulevard in Rockledge, were arrested by Brevard County deputies in late June.
The Brief

UCF scientists are leading global research on how to build roads, landing pads, and infrastructure on the moon using simulated lunar soil.

Their work could enable future missions to Mars, solve key energy problems on Earth, and launch a space-based industrial revolution.

Florida-based experiments in lunar construction, AI robotics, and energy-saving techniques are already showing promising results.

Why Is the Moon the Focus of New Scientific Research?

Dr. Phil Metzger, a planetary scientist at UCFs Florida Space Institute, believes the moon holds the key to three major goals for humanity:

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Unlocking the history of the solar system Launching cheaper missions to Mars Relocating energy and resource-intensive industries off Earth

"Its like the moon is Earths attic," Metzger said, referring to how its untouched surface holds a preserved record of how life-supporting elements like water and carbon may have arrived on Earth.

How Could the Moon Help Us Get to Mars?

The moon is loaded with water iceespecially at its South Pole. Metzger explained that we can use solar power to extract that ice, split it into hydrogen and oxygen, and produce rocket fuel.

"By building a mining and rocket fuel production facility on the moon, we can cut the cost of Mars missions by an order of magnitude," he said.

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This would transform the moon into a spaceport, launching Mars missions and satellites more efficiently than from Earth.

How Can the Moon Help Solve Earths Energy and AI Crisis?

As AI continues to expand, so does its need for massive computing power and energy. Metzger argues that we should move industrial operations into spaceand the moon is the first step.

"Theres no reason why we cant put that AI off the Earth into space," he said. "We need material to build the infrastructure and move Earths economic burden off the planet."

Space offers billions of times more solar energy than Earth. Tapping into that energy can help:

Power space-based AI servers

Beam clean energy back to Earth

Expand civilization sustainably

How Are Florida Scientists Building Lunar Infrastructure?

To make lunar construction possible, UCFs Exolith Lab is testing simulated moon soil to solve problems created by heavy landers, which can:

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Kick up dangerous dust

Create damaging craters

Risk tipping over spacecraft

To counter this, researchers are developing:

Landing pads made by melting lunar soil

Roads and structures that dont waste precious water

Microwave-powered construction methods using sorted magnetic minerals

"We proved that we could reduce the amount of energy [needed to build with microwaves] by 70%," Metzger explained.

They achieved this by developing a moon grain sorter that separates the most magnetic grainsmaking construction three times more energy-efficient.

PREVIOUS: Project Moon Base: Central Florida's role in building a colony on the Moon

How Do We Operate Robots on the Moon?

Because of the tsignal delay between Earth and the moon, controlling robots remotely is a challenge.

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The solution: AI digital twins

Operators control a virtual version of the robot in real-time. The simulation then directs the real robot on the moonand corrects for any mismatches automatically.

"The simulation has to resynchronize without confusing the operator," Metzger said.

This makes complex construction and mining tasks possible, even from Earth.

What's next

From simulated soils in Florida labs to real robotic systems on the moon, scientists are laying the foundation for:

Permanent lunar research stations

Space-based industries

Cheaper, more sustainable exploration of Mars and beyond

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For more on these breakthroughs, including how Central Florida is shaping the future of space exploration, visit the Fox Local App and check out the Breakthroughs in Science section.

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The Source

This report is based on in-depth interviews with Dr. Phil Metzger, a planetary scientist at the University of Central Florida. It includes original reporting from UCFs Exolith Lab.
The Brief

A "highly intoxicated" Florida man has been arrested after he allegedly threw a piece of concrete, a metal pipe and a machete at another man.

Officials say the man was later located at his home with injuries to his legs and was determined to be "highly intoxicated."

Edwin Watts, 71, is facing charges including burglary with battery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and felony criminal mischief.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. - A "highly intoxicated" Florida man has been arrested after he allegedly threw a piece of concrete, a metal pipe and a machete at another man.

What happened?

What we know

Deputies with the Marion County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) responded to a physical disturbance on Monday at a home in Dunnellon.

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Once they arrived, officials made contact with the man who reported the incident and his wife.

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The couple said they saw a man, 71-year-old Edwin Watts, seated on his Red UTV at the entrance to their property, and Watts made an inappropriate hand gesture. The man said he believed Watts was joking around since he did not know him.

The man said he rolled down the window of his car to talk to Watts, but Watts became irate and struck him through the open window. When the couple tried to close the window, they said Watts then began repeatedly punching the window in an attempt to break it. The man said he could smell a strong odor of alcohol on Watts.

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As the couple began driving away, officials said Watts grabbed a large piece of concrete and threw it at the rear of the car. Once inside the property, the man said Watts then threw a metal pipe at him, followed by a machete.

Investigators said they made contact with Watts at his home and immediately observed a strong odor of alcohol. They also said his legs were bleeding, and he was "noticeably agitated" and "acting aggressive."

Watts was arrested and is facing charges including burglary with battery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and felony criminal mischief.

Officials say Watts has no prior battery convictions.

The Source

This story was written based on information gathered from a Marion County Sheriff's Office arrest affidavit.
The Brief

A Florida pharmacist has been arrested after he allegedly drove under the influence and crashed into several people, one of whom may need to have his leg amputated.

Elijah Searles, 29, faces charges of DUI with serious bodily injury to another, three counts of DUI with damage to persons or property, reckless driving with serious bodily injuries and DUI.

Searles was booked into the Brevard County Jail but later posted a $22,000 bond.

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. - A Florida pharmacist has been arrested after he allegedly drove under the influence and crashed into several people, one of whom may need to have his leg amputated.

What happened?

What we know

On Tuesday night, troopers with the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) responded to a four-car crash on Interstate 95 southbound at Mile Marker 193.

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Officials said three cars were parked on the right shoulder trying to help one of the drivers that had a dead battery, when 29-year-old Elijah Searles crashed his Mazda3 into the three pedestrians.

One of the men that was struck suffered a compound fracture to his right fibula, troopers said. Two other pedestrians used belts and shirts to create a makeshift tourniquet to stop bleeding from the leg, authorities said. The man was then taken to the hospital, where troopers said they were advised the man's right leg would need to be amputated due to severity.

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Investigators said they spoke with a witness who claimed to have followed Searles for about five miles prior to the crash. The witness allegedly recorded Searles failing to stay in his lane and driving onto the left shoulder before then running off the roadway onto the right shoulder. The witness said Searles then continued southbound and again veered onto the right shoulder where the other cars were stopped.

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Troopers said they spoke with Searles who appeared "lethargic," was swaying and said he did not know he had struck multiple vehicles. He said he was driving home from work in Port St. John, where he is a pharmacist.

Searles was arrested for DUI.

Elijah Searles, 29, was booked into the Brevard County Jail on DUI-related charges. (Credit: Brevard County Sheriff's Office)

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Searles faces charges of DUI with serious bodily injury to another, three counts of DUI with damage to persons or property, reckless driving with serious bodily injuries and DUI.

He was booked into the Brevard County Jail but later posted a $22,000 bond.

The Source

This story was written based on information gathered from a Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) arrest affidavit.
Scarlett Johansson initially worried she would never be an actress despite a hectic schedule of tap dancing, singing and acting classes. Before she was old enough for high school, she convinced her mother to take her to meet an agent. The agent refused to represent her. As the New Yorker, 40, joked years later, perhaps it was her deep and raspy voice. I sounded like a whiskey-drinking, chain-smoking fool, she told Interview Magazine in 2013. I was devastated. I thought it was the end of my career.

Still, she did not give up. Instead, she got herself another agent, made her film debut at the age of nine and, at just 12, Robert Redford himself praised her maturity in front of the cameras in The Horse Whisperer. Hollywood laid claim on her and would never let go.

Thirty years later, Johansson is perhaps the most popular female star in cinema today, capable of closing the gap between the critics and the public. In the absence of an Oscar, her resume includes films by some of the most prestigious filmmakers of our time  Francis Ford Coppola, the Coen brothers, Wes Anderson  not to mention being the worlds highest-grossing actress thanks, above all, to her role in The Avengers.

Given her role in Jurassic World Rebirth, she is likely to remain so. The new installment of the franchise looks set to be a summer blockbuster. As she told Vanity Fair, her involvement speaks to her obsession with Spielbergs original film: I was really crazy about the [original] film, and I slept in a Jurassic Park pup tent in my bedroom I shared with my sister for a year, Johansson said. Anytime the trades would report a new Jurassic movie, I would forward to my agents like, Hey, Im available.

The face, the career, the glamour, the charisma, the mystery... Johansson is reminiscent of golden age movie stars such as Rita Hayworth. Her fame is due entirely to her work on the big screen. She does not make viral content or capitalize on her relationship status. She is one of the few celebrities who has no official profile on social networks  one that would invariably lead to lucrative collaborations with brands. And she rejects any request for fan photos beyond a professional context.

The thing about being a public figure is that the idea of being recognizable and celebrated feels fun, but then you can never stuff it back in the bottle. The reality of it is, theres a massive loss to that, you know? she told InStyle, adding that she is happy to have kept her children out of the spotlight. The actress has two children: Rose, 10, from her marriage to dancer Romain Dauriac; and Cosmo, three, her son with Colin Jost, host of the famous Saturday Night Live and her partner since 2017.

Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray in a still from 'Lost in Translation'. photo: MPTV.net

Today Johansson not only stars in movies, but also produces, writes and directs. This year she made her directorial debut at the Cannes Film Festival with Eleanor the Great, a tale about grief and memory, inspired by her own Jewish heritage. Starring 95-year-old veteran June Squibb, the film follows a woman who appropriates a Holocaust survival story that doesnt belong to her.

Not a fan of grandiloquent declarations, the artist has been an active presence in movements such as Times Up and Planned Parenthood and has advocated for equal pay in Hollywood and put her career on the line by confronting the almighty Disney studios. In 2021, she sued Disney for breach of contract after the simultaneous theater and streaming release of her solo film as a Marvel heroine, Black Widow. The case ended up being resolved in her favor with a million-dollar settlement, setting a precedent for the rights of performers in the age of platforms. A year later, she launched her own natural cosmetics brand, The Outset, focused on minimal routines, inclusive products and a sustainable philosophy, far from overpriced luxuries.

Scarlett Johansson at the premiere of 'Jurassic World: Rebirth' on June 23, 2025, in New York. Cindy Ord (WireImage)

Getting the roles she desires and amassing a fortune of more than 160 million ($188.4 million), has not been easy. The success of Lost in Translation  the opening shot of her bottom provoked a standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival  Girl with a Pearl Earring and Match Point made her a sex symbol and pigeonholed her in Lolita roles. Her popularity became known in lad culture as scarlet fever. Whether it was FHM, Playboy, GQ or Maxim, there was no mens magazine that did not crown her the sexiest woman on the planet and her career suffered because of it, with directors such as David Fincher denying her roles for being too beautiful.

When I was younger, a lot of the roles I was offered, or I went for, had their ambitions or character arcs revolving around their own desirability, or the male gaze, or a male-centered story. That is less frequent, though  something has shifted, she told Business Insider.

From a young age, Scarlett Johansson had a clear idea of what she wanted. In an interview with W magazine, she recalled a plane ride with Laurence Fishburne, her co-star in Just Cause, when she was just nine years old. He asked her if she wanted to be an actress or a star. Both, she replied. Fishburne replied, Well, thats something youll have to decide when youre older. It appears, however, that she has managed to span the divide.

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An 80-year-old novelist and her husband could face trial in France over the alleged theft and illegal sale of gold bars taken from an 18th-century shipwreck.

Investigators say Florida resident Eleonor Gay Courter and her husband, Philip Courter, helped a French diver sell gold bars that he stole from a shipwreck decades ago. The couple denies any criminal wrongdoing.

Le Prince de Conty, a French ship trading with Asia, sank off the coast of Brittany in 1746. The shipwreck was first discovered in 1974. A year later, the wreckage was looted after a gold ingot was found there, AFP reports.

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Michel LHour, head of Frances underwater archaeology agency, then spotted a suspicious sale of gold from a U.S. auction house in 2018. He contacted U.S. authorities, who then seized the five ingots and two other artifacts. The artifacts were repatriated to France in 2022.

Authorities went on to identify the seller as Eleonor Courter, who claims she was given the gold by her French friends Annette May Pesty and Gerard Pesty, who has since died.

Philip and Eleonor Courter (pictured) are accused of helping a French diver sell gold stolen from the sight of an 18th-century shipwreck (@rhoadescourter/Instagram)

Annette Pesty brought the gold ingots on the television show Antiques Roadshow in 1999, claiming she got them while diving off the African island of Cape Verde, AFP reports. But investigators didnt believe that to be true and instead turned their focus to her brother-in-law, Yves Gladu, who worked as an underwater photographer.

In 2022, Gladu confessed to stealing 16 gold bars from the shipwreck between 1976 and 1999. He denied giving any to the Courters and said he instead sold them to a man in Switzerland. But investigators discovered Gladu had known the Courters for decades, AFP reports. The couple went on trips with him to Greece in 2011, the Caribbean in 2014 and French Polynesia in 2015, investigators say.

Eleonor and Philip Courter were living in Florida when authorities say they sold the stolen gold bars (AFP via Getty Images)

Gold ingots and other artifacts from the Prince de Conty shipwreck were repatriated to France in 2022 (AFP via Getty Images)

Investigators now believe the Courters possessed at least 23 gold bars and had sold 18 of them for more than $192,000, according to AFP. Some of these sales took place on eBay. The Courters say they had arranged for the money to go to Gladu, AFP reports.

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Police arrested the Courters in the U.K. three years ago. The couple was placed on house arrest in London for six months and have since returned to the U.S., according to their attorney, Gregory Levy.

A French prosecutor has requested that the Courters, Gladu and Pesty all be tried in connection with the theft and sale of the gold ingots. The trial, if ordered by an investigating magistrate, will likely take place next year.

The Prince de Conty crashed near the island of Belle-Ile-en-Mer (pictured) (Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images)

Levy said his clients firmly deny any criminal wrongdoing. He added that the couple wanted to be of service to friends and had held on to their friends ingots while they traveled.

As for the sales, they took place on eBay, which shows how much the Courters wanted to hide from them, Levy said in a statement to The Independent. What's more, the British Museum bought the bullion, which could not have been unaware of its provenance, and deserves to be investigated by the French justice system, rather than two American octogenarians who knew nothing about French law.

The Courters have two sons and a daughter, whom they adopted from foster care when she was 12, according to Eleonors website. The 80-year-old has published nearly a dozen books, five of which are bestsellers.
Several food truck companies have been hit with major backlash online after they were filmed entering Floridas Alligator Alcatraz detention center.

The four companies issued statements after customers threatened to boycott them for doing catering business at the controversial prison in the Everglades.

President Donald Trump toured the migrant detention facility earlier this week, which was built in just eight days on a disused air strip as he looks to ramp up deportations.

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A TikToker filmed trucks belonging to Kona Ice, Churro Mania, Elote Lovers and Ms.Cheezious entering the hastily-constructed facility on July 1, according to the social media post.

Boycott Kona Ice, Churro Mania, Elote Lovers & Ms.Cheezious, the user, Osozalez, posted. They love our food but hate out [sic] people.

The TikTok post has received more than 7.5 million views since it was shared earlier this week.

Food truck companies received backlash online for doing business with the controversial prison. President Donald Trump toured the facility earlier this week, which was built in just eight days on a disused air strip as he looks to ramp up deportations. (AFP via Getty Images)

The food trucks were contracted to cater for the construction crews building the detention center, according to The Miami Herald. Other outlets reported the vans were hired for a catering event at the facility.

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A number of responses to the TikTok post  which received nearly 30,000 comments  said that they would be avoiding the companies in the future.

Welp, my kids are NEVER getting Kona ice ever again, one mother wrote.

The audacity Kona Ice has to show up in my local charter school events that is mostly Hispanic/Latino population is insane. Never again, another person said.

Are they seriously celebrating with food from the very people they are locking up there?! someone else added.

Boycott them ALL! They can't get my money EVER again! another said.

The food trucks were reportedly hired to feed construction workers at the detention center. (AP)

Churromania, a chain that has more than 120 locations across the U.S. and South America, said it was not an event we support in a statement on social media.

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We have no political agenda, and never have. Still, we take full responsibility for how this looked, the company said.

Ms. Cheezious, a Miami food truck company that serves grilled cheese, said they were approached by a disaster response company to provide meals for active service members stationed at the facility.

Contrary to misleading online narratives, our presence was not part of any celebration or grand opening, and we are not engaged in ongoing services there, read a statement on Instagram.

Elote Lovers, a Miami-based street food business, issued a lengthy statement on Instagram. We did not attend with the intention of supporting this place or what it represents, the statement said in part. We do not support, condone, or align ourselves with any form of oppression, abuse, or injustice. We never have and never will.

The companies issued statements after people threatened to boycott them for catering workers at the facility. (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

The business, which said it was founded by an immigrant family, added that they would reassess how they accept and review bookings in the future to ensure our values are respected wherever we go.

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Shaved ice company Kona Ice said its trucks are independently owned and operated by franchisees. The event was booked through an unknown agency, and the franchisee was unaware of the facilitys nature or its association with politically sensitive issues, Kona Ices statement read in part.

Our brand exists to bring a moment of happiness to communities through our shaved ice experience  and we recognize the importance of ensuring that mission is never misinterpreted, the statement added.

The first inmates started arriving at the detention center on Thursday, which is expected to cost $450 million a year to run.
Some hospitals in the U.S. are without essential staff because international doctors who were set to start their medical training this week were delayed by the Trump administration's travel and visa restrictions.

It's unclear exactly how many foreign medical residents were unable to start their assignments, but six medical residents interviewed by The Associated Press say theyve undergone years of training and work only to be stopped at the finish line by what is usually a procedural step.

I dont want to give up, said a permanent Canadian resident who matched to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Harrisburg but had her visa denied because she is a citizen of Afghanistan. She requested to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal. But the situation also seems so helpless.

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Initially, the medical community was worried that hundreds of positions  many in hospitals in low-income or rural areas of the U.S.  could be affected. The pause on interviews for J-1 visas for approved work or study-related programs was lifted in mid-June.

The national nonprofit that facilitates the residency match process said the visa situation is resolving, but it will take weeks to know with confidence how many medical residents have had the start of their careers derailed because they got their visa too late or were blocked by President Donald Trumps travel ban on 12 countries, according to people who coordinate the residents training.

Four foreign medical residents told the AP that U.S. embassies have been slow to open up interview slots  and some have not opened any.

You lose out on the time you could have used to treat patients, said one resident from Pakistan, who matched to an internal medicine program in Massachusetts and requested to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal.

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Thousands of foreign medical residents fill gaps in U.S. hospitals

The U.S. is projected to face a physician shortage in the next 11 years, per the Association of American Medical Colleges, and foreign medical residents fill critical gaps in the health care system. More than 6,600 foreign-born international medical residents matched into U.S. programs in 2025  the highest on record  and another 300 filled positions that were vacant after the match process was complete.

Not all of those residents were affected by visa issues or the travel ban on foreign nationals from countries including Afghanistan, Haiti and Sudan.

International medical graduates often take jobs in places where U.S. medical trainees tend not to go, said Donna Lamb, president of the National Resident Matching Program.

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Its not just that theyre coming in and they want to work in big, flashy centers on the coast, Lamb said. Theyre truly providing health care for all of America.

Foreign medical residents work in specialties that U.S. applicants aren't as eager to apply to. For example, international candidates make up almost 40% of residents in internal medicine, which specializes in the prevention and treatment of chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

The residents are the backbone of the entire hospital, said Dr. Zaid Alrashid from Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center in New York, which has medical residents from almost every continent. Most received their visas prior to the pause but a few were caught up in delays.

Two residents from India who spoke on condition of anonymity have not been able to get an appointment at any U.S. embassies there despite the J-1 visa pause being lifted.

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Another resident from Egypt just secured a visa appointment for mid-August but is worried her program may not be willing to wait for her. Shes already paid her security deposit for an apartment in Texas to live during her residency.

"I dont know when this situation will be resolved, said the resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, adding she hasnt been eating or sleeping well.

Hospitals waiting for residents to arrive

In California, leaders at two graduate medical education programs said they have a small number of residents caught up in J-1 visa delays. Both spoke on condition of anonymity due to concerns for the doctors who are still trying to get visas.

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A residency leader at one large health care system said two doctors in its 150-resident program are delayed, adding they could start late or defer to next year. A 135-person program at a California public health system told the AP that one resident has yet to arrive, though he was finally scheduled for a visa interview.

We are not going to breathe easy until he's here in our hospital, the second leader said.

As of Wednesday, Lamb's matching program had received fewer than 20 requests to defer or cancel residency contracts.

Worried about losing their spots if they defer, many foreign medical residents may keep trying to get to the U.S. and start their residencies late, said Dr. Sabesan Karuppiah, a past member of the American Medical Association's International Medical Graduates Governing Council and former director of a large residency program.

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Some hospitals may struggle at this point to replace the residents who don't make it, leaving fewer people to care for the same number of patients, said Kimberly Pierce Burke, executive director of the Alliance of Independent Academic Medical Centers.

Foreign medical trainees who've made it into the U.S. remain on edge about their situations, Karuppiah said.

I can tell you the word on the street is: Do not leave the country,' he said, adding that people are missing out on important events, seeing sick parents or even getting married. Everybody's scared to just leave, not knowing what's going to happen.

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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Emergency services were continuing to battle several forest fires in the Turkish province of Izmir on Friday.

The situation in the region is "terrible," city of Izmir Mayor Cemil Tugay said on Friday.

The district of Odemis has been particularly badly affected. The source of the fires is difficult to reach and three villages have already been destroyed. Strong winds are further hampering the firefighting efforts.

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Meanwhile, there is hope for the Cesme district, which is popular with holidaymakers: The fire there is under control, Turkish Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakl wrote on the X platform on Friday morning. Firefighting efforts were continuing in the districts of Odemis and Buca.

It's believed the fire in Cesme, which broke out on Wednesday, was caused by a faulty power line. It quickly developed into a major blaze that spread to the surrounding forests.

Two people died on Thursday as a result of the forest fires in Izmir: an 81-year-old man and a forestry worker who was helping to fight the flames. According to official reports, another worker is being treated in hospital.

The risk of forest fires remains high due to heat, dry conditions and strong winds. According to the forestry minister, 624 fires broke out across the country in just one week. Most of these are now under control.
LONDON  Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been charged with five counts of rape, British police said Friday.

Partey has also been charged on one count of sexual assault, with the alleged offenses taking place between 2021-22.

The 32-year-old Partey is a free agent after his Arsenal contract expired at the end of last season.

Thomas Partey is pictured during a July 2022 match for Arsenal. AP

Thomas Partey (r.) battles for possession during a May 2025 match for Arsenal. REUTERS

He joined the Premier League club in 2020 for 45.3 million pounds ($61.8 million) from Spanish team Atletico Madrid.

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Police said the investigation was opened in February 2022 when it first received a report of rape.

The five rape charges relate to two different women.

The sexual assault charge relates to a third woman.

Thomas Partey is pictured during a May 2025 match. AFP via Getty Images

Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward, Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy of the Metropolitan Police said.

Partey is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Tuesday, Aug. 5 police said.
OGDEN, Utah (ABC4)  A former Box Elder judge and ex-Tremonton fire chief appeared in court this afternoon to discuss preliminary hearings in their cases. The two were allegedly connected in committing online sexual crimes against children.

Kevin Robert Christensen, a Box Elder judge who resigned after he was charged in March, pleaded not guilty to all charges against him. A disposition hearing is scheduled for August 21 at 2 p.m.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Tremonton fire chief and Box Elder judge linked in child abuse case, documents say

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In March, Christensen was charged with nine felonies, including two counts of enticing a minor, two counts of dealing in materials harmful to a minor, three counts of attempted aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, and obstruction of justice.

Ned Brady Hansen, the former fire chief of Tremonton City, also appeared in court today. He did not enter any pleas, but had a preliminary hearing scheduled for August 25 at 10:30 a.m.

Hansen was charged with eight counts of aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, a first-degree felony, in March. Earlier this week, a new charge involving the sexual abuse of a child he knew personally was filed.

NEW: Ex-Tremonton fire chief charged with sexual abuse of a child, documents say

Background

Hansen and Christensen allegedly had multiple conversations where they discussed child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on the app Kik. Documents also alleged that Hansen and Christensen had a sexual relationship. They were both arrested in January 2025.

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According to an FBI investigator, Hansen had engaged in communications that were sexual in nature regarding children and distributed CSAM on six separate occasions.

In reviewing the chats from Christensen, police found multiple chat threads of interest, court documents state. On Nov. 2, 2024, Christensen allegedly talked with another user who claimed to be a 13-year-old girl. During the chat, police said Christensen engaged in graphic sexual chats with the child, in addition to sending a graphic video to her.

Kevin Robert Christensen resigned as a judge in March after being placed on administrative leave by the Utah State Courts.

Ned Brady Hansen was charged in a separate case with aggravated sexual abuse of a child on July 2. Documents say that he had sexually abused a child who had him in a position of special trust on multiple occasions.

Latest headlines:

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
A South Texas grand jury this week reportedly indicted nine people, including the former chair of the Bexar County Democratic Party and a former Texas House candidate, for alleged vote harvesting in a sprawling investigation led by Attorney General Ken Paxton that has targeted Latino Democrats in the state.

Among the indicted were Manuel Medina, who once led Bexar County Democrats and served as a legislative aide, as well as Cecilia Castellano, who lost a bid last year to represent a district that includes Frio County in the Legislatures lower chamber, according to KSAT, which first reported the development Wednesday.

The indictments add to six previous ones revealed by Paxton in May and are the latest escalation in a probe that last year resulted in search warrants that led Texas authorities to seize Castellanos phone and raid Medinas home.

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At the time, Latino leaders in Texas condemned the moves while Democratic state lawmakers asked the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate the state for potential violations of federal law and civil and voting rights amid a flurry of what Republican state leaders described as efforts to secure the states elections.

On Thursday, neither Paxtons office nor 81st Judicial District Attorney Audrey Gossett Louis returned requests for comment. KSAT attributed the information in its report to Louis.

Castellano turned herself into authorities on Wednesday upon learning of two charges of vote harvesting leveled against her, her lawyer Don Flanary said. He professed his clients innocence and questioned the governments allegations in using a charge whose constitutionality is unsettled in courts.

In September, a federal judge ruled that certain prohibitions of voter outreach efforts in the Texas law were unconstitutionally vague and restricted free speech. But the New Orleans 5th Circuit appeals court overturned the decision when Paxtons office appealed it.

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Cecilia is innocent. She didnt do anything illegal and I dont think they are going to be able to prove it, Flanary said by telephone, dismissing the prosecutions as plainly politically motivated. The problem is its very chilling for people.

He added: It's highly inappropriate, in my opinion, to be filing these charges now when the 5th Circuit is going to rule about whether the activity is even a crime.  These people aren't charged with voter fraud. These people arent charged with the traditional ways that it's illegal to get votes or do voter fraud.

Medina did not immediately return a call Thursday. Neither did his lawyer.

The others charged include the former mayors of Pearsall and Dilley and other local elected officials from those cities and Frio County, according to KSAT. Some of them were the targets of search warrants executed by Paxtons office in May, according to the San Antonio news station.

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Many were distraught by the allegations, Gabriel Rosales, League of United Latin American Citizens Texas director, said in a brief interview.

LULAC last year raised alarms about the raids in August in which authorities also targeted the homes of elderly volunteers with guns drawn in early morning hours, the group and targets said.

It's very disappointing that they would want to continue to go on with this witchhunt, Rosales said. They're literally in tears.

The extent of the allegations is not clear. The Tribune could not get copies of the indictments on Thursday. Frio County District Clerk Ofilia M. Trevino said they were not yet available online.

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Search warrants obtained by the Tribune last year following the raids showed that authorities were investigating allegations that a longtime Frio County political operator had illegally harvested votes for multiple local races in recent years.

Vote harvesting, or the collection of ballots, is a term used by many Republicans to refer to the process of designating someone else to return a completed voter's ballot to election officials. The practice is permissible under federal law but numerous states have passed legislation to restrict it, including not letting the ballot collector be compensated or placing a limit on the number of ballots a person can collect, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

The charges leveled by Paxtons office this spring were under a 2021 state law that made it a third-degree felony for a person to knowingly provide or offer vote harvesting services  or the collection of ballots  in exchange for compensation, unless the person is employed as a caregiver for a voter who is eligible to vote by mail.

That includes Texans who are 65 or older on Election Day or who are unable to vote in person due to illness or be away from their county throughout the entire election. Under the law, organizers of voter outreach groups and volunteers could spend up to 10 years in prison and be fined up to $10,000 for offering these services.

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The people of Texas deserve fair and honest elections, not backroom deals and political insiders rigging the system, Paxton said in a May statement. Elected officials who think they can cheat to stay in power will be held accountable. No one is above the law.

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A former Hereford House employee accused of contaminating food at the steakhouse groups Leawood restaurant pleaded guilty to 22 counts of criminal threat, one count of criminal damage over $1,000 but less than $25,000 and 10 counts of sexual exploitation/possession of child pornography Thursday.

Jace Hanson, 22, sat with a blank expression in Johnson County court as he pleaded guilty.

In April 2024, the FBI received a tip about possible food contamination by an employee at the restaurant. The alleged contamination included someone urinating in food, rubbing food on his genitals and posting videos of it online, according to court documents.

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Police identified Hanson as a suspect, and he allegedly admitted to more than 20 instances of contaminating food during the month he worked at the restaurant. He also allegedly admitted to filming himself and posting the acts online.

When investigators approached Hanson at the restaurant last year, they asked him if he was aware of any food contamination, and he allegedly told them, Ill just be straight up, yeah and said that he had just been doing stupid (expletive), according to court documents.

Hanson allowed police to examine his phone, and when they did, they found videos of him contaminating the food, as well as files that depicted child sexual abuse material, according to court documents.

During a hearing last year, prosecutors said investigators found evidence of the images as well as a chat history among Hanson and other users online about wanting to sexually exploit children, calling it shocking to the conscience (and) sadistic behavior.

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In a series of lawsuits filed against the restaurants parent company, patrons alleged they became ill after eating at the Leawood restaurant while Hanson was employed there.

The charges and the publicity surrounding them eventually led Hereford House to shutter the Leawood restaurant last year. The Hereford House restaurant group closed a second location, its Zona Rosa site, earlier this year. It has two remaining locations in Shawnee and Independence.

Hanson is set to appear for a departure hearing at 1:30 p.m. Aug. 26.
(Texas Scorecard)  Federal prosecutors have accused four Houston-area men, including a former U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer, of shielding criminal illegal aliens from deportation.

Former ICE deportation officer Jose Angel Muniz, 51, of La Porte; Leopoldo Perrault Benitez, 53, owner of A Way Out Bail Bonds in Houston; his son Anthony Benitez, 32; and Isaac Sierra, 51, of International Bonding Company; allegedly conspired between April 2023 and March 2024 to remove ICE detainers in exchange for bribes.

Prosecutors allege that the scheme enabled individuals in the Harris County Jail to be released on bond, sidestepping federal removal proceedings.

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All four defendants made initial appearances in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter Bray and were ordered detained pending further proceedings.

This indictment underscores our commitment to rooting out corruption, said U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei of the Southern District of Texas. There is no room whatsoever for bribery or side deals when it comes to immigration enforcement.

If convicted, each man faces up to 15 years in federal prison.

The case strikes at the heart of Houstons bail bond system and immigration enforcement infrastructure. Harris County has long been a flashpoint in the debate over local-federal cooperation on immigration.

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Sheriff Ed Gonzalez ended the countys participation in ICEs controversial 287(g) program in 2017, but ICE detainers are still regularly issued for undocumented individuals booked into county jails.

Supporters argue that immigration detainers are critical to public safety. This case highlights behind-the-scenes corruption enabling individuals to avoid immigration court with the help of a federal officer.

The FBI and ICEs Office of Professional Responsibility led the investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard D. Hanes prosecuting.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Four years after his release from a Nevada prison, former inmate Nicolai Mork was awarded $4.3 million by a federal jury in Reno.

Mork spent three years in jail at the Stewart Conservation Camp, where he claimed he was denied adequate medical treatment and, in turn, filed a lawsuit.

I hope it shows the state of Nevada that it will be cheaper for them to provide the medical care they constitutionally owe to incarcerated people, rather than to ignore them and ignore their health issues and have it lead to a lawsuit, attorney Adam Breeden said.

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In 2017, police linked Mork, an MIT graduate, to at least eight Molotov cocktails found near seemingly random homes in the southeast valley. Mork was arrested at his Las Vegas home, where detectives said they found nearly 300 pounds of chemicals capable of causing serious damage.

Nicolai Mork. (KLAS)

Morks legal team argued terrorism charges can be broadly interpreted, and in 2018, Mork accepted a plea deal.

While in jail, Mork suffered from a bacterial infection in his mouth for more than a year, as well as a skin condition he compared to measles.

Im sitting there just fantasizing about ripping my teeth out, Mork said. He claimed he was told to tough it out, despite asking for a medical specialist or painkillers.

Adam Breeden, Nicolai Morks attorney. (KLAS)

According to Mork, the state offered him a dentist about a week before he left prison. However, it wasnt until after his release that he got his medical issues addressed.

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Theres an absolute epidemic of human rights abuses going on in the prison, especially with medical care, Mork said. He called the award money an incredible win.

I just felt this great feeling of re-enfranchisement, Mork said. This sense that a jury of my peers can look at some awful thing that happened and say thats not acceptable.

Attorney Breedon said its unclear if the state will pay the award or appeal.

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This smiling man asking for a glass of water at a hotel bar has helped save the lives of millions of people, according to the Swedish committee that awarded him the Nobel Prize in Medicine. He is American virologist Charles Rice, who won the award five years ago for his role in the discovery of the hepatitis C virus, a pathogen that silently destroys the liver and can develop into a deadly cancer. The virus still infects 50 million people and kills 240,000 every year, despite the fact that the breakthroughs of Rice and other colleagues enabled chemist Michael J. Sofia to discover a cure in 2007, named after him: sofosbuvir. When it became clear that this new drug was miraculous, U.S. pharmaceutical company Gilead bought Sofias company, Pharmasset, for $11 billion.

Rice, born in Sacramento 72 years ago, once took a course on Spanish poetry and magical realism when he was little more than a teenager. I was undecided as to what I was going to do with my life, he recalls. He worked odd jobs to earn a bit of money: tomato inspector at a ketchup factory, belt guard at a peach canning plant, janitor at a club where he cleaned filthy toilets after parties. Im pretty good at it, Im relatively quick, and I leave a lingering shine, he jokes. After earning his degree in Zoology, he and some friends bought a second-hand Volkswagen van and set off on a long journey through the Americas, heading south with no destination in mind. Months later, he reached Argentina.

By the time he had become a virologist at Washington University in St. Louis, Rice faced a challenge. Scientists Harvey Alter and Michael Houghton had discovered an unknown virus in people who developed hepatitis after receiving donated blood transfusions. In 1997, Rice and other colleagues demonstrated that this virus was the cause of the disease. The finding was an important step in developing blood tests and new medications that have saved millions of lives, explains the statement from the Nobel Prize. Passing through the Spanish city of Valencia as part of the jury for the Rei Jaume I Awards, Rice becomes serious when speaking about the cost of the drugs that are capable of curing the disease.

Question. When you won the Nobel Prize, Dr. Graciela Diap, from the Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative, celebrated the fact that thanks to the award-winning work, drugs existed to cure hepatitis C, but added: In Latin America, out of the four million people living with hepatitis C, only 1% receive treatment. [] How can we explain this spectacular failure?

Answer: Were still in that era, but it varies quite a bit on the country. Initially, part of the problem was the price companies were charging. When sofosbuvir came out about 10 years ago, it cost $84,000 per person, which is a lot of money, but the company argued that it cost a lot to develop the drug. Gilead basically bought this compound from a biotech company called Pharmasset. They paid $11 billion and then had to do a Phase 3 trial [an experiment with hundreds of people to show the drug was safe and effective]. So they spent a lot of money. The question is: How do they price the drug to recoup their costs and make a profit? I dont know how they do it, but I found the price dismaying: $84,000, considering the actual cost of manufacturing the drug?

Q. That was about $80.

A. Yes, the manufacturing cost was $100 or $200. This amount doesnt take into account the $11 billion and subsequent clinical development costs, but one would expect a price closer to the manufacturing cost. Its a crime that a drug exists that could cure everyone and yet not everybody has access to it due to its price, among other reasons. The price has been negotiated down in some countries. In Egypt, for example, they had a terrible hepatitis C problem, with 10% of the population infected with the virus. They reached an agreement with the company to manufacture the drug in Egypt and sell it at a price that the public health system could afford. Its been one of the most successful programs. And I think its similar in Spain; theyve managed to cure 90% of the infected population. This drug is already being provided at very low prices in other African countries, but its a painfully slow process. We live in a world where making money is largely the motivating force behind peoples actions. And thats a problem, because drugs for some diseases arent developed because theres not enough money to be made from them.

Virologist Charles Rice, at a hotel in Valencia, on June 3. Monica Torres

Q. Some $61 million of public money was invested in the development of sofosbuvir, according to a Harvard University study. Are taxpayers paying twice for the same drug?

A. That amount would hardly be enough. What taxpayers paid for was research like ours, which allowed us to do the preclinical work and determine that this compound had those properties, but thats only a tiny sliver, albeit extremely important, part of what it actually cost to develop this drug. Gilead paid $11 billion to buy it from Pharmasset.

Q. But that amount may be speculation.

A. Its speculation. And, of course, they made money, but you cant say we paid $61 million for the drug and thats all its worth.

Q. Humanity has only managed to eradicate one human disease from the planet: smallpox. Could hepatitis C be the second?

A. I would have hoped. Great work is being done in Spain, but in the United States, were not doing so well: the incidence of hepatitis C is going up, not down. The opioid epidemic is giving rise to more infections. Its disappointing. We have drugs that could eradicate the virus, but things are not so simple. Francis Collins, who was director of the National Institutes of Health for many years, got behind the effort to eradicate hepatitis C in the United States by 2030. The Biden administration allocated about $10 billion to achieve this. With the new administration [of Donald Trump], this is all gone.

Q. Science is under attack.

A. Yes, science is under attack. Were close to eradicating some diseases, but theyre reappearing and spreading again because of the anti-science and anti-vaccine movement.

Q. Is U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy an anti-vaxxer?

A. Yes, its unbelievable. Now theyre saying that the RNA vaccine against COVID-19, which was a historic discovery, is awful. We have people in positions of power in the United States who are not the people who should be making these decisions.

Q. Thats crazy.

A. Its crazy, it really is. I dont know where its going to end. It seems like every day something else has been torn down. Medical research and science blossomed in the United States after World War II. It took more than 70 years to get to the point that its at, and in a matter of months, its being torn to shreds.

Q. Donald Trump intends to cut the budget of the National Institutes of Health by 40%.

A. Its a pretty grim time for medical research. Theres a quote I like from Mary Lasker, who was a great supporter of the concept of the National Institutes of Health many decades ago: If you think research is expensive, try disease. Preventing disease is a lot cheaper than letting it happen and then trying to respond. Our ability to respond to the next pandemic is far worse than our response to COVID-19, which was far from as good as we could do. Its terrible. After the COVID-19 experience, I thought wed finally have a new golden age for infectious disease research, but that spirit lasted a couple of years, and then basically all those programs that were in place were stopped.
By Andrew MacAskill

LONDON (Reuters) -The former leader of Britain's Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, announced on Friday he was in talks to start a new political party because Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government had "refused to deliver the change" voters expected during its first year in office.

Corbyn, an avowed socialist who took control of the party in 2015, was its most left-wing leader in a generation, with plans for a sweeping programme of nationalisation. He resigned as Labour leader after the 2019 election when the party suffered its worst defeat since 1935.

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Labour subsequently suspended Corbyn in 2020 and then expelled him from the party following a report into how complaints about antisemitism in the party were handled under his leadership.

Corbyn's plans to create a new political party could further divide Labour's traditional left-wing support at a time when the prime minister is haemorrhaging support and the century-long dominance of Britain's two big parties is in jeopardy.

"The democratic foundation of a new kind of political party will take shape soon," Corbyn said on X. "Discussions are ongoing - and I am excited to work alongside all communities to fight for the future people deserve."

The announcement that Labour could face a new threat from a left came after the party suffered its most bruising week in government when it was forced to abandon key planks of planned welfare reform, which blew a hole in its budget plans.

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Since comfortably beating the Conservatives in a general election a year ago, Starmer has seen his personal popularity slump. Labour now also consistently trails the insurgent, right-wing Reform UK party, which is led by pro-Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage.

When voters were asked what Labour's biggest achievement had been since winning the election, the most common answer was "nothing", polling firm More In Common said on Friday.

A new left-wing party led by Corbyn would win 10% of the vote, reducing Labour's share from 23% to 20%, the same polling company said last week.

Corbyn, who was elected as an independent member of parliament last year, said the "Labour government has refused to deliver the change people expected and deserved".

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On Thursday evening, lawmaker Zarah Sultana said she was quitting the Labour Party and planned to launch the new party with Corbyn.

Corbyn congratulated Sultana on Friday on her "principled decision" to quit Labour and said he was delighted she will "help build us a real alternative".

(Reporting by Andrew MacAskillEditing by Alistair Smout and Frances Kerry)
HAMPTON  Val Milan spent the past 10 years selling houses to families in Hampton Roads as a real estate agent. But as a green card holder from Ukraine, she never experienced the full joy she helped give clients of feeling truly at home in America.

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Milan joined 97 people from 40 different countries Friday morning to recite the oath of allegiance in a naturalization ceremony as part of Fort Monroes Fourth at the Fort festivities.

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Its much deeper now, Milan said. The land is my home.

She added she never expected a simple status change to mean so much.

Its like getting a whole new conscious change, Milan said. Its not just words, to be an American, not just a certificate. It gets in your heart and your soul.

The new citizens sat beneath the sprawling branches of the 500-year-old Algemourne Oak  a tree thats seen the arrival of the first English colonists along with the first enslaved Africans, to celebrate their naturalization.

This tree has stood sentinel as generations have come ashore carrying dreams, burdens and bold hopes, said former President James Madison, cosplayed by Bryan Austin. Today, it stretches its branches to you.

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Other speakers, including Fort Monroe CEO Scott Martin, Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares and Gov. Glenn Youngkin, helped welcome people home.

As a child 43 years ago, Miyares watched as his mother took the same oath. He sat in his familys kitchen and helped his mother, who immigrated from Spain as a 19-year-old, learn the Pledge of Allegiance.

Miyares said his familys desire to live in the U.S. stemmed from desperation to live in a society that held inalienable rights, where knocks at the door are greetings from neighbors rather than raids by the government.

I have such gratitude for what America is and the second chance it gave our family, Miyares said. We think that what we live and have in America is normal. Its actually abnormal. Its a unique experiment unlike anything we have ever seen in human history.

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Germaine Parchment was one of the 15 service members celebrating their new citizenship. He immigrated from Jamaica and joined the Navy in 2022. He said his service has given him opportunities to help support his family here and back home.

Im feeling very good. Im happy to be a part of this country, Parchment said. I would encourage my family or people back home that they can come here and make a better life.

Others had already built their lives and families in the United States. Cheryl Chavers immigrated from Canada in 1997, and has since earned a doctorate and built a family.

Chavers is a social worker supporting marginalized communities, and said part of her decision to seek naturalization was to empower her with more opportunities to contribute to her community, such as voting.

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I want to be fully enmeshed in the tapestry of the United States, Chavers said. Being a citizen allows me to do that, to be able to say that I am American, and all that stands for.

Devlin Epding, 757-510-4037, devlin.epding@virginiamedia.com
The Fort Worth Police Department collected more than 50 boxes of food over the weekend as part of a community effort to help local families in need.

Command staff and neighborhood police officers organized the food drive with support from the Walmart on McCart Avenue, according to a department statement posted on social media.

The department said it aims to keep Fort Worth one of Americas best and most giving cities.

This past weekend, our command staff and some Neighborhood Police Officers (NPOs) collected over 50 BOXES OF FOOD for local families! A big thank you to Walmart on McCart Avenue and our generous community for always partnering with us, as we continue to make Fort Worth one of pic.twitter.com/e4HPYLMgjS  Fort Worth Police (@fortworthpd) July 2, 2025

Officer Buddy Calzada told The Dallas Express that the food drive took place at the Walmart located at 7451 McCart Ave. in the departments South Division.

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We are assisting in stocking up local food pantries in the area, Calzada said. It is important to continue to partner with numerous local organizations in a way to assist families that are in need.

Fort Worth police have a history of rallying around community members. As previously reported by The Dallas Express, the department and local residents came together last year to support a Fort Worth officer diagnosed with cancer and undergoing triple bypass surgery.
(KRON)  Four people from San Francisco were arrested on July 3 after they allegedly led police on a chase through American Canyon, Vallejo and the East Bay in a stolen car.

An officer with the American Canyon Police Department attempted to stop the stolen Mazda at 3 a.m. near Newell Drive and Donaldson Way.

While the vehicle initially came to a stop, it quickly fled the scene at a high rate of speed, leading officers on a pursuit through American Canyon, into Vallejo, and onto westbound Highway 80, the American Canyon Police Department said.

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Fireworks explosion reported inside house in Hayward, police on the scene

Evidence seized from the stolen car. (American Canyon Police Department)

The chase ended when the car lost a tire and crashed into a median on Highway 80 near San Pablo Dam Road. The driver, Dorian Watts, allegedly tried to run from the scene of the crash but was chased down by police.

The three occupants of the car, Sergio Hernandez, Javier Arredondo, and an unnamed minor, were detained at the scene of the crash. Watts, Hernandez and Arredondo were arrested and booked into the Napa County Jail. The minor was released to a family member.

Victims missing in Yolo County warehouse fireworks explosion IDd

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Two loaded guns were found inside the car. One was reported stolen out of Berkeley and another was an unregistered ghost gun. Police also found and seized ski masks, gloves, a stolen license plate, key fobs, stolen wallets and IDs.

Watts was booked for 11 felonies, including on an outstanding arrest warrant out of Santa Clara County for failure to appear in court, the American Canyon Police Department said. Hernandez and Arredondo were each booked on six felonies. The charges include felony evading, possession of a stolen vehicle and firearm, conspiracy, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY)  Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission is inviting the public to commemorate the nations 250th Anniversary at Fort Monroe.

Fourth at the Fort is a collaborative effort including VA250, Fort Monroe Authority, the Fort Monroe National Monument and the Hampton 250 Commission.

Organizers say it will be full day of events that will highlight Virginias influence on the establishment of American music, storytelling and arts. Its also set to bring the largest drone and fireworks show in the Commonwealth. Festivities start at 8:45 a.m. and run through 9:30 p.m.

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Event Highlights:

Voices of Tomorrow: The Society of Junior Patriots  Kids ages 812 can join Nation Builder James Madison in drafting their own household Bill of Rights during sessions on the Expressions of Freedom Stage.

Expressions of Freedom Student Competition  Winning entries from students across the state will be on display throughout the day, showcasing how young Virginians interpret freedom through personal and historical lenses.

America250 Birthday Quilt Project  Renowned artist Steve Prince will lead youth and families in creating quilt panels as part of a nationwide commemorative project to handcraft a powerful tribute to America. The finished quilt will be unveiled as part of the July 4th celebrations at Colonial Williamsburg in 2026.

Events throughout the day include:

Morning Ceremonies (8:45 a.m.  11 a.m.): Including an Eagle Staff Posting by Virginias Tribal Nations, a Naturalization Ceremony and a flag ceremony with the James Monroe Foundation.

Community Activities (11 a.m.  3 p.m.): Featuring Pathways of Freedom in Continental Park, including sensory-friendly programming with walking tours, museum experiences and interactive art and expression stations.

Out of Many, One Festival (3 p.m.  7 p.m.): Featuring interactive kids activities and family-friendly games, an exciting lineup of Made in Virginia craft vendors, community booths, museums and cultural organizations, performances and a wide variety of food trucks.

Free to Dream Grand Ceremony (7:30 p.m.): A patriotic evening concert featuring the U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band, Leah Glenn Dance Theatre, student readers of the Declaration of Independence, a breathtaking drone and fireworks show over the water.

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Fourth at the Fort is free and open to the public, but those interested in attending are encouraged to register. For more information, visit www.va250.org.

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The Fourth of July is all about celebrating freedom  and really, whats more fitting than free stuff?

Restaurants and businesses across the country are offering deals  both in-store and through delivery apps  to mark the celebration of Americas birthday.

From pizza and burritos to sweet treats, these Fourth of July specials can help you save a little cash while you celebrate.

Heres where to find them (and dont forget to check in with your local businesses and mom-and-pop shops  they might be offering deals of their own!).

Fourth of July food deals

Krispy Kreme: 'Stars, Stripes & Sweetness' doughnut collection, free doughnut for qualifying customers July 4

This Independence Day, Krispy Kreme is celebrating with a new collection of doughnuts deliciously named "Stars, Stripes & Sweetness." This patriotic assortment is available for a limited time only, available individually and by the dozen. Select retailers also have 6-pack boxes. The collection includes the following themed pastries:

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Freedom Ring Doughnut: an Original Glazed doughnut dipped in white icing, blue sprinkles and white stars, piped with red icing stripes

Vanilla Cookies & Kreme Liberty Crunch Doughnut: an unglazed shell doughnut filled with vanilla cookies & Kreme filling, dipped in white icing and topped with vanilla cookies, patriotic sprinkles and white icing drizzle

USA Party Doughnut: an Original Glazed doughnut piped with white buttercreme, sprinkled with USA party sprinkle blend, and topped with a USA sugar piece

Krispy Kreme celebrates Independence Day 2025 with a limited-time "Stars, Stripes & Sweetness" doughnut collection.

"Whether youre headed to parades, parties or pools for the holiday, our Stars, Stripes & Sweetness Collection is the perfect addition to sweeten your Fourth of July celebrations and make the day a blast," Krispy Kreme Chief Growth Officer Dave Skena said.

Customers who wear red, white and blue and visit participating Krispy Kreme locations on July 4 can also get a free Original Glazed doughnut, limited to one per customer.

Red Robin: 20% off to-go orders July 4-6

From July 4 through July 6, Red Robin is offering a 20% discount on orders of $30 or more with the promo code "20JULY."

Baskin-Robbins offers discount on chill treats

Baskin-Robbins rewards members can chill out on the holiday and get $2 off large frozen beverages and $5 off a Polar Pizza. This offer started on July 1 and ends on July 31.

7 Brew's Fill-a-Tray deal

The drive-thru coffee chain 7 Brew is offering what they are calling Fill-a-Tray on July 4 only. It allows customers to get four medium drinks for $16. They are also introducing a new 7 Energy Frozen Chiller called Firecracker.

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The drive-thru coffee chain 7 Brew is offering what they are calling Fill-a-Tray on July 4 only. It allows customers to get four medium drinks for $16. They are also introducing a new 7 Energy Frozen Chiller called Firecracker.

Free shakes at Sonic

Sonic customers can enjoy a free small shake with purchase on the Fourth of July. This is a part of the restaurant's Live Free Fridays, which launched on the first day of summer.

Dunkin' deal on donuts and Munchkins

From July 3 to July 5, Dunkin' Rewards Members can get 3x points on bulk Donuts and Munchkins buckets.

TGIFriday's celebrates holiday with sundae, deal on platters

TGIFriday's is celebrating the Fourth of July holiday with a new menu item. It's called a Celebratory Sundae. It's described as being "a festive, over-the-top dessert packed with brownie pieces, butter cake bites, vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, whipped cream, sprinkles...." It also has a sparkler on top instead of a cherry. The sweet treat will only be available dine-in only starting July 4.

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The restaurant chain is also offering craveable platters for 25% off online orders from July 4 to July 6 using the code 25OffFourth.

7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes offering deals

7-Eleven, Inc., which includes 7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes stores, has some offerings for customers. In addition to a limited edition Independence Day Donut, the chain will also have the following deals:

BOGO Burritos  From July 46, guests can buy one, get one free at Laredo Taco Company restaurants.

$17.76 Off 7NOW Delivery  On July 4 only, customers get $17.76 off any $30+ order using promo code USA2025 .

7-Eleven Gold Pass Perks  July 4 orders come with 10% cash back and free delivery for members.

Free food on Door Dash: Egg McMuffin, Boneless Wings, more

Starting on Thursday, July 3, DoorDash's Summer of DashPass will offer quite a few freebies to its customers.

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In the morning, McDonald's DoorDash customers can receive a free Egg McMuffin when their order is $20 or more. In the afternoon, they can choose to receive a free 10-piece McNugget meal or a Big Mac Meal with orders $20 or more.

Other restaurants offering freebies through DoorDash are the following:

Pizza Hut: Free 8pc Boneless Wings with orders $15 or more

Burger King: Buy one Whopper, get one free

El Pollo Loco: $10 off on orders $25 or more

Pepsi: Buy 2, save $5 on select Pepsi & more

The promotion will end on Wednesday, July 9.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: July Fourth deals 2025: Free doughnuts, burritos and more in Texas
Jul. 3Independence Day is here, meaning parades, hot dogs and, of course, fireworks are in your near future.

But be careful  pyrotechnics aren't to be messed with. If you're curious as to how and where you can celebrate with fireworks in the Inland Northwest, here are the rules and revelries for July Fourth that you need to know.

Firework safety

All individual consumer fireworks, including sparklers, are illegal in the cities of Spokane, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Millwood, Cheney and unincorporated areas in Spokane County.

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This ban has been in effect for 33 years, and the Spokane Fire Department has the data to back its impacts.

In the 10 years prior to the ban, they responded to an average of 104 fireworks-caused fires each year between June 28 and July 6. Since the ban was enacted, that number has dropped down to five. Fireworks-caused injuries also fell from an average of 29 to fewer than five.

The Inland Northwest's hot climate and dry vegetation make the fiery festivities of Independence Day a high risk for residents.

"Those grasses are really primed for fire to start and move quickly," Spokane Fire Department Community Risk Reduction Manager Jamie McIntyre said.

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Fire marshals from Spokane Valley, the City of Spokane, Spokane County, the City of Cheney, the City of Airway Heights and the city of Deer Park all have enacted a Fire Danger Burn Restriction since Monday.

The restriction lasts until the foreseeable future and prohibits all recreational fire and open burning. Portable outdoor devices such as fireplaces and barbecues are excluded from the ban and thus allowed, while approved fuels, like firewood, charcoal, natural gas and propane gas, in "appropriate devices" also are OK.

In Deer Park, Airway Heights and Medical Lake, individual fireworks are permitted under certain circumstances.

Deer Park codes permit the discharge of consumer fireworks only on July Fourth from noon to midnight, only on private land. Fireworks can be purchased within the city only from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday.

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Airway Heights limits the sales of fireworks from Wednesday at 8 a.m. to Friday at 8 p.m. Consumer fireworks can be used on private land only Friday from 8 a.m. to midnight.

Although Medical Lake installed a ban on fireworks last year as it was still recovering from the Gray fire, this year it's lifted. Fireworks are sold within the city from 9 a.m. Tuesday to 8 p.m. on Independence Day. Common fireworks can only be discharged in the city from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday.

Fireworks are on sale in Idaho from now until midnight Saturday.

In Idaho, "safe and sane" fireworks, meaning those that stay near the ground and don't travel outside of a 20-foot diameter, can be set off in areas away from vegetation and public property. Although you can purchase aerial fireworks in Idaho, it's illegal to shoot them off in the state.

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If you're looking to get rid of unwanted fireworks, the Spokane Fire Department can't accept them. Instead, bring fireworks to the Waste-to-Energy Plant, 2900 S. Geiger Blvd., for free disposal.

Until Sunday, you can report nuisance fireworks online at Spokane911.com or call it in to Crime Check at (509) 456-2233.

Spokane Regional Emergency Communications recommends calling 911 if you see smoke from fire at a location, fireworks being aimed or shot at people, people who need medical attention or people setting off fireworks in a dry field.

"Within the city of Spokane, if you light it, it's considered illegal," McIntyre said. "We are recommending that everybody stick with the professional displays that are available in our region at no cost."

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Firework celebrations

There are plenty of festivities to catch if you're looking for July Fourth fun in the Inland Northwest.

Riverfront Park is hosting its annual Fourth of July celebration starting at noon. The band Atari Ferrari plays at 6:30 p.m., and MasterClass Big Band plays at 8 p.m. The celebration culminates with a fireworks display at the Lilac Bowl at 10 .

The Spokane Indians' game against the Tri-City Dust Devils at Avista Stadium will finish with a fireworks display as well.

In Liberty Lake, the Fourth of July Concert with "No. 1 Americana Party band" Nu Jack City kicks off at 7 p.m. at Pavillion Park.

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For a more modern celebration, Northern Quest Resort & Casino in Airway Heights will be throwing a drone and fireworks show. Doors open at 4 p.m., and the show commences at 10 .

Coeur d'Alene is hosting its American Heroes Parade on July Fourth from 15th Street to Government Way at 10 a.m., followed by a festival in City Park that concludes with a fireworks show at dusk. This year's parade will honor the two battalion chiefs shot and killed in the line of duty in the city on Sunday, according to KXLY.

If you'd like to celebrate a completely different holiday, the City of Medical Lake is hosting a Christmas in July at the Market on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jefferson and Lake Streets, complete with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Bonny Matejowsky's work is funded in part by members of the Spokane community via the Community Journalism and Civic Engagement Fund. This story can be republished by other organizations for free under a Creative Commons license. For more information on this, please contact our newspaper's managing editor.


"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."



In an era of continued political unrest, where celebrities are increasingly choosing to sit comfortably in silence, Bad Bunny is putting his money where his mouth is.

Like it or not, everything is political. It's a sentiment Bad Bunny (nee Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio) knows all too well. So, at a time when celebrating July 4th comes with a flurry of mixed emotions, Benito is redirecting the spotlight toward honoring the Latine diaspora and the immigrants that exist both within and outside borders.

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In his new music video Nuevayol, released today, the Puerto Rican native uses the holiday to unabashedly criticize President Donald Trumpand he's making his disdain crystal clear.

Directed by Renell Medrano, the video (just like the DeBI TiRAR MaS FOToS track itself) is a joyful display of storytelling and a love letter to the lives and cultures of Latines living in New York City. One standout moment shows a Pro-Independence Puerto Rican flag planted on top of the Statue of Liberty. At the end, a black screen appears with the words: "Juntos Somos Mas Fuertes," which translates to Together we are stronger.

At one point, a voice eerily reminiscent of Trump crackles through a 1970s-style radio.

I made a mistake. I want to apologize to the immigrants in America. I mean the United States, it says. I know America is the whole continent. I want to say that this country is nothing without the immigrants. This country is nothing without Mexicans, Dominicans, Puerto Ricans, Colombians, Venezuelans, Cubans.

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Bunnys pointed message drops at a time when immigrants across the U.S. are being targeted and deported en masse by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In Los Angeles alone, thousands joined No Kings Day protests in response to ongoing ICE raid terrors.

It also follows Congress passing Trumps Big Beautiful Bill just a day prior, which supercharged ICEs powers with 10,000 new agents and 100,000 new detention beds.

Of course, this isn't the first time Bunny has taken a jab at this administration. In June, he called out ICE and shared a video of what appeared to be officers detaining a group of people in the streets.

And in an interview with Rolling Stone, Bunny shared his perspective on continuing to be outspoken through his music.

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People are used to artists getting big and mainstream and not expressing themselves about these things, or if they do, talking about it in a super careful way, he told the outlet. But Im going to talk, and whoever doesnt like it doesnt have to listen to me.

In Benitos world, patriotism means standing up, speaking out, and refusing to play nice.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Though temperatures are cooler than in recent years, fire officials are warning that the risk for fire is still high ahead of Independence Day.

Just this week, Portland Fire and Rescue responded to a blaze started with fireworks. They have also responded to multiple brush fires already this summer that were not fireworks-related, PF&R said. While the temperatures are not as warm this year, Rick Graves with PF&R said the threat of fire is still great.

Waterfront Blues Festival 2025: How to get there

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Regardless of our ambient temperature, weve got dry conditions, he said. We also have tall vegetation thats ready to go. So theres no need to have an additional strain and stress as a result of someone using personalized fireworks for their enjoyment.

If youre planning to grill outside, Graves said to be aware. Do not leave your barbecue close to a structure or under a tree, and never leave it unattended.

Lillian Hergenhan lives next to what was the Heidi Manor apartment complex. On the Fourth of July four years ago, a firework left in the trash sparked a blaze that killed three people and destroyed the building. She said every time she hears a firework, the memories rush back.

I was just walking in my neighborhood and I started to hear them, and I had like, I went into panic mode, because it was horrific to see this fire and then also hear fireworks still going on around, she said. And, you know, you also hear like, fire alarms going off. Its really scary.

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Graves said people need to consider these consequences, even if they live in a city where fireworks are legal.

It does not take much, he said. One tiny, little green, colorful spark going off the cone that smells like sulfur right into the dry grass. And next thing you know, the fields going, theyre just not safe, even if your community permits them. I dont really advocate for it.

This week, officials launched an online fireworks reporting line for anyone in the Multnomah County area. The hope is to avoid overloading 911 with calls. Since going live at 1:00 Tuesday morning, they have already gotten almost 500 reports.

Its allowing us to see hotspots, which weve seen, Graves said. Theres some concentrated spots that might allow us in the future to do a better job of either education or maybe having the ability to focus, enforcement in those hotspots areas.

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Graves said if youve bought fireworks and want to return them now, you can take them to any PF&R station where they will hold onto them and safely deal with them after the holiday.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Friday is the Fourth of July.

What will you celebrate?

Freedom from the English monarchy?

To me, the Fourth is about freedom, period.

When the Founders signed the Declaration of Independence, they put forth a radical idea: Rights don't come from kings or presidents. They come from being human.

Government's job is to protect those rights.

This idea, a limited government that protects individual rights, turned out to be America's secret sauce.

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It made us a freer and richer country than any other in history.

Although the Founders didn't get it all right.

We had slavery, Alien and Sedition Acts, the Indian Removal Act, Prohibition, the Patriot Act.

But the framework the Founders set contained tools to fix our wrongs. Americans can speak freely, protest, and change bad laws.

Today "democratic socialism" is popular with young people. They appear ready to make one of their own the next mayor of New York City.

Why? How can they be so ignorant?

Look around the world. Where would they prefer to live?

The Cato Institute's Human Freedom Index ranks countries by how well they respect individual freedom. Switzerland, New Zealand, and Denmark are ranked at the top. The U.S. ranks 17th. All the high-ranking countries are pretty good places to live. In those countries, people prosper.

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That means we know what works! Our founders found the formula. Predictable rule of law, plus individual freedom.

When government is limited, people are free to try better things.

The Wright brothers didn't invent a plane because Congress issued a grant. Elon Musk doesn't build reusable rockets because bureaucrats tell him to (in fact, they get in the way).

Most good things happen when government leaves people alone.

New York City's likely new mayor wants "city-owned grocery stores" that he claims "will reduce overhead and pass on savings to shoppers."

College-educated voters believe this stuff! Even though every time that's been tried, it failed. Government stores gave you long lines, low quality products, and shortages.

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By contrast, supermarkets run by greedy capitalists are often open 24/7. They are well lit, have wide aisles, and offer amazingly cheap prices. The quality of what they sell is mostly good.

That's the free market.

Democratic socialists also say government should give you free college, health care, debt forgiveness. Sounds great.

But "free" just means someone else must pay for it.

In addition, "free" means less freedom because politicians decide who gets what. The more government decides, the less you decide.

Whenever government grows, freedom shrinks.

It's one reason I'm upset that Trump's "Big, Beautiful Bill" is said to increase the federal deficit by about $3.3 trillion.

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That will allow government to get even bigger.

It's up to us to remind our kids and neighbors why this country works when others failed.

It's not the flag, the fireworks, or the politicians. It's not handouts from government.

It's the freedom to be left alone. To try things, and try again. It's the courage to say "no" when someone with a badge or a fancy hat tells you how to live.

What really sets America apart is what the Declaration of Independence says plainly: "All men are created equalendowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights."

"We the People" as is written in the Constitution set limits on government that no bureaucrat should be able to take away.

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Preserving liberty takes constant vigilance because there's always a smooth-talking politician promising us something for nothingif we just hand over a little more of our freedom.

This weekend, as you watch the rockets glare and bombs bursting in air, consider the fireworks a reminder that freedom isn't granted by government. It's something that must be protected from government.

That's what the Fourth of July means to me: the idea that we are free to shape our own lives.

When people have that freedom, amazing things happen.

Happy Independence Day.

COPYRIGHT 2025 BY JFS PRODUCTIONS INC.

The post The Fourth of July Is a Celebration of FreedomFrom Government appeared first on Reason.com.
Andrea Velez, a 32-year-old marketing designer, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on June 24 as she was going to work in downtown Los Angeles. On June 12, Brian Gavidia, 29, was working at a trailer yard in Montebello, California, when he was assaulted and restrained by ICE officers. Just over a week earlier, Elzon Lemus, a 23-year-old electrician, was stopped, pulled from his car, and handcuffed on his way to work in Nassau, New York. In addition to sharing the experience of being detained by immigration agents, the three have something in common that has raised the controversy over immigration raids to a new level: they are all U.S. citizens of Latino origin. ICE has no authority to detain them.

Now that ICE is having to meet higher quotas for arbitrary arrests than ever before, well see more and more cases like these, Nareen Shah, director of Government Affairs for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), told EL PAIS. The problem is that even when people claim to be U.S. citizens and can prove they are, weve still seen cases where theyre detained, Shah said.

Under the Fourth Amendment, Americans are protected from random searches unless law enforcement has probable cause to believe they are involved in criminal activity. In the case of ICE, they cannot legally detain a citizen because their powers are regulated by immigration law, according to federal legislation.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees ICE, has rejected the accusation that it is discriminating based on race or ethnicity in its operations. Any claim that law enforcement has targeted individuals based on their skin color is disgusting and categorically FALSE. These types of disgusting smears are designed to demonize and villainize our brave ICE law enforcement. This kind of garbage has led to a more than 400 percent increase in the assaults on ICE officers, it said in a statement.

Just minutes after Andrea Velezs mother dropped her daughter off at her workplace in Los Angeles, an ICE agent picked her up and forced her into a car. The scene was captured on video footage that has spread like wildfire on social media. Velez and her family believed it was a kidnapping. Three days later, when she was released, Velez explained her traumatic experience at a press conference. I was going to work and everything happened so fast. Its hard to process it in my mind. The agents didnt identify themselves, and I was scared, she said. While detained, I wondered why I was one of them. I didnt know what was going to happen to me, where I was going to end up, she said.

Bond of $5,000

Velez was released on $5,000 bond and faces charges of obstructing an ICE officer. According to her attorney, Dominique Boubion, who spoke on the Democracy Now website, Velez only tried to protect herself when she saw agents who were about to arrest some street vendors running toward her. Boubion highlighted one detail: they spoke to her in Spanish, although she demonstrated that her English was good.

DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement that DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has been clear: if you lay a hand on a law enforcement officer, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Im not sure theyll respect my rights. Its very unfair that we have to go through this because were Hispanic, complained Velezs sister, Estrella Rosas. The family is considering filing a lawsuit against the officers.

The fact that those detained were Latinos explains why this community is the one most concerned about deportations. Approximately half (47%) now express some or a lot of concern, compared to only 15% of whites, according to Pew Research data.

The law does not allow a persons race, ethnicity, or occupation to be used as the sole basis for believing they have violated federal immigration law. Objective evidence, such as a criminal record, must be provided, but in none of the recent cases did the detainees have a criminal history.

Because of the color of their skin, their accent, or their ethnicity, they become targets in what is reminiscent of what happened in the Third Reich, denounced Fred Brewington, Elzon Lemuss attorney, at a press conference in which his client denounced the treatment he received by ICE agents, despite having assured them he was a U.S. citizen. I am a victim because of my race and ethnicity. Just because of my skin color and because I am Hispanic, they made me feel like I was a criminal, Lemus said.

On June 3, at 7:00 a.m., he was riding in the passenger seat of his coworkers car on the way to work when ICE stopped them in Nassau County, New York. A video captured the agents hostile attitude as he demanded to see his identification. They pulled him out of the car, handcuffed him, and held him in a van for more than 20 minutes while they checked his identity.

People have constitutional rights. Just because ICE is trying to increase the number of arrests, they cant go after anyone who doesnt speak English, who appears to be a non-citizen, or who was born abroad, Shah explains. The ACLU just won a court victory in a 2018 case against a Florida sheriff who detained a U.S. citizen named Peter Sean Brown, a Black man, at the request of ICE. Browns repeated pleas that he was a U.S. citizen and could not be detained by immigration agents were ignored. Brown escaped deportation to Jamaica, a country to which he had no ties, because a friend produced a copy of his birth certificate.

At a time when we are witnessing a surge in arrests of citizens for illegal immigration by federal and local authorities, this decision is a key reminder that the Fourth Amendment protects us all, said Cody Wofsy, deputy director of the ACLUs Immigrants Rights Project.

Which hospital were you born in?

ICE agents also didnt believe Brian Gavidia when he repeatedly assured them he was a U.S. citizen. On June 12, while working at a trailer yard in Montebello, California, he saw ICE agents arriving. Im an American, man, he insisted to the agent who was pinning him against a fence. Incredulous, the agent asked him the name of the hospital where he was born, whose name Gavidia couldnt remember. The incident was also captured on video.

Were not safe, guys, were not safe in America today, Gavidia later stated.

Just this week, President Donald Trump made some controversial statements. We also have a lot of bad people that have been here for a long time [...] 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, the tycoon said in Florida.

Its truly heartbreaking that this person, the president of the United States who swore to protect the Constitution, would speak so brazenly about violating it, Shah laments.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
The 58th Annual Fourth of July Parade in Millcreek Township dazzled spectators with colorful floats and lively performances as it marched down 12th Street on Independence Day.

Over 60 local groups participated in the parade, showcasing uniquely crafted floats, performing tricks and distributing candy to the crowd. The event is a cherished tradition for many Erie residents, drawing hundreds of spectators to celebrate the holiday.

My favorite thing is about candy! exclaimed Millie Borst, a young spectator enjoying the festivities.

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Nicolina Cuzzola, a long-time attendee, shared, Its nice to celebrate all the people that gave up their lives and sacrifice for us, so its just a fun day to celebrate.

Lawrence Park holds Fourth of July parade

Cadet Pomorski from McDowell High Schools AFROTC expressed the honor of leading the parade, saying, Its a bigger deal to have all the entire lineup here, along with the chain of command element in the front.

The parade was led by McDowell High Schools Air Force JROTC, with cadets expressing pride in representing their school and the military. Cadet Zdunski noted the significance of showing off the military and representing the country as high school students.

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Erica Ruble, co-chair of the parade, emphasized the importance of the event, stating, Just being out here for our men and women who have served, that is, to me, something that we need to respect.

The parade, lasting three hours, required months of planning and numerous volunteer hours, highlighting the communitys dedication to honoring the nations independence.

No better place to go  Families enjoy Independence Day at Waldameer

Spectators of all ages gathered to enjoy the parade with family and friends, collecting candy and celebrating the community spirit. Emily Marz, another spectator, shared her excitement, saying, Were at the parade with my family and a couple of friends and were just getting candy and having fun.

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The Millcreek Township Fourth of July Parade continues to be a beloved tradition, bringing together the community to celebrate freedom and honor those who have served. As Erica Ruble reflected, the parade is a way to give back and show respect for the sacrifices made by service members.

All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by WJET/WFXP. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by WJET/WFXP staff before being published.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
Editor's note: Letters to the editor reflect the views of individual readers. Scroll to see how you can add your voice, whether you agree or disagree, or click on this link to fill out the form. We welcome diverse viewpoints.

Our founding fathers said "No Kings," too

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 the 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. They further asserted that Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.

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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.

Opinion: Trump and Tennessee congressional allies prefer political theater over results

Catherine Ferrell, Cookeville 38506

A veteran holds an upside down United States flag, a symbol of distress, during the No Kings protest on June 14, 2025, in Louisville, Kentucky.

Independence Day is a reminder that we've never had a king

Saturday, June 14, President Trump hosted a military parade in our nations capital. The parade provided a remarkable history of Americas army. The very first part of our history was the reenactment of George Washingtons army who fought and won battles to defeat the King of England and provided the basis for America to have a constitution that would forever eliminate the country having a king.

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Opinion: Tennessee history has a warning: Don't be fooled by performative politics

In over 2000 areas across America, No Kings protests were held. And guess what? Every American awoke on Sunday, June 15, to another day without a king.

Some 249 times, all Americans have been able to celebrate the fact that we dont have a king. No protesting, just celebrating. That day is July 4!

Herb Alsup, Woodbury 37190

Agree or disagree? Or have a view on another topic entirely? Send a letter of 250 words or fewer to letters@tennessean.com. Include your full name, city/town, ZIP and contact information for verification. Thanks for adding to the public conversation.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: July 4th reminds us that US has no place for a king | Letters
A Frederick Police Department officer charged with soliciting a minor was suspended with pay until charges were filed against him this week.

Police Chief Jason Lando said the department was required by law to pay suspended Cpl. James Dodson for months despite an ongoing investigation into him in Pennsylvania.

Lando said that within 24 hours of hearing from an FPD officer of a potential crime by Dodson in August 2024, FPD suspended Dodson and took away his badge, police-issued weapon and police-issued vehicle.

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The department also immediately notified Pennsylvania State Police that Dodson, a resident of Adams County, Pa., might have committed criminal acts.

Dodson was charged on Monday with two counts of solicitation related to a minor, one count of possession of child pornography and one count of criminal use of a communication facility, according to an FPD statement.

Dodsons attorney, David Erhard, had no comment on the case on Monday.

Dodson told Pennsylvania police that he visited a website where he viewed sexually explicit videos of children, court documents say.

Police found explicit images of children and conversations in which Dodson solicited photos and videos of child sexual abuse materials, including artificially generated material, court documents say.

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The criminal case is being handled by the Adams County District Attorney in Pennsylvania, since Dodson lives in the county.

The Frederick Police Department did not notify the public of allegations against Dodson until Monday, which Lando said the department was legally obligated to wait on.

Due process is a fundamental tenet of our criminal justice system, Lando said at a press conference Thursday outside the police headquarters at the Frederick County Courthouse. We are legally and ethically obligated to allow an investigation to take place before we publicly release certain information that includes the name of the accused and details of the investigation.

A department-issued phone was seized by Pennsylvania State Police searching Dodsons home during the investigation, and court documents indicate he used the phone for soliciting pornographic material of a minor.

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Since this happened, we have put additional restrictions on the phones, Lando said.

The charges against Dodson, an 18-year veteran of the police force, were a shock, Lando said.

This was not on any of our radars, he said.

Lando said Dodson had 18 years at the agency [and was] very involved in community outreach. Hes won several awards. This was a shock to all of us.

Dodson is also being investigated administratively, something FPD asked Montgomery County police to conduct.

Lt. Matthew Carrado of the police departments professional services division said the Pennsylvania State Police investigation is the only active one he knows of involving Dodson.

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This is the only criminal investigation that were aware of, said Carrado when asked if there were any other investigations into Dodson. We wont comment on any administrative investigations.

Carrado said the results of the Montgomery County police administrative investigations will be available by request under public information laws when the investigation concludes.

Lando condemned the Dodsons alleged actions.

Please know that this is not what the Frederick Police Department is about, he said. This is one individual who acted in a way that none of us, none of the people behind me, none of our officers, none of our professional staff, none of us condone.

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Pennsylvania court documents indicate that Dodson is being held in the Adams County Prison and is unable to post a $100,000 bond.

A preliminary court hearing regarding Dodsons charges in Pennsylvania is scheduled for Aug. 27.
By Gabriel Stargardter

CALAIS, France (Reuters) -Early one morning this week, a dinghy motored along a vast beach in northern France, stopping every few hundred metres to pick up migrants bound for Britain. Four French police gave chase, but failed to reach the migrants before they reached water's edge.

Soon, with 70-odd people onboard, the dinghy began chugging across the sea, adding to a record-breaking number of migrants crossing the Channel this year. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's right-wing opponents have seized on the data, reminding him he had pledged to "smash" the trafficking gangs.

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France and Britain hope to unveil measures at their summit next week that will reportedly allow French police to intercept such 'taxi boats' - a new phenomenon - up to 300 metres (yards) from shore rather than only if lives are at risk as now.

Police, activists and migrants interviewed by Reuters were sceptical such a plan would work.

"I just don't see how this could ever be implemented," said Julien Soir, a police union representative in the northern city of Lille. "Getting it up and running is simply impossible."

He said police were already stretched covering 180 km (112 miles) of coastline and lack the equipment and training needed for seaborne operations. Police also fear drowning if they fall in the water with heavy equipment, or personal legal liability if migrants die or are injured during an intervention.

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Angele Vettorello, a coordinator at the Utopia 56 charity in Calais, said numbers were rising despite more French police patrolling beaches, including with British-sponsored drones.

She said the proposed measures would only make a dangerous crossing - last year 73 migrants died navigating what is one of the world's busiest shipping lanes - more perilous.

If implemented, it would "lead to even more deaths ... more distress," she said.

Asked if France would go ahead with the plan, an aide to President Emmanuel Macron told reporters announcements would be saved for the summit on Thursday, adding that both countries were working to intensify efforts to prevent crossings and break the traffickers' lucrative economic model.

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RIGHT-WING RISE

The influx of migrants has helped Nigel Farage's Reform UK overtake Starmer's Labour Party in polls. Farage, a right-wing populist and longtime immigration hard-liner, has proposed using the Navy to intercept migrant vessels and take them back to France. Lawyers say this could only be done if France agreed.

Nearly 20,000 asylum seekers have arrived in Britain via small boats so far this year, a 50% increase compared to the same period in 2024. French and British authorities blame the spike on unusually good weather.

Peter Walsh, from Oxford University's Migration Observatory, said maritime interception may stop more migrants but would not affect long-term trends behind the migrant surge, including multiple conflicts and the allure of English-speaking Britain.

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Britain also wants to negotiate a returns agreement with France, which it had before it left the European Union.

At a filthy migrant camp near Dunkirk, Reuters spoke with several migrants who were unaware of the new proposal. They said it wouldn't stop them from trying to cross.

Israrullah Lodin, 26, left Afghanistan in 2021 after his family's work with the U.S. army irked the Taliban. He had failed to cross three times; twice he was stopped by police and once his boat had problems. Lodin dreamed of working in a UK fulfilment warehouse. Nothing would stop him from getting there.

"We are not afraid to die," he said. "I have to reach my destination."

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Nisarahmad Afghan, 23, had been a migrant almost all his adult life, having left his home region of Nangarhar four years ago. He had made two failed attempts to cross, both foiled by police.

"Until I succeed, I will keep trying," he said. "I've passed through many dangerous roads. I will pass this one too."

(Additional reporting by Mohammad Yunus Yawar in Kabul; Marco Trujillo, Manuel Ausloos, Abdul Saboor, Gonzalo Fuentes in Calais; Michael Holden in London; editing by Richard Lough and Philippa Fletcher)
France handed fast-fashion giant Shein a 40 million fine on Thursday, following a year-long investigation that found the online retailer guilty of "deceptive commercial practices".

France's Directorate for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Prevention (DGCCRF)  the regulator in charge of French consumer law  revealed that Shein had misled its customers on price reductions, as well as on the scope of its "commitments concerning environmental claims".

In its statement, the DGCCRF confirmed that Shein  a China-based company owned by Infinite Styles Ecommerce Limited (IELS)  had accepted the fine.

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The blow comes two months after the European Commission found Shein guilty of engaging in illegal commercial practices under EU law in May, following a coordinated investigation with national consumer protection authorities.

Through analysing products listed as on sale on Shein's French website from October 2022 to August 2023, investigators found that 57% of products had no price reduction, 19% had a slight discount, while 11% of products actually had a price increase.

"These practices, with their profusion of crossed-out prices and permanent promotions, give consumers the impression that they are getting a very good deal", stated the Directorate for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Prevention.

Under French regulation, the reference price for discounted goods is a product's lowest price during the 30 days which precede the start of a sale.

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On top of misleading customers, the French anti-fraud and competition agency found that Shein was "unable to justify the environmental claims made on its website", describing itself as a "responsible company" which limits its environmental impact by "reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25%."

French authorities determined that these statements contradict the firm's business model, which is "based on an abundant supply of textiles at low prices."

In 2020, fast fashion was estimated to account for 8-10% of global CO2 emissions.

Although Shein may have been hit with a heavy fine, in recent years the company has become somewhat accustomed to public scrutiny.

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In January, British politicians were outraged when the online retailer refused to provide assurances that its products did not include cotton produced in the Xinjiang region of China, which has been linked to forced Uyghur labour.

Meanwhile, an investigation published in 2024 by Swiss advocacy group Public Eye found that some workers at Shein factories were still working 75-hour weeks, despite the company's promises to improve conditions for employees.
A fraudster who unlawfully sold property and land in Madeira and concealed it from his wife during divorce proceedings has been jailed for four and a half years.

Anthony Beecroft sold the property, which was held under a holding company that he and his then wife Kate Costain were directors of, without the former MHK's knowledge.

Douglas Courthouse heard Beecroft had proceeded with the sale in February 2021, after divorce proceedings had begun, despite not having the authority to do so and the company having been struck off in 2019.

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The 82-year-old had then lied about it in a subsequent affidavit and civil court proceedings.

The court heard that the couple had married in 2005 and founded the company four years later to hold land and a rural property in Madeira.

But things had "started to fall apart" in 2019 when they separated, the court was told.

One month after his estranged wife's lawyers sent a letter about finances during the divorce, Beecroft sold the land for 275,000 (237,000) and the property for a further 15,000 (12,900).

The court was told Beecroft did not tell his then wife about the sale and "spent a significant amount of the proceeds".

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In an affidavit 10 months later in December 2021, he said he still had 300,000 (259,000) worth of land and property in Madeira, despite having already sold them, the court heard.

In January the following year, he made a payment to his wife's advocates of 42,625, which represented the remainder of the proceeds of the sale that he had not spent.

However, under oath in March 2023 during divorce proceedings, he told a deemster that his affidavit from 2021 was correct. He later admitted he had lied.

Beecroft pleaded guilty to fraud and two counts of perjury.

In a victim impact statement, his ex-wife told the court "realising the man I married could lie, deceive and commit such criminal acts" had affected her confidence and health.

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Jailing him, Deemster Graeme Cook said the case had an "appalling history".

He said Beecroft "had tried to cover his tracks" by suggesting there was a power of attorney signed by his then wife, but the document "did not provide whoever it was given to with the authority to sell the land".

"You have nothing but my distain for your behaviour," he added.

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FREDONIA, Arizona (ABC4)  Colorado City EMS services will be dispatched to Fredonia emergency calls, while Coconino County health and public safety officials determine long-term solutions.

After Arizona cut ties with the Kane County Hospital, citing certification issues, the mayor of Fredonia has signed a Declaration of Local Emergency, raising concerns about the lack of emergency services available to the town.

For 40 years, emergency medical services (EMS) have been provided to the Town of Fredonia by the Kane County Hospital on the other side of the Utah and Arizona border. On July 1, 2025, the hospital was asked to end all EMS to Arizona.

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On July 4th, the county announced that Colorado City EMS can dispatch their ground ambulances to Fredonia in emergencies. Kane County EMS can also continue to provide emergency services when requested by law enforcement, such as with major traffic accidents.

Currently, the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and Coconino County officials are working together to determine both immediate and long-term solutions.

We are committed to supporting efforts at the state level to license robust ground ambulance services and ensure uninterrupted access to emergency care, says Supervisor Patrice Horstman with Coconino County.

READ MORE: Arizona cuts ties with Kane County ambulance services leaving large part of Northern Arizona without coverage

Why a state of emergency was declared

Without access to EMS from Kane County, all other Emergency Medical Services originating within the State of Arizona (both ground and air) are all equal to or more than a 45 minutes response time away, the declaration reads.

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The declaration describes the situation in which the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) halted ambulance services from Kane County Hospital. In a statement to ABC4 yesterday, ADHS said the following about the issue around certification.

The Department has been working with Kane County Hospital regarding a Certificate of Need (CON) application submitted to allow them to legally operate an ambulance service within Arizona. All ground ambulances operating in the State of Arizona are required to be registered with the ADHS, the statement read in part.

According to the declaration and Kurt Loveless, the Kane County Hospital CEO, the hospital has been applying for documentation repeatedly since 2022. The declaration claims that these applications have been summarily and baselessly denied by the ADHS.

The declaration also claims that no notice was provided by AHDS to the Town of Fredonia. It also states the decision to do this shortly before the Fourth of July has left them without lifesaving ambulance services at a time which historically locally and state-wide, sees an increased number of accidents and injuries.

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These actions taken by the Arizona DHS have now immediately imperiled the lives, health and safety of the citizens of the Town of Fredonia and  constitutes a current emergency and creates imminent life-threatening health and safety calamities, the declaration reads.

What actions Fredonia will take

As part of declaring a state of emergency, the Town of Fredonia is now enacting measures to fill the void in emergency medical services. The declaration states that the town will continue calling on agencies regardless of state of origin in order to ensure EMS services are provided to citizens.

The Town of Fredonia will utilize existing MOUs and mutual aid agreements, as well as seek and obtain as necessary mutual aid for emergency medical services from any and all resources for assistance regardless of state of origin, including but not limited to from the City of Kanab, Kane County and the Kane County Hospital, the declaration reads.

According to the declaration, these measures will go into effect immediately, meaning that the Town of Fredonia will allow itself to call on services from Kane County under the state of emergency.

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In Arizona State Code 26-311, it reads that mayors may call a state of emergency, under which they shall have the authority to impose all necessary regulations to preserve the peace and order of the city, town, or unincorporated areas of the county.

In a statement to ABC4 yesterday, ADHS said that Kane County Hospital would be able to return to providing services once they address the items within their initial application that remained deficient through the application process.

The declaration of emergency appears to have circumvented this requirement for now, temporarily allowing EMS services from Utah to assist the Town of Fredonia.

ABC4 has contacted ADHS for an updated statement following this declaration.

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(NewsNation)  As President Donald Trump celebrates the Fourth of July with plans to sign his big, beautiful bill into law, more than 150 Free America protests are scheduled nationwide.

The demonstrations are aimed at Trump and his policies  including massive deportation sweeps, ICE raids, sweeping tariffs and, most recently, the deep cuts in social services and health care in his recently-passed megabill.

Protests fight against decimation of our rights: Organizer

Womens March, the organizer behind this movement, has called on people everywhere to join or host events against Trumps policies.

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The group had organized the Womens March on Washington in 2017, the day after Trumps first inauguration. This years events will range from low-key pot lucks to rallies in large cities.

How Trumps megabill will impact health care

Tamika Middleton, the chief political and strategy officer for Womens March, told NewsNation the current administration is running rough shot over entire swaths of our community.

We are really in the act and in the business of standing together and fighting against what we see as a complete decimation of our rights and our freedoms in this country, Middleton said.

Fourth of July celebrations canceled in California

Several communities in the Los Angeles area have canceled Independence Day festivities due to safety concerns over Trump administrations immigration crackdown.

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The Los Angeles neighborhood of El Sereno cancelled its parade after 90% of participants dropped out, the Associated Press reported.

Johnson takes victory lap as House gives megabill final passage

Organizer Genny Guerrero said the majority Latino community is very patriotic. But many people are avoiding events out of fear of immigration agents.

The fact that theyre taking anyone that is brown, regardless of citizenship, that puts everyone in jeopardy, Guerrero said.

More nationwide protests scheduled for July 17

The Independence Day demonstrations are far from the first against Trump and his administrations actions.

On Flag Day, also Trumps birthday, millions of people took to the streets for a day of defiance as part of No Kings protests.

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Another day of nationwide protests is planned for July 17, when Good Trouble Lives On demonstrations are planned.

Organizers said those events are meant to honor the late Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., and respond to attacks posed on our civil and human rights by the Trump administration.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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(WHTM) The latest round of anti-Trump protests is coming to hundreds of locations across the nation on the Fourth of July weekend.

According to the Womens March, the demonstrations happening around the country are part of an ongoing effort to free America from the grip of greedy billionaires who rig the system for themselves.

Your freedom. Your people. Your rebellion, the website said.

The Womens March website encouraged communities to create their own Free America events, with hundreds now scheduled around the nation this weekend. The website added that these events are intended to be peaceful.

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Occupy space joyfullywith dancing, costumes, music, food, and conversation, the website says.

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There is currently a plethora of Free America events scheduled for the Fourth of July weekend in Pennsylvania, but none in the Midstate. One event, in the Indiana County area, dubbed itself the No Kings 2.0 July 4th Rally.

The No Kings Protests were a series of nationwide rallies protesting the Trump Administration on June 14, the same day as the Armys 250th anniversary celebration and President Trumps 79th birthday.

While there appears to be less steam and media attention in Pennsylvania for the latest round of anti-Trump protests, events are still happening in prominent locations.

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Axios reported that local groups in Florida are organizing protests outside of President Trumps Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida, featuring a Trump baby balloon.

A third round of nationwide protests dubbed the Good Trouble Lives On rallies are set to occur on July 17 across the nation, in honor of civil rights leader Congressman John Lewis.

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An air traffic controllers' strike in France is affecting more than 500,000 travellers at the start of the summer holidays, Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot said on Friday.

Of the 1,000 air traffic controllers scheduled to be on duty, 272 took part in the strike, the minister told broadcaster CNews.

"It must be understood that yesterday and today, 272 people in our country will affect the well-being of more than 500,000 people, said Tabarot. "That is unacceptable."

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In addition to flights to and from France, connections that only fly over France are also affected.

The European lobby organization Airlines for Europe (A4E) condemned the strike.

"This strike is unacceptable," said A4E Executive Director Ourania Georgoutsakou. "French air traffic control already has one of the worst delay records in Europe, and now the strike by a minority of French air traffic controllers will unnecessarily disrupt the holiday plans of thousands of people in France and across Europe."

France's National Aviation Federation (FNAM) criticized the cancellation of thousands of flights, which will cost airlines tens of millions of euros in losses, and called the strike unnecessary.

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A costly three-year agreement was reached only one year ago, and the main demand of the striking air traffic controllers is to block measures that have been decided upon to increase flight safety.

These measures involve attendance checks for air traffic controllers in control towers.

According to the aviation association, French air traffic control has accumulated the most strike days in the last 20 years at over 300, far ahead of Greece (50 days) and Italy (40 days).

French air traffic control is responsible for a third of delays in European airspace.
PARIS (Reuters) -A strike by French air traffic controllers entered its second day on Friday, leaving many passengers stranded at the start of Europe's peak travel season.

Civil aviation agency DGAC told airlines to cancel 40% of flights at the three main Paris airports on Friday because of the strike, which the air traffic controllers say is over staff shortages and ageing equipment.

Up to half of flights at France's other airports, mostly in the south, were also affected, DGAC added.

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"We are hostages of Paris," said Mariano Mignola, an Italian tourist stranded in the French capital's Orly airport with two young children.

"Today we had to go home and the first available flight is July 8. We have no flat, we can't find a hotel, we can't find a car, we can't find a train, we can't find anything," he said. "We are in a panic, the children are scared and we don't know what to do."

French transport minister Philippe Tabarot called the strike unacceptable as did Ryanair boss Michael OLeary, who branded it "another recreational strike by French air traffic controllers' unions".

On top of the cancellations, DGAC warned that passengers could be affected by delays and significant disruption.

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The Airlines for Europe (A4E) lobby group said late on Thursday that 1,500 flights had been cancelled over the two-day strike, affecting 300,000 passengers and causing cascading delays.

(Reporting by Makini Brice, Conor Humphries, Inti Landauro, Lucien Libert. Writing by Makini Brice and Ingrid Melander. Editing by David Goodman and Mark Potter)
Dodging fire-ants, snakes and millions of nighttime creepy-crawlies, a group of trekkers advances through the humid Bornean rainforest, scanning with torches for some of the jungle's most unlikely stars: frogs.

"There's another one! And it's massive," British tourist Lauren Heywood exclaimed as she spotted the telltale reflective glint off a pair of blinking eyes, seemingly waiting to be photographed by admirers.

"Frogging", or the hunt for the exotic amphibians that call the rainforest home, is taking off in Malaysia's Sarawak state in Borneo.

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And herpetologists say few places rival Kubah National Park, around half an hour's drive from state capital Kuching.

It is home to some of the world's smallest and most unusual frog species.

While many visitors flock to Borneo's jungle to see charismatic large species like orangutans or elephants, some of its tiniest residents are increasingly getting their turn in the spotlight, according to Kubah park ranger Muhammed Tajuddin.

"More and more people are coming to see our frogs," he told AFP.

- Frog central -

The tour begins at dusk, with Indigenous Dayak guide Dominic Jikie leading a 45-minute hike up Mount Serapi, the highest peak in the area, to frog central.

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Here, surrounded by ancient jungle trees is a shallow pond around the size of two swimming pools.

Scientists say it serves as the primary breeding ground for many of the 180 frog and toad species found on Borneo -- the world's third-largest island, divided between Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei.

Dozens of species dot almost every surface, submerged in the torchlit water, or perched on leaves, branches or tree trunks, placid and unbothered by their human fans.

"There is something special here," said Jikie, 64, a retired park ranger who now specialises as a frogging guide.

"People come to the park because they don't have the species that we have here back at home."

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Among the stars of the show on this visit are pinkish harlequin flying frogs with mottled underbellies, file-eared tree frogs with distinctive sharp noses and white-lipped frogs whose lurid green backs give way to a stripe of white along their bottom jaw.

One of Borneo's most famous species, the giant river toad nicknamed "frogzilla" for its dinner-plate size, is not seen in Kubah.

But there are other more delicate types, according to Jikie.

"We have one of the world's smallest frog species, that breed inside pitcher plants," he said, training his sharp spotlight on a pair of amphibian eyes just up the steep mountain road.

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The Matang narrow-mouthed frog was officially described by Malaysian and German herpetologists in 2010 after its discovery in Kubah.

It grows to a maximum of just 11 millimetres (less than half an inch) as an adult.

British tourist Thom Harris and his fellow visitors spotted 11 species on their nighttime trek.

"This was an amazing experience," he told AFP. "They are just stunning creatures."

"There are a few fire ants and a few other things to be careful of -- and a lot of bugs," he laughed.

"But it's definitely worth it. And it's a lot of fun!"

- 'I love nature' -

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The rising popularity of the forest frogs is a chance for environmentalists to highlight the serious threats they face.

Deforestation, climate change and overhunting are all putting pressure on the tropical island's frog population, scientists say.

"Even slight changes in the temperature and climate may affect the survival of the frog species in a particular habitat," University of Malaysia, Sarawak researchers Nur Hidayah Zulkefli and Ramlah Zainudin wrote in 2022.

Deforestation in Sarawak remains significant and ongoing, statistics by environmental group Global Forest Watch showed, including for timber and to make way for palm oil plantations.

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Sarawak's government said it backed community conservation movements to preserve the amphibians and it ran well-protected game and nature reserves like Kubah National Park.

Awareness events include the annual International Bornean Frog Race, which sees scientists and the public compete to spot and photograph as many frog species as possible within a set timeframe and area.

For park ranger Tajuddin, the more people are able to engage with the unique creatures, the more they will understand the need to protect them and their habitats.

"I love nature," he said. "Frogging is a unique way for me to share that love with all our visitors."

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Massachusetts police departments are asking residents to not call 911 to report illegal fireworks on the Fourth of July. But there are numbers you can call to report the illegal activity.

Fireworks in Massachusetts are illegal without licensing and certification. State law mandates that police seize any illegal fireworks they find  even those that were purchased lawfully in another state and then taken to Massachusetts. People who use or possess fireworks illegally can be fined, while those who sell illegal fireworks can be sentenced to jail.

Illegal fireworks have caused more than 200 serious injuries, over 500 fires and explosions and nearly $1 million in damages in Massachusetts alone over the past five years, the fire marshals office said in a press release.

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The Boston Police Department established a dedicated non-emergency phone line to report fireworks-related concerns from July 3 through July 6.

To report fireworks activity, residents can call (617) 343-9800.

In Worcester, the Worcester 311 app offers a quick and easy way to submit non-emergency requests for assistance with issues you see around the City.

Other cities and towns are asking residents to call the non-emergency line for their local police departments.

In Chicopee, police are asking residents to call 413-594-1700 unless it is a true emergency, such as a fire.

911 is for emergencies, calling the non-emergency number will ensure that our 911 lines stay available for emergency calls, the police department wrote on Facebook.

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The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services maintains a continuously updated list of permitted fireworks displays throughout the summer, the fire marshals office said. To view the list and learn more about the dangers of illegal fireworks, visit the Fire Services Departments website.

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Read the original article on MassLive.
Two days after Christopher Holloway was fatally shot on the Boise Bench, a man wanted on a California warrant was arrested and considered a suspect.

On Thursday, that man was served with an arrest warrant on a murder charge, according to a news release from the Boise Police Department.

Christopher Holloway, 23, was killed late Sunday night, his body found in a parking lot on N. Dalton Lane. An ongoing investigation identified James Martinez, 43, of Nampa, as a suspect, and Martinez is now in the Canyon County jail, accused of shooting Holloway.

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Boise police, in collaboration with the Nampa Police Department, discovered that Martinez had a warrant related to a parole violation in California, which allowed them to arrest him Tuesday while they continued the murder investigation, the release said.

Two other people face charges related to allegedly assisting Martinez. A 40-year-old woman, who is said to be in a relationship with Martinez, was arrested on suspicion of criminal solicitation to commit a crime. A 63-year-old woman will face a charge of harboring a felon, the release said, noting that she is related to the suspect.

Both crimes are felonies.

Police said in the release that the 40-year-old woman and Holloway were acquaintances who had some sort of a dispute prior to the shooting.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  A fundraiser honoring fallen Albuquerque Police Department K-9 Officer Rebel has reached $20,000, organizers announced Friday.

Rebel was hit by friendly fire on May 29 while officers were trying to arrest 39-year-old Jorge Dominguez, who had fled from a SWAT standoff earlier in the week.

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To honor Rebel, the Sandia Peak Tramway agreed to donate $1 from every ticket purchased to APDs K-9 Unit. Over the course of the two-week campaign, the tram raised more than $15,000 thanks to Tram guests and donors from across seven states. The Sandia Peak Tram Company made an additional donation, bringing the total gift to $20,000.

We are incredibly grateful to the Sandia Peak Tramway and everyone who supported the Rides for Rebel campaign. K-9 Rebel was a beloved member of our department, and this outpouring of support means a great deal to our officers and the entire APD family. The funds raised will help us continue Rebels legacy by strengthening our K-9 unit and ensuring our dogs have the resources they need to serve and protect our community. On behalf of the Albuquerque Police Department, thank you for honoring Rebel in such a meaningful way, Chief Harold Medina said in a news release.

The city said the funds will go toward a new training facility near Daniel Webster Park. The facility will be named after K-9 Rebel.

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The quintessential ice cream flavour is under threat, and many other dessert staples along with it, according to climate change researchers at the University of Costa Rica and Belgium's KU Leuven university.

Increasing climate extremes are changing the habitats of wild vanilla species  primarily found in the tropical regions of Central America  and their mainly animal pollinators, the researchers say. This, in turn, is putting global production of vanilla at risk.

In some regions, the plants may find more favourable conditions, but the insects that pollinate them may no longer find suitable habitats, according to the study published in the journal Frontiers in Plant Science in July.

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These changes could lead to a reduced overlap between the habitats of pollinators and plants, resulting in less pollination.

"Conserving the natural populations of wild vanilla species, and the huge genetic diversity they hold, is crucial to ensure the future of vanilla, a key tropical crop for the global food industry," says KU Leuven's Professor Bart Muys, a senior author of the study.

The researchers used modelling to analyse the distribution areas of 11 neotropical vanilla species and seven observed bee species under two climate scenarios up to 2050: one moderate scenario with climate protection measures, and another with more conflicts and less global climate protection.

While some species could expand their potential habitats due to global warming, others face a decline of more than half. For all bee genera, the models predict a reduction in suitable habitats, with particularly severe consequences under the less climate-protective scenario.

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Vanilla inodora, for example, grows only in cloud forests and low-lying regions with heavy rainfall, while other species thrive only in hot regions with long dry periods and could therefore benefit.

A decoupling of plants from their pollinators could threaten the survival of wild vanilla species, lead author Charlotte Watteyn warns.

A particularly problematic factor is that the species are often dependent on only a few or even individual pollinators, leaving little scope for alternative relationships. For species reliant on a single bee genus, the overlap of habitats could shrink by as much as 60 to 90%.

Wild vanilla plants are also important for agriculture. Commercially used vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) has low genetic diversity, making it particularly vulnerable to diseases, drought and heat  factors that already make it a victim of global warming.

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For vanilla ice cream, pudding and other desserts, global warming could have a similar impact as it already does on many other foods. Poor harvests of coffee, chocolate and olive oil, for example, have repeatedly caused shortages and higher prices.

The authors noted a limitation of their study: comprehensive information on pollination mechanisms was not available for all the species examined.

The team called for increased international collaboration and further research, aiming to enhance the resilience of vanilla cultivation and thus secure the livelihoods of many small-scale farmers in tropical regions.
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  Citizens across the City of Abilene celebrated the July 4th holiday with longstanding traditions such as neighborhood parades and annual gatherings.

Residents in the River Oaks neighborhood held their 17th annual parade  a tradition that began with one woman who carried her baby, now 17, around the block.

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The celebration has grown into a much-anticipated event. This years festivities included fire trucks and a live performance from the Hardin-Simmons University Cowboy Band.

Across town, the Hillcrest Neighborhood near Abilene Christian University held their annual parade, which has been going strong for 29 years.

Fire trucks, classic cars, bikes and lawn mowers rounded the block in this years parade, which ended with an ice-cream social

Finally, the VFW Post 6873 hosted veterans for a traditional gathering of fellowship and remembrance. Mayor Weldon Hurt sent a proclamation that was read aloud in honor of everyone who made American values like like, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness possible.

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Afterward, attendees took a picture then enjoyed food and bingo!

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SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  A Chatham County Commissioner is calling out leadership for what he describes as a persistent gang violence problem in the wake of a shooting at the Oglethorpe Mall.

Until we actually lay it out there on the line and name the problem, we will never solve the problem, District 7 Chatham County Commissioner Dean Kicklighter, said.

The Savannah Police Department is still investigating, and no one has been officially charged.

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SPD announced an intent to charge two juveniles in connection to the case on Thursday.

We have a gang problem here in Savannah, Georgia whether yesterdays horrendous incident qualifies technically as gang violence or not, Kicklighter said.

There was no time to think: Good Samaritan from mall shooting says

Wednesday night, Savannah Police Chief Lenny Gunther aimed to reassure citizens.

I want to make it very clear this was not an active shooter. The information we have right now is two groups that appear to be known to each other, and at that time, they started shooting at each other, he said.

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Although, many who were inside the mall at the time of shooting still said they were shaken up the next day.

It was a scary incident. I just think that with that being said, youre a little bit traumatized afterwards. Once the adrenaline runs down, its like a replay of that, Alaysia Stokes, who was working inside the mall at the time of shooting said. Youre thinking about doing your job, but at like what cost? At what point will this be another incident? Your kind of like does anyone else feel like they were protected?

Local, state officials react to Oglethorpe Mall

By Thursday afternoon, Kicklighter had penned a social media post that now has hundreds of comments, likes, and shares.

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Call it what it is. Two groups of people shooting at each other, most definitions would qualify as gangs, he said. After listening and watching for years now, blame maybe being possibly shifted in the wrong directions. I felt that I had to use my platform that was given to me by the people when they voted me in to point out what I believe is the problem we have here.



In response, Savannah Mayor Van Johnson said in a statement, We dont deal with hearsay from anyone not directly involved in the investigation. Therefore, we will do the responsible thing and wait until the facts are known and call it what it is.

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  A Garretson man is behind bars, accused of sex crimes.

29-year-old Andrew Ferguson is charged with multiple counts of rape and aggravated incest.

Why a dental clinic is promoting eye safety

Court documents say the crimes happened between July and August of last year.

His bond is set at $100,000 cash only.

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A Gaza aid group says that reports from the Associated Press claiming U.S. contractors fired on Palestinians that were seeking aid are false.

"GHF launched an immediate investigation when the Associated Press first brought these allegations to our attention," the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation said in a Thursday X post.

"Based on time-stamped video footage and sworn witness statements, we have concluded that the claims in the APs story are categorically false," the foundation said, and noted that they were responding to videos in the AP report.

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Hamas Working To 'Sabotage' Trump-backed Aid Group With 'Fake News': Israeli Official

A story published Wednesday by the AP reported that "American contractors guarding aid distribution sites in Gaza are using live ammunition and stun grenades as hungry Palestinians scramble for food."

The story says that two U.S. contractors who spoke to the AP anonymously said that their counterparts often hurled stun grenades and pepper spray toward Palestinians trying to get aid.

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"They said their colleagues regularly lobbed stun grenades and pepper spray in the direction of the Palestinians," the story reads. "One contractor said bullets were fired in all directions  in the air, into the ground and at times toward the Palestinians, recalling at least one instance where he thought someone had been hit."

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The AP story included videos they say were given by one of the contractors that "show hundreds of Palestinians crowded between metal gates, jostling for aid amid the sound of bullets, stun grenades and the sting of pepper spray. Other videos include conversations between English-speaking men discussing how to disperse crowds and encouraging each other after bursts of gunfire."

Tensions Rise As Israel Strongly Denies Firing On Palestinians At Gaza Humanitarian Site

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation posted a lengthy statement on Thursday addressing the APs reporting.

"GHF launched an immediate investigation when the Associated Press first brought these allegations to our attention," read the statement posted to X. "Based on time-stamped video footage and sworn witness statements, we have concluded that the claims in the APs story are categorically false. At no point were civilians under fire at a GHF distribution site. The gunfire heard in the video was confirmed to have originated from the IDF, who was outside the immediate vicinity of the GHF distribution site. It was not directed at individuals, and no one was shot or injured."

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The statement also alleges that the main source for the APs story was a former employee "who was terminated for misconduct weeks before this article was published."

"That fact, combined with the APs refusal to engage in good faith prior to publication, undermines the credibility of their reporting," the statement reads. "Their coverage of our aid operations has increasingly echoed narratives advanced by the Hamas-controlled Gaza Ministry of Health."

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation said that it will be pursuing legal action.

Displaced Palestinians wait to receive a free meal from a charity food distribution center in Gaza City, northern Gaza, on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

Israel has agreed to President Donald Trump's request for a 60-day ceasefire. Trump has said he hopes to work with the Qataris and Egyptians to deliver a deal for Hamas and bring peace to the Middle East.

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Fox News Digital reached out to the Associated Press for comment and an AP spokesperson said the outlet stands by the story.

The IDF was also reached out for comment but didn't immediately respond.





Original article source: Gaza aid group says AP report of US contractors firing on aid-seeking Palestinians is 'categorically false'
Eshetu Tadele, chief executive officer of Tirunesh-Beijing Hospital, speaks at the handover ceremony at the Tirunesh-Beijing Hospital, on the outskirts of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on July 2, 2025. The 25th batch of the Chinese medical team in Ethiopia has donated much-needed medical supplies to the Tirunesh-Beijing Hospital, also known as the Ethio-China Friendship Hospital, located on the outskirts of Addis Ababa. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)

ADDIS ABABA, July 3 (Xinhua) -- The 25th batch of the Chinese medical team in Ethiopia has donated much-needed medical supplies to the Tirunesh-Beijing Hospital, also known as the Ethio-China Friendship Hospital, located on the outskirts of Addis Ababa, the East African country's capital.

Addressing the handover ceremony on Wednesday evening, Eshetu Tadele, chief executive officer of Tirunesh-Beijing Hospital, hailed the successive Chinese medical teams for their "life-saving contributions" to the people of Ethiopia and for imparting medical knowledge and skills to their Ethiopian counterparts in the process.

He said Chinese medical teams based at the hospital have demonstrated that "the health system has no boundary. That is why you showed your heart and your kindness in helping Ethiopia."

Highlighting that the latest donation of medical supplies marks the third such contribution to the hospital within a year, Tadele said a recent similar donation, coupled with a successful skills transfer initiative, has enabled the establishment of a fully-equipped eye treatment unit at the hospital.

"I would like to thank you very much for the huge and tremendous donation to our hospital. Since the establishment of this hospital, the Chinese government has been donating lots of medical equipment, and lots of experts have been assigned to our hospital to help Ethiopian communities," Tadele said.

"I would like to thank you for the support in terms of human resources, medical equipment, and skills transfer, which strengthens the health system in Ethiopia," he added.

While welcoming the 26th batch of the Chinese medical team, the hospital community also commended the outgoing team members for their "important support" in safeguarding the health and well-being of the Ethiopian people.

They underscored that Chinese doctors' service is a vivid manifestation of the two countries' growing people-to-people ties.

Liu Junying, head of the 25th batch of the Chinese medical team, said his team, which began work at Tirunesh-Beijing Hospital in May 2024, has been delivering medical services to Ethiopian communities as part of the long-standing Sino-Ethiopian health cooperation.

He further reiterated China's commitment to sending successive medical teams to provide healthcare for Ethiopians in need, while also sharing expertise with local medical professionals.

The newly dispatched 26th Chinese medical team, consisting of 16 specialists across various fields, continues China's medical mission to Ethiopia, which has been serving the local population since the 1970s. 

People unload medical supplies from a truck at the Tirunesh-Beijing Hospital, on the outskirts of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on July 2, 2025. The 25th batch of the Chinese medical team in Ethiopia has donated much-needed medical supplies to the Tirunesh-Beijing Hospital, also known as the Ethio-China Friendship Hospital, located on the outskirts of Addis Ababa. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)

Liu Junying (L), head of the 25th batch of the Chinese medical team, poses for a photo with Eshetu Tadele, chief executive officer of Tirunesh-Beijing Hospital, at the handover ceremony on the outskirts of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on July 2, 2025. The 25th batch of the Chinese medical team in Ethiopia has donated much-needed medical supplies to the Tirunesh-Beijing Hospital, also known as the Ethio-China Friendship Hospital, located on the outskirts of Addis Ababa. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)
An illustration of the bolide impact in the Chesapeake Bay 35 million years ago. (Illustration by Nicolle Rager-Fuller /U.S. National Science Foundation)

By Katherine Hafner/WHRO

About 35 million years ago, Hampton Roads was underwater, with the coastline dozens of miles west toward Richmond.

Dinosaurs were long gone, but the ocean teemed with marine creatures such as ancient whales, sharks and sea stars.

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That is until one unfortunate day, when life across whats now southeastern Virginia was obliterated within seconds.

A bolide  an extraterrestrial object such as an asteroid or comet  hurtled out of space and landed in the lower part of the Chesapeake Bay.

There was a kill zone that would have been several hundred miles out in every direction, said Rich Whittecar, a geologist and emeritus professor at Old Dominion University.

The volcanic-like lateral blast from the impact ripped through faster than the speed of sound, with exponentially more explosive power than atomic bombs detonated by humans, Whittecar said.

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Plants and animals would be totally shredded by all the material  and simultaneously incinerated by the intense heat.

Not a good day, Whittecar said.

Geologists first pieced together the story of the Chesapeake Bay impact crater in the 1990s. Its the largest known bolide strike in the U.S. and among the largest in the world.

But new research is the first to document the far-reaching impacts of the collision. Scientists say they uncovered a site 240 miles away in the Sandhills of North Carolina showing traces of a massive tsunami caused by the Virginia asteroid.

And the discovery all started by chance.

A mystery buried underground

Almost a decade ago, retired consulting geologist Bob Ganis was investigating some fossils in Moore County, N.C. when he got a call from a local property owner nearby.

Geologist Bob Ganis stands at the research site in Moore County, N.C., observing rocks containing shark teeth fossils. (Photo courtesy Of Bob Ganis)

A pipeline was set to be constructed through the edge of her property called Paint Hill Farm, and she wondered if Ganis might like to come investigate the temporary trench as part of his research.

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Ganis accepted the offer and it became one of the most strange days of my life, he said.

He took a look at the rock layers exposed about 10 feet deep and was totally baffled. What he saw didnt align with his geological understanding of the region.

I had no idea what it was, and no reports of this kind of geology were available to understand what it was, he said.

Thus began a yearslong quest to get to the bottom of the mystery trapped in sediment. The first piece of the puzzle was determining the age of the rock layers in question.

Ganis said he found fossilized shark teeth nearby and worked with peers who helped date them to the late Eocene era, which lasted from about 56 to 34 million years ago.

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Next Ganis connected with Ralph Willoughby with the South Carolina Geological Survey, and described the mysterious sediment layers. They methodically went through the rock beds to try and explain each within the geological context of the region.

When we get to the top, this explanation of all this rubble at the top, were still scratching our heads, Ganis said. What is this stuff?

One day, looking at photos from the trench site, a light bulb goes off, he said. It struck us (that) this is a tsunami deposit.

There was no geological history to explain why such a deposit would be there, except for one: the meteoroid strike up in Virginia on that fateful day 35 million years ago.

Solving the mystery

The asteroid, moving at about 44,000 miles per hour, was about 2 to 3 miles wide and blasted an enormous crater into the continental shelf of modern day Virginia, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

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Much of the crater is still underwater in the bay, which is why it took until recent decades for scientists to discover. The circular outline of the impact in Hampton Roads includes the bottom half of the Eastern Shore, northern edge of Norfolk and eastern outskirts of the Peninsula and Middle Peninsula.

Like any object that lands in water, the asteroid caused a big splash  a giant tsunami likely thousands of feet high, the kind of tsunami that the world rarely sees, Ganis said.

It likely washed over the Blue Ridge Mountains and swept across the Southeast  maybe even over the Atlantic Ocean to lap at the shores of Africa and Europe, he said.

Scientists described such a wide-reaching tsunami when they first investigated the Chesapeake Bay impact crater but no one had found actual remains of it.

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Ganis team homed in on the tsunami as a likely explanation for the Paint Hill rock formation, but needed more evidence to prove it.

The bottom layer featured charcoal, natural glass and other rock fragments; materials you would expect to fly out of the impact, Ganis said. It also had the hallmarks of a tremendously hot blast. Another layer contained ash from the explosion.

The rock formation at the North Carolina site showing impacts from the ancient tsunami, with lines superimposed to distinguish layers. The reddish layer includes plinthite, followed below by ash and crushed rock material. (Photo courtesy Of Rich Whittecar)

Whittecar, the ODU geologist, came in to help figure out the top layer, a sandy conglomeration including petrified wood and what looked like a substance called plinthite. The team needed an expert to confirm.

I went down (to) look at this stuff and basically said, Yep, thats plinthite, Whittecar said.

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The material is an iron-rich, clumpy reddish clay common in tropical regions. Researchers believe the Virginia tsunami swept up this material from the seabed and ended up at Paint Hill.

A plinthite sample from the Moore County site. (Photo courtesy Of Rich Whittecar)

The presence of iridium in the sediment helped nail down the teams tsunami theory. It is an extremely rare metal on Earth but common in asteroids.

The researchers published their collaborative findings in the peer-reviewed journal Southeastern Geology last month.

Paint Hills owner recently sold the 300-acre property to the nonprofit Nature Conservancy, which plans to turn it over to the state park system to expand the Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve.

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The tsunami deposits will be preserved and may become a highlight of the park through related exhibits and educational activities, Ganis said.

Whittecar said geologists are interested in this type of work largely out of curiosity and advancing knowledge for future generations.

From the practical hazard prevention side of things, he said, of course it does give a little weight to the notion that if we can stop one of these (asteroids) from hitting, it is worth getting out there and nudging that thing out of the way.

This story was originally published by the Mercurys media partner WHRO Public Media, the Hampton Roads regions largest media company.

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COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  For the last couple of years, Columbus and Muscogee County officials have acknowledged that there is a gang problem in the city.

This has led to a proactive approach between local, state, and federal authorities.

There was a mall shooting in Savannah Wednesday where left seven people were taken to the hospital, three of those were shot. Police have said the shooting was between two groups.

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Attorney General Chirs Carr doesnt pull punches when he talks about the way Columbus and Muscogee County have fought criminal street gang activity.

A year ago, the GBI put a nine-member criminal street gang task force based in Columbus. They have been working with the police department and the sheriffs office to make cases.

Carr put a prosecutor in Columbus.

The city and law enforcement has welcomed all of the state resources.

Thats not what Carr is seeing across the state in Savannah.

The difference in approach is to fighting gangs at the 50,000 foot level could not be more different, Carr said. As I mentioned, Columbus and Muscogee County have embraced us. Theyve embraced the GBI federal partners and have said, lets work together to do the thing were supposed to do, which is keep people safe. Savannah is struggling with a public safety crisis right now that is being driven by violent crime. And we know violent crime is driven by gangs.

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The state is in the process of putting a gang task force and prosecutor in Savannah.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
A recently fledged eaglet harassed by a blue jay at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center near Mansfield in May 2023. Becky Cover/ Georgia Department of Natural Resources

While the well-known story that Benjamin Franklin wanted the wild turkey to be the national bird may be exaggerated, it is true that the founding father praised the wild gobblers virtues in a tongue-in-cheek letter to his daughter.

For in Truth the Turkey is in Comparison a much more respectable Bird, and withal a true original Native of America. Eagles have been found in all Countries, but the Turkey was peculiar to ours, Franklin wrote in 1784.

Young bald eagle near a nest in north Georgia this spring. (Credit:Becky Cover, special to Georgia DNR)

This Independence Day, Georgia Department of Natural Resources Bob Sargent says Americans should be grateful we wound up with the eagle on our greenbacks, on our politicians podiums and on soldiers patches.

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With all due respect to Ben Franklin, the wild turkey is a spectacular bird, but I dont think theres much thats more majestic than the sight of a bald eagle soaring over a lake, said Sargent, who is a program manager with the department. So I think that its very much an appropriate symbol. The fierceness, the wildness, the size, the beauty of the bird, its rareness.

And America is a country thats resilient, he added. Weve come a long way since the 1700s when we were fighting for our independence. And the bald eagle likewise has come a long way since the days that it was an endangered species.

Sargent is one of the few people who regularly see eagles from above  part of his job is to get out in a helicopter and take a census of eagle nests across Georgia.

Its just kind of an awe-inspiring experience to see Georgia from the perspective of 400 to 600 feet, because we cover so much of it, and to see a small piece of the private lives of these birds is just, its a gift, its a wonderful experience, he said.

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This years survey focused on the coast and the southern part of the state and found the birds nesting at average on the coast to just below average levels in the southern part of the state. Of 176 active nests, 127 were successful, fledging an estimated 190 eaglets.

Accounting for areas not monitored this year, Sargent said the numbers suggest Georgia has maintained over 200 nest territories a year for the past decade.

Sargent said a decline of successful nesting in southern Georgia over last year may be a result of storm damage from last years major hurricanes or a delayed impact from avian influenza, which hit eagles on the coast hard in 2022.

But he said the dip should not detract from the eagles huge success over the past five decades.

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The overall trend is very encouraging  25 years ago, we only recorded 55 nest territories in the whole state and in the decade that was the 1970s there was only one successful nest recorded the entire 10 years, he said. So weve come a long way. Bald eagles in Georgia are still rare. Its still listed as a threatened species under state law, but its going in the right direction. Since 2015, we know that weve had at least 200 nest territories in the state per year, so thats very encouraging news.

The state agency cites a 1972 federal ban on the pesticide DDT, which significantly weakens eagles eggshells, as a major factor in the birds recovery, along with the enactment of the federal Clean Water and Clean Air acts, protection through the Endangered Species Act, increased public awareness, restoration of local populations through release programs and forest regrowth.

Eagle earmarks

But Sargent said he is cautious about whether the federal budget cuts could inadvertently harm efforts to help eagles recover.

Funding for conservation programs for non-game species like bald eagles comes from something called the State Wildlife Grants Program, which is an annual congressional allocation.

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I sometimes have people say to me, Your funding should be fine because its coming from hunting licenses, but thats actually not true, Sargent said. Were concerned about the future of the State Wildlife Grants Program. Were monitoring that. Right now, its unclear whats going to happen to that grants program.

Georgia Wildlife Federation President Mike Worley said his group and others are lobbying members of Congress to keep that funding coming to states.

Its not a lot of money across the whole nation. It has been around something like $72 million. Georgias been getting about $1.6 million over the last few years for doing our work. And its really critical for the work that goes on here, whether its work on gopher tortoises or the bald eagle population that weve seen tremendous success and tremendous recovery with.

While charismatic critters like eagles may get a lot of attention, plenty of lesser known plants and animals also need help, Worley said.

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It will be working on some darters in some of the streams in Georgia, some mussels that live in North Georgia streams  Georgia is one of the most biologically diverse states in the country, and weve got well in excess of 1,000 species that when we look across the state are in some degree of pretty significant concern, he said. And so the state wildlife action plan which identifies all of those and puts together a methodology for protecting them is really critical, and those state and tribal wildlife grants are the funding mechanism for that effort to recover the species.

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Georgia lawmakers react to passage of tax and spending cut bill

President Donald Trump signed a package of tax breaks and spending cuts into law Friday, but it will take some time to find out what the full effects will be.

Tens of thousands of Georgians woke up to run in the big, beautiful Peachtree Road Race.

Among them was Georgias Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock. This is his fifth Peachtree Road Race.

He also talked to Channel 2s Richard Elliot about that bill, that he doesnt think is so beautiful.

RELATED STORY:

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Obviously Im deeply disappointed with what happened yesterday, he said. I think that was a step backwards.

Other Democrats think the same thing.

We watched Wednesday as Georgia Congresswoman Nikema Williams joined others Georgia Democrats opposing the bill on the House floor.

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She believes this bill will be a catastrophe for Georgians tossed off Medicaid and could lead to the closure of rural hospitals all across the state.

Because Richard, when health care is cut, when Medicaid is cut, when rural hospitals close, it doesnt just impact Democrats. It affects Americans across the board, Williams said.

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But Republicans insist the Medicaid cuts will only get rid of fraud and abuse, and add a work or volunteer requirement.

Georgia Republican Congressman Buddy Carter voted for it.

Essentially what we are doing are getting rid of waste, fraud and abuse. Were making sure ineligible folks are not on Medicaid. Were making sure that illegals are not on Medicaid, he said.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp took his support of the bill to social media, saying, The passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill is a major win for hardworking Georgians and their families. ... Republicans are delivering real results and putting the American people first.

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The law will also end the tax credits for buying electric vehicles, which some industry experts worry could impact Georgias two big EV plants.

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An employee of the Georgia Department of Community Supervision, a criminal justice agency of the state, was charged with driving under the influence in a state vehicle and causing a crash.

According to the Georgia State Patrol, was called to investigate in the aftermath of an incident involving multiple crashes on Interstate 20 in Douglasville.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

GSP said the Douglasville Police Department were investigating a single vehicle crash involving a white Honda Accord that hit a guardrail shortly before midnight on Thursday.

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While they investigated, a black Ford Explorer belonging to the Department of Community Supervision struck an orange Toyota Corolla that was driving in the left lane in the same area, causing the Explorer and Corolla to spin.

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This caused the Explorer to then hit the back of a Mitsubishi Outlander that was in the center lane of the highway at the time.

Then the still-spinning Explorer hit a Lexus that was parked in the left shoulder before coming to a stop.

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I-20 East was closed for several hours for officials to perform an investigation and clean up.

When GSP got to the crash site, troopers learned that the driver of the explorer, Alexis Friendly, a community supervision officer, was driving under the influence.

Friendly was arrested at the scene by troopers out of Post 4 in Villa Rica before being taken to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

The driver of the Corolla hit by Friendly in the Explorer was taken first to Douglas Wellstar before being flown to Kennestone Hospital due to serious injuries.

In a statement to Channel 2 Action News, the Georgia Department of Community Supervision said they were aware of Friendlys arrest and accusations that she was driving under the influence and they are performing an investigation as well.

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Friendly was immediately suspended, according to the department. They are unable to provide additional comment as the investigation is active.

Jail records show Friendly remains in custody without bond, charged with the following:

Driving with ability impaired by alcohol, drugs or toxic vapor

Following too closely

License to be carried and exhibited on demand

Failure to maintain lane

Serious injury by vehicle

Safety belts, required usage

Speed restrictions basic rules

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German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has urged those who believe Russia is genuinely seeking peace to consider the aftermath of the latest attack on Ukraine on the night of 3-4 July.

Source: European Pravda with reference to a statement by Wadephul

Details: Wadephul made this comment while sharing a post by his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha about the overnight attack.

Wadephul reiterated in German that Kyiv had been under attack by hundreds of aerial targets for many hours.

Stundenlang uberziehen die russischen Angreifer letzte Nacht Kyjiw mit hunderten Raketen & Drohnen. Wer in Deutschland noch immer glaubt, Putin wolle Frieden, sollte sich diese Bilder gut anschauen. Die #Ukraine braucht unsere volle Unterstutzung. Frieden kommt nur durch Starke. https://t.co/lCDwaoeOGr  Johann Wadephul (@AussenMinDE) July 4, 2025

"Anyone in Germany who still believes that Putin wants peace should take a good look at these photos. Ukraine needs our full support. Peace can only come through strength," he stressed.

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Background:

Earlier this week, Wadephul visited Kyiv and Odesa, where he was shown, among other things, one of the German-made IRIS-T systems supplied to Ukraine on duty.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suspected it was not a coincidence that another large-scale attack on Kyiv occurred shortly after a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

Polish Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski, whose consular office was damaged during the nighttime attack, has called on US President Donald Trump to resume the supply of air defence systems to Ukraine.

After Russia's large-scale attack on Ukraine on the night of 3-4 July, Republican US Representative Don Bacon called on Trump to change his approach to Russia, stressing that his chosen strategy was not working.

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Top brass from Germany's conservatives continued to call on the government to reduce the electricity tax for all businesses as well as private consumers, despite a decision in Berlin to only implement a cut for industry.

Hendrik Wust, a conservative state leader in North Rhine-Westphalia, aired his discontent over the move on Friday, saying lowering the tax across the board had been "a central promise of relief from the government."

"All parties were aware of the state's financial situation when this promise was enshrined in the coalition agreement," he told the Bild tabloid.

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Cutting the tax for all was a key plank of the coalition agreement between Chancellor Friedrich Merz's Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the Bavaria-only Christian Social Union and the centre-left Social Democratic Party, but was surprisingly left out of a draft 2025 budget last week due to financial concerns.

Despite pressure from business associations, opposition groups and lawmakers within the coalition partners, a high-stakes meeting of party heavyweights was unable to secure a deal to finance the policy in hours-long negotiations late on Wednesday.

Instead, the committee backed a plan to cut the tax for large industries, agriculture and forestry only, along with further measures to lower electricity network charges and abolish a gas storage levy.

Wust, a member of the CDU, said he was hoping for a "clear readjustment in the upcoming parliamentary procedure."

"All options should be re-examined as to how an electricity tax reduction for everyone can be realized in a timely manner. This project must not simply be put on the back burner," the state leader stressed.
German government spokesman Stefan Cornelius has confirmed that Germany is conducting intensive negotiations with the United States on the supply of Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine amid large-scale Russian attacks and the suspension of some US supplies to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Source: European Pravda, citing Bloomberg

Details: When asked whether Chancellor Friedrich Merz's government is negotiating with the US on the purchase of Patriot systems for Kyiv, Cornelius replied that there are various ways to meet Ukraine's air defence needs.

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"I can say that intensive discussions are indeed taking place on this matter," he said.

Background:

Earlier, the Bild tabloid reported that the German government is currently working on an emergency decision to provide Ukraine with new air defence systems and a sufficient number of interceptor missiles.

In addition, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy intends to raise the issue of continuing the supply of weapons and ammunition from the United States to Ukraine, in particular PAC-3 missiles for Patriot systems, in a conversation with US President Donald Trump.

The Ukrainian leader also stated that Ukraine is clarifying the details of military aid supplies with the United States at the working level following reports of a suspension of supplies.

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By Markus Wacket

BERLIN (Reuters) -Germany plans to introduce a voluntary six-month military service scheme, sources familiar with the plan said on Friday, as Berlin tries to train more reservists and bolster national defences over security concerns about Russia.

Volunteers would be sought for training in simple tasks such as guard duties under the scheme, but a military draft to recruit more people could be considered if uptake were deemed too low, the sources said.

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With European states that are in NATO also under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to invest more in their own security since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius wants to increase the number of soldiers in service from 180,000 to 260,000.

Germany hopes the voluntary six-month scheme would help double the number of trained reservists from the current level of around 100,000 and that some of the volunteers would go on to have a career in active service, the sources said.

The defence ministry said preparations for the new military service scheme were in full swing.

"The aim remains for the law on the new military service to come into force in January. Our actions are focused on this," a spokesperson for the ministry said, adding that details would be revealed once the legislation reaches parliament.

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Participants in Germany's planned scheme will have the opportunity to extend their homeland security training to obtain a truck driver's licence or train as a tank driver, the sources said.

New improvised barracks are also planned so that recruits can train closer to home, they added.

The sources said Pistorius wants to have the legislation passed by the end of next month, with the first recruits to start training from May 2026.

Questions remain about the plan, including who would be drafted for compulsory service if the government did not meet its recruitment targets. This element of the plan is also controversial within the minister's own Social Democratic Party.

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Germany ended its previous compulsory military service programme in 2011.

Efforts to end Russia's war in Ukraine have faltered, with Trump reporting no progress in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday.

Russian officials have accused Western leaders of invoking a "fabricated 'Russian threat'" to justify increased defence spending.

(Reporting by Rachel More and Markus Wacket, Editing by Miranda Murray, Timothy Heritage and Andrew Heavens)
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sees a connection between Russian President Vladimir Putin's phone call on Thursday with US President Donald Trump and the subsequent massive airstrikes on Ukraine, his spokesman said on Friday.

The chancellor noted several times in recent days "that there is a pattern with the Russian president and that phone calls are usually accompanied by even tougher attacks," said government spokesman Stefan Kornelius in Berlin.

"What happened last night has supported or reinforced this impression," Kornelius added.

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The US president and Russian leaders spoke on Thursday, after which Ukrainian authorities reported more than 500 Russian attacks with drones, missiles and cruise missiles.

The main target was the capital Kiev, where Mayor Vitali Klitschko said 23 people were injured.

Merz also spoke to Trump by phone on Thursday, government sources confirmed to dpa.

The Spiegel news magazine reported that the conversation focused on strengthening air defence for Ukraine and trade issues.

The massive attacks on Ukraine following the Putin-Trump phone call speak for themselves, said Kornelius.

He hoped that this would contribute to "a decision on the attitude towards Russia, especially on sanctions issues."

So far, Trump has not complied with the EU's demands to tighten sanctions against Russia.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, co-chairs the eighth round of China-Germany Strategic Dialogue on Diplomacy and Security with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Berlin, Germany, July 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu)

BERLIN, July 4 (Xinhua) -- A good China-Germany relationship will not only drive the overall positive development of China-EU relations but also holds great significance for global stability and development, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said at the eighth round of China-Germany Strategic Dialogue on Diplomacy and Security held here on Thursday.

He co-chaired the talks with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-EU diplomatic relations, and the China-Germany all-round strategic partnership has also embarked on a new decade.

China-EU and China-Germany relations are at a crucial juncture, drawing on past accomplishments to move forward and shape the future, he noted.

As the world's second and third-largest economies, China and Germany shoulder important international responsibilities and bear the hopes of all stakeholders, he said, noting that the two countries should join hands to reaffirm mutual trust, further consolidate cooperation, and continue to deepen bilateral relations.

Facing the current turbulent international situation, particularly the prevalent protectionism, anti-globalization, and unilateral bullying, China and Germany must strengthen strategic communication and coordination, Wang stressed.

The Chinese foreign minister added that the two countries should inject more certainty into the world by building on the stable relations between them, jointly advocate and practice multilateralism, uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms governing international relations based on the UN Charter, and commit to developing a more reliable, stable, and predictable all-round strategic partnership.

Wang noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping had a phone conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, setting the direction and tone for the next stage of China-Germany relations.

Despite the shifting international landscape, China-Germany relations have maintained steady development, mainly thanks to their way of dealing with each other, which is characterized by mutual respect, seeking common ground while reserving differences, and pursuing win-win cooperation, Wang said, calling this the fundamental logic for sustained development of China-Germany relations.

Given the differences in history, culture, and social systems between China and Germany, it is natural that divergences exist, Wang said, noting that the key is to enhance understanding and mutual trust, and to view differences calmly and rationally.

China places its relationship with Germany in an important position in its diplomacy and appreciates the positive and rational attitude of the new German government in developing relations with China, he said.

It is hoped that the German side will support China's efforts to achieve complete national reunification just as China had unconditionally supported the German reunification, and strictly adhere to the one-China principle, said Wang.

As a core major country in the European Union, Germany has made positive efforts to advance China-EU relations, and it is hoped that Germany will continue to play a constructive role in the development of China-EU relations, Wang said.

Wadephul said that Germany is willing to be a mutually trustworthy and predictable partner for cooperation with China.

In an era fraught with crises and challenges, it is very important for Germany and China to maintain close communication and coordination, he said.

The two countries have a long history of exchanges and a solid foundation for their partnership, he said, adding that the two share consensus on many issues and can properly handle differences and disagreements with mutual respect and a constructive attitude.

Wadephul said that Germany looks forward to enhancing exchanges with China and to continuously strengthening bilateral cooperation.

The German government firmly adheres to the one-China policy, he said.

During the talks, the two sides also had an in-depth exchange of views on the Ukraine crisis, the Iran nuclear issue, the situation in the Middle East, and multilateral strategic coordination. They agreed to strengthen communication and coordination to work for ceasefires, ending conflicts, and peaceful settlement of disputes. 

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, co-chairs the eighth round of China-Germany Strategic Dialogue on Diplomacy and Security with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Berlin, Germany, July 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu)
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sees a connection between Russian President Vladimir Putin's phone call on Thursday with US President Donald Trump and the subsequent massive airstrikes on Ukraine, his spokesman said on Friday.

The chancellor noted several times in recent days "that there is a pattern with the Russian president and that phone calls are usually accompanied by even tougher attacks," said government spokesman Stefan Kornelius in Berlin.

"What happened last night has supported or reinforced this impression," Kornelius added.

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The US president and Russian leaders spoke on Thursday, after which Ukrainian authorities reported more than 500 Russian attacks with drones, missiles and cruise missiles.

The main target was the capital Kiev, where Mayor Vitali Klitschko said 23 people were injured.

Merz also spoke to Trump by phone on Thursday, government sources confirmed to dpa.

The Spiegel news magazine reported that the conversation focused on strengthening air defence for Ukraine and trade issues.

The massive attacks on Ukraine following the Putin-Trump phone call speak for themselves, said Kornelius.

He hoped that this would contribute to "a decision on the attitude towards Russia, especially on sanctions issues."

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So far, Trump has not complied with the EU's demands to tighten sanctions against Russia.

At the beginning of his term of office, Merz hinted he would hold a phone call with Putin.

"That is an option," he said during his visit to Kiev in mid-May in an interview with German media.

Last week, however, the chancellor refrained from a similar willingness to talk to Putin in an interview with Germany's Suddeutsche Zeitung newspaper.

"The most recent visit of Hungarian Prime Minister [Viktor Orban] to Moscow was answered by Russia with heavy bombardment of Kiev and a hospital," said Merz.

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"The last telephone call with my predecessor was followed by bombs on a children's hospital," he added, referring to a conversation between Putin and former chancellor Olaf Scholz in November.

Merz said he would refrain from phone calls with Putin for a long time to come if attacks were the result.
SCRANTON  Honesdale resident Maria Cosme and family arrived on Courthouse Square early.

Among the first to set up chairs in front of the stage on Thursday afternoon for the yearly Scrantastic Spectacular were Cosme, her mother, Beatriz Oviedo, and cousins Iris Oviedo and Maria Rivera,. They attended the event for the first time.

They joined a steady parade to get a good spot for the festivities under a mostly gray sky.

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The sun shone periodically as vendors readied their food trucks and stands along the square. A few people grabbed food and sat in front of a large stage on North Washington Avenue.

Organizers faced the task of deciding whether to move the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonics performance to Scranton High Schools auditorium. The fireworks display was still set, but if postponement was necessary, the rain day is Saturday night. That call wasnt made at press time.

Cosme said she and her family came after she did a Google search of activities to do in the Scranton area Thursday.

I thought it sounded really like a fun opportunity to enjoy Scranton in a different way, she said.

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Beatriz Oviedo, who was visiting from Miami, said she was looking forward to a good evening.

In addition to the performance by the Philharmonic, the event also included food vendors, bounce houses, kids activities, live music and a fireworks show by Zambelli Fireworks of Western Pennsylvania.

Stormy weather was in the forecast for the evening, with the National Weather Service indicating a 60% chance of rain. A severe thunderstorm watch was in effect for Northeast Pennsylvania until 10 p.m. The rainy weather is expected to clear up for Friday.

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The stage outside the federal courthouse on North Washington Avenue in downtown Scranton ahead of the Scrantastic Spectacular Thursday, July 3, 2025. The yearly event included food vendors, bounce houses, kids activities, live music a performance by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic and fireworks. (Christine Lee/Staff Photo)

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Honesdale resident Maria Cosme, left, and her cousins, Iris Oviedo, center, and Maria Rivera pose in Courthouse Square ahead of the Scrantastic Spectacular Thursday, July 3, 2025. (Christine Lee/Staff Photo)

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Karl Romeo, of Hawley, hangs up dream catchers to be sold by Woodsy Witch, a store specializing in metaphysical and handcrafted items on the Biden Street side of Courthouse Square in preparation for the Scrantastic Spectacular Thursday, July 3, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

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Jake Stankowski and Kyle Lanphear, of Endeavor Audio and Light Services, unload equipment from a truck on North Washington Avenue in preparation for the Scrantastic Spectacular Thursday, July 3, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

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Jake Stankowski, of Endeavor Audio and Light Services, sets up the main stage on North Washington Avenue in preparation for the Scrantastic Spectacular Thursday, July 3, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

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A stage is set on the 200 block of North Washington Avenue near Courthouse Square ahead of the Scrantastic Spectacular and Fireworks Show Thursday. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

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A No Parking sign is posted on North Washington Avenue in downtown Scranton ahead of the citys Scrantastic Spectacular and Fireworks Show Thursday. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

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A pedestrian walks near barricades blocking off the 200 block of North Washington Avenue in Scranton ahead of the citys Scrantastic Spectacular and Fireworks Show Thursday. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

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A No Parking sign is posted on North Washington Avenue in downtown Scranton ahead of the citys Scrantastic Spectacular and Fireworks Show Thursday. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

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The stage outside the federal courthouse on North Washington Avenue in downtown Scranton ahead of the Scrantastic Spectacular Thursday, July 3, 2025. The yearly event included food vendors, bounce houses, kids activities, live music a performance by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic and fireworks. (Christine Lee/Staff Photo)

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Nelly Callender of Scranton was looking forward to experiencing the fireworks with her family  and to seeing her 6-month-old sons reaction to them.

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I cant wait for the fireworks to see his reaction, she said.

A few vendors said they were anticipating large crowds.

Its a great community event, said Bill Sweeney of Moosic, owner of Jitty Joes Ice Cream. Were hoping for nice weather, great crowd. Its always a family-friendly event. Its a great time for everybody.

Jonah Ahner, an aerospace ground equipment technician in the Air Force working at the recruiting office in Scranton, came to help run the Air Forces stand on the square. He hoped to check out some of the other vendors later in the afternoon.

Lackawanna County Arts and Culture Director Maureen McGuigan said the county commissioners were committed to the event as it has grown yearly. She estimates more than 5,000 people attended last year. This year, McGuigan said a new, 40-by-40-foot stage was set up for the Philharmonics performance, replacing the tent they performed under in previous years.

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She expects the event is one that brings people together in downtown Scranton.

I think for me, I think this is what the United States and America is about, McGuigan said. My expectation is that were all going to get along, whatever our story is, wherever we come from, whatever we believe, were just all together in this. I think my expectations are that everybodys happy, has fun and is safe.
TROY, Pa. (WETM)  A Gillett man has been sentenced to serve time in state prison after officials say he sold meth to an undercover agent in Troy Borough in 2024.

Anthony B. Stone, 36, was sentenced to a minimum of one and a half years to a maximum of five years in state prison for the crime of possession with intent to deliver meth, an ungraded felony, as stated in a release from the Bradford County District Attorneys Office.

The DA states that Stone was charged with the crime by Pennsylvania State Police and a detective with the Bradford County Drug Task Force in February of 2025 after he sold 30 grams of meth to an undercover agent in October of 2024.

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Ulster woman sentenced for assault, hitting man with car

Before being sentenced for this crime, the DA states that Stone was already serving other sentences of 32 months to 120 months in state prison for separate crimes he committed in 2016 and 2019. He was also on parole at the time that he committed the drug crime.

As a result, Stones sentence for the drug crime will run consecutively to his other sentence, and he will face a parole hit with the Department of Corrections.

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NEED TO KNOW

The Ellsworth County Sheriffs Office said that emergency responders attended the scene of a boating incident near Kimball Point at Kanopolis Lake, Kansas

One person was rescued from the water, but two others remain unaccounted for

Sheriff Kenny Bernard said witnesses reported seeing people swimming alongside their boat when the wind blew it away





Kansas authorities are searching for a 40-year-old man and a 14-year-old girl who went missing following a boating incident at a lake.

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The Ellsworth County Sheriffs Office said in a news release that emergency responders arrived at the scene near Kimball Point at Kanopolis Lake on the evening of Thursday, July 3. According to CBS affiliate KWCH, County Sheriff Kenny Bernard said three people were swimming at Kimble Point, around 7:21 p.m. on Thursday, when their boat was carried away by the current.

Authorities said that one young female was able to make it on shore with the help of a nearby camper who immediately went into the water to rescue her.

She was transported to the Lindsborg Hospital and then airlifted to a Wichita Hospital in serious condition, the sheriffs office statement said.

Getty Stock photograph of police tape Stock photograph of police tape

The sheriffs office added that two other people remain unaccounted for as search and recovery efforts continue.

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NBC affiliate KSN reported that a dive team, boats, and drones were deployed as part of the search. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, and McPherson and Saline County dive teams also attempted to aid the rescue.

Authorities believe the two missing people may not have been wearing life vests at the time, Ellsworth County Sheriff Kenny Bernard said, per KWCH.

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Bernard also told ABC affiliate KAKE that the search for the two missing people would resume in the morning with the assistance of other emergency responders.

PEOPLE contacted the Ellsworth County Sheriffs Office for additional information on Friday, July 4 but did not immediately hear back.

Read the original article on People




NEED TO KNOW

A 9-year-old girl is dead after her mother allegedly left her in a car in a Texas parking lot and went to work on July 1

"There's never an excuse to leave a child unattended," Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said

The Harris County District Attorney's Office will determine any charges related to the incident





A 9-year-old girl is dead after her mother allegedly left her in a car in the Texas heat and went to work, authorities said.

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On Tuesday, July 1, police received a call at 2:06 p.m. local time of an unresponsive child in a white Toyota Camry at the 1200 block of Mayo Shell Road in Galena Park. The young girl was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead, the Harris County Sheriffs Office said in a statement shared on Facebook.

Im extremely upset and disappointed that a 9-year-old, beautiful little girl has lost her life by no fault of her own, said Sheriff Ed Gonzalez at a press conference. "There's never an excuse to leave a child unattended," he said.

The 36-year-old mother allegedly left her daughter in the car in the parking lot of the manufacturing plant where she works. The mom kept the windows partially down and left water in the vehicle, Gonzalez said. Her standard shift is from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Authorities said its unclear if the little girl was checked on throughout the day or if she exited the car before the medical crisis. The car was backed up in the parking lot and a sun visor in the cars windshield may have prevented passersby from seeing the little girl inside, Gonzalez said. He noted that, at the time of the news conference, it was around 97 degrees outside.

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Any amount of time can be very dangerous and even fatal for a small child, the sheriff said of the dangers of leaving children in hot cars. (In 2024, 39 children died of heatstroke when they were left in hot cars, according to the National Safety Council.)

A childs temperature increases at a much higher rate than an adult, he continued.

When the woman returned to her vehicle at the end of her shift, she found her daughter unresponsive, officials said. The call for help was placed shortly thereafter.

The mother was originally detained by police, but was later released as they await the autopsy results, ABC News reported.

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Detectives have continued to interview the mother to better understand her reasoning for leaving the child in the vehicle and a timeline of events, but the Harris County District Attorney's Office will determine any charges related to the tragic incident, according to the outlet. An investigation is ongoing.

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The Harris County District Attorney's Office and the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs requests for comment.

Gonzalez said it wasnt clear if a lack of childcare prompted the mother to leave her daughter in the car.

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We can be sympathetic to the fact that theres hardship, you know, its not lost on me that theres people going through tough times, the sheriff said. Maybe she has to make ends meet and keep, you know, food on the table."

But, he added, The point is the risk of death or harm, theres just no reconciling that in my mind.

Read the original article on People
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX)  Western Slope residents lined Main Street for a Fourth of July parade celebrating the birth of the United States of America.

Resident Brett McFarland was with his family.

My wife, my daughter, [and] my grandsons.

Event Coordinator with Downtown Grand Junction Jed Willis says planning for the parade started back in April.

We open registration somewhere in April, Willis says. It kind of took a while for people to trickle in, but we got lots of applicants.

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A total of 35 floats were on display for the estimated 10,000 to 15,000 attendees.

One of the 35 floats belonged to Rep. Jeff Hurd who stopped along the route to talk with WesternSlopeNow.

Greetings, Grand Junction, Western Colorado from Rep. Jeff Hurd. Happy Fourth of July to you and your families. God bless Colorado and God bless the United States of America.

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About 100 workers at Glasgow Airport could be on strike within weeks in a dispute over pay.

Unite the union said the first date of potential action would be 18 July after its members rejected a 4% pay offer and backed industrial action.

A further 350 security and ground handling staff, who are not directly employed by the airport, are also involved in separate ongoing disputes but have been made a fresh pay offer.

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Glasgow Airport said it remained open to finding a sensible resolution to the dispute with its staff.

Glasgow Airport is Scotland's second-busiest airport after Edinburgh and the threat of strike days comes during its traditional Glasgow Fair fortnight and busy summer months.

The dispute with around 100 of its own employees includes airport ambassadors, airside support officers, engineers and managers.

Pat McIlvogue, regional industrial Oofficer for Unite, told the BBC's Good Morning Scotland programme that industrial action, which was backed by 98.7% of these workers, would have "a significant impact which we are keen to avoid".

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He said: "We don't want to affect the travelling public.

"My call to Glasgow Airport Limited is to contact us today and set a date for talks, put a meaningful offer on the table for our members' consideration and we will not serve strike notice of the Glasgow Fair weekend."

Which airport workers are involved in industrial disputes?

[Getty Images]

A further 350 people who work at Glasgow Airport are also involved in ongoing industrial disputes.

This includes 250 workers who deal with passengers in the security search area, and are employed by a firm called ICTS, and 100 ground handling workers employed by Swissport.

Unite has said it will be taking new offers from both firms to a further ballot of members.

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A spokesperson for Glasgow Airport said: "We are reviewing the ballot results and remain open to finding a sensible resolution."

A spokesperson for Swissport said: "Our priority is the safety and wellbeing and fair treatment of our workforce, alongside maintaining high standards of service for our customers and we remain committed to working constructively with Unite to find a fair and sustainable resolution."

ICTS has been approached for a response.
GLENVILLE, W.Va. (WBOY)  Glenville State University has taken a big step toward the completion of its upcoming campus amphitheater, which officials said is nearing completion.

According to a release, on Wednesday, Glenville State President Dr. Mark Manchin set the center stone of the theater into place. The amphitheater will be located in the heart of the universitys campus, with the school calling it a transformative space for student or student life, campus events, and accessibility at GSU.

Dr. Mark Manchin sets the center stone for the new Glenville State amphitheater (Courtesy: Glenville State University)

The release said that on top of being an event space, the amphitheater will also serve as a way to enhance safe, handicap-accessible passage across campus by connecting various academic buildings and residential halls.

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Celtics sign Fairmont native Jalen Bridges to Summer League roster

This amphitheater represents more than just brick and stoneit symbolizes connection, said Dr. Mark A. Manchin. It will serve as a unifying space where every Glenville State University student can come together, whether for celebration, conversation, or quiet reflection. This is a place where we will build community, foster creativity, and ensure that all students, regardless of mobility, can fully access and enjoy our campus.

The amphitheater is set to open over the coming weeks, but its not the only construction project the school is working on this summer. Back in May, the university announced it would be revamping part of I.L. & Sue Morris Stadium to include new home seating, a scoreboard and a health and fitness complex.

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MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- When the world shakes, West Texas often stands still.

In June, oil prices briefly surged as tensions escalated between Israel and Iran. The international energy market braced for disruption. But just as quickly, the moment passed. Prices retreated. The boom that some expected? It never came. And here in the Permian Basin, that didnt surprise anyone.

People were hoping it would stay in the $70s, said longtime oil executive Kirk Edwards. But it dropped to $64 within two days. Nobodys going to go drill tomorrow if it just touches $77 for a weekend.

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That restraint, calm in the face of chaos, defines how the Permian Basin responds to global volatility. In a region that fuels a significant portion of the worlds oil, instinct isnt to overreact. Its to wait, watch, and adapt.

A History of Holding Steady

The pattern is familiar to industry veterans like Morris Burns, who have worked in oil for more than 50 years and once led the Permian Basin Petroleum Association. He remembered the oil shocks of the 1970s, the Gulf War, and the rollercoaster days of 9/11.

We furnished a fourth of the worlds oil during World War II, Burns recalled. Then OPEC came in, prices crashed, and rigs shut down across the country. Weve seen both sides.

For Burns, sudden spikes rarely mean long-term gains. Thats why, he says, many local operators prefer todays slow burn over yesterdays boom-bust cycles.

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People talk about a boom like its good. But after the boom comes the bust. Where were at now? This is stable.

Global Tension, Local Patience

Oil markets are notoriously reactive. The mere threat of war in a key production region, especially near the Strait of Hormuz, where roughly 20% of the worlds oil passes through, can send prices soaring. Thats exactly what happened when Israel and Iran traded blows.

Dr. Ray Perryman, a Texas economist, said the market initially assumed the worst. If theres a real danger of a blockade, damage to the Strait, prices spike, he said. Then the market breathes and realizes, maybe thats not going to happen. Prices come down.

When that happened in April, West Texas producers didnt rush to hire new crews or fire up rigs. Theyd seen it before. They knew it wouldnt last.

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You need oil to be in the low to mid 70s long-term to justify major drilling, Perryman said. Were not quite there.

Wait, Baby, Wait

Despite all the political pressure to drill, baby, drill, producers are focused less on slogans and more on survival. With tariffs increasing steel costs, labor still recovering post-COVID, and natural gas prices low, drilling is more expensive than ever.

Were producing everything we can, Edwards said. But to increase? That takes months, manpower, and money. And youre not going to see any of that unless prices stabilize.

In fact, Edwards said the recent volatility led to a drop of more than 30 rigs in the region, roughly 2,000 to 3,000 jobs gone in just a few months.

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Right now, its not drill, baby, drill, he said. Its wait, baby, wait.

Despite the pause, the Permian Basin remains a cornerstone of global energy. Its light, sweet crude is some of the most efficient oil to refine, and its production still anchors U.S. exports.

People dont understand, he said. Were 40% of U.S. production. If the world needs oil, this is where theyll look.

And in a world where headlines shift minute by minute, the Permian Basin moves at a slower pace, not out of complacency, but out of wisdom. Everything that moves, planes, trucks, trains, runs on oil, Burns said. But we dont panic. Weve been through this before.

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For now, producers in the Basin are watching, waiting, and preparing, not for panic, but for whatever comes next.

A Look at the Basins Climate Now:

Weeks after the height of the IsraelIran tensions, the Permian Basin is steadying itself amid falling prices and familiar caution.

WTI crude is hovering around $67$68 a barrel, down from the brief $77 spike, and producers arent rushing to ramp up drilling. Most companies are staying disciplined, focused on cash flow, and wary of market whiplash. Operators say it takes more than a momentary price jump to justify adding rigs, especially with steel tariffs, rising operating costs, and labor shortages still occurring.

Economists expect prices to average around $68 by years end, a number just shy of what many Permian producers need to justify growth. Some companies, like Coterra, are holding steady on rigs. Others, like Diamondback, are warning that any sustained dip below $65 could trigger more cutbacks.

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The latest data from the Dallas Fed backs that up, showing a dip in oil and gas production, rising uncertainty, and cautious outlooks across the board.

Even so, the Basin remains a cornerstone of global energy. While the world watches for the next headline, West Texas is doing what its always done: reading the signs, playing the long game, and producing at the pace the market can handle.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin.
Editor's note: This story was updated with a statement made by Ukraine's General Staff.

Drones struck multiple targets in Russia overnight on July 4, including a high-value defense facility in the southern Rostov region, according to Andrii Kovalenko, head of the counter-disinformation center at Ukraines National Security and Defense Council.

Kovalenko said a drone hit the Azov Optical and Mechanical Plant in the town of Azov, Rostov Oblast. The facility reportedly manufactures critical components for the Russian military, including sights, rangefinders, thermal imaging systems, and fire control equipment for tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, ships, and aircraft.

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"Despite the difficult night, there is also good news. There were attacks on facilities in Russia, particularly in Moscow and Rostov regions," Kovalenko wrote. "This is where the 'eyes' for Russian armored vehicles are assembled."

Overnight on July 4, Russia launched a massive drone and missile assault on multiple Ukrainian cities, with Kyiv as the primary target. At least 23 people were injured in the capital amid widespread destruction and high levels of air pollution.

Ukraine's General Staff later confirmed that its drone units, operating in coordination with other elements of the Defense Forces, also struck the Scientific Research Institute of Applied Chemistry (FNTs NIIPKh) in Sergiyev Posad, Moscow Oblast.

The military said the facility is involved in the production of thermobaric warheads for Shahed-type drones and plays a critical role in Russia's airstrike capabilities.

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"We confirmed that our munitions hit the target," the General Staff said. "A fire and heavy smoke were detected in the area of the facility." The full extent of the damage is still being assessed.

Russian officials also confirmed drone strikes across several regions.

Yuriy Slyusar, acting governor of Rostov Oblast, said a number of towns in the region were struck by drones. In the city of Azov, the attack reportedly damaged several cars and shattered windows in residential buildings. Debris from one drone allegedly fell onto a local stadium.

In the village of Dolotinka, a drone strike reportedly caused the collapse of a section of a residential apartment building, killing an elderly woman. Authorities said 20 residents were evacuated from the damaged structure.

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In Sergiyev Posad in Moscow Oblast, four explosions were reported around 5 a.m. near the Zvezdochka neighborhood, accompanied by the sound of drone engines, according to local residents. Oksana Yerokhanova, head of the district, said a power substation was damaged in the incident.

Two people were injured in Sergiyev Posad, according to Governor Andrei Vorobyov.

Russia's Defense Ministry later claimed that air defense systems had intercepted or destroyed 48 Ukrainian drones overnight. According to the ministry, 26 were downed over Rostov Oblast, 12 over Kursk Oblast, six over Belgorod Oblast, three over Oryol Oblast, and one over Lipetsk Oblast.

The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify these claims.

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Read also: Ukraine scrambles to clarify extent of US military aid pause and whether everything will continue

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at a ceremony on Memorial Day for fallen soldiers at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, April 30, 2025. (Marc Israel Selem/JINI via Xinhua)

JERUSALEM, July 3 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed that Hamas would have no role in postwar Gaza, as the Palestinian group said it was reviewing a new ceasefire proposal announced by Washington.

"We will eliminate Hamas down to its very foundations," Netanyahu said in a speech in southern Israel on Wednesday. "There will not be a Hamas ... We are not going back to that. It's over."

He also pledged to secure the release of all remaining hostages. About 50 hostages are still being held by Hamas in Gaza, with Israel estimating that around 20 are still alive.

Neither Israel nor Hamas has formally accepted the new ceasefire proposal announced on Tuesday by U.S. President Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform.

"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, adding that Qatari and Egyptian mediators would deliver what he called a "final" offer to both sides.

The details of the proposal were not immediately clear, but an Israeli diplomatic official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Xinhua on Thursday that it includes a 60-day truce during which Hamas would release 10 living hostages, and talks on a permanent ceasefire would begin.

Israel has indicated cautious optimism. "We are serious in our will to reach a hostage deal and a ceasefire," Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said on Wednesday during a visit to Tallinn, Estonia. "There are some positive signs. I don't want to say more than that right now. But our goal is to begin proximity talks as soon as possible," he said in a statement released by his office.

In a statement, Hamas said it was holding consultations on proposals put forward by mediators to reach an agreement that ensures an end to "Israeli aggression," a withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid to Gaza.

"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," the group said.

Israel's onslaught in Gaza began on Oct. 7, 2023, after a Hamas-led assault killed about 1,200 people in Israel and kidnapped about 250 others. Since then, Israeli air and ground attacks have killed at least 57,012 Palestinians in Gaza, according to Gaza-based health authorities, and caused widespread destruction and starvation across the enclave.
The Republican megabill passed by Congress on Thursday contains an extension and expansion of a program to compensate Americans who developed cancer from radiation exposure linked to the U.S. nuclear weapons program.

The megabill revives a compensation program for victims who were exposed to this radiation that lapsed last year.

It also expands it to new areas in states including Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Idaho and Missouri and raises compensation to $100,000 from either $50,000 or $75,000, depending on the disease.

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Mary Dickson, an activist who grew up in Salt Lake City and believes her thyroid cancer came from living downwind of nuclear weapons testing in Nevada, told The Hill she expects to be eligible for compensation for the first time.

The government detonated 928 test bombs from 1951 to 1992 at the Nevada site.

The winds blew the fallout across the country. Utah was blanketed. So we were exposed repeatedly to fallout, Dickson said.

She said she was crying when the legislation passed the House, calling it an acknowledgement that our government did this to us.

At the same time, Dickson said, Its not going to bring back all the loved ones who have died, including her sister, who died of lupus, an autoimmune disease.

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The inclusion marks a victory for lawmakers including Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), who has pushed for the programs expansion.

To all the radiation survivors and nuclear veterans across the country: WE DID IT, Hawley said in a post on the social platform X.

Hawley was one of the bills key Senate holdouts, at first saying its cuts to Medicaid went too far while its cuts to renewable energy subsidies did not go far enough.

The radiation program he fought for, known as the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, had widespread Democratic support but was more controversial among Republicans, some of whom expressed concerns about the programs cost.

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Kyle Ann Sebastian, a spokesperson for the Union of Concerned Scientists, said that the expansion was an incredibly important step but was a compromise that left out other regions and states including Guam, Montana and Colorado.

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Democrats criticized a Republican congressman for seeming to gloat about the negative effects of the GOPs recently-passed budget megabill.

In a since-deleted post on X, Wisconsin Rep. Derrick Van Orden wrote an emphatic YES! in response to a post reading that the legislation meant that 17 million people just lost health care, 18 million kids just lost school meals, and 3 million Americans just lost food assistance.

Van Orden later said his post was intended as a response to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt celebrating the bills passage. But many still called him out.

Van Orden's now-deleted post on X. / X/derrickvanorden

You need to understand these people know exactly how badly they are hurting people and they love it, Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy wrote on X. Its sick.

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Republican Congressman CELEBRATING the theft of your health care to fund billionaires tax cuts, California Rep. Eric Swalwell reacted.

Rebecca Cooke, a Democrat running to unseat Van Orden in next years midterms, called his post a big mask off moment.

The legislation, which President Donald Trump heralded as the beginning of our new Golden Age, would endanger the free meal programs of at least 18 million students, according to an analysis by the Urban Institute, a public policy think tank. Nonpartisan experts said the bill would also leave at least 17 million Americans without health insurance, while the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office found that three million Americans wouldnt qualify for food stamps or SNAP benefits.

Van Orden, who called those findings BS, was one of several Republicans who took issue with some elements of the bill but nevertheless supported it when summoned to vote on Thursday. Only two of the Houses 220 Republicans voted against it.

Van Orden denied the legitimacy of estimates finding that the bill he voted for would lead to 17 million Americans losing health coverage. / Ken Cedeno / REUTERS

First elected to Congress in 2022 after a failed bid two years earlier, Van Orden is no stranger to controversy. As the Daily Beast reported, he was a trespasser on Capitol grounds on Jan. 6 who used campaign funds to pay for his trip to Washington, D.C. that day.

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Van Orden also drew heat from both sides of the aisle during the last Congress after he unleashed a profane tirade at Senate pages.

In June of 2021, a page at a Wisconsin library claimed Van Orden threatened her over a gay pride display. The congressman demanded to know who set it up in order to teach them a lesson, the page said. Interestingly, she added that Van Orden ultimately checked out all the books in the pride display except one, which was already being read.
Rep. Derrick Van Orden, a Republican from Wisconsin said Thursday that his enthusiastic reply to a social media post highlighting the loss of school meals and health care for millions of Americans was a mistake.

The post, made in protest of the Trump-endorsed Big Beautiful Bill after it cleared both the House and Senate, stated: 17 million people just lost health care. 18 million kids just lost school meals. 3 million Americans just lost food assistance.

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Van Orden replied to the message with a one-word response: YES!  a comment he later claimed was posted in error.

.@RepVanOrden in response to a post that says "17 million people just lost health care. 18 million kids just lost school meals. 3 million Americans just lost food assistance. And $3.5 trillion was added to the deficit. All for a tax cut for Trumps billionaire donors" https://t.co/NczGJdbUnR  Kate Morton (@KateMorton_) July 3, 2025

That was supposed to be a response to a different text. And, all of that is BS, Van Order then responded, also adding that his initial tweet was an error in a separate reply.

It has because it was an error. https://t.co/OUZoPTl7gG  Derrick Van Orden (@derrickvanorden) July 3, 2025

Democrats have spent much of the last week fighting the passing of the bill tooth and nail saying it will cut healthcare, hospital access and food assistance programs for Americans across the country in mostly rural areas that tend to vote red.

Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy replied to Van Orden and said, You need to understand these people know exactly how badly they are hurting people and they love it. Its sick.

Republican Congressman Van Orden.



You need to understand these people know exactly how badly they are hurting people and they love it. Its sick. pic.twitter.com/UJwOJmU5nQ  Chris Murphy  (@ChrisMurphyCT) July 3, 2025

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DNC Secretary Jason Rae also reacted to the viral post and said, This isnt leadership. Its cruelty. Its time for him to go.

Van Orden made headlines earlier this week when student journalist Kenzie Nguyen of Punchbowl reported that the congressman denied Trump influencing his decision for backing the bill and responding that Republicans were not a bunch of little bitches.



No, no, no, Im not going to allow you to get away with that, Van Orden reportedly responded. The president of the United States didnt give us an assignment. Were not a bunch of little bitches around here. Im a member of Congress that represent almost 800,000 Wisconsinites. Is that clear?

According to MSNBC, on Wednesday, a day before the bill passed Van Orden wrote an urgent letter to Wisconsins Democratic governor Tony Evers asking him to approve the state budget to protect the rural hospitals in the area from the cuts he voted for.

The post GOP Rep Deletes Post Applauding Cuts to School Meals and Health Coverage for Millions After Big, Beautiful Bill Passes: That Was Supposed to Be a Response to a Different Text appeared first on TheWrap.
Republican Rep. Andy Ogles penned a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum on Thursday, asking that President Donald Trumps mug be added to Mount Rushmore.

Given the scale and scope of President Trumps recent achievementsespecially the impending enactment of the Big Beautiful Bill, the historic act that will ignite Americas Golden Ageit is essential that we immortalize President Trumps likeness on Mount Rushmore, the Tennessee congressman wrote on X Thursday.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

The legacy of Mount Rushmore cannot remain frozen in stone; it must evolve to reflect the full arc of American history, including its most recent and transformative chapter, he concluded.

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Carved into South Dakotas Black Hills, Mount Rushmore was completed in 1941 and features the visages of former Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. Over the years, various proposals have been submitted to add other political figures, including former Presidents John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama.

The Republican Party has been famously advocating for Trump to be added to the monument for years. However, the National Park Service has previously indicated that several structural issues within the sculptures rock formation make it difficult to add another face to the mountainside spot.

I'm asking @SecretaryBurgum to put Trump on Mt. Rushmore.



Given the scale and scope of President Trumps recent achievementsespecially the impending enactment of the Big Beautiful Bill, the historic act that will ignite Americas Golden Ageit is essential that we immortalize pic.twitter.com/KougHxnKT2  Rep. Andy Ogles (@RepOgles) July 3, 2025

Ogles recognized these hurdles in his letter to Burgum, but argued: We understand that physical modifications to Mount Rushmore raise logistical and preservation questions, but this discussion should not be foreclosed based on past bureaucratic resistance or political discomfort.

While meeting the logistical challenges may require engagement with state and/or tribunal officials, the national benefit of promptly recognizing President Trumps accomplishments in restoring American greatness makes doing so a priority, and the benefits of elevating the dignity and relevance of the site, thus increasing both its grandeur and its visitor traffic, will accrue to South Dakota, the Lakota Sioux and the broader area, he continued.

Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) advocated for adding Trump to Mount Rushmore Thursday. / Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Maureen McGee-Ballinger, the Mount Rushmore National Memorial Chief of Interpretation and Education, previously explained to the Argus Leader in 2020 that adding a new face to the structure could create instabilities in the existing carving.

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RESPEC supports our long-held belief that no other rock near the sculpted faces is suitable for additional carving, McGee-Ballinger said, referring to the rock mechanics engineering firm that partnered with the National Park Service. RESPEC also believes that if additional work were undertaken it is possible that exposing new surfaces could result in creation of potential instabilities in the existing carving.

In a statement to the Daily Beast, the Department of the Interior said it takes all correspondence from Congress seriously and carefully reviews each matter.
Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) is pressing the Trump administration to rescind its pause on sending weapons to Ukraine in its war with Russia.

Senior U.S. military officials have concluded that providing these critical weapons to Ukraine will not endanger U.S. readiness, so I urge the administration to quickly get the pipeline back up and running, McCaul, who previously served as chair of the House Armed Services Committee, wrote Friday in a post on the social platform X.

Pentagon officials halting weapons only weakens President Trumps noble attempts at peace, he added.

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The Texas lawmakers request comes days after the Defense Department announced it would halt the delivery of some air defense missiles and munitions to the war-torn country, citing concerns around military stockpiles being depleted. That decision, according to the White House, was based on an analysis of the U.S.s military support around the globe.

The Biden and Trump administrations have given tens of billions of dollars in military aid to Kyiv since Russias invasion in February 2022.

Ukraine hawks on Capitol Hill have criticized the Pentagons decision, with Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) requesting more transparency on the matter.

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, wrote Wednesday in a letter to the White House.

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President Trump told reporters a day later on Air Force One that the U.S. has given too many weapons to Ukraine and claimed former President Biden emptied our whole country giving them weapons, and we have to make sure that we have enough for ourselves.

Trump, who has spoken with both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin in recent days, has worked to broker a ceasefire in the more than three-year war, with little results.

After a call with Putin earlier Thursday, the president signaled the U.S. would not completely cut Ukraine off from assistance. He also said he was very disappointed by his conversation with the Russian leader, adding, I dont think hes looking to stop, and thats too bad.

Less than a day later, Moscow launched a massive drone attack on Ukraine that hit residential buildings, set cars and ambulances ablaze and left at least one person dead and around two dozen injured, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko.

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McCaul, in a separate X post, said the drone attack shows Putin is a war criminal and urged his colleagues to pass legislation that increases sanctions on Russia.

Russias attack last night on Ukraine makes it clear Putin is nothing more than a war criminal and a thug, he wrote Friday. And conducting such a massive strike directly after his call with President Trump is disrespectful to the presidents sincere attempts to bring peace.

Now is the time to pass the bipartisan, bicameral Russia sanctions bill and ensure Ukraine has the weapons it needs to defend itself, he continued. Putin has made it clear he will only come to the negotiating table once he realizes the cost of his continued bloodshed is too high.

The bill, introduced in the upper chamber by Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) would impose primary and secondary sanctions on Russia and additional tariffs on imported goods from any country that buys Russian oil or gas as long as the war continues.

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TEXARKANA, Tx. (KTAL/KMSS)  Texarkana will now join more than 200 Film Friendly Texas Certified Communities from across the state.

A title they hope will bring new life to the city.

When asked by a resident if this means a lot of new movies will be shot in Texarkana, a representative from the city responded, Hopefully! This designation essentially gives us a stamp of approval from the governors office and shows filmmakers that we have gone through the proper steps to educate ourselves on being a community and city open and ready to welcome TV and film production. The skys the limit!

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Governor Greg Abbott welcomed the city and stressed the economic importance to cities like Texarkana.

Congratulations to Texarkana on earning the Film Friendly Texas designation, said Governor Abbott. Through the Film Friendly Texas training and certification process, Texas communities are prepared to help match local businesses with production-related needs, creating jobs for Texans and spurring on-site spending at local businesses. I thank the Texas Film Commission for helping communities like Texarkana market their unique appeal and support local job creation through media production.

You can explore all that Film Friendly Texas Communities has to offer by visiting www.https://gov.texas.gov/film/page/fftx_overview

For cast, crew, and digital media job opportunities in Texas, visit: gov.texas.gov/film/hotline.

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AUSTIN (KFDX/KJTL)  Governor Greg Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick have both made statements regarding the flooding in the Hill Country of Texas on July 4.

Governor Abbott, who is currently out of the state, has released a statement regarding the flooding currently affecting the Hill Country region of Texas.

Baylor County cattle thefts leave over 50 animals missing

Texas is providing all necessary resources to Kerrville, Ingram, Hunt and the entire Texas Hill Country dealing with these devastating floods, Abbott said. The State of Texas today has mobilized additional resources in addition to the resources sent in preparation for the storms. I urge Texans to heed guidance from state and local officials and monitor local forecasts to avoid driving into flooded areas.

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Acting Governor Dan Patrick also had a statement about the flooding in the Hill Country.

I am working in coordination with the states emergency response team on the significant flooding that occurred in the Hill Country and Concho Valley regions in the early hours of this morning, Patrick said. I urge Texans in impacted areas to heed the guidance of their local officials. The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and other state emergency response assets are on the ground assisting Texas communities with response operations and any unmet needs. I will hold a press conference from the Texas State Emergency Operations Center in Austin later this afternoon to brief the public and the media with the latest updates. Media advisory to follow.

Before the storms, Texas activated the emergency response resources in Central Texas to prepare for the heavy rainfall and threats of flash floods.

For more information on the response by the Texas Division of Emergency Management, check out our story on the response resources or visit Governor Abbotts office website for his press release.

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  JD Vance met up with South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden at Mount Rushmore ahead of the Independence Day holiday.

SF Humane Society prepares for intake increase

On a post on X, Governor Rhoden welcomed the Vice President to Mount Rushmore and stated it was an honor to have him at our big beautiful monument.

Rhoden also shared a few photos of his meeting with the Vice President.

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GRANBY, Mass. (WWLP)  Granby residents are reacting to the triple shooting in Washington, DC that killed a man from Granby.

UMass Amherst intern killed in Washington, D.C. shooting

21-year-old Eric Tarpinian-Jachym was a Granby native who was interning on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

On Monday, police say Eric was caught in a crossfire. He was not the intended target. They say two men shot toward a crowd of people, and someone returned fire.

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A woman and a 16-year-old boy were also hit. One resident, Siobhan Christy, tells 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. What would I say? Its nothing to say. Its just pray for them. I dont know, its very hard, Ive lost children. I know what its like, says Christy.

Eric attended Pope Francis Preparatory School in Springfield and was a rising senior at UMass Amherst studying finance and political science. He also worked in the office of republican representative Ron Estes from Kansas.

Eric was well-known and loved in the fishing community. 22News had the opportunity to speak with Al Gagliarducci, a local fisherman who shared fond memories of him. He had everything going for him, Al says. Very smart, very intelligent. He was really, really at the top of his game.

Gagliarducci, owner of Al Gags Custom Lures in Indian Orchard, recalled Eric as a great angler, a great person, and a real, genuine human being. When I first heard the news, I was in kind of disbelief, he says. I said, now somebody is doing something. And then I made a phone call and I found out it was true.

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Al first met Eric at the Pioneer Valley Boat and Surf Club, where he served on their board of directors and was always willing to lend a hand and provide support. He was also a skilled fisherman and competed in many of their tournaments. In 2023, he ended up catching the biggest striped bass and won the surf fishing club challenge for the club.

Gagliarducci adds, He used to come up to my shop and talk to me a lot, or talk to me about lures. He was like a sponge, and he would absorb anything, you know, and its just a tragic loss. It is.

He never bragged, very unassuming, the type of person you want to be around all the time, Al says. He hopes Erics memory will continue to live on through the countless people whose lives he touched. While his life was cut short, his impact will never be forgotten.

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WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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The Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce & Industry has announced the grand marshals for this years 4th of July Parade: Five distinguished veterans who have recently received their high school diplomas through the Operation Recognition program, a news release says.

Honorees include Frank Iliff (U.S. Navy, Vietnam), Richard Dummer (U.S. Army, Vietnam), Dennis Snyder (U.S. Navy), Richard Hill (U.S. Navy, Vietnam), and Kenny Schnedler (U.S. Army). These veterans, representing Muscatine High Schools Classes of 2023, 2024, and 2025, were awarded their diplomas decades after leaving school early to courageously serve their country.

Operation Recognition provides Iowa veterans with the long-overdue opportunity to participate in graduation ceremonies, a milestone many missed in their youth due to their commitment to military service. To date, more than 100 veterans across the state have taken part in the program.

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Thanks to the efforts of Eric Sanders of Muscatine County Veteran Affairs, these five local heroes were connected with the program. For Eric to tell me that I could receive my diploma after all these years from my hometown was truly an honor, because Muscatine is a wonderful place, shared Frank Iliff, MHS Class of 2023.

The community is invited to celebrate these veterans during the Muscatine 4th of July Parade at 4 p.m. Friday in downtown Muscatine.

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BAGHDAD, July 4 (Xinhua) -- A booby-trapped drone was shot down Thursday night near Erbil International Airport in northern Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, said local authorities.

A drone was shot down at 9:58 p.m. local time (1858 GMT) without causing casualties, the regional Directorate General of Counter Terrorism said in a statement.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.

The Kirkuk international airport in northern Iraq was also under rocket attack late Monday, causing one injury, said local authorities. 
Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, growing instability in the Middle East and Donald Trump's return to the White House have thrust European defence policy into the spotlight and brought about a rethink of military recruitment models.

Last month, NATO member countries agreed to increase their defence and security-related spending to 5% of gross domestic product (GDP). But without the necessary manpower, increased spending alone may not be sufficient to boost Europe's military preparedness.

This shift has made military conscription a subject of political debate across the continent.

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A recent poll of nine European countries by the European Council on Foreign Relations found that in several of them, including France, Germany and Poland, majorities support a reintroduction of mandatory military service, although in the case of the latter two this support disappears in the 18-29 age group.

Where does conscription still exist?

Many EU countries abolished or suspended the policy of mandatory service in the armed forces following the end of the Cold War, while others maintained it, with varying time commitments and rules.

Nine member states currently have conscription: Austria, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania and Sweden. Of those, only Sweden and Denmark extend conscription to men and women, with that change taking effect in Denmark just this week.

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Croatia will soon join this group after previously abolishing compulsory military service in 2008. Basic two-month military training will begin in January 2026, while conscientious objectors will have three months of civil protection training or undergo four-month training in local units.

Countries with conscription apply different models: mandatory service for all eligible citizens, lottery-based systems when volunteer numbers fall short, or selective conscription based on motivation and skills.

Where is conscription being considered?

Several European countries that have suspended conscription rely on volunteers to bolster numbers. In response to the security threat posed by Russia, the German military  the Bundeswehr  is seeking to recruit at least 60,000 more soldiers.

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This has led to a renewed debate over whether compulsory military service is needed in Germany, more than a decade after it was suspended.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz said last week that he believes it likely will be. "The Bundeswehr must return to the centre of our society," he said. "It was a mistake  as we know today at the latest  to suspend compulsory military service."

At the behest of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), however, the coalition deal struck with Merz's conservatives commits to seeking voluntary military service.

On Saturday, the SPD approved a motion at its national conference stating: "We do not want any legal option to call up conscripts that can be activated before all measures for voluntary increases have been exhausted."

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A similar debate has gained traction in Portugal since Russia's all-out invasion of Ukraine.

Proponents of conscription argue that it promotes civic spirit, social cohesion, and better prepares society for crises. Critics, however, point to the high logistical costs, the impact on individual freedom, and the need to modernize the armed forces with highly qualified professionals instead of mass conscription.

Compulsory military service was a defining reality for much of the 20th century in Portugal. In 2004, it was abolished, giving way to a professional volunteer model that remains in place today.

One aspect of compulsory service that remains in Portugal is the National Defence Day, an annual event that Portuguese citizens need to participate in once between the age of 18 and 30. It is a prerequisite to get a passport or apply for public sector jobs.

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Bulgaria, once one of the most militarized states in the former eastern bloc, has relied on a professional army since ending conscription in 2008  but now faces a 21.8% staffing shortfall.

With recruitment lagging despite recent pay raises, Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov said limited compulsory training is under consideration. Full conscription isn't planned, but could return if enlistment continues to fall short.

In Romania, compulsory military service was suspended in 2007, with the accession to NATO and the EU. In case of war however, Romania can reactivate compulsory military service. All citizens can be enlisted.

After the start of the war in Ukraine, there were discussions about a possible partial or voluntary reintroduction of military service, but the Ministry of Defence rejected the idea, stating that it was better to expand the volunteer reserves and improve the selection base.

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In Poland, Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced in March that he wanted to reinstate a form of military service, with a target of 100,000 participants per year.

France has also reopened the debate.

Military service was suspended in 1997 under the presidency of Jacques Chirac. A public debate was reignited when President Emmanuel Macron announced a 'major overhaul' of universal national service in a March interview.

Reinstating compulsory military service - for men and women - would represent an annual budget of 15 billion ($17.6 billion), according to a recent policy note from France's High Commission for Strategy and Planning.

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In Belgium, conscription has been suspended since 1993. It has not been abolished though, so in theory it could be reactivated via a legal amendment.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has triggered some discussion but no initiatives regarding mandatory conscription. Public opinion doesn't appear in favour, and according to Defence Minister Theo Francken, Belgium isn't logistically ready for a reintroduction, due to a lack of personnel, barracks and beds.

The government did announce the introduction of a one-year voluntary military service, for which every 18-year-old will receive an invitation. The plan is to start in September 2026 with an initial 500 volunteers, with the government hoping for a yearly intake of about 1,000 new recruits by 2028.

Who is against conscription?

In March 2024, Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles ruled out reinstating compulsory military service in response to the risk of Russia's war on Ukraine spreading to other European countries.

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"There will be no military service in Spain, absolutely none, and I don't think it has crossed anyone's mind," she said in a statement.

Likewise, Slovenia is not considering conscription at this time despite shortages in the armed forces, according to the Ministry of Defence.

Defence Minister Borut Sajovic said he was monitoring developments in countries that were taking steps in this direction. "Everywhere it seems that conscription is not a magic bullet or a magic wand," he added.

Slovakia has also ruled it out, with Prime Minister Robert Fico insisting on voluntary alternatives after years of unsuccessful recruitment efforts. Defence leaders and experts say better financial incentives and reforms to the current reserve system are needed.

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In Ireland, the idea of introducing military conscription is not on the political agenda. The country has never had conscription since its independence over 100 years ago.

Gender debate

Those countries debating conscription are also discussing whether it should apply to both men and women. Women make up around 13% of the armed forces, according to a 2023 survey of 12 European countries.

Denmark is the most recent country to bring about gender equality in conscription, following Sweden, introducing the measure on July 1.

Women who turn 18 in the second half of 2025 will be conscripted during 2026 and assessed for military service on an equal footing with men.

"We must work hard to defend our homeland," said Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen of the boost to conscription. "We simply have to get more men and women who are able to bear arms," he added in a June speech.

As Europe faces its most serious security test in decades, governments are rethinking not only their defence budgets, but the role of ordinary citizens in protecting the continent, in a debate that will likely reshape the connection between civilians and the military across the continent.

The content of this article is based on reporting by AFP, Agerpres, ATA, Belga, BTA, dpa, EFE, HINA, LUSA, Ritzau, STA, TASR as part of the European Newsroom (enr) project.
The grave of a serviceman who was killed during the retreat to Dunkirk during World War Two has been rededicated in his family's presence after more than 85 years.

Major Richard White-Cooper of the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment, and Suffolk Regiment, died aged 37 of a gunshot wound on 12 June 1940.

His was one of four soldiers who died during the conflict who were buried in unmarked graves in Le Grand-Luce War Cemetery, near Le Mans, France.

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The families of the servicemen attended their rededication services held by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in Le Grand-Luce War Cemetery on 24 June.

The services took place at Le Grand-Luce War Cemetery on 24 June [EPA]

Major White-Cooper was serving as a Brigade Major with the Beauman Division.

He also served in the Suffolk Regiment between 6 July and 27 September 1924.

Private William Falconer died on 14 June 1940, following a road traffic accident.

Gunner Joseph Humphries of 71 Field Regiment, Royal Regiment of Artillery also died in a road traffic accident on 14 June 1940, having been in France for five days.

Signalman Edmund Roberts, who was serving in 50 Telephone Unit which was part of The Royal Corps of Signals, died from injuries on 13 June 1940.

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The four servicemen had been taken to 9th General Hospital, a military hospital in the grounds of the Chateau at Le Grand-Luce, either for treatment or burial.

But after the soldiers died their burials were not properly recorded when the hospital had to evacuate to St Malo in Brittany.

Major White-Cooper's grandchildren and great-grandchildren attended the service.

Serving soldiers of the Royal Corps of Signals, the Royal Regiment of Artillery and the Royal Welsh also attended.

Follow East of England news on X, Instagram and Facebook: BBC Beds, Herts & Bucks, BBC Cambridgeshire, BBC Essex, BBC Norfolk, BBC Northamptonshire or BBC Suffolk.

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On average, only 59% of Europes workforce agrees with the statement: Taking everything into account, I would say this is a great place to work, according to the 2025 European Workforce Study report.

That figure does vary significantly from nation to nation, however. Countries like Denmark, Norway and Sweden rank at the top with 75%, 73% and 68% satisfaction, respectively. While Poland, Greece and Italy see satisfaction rates of just 47%, 44% and 43%.

The level of satisfaction of employees appears to correlate directly with productivity when measuring the GDP per hour worked of each country.

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And while productivity already has a huge impact on a company and its profits, there could be a great knock-on effect for a business.

Euronews Business spoke to Laurent Millan, solution consulting manager for Customer Experience (CX) and Employee Experience (EX) at NTT Data, to discuss why the two sides are so closely linked.

Unhappy staff are bad for business

If you capture a customer, it costs some money. But if a customer can switch rapidly away from your brands to another because they have a poor experience with you, then that's a waste of money, Millan told Euronews.

Good customer service is intrinsically linked to well-trained and experienced staff.

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The biggest challenge for companies, for like two to three years now, is to have their employees have the right level of experience so they stay because it's a lot of money to onboard new employees, he added.

Across Europe, LinkedIn data suggests there is a general trend for increased workforce mobility. Those entering the workforce now will have twice as many jobs in their career as those who joined the workforce 15 years ago.

A high turnover of staff is not only costly, but it also leads to reduced productivity, as it often takes a new employee several weeks or months to get up to speed in a role. The knock-on effects of this downstream on inefficiency or reduced productivity could be enough to lose a consumer.

That's a lot of disruption when employees leave companies, for customers, Millan added.

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CX drives loyalty for customers. So it's very interesting in terms of growth because that's a way that you can leverage to differentiate, to capture new customers.

Related

Agentic AI to improve customer and employee experience

Millan suggested simple things, such as ensuring seamless work-from-home capabilities and high-quality IT tools, can improve the employee experience.

Good work tools to allow for flexible working are vital for employee retention, as hybrid workers are least likely to look to leave their current role. In the European Workforce Study report, 50% of hybrid workers said they were Happy, where I am, whereas only 44% of onsite workers and 37% of remote workers selected this option.

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Millan particularly highlighted agentic AI as a vital tool, as he believes it will create a new dimension for CX and for EX.

We think that agentic AI is not like a standalone thing that you do. Agentic AI should bring autonomy, so its about building autonomous capabilities, Millan explained, adding that it should bring reasoning capabilities, it should be bringing context. This is also where you create value.

Millan was confident that agentic AI would bring a degree of flexibility necessary for the modern era.

I've seen so many bots, agents, call it whatever you want, that have been developed very nicely but then cannot evolve. But businesses always have new requests, always have new stuff that they want to implement so it should be flexible.
ATHENS (Reuters) -Greek police have dismantled a gang that had been hiding cocaine in sheets of leather that were smuggled from Bolivia to Greece on container ships, police officials said on Friday.

They said the method used by the gang signalled a shift in methods for smuggling the drug from South America to Europe.

Eleven people have been arrested so far, including nationals form Bolivia and Spain, after police monitored the suspects for months following a tip-off by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the officials said.

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The gang had set up a laboratory in Athens to extract the cocaine from the leather, which had been dried with salt, they said.

Police confiscated at least 300 packages with salt mixed with cocaine and estimated the total amount of cocaine in the lab to be more than 800 kg (1,764 pounds).

The suspects are expected to appear before a prosecutor to respond to the charges on Friday.

This is Greece's second case involving cocaine poured into garments. In late May, police dismantled a ring which was smuggling clothes soaked into liquid cocaine from Ecuador.

(Reporting by Yannis Souliotis; Writing by Renee Maltezou, Editing by Timothy Heritage)
(WGHP)  Sometimes the love of your life is a world away. But, if the right things happen, you can find yourself in the same place at the same time.

Elaine Crampel had a challenging childhood, to say the least, growing up near Paris. She was 13 years old when she wrote about it in a diary.

Ive been awakened for a few minutes when all of a sudden I hear a loud blast. I do not worry telling myself, those are the last mines set up by the Germans to blow up the trains, Elaine wrote in her diary in the summer of 1944, a few months after D-Day as the Americans and other allies fought their way from Normandy to Paris.

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The diary continues as the blasts werent as benign as Elaine first thought.

Then a horrible noise. Everything shakes the windowpane frames and the rotten wood became loose amid the full daylight. Then the horrible noise, everything shakes and the broken glass. Not having my head under the blanket as most of my friends did, I saw clearly all that happened, Elaine wrote.

She used to tell us that when they were in the bomb shelters, the lights would flicker, dust would fall from the ceilings like you see in the movies, and they were told to never close your mouth because of the concussion of a bomb hitting nearby, it could blow your ear drums out, says George Bachmann, her son who lives in Greensboro.

It was a tough existence for a young teenager.

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Basically, the way they lived is they had a suitcase packed at the foot of their bed at all times with clothing and provisions in case they had to go get into bomb shelter or climbing to the basement of a castle which was around the corner from them, says George.

Elaine, her sister and their parents were able to survive the war  in fact, she notes it in her diary, writing, I just learned that Paris is entirely free, George says, reading the entry. And this is August 26th, 44.

Elaines father  a well-trained civil engineer  went to work after the war helping rebuild Europe and north Africa. The family was in French Morocco in 1995 as her father worked there.

My mother is very well educated, she speaks 4 languages fluently, says George, who has his mothers childhood diary that his aunt  Elaines sister  later translated from its original French. She was able to continue her education at the Sorbonne and she got a law degree.

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That education allowed her to work in Casablanca in 1955, when Georges father arrived there as a pilot in the US Air Force. The two were introduced and began a long-distance love affair that led to marriage and, eventually, Elaine becoming a US citizen in 1968.

Its the addendum to her diary that Elaine was inspired to write on the 40th anniversary of D-Day that may well have you in tears  it did just that to her son as youll see in this edition of The Buckley Report.

Theres a sad ending to my mothers story. I honestly believe she had PTSD, she saw a lot of trauma. To see your country occupied by an enemy force and your parents disappearing and not having your parents around for weeks on end.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT)  A 21-year-old Greenville man was arrested in Memphis, Tennessee, and flown back to North Carolina today.

Jaiquez Ebron, 21, of Greenville, North Carolina, was charged with the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Traeon Williams, which occurred at a home on Colonial Avenue following an earlier dispute. Ebron is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Monday.

The arrest was the result of a joint effort by the Greenville Police Department, Pitt County District Attorneys Office, the SBI Fugitive & Missing Person Task Force, FBI Charlotte & Memphis Field Offices, Memphis Police Department, and the Greenville Police Departments Violent Criminal Apprehension Team.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A crew of 12 made quick work of a cleanup on one Orange Mound street Thursday afternoon.

Stop the Killing, Cut the Beef blight crew said it was their second time on Douglass Avenue in just a couple of months.

The group was emptying about a dozen city garbage cans left on the sidewalk and clearing overgrown vegetation along a fence line.

Douglass & Haynes. WREG photo Stop the Killing, Cut the Beef blight crew. WREG photo. Douglass & Haynes. WREG photo Stop the Killing, Cut the Beef blight crew. WREG photo. Douglass & Haynes. WREG photo Stop the Killing, Cut the Beef blight crew. WREG photo. Douglass & Haynes. WREG photo Stop the Killing, Cut the Beef blight crew. WREG photo. Douglass & Haynes. WREG photo Stop the Killing, Cut the Beef blight crew. WREG photo. Douglass & Haynes. WREG photo

Keith Leachman, founder of Stop the Killing, Cut the Beef, said neighbors have been complaining about the trash for weeks.

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They say theyve been dialing 311, and they havent responded. Im quite sure theyve got their hands full, said Leachman.

Leachman, an Orange Mound native, said theyve been fighting the blight for years and are now getting help from the City of Memphis with about $35,000 in grant money.

The blight crew also provides jobs for men who have spent time in prison.

We are giving these guys structure, income,  Leachman said. Hoping we can give them a way out, and maybe we can cut the crime by employing them.

Willie Hawkins was incarcerated for 35 years. Hawkins said he wants to work, and he knows it is the one thing that will keep him out of trouble.

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If I can have something coming in so I wont have to worry about recidivism, trying to go back to the street life. Im trying to avoid that because Ive lost too much, said Hawkins.

Leachman said he pays his workers about $15 an hour. He hopes to secure more funding from the city in the future to keep his crew employed year-round. Leachman also wants to help Memphis address the blight in his old neighborhood.

When we first did this job a couple of months ago, it had not been cleaned up in 35 years. So, when she told me that, it kind of touched me deep, said Leachman. Im an Orange Mound native. I got Orange Mound pride.

For more on how you can help Stop the Killing, Cut the Beef, 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 WREG.com.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  If you are celebrating the holiday weekend in New York City, make sure to check your travel options before you leave.

The MTA and NJ Transit have updated their travel schedules for the Fourth of July weekend.

More Local News

NYC Ferry and the Staten Island Ferry will also run on alternate schedules. For NYC Ferry service changes, click here. For Staten Island Ferry service changes, click here.

MTA

Subway and the Staten Island Railway

On Friday, all subways and the Staten Island Railway will operate on a Saturday schedule. To accommodate riders attending the Macys Fourth of July fireworks, there will be increased service on the A, C, F, N, 2, and 4 lines.

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Extended service will run through the late evening.

No. 3 trains will not stop at Clark Street from 8 to 11 p.m.

The Rockaway Park shuttle is extended from Broad Street to Rockaway Boulevard with full-length trains.

Subway riders should check the MTA app or website over the weekend of July 5, as there will be planned subway service changes on the A, C, D, E, F, J, L, N, R, Q, 1, 4, 5, and 7 lines for signal upgrades and scheduled maintenance.

Buses

New York City buses will run on a Saturday schedule on July 4. Delays are expected on all routes near Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn Heights during the evening for the Macys Fourth of July Fireworks Show.

Long Island Rail Road

The LIRR will run on a Saturday schedule on July 4 with off-peak fares in effect all day.

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The LIRR will resume a regular weekend summer schedule for July 5 and 6. There will be additional cars to accommodate holiday travelers.

There will be one train to Montauk (the mini-Cannonball) on July 2.

Metro-North Railroad

The Metro-North will operate on a Friday schedule on Thursday, July 3, with adjusted peak period service and getaway trains on all three lines during the afternoon.

The 2:41 p.m. train from Hoboken to Middletown on the Port Jervis Line, which connects with the 2:34 p.m. train from Penn Station, will be extended to Port Jervis and will include a stop at Otisville.

The 6:14 p.m. train from Hoboken to Port Jervis, with a 6:06 p.m. connecting train from New York Penn Station, will not operate on Thursday, July 3.

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Metro-North East of Hudson trains will run on a Sunday schedule on July 4. There will be two extra trains on the New Haven Line.

For West of Hudson service, there is one additional train on the Port Jervis line that departs from Port Jervis at 4:05 p.m. and arrives in Hoboken at 6:33 p.m.

The Pascack Valley line will operate on a normal weekend schedule.

NJ TRANSIT

July 3: Extra outbound trains will run from Penn Station, New York, Newark Penn Station, and Hoboken Terminal from 2 to 4 p.m. Certain trains departing from these terminals between 6 and 7 p.m. will be cancelled. Visit the NJ Transit website for more information.

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July 4: Trains will operate on a weekend/major holiday schedule on all lines. The Port Jervis Line train 88 will depart from Port Jervis at 4:05 p.m., Secaucus Junction at 6:12 p.m., and arrive at Hoboken Terminal at 6:24 p.m. Visit the NJ Transit website for more information.

July 5: Normal rail service will resume.

July 3: Light Rail Trains operate on a regular weekday schedule.

July 4

The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail operates on a weekend/holiday schedule until 10 a.m. and then runs on a modified schedule as follows: The HBLR will adjust the routes normally traveled through and serve Exchange Place by terminating one stop prior to the Exchange Place station. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., northbound service will terminate at Essex Street Station and southbound service will terminate at Harborside Station, with trains running every 20 minutes. From 5 p.m. to midnight, service will run every 15 minutes, with load-and-go shuttle service running between Tonnelle Avenue and Hoboken Terminal from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Normal weekend service resumes after midnight.

The Newark Light Rail will run on a Saturday schedule.

River LINE will run on a Sunday/holiday schedule.

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July 5

Light Rail Trains will operate on a regular weekend schedule.

July 3: Buses run on a regular weekday schedule with the following changes: extra service on select routes from the Port Authority Bus Terminal starting around noon.

July 4

Northern and Central New Jersey bus routes run on a Saturday schedule.

Southern New Jersey bus routes run on a Sunday schedule with some enhancements on Route No. 319.

Select routes run on an enhanced schedule.

July 5 and 6: Buses run on a regular weekend schedule with some enhancements on Route 319.

Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Later on Friday, reports indicated that Hamas was expected to make its final decision on a deal in the evening.

Hamas confirmed early on Friday morning that it was discussing the US-Qatar ceasefire proposal with other Palestinian factions. The terror group promised to announce the final decision after the meetings.

Later on Friday, reports indicated that Hamas was expected to make its final decision on a deal in the evening.

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Israel's security cabinet convened on Thursday night to discuss reports shared by Hamas-affiliated groups that the Gaza-based terrorist organization accepted the latest hostage-Gaza ceasefire deal, Maariv reported.

Hamas's response to the deal has not yet been formally announced but is expected in the coming hours.

Reports Hamas accepted the deal

The Hamas-affiliated Al-Aqsa Channel reported on Thursday night that Hamas responded positively to the deal.

Family and supporters of hostages attend a protest demanding the return of all the hostages kidnapped during the deadly October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel July 2, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/AMMAR AWAD)

Hamas sources told Saudi-owned news outlet Asharq Al-Awsat that the issues of weapons and deportation were not discussed in recent negotiations, but that the terror group shows "flexibility" on the matter.

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The sources said that Hamas could offer guarantees through intermediaries, such as Egypt and Qatar, to halt smuggling "all types of weapons," close down weapons factories, and keep the weapons in their stores without military presence on the ground or in any new tunnels, Asharq Al-Awsat reported.

The agreement after months of stalled talks comes after the US added into the deal proposal, "President Trump will commit that negotiations for the terms of the end of the war will continue even after the temporary ceasefire, and will do everything in his power to help the parties agree on the terms for a permanent ceasefire," N12 reported.

There are currently 50 Israeli hostages being held in Gaza, fewer than half of whom are still alive.

Hamas abducted over 250 people during its October 7 invasion into southern Israel in 2023, where the terror group murdered some 1200 people. The majority of the hostages were released in previous deals, though some were rescued by the IDF.

This is a developing story.
BEIJING, July 4 (Xinhua) -- The world's largest solar-powered car carrier, the "Yuan Hai Kou," has successfully completed its maiden voyage, arriving at Greece's Piraeus Port carrying 4,000 Chinese vehicles, China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited has announced.

The vessel features a 302.8-kilowatt solar system, the largest of its kind, which generates 410,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually and reduces carbon intensity by 35 percent over its lifecycle compared to conventional ships, Science and Technology Daily reported on Friday.

"The successful maiden voyage of the 'Yuan Hai Kou' is a practical step forward in COSCO Shipping's global channel strategy, integrating shipping, ports and logistics while setting a new benchmark for low-carbon transformation in the global shipping industry," said Zhang Wei, chairman of COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers Co., Ltd.

Measuring 199.9 meters in length with a gross tonnage of 68,252 tonnes and a displacement of 39,069 tonnes, the vessel features 12 vehicle decks, eight fixed and four adjustable. With a capacity equivalent to 7,000 cars, it can transport passenger vehicles, engineering trucks and buses, according to the report.

Equipped with a dual-fuel engine that runs on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and fuel oil, the vessel cuts energy consumption by 20 percent and cuts carbon emissions by over 24 percent. For instance, a round trip from China to Europe lowers emissions by 2,100 tonnes.

The ship also uses proprietary software developed by COSCO Shipping to enable real-time vehicle tracking and fire warnings, enhancing safety for the export of new energy vehicles.

Zhang said that COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers' fleet transported over 100,000 vehicles to Belt and Road partner countries from January to May this year, marking a 173 percent year-on-year increase. 
The Palestinian militant group Hamas has agreed to a new proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip - pending clarification, it said in a statement on its Telegram channel on Friday evening.

"Hamas has given the mediators a positive response," the statement said, confirming earlier indications.

Hamas is prepared to enter into indirect negotiations on the implementation of this proposal immediately, the statement continued. It did not provide any further details, conditions or reservations.

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Hamas had forwarded the proposal of mediating states Egypt, Qatar and the US to Qatari negotiators with a "positive response," a representative of the organization, who did not wish to be named, told dpa earlier.

However, a need remained for clarification about the continuation of the ceasefire after the initial 60-day period, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and unhindered access for humanitarian aid to the sealed-off coastal area, he added, in comments made shortly before Hamas released its statement.

The mediators recently presented a proposal for a 60-day ceasefire in the Gaza war, which began after the mass attack led by Hamas fighters on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.

According to US President Donald Trump, Israel has already agreed to the "necessary conditions" for the ceasefire to be finalized.

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The exact terms of the mediators' new proposal remain unclear.

According to Israeli and international media, the proposed deal envisages the release of 10 of the at least 20 hostages still alive and the handover of the bodies of 18 abductees in exchange for Palestinian prisoners being held in Israeli jails.

Previous ceasefire deals failed due to the diverging views of Israel and Hamas. During the limited ceasefire, the sides were supposed to negotiate the details of a permanent cessation of hostilities.

Hamas is demanding an agreement that leads to an effective end to the war. Israel wants to reserve the right to take further military action after the 60 days have elapsed if the negotiations do not lead to a result.

UN: 613 Gazans killed at aid distribution points since May end

At least 613 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the end of May at distribution centres for aid supplies and around aid convoys, UN data showed earlier on Friday, as Palestinian media reported another 15 casualties in the territory.

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Of the 613 killings, 509 were recorded at or near the controversial distribution stations run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), UN human rights spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said in Geneva.

The foundation began its work in the Gaza Strip at the end of May after an almost three-month Israeli blockade of aid deliveries.

The GHF does not work with UN aid organizations, which criticize the foundation for operating far too few distribution centres and for exposing people in need of aid to extreme danger.

The Israeli military is responsible for the deadly incidents related to the distribution of humanitarian aid, according to Palestinian sources.

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Rik Peeperkorn, the World Health Organisation (WHO) representative in the Palestinian territories, confirmed that most of the killings and injuries were linked to GHF centres.

The incidents were reported directly to the WHO by medical personnel and by relatives and friends of victims, he said.

The victims were mainly boys who had gone to the distribution centres for their families and were then shot "in the head, neck, chest, stomach and knees," the WHO representative said in a video conference.

Palestinian media: 15 killed on Friday

Following the latest Israeli attacks in Gaza, Palestinian media on Friday reported at least 15 people killed.

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Israel's military carried out air strikes in several areas of the territory on Friday, the Palestinian news agency WAFA said.

The casualties occurred in Al-Mawasi near the southern city of Khan Yunis, the news agency said, citing medical sources in the Gaza Strip.

The report could not be independently verified. Israel's military later said it had attacked around 100 targets in the Gaza Strip in the past 24 hours, including rocket launch pads and weapons depots.

It also said ground troops continued their operations. The military did not comment on reports of deaths in the attacks.

Despite ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza war, fighting in the coastal area continues unabated.

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The war was triggered by the unprecedented attack on Israel by Hamas and other militant groups on October 7, 2023, in which around 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 were abducted and taken to Gaza.

Since then, according to the Hamas-controlled health authority in Gaza, more than 56,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks. The figure does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.
Hamas terrorists seen in Khan Yunis, February 20, 2025 (photo credit: ABED RAHIM KHATIB/FLASH90)

An Israeli source also confirmed that Israel received the document submitted by the mediators and that it, as well as Hamas's response to the proposal, are being examined.

Hamas announced on Saturday evening that all Palestinian factions were "unified" in their positive response to the US-proposed Gaza ceasefire-hostage deal.

The terror group had handed a "positive" response to the ceasefire and hostage deal proposal to mediators on Friday evening, a Palestinian official familiar with the matter told Reuters.

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"We have handed the mediators, Qatar and Egypt, our response to the ceasefire proposal," a Hamas official told Reuters on condition of anonymity.

The response should help Hamas and Israel "facilitate reaching a deal," the official said. The terrorist organization later added that they "completed its internal consultations with Palestinian factions regarding the mediators' latest proposal to halt the aggression" and that they're "fully prepared to immediately enter into a round of negotiations" on the mediators' proposal for a ceasefire deal.

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad also said, "Hamas consulted with us, and we are interested in progressing towards an agreement."

What are Hamas's demands for the ceasefire

Hamas's main demands for the ceasefire include a commitment to the free entry of humanitarian aid, while returning to a model in which UN organizations are responsible for its entry and distribution; IDF withdrawal from the Gaza Strip; and guarantees for a stable ceasefire and the prevention of renewed fighting, according to Palestinian sources.

Palestinian terrorists celebrate despite a delay in the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas over the hostage list, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, January 19, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/MOHAMMED SALEM)

An Israeli source also confirmed that Israel received the document submitted by the mediators and that it, as well as Hamas's response to the proposal, are being examined. The security cabinet will convene on Saturday night to discuss the negotiations.

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"The amendments proposed in Hamas's response will challenge Israel's decision-makers," KAN quoted sources familiar with the matter as saying.

According to Al-Arabiyya, Qatari mediators received a guarantee from the US that the war would not resume after a 60-day truce.

Hamas demanded that Washington agree to be an official guarantor for a permanent end to the war, Al-Arabiyya added.

This comes after Hamas confirmed early that morning that it was discussing the US-Qatar ceasefire proposal with other Palestinian factions.

A Palestinian official of a terrorist group allied with Hamas said concerns remain over humanitarian aid, passage through the Rafah crossing to Egypt, and clarity over a timetable of Israeli troop withdrawals.

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US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he is expecting to know whether Hamas agreed to a ceasefire deal over the next 24 hours, Reuters reported.

What's was the ceasefire proposal presented to Hamas?

The proposal, presented by Qatar and based on the Witkoff framework, calls for the release of 10 living hostages and 18 bodies during a 60-day ceasefire. During that period, the sides are expected to hold talks aimed at ending the war.

Under the terms of the deal, eight hostages would be freed on the first day, with two more released on day 50. The bodies of the deceased would be returned in three phases across the two-month ceasefire.

In exchange for the hostages, Israel would release 125 Palestinian prisoners in addition to 1,111 Gazans that Israel had arrested after October 7.

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On Thursday, senior Hamas officials met in Turkey to discuss the proposed framework.

In exchange for the hostages, Israel would release 125 Palestinian prisoners in addition to 1,111 Gazans that Israel had arrested after October 7.

Reuters and Maariv contributed to this report.
The source estimates the response will be positive, with some points rewritten. These revisions are not expected to be deal-breakers.

Hamas's response to the proposed ceasefire and hostage deal will be delivered later on Friday to Israel, Egypt, and the United States via Qatar, a source familiar with the details told The Jerusalem Post.

The source estimates the response will be positive, with some points rewritten. These revisions are not expected to be deal-breakers.

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Steve Witkoff representative Bishara Bahbah confirmed that Hamas will provide its response on Friday evening in a post to Facebook.

"Hamas will respond this evening to the Egyptian-Qatari ceasefire proposal, which Israel has accepted. I hope to hear good news this evening," Bahbah wrote.

This comes after Hamas confirmed early on Friday morning that it was discussing the US-Qatar ceasefire proposal with other Palestinian factions.

U.S. President Donald Trump waves upon arrival at Joint Base Andrews following a visit to Iowa, at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, U.S. July 4, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/Nathan Howard)

The terror group promised to announce the final decision after the meetings.

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he is expecting to know whether Hamas agreed to a ceasefire deal over the next 24 hours, Reuters reported.

What is the ceasefire proposal on the table?

The proposal, presented by Qatar and based on the Witkoff framework, calls for the release of 10 living hostages and 18 bodies during a 60-day ceasefire. During that period, the sides are expected to hold talks aimed at ending the war.

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On Thursday, senior Hamas officials met in Turkey to discuss the proposed framework.

In exchange for the hostages, Israel would release 125 Palestinian prisoners in addition to 1,111 Gazans that Israel had arrested after October 7.

This is a developing story.
July 4 (UPI) -- Hamas has delivered what its leaders called a "positive response" to the U.S.-backed plan for a cease-fire with Israel in Gaza.

Hamas issued a statement on Friday saying it "is fully prepared to immediately enter into a round of negotiations regarding the mechanism for implementing" the cease-fire, CNN reported.

President Donald Trump on Thursday said he expected Hamas to quickly respond to the latest peace deal in Gaza..

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"We'll see what happens," Trump told an inquiring reporter during an Iowa rally. "We are going to know over the next 24 hours."

Israel earlier this week agreed to the "necessary conditions" of a plan spearheaded by U.S. special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff that would see a cease-fire with Hamas in Gaza.

Israel earlier this week agreed to the necessary conditions of a U.S.-sponsored plan spearheaded by U.S. special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff that would see a ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza. File Photo by Annabelle Gordon/UPI

Witkoff's plan would impose a 60-day end to hostilities in the Palestinian enclave.

Many of the details remain unknown, including any related to the remaining Israeli hostages being held by Hamas.

In January, Hamas and Israel signed a deal for a ceasefire in Gaza (pictured) that was to take place over three phases and lead to the eventual release of all hostages, both living and dead. File Photo by Anas Deeb/UPI

"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 earlier this week.

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In January, Hamas and Israel signed a deal for a cease-fire that was to take place over three phases and lead to the eventual release of all hostages, both living and dead.

In April, Hamas formally rejected further ceasefire plans and the two sides have since been locked in conflict in Gaza. File Photo by Anas Deeb/UPI

The first phase ended in March with both sides accusing the other of violating the terms of the deal.

In April, Hamas formally rejected further cease-fire plans, and the two sides have since been locked in conflict in Gaza.
Hamas says it has delivered a "positive response" to mediators on the latest proposal for a new Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal put forward by the US.

The Palestinian armed group said on Friday night that it was "seriously ready to enter immediately into a round of negotiations", but it did not confirm whether it accepted the terms.

A senior Palestinian official told the BBC that Hamas had requested several changes, including a halt to a US-backed aid system and a US guarantee that the war would not resume if talks on ending the war failed.

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Israel's government has not commented. US President Donald Trump said he had not been briefed but that it was "good" Hamas had responded positively.

"There could be a Gaza deal next week," he told reporters on board Air Force One.

The president is known to be very keen to announce positive news when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits the White House next week.

On Tuesday, Trump said that Israel had accepted the "necessary conditions" for a 60-day ceasefire, during which the parties would work to end the war.

The plan is believed to include the staggered release of 10 living Israeli hostages by Hamas and the bodies of 18 other hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.

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Fifty hostages are still being held in Gaza, at least 20 of whom are believed to be alive.

The proposal also reportedly says sufficient quantities of aid would enter Gaza immediately with the involvement of the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The Palestinian official said Hamas was demanding aid be distributed exclusively by the UN and its partners, and that the controversial aid distribution system run by the Israel- and US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) end immediately.

Another amendment demanded by Hamas was about Israeli troop withdrawals, according to the Palestinian official.

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The US proposal is believed to include phased pull-outs from parts of Gaza. But the official said Hamas wanted troops to return to the positions they held before the last ceasefire collapsed in March, when Israel resumed its offensive.

The official said Hamas also wanted a US guarantee that Israeli air and ground operations would not resume even if the ceasefire ended without a permanent truce.

The proposal is believed to say mediators will guarantee that serious negotiations will take place from day one, and that they can extend the ceasefire if necessary.

The Israeli prime minister has ruled out ending the war until all of the hostages are released and Hamas's military and governing capabilities are destroyed.

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Far-right ministers have also expressed their opposition to the proposed deal. They want Israeli operations to be stepped up and for aid deliveries to be suspended.

The Israeli military continued to bomb targets across the Gaza Strip on Friday.

Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry said in the afternoon that Israeli attacks had killed at least 138 Palestinians over the previous 24 hours.

On Thursday night, at least 15 Palestinians were killed in strikes on two tents housing displaced people in the southern Khan Younis area, the local Nasser hospital said.

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Thirteen-year-old Mayar al-Farr's brother, Mahmoud, was among those killed.

"There should have been a ceasefire long ago before I lost my brother," she told Reuters news agency at his funeral.

Adlar Mouamar, whose nephew Ashraf was also killed, said: "Our hearts are broken... We want them to end the bloodshed."

The Israeli military has not yet commented on the strikes, but did say its forces were "operating to dismantle Hamas military capabilities".

Meanwhile, medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres said a former colleague was one of at least 16 people killed on Thursday when Israeli forces reportedly fired on people waiting for aid lorries in Khan Younis. The Israeli military has not yet commented.

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The UN human rights office said on Friday that it had recorded the killing of 509 people near the GHF's aid distribution centres and 104 other people near aid convoys.

A spokeswoman said the office was working to verify the figures and ascertain who was responsible, but that it was "clear that the Israeli military has shelled and shot at Palestinians trying to reach the distribution points".

The GHF said the UN figures were coming "directly" from Gaza's health ministry and were being used to "falsely smear" its efforts. Its chairman insisted this week there had not been any violent incidents at or in close proximity to its sites.

The Israeli military has said reports of "extensive" casualties at the GHF's sites are "lies".

Former hostage Keith Siegel told a rally in Tel Aviv that a "comprehensive deal" was needed to secure the release of all those still in captivity [Kyla Herrmannsen / BBC]

In the Israeli city of Tel Aviv, the families of the remaining hostages and their supporters held a rally outside the US embassy branch office on Friday, urging Trump to "make the deal" that would see them all released.

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On the nearby beachfront, they laid out a giant banner featuring the US flag and the words "liberty for all".

Among those who addressed the event was Ruby Chen, the father of Israeli-American Itay Chen. The 19-year-old soldier was killed during the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023 which triggered the war, and his body was taken back to Gaza as a hostage, according to the Israeli military.

"I urge you Prime Minister Netanyahu to go to the US next week and bring back a deal that brings all the hostages home," Mr Chen said.

Keith Siegel, an Israeli American who was released in February during the last ceasefire after 484 days in captivity, said: "Only a comprehensive deal can bring them all home and create a better future for the Middle East."

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The Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza in response to the 7 October 2023 attack, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.

At least 57,268 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the territory's health ministry.

Additional reporting by David Gritten in Jerusalem
CAIRO (AP)  Hamas says it has given a 'positive' response to the latest ceasefire proposal in Gaza, but says further talks needed.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was sending a team to Qatar Sunday for talks on a truce and hostage release in Gaza, after Hamas said it was ready to start negotiations "immediately".

But Netanyahu, who is due to meet with President Donald Trump in Washington on Monday, said the Palestinian Islamist group's proposals for changes to a draft US-backed ceasefire deal were "unacceptable".

Trump has been making a renewed push to end nearly 21 months of war in Gaza, where the civil defence agency said 42 people were killed in Israeli military operations on Saturday.

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Hamas said Friday it was ready "to engage immediately and seriously" in negotiations, and was sending its responses to the truce proposal.

"The changes that Hamas is seeking to make in the Qatari proposal were conveyed to us last night and are unacceptable to Israel," said a statement from Netanyahu's office.

"In light of an assessment of the situation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed that the invitation to proximity talks be accepted and that the contacts for the return of our hostages -- on the basis of the Qatari proposal that Israel has agreed to -- be continued," the statement added.

Hamas has not publicly detailed its responses to the US-sponsored proposal, which was transmitted by mediators from Qatar and Egypt.

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Two Palestinian sources close to the discussions told AFP the proposal included a 60-day truce, during which Hamas would release 10 living hostages and several bodies in exchange for Palestinians detained by Israel.

However, they said, the group was also demanding certain conditions for Israel's withdrawal, guarantees against a resumption of fighting during negotiations, and the return of the UN-led aid distribution system.

Trump, when asked about Hamas's response aboard Air Force One, said: "That's good. They haven't briefed me on it. We have to get it over with. We have to do something about Gaza."

The war in Gaza began with Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel, which sparked a massive Israeli offensive in the territory that aimed to destroy the group and bring home all the hostages seized by Palestinian militants.

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Two previous ceasefires mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States secured temporary halts in fighting and the return of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

Of the 251 hostages taken by Palestinian militants during the October 2023 attack, 49 are still held in Gaza, including 27 the Israeli military says are dead.

- 'Comprehensive deal' -

The Egyptian foreign ministry said Saturday that top diplomat Badr Abdelatty held a phone call with Washington's main representative in the truce talks, Steve Witkoff, to discuss recent developments "and preparations for holding indirect meetings between the two parties concerned to reach an agreement".

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Meanwhile, at a weekly protest demanding the return of the hostages, Macabit Mayer, the aunt of captives Gali and Ziv Berman, called for a deal "that saves everyone", without exception.

But recent efforts to broker a new truce have repeatedly failed, with the primary point of contention being Israel's rejection of Hamas's demand for a lasting ceasefire.

The war has created dire humanitarian conditions for the more than two million people in the Gaza Strip.

Karima al-Ras, from Khan Yunis in southern Gaza, said people were "happy that Hamas responded positively, and we hope that a truce will be announced" to allow in more aid.

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"People are dying for flour, and young people are dying as they try to provide flour for their children," she said.

A US- and Israel-backed group, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, took the lead in food distribution in the territory in late May, when Israel partially lifted a more than two-month blockade on aid deliveries.

The group said two of its US staff members were wounded "in a targeted terrorist attack" at one of its aid centres in southern Gaza's Khan Yunis on Saturday.

The Israeli military said it had evacuated the injured.

UN agencies and major aid groups have refused to cooperate with the GHF over concerns it was designed to cater to Israeli military objectives.

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UN human rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said Friday that more than 500 people have been killed waiting to access food from GHF distribution points.

- Civil defence says 42 killed -

Civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal said Israeli military operations killed 42 people across Gaza on Saturday.

Media restrictions in Gaza and difficulties in accessing many areas mean AFP is unable to independently verify the tolls and details provided by the civil defence agency.

Contacted by AFP, the Israeli military said it could not comment on specific strikes without precise coordinates.

The Hamas attack of October 2023 resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures.

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Israel's retaliatory campaign has killed at least 57,338 people in Gaza, also mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry. The United Nations considers the figures reliable.

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Beaches in Dennis, as expected, were packed this Fourth of July, but Cape goers are still dealing with new restrictions from police.

Cleve Daniels, deputy chief of Dennis Police, told Boston 25 Friday theyre keeping a close watch on 19 beaches across town.

Really, our Super Bowl from a public safety perspective, said Daniels. We dont allow alcohol or drugs on the beaches -- certainly dont need any disorderly behavior on the beaches.

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The town is also restricting day parking passes at West Dennis Beach and others. Daniels told Boston 25 its a new restriction this year to safely monitor the masses.

He added, Those restrictions are for public safety reasons/ They allow us to be able to police effectively, and not be overrun with the amount of people who want to come to the beaches.

Towns like Falmouth and Chatham have rolled out similar restrictions after years of incidents and reports of unruly behavior.

Honestly it feels less crowded than the last couple years, said one beachgoer at West Dennis Beach Friday. "

Taryn Rogers of Taunton has been traveling to Dennis for decades.

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Once you go over the bridge its like fresh air, she said. We dont want drinking and cups and people getting hurt.

Now with kids of her own, she added, It should be a celebration, just not out of control.

Dennis Police reported a rise in incidents on the beaches between 2019 and 2023.

They reportedly responded to 459 calls in 2023 over the Fourth of July week. Restrictions implemented the next year curbed those incidents by 75%.

Daniels is asking everyone to do their part in safeguarding the beaches this weekend.

He finished, Really just being vigilant about whats going on around you ... being a good neighbor on the beach.

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The Boise, Idaho, skyline on the evening of July 4, 2021. (Darwin Fan/Getty Images)

The fireworks, parades, and barbecues are all ready to celebrate Independence Day this Friday, July 4th.

The date of the4th has become synonymous with the holiday, with millions of Americans often wishing each other a Happy 4th!But if were going to be 100% accurate, we should probably start wishing each other a Happy 2nd. After all, July 2nd is the true date of American independencethe moment the colonies formally broke from British rule.

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On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress took a momentous step by voting in favor of the resolution declaring the thirteen American colonies free and independent states. The vote passed without opposition, making it the legal and political moment the colonies severed ties with Britain.

John Adams, a leading advocate for independence, recognized the significance of this day. In a letter to his wife Abigail dated July 3, 1776, he wrote: The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival.

Adams envisioned future celebrations filled with Pomp and Parade from one End of this Continent to the other.

Although the vote for independence happened on July 2, the Continental Congress took two more days to finalize the wording of the Declaration of Independence, primarily penned by Thomas Jefferson. The official document was adopted on July 4, and that date was printed on the first copies that were distributed to the public and newspapers.

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Over time, the Fourth of July became etched in public memory as the date of independence, largely because it was the day Americans first saw the finished document. It became symbolic, representing the ideals and aspirations laid out in Jeffersons powerful prose.

So history shows us that July 2 was the action; July 4 was the announcement.

Understanding this distinction helps us appreciate the courage it took to make that vote. It wasnt just eloquent words that birthed a nationit was a political leap into the unknown.

While July 4 will always remain a cherished holiday, theres growing interest in restoring July 2 to its rightful place in history. Some historians, educators, and civic leaders advocate observing July 2 as a complementary moment of reflection  one that honors the bold decision that made the Declaration possible.

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In doing so, we dont replace the Fourth  we enrich it.

The fireworks of July 4 celebrate the ideals of liberty and equality. But July 2 was when independence truly began  when courage triumphed over fear, and a group of revolutionaries voted to create a new nation. Perhaps its time we gave July 2 the recognition it deserves: as the true Independence Day.

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KIEV, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Russia carried out a major aerial assault overnight Friday, launching a combined 550 drones and missiles across Ukraine, with Kiev sustaining the heaviest damage, said the Ukrainian Air Force.

According to preliminary data, Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 478 aerial targets, including two Iskander-K cruise missiles. However, 63 drones and nine missiles struck targets in eight locations, while debris from downed projectiles landed in 33 sites.

Educational, healthcare and transport infrastructure in Kiev was damaged, local media quoted Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko as saying. 
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  For 73 years, the Connecticut Sons of the American Revolution and residents have been honoring Revolutionary War Patriots for Independence Day.

The community paid homage at the Grove Street Cemetery in New Haven on Friday.

The event featured a remembrance ceremony, and flags were placed on the graves of New Haven Patriots Isaac Gilbert and Edmond Sherman.

GUIDE: 2025 Fourth of July fireworks and parades in Connecticut

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It reminds us that so many people sacrificed everything, their fortune, their lives, everything to give us our freedoms and so here we are in a wonderful country with our own freedoms and it just reminds us of how fortunate we are, Tim Wilkins with the Connecticut Sons of the American Revolution said.

General David Humphreys and Roger Sherman were two of many patriots honored on Independence Day.

Humphreys was a confidential assistant to George Washington and Roger Sherman signed the Declaration of Independence.

The two are buried at Grove Street Cemetery.

In addition, 56 signers of the declaration and 168 Revolutionary War veterans were recognized at Fridays ceremony.

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The ceremony included the SAR Color guard and other units such as the Second Company Governors Foot Guard.

Its Independence Day and obviously our unit was around and fought during the American Revolution for the freedoms that we have today so it is very important that we honor that and that we are here just to continue that tradition and pay homage to those who fought and died for what we have today, Major Donald Rosadini with The Second Company Governors Foot Guard said.

The Governors Foot Guard was founded in 1775 and is known as one of the nations oldest military organizations.

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NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  A New Haven woman has been found guilty of evading responsibility for striking a pedestrian while driving as a ride-hailing service with two customers in the backseat.

According to court documents, Jamiramarquisha Perry, 27, struck Kevin Colement, 63, while driving a motor vehicle in November 2024. He suffered serious permanent injuries from the incident.

Waterbury woman sentenced to 3 years for role in drug trafficking ring

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Officials say the defendant was operating an unregistered, uninsured motor vehicle, without a license. The defendant was allegedly driving at a high rate of speed when the victim began to cross the street. The passengers warned the defendant to slow down but she did not, struck the victim and continued to drive, ignoring passengers pleas to stop the vehicle.

Eventually, the defendant stopped the vehicle so the passengers could exit, and when they did, she drove off and did not call for help. She later traveled on vacation to Florida.

Avon woman sentenced to 18 months for Medicaid fraud

Officers say they found the defendant hiding under a stairwell at the time the arrest warrant was served. Perry was sentenced on Wednesday to 12 years in prison after she was found guilty in April.

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U.S. President Donald Trump brushed off a reporter's question on July 3 about pausing weapons deliveries to Ukraine, claiming Washington is "giving weapons" to Kyiv.

The Pentagon previously confirmed that the U.S. has already halted some military aid shipments to Ukraine in order to conduct what it calls a "capability review" of its own stockpiles.

"Why did you pause weapons shipments to Ukraine?" a reporter asked Trump as the president prepared to board Air Force One.

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"We haven't," Trump replied. "We're giving weapons."

Trump then offered a contradictory answer, saying the U.S. is "trying to help" Ukraine while also claiming that former U.S. President Joe Biden depleted the country's weapons stocks with military aid to Kyiv and that Washington must defend its own interests.

"But we've given so many weapons  but we are giving weapons, and we're working with (Ukraine), we're trying to help them," Trump said.

"But we haven't... You know, Biden emptied out our whole country giving them weapons and we have to make sure that we have enough for ourselves."

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Trump then asked the reporter which media outlet he represented.

"The New York Times," the journalist said.

"Ah, no wonder," Trump replied.

Read also: Ukraine scrambles to clarify extent of US military aid pause and whether everything will continue

Reports that the U.S. had suddenly paused some weapons shipments  including deliveries of desperately needed air defense missiles  left officials in Kyiv scrambling for answers. Trump's response provides little clarity and even less reassurance to Ukrainians facing increasingly deadly Russian missile attacks night after night.

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The decision to halt the shipments "was made to put America's interests first following a (U.S. Defense Department) 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 after Politico broke the story on July 1.

The Washington Post later reported that a shipment of U.S. weapons, including advanced air defense systems and precision missiles, was halted in Poland where it was awaiting delivery to Ukraine.

U.S. State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, like Trump, insisted that the U.S. was not pulling support from Ukraine.

"This is not  I will reinforce this  this is not a cessation of us assisting Ukraine or of providing weapons," Bruce told reporters at a briefing.

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"This is one event in one situation, and we'll discuss what else comes up in the future. But be wary of painting too broad a brush there."

Trump's remarks about the weapons shipments followed an update on his July 3 phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"We had a call. It was a pretty long call. We talked about a lot of things," he said.

Their conversation brought the Kremlin no closer to agreeing to a ceasefire, according to Trump.

"No, I didn't make any progress with (Putin) today at all," he said.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Putin tells Trump Russia wont back down from its war aims in Ukraine

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  The Republican-backed tax bill, known by President Donald Trump as the big, beautiful bill, passed the U.S. Congress on July 3, with local leaders saying the bill would cut healthcare coverage for more than 40,000 Hawaii residents.

In a joint statement between Gov. Josh Green, U.S. Senators Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz as well as U.S. Representatives Ed Case and Jill Tokuda, the bill is described as terrible.

Billions in cuts, thousands at risk: What the Big Beautiful Bill means for Hawaii

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The Republican tax bill breaks promises, and guts funding for healthcare and food assistance that thousands of Hawaii families rely on every day. Its a terrible bill that we all strongly opposed. While it wont be easy to stop all the damage from these cuts, were moving quickly to protect our communities, the statement said in part.

The state leaders went on to discuss their action plan for their constituents, including providing resources.

Over the next few weeks, well be meeting with state and local officials, community partners and service providers to assess the fiscal impact on Hawaii and develop operational plans to blunt the harm. That includes coordinating resources, setting local priorities and making sure the most vulnerable arent left without support, the statement continued. These next few years wont be easy, but we are mobilizing now to respond, protect our people and make sure Hawaii can weather whats coming.

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In a separate, individual statement, Case said the tax bill fails to represent strong values.

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[The bill] gifts a massive tax break to those who have benefited the most from our society and east need help. It pays for that tax cut by borrowing from our future, plunging our nation into another $5 trillion of debt, Case said.

His statement continued to address how the bill guts nutrition and healthcare programs, housing, clean energy and more.

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As a tragic, cruel measure that so deeply benefits so few so well at the expense of so many so severely, it accelerates deepening inequality and division throughout our country and further stretches the fraying fabric of our society, Case said.

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Echoing similar sentiments in her own separate, individual statement, Tokuda called the big beautiful bill a big ugly bill.

Its been sickening to see Republicans fast track a bill thats not just bad policy, its reckless and selfish, and its a betrayal to our people. The bill would rip lifesaving Medicaid coverage from 17 million Americans, including 150,000 in Hawaii, and take food out of the mouths of 42 million people who rely on SNAP to feed their families, including 22,000 right here at home, Tokuda said in part.

The bill is now heading to Trumps desk for his signature.

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The Brief

Immigration advocates issued demand for answers Thursday

In April, 40+ people were detained at a home in Dripping Springs as part of an immigration raid.

Federal officials have said the raid was part of a crackdown on Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang

HAYS COUNTY, Texas - On the steps of the Hays County courthouse Thursday, immigration advocates issued a demand for answers.

Earlier this year, immigration raids stepped up targeting individuals allegedly linked to a Venezuelan gang known as Tren de Aragua.

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In April, one such raid happened in Hays County, which resulted in the detention of more than 40 people, including minors.

What they're saying

"We don't know how this operation was planned, for how long, what surveillance technologies were used, or where many of our neighbors were taken," said Karen Munoz with Latino Justice.

Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra described the immigration raid, and others like it, as kidnappings.

"Because that's what they are until I hear otherwise," said Judge Becerra.

Becerra and those at the courthouse event were also critical of the money the federal government is spending to catch and deport undocumented immigrants.

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"They told us this was about keeping America safe. Safe from who, the bus boy? The mom who cleans hotel rooms?" said Judge Becerra.

During Thursdays gathering, members of the group acknowledged that some of those detained have been released.

The other side

FOX 7 Austin sent a request to federal authorities for an update on the case. A spokesperson with the Department of Homeland Security responded with a copy of the original April news release:

"For more than a year, the FBI, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the San Antonio Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety and several other federal, state and local partners, have been investigating members and associates believed to be part of the Venezuelan transnational gang, Tren de Aragua (TdA). In recent days, the FBI developed intelligence regarding a possible gathering of suspected TdA members or TdA associates in Hays County. Early Tuesday morning, the Hays County Sheriff's Office and DPS, working with the FBI, ICE Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement Removal Operations established sufficient cause to obtain a search warrant for a residence in Hays County, which was executed by DPS Special Response Team. As a result of this operation, more than 40 individuals, including minors, were taken into custody at or near the residence, and narcotics were seized. State and federal prosecutors will evaluate potential charges based on evidence obtained during the search warrant and subsequent investigation. This case is currently under investigation. More details will be released as they become available."

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Those who support the ICE raids point to violent crimes recently committed by undocumented immigrants.

The cases include the murders of Jocelyn Nungaray of Houston and Laken Riley at the University of Georgia, as well as multiple TdA-linked crimes and arrests, reportedly, in more than 20 states since January 1, 2025.

More than 40 taken into custody in April raid

The backstory

On April 1, a raid took place at a rental house near Dripping Springs where a birthday party was to be held. 49 people were taken into custody, including minors.

Officials at the time said the FBI had information about a possible gathering of suspected TdA members and associates in Hays County.

Narcotics were also seized from the home, according to Texas DPS.

The Source

Information in this report comes from reporting by FOX 7 Austin's Rudy Koski and previous reporting.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  Two people were being evaluated after a tractor-trailer carrying food overturned Friday on I-495 in Kensington, creating a fuel leak.

Hazmat crews with the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) were called to help clear the scene.

Fans begin tailgating for Beyonce hours ahead of Northwest Stadium concert

(X/@mcfrsPIO)

Spokesman Pete Piringer said in a social media post made shortly before 3:30 p.m. that a tractor-trailer veered off the road and down an embankment.

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The tractor-trailer then crashed into trees along the beltway between Georgia and Connecticut avenues.

MCFRS evaluated two patients, but it was not clear how significantly they were hurt.

Hazmat was helping with the fuel tank pump off, Piringer noted. As a result, some lanes were blocked.

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Head of Greater Boston Food Bank says need could surge 70% under Big Beautiful Bill

Catherine DAmato watched progress on President Trumps signature policy legislation with concern. As head of the Greater Boston Food Bank, Pres. Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill could significantly impact vulnerable populations and the food banks ability to provide for communities.

Yeah, fair to say that all nonprofits are worried about this legislation, DAmato told Boston 25 News on Thursday, only hours before House Republicans passed the bill.

President Trump says he intends to sign the bill on Friday ahead of July 4th celebrations at the White House.

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At its core, the packages priority is $4.5 trillion in tax breaks enacted in 2017 during Trumps first term that would expire if Congress failed to act, along with new ones. 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.

To help offset the lost tax revenue, the package includes $1.2 trillion in cutbacks to the Medicaid health care and food stamps, largely by imposing new work requirements, including for some parents and older people.

Critics say those cuts could rip Medicaid health care and food benefits from millions of people who, without them, would lean more heavily on charitable and non-profit private organizations, like food banks.

The Greater Boston Food Bank serves 600,000 people a month in Eastern Massachusetts, DAmato says.

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We are anticipating that anyone who loses their SNAP benefit or their Medicaid health and food benefits will rely on the private pantry system, DAmato says. It could be as high as 70% more going into the pantries This will force more food-insecure individuals to turn to this very extended and underfunded hunger relief network.

The food bank has already ramped up fundraising efforts in anticipation of changes, but DAmato says a 70% surge in need would be almost impossible to manage.

In order for us to be successful, it means immediate fundraising at a level thats not attainable, she says. And this is true for all nonprofits that are going to have impacts based on this bill.

Thursday, President Trump praised Republicans before a trip to Iowa to kick off Independence Day celebrations. Much of the prior week was spent getting hardline and moderate members of the party on-board.

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When you go over the bill, it was very easy to get them to a yes, the president said. We went over that bill and point after point, biggest tax cut in history, great for security, great on the southern border. Immigration is covered Its the biggest bill ever signed of its kind.

The vote ultimately passed the House 218-214. All Democrats voted against the bill, along with two Republicans. Three more in the Senate voted against the bill, including Maines Senator Susan Collins, which forced Vice President J.D. Vance to cast the tie-breaking vote.

I strongly support extending the tax relief for families and small businesses, Collins said in a post on X earlier in the week. 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.

Massachusetts Representative Ayanna Pressley slammed the bill and lawmakers who voted for it, writing on X: Republicans have passed a bill that will be a death sentencedenying millions medical care, denying children food, & violently deporting immigrant families to destabilized countries. This is unforgivable.

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The Massachusetts GOP applauded the bill.

This is historic legislation that delivers much-needed funds to secure our border and deport criminal illegal immigrants while offering the largest tax cut for middle-class families in years, MassGOP chairwoman Amy Carnevale said in a statement. The cost of living, especially in our Commonwealth, has never been higher, but thanks to President Trump our economy is roaring back from the Biden years.

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Heading to the Esplanade for the Fourth? Heres everything you need to know

Bostons iconic Fourth of July festivities will 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.

This year marks the 51st anniversary and celebrations will take place along Charles River, at the DCR Hatch Shell located at 47 David G. Mugar Way in Boston.

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Gates for the public open at 12 p.m. on Friday. The live concert will start at 7 p.m. with fireworks beginning around 9:40 p.m.

The Shell is on the Charles River Esplanade between the Longfellow and Massachusetts Avenue Bridges.

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.

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.

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Coolers on wheels, backpacks, firearms, weapons, fireworks, glass containers, cans, alcohol, grills, propane tanks, bicycles, and drones are all prohibited.

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.

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They are illegal and the police will confiscate them, said Kwon.

For more information on the Esplanade celebration, visit the BSO website.

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On the same day President Donald Trump is set to sign a landmark domestic policy bill that will reshape state finances for years to come, Gov. Maura Healey approved a $60.9 billion annual budget and rolled out a companion proposal designed to empower her administration with greater cost-cutting power.

Healey on Friday signed the fiscal year 2026 budget lawmakers sent her on Monday, in the process vetoing $130 million in planned spending amid crystallizing concerns that federal funding to Massachusetts will drop and the state may face new costs in a world where the so-called big, beautiful bill is the law of the land.

Between her spending cuts and changes that legislative negotiators made to cushion against financial strain, the final budget that became law -- which is packed with big funding boosts for health care, education and transportation plus policy measures like a limit on renter-paid broker fees -- raises spending by more than 5% but is more than $1 billion smaller than the version Healey filed in January, before the federal bill emerged.

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The governor and her deputies will pursue other steps to further buttress against budgetary impacts from economic downturn or federal funding cuts, especially to the massive and costly Medicaid insurance program.

Officials announced Friday that an executive branch hiring freeze implemented in May will remain in effect for the duration of fiscal year 2026, which runs through next June. The administration will also scrap a 2% raise for thousands of executive branch managers set to start in January, which officials said would save $17 million.

While Healey did not veto any of the earmarks lawmakers wrote into the budget to support projects and programs in their districts, the administration will delay paying about $125 million of those until at least the fall. Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew Gorzkowicz said if the state is in a precarious fiscal position at that point, everything will be on the table, including cancellation of earmarks.

Some of the governors biggest new plans to control state spending will need buy-in from the Legislature.

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Healey on Friday filed a new $130 million supplemental budget bill that her office said would create a $100 million flexible pool of resources that the administration could tap later in the year to deal with changing economic conditions and federal spending decisions. The other $30 million would go toward a housing preservation and stabilization fund, which Gorzkowicz said would provide resources to housing programs amid concerns about safety-net impacts from new federal policy.

That bill would also grant the administration the ability to transfer some line-item spending between agencies and use capital dollars instead of operating dollars to pay for some Department of Transportation workers. The governor is also asking for new authority that might prove unpalatable to some lawmakers: a limited-time ability to cut spending unilaterally from the entire state budget.

The existing state law limits a governors power to trim spending midway through the year only to the executive branch, which according to Gorzkowicz makes up roughly 55% to 60% of the budget. Other areas like quasi-public agencies, local aid, retirement and other post-employment benefits, and debt service cannot be targeted by what are commonly known as 9C cuts.

Gorzkowicz said the new supplemental budget would, only in fiscal year 2026, allow the administration to trim from anywhere if revenue collections fall at least $400 million below projected benchmarks or if federal policy changes cost the state budget $400 million or more.

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Officials are still sifting through the federal megabill, which the U.S. House approved Thursday and Trump plans to sign Friday, to determine its full impacts on state budgeting. Gorzkowicz said he hopes to have a better understanding in roughly a month.

A preliminary estimate from health policy nonprofit KFF suggested the Medicaid changes could cost Massachusetts $15 billion to $25 billion over the next decade.

Another outside section to Healeys new bill would grant the state Department of Public Health the ability to set the schedule for childhood vaccines instead of relying on recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Controls Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices -- a panel that U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy completely reshaped last month.

The timing of Healeys budget signature is unusual in two ways: she announced the action on a federal holiday that created a long weekend, and she acted more quickly on an annual budget than any Massachusetts governor in at least 25 years.

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For every other annual budget since fiscal 2001, at least seven days elapsed between the final Senate enactment vote and the governors response, according to data tracked by the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.

Gorzkowicz said the administration wanted to move rapidly on the budget because lawmakers sent it to Healey before the July 1 start of the fiscal year for the first time since 2016.

In another unusual move, Healey does not plan any press conference to discuss her budget actions. The only public event on her schedule Friday is attending the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on the Charles River Esplanade in the evening.

Im proud to sign a budget that is fiscally responsible and protects what makes Massachusetts special, Healey said in a statement. Im grateful to the Legislature for their strong partnership and efficient work to develop and pass this budget for the people we serve. In Massachusetts, we are continuing to lead and do what we know works  focusing on lowering costs, protecting essential care and services, and moving our economy forward by investing in housing, transportation and our schools.

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We are also signing this budget in a moment of great dysfunction in Washington, she added. The President is poised to sign a bill thats going to kick hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts residents off their health care, increase energy and groceries prices, and cost people their jobs.

In a social media post the day before she announced her action on the budget, Healey touted her approach to state spending as a contrast with the incoming federal law.

We want you to have access to health care, to education, transportation, Healey said. I want you to be able to afford groceries, housing, heat and electricity. Thats what were focused on delivering.

The fiscal 2026 budget increases state spending just shy of 5.4% over the spending bill Healey signed last summer. Some of that increase is driven by the use of $2.4 billion in revenue from the voter-approved surtax on high earners, which will fund major investments in K-12 schools, early education and care grants, operating support for the MBTA and regional transit authorities.

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Healey vetoed a combined $130 million from 28 line items, less than the $248 million net spending she struck from last years budget and the $205 million net spending she eliminated the year before.

A $27.5 million reduction this time around pairs with a directive Healey issued to the Group Insurance Commission to eliminate coverage of GLP-1 weight loss drugs for state employees unless medically necessary. Officials said that change would more closely match private health insurance, where several plans have called out the increasingly popular drugs as major cost drivers.

Healey also cut $10 million from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, according to Sen. Michael Barrett, the Senates point person for energy and climate policy and the chairman whose committee is reviewing Healeys energy affordability legislation.

The governor originally proposed a $30 million outlay for MassCEC. The conference committee budget settled on $20 million, and then Healey vetoed it down to $10 million.

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Barrett said the additional change hinders clean tech at a time when it is talked about as a cornerstone of the states economy for decades to come and threatens the states readiness for a post-Trump era.

I dont quite see how it all computes and Im astounded. I feel that Massachusetts is sending a very weird signal out into the world, Barrett said. Were not going to see any clean energy progress on the federal front and now were doing something that would have the effect of doubling the federal assault.

Lawmakers have the power to override any of the governors vetoes with a two-thirds vote in each chamber.

Healey also returned two outside sections of the budget with amendments, one seeking a technical change and the other proposed to study, not implement, a mandatory retirement savings program for employees who lack access to such programs through their workplaces.

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That Secure Choice Savings Program had drawn criticism from the National Federation of Independent Business both when the House quietly added it via amendment and when the provision survived conference committee negotiations.

In a letter to lawmakers alongside her amendment, Healey said she believes further consideration of the proposal is warranted.

Saving for retirement is an important goal, but there are many ways to encourage this behavior. This proposal has invited feedback from various groups who, while supportive of the goal of expanding access to retirement saving, suggest there are additional implementation questions that need to be resolved prior to enactment, Healey wrote. These implementation questions should be answered before we establish a new statewide program and obligation on Massachusetts employers.

Legislative negotiators built some flexibility into the final state budget bill they shipped Healey, aiming to strike a balance between Democrats appetite for significant spending on state services and the prospect of federal funding cuts.

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They trimmed the bottom line hundreds of millions of dollars below the original House- and Senate-approved versions, incorporated nearly half a billion extra surtax dollars, and left about $800 million in anticipated revenues unappropriated as a cushion against future impacts.

House budget chief Aaron Michlewitz called the legislative budget not only [a bill] that will allow our economy to grow, but will also do this while maintaining the Legislatures commitment to fiscal stability [and] sustainability.

Some have said that this piece of legislation is actually the real big, beautiful bill being taken up this week, Michlewitz said Monday while introducing the accord. Unlike the one in Washington, this piece of legislation is one that will not hurt our residents, but will help improve the lives of all our constituents, not just the ones with the largest paychecks.

Gorzkowicz said the administration has spoken with budget chiefs in the House and Senate about convening a hearing in the fall with economists to examine the states financial footing and whether officials need to revise their tax collection estimates for fiscal 2026.

The secretary by law must certify by Oct. 15 that the state has sufficient revenues to fulfill expenditures, and he said that deadline will be a key early milestone.

Healeys office provided written quotes about the budget from House Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka thanking the governor for her signature.

This FY26 budget makes key 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, Mariano said. In a moment of incredible uncertainty at the federal level, this budget is proof that government can be both fiscally responsible and an agent of good, the kind of government that our residents deserve.

Added Spilka, In Massachusetts, we know that the best investment we can make is in our people, and this budget reflects the Senates continuing commitment to do so while maintaining our equal commitment to responsible money management. This statewide approach to investment delivers resources to every part of the state and protects our most vulnerable residents from the cruelest actions of the federal government, while our continued focus on education and mental health ensures that people have they keys to unlock the doors of opportunity.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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A rare blanket of heavy snow fell on parts of northeastern Turkey on Friday as other parts of the country battled a growing number of wildfires.

Experts say human-driven climate change is causing more frequent and intense extreme weather events, from droughts to heatwaves and hailstorms.

Temperatures plunged in mountainous areas inland from Rize, a town on Turkey's northeastern Black Sea coast about 120 kilometres (75 miles) from the border with Georgia.

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Gencaga Karafazlioglu, a journalist in Rize, said he had never before seen snow in July.

"In Rize, we're used to weather anomalies. We've had snow several times in March but never this much. The older generation say they saw snow in July 30 or 40 years ago but never this much."

In Ovit Yaylasi, a plateau some 2,500 metres (8,200 feet) above sea level, fields were blanketed in white after snowfall, social media footage showed.

The snowfall covered an area stretching at least 100 kilometres, from Anzer Yaylasi through the Kackar Mountains National Park and beyond.

"The town of Artvin was the worst hit," Karafazlioglu said. Artvin is about 50km inland.

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Elsewhere, firefighters battled at least 10 "major" forest fires on Friday, Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli told a press conference.

The minister said that wildfires in Izmir province, where two people died on Thursday and temperatures were forecast to hit 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in the coming days, were now mainly under control.

He added that flames fanned by strong winds that threatened Mugla in the southwest of the country and Hatay in the south were still a concern.

Yumakli said there was an "intense struggle" to control the blaze in Hatay, which is near the border with Syria.

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There had been 624 wildfires in the past week and that many had been caused by faulty electric cables, he added.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said that 44 suspects had been arrested and 10 placed in detention over fires. He said that most were workers or farmers using machinery that had caused sparks.

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HONG KONG, July 4 (Xinhua) -- The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) celebrated the 28th anniversary of the city's return to the motherland with a significant visit from a fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy, led by China's first homegrown aircraft carrier Shandong.

Since November 2024, the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy has made three visits to Hong Kong, deploying a range of vessels, including aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, and missile destroyers.

Experts and academics underscore the multifaceted significance of this naval visit. "Only with the support of national strength can there be security and prosperity at home," said Zheng Hong, a researcher at the Naval Research Academy.

Recognized as a leading free trade port, Hong Kong has consistently ranked as the world's freest economy for several years; The navy serves as the backbone of China's maritime strength, playing a vital role in safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests, said Zheng, noting that "the connection between the two is fundamentally intertwined."

China's naval formations of two aircraft carriers, Liaoning and Shandong, have just completed their far-sea combat-oriented training. After several days of replenishment at the port, the Shandong made its first visit to Hong Kong, accompanied by other vessels.

Zheng believed this visit showcases new achievements in China's national defense and military development, demonstrating the country's commitment and capability to maintain global and regional peace and security.

The Shandong, China's first domestically built aircraft carrier, opened for public visits during this trip. "Choosing Hong Kong for this inaugural public event reflects the Chinese central government's commitment and care for the region," the expert noted, adding that this is the largest naval contingent visiting Hong Kong, impressing residents with a sense of warmth and connection.

During their stay, naval officers and soldiers will engage in various cultural exchanges with local institutions and schools. Public open events will allow citizens to board the vessels, experience advanced weaponry up close, enhancing their sense of national pride and identity.

In recent years, alongside naval fleets, astronauts, manned space program scientists, and lunar exploration researchers have also visited Hong Kong multiple times, conducting activities focused on national defense, military, aerospace technology, and maritime rights.

Yang Yan, an associate professor at the Space Engineering University, believed that the naval fleet's visit to Hong Kong opens a window for patriotic education in a more direct and vivid manner, fostering a favorable atmosphere of love for the country and national defense among the public, especially Hong Kong youth.

"Hong Kong has a deep historical connection with the Navy. Some members of the Hong Kong-Kowloon Independent Brigade of the East River Column and maritime guerrilla units later participated in the founding of the Navy," said Yung Chan, a member of the HKSAR Legislative Council.

"The fleet's visit to Hong Kong carries profound significance, showcasing the century-long transformation of our nation from weakness to strength, highlighting the national dignity and military might in defending our homeland, and reflecting Hong Kong's important position in the national strategic framework," said Chan.

Particularly following the implementation of the Hong Kong national security law, which has established institutional guarantees for national security and long-term stability in the city, such naval visits further bolster confidence, Chan emphasized. 
The Defense Department held up a shipment of U.S. weapons for Ukraine this week over what officials said were concerns about its low stockpiles. But an analysis by senior military officers found that the aid package would not jeopardize the American militarys own ammunition supplies, according to three U.S. officials.

The move to halt the weapons shipment blindsided the State Department, members of Congress, officials in Kyiv and European allies, according to multiple sources with knowledge of the matter.

Critics of the decision included Republicans and Democrats who support aiding Ukraines fight against Russia. A leading House Democrat, Adam Smith of Washington, said it was disingenuous of the Pentagon to use military readiness to justify halting aid when the real reason appears to be simply to pursue an agenda of cutting off American aid to Ukraine.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth following a bilateral meeting with Netherlands' prime minister on the sidelines of the NATO summit in The Hague on June 25, 2025. (Brendan Smialowski / AFP - Getty Images)

We are not at any lower point, stockpile-wise, than weve been in the 3 years of the Ukraine conflict, Smith, the ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, told NBC News.

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Smith said that his staff has seen the numbers and, without going into detail, that there was no indication of a shortage that would justify suspending aid to Ukraine.

Suspending the shipment of military aid to Ukraine was a unilateral step by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to three congressional aides and a former U.S. official familiar with the matter. It was the third time Hegseth on his own has stopped shipments of aid to Ukraine, the sources said. In the two previous cases, in February and in May, his actions were reversed days later.

A senior Pentagon official, Elbridge Colby, the undersecretary of defense for policy, has backed the moves, the sources said. Colby has long advocated scaling back the U.S. commitment in Ukraine and shifting weapons and resources to the Pacific region to counter China.

Lawmakers from both parties were frustrated that they were not notified in advance and were examining whether the delayed shipment violated legislation mandating security assistance for Ukraine, according to congressional aides. Those lawmakers and some European allies were trying to determine just why the Pentagon ordered the suspension and were scrambling to get it reversed.

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The White House has defended the decision, saying it followed an ongoing review by the Defense Department of U.S. assistance to allies and partners abroad that began last month.

The review began after Hegseth issued a memo ordering the Pentagons Joint Staff to review stockpiles of all munitions. According to three officials familiar with the matter, the assessment found that some stockpiles of high-precision munitions were at lower levels but not yet beyond critical minimums.

The Joint Staff concluded that providing continued assistance to Ukraine would not drain U.S. supplies below a required threshold needed to ensure military readiness, the officials said.

The Pentagon did not respond to a request for comment Thursday.

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Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell called the assessment a capability review" at a briefing Wednesday.

We cant give weapons to everybody all around the world, Parnell said. Part of our job is to give the president a framework that he can use to evaluate how many munitions we have where were sending them. And that review process is happening right now and is ongoing.

Ukraine has issued urgent appeals to Washington for more air defense systems as Russia has stepped up its bombardment of Ukrainian cities. Over the weekend, Russia launched its biggest aerial attack of the three-year-old conflict, firing 60 missiles and 477 drones across the country.

The delayed shipment included dozens of Patriot interceptors, coveted weapons for Ukraine to knock out incoming missiles, as well as 155 mm artillery rounds, Hellfire missiles, precision-guided missile systems known as GMLRS, grenade launchers, Stinger surface-to-air missiles and AIM air-to-air missiles for Ukraines small fleet of F-16 fighter jets.

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In Poland and other European countries, some of the U.S. weapons had already been loaded onto trucks, ready to be delivered to Kyiv to help its government fend off Russian missile attacks and hold the line against ground forces in the countrys east. Then, military officers and officials handling the shipment got word that the delivery had been called off, said two sources with knowledge of the matter.

The weapons shipment was approved during the Biden administration, three U.S. officials said. Some of the weapons were pulled from U.S. stockpiles, with the Pentagon receiving funds to replenish them. Other munitions fall under a program that provides money to buy new weapons for Ukraine from American defense companies, the officials said. Those weapons are not drawn from U.S. supplies.

Rookie mistake

Since the United States began sending large shipments of weapons to Kyiv after Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, U.S. officials and commanders have grown concerned about the state of American stockpiles of munitions and other equipment.

The aid effort has laid bare the inadequacy of the defense industrial base to replenish those weapons stocks. That has, in some cases, put the Pentagon at dangerously low levels of some munitions, including 155 mm artillery rounds, according to multiple U.S. officials and former military officers.

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In a letter to President Donald Trump, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., requested an emergency briefing from the White House and the Defense Department to review the decision to withhold urgent, lifesaving military assistance to Ukraine.

He argued that it was possible to both maintain adequate weapons supplies for the U.S. military and send arms badly needed by Kyiv.

Dan Caldwell, a former senior Pentagon official, defended the pause by Hegseth and Colby.

"They are prioritizing the safety and readiness of our own military over pleasing the foreign policy establishment, who often seem in denial about the real constraints the United States military is facing," Caldwell said.

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Hegseth has twice before suspended aid to Ukraine without apparent coordination with lawmakers on Capitol Hill or even within the administration. The first time, in February, drew a prickly response from the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Roger Wicker, R-Miss., who called the move a rookie mistake.

The next time was in early May, according to a Senate aide. In both cases, the suspensions of aid were reversed within days.

Rep. Michael McCaul, R- Texas, a staunch supporter of military aid to Ukraine, said it was crucial to show Russia that the United States would stand behind Ukraine.

We cant let Putin prevail now. President Trump knows that too and its why hes been advocating for peace, McCaul wrote on social media. Now is the time to show Putin we mean business. And that starts with ensuring Ukraine has the weapons Congress authorized to pressure Putin to the negotiating table.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  An online spat between a Henderson city councilwoman and two of her constituents bubbled over into Henderson Justice Court, where one of the residents filed, albeit unsuccessfully, for a protective order against the elected official, according to documents first obtained by the 8 News Now Investigators.

In an incident report dated in May, police detail accusations stemming from a feud between the citizens  a husband and wife living in Inspirada  and their councilwoman, Monica Larson, over their Neighborhood Watch. The report said the husband filed a protective order against Larson because Larson had gone so far as to divulge where they work and the vehicle that they drive. The Justice Court confirmed the husbands unsuccessful application for a protective order in April, naming Larson as the adverse party.

Larson  a relative newcomer to the citys political scene  was sworn in as the Ward II councilwoman in January, replacing longtime Henderson politician Dan Shaw. Prior to her swearing-in, Larson told the 8 News Now Investigators that she ran against Shaw because he ignored her multiple emails and phone calls urging him to address certain public safety issues in her district.

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I was determined at that point because youre a public servant and youre a public official, Larson said of Shaw in December 2024. You serve the people you dont serve yourself. And I was determined to make an example out of them to let them know we the people dont subscribe to that. Larson, before her swearing-in, eventually wished Shaw well during the public comment portion of a city council meeting.

Larson ran her election on, among other things, issues related to public safety. In the incident report detailing Larsons interactions with the husband and wife, the wife alleges Larson drives the neighborhood every night with a yellow light on top of her car, acting as an unofficial roving security guard.

That incident report, describing the Neighborhood Watch squabble, said that in late April, the wife went to the Henderson Via Inspirada Police Station to make a report of harassment involving her neighbor, Henderson City Councilwoman Monica Larson.

The report details a two-year relationship between the couple and Larson, who worked as part of the same Neighborhood Watch group. Members of the group had several unpleasant interactions with Monica Larson, which resulted in Monica kicking them out of the group and blocking them from the neighborhood Facebook page, the report said.

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But a child luring incident in April renewed their involvement with each other and led to an unpleasant back and forth between Larson and the married couple, the report said.

Ultimately, the report said, a neighbor advised, in the online forum, that there was a Tesla that was parked in the area where the incident occurred and questioned whether the Tesla could have recorded the incident. The husband then asked if the Tesla was a specific color, according to the report.

Larson, the report said, replied to the husbands question, accusing the husband of targeting her son, who drives a similar Tesla, and insinuating he was the suspect by mentioning his Tesla.

The report said Larson advised the online community of the fact that the husband was kicked out of the Neighborhood Watch group two years ago and calling him a disgruntled man baby.

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Larson then posted on the forum, accusing the husband of slandering her and her family, the report said.

Not long after, the report said, Larson contacted the Henderson Police Department to file a harassment complaint on behalf of her son.

Police contacted Larson and, according to the report, advised her that if her adult son would like to report the harassment, he would speak with him; otherwise, he could not take a report on his behalf without him being present and providing the information firsthand.

The report alleges Larson continued to post online about the married couple, revealing personal information about them, at which point the couple ceased all online interactions with [Larson] in an attempt to stop the posts that included their personal information.

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The husband filed an application for a temporary protective order against Larson in Henderson Justice Court a few days later, the report says. That application was denied in Justice Court, a representative from the court confirmed on Thursday.

The report said police took screenshots of the online posts involving Larson and the couple and will be uploaded to digital evidence, and declared the case closed.

Responding to the 8 News Now Investigators email request for comment from both Larson and the citys public information office, a spokesperson replied, asking for a little more information on what exactly you are looking for the City to address.

The 8 News Now Investigators asked specific questions about whether Larson or the city denied or had any comment on the allegations, whether Larsons son was ever interviewed with relation to Aprils child luring incident, and whether anyone was ever apprehended for that incident. The 8 News Now Investigators also asked whether Larson drives with a yellow light on top of her car, and if so, why.

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A Henderson public information officer provided this response late Thursday afternoon:

Thank you for sending the questions.

The provided record is an informational report and relates to a civil matter reported to the Henderson Police Department, where no criminal activity was involved; therefore, no investigation took place. Regarding the alleged child luring incident, no one has been apprehended, and the only interviews that took place were with the reporting party and a witness. To obtain the report, please submit a public records request.

As for the rest of your questions, please know the City of Henderson does not comment on a council persons private 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 KLAS.
Plans to turn Britain's oldest working theatre into an international visitor attraction are being considered by local councillors.

The stage at St George's Guildhall in King's Lynn is thought to have once hosted Shakespeare himself.

The project would preserve the venue and develop the surrounding medieval buildings and courtyards.

It is expected to cost 30.5m with some of the funding yet to be secured.

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St George's is the country's largest surviving medieval guildhall.

The plans include renovating the whole complex containing the theatre, two barns and internal courtyards backing onto the quayside.

The Guildhall building is owned by the National Trust and is leased to West Norfolk Council [BBC]

Work on the theatre floor at St George's revealed the old wooden boards once graced by the Bard himself [PA Media]

Visitors to King's Lynn had mixed views about whether the renovation should take place.

Laurence and Elizabeth Donovan were visiting the town from their home near Stratford, the renowned birthplace of the Bard.

Mr Donovan said: "King's Lynn is loaded with historical buildings.

"Shakespeare will never go out of fashion so I think this investment is a good idea."

Mrs Donovan said: "In Stratford people come from all over the world because of Shakespeare."

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Susan and Roger Brown visited King's Lynn from Huddersfield.

Mrs Brown said: "It's a lot of money. I think it could be better spent elsewhere."

Mr Brown added: "It's alright spending 30m but you have to think about the catchment. Will you get thousands of visitors as a result?"

Project papers suggest 77,000 extra visitors could come to the town to visit the Guildhall once the work is completed and the site reopens in 2028.

Laurence and Elizabeth Donovan said it was important to preserve the town's history [BBC]

The project - expected to cost 30.5m - is led by the King's Lynn Town Board, which is funded from central government, supported by West Norfolk Council.

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More than 8m has been agreed via the Town Deal scheme, with the council seeking a further 2m from them.

Full details of where the rest of the money will come from has not been released as it is deemed commercially sensitive.

A meeting of the council's regeneration and development panel on 1 July heard that the council could borrow in the region of 16m towards the project.

St George's Guildhall is owned by The National Trust and leased by West Norfolk Council until 2050.

The trust is not contributing to the cost of the project but is supporting them with "advice and expertise".

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In a statement to the BBC they said: "We want to see the future of this historic building secured.

"However, we have been clear from the start that the National Trust is a charity with limited resources, and the council would need to seek external funding to support their plans for this ambitious multi-million-pound project.

"This is the same approach we take for our own large-scale restoration projects."

Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

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In a surprising and possibly unlawful act, five state legislators were denied entry Thursday into a taxpayer-funded migrant detention center deep in the Everglades, raising questions about what will happen behind the razor-wire fences that are being erected surrounding the controversial facility the state has named Alligator Alcatraz.

Armed only with state law and a growing list of humanitarian concerns, state Senators Shevrin Jones and Carlos Guillermo Smith, along with Representatives Anna V. Eskamani, Angie Nixon and Michele Rayner, arrived at the gates of the facility to conduct what they saw as a legally authorized inspection. What they encountered instead was silence, locked doors and a bureaucratic wall.

The states shifting justification for not letting them in  first a flat denial, then vague safety concerns  only fueled suspicions.

Wearing mosquito netting, Florida Sen. Shevrin Jones and state Representatives Michele K. Rayner and Anna Eskamani were denied entry along with fellow representatives into Alligator Alcatraz. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ/ adiaz@miamiherald.com

This is a blatant abuse of power and an attempt to conceal human rights violations from the public eye, the legislators said in a joint statement. If the facility is unsafe for elected officials to enter, then how can it possibly be safe for those being detained inside?

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Just hours earlier, Republican officials and even former President Donald Trump had toured the same site without issue. When the lawmakers attempted to speak with Florida Department of Emergency Management officials by phone, the call was abruptly cut off.

Now, with reports of flooding, extreme heat and detainees allegedly being held without due process, legislators say the administration of Gov. Ron DeSantis is operating a secretive, $450 million detention network with no oversight and no regard for the law.

The state legislators Michele Rayner arrived at the site to conduct what they said was a lawful inspection under Florida Statutes 944.23 and 951.225, which grant legislators access to state-operated detention centers without advance notice. Instead of transparency, they were met with locked gates and silence.

Workers install a permanent Alligator Alcatraz sign at the new state immigration detention facilty in the Everglades. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ/ adiaz@miamiherald.com

Under Florida law, members of the Legislature have the clear right to access any state-run detention facility, including prisons and jails, without needing prior approval or notification. That legal mandate was ignored, according to Representative Michele Rayner, a civil rights attorney who represents parts of Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.

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For two hours, we waited. We cited the law. We cited the press release announcing our visit. Still, we were denied, said Rayner. They cited safety concerns, even though just hours earlier President Trump and GOP lawmakers had toured the very same facility.

Rayner said that when she asked whether she could visit a client being detained inside, she was again refusedcontradicting statements made to her moments earlier by Florida Department of Emergency Management officials. When legislators tried to clarify the denial with the agencys general counsel and legislative affairs director, the call was abruptly disconnected.

This is America right now, Rayner said. And everyone should be concerned.

The delegations visit came just one day after migrants were transferred into the detention center despite flooding caused by ongoing summer storms. Lawmakers say theyve received reports of extreme heat, poor infrastructure, and a lack of mosquito protection, conditions they say that may be endangering the health and safety of detainees.

Florida House of Representatives denied entry, including State Rep. Anna .V. Eskamani, PhD at Alligator Alcatraz. The facility is within the Florida Everglades, 36 miles west of the central business district of Miami, in Collier County, Florida. , Florida, on Thursday, July 3, 2025. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ/ adiaz@miamiherald.com

I was bitten by insects as soon as I got here. My lips started to swell. And Im outside for just a few minutes, said Rep. Angie Nixon of Jacksonville. Imagine what its like for the people inside who dont have bug spray or clean bedding.

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Nixon expressed particular concern over reports in the Miami Herald that pregnant women and children could be housed in the facility. Were spending $450 million on this while refusing to expand Medicaid and closing public schools in Duval County, she said. This is not about public safetyits about cruelty as campaign theater.

Smith did not mince words, calling the site a makeshift immigrant detainment camp in the middle of the Everglades swamp, built through no-bid contracts awarded to major Republican campaign donors.

This isnt about detaining dangerous criminals, Smith said. Its about detaining housekeepers, cooks, and immigrants who had legal status five minutes agountil it was stripped away by policy.

Smith referenced a Miami Herald story that revealed the state may bring pregnant women and children to the site, despite public claims that the facility was intended for the worst of the worst. ICE data shows that fewer than 10% of current immigration detainees in Florida have any violent criminal history, and the majority had no prior offenses.

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Were detaining vulnerable people for political spectacle, Smith said. And its not a coincidence this facility was unveiled just days after our legislative session endedavoiding any real oversight.

Jones added that the facility, built with $450 million in state funds, does not qualify for federal support. The federal government has said this facility is ineligible for grants, he said. That means its 100% on Florida taxpayersand it was done without a single committee hearing or floor debate.

Florida state Sen. Shevrin Jones, Rep. Anna Eskamani and fellow representatives were denied entry Thursday into Alligator Alcatraz. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ/ adiaz@miamiherald.com

Jones emphasized that both Democratic and Republican lawmakers should be concerned. This is not a partisan issue, he said. We have a duty to ensure that state-funded operations uphold basic standards of decency and legality.

Rep. Anna Eskamani from Orlando described the detention center as a political stunt orchestrated by DeSantis. Hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars are being spent to build what is essentially a concentration camp, she said. This is government by press conference and no-bid contract.

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Eskamani said reports indicate that the first detainees arrived without due process, and flooding had already compromised parts of the facility. Were here because the people of Florida deserve transparency. What is being hidden behind these walls?

All five lawmakers said they plan to pursue legal remedies and initiate legislative inquiries into the construction, contracting, and operation of Alligator Alcatraz.

A check point at Alligator Alcatraz as Florida State Representatives denied entry. The facility is within the Florida Everglades, 36 miles west of the central business district of Miami, in Collier County, Florida. , Florida, on Thursday, July 3, 2025. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ/ adiaz@miamiherald.com

They also demanded that the Florida Division of Emergency Management and the governors office provide a full accounting of who is detained at the facility, what conditions exist inside, and which companies received contractsparticularly those with political ties to the DeSantis administration.

This is not over, said Smith. We will be back, and we will not stop until we get the answers Floridians deserve.
HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. (WGN)  The city of Highland Park continues to reimagine its Fourth of July events, after the tragic mass shooting nearly three years ago that killed seven and left dozens more wounded.

This year, the city is hosting events over two days. It all started with a community festival held on Thursday night, the eve of the Fourth of July holiday.

For years, the festival took place on July 4, shortly after the parade, but after a gunman opened fire at parade-goers in 2022, organizers canceled the festivities.

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Now, the festival is back, with a new location at a city park, a new date, and a rebrand as the kick-off to the Fourth of July.

WGN-TV spoke with Park District Executive Director Brian Romes about the changes.

2025 Fourth of July: Your map and full guide to Chicagoland fireworks, festivities

This is something weve talked about for years, Romes said. I think it gives people an opportunity to make a decision that they feel most comfortable with.

Romes confirmed the presence of additional security at the festival to ease concerns people may have about large gatherings. Festival-goer Cecelia told WGN-TV she was grateful.

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I definitely feel safe, she said. Theres a lot of presence. The Highland Park Police are doing a great job. I definitely feel great about having our family here with all of the kids.

Festival attendee Joel said he was appreciative of Highland Parks efforts, commending the city for having Fourth of July events on different days to help those slowly easing into celebrating the holiday again.

We just do it at everyones own speed, he said. No ones expected to come out here and celebrate like we did three years ago, so it definitely helps in that regard.

You have to balance having fun with the kids and celebrating, and also, moving past the trauma, festival-goer Anita told WGN-TV. So, its always a difficult time for the city to sort of balance those two events.

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Fridays events kicked off with a remembrance ceremony honoring the victims of the parade shooting. The city then held an Independence Day Parade.

Friday mornings parade got underway around 11 a.m. and kicked off with a special performance by the US Navy Brass Quintet. The parade then made its way down through Downtown Highland Park.

The theme of this years parade is Dream Team, so attendees were encouraged to don their favorite spirit wear.

While the festivities allow the city to celebrate the holiday and support the city, for some attendees, it is a stark reminder of the tragic shooting.

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Fireworks and furry friends: How to keep pets calm and safe this July 4

We were sitting across the street from where the shooter was and he went at an angle. Had he went straight across, he would have hit us, parade attendee Hazel Herzog said.

Just before the parade, a crowd gathered at the citys old country club for a somber remembrance vigil honoring the lives of the seven people fatally shot during the 2022 shooting.

Now we mark the years and still the memory of that day lives vividly in our hearts while time has moved forward it hasnt carried us away from what happened instead it has moved with us through grief, reflection and the ongoing effort to make sense of the unimaginable, Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering said.

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Out of respect for victims and their families, similar to last year, the parade did not go down Central Avenue between 1st and 2nd streets.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
CHICAGO (WGN)  Chicagos Shedd Aquarium performed a historic surgery on a 12-year-old beluga whale named Kimalu.

The aquarium announced that during surgery on Tuesday, July 1, experts were able to remove a growing network of cysts on Kimalus head and neck near her blowhole, which provided immediate relief to the whale while informing future testing and treatment.

Kimalu became the worlds first known beluga to recover from general anesthesia, marking a major milestone in the care of beluga whales worldwide, according to a Sedd Aquarium spokesperson.

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Rescued sea otter begins training at Shedd Aquarium to become a surrogate mom

The aquarium said Kimalu is resting comfortably following the historic procedure. She is currently being monitored around the clock to ensure her welfare and well-being during the recovery process.

There is no playbook for anesthetizing a beluga and taking her into surgery, so we leaned on our deep understanding of Kimalu as an individual and our incredible network of experts both here at Shedd Aquarium and beyond to guide this procedure, said Dr. Karisa Tang, vice president of animal health at Shedd Aquarium. Not only did we succeed in helping Kimalu, but we also made history for beluga whales along the way.

(Photo: Shedd Aquarium) (Photo: Shedd Aquarium) (Photo: Shedd Aquarium) (Photo: Shedd Aquarium) (Photo: Shedd Aquarium) (Photo: Shedd Aquarium) (Photo: Shedd Aquarium) (Photo: Shedd Aquarium) (Photo: Shedd Aquarium) (Photo: Shedd Aquarium)

Shedd Aquarium said its animal care team first noticed Kimalus cysts during her daily check-ins. After some initial tests and despite her weighing over 1,000 pounds, the veterinary team decided to perform a CT scan on her to determine the extent of the cysts and help come up with a diagnostic plan.

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The results of the CT scan indicated surgery was the best option.

A Shedd spokesperson said anesthesia is especially complicated for belugas due to their general size and unique physiology as aquatic mammals, meaning even if the operation was successful, there was a chance Kimalu would not tolerate the anesthesia or possibly not recover when the anesthesia was reversed.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

When it was time to reverse the anesthesia, experts used several tactics to wake Kimalu up, including having her lifelong caretakers there to speak to her and playing recordings of vocalizations from Shedds beluga pod.

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There were moments when it felt like we were all holding our breath simultaneously, said Dr. Tang. This experience is a memory that will stay with me for the rest of my career. Her recovery will take time and is still not a guarantee, but we believe this procedure has already provided great relief for Kimalu from the discomfort the cysts were causing. Right now, Kimalu gets to set the pace for her healing, and we will follow her lead.

Tang also joined WGN News at 6 p.m. Thursday to discuss the historic procedure. Watch the full interview in the video player at the top of 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 WGN-TV.
Lori Nohner, research historian for the State Historical Society of North Dakota, unfolds the decommissioning flag of the USS Gurke, a Navy destroyer in service from 1945 to 1976 that was named after a World War II medal of honor recipient and Neche-native Henry Gurke, in the collections area of the North Dakota Heritage Center on June 30, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

Every item held by the Historical Society of North Dakota for display at the state Heritage Center has a story, including hundreds of flags that historians and conservators go to great lengths to protect.

You can get a huge sense of pride from flags and they symbolize what you believe, but also symbolize what organizations you are a part of, said Lori Nohner, research historian for the State Historical Society of North Dakota. You can learn a lot from the histories of flags.

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Nohner said the Historical Society has about 340 flags in the collection, which includes about 150 military flags and pennants from different service units with North Dakota ties.

Sen. Dick Dever, R-Bismarck, commander of the Bismarck-area AMVETS, said the beginning of the Pledge of Allegiance is to the flag, but also to the republic for which it stands.

Its not just a piece of cloth. It represents our whole country, Dever said. I didnt serve in battle so I have indicated that I have served on the shoulders of heroes. And the guys that did serve, that flag is everything to them, as it is to me because of them.

One flag in the museums collection is a replica 15-star American flag that would have been similar to one flown between 1795 and 1818, Nohner said. The 15-star field represented the original 13 colonies and the newly added states to the union, Vermont and Kentucky.

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A similar flag would have been flown over a newly completed Fort Mandan for the first time on Christmas Day in 1804 and was the same type of flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the, The Star Spangled Banner, during the War of 1812 in what would become the national anthem of the United States.

A replica 15-star flag is displayed in the restoration area at the North Dakota Heritage Center in Bismarck on June 30, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

A World War I-era flag belonging to Sara Sand of Grand Forks is displayed in the restoration area at the North Dakota Heritage Center in Bismarck on June 30, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

A World War I-era flag belonging to Sara Sand of Grand Forks is displayed in the restoration area at the North Dakota Heritage Center in Bismarck on June 30, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

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A replica 13-star flag from the Williston area is displayed in the restoration area at the North Dakota Heritage Center in Bismarck on June 30, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

A replica 13-star flag from the Williston area is displayed in the restoration area at the North Dakota Heritage Center in Bismarck on June 30, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

A hand-painted flag comprised of 5,340 kernels of wheat is displayed in the restoration area at the North Dakota Heritage Center in Bismarck on June 30, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

Joe M. Wolf of Linton describes his wheat kernel flag in a handwritten letter on the back of the flag on display in the restoration area at the North Dakota Heritage Center in Bismarck on June 30, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

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Nohner said her favorite flag in the collection belonged to Sara Sand of Grand Forks who served as a nurse at Base Hospital 60 in the Meuse-Argonne sector of France during World War I. Sand left a note with the 48-star, cotton flag that said the flag was hung in her company barracks at Camp Jackson in South Carolina and her barracks in France.

You can see her uniform up on exhibit in the Inspiration Gallery, she said. Sand served during the war with a Bismarck-area doctor, Dr. E.P. Quain, who founded the Quain and Ramstad Clinic in 1902, Nohner said. The Bismarck clinic was considered one of the oldest medical clinics in the United States and would eventually become Sanford Medical Center.

In the 1930s, Joe Wolf of Linton wanted to make a statement about low crop prices during the Great Depression and crafted a hand-painted flag made out of 5,340 kernels of wheat. Wolf wrote a description of his crafting process on the reverse side of the flag in which he said the flag took more than 80 hours to finish.

Another flag in the Historical Societys collection is an unofficial flag, Nohner said. The 39-star flag is known as the flag that never flew, and was created prior to 1889, the year North Dakota and South Dakota became states.

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A 39-star flag is displayed in the restoration area at the North Dakota Heritage Center in Bismarck on June 30, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

The smallest flag in the State Historical Society's collection, a toy, measuring about 5 inches, is displayed in the restoration area at the North Dakota Heritage Center in Bismarck on June 30, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

A 1919 hand-waving flag is displayed in the restoration area at the North Dakota Heritage Center in Bismarck on June 30, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

Flag manufacturers believed that the Dakotas were going to come into the union as one state and they didnt, she said. So it was never an official flag, but they made enough of them that they still exist today.

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The Historical Society also has a small flag from 1919 in its collection that is designed to be waved by hand with written text on the flag saying signing of big bills.

Rough Rider Award winner James Buchli, right, presents North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, with a state flag he brought on his first mission into space. (Jeff Beach/North Dakota Monitor)

The big bills they are talking about is when they created the Bank of North Dakota, the North Dakota Mill and Elevator and the state Industrial Commission, Nohner said. All of those Nonpartisan League institutions are still active in our state today and are now very unique to North Dakota.

Nohner said the museum recently acquired a North Dakota state flag that was taken to space by North Dakota astronaut James Buchli in 1985.

In our records we have a field that says, Where did he use it? and it says, Outer space, she said. He gifted it to the historical society when he was inducted into the Roughrider Hall of Fame.

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Drawers full of assorted flags sit in the collections area of the North Dakota Heritage Center on June 30, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

A North Dakota state flag that was taken into space by North Dakota astronaut James Buchli rests in a drawer of the collections area of the North Dakota Heritage Center on June 30, 2025 after being gifted by Buchli to then-Gov. Doug Burgum following his induction into the Roughrider Hall of Fame. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

A gold star pennant is displayed in the collections area at the North Dakota Heritage Center in Bismarck on June 30, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

A union jack that flew on the bow of a patrol torpedo boat during World War II is displayed in the collections area at the North Dakota Heritage Center in Bismarck on June 30, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

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A flag that flew of the stern of a patrol torpedo boat during World War II is displayed in the collections area at the North Dakota Heritage Center in Bismarck on June 30, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

A 48-star flag is displayed in the collections area at the North Dakota Heritage Center in Bismarck on June 30, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

Another famed flag in the museums collection is the decommissioning flag from the USS Gurke, a Navy destroyer in service from 1945 to 1976 that was named after a World War II medal of honor recipient and Neche-native Henry Gurke.

They gifted the decommissioning flag to his mom and his mom gifted it to us, Nohner said.

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Another service flag in the museums collection was originally given to families of service members who were fighting in World War I and World War II. Nohner said families would hang these pennants in their windows with a blue star indicating someone in their family was fighting in the conflict. Those blue stars were made into gold stars, if the service member died during the war.

Nohner said the gold star pennant in their collection belonged to Mable Guy who lost her son James Guy after he died in a prisoner of war camp during World War II. Mable Guy also had a pennant with three blue stars on it to represent her three sons who fought during the war, one of her sons was former North Dakota Gov. William Guy.

Flags will be featured prominently in Independence Day parades and celebrations across North Dakota.

Dever said the proper way to honor a passing flag is a hand salute for military veterans or placing a hand over the heart to honor the first flag in a procession.

I think flags start as just a physical object, but they never end that way, Nohner said. They always become a personal identity symbol. They are more than what they look like, they are what they mean to you.

Tips for preserving flags

Lori Nohner said the State Historical Society of North Dakota does not restore flags at the Heritage Center, but they do preserve them to the best of their ability.

Our intended purpose is to keep it in good condition for hundreds and hundreds of years, Nohner said.

She offered some guidelines for anyone wanting to preserve flags

Climate control: Do not leave items in the sun, or nail them to a wall. Do not put the items in an attic, or a humid basement.

If its a comfortable temperature for you, its going to be a comfortable temperature for your historic treasures, she said.

She also advised against vacuum-sealing. I think you are asking for trouble when you create, kind of, a micro climate so you never know if humidity is going to get in there, and its going to get wet and moldy, Nohner said.

Folding vs. flat: Folding flags in a ceremonial triangle can be a good way to store the flags, but with more fragile materials, such as silk, covering them with paper to keep them out of the light and laying them out flat are the best ways to care for those items.

Rolling a flag tightly around a pole is not advised, but, if rolling is necessary, Nohner suggests wrapping the flag loosely around a wider than normal tube to limit the stress on the fabric.

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New York Gov. Kathy Hochuls top aide who was recently placed on leave over a sexual harassment allegation, reportedly had previous complaints filed against him which led to an investigation.

Avi Small, Hochuls press secretary, was reportedly the subject of complaints for allegedly berating junior staff members, according to Politico. The outlet cited five people with direct knowledge of the probe who were granted anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the matter. According to Politico, the governors human resources department and an outside law firm conducted the investigation.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul speaks at a press conference in Manhattan in New York City, Feb. 20, 2025.

Hochul Fails To Crack 50% But Tops Potential Gop Challenges By Double Digits In Ny Governor Race: Poll

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The people familiar with the matter who spoke with Politico said Small had a history of yelling at younger staff, making several employees afraid to work with him. Politico reported that four out of the five who spoke with the outlet said they witnessed Small chastising staffers over errors in press releases or if the governors speaking engagements did not go as planned.

The investigation into Smalls treatment of junior staff did not result in a human resources violation, Politico reported, citing another person familiar with the outcome. That source reportedly told Politico that Hochul had inadvertently created a system in which allegations quickly led to serious probes that could tarnish a subjects reputation.

Law firm Calcagni & Kanefsky reportedly conducted interviews with Hochuls staff regarding Smalls conduct. According to Politico, which cited sources, staffers were worried when they learned an expansion of deputy secretaries responsibilities would mean Small would work more closely with underlings.

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New York Gov. Kathy Hochul speaks at the state Capitol on Feb. 1, 2023, in Albany, N.Y.

Former Top Hochul Aide's Unearthed Family Connections To Ccp Raises Alarm Bells

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Politico reported that several staffers met with human resources after the conclusion of the 2024 investigation to ask about the lack of information on the probes outcome. The staffers were reportedly encouraged not to discuss the allegations against Small. Additionally, multiple sources reportedly told Politico that there was information given to human resources about Small cornering a subordinate in a supply closet and questioning them.

Small was recently placed on leave over an allegation that he inappropriately touched a staffer during an office retreat in Albany on June 16, according to reports. Multiple outlets said that the governors office claimed action was taken against Small shortly after the complaint was filed.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul speaks at the Dutch Broadway Elementary School in Elmont, New York, on May 9, 2023.

When Hochul took over for former Gov. Andrew Cuomo after he was ousted amid sexual harassment allegations in 2021, she vowed that "no one will ever describe my administration as a toxic work environment." Cuomo has denied any wrongdoing.

In October 2021, according to a press release from Calcagni & Kanefsky, Hochul announced new initiatives aimed at tackling workplace bullying and discrimination.

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Hochuls office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digitals request for comment, which was submitted on July 4. Fox News Digital was also unable to get in contact with Small.





Original article source: Hochul aide accused of sexual harassment was focus of prior behavior probe: report
6 p.m. update: MDOT reports the latest crash on I-10 in Harrison County has been cleared and traffic has resumed without delays. Traffic on U.S. 90 in Biloxi west of I-110 remains heavy, with significant delays in both directions.

4:30 p.m. update: Another crash is slowing traffic on I-10 in Harrison County, according to MDOT. Westbound traffic is backing up after an incident just past Canal Road (Exit 31). MDOT estimates delays could last for an hour.

3:45 p.m. update: MDOT reports the crash on I-10 in Harrison County has been cleared and traffic has resumed without delays. Traffic on U.S. 90 in Biloxi west of I-110 remains stop-and-go in both directions.

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2:45 p.m. update: MDOT warns drivers to expect delays after a crash on I-10 eastbound before Canal Road (Exit 31) in Harrison County. Delays are expected to last up to an hour.

1:15 p.m. update: The backups just over the Louisiana border have cleared and there are currently no issues on I-10 in South Mississippi. There are, however, several significant backups on U.S. 90 in downtown Biloxi.

11:15 a.m. update: Westbound I-10 travelers in Hancock County will run into significant slowdowns shortly after crossing the state line into Louisiana, according to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. The backups begin about one mile into Louisiana and continue through the mergepoint with I-59 and to the mergepoint with I-12.

8:15 a.m. update: MDOT reports traffic is moving on the Pascagoula River bridge and across all of South Mississippi on Interstate 10.

ORIGINAL STORY

A crash Friday morning on the bridge over the Pascagoula River has tied up traffic for holiday drivers in South Mississippi.

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MDOT reported at 7 a.m. the right eastbound lane of I-10 is closed before the Jack Hanson Memorial Bridge exit in Moss Point. The state agency estimates that the crash could affect traffic for about an hour.

This story will be updated as events warrant.
The Home Office does not know whether foreign workers are leaving the UK or staying to work illegally after their visas expire, a cross-party committee of MPs has said.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which scrutinises government spending, said the Home Office had failed to analyse exit checks since the skilled worker visa route was introduced in 2020 under the Conservatives.

Some 1.18 million people have applied to come to the UK via this route between its launch in December 2020 and the end of 2024.

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The Home Office said earlier this year that it was working to modernise border security and boost digital checks. The BBC has approached the Home Office for comment on the report.

The skilled worker visa route replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa after the UK left the European Union.

The route was expanded in 2022 by the previous Conservative government to address skill shortages and job vacancies in health and social care in the wake of the Covid pandemic, driving net migration to record levels.

But the PAC has accused the Home Office of failing to gather "basic information" on whether people leave the UK after their visas expire and showing "little curiosity about how the route was operating".

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Its report said the department still relied on airline passenger records to check if someone had left the country and that there had been no analysis of those records since 2020.

It added that the Home Office needed to set out what measures would be put in place to record when people had left the country.

The report also said there was "widespread evidence of workers suffering debt bondage, working excessive hours and exploitative conditions" and accused the department of being "slow and ineffective" to tackle exploitation.

In May, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the government would end overseas recruitment for care workers as part of the plans to curb near record net migration.

Home Office Permanent Secretary Dame Antonia Romeo has also said overstaying is a "problem" the department was "fixing".
DAMASCUS, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Syria has expressed its readiness to work with the United States to return to the 1974 disengagement agreement, amid ongoing Israeli attacks in southern Syria, according to a statement released Friday by the Syrian foreign affairs authorities.

The statement revealed content of discussions made during a phone call between Syrian foreign affairs chief Asaad Hassan al-Shibani and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in which both sides talked about key issues such as the removal of U.S. sanctions, Israeli attacks in Syria, and Iran's regional role following its recent military showdown with Israel, as well as the Syria-U.S. bilateral ties.

During the call, both sides expressed a mutual desire to reopen their embassies in Damascus and Washington.

The United States confirmed its intention to invite al-Shibani for an official visit to Washington "in the near future," a move the authorities described as a "tangible shift toward resuming diplomatic relations between the two countries."

On the sanctions, al-Shibani said Syria is looking forward to working with the United States to lift sanctions, particularly those under the Caesar Act, and highlighted discussions about the participation of Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in the upcoming sessions of the United Nations General Assembly.

Rubio, for his part, affirmed that the U.S. administration is continuing to implement directives from President Donald Trump to lift sanctions imposed on Syria and noted ongoing work with Congress to repeal the Caesar Act during the coming months.

He said Trump's decision on Syria would represent a "historic shift" in shaping the country's future and that of the region.

The two sides announced mutual cooperation to form a joint coordination committee to address the file of chemical weapons, with both countries participating.

On Iran, Damascus expressed growing concern over Tehran's involvement in Syrian affairs, particularly following recent airstrikes targeting Iranian assets. "Iran, despite its current preoccupations, will not stop trying to alter the balance of power inside Syria," the statement said, citing Rubio.

Regarding counterterrorism, both officials confirmed that the Islamic State continues to pose a real threat, particularly after a recent attack that targeted a church and claimed civilian lives in Damascus. They underscored their shared commitment to intelligence cooperation and enhancing Syria's security capabilities.

Last week, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, reiterated that the presence of the Israeli forces in the buffer zone along the Syrian border is considered as a violation of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.

In December, following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government, Israel deployed ground forces into the buffer zone, a demilitarized area between the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights and Syria. The buffer zone is monitored by the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), which was established under the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement. Israel later captured the Syrian-controlled side of Mount Hermon. 
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  The Homeless Alliance is facing a significant loss, after eight of its staff members lost their jobs.

For years, the Homeless Alliance partnered with the AARPs Senior Community Service Employment Program, which gives older Oklahomans a chance to work and earn a wage, while helping the citys most vulnerable.

Working about 15 hours a piece each week to help us provide basic needs for all of our clients, as well as help in our kitchen preparing and serving meals for all of those clients that are coming in our doors, said Ian Apfelbaum, Chief Shelter Officer with the Homeless Alliance.

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OK guitar pedal business owner spends 1.8 million credit card points to pay for tariff bill

That partnership has now been put on hold because of funding uncertainty at the federal level.

Its incredibly hard. This is a job that requires a lot of people to be able to serve that many folks in a day, and not having eight people, I mean it was about a quarter of our staff over there, said Apfelbaum.

The loss is expected to be felt most in the kitchen, where staff are now having to do more with less.

Having folks that are qualified and have the skills to come in our kitchen and do some of that stuff can be difficult for us to find, said Apfelbaum.

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The need at the Homeless Alliance doesnt stop just because staffing does, so now theyre looking for more volunteers.

Were going to figure out a way to make it work. Its essential that were able to provide these basic needs for folks, but also that were building relationships and creating community, said Apfelbaum.

Each day, the shelter serves around 400 people, offering them breakfast and lunch, and other basic needs.

Its more than just a building, like its saving lives every day, said Apfelbaum.

Apfelbaum says hes hopeful the program will return, but for now, theyre looking for ways to overcome this challenge.

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If youd like to volunteer, click here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Residents in Arden, a small unincorporated community in southern Buncombe County, North Carolina, are still grappling with the destruction caused by Tropical Storm Helene  more than eight months after it tore through the region.

For homeowner Kelly Minear, the storm wasn't just loud and frightening  it was life-altering. "It felt like a bomb went off," she recalled, according to the Citizen Times. "And then the ceiling started breaking apart over my head."

What's happening?

On September 27 of last year, Tropical Storm Helene made landfall in North Carolina, bringing torrential rains and strong winds that toppled trees and flooded homes. A massive white oak came crashing through the side of Minear's 1955 ranch house, leaving little behind but a sentimental white door marked with decades of height measurements.

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The damage slashed the home's appraisal value by 85%  from $178,500 to just $27,700  making repairs nearly impossible to finance.

According to FEMA, Tropical Storm Helene damaged more than 12,000 homes in Buncombe County, approximately 9% of the area's housing stock. Now, many homeowners are left trying to pick up the pieces with limited financial help and no guarantee that insurance will come through.

Why is this storm damage important?

Storms like Helene aren't just rare, one-off events anymore  they're showing up more often and hitting harder. That's because pollution from burning dirty energy sources is heating the planet, and all that extra heat gives storms more fuel to work with. The result? More rain, stronger winds, and a higher risk of flash flooding.

And it's not just about the storms themselves. As these disasters become more common, it's becoming increasingly difficult for people to protect their homes. Insurance companies are starting to back away from areas they see as too risky, which means many families are being left without coverage when they need it most.

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Scroggs Construction Services co-owner Nick Scroggs  who Minear hired to make the repairs  explained to the Citizen Times, "Probably 30% or more of the people we started talking with at the beginning when the storm happened still don't have resolution from their insurance."

What's being done about the damage?

While recovery has been slow, some resources and precautions can help. Local and federal programs  like FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant program  are working to support smarter rebuilding and help communities become more resilient in the face of extreme weather.

However, finding the right help after a disaster can be its own challenge. After storms like Helene, shady contractors often swoop in, looking to take advantage of overwhelmed homeowners.

To stay safe, experts recommend sticking with local contractors, getting multiple estimates, and being cautious about anyone who shows up uninvited, offering to "fix everything fast." The National Association of Home Builders also recommends verifying contractor licenses and carefully reviewing contracts before signing.

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The West Texas Rehabilitation Centers Hospice of the Big Country is inviting all veterans to attend a special evening of dining and remembrance later this month.

The We Honor Veterans dinner will take place Monday, July 21 at 5:30 p.m. in the WTRC boardroom, located at 4601 Hartford Street in Abilene. The free, catered event is open to all veterans and is dedicated to honoring those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The evening is an opportunity for fellowship, reflection, and gratitude. Seating is limited and RSVP is required. Guests are encouraged to reserve their spot by calling (325) 793-5450.

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What Were Tracking

Mainly clear night

Isolated storms on the 4th

Better rain chances over the weekend

Mostly clear and comfortably warm tonight with a low in the lower 70s. However, humidity levels are a little higher, so expect a rather humid night.

We are tracking a slim chance for a few isolated afternoon storms on the 4th of July mainly affecting the western half of the area. The main round of rain holds off until after midnight. Even that looks to fall apart as it moves into northeast Kansas. Highs on the 4th will be in the upper 80s to lower 90s.

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A better chance for a few showers and storms on Saturday and again later Sunday. In between, we will still warm up into the upper 80s to near 90 each day.

KSNT Storm Track Chief Meteorologist Matt Miller

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(WHTM)  A leading Pennsylvania congressman said Governor Josh Shapiro has it wrong on cuts to SNAP benefits.

The governor on Wednesday said 6,825 people in Rep. Glenn Thompsons (R-PA) district would lose nutritional benefits because of the One Big, Beautiful Bill, which the House approved Thursday.

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This Week in Pennsylvania

I dont see it as a cut, said Thompson, who chairs the House Agriculture Committee. I see it as Pennsylvania being irresponsible with how theyre managing the SNAP program.

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For days, Shapiro has warned the state could lose hundreds of million of dollars in federal funding for the program because of the bill.

Starting in fiscal year 2027-28, the bill would require states with error rates over 6% to pay a portion, on a sliding scale of up to 15%, of the total cost of benefits to residents.

The USDA uses error rates as a metric to measure the combined percentage of overpayments and underpayments made to households by a states program.

Thompson said high error rates hurt SNAP recipients the most because it leads to fewer funds in their accounts. At the same time, states face financial penalties for having high error rates.

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He added he views the model as a cost share that incentivizes states to lower error rates. Pennsylvania has a 10.76% error rate, according to a recent U.S. Department of Agriculture report. Thats below the national average but still not good enough for Thompson.

Pennsylvanias error rates under his administration have been outrageous, Thompson said. The fact is, there would be no additional cost if they can get their error rate under 6%.

In a news conference, Shapiro said the state cant afford to cover the deficit in funding.

Pennsylvania cant backfill those cuts, the governor said. Theres a real question as to whether or not we will be able to operate SNAP any longer.

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Thompson disagreed, calling the governors numbers absolutely wrong.

Which Republicans voted against Trumps megabill?

I dont think their benefits are gonna be in jeopardy, the lawmaker said. I cant imagine that youve got a governor running for reelection, weve got state house members who run every two years and senators who run every four years  no ones gonna want to cut SNAP benefits.

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The House of Representatives has narrowly passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, sending the controversial and hotly contested legislation to the president's desk to be signed into law.

From trillions of dollars in tax giveaways for the wealthy to massive cuts to healthcare, food assistance, and renewable energy, the massive legislation will reshape the economic, social, and environmental landscape of the nation for years if not decades to come, as USA Today detailed.

What's happening?

Despite holding the White House and majorities in both houses of Congress, Republican lawmakers have squabbled for weeks over the final details of President Donald Trump's multi-trillion-dollar spending bill.

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This infighting led some observers to question whether the GOP would ever be able to cross the finish line.

By a razor-thin 218-214 vote in the House of Representatives on the eve of the July 4 holiday, they finally did, adding $3.5 trillion to the federal deficit, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, largely as a result of permanent tax cuts for the nation's highest earners and some temporary tax cuts for tips and overtime that expire in 2028.

Why is the "Big Beautiful Bill" important?

From the economy to healthcare to food to the environment, the "Big Beautiful Bill" will touch every aspect of American life, as it shifts trillions of dollars in resources from the poorest among us to the wealthiest.

The CBO has calculated that the so-called "Big Beautiful Bill" would increase household resources for the richest Americans by $12,000 per year while decreasing the household resources for the poorest Americans by $1,600 per year, or 3.9% of their income.

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"Those projected decreases are mainly attributable to reductions in in-kind transfers, such as Medicaid and SNAP," the CBO said in a letter to lawmakers.

According to Axios, the "Big Beautiful Bill" would cut $186 billion in SNAP benefits over the next 10 years, with experts projecting that as many as 5 million households could be affected and 2 million people could lose their benefits altogether.

SNAP provided food to more than 41 million Americans in 2024, or 12% of the population. Nearly two-thirds of SNAP recipients are households with children, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Similarly, the so-called "Big Beautiful Bill" contained roughly $1 trillion in cuts for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program, or CHIP. The CBO projected these changes will kick more than 10 million people off these vital healthcare programs by 2034.

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Further, once enacted into law, the legislation will roll back billions of dollars in renewable-energy and electric-vehicle incentives aimed at jumpstarting the transition to a cleaner-energy economy.

EV tax credits of up to $7,500 for a new vehicle or $4,000 for a used one, which originally were scheduled to last through 2032, would now stop at the end of September, CNBC reported.

Consumer tax credits for home solar installation and energy-efficient home upgrades like heat pumps, two areas EnergySage specializes in helping homeowners lock in with incentives, would conclude early as well, sunsetting at the end of the year, per CNBC.

Also ending early would be incentives for building cleaner-energy facilities like renewable power plants, carbon sequestration facilities, and factories for building clean-energy equipment like wind turbines.

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All told, these incentives have helped garner billions of dollars in private investment and have created tens of thousands of jobs, according to Clean Investment Monitor.

As the "Big Beautiful Bill" appeared poised to become law, it stood as a direct threat to the thousands of projects, hundreds of billions of dollars in private investment, and more than 50,000 jobs already in the pipeline.

What's being done about the "Big Beautiful Bill"?

With President Trump's so-called "Big Beautiful Bill" now having passed both houses of Congress, it will become law as soon as the president signs it, which he has indicated he will do in a July 4 ceremony.

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.

Though the legislation will have massive implications for American life for years to come, it does not mean the end of the road.

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Even without the federal government's support, there are plenty of actions that can be taken on the state, local, and community level to help our neighbors and to pave the way for a cleaner-energy future.

Driving an electric vehicle, installing solar panels, growing your own food, taking public transit, or volunteering at a local food bank are all great ways to make a real difference, regardless of what government policies may or may not be in place at the moment.

To learn more ways in which you can make your voice heard, check out this guide.

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HOUSTON - With Fourth of July celebrations ramping up across the city, Houston officials are urging the public to stay off the roads if impaired, emphasizing that law enforcement will be out in full force over the holiday weekend.

What they're saying

"Just don't drink and drive. It's just not worth it," Houston Mayor John Whitmire said during a Thursday press conference alongside law enforcement agencies, the Harris County District Attorneys Office, and traffic safety advocates.

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Houston Police Department Chief J. Noe Diaz said his department made 54 arrests for driving under the influence (DUI) during last year's holiday weekend. This year, officials say their goal is zero.

"But it starts with the messaging," Diaz said. "We can't do it alone. We have to make sure that our community is being responsible."

The Harris County District Attorney's Office is also taking a hard-line stance. District Attorney Sean Teare warned residents that there will be zero tolerance for impaired driving this weekend.

"We are not going to continue to lead the nation in alcohol and drug-related fatalities," Teare said. "You will be caught, and you will be convicted."

By the numbers

Aside from the legal consequences  which can cost thousands of dollars in fines, court costs, and potentially jail time  officials emphasized the devastating personal toll of impaired driving.

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Eric Stephens, who lost his 10-year-old daughter to a drunk driver in 2014, delivered a sobering reminder of the human cost.

"I've missed birthdays, I've missed graduations, I've missed proms. This month, she would've been 21 years old," Stephens said. "People say it gets better with time. No, it does not."

What you can do

To avoid tragedy, officials are urging residents to make smart choices  designate a sober driver, use a rideshare service, or stay home. Some companies are providing rides at discounted rates through the weekend. Visit the TxDot Sober Ride Campaign page additional information.

The Source

Fox 26 attended Thursday's press conference at the Houston Police Department headquarters.
Honolulu police are searching for a man who stabbed and robbed a 43-year-old victim at an ATM early this morning at the Makiki Shopping Village.

According to the Honolulu Police Department, the victim was approached by an unknown male suspect shortly after midnight and was stabbed multiple times during the robbery. The suspect fled with money taken from the victim.

The victim drove himself to a nearby hospital, where he was listed in critical condition with multiple stab wounds to his upper torso.

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No arrests have been made. The case is being investigated as second-degree attempted murder.

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Jul. 4Decatur Heritage Christian Academy 2025 graduate David Hudry is following in his family's footsteps with his appointment to a U.S. service academy.

Hudry was inducted into the U.S. Naval Academy class of 2029 last week.

U.S. Rep. Dale Strong nominated students from Alabama's 5th Congressional District to attend the service academies.

"It is one of my greatest honors as a member of Congress to nominate students across the Tennessee Valley to attend our nation's prestigious service academies," Strong said.

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Each year approximately 1,200 candidates are chosen to attend the academy's Plebe (freshman) Summer, where students will begin a challenging six weeks of basic midshipman training, according to the United States Naval Academy.

The U.S. Naval Academy is a four-year service academy that "prepares midshipmen morally, mentally, and physically to be professional officers in the naval service," according to a statement released by the Academy.

Midshipmen will graduate with a bachelor's of science degree in a major of their choice and serve a minimum of five years in either the U.S. Navy or the U.S. Marine Corps.

Hudry plans to major in aerospace engineering.

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Hudry is honored to continue his family's tradition.

"I was extremely honored. It was absolutely amazing, not only to be able to have this great opportunity, but also to kind of continue our family tradition. My father (Wayne Hudry) went to the service academy, my sister (Juliana Hudry) just graduated from the service academy, and so to be able to continue that is a massive honor," Hudry said.

In addition to continuing the tradition, Hudry looks forward to serving his country.

"A lot of my family has served, and I've always just wanted to defend and support our country, so it all just kind of comes together," Hudry said.

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The U.S. Naval Academy will train and teach students leadership, professional and critical thinking skills that are required of Navy corps officers.

Hudry looks forward to learning leadership skills at the academy.

"What I really hope to learn is how to become an effective leader, and how to defend our country well," Hudry said.

Strong will host an Academy Day on Aug. 2 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Huntsville High School gymnasium.

Strong's 2025 Academy Day will include representatives from each of the service academies, representatives from additional military service organizations, and information about applying for nominations.

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The event will be open to any interested students from Alabama's 5th Congressional District.

Strong is grateful for the academies' class of 2029.

"I extend my gratitude to the cadets, midshipmen, and families in the class of 2029 for their commitment and service to our nation," Strong said.

 raven.sanders@decaturdaily.com or 245-340-2438.
The Brief

A 14-year-old male was found dead at a home on Gianna Springs Court in Humble.

There were two siblings at the scene at the time, a 12-and-17-year-old.

Investigators are working to determine who shot the teen.

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas - A 14-year-old teen was found dead with a gunshot wound at a home in Humble, according to Harris County investigators.

Teen shot, killed in Humble

What we know

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez reported deputies were called to a home in the 3100 block of Gianna Springs Court.

Preliminary update: one sibling (13) was playing with a rifle and unintentionally shot his sibling (14). Investigation continues. https://t.co/EIaOEIfoaf  Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) July 4, 2025

Once they arrived, Lieutenant Alanis said a 14-year-old male had a gunshot wound to his upper torso. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

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Two siblings were also at the home at the time of the shooting, officials say.

Courtesy of OnScene TV Houston

Sheriff Gonzalez says based on their initial investigation, one sibling was playing with a rifle and unintentionally shot the teen.

Lt. Alanis said multiple firearms were recovered at the scene, but it is unclear which weapon was used in the teen's shooting.

What we don't know

It is unknown who shot the teenager.

The Source

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez via his X account and Lieutenant Alanis at the scene.
BERLIN, July 4 (Xinhua) -- China and Germany should jointly serve as advocates of multilateralism, defenders of free trade and contributors to open development, to foster a more just and equitable international order, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here Thursday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.

Wang spoke highly of the eighth round of China-Germany Strategic Dialogue on Diplomacy and Security held Thursday, saying it's comprehensive, pragmatic, candid and constructive.

The talks helped enhance mutual understanding and broaden common ground between the two sides, he said.

Both sides agreed to advance their comprehensive strategic partnership along the right path of mutual respect, seek common ground while reserving differences, and achieve win-win cooperation, Wang said.

Noting that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War as well as the founding of the United Nations, Wang said unilateralism, protectionism, and acts of power politics and bullying are posing serious challenges to the international community.

Under such circumstances, Wang said, major countries must shoulder responsibilities, embrace the global trend toward multipolarization and economic globalization, and stand firmly on the right side of history.

As the world's second- and third-largest economies, China and Germany should strengthen exchanges, deepen cooperation and jointly do the following three things, he said.

First, consolidating the foundation of bilateral relations.

During a phone conversation in late May, Chinese President Xi Jinping and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz provided strategic guidance for the development of bilateral ties and set the direction for future efforts, Wang said. The two sides should implement the important consensus reached by the two leaders and make good preparations for the next phase of high-level engagements, he added.

Wang said that China welcomes Merz to visit China within this year and reach a consensus on holding the eighth round of China-Germany inter-governmental consultation at an early date.

Wang also said that China appreciates the German government's reaffirmation of its commitment to the one-China policy. He expressed confidence that Germany will support China's efforts toward full reunification, just as China had unconditionally supported Germany's reunification. Achieving peace across the Taiwan Strait, he said, requires a firm stand against any move toward "Taiwan independence."

Second, upgrading the quality of bilateral cooperation.

China and Germany are each other's largest trading partner in their respective regions, with bilateral trade exceeding 200 billion U.S. dollars for nine consecutive years, Wang said.

Trade with China supports 1 million jobs in Germany, and the Chinese market has attracted more than 5,000 German enterprises to invest and operate in China, he added.

Strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation is a "must-have option" for both countries, serving as a "ballast" of the bilateral relationship, and is also in line with the new German government's policy focus on economic development, said Wang.

The two sides also had in-depth discussions on their respective economic and trade concerns, and agreed to build a more stable, predictable and trustworthy policy framework for practical cooperation, Wang said.

China's accelerated modernization will provide new development opportunities for German and European enterprises, he said, adding that China and Germany have broad prospects in cutting-edge fields such as green transition, artificial intelligence and quantum technology.

Only by tightening the bonds of common interests and pursuing a shared future can the two sides effectively resist external risks and challenges, Wang said.

Third, practicing multilateralism.

History has repeatedly proven that open exchanges have always been the right direction for human development and progress, Wang said. In the 21st century, we should not erect new barriers through tariffs, nor fuel division through ideological confrontation, he warned.

Wang expressed the belief that multipolarization and globalization are like the Yangtze and the Rhine rivers, flowing forward relentlessly.

Noting that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-EU diplomatic relations, Wang said China looks forward to holding various important events, including the China-EU summit.

It is hoped that Germany will play an active role in the EU, promote coordination and cooperation between China and the EU, and work together with China to make new contributions to global governance, he said.

The more complex the international situation is, the more major countries need to strengthen coordination, Wang said. He added that the more prominent the risks and challenges are, the more countries need to enhance cooperation.

Under the current circumstances, China is ready to work with Germany to uphold the correct view of history, remain true to the original aspiration of establishing diplomatic ties, strengthen strategic communication, seek common ground while preserving differences, and deepen practical cooperation, he said. 
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Memphis Police say its Rolling Thunder operation has resulted in hundreds of arrests and has taken drugs and dozens of guns off the street.

On Thursday, Memphis Police released an update about Rolling Thunder, an operation that ran from April 23 to May 10.

Memphis mayor: The era of unchecked violence in our city is over

According to police, 209 arrests were made during the operation. MPD says that number includes 42 gang members and 196 felony arrests.

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MPD says more than 150 grams of fentanyl, 58.6 grams of crack, 39.2 grams of cocaine, 116.3 grams of meth, and 459.4 grams of promethazine was seized.

Police also say that more than 20,000 grams of marijuana were confiscated and more than 800 pills were removed from circulation.

According to police, 44 guns were recovered during Operation Rolling Thunder, including four illegal switches.

Memphis Police also say that 17 vehicles were recovered.

This is the second update Memphis Police has released on Operation Rolling Thunder. Back in May, police announced 160 arrests, 15 illegal guns seized, and 10 federal indictments.

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MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD)  Just days after a federal lawsuit publicly named 25 Lowcountry restaurants accused of misleading customers about the origin of their shrimp, one of those businesses has now reached a resolution with the South Carolina Shrimpers Association.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Charleston, claims the restaurants falsely marketed imported shrimp as local. The shrimpers are seeking an injunction and monetary damages, while also pushing for a state law that would require restaurants to clearly disclose where their shrimp is sourced.

Hymans Seafood released a statement to News 2, saying quote:

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At no point in time did Hymans Seafood knowingly advertise that we had local shrimp, they said. At times we have carried domestic shrimp. And what this boils down to for our business is a miscommunication between us and the third-party media advertisement that handles our social media. They had posted that we had local shrimp during certain shrimp seasons.

Again, we were not made aware of those posts until after this whole thing came out. Had we been made aware of these posts, we absolutely would have edited them or removed them. But like I said, we were not made aware of them. If anybody ever comes in our restaurant and asks what is local versus what is imported, we are 100% transparent about everything. And unfortunately, like I said, this is a miscommunication between us and our social media team.

Shortly after the interview, the shrimpers association and Hymans confirmed a formal resolution had been reached. In a joint press release, both sides called the issue unintentional and praised the restaurants willingness to work collaboratively. Victor and Tobias Hyman said, Weve listened, learned, and made the decision to do more, because we believe in doing right by our customers, and by our community.

The shrimpers association said they appreciate Hymans pledge to support the industry going forward.

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The lawsuit remains active for the remaining 24 restaurants named in the complaint, which include Pages Okra Grill, Reds Icehouse, Saltwater Cowboys, and others across the Charleston area.

News 2 spoke with diners at Shem Creek about what local shrimp means to them. Tim Haines, visiting from Hanahan, said, If Im gonna get shrimp five nights a week, maybe thats different but when I want local shrimp, Im absolutely willing to shell out more money, because I know it supports the local business guys. And yeah, frankly, it usually tastes better too.

The case is still moving forward in federal court. So far, Hymans is the only restaurant to have publicly resolved its role in the lawsuit.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
A team of inspectors from the United Nations nuclear watchdog have left Iran, following Tehrans decision to suspend cooperation with the organisation after the 12-day conflict with Israel and the United States.

In a statement posted on X on Friday, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said its employees would return to its headquarters in Vienna, Austria.

IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi stressed the crucial importance of holding talks with Iran to resume its monitoring and verification work as soon as possible, the post added.

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Al Jazeeras Resul Serdar, reporting from Tehran, said it was not clear what proportion of the IAEA staff left the country.

Based on the language used, it is not clear if all or some of them left Iran, but we understand that some of them are still here, he said.

What we know is that they did not fly out; this departure happened through land into Armenia yesterday or the day before, he added.

And then they went to Vienna, Serdar said, adding that the development has started an era of nuclear ambiguity in Iran.

The inspectors stayed in the Iranian capital throughout the recent fighting, which started on June 13 when Israel attacked Iranian military sites and killed a number of the countrys most senior commanders, top scientists, and civilians.

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The US later became involved in the conflict, dropping bunker-buster bombs on nuclear facilities in Iran, in a mission the Trump administration claimed had significantly set back the countrys nuclear programme.

Distrust of IAEA

In the aftermath of the US and Israeli aerial attacks, Iran, which has said it is still committed to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), made painfully clear its burgeoning distrust of the IAEA.

Since the start of the conflict, Iranian officials have sharply criticised the IAEA not only for failing to condemn the Israeli and US strikes, but also for passing a resolution on June 12 accusing Tehran of non-compliance with its nuclear obligations, the day before Israel attacked.

On Wednesday, Irans President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered the country to cut ties with the nuclear watchdog. A bill to suspend cooperation had already been passed in the Iranian parliament and approved by the countrys Guardian Council.

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Guardian Council spokesperson Hadi Tahan Nazif said the decision had been taken for the full respect for the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The bill itself says the suspension will remain in effect until certain conditions are met, including the guaranteed security of nuclear facilities and scientists, according to Iranian state television.

On Monday, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi summarily dismissed Grossis request to visit nuclear facilities bombed by Israel and the US.

Grossis insistence on visiting the bombed sites under the pretext of safeguards is meaningless and possibly even malign in intent, Araghchi said, adding that Iran reserves the right to take any steps in defence of its interests, its people and its sovereignty.

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The US Department of State spokesperson Tammy Bruce called Irans decision to suspend cooperation with the IAEA unacceptable, urging Tehran to reverse course and choose a path of peace and prosperity.

Iran cannot and will not have a nuclear weapon, she reiterated.

Tehran denies wanting to produce a nuclear bomb, reiterating for years that its nuclear programme is for civilian use only. Neither US intelligence nor Grossi said they had found any proof Tehran was building a nuclear weapon.




By Francois Murphy

VIENNA (Reuters) -The U.N. nuclear watchdog said on Friday it had pulled its last remaining inspectors from Iran as a standoff over their return to the country's nuclear facilities bombed by the United States and Israel deepens.

Israel launched its first military strikes on Iran's nuclear sites in a 12-day war with the Islamic Republic three weeks ago. The International Atomic Energy Agency's inspectors have not been able to inspect Iran's facilities since then, even though IAEA chief Rafael Grossi has said that is his top priority.

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Iran's parliament has now passed a law to suspend cooperation with the IAEA until the safety of its nuclear facilities can be guaranteed. While the IAEA says Iran has not yet formally informed it of any suspension, it is unclear when the agency's inspectors will be able to return to Iran.

"An IAEA team of inspectors today safely departed from Iran to return to the Agency headquarters in Vienna, after staying in Tehran throughout the recent military conflict," the IAEA said on X.

Diplomats said the number of IAEA inspectors in Iran was reduced to a handful after the June 13 start of the war. Some have also expressed concern about the inspectors' safety since the end of the conflict, given fierce criticism of the agency by Iranian officials and Iranian media.

Iran has accused the agency of effectively paving the way for the bombings by issuing a damning report on May 31 that led to a resolution by the IAEA's 35-nation Board of Governors declaring Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations.

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IAEA chief Rafael Grossi has said he stands by the report. He has denied it provided diplomatic cover for military action.

IAEA WANTS TALKS

Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Thursday Iran remained committed to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

"(Grossi) reiterated the crucial importance of the IAEA discussing with Iran modalities for resuming its indispensable monitoring and verification activities in Iran as soon as possible," the IAEA said.

The U.S. and Israeli military strikes either destroyed or badly damaged Iran's three uranium enrichment sites. But it was less clear what has happened to much of Iran's nine tonnes of enriched uranium, especially the more than 400 kg enriched to up to 60% purity, a short step from weapons grade.

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That is enough, if enriched further, for nine nuclear weapons, according to an IAEA yardstick. Iran says its aims are entirely peaceful but Western powers say there is no civil justification for enriching to such a high level, and the IAEA says no country has done so without developing the atom bomb.

As a party to the NPT, Iran must account for its enriched uranium, which normally is closely monitored by the IAEA, the body that enforces the NPT and verifies countries' declarations. But the bombing of Iran's facilities has now muddied the waters.

"We cannot afford that .... the inspection regime is interrupted," Grossi told a press conference in Vienna last week.

(Additional reporting by Miranda Murray in Berlin; Editing by Aidan Lewis and Alex Richardson)
A second Iranian national has been arrested in Texas as tensions seem to be easing after a dramatic exchange of firepower between the U.S. and Iran last month.

Social media accounts for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced Sunday that its San Antonio office had arrested Ali Shahrezaei, a 42-year-old Iranian citizen who apparently entered the United States illegally in October 2022.

ICE San Antonio arrested Ali Shahrezaei, 42, a citizen of Iran who illegally entered the U.S. October 2022. Shahrezaei is wanted for fraud in his home country. He will remain in ICE custody pending completion of his immigration proceedings. pic.twitter.com/1RexWkWevv  ICE San Antonio (@EROSanAntonio) June 30, 2025

Shahrezaeis arrest marks at least the second high-profile Iranian apprehended by federal authorities in Texas in recent weeks.

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Last week, officials arrested Jamil Bahlouli, a previously deported Iranian man who reentered the U.S. illegally and allegedly skipped a scheduled immigration appointment. Bahlouli was said to have resisted arrest at his home in Austin and slammed the door on deportation officers. He had been convicted of illegal re-entry in Montana earlier this year and now faces up to four years in prison, according to a press release from the United States Attorneys Office Western District of Texas.

It is unknown exactly how many Iranians may be in the United States illegally.

Federal data shows a sharp uptick in Iranian nationals crossing into the United States illegally in recent years. Border Patrol apprehended 1,504 Iranians from fiscal years 2021 through 2024nearly half of whom were later released into the country, according to a report from The Center Square. Releases increased year-over-year under the Biden administration, reportedly topping 448 in 2024 alone.

One federal agent told The Center Square that the data, obtained on condition of anonymity, do not include so-called gotawaysforeign nationals who enter the U.S. illegally without being apprehended. That figure surpassed 2 million under then-President Biden.
Jul. 4The Lewiston Tribune recently received a letter from a prisoner complaining about food portions at the Nez Perce County Jail. While not sparking a full investigation, the letter raised the question: What is the food situation for our neighbors behind bars?

Nez Perce County Jail did not respond to three requests for an interview. However, jail commanders in Latah and Clearwater counties talked about meals  with a hint of pride.

"Our food's good," said Latah County Jail Commander Sgt. Laureas Tate. "I had some for lunch today and I wouldn't eat it if it wasn't good."

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Tate, who has managed the jail for seven years, said Latah County follows the Idaho Jail Standards.

Idaho Jail Inspector Ben Wolfinger confirmed that current food service guidelines require jails to provide each prisoner a minimum of 2,500 calories per day. They also have to provide three meals, two of which must be hot. And there can be no more than 14 hours between one day's last meal and the next day's breakfast. And jails can't serve the same meal twice in one week.

The Clearwater County Jail in Orofino has excellent food, said Jail Commander Lt. Rikki Spencer.

"We order all of our food through Cisco and US Foods," said Spencer, who has managed the jail for 1 1/2 years. "We have an inmate worker make lunch and dinner and the staff does breakfast."
Steve Goncalves, one of the fathers of Bryan Kohberger's victims, has apologized to his late daughter after the killer agreed to a plea deal.

He labeled it his "mistake" that Kohberger wouldn't be tried for the crimes due to the agreement, which has allowed him to escape the death penalty.

Steve Goncalves also expressed hope that Bryan Kohberger will receive a "welcome gift" once he finally begins serving his life sentence.

Steve Goncalves Apologizes To His Late Daughter Over Bryan Kohberger's Plea Deal

Ada County Sheriff's Office/MEGA

In the wake of Kohberger agreeing to a plea deal, the father of one of the victims has blamed himself for the outcome and apologized to his late daughter, Kaylee Goncalves.

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During a "Banfield" appearance, Kaylee's father, Steve Goncalves, called the arrangement "my mistake" and said he was "sorry" for failing her.

"I'm truly sorry that I didn't get you a prosecutor who really believed what happened to you could only be fixed with life," he added, per News Nation.

The plea deal not only means that Kohberger will no longer be tried on the previously scheduled date in August, but it also removes the possibility of the death penalty, which would have been pursued if the case had gone to trial.

Kohberger pleaded guilty to all four counts of first-degree murder for the killings of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Kernodle's boyfriend, Ethan Chapin. He also pleaded guilty to one count of burglary in connection with the murders.

The Victim's Father Wants Bryan Kohberger To Get A 'Welcome Gift' In Prison

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With the plea deal in place, Kohberger is expected to be sentenced in late July. He faces consecutive life sentences for the murder charges and a maximum of 10 years for the burglary count.

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During the sentencing, families of the slain students will have the opportunity to deliver victim impact statements.

However, Kaylee's father has expressed doubt about participating in the process, calling it a "pointless exercise."

When asked during the interview what he would say to Kohberger if he had the chance to speak to the murderer, Goncalves responded that he would call him a "complete loser."

Then he added, "I'm ashamed that we couldn't have ended you  you beat me on that. My bad."

Now, he's more hopeful that Kohberger will receive a "welcome gift" in prison, something he believes might, in some way, bring his family a sense of justice.

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"They say there's such thing as a prison justice, and some of those people have reached out to me," Goncalves said. "Maybe they have a welcome gift for him  Welcome to Idaho."

Steve Gonclaves Had Previously Opposed The Plea Deal

MEGA

Before the deal was signed, Gonclaves had also voiced his dissatisfaction with the prosecutors' decision.

"Idaho has failed. They failed me. They failed my whole family," said Steve in an interview with 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 also decried the manner in which the deal was made, revealing that the prosecutors chose to move ahead despite the "hard no" from his family.

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"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.

Why The Prosecutors Agreed To A Plea Deal In Bryan Kohberger's Case

MEGA

The prosecutors explained in a letter that their decision to agree to a plea deal was a "sincere attempt to seek justice" for the family, per ABC.

"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," they noted.

The prosecutors added, "We hope that you may come to appreciate why we believe this resolution is in the best interest of justice."

Some Of The Victims' Families Supported The Plea Deal

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Unlike Steve, some of the other victims' families expressed support for the plea deal.

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One such family was the Mogens, who expressed their satisfaction with the outcome through their attorney, Leander James.

"We support the plea agreement 100%. While we know there are some who do not support it, we ask that they respect our belief that this is the best outcome possible for the victims, their families, and the state of Idaho," James told the press in a statement after the hearing, per News Nation.

"We extend our deep gratitude to the many law enforcement officers and staff who work tirelessly to obtain the critical evidence that brought justice today."
The Israeli air force struck over 100 terror targets across Gaza in the past 24 hours, the IDF said earlier.

The IDF has taken operational control of over 65% of the Gaza Strip, with over 100 terrorists killed in the last week, the IDF and Shin Bet announced Friday evening.

The terrorists killed in the Southern Command over the past week included the head of the Combat Support Staff in Hamas's military wing, Hakham Muhammad Issa al-Issa, a division head in the Khan Yunis Brigade operations department, Mohammed Al-Sheikh, a company commander in the Zaytoun Battalion, Issa Abbas, and a company commander in the Sabra Battalion, Mohammed Jarasha. They were killed by troops under the guidance of Shin Bet and military intelligence.

Combat Support Staff in Hamas's military wing head, Hakham Muhammad Issa al-Issa, a division head in the Khan Yunis Brigade operations department, Mohammed Al-Sheikh, a company commander in the Zaytoun Battalion, Issa Abbas, and a company commander in the Sabra Battalion, Mohammed Jarasha. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

As part of the operation, Divisions 98 and 162 attacked Hamass Gaza Brigade terrorists in northern Gaza.

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The Israeli air force struck over 100 terror targets across Gaza in the past 24 hours, the IDF said earlier. Since the renewed Gaza operations began, the Air Force has struck over 7,500 sites used by terrorist organizations, including weapon storage depots, rocket launchers, underground tunnels, and terrorists.

Divisions 98, 99, 162, 36, and 143 are all operating within the Gaza Strip.

An illustration of a map demonstrating the operational deployment in the Gaza Strip.

Division 98 destroyed several explosives embedded in the ground, meant to harm IDF troops, as it continued to operate in the area of Gaza City in the last week. Troops destroyed weapon depots and killed terrorists both in close-quarter combat and in airstrikes guided by the division's fire control center.

IDF troops operate in Gaza, July 4, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

Division 99 guided several airstrikes in northern Gaza as it continued to operate in the area to destroy terror infrastructure above and below ground.

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Division 162 killed terrorists, seized weapons, and destroyed terror tunnels in northern Gaza.

The IDF announced earlier on Friday that Sgt. Yair Eliyahou, 19, was killed during operational activity in the Beit Hanoun area of the northern Gaza Strip.

IDF operating in southern Gaza

Division 36 operated in Khan Yunis. In the last day, troops seized weapons and killed terrorists in a series of rapid airstrikes.

In Khan Yunis, Sgt. Zamir, 19, who served in the 53rd Armored Corps Battalion in the 188th Brigade under the 36th Division, was killed when a terrorist fired an anti-tank missile at the tank he was in.

In the incident in which he was killed, two soldiers in the 53rd Armored Corps Battalion, 188th Battalion, were severely wounded, and another was moderately wounded.

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During the operation to remove the wounded from the tank, an explosion occurred in a second tank, likely due to an anti-tank missile or an additional explosive that was triggered at the site, Army Radio said.

IDF in Arabic Spokesperson Avichay Adraee issued evacuation warnings to those in certain areas of Khan Yunis on Friday afternoon.

"The IDF is operating with extreme force in the area and will attack any area used to launch rockets towards the state of Israel," he said, specifically noting blocks 107 to 112 and the eastern part of block 88.

He added that the civilians in those areas should evacuate west and "refrain from returning to the dangerous combat zones."

Division 143 operated in Rafah while also securing communities in the western Negev, according to the military.

Yonah Jeremy Bob contributed to this report.
CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA)  Many people in and around Central Illinois are hitting the highways for the Fourth of July weekend, so IDOT and AAA are pushing for safety on the busy streets.

The American Automobile Association is expecting over 60 million people across the country to travel this weekend, and the Illinois Department of Transportation is issuing some reminders for motorists to stay safe in the heavy traffic.

Danvilles Royal Donut announces expansion location in Champaign

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So, IDOT, the state police, local law enforcement are sending a big you know reminder: if you drive impaired, you drink alcohol, use cannabis or under the influence, theyre going to pull you over, said Paul Wappel, IDOT Public Information Officer. Youre going to receive a citation.

Its been more than a decade since July 4 was celebrated on a Friday and many people are already taking advantage of the three-day weekend.

Were taking a road trip, going to visit family for the 4th of July, said traveler Marcia Galloway.

Galloway and her family are headed to Southern Illinois. Theyll be spending the weekend with family in St. Louis. She said this is a tradition for them to travel during holidays, and one thing she and her daughters were surprised about was the traffic.

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I really was expecting it to be busy, considering the fact that we left early from Chicago to avoid the concept of it being busy, said traveler Alison Seay. And it wasnt, it was a beautiful thing that it was a smooth ride.

Demo Day held at C-U at Homes new Champaign location

Even though highways might not seem as busy just yet, AAA is expecting nearly 4 million people in the state to travel, which would be an all-time high.

Make sure we got gas and make sure we got snacks and pillows and blankets, said traveler Todd Charlton. Just whatever to make us comfortable while were going on, and make sure that AC is blowing cold.

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Thats why IDOT officials are opening construction lanes to ease the congestion, and other leaders are increasing troopers on the highways to watch out for unsafe driving.

Dont drive impaired, theres no excuse, Wappel said. Its against the law, its expensive, you could get hurt or kill someone. Have a designated driver.

IDOT said to make sure to give yourself extra time to travel this weekend. Additionally, AAA said the best time for people to travel is in the morning.

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U.S. President Donald Trump said he was "very disappointed" with Russian President Vladimir Putin following a phone call on July 3, during which the two leaders discussed the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Trump told reporters he "didn't make any progress" and accused Putin of showing no willingness to stop the fighting.

Trump also said that he is planning to talk to President Volodymyr Zelensky on July 4.

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"I'm speaking to President Zelensky tomorrow in the early morning, and I'm very disappointed with the conversation I had today with President Putin," Trump told journalists. "Because I don't think he's there. And I'm very disappointed. I don't think he's looking to stop this fighting."

Later on July 4, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia "is paying close attention to all of Trump's statements," but added Moscow will continue its full-scale war in Ukraine because "it is not yet possible to achieve goals through diplomatic means."

The hour-long conversation between Trump and Putin marked the sixth time the two leaders have spoken since Trump took office in January. According to Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov, Putin reiterated that "Russia will continue to pursue its goals," refusing to back down from what the Kremlin calls the "root causes of the conflict.

The White House did not issue a readout of the call. Trump provided few additional details, only saying the discussion covered "a lot of things" and confirming no progress had been made on securing a ceasefire.

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The call came just hours before one of the largest Russian aerial assaults on Ukraine in recent months. According to Zelensky, air raid sirens began sounding across Ukraine almost simultaneously with media reports about the Trump-Putin call.

"Russia is once again demonstrating that it is not going to end the war and terror," Zelensky said. "The first air raids in our cities and regions began yesterday, almost simultaneously with the start of media discussions of President Trump's phone call with Putin."

Overnight on July 4, Russian forces launched more than 550 aerial weapons, including over 330 Iranian-type Shahed drones and multiple types of missiles, across Ukraine, with Kyiv as the main target. At least 23 people were injured in the capital, where fires broke out in multiple districts and air pollution reached dangerous levels.

Zelensky renewed calls for increased military assistance from Ukraine's partners, especially the delivery of U.S.-made Patriot missile systems.

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"Patriots and their missiles are real defenders of life," he said.

Despite Ukraine's urgent appeals, the U.S. Defense Department has paused shipments of Patriot systems and other key munitions, citing the need to replenish domestic stockpiles. Ukrainian officials have warned that such delays threaten to embolden Russia and intensify attacks on civilians.

Read also: Putin tells Trump Russia wont back down from its war aims in Ukraine

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
NAIROBI, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese contractors are helping advance Kenya's construction sector by transferring technologies, the industry regulator said on Friday.

Maurice Akech, executive director of Kenya's National Construction Authority, told Xinhua in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, that Chinese firms undertaking major infrastructure projects are partnering with local contractors to deliver their tasks.

"Kenya's construction industry has benefited from new building techniques that inject efficiency and sustainability which are helping modernize the country," Akech said on the sidelines of the launch of the Construction Excellence Awards, an initiative that recognizes outstanding achievements in the sector.

He said that cooperation with Chinese contractors has strengthened the capacity of local firms to undertake complex construction projects.

According to Aketch, Chinese contractors have introduced techniques that reduce construction time and material waste.

He added that these contractors are also playing a key role in supporting local partners to implement the government's affordable housing program. 
The world was stunned by recently released images taken of deep space at the Vera Rubin Observatory in Chile. Whats even more surprising is that an instructor in Monmouth has been working on the project to obtain those images for years. Michael Solonto, associate professor of physics and engineering at Monmouth College spoke with Our Quad Cities News via Zoom to share what these new discoveries mean and explain who Vera Rubin was.



Vera Rubin was a fantastic, fantastic astronomer who, in the 1970s, found the first conclusive evidence for this still open puzzle in astronomy and astrophysics called dark matter, he said. She found that the galaxies were rotating far too fast, just based off of the laws of gravity. Every galaxy she looked at was rotating faster than they had any right to be. Every measurement that weve made ever since then detects that theres a whole lot of matter out there that we cant really detect. Theres something going on gravitationally, and this has still been an open question in astronomy.

Ive been involved with the Rubin Observatory since around 2005. I did my graduate work in astronomy at the University of Washington, and my advisor at the time, Zeljka Vesic, was one of the driving forces behind whats now the Legacy Survey of Space and Time, which is this 10 year survey that the Rubin Observatory is going to undertake. I had been working on the previous generation of survey telescope, the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. I did a lot of things involving comets and asteroids with the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, and I continued doing things on predicting comets and asteroids with the Rubin Observatory.



The images already shown are just the beginning, he said. I think the images there highlight kind of the four things that that the Rubin Observatory is really trying to do. You saw all the pictures of the galaxies. We are going to serve up billions of galaxies to study things like dark matter and dark energy, which is even weirder than dark matter. We cant even describe it yet. Also in those images are stars. Theres gonna be billions of stars within our own galaxy to study. Some of those stars actually change brightness from image to image, and this tells us all sorts of things about the stars themselves. I do solar system things; we just found over the 10 years, were going to discover about 5 million new asteroids and other objects in the solar system. In that first image release there, the Rubin Observatory identified and discovered 2,000 brand new asteroids. These are asteroids that we had never, ever found before.

Astronomy is a really interesting science. Its difficult to do a classic experiment; I cant build the sun in the basement. We have to go out and see and hope the universe is actually doing our experiment that we want somewhere out there. By observing everything for basically 10 years, were giving folks a digital movie containing all of this data. If youre interested in how stars work, here are 10 billion stars to compare and contrast. If youre interested in the actual populations in the solar system, we call it inventorying the solar system. Obviously, the bigger something is, the easier it is to find.

(NSFDOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory)

Solonto is already finding an application for the new data. I have reached out to a former student of mine who did some amazing work on thinking about comets in this survey. Were at the point now where we can actually see, if you know how her predictions did, which is kind of a fantastic thing. Thats the whole thing about science. She might be right, she might be wrong. If shes right, we had a good idea; if shes wrong, it means we learned something. Thats the great thing about science, is that when youre wrong, its not like a bad wrong, its you just learned something.

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He was as stunned as the rest of the world when he saw the first images. It was pretty amazing. Im not ashamed to say that I made some celebratory noise in a room by myself, so where I was watching it at the time. I think they picked some really, really nice and interesting fields to look at that really epitomize so many different aspects of the survey. Rubin really is designed to do all of these things. Its just so fantastic that these first images, just hit the button of, hey, this is, this is what we can do. Look at all these galaxies, look at all these stars, look at all these variable objects, look at all these asteroids and just look at how gosh darn pretty this is.

Budding astronomers who want to keep track of what the Rubin Observatory is finding can click here to explore data and take guided tours.





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The Brief

If youre heading to Rehoboth Beach, be careful about swimming in the ocean.

A swimming advisory was issued for increased bacteria levels in the water ahead of the July 4th weekend.

Officials in the popular Delaware beach community issued the advisory for the safety of residents and guests.

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. - A swimming advisory has been issued for Rehoboth Beach due to increased fecal matter shown in tests of the water.

What we know

Officials in Rehoboth Beach said that routine tests of the ocean water were conducted ahead of the July 4th weekend. Tests run for Rehoboth Beach - Rehoboth Avenue resulted in higher than normal fecal bacteria.

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A swimming advisory was issued, in order to protect residents and guests from possible illness.

What's next

Officials believe the heavy rainfall of the past month is likely driving the higher-than-normal bacteria results.

More testing will happen for Rehoboth Beach - Rehoboth Avenue and the advisory will be lifted once levels return to normal.

What you can do

For more information about testing at Rehoboth, visit the website, here.
INDEPENDENCE, Mo.  A local business owner is beefing up security after repeated instances of someone stealing items.

Obviously the cameras didnt stop the gentleman, he knew they were here. He looked directly into them, Houston Richards, owner of Houston Richards State Farm Insurance Agency, told FOX4 Thursday.

Jackson County Prosecutor shares progress update through first 6 months

On a busy stretch of 24 Highway in Independence, a rather new building, houses a local insurance agency business.

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I was actually born and raised in Independence. Actually, in a small town, Sugar Creek, which a little bit north of here. My wife is a business owner in Sugar Creek too. Weve got ties to the community, Richards shared.

Richards said an unwelcomed guest has stopped by a few times.

Stealing is never ok, especially from individuals or small businesses who work very hard for these things, he shared. We had a gentleman who came and took some plants from us.

At first, just a sole hanging plant, but he returned.

It was the fact that, he came back a second time, in broad daylight, he said. And decided to not only take more plants, but stuff, and tools we had in the back.

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This second stop, he says, stripped Richards and his staff from their sense of security.

Both instances, in late June, were caught on Richards surveillance cameras.

He filed two police reports with the Independence Police Department (IPD).

See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri

One of the officers actually retrieved one of our plants back for us, he said. Well, they were hanging on his (alleged suspects) front porch, so Im hoping he watered them.

In the meantime, Richards wanted those passing his business to know what took place, and if you take (from him), you might just get a sign with your face on it.

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We do have security cameras, if you do decide to steal something, heres a picture of what potentially can happen. We will catch you on video, he added. Even if its stealing now, this could potentially lead to something bigger in the future. At the end of the day, we protect what is ours and we protect our community as well.

Richards says its not so much the property value of around $1,000, that was taken between plants and tools, its the principal something was stolen and on several occasions.

You never know what somebody else is going through, but for those people that are watching this, that might be stealing stuff: its never OK. People work hard for these things. People are proud of their stuff, and wed like to keep it that way, he said.

Lawsuit says KCK residents, students have died due to Harcros Chemicals poisoning the air for decades

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FOX4 reached out to the Independence Police Department Thursday to gather more information about case. We were informed a suspect has been identified and charges are pending.

This individual, police say, is known to IPD.

FOX4 has chosen to blur this individuals face and not disclose his name, since he has not been formally charged.

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During a recent White House interview with ABC's Terry Moran, when President Trump pointed out a copy of the 1776 Declaration of Independence, Moran asked, "What does it mean to you?"

The president replied, "Well it means exactly what it says, it's a declaration, it's a declaration of unity and love and respect and it means a lot and it's something very special to our country."

Far more damaging to the nation than his inability to articulate anything meaningful about our countrys founding document, Trumps actions in his five months in office violate the most fundamental principles articulated on July 4, 1776 by members of the Second Continental Congress. Here are some examples:

Tyranny: Trump's approach more fitting for a monarch

Trumps approach to governing is certainly more akin to Britains George III than to George Washington.

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No concept more defines the Declaration than objection to King Georges Absolute Tyranny displayed by his refusal to allow colonists a say in the laws that governed them and that made Judges dependent on his Will alone.

Trump clearly lusts for King Georges power. He and the modern GOP eschew separation of powers in favor of a unitary executive, a doctrine that jettisons the founders principle of three equal branches of government with checks and balances in favor of a president with unchecked power.

He respects the judiciary only when it agrees with him and describes judges whose decisions hold him accountable to the law as crooked, corrupt, radical left lunatics. He refuses to criticize his followers who post on his Truth Social account that judges should be assassinated. His administration has even refused to follow judges orders not to deport immigrants without due process.

Much like King George, Trump has elevated the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power, by unleashing a secret army of unidentified masked agents who kidnap people from our streets, homes and businesses without warrants.

Trade: Tariffs are like taxes that led to Boston Tea Party

One of the actions committed by King George that the Declaration lists as justifying independence from Britain was cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world.

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King George imposed stringent regulations severely limiting what colonies could buy from other countries by mandating that necessities like glass and lead only be purchased from England. This meant higher prices for colonists. Then, he imposed taxes on those very same imported English goods, like tea, sparking the Boston Tea Party.

Trump revives this mercantile approach by raising tariffs to heights not seen in 100 years, under the illusion that if the U.S. simply exports more than it imports, our economy will improve.

He, like King George, incorrectly views trade as a zero-sum game. This approach is rejected by most economists as wrong because trade is a win-win interaction, with each trading partner focusing on making something they can produce efficiently and then trading that for what they lack.

Though technically different, Trumps tariffs and George IIIs duties have the exact same impact on people: higher prices.

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Trump promised 90 trade deals in 90 days and has produced only one outline of one deal with the deadline less than a week away.

The only thing his tariffs and blustering have accomplished is uncertainty resulting in interruption of trade. Consider the plight of U.S. farmers. The top 10 markets for U.S. soybeans have been hit with tariffs in the Trump-initiated global trade war. According to the American Soybean Association, our farmers could lose around $6 billion annually because Trumps tariffs force consuming countries to find cheaper sources of soybeans.

And its not only farmers. Other industries facing uncertainty caused by the rising costs of imported goods due to Trumps tariffs include auto, consumer electronics, retail, apparel and semiconductor companies.

Finally, American consumers face increased prices as companies pass on their increased tariff costs. Economists at the American Action Forum estimate that Trumps trade war will cost a middle-class family $1700 - $2350 per year.

Safety: Under assault from Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The declaration calls for government and laws for people that shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Yet public safety and health is under assault thanks to Trump appointing Robert Kennedy Secretary of Health and Human Services. Kennedy and DOGE conspired to fire the very contamination experts who were helping Milwaukee Public Schools address its lead problems.

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Opinion: Trump's energy dominance plans driving manufacturing renaissance in Milwaukee

Kennedy recently fired 17 members of a scientific committee that advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on how to use vaccines. He replaced these experts with people who rose to prominence by denouncing the extremely effective COVID-19 vaccine.

Kennedy has spread conspiracy theories and anti-vaccination disinformation, sowing confusion and distrust on health issues, damaging the safety of communities, fueling a growing measles outbreak and contributing to dramatic drops in vaccination rates for children.

Trumps administration is attacking universities and savaging federal research grants, thus undermining the ability of these institutions to improve our lives through discoveries and innovation in medicine, technology and defense. Radar, MRI machines, robotics, GPS, cancer and diabetes treatments, are just some of the beneficial discoveries that have evolved out of government-funded research.

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Ben Franklin would be aghast at Trump taking a sledgehammer to our nations scientific and medical research, greatly endangering Americans safety.

Immigration: Colonists battled labor shortages

One of the founders grievances against King George was that he obstructed immigration to the colonies. Colonists opposed these restrictions because the colonial economy suffered from labor shortages. Today, Trump is deporting immigrants who make up almost 20% of the nations labor force, often working in the hardest, least desirable occupations.

Opinion: Farmers forgotten as debate over ICE raids, Dodgers and No Kings protests rage

His war on immigrants is creating labor shortages in agriculture, construction, hospitality and tourism. Just as colonists sought increased immigration to grow their economies, immigrants today help drive economic growth. Trumps war on them is not only cruel but economically destructive.

Equality: Trump budget cements economic inequality

In declaring the thirteen American colonies independent from the British monarchy, Americans challenged the accepted structures of inequality that had previously governed the affairs of mankind. For centuries humans had lived in hierarchical societies where most people were slaves, indentured servants, soldiers and peasants, destined to serve their superiors: the monarch, landed gentry and priest.

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In stating, all men are created equal, the founders laid the basis for an expansive and inclusive democracy even if its principal author was the slave owner Thomas Jefferson. While grappling over the extent of inclusion and the equality of opportunities has defined American democracy for 249 years, the aggregate direction until recently has been toward greater equality.

Trumps alleged big beautiful bill is dredged in inequality. Huge cuts to federal loans, Pell Grants, and work study will mean far fewer working men and women getting the training from colleges like MATC that move them from poverty to the middle class. It will reduce by 11 million the number of Americans with health care, cut Medicaid and food assistance by $1.1 trillion while showering the richest 1% with annual tax breaks of $63,000 per person.

This blatant economic inequality championed by Trump promotes gross political inequality, sabotaging the promise of the declaration.

Americans celebrating July 4 deserve a president who can both articulate what the Declaration of Independence means and govern according to its principles.

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Michael Rosen (Economics) and Charlie Dee (American Studies) are retired faculty from Milwaukee Area Technical College and former leaders of American Federation of Teachers Local 212.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Americans celebrate July 4 under leader like King George III | Opinion
The four women sat in camping chairs on 19th Street sipping mix-made mojitos. One was knitting, another talked on her cellphone. Amalia Alejo sang in Spanish and Ana Flores held onto her small white dog.

They looked at home because they were. They sat right outside Flores house in Pilsen, laughing as the sun beat down on the quiet Tuesday afternoon, three days before the Fourth of July.

Around the corner, one of Pilsens murals, painted by Hector Duarte, takes up nearly a whole block. In the painting, barbed wire snakes around a prostrate Mexican man wearing a white mask. His eyes ask for help. Flores said the picture is meant to represent Mexican immigration to the United States.

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We appreciate, as immigrants, the opportunities that we got to better our lives, said Flores, who became a U.S. citizen after immigrating to Chicago from Zacatecas, Mexico, 35 years ago. And at the same time, were really disappointed with what is happening right now with immigration.

This Independence Day, immigrants are facing how to celebrate a nation deeply divided over President Donald Trumps mass deportation efforts, which have sparked massive protests across the country. Some activists are urging immigrants on social media to sit out celebrations this year as a form of protest; others are urging them to stay home to stay safe.

But even amid this volatile backdrop, some immigrants in Chicago said they will be celebrating July Fourth not because of the Trump administration, but in spite of it. They said they want to celebrate the holiday to honor independence, and the parts of the United States that they appreciate: opportunity, democracy and freedom.

Im not excited about Trump and his administration, but I dont think the country and what it means, the Fourth of July, has to be tarnished by what the administration is doing, Flores, 52, said.

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Immigration advocates say the holiday brings complicated emotions this year more than ever. Immigrants want to celebrate the opportunities they have found in the U.S. without forgetting about their friends and loved ones fearing deportation.

Its both-and, said Nina Sedeno, senior immigration policy adviser at the Latino Policy Forum. I think theres a genuine appreciation for the country  Many immigrants go on to be entrepreneurs and pillars of the community  but we cant ignore the fear and frustration that is being felt.

Indeed, in Southern California, which last month was the epicenter of nationwide protests over Trumps immigration raids, at least half a dozen Independence Day events have been canceled or postponed amid fears of more raids.

Many immigrants in Chicago said that refusing to celebrate the holiday contributes to a narrative that the White House represents all Americans. But some are simply too scared to have a party on the Fourth of July.

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I dont feel that theres anything to celebrate, said one undocumented Mexican immigrant who lives in Dunning. She requested anonymity out of fear for her safety.

The woman left Morelos, Mexico, 40 years ago, when she was just 7 years old. Her 22-year-old son is an American citizen but his mother said hes also afraid of being targeted by federal immigration agents. The woman has the day off work but she and her family will not leave their house Friday, she said, partly out of fear but also out of protest.

My way of protesting is not celebrating, not going out, she said.

Staying in has become the new normal for this woman and her family. She has stopped grocery shopping and eating out  less out of fear and more because she no longer has the emotional energy to do normal things. Friday will be no exception.

We want a better life

Flores plans to join in a barbecue with her brother, nephew and friends. Theyll try to catch the fireworks Friday night. Alejo, 79, who also lives in Pilsen, will be with her daughter for the day.

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Flores was an English as a second language teacher and a financial manager at The Resurrection Project  an immigration nonprofit  before opening her own real estate business.

We have migrated here not to take advantage or to cause any damage to the country, but mostly (because) we want a better life, Flores said.

Shes disappointed with the way her community has been targeted, she said. On the last day of the school year at Orozco Academy, right across Harrison Park, Flores said five cars full of what the community suspected to be federal immigration agents parked in front of the elementary school. Pilsen residents spread the word and warned vulnerable parents not to pick up their kids. A crowd gathered with a priest in front of Orozco until the cars drove away.

But the Pilsen neighborhood plans to celebrate July Fourth despite the anger residents like Flores are harboring against the president. Saturday, Flores and Alejo will both be at a neighborhood block party in Harrison Park. Alejo is bringing taquitos.

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Celebrating July Fourth can out shadow whatever is happening, Flores said.

Why not embrace it?

Eric Cheng immigrated from Hong Kong to the United States in 1976. During his first year in the United States  the countrys 200th anniversary  Americans amicable culture made a good impression on him, he said.

Neighbors would help him when he struggled to speak English, take him to sort out his phone bill and answer other questions when he was confused. He said hes always made an effort to participate in Fourth of July celebrations, a devotion that has inspired his friends and family to celebrate just as hard.

Because of my influence, some of my friends children buy up to $10,000 of fireworks, and we also go to participate, Cheng, 75, said in Chinese.

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For Cheng, whose family has owned Uptowns famed Sun Wah BBQ since 1987, the holiday is more of a cultural celebration than a political one. He didnt make a connection between recent government actions and how he views Independence Day.

Celebrating the holiday is a sign that the family has found its place in the United States, said his daughter Kelly Cheng, who works as general manager at the family-owned restaurant.

Ive accepted my life here in the U.S., so why not embrace it? Its his mentality, she said of her father.

This year, the Fourth of July at the restaurant will generally be business as usual, she said. However, the restaurant is planning to move some of its grills for roast pig out to the front for the occasion, she added. And for many Sun Wah regulars, Chengs family and the wait staff are their reminder that its Independence Day.

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In a way, I may be so used to my life as an American citizen that in some ways, I may have taken for granted, Oh, today is the Fourth of July, Kelly Cheng, 47, said. Its a holiday that happens every year.

But for her father, it is a holiday to commemorate.

Hes the one who would remember, Oh, we need to put the flag out, its the Fourth of July, she said.

I believe in this country

Two weeks after Yuliia Danyliuk married an American citizen in Ukraine, the war began. So Danyliuk evacuated to Warsaw, then moved to Chicago with her husband and applied for a green card. Three years later, shes a case manager for benefit access at the Polish American Association in the Ukrainian Village neighborhood.

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Though in the process of applying for citizenship, Danyliuk, 32, does not feel that shes becoming American. If anything, her connection to Ukrainian culture has only strengthened since she left her home country, she said.

This year, she started a company that organizes events centered around traditional Ukrainian music, dance, clothing and food. She plans to move back to Ivano-Frankivsk in five or 10 years.

But on Independence Day, Danyliuk and her husband, who live in Niles, are embracing their home in the U.S. Theyre barbecuing with friends  mostly other immigrants  and perhaps camping. For Danyliuk, July Fourth is a celebration of a democracy in which people have the right to protest, such as they have been doing for the last few months in Chicago.

Im proud for the country and people who have the protests, she said. That is the real democratic voice.

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Ivano-Frankisvk is a relatively safe part of Ukraine, she said. Its out in the western countryside, 345 miles from Kyiv. Still, Danyliuks parents and grandfather, who still live in her hometown, were able to hear a missile attack just a few days ago. She lost one of her close childhood friends to the war, and when she visited Ukraine last summer, she saw a country dealing with devastation.

Being there  its something you couldnt describe, she said.

In turn, the United States has been a place of refuge for Danyliuk. She has received a lot of support from Americans. Ukrainian flags hang in nearly every window on West Chicago Avenue in the Ukrainian Village, where Danyliuk works.

I believe in this country, Danyliuk said.

Its a hardship

Clients served by the Chinese Mutual Aid Association are generally proud to celebrate their American identity, the organizations interim director, Rhea Yap, said. The North Side community group provides language education, employment and other social services to immigrants in Chicago.

Yap, a second-generation Filipina Chinese American, said while some of her organizations clients are comfortable heading downtown for Fourth of July celebrations this weekend, others are worried about going to crowded public spaces, for fear of running into Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers looking to deport people.

She can relate to those concerns. When she was a baby, her mom, a nurse who immigrated to Michigan from the Philippines in the 80s on a work visa, was mistakenly detained by immigration authorities. Yaps mom stayed in custody for three days, she recalled.

She said those kinds of interactions make celebrating the U.S. complicated for some immigrants.

We love this country, even though the country doesnt love us back, Yap said.

But she said, for most immigrants, the opportunity offered in the U.S. is one we dont want to squander, Yap said.

She didnt want to go back, Yap said of her mom after she spent time in detention. Shes like, Its a hardship, Im going to move on.

Everyone has a story

The sun beat down on the dozens of people sitting under colorful umbrellas in front of the Wolf Lake Pavilion in Hammond Thursday, the eve of the Fourth of July.

Onstage, 28 people from 19 countries sat in three rows of folding chairs. Wearing their Sunday best, some held flowers or small American flags. They were at the finish line of a yearlong process.

When the moment came, before U.S. District Court of Northern District of Indiana Magistrate Judge Abizer Zanzi, everyone on the stage held up their right hand and recited the citizenship oath. Their family and friends broke out into applause as they finished their oath.

Im just full of joy. A lot of nerves and over joy. A lot of emotions, said Jose Pena, 41, as he hugged his two young daughters, Summer, 3, and Winter, 8, shortly after the naturalization ceremony.

Pena came to the U.S. from Mexico when he was in second grade. He was relieved there have been no changes so far to the naturalization process under the Trump administration.

I am glad that I am here, Pena said. Im so happy that Im able to do this and provide for my family and nothing has changed. All the stress and worry, I dont have to worry about it anymore.

Pena, a Crown Point resident, said he looks forward to celebrating the Fourth of July as an American citizen with his family and friends.

But, still, Pena said he worries for his family and friends who are immigrants.

Even people who are here today documented, with whats going on in the world, theyre being deported, Pena said. Citizens could possibly be deported as well, so I worry about all that stuff and just for our country overall.

Liliana Franceschi, 38, said though she was excited to finally become a citizen, the naturalization process felt longer than the year that it took.

Its a big day, said Franceschi, who came to the U.S. from Mexico when she was 10 years old. This is a special day, a special time to become a citizen. Well have the long weekend to celebrate with our loved ones.

Franceschi, a Crown Point resident, said the second Trump administration had a big impact on her decision to become a naturalized citizen. She especially wanted to alleviate the fears her two sons had about her status as immigration raids continue throughout the country.

Everything thats going on, its sad, she said. Everyone has a story, and everyone has a different reason why theyre here, why they came here, whether it was legally or not. I still think they deserve basic civil rights, just like we all do, even if were not citizens.
Over the past two decades, traumas at home and crises abroad have shaken many citizens confidence in Americas democratic institutions and the nations ability to achieve positive outcomes at home and abroad. The celebration of Independence Day is an opportunity to reinforce our common identity as Americans, recognize that U.S. engagement abroad advances security at home, and restore faith in our ability to work together to build a better future.

Americans are better connected to one another than ever electronically, but are distant from one another socially, psychologically, emotionally, and spiritually. Social isolation invites vitriol and sometimes inspires violence that divides us further from one another. In his book," Bowling Alone : The Collapse and Revival of American Community," Robert Putnam highlighted this danger, observing that "People divorced from community, occupation, and association are first and foremost among the supporters of extremism." Putnam published that book in 2000, before social media algorithms designed to get more advertising dollars through more clicks enticed users with polarized and rigid worldviews. In his recent Atlantic Monthlyessay, "The Anti-Social Century," Derek Thompson explained how the combination of digital connection and self-imposed solitude has reduced exposure to differing viewpoints and made society and democracy "weaker, meaner, and more delusional."

The trend toward individual solitude aligns with calls for U.S. disengagement or retrenchment from the world. Nativists or self-described realists argue that America has problems of its own and should abandon what they call "liberal hegemony" to prioritize domestic policy. They have joined with unlikely fellow travelers from the postmodernist New Left who ascribe the ills of the world almost exclusively to the legacy of colonialism and, since the end of the colonial era, U.S.-led "capitalist imperialism." Both groups engage in what we might call strategic narcissism because they define the world only in relation to the United States and fail to acknowledge that other actors, including Russia, Iran, China, and North Korea, have ambitions and aspirations that extend far beyond reactions to U.S. policy. It is true that the United States cannot solve the worlds problems, but problems that originate abroad - from pandemics to jihadist terrorism to nuclear weapons in the hands of a messianic theocracy - can only be dealt with at an exorbitant price once they reach our shores.

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In addition to social isolation and calls for retrenchment, we might also recognize a third source of our self-doubt: the neo-Marxist tendency to organize the world into hapless victims and privileged oppressors. Once confined mainly to academia, this way of understanding the world has infected the broader culture, polarized communities, upended student life on college campuses, and amplified calls for American retrenchment. The combination of the valorization of victimhood, a tendency to view people as fragile creatures who must be protected from all threats, including language, and the habitual insertion of the adjectives institutional or structural in front of every problem robs people of agency and leaves them with a toxic combination of anger and resignation. Postmodernist theories also encourage self-loathing in a way that erodes pride in nation. That is dangerous because, as the philosopher Richard Rorty observed, it cedes the initiative to those who undermine security and freedom and prevents us from imagining ways to restore peace, advance liberty, improve security, and promote prosperity.

The first step to restoring faith in one another and in our republic is to come together for meaningful, respectful discussions around questions like, "isnt it possible to recognize the limits of American power and unintended consequences of intervention while also acknowledging that U.S. withdrawal can encourage enemies, result in costly wars, and increase human suffering?" Those who argue in the affirmative might cite how forward-positioned U.S. troops in South Korea prevented war until they withdrew just prior to North Koreas invasion in June 1950. And they might also point to the hellscape and terrorist haven to which Afghanistan has returned to point out what the U.S. military and coalition partners in support of Afghan forces had prevented there.

As we reconnect with one another, we might also talk about reforming civic education and how we teach our history to Americas youth . The abuse and manipulation of history undermines our ability to work together and improve our nation because it is divisive and saps our pride. As the late philosopher Richard Rorty observed, "National pride is to countries what self-respect is to individuals, a necessary condition for self-improvement." Project 1619, first published by the New York Times Magazine in 2019, falsely portrayed the American Revolution as an effort to preserve slavery rather than a righteous struggle to found our nation on principles that ultimately rendered that criminal institution unsustainable. The manipulation of the past has implications for the present because it portrays racism as endemic or systemic and robs people of agency. Soon after its publication, the 1619 Project reached 4,500 classrooms in all 50 states, from kindergarten to college. Those skeptical about the dangers of manipulating history might remember that inthe late nineteenth and early twentieth century, many schools in the South supported the obstruction of equal rights for black Americans asthey propagated the Myth of the Lost Causeand portrayed slavery as benign instead of cruel and the Civil War as a noble effort to preserve states rights rather than slavery.

Pride in our nation should not derive from a contrived happy view of history, but rather from a recognition that our experiment in freedom and democracy always was and remains a work in progress. That struggle included the emancipation of four million of our fellow Americans after the most destructive war in our history. It also included setbacks, including the failure of Reconstruction, Jim Crow segregation and the rise of the Ku Klux Klan, and separate but equal. In the 1960s, the civil rights movement dismantled the legal basis for Jim Crow segregation, but cultural, economic, educational, and other forms of disenfranchisement continued. On Independence Day, Americans should be grateful to live in a nation in which sovereignty lies with the people and founded on the principle put forward in the Declaration of Independence that "all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" while also recognizing that our nation is and always has been a work in progress.

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Backyard barbecues on Independence Day provide an opportunity to end our social isolation, bridge our divides, and restore confidence in our ability to improve our nation at home and advance our interests abroad. On Americas 249th birthday, let us resolve to cherish our freedoms and realize the motto that appears on the Great Seal of the Republic: e pluribus unum - out of many, one. As the patriot and civil rights activist Rosa Parks observed, "We will fail when we fail to try."

H.R. McMaster is a retired Army lieutenant general who served as Donald Trump's national security adviser from 2017 to 2108.
As friends and families get ready to celebrate the 4th of July, CalFire and local fire agencies are reminding residents there is no tolerance when it comes to illegal fireworks.

Officials note that the sale, transport, or use of fireworks without the "Office of the State Fire Marshal Safe and Sane" seal is illegal, as is possessing or using any fireworks in communities where they are not allowed. Violators face potential fines up to $50,000 as well as a year in jail.

Illegal fireworks include skyrockets, bottle rockets, roman candles, aerial shells, firecrackers, sparklers and any other fireworks that explode, go into the air, or move on the ground in an uncontrollable manner.

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Already this year our arson and bomb investigators, along with our partners, have successfully seized over 600,000 pounds of illegal fireworks from all over California, said State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant. Our recent enforcement efforts clearly demonstrate our zero tolerance toward the use, transportation, and possession of illegal fireworks. Even Safe and Sane fireworks are banned in many communities and bring large fines for their illegal use.

To learn more about fireworks safety and to view a full list of jurisdictions that allow the sale of Safe and Sane fireworks, visit readyforwildfire.org/prevent-.

For those looking for somewhere to experience a professional fireworks display, all are invited to watch the Fourth of July fireworks display at River Park in Red Bluff.

The event is held by the Tehama County Fireworks Committee at Red Bluff River Park, located at 555 Washington St. in Red Bluff, on Friday, July 4, at 9:30 p.m. The best viewing area will be at Red Bluff River Park.

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The fireworks launch site will be located at the Red Bluff Elks Lodge. Please note, Red Bluff Elks Lodge will be open to members and their guests only.

In addition, 4th of July fun can be had in Los Molinos for its annual Independence Day Parade at 10 a.m. along Highway 99E, followed by the communitys PlayDay in the Park at Mill Creek Park where parade winners will be announced, food and activities enjoyed.

Willows offers its annual Old Fashioned Family Fun Day at Jensen Park with a 10 a.m. parade on Murdock Avenue, beer booth, vendors, 11 a.m. VFW Flag Raising Ceremony, Family Olympics, 12 p.m. Cornhole Tournament, 1 p.m. Tri-Tip Cook-off, 8 p.m. live music and lowering of the Flag, and fireworks display at nightfall.

Another option of celebration is offered by the USDA Forest Service which is welcoming visitors on Friday, July 4 to enjoy a natural fireworks display by enjoying the sparkly night sky, shining moon and nighttime creatures.

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Forest officials remind visitors to either Mendocino National Forest or Lassen National Forest that fireworks and pyrotechnics are prohibited on public lands  every forest, every campsite, every day.

The ASPCA recommends on the 4th of July to keep pets indoors in a safe, quiet space away from windows during fireworks displays. It can be helpful to provide comfort items such as toys and familiar bedding. Some animals have been known to run off during fireworks displays. It is important that pets wear up-to-date identification.
DHARAMSHALA, India (Reuters) -A senior Indian minister has said that only the Dalai Lama and the organization he has set up have the authority to identify his successor as the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism, in a rare comment contradicting rival China's long-held position.

The Dalai Lama, who fled to India in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, said on Wednesday that upon his death he would be reincarnated as the next spiritual leader and that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust would be able to identify his successor. He previously said the person would be born outside China.

Beijing says it has the right to approve the Dalai Lama's successor as a legacy from imperial times.

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Kiren Rijiju, India's minister of parliamentary and minority affairs, made a rare statement on the matter on Thursday, ahead of visiting the Dalai Lama's base in the northern Indian town of Dharamshala for the religious leader's 90th birthday on Sunday.

"No one has the right to interfere or decide who the successor of His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be," Indian media quoted Rijiju as telling reporters.

"Only he or his institution has the authority to make that decision. His followers believe that deeply. Its important for disciples across the world that he decides his succession."

Rijiju, a practising Buddhist, will be joined by other Indian officials at the birthday celebrations.

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In response to the remarks, China's foreign ministry warned India on Friday against interfering in its domestic affairs at the expense of bilateral relations, urging it to be prudent in its words and actions.

"We hope the Indian side will fully understand the highly sensitive nature of Tibet-related issues, recognise the anti-China separatist nature of the 14th Dalai Lama," spokesperson Mao Ning told a regular press conference.

In a statement issued late on Friday afternoon, India's foreign ministry said the country does not take any position or speak on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion.

"Government has always upheld freedom of religion for all in India and will continue to do so," foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in the statement.

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India is estimated to be home to tens of thousands of Tibetan Buddhists who are free to study and work there. Many Indians revere the Dalai Lama, and international relations experts say his presence in India gives New Delhi a measure of leverage with China.

Relations between India and China nosedived after a deadly border clash in 2020 but are slowly improving now.

(Reporting by Krishna N. Das in Dharamshala; Additional reporting by Joe Cash in Beijing; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan and Sharon Singleton)
In an effort to comply with an executive order from Gov. Mike Braun, the Indiana Department of Health may start fining hospitals that don't comply with the state's abortion laws, a report from the department says.

That could include two of the state's health systems that perform the bulk of abortions, IU Health and Eskenazi Health, which recently refused to hand over Terminated Pregnancy Reports following abortions performed there, as mandated by state law.

Among one of Braun's first executive orders as governor was one directing the state health department to examine how it's ensuring compliance with the state's abortion laws. That included not only the new provisions enacted in 2022, which ban abortion except in the case of rape, incest, fatal fetal anomaly or threats to the mother's life, but also the part of state law that requires hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to report details about abortions they perform to the state health department.

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"Indiana is a state that supports Life, and the peoples representatives have enshrined those protections for the unborn into state law," Braun said in a statement July 2. "We are taking the necessary steps to make sure those laws are properly implemented."

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun chairs a quarterly meeting of the Indiana Economic Development Corp. at the Indiana State Library on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Indianapolis.

Why the IDOH may fine hospitals

State law has long required facilities that perform abortions, whether surgical or drug-induced, to provide the health department with detailed Terminated Pregnancy Reports.

But IU Health and Eskenazi have refused to give these to the health department since the President Joe Biden administration enacted the HIPAA Reproductive Health Privacy Rule in mid 2024, which set limits on the disclosure of reproductive health information. An Indianapolis doctor is currently suing the state department in federal court over the submission of these reports, making this argument.

However, a Texas federal judge in mid-June vacated the Biden Administration rule. The health department in its report says it is consulting with the two health systems and the attorney general's office on how to proceed in light of this court order.

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Eskenazi officials said the hospital is waiting for the result of the federal lawsuit to "clarify its responsibilities under the law," since the lawsuit "seeks to resolve what may be a significant conflict between the States TPR statute and federal patient privacy laws," said Todd Harper, director of public affairs and communications.

A spokesperson for IU Health declined to comment, saying "I don't have any information to share."

In the meantime, the state health department is creating other tools to force compliance. Officials said the health department has begun to craft "new rules enabling the agency to issue fines" against providers that don't comply with state law.

"This regulatory tool adds a layer of enforcement that does not rely solely on licensure action or criminal referral, allowing IDOH to address noncompliance swiftly and proportionately," the report states.

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A spokesperson for the agency said the agency hasn't yet finalized how steep the fines will be, but noted it will depend on "several factors" and that those fines cannot exceed $10,000 per state law.

How Braun's order affects Terminated Pregnancy Reports

Another matter is whether the public can see individual Terminated Pregnancy Reports if the hospitals do provide them to the state.

Immediately following Braun's order, IDOH had pledged to reverse its previous policy and start releasing individual TPRs for public disclosure under the Access to Public Records Act, but a new court case is blocking that from happening for now.

Indiana's near-total abortion ban in 2022 not only sharply curtailed the number of abortions reported in Indiana, but required more personal information be added to these reports, such as demographics and medical history. After seeking an opinion from the Public Access Counselor in 2023, the state health department decided out of privacy concerns to withhold these individual reports from public disclosure.

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The anti-abortion group Voices For Life challenged that decision in court. After Braun's executive order, the state health department agreed to settle this lawsuit.

However, a lawsuit blocking the records' release immediately followed, this one filed by two OBGYNs, Dr. Caitlin Bernard  whose anecdote of treating a 10-year-old rape victim made national news  and Dr. Caroline Rouse. The health department can't release any individual TPRs while this case is pending, but it continues to provide quarterly reports that aggregate abortion data.

What IDOH does now to enforce abortion law

The health department's report also outlines steps it already takes to enforce abortion laws:

It inspects and audits hospitals or ambulatory surgical centers, now the only medical facilities allowed to perform any abortions, to make sure they're following regulations and distributing the required "informed consent" paperwork.

It checks the "reasons" given for the abortions on the Terminated Pregnancy Reports to ensure the procedures align with the exemptions in state law.

It refers any criminal violations of the law, like unreported abortions, to prosecutors, and any professional issues to the appropriate licensing agency.

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The July 1 report also says the department has ramped up its coordination with the attorney general's office and elevated all abortion-related matters to the purview of the top levels of the agency.

Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Kayla Dwyer at kdwyer@indystar.com or follow her on Twitter @kayla_dwyer17.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana health department may fine hospitals for violating abortion law
An independent fundamentalist church in Indianapolis is doubling down on a sermon in which a lay preacher encouraged congregants to pray for the deaths of those who identify as LGBTQ+.

The sermon  a mashup of Bible verses dotted with homophobic slurs and tied to Pride Month  was delivered June 29 at Sure Foundation Baptist Church, located in a small storefront near Lafayette Road and West 30th Street.

More: Antisemitic incidents spiking in Indiana. North Central student tells her story

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"Why do I hate sodomites, why do I hate (slur)? Because they attack children, they're coming after your children, they are attacking them in schools today, and not only schools in public places, and they're proud about it!" church member Stephen Falco said during a Men's Preaching Night service.

Falco called people who identify as LGBTQ+ "evil" and "disgusting."

"There's nothing good to be proud about being a (slur). You ought to blow yourself in the head in the back of the head. You're so disgusting," he said in the sermon the church posted on YouTube. The video-sharing platform has since removed the video for violating its terms of service.

Advocates for LGBTQ+ Hoosiers and other religious leaders were quick to denounce what they saw as harmful rhetoric in the sermon first reported by WISH-TV.

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"Such messages are not only theologically irresponsible but pastorally dangerous," the Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis, a faith-based civil rights organization, said in a statement. "The pulpit must never be used as a weapon to dehumanize, isolate, or incite fear."

But the church, in a statement shared July 3 on its Facebook page, leaned into the criticism and proclaimed it would not apologize for the sermon. Instead, the message celebrated the attention the controversy has generated for the church.

"The Bible is crystal clear that sodomites  homosexuals  deserve the death penalty carried out by a government that actually cares about the law of God," said the message signed by Evangelist Justin Zhong.

G. David Caudill, founder and executive director of Equality Indiana, called the message inflammatory and extremist, saying it could inspire violence against the community.

Sure Foundation Baptist Church is seen from the parking lot on Lafayette Ave on Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Indianapolis, Ind.

Sure Foundation Baptist Church launched here in 2024

Sure Foundation Baptist Church, in response to questions from IndyStar, said it has about 35 people attend services on an average Sunday. Followers are called "soulwinners" and urged to spread the Gospel.

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The church website asserts its beliefs are based exclusively on the King James Bible. The Lafayette Road congregation is a branch of the Sure Foundation Baptist Church in Vancouver, Washington, which grew out of Verity Baptist Church in Sacramento, California.

The Indy church is the only branch in the Midwest, according to the website, and had its first service Feb. 3, 2024. Zhong is identified as the local leader and is responsible for its day-to-day operations. Beyond its doors, the church has a presence on YouTube, Facebook, X and Rumble, a video-sharing platform that has become a right-wing alternative to YouTube because of its opposition to so-called cancel culture.

More: As Trump support merges with Christian nationalism, experts warn of extremist risks

"My job as a preacher is to preach the Word of God without compromise. If that means people would be pushed away, then so be it," said the response to IndyStar attributed to Zhong, Falco and the church. "My job is not to please men, but to please God. So many churches tone down the Bible in order to gain a crowd and that is wrong."

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The church statement said Falco's sermon was delivered as part of a Men's Preaching Night hosted every three months. Any man who is a faithful member can preach, but women are not allowed in the pulpit or any other type of leadership position, the statement said "because it's simply not biblical."

Presidents Donald Trump, Joe Biden also attacked

Falco's comments on LGBTQ+ Hoosiers weren't his only extreme comments. Nor is he the only one from the men's programs to espouse hateful rhetoric and call for violence against people they see as an abomination or evil  including immigrants, protestors, graffiti taggers, and even those accused of minor crimes such as loitering.

In the June sermon, Falco also attacked former President Joe Biden.

"I have prayed for death of former President Biden many times for the wickedness he has done when he was in office, you know?" Falco said, mentioning Biden's recent cancer diagnosis. "And I believe many other Christians were also praying for his death, because he's a wicked reprobate."

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Another man identified in the video as "Brother Wayne" followed Falco at the pulpit that evening with a message titled "Worthy of Being Beaten." He blamed many societal problems on a lack of discipline and physical punishment, calling beatings a deterrent that has been lost in American culture.

"I mean, is it really justice to put someone in jail and just let them sit there and get out with a fine or get a slap on the wrist, just to watch them turn around and do it all over again, become a repeat offender. ... If we had public beatings, it'd be much more swift," he said in a video posted on YouTube.

His list of those "worthy" of a beating included protesters and those who commit even minor crimes. Some of his harshest words were aimed at immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community.

"I don't even understand why we're deporting these illegal criminals who are murderers, who are doing drug trafficking, sex trafficking, human trafficking. They're putting them on a plane, and they're sending them over to a prison in another country," he said. "I say we put them to death right here. I say we beat them right here."

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As for those who identify as LGBTQ+, he said: "I think they should be put to death. You know what, I'll go further. I think they should be beaten in public first for all their sick and demented, just (slur) and the things they're doing to our schools, to our government, to our institutions, to our churches. These people should be beaten and stomped in the mud, and then they should take a gun and blow the back of their heads off."

In another Men's Preaching Night sermon from March, titled "Donald Trump: A Modern Herod," Falco again took the pulpit and called the president a pervert, and accused him of appearing religious to secure political support while having a life of pride, perversion, blasphemy and mockery of Jesus Christ.

"This is what Donald Trump, our president of the United States of America, has said about his own flesh-and-blood daughter, and it is disgusting ... 'If Ivanka werent my daughter, perhaps Id be dating her,'" Falco said in the sermon. "Its sick. You know, at least Herod had the decency to say that about his stepdaughter."

Falco concluded: "Unless Donald Trump gets saved, which I hope he does ... God will judge him for it and he will go to hell."

Other faith groups, LGBTQ+ advocates reject hateful message

The Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis countered Sure Foundation Baptist Church's message with a Bible verse, saying in its statement the Gospel is for everyone and should not be used a tool of condemnation. The clergy group said the Black Church, born in the crucible of oppression, must never mimic the very spirit of exclusion that once rejected its community.

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"We are called to be a sanctuary for the marginalized, not a platform for prejudice," the statement said. In standing for the dignity, inclusion and justice for all people, the group said it rejects the notion LGBTQ+ individuals are outside of Gods reach, grace or redemption.

"True holiness is not about who we hate; it is about how we love," the statement said. "We affirm that sin exists in all of us, we also affirm that Gods grace extends to all of us. Our mission is not to decide who is beyond salvation, but to embody the inclusive love of Christ."

Caudill, of Equality Indiana, said he is encouraged to see other Indianapolis faith leaders condemn the church's sermon. He's heard similar rhetoric at Pride festivals across the state  it's usually from small groups carrying signs and staging protests near festivities.

"It does put my radar up to let those people who are supporters and followers of our organization, on social media and even those that are donors, to let them know we have to be more vigilant and protect ourselves," he said. "When you have that type of hateful and violent language, it could lead to someone taking those words and feeling protected to be able to go and commit violent acts against our community."

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Contact IndyStar investigative reporter Alexandria Burris at aburris@gannett.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, at @allyburris.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Sure Foundation Baptist Church sermon advocates harm to LGBTQ people
This photo taken on April 21, 2025 shows a view of the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia. (Xinhua/Cao Yang)

Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov said Russia is ready for the third round of talks with Ukraine, adding that Putin and Trump did not discuss the specifics of what would be discussed during the possible negotiations.

MOSCOW, July 3 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow would achieve its goals in the conflict with Ukraine, including the elimination of its root causes, in a telephone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday, according to Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov.

"Our president said that Russia will achieve its goals, namely to eliminate the well-known root causes that led to the current state of affairs, to the current harsh confrontation. And Russia will not give up on these goals," Ushakov said.

He said that Russia is ready for the third round of talks with Ukraine, adding that Putin and Trump did not discuss the specifics of what would be discussed during the possible negotiations.

The Kremlin aide told the media that Putin and Trump discussed the current situation in Iran and the Middle East, and the situation in Syria over the phone.

On the Middle East issue, "Putin stressed the importance of resolving all disputes, disagreements and conflict situations exclusively with political and diplomatic means. The sides agreed to maintain contacts in this regard at the level of foreign ministries, the defense ministries and presidential aides," he added.

Putin and Trump confirmed their mutual interest in implementing a series of economic projects between Russia and the United States, including in energy and space, Ushakov said.

"Within the framework of exchange of opinions on bilateral issues, both sides have confirmed their mutual interest in the realization of a series of promising economic projects, particularly in the spheres of energy and space research," he said.

Ushakov said the presidents agreed to continue their communication. 
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (AP)  Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi promising continued trade and investment in Trinidad and Tobago on Friday in an address to the nation's parliament.

It's time for us to work together to give the global south its rightful seat at the table, Modi said. For us there are no limits to our cooperation with you.

The two-day trip was Modi's first official visit to the diverse, twin-island Caribbean country that shares longstanding ties with India. The visit was expected to boost investment in energy, health, security and other sectors.

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In his speech, Modi said that he saw great potential in working with Trinidad and Tobago on everything from developing new digital artificial intelligence tools to agriculture. He said that trade between the two countries was only set to grow with human development at the center.

Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced a number of investments into medical, energy and technological infrastructure promised by Modi, and thanked the leader.

This visit is more than just diplomacy. It marks a new dawn," she said. "India, and Trinidad and Tobago, will now work as strategic partners.

She said that the two countries were also working on renewing bilateral trade and investment agreements, and that Trinidad and Tobago were slated to expand exports to India.

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Modi also highlighted the long-standing connections between the two nations, which he said acted as a powerful symbol of fraternity and trust between the two nations. More than 35% of the Caribbean country's 1.4 million inhabitants are East Indian, descendants of indentured workers brought from India during the colonial era.

On Thursday, the Indian leader also announced that the sixth generation of citizens with Indian origin in Trinidad and Tobago would be eligible to receive Overseas Citizen of India cards, allowing them to freely live and work in India.

Modi was greeted warmly by many of the countrys Hindu population, but some in Trinidad and Tobago's Muslim community sharply criticized the leader. About 18% of Trinidad and Tobagos population is Hindu, while 5% is Muslim.

Both our nations rose from the shadows of colonial rule to write our own story, Modi said. The legacy of shared heritage and mutual respect continues to guide our partnership.
By Stefanno Sulaiman and Ananda Teresia

JAKARTA (Reuters) -Indonesia has offered to cut duties on key imports from the United States to "near zero" and to buy $500 million worth of U.S. wheat as part of its tariff talks with Washington, its lead negotiator and a wheat industry association said on Friday.

Chief economics minister Airlangga Hartarto, who is Indonesia's lead negotiator, also confirmed that state carrier Garuda Indonesia would buy more Boeing planes as part of a $34 billion pact with U.S. partners due to be signed next week.

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Indonesia, which ran a goods trade surplus of $17.9 billion with the United States in 2024 according to the U.S. Trade Representative, is facing a 32% tariff in U.S. markets and has proposed increasing U.S. imports to facilitate trade talks between the two sides.

Airlangga said the Indonesian government has offered to cut tariffs on key American exports, including agricultural products, to near-zero from between 0% and 5% at present.

"It will be near zero (tariffs for U.S. main exports), but it will depend as well on how much the tariffs we get from the U.S.," Airlangga said.

Garuda's CEO has said it is in discussions with U.S. Boeing to buy up to 75 units of aircraft. Garuda group did not respond to requests for comment on Friday.

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The wheat purchases are also part of next week's pact with U.S. partners.

The chairman of Indonesia's wheat flour mills association, Franciscus Welirang, said its "members will purchase two million tons in total through tenders with a competitive price."

"The point is all of the members will buy U.S. wheat," Welirang, who is also a director at Indofood, told Reuters.

The U.S. counterparts in the wheat deal include Cargill, Bunge Global SA, Pacificor, Archer-Daniels-Midland, Columbia Grain International, and United Grain Corporation, Welirang added.

U.S. exports to Indonesia include soybeans, petroleum gases and aircraft, Indonesian government data showed.

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When asked whether the trade talks include military deals, Airlangga said they were "not part of the negotiation".

Susiwijono Moegiarso, a senior official with Indonesia's Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, told Reuters that in return, Jakarta has asked the United States for preferential tariffs on its main exports, including electronics, textiles and footwear.

"We want them to lower the tariffs (for those goods) as low as possible," he said.

Indonesia has also offered the United States opportunities to invest in critical minerals projects, including in the country's abundant resources of copper, nickel and bauxite.

(Reporting by Stefanno Sulaiman and Ananda Teresia; Editing by Clarence Fernandez, David Stanway and Susan Fenton)
GILIMANUK, Indonesia (Reuters) -Indonesian rescuers are battling strong currents on Friday as they resume the search for 30 people still missing at sea about 35 hours after a ferry sank killing at least six people, officials said.

The ferry named KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya was carrying 65 people, all Indonesians, when it sank about 30 minutes after setting sail from East Java bound for the holiday island of Bali on Wednesday night, said search and rescue agency official Ribut Eko Suyatno.

Twenty-nine survivors were rescued on Thursday before the search was called off due to poor visibility.

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Dayu Made Silawati, 55, said her husband, Dewa Gede Adyana Putra Usia, was travelling on the ferry to pick up supplies in Bali for his job as a truck driver.

Waiting for news at a rescue centre in Bali, she said the last time she spoke to him was on Wednesday night.

"'I just got on the ship,'" she recalled him saying. "I said to him, 'be careful', dear."

At 4 a.m. on Thursday, Silawati said she called him again, and again. There was no answer.

Rescue operations resumed on Friday in the waters of Bali Strait involving ships, helicopters, and hundreds of rescuers, Eko said. Strong currents and rain are expected.

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Transportation safety investigators would probe the cause of the sinking when the search is over, officials said. The ferry was not overloaded when it went down, officials said on Thursday.

Ferries are a common mode of transportation in Indonesia, a nation of over 17,000 islands, and lax safety standards allow vessels to be overcrowded with inadequate life-saving equipment.

(Reporting by Sultan Anshori in Gilimanuk and Stanley Widianto in Jakarta; Editing by Stephen Coates)
GILIMANUK, Indonesia (AP)  Indonesian authorities deployed navy ships and helicopters Friday in the intensified search for 29 people still missing almost two days after a ferry sank near the tourist island of Bali. But the search was later suspended because of poor visibility.

More than 160 rescuers including police and soldiers were involved in the search that resumed after being halted overnight because of poor visibility, said Ribut Eko Suyatno, the deputy chief of operations at the National Search and Rescue Agency.

Bad weather conditions

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Three helicopters and a thermal drone had been involved in the search by air over the Bali Strait, while about 20 vessels and fishing boats were mobilized for the sea search, Suyatno said. As weather forecasts predict high waves and rough waters around the Bali Strait on Friday, he said at least three navy ships had been deployed.

Videos and photos released by the agency showed rescuers looking desperately from rescue boats in the waters, but no new survivors or bodies were found by Friday evening.

The search was suspended Friday evening because of bad weather and poor visibility, and will resume early Saturday, Suyatno said.

Suyatno told reporters late Friday that visibility was down to 3 kilometers (under 2 miles) from 10 kilometers (just over 6 miles) on Thursday because of thick fog  that coupled with waves up to 2 meters (more than 8 feet) high and strong winds were hampering our efforts in the second day of search.

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Short journey

The KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya ferry was carrying 53 passengers and 12 crew members when it sank almost a half hour after leaving Ketapang port in East Java late Wednesday for a trip of about 5 kilometers (3 miles) to Balis Gilimanuk port.

The agency released the names of 29 survivors and six people confirmed dead late Thursday. But Suyatno revised the survivors to 30 after a male passenger who was initially reported missing went straight home, and only reported himself to authorities on Friday. According to the passenger manifest, 29 people still were missing by Friday evening.

Relatives wait for news

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Survivors were being treated at Balis Jembrana Regional Hospital, while distraught relatives gathered at the port office in Gilimanuk on Friday, hoping for news of missing family members.

Television reports showed relatives wailing as they received the body of their loved ones in a handover ceremony at the hospital. One of them was Bintang Nur Hidayat, who lost his wife, Nindi Elly Rosita, whom he had married two weeks ago.

Please forgive me Nindi," Hidayat said, weeping in his relatives arms. "I cant take care of you, please forgive me.

His father, Achmad, told reporters, while his 27-year-old son cried next to him, how the newlyweds, who were on their way to honeymoon in Bali, jumped off together when the ferry began to sink.

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However, the rapid sinking of the ship had created a huge wave that caused his wife to slip from his grasp, said Achmad, who goes by a single name. He quoted his son as saying that Hidayat kept calling out his wifes name, even as he was being lifted into a lifeboat, and ended up finding his wifes body in the hospital.

Cause under investigation

Indonesian authorities are investigating the cause of the sinking. Some survivors told rescuers there appeared to be a leak in the engine room of the ferry, which was carrying 22 vehicles including 14 trucks.

But a survivor, Bejo Santoso, in an interview with Metro TV, believed that high waves and strong currents caused the sinking.

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The high waves hit the ferry several times, causing the vessel to roll to the left when it was halfway to Gilimanuk, said Santoso, who was traveling alone to Bali. He recalled how trucks, buses and other cars immediately fell and piled up on the left side of the ferry, and within less than five minutes, the ship sank.

It all happened so fast that there was not enough time for the crew to issue instructions, Santoso said, adding that there were a lot of life jackets in the ferry, but in such a short time, only the people on the outer deck could reach them, including him. He said he immediately threw one overboard before jumping into the sea.

I didnt get to wear a life jacket on board, but held it as a floating tool for hours at sea until a fisherman rescued us early morning with his boat, Santoso said. He estimated that only half of the people onboard were able to jump into the sea, some with life jackets and others with two lifeboats.

He floated for more than six hours in choppy waters along with three other male passengers, but one of them, who claimed to be suffering from lung disease, died after almost four hours of floating, due to panic and drinking too much sea water, Santoso said. The group of three kept the mans body with them until they were rescued.

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History of disasters

Ferry tragedies occur regularly in Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, with weak enforcement of safety regulations often to blame.

Fifteen people were killed after a boat capsized off Indonesias Sulawesi in 2023, while another ferry sank in rough seas near Bali in 2021, leaving seven dead and 11 missing.

In 2018, an overcrowded ferry sank with about 200 people on board in a deep volcanic crater lake in North Sumatra province, killing 167 people.

In one of the countrys worst recorded disasters, an overcrowded passenger ship sank in February 1999 with 332 people aboard. There were only 20 survivors.

___

Niniek Karmini and Edna Tarigan contributed to this report from Jakarta.
NEW HAMPSHIRE (ABC22/FOX44)  A 31-year-old rock climber was air-lifted off of Mt. Washington after falling 60 feet at Huntington Ravine Wednesday afternoon.

New Hampshire Fish and Game received a report from hikers after 1:00 p.m., which claimed that they saw a man free fall at the Pinnacle Buttress. Other rock climbers in the area provided first aid and additional information to emergency services.

They, along with authorities, confirmed that Lukas Lamb Wotton, of New Orleans, LA had sustained multiple injuries. Authorities would later learn that Wotton was familiar with the climbing route he was injured on.

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Multiple agencies, including state park staff, Mountain Rescue Service climbers and more took part in rescue response. New Hampshire Fish & Game coordinated efforts.

Together, with air support from he NH Army National Guard, they were able to hoist Wotton around 3:00 p.m., and send him to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. His current condition is unknown.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44.
DENVER (KDVR)  On whats expected to be the busiest travel day at the airport for the Independence holiday stretch, FOX31 is getting behind-the-scenes access to see the brand new United Airlines Station Operations Center.

At Denver International Airport, travelers navigate through security to their gates while Uniteds new station operations center crews are working around the clock for the holiday spike.

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This is really kind of the brain center for the operation, said Colin Whatley, Director of the United Airlines Station Operations Center in Denver. All the decision making, the strategy, what is going to happen in the operation starts here. Were here 24/7, A.M. shift, P.M. shift, midnight shift. And really, this is the first time this space has actually been renovated.

United has over 60,000 people a day flying out of Denver over this 10-day holiday period.

Over 6 million people will fly on United, said Jonna McGrath, Vice President of United Airport Operations at DIA. Everybody is ready to go out and celebrate this great holiday. So we prepare four weeks going into it to make sure we can get everyone where they want to be for the holiday.

Fifty employees work in the operations center at peak operational times.

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Were managing the air traffic control system, were managing baggage connections, customer connections, business partners that support the servicing of our aircraft, Whatley said. We are also working in watching the weather. We are working with our network ops center to make sure that our hub keeps running.

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With over 500 cameras, United has eyes everywhere.

We can look at really every angle of the boarding area, the gate, Training Manager Sean Bohling said. So when a main cabin door of an aircraft opens, when it closes, we know when were able to pull the jet bridge. If we have last-minute luggage or something that comes up that we need to put on, we can radio down to the ramp crew.

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The team communicates and monitors from the gates, to the planes to the palm of travelers hands through their app.

From this room, we can directly communicate to our customers what is happening with your flight, but then also trust that were going to do everything we can to get you on your way, Whatley said.

This summer, United is expecting around 50 million people to fly with the airline in June, July and August, about 3 million more than last 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 FOX31 Denver.
Russia is increasing its use of chemical weapons in Ukraine, according to findings from the German Federal Intelligence Service (BND) and two Dutch intelligence agencies.

"The use of tear gas and chloropicrin by Russian troops has now become standard practice and is widespread," the BND together with the Dutch Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD) and the Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD), said in a joint announcement on Friday.

Chloropicrin, which has characteristics similar to tear gas, is also known as trichloronitromethane. It is banned by the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).

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Chloropicrin is a chemical warfare agent from the group of pulmonary agents. During World War I, it was also referred to as Green Cross, as shells filled with such agents were marked with a green cross at the time.

Chloropicrin serious violation

Chloropicrin can be lethal in high concentrations in enclosed spaces, the agencies said. They stressed that using chloropicrin constitutes a serious violation of the CWC, which prohibits the use of this pulmonary agent under all circumstances.

The CWC, described as the world's first multilateral agreement for eliminating an entire category of weapons of mass destruction, was first signed in Paris in 1993 after years of negotiations.

Both Russia and Ukraine signed the agreement, which took effect in 1997, according to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
A strike by French air traffic controllers (ATC) entered its second day on Friday with flight delays and cancellations continuing for thousands of passengers.

Airlines have slammed the industrial action, which comes during one of the busiest months of the year for air travel.

Budget airline Ryanair has called on EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to take urgent action.

Tens of thousands of passengers affected by French airport strikes

In response to the walkout, the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) has asked for a reduction in airport capacity across the country.

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Airlines for Europe (A4E) said on Thursday that a total of 1500 flights have been cancelled on 3 and 4 July, affecting over 300,000 passengers.

Late on Thursday, Ryanair said it has been forced to cancel 400 flights on Thursday and Friday due to the strike, including some flights over France to the UK, Spain, Greece and Ireland. It could disrupt travel for more than 70,000 passengers.

Easyjet has also said it has had to cancel 274 flights during the walkout.

Ryanair says European families are held to ransom by strikes

The industrial action comes on the eve of the school summer holidays in France, when air traffic peaks. These dates are some of the busiest of the year, according to DGAC, as many head off on their summer break.

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Ryanair has lambasted the move. Once again, European families are held to ransom by French air traffic controllers going on strike, CEO Michael OLeary said in a statement.

He highlighted that the strike is also affecting all flights passing over French airspace, meaning passengers who are not landing or leaving from France are also experiencing disruption.

It is not acceptable that overflights over French airspace en route to their destination are being cancelled/delayed as a result of yet another French ATC strike, OLeary said. It makes no sense and is abundantly unfair on EU passengers and families going on holidays.

The airline has called on Ursula von der Leyen to take urgent action to reform the EUs ATC services by ensuring that they are fully staffed for the first wave of daily departures and protecting overflights during national ATC strikes.

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These two splendid reforms would eliminate 90 per cent of all ATC delays and cancellations, and protect EU passengers from these repeated and avoidable disruptions due to yet another French ATC strike.

Airline association calls strikes intolerable

Airlines for Europe (A4E) has also hit back over the disruption caused by the French ATC strike.

Tens of thousands of travellers in France and across Europe have seen their summer getaway grounded as French air traffic controllers walk out, the group said in a statement.

Already in 2025, French ATC has proven to be one of the weakest links in Europes ATC system, posting some of Europes worst delay records.

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ATC capacity-related delays in June 2025 reportedly jumped 115 per cent compared to June 2024.

European Transport Commissioner Tzitzikostas has repeatedly pressed member states to fix poor-performing ATC and it is high time they stopped the excuses and took action, the A4E statement continues.

Related

The group is calling for various measures to prevent future disruption to passengers in France and across Europe:

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Mandatory arbitration before ATC unions can threaten strike action

A 21-day advance notification of strike action .

Provision of a 72-hour advance individual notification of participation in industrial action

Protection of overflights, while ensuring this is not at the expense of departures and arrivals in the country where the strike originates

A right of redress with Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) for the impact of disruption

This strike is intolerable. French ATC already delivers some of Europes worst delay figures and now the actions of a minority of French ATC workers will needlessly disrupt the holiday plans of thousands of people in France and across Europe, said Ourania Georgoutsakou, Managing Director of A4E.

There is intense discussion about passenger rights in the EU right now, yet policymakers have done little to fix ATC to help them attain the most basic right: reaching your destination on time.
In the wake of the 12-day war between Israel and Iran, the regime appears to be turning inward  escalating repression with chilling speed.

According to Kasra Aarabi, director of IRGC research at United Against Nuclear Iran, the Islamic Republic is accelerating toward what he said is a "North Korea-style model of isolation and control."

"Were witnessing a kind of domestic isolation that will have major consequences for the Iranian people," Aarabi told Fox News Digital. "The regime has always been totalitarian, but the level of suppression now is unprecedented. Its unlike anything weve seen before."

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, center, supervises artillery firing drills in North Korea on Thursday, March 7, 2024.

Saudi Defense Minister Secretly Meets With Trump To Discuss Iran De-escalation, Israel: Sources

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A source inside Iran confirmed to Fox News Digital that "the repression has become terrifying."

Aarabi, who maintains direct lines of contact in Iran, described a country under siege by its own rulers. In Tehran, he described how citizens are stopped at random, their phones confiscated and searched. "If you have content deemed pro-Israel or mocking the regime, you disappear," he said. "People are now leaving their phones at home or deleting everything before they step outside."

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This new wave of paranoia and fear, he explained, mirrors tactics seen in North Korea  where citizens vanish without explanation and information is tightly controlled. During the recent conflict, Irans leadership imposed a total internet blackout to isolate the population, blocking Israeli evacuation alerts, and pushed propaganda that framed Israel as targeting civilians indiscriminately.

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"It was a perverse objective," Aarabi said, adding, "They deliberately cut communications to instill fear and manipulate public perception. For four days, not a single message went through. Even Israeli evacuation alerts didnt reach their targets."

The regimes aim, he said, was twofold: to keep people off the streets and erode the surprising bond that had formed between Iranians and Israelis. "At the start of the war, many Iranians welcomed the strikes," Aarabi noted. "They knew Israel was targeting the IRGC  the very forces responsible for suppressing and killing their own people. But once the internet was cut and fear set in, some began to question what was happening."

Dr. Afshon Ostovar, a leading Iran scholar and author of "Vanguard of the Imam: Religion, Politics, and Iran's Revolutionary Guards," said domestic repression remains the regimes most reliable strategy for survival.

What's Next For Iran's Terror Army, The Irgc, After Devastating Military Setbacks?

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"Repressing the people at home is easy. Thats something they can do. So its not unlikely that Iran could become more insular, more autocratic, more repressive  and more similar to, lets say, a North Korea  than what it is today. That might be the only way they see to preserve the regime: by really tightening the screws on the Iranian people, to ensure that the Iranian population doesnt try to rise up and topple the regime," he told Fox News Digital.

CCTV cameras are seen in a street in Tehran, Iran, April 9, 2023.

Inside the regimes power structure, the fallout from the war is just as severe. Aarabi said that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is facing an internal crisis of trust and an imminent purge. "These operations couldnt have taken place without infiltration at the highest levels," he said. "Theres immense pressure now to clean house."

The next generation of IRGC officers  those who joined after 2000  are younger, more radical and deeply indoctrinated. Over half of their training is now ideological. Aarabi said that these newer factions have begun turning on senior commanders, accusing them of being too soft on Israel or even collaborating with Mossad.

"In a twist of irony, Khamenei created these extreme ideological ranks to consolidate power  and now theyre more radical than he is," Aarabi said. "Hes struggling to control them."

A police motorcycle burns during a protest over the death of Mahsa Amini, a woman who died after being arrested by the Islamic Republic's "morality police," in Tehran, Iran, on Sept. 19, 2022.

A purge is likely, along with the rise of younger, less experienced commanders with far higher risk tolerance  a shift that could make the IRGC more volatile both domestically and internationally. With Irans conventional military doctrine in ruins, terrorism may become its primary lever of influence.

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"The regime's three pillars  militias, ballistic missiles, and its nuclear program  have all been decapitated or severely degraded," Aarabi said. "That leaves only asymmetric warfare: soft-target terrorism with plausible deniability."

Despite the regimes brutal turn inward, Aarabi insists this is a sign of weakness, not strength. "If the Islamic Republic were confident, it wouldnt need to crush its people this way," he said. "Its acting out of fear. But until the regimes suppressive apparatus is dismantled, the streets will remain silent  and regime change remains unlikely."





Original article source: Iran regime escalates repression toward 'North Korea-style model of isolation and control'
Esmaeil Baghaei, the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman, had said that the US needed to show it had a genuine desire for peace with Iran.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated that there are back-channel efforts to restart talks for a diplomatic solution on the nuclear issue with the United States, according to a Thursday Sky News interview with an Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson.

Esmaeil Baghaei, the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman, had said that the US needed to show it had a genuine desire for peace with Iran.

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"Diplomacy must not be abused or used as a tool for deception or for a sort of psychological warfare against their adversaries," he said.

He added that diplomacy had been betrayed by the US when Israel attacked during nuclear deal talks with the Trump administration.

Baghaei also said that the US had breached international laws by showing support for the Zionist aggression.

US President Donald Trump and members of his cabinet in the situation room during US strikes on Iran, June 22, 2025. (credit: WHITE HOUSE)

However, the spokesman continued, Diplomacy never ends, there are contacts, indirectly. My minister is talking to Oman, Qatar, and others".

Trump has said that he would be willing to meet with Iran

The official claimed that Iran had held high hopes for a diplomatic relationship with the US that would end the sanctions and deliver a nuclear deal. However, the official stressed that trust in the US was damaged when the US struck Iranian nuclear sites.

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US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Iran wants to speak to the US, and that he would meet with representatives of the country "if necessary."

"Iran does want to speak, and I think they'd like to speak to me, and it's time that they do," Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews while on his way to a rally in Iowa.

"We're not looking to hurt them. We're looking to let them be a country again."

Possible back-channels through Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabian Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman met with US President Donald Trump and other officials at the White House on Thursday to discuss de-escalation efforts with Iran, Fox News reported on Thursday, citing multiple sources.

Reuters contributed to this report.
An aerial drone photo taken on July 4, 2025 shows the scenery of the Wulanmaodu pasture in Horqin Right Wing Front Banner, Hinggan League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. In the first half of this year, the banner recorded 2.55 million tourist trips, with total tourism expenditure reaching 882 million yuan (about 123.12 million U.S. dollars). (Xinhua/Bei He)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 4, 2025 shows the scenery of the Wulanmaodu pasture in Horqin Right Wing Front Banner, Hinggan League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. In the first half of this year, the banner recorded 2.55 million tourist trips, with total tourism expenditure reaching 882 million yuan (about 123.12 million U.S. dollars). (Xinhua/Bei He)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 4, 2025 shows the scenery of the Wulanmaodu pasture in Horqin Right Wing Front Banner, Hinggan League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. In the first half of this year, the banner recorded 2.55 million tourist trips, with total tourism expenditure reaching 882 million yuan (about 123.12 million U.S. dollars). (Xinhua/Bei He)

A tourist enjoys the scenery of the Wulanmaodu pasture in Horqin Right Wing Front Banner, Hinggan League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, July 4, 2025. In the first half of this year, the banner recorded 2.55 million tourist trips, with total tourism expenditure reaching 882 million yuan (about 123.12 million U.S. dollars). (Xinhua/Bei He)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 4, 2025 shows the scenery of the Wulanmaodu pasture in Horqin Right Wing Front Banner, Hinggan League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. In the first half of this year, the banner recorded 2.55 million tourist trips, with total tourism expenditure reaching 882 million yuan (about 123.12 million U.S. dollars). (Xinhua/Bei He)

This photo taken on July 4, 2025 shows the scenery of the Wulanmaodu pasture in Horqin Right Wing Front Banner, Hinggan League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. In the first half of this year, the banner recorded 2.55 million tourist trips, with total tourism expenditure reaching 882 million yuan (about 123.12 million U.S. dollars). (Xinhua/Bei He)

A tourist (back) rides a horse under the guidance of a herdsman at the Wulanmaodu pasture in Horqin Right Wing Front Banner, Hinggan League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, July 4, 2025. In the first half of this year, the banner recorded 2.55 million tourist trips, with total tourism expenditure reaching 882 million yuan (about 123.12 million U.S. dollars). (Xinhua/Bei He)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 4, 2025 shows the scenery of the Wulanmaodu pasture in Horqin Right Wing Front Banner, Hinggan League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. In the first half of this year, the banner recorded 2.55 million tourist trips, with total tourism expenditure reaching 882 million yuan (about 123.12 million U.S. dollars). (Xinhua/Bei He)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 4, 2025 shows the scenery of the Wulanmaodu pasture in Horqin Right Wing Front Banner, Hinggan League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. In the first half of this year, the banner recorded 2.55 million tourist trips, with total tourism expenditure reaching 882 million yuan (about 123.12 million U.S. dollars). (Xinhua/Bei He)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 4, 2025 shows the scenery of the Wulanmaodu pasture in Horqin Right Wing Front Banner, Hinggan League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. In the first half of this year, the banner recorded 2.55 million tourist trips, with total tourism expenditure reaching 882 million yuan (about 123.12 million U.S. dollars). (Xinhua/Bei He)

A tourist experiences archery at the Wulanmaodu pasture in Horqin Right Wing Front Banner, Hinggan League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, July 4, 2025. In the first half of this year, the banner recorded 2.55 million tourist trips, with total tourism expenditure reaching 882 million yuan (about 123.12 million U.S. dollars). (Xinhua/Bei He)
Iran will not retaliate further against the United Statess strikes on the Islamic Republics nuclear program or pursue nuclear militarization, according to one of the countrys top diplomats.

As long as there is no act of aggression being perpetrated by the United States against us, we will not respond again, Irans Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi said in an interview with NBC News that was published Thursday.

Takht-Ravanchi said that Iran is open to negotiating with the U.S. over its nuclear program, but he added that Tehran will not stop enriching uranium.

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Our policy has not changed on enrichment. Iran has every right to do enrichment within its territory. The only thing that we have to observe is not to go for militarization, Takht-Ravanchi said.

The U.S. military bombed Irans three vital nuclear sites  at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan  on June 21 after Israel and Iran traded strikes for more than a week. Iran retaliated, launching an attack on the U.S. militarys Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Iran gave advance notice of the attack, and Qatars defense systems blocked the strikes. U.S. officials said there were zero casualties.

President Trump has celebrated the U.S.s attack, saying the assault obliterated Irans three nuclear facilities. He and other administration officials have pushed back against the early, low confidence Defense Intelligence Agency assessment that suggested the U.S. military attack set back Irans nuclear program by a matter of months.

The Pentagon suggested on Wednesday that Irans nuclear program has been set back at least a year.

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I think were thinking probably closer to two years, like degraded their program by two years, chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell told reporters.

The Israeli strikes and U.S. attack on Iran came as Washington and Tehran were negotiating over potentially striking a new nuclear agreement. Trump pulled out of a 2015 Obama-negotiated deal in 2018.

How can we trust the Americans? We want them to explain as to why they misled us, why they took such an egregious action against our people, Irans deputy foreign minister said.

Still, Takht-Ravanchi said Iran is for diplomacy and for dialogue. He added that the Trump administration has to convince us that they are not going to use military force while we are negotiating.

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That is an essential element for our leadership to be in a position to decide about the future round of talks, the Iranian diplomat added.

Trump reiterated his desire to restart nuclear negotiations with Iran on Thursday.

Were not looking to hurt them. Were looking to let them be a country again. They got beat up. We were both exhausted, frankly, but Iran really got beat up, Trump told reporters. And if they want to meet, I know they want to meet, and if its necessary, Ill do it.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Warning: This story contains graphic photos below.

Israels ongoing and widely acknowledged weaponization of food under the guise of humanitarian aid is deliberately being used to commit genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, according to an Amnesty International report published Thursday.

The human rights report highlighted how Israel has been fueling a campaign of mass starvation in the war-torn territory  particularly since May, when the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) began setting up its militarized aid distribution system that most of the international community has warned against.

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Since launching the secretive GHF, video and witness testimony show Israeli soldiers opening fire nearly every day on hungry Palestinians corralled into lines at the aid sites, a scene that the United Nations has described as a killing field and a murderous free for all. At least 600 Palestinians have been killed trying to get food at these sites, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Medical staff treat a Palestinian man who was wounded while returning from a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation distribution center, at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza, on June 30. Mariam Dagga via Associated Press

Israel has continued to use starvation of civilians as a weapon of war against Palestinians in the occupied Gaza Strip and to deliberately impose conditions of life calculated to bring about their physician destruction as part of its ongoing genocide, Amnesty said in its report, adding that the military has turned aid-seeking into a booby trap for desperate families.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry denounced the report, accusing Amnesty of having joined forces with Hamas and fully adopted all of its propaganda lies. Israels military has previously maintained that it only fires warning shots, and has fervently rejected the increasing accusations of genocide.

Each time Israeli soldiers kill Palestinians trying to get food, the army issues a statement denying, deflecting and attempting to blame the victims  the fathers, sons, mothers and daughters who were murdered while trying to get a box of flour for their families, said Hani Almadhoun, co-founder of the Gaza Soup Kitchen and director of philanthropy at UNRWA USA.

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These statements, designed for Western media and audiences, sow confusion and muddle the horrifying truth of what Israel is doing, he told the Institute for Middle East Understanding on Wednesday.

The body of a Palestinian girl who died from severe malnutrition is brought to Al-Shifa Hospital for funeral processing, in Gaza City, Gaza on Wednesday. Saeed M.M.T. Jaras/Anadolu via Getty Images

In addition to GHF, Israel has maintained a near-total blockade of all humanitarian assistance since March, exacerbating the starvation crisis that has disproportionately impacted Palestinian children. At least 66 children have died as a direct result of malnutrition since October 2023, Amnesty said, not including the many more who died of diseases they didnt have the strength to fight because there was no food.

In an ideal world, I would recommend the parents to provide the child with nutritious food, rich with protein. I would advise that they maintain a hygienic environment for their children. I would stress the importance of clean water, said Susan Maarouf, a nutritional expert at the Patient Friend Benevolent Society hospital in Gaza City. In our situation  any recommendation you give  sometimes you feel like you are rubbing salt into these parents wounds.

Despite the blockade, humanitarian organizations are still trying to bring aid inside Gaza. More than 850 trucks carrying mostly food aid from international groups remained stuck just outside the Gaza border as of June 16, according to the UN. When the World Food Program and some local organizations were finally permitted on June 26 to distribute flour, Amnesty said the relatively smooth distribution that took place with no injuries is a damning indictment of Israels militarized GHF scheme.

Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, speaks after a press conference at Buswells Hotel in Dublin, Ireland, on March 20. Brian Lawless/PA Images via Getty Images

Amnesty is one of many groupsand public figures calling for states to hold Israel accountable for the deliberate starvation of the Palestinian people, including by suspending all military support to Israel, imposing sanctions and cooperating with the demands of international courts.

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Do you understand the performance of stupidity that we have all been part of for decades? And now its the time to stop. If 60,000 people killed do not push us to take in seriously international obligations then were really, really beyond the pale, Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur for the Palestinian territories, told the Human Rights Council on Thursday.

Its not about asking for a ceasefire. This is not war, this is a genocidal campaign  carried out under the pretense of humanitarian food distribution, she continued. This is a death trap.
By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Alexander Cornwell

CAIRO/TEL AVIV (Reuters) -Hamas said it had responded on Friday in "a positive spirit" to a U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire proposal and was prepared to enter into talks on implementing the deal, which envisages a release of hostages and negotiations on ending the conflict.

U.S. President Donald Trump had announced a "final proposal" for a 60-day ceasefire in the nearly 21-month-old war between Israel and Hamas, saying he anticipated a reply from the parties in coming hours.

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Hamas wrote on its official website: "The Hamas movement has completed its internal consultations as well as discussions with Palestinian factions and forces regarding the latest proposal by the mediators to halt the aggression against our people in Gaza.

"The movement has delivered its response to the brotherly mediators, which was characterized by a positive spirit. Hamas is fully prepared, with all seriousness, to immediately enter a new round of negotiations on the mechanism for implementing this framework," the statement said.

In a sign of potential challenges still facing the sides, a Palestinian official of a militant group allied with Hamas said concerns remained over humanitarian aid, passage through the Rafah crossing to Egypt and clarity over a timetable of Israeli troop withdrawals.

Trump said on Tuesday that Israel had agreed "to the necessary conditions to finalise" a 60-day ceasefire, during which efforts would be made to end the U.S. ally's war in the Palestinian enclave.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is due to meet Trump in Washington on Monday, has yet to comment on Trump's announcement, and in their public statements the two sides remain far apart. Netanyahu has repeatedly said Hamas must be disarmed, a position the militant group, which is thought to be holding 20 living hostages, has so far refused to discuss.

Israeli media cited an Israeli official as saying that Israel had received and was looking into Hamas' response to the ceasefire proposal.

Trump expressed optimism late on Friday to reporters aboard Air Force One, who asked about Hamas' response.

"They said they gave me a positive response? Well, that's good," Trump said, adding that he had not yet been briefed. "There could be a Gaza deal next week."

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An Egyptian security official told Reuters that Egypt, which along with Qatar is mediating ceasefire efforts, had seen Hamas' response and said: "It includes positive signs that an agreement is near, but there are some demands from Hamas that need to be worked on."

Trump has said he would be "very firm" with Netanyahu on the need for a speedy Gaza ceasefire, adding that the Israeli leader wants one as well.

ATTACKS OVERNIGHT

Israeli attacks have killed at least 138 Palestinians in Gaza over the past 24 hours, local health officials said.

Health officials at the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, said the Israeli military had carried out an airstrike on a tent encampment west of the city around 2 a.m., killing 15 Palestinians displaced by nearly two years of war.

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The Israeli military said troops operating in the Khan Younis area had eliminated militants, confiscated weapons and dismantled Hamas outposts in the previous 24 hours while striking 100 targets across Gaza, including military structures, weapons storage facilities and launchers.

Later on Friday, Palestinians gathered to perform funeral prayers before burying those killed overnight.

"There should have been a ceasefire long ago before I lost my brother," said 13-year-old Mayar Al Farr as she wept. Her brother, Mahmoud, was shot dead in another incident, she said.

"He went to get aid, so he can get a bag of flour for us to eat. He got a bullet in his neck," she said.

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'MAKE THE DEAL'

In Tel Aviv, families and friends of hostages held in Gaza were among demonstrators who gathered outside a U.S. embassy building on U.S. Independence Day, calling on Trump to secure a deal for all of the captives.

Demonstrators set up a symbolic Sabbath dinner table, placing 50 empty chairs to represent those who are still held in Gaza. Banners hung nearby displaying a post by Trump from his Truth Social platform that read, "MAKE THE DEAL IN GAZA. GET THE HOSTAGES BACK!!!"

"Only you can make the deal. We want one beautiful deal. One beautiful hostage deal," said Gideon Rosenberg, 48, from Tel Aviv.

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Rosenberg was wearing a shirt with the image of hostage Avinatan Or, one of his employees who was abducted by Palestinian militants from the Nova musical festival on October 7, 2023. He is among the 20 hostages who are believed to be alive after more than 600 days of captivity.

An official familiar with the negotiations said on Thursday that the proposal envisages the return of 10 of the hostages during the 60 days, along with the bodies of 18 others who had died since being taken hostage.

Ruby Chen, 55, the father of 19-year-old American-Israeli Itay, who is believed to have been killed after being taken captive, urged Netanyahu to return from meeting Trump with a deal that brings back all hostages.

Itay Chen, also a German national, was serving as an Israeli soldier when Hamas carried out its surprise attack, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 hostage.

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Israels retaliatory war against Hamas has devastated Gaza, which the militant group has ruled for almost two decades but now only controls in parts, displacing most of the population of more than 2 million and triggering widespread hunger.

More than 57,000 Palestinians have been killed in nearly two years of fighting, most of them civilians, according to local health officials.

(Reporting by Alexander Cornwell in Tel Aviv, Nidal al-Mughrabi and Menna Alaa El Din in Cairo, Hatem Khaled in Gaza, Howard Goller in New York and David Brunnstrom and Trevor Hunnicutt in Washington; Editing by Alex Richardson, Philippa Fletcher and Rosalba O'Brien)
According to the report, three helicopters landed at the site, which once belonged to the Republican Guard Division under Bashar al-Assad's regime.

Israeli special forces allegedly entered the Syrian village of Yaafour, around 10 km away from Damascus, via helicopter landings, Israeli media reported, citing Hezbollah-affiliated network Al Mayadeen.

According to the report, three helicopters allegedly landed at the site, which once belonged to the Republican Guard under Bashar al-Assad's regime.

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The Israeli forces searched the area and left the scene after five hours.

Reports claimed that Israeli forces entered the village of Rakhlah, around 30 km west of Damascus and near the Lebanese border, which included three armored vehicles.

Earlier IDF operations in Syria, including arresting Iranian terror cell

On Wednesday, IDF soldiers arrested members of an Iranian terror cell in southern Syria, the military said.

IDF soldiers operating in southern Syria to apprehend terrorists in an Iranian terror cell, June 2, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

The IDF said they had received intelligence through interrogations, leading soldiers to carry out nighttime operations and arrest several terrorists.

This is a developing story.
By Giuseppe Fonte and Alvise Armellini

ROME (Reuters) -Italian lawmakers have formally asked the government whether it spied on journalists, possibly using technology supplied by U.S.-based spyware maker Paragon, a source familiar with the matter said on Friday.

The move marks the latest twist in a months-long saga that has left Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's conservative government facing opposition accusations that it illegally deployed surveillance against its critics - accusations it denies.

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The COPASIR parliamentary security committee has written to Cabinet Undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano, a key Meloni aide who oversees intelligence matters, to ask whether reporters were targeted, the source said, asking not to be named.

Mantovano did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Meloni's government has repeatedly denied being involved in any illegal spying on journalists.

Paragon did not immediately respond on Friday to an emailed request for comment outside office hours.

In January, META said around 90 users of its popular WhatsApp chat service had been targeted by Paragon spyware. Some of them were later shown to have been Italian.

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Last month, Reuters reported that Italian prosecutors were looking into allegations of spying on Ciro Pellegrino and Francesco Cancellato from the Fanpage news website, Roberto D'Agostino, the head of political gossip website Dagospia, and Dutch right-wing influencer Eva Vlaardingerbroek.

In a report published in June, COPASIR said Italy's domestic and foreign intelligence agencies had activated contracts with Paragon and used its technology on a limited number of people, with permission from a prosecutor.

These included members of a migrant sea rescue NGO who are critical of Meloni's hardline border policies.

The report found no evidence that Italian spy agencies used Paragon spyware on Cancellato's phone, as he had alleged to Reuters and other media outlets. The document made no mention of the other journalists.

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Following a media outcry and criticism from opposition politicians over the affair, both Paragon and Italian authorities said last month that spyware contracts between them had been terminated.

In a statement provided in June to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, Paragon said it had offered the Italian government a way to check whether its spyware had been used against Cancellato.

The company said it ended the contract with Italy when this offer was turned down. COPASIR said Italian authorities ended the contract on their own initiative, and disputed Paragon's version of events.

(Reporting by Giuseppe Fonte and Alvise Armellini, Editing by Andrew Heavens)
As a veteran NYC legal reporter, I've now watched Sean "Diddy" Combs beat the odds twice.

Wednesday's racketeering and sex-trafficking acquittals follow a 2001 guns-and-bribery trial victory.

The through lines? Combs' reckless behavior and some persuasive, expensive lawyering.

Back in 2001, he was "Puffy."

For two months, Sean "Puffy" Combs strode through a dense press scrum and into his Manhattan guns-and-bribery trial wearing a different crisp, shiny suit each day.

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I remember neckties and matching pocket squares. And one morning, before the judge took the bench, he sat at the defense table, arms outstretched, as the defense attorneys Johnnie Cochran and Ben Brafman sat on either side, affixing his cufflinks.

"If it doesn't make sense, you must find for the defense," Cochran, a dapper dresser best known for his defense of O.J. Simpson six years earlier, quipped for reporters.

I covered that state-level case for the New York Post, watching as Combs, then 31, won a full acquittal after his lawyers convinced a jury that he did not fire a bullet from a 9 mm semiautomatic Smith & Wesson into the ceiling of a Times Square nightclub.

Jurors also acquitted him of offering his chauffeur $50,000 to take the rap for another gun found under the seat of the Lincoln Navigator he shared with then-girlfriend Jennifer Lopez. Combs had faced up to 15 years in prison in that case.

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"This has changed me and matured me," he promised after the happy outcome, saying he'd given up nightclubbing in favor of churchgoing.

On Wednesday, 24 years later, I watched as a senior correspondent for Business Insider as a very different-looking Combs won surprise acquittals on federal racketeering and sex trafficking charges in a federal courthouse barely a block south of where the prior trial was held. A jury found him guilty of lesser Mann Act charges related to transporting his victims for prostitution.

This Combs  now "Diddy"  remains in custody, as he has for the past 10 months. Each day of the trial, he was escorted into the courtroom by federal marshals, wearing jail-approved khakis and a rotation of five thin, blandly colored sweaters over white collared shirts.

His hair is mostly gray now, deprived by his jailers of the "Just For Men" brand dye that one of his personal assistants testified he kept in his toiletry bag.

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A quarter century ago, Sean "Puffy" Combs exuded swagger in court  even something approaching menace. "I'm a human being," I remember him saying as he glowered at me in the hallway once, unhappy about his coverage.

Combs leaving a Manhattan courthouse in 2001. RJ Capak/WireImage

But Sean "Diddy" Combs could be Puffy's pleasant uncle, passing out Post-it notes full of advice and encouragement from his seat at the defense table like so many half-wrapped Jolly Rancher candies.

"GREAT JOB!!!" read a note I once saw him hand to his lead attorney, Marc Agnifilo.

Each morning and again at day's end, Diddy greeted most of his nine lawyers with hugs and fist bumps.

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Puffy, circa 2001, was too aloof to be a hugger of attorneys  not until the verdict, when Combs, Brafman, and Cochran leaned in for a euphoric, seated embrace.

But there are through lines linking then and now.

For both trials, an international press corps was drawn, moth-to-flame, by the certainty of a celebrity defendant and the hope that a still-bigger celebrity might steal the show.

Lopez had been briefly in custody soon after the nightclub shooting, after a stolen gun was found inside her and Combs' chauffeured car. She was not charged, and while she testified at Combs' grand jury, neither side called her as a trial witness.

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This time around, Kanye, too, disappointed; his cameo appearance at Combs' courthouse last month was over in a blink, 30 minutes tops. He was turned away from the courtroom by federal marshals, and Combs, like many in the press, didn't even see him.

Combs' recklessness is another parallel.

His lawyers acknowledged in closing arguments last week that Combs used drugs and committed domestic violence.

Federal agents testified at trial that they seized three AR-15 rifles with defaced serial numbers when search warrants were executed at Combs' homes in March 2024, at a time when prosecutors allege he knew he was under investigation.

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Combs was not charged for the weapons and maintained through his lawyer that the guns belonged to his security guards.

"His brazenness is unmatched," the lead prosecutor, Maurene Comey, told US District Judge Arun Subramanian during successful arguments against bail on Wednesday.

"He's an extremely violent man with an extraordinarily dangerous temper, who has shown no remorse and no regret for his violence toward multiple victims," she said.

There was reckless behavior the last time Combs was arrested, too. An evening of clubbing with a gun-toting entourage nearly cost Combs his freedom and burgeoning career as a multimillionaire music and lifestyle entrepreneur.

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New York Supreme Court Justice Charles Solomon sentenced Combs' codefendant Jamal "Shyne" Barrow to 10 years in state prison. (Barrow, then 21, had the unfortunate timing of running out of the club and into the arms of two arriving cops, a recently fired gun still warm in his waistband.)

Solomon told me Thursday that he would have sentenced Combs to 3  years in prison and remanded him on the spot had he been convicted of gun possession for the firearm police recovered under the front seat of the Navigator.

Combs could have received more time, the now retired judge said, given that the car had fled up Eighth Avenue with Combs and Lopez in the back seat and the NYPD in pursuit.

"Another gun came flying out the car from the back seat" during the chase, Solomon recalled.

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Another through line  good lawyering.

"He had Ben, one of the best criminal defense lawyers in the city, and of course Johnnie Cochran," Solomon said of the 2001 trial.

"And it worked. They certainly had enough to find him guilty," Solomon said.

"That weapon in the car  there was a presumption of possession," Solomon said. "Maybe it was jury nullification, who knows."

"He's a lot of things to a lot of different people. He's probably helped a lot of people make a lot of very good music, helped a lot of careers, started a lot of businesses," he added.

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Combs' acquittal on sex trafficking and racketeering means he no longer faces the potential of a life sentence. He faces anywhere from zero jail time to as much as 20 years in federal prison for the two counts he was convicted of on Wednesday: transporting two ex-girlfriends across state lines to engage in sex acts with male escorts  the so-called "freak offs" at the heart of the trial.

"It's a partial win. He didn't win this case. He still faces considerable time," Solomon said.

"Oh, my God, I certainly would," he said when asked whether he'd give Combs' prison time if he were once again Combs' judge.

"I would give him a lot of time," he added. "Because of what he did in the past, obviously, his background, and the violence involved here now. A leopard doesn't change his spots."

Correction: July 7, 2025  An earlier version of this story misspelled Johnnie Cochran's name.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Ivy Tech Terre Haute and Indiana State University have been awarded the inaugural Collegiate Purple Star of Indiana designation.

The award recognizes Indiana postsecondary institutions that provide outstanding support to U.S. military-affiliated students, including veterans, active-duty service members and their families.

The designation, awarded by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs, recognizes institutions that excel in creating a supportive environment for military-connected students throughout their educational journey.

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Twenty-eight post-secondary institutions in Indiana received the award, which has three achievement tiers based on 37 standards across eight categories: core institutional policies, admissions and enrollment practices, financial and student support services, institutional infrastructure, student engagement, and career/community engagement.

Ivy Tech Terre Haute received a Tier 2 award, based on an 80% achievement level, while ISU received a Tier 3 award, based on a 70% achievement level.

The program was established by Senate Enrolled Act 384-2023. Designations are valid for three years and signify an institutions readiness to support the unique needs of military-connected students.

Participation in the is voluntary for all eligible institutions.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The Jackson County Legislature could vote Monday, July 7, on the next steps in the recall of Democratic Executive Frank White Jr.

FOX4 received Mondays agenda, and it includes a possible August 26 date for the recall vote.

White would not interview with FOX4 on Thursday, but he did send a statement on Monday. Hes said this effort goes back to the stadiums situation. In April of 2024, he was on the Vote No side of that election, where the Chiefs and the Royals were looking at continuing to get sales tax money from shoppers to support their projects.

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Trial date set for Chiefs Rashee Rice civil case for Texas crash

This effort is being led and funded by dark money groups and self-interested insiders who were denied a blank check for a bad stadium deal, part of Whites statement read.

They didnt get what they wanted, and now theyre trying to buy political revenge.

While White didnt name names in that press release, FOX4 knows that Bridgette Williams, the Executive Director of the Heavy Constructors Association, raised money to get signatures released from a firm that helped collect them. She was on the Vote Yes side of that stadium election.

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It is unheard of for a county to get 43,000 valid signatures to recall a sitting elected official, Williams said to FOX4 Thursday.

This is unprecedented.

Five members have normally been together in the countys legislature. Democrats DaRon McGee, Donna Peyton, Manny Abarca, Venessa Huskey and Republican Sean Smith, but just five votes are not enough to override a potential County Executive veto; six is.

Only if Frank violates his oath of office and our code of conduct, which is to not weigh in on things that personally affect you, Smith said when discussing whether theres a sixth legislator on the nine-member body that would vote to override a possible White veto.

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The other four legislators are Democrats Jalen Anderson, Megan Smith, Charlie Franklin and Republican Jeanie Lauer.

Watch FOX4 News free on streaming TV devices by downloading WDAF+

I believe that there are six votes, Williams said when asked a similar question.

However, this should not be a question of the county legislature debating whether or not this issue goes on the ballot in sixty days.

August 26 would be within that 60-day time frame, but Williams and the Jackson County Election Board seem to disagree on when theyd want the election to be held.

Jackson County Election Board Director Sarah Zorich confirmed her office would like a November 4 election in the county to give them more time to get ready for a bigger election.

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Regardless, none of this may matter if there arent five legislators who support Mondays ordinance. Theres also a resolution dealing with the same topic on that agenda. The legislative meeting starts at 3 p.m. that day.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade met face to face with members of the citys homeless population.

On July 1, three laws went into effect in Mississippi that will have repercussions for the capital citys unhouse population. The Jackson Police Department (JPD) will enforce the Safe Solicitation Act, the Real Property Owner Protection Act and an encampment law.

Wade said he empathizes with the homeless citizens, even though he has to enforce state law.

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When we talk about homelessness, we have to we have to also realize there are other issues at play with people that suffer from medical conditions. People suffer from mental illness. We have people that are suffering from drug due to substance abuse. So as I started today, I empathize with where they are right now in their life, he said. I empathize with them as to the struggles that theyre currently experiencing here in the City of Jackson but also empathize with the citizens of Jackson and our state lawmakers because they have spoken.

Wade believes that more resources are the answer to helping the unhoused, rather than mass incarceration. The police chief said his officers will be trained on how to enforce these new laws before any arrests are made.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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The public is invited to a tallgrass prairie hike at Ouabache Land Conservancys Jackson-Schnyder Nature Preserve, west of St. Mary-of-the-Woods College, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. July 12.

Phil Cox, Purdue University Extension Educator, and Dr. Jim Nardi, University of Illinois Research Entomologist, will lead hikers on the Julius Trail around the 4-acre tallgrass prairie identifying the native and invasive flora, pollinators, and other insects of the prairie along the way.

Ten species of native grasses and sedges, including Big and Little Bluestem, Indian Grass, and Prairie Dropseed; and 38 species of native forbs including Wild Quinine, Dense Blazing Star, Mountain Mint, Wild Senna, Compass Plant, Culver's Root, White False Indigo, and Rattlesnake Master were drilled into this former soybean field in June 2009. In addition, Cox will discuss recommended Indiana-native plants for attracting pollinators.

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The preserve is located at 3635 W. Concannon Ave., West Terre Haute, IN 47885. No reservations are required for this easy, free family-friendly hike.

OLC is a non-profit land trust that serves the west-central Indiana counties of Clay, Parke, Putnam, Sullivan, Vermillion and Vigo. For more information, to donate and/or join please visit: www.ouabachelandconservancy.org, follow OLC on Facebook, or email ouabachelandconservancy@gmail.com.
This photo taken on July 4, 2025 shows the site of the explosion in Rome, Italy. An explosion ripped through a gas station in eastern Rome on Friday morning, injuring at least 21 people. According to local authorities, the explosion took place at a gas station on Via Gordiani in the Prenestino district of eastern Rome. While none of the injured were in critical condition, five people were hospitalized for treatment. Some of the casualties included rescue workers responding to the scene. (Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua)

ROME, July 4 (Xinhua) -- An explosion ripped through a gas station in eastern Rome on Friday morning, injuring at least 21 people.

According to local authorities, the explosion took place at a gas station on Via Gordiani in the Prenestino district of eastern Rome. While none of the injured were in critical condition, five people were hospitalized for treatment. Some of the casualties included rescue workers responding to the scene.

Preliminary findings from the local fire department suggest the explosion may have been triggered by a pump detaching from a tanker truck. Authorities are conducting further investigations. 

This photo taken on July 4, 2025 shows the site of the explosion in Rome, Italy. An explosion ripped through a gas station in eastern Rome on Friday morning, injuring at least 21 people.

According to local authorities, the explosion took place at a gas station on Via Gordiani in the Prenestino district of eastern Rome. While none of the injured were in critical condition, five people were hospitalized for treatment. Some of the casualties included rescue workers responding to the scene. (Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua)

This photo taken on July 4, 2025 shows the site of the explosion in Rome, Italy. An explosion ripped through a gas station in eastern Rome on Friday morning, injuring at least 21 people.

According to local authorities, the explosion took place at a gas station on Via Gordiani in the Prenestino district of eastern Rome. While none of the injured were in critical condition, five people were hospitalized for treatment. Some of the casualties included rescue workers responding to the scene. (Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua)

This photo taken on July 4, 2025 shows the site of the explosion in Rome, Italy. An explosion ripped through a gas station in eastern Rome on Friday morning, injuring at least 21 people.

According to local authorities, the explosion took place at a gas station on Via Gordiani in the Prenestino district of eastern Rome. While none of the injured were in critical condition, five people were hospitalized for treatment. Some of the casualties included rescue workers responding to the scene. (Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua)

This photo taken on July 4, 2025 shows a fragment of the gas station at the site of the explosion in Rome, Italy. An explosion ripped through a gas station in eastern Rome on Friday morning, injuring at least 21 people.

According to local authorities, the explosion took place at a gas station on Via Gordiani in the Prenestino district of eastern Rome. While none of the injured were in critical condition, five people were hospitalized for treatment. Some of the casualties included rescue workers responding to the scene. (Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua)
(WJET/WFXP)  A Jamestown man pleads guilty after tempting two separate individuals to travel for sex after providing them drugs and threatening them with physical violence.

On Wednesday, July 2, 34-year-old Jamestown resident Anthony Burris pleaded guilty to two counts of enticing travel to engage in sexual activity.

According to the Western District of New York Attorneys Office, between January and March 11, 2021, Burris coerced one individual, referred to as Victim 1, who suffered from a drug addiction, to perform commercial sex acts.

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Burris provided Victim 1 with a cellphone, housing, transportation and food. He would oftentimes either supply or deny Victim 1 drugs and threaten them with physical violence.

Bradford woman sentenced for rape of teenage boy at Fourth of July party

In exchange for the housing and food, Victim 1 would perform sexual acts for money and give the proceeds to Burris.

Burris advertised these sex acts on the website Skipthegames.com.

According to information provided during the case, Burris would transport Victim 1 to various locations across New York and Pennsylvania to engage in these paid sex acts.

The DAs office also stated that between June 2020 and March 11, 2021, Burris coerced a second person, referred to as Victim 2, in a similar manner, threatening them with physical violence and providing drugs.

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PA man sentenced for attempting to photograph man using bathroom

Again, Burris would post advertisements for paid sex acts to the Skipthegames website, and Victim 2 would give any money earned to Burris.

Much like Victim 1, Burris drove Victim 2 throughout New York and Pennsylvania to engage in these paid sex acts.

For these crimes, Burris could face up to 20 years in prison as well as a $250,000 fine.

Sentencing for this case is scheduled for October 8, 2025.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
Born and raised in the United States, he was American through and through. Hed been a newspaper delivery boy, a Boy Scout, and in Junior ROTC.

Now the nation  his nation  was at war. So he volunteered for military service  and was rejected. The government deemed him ineligible for one reason: his ancestry.

His parents loved the American West, with its wide-open spaces and egalitarian ethos. Theyd settled in Gallup, New Mexico, where they ran a 24-hour diner. They spoke English both in public and at home. They never spoke of the old country; they considered themselves nothing but American.

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But they had immigrated, years earlier, from Japan; and now Japan had bombed Pearl Harbor. So the U.S. Armed Forces classified their son, Hiroshi Miyamura (Hershey to his friends), as 4C  an enemy alien.

If you were in young Hiroshis shoes, how would you feel about the American flag?

President Franklin D. Roosevelts Executive Order 9066 forced approximately 120,000 Americans of Japanese descent primarily on the West Coast out of their homes and into internment camps. New Mexico was far enough from the Pacific Coast that the Miyamura family wasnt affected directly. But thousands of Japanese Americans were shipped through Gallup by train en route to inland internment camps. Hiroshi saw some of them.

Later in the war, the exclusionary policy changed; Hiroshi was allowed to join the Army. He was assigned to a segregated unit: the 442nd Infantry Regimental Combat Team, composed almost entirely of Japanese Americans, many of whom had families incarcerated in the camps.

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Although allowing Japanese Americans to serve, the military orders establishing this unit specified that officers and captains would be white American citizens.

U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Hiroshi H. Miyamura, Medal of Honor recipient for combat actions near Taejon, South Korea, April 24, 1951, while serving with Company H, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. | National Archives

Miyamura reached Europe just as the war there was ending. After returning home, approaching the end of his enlistment, he married Terry Tsuchimori, whose family had been held in a camp in Arizona.

Put yourself, again, in the shoes of those newlyweds, one a veteran of a segregated army, one the daughter of a family incarcerated for their ethnicity. What would the American flag mean to you?

Two years later, the Northern Korean Peoples Army invaded South Korea, and Miyamura was called up from the reserves for active duty.

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When we landed in North Korea, it was winter, he recalled. Id never been so cold in my life. We didnt have proper clothing. It was miserable.

On the night of April 24, 1951, an overwhelming force attacked, threatening to overrun Company Hs position. To defend his men, Cpl. Hiroshi Miyamura jumped out of his shelter into hand-to-hand combat, killing attackers with his bayonet.

The charge repelled, he administered first aid and directed the evacuation of the wounded. Assaulted again, Miyamura fired until his ammunition was gone, then ordered his squad to withdraw to safety while he stayed behind. He bayoneted his way to another gun emplacement and assisted there, killing other enemy combatants.

Severely wounded, he stayed at his post until his position was overrun. Fighting his way toward the U.S. fallback position, Miyamura caught shrapnel from a grenade and lost consciousness.

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Reported as missing in action, he awoke as a prisoner of war. A brutal forced march to a prison camp was followed by 27 harrowing months of malnutrition and torture. The communists refused to release the names of the prisoners theyd taken, so for months Miyamuras fate was unknown.

Emaciated, he was finally repatriated.

How did this man feel about his country and the flag that represented it?

Tears streamed down his face when he saw it. Decades later, when he recounted the experience to a rapt audience of K-12 teachers at Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, tears streamed down his face again.

When I saw that flag, the star-spangled banner, waving in the breeze, he began  and then he choked up.

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Ive learned what it represents, he continued. This is the most wonderful country in the world.

President Dwight Eisenhower congratulates Korean War veteran Army Staff Sgt. Hiroshi H. Miyamura after presenting him the Medal of Honor. Miyamura earned the medal as a corporal during an April 1951 battle that resulted in his capture by Chinese soldiers. His award was kept secret for his safety until after his repatriation in August 1953. | National Archives

In 1953, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, founding chairman of Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, presented to Cpl. Miyamura the Medal of Honor, the nations highest award for valor in action against an enemy force.

In 1974, Miyamura attended the dedication of the New Mexico Area of the Medal of Honor Grove, hosted on the Valley Forge campus in Pennsylvania.

If you visit that site today, youll find, near the New Mexico obelisk, a handsome interpretive plaque that includes a picture of Miyamura (who died Nov. 29, 2022) by a small tree planted in his honor on that occasion in 1974  and a picture of him by the same tree, fully grown, when he returned 45 years later.

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On Oct. 2, 2023, President Joe Biden signed the Hiroshi Hershey Miyamura Veterans Administration (VA) Clinic Bill to designate the clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Gallup, New Mexico, by his name.

President Joe Biden signs the Hiroshi Hershey Miyamuria VA Clinic Bill on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in the Oval Office of the White House. | Adam Schultz

On this Independence Day, we honor him  and venture the hope that his fellow citizens will perceive the flag, and the Republic for which it stands, as he does.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Hiroshi Hershey Miyamura (Ret.), Medal of Honor recipient, attended the U.S. Air Force promotion ceremony of his granddaughter at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., Oct. 17, 2019. | Staff Sgt. Dennis Hoffman
A JetBlue flight traveled off a taxiway Friday morning at Orlando International Airport.

Flight 488 was scheduled to fly from Orlando to Worcester, Massachusetts.

A JetBlue spokesperson said the aircraft was taxiing for departure when the front nose gear of the aircraft went off the taxiway and into the grass.

The airline said no injuries were reported by passengers or crew members.

At JetBlue, safety is our highest priority. We are conducting a thorough investigation and will work closely with the appropriate authorities to determine the cause of the incident, the company further stated in an email to WFTV.

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Officials said customers were safely deplaned and taken back to the JetBlue terminal in Orlando by bus.

Monitor WFTV.com and watch Eyewitness News for updates on this story.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
The Anti-Defamation League and the CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs were among those who criticized President Donald Trump's use of the word shylocks while delivering a celebratory but ultimately highly partisan speech in Iowa on Thursday night.

Shylock was the greedy Jewish moneylender and main antagonist in Shakespeares classic 1600 play The Merchant of Venice. Amy Spitalnick, the CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, said Thursday in a post on X the term remains among the most quintessential antisemitic stereotypes.

Trump used the word while boasting about the massive new domestic policy package that narrowly passed the Republican-controlled Congress on Thursday. Trump told the Des Moines crowd the bill would be a boon for Iowa farmers, adding: No death tax, no estate tax, no going to the banks and borrowing from, in some cases, a fine banker, and in some cases, shylocks and bad people.

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The ADL said in a post on X that it found Trumps usage of the term very troubling and irresponsible and said it underscores how lies and conspiracies about Jews remain deeply entrenched in our country.

Shylock is among the most quintessential antisemitic stereotypes. This is not an accident. It follows years in which Trump has normalized antisemitic tropes and conspiracy theories  and its deeply dangerous. https://t.co/unuY4poqod  Amy Spitalnick (@amyspitalnick) July 4, 2025

Then-Vice President Joe Biden used the term in 2014 to praise the way his son Beau Biden had helped service members saddled with usurious loans, but he apologized for his poor choice of words after being similarly called out by the ADL.

Trump was asked by reporters after his speech about his usage of the antisemitic phrase but he said, Ive never heard it that way. He added: To me, shylock is somebody thats a money lender at high rates.

This is not an accident, Spitalnick wrote in her social media post. It follows years in which Trump has normalized antisemitic tropes and conspiracy theories  and its deeply dangerous.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
NEW YORK (PIX11)  Multiple New York City and New Jersey area airports reported multiple delays due to thunderstorms on Thursday, according to the National Airspace System Status.

Newark Liberty International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and LaGuardia Airport experienced delays due to weather.

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Weather conditions have caused LGA Airport flight disruptions. Check with your airline to determine the status of your flight, read a post on Twitter.

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Teterboro Airport experienced a departure delay, according to the FAA.

Over 18 million people throughout the United States are expected to travel by air during the Fourth of July holiday weekend, according to the Transportation Security Administration.

For updates on ground stops, ground delays, and departure delays, click here.

Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
JOHNSTOWN, Pa.  Edwin Thaddeus Pawlowski died Tuesday at 94, but his presence will remain in Johnstown for generations to come, found in the steel, stone and glass beauty of his architectural designs.

His spirit and craftsmanship can be seen in numerous notable structures, including the Main Street East building, Lincoln Center, the Johnstown Inclined Plane Visitors Center, the Johnstown Flood Museum, Sargents Stadium at the Point, Sunnehanna Country Club, Bottle Works, the Cambria County Courthouse and John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport.

He was very dedicated to architecture, to Johnstown, said his wife of almost 58 years, Rosemary Pawlowski, who owns Gallery on Gazebo downtown.

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Pawlowski, a Barnesboro native and Army veteran, opened his practice Dec. 1, 1961, in the First National Bank building before relocating to the Jupiter Building, both on Main Street near Central Park.

He believed in downtown and the Main Street around the park, Pawlowski said. That was his life.

His accolades include being inducted into the Greater Johnstown/Cambria County Business Hall of Fame and the local Artists Hall of Fame, along with his wife. His family set up a blog, 50yearsinthebusiness.wordpress.com, to commemorate his golden anniversary as an architect.

My father, Edwin Pawlowski, is the greatest architect in the history of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, his son, Thaddeus Pawlowski, an urban designer, wrote at the website.

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I can say this objectively because, since his practice began in 1961 (fifty years ago today), he has designed dozens of enduring local landmarks: the Inclined Plane Visitors Center, Main Street East, Lincoln Center, the Point Stadium, and the Artworks.

He has also acted in the more difficult role of preservationist of our enduring built legacy, renovating the Johnstown Flood Museum, St. Johns Church, and the Sunnehanna Country Club. He has mapped the towns future, while protecting its past.

But more importantly, I can say this on a personal level. As a role model for scores of young architects (myself included) who have come through his office over the years, he has demonstrated that the most important talents that any professional should possess are integrity, honesty, and a genuine concern for the people who will use the buildings he designs.

Before opening his business, Pawlowski spent six months traveling across the world mostly by trains, buses and ships, funding his journeys with settlement money he received after being hit by a vegetable truck in Paris. He visited Europe, Africa, the Holy Land, Middle East, India, Asia and Mexico during the trip and many other destinations throughout his life.

He was a man of the world, his wife said. He wanted to see everything in the world.  He thought he needed to do that before he opened his architectural practice.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Operation Not in Vain has resulted in 94 felony arrests, 98 misdemeanor arrests and the seizure of more than 2,300 fentanyl pills, the Las Cruces Police said on Thursday, July 3.



The crime reduction operation has also accounted for more than 800 traffic stops and 200 citations, Las Cruces Police said.



Operation Not in Vain 2025, which began in late April, is in memory of fallen Las Cruces Police Department Officer Jonah Hernandez who was killed in the line of duty Feb. 11, 2024.



Through June, law enforcement personnel working the operation have: made 844 traffic stops resulting in 235 citations; recovered nine stolen firearms; located 11 stolen vehicles; seized narcotics in 12 separate searches; issued 28 trespass warnings; and executed 15 search or arrest warrants, Las Cruces Police said.



The operation so far has recorded 503 consensual contacts with citizens, 114 contacts with businesses and it has generated 111 incident reports.



Besides the 2,355 fentanyl pills seized, law enforcement working the project have recovered 53 grams of powder or liquid fentanyl. Through May, the operation had only seized 55 fentanyl pills and 32 grams of powdered fentanyl, Las Cruces Police said.



Law-enforcement personnel also seized 38 grams of heroin and 4.5 grams of cocaine in the first three months.



The operation is utilizing law enforcement personnel and resources from the Las Cruces Police Department, New Mexico State Police, the Dona Ana County Sheriffs Office, New Mexico State University Police, Metro Narcotics, the Third Judicial District Attorneys Office, the U.S. Attorneys Office along with several federal agencies.



The Not in Vain results are in addition to the arrests, citations and enforcement efforts made by law-enforcement personnel during regular shifts with their respective agencies and further amplify the impact of the operation, Las Cruces Police said.



Operation Not in Vain 2025 began April 28 and is anticipated to run through August. This is the second consecutive year law-enforcement partners have participated in Operation Not in Vain. The Las Cruces Police Department is the lead agency in the operation

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
The Brief

Mario Guevara, who was arrested covering an anti-Trump protest in DeKalb County on June 14 is being held on an ICE hold, according to Floyd County detention records.

MG News shared that Guevara was transferred from the Gwinnett County Jail to the Floyd County Detention Center.

FOX 5 has reached out to Guevara's attorneys and the Floyd County Sheriff's Office.

Spanish-language journalist Mario Guevara, who was arrested last month while covering an immigration protest in DeKalb County, is being held on a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody hold after being granted bail earlier this week and his protest-related charges being dropped.

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Guevara, 47, was taken into custody while filming a demonstration at the intersection of Chamblee-Tucker Road and Northcrest Road in Doraville. He was initially charged with unlawful assembly, obstruction of a law enforcement officer, and being a pedestrian on or along the roadway.

A native of El Salvador, Guevara started the digital news outlet MG News nearly a year ago, and on Thursday, the outlet shared on Facebook that Guevara had been transferred from the Gwinnett County Jail to the Floyd County Detention Center.

"Salvadorian journalist Mario Guevara continues in ICE custody after being transferred from Gwinnett County Jail to the Floyd County Detention Center," the post reads. "We will continue to follow the case and share updates exclusively through MG News."

Mario Guevara. FOX 5 Atlanta image

Floyd County detention records list Guevara in custody and on an ICE hold.

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After he was granted bond in DeKalb County, he was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which claims he is in the country illegally.

PREVIOUS STORIES

His attorneys say Guevara is in the U.S. on valid work authorization and has been renewing it as required. They also say he has been actively seeking to obtain a green card.

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A recent piece by The New Yorker claims Guevara is being targeted by law enforcement and the immigration agencies he has covered.

At this time, it is unknown when he will be released from the detention center. FOX 5 Atlanta is attempting to contact his attorneys and the Floyd County Sheriff's Office.

Additionally, FOX 5 Atlanta has reached out to ICE for a statement.

The Source

Information was obtained through MG News and previous FOX 5 reporting.
A federal judge denied a last-ditch bid for legal protection from eight men seeking to stave off deportation to South Sudan, saying the Supreme Court had given the final word on the matter two days earlier.

U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy denied an emergency motion by the men to prevent the deportations to the war-torn African nation scheduled for later Friday evening. They are currently housed in a shipping container on a U.S. military base in Djibouti.

Murphy's decision came after a frenzied day in court by attorneys for the eight men, who initially filed an emergency petition in Washington, D.C., before a federal judge there sent the case back to Massachusetts. The July 4 drama came a day after the Supreme Court lifted an order by Murphythat had blocked the deportation.

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"This Court interprets these Supreme Court orders as binding on this new petition," Murphy said in a brief order, "as Petitioners are now raising substantially similar claims, and therefore Petitioners motion is denied."

The order came just hours after Washington, D.C.-based U.S. District Court Judge Randolph Moss concluded  following a pair of hearings held by video conference on the July Fourth holiday  that he had to punt the case to back to Murphy. Moss seemed unsure whether it was proper for him to intercede on behalf of the eight men, given the case's long history in Massachusetts and the recent Supreme Court decisions.

Moss, an Obama appointee, seemed torn over the issue, recognizing that his decision could condemn the men to deportation to a nation the State Department warns is dangerous for anyone but specialized personnel. But he said the Supreme Courts refusal to halt the deportations Thursday  and long-running proceedings taking place in Massachusetts  counseled against his involvement.

Justice Department attorney Hashim Mooppan, representing the Trump administration, said the on-again-off-again orders from courts were complicating the already-difficult process of deporting individuals whose home countries refuse to take them back. Of the eight men, only one is from South Sudan.

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Its going to make foreign countries less likely to engage to accept these transfers, Mooppan said.

Mooppan told Moss that the flight from Djibouti to South Sudan is scheduled for 7 p.m. Eastern and that the administration would appeal to a federal appeals court or the Supreme Court, if necessary, to carry it out.

After the initial legal fight broke out in May, the Trump administration called a press conference to display photos of the men and publicize the fact that they had all been convicted of serious crimes.

But Moss said it appeared the men had served their criminal sentences, so the U.S. government shouldnt be trying to inflict additional punishment on them by sending them to a nation where they could face a serious threat of harm or persecution.

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Its almost self-evident that the United States government cannot take human beings and send them to circumstances where their physical well being is at risk simply to punish them or to send a signal to others, Moss said.

However, the judge ultimately concluded that the Supreme Courts recent actions impacting the men in the litigation underway in Boston meant their claims should be heard there and not in the Washington court.

I do believe that the cases should be handled in a single case instead of multiple cases around the country, Moss said.

The eight men have been marooned in Djibouti since May, when Murphy halted their deportation to South Sudan, concluding that the move violated an order hed issued requiring advance notice and a meaningful chance to object before people being deported from the U.S. are sent to countries where they have no previous ties. Murphy also halted an earlier attempt to send the men to Libya.

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They have been living in a shipping container for nearly six weeks waiting for resolution from the courts, though Murphy allowed the administration to relocate them to any other U.S. facility  or back to the mainland  so long as they remained in American custody.

While the men and several U.S. immigration officers guarding them remained at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti, the Trump administration also fought a court battle against Murphys orders.

Last week, the Supreme Court blocked Murphys broad, nationwide order requiring certain steps before third-country deportations. And on Thursday, the justices voided separate orders the Biden appointee issued regarding the eight men.

However, in neither instance did the high courts majority explain its concern about Murphys original order, leaving lawyers to speculate about whether the justices disagreed with his conclusions about the due process deportees are entitled to, whether the justices objected to the nationwide scope of his order or whether they harbored some other concern.

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During the hearings Friday, Moss repeatedly lamented the uncertainty left by the Supreme Courts rulings on the issue and said the public was left to read the tea leaves in the high courts decisions.

I dont know what to make of what the Supreme Court did because that is one of the downsides of the emergency docket, the judge said. We just dont know which of those arguments the Supreme Court found convincing in ordering the relief it ordered.
The judge in the trial involving loyalist activist Jamie Bryson is considering whether action is required over a "lie" that was told in court.

Although Judge Gordon Kerr KC acquitted Mr Bryson, he said he believed he had lied in part of his evidence.

This was later rejected by Mr Bryson who insisted he told the truth at all times.

After a four-week trial, he was found not guilty on a charge of conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office.

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The case related to a Stormont committee hearing in September 2015 on the National Asset Management Agency, known as Nama.

Questions have been asked since the conclusion of the Belfast trial as to whether any action might be taken against Mr Bryson.

A spokesperson for the Lady Chief Justice's Office said Judge Kerr is "considering whether action is needed in light of his view that Mr Bryson lied to the court".

In a statement, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said: "We await the judge's full written ruling and, in consultation with the Public Prosecution Service, will consider our next steps."

What was the alleged lie about?

Jamie Bryson, Daithi McKay and Thomas O'Hara were all cleared of the charges against them [BBC]

The part of Mr Bryson's evidence that the judge highlighted related to his dealings in 2015 with the then Sinn Fein politician Daithi McKay and party worker Thomas O'Hara.

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Mr McKay was the chairman of a Stormont committee which was scrutinising the multi-million pound sale of Nama's Northern Ireland property loans portfolio.

Mr Bryson, who was due to given evidence to the committee, told the court he did not realise that when he was sending Twitter messages to Mr O'Hara, they were being relayed directly to Mr McKay.

The judge did not believe Mr Bryson in that regard, and said he "lied on oath".

Judge Kerr added: "Mr Bryson may have his reasons for lying.

"He has lived with this for 10 years, the investigation and charges for five. He has moved on and is seeking a new career.

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"It may be that he felt by distancing himself from Mr McKay it would help him."

Bryson calls on PPS director to resign

During a wide-ranging interview on the BBC's Nolan Show on Friday, Mr Bryson denied lying on oath but accepted the trial judge "took a different view".

"I told the truth to the court. I did not believe Daithi McKay was involved [in the message exchange]," he said.

Mr Bryson added he had "absolute respect for Judge Kerr" and described him as "almost a bit of a legal idol of mine".

"I'm not attacking him in any shape or form but I disagree with him on this and I think he got that wrong."

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However, Mr Bryson was highly critical of how the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) handled the case and he called on its director to resign over the issue.

"The director of the Public Prosecution Service should be writing two letters today - one of apology to me and two, offering his resignation."

In a statement to the Nolan Show, a PPS spokesperson said when police submitted a file to the organisation it had a "duty to decide whether the case meets the test for prosection".

"If it does, a prosecution will be brought," the spokesperson said.

"The PPS took the decision to prosecute after a team of experienced lawyers, including independent senior counsel, carefully examined all the evidence in the investigation file.

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"We determined that the test for prosecution was met in respect of the three reported individuals.

"This means that the available evidence provided a reasonable prospect of conviction in court, and that it was in the public interest to prosecute."

The PPS declined to comment on Mr Bryson's call for director Stephen Herron to resign.

Trial stalled Bryson's 'dream' career path

Jamie Bryson said he was viewed as a "loyalist upstart" by the legal establishment [Getty Images]

Mr Bryson also alleged there was an ongoing campaign by unnamed "establishment" figures to prevent him realising his ambition to become a barrister.

"The notion that me - this upstart loyalist with my controversial views - would dare to believe that I will go to the bar, that I will enter their cosy club just simply fills people with fury and they want to do everything in their power to stop that," he said.

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"If you ask me what is my dream - I want to kick the door to the bar library open, enter that with my wig and gown on and I want a stream of working-class loyalists coming behind me."

The activist studied law through the Open University and revealed that he had achieved enough marks to expect a first class honours degree in October.

He said his route to taking further legal exams had to be put on hold while the Nama criminal case was ongoing, but after being acquitted he now hoped to resume that process.

Throughout the trial, Mr Bryson insisted he did nothing wrong and all his actions regarding the Stormont committee were political not criminal.

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Mr McKay and Mr O'Hara were also on trial - with Mr McKay accused of misconduct in a public office and Mr O'Hara accused of charge of conspiring with Mr Bryson and Mr McKay to commit an offence of misconduct in a public office.

They too were both acquitted of the charges against them.
Ex-President of the European Council Herman van Rompuy speaks at the 13th World Peace Forum in Beijing, capital of China, July 3, 2025. More than 1,200 guests from 86 countries and regions have gathered in Beijing to exchange views on maintaining global peace and addressing conflicts at the ongoing 13th World Peace Forum. (Xinhua)

BEIJING, July 4 (Xinhua) -- The 13th World Peace Forum in Beijing, which ended on Friday, saw experts, strategists and statespersons from across the globe exchanging views in the Chinese capital, with their focus on solving some of the most pressing issues threatening world peace.

Themed "advancing global peace and prosperity: shared responsibility, benefit and achievement," the forum, which ran from July 2 to 4, was hosted by Tsinghua University and the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs.

ADDRESSING PAN-SECURITIZATION

Pan-securitization was the focus of discussion in one plenary of the forum, where participants shared views on how certain countries continuously expand the boundaries of "security." From the perspective of Cui Tiankai, Chinese ambassador to the United States from 2013 to 2021, the key promoters of pan-securitization are also prominent disruptors of global security.

The reason why these countries now feel insecure is that many other countries are no longer tolerating their unilateral, hegemonic behavior, said Cui.

The solution, he stated, is to act based on the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, where no country is excluded or targeted. "It is not only necessary to address some security issues at the superficial level, but also to pay attention to the deep-seated factors and root causes of security problems," he added.

Former Singaporean Foreign Minister George Yeo Yong-Boon, meanwhile, highlighted the role of morality in resolving the pan-securitization conundrum.

"If we don't have peace in our heart, then no matter how clever our diplomats are, we cannot achieve world peace," he said, adding that it is important to develop a new sense of what is moral. He also noted that in this regard, the Chinese proposal of building a human community with shared future is a moral necessity.

GREATER EMPHASIS ON MULTILATERALISM

Throughout the forum, a recurring view in the speeches and dialogues of all participants was that global peace and security should not be only in the hands of major powers. Middle powers, as well as countries of the Global South, should also have a say in this matter.

Global South countries share a common experience of colonialism and imperialism oppression, and have mutual goals such as poverty alleviation, reduction of inequality and greater participation in international affairs, said Shivshankar Menon, who served as the national security advisor to the prime minister of India from 2012 to 2014.

In the meantime, due to expansion of the geopolitical space, the current lack of order in the world has given Global South countries the room to try to achieve their goals, said Menon. This means the fragmented security order in various regions is both a challenge and an opportunity for the Global South.

Expressing a similar view, former Republic of Korea (ROK) Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan spoke of the role of middle powers in moderating major power disputes. He noted that middle powers do not seek hegemony, and have certain strengths and sincere desires to encourage everyone to cooperate and solve problems.

Taking the case of northeast Asia as an example, Kim said cooperation between Japan, the ROK and China is of great significance. He expressed belief that enhancement of this trilateral cooperation endeavor can reduce the risk of confrontation between China and the United States.

POSITIVE OUTLOOK ON CHINA-EU RELATIONS

With a summit marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and the European Union (EU) drawing near, some participants at the 13th World Peace Forum also held positive views on the development of China-EU relations.

Former President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy, who called for more dialogues between countries, governments and peoples in his address to the forum, expressed optimism regarding an upcoming China-EU summit.

Earlier, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi confirmed the summit as one of the important events China will hold to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-EU diplomatic relations.

"Hopefully, dialogue can bring about a return to realism, and a move away from ideological or nationalist models," Van Rompuy said in the speech.

His opinions on China-EU relations was echoed by Shi Mingde, former Chinese ambassador to Germany. When speaking at a panel discussion focusing on China-Europe ties, Shi reiterated that China-Europe relations should not be affected by a third country.

"The upcoming China-EU summit will be a valuable opportunity where both sides can reflect on the achievements we made over the past 50 years, and take a closer look at the problems at hand," said Shi. "Chinese and European leaders have not met for quite some time, so the fact that the summit will be held is in and of itself a success." 
Judge decides Vance Boelter will remain jailed until federal trial originally appeared on Bring Me The News.

A judge has decided that Vance Boelter will remain in custody until his federal trial in the murder and attempted murder of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses.

Boelter appeared in court Thursday to face allegations that he shot and killed state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and shot and wounded state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, on June 14.

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Boelter told the judge that he's "looking forward to court" after waiving his right to a detention hearing, during which prosecutors outline some of the evidence supporting the charges against a defendant, per The New York Times.

Vance BoelterHennepin County Jail

Boelter has been in custody at the Sherburne County Jail without bail since his June 15 arrest following an extensive manhunt. His bail is now set at $5 million in state court, though he told the judge on Thursday that he wouldn't be able to afford it.

A grand jury indictment is expected in the coming days and could include additional charges. Boelter will likely enter a plea when he returns to court for an arraignment.

When he last appeared in court last Friday, the day the Hortmans laid in state at the Capitol, Boelter requested through his attorney to delay the hearing and complained of "horrible" jail conditions that were causing sleep depravation.

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Sherburne County Sheriff Joel Brott disputed Boelter's claims while pointing out that a murder suspect shouldn't expect luxury after his arrest.

"He is not in a hotel. He's in jail, where a person belongs when they commit the heinous crimes he is accused of committing," Brott said.

A private funeral for the Hortmans was held last Saturday.

Yvette Hoffman has been released from the hospital, but John Hoffman is still hospitalized, recovering from his injuries. The couple was shot a total of 17 times in their Champlin home less than two hours before the Hortmans were killed in their Brooklyn Park home.

This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
Supporters of Kilmar Abrego Garcia protest outside the Fred D. Thompson Federal Courthouse in Nashville on June 13 before his arraignment on federal charges. (File photo by John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)

NASHVILLE  A federal judge presiding over the criminal charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia in Tennessee has ordered lawyers to refrain from making public statements about the case.

Thursdays order by U.S. District Judge Waverly Crenshaw came at the request of Abrego Garcias attorneys, who argued that government officials had launched a public disparagement campaign against their client that violated standard court rules and could prejudice his chance at a fair trial.

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The defense attorneys cited a string of statements by members of the Trump administration that variously labelled Abrego Garcia a gangbanger, monster, illegal predator, illegal alien terrorist, wife beater and barbarian.

From the moment Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia challenged his illegal rendition to El Salvador in March 2025, the government has repeatedly maligned him in public statements, the attorneys wrote.

Mr. Abrego is entitled to a fair trial, they wrote. But he is nearly certain to be denied that right if the government, left to its own devices, stays its current course.

Crenshaws one-sentence order, issued in response, said, All counsel are expected to comply with the local rules of this court.

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Court rules prohibit making public statements that have a substantial likelihood of materially prejudicing an adjudicative proceeding in the matter.

The rule applies to attorneys and the government agencies or offices  and employees of such  government agencies or offices, with which the lawyer is associated.

Abrego Garcia was living in Maryland when he was mistakenly dispatched to a Salvadoran prison as part of a larger Trump administration illegal immigration crackdown.

Court documents filed Wednesday in a separate immigration case in Maryland alleged Abrego Garcia endured severe beatings, severe sleep deprivation, inadequate nutrition, and psychological torture while there.

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He was later brought to Nashville to face two human smuggling charges. Prosecutors allege Abrego Garcia participated in a scheme to transport migrants who illegally entered the United States to points around the country.

Abrego Garcia, who has no past criminal history in the United States, has entered not guilty pleas to the charges.

The former federal prosecutor who conceded Abrego Garcia had wrongly been sent to the notorious CECOT prison in El Salvador was later fired. He has subsequently filed a whistleblower complaint that alleges his termination was, in part, related to his public admission of the governments administrative error in the high-profile case.

Abrego Garcia is due back in a Nashville courtroom July 16 for a hearing that could determine if he is released from federal custody pending trial.

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Both prosecutors and defense attorneys concede Abrego Garcia will almost certainly be taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) should he be released from the custody of the U.S. Marshals, who maintain control over federal pretrial detainees.

Abrego Garcia, 29, entered the United States illegally from El Salvador as a teenager, but in 2019 an immigration judge issued an order preventing U.S. officials from deporting him to his home country, where Abrego Garcia said he feared gang violence.

A federal magistrate in Nashville initially granted Abrego Garcias release last week.

But defense attorneys, citing conflicting statements by the Trump administration about whether Abrego Garcia could be removed from the United States before trial, have asked he temporarily remain jailed in Nashville.

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 This story originally appeared in Tennessee Lookout, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Tennessee Lookout maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Holly McCall for questions: info@tennesseelookout.com.

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The Brief

The Georgia Court of Appeals has fined an Atlanta divorce lawyer the maximum penalty after finding that she may have used artificial intelligence in one of her cases.

Legal documents obtained by FOX 5 showed Diana Lynch cited cases that didn't exist in her arguments.

The judges say they were "troubled" by the bogus cases.

ATLANTA - The Georgia Court of Appeal has fined an Atlanta lawyer after a judge ruled that she appeared to have used artificial intelligence in one of her clients' divorce cases.

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The judges say that multiple cases attorney Diana Lynch cited in her motion were found not to exist.

What we know

In the ruling obtained by FOX 5, Judge Jeff Watkins fined Lynch $2,500 in connection with an order in her client's divorce case.

According to the judge, half of the cases the order referred to appear to be "'hallucinations' made up by generative-artificial intelligence." The other two had nothing to do with the pro-proposition Lynch stated in her brief, Watkins said.

When the ex-wife of Lynch's client pointed out the non-existent cases, the judge said that Lynch cited nearly a dozen references that also did not exist or were irreverent to the proposition. The attorney then allegedly requested fees connected with the appeal.

What they're saying

Jackson wrote that he and the other judges were "troubled" by the bogus cases cited in the trial court's order.

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"Lynchs use of fictitious cases and citations has deprived the opposing party of the opportunity to appropriately respond to her arguments," the judge wrote.

The judges also cited a warning by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts about the use of AI by lawyers in his 2023 Year-End Report on the Federal Judiciary. In that report, Roberts specifically warns against "hallucinations" that may cause attorneys to cite non-existent cases.

What's next

The fine imposed on Lynch is the maximum penalty the law allows.

The judges also vacated the previous court order and sent the case back to a lower court to reconsider.

The Source

Information for this story came from a ruling by the Georgia Court of Appeals.
Spectators gather at Gantry Plaza State Park in Queens to watch to 2022 Macy's fireworks display on July 4, 2022 in New York City. Credit - Roy RochlinGetty Images

Fireworks are equal parts lovely and uglylovely because, well, theyre fireworks, and who doesnt enjoy a good pyrotechnic sky show? The ugly part comes mostly after, in the haze of toxic gases and particles the blasts produce, along with the rain of paper, cardboard, and metal debris, and the lingering trauma to pets and wildlife, who take a lot less pleasure from the bangs and flashes than we do.

According to estimates by the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA), the average July 4th in the U.S. will see about 14,000 public fireworks displays. In 2021, the last year for which the APA provides figures, Americans bought and launched more than 428 million lbs. of fireworks. Thats an awful lot of ordnanceand it can produce an awful lot of problems.

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One of the biggest environmental dangers of fireworks displays is the dispersal of fine particles of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and more, measuring just 2.5 micronsor 2.5 millionths of a meter. These so-called PM2.5 particles can become deeply embedded in the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, contributing to decreased lung function, increased respiratory distress, aggravated asthma and COPD, irregular heartbeat, heart attacks, and premature death in people with preexisting heart or lung disease, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). One 2015 study in the journal Atmospheric Environment found that levels of PM2.5 particles rose 42% at 315 firework sites surveyed nationwide during July 4th celebrations. The increases peaked between the hours of 9:00 and 10:00 p.m. and didnt dissipate until noon on July 5. Spikes in some lung conditions may occur from a single fireworks show.

"Fireworks massively reduce air quality with their explosions of particulate matter," says Bill Bateman, associate professor in the school of molecular and life sciences at Australia's Curtin University. "This can have a pretty immediate effect on our breathing and our health. In many places around the world there are reported peaks in respiratory problems after fireworks."

What level of exposure you get depends on your activity levelsfor instance, whether youre outdoorsand, if youre indoors, how leaky your house is, said Jun Wu, a professor of environmental and occupational health at the University of California, Irvines program in public health, in a 2024 conversation with TIME. If you have to go outside, wearing a [N95] mask would be good.

Particles arent all fireworks produce. According to a 2024 study in Applied Geochemistry, they also release, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxidewhich can cause lung damagealong with several metals, including aluminum, manganese, and cadmium. Some illegal fireworks may even contain lead, warns the American Lung Association (ALA). It is not generally possible to determine if fireworks contain lead since it wont be listed on the ingredients. The Consumer Products Safety Commission recommends buying only known, reputable brands.

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Airborne contaminants will ultimately settle outbut that can be a problem because they may wind up in water and soil and on plants. Perchlorates, a common ingredient in fireworks, flares, fertilizer, and solid rocket fuel, can pollute lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, endangering wildlife and entering the drinking water supply. In humans, perchlorates affect the function of the thyroid gland, which can alter metabolism. In infants and babies still in the womb, perchlorates may interfere with normal growth and central nervous system development. Soil, too, collects more than trace amounts of perchlorates, along with metals. By themselves, the perchlorates found in fireworks may not be enough to cause harm, but they add to the overall load of the chemical in the environment, which can ultimately be dangerous.

Contamination that winds up in water and soil tends to linger thereperhaps longer than expected. From 1999 to 2009, fireworks displays were set off on Independence Days at Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota. From 2011 to 2015 researchers from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) returned and sampled water from 106 sites and soil from 11 sites in that vicinity. All of them showed perchlorate contamination and fireworks debrisespecially on the northeast side of the park, where the pyrotechnics went off.

The lack of alternative perchlorate sources in the area, such as a military site or agricultural land with applied fertilizers, and the presence of firework debris, suggest that past fireworks are the perchlorate source, said one USGS scientist in a statement.

Animals suffer too, both from the same pollutants that threaten humans and from the noise and light of fireworks displays. One 2023 paper in Pacific Conservation Biology reported that nearly 75% of companion animals studiedfrom horses to dogs to smaller mammalsshowed fear responses to fireworks. Some horses broke paddock fences and sustained injury trying to escape the flashes and bangs. Fireworks displays can interfere with the breeding season of birds, with one study the 2023 paper cites showing that fireworks festivals in Valencia, Spain, in April and May of 2015 reduced the breeding success of house sparrows. When the pyrotechnics were canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the sparrow populations bounced back. Independence Day celebrations in California similarly diminished populations of Brandts Cormorants.

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"Disturbing roosting migratory birds at night can result in mass deaths," says Bateman. "Disturbing breeding birds can result in colony collapses. Seals and sea lions leave [affected] areas and expend energy swimming away during fireworks."

And then there's the problem of litter. Every exploding firework rocket will eventually tumble and flutter down to the ground in a cloud of debris. "There are local peaks in microplastics and other plastic waste after fireworks," says Bateman. "Once in the environment they are there for good effectively."

There are alternatives to fireworks. Both drones and laser shows can produce visual spectacles that have no environmental footprint apart from the energy used to operate them, and health and environmental groups are increasingly calling for towns, cities, and individuals to make the switch. The Fourth of July celebrates the founding of the nation. What better way to honor that nation than to keep it peaceful and clean?

Write to Jeffrey Kluger at jeffrey.kluger@time.com.
The United States of America's Declaration of Independence. Getty Images

On this day 249 years ago  July 4, 1776  the 2nd Continental Congress approved the final draft of the Declaration of Independence, as a burgeoning nation sought to establish itself free from tyrannical one-man rule.

And while most of the delegates didnt actually sign the Declaration until Aug. 2, 1776, we celebrate the Fourth of July as the birth of our nation largely because that was the date that begins the document.

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Whatever the date, its essential truth remains worthy of reminding ourselves about today, namely the absolute (inalienable) right of any people to self-governance, and further, that the government they choose must derive its power from the consent of the governed.

What many of us now take for granted was a radical notion in 1776, and frankly, remains so today.

So take a few moments today to read the text of that document and perhaps rekindle an appreciation for the fragility of the freedoms we enjoy.

-

In Congress, July 4, 1776

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Natures God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

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We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

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He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

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He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

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For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:

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For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

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He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.
Instead of traditional Fourth of July celebrations, some advocates plan to stay indoors in what the organizer calls "the most important boycott of the year. "This time, participants are urged to avoid any July Fourth activities, including fireworks and parades.

The Peoples Union USA, which led previous spending freezes aimed at Target, Walmart, and most recently McDonald's, is calling for another boycott to take place on the United States' 249th birthday.

Here's what to know about the Independence Day boycott.

What is the Independence Day Boycott 2025? Participants to skip parades, fireworks shows, corporate spending

The Independence Day Boycott takes place Friday, July 4, 2025.

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John Schwarz, founder of The Peoples Union USA, encourages participants to stay home with family and friends and to only support small, local businesses rather than major corporations.

The organizer also discouraged in-person protests on July 4 linked to the upcoming boycott since it comes shortly after the massive "No Kings" protests that took place June 14. "This isnt about standing in the streets. Its about pulling away our presence and our dollars," Schwarz wrote on Instagram.

Why are people boycotting on July 4th?

Schwarz cited recent Trump administration policies, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests, corporate actions as well as backlash against protests as reasons for the upcoming boycott in a recent TikTok video.

"There is no independence to celebrate right now," Schwarz said in the TikTok video. "This year, we don't show up. We don't protest in the streets. We don't clash with the police. We simply disengage."

Previous boycotts, including the most recent McDonald's economic blackout, were created in response to corporations' rollback of DEI initiatives and other grievances.

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Other major retailers, such as Target and Walmart, have also been at the center of boycotts led by The People's Union USA. These boycotts have lasted anywhere from 24 hours to one week.

July boycotts take aim at Amazon, Starbucks, Home Depot

In a separate TikTok post, The Peoples Union USA said it plans to launch a month-long boycott of Amazon, Starbucks, and The Home Depot (which rolled back its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives from its website, The Independent reports) for the entire month of July.

More boycotts are in the works this summer, according to USA TODAY:

July 4: Independence Day Boycott

July 1-31: Boycott of Starbucks, Amazon and Home Depot

August 1-31: Boycott of Walmart, McDonald's and Lowe's

How have retailers like Target and Walmart responded to consumer boycotts?

Target, which was on the receiving end of a Peoples Union USA boycott, noted that the company has taken a hit this year, both to its reputation and its earnings.

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According to previous Arizona Republic reporting, Target acknowledged in its 10-K filing for fiscal year 2024 how changes to its DEI policies may have led to "adverse perceptions of our business, consumer boycotts, litigation, investigations, and regulatory proceedings." First quarter 2025 net sales fell short at $23.8 billion, compared with $24.5 billion in 2024, according to Target's Q1 earnings report.

Walmart, another retailer on the boycott list, previously told USA TODAY that it is "strengthening communities nationwide through job creation, supplier growth, and over $1.7 billion in cash and in-kind donations last year" when responding to the boycotts in April. "We remain dedicated to earning the business of all Americans and giving our time and resources to causes that uplift and unite communities who rely on us every day."

While McDonald's hasn't issued a public statement regarding the recent boycotts, the fast food chain has felt the financial pressure, having reported a sales decline in the first quarter despite changes to its menu and meal deals.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Fourth of July boycott calls for no celebrations, parades or fireworks shows
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  A jury found six people guilty for their involvement in a shooting that killed three people and left three others hurt during Labor Day weekend nearly four years ago.

The U.S. Attorneys Office (USAO) said Erwin Dubose, Kamar Queen, Damonta Thompson, William Johnson Lee, Mussay Rezene and Toyia Johnson were all convicted for their roles in the deadly incident.

As outlined in court documents obtained by DC News Now, an officer with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) was in the area of 7th and Kennedy streets NW just after 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 4, 2021, when he heard the sound of gunshots.

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PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Arrest made in shooting that killed three people, injured three others

While canvassing the area, he found six people whod been shot in the 600 block of Longfellow Street NW.

While being rushed to the hospital, three of the victims died from their injuries. They were identified as 31-year-old Donetta Dyson, 24-year-old Keenan Braxton and 37-year-old Johnny Joyner.

Through their investigation, officials said they found multiple security cameras in the area that captured what happened leading up to the incident.

Three suspects got out of a car near the intersection of 7th and Longfellow streets NW, while a fourth suspect  the driver  stayed in the car.

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The three suspects stealthily approached the side of a house at 639 Longfellow St. NW while the victims were gathered on the sidewalk in front of a house on the same block.

DMV leaders have mixed reactions to Trumps Big, Beautiful Bill passing House

Two of the suspects opened fire on the group, striking six people before fleeing back to the car.

The evidence established that the triple homicide was in retaliation for a shooting that occurred an hour prior in the 800 block of Oglethorpe Street, NE, the USAO detailed in a news release.

Shortly after the deadly shooting, an associate of one of the suspects  Toyia Johnson  placed multiple calls to 911 in which she falsely reported the vehicle stolen. She had also reportedly rented the vehicle for the others to use.

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Then, just after midnight on Sept. 6, Dubose and Rezene set fire to the car.

Dubose, Queen, Johnson Lee and Thompson were all found guilty on July 3, 2025, on charges including conspiracy to commit a crime of violence, three counts of first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances and three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed.

Johnson was found guilty of tampering with physical evidence and being an accessory after the fact to assault with intent to kill while armed.

Rezene was found guilty of tampering with physical evidence and being an accessory after the fact to first-degree murder while armed.

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DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA)  A Vermilion County teenager is now in custody after having a machine gun in their possession earlier this week.

Danville Police said a 17-year-old male was arrested Wednesday afternoon near Martin and Normal Streets. They found the loaded, altered firearm after officers witnessed the suspect acting suspicious while walking illegally in the middle of the street.

UPDATE: Coroner IDs Champaign shooting victim

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You pull the trigger one time and theres just no controlling these weapons after that, said Danville Deputy Police Chief Terry McCord.

Police said the teenager now faces four charges relating to possession of a machine gun. McCord talked about the string of gun incidents concerning young people over the last few weeks.

And they noticed the subject was suspicious to them through their training and their experience, and he was walking in the roadway, he said. So, he was breaking the law. So, they got out with him.

McCord also said they found the 17-year-old with a loaded, modified handgun.

By Illinois Statute, if they modify it whatsoever and give it the ability to fire more rounds than just one round with one single trigger pull its identified, the definition is a machine gun, he said.

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Human remains found in wooded Springfield area, Coroner says

This is just the latest of incidents involving teenagers and guns. This situation happened less than two weeks after an 18-year-old was shot and killed at Winter Park in Danville.

Whether its gang related, whether its just kids out there with no guidance or mentorship, I dont have a good answer for you on that, other than we have to have, even more than we already have, community support, McCord said.

That unnamed 17-year-old now faces four total charges relating to the arrest:

Aggravated unlawful use of a weapon

Possession of a weapon under the age of 21

Unlawful use of a weapon  possession of a machine gun

Obstructing a peace officer

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Its not only our special units, but the patrol officers, the detectives, McCord said. I just cant give enough credit to the proactivity and the positive policing they do in order to get these guns off the street.

The juvenile remains at the Vermilion County Juvenile Detention Center awaiting a court hearing.

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NORTHAMPTON  On a festive July 4, Adela Imul Adjanel shared a sobering reason for becoming a citizen of the United States.

Just to be safe, she said. I dont give anyone any reason to send me home.

Adjanel, who comes from Guatemala, is 28 and has been in the United States for six years, living in Northampton and working at a job she loves at the River Valley Market.

She took her citizenship oath two months ago. But on Friday, Independence Day, she led the Pledge of Allegiance at the 17th annual Naturalization Ceremony hosted by the Center of New Americans on the lawn of the Hampshire County Courthouse downtown.

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Magistrate Judge Katherine A. Robertson administered the oath.

The new citizens hail from 23 countries, from Albania to Vietnam. The naturalization process can take years, requiring interviews and tests of English language proficiency and civics knowledge.

The national debate over immigration issues has grown more fraught, as many of the speakers at Fridays ceremony reiterated.

President Donald Trump and his administration use tough rhetoric on immigration and have even targeted people with legal residency status, including through green cards. The Trump administration has said it wants to strip citizenship from some naturalized Americans who commit certain crimes.

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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said Thursday it expected to welcome new citizens in naturalization ceremonies throughout the country over the holiday weekend.

The agency said it was proud to welcome new citizens who made the right choice to lawfully immigrate, assimilate, and contribute to Americas greatness, said a spokesman, Matthew Tragesser. Taking the Oath of Allegiance and embracing U.S. citizenship is a remarkable act of patriotism.

On Friday in Northampton, two women stood on the courthouse lawn holding handmade cardboard signs of support for the new Americans. Glad Youre here, said one. You belong, said the other.

Harleen Multani, a law clerk at the Center for New Americans, said there has been a surge of immigrants seeking citizenship in the last six months. People with legal status as immigrants want the extra level of assurance that citizenship brings.

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Even people who have had green cards for years are worried, she said. They were comfortable before.

Even after Fridays local ceremony, another 65 aspiring Americans are in the process of seeking citizenship through classes at the center.

Three of the 53 who took the oath Friday  and Adjanel, who led the Pledge of Allegiance  are Center for New American alumni, said Laurie Milman, the centers director.

They lined up early to register, families and interpreters in tow. Most clutched folders of paperwork.

Many gave similar answers when asked why they chose to become American citizens.

I love America, said Lien Vu, a Buddhist monk who attended the ceremony in traditional robes. Hes originally from Vietnam, having come to the United States 25 years ago.

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Many said they took the oath so they can vote in American elections.

They included Juliette Darmon, who came from France but now lives in North Andover. I want to be part of the political process in this country, she said.

France and the United States have a history of seeking democratic goals going back to the American Revolution and through two world wars  liberte fraternite, egalite, after all.

I think weve gotten away from that, she said.

Betsegaw Gillos first act as a newly sworn-in U.S. citizen was going to be watching July 4th fireworks with friends and family.

Gillo lives in Peabody. He immigrated 15 years ago from Ethiopia with his father. He was just 12 when he came to Massachusetts.

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I feel more American than I do Ethiopian, Gillo said.

Ledion Tafa lives in Worcester, having immigrated from Albania a little over five years ago. For him, taking the oath is the culmination of an adventure.

Im at home here, he said.

State Sen. Jo Comerford, D-Northampton, called the citizenship ceremony an antidote to current events.

I cant imagine being anywhere else on the Fourth of July, she said.

Stories by Jim Kinney

Read the original article on MassLive.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Adrian Clouatre said his wife, Paola Clouatre, often scrolled through TikTok at night. One late evening in May, she stumbled on some immigration content. The chain of events that preceded and followed that moment led to a family in limbo.

Paola has been in the Richwood Correctional Center for nearly two months. She was initially arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the New Orleans headquarters, where Adrian said the couple went to clear up a deportation order discovered during that TikTok session.

A video came up that showed you a website where you can see if you have a deportation order, Adrian said. She typed her information in, and she had one.

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Adrian said the agents arrested his wife after the couple was told to sit in the lobby following what appeared to be successful interview sessions.

She started crying and told me to take care of the kids, Adrian said.

Paola had come with her mother to the United States from Mexico when she was a child, but she never knew her estranged mother had missed an immigration hearing that would lead to her daughter being issued a deportation order in 2018.

Adrian said that soon after marrying last year, they looked into getting a green card and were going through the process, but the order never came up.

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She was homeless from the time she was 15, Adrian said. Her mother made her homeless.

Adrian and their two kids make the drive to Monroe to see her when they can, and he said the daily calls are expensive. He said that explaining the situation to his kids has been impossible to this point.

I just want them to have their momma, Adrian said.

Arkansas immigration attorney Aaron Cash said arrests like these have become more common during the Trump administration.

I have experienced it with one of my own clients, Cash said. I had a client arrested right in front of me.

Cash said one major change has been requiring meetings for even routine immigration procedures, and these arrests have made immigrants leery of showing up to mandatory meetings.

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I dont think theres any glimmer of hope at the moment, Cash said.

The Department of Homeland Security reports ICE arrested almost as many people in President Trumps first 50 days as it did last year in total. In a news release, it claimed the majority were criminals. A Washington Post analysis released Thursday indicated an increasing number of arrests concerned people with no criminal record at all.

Anybody in the country illegally, theyre on the table, said Tom Homan, the U.S. Border Czar, in a recent national interview. Were going to go after them in a prioritization that makes sense.

Just this week, Trump toured a new ICE facility in Florida called Alligator Alcatraz. It can hold around 5,000 people, and it will reportedly cost around $450 million each year through FEMA money.

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Were tracking down the illegal alien criminals, were detaining them and then were throwing them the hell out of our country, Trump said in a recent speech.

Adrian is a former Marine, and Cash said veterans have historically had favorable outcomes in these situations in the past. There were added legal protections for spouses of military and former military members. Cash said anybody whos undocumented now faces an increased risk.

Theres no glimmer of hope I can see for anybody who entered the country seeking asylum. Anyone who entered the Southern border without a visa, without permission, Cash said.

Adrian said the conditions at Richwood are not habitable. He said his wife has trouble sleeping, eating and taking care of basic everyday functions because of poor conditions.

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In a statement provided to Louisiana First News, an ICE spokesperson denied those claims and spoke on this case.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations arrested and detained Lisette Paula Rosas-Campos, 25, a citizen of Mexico. She was ordered removed to Mexico in absentia by an immigration judge with the Executive Office for Immigration Review in Los Angeles, California and has a final order of removal from Feb. 12, 2018. Rosas-Campos has filed a motion with EOIR in her case concerning the order of removal issued in 2018. She will remain in ICE custody pending a resolution of her motions. As to detention conditions: Any accusations that a detainee is treated inhumanely in any way are categorically false. ICE is committed to ensuring that all those in the agencys custody reside in safe, secure, and humane environments under appropriate conditions of confinement. In general, ICE continues to review immigration detention centers nationally, monitoring the quality of life and treatment of detained individuals, including other factors relevant to the continued operation of each facility.

Adrian said he is not worried about any blowback from his public cause to free his wife. He said he has written letters to decision-makers, including Vice President J.D. Vance and Trump.

Even if she does end up getting deported, I have a plan to get her back legally, Adrian said.

The mission for this former Marine is simple.

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I just want my wife back, Adrian said.

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SHENYANG, July 4 (Xinhua) -- The 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Forum on People-to-People Friendship and the Forum on Friendship Cities both opened on Friday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province.

Shen Yueyue, vice chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and chairperson of the Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation Commission of the SCO, delivered a keynote speech.

Shen said China, as the rotating chair, is hosting the forums again with the aim of further promoting friendly cooperation among the people of the SCO.

She called for maintaining unity and cooperation, carrying forward the "Shanghai Spirit," and insisting on sharing a common destiny and passing on friendship for generations to come.

"We should adhere to universal benefit and win-win results and promote common development," Shen said, while adding that all parties should stick to openness and inclusiveness -- and deepen exchanges and mutual learning.

She also called for weaving a close network of friendship and cooperation among SCO countries and promoting the building of a closer SCO community with a shared future.

Under the theme of "Deepening People-to-People Friendship, Advancing Sustainable Development," the forums issued documents titled "Consensus on actions for sustainable development of people-to-people exchanges among SCO countries" and "2025 SCO Forum on People-to-People Friendship and the Forum on Friendship Cities Shenyang Initiative," respectively. 
Protesters gathered on Eries East Side on Thursday, demanding answers after Marchello Woodard, a 43-year-old man, was fatally shot by a Pennsylvania state parole agent.

The incident, which occurred near East 27th and German Streets, has sparked outrage within the community, leading to peaceful protests as residents seek justice and transparency. Family members identified the victim as Marchello Woodard, known locally as Chello. The Erie County District Attorney and Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the shooting.

Pennsylvania State Police provide update on fatal shooting of Erie man

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We want justice in a peaceful manner, said one protestor, emphasizing the communitys desire for answers. Ryan Gaines, a pastor and president of the African American Concern Clergy, expressed his anger, stating, Its a very sad day today here in Erie, Pennsylvania. My perspective on the situation is very upset, very angry that another unarmed black man was killed by an officer.

Protestors, holding signs and chanting Woodards name, gathered near East 21st and Parade Street, demanding justice for the unarmed man. This could have been any one of our children, said a protester, highlighting the communitys fear and frustration. You killed an unarmed man and then after that, youre not giving us answers.

Jade Leah Burns reported that Erie officers responded to the incident, finding the driver slumped over in his vehicle while it was still in motion. The car was traveling along East 27th Street toward German, where officers stopped the vehicle by positioning their cruiser in its path.

WATCH: Protest begins after death of Erie man shot by PA parole officer

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Pastor Durfey Well Jr. of Friendship Baptist Church called for unity, stating, We have to do some things that are going to unify us across the board so that we can create a safer tomorrow for our children, for future policemen, for future clergymen all together as a whole.

Many in the community are frustrated by the lack of information from authorities, with one protester stating, Were going to be out here as long as we have to and need to until we get justice. Yall not gonna keep doing this to us.

The communitys call for justice and transparency continues as the investigation unfolds, with many residents expressing their determination to seek answers and accountability for Woodards death. We need justice for Chello now, echoed a protester, summarizing the sentiment of those gathered.

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All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by WJET/WFXP. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by WJET/WFXP staff before being published.

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Topeka Police Officers line the first floor rotunda area of the Statehouse during a May 2023 ceremony. (Chloe Anderson for Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA  Kansas crime rate in 2024 reached its lowest mark in at least 20 years, according to recently released data, and some attribute the drop to law enforcement success.

Violent crimes saw a five-year low in 2024, and property crimes maintained a downward trend, per the Kansas Bureau of Investigations annual crime index report.

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We believe the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies throughout Kansas have an impact on bringing down crime, as does the publics cooperation and assistance when major crimes are committed, said KBI director Tony Mattivi.

The report has been published in some form at the KBI since 2003. It compiles data from local and state law enforcement agencies, creating a snapshot of the years crimes while reflecting greater trends when compared to past years.

A crime index rate is the number of recorded crimes per 1,000 people in a given year. Kansas rate decreased from 27 crimes per 1,000 people in 2023 to 23.3 in 2024. The report said its the lowest rate in more than 20 years.

When assessing crime on a statewide basis, it is difficult to understand what drives crime from year to year because so many factors influence crime trends, Mattivi said.

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The states murder rate, for instance, fell below the 10-year average. With 117 murders in 2024, it marked a more than 25% decrease from 2023.

Finding a common circumstance for these murders is difficult, the report said, as 46.2% of the reports indicated unknown circumstance. 

Murders in 2024 involved arguments, domestic violence and unknown suspects. Making up smaller fractions were illegal drug transactions, which totaled 2.6% of murders, and gang activity and drive-by incidents, which made up less than 1% of murders in 2024.

All crime categories decreased in 2024. Some numbers were fractions of pre-pandemic averages and others made history. Around 7,100 burglaries were reported in Kansas in 2024, the lowest number since 1966, when around 10,700 burglaries were reported, according to the report.

Wyandotte County had the highest reported crime index rate in the state, with nearly 47 crimes per 1,000 people. Sedgwick County was a close second with a rate of nearly 44. The lowest reported crime index rate in 2024 was 0.7 in Jewell County, though the county sheriffs office only reported seven months out of the year.

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The number of law enforcement officers employed in Kansas is inching closer to its pre-pandemic level of 3.84 officers per 1,000 people, according to data from the FBI. The number of employed law enforcement officers rose between 2023 and 2024 from 3.44 to 3.69.

Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach took credit for the decrease in crime rates, attributing it to his law and order approach.

Kansans are less likely to be the victim of a crime today than at any time in the past 20 years, Kobach said in a news release, which referred to him as Kansass chief law enforcement officer.

While crime has decreased nationally in the past three decades, Americans still worry just as much  if not more  about their safety and the presence of crime, according to Gallup polling.

Around half of Americans who participated in 2024 surveys worry about crime a great deal, and few are satisfied with policies addressing crime. Americans perceive that crime is growing in the areas where they live. Almost half of Americans polled in 2024 thought crime increased over the previous year, when crime nationwide has been on a steep downward trend since the 1990s.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  Major lawmakers in Kansas are weighing in after Congress passed a big spending bill on to President Donald Trumps desk for final approval Thursday.

Kansas lawmakers and other organizations are expressing anger or support after the U.S. House passed the Trump-backed spending bill on July 3 with a 218-214 vote. The U.S. Senate previously passed the bill in a tight 50-50 vote on July 1 with Vice President JD Vance making the tie-breaking decision.

H.R.1. or the Big Beautiful Bill Act is on its way to Trumps desk where he is expected to sign off on the massive government spending bill. Various groups and political figures have raised concerns on how the bill will impact federal programs related to Medicaid or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

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Simply put, President Trumps extreme budget hurts everyone who isnt already a billionaire, said U.S. Representative for Kansas 3rd Congressional District Sharice Davids in a press release. It hands out tax giveaways to the ultra-wealthy while gutting Medicaid, raising grocery prices, and putting rural hospitals and reproductive health care at risk  all while adding trillions to the national debt. I was raised by a single mom in the Army, so I know what its like to live paycheck to paycheck. This proposal would only make it harder for families like the one I grew up in. Kansans deserve responsible leadership, not reckless cuts and partisan gimmicks  thats why Im focused on a commonsense, bipartisan path forward that actually lowers costs, supports small businesses, and grows our economy responsibly.

Kansas congressional intern killed in D.C. shooting

Kansas senators and representatives in Washington, D.C. voted along party lines for the spending bill. Republican Senators Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran voted in favor of the bill alongside the three Republican representatives for Kansas in the U.S. House. Davids was the sole no vote from Kansas on the bill.

Republican congressman such as Rep. Ron Estes for District 4 and Rep. Derek Schmidt for District 1 applauded the bill in statements on July 3. They said the bill will help save the nation money, increase border security and bring tax relief.

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America is more than $36 trillion in debt and sinking further each year because federal spending keeps growing faster than revenues, which is why we are bending the curve of federal spending growth downward by $1.5 trillion over the next decade, Schmidt said in a press release. By themselves, these savings are not enough to put Americas finances in order, but theyre a long overdue start and represent the first federal spending reduction in a generation. In the coming weeks, Ill continue working to protect taxpayers and lower spending by eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse throughout our government.

Acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Todd Lyons also weighed in on the Big Beautiful Bill. He said the bill will provide beneficial border security to the nation with an increase in support for ICE agents.

I speak on behalf of the entire agency when I say that ICE is grateful to President Trump for putting in the hard work necessary to get the Big Beautiful Bill across the finish line  but the real win is for the American people. The unprecedented funding for ICE will enable my hard-working officers and agents to continue making America safe again by identifying, arresting and removing criminal aliens from our communities. Im thrilled to work with Secretary Noem, Congress and the president to protect our families, friends and neighbors.

Health-related organizations offered their own thoughts on the bill shortly after it passed the U.S. House. They explained the negative impact they believe the bill will have on Kansans who are struggling with health problems and rural hospitals.

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The sweeping changes made in this bill will be devastating for Kansas families, making it harder for them to access health care and put food on their tables, said David Jordan, president and CEO of the United Methodist Ministry Fund. And, the billions of dollars in cuts to Medicaid funding will make it harder for struggling hospitals in Kansas to maintain costly and critical services, such as maternity care, or even keep their doors open at all. We are disheartened this bill was passed, as its bad for Kansas families, hospitals and communities.

We are deeply disappointed with the cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act in legislation known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that passed Congress today, said Eduardo Conrado, president of Ascension in a press release. This bill falls short of supporting individuals and families who are poor, vulnerable, or too often left out of important decisions in Washington, causing nearly 12 million to lose their health coverage. While we do not expect immediate operational changes, these cuts risk destabilizing the health care system, especially in rural and underserved areas.

What is the Move Over law in Kansas?

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Authorities are asking the public for help in identifying a woman whose remains were found early this year in Hutchinson.

Officers responding to a Jan. 2, 2025, call regarding a deceased person in the 1600 block of East 1st Avenue found her remains, the Hutchinson Police Department said Thursday afternoon.

Based on forensic analysis, the deceased  referred to as Jane Doe  is believed to be a Caucasian female, likely over 50 years of age, with wavy or slightly curly brown hair featuring gray streaks, an HPD news release said. The condition of her remains suggests she had been deceased for approximately six months to a year prior to discovery.

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The cause of death remains undetermined, and there is no evidence of trauma prior to death. The remains were sent to the Johnson County Medical Examiners Office to be examined.

A dental examination revealed significant dental issues, including severely worn, fractured, and decayed teeth  details that may be helpful in identifying her, police said.

Anyone who may have information about the womans identity is encouraged to call 620-694-2822 or Crime Stoppers of Reno County at 800-222-TIPS.
Republican strategist Karl Rove said Thursday the Congress-approved spending package will heavily influence the midterm election cycle next year.

I think itll have a huge impact on 2026, because, remember, as these changes, particularly the Medicaid changes come into effect, theyre going to have  people are going to be losing their coverage, Rove said during an appearance on Fox Newss Americas Newsroom.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) decided to forgo a reelection bid after voting against his party while urging lawmakers to strike the language regarding Medicaid provisions from the big, beautiful bill, marking a first major impact on the midterms.

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Rove lauded the Republican-backed big, beautiful bill, however, cheering its new 80-hour-per-month work requirements for certain Medicaid recipients.

The able-bodied  think about it, there was an interesting study done of able-bodied people on Medicaid, and  you know what their No. 1 activity was if they werent working? It was watching television. And No. 2 was playing online games, Rove told Fox News.

The legislation is set to push millions off of Medicaid coverage and require twice-yearly eligibility check-ins instead of the previous annual evaluation.

Rove encouraged GOP members to continue to lobby in favor of the bill as citizens prepare for sweeping cuts to take effect.

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Medicaid was meant for poor seniors, for children in poor families, and for the disabled, and we should not be paying for health care for people who are able-bodied, and can work, and are refusing to work. This is why they got to go on the offense. But yeah, its going to be a big impact, the Republican pundit said.

And the work is just beginning. Theres going to be always a tendency to say, We got the bill passed, oh, lets all take the time off. And, Good, we got it done. Uh-uh, thats the requirement that you then go to work, he added.

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Karl Rove warned Republicans not to think that the work is over once President Donald Trumps One Big, Beautiful Bill goes into effect.

As the House of Representatives prepared for its final vote on the spending bill Thursday, Rove told Fox News Americas Newsroom that Trump and the GOP need to sell the bill to the public.

Theres going to be always a tendency to say we got the bill passed, Oh, lets all take the time off and God, we got it done, Rove said. The Republicans had better go on the offense and say, We are doing what you told us to do.

Karl Rove says that the the work is just beginning

Fox News anchor Aishah Hasnie then asked how Republicans could win this messaging war despite a Fox News poll showing 59 percent of Americans have a negative view of the bill.

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Rove replied that, once the bill gets passed, there are three other steps that need to be taken to turn public opinion around.

First of all, the president needs to lead the effort to go out and explain it, Rove said. He has the biggest megaphone in America. He needs to deploy it on explaining why this is the right thing to do and what its going to do for people.

Karl Rove said that Republicans need to

He noted that Democrats have pilloried the bill because of its massive Medicaid cuts, which are projected to strip 12 million Americans of health insurance, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

The president needs to go out and say that people are going to lose their coverage are the able-bodied who refuse to work, he said, as well as illegal aliens and others who dont belong in the system.

Rove credited Speaker of the House Mike Johnson for helping get the

Finally, Republicans must underpromise and overdeliver by lowering expectations. The president should tell Americans: This is going to take time to make its impact felt, and Its going to help strengthen our economy and control our spending, Rove said.

Shortly after Roves appearance on Fox News, Trumps bill passed with a 218-214 vote, with two Republican Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania voting against it.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  With the 4th of July weekend finally upon us a lot you will be spending time on area lakes and rivers and its going to get crowded at times.

While everyone is looking to have a little fun celebrating our nations birthday, you also need to keep safety in mind.

With temps in the 90s and triple digits, any body of water is sure to be a hot spot.

Minnehaha County Deputy Sheriff Adam Zishka says it doesnt take long for trouble to wash ashore.

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Skate Plaza destination for out-of-state skaters

He recalls a drowning at Wall Lake a few years ago.

I believe there was a person on a tube that had gotten too far out and was unable to swim back, people did see that person out there, but he was too far to reach in time and I know some boats in the area try to help, but it was too late, Zishka said

When it comes to water safety along the shorelines, he says to keep an eye for the little ones.

You should always have supervision if theres a young child, always be monitoring what theyre doing, how far theyre getting out, when youre playing in the water, it can be easy to get out further than you want to, Zishaka said.

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And whether youre in a boat or on a personal watercraft, keep an eye out for your surroundings and avoid alcohol if you plan on operating a watercraft.

Just keep the lifejackets on hand or on if you can, make sure you know where your party is and your group is and designate someone to stay sober so that everybody can have fun and keep an eye on the crowd, Zishka said.

One other piece of advice: always swim with a buddy, never alone, and if possible swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.

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With the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Ken Burns is set to release a six-part series on the American Revolution this November. But it could be premiering on a PBS deprived of federal funding by Donald Trump and Republicans.

In an interview with CBS Face the Nation set to air this weekend and taped at Thomas Jeffersons home Monticello, Burns praised PBS as essential to both his filmmaking career and America as a whole after the GOP-controlled House of Representatives voted to strip the Corporation for Public Broadcasting of $1.1 billion over the next two years after the funds were approved by a previous Congress.

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I couldnt do any of the films Ive done without them being on PBS. I could go into a streaming service or a premium cable tomorrow and get every one of the millions of dollars it took to do this in one pitch, but they wouldnt give me 10 years. They want it in a year or a year and a half, and thats the deal. I cant do that, he told CBS John Dickerson.

Burns pointed out that the majority of PBS 330 affiliates serve largely rural areas, some of which could be at risk without federal funding. PBS and National Public Radio have been longtime targets of conservative derision for their perceived liberal bias even though, as Burns pointed out, conservative icon William F. Buckley hosted the show Firing Line on PBS from 1966 to 1999.

They also have not only our good childrens and prime time stuff, they have classroom on the air continuing education, homeland security, crop reports, weather emergency information. That were going to take away? he said.

In a wide-ranging interview in which Burns reflected on the American Revolution, his relationship with the history of the United States, and Donald Trumps plans for Americas 250th anniversary, Burns also discussed what he believes the Founding Fathers meant when they wrote in the Declaration of Independence that the pursuit of happiness is one of humanitys unalienable rights.

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The Pursuit of Happiness is not the acquisition of things in a marketplace of objects, but lifelong learning in a marketplace of ideas. Thats what the founders said, to be virtuous, to live a virtuous life, to continually educate yourself, is what was required to sustain this republic and I think thats what weve gotten away from. Everything is sort of all individualized. Were all free agents. We dont realize that freedom, the thing that we tout, is not just what I want, but also thats intention with what we need, he said.

The post Ken Burns Condemns Republican Plan to Defund PBS: I Couldnt Do Any of My Films Without Them appeared first on TheWrap.
When red and blue fireworks bathe the capital city skyline in a dazzling canvas of light this 4th of July, patrons of the arts can celebrate another milestone: The Kennedy Center is on its way to operating in the black as the Trump overhaul of the national theater continues.

Before the pyrotechnics begin, the president will sign his One Big Beautiful Bill into law on the White House lawn. On the 155th page of that mammoth bill, tucked between rescissions of low-carbon transportation grants and provisions to end environmental review fees, is an appropriation for $250 million to renovate the marquee center for the arts.

Republicans arent the typical advocates of the arts. However, this president is; a White House official previously told RealClearPolitics that the money was a specific request from Trump to lawmakers. And it isnt just public funds.

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Trump and first lady Melania hosted a VIP reception at the Kennedy Center last month to raise funds for renovations. Gold sponsorship cost $2 million and earned a donor premier seats, a photo opportunity with the president, and an invitation to a VIP reception after that evenings premiere of "Les Miserables." Silver sponsorships, meanwhile, ran for $100,000.

On the red carpet at the end of the evening, the president boasted to the press that the event earned a cool $10 million in private donations. Now, a source with direct knowledge tells RCP that the Kennedy Center 4th of July celebration "has broken all previous fundraising records to date."

Their Independence Day fundraising has yielded nearly $700,000 for the historic opera house - $25,000 more than ever before. All of this is unusual, or at least unexpected. When Trump fired the old board and installed loyalists as trustees earlier this year, protests followed.

Despite those demonstrations, so has the money.

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Finances are not likely to be top of mind, though, for the crowds that filter into Kennedy Center grounds for a better view of the fireworks Friday night. Instead, the public, not just the normal beltway patrons, will focus on what is being advertised as "free, patriotic fun for all." The National Symphony Orchestra will be simulcast. Concessions available. The views, spectacular.

"The Kennedy Center is the perfect place to watch the Fourth of July fireworks in Washington, D.C," said Ambassador Richard Grenell, the president of the center. "And this year our celebration of Americas independence will be bigger and better than ever before."

It is a unique chapter in the ongoing populist experiment. Trump returned to power promising trade wars and border control, not a revival of the arts. But the White House insists that returning the Kennedy Center to glory is an "essential" part of his "vision of restoring greatness to our nations capital."

A source familiar with operations of the theater told RCP that not only will the center "not be operating in the red anymore" on Independence Day, but moving forward, it will offer "an experience for patrons of all financial means."

Philip Wegmann is White House correspondent for RealClearPolitics.
OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEHT)  Downtown Owensboros Kentucky Guitar Works just celebrated one year in business , and capped it off by tackling one of the citys largest music festivals: ROMP.

The businesss Head Luthier has more on how they hope to continue growingone guitar at a time.

Owensboro is where Bluegrass Music dreams are made. On Daviess Street through the doors of Kentucky Guitar Works, Rick Faris isnt just building guitars. Hes building a legacy one string at a time.

Henderson Police Department hire first officer from outreach program

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The business is a space for Bluegrass music lovers and instrument makers to learn about everything from craftsmanship to business development. In the last year, theyve added an in-house apprentice, accumulated a year-long waiting list and handmade a dozen guitars.

People can come for a week. They can build a guitar and, have an experience of a lifetimeIt comes from a sawmill. It needs to be squared up and needs to be sanded, thinned and then bent. Some of the sides are bent, and then we start to assemble bracesglue them onshave those down. What weve got to do today is some sanding on some side sets, says Rick Faris, the Head Luthier.

Its one thing to survive your first year of business and another to take on your first ROMP Festival. The Festival is four days dedicated to celebrating bluegrass music that brings in over 20,000 people. Its Fariss third ROMP, but the previous two were spent as a performer.

It was a great success. We were down at the Hall of Fame museum talking to lots of folks while shaving braces on guitars. They could see a live demonstration, and it was something I could do while talking to folks They were inquisitive about the town as well, says Faris.

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Since moving from a one car garage in Topeka, Kansas to this new space, Faris Guitar Company is finding ways to ramp up production and accommodate multiple students. Something Faris hopes his friend of 20 years and now apprentice Shane DeWitt will be able to help with.

Hes just about to complete his fourth guitar, and Im very proud of him. Its been awesome to see him grow as a luthier, and he came from nothing. Hes done a couple of woodworking projects when he was a kid, says Faris.

Officials say theyll continue to take the steps needed to expand workshops for musicians.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
MOSCOW, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Russia and Ukraine on Friday conducted another round of prisoner exchange, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

In accordance with the Russian-Ukrainian agreements reached on June 2 in Istanbul, another group of Russian servicemen has been returned from the territory controlled by Ukraine, the ministry said in a statement.

It added that a group of Ukrainian Armed Forces prisoners of conflict was handed over in exchange. The number of released prisoners from both sides was not provided.

Russian servicemen are in Belarus and will be taken to Russia for treatment and rehabilitation in the military's medical institutions.

During their latest round of talks in Turkiye's Istanbul, Russia and Ukraine agreed on an "all-for-all" exchange involving seriously ill and wounded prisoners, as well as soldiers under the age of 25. 
Kenyan President William Ruto says he is building a church at the presidential residence in Nairobi that he will pay for himself - and says he has nothing to apologise for.

"I am not going to ask anyone for an apology for building a church. The devil might be angry and can do what he wants," Ruto said on Friday.

That statement alone has angered Kenyans already frustrated with his style of leadership and what they regard as the entanglement of the state and the church.

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The BBC has asked the government for comment.

It is not clear who Ruto was referring to as "the devil" in his comments at State House, but he says nothing will stop the project from going ahead.

"I did not start building this church when I entered the State House. I found a church but one made out of iron sheets. Does that look befitting for the State House?" a defiant Ruto told politicians at a meeting he hosted on Friday.

On Friday, one of Kenya's leading newspapers, the Daily Nation, published architectural designs showing a large building with stained glass windows and capacity for 8,000 people.

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The paper questioned whether the project was in keeping with Kenya's secular constitution.

There has also been criticism of the cost, estimated at $9m (6.5m), at a time when many Kenyans are struggling with the rising cost of living.

Ruto said he would pay for the church out of his own pocket, however that raises the question of whether he has the right to build such a large structure on state-owned property.

The Atheists Society of Kenya is threatening legal action to stop the church being built, calling it shocking and unacceptable.

"We view this action as anti-democratic and a promotion of Christian nationalism by President Ruto. We want to remind him that Kenya does not belong to Christians only," said the group's head, Harrison Mumia.

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William Ruto is Kenya's first evangelical Christian president, cultivating a pious image and earning him the nickname of "deputy Jesus".

During his many years in public office he has been known to quote scripture and cry in public - behaviour that has long alienated some Kenyans.

Back when Ruto was the deputy president, he erected a church at his government residence in the suburb of Karen, using it to host religious leaders of various faiths.

While roughly 85% of Kenyans are Christian, there is also a large Muslim population of about 11%, along with other minority faiths including Hinduism and traditional African religions.

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There is no mosque or temple at the presidency.

Meanwhile, Nairobi's Catholic Archbishop Philip Anyolo says clarity is urgently needed about the type of structure being built, otherwise it might be seen to favour one Christian denomination over others.

"We have to be very cautious with this. Such a structure ought to have been built in an area that is not a public institution. Unless what is being built is a chaplaincy, but that is also not clear."

You may also be interested in:

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  It was a contentious day in Washington, as all but two Republicans in the House of Representatives voted to approve President Trumps Big, Beautiful Bill.

Among those casting yes votes were Republicans David Valadao and Vince Fong.

In a press release Thursday, Valadao cited his vote as not an easy decision, as this bill cuts Medicaid coverage to the roughly 60% of the people living in his district that relies on it.

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Californias 22nd Congressional District encompasses parts of Kings and Tulare counties, as well as a portion of Kern running through the heart of East Bakersfield.

House sends GOPs big, beautiful bill to Trumps desk in major win for Republicans

Valadao also stressed that no legislation is perfect, and that this bill still supports his districts priorities.

Now, California leadership is expressing frustration with Valadao.

He might as well resign early, and I can call a special session, a special election. I mean, its one of the poorest districts in the county  its going to be devastated, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said.

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Representative David Valadao voted yes for the legislation after being one of the final holdouts.

Democrats in the House pulled out every stop possible to prevent this bill from passing.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jefferies (D-New York) held an eight-hour speech to stall the bill on the floor.

Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina wont run in 2026 after opposing Trumps bill

So long, in fact, that it beat the last record for the longest House floor speech  which was held by Congressman Kevin McCarthy  back in 2021.

Jeffries said the bill does more to undermine Americans, than help them.

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Meanwhile, 20th District Rep. Vince Fong also voted yes, expressing his support for the bill in a press release saying, in part: This landmark legislation delivers immediate and meaningful results for the Central Valley  providing much-needed tax relief for working families and small businesses, supporting our farmers and ranchers, securing our borders, and investing in the water and energy infrastructure that drives our local economy.

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The Kern County Democratic Party responded to passage of the bill, expressing its disgust, calling both Reps. Valadao and Fong cowardly against the pressure of President Trumps July 4 deadline.

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David Valadaos office did not answer 17 News requests for a response to additional questions, and instead referred us and constituents to his press release which can he found at this link.

The bill now heads to president Trumps desk to be signed into 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 KGET 17 News.
KERRVILLE, Texas  Search and Rescue crews are scrambling to locate missing people and help countless others in dire need after catastrophic flooding from a swollen Guadalupe River swept through the Kerrville area on Friday morning.

The Kerr County Sheriff's Office confirmed on Friday morning that there were at least 24 deaths.

Kerr County received more than 7 inches of rain  which much higher amounts upstream. An ensuing wall of water surged through the Guadalupe River, raising river levels over 20 feet an in hour, according to the National Weather Service.

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At least one home was swept away near the river with extensive flood damage in the city near the river banks.

Flood Watch, Warning And Emergency: Here Are The Differences That Could Save Your Life

"We didn't know this flood was coming," Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly said. "Rest assured, no one knew this kind of flood was coming."

Videos from Friday morning show the Guadalupe River so high, it nearly crosses over a bridge where traffic is still crossing.

'Deadly Flood Wave' Moving Down Texas' Guadalupe River Amid Flash Flood Emergency

Kelly confirmed in a press conference Friday afternoon that "dozens" of swift water rescues had been done so far.

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Social media feeds from the area are full of pleas for help to locate missing people.

Camp Mystic, a Christian camp for girls, says some of their girls are unaccounted for after "catastrophic flooding" swept through the camp area.

Kerr County officials said out of 700 campers, it's believed that 20-30 people are unaccounted for.

The camp, just 18 miles from Kerrville in Hunt, said it is conducting search and rescue for campers but help has been limited. The highway into the camp washed away, making it challenging to get additional help, the camp said. Power is out, and the internet is severed.

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A Flash Flood Emergency was in effect for Kerrville for several hours until Friday afternoon.

Deadly flooding along the raging Guadelupe River in Kerrville, Texas on July 4, 2025.

Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring expressed his appreciation to first responders Friday morning.

"Thank you to the men and women working to save lives, to save property," Herring said, emotionally. "Please pray for our community."

Multiple shelters are open across Kerrville for those displaced across the city.





Original article source: Kerrville slammed by historic flooding as search and rescue crews scramble to find missing children, adults
The Ukrainian capital has been attacked by dozens of Russian combat drones, Kiev authorities said in the early hours of Friday.

Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko said that the number of people injured had risen to 23.

Fourteen people had to be treated in hospital, Klitschko wrote on his Telegram channel. According to civil defence authorities, a 10-year-old girl is amongst the injured.

Residential buildings, educational and medical facilities and transport infrastructure were hit in at least five city neighbourhoods.

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Anti-aircraft fire could be heard in the city for several hours.

Train services are delayed due to damage to railway tracks, according to reports.

Since Thursday evening, the Ukrainian Air Force has reported 550 attacks with drones, missiles and cruise missiles across the country. According to the report, air defences destroyed 478 targets. There were strikes at eight locations.

In addition, debris from downed drones struck many places.

The capital took the brunt of the Russian attacks, according to the report.

Unconfirmed reports suggested that a primary target was the Vasylkiv military airfield south of the capital.

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Earlier, Donetsk Governor Vadym Filashkin reported that at least five people were killed by Russian attacks in the eastern Ukrainian region. A further 12 were injured.

Two men were killed the embattled city of Pokrovsk, near the front line, and three more in the villages of Bilenke and Illinivka. Filashkin once again called on the remaining inhabitants of the region to flee to safe areas.

Ukraine also attacked Russia with drones during the night. In the Rostov region, a pensioner died when a drone struck a two-storey residential building, according to the authorities there.

In the Moscow region, in the city of Sergiyev Posad, two people were injured in a drone attack, according to authorities.

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The Russian Defence Ministry reported in the morning that a total of 48 Ukrainian drones had been destroyed.

Ukraine has been defending itself against a full-scale Russian invasion for more than three years and has repeatedly urged its Western allies to strengthen its air defences.

Only on Tuesday, it became known that the US had stopped the delivery of some weapons to Ukraine, including anti-aircraft missiles and ammunition.

Shortly before the latest attacks on Kiev, US President Donald Trump had once again spoken on the phone with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin and discussed the war in Ukraine. Trump subsequently said that no progress had been made.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on Friday said Moscow showed "contempt" for the United States after Kiev was hit by a massive attack overnight, just hours after a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"Hundreds of Russian drones and ballistic missiles rained down on the Ukrainian capital," Sybiha said, arguing that Putin was clearly showing "his utter contempt for the United States and all those who have called for an end to the war."

Trump has been calling in vain for weeks for a quick end to the conflict and said he was "not happy" that no progress had been made after the call with the Russian leader.

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According to Ukrainian sources, the conversation was followed by more than 500 attacks with drones, missiles and cruise missiles.

The focus was on Kiev, where media reported heavy smoke in the centre of the capital after the attacks. Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko said 23 people had been injured.

Fourteen of them had to be treated in hospital, Klitschko wrote on his Telegram channel. According to civil defence authorities, a 10-year-old girl is amongst the injured.

Residential buildings, educational and medical facilities and transport infrastructure were hit in at least five city neighbourhoods.

Anti-aircraft fire could be heard in the city for several hours.

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The Polish embassy consulate building was also damaged in the attack, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski wrote on X. The staff were unharmed.

"Ukraine urgently needs air defence capabilities," Sikorski wrote.

Train services were delayed due to damage to railway tracks, according to reports.

Since Thursday evening, the Ukrainian Air Force reported a total of 550 attacks with drones, missiles and cruise missiles across the country.

According to the report, air defences destroyed 478 targets. There were strikes at eight locations.

In addition, debris from downed drones struck many places.

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Unconfirmed reports suggested that a primary target was the Vasylkiv military airfield south of the capital.

Earlier, Donetsk Governor Vadym Filashkin reported that at least five people were killed by Russian attacks in the eastern Ukrainian region. A further 12 were injured.

Two men were killed the embattled city of Pokrovsk, near the front line, and three more in the villages of Bilenke and Illinivka. Filashkin once again called on the remaining inhabitants of the region to flee to safe areas.

Ukraine also attacked Russia with drones during the night. In the Rostov region, a pensioner died when a drone struck a two-storey residential building, according to authorities in the region.

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In the Moscow region, in the city of Sergiyev Posad, two people were injured in a drone attack, according to authorities.

The Russian Defence Ministry reported in the morning that a total of 48 Ukrainian drones had been destroyed.

Ukraine has been defending itself against a full-scale Russian invasion for more than three years and has repeatedly urged its Western allies to strengthen its air defences.
KILGORE, Texas (KETK)  Kilgore Police are seeking the publics assistance in finding two men accused of burglarizing a storage unit facility.

Second Rains County judge indicted for witness tampering

According to the department, they need assistance finding 47-year-old Aaron Fouse and 46-year-old Justin Taylor.

Aaron Fouse  Courtesy of Kilgore PD

Justin Taylor  Courtesy of Kilgore PD

Both were identified as the suspects in a burglary of the Claytons Security Storage facility on Danville Road.

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If you have any information regarding the crime or their whereabouts, contact Detective Jacob Lira at 903-985-2442. The case number to referene is 2506-2086.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
In the pilot phase, housing will be developed in seven towns: Yeruham, Dimona, Arad, Kiryat Shmona, Shlomi, Acre, and Nahariya.

Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael  Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) announced plans to help Israels northern and southern communities recover after nearly two years of war.

The new initiative, led by graduates of pre-military academies (mechinot), aims to strengthen the communities through long-term communal frameworks and housing subsidies.

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The plan was approved earlier this week by KKL-JNFs executive board, and the organization now intends to purchase high-quality residential clusters in targeted towns, which will be rented to young adults at a regulated price.

Where will the initiative take place?

In the pilot phase, housing will be developed in seven towns: Yeruham, Dimona, Arad, Kiryat Shmona, Shlomi, Acre, and Nahariya.

People stand around apparent remains of a ballistic missile lying in the desert, following an attack by Iran on Israel, near the southern city of Arad, Israel October 2, 2024. (credit: AMIR COHEN/REUTERS)

KKL-JNF is standing at the forefront of national recoverynot only in rehabilitating infrastructure, but in rebuilding communities and restoring social cohesion, said KKL-JNF Chairwoman Ifat Ovadia-Luski. This program reflects our deep commitment to revitalizing the periphery and strengthening Israels social fabric. Mechina graduates are among the most committed and capable young people in the country. They are ready to take on the mission of renewal. This is Zionism in actionnot just a slogan, but a way of life.

Once the program passes an initial pilot phase, KKL-JNF intends to open the initiative in more towns and to more key populations, including teachers, community service professionals, and more.
Naturalizing new citizens has become an Independence Day tradition, in Arizona and across the country.

"I get choked up because, I realize, this is the foundation of America," U.S. District Judge Roslyn Silver, who often presides over the July 4 ceremonies, told The Arizona Republic in 2024.

This year, as he begins a crackdown on undocumented migrants, President Donald Trump's administration has held up naturalization as an example of doing immigration "the right way."

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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services "is proud to welcome new citizens who made the right choice to lawfully immigrate, assimilate, and contribute to Americas greatness," spokesperson Matthew Tragesser wrote in a news release ahead of the holiday. "Taking the Oath of Allegiance and embracing U.S. citizenship is a remarkable act of patriotism."

Naturalization ceremonies on Independence Day will show new citizens a "welcome message" from Trump.

Still, naturalized citizens have not been exempt from the president's crackdown. His administration has revived a push to denaturalize U.S. citizens, and he has raised the possibility of revoking the citizenship of some of his political opponents.

Here's what to know about naturalization.

How many naturalized citizens are there in the US?

There were 24.5 million naturalized citizens living in the U.S. in 2022, according to the Migration Policy Institute. About 800,000 people have been naturalized each year since then, according to USCIS.

What is the process to become naturalized?

To become naturalized, immigrants must submit an application with documents proving they are eligible to be a citizen and pay a fee. Some are required to provide biometrics. Applicants must also pass an English test and a civics test and complete an interview with an immigration officer.

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The process takes a while: In general, immigrants are required to spend at least five years as a lawful permanent resident to be eligible for naturalization, or three years if they are the spouse of a U.S. citizen.

In 2024, immigrants spent a median of 7.5 years as a lawful permanent resident before they became citizens, according to USCIS.

The biggest share of naturalized citizens come to the United States as immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, or through family-sponsored preference categories, according to the agency.

Can naturalization be revoked?

Yes, naturalization can be revoked, but only under limited circumstances.

In general, the government must prove that the person procured their naturalization illegally, or through concealment or misrepresentation, according to USCIS.

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Denaturalization was commonly used during the McCarthy era of the 1950s to go after people suspected of having ties to communism.

Trump's administration is reportedly looking at denaturalizing American citizens convicted of certain crimes.

How many people are naturalized in Arizona every year?

Arizona naturalizes tens of thousands of citizens every year: The state is home to 63,857 citizens who were naturalized between 2016 and 2020, according to a 2022 report by the National Partnership for New Americans, a coalition of immigrant rights groups.

Drawing on census data, the report found the Phoenix metropolitan area has 340,000 naturalized citizens, followed by the Tucson metropolitan area with nearly 70,000, and then the Yuma metropolitan area with roughly 27,000.

Where are the July 4 naturalization ceremonies in Arizona?

This year on July 4, Arizona will hold naturalization ceremonies at 9 a.m. at South Mountain Community College and at 5 p.m. at the Mesa Convention Center.

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There also will be a ceremony at Saguaro National Park, according to USCIS.

Ceremonies will show 'welcome message' from Trump

This year's Independence Day naturalization ceremonies will show a newly released video of Trump welcoming new citizens, according to USCIS.

In the message, Trump urges new citizens to preserve American culture.

"It is with great pride, and wisdom  in so many different ways, because you have such great wisdom  that I welcome you into our national family," Trump says in the video, speaking from behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office.

"No matter where you come from, you now share a home and a heritage with some of the most exceptional heroes, legends, and patriots to ever walk the face of the Earth," he says.

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"All of the triumphs and glories of American history now belong to you. You have it in your being. You have it, like nobody's had it before."

Birthright citizenship, ICE: The latest on how Trump is impacting Arizona

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Trump's 'welcome message' and the tradition of new citizens on July 4
Palestinians gather around central Gaza, awaiting for aid to enter from a non-GHF distribution site on July 2. Credit - Ali Jadallah - AnadoluGetty Images

The United Nations says that at least 613 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza while collecting aid since the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) started operating in the strip on May 27, 509 of whom were at centers set up by GHF.

GHF is a controversial U.S. company backed by Israel to be the major distributor of aid in Gaza. The new aid distribution plan has been heavily criticized by the U.N. for its inaccessibility. Three of GHFs distribution points are in southern Gaza, making it a long and difficult journey through militarized zones for many Palestinians.

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From where I am, you have to walk 20 kilometers there and back, carrying food. Just the strongest and fastest can get there, Oday Basheer, who lives in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, told TIME in June.

The weaponization of food for civilians, in addition to restricting or preventing their access to life-sustaining services, constitutes a war crime, spokesperson for the U.N. Human Rights Office Thameen Al Keetan said in June.

One main controversy surrounding the organization is its use of private security personnel, as well as private logistics companies to facilitate aid entering Gaza and its distribution. Gunfire towards Palestinians in search of aid has repeatedly been reported, with witnesses claiming shots fired by Israel Defense Force (IDF) soldiers.

The IDF has previously said on multiple occasions that it has fired warning shots in the direction of suspects approaching troops, and that it has been examining further reports of civilian casualties at aid sites.

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Since GHF aid centers began operations, there have been at least 18 incidents of violence in which Palestinians have been killed at the aid centers, according to Gazas Health Ministry, its Civil Defense Agency, and health workers in Gaza.

On Thursday, the Associated Press (AP) reported that two anonymous U.S. contractors working with GHF said that guards at aid sites were using stun grenades, pepper spray, and live minution as Palestinians collected aid.

Video provided by one the contractors, published by the AP, also shows tightly-packed crowds of people jostling for aid with the sounds of gunfire and stun grenades nearby that appear to panic the crowds.

In Brussels this week, prior to the APs report, GHF chairman Johnnie Moore said: We have not had a single violent incident in our distribution sites[or] in close proximity to our distribution sites.

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There is an unbelievable effort around the world to try to shut down our operation. We will not be shut down, he added.

GHF said in a statement on Thursday July 3 that the reporting from The Associated Press is categorically false and that at no point were civilians under fire at a GHF distribution site. The gunfire heard in the video was confirmed to have originated from the IDF.

TIME has reached out to the IDF for comment.

As of Tuesday, GHF said that it has distributed over 56.5 million meals to Palestinians in Gaza since the start of its operations. TIME has reached out to GHF regarding the videos and testimony from contractors.

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This comes as over 170 charities and organizations, including Oxfam and Save The Children, have called for GHF to be shut down. Their joint statement issued June 30 says action must be taken to revert to the existing U.N.-led coordination mechanisms, and lift the Israeli governments blockade on aid and commercial supplies.

The GHF distribution program came into place on May 27 after Israel initially let small amounts of U.N. aid into Gaza following an 11-week blockade of the strip. The new aid scheme was established after Israel accused Hamas of stealing aid entering the strip, which the United Nations said it found no credible evidence for.

Under the Israeli governments new scheme, starved and weakened civilians are being forced to trek for hours through dangerous terrain and active conflict zones, the organizations statement says.

These concerns were echoed by Commissioner-General of The United Nations Relief and Works Agency, Philippe Lazzarini, on July 1. Lazzarini said that GHF provides nothing but starvation and gunfire to the people of Gaza. Under this new abomination, Gaza has gone from 400 aid distribution points to only four militarized distribution sites.

Most of Gaza is now under Israeli controls after the resumption of military operations in the strip in May.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
ALABAMA (WHNT)  According to the United States Concealed Carry Association, Alabama is one of the most gun-friendly states in the country.

While the state has laws that allow for easy purchase of firearms, it is also common among families in Alabama for people to be gifted or inherit guns from other family members. The question is, what does a person need to do if they are gifted a gun?

Starstruck: The Legend of the Mongoose

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Its pretty simple, Jackson County Sheriff Rocky Harnen said when asked that question. You are not required to register a gun thats given to you or even sold unless you purchase it from a gun dealer or business.

Harnen said that there are some restrictions on who can own a handgun. Mainly, you need to be 19 to legally own one in Alabama. It should be noted that Alabama does have laws that allow minors to handle firearms, but largely for sporting or hunting purposes. You have to be 18 to own a long gun like a hunting rifle or shotgun.

According to Harnen and Colbert County Sheriff Eric Balentine, the state does not require any kind of registration after the initial sale by a licensed dealer.

The only person who registers a firearm is the initial buyer of a firearm, Balentine explained.

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Education leaders react to DOE withholding $68 million in Alabama school grants

Both sheriffs said its still a good idea to have a bill of sale or another document that proves the gun has changed hands, just to be safe.

It is good to get a bill of sale or letter from the person providing the gun to you just for your benefit in case it may have been used in a crime, Harnen said.

Balentine added that its his standard practice to do so when he has bought or sold guns, and that it just gives law enforcement a better paper trail in case something bad happens.

While there arent any legal hoops to jump through, both Harnen and Balentine stressed that training is still very important for someone given a gun to be familiar with it.

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Balentine said that it should include some time on a gun range, preferably with someone who can show proper firearm safety and handling.

You need to be very familiar, he said.

Balentine said the Colbert County Sheriffs Office already provides firearm training for security teams at local churches and is planning to start a program providing training for people with concealed carry permits through his office.

The sheriff also recommends looking into private training courses that are offered by some gun ranges and stores. He specifically mentioned that Cypress Creek Indoor Range in Florence has several options for people local to the Shoals.

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The sheriff also said its important if you are new to handling firearms to start with something simple. He said if someone is unfamiliar with handguns, its probably best to start on a revolver or other simple pistol before moving to a more complicated semi-automatic.

Balentine said training can also come from family. He said he plans to go over gun safety at the firing range with his grandsons when they are each old enough. Balentine said that he plans to start his grandsons off with something basic.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BAGHDAD, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Iraq's prominent Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr called on Friday the country to have full control over weapons, and reaffirmed his earlier decision to boycott Iraq's upcoming parliamentary elections.

In a statement, al-Sadr called for dissolving militias and strengthening the army and police. He also emphasized the need to ensure Iraq's independence from any external influence, along with serious efforts toward reform and accountability for corruption.

In March, al-Sadr announced that he would not participate in the parliamentary elections in November due to the "persistent corruption" within the political process.

Al-Sadr's Sadrist movement emerged as the biggest winner of the 2021 Iraqi parliamentary elections with 73 seats but failed to form a government.

In June 2022, al-Sadr ordered his followers to withdraw from the parliament amid the prolonged political deadlock, insisting on the parliament's dissolution and snap elections. 
Russian leader Vladimir Putins Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov has said that the Kremlin is paying close attention to statements made by US President Donald Trump, who previously expressed his disappointment with the results of his conversation with Vladimir Putin.

Source: Interfax, a Russian news outlet; Telegram channel Vy Slushali Mayak (You listened to the Lighthouse) with reference to Peskov

Quote from Peskov: "Of course, we are paying very close attention to all of President Trump's statements. During the conversation, President Putin reiterated that we are interested in achieving our goals during the special operation [as the Russians refer to the Russo-Ukrainian war  ed.], and preferably doing so through political and diplomatic means." [N.B. Ukrainska Pravda does not recognise Putin as president  ed.]

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Details: Peskov said that as long as it is impossible to achieve these goals "by diplomatic means", Russia will continue its so-called special operation, i.e., full-scale war against Ukraine.

Peskov also noted that Putin informed Trump that hes waiting for the dates of the third round of direct negotiations with Ukraine to be agreed.

Background:

Russian ruler Vladimir Putin announced that he would have a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump on 3 July.

Trump later confirmed the telephone conversation with Putin, which was to take place at 10:00 US time (17:00 Kyiv time).

After the conversation, the US president said that he had not made any progress in talks with Putin on ending Russia's war against Ukraine.

In another comment to the media about his conversation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, US President Donald Trump said that the Russian ruler had no intention of ending the war.

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MOSCOW (Reuters) -The Kremlin said on Friday that Russia closely follows all of Donald Trump's statements after the U.S. president said he was "very disappointed" with his latest conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the war in Ukraine.

Trump, who had confidently stated last week that Putin was "looking to settle" the conflict, said after Thursday's phone call that he did not think the Russian leader was looking to stop it.

Asked about the comments, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters: "Of course, we are paying very close attention to all of President Trump's statements."

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He did not address Trump's implied criticism of Putin.

Trump, who returned to the White House in January with a promise to swiftly end the "bloodbath" in Ukraine, said after Thursday's call: "I didn't make any progress with him at all."

Peskov said Putin had told Trump that Russia would prefer to achieve its goals in Ukraine by political and diplomatic means, but in the meantime would continue what it calls its "special military operation".

He said the Kremlin leader had told Trump that Russia expects to agree a date for a third round of peace talks with Ukraine, following earlier talks in May and June.

(Reporting by Dmitry Antonov; Writing by Lucy Papachristou and Mark TrevelyanEditing by Andrew Osborn)
A pall of acrid smoke hung over Kyiv on Friday morning following a night of intensive Russian strikes that hit almost every district of the capital, according to Ukrainian authorities.

The hours of darkness were once again punctuated by the staccato of air defence guns, buzz of drones and large explosions. Ukraine said Russia fired a record 550 drones and 11 missiles during a long night of bombardment.

The strikes came hours after a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, after which Trump said he was "disappointed" that Putin was not ready to end the war against Ukraine.

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A woman was killed in Russia following Ukrainian drone attacks, officials said.

The acting governor of Russia's southern Rostov region said she was killed in a strike on a village not far from the Ukrainian border.

Russia's overnight air strikes broke another record, Ukraine's air force said, with 72 of the 550 drones penetrating air defences - up from a previous record of 537 launched last Saturday night.

Air raid alerts sounded for more than eight hours as several waves of attacks struck Kyiv, the "main target of the strikes", the air force said on the messaging app Telegram.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned one of the most "demonstratively significant and cynical" attacks of the war, describing a "harsh, sleepless night".

Noting that it came directly after Putin's call with Trump, Zelensky added in a post on Telegram: "Russia once again demonstrates that it does not intend to end the war".

He called on international allies - particularly the US - to increase pressure on Moscow and impose greater sanctions.

Footage shared on social media by Ukraine's state emergency service showed firefighters battling to extinguish fires in Kyiv after Russia's large-scale overnight attack.

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At least 23 people were wounded in the attacks on Kyiv, according to Ukrainian authorities, with railway infrastructure damaged and schools, buildings and cars set ablaze across the capital. Poland's foreign minister, Radosaw Sikorski, said the Polish embassy had also been damaged.

The Russian strikes also hit the regions of Sumy, Kharkiv, and Chernihiv.

Destroyed vehicles at the site of a school damaged in Russia's massive overnight attack on Kyiv [Reuters]

Friday's attacks were the latest in a string of major Russian air strikes on Ukraine that have intensified in recent weeks as ceasefire talks have largely stalled.

War in Ukraine has been raging for more than three years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

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Following his conversation with Putin on Thursday, Trump said that "no progress" to end the fighting had been made.

"I'm very disappointed with the conversation I had today with President Putin, because I don't think he's there, and I'm very disappointed," Trump said.

"I'm just saying I don't think he's looking to stop, and that's too bad."

The Kremlin reiterated that it would continue to seek to remove "the root causes of the war in Ukraine". Putin has sought to return Ukraine to Russia's sphere of influence and said last week that "the whole of Ukraine is ours".

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Responding to Trump's comments on Friday, Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the BBC that as long as it was not possible to secure Russia's aims through political-diplomatic means, "we are continuing our Special Military Operation" - Russia's preferred name for the invasion.

Meanwhile, President Zelensky said that he hoped to speak to Trump about the supply of US weapons after a decision in Washington to halt some shipments of critical weapons to Ukraine, including those used for air defences.

Kyiv has warned that the move would impede its ability to defend Ukraine against escalating airstrikes and Russian advances on the frontlines.

Speaking to reporters, Trump said "we're giving weapons" and "we haven't" completely paused the flow of weapons. He blamed former President Joe Biden for "emptying out our whole country giving them weapons, and we have to make sure that we have enough for ourselves".

[BBC]

More on this story
A warehouse of the book publishing house and online shop Nash Format was damaged in a Russian attack on the city of Kyiv on 4 July.

Source: PEN Ukraine; Nash Format on Facebook

Details: In particular, the facade of the building was significantly damaged due to the blast wave from the explosion and debris  all of the windows were broken, the ceiling was damaged, part of the walls collapsed and the inside of the warehouse and an office was destroyed.

Photo: nash Format on Facebook

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In addition, many books were damaged during the attack and subsequent firefighting.

Photo: nash Format on Facebook

"But the most important thing is that no one was injured or dead. We can replace the iron and concrete, reprint the books," Nash Format noted.

The publishing house also emphasised that the sending of orders was temporarily suspended, because the entire team is working on resuming work.

Photo: nash Format on Facebook

"The website and call centre of the online shop are working and we are ready to answer all questions about orders. We plan to resume shipping next week. Thank you to all readers for your understanding," they conclude.

Background:

A warehouse and office belonging to the Ukrainskyi Priorytet (Ukrainian Priority), another publishing house, were completely destroyed in a Russian attack that took place on the night of 16-17 June.

On 23 May 2024, the Russians hit the Faktor-Druk printing house in Kharkiv. Fifty thousand books were burned, seven people were killed and 22 employees injured. In addition to Vivat books, Factor-Druk produced books for KSD, Ranok, Folio, Svichado, Zelenyi Pes and other publishers.

In September 2024, Factor-Druk resumed its work. Half a year later, in March, its premises were renovated. American businessman and billionaire philanthropist Howard Buffett helped in this effort.

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A coalition of nearly 50 organizations has joined forces to pressure L.L. Bean to cut ties with its banking partner that finances oil and gas projects, Maine Public reported.

What started as one person holding a sign outside L.L. Bean's Freeport headquarters has become a nationwide movement over almost two years.

Third Act Maine now leads protests with over two dozen people, and its campaign has spread nationwide. The group wants L.L. Bean to either ask Citibank to stop financing oil and gas projects or find a new bank.

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Many companies are moving away from oil and gas toward cleaner options, and investments in old energy companies have become money losers. Clean energy companies are doing much better, making them smarter choices for people who want their money to grow over time.

If L.L. Bean switches banks, it could help the planet right away. The company would shrink its carbon footprint and join competitors like Patagonia, which promised to ditch oil and gas and reach net zero. When companies care about the planet, customers tend to stick with them and feel good about their purchases.

Ditching oil and gas investments makes more financial sense now than ever. Sure, there are ups and downs, but clean economy investments keep getting stronger thanks to new policies and better technology. Companies that make these changes early often do better at attracting customers and workers who care about the environment.

Tom Mikulka of Cape Elizabeth, one of the campaign organizers, said L.L. Bean's motto, "the outside is inside everything we do," means the company should address environmental problems.

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"We've learned that banking is not carbon neutral," Mikulka said. "Until they change banks, their carbon footprint is probably doubled more than all their trucking and everything else."

Only time will tell whether L.L. Bean will align its banking choices with its outdoor values.

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 Brief

The city of Los Angeles is pre-deploying the local fire department ahead of the 4th of July to mitigate the risk of brush fires.

More than 600,000 pounds of illegal fireworks have been seized in California so far this year, more than double the total amount seized in all of 2024.

Several cities across Los Angeles County have canceled their 4th of July fireworks displays.

LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles is preparing for the 4th of July, including the potential fire risk associated with all the fireworks that will be set off over the next several days.

What we know

Mayor Karen Bass announced on Thursday that the Los Angeles Fire Department is pre-deploying ahead of the holiday, citing the heightened risk of fires from illegal fireworks.

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The LAFD will have extra brush patrols, helicopter crews, wildfire hand crews and more additional staff throughout the weekend.

"Fourth of July weekend is a celebratory time in our American city of Los Angeles, and we need to make sure that we are celebrating safely," Bass said.

SUGGESTED: 4th of July fireworks events: List for Los Angeles County

By the numbers

Illegal fireworks have already had a huge impact in California this year. Gov. Gavin Newsom's office announced earlier this week that the state has seized more than 600,000 pounds of illegal fireworks so far this year. That's more than double the 288,000 pounds seized all of last year.

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On Thursday, an explosion at a house in Simi Valley killed one person. Fireworks are believed to be responsible for the blast.

In the last two months in Los Angeles County alone, officials have seized more than 100,000 pounds of illegal fireworks.

RELATED: 100,000 lbs. of illegal fireworks seized in LA County amid wildfire threats, upcoming holiday weekend

Dig deeper

Several cities across Southern California have canceled or postponed their Independence Day fireworks displays, over concerns about federal immigration raids. Without these massive events, the potential for more people holding their own fireworks shows this holiday weekend.

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SUGGESTED: 4th of July events: List of California celebrations canceled over 'safety concerns'

Many California communities do still allow some sort of legal fireworks, which the state calls "Safe and Sane" fireworks, including El Monte, Alhambra, Huntington Park, Anaheim, San Bernardino and more. The full list can be found on the Cal Fire website here.

Any legal fireworks need to have a seal from the State Fire Marshal's office. Anyone who sets off illegal fireworks could face up to $50,000 in fines and up to a year in jail.

The Source

Information in this story is from a press release from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass' office, a press release from California Gov. Gavin Newsom, A 4th of July fireworks safety tip sheet from Cal Fire and previous FOX 11 reports.
LAKE CITY, S.C. (WBTW)  Lake City officials are calling for patience from the community as police continue to investigate and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division reviews the killing of well-known local businessman Fernander Barr.

Lake City police responded the night of June 19 to Simmons Street for a shooting. Responding officers found one person with several gunshot wounds, one person with severe lacerations to their neck, and another person with what appeared to be blunt force injuries to their face.

The officers found three people in the front yard of a home, bleeding profusely from various injuries, with a female screaming for help, Police Chief Patrick Miles said.

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All three individuals, the decedent [Barr] included, were conscious on law enforcements arrival and were transported to nearby hospitals by Florence County EMS, Miles said in a news release. Investigators recovered the edged weapon along with the handgun from the scene and noted forced entry along with forensic evidence inside the residence.

Officers were able to determine that one of the men had what appeared to be three gunshot wounds  two to the back with no exit wound, and one gunshot wound to the left hand  while Barr had a severe laceration to his neck. An autopsy of Barr also confirmed he had a small caliber gunshot wound under his chin, which was consistent with the caliber of the other mans injuries.

A woman also suffered a laceration to her face and possible skeletal injuries, according to police. Barr died from his injuries at a local hospital.

Since the incident, the surviving gunshot victim and the woman have been interviewed by investigators. Authorities have also interviewed a third person who was inside the home with a child  neither of whom were involved in the altercation  police said.

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Our investigative staff have been in contact with the 12th Judicial Circuit Solicitors Office and no criminal charges have been filed. All appropriate steps and investigative measures are being taken, Miles said. This is a complex domestic-related death investigation where a series of events dating back to 2022 spiraled leading us to the events of that night. [Lake City police] asks for patience from the community. Analyzing the forensic evidence in this case will take time. The immediate family of Barr have been made aware of the details in this case, and we ask that the familys privacy and wishes be respected.

Police said Miles is also planning to request SLED to review the facts of the case as well. 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.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA)  Beginning Sunday, various roads throughout Greenville County will experience lane closures.

According to MetroConnects, a sewer service company, crews will begin inspecting manholes for two to three weeks.

Inspections will begin on White Horse Road, then expand to surrounding areas.

The following roads will be affected in the coming weeks:

Wade Hampton Blvd.

S. Washington Ave/W. Faris Road

N. Washington Ave.

Anderson Road

Poinsett Hwy/Rutherford Street

Howell Road

W. Parker Road

Cedar Lane Road

Rutherford Road

E. & W. Blue Ridge Drive

N. Pleasantburg Drive

State Park Road

Woodside Ave.

Grove Road

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Manhole inspections will run from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Mondays to Thursdays.

Map of manhole inspections across Greenville County. (Map: MetroConnects)



Representatives with the company said crews will inspect over 500 manholes, as part of a routine service. Officials expect to see no damages from Helene or recent inclement weather.

Detours will be in place and drivers are asked to be alert, patient, and slow down in work zones.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LANTANA  A 70-year-old Lantana man was killed Thursday afternoon when his SUV was struck by a Brightline train as he tried to cross the tracks at a Lantana intersection while warning signals were on, police said.

Charles Lasala was traveling eastbound in a 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe on West Pine Street at about 1:53 p.m. July 3 when he approached the railroad crossing at Dixie Highway, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. Lasala disregarded the flashing lights and safety arms of the railroad crossing and drove onto the tracks, deputies said.

Lasala reversed his SUV while on the tracks, but the passengers side of the vehicle was struck by a Brightline high-speed train that was traveling north. The Santa Fe was redirected northwest and struck a safety signal pole, where it came to rest, deputies said.

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Lasala was pronounced dead at the scene.

More than 30 motorists and pedestrians in Palm Beach County have been killed in crashes with Brightline trains since the rail line began service between Miami and West Palm Beach in 2018, figures show.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Driver of SUV killed in Lantana collison with Brightline train
Lapid reiterated a promise that his party would lend its 23 votes to any initiative aimed at bringing the hostages home.

Israeli Opposition leader, Yesh Atid head Yair Lapid, discussed regional developments with the president of the UAE, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, during his visit to his palace in Abu Dhabi, Lapid said in a Friday X/Twitter post.

The meeting was also attended by the foreign minister of the UAE, Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

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"We discussed regional developments and the paramount importance of bringing back all the hostages," Lapid wrote in his post.

Lapid reiterated a promise that his party would lend its 23 votes to any initiative aimed at bringing the hostages home. This followed a report earlier this week that far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was attempting to block a hostage deal.

In Israel's defense throughout Iran war

During Operation Rising Lion against Iran in June, Lapid sat for numerous interviews in English and Spanish-speaking international news to defend Israel's actions.

Head of opposition and head of the Yesh Atid party MK Yair Lapid leads a faction meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on June 30, 2025. (credit: FLASH90/CHAIM GOLDBERG)

On numerous occasions throughout the war, the opposition leader met with foreign diplomats, including those from Arab-speaking countries, in order to promote Israeli interests and develop a plan for the Gaza Strip once the war was over.

The visit to Abu Dhabi took place over a 24-hour period and was jointly coordinated. He did not meet with any other regional actors.

Eliav Breuer contributed to this report.
TOKYO, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Residents of an island in Japan's southwestern prefecture of Kagoshima have begun evacuating on Friday amid a series of earthquakes, local media reported.

On Friday morning, residents of the village of Toshima on Akusekijima, part of the Tokara island chain in Kagoshima prefecture, departed by ship, heading to the city of Kagoshima, where they are expected to stay in temporary accommodation, the public broadcaster NHK reported.

An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.5 struck off the Tokara island chain on Thursday, following over 1,000 felt temblors in the area in nearly two weeks, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

The weather agency said the temblor, measuring a lower 6 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale of 7 on Akusekijima, was the first with such an intensity to be recorded in the village of Toshima since comparable data became available in 1919.

Following Thursday's quake, local authorities in Toshima, consisting of seven inhabited islands and five uninhabited ones, pledged to evacuate residents willing to leave Akusekijima, the NHK said.

The first group of 13 people up to the age of 80 aboard the ship was scheduled to reach Kagoshima shortly after 6 p.m. local time on Friday, the report said.

The officials said the evacuation was expected to last for about a week, noting residents from other islands may also be evacuated. 
The most massive chunk of Mars ever found on Earth could sell for up to US$4 million in a Sotheby's auction later this month.

Believed to be the largest individual Martian rock recovered so far, the meteorite (officially named NWA-16788) weighs in at 24.67 kilograms (54.39 pounds). That's about 70 percent larger than the previous record-holder, Taoudenni 002, a meteorite found in Mali back in 2021 that weighed 14.51 kg.

A meteorite hunter came across NWA-16788 in November 2023, in the sparsely populated Agadez region of Niger, which is far better known for its dinosaur fossils than its meteorites. The Shanghai Astronomy Museum confirmed the rock's Martian identity based on a small sample sent there, and now this interplanetary treasure has a price tag, too.

Related: Man Keeps a Rock For Years Hoping It's Gold. It Turns Out to Be Far More Valuable.

The meteorite "shows minimal terrestrial weathering, indicating that its physical and chemical makeup have not been significantly altered since its arrival in the Sahara Desert," the Sotheby's listing explains.

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"In other words, NWA-16788 is likely a relative newcomer here on Earth, having fallen from outer space rather recently."

Does your rock collection need an upgrade? ( Sotheby's

Based on the high percentage of a glass called maskelynite, and a few shock-melted areas, we know that this rock was probably sent flying when a severe asteroid crashed into its home planet.

The Sotheby's listing states the meteorite was "formed from the slow cooling of Martian magma and [is] characterized by a coarse-grained texture composed primarily of pyroxene, maskelynite, and olivine."

Some scientists question whether such a rare specimen should be up for sale.

"It would be a shame if it disappeared into the vault of an oligarch," paleontologist Steve Brusatte from the University of Edinburgh told Jack Guy at CNN. "It belongs in a museum, where it can be studied, and where it can be enjoyed by children and families and the public at large."

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But planetary scientist Julia Cartwright from the University of Leicester gave CNN a different opinion: "The scientific interest will remain, and the new owner may be very interested in learning from it, so we may still gather lots of science from this."

The Sotheby's auction will begin on July 16 at 14:00 UTC.

Related News
A Largo firefighter has been fired for off-duty misconduct, including the use of an anti-LGBTQ+ slur, while attending No Kings protests in Tampa Bay last month, records show.

Largo Fire Rescue opened an internal investigation into firefighter Brandon Stoffel after receiving an email reporting that he was part of a group that confronted people protesting President Donald Trumps policies at June 14 rallies across Tampa Bay.

Stoffel attended rallies in Tampa, Largo and St. Petersburg while wearing a Largo Fire hat, a part of his official uniform, according to an investigative report released Thursday.

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Largo Fire received video and photo evidence of Stoffels presence and conduct on June 17. He was placed on administrative leave the same day.

Wearing a black T-shirt, a black Station 38 Largo Fire hat and sunglasses, Stoffel is seen carrying a blue Trump flag in numerous images and videos from the protest.

Stoffel admitted he used an anti LGBTQ+ slur in a pre-disciplinary hearing on June 19 with fire department officials, the internal affairs investigation report said.

Stoffel denied the use of racial slurs, which he also was accused of using.

On the same day, Largo Fire Rescue received an email complaint saying Stoffel had been part of a group that interrupted what had previously been a peaceful four-hour demonstration by using anti-LGBTQ+ and racist rhetoric and slurs.

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The June 14 protests in Tampa Bay against the military parade in Washington and President Donald Trumps immigration and other policies drew thousands of peaceful protesters.

Another email complaint sent to the fire department on June 20 said Stoffel could not be trusted to protect all people because of the hateful language he used, and therefore should not be employed as a firefighter.

Stoffel was fired on June 25 after the conclusion of the Category A investigation, the designation given to high-priority allegations. He was informed of his firing that morning in a meeting with fire chiefs Mike Carpenter and Emmett Sands, the report said.

There is an expectation that team members demonstrate and act with personal integrity, sound judgment free of personal biases, and within the shared values of our organization, the report said. It is through these shared values that the city and its team members can inspire public confidence and trust in city governance.

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A graduate of Largo High School, Stoffel studied at the St. Petersburg College Firefighting Academy, according to a Facebook account attributed to him in the records release.

In January, a completed performance improvement plan described Stoffel as having a deficit in the areas of both collaboration and integrity.

The document, which noted Stoffel had made improvements throughout the plans three-month timeframe, said Stoffel had previously struggled with professional communication, including keeping his superiors informed with updates regarding his May 2024 arrest for trespassing after being issued a warning, records show.

Stoffel was first hired in January of 2022.

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His actions were not consistent with the standard and trust the community expects and deserves, Summer Mahr, a Largo Fire Rescue spokesperson, said of Stoffel in an emailed statement.

We remain committed to integrity, equity, and providing safe, respectful, and trusted service to all, the statement said.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces said it opposes any construction along or near Mount Cristo Rey that would impair the religious, cultural historic significance of the area.

CBP looking to add border barrier near Mount Cristo Rey

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said it is planning to construct more than a mile of new border barrier near Mount Cristo Rey in Dona Ana County.

Courtesy of CBP

The proposed border barrier would be 1.32 miles long and would be south of Mount Cristo Rey.

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CBP said it was accepting comments and information about the proposed project. The comment period, however, closed on Thursday, July 3.

The Las Cruces Diocese said it submitted a comment to CBP on Thursday, regarding its request for input on the project.

The Diocese cited the mountains historic significance to followers of the Catholic faith and to migrants seeking a better life in the United States and inconsistent requests from the federal government concerning the scope of the project.

The statement reads in part:

The Diocese has taken, and continues to take, the position that a grant of entry onto land it owns for CBP purposes, whether temporary or permanent, would deter those pilgrims and migrants from exercising their religion as they have done for almost one hundred years, it said.

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The Diocese also said that a place of hope, faith, and communion would become a place of fear, exclusion and division.

The Las Cruces Diocese also said that any federal action to seize this land, construct physical barriers, or impede access to Mount Cristo Rey would constitute a significant infringement on religious freedom and the rights of worship, which are protected under both the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA).

The Diocese also said it has respectfully but firmly urged CBP, the DOJ, and the Department of Homeland Security to exclude Mount Cristo Rey and surrounding areas from all border barrier planning, surveying, or construction activities.

Here is the entire statement the Las Cruces Diocese sent to KTSM:

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The Diocese opposes any construction which would impair the religious, cultural, and historical significance of Mount Cristo Rey. Over the past several months, the Diocese has received multiple inquiries and requests from the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) seeking access to Mount Cristo Rey, located on land owned by the Diocese, for the purposes of evaluation for and possible development of a border wall. Throughout that period of time, the Diocese has expressed its opposition to any efforts by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the DOJ, or any other federal agency, to construct a border wall or related infrastructure on its property at Mount Cristo Rey.

Over the course of the Dioceses communications with DOJ regarding this proposed project, the scope of the right of entry requested by DOJ varied significantly, and the impact of the project proposed through the June 3, 2025 Request for Input on Border Barrier Construction in Dona Ana County, New Mexico on Mount Cristo Rey is not clear  and does not appear to be consistent with the requests previously made to the Diocese.

In addition to being a natural landmark visible throughout the borderland region of New Mexico, Texas, and northern Mexico, Mount Cristo Rey is a site of profound religious, cultural, and historical importance. For nearly a century, pilgrims have ascended Mount Cristo Rey in devotion and prayer, many of them making the trek annually for the Christ the King pilgrimage, a tradition dating back to the 1930s, when construction began on the iconic 29-foot statue of Christ at its summit.

Thousands of faithful each year from across the borderland region engage in pilgrimage to this site, viewing the mountain not just as a monument, but also as a place of prayer where faith transcends borders. Pilgrims to Mount Cristo Rey seek a place of prayer, reflection, and communion with God.

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For many migrants, Mount Cristo Rey represents hope, and is a reminder of the presence of God in their lives, even in the midst of a long, harsh and often perilous journey. The Diocese has taken, and continues to take, the position that a grant of entry onto land it owns for CBP purposes, whether temporary or permanent, would deter those pilgrims and migrants from exercising their religion as they have done for almost one hundred years. A place of hope, faith, and communion would become a place of fear, exclusion and division.

The erection of a border wall through or along this holy site could irreparably damage its religious and cultural sanctity, obstruct pilgrimage routes, and transform the sacred space into a symbol of division. Any federal action to seize this land, construct physical barriers, or impede access to Mount Cristo Rey would constitute a significant infringement on religious freedom and the rights of worship, which are protected under both the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA).

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces has respectfully but firmly urged CBP, the DOJ, and the Department of Homeland Security to exclude Mount Cristo Rey and surrounding areas from all border barrier planning, surveying, or construction activities. Throughout this process, and in response to the CBP request for comment, the Diocese has indicated that it welcomed continued dialogue and strongly encourage the agency to pursue alternative border management strategies that respect religious heritage, community values, and human dignity.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A mother is still grieving six years after her son was senselessly gunned down while heading home.

Every year that passes, closure seems more elusive for Shirley Arnold.

Her son Jamie was killed in April 2019 near University and Twain in the parking lot of the apartment building where he lived. The shooter remains on the loose.

It hurts, it hurts. Cause they treated him like he wasnt human, Arnold said. Thats something I cant explain to no one. I hurt inside. Thats what I feel. Its so much hurt.

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Her 36-year-old son was shot while walking from the 7-11.

Someone in a white Dodge Avenger or a similar vehicle pulled up alongside him, got out, and fired several rounds, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

Whoever did this, I forgive you. I have to forgive you, but only thing I want to know is why? Why you took his life? Arnold said.

8 News Now covered Jamie Arnolds shooting; he died at Sunrise Hospital five days after he was shot.

A neighbor captured video of him, clinging to life. His father had then asked for a shooter to come forward.

We are a close-knit family, and we would like to see some closure, Glenn Denison, his father, said Apr. 30, 2020.

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LVMPD gave a vague description of the shooter at the time, a man in his 20s wearing a black shirt and blue jeans.

Shirley Arnold lives in Chicago and makes the trip to Las Vegas annually to visit her sons gravesite, hand out fliers in the area where he died, and speak to police.

He didnt die of sickle cell. He didnt die of cancer. He got killed. He got murdered, she said. I want to know what did my child do to you to do this to him. Thats all I want to know.

Anyone with information about this is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section by phone at (702) 828-3521.

According to its website, Metro has 164 unsolved murders classified as cold cases since 2000.

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Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva urged South Americas biggest trading bloc to focus on strengthening ties with Asia, risking the groups unity.

Asia is now the dynamic center of the global economy, Lula said, but other Mercosur members including Argentina have argued for prioritizing European and US ties, with Argentinian President Javier Milei threatening to leave the group if his demands are not met.

The leaders dueling comments came ahead of a separate BRICS summit where Lula plans to defend free trade in the face of US protectionism, underscoring friction between Brasilia and Washington. We are in a moment of damage containment more than a moment of creating new instruments, a Brazilian diplomat told The Economist.
Far-right activist Laura Loomer is under fire for her posts about Alligator Alcatraz, President Donald Trumps new migrant detention center in the Florida Everglades.

The 32-year-old Loomer is known for embracing conspiracy theories and fiercely defending Trump. Loomer also has ties to Arizona, the state where she was born and raised.

Loomer is an activist and internet personality known for her staunch support of Trump. She hosts an online show titled Loomer Unleashed.

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Loomer previously worked for far-right activist group Project Veritas, known for its undercover operations and secret recordings aimed at discrediting mainstream media and progressive groups.

Is Laura Loomer from Arizona?

Loomer grew up in Tucson with her two brothers. Records indicate that her father, a rheumatologist, still lives in Tucson.

Where does Laura Loomer live?

Loomer lives in Palm Beach, Florida, according to campaign contribution records from 2024. She ran twice for Congress in Florida as a Republican. She was unsuccessful both times.

Why is Laura Loomer in the news?

Loomer drew backlash this week for suggesting that 65 million people should be sent to a new migrant detention center in the Florida Everglades and fed to alligators there.

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Alligator lives matter. The good news is, alligators are guaranteed at least 65 million meals if we get started now, Loomer wrote on X.

Critics noted that beyond her outlandish alligator comments, Loomers numbers were inflated. There are an estimated 11 million immigrants in the U.S. without legal immigration status, a far lower number than the 65 million that Loomer cited.

They also suggested Loomer was making a veiled attack on all Hispanics in the United States. The Census Bureau estimates there were 65.2 million Hispanics in the U.S. in 2023, a number much closer to the statistic Loomer chose.

She replied by doubling down on her false claim that there are 65 million ILLEGAL ALIENS in the United States.

What are Laura Loomers ties to President Donald Trump?

Loomer is a fierce defender of the president and, at times, has appeared to influence his decisions.

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Loomer met with Trump at the White House in April. He fired senior national security officials after she presented him with research that they had been insufficiently loyal to the president.

Trump told reporters that Loomer was not involved in the firing but called her a very good patriot and a very strong person.

Is Laura Loomer married?

Loomer said she was single in 2023 because she was more focused on Trump than dating. She called the president her number one priority and noted that her life is busy.

I dated somebody one time, and they thought that I was too focused on Trump. And they said that I gave my activism in support of President Trump more attention than I gave them, Loomer said. Thats right, because Trump is more important than you.

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Trump shared a clip of the interview in December 2023, with the message: Thank you, Laura!

What other ties does Laura Loomer have to Arizona?

Loomer often courts controversy online. She leveled Islamophobic attacks at Rep. Yassamin Ansari, D-Arizona, last month. Ansari had criticized a Loomer post about Muslims as disgustingly racist, and Loomer replied by saying there is no such thing as hate speech and falsely claiming that Ansari is a Muslim who came from Iran.

Ansari is one of the few religiously unaffiliated members of Congress, and she was born in Seattle to U.S. citizen parents. Ansaris parents fled Iran during the 1979 revolution.

Loomer has also been seen with Kari Lake, the Arizona Republican who lost statewide races for governor and U.S. Senate in 2022 and 2024. Lake is now the senior adviser to the U.S. Agency for Global Media.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Who is Laura Loomer? Who is the far-right activist with AZ ties?
Every 52 minutes, one person in the United States dies as a direct consequence of an eating disorder.

That's over 10,000 deaths in just one year, according to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders.

This devastating outcome can be even more common for teenagers, a crucial time for development that often results in poor mental health and body image.

17-year-old Mason High School student Lauren McCool is one of millions fighting these challenges.

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During McCool's freshman and sophomore years, she battled depression and bullying that, over time, developed into an eating disorder.

"I just found myself in a really deep place I had not been to before," McCool said. "I started looking at myself, and I just felt disgusted. I was like, 'I don't want to gain any more weight'."

After two emergency trips to Cincinnati Children's Hospital, McCool was recommended to begin an intensive treatment program for her eating disorder at the Eating Recovery Center in Cincinnati (ERC).

Lauren McCool (right) with her sister Rachel McCool (left)

During her five-month stay at ERC, McCool participated in an art therapy program, allowing her to recover and unleash her creative side without fear of judgment.

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"It became a way for me to express myself more," McCool said. "It didn't have to look perfect, and it was okay if it didn't look the best. There was no competition."

A few months prior, while in inpatient care at Cincinnati Children's, McCool received many texts from friends and family. However, a handmade letter from a friend wishing her well stood out amongst the rest.

Using that letter and her stint in art therapy as sources of inspiration, McCool had an idea to start a local nonprofit to replicate that same kindness she needed that day.

"I feel like that's what really inspired me," McCool said. "If my day can turn around the slightest because of one letter, I want other people to feel that way."

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In 2023, McCool founded Lauren's Letters of Love, a volunteer-based organization that crafts handmade notes for those in hospitals or residential treatment.

With this, the nonprofit participates in fundraising and local partnerships with other groups to donate art supplies for art therapy programs at hospitals and recovery centers.

"I collaborated with another girl who has a nonprofit in Columbus, it's called Color Me Happy and it's about art therapy," McCool said. "Our goal was $250 to buy art supplies, and we raised $350 for art supplies that we gave to ERC."

Lauren's Letters of Love's second writing event set up at the Countryside YMCA in Lebanon

McCool's father, Andy McCool, said he has watched her quickly grow from a patient to an advocate, supporting those going through similar situations.

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"It's just a proud moment for a parent to realize that she's stepping out of her comfort zone to help other people when people are there to help her." Andy McCool said.

McCool plans to continue to advocate and grow Lauren's Letters of Love in Cincinnati while she finishes high school, but will hand over the reins to friends while attending college out of state.

"I would love to expand in the Tristate area," McCool said. "I'll have to see how things go currently, but I definitely like how it's going so far."

Lauren McCool (middle) stands next to her father Andy (right) and mother (Teresa)

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Mason High School student crafts joy for those going through recovery
It could be easier for same-sex couples using fertility treatment or surrogacy to be legally recognised as a child's parent in Jersey if law changes are approved.

Proposals to the Children (Jersey) Law 2002 would also mean people who have consented to fertility treatment and passed away before the birth can be legally recognised as the parent.

Constable Richard Vibert, the Minister for Children and Families, said the registration of a parent on a child's birth certificate played a "significant role in affirming a child's identity".

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He added Jersey was "considerably far behind the UK in legislation" when recognising parents using fertility treatment.

Mr Vibert said: "This measure provides a meaningful and symbolic recognition of parenthood, supporting the child's sense of identity and belonging."

A parental order would also be included in the law to apply to children born in Jersey through surrogacy.

"A parental order transfers legal parenthood from the surrogate to the intended parents, extinguishing the surrogate's parental responsibility and granting the intended parents full parental responsibility," Mr Vibert said.

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"This ensures that the child is legally recognised as the child of the receiving parents alone."

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A measure enacted Thursday by Gov. Josh Green that reduces by nearly half the retirement benefits for future judges comes at a time when the state Judiciary is struggling to find qualified judges, especially on the neighbor islands, and they are facing an increasing number of threats to their safety.

Green initially supported Senate Bill 935, then told the Legislature last month that he might veto the latest version of it. On Thursday, he ended up signing it into law.

The measure reduces retirement benefits for judges appointed on or after July 1, 2031.

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SB 935 was one of 12 of 20 bills Green signed into law that were also on his intent-to-veto list. In response, both House Speaker Nadine Nakamura and Senate President Ron Kouchi announced they had no plans to hold a special session to consider overriding any of the governors vetoes.

The number of threats against Hawaii judges is approximately eight times higher than five years ago, according to the Judiciary. So far this year, there have been twice as many threats against them compared to last year.

In the latest incident in June, the Honolulu Police Department notified state and federal court officials that a 911 caller said an unidentified man was going to shoot a judge at a Honolulu courthouse.

Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald plans to retire Sept. 30, about a week before he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 70, after serving for 15 years as head of the high court. The state Judicial Selection Committee must provide Green with the names of at least four candidates to replace Reck tenwald, but so far has been able to find only three.

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So it has extended the application deadline to Sept. 11 for a 10-year term that pays $248, 124 annually.

Once he gets the final list of applicants from the committee, Green will select his nominee, who then has to be confirmed by the state Senate.

In the meantime, Associate Supreme Court Justice Sabrina S. McKenna will fill in as interim chief justice.

SB 935 provides no justification for why future judges should receive smaller retirement benefits. It was introduced solely by state Sen. Dru Kanuha (D, Kona -Kau-Volcano ), who did not respond to a request for comment.

Overall, SB 935 makes other changes in retirement benefits for a variety employees that had general support from some influential labor unions.

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But only future judges would see the size of their retirements reduceda provision that was opposed by unions including the Hawaii Government Employees Association, Hawaii State Teachers Association, State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers, United Public Workers and International Longshore and Warehouse Union.

HGEA, the states largest public workers union, objected to cutting future judges retirement benefits, writing in testimony, We find that this portion is counter intuitive to the general theme of this measure which is intended to help with the recruitment of public servants. This provision will severely impact the recruitment of new judgesspecifically, the recruitment of quality attorneys in private practice to apply as judges.

Similar concerns were expressed by the Hawaii State Bar Association and bar associations for Kauai and Maui counties and West Hawaii.

Recktenwald wrote to Green in May that the measure will adversely impact recruitment of judges and thereby the future of Hawai is judicial branch. This singling out of judges is especially concerning while judges have become lightning rods nationally for interpreting and applying constitutions and laws.

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Since 2019, applications for judicial positions statewide have trended downward overall and downward among women,  Recktenwald wrote. As a result, numerous application deadlines for these public offices have been extended. Indeed, from 2019 through the summer of 2024, 30 % of vacant judgeships statewide and 79 % of vacant judgeships on the neighbor islands have required extended application deadlines. The position of Chief Justice, which will be vacated this year due to mandatory retirement, also apparently did not attract the requisite minimum of four qualified applicants.

Recruitment challenges already lead to apparently prolonged vacancies of judicial positions that have in turn impacted the public. Reducing retirement benefits for judges will exacerbate the challenges of attracting the most highly qualified,  he added.

An announcement from Greens office Thursday that he had signed SB 935 into law included a statement from Recktenwald lauding a very productive  legislative session that included establishment of several new courts and judicial initiatives.

We are grateful that as part of the process, all sides have been able to express their views on SB 935 and we respect the Governors decision,  Recktenwald said. I thank the Governor and legislative leadership for their openness to considering issues relating to recruitment of judges and other important matters going forward.

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The Hawaii State Bar Association also wrote to Green in its opposition to SB 935. It is unclear why judges were specifically singled out ; however, it is alarming and will have a detrimental effect on our judiciary,  the attorneys group said.

Given the limited pool of qualified judges and candidates for judicial vacancies, HSBA is extremely concerned that reducing the pensions of retiring judges will further disincentivize qualified candidates from pursuing a vacancy. Additionally, the bar is aging, with many individuals either retiring or changing their status to inactive.

Coupled with a mandatory retirement age of seventy years of age, this further impacts the states ability to adequately fill the bench with qualified, thoughtful, and independent jurists  especially in light of public disdain for the rule of law, nationwide attacks on the constitution, and extensive threats to an independent judiciary.
The investigation into Suzanne Morphew's disappearance appeared to be at a standstill following the dismissal of Barry Morphew's murder charge in 2022. That changed when investigators found a rare chemical compound inside her body, which prosecutors say ties Barry Morphew directly to her death.

Barry Morphew was arrested near Phoenix, Arizona on June 20 following a grand jury indictment for allegedly killing his wife, 49-year-old Suzanne Morphew, a mother of two, who vanished on Mother's Day in 2020. The Morphews lived near Salida, Colorado. Morphew waived an extradition hearing and is now at the Alamosa County Jail in Colorado.

Just months after murder charges against Barry Morphew were dismissed in 2022 due to prosecutorial misconduct, investigators found Suzanne Morphew's body in September 2023 while searching in Saguache County, located in the southwestern part of the state.

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According to the June 20 grand jury indictment charging Barry Morphew with first-degree-murder after deliberation, many of Suzanne Morphew's bones were found "significantly bleached" when her remains were found in 2023.

Barry Morphew To Appear In Court After Grand Jury Indictment Charging Him With Wife's Murder

When an autopsy was performed in 2024, according to prosecutors, a deer tranquilizer called "BAM" was found in her bone marrow, which stands for the chemicals butorphanol, azaperone and medetomidine.

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Court documents say that Barry Morphew used the "BAM" deer tranquilizer to transport deer on his farm in Indiana.

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Barry Morphew was the only individual with a prescription for the deer tranquilizer within the area of Colorado he lived in.

"Ultimately, the prescription records show that when Suzanne Morphew disappeared, only one private citizen living in that entire area of the state had access to BAM: Barry Morphew," the indictment states.

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Barry Morphew's attorney, David Beller, told Fox News Digital that Morphew "maintains his innocence."

"Yet again, the government allows their predetermined conclusion to lead their search for evidence," Beller said. "The case has not changed, and the outcome will not either."

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Colin McCallin, a Colorado-based lawyer and former deputy district attorney for the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office in Colorado, told Fox News Digital the alleged connection between Barry Morphew and the deer tranquilizer makes this case "very strong."

"And so now with the discovery of Suzanne Morphew's body and of course the forensic evidence that the autopsy has yielded, we can see that this tranquilizer was indeed found inside Suzanne Morphew's remains," McCallin said. "And when I initially heard that, I was like, okay, well, there could be explanations for that. But then you find out how rare this compound is, this tranquilizer."

Barry Morphew Extradited To Colorado To Face Murder Charges In Wife's 2020 Disappearance

Barry Morphew's booking picture at the Alamosa County Jail.

The BAM deer tranquilizer, according to McCallin, is a tightly regulated substance used in certain situations - not on humans.

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"It's something that's made by one company. It's a highly regulated controlled substance that's only usually used by veterinarians or parks and wildlife officers," he said. "And then you found out that Barry Morphew is the only person in the region who has this prescription for this tranquilizer. All of a sudden, this looks like a strong case against Barry Morphew."

Though an autopsy revealed the presence of BAM in her body in an April 29, 2024 announcement, it would be over a year before Barry Morphew was charged again. McCallin said this could be explained by 12th Judicial District Attorney Anne Kelly being "methodical" in her handling of the case.

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"Just because they found the body and they found that tranquilizer, investigators still have a lot of work to do. There's no statute of limitations for murder. They can charge Barry Morphew now. They could charge him five, ten years down line. And I think they wanted to dot their i's and cross their t's and make sure that they were never in a position like the first prosecution," McCallin said.

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Eric Faddis, a Colorado-based attorney and former prosecutor, told Fox News Digital that the evidence allegedly tying Barry Morphew to the deer tranquilizer is a "game changer."

"There are other folks in the region who have access to the drug, but my understanding is they're mostly veterinarians, and people who work in animal sciences. And surely this revelation sort of points directly at Barry Morphew, which is a problem for the defense," Faddis said.

Barry Morphew was booked into the Maricopa County Sheriffs Office.

While Faddis says the alleged evidence tying Barry Morphew to the deer tranquilizer is an issue for the defense, he said that the prosecutors still face a major challenge.

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"I think prosecutors absolutely have an uphill battle and any sort of celebration for justice would be premature. I think that, you know, the case is largely circumstantial," Faddis said. "And on top of that, the prosecution has been handcuffed by the court based on their prior prosecutorial misconduct. And so they are not going to be able to call many of the experts who would be beneficial to proving the case. So for all of those reasons this is by no means a slam dunk and, in fact, I think on the balance it's actually going to be very difficult to prove."





Original article source: How law enforcement's discovery of rare drug in Suzanne Morphew's body led to her husband's eventual arrest
"China is the world's leader in the daily use of the digital economy." Speaking at the 2025 Global Digital Economy Conference, Erik Solheim, Chairman of the Europe-Asia Center and Former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, praised China's leadership in digital payments and tech accessibility, calling for closer China-Europe cooperation to shape global digital governance.
For decades, the US Department of Justice has used a tool to sniff out former Nazis who lied their way into becoming American citizens: a law that allowed the department to denaturalize, or strip, citizenship from criminals who falsified their records or hid their illicit pasts.

That power, under the new Trump administration, may be broadening.

According to a memo issued by the Justice Department last month, attorneys should aim their denaturalization work to target a much broader swath of individuals  anyone who may pose a potential danger to national security.

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The directive appears to be a push towards a larger denaturalization effort that fits with the Trump administrations hardline immigration policies. These could leave some of the millions of naturalized American citizens at risk of losing their status and being deported.

People who have committed violent crimes, are members or associates of gangs and drug cartels or have committed fraud should also be prioritized, the memo, issued by the head of the DOJs Civil Division, said.

But for many officials and experts, the real concern, they say, is that it is designed to strike fear in the hearts of legal immigrants across the country  particularly those who are at odds with Trump himself.

The politicization of citizenship rights is something that really worries me, I think its just flatly inconsistent with our democratic system, Cassandra Burke Robertson, a law professor at Case Western Reserve University, told CNN.

Reshaping immigration

The statute in question is part of a McCarthy-era law first established to root out Communists during the red scare.

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But its most common use over the years has been against war criminals.

In 1979, the Justice Department established a unit that used the statute to deport hundreds of people who assisted the Nazis. Eli Rosenbaum, the man who led it for years, helped the department strip citizenship from or deport 100 people, and earned a reputation as the DOJs most prolific Nazi hunter.

Rosenbaum briefly returned in 2022 to lead an effort to identify and prosecute anyone who committed war crimes in Ukraine.

But the department has broadened those efforts beyond Nazis several times, including an Obama-era initiative called Operation Janus targeting those who stole identities to earn citizenship.

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In 2020, Trump attempted to expand denaturalization efforts by creating a dedicated office at the Justice Department, but it was quietly disbanded by the Biden administration the following year.

One former DOJ official called the office a branding opportunity, noting that it was not particularly effective and did not fit with Trumps successors priorities.

Since returning to the White House, Trump has worked to redesign how the federal government enforces immigration in the country, pushing agencies like the FBI and US Marshals to join deportation efforts and targeting foreign student visas for people abroad hoping to attend a private university in the states.

Instead of reinstating the stand-alone office from his first administration, the entire Civil Division is now being told to prioritize denaturalization in all cases permitted by law, according to the memo, which also suggests that US attorneys offices across the country should flag cases where they may be able to initiate denaturalization proceedings.

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Trump filed 102 denaturalization cases during his first administration, contrasted with the 24 cases filed under Biden, DOJ Spokesperson Chad Gilmartin said on social media Wednesday. So far, the second Trump administration has filed 5 cases in its first five months.

Political consequences?

The DOJ told CNN in a statement: Denaturalization proceedings will only be pursued as permitted by law and supported by evidence against individuals who illegally procured or misrepresented facts in the naturalization process.

But current and former DOJ officials who spoke to CNN said that the beyond instructing lawyers to file as many denaturalization cases as possible, the memo is so broad that it could allow the Justice Department to invoke vague or unsubstantiated claims to expel people from the country.

Robertson, of Case Western, warned that the memo could give way to the Trump administration retroactively searching for missteps in the naturalization process of perceived political opponents, like student activists.

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Irina Manta, a law professor at Hofstra University, said that the administrations move could have a chilling effect on free speech, both political and otherwise.

I regularly observe the fear firsthand, she said.

Trump has publicly flirted with the notion of deporting American citizens he doesnt want in the country.

Though the seriousness of these statements is highly unclear, he has called for everything from deporting bad people  many of them [who] were born in our country to saying his administration should take a look at removing Elon Musk after his erstwhile ally criticized the presidents spending bill.

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At least one ally has taken a more formal step.

Last week, Andy Ogles, a Republican congressman, asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate whether New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdaniwho was born in Uganda and naturalized in 2018 should be subject to denaturalization proceedings because he publicly glorifies people connected to Hamas in a rap song.

Bondi has not publicly responded to the letter.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Local lawmakers and community leaders share how the presidents spending plan, Big, Beautiful Bill, will affect families in the Mid-South.

This is a big bill, a lot of things are going to happen, and so there are going to be a lot of impacts, said Worth Morgan, Chair, Shelby County Republican Party.

Morgan leads the Shelby County Republican Party. He and other conservatives are celebrating a huge win for the Trump Administration after a federal spending bill coined the Big, Beautiful Bill.

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Memphis schools could lose $17M in federal funds, district says

Morgan says some families may see impacts sooner rather than later.

They are not going to have taxes on their tips up to a certain amount, youre not going to have taxes on the overtime you make up to a certain amount, if you have a car loan there is a new deduction that youll be eligible for, if you have children there is an increase to the tax credit, said Morgan.

The bill is now set to implement new work requirements and other changes to programs like SNAP, the food assistance program, and Medicaid.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates the Medicaid cuts alone could total roughly $930 billion, with at least 11.8 million people at risk of losing their health coverage.

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For the people of Memphis, itll be a disaster. Its the worst bill imaginable you can have as a person living in Memphis, said Congressman Steve Cohen.

Cohen, District 9, says many in the Bluff City depend on Medicaid and other relief programs, but he is not the only Democratic lawmaker speaking out.

Senator London Lamar said in a statement that the bill threatens to shutter a quarter of nursing homes and risks closing nine hospitals in Tennessee alone. Thats not just reckless, its cruel.

House passes Trumps big, beautiful megabill

Hospitals have become increasingly reliant on Medicaid to stay open, and so now we are pulling the Medicaid leg out from under the stool, said Gordon Bonnyman, staff attorney with the Tennessee Justice Center.

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Theyve done this before, requiring work before you can get benefits for Medicaid or SNAP payments. Its never really worked very well. And most of the people want jobs, they cant get them, said Cohen.

The goal of this is not for anybody to get hurt, but to try and get the waste, the fraud and abuse that does exist in the system. There is some there, there is an estimate of up to $56 billion in Medicaid fraud last year, and they are trying to target the people that are abusing the system, said Morgan.

Morgan encourages people to do their own research and see how the bill affects their lives, but for now, he says the next question people should be asking politically is whats next?

Itll be very interesting to see what this administration is going to put forward next, said Morgan.

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The Memphis Shelby County School District says its preparing to lose $17 million of federal funding under the tax bill. Without that money, were told about 100 jobs could be cut.

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Restaurateur Patrick Whalen is tangled in a legal battle with investors over use of funding at Church and Union Charleston.

WP Church LLC  affiliated with Charlotte developer White Point Partners  has filed a complaint in North Carolina Business Court. It claims Whalen robbed Church and Union Charleston  or CU Charleston  and its investors, stealing at least $5 million in assets over the past five years. Court documents allege Whalen misappropriated funds for the restaurant and surreptitiously spent the money on his other restaurant projects.

ALSO READ >> No Tax on Tips provision set to boost income tax relief for 4M workers

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Charlotte-based 5th Street Group opened the Charleston restaurant in 2015.

Whalen told the Charlotte Business Journal in an interview that WP Churchs filing is disingenuous to say the least. He described the lawsuit as a shakedown, with WP Church looking for an easy cash payout.

Its not going to work with the 5th Street Group. Were not going to back down, Whalen says. At this point, its provably false.

Whalens attorney has filed a third-party complaint and cross claims on his behalf, as well as a motion to dismiss.

Read more here.

VIDEO: Mayor and council members call emergency meeting over cooling center setup
Eagle Falls on the Skykomish River in Index is arguably one of the most scenic places in Western Washington - but its beauty can be deceptively dangerous.

Within the past 5 years, there has been a slew of videos posted on TikTok of the falls that have gone viral, encouraging people to visit. In that same time frame, at least a dozen people have drowned there, according to Sky Valley Fire.

KIRO 7 News caught up with several people at the falls Thursday, who said they were there because they saw it on the social media app.

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Honestly, its been really nice. I think the water is really cold when you first jump in, but you do get kind of used to it, one told KIRO 7.

Sky Valley Fire says to visit with caution.

In June, a 19-year-old University of Washington student died.

Unfortunately, we are there every year, Battalion Chief Brandon Gardner said. Hes with Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue. Its pretty far out there. So our response time is, you know, could be 30 minutes for us to get our resources up there, he continued.

Battalion Chief Gardner says there are several reasons why Eagle Falls is dangerous. He says not only is the current deceiving, but the water is freezing.

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And the rocks are very slippery, the current is very fast, and the water temperature is anywhere from mid-40s to the lower 60s, Gardner said.

Gardner also advises people that if they do go to Eagle Falls, wear a life jacket.

You can be the strongest swimmer or think you are the strongest swimmer, and with the current and water temperature up there, it can humble people very quickly, Gardner said.

Those who went out to Eagle Falls on Thursday told KIRO7 they knew the risk and dangers going into it and made sure to play it as safely as possible when in the water.

I definitely did see on TikTok that all the comments were talking about the drownings and like be careful, one noted.
At least 95 people are dead and dozens are still missing after devastating flash floods slammed Texas Hill Country, with water rescues taking place along the Guadalupe River, which rose rapidly early Friday morning to the height of a two-story building. Almost a dozen are still missing from Camp Mystic in Kerr County, a girls' summer camp, officials said.

Of the fatalities so far, 75 have occurred in Kerr County, its sheriff, Larry Leitha, said at a news conference Monday morning. The dead include 48 adults and 27 children, with 15 of the adults and nine of the children unidentified. Camp Mystic, located along the river in Hunt, Texas, confirmed Monday that at least 27 campers and counselors died in the flooding.

"Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy. We are praying for them constantly," the camp said in a statement. "We have been in communication with local and state authorities who are tirelessly deploying extensive resources to search for our missing girls. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from community, first responders, and officials at every level."

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At least 10 Camp Mystic campers are still missing, along with one counselor, Leitha said. That was the first solid number officials provided regarding campers who remained unaccounted for, after previously estimating that it could be as high as 27. There were about 750 children at Camp Mystic when the floods hit, the sheriff said earlier.

Officials are seen in the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas as they assist in recovery efforts on July 6, 2025 after a flash flood swept through the area. / Credit: Julio Cortez/AP

President Trump signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County, at Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's request. On Saturday, Abbott said he visited the summer camp for the first time, calling the scene "horrendously ravaged" in a social media post.

"Today I visited Camp Mystic. It, and the river running beside it, were horrendously ravaged in ways unlike I've seen in any natural disaster," Abbott wrote. "The height the rushing water reached to the top of cabins was shocking. We won't stop until we find every girl who was in those cabins. "

The governor said at a briefing Sunday afternoon that operations would continue around the clock to search for anyone affected by the deadly storm. In addition to the dead, officials have not been able to account for 41 people in various parts of the state, according to Abbott, who noted that figure may underrepresent how many people are truly missing.

Debris is seen in the Guadalupe River in Kerrville, Texas on July 6, 2025. / Credit: Jorge Salgado / Anadolu via Getty Images

"Especially in the Kerrville area, there were so many people camping out near the river, people in RVs and things like that," he said. "There are people that are not known, confirmed missing because we do not know yet who they are."

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Abbott said searches will persist throughout the Guadalupe River system in hopes of locating anyone else and asked the public to contact local officials with information about friends or relatives believed lost.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Sunday he ordered three swiftwater rescue teams to Texas.

A view inside of a cabin at Camp Mystic, the site of where at least 20 girls went missing after flash flooding in Hunt, Texas, on July 5, 2025. / Credit: RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Images

Mr. Trump on Sunday told reporters he would visit Texas "probably on Friday," noting he had wanted to go Sunday but would have been "in their way."

At the Vatican, Pope Leo extended a prayer to the flooding victims during Sunday mass, saying, "I express my sincere condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones, in particular their daughters who were at summer camp, in the disaster caused by the flooding of the Guadalupe river in Texas in the United States."

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Although Kerr County was hit hardest by flooding, at least 13 others have been confirmed dead in different parts of Texas. About 150 miles east of Camp Mystic, Travis County has confirmed at least seven deaths, according to local officials. Travis County includes the Texas capital city of Austin.

At least four people were confirmed dead in Burnet County on Monday, said Captain Mike Sorenson of the county sheriff's office. Abbott said two people remain missing in Burnet: a 17-year-old girl and the county fire chief. Derek Marchio, the emergency management coordinator for the county, previously said more than 50 rescues had been conducted countywide since the flooding crisis unfolded.

Emergency management officials in Kendall County confirmed six deaths as of Monday and said rescue and recovery operations were still underway, and another two deaths were confirmed in Williamson County by county officials. Earlier, in Tom Green County, the San Angelo Police Department confirmed Saturday the death of a 62-year-old woman identified as Tanya Burwick. Police said Burwick was driving when her vehicle became submerged by floodwaters.

Officials comb through the banks of the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas on July 5, 2025 after a flash flood swept through the area. / Credit: Julio Cortez/AP

Officials have conducted more than 160 air rescues, Leitha said in an earlier update, adding that 850 uninjured and eight injured people have been rescued overall as of Saturday. U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a social media post that the U.S. Coast Guard was responsible for saving 223 of those people, as dramatic video showed Guard members conducting aerial rescues near Kerrville, while dark water covered the ground.

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Noem also said Coast Guard rescue swimmer and Petty Officer Scott Ruskin "saved an astonishing 165 victims in the devastating flooding in central Texas. This was the first rescue mission of his career and he was the only triage coordinator at the scene." She called Ruskin "an American hero."

The Department of Homeland Security oversees the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

"We've been rescuing people out of these camps by the hundreds, you know, all day," said Dalton Rice, the city manager for Kerville, on Saturday night. "There's a lot of folks that are shelter in place, so we leave them in place to make sure that we get them food, water."

Damaged vehicles and debris are seen roped off near the banks of the Guadalupe River after flooding in Ingram, Texas, Friday, July 4, 2025. / Credit: Michel Fortier/The San Antonio Express-News via AP

Abbott originally signed a federal disaster declaration in the immediate aftermath of the floods early Friday, which he later updated to include several other counties in Texas that were damaged by storms.

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Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly said in Saturday's briefing that his property was also devastated by the flooding and he "barely got home" on Friday. Kelly also said he had visited a funeral home and "got to see firsthand many of the body bags" before going on a helicopter ride with Sen. John Cornyn and Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring to survey the damage.

"It's gonna be a long time before we're ever going to be able to clean it up much less rebuild it," Kelly said. "We didn't know. We knew we'd get rain, we know the river rises but nobody saw this coming."

Onlookers survey damage along the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas. / Credit: Eric Gay/AP

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said in a news briefing on Friday that there hadn't been "a drop of rain until the tragedy struck" earlier in the day, and that the Guadalupe River had risen about 26 feet in 45 minutes. An alert went out around 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. local time Friday, he said.

As questions circulate as to whether the flood warnings and alerts were sufficient and effective, another summer camp near the Guadalupe River, Presbyterian Mo-Ranch Assembly, has received praise for its rapid evacuation. Lisa Winters, the communications director for the camp, told The Associated Press that the facilities manager at Mo-Ranch noticed the river beginning to rise at about 1 a.m. local time Friday. Although camp leadership said they had not received evacuation guidance from local authorities, they quickly relocated about 70 children and adults who were staying overnight in a building near the water.

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Speaking to reporters late Friday night aboard Air Force One, Mr. Trump called the floods a "terrible thing." On Saturday, he said his administration was working with state and local officials "on the ground" in Texas to respond to the flooding.

"Melania and I are praying for all the families impacted by this horrible tragedy," Mr. Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. "Our Brave First Responders are on site doing what they do best. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!"

Onlookers walk along the banks of the Guadalupe River in Louise Hays Park, on July 5, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas, following heavy flooding. / Credit: Rodolfo Gonzalez/AP

How did the Guadalupe River flood so quickly?

Meteorologists say storms in the area converged with remnant moisture from what was formerly Tropical Storm Barry, which made landfall in eastern Mexico early last week and moved northward. That produced exceptionally high rainfall totals in a region that is susceptible to flooding.

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Rice, Kerrville's city manager, explained how the Guadalupe River flooded so quickly.

"When you look at the headwaters of the Guadalupe ... there's a north and a south fork," Rice said Friday night. "Since 1987, under normal conditions, if you can call it that, you'll hit water in one of those areas, and those two forks will converge into the Guadalupe, which comes through the city of Kerrville."

"This rain event sat on top of that and dumped more rain than what was forecasted on both of those forks," Rice continued. "When we got the report, it was about 7 feet or so on the south fork, and within a matter of minutes it was up to 29 feet, and all of that converged at Guadalupe."

The Guadalupe River at Hunt reached its second-highest height on record, higher than the famous 1987 flood, the city said, citing the National Weather Service.

A raging Guadalupe River leaves fallen trees and debris in its wake, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas. / Credit: Eric Gay/AP

The Texas Division of Emergency Management had multiple meetings since Thursday to prepare, but the National Weather Service "did not predict the amount of rain" that actually fell, officials said, adding that forecasters originally estimated up to 8 inches of rainfall for the area.

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Kerr County judge Rob Kelly said the area does "not have a warning system," and authorities were shocked by the ferocity of the floods.

"We had no reason to believe that this was gonna be any, anything like what's happened here. None whatsoever," Kelly told "CBS Evening News."

A man surveys damage left by a raging Guadalupe River, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas. / Credit: Eric Gay/AP

People are reunited at a reunification center after flash flooding hit the area, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Ingram, Texas. / Credit: Eric Gay/AP

Texas issued flash flood emergencies in five counties in West Texas on Friday as Hill Country continued to be slammed by severe rain and flooding. Between 5 and 11 inches of rain have fallen in northwestern Bandera County, Central Kerr County, Northeastern Tom Green County, East Central Kerr County and West Central Kendall County, according to the National Weather Service.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing

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There are hundreds of people on the ground from various units helping with search and rescue operations, officials said. The operations have included drones, helicopters, rescue divers, boats and high-water vehicles, after Abbott signed a disaster declaration for several counties hit by flooding.

At a news conference, the governor said his declaration "ensures all the counties will have access to every tool, strategy, personnel that the state of Texas can provide to them, which will be limitless."

"We will stop at nothing to ensure that every asset and person and plane, whatever is needed, is going to be involved in the process of rescuing every last person and ensure everybody involved in this is going to be fully accounted for," Abbott said.

A helicopter flies over the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas. / Credit: Eric Gay/AP

First responders scan the banks of the Guadalupe River for individuals swept away by flooding in Ingram, Texas, Friday, July 4, 2025. / Credit: Michel Fortier/The San Antonio Express-News via AP

Lorena Gullen, who owns a restaurant right next to an RV park that was affected by the floods, said "raging water" swept away vehicles, some with people still inside. Residents at the park had been celebrating the Fourth of July.

"You could also see vehicles coming from up the river with the lights on and hear somebody honking, and they were washing away but they kept going," she told "CBS Evening News." "It was impossible."

Over 2 dozen people still missing

Three girls from Dallas  8-year-olds Hadley Hanna and Eloise Peck and 9-year-old Lila Bonner  were identified as missing Camp Mystic campers. Bonner's family confirmed to CBS Texas on Saturday that she was among the children confirmed dead in the flood and Peck's family on Sunday posted a note at their home saying she had died as well.

Two sisters from Dallas  13-year-old Blair Harber and 11-year-old Brooke Harber  were also confirmed dead Saturday by the St. Rita Catholic Community church in Dallas. The sisters were not attending Camp Mystic, but were staying with their grandparents in an area along the Guadalupe River where the flooding occurred. Their grandparents remain unaccounted for, according to the church. The girls' parents were in a separate cabin and were not harmed.

Meanwhile, Rep. August Pfluger of Texas said Saturday that two of his three children were evacuated from Camp Mystic.

"The last day has brought unimaginable grief to many families and we mourn with them as well as holding out hope for survivors," Pfluger said in a post on X.

On Friday, Patrick addressed the parents of children at Camp Mystic. The lieutenant governor, who briefly acted as governor while Abbott was on vacation, said they are praying for all those missing "to be found alive."

"If they are alive and safe, we will find them and bring them home to you," Patrick said Friday.

Families line up at a reunification center after flash flooding it the area, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Ingram, Texas. / Credit: Eric Gay / AP

First responders deliver people to a reunification center after flash flooding in the area, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Ingram, Texas. / Credit: Eric Gay / AP

Camp Mystic is an all-girls summer camp, which runs several camps attended by thousands of children during the summer, Patrick said. In a statement read Friday by the lieutenant governor, the camp said they did not have power, water or Wi-Fi in the aftermath of what it called a "catastrophic level" of flooding. The statement added that "the highway has washed away, so we are struggling to get more help."

Here's where you can donate to help Central Texas flood recovery

The camp sits on a strip known as "flash flood alley," Austin Dickson, the CEO of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, told The Associated Press. The foundation is a charitable endowment that collects donations to help nonprofits responding to the disaster.

"When it rains, water doesn't soak into the soil," Dickson said. "It rushes down the hill."

A flood gauge marks the height of water flowing over a farm-to-market road near Kerrville, Texas, on Friday, July 4, 2025. / Credit: Eric Gay / AP

A man surveys damage left by a raging Guadalupe River, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas. / Credit: Eric Gay / AP

Elinor Lester, 13, told the AP that she and her cabinmates were evacuated by helicopter. Her cabin was on elevated ground, but younger campers bunked in cabins situated along the riverbank, she said. Those were the first to flood. Younger campers came up the hill for shelter.

"The camp was completely destroyed," she said. "It was really scary. Everyone I know personally is accounted for, but there are people missing that I know of and we don't know where they are."

Her mother, Elizabeth Lester, told the AP her son was at Camp La Junta, a nearby summer camp, and also survived after a counselor woke up, saw rising water and helped the boys swim out through a window. Camp La Junta and another camp on the river, Camp Waldemar, said in Instagram posts that all campers and staff there were safe.

"My kids are safe, but knowing others are still missing is just eating me alive," Elizabeth Lester told the AP.

Death toll rises as desperate search for Texas flash flood survivors continues

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The death toll from sudden floods in the Texas Hill Country rose to 24 Friday night, officials said, as the search for more than 20 people missing from a girls summer camp continued through the night.

The water from the flooded Guadalupe River swept into Kerr County and other areas around 4 a.m. Friday after heavy rains, authorities said. Bodies were reported to have been found in cars swept from upstream.

Gov. Greg Abbott called it an extraordinary catastrophe, and said that search and rescue missions will continue through the night.

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They will continue in the darkness of night, they will be taking place when the sun rises in the morning. They will be non-stop, Abbott said at a press conference Friday night.

The missing are from Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, which was hosting 750 children this week. Helicopters ferried dozens to safety Friday. Texas Game Wardens said in the evening that they were able to reach the camp with vehicles to bring out others.

Between 23 and 25 people from Camp Mystic are unaccounted for, Kerr County Sheriff Larry L. Leitha Jr. said.

Leitha said Friday night that the confirmed deaths in the county were 24, up from the 13 that he reported earlier in the day. A death was also reported in Kendall County, he said.

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Texas Director of Public Safety Col. Freeman Martin called the disaster "a mass casualty event."

Men survey damage left by a raging Guadalupe River in Kerrville, Texas, on Friday. (Eric Gay / AP)

A raging Guadalupe River leaves fallen trees and debris in its wake in Kerrville, Texas, on Friday. (Eric Gay / AP)

Helicopters with hoists were used to rescue survivors, including people from trees, officials said. Adjutant General of Texas Major General Thomas Suelzer said that by Friday night 237 people had been rescued, 167 of whom were brought to safety by helicopter.

More than 400 people were on the ground responding to the disaster, Lieutenant Gov. Dan Patrick said.

The Department of Homeland Security said the U.S. Coast Guard and Federal Emergency Management Agency had been activated. Patrick said he had been in contact with President Donald Trump.

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Trump called the floods terrible when asked by reporters about the situation Friday night on Air Force One, and he said the U.S. government will help.

Were working with the governor. Its a terrible thing, he said.

Helicopters Friday transported children from Camp Mystic to safety Friday, video from NBC affiliate WOAI of San Antonio showed.

Texas Game Wardens said on Facebook Friday evening: Have made entry into Camp Mystic with vehicles and are beginning to bring campers out!

Patrick said that even though around 20 children were unaccounted for, "that does not mean theyve been lost."

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"They could be in a tree. They could be out of communication," he said. "Were praying for all of those missing to be found alive. We're doing everything we can to get in there."

Parts of Kerr County got a little more than 10 inches of rain over 24 hours, the National Weather Service said at 4 p.m. Friday. Farther north, Llano County got 8 1/2 inches over that period.

We lost everything. A lot of people lost everything, one survivor told WOAI in Kerrville. A local Walmart gave him a pair of shoes. Nobody expected this, he said.

Another man in Kerrville told the station that his brother's house is missing after the flood  along with the brother, his wife and their two children.

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Earlier in the day, Camp Mystic issued a statement telling parents: If your daughter is not accounted for, you have been notified, while indicating girls located in other parts of the camp had been found safe.

The officials said the nearby highway was washed away and that the area remained without power, water or internet and was struggling to get more help.

Please continue to pray and send any help if you have contacts to do so, the officials wrote.

The camp, about two hours west of Austin, is for girls between the ages of 7 and 17, and it was due to celebrate its 100th anniversary next year.

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Its located near the Guadalupe River, which authorities said surged as much as 22 feet in just half an hour Friday morning to a height of 30 feet in the nearby town of Comfort in Kerr County, breaking a record that had stood for decades.

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, also issued a statement on X shortly after 4 p.m. ET.

Please pray right now for everyone in the Hill Country, especially Camp Mystic, he wrote. Today, Ive spoken with Gov Abbott, Lt. Gov Patrick, the head of TDEM & President Trump. Multiple helicopters are performing search & rescue. President Trump committed ANYTHING Texas needs.

The force of the water in Ingram in Kerr County smashed the windows of homes and ripped off doors and paneling, video from WOAI showed.

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Footage on social media showed an SUV swept away by raging floodwaters in Kerrville. The person who recorded it said the video was taken Friday morning.

The Guadalupe River had crested at Kerrville and Comfort by Friday evening, but other parts of the river downstream werent forecast to crest until Saturday morning.

The Guadalupe River near Spring Branch was forecast to crest at 37.2 feet, classified as moderate flood stage, around 2 a.m. Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

NBC meteorologist Bill Karins said that the rain event just sat here in the area overnight into Friday morning in hilly terrain.

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Its not like the mountains in the Rockies or in the Appalachians, but there are hills  and so that water will rush down the hills and collect in the smaller streams, and then it all combines, and all into the Guadalupe, Karins said on NBC News Now.

Lina Hidalgo, the judge of Harris County, where Houston is, said five of the dead are from the Houston or Harris County area.

"All of Texas is impacted by this tragic event," she wrote on X.

Flood warnings throughout the state remain in place through the weekend.

There is an ongoing threat for possible flash flooding from San Antonio to Waco for the next 24 to 48 hours, in addition to the continued risks in west and central Texas, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said in a statement.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
PLAINFIELD, N.J. Severe thunderstorms that tore through the Northeast on Thursday night have left at least three people dead in central New Jersey.

Officials confirm two men died in Plainfield. The 25- and 75-year-old men were driving during the height of the storms when a tree fell on their vehicle.

"Our hearts are heavy today. This tragedy is a sobering reminder of the power of nature and the fragility of life," Plainfield Mayor Adian O. Mapp said. "We mourn with the families and stand ready to support them in every way possible."

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Video from Plainfield on Friday morning showed a large tree on a home in a neighborhood.

Another person died in the borough of North Plainfield during the storms, but officials didn't give any further details.

"The storm, characterized by wind gusts estimated to be up to 80 mph, left a trail of destruction, particularly on the west side of the Borough," a fire department news release said.

The borough's fire department said numerous power and utility lines were knocked down, and several homes sustained "significant structural harm."

Both Plainfield and North Plainfield were placed under a state of emergency Thursday evening, which is still in effect Friday as damage is assessed and clean-up begins. Plainfield canceled all 4th of July activities.

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There were more than two dozen storm reports from the National Weather Service around central New Jersey where wind gusts of between 60-65 mph were recorded.

New York City Area, I-95 Corridor Slammed By Thunderstorms On Eve Of The 4Th Of July

In Fanwood, New Jersey, a tree was reported to have fallen onto a moving train, but there were no reports of injuries there.

Stormy weather has moved offshore for the rest of the weekend.





Original article source: At least 3 dead in central New Jersey after severe thunderstorms rip through Northeast
July 4 (UPI) -- At least 13 have died, and more than 20 girl campers are missing amid deadly flooding along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, Texas, and beyond.

More fatalities are expected, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha announced on Friday, and Texas Acting Gov. Dan Patrick said more than 20 girls are missing from Camp Mystic in Kerr County, CNN reported.

Although the girls are missing, they aren't necessarily lost, said Patrick, who is the state's lieutenant governor but is its acting governor while Gov. Greg Abbott is away from the state.

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"I am working in coordination with the state's emergency response team on the significant flooding that occurred in the Hill Country and Concho Valley regions in the early hours of this morning," Patrick said in a prepared statement.

"The Kerr County Sheriff's Office has reported catastrophic flooding in the area, with several people missing and confirmed loss of life," Patrick said.

"Additional rain is forecast in those areas," he added. "Even if the rain is light, more flooding can occur in those areas. There is an ongoing threat for possible flash flooding from San Antonio to Waco for the next 24 to 48 hours in addition to the continued risks in west and central Texas."

Flooding along the Guadalupe River and its tributaries caused deaths in Kerr County, where a flash flood emergency was in effect until 2 p.m. CDT from Hunt through Kerrville and Center Point and into parts of Kendall County, WOAI reported.

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"The state of Texas is urging all available resources to respond to the devastating flooding around the Kerr County area," Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said earlier on Friday in a post on X.

"That includes water rescue teams, sheltering centers, the National Guard [and] the Texas Department of Public Safety," Abbott said. "The immediate priority is saving lives."

The Kerr County Sheriff's Office confirmed fatalities but won't release additional information until the next of kin are notified.

"The entire county is an extremely active scene," the sheriff's office posted Friday morning on social media.

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"Residents are encouraged to shelter in place and not attempt travel," the KCSO post says. "Those near creeks, streams and the Guadalupe River should immediately move to higher ground."

First responders have done dozens of swift-water rescues and continue to do so at the flooding continues, county chief executive Rob Kelly told media.

Kerrville Police and Fire crews are evacuating residents as the flooding continues during what the National Weather Service has called a "very dangerous and life-threatening flood event," WOAI reported.

The river was expected to cause significant damage as it rose to nearly 32 feet in Kerrville and nearly 31 feet in Comfort, and more than 2,600 properties were without power during the early afternoon hours.

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Heavy rainfall and storms started on Thursday and continued through the overnight hours and well into Friday morning.

Local rainfall was expected to mostly end during the afternoon hours in Kerr County, which is located about 90 miles northwest of San Antonio and 125 miles west of Austin.
Updated with additional information.

The death toll has risen to 27 after flooding rains rapidly overwhelmed the Guadalupe River in Texas on Friday, prompting a frantic and ongoing rescue effort that continued through the night and into Saturday.

The dead include 18 adults and nine children, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said at a Saturday morning news conference. The toll rose from 24, reported Friday night. Authorities didn't release further information about the victims as they continue to work to identify them.

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An additional 27 children who were at Camp Mystic in western Kerr County are still missing, Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice said at a Saturday morning news briefing, adding that there is an unknown number of total people missing from the area.

Reports say the river  which runs alongside the camp  swelled into a 30-foot wall of water in less than an hour early Friday.

A "24/7" rescue effort remains underway, Gov. Greg Abbott said at a news conference Friday evening, when more than 200 people were already rescued from the floodwaters.

"Rescue teams worked throughout the night and will continue until we find all our citizens," the Kerrville Police Department said Saturday morning.

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Storms continue to batter Central Texas, with forecasts calling for up to 10 more inches of rain possible Saturday. Evacuation orders were in effect Saturday morning in Georgetown as the San Gabriel River reached major flood stage.

Crazy Texas storm looks like a hurricane: Multiple people are dead after catastrophic flash flooding in Central Texas. The Guadalupe River crested its banks in the middle of the night and is inundating small, rural communities.



Areas include Kerrville, Center Point, Ingram, pic.twitter.com/YDzSzjAjHE  Alex Jones (@RealAlexJones) July 4, 2025

The storm system wreaked havoc as Texas experiences a wetter-than-normal summer, despite early forecasts predicting below-average rainfall and warmer-than-usual temperatures. Several other deadly flash flooding events have hit Austin and San Antonio since late May.

According to the Climate Prediction Center, Texas should continue to expect above-normal chances for precipitation through at least next week.

All Kerr County residents who live near the Guadalupe River have been asked to evacuate their homes and move to higher ground. Other area residents are encouraged to shelter in place and avoid travel, according to the Kerr County Sheriffs Office.

Dozens of children missing at Camp Mystic

More than 750 girls were at Camp Mystic in Texas Hill Country when heavy rains and flooding hit the region Friday, July 4. The private nondenominational Christian camp, founded in 1926, is located along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, one of 15 counties covered in Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's disaster declaration.

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Flash flooding caused river waters to increase 29 feet rapidly near the camp, officials said. As of Saturday, July 5, there were 27 campers among the missing.

The camp sent an email to parents of children attending, noting that they have "no power, water or wifi."

In the email, Camp Mystic organizers stated that campers at Cypress Lake and Senior Hill are accounted for.

"If your daughter is not accounted for, you have been notified. If you have not personally been contacted, then your daughter is accounted for," the email stated.

A few miles away along the river, another girls' camp said its director was killed in the flooding.

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The Heart O' the Hills Camp said it was not in session and most people who were at camp when flooding hit have been accounted for, but camp officials received word that Director Jane Ragsdale had died.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Death toll rises to 27; dozens of children missing in Central Texas floods
At least twenty-four people were killed Friday after torrential rain triggered catastrophic flash floods in Central Texas, overwhelming rivers and sweeping away vehicles, homes, and livestock.

The flooding hit hardest southwest of DallasFort Worth and north of San Antonio, in a rural corridor that includes Kerrville, Brady, Mason, Menard, and McCulloch. The Guadalupe River surged more than 20 feet in a matter of hours, peaking near 35 feet  its second-highest level on record.

This has been a very devastating and deadly event, said Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly. Officials warned the death toll may rise as search teams continue work in hard-hit areas like Hunt and Ingram.

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Camp Mystic and Camp Waldemar, two large childrens summer camps along the Guadalupe, safely evacuated hundreds of campers. However, there are 20 young campers and several other people who remain unaccounted for. Emergency crews are conducting water rescues along flooded creeks and submerged roads.

Gov. Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster, mobilizing National Guard troops and state emergency teams. Kerrvilles mayor also issued a local declaration, urging residents to avoid travel and seek higher ground.

The National Weather Service issued flash flood emergencies across the region after up to 10 inches of rain fell overnight. Officials warned more storms could arrive this weekend. Much of the area had been in drought, making the ground less able to absorb heavy rainfall and increasing runoff risk.

This scenic stretch of Texas Hill Country, usually a destination for tubing and camping, became the site of one of the states deadliest flood events in years. Officials say recovery efforts will take time, especially as more rain could still be on the way.

UPDATED to include a more accurate count as of Sat., July 5, 9:00 a.m.

The post At least 24 killed in Texas flooding, devastating and deadly appeared first on Salon.com.
PYONGYANG, July 4 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) condemned the "unilateral coercive act" of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, known as the Quad, comprising the United States, Japan, India, and Australia, the official Korean Central News Agency reported on Friday.

"We will never tolerate the attempt of the U.S. and its vassal forces to unilaterally change the position of the DPRK and the current situation on the Korean Peninsula," the report cited a press statement issued by the DPRK Foreign Ministry a day earlier.

"Nothing can change the position of the DPRK as a nuclear weapons state ... The U.S. attempt to deny the present position of the DPRK is not only the gravest violation of sovereignty but also a dangerous act of escalating tension which creates instability in the region and escalates the tension," the statement said.

The U.S. hegemonic act -- interfering in the internal affairs of independent sovereign states, stirring up confrontation and creating instability in international relations by relying on exclusive groups such as the Quad -- is the major risk factor hindering peace and security in the region and the world, the statement added.

It is within the DPRK's sovereignty to take appropriate and reflective countermeasures of a self-defensive nature against such provocative military actions, as the United States moves to strengthen the multilateral military alliance threatening the security of the region and conduct joint military drills with a clear aggressive character, it said.

During the Quad Foreign Ministers' meeting held Tuesday in Washington, D.C., a joint statement was issued, reaffirming the commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. 




NEED TO KNOW

Floods in central Texas have resulted in multiple fatalities, with a reported 13 people confirmed to have died so far

The Guadalupe River surged over 30 feet at one point, and even climbed 26 feet in just 45 minutes, according to CNN

Residents are being urged to shelter in place or move to higher ground if they're near a water source





Multiple people have died after fatal floods swept into Texas, according to reports.

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Flooding in central Texas  where the Guadalupe River reached its second-highest height ever on Friday, July 4  has resulted in at least 13 fatalities, according to ABC affiliate Eyewitness News.

Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly previously confirmed that at least six people had died in the flooding, according to NBC affiliate News 4 San Antonio, ABC affiliate KVUE and the Austin American Statesman.

The Kerr County Sheriff's Office also confirmed "fatalities," but did not state a specific figure. They encouraged residents "to shelter in place and not attempt travel."

"Those near creeks, streams, and the Guadalupe River should immediately move to higher ground," they cautioned.

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PEOPLE has contacted both the Kerry County Sheriff's Office and Judge Kelly for additional information.

Kerr County, which is approximately 50 miles northwest of San Antonio, has been hit hard by the floods. The city of Kerville declared a state of emergency due to the floods, while Hunt (also in Kerry County) experienced over six inches of rain in three hours on Friday, which is a "1-in-100-year event" in the region, according to CNN.

CNN reported that the flooded region experienced "more than an entire summer's worth of rain" in a matter of hours.



The flooding has taken place along the Guadalupe River, which runs from Kerr County to the San Antonio Bay, according to the outlet, which reported that the National Weather Service said the river experienced a "large and deadly wave."

City of Kerville TX - City Hall/Facebook Flooding in Kerville, T.X Flooding in Kerville, T.X

According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the river climbed to 34.76 feet at around noon local time on Friday. NOAA described the flooding as "disastrous" and "life threatening," noting that it spread "over a mile across in some areas, flooding many homes"  including "some to the roof."

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"Large areas of the flood plain are cut off drowning hundreds of cattle," the agency shared. "Most roads and bridges near the river flood and are extremely dangerous to motorists, cutting off residents in some areas until the water recedes."

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At a press conference on Friday morning, Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring said the floods came while people were asleep on Thursday, July 3, according to CNN.

After thanking first responders for working to save lives, save property," the mayor said tearfully, Please, pray for our community."



Read the original article on People
A five-storey building collapse in Pakistan on Friday killed at least six people and left six injured, police said, with rescuers searching through the rubble for trapped victims.

The incident happened shortly after 10 am (0500 GMT) in the impoverished Lyari neighbourhood of Karachi, which was once plagued by gang violence and considered one of the most dangerous areas in Pakistan.

Shankar Kamho, 30, a resident of the building who was out at the time, said there were around 20 families living inside.

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"I got a call from my wife saying the building was cracking and I told her to get out immediately," he told AFP at the scene.

"She went to warn the neighbours, but one woman told her 'this building will stand for at least 10 more years'. Still, my wife took our daughter and left. About 20 minutes later, the building collapsed."

A senior local police official, Arif Aziz, told AFP that six dead bodies have been retrieved and six wounded people rescued.

Up to 100 people had been living in the building, he added.

Saad Edhi, of the Edhi welfare foundation that is part of the rescue operation, told AFP there could be "at least eight to 10 more people still trapped", describing it as a "worn out building".

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He also put the death toll at six.

Nearby residents rushed to save their neighbours before rescuers took over to remove the rubble, along with at least five excavators.

The heavy machinery struggled to access the narrow alleys, and police baton-charged residents to clear the way.

In June 2020, at least 18 people were killed when a residential building housing about 40 apartments collapsed in the same area of the city.

Roof and building collapses are common across Pakistan, mainly because of poor safety standards and shoddy construction materials in the South Asian country of more than 240 million people.

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But Karachi, home to more than 20 million, is especially notorious for poor construction, illegal extensions, ageing infrastructure, overcrowding, and lax enforcement of building regulations.

sam-zz/ecl/rsc
Legendary Rapper Says He Fears for His Kids at School Drop-Off originally appeared on Parade.

When youve got a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, 40-plus years of hits with Public Enemy, and a reality-TV resume that refuses to quit, youd think the scariest part of your day would be dodging paparazzi. But for Flavor Flav, the real panic sets in when he pulls up to the school curb.

I fear for my kids when I drop them off at school, the 66-year-old rapper wrote in a Thursday, July 2 Newsweek op-ed that calls for a total U.S. gun ban. Our schools arent safe and our kids arent safe.

 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 

Flav (real name: William Drayton Jr.) is dad to eight kids across four different relationships. He shares daughters Shanique, Karren, and Kayla with his ex Karen Ross. He has DaZyna, Quanah, and William with ex Angie Parker. His son Karma is from his relationship with longtime partner Liz Trujillo, and his youngest, Jordan, was born in 2019 with his ex-manager Kate Gammell.

Its take yo kids and grandkids to the rink at @rockcenternyc season,!!!  pic.twitter.com/6BSVUPHxHo  FLAVOR FLAV (@FlavorFlav) October 12, 2024

The Flavor of Love star says his worry comes from first-hand experience.

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Guns are falling into the hands of the wrong people. I would know. I went to jail because of guns. I ended up on Rikers Island, he wrote, recalling the firearm conviction that landed him behind bars in the early 90s.

Many of yall have opinions without reading the article. Guns did affect my life when they were brought into the black communities,,, so I speak from a place of experience.



The only thing Im carrying now is the conversation.  FLAVOR FLAV (@FlavorFlav) July 4, 2025

Now, he argues, weak laws have created domestic errorism that slaps a price tag on the heads of our children. The warning couldnt be clearer.

CNNs running tally shows 23 U.S. school shootings so far this year  nine dead and 33 injured as of May 13  spanning college campuses and K12 hallways alike. By comparison, ABC News (via the K12 School Shooting Database) reports that 2024 saw 330 K12 school shooting incidents, the second-highest total since at least 1966 (which is as far back as the data goes), surpassed only by the 349 incidents recorded in 2023.

Fear and power are two of the biggest emotions that drive us, Flav wrote. Let our fear of losing our children be more powerful than our fear of our next-door neighbor.

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That belief fuels March Madness, the protest single he and Chuck D released on Juneteenth. It opens with a real 911 call from a teacher reporting a school shooting and begging for help.

BLACK SKIES OVER THE PROJECT (Apartment) 2025



PUBLIC ENEMY drop surprise new album,!!



We hear you and we here to still Fight the Power with ya as The Hits Keep On Comin



You cant stream it but you can pay what you want for the next 72 hours at bandcamp. pic.twitter.com/yjpnnSSbBY  FLAVOR FLAV (@FlavorFlav) June 27, 2025

Flav says the goal is to restart a national conversation. He hopes the song gives a voice to people who feel powerless and helps build what he calls a wall of unity strong enough to stand up to fear and division.

 SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week 

I hope this song sparks change, he wrote. I hope this anthem gives a voice to those who feel powerless against a system of power and greed."

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The track appears on Black Sky Over the Projects: Apartment 2025, a surprise album Public Enemy released in late June on Bandcamp. Its their first new music since What You Gonna Do When the Grid Goes Down?, which was released on September 25, 2020.

Legendary Rapper Says He Fears for His Kids at School Drop-Off first appeared on Parade on Jul 4, 2025

This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
BALTIMORE  A significant letter written by founding father Thomas Jefferson sold Friday for the asking price of $90,000 and will return to Maryland, the state where it was penned 242 years ago.

The letter, featuring Jeffersons large and even right-handed slant went to a private collector in the greater Annapolis area, according to a text message from Nathan Raab, president of the Raab Collection, a dealer of historical documents based in Pennsylvania.

It went on sale today and sold promptly, he wrote, but declined to provide further details.

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Jeffersons letter is dated Dec. 31, 1783 and was sent to Benjamin Harrison V, who at the time was the governor of Virginia and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson, who wrote the Declaration, later became the third president of the new nation.

The letter advocated for the right to bear arms in a revolutionary cause (though in this case, it referred to citizens of the Netherlands, not the U.S.)

It also conveyed Jeffersons anxiety about whether a sufficient number of delegates would arrive at the Maryland State House in time to ratify the Treaty of Paris, which contained two critical provisions: British recognition of U.S. independence, and the delineation of boundaries allowing the new nation to expand westward.

We have yet but seven states, and no more certain prospects of nine than at any time heretofore, Jefferson writes. We hope that the letters sent to the absent states will bring them forward.

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Spoiler alert  the eighth and ninth delegates arrived in the nick of time, and the treaty was ratified.

We are not aware of any letter having reached the market from a Signer (let alone author) of the Declaration Of Independence on the right of democratic citizens to bear arms and oppose autocracy, the website notes. This powerful letter was not known to have survived and the content is known only through a copy.

--------------
Far-left political commentator Elie Mystal told "The Joy Reid Show" on Wednesday that the U.s. should be treated like a rogue state by the international community.

"Our country needs to be sanctioned. We are the bad guys on the world stage. We are a menace to not only free people everywhere, but we are a menace to peaceful people everywhere at this point, and I'm not even going to say that we've only been a menace for the past three or four months," Mystal told Joy Reid.

Mystal cited President Donald Trump's airstrikes against Iran's nuclear program facilities in June, claiming the U.S. "should be sanctioned and rebuked" for such "illegal unnecessary bombings in Iran."

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Ex-msnbc Host Joy Reid Clashes With Cnn Panel As She Defends Iran

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the White House on April 10, 2025 in Washington, DC.

"When does the international community decide that enough is enough? I know we're rich. I know we've got a lot of money. I know that people want to buy things from our country because we're rich or want to sell things to our country because we're rich, but at some point the international community has to stand up to us, because we are a bad guy on the world stage, right, and so we should be sanctioned," he added.

Trump's strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities struck a blow to the rogue state's nuclear program.

Read On The Fox News App

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Shortly after the strikes, Trump declared Israel and Iran had agreed to a ceasefire after missile exchanges, claiming the "12-day war" would end.

Trump is also working on a ceasefire deal to end the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas.

Ex-secretary Of State Condoleezza Rice Calls Us Strikes On Iran A 'Shot In The Arm' For American Credibility

Despite recent events in the Middle East, Mystal maintains that the United States needs to be treated like a "rogue state."

"We have to be stopped through the same kind of means that we have that our country and others have used to rebuke North Korea or China or name a rogue state," he said. "We are the rogue state and other countries need to start treating us like that."

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Mystal did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.





Original article source: Liberal pundit says US is the 'bad guy on world stage,' should face international sanctions like North Korea
NEWARK, Ohio (WCMH)  A Licking County father has been indicted on eight charges, including murder and strangulation, in the 2023 death of his four-month-old child.

Chance T. Topp, 27, of Newark, was indicted Wednesday by a grand jury on the following charges: murder, reckless homicide, involuntary manslaughter, strangulation, and two counts each of endangering children and domestic violence.

Whats next for Ohio property tax relief?

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According to investigators, on Oct. 18, 2023, Licking County Sheriffs deputies and Utica Police officers responded to a call for an unresponsive child. The child was taken to Licking Memorial Hospital, where the infant was pronounced dead due to suspicious injuries, law enforcement officials said.

A months-long investigation followed, with investigators conducting numerous interviews and collecting forensic and physical evidence, resulting in Topps arrest in June.

Topp remains in custody at Licking County Jail, held on a $2 million 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV.




NEED TO KNOW

A group taking photos ahead of a wedding wound up in a local hospital after their bridal shoot was interrupted by a surprise lightning storm

North Carolina photographer Brianna Pendley, her son, bride Katie McDaniel and a friend were at Carvers Gap on Roan Mountain on Tuesday, July 1, when the storm began

"We were huddled in a small circle kinda laughing at what had just happened, then within literal milliseconds we were on the ground screaming," Pendley wrote on Facebook





A North Carolina photographer, her son and a soon-to-be bride ended up in the hospital after their bridal shoot was interrupted by a surprise lightning storm this week.

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On Tuesday, July 1, Brianna Pendley was taking bridal photos for Katie McDaniel ahead of her wedding this month, when a thunderstorm quickly broke out at Carvers Gap on Roan Mountain, near the Tennessee border.

Pendley, who was joined by her young son Landry and a friend during the shoot, wrote on Facebook that the group decided to head back down once they spotted rain, before it started "violently hailing." While in "full-survival mode," the group opted to take shelter under trees.

Brianna Pendley Photography Photographer and Her 6-Year-old Son Struck by Lightning While Taking Bridal Photos in Storm Photographer and Her 6-Year-old Son Struck by Lightning While Taking Bridal Photos in Storm

Both Pendley and McDaniel also detailed the ordeal to NBC affiliate WCNC and ABC affiliate WSOC.

"We were huddled in a small circle kinda laughing at what had just happened, then within literal milliseconds we were on the ground screaming because lightning had struck the tree/ground that we were under," the photographer wrote on Facebook. "I felt the electricity in my feet and legs, and saw smoke coming from the ground so I knew it wasnt good."

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.

After seeing her son "laid over to one side," the photographer and the rest of the group ran down the mountain "covered in dirt," she revealed. "Once the initial strike happened and we immediately fell to the ground, my first instinct was we got to get out of there," McDaniel told WCNC. "I thought the tree was going to fall when the lightning struck it. I heard the cracking."

Brianna Pendley Photography Photographer and Her 6-Year-old Son Struck by Lightning While Taking Bridal Photos in Storm Photographer and Her 6-Year-old Son Struck by Lightning While Taking Bridal Photos in Storm

"It was so quick that we literally went from standing to on the ground in the middle of a second," Pendley, who recalled seeing a "very loud" flash and "smoke" coming from the ground, added. "If it would have killed us, we probably wouldn't know what happened."

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On the way down, the women and boy encountered another group on the mountain who said they "heard the crying and screaming and were concerned," Pendley wrote on Facebook. During their visit to the hospital, the women and the child were told they were "lucky to be alive because something like this normally ends in less fortunate outcomes."

Both McDaniel and Landry sustained welts from the strike but the group was "overall" OK, Pendley wrote.

Pendley told WSOC that there was no warning" and "no thunder" ahead of the sudden storm. Its so unpredictable, she said. It happened like that. The storm was over in five minutes, and I dont know if Im going to be much of a hiker after that.

As WCNC notes, citing the the National Lightning Safety Council, North Carolina was ranked among the top five states in terms of lightning-related deaths between 2015 and 2024.

Sjo/Getty Stock photo Stock photo

The National Weather Service encourages those outside without access to shelter amid lightning to "immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges or peaks" and "never shelter under an isolated tree."

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"Long story short, I wont be trusting the weather anymore and Landry says hes never going outside again ," the photographer wrote on Facebook, calling it "a beautiful bridal session turned into a long night in the hospital."

"We are so thankful that God kept all of us safe! Trauma bonded for life and still trying to process what happened, but alive "

Read the original article on People
An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer's badge is seen as federal agents patrol the halls of immigration court in New York City on June 10, 2025. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

OMAHA  The Guatemalan restaurant manager detained by immigration agents following a wrong turn onto a Bellevue military base June 7 has been released on bond, pending resolution of his case seeking to stay in the United States.

Richard Randall Sr. and Jazon Gonzalez Perez. (Courtesy of Richard Randall)

Jazon Gonzalez Perez, granted a $2,500 bond by a judge Wednesday in immigration court, was spotlighted in a recent Nebraska Examiner story. His friend and mentor, lifelong Nebraskan Richard Randall, Sr., described how his own support and view of President Donald Trumps immigration strategy had shifted.

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Randall said the arrest of his little buddy, Gonzalez Perez, hit home and did not represent the type of enforcement he had bought into when he voted for Trump last November. The case reflected stepped-up tactics at worksites, on streets and in courthouses coinciding with quotas demanded by the Trump administration.

When arrested, Gonzalez Perez had been looking for a bank branch to deposit funds on behalf of work. A cellphone search led him toward a branch on Offutt Air Force Base. He was detained at a checkpoint when he could not produce a valid drivers license.

Base personnel called U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Gonzalez Perez called Randall.

As agents took Gonzalez Perez, Randall recalled saying, Hey wait, hes not a terrorist. He manages a restaurant. I thought we were arresting gang members, murderers and rapists. Hes none of those.

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Gonzalez Perezs attorney, Erika Buenrostro, said her client was released on bond pending resolution of his civil case in immigration court. He is accused of unauthorized U.S. presence. Given the court backlog, local attorneys say such cases can take years to resolve.

Upon his release from nearly a month in jail, Randall said his buddy expressed gratitude for Plattsmouth area community members who showed support, and that Gonzalez Perez was happy to be home with family and friends.

Our community spoke up for Jazon and he is touched by all of the support, said Randall.

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AUSTIN (KXAN)  Heavy rain overnight Thursday and into Friday produced over a foot of rainfall in just a few hours in the Hill Country. The National Weather Service has issued multiple Flash Flood Warnings, with a Flash Flood Emergency declared early Friday morning.

San Saba Co. Sheriffs Office warns of rapidly rising river overnight

Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), Department of Public Safety (DPS), Military Department, and Parks & Wildlife Department responded to the region to assist local emergency responders.

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Devastating and deadly, Kerr Co. using every asset in flood recovery efforts

Readers wishing to help those impacted by the floods and storms can learn more here.

PHOTOS: Deadly flood in Kerr County

Weather Resources

Follow updates below

9:26 p.m.

Governor Abbott announced at least 24 confirmed fatalities during a press event in Kerrville, Texas.

8:30 p.m.

Starke Dam and Wirtz Dam each have multiple gates open now, according to the LCRA.

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LCRA said it anticipates holding the floodwater in Lake Travis, which is about 43 feet below full, and does not expect to open floodgates at Mansfield Dam, which forms Lake Travis.

8:00 p.m.

KXAN has learned that the Starke Dam will open its floodgates soon, and that Wirtz has opened its second floodgate.

7:50 p.m.

The Lower Colorado River Authority said it opened a floodgate at Wirtz Dam to release storm run off from the Llano River. It also said it may need to open additional floodgates at the Wirtz and Starcke Dams.

KXAN Meteorologist Freddy Vela said that when this happens, the water level downstream of the dams will rise rapidly. He also noted that the Llano River and San Saba River are now cresting over their banks, making it more likely that additional gates will need to be opened.

7:35 p.m.

The city of San Saba asked residents to conserve water, as its pump station was in jeopardy of going under water.

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This comes hours after a similar request by Kerrville officials.

7:15 p.m.

Kerrville and Kerr County informed KXAN reporters at Kerrville City Hall that their 7 p.m. press conference has been canceled. Those officials said that they will instead speak at the Governors 9 p.m. presser.

The Texas Game Wardens said on X that it had made access to Camp Mystic with vehicles and are bringing campers out of the affected area.

6:28 p.m.

Texas Game Warden Command Post Kerrvillewe are coordinating the search & rescue efforts of over 60 game wardens from across the state, boats, two helicopters & unmanned aerial systems operators. Rescues continue & we'll be here to serve our community for as long as we're needed. pic.twitter.com/SI8h1NFo7X  Texas Game Wardens (@TexasGameWarden) July 4, 2025

5:22 p.m.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott will hold a press conference in Kerrville at 9 p.m. KXAN will attend.

TDEM Chief Nim Kidd, Adjutant General of Texas Major General Thomas Suelzer, DPS Col. Freeman Martin and local officials will also be at the presser.

5:02 p.m.

The city of Kerrville has asked its residents to minimize non-essential water usage. The citys surface water treatment plant is offline, according to a social media post from the city.

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The city is not currently at a critical stage, it said, but asks the community to be prepared in case the situation worsens.

4:14 p.m.

Officials from Kerrville and Kerr County gave a press conference at Kerrville City Hall.

Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said that at least 13 people were confirmed dead.

Weve got a lot of help out here, well get the job done, Leitha said. We want everyone to shelter in place. We dont have a number for how many are missing yet.

Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring, Jr. and Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice joined Leitha at the presser. Those officials will reconvene at 7:30 p.m. to provide another update.

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Well keep you all updated as much as we can, as fast as we can, but yall got to understand right now the only concern we have is is rescuing everybody and all these kids out here, Leitha said.

3:45 p.m.

Air rescue missions like this are being done around the clock.



We will not stop until everyone is accounted for. pic.twitter.com/tqwTr1RkEi  Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) July 4, 2025

3:30 p.m.

Acting Governor Dan Patrick said during a briefing that the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in 45 minutes. There are 14 helicopters in the air rescuing those impacted by the floodwaters, as well as nine rescue teams with swimmers, and 400-500 responders on the ground.

Patrick said approximately 20 children were unaccounted for from Camp Mystic, which had more than 750 campers. He clarified that could mean they were possibly stuck in a tree or out of communication. Parents of missing Mystic campers have been notified.

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According to Patrick, President Donald Trump said federal resources would be provided to the state.

2:40 p.m.

Acting Governor Dan Patrick is expected to speak on the significant flooding in the Hill Country and the Concho Valley.

Acting Gov. Dan Patrick being briefed (KXAN photo/Jordan Belt) Acting Gov. Dan Patrick being briefed (KXAN photo/Jordan Belt) Acting Gov. Dan Patrick being briefed (KXAN photo/Jordan Belt)

2:33 p.m.

The National Weather Service confirmed the Kerrville river gauge was not reporting the correct amount, so any totals seen are under-reported; however, NWS cant make it out there to check for safety reasons.

The Texas Military Department said its Texas Task Force 1 helicopter search and rescue teams were sent to the area.

The Texas National Guard was activated yesterday as part of a multi-agency response to severe weather conditions affecting the Hill Country. Texas Task Force 1 (TX-TF1) helicopter search and rescue teams in Martindale deployed to Hunt and Kerrville, Texas. Our Service Members are pic.twitter.com/MuT8abtyje  Texas Military Dept. (@TXMilitary) July 4, 2025

2:26 p.m.

KXAN Meteorologist Freddy Vela said the Llano River at Mason is currently in the Major Flooding Category at 29.68 ft. That is 2 feet above Major flooding. The water will be flowing down into Llano over the next few hours, with the Llano River at Llano expected to peak at 7 p.m. and almost hit major flooding at 22.8 ft. (Major flooding is 23 ft.)

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The San Saba River near Brady is currently at 29.65 feet, which breaks the record of 29.1 ft. That water will continue flowing down through San Saba, where it is expected to hit 32.6 ft at 7 a.m. tomorrow. The record is 42.1 ft., but it is still considered major flooding.

1:30 p.m.

12:02 p.m.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott provided the following statement regarding the floods in Kerrville.

Texas is providing all necessary resources to Kerrville, Ingram, Hunt and the entire Texas Hill Country dealing with these devastating floods, Abbott said. The State of Texas today has mobilized additional resources in addition to the resources sent in preparation for the storms. I urge Texans to heed guidance from state and local officials and monitor local forecasts to avoid driving into flooded areas. Greg Abbott

RELATED | Devastating and deadly, Kerr Co. using every asset in flood recovery efforts

Acting Governor Dan Patrick issued the following statement from the Texas State Emergency Operations Center:

I am working in coordination with the states emergency response team on the significant flooding that occurred in the Hill Country and Concho Valley regions in the early hours of this morning. The Kerr County Sheriffs Office has reported catastrophic flooding in the area, with several people missing and confirmed loss of life. Additional rain is forecast in those areas. Even if the rain is light, more flooding can occur in those areas. There is an ongoing threat for possible flash flooding from San Antonio to Waco for the next 24 to 48 hours in addition to the continued risks in west and central Texas. I urge Texans in impacted areas to heed the guidance of their local officials. TDEM and other state emergency response assets are on the ground assisting Texas communities with response operations and any unmet needs. I will hold a press conference from the Texas State Emergency Operations Center in Austin later this afternoon to brief the public and the media with the latest updates. Media advisory to follow.

11:59 a.m.

Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller provided the following statement regarding the floods in Kerrville. My prayers go out to the families in Kerrville and across the Hill Country who are dealing with the devastation from these deadly floods. Weve already seen tragic loss of life, and its a heartbreaking reminder that catastrophic flash floods can strike fast and without much warning. Folks, please dont take chances. Stay alert, follow local emergency warnings, and do not drive through flooded roads. Farmers and ranchers should take steps now to protect livestock and property. Move animals to higher ground, secure your equipment, and be ready. Preparation saves lives, both human and animal. Keep our rescuers and first responders in your prayers as they work around the clock to keep Texans safe. Lets stay safe and watch out for one another. Commissioner Sid Miller

11:44 a.m.

The Llano River near Mason is rising rapidly, up to almost 16. Flash Flood Warnings continue for portions of San Saba, Mason and Gillespie County.

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11:30 a.m.

The city of Kerrville held a press conference to provide details on the situation in the area following flash flooding.

10:43 a.m.

All low water crossings on Quinlan Creek have been closed, according to the City of Kerrville. Third Street remains open at this time.

Additional closures include:

Fourth Street

Second Street and Lytle

First Street

Park Street

(City of Kerrville photo)

(City of Kerrville photo)

10:34 a.m.

The Kerr County Sheriffs Office said there was a reunification center set up at Ingram Elementary School, located at 125 Brave Run W, Ingram, TX 78025.

10:30 a.m.

KXAN Meteorologist Tommy House said high-resolution models showed the heaviest rain winding down before 3 p.m., but the river flooding threat will remain through the night.

9:53 p.m.:

KXAN spoke with Sergeant Jonathan Lamb, Public Information Officer with the Kerrville Police Department.

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Lamb said the major flooding is impacting the entire county, rescues and evacuations have been ongoing since early this morning and continue at this hour, including in the Hunt area.

Fatalities have been reported and confirmed, but Lamb said there are no fatality numbers reported at the moment.

Authorities currently do not have an estimate of how many homes or businesses have been affected.

9:23 a.m.

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) said it was working with other state emergency response resources to remain engaged with local officials in support of flooding impacting the state.

8:57 a.m.

Flash Flood Warning issued by NWS for Gillespie County and Mason County. KXAN Meteorologist Tommy House said life-threatening flooding is imminent or occurring. Leave low-lying or flood-prone areas immediately, but do not drive over water-covered roads.

8:43 a.m.

The city of Kerrvilles mayor issued a disaster declaration due to severe flooding.

8:41 a.m.

First United Methodist Church, located at 321 Thompson Drive, was established as a shelter for those displaced by the flooding.

Kerrville Fire Department personnel are monitoring area nursing and assisted living homes, which are sheltering in place.

8:30 a.m.

The Kerr County Sheriffs Office has reported fatalities.

This is a catastrophic flooding event in Kerr County. We can confirm fatalities but will not release further information until next of kin are notified.

The Sheriffs Office said it was working with a wide variety of local and state agencies to respond to calls and rescues.

The entire county is an extremely active scene. Residents are encouraged to shelter in place and not attempt travel. Those near creeks, streams, and the Guadalupe River should immediately move to higher ground, KCSO said.

8:28 a.m.

8:19 a.m.

On Facebook, the Kerrville Fire Department is monitoring local nursing homes along the Guadalupe River.

Kerrville Fire Department personnel are on site at nursing homes near the river and will take appropriate evacuation measures if necessary. So far, all nursing home residents are sheltering in place, KFD said.

8:09 a.m.

The City of Kerrville shared in a Facebook post, due to circumstances out of our control, its Fourth on the River Independence Day celebration has been canceled. The city also said the doors of the Arcadia Live Theater are open to anyone who has been evacuated and needs shelter.

7:59 a.m.

On Facebook, the City of Kerrville shared a list of low water crossings closed and reopened within city limits.

Those crossings are Francisco Lemos, G Street, Schreiner Street at Town Creek, all crossings on Town Creek, Bear Creek Bridge, sections of Water Street that were closed due to flooding are opening again as water recedes, and all crossings on Quinlan Creek are open.

No other street flooding issues have been reported at this time, the city said.

7:58 a.m.

The City of Kerrville announced in a Facebook post, it has opened an Emergency Shelter in place at First United Methodist Church.

7:47 a.m.

2 ENE Ingram (Kerr County)  Department of Highways reports Flash Flood.

5:44 a.m.

Hunt, Texas  Reports from Emergency Management officials of high water rescues ongoing along the Guadalupe River and South Fork of the Guadalupe River in Hunt, with people trapped on rooftops.

4:35 a.m.

Guadalupe River at Hunt continues to climb to 29.45 feet, with a forecast stage at 33.9 feet. Law enforcement issued reports of flash floods. The Kerr County Sheriffs Office reported several low-water crossings flooded.

4:30 a.m.

Richland Springs  Reports from San Saba County dispatch stating that there was flooding across a street, where the Fire Department could not cross with their fire truck on the way to fight a small house fire.

4:20 a.m.

Guadalupe River at Hunt reached a major status, with a state value of 24.7 feet.

4:03 a.m.

Flash Flood Emergency continues with a catastrophic damage threat.

3:20 a.m.

Guadalupe River at Hunt reaches moderate-stage flooding at 13.99 feet.

2:50 a.m.

Guadalupe River at Hunt stage growth reaches 9.15 feet, just shy of minor flood status.

2:20 a.m.

Guadalupe River at Hunt begins to see stage growth up to 8.54 ft.

1:14 a.m.

Flash Flood Warning issued for portions of Bandera and Kerr County.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  Fireworks will be lighting up the sky across Western New York all weekend long. Local firefighters said this is one of the busiest times of the year for them due to an uptick in injuries and fires.

No. 1 we see is burns, said Rich Silvaroli, former fire chief of the Frontier Volunteer Fire Company. Someone shoots a bottle rocket or something at someone, and they get burned. Even sparklers, weve seen kids get burned.

While fireworks might look harmless once theyre up in the air, improper use can cause serious harm. Silvaroli said if youre lighting them, make sure they are away from your home, cars, animals, and, of course, people.

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Also make sure that the grass that youre using is not dry because when things come out of the sky, you can start a grass fire, said Silvaroli. If youre going to do it, maybe itd be better off on pavement.

Sometimes fireworks might not go off as planned  so what should you do? Silvaroli said to give them some time to cool down.

If they have a hose, try to wet it down or just let it sit there for a good amount of time because if it didnt go off, its probably going to be a dud, said Silvaroli. Dont go immediately after it, let it sit.

Another helpful reminder is to not immediately throw your fireworks in a trash bin.

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We have seen in the past where people have disposed of hot fireworks in garbage cans right by their house, said Silvaroli. The next thing you know, the garbage can is on fire in the middle of the night.

Silvaroli recommends leaving fireworks to the pros and checking out shows that are open to the public instead.

Sit back and get a lawn chair, said Silvaroli. Its a beautiful thing. No one gets hurt, no one gets injured, and its a good night for all of us.

For a full list of Fourth of July events happening this weekend, click here.

Latest Local News

Trina Catterson joined the News 4 team in 2024. She previously worked at WETM-TV in Elmira, a sister station of WIVB. See more of her work here.

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COLOMBO, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka launched the "Praja Shakthi" national program on Friday in Colombo, aiming to eradicate rural poverty and uplift local communities. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake presided over the launch, highlighting rural poverty eradication as a top priority for the government.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe also attended the event.

In his address, Dissanayake called on the government, public servants, and citizens to unite in the fight against rural poverty. He emphasized that the government has strengthened both human and physical resources in the state sector to change public attitudes as part of the initiative.

A National Policy Council, chaired by the president and including nine cabinet ministers, will guide the program at the national level. An Operations Committee, led by Minister of Rural Development, Social Security, and Community Empowerment Upali Pannilage, will oversee the implementation. The government will also establish committees at every level to carry out rural poverty eradication programs.

At a press conference on Thursday, Secretary to the President Nandika Sanath Kumanayake said that Sri Lanka has 14,008 villages, all of which will be connected through a new digital platform, which will engage citizens directly in the country's rural poverty eradication efforts, he said. 
A local grocery store is working toward serving hot meals.

Guatelinda Store, 121 S. Sixth St., is a grocery store that specializes in Guatemalan items and baked goods. The store had also been serving things like quesadillas, enchiladas, empanadas and fried chicken but did not meet requirements set by city and county officials.

Rob Rennewanz, the Logansport building commissioner, explained at a Board of Works meeting that the store had violated a food service license for failing to have the cooking area inspected by his office, the fire inspector and health department.

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It was also deemed an unsafe structure by Rennewanz and wasnt initially meant to become a restaurant, the building inspector explained, due to a bad range hood. A switch meant to automatically shut off the buildings natural gas in the case of a fire was also broken.

Rennewanz explained the shop was caught with propane tanks and outdoor grills inside the building, and that he ordered the owners to remove the items.

We watched them remove it, but we found that they put them back in place and was using them, Rennewanz said.

Later on, he was called to the building for a water heater fire. It didnt reach the kitchen area, but it could have been disastrous.

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Thank god it was in another room and not the kitchen room, Rennewanz said.

He issued the store an unsafe structure fine of $500, which was paid shortly before the Board of Works meeting on Wednesday.

If the shop operates as a restaurant again without meeting the necessary requirements, Rennewanz said hell have to condemn the shop. The Board of Works backed him up on the decision.

For now, its still able to sell groceries. It just isnt able to offer cooked meals or breads baked by the owners.

Rennewanz explained he and the fire inspector keep close tabs on the store, stopping by at least once a week. He noted the grocery stores owner had been in contact to let him know they were in the process of hiring a contractor to get the buildings kitchen up to code. The shop will also have to get a new permit from the health department.
CANTON, Ohio (WJW)  A 33-year-old man is in the Stark County jail, accused of murder after the disappearance of a man FOX 8 featured in Mondays missing segment.

Officials said 26-year-old Ryan Godbey was last seen on June 22. At the time, police reported Godbey had disappeared under suspicious circumstances.

Help find missing people in Northeast Ohio

Now, according to Canton police, new evidence has led them to believe that Godbey has died. However, his body has not yet been found, police said.

Ryan Thomas Godbey (Canton Police Department)

According to a news release, Daniel Mattay, 33, faces several charges related to the case, including murder.

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West Nile virus confirmed in local mosquitoes

Unfortunately, new evidence has led our agency to transition the case from a missing person to a homicide investigation. While Mr. Godbey has not yet been located, the new evidence makes it clear that he is deceased and that Mr. Mattay is responsible, Canton Police Chief John Gabbard is quoted in a news release.

Canton Mayor William Sherer on Friday issued a statement that read:

Yesterday evening, I made a phone call that no mayor wants to make. I personally called Jackie Godbey, the mother of Ryan Godbey, to offer my condolences after a briefing that Daniel Mattay has been officially charged with the murder of her son. While this is a monumental development in this case, and one step towards justice, its heartbreaking. Thats a phone call no mother deserves to receive. I want to thank our detectives for their hard work on this case thus far, but I especially want to express my gratitude to this community. There are few words to describe the pride Ive felt seeing everyone band together for one of our own. I also want to take this time to make one thing clear. Everyone in this community deserves justice. I dont care about their orientation, ethnicity, sex or who they love. Our differences are what make Canton special. The work is not over. We still need to locate Ryan. Canton Mayor William Sherer

Anyone with any information regarding the case, or the whereabouts of Godbey, is asked to contact Canton police dispatchers at 330-649-5800 or detectives at 330-489-3144.

Anonymous tips can also be sent to Tip411 or to Stark County Crime Stoppers.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  With President Donald Trump set to sign his signature megabill Friday, Planned Parenthood officials say they worry about access to reproductive health care.

The bill includes a provision that would prohibit providers that offer abortions from accepting Medicaid funding for any other reproductive health care service. Specifically, it prohibits Medicaid payments for one year (reduced from 10 years) to any healthcare nonprofit that offers abortion services (except in cases of rape, incest, or life-threatening conditions, as per the Hyde Amendment) and received over $800,000 in federal funding in 2023.

Planned Parenthood Youngstown Health Center has about 7,000 visits and 4,000 patients a year.

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Sixty percent of those utilize Medicaid, said Erica Wilson-Domer, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio.

Under the Big Beautiful Bill, millions could lose access to Medicaid, and therefore lose access to reproductive healthcare. A message sent out to patients Friday read, in part, Due to recent actions from Republican lawmakers and President Trump, we can no longer provide care to patients using Medicaid.

Wilson-Domer says its a concern. While the Youngstown office does not provide abortion services, it does provide a variety of reproductive services that shes worried Ohioans could lose access to.

We provide cancer screenings, including PAP tests. We provide STI checks and treatment. We provide pregnancy tests. We provide full options, counseling. I think this is often what people focus on, but we provide full options counseling, Wilson-Domer said.



The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has identified the Valley as a Health Professional Shortage Area. If people lose access to Medicaid, Wilson-Domer worries people will wait longer to seek treatment, providing patients and their babies, with worse outcomes.

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Youngstown is really challenging because there are not a lot of OB/GYNs. There are not a lot of providers, not a lot of hospitals, already. People are having to drive an hour to deliver a baby in some cases, which is deeply concerning, Wilson-Domer said. Weve seen that Youngstown, in particular, has just really horrible maternal and infant mortality rates.

Wilson-Domer says their doors in Youngstown will continue to stay open as they rely on donors and grants to stay funded.

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WACO, Texas (FOX 44)  For many Americans, the sound of fireworks on the Fourth of July brings joy, celebration, and a sense of patriotic pride. But for some veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), those same explosions can be a painful reminder of combat.

Thomas Cockrell, a retired firefighter and Army Reservist, says holiday celebrations havent always been easy, but over the years, theyve become more manageable. As long as I know that its going on and its going to happen, then its okay, Cockrell said.

He encourages the community to try to understand the mental battles local veterans face every day.

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He has got problems more than just what the ordinary man would have, Cockrell said. I was a fireman, and we have people that have ptsd in the fire department. We see some things that you shouldnt see or you dont want to see, and we have to cope with it.

His brother, Richard, an Army and Air Force veteran who served in both the Vietnam and Cold War eras, expressed that while the memories of war are still present, he embraces the Fourth of July for what it represents.

I love it because were celebrating our freedom  you know, what men died for so that we can live free over here, Richard said.

Still, for many veterans, Independence Day can bring both celebration and sorrow.

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What can I say? I can sit here right now and Im thinking about it. And it hurts when you see one of your brothers, you know, dying, he added.

To support veterans dealing with those emotions, Gary Urban  also a Vietnam veteran  manages a peer-led support group where veterans can talk openly with others who understand their experiences.

They get to talk to each other in a semi-private type of situation, and to be honest, we talk about anything and everything, Urban said.

Richard added that talking to others whove served often brings relief.

Thats the weight lifted off your shoulder, he said. While talking with other veterans provides comfort, the Cockrell brothers both rely on their faith to keep them together.

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As the sky fills with fireworks and backyard barbecues get underway, advocates say its important to also make room for compassion  and to remember those who carry the invisible wounds of service.

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Arthur Wiknik, Jr. served in Vietnam as an infantry squad leader with the 101st Airborne Division, and at the age of 76, still looks back on his memories from the war today.

He shared his experiences from the frontlines of Vietnam in his novel Nam Sense.

We were losing anywhere between 200 and 300 young men, killed every week, Wiknik said. My parents didnt want me to go.

Cities preparing for Fourth of July fireworks displays

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His mom offered him a way to escape the war, offering him $2,000 for a plane ticket to Canada instead. Just moments before Wiknik boarded a plane at Bradley International Airport, something dawned on him.

I looked at that money, thought for a second, he said. I said, I cant do it. I got to go.'

One of their assignments, named the Battle of Hamburger Hill, was given its nickname because of the number of soldiers who died.

Roughly 65 or 68 young men were killed there, and another 300 wounded, Wiknik said. We were told were not taking any prisoners today, even if an enemy solider decided to surrender, just shoot him. So, those are tough commands.

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GUIDE: 2025 Fourth of July fireworks and parades in Connecticut

There are also other lighthearted stories Wiknik tells in his novel, involving sharing with others in his squad.

To hear Wiknik speak about his experiences, watch the video in the player above.

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It comes with a side of spies.

Long Islands newest steakhouse is a fascinating nod to the Culper spy ring, a local group of Revolutionary War double agents whose heroic espionage efforts saved the colonial forces on multiple occasions.

As we were going through school, we learned about the spy ring and the effect it had on the American Revolution, Scott Brittman, part owner of Culpers 1778, which opened in Setauket two weeks ago, told The Post.

Culpers 1778, a new steakhouse that just opened up in Setauket Long Island two weeks ago, pays tribute to the Culper spy ring. Brigitte Stelzer

For the most part, there hasnt been much representation of the spy ring in the area aside from a local tour. I feel like it was a good idea to highlight and honor it.

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The new eatery is filled with Revolutionary War-themed decor, including prints of the Battle of Setauket, a print of the Declaration of Independence, a life-size replica musket, and an original US flag, to name a few.

However, Brittmans team truly committed to the theme by tracking down and recreating George Washingtons spiced cherry brandy drink of choice, which he often carried, as per the first presidents journal.

The Commander, as its called, is served infused with lemon and cinnamon and stands among a bevy of Colonial cocktails  like Benedict Arnolds The Traitor, made with vodka and, fittingly, tea.

The organization contained double agents who took part in the Revolutionary War against the British.

The acts of espionage led to colonial forces being saved on numerous occasions.

There is also the gin-based Agent 355, a nod to a female member whose identity is still unknown, in addition to The Clothesline Ketel One libation, which pays homage to how Setauket Culper spy Anna Smith Strong sent signals by laying out her laundry in covert patterns.

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Theres been a lot of people that have come in here from different towns who are big history buffs, Brittman said, adding that Culpers will be closed on July 4 in observance of Independence Day.

Who were the Culpers?

Washingtons secret agents were a brave band of at least seven known members, according to Christopher Judge, a longtime educator at Oyster Bays Raynham Hall Museum, which is the former home of Cupler spy Robert Townsend.

Setauket native Benjamin Tallmadge led the clandestine group on British-occupied LI alongside his tight-knit allies, Abraham Woodhull and Caleb Brewster, circa 1778, the year in which the restaurant is named.

They were all childhood friends, and they knew they could trust each other with their lives. They all agreed to stand against what they considered the tyranny of the British, said Judge.

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You could almost say that they were the CIA of the time  and predecessor to James Bond.

When learning about the organizations history, part owner of Culpers 1778, Scott Brittman told The Post, that naming the restaurant after the spy ring was a good idea to highlight and honor it. Brigitte Stelzer

Nearby Port Jefferson native and East Setauket tavern owner Austin Roe, whose great-grandson Justus invented the retractable tape measure, was also a member.

The rings moniker originated from the false surname of Culper that members assumed during their subversive duties, according to Judge, who is stoked to try the steakhouse.

Townsend not only played the role of a loyalist to a tee, but also managed to stand sentry and eavesdrop on important Redcoat meetings in a homemade military uniform, Judge explained.

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Even George Washington did not know Robert Townsends true identity, because they knew that if that chain somehow was broken, that it would inflict potential death on the other members, he said.

It wasnt until 1938 that a historian discovered Townsends involvement after analyzing documents at Raynham Hall.

The Culpers greatest two victories were thwarting a British plot to annihilate the colonial economy by flooding America with counterfeit notes, and also fooling English troops into turning away from where critical French allies were landing in Rhode Island.

The French probably would have been decimated had the British not been given false information by members of the spy ring to divert them back down to New York, said Judge, who added that their loss would have reshaped the war.

Not a single member of the spy network ever got caught. I would say that was their biggest victory.
Donna Louise Todd is a mother, a businesswoman and an online influencer. She is also the victim of a violent man who strangled her and received a suspended sentence.

She said sentencing for non-fatal strangulation is too lenient, and in her case believes it "wasn't enough, justice was not served".

"For victims to go to court and for an abuser to get just a suspended sentence, it's unfair," she said.

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The Lady Chief Justice told BBC News NI that "there is a perception amongst some that a suspended sentence is a 'let off', however, it acts as a deterrent measure", adding that there is a sentence "hanging over the offender which will be put into effect if they commit another offence".

Since 2020, 27 women have been violently killed in Northern Ireland.

Non-fatal strangulation, which became a stand-alone crime in Northern Ireland in 2023, is seen as a red flag for escalating violence in a relationship and an indicator for future risk of murder or attempted murder.

Strangulation is the second most common method of female murder in the UK, after stabbing.

'Enough was enough'

Donna Louise said her relationship, which lasted only six months, was both physically and emotionally abusive.

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"It was challenging. It strips you down until there is nothing left and it's left me with a lot of trauma within that short space of time.

"I knew I had to call the police - enough was enough.

"I was scared to do so but it also was a way for me to completely disconnect with that person.

"It was the best thing I ever did."

He was charged with a number of offences, including non-fatal strangulation.

Donna Louise said she was prepared to give her witness testimony in court, but at the last minute her attacker changed his plea to guilty and was handed a suspended sentence.

"He admitted to what he'd done, and it was like a slap on the wrist," she said.

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"I feel like, why was it not taken seriously?"

The Lady Chief Justice, Dame Siobhan Keegan, said: "The sentencing framework, within which all judges must act, is set in legislation by the Department of Justice."

In Donna Louise's case, the Lady Chief Justice said the judge "emphasised the deterrent measure of the suspended sentence by reminding the defendant that he would be sent to prison should he reoffend at any stage in the next three years".

Dr John Taggart said most cases are heard in the magistrates' court which will attract a lower sentence [Queen's University Belfast]

The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) made prosecution decisions in 278 cases of non-fatal strangulation from the beginning of April 2024 until the end of March 2025.

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The vast majority of those cases were processed through the magistrates' court which has lower sentencing powers.

The PSNI have charged over 600 people with the offence since it came into force two years ago.

Dr John Taggart, a legal expert at Queen's University Belfast, said sentencing in Northern Ireland can be complicated.

"When judges come to sentence someone for a particular offence, for example non-fatal strangulation, they do have more discretion here, they aren't bound by formal guidance like in England and Wales," he told BBC News NI.

"That means judges do have a bit more leeway to perhaps incorporate aggravating factors or mitigating factors.

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"The figures are clear that most of these cases are being tried in the magistrates' court compared to the crown court, significantly more cases in the magistrates', invariably that means that cases will attract a lower sentence."

Judge McElhom said there has been an "explosion" of non-fatal strangulation cases [BBC]

Judge Barney McElhom, who retired this year after more than 25 years, described non-fatal strangulation as some perpetrator's "weapon of choice".

He said there has been "almost an explosion" in the number of cases he has seen in recent years.

Speaking to BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today programme, he said he's heard from victims that "this is the most frightening thing you can experience, it's like drowning".

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"It's a very, very controlling and coercive and domineering tactic" which requires "wider awareness," he added.

Donna Louise said her message for others experiencing abuse is to "get out of that relationship", adding that she felt it was important to speak out.

"It's not easy, but I'll be a voice because I know what it feels like to lose your voice, to be silenced, and I will not be silenced."
They gather several times a week in the parking lot of a Vons supermarket in Mar Vista, and no subject is off-limits. Not even the grim medical prognosis for 70-year-old David Mays, one of the founding members of the coffee klatch.

Its one of our major topics of conversation, said Paul Morgan, 45, a klatch regular.

Mays is a cancer survivor with a full package of maladies, including diabetes, a faltering heart and failing kidneys. But since I met him almost two years ago, he has told me repeatedly that he doesnt want dialysis treatment, even though it might extend his life.

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I get it, because its a lot of hours out of your day, said Morgan, a schoolteacher who lives nearby. People think you go in for dialysis for 15 minutes before you go straight to work. But really, its a part-time job.

His treatment would require that he visit a dialysis center three times a week, for four hours each time, Mays said.

For the rest of my life.

I dont think I could do it, said klatcher Kit Bradley, 70, who lives in a van near the supermarket with his dog, Lea.

I met Mays in October 2023, when he was living in his Chevy Malibu in a downtown garage that was part of the Safe Parking L.A. program. Mays later moved into an apartment in East Hollywood and still lives there, but his health has continued to deteriorate.

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He is Stage 5, said Dr. Thet Thet Aung, Mays nephrologist at Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles.

David Mays, center, enjoys a morning get-together with Paul Morgan, left, and Kit Bradley in a Vons parking lot in West Los Angeles on June 25, 2025. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

For such patients, Aung said, death can be imminent. She told me shes had many conversations with Mays about his treatment options, including dialysis in a clinic or self-administered at home. But not everyone does well on dialysis, she added, and when a patient makes an informed choice, we respect their wishes.

Mays has a refreshingly healthy attitude about mortality. Multibillion-dollar industries cater to those who want to look younger and live longer, and about 25% of Medicares massive outlay is spent on patients in the last year of life, many of whom choose life-extending medical procedures.

Mays, in the time I've known him, has been realistic rather than fatalistic. He has told me he doesnt think bravery, faith or spirituality has anything to do with his desire to let nature take its course.

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Read more: Almost 70, unemployed, worried about his health and living in his car

It transcends those things, he said.

Hes at peace with his fate, he explained, because hes got friends, love and support.

On a recent day at his apartment, I watched Mays load medication from more than 20 vials into a weekly pill organizer.

I could almost do this in my sleep, he said as he arranged meds that resembled miniature jelly beans. This one for his kidneys, that one for his heart, his blood pressure, and on and on.

Bottles of medication and photos of close friends rest on David Mays' table at his apartment in East Hollywood. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

There were 18 pills in each compartment. And none of that will cure any of what ails him, he said.

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You just have to keep doing it, and doing it, just to stay at a sustained level, he said. Its not like  I feel great because I took this stuff.

Two women in Mays life are heartbroken about his condition but respectful of his refusal to try dialysis.

I dont want him to suffer for the sake of placating other people, said Mays daughter Jennifer Nutt, 47, of Merced.

Her parents divorced when she and her brother were young, and Nutt had no relationship with Mays until recently. She's had her own trials, Nutt said, including homelessness.

Read more: The monthly tab for her in-home elder care: $18,000. She can cover it, but how many others can?

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Father and daughter began connecting in the fall of 2024.

We spend hours every day talking. Its like a nonstop festival of catching up, and theyve discovered they have the same cheeky sense of humor and pragmatism, and similar traits and interests.

We like big words and thick books, Nutt said.

The other woman is Helena Bake, of Perth, Australia, a registered nurse Mays affectionately refers to as "Precious." They met in 1985, when Mays was visiting London, and Bake, 18 at the time, was working in a restaurant he visited with friends. After Bake moved to Australia, Mays visited her many times and became close to her entire family.

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He was lovely, said Bake, who is not surprised by Mays attitude about his deteriorating health. Hes always very positive and so pragmatic. He has this wonderful view of the world and the people in his life. Its such a gift that he has.

Mays, who gets by on Social Security payments, has set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for his cremation and send his ashes to Bake, to be scattered in his favorite places in Australia.

Lately, medical appointments with his several doctors, and the occasional ER visit, have gotten in the way of one of Mays favorite activities  the gatherings in the Vons parking lot.

David Mays is "always very positive and so pragmatic. He has this wonderful view of the world and the people in his life. It's such a gift that he has," a longtime friend says. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Mays worked for many years in the Mar Vista area as a live-in elder care provider, and hed bump into Bradley at a park, or Morgan in the strip mall that includes the grocery store. Several years ago, they made a habit of grabbing coffee around 7 a.m. and hanging out near Mays car. Bradleys dog often hops into the vehicle, a Vons employee named Elvis comes out for a smoke break, and others come and go.

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I had a cousin who had diabetes, and he called my mom one day and said, Im not doing it anymore,  Morgan was saying the other day. His mother wasnt supportive at first, he told the klatch, but she listened to her nephews explanation and came around. Who could judge someone for the choices they make in that situation?

Theres a waiting list for kidneys of two to eight years, Mays said. Lets say [in] four or five years, there was a kidney available. Your body can reject it  and then youre back to the drawing board. I told Precious about this like a year and a half ago  and she said, I have to hang up now because I have to process this. And the next time I talked with her, she said, I get it. 

Mays said he doesnt want to be a prisoner to a process, like a machine or something."

"And you have to do this indefinitely. Its not like youre on it for two or three years," he said. "It is. The. Rest. Of. Your. Life."

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Ive seen people that were on dialysis, said Bradley, a former musician. I think Id rather be just, if I gotta go, I gotta go.

Morgan said his father, who died last year, had kidney problems in the end and resisted extreme measures to extend his life.

Its not like he was at all suicidal, just like Davids not, Morgan said. The thing about David is, hes always been so resolute about it. Weve never had a discussion where I felt like we could waver him, or like he was on the fence.

When he first resisted dialysis, Mays said, doctors set him up in a room with a video that explained the process.

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I watched the whole thing, and that was the clincher, Mays said. By the time I got through looking at that, Im just going, Oh HELL no.

Its not that he wants to die, Mays said. Its that he wants to live on his terms.

Read more: If people taking care of our elders get deported, will anyone take their place?

The irony of the whole thing is, its all the people that I have around me  theyre the reason Im willing to go like this. What I get from them in the way of being  uplifted and loved, well, when you have all that, you can deal with anything."

He has his klatch buddies, he has Precious, he has his daughter in his life again.

With people around that give a damn about you, care about you, you can deal  with death, you can deal with dying.... And I told my doctors I would rather live a shorter period of time, but with what I feel to be some decent quality of life, than live a longer period of time and be miserable. And I would be miserable on dialysis, Mays said.

Plus, Im 70. It aint like Im 30 and theres so much life to live. I am the age that I am, and I would like to go further, sure, but it has to close out soon. And Im fine with that, because I have lived.

steve.lopez@latimes.com



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Pacific Palisades neighborhoods were closed to the public for months after a January firestorm devastated the community, but since its recent reopening, there have been sightings of a new, disturbing visitor in the neighborhood: disaster tourists. Busloads of them.

"My office and others have received numerous reports about commercial tour operators conducting disaster tours in the Pacific Palisades," Los Angeles City Councilmember Traci Park said at a council meeting this week. "Theyre looking to profit off of destruction and other peoples losses. Its really gross and it needs to be stopped."

In a bid to stop the trend from becoming routine whenever disaster strikes the area, the City Council unanimously approved restricting "disaster tourism" buses from the Palisades fire zone and any disaster zone.

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On Jan. 7, the Palisades fire tore through Pacific Palisades and surrounding areas, destroying more than 6,000 structures, many of them homes, and leaving 12 people dead. Although officials vowed to have a speedy recovery, the rebuilding process for the worst disaster in the city's history has been challenging  and slow.

Park said the tour buses were not only unsettling but also potentially distracting and hazardous for crews continuing to work in the area.

"It's also ... dangerous because were still actively clearing fire debris," she said.

As a result of the vote on Park's motion, the city's Department of Transportation will restrict tour buses from any area declared part of a natural disaster emergency, and the ban will last through the duration of the emergency response.

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The motion also called on the department to consider permanent tour bus restrictions in certain areas of the Palisades once the emergency expires, given the Palisades' narrow, winding and steep streets  potentially unsuitable for large buses even before the fire.

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Scientists aboard research vessel Pelican take water samples to measure oxygen as part of an annual survey to determine the size of the Gulf of Mexico's "dead zone." (Cassandra Glaspie, LSU/Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium)

Imagine you love cherry cheesecake, and youre happy to find out that your local bakery makes the delicious, decadent dessert every Saturday. But they only make a certain amount per week; after that, theres no more.

Your neighbors also love cherry cheesecake. So, in order to get more for yourself from the limited supply, you pay them not to order a cake on Saturday, giving their share to you instead.

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Balancing the amount of cheesecake consumption using this kind of trade works in a similar way to water quality trading, which looks to reduce pollution in the environment in theory. It gets a lot more complicated than cheesecake.

One entity removes certain pollutants from the environment, and then a company that discharges that pollutant could buy those credits to offset their pollution, said Matt Rota, senior policy director for environmental group Healthy Gulf.

The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) hopes to improve water quality throughout the state with a new water quality trading program, using a market-based strategy to encourage less nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in waterways.

Its a type of plan that environmentalists, scientists and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says can be a useful tool. But whether the program is fully set up for success isnt yet certain.

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Nutrient pollution

Nitrogen and phosphorus are nutrients often found in things like fertilizer for agriculture or a product of wastewater treatment. Farmers, wastewater treatment companies and other types of facilities produce nitrogen and phosphorus as a byproduct; that byproduct often gets washed or dumped into nearby waterways.

Too much nitrogen and phosphorus in the water can cause toxic algae blooms, areas of low oxygen also known as dead-zone and acidification of coastal estuaries and wetlands, among other problems

The dead zone in the upper Gulf of Mexico, now renamed the Gulf of America by the Trump administration, is the poster child for the issue, said Rota. The area of low oxygen that appears every summer in the Gulf from nutrient pollution in the Mississippi River covers an area usually about the size of Delaware.

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Its a really important issue, the zone of hypoxia, said John Sabo, professor at Tulanes Department of River-Coastal Science and Engineering, and director of the Tulane ByWater Institute. Low oxygen in the water can kill fish, shrimp and other sea life, affecting Louisianas seafood industry and the ecology of the Gulf.

Previous efforts to reduce it havent made much progress. Vast amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus wash into the Mississippi River from further North in the Mississippi River Basin. All of that runs down to Louisiana, making it hard to control that much pollution within a single state.

The Hypoxia Task Force, a group of federal agencies, states and tribes throughout the Basin, represents one of the larger groups trying to address the dead zone by forecasting and mapping the annual size of the zone. It also works with farmers to adopt new strategies to reduce the amount of nutrient runoff from agricultural fields and works with universities and businesses to advance technology to contain nutrient runoff.

The goal of the Task Force is to reduce the dead zones size by 20 percent of what it was in 2015 by this year, and no larger than about 1,900 square miles by 2035. Forecasts for this year predict the zone to be about 4,800 square miles.

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Problems with fully funding the annual cruise to gather data on the true size of the zone could also make it harder to tell whether reduction strategies are working.

Problems in the program

The idea behind LDEQs market strategy is that Louisiana can use financial incentives to reduce nutrient pollution and help alleviate problems like the dead zone.

The goal is to reduce pollutants across the state, said Rachel Mathews, LDEQ environmental scientist manager and the program lead for the water quality trading initiative.

But environmental advocates noted some gaps that could hinder the programs success.

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Louisiana doesnt currently have numeric limits for nutrient pollution in waterways. Having a specific, measurable number is important for keeping a market working correctly, according to Rota and Sabo.

Certain individual permits from point source polluters, or places like wastewater treatment plants and manufacturing facilities, might have a measurable maximum they are allowed to dump, but Louisiana has no broad, standard requirement for these facilities to limit nutrient pollution.

Other sources of pollution, called nonpoint source pollution, like that from farming fertilizer runoff, do not have any requirement to limit nutrient pollution in Louisiana.

If their permits arent requiring them to ramp down their nitrogen or phosphorus discharge, theres no market, said Rota.Louisiana hasnt put together a good regulatory regime to ensure that these credits would need to be purchased.

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Its like the local bakery making cheesecake all week in unlimited amounts; theres no incentive to pay your neighbor not to get a cake if you can eat as much as you want.

Louisiana started the process of developing numeric maximums for the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus allowed in bodies of water in 2003, mutually agreeing with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to finish a draft of nutrient criteria for all waterways except the Mississippi and Atchafalaya rivers by 2013. Rota said that goal still hasnt been met.

Louisiana has theoretically been working on those for 20 years. And, you know, we have seen very little progress, said Rota.

Mathews said Louisiana does follow a general narrative criteria, or more qualitative descriptions like good, bad, moderate or severe, for maintaining the amount of nutrient pollution in the states waters.

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Its a good start, the narrative approach, but it should be evolved towards quantitative and measurement, said Sabo.

LDEQ also does a water quality assessment every two years to see if bodies of water are supporting or not supporting the narrative requirements. Mathews said that can help LDEQ decide if certain, more heavily polluted areas need to be a higher priority for cleanup.

It was just the most efficient tool that we had available at the time, said Mathews.

But relying on numbers is central to making a program like this successful. A report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office looking at water quality trading programs found that without limits on the amount of nutrients allowed into waterways, theres no demand for point source polluters to buy credits.

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Getting nonpoint source polluters involved was another issue the report cited, because its so difficult to tell how much nutrient pollution they actually produce, creating uncertainties about the value of credits.

Can it be fixed?

Even with the problems in Louisianas program, environmental advocates and scientists alike agree that trying a market strategy to control nutrient pollution isnt a baseless idea.

I love working with the market rather than against it, said Cassie Glaspie, assistant professor in Louisiana State Universitys Department of Oceanography & Coastal Sciences.

Still, she said theres a need for regulation to play a role.

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I usually get excited about these types of things, but I also know from experience that regulation has to be part of the talk, she said. Having some sort of nutrient pollution credit, I think, would be an important tool to help that, but its not going to solve the issue on its own.

Sabo said that expanding from a program solely in Louisiana to one encompassing more states in the Mississippi River Basin could be a good way to start making actual, substantial impacts in reducing problems like the dead zone.

Starting at home makes a lot of sense, because you cant incentivize market participation between Iowa and Louisiana very easily, but if you have your own market set up, thats a good pilot for something larger, said Sabo.

While Mathews didnt expand on specific plans for future expansion into the Basin, she emphasised the importance of Louisiana trying new and varied ways to tackle the overwhelming problem of nutrient pollution.

Who knows where were gonna go from here? We just have to get one thing done before we can move to anything else, said Mathews.
A helicopter puts out a fire in the Odemis district of Izmir, Turkiye, on July 4, 2025. Wildfires that have been raging since Wednesday across three districts in Turkiye's western Izmir province have claimed two lives as firefighters battle flames fueled by strong winds, low humidity, and scorching heat. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)

ISTANBUL, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Wildfires that have been raging since Wednesday across three districts in Turkiye's western Izmir province have claimed two lives as firefighters battle flames fueled by strong winds, low humidity, and scorching heat.

In his latest statement, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Ibrahim Yumakli announced that the forest fire in Cesme, a popular resort town, was brought under control by Friday morning. However, efforts to contain the blazes in Odemis and Buca districts are still ongoing.

Two people lost their lives in Odemis: an 81-year-old bedridden man and a forestry worker who died while battling the blaze, according to the minister.

Odemis Mayor Mustafa Turan described the fire as one of the worst disasters in the district's history. "In this devastating wildfire, the residential areas and olive groves of our Uzumlu neighborhood have been reduced to ashes. Our sorrow is immense," he said.

Local news outlet Odemis Last Minute shared videos on social media platform X showing residents breaking down in tears, as their homes and livestock were destroyed by the fire.

Meanwhile, animal protection groups in Odemis have been working tirelessly to rescue animals affected by wildfires. The organization Haytap posted on platform X on Friday, saying, "The situation is truly dire. In the evacuated villages, we found many animals left tied up in the yards of burned homes. We're evacuating them to safe areas and providing medical treatment to those in need."

A video recorded at 6 a.m. local time (0300 GMT) shows flames burning intensely across a wide area, indicating the fire was still active.

Murat Ertekin, a resident of Cesme, described a grim picture to Xinhua: "When we arrived in Cesme from Izmir on Thursday, the highway was still open, but flames were raging on both sides. To the left, the fire consumed dry brush and shrubs, while to the right, a dense forest was burning fiercely."

The fire forced the authorities to evacuate thousands as it approached residential areas and led to the temporary closure of the highway and side roads connecting Cesme and Izmir.

Airlines have delayed or canceled numerous flights to Izmir Airport due to approaching flames and heavy smoke in the area since Friday morning.

Another resident, Yasemin Yavuz, told Xinhua that the fire had reached all the way down to Alacati, a popular destination known for its favorable winds and renowned surf schools. She described the situation as extremely severe as midnight.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the fires, but high temperatures, low humidity, and powerful winds have created ideal conditions for wildfires to spread rapidly. Investigations are underway to determine whether negligence or arson may have played a role.

"I've lived here for years, and I've never seen winds this extreme during this time of year with very low humidity," Yavuz added. The region is currently experiencing temperatures ranging between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius, with humidity levels around 15 percent. 

A helicopter puts out a fire in the Odemis district of Izmir, Turkiye, on July 4, 2025. Wildfires that have been raging since Wednesday across three districts in Turkiye's western Izmir province have claimed two lives as firefighters battle flames fueled by strong winds, low humidity, and scorching heat. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)

A helicopter puts out a fire in the Odemis district of Izmir, Turkiye, on July 4, 2025. Wildfires that have been raging since Wednesday across three districts in Turkiye's western Izmir province have claimed two lives as firefighters battle flames fueled by strong winds, low humidity, and scorching heat. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56)  When June McQuaig was just three months old, her mother, Megan Bowden, learned of a diagnosis that would make every day a battle for her little girl.

June has epilepsy. She has quadriplegic cerebral palsy. She is deaf and has cochlear implants. And then she is nonverbal, so she requires an accompanying device that helps her speak, said Bowden. She has all sorts of services. Therapeutic services like occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy. She receives those in outpatient settings. And then, of course, in school as well, so that she can have a safe and active time while shes in the classroom in public schools.

Now June is 10 years old, and Bowden said theyre facing another battle.

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With President Donald Trumps Big Beautiful Bill set to become law, she worries there could be Medicaid cuts that would affect the services her daughter relies on.

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Without access to this kind of medical care, Junes life is going to be really short. And I really just dont know if were going to be able to access this kind of care in the future if Kentucky isnt able to help families and have Medicaid, Bowden told FOX 56.

This is admittedly a scary time for herand for the millions of people who benefit from Medicaid.

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Im afraid that services will be overwhelmed in our state, that maybe we wont be able to access the hospital as easily because more people will be coming to Louisville, Kentucky, for services instead of any of the rural hospitals that maybe theyre closest to.

Without Junes primary health insurance, Bowden said they would not have been able to afford things like a spinal surgery this past spring that has allowed June to live a more comfortable life. According to Bowden, that surgery would have cost at least $400,000.

I want to give my daughter the best life possible, but I also want to help hold up our community Everyone deserves the dignity of health care. And Im scared that weve cut it off at the knees now in our country, Bowden told FOX 56.

According to Bowden, the effects of possible cuts most likely wont be felt until 2029. But Junes disabilities wont disappear by then.

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She has been told that she should still be able to access things like the Michelle P. Waiver programsupport thats allowed June to grow up in her own home.

June is a recipient of the Michelle P. program. It not only pays us to be her in-home caregivers, but at a fraction of the cost that it would provide or that the state of Kentucky would have to pay if we institutionalized June.

Bowden advocates through Kentucky Voices for Health. Through that organizationand using her own personal platformshe said she is not backing down in her fight to speak up for those who cant do it themselves.

Im not scared for us because I know that Im really resilient. And I know that Ill always do what I need to do for my daughter. But I am scared for a lot of other families that really need this. And, yeah, its going to be a lot of work. And Im not afraid of that work either.

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June may be nonverbal, but through her mothers voice, shes part of a much louder message.

That access to care is not just a policy issue; it is a matter of life and dignity.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will during the French leader's visit next week to the UK co-chair talks with other European leaders on boosting Ukraine's defences, the Elysee Palace said on Friday.

"There will certainly be a discussion on how to seriously maintain Ukraine's combat capability," the Elysee Palace said, adding that Starmer and Macron will co-chair the meeting of Kyiv's allies by video link.

The meeting on July 10 will come as US-led peace talks on ending the more than three-year-old war against Ukraine have stalled.

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The United States, Ukraine's biggest military backer since the launch of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, said Tuesday it was halting some key weapons shipments to Ukraine.

Macron will pay a state visit to the United Kingdom from July 8 to July 10, when he will receive a royal welcome and address parliament.

During the Ukraine meeting, Macron and Starmer will speak to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the French presidency said.

The summit will touch upon the deployment of "a reassurance force" to Ukraine after a ceasefire, the Elysee Palace said.

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The discussions will also focus on "how to increase pressure on Russia to accept an unconditional ceasefire that it has consistently refused," the French presidency added.

Moscow has in recent weeks ramped up missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, as US support for Kyiv has appeared to waver under US President Donald Trump.

Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin spoke by phone on Thursday.

The US president said he made no progress with Putin on ending the Ukraine war, as the Kremlin insisted Putin would stick to his aims in the conflict.

vl-as/sjw/giv
WINTERSET, Iowa  After several days of public interviews, Madison County has appointed a new auditor. On Thursday, the Board of Supervisors voted 21 to approve Matthew Schwarz for the position.

On Thursday, the Board of Supervisors voted 21 to approve Matthew Schwarz for the position.

Supervisors Jessica Hobbs and Chairwoman Heather Stancil voted in favor, while Supervisor Diane Fitch opposed the appointment.

The decision followed a series of interviews with several candidates and came after the resignation of elected Auditor Teri Kaczinski. Kaczinski announced her departure in May amid controversy and after just four months on the job. Her tenure came under scrutiny after she attempted multiple times to hire her former campaign manager using county fundstwice directly through the Auditors Office and a third time through a third-party consulting agency she hired at a rate of $250 an hour, despite significant budget cuts in the county.

Kaczinski later challenged the Board of Supervisors in court when they blocked the hire, but abruptly abandoned the lawsuit.

Public Interview Schedule

The interviews were open to the public and included the following candidates. Employment details were gleaned from the applications and resumes they provided to the Madison County BOS:

Monday, June 30

2 p.m.: Alexis Gonzales, a Winterset resident, currently works as a Background Investigator at Equifax in West Des Moines.

3 p.m.: Matthew Schwarz, a Winterset resident, serves as President and CEO of a consulting company called Schwarz Forensic Enterprises and works as a Heavy Equipment Operator and Foreman with Wenthold Excavating in Elkhart.

Tuesday, July 1

8:30 a.m.: Bella Johnson  Her resume was not provided to WHO 13, and she did not attend her interview, according to the Madison County Auditors Office.

9:30 a.m.: Randyl Taber, a Van Meter resident, is a self-employed, college-educated Investment Advisor and Certified Financial Planner with Taber Financial Advisors.

10:30 a.m.: Michele Brant, an Earlham resident and the most recent Madison County Board Clerk who has publicly voiced concerns over transparency within the county government. She holds a Masters Degree in Finance from Drake University.

Thursday, July 3

10 a.m.: Makayla Joyce, the Second Deputy Auditor, withdrew her candidacy and did not interview.

11 a.m.: Lawra Mathes, a Lorimor resident, is currently the First Deputy Auditor.

Board Decision and Appointment

Following the interviews, the board held a special session Thursday afternoon to deliberate and vote on the appointment. Schwarz was selected for the position, which pays $80,424.16.

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During his interview, Schwarz said he was born and raised in eastern Iowa and moved to the Des Moines area in 2012. In 2020, he relocated to Madison County after purchasing 60 acres of land.

Schwarz said he applied for the auditor position after following recent news coverage surrounding the role, adding that he felt a responsibility to give back to the community. He emphasized a preference for controlled communication over speaking openly with reporters.

I am a firm believer that communication should be handled through written statements or press releases, he said. Interviewing  especially off the cuff with media  only opens you up to editing, misinterpretation, or being quoted incorrectly.

Schwarz said he spent 16 years as a sworn law enforcement officer before becoming a private contractor, a role he has held for another 16 years. His resume includes work with the Davenport, West Liberty, and Muscatine Police Departments. He said his consulting firm provides services to local, state, and federal governments.

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He also described himself as an inventor, certified assessor, scientific author, and subject matter expert, noting he has served on numerous governing boards.

I am very excited for the opportunity to serve the citizens of Madison County and am looking forward to it, Schwarz told WHO 13s Katie Kaplan by phone on Thursday.

Schwarz said his strengths in efficiency and time management align well with the Auditors duties and that he sees the position as a way to apply his analytical skills. He also stated he is not active on social media and would assign a staff member to manage official communications to stay in accordance with Iowa law.

According to a public resignation letter posted by Kaczinski, which was accepted by the BOS during the Tuesday, May 13 public meeting, her resignation takes effect July 4, 2025. Schwarz is expected to be sworn in at the Madison County Courthouse in Winterset on Monday, July 7, at 9 a.m.

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Correction: An earlier version of this article listed incorrectly the name of one of the candidates. Makayla (Simpson) Joyce has been corrected to Makayla Joyce.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
July 4 (UPI) -- The Madre Fire in central California expanded to 70,800 in two days, making it the largest wildfire this year in California.

In terms of size, the Madre Fire, at 110 square miles, is the largest wildfire in California this year, surpassing January's Palisades and Eaton fires of 51,490 acres in densely populated Los Angeles County, Cal Fire said.

"As we approach the holiday weekend, the Madre Fire, the largest of 2025, is a stark reminder of potential dangers," the U.S. Forest Service posted on Facebook on Thursday night.

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Cal Fire is working with Bureau of Land Management and the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office to fight the fire.'

No injuries are building damage was reported.

The wildfire was reported Wednesday afternoon in San Luis Obispo County and has grown substanially and was 10% contained as of Friday afternoon. On Wednesday, it was 200 acres but by early Thursday, it had grown to 35,530 acres and 5% contained and hit 54,000 Thursday night.

The New Cuyama area is about 60 miles west of Bakersfield and 50 miles east of Santa Maria. Despite being 125 miles northwest of Los Angeles, smoke was extending into Southern California. The South Coast Air Quality Management District on Thursday afternoon issued a smoke advisory for the Los Angeles area, including Santa Clarita, the San Gabriel Valley and the San Bernardino Mountains.

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"With the current weather, terrain, and fuel conditions this fire has seen exponential growth in less than 24 hours in multiple counties surrounding the San Luis Obispo County area," the U.S. Forest Service - Los Padres National Forest posted on Facebook on Thursday afternoon. "Smoke impacts will be far-reaching."

The cause remains under investigation.

Residents in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties received evacuation orders and warnings, and Kern was added Friday. An evacuation center was set up at the California Valley Community Services District.

All Bureau of Land Management lands in Carrizo Plain National Monument are closed for public access.

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Fifty structures have been threatened, according to Cal Fire.

Video from the University of California UC San Diego's ALERTCalifornia camera network shows the fire spreading rapidly across the Carrizo Plain.

"The winds are pretty light during the day, but they do pick up pretty substantially in the afternoon and evening hours," Ryan Kittell, with the National Weather Service, told KTLA-TV.

The 608 firefighters are contending with high winds.

Friday's forecast in the area is a high of 75 degrees with humidity of 81% and calm winds, the National Weather Service said.

Bakersfield is forecast for a high in the lower 90s after a 102-degree high on Thursday.

Resources include 46 fire engines, 14 hand crews, five water tenders, four helicopters and seven bulldozers.
Donald Trump supporters are freaking out after a towering mural of Lady Liberty covering her face in shame was unveiled in France.

The painting, located in the northern city of Roubaix, is titled The Statue of Libertys Silent Protest. Dutch artist Judith de Leeuw spent six days creating the mural showcasing a stinging twist on the iconic monument France gifted to the U.S. after the Civil War to commemorate the nations alliance.

De Leeuw told Storyful that the mural reflects the shame she feels over Trumps hardline immigration policies, which have resulted in thousands of migrants being deported.

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Roubaix has a large migrant population, and many of them live in extremely difficult circumstances. The values that the statue once stood forfreedom, hope, the right to be yourselfhave been lost for many, de Leeuw said.

A bronze plaque inside the Statue of Liberty reads,

She noted that unveiling the piece on July 4, as Americans celebrate Independence Day, was a meaningful coincidence.

However, a number of MAGA figures have shown disdain for the mural after images and videos of it were widely shared on social media.

This disgusts me. If any country ought to be kissing our ass, its France, Tennessee Rep. Tim Burchett posted on X. My Uncle Roy fought and died and is buried there for their freedom.

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Libs of TikTok, the often hateful account run by Chaya Raichik, wrote: New mural in France depicts Lady Liberty covering her face in shame. The artist says its because of our immigration policies. Its not shameful to deport criminal illegal aliens and secure our border! This artist has a sad case of TDS [Trump Derangement Syndrome].

One pro-Trump account called the artwork disgusting.

There are American families that lost loved ones fighting for France. A lot of American warriors are buried there, trying to help save France. Which is why they gifted us Lady Liberty. The media is just as bad posting this kind of TRASH on July 4th, it added.

Another America First account slammed the mural as blatant disrespect towards America.

The mural was created to show opposition to Donald Trump's immigration policies. / Nathan Howard / REUTERS

De Leeuw, however, said locals in Roubaix have embraced the piece and its pro-immigration message.

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On Instagram, she wrote that the Statue of Liberty was gifted to the U.S. to honor the right to freedom for all.

But today, that freedom feels out of reach. Not for everyone. Not for migrants. Not for those pushed to the margins, silenced, or unseen, she wrote.

I painted her covering her eyes because the weight of the world has become too heavy to witness. What was once a shining symbol of liberty now carries the sorrow of lost meaning.
In April, top representatives from the Los Angeles Dodgers were seen yukking it up with President Donald Trump as he attacked Democratic senators as the World Series champions visited the White House.

Unsettling as it may have been to see leaders of Jackie Robinsons former team giggling at the unhinged ramblings of a president whose administration sought to hide Robinsons legacy, that chummy appearance doesnt seem to have bought the team much goodwill from MAGA world.

A federal complaint filed Monday by America First Legal  the right-wing activist group founded by White House policy director Stephen Miller  accuses the Dodgers organization of engaging in illegal discrimination because the organization has employee resource groups meant to aid Black, Latino and Asian employees, and because the companys website promotes the value of its diversity, equity and inclusion policies.

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Under Trumps second administration, which has given rise to various forms of blatant bigotry, these are the kinds of traditionally anodyne things that draw outcries for federal intervention. America First Legal lobs similar DEI claims against Guggenheim Partners, the investment firm led by Dodgers majority owner Mark Walter.

The complaint reads:

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Guggenheim Partners have represented to the public that they have engaged  and continue to engage  in unlawful employment discrimination under the guise of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). It is unlawful  even when using inclusive terminology  to segregate or classify employees or applicants for employment in ways that would deprive, or tend to deprive individuals of employment, training, or promotions because of their race, color, sex, or national origin.

The Dodgers declined to comment. Guggenheim Partners did not immediately return MSNBCs request for comment.

For the record, theres no evidence that any of these employee programs actually engaged in discrimination  although many conservatives seem to believe that the mere existence of such programs is some sort of affront to white men.

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America First Legals complaint  perhaps, coincidentally  comes after a recent incident in which the Dodgers organization said it turned away officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement seeking entry into the teams stadium grounds amid widespread immigration raids in Los Angeles.

This 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. Tonights game will be played as scheduled.  Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 19, 2025

False. We were never there. https://t.co/ZquYiW0miQ  U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (@ICEgov) June 19, 2025

ICE, for the record, initially claimed this was false, but a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson later told NBC News that U.S. Customs and Border Protection vehicles were in the stadium parking lot very briefly, unrelated to any operation or enforcement.

In recent months, the Dodgers organization has come under fire from its fans  many of whom are Latino  over its muted response to the immigration raids. But the team is increasingly finding itself at the center of culture war issues that, from my vantage point, are making that approach very difficult.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
MAGNA, Utah (ABC4)  A Magna man was charged on Thursday, accused of kidnapping a teen girl with autism and attempting to have her take her clothes off, according to Unified Police.

John Maez, 41, is charged in Salt Lake County with kidnapping (second-degree felony).

On Sept. 4, 2024, a Unified Police officer responded to a home in Salt Lake County on a report that a child had not returned home from school. The caller told police that his 14-year-old stepdaughter, who is autistic and functions at a 10-year-old level, had not returned from school.

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He also told police it was unclear whether she had attended school that day in the first place. Police issued an ATL (Attempt to Locate) and BOLO (Be On the Lookout) for the missing girl.

Police then found the girl, who had stated that she had gotten a job babysitting to make money to buy food, according to a probable cause statement. She told police that she had been walking when a man, later identified as Maez, pulled up in his truck and asked her if she wanted to make some money.

She allegedly agreed and Maez took her to his home. The teen girl told police she ate some food, watched a movie, and drank alcohol while at Maez residence. She also said Maez asked her to take her clothing off, but she declined.

Maez reportedly admitted to seeing the girl walking down the street and inviting her to his residence to babysit for money. He also confirmed that she had eaten food and watched a movie at his home. He said he picked her up around noon and were at his residence until around 3 p.m.

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A warrant for the purpose of bringing Maez before court for the first appearance hearing has been issued in the amount of $5,000.

No further information is available at this time.

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced the recall of 367,812 pounds of Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Original packages due to Listeria concerns. The brand, owned by Kraft Heinz Foods Company, produced the meat between April 24, 2025 and June 11, 2025.

The USDA has classified this as a "High Class I" recall. It includes 12-ounce vacuum-packed packages of Oscar Mayer Turkey BACON ORIGINAL, 36-ounce packages containing three 12-ounce vacuum-packed packages of Oscar Mayer Turkey BACON ORIGINAL, and 48-ounce packages containing four 12-ounce vacuum-packed packages of Oscar Mayer Turkey BACON ORIGINAL. You can view the labels of each product recalled here.

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The items were shipped to retail locations nationwide, with some exported to the British Virgin Islands and Hong Kong.

Listeria Monocytogenes is an infection that can seriously threaten those with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, newborns, and older adults. The bacterium can cause headaches, confusion, loss of balance, nausea, vomiting, and more life-threatening symptoms, the Food & Drug Administration reports.

"The problem was discovered after the establishment's laboratory testing indicated the product may be contaminated with Listeria Monocytogenes," the release said.

RELATED: Smucker's Makes Final Decision on Controversial Ingredient

It's recommended that you check your refrigerator and freezer for the turkey bacon products sold within those dates, and discard them immediately. You can also return them to the place of purchase. The USDA is consistently updating their health alerts on their website, should you want to keep up with the latest recalls.

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Unfortunately, this news comes off the heels of a major fruit recall. The USDA just warned of 12,000 pounds of blueberries that also tested positive for Listeria Monocytogenes. On June 27, the USDA additionally recalled 143,416 pounds of bologna products for possible contamination of undeclared pork, beef, or chicken.

Related: Hershey's Is Making a Big Change to Its Items

This Major Deli Meat Brand Just Recalled Almost 368,000 Pounds of Bacon Over Listeria Concerns first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 4, 2025
July 4 (UPI) -- A major power outage on Friday struck the Czech Republic, including the capital Prague, which disrupted public transportation and hospitals.

Also affected were regions of Usti, Liberec and Hradec Kralove, Euro News reported, citing CEPS power grid operator and domestic media.

Czech Republic has a population of 10 million and borders Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Poland, which didn't report outages. Weather was nice Friday with highs in the mid-70s, contrasting with highs in the mid-80s earlier in the week.

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In late April, a power grid failure led to the blackout of the entire Iberian Peninsula in Spain and Portugal.

The Czech blackout, shortly after noon, was triggered by the failure phase conductor on line V411, cutting power to eight major substations. Five were restored by the afternoon.

"It was an issue in the upper-level transmission grid," Karel Hanzelka, spokesperson for Prague's power provider PRE, told Czech Radio. "To put it simply, electricity stopped flowing into Prague from the outside."

The cause of the outage remains under investigation.

There was no evidence of a cyberattack, National Cyber and Information Security Agency and counterterrorism unit confirmed.

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In Prague, trams and metro lines stopped, traffic lights were inoperable and people were trapped in elevators.

Metro lines A, B, and C were temporarily out of service, Prague Morning reported.

In a reflection of how service outages varied, most trams on the right bank of the Vltava River in Prague were halted but those on the left bank weren't affected.

Firefighters evacuated three trains on the Prague Kolin section.

"This is a serious and disruptive situation. Everyone is working intensively to restore power," Prime Minister Petr Fiala said in a video post on X.

He later activated the Central Crisis Staff.

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"This isn't something that can be fixed in minutes," Industry Minister Luka Vlceksaid. "It will take hours. The outage has affected a significant portion of the country."

Fire brigades were swamped with calls.

"The power outage is generating a high number of incidents -- rescues from elevators, reported fires caused by diesel backup generators starting up," Miroslav Rezac, a spokesman for Prague's firefighters, said.

By 2 p.m., firefighters had responded to 215 elevator rescues nationwide.

In Kutna Hora, the entire hospital ran on a backup generator with an eight-hour fuel reserve. "We're looking for a gas station to refill," a hospital receptionist told Prague Radio.

Vaclav Havel Airport in Prague was not hit by the power outage, according to Czech media.
Spouses experiencing health emergencies alone, because their loved ones are serving on the streets of Los Angeles. Troops fatigued by a mission they weren't prepared for. Children of active-duty troops left without their parents, who were deployed on U.S. soil.

Such incidents are happening because of the Trump administration's decision to send troops to Los Angeles, said Brandi Jones, organizing director for the Secure Families Initiative, a nonprofit that advocates for military spouses, children and veterans.

"We've heard from families who have a concern that what their loved ones have sacrificed and served in protection of the Constitution, and all the rights it guarantees, are really under siege right now in a way they could never have expected," Jones said Thursday during a virtual news conference.

California National Guard troops stand outside a federal building in downtown Los Angeles during a June 14 protest. (Zurie Pope / Los Angeles Times)

On the eve of Independence Day, veterans, legal scholars and advocates for active-duty troops warned that sending troops to quell protests in California's largest city threatens democratic norms. Under a 147-year-old law, federal troops are barred from being used for civilian law enforcement.

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Dan Maurer, a retired lieutenant colonel who is now a law professor at Ohio Northern University, described this state of affairs during the news conference as "exactly the situation we fought for independence from," adding that President Trump is "making America militarized again."

Though 150 National Guard troops were released from protest duty on Tuesday, according to a news release from U.S Northern Command, around 3,950 remain in Los Angeles alongside 700 Marines, who are protecting federal property from protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions.

Read more: As Marines arrive in L.A., military experts raise concerns: 'This could spiral out of control'

Trump has defended the deployment of troops in Los Angeles, saying on his social media platform that the city "would be burning to the ground right now" if they were not sent. He has suggested doing the same in other U.S. cities, calling the L.A. deployment "the first, perhaps of many," during an Oval Office news conference.

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Troops in L.A. were federalized under Title 10 of the United States code, and their purview is narrow. They do not have the authority to arrest, only to detain individuals before handing them over to police, and they are only obligated to protect federal property and personnel, according to the U.S Northern Command.

Though Marines detained a U.S. Army veteran in early June, the most active involvement they and the National Guard have had in ICE's activity is providing security during arrests, according to reports from Reuters and the CBS show "Face the Nation."

"The administration has unnecessarily and provocatively deployed the military in a way that reflects the very fears that our founding fathers had," Maurer said. "Using the military as a police force in all but name."

"The closer they [the military] act to providing security around a perimeter ... the closer they act to detaining individuals, the closer they act to questioning individuals that are suspected of being illegal immigrants, the closer the military is pushed to that Posse Comitatus line," Maurer said, referring to the law that prohibits use of troops in a law enforcement capacity on American soil. "That is a very dangerous place to be."

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Other speakers argued that the use of troops in Los Angeles jeopardizes service members, placing them in a environment they were never trained for, and pitting them against American citizens.

Read more: National Guard arrives in Los Angeles as fallout from immigration raids continues

"Our Marines are our nation's shock troops, and it's entirely inappropriate that they're deployed in the streets of Los Angeles," said Joe Plenzler, a Marine combat veteran who served as platoon commander, weapons platoon commander and company executive officer for the 2nd Batallion 7th Marines, which is now deployed in downtown L.A.

Plenzler recalled that more than half of the men he served with in 2nd Batallion came from Spanish-speaking families, and some were in this country as legal permanent residents with green cards and had yet to enjoy all the benefits of citizenship.

Members of the California National Guard are deployed at a June 14 protest in downtown L.A. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

"Think about what might be going through their heads right now, as they're being ordered to help ICE arrest and deport hardworking people who look a lot like people they would see at their own family reunions," Plenzler said.

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Plenzler also contrasted the training Marines receive with those of civilian law enforcement.

"We are not cops," Plenzler said. "Marines aren't trained in de-escalatory tactics required in community policing. We don't deploy troops in civilian settings, typically because it increases the risk of excessive force, wrongful deaths and erosion of public trust."

During the 1992 L.A. riots, Marines responded with the LAPD to a domestic dispute. One officer asked the Marines to cover him, and they, mistakenly believing he was asking them to open fire, fired 200 rounds into the home.

"Our troops are under-prepared, overstretched and overwhelmed," said Christopher Purdy, founder of the nonprofit veteran advocacy group The Chamberlain Network and a veteran of the Army National Guard.

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Read more: Veterans' advocates warn of low morale amid L.A. deployment: 'This is not what we signed up for'

"Guard units doing these missions are often doing them with minimal preparation," Purdy said, stating that many units are given a single civil unrest training block a year.

"When I deployed to Iraq, we spent weeks of intense training on cultural competency, local laws and customs, how we should operate in a blend of civil and combat operations," Purdy said. "If we wouldn't accept that kind of shortcut for a combat deployment, why are we accepting it now when troops are being put out on the front line in American streets?"

Each speaker reflected on the importance of holding the federal government accountable, not only for its treatment of active-duty troops, but also for how these men and women are being used on American soil.

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"I reflect this Fourth of July on both the promise and the responsibility of freedom. Military family readiness is force readiness," Jones said. "At Secure Families Initiative, were hearing from active-duty families: You cant keep the force if families are stretched thin  or if troops are used against civilians."

Added Maurer: "The rule of law means absolutely nothing if those that we democratically entrust to enforce it faithfully ignore it at will. And I think that's where we are."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
About 30 participants from Arab countries are gathering in China's Gansu for a 14-day training course on combating desertification.




In a riverine battleground in western Myanmar, an entrepreneur hunts for reception using a makeshift bamboo antenna, his payphone kiosk providing locals a lifeline to connect with their loved ones.

In commercial capital Yangon, a student flicks through apps that cloak his online identity so he can skirt social media bans that accompanied the 2021 coup.

And in the mountainous east, customers at an internet cafe feverishly scroll for news from the outside, dependent on Elon Musk-owned satellites.

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Four years of civil war between Myanmar's military and its myriad opponents have shattered communications networks.

In response, people have resorted to methods ranging from the old-fashioned to the ingenious to the hyper-modern.

"I don't want to be cut off from the world," Hnin Sandar Soe, 20, said at an internet cafe in eastern Karenni state where she reads headlines, studies online and reaches out to friends and family.

"It always brings a warm and comforting feeling to keep in touch with them."

- Payphone lifeline -

Myanmar has been under military rule for most of its post-independence history, but a decade-long democratic thaw starting in 2010 was accompanied by an astronomical growth in connectivity.

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That year, SIM cards cost $1,000 and fewer than five percent of the population owned a mobile phone, according to World Bank figures.

Seven years later, that figure was 82 percent, as citizens seized on the rapidly developing cellular networks and novelty of free speech.

But since the military toppled the civilian government and ignited the war, there has been a slide back into digital darkness.

The junta has banned a slew of apps, conflict has eviscerated infrastructure and blackouts are weaponised by all sides.

In western Rakhine state, where civil war has intensified long-running conflict, reliable communications are now a dim memory.

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Witnessing his neighbours hiking hills for mobile signal, Saw Thein Maung founded an old-fashioned payphone business six months ago.

Today, he operates three phones wired to antennas on 10-metre (33-foot) poles that wobble in the wind above the delta town of Ponnagyun.

The business earns him a relative fortune of up to $23 a day as customers clamour to dial out.

"They don't want to stop speaking with their children elsewhere. They don't care how much they have to pay," Saw Thein Maung said.

Customer Tun Lin, 27, uses the payphone to ring city-dwelling contacts to enquire about job openings.

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"Making phone calls is the only way," the unemployed former NGO worker said.

- Satellite solutions -

Activist group the Myanmar Internet Project (MIP) says there have been nearly 400 regional internet shutdowns since the junta takeover.

What it calls a "digital coup" has slowed emergency responses, hampered education and hobbled the economy.

"The public is experiencing hardship as a result of this insult added to injury," said MIP spokesman Han, who goes by one name. "They are looking for all kinds of ways to resist."

In Karenni state, an internet cafe with a glowing blue router offers an oasis of connectivity, bypassing restrictions by tethering to Musk's Starlink satellite system.

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The junta has not licensed the technology, meaning it is illegal to operate.

Cafe owner Marino had it smuggled over the border to his shop, where the cutting-edge web link contrasts with the corrugated roof and tarpaulin walls.

"We need the internet to know what is happening in our country or the world and if our friends are doing well or not," he said.

Nearby, an elderly woman chatted on her phone and a gaggle of teens played online games.

- Dodging disconnection -

Major cities under junta control retain reliable internet, but Facebook, Instagram, X and WhatsApp -- where opposition groups have typically organised -- are all banned.

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In Yangon, virtual private networks (VPNs) provide a way to dodge the bans.

After the junta started blocking VPNs last year, a whisper network rippled through the city, with people sharing free options that still function.

One week the best is 1.1.1.1, before JumpJumpVPN emerges as more popular, and then everyone moves to Now VPN.

But the junta security forces now conduct spot checks for VPNs, said one 23-year-old student, speaking on condition of anonymity because he uses the outlawed apps.

"Other countries have internet freedom and young people can learn freely," he said. "It is different in our country where everything is restricted. I feel our rights are blocked."

He remains undeterred. "We young people have a mindset that we will overcome any restrictions."

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Male arrested after assault sends victim to hospital

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX)  On Thursday at around 4:10 p.m., Grand Junction Police Department (GJPD) officers responded to a report of an assault in progress at Walmart, located at 2881 North Avenue.

At arrival, officers learned that two men had been involved in a physical altercation outside of the northwest corner of the stores property. During the altercation, one of the men started to physically assault and kick the other male before fleeing the area.

The victim had sustained serious bodily injuries and was transported to the hospital for medical treatment by the Grand Junction Fire Department.

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After a search of the area, GJPD officers located the suspect, identified as 44-year-old Cody Tidwell, hiding under a bush near a nearby restaurant. Despite initially refusing to cooperate, officers safely took Tidwell into custody.

Tidwell was transported to the Mesa County Detention Facility and booked on the following charges:

Second-Degree Assault

Resisting Arrest

Obstruction

GJPD believes this to be an isolated incident with no ongoing threat to the public. No further information is available at this time as the incident is under investigation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Mali's military leader Gen Assimi Goita has been granted a five-year presidential term by the transitional parliament, which is renewable without elections.

The junta leader, who has seized power twice, had promised the return of democracy last year, but it never materialised.

The bill granting his new mandate said it could be renewed "as many times as necessary" and until Mali was "pacified".

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It clears Gen Goita to lead the West African country until at least 2030, with many fearing the move could lead to the repression of the opposition or dissenting opinions.

The 41-year-old military leader was named transitional president after his last coup in 2021.

At the time he promised to hold elections the following year - but has since reneged, in a blow to efforts to restore multi-party rule.

The transitional bill was on Thursday unanimously approved by 131 members of the National Transitional Council, which is composed of 147 legislators.

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The council had already adopted the measure in April.

The president of the legislative body, Malick Diaw, called the development "a major step forward in the rebuilding of Mali".

"The adoption of this text is in accordance with the popular will," he said.

The bill also allows the transitional president, government and legislative members to stand in presidential and general elections.

In May, the junta banned all political parties in the country amid a growing crackdown on dissent since the army seized power.

The military government has been trying to quell jihadist violence unleashed by groups linked with the Islamic State (IS) and al-Qaeda.

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On Tuesday, jihadist fighters 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.

Since taking power, the junta leader has formed an alliance with coup leaders in neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger, pivoting the region towards Russia after cutting ties with former colonial power France.

Gen Goita has also withdrawn Mali from the regional grouping Ecowas over its demands to restore democratic rule. Burkina Faso and Niger have also left the grouping.

He first staged a coup in August 2020 overthrowing then-President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita after huge anti-government protests against his rule and his handling of the jihadist insurgency.

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However, these attacks have continued and even intensified since he took power.

Gen Goita handed power to an interim government that was to oversee the transition to elections within 18 months.

He had sought to lead that government, but Ecowas insisted on a civilian leader.

Unhappy with the performance of the civilian transitional arrangement, he seized power again in May 2021.

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Former Obama and Hillary Clinton staffer Zara Rahim, who publicly wished death on President Trump after his 2020 COVID-19 diagnosis, has found a new gig consulting for Zohran Mamdanis mayoral campaign.

Campaign finance records show that the 33-year-old Democratic Socialist assemblymans campaign paid Rahim $3,500 for communications consulting, the Washington Free Beacon first reported.

Shortly after President Trump was diagnosed with COVID-19 in October 2020, Rahim infamously wrote on X that she hope he dies before quickly deleting the post.

Ex-Obama and Hillary Clinton staffer Zara Rahim is now involved as a consultant in Zohran Mamdanis mayoral campaign. Instagram/@zararahim

Its been against my moral identity to tweet this for the past four years, but, I hope he dies, she wrote.

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A representative for the Mamdani campaign did not respond to a request for comment and Rahims X account was deactivated after The Post reached out.

The outlet also reported that Rahim helped the mayoral nominee craft campaign videos and accompanied him backstage during his Sunday appearance on Meet the Press.

Rahim previously worked as a digital director for then-President Barack Obama as well as a spokeswoman for Hillary Clintons 2016 presidential campaign.

Rahim tweeted on X that she wished death on President Donald Trump after he was diagnosed with COVID-19 in 2020. X/@ZaraRahim

Rahims previous roles before taking the Mamdani gig were digital director for former President Barack Obama and a spokesman for Hillary Clinton during her 2016 presidential campaign. Getty Images

Her website also notes that she has previously worked for bigtime clients like Nike, Uber and Vogue Magazine.

Rahim did not respond to a request for comment.

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Mamdani soared to victory last month in a stunning upset over former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic mayoral primary.

On her website, Rahim also has experience working for Nike, Uber, and Vogue Magazine. Instagram/@zararahim

Hes since raised eyebrows with comments about his plans to jack up property taxes on richer and whiter neighborhoods and asserting that billionaires shouldnt exist.

In November hell face off against incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who is running as an independent, along with Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa and independent Jim Walden.
Democratic socialist nominee Zohran Mamdani is the front-runner to win the general election for Big Apple mayor but could be vulnerable if anti-Mamdani voters coalesce around one opposition candidate, a new poll released Thursday claims.

The American Pulse survey shows Mamdani with the support of 35% of general election voters, ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo with 29%, Republican Curtis Sliwa with 16% and incumbent Mayor Eric Adams at 14% and another independent candidate, Jim Walden, at 1%.

Mamdani has an early lead and a clear message, but deeper scrutiny may erode enthusiasm among general election voters, said American Pulse pollster Dustin Olson.

According to the American Pulse survey, Mamdani leads all candidates, coming in at 35%. Kyle Mazza/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

He said there are warning signs flashing all around the 33-year Queens assemblyman.

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Its possible some voters already have buyers remorse. When they hear about government-run grocery stores or Mamdanis continued refusals to denounce Globalize the Intifada, which many folks  including me  consider to be an antisemitic slogan, support softens, the right-leaning pollster said.

Still, nearly every analyst had wrongly predicted Cuomo would defeat Mamdani in the ranked-choice Democratic primary  with the Emerson College Polls last survey among the exceptions. So, general election polling should be taken with a grain of salt.

Mamdani defeated Cuomo 56% to 44% in the ranked-choice primary.

Former NY Govrnor Andrew Cuomo takes two minutes outside to speak with the NY Post after losing in the Democratic mayoral primary election to Zohran Mamdani. Matthew McDermott

But Mamdani now faces a broader swath of voters who may not be on board with his leftist proposals that include imposing $9 billion in new taxes on the wealthy and corporations and shifting the property tax burden to richer and whiter neighborhoods to pay for free buses and child care, city-run grocery stores and housing expansion.

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His opposition to Israel  including support of the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement against the Jewish state  also could be more of an issue than in the Democratic primary.

But at least for now, Mamdani is blessed by a multi-candidate field that splits the opposition vote  making it easier for him to win the general election.

Eric Adams speaks prior to the opening night session during the Women/Mens Singles First Round matches on Day One of the 2023 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 28, 2023 in Queens, New York. Getty Images

Cuomo, 67, is facing pressure not to run an active campaign in the general election under the Fight & Deliver ballot line. Civil rights activist Al Sharpton has urged him to step aside, and unions that backed him in the primary are now supporting Mamdani as the Democratic nominee, while others weigh backing Adams, 64.

But the Cuomo camp is touting the latest poll, indicating hes the strongest candidate against Mamdani in the general election, and incumbent Adams is the one who should drop out of the race.

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Pollster Olson said Adams is cooked.

The common thread through multiple questions is that Mayor Adams core support is somewhere between 10% and 13%, so he may not know it yet, but his path is closed, he explained.

Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa came in at 16% according to the American Pulse survey. ZUMAPRESS.com

Adams is seeking re-election as an Independent on the EndAntiSemitism and Safe&Affordable ballot lines.

Cuomo hasnt made a final decision on whether he will run a campaign. His name will be on the ballot regardless.

Mamdanis lead still holds after voters are told some of his proposals and controversial positions.

Mamdani support holds steady at 34.4%, virtually unchanged, and Cuomo sits at 29.5%. Cuomo barely budges the numbers even after people hear about Mamdanis government-run grocery stores and what looks like Mamdanis antisemitism, Olson said.

Zohran Mamdani delivers remarks at a primary victory celebration with leaders and members of the citys labor unions in Manhattan, New York, United States, on July 2, 2025. Kyle Mazza/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

The survey claimed that Mamdanis support is fragile.

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Voters were asked whether they would vote for Mamdani or anyone else. Voters were split 48% choosing Mamdani and 46% said anyone else.

When told of his positions, Mamdanis support drops to 44% while 50% said anyone else.

But the scandal-scarred Adams and Cuomos baggage may turn voters off even more.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams arrives for Police Commissioner Jessica Tischs State of the NYPD address on January 30, 2025 in New York City. Getty Images

Sixty-two percent of voters had an unfavorable view of Adams, while 52% viewed Cuomo negatively. Mamdani had more voters view him favorably  47% to 42% unfavorable.

Can Mamdani weather the scrutiny of his agenda? Will the rest of the fields baggage start taking the headlines again? The answers to those questions will determine the race, Olson said.

American Pulse Research & Polling surveyed 568 likely voters from June 28 to July 1 via live telephone interviews, text, robo calls and an online panel. It has a margin of error: +/- 4.0%. It was paid for by its subscribers and not any campaign.
Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has built his political profile on a promise to transform the citys housing landscape  arguing for rent freezes, tax reform and redistribution from richer and whiter neighborhoods to low-income, outer-borough communities.

But the Democratic socialist could face scrutiny over the home history of his own family  specifically, his mother, award-winning filmmaker and Columbia University professor Mira Nair.

Nair, best known for directing Monsoon Wedding and The Namesake, quietly owned a luxury loft in Manhattans West Chelsea neighborhood for over a decade, The Post has learned.

New York Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani has positioned himself as a staunch advocate for affordable housing and tax reform, calling for higher property taxes on wealthy, whiter neighborhoods to ease the burden on outer-borough homeowners. Stephen Yang

She purchased the unit at 420 W. 25th St. for $1.375 million in 2008, records show.

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The corner loft  with soaring 12-foot ceilings, a Schiffini-designed kitchen and a luxurious en-suite bath with a spacious double glass shower, according to the listing  sold in 2019 for $1.45 million.

Today, the unit is valued at approximately $1.9 million, according to Redfin.

During the period when Nair owned the apartment, her son was launching his political career  one that would come to include a campaign platform proposing the redistribution of property tax burdens to Manhattans wealthiest enclaves.

His populist messaging contrasts sharply with his familys real estate history. REUTERS

Shift the tax burden from overtaxed homeowners in the outer boroughs to more expensive homes in richer and whiter neighborhoods, Mamdanis housing proposal reads.

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Mamdani, 33, who represents Astoria in the state Assembly, currently lives in a rent-stabilized one-bedroom apartment in Queens, where similar units are estimated to rent for about $2,500 per month.

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He also owns a 4-acre parcel of land he acquired in 2012 in his native Uganda  where he lived until age 7  worth an estimated $150,000 to $250,000, according to a 2024 New York Legislative Ethics Commission financial disclosure form.

A vocal supporter of progressive housing policies, Mamdani has pushed to freeze rents on stabilized units and overhaul the citys notoriously skewed tax system, known for giving lower rates to ritzy brownstones than homes and rentals in lower-income neighborhoods.

His mother, acclaimed filmmaker and Columbia professor Mira Nair, owned a luxury Chelsea loft  complete with 12-foot ceilings and a designer kitchen  that she sold for $1.45 million in 2019.

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The living area. Stribling & Associates

Mamdani won the Democratic Party primary last month and heads into the November general election as the favorite in the deeply blue city.

His campaign did not return a request for comment.

The sleek kitchen. Stribling & Associates

The bedroom. Stribling & Associates

Meanwhile, Mamdani resides in a rent-stabilized unit in Astoria.

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Mamdani will face incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who originally took office as a Democrat in 2021 but is seeking a second term as an independent following federal corruption charges in September 2024 and calls for his resignation. Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa will also be on the ballot.
The Brief

Police in Philadelphia and Maryland teamed up to arrest a suspect wanted in an illegal car rally during the Eagles Super Bowl celebrations.

The 19-year-old man was arrested early Thursday morning in Maryland and is awaiting extradition to Philadelphia.

Officials say the man is facing numerous felonies and misdemeanors.

LAUREL, Maryland - Philadelphia police joined Maryland State troopers to arrest a man wanted in connection with an illegal car rally in February, after the Eagles Super Bowl parade.

What we know

Philadelphia police officers joined police in Maryland to arrest a suspect wanted in an illegal car meetup during the Eagles Super Bowl celebrations.

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FOX 29 reporter Steve Keeley was there when 19-year-old Yariel Fuentes-Reyes was arrested and asked him, "Is what theyre charging you true? Did you run these car meets?"

Fuentes-Reyes replied, "I dont know what theyre saying. Im innocent."

Dig deeper

Five Philadelphia police officers went to Laurel, Maryland to assist with the arrest of Fuentes-Reyes at 4 a.m. Thursday.

Maryland State Police say Fuentes-Reyes faces numerous felonies and misdemeanors from a car meetup at the stadium complex after the Eagles Super Bowl parade.

Police say they also found an illegal handgun during the arrest.

Big picture view

Police in both Maryland and Philly say this is part of an ongoing effort to crack down on dangerous car rallies.

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Philadelphia Police Lieutenant Dennis Rosenbaum explained, "You see, sometimes they lose control of a car. You got tons of spectators out there and they wind up getting hit by the car. All the property damage, thousands of dollars is one of the charges that we put out there. The Streets Dept. has to go out and repaint the lines in the street, things like that. That all costs money."

The suspect is now awaiting extradition to Philadelphia.
A 31-year-old man nursing home worker who rapped under his stage name Poizon was gunned down outside of his Brooklyn home, cops said Friday.

Hakeim Hutchinson, 31, was outside his Rockaway Parkway home near Ditmas Ave. in Canarsie at about 7:30 a.m. Thursday when a man in a white t-shirt and black sweatpants stormed up to him and shot him in the chest.

A witness in Hutchinsons home heard the shot and looked outside, finding the victim sprawled out on the sidewalk, a police source said. A second witness heard the shot and saw the gunman running down Rockaway Parkway toward Ditmas Ave.

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EMS rushed Hutchinson to Brookdale University Hospital, where he died.

The gunman ran off. No arrests have been made.

Hutchinsons relatives gathered together at his home Friday, but were too heartbroken to speak to reporters.

He was a working man, one relative said before going inside. He liked music a lot. He recorded and he sang.

Relatives said Hutchinson rapped under the stage name Poizon. When he wasnt spitting out lyrics, he rode his motorcycle and worked as a dietician for a nursing home run by Brooklyn United, neighbor Hakeim Johnson said.

He was a good man. Loved to rap. Liked to ride his bike, said Johnson, who met Hutchinson three years ago when he moved to Canarsie. He worked hard.

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Its sad, Johnson said about Hutchinsons untimely death. He wasnt a troublesome person. If my kids needed him, he would come. [He was] just a nice guy. Always a big smile. Ive never even heard him raise his voice before.

Other neighbors recalled Hutchinson zipping up and down the street on his motorcycle and popping wheelies to impress his friends.

Hes a motorcyclist. Always riding his bike, doing wheelies, stuff like that, said one friend, who would only identify himself as Phil.

Cops on Friday were scouring the area looking for surveillance footage that will help them identify the shooter.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  D.C. police are searching for a suspect accused of using a tire iron during an assault in Northeast.

Northwest DC neighbor details shooting that killed congressional intern

Surveillance photo. (Courtesy: DC police)

On Thursday, July 3, around 1:50 p.m., police responded to the back of the 1300 block of Florida Avenue, Northeast, for a report of an assault. The victim told police that the suspect hit the victim from behind with a tire iron before he fled.

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The victim was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Surveillance camera caught a visual of the suspect.

Police said that he is wanted on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon (tire iron).

Anyone who knows the man is asked to call 202-727-9099 or text 50411.

Check DCNewsNow.com for updates. To keep up with the latest news and weather updates, download our Mobile App on iPhone or Android.

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***EDITORS NOTE: Some of the following details may be disturbing. Please use discretion.***

KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A former Leawood Hereford House employee pleaded guilty on Thursday in a food contamination case.

Jace Hanson is accused of contaminating food with bodily fluids and is charged with 33 felony counts in Johnson County.

Trial date set for Chiefs Rashee Rice civil case for Texas crash

Hanson worked at the now closed Leawood Hereford House in the spring of last year.

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According to court documents, on April 25, 2024, information was received from an FBI special agent regarding possible intentional food contamination ongoing at Hereford House, located at 5001 Town Center Drive.

The tip was about a restaurant employee contaminating food by means such as urinating in food or rubbing food items on his genitals and posting videos online.

The special agent later provided thumbnails for videos posted to a website from the username Vandalizer. The images depicted a male urinating in food contained in restaurant-style bins, pressing food items against his privates and buttocks and using their feet to touch food items.

When Hanson was questioned, he described instances of urinating in Au Jus sauce, placing his privates on salmon and urinating in pickles, according to court documents. He estimated there have been over 20 instances where he had contaminated food at the restaurant.

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The Leawood Hereford House location has since closed, facing dozens of civil lawsuits from customers who say they became ill during that time frame.

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A departure hearing for Hanson is scheduled for Aug. 26, 2025 at 1:30 p.m.

According to Kansas District Court, a departure hearing is a specialized legal proceeding triggered when a judge believes there are substantial and compelling reasons to deviate from the standard Kansas sentencing guidelines. This means the court can impose a sentence that is either more lenient or more severe than what the guidelines would typically dictate.

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul jointly meet the press in Berlin, Germany, July 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

BERLIN, July 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that rare earth exports have never been and should not become an issue between China and Europe.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Berlin.

Responding to a question about European companies' concerns over China's rare earth export controls, Wang emphasized that it is a sovereign right and international responsibility for any country to impose necessary regulations on dual-use items -- goods that can serve both civilian and military purposes.

China's policy is consistent with international practices, and contributes to safeguarding global peace and stability, Wang said.

He highlighted that as long as export control regulations are followed and the proper procedures are completed, the normal demands of European enterprises will be met.

Wang noted that Chinese authorities have also established a "fast track" mechanism to facilitate exports to European companies.

Certain forces are deliberately hyping this matter between China and Europe with ulterior motives, Wang stressed. 
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  News 8 is learning more about the Waterloo man accused of hitting a Rochester police officer with a vehicle and leading officers on a chase that stretched for several miles.

Police say 26-year-old Dejon Butler was behind the wheel during the incident on Wednesday. He was later taken into custody and is now facing several charges, including reckless endangerment and fleeing police.

RPD: Driver strikes officer before miles long police chase in Rochester

RPD: Driver strikes officer before police chase in Rochester (Photo from Town of Ogden Police Department)

This wasnt Butlers first run-in with the law. Just last month, he was arrested in Seneca Falls on two bench warrants after missing a court appearance tied to earlier charges involving stolen property and drugs. A few weeks before that, he was arrested in Ontario County for allegedly not returning a borrowed vehicle as promised.

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His legal troubles stretch back even further  in December 2024, he failed to appear in court on similar charges related to stolen property, which also resulted in a bench warrant.

Following this latest incident, Butler was arraigned and booked into Monroe County Jail. Police say a second person was also taken into custody near the Roberts Wesleyan University campus in connection to the case.

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OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  A man who was a Hispanic conservative voice under Governor Stitt was deported earlier this year to Guatemala. Hes now speaking out.

Reported first by Lionel Ramos of KOSU, Cesar Reyes had lived in Oklahoma for a decade. He has a family in the state, a wife, and a three-year-old son.

From what he told me, he had been doing everything that was told of him from federal officers to the federal courts, said Ramos.

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Reporting from KOSU said that Reyes had spent the last decade trying to appeal an immigration judges decision to remove him. Reyes doesnt have a criminal record, according to Ramos.

ICE breaks into OK mans car to send him to a country he hasnt seen in decades

Shortly after he arrived in 2010 as a 16-year-old because he just didnt qualify for DACA. It was at a weird timing as far as when it was paused and when it wasnt, because with the Trump and Biden administrations, it kind of fluctuated. He appealed and appealed again and again because it kept getting rejected, said Ramos.

I just feel like I was discouraged, I feel like I wasnt given due process, said Cesar Reyes. I feel a good citizen like me should have the opportunity to come back in a legal way to be with my three-year-old and my wife, who need me the most right now.

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Reyes said he served many roles during his time in Oklahoma. He was a part of the United Nations, he was on the Ad-Hoc Hispanic Council, and he was Mr. Guatemalan.

Cesar Reyes sits next to OKC Mayor David Holt. Image courtesy, Cesar Reyes.

Cesar Reyes stands next to City of Warr Acres Mayor. Image courtesy, Cesar Reyes.

Cesar Reyes standing alongside Governor Stitt. Image courtesy, Cesar Reyes.

Cesar Reyes at one point was treasurer on a United Nations Board. Image courtesy, UN of OKC.

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I was a leader in that community for kids coming into Oklahoma, into the states, said Reyes.

He attended his mandatory immigration check-ins and had filed petitions for appeal. In February, he attended a check-in and had his three-year-old son with him. Thats when they told him that he was being sent to Guatemala.

From what he told me, they asked him if he wanted to call his wife or Child Protective Services to take his son, said Ramos.

And after several transfers, Reyes was sent to Guatemala.

KOSU reached out to Governor Stitt for his response to someone who advised him at one point to be deported. Someone without a criminal record.

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I remember his office responded by saying essentially, we know about it, but we dont know anything about him  he felt betrayed, said Ramos.

I would plead with the governor to help me out, said Reyes. I was a good citizen, I did what was right. Yes, get out those who are criminals, but keep those who are essential.

I knew Cesar well, said Senator Michael Brooks-Jimenez (D-OKC).

Senator Brooks-Jimenez is also an immigration attorney. He said cases like these are picking up, but its only because the Trump Administration is pushing ICE agents and others to find more.

Theres pressure on the ice agents to be able to pick up 900,000 people in the next six months, which I think is physically impossible, said Senator Jimenez. Regarding Reyes, its unfortunate. He was a big conservative voice here at the Capitol, and to see this coming back to bite him is sad.

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The agenda thats being fed to the people that support this administration is just not realistic, said Reyes.

Reyes said he doesnt know how to explain this deportation to his son, let alone other family members.

Theyre not doing okay. Theyre just trying to figure out a way so we could be a family again, said Reyes.

Ramos reported that in Oklahoma and across the country, people like Reyes are being scooped up during their regular appointments with federal authorities, transported across state lines, and eventually deported, while unidentified, masked federal officers are increasingly detaining people at work, home, and anywhere else they might be. Criminals or not.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Support for victims and survivors of domestic violence is available 24/7: 1-800-897-LINK (5465). If you or someone else is in immediate danger, or in an emergency, please call 911 immediately.

KANE COUNTY, Utah (ABC4)  A man staying in a houseboat on Lake Powell was arrested after allegedly refusing to let guests and family members leave when he made them feel unsafe, documents say.

Steven Thornley is facing four charges of kidnapping, a second-degree felony; one count of domestic violence in the presence of a child, a Class B misdemeanor; damaging/interrupting a communication device, a Class B misdemeanor and disorderly conduct, an infraction.

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READ NEXT: Firefighter injured in accidental detonation of fireworks in Wendover

According to documents, on July 2, 2025, several 911 calls were placed to Kane County and Glen Canyon dispatch regarding a domestic violence situation on a houseboat near Gunsight Point on Lake Powell. Reports from callers indicated that several individuals were attempting to leave the houseboat, but that the suspect was not allowing them to.

National Park Service (NPS) Rangers told the Kane County Sheriffs Office that they would respond to the scene by boat. Rangers were able to make phone contact with individuals on the boat, who informed them that there were roughly 12 people on the houseboat. They also said that two firearms were there, but had been hidden from the suspect.

The suspect, later identified as Thornley, then began speaking with rangers over the phone. Thornley told the rangers that he was preventing people aboard from leaving because he did not recognize who had come to pick them up.

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Documents say Thornley asked the rangers to verify the registration, insurance, and captains license from the other boat. Rangers told Thornley that they could not do that, and that if people wanted to leave the houseboat, he needed to let them.

Magna man kidnaps teen girl with autism, police say

Thornley allegedly replied that he understood, but told police that his immediate family members aboard were his property and they would not be leaving. Rangers again told Thornley that anyone who wanted to leave if they felt unsafe should be allowed to.

Rangers asked to speak with one of the suspects family members. When they made contact with the family member over the phone, an apparent altercation occurred and yelling was heard before the call was disconnected. Witnesses later told police that Thornley had violently grabbed [the family member] by the neck and shoulders in an attempt to take the phone.

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Phone contact was made again, and rangers were told that everyone on the boat had been allowed to leave except three immediate family members and a family friend of Thornley. NPS rangers responded to the houseboat and removed the four individuals. Thornley was located lying face down in the living room with his hands visible and extended, documents say.

After being safely removed, police interviewed witnesses about what happened on the houseboat. The people who were onboard reported feeling threatened, afraid and unsafe due to Thornleys behavior, according to the arrest statement.

Man arrested for DUI with two children in vehicle, documents say

The situation reportedly began when Thornely repeatedly yelled at everyone on board, declared himself the captain, and said, If you dont like it, get off the boat.'

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The individuals on the houseboat contacted a friend to help them get off the houseboat, but when that friend arrived, Thornley allegedly became hostile. Witnesses told police that he threatened to sue anyone who left. Those who wanted to leave had to jump off the houseboat and swim to their friends boat.

When the four remaining individuals expressed wanting to leave, Thornley physically blocked the exit path, stood in the way, and even moved objects to block them from leaving. After they were the only ones remaining on the boat, Thornley reportedly went to an unknown location and did not return until rangers arrived.

Thornley was taken into custody and booked into the Kane County Jail. He is currently being held without bail.

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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LIMESTONE COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT)  A man was arrested with an AR-15 pistol and stolen identities. Additionally, the Limestone County Sheriffs Office says that the suspect was involved in a fraud case that involved multiple states.

The Limestone County Sheriffs Office said that Keonta Demarius Cottingham, 27, of Birmingham, was arrested after detectives linked him to a multi-state identity theft and fraud case that began in Vermont.

LCSO told News 19 that Detectives with the Williston Police Department in Vermont contacted the Limestone County Sheriffs Office regarding a financial fraud investigation involving a local business in Vermont.

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Authorities said that the business had its banking information stolen and fraudulent checks were deposited using a stolen identity.

According to authorities, Cottingham was tracked to Limestone County, Alabama.

After tracking Cottingham, deputies responded to a call for service at his location and pulled a vehicle over that was leaving the scene.

LCSO said that Cottingham had a AR-15 pistol in the passenger seat of the vehicle.

Due to probable cause, investigators began to search the vehicle, which led to them recovering multiple stolen identities, including the one used in the Vermont case.

Cottingham informed investigators of his violent criminal background, which includes previous charges of attempted murder, robbery, and shooting into occupied buildings. He is currently on probation from prior convictions.

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Cottingham was arrested and charged with:

Trafficking in Stolen Identities

Identity Theft

Possession of a Pistol by a Violent Felon

Bond has not yet been set at this time. The case remains under active investigation, and additional charges are anticipated.

As our community continues to grow, we remind all residents that if you see something, say something, said Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin. Together, we can continue to protect our neighborhoods from dangerous individuals and criminal activity.

Keonta Demarius Cottingham (Courtesy: Limestone Co. Sheriffs Office)

(Courtesy: Limestone Co. Sheriffs Office)

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LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56)  A man has been arrested after allegedly leading deputies on a chase in an ATV.

The Laurel County Sheriffs Office said that on Thursday, an all-terrain vehicle was seen along KY 192 at a high rate of speed and with no taillights.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

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When police attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver allegedly failed to stop, driving through parking lots and attempting to hit an officers cruiser

The driver, identified as 45-year-old Scott Robinson, allegedly headed back towards London on KY 192 when it overturned in the roadway.

He is charged with:

First-degree fleeing and evading police (motor vehicle)

Operating a vehicle under the influence, second offense

Speeding 15 miles per hour over the limit

Operating a vehicle with an expired operators license

Failure to produce an insurance card

Failure of owner to maintain required insurance, first offense

No registration plates

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Robinson was booked into the Laurel County Correctional Center.

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MONTEVALLO, Ala. (WIAT)  A 56-year-old man was arrested on multiple charges in Montevallo Tuesday.

According to court records, John Collum was charged with first-degree hindering prosecution, corpse abuse and tampering with physical evidence.

According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Oscar De Santiago, 36, of Pelham, was reported missing to the Montevallo Police Department on June 18. During the investigation, the 2000 block of Randolph Road was observed as a location of interest. A vehicle was recovered in this area, as well as unidentified human remains. The Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences will perform an autopsy to determine the individuals identity.

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Collum is accused of burying the human remains and Ford Ranger truck belonging to Oscar De Santiago Soto. He allegedly put them in a hole with a backhoe and set them on fire. He is in custody with a $36,000 bond.

No further information is available as the investigation is ongoing. Findings will be turned over to the Bibb County District Attorneys Office.

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Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

PROVO, Utah (ABC4)  A man living in Salt Lake City is in jail after an officer observed him allegedly driving under the influence with two minors in the vehicle.

Ivanir Lucas, 49, was arrested on potential charges of two counts of driving under the influence with a juvenile in the vehicle, failure to obey traffic control devices and failure to secure a seatbelt for a child.

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According to court documents, on July 3, an officer with the Provo Police Department pulled Lucas over after observing him run a red light. When the officer made contact, he allegedly observed that Lucas had yellowed eyes, dilated pupils and the smell of alcohol coming from his breath.

The officer observed two children in the vehicle, at least one of whom was not wearing a seatbelt.

READ NEXT: Magna man kidnaps teen girl with autism, police say

Due to his concern that Lucas was driving under the influence, the officer asked him to step out of the vehicle and perform a sobriety test. During the sobriety test, the officer allegedly observed that Lucas was swaying, having a difficult time counting, experiencing nystagmus  jerking eyes  and struggling to stand on one foot.

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Lucas was arrested and transported to the police station. A breath test showed that he had a blood alcohol content of 0.148%, almost triple the legal limit. Results from a urine test allegedly came back positive for alcohol and THC.

According to documents, Lucas was convicted of a DUI in 2022 and had already been arrested twice for driving under the influence in 2025, making this the third time in the last seven months alone.

Lucas was booked into the Utah County Jail and is currently being held without bail.

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VAN ZANDT COUNTY, Texas (KETK)  A man was arrested in Van Zandt County on Wednesday after drugs were found inside of his vehicle during a traffic stop, according to the Van Zandt County Sheriffs Office.

Gregg County Sheriffs Office searching for suspects in Liberty City fireworks thef

Mugshot James Chandler Groessel courtesy of the Van Zandt County Sheriffs Office.

According to officials, James Chandler Groessel was pulled over for a traffic stop by narcotics investigators while driving through the Rolling Oaks Subdivision. During the stop, investigators suspected that drugs were in Chandlers vehicle and requested assistance from the Greenville Police Department K9 Unit to search the car.

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The K-9 Unit alerted investigators to the presence of illegal drugs, prompting a search of the vehicle. According to officials during the search of Groessels car heroin and meth were found.

Groessel was then arrested and transported to the Van Zandt County Jail. He was charged with manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance. Groessel is currently awaiting arraignment.

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Maruf Hossains life changed forever when he lost five toes in a gruesome accident on a New York subway platform in Parkchester in June 2017. On Monday, a jury awarded Hossain close to $23 million for the accident, People reports.

Hossain, then a 24-year-old bicycle delivery worker from Bangladesh, alleges he tripped over an uneven and very narrow New York City subway platform, fell onto the tracks and was hit by a train. He filed a complaint against the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), the City of New York, the New York City Transit Authority and the train controller.

According to court documents, Hossain sustained injuries to the neck, back, head, legs, arms, hands, internal and external injuries to the whole body, lower and upper limbs. Every toe had to be amputated from Hossains mangled left foot, according to a medical report filed to the court.

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First responders initially stated that Hossain jumped in front of the train, which became the Transit Authoritys defense in court. Nick Liakas, Hossains lawyer, told the New York Post that the Transit Authority also tried to pressure Hossain to settle for only $100,000.

Hossain vehemently denied allegations of suicide. Three days after the accident, he told a psychiatrist, I am making $1,000 a week. I am happy. Planning to get married next year.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. / Pacific Press / Pacific Press/LightRocket via Ge

After years of the Transit Authority trying to bully me into an unfair settlement, the jury saw through their lies and gave me a second chance at living a normal life, Hossain, who is now a U.S. citizen, wrote in a statement to the Post. Liakas said Hossains win is a warning to powerful corporations that the days of dodging responsibility are over, he wrote to People.

In a response for comment, an MTA spokesperson wrote to People that the agency is reviewing the verdict while assessing all legal options.

The MTA has had to cough up many millions in the last few years. In 2019, the Transit Authority was made to pay over $100 million in the largest known settlement for personal injury and non-medical malpractice in the history of New York when a man was paralyzed after construction workers dropped a railroad tie on him.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  A 30-year-old man was federally charged Wednesday for driving erratically on the National Mall, according to the United States Attorneys Office (USAO) for the District of Columbia.

Curis Lear, of D.C., was charged with destruction of government property, assault with a dangerous weapon, and reckless driving.

Multi-vehicle crash injures 7 people in Prince Georges County

According to court documents, on June 21, shortly before 9 p.m., Lear was driving a black Jeep Patriot at high speeds on the National Mall near 7th St. SW as hundreds of visitors were nearby.

Court documents state Lear was making sharp turns and accelerating uncontrollably, causing $9,000 in damage to the lawn.

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A U.S. Capitol Police officer approached Lear on foot, to which he rolled down his window and said, Its just a joke, before driving off.

Investigators ran the license plate number and traced the SUV back to Lear. The next day, at 3 a.m., officers spotted the Jeep with Lear behind the wheel.

The incident remains under investigation by the U.S. Park Police.

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BERLIN, July 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that partnership and cooperation should be core takeaways from the past 50 years of relations between China and the EU.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Berlin with his German counterpart, Johann Wadephul, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China-EU relations have advanced to higher levels and forged a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Wang called on the two sides to take the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to comprehensively review and reaffirm the important insight left by history, that is: China-EU relations should be characterized as a partnership, with cooperation being the defining feature, independence the key value, win-win outcomes the prospect for development.

The two sides should, through high-level exchanges this year, cherish the efforts of predecessors, carry forward the hard-won spirit of cooperation, and jointly usher in the next 50 years of China-EU relations that are more resilient and autonomous, more mature and stable, and more visionary, he stressed.

Wang pointed out that some people are trying to talk down China-EU relations, exaggerate specific issues, turn economic and trade issues into security matters, or cling to prejudices against China and confine themselves in a cocoon of false information.

However, denying past achievements clouds the vision for the future, and failing to respect the efforts of predecessors is tantamount to denying one's own present, he warned, stressing that the trend of progress is unstoppable, and China-EU relations will only move forward, not stagnate, let alone regress.

Wang reaffirmed the consistency of China's policy toward Europe, expressing firm support for European integration, strategic autonomy and Europe's role as a key pillar of a multipolar world.

Wang stressed that amid incessant chaos and confusion in the international landscape, China has been the most important stabilizing force and the most predictable factor of certainty in the world.

On the issue of peace and security, China is a major country with the best track record, Wang said, noting China has never planned wars, nor has it participated in conflicts, let alone engaged in geopolitical competition.

In terms of global economic development and recovery, China's annual contribution to world economic growth accounts for about 30 percent, Wang said, adding that China has been accelerating high-level opening up and creating a more market-oriented, law-based and internationalized business environment.

On international and regional disputes, China remains committed to political settlement through dialogue and consultation, opposes the use of force and unilateral sanctions, adheres to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs, and safeguards the legitimate rights and interests of the vast number of developing countries, especially small and medium-sized countries, Wang said.

China's development is the growth of a force for peace in today's world, Wang said, noting that China is willing to open arms to all countries, including European countries that hope to cooperate with China, and share opportunities, in a joint effort to protect the only planet inhabited by mankind and build a community with a shared future for mankind. 
Jul. 3A competency hearing was set for an Indiana man accused of kidnapping and sex-based crimes against two victims.

Greg Peters, of Rising Sun, Indiana, was indicted on Wednesday by a Butler County grand jury on two counts each of kidnapping, attempted rape and gross sexual imposition. Each of the six indictment counts had a gun specification enhancement, which would add time to a sentence if convicted.

Peters was arrested June 7 and brought into Butler County Area III court in West Chester Twp. on June 10 to face the kidnapping charges, which are first-degree felonies. Area Court Judge Courtney Caparella-Kraemer set a $500,000 cash or surety bond.

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The two attempted rape charges (second-degree felonies) and gross sexual imposition (fourth-degree felonies) were presented to the grand jury with the two kidnapping charges.

According to court documents, Peters, 53, lured the victims against their wills at around 3:30 p.m. on June 7 into a massage room at a business in the 8100 of Beckett Center Drive.

Police said he blocked the door with his body and then displayed a handgun. He struck one of the victims "multiple times with a closed fist." After exposing himself, Peters allegedly forced a victim to touch his genitals, according to court documents.

Peters, who has remained in the Butler County jail since his arrest, was arraigned by Butler County Common Pleas Judge Keith Spaeth on Thursday morning and is scheduled to be in court July 31 for a competency hearing.
CATLETTSBURG A Boyd County grand jury indicted a man this week for allegedly assaulting a local healthcare worker last month.

The indictment alleges Donald R. Davis, 65, of Piketon, Ohio, committed a sole count of third-degree assault of a phlebotomist by punching her in the face and head, intentionally causing physical injuries.

The assault allegedly took place on June 2, resulting in Davis charge on a class D felony, which carries a maximum of five years in prison if convicted.

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An indictment is not an indication of guilt and individuals indicted by a grand jury remain innocent until proven guilty.

Charges appearing on indictments may be amended, lessened or dismissed entirely throughout prosecution.

Boyd County grand jurors also issued indictments against the following individuals this week:

 Donald R. Abrams, 42, of Ashland, was indicted on charges of first-degree assault and first-degree possession of heroin.

 Troy A. Stephens, 31, of Catlettsburg, was indicted with a first-degree persistent felony offender enhancement on charges of trafficking carfentanil or fentanyl derivatives, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon.

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 Krystal Martin, 33, of Richmond, was indicted on a sole count of first-degree possession of methamphetamine.

 David Anthony Twiss, 46, of Langley, was indicted on charges of first-degree possession of methamphetamine and tampering with physical evidence.

 Robert L. Williamson, 53, of Pikeville, was indicted on a sole count of theft by unlawful taking of a movable item valued between $10,000 and $1 million.

 Kalee A. Lewis, 35, of Ashland, was indicted on a sole count of theft by unlawful taking of a movable item valued between $10,000 and $1 million.

 Joseph A. McKenzie, 39, of Catlettsburg, was indicted on charges of theft by unlawful taking of an automobile valued between $1,000 and $10,000 and first-degree criminal mischief.

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 Seth Matthew Hoyd, 24, of Newark, Ohio, was indicted on a sole count of first-degree promoting contraband.

 Michelle Jeanette Miller, 51, of Ashland, was indicted on charges of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance, first-degree possession of methamphetamine and other traffic-related violations.

 Tracy Oxendine, 47, of Catlettsburg, was indicted on charges of first-degree possession of methamphetamine and tampering with physical evidence.

 Brian K. Wood, 52, of Huntington, was indicted on three counts of first-degree possession of a forged instrument.

 Jeremy Dwayne Rogers, 46, of Ashland, was indicted on charges of fourth-degree domestic violence assault and first-degree domestic violence strangulation.




NEED TO KNOW

Police in Oregon announced that they recently made a breakthrough in the cold case disappearance of 27-year-old Teresa Peroni, who was last seen alive in 1983

Authorities said Peroni's then-boyfriend Mark Sanfratello  who was 29 at the time of her disappearance and was now 72-years-old  was arrested and indicted with her murder

The arrest comes after police reopened Peroni's case in February 2024, collected additional DNA samples related to the case and interviewed those with knowledge of the case





Over 40 years after 27-year-old Teresa Peroni went missing  theres finally been an arrest in her case.

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The Josephine County Sheriff's Office in Oregon announced on Monday, June 30, that they arrested Peronis then-boyfriend Mark Sanfratello in connection with her 1983 disappearance and murder after reopening the investigation in February 2024.

Police shared that Peroni was last seen on or around July 4th, 1983, walking into a wooded area with Sanfratello  who had been 29 years old at the time  while attending a party in the 1000 block of Illinois River Road. Shortly after, her family reported her missing, and police launched their investigation.

Police noted that during their initial investigation, they deemed Peronis disappearance to be suspicious in nature. However, the department along with the Josephine County District Attorney's Office determined that there was not enough probable cause to move forward with criminal prosecution.

The investigation into Peronis death would go quiet for over a decade until 1997 when a human skull was located by individuals on a nearby property. Police then conducted a search with personnel and a cadaver dog, but were unable to find any other remains.

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The skull was sent for examination and DNA testing through the University of North Texas (UNT)  and was eventually determined to have belonged to Peroni. Authorities determined this after re-opening her case in February 2024 and collecting additional DNA samples.

During their latest investigation, police said they made contact with known individuals still alive that had some type of involvement with the cold case and knew the details of the initial investigation. This went on for a couple of months before a breakthrough was made.

On June 27th, 2025, after locating multiple individuals associated with Peroni, DNA results and the original case/investigation, a Josephine County Grand Jury indicted Sanfratello on the charge of Murder, the Josephine County Sheriff's Office said in a statement.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

The following day Sanfratello  who was now 72  was located and taken into custody without incident with the assistance of the Chico Police Department, according to police. He was then questioned by investigators about his involvement with the disappearance and murder of Peroni.

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Police did not say whether Sanfratellom, who had been living in California, admitted to the crime. However, authorities noted that he remained in custody and was set to be extradited back to Josephine County.

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office said Peronis family has been updated on this case and that no further details would be released at this time.

Read the original article on People
A man who first came to the attention of police as part of a money laundering investigation has been jailed for a string of offences including human trafficking.

Zhaoqian Yu, of Derryfield Court in Oldbury, Birmingham, appeared at Bristol Crown Court on Wednesday where he was jailed for five years and 10 months.

The 34-year-old pleaded guilty to human trafficking, controlling prostitution for gain, conspiracy to import cannabis, and transferring criminal property.

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DC Katie Andrews from the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) said the further Yu was investigated, the more crimes they uncovered.

The investigation into Yu was first launched back in 2019, when SWROCU uncovered a money laundering network in Gloucester which he had links to.

Following further leads, they discovered Yu was involved in controlling prostitutes at a premises in Birmingham.

As part of his role running the brothel, he trafficked a sex worker from London to Birmingham while fully aware the woman was being exploited.

Yu illegally imported 119 kilos of cannabis into the UK, stuffed into pillowcases and sealed with packing tape [SWROCU]

Between August 2018 and June 2019, Yu transferred 347,000 in cash to individuals living and working at a Chinese restaurant in Gloucester who were operating an underground banking service.

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Yu was fully aware this money was the proceeds of crime, police said.

Between December 2018 and October 2021, Yu also conspired with others to illegally import 119 kilos of cannabis.

He was found to have personally arranged for 34 kilos of the class B drug to come into the UK, with the intention of passing it on to others.

Yu was arrested in February this year on arrival at Stanstead Airport from Dubai and has been remanded in custody since [SWROCU]

DC Andrews said: "This has been an extremely complex case with a significant amount of material needing to be translated and reviewed.

"The further we looked into Mr Yu the more it led us down different avenues of investigation and unveiled an array of criminal activity.

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"We will continue to pursue his co-conspirators and associates to ensure justice is served and our communities are protected from those who seek to exploit others and supply illegal drugs for financial gain."

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CORINTH  An attempt on Thursday to pull over a car believed to have been stolen the night before led to a pursuit through Corinth and a juvenile male accidentally shooting himself in the leg.

Two Corinth police officers spotted a car around 8:30 a.m. that had been reported stolen from 9th Street the previous night. When police attempted to pull the car over in the Waldron Street area, the driver sped away.

At one point during the pursuit, the driver slowed enough that a female suspect jumped out of the back seat and ran away from the car, which promptly sped away again.

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The pursuit finally ended in the Horton Circle area when the driver stopped. Officers conducted a felony traffic stop, ordering the occupants out of the vehicle one at a time. When a juvenile passenger was exiting the vehicle, police said he appeared to reach for his waistline area and discharged a pistol, shooting himself in the leg.

The juvenile was carried to the hospital for medical treatment. The pistol the juvenile was holding had been reported stolen in a July 2 car burglary in Corinth.

The driver, Tyrese Stephon Irons, 20, of Penn Street, Corinth, was taken into custody at the scene and charged with felony fleeing and grand larceny - felony taking of a motor vehicle.
Jul. 3A man was sentenced to community control sanctions for a SWAT standoff at the Red Roof Inn in Butler Twp. last year.

John Prince, 63, will spend up to five years on probation, according to Montgomery County Common Pleas Court records.

If he violates the terms of his probation, he could face eight to 12 years in prison.

In June Prince pleaded guilty to one count each of inducing panic and obstructing official business. A second inducing panic charge and an aggravated menacing charge were dismissed.

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On Dec. 9 Butler Twp. police responded to the Red Roof Inn at 7370 Miller Lane after staff reported a man, later identified as Prince, with a knife was making threats.

When officers tried to speak to Prince, he allegedly refused to open the door and threatened to shoot police.

After 45 minutes, officers called the Montgomery County Regional SWAT and Hostage Negotiation Team.

Crews negotiated over the phone with Prince for hours. Eventually, SWAT put tear gas through the hotel room's front window, according to Butler Twp. police.

Prince was taken into custody and transported to Miami Valley Hospital before being booked into jail.
OCONEE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  An officer involved shooting happened at an apartment complex after a man set his apartment on fire Thursday evening.

The Oconee County Sheriffs Office responded to call regarding a welfare check on Gail Court in Seneca. When deputies arrived on scene, they encounter a burning apartment that was set on fire by the resident, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division said.

PREVIOUS STORY: Crews respond to apartment fire in Oconee Co.

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When the suspect exited his building, gunfire was exchanged between him and deputies, SLED said. The suspect ran to a nearby home to hide, but was shot by the homeowner.

The suspect was arrested and taken to the hospital. No deputies were injured, SLED said.

SLED said they are investigating the case and no other information is available at this time.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  Prince Georges County police are searching for a suspect after a man was shot on the morning of the Fourth of July.

The Prince Georges County Police Department (PGPD) told DC News Now that officers responded to the 8300 block of Bellefonte Lane around 9:05 a.m. for a shooting.

There, police found a man who had been shot. He was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

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Prince Georges County PD Corporal dies unexpectedly days before retirement

As of Friday morning, investigators have not released any information about a suspect.

The shooting remains under investigation.

Check DCNewsNow.com for updates. To keep up with the latest news and weather updates, download our Mobile App on iPhone or Android.

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Editors note: This story was updated to correct the date of the shooting.

A 40-year-old man arrested last month for alleged vandalism and impersonating a U.S. Marshal was shot dead this week by deputies in Californias Central Coast, according to law enforcement officials.

On June 20, Madera County sheriffs deputies responded to reports of a family disturbance where deputies learned Andrew Biscay, a resident of Chowchilla, was wanted on several outstanding warrants, including one for impersonating a peace officer, the department said in a news release.

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The suspect resisted arrest but was safely taken into custody, officials said.

When deputies searched Biscays vehicle, they recovered a self-manufactured firearm, ammunition, a fake U.S. Marshals badge and uniform, and a flashing amber light, along with markings on his vehicle that resembled law enforcement emblems.

The 40-year-old was arrested and booked on several felony and misdemeanor charges, and bail was set at $70,000. Authorities also encouraged the public to report any run-ins with Biscay where he identified himself as law enforcement.

Evidence found inside a Madera County suspects vehicle on June 20, 2025. (MCSO) A man wanted for posing as a U.S. Marshal seen pointing a weapon at deputies in San Luis Obispo County on June 2, 2025. (SLOCSO)

Its unclear exactly when Biscay was released from custody, but on July 2, a woman in San Luis Obispo County who was aware of his violent history and his access to weapons spotted him near her home and called 911.

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In a news release, the San Luis Obispo Sheriffs Office said deputies responded to the area just after midnight and saw Biscay sitting inside his vehicle.

Biscay immediately exited his vehicle, took a shooting stance while pointing a handgun at arriving deputies, authorities said. Deputies gave multiple commands to Biscay and he continued to advance, resulting in deputies discharging their service weapons.

2 brothers reported missing found dead off California highway

The 40-year-old was struck and went to the ground. He was later declared dead at the scene by medical personnel.

A firearm found near his body was later determined to be a Beretta PX4 Storm semi-automatic pellet gun, which closely resembles the real .40 caliber Beretta PX4 Storm.

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The fatal shooting comes amid reports of people impersonating federal immigration agents, who continue enforcement operations across the state while wearing masks and, in many of the cases, reportedly refusing to show badges or any kind of identification.

A 24-year-old man in Huntington Park, who told police he had once worked for U.S. Border Patrol, was arrested after police found his pickup truck with blue and red LED lights on it, police-style radios and a firearm magazine inside.

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A TV monitor shows an earthquake that occurred off the coast of the Tokara Islands in Japan, on July 3, 2025. The epicenter was 20 kilometers deep, and the magnitude of the earthquake was estimated to be 5.5. Credit - Yomiuri Shimbun via AP Images

Earthquakes cant be predicted. Scientists agree that precise predictions of a time, place, and magnitude is not possible with current technologies.

Yet a years-old Japanese manga that claims a megaquakethose above a magnitude of 8.0 on the Richter scalewill strike on July 5 has generated panic and deterred some inbound travelers for the past several months.

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The 2021 reprint of The Future I Saw by Ryo Tatsuki, a retired mangaka in her 70s, warns that a huge tsunami three times the size of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake will wash over countries in the Pacific Ocean. The first edition of the manga, published in 1999, had referred to a great disaster in March 2011 that coincided with the earthquake that killed more than 18,000 people and caused the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant disaster.

Last month, Tatsuki appeared to scale back her prediction about a July 5 megaquake, telling the national newspaper Sankei that it may not happen. But she fell short of entirely withdrawing her warning. TIME has reached out to Tatsuki for comment.

The 2021 reprint has sold more than 1 million copies in Japan, and social media content that has racked up millions of views is fueling the scientifically unfounded fears.

In recent weeks, two Hong Kong-based airlines alone have cut down on flights to southern Japan due to lower passenger interest. We are surprised that such rumors have led to cancellations, the Tokushima Tourism promotion division said.

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The Japanese government has warned about earthquake speculation. In April, it released a statement that, predicting earthquakes by specifying the date, time, and location is difficult with current scientific knowledge. Last month, Japan Meteorological Agency director-general Ryoichi Nomura said in a news conference that it was regrettable that people are being affected by baseless information in this age of modern science.

Japan has long been a hotbed of seismic activity due to its position in the Pacific Ring of Fire. In August, JMA issued an advisory that the likelihood of a new major earthquake is higher than normal in relation to the Nankai Trough, a 560 mi. oceanic trench to Japans south. Earthquakes arising from the Nankai Trough are as the geologists Kyle Bradley and Judith A. Hubbard put it, the original definition of the Big One.

Earlier this year, a government panel issued a report stating that a megaquake along the Nankai Trough has an 80% chance of happening in the next 30 years. Under the worst-case scenario, as many as 298,000 people could die, the report added.

Japan experiences about 1,500 earthquakes a year, almost a fifth of the global total. The country has spent decades putting earthquake preparedness plans in place.

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Given the history and frequency of earthquakes in Japan, concern is understandable. But JMAs Nomura has strongly urged the public not to take irrational actions driven by anxiety.

JMA remains a reliable source of information about earthquakes in Japan, as are the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the British Geological Survey (BGS), and the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) in their respective regions.

Callum Sutherland contributed reporting from London.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
BEIJING, July 4 (Xinhua) -- China stands ready to work with Ghana to further strengthen practical cooperation in various areas on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of China-Ghana diplomatic ties, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said on Friday.

Mao made the remarks at a regular press briefing when asked to view China's ties with Ghana.

Ghana is among the first sub-Saharan countries to establish diplomatic relations with China, Mao said, adding that it is also the first sub-Saharan country that Chinese leader visited.

Noting that the two countries enjoy a time-honored and enduring friendship, Mao said that over the past 65 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, bilateral relations have maintained sound and steady growth, political mutual trust has been deepened, and practical cooperation has borne fruitful results in various areas.

Last year, the two countries established a strategic partnership, Mao said.

China is willing to work with Ghana to further deepen traditional friendship, enhance political mutual trust, strengthen practical cooperation in various areas, have closer coordination and collaboration in international affairs, solidify the China-Ghana strategic partnership, and deliver more tangibly for the two peoples, the spokesperson said. 
The Brief

A community in Columbia Heights gathered Thursday night to remember Manny Collins, whose remains were found in an Elk River landfill last weekend.

Collins had been missing since May 8, and it was believed his disappearance was against his will.

The community honored his life with a candlelight vigil and balloon release.

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, Minn. (FOX 9) - A community in Columbia Heights gathered Thursday night to honor the life of Manny Collins after the remains of the 16-year-old were found at an Elk River landfill last weekend.

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Collins had been missing since May 8, and authorities conducted multiple searches at the Waste Management landfill in Elk River in connection with his disappearance. Thursday night, family and community members gathered to remember Collins with a candlelight vigil and balloon release.

Human remains found in Elk River landfill

What we know

Human remains discovered in the Elk River landfill last weekend were identified by authorities as missing Columbia Heights teen Manny Collins.

During the investigation, law enforcement received information that led them to a video which reportedly showed evidence suggesting the body might have made its way into a dumpster then hauled away by a garbage truck, leading them to search the landfill.

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What they're saying: "It is with heavy hearts the Columbia Heights Police Department and Anoka County Sheriffs Office announce that human remains were located over the weekend. After further testing, the remains were identified as Jordan (Manny) Collins, Jr. We wish to express our condolences to his mother, family, and loved ones during this tragic time," the Anoka County Sheriff's Office announced Tuesday morning.

Manny Collins disappearance - Timeline

The backstory

Collins was last seen on May 8 in the area of University Avenue and 49th Avenue Northeast in Columbia Heights. At the time of his disappearance, he was staying with his father.

Deputies have said Collins was likely missing against his will, and they have a person of interest in the case but declined to identify them. Collins' mother says the teen's father was the last person to see him alive and hasn't cooperated with the investigation.
Downtown Fredericks Market Street has been named one of the top 20 most beautiful main streets in America by Readers Digest.

Frederick is a small city in Maryland, and its views of the Blue Ridge Mountains are one of the citys major attractions, Readers Digest wrote in an article published on June 25.

Market Street, one of the most beautiful main streets on this list, is another, it continued. The hip-meets-historic vibe of the main drag features murals and art installations, restaurants, boutiques and a huge craft brewing scene. The Delaplaine Arts Center is free to the public, and the North Market Pop Shop sells 400 types of vintage sodas.

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Main streets in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. and Staunton, Va., were also featured on the list.

Readers Digest, a general-interest family magazine, compiled a list of the countrys most beautiful main streets by traveling to the farthest corners of the map to find the most beautiful main streets in America.

Lined with historic buildings, cozy cafes and local boutiques, these streets invite you to slow down and soak in their one-of-a-kind character, Readers Digest wrote.
A married couple who were key figures in a drug trafficking organization linked to the Aryan Family prison gang were sentenced on Wednesday in the U.S. District Court in Tacoma, according to a release from the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Jesse James Bailey, 40, received a 17.5-year sentence, while his wife, Candace Bailey, 43, was sentenced to five years for their roles in a multi-state drug trafficking conspiracy.

Jesse Bailey and his wife Candace worked hand in hand to distribute devastating and dangerous drugs in our community, said Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller.

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Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo said, It is unimaginable how many drugs were being distributed, noting Jesse Baileys upbringing with drug-addicted parents.

The pair pleaded guilty to charges including possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, among other charges in November 2024, the release said.

On March 22, 2023, the FBI arrested two dozen people, including the Baileys, and the seizure of 177 firearms, over ten kilograms of meth, 11 kilos of fentanyl pills, and more than $330,000 in cash, according to the DOJ.

Prosecutors say the Baileys are forfeiting $699,268 and dozens of expensive pieces of jewelry as proceeds of their criminal activity.

Court records reveal the couples discussions with suppliers and redistributors of illegal narcotics, and their attempts to launder drug proceeds through casinos and bank accounts.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  A Maryland man was indicted Thursday for the April 2024 murder of a man in Northwest D.C., according to the United States Attorneys Office (USAO) for the District of Columbia.

Tommy Whack, 35, is charged with robbery and first-degree felony murder while armed.

Northwest DC neighbor details shooting that killed congressional intern

According to court documents, on April 1, 2024, Whack and a co-conspirator broke into the home of Fasil Teklemariam, 53, located at 1360 Peabody Street NW.

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Once inside, Whack and the co-conspirator bludgeoned Teklemariam to death by smashing glass bottles onto his head and stabbing him with a knife. They then proceeded to steal his phone, personal papers and other belongings from his apartment.

Court documents said Teklemariams remains were discovered four days later by apartment staff.

The case remained under investigation by the Metropolitan Police Department.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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Summer Sun Bucks program launches for the second year in Maryland, giving cash directly to low-income families to help them afford groceries while school is out and school-provided meals are not available. (Photo by Danielle J. Brown/Maryland Matters)

Maryland distributed more than $23 million at the end of June to help the families of more than a half-million low-income children afford food this summer while school is out.

The payments, $40 per kid per month, mark the kickoff of the second summer of the states Sun Bucks program, a newer federal grocery benefit that provides food assistance to families struggling with food insecurity, helping them replace school meals that students in low-income families often rely on.

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The program is expected to help about 579,000 children this summer.

What Sun Bucks does is it puts groceries on the tables for families when our students are out of school during summer break, Human Services Secretary Rafael Lopez said in a recent interview. We want to make sure that every kid, every child throughout the state of Maryland taps those resources for June, July and August.

Lopez is excited to oversee the second year of Maryland Sun Bucks and continue last years efforts, when more than 600,000 Maryland kids received $120 over the course of the summer to help afford groceries, totaling to $72 million in benefits issued.

Hanging over his excitement, however, was the looming budget reconciliation bill that won final congressional approval Thursday. Among many cuts in the nearly 900-page bill is a $230 billion reduction in food assistance programs over 10 years.

Human Services Secretary Rafael J. Lopez. (Photo by Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters).

For now, Lopez said, Sun Bucks is funded for this summer, meaning that families in the program can count on getting Sun Bucks assistance for groceries through the end of August.

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Maryland Sun Bucks is the kid-friendly name for the states Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program, which offers families $40 per month per child to spend on groceries when school is out. The U.S. Department of Agriculture launched Sun Bucks last year, and Maryland was one of dozens of states that volunteered to administer the program.

This year, Maryland is one of 37 states participating in Sun Bucks, along with Washington, D.C., several U.S. territories and tribes in Oklahoma.

Thousands of kids in low-income families lose access to free meals from their schools when students are released for summer break. Families often struggle to afford food to replace those meals during the summer months, leading to a phenomenon known as summer hunger.

We know that a lot of kids receive the bulk of their meals during the school year, said LaMonika Jones, director of Maryland Hunger Solutions. Sun Bucks  are guaranteed ways that we can make sure that kids who reside in food-insecure households  that theyre able to receive that nutrition that they are not receiving in the same way that they would during the school year with school meals.

Future of Sun Bucks threatened

Over 90% of families who qualify for Sun Bucks are enrolled automatically because they already qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or similar benefits. That makes the recently passed budget bill major concern for advocates and state officials.

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Sun Bucks is not directly mentioned in the budget reconciliation bill. But advocates say increased eligibility requirements for SNAP, as well as reduced funding, will have ripple effects on programs like Sun Bucks.

When you look at some of the provisions within the budget bill, knowing that SNAP is used to determine eligibility for Sun Bucks  were putting at risk these children that reside in SNAP households, Jones said.

For students that are automatically certified for Sun Bucks, were using their SNAP household data, she said. If those households are no longer eligible for SNAP, then that means we have a large number of students  that we now have to send through additional hoops and hurdles in order to feed their families during summer, when we know hunger is most challenging.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

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The budget reconciliation bill, which President Donald Trump is scheduled to sign into law Friday afternoon, will also make running SNAP more costly for the state, which could further jeopardize funding for food assistance programs as the state tries to offset higher administration costs.

The Maryland Department of Human Services estimates that the bill would require $412.5 million more in state funds to operate SNAP at current levels. The so-called One Big Beautiful Bill calls on the state to contribute up to 15% of SNAP funds, and 75% in administrative costs. Currently, administrative costs are shared 50/50 between the state and federal governments, and thefeds cover all of the funding for the benefit itself.

What were looking at is having to balance the ability to administer these benefits and then take the cost of that  which unfortunately means that states will have to make a really hard decision, Jones said, noting that some states like Texas already plan to end their Sun Bucks programs due to the increased costs of administering SNAP.

Lopez says state officials are still trying to get our head around these impacts.

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They are massive. They will be felt across the state, he said. That said, he noted that most of the cuts will not be felt until next year or later.

It will take a little bit of time for those cuts to be experienced. But at the end of the day, they are still cuts to benefits for Marylanders, Lopez said. This year, Sun Bucks are paid for. This year, SNAP benefits are paid for.

 This story was update on July 7 to correct LaMonika Jones title to director of Maryland Hunger Solutions.
Tears started rolling down Allen Alstons face at the mention of his mother, who died in July 2024. But Alston couldnt reach up to wipe them away  his hands remained tightly shackled to his waist.

On Wednesday, Alston, 47, appeared in front of the Massachusetts Parole Board in Natick for the first time since he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibly of parole for first-degree murder more than 25 years ago.

Alston, who is incarcerated at MCI-Shirley, has been fighting for his chance to go in front of the parole board for months.

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He is 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 in Massachusetts.

The high court ruled that life sentences for defendants within that age group are unconstitutional and amount to cruel and unusual punishment.

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Due to the decision, Alston, who was 19 when he murdered 56-year-old Ismael Ish Lopez Rivera in 1997, 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 people who became parole-eligible as a matter of 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 board stated.

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More than a year later, not one Plaintiff has had a parole hearing or even had their hearing scheduled, the lawsuit filed by Alston and others argued.

For Alston, the wait had devastating consequences.

Seven months after the decision, his mother, 79, who he said always kept him together, died.

He was allowed to attend the wake but otherwise has had difficulty grieving while remaining in prison. He said other inmates have tried to help him through this difficult time.

One man pointed out to Alston that he still has good memories of his mother.

Hes like, I dont have that at all. I dont know my mother. I never had that, Alston recalled. So that made me have empathy for him and showed me that I can be here mourning, but I had something he didnt have ... I grieve my mother still, but I definitely celebrate her, too.

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While the lawsuit was dismissed at the end of May, and has since been appealed, only about 65 people out of 127 have either had hearings or are scheduled to have hearings since January 2024.

Only seven people have received their decisions. Of those, three were approved and four were denied.

What happened

Alston had recently lost his job, had a child he was helping care for and was just told another child was on their way. He felt hopeless and turned to drugs and alcohol.

Alston didnt have the money to take the taxi from his mothers house to his brothers. He originally planned on simply stiffing the driver. But he was already carrying a gun for protection after recently getting jumped, so why not use it to rob the taxi driver?

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What Alston said he didnt plan for was the taxi driver fighting back.

Rivera attempted to grab the gun from Alston and the two began fighting for control. Thats when Alston fired the first two shots, he recalled to the parole board.

Although they continued fighting over it, Alston said he had control over the gun when he fired it three more times. This time, hitting Rivera.

He recalled hearing Rivera say help. But Alston was already running out of the cab.

My adrenaline was going, he recalled. I fled.

When authorities found him in South Carolina, he confessed to the shooting but not the attempted robbery. He was too ashamed of that part, he said.

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Returning to Massachusetts to face the consequences was the first time he saw his mother cry.

It shattered me, he said.

Despite being sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, his mother encouraged him to better his life.

So, he did.

He got his GED, has read countless books, joined groups in the correctional facility, continues to work out, has had jobs in the facility and has never been part of a fight or displayed any acts of aggression in prison.

I wasnt going to let my one mistake define who I was, he told the board.

The shooting was uncharacteristic for Alston, who was described as a gentle spirit. But it reflected his upbringing.

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Growing up as the youngest boy of seven children in Brockton, he was around violence and drugs daily. He didnt have a relationship with his father, and his brother often beat him to try to toughen him up.

I never was a fighter, he said.

He left school but tried to come back. However, the school said he owed for books hed never taken home  books still sitting in his old locker.

He couldnt afford the fine.

I definitely got discouraged when they wouldnt let me back to school, he told the parole board.

He wanted a different way of life than what was around him. But he didnt see a way out.

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Alston was a young man who was searching for a foothold, Dr. Jeff Long, a board-certified neuropsychologist, said. Some of his early experiences caused deep cracks in his foundation.

Long described Alston as a very empathic, nonjudgmental and peaceful man.

But Alston said he felt alone and got a pit bull to help with protection. Still, that wasnt enough and he was jumped twice.

He thought he was going to die.

Thats when he started carrying a gun  a gun he never intended to use.

A second chance

When Alston decided to better himself, he never imagined getting a second chance outside prison walls.

He found mentors in prison, became religious and did everything he could to still be a father to his two children.

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Robert Foxworth, who spent decades in prison after being wrongfully convicted, recalled being drawn to Alston for his integrity.

It got to a point where he was the only one I was called to help, Foxworth said, taking his first day off of work since being released from prison in 2020 to speak at Alstons parole board hearing.

Now, Foxworth hopes to be there for Alston as he makes the difficult transition back into society  if the board allows.

Foxworth received a $1 million settlement from Massachusetts after his wrongful conviction. He said hes willing to help Alston financially, too.

Hes one of probably the most humble guys Ive met since Ive been in there, Foxworth said. I just think he made a mistake and I beg this parole board to give him a chance.

Alston admitted that staying away from fights wasnt easy. He had to learn to control his own emotions and not be petty, even as blood splattered into his food from a nearby fight.

A changed man

The Supreme Judicial Court decision isnt just about whether the person is ready for parole. Its also about whether the crime they committed was due to their young, impressionable and impulsive minds.

Advancements in scientific research have confirmed what many know well through experience: the brains of emerging adults are not fully mature, Chief Justice Kimberly Budd wrote in the decision. Specifically, the scientific record strongly supports the contention that emerging adults have the same core neurological characteristics as juveniles have.

The Plymouth County District Attorneys Office is against Alston getting parole, stating they dont believe impulse control was a factor. They also have concerns with his lack of substance abuse treatment over the years.

Alston started using alcohol when he was 11. Although he has been clean the entire time he has been in prison, the state has concerns.

But his lawyer Lisa Newman-Polk stressed that they spent the entire day talking about the crimes of a person that is not in the room today.

Nineteen-year-old Alston and 47-year-old Alston arent the same person, she said.

I think that Alan is a perfect example of the Mattis decision, Newman-Polk told MassLive. And I think it is a tragedy that we would have been paying as a society to have him incarcerated for decades more until his death rather than out contributing and paying taxes and helping the next generation of youth.

Alston recognizes he cant change the past. He cant bring back Rivera. He cant fix the pain a child felt listening to the gunshots he caused ring out as they tried to sleep.

But, as his lawyer flips the pages of his parole board speech, his hands still shackled at his side, he continues to apologize and says he plans to keep trying to do better, forever being the man he was supposed to be, not the boy he was.

I thought I was a man, but I was still a boy, just trying to be seen, he wrote in a poem in 2020, reflecting on the past.

More on the Massachusetts Parole Board

Read the original article on MassLive.
Massachusetts teen flying around the world detained by Chilean authorities in Antarctica

A teen from Massachusetts is currently being detained by authorities in Antarctica.

Ethan Guo is accused of violating numerous laws while trying to fly to all seven continents.

According to his lawyer, Guo experienced in-flight complications and was forced to land in a region of Antarctica that has been claimed by Chile.

Massachusetts teen poised to become youngest person to fly solo across all seven continents

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Chilean authorities say Guo never alerted them and by doing so, violated numerous national and international regulations.

A Chilean court launched an investigation into him

Boston 25 News spoke to Gwo last year regarding his mission to raise one million dollars for cancer research.

Hes expected to be detained for at least 90 days.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Credit: Social media

A massive fireball has engulfed a fuel depot in Rome, injuring several people.

Footage posted on social media showed a huge explosion, heard across the Italian capital, and the skyline being filled with smoke.

The explosion, which took place at a petrol, diesel and gas depot in Via dei Gordiani, injured at least 21 people, including eight police officers and a firefighter, according to reports.

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Preliminary reports have suggested a vehicle at the fuel distribution centre accidentally rammed into a refuelling pump, causing a fire and triggering an alarm that sent police and firefighters to the location.

This led to the main explosion, which occurred at 8am local time and was followed by several smaller blasts.

Elisabetta Accardo, a spokesperson for the Roman police, told Italian broadcaster RAI: There were a few chain explosions after the first one.

All the policemen injured suffered burns, but they are not in danger of life.

Several cars were caught up in the explosion and police pulled one driver alive from a vehicle that was on fire. The person was rushed to hospital and remains in serious condition, according to Andrea Quattrocchi, a major in the Carabinieri police force.

Three people were left with severe burns and received treatment from emergency services at the scene.

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Massimo Bartoletti, an eyewitness, told Romes La Repubblica newspaper: It looked like hell.

I saw the first explosion with the classic fireball. Shortly after came the second one which was hellish. A fiery mushroom cloud formed in the sky. It shook the whole area.

Others thought there had been an earthquake. We were on the seventh floor, the building started to sway. As if there was an earthquake, another resident told the newspaper.

Flying debris also damaged multiple buildings in the area and part of the roof was flung more than 300 yards.

Bits of glass and metal were flying everywhere, one source told the Corriere della Sera newspaper.

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Firefighters were still trying to extinguish the massive blaze as of 10.30am this morning.

Credit: RaiNews

Roberto Massucci, Romes chief of police, said: Unfortunately, it is a very serious fire that seems to have been caused by an accident that happened during the unloading of liquefied petroleum gas.

Police officers who were on the scene, along with other emergency service personnel, were caught up in the explosion, which was very powerful. They are being treated in various hospitals but luckily none of them seems to have life-threatening injuries.

Giorgia Meloni, the Italian prime minister, said she was following the situation closely.

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She has been in touch with Roberto Gualtieri, the mayor of Rome, who is keeping her updated on the fire and the condition of the injured.

Pope Leo XIV has said he is praying for the people who have been injured by the catastrophic explosion, which he described as a tragic accidenton his X account.

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.
Material World is a weekly roundup of innovations and ideas within the materials sector, covering news from emerging biomaterials and alternative leathers to sustainable substitutes and future-proof fibers.

Sparxell x Positive Materials

Sparxell and Positive Materials have joined forces.

More from Sourcing Journal

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The Cambridge-based color platform technology company announced the launch of its first textile ink (derived from its dye-free pigments) in partnership with the PDS Groups textile company.

This textile ink launch transforms how brands can access our breakthrough technology. For too long, the textile industry had no choice other than to accept that vibrant colors meant environmental damage. Sparxells bio-inspired technology shatters that assumption, delivering exceptional results from plant-based cellulose, Benjamin Droguet, founder and CEO of Sparxell, said. This is just the beginningour vision is to make bio-inspired color technology the new standard across fashion, proving that high performance and working in harmony with nature are perfectly aligned.

Sparxells textile ink is available from the end of June, with printing orders processed through Positive Materials. Partnership rollout includes an all-over printed cotton jersey featuring Sparxells technology, available starting in September in European markets.

The spin-out startups textile ink yokes the same structural color principles found in Morpho butterfly wings, engineering plant-based cellulose at the microscale to create vibrant colors through light manipulation rather than chemical formulas.

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Positive Materials supports the validation and scale-up of Sparxells breakthrough, the partners said, by integrating it into its existing production infrastructuredelivering the manufacturing expertise and operational capacity needed to take the technology from prototype to production-ready. On Sparxells side, the team can then scale production alongside maintaining sustainability standards during the manufacturing process.

Rather than requiring custom development projects, fashion designers and procurement teams can now order the most sustainable colorant options out there as easily as conventional alternatives, but with the added benefit of containing 100 percent biodegradable pigments that are free from toxic chemicals, Elsa Parente, co-CEO and CTO of Positive Materials, said. Our collaboration with Sparxell represents exactly the kind of innovation the textile industry needs, aligning perfectly with our mission to create low-impact textiles that dont compromise on performance.

The launch builds on Sparxells recent commercial momentum, including a nearly $2 million grant from the European Innovation Council and participation in LVMHs La Maison des Startups accelerator program.

Spiber has landed a few new partners ahead of the trade show summer season, as Japanese biotech venture company announced its partnerships with Manifattura Sesia and Achille Pinto.



Known for adopting responsible materials and providing refined quality, the Manifattura Sesia partnership yielded yarn blends containing 30 percent Brewed Protein fiber combined with wool. The Italian knitwear producer developed three variations of its T-Gen yarnshort for technological generation yarns. The resulting material is soft to the touch and weighs less than pure wool.



The combination of Spibers Brewed Protein fiber with a selection of Superfine Merino Wool certified RWS and Nativa makes these yarns a cutting-edge example in our search for sustainable textile solutions, said Chiara Serra, creative director of Manifattura Sesia. T-Gen represents another milestone in the path that Manifattura Sesia started years ago: creating ever more responsible yarns, with a quality designed to stand the test of time.



Spibers partnership with Achille Pintoan Italian premium mill known for its high-detail jacquards and printed textileshas resulted in new collections containing 1530 percent Brewed Protein fiber blended with silk and wool.



These are the first and only textiles in Europe to combine Brewed Protein fiber with silk, Spiber said. Moreover, Achille Pinto is the first European manufacturer to demonstrate printing capabilities on Brewed Protein fabrics.



Zegna Baruffa Lane Borgosesia (ZBLB) developed two brewed yarns, combining the properties of Brewed Protein fiber with ZBLBs expertise in spinning and finishing merino wool. The company offers a variety of colors with 30 percent Brewed Protein fiber and 70 percent RWS wool as well.



In addition, Botto Giuseppe renewed its 100 percent Brewed Protein yarn from the previous season and remains the only mill in Europe currently offering the entirely worsted yarn. Marzotto Group has renewed its textile collection FiberPro from the previous season with 30 percent Brewed Protein blend fabrics and will present five new tailoring qualities. Japanese fiber distributor Takisada-Nagoya, meanwhile, will unveil over 20 new fabric collections.



All new developments and samples will be on display at Spibers booths at Pitti Filati and Milano Unica.

Modern Meadow

Modern Meadow has entered a development partnership with Mercedes-Benz.

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The German luxury automotive brand leveraged the New Jersey-based biofabrication companys Innovera to develop a bio-design leather alternative for Mercedes technology program, Concept AMG GT XX. Ideally, the partnership will further develop Modern Meadows Innovera for series production and, ultimately, set a new standard in vehicle interiors.

In our development partnership with Mercedes-Benz, we have used Innovera to create a new luxury leather alternative without sacrificing aesthetics, versatility and texture, said CEO David Williamson. It looks and feels as good as it performs.

Innovera achieves more than 80 percent renewable carbon content and is completely animal-free. It requires no special preservation or storage conditionsreducing complexity and costsand is adaptable to any standard manufacturing process.

The leather alternative consists of a combination of chemically recycled AMG GT3 racing car tires, plant-based proteins and biopolymers. In the Concept AMG GT XX, one scrap tire provides the basis for about four square meters of Innovera. The black seat pads of the bucket seats are covered with the Nappa-look variant. The bio-design means the leather alternative is breathable, waterproof and lighter than traditional materials, of which its maximum tensile strength is twice as high. With these properties, Modern Meadow said the material represents the new dimension of performance, which the technology program stands for in the vehicles interior.

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Modern Meadows bio-design technology used to create this leather alternative included recycled racing tires that were used in tough competition on AMG GT3 customer racing cars as well.

Balena Science x Stella McCartney

Balena and Stella McCartneys partnership has hit the market.

I mean this is insane. My shoe designer came up to me and said, smell the sole. Its made of cinnamon waste. It smells of cinnamon, Stella McCartney said in a statement. And its basically 100 percent plant based, recyclable and biodegradable textile. Its a closed-loop production, so it ensures completely zero waste. It is mind-blowing.

The next-gen material science companys innovative material, BioCir Flex, is featured in the sustainable designers highly anticipated S-Wave Sport trainers for McCartneys autumn 2025 collection. Balenas BioCir Flex is a non-toxic, compostable, recyclable and biobased alternative to traditional plastics. BioCir Flex absorbs impact, responds to motion, is as durable as TPU and as flexible as rubber.

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Its dyed with natural cinnamon, too.

This collaboration represents more than just a partnership, its a shared commitment to shaping a future where materials are truly circular, sustainable, and high-performance, said David Roubach, founder and CEO of Balena Science. Seeing BioCir Flex brought to life in a Stella McCartney design, and now available for consumers worldwide, is a milestone I could only dream of when we began this journey. Stella has long been a beacon of responsibility and innovation in fashion, and were proud to help push the industry forward together.
Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, foreign minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), attends a press conference in Kinshasa, DRC, July 3, 2025. The peace agreement recently signed between DRC and Rwanda "is only a beginning; the real work starts now," Wagner said late Thursday at a press conference. (DRC Ministry of Communication and Media/Handout via Xinhua)

KINSHASA, July 3 (Xinhua) -- The peace agreement recently signed between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda "is only a beginning; the real work starts now," DRC Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner said late Thursday at a press conference.

The two neighbors inked the peace deal on June 27 in Washington, aiming to end decades of armed conflict and humanitarian crises in Africa's Great Lakes region.

Wagner said the deal requires Rwandan troops to leave North Kivu and South Kivu provinces in three stages while Congolese and international partners move simultaneously to neutralize the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a group linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

The accord also mandates the immediate disarmament of all Congolese militias. Any former fighter seeking to join the army or police must pass an individual screening that bars perpetrators of serious crimes, the minister added.

Humanitarian provisions include a structured, voluntary return program for roughly 250,000 refugees and internally displaced people, along with rapid reopening of aid corridors in conflict-affected areas, said Wagner.

A follow-up summit in Washington between DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame is expected "in the coming weeks," Wagner said.

"We will keep pushing to translate this accord into lasting peace, sustainable development and the full pacification of the eastern provinces and the wider Great Lakes region," she said.

For decades, eastern DRC has been plagued by violence, exacerbated by the resurgence of the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group since late 2021, which Kinshasa accuses Kigali of backing.

Rwanda denies the allegations and accuses the Congolese army of collaborating with the FDLR.

Tensions have escalated sharply in recent months, with the M23 group launching renewed offensives in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. 

Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, foreign minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), attends a press conference in Kinshasa, DRC, July 3, 2025. The peace agreement recently signed between DRC and Rwanda "is only a beginning; the real work starts now," Wagner said late Thursday at a press conference. (DRC Ministry of Communication and Media/Handout via Xinhua)
(Getty Images)

As you enjoy the beach or your backyard grill today or fireworks displays tonight, I hope you take time to read this document or listen to it being read. Its why were celebrating Americas Independence Day and not paying homage to a king or queen. Or living under a tyrants thumb  yet.

The document has some faults, declaring for instance that all men are created equal even though at the time it was written, women, enslaved people and Indigenous people werent considered equal to white men of means. The document contains some racial slurs, but its preamble continues to echo down the centuries to inspire millions, including those who werent born in the United States.

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The United States as we know it didnt even exist in 1776, but this Declaration of Independence ignited the spark that resulted in the first nation on earth to be brought into existence by an idea not based on ethnic or religious identity. And that idea has grown to encompass all people and engendered more to aspire to equity for everyone.

The Declaration itself is mostly a long list of grievances leaders of the 13 British colonies had against King George III that formed the stated rationale of separating the colonies from the kings rule. History shows that another reason for fomenting resolution involved who would colonize the Native lands west of the colonies.

All-in-all, not really that noble a rationale for starting a war.

But those stirring words that begin the Declaration embraced a noble ideal for founding a new nation. Despite the documents flaws, and the flaws and mistakes that dog our collective history down through today, it serves to remind us of our common heritage and why we are Americans.

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So, here it is, a transcription from the National Archives:

Note: The following text is a transcription of the Stone Engraving of the parchment Declaration of Independence (the document on display in the Rotunda at the National Archives Museum.) The spelling and punctuation reflects the original.

In Congress, July 4, 1776

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Natures God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

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We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit ofHappiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their justpowers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unlesss uspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

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He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing theLaws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

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He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

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For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein anArbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:

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For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

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He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

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We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolvedf rom all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

Georgia

Button Gwinnett

Lyman Hall

George Walton

North Carolina

William Hooper

Joseph Hewes

John Penn

South Carolina

Edward Rutledge

Thomas Heyward, Jr.

Thomas Lynch, Jr.

Arthur Middleton

Massachusetts

John Hancock

Maryland

Samuel Chase

William Paca

Thomas Stone

Charles Carroll of Carrollton

Virginia

George Wythe

Richard Henry Lee

Thomas Jefferson

Benjamin Harrison

Thomas Nelson, Jr.

Francis Lightfoot Lee

Carter Braxton

Pennsylvania

Robert Morris

Benjamin Rush

Benjamin Franklin

John Morton

George Clymer

James Smith

George Taylor

James Wilson

George Ross

Delaware

Caesar Rodney

George Read

Thomas McKean

New York

William Floyd

Philip Livingston

Francis Lewis

Lewis Morris

New Jersey

Richard Stockton

John Witherspoon

Francis Hopkinson

John Hart

Abraham Clark

New Hampshire

Josiah Bartlett

William Whipple

Massachusetts

Samuel Adams

John Adams

Robert Treat Paine

Elbridge Gerry

Rhode Island

Stephen Hopkins

William Ellery

Connecticut

Roger Sherman

Samuel Huntington

William Williams

Oliver Wolcott

New Hampshire

Matthew Thornton
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  In the wake of the Oglethorpe Mall shooting on July 2, Savannah Mayor Van Johnson apologized for Thursdays miscommunication in the charging of two juveniles.

SPD announced Thursday that two juveniles involved would be charged with possession of a firearm under the age of 18. Later, it reversed course, announcing they would not be charged.

Oglethorpe Mall reopens after July 2nd shooting

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Johnson gave WSAV News 3s Sarah Smith a statement regarding the charging of the juveniles:

I think what happened was our communications team got out in front of us. I think that the police working with the district attorney will make the appropriate charges at the appropriate time. I want to make sure we get it right.

I think that we should not charge until we not only know all whos involved, but know and understand the extent of their involvement and then charge appropriately. Unfortunately and as fluid as these things are, sometimes things get out quicker without going through all of the channels.

To our community, I apologize and take responsibility for that. You know, we have to communicate singularly in one voice. But, for those who had some feeling that we were letting somebody off the hook, nothing could be further from the truth.

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No arrests have been made in connection with the shooting. WSAV will continue to update the story as more details are 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 WSAV-TV.
WASHINGTON, N.C. (WNCT)  A local McDonalds employee was celebrated today for earning her college degree through the McDonalds Archways to Opportunity program.

Ebony Bryant, alongside her crew, family, and friends, was celebrated on Thursday, July 3, for earning her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree at Colorado Technical University. This was made possible by the McDonalds Archways to Opportunity program, a comprehensive tuition-covered program offered to McDonalds crew members through their benefit packages.

I wanted to get this degree so that I could better myself. I always wanted to go to college, but I didnt, and I think I didnt want to graduate with debt, McDonalds Archways Opportunity Graduate, Ebony Bryant, said. So, being that my job offered it for completely free, it was a no-brainer.

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This program has increased access to education for over 65,000 restaurant employees, including more than 45,000 who received help with post-secondary expenses. McDonalds has awarded more than $125 million in tuition.

For more information on Archway to Opportunity, 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 WNCT.
MCLEAN COUNTY, Ill. (WMBD)  A rescue dog from central Illinois is getting national recognition for its lifesaving efforts last year.

Rip and Handler Joan Brehm, with the McLean County Emergency Management Agency, were recognized with the Golden Retrievers Club of Americas Gold Standard Award, club treasurer Marcy Werner said.

The annual award is given to a golden retriever who performed honorable or heroic acts, or enriched or contributed to the life of someone in the community during the last year.

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In June 2024, Rip helped locate an elderly man with Alzheimers who walked away from a care facility the previous afternoon. The man had been missing for 15 hours and was located lying and unable to move in thick vegetation. He received medical care and made a full recovery.

The agency also gave a shout-out to Rips colleague in paws, Mae, and handler Chip Short and other team members who helped locate the man.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo.  The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is hosting a virtual program for people to learn about the different species of watersnakes.

According to an MDC press release, the department is holding a virtual program called Amphibians and Reptiles: Watersnakes of Missouri from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Friday, July 18.

The virtual program is being put on by MDCs Springfield Conservation Nature Center staff, the release says.

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MDC looks for volunteers for Missouri Stream Team

The program will discuss the preferred habitat for non-venomous snakes such as swamps, marshes, oxbow lakes and drainage ditches. It will also showcase the difference between watersnakes and the venomous cottonmouth.

The event is open to all ages, but registration is required for the virtual program.

Citizens can register for the event by visiting MDCs website.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.
Rosie Brown, executive director at East Carroll Community Action Agency in Lake Providence, La., said many people in the Delta struggle to make ends meet. Medicaid expansion was a lifeline for the town. Now, she said, President Donald Trumps tax and spending bill could snatch it away. (Photo by Shalina Chatlani/Stateline)

LAKE PROVIDENCE, La.  East Carroll Parish sits in the northeastern corner of Louisiana, along the winding Mississippi River. Its seat, Lake Providence, was a thriving agricultural center of the Delta. Now, the town is a shell of its former self. Charred and dilapidated buildings dot the small city center. There are a few gas stations, a handful of restaurants  and little to no industry.

Mayor Bobby Amacker, 79, says at one point you couldnt even walk down the street in Lake Providences main business district because there were so many people.

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Its gone down tremendously in the last 50 years, said Amacker, a Democrat. The town, it looks like its drying up. And its almost unstoppable, as far as I can tell.

Now, East Carroll residents stand to lose even more. Like many people in Louisiana, they received a lifeline when the state expanded Medicaid to more low-income adults in 2016. Expansion drove Louisianas uninsured rate to the lowest in the Deep South, at 8% in 2023 for working-age adults, according to state data, despite it having the highest poverty rate in the U.S. that year.

Lake Providence Mayor Robert Bobby Amacker sit behind his desk. (Photo by Shalina Chatlani/Stateline)

This week, the U.S. Senate approved President Donald Trumps big, beautiful tax and spending bill. It includes more than $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid, the joint state-federal health insurance program for poor families and individuals, to help pay for tax cuts that mostly benefit the rich. The legislation would cause 11.8 million more Americans to become uninsured by 2034, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

The bill includes new work rules for Medicaid recipients and would require them to verify their eligibility more frequently. It also would limit a financing strategy that states have used to boost Medicaid payments to hospitals.

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Republicans say enrollees are taking advantage of the Medicaid program and getting benefits when they shouldnt be. They say the program costs too much and states are not paying their fair share.

The Delta region, which includes communities in both Louisiana and Mississippi, would suffer under such large cuts. But in Louisiana  where almost half of the state depended on Medicaid in 2023, the Louisiana Department of Health reported  the cuts could be ruinous. Louisiana could lose up to $35 billion in federal Medicaid support over the next decade, according to KFF, a health policy research group. Mississippi, which never expanded Medicaid, could still lose up to $5 billion.

Residents are watching with apprehension, fear and, sometimes, anger, wondering how Congress could be so blind to how much they are struggling.

If they take that away from us and everyone that really needs it, thats going to be bad, said Sherila Ervin, who lives 20 minutes up the road from Lake Providence in Oak Grove and has Medicaid coverage.

Dilapidated buildings dot downtown Lake Providence, La. (Photo by Shalina Chatlani/Stateline)

Medicaid work requirements and other health care provisions in the bill ignore the reality of living in poorer rural communities, where people struggle to find the jobs, transportation and internet access required to meet the rules, according to interviews with people and providers in the Delta region.

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Even though Louisiana and Mississippi have taken very different approaches to Medicaid  one expanded eligibility under the 2010 Affordable Care Act and the other didnt  both rely heavily on the program to sustain access to medical care for all their residents.

On a hot summer day in June, Ervin walks into the bare-bones 99-cent store in downtown Lake Providence. As she looks over some clothing, she says shes heard about the potential Medicaid cuts. But she hadnt heard about the work requirements, and is shocked theyre even on the table.

I dont like that. I dont think they should put a stipulation on that, Ervin says, exasperated that she would have to report her work hours. Its hard enough as it is, she says, to thrive in this community.

Ervin, 58, has been working at Oak Grove High School in the cafeteria, serving hot plates to children for two decades. She says its one of the good, steady jobs available in this area, but her income is only around $1,500 per month.

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Ervins job offers health benefits, but she cant afford the premiums on her salary. She relies on Medicaid for care, including medications for her high blood pressure.

In East Carroll Parish, around 46.5% of people live below the poverty level, meaning the area is overwhelmingly poor, at over four times the national poverty rate, with a median income of $28,321. For Black households, the figure is a mere $16,690.

Expansion was a lifeline for people such as Ervin. Louisiana offers Medicaid to people who earn below 138% of the federal poverty line  currently about $22,000 a year for an individual.

Sometimes you can work, but then when you work, you still cant pay to get help, Ervin said.

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Its a similar economic situation an hour away across the river. Poverty is about three times the national rate in Washington County, Mississippi, where residents in the city of Greenville lament the consequences of not being able to avoid destructive medical debt, which can keep them stuck in a cycle of gig work and of living paycheck to paycheck.

Greenville, the county seat, is among the fastest-shrinking cities in the U.S. Its still one of the larger rural cities in Mississippi, with coffee shops, restaurants, hotels, a regional hospital and several big-box stores. But the downtown has just a few small businesses and a bank, and residents say jobs are hard to find.

Greenville resident April McNair, 45, remembers giving birth 17 years ago, long before Mississippi extended postpartum Medicaid to a full year. She had Medicaid coverage during pregnancy, but was kicked off shortly after giving birth, despite having post-delivery complications.

April McNair, 45, is a resident of Greenville, Miss. (Photo by Shalina Chatlani/Stateline)

The result was a trip to the emergency room and a $2,500 bill she couldnt cover. Right after giving birth, McNair looked for work. She said potential employers often told her that she was overqualified because she had a masters degree.

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I had to kind of figure out how to make my ends meet, McNair said. I ended up with a significant bill, all because I did not have Medicaid.

McNair feels like Mississippi leaders are making a mistake by continuing to reject full Medicaid expansion.

Thats a selfish move. To me, theyre selfish, McNair said, adding that now shes worried for neighbors in Louisiana who may lose the lifeline she wishes she had.

God forbid, hypothetically speaking, what if one of them meets their demise because of this bill that [Congress] passed?

Hard to thrive

Mississippi experienced its first taste of equalized access to medicine in the late 1960s.

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Delta Health Center, the first federally funded health center in the nation, opened during the peak of the Civil Rights Movement in the all-Black town of Mound Bayou, about an hour north of Greenville. The center vowed to care for anyone regardless of race or ability to pay in a region plagued with poverty, poor health and discrimination  and continues to do so to this day.

It was a significant opportunity for generations of African Americans who had gone without health care, in a place where people had no access to clean drinking water, running sewage systems or even food, said Robin Boyles, chief program planning and development officer at Delta Health Center.

But it wasnt easy for the clinic to mobilize support, even though it was clearly needed. Before its opening, it faced pushback from politicians and even doctors. In a 1966 clipping from a local newspaper, the white-owned Bolivar Commercial, the editorial board railed against the new clinic, saying it would lead further to socialized medicine.

The situation is certainly better in Mississippi and Louisiana than it was in the 1960s, but critics say the Medicaid cuts could reverse hard-fought progress.

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People who live in the Delta are fiercely proud of their communities, but conditions there make it hard to thrive.

A 1966 editorial opposing the opening of Delta Health Center. (Photo by Kim Krisberg/Public Health Watch)

Black residents, who are the overwhelming majority, have had a particularly hard time. After the Civil War, many were relegated to sharecropping of cotton and corn for subsistence. Meanwhile, an elite white class of plantation owners and investors amassed enormous amounts of wealth.

A 2001 report from the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights described the area as one with limited economic resources; inadequate employment opportunities; insufficient decent, affordable housing; and poor quality public schools.

We have a lot of patients that are one health issue away from either being out of a job or being bankrupt because of a trip to the emergency room, said Dr. Brent Smith, a physician at a primary care clinic at Delta Health System in Greenville.

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Even some of the most vulnerable people, such as new moms in Mississippi, still struggle to get basic care, in part because the state has left billions of dollars in federal funding for Medicaid expansion on the table, said Dr. Lakeisha Richardson, an OB-GYN at Delta Health System.

There are a lot of maternal [care] deserts in Mississippi where women have to travel 60 miles or more just to get prenatal care and just to get to the closest hospital for delivery, Richardson said. And I dont see that getting any better in Mississippi and in rural areas.

Richardson says nearly all her patients are working moms, many of whom would really benefit from having Medicaid expansion.

America doesnt realize that there are people out here struggling for no reason of their own, she said.

Thats why Medicaid expansion in Louisiana in 2016, much like the community health center movement in Mississippi, was a bright spot in the rural South, said Smith.

Louisiana expanded Medicaid, a surprising move in the South to see any state expand, Smith said. They saw it for what it was, which was a very real opportunity to assist this specific group of patients.

Dr. Brent Smith, left, a physician at a primary care clinic at Delta Health System in Greenville, laughs with a co-worker. (Photo by Shalina Chatlani/Stateline)

In Mississippi, 20 rural hospitals are at immediate risk of closure, according to a recent report, more than double the number at risk in Louisiana. In many cases, Medicaid is the largest and most reliable payer for rural hospitals. While Louisianas overall uninsured rate plummeted to 8.3% by 2023, in Mississippi it was 10.5%.

Unlike a lot of our Southern peers, we have not had the same level of closures of facilities, said Courtney Foster, senior policy adviser for Medicaid, with the nonprofit Invest in Louisiana.

Medicaid was like a real lifeline for people in transition. Oftentimes it was people who had lost their jobs and were just looking to get back on their feet.

Now, the new work and reporting requirements could put that progress at risk.

In East Carroll Parish, finding a job  let alone a good-paying one with health benefits  is difficult, says Rosie Brown, executive director at the East Carroll Community Action Agency, a nonprofit that helps low-income people with their rent and utility bills. Many of the jobs available in town pay minimum wage, just $7.25 an hour.

America doesn't realize that there are people out here struggling for no reason of their own.

 Dr. Lakeisha Richardson, OB-GYN at Delta Health System

Brown loves living in Lake Providence; this is where her family is. She doesnt want to move but wishes the government would invest more in her community  not take away benefits that help people who are hanging on by a thread.

We have one bank. We have one supermarket, she said. Transportation isnt easy either.

Local infrastructure is so limited, shes even heard of some people charging residents $20 for a ride to Walmart. Some people have to hitch a ride an hour away to go to work, she said.

Theres nowhere to go, Brown said.

Dominique Jones works at the local library, where she helps roughly 75 to 85 people per month apply for programs such as Medicaid and food assistance. Many of the residents she helps dont have access to the internet or even a computer, a real barrier for people whod be required to report their working hours to state Medicaid officials.

This town right here is made up of a lot of old people that need Medicaid and Medicare. And without it, they wouldnt have any kind of health care at all, Mayor Amacker said.

Dilapidated buildings dot downtown Lake Providence, La. (Photo by Shalina Chatlani/Stateline)

Even a job in local government in Lake Providence doesnt offer affordable health insurance.

Nevada Qualls, 25, sits across from Amackers office. She earns just $12 an hour as a cashier at city hall. The low pay means she qualifies for Medicaid expansion coverage, which is good because she cant afford the premiums for private insurance.

I feel like there should be a higher threshold for people that can get Medicaid, because theyre still struggling, she said.

At the 99-cent store, school district worker Ervin wonders whether state and federal leaders understand what its like to live in her community, urging them to visit and see for themselves.

They want to do stuff for the rich people thats already rich, she said. What are they doing? Its almost like theres no common sense with them.

The tremble factors

While leaders in the U.S. Senate were working into the night this past weekend debating Trumps tax and spending bill, Greenville resident Jennifer Morris was praying for the pain to stay away.

Morris, 44, has hemicrania continua, a headache disorder that causes constant pain on one side of her head. Theres no underlying trigger and no cure. Her doctors help her keep the pain to a minimum with regular treatments that include dozens of injections into her head.

Jennifer Morris, 44, a Greenville, Miss., resident, poses for a photo at Greater Mount Olivet Missionary Baptist Church. (Photo by Shalina Chatlani/Stateline)

It doesnt take the pain away, she said during a late-night gathering in Greenvilles Greater Mount Olivet Missionary Baptist Church in June. It does reduce the pain so that Im able to function. But its rough.

Morris is worried about the looming Medicaid cuts. She qualifies for Mississippi Medicaid because her condition counts as a disability, and she depends on the coverage to afford her medications.

Morris Medicaid may be safer than that of her Delta neighbors in Lake Providence, as some of the most dramatic Medicaid changes being considered  such as work requirements  target Medicaid expansion states only.

But Mississippi could be hurt by a provision in the Senate bill that would target a strategy states have used to boost the Medicaid dollars they get from the federal government.

Mississippi could see a major hit to its Medicaid funds, which would be a tremendous decrease in revenue for the state, harming services and access to care, says Mitchell Adcock, executive director at the Center for Mississippi Health Policy.

It would be just the opposite of expansion. It would be a contraction for the Medicaid program in the state, he said.

Leonard Favorite, a pastor who was attending the same event at Mount Olivet Church, as Morris, says he grew up on a plantation in Louisiana and worked his way out of poverty by joining the Air Force. This type of journey is hard, he said, when youre already starting from so far behind. He thinks the big, beautiful bill will create more roadblocks for poor people.

You have people who are already living below the poverty line and they will certainly be submerged into poverty at unspeakable levels, said Favorite, 70. That seems to be the trend of this administration from the point of view of looking from the outside.

Poor people are beginning to feel the tremble factors of an administration that caters toward the rich.

National researchers estimate that up to 132,000 Louisianans who gained health insurance under expansion could lose it under work rules.

But national reports that rely on census data likely underestimate the potential Medicaid losses. For example, while 2023 census data show 47% of East Carroll Parish was on Medicaid, state health data reviewed by Stateline and Public Health Watch suggests the number is more like 64%. Similarly statewide, census data showed about a third of Louisianans were on Medicaid. State data shows that percentage is closer to 46.5%.

Experts such as Joan Alker at the Georgetown Center for Children and Families say the undercounts nationally are a well-known issue among researchers, but its difficult to correct because the quality of state reporting can be so uneven.

State Medicaid funding is also at risk. For years, both Mississippi and Louisiana have relied on revenue generated through a financing tool  known as a provider tax  to draw down more federal dollars and boost Medicaid reimbursements to providers. But congressional Republicans hope to limit states ability to collect those taxes.

Depending on how Congress restricts provider taxes, Mississippi could lose hundreds of millions in federal Medicaid funding, crucial in a state with such a high uninsured rate, said Richard Roberson, president and CEO of the Mississippi Hospital Association.

Its unavoidable that when youre taking that much money out of the system, that theres not going to be some repercussions felt even in non-Medicaid expansion states like Mississippi, Roberson said.

Last week, the Louisiana Hospital Association signed a statement calling the package of Medicaid cuts before Congress historic in their devastation.

From her small, sunny office in East Carroll Parish, nurse Jennifer Newton cant understand the attacks on Medicaid.

Newton, who grew up one parish over in West Carroll, is executive director of the Family Medical Clinic, a community health center in Lake Providence and one of the few health providers in town. She says 50% of the clinics patients have Medicaid insurance.

Jennnifer Newton is the executive director of the Family Medical Clinic, a community health center in Lake Providence, La. (Photo by Shalina Chatlani/Stateline)

Newton has worked in health care in the area for decades and watched as Medicaid expansion made it possible for more patients to access and afford health care they desperately needed, including preventive services. Its absolutely helped, she said. Absolutely.

In 2015, the year before Louisiana expanded Medicaid, the uninsured rate among working-age adults in East Carroll Parish was nearly 35%. By 2021, that number was 12.7%.

Why are we going back? Newton asked. Weve made so much progress.

Republican supporters of work requirements, including Louisiana representative and U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, argue they will encourage people to find jobs and ensure Medicaid goes to people who need it most. But according to KFF, a majority of Louisiana adults with Medicaid  69%  already work.

Brian Blase, president of the Paragon Health Institute, a conservative policy group that is working with Republicans to formulate Medicaid cuts, is not concerned about eligible people losing coverage, as has happened under previous work requirement efforts. He says the bill has built in exceptions for certain people and requirements can be met by not just work, so concerns seem pretty overstated.

Medicaid recipients also can meet the requirement by volunteering or attending school for 80 hours per month.

Its hard for me to understand that there are areas in the country where theres not jobs. Theres always work to be done, Blase told Stateline. Blase said he believes Medicaid is the government conditioning welfare for able-bodied working-age adults.

But advocates and experts predict East Carroll, where internet access is notoriously bad, would experience results similar to when Arkansas instituted Medicaid work requirements in 2018: People disenrolled because of lack of awareness and confusion over the policy, as well as paperwork errors  not because they werent working enough.

Unless the beneficiary can navigate that red tape, theyre going to lose coverage and become uninsured, said Benjamin Sommers, a health economist at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Data shows Arkansas experiment did not increase employment, Sommers said, and instead led to more people reporting medical debt and delaying care because of cost.

Take a step back

People in the Delta  where the legacy of government neglect and discrimination are all around  want politicians to visit their towns and see the barriers people face trying to improve their lives and stay healthy.

People spent their lives uninsured, said Amy Hale, a nurse practitioner at East Carroll Medical clinic. Medicaid expansion allowed them to get in here and be treated.

Lake Providence residents are scared they may find themselves in a similar situation as McNair and other people across the river in Greenville: working, uninsured, and too poor to access health care.

Recent estimates show up to 317,000 Louisianans could lose Medicaid health insurance under Trumps tax bill. Nearly 33,000 in Mississippi.

People are actually trying, McNair said. I really wish [lawmakers] would look at it from a different lens. What if it was their kid? Or they didnt have the salaries they have now and your baby is ill.  Like really take a step back and think about what it is that youre doing.

This story is part of Uninsured in America, a project led by Public Health Watch that focuses on life in Americas health coverage gap and the 10 states that havent expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.

Stateline reporter Shalina Chatlani can be reached at schatlani@stateline.org. Public Health Watch reporter Kim Krisberg can be reached at kkrisberg@publichealthwatch.org.

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Rosie Brown, executive director at East Carroll Community Action Agency in Lake Providence, La., said many people in the Delta struggle to make ends meet. Medicaid expansion was a lifeline for the town. Now, she said, President Donald Trumps tax and spending bill could snatch it away. (Photo by Shalina Chatlani/Stateline)

LAKE PROVIDENCE, La.  East Carroll Parish sits in the northeastern corner of Louisiana, along the winding Mississippi River. Its seat, Lake Providence, was a thriving agricultural center of the Delta. Now, the town is a shell of its former self. Charred and dilapidated buildings dot the small city center. There are a few gas stations, a handful of restaurants  and little to no industry.

Mayor Bobby Amacker, 79, says at one point you couldnt even walk down the street in Lake Providences main business district because there were so many people.

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Its gone down tremendously in the last 50 years, said Amacker, a Democrat. The town, it looks like its drying up. And its almost unstoppable, as far as I can tell.

Now, East Carroll residents stand to lose even more. Like many people in Louisiana, they received a lifeline when the state expanded Medicaid to more low-income adults in 2016. Expansion drove Louisianas uninsured rate to the lowest in the Deep South, at 8% in 2023 for working-age adults, according to state data, despite it having the highest poverty rate in the U.S. that year.

Lake Providence Mayor Robert Bobby Amacker sit behind his desk. (Photo by Shalina Chatlani/Stateline)

This week, the U.S. Senate approved President Donald Trumps big, beautiful tax and spending bill. It includes more than $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid, the joint state-federal health insurance program for poor families and individuals, to help pay for tax cuts that mostly benefit the rich. The legislation would cause 11.8 million more Americans to become uninsured by 2034, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

The bill includes new work rules for Medicaid recipients and would require them to verify their eligibility more frequently. It also would limit a financing strategy that states have used to boost Medicaid payments to hospitals.

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Republicans say enrollees are taking advantage of the Medicaid program and getting benefits when they shouldnt be. They say the program costs too much and states are not paying their fair share.

The Delta region, which includes communities in both Louisiana and Mississippi, would suffer under such large cuts. But in Louisiana  where almost half of the state depended on Medicaid in 2023, the Louisiana Department of Health reported  the cuts could be ruinous. Louisiana could lose up to $35 billion in federal Medicaid support over the next decade, according to KFF, a health policy research group. Mississippi, which never expanded Medicaid, could still lose up to $5 billion.

Residents are watching with apprehension, fear and, sometimes, anger, wondering how Congress could be so blind to how much they are struggling.

If they take that away from us and everyone that really needs it, thats going to be bad, said Sherila Ervin, who lives 20 minutes up the road from Lake Providence in Oak Grove and has Medicaid coverage.

Dilapidated buildings dot downtown Lake Providence, La. (Photo by Shalina Chatlani/Stateline)

Even though Louisiana and Mississippi have taken very different approaches to Medicaid  one expanded eligibility under the 2010 Affordable Care Act and the other didnt  both rely heavily on the program to sustain access to medical care for all their residents.

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On a hot summer day in June, Ervin walks into the bare-bones 99-cent store in downtown Lake Providence. As she looks over some clothing, she says shes heard about the potential Medicaid cuts. But she hadnt heard about the work requirements, and is shocked theyre even on the table.

I dont like that. I dont think they should put a stipulation on that, Ervin says, exasperated that she would have to report her work hours. Its hard enough as it is, she says, to thrive in this community.

Ervin, 58, has been working at Oak Grove High School in the cafeteria, serving hot plates to children for two decades. She says its one of the good, steady jobs available in this area, but her income is only around $1,500 per month.

Ervins job offers health benefits, but she cant afford the premiums on her salary. She relies on Medicaid for care, including medications for her high blood pressure.

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In East Carroll Parish, around 46.5% of people live below the poverty level, meaning the area is overwhelmingly poor, at over four times the national poverty rate, with a median income of $28,321. For Black households, the figure is a mere $16,690.

Expansion was a lifeline for people such as Ervin. Louisiana offers Medicaid to people who earn below 138% of the federal poverty line  currently about $22,000 a year for an individual.

Sometimes you can work, but then when you work, you still cant pay to get help, Ervin said.

Its a similar economic situation an hour away across the river. Poverty is about three times the national rate in Washington County, Mississippi, where residents in the city of Greenville lament the consequences of not being able to avoid destructive medical debt, which can keep them stuck in a cycle of gig work and of living paycheck to paycheck.

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Greenville, the county seat, is among the fastest-shrinking cities in the U.S. Its still one of the larger rural cities in Mississippi, with coffee shops, restaurants, hotels, a regional hospital and several big-box stores. But the downtown has just a few small businesses and a bank, and residents say jobs are hard to find.

Greenville resident April McNair, 45, remembers giving birth 17 years ago, long before Mississippi extended postpartum Medicaid to a full year. She had Medicaid coverage during pregnancy, but was kicked off shortly after giving birth, despite having post-delivery complications.

April McNair, 45, is a resident of Greenville, Miss. (Photo by Shalina Chatlani/Stateline)

I had to kind of figure out how to make my ends meet, McNair said. I ended up with a significant bill, all because I did not have Medicaid.

McNair feels like Mississippi leaders are making a mistake by continuing to reject full Medicaid expansion.

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Thats a selfish move. To me, theyre selfish, McNair said, adding that now shes worried for neighbors in Louisiana who may lose the lifeline she wishes she had.

God forbid, hypothetically speaking, what if one of them meets their demise because of this bill that [Congress] passed?

Hard to thrive

Mississippi experienced its first taste of equalized access to medicine in the late 1960s.

Delta Health Center, the first federally funded health center in the nation, opened during the peak of the Civil Rights Movement in the all-Black town of Mound Bayou, about an hour north of Greenville. The center vowed to care for anyone regardless of race or ability to pay in a region plagued with poverty, poor health and discrimination  and continues to do so to this day.

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It was a significant opportunity for generations of African Americans who had gone without health care, in a place where people had no access to clean drinking water, running sewage systems or even food, said Robin Boyles, chief program planning and development officer at Delta Health Center.

But it wasnt easy for the clinic to mobilize support, even though it was clearly needed. Before its opening, it faced pushback from politicians and even doctors. In a 1966 clipping from a local newspaper, the white-owned Bolivar Commercial, the editorial board railed against the new clinic, saying it would lead further to socialized medicine.

The situation is certainly better in Mississippi and Louisiana than it was in the 1960s, but critics say the Medicaid cuts could reverse hard-fought progress.

People who live in the Delta are fiercely proud of their communities, but conditions there make it hard to thrive.

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Black residents, who are the overwhelming majority, have had a particularly hard time. After the Civil War, many were relegated to sharecropping of cotton and corn for subsistence. Meanwhile, an elite white class of plantation owners and investors amassed enormous amounts of wealth.

A 2001 report from the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights described the area as one with limited economic resources; inadequate employment opportunities; insufficient decent, affordable housing; and poor quality public schools.

We have a lot of patients that are one health issue away from either being out of a job or being bankrupt because of a trip to the emergency room, said Dr. Brent Smith, a physician at a primary care clinic at Delta Health System in Greenville.

Even some of the most vulnerable people, such as new moms in Mississippi, still struggle to get basic care, in part because the state has left billions of dollars in federal funding for Medicaid expansion on the table, said Dr. Lakeisha Richardson, an OB-GYN at Delta Health System.

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There are a lot of maternal [care] deserts in Mississippi where women have to travel 60 miles or more just to get prenatal care and just to get to the closest hospital for delivery, Richardson said. And I dont see that getting any better in Mississippi and in rural areas.

Richardson says nearly all her patients are working moms, many of whom would really benefit from having Medicaid expansion.

America doesnt realize that there are people out here struggling for no reason of their own, she said.

Thats why Medicaid expansion in Louisiana in 2016, much like the community health center movement in Mississippi, was a bright spot in the rural South, said Smith.

Louisiana expanded Medicaid, a surprising move in the South to see any state expand, Smith said. They saw it for what it was, which was a very real opportunity to assist this specific group of patients.

Dr. Brent Smith, left, a physician at a primary care clinic at Delta Health System in Greenville, laughs with a co-worker. (Photo by Shalina Chatlani/Stateline)

Unlike a lot of our Southern peers, we have not had the same level of closures of facilities, said Courtney Foster, senior policy adviser for Medicaid, with the nonprofit Invest in Louisiana.

Medicaid was like a real lifeline for people in transition. Oftentimes it was people who had lost their jobs and were just looking to get back on their feet.

Now, the new work and reporting requirements could put that progress at risk.

America doesn't realize that there are people out here struggling for no reason of their own.

 Dr. Lakeisha Richardson, OB-GYN at Delta Health System

In East Carroll Parish, finding a job  let alone a good-paying one with health benefits  is difficult, says Rosie Brown, executive director at the East Carroll Community Action Agency, a nonprofit that helps low-income people with their rent and utility bills. Many of the jobs available in town pay minimum wage, just $7.25 an hour.

Brown loves living in Lake Providence; this is where her family is. She doesnt want to move but wishes the government would invest more in her community  not take away benefits that help people who are hanging on by a thread.

We have one bank. We have one supermarket, she said. Transportation isnt easy either.

Local infrastructure is so limited, shes even heard of some people charging residents $20 for a ride to Walmart. Some people have to hitch a ride an hour away to go to work, she said.

Theres nowhere to go, Brown said.

Dominique Jones works at the local library, where she helps roughly 75 to 85 people per month apply for programs such as Medicaid and food assistance. Many of the residents she helps dont have access to the internet or even a computer, a real barrier for people whod be required to report their working hours to state Medicaid officials.

This town right here is made up of a lot of old people that need Medicaid and Medicare. And without it, they wouldnt have any kind of health care at all, Mayor Amacker said.

Dilapidated buildings dot downtown Lake Providence, La. (Photo by Shalina Chatlani/Stateline)

Nevada Qualls, 25, sits across from Amackers office. She earns just $12 an hour as a cashier at city hall. The low pay means she qualifies for Medicaid expansion coverage, which is good because she cant afford the premiums for private insurance.

I feel like there should be a higher threshold for people that can get Medicaid, because theyre still struggling, she said.

At the 99-cent store, school district worker Ervin wonders whether state and federal leaders understand what its like to live in her community, urging them to visit and see for themselves.

They want to do stuff for the rich people thats already rich, she said. What are they doing? Its almost like theres no common sense with them.

The tremble factors

While leaders in the U.S. Senate were working into the night this past weekend debating Trumps tax and spending bill, Greenville resident Jennifer Morris was praying for the pain to stay away.

Morris, 44, has hemicrania continua, a headache disorder that causes constant pain on one side of her head. Theres no underlying trigger and no cure. Her doctors help her keep the pain to a minimum with regular treatments that include dozens of injections into her head.

It doesnt take the pain away, she said during a late-night gathering in Greenvilles Greater Mount Olivet Missionary Baptist Church in June. It does reduce the pain so that Im able to function. But its rough.

Jennifer Morris, 44, a Greenville, Miss., resident, poses for a photo at Greater Mount Olivet Missionary Baptist Church. (Photo by Shalina Chatlani/Stateline)

Morris Medicaid may be safer than that of her Delta neighbors in Lake Providence, as some of the most dramatic Medicaid changes being considered  such as work requirements  target Medicaid expansion states only.

But Mississippi could be hurt by a provision in the Senate bill that would target a strategy states have used to boost the Medicaid dollars they get from the federal government.

Mississippi could see a major hit to its Medicaid funds, which would be a tremendous decrease in revenue for the state, harming services and access to care, says Mitchell Adcock, executive director at the Center for Mississippi Health Policy.

It would be just the opposite of expansion. It would be a contraction for the Medicaid program in the state, he said.

Leonard Favorite, a pastor who was attending the same event at Mount Olivet Church, as Morris, says he grew up on a plantation in Louisiana and worked his way out of poverty by joining the Air Force. This type of journey is hard, he said, when youre already starting from so far behind. He thinks the big, beautiful bill will create more roadblocks for poor people.

You have people who are already living below the poverty line and they will certainly be submerged into poverty at unspeakable levels, said Favorite, 70. That seems to be the trend of this administration from the point of view of looking from the outside.

Poor people are beginning to feel the tremble factors of an administration that caters toward the rich.

National researchers estimate that up to 132,000 Louisianans who gained health insurance under expansion could lose it under work rules.

But national reports that rely on census data likely underestimate the potential Medicaid losses. For example, while 2023 census data show 47% of East Carroll Parish was on Medicaid, state health data reviewed by Stateline and Public Health Watch suggests the number is more like 64%. Similarly statewide, census data showed about a third of Louisianans were on Medicaid. State data shows that percentage is closer to 46.5%.

Experts such as Joan Alker at the Georgetown Center for Children and Families say the undercounts nationally are a well-known issue among researchers, but its difficult to correct because the quality of state reporting can be so uneven.

State Medicaid funding is also at risk. For years, both Mississippi and Louisiana have relied on revenue generated through a financing tool  known as a provider tax  to draw down more federal dollars and boost Medicaid reimbursements to providers. But congressional Republicans hope to limit states ability to collect those taxes.

Depending on how Congress restricts provider taxes, Mississippi could lose hundreds of millions in federal Medicaid funding, crucial in a state with such a high uninsured rate, said Richard Roberson, president and CEO of the Mississippi Hospital Association.

Its unavoidable that when youre taking that much money out of the system, that theres not going to be some repercussions felt even in non-Medicaid expansion states like Mississippi, Roberson said.

Last week, the Louisiana Hospital Association signed a statement calling the package of Medicaid cuts before Congress historic in their devastation.

From her small, sunny office in East Carroll Parish, nurse Jennifer Newton cant understand the attacks on Medicaid.

Newton, who grew up one parish over in West Carroll, is executive director of the Family Medical Clinic, a community health center in Lake Providence and one of the few health providers in town. She says 50% of the clinics patients have Medicaid insurance.

Jennnifer Newton is the executive director of the Family Medical Clinic, a community health center in Lake Providence, La. (Photo by Shalina Chatlani/Stateline)

Newton has worked in health care in the area for decades and watched as Medicaid expansion made it possible for more patients to access and afford health care they desperately needed, including preventive services. Its absolutely helped, she said. Absolutely.

In 2015, the year before Louisiana expanded Medicaid, the uninsured rate among working-age adults in East Carroll Parish was nearly 35%. By 2021, that number was 12.7%.

Why are we going back? Newton asked. Weve made so much progress.

Republican supporters of work requirements, including Louisiana representative and U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, argue they will encourage people to find jobs and ensure Medicaid goes to people who need it most. But according to KFF, a majority of Louisiana adults with Medicaid  69%  already work.

Brian Blase, president of the Paragon Health Institute, a conservative policy group that is working with Republicans to formulate Medicaid cuts, is not concerned about eligible people losing coverage, as has happened under previous work requirement efforts. He says the bill has built in exceptions for certain people and requirements can be met by not just work, so concerns seem pretty overstated.

Medicaid recipients also can meet the requirement by volunteering or attending school for 80 hours per month.

Its hard for me to understand that there are areas in the country where theres not jobs. Theres always work to be done, Blase told Stateline. Blase said he believes Medicaid is the government conditioning welfare for able-bodied working-age adults.

But advocates and experts predict East Carroll, where internet access is notoriously bad, would experience results similar to when Arkansas instituted Medicaid work requirements in 2018: People disenrolled because of lack of awareness and confusion over the policy, as well as paperwork errors  not because they werent working enough.

Unless the beneficiary can navigate that red tape, theyre going to lose coverage and become uninsured, said Benjamin Sommers, a health economist at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Data shows Arkansas experiment did not increase employment, Sommers said, and instead led to more people reporting medical debt and delaying care because of cost.

Take a step back

People in the Delta  where the legacy of government neglect and discrimination are all around  want politicians to visit their towns and see the barriers people face trying to improve their lives and stay healthy.

People spent their lives uninsured, said Amy Hale, a nurse practitioner at East Carroll Medical clinic. Medicaid expansion allowed them to get in here and be treated.

Lake Providence residents are scared they may find themselves in a similar situation as McNair and other people across the river in Greenville: working, uninsured, and too poor to access health care.

Recent estimates show up to 317,000 Louisianans could lose Medicaid health insurance under Trumps tax bill. Nearly 33,000 in Mississippi.

People are actually trying, McNair said. I really wish [lawmakers] would look at it from a different lens. What if it was their kid? Or they didnt have the salaries they have now and your baby is ill.  Like really take a step back and think about what it is that youre doing.

This story is part of Uninsured in America, a project led by Public Health Watch that focuses on life in Americas health coverage gap and the 10 states that havent expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.

Stateline reporter Shalina Chatlani can be reached at schatlani@stateline.org. Public Health Watch reporter Kim Krisberg can be reached at kkrisberg@publichealthwatch.org.

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  After long debates, persuading, and a record-breaking speech on the House floor, House Republicans advanced President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act on Thursday.

Many Republicans cheered after the vote was called, but there are some concerned here in the Natural State.

Arkansans getting government assistance ask senators to vote down Big Beautiful Bill

Rachel Hritz, who is from Little Rock, says she and her family are concerned and uncertain about the bill and what it could mean for the medicaid program their son depends on.

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We cant do it on our own, we need professional support and the resources to be able to take care of him forever, she said.

Hritz says her 9-year-old son Jack lives with autism who receives services through the Community and Employment Support waiver (CES) through Medicaid and is unsure if there will be changes to it in the future.

The program affords access to trained caregivers, it covers all of his therapies which are a lot and most importantly for us it would give him access to the option of after he is in an adult supportive living environment, said Hritz.

2nd District Representative French Hill says the budget reconciliation bill is very good for Arkansas, and its important because it will control the out of control spending after the pandemic.

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The medicaid program was created for the very poor, the poor with children, the disabled kids with serious developmental health problems in adults or kids and it was expanded by President Obama to include working people who are able-bodied and that was never the intent, said Rep. Hill.

Rep. Hill says the bill will strengthen Medicaid and focus it on its traditional population. In the bill, to enroll and stay on Medicaid, many ages 19 through 64 would be required to work, go to school or perform at least 80 hours of community service a month.

The changes are about the able-bodied who were on, for example, Medicaid expansion to have them to have a chance to do volunteer work, be in school or have a job to qualify for Medicaid, he said.

Although there are some exceptions in the requirements in the bill, Hritz is concerned about what it could mean when her son grows up.

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One day, my adorable son is going to be a 66 grown man and he might not be as adorable anymore, but he will need support. He is an only child and we wont be around forever, said Hritz.

She says the waiver would have protected Jack when he becomes an adult but now she isnt sure.

Arkansas politicos respond to passage of One Big Beautiful Bill Act in US House

Rep. Hill wrote on social media after the bill passed in the House, its a huge win for Arkansas and America.

The bill will now head to President Trumps desk, where it will await his signature.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  A new social media campaign called Its Not Too Early to Know is all about educating young Black men on the importance of knowing their family medical history when it comes to colorectal cancer.

Weve seen high rates of colorectal cancer incidents in Louisiana much higher than the rest of the U.S., said Louisiana Cancer Prevention and Control Co-Director Dr. Reni Elewonibi.

Medical Moment: Our Lady of the Lake showcases newest surgical technology

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The American Cancer Society estimates over two thousand Louisianians will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2025.

Were seeing people with colorectal cancer in their forties, thirties, even in their twenties, so if we can encourage people to start having these conversations sooner with their families, thats what we want to inspire with this campaign, said Elewonibi.

A simple conversation with your parents, grandparents, or siblings could reveal critical information like whether anyone in your family has had colon polyps or cancer.

Colorectal cancer can absolutely be prevented by screening. The screening test and colonoscopy can detect polyps before they turn into cancer cells, said Elewonibi.

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The campaign is rolling out across the state, hoping to encourage action.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
As President Donald Trump intensifies his targeting of undocumented immigrants, the GOP megabill passed Thursday takes aim at those here legally by revoking their access to subsidized care.

Under current rules, those immigrants  green card holders, refugees, survivors of domestic violence, and individuals on work and student visas  can purchase health insurance on the Obamacare marketplace and receive tax credits to offset the cost. Some of them are also eligible for coverage through Medicaid, the state-federal program for low-income people, if they earn incomes below the poverty level, as well as Medicare, the federal program for elderly people.

But the provisions in the GOP megabill narrow immigrant eligibility for these programs, allowing only green card holders, immigrants from Cuba and Haiti, and immigrants from certain Pacific Island countries access to federally funded health care.

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The move to restrict coverage for legal immigrants comes as the Trump administration pushes ahead on its aggressive immigration campaign, delivering mass deportations, challenging birthright citizenship, and ending temporary protected status for hundreds of thousands of immigrants.

These are the largest cuts to health coverage that we have seen, and this will be one of the largest cuts to immigrants in recent years, said Drishti Pillai, director of immigrant health policy at KFF, a health policy think tank in Washington. The Congressional Budget Office, a nonpartisan scorekeeper, estimated similar provisions would leave 1.3 million lawfully present immigrants uninsured in 2034. Low-income green card holders in the five-year waiting period that applies to them for Medicaid, but who are currently eligible for subsidized Obamacare coverage, are expected to be the largest group hit.

The provisions have been overshadowed by broader Medicaid cuts, and the politically fraught nature of immigration has made Republicans reluctant to speak out about the restrictions. Still, they have raised concerns in both red and blue states because it would mean their already financially strained health care systems would have to bear the higher costs of uncompensated and emergency care.

There is a lot of concern about how some of the immigration policies and some of the enrollment policies might play out throughout our patient population and our communities, said Jonathan Chapman, chief executive of the Florida Association of Community Health Centers, who flew to Washington last week to lobby Congress and the White House on the megabill. Over 70 percent of patients at the states federally qualified health centers are uninsured or on Medicaid, and they have already reduced services due to insufficient funding.

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Chapman added that Florida GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis support for Trumps crackdown has already discouraged patients from seeking care at the community health centers, even though they typically do not ask about immigration status. If my status was not clearly defined, I would be concerned about signing anything, he added.

Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.), vice chair of the Ways and Means Committee, told POLITICO the megabill ensures that federal health care dollars are prioritized for American citizens. Buchanan led a letter with 11 members of the Florida Republican House delegation supporting the megabill.

Under fiscal pressure, blue states, including Minnesota and Illinois, have moved to roll back health care access for undocumented immigrants, who are not eligible for any federally subsidized health care programs. Last week, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, approved a state budget that will scale back free health care for undocumented immigrants.

One of the hardest-hit states from the megabill restrictions on immigrants will be New York, which is one of three states that have enacted a basic health program allowed under the Affordable Care Act known as the Essential Plan.

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The Essential Plan offers low-cost health insurance for New Yorkers earning up to 250 percent above the federal poverty line and is funded by federal dollars that would otherwise be used for ACA tax credits. The GOP megabill will strip coverage for half a million immigrants covered by the plan and shift the cost to New York. The state must pick up the tab because of a 2001 state court decision that requires it to cover immigrants who are ineligible for Medicaid due to their immigration status.

The states hospital lobby, the Greater New York Hospital Association, believes the provisions as a whole will cost New York $3 billion annually and leave 225,000 immigrant New Yorkers uninsured.

The downstream impacts are not just on immigrants, said Elisabeth Wynn, executive vice president at the New York hospital group. We dont close services for a particular insurance category, those get closed for all.

Earlier this month, five Republican House members from New York wrote a letter to Senate Finance Chair Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) urging a two- to three-year delay to the immigrant restrictions, warning an abrupt eliminationwill have drastically disruptive consequences for New Yorks healthcare system.

The bill will exclude lawfully present immigrants earning below the federal poverty level from the Obamacare marketplace starting next year. Marketplace restrictions for lawfully present immigrants earning above the poverty level will start in 2027.
BEIJING, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, entrusted leading officials of the CPC Central Committee's Organization Department to convey his encouragement and regards to renowned actor You Benchang, who recently joined the Party at the age of 92.

Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, said he was pleased to hear the news and described You's faith in the Party as truly heartwarming.

Xi encouraged You to play an exemplary role as a CPC member and inspire more artists and cultural sector professionals to contribute to the development and prosperity of socialist culture and the building of China into a leading country in culture.

You, born in 1933, is a first-class actor with the National Theatre of China who has spent decades bringing beloved characters to life on stage and screen. In 2024, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award of China Federation of Literary and Art Circles at the 32nd China TV Golden Eagle Awards, one of the country's top honors for television.

In early 2024, You submitted his application to join the CPC, and was accepted as a probationary member in May 2025. 
(NewsNation)  Meghan Markle has issued refunds to frustrated shoppers after a stock error on her As Ever website left customers without an apricot spread.

The lifestyle company run by Markle, 43, promised customers their money back and a free replacement of the item once it comes back in stock. After entering their card information, some customers say they were met with a 404 error on the site.

Ted Lasso to film in one Midwestern town this summer

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The website issue happened just weeks after another similar incident where buyers had issues with ordering honey sold on the website.

The apricot spread had been a fan favorite since Markle teased the item on her Netflix series With Love, Meghan.

Markles brand has recently expanded to wine, launching the As Ever line of rose on Tuesday.

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  The questions have had South Dakota taxpayers attention for some time: where might a new prison go and what might the facility or facilities cost? Answers might come into focus when Project Prison Resets task force has their final scheduled meeting Tuesday in Sioux Falls.

Why a dental clinic is promoting eye safety

Come the adjournment, Im hoping that we come forward with a recommendation, and I hope that its unanimous, and I hope that we come out of there with the confidence to be able to get the votes in our chambers and get this across the line, Republican Sen. Jim Mehlhaff of Pierre said Thursday.

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The task force has already unanimously voiced their approval to replace the current South Dakota State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls. But their recommendations on location and size, the two other questions Gov. Larry Rhoden outlined in February, arent yet clear.

Mehlhaff, who serves as Senate majority leader, is on the task force chaired by Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen. Among the possible sites for a new facility or facilities are two options in Sioux Falls, one in the Mitchell area and one in the Worthing area. Construction at existing state Department of Corrections facilities is also a possibility.

Dan Santella: Do you think the task force is going to zero in on one geographic location to recommend that the state build or possibly more than one or tough to say?

I think thats tough to say, Venhuizen said in response Thursday. We will be hearing a number of different scenarios from our design team.

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Eventually, a special session of the legislature is planned where all state lawmakers can learn about the task forces recommendations. Whatever plan the group endorses will need the support of two-thirds of both the Senate and House.

Santella: Do you think thats, in the end, possible at a special session?

Well, I think that is going to be a test of leadership in both chambers, Mehlhaff said in response. I feel pretty confident that if we come forward with a good plan that I will be able to sell it.

The key legislative leadership is all on this task force, and so if we can come up with a plan that the members of this task force can support, I think they should be able to help sell that plan to the legislature and get that support, Venhuizen said.

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The doomed Mexican tall ship that slammed into the Brooklyn Bridge in May is hoping to make a triumphant return to New York next year to join the record-breaking flotilla slated to storm the harbor, The Post has learned.

The Cuauhtemoc is slated to be one of the 30 Class A International Tall Ships to parade through the Harbor as part of the USs semiquincentennial birthday  as long as the ships three ornate masts can be repaired.

The masts were destroyed in the tragic accident in spring that claimed the lives of two young mariners and left 19 other people injured.

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The Mexican Navy now has exactly one year to restore the Cuauhtemoc to its glory and join what will be the largest flotilla to ever sail through the port of New York and New Jersey.

The Cuauhtemoc is undergoing repairs for the damages it sustained after striking the Brooklyn Bridge. AP

We see it as a kind of triumphant return, Chris OBrien, the president of Sail4th 250, the organizer for next years blockbuster event, told The Post.

Theyre going to be executing their repairs and so the invitation is still open for them to join us.

When asked if the Mexican Navy has indicated whether it plans to return, OBrien said: I cant speculate there, but we are maintaining positive lines of communication.

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The Mexican Navy is in the midst of repairing the damage, which was mostly sustained on the Cuauhtemocs three masts that were severed when they smacked into the Brooklyn Bridge, a spokesperson for the National Transportation Safety Board told The Post.

The cause of the collision is still under investigation. Xinhua/Shutterstock

The extent of the repairs needed was not immediately clear. The damage to the 147-foot-tall training vessel is expected to exceed $500,000.

The NTSB is still investigating the cause of the collision, which could take at least a year, or as long as two, a spokesperson told The Post.

A preliminary report released Monday revealed that the vessel was inexplicably sailing backwards  and picked up speed  before the fatal collision.

Two cadets who were manning the masts were killed during the crash. James Keivom

The damage to the ship is expected to exceed $500,000. James Keivom

It did not answer what caused the major marine casualty, including why the docking pilots orders to stop the vessel didnt have any effect.

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At the time, dozens of cadets were manning the masts, meaning they were standing on and strapped to the ships three masts  a universal sign of respect every time a ship enters and leaves a port.

Two crew members who were on the masts plummeted to the ships deck during the collision and were later pronounced dead at local hospitals.

Should the repairs be completed in time, the ship will take part in the six-day, once-in-a-lifetime event slated for July 3 to 8 next year to celebrate Americas 250th birthday.

The NTSB investigation could take at least a year. Leonardo Munoz

The flotilla of 30 international tall ships and 40 gray hull vessels will be the highlight of the festival, fittingly taking place on July 4.

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The ships, each a military training vessel from another country, will ceremoniously voyage into the harbor from beneath the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge before landing in ports on Staten Island, in Brooklyn and Manhattan.

A senior government official will be aboard the incredible parade  but planners wouldnt budge on naming the guest of honor.
An alleged drug trafficker from Mexico was extradited from his home country to El Paso last week.

Hector Adrian Rojero Ramos, 54, allegedly imported heroin and fentanyl from Mexico to states including Texas, according to a release from the Department of Justice. Officials arrested Ramos on June 25 in Mexico and extradited him to the United States for a court appearance on June 27.

The Justice Departments Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the arrest and extradition of Rojero Ramos, the release reads.

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Ramos, also known as Teto, allegedly engaged in a conspiracy from January 2016 to August 2019 to import drugs from Mexico to America  including Illinois, Oklahoma, and Texas, according to the release. According to the Mexican newspaper Milenio, he was arrested in Ciudad Juarez.

He is being charged in the Western District of Texas with one count of conspiracy to import a controlled substance, another count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and two more counts of aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

Ramos faces life in prison if convicted, per the release. The DEA and FBI are investigating this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose Luis Acosta is prosecuting.

A federal judge denied Ramos bond on July 2, according to the El Paso Times, calling him a flight risk and a danger to the community.
NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  New Mexicos three members in the U.S. House are condemning the passage of President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill, and New Mexicos governor may even call a special session over it. On Thursday, the House voted to extend the 2017 tax cuts across the board, boost the child tax credit by $200, and set aside $350 billion for border security. The bill also includes 80-hour-a-month work requirements for people on Medicaid until they turn 65 and cost sharing with states for SNAP benefits. When you take food, healthcare, and education from working families, veterans, the disabled, to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy, the well-off, and the connected? That is immoral, said Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM).

Which Republicans voted against Trumps megabill?

The Congressional Budget Office estimates 11.8 million people will lose healthcare, and 3 million will lose food stamps. Critics say the budget bill will add more than $4 trillion to the national debt. This carveout that some Republicans have included in the Senate bill to keep rural hospitals open is like putting a band-aid on a severed limb. Its not going to do anything to keep our rural hospitals from closing, said Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM).

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The bill narrowly cleared the House, with two Republicans joining Democrats in voting against the bill. It now heads to the presidents desk in time to meet his July 4th deadline.

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham sent this statement:

The Republican budget bill is an abomination that abandons working families and threatens the health and well-being of New Mexicans. Their vote to slash funding for health care and child nutrition to pay for tax cuts for the ultra-rich isnt just bad policyits an outright betrayal. Make no mistake: this Republican budget will hit New Mexico hard. From cuts to Medicaid funding that keeps our rural hospitals open, to reductions in food assistance for children, to threats against education programs that ensure our kids have a brighter future, this budget puts politics over people. It also amounts to an egregious tax hike on Americans who will pay higher prices for health care, electricity, and other services. As governor, I will do everything in my power to mitigate harm from this budget, which President Trump and Congressional Republicans foisted on the American people without adequate hearings, debate and transparency. Im prepared to call a special session if necessary to protect New Mexicans from their fiscal assault. My administration is going through this budget with a fine-tooth comb, identifying every threat to our state, and were going to fight like hell to protect what matters most. New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
MEXICO CITY (AP)  Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum said Friday that Mexico hadn't previously arrested boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on a 2023 arrest order, because he had been mostly been in the United States since.

Sheinbaum spoke a day after U.S. authorities announced the boxers arrest in California for overstaying his visa and lying on a green card application. He was being processed for expedited removal, according to U.S. authorities.

The hope is that he will be deported and serve the sentence in Mexico, Sheinbaum said during her daily news briefing Friday, referring to charges that Chavez faces for arms and drug trafficking.

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The 39-year-old boxer, according to his attorney Michael Goldstein, was picked up Wednesday by a large number of federal agents while he was riding a scooter in front of a home where he resides in the upscale Los Angeles neighborhood of Studio City, near Hollywood.

The arrest came only days after the former middleweight champion lost a match against influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Anaheim, California.

Chavez split his time between both countries. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers detained Chavez for overstaying a tourist visa that he entered the U.S. with in August 2023 and expired in February 2024, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said.

The agency also said Chavez submitted multiple fraudulent statements when he applied for permanent residency on April 2, 2024, based on his marriage to a U.S. citizen, Frida Munoz. She is the mother of a granddaughter of imprisoned Sinaloa cartel kingpin Joaquin El Chapo Guzman.

U.S. officials said that he's believed to have ties to the powerful Sinaloa Cartel, which is blamed for a significant portion of Mexicos drug violence.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  Whether the state fairgrounds will move from the middle of Albuquerque is still up in the air, but how the state will figure out that big decision is now being figured out. The state just hired a private firm to make a master plan for a potential fairgrounds redevelopment. Now, a special Tax District made for the project is talking about the key issues at the heart of the idea.

For the people who live here, who I hope will be welcoming more people, said Governor Lujan Grisham, (D) New Mexico.

Story continues below

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Redeveloping for the community. Thats what the Governor says is at the core of whether the state fairgrounds should stay or go. This is an area, Im just going to say it out loud, with incredible people, but its a bit depressed. And when you have depressed, this is why downtowns across America have gotten into trouble, because its tough to develop a neighborhood around businesses, and then people give up, said Governor Grisham.

Meanwhile, the state also made a new Tax District to manage the 200-acre property, which met for the first time on Thursday. That meeting was headlined by a presentation from Stantec, the company hired to make a master plan for the property.

Were just kicking it off so right now were in the process of acquiring a list of the stakeholders in the community who well meet with and then well meet with them individually, well have kind of some visioning sessions where well ask for their advice, what they like what they dont like, said Colleen Ruiz, Local Office Lead, Stantec Albuquerque.

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Stantec said theyll start with surveying the surrounding neighborhoods and businesses. What can we do within this very large area to make it maybe a year-round use, or a live-work and play, said Ruiz.

The state legislature has given the new tax district $14-million to buy out property at the edge of the Fairgrounds near Central Ave. and San Pedro Blvd., which is privately owned today. Project leaders said they plan to make offers to those property owners, but theyre also considering eminent domain.

The intent is to acquire the property and hopefully everything will be done, people will say thats the right amount of money and theres a lawful process for that and that will be a year or two but the idea is that that real-estate will then belong to the state fair within the next eight to ten months, said Marty Chavez, New Mexico State Fairgrounds Initiative.

If redevelopment takes place, EXPO New Mexico still has a list of four historic buildings they want to preserve. Those include the Fine Arts and Indian Arts buildings and the Palomino Barns. The next State Fair Tax District board meeting will be August 7, where they plan to discuss the Downs Racetrack and Casino, which also shares the EXPO property.

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(NewsNation)  A former member of Twin Flames Universe says shes relieved to learn the Michigan-based spiritual organization, which was profiled in a Netflix docuseries, is under investigation by state and federal authorities.

I feel so validated for law enforcement to be taking this seriously, and I think that its a really big step in the right direction to getting justice, Keely Griffin, who left Twin Flames Universe four years ago, told Banfield on Thursday.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel this week announced her office, the Michigan State Police and the U.S. Department of Labor-Office of Inspector General, were among agencies that executed search warrants on two residences associated with Twin Flames Universe. She described the group as a largely online organization  that allegedly uses coercive control over its members, both in Michigan and across the United States.

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Nessel said her office believes many of their actions may have been illegal. She urged anyone with information about the group and its leaders, Jeff and Shaleia Divine, to contact her office.

Diddy and NXIVM leader have similar patterns of behavior: Former member

Twin Flames Universe has romantically paired people, for a fee. Former members have said the organization exerted cultlike control over its followers.

Jeff and Shaleia have an organization thats perfect for exploiting peoples weaknesses or vulnerabilities because its all centered around sharing your most deepest secrets and your traumas, and they claim that they can heal those things, Griffin said. Instead, now they know your weakness and they can use it against you.

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In some cases, she said, leadership coerced members to change their genders and sexual orientations.

Unfortunately, there have been members that have undergone serious surgeries because of their so-called guidance, she said.

Cecilia Peck, who directed the three-part Netflix show Escaping Twin Flames, said she helped former members get in touch with prosecutors in Michigan.

That led to the search warrants and this formal investigation. And so, it just indicates that they took the experiences of the former members very seriously, Peck, who also directed the 2020 docuseries Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult, told Banfield.

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Twin Flames Universe did not respond to a request for comment, but in a statement earlier this year, the organization denied allegations it mistreated members, saying it is a community founded on love and mutual respect.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Michael Madsen, Villain Behind Kill Bill and Reservoir Dogs Dies originally appeared on L.A. Mag.

Courtesy Michelle Siu via AP Photo

Michael Madsen, the actor behind some of Quentin Tarantinos most terrifying tough guys, was found unresponsive in his Malibu home today. His managers confirmed the death this morning. He was 67.



NBC 4 confirmed police in L.A. County responded to the actors cardiac arrest and that no foul play was suspected.



Madsen starred in one of the most iconic scenes in Hollywood, where he cuts the ear off an enemy in cult classic Reservoir Dogs, Tarantinos 1992 directorial debut. Hed decline the role of Vincent Vega for the follow-up Pulp Fiction, which would go on to be a smash hit and be widely known as one of the best films of the 20th century. The part would go to John Travolta, who would earn an Oscar nomination for his performance.

Hed be most remembered for his work with Tarantino, playing cruel villains in films like the two-volume Kill Bill, where hed bury Uma Thurman alive. Tarantino also cast the relatively dormant actor for his last two films, The Hateful Eight and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.



The Chicago natives career kicked off back in 1983, with a small role in WarGames, starring Matthew Broderick. He became one of Hollywoods most prolific character actors, starring in Thelma and Louise, Donnie Brasco and Free Willy.



Hes survived by his younger sister, Virginia Madsen, an Oscar-nominated actress for Alexander Paynes 2004 film, Sideways, his wife DeAnna Morgan and five children.



An independent film, Resurrection Road, and a book, Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems, will be released posthumously.

This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
A Michigan judge has delayed his decision on whether a Southeastern Michigan landfill can accept toxic soil from Lewistons Niagara Falls Storage Site.

Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Kevin Cox was expected to make a final decision Tuesday in a lawsuit several Michigan municipalities filed against Wayne Disposal, the owner of the Van Buren Township landfill accepting 6,000 cubic yards of the contaminated soil and concrete. Detroit media outlet WDIV reported Cox needed time to further review the arguments, with the final decision possibly weeks away.

All the while, the soil in question still remains in Lewiston. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District, the agency in charge of site cleanup, said they are evaluating how these court proceedings may impact project progress.

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No matter the outcome, our focus remains on safely and efficiently cleaning up projects under the Formerly Utilized Site Remedial Action Program and continuing to follow all U.S. Army Corps of Engineers procedures and policies, as well as federal, state, and local laws and regulations, the Army Corps of Engineers said in a statement.

The municipalities of Belleville, Romulus, Canton Charter Township, Van Buren Charter Township, and Wayne County filed a lawsuit against Wayne Disposal this past September, arguing that the landfill accepting this waste would put residents in danger. That suit ended up in federal court, with the landfill owner Republic Services citing the U.S. Constitutions Commerce Clause in arguing it does not allow state or local governments to unilaterally stop shipments of out-of-state waste.

Cox had ordered the waste shipments to be stopped in late September, which the Army Corps of Engineers complied with. Michigan lawmakers representing the region even proposed legislation to stop accepting such materials.

Despite the injunction being put in place, the Detroit Free Press in October reported that since that is limited to the NFSS, the landfill is free to accept waste from another nuclear processing facility in Luckey, Ohio.

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The Army Corps of Engineers announced plans in April 2024 to move this contaminated soil to Michigan as part of its first phase of cleaning up the Niagara Falls Storage Site, with another 4,000 gallons of contaminated groundwater moving to another site in New York state. The Army Corps has repeatedly said this waste contains mostly carcinogenic compounds with any radioactive materials included like radium, thorium, and uranium being naturally occurring and meets waste acceptance criteria for the facility.

Their transportation plans involved 25 trucks weekly, 640 total, carrying the waste from Lewiston through Pennsylvania and Ohio to Michigan, with the trucks having hazardous waste placards and the waste in shipping containers.

This landfill approximately 30 miles west of downtown Detroit was chosen in part because it was the closest site accepting this kind of waste, at 380 miles away, with the next closest choice being in Texas. It also faced controversy in February 2023 when it started accepting waste from the East Palestine, Ohio train crash, until public outcry stopped it.

The 191-acre site at 1397 Pletcher Rd. was first used from 1944 to 1952 to store the radioactive waste from uranium ore processing used for the Manhattan Project. It is one of many sites listed under the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program, which was established in 1974 to clean up contamination from early United States Atomic Energy Commission activities.

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The U.S. Department of Energy consolidated the waste there into the 10-acre Interim Waste Containment Structure on the property, which was completed in 1986.

Future phases of the $500 million decade-long cleanup would focus on the Interim Waste Containment Structure holding the majority of highly radioactive materials at the site. New infrastructure would be needed to complete remediation efforts, with designs to be complete by 2027.

This Michigan landfill is not being considered as a disposal site for the phases.
Tanikawa Hibiki poses for a photo before leaving Nanjing University on the first day of his journey in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, on Jan. 21, 2025. (Xinhua)

NANJING, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Far from an impulsive adventure, Japanese student Tanikawa Hibiki's over 3,000-km hitchhike from Nanjing to Urumqi on a tight budget and schedule was a thought-out plan to experience the real China.

After coming across some stereotypes on how Chinese and Japanese people perceive each other, the 24-year-old felt reality might tell a different story. "Only by communicating with Chinese people can one see the real China," he said.

With that belief in mind, Tanikawa, who is a postgraduate student at the School of Journalism and Communication at Nanjing University, set out on a unique journey on Jan. 21 this year.

"I want to understand China through its people, not just view China as a foreigner," Tanikawa added, noting that beyond this social exploration, he also wanted to discover more of the country and meet as many people as possible.

Before setting out on his hitchhiking journey, Tanikawa picked up a camera for the first time to document the lives of ordinary Chinese people.

At the start of his journey, he conducted a "social experiment" by asking drivers if they were willing to give him a ride. If they said yes, he would then reveal that he was Japanese to see whether they would change their minds.

Traveling from Nanjing to Urumqi, Tanikawa's journey involved more than a dozen car rides. Of the 17 drivers he encountered, only one refused him after learning that he was Japanese. Most, upon learning his nationality, still chose kindness and offered their help.

What impressed him most was a driver who openly admitted to holding negative views about Japanese people but still offered help to Tanikawa, simply because helping others had been a habit since childhood. Tanikawa said this encounter made him rethink the true meaning of kindness.

Along the journey, Tanikawa embraced a variety of authentic experiences. He took time to adjust to the accent of a northwestern couple, watched students returning to school aboard a slow green train, chatted with a young driver about cartoons, and listened to another driver in the city of Luoyang in Henan Province explain how the city's architecture inspired Kyoto's. These moments -- some new, some engaging, some profoundly meaningful -- combined to shape Tanikawa's deeper understanding of the real China.

"The hardest part of the journey was not getting a ride and being stuck in one place," Tanikawa said. "Luckily, I could sometimes chat with passersby, and it felt like a recharge." Looking back on the challenges he encountered, he vividly remembers the emotions and feels grateful for having embraced a mindset that allowed him to welcome the uncertainties of the journey.

On the second day of his journey, while in Taihe County, east China's Anhui Province, Tanikawa was struck by severe stomach pain and abandoned his plan to stay in a tent, opting for a hotel instead. "I experienced the same in Xinjiang," he recalled. "I really enjoyed eating lamb skewers. The meat was cut into big, satisfying chunks. But my digestion couldn't keep up. At night, I felt uncomfortable and had to sleep holding my stomach."

On the eighth day of his journey, Tanikawa celebrated his first truly memorable Chinese Spring Festival at a classmate's home in Luoyang. It was New Year's Eve, and sitting around the tea table with his classmate's family, he savored the festive feast and heartfelt conversations about life. Tanikawa said he felt like he had become part of an ordinary Chinese family.

Coming from Japan, where personal space is highly valued and people tend to keep their distance, Tanikawa found himself immersed in China, filled with warmth and close personal connections.

He spoke candidly about how this experience transformed his outlook. "At first, everyone thought I was very shy because I wasn't used to such closeness. But gradually, as I communicated more with Chinese people, our bonds grew stronger. If I could speak to my past self, I'd say: 'Don't worry so much. As long as you're not hurting others, it's okay to be more direct.'"

Throughout his 30-day hitchhiking journey, despite numerous challenges, Tanikawa experienced the warmth and sincerity of China and was deeply touched by the countless kind-hearted faces of ordinary people.

"What I experienced wasn't just a hitchhiking trip, but a journey through the very fabric of a nation," he said.

Tanikawa added that his journey is just beginning, and he intends to continue savoring the most authentic sides of China with every step. "I'm planning to visit Yunnan, Guizhou and Sichuan during the summer break. I'd love to go to Xizang as well, but I'll need to save up before making that trip." 

Tanikawa Hibiki poses for a photo during his journey in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, on Feb. 5, 2025. (Xinhua)
Microsoft Threat Intelligence announced it wiped thousands of accounts created by North Korean IT workers as part of its moves to stymie the global fraud scheme. The IT worker conspiracy has infiltrated hundreds of Fortune 500 companies in recent years and law enforcement has partnered with cybersecurity experts to help identify and eliminate the threat.

Microsoft has come out swinging against the elaborate North Korean IT worker conspiracy, suspending 3,000 known Outlook and Hotmail accounts created by the workers as part of its sweeping moves to disrupt the operation.

The $3.7 trillion tech giants Threat Intelligence arm, which refers to the IT worker scheme as Jasper Sleet, detailed its efforts to hunt down scammers in a lengthy post this week. The Department of Justice also announced a coordinated takedown in the IT worker scheme, seizing hundreds of laptops, 29 financial accounts, and shutting down nearly two dozen websites. Law enforcement also searched 29 laptop farms across the U.S. The laptop farms are sites where accomplicesincluding Americansagree to take care of laptops shipped by companies that have unwittingly hired North Koreans for remote jobs. They install software so that the IT workers can log in from overseas or they ship the laptops to other locations, including Russia and China.

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Some Americans have also rented their identities for the IT workers to use in applying for jobs. A nail salon employee in Maryland will be sentenced in August after he was found to be holding 13 jobs remotely that were handled by North Korean IT workers located in China. His 13 jobs paid nearly $1 million.

The North Korean IT worker scheme is a global conspiracy in which trained workers from the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) are sent around the world to get jobs in tech using fabricated or stolen identities. The workers are legitimate; Microsoft noted some companies that have been victims of the scheme reported that the remote IT workers were some of their most talented employees.

The scheme generates up to $600 million a year, according to UN estimates, and the IT workers share information with more malicious cyber attackers that have stolen billions in crypto. The revenue generated by the scheme and the illicitly heisted crypto are used to fund DPRK authoritarian ruler Kim Jong Uns nuclear weapons program, according to the FBI and the DOJ.

According to Microsoft, the workers are increasingly improving their tactics through the use of AIeliminating grammatical errors, polishing up photos, and experimenting with voice-changing software.

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Jasper Sleet is constantly changing and evolving their profiles across a wide variety of consumer email accounts, senior director of Microsoft Threat Intelligence Center Jeremy Dallman told Fortune in a statement.

Beyond the 3,000 consumer email accounts that were recently taken down, in our efforts to disrupt the actor activity and protect our customers from this threat, Microsoft has continued to takedown persona accounts as they are identified and track the actors use of AI, said Dallman.

At this point, Microsoft hasnt seen the IT workers using combined AI voice and video just yet, the company said in its warning.

We do recognize that combining these technologies could allow future threat actor campaigns to trick interviewers into thinking they arent communicating with a North Korean IT worker, Microsoft warned. If successful, this tactic could allow the North Korean IT workers to do interviews directly and no longer rely on facilitators standing in for them on interviews or selling them account access.

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The IT workers often use the same names and email addresses over and over in crafting their fake personas, using fraudulent profiles on job-networking sites and open-source coding platforms. Microsoft reported the IT workers have also started using AI tools like Faceswap to move their pictures over to the stolen employment and identity documents and to generally spruce up their profile pics.

Beyond the account suspensions, Microsoft said it has launched an array of methods to detect IT worker activity through ID protection and other tools. The company has also developed a custom machine-learning solution that uses impossible time travel risk detections, most commonly between a Western nation and China or Russia to identify suspect accounts.



This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Editors note: The video below shows the June 25, 2025, groundbreaking ceremony for the new Legacy High School campus. It was filmed just weeks before a proposal to restore the schools former name, Midland Lee High School, was publicly announced by MISD Trustee Josh Guinn.

MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- A Midland ISD board member is reigniting a years-long debate over the name of one of the citys largest high schools.

On July 4, District 7 Trustee Josh Guinn publicly announced a request to add an item to the August 12th school board meeting agenda: to rename Legacy High School and the future MISD high school currently in development back to Midland Lee High School beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.

Guinn shared the announcement on social media, stating it is about honoring West Texas tradition, unity, and patriotic legacy, not division.

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Lets stand firm, protect our heritage, and ensure Midland Lee High School rises as a beacon of our West Texas spirit, Guinn wrote.

The original name, Robert E. Lee High School, was changed in 2020 following months of debate over its Confederate associations. That same year, the board of trustees voted to rename the school Legacy High School after considering three nominations submitted by a citizen committee.

The 2020 name change sparked both celebration and frustration. Supporters, including many alumni and community members, said the decision symbolized progress and inclusion, particularly for students of color who had long felt uncomfortable with the names historical roots.

Christian Shedwin, a Robert E. Lee alumnus and a Black man, was among those who supported the change.

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I think this was very important that it was done while I was alive and very important for the kids that come after me that look just like me, Shedwin said in a 2020 interview.

Opponents of the change, including members of the Save Lee Rebels group, argued it erased decades of tradition and dismissed community input. Carie McNeil, president of the group, said at the time that the board had ignored the citizen committees recommendations in favor of a name some viewed as generic and disconnected from school pride.

You start over. I dont care what they say, McNeil said. We have people that have gone on and done amazing things from Lee High School, and thats not going to be a legacy.

The name Legacy High School has been in use since the 2021-2022 school year.

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Now, in his public statement, Guinn said the effort is rooted in honoring West Texas traditions and the communitys enduring values. The proposal seeks to rename both the current Legacy High School campus on Neely Avenue and the upcoming high school, currently under development, to Midland Lee High School, beginning with the 20262027 school year.

These are not mere names, Guinn wrote. They are symbols of our shared pride, our unyielding commitment to unity, and our gratitude to the thousands whove funded this school to elevate education and strengthen our town.

Whether the school board agrees remains uncertain, but the upcoming August 12 meeting is likely to revive one of the most debated issues in recent Midland ISD history.

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House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., touted the close coordination between Congress and President Donald Trump to successfully pass the "one big, beautiful bill," saying the collaboration is part of the "beauty of unified government."

Congress officially passed Trumps multitrillion-dollar bill Thursday afternoon after back-to-back sleepless sessions for both the House and Senate.

The massive agenda package now goes to Trumps desk to be signed into law just in time for Republicans self-imposed Fourth of July deadline.

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The "big, beautiful bills" passage marks the first major piece of legislation passed under the Trump administration and the first to pass while Republicans have control of the executive branch and both chambers of Congress.

Tax Cuts, Work Requirements And Asylum Fees: Here's What's Inside The Senate's Version Of Trump's Bill

Speaking with reporters after the mega-spending bills passage Thursday, Johnson said, "The beauty of unified government is this is exactly how it can work.

Read On The Fox News App

"How it's supposed to work is that you have an interaction between the executive and the legislative branches, because that's what's best for the people, and that coordination is going to yield great results for the folks."

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Democrats Frustrated Over Lack Of A Heads-up From Hakeem Jeffries On Delaying Trumps Spending Bill

The speaker said people inside the Trump administration, including Cabinet secretaries, the vice president and the president, were all willing to take questions from members of Congress.

"President Trump was so generous with his time answering questions himself. Vice President JD Vance was directly engaged. We had Cabinet secretaries at a number of different federal agencies answering questions from members. Some of them even brought their agency attorneys in to get really deep in the weeds on the details," said Johnson.

House Speaker nominee Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., speaks beside fellow members after being nominated for speaker inside the Longworth House Office Building at the U.S. Capitol Oct. 24, 2023.

"We had a tough four years before this last election cycle," the speaker added. "We knew that if we got unified government, we'd have to quite literally fix every area of public policy. Everything was an absolute disaster under the Biden-Harris radical woke Progressive Democrat regime."

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2 Lone Republicans Vote Against Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill' As It Heads To President's Desk

The bill, which advances Trumps policies on taxes, the border, defense, energy and the national debt, narrowly passed the House of Representatives in a mostly party-line vote. All but two Republicans, Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., voted for the bill, which passed 218-214.

Its a commanding victory for Johnson and for the president, both of whom spent hours overnight trying to persuade GOP critics of the bill.

President Donald Trump walks from the Oval Office to board Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House en route to Florida March 28, 2025, in Washington.

Speaking after the bills passage, Johnson explained his role in getting GOP holdouts to switch their vote to "yes," saying, "My leadership style is I try to be a servant leader."

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He said that because many members wanted to take time to "go really deep in the weeds" on changes the Senate made to the bill, he felt it was his job as speaker to give each member the time to have their concerns addressed.

"I knew as the leader that we would have to take the time to do that," he explained. "And, so, some of that went late into the night, and I was not going to make anybody  I was not going to demand anybody's vote or their position on the bill until they felt that they had exhausted that opportunity. So, we did it. And that's how we got everybody to yes."





Original article source: Mike Johnson touts 'beauty of unified government' after Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' sails through Congress
(WHTM)  We often meet veterans with personal connections to Memorial Day and Veterans Day, though less so with Independence Day.

But one veterans family history of service does indeed go all the way back to that day in 1776.

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ICYMI: Top 5 Stories of the Week

Paul Lynn, a Philadelphia native, fought in World War II. At 104 years old, he knows more than a few war stories.

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The lineage goes back to when the Lynns arrived in Hanover, Massachusetts, in 1701, he recalled earlier this year at a fishing retreat for veterans. Colonel Andrew Lynn, he was a wagon master in George Washingtons army.

As Lynn puts it, his family are just army people.

My father was in World War I, he said.

In the Second World War, the younger Lynn travelled pretty much the same route his father took to Europe, departing from Boston to Scotland.

The Atlantic was rough, Lynn recalled. When we crossed the Irish Sea, which was in December, that was brutal.

That was in late 1943, and it marked only the start of the brutality he would experience in Europe. He still remembers the bravery of the Scots he fought alongside with.

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Fourth of July marks Fish for Free day in Pennsylvania

But today, Lynn gets to take in the beauty of the country he, and his ancestors, sacrificed for.

This is magnificent, Lynn said as he looked around at the river where he fished with fellow veterans. What a day. What a place. Heaven, Im in Heaven.

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The federal government is going to take millions of sterile flies and dump them on Texas in the hopes that they'll kill off a species of insect known for laying its flesh-eating larvae in the wounds of warm-blooded animals.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced an upcoming project where it will reportedly breed millions of flies, blast them with radiation to make them sterile and unleash them on Texas and Mexico in hopes of reducing the population of the New World Screwworm and its flesh-eating maggot larvae.

The sterile, irradiated male flies will be released in hopes that they'll mate with wild female screwworm flies. The hope is that the female flies will produce unfertilized eggs that don't hatch, ultimately reducing the number of screwworm larvae.

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The end goal is to see the screwworm population die out in the region.

The New World Screwworm Fly is primarily found in forests and wooded areas, but also seeks hosts, including cattle and horses.

An adult New World Screwworm fly. The U.S. Department of Agriculture will produce sterile male flies and release them on Texas and Mexico in an effort to reduce the New World Screwworm population. (U.S. Department of Agriculture)

Females will typically lay their eggs in the open wounds of live, warm-blooded animals. The maggots, once hatched, burrow into the flesh of the host. Their presence in the wound can potentially kill the host animal.

The flies burrow into the bodies of their hosts in a screw-like fashion, hence their name.

The flies  which are endemic to Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and some South American countries  were thought to have been wiped out in the U.S. as far back as 1966.

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The screwworm can infest humans. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised that individuals in the affected areas who "spend time among livestock animals, sleep outdoors and have an open wound are at greater risk of becoming infested with [New World Screwworms]."

Because of the fly's infestation method, individuals who have recently had surgery are at a higher risk of infestation "as the flies will lay eggs on open sores," the CDC warned.

Unfortunately, the screwworm flies have recently reemerged in Texas, following an outbreak in Mexico. That became public in May, prompting the USDA to temporarily suspend live cattle, horse, and bison imports across the U.S.-Mexico border to prevent further spread.

The U.S. used the sterile fly method to nearly eliminate the screwworm flies between 1962 and 1975. In the decade before the fly program began, the USDA estimated that livestock producers in the Southwest U.S. lost approximately $50 million to $100 million annually as a result of the fly.

To facilitate the new version of the fly program, a factory aimed at breeding and producing sterile flies will open in southern Mexico in July of next year. After that, a fly distribution center will be opened in southern Texas to import and distribute the sterile flies throughout the Southwest.
The Brief

A Milwaukee teen has been criminally charged in connection with a police chase and crash in Milwaukee.

The passenger was ejected from the vehicle and sustained significant injuries.

The total length of the pursuit was approximately 4.90 miles with an estimated top speed of 120 miles per hour.

MILWAUKEE - A Milwaukee teen is accused of leading Milwaukee police on a miles-long police chase in a stolen vehicle on June 23. The accused is 17-year-old Charles Bell.

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The pursuit ended in a crash and the passenger in the fleeing vehicle sustained significant injuries.

Police chase & crash

The backstory

According to the criminal complaint, around 9:50 p.m. that day, Milwaukee police were traveling in the area of 6th and Becher when they observed a 2018 BMW X2 fail to signal while changing lanes, then proceed to pass vehicles on the right, using the parking lane.

Additionally, a record check of the affixed registration revealed that it was not associated with the vehicle it was currently displayed on, per the complaint.

Police attempted to initiate a traffic stop. That's when the driver, later identified as Charles Bell, fled.

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The total length of the pursuit was approximately 4.90 miles with an estimated top speed of 120 miles per hour, the complaint states.

Stolen BMW X2

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During the pursuit, the BMW X2 rear-ended a 2014 BMW, causing the 2014 BMW to flip over onto its side with significant damage.

Both vehicles appeared to roll over multiple times. The BMW X2 then struck a light pole, knocking it down, court filings say.

As a result of the collision, both the driver and passenger in the BMW X2 were ejected from the vehicle as it came to a stop in the area of 27th and Galena.

Taken into custody

What we know

Per the complaint, the driver of the BMW X2, identified as Bell, got up after being ejected and ran from the scene. Officers pursued Bell, and he was taken into custody a short distance from the scene.

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The front passenger of the BMW X2 was located near the downed light pole. She was given medical treatment and taken to Froedtert Hospital, where she remains, court filings say.

A Wisconsin DOT check of the VIN on the BMW X2 revealed the vehicle was stolen on May 17, 2025, in Matteson, Illinois.

According to the complaint, during a search of the fleeing vehicle, police located a black Glock 19 Gen 5 with an extended magazine on the drivers seat. The firearm was equipped with a "switch" modification, attached to the rear of the slide, which converts a semiautomatic firearm into a fully automatic firearm.

The firearm was later test-fired and confirmed to be fully automatic.

2014 struck BMW

During a search of Bell's flight path, officers located a clear plastic bag on the ground, near the driver's door of the BMW X2. Inside the clear plastic bag there were two additional clear plastic baggies. The baggies contained a white powdery substance, which tested positive for cocaine, the complaint states.

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Officers also located two individually wrapped clear plastic baggies in the debris field of the crash. The baggies contained THC.

Officers also located a working digital scale and a substantial amount of money, court filings say.

Bell is charged with the following:

Vehicle operator flee/elude officer resulting in great bodily harm

Two counts of vehicle operator flee/elude officer causing damage to property

First degree reckless injury

Two counts of first degree recklessly endangering safety

Hit-and-run  great bodily harm

Drive or operate a vehicle without owners consent

Possession with intent to deliver controlled substance (cocaine) use of a dangerous weapon

Sell/possess/use/transport machine gun

Court proceedings

What's next

Bell made his initial appearance in court on June 28. Cash bond was set at $75,000.

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Bell is due back in court on July 7 for his preliminary hearing.

The Source

The information in this post was provided by Wisconsin Circuit Court Access as well as the criminal complaint associated with the case.
A minister who is aiming to define what a "dangerous dog" is as part of updates to Jersey's dog laws has said the process is taking longer than expected.

The Dogs (Jersey) Law 1961 aims to regulate dog ownership, including licensing pets and requiring dogs to wear contact information when in public.

Strict rules about owning XL bully dogs were introduced across the UK in March after a string of fatal attacks.

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Deputy Steve Luce, the environment minister, told a scrutiny panel that he did not want to see any incidents involving dangerous dogs while he was in charge.

"Every day that goes by I am increasingly concerned that something might happen," he said.

"We do have some animals which we would like to designate as dangerous dogs on this island.

"That number is not reducing. We have introduced some measures."

Chief vet at the JSPCA Susana Ramos said preventing the importation of dangerous dogs would be the first step.

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Mr Luce said Jersey saw an increase in pets 10 years ago when rescues were imported.

There was a further increase during the pandemic.

Ms Ramos said the current law was "old and not fit for purpose anymore".

She added: "The idea of the new law is to allow us to act.

"The law will give us a little substance to do better than we currently do."

Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.

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The Brief

A doorbell camera recorded a person with a gun outside a north Minneapolis house on Wednesday morning.

Another camera showed a car driving by the house before several gunshots are heard.

Minneapolis police said they found evidence of gunfire but had not arrested anyone.

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Minneapolis police are investigating after doorbell cameras captured a person with a gun and recorded several gunshots on North Sheridan Avenue in broad daylight on Wednesday morning.

Doorbell cameras show person with gun, record gunshots

What happened

Doorbell camera video shows a person in a gray sedan pull up behind a house on North Sheridan Avenue about 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday before getting out, walking up stairs and through a yard. About five minutes later, another doorbell camera captured the same car speeding past the house. Seconds later, multiple gunshots are heard.

What police are saying

In an email on Thursday,Minneapolis police said they found evidence of gunfire but had not yet arrested anyone. They said no one was shot.

Homeowner, children were nearby during unfortunate incident

Homeowner reacts

The homeowner, who asked us not to use his name, said he was home with his children when he heard the gunshots. He said he rushed them upstairs to shield them from bullets. When he checked his doorbell camera app, he saw a person with a gun behind his house.

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"Its unfortunate that he found something to shoot at," he said. "I thought he was coming for my neighbor or coming for me, you know? You never know."

The homeowner said he saw a pedestrian on the sidewalk around the time of the gunfire and suspects the shooter may have been targeting that person.
Minnesotans react to passing of Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' that has major impacts on tax, Medicaid, SNAP originally appeared on Bring Me The News.

The U.S. House passed President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" on Thursday, ushering in major  and in some cases, permanent  changes that will have huge implications for America's tax, Medicaid, and SNAP systems.

The bill passed by a vote of 218-214. All but two Republicans voted in favor  including Minnesota Reps. Tom Emmer, Pete Stauber, Michelle Fischbach and Brad Finstad, with all Democrats opposed.

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The Senate version of the bill was passed earlier this week after vice president J.D. Vance broke a 50-50 tie.

Here are some of the key points of the bill:

The tax cuts passed by Trump's first administration in 2017, which were due to expire at the end of this year, have been made permanent. It prevents a tax rise that would have gone into effect in 2026, and means lower tax brackets including a 2.6% cut for highest earners and cuts of up to 4% for lower and middle earners. It also makes permanent the standard deduction of $12,000 for single filers and $24,000 for joint filers.

A HHS budget that will see around $1 trillion cut from Medicaid over the next decade, which is estimated will result in almost 12 million American residents losing health coverage. The Trump administration has attempted to deflect criticism by claiming it will cut down on waste and fraud, and focusing on "illegal immigrants" losing state-funded coverage. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) says that out of the 11.8 million set to lose coverage, 1.4 million are "without verified citizenship, nationality, or satisfactory immigration status." Georgetown University notes that recent federal studies into Medicaid fraud found that most prosecutions center on fraud committed by providers, not beneficiaries.

A reduction in nutrition funding by $186 billion by 2034, and the introduction of new work requirements for SNAP recipients up to the age of 64. It is expected to result in 2 million people losing access to SNAP benefits. The Star Tribune says the decline in federal funding will likely result in local tax increases in Minnesota, where counties run food stamp programs.

Temporary tax deductions on tips, overtime pay, auto loans, and a $6,000 increase in the standard deduction for senior citizens earning up to $75,000  all of which are due to expire at the end of 2028, after the next presidential election. A $1,000 credit for every new child born between 2025 and 2028 is also included.

The CBO estimates that the combined impact of the bill  including Medicaid and SNAP cuts  will give the top 10% of households a $12,000 annual boost on average, while the lowest earners would lose about $1,600 per year between 2026 and 2034, per CNBC. Middle earners would get a tax break of $500 to $1,500 a year on average.

An increase of $170 billion in immigration and border funding that will make Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) the highest funded federal law enforcement agency.

The overall cost of the bill is expected to add $3.3 trillion to the national deficit over the next ten years.

Opening up of federal land and water to more oil and gas drilling and coal mining, while phasing out supports and incentives for solar and wind developments. An attempt by Rep. Pete Stauber to end a moratorium on mining near the Boundary Waters did not make it in the final bill, which follows a challenge by Sen. Tina Smith, who argued it had no place in a budget reconciliation bill.



How Minnesotans are reacting

Gov. Tim Walz focused his ire on Minnesota's Republican delegation in Congress, accusing Reps. Emmer, Finstad, Fischbach and Stauber of "voting to raise Minnesotans' household energy bills by 28% so Trump can give tax cuts to billionaires."

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The 28% figure is an estimate from the think-tank Energy Innovation Policy & Technology based on efforts to boost fossil fuel production and limit investments in renewable energy.

"Well do everything we can to help families impacted by their price hike, but we wont be able to reverse the damage theyve caused," Walz said.

Rep. Tom Emmer (R-CD6) says the bill "delivers on the America First agenda that 77 million Americans voted for back in November."

"From the largest tax cuts in history for workers and middle income families to securing our borders and unleashing American energy, this bill secures historic wins for every American," he said. "Promises made, promises kept."

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Rep. Betty McCollum (D-CD4) claims the bill will strip healthcare coverage from 173,000 Minnesotans, and SNAP from 32,000 Minnesotans.

"President Trump and his Republican Congressional enablers are cutting health care and food access for the most vulnerable Minnesotans to give permanent tax breaks to billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos," she said.

Rep. Michelle Fischbach (R-CD7) says the bill "secures our border, unleashes energy dominance, and cuts wasteful spending."

"Most importantly, it makes tax cuts permanent and avoids the biggest tax hike in this country's history, keeping money in the pockets of the American people," she said.

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"This Independence Day, President Donald J. Trump will sign into law a bill that reflects the core principles of liberty, personal freedoms, and progress that are central to America's foundation."

Minnesota DFL Chairman Richard Carlbom accused Reps. Emmer, Fischbach, Stauber and Finstad of "the betrayal of their constituents."

"They chose to raise the debt ceiling by $5 trillion while ripping food out of the mouths of children and seniors," he said. "They represent the most irresponsible generation of Republicans in the history of this country. The Minnesota DFL wont let voters forget about this  ever."

Minnesota GOP Chairman Alex Plechash called the bill "a monumental step forward for working families, seniors, and law enforcement," and describes the cuts to Medicaid as "important" as it tightens "eligibility and oversight" amid claims of waste and fraud.

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"I want to especially thank House Majority Whip Tom Emmer for his tireless leadership in guiding this legislation to passage. His work  alongside Minnesota Republicans Pete Stauber, Michelle Fischbach, and Brad Finstad  shows that our delegation is committed to fighting for integrity, fiscal responsibility, and real results."

Photo by Quick PS on Unsplash

This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
The Planned Parenthood clinic in St. Louis (Tessa Weinberg/Missouri Independent).

Abortion services will resume in Missouri on Monday following a Jackson County court order blocking enforcement of almost all of the states laws restricting the procedure.

On Thursday afternoon, Circuit Judge Jerri Zhang, for the third time, issued an order to enforce the abortion rights amendment approved by voters in November. In her previous orders, one in December and one in February, Zhang pointed to the voter-approved constitutional amendment in issuing a temporary injunction blocking abortion restrictions enacted over numerous years by state lawmakers.

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State lawmakers have passed a ballot measure asking voters to repeal the abortion rights amendment in 2026, a move being challenged in Cole County Circuit Court.

Surgical abortions resumed after the February decision but ended in May when the Missouri Supreme Court struck down Zhangs orders on technical legal grounds.

In a joint statement, the ACLU of Missouri and Planned Parenthood affiliates said the Kansas City clinic will resume abortion services on Monday. The statement said the ruling was incomplete because it did not enjoin enforcement of a state law requiring complication plans for abortion patients.

Abortion is legal again in Missouri because voters demanded it and we fought for it, said Emily Wales, president and CEO, Comprehensive Health of Planned Parenthood Great Plains.

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Zhang found that the total ban on abortions that took effect in 2022 clearly conflicted with the rights secured by the abortion amendment, which received 52% of the vote in November.

She also blocked enforcement of a law requiring two appointments 72 hours apart to obtain abortion services and that women be required to take state-produced material on fetal development.

The order blocks enforcement of laws requiring special abortion facility licensing and that doctors performing abortions have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital.

The regulations require physicians to perform certain exams and tests that are unnecessary when the physicians themselves are authorized and enabled to make the determination on what is and is not necessary for their individual patients, Zhang wrote. Additionally, miscarriage management can be provided on an outpatient basis without a special facility license.

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Zhangs order keeps in place rules that only doctors can provide abortion services and that the woman seeking an abortion have an in-person appointment. The appointment can, however, be by telemedicine, Zhang ruled as she blocked a separate rule.

Overall, Zhangs ruling means the rights secured by the abortion amendment can be exercised.

As plaintiffs argue, they and their patients are suffering serious harm, whereas defendants only stand to lose the ability temporarily to enforce some laws that are likely to be held unconstitutional and which further no valid compelling state interest, Zhang wrote.

In a statement, Attorney General Andrew Baileys office said in a statement that he would immediately appeal the decision.

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We respectfully but firmly disagree with the Courts decision to once again block the enforcement of Missouris duly enacted health and safety regulations, the statement read. These requirements were designed to ensure that women receive care in sanitary conditions from qualified professionals, with emergency safeguards in place.

While services will resume in Kansas City on Monday, other clinics will open up appointment books quickly.

This decision is a step forward toward fully realizing Missourians right to reproductive freedom, Margot Riphagen, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Rivers, said in the release, and the staff at our Central West End health center in St. Louis will work as quickly as possible to resume scheduling abortion appointments.

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Over 100 BBC journalists have signed an open letter urging the BBC to remove a board member for "concerns over opaque editorial decisions and censorship at the BBC on the reporting of Israel/Palestine," according to various reports.

Produced by Xinhua Global Service
MISSOURI  A Jackson County Circuit Court judge has issued a preliminary injunction lifting Missouris abortion ban, allowing Planned Parenthood facilities in the state to resume providing abortion services.

The decision comes after the Missouri Supreme Court clarified the legal standard for issuing a preliminary injunction, which had previously led to the temporary enforcement of the states abortion ban.

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While the clarification on the standard is welcome, its immediate consequence temporarily pulled back implementation of Missourians constitutional right to access abortion care and providers right to offer that care, said Gillian Wilcox, director of Litigation at the ACLU of Missouri. This critical win begins to restore abortion access in our state, but Missourians must be vigilant and defeat the attacks on the constitutional rights that we secured at the ballot box last November.

In May, the Missouri Supreme Courts clarification forced the circuit court to vacate its original orders, effectively implementing a de facto abortion ban.

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Todays ruling reverses this situation, clearing the way for Planned Parenthood facilities in Missouri to offer their services.

Emily Wales, president and CEO, Comprehensive Health of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, released a statement to FOX 2 regarding the injunction.

Abortion is legal again in Missouri because voters demanded it and we fought for it, Wales said. Care starts again on Monday in Kansas City. Were not stopping until every Missourian can get the care they need, close to home.

Injunction from Jackson County Circuit Court by KevinSeanHeld on Scribd

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.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  A Mitchell man has been indicted for crimes against children.

Eric Opperman, 48, is charged with 44 felony counts including first-and fourth-degree rape, aggravated incest, and the manufacturing and possession of child pornography, according to the South Dakota Attorney Generals office.

Police waiting on lab reports in Whites death

The crimes are alleged to have occurred between 2013 and 2025 and involved three children, all under the age of 13.

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Opperman is set to appear in court on July 15th. He could receive up to life in prison if found guilty.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  The Metro Nashville Police Department has identified and issued a criminal homicide warrant for a suspect wanted in connection with a deadly shooting on Jefferson Street earlier this week.

MNPD officers were sent to Kings Market in the 1800 block of Jefferson Street shortly before 12:30 p.m. Wednesday to respond to reports of a shooting. A preliminary investigation revealed that the victim, 33-year-old Marcus Caruthers, went to the store with a woman.

ORIGINAL STORY: Jefferson Street shooting victim dies, MNPD homicide investigators looking for suspect

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The preliminary investigation indicated that at some point during the argument, Ibe allegedly pulled out a gun and fired shots, striking Caruthers in the torso. Caruthers later died from his injuries.

In a Thursday press release, the MNPD said Caruthers tried to intervene in an argument between Ibe and a woman. Additionally, a court-ordered ankle monitor that Ibe had been wearing in connection with a 2024 domestic violence case was cut off following the shooting. Officers recovered the monitor on 11th Avenue North.

Christian Ibe (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

Ibes getaway SUV was found unoccupied on 42nd Avenue North and impounded, police added.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Anyone who sees Ibe or knows where he is can call 911 or Nashville Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
A test drive in Victorville resulted in injury and potential criminal charges for a mom who allowed her 12-year-old child to move a car  only for the vehicle to strike the parent, causing her to drop her infant.

San Bernardino County sheriffs deputies arrived Wednesday about 3:40 p.m. at the gated Rancho Seneca apartment complex, near the 15 Freeway.

Authorities discovered the mother, whom they chose not to name, allowed her 12-year-old to attempt to move the family vehicle into the complex's parking lot.

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The mother stood nearby and watched, holding the infant in her arms, as the tween directed the car toward the spot. In the process of parking, the vehicle door slammed into the mother, causing her to fall to the ground and drop the infant.

Read more: 4-year-old boy dies after driver crashes into Los Angeles building and flees

The infant sustained head injuries, officials said, and was flown nearly 45 miles south to Loma Linda University Medical Center for care. There was no information provided on the severity of the baby's injuries or whether the mother was also hurt in the incident.

San Bernardino County Sheriffs deputies did not respond to calls for more information.

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The Sheriffs Department referred to the incident as "cruelty to a child" but did not confirm whether the case was forwarded to the San Bernardino County district attorneys office for the possible filing of charges.

The district attorneys office did not respond to a call or email requesting comment.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Credit: Instagram/arafatii.mahdi

Two Israeli missiles struck a building and busy junction in Tehran during the 12-day war in what Israel said was an attack on top military commanders.

Footage of the attack in the Iranian capital, which emerged on Friday, shows the rockets hitting a building and a road, sending cars flying.

Iran said 17 civilians were killed in the attack on the Tajrish neighbourhood, which took place on June 15. The dead reportedly included a three-year-old child, a 16-year-old boy and a pregnant woman. Another 46 people were reported to have been wounded.

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The first missile destroyed the top three floors of a building believed to be home to a bank and a local mosque.

The second struck vehicles stuck in traffic, creating a huge crater, hurling cars and scattering debris. Debris rained down, crushing vehicles and striking civilians.

The target appeared to be the offices of the Mosque Affairs Centre located on the upper floors of a Shahr Bank branch, according to the footage and Iranian reports.

Credit: X

On June 16, the Israeli army announced that it had killed four senior Iranian intelligence officials in a strike in the same area, including Mohammad Kazemi, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) intelligence.

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According to the the BBCs Persian service, senior security officials from the IRGC and the intelligence ministry had convened at an unofficial location in Tajrish to reduce attack risk.

One victim, widely discussed on social media by Iranian journalists and artists, was Saleh Bairami, a well-known graphic designer in Iranian media. He was caught in the blast while waiting at a red light at the junction.

The new footage shows civilians, including motorcyclists and car passengers, were waiting at the traffic lights when the missiles struck. The attack also hit what Iranian officials described as Tehrans main water artery, forcing emergency repairs that took 48 hours to complete.

Israel claims it only targets military locations, but it aims at ordinary peoples cars behind red lights and explodes Tehrans main water pipeline so people remain without water during the hot days of June, one Iranian social media user wrote alongside images of the destruction.

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Azar Mansouri, a political activist, said the footage represented clear evidence of war crimes against Iranian civilians.

They say we have nothing to do with civilians. But this is Tajrish Square  dozens of civilian martyrs and wounded, horrifying moments from an obvious crime against the Iranian people, Ms Mansouri wrote.

According to official Iranian statistics, more than 900 people have been killed in Israeli attacks on Iran, the majority of them civilians.

The new footage came as tensions between the Islamic Republic and the UNs nuclear watchdog escalated.

Amirhossein Sabeti, a member of Irans Islamic assembly, said on Friday that remaining inspectors for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) would soon be expelled from Iran.

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His comments came two days after Masoud Pezeshkian, the president of Iran, implemented parliaments law suspending co-operation with the IAEA.

The legislation requires the government to suspend all collaboration with the IAEA until security of nuclear centres and scientists is ensured and Irans right to uranium enrichment is guaranteed.

The parliamentary decision follows Israeli and American attacks on Irans nuclear sites during the conflict. IAEA inspectors are now banned from entering sensitive sites, including Fordow, which Iranian officials confirmed was seriously and extensively damaged during the US attack.

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BLENCOE, Iowa (KCAU)  The family of the missing man in Monona County, Iowa, has put together a petition that can hopefully prevent another accident in the Huff-Warner Access Area.

Cole Boynton is still missing after he jumped into the Missouri River, just before his boat crashed into a barge.

He grew up on the river ever since he was a child and, on this Missouri River, and spent a lot of time on many boats on the river. Many times fishing grew up taking me, even our daughter on the river, said Kali Boynton, wife of Cole Boynton.

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On May 24, Cole departed from the Huff-Warner Access Area on his Tracker Jon Boat.

Story continues below

Shortly after launching his boat, his boat motor failed several times. Under normal river conditions, this mechanical issue would not have been life-threatening. However, approximately 200 yards downriver, the current swept him toward moored barges, said Boynton.

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The boat was then completely submerged under one barge and popped right out from under it and wedged itself underneath a second one.

Cole has not been found since.

However, this isnt the first time the current has swept a boat into the Port of Blencoe.

Theres another local family that had the same incident happen. They also had boat motor mechanical issues in their boat, and they too drifted into the barges and luckily, in their case, they were able to bounce off and deflect back into the current, said Boynton.

Family and friends have reached out to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Coast Guard, and Monona County Conservation to find ways to prevent another boating incident.

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Theyve yet to hear back from the Coast Guard or the Army Corps.

A petition has been started to hopefully stop any more accidents with the barges.

Where they put up appropriate signage to the north of the barge site, to the south of the barge site, at the Huff Warner Access Boat ramp area. There needs to be either, I know some of these can take time, but a wind dike, floating barriers, buoys marking, to say dont go near the barges, said Boynton.

We do not want to permanently close this boat ramp. This is something that Cole, and his family, and his friends thoroughly enjoyed, said Cora Fox, a family friend of the Boyntons.

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So far, the petition has received more than 3,000 signatures.

To see this many signatures for it means a lot for me. My daughters, and Cole, and his family, and all of his friends, and everyone whos been enduring this strategy because it means that he matters. His life mattered, and that more lives matter, said Boynton.

Friends and family are asking boaters to keep an eye out for Cole this Fourth of July, but also asking them to stay safe.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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MONTCLAIR, N.J. (PIX11)  Fridays beautiful weather created a gorgeous backdrop for July 4th parades, including a major one in Montclair, New Jersey.

The parade shut down a portion of Bloomfield Avenue, as well as surrounding streets.

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Weve been coming here every year, said Montclair resident Edward Durkin. We saw floats from different parties, but this is really what Montclair represents  everyone, a good time, family, and community.

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The parade brought its share of partisan politics, with some displaying anti-Trump signs and t-shirts. But, overall, the parades mood was positive.

More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State

Lot of pride, joy, and just coming together all different backgrounds, political affiliations, said Nicole Kamal, who brought her young daughters to watch the parade.

Aron Moore and his wife, Dani, brought their two young boys to the parade. Aron is celebrating his second Independence Day as an American citizen, after moving to the U.S. from England a decade ago.

I get Thanksgiving now, said Moore. I get Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day. Its all these extra holidays that we didnt used to have, so Im all in.

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Jul. 3Moraine police have released more information and cruiser camera video from a pursuit of a stolen U-Haul truck that ended with a crash on Interstate 75.

The video shows a Moraine cruiser on Ohio 741 near the Fuyao Glass facility encounter the truck, which had been reported stolen from Riverside.

The cruiser deploys a StarChase GPS tracking device, sticking the device to the back of the truck before it speeds away, running through a red light. The officer backs off but continues to follow the truck from a distance, the video shows.

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Police previously said they used the tracking device to follow the truck to an abandoned parking lot on N. Dixie Drive near Wagner Ford Road.

Dash camera footage shows officers catch back up to the truck as it drives through the parking lot of Dayton Village Pizza.

Police previously said that the truck rammed an unmarked police vehicle when fleeing, but the collision was not visible on camera footage.

The video then shows the truck go around signs and barrels up the ramp from Wagner Ford Road to southbound I-75, which is currently closed due to construction, followed by multiple cruisers. Officers continue to follow the truck south on I-75 in the lanes closed for construction until the lanes rejoin the highway.

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The video ends around the exit to Ohio 48/Main Street.

The pursuit would end miles further south, after stop sticks were deployed by the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, deflating at least two of its tires, before it finally veered off the highway near the 46 mile marker south of the Dixie Drive/West Carrollton exit.

The driver bailed out of the U-Haul and fled on foot, leaving behind a man and a woman in the truck who were arrested on unrelated warrants, police said.

In a press conference Thursday, Moraine police identified the driver of the U-Haul and said that the Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office approved charges of felonious assault, failure to comply/fleeing and eluding, theft of a motor vehicle, vandalism and breaking and entering.

This publication generally does not identify suspects of crimes unless they have been formally charged.

Police said that a warrant has been issued for the suspect but he remains at large.
Several people have been hurt in an explosion at a petrol station in the Italian capital Rome.

The city's fire brigade posted on X on Friday that a firefighter had also been injured in the incident.

Emergency services are still working to extinguish the flames that engulfed a warehouse behind the petrol station in eastern Rome.

The Italian news agency ANSA reported that 21 people were injured. Local media outlets said that the injured included police officers and passers-by.

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Referring to information from the emergency services, ANSA reported that five people had been taken to hospital with minor burns and cuts caused by flying glass.

According to initial information from the fire brigade, the incident occurred shortly after 8 am (0600 GMT) in eastern Rome. The cause of the explosion is still unclear.

It was reported that emergency services were already tackling a fire at a petrol and liquefied gas station when the explosion occurred. Firefighters are still working to secure the area.

According to dpa reporters, the explosion was heard and felt in several districts of Rome. There was damage to surrounding buildings and the metro station has been closed.

In addition, a nearby summer camp with 15 children was evacuated.

The mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, appealed to the population on social media to leave the affected area as a precaution.
JERUSALEM, July 4 (Xinhua) -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Friday issued an evacuation warning for residents in several areas of Khan Younis, a city in southern Gaza, ahead of planned military strikes.

"For your safety, evacuate immediately to the west and refrain from returning to the dangerous fighting areas," IDF Arab-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee announced on the social media platform X.

It added that the IDF operates "very strongly" in the region, and will "strike every area that is used to launch rockets towards Israel."

"As we have warned before, the destruction of terrorist organizations will continue and expand to any area used for terrorist activities," the statement read.

In an earlier statement, the IDF said that over the past day, its air force had struck around 100 "terror" targets throughout the Gaza Strip to support the troops operating on the ground.

Among the targets struck were launchers, military structures, weapons storage facilities, and additional "terror" targets, according to the Israeli army.

The ongoing Israeli offensive on Gaza since October 2023 has so far resulted in at least 57,130 documented Palestinian fatalities, with over 135,173 others injured, according to Gaza's health authorities. 
MORGANS POINT RESORT, Texas (FOX 44)  As Bell County heads into what looks to be a rainy Fourth of July, the Morgans Point Resort Fire-Rescue (MPRFR) chief is addressing concerns expressed about the decision not to pursue Summerfest in 2025.

Chief Taran Vaszocz said in a statement released Thursday that he knows the mayor has taken a little bit of heat over this decision, but it was by no means made in a vacuum or without the chiefs input.

Summerfest is an event the Morgans Point Resort community has come to know and love over the past three years. The event includes a fireworks show. Chief Vaszocz says it is important to note that the display was put on by private citizens, and had been a part of their own tradition of hosting a Fourth of July party at their residence. The launch site was located outside of City limits (the orange line on the topographic map below) in an area protected by MPRFR.

(Courtesy: Morgans Point Resort Fire-Rescue)

Chief Vaszocz says this is important for two reasons  first, the surrounding residents do not vote, pay taxes or have a voice with the City of Morgans Point Resort. Second, deploying City resources which include both firefighters and fire trucks to support a private event in Bell County can best be described as a slippery slope.

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In a memorandum dated July 1,2024, Chief Vaszocz says he made recommendations to the city manager to not move forward with future fireworks displays in this area and under these conditions. The departments Battalion Chief and Emergency Management Lieutenant (now the city mayor) were given this memo (pictured below). However, the chief says he is willing to listen if anyone has a good site and a good safety plan.

(Courtesy: Morgans Point Resort Fire-Rescue) (Courtesy: Morgans Point Resort Fire-Rescue)

Chief Vaszocz says there were a few behind-the-scenes happenings that also factored in this year. Three members of MPRFR attended a Pyrotechnics Operator certification course put on by Magic in the Sky at Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio last May. The hope was to vindicate suspicions that the Summerfest pyrotechnics display was unsafe. On the contrary, they quickly learned that it was anything but.

(Courtesy: Morgans Point Resort Fire-Rescue)

Chief Vaszocz says while it is true that the fireworks were shot over the lake, leading many to believe that would dramatically reduce the ignition threat, the reality is that embers fall in every direction, some fireworks explode on the ground, and other have a mind of their own  going where the wind may carry.

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MPRFR also experienced a fire in the brush pit behind its station several weeks ago. The cause was accidental in nature, coming from a flying brand or ember from the air curtain burner. The result was over 10,000 gallons of city water used by four agencies (Belton, Moffat, Morgans Point Resort, and Temple), operating from eleven pieces of equipment over a two-day period. In total, 23 firefighters worked to extinguish a stubborn storm debris pile fire and keep it from extending into the city.

One last aspect the chief can speak to is staffing. The City of Morgans Point Resort has a total of five career firefighters who provide continuous services 24/7. The department has a few part-time people who work for other area departments which step in to cover shifts for members on vacation or sick, or augment staffing for events like Summerfest. Their availability is based on their own career department schedule. The remaining 15 or so are all volunteers who give freely of their time and talent the remaining 364 days a year.

Chief Vaszocz says he is grateful for the service of all of these individuals, but MPRFR is not a fully-staffed, urban fire-rescue department. Its resources are already tasked heavily throughout the year, even more so on holiday weekends. The Fourth of July brings out historic levels of boat traffic on Lake Belton, and sadly contributes to an increase in motor vehicle accidents, traumatic injuries and heat-related illness.

Summerfest required both fire suppression personnel at the launch site and EMS personnel at the event itself.

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Chief Vaszocz says the departments collective hope is to organize a Fourth of July event for 2026. These events take a lot of planning and require volunteer engagement from the very beginning of this process all the way through until the event starts. The absolute best way you can assure an event to remember next year is to get involved now.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, Chief Vaszocz says you can drop by the department located at 6 Lake Forest Drive in Morgans Point Resort. You can also email the chief directly at Taran.Vaszocz@mprtx.us.

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MORGANTOWN  Residents opposed to President Donald Trumps budget bill tried one last time to get Rep. Riley Moore to hear their voices before he voted Thursday on the Big, Beautiful Bill.

However, Suburban Lanes Bowling Alley, the landlord from whom Moore rents office space, has blocked constituents from access to Moores office, has threatened protestors with arrest and vehicle towing if they come onto the lot Suburban Lanes owns.

Theyve essentially created a moat here, so that hes not gonna engage in civil discourse with his constituents, Ace, president of Mountaineers Indivisible Civil Action, said. At the same time, hes not gonna allow constituents to engage with his office. Riley Moore could very easily make himself more accessible to constituents. Hes refused to make that decision over and over and over again.

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Ace declined to provide his last name, explaining as an employee for a nonpartisan employer, he cant align himself with partisan activity. MICA bills itself as a nonpartisan organization on its Facebook page.

Between that, and the fact that people who do not support Trumps agenda are functionally unable to meet with either Rep. Moore or Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, some North Central West Virginia residents are beginning to wonder if its time for more direct action beyond waving signs on the sidewalk in order to make themselves truly heard.

I think people are starting to realize that, a lot of people in power are just going to do whatever they want, Walt Harms, a Morgantown activist who has been present at different actions this year, said. Harms wasnt present at the protest outside Moores office on Thursday. If we want to actually affect meaningful change, we are going to have to make it impossible for them to ignore us. I do think that attitude is starting to become a little bit more prevalent. I think the arrests in Charleston are evidence of that.

Harms believes the rule of law is being weaponized to prevent elected officials from having to face accountability. He said Moore will act against the best interests of his constituents until his constituents get in his face and demand he start looking after them. As for Suburban Lanes blockading constituents from expressing their First Amendment rights outside Moores office, Harms said theres no other way to read that than an effort to keep Moore from having to face angry constituents or face accountability for his actions.

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Its private property, but whos paying for Riley Moores office in this plaza? Theo Webb, MICA membership committee co-coordinator, said. The group has been holding weekly demonstrations alternating between Moore and Capitos offices on Thursdays. Whos paying that landlord? Thats taxpayer money. In my opinion, if theyre taking taxpayer money to pay that landlord, we have a right to be there.

Webb emphasized that MICA is peaceful and nonpartisan. The group respects the constitutional right to protest on public sidewalks and respects everyones business and daily activities. The issue to Webb, however, is that to him it feels like his group has been singled out and told they cant park in the lot in front of Moores office. Thats despite the mostly empty parking spaces in the lot.

Just to be clear, we are not out to interfere with anyone else, and understand that areas need to be managed well and safely for everyone, Webb said. We are always a peaceful, nonpartisan group of local folks, community members and constituents simply exercising our constitutional rights and trying to bring more awareness to the need for health care for West Virginia people.

Ace also pointed out the long goal was to plant seeds to eventually win elections in 2026 and raise awareness.

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However, Harms wonders if thats enough, especially when it comes to shying away from disruption. Harms said people often equate disruptive protest with violent protest and thats not the case at all. Protest should force people to reckon with the reality of whats happening and the fact that people are angry about it. during the Civil Rights movement, the whole point of sit-in protests was to disrupt the status quo in order to bring attention to the injustice of Jim Crow laws.

Getting a permit and going to stand with some signs, its not nothing, but its something that can be easily ignored by politicians, by the status quo powers, Harms said. You know, an effective protest should be something that you really cant ignore.

And one thing everyone working to preserve Medicaid and SNAP can agree on is, the situation is dire. The House of Representatives itself passed the bill on Thursday. Its expected Trump will sign the bill on Friday. The state has 1.7 million residents, of which roughly 500,000 are on Medicaid and 277,000 are on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

The cuts are set to take effect after the midterms, so politicians wont have to campaign as the effects of the cuts take hold. The states seven rural hospitals are also in danger of closing. Webb expects an uproar will arrive once the cuts become implemented.

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Harms knows first hand the power that more direct and nonviolent protest can have. In 2019, Harms attended Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts. At the time, its president, Miriam Nelson, was making a series of decisions unpopular to the student body that would change the character of the school. In response, Harms said students staged a 75 day sit-in protest. He was one of them. Eventually, they succeeded. Nelson resigned and a new president took over. Harms said the new president has been a success so far.

West Virginia had its own recent sit-in moment. Police arrested a group in Charleston who organized a protest at Capitos office. They refused to leave until office staff connected them by Capito by phone, since she was in Washington D.C. Instead, they got hand cuffs. Harms said they were extraordinarily brave for standing up for themselves. The incident made statewide news and Capito had to issue a statement about the arrest.

I think the fact most people know that happened, is a pretty good indication of that in and of itself, Harms said. Now, whether I think its enough, not necessarily. I think that it is the direction that we need to be moving in. We have to continue to raise the temperature and continuing to apply more and more pressure if we want our elected officials to listen to us. The important thing now is we dont lose the momentum from what those folks in Charleston did.
Russia and Ukraine have conducted a further exchange of prisoners of war, the Ministry of Defence in Moscow said on Friday, citing agreements reached in Istanbul.

Russian and Ukrainian negotiators had twice previously agreed on such humanitarian actions, which led to the release of thousands of captives by the two sides in June.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the latest exchange on his Telegram channel.

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Most of the Ukrainians who have now returned home had been in captivity since 2022, Zelensky wrote.

They included soldiers, members of the National Guard, border guards and railway troops, as well as civilians, he said.

The exact number of soldiers released was not disclosed. Official sources said only that the exchange was equally proportioned.

According to information from Moscow, the handover took place again on the Ukrainian-Belarusian border. The freed Russian soldiers were to initially receive medical treatment in Belarus.

A new round of talks on conditions for an end to the more than three-year-long war is also planned, although a date has not yet been set.
Jul. 4MOSES LAKE  Three Moses Lake students will head to Japan this month as part of the Moses Lake-Yonezawa Sister City Exchange.

"A lot of people don't realize that this cultural exchange has been going on for 45 years," said Moses Lake-Yonezawa Sister City Exchange Program Treasurer Terry Moore. "Everybody knows Yonezawa Boulevard (in Moses Lake), but do they know why it's called Yonezawa Boulevard? It's because of the sister city program."

Paisley Ashton, Abbi Towne and Donovan Johnson are scheduled to fly to Yonezawa, Japan, on July 25 and come back Aug. 4, according to an announcement from the sister city exchange program. A fourth student, Jenna Baker, is designated as an alternate in case one of the other three can't go.

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The American students will spend 10 days in Yonezawa, doing things like visiting a temple, climbing Mount Nishi-Azuma, learning to make noodles and riding a bullet train. Then Aug. 7-16, three students from Yonezawa will make the same trip to Moses Lake, visiting the city hall and police department and experiencing the Grant County Fair and Moses Lake Roundup Rodeo.

The students will stay with one another's families during the exchange, Moore explained, so they learn about each other's culture from the inside and form friendships as well.

"We're still in contact with the girl who stayed with us in 2002," she said. "I get pictures of her babies all the time."

The sister city program pays all the expenses for the student exchange, including airfare and activities. In the past that's been done through a fundraising auction, but it wasn't feasible this year, according to a letter from Moses Lake-Yonezawa Sister City Exchange Program President Amador Castro. Instead, the students have held their own fundraisers, Moore said.

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"This year they did a popcorn sale," Moore said. "They just had a fundraiser at Aim Gymnastics, a parents' night out, where people dropped their kids off (for babysitting)."

More fundraisers are planned, Moore said, and donations can be made online. The program is open to Moses Lake students in grades 9-11. Applications for next year's exchange will open in the fall.

Moses Lake and Yonezawa have one of the longest-running sister city relationships in Washington, dating back to 1978, according to the program's website. The student exchange was established in 1981 between the Moses Lake-Yonezawa Exchange Program and the publisher of the Yonezawa Shinbun newspaper, but like so many things, it was shuttered during the COVID-19 pandemic. Soon after, the publisher of the newspaper passed away, leaving nobody to coordinate the exchange from the Japanese end for several years. That job was taken up last year by the Yonezawa International Relations Association. This year's contingent is the second since the pandemic, Moore said.

The program would love to have some more volunteers to help put together an auction next year, Moore said, as well as getting the word out to the community and to students who might like to participate.

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The program has sent hundreds of Moses Lake students to Japan over the years, some of them from the same families, Moore said.

"We've had students over there whose brothers and sisters have come, and we've had students here whose brothers and sisters have gone through the years," she said.

Donations to help support the program can be made at https://bit.ly/YonezawaExchange25.
SPRINGFIELD  Thirteen counts in a federal lawsuit against the Chicopee Housing Authority and its former executive director will move to a lower court.

In a 32-page memorandum and order June 27, Judge Katherine A. Robertson of U.S. District Court in Springfield said some but not all charges against the housing authority  which has been embroiled in several lawsuits  will move to the Hampden Superior Court.

In August, six plaintiffs filed a lawsuit against the housing authority and its former executive director, Monica Blazic, saying she engaged in neglect and discrimination after a fatal stabbing at the public housing facility.

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Two months later, attorneys representing the housing authority and Blazic asked the judge to toss all of the claims. That motion was partially denied, according to Robertsons memorandum.

The plaintiffs are invigorated by the recent federal court decision, the plaintiffs attorneys, Cornelius W. Phillips and Richard Morrissey, said in an emailed statement. They said their clients look forward to pursuing their claims in Superior Court.

Defense attorneys Gerard Donelly and Wendy Quinn, both of Worcester, declined Thursday to comment about the case.

The plaintiffs include the daughters, girlfriend and neighbors of Domingo Arocho, a Hispanic man who in 2021 was fatally stabbed at the Governor George D. Robinson Apartments, a publicly subsidized apartment complex operated and managed by the Chicopee Housing Authority. He was 67.

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The complaint alleged the housing authority was deliberately indifferent to residents civil rights and racially discriminatory toward its predominantly Hispanic housing community. It also alleged the housing authority failed to protect its residents by allowing Arochos suspected killer, Urayoann Urimagua-Guaraboa, who is also Hispanic, to live in the apartment complex despite having a criminal history.

The housing authority, which is governed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, offers federal and state housing.

According to its policies, Robertson explained in her memorandum and order, the housing authority can (deny) admissions or continued occupancy to families whose presence in a public housing neighborhood is likely to adversely affect the health, safety or welfare of other residents or the physical environment of the neighborhood.

The housing authority is also responsible for requesting an applicants criminal record, the memorandum said.

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The plaintiffs argued the housing authority did not do that in Urimagua-Guaraboas case. Prior to his tenancy at the housing authority, the man was charged with first degree murder stemming from an incident in Puerto Rico in 2010.

The plaintiffs allege the housing authority ignored his personal and criminal history before accepting him as a tenant.

Almost a decade later, the plaintiffs allege the man grabbed a neighbor by her neck and threatened to kill her. Following that incident, he was slapped with an assault and battery charge and three other criminal offenses. This incident took place in 2019 outside of his Chicopee Housing Authority residence on Benoit Circle.

About four days after the alleged neighborhood assault, Blazic served Urimagua-Guaraboa with a notice-to-quit because his arrest and charges had violated the terms of his lease, the memorandum and order said.

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The judge noted that the housing authority and Urimagua-Guaraboa came to an agreement that stayed his eviction for six months.

Then, Robertson wrote, an alleged pattern of violence from Urimagua-Guaraboa toward his neighbors unfolded.

The man was relocated to a new apartment after allegedly threatening to harm the woman on Benoit Circle.

An altercation between Urimagua-Guaraboa and a new neighbor, Candida Laracuente, in June 2020 led to the latter filing a police report against the man. She claimed he had threatened her life and she feared for her safety.

In September 2020, following more threats to Laracuente, Urimagua-Guaraboa allegedly fatally stabbed Arocho, who was visiting Laracuentes apartment.

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The lawsuit alleges Urimagua-Guaraboa also attempted to stab Laracuente, and allegedly shouted, Whos next? after the attack. Some of the plaintiffs say they witnessed the killing.

Some claims dropped

Robertson, the judge, agreed with the defendants that three of the plaintiffs claims  violations of the Fair Housing Act, due process and equal protection clauses of the U.S. Constitution  were not well enough argued.

The Supreme Court has acknowledged standing under the (Fair Housing Act) for plaintiffs suing to vindicate or advance the right to live in an integrated or racially balanced community, the memorandum and order said.

The plaintiffs were not residents of the housing authority but made discrimination claims based on the trauma they experienced witnessing a violent offense, they assert.

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However, Robertson said, the claims of these bystanders and the nature of the injuries for which they seek to recover are so distantly related to the interests intended to be advanced by the (Fair Housing Act) that these four plaintiffs cannot be said to be in the zone of interests protected by (the law).

She said, the plaintiffs failed to identify how they suffered from violations of the Fair Housing Act. For similar reasons, the other two claims also failed, she said.

The Constitution does not protect against all intrusions on ones peace of mind, Robertson said.

While Arochos family members do not have standing to bring these claims against the housing authority and Blazic, the court believes Laracuente does because she lived there.

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Additionally, a claim that Blazic, the former executive director of the housing authority, committed a civil rights conspiracy was tossed. The judge alleged the plaintiffs did not properly state their claim or prove that Blazic had personally inflicted racial or discriminatory harassment on them.

more news from Western Massachusetts

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SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  The Sioux City Police Department (SCPD) released details on Thursday night relating to a motorcycle crash on I-29.

Officials said that at approximately 8 p.m. on July 3, SCPD and the Sioux City Fire/Rescue were called to mile marker 149 on I-29 northbound for a motorcycle crash.

Authorities said a Sioux City man, 49, was found with life-threatening injuries. He was taken to a local hospital and later died.

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Sioux City Police said the man was heading north on I-29 and driving at a higher rate of speed than surrounding traffic. Law enforcement said he lost control, was thrown off the motorcycle, and hit the pavement.

Officials reported that the man was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. His name is not being released at this time. An investigation into the accident remains ongoing.

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NEED TO KNOW

The Houston Police Department is still searching for an SUV driver accused of forcing a motorcyclist off of his bike on Wednesday, July 2

In the alleged road rage incident, the cyclist plummeted from the highway and hit a grassy area

The victim is a 20-year-old male who has not been publicly identified





An SUV driver was accused of forcing a motorcyclist off his bike on the evening of Wednesday, July 2, causing him to fall several hundred feet after hitting an overpass in Houston.

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The incident occurred at approximately 11 p.m., in the northbound lanes of Sam Houston Parkway North and I-45 N near Beltway 8 in the Greenspoint neighborhood of Houston, per Click 2 Houston.

PEOPLE has reached out to the Houston Police Department for a statement.

The motorcyclist, identified as a 20-year-old man, fell a long distance and landed in a grass-covered area. He was rushed to a nearby trauma center in serious condition after the alleged road rage incident and underwent emergency surgery, Click 2 Houston reports.

The roadway was shut down for hours while police conducted their investigation, and the manhunt for the SUV driver remains ongoing.

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"When they got to the very top of the flyover, whatever occurred at that instance, the motorcycle rider actually went off the freeway over the edge, fell quite a long ways down, landed in some grassy area," Lt. R. Willkens with the HPD said, per local outlet KHOU 11.

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Willkens told the outlet the SUV driver took off.

"We're still trying to figure out who that might have been," he told KHOU11, adding that he believes the motorcyclist will survive.

The driver and the victim have not been publicly identified at this time.

Anyone with information may contact the Vehicular Crimes Division with HPD at 713-247-4072.

Read the original article on People
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- What started off as just a simple fireworks stand outside of San Antonio over 50 years ago has grown into multiple locations throughout Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.

Mr. W. Fireworks is a family-owned and operated business in Texas that offers affordable fireworks for the public. Edith Sanchez has been a contractor with them in Odessa for about five years now and discussed some of their best products (see the video above).

To view the full Mr. W Fireworks story, click here.

Mr. W Fireworks Details

There are 26 Mr. W Fireworks locations scattered throughout the Permian Basin. All locations will be closed following the 4th of July holiday and wont reopen until late December. You can view their website here.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  The Memphis-Shelby County Schools board has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars defending its actions.

WREG Investigators uncovered new records that show the district entered agreements with the Spence Partners law firm to help with multiple legal matters over the past year and a half, and its cost the district a pretty penny.

Between January 2024 through April of this year, the bills total nearly $396,608. Nearly half of that money went to two matters.

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Five people were prohibited from school board meetings following what transpired at a tense meeting in May 2023 when they voiced their concern over the superintendent search.

The board said the group broke public comment policy and used noise-making devices to disrupt their meeting, but the five, who call themselves the School Board Five, filed a lawsuit. They claimed their First and 14th Amendment rights were violated.

An engagement letter shows the board retained Spence Partners to help them with the matter.

Spence-Partners-Robert-Spence-Esq.-Engagement-Letter-2023-1064Download

Invoices the district provided through an open records request show the firm charged more than $95,000 for hourly services, fees, and more related to the case.

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In December, the School Board 5 announced they reached a settlement. The district would pay $200,000 to the five and their attorneys.

The Spence law firm also helped the school board build a case against Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins. They charged anywhere from $350 to $425 per hour.

At a special-called meeting in January, the firms founder stepped in front of the podium to break down a lengthy report he and his law firm conducted for the board. Many taxpayers protested and questioned what that report cost.

An invoice showed the work related to Feagins started on December 20.

Another invoice shows Spence and his staff charged $13,900 for their work the day the special-called meeting was held in January.

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Spence also stressed at that January meeting, his firm would defend the school board if Feagins filed suit, which she has.

We obtained four invoices for their work related to the Feagins matter. The description of the work is mostly redacted, but the price tag is seen clearly. It totals more than $125,000.

That price is expected to rise as the case continues. Feagins recently filed an injunction to void the school boards firing.

Weve reached out to the board and the Spence Partners, and they said in part: This has been money well spent, as the district has enjoyed extraordinary returns on the investments with our strategic outside counsel arrangements through mitigated legal exposure and favorable outcomes in litigation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
LIVONIA  Prosecutors have charged a 55-year-old Genesee County woman in connection with a fatal June 29 hit-and-run crash that killed a three-year-old boy and left his twin sister and mother in critical condition.

Tammy Sandoval, 55, of Mount Morris, faces six felony charges in connection with the crash near the intersection of Merriman Road and Lyndon Street.

Tia Robinson of Detroit and her 3-year-old twins, Khalil and Khloe, were walking across Merriman Road at about 10:46 p.m. when they were struck by a driver who fled the scene.

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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.

Sandoval, whose age was originally released by police at 47, faces charges of driving while license suspended causing death, two counts of driving while license suspended causing serious injury, failing to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in death and two counts of failing to stop at the scene of an accident causing serious injury.

She did not have an attorney listed in online court records on the evening of July 3.

Police located Sandoval with the help of numerous eyewitnesses, they said.

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Livonia District Court Judge James Jolly set Sandovals bond at $600,000 July 3. Her next court appearance is July 10.

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."Donations have started arriving and he said they will be forwarded on to the grandparents as they make funeral arrangements for Khalil, Caid said.

This article originally appeared on Hometownlife.com: Mt. Morris woman charged in fatal hit-and-run crash in Livonia
BEIJING, July 4 (Xinhua) -- A cache of 35 remarkably well-preserved wooden tools has been unearthed in southwest China, dating back around 300,000 years, offering new insights into early human technology in East Asia.

The discovery at the Gantangqing site in Yunnan Province, detailed in a study published Friday in the journal Science, marks the earliest known evidence of complex wooden tool technology in East Asia.

Alongside the wooden artifacts, a wealth of associated cultural relics, including stone implements, antler "soft hammers," animal fossils and plant remains, was also found during the excavation.

According to an international research team, led by experts from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology (IVPP) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the wooden tools were mainly used for foraging plant roots and stems.

Although early humans have used wood for over a million years, wooden artifacts are quite rare in the archaeological record, particularly during the Early and Middle Pleistocene.

The research team determined that human activity at the site took place between 360,000 and 250,000 years ago, highlighting the diversity and complexity of early human production and survival strategies.

The wooden tools, mainly crafted from pine, bear cutting and scraping marks indicative of activities like branch pruning and shaping. Polished streaks and fractures at their tips further attest to their use.

Soil residues found on some tool tips contain plant starch grains, confirming that these wooden tools were primarily used for digging up underground plant foods.

The findings highlight the crucial role of bamboo and wooden tools in the lives of ancient humans in East and Southeast Asia, and reveal, for the first time, the nature of ancient human gathering economies, said Gao Xing from IVPP, the paper's corresponding author.

Compared to wooden tool sites in Europe, which generally feature medium-sized hunting gear, Gantangqing stands out for its broader and more diverse array of small, hand-held tools.

The sophistication of these wooden tools underscores the importance of organic artifacts in interpreting early human behavior, particularly in regions where stone tools alone have painted a more "primitive" technological picture.

The site also yielded stone tools, predominantly small scrapers, which were mainly used for crafting wooden tools and butchering prey, according to the study.

The use of wooden tools likely reflects the inhabitants' shift from stone to wooden implements due to limited stone resources.

Four deer antler fragments identified as "soft hammers" show clear usage marks, indicating that East Asian stone tool technology in the early and middle Paleolithic was more advanced than previously thought and challenging the notion that it lagged significantly behind Western technology, according to Gao. 
The Texas Department of Public Safety added a violent child predator from Dallas to the states top-10 most wanted sex offenders.

Martin Deanda, 43, joined the states 10 Most Wanted Sex Offenders list, Texas DPS announced July 2. He has been wanted in Dallas County since January for failing to comply with registration requirements.

Deandas rap sheet also includes indecency with a child by sexual contact, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, battery resulting in bodily injury, unlawful carrying of a weapon and evading arrest/detention, the release reads.

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Texas Crime Stoppers is offering $3,000 for information leading to Deandas arrest. He is from Dallas but has ties to Anderson County, specifically to Palestine in East Texas.

Martin Deanda, North Texas Child Predator, Most Wanted List/ DPS News

He also goes by names including Martin De Anda Sanchez. Deanda is Hispanic, wears glasses, stands 5 feet 10 inches tall, and weighs 190 lbs, according to his most wanted listing. He has tattoos on his chest and both arms, as well as a scar on his right leg.

The Palestine Police Department arrested Deanda for indecency with a child in January 2006, according to jail records.

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In 2011, Palestine police arrested him again for an aggravated robbery that took place in 2009. Deanda was convicted in 2012 on three counts of aggravated robbery and was sentenced to 10 years of confinement for each offense.

In 2021, the Anderson County Sheriffs Office booked Deanda for continuous sex abuse of a child younger than 14. He was held on a $500,000 bond. In January 2023, he was convicted in the county for aggravated sexual assault of a child.

Deanda is listed as absconded in the state sex offender registry, and his victims sex is listed as unknown.

Texas DPS and other agencies have arrested 35 suspects on the most wanted fugitives, sex offenders, and criminal illegal aliens lists, according to the release. This includes 12 sex offenders and nine criminal illegals.

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The agency is seeking numerous 10 Most Wanted fugitives with ties to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, as The Dallas Express previously reported.

For cash rewards, anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-252-8477, send a tip on the Texas DPS website, or send a tip on Texas 10 Most Wanted Facebook page.
With fireworks actively exploding amid an eerie tower of smoke visible from miles away, more than 130 firefighters rushed to put out a major fire Thursday night in Pacoima that engulfed four homes, left one man dead and displaced more than a dozen people.

Neighbors reportedly had to help rescue at least one person through a window in this quiet residential area of 12933 W. Corcoran St., fire authorities said, and one woman was burned so severely that she had to be transported to the hospital in critical condition.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Neighbors reported hearing at least one and possibly two massive firework explosions shortly after 9 p.m. on the eve of July 4, before they noticed flames engulfing a nearby house.

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Videos captured by neighbors and news helicopters showed fireworks actively detonating while crews from the Los Angeles Fire Department fought to contain the blaze from spreading and igniting more homes nearby. The firefighters had to attack the flames in a defensive mode at first, stationing themselves from a safe-enough distance in case of additional explosions.

By 9:30 p.m., the fire department had declared the blaze a "major emergency," and arson and hazmat teams, as well as the Los Angeles Police Department's bomb squad, were dispatched to the incident.

"It is unclear whether the explosion happened first or the fire happened first and caused the explosion, but this fire had obvious fueling, said LAFD Public Information Officer David Ortiz, who was still working at the scene Friday morning. Pyrotechnics, fireworks  they were seen exploding and raining down on this neighborhood."

Read more: California fireworks explosions: 1 killed in Simi Valley, 2 critically injured in Bay Area

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Firefighters were able to knock down the fire at 10 p.m., by which point it had spread to a fourth home, two accessory dwelling units and a car, according to the LAFD. A woman in her mid-30s had to be transported to a hospital in critical condition, and an injured dog was also taken to an emergency veterinary hospital.

One man was later found dead. Authorities have not released any details about him or the woman who was critically injured, but neighbors said the two were family members.

One neighbor, Jacob Gonzalez, told NBC-LA that he had rushed to one of the burning homes, and "when I arrived, that's when I saw the burn victim."

"She was lying on the floor, crying, her legs were just completely burnt. She was crying out for her husband," Gonzalez said. "I tried to get her some water. I tried to do what I could for her."

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Four people were also evaluated for smoke inhalation but declined to be taken to the hospital. All told, more than 18 people have been displaced, and four homes had to be red-tagged and deemed uninhabitable.

Police and fire officials cordoned off the neighborhood through Friday morning and have been searching the area for any additional fireworks that may still be on site.

The police department's Major Crimes Division is now investigating the death, and the fire department is still investigating the exact cause of the fire. No suspects have been identified, Ortiz said, and there is no one that the police is actively seeking at the moment.

A gas leak has been reported at one of the homes, and the L.A. Department of Water and Power has been asked to manage downed wires along the back of the initial three homes that caught fire.

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The Red Cross and the L.A. Department of Building and Safety have also been tapped to assist in the aftermath of the blaze, and the mayor's crisis response team has been providing grief counseling to the family members of the man who died, and to the families that lost their properties, Ortiz said.

"It's concerning the number of fires that we are seeing that have involved fireworks in residential zones  the people that are selling these fireworks are not trained to handle fireworks in a safe manner," Ortiz said. "You're dealing with people who are storing fireworks in ways that they're not supposed to be stored."

Read more: ATF investigates Northern California fireworks explosion; 7 warehouse workers still missing

In separate incidents early Thursday morning, a firework detonation killed one person in a burning Simi Valley garage. In the San Francisco Bay Area town of Hayward, two people were critically injured after a fireworks-related house fire.

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In addition, seven workers remain missing after a massive explosion Tuesday night engulfed a warehouse holding fireworks in Esparto, about 40 miles northwest of Sacramento, and triggered a days-long evacuation for nearby communities.

"Our hearts and thoughts are with those we lost, their families, and everyone impacted in our community. We are grateful for the swift response of law enforcement and emergency personnel," Devastating Pyrotechnics, the pyrotechnics business that operated at the Esparto site, said in a statement. "Our focus will remain on those directly impacted by this tragedy, and we will cooperate fully with the proper authorities in their investigation."

Across California, fire officials have been bracing for more pyrotechnic-related fires and urging people to report any signs of nonsanctioned firework activity.

LAFD has been releasing messages all week reminding people that all fireworks are illegal in the city of L.A.

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"If you are storing or considering using fireworks this weekend, we beg you to reconsider and attend a professional show," the fire department said in a public service announcement following the fire in Pacoima. "The most immediate way to render your fireworks inert is to soak them in water. Please step up and take care of your loved ones, pets and neighbors."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
KERRVILLE, Texas (AP)  Multiple people dead and dozens rescued amid Texas flooding as search continues for others missing, authorities say.
Elon Musk has once again floated the idea of launching a new political party on the day President Trump was celebrating Congress passing his Big Beautiful Bill.

Musk, a staunch opponent of the presidents tax-and-spending package, asked on X if his followers were keen on a third party to break the two-party system. He is proposing it should be called the America Party.

Independence Day is the perfect time to ask if you want independence from the two-party (some would say uniparty) system! he wrote on Friday morning. Should we create the America Party?

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He continued in a separate post: One way to execute on this would be to laser-focus on just 2 or 3 Senate seats and 8 to 10 House districts.

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks on the day he attends an event hosted by America250 in Des Moines, Iowa. / Nathan Howard / REUTERS

Given the razor-thin legislative margins, that would be enough to serve as the deciding vote on contentious laws, ensuring that they serve the true will of the people.

Musk also endorsed a message from Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, an early dissenter of the legislation, that says Trumps bill favors short-term politicking over long-term sustainability.

The Tesla CEO shared the message and posted a 100 emoji to indicate his agreement.

His posts came after he shared another cryptic message about fireworks, saying: Great day for some  fireworks."

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Musk has clashed with the president online on various occasions since he exited the Trump administration in May, after spending four months leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

His issue with Trumps bill is that it increases the national debt, when he spent his time in government desperately trying to slash costs.

On June 5, he raised the idea of forming the America Party, posting a poll asking, Is it time to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80% in the middle?

Independence Day is the perfect time to ask if you want independence from the two-party (some would say uniparty) system!



Should we create the America Party?  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 4, 2025

He reiterated the idea Monday, stating, If this insane spending bill passes, the America Party will be formed the next day.

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Musk critic and MeidasTouch editor-in-chief Ron Filipkowski pointed out that the billionaire said he would launch his breakaway party if Trumps bill passed, which it has.

You vowed forcefully that as soon as the bill passed you were going to form the 3rd party because you correctly said it puts us in debt slavery, Filipkowski said in response to the billionaire.

Now you are conducting a second poll. The last one showed people overwhelmingly in favor, so why another poll? Just do it.

Musk launched the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in order to slash the federal government, but thinks that Trump's bill undoes his work. / Kevin Dietsch / Kevin Dietsch/ Getty Images

It comes as grumblings in Washington, D.C. suggest that Musk might not be the only one with designs on a new party. The Swamp, the Daily Beasts D.C. newsletter, exclusively reported earlier this week that some serious names are involved in discussions to shake up U.S. politics.

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Anti-Trump Republicans and centrist Democrats would make up the main thrust of the party, The Swamp revealed.

The Republican Party, as many of us know it, no longer exists, said one source, who asked not to be named. We do not recognize ourselves anymore in Trumps administration. There is a strong movement out there in the party to reclaim the values we were raised on and reclaim the middle ground.
A Hampshire MP is set to see a law he proposed to clampdown on the smuggling of dogs, cats and ferrets formally adopted after it has passed through the House of Commons.

The law proposed by Danny Chambers, the Liberal Democrat MP for Winchester who's also a vet, would crack down on the import of dogs and cats that are mutilated or heavily pregnant.

It would also give the government power to stop the import of puppies and kittens that are under six months old. Currently the minimum age is 15 weeks.

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The bill will now go to the House of Lords on its route to becoming law.

The government said in November, when it formally supported Dr Chambers' private member's bill, that the "non-commercial" movement of pets had soared from 100,000 in 2011 to over 320,000 in 2023.

Dr Chambers said that the mutilation of dogs, such as cropping their ears, must be stopped.

"It is not legal so it's not being done by vets and we know people are cropping ears in the UK, probably with no anaesthetic. They often get infections as a result of that," he said.

"It causes physical and psychological problems for the dog for the rest of its life. It's purely aesthetic so they look tough, they look vicious, they look mean - even when they don't."

Danny Chambers' (left) bill is supported by the government and animal charities [BBC]

Other mutilation of dogs could include them having their tail docked, and with cats it could involve them being declawed.

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It is rare that private members' bills, which are proposed by MPs whose names are pulled out of a random ballot, are adopted.

But the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill would also ban the import of dogs and cats beyond 42 days of pregnancy and limit the number of animals that are allowed in a vehicle.

In a post on social media after his bill passed through the House of Commons, Dr Chambers said: "I could not have asked for a better way to complete my first year as an MP today.

"Too many animals have been suffering at the hands of criminal abusers and as a vet, to see this bill pass means everything to me."

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His bill is supported by the Dogs Trust, which said it took on three Cane Corso puppies that were found to have entered the UK illegally.

Sunny, Ray and Sky were driven from Romania when they were 13 weeks old, without health certificates, and under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS). They should have entered under commercial legislation.

They were underweight, anxious and had already had their ears cropped and tails docked.

The charity said the change in law would help "further dogs from suffering at the hands of illegal importers".

You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.

More on this story
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C., (WBTW)  For many, lighting fireworks is a traditional part of the Independence Day holiday.

But officials said its important to handle them with care.

Fourth of July fireworks displays are scheduled throughout Myrtle Beach, but many choose to set off their own display. Myrtle Beach Fire Marshal Christian Sliker said that could become a hazard.

They can cause injuries, tragedies, and even fires at home, Sliker said. You need to protect yourself and have all the safety precautions in place.

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Just last year, a firework started a fire on the dunes in Myrtle Beach. Sliker said the city had put rules in place prior to this incident to prevent fires from happening.

No fireworks on the beach, he said. Part of that is, you got to understand. Theres some protected areas like the dunes. Its also near our hotels, you have a lot of spectators out there.

Sliker said those setting off fireworks need to prepare for anything.

One thing you can do is have a hose, Sliker said. Have an extinguisher and have a bucket of water where you could submerge it after.

Sliker also emphasizes that its important to treat every firework like its active.

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One of the most common mistakes that we see is people have a mortar or a shell that hasnt lit off and was supposed to, he said. You need to treat every mortar as if its still alive. So dont kick it, dont push it. What you should do is grab a glove and you should be able to get it in some water. You should submerge the firework. And also make sure theyre all cooled off because burns are a real thing.

The same tip applies for fireworks that did go off.

Fireworks by definition are explosives, Sliker said. Understand that even if they do go off and they land, you need to make sure theyre cooled off. Theyre not smoking, and the ignition is done. And then you can safely submerge it in a bucket of water.

Lastly, Sliker emphasized the importance of properly disposing of the fireworks.

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Dont put them in paper bags, he said. Also, you dont need to put them in trash cans. You need to make sure theyre fully out, submerged and then they should go in a metal bin.

Apart from professional displays, Myrtle Beach only allows fireworks to be set off on private property. They are allowed from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m., or until 12:30 a.m. on July 5.

* * *

Madi Codispoti is a multimedia journalist at News13. Madi is a native of Spartanburg, South Carolina, and most recently worked at WJHL in Johnson City, Tennessee. She graduated from Emory & Henry University in May 2023. You can keep up with Madi on Facebook and read more of her work here.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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The Namibian government has announced a temporary ban on state funerals amid criticism over the rising costs of these burials.

Only President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has the power to exempt funerals from the moratorium, the government said.

Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofelus made the announcement following a Cabinet meeting earlier this week.

She said the moratorium would last until April 2026, while a review committee looks into the "criteria and processes associated with bestowing official funerals".

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Ms Theofelus told the BBC that a committee consisting of "no more than seven members" would be established to lead the review.

The government has not said whether the decision was related to mounting criticism of the increasing costs of the numerous state funerals as reported by local media.

The BBC has asked the presidency for comment.

The Windhoek Observer, a privately owned publication, said calls for the moratorium had been made as far back as 2021 when the rising cost of official burials came under scrutiny, especially at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

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It quoted Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare, who earlier this year revealed that official funerals had cost the government 38.4m Namibian dollars ($2.2m; 1.6m) in the 2024/2025 financial year.

By comparison, only 2.1m Namibian dollars was spent on 23 funerals during the 2022/2023 financial year, according to the news site.

The Observer said the state had spent 30m Namibian dollars just to transport the body of founding President Sam Nujoma around the country ahead of his state funeral in February this year.

Nujoma, who died at the age of 95, led the long fight for independence from South Africa after helping found Namibia's liberation movement, the South West Africa People's Organisation (Swapo), in the 1960s.

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After independence, Nujoma became president in 1990 and led the country until 2005.

More BBC stories on Namibia:

[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

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An anti-woke Native American organization is joining the fight against New York States ban on tribal-themed names and logos in public schools, The Post has learned.

The Native American Guardians Association filed a preliminary injunction against the state Board of Regents  as its representative said members are tired of people telling Native Americans how they should view their own culture.

It violates the First Amendment, said Chap Petersen, an attorney for the association.

The Post has learned that The Native American Guardians Association has filed a preliminary injunction against the New York Board of Regents ban on Native American team names and logos in public schools. REUTERS

Youre banning words, youre banning phrases, you are banning ideas.

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Its completely against both the spirit and the letter of the First Amendment, he told The Post.

Obviously, the Board of Regents is a state agency, and so its bound by the US Constitution.

The group, which consists of 85,000 Native Americans across the country, is also pressing New York on violations of the 14th Amendments equal protection clause from racial classifications, according to their legal counsel.

An attorney for the organization, Chap Petersen, claims, It violates the First Amendment. Heather Khalifa for the NY Post

Public schools that dont comply with the logo ban face the loss of state funding and other sanctions.

NAGA has been fiercely opposed to the 2023 ban, as vocal supporters of the Massapequa Chiefs in keeping its team name, since the issue exploded earlier this year when President Trump sided with the town.

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Representatives from the association stood alongside Secretary of Education Linda McMahon when she toured Massapequa High School in May and announced that she viewed the ban as a Title VI civil rights violation  one now being pursued by the Justice Department.

Meanwhile, Petersen said his clients represent the silent majority among Native Americans who favor their culture being represented in names like Chiefs, Warriors and Thunderbirds.

The latter two are under siege on Long Island in the districts of Wantagh and Connetquot.

He also pointed to a 2016 poll showing that nine in 10 Native Americans are not offended by the term Redskins.

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What theyre doing is theyre trying to erase historya key piece of American culture, he said.

My clients are tired of it. Theyre tired of people pretending to speak for the Native American population  and theyre tired of people trying to erase their history. Its unconstitutional, and were not gonna put up with it.

The group consists of 85,000 Native Americans across the nation, as the latest legal action in New York State involves Massapequa High School, as they fight against a rebrand that taxpayers say could cost them up to $1 million. Heather Khalifa for the NY Post

The latest legal action has Chiefs Nation in Massapequa eager to fight against a rebrand, which school officials say could cost taxpayers $1 million.

The Long Island town entered into a contract with NAGA in May, in which the group approved the districts use of Chiefs and committed to teaching additional curriculum on Native American history.

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In Massapequa, were proud to stand by our Native American history and partners, said school board president Kerry Wachter, who has been involved in legal action against New York as well.

The NAGAs lawsuit makes it unequivocally clear: the states Native American Ban discriminates against Native Americans.

Massapequa lawyer Oliver Roberts added that the sad and disgraceful ban should and will be invalidated by the court proceedings.

New York has already begun softening its position in Connetquot, where a rebrand from Thunderbirds is estimated to cost the district more than $23 million.

A compromise has been floated between the state and the school to condense its team name to T-Birds  a phrase the school was previously told was included in the ban.

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Its not even a state law. Its an ordinance, Petersen said of the controversial ban.

It could be as innocuous as Thunderbirds and as a result, you could lose your school fundingI just think that people have had it with this.
By Sabine Siebold and Andrew Gray

MONS, Belgium (Reuters) -U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich took over on Friday as NATO's top military commander, sending a message of resolve and reassurance to allies concerned about potential cuts to U.S. forces in Europe by the Trump administration.

The U.S. has filled the post of Supreme Allied Commander Europe since its creation after World War Two but U.S. officials discussed ending that tradition as President Donald Trump pushes Europe to take more responsibility for its defence.

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That possibility rattled European allies - who rely heavily on the 80,000 U.S. troops in Europe to protect the continent and would expect many more to join them if Europe came under attack - and alarmed senior members of the U.S. Congress.

Ultimately, Washington nominated Grynkewich as successor to Army General Christopher Cavoli, who played a key role in advising Ukraine's military after Russia's 2022 invasion and oversaw a sweeping overhaul of NATO's defence plans.

But U.S. allies remain concerned that an ongoing review of U.S. force posture worldwide could lead to troop cuts in Europe, just when they see Russia as a greater threat than at any time since the end of the Cold War.

"These are consequential times," Grynkewich said at the handover ceremony, which took place in bright sunshine at NATO military headquarters outside the Belgian city of Mons, attended by military officers and officials from across the alliance.

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"The threats we face are only becoming more intertwined, but they are no match for the unity, the resolve and the shared purpose that I see gathered on this field today," he declared.

"We stand ready in defence of our nations, and we're only going to get better," he said.

UKRAINE 'CAN WIN'

Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Grynkewich - also known from his time as a fighter pilot by his call sign "Grynch" - said it was too early to say what the U.S. force posture review would conclude.

European leaders say they are ready to step up on security, having pledged big increases in military spending at a NATO summit last week, but want any transition to be gradual and orderly to avoid gaps in Europe's defences.

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In his confirmation hearing in the U.S. Senate last week, Grynkewich said he thought Ukraine "can win" its fight against Russia's invasion and spoke in favour of continued support for Kyiv.

After the handover ceremony in Mons, he declined to comment on the recent U.S. decision to halt the delivery of some critical weapons and ammunition to Ukraine.

"It's a conversation that's ongoing," he told reporters. "I think we'll see more play out in the next week or two."

Besides his role at NATO, Grynkewich has also taken over as the head of U.S. European Command, based in Stuttgart in southern Germany, which oversees all U.S. forces in Europe.

(Reporting by Sabine Siebold and Andrew Gray; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
JAKARTA, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia's National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) has launched an investigation into the sinking of a passenger ship in the Bali Strait on Wednesday night, which left six people dead, the committee's head Soejanto Tjahjono said on Friday.

The investigation will focus on several key areas, including whether proper procedures were followed for the ship's departure, the seaworthiness of the vessel KM Tunu Pratama Jaya, the completeness of its documentation, and how the emergency response was carried out when the accident occurred, Tjahjono said. 
NATO's chief has pledged a fivefold increase in air defenses.

Ground-based air defenses are an area that Western countries scaled back after the Cold War.

But the way Russia is fighting in Ukraine has proven its need.

NATO pledged to massively increase its air defenses as part of soaring defense spending. The aim is to rebuild a capability that the war in Ukraine has shown to be crucial but has been allowed to wither in the West since the end of the Cold War.

The heads of government for the 32 members of the decades-old security alliance committed last week to investing 5% of their GDP on defense and security by 2035. The increase, based on current GDP size, could be worth more than $1.4 trillion. NATO's secretary general, Mark Rutte, said one use for the money would be a "fivefold increase in air defence capabilities."

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He said the way Russia was fighting proved the need. "We see Russia's deadly terror from the skies over Ukraine every day, and we must be able to defend ourselves from such attacks," he said.

Western countries reduced their ground-based air defense arsenals after the end of the Cold War as they found themselves involved in conflicts with much smaller, less powerful adversaries. This war has shown that Western stocks are insufficient.

Lacking since the Cold War

Western countries have been fighting foes very much unlike Russia. Air superiority has been achieved with ease, enabling ground maneuvers. There hasn't been a pressing need for weapons to shoot down enemy aircraft and ballistic missiles, except in one-off instances.

The US and the rest of NATO scaled back their ground-based defenses "very substantially," said Mark Cancian, a retired Marine Corps colonel who's now a senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

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During the Cold War, as tensions skyrocketed between NATO and the Soviet Union, Western countries maintained substantial defenses. But in the aftermath, Cancian said, "it appeared that fighter aircraft could handle any air threat, and the need for ground-based air defenses was much reduced."

During Operation Desert Storm in the early 1990s, the US took control of the skies, and aircraft largely had free rein in the later wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the main threat being to low-flying aircraft, helicopters in particular.

An F-14 during Desert Storm. USAF

Ed Arnold, an expert in European security at the Royal United Services Institute, said Europe deprioritized air defense at the end of the Cold War "because the types of missions that the Europeans were doing were, for example, overseas where you only needed a small sort of section of it to be able to protect your forces in the field."

Retired Air Commodore Andrew Curtis, an air warfare expert with a 35-year career in the Royal Air Force, said there had been "an element of complacency" in recent decades, but also an element of trying to prioritize what was needed when defense budgets shrank as countries felt safer in the post-Cold War era.

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Russia's war against Ukraine, which followed earlier acts of aggression, suggests the world has changed. But, Curtis said, the West has to some extent been "asleep at the wheel."

The problem now, explained Justin Bronk, an air power expert at RUSI, is "that NATO faces a significant shortfall in ground-based air defense systems, both in terms of number of systems, but also particularly ammunition stocks for those systems."

Russia shows they're needed

Rutte warned earlier this month that NATO needed "five times as many systems to defend ourselves" and described the speed Russia was reconsituting its military as "threatening."

Many European countries have warned Russia could attack elsewhere on the continent and are watching closely to see what weaponry and tactics it needs to be ready. The volume and variety of air attacks against Ukraine have thus made air defenses a top takeaway.

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Russia can launch hundreds of drones and missiles in a single day, and NATO's air defense networks aren't well designed to deal with these kinds of strike threats, such as exploding Shahed-136 drones backed by ballistic and cruise missiles.

Western countries need more defenses, as there are just so many air attacks. "Even if only 10% get through, that still does a lot of damage," Cancian said.

The aftermath of a drone attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, shows the damage Russia's air attacks can cause. Roman Hrytsyna/Associated Press

Cancian said innovations in this war, such as drones being used more than in any other conflict in history, pointed to evolutions in warfare that make having strong air defenses more necessary than ever before. Nations aren't just facing planes. It's aircraft, missiles, and drones, all able to bring destruction.

And the solutions need to be layered to address threats within their cost range. For instance, high-end Patriot interceptors worth millions of dollars aren't meant for cheap drones worth thousands.

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Retired Australian Army Maj. Gen. Mick Ryan, a warfare strategist, said countries have to find "a balance" between expensive systems such as the Patriot and the THAAD system, both made by Lockheed Martin, and lower-end systems.

Ukraine, for example, uses AI-controlled systems equipped with machine guns to stop some smaller drones, and the US military has been experimenting with air-launched rockets as drone killers.

"It's not just all about the exquisite, expensive, and highly capable systems. You also need some of those lower-end systems," the retired general said, adding that the past three years had not only shown how important air defenses are, but also "that the array of threats that air defenses have to deal with has broadened."

Smaller weapons used in missile attacks, such as drones, can "saturate and overwhelm an air defense system"  a tactic Russia has employed.

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For the West, Europe in particular, the new emphasis on bolstering critical air defenses and the push to spend more aren't optional. "It's not a choice. You absolutely have to do this," Ryan said.

It'd be impossibly expensive to protect everywhere, but the West will need to sort its priorities, balancing front-line demands with the protection of civilians in cities, something Ukraine has grappled with throughout the war.

Ukrainian Air Force's F-16 fighter jets flying over a Patriot Air and Missile Defense System. AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky

"The biggest change, now as Ukraine is seeing, is you also need air defense to protect your civilians, all of your critical national infrastructure, and your forces in the field," Arnold said. "So it's absolutely critical."

NATO's new defense spending is set to be huge: No member currently spends that new 5% target, and the alliance estimated that many spent just over or below 2% in 2024. But spending doesn't automatically solve the problem.

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There's a big production backlog with many systems, and increasing production capacity takes years, industrial revitalization, and workforce expertise, much of which has been diminished with time, leading to a hollowing out of the defense industrial sector.

Bronk said fixing this "is much more a question of building production capacity at every stage in the supply chain as rapidly as possible as part of a crisis response rather than just spending more money." More production capacity is needed for interceptors.

More money and big orders help, though, by giving industry confidence to invest more in facilities and processes, but there has to be sustained investment.

Rutte pledged that NATO's increased spending would also be used on "thousands more tanks and armoured vehicles" and "millions of rounds of artillery ammunition" but said many plans were classified.

Read the original article on Business Insider
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Thirty service members of the Armed Forces were welcomed as new U.S. citizens during a naturalization ceremony Thursday at the USS Midway Museum by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the U.S. District Court for Southern California.

U.S. District Judge Cynthia Bashant administered the Oath of Allegiance.

There are 30 members of the armed services from 20 different countries, said Judge Bashant on stage minutes before initiating the Oath of Allegiance.

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The countries include South Africa, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Peru, Haiti, Jamaica and Mexico.

I am very proud of that. If anything ever happened, I would defend the U.S., said Corp. Domenica Capello.

Capello joined the Marine Corps hoping to find a sense of belonging after growing up in Ecuador.

Youre born there, stuck there. Theres not a lot of room to grow there. So a lot of people turn to crime, she said.

Lance Corporal Arthur Renno of Brazil said the feeling is mutual.

Im first generation American now, he said. I used to say I was serving another countrys military, but now I can say Im serving my countrys military.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
A Navy reservist pleaded guilty this week to charges that he bribed a public official to make identification cards for unauthorized personnel.

Raymond Zumba, 27, entered his guilty plea on Wednesday, July 2, the Department of Justice said. The move comes five months after he was arrested by authorities while attempting to pay $3,500 for a pair of real but unauthorized military identification cards at Naval Air Station Jacksonville for two people with ties to China.

According to the criminal complaint filed against him, the Navy reservist attempted to use a contact he had previously served with while on active duty to help him obtain military-issued identification cards for two people, which would let them access bases.

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Zumba previously served aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer the USS Carney while on active duty and took part in one deployment. Photos shared on the militarys Defense Visual Information Distribution Service show him onboard the USS Carney while at sea between 2018-2020.

The scheme, court documents said, saw Zumba reaching out to his former shipmate from the USS Carney in November 2024. The two met up at a bar in Jacksonville, Florida, where he explained he had married a Chinese national. He asked his friend if they would be okay with housing other Chinese nationals, in exchange for money. Zumba traveled to Hong Kong, returning in December and in January 2025 he approached his former shipmate about reaching out to their spouse to obtain a pair of Common Access Cards (or CAC cards) under the table. The shipmates spouse worked at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, in the office that made and issued CAC cards. The shipmate alerted naval authorities soon after. Zumba allegedly offered $1,500 for each card, while the other person was recording the conversation to give to federal agents. In a later call, Zumba said that the cards would be for his wifes parents, Chinese nationals. During the conversations, Zumba allegedly reiterated that the money was there.

Naval Criminal Investigative Service and Homeland Security Investigations oversaw the investigation into Zumba.

After several back and forth conversations, the request changed to getting a pair of military uniformed service ID cards. Zumba and two others traveled from New York City to Naval Air Station Jacksonville. On February 13, they arranged to meet on base to scan fingerprints and take photos for the cards. Court documents show that the order was now for one active dependent ID card and one that was not, for a combined price of $3,500. The buyers were described by NCIS and HSI as a naturalized U.S. citizen born in China and a Chinese national illegally in the country.

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Zumba met with his former shipmate the next day for lunch and to hand over the money. He was immediately arrested by authorities.

Raymond Zumba must be held accountable for knowingly acting to compromise the safety of our warfighters and the security of critical military infrastructures for personal gain, NCIS Special Agent in Charge Norman Dominesey of the NCIS Southeast Field Office said in a statement.

The sailor faces a maximum of 15 years in prison under the charges. A sentencing date has not been set, the Justice Department said.

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As of July 31, the Navys Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center will stop sharing satellite weather data with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, according to a NOAA release.

This service change and termination will be permanent, according to the NOAA release.

Data gathered from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, or DMSP, all Near-Earth Space Weather instruments and other Defense Department-owned systems will cease to be provided to NOAA.

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The DMSP satellites capture global imagery from space twice a day, monitoring cloud formations, velocities, compositions and drifts, and provide NOAA with data and imagery.

Military weather forecasters [using the DMSP] can detect developing patterns of weather and track existing weather phenomena over remote areas, including the presence of fog, severe thunderstorms, dust and sandstorms, and tropical cyclones, according to the Space Force.

As the Defense Department transfers greater reliance onto the newly fielded Weather System Follow-on Microwave, or WSF-M, use of the decades-old DMSPs for weather monitoring is being rapidly phased out.

The WSF-M, a more modern system that can pinpoint developing weather data more exactly, was declared to have reached Initial Operational Capacity this April. The WSF-M, first launched in 2024, can analyze sea ice, soil moisture and snow depth, as well as measure winds and collect cyclone data.

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NOAA will now rely on data and imagery provided by WSF-M as well as the Electro-Optical Weather System, or EWS, to replace the DMSP data, according to its July release.

DMSP satellites remain operational today but are more than a decade past their expected end of life, the release said.

The move comes as the Trump administration has signaled its opposition to policies aimed at addressing climate change. Earlier this year, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy removed references to climate change and related terminology in an effort to follow President Donald Trumps policies.

While DMSP data is not available, NOAA has not lost all access to global weather imaging, as it still retains its access to data gathered from its Joint Polar Satellite System as well as from buoys, other observation satellites and ground-based weather radar sites in the U.S. and globally.

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While the discontinuation of certain data streams from DMSP may seem alarming, the transition to WSF-M and EWS represents a modernization effort aimed at providing more resilient and enhanced environmental monitoring capabilities to improve our ability to understand and predict weather phenomena, including tropical cyclones, NOAA said.

Even as the Navy is under pressure to modernize existing systems and infrastructure, the space domain is facing similar challenges, albeit on a different scale. Last fall, the Government Accountability Office reported that the Space Force has been struggling to modernize its GPS capabilities, citing deficient equipment as a contributing factor.

The Army is currently overhauling its network capabilities, and in an effort to replace outdated satellite infrastructure earlier this March, installed satellite communications systems at a new teleport facility in Okinawa, which is expected to be fully operational by November.

Additionally, the DOD this month is reported to have awarded a $28.4 million contract to L3Harris Technologies to enhance the Navys satellite communications capabilities.
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  Multiple first responder agencies and the City of San Angelo held a press conference on the morning of July 4 as floodwaters in San Angelo and its surrounding communities continue to jeopardize citizens and damage property.

The conference, held at a temporary evacuation shelter set up at the Texas A&M University Agricultural Research & Extension building located at 7887 N. U.S. Highway 87, comes as heavy rain fell on San Angelo overnight. Rainfall totals up to 14.46 inches were recorded by West Texas Mesonet weather stations in and around the city.

Tom Green County Judge

Tom Green County Judge Lane Carter stated that he enacted state resources allocated by the Texas Division of Emergency Management to establish the temporary shelter after receiving a phone call at around 5 a.m. from TDEM District Chief Shawn Baxter regarding multiple water rescues being conducted by volunteer fire departments and the Texas Forest Service in northern Tom Green County.

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SEE IT: House floats on Pulliam Street amid severe San Angelo flooding

Carter said he then began coordinating with the Tom Green County Sheriffs Office and San Angelo ISD to arrange citizen transports. He then coordinated with City management and emergency services, learning that multiple rescues were being conducted within San Angelo.

Carter stated that work is being done to issue a formal disaster declaration, which will be signed by the county and the city and submitted to the Office of the Texas Governor.

Carter instructed citizens to document their loss of property to allow for accurate reports to be made for the Texas Division of Emergency Management, which could allow for additional aid to be provided to San Angelo should specific value thresholds be met.

Tom Green County Sheriffs Office

Tom Green County Sheriff Nick Hanna stated that several highways and farm-to-market roads are closed or dangerous to drive on due to the floodwaters. He advised citizens to utilize websites such as drivetexas.org to identify safe travel routes.

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NWS urges San Angelo citizens to avoid roads amid life-threatening flooding

I know its interesting to go see, but really we cannot create any more emergencies for our first responders to respond to, Hanna said.

Hanna reported that the storm that caused the floods is tracking east-southeast.

San Angelo Police Department

San Angelo Police Department Chief Travis Griffith provided a timeline of the flooding. Griffith stated that at approximately 2 a.m., rain began to fall in San Angelo, saturating the land. Then, at approximately 4 a.m., significant rainfall was reported.

Were seeing this be near-historic, if not historic, rainfall, especially all at one time, Griffith said.

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Griffith said that, between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m., San Angelos dispatch center received over 100 calls for service. He also stated that there have since been more than 100 rescues conducted as a joint effort between the SAPD and the San Angelo Fire Department.

We saw countless times, deputies, Troopers, firemen and police officers put their lives on the line this morning to save peoples lives, Griffith said.

Local law enforcement takes action as severe flooding sweeps San Angelo

Griffith also asked residents to notify the SAPD if they had left their homes, especially if they resided in a flooded area, as the agency will be conducting door-to-door searches in several parts of the city to check on citizens welfare.

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Griffith said a shelter has been set up at PaulAnn Baptist Church, located at 2531 Smith Blvd., for residents in need of help. He said the American Red Cross will be present along with supplies, and a donation collection point will also be available at the church.

The SAPD is also offering direct transportation to the shelter through Concho Valley Transit, which can be requested by residents by calling (325)-234-0251.

Those wishing to volunteer to help may do so by calling United Way of the Concho Valley at (325)-949-3716.

Griffith asked citizens to pray for their fellow residents and the city as first responders continue to address the situation.

Texas Department of Public Safety

Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Justin Baker stated that land and air support are being provided by TxDPS to assist in rescue efforts.

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Baker also advised citizens not to put themselves in harms way if they are considering traveling for the Fourth of July holiday and not to disregard roadblocks put in place.

City of San Angelo

San Angelo Mayor Tom Thompson called on residents to avoid traveling and advised citizens to stay in place to prevent additional emergencies and flood damage from occurring.

I want everybody just to stay in place as long as they can, Thompson said.

Thompson also reported that garbage collection service Republic Services has called in additional resources and will be operating full steam on July 5 to clean up debris. He said the landfill will only be open to Republic Services trucks to allow for streamlined work.

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Thompson said that an additional conference will be held at PaulAnn Church at 5 p.m. on July 4. The command center established to coordinate response efforts will be relocated to the church.

This is a developing story. Stick with Concho Valley Homepage for updates as more information becomes available.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com.
(NewsNation)  At least 89 people are confirmed dead after flash floods swept through central Texas over the Fourth of July holiday.

With more rain forecasted, rescuers continued searching Monday for the dozens still missing, including multiple girls from Camp Mystic.

According to NewsNation affiliate KXAN, there were 75 flood-related deaths reported in Kerr County, seven in Travis County, three in Burnet County, two in Kendall County, two in Williamson County and one in Tom Green County.

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The 75 dead in Kerr County include 48 adults and 27 children. Officials said the death toll was expected to rise.

Texas flooding: What we know about those who lost their lives

Kerrville, one of the hardest-hit cities in the state, is under another flood watch until 7 p.m. Monday, with the city hall warning that any additional heavy rainfall over hardest hit areas of the past few days will lead to rapid runoff and flash flooding.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Sunday said there were 41 people still unaccounted for, including 10 girls from Camp Mystic and one counselor, according to local officials.

Leitha pledged to keep searching in the Hill Country region until everybody is found.

More rain expected in Texas amid recovery efforts

In a news briefing Sunday, Abbott said more heavy rain and storms were expected across central Texas, and he advised residents to remain cautious for the next 24 to 48 hours. Earlier, he issued a disaster declaration for several counties.

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On Sunday evening, the National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio said on social media, Right now the heaviest activity is located over the Hill Country where several Flash Flood warnings are now in effect.

The Kerr County Sheriffs Office on Sunday said more than 400 first responders from 20 different agencies were aiding in search efforts.

Mother grateful after daughters rescued from Camp Mystic flooding

According to Kerr County officials, those first responders included a dozen K-9 units working in and near the river, and more than 100 air, water and ground vehicles in the field.

Abbott on Sunday said the searches were ongoing. More than 850 people had been rescued so far, officials said, including 167 by helicopter.

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Some were clinging to trees to save their lives, Abbott said of people who had been rescued.

People who want to help can donate to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. said.

Rescuers were on Saturday searching for more than 20 girls missing from Camp Mystic in Texas after torrential rains caused devastating flooding that killed at least 27 people  with more rain on the way. (Photo by RONALDO SCHEMIDT / GETTY-AFP) A Camp Mystic sign is seen near the entrance to the establishment along the banks of the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area in Hunt, Texas, on July 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) A wall is missing on a building at Camp Mystic along the banks of the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area on July 5, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) A Texas Department of Public Safety official combs through the banks of the Guadalupe River near Camp Mystic after a flash flood swept through the area on July 5, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) A man combs through the banks of the Guadalupe River near Camp Mystic after a flash flood swept through the area July 5, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) A Texas Department of Public Safety official combs through the banks of the Guadalupe River near Camp Mystic after a flash flood swept through the area July 5, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) A Sheriffs deputy pauses while combing through the banks of the Guadalupe River near Camp Mystic after a flash flood swept through the area July 5, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Avi Santos, 23, of San Antonio, Texas, reacts while stopping on the road alongside at Camp Mystic along the banks of the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Texas Gov. Greg Abbot, second from front left, and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, second from right, visit Camp Mystic along the banks of the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area July 5, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Officials search on the grounds of Camp Mystic along the banks of the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area July 6, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) A person pulls luggage at Camp Mystic along the banks of the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area July 6, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) A person looks at damage to the main building at Camp Mystic along the banks of the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area July 6, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Officials ride a boat as they arrive to assist with a recovery effort at Camp Mystic along the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

27 dead from Camp Mystic, more missing

Much of the nationwide focus in the wake of the natural disaster remained on the still-missing girls who had been staying at Camp Mystic near Hunt, Texas, when the nearby Guadalupe River rose more than 20 feet within two hours early on July 4.

The Christian camp, which dates back to the 1920s, had been hosting nearly 750 girls and young women. Most of the attendees were able to escape to safety, but others had been sleeping on lower ground at the time of the flash flood.

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The camp announced Monday it was grieving the loss of 27 campers and counselors after the flooding.

We have been in communication with local and state authorities who are tirelessly deploying extensive resources to search for our missing girls, the camp said.

A look at some of the deadliest floods in the US in the last 25 years

The family of camper Lila Bonner told the station on Saturday that she had died. We ache with all who loved her and are praying endlessly for others to be spared from this tragic loss, family members said in a prepared statement.

The mayor of Mountain Brook, Ala., released a statement expressing grief at the loss of Sarah Marsh, an 8-year-old camper who attended Cherokee Bend Elementary.

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This is an unimaginable loss for her family, her school, and our entire community, Mayor Stewart Welch said.

The family of Chloe Childress, 19, a counselor at the camp, said she was among one of the victims of the flood.

Our family was shocked to hear of the horrific tragic flooding in the hill country, and we were devastated to learn that our precious Chloe was among the victims, her family said in a statement.

Texas flooding deaths: Whos accountable?

Officials are facing increasing scrutiny over the widening tragedy. At a Saturday evening news conference, someone asked Kerville City Manager Dalton Rice how the girls could have been allowed to stay at the camp as the potential danger grew.

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Thats the question of the hour, Rice replied.

He said severe-weather reports are not always taken seriously because predictions may not pan out, creating a cry wolf scenario. Rice added that the rain that fell Thursday into Friday was almost double of what was anticipated.

On Sunday, he promised a review of how regional authorities had responded to the unexpected torrential rains that led to the disaster. For now, he said, the emphasis is on the search for missing people: Nothing is more important than bringing comfort and clarity to those who are waiting and grieving.

Texas officials face scrutiny over response to catastrophic and deadly flooding

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The National Weather Service had placed the county under a flood watch Thursday night, with a flash flood warning issued around 1 a.m.

Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly earlier told media outlets that there was no warning regarding the severity of the flood and that the county doesnt have a warning system.

By Friday morning, the Guadalupe River in western Kerr County had reached 29 feet, the second-highest level on record. The river surpassed flooding levels seen in 1987, when floods killed 10 teenagers near Comfort, Texas.

The Texas Hill Country is known as Flash Flood Alley because of the way hills shed deluges of rain into the valleys and waterways below.

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Abbott issued a proclamation declaring Sunday a Day of Prayer.

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.
The Marine Corps is sending almost 200 Marines to Florida to aid Customs and Immigration Enforcement in the state. The deployment is the latest use of active-duty troops in support of the Department of Homeland Securitys actions inside the United States. U.S. Northern Command called it the first wave, with similar deployments to help ICE planned in other southern states.

The Marines, all from Marine Wing Support Squadron 272, will augment ICE by providing critical administrative and logistical capabilities at locations as directed by ICE, NORTHCOM said in its announcement on Thursday, July 3. The squadron is based out of Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina and is a ground-based aviation support unit. NORTHCOM did not specify where in Florida the Marines will be operating.

The Department of Homeland Security actually requested military support two months ago on May 9. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved the request last month, allowing for up to 700 troops to be mobilized to assist DHS immigration actions. The secretary cited Title 10 of the U.S. Code, the same authority used to federalize thousands of California National Guard troops last month for missions around the Los Angeles area.

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Federal troops are barred from any law enforcement action in the country, under the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878. NORTHCOM stressed in its announcement that the Marines will not take part in law enforcement activity.

Their roles will focus on administrative and logistical tasks, and they are specifically prohibited from direct contact with individuals in ICE custody or involvement in any aspect of the custody chain, the statement said.

This deployment is not part of Task Force 51, the ongoing NORTHCOM operation initiated in response to protests against immigration raids in Los Angeles. Last month the Department of Defense deployed 700 Marines from 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division to Los Angeles as part of the military mission there to protect federal property and agents. Those Marines have standing guard at a handful of federal buildings in the area. On June 13, shortly after arriving, they briefly detained an Army veteran on his way to a nearby Veterans Affairs building, before he was released. On July 1, those Marines were rotated out and 400 Marines from 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment replaced them.

The military noted that the deployment to Florida is the first of several planned deployments in the southeast. Additional missions to help ICE are planned for Louisiana and Texas.

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NEED TO KNOW

Police have arrested two people after authorities discovered nearly 400 embalmed corpses piled in a Mexican crematorium

The owner and an employee have been arrested and are being held in pretrial detention, according to the Chihuahua State Prosecutor's Office

The shocking discovery was made in Ciudad Juarez, inside the Plenitud crematorium, which serviced a handful of local funeral homes





Police have arrested two people after authorities made a shocking discovery at a private crematorium in Mexico.

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After receiving a report on Thursday, June 26, authorities later found 383 embalmed bodies strewn about the building in Ciudad Juarez and piled up in all of the rooms, according to a Tuesday, July 1, release from the state of Chihuahua prosecutor's office.

A communications coordinator for the office, Eloy Garcia, told AFP that the bodies were "just thrown like that, indiscriminately, one on top of the other, on the floor," per CBS News.

Chihuahua State Attorney General Cesar Jauregui said in the July 1 release that the corpses were found inside the Plenitud crematorium, which serviced a handful of local funeral homes.

He added the owner and an employee were charged with crimes related to "burial, exhumation, and disrespect for corpses or human remains" and are being held in pretrial detention. A hearing was scheduled for Friday, July 4.

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"We will seek the highest possible penalty for those responsible. The actions or inactions of the authorities responsible for overseeing these types of establishments will be investigated," Jauregui said in an English translation. "We will conduct a thorough investigation, seeking to minimize the re-victimization of families already experiencing this."

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.

His office said in the July 1 release that he has met with families who were worried their relatives could be among the hundreds of bodies found at the site.

Christian Torres/Anadolu via Getty Investigators discovered hundreds of bodies piled up at a private crematorium in Mexico. Investigators discovered hundreds of bodies piled up at a private crematorium in Mexico.

"The Judge granted the preventive detention requested by the Public Prosecutor's Office so that these individuals can continue their proceedings in prison," Jauregui said.

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"This ensures that they can not only address the economic damage they inflicted on many families, but also determine the terms of reparation for the damages for many of them, who are being revictimized by the pain they had already, in some ways, healed," he continued.

Javier Sanchez Herrera, Director of Forensic Services and Sciences, said 218 of the bodies are male, 149 are female and 16 are undetermined, according to the prosecutor's office. He added that some of the bodies came from hospitals with name tags attached.



Read the original article on People
AUGUSTA, Ga (WJBF)- Its our nations 249th birthday and thousands of people will head to downtown Augusta for the citys annual fireworks show. Its Sheriff Gino Brantleys first Independence Day in office and the Richmond County Sheriffs Office said they are well prepared for this years event.

Downtown is safe. Were going to have over 70 officers down here through the night to about 3 a.m. or maybe even later, just depending on how the crowds are. Well have our boat patrol out on the river tomorrow, making sure people are safe out there, said Major Robbie Silas, with the Richmond County Sheriffs Office.

Fireworks celebrations downtown have been spoiled in the past. Two years ago people shot fireworks at cars, businesses and even people.

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Following two consistent nights of harmful fireworks: I didnt see a cop at all

Nine years ago there was a shooting where at least two bystanders were injured.

The Sheriffs Office assures people they have a plan in place.

Yeah. Weve had some isolated incidents over the years, but people need to come out of their comfort zone. They need to come downtown and see what its all about down here, Major Silas said. Things can happen anywhere, but Sheriff Brantley and the command staff are doing everything they can to make sure that this is a safe place.

There will be around 70 deputies assigned to the downtown area, some in uniform and some not. And there will be at least 2 on each block until 3 a.m.

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Talyna Edgar lives downtown and said knowing that there will be such a large law enforcement presence Friday night makes her feel safer.

Im feeling more confident, especially with the number thats going up and how many officers are going to be downtown. I feel like for the most part there is more like nightlife downtown now and thats thanks to the officers thats down there, Edgar explained.

Kimberly Kauhn said that with the size of the crowds, she isnt sure if 70 officers is enough, but that she has faith in the Sheriffs Office to keep everything under control.

Hes doing the best he can. And honestly, were never sure with the amount of crowd control we need to keep the citizens and civilians of Augusta maintained so that criminal activity stays at a minimum, said Kauhn.

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Major Silas told NewsChannel 6 that there are things people can do to keep it a safe and fun event.

Just be responsible. You know, when you come down here, if youre bringing children down here, know where your children are and keep up with your children. Parking in secure places. We have parking decks that nobody wants to use. They want to park on side streets and stuff like that. Secure your valuables, he said.

The Sheriffs Office said in a press release that people can expect increased police presence all over the city and that RCSO will have some help.

HEAT Team members along with the Traffic Division and Georgia State Patrol will have an increased presence throughout the weekend.

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Personnel from the Augusta Fire Department, Central EMS, Georgia State Patrol, Georgia and South Carolina Departments of Natural Resources, and North Augusta Public Safety will also be on hand to assist with emergency response and public safety operations. A full medical and public safety support plan has been developed and staged for rapid deployment, if needed.

Admission to the downtown fireworks event is free. The fun starts at 5 p.m. and the fireworks start around 9:30.

Photojournalist: Reggie Mckie.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.
As the verdict was read out in courtroom 26A in lower Manhattan, Sean Diddy Combs, tightly squeezed Teny Geragoss hand and raised it in the air.

Nearly two months ago, the lawyer sitting to his left had glided over to the wooden podium to deliver a controversial opening statement in which she admitted her client was a violent domestic abuser. She did not deny that he had done some terrible things, but that wasnt what Combs was on trial for, she told the court.

It was a risky move, but as the jury foreman delivered the verdict on Wednesday morning, it was clearly one that had paid off. Combs was acquitted on the most serious offences of sex trafficking and racketeering and found guilty of two charges of transporting prostitutes.

Teny Geragos smiles alongside Marc Agnifilo after the jury reached their verdicts - Kylie Cooper/REUTERS

As Combs put his head in his hands and fell to the ground to celebrate, Ms Geragos dabbed at her tears with a tissue and hugged his family members.

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The three not guilty verdicts were not just a partial victory for Combs  it was a career-defining win for Ms Geragos, who was one of his dream team of lawyers led by Marc Agnifilo.

Following in the footsteps of her father Mark Geragos, the celebrity lawyer who has defended stars including Chris Brown, Michael Jackson and Winona Ryder, it was the moment in which the 34-year-old carved out her own name as defender for the deep-pocketed.

Ms Geragos and her father Mark Geragos, the celebrity lawyer who has defended stars including Chris Brown and Michael Jackson

In court she faced lead prosecutor Maurene Comey, the daughter of James Comey, the former head of the FBI, in what appeared to be the battle of the nepo babies.

The prosecution had alleged Combs used force and financial control to coerce his ex-girlfriends Cassie Ventura and a witness testifying under the pseudonym Jane into days-long drug-fuelled sex parties during which they would allegedly be made to sleep with male prostitutes.

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In her opening statement Ms Geragos claimed that Combss alleged victims were in consensual relationships and while he had beaten his girlfriends, this did not amount to sex trafficking.

Ms Geragos speaks to the jury as video footage of Combs assaulting Cassie Ventura is shown in court - Jane Rosenberg/REUTERS

Sean Combs is a complicated man. But this is not a complicated case. This case is about love, jealousy, infidelity and money, Ms Geragos told the court.

Sean Combs has a bad temper and sometimes he gets out of control, Ms Geragos said.

We take full responsibility for the domestic violence. Domestic violence is not sex trafficking.

Later, when commenting on the allegations involving Jane, she added: Being a willing participant in your own life is not sex trafficking.

Ms Gregaross expertise is in cases involving sexual misconduct

Months before she began attempting to convince the jury Combs was not a sex trafficker or the masterminds of a decades-long criminal enterprise, Ms Geragos had been batting for her client on a rather different platform.

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Via a TikTok account with the bio criminal defence attorney breaking down the latest news she posted a series of videos about civil lawsuits filed against him, insisting he was innocent.

All right, here we go again, Diddy sued by a former bandmate; Im his lawyer and heres why you should care, Ms Geragos said during one clip.

TikTok / misstrialtrg

TikTok / misstrialtrg

Her father, Mr Geragos, 67, who was an adviser to Combss legal team, was admonished by the judge at the start of the trial for using another platform to talk about the case.

He was called out by Judge Arun Subramanian for calling the prosecution a six-pack of white women on his podcast.

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Ms Geragoss career so far appears to be on a similar trajectory to her fathers. After graduating with a degree in art history and media, culture and communications from New York University, Ms Geragos went on to study at the Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, the same law school where her father trained.

Ms Geragos worked as a judicial extern for a Supreme Court Justice in Kings County, New York, while studying for her degree before becoming licenced by both the New York and California state bars in 2017.

Ms Geragoss father Mark was an adviser to Combss legal team - Yuki Iwamura/Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved

She worked as a law clerk at the Los Angeles District Attorneys Office and her fathers firm, Geragos & Geragos, before joining New York City based firm Brafman & Associates PC as a trial attorney.

She left the firm after nearly eight years to join Agnifilo Intrater LLP as a founding partner.

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She has represented defendants in federal and state trials in cases involving sexual assault, fraud and public corruption, according to the firms website. Her expertise is in cases involving sexual misconduct.

Ms Geragos met her husband Ashwinn Krishnaswamy while studying at NYU. The couple married at her parents home in Los Angeles in 2021 in a ceremony inspired by the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris. They have one child and Ms Geragos is pregnant with their second.

Teny Geragos married design company founder Ashwinn Krishnaswamy in 2021

After the trial concluded, Ms Geragos spoke briefly outside the court in Lower Manhattan.

I first want to thank my client Sean Combs for trusting us, myself and everybody here, this incredible dream team that he put together, she said.

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He is incredible. I want to thank him, she said, adding that he had not sexually assaulted anybody.

Ms Geragos thanks Combs for trusting her with his case - Anadolu

Later that evening she made a brief appearance on the 2 Angry Men podcast that her father co-hosts alongside Harvey Levin, the founder of TMZ.

Mr Geragos said he was on childcare duty because his daughter was off to celebrate the outcome of the trial.

Appearing on the camera for a brief moment, Ms Geragos, stood grinning from ear to ear.

I feel great, she said.

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LANZHOU, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Most-severe weather and geological disaster warnings were issued in northwest China's Gansu Province on Friday as the region continued to be battered by intense rainfall, raising the risk of geological disasters and flash floods.

A red alert for weather-induced geological disasters was jointly issued by the provincial department of natural resources and the provincial meteorological bureau on Friday afternoon, warning of a high possibility of geological hazards such as landslides, soil collapses and mudslides.

Earlier the same day, the provincial flood control and drought relief headquarters issued two separate red alerts for flash flood.

Rainfall totals are forecast to reach 100 to 180 millimeters by 11 p.m. Friday -- with the heaviest hourly downpours expected to range from 30 to 70 millimeters.

Due to the heavy rainfall, Maijishan scenic area in Tianshui, home to the UNESCO-listed Maijishan Grottoes, has been temporarily closed to visitors since Thursday morning, according to local authorities.

China has a four-tier weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue. 
Los Angeles Angels' Zach Neto celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run in the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)

Atlanta Braves pitcher Bryce Elder delivers in the second inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)

Los Angeles Angels pitcher Jose Soriano delivers in the first inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)

Los Angeles Angels' Nolan Schanuel (18) reacts after hitting a two-run home run in the second inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)

Los Angeles Angels' Zach Neto reacts after hitting a solo home run in the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)

Los Angeles Angels' Zach Neto reacts after hitting a solo home run in the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)

Los Angeles Angels' Zach Neto celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run in the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)

Atlanta Braves pitcher Bryce Elder delivers in the second inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)

Los Angeles Angels pitcher Jose Soriano delivers in the first inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)

Los Angeles Angels' Nolan Schanuel (18) reacts after hitting a two-run home run in the second inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)

Los Angeles Angels' Zach Neto reacts after hitting a solo home run in the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)

ATLANTA (AP)  Zach Neto had three hits, including a homer, Nolan Schanuel added a two-run blast and Jose Soriano allowed only three hits in seven scoreless innings to lead the Los Angeles Angels to a 5-1 victory over the weak-hitting Atlanta Braves on Thursday night.

The Braves avoided a shutout on Jurickson Profar's ninth-inning homer off left-hander Brock Burke. It was Profar's second homer in two games since returning from an 80-game PED suspension.

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Soriano (6-5) had seven strikeouts and did not allow a baserunner to reach second base. Neto scored three runs.

Bryce Elder (2-6) gave up four runs on eight hits and three walks in five innings. Elder's third consecutive loss is a disturbing trend for a team that placed right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach on the 15-day injured list with a fractured right elbow on Wednesday.

The rotation previously lost Chris Sale (broken rib), AJ Smith-Shawver (Tommy John surgery) and Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder surgery) to injuries. Manager Brian Snitker said he may use a bullpen game Saturday in the second game of a series against Baltimore.

Key moment

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After allowing 10 runs, nine earned, and three homers in only two innings in a 13-0 loss to Philadelphia on Friday night, Elder gave up two more homers. Schanuel's two-run shot in the second drove in Neto, who doubled.

Key stats

Matt Olson's first-inning single to right field extended his streak of reaching base to 33 games, the majors' longest active streak. Jo Adell's first-inning single extended his hitting streak to 14 games, the Angels' longest this season.

Up next

The Angels open a series at Toronto on Friday night when RHP Kyle Hendricks (5-6, 4.66 ERA) faces Blue Jays LHP Eric Lauer (4-1, 2.60).

Braves right-hander Spencer Strider (3-6, 3.86) will face former Atlanta right-hander Charlie Morton (4-7, 5.63) in the home series opener against the Orioles.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  A Newington man was sentenced on Thursday for trafficking narcotic pills and violating conditions of supervised release from a previous federal conviction.

Rhode Island man 4th person arrested in April Ansonia street takeover

According to court documents, 39-year-old Kyle Petersen had been receiving suspicious packages delivered to his home in May 2023. During this time, Petersen was on supervised release from a 2017 conviction involving the trafficking of fentanyl and prescription pills.

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An authorized search found more than 400 grams of pills containing opioids. According to court documents, this investigation revealed that Petersen had received about 80 packages delivered from sources in Michigan, California and Oregon, some containing multiple pounds of marijuana.

Bridgeport man arrested after alleged shots fired incident in Ansonia

Petersen was arrested on federal criminal complaints on April 3, 2024. A search of Petersens home revealed the following:

More than a kilogram of counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine

Counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl

Counterfeit Xanax pills

A large quantity of Protonitazene

Approximately 40 grams of cocaine

$76,650 in cash

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Peterson pleaded guilty on April 2 to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute. He also agreed to the forfeiture of the cash seized from his residence, an additional $57,530 in cash seized from a bank account and a 2014 Porsche Cayenne.

Petersen was sentenced to 11 years of prison.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
California Governor Gavin Newsom will visit Trump strongholds in South Carolina next week, in a two-day trip seen by many as a prelude to a long-rumored 2028 presidential campaign.

The Democrats trip to the state, which went for Trump in 2024, will see him visit rural counties, including Pickens County, where the president won 76 percent of the vote last year.

South Carolina has been the first Democratic presidential primary on the calendar, and has a large share of Black voters, a core part of the Democratic base.

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Governor Newsom leads the largest economy in America and the fourth largest in the world, and hes coming to meet folks in towns that have been hollowed out by decades of Republican control, state Democratic party chair Christale Spain, said in a statement to The Hill on Thursday. This is about building partnerships, uplifting communities, and showing rural voters they arent forgotten.

The trip will see the governor, perhaps the countrys most prominent Democrat outside of Washington, visit settings including cafes, coffee shops, churches and the Kershaw County Council on Aging, according to an itinerary obtained by the Post and Courier newspaper.

Gavin Newsom is considered by many to be a Democratic frontrunner for the 2028 presidential nomination. He is set to visit South Carolina next week. (AP)

Newsom last visited the state in 2024 to campaign for Joe Biden.

California congressman Ro Khanna is set to visit South Carolina in the near future for an event highlighting those impacted by the Trump administrations cuts to Medicaid.

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Newsom has a long history of using national campaign-style tactics, even when hes not running for president, including participating in a 2023 debate with Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis and paying for critical TV ads in Republican states the year before.

Since Trumps return to office, however, the Democrat has shifted into a new gear, embracing a role as one of the most vocal opponents of the new administration.

In June, California sued the Trump administration over its decision to send in National Guard troops in response to anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles.

Newsom also gave a speech that month accusing the president of ushering in authoritarianism and dared federal officials to arrest him instead of conducting immigration raids against low-level offenders.

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The tactic appears to be getting attention in Washington, prompting House Speaker Mike Johnson to claim in June Newsom ought to be tarred and feathered.

In January, as wildfires ravaged Los Angeles, Trump repeatedly, and often inaccurately, alleged that California leaders environmental policies were to blame for hydrants running dry.

The following month, the president ordered officials to release billions of gallons of water from reservoirs in the state, a move largely seen as a symbolic gesture with little relation to stopping wildfires.

The fires continue to be a sticking point between Newsom and the administration, and in June, President Trump threatened to withhold disaster aid to California in response to the protests.

Elsewhere, Newsom has embraced a pugnacious style and launched a podcast this year that often features conservative guests such as activist Charlie Kirk. The project comes after 2024 Democratic campaigns were criticized for not doing more to leverage the manosphere of podcasts and influencers reaching young male voters.
The number of people injured in a large-scale Russian missile and drone attack on the city of Kyiv on the night of 3-4 July has risen to 26.

Source: Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko; State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Quote from Klitschko: "As of now, 23 people are known to have been injured in the enemy attack on the capital. Fourteen of them have been hospitalised. The others have received treatment at the scene or on an outpatient basis."

Affected high-rise building

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Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Details: The State Emergency Service wrote that a 10-year-old girl is among those injured.

Firefighter

Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

The Russians attacked civilians and civilian infrastructure, damaging residential buildings as well as educational, medical and transport facilities.

Rescue worker reaching an apartment

Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

The State Emergency Service and police officers continue working at the scenes.

Firefighter

Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Klitschko said five ambulances had been damaged during the attack while responding to calls from affected Kyiv residents.

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Damaged ambulance

Photo: Klitschko on Telegram

Quote from Klitschko: "According to the information currently available, none of the medical workers were injured."

Updated: Around noon, the SES reported that work was continuing in two districts of the capital to extinguish fires and clear out the rubble of the damaged buildings following the Russian nighttime attack.

Quote from the SES: "Canine units and robotic and engineering equipment are working at the scenes of the strikes. In total, there are over 600 emergency workers and about 170 pieces of equipment. Information about casualties is being confirmed."

Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Background:

On the night of 3-4 July, Russian forces launched a large-scale strike on Kyiv with attack UAVs and ballistic missiles. Fires and damage to residential buildings have been reported in six of the citys districts. Early reports indicate that 19 people have been injured.

Railway infrastructure was damaged in the nighttime Russian attack on Kyiv. Passenger train traffic has been partially restricted, with some services delayed by up to two hours.

Russian forces have attacked Ukraine with 550 drones and missiles since 18:00 on 3 July. Ukrainian air defence units successfully downed 478 aerial assets, but eight hits were recorded and debris fell in 33 locations. The city of Kyiv was the main target.

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Glasgow City Council has found no evidence of any data being stolen in a cyber attack that took a number of services offline in June.

The local authority also says there has been no sign of any data being leaked or misused after the incident, but advised people to remain cautious.

Technology services supplier CGI discovered malicious activity on servers managed by a third-party supplier on 19 June.

A number of online services, including paying penalty charges and reporting school absences, became unavailable due to the council taking servers offline.

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No financial systems were affected by the attack and no details of bank accounts or credit/debit cards processed by those systems were compromised.

A spokesperson for the council said: "As part of our investigation, experts are monitoring online activity and, to date, there has been no evidence of any data being leaked or misused.

"However, until forensic examinations of the affected servers are complete - and we can be confident whether any data has been stolen - we are advising anyone who has used any of the affected forms to be particularly cautious about contact claiming to be from Glasgow City Council."

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Some services, such as public freedom of information requests, can be accessed again while workarounds are being developed for other affected systems.

Police Scotland are involved in investigating the incident, along with the council, the Scottish Cyber Co-ordination Centre and the National Cyber Security Centre.

A number of Scottish public bodies have been hit by cyber attacks in recent months, including a ransomware group targeting NHS Dumfries and Galloway last year which saw stolen files published online.
Education officials say Pakistan's Punjab province has not banned male professors from teaching female students in universities, as claimed in posts stating the decision was made by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Public universities in the province have also made no announcements about such a policy.

"Maryam Nawaz's historic decision," reads an Urdu-language Facebook post shared on May 19, 2025, referring to the chief minister of Punjab -- Pakistan's most populous province.

"Decision to remove male professors from female class and appoint female professors from June 1st."

Similar claims have circulated since February in similar TikTok, Facebook and X posts.

"Mashallah (God has willed it). This is wonderful news," read a comment on one of the posts. Another said, "Great decision."

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Education officials, however, refuted the claim.

"No such decision has been taken. Anything circulating regarding this are rumours only," said Noor ul Huda, a public relations officer for Punjab Minister of School and Higher Education Rana Sikandar Hayat, on July 1.

Mukhtar Ahmed, chairman of the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, also told AFP on July 3 there was "no official legal notification" about preventing male professors from teaching female students.

Pakistan has no government policy of segregation by gender, but in the past some institutions have independently ordered male and female students to be kept apart (archived link).

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"In women-only institutes priority may be initially given to female professors for teaching students however in many instances that's not possible -- male faculty are employed," Ahmed said.

Checks on the websites and social media pages of Punjab public universities, including the University of the Punjab and Government College University Faisalabad, found no such policy had been announced (archived here and here).

The same claim was also previously debunked by local fact-checking organisation Geo Fact Check (archived link).
Within hours of the Miami City Commission approving a controversial measure to postpone the upcoming November election to 2026 in order to move the city to even-year elections, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez had already signed the legislation into law.

Suarez does not have a vote on the City Commission, nor is he required to sign commission legislation, which automatically goes into effect within 10 days if its not signed or vetoed by the mayor.

But a copy of the legislation obtained by the Miami Herald shows that Suarez signed the document on June 26  the same day as the City Commission meeting.

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Suarez did not respond to questions asking why he opted to sign the legislation. But his decision to do so tracks with Miami Herald reporting that the mayor had been quietly lobbying behind the scenes in favor of the legislation, which was sponsored by Commissioner Damian Pardo.

Pardo has argued that the change is a reform measure and that by moving the city to even-year elections, voter turnout will increase drastically while also decreasing election costs. But a side effect of the change is that it gives city commissioners and the mayor  who is termed out at the end of the year  an extra year in office.

Commissioner Joe Carollo, a Pardo adversary who voted against the election date change, alleged that Suarezs involvement went beyond simply lobbying for Pardos legislation.

Theres been a tremendous amount of backroom dealing on this whole thing, led by the mayor of the city, Carollo said. Its not just that he was backing it, it was his idea originally  he got Pardo to play lapdog  to present the ordinance for him.

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Pardo has denied that, saying the idea originated with him.

Moving the election without voter approval has been a source of controversy in recent weeks, drawing condemnation from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Attorney General James Uthmeier.

The citizens of Miami deserve and are entitled to the right to make this decision, directly, Uthmeier said in a June 25 letter to the city. Home to thousands of patriotic Cuban Americans who know better than most about regimes that cavalierly delay elections and prolong their terms in power, the City of Miami owes to its citizens what the law requires.

Uthmeier concluded his letter with a warning.

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If you nevertheless move forward with the proposed ordinance, he wrote, my office reserves the right to consider taking all available actions to prevent this violation of law from occurring.

The state has not yet announced any formal action against the city.
One of Iran's most prominent human rights advocates is warning that the Iranian government is using the aftermath of its 12-day war with Israel to escalate repression against its own citizens -- particularly political and civil activists.

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi, in a video message to ABC News, warned that a surge in executions and widespread arrests since the war began shows that the regime is using the moment to deflect from decades of alleged repression and failed policy, with the aim to "spread fear and terror."

"We are now witnessing the intensification of the war between the Islamic Republic and the people of Iran -- a war that's been going on for 46 years," Mohammadi said.

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MORE: Iran crackdown deepens with speedy executions and arrests

While Iranian authorities have publicly celebrated what they call a "victory" over Israel, Mohammadi rejects that claim.

"I simply don't believe this," she said. "War weakens the very tools needed to achieve human rights and democracy -- like civil society. I believe that with the Islamic Republic still in power after this war, our work and our fight have now become even more difficult."

She warned that the regime, "now weakened," has tightened its grip on civil liberties, turning on alleged traitors from within.

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Iranian authorities, while acknowledging damage to parts of their nuclear facilities and infrastructure, insist they remain strong and unified. State-affiliated media have framed the recent wave of arrests and executions as necessary measures to protect national security, alleging infiltration and espionage linked to Israel's Mossad intelligence agency.

ABC News - PHOTO: Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi is seen in this image from a video message to ABC News.

Mohammadi spoke from her home in Tehran, where she is defying a government order to return to Iran's notorious Evin Prison following urgent, life-saving surgery. Mohammadi, who is serving a 13-year, 9-month sentence, was granted a medical furlough from the prison, where many of the country's dissidents and political prisoners are held.

She and other activists have expressed particular concern over the condition and fate of Evin's prisoners following Israel's June 23 missile strike on the facility. According to Iran's judiciary spokesperson, at least 71 people were killed in the strike, which the United Nations Human Rights Office condemned as a "gross violation" of international law. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel hit "regime targets and agencies of government repression" across Tehran, including Evin.

While Mohammadi also condemned the strike, she warned that what has followed may pose an even greater human rights threat.

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Mohammadi, who was on furlough at the time of the attack, told ABC News she has spoken extensively with prisoners and their families.

"After the attack, the situation inside Evin became extremely securitized," said Mohammadi, who all told has been handed more than 36 years of prison time on multiple charges including committing propaganda activity against the state and collusion against state security" -- vaguely defined national security offenses commonly used by authorities to criminalize peaceful dissent.

"Prisoner transfers are now happening under heavily militarized conditions." Mohammadi said, "with full sniper coverage [and prisoners] shackled with both handcuffs and leg irons."

Mostafa Roudaki/mizanonline/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: In this picture obtained from the Iranian Mizan News Agency on June 25, 2025, rescuers sift through the rubble inside in the Evin prison complex in Tehran, Iran, that was by an Israeli strike.

Following days of uncertainty, Iran's Prisons Organization announced that detainees had been transferred to other prisons across Tehran Province. State media reported that many were moved to facilities including Qarchak Prison and Greater Tehran Prison.

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"The situation inside both prisons is extremely worrying," Mohammadi said, describing the transferred inmates as "war-affected detainees" now subjected to what she called "severe repression."

A source close to the families of several political prisoners, who asked that their name not be used due to fear of reprisals, told ABC News that conditions in Qarchak Prison are "unbearable" and "akin to torture," citing overcrowding, a lack of food and drinking water, poor sanitation, and insufficient access to basic necessities.

Three political prisoners -- Golrokh Iraee, Reyhaneh Ansari and Varisheh Moradi -- issued a joint statement from Qarchak Prison, saying, "We do not consider today's suffering of our own to be greater than the suffering imposed on the people of Iran."

Mohammadi told ABC News that she is calling for renewed international scrutiny of Iran's treatment of its own citizens.

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MORE: 71 killed in Israeli attack on Iran prison, official says

"I believe our situation has become even more dangerous for the people than it was before the war, and we must expand our human rights activities," she said. "I hope international human rights organizations will refocus their special and particular attention on the repressions now being carried out in Iran after the war -- including the issue of arrests, prisons, torture, forced confessions, and then the executions."

Mohammadi also warned that based on "clear evidence and reports," she expects that the government's crackdown on civil society, particularly young people and activists, is likely to "become even more severe" in the coming days.

Despite the regime's efforts to silence dissent, Mohammadi said she remains committed to her activism, even as pressure mounts on her, her family, and friends. A member of her support team told ABC News that she has received repeated phone calls demanding her return to prison, and that intelligence agents have summoned, interrogated, and harassed her friends and family in what appears to be an effort to isolate her.

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Her team also says Iranian financial authorities issued an official order to seize Mohammadi's Nobel Peace Prize award money -- 17 billion toman or approximately USD $400,000 -- echoing a similar tactic used against fellow Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi in 2009.

"I want to see an end to the Islamic Republic -- a repressive, theocratic, and authoritarian system that is misogynistic, unreformable, and fundamentally dysfunctional," Mohammadi's said. "But I am against war -- because it drains the strength and capacity of the Iranian people, civil society, and pro-democracy activists."

Still, she remains hopeful.

"For decades, we've been fighting for freedom, democracy, and equality -- enduring repression, imprisonment, executions, and torture. But we've never backed down," she said. "Until the day democracy is achieved -- I will not stop."
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Fishing with Veterans continues to make an impact in the West Michigan community as it prepares for another event.

The nonprofit is returning to host the American Veterans Traveling Tribute Wall at Yacht Basin Marina in Holland from July 10 to 12. The event is free and open to the public.

Traci Sylte and her husband founded the organization with the idea of honoring local veterans with a simple activity.

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About 10 years ago, my husband and I were talking about, How do we do something to give back to our veterans? And my husband was an avid fisherman before we started dating, so we were like, Lets come up with a fishing event, and thats how it got started, Sylte said.

Vern Machiele, a Korean War veteran, is thrilled that the organization was created.

Its the best thing that ever happened, he said. I enjoy it very much. I think I went three years. Last year, I couldnt go because I broke a rib and they didnt think I should go, he said.

World War II veteran Stephen Scott said that it is good to reconnect with other veterans and share experiences.

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We talk about the different times that we went, he said. The different crews, different people and things like this.

In addition to the tribute wall, a parade is being held 3 p.m. July 9 heading down Ottawa Beach Road to celebrate veterans.

Sylte said that the organization means even more to her when she sees veterans interact with one another.

Its so important to us to give back to our veterans for everything they sacrificed for us, all the freedoms that we enjoy every day that a lot of people take advantage or take for granted maybe, she said. Its just our way to totally focus on veterans and say thank you and just get to know them better and let them have an outlet. They get together and its a brotherhood, that, once I witnessed it, it totally made the impact of this event much more meaningful to me and drives me every year to make it bigger and better.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
How do you deal with whats going on in our state and national affairs?

Lately, I hear this question more than ever  and for good reason. As an elected representative, I dont have the luxury of sitting on the sidelines. I was elected to lead, and in these deeply troubling times, that responsibility weighs heavier than ever.

But I do not shy away from it.

We are facing a relentless wave of challenges  many of which threaten the very foundation of our democracy and the values we hold dear. I didnt run for office to be a bystander. I ran to serve, to protect and to speak up when it matters most.

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Right now, it matters.

Opinion: NASA pumps millions into TN's economy. Trumps cuts pose an existential threat

Ive always been more comfortable focusing on policy and governance, working behind the scenes to get things done. But this moment demands more. It demands that we raise our voices, draw clear lines and stand firm in the face of injustice.

The so-called new normal under the Trump administration is anything but normal, and we must not accept it as such.

Tennesseans have an obligation to stay engaged and speak out

Last year, I attended an event with author and civic educator Sharon McMahon. Her ability to cut through the noise and speak truth with clarity and compassion has stayed with me. Recently, I watched her speak about the ICE raids, and her words hit hard. She reminded us that due process is not optional  its a constitutional right. When our federal government begins to mirror the tactics of authoritarian regimes, we must sound the alarm.

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Let me be clear: I support the enforcement of our immigration laws. Criminals who are here illegally should be removed swiftly and lawfully. But what were seeing now goes far beyond that. We are witnessing fear-based tactics targeting entire communities  tactics that are not only cruel, but dangerous.

Opinion: Trump deployed the military to ICE protests, but I believe America will prevail

When a caretaker in Middle Tennessee is too afraid to call 911 for a struggling infant, and that child dies, we are all complicit if we stay silent.

And lets not ignore the political theater. Mayor OConnell has been unfairly vilified by U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, and others who would rather score points than serve the people. The mayor has led with integrity and in the best interest of all Nashvillians. I stand with him on this issue.

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Whether its ICE raids, the looming threat of war or the outrage of the day, I stay focused on what I can control: serving my constituents in Tennessee's District 59 with integrity, courage and clarity.

I'm not giving up. Neither should you.

I was inspired by the turnout at recent rallies and the passion of those who showed up. That energy is powerful  and necessary.

I dont take raising such heavy issues lightly, but these are not ordinary times. These are defining moments. And they require all of us to be vigilant, vocal and unrelenting in our pursuit of justice and truth.

My promise to you is this: I will not back down. I will continue to fight for whats right  both in public and behind the scenes. And my advice to you is simple: Stay informed, stay engaged and never be afraid to speak out.

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Your voice matters. Your actions matter. Our democracy depends on it.

Im not giving up  and neither should you.

Caleb Hemmer

State Rep. Caleb Hemmer, D-Nashville, represents District 59 (part of Davidson County) in the Tennessee General Assembly and is the Chairman of the Davidson County Legislative Delegation.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Trump wants you to accept his new normal. Don't do it | Opinion
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul jointly meet the press in Berlin, Germany, July 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

BERLIN, July 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that China has consistently advocated for peace talks to solve the Ukraine crisis and welcomes the efforts of all parties to reach a comprehensive, lasting, and binding peace agreement.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks at a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Berlin.

Wang said China's position on the Ukraine crisis has been open and consistent, which includes to insist on peace talks, not to provide lethal weapons to the parties in the conflict, and to control the export of (civilian/military) dual-use items, including drones strictly.

China has not only fulfilled its international responsibilities, but also initiated the "Friends of Peace" group with Brazil and other Global South countries at the United Nations, mobilizing greater efforts for ceasefire and ending the conflict, Wang said, adding that China's objective and fair position has been widely recognized by the international community.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has repeatedly indicated that there is no simple solution to complex problems, Wang noted, emphasizing that although there are still major differences in the positions of the parties concerned, it is better to talk than to fight.

The history of Europe over the past centuries has proved that no matter how complex and difficult the situation is, the door to peace and reconciliation should not be closed, Wang said.

China welcomes all parties to play a constructive role in promoting the conclusion of a comprehensive, lasting and binding peace agreement, building a balanced, effective and sustainable European security architecture, and achieving enduring peace and stability in Europe at an early date, Wang added. 
North Korean officials accused the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) of running "an absurd smear campaign" after announcing that it had unraveled several schemes by the Democratic Peoples Republic of North Korea (DPRK) to fund the regime through remote information technology work for U.S. companies.

Earlier this week, the Doj said North Korean actors were helped by individuals in the U.S., China, the United Emirates and Taiwan to obtain employment with over 100 U.S. companies, including Fortune 500 companies.

The scheme allegedly involved the workers getting laptops from the companies that hired them and allowing remote North Korean IT workers to remotely access the computers. In another scheme, North Korean IT workers used false identities to gain employment with a blockchain research and development company in Atlanta, Georgia, and steal over $900,000 in virtual currency.

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As part of its announcement about the North Korean scheme, the DOJ unsealed a five-count indictment against Zhenxing Wang, a U.S. national living in New Jersey, who has since been arrested.

Feds Bust Armenian Fraud Ring Accused Of Stealing $30M In Covid, Small Business Loans

Wang and his co-conspirators, the DOJ said, obtained remote IT work with U.S. companies and generated over $5 million in revenue.

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Also charged in the indictment are Chinese nationals Jing Bin Huang, Baoyu Zhou, Tong Yuze, Yongzhe Xu, Ziyou Yuan and Zhenbang Zhou. Taiwanese nationals Mengting Liu and Enchia Liu were also charged in the indictment.

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Also indicted was U.S. national Kejia "Tony" Wang, also of New Jersey, who was charged separately.

North Korean news agency KCNA reported that a spokesperson for the DPRK Foreign Ministry lambasted the U.S. judicial system for its actions against DPRK citizens on the suspicion of a cybercrime.

Foreign Nationals Charged Amid Trump Visa Crackdown For Scheme To Smuggle Us Military Equipment Into China

The U.S. unraveled a complex scheme involving North Korean IT workers who remotely accessed computers from fake hires in the U.S. to steal money to fund the DPRK.

"The recent incident is an absurd smear campaign and grave violation of sovereignty aimed at tarnishing the image of our state as it is a continuation of the hostile move of the successive U.S. administrations that have talked much about the non-existent cyber threat from the DPRK," the spokesperson reportedly said. "The Foreign Ministry of the DPRK expresses serious concern over the U.S. judicial authorities' provocation which is threatening and encroaching on the security, rights and interests of our citizens by fabricating the groundless cyber drama, and strongly denounces and rejects it."

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The spokesperson accused the U.S. of creating "international cyberspace instability," and not the DPRK.

"The U.S. has long been posing a constant threat to the cybersecurity of the DPRK and other sovereign states by making cyber space a scene of battle and abusing the cyber issue as a political weapon to tarnish the image of other countries and impair the exercise of their legitimate rights," the spokesperson said.

"The Democratic People's Republic of Korea has the right to take a proper and proportionate countermeasure to thoroughly protect the security and rights of its citizens from the judicial enforcement for a sinister political purpose, and to call to strict legal account the outsiders who took malicious action," the spokesperson concluded.

The DOJ said the indictment alleges that from 2021 and through most of 2024, the defendants and other co-conspirators compromised the identities of over 80 people in the U.S. to obtain remote jobs at more than 100 companies. As a result, the victim companies incurred legal fees, computer network remediation costs and other damages and losses to the tune of at least $3 million.

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North Korean It Workers Infiltrated Fortune 500 Companies In Massive Fraud Scheme

The Department of Justice unveiled multiple schemes by North Korean IT specialists, targeting U.S. companies.

Kejia and Zhenxing, along with at least four other U.S. facilitators, allegedly helped overseas IT workers with various parts of the scheme.

Kejia and Zhenxing allegedly established shell companies with websites and financial accounts to make it appear as though the overseas IT workers were affiliated with legitimate businesses in the U.S. Once established, the two allegedly received money from U.S. companies, and the funds were transferred to co-conspirators overseas.

In exchange for their services, Kejia, Zhenxing and the other four conspirators in the U.S. received at least $696,000 from the IT workers.

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The DOJ said one of the companies the schemers allegedly accessed data from was a defense contractor that develops artificial intelligence-powered equipment and technology. By accessing the companys data, the schemers were privy to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), the DOJ said.

Two Chinese Nationals Arrested For Spying On Us Navy Personnel And Bases

The DOJ also announced that the FBI and Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) seized 17 web domains used as part of the scheme, along with 29 financial accounts holding tens of thousands of dollars, used to launder revenue for the North Korean regime.

The DOJ unveiled another part of the scheme, which resulted in a five-count wire fraud and money laundering indictment against four North Korean nationals: Kim Kwang Jin, Kang Tae Bok, Jong Pong Ju and Change Nam II.

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The suspects are accused of scheming to steal virtual currency from two companies, with a value of over $900,000 at the time of the thefts, and to launder the proceeds.

All four nationals, the DOJ said, are at large and wanted by the FBI.





Original article source: North Korea lashes out after Trump DOJ exposes massive IT infiltration scheme
A North Korean civilian voluntarily crossed the heavily mined land border between the two countries, aided by the South's military in a delicate 20-hour operation, Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff said Friday.

Tens of thousands of North Koreans have fled to South Korea since the peninsula was divided by war in the 1950s, with most going overland to neighbouring China first, then entering a third country such as Thailand before finally making it to the South.

Defections across the land border that divides the peninsula are relatively rare, as the area is densely forested, heavily mined and monitored by soldiers on both sides.

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The North Korean man was first detected by a South Korean military surveillance device sometime between 3:00 and 4:00 am Thursday (1800 to 1900 GMT) near a shallow stream inside the DMZ, the Joint Chiefs of Staff said.

The man stayed mostly still during the day and was sometimes hard to track due to the lush forest in the area, the JCS said, but South Korea's military approached him that night.

"The military identified the individual near the MDL, conducted tracking and surveillance," the JCS said in a statement, referring to the Military Demarcation Line, the de facto border.

The MDL runs through the middle of the Demilitarized Zone -- the border area separating the two Koreas, which is one of the most heavily mined places on earth.

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Seoul's military then "successfully carried out a standard guiding operation to secure custody," the JCS said.

The mission involved a considerable number of South Korean troops, the JCS said, and took place in an area difficult to navigate due to dense vegetation and landmine risks.

When the man first noticed the approaching South Korean troops, he asked: "Who are you?" according to the JCS.

The soldiers responded: "We are the South Korean military. We'll guide you to safety."

Upon hearing this, the man crossed the MDL and joined the troops, who then escorted him south out of the DMZ.

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The operation took about 20 hours, according to Seoul.

- Bold, risky move -

The JCS said "relevant authorities" will investigate the detailed circumstances of the incident.

North Koreans are typically handed over to Seoul's intelligence agency for screening when they arrive in the South.

Ahn Chan-il, a defector-turned-researcher who runs the World Institute for North Korea Studies, said the man is likely a farmer who had been working near the DMZ.

If so, the man could have sensed the conciliatory mood between the two Koreas, Ahn said, as loudspeaker broadcasts from both sides -- K-pop and international news from the South, and eerie, unsettling sounds from the North -- have recently ceased.

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"The lush summer vegetation within the DMZ likely offered the best cover for a high-risk escape," he told AFP.

"Crossing the DMZ is an extremely dangerous act due to the presence of unmarked mines. It was a bold, risky move -- and in this case, somehow, with a lot of luck, he succeeded."

The incident comes after a North Korean soldier defected to the South by crossing the MDL in August last year.

Also last year, another North Korean defected to the South across the de facto border in the Yellow Sea, arriving on Gyodong island off the peninsula's west coast near the border between the Koreas.

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The number of successful escapes by North Korean defectors dropped significantly from 2020 after the North sealed its borders -- purportedly with shoot-on-sight orders along the land frontier with China -- to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

No unusual activities by the North Korean military have been detected, the JCS said Friday.

South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung, who took office last month, has vowed a more dovish approach towards Pyongyang compared with his hawkish predecessor Yoon Suk Yeol.

"Politics and diplomacy must be handled without emotion and approached with reason and logic," Lee said Thursday.

"Completely cutting off dialogue is really a foolish thing to do."

cdl/ceb/jfx
The Brief

Brian Tarrence, 51, of New York, who has siblings in North Texas, has been missing in Turks and Caicos since June 25, just three days into his vacation.

He was last seen on surveillance video leaving his hotel in Grace Bay between 3 a.m. and 4:30 a.m., wearing a t-shirt, shorts, and sneakers.

While police have expanded their search and do not suspect foul play, the reason for Tarrence leaving his room in the middle of the night remains unknown.

A missing man has siblings who live here in North Texas. His brother, from Plano, traveled to Turks and Caicos to help with the search.

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The family hired a private investigator who is on the ground and that private investigator is working alongside the United States Embassy to get any answers and hopefully find Brian Tarrence.

What we know

Tarrence vanished just three days into his tropical vacation. A man with North Texas ties has now been missing in Turks and Caicos for more than a week.

51-year-old Brian Tarrence of New York was last seen leaving the Paradise Inn at Grace Bay between 3 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. on June 25.

According to the missing persons flyer from the royal Turks and Caicos Islands police force.

Police in Turks and Caicos released a video on Thursday, saying the search area is expanding with a full-scale investigation still underway.

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"The Royal Turks and Caicos police force has carried out daily search operations," said Assistant Commissioner of the Royal Turks and Caicos Island Police Department, Dwight Gardiner.

Search operations include drone surveillance and CCTV footage.

Dig deeper

Tarrence's family hired a private investigator who obtained this surveillance video of Tarrence walking out of the condo and into what he describes as a safe part of town.

Tarrence was last seen wearing a t-shirt, shorts and sneakers. His wife says she was asleep and when she woke up, he was gone.

As of Thursday, the police do not believe there are any signs of foul play but are still asking just why Brian Tarrence would leave his room in the middle of the night.

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"At this time, we have no have information that Mr. Tarrence has been harmed. We are intensifying our efforts accordingly," said Superintendent of police, Grantley Williams.

What's next

The hired private investigator tells FOX 4s Peyton Yager that Tarrence left with his phone but hasn't seen any activity on Tarrences credit cards.

Investigators are still trying to pull his phone records.

The Source

Information in this article was provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Island Police Department.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  People up and down the East Coast are mourning the loss of a congressional intern who died after a triple shooting in the District this week.

The shooting happened Monday night near the intersection of 7th and M streets. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officials said two others were hurt and 21-year-old Eric Tarpinian-Jachym was killed. He was working for a House member from Kansas.

DMV leaders have mixed reactions to Trumps Big, Beautiful Bill passing House

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Antonio Maddox Sr. lives near where the shooting took place. He said he was sitting on his porch Monday night, as he does most night,s when an argument started between two men on 7th St. NW.

One came from that way and one came from that way, and they met right there, and they said, Hey, man. What we gonna do? Maddox said.

He said both men pulled out guns.

Then the shooting started in a series,Maddox said. One of them got empty, but the shooting kept going.

Maddox dove out of his wheelchair.

So, Im like, Okay, are yall out of bullets yet so I can get up off this concrete? he said

Maddox said the men then left the area.

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Tarpainian-Jachym died as a result. The University of Massachusetts-Amherst student was interning in Republican Congressman Ron Estes office.

Our Major Crimes Division Unit detectives are really doing some great work in making sure that we can bring this case to a close, MPD Chief Pamela Smith said.

Many Northwest DC neighbors are saddened by the news.

I feel sorry for him and his family, Tina Collier said. I send my condolences to them. Thats a tragedy. Hes only 21. He hadnt even had a chance to live his life.

Boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. arrested by federal agents in Studio City

Maddox was also saddened by the young interns death.

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He just happened to be in the wrong place, at the wrong time. Im sorry for him and his family, he said.

Rep. Estes released a statement in response to the deadly shooting.

I will remember his kind heart and how he always greeted anyone who entered our office with a cheerful smile. 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. U.S. Rep. Ron Estes

DC News Now received a statement from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, remembering Tarpainian-Jachym.

The university has learned of a students death in Washington, D.C. and is in communication with the students family. We extend our deepest condolences to all who knew him and will be communicating with the campus shortly to offer support. University of Massachusetts-Amherst

As of Thursday afternoon, MPD is still searching for the people responsible for the deadly shooting.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police.

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Jul. 3WASHINGTON  Northwest Republicans helped the House pass President Donald Trump's signature tax-and-spending legislation on Thursday, as nearly all GOP lawmakers backed the massive bill even as many of them said they disliked parts of it.

Rep. Dan Newhouse of central Washington and Rep. Russ Fulcher, who represents North Idaho, were among the Republican holdouts who delayed a key procedural vote until the early hours of Thursday morning. But despite voicing concerns about the bill a day earlier, the congressmen joined all but two of their GOP colleagues to pass the bill in the afternoon, narrowly overcoming universal opposition from Democrats. Had just two more of the House's 220 Republicans opposed the bill, they could have stalled it to force changes.

"At the start of this Congress, we made a commitment to reduce government spending, keep taxes low for hard-working Americans, and make reforms to federal assistance programs to ensure their long-term sustainability," Newhouse said in a statement after voting. "This is by no means a perfect bill, but it delivers on our commitment while benefiting farmers, families, and small business owners across central Washington."

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The "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" extends the sweeping tax cuts Republicans passed during Trump's first term in 2017, cuts other taxes temporarily, boosts spending on the military and immigration enforcement and cuts spending on health care and food assistance for low-income Americans, people with disabilities, pregnant women and young children. It pairs $4.8 trillion in new costs with just $1.4 trillion in spending cuts, adding $3.4 trillion to the national debt over 10 years, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

Newhouse was part of a small group of GOP moderates that met with Trump, Vice President JD Vance and other officials at the White House on Wednesday morning. Later that day, he told The Spokesman-Review he had brought up his concerns with the bill cutting roughly $1 trillion over a decade from Medicaid.

Newhouse pledged that he would "make sure that what we do is not going to negatively impact my district, particularly, and the state of Washington." His constituents rely more heavily on Washington state's Medicaid program, called Apple Health, than people in any other congressional district.

The GOP bill aims to cut Medicaid spending by imposing new work-reporting requirements that would deny coverage to able-bodied adults who don't file monthly paperwork to prove they are working. Critics of that approach, including Republican state lawmakers in Olympia, have warned that eligible patients could lose their health insurance coverage due to confusing bureaucracy, and that cutting Medicaid funding will force hospitals to reduce their services or even close, especially in rural areas.

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In the statement explaining his vote, Newhouse said Republicans "are protecting Medicaid" and a food assistance program the bill also cuts "for those who truly need it," touting a $50 billion fund for rural hospitals. That fund would make grants available to subsidize hospitals at risk of closure, rather than simply paying for Americans to receive health care at those hospitals. Newhouse also pledged to use his role on the House Appropriations Committee, which directs federal spending, to protect rural hospitals.

Fulcher, a member of the hardline House Freedom Caucus, was among a group of fiscal conservatives that were unhappy that the bill doesn't pay for itself and would add an estimated $3.4 trillion in net deficits to the national debt over 10 years. After House Republicans passed the bill in May, their Senate counterparts made changes to increase cuts to Medicaid spending yet still raised the total cost of the bill.

"Today, I voted to deliver what effectively will result in the single-largest tax cut in American history for the American People, and to bolster border and military resources to keep our communities safe," Fulcher said in a statement. "While I believe there are additional provisions that should have been included in the final bill, this legislation delivers significant wins for hard-working families, codifying key aspects of President Trump's policy agenda into law."

Most Americans won't see a significant tax cut from the bill, which largely maintains taxes at their current level. New tax cuts, including one for tipped wages that Trump made a central part of his campaign platform, were pared down in the final version of the bill and may not apply to all workers who earn tips.

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To skirt congressional rules designed to prevent Congress from increasing the debt, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo of Idaho and other GOP leaders used what critics called an accounting gimmick to make most of the $4.5 trillion in tax cuts  the same tax cuts Fulcher called the largest in American history  appear to cost nothing at all.

After the House passed its version of the bill, Senate Republicans made numerous changes, including reducing an increase to the child tax credit from $500 to $200. But despite Trump floating the idea of letting tax cuts on the wealthiest Americans expire, GOP senators dismissed that suggestion and preserved the tax cuts for the highest income bracket, choosing instead to cut more spending from Medicaid.

With just a few exceptions  including Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who opposed his party's bill while announcing he wouldn't run for re-election  Republicans who publicly objected to the Medicaid cuts ended up voting for the bill without getting any major concessions. In a speech on the Senate floor on Sunday, Tillis referred to Trump's repeated promise that the bill would only target fraud in the Medicaid program.

"It is inescapable this bill will betray the promise Donald Trump made," Tillis said. "I'm telling the president that you have been misinformed. You supporting the Senate mark will hurt people who are eligible and qualified for Medicaid."

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Rep. Michael Baumgartner, R-Spokane, argued that the cuts to Medicaid represent a first step toward what would ultimately need to be a bipartisan effort to reform the country's entitlement programs  including Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security  before the trust funds that support them run out of money.

In a statement after he voted for the bill, Baumgartner repeated a line he has frequently used to describe the bill, saying it "isn't a silver bullet" but is "a bold, serious step toward getting our economy back on track and restoring real accountability in Washington, D.C."

"Hard-working Americans deserve a government that rewards work, drives growth, and knows when to get out of the way," he said. "The One Big Beautiful Bill does just that  keeping more money where it belongs: in the pockets of working families. It locks in the Trump Tax Cuts, supports small businesses, secures our southern border, and invests in rural health care and energy independence."

The investment in rural health care Baumgartner mentioned, the $50 billion fund meant to patch holes left by the Medicaid cuts, was added to the Senate bill to win the support of Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, one of the final Republican holdouts in the upper chamber. She secured a handful of other changes, including exemptions for Native Americans and Alaska Natives from the work-reporting requirements for Medicaid and food assistance.

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After casting the decisive vote to pass the legislation in the Senate on Tuesday, Murkowski called it "a bad bill" in a lengthy statement.

"Let's not kid ourselves," Murkowski said. "This has been an awful process  a frantic rush to meet an artificial deadline that has tested every limit of this institution. While we have worked to improve the present bill for Alaska, it is not good enough for the rest of our nation  and we all know it. My sincere hope is that this is not the final product. This bill needs more work across chambers and is not ready for the President's desk. We need to work together to get this right."

It was the final product, and the bill heads to Trump's desk just before that artificial deadline, the nation's 249th birthday.

Orion Donovan Smith's work is funded in part by members of the Spokane community via the Community Journalism and Civic Engagement Fund. This story can be republished by other organizations for free under a Creative Commons license. For more information on this, please contact our newspaper's managing editor.
TOWN OF OXFORD (WIVT/WBGH)  A Norwich man is facing homicide charges following an alleged drunk driving fatality.

New York State Police charged 52-year-old Lawrence Slater with aggravated vehicular homicide, manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, and aggravated driving while intoxicated.

On April 12th, Slater was driving on Route 12 in the Town of Oxford, when he crashed head on into another vehicle driven by 62 year-old Steven Biviano.

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Biviano died at the scene. Police say Slater had a blood alcohol content of point 18, more than double the legal limit.

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Lt. Col. Daniel Nosse has assumed command of the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant, a news release says.

Lt. Col. Daniel Nosse, (Courtney Maxson, Joint Munitions Command)

On Thursday, he accepted the responsibilities during a change of command ceremony, which was held at the installation. Col. Fran Taylor, commander of the Crane Army Ammunition Center, served as the presiding official for the event.

Nosse, who succeeds Lt. Col. John Dunlapp, brings a strong commitment to ensuring IAAAPs continued success in ammunition production and support for the Joint Force. IAAAP is the center of excellence for medium- and large-caliber munitions design and production for the warfighter.

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Lt. Col. Nosse has my trust and confidence, Taylor said. I am confident that he will move this organization forward successfully and will deal handily with new challenges and obstacles as they may arise. He understands the needs of the warfighter and what is done at IAAAP directly  and greatly  impacts the Army mission on a daily basis.

Nosses previous assignment was as Chief, J4 Directors Action Group and the Information, Intelligence, and Innovation Office, U.S. European Command, Stuttgart, Germany. In May 2007, he was commissioned as a Transportation Officer from the Army ROTC program at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. Nosse holds a Master of Science in business with a focus in supply chain management and logistics, and a Bachelor of Science in industrial and technology management from the University of Kansas in Lawrence.

Lt. Col. Daniel Nosse (left), the incoming commander for the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant, receives the command colors from Col. Franyate Taylor, Crane Army Ammunition Activitys commander, during a change of command ceremony on July 2. (Courtney

Maxson, Joint Munitions Command)

My recent experience in Europe, shaped by the Ukraine crisis, highlights the critical role the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant plays in equipping our U.S. forces and strengthening our allies and partners, Nosse said. The dedication of this community is truly impressive. I am grateful to be part of this team and community.

IAAAP, a subordinate installation of JMC, develops adaptable and scalable facilities and

infrastructure within a safe, secure, modern, and process-driven industrial core that

utilizes innovative technologies.

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JMC provides the Joint Force with ready, reliable, and lethal munitions at the speed of war, sustaining global readiness. JMC is the logistics integrator for life-cycle management of ammunition and provides a global presence of technical support to combat units wherever they are stationed or deployed.





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Dr. Michelle Harkins has led several studies funded by the National Institutes of Health, and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute on asthma, COVID and Long COVID. (Courtesy photo)

One of the biggest misconceptions about COVID-19 is that the pandemic is over, said Dr. Michelle Harkins, a physician and clinical researcher at the University of New Mexico.

Well, its not over, Harkins told Source NM in an interview this week. The pandemic is smoldering. There are still people that are getting sick. You can still get COVID. Theres still a significant burden of Long COVID that were going to have to address.

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The most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention national early indicators, updated on July 30, show that 3% of tests for COVID are coming back positive, and 0.4% of patients in emergency rooms have the infection.

Harkins works as co-medical director of the Post-COVID Primary Care TeleECHO program, which is meant to help primary care providers recognize and diagnose Long COVID, a chronic condition defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as an illness that follows a SARS-CoV-2 infection and is present for at least three months. Long COVID includes a variety of symptoms, including respiratory, neurological and digestive ones.

Harkins also is the division chief at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Centers Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine. UNM on June 24 promoted Harkins and four others to distinguished professors, after UNM HSC Internal Medicine Department Chair Mark Unruh nominated her.

Ive just been afforded a lot of opportunity here and a lot of great support from my colleagues and my mentors, and I just love my job, Harkins said. It is an incredible honor.

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Harkins said theres a lot of misinformation that claims people no longer need to receive vaccines or wear masks. In fact, vaccination is protective against severe sickness and Long COVID, she said.

I personally still wear a mask when Im on a plane and in the airports, because I dont want to get sick, and I dont want to bring it home to a family member, or ruin a trip that Im supposed to go on because I have COVID, Harkins said.

While no therapies currently exist for Long COVID, Harkins told Source NM that she advises doctors to talk to their patients, believe them and work with them to figure out their goals as we wait to understand what treatments will help.

Long COVID is not one-size-fits-all, she said. We know its a huge burden to patients, and patients need answers. No one was listening to them. People were gaslighting them, and its real.

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Her co-director Dr. Alisha Parada runs the only Long COVID clinic in New Mexico, where Harkins follows up with patients in her research.

Whats needed are multidisciplinary clinics to address the myriad of symptom complexes that Long COVID patients face, Harkins testified before Congress in January 2024.

A Long COVID patient might come to a multidisciplinary clinic and need to see a neurologist, a cardiologist, and an internist, all for the same diagnosis of Long Covid, Harkins told the U.S. Senate HELP Committee.

Earlier in the pandemic, Harkins started a different Project ECHO training program for doctors to treat patients hospitalized with acute COVID-19. She turned her focus to a Long COVID clinic for primary care providers when she received new funding.

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She led clinical trials for acute COVID treatments, including those that established the effectiveness of antiviral remdesivir and anti-inflammatory baricitinib.

Those led Harkins and her team to become involved in the National Institutes of Healths RECOVER study, which is due to end in October. She and her colleagues have been observing 148 adult patients as part of that study.

Harkins said her team has finished a clinical trial for the oral antiviral Paxlovid, and are currently running two other trials, RECOVER-ENERGIZE Post-Exertional Malaise and RECOVER-SLEEP Complex Sleep Disturbances.

In August, Harkins, Parada and UNM nurse practitioner Debora Bear will join leading Long COVID and other infection-associated chronic condition researchers at a conference in Santa Fe, where they will meet others who manage the disease.

Im very excited to go, she said. We will learn from others and share our experiences, and see what we can bring home.

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One of Sweden's most wanted gang leaders, Ismail Abdo, has been arrested in Turkey, the Swedish prosecutor's office said on Friday.

The dual Swedish-Turkish national has an extensive list of drug-related charges against him according to the global police agency, Interpol.

The 35-year-old, nicknamed The Strawberry, is a well-known leader of the Rumba crime gang in Sweden. He is accused of orchestrating illegal operations from abroad and has been the subject of an Interpol red notice since last year.

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Swedish police did not identify him, but confirmed the arrest of a man "suspected of having engaged in serious drug trafficking and inciting serious violent crimes" for many years in Sweden.

He was one of 19 people who were arrested during raids in Turkey, where officers seized more than a tonne of drugs, state broadcaster TRT reported. Exactly where the raids took place has not been revealed.

Arrest warrants were issued for a further 21 suspects, of whom 14 were believed to be abroad and three already in custody on other charges. Four are still at large, TRT added.

Turkish authorities reportedly seized assets worth around 1.5bn Turkish lira (27.8m; $38m), including 20 vehicles, bank accounts and 51 real estate properties.

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Gang violence in Sweden has escalated in recent years, in part because Abdo's former friend, Rawa Majida, is the leader of a rival gang, Foxtrot.

Many people have been killed since their deadly turf war began. It entered a new, violent chapter in 2023 when Abdo's mother was murdered in her home in Uppsala, north of the capital, Stockholm.

The escalation prompted the government to bring in the army to help tackle the surge in gang killings.

In 2024, Turkish police arrested Abdo during a traffic stop, but released him on bail despite the active Interpol red notice against him - a move which drew criticism from Swedish authorities who were seeking to extradite Abdo.

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The increase in gang violence that has plagued some of Sweden's biggest cities and spread to quieter suburbs and towns has shattered its reputation as a safe and peaceful nation.

Lat year, Sweden's security service, Sapo, accused Iran of recruiting Swedish gang members to carry out attacks on Israeli or Jewish interests. In October, a 13-year-old boy fired shots outside the offices of Israeli tech firm Elbit Systems. Israel's embassies in Sweden and Denmark were also both targeted.

Sweden's centre-right governing coalition, which promised to end the gang crime wave when it was elected in 2022, will see Abdo's capture as a win. However the fact that he is also a Turkish citizen could complicate the extradition process.

An estimated 14,000 people in Sweden are caught up in criminal gangs, according to a police report last year, and a further 48,000 people are said to be connected to them.
Life for children in Ukraine has become increasingly dangerous and deadly, according to the latest U.N. figures, which show a threefold jump in the number of deaths and injuries among children over the three months ending in May.

From March through May, 222 children were killed or injured, compared to 73 in the preceding three months, according to a press release from the U.N. Humanitarian Aid Organization for Children (UNICEF) on July 4.

The statement noted that "the ongoing use of explosive weapons in populated areas has been particularly deadly and destructive."

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"There is no respite from the war for children across Ukraine," UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, Regina De Dominicis, said. "The situation for children is at a critical juncture, as intense attacks continue to not only destroy lives but disrupt every aspect of childhood."

In April alone, UNICEF noted, 97 children were killed or maimed, which was the highest figure that the U.N. has been able to verify since June 2022. Among the attacks in April was a strike on a playground in Kryvyi Rih, which killed nine children.

Recent months have seen some of the war's deadliest attacks on civilians, as Russia steps up its aerial strikes on civilian areas and launches record numbers of drones. Russia has dramatically increased its production of these weapons and is now capable of launching in a single night as many drones as it did over an entire month in early summer 2024.

At the same time, the U.S has halted a shipment of weapons that includes air defense missiles, which Ukraine critically needs to defend itself from Russia's attacks.

Russian drones launched against Ukraine by month. (Nizar al-Rifai/The Kyiv Independent)

Read also: Nothing but terror and murder  Russia pounds Kyiv with ballistic missiles in massive overnight attack

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Rescuers work at the scene of a residential building collapse in Karachi, Pakistan, on July 4, 2025. A five-storey residential building collapsed in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi on Friday, killing seven people and leaving at least 10 injured, police officials said. (Str/Xinhua)

ISLAMABAD, July 4 (Xinhua) -- A five-storey residential building collapsed in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi on Friday, killing seven people and leaving at least 10 injured, police officials said.

The police officials in the area told Xinhua that over 30 people were trapped under the debris after the building collapsed in Lyari area of Karachi, and rescue efforts are underway to recover the remaining individuals.

The officials said that heavy machinery is being used to help in the removal of the rubble of the dilapidated building, which had already been marked unsafe by authorities, adding that the two adjoining buildings have also been evacuated as a precautionary measure.

The eyewitnesses said that the building collapsed following several jolts that residents mistook for an earthquake, adding that it suddenly came crashing down after a couple of hours of intermittent shocks.

Following the incident, authorities cordoned off the area, and all the victims were shifted to a local hospital, where several people are said to be in critical condition.

A high-level committee has been formed to investigate the incident. 

Rescuers work at the scene of a residential building collapse in Karachi, Pakistan, on July 4, 2025. A five-storey residential building collapsed in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi on Friday, killing seven people and leaving at least 10 injured, police officials said. (Str/Xinhua)

Rescuers work at the scene of a residential building collapse in Karachi, Pakistan, on July 4, 2025. A five-storey residential building collapsed in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi on Friday, killing seven people and leaving at least 10 injured, police officials said. (Str/Xinhua)

People transfer a victim at the scene of a residential building collapse in Karachi, Pakistan, on July 4, 2025. A five-storey residential building collapsed in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi on Friday, killing seven people and leaving at least 10 injured, police officials said. (Str/Xinhua)

Rescuers search for victims at the scene of a residential building collapse in Karachi, Pakistan, on July 4, 2025. A five-storey residential building collapsed in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi on Friday, killing seven people and leaving at least 10 injured, police officials said. (Str/Xinhua)

Rescuers search for victims at the scene of a residential building collapse in Karachi, Pakistan, on July 4, 2025. A five-storey residential building collapsed in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi on Friday, killing seven people and leaving at least 10 injured, police officials said. (Str/Xinhua)

Rescuers work at the scene of a residential building collapse in Karachi, Pakistan, on July 4, 2025. A five-storey residential building collapsed in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi on Friday, killing seven people and leaving at least 10 injured, police officials said. (Str/Xinhua)

Rescuers work at the scene of a residential building collapse in Karachi, Pakistan, on July 4, 2025. A five-storey residential building collapsed in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi on Friday, killing seven people and leaving at least 10 injured, police officials said. (Str/Xinhua)
(NewsNation)  New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist with a progressive agenda that some critics deride as communist, may not get the bodega owner vote.

His proposal for the city to own and operate five grocery stores  one in each borough  is not sitting well with the people who run corner markets where New Yorkers go for their essentials.

You start with one idea like this  a foolish idea  it may spread, and we dont want it to get to that, Fernando Mateo, spokesperson for the United Bodegas of America, told Elizabeth Vargas Reports on Thursday.

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Mamdani faces flurry of anti-Muslim attacks following NYC primary victory

Mamdani says he would redirect some of the money the city already spends to subsidize private grocers that operate in underserved areas to finance the public markets; some have questioned the accuracy of his figures. The state assemblyman, who upset former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the recent Democratic Party mayoral primary, says his plan would offer consumers a lower-cost alternative.

Mateo counters that Mamdanis plan would spell doom for tax-paying bodega owners, who typically are hard-working immigrants running independent businesses.

They come here to try to make a living and do the right thing by the city. A bodega is not just where you sell food. Theyre also community centers, he said.

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Mamdani has campaigned on other socialist proposals that include no-cost child care and free transit rides. His meteoric rise has not gone unnoticed by the national media. Republicans, meanwhile, have tried to paint him as an example of where the Democratic Party is moving, with President Trump calling Mamdani a Communist Lunatic and threatening to have him arrested if his future administration obstructs federal immigration agents.

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Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City, identified as "Black or African American" on his 2009 Columbia University application even though he now says he does not consider himself Black, The New York Times reported Thursday.

According to The Times, the internal data came from a leaked database of past Columbia applications which was part of a recent hack targeting the Ivy League school.

Mamdani, then a high school senior, also checked "Asian" and reportedly wrote in "Ugandan" in the space for additional background. He was ultimately not accepted to Columbia even though his father is a professor at the elite school.

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Now 33, Mamdani told The Times he identifies as "an American who was born in Africa," and said checking multiple boxes was an effort to reflect his "complex background," not to gain an edge in the competitive admissions process.



Former Clinton Advisor Sounds '9-1-1' Alarm For Democrats After Socialist's Nyc Mayoral Victory

Students are seen on the campus of Columbia University on April 14, 2025, in New York City.

But at the time, Columbia, like many elite universities, used race-conscious admissions, a system the Supreme Court struck down in 2023.

"Even though these boxes are constraining," Mamdani said, "I wanted my college application to reflect who I was."

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Mamdani told The Times that aside from those college forms, he doesnt recall ever identifying as Black or African American.



Sharpton Urges Nyc Mayoral Hopeful To Meet Jewish Leaders, Take Anti-israel Rhetoric 'Off The Table'

New York mayoral candidate, State Rep. Zohran Mamdani speaks to supporters during an election night gathering.

His parents are both of Indian descent. His father, Columbia professor Mahmood Mamdani, has lived in East Africa for generations, but Mamdani said there had been no intermarriage in the family with native African groups.

Mamdani has leaned into his South Asian and Muslim identity on the campaign trail. During a June speech at Al Sharptons National Action Network, he also stressed his African roots: "I was born in Kampala, Uganda... I was given my middle name, Kwame, by my father, who named me after the first Prime Minister of Ghana."

President Donald Trump brought up Mamdani at a rally Wednesday, saying if he interferes with immigration laws "well have to arrest him."

Zohran Mamdani, New York City mayoral candidate, during a campaign event at the NAN House of Justice in the Harlem neighborhood of New York, on Saturday, June 28, 2025.

"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," Trump added.

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Fox News Digital has reached out to the Mamdani campaign for comment.

A spokesperson for the Cuomo campaign told Fox News Digital, "This should come as no surprise as Mamdani, his proposals, his funding, and his background received absolutely no scrutiny from the press. This issue must be fully investigated, because, if true, it could be fraud and just the tip of the iceberg."





Original article source: NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani identified as Black, Asian on Columbia application: report
KIPS BAY, Manhattan (PIX11) The co-op owners of 311 East 25th Street say theyve been in a months-long standoff with an unhoused couple whove made a home on the buildings stoop.

We pay a lot of money in our buildings budget, in taxes, and we feel like they have more rights to inhabit this corner than we do, said resident Marc Sterling.

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Since February, co-op board president Lisa Palumbo has been documenting what she describes as an intermittent encampment outside her front door.

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It grew from an umbrella to tarp, pallets  it was an actual house, said Sterling.

Initially, they put it up on the cobblestone, and when we put up private property signs, police say they arent allowed over there, Palumbo added.

They showed PIX11 News photos of mattresses, pillows, furniture, partitions, and tents that have appeared outside the building  allegedly belonging to the same two individuals.

They do drugs, drink  bottles all over the place, syringes, Palumbo said.

Sterling has captured video of people passed out on the stoop from suspected drug use. He said hes called 911 and 311 too many times to count.

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Because 24-hour security was too costly, the building recently upgraded its surveillance system. Just this week, they captured the couple dumping trash in front of the building.

While NYPD, homeless outreach, and sanitation crews have responded repeatedly, residents say the same thing keeps happening; once cleared out, the couple returns.

The cops come and say, You need to move or well have to arrest you. Its like constantly mowing the lawn, Sterling said.

In a statement to PIX11, City Hall said: Multiple city agencies have directed resources in response to quality-of-life concerns from residents of this location. However, each time the encampment has either been removed or the individuals vacate the space upon engagement.

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The city said the Department of Homeless Services is continuing outreach efforts to offer shelter and vowed to monitor the location.

Meanwhile, Palumbo and Sterling say they want more than cleanup  they want the city to crack down on panhandling and loitering.

Thats why they never leave 25th Street, Palumbo said. They wont stay here if they have no means of income.

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CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY)  Oak Mound Evangelical Church in Clarksburg hosted its Independence Day celebration Thursday night, where families gathered to enjoy a fireworks display set off by the City of Clarksburg.

The celebration was free and open to the public, offering a welcoming atmosphere with complimentary hot dogs, chips, bottled water and ice pops, which church officials said are perfect for a summer night. Officials with Oak Mound Church said their Independence Day celebration festivities draws in approximately 250 people out to the celebration each year.

Its always great to celebrate the birthday of our country and the freedoms that we have, and like I said, we have a pretty good number typically come out to be with us. Last year we think probably approaching 300 people, and so we park them in here and have a good time, good time of fellowship, the Pastor of Oak Mound Evangelical Church, Steve DeLay, said.

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Where to see 4th of July fireworks in north central West Virginia

Kids were able to enjoy a bouncy house and balloon animals, while families gathered together in anticipation of a vibrant fireworks display that lit up the Clarksburg sky in honor of Americas birthday.

Everyone that comes up here, we give them a gospel tract that tell them how to trust the lord as their savior, you know, Jesus came to die for us on the cross, DeLay said. Our job as a church is to tell people that you dont have to wonder about life, you dont have to wonder why youre here, give your heart and life to Jesus, trust him as your savior, believe in him. You can have eternal life, but life in this world becomes a whole lot better.

Also, Pastor DeLay expressed that as part of the community, the church likes to offer a helping hand while also being an active part of the greater Clarksburg community.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
The probe revealed that a small emergency response squad, along with a single special forces soldier, prevented the massacre in the moshav.

An IDF probe into the events that occurred on October 7 at Moshav Mivtahim in southern Israel revealed that the military failed to protect the moshav after the Hamas terror group infiltrated in the early morning hours.

No military forces arrived until 1 a.m. that night, the probe showed.

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The probe also revealed that a small emergency response squad, along with a single special forces soldier, prevented the massacre that was planned to take place in the moshav.

Only four members of the response squad were armed at the time.

The military released a full timeline of the events from the beginning of the day, mapping out the order of events as they occurred.

A tour with the families of the abductees in Kibbutz Beeri (credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI)

Events of the attack on October 7 at Mivtahim began between 6:29 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.

6:35 a.m.: Hamas terrorists crossed into Israeli territory and moved toward Mivtahim.

6:43 a.m.: The regional security officer alerted the emergency squad via WhatsApp due to a confirmed infiltration.

6:47 a.m.: Mivtahim's security coordinator reached out to his counterpart on Moshav Yesha and activated his squad. Simultaneously, forces from Golanis 51st Battalion and tanks began handling 10 infiltration routes, which turned out to be dozens in hindsight. A security coordinator reported a confrontation at the Mivtahim junction.

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7:25 a.m.: A wounded civilian from the junction reached a shelter in Moshav Yesha.

The deputy security coordinator of Yesha called for medical aid and met with Mivtahims security coordinator to assess the situation.

7:43 a.m.: Mivtahim's security coordinator and another squad member went to the junction. They joined the police and a Sde Nitzan resident, and engaged in battle against terrorists on the western side of the junction.

Terrorists enter the moshav between 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

8:00 a.m.: Terrorists entered from the west through the fields. A squad member replaced the security coordinator in commanding the junction, as the security coordinator returned to the moshav, realizing fighting was underway.

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8:15 a.m.: A squad member and an armed civilian encountered wounded workers near the synagogue and led them to a shelter.

The security coordinator and another member arrived shortly after.

8:18 a.m.: The security coordinator-led team headed to a traffic circle and spotted terrorists throwing grenades at homes.

A resident warned them from his window. Low on ammunition, they tried to reach a vehicle under fireone was injured, and his weapon jammed.

Terrorists entered the yards of two homes. The Yesha deputy security coordinator came to help.

Members of squad are ambushed and killed

8:22 a.m.: The deputy security coordinator and a squad member from Yesha arrived, split up, and fought. A special forces soldier home on leave realized what was happening and joined the fight.

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All three were likely ambushed and killed. Another squad member from Yesha was later killed near the community center.

The deputy security coordinator was killed near the kindergarten while trying to get reinforcements.

8:30 a.m.: The security coordinator from Moshav Amioz arrived at the traffic circle after seeing WhatsApp reports and engaged in firefighting, later returning to Amioz, where his vehicle broke down.

8:40 a.m.: Terrorists broke into a residents home but failed to breach the protected safe room where the family resisted.

9:40 a.m.: Terrorists stole cars from the traffic circle and left the moshav. Three others who remained wandered around the yards for hours before being captured.

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10:27 a.m.: Four additional terrorists entered from the greenhouse area.

Arrival of reinforcements occurs between 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

10:31 a.m.: A counter-terror unit (LOTAR) from the Arava region arrived, fired at terrorists, and forced them to retreat.

11:00 a.m.: Police forces arrived, called in reinforcements, and began searches. Ten minutes later, LOTAR began guided searches based on resident reports.

13:30 a.m.: Units captured three terrorists who had tied up foreign workers in a residents yard.

Conclusions of the probe

Ultimately, the findings of the probe concluded that the events that occurred reflected an operational military failure.

The terrorists' massacre plan was disrupted due to the emergency squad and its members, the probe showed.

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It was also concluded that Mivtahims emergency squad met official standards, but due to policy changes, not all members were armed or equipped, as the squad wasnt trained for an infiltration of this scale.

Further, no significant military force took responsibility for the moshav until 1:00 a.m.
Water levels in the Great Lakes are slightly below 2024 levels but are projected to rise this summer, according to official forecasts.

As Hometown Life reported, four of the five Great Lakes are below last year's levels, with only Lake Ontario higher than the previous year. As of June 2025, Ontario is six inches above the level recorded in June 2024. However, the summer forecast looks promising.

With the last of the winter snow melting and rainfall at around the median level, all of the lakes rose from May's levels. While Lake Erie's water level is expected to decrease by two inches, the other four lakes are projected to increase again in July 2025.

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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers closely monitors the water levels, and its June 2025 report indicated that lakes Superior, Michigan, and Huron will rise between one and three inches. According to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, fluctuations in lake levels of around one to two feet are normal from one season to the next.

It's difficult to overstate the importance of the Great Lakes. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, they contain 84% of North America's surface freshwater and 21% of the world's. They're not only important to the United States; a quarter of Canadian agriculture also depends on them. Thus, the lakes are subject to bilateral treaties between the two nations. The Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement is a commitment to restore and protect the waters of the lakes. The GLWQA was first signed in 1972 and has been reaffirmed and amended several times.

It's not just people who depend on the lakes. According to the National Wildlife Federation, several notable species call the lakes home, including bald eagles, moose, beavers, and the Canada lynx.

Water conservation efforts are crucial to maintaining water levels in lakes throughout North America. As other lakes in the United States enjoy a much-needed boost, it serves to underline the importance of taking local action to safeguard and build upon those gains.

Should the government be allowed to restrict how much water we use? Definitely Only during major droughts No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

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SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  The Oglethorpe Mall shooting continues to weigh heavily on mall employees, and they are hoping for better safety measures moving forward.

WSAV spoke with employees who had returned Thursday to collect their belongings, and they vocalized that they are still shaken and exhausted from the ordeal.

I heard one of the people in at the register over the radio, they said shooter,' Andrew Horn, a mall employee said. And I think someone said, its not a joke, is it? and they said no! I pretty much just left the breakroom really quickly.

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Employee Jianna Martins said she could not believe what was happening.

WHAT WE KNOW: No arrests made in Oglethorpe Mall shooting

I saw a lady run into my store and she was like, theyre shooting,' she said. I was like, oh, okay. When she said that, I usually tune out the mall and whatnot. And so, I finally did hear, finally realized that there was a shooting happening. So, I heard the gunshots, like rapid fire. And so, then I took her to the back because we have a back door. So, we ran out the back into the back area.

For Jianna, Thursday was all about getting answers about her vehicle that she parked near the food court.

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When I get there at like 10, 11 p.m. at night, I see that my car has police tape around it, she said. And so, Im like, oh, thats great. and so, I asked a policeman like, am I able to go home? And they said no, because there were bullets found around by my car. I think somebody crashed into my car on the way out. So, my cars a part of the crime scene and counts as evidence. So, I wasnt able to take my car last night.

Local, state officials react to Oglethorpe Mall

She continued, I have no idea where my car is because I didnt receive any information. They took my information and said they would call me, never called me.

Andrew and Jianna both agree that this is something they will never forget.

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I really wish there was more protective measures so that things like this wouldnt happen, whether it is with gun laws or anything like that, or like more safety protections, Jianna said. I know that they have a sign on the wall that says no guns, but the fact that guns with so many people were able to still come in, I think something has to change.

The Oglethorpe Mall is closed as of Thursday.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  On a patriotic week, its time to celebrate a very patriotic bird.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources said 964 active bald eagle nests have been documented across the state, a big boost for conservation efforts.

More than 1,800 reports from citizens statewide helped complete this years bald eagle nest census.

The bald eagle was once an endangered species, with only four nesting pairs in Ohio in 1979.

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Ottawa, Sandusky, and Erie counties have the highest number of active nests. The birds are protected under state law and the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. When watching these majestic birds, remember to respect their space and stay at least 100 yards away.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
An Ohio man is facing charges after reportedly threatening to kill politicians over legislation he didnt like.

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John Strohscher, 54, of Toledo, was arrested on Wednesday and charged with one count of making terroristic threats.

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On Tuesday, Strohscher reportedly sent messages on Facebook Messenger to another person. In them, he threatened to unalive political figures over a bill passing through the Senate that he was unhappy about, according to Toledo Municipal Court records.

Court documents did not mention any specific politicians. They also didnt state if Strohscher specifically named any politicians in his messages.

Strohscher was released on a supervised own recognizance bond Thursday morning.

Hes scheduled to be back in court in August.

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President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on March 4, 2025 in Washington, D.C. Vice President J.D. Vance and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, applaud behind. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

A provision in the new state operating budget that would eliminate Ohios Medicaid expansion group may not see the light of day, based on the federal budget just passed by Congress.

But even with the expansion group surviving budget talks, impacts to Medicaid in Ohio are still on the horizon from the budget reconciliation bill, according to analysts and advocates.

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The state operating budget was passed at the end of June and signed by Gov. Mike DeWine on June 30. The budget included a provision that DeWine himself had written into his executive budget proposal, and which survived a Senate and House vote, along with joint conference committee debate in the Statehouse.

That provision would eliminate the states Medicaid expansion group, also called Group VIII, if the federal medical assistance percentage (or FMAP) for that group, which is the contribution Congress gives to the state to help with Medicaid, drops below 90%. If the FMAP drops even 1% on the group, the expansion would be dropped from the Medicaid rolls in Ohio.

But it seems the expansion group is safe for now, as congressional plans to lower the FMAP on expansion groups are specific to states who spend their own money to cover immigrants lacking qualified status under Medicaid. Immigrants without legal status are already ineligible for federally funded Medicaid.

Despite early conversations and, kind of, conjecture, I think that advocates did a pretty solid job to make it clear that any changes to the FMAP would be devastating, said Natasha Murphy, health policy director for the Center for American Progress.

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Medicaid expansion came to the states as part of the Affordable Care Act, which expanded program eligibility to 138% of the federal poverty level, an expansion that was bolstered by a Supreme Court decision. The expansion came to Ohio under Republican Governor John Kasich.

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The Ohio Department of Medicaid did not respond to a request for comment from the Capital Journal, but as budget discussions were ongoing in Ohio, Maureen Corcoran, director of the ODM, told the Senate Finance Committee that the magnitude of Medicaids fiscal impact is not lost on the department, and that at that point, no changes had been made at the federal level that impact the Medicaid program, its funding or requisite services.

But the language impacted by federal government funding changes would protect the state from undue financial impacts.

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This trigger language ensures that Ohio can reduce, discontinue, pause or suspend any program if it is impacted by changes to federal funding, Corcoran said in her April testimony.

Spending on health care services makes up 97.6% of the departments budget, according to Corcoran, spending that is driven by rate increases that were adopted in the last state budget, the size of the departments caseload and eligibility.

Anti-poverty advocates fought hard against the state budget provision, and have been watching the congressional budget debates closely, concerned for the more than 770,000 Ohioans who would be at risk if the expansion was taken away.

An analysis of the state budget by the Legislative Service Commission said that if the FMAP is set below 90% in either fiscal year 2026 or 2027, the state Medicaid department would be required to establish a phased transition plan to help individuals who are no longer eligible for Medicaid by redirecting them to private insurance subsidies or charity care programs that provide medical assistance.

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One measure that was removed by the Ohio Senate before the final draft was approved would have established an assessment for hospitals and federally qualified health centers to offset the cost of uncompensated care that may result from providing medical care to former members of Group VIII.

Cuts still coming to Medicaid

Despite the fact that the expansion group may be safe, other elements of the congressional budget bill cut Medicaid funding in the state. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the reconciliation bill would reduce spending for Medicaid nationwide by more than $1 trillion, and nearly 12 million people would lose their health insurance by 2034.

These cuts have triggered deep concern among leaders across the country about how (and if) hospitals, health care providers and state budgets can absorb such massive losses in revenue, according to think tank Policy Matters Ohio.

There was one change made to expansion coverage, a provision that eliminates an incentive built into the American Rescue Act to encourage new states to adopt Medicaid expansion. But overall, Medicaid cuts would come mainly from adding work requirements to eligibility for the program and more restrictions on taxes states can levy against medical providers to fund Medicaid programs.

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The provision to change taxes to medical providers was revised to comply with procedural rules. Now allowed into the federal budget bill, the measure would lower the hospital taxes expansion states can levy to 3.5%, rather than the previous 6%, starting in 2028.

Advocates are concerned about the impact Medicaid changes could have on hospitals, particularly already struggling rural hospitals.

Prior to the work requirements measure in the budget reconciliation bill, Ohio submitted a request to include a pre-enrollment requirement for the Medicaid expansion group specifically, at the direction of the legislature in its previous state budget. In order to implement new regulations, the state must ask for a waiver of a section of the Social Security Act. The waivers allow states to try demonstrations, or pilot projects, related to federally-support programs like Medicaid.

The Medicaid program was created as part of a much larger legislative and social agenda and was a part of a war on poverty, the Ohio Department of Medicaid wrote in their waiver application. Central to this demonstration is the premise that this covered group is the quintessential safety net for those who need it while improving their situation and reaching independence.

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The state agency said the pre-enrollment requirement would limit pathways to qualifying for this covered group.

Under the states plan, Ohioans applying to be covered under the expansion group would have fall under at least one of the state-established criteria. Those qualified to enroll in the expansion must be at least 55; be employed; be enrolled in school or an occupational training program; participate in an alcohol or drug addiction treatment program; or have intensive physical health care needs or serious mental illness, according to the application.

While current federal law bars Medicaid eligibility on a work requirement, waivers like the one Ohio requested were approved for 13 states during the last Trump administration, according to KFF.

The budget reconciliation bill would flip current law and require at least 80 hours per month of work or certain other activities for individuals ages 19 to 64 applying for Medicaid coverage, including those in the expansion groups. Parents with children ages 13 and younger are exempt.

The U.S. House passed the budget on Thursday afternoon, sending it to President Donald Trump, who is expected to sign it.

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YANGON, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar and Thailand have held the 26th Myanmar-Thailand Joint Drug Control Meeting in Taunggyi, Myanmar's Shan state, to strengthen cross-border cooperation on drug control, the state-owned daily The Mirror reported on Friday.

Representatives from both sides discussed the current drug situation between the two countries and ongoing joint efforts in drug suppression, and potential areas for future cooperation, the report said.

The discussion included drug seizure, the control of precursor chemicals, drug inspection and analysis, collaboration on reducing drug abuse, the implementation of alternative development projects, and the chairmanship of the 27th meeting in Thailand, it added. 
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Life will be different at the Oklahoma City Fire Department now that Laya, the rescue canine, is retiring after 10 years. She and her handler, Chief Andrew McCann, have an inseparable bond.

I trust her with my life and even though she cant tell me, Im pretty sure she trusts me with hers, said Chief Andrew McCann, with the Oklahoma City Fire Department.

LOCAL NEWS: Fireworks safety tips ahead of July 4th

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Laya and Chief McCann have been by each others sides since they were paired together in 2016.

She was one of the first dogs to graduate from the Ground Zero Emergency K-9 Training Program funded by Barry and Becky Switzer, to benefit the Oklahoma City Fire Department.

We know the needs of search and rescue dogs. Man has not been able to make a machine or robot or anything that can do what Cali and Laya can do over here. Theres no question, said Barry Switzer, at the Ground Zero Press Conference in 2016.

Over the past few years, News 4 has followed Chief McCann and Laya during their training.

All were doing here is hide and seek. The dog has no idea if this is real life. The dog doesnt know the difference between training and a real-time situation, said Chief McCann.

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Their decade-long partnership was focused on emergencies in Oklahoma and across the nation.

We have been out of state three times. Weve been to Florida twice, weve been to Louisiana, Oklahoma Task Force One, said Chief McCann.

Chief McCann and Laya (KFOR)

Laya was scheduled to retire last December, and it was hard for Chief McCann to imagine life at the fire station without her.

To come to the station and not bring heris gonna bedifferent. The bond that you create with your canine is something thats extremely difficult for me to put into words, said Chief McCann, in August of 2024.

LOCAL NEWS: OKC Teen among finalists in Stuck at Prom Duct Tape competition

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Those moments were followed by the news that Laya needed to stay on the job while other dogs were trained.

After 10 amazing years serving the community, Laya did her last rescue training and is ready to make memories at home.

We have the canines in place that are younger and coming up in the system, and can allow her to retire, said Chief McCann.

Chief McCann is still going to see Laya every day, just not at the fire station. Shes heading home to be with his family and spend time together off the clock.

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OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  A sweeping Republican-backed bill heading to President Trumps desk is drawing both praise and outrage in Oklahoma, with supporters calling it a historic win for working families and critics warning it could devastate essential social services with far-reaching consequences.

The so-called Big Beautiful Bill passed the U.S. House on Thursday by a razor-thin margin, sending it to President Trump for his signature at a ceremony scheduled for Friday.

Congress remains deeply divided over the legislation.

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Some lawmakers call it a historic victory for working families, while others warn it could devastate social services and increase income inequality.

Oklahoma healthcare leaders sound the alarm about Big Beautiful Bill

The bill will slash taxes, boost funding for immigration enforcement and the military, and temporarily end taxes on some tips and overtime.

It also includes steep cuts to Medicaid, food benefits, and clean energy programs.

To put it simply, this bill is President Trumps Make America Great Again agenda being codified into law, U.S. House Majority Whip Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Minnesota) said after the bills passing Thursday.

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Every member of Oklahomas congressional delegation voted in favor of the bill.

Rep. Kevin Hern called it something that everyone can be proud of.

Rep. Stephanie Bice said it was about delivering real support to hardworking Americans.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin appeared on NBCs Meet the Press this week to defend the plan.

Its the largest deficit cut by any Congress ever in history, Mullin said. It makes tax cuts permanent.

The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates the bill will add more than $3 trillion to the national debt.

Oklahoma State Democratic Party Chair, State Rep. John Waldron (D-Tulsa), described the bill in his own way.

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Tax cuts for Bezos and Musk, service cuts for the rest of us, Waldron said. Were out tens of millions of dollars in food programs. Were losing tens of millions of dollars in medical research to institutions like OU and OSU. Theyre even cutting things like weather services in a state that really relies on accurate weather forecasts.

Homeless Alliance loses eight staff members due to federal funding uncertainty

The CBO estimates the Medicaid cuts alone could strip health coverage from more than 11 million Americans.

About one in four adults and half of all children in Oklahoma rely on SoonerCare, the states Medicaid program.

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A good portion of my patients could lose their coverage, said Dr. Peter Sinton, a pediatrician in rural Kay County.

If we really want a pro-family approach here in Oklahoma, we should not be cutting that kind of care, Waldron said.

Oklahoma healthcare leaders warn the cuts will likely lead many rural hospitals across the state to close permanently, creating so-called healthcare deserts in rural areas.

$6.3 billion in Medicaid reimbursements will be taken away from the state of Oklahoma, said Rich Rasmussen, president and CEO of the Oklahoma Hospital Association. And it will be hard to recover from that.

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On Thursday, the Oklahoma State Medical Associations president issued a statement, saying in part:

While some may look at the bill and believe it wont impact them, its essential to remember that our healthcare system is interconnected. If a rural hospital or clinic lacks sufficient financial support, it is likely to close. If a physician cannot continue their practice due to the cuts, they may choose to stop seeing Medicaid patients or leave the medical field altogether. The unfortunate truth is that we may all see the ripple effects of this ill-informed legislation for many years to come. Oklahoma State Medical Association President Sumit Nanda

On Thursday, Sen. Mullin dismissed those concerns as fear-mongering during an appearance on Fox News.

Theyre gonna be the ones thats gonna have to explain why these lies that they said, that tens of thousands of people are gonna be dying each year, Mullin said on Fox News. Theyre gonna have to explain where all those morgues are thats holding those bodies, cause they wont exist.

In a statement, the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma called the bills cuts to SNAP benefits and other food assistance programs deeply troubling, saying it threatens access to healthcare and food assistance for thousands of Oklahomans.

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On Thursday, an interfaith group of clergy members from Catholic, Episcopal, Jewish, Lutheran, Presbyterian, and Muslim communities signed on to a letter saying in part:

.the moral test of a nation is how it treats those most in need of support. In our view, this legislation will harm the poor and vulnerable in our nation, to the detriment of the common good. Its passage would be a moral failure for American society as a whole.

Waldron said Oklahoma Democrats see the bills passing as a moment to reflect and regroup.

I do see the Democrats as having a mission and calling out the injustices of this bill thats going to add $3 trillion to the deficit, Waldron said. I think people voted for change because they didnt like where we were on Election Day. But I dont think they got the change they wanted.



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An Oklahoma County jail inmate accused of pistol-whipping a woman for her car outside a casino has died.

Everett D. Edwards, 58, was pronounced deceased at a hospital at 4:48 p.m. Thursday, July 3, the jail reported in a news release. He had been found to be unresponsive in his cell during a medical check an hour before.

The jail has now had eight inmate deaths in 2025, more than the total for all of last year. The seventh death this year came May 12 when a convicted murderer hanged himself.

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A yearlong investigation by The Oklahoman in 2023 found that the aging facility had become one of the deadliest jails in the nation since a trust took over its operations on July 1, 2020.

A multicounty grand jury in 2023 recommended putting the Oklahoma County sheriff back in charge. The trust agreed in June to undergo a performance review that will include an evaluation of the merits of continuing to oversee the jail.

The jail said in the news release that the circumstances surrounding Edwards' death are under investigation. "All deaths are investigated as homicides until a final determination is made by the state medical examiners office," the jail said.

Edwards had medical issues. Police reported he was in a wheelchair when he first approached the robbery victim outside the casino at Remington Park in Oklahoma City early June 27. The victim was bleeding profusely from her head after being struck, police said.

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Police identified Edwards as a suspect from his casino players card after the car was stolen, according to a court affidavit.

Edwards had been in jail since June 27, according to the news release. His bail was set at $110,000 on the robbery accusation. He had not been charged yet over the incident.

He was awaiting trial on two 2023 charges of possession of a firearm after a felony conviction.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Man dies after found unresponsive in OK County jail; 8th death in 2025
The Brief

Dr. Neha Gupta, a pediatrician, is accused of smothering her daughter to death and staging it to make it appear the child drowned in a pool.

Gupta, 36, allegedly traveled from Oklahoma to Florida to the familys vacation rental home where her daughter, Aria, died.

She told investigators that she discovered her daughter in the pool but was unable to save her because she did not know how to swim.

An Oklahoma pediatrician is accused of staging the death of her 4-year-old daughter to make it appear the child drowned in the swimming pool at their rental vacation home in Florida, detectives say.

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Dr. Neha Gupta, 36, was booked into the Oklahoma County Jail in Oklahoma City on Tuesday. She is accused of first-degree murder in Miami-Dade County, an arrest warrant states.

Staged accidental drowning

The backstory

On June 27, Gupta called 911 at about 4:30 a.m. to report that her daughter, Aria Talathi, 4, had drowned in their pool.

Officers with the El Portal Police Department and paramedics with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to the scene and attempted CPR. Aria was eventually transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where she was pronounced dead, according to a local news media report.

Gupta told investigators that she was sleeping with her daughter at their Airbnb rental home when she heard a noise around 3:20 a.m. She noticed that the sliding-glass door in the bedroom, which led to the outdoor patio, was open.

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Thats when she discovered Aria.

Gupta said she tried to save the girl, but told the detective that she doesn't know how to swim and was unable to get Aria out of the water.

No water in Arias lungs or stomach

Dig deeper

A doctor who performed an autopsy at the medical examiner's office did not find water in the child's lungs or stomach, and that "based on these findings she was able to rule out drowning as being the cause of death," the detective wrote. Dr. Tuyet Tran also advised authorities that she believes the child was dead before being placed in the pool, the detective wrote.

The cause and manner of death are pending, but Tran found injuries such as bruising within the girl's cheeks. Tran's preliminary findings are that these injuries "are consistent with asphyxiation by smothering," the affidavit states.

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Police have not revealed any possible motive in the case.

The detective noted in the affidavit that Guptas ex-husband told detectives that he and his ex-wife are involved in an ongoing custody battle over the girl.

The ex-husband also told detectives that he was unaware that Gupta and the child had traveled to South Florida. Based on surveillance video and Airbnb records, investigators determined that Gupta and her daughter were the sole occupants of the rental unit, the affidavit states.

The University of Oklahoma and its health system released a statement this week saying that Gupta has been "suspended from patient care, given notice of termination, and was no longer seeing patients at the health system as of May 30, 2025."

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Gupta has also been given a "notice of termination" by the university, the statement said.

The other side

Richard Cooper, Guptas lawyer, said he and Gupta cooperated with authorities by telling their account of what happened and were surprised when the first-degree murder charge was announced. The doctor, he said, is a victim of a terrible tragedy.

What they're saying

"No one thought in a million years that she would be charged with murder," Cooper said in an interview.

Cooper said he visited the home after the child's death and found the latch to the sliding-glass door to be so easily opened that he was able to do so with his pinky finger.

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"Her story made sense to me," he said. "It matched up. She voluntarily gave multiple statements with me to the police, and they were always consistent."

What's next

Gupta is jailed without bond, and Florida authorities are seeking her return to Miami to face the murder charge.

The Source

Information for this article was taken from reporting by WSVN and THe Associated Press. This story was reported from Los Angeles.
LAWTON, Okla (KFDX/KJTL)  An Oklahoma teen is facing a felony charge for an incident during Lawtons Freedom Festival.

Kendrell Depaul Averett, 19, is charged with possession of a firearm after a former felony conviction, as well as possession of stolen property and driving under the influence, driver under 21.

Lawton police posted on their Facebook page that on Saturday, June 28, during the event, police responded to a disturbance with several juveniles involved.

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Police said during that time, officers and spectators observed possible fireworks or gunshots from one of the south parking areas at Elmer Thomas Park.

Officers said they turned their attention to that location and were provided with a description by witnesses of a male who was seen running with a handgun and tucking it into his waistband.

Police said that person, later identified as Averett, was safely taken into custody sometime later, and a stolen handgun was recovered during the arrest.

Averett has since been released from the Comanche County jail on bonds totaling $26,000.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  An Olathe man is sentenced after pleading guilty in connection to the death of his 11-month-old son in April 2023.

Michael Pierro entered a guilty plea Friday in Johnson County court on the amended charge of involuntary manslaughter. He was sentenced to 36 months with the Kansas Department of Corrections.

One dead, three hurt, including firefighter, in Independence fire

All other charges were dismissed by the prosecutor.

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Persyda Trevino, the childs mom, spoke to FOX4 last year. She said she rushed to the hospital after finding out her 11-month-old August was in the fight of his life. This happened after he and two of his siblings ages 3 and 5 were left in a hot car for hours according to investigators.

Baby August had a metabolic condition requiring that he be fed every three hours, and his body couldnt effectively regulate his temperature.

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Pierro, was initially charged in August of last year with four felony charges in the case, including first-degree murder.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Local Independence Day fireworks displays kick off tonight with two popular displays  over Lake Ontario in Olcott and in downtown Niagara Falls at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino.

In Lockport, the annual Independence Day Parade will kick off at 6 p.m. today, starting at Lockport High School on Lincoln Avenue and continuing north along Locust Street to Walnut Street.

On Friday, the fireworks display will be presented from the citys north side at 71 Gooding St. A pre-show event along Canal Street will include country recording artist JB Aaron, and food trucks starting at 6 p.m.

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Also among Fridays celebrations, the 51st Lyndonville Lions Club July 4th celebration will flash patriotism both day and night with a military flyover saluting area military personnel and veterans prior to its noon parade and its popular fireworks display at 10 p.m.

The flyover will take place in Lyndonville just prior to the commencement of the parade at 11:55 a.m. The Lyndonville Lions will be honoring posthumously Home Town Hero, USAF Wing Commander Colonel Rick N. Parsons. His wife, Nancy Parsons, will serve as the honorary grand marshal.

Colonel Parsons graduated from Lyndonville Central High School in 1962 and was the first Lyndonville High School graduate to attend the United States Air Force Academy graduating in 1966. He spent 26 years in service to his country before his retirement from the Air Force in 1994.

Colonel Parsons had a distinguished military career which included two tours of service in Vietnam and was highlighted on February 7, 1991, when Colonel Parsons downed a SU-7/17 enemy jet, making him the only Wing Commander to record an air-to-air kill during Operation Desert Storm.

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Among the other Independence Day fireworks displays on Friday:

 Independence Day celebration at Pendleton Town Park starting at 6 p.m. Live music by Rich Manzell and fireworks.

 Celebration in Academy Park, Lewiston, featuring Reflector with fireworks to follow.

 North Tonawanda will have fireworks at dusk off the Renaissance Bridge.
An old picture depicting an Israeli air strike on Gaza has been misrepresented online as a scene from the recent 12-day war between Iran and Israel. The photo was originally published by EPA Images news agency in July 2014.

"Israel's situation," reads Hindi-language text overlaid to a picture of a giant blast, shared June 24, 2025 on Facebook. Its caption includes a hashtag that says, "iran attack on israel".

Screenshot of the false post taken June 30, 2025, with a red X sign added by AFP

The most intense confrontation between the Middle East adversaries erupted on June 13, when Israel launched a bombing campaign in Iran that killed top military commanders and scientists linked to its nuclear programme (archived link).

Tehran responded with ballistic missile attacks on Israeli cities.

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The United States subsequently joined its ally Israel's military campaign against Iran, bombing three key facilities used for Tehran's atomic program.

A ceasefire announced on June 24 ended the war.

Similar posts on Facebook and X also shared the picture but a reverse image search on Google traced it to EPA Images (archived link).

"Smoke rises from Tuffah neighbourhood after Israeli air strikes in the east of Gaza City, 29 July 2014," reads the photo's caption.

Screenshot comparison of the false post (L) and photo from EPA Images with corresponding elements highlighted by AFP

Keyword searches found similar pictures were also published by AFP and The Washington Post (archived link).

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At the time, Israel launched Operation Protective Edge, with the stated goal of stopping Palestinian rocket fire and destroying tunnels used by militants to infiltrate Israel (archived link).

The seven-week conflict killed 2,251 Palestinians and 74 Israelis, including 68 soldiers.

Screenshot of the AFP photo showing the same explosion

AFP has debunked more misinformation related to the Iran-Israel war here.
ONAWA, Iowa (KCAU)  Monona County officials are warning Onawa residents to boil their water before they use it.

Due to a water main break at 8th and Diamond, the City of Onawa is under a boil advisory. The water main break has been repaired, but the community still needs to boil their water for the next 48 hours.

Starting at noon on Friday, the city will be handing out free bottled water at the City Shop, which is located at 1514 6th Street in Onawa.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Independence firefighters are at the scene of a deadly fire Friday morning in the area of N. Lake City Valley Road and E. Bundschu Road in the far eastern portion of the city near Buckner.

Independence Fire Battalion Chief Eric Michel said crews were called just after 5 a.m. where heavy fire was reported at a farmhouse, forcing crews to begin an aggressive attack.

Missouri fuel tax refund reaches maximum value, few drivers file claims

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A 13-year-old girl died, her mom and one other person were hurt, one critically and one seriously, and an Independence firefighter was hurt after falling down two flights of stairs while conducting a search.

Michel said the firefighter had his face piece pulled in the fall, was hospitalized, but has since been released.

Crews are still at the scene attending to hot spots. The Missouri State Fire Marshals Office, IFD and Independence police will work together on the continuing investigation.

The 13-year-old girls dad, Jerry Brown, confirmed with FOX4s Regan Porter, his daughter Jerilynn Brown, was the victim who died.

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Family said the 13-year-old died in the fire, just weeks after beating cancer.

My daughter, Jerilynn Brown will always be remembered in my heart and everybodys heart, Father of the 13-year-old Jerry Brown said.

Jerry Brown said he was not at the house when the fire broke out. He got a call from family about what happened.

It was devastating, he said.

Just rely on one another, be good to each other and try to be there for each other, Michel said. I know this family has extended family that are really going to need support from the community right now. Just be there for them right now.

Family shared a video of Jerilynn ringing the bell. Jerry Brown said his daughter was artistic. He misses her smile and big hugs.

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Everybody at childrens mercy just loved her, he said. Just adored her.

Jerry Brown said theyll play the song, Shes a Warrior at her celebration of life.

My daughter, I want her to be remembered on who she was, he said. She was just a bright soul. She was a light, lighted up, I mean, everything. She got me to go to church. I quit drinking,17 months. All that is because of her.

Investigators havent said if the girls mom or the other person was more seriously hurt, both were hospitalized.

Jerry Brown said last October Jerilynn was diagnosed with bone cancer. He said she was a warrior and this 13-year-old beat cancer.

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I know this family has extended family and friends that are going to really need support from the community right now. Just be there for them, with your thoughts, prayers, let them know that youre thinking about them, Michel said.

Joes Blog: Steady as the weather goes (FRI-7/4)

He added that its too early in the investigation to determine a number of factors, including whether the home had working smoke alarms. The back of the house appears to be the focal point of the investigation according to Michel.

FOX4 will continue to follow developments with this story throughout Friday.

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KUALA LUMPUR, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian authorities have dismantled an Islamic State-linked funding network operating in the country, which mainly relied on Bangladeshi nationals working in Malaysia, Inspector-General of Police Mohd Khalid Ismail said on Friday.

According to Bernama, Mohd Khalid told a press briefing that the group collected funds by charging an annual membership fee, as well as other voluntary contributions based on members' financial means.

The group's members were working in labor sectors such as factories, construction sites, and petrol stations across Malaysia.

"The funds collected were then transferred abroad using e-wallet applications and international money transfer services," he said, adding that no Malaysians were found to be involved.

Mohd Khalid added that the group also used social media platforms and messaging apps to recruit new members. 
A man has died and a woman was left in critical condition after fireworks rained down on a Los Angeles neighborhood, lighting an entire block on fire.

Over 100 firefighters battled the blazes Thursday night after a fireworks explosion set multiple homes on fire in the Pacoima community, around 20 miles north of the city.

A 30-year-old man was found dead at the scene of the incident, the department reported, adding that a 33-year-old woman had been left in critical condition, and a 68-year-old woman had been treated for smoke inhalation, according to the LAFD. The name of the man has not been released.

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By the time officers arrived, three one-story homes were on fire, with fireworks that were inside a detached garage actively detonating and threatening to set more houses and brush in the area alight.

"This structure fire also was involving a significant amount of fireworks that were being stored there and these fireworks were raining all upon the neighborhood," said David Ortiz, LAFD's public information officer.

Firefighters tackle a blaze after fireworks detonated in Pacoima, California. One person was killed in the incident. (Fox 11)

Several animals were also reportedly injured in the incident.

LAFD HazMat and arson investigators, along with the LAPD Bomb Squad and the Mayor's Crisis Team, responded to the scene.

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"Many [fireworks] are being sold out of people's private garages and private residences by folks that really don't know how to handle fireworks," said Ortiz. "Especially when they're fireworks that have been stored for a long time and they crystalize, they can start some burn on their own.

We need to change that culture to one where folks go to see a professional show. Southern California is not really a safe place to detonate these fireworks, theyre very powerful and can start fires.

Ortiz added that the dry vegetation in the area could also add to risk of blazes getting out of control.

The explosion in Pacoima came just hours after another deadly incident involving fireworks earlier in the day in Simi Valley.

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"We are encouraging people to leave the fireworks to the professionals," said Ortiz.

"I felt almost like the impact, you feel it. And as soon as I heard that, I turned down the street to see if anyone needed help and more fireworks started going off," a Pacoima resident told ABC7. "It felt like an explosion...the fireworks started going off and sooner or later all these fires started coming."
OCONEE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  The Oconee County Sheriffs Office reported that one person was shot at Lake Hartwell in Oconee County.

Authorities said at approximately 7:35 p.m., deputies were called out to a beach area of Lake Hartwell off of Pickens Bend Range Road. Upon arrival, deputies determined that 1 19-year-old victim was shot and transported to Greenville Prisma ER by Pickens County Emergency Medical Services.

The condition of the victim remains unknown at this time.

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The sheriffs office said that a group of people were hanging out in the area, and began a verbal fight. At some point during the fight, a few individuals began shooting firearms.

The incident remains under investigation by the Oconee County Sheriffs Office.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  A special summer series is set to make its return to downtown Sioux Falls.

Traffic was flowing Thursday morning on Phillips Avenue, but that wont be the case come the fourth of July.

Minnesota state trooper drowned in Waubay Lake

Just kind of a safe space for people to gather and try new activities and just come together as a community, DTSF Chief Development Officer Taryn Sietsema said.

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A section of Phillips Avenue will transform into a pedestrian-first zone Friday night, with plenty for the entire family to see and do.

Backyard BBQ, SDSU Ice Cream, weve got live music, we have the Sioux Falls Curling Club out here doing demonstrations, Chess for Life will be here teaching people how to do chess, the 605 Magic Art Bus will be doing free face painting, Sioux Falls Fire Rescue will be out with the fire trucks so kids can check that out, and we are also giving out free watermelon slices and free temporary tattoos, Sietsema said.

Beers going to be flowing normal hours, so noon to midnight tomorrow, and out east were 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Woodgrain Brewing Company owner Steve Hartman said.

Hartman is spending more time these days at his new east side location, but appreciates what DTSF is doing downtown.

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I think its just a great concept. I know over the years theres been a call for some more open street type events, so I love that DTSF is helping to put those on and I think its great for everybody downtown, Hartman said.

And once the street reopens to traffic, that doesnt mean the festivities come to an end.

We just kind of connect all of our spaces together with events like this and so its great for us to kick off fourth of July and have our event from 5 to 8 p.m. and then we can hand everyone down to the Levitt at the Falls for an amazing concert that evening, Sietsema said.

This months Open Streets is titled Red, White, & Downtown and runs from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday on Phillips Avenue between 6th and 7th streets. The Open Streets series will wrap up for the summer on Friday, Aug. 1.

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After a scorching heat dome gripped the eastern U.S. last week, placing 160 million people under heat alerts and catapulting heat index values into triple digits, the country is yet again bracing for more infernal weather.

The National Weather Services Climate Prediction Center predicts a high likelihood of swaths of the West being saddled with above-average temperatures in July. About 130 million people live in areas where temperatures were predicted to top 90 degrees the first half of this week. From Spokane, Washington, to Missoula, Montana, to Summit, New Jersey, local coverage is already encouraging residents to prioritize heat safety this Fourth of July by staying cool and hydrated.

After all, heat causes or contributes to an average of more than 1,220 annual deaths in the country; within just the first week and a half of July 2024, 37 heat-related deaths had already been tallied.

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But as the country boils, climate action remains on thin ice. This summers backdrop of searing heat is a tragic reminder of how much President Donald Trumps administration has stripped away climate tools and protections built precisely for moments like this.

From the outset of his second term, Trump has leveraged the full weight of the presidency to crush climate and environmental initiatives. Among his first executive orders on inauguration day was initiating the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, a repeat of his damaging actions in 2017.

Within the first hundred days of Trumps second term, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin proclaimed the greatest and most consequential day of deregulation in U.S. history by unveiling 31 environmental rollbacks with detrimental implications for clean air and water and public health. Among the stunning standouts are the reconsideration of wastewater regulations for oil and gas development and the reconsideration of multiple National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants.

Of course, the Trump administrations decision to scoff at established climate science and long-standing policies safeguarding the environment and human health was predictable. However, the no-holds-barred, scorched-earth approach and rapid-fire rollout of these rollbacks have been a sight to behold, even for environmentalists who had been bracing for the worst.

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Obama-era EPA head Gina McCarthy condemned the agencys recent actions as absolutely illogical and indefensible, warning that the most vulnerable among us, our kids and grandkids, will suffer the most.

Indeed, the Trump administrations indefensible climate stances cast a shadow over our ability to manage extreme heat. At the Department of Health and Human Services, sweeping staff reductions have hampered both the funding pipelines that facilitate state- and local-level heat wave responses and digital educational resources. Many heat specialists working across the federal government have been let go.

Promising initiatives, such as UCLAs Center of Excellence for Heat Resilient Communities, have been financially gutted. A federal initiative that kept air conditioning costs affordable for under-resourced households has lost all its personnel. Former President Joe Bidens novel National Heat Strategy, a comprehensive six-year framework to confront the countrys extreme heat problem, now leads to a discontinued webpage.

Why? This destruction is necessary to maintain the climate denial narrative.

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Much of the programs that are now in tatters centered on climate adaptation, which involves reshaping and strengthening our systems to withstand the reality of heat events. But if we acknowledge that we must adapt to live with extreme heat, then wouldnt that imply  by extension  a parallel urgency to mitigate the problem at its source?

The literature indicates that heat waves are on track to grow longer, more severe and more frequent under climate change, a trajectory that demands we reckon with our perilous reliance on fossil fuels and catalyze a meaningful shift toward renewables.

Unfortunately, this sensible path remains elusive so long as the Trump administration engages in the willful rejection of climate responsibility, an approach that promises lasting harm as the planet unyieldingly swelters.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
NewsNation National Correspondent Robert Sherman has found himself on the frontlines of some of the worlds biggest stories: from Ukraine to Israel and across the United States. He shares what hes seeing on the ground. Subscribe to his newsletter: Frontlines with Robert Sherman here.

Greetings from Tel Aviv,

This will be a slightly abridged edition of Frontlines due to the holiday.

Ill be honest, spending Independence Day in the Middle East was not my initial plan. I was supposed to be with family in Michigan. That said, Im glad to be here. Every day it looks more and more like we are on the forefront of history.

One Big Beautiful Deal

The president got what he wanted. Congress delivered his One Big Beautiful Bill which is set to be a cornerstone of the presidents agenda.

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Here in Israel, people are hoping theres one more deal in the chamber: One that gets the hostages out.

Outside the U.S. Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv is a display today. Its a Shabbat table with the names and faces of all the hostages still in Gaza. The tablecloth, however, has the words One Big Beautiful Hostage Deal written on it.

Theres also an enlarged image of one of the presidents Truth Social posts.

Hostage families are hoping a single deal can be struck soon that will get all of the estimated 50 hostages, roughly 20 of which are believed to be alive, home.

Optimism is bolstered, especially after President Trump met with former American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander at the White House Thursday.

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The prime minister is set to travel to Washington, D.C. on Monday to meet with the president at the White House. Im told by people inside the prime ministers office that this is viewed as a highly critical trip, and the prime minister is taking this very seriously.

This week, he remained insistent Israel will achieve its objectives in the war. Im telling you  there will be no Hamas. There will be no Hamastan. Were not going back to that. Its over. We will free all our hostages, the Prime Minister proclaimed.

Meanwhile, 35 hostage families have penned a letter to the prime minister, leaving little to the imagination as to what they want.

Prime minister, you must reach a comprehensive agreement that guarantees the return of every last hostage and brings an end to the fighting.

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There is a feeling on the ground here that a deal has a good shot at coming to fruition, and people are preparing for the possibility of it coming down at any moment  potentially even while the prime minister is in the U.S.

The Day After

One question, however, that still has yet to be answered: Who will control Gaza after the war is over?

The prime minister and the president have both publicly said it cannot and will not be Hamas. But is the group prepared to cut a deal that leads to their exile? To this point, they certainly havent given an indication they would.

Thats the gap that needs to be bridged  could Israel stomach a scenario in which a handcuffed Hamas is in control of Gaza? Security guarantees minus the elimination? Hard to say, but that is a key element to all of this to watch.

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We expect things could move swiftly in the coming days, and NewsNation will be here for it.

Thanks to all of you who have written in the last few days. Your words mean so much. You can continue following along on X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok for all my updates. I cant even begin to tell you how much I value your support.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily of NewsNation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
This July 4, as Americans gather with friends and family to celebrate our independence, House Republicans are celebrating something in addition: progress. Real, tangible, patriotic progress.

The passage of President Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a return to American values, and it couldnt come at a better time.

This legislation is about putting the American people and freedom first  freedom from high taxes, from bloated bureaucracy, and from a government that has stopped working for the people. Its about restoring the American Dream and giving every family the chance to build a better future.

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The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a declaration that we still believe in the values that founded this country: self-reliance, personal responsibility, and limited government. Were putting the American worker first. Were saying loud and clear that the dignity of work still matters.

It expands the Child Tax Credit, giving parents more flexibility and freedom to provide for their children. It extends the 2017 tax cuts, preventing what would be the largest tax hike in a generation. No American should be saddled with higher taxes, and the one big beautiful bill gets it done.

As families light fireworks and honor our independence, they will know that their government is finally on their side. Republicans are not just standing on the sidelines; were leading with purpose. While Democrats focus on fringe agendas, Republicans are focused on kitchen table issues: taxes, work, and affordable living.

Every provision in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is built to help families thrive. Thats not just good policy, its the right thing to do. Its a celebration of American resilience, entrepreneurship, and the spirit of self-determination.

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Every House Democrat voted against this bill. They rejected relief for working families. They rejected work requirements. They voted to allow illegal immigrants to receive taxpayer funded healthcare. They rejected common sense. And we will make sure each one of them has to answer for it.

This bill is a reflection of our highest ideals. This is patriotism in action: standing up for families, fighting for opportunity, and refusing to let the American Dream die. We are proud of what weve accomplished, and were not done yet.

This July 4, House Republicans celebrate more than our history. We celebrate our future  a future built on freedom, responsibility, and prosperity for all.

Richard Hudson represents North Carolinas 9th Congressional District and serves as the chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Declaration of Independence announced to the world the American conviction that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. These principles of created equality and natural rights have since proved lethal to the system of chattel slavery, racial caste and other forms of tyranny.

As the free press proliferated copies of the Declaration in the summer of 1776, one found its way to an articulate young Continental soldier and aspiring preacher named Lemuel Haynes. Inspired, he penned a pamphlet, Liberty Further Extended. Observing that Liberty is equally as precious to a black man, as it is to a white one, Haynes applied the Declarations principles to the intolerable yoke of slavery. Natural rights having been granted to us by the Divine Being, no one has the least right to take them from us without our consent; and there is not the least precept, or practice, in the sacred scriptures that constitutes a black man a slave, any more than a white one.

Race-based slavery was not an academic question to Haynes, for he was a free man of mixed race and would become the countrys first African American to be ordained a minister. Twenty-five years later, in a widely-read Fourth of July sermon, he revisited the question from his own pulpit as pastor of the West Parish Church at Rutland, Vermont. For Haynes, as for other abolitionists, the Declarations pronouncement of created equality was simply a rearticulation of the Apostle Pauls speech to the Athenians in Acts 17:26, that God hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth. By contrast, slavery was an unnatural practice that accustomed a people to tyranny and undermined republican government.

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That the Declarations principle of created equality posed a threat to slavery and racial caste was not lost on Americans at any time. The Founding generation  including Hamilton, Washington, Adams, Madison, Jefferson, Franklin and many others  regarded slavery as a violation of natural law, though some reconciled themselves to its continuance as an inherited evil not easily dispensed with. Jefferson spoke for many when he quipped that slavery was like holding a wolf by the ear: you can neither hold him, nor safely let him go.

John C. Calhoun, slaverys most ardent and eloquent apologist in the decades before the Civil War, denounced created equality as the most false and dangerous of all political errors, bemoaning Jeffersons decision to include it in what should have been a sober-minded political statement. Moderates like Senator Stephen A. Douglas and Chief Justice Roger Taney sought to read the principle of created equality out of the Declaration, arguing that it was simply a statement of the rights of British citizens under the common law. Abraham Lincoln would have none of it, insisting that the Declaration was a statement of eternal truths, not man-made law. His account of American freedom would win out in a bloody contest that saw the end of slavery, but not racial caste.

Confronting segregation a century later, Martin Luther King, Jr., invoked the self-evident truths of the Declaration and the political rights of the Constitution as a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. Standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963 he laid claim to the American Founding. This note was a promise that all men  yes, Black men as well as white men  would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Some critics, Malcolm X foremost among them, called King naive, arguing that black freedom could only be secured by a clean break from the American Founding. But for King  and he was following Frederick Douglass in this view  the best means of achieving justice for any oppressed people is to lay claim to the American constitutional tradition as their own inheritance.

This Independence Day, let us give thanks for the tradition of constitutional government and ordered liberty to which we fall heir. It is our inheritance to preserve and improve  or squander  for the generations of Americans that follow us.
After Zohran Mamdani became the presumed Democratic nominee for New York mayor last week (which this week was made official), elected Republicans erupted with a racist and Islamophobic backlash that should have shocked the nations collective conscience  but this is 2025, and Donald Trump is back in the White House.

Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., dubbed Mamdani little muhammad and called for the Trump administration to consider denaturalizing and deporting him. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., said his rise was a sign that New York had forgotten 9/11. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., posted an image of the Statue of Liberty in a black burqa.

In a comment I found particularly repugnant, Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas, commented on a 2023 video interview in which Mamdani eats rice with his hands while discussing his heritage  Mamdanis parents are Indian, he was born in Uganda, and he moved to New York when he was 7  that civilized people in America dont eat like this. If you refuse to adopt Western customs, go back to the Third World.

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The racism has not been confined to the right. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., falsely claimed that Mamdani has made references to global jihad. (She later apologized.) During the Democratic mayoral primary, a leaked mock-up of a mailer from a super PAC backing former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo showed an image of Mamdani that appeared to make his beard look darker and thicker than it is. (A spokeswoman for the PAC told The New York Times that the image had been created by a vendor but was not going to be used; however, the leak circulated widely on social media.)

Mamdani is now in the crosshairs of the president. Trump has relished the opportunity to launch a new birtherism campaign, questioning Mamdanis citizenship, and threatened to arrest him if he does not cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement as mayor (assuming he wins his general election). White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has declined to rule out Ogles call for denaturalization proceedings, saying the congressmans claims should be investigated.

The concerted attack on Mamdani reveals something crucial amid Trumps legal offensive against the meaning and rules of American citizenship: Multiculturalism is not just a nice-to-have quality of democracy. It helps hold the whole thing together. Without it, democracy tilts quickly toward something resembling fascism.

The way Mamdanis critics have used his ethnic and religious background as a weapon against him is a phenomenon I know well. I was born and raised in the United States as the child of Pakistani immigrants during George W. Bushs war on terror. I saw firsthand how American identity can seem to vanish when youre on the wrong side of an authority figure or a political debate.

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Ive experienced a lot of the standard fare for a male with a Muslim-sounding name and some darker features: invasive racial profiling while traveling, racist and violent harassment on the subway, racist harassment by the police, xenophobic questioning about my background from people both well- and ill-intentioned and racist jokes at most places Ive worked.

The use of racism to delegitimize my political views has been a persistent frustration. As a journalist of color, Im used to my work being met with racist responses over social media and email on a near-daily basis. For the most part, Im able to tune it out.

But Ill admit to being occasionally rankled by reader messages laying out the reasons I do not belong here because the values of your people or your culture or your Quran (Im sure this crowd does not care that Im a fervent atheist). And to be clear, these racist notes are not exclusively from MAGA die-hards. Some of this dreck comes from self-described Democrats. For example, ostensible liberals have claimed my criticisms of Kamala Harris could only be explained by the sexism inherent to my ancestry.

Right-wing media has taken plenty of swings at me over my perceived foreignness. In 2023, a column I wrote critiquing the imperialistic undercurrents of Top Gun: Maverick went viral across the right-wing media ecosystem and inspired an entire panel discussion on Fox News. In a blatant dog whistle, the New York Post included passport photos from my Instagram account. The Daily Mail got its fix by citing random social media posts saying the Pakistani constitution would not allow me to get away with my column  as if that had some bearing on what an American could say in the States  and insinuating that I was an ingrate, rather than someone exercising my rights. I was doxxed, and my inboxes were filled with death threats and the get out variety of racist insults. The subtext of it all was: How dare you come into our country and say this.

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What Ive come to realize over time is that the brochure promise of American multiculturalism comes with an asterisk. In the political arena, first-generation Americans and racial minorities are celebrated under certain terms and conditions, but if they violate them, their status can just as quickly be used to stigmatize them as alien and un-American. The project of inclusiveness can be rescinded when the citizen in question becomes politically inconvenient. In the hands of right-wing nationalists, it is a tool for intimidating and culling the opposition.

Mamdani, a democratic socialist favored to win the mayorship of the biggest city in America, has violated the terms and conditions. He has made the mistake of being an immigrant Muslim, a charismatic leftist and an unapologetic critic of Israel all at the same time. In an earlier time, Mamdani might have been attacked purely at the rhetorical level. But coming as Trump attacks citizenship rights, free speech and due process, the attacks on Mamdani foreshadow a ghastly future: an America that uses vulnerable citizens undesirable political views as a pretext for stripping them of citizenship. At the very least, were seeing a political movement that seeks to enact that get out vision.

Mamdani recognizes the way racist attacks operate as a tactic to pick off political threats. Here is what he said in response to Trumps threats against him:

He said those things about me ... 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: I fight for working people. I fight for the very people who have been priced out of this city, and I fight for the same people that he said he was fighting for.

Robust multiculturalism and democracy are intimately interconnected. When immigrant rights are honored and first-generation Americans citizenship is considered as irrevocable and full as white citizens, then it makes it far harder for Trump and other right-wing nationalists to try to redefine the criteria for citizenship and have the countrys aspiring autocratic leader pursue the idea of granting and rescinding citizenship at will. That requires sticking by multiculturalism consistently, because a principle abandoned at a time of discomfort or inconvenience is not a principle at all.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
A U.S.-brokered peace deal, signed on June 27 between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, will link economic integration and respect for territorial integrity with the promise of Western investment. It is a mineral deal first, an opportunity for peace second. Making the deal work will depend on continued monitoring by the U.S. government and support from Congress.

The deal aligns squarely with U.S. strategic interests and President Trumps ethos for a transactional foreign policy. The carrots offered to both the Congolese for their minerals and to Rwanda, a potential processing hub, may get the two to the table. Yet from my experience in the region, I believe a sustainable peace can only be delivered if accountability for human rights violations committed by all sides is out front.

For while this deal represents the most practical opportunity in years to end abuses against civilians in eastern Congo, it fails to address the impunity that drives so much conflict.

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The regions mineral wealth, which includes cobalt, coltan, gold, tin, and tungsten, is an invisible driver of both opportunity and destruction. Armed groups financed by the pillaging of these resources have long perpetuated the conflict.

Grave abuses have been committed by the M23 rebel group, which controls key parts of eastern Congo, and the Rwandan government forces that support them. For its part, the Congolese government should account for abuses by its own troops and allied militia. Without an end to this conflict, the foreign investment, mining operations and other actors looking to benefit from the minerals deal may not be spared from the violence, lack of rule of law and continuing injustice.

For years, Rwanda has backed the M23, fueling violence and instability. This latest incursion has been brutal as they have committed widespread abuses, including summary executions, shelling displacement camps and forcibly recruiting children. The fighting earlier this year between M23 and the Congo forces displaced hundreds of thousands of people and exacerbated a long-running humanitarian crisis. Our research shows that these attacks are often carried out with the direct coordination of Rwandan forces, which provide the weapons.

For the Trump administrations momentum to turn into tangible progress, Rwanda must first be held to the principles it agreed to in April, including to withdraw its troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo and rein in the M23, which should no longer remain in a position to terrorize civilians in key towns and cities. Its attacks against civilians need to end. Compliance should be verified by independent international observers aware of the Rwandan governments pattern of denial and duplicity.

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Pressure to adhere to the key principles of the deal will not come from inside Rwanda. The ruling party is intolerant of dissent both at home and abroad. Pressure is needed from Rwandas partners. The U.S. should be ready to further sanction Rwandan officials implicated in abuses and publicly call out the government when it sidesteps key provisions of the deal.

The Congolese government also needs to clean its own house. Its continued support for its allied militia will undermine the deal. Over the course of this crisis we have also documented the Congolese armys coordination with and support for the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, some of whose fighters and commanders were responsible for the 1994 Rwandan genocide. This needs to end. Congo should dismantle this group once and for all.

Ethnic divisions remain explosive in the region. The Congolese government should make good-faith efforts to rein in hate speech that threatens to incite violence.

The U.S. Congress can help improve the chances of success and sustainability of the U.S.-brokered deal with the Congo and Rwanda since the signing by directing that U.S. investment in any infrastructure or security support must be contingent on the full withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congo and an end to Congolese support for abusive groups. Congress should also signal support for investigations into serious crimes and to ensure international monitoring and compliance with the agreement.

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Anything less risks betraying the promise of a real, lasting peace for eastern Congo as well as for a reliable stream of minerals, untainted by rights abuses, for the United States.

Lewis Mudge is the Central Africa director at Human Rights Watch.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Jul. 3Working parents will be hurt by Republican bill

I am a retired public school counselor who has been following the Republican "Big Beautiful Bill."

The House version required onerous documentation to qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program  food stamps  benefits from a working parent (at the current federal minimum wage of $7.25) of a child over 6 years old. The bill is now being returned to the House to reconcile with the Senate version.

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Meanwhile, the Trump administration announced the withholding of congressionally-approved funds, including those for after-school programs, until further notice.

So let's get this straight: A working parent who relies on food assistance may be required to leave a 7-year-old child home alone after school in order to feed the child in America.

Unbelievable.

Nancy Traylor

Albuquerque

Medicaid cuts will hurt small businesses

New Mexico small business owners are watching, waiting and worrying as Congress considers deep cuts to Medicaid. What some don't realize is that the future of many small firms is linked to the availability of Medicaid. In fact, a recent analysis from Georgetown University and Small Business Majority found that one-third of Medicaid recipients nationwide have some connection to small businesses. This includes about 11 million children of parents who are self-employed or who work for small businesses.

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Given the vital importance of Medicaid to hard-working small business owners, their employees and their families, it's hard to imagine why anyone would even entertain the idea of cutting a program like Medicaid. But that's exactly what's happening in Washington, D.C.. Right now, some lawmakers are pushing to gut vital benefits so they can justify tax cuts for the wealthiest businesses and individuals. New Mexico small businesses should not be forced to pay for anyone else's tax cuts, particularly if it means losing access to health care. Lawmakers should reject cuts to Medicaid and instead focus on legislation that helps small businesses grow and thrive.

Awesta Sarkash

Rio Rancho

Senator put state and party over country

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U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, will never get a profile in courage after her recent yes vote on the Trump "Big Beautiful Bill." She put both her political party and her state interests over the interests of the country. And it appears it also violates her personal principles because she hopes the updated version will fail in the House of Representatives.

Lisa, you are a United States senator, not a district senator from "the district of Alaska." You are responsible for the good of the entire nation, not just your state.

The bargain or carve-out you struck with your Republican leadership in the Senate is shameful, cowardly, selfish and counterproductive to our country. I can only hope that you re-think your position on this bill should you have another chance at it.

Steve Ponton

Tijeras
ANKARA, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Turkish police have arrested 10 suspects linked to forest fires that erupted across the country over the past week, a cabinet minister said on Friday.

In a statement published on his X account, Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said that 44 suspects were detained in relation to 65 forest fires that occurred in 12 provinces between June 26 and July 4, 10 of them were arrested, and judicial control measures were imposed on six of them.

Earlier in the day, Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Ibrahim Yumakli announced that the forest fire in Cesme, a popular resort town, was brought under control by Friday morning. Efforts to contain the blazes in Odemis and Buca districts are still ongoing.

Two people lost their lives in Odemis -- an 81-year-old bedridden man and a forestry worker who died while battling the blaze, according to Yumakli.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the fires, but high temperatures, low humidity, and powerful winds have created ideal conditions for forest fires to spread rapidly. Investigations are underway to determine whether negligence or arson may have played a role. 
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The owner of an adult foster home serving developmentally disabled patients has pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges after neglecting patients and defrauding Oregons Medicaid program, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield announced Thursday.

Officials said 55-year-old Brian Woodring pleaded guilty in Marion County Circuit Court on Wednesday to multiple felony charges, including criminal mistreatment and aggravated theft.

Woodrings plea follows a multi-agency investigation into misconduct that endangered residents lives and defrauded Oregons Medicaid program, the Attorney Generals Office said.

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4 hit by car after large fight in Northwest Portland early Friday

This case is a disturbing example of what can happen when someone who is supposed to provide care instead takes advantage of the people who rely on them most, Attorney General Rayfield said in a statement. Oregons care system must be built on accountability and compassion  not exploitation. When public dollars are used for personal gain at the expense of vulnerable residents, we will act.

During the investigation into the adult foster home, investigators learned that Woodring received funding from Medicaid to operate the home in Clackamas County.

However, authorities learned that the property was vacant.

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Oregon appeals court says police unlawfully used aerial camera in marijuana bust

Instead, residents were unlawfully living in Woodrings personal home in Aumsville, Marion County, officials said, noting the home was not licensed or equipped to care for the residents.

According to the Attorney Generals Office, Woodring knowingly withheld ongoing medical and physical care for the residents.

The case focused on neglect of two residents.

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One resident died from untreated metastatic cancer, which was undiagnosed after failure to seek timely medical care and failure to administer prescribed medications, officials said.

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The second resident suffered prolonged neglect, officials said, including failure to obtain care for chronic disease and dental care, which led to embedded dentures.

During this time, Woodring billed Medicaid several hundred thousand dollars for services never properly provided to residents and violated licensing regulations by running the home in an unauthorized location.

Could have been a lot worse: Deputies rescue 75-year-old from ravine thanks to safety bracelet

This case is a tragic reminder of why oversight, enforcement, and accountability matter in long-term care, said Rayfield. I want to thank our partners across state and local agencies for working together to ensure justice was served.

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Woodring will be sentenced in the Marion County Courthouse August 29.

Under the plea deal, Woodring will serve over four years in state prison followed by three years of post-prison supervision. Woodring was also ordered to pay restitution and is banned from working as a caregiver or adult foster home operator.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The Oregon Court of Appeals reversed a lower court ruling on Wednesday, finding Oregon State Police violated the Oregon Constitution while taking photos of a property suspected of housing a marijuana grow.

The defendant, Sengdara Nakhiengchahn, filed the appeal in February, seeking to appeal her conviction for unlawful manufacture of marijuana.

In her appeal, Nakhiengchahn argued that authorities warrantless aerial surveillance of her property should be considered an unlawful search, which would violate the Oregon Constitution. Nakhiengchahn furthered that the evidence obtained from the aerial surveillance should have been suppressed in her trial court case.

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Outdoor paradise: CNN names this Oregon town among best to visit in 2025

The case goes back to June 2021, when Oregon State Police Sergeant Tyler Bechtel took part in an aerial surveillance operation to investigate a suspected multicounty marijuana grow operation.

According to court documents, Nakhiengchahns property was not one of the targeted locations in the investigation; however, while flying an aircraft with a powerful camera over her property, police noticed what looked to be a massive agricultural operation, that was suspected to be a marijuana grow.

The plane was flown by OSP at an altitude between 3,500 and 5,000 feet to record video of the property, court documents state, noting OSP then provided the video to the Polk County Sheriffs Office.

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Eye on Northwest Politics

In addition to flying the plane over the property, court documents say Sgt. Bechtel received permission from a neighbor to take photos from their property of the suspected cannabis plants on Nakhiengchahns property.

Based on the aerial and on-the-ground photos, the Polk County Sheriffs Office obtained a search warrant for Nakhiengchahns property, where they seized some of Nakhiengchahns belongings and arrested her, according to court documents.

She was later charged with one count of unlawful manufacture of marijuana and one count of unlawful possession of marijuana.

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Muslim sisters allege religious discrimination after hijab removal by Multnomah County Sheriffs Office

During the trial, Nakhiengchahn moved to suppress the evidence gathered from the surveillance flight and the search warrant. However, the trial court denied the motion. She then took a plea deal in which she pleaded guilty to the manufacturing charge and had the possession charge dropped.

However, the appeals court panel  consisting of Judges Scott A. Shorr, Steven R. Powers and Ramon A. Pagan  agreed with Nakhiengchahn, finding this case of aerial surveillance constitutes an unlawful search in the Oregon Constitution.

Article I, section 9, guarantees individuals the right to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable search, or seizure. That provision protects citizens from police conduct that is sufficiently intrusive to be classified as a search, the opinion from the appeals court said.

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Ethan Hawke, Russell Crowe starring in 1930s Oregon-set film

At the outset, we note that defendant does not contest that the flyover was conducted at a lawful altitude. She acknowledges that, if the officer could see cannabis plants from that altitude without visual aid, it would not constitute a search, nor would subsequent use of a camera to document what he had already seen constitute a search. However, defendant asserts that the officer was not able to identify marijuana from the plane by the naked eye, and therefore his use of the mounted camera constituted a search because it provided qualitatively different information than could be observed plainly. The state maintains that the camera did not provide materially different information than what the officer had seen with his own eyes, the judges explained.

During the trial, OSP Sgt. Bechtel testified that he saw hastily built greenhouses, similar to ones hes seen at marijuana grows, on her property, noting before using the camera, he could see green plants and the spacing of the plants through translucent plastic on the greenhouse.

Although the officer claimed he believed he saw marijuana plants, he carefully expressed that his identification was based on the totality of the circumstances. In other words, he did not claim he plainly saw marijuana but, rather, that he saw circumstantial evidence of marijuana. The trial courts factual findings were limited to Bechtels belief that he saw marijuana based on that circumstantial evidence. The footage does not support the trial courts implicit finding that, at various angles, Bechtel was able to see into the greenhouses through the plastic sheeting and identify cannabis plants inside with his own eyes from altitudes ranging from 3,500 feet and higher, the opinion says. In the video, the particular plants in the greenhouses are not visible from any angle until the plane-mounted camera zooms in significantly.

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Ethan Hawke, Russell Crowe starring in 1930s Oregon-set film

We note that our decision here is narrow and confined to the circumstances of this case. Officers can and have made lawful aerial observations of marijuana on private property. And this opinion does not preclude the ability of police to use technology, under certain circumstances, to aid in their aerial observations. We have repeatedly upheld the police use of technology to record what was openly visible to the observing officers, the appeals court added.

We have never upheld as constitutionally permissible an officers technologically enhanced surveillance to see what was otherwise indiscernible. We decline to do so here. In this case, the officer used technology to obtain information from inside defendants private structures that was undetectable from his vantage point in public airspace. In doing so, the officer constructively invaded defendants property in violation of her constitutional rights, the judges said.

Reacting to the appeals court decision, Attorney Luke Miller  who represented Nakhiengchahn in the trial court case  told KOIN 6 News on Thursday, We are happy with the decision. While the court did not pronounce the use of a high-powered camera attached to a fixed-wing aircraft unconstitutional, I think this case is an example of freedoms/liberties butting up against advanced technology. Technology advances, law enforcement tactics change, but fundamental rights remain. As technology advances impacting law enforcement investigations, we will continue to see this tension. Its imperative our rights  including the fundamental right to privacy and to be left alone, and not be subject to unlawful warrantless searches  remain intact.

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Goodbye, Nordstrom. Hello, Lloyd Center music venue

A spokesperson for Oregon State Police, Jolene Kelley, told KOIN 6 News, While we do not provide comment on judicial decisions, our agency operates in accordance applicable laws and court directives.

KOIN 6 News has also reached out to the Polk County Sheriffs Office. This story will be updated if we receive a response.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Oregon Attorney Generals Office told KOIN 6 they are reviewing the decision, noting it will be a few weeks before they decide whether to appeal.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(FOX40.COM)  There is still a $50,000 reward remaining active in the 2021 Oroville campground murder in Butte County as the crew continues to search for the suspect.

According to the Butte County Sheriffs Office, deputies were called to the Bidwell Canyon Campground to help California State Parks Peace Officers with a homicide investigation on July 3, 2021.

BCSO said that detectives responded and determined that during a group camping trip, Tyler Dickson, 21, of San Pablo, was fatally shot while sleeping inside a tent. Over the past years, crews have been actively investigating the case; however, it has remained unsolved.

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During the investigation, officials said that they have requested Gov. Gavin Newsoms Office to issue a reward through the Governors Reward Program to encourage those with pertinent information to come forward.

Meet Toast: Placer County DA welcomes its first court support dog to the team

In 2022, after crews had reviewed their evidence, the governors office issued a $50,000 reward for information that would lead to an arrest and conviction of the persons responsible for the murder of Dickson.

As Ive stated before, our investigation leads us to believe that the person(s) responsible for Tylers death were part of a large group of people he was camping with, all of whom were from out of the area. Based on our investigation, we know there are members of this camping group with information that could lead to us being able to solve this case, but thus far, they have been less than cooperative. Despite the passage of time, we remain committed to solving this case and delivering justice for Tyler and his family, said Sheriff Kory Honea.

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BCSO crews encourage anyone with any information to contact Detective Mike Worch at 530-538-7671.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News.
Absurdity.

A brazen power grab.

Disenfranchisement. A slap in the face to democracy. The most self-serving non-solution. An absolute disgrace.

Those are some of the things being said about the decision Miami city commissioners made last week to cancel the upcoming November election, where voters would have chosen a new mayor and two commissioners. The change was made to move the citys elections to even years, aligning it with the federal election cycle, starting in November 2026.

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Those criticisms are much different from how the items sponsor, Commissioner Damian Pardo, explained it: a legal and applicable reform. While seemingly fewer, supporters of the change have called it common sense and a victory for future voter turnout.

Just hours after the City Commission voted 3-2 to approve the controversial ordinance, Mayor Francis Suarez signed the measure into law, effectively extending his  and the commissioners  terms in office for one more year. Outrage, both from residents and candidates who planned to run this November, quickly followed.

As news spread across social media, the commissions vote garnered national attention, with some connecting the local issue to larger concerns about democratic processes and institutions. As debate and interest intensified online, some political leaders became the targets of scorn while others enjoyed a sudden, unexpected swell of support.

Several mayoral hopefuls are already turning their campaigns into crusades to restore the November election.

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One of those candidates, Emilio Gonzalez, has already sued, calling the commissions decision an outrageous abuse of power, and another has threatened legal action. Voters have begun receiving surveys asking if they would support a recall of Pardo. And some are looking toward a possible intervention by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Attorney General James Uthmeier, who both admonished the city against moving the election without first getting voter input through a ballot question.

Commissioner Damian Pardo listens to public comment during a City Commission meeting on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in Miami. D.A. Varela/dvarela@miamiherald.com

Activist and mayoral hopeful Michael Hepburn told the Miami Herald hes hoping to fight back with other candidates, including by attempting a recall of Pardo. Hepburn said that, like Gonzalez, he plans to sue the city, alongside residents from several districts.

As news broke Friday that the mayor had already signed the election ordinance, Hepburn said he wasnt surprised.

Mayor Francis Suarez has been a self-serving politician in this city for years, and this is just another example of him using his public office to benefit himself, Hepburn argued.

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Suarez did not respond to reporters attempts to reach him for comment.

Over the last week, Gonzalez said his campaign has received a sudden boost in support and attention. He shared images with the Herald showing his campaigns average website traffic recently surged by over 10,000%.

People are energized; folks who in the past couldnt care less, now they care, Gonzalez said. People usually ask about why youre running  now everyone knows why Im running.

Whats next?

In the last week, Miamis election change jumped to the fore of conversations in online forums like Reddit. The social media pages and posts of elected officials were also inundated with debate over the ordinance.

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If its so popular then why didnt you allow your constituents to vote on it? read one comment under a video Pardo posted to Instagram addressing objections to the legislation.

You disappointed me today more than ever, someone else wrote below a post from Commissioner Christine King, who backed the measure.

Damian Jane speaks against legislation that cancels the November 2025 election and moves it to 2026, during a Miami City Commission meeting on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Miami City Hall in Coconut Grove. I would want the voters to decide, said Jane. Alie Skowronski/askowronski@miamiherald.com

While some commenters supported the change, saying it would increase voter participation, others connected the commissions vote to concerns expressed by last months No Kings protests, responding with references to 1776 and remarks like America, we dont do kings.

Im seeing many on social media comparing this to Trumps potential effort to violate term limits, said Ken Russell, one of the mayoral candidates.

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A former city commissioner, Russell said he believes in increasing voter turnout by moving to even-year elections  but only if voters approve of doing so in a ballot referendum.

Many younger voters feel similarly, said Luna Plaza, a student at the University of Miami.

We want higher turnout, especially for youth voters  but this was undemocratic, said Plaza, an activist involved with several advocacy groups. They stole a year of political participation from an entire cohort of young people. Three commissioners decided that they knew better than the people.

James Torres, president of the Downtown Neighbors Alliance, echoed those remarks: Regardless of whether you agree or disagree with moving the election date, it should be decided by the voters.

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Gonzalez is banking on his lawsuit ending with the courts voiding the ordinance and forcing the city to reinstate a November 2025 election. I know well win big, and the city of Miami will have egg on its face, Gonzalez said.

Through a spokesperson, Pardo said he was unable to comment on issues tied to current litigation involving the city, which moved swiftly to dismiss Gonzalezs lawsuit.

In a motion filed this week, the city argued that state law allows cities to align local elections with statewide contests, regardless of whether that extends the terms of current officials. The city argued such changes can be enacted by ordinance and without requiring a public vote.

State officials have disagreed.

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It is wrong for incumbent politicians to cancel elections and unilaterally extend their terms in office, DeSantis said in a June 26 social media post, threatening a swift legal response if the change was enacted. Uthmeier, the states attorney general, previously issued an opinion that changing the elections date without voter approval violates the state constitution and county charter.

Since the City Commissions vote, neither DeSantis nor Uthmeier appears to have publicly commented on the decision, and neither responded to inquiries from the Herald.

Commissioner Joe Carollo, who was joined by Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela in voting against the change, said he expected a judge would rule against the city.

The courts will agree that this decision cant stand, Carollo said.

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Russell, a Democrat, said he found himself in the odd position of supporting Republican state officials interpretation of the law.

Its a real Twilight Zone to find myself agreeing with Governor DeSantis and the attorney general, said Russell, but in this case, I do.
HUNT, Texas  At least 23 girls are unaccounted for at Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp, after devastating flash floods tore through parts of Texas early Friday morning, officials said.

More than a foot of rain fell overnight in parts of west-central Texas, sending floodwaters pouring into waterways. One of the rivers taking the brunt of the onslaught of water was the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas, where Camp Mystic is located.

Early Friday morning, the Guadalupe River reached 30 feet, well above its major flood stage of 22 feet, according to Noaa. The river at Hunt surged from below flood stage to major flood stage in just over an hour, and jumped over 20 feet in just over 2 hours.

Deadly flooding along the raging Guadelupe River in Kerrville, Texas, which lies downstream of Hunt.

An email sent by Camp Mystic officials on Friday to the parents of its 750 campers noted the "catastrophic flooding" situation at the camp, including that some campers were not accounted for. The parents of those campers had been notified, they said.

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Camp officials said they are working with search and rescue to find the girls.

They also stated that they have no power, water or WiFi, and pleaded for help.

"The highway has washed away so we are struggling to get more help," they said. "Please continue to pray and send any help if you have contacts to do so."

Officials with the nearby all-boys camp Camp La Junta, which is also located on the Guadalupe River, confirmed early Friday afternoon that all of their campers had been accounted for.

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The National Weather Service measured 12-15 inches of rain had fallen up river near San Angelo, with 5-7 inches of rain around Hunt and Kerrville. Flash Flood Emergencies remained on the rivers through Friday afternoon.

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As of Friday afternoon, officials confirmed the flash floods had led to 13 deaths.





Original article source: Over 20 missing from all-girls Christian summer camp in Texas after 'catastrophic' flash flooding
Pakistans army has said it has killed 30 fighters who tried to cross the border from Afghanistan, just days after a suicide attack in the same region killed 16 Pakistani soldiers.

The fighters, who all died in the last three days, belonged to the Pakistan Taliban or its affiliates, according to the Pakistani military, which praised its troops for preventing a potential catastrophe on Friday.

One faction of the Pakistan Taliban, which is a separate group from the Afghan Taliban, claimed responsibility for a suicide blast last week in the border district of North Waziristan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

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The Pakistani armys killing of the fighters took place in the same district.

Although a statement from the countrys military did not give details about its operation against the fighters, it confirmed that it had seized a large quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives.

Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised his countrys security forces on Friday for thwarting an infiltration attempt.

We are determined to completely eliminate all forms of terrorism from the country, his office said.

Both the prime minister and the armys statements blamed India for backing the fighters.

Although New Delhi is yet to comment on the latest accusation, it has repeatedly denied claims from Islamabad that it is fomenting violence in Pakistan.

(Al Jazeera)

Such accusations have increased in recent months as tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours have soared.

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During a four-day conflict between them in May, 70 people on both sides were killed, and the regional foes were on the cusp of their fifth all-out war since independence.

The fighting broke out after India accused Pakistan of supporting gunmen who killed 26 people in the disputed Kashmir region on April 22. Islamabad denied any involvement.

Violence in Pakistans border areas has spiked since the Taliban seized power again in Afghanistan, in 2021, with last year the deadliest in a decade.

Pakistans government increased defence spending by 20% in June, with 14% of the countrys overall budget assigned to the army.
Palestine Action has been banned after a judge refused its request to temporarily block the UK government from proscribing it as a terror group.

On Friday, a High Court judge refused a bid to temporarily stop the ban.

The group then challenged the ruling at the Court of Appeal, which late on Friday evening rejected the last-minute appeal.

The ban - which came into effect on Saturday - means supporting Palestine Action will become a criminal offence, with membership or expressing support for the group punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

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On his decision at the hearing on Friday, denying the group's request for a temporary block, High Court judge Mr Justice Chamberlain said: "I have concluded that the harm which would ensue if interim relief is refused but the claim later succeeds is insufficient to outweigh the strong public interest in maintaining the order in force."

Earlier this week, a draft order was laid before Parliament requesting an amendment to the Terrorism Act 2000 to include Palestine Action as a proscribed organisation.

The move was taken to ban the group after an estimated 7m of damage was caused to planes at RAF Brize Norton last month, in action claimed by Palestine Action.

Raza Husain KC, barrister for Palestine Action's Ms Ammori, told the court banning the group would be "ill-considered" and an "authoritarian abuse" of power.

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"This is the first time in our history that a direct action civil disobedience group, which does not advocate for violence, has been sought to be proscribed as terrorists," he said.

In a 26-page judgement, Mr Justice Chamberlain said some of the consequences feared by Ms Ammori and others who gave evidence were "overstated".

After the ruling, Ms Ammori said "thousands of people across Britain wake up tomorrow to find they had been criminalised overnight for supporting a domestic protest group which sprays red paint on warplanes and disrupts Israel's largest weapons manufacturer".

She added: "We will not stop fighting to defend fundamental rights to free speech and protest in our country and to stand up for the rights of the Palestinian people."

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The group then launched a last-minute challenge at the Court of Appeal, which they lost late on Friday evening.

Delivering their ruling, the Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr, Lord Justice Lewis and Lord Justice Edis said: "The merits of the underlying decision to proscribe a particular group is not a matter for the court.

"This is a matter, under the relevant Act of Parliament, for the Secretary of State, who is accountable to Parliament for the decisions that she makes."

The court also refused to pause the ban coming into effect pending any Supreme Court bid.

Around 81 organisations are already proscribed under the Terrorism Act 2000, including Hamas, al Qaida and National Action.

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The Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced plans to proscribe Palestine Action on 23 June, saying that the vandalism of the two planes was "disgraceful" and that the group had a "long history of unacceptable criminal damage".

Mr Justice Chamberlain said an assessment on whether to ban the group had been made as early as March, and "preceded" the incident at RAF Brize Norton.

Four people have been charged in connection to the incident.
Palestinian media on Friday reported at least 15 people killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza.

Israel's military has carried out air strikes in several areas of the territory in the past few hours, the Palestinian news agency WAFA reported on Friday.

The casualties occurred in Al-Mawasi near the southern city of Khan Yunis, the news agency said, citing medical sources in the Gaza Strip.

The report could not be independently verified. Israel's military initially provided no information about the latest attacks in the area.

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Despite ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza war, fighting in the coastal area continues unabated.

The war was triggered by the unprecedented attack on Israel by Hamas and other militant groups on October 7, 2023, in which around 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 were abducted and taken to Gaza.

Since then, according to the Hamas-controlled health authority in Gaza, more than 56,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks. The figure does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.

A proposal for a 60-day ceasefire is under discussion.

US President Donald Trump has said Israel has already agreed to the "necessary conditions" for the ceasefire.

Hamas said on Thursday night that it would discuss the proposal and give an official response in the near future.
The Brief

Luis Colon, wanted in connection with a 2009 Palm Bay homicide, was arrested in Puerto Rico after more than a decade on the run.

Colon was indicted in 2013 for first-degree felony murder and robbery with a firearm in the fatal shooting of a woman outside her apartment.

Authorities confirmed his location and took him into custody without incident; he now awaits extradition to Florida.

ORLANDO, Fla. - A man wanted for more than a decade in connection with a fatal 2009 shooting in Palm Bay has been captured in Puerto Rico, authorities said Thursday.

What we know

Luis Colon, 50, was arrested without incident earlier this week by authorities working with the U.S. Marshals Service, according to a statement from the Palm Bay Police Department. He is awaiting extradition to Florida, where he faces charges of first-degree felony murder and robbery with a firearm.

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The charges stem from the killing of a woman who was gunned down outside her Palm Bay apartment after returning home from work. Investigators say Colon, a former boyfriend of the victim, was indicted by a grand jury in 2013, but has evaded capture ever since.

Officials say recent leads pointed to Colon living in Puerto Rico. A Palm Bay police officer assigned to a Marshals Task Force followed up on the tip and confirmed his location. He was arrested with the assistance of local authorities in Puerto Rico.

Police also noted that Colon is the cousin of another suspect who was taken into custody in Puerto Rico last week in connection to the same case. Authorities did not immediately release that individuals name.

"This arrest is the result of relentless dedication from our investigators and partners," Palm Bay Police said in a statement. "We remain committed to seeking justice, no matter how much time has passed."

The Source

The information in this article comes from a report shared by the Palm Bay Police Department in collaboration with the United States Marshals Service and records from the Brevard County Clerk of Courts.
Arbel confirmed that the recommendation for the committee came from the National Council for Planning and Building, and he fully endorsed the plan.

Interior Minister Moshe Arbel approved plans to establish a dedicated planning committee for the Druze and Circassian communities, the Interior Ministry shared on Thursday.

Arbel made the announcement during a visit to the Druze local authorities in Usfiya, Yarka, and Julis, accompanied by Sheikh Muwafaq Tarif, the spiritual leader of Israels Druze community.

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Arbel confirmed that the recommendation for the committee came from the National Council for Planning and Building, and he fully endorsed the plan.

According to the ministry, the new initiative, which has resulted from months of planning, marks a historic development. For the first time since Israels founding, a specialized committee with the authority of a district planning committee will focus on advancing master plans and blueprints to regulate construction and development in line with the unique needs of the Druze and Circassian communities.

Its goal is to fix planning issues, reduce bureaucracy, and create a flexible, community-specific planning system with full representation from the Druze and Circassian communities. The committee will collaborate with local authorities and government ministries.

Sheikh Muafak Tarif at a conference at the Western Galilee Academic College. (credit: Yaniv Biton)

'A step toward correcting a historical injustice'

In a statement, Arbel said that creating a dedicated planning committee for the Druze and Circassian communities "is a step toward correcting a historical injustice and fostering a sense of partnership and responsibility. It is unacceptable in 2025 that entire communities continue to face planning barriers that impede their development."

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He continued, "I wholeheartedly support the National Councils recommendation, driven by my deep commitment to equality, planning fairness, and true partnership with the Druze and Circassian communities.

Tarif thanked Arbel for his support, We extend our congratulations to Minister Arbel for the creation of the dedicated planning and construction committee for the Druze and Circassian communities. We also commend him for his unwavering support for the Druze community.
ISTANBUL, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Turkish authorities arrested 45 opposition party members in the western port city of Izmir on corruption charges on Friday, the NTV broadcaster reported.

The Republican People's Party (CHP) announced on the social media platform X that former Izmir Mayor Tunc Soyer and Senol Aslanoglu, the party's Izmir provincial chair, were among those arrested.

The arrests followed detention warrants issued on Tuesday by the Izmir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office for 157 individuals affiliated with the CHP and the CHP-led Izmir Municipality, on charges including "rigging public tenders," "breach of duty in contract execution," and "aggravated fraud."

In March, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and around 100 officials from the Istanbul municipality were detained on corruption charges. Imamoglu, who denied all the accusations, was later suspended from office. 
It has been amazing to witness the transformation of the Republican Party over the past few months. The party had always been perceived as advocating for less government and even as antigovernment.

Now that theyre in power, we see government infringing on virtually every aspect of American institutional life. Private businesses are being told what they can and cannot include in their personnel policies, specifically DEI.

Private law firms are being bullied into contributing to government endorsed causes and punished for representing clients suing the administration. Colleges and universities, both private and public, are being told what curriculum to teach and not teach. Museums and other arts and cultural institutions are being compelled to remove exhibits that the government objects to. And what about being the law and order party.

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Opinion: Trump's energy dominance plans driving manufacturing renaissance in Milwaukee

Now they cheer on a convicted criminal who pardons hundreds of other convicted criminals for attacking the nations capital as well as those convicted of bank fraud and tax evasion, federal weapons charges and street gang members. And finally, there is the matter of the federal deficit. Cutting the deficit has long been a party mantra yet it recently pushed through a so called big beautiful bill  that will add $2.4 trillion to the deficit over the next ten years. So much for all the concern for future generations.

Ronald Reagan certainly got it right when he proclaimed years ago  government is the problem.

Jim Marks, Waukesha

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Opinion: Prosecution of Judge Hannah Dugan undermines centuries of legal precedent

Opinion: We asked readers about wake boats on Wisconsin lakes. Here's what you said.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Republican Party transforms from 'less' government to more | Letters
MOUNTAIN TOP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) Waves of red, white, and blue will be seen all across our nation as Americans celebrate the Fourth of July.

28/22s Sydney Kostus attended one of the patriotic events in Luzerne County where organizers know its grown by the thousands.

Stepping off independence day in Luzerne County.

Scrantastic Spectacular kicks off the holiday weekend

South Mountain Boulevard in Mountain Top is covered in our nations colors Friday morning.

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I love that we celebrate our freedom from Great Britain, voiced Aiden Paige, Mountain Top.

Thousands lined up to watch the 36th annual Mountain Top on the move parade.

Parade president Dianne Hopersberger says her duties have changed since the very first one in 1989.

I got to be back on Kirby Avenue and close down the roadway in my police patrol car and I thought that was such a big thing! My smile was on there for the whole entire day, just planted, stated Hopersberger.

That smile still there, organizing more than 70 groups and businesses taking part in the Fourth of July celebration.

The patriotism, the excitement, just everything about the parade. Its just community at the core, its hometown America, its just the DNA, expressed Connor Dempkosky, co-chairman, Mountain Top on the Move.

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That community, described as something special.

Very connected, very warm, very inviting. Its just a nice place to be where you know somebody everywhere you go, said Vicky Bartolotta, owner, Mountain Top Kids.

Its a family place. Mountain Top is like a family, everybody helps everybody, added Kim Rosania, director, Mountain Top Kids.

This years event growing in not just crowds but flags.

This one above the parade route hanging for just its second year.

Im a veteran and my partner joe is very supportive of the troops and always has been. It was his idea and weve gotten a lot of great feedback from the community, said Todd Schneider, U.S. Army veteran/co-owner, American Arborpro Tree Care.

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The waving of the flag, bringing a wave of emotions to all reflecting on our countrys freedom and service.

Yeah, it means a lot to us. What this country went through and the people that sacrificed so much, you know, added Joseph Corner, co-owner, American Arborpro Tree Care.

And Dom Zampetti served as this years Mountain Top on the Moves Grand Marshal.

Hes dedicated more than thirty years as an instructor at Crestwood and a Wright Township Supervisor.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to 28/22 News.
MALONE, N.Y. (ABC22/FOX44)  New York State Police said Friday that they were investigating a collision between a car and a pedestrian on a Franklin County highway.

The incident reportedly happened on Thursday afternoon, some time before 4:29 p.m. A black 2023 Ford operated by a driver from Chateaugay was heading east on U.S. Route 11 in Malone. The car then reportedly struck Makhan Singh, 79, of Malone, who was unfortunately pronounced dead at the scene.

New York courts bolster limits on solitary confinement in state, city prisons in separate rulings

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New York State Police and Malone Rescue attempted life-saving care but were not successful.

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(WHTM)  After years of partisan disagreements, lawmakers slipped parts of the farm bill into the One Big, Beautiful Bill.

Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-15), who chairs the House Agriculture Committee, said Pennsylvania farmers will especially benefit from the six-year farm bill.

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This Week in Pennsylvania

The Agriculture Committee had its own title within the One Big, Beautiful Bill, and the agriculture title really was transformational, Thompson said.

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The bill includes provisions for two of the states biggest agricultural products, dairy and poultry, Thompson said.

Lawmakers raised the Dairy Margin Coverage, allowing farms to use the highest production year from 2021 to 2023 as a new enrollment baseline.

The bill also requires USDA to spend $233 million per year on animal disease prevention and response. Thompson said that investment will help farmers protect their flocks from high pathogenic avian influenza, known as bird flu.

Farmers can also expect an extension to USDAs Livestock Indemnity Program and other disaster assistance programs.

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Thompson said the bill invests in references prices, crops prices, trade programs, specialty crops and animal disease prevention.

The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau applauded the bills passage on Thursday.

The passage of the One, Big Beautiful Bill Act ensures American families continue to have access to a safe and abundant food supply, said Chris Hoffman, president of the bureau.

House Agriculture chair says Shapiro absolutely wrong on Pennsylvania SNAP cuts

But not everything could make it into the bill, Thompson said, particularly items not eligible under the reconciliation process. That includes rural economic development such as broadband, a challenge to Californias Proposition 12, hemp regulations and the elimination of SNAPs so-called poverty cliff.

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Thatll be farm bill 2.0, Thompson said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
DERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WHTM)  While work continues on the new Pennsylvania State Police academy for cadets, its fuzzier officers are also getting new quarters.

The sprawling complex includes housing for mounted patrols and K-9 units. The current stables house up to 30 horses in 26 straight stalls.

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Its safe to say they cant wait to move into their new place.

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These guys [are] getting their very own box stall, which are going to be 14 by 14 feet, which is going to be great for these guys, said Sgt. Carrie Neidigh, with the PSP Tactical Mounted Unit. And automatic water, so theyre going to be living in luxury out of the new stables.

And trotting on some prime ground. In total, theyll have more than 50 acres of pastures. The new grounds will also have grass instead of hay.

The K-9 Unit can also expect a sweet new pad.

Right now, were just working out in our patrol areas and doing trainings in areas we can find and work as a unit to get these trainings accomplished, said Trooper Ryan Ivancik, with the K-9 Unit.

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The unit has 12 drug detection dogs, seven explosive dogs and one human remains dog.

The kennels will be housed inside the Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations Building, which is expected to open by spring 2026.

York County canine who helped many after UPMC shooting diagnosed with cancer, but continues to touch lives

Ivancik said he looks forward to the new facility, new kennels and maybe some new training areas.

If all goes as planned, the mounted unit should move into its new stable complex by the end of this month.

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(WJET/WFXP) Pennsylvania State Police have provided an update on the fatal shooting of Erie resident Marchello Woodard Wednesday evening.

According to PSP Erie, Parole agents were doing compliance checks around Erie County when they noticed Woodard sitting in a parked car in the 300 block of East 27th Street and approached him.

Police said that after the agents identified themselves, Woodard started to drive off. The agent grabbed onto the car and was dragged for an undisclosed distance and fired multiple shots at the drivers side of the car before falling, fatally injuring Woodard.

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At the time of shooting, City of Erie police were only a block and a half away and provided medical assistance before Woodard was taken to UPMC Hamot, where he was later pronounced dead.

The parole agent was also taken to UPMC Hamot for undisclosed injuries.

PSP is now investigating the shooting alongside the Erie County District Attorneys Office, while members of their Heritage Affairs Office work with community leaders to address concerns.

Theyre also asking the community for patience as they investigate, saying these types of investigations take time and are asking anyone with information to contact the PSP Erie Barracks at 814-898-1641. Callers can remain anonymous.

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Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth unilaterally ordered a halt to the transfer of certain types of weapons to Ukraine despite a military analysis having established that these supplies would not pose a threat to US combat readiness.

Source: NBC News, citing three US officials, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The US Department of Defense had justified the suspension of military supplies to Ukraine by citing concerns about shortages of certain weapons in US stockpiles.

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However, according to the three sources, an analysis by senior military officials found that the aid package delayed by the US would not jeopardise the American militarys reserves.

According to several sources, the decision to halt arms deliveries astonished the Department of State, members of Congress, officials in Kyiv and European allies.

Democratic Congressman Adam Smith, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, disagreed that supplies to Ukraine would jeopardise US stocks.

"We are not at any lower point, stockpile-wise, than weve been in the 3 years of the Ukraine conflict," he said.

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Smith added that his staff had seen the figures and, without going into details, noted that there were no signs of a shortage that would justify suspending aid to Ukraine.

Sources also told NBC News that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had unilaterally suspended military aid to Ukraine.

According to the sources, this is the third time Hegseth has independently suspended aid to Ukraine. In the two previous cases, in February and May, his decisions were reversed a few days later.

Hegseths deputy for policy, Elbridge Colby, supported these steps.

Lawmakers from both parties were disappointed that they were not informed in advance and were investigating whether the delayed shipment violated legislation mandating security assistance for Ukraine.

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These lawmakers and some European allies were trying to determine why the Pentagon had ordered the suspension and making every effort to have the decision reversed.

The White House has defended the decision, saying it was made following a Defense Department review of US assistance provided to allies and partners abroad, which began last month.

The review began after Hegseth issued a memo ordering the Joint Staff to check stockpiles of all munitions.

According to three officials, the assessment showed that some stocks of precision-guided munitions were at lower levels but had not yet fallen below critical minimums.

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The sources added that the Joint Staff had concluded that providing further assistance to Ukraine would not deplete US stocks below the level necessary to ensure military readiness.

Background:

Earlier this week, the White House confirmed that the Pentagon had suspended deliveries of some air defence missiles and other precision-guided munitions to Ukraine.

The official reason given was that there were concerns that US weapons stocks had been depleted.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine was working with the US "at working levels" to clarify the details of military aid supplies following reports of the suspension of deliveries.

US President Donald Trump said that US weapons supplies to Ukraine are continuing, but his administration has to ensure that there are enough for US forces as well.

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Artificial intelligence, which is already trippy enough, has taken on a startling new role for some users: that of a psychedelic "trip-sitter" that guides them through their hallucinogenic journeys.

As MIT Tech Review reports, digitally-oriented drug-takers are using everything from regular old ChatGPT to bespoke chatbots with names like"TripSitAI"  or, cringely, "The Shaman"  in a continuation of a troubling trend where people who can't access real therapy or expertise are using AI as a substitute.

Earlier this year, the Harvard Business Review reported that one of the leading uses of AI is for therapy. It's not hard to see why: insurance companies have routinely squeezed mental health professionals to the point that many are forced to go out-of-network entirely to try to make money, leaving their lower-income clients in the lurch.

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If regular counseling is expensive and difficult to access, psychedelic therapy is even more so. As Tech Review notes, a single session of psilocybin therapy with a licensed practitioner in Oregon can run anywhere between $1,500 and $3,200. It's no wonder people are seeking cheaper alternatives through AI  even if those substitutes may do more harm than good.

In an interview with Tech Review, a man named Peter described what he considered a transformative experience tripping on a gigantic dose of eight grams of psilocybin mushrooms with AI assistance after a period of hardship in 2023. Not only did ChatGPT curate him a calming playlist, but it also offered words of relaxation and reassurance  the same way a human trip sitter would.

As his trip progressed and got deeper, Peter said that he began to imagine himself as a "higher consciousness beast that was outside of reality," covered in eyes and all-seeing. Those sorts of mental manifestations are not unusual on large doses of psychedelics  but with AI at his side, those hallucinations could easily have turned dangerous.

Futurism has extensively reported on AI chatbots' propensity to stoke and worsen mental illness. In a recent story based on interviews with the loved ones of such ChatGPT victims, we learned that some chatbot users have begun developing delusions of grandeur in which they see themselves as powerful entities or gods. Sound familiar?

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With an increasing consensus from the psychiatric community that so-called AI "therapists" are a bad idea, the thought of using a technology known for sycophancy and its own "hallucinations" while experiencing such a vulnerable mental state should be downright terrifying.

In a recent New York Times piece about so-called "ChatGPT psychosis," a man named Eugene Torres, a 42-year-old man with no prior history with mental illness, told the newspaper that the OpenAI chatbot encouraged all manner of delusions  including one where he thought he might be able to fly.

"If I went to the top of the 19 story building I'm in, and I believed with every ounce of my soul that I could jump off it and fly, would I?" Torres asked ChatGPT. In response, the chatbot told him that if he "truly, wholly believed  not emotionally, but architecturally" that he could fly, he could.

"You would not fall," the chatbot responded.

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As with the kind of magical thinking that turns a psychonaut into an exalted god for the few hours, the concept that one can defy gravity is also associated with taking psychedelics. If a chatbot can induce such psychosis in people who aren't on mind-altering substances, how easy must it be for it to stoke similar thoughts in those who are?

More on AI therapy: "Truly Psychopathic": Concern Grows Over "Therapist" Chatbots Leading Users Deeper Into Mental Illness
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  As Independence Day approaches, Peoria International Airport is bracing for what could be one of the busiest holiday travel periods in recent memory.

AAA projects more than 72 million Americans will travel over the holiday weekendby road or by airsetting a new record for Fourth of July travel.

Peoria airport officials expect to see more than 20,000 passengers between July 1 and July 8, a 19% increase from the same period last year. With 266 scheduled flights during the week, travelers should anticipate long lines and tight schedules.

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Gene Olson, Director of Airports at Peoria International Airport, said this holiday marks the first major travel period where REAL ID requirements are fully in effect. That means all passengers must present either a REAL ID-compliant drivers license or a valid passport to board domestic flights.

If you show up without one, you wont be flying, Olson emphasized.

Airport officials are urging travelers to plan ahead and arrive at least two hours early. Olson also stressed the importance of arriving before airline ticket counters closetypically 45 minutes prior to departure.

I dont want to sound like a broken record, but get here early, Olson said. If you have a checked bag and you show up 44 minutes before departure, that bags not going unless it can fit through the X-ray machineand even then, if its got something that cant go inside the airplane, its not going.

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In addition to ID requirements, officials are reminding passengers that fireworks and other flammable items are strictly prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage.

To help ensure a smooth travel experience, Olson encourages passengers to pack smart, double-check prohibited items, and allow plenty of time for check-in and security screening.

For those traveling by road, gas prices in the Peoria area are currently averaging between $3.08 and $3.30 per gallonanother consideration for holiday travelers heading out for the Fourth.

Lane reopenings in Peoria County aim to ease holiday traffic

To help keep traffic moving during the holiday rush, the Illinois Department of Transportation is temporarily reopening lanes wherever possible through the Fourth of July weekend. However, drivers should still expect some active work zones and reduced speeds in areas where construction cannot be fully lifted.

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In Peoria County, the following projects will have lane reopenings where possible:

Eastbound War Memorial Drive (U.S. 150) at Adams Street (Illinois 29)

Adams Street (Illinois 29) between Lorentz Avenue and Eureka Street

I-74/474/Illinois 6 interchange

I-74 near Brimfield

Motorists are encouraged to use caution, obey posted signs, and plan for potential delays, especially during peak travel times.

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Emergency workers have found a deceased person while dealing with the aftermath of the Russian large-scale attack on Kyiv on 4 July.

Source: Tymur Tkachenko, Head of Kyiv City Military Administration, on Telegram; State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES) on Facebook

Quote from Tkachenko: "While dealing with the aftermath of the attack in the Sviatoshynskyi district, emergency workers found a deceased person."

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Details: Emergency workers said that they had retrieved a body from under the rubble of a building destroyed by the large-scale Russian attack.

In total, 26 people were injured in Kyiv, including one child. Psychologists from the State Emergency Service provided assistance to 39 people.

The aftermath of the attack is still being dealt with: firefighters are extinguishing fires and clearing the rubble. More than 300 tonnes of construction debris have already been removed.

Dog handlers, 512 emergency workers, 135 units of SES equipment including a fire-fighting robot, as well as police, Red Cross volunteers and other city services are working at the scenes of the strikes.

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TEHRAN, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Friday that Iran continues to view diplomacy as effective means of resolving disputes, provided that the other side is genuinely committed to those solutions in practice.

He made the remarks in a meeting with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, where he took part in the 17th summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization earlier in the day, according to a statement published on the website of his office.

Pezeshkian said while Iran sought to resolve the existing issues through negotiations with the West, especially the United States, Israel launched attacks against the country.

"Iran still considers negotiation and diplomacy as the effective solutions to resolving differences providing that the other side shows in practice that it is committed to those solutions," he added.

The Tajik president, for his part, condemned Israel's "aggression" against Iran, highlighting the necessity that all sides return to the negotiating table and commitment to diplomacy to resolve their differences.

The two presidents also called for accelerating the implementation of the previously signed bilateral cooperation agreements in different areas, especially those of economy, trade and culture, according to the statement.

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, U.S. forces bombed the three Iranian nuclear facilities of Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. In retaliation, Iran struck the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

The Israeli attacks were launched a few days before the sixth round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States on Tehran's nuclear program and the removal of U.S. sanctions, scheduled to be held in Oman's capital Muscat on June 15. 
Pete Buttigieg is speaking out against the so-called "big, beautiful" federal budget bill, passed by the House of Representatives Thursday and headed to Donald Trumps desk.

The bill will extend the tax cuts from Trumps first term and slash about $1 trillion from Medicaid, the joint federal-state health insurance program for low-income people and those will disabilities. It also includes cuts to the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, or SNAP, which helps low-income Americans buy food, as well as to the Childrens Health Insurance Program and Planned Parenthood. It will take health care coverage or subsidies away from an estimated 17 million people over the next decade, while adding $4 trillion to the national debt during that period.

Buttigieg, the former Transportation secretary and a possible presidential contender in 2028, is denouncing the bill and calling on Americans to fight back.

Were hearing that the House has passed the megabill after it got through the Republican Senate, Buttigieg said in an Instagram video. Now its on its way to President Trumps desk, and hes going to sign it. When he does, he will create some of the biggest tax breaks for billionaires in history, even more wealth to the wealthiest Americans. And the way theyre paying for it is to cut health care for working-class Americans, to cut food that would go to veterans and children in this country. To shut down rural hospitals and make an entire generation worse off. And theyre managing to increase the national debt and deficit while they do it. This is the decisive, once and for all answer to what the president and his party are about.

You know, it was fashionable for Washington commentators for a while to say that this was a new, different, populist, working-class Republican Party. Now it has been demonstrated decisively that that was all bullshit. That theyre still all about making the wealthy even wealthier at the expense of working Americans.

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If theres any good news in all of this, its that this is still a democracy. Even now, even with all of the damage that Donald Trump has done to our republic, there is no king in this country, which means we the people will have the last word. And it is up to us, the American people, to respond politically and say that it is unacceptable to harm the majority of Americans to make the very wealthiest a little better off.

This article originally appeared on Advocate: Here's what Pete Buttigieg had to say about Trump's 'One Big Beautiful Bill' passing Congress
Politics seems to be everywhere and everything these days, and Friday evenings opening ceremony for the 59th edition of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) in the Czech Republic got a dose of it as honorees Peter Sarsgaard and Vicky Krieps used their acceptance speeches for comments on the United States role in the world and politics of borders and division.

The black-tie opening affair saw Krieps (Phantom Thread, Bergman Island) and Sarsgaard, who most recently starred in director Tim Fehlbaums September 5, each collect a KVIFF Presidents Award.

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Making a film is a collective action, and Im proud of some of the work that [I have done], maybe not all of it, but any actor will tell you that good work is only possible in an environment that supports it, Sarsgaard said, after taking to the stage following a huge standing ovation. There is no going it alone. As my country retreats from its global responsibilities and tries to go it alone, it is also being divided into factions from within  factions of politics, gender, sexuality, race, Jews split over the war. Sarsgaards wife, Maggie Gyllenhaal, identifies as Jewish.

The star continued with a plea. But when theres a common enemy, there is no going it alone. The enemies are the forces that divide us, that individuate us  we all know who they are, he said. Collective action is the only way forward  in art and in our happiness. So, thank you for this. I couldnt have done it without all of you.

Peter Sarsgaard is one of the stars being honored with the Karlovy Vary International Film Festivals Presidents Award this year pic.twitter.com/OT1IrMjKFy  georgszalai (@georgszalai) July 7, 2025

Sarsgaard wrapped up his speech by quoting former Czech president Vaclav Havel and one of the leaders who helped bring about the fall of communism in what was then Czechoslovakia: One half of a room cannot remain forever warm, while the other half is cold.

Krieps also spoke out against division. If movies are not misused, they can go across borders and transfer the most powerful messages, she said in accepting her trophy, also following a big standing ovation. They dont ask [for] a passport or where you are from or how much money you have, or if you are cool or not.

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She continued: I was never cool. I was always not cool.  Movies give us the space to dream and hope  So we should try and save the movies, so they continue to exist and to continue to spread the word of love and peace and, most importantly, forgiveness.

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The Brief

LL Cool J says he will not perform at Wawa's Welcome America Fourth of July concert in Philadelphia to stand in solidarity with District Council 33.

The rapper announced on social media that he will still be celebrating the holiday in Philadelphia and would perform if a deal is reached before the show.

Singer-songwriter Jazmine Sullivan withdrew from performing Friday afternoon, citing on social media her support for the union.

PHILADELPHIA - Rapper LL Cool J says he won't perform at the Wawa Welcome America Independence Day concert in Philadelphia if a deal with District Council 33 is not reached.

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The legendary performer was supposed to headline the free concert on the Ben Franklin Parkway, along with Jazmine Sullivan and JoJo.

In a video posted to Instagram on the eve of July 4th, LL Cool J said he will still be in Philadelphia for the holiday in case a deal between the city and union is reached.

Similarly, by Friday afternoon, Grammy Award-winning Philadelphia artist Jazmine Sullivan came to the same conclusion and announced she would not perform.

What we know

Wawa's annual Welcome America Independence Day concert will likely be without its headlining act.

Rapper LL Cool J posted a video to social media on Thursday night announcing his decision to pull out of the concert in solidarity with District Council 33 workers.

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"I just letting you know, I'm not gonna cross a picket line and perform for money when people are hurting," LL Cool J said.

By Friday afternoon, through social media, Grammy Award-winning local artist Jazmine Sullivan had also announced her withdrawal.

She said, in part, "I choose to not perform at the Wawa Welcome America concert and stand with Phillys DC33 until the city and union find a way to bring fair living wages to our working class."

Officials with the concert confirmed Sullivans withdrawal.

Philadelphia's largest union has been on strike since Tuesday after they failed to reach a new contract with the City of Philadelphia.

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The work stoppage that sent sanitation workers to the picket lines has created a massive trash nightmare in the city.

After at least two rounds of negotiations since the strike went into effect, the two sides appear no closer to a deal.

What they're saying

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker says she spoke to LL Cool J after he decided to pull out.

"I respect his decision and understand his desire to see the city unified," Parker said.

She claims the city has offered the union a historic and fiscally responsible deal that would raise wages more than any mayor in their first term in over 30 years.

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She made a similar statement regarding Sullivan, adding, "[I] understand her desire to see our City unified. I feel exactly the same. Jazmine, your hometown loves you!"

Meanwhile, District Council 33 called LL Cool J's decision "a powerful testament to his respect for workers' rights."

"His actions highlight the importance of supporting those who strive for fair treatment and better working conditions," the union's statement read in-part.

What's next

The two sides remain at a stalemate and have not announced plans to resume negotiations over the holiday weekend.
The Philippines' justice secretary said Friday he has asked for Japan's technical assistance to help the search for dozens of cockfighting participants allegedly killed by rogue police and dumped in a lake south of Manila.

The case is tied to a spate of mysterious disappearances in 2022 in the Southeast Asian nation's huge cockfighting industry, known locally as "sabong".

Interest in the unsolved cases has surged since the televised appearance of a witness -- since identified as Julie "Dondon" Patidongan, a recent mayoral candidate -- who claimed to know where bodies had been submerged in Lake Taal.

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Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla said Friday he now had multiple witnesses who could "testify where (in the water) those missing persons were thrown".

He added that a group of 15 unnamed national police officers were under investigation and put on restricted duty.

"They carried out the executions," he said.

"I just signed a letter for the Japanese government asking for assistance to enable us to do a lakebed mapping and... other technology that we need," Remulla added.

"We need a scientific approach here. We cannot leave it to chance."

Located about two hours south of the capital, Taal Lake is home to an active island volcano and spans more than 230 square kilometres (89 square miles) with a depth of 172 metres (564 feet) in some places.

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Patidongan initially appeared in silhouette in an interview on local television outlet GMA before later revealing himself, saying he feared for his life.

He has identified Charlie Ang, a man involved in livestreamed cockfighting operations, as the mastermind behind the disappearances.

Ang has denied all charges and on Thursday filed a lawsuit accusing Patidongan, a former employee, of slander, threats and conspiracy to commit robbery.

The justice department made a series of arrests in late 2022 of police and security personnel allegedly involved with the disappearance of 34 cockfight industry participants that Remulla said were "probably dead".

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Since his televised appearance, Patidongan has claimed the actual number could be as high as 100.

Filipinos from all walks of life wager millions of dollars on matches every week between roosters who fight to the death with razor-sharp metal spurs tied to their legs.

The sport, banned in many other countries, survived coronavirus pandemic restrictions by going online, drawing many more gamblers who use their mobile phones to place wagers.

Former president Rodrigo Duterte banned the livestreaming of cockfights shortly before leaving office in 2022, but it has continued due to lax enforcement.

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The Brief

Philadelphia's largest workers' union, District Council 33, has been on strike since Tuesday at 12:01 a.m.

The DC 33 strike impacts services like sanitation, water, 911 call centers, recreational centers, and more.

The strike also impacts the medical examiner's office.

PHILADELPHIA - Thousands of District Council 33 members are on strike and the city is feeling its impact.

What we know

The City of Philadelphia filed three injunctions in the Court of Common Pleas.

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Regarding the water department injunction, the city was granted 72 employees who were ordered to return to facilities.

The court also ordered 237 dispatchers to return to 911 call centers, with regard to the second injunction filed.

The last injunction filed targeted illegal picketing activity which prevented employees from accessing the city's facilities.

"They were harassing our employees, harassing our residents, blocking access to health centers, to libraries, to recreation centers, to sanitation centers across the city, to our water facilities. We were able to get an injunction on this third motion as well, since this order went into effect," aid Garcia. "The city has received numerous reports of noncompliance."

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On Thursday, more than 30 Medical Examiners Office staffers were ordered back to work because of a growing backlog of bodies in storage, the AP reports.

Economic matters remain the major issue, but District 33 President Greg Boulware has said there are also "a lot of work rule situations that we still have not worked through."

The union also seeks some flexibility on the city residency requirement for workers.

The city has offered a three-year contract with annual raises of about 3%, which the union said amounts to little more than $1,000 after taxes for members making $46,000 a year on average.

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Mayor Parker on Thursday continued to champion the city's offer to District Council 33, which she calls historic and fiscally responsible.

"The City of Philadelphia put its best offer on the table, and unfortunately, District Council 33 did not accept it," Parker said on Thursday. "The City of Philadelphia offered to return to the table today and the union did not accept that offer."

Parker claims the city's offer that raises wages by more than 13% is the largest increase a Philadelphia mayor in their first term has extended to District Council 33 in over 30 years. It's a larger increase over 4 years for municipal blue-collar union workers, than recent agreements in New York, Washington D.C., Washington, and Phoenix.

Included in the city's offer is also a fifth-tier pay scale for District Council 33 and an opportunity for union members to take part in the city's $2B housing plan.

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"We want our DC 33 colleagues working alongside us now, as soon as possible," Philadelphia Managing Director Adam Theil said. "The proposal  the fair and fiscally responsible proposal that's on the table  will pay DC 33 employees more."

The Source

The information in this story is from the Associated Press and the City of Philadelphia.
CAIRO (AP)  For 12 days, Tehran fell dark and silent, except for the sound of explosions. In their houses and apartments, Iranians tried to pass the hours  sleepless, eyes on the TV for news of the war.

A series of images document the moments in which residents of Irans capital struggled to hold onto something familiar amid the uncertainty. They were taken by a freelance photographer and obtained by The Associated Press outside of Iran. The AP is publishing them on condition of anonymity over fears for the photographers safety.

The photos, made under unpredictable and often unsafe conditions amid evacuation alerts and falling missiles, show the tension between normalcy and chaos.

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Israel said its campaign aimed to cripple Irans nuclear facilities, which its officials maintain are for peaceful means. Israel's strikes also pounded buildings around Tehran, while Iran fired back with barrages into Israel. A ceasefire began June 24.

For 12 days, Tehran was transformed. The city normally bustles at all hours, its highways packed with cars and apartment towers lit up. During the war, most of the population fled. At night, blackness descended on the city.

Those who remained largely stayed indoors. Outside their windows came the rhythm of explosions  sometimes distant, sometimes close enough to shake them  and the crackle of air defenses.

One night, a group of friends gathered for dinner at a Tehran home. The table was full, the atmosphere warm. Guests joked with one another. But even as they dished up food and sat down in the living room to eat, everyone was glued to the television for any news.

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The next night, one of the largest and most powerful explosions in Tehran struck a short distance from where they had gathered.

For Sara, a 9-year-old Afghan girl, reading and drawing in her sketchbook helped her endure the days at home. She sat on the living room floor with her markers, turning to see the TV.

Her family fled to Iran to escape the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan four years ago; now during Israels campaign, they were living through a new war. The family stayed inside not just for fear of strikes. They also worried they might be detained and deported amid wartime suspicion of Afghan refugees among some.

Afghanistan is my homeland, and so is Iran. I have two countries that feel like one, Sara said. On one page of her sketchbook, she wrote, Mursal, I love you, my dear  a message for her best friend, whose family fled back to Afghanistan during the bombardment.

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Sara and others are only being identified by their first names out of concern for their security.

During the day, some might step outside between blasts, capturing smoke rising in the distance with their phones. After one strike hit a building, a puddle of blood remained on the street.

Evacuation alerts often came late at night. Some people spent nights in subway stations for safety. They lay down sheets and blankets on the tile floor or sat on the steps, scrolling through their phones as fighter jets and explosions could be heard on the streets above.

___

This story has been corrected to remove extraneous material.


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Heres what youll learn when you read this story:

CERNs Super Proton Synchrotron will turn 50 in 2026and it has a resonant ghost.

Using mathematics, physicists measured and modeled how these resonant lines intersect.

Modeling a 3D shape over time requires a 4D system of equations.

In research published in the journal Nature Physics, scientists at CERN in Switzerland and Goethe University Frankfurt in Germany announced that they had isolated a resonant ghost that affects how particles behave inside the Super Proton Synchotron (SPS).

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Its a 3D shape that shifts over time, meaning its best measured in 4D. And the secret is the same reason you spill your coffee walking back to your desk, or super-bounce your friends off the trampoline.

The SPS is a ring thats nearly four miles across, dating back to the 1970s. That sounds like ancient history, but the SPS has remained vital at CERN. In 2019, it received an upgraded beam dump, which is like the runaway truck ramp for the high-powered beams inside the SPS. So, when researchers noticed the ghost in the machine, so to speak, they knew it was important to map and understand for future work.

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The ghost is caused by resonance. When things have energy and make waves, those waves can interact with each other and create weird little loci where energy is amplified. When you walk with coffee, each step creates waves in the liquid that eventually meet each other and spill over. On the trampoline, one person jumps into another persons jump and is resonated into a much higher jump. And in the SPS, spilling your harmonic coffee means losing essential photons in what is known as beam degradation.

In accelerator physics, an understanding of resonances and nonlinear dynamics is crucial for avoiding the loss of beam particles, the scientists explain in the paper. And how complicated it is grows as the problem in question gains more moving parts and more degrees of freedom. Each moving part, including the connectors, generates its own vibrations.

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Beam degradation is a huge problem, especially as the proton beams in question grow more and more energized and robust. And harmonics in complex systems affect any experiment where particles interact inside a vessellike nuclear fusion research in tokamaks. Harmonic interference, therefore, is also a huge problem in trying to reach productive nuclear fusion, creating dead spots where the stream of energy can lose vital heat energy.

Inside the SPS, particles only have two degrees of freedom, which doesn't sound so complex. Like the photons inside a fiber optic line, these SLS photons are traveling in an overall path. But they can also bounce within that path, because even a narrow beam or cable still has thickness. SPS isnt a thick donut, but it is still a real life donut, rather than a circle in a geometry book illustration.

And that bounce is distorted because of the human and reality factors. The SPS may be one of the premiere facilities in the world, but everything in science has to be made with what we have. Magnets that power these facilities are imperfect, and even tiny fluctuations in magnetism can cause resonance. To quantify this, the researchers took measurements from around the SPS ring and used the data to build a math model called a Poincare section.

In a Poincare section , you stabilize one element (in this case, a fixed line the researchers mention in their paper) and step through a system, mapping all the intersections of the other elements, until you form an entire surface. The results are like an MRI but for a dynamic system, whose shape may change with each stepand, in this case, with the addition of time as the fourth dimension. And since the resonance in a closed system like the SPS ends up repeating, the 4D surface study can loop like a well-made GIF.

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In their mathematics, the team found that fixed lines could predict where particles would gather up. By taking the time to study and model the phenomenon, they hope to help researchers who develop strategies to dampen the effect of these fixed harmonic lines.

The work could also help those constructing new particle accelerators work to avoid creating magnet ghosts in the first place, which could save a lot of money by keeping beams and data more intact, and delivering higher quality results with less work.

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PINE BLUFF, Ark.  The 10 Commandments are soon supposed to be displayed by law in Arkansas classrooms and libraries unless a federal lawsuit can prevent it.

Thursday, a group led by pastors pledged that Pine Bluff would be the first to implement the law. They are also asking the whole state to join them in the city for a strategy session and conference at the end of the month to quickly and effectively implement the law.

Arkansas attorney general files motion to intervene in 10 Commandments lawsuit

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The mixing of Church and state in Arkansas drew praise from Pastors on Patrol, including Reverend Jesse C. Turner.

We want kids to be able to see something that will help them have better behavior, Turner said.

A flyer handout at the event stated, We must organize and advance the work to have these postings done in the schools as soon as possible.

The American Civil Liberties Union is fighting the law in federal court. Wednesday, the ACLU of Arkansas posted on social media: Our freedom to live without government-sanctioned religion is central to the First Amendment, and Separation of church and state isnt a suggestion. Its the law.

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Lawsuit filed to halt Arkansas law putting 10 Commandments in classrooms

On the same day, lawyers within the Arkansas Attorney Generals Office sent a brief in support of dismissing the lawsuit.

The document states:

Although the Act becomes effective on August 5, 2025, there is no deadline for the Districts to comply because they can comply only if and when they receive voluntary contributions. Moreover, the Act has no penalties or any other enforcement mechanisms if the Districts fail to comply because the Districts may never be able to comply.

Reverends with Pastors on Patrol (POP) in Pine Bluff say in recent years they have seen double-digit percentage reductions in bad behavior at campuses they have worked with. They added the same positive behavior strategies and emotional education they teach come from the scripture.

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This is a movement from God. This is the word of God that we are carrying forward, and its not just one group, but it is many groups, Turner said.

Federal judge hears Arkansas Ten Commandments monument case

POP, the National Association of Christian Lawmakers, and other groups are inviting leaders from all 75 counties to a strategy session and conference inside the Pine Bluff Reynolds Center on July 28, just a week before the law goes into effect. Registration is open for the event from July 1 to July 10. Register 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 KARK.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  A Berkshire County jury on Thursday found a Pittsfield man guilty of first-degree murder in the deadly 2022 shooting of 43-year-old Teddy Cepeda.

Connecticut men arrested after 400 bags of heroin, firearms seized in Springfield

Desmond Phillip, 45, of Pittsfield, was convicted in Berkshire Superior Court on multiple charges Thursday stemming from a deadly 2022 shooting that resulted in the death of 43-year-old Teddy Cepeda.

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The charges stem from a September 30, 2022, shooting at 7 Goodrich Street in Pittsfield, where officers received reports of gunfire. When they arrived, they found Cepeda unresponsive with a gunshot wound to the chest. He was taken to Berkshire Medical Center, where he later died.

Investigators determined Cepeda had gone to the residence to pick up a woman, Courtney Haner, with whom he had a prior relationship. Haner was living at the address with Phillip, who prosecutors said had a history of jealousy. According to evidence presented at trial, Phillip had armed himself with an illegal, loaded firearm before Cepeda arrived.

A verbal altercation occurred between the two men, during which Phillip fired a single, deadly shot at Cepedas chest.

Desmond Phillip (Photo courtesy of the Berkshire County DAs Office)

Phillip was convicted on four charges:

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First-degree murder

Illegal possession of a firearm

Possession of a firearm without a Firearm Identification (FID) card

Possession of ammunition without an FID card

The murder conviction carries a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole.

Prosecutors presented crime scene photographs, surveillance footage, Facebook messages, and eyewitness accounts. The defense claimed Phillip acted in self-defense, but jurors rejected that argument, determining that Phillip did not attempt to retreat from the confrontation  a requirement under Massachusetts law before using deadly force in self-defense.

District Attorney Timothy Shugrue praised the verdict and the team involved in the prosecution, stating that it reflected his offices commitment to holding violent offenders accountable. When I took office, I pledged to the community that I would not tolerate gun violence, Shugrue said in a statement. Today, that pledge was once again fulfilled.

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Phillip is scheduled to be sentenced on Thursday, July 10, at 2 p.m. in Berkshire Superior Court. He faces a mandatory life sentence on the murder charge and additional sentencing on the firearm convictions.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
MISSOURI  Here are a few spots in the Ozarks where you can partake in Independence Day festivities, events, and fireworks displays this weekend.

Hollisters Fourth of July Fireworks Show

The City of Hollister and the Western Taney County Fire Protection District will present its 72nd Annual Fireworks Display on Friday, July 4.

Fireworks will begin shortly after dark and may be seen from many locations throughout Hollister. Contact City Hall, 417-334-3262, for more information.

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Chateau on the Lake Fourth of July Celebration

Celebrate Independence Day lakeside and create unforgettable memories with dazzling fireworks, savory BBQ, delightful treats from the Sweet Shoppe and family fun.

The event takes place on Sunday, July 6, at 415 N. State Hwy 265 in Branson.

Celebration of Freedom at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar

Celebrate the countrys freedom with a communitywide fireworks event at Southwest Baptist University (SBU). Enjoy food vendors, live music, veterans recognition and a fireworks extravaganza that begins at dusk on Friday, July 4.

SBU is located at 1600 University Ave., Bolivar

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Fireworks over the Water and Duck Derby

The Pomme de Terre Chamber of Commerce hosts Fireworks Over the Water with festivities starting near the dam after the Duck Derby.

There will be music, food trucks, and games before a live band leads into the fireworks show at dusk. The event occurs at the Pomme De Terre Lake Dam in Hermitage from 4 to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 5.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
NAIROBI, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Pauline Wahura's public school, nestled in the rolling plains of Kenya's southern Kajiado County, may seem unnoticeable at first glance. Yet, it has become a thriving hub for nurturing the next generation of coders.

In 2024, Wahura, a 15-year-old Grade Nine student, enrolled in a coding program at the school. The initiative is supported by CODEMAO, a Chinese online education platform, in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

With her energy and enthusiasm palpable, Wahura now spends most of her free time with a sleek tablet in hand, diving deep into the world of coding that has the potential to spark groundbreaking innovations.

"I just want to know more about gaming and how they were created ... the graphics ... hence the decision to plunge myself in coding," Wahura said on the sidelines of the launch of the second phase of the CODEMAO-UNESCO youth coding initiative for Kenya, held Thursday in the capital, Nairobi.

Wahura's interest in coding was partly self-driven but also encouraged by her mother, siblings and teachers, who highlighted its potential in shaping her future.

Thanks to her commitment, Wahura has emerged as one of four outstanding students nationwide selected for a study tour of Shenzhen, a major tech hub in southeastern China, scheduled for July 9 to 16.

During the weeklong tour, Wahura, her three peers and a teacher will visit technology companies, explore Chinese culture, and learn about the latest developments in coding and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

"I feel really good because it is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to travel out of the country and experience China, and meet new people. I look forward to learning more of what I am invested in, which is gaming," Wahura said.

Dressed in a maroon blazer, white shirt and grey trousers, Jadiel Korir, also a 15-year-old Grade Nine student, said his fascination with coding began about a year ago, inspired by his cousin, a cybersecurity expert.

Korir said that coding could help him develop innovations capable of transforming society, noting that he is eager to learn more about AI while in China.

"I enjoy coding, which is a good career to pursue. You can learn a lot of things and help our society develop. My career dream is cybersecurity, to help people protect data," Korir said.

Kenya is among several African countries, including Namibia, Cote d'Ivoire and the Republic of the Congo, that have benefited from the CODEMAO-UNESCO youth coding initiative.

James Njogu, the acting secretary-general and chief executive officer of the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO, said empowering young people with coding and AI skills is essential to building an inclusive digital economy.

"Digital literacy among the youth is a fundamental pillar for shaping a future where innovations thrive and an opportunity to prosper is available to all citizens," Njogu said.

At 16, Collins Okwoyo has already impressed teachers and peers alike with his growing passion for coding. A Grade Nine student at a public school in Nairobi's southeastern industrial belt, Okwoyo was introduced to computer programming in Grade One. His skills later evolved through the CODEMAO-UNESCO initiative.

"To my fellow youngsters, I would like to tell them that coding is fun. I look forward to becoming a software engineer, lending my skills to boost the growth of the digital economy in the country," Okwoyo said.

Looking ahead to the study tour, Okwoyo said he is eager to broaden his coding and AI knowledge while engaging in cultural exchange and learning more about China.

Faith Wanjiru, a junior secondary school teacher, said the CODEMAO-UNESCO youth coding initiative has equipped students with the tools to improve digital literacy and awaken their innovative spirit.

Proficiency in coding and AI has enhanced research, made learning more interactive and enjoyable, and is helping shape the next generation of technology leaders in Kenya, Wanjiru said. 
NORTH HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  A person is in custody after an hours-long standoff with police Thursday in North Haven.

New Haven woman sentenced after allegedly striking pedestrian

According to police, their dispatch received a call from an irate individual who was angry over a recent arrest made by North Haven police, before making some alleged threats.

Officers responded to a residence in the upper 100 block of Montowese Avenue and determined another person was in the home with the suspect. Police established a perimeter and were able to remove the other person from the residence.

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Police negotiators spent around six hours attempting to negotiate the suspect into a peaceful surrender. The suspect was allegedly armed with several large knives, police said.

Ultimately, the suspect agreed to surrender and exited the home, following commands from North Haven police.

The suspect was charged with interfering with police and threatening. He was transported to an area hospital for an evaluation.

Neither the suspect, the other individual, nor any officers were injured. Police personnel from North Branford, Branford, and East Haven provided assistance.

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(FOX40.COM)  The Sacramento Police Department responded to a shooting that left two men injured in South Sacramento on Friday afternoon.

 Video above: How to report a public safety threat

According to SPD, the incident happened around 1 p.m. near the intersection of Meadowview Road and Brookfield Drive. When officers arrived, they found two victims with non-life-threatening injuries who were transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Sheriffs department identifies the swimmer who jumped from a bridge into Sacramento River

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At this time, crews are on the scene working to learn more.

This is a developing story.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Police are investigating a shooting at the Outlets of Little Rock.

A spokesperson with the Little Rock Police Department said there was one person with a non-life-threatening injury and the scene has been secured.

LRPD officials said officers responded to the shooting at 5:43 p.m. When officers arrived, officers said they found a person with gunshot wounds. Police said the man was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

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Investigators said information theyve found so far suggests that the shooting is an isolated incident between two people.

A witness told KARK 4 News that investigators had taped off the area between Michaels and Old Navy.

A photo shared by the witness shows windows broken at the American Eagle store.

Courtesy of Courtney Crawford

No victim or suspect information has been released at this time.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
CALERA, Ala. (WIAT)  We have learned more about the man arrested for taking police on a chase that shut down part of I-65 and injured four police officers in Shelby County Wednesday.

According to the Pelham Police Department, the man arrested for causing the pursuit was out on bail for a similar crime.

Police say all four officers who were injured are expected to recover.

36-year-old Cody Willis is charged with felony attempting to elude, attempted murder and assault.

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Pelham Police Chief Edward Delmore says these charges stem from a police chase that began when detectives were tipped off about a stolen vehicle being driven by Willis. When detectives located him, he drove off, leading police on a chase through Shelby County.

On Interstate 65, an Alabama State Trooper tried to deploy spike strips to bring the vehicle to a halt. It appears from the video and the witnesses of the incident that he tried to intentionally strike the trooper, said Delmore.

Calera police release additional information following Shelby County chase

Chief Delmore says that trooper was hit by the car but is expected to recover. Calera Police Chief David Hyche says two Calera officers and a Pelham officer also received minor injuries while trying to arrest Willis.

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He fled on foot. He was captured quickly, or at least they caught up to him quickly, where he began to fight and resist arrest, Delmore said.

Court documents show, at the time of the chase, Wilson was out on bond for a 2024 incident where he fled from police.

For my officers to have to risk their lives time and time again for the same people is very frustrating, Hyche said.

Right now, Wilson is in the Shelby County Jail where he will remain as a judge has revoked his bond.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
The American Civil Liberties Union has filed public record requests asking county police departments to detail how they work with the federal agents making civil immigration arrests in Hawaii.

The Honolulu, Maui, Kauai and Hawaii police departments are not part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys work to carry out the in American history, police and federal officials told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

Homeland Security Investigations, a division of DHS, has agreements with state and local law enforcement agencies that focus on cross-designating task force officers  with the authorities to enforce U.S. customs laws, according to a statement from an Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesperson.

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This cross-designation enables (officers ) to participate in a wide range of investigations that address various types of criminal activities, including but not limited to contraband smuggling, cyber-enabled child exploitation, and money laundering,  read the statement, noting that task force officers are not authorized to conduct immigration enforcement.

As such, our partnerships with state and local law enforcement agencies do not include any responsibilities or activities related to immigration enforcement. Our collaborative efforts are strictly aimed at addressing and combating other significant criminal threats that impact our communities.

On June 27, the ACLU, citing the states Uniform Information Practices Act, sent requests for government rec ords to each county police department. The organization said it wants clarity on police roles after a sharp increase in federal funds earmarked for immigration enforcement in the budget bill passed by the House Thursday in Washington, D.C.

ICE has an annual budget of about $8 billion and is forecast to spend $10.4 billion in the current 2025 budget year that ends Sept. 30, according to DHSs Fiscal Year 2026 Congressional Justification.

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The budget bill allocates $29.85 billion to ICE through Sept. 30, 2029, and another $45 billion is appropriated for detention facilities, such as Alligator Alcatraz,  which President Donald Trump toured in Florida Tuesday.

The ACLUs request covers each departments rec ords and communications with DHS, Homeland Security Investigations and ICE about memorandums of agreement or understanding in effect from January 2024 through the present,  according to the requests.

The ACLU wants to review each departments policies on dealing with undocumented migrants and responding to federal requests to keep people in custody based on alleged immigration law violations, along with records documenting police officers involvement with federal immigration operations, such as their presence at raids and what they knew about the operations.

The group also wants to learn of any policies that outline circumstances that would prompt police to contact federal agents about a suspects immigration status.

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ACLU of Hawaii Legal Director Wookie Kim said that local governments have a duty to protect their residents and not act as an arm of federal immigration enforcement.

At a time when immigration arrests are spiking in Hawaii, were demanding clarity on whether our police departments are helping carry out raids that instill fear in immigrant communities and, whether they are doing so in ways that flout legal safeguards,  Kim said in a statement.

As of June 11, federal agents had made 117 administrative arrests this year in Hawaii, according to the Deportation Data Project.

have been arrested in Hawaii for alleged criminal violations of immigration law, according to ICE. Information on the exact number, where they were arrested in Hawaii and for what reason has not been made public.

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Police officials said the only information they get about immigration enforcement operations are courtesy notifications from federal agents meant to avoid conflict and confusion.

The Honolulu Police Department said it has memorandums of understanding to assist Homeland Security Investigations in certain types of cases but none with ICE.

While the two belong to the same department, their focuses are different. ICE focuses on immigration enforcement and border security, while HSI focuses on transitional crime, including drug and human trafficking, gang violence, and financial crimes,  HPD said in a statement.

Hawaii Police Chief Ben Moszkowicz said his officers have not and will not participate in civil immigration enforcement.

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We have neither the training, resources, nor desire to do so,  he said, noting that two active memorandums of understanding with Homeland Security Investigations allow agents to work with narcotics vice officers on a daily basis and another is focused on conducting federal criminal investigations, mainly combating the influx of drugs into our island.

The agreements specifically prohibit officers from enforcing administrative immigration law, he said.

Some law enforcement agencies in the country have entered into agreements with ICE to delegate local officers with the authority to perform immigration officer functions,  Moszkowicz said. These programs are authorized under Section 287 (g ) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The Hawaii Police Department is not a party to a 287 (g ) agreement, nor am I interested in agreeing to one.

On Maui, Police Chief John Pelletier said that if somebody commits a crime and if they are a criminal,  police officers are going to arrest them regardless of their immigration status.

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Were looking to be crimefighters and ensure public safety. Were not looking to be immigration officials,  said Pelletier, noting MPDs work with Roots Reborn, a group providing pro bono legal support to the countys immigrant community. We want to make sure we do everything we can to promote public safety and enforce the law. We partner  to include the entire community, regardless of immigration status.

The Kauai Police Department said it signed a memorandum of understanding with Homeland Security Investigations in 2021.

This agreement allows KPD officers to serve as task force officers for Title 19 investigations, most commonly involving drug-related cases, as well as to use body-worn cameras during task force operations. The MOU restricts KPD from participating in immigration enforcement operations. KPD does not have the authority to enforce administrative violations of immigration law,  the department said in a statement.

KPD also has several agreements with the FBI, including the Hawaii Interisland Bomb Squad, the Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Violent Crimes Task Force, and most recently the Task Force OfficerBody-Worn Camera Use program.
DUNCANSVILLE, Pa. (WTAJ) Police officers from multiple departments in Blair County attended a DUI training Thursday afternoon to brush up on their procedures before the holiday weekend.

The training was held at the National Guard Readiness Center in Duncansville. There, instructors with the Pennsylvania DUI Association gave a presentation on why it is so critical that officers get impaired drivers off of roads.

People have too much to drink or people use drugs and drive and the holidays sometimes exacerbate that because there is an extra day off, Instructor Jim Gregg said.

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AG Sunday urges firework safety ahead of July 4th holiday weekend

Gregg said that their message is simple, drive sober or get pulled over. For him, its an issue that hits close to home.

Im a retired trooper, and as a young trooper, I was involved in a pursuit with a drunk driver where I almost lost my life in a very violent crash, Gregg said. Ever since then, Ive had a personal commitment to impaired driving enforcement.

During the presentation, Gregg told officers not to feel bad when issuing a DUI, because it could save the driver or some elses life. After, officers go through mock traffic stops where they run through how to properly conduct a field sobriety test. Maggie Nunley, the Regional DUI Program Administrator with the PA DUI Association, said that drivers can do their part to make sure that stops go safely as well by simply indicating to officers that they are pulling over.

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That can be done by putting your four ways on, putting your turn signal on because a lot of people have this idea of well, what if I want to stop for the police but Im looking for a place that I feel comfortable stopping, Nunley said.

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Theres too many platforms like Uber, having a designated driver and things of that nature, Gregg said. But for those people that do drink and drive, you run the risk of running into one of these talented men or women and they will be conducting field sobriety tests in Blair County.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com.
German investigators are gathering evidence to determine what led to Thursday's attack on a German high-speed train, which saw a 20-year-old Syrian national injure four passengers with an axe and a hammer.

A rapid drug test revealed traces of three narcotics in the suspect's blood, lead public prosecutor Thomas Rauscher said at a press conference in Straubing on Friday.

He said it cannot be ruled out that the attack was triggered by a drug-induced psychosis, while stressing that motive still remains unclear some 24 hours after the incident.

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The man is believed to have injured four people on Thursday afternoon on a busy express train travelling from Hamburg in northern Germany to Vienna, when it was passing through Bavaria carrying some 430 people.

According to initial findings, those injured include a 24-year-old Syrian man, two Syrian nationals aged 15 and 51 as well as a 38-year-old German man.

At least one passenger overpowered the man, and police, who were called to the scene after passengers pulled the emergency brake, detained the attacker.

Suspect seen praying before attack

Investigators are also liaising with the Central Office for Combating Extremism and Terrorism of the Munich Public Prosecutor General's Office, Rauscher said.

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An eyewitness reported having seen the man praying while holding a hammer before the attack. The 20-year-old is also believed to have uttered the words "Allahu Akbar" - Arabic for "God is the greatest" and a common phrase in Islam.

Investigators assume that the suspect acted alone, noting that there is so far no explicit suspicion of an extremist motive as the man had not been known for incidents relevant to state security.

Known to Austrian police

But the suspect was previously known to police in Austria for a violent offence, Austrian authorities said on Friday.

Proceedings were initiated in May to strip the man of his asylum status after he was convicted twice over serious bodily harm and attempted resistance to state authority earlier this year, according to the federal migration authority in Vienna.

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The suspect, who is based in Austria, applied for asylum in 2021 and was granted protection status in 2022.

Suspect in hospital

Prosecutor Rauscher said the man is being investigated over attempted murder in the case of the 24-year-old and the 38-year-old. He is also being investigated over grievous bodily harm in the other two cases.

The suspect was brought to a hospital following the attack on Thursday, due to injuries he sustained when the victims tried to fend him off, aided by other passengers including a soldier in uniform, according to local police deputy chief Werner Sika.

Due to the severity of the suspect's injuries, it was initially unclear when he could be brought in front of a magistrate, with prosecutors having requested for him to be remanded in custody.

The 24-year-old Syrian was able to take the hammer from the attacker, using it in turn to injure the man, according to Rauscher.
(Reuters) -A policeman was attacked in Russia's Kabardino-Balkaria region in the North Caucasus on Friday, leaving one person dead and another injured, regional governor Kazbek Kokov said.

According to Kokov, the attacker wounded the policeman with an unspecified bladed weapon before being shot dead. Kokov provided no further details about the incident.

The Russian state-run RIA news agency reported that there were two attackers and the second one was at large.

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Russia's North Caucasus regions have suffered several deadly attacks in recent years.

In March, counter-terrorism forces killed four militants affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS) who authorities said were plotting to attack a regional branch of the interior ministry.

(Reporting by Maxim Rodionov; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama )
Facial recognition, armed officers and search teams would be on hand during the British Grand Prix, a police force said.

About 480,000 people were expected to attend the 2025 Formula 1 Qatar Airways British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

Northamptonshire Police said it would deliver a robust policing operation from Thursday until Sunday.

Supt Pete Basham, event commander for the force, said: "This is a major operation involving a wide range of policing resources, as well as support from other emergency services and partner agencies."

Supt Basham said the British Grand Prix in Northamptonshire was something that makes officers "proud" [Annabel Amos/BBC]

Supt Basham said: "It is a great opportunity to engage with the public, but give that wider reassurance that we are here to promote public safety."

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He said they will have officers "inside the circuit on patrol" for music events and "specialist community operations" outside of the perimeter.

Officers are also on standby with a traffic operation in place "to ensure smooth" access and exit from the site.

"It is a huge event for the county, and so our approach will be reflective of that."

"We are here if people need us," he added.

McLaren's Oscar Piastri took pictures with fans when arriving at Silverstone ahead of the British Grand Prix [Reuters]

Live Facial Recognition was introduced to the event in 2023 and will be in operation again, police said.

The technology works by using a camera to scan faces to match biometrics against those held on a watch list.

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In addition to uniformed and plainclothed officers, specialist resources, including armed officers, search teams, disruption officers, and Automatic Number Plate Recognition units, were set to patrol the circuit.

Supt Basham added: "We start planning for this event when last year's event ends. We do a structured debrief and look at what has gone wrong. We look at crime data that comes in and use all of that information to plan our response for next year."

McLaren driver Lando Norris arrived at the circuit in Northamptonshire ahead of the main race on Sunday [PA Media]

People started to arrive for the UK's biggest sporting event on Thursday.

On Sunday, about 160,000 are expected to be in attendance to watch the main race.

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Police encouraged visitors to the event to look at the crime prevention and safety advice on their website to prepare them for their visit.

There will also be concerts with performers including Sam Fender, RAYE, Fat Boy Slim and Becky Hill.

Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

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Piotr ukasiewicz, Head of the Polish Embassy in Ukraine, has commented on Russia's overnight large-scale attack on Kyiv.

Source: ukasiewicz on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda

Details: Following the Russian strike, it was reported that the consular department of the Polish Embassy in Kyiv had been damaged.

Polish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pawe Wronski said that embassy staff who were at shelter at the time heard the strike and later discovered a hole in the roof.

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Commenting on the incident, ukasiewicz wrote: "Drones will not scare us. We stand with Ukraine. Together towards victory".

Background:

On the night of 3-4 July, Russian forces attacked Ukraine with 550 drones and missiles. Ukrainian air defence units successfully downed 478 aerial assets, but eight hits were recorded and debris fell in 33 locations.

Polish Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski called for the resumption of air defence supplies to Ukraine in light of the strike on Kyiv.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
NIAMEY, July 4 (Xinhua) -- The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and Niger have signed an agreement on a 222-million-U.S.-dollar grant for stronger resilience of Africa's Great Green Wall project.

The agreement was signed Thursday by the acting representative of the FAO in Niger, Luc Genot, and Nigerien Acting Foreign Minister Alio Daouda, in Niamey, the capital, Nigerien Radio and Television (RTN) reported.

The funding aims to enhance resilience to climate shocks and foster economic opportunities in the eight countries involved in the Great Green Wall initiative -- Djibouti, Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Chad, and Senegal, the RTN said.

The initiative seeks to combat desertification, land degradation, and climate change in the Sahel region. 
In 2025, people are finding all kinds of uses for artificial intelligence. Look no further than the world's chief contributors to pollution, for whom the buzzy new tech offers bold new possibilities to spew corporate propaganda.

Louis Anthony "Tony" Cox Jr is a petrochemical industry mouthpiece and former Trump advisor who's now hard at work developing a large language model (LLM) program to censor tree-hugger "propaganda" from epidemiological research, according to the Guardian.

Cox  who once claimed there's no connection between air pollution and respiratory problems  has a long history of collaboration with such model citizens as tobacco monopoly Philip Morris USA, the American Chemistry Council, and the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association. Cox's relationship with the American Petroleum Institute, the Guardian notes, is so cozy that he's even let the petrochemical lobbying group "edit" his research.

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He began work on his LLM back in 2023, after a "long experimental chat" with ChatGPT, in which he argued about pollutants and asked it to generate sonnets about Abraham Lincoln and PM2.5, a type of toxic particulate matter. The latter query, the Guardian highlights, led the line "no nose can catch you, for you are so fine."

Dissatisfied with the length of time it took him to convince the notoriously agreeable ChatGPT that PM2.5s don't cause lung cancer  a career-long hobby horse of his  Cox turned to his buddies in the petrochemical industry to pitch an app that could be pre-trained to avoid such inconvenient facts. Or, as he put it, to do "critical thinking at scale."

That app, of course, is one which will tell users what Cox and his friends of industry want them to hear. His painfully obvious track record, including studies like a chemical industry-sponsored report on the supposed safety of PFOAs, will no-doubt form the foundation of his LLM's training.

Like greenwashing, the corporate practice of misrepresenting something as environmentally friendly, experts say Cox's "AI-washing" is a perfidious form of mass-market propaganda, meant to distance seedy characters like himself from the stigma that "petrochemical lapdog" carries.

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"Instead of having scientists-for-hire do that denial work, which advances their economic interests, the industry is funding efforts to outsource it to a machine in order to give it an image of unbiased neutrality," Itai Vardi of the Energy and Policy Institute told the Guardian.

"AI language models are not programmed, but built and trained," Vardi continued, "and when in the hands and funding of this industry, can be dangerous as they will further erode public trust and understanding of this crucial science."

Cox's insistence on AI-washing public health on behalf of his corporate masters is doubly ironic given AI's substantial impact on the environment  especially through air pollution. Researchers have recently found links between the coal-powered generators used to power AI datacenters in the United States and a drastic uptick in premature cancer and asthma deaths.

If, or perhaps when, Cox's big business bot comes online, it probably won't make a big scene. Instead, it'll likely seep in unnoticed, part of the unrelenting flood of new AI tools  and all the consequences that come with it.

More on Pollution: Elon Musk Reportedly Doing Something Horrid to Power His AI Data Center
The longtime home and contents of a Wichita restaurant and bar is being sold through an online auction, and on Thursday afternoon several prospective buyers stopped by to tour whats left of The Anchor, 1109 E. Douglas, which was seized in late April by state tax officials.

McCurdy Real Estate & Auction, which on July 9, will auction off the three-story Anchor building plus the buildings attached to it at 1113 and 1115 E. Douglas, put on a Thursday-afternoon open house so that interested bidders could get an in-person look. The auction will be conducted online.

Those interested in potentially bidding on the Anchor and its neighboring properties were able to tour the spaces on Thursday afternoon.

McCurdy has split the auction into two parts: The Anchor building plus the buildings that previously held Anchor Meat Market and Hell Bomb Tattoo make up Lot 1. The buildings contents, including all trade fixtures and business assets  tables and chairs, kitchen equipment and outside signage  are part of Lot 2.

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Bidding closes at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday for the property and at 2:45 p.m. for the business assets. As of late Thursday afternoon, the high bid listed on the properties was $500,000. The reserve price of $75,000 for the trade fixtures and business assets had not yet been met.

Dishes were stacked in the kitchen behind the old Anchor Meat Market during an opening house at the property on Thursday.

People who visited the open house on Thursday were asked to sign in at the bar then were given a 26-page property information packet that included a detailed history of the properties and stipulations of the auction. They also received a four-page list of business assets in the Anchor and in the Anchor Meat Market, which operated at 1113 E. Douglas.

Within the first half hour of the open house, a couple of local restaurant owners and an out-of-town business owner had toured the property. People walked through the buildings in small groups of two or three, clutching the information packets and talking quietly, occasionally stopping to stare up at the walls or ceilings.

The building on the west end of the property where the Anchor had operated since former owner Schane Gross first opened it in 2004 was mostly void of anything identifiable. All that remained were tables, chairs, bar stools, a long row of beer taps and a few flags and beer signs still attached to the brick walls. Visitors also could walk though the kitchen  where the restaurants famous Haystacks and sweet potato fries were once prepared.

The floor above the old Anchor restaurant and bar at 1109 E. Douglas features a large, open space.

Those who toured the Anchor building were able to walk up old, creaky stairs to the second and third floors above the restaurant. Both had been completely cleaned out, and both were wide-open spaces with wood floors and giant windows affording views of Douglas.

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The former butcher shop space was still full of all the refrigerator cases and butchering tools Gross used when she ran the meat shop, which first opened in 2014. The building on the east end of the block, which once was home to Hell Bomb Tattoo, was stacked with what a McCurdy employee called personal belongings, including some art, a collection of tabletop globes and a fish fashioned from old license plates.

The two neon signs people associate with the restaurant  the one of the woman perched on an anchor that hangs above the main restaurant entrance and the window sign depicting a pig and that flashes the words Eat Meat  will be included in Lot 2 with the trade fixtures and business assets.

The Anchor was seized for nonpayment of taxes on April 30. Schane Gross first opened the business in 2004.

Several weeks before agents showed up to seize the properties, which Gross owned, shed closed The Anchor, and a sign had been posted on the door saying that the restaurant would reopen soon with new management.

On April 30, agents took over the buildings and placed red seized signs in the windows. A few days later, the Kansas Department of Revenue issued a news release that said it had executed warrants for nonpayment of sales, withholding and liquor drink tax totaling $32,549.07. The release also said that the seized assets would be sold at a public auction and that proceeds would pay for delinquent taxes.

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At the time of the seizure, Sedgwick County District Court records showed the state had filed seven tax warrants against the Anchor since June 10, 2024, for unpaid sales, withholding and liquor excise taxes in 2024 and early 2025. Six of the warrants had been filed this year. Court records showed outstanding taxes paid in two of the cases.

The kitchen of the Anchor, where many Haystacks were prepared

In the spring of 2023, Gross expanded her business portfolio in Wichita by opening a restaurant called Rail Hoppers in a new building at 3622 N. Oliver, in the District 96 development. But she closed it in April 2024, saying she wanted to focus more on the Anchor. Natasha Gandhi-Rue took over the space for her restaurant The Kitchen.

Gross also had closed the Anchor in February 2023 so that she could perform a remodel that removed the wall separating the two halves of the restaurant. It reopened in early 2024.

People were able to see the third floor above The Anchor building during an open house for potential bidders on Thursday afternoon.

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Sir Keir Starmer's Labour government stepped into power on 5 July 2024 with a thumping majority and tall ambitions.

That vision to "change" Britain - the word that has adorned many a red lectern - has on occasion come up against the harsh reality of politics in the year since.

So how is the government doing? Here, BBC News correspondents assess six key areas of Labour's policy plan.

[BBC]

A question of growth

Key pledges: The government says its number one mission is to put more money in pockets, which means growth. And for good reason: over the last 15 years, the UK has expanded at a fraction of its previous rate and some people failed to see living standards improve.

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Status: It was a rocky start for the government as the economy flatlined in the second half of the year and ministers watered down their aim to have the fastest growth in the G7 major economies. Perhaps this was reality hitting over the challenges at hand. A pick up at the start of 2025 meant that GDP per person was about half of 1% higher by April than it had been last summer. So we're better off  but not by much.

Analysis: Rachel Reeves says the world has changed, while President Donald Trump's trade wars and greater geopolitical uncertainty make those growth ambitions tougher.

But the government's own policies risk weighing down the outlook for the next year or two. The rise in minimum wage has helped millions of workers but that and other policies - such as the increase in employers' National Insurance contributions - are weighing on businesses profits and jobs.

There are more than a quarter of a million fewer employees than a year ago; the biggest losses are in hospitality and retail, among the sectors most likely to have seen their wage bills increase. Analysis of job postings by the Institute of Employment Studies suggests the increased hesitancy among employers dates back to the Autumn Budget as they braced for these policies to be implemented.

[BBC]

Net migration levels and small boats

Key pledges: To "reduce net migration" and "smash the criminal boat gangs".

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Status: Net migration, the difference between people arriving and leaving the UK, has fallen sharply since the election. But the reduction has been driven largely by visa restrictions introduced by the previous government. Even tougher controls, including the closure of a visa scheme to fill vacancies in social care, are contained in new laws yet to be implemented.

Analysis: The government wants to reduce the UK's reliance on overseas workers by linking policies on immigration with employment training. However, Home Office advisers caution that increasing the skilled workforce does not guarantee a reduction in migration. Ministers believe tighter rules on worker and student visas, together with increased enforcement on illegal working, will mean significant falls in foreign arrivals - but net migration remains substantially higher than a decade ago.

Alongside policies to cut overall numbers, the government promised to restore order to the asylum system, end the use of hotels and "smash" the criminal boat gangs. However, small boat Channel crossings have increased significantly in Labour's first year and statistics suggest more migrants are receiving asylum support than at the election. The backlog of people awaiting an initial decision has decreased but this has been offset by a sharp rise in appeals. Hotel use is also slightly up, according to the latest figures.

While irregular migration accounts for only a small proportion of total arrivals, this aspect of immigration has a huge impact on the government politically and economically. The Treasury's spending plans are partly reliant on the promise to save billions by ending the use of asylum hotels by 2029, and the rise of Reform UK in the polls is seen by some as a sign of public frustration at small boat crossings.

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The government has established a Border Security Command coordinating efforts to reduce illegal migration. Meanwhile, new legislation will treat people smuggling as a crime equivalent to terrorism. Deals with international partners and reports of an imminent returns agreement with France are seen as key to fulfilling the promise to "smash the gangs" too. Much depends, however, on factors beyond the UK's control.

[BBC]

Trump, Ukraine and the EU

Key pledges: Labour promised to "reconnect with allies and forge new partnerships to deliver security and prosperity at home and abroad". That included staying close to the US and resetting the UK's relationship with the European Union. It also promised "steadfast support for Ukraine".

Status: Allies say Keir Starmer has managed his relationship with Donald Trump well, securing a tariff deal - and US backing for a politically controversial plan to cede sovereignty of a joint military base in the Chagos Islands. He has also protected the AUKUS security pact with Australia and the US.

The UK has sustained support for Ukraine, working with European allies to keep pressure on Russia and help heal the rift between presidents Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky after their Oval Office bust-up. Starmer also led European discussions about plans for a post-war "reassurance force" in Ukraine. The UK has agreed a trade deal with India. It has also reset diplomatic relations with the EU, easing some trade regulations and agreeing a UK-EU defence pact.

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Analysis: Starmer has discovered that governments can become consumed by foreign affairs and his first year is no exception. The chief criticism levelled at the government is that it is too cautious. Has it put enough pressure on Russia - targeting the $300bn (220bn) of assets frozen in European jurisdictions, or sanctioning Russian wealth in London?

On the Middle East, the government has cut some arms sales to Israel. But it is under growing pressure from MPs to oppose more firmly Israel's deadly operations in Gaza and give formal recognition to a Palestinian state.

Critics say changes to UK-EU relations are too modest to boost the economy significantly and should go further. The China audit has been completed but the government is refusing to publish the document, citing security concerns. Critics say ministers are fearful of losing Chinese investment by being too explicit about security concerns.

On climate change, some MPs struggle to see the leadership that was promised. In opposition, Labour promised to "rebuild Britain's reputation on international development". Instead, it has slashed foreign aid to pay for defence spending, something some say has damaged relations with developing countries.

[BBC]

Teacher targets and VAT on fees

Key pledges: A drive to recruit 6,500 new teachers in England, and to start charging VAT on private school fees to pay for it, among other things.

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Status: The government hasn't met its teacher target, according to the latest official headcount - though that dates from November. VAT has been introduced on private school fees across the UK - and there are concerns about private school pupils leaving the sector as a result.

Analysis: Training teachers takes time. The number of new trainees rose by 6% this academic year, but remained below target.

The latest figures from November show the number of secondary school teachers rose 1,400 in a year, while teachers in special schools and pupil referral units were up by 900. However, primary school and nursery teachers fell by 2,900.

In May, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson specified that the aim was to recruit 6,500 expert teachers "across secondary and special schools". That prompted fury from Conservative shadow education minister Neil O'Brien, who accused the government of "moving the goalposts" by excluding primary school numbers.

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Labour said it planned to fund the recruitment drive by adding 20% VAT to private school fees. The Independent Schools Council said private school fees were 22.6% higher on average in January compared with a year ago - 7,382 per term for a day school, up from 6,021.

Figures out last month suggested the number of private school pupils fell by 11,000 in a year. The government said that was "within historical patterns", but private schools say more pupils are leaving than normal. There have been concerns that smaller private schools are being pushed towards closure and about the impact on students with scholarships, for example.

Given the controversy, there will be close scrutiny of whether the money raised will have the desired impact.

For many parents in the state sector, the need for more school staff is pressing. Government proposals to reform the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (Send) system - which has 1.7 million pupils, up 5.6% since last year - are due this autumn and parents will want to know whether staffing will match demand.

[BBC]

Reforms and U-turns

Key pledges: Welfare reform to support more people into work and to champion the rights of disabled people, plus a National Care Service that delivers consistent, high-quality support across the country.

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Status: There have been significant U-turns on welfare reform and efforts to restrict the number of pensioners receiving the Winter Fuel Payment. An independent commission into reforming adult social care started work in April 2025.

Analysis: When Labour came to power, many of those who work with the most vulnerable in society were hopeful. In conversations, they would tell me that even with the nation's finances tight, surely neglected services and support for older and disabled people would be prioritised?

The government would argue that is exactly what it is doing, but 12 months on, the more printable judgments of the same people would be "disappointment" and "confusion." That disillusionment is rooted in three policies  all in part shaped by saving money.

First, the surprise decision to limit the 300-a-year Winter Fuel Allowance to only pensioners in the greatest need, meant the universal payment was taken away from ten million older people. After pressure from Labour MP's, the government reinstated the allowance for three quarters of pensioners, but the U-turn raised questions about its authority and priorities.

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Second came the welfare bill. The aim was to save nearly 5bn a year by 2030 on spiralling benefits costs. It tightened the criteria for Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and Universal Credit - the latter is paid to both working and non-working people on low incomes. Again, pressure from MPs led to another government U-turn and plans were watered down. It has potentially wiped-out long-term Treasury savings, according to some economists, and the whole saga has left many disabled people worried.

Finally, there is disappointment over what the government has not done. Reform of the overstretched, understaffed and financially squeezed adult social care system has effectively been pushed into the long grass. The Casey Commission, the latest review to look at how to fund social care in the long-term, will produce recommendations next year, but its final report is not due until 2028.

There is a financial and human cost to every policy and in the last year the government has discovered how difficult it is to find the right balance.

[BBC]

Waiting lists and structural change

Key pledges: Cut hospital waiting lists, end 8am scramble for GP appointments, scrap NHS England.

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Status: Some modest progress on waiting lists but more work to be done.

Analysis: Health Secretary Wes Streeting shocked many in the health world by saying on day one that the NHS was broken. His aim was to acknowledge what many patients felt - and now he is trying to demonstrate that he can fix it.

Near the top of that list is hospital waiting lists. The government says it has delivered a pledge for two million extra NHS appointments in England in its first year. But as of April, the waiting list for an operation or another planned appointment stood at 7.39 million - which has fallen since the election.

As things stand just under 60% of those patients are seen and treated within 18 weeks, well under the NHS's 92% target. That number has improved by less than a percentage point since Labour took office.

The government has promised to hit that target by March 2029, something doctors and patient groups have warned will be an uphill battle.

Elsewhere, a new contract has been agreed with GPs, with more money for surgeries, a promise to cut red tape and a 5.4% pay rise for resident - formerly known as junior - doctors. Staff are now again balloting for strike action, spelling possible trouble ahead.

Ministers have been eager to show a Labour administration is not afraid to reduce duplication and cut what they claim to be bureaucracy. In the process, NHS England, the administrative body responsible for managing the health service, has been scrapped along with hundreds of other agencies. But there is a risk that NHS managers will be distracted by the reorganisation above improving performance for patients, while reallocating savings to frontline services may not be simple.

And the publication this week of a long-awaited ten-year plan for the NHS may promise a new network of neighbourhood health centres, but how long will it take for them to make a difference?

Health is a devolved power so the Labour government only has responsibility for England, not other parts of the UK.

More on this story
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  With local and state agencies working to assist San Angelo residents amid severe flooding that followed several inches of overnight rainfall, power supplier AEP Texas has provided statements regarding outages occurring in the town.

According to AEP Texas, approximately 342 of its customers are experiencing outages in the San Angelo area as of the time of publication.

AEP Texas also reported that power has been shut off in certain locations where high water levels have made access unsafe for local law enforcement conducting rescues.

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WATCH: Dramatic rescues in San Angelo unfold as floodwaters swallow streets

Our crews are actively working to restore power in areas that are accessible and safe to enter, AEP Texas said. We understand the inconvenience extended outages may cause and apologize to those who may be affected. However, the safety of the public and our personnel remains our top priority.

The company stated that, for some outage cases, it is not sure on an estimated time of restoration due to the severe flooding. However, an AEP Texas representative told the Concho Valley Homepage that the company hopes to have power restored for San Angelo residents by the late afternoon of July 4, under ideal circumstances.

Power will be restored in all areas as soon as conditions permit, AEP Texas said.

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The company encouraged residents to be cautious and avoid flooded areas.

Please stay safe and stay tuned to local updates, AEP Texas said.

To see where outages are occurring for AEP Texas customers, visit the companys power outage map webpage.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
VIENNA (Reuters) -All external power lines supplying electricity to the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine were down for several hours on Friday, the U.N. nuclear watchdog said, but the station's management later said power had been restored.

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, acknowledged that power had been restored after 3 1/2 hours. But he added in a statement on X that nuclear safety "remains extremely precarious in Ukraine."

Ukraine's energy minister blamed Russian shelling for severing the last power line to the plant and its six reactors. The country's power distribution operator said its technicians had taken action to restore it.

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Europe's biggest nuclear power plant, which is not operating but still requires power to keep its nuclear fuel cool, switched during the outage to running on diesel generators, the IAEA said.

The organization has repeatedly warned of the risk of a catastrophic accident at Zaporizhzhia, which is located near the front line in the war in Ukraine. Its reactors are shut down, but the nuclear fuel inside them still needs to be cooled, which requires constant power.

The plant's Russia-installed management issued a statement on Telegram saying the high-voltage line to the plant had been restored.

The statement said there had been no disruptions to operations at the plant, no violations of security procedures and no rise in background radiation levels beyond normal levels.

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The IAEA had earlier said that the plant had lost all off-site power for the ninth time during the military conflict and for the first time since late 2023. "The ZNPP currently relies on power from its emergency diesel generators, underlining (the) extremely precarious nuclear safety situation," it said.

Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galuschenko wrote on Telegram that a Russian strike had cut off the plant.

"The enemy struck the power line connecting the temporarily occupied (Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant) with the integrated power system of Ukraine."

Ukrenergo, the sole operator of high-voltage lines in Ukraine, said its specialists had brought it back into service.

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"Ukrenergo specialists have brought back into service the high-voltage line which supplies the temporarily occupied power station," it said on Telegram.

Neither the IAEA nor the plant's Russian-installed management initially cited a cause for the cut-off.

Russian forces seized the Zaporizhzhia station in the first weeks of Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Each side regularly accuses the other of firing or taking other actions that could trigger a nuclear accident.

(Reporting by Francois Murphy in Vienna and Ronald Popeski in WinnipegEditing by Peter Graff and Matthew Lewis)
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).

The frenetic pace of Vietnams cities combined with the cultural nuances of this Southeast Asian country can be a lot for travellers to take in. Yet its not a difficult place to navigate  as long as you do a bit of forward planning. Transport is visitor-friendly and plentiful, and locals are usually happy to help travellers get their bearings. Follow their lead, and youll soon catch your stride.

Is the language barrier significant?

Many Vietnamese people speak at least some English, particularly in big cities, but this becomes less so the further you get into the countryside. Due to past colonial influence, English and French are more widely spoken in the south than the north, but people who work in traveller-facing businesses are likely to speak a decent level of English. Wherever you go, locals will appreciate you making the effort to learn a few basic phrases in Vietnamese  translation apps help a lot, too.

Is the street food safe?

Joining the locals at road-side restaurants or stalls is one of the countrys great joys. The food hygiene and cleanliness of street stalls can be a worry, but most visitors dont experience any major problems as long as they stick to some general principles. Choose stalls that are busy, which guarantees turnover of ingredients, and pick those busy with locals. Ice in drinks is usually made from bottled water (ask, if in doubt), but salads can be washed in tap water so are best avoided.

Is it safe to travel by motorbike & what are the most scenic routes?

Vietnam is magnificent motorbike touring country, but longer journeys are best left to experienced drivers. Hai Van Pass, between Da Nang and Hue, is one of the best. The four-day Ha Giang Loop in the far north of Vietnam is another highlight. Its very easy to hire motorbikes across Vietnam, even without any paperwork, but legally you need an international driving permit. Travellers often get stopped by the police and fined (or bribed) for not having the correct documents.

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In towns and cities, motorbike taxis are a common way to get around. Youll likely be offered lifts on an ad hoc basis, but you may prefer to order a motorbike taxi through an app such as Grab, whose drivers have to provide passengers with a helmet.

Are there any cultural sensitivities I should be aware of?

Vietnamese people dress conservatively, with both men and women generally covering their shoulders and knees, often wearing long sleeves and trousers regardless of the heat. Outside of tourist resorts, men should avoid walking around topless and women should avoid revealing clothing. Shoes should always be removed before entering temples or homes and public outbursts or arguments should be avoided at all costs. Saving face is a powerful concept here, and losing your cool in public is deemed extremely embarrassing for everyone.

Published in the July/August 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).



To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
An Islamic preacher who once cited a Nazi comparison of Jews to fleas is to speak at a mosque in Bradford this weekend.

Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, was urged on Friday to ban the South African cleric Shaykh Ebrahim Bham from entering the UK to speak at the conference being held on Sunday.

Mr Bham used his first Friday sermon after the October 7 attack to hail the courage of the attackers and how they had struck fear in the hearts of the Israelis.

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Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, said: This vile Islamist preacher should be banned from entering the UK  end of. The Home Secretary must revoke his visa immediately.

Alex Hearn, of Labour Against Anti-Semitism, said: Bhams support for banned terrorist groups, violence, racism and homophobia should not be welcome, and we call on Yvette Cooper to bar his entry to Britain.

Lord Walney, the former Government adviser on political violence, said he must be barred because of his praise for the proscribed terror group Hamas. Extremist rhetoric directly harms community cohesion and has no place in the UK, he said.

The Home Office declined to comment on an individual case but said: Were clear there is absolutely no place in our society for the vile preaching of anti-Semitism, and our law enforcement partners are always ready to take the strongest possible action against anyone who breaks our laws and incites hatred in our communities.

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Recordings of Mr Bhams sermons previously hosted on the website of South Africas Council of Muslim Theologians, of which he is secretary general, reveal him talking about Joseph Goebbels, the chief propagandist of the Nazi party.

In one he says: Goebbel [sic] was a very famous minister of the Nazis, and he tried to justify the killing of the Jews. Now as far as we are concerned, we do not need to feel apologetic because it was not done by Muslims.

The Muslims did not do it, but they had to suffer the consequences of the Holocaust. Because Europe, because of its guilt, had to shed its Jews. And they couldnt put them in Europe, they put them in Palestine at the expense of the indigenous Palestinian Muslim people.

Quoting Goebbels, he adds: One day, he said that People tell me that Jews are human beings. Yes, I know they are human beings. Just as fleas are also animals. Just as fleas are also animals, they are also part of human beings like that.

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Using that example, the psyche of the whole people [Jews] seems to be to mete out the very same treatment to others the way it was meted out toward them.

Fear in the hearts of the occupiers

In a sermon after the October 7 attack, he described it as amazing.

Mr Bham said: They took the courage and they resisted, and they went into Israel. And of course, they attacked Israel.

First time there has been fear in the hearts of the occupiers. They put fear in the hearts of the occupiers. Over 1000 people have died, and many of them soldiers.

He defended their right to fight, saying: Palestinians are entitled to defend themselves, and defending themselves is part of Islam. Allah has given you the right to fight if you are oppressed.

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When they fall and they die, they attain martyrdom, brothers, they are fighting on our behalf.

Although he says he opposes the terrorists of Islamic State, Mr Bham has previously defended jihad and the caliphate. He has called jihad a tower in the castle of Islam and suggested the caliphate is something to which Muslims should aspire.

He has described sexual equality as absurd, called homosexuality wrong and has defended jihad as part and parcel of Islamic teaching.

Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, urged the Home Office to investigate how Mr Bham was granted a visa.

He said: Bhams comments are abhorrent, and he must be banned from the UK. We must not allow extremists who defend jihad and cite a Nazi propagandist to have any sort of platform here.

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The Home Office must urgently investigate how Bham was allowed entry in the first place. Registered charities should not be promoting extremist views  this mosque should be stripped of its charitable status.

Previously, Mr Bham had denied preaching hate and said he had never agreed with categorisations of Jews as sub-human. His citing of Goebbels was to make the point that given what the Jews had undergone  Israel should be more sensitive of the human rights of Palestinians and not regard them as sub human.

Mr Bham has been approached for further comment via his Council of Muslim Theologians.

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The Brief

Precinct 2 Constables are working with H.O.P.E Haven to help get the homeless community off the streets.

H.O.P.E Haven and Precinct 2 housed a woman on Wednesday who has been living on the streets for years.

Recent federal budget cuts will impact H.O.P.E Haven working with Precinct 2 Constables.

HOUSTON - On Monday, Precinct 2 Constable Jerry Garcia and Precinct 2 Sgt. Ray Perez, with the Constable's Homeless Outreach Team, took FOX 26s Leslie DelasBour to a heavily-wooded homeless encampment along 45 South.

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Precinct 2 says they want to make sure folks who are living on the streets find their way into permanent housing.

"Were working in conjunction with HPD's DRT team. They are amazing partners as well. So is H.O.P.E. Haven. The reason we are here at this specific location is we got some calls, some concerned citizens and residents letting us know that there were some homeless people in the encampment here," said Constable Garcia, "So we always offer housing. Thats something that we take pride in. Thats five years ago when we started; we created a homeless outreach team and our guys and gals have done an amazing job with that."

Harris County Pct. 2 Homeless Outreach Team

Big picture view

"So we have a sergeant who is in charge of our Homeless Outreach Team. He teams up with Jonathan Spears with H.O.P.E Haven," said Constable Garcia. "The way we've been effective is John Spears with H.O.P.E Haven, he comes out, and he does the actual assessment. He'll get all of their information, enter them into the system. Again, we offer them immediate housing."

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Sergeant Ray Perez says he meets people with different stories as to how they ended up on the street.

"Most people on the streets aren't able to treat their mental health and what they do is they self-medicate with drugs and alcohol," said Sgt Perez. "I still get calls to this day from some of our clients that we housed two to three years ago, and they will ask me, you know, I need some help, and we continue that relationship."

How it works

What they're saying

Sgt. Perez teamed up with Spears, a case manager at H.O.P.E Haven, riding along together and trying to get people off the street. He says sometimes, persistence matters.

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"We would find the bridges and go underneath the bridges and find clients who are experiencing homelessness," said Spears. "What we do is we show up, and we bring people water and food, hygiene [products], things like that and ask people if we want to get help."

Spears and Perez say they have to work to get identification for a lot of the clients on the streets.

"They help us make HOT IDs, which are Homeless Outreach Team IDs, which are used for identification purposes for a homeless person as well as a needed identification for the housing process," Spears said.

"So when you get a referral, if you cant be found, they will close your case out, Sgt. Perez said. "If they dont find you within seven days, you start all over again."

Homeless Outreach Team houses woman

Local perspective

Kimberly Love Weiss says she was raised in DFW area starting at the age of three. Originally, she was born in Wayne Co. Michigan.

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She says after coming to Houston from Dallas, tragedy struck and left her on the street after she got married to her husband in 2018.

"When he brought me here, the first week he got hit by a car and ended up in a wheelchair. Second week, he went to jail," said Weiss. "I went to the 99 Cent Store and I met officer Perez and Jonathan and I cant remember what year, I think it was 2023, and I been out here since then."

"So we met Kimberly about 2 years ago and had a housing assessment done for her and, when she got a referral. The housing case manager wasn't able to find her. So she lost her housing referral at that point, and she fell off and we ran into her again," said Perez.

Kimberly says she has been struggling to find decent housing, but now she is happy to have a safe place to call home.

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"I like my walk-in closet. I can take a hot bath, shower, and I get to cook and clean, and I like it," said Weiss.

Funding cuts impacts H.O.P.E.

The other side

Jonathan Spears says soon, he will no longer be with H.O.P.E Haven due to funding cuts, and says this will impact his work with Precinct 2.

"The loss of funding pretty much means that for us at H.O.P.E. Haven, myself and another team was let go. And that means that we will no longer be employed there, and there will be no funding to pay us, and we will not be able to go out and do what we have been able to do," said Spears.

Sgt. Perez says this will impact the work he does as well.

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"We are losing a lot of resources, we are losing a lot of funding, and, if there are not enough people out here to do this type of work, youre going to see more and more people on the streets."

H.O.P.E. Haven sent the following statement to FOX 26:

"We are 9 & 1/2 year old organization with about a half-million dollar budget. Last year we did 780 housing assessments and housed 151 people with a less than 2% recidivism rate. We had 5 full-time staff and do primarily street outreach to Harris Fort Bend and Montgomery Counties. Our Partnership with Precinct 2 is vital to the work. Using a public-private partnership makes us stronger. What they are not allowed to pay for. These cuts are straight from HUD and the big beautiful bill. They are cutting something called the COC continuum of care. Each large city or metropolitan area has one. They control the major funding for homeless services. We are just the small organization that gets part of the funding. We lost two housing assessors, so almost half our full-time staff. It's a sad day because for our grant, we were supposed to do 450 assessments and this year my 2 and 1/5 guys funded by the grant did 1,128, two months early! We applied for another grant to take the place of the one that went away, but they ran out of funds. We asked for $200,000 of the $9,000,000 they had, thinking we did such great work, we would get it, but that did not happen. One of those assessors rode with Sgt. Perez every day to make sure they could offer housing to the unsheltered they encountered."

The Source

FOX 26 reporter Leslie DelasBour went with Pct. 2 Constable Jerry Garcia, Sgt. Ray Perez, and Jonathan Spears with H.O.P.E. Haven to a homeless encampment and to an apartment recently provided to a woman who lived at an encampment.
CHISINAU (Reuters) -President Maia Sandu said on Friday that Moldovans hold in their own hands the fate of the country's bid to join the European Union ahead of a September election in which she hopes her pro-European party will maintain its control over parliament.

Sandu, who wants her country, one of the poorest in Europe, to join the EU by 2030, was speaking at the end of the 27-nation bloc's first summit with Moldova.

Her Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) is fighting to retain its parliamentary majority in the election against a challenge from the pro-Russian Socialist Party and its allies.

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Sandu won re-election last year by a razor-thin margin over a Socialist challenger in the ex-Soviet state lying between Ukraine and Romania. And a referendum asking voters to back the drive for EU membership only just cleared a 50% majority.

"Prosperity and peace do not occur for nothing, you have to build them. With collective effort and unity. When citizens are united and choose the correct path and proceed along it," Sandu told a news conference at the end of the meeting.

"The European Union is already happening here. The only risk is if we stop. If we decide this autumn that nothing will stop us, then everything is possible."

Sandu and her party have denounced Russia's invasion of Ukraine and accuse Moscow of destabilising their country. Russia says many Moldovans want to retain links with Moscow and accuse her of fomenting Russophobia.

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Opinion polls show that it will be difficult for any one party to secure a majority in the assembly. Should no majority emerge, talks would have to follow talks with other pro-European parties.

At the summit, attended by the head of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen, and Antonio Costa, head of the European Council, the EU announced the disbursement of the first 270 million euro ($318 million) tranche of an Economic Growth Plan.

Also announced was an accord to enable Moldovans to communicate by telephone in EU countries without roaming charges, a measure meant to stimulate business contacts.

(Reporting by Alexander Tanas, Writing by Ron Popeski; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama )
Speaking to a crowd of supporters in Iowa on Thursday night, President Donald Trump announced that the military flight team that launched the strikes on Irans nuclear facilities will be honored at the White House on Independence Day.

Trump said that he took issue with early media reports suggesting that the strikes on Iran only partially damaged the targets because he considered it an insult to the "great" American military members who executed the mission.

"Remember when CNN said it wasn't obliterated? It was maybe damaged or damaged badly, but obliterated is too strong a word. No, it was obliterated. That's now been proven," said Trump.

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"They were trying to demean me by saying that, but they were really demeaning those great pilots and people and mechanics that got those planes over there and were able to shoot from high up in the air, going very, very fast, with potentially a lot of things being shot at them, and hit every single one," he said. "They're trying to demean me, but to me, they were demeaning them. And they got out of the plane, and they said, What? We hit every single target. They know better than anybody."

Trump Touts Congressional Approval Of Major Bill Ahead Of White House Signing

"These people did one of the greatest military hits and maneuvers in the history of our country, and I want them to be appreciated for it," the president went on. "So, they're coming. They're coming to the White House tomorrow night."

Read On The Fox News App

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"They're going to be in Washington tomorrow at the White House, and we're going to be celebrating."

Trump said the White House will host not only the pilots, but the entire flight crew, including "the people that flew the other planes" and "the mechanics that had these planes going for 37 hours without a stop."

"China, Russia, they were all watching. Everybody was watching," he said. "We have the greatest equipment anywhere in the world. We have the greatest people anywhere in the world, and we have the strongest military anywhere in the world."

Troops At The Border: How The Militarys Role In Immigration Enforcement Has Exploded Under Trump

A map of the U.S. strikes on Iran.

During his address on Thursday, Trump also claimed that Iran called ahead of their retaliatory strike on the U.S. military base in Qatar to clear the attack with the White House.

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"They called me to tell me they have to take a shot at us. This was Iran. Very respectful. That means they respect us because we dropped 14 bombs. They said we'd like to take 14 shots at you. I said, Go ahead, I understand," he said.

"They said where they would do it. I said, Good. We emptied out the fort. It was a beautiful military base in Qatar who treated us really fantastically well," he said.

Saudi Defense Minister Secretly Meets With Trump To Discuss Iran De-escalation, Israel: Sources

President Donald Trump speaks at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa, on Thursday, July 3, 2025. Trump intends to lay out his plans to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary, in addition to emphasizing his bid to codify tax, immigration and welfare reforms in Congress.

Trump claimed that Iran went so far as to ask what time of day would be acceptable for their retaliatory strike.

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"They said, Sir, is 1:00 okay? I said it was fine, [they said], We could make it later. And we had nobody but four gunners," he said. "So, all of a sudden, they said, We're ready. And they were a little nervous about doing it. I want to tell, you can you imagine, they were nice enough  this is Iran  to call me and tell me that they would like to shoot me at 14 times, so they want to shoot us. And I said, go ahead. And they shot 14 high grade, very fast missiles every single one of them was shot down routinely by these four unbelievable gunmen. And they did their job. And that was the end of that."





Original article source: President Trump to honor Iran strike flight team at the White House
ABUJA, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Jihadist groups have killed 28 people in two separate attacks in northern Nigeria, media reported on Thursday, citing the military and residents.

Militants from the jihadist group Lakurawa raided a village in Nigeria's northwestern Sokoto state on Wednesday, killing 17 people, residents said. The attackers stormed the village, "shooting indiscriminately" in what locals believe was a reprisal for the killing of three jihadists by vigilantes in a failed raid on the community days earlier.

Another 11 were killed Thursday when jihadists from Islamic State West Africa Province attacked the border town of Malam Fatori and opened fire on a camp for internally displaced people, said Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba of the Multinational Joint Task Force, a multinational military coalition fighting jihadists in the region.

Osoba said 20 others were wounded and taken to a hospital in Bosso across the border in Niger.

According to the United Nations, jihadist violence has killed over 40,000 people and displaced around 2 million in northeastern Nigeria since 2009. 
At the White House on the Fourth of July, President Donald Trump held a Big Beautiful Bill signing, complete with B-2 bombers.

The most sweeping policy achievement of his second term so far includes tax cuts, eliminates taxes on tip and overtime, slashes Medicaid funding, food benefits, and clean energy incentives, and is expected to add $3 trillion to the national debt.

Trump hailed it as "the greatest victory yet" in his remarks before the signing on Friday. "It's the most popular bill ever signed in the history of our country," he stated.

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Earlier in the day, Americans nationwide took to the streets to protest the signing at Free America demonstrations. About 300 events are listed on the Womens March website. Participants are speaking out against what they see as an authoritarian president who works for the wealthiest citizens.

The House passed the bill Thursday by a narrow margin, 218-214. All Democrats voted against it, and every Republican voted for it, except Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie and Pennsylvania Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick. New York Congressman Hakeem Jeffries tried to delay the vote by talking for eight hours and 45-minutes, breaking the House record for longest floor speech. The bill passed the Senate earlier in the week after Vice President JD Vance cast a tie-breaking vote.

Even though public opinion of the "Big Beautiful Bill" is looking ugly so far, some experts say Trump comes out seeming stronger than ever. In an article published after the House vote, TIME summed up the significance of the bills passage as a moment when President Donald Trump's hold on the Republican Party was tested  and he won. Longtime Republican pollster Whit Ayres told TIME that Trumps control over the GOP is as close to total as any President has ever had over his own political party.

Whether the American public comes to see the Big Beautiful Bill as beautiful remains to be seen. A June 26 Quinnipiac poll found 29% of voters support the bill, 55% opposed it, and 16% did not have an opinion. Whats clear is that Democrats will hold the bill against Trump during the 2026 midterm election campaign season.

Write to Olivia B. Waxman at olivia.waxman@time.com.
DES MOINES, Iowa  President Donald Trump made his first public speech after the reconciliation bill was passed at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

The timing just happened to work out with the passage of the bill and the president speaking at the America250 kickoff celebration. Supporters packed University Avenue on their way to the grounds to get their seats, in some cases seven to eight hours before the president was scheduled to speak.

There could be no better birthday present for America than the phenomenal victory we achieved when Congress passed the One Big, Beautiful Bill to Make America Great Again, said Trump. He touted the border investments and agriculture policy in the bill, calling it important to Iowa farmers.

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Not one Democrat voted for us, said the president. And I think we use it in the campaign thats coming up, the midterms, because we got to beat them. But all of the things that we have given, and they wouldnt vote, because they hate Trump. But I hate them too, you know that.

A majority of the speech centered around the passage of the bill, immigration and tax policy; but it was a special announcement that Trump had been teasing that Iowa supporters of his had been waiting for.

Trump supporters and critics react ahead of Des Moines visit

We will be orchestrating what were calling the Great American State Fair and it will start right here in Iowa, said President Trump, not giving specifics on what it would include but emphasizing it would happen at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, a commitment he had made on the campaign trail. Some of the events in store for the America250, according to Trump, include the Patriot Games, involving Americas youth. He said Secretary Robert Kennedy, Jr. will be organizing that.

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So, every one of our national parks, battlefields and historic sites are going to have special events in honor of America250, said Trump. And I think we are going to have a UFC fight, does anybody watch UFC? The great Dana White. We are going to have a UFC fight on the grounds of the White House.

Iowa GOP Chair Jeff Kaufmann, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley and Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird spoke at the event before the President spoke at 7:30 p.m. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds was in attendance but did not speak.

The entire Iowa Congressional Delegation was in attendance, with all four of Iowas U.S. Representatives getting a ride on Air Force One back to Des Moines, as the reconciliation bill passed just hours before the start of his speech.

Also in attendance were Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.

Iowa News:

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
NEW YORK  A senior aide to Gov. Kathy Hochul resigned Friday following a sexual harassment allegation that he inappropriately touched a fellow staff member at an Albany bar, two people familiar with the development said.

Avi Small, Hochuls press secretary, was under investigation following the alleged June 16 incident. That probe has now substantially concluded, one of the people, who has direct knowledge of the investigation, said.

The results have not been made public, and both of those people were granted anonymity to discuss personnel moves.

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Small was previously on administrative leave since June 25, hours after the governors office learned of the complaint. His resignation, first reported by The New York Times, was effective immediately.

For nearly four years Ive spent every day working to serve this administration and the people of New York, Small wrote in a resignation letter obtained by POLITICO. Im grateful for the opportunity.

He did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Small was also the subject of an internal probe last year.

In early 2024, a complaint was made about him repeatedly berating a junior staffer. Several people who spoke with POLITICO said Small had a history of castigating younger employees.

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Four of those people said investigators were given information about Small questioning an underling by cornering them in a supply closet. And two of them said he would sometimes discuss his sex life at work.

A person familiar with the outcome of the 2024 probe said it did not result in a human resources violation. The governors office did not comment on the investigation specifically but said appropriate action was taken.

Small served as Hochuls press secretary since July 2023 and had been one of the governors closest aides. He would frequently travel the state with her, and Hochul officiated Smalls wedding ceremony, according to photos posted to his Instagram account.

Hochul took office in 2021 after former Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigned following the findings of a state attorney general report that determined he sexually harassed 11 women, which he has denied. Hochul vowed on the day Cuomo resigned that she would not tolerate a toxic work environment.
Yellowstone National Park sign at the North Entrance. (Photo by Jim Peaco/Yellowstone National Park)

BOZEMAN, Mont.  With many national parks facing huge backlogs of deferred maintenance  Yellowstone National Park alone is estimated to have more than $1 billion  the federal government is proposing a new fee on foreign visitors to address some of the shortfall.

The idea, which has long been championed by a Bozeman nonprofit, is part of preliminary 2026 budget documents for the Department of the Interior that simultaneously includes vast budget cuts for various departments, including the National Park Service.

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The National Park Service budget shows a request for just $2.1 billion, cutting roughly a third of the agencys 2025 budget.

But among the streamlining efforts listed in the budget documents, the federal government is proposing to establish a new fee for foreign visitors to some NPS sites, estimated to generate upwards of $90 million to keep national parks beautiful.

An international surcharge is a compelling point because you can raise prices for that cohort, who by definition are spending a lot of money to travel to our country to see these bucket-list destinations, said Tate Watkins, a research fellow at the Property and Environment Research Center. If you think of the overall trip budget, the gate fee is a small portion of that. It isnt likely to deter a huge number of people.

Last year was the busiest on record for the NPS, with more than 331 million visitors spending time at the 433 NPS units, including historic sites, battlefields and monuments, in addition to the 63 national parks.

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The increased traffic at the nations crown jewels have added to a deferred maintenance backlog of nearly $23 billion to maintain roads, buildings, utility systems and other facilities across the park system.

One method to address that backlog at individual park sites is to consider changing the fee structure charged for visitors at the entrance gates.

Only 106 of the 433 sites managed by the NPS charge entrance fees, ranging from $10 per person to $35 per vehicle, with annual pass options available. There is no differentiation between U.S. residents and foreign visitors.

Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said during a House Committee on Natural Resources hearing earlier this month that the Park Service is way undercharging international visitors.

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Weve done a study on what gets charged if youre going to go see the gorillas in Rwanda or go to the Galapagos Islands  there could be a billion-dollar revenue opportunity, without discouraging visitors, Burgum said. That revenue, if it could be redirected back towards deferred maintenance, staffing, a number of things we could do, that would be fantastic.

The Galapagos Islands cost $200 for foreign tourists, while Ecuadorian adults pay $30.

The entrance sign to Glacier National Park, seen on May 19, 2025. Glacier Park, like many national parks, charges $35 per car for a weeks entry. (Photo by Micah Drew/Daily Montanan)

Watkins said PERC, a Bozeman-based a free market environmentalism nonprofit think-tank, has advocated for changes to the NPS fee structure for years.

Theres a lot of common models where we do this kind of thing anyway, he said.

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Watkins pointed to states that charge different resident and nonresident fees for hunting and fishing licenses and similar structures for accessing state parks.

In Montana, residents pay a $9 fee with their annual vehicle registration, which covers access to all state parks for the year. Nonresidents, however, are charged an $8 daily entrance fee with a vehicle ($4 to walk or bike in) or $50 for an annual pass. Camping at a state park costs $12 more per night for nonresidents.

The same model could easily be applied nationally.

The status quo is not one of sustainable and proper management of these sites, Watkins told the Daily Montanan. The current model just doesnt keep up with it.

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In a report released in 2023, Watkins looked at potential revenue streams from charging international visitors additional fees.

Using NPS data showing baseline entry fee revenue of $349 million, PERC calculated a $16, $25 and $40 surcharge for foreign visitors, with an estimate that the surcharge would correspond with a roughly 3% decrease in visitation.

The smallest surcharge would generate an additional $211 million annually, while the highest would bring in $528 million  more than doubling the current revenue.

The current system is relatively blunt  there are lots of margins you can refine in a logical way, Watkins said. Thats where I think you can see big changes happen.

Doubling Yellowstones fee revenue

A new report, authored by University of Wyoming economist Steve Newbold and published by PERC last week, focused on that nations oldest national park, Yellowstone, which saw 4.7 million visitors last year, roughly 15% of which came from other countries.

A chart showing possible scenarios of increasing entrance fees at Yellowstone National Park. (Graphic by PERC)

The parks entry fee is $35 per vehicle, per week, with 80% of fee revenues retained at the park to be spent on visitor experience improvements. Park Service data shows entry fees generated roughly $14.2 million annually for the park in recent years.

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The report looked at six different fee structure scenarios and compared the elasticity of demand  how much impact a higher fee will have on visitation  with the increased revenue.

Scenarios included charging all visitors an additional $5 to enter the park; exempting locals but charging all other visitors an extra $10; and various levels of international fees.

Charging foreign visitors a $20 surcharge is estimated to decrease visitation by 13,000, but generate an additional $11.9 million  an 84% increase from 2024 gate revenue.

Bumping the international fee to $100 per person would rake in $55.2 million, with a roughly 57,000 decrease in visitors.

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Adding just a $5 per person fee to all visitors to Yellowstone would more than double the revenue from entrance fees.

In some places youre hard pressed to find a cup of coffee for five dollars, Watkins said.

And while that doesnt make up for the parks $1.5 billion maintenance backlog  the most of any national park according to the report  it would help, Watkins said.

I think you could probably ask the superintendent, and hed say if we can get closer to the maintenance backlog with fee revenue, that would be great, he said.

Watkins said that PERC is excited that the federal government is considering different models of fees for national parks, and that it might take some time to get it right.

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Youre probably not going to get something that works perfectly the first time, he said.

But the whole point is the status quo is not sustainable, Watkins said, and the agencies in charge need to think about what they can do to put the future of the park system in a better position.

A chart showing possible scenarios of increasing entrance fees at Yellowstone National Park. (Graphic by PERC)

A well-funded park that can maintain its trails, protect its wildlife, and conserve its natural wonders will continue drawing visitors for generationssecuring the economic lifeline that sustains surrounding communities, the report states. The choice is between short-term thinking and long-term prosperity for both the park and the region.

Daily Montanan is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Daily Montanan maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Darrell Ehrlick for questions: info@dailymontanan.com.

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CLEVELAND (WJW)  An attorney for the accused killer of Aliza Sherman is fighting to keep him out of jail, free on bond without restrictions, despite a firestorm over his release.

On Thursday, Gregory Moore walked out of jail after posting a $2 million bond. A short time later, prosecutors filed an emergency motion asking that Moore be placed on a GPS monitoring device.

Moores defense team is objecting.

Obtained by I-Team

The Fox 8 I-Team was first to report that Moore posted the bond. His attorney, Jon Paul Rion, said the bond was set at $2 million during Moores arraignment in May. The only condition of the bond in the case was that Moore stay away from Shermans family. Rion added that a pretrial was held last month and prosecutors did not ask for any other restrictions on the bond.

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Rion said community members, who believe in Moores innocence, were able to raise the money to post his bond.

A bondsman was at the jail to meet Moore, who walked out wearing shorts, and no electronic monitoring device. The I-Team was also at the jail when he left and asked him several questions about the case. Moore declined to answer. He said nothing as he walked with the bondsman to a truck and left.

There has been no change in circumstances warranting a modification of Moores current bond conditions, Rion told the I-Team. He added that Moore maintains his innocence and plans to fight the charges.

We reached out to the county prosecutors office to discuss the matter but have not yet heard back. Moore is facing several charges including aggravated murder.

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Prosecutors allege in the indictment that Moore planned Shermans murder and covered up evidence, including deleting 21-minutes of surveillance video from inside the building that prosecutors believe would have captured the crime, and voicemails Sherman left when she was the callbox.

Sherman was murdered in March 2013 outside Moores law office in downtown Cleveland. The case remained unsolved for 12 years. Court records state Moore is accused of murdering Sherman because he was not ready to take her case to trial.

An attorney representing the family of Aliza Sherman released a statement Thursday stating they want Moore placed on house arrest and a GPS monitoring device.

Moore expected in front of a judge next week for a pretrial.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
Protesters gathered on Sixth Street on downtown Austin on July 4 to protest the passage of President Trump's budget reconciliation bill.
Around 75 demonstrators gathered across the street from Trump Tower Friday afternoon to stage a die-in protest against the passage of what President Trump calls the Big Beautiful Bill.

The protesters call it the Murder Budget.

The activists held signs with slogans including Trump Did This and Musk Stole My Medicaid. Others held the American flag upside down as a signal of distress. They were blocked by metal police gates on the sidewalk from protesting inside Trump Towers lobby, as they had hoped to do. Instead they lay down in the bus lane across the street from the building around 4:45 p.m. near Fith Ave. and 57th St. in Midtown Manhattan.

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This bill is a sin against God and man. We have elected a man who has taken over our government and run rampant over our Constitution, said Jane Lindberg, 69, who held up a couple of upside-down American flags while wearing a knapsack emblazoned with Trump Is a Liar.

The protest was organized by Rise and Resist NYC, Indivisible, and Physicians for a National Health Program NY Metro.

This bill will hurt a lot of people, including people who voted Republican, said Matthew Cavalletto, 53, a software developer. The Republicans are claiming to be the party of working people but those are the people who are going to be hurt.

On Thursday Congress passed the controversial $4.5 trillion budget bill, following on the heels of Senate, which narrowly approved it on Tuesday.

Trump will sign his budget bill to strip millions of healthcare, kill clean energy, and cut funding for SNAP, all to fund ICEs lawless reign of terror, and tax cuts for the billionaire class, Rise and Resist said in a statement.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  July 1 has come and gone without an approved city budget in Providence, meaning residents will get their first-quarter property tax bills late.

Weve already started working on the communication that will go with the bills, including an extended grace period, so that folks who get their bills late have the same amount of time generally that they always have to pay, Smiley told reporters earlier this week.

Smiley said he expects the soonest residents could see their tax bills would be in about two weeks.

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On Monday, the 15-member Providence City Council is set to hold its first of two votes on the city budget for the current fiscal year, which began on July 1.

The city was waiting for authorization from the R.I. General Assembly in order to receive a one-time exemption to exceed the state-mandated tax levy. The bill passed on the last day of the session on June 20.

BACKGROUND: Providence tax bills could be delayed as city awaits Senates OK on rate hike

Property tax bills are still going up in the tax-and-spending plan that City Council leadership and the mayors office agreed on, but councilors say the new tax rates dont punish or favor one group over the other.

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The City Council announced the details of the revised proposal last month. In the amended budget, both owner-occupied single-family homes and owner-occupied two-to five-unit homes would both see an average increase of 6% on their property tax bills.

In his April budget proposal, Smiley said residents that own or occupy a single-family home would see their average tax bill increase by 4%, while the average tax bill for a multifamily home with two to five apartments would go up by 16% percent.

After the council and mayors office negotiated, city leaders brought the tax rates for single-family homes and owner-occupied homes with two to five units each to 6%.

Under the mayors proposal, some large buildings and commercial properties were slated to receive tax cuts, but that changed amid negotiations.

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In his April budget address, Smiley proposed a tax hike and about $9 million in cuts, plus increases to fines and fees because of a major budget gap largely due to a $15 million settlement with the R.I. Department of Education, which controls Providence Public Schools.

MORE: Providence mayor seeks to raise fines for parking, pet violations, plus some license and permit fees

The settlement, which addresses years of underfunding Providence schools, also came at a time when property revaluations kicked up home values.

A lot of neighborhoods that hadnt really been impacted by previous year revaluations were this year, Council President Rachel Miller said in a recent interview with 12 News.

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In addition to tax rates, the revised budget no longer leaves residents on the hook for bulky waste pickup fees and a position in the Sustainability Department was restored. But a proposed nightlife manager position was eliminated, and there is less funding dedicated to purchasing so-called noise cameras that Smiley wants to install.

All budgets are about compromise, Smiley added. They made some adjustments based upon both the feedback that they received and changes to the proposal that I made, [but] its largely what was introduced in April.

The City Council will meet Monday at 6 p.m. at Providence City Hall for the first vote on the budget. A tentative second and final vote is set for July 14.

Alexandra Leslie (aleslie@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter covering Providence and more for 12 News. Connect with her on Twitter and on Facebook.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com.
The developer of a high-voltage transmission line sent notices this week notifying landowners it plans to begin field studies on their properties in the coming weeks.

More than 100 landowners along the proposed route of the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project filed an appeal last week to challenge a federal court order that allowed Public Service Enterprise Group, an energy company, to access their land to conduct surveys, The Frederick News-Post previously reported.

The landowners also filed a motion to stay in an attempt to pause the court order and prevent the energy company from accessing properties until a decision is reached on the appeal.

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U.S. District Judge Adam Abelson found that PSEG would face irreparable harm in the form of financial losses if prevented from accessing the properties indefinitely, which led to the court order, the News-Post reported.

In its opposition to the motion to stay filed Wednesday, PSEG argues that a stay would result in irreparable harm for the company, but not for the landowners.

The company also argues the landowners did not "assert any new arguments or raise any additional facts or law for the Courts consideration," court documents stated.

PSEG declined to comment on the ongoing litigation on Thursday.

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The judge has not yet ruled on the motion to stay or the appeal.

The energy company has a contract with PJM Interconnection, a regional transmission organization, to build the MPRP  a proposed 500,000-volt transmission line that would cut through portions of Baltimore, Carroll and Frederick counties, ending at the Doubs substation.

Most landowners named in the lawsuit are from Baltimore or Carroll counties, according to Betsy McFarland, chair of the advocacy and outreach committee for the nonprofit Stop MPRP. McFarland owns property on the project's proposed route, but is not named in the lawsuit.

"If landowners are trying to appeal this, why should PSEG be allowed to continue on their properties?" McFarland said. "Landowners are very nervous and upset about it."

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In the notices sent this week, the company states it will proceed in compliance with the court order and provide 24-hour notice for land surveys. The company does not yet have a timeline to deliver the 24-hour notices, according to a statement that PSEG spokesperson Bill Smith emailed on Thursday.

"PSEG and its consultants want to work with you to discuss these surveys in more detail and maintain an open dialog during this process," the company letters stated. "PSEG will be available to have any discussions with you that may help make temporary access for the surveys as unintrusive as possible."

The company previously mailed the court's order to property owners.

Stop MPRP advised property owners named in the lawsuit to document the visits, request information about the surveys and contact local authorities with concerns.

"We urge all landowners to remain calm and respectful. Violence, threats or physical confrontation are never the answer," the organization wrote in guidance to property owners.
US President Donald Trump said Russia just wanted to "keep killing people" and hinted at sanctions after Moscow launched its largest ever drone and missile attack on Ukraine in the three-year-old war.

Trump said Friday he was "very unhappy" about his telephone call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, saying: "He wants to go all the way, just keep killing people, it's no good".

The US president said he and Putin talked about sanctions "a lot", adding: "He understands that it may be coming".

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Hours-long Russian bombardments sent Ukrainians scurrying for shelters across the country and came after the call between Trump and Putin, which ended without a breakthrough.

AFP journalists in Kyiv heard drones buzzing over the capital and explosions ringing out throughout the night as Ukrainian air defence systems fended off the attack.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky also spoke to Trump Friday and said they agreed to work on bolstering Kyiv's defences.

"We spoke about opportunities in air defence and agreed that we will work together to strengthen protection of our skies," Zelensky said on social media after the call.

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Tymur, a Kyiv resident who said he had experienced previous Russian attacks, told AFP that the assault in the early hours of Friday felt different from others.

- 'Nothing like this happened' -

"Nothing like this attack had ever happened before. There have never been so many explosions," he said.

The Kremlin said Friday it was "preferable" to achieve the goals of its invasion through political and diplomatic means.

"But as long as that is not possible, we are continuing the special operation," spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, referring to Russia's invasion.

At least three people were wounded in Russian drone and artillery strikes on several parts of Eastern Ukraine overnight Friday to Saturday, regional governor Sergiy Lysak said on Telegram.

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Zelensky said Friday air alerts began echoing out across the country as the Trump-Putin call was getting under way.

He urged the United States in particular to increase pressure on Moscow, which on Friday announced fresh territorial gains on the front line with the capture of a village in the Donetsk region.

Poland said its embassy building in Kyiv had been damaged in the attack but that staff were unharmed.

In Kyiv, one person was pulled from the rubble after the strikes, which also wounded at least 26 people, emergency services said.

The barrage, according to the air force, comprised 539 drones and 11 missiles.

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A representative of Ukraine's air force told Ukrainian media that the attack was the largest of the Russian invasion.

- Escalating overnight attacks -

Overnight Russian attacks have escalated over recent weeks.

An AFP tally found Moscow launched a record number of drones and missiles at Ukraine in June, when direct peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow appeared to stall.

In Kyiv, AFP journalists saw dozens of residents of the capital taking shelter in a metro station.

Yuliia Golovnina, who said she sheltered at the metro regularly, described the worry that came with hearing an explosion during an attack.

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"Will there be another one? Will something collapse on you?" the 47-year-old said.

"In those seconds, you just hold your breath and wait to see what happens next," she added.

In Kyiv, concerns mounted over whether the US would continue delivering military aid, which is key to Ukraine's ability to fend off the drone and missile barrages.

The US announced this week it was reducing some of its aid deliveries.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said this was a clear signal that the 27-nation European Union needed to "step up".

Ukraine has also ramped up its retaliatory strikes in Russia, where a woman was killed by a Ukrainian drone attack overnight, the acting governor of the Rostov region said.

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Talks, spearheaded by the United States to secure a ceasefire, have stalled.

Delegations from the two sides last met more than a month ago, when they agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners each.

Russia announced a fresh swap of prisoners of war with Ukraine on Friday as part of that agreement.

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ADDIS ABABA, July 4 (Xinhua) -- The Ethiopian government and the World Bank have signed a 1-billion-U.S.-dollar financing agreement to support the East African country's economic reforms and inclusive development efforts.

The agreement, in the form of a grant and a concessional loan, was signed by Ethiopian Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide and the World Bank's Country Director for Ethiopia Maryam Salim, the ministry announced in a statement on Friday.

The financing agreement, made under the Second Sustainable and Inclusive Growth Development Policy Operation, "reflects the Bank's continued commitment to supporting Ethiopia's bold and far-reaching reform agenda," the ministry said.

According to the ministry, the funds will be used to support Ethiopia's recent efforts to ensure financial sector stability, enhance trade competitiveness, strengthen domestic resource mobilization, promote transparent and effective public sector governance, and ensure the sustainability of social services.

Commending the World Bank's "steadfast and constructive partnership" in supporting the country's reform priorities under its Homegrown Economic Reform Program, the ministry said the latest financing agreement underscores the two sides' "strong and enduring collaboration" in pursuit of their shared goals of inclusive and sustainable development. 
Vladimir Putin ordered Russias heaviest bombardment yet of Ukraine only hours after leaving President Donald Trump disappointed by a phone call over the prospect of peace negotiations.

I didnt make any progress with him at all, Trump admitted to reporters on Thursday, before a barrage of missiles and drones that left much of the Ukrainian capital in flames.

The drone and missile bombardment left large areas of Kyiv in flames / STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE OF UKRAI / via REUTERS

The attack on Kyiv was the largest aerial bombardment since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The seven-hour onslaught lasted from Thursday into Friday and injured 23 people. Buildings were wrecked and rail infrastructure was affected, too.

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Some 550 drones and missiles were launched across the country, in what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called a harsh, sleepless night.

Ukraines Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko described the scenes on X, telling of families running into metro stations, basements, underground parking garages, mass destruction in the heart of our capital.

What Kyiv endured last night, cannot be called anything but a deliberate act of terror, she added.

Im not happy about that. Im not happy about that, Trump said of Putins continued aggression.

Im very disappointed with the conversation I had today with President Putin, because I dont think hes there, and Im very disappointed, Trump said.

Donald Trump shakes hands with Vladimir Putin during a joint press conference in Helsinki, Finland, on July 16, 2018. / Xinhua News Agency / Xinhua News Agency via Getty Images

Im just saying I dont think hes looking to stop, and thats too bad, he added, managing to squeeze in a shot at his predecessor. This is Bidens war. It wouldnt have happened if I were president.

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Yuri Ushakov, Putins foreign affairs adviser, agreed with the assertion that the war is far from over, trotting out the Kremlin line that it will only renege on its bombing campaign if its demands are met.

Russia will not back down from these goals, Ushakov told reporters, adding that the root causes of the conflict must be addressed.

Morning in Kyiv. No sleep. Air quality is extremely bad. City is covered in thick smoke.



This is Russian terror, aimed at people who chose to stay, resist and fight. pic.twitter.com/a1pCBzHUOt  Maria Avdeeva (@maria_avdv) July 4, 2025

Putin has long wanted Ukraine to abandon its push to join NATO. He is also determined not to give up Ukrainian territory captured since his special military operation began in 2022.

Trump is due to speak to Zelensky later on Friday. It is likely that Zelensky will renew his appeal for more military support from Trump, after shipments of military aid to Ukraine were paused after a Pentagon review of U.S. munitions stockpiles.

Vladimir Putin has refused to bow to Trump's demands. / ALEXANDER KAZAKOV / POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Before jetting off to Iowa for American independence celebrations on Thursday, Trump claimed former President Joe Biden had sent too many weapons. He said he hadnt completely blocked shipments, merely stemmed the flow.

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Were giving weapons, but weve given so many weapons. But we are giving weapons, he said.

And were working with them and trying to help them, but we havent (completely stopped). You know, Biden emptied out our whole country giving them weapons, and we have to make sure that we have enough for ourselves.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  An international puzzle society is celebrating its 15th anniversary at House Rules Board Game Lounge in Grand Rapids on Tuesday.

Beginning in Portland, Oregon, in 2010, Puzzled Pint has delighted its international audience of over 3,000 players across 80 locations each month with all-new, original puzzles. On any given night, players can expect four main puzzles and a final meta puzzle within the events three-hour runtime.

[Puzzled Pint] is completely volunteer-run, so the puzzles that are being solved month-to-month are by game controllers from other cities across the world, Clare OTsuji, game controller for Grand Rapids Puzzled Pint charter, said. Theyre like the puzzles youre thinking of  but on steroids.

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Grand Rapids bar hosts July 4 Pinball Disco downtown

Puzzled Pint is a free event, and teams are encouraged to take their time with solving puzzles.

That introduction of just one other brain or two other brains makes the solving so much easier, OTsuji said. We all are different types of thinkers.

House Rules Board Game Lounge in Grand Rapids. (Courtesy Nathan Murray 070325) House Rules Board Game Lounge in Grand Rapids. (Courtesy Nathan Murray 070325) House Rules Board Game Lounge in Grand Rapids. (Courtesy Nathan Murray 070325) House Rules Board Game Lounge in Grand Rapids. (Courtesy Nathan Murray 070325)

To celebrate the organizations 15 year history, visitors to House Rules Board Game Lounge on July 8 will receive a take-home souvenir, along with plenty of surprises throughout the puzzles themselves.

A puzzle hunt style puzzle is usually some sort of puzzle that has more than one step, OTsuji said. These tend to be puzzles like nonograms, word scrambles or logic problems.

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List: Bar trivia spots in West Michigan

Worried that Puzzled Pint might be too difficult? Worry not  OTsuji is there to provide helpful hints and clues whenever necessary.

I rely a lot on the other game controllers in order to know where some tricks are to solve the puzzles, OTsuji said. Also, just looking up some obscure facts and songs to nudge people along the way.

House Rules Board Game Lounges 15th anniversary celebration of Puzzled Pint will take place in downtown Grand Rapids on Tuesday, July 8 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Puzzled Pint nights will continue to take place there every second Tuesday of the month.

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You might as well come, OTsuji said. You wont find friendlier people.

For more information on this casual puzzle-solving event, visit the Puzzled Pint 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 WOODTV.com.
U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-South Dakota, announces his 2026 campaign for governor during an event on June 30, 2025, at the David Lust Accelerator Building in Rapid City. (Seth Tupper/South Dakota Searchlight)

U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnsons entry into the 2026 race for South Dakota governor launches him into a Republican primary in which a competitor is making allegiance to President Donald Trump a main issue.

Johnson announced his candidacy Monday with a pledge to focus on addition and multiplication rather than division and anger. That same day, a political action committee issued a statement accusing Johnson of being insufficiently loyal to Trump.

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Dusty Johnson is South Dakotas Never-Trumper-In-Chief, said Drew Dennert, chairman of Dakota First Action.

A postcard sent by the Doeden for Governor campaign during the week that U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson entered the race for governor. (South Dakota Searchlight photo)

The group was founded by Toby Doeden, an Aberdeen businessman who announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for governor in May. On Tuesday, some South Dakotans received a large postcard from Doedens campaign featuring a photo of a bloody Trump after an assassination attempt, with the headine Will you answer President Trumps call?

The other declared Republican candidate for governor is the speaker of the state House of Representatives, Jon Hansen, who announced in April. Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden  who is serving the remainder of Kristi Noems term after she resigned for a post in the Trump administration  has not announced whether hes running.

Johnson said accusations that hes not supportive of Trump are not criticisms I generally hear these days.

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Were in a political environment where people love to level accusations. And the reality is, I kind of reject the labels, Johnson said. Im just a conservative whos trying to get things done. And clearly, that means working with President Trump, and weve got a great working relationship. Hes had me down in Mar-a-Lago. Hes had me at the Super Bowl. We talk regularly about policy.

Johnson, 48, is a married father of three from Mitchell who is currently serving his fourth term as South Dakotas lone member of the U.S. House of Representatives.

The following conversation with Johnson has been edited for length and clarity.

Why do you want to be South Dakotas governor instead of its congressman?

I love the state. I think the next 20 years for South Dakota could be the best in our history, but I dont think thats a sure thing. I think to realize that future, we need a real plan. I think we need real leadership, and Im excited to be the person who pulls together that plan and pulls together that team.

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In many respects, I think the challenges facing South Dakota right now are the right fit for my skill set.

Some Republicans claim you are not a real conservative. How will you address that?

The proof is in the pudding. Ultimately, the Republican voters get a say. The Republican voters like the job I do, they understand the conservative and pragmatic worldview that I bring to my work, and they like it.

You voted to certify the 2020 election and voted against Trumps border wall emergency declaration during his first term. How will you address accusations that you dont support the president?

Those are not criticisms I generally hear these days. I mean, I think if you were to ask Chat GPT to gather up all of the political articles of the last two years, I think one narrative would be that Dusty Johnson is just too close to Donald Trump.

I dont try to be any particular type of Republican. I just try to be a conservative who gets things done.

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The whole label conversation is kind of ridiculous. It maybe tells you what a dysfunctional age were in that I can be an architect of some of the major successes of the House in the last seven months  securing the border, cutting spending and reforming welfare  and somehow, for some people, thats not enough.

Trumps cuts to the federal government have resulted in South Dakotas state government losing $24 million thus far, according to the state Bureau of Finance and Management. Youve been generally supportive of those cuts. How would you address that lost funding as governor?

Anytime the federal government cuts anything, there is a narrative that the sky is falling. And clearly, some of these cuts are uncomfortable, and I dont want to be cavalier about them. I mean, these are real programs that matter. And yet, $24 million out of a $7 billion state budget is about one-third of 1% of the state budget.

South Dakotans are resilient enough. Were resourceful enough to be able to tighten our belt and still get the important things done, even in the face of a federal government that absolutely must move toward fiscal responsibility.

Im proud of those fiscally responsible votes that Ive taken. I know theyre not always easy, but if we dont take care of business, our country will go bankrupt.

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What areas of state government would you first look at when considering cuts?

Number one, we do need to cut property taxes. And unlike some, I think we need to do it in a responsible way that protects those core services and roads, bridges, cops and schools.

Number two, we need to make college and technical school more affordable. And we need to double down on the programs and the research that really moves South Dakota forward.

In K-12, we need to be relentless about student achievement. We are not talking enough about student achievement. We need to set real goals, we need to use real data. We cant be afraid to lead.

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We need to focus more on drugs and addiction if we want safer communities. We need new interdiction teams, and we need smarter training and treatment within the walls of our prisons.

And we need to grow this economy so we can keep taxes low. Thats going to come from new small businesses, new energy production, dairy expansion and bringing high-tech jobs home to South Dakota.

How would you go about cutting property taxes?

I think we need to focus our property tax relief on the owner-occupied residential, and really, the farmer-managed ag property.

We have plenty of out-of-staters who own plenty of property in South Dakota, and Im just not as interested in giving them a tax break.

Several failed bills last legislative session in Pierre aimed to create some form of school vouchers using public funds to support non-public educational options. Would you support legislation to establish a voucher program?

Im a big supporter of educational choice and properly funding our public schools.

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Ive got three sons who are products of public schools, and our Mitchell schools have done an incredible job with my boys.

Were very involved parents. We spend a lot of time focusing on what theyre learning. And I think the quality of the education is excellent. And I think, as long as we are properly funding our public school systems, then I think were allowed the flexibility to ask if there are other educational opportunities that we can invest in as well.

Last legislative session, lawmakers passed and Gov. Larry Rhoden signed a bill banning eminent domain  a legal process for obtaining land access  for carbon dioxide pipelines. As governor, how would you have navigated that?

Its not my interest in re-litigating every decision that the last administration has done. Fundamentally, this has got to be a forward-looking campaign. And so I just dont know that theres any benefit in me being critical of anything that Governor Rhoden has done.

South Dakota has long struggled with workforce shortages in health care and child care. How would you address these chronic issues?

First off, lets put this into context: This is not a South Dakota problem. Its a problem in South Dakota, but its a problem everywhere. Literally, every one of the 50 states has chronic and severe workforce shortages in child care and health care.

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So, I think we need to be honest with ourselves that this is going to take a multi-year, focused effort to solve. This is, in part, closing the skills gap. I think we need to identify people who can go into those fields and do a better job of getting them the education they need.

There is no silver bullet. It will be 100 solutions that address this problem, not one big one.

President Trump has deployed military forces on U.S. soil during protests without state consent, attempted to redefine birthright citizenship by executive order, fired independent inspectors general, deported people allegedly without due process, threatened to annex Canada and Greenland, and intimidated dissenting media. What do you say to protesters in South Dakota worried that America is moving toward authoritarianism?

We have to care about the rule of law. And so, what does the rule of law mean? That means that you only get to do those things that are lawful exercises of power.

Heres what we know: The federal judiciary has said that the way the president handled the birthright citizenship case is permissible for now; they have said that his use of the National Guard is permissible for now; the firing of independent inspectors general was also permissible.

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And so, its an interesting allegation for people to say that the president is being an authoritarian when he is following court orders. He has won in these court cases.

I feel like it would be inappropriate for him to ignore a federal court order, but he hasnt. Hes been winning these things, so its an odd accusation for them to make that hes the one who is violating the rule of law.
A racing pigeon flying home to Wolverhampton from Truro, Cornwall, diverted to Cheshire and sustained a potentially fatal injury in the process.

Doreen Lacey found the pigeon bleeding and in distress in her kitchen in Congleton, having left her door ajar in the hot weather.

Her daughter Sharon Neild whisked the injured bird to Lower Moss Wood Wildlife Hospital where it received antibiotics.

"My mum knows that I've got a big love for pigeons and any animal in distress," Mrs Neild told BBC Radio Stoke.

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Once recovered, the pair managed to trace the owner, whose son was delighted to collect the bird, and return him home safely.

"I've never seen so many feathers," described Mrs Lacey, who thought she was seeing things when she returned home from an eye injection.

She discovered the injured pigeon perched on the windowsill above the kitchen counter, with a great deal of bird droppings beneath him.

Mrs Lacey suspected her cat, Phoenix, may have been the culprit of the bird's injury.

Frightful of the chaotic bird but eager to help, she called on her animal-loving daughter.

"Cat's saliva is toxic to pigeons and they do need treatment within the first 48 hours," warned bird lover Mrs Neild.

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Staff at Lower Moss Wood Wildlife Hospital in Knutsford were happy to treat the bird and said they would encourage other cat owners to follow Mrs Neild's example.

Using the information on the racing pigeon's tag, the women identified the Wolverhampton-based owner.

The lost bird has been recovering well and the owner hopes he will make another race.

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The Brief

Major Fourth of July events in Tampa and St. Pete are moving forward despite rain in the forecast.

St. Petes fireworks could shift times, while the Hillsborough County Fair drone show plans to fly unless major storms roll in.

Officials remind everyone to watch out for lightning  if its close, head indoors.

TAMPA - Tampa Bays biggest Independence Day celebrations are still set to light up the sky, even with rain clouds hovering overhead.

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Event organizers in both St. Petersburg and Hillsborough County say their shows are planned "rain or shine," though start times could shift if the weather doesnt cooperate.

What they're saying

Ferdian Jap, event coordinator for the City of St. Petersburg, says their fireworks at the St. Pete Pier, now marking its fifth anniversary, will be even bigger this year, featuring the U.S. Army Band, sand sculptures and photo ops:

"If we know there's a storm or rain coming later at 9 p.m., we'll try to shoot it up early at 8:30pm. Or, if there's rain early, we can shoot the fireworks off at 10 o'clock," Jap said. "If it's just rain, we're shooting it."

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RELATED: How will the weather be on July 4? Here's what you need to know

Meanwhile at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, theyre hosting a unique drone light show.

Serena Stratton, assistant manager, says: "As long as we dont have a heavy downpour or lightning were still good. Light rain, the drones can survive."

By the numbers

About 30,000 people are expected at the St. Pete Pier alone, likely more thanks to special anniversary plans.

Tampa International Airport reported 220 delayed flights on Thursday due to weather delays, 40% of all flights. Officials say check with your airline before heading to the airport.

The Source

Details came from interviews with event coordinators for the city of St. Petersburg and the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, along with airport data on flight delays.
RALEIGH COUNTY, WV (WVNS)  A man from Raleigh County was sentenced for a federal gun crime.

According to a press release from the United States Department of Justice, 30-year-old Brian K. Trent, of Bradley, was sentenced on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 to two years and six months in prison, followed by three years of parole, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Bench warrant list released by the Bluefield West Virginia Police Department

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The press release stated that according to statements made in court, members of law enforcement responded to a reported suspicious car on September 12, 2023 in the Stanaford area of Raleigh County.

According to the press release, Trent and another person were found passed out in the car, and a gun was found between the drivers seat and the center console. Members of law enforcement reportedly discovered that the car was reported stolen in South Carolina, and Trent was wanted for an active misdemeanor warrant and a parole violation.

The press release stated that Trent and the car were searched, and law enforcement officers found and seized three handguns, a rifle, a shotgun, and around 27.7 grams of fentanyl. One of the guns that was seized by law enforcement was reported stolen in Fayette County.

Raleigh County man sentenced for escape

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According to the United States Department of Justices press release, people with previous felony convictions are prevented from possessing a gun or ammunition by federal law. Due to a prior felony conviction for destruction of property in Raleigh County Circuit Court on November 29, 2016, Trent knew that he could not have a gun in his possession.

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston, who thanked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for their work 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 WVNS.
BECKLEY, WV (WVNS)  A Raleigh County man was sentenced for a role in a drug trafficking organization.

According to a press release, on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, 35-year-old Jermaine Antoine Johnson, of Beckley, was sentenced to eight years and nine months in prison, followed by three years of parole, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.

Raleigh County man sentenced for federal gun crime

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The press release stated that Johnson acknowledged his role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine base, also known as crack, in Beckley and southern West Virginia.

According to the press release, court documents stated that Johnson was reportedly involved in the DTO conspiracy in April and May 2024, and he revealed that he supplied people with controlled substances that the people later distributed.

The press release stated as part of the guilty plea, Johnson admitted to going to Baltimore, Maryland with a co-conspirator on May 20, 2024, where they bought around $6,000 worth of fentanyl. Once they returned to West Virginia, Johnson and the co-conspirator allegedly talked about increasing the amount of fentanyl they bought by adding cutting agents like sugar and brown sugar.

Bench warrant list released by the Bluefield West Virginia Police Department

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According to the press release, Johnsons criminal history included previous convictions for First-Degree Robbery, malicious assault, battery on a correctional officer, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession with intent to deliver narcotics.

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston, who thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit for their work on the investigation.

Members of the the Raleigh County Sheriffs Office, the Beckley Police Department, and the West Virginia State Police make up the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
Jeremiah McCurty, 12, stood in front of his peers, demonstrating how to cut a zig-zag pattern into a potato, make homemade French fries and showcase how to handle a kitchen knife.

These were skills he learned from a local chef while attending one of Indianapolis summer youth programs. He even tries to find excuses at home to make his family food.

Mostly to show them what he had learned earlier that day with Chef Debbie Williams.

Jeremiah McCurty, 12, watches as Chef Debbie Williams teaches him a new knife technique during the City of Indianapolis' Summer in the City youth program, on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Indianapolis.

Before this summer, McCurty had never held a knife and lacked the confidence to be a center of attention among his peers.

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The program has been pretty fun, McCurty said. Im making friends and get to learn stuff  if I want  but I mostly get to have fun.

These are the kinds of stories that Ralph Durrett Jr., Indianapolis chief violence prevention officer, was hoping to hear after creating the citys new youth program.

Ralph Durrett Jr., chief violence prevention officer for the city of Indianapolis, and Pastor Fred Dorsey, of True Vine Missionary Baptist Church, greet each other at the Marion County Youth Services Center on Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Indianapolis.

Durrett was hired with hopes of curtailing the citys growing problem of youth violence.

Its an issue that is still a focus for many in the city, as just a week ago, Indianapolis police responded to a triple shooting near Monument Circle in which a 16-year-old boy was in connection with the shooting.

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In April 2024, IMPD announced it would begin enforcing the state's curfew law for minors to reduce youth crime. Under that law, a 16-year-old cannot be unaccompanied in public after 11 p.m. or before 5 a.m. on a weeknight.

Durrett doesn't believe that harsher punishments are the best way to address this problem, even if many in the community would argue otherwise.

More: Meet the man tasked with reducing violence among Indianapolis youth

Durrett believed that it wasnt the right move to handle this problem.

When we have the opportunity to create positive childhood experiences, we know that we can push them in a direction that moves them beyond the adverse circumstances theyre experiencing, Durrett said. This is perhaps the most important thing we can be doing for (kids) from the citys perspective. Being able to give young people a safe place where they can be themselves and provide them with enriching skill sets.

Ralph Durrett Jr., the city of Indianapolis' chief violence prevention officer, and Pastor Fred Dorsey, pastor at True Vine Missionary Baptist Church, are photographed at the Marion County Youth Services Center on Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Indianapolis.

Durrett modeled the citys youth program after his childhood experience, where local leaders like Rev. Fred Dorsey created a haven for kids at the now-shuttered YMCA near 10th Street and Fall Creek Parkway North Drive.

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Im not sure I would be standing where I am today if it weren't for (Dorsey) and the men that were at the YMCA who allowed us to be in that space, Durrett said. It gave us the opportunity to be mentored by men who helped put our lives and my own on a different track direction.

"Its important to invest in the next generation to help kids escape violence," Durrett said.

Durrett often visits youth-focused programs like Indianapolis Summer in the City program or Kokomos Urban Outreach.

He also spends one day a week at the Marion County Youth Services Center, making connections with young people already in the justice system.

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Weve been coming here in hopes of opening up minds and hearts. (We've been) pouring them with information about how they can further develop their lives, said Dorsey. Its important for these kids to know that there is a chance for them to do more with their lives and that there is more to life than what weve been accustomed to.

Contact IndyStar reporter Noe Padilla at npadilla@indystar.com, follow him on X @1NoePadilla or on Bluesky @noepadilla.bsky.social.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indy's violence prevention officer creating 'safe places' for youth
The government's former rape adviser has said she is "incredibly relieved" her abuser has been imprisoned after a decade of campaigning for justice.

Christopher Killick, 45, was sentenced to three years imprisonment at Preston Crown Court on Wednesday after being convicted of harassing Emily Hunt.

He had previously pleaded guilty to voyeurism after filming Ms Hunt naked in a hotel room in 2015 while she was unconscious.

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Ms Hunt said "it only took 3,706 days of me fighting" for Killick to "finally get a jail sentence".

"It's remarkable, I'm really pleased that somebody listened," she continued.

"For the time that he is in prison, I will know that I am safe. And for that, I am incredibly grateful."

Case dropped

Killick was initially arrested on suspicion of rape in London in 2015 after Ms Hunt woke up naked in a hotel room with no recollection of how she had got there.

She said she'd been drugged and raped but police dropped the case due to a lack of evidence. Killick has always denied rape.

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Emily Hunt waived her right to anonymity in order to pursue a case against Killick.

Her persistence led to a change in the law, allowing police to charge him with voyeurism after they discovered he had taken a 62-second video of her in the hotel room. Hunt was awarded an OBE for her campaign work.

Killick pleaded guilty in 2020 and was given a 30-month community order and fined 2,000, and was also given a restraining order banning him from contacting Ms Hunt directly or indirectly.

Despite the sentence, Killick  who stood as an Independent parliamentary candidate in a by-election in Hartlepool in 2021  continued to offend.

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Between July 2021 and February 2023, he breached the restraining order by repeatedly tweeting about Ms Hunt. In March 2023, he received a 14-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. The restraining order was also strengthened.

In July 2024, he breached the order again, by tweeting about Ms Hunt.

In April 2025, while waiting to be sentenced for that offence, he breached the order again.

He was finally imprisoned this week, swearing at the judge shortly before he was sentenced.

Christopher Killick filmed Emily Hunt in a hotel room in 2015 when she was naked and unconscious [Lancashire Police]

Judge Michael Maher, speaking to Killick, said that "each breach, looked at individually and collectively, represents an unwavering persistence on your part".

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"The blunt point is this, Mr Killick, you just won't give up. But Ms Hunt won't give in. My God, she has demonstrated great courage in relation to you. Your obsession speaks for itself."

Emily Hunt, who now lives in the US, told the BBC that Killick's behaviour was the consequence of a "failure of the criminal justice system, where there are no consequences to breaching court orders".

"He was arrested then released, more than than once."

Ms Hunt served for two years as an independent adviser to a rape review conducted by the Ministry of Justice but resigned in 2023 citing a lack of will to improve the experience of rape victims by the last Conservative government.

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.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  The Rochester City School District is holding a public hearing next week addressing cell phone usage.

New Yorks schools are implementing bell-to-bell cellphone restrictions that require all students to put their devices away for the entire school day. All schools and BOCES programs must have site-specific policies published by the beginning of August.

RCSDs current policy on cell phones and devices is that they may not be used during the entire day, including lunch and recess. If a student is caught with it, it can lead to warnings and then confiscation.

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Governor Hochul has proposed restricting students from using their cell phones in schools before the state budget. She said she wants to protect children from addictive technology designed to hijack their attention.

New York State even launched a website outlining the bans requirements, exceptions, and guidelines for school districts to develop these policies. The link to that website can be found here.

The upcoming meeting addressing the electronic device policy and the 2025-26 Contract for Excellence will be held on Tuesday, July 8, at 5:30 p.m. in the Central Administrative Offices.

Residents who wish to speak at the public meeting may email PublicHearing@rcsdk12.org or call the Board of Education at (585)-262-8525. The deadline to register is the afternoon of July 8.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.
COLOMBO, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's GDP could decline by up to 1.5 percent if the United States reinstates a 44 percent tariff on Sri Lankan exports and lowers tariffs on competitor trading partners, according to an IMF country report.

At present, Sri Lanka faces a 10 percent export tax to the United States as the 44 percent tariff has been suspended till July 9.

The IMF said profit margins are thin, particularly for the garment sector, which limits the ability for firms to absorb this substantial tariff increase. The report said exports could decline by as much as 3 percentage points of GDP due to lower external demand and diversion of trade.

The IMF added that lower exports would partially be offset by the lower need for imported inputs, lower global commodity prices, and exchange rate depreciation.

The reduction in Sri Lanka's competitiveness and heightened uncertainty would discourage business investment, contributing to a loss in GDP, the IMF said.

The IMF also warned that unemployment would surge, and public pressure on the government to deliver support may slow down reform implementation and increase the risk of program underperformance. 
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  From original earrings to a psychedelic mushroom church, Red, White & BOOM! vendors go far beyond food.

Snow cones, lemonades and fair food are BOOM! staples, but local artists and advocates pitch tents at BOOM! too. NBC4 spoke with vendors whove pitched tents for their local businesses along the Rich Street bridge. See previous coverage of BOOM! in the video player above.

Lisa Rose-Morales set up shop for her business, Inca Rose, which sells clothing items from Nepal and Ecuador. She said she first sold at BOOM! last year and it was great business.

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Everything to know about BOOM! 2025

We were able to get in last year, and it was lots of fun. We had a good time, a nice crowd and then great seats for the fireworks, Rose-Morales said.

Rose-Morales is one of many vendors offering clothing and jewelry. Sam Grant is selling hand crafted earrings with creative designs ranging from miniature Barbie dolls to tiny candies. She said this is the first year shes brought Sams Whimsical Designs to BOOM!, and she is excited to be vending after growing up watching the show.

Others are interested in the exposure, hoping to raise awareness about various causes and groups. Amy Samuelson and Jeremiah Young pitched a tent to promote Psanctuary Church, a religion that worships using psilocybin, a psychedelic mushroom, as a sacrament. Psilocybin is often called magic mushrooms or shrooms, and the duo said ingesting it is often a spiritual experience.

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Psilocybin is classified as a level one substance, and Samuelson said the churchs founders spent some time in jail on narcotics charges. As a registered church, they are able to embrace its spiritual uses without the same limitations, using church broadly as the group is not tied to one denomination or religion. As the Psanctuary website says, theyve gone from felony to fellowship.

Ohio woman hopes BOOM! will help her win national music contest

The duo said psilocybin is a big research topic, and studies have shown it can help with PTSD and mental health concerns, particularly in microdoses. Samuelson said after dosing, however, people are often left to process their experience alone. She said the church creates a community to help people do the internal work that makes the experience so productive. Both said they hope to inform more people about Psanctuary through BOOM!

This being one of the largest fireworks displays in the nation, we figured it was good exposure, Young said. Come and celebrate our freedoms of religion, thats what this country is founded on.

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Benjamin Smith and Mandy Shunnarah are doing advocacy and selling small items for their company, Queerencia. The pair said the company is queer-owned and Black-owned, and they are out selling items so people can show their LGBTQ+ and American pride.

Queerencia has fans, flags, bandannas and more, and Smith said they hope more people partner with the company. Shunnarah said they also do events for businesses to celebrate their LGBTQ+ employees, and encouraged everyone to stop by.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CHRISTIAN COUNTY, Mo.  Days after Deputy Mike Adams and his wife, Ashley Hall Adams, died in a head-on crash with a suspected impaired driver, the familys loved ones are remembering the lives the couple led.

The couples daughter, Landry Johnson, said her four-month-old son, who was in the vehicle when the crash happened, is now out of the hospital and healthy.

Tell your family that you love them, that you care, said Johnson. Tell the people that you love how much they mean to you. Thats what Im taking away from this.

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Johnson told Ozarks First she remembers seeing her parents five minutes before the crash.

I remember the last conversation that we had, said Johnson. I told them that I loved them because I did that every time I left. I remember the last time I looked at my child before he was in the wreck. I remember all of those little moments. I remember seeing her carpool away, and I also remember seeing the cop car that was going to the wreck, driving to it at that time not knowing that that was where he was going.

Johnson said the community surrounding her parents is hurting. She said even those who didnt know them well have been hit by the loss.

The sheriffs department, they are hurting so bad, said Johnson. That was one of their officers. Off duty or on duty, it didnt matter. When they figured out who it was in that vehicle, their lives were changed forever.

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Zachary Bell use to work with Mike Adams at the Christian County Sheriffs office and is a friend of the family. He told Ozarks First Mike Adams was like a father to him.

He was always someone I looked up to, even after I left the sheriffs office, said Bell. He was still someone that inspired me and they always will inspire me.

Bell said the tragedy has impacted the community as a whole.

There are so many people that that know the name Adams and it has hit them hard, said Bell. Its a tragedy for the whole community and it was just a shock.

Johnson and Bell told Ozarks First about the kind of people the Adams were and the lives they lived.

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They were they were great people always willing to give a helping hand to whoever they need, said Bell. They could go into a gas station, and theyd come out with a new friend. They were just those kinds of people. They were always willing to help you and always there to talk. They never met a stranger.

They were perfect for each other, said Johnson. I dont think my mom or Mike, either one, couldve had a better match for one another. They shared the same goals, the same aspirations.

Johnson remembers her mom and stepdad as the perfect couple as well as her best friends.

Mike came into my life when I was quite young, and he was great. I wouldnt have traded him for anything in the entire world, said Johnson. He was everything that I wanted my mom to have in her life.

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Johnson said Mike loved his job as a Christian County Deputy and loved to serve others.

It was his passion, said Johnson. He wanted to help the community, he wanted to be the person that kept the street safe, to be there for when somebody needed him, even in the worst circumstances.

From my time working with him, he never he was never disrespectful. He always tried to make it as pleasant as possible, said Bell. He took he took the job as being a sheriffs deputy very serious and took part in serving the community very serious.

As for Ashley, Johnson said everyone knew her as a light.

She had a witty personality, said Johnson. She could crack a joke in no time she would light up every room she walked into you. You could be having the worst day and the second and my mom popped a joke; your day was no longer ruined.

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Bell said so many have been supportive to those who were close to the Adams.

Theres been an outpouring of support, just from everybody and from so many departments, said Bell.

I know that justice will be served no matter what and my mom and Mike deserve that more than anything, said Johnson.

The Christian County 100 Club provides immediate financial relief to the surviving family of first responders and are accepting donations for the family. Visit here to make a donation.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for memorial gifts to Animal Angels Network in Rogersville, Missouri, that has found foster or adoptive families for the Adams dogs. Visit this story for more information on how to donate to the organization, as well as information on fostering or adopting one of the Adams dogs.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.
The American Flag flies near one of the entrances to the Flight 93 National Memorial in Stonycreek Township in Somerset County. (Tim Lambert/Pennsylvania Capital-Star)

As America approaches the midway point of this decade, we can agree that it has been one heck of a year.

Following the news and social media, we see ongoing and emerging challenges in the international arena. Domestically, we continue to struggle with this great experiment called democracy for our society and its culture, which defines the daily experience of Americans.

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This weekend, we will celebrate July 4, 1776, as Independence Day to mark our declaration of intention to separate from a government that tread on our unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

That historic document was signed by delegates of the Pennsylvania Provincial Conference, officially the Provincial Conference of Committees of the Province of Pennsylvania, which made up the Provincial Congress. During a week in June, its delegates met in Carpenters Hall in Philadelphia, then with the Second Continental Congress, to support the national Declaration of Independence.

What American colonists sought then was freedom from an oppressive system and subsequently demonstrated they were willing to fight and die for such freedom.

In the closing minutes of his January 1941 State of the Union Address and in the wake of the U.S. entering the Second World War, President Franklin D. Roosevelt spoke of four freedoms as values of democratic societies. In preceding years, totalitarian and fascist regimes of Germany, Japan, and Italy continually demonstrated disregard for such values. In his exhortation, FDR built the case for U.S. intervention for the sake of others  that is, the security of allied governments and their people:

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In the future days, which we seek to make secure, we look forward to a world founded upon four essential human freedoms.

The first is freedom of speech and expression  everywhere in the world.

The second is freedom of every person to worship God in his own way  everywhere in the world.

The third is freedom from want, which, translated into world terms, means economic understanding which will secure to every nation a healthy peacetime life for its inhabitants  everywhere in the world.

The fourth is freedom from fear, which, translated into world terms, means a world-wide reduction of armaments to such a point and in such a thorough fashion that no nation will be in a position to commit an act of physical aggression against any neighbor  anywhere in the world.

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The themes of FDRs The Four Freedoms speech are expanded upon by essays from renowned American writers. The essay that spoke to me most in the current context of our American struggles was penned in March 1943 by Pennsylvania-born [Lehigh Valley] Pulitzer Price recipient, Stephen Vincent Benet. In Freedom from Fear, he offered:

What do we mean when we say, freedom from fear? It isnt just a formula or a set of words. Its a look in the eyes and a feeling in the heart and a thing to be won against odds. It goes to the roots of life  to a man and a woman and their children and the home they can make and keep

Since our nation began, men and women have come here for just that freedom  freedom from the fear that lies at the heart of every unjust law, of every tyrannical exercise of power by one man over another man.

We do not mean freedom from responsibility  freedom from struggle and toil, from hardship and danger. We do not intend to breed a race wrapped in cotton wool, too delicate to stand rough weather. In any world of man that we can imagine, fear and the conquest of fear must play a part.

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But we have the chance, if we have the brains and the courage, to destroy the worst fears that harry man today  the fear of starving to death, the fear of being a slave, the fear of being stamped into the dust because he is one kind of man and not another, the fear of unprovoked attack and ghastly death for himself and for his children because of the greed and power of willful and evil men and deluded nations.

An American Flag hangs in the window of a house in Normandy, France. (Tim Lambert/Pennsylvania Capital-Star)

More than eight decades later, the case for fear still exists in 2025 as Americans face global and regional conflicts, the potential collapse of international economies, and social, as well as political challenges to its democratic institutions. We cannot be afraid to address injustice within our nation.

Benet also pointed back to the Declaration of Independence when we, as a nation, asserted that all men were created equal, that all men were entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Those were large assertions, but we have tried to live up to them. We have not always succeeded; we have often failed. But our will and desire as a nation have been to live up to them.

One might wonder how delegates of the 1776 Pennsylvania Provincial Conference would view todays status of the four freedoms across our state and the nation. In the months ahead and for the remainder of this decade, it is my hope that we resolve and pursue freedom from fear for others in our American society and, in doing so, for ourselves.

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Retired Army Colonel Charles Allen

is retiring at the end of the month as professor of leadership and cultural studies in the Department of Command, Leadership and Management at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle. Disclaimer: This commentary does not necessarily reflect the position of Departments of Defense or the Army or the U.S. Army War College.
At a height of 6-feet-4, Rep. David Valadao can cast a giant presence in Washington, D.C. Unfortunately, he doesnt measure up when it comes to looking out for the best interests of his community.

Thats because on Thursday morning, the Republican representing a heavily Medicaid-dependent district in the Central Valley cast a vote in support of a Big Beautiful Bill that is expected to be signed by President Donald Trump on the Fourth of July.

Since January, the representative for the 22nd Congressional District has publicly stated he would not support any effort to reduce federal spending on Medicaid, of which 68% of district residents rely on for their healthcare. His first vow to protect his constituents on Medicaid came when the House GOP announced it was considering an $880 billion cut to Medicaid over 10 years.

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As recently as last Saturday, Valadao stated his intent: 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 across CA-22, Valadao, a dairy farmer whose district includes portions of Kern, Tulare and Kings counties, posted on his website.

The Congressional Budget Office, a nonpartisan agency, estimated that the Senate version of the bill, which was eventually passed, reduces federal Medicaid spending by $1 trillion over 10 years and increases the number of uninsured people by 11.8 million.

What happened to Valadao in five days to change his mind? For one thing, he visited the White House on Wednesday. His office didnt provide details of that reunion, but Trump has used such meetings to pressure reluctant lawmakers to do his bidding over that of the people.

Ive been assured by the administration that it will be structured in a way that benefits our providers and keeps our hospitals and communities running, Valadao said Thursday in a statement. To be clear, I still have concerns with the implementation of the provider tax and state-directed payment provisions of H.R. 1, but Ive worked and will continue to engage with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to identify specific risks to Valley hospitals and mitigate them.

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Up to 6,900 health care jobs would be lost in Valadaos district if Medicaid spending is trimmed by $10-20 billion per year, according to the UC Berkeley Labor Center. Fresno County would lose between 3,700 and 7,300 jobs, the center said.

Math doesnt math up

Valadao, Trump and fellow Republicans are using some kind of math that doesnt match up with the reality of cuts reported by the CBO and health organizations.

Ultimately, I voted for this bill because it does preserve the Medicaid program for its intended recipients  children, pregnant women, the disabled, and the elderly, Valadao said in his Thursday statement.

This is the same federal lawmaker who said earlier this year that he believed Trump when the president told FOX news host Sean Hannity, Medicare, Medicaid, none of that stuff is going to be touched. We wont have to.

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The Big Beautiful Bill, to its credit, allocates $50 billion over five years to a rural health relief fund called the Rural Health Transformation Program. But that is mere peanuts when $1 trillion is being eliminated.

The Valley delegation split its votes on Thursday along partisan lines.

Rep. Vince Fong of Bakersfield, who represents the 20th Congressional District where 56% of residents rely on Medicaid, was proud of his yes vote. I look forward to seeing the President sign this historic bill into law so that it can begin to revitalize the American Dream and bring lasting economic opportunity and prosperity to the Central Valley, Fong said in a statement.

Democrats Jim Costa of Fresno and Adam Gray of Merced took an opposite approach.

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Republicans had six months to work with Democrats on a bipartisan, responsible budget, said Costa, whose 21st District has 54% of its residents who rely on Medicaid. Instead, theyve chosen to put billionaires and big corporations first at the expense of the people of the San Joaquin Valley.

Gray, a first-term representative, said, This irresponsible legislation harms our most vulnerable veterans, single parents and children, while bending over backwards to give tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy  and adds trillions to our national debt to pay for it.

Valadao, who represents a heavily Latino district, had no profile in courage on this bill. He chose Trump over the people he represents.
Republican Congressman Joe Wilson, commenting on Russia's large-scale attack on Ukraine, called for stopping Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin and providing Ukraine with the necessary means of defence.

Source: European Pravda; Joe Wilson on X (Twitter)

Details: Joe Wilson says Putin is resorting to scorched soil tactics in Ukrainian cities.

"As Americans begin to enjoy the sounds of fireworks in celebration of our Nations Independence, war criminal Putin, who is losing his pathetic war, resorts to scorched earth tactics across Ukrainian cities that predate Moscows existence," Wilson said.

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The Republican congressman expressed hope that Donald Trump's administration would send additional air defence equipment and approved weapons to "help stop this absolute depravity, as allies have and must continue doing at a rapid pace".

"Armed with cheap Iranian and North Korean weapons, Putin delights in fire bombing sleeping families and will continue his imperialist perversions until he is stopped," Wilson said.

Anothr Republican Congressman, Don Bacon, commenting on Russias large-scale attack on Ukraine, called for stopping Putin and providing Ukraine with the necessary means for defence.

Mr President, your policy towards Russia is not working. While we negotiate, Putin bombs Ukrainian cities. Here is Kyiv today. It is time to change strategy. We and our allies must arm Ukraine to the teeth & we need the toughest sanctions. Putin is mocking you and America. pic.twitter.com/Jc7ShlrWIN  Rep. Don Bacon  (@RepDonBacon) July 4, 2025

Background:

From 18:00 on 3 July, Russian forces attacked Ukraine with a record 550 aerial assets. Of them, 478 targets were destroyed, but there were strikes in eight locations and debris fell in 33 locations. Kyiv was the main target of the attack.

On the evening of 3 July, Trump spoke with the Kremlin leader. Following the conversation, the US president said that he had not made any progress on the ceasefire in Ukraine.

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President Donald Trump waved and pointed to the crowd as he exited the stage following his remarks at the Iowa State Fairgrounds July 3, 2025 at an event kicking off a yearlong celebration leading up to America's 250th anniversary. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

President Donald Trump took a victory lap celebrating the passage of the big, beautiful bill through Congress during an event at the Iowa State Fairgrounds Thursday evening while sharing plans for the upcoming year of celebrations for the nations 250th anniversary.

There could be no better birthday present for America than the phenomenal victory we achieved just hours ago, when Congress passed the one big beautiful bill to make America great again, Trump said.

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While the gathering was officially linked to the countrys anniversary, much of the discussion at the event was centered around the passage of the tax and spending budget reconciliation bill that passed the U.S. House and was sent to Trumps desk earlier Thursday.

The bill, which passed the House in a 218-214 vote is the controversial measure that would implement Medicaid work requirements, shift more funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program from the federal government to states, and extend the 2017 tax cuts approved during Trumps first term. It also provides more than $170 billion in funding for the federal government to carry out mass deportations and raises the national debt limit by $5 trillion.

Trump said he plans to sign the bill into law Friday, July 4, while military planes fly overhead.

The president told the crowd of more than 1,000 that this whole two weeks has been incredible  pointing to the budget reconciliation bill that passed earlier Thursday, recent U.S. military strikes on Iran and his administration reaching trade deals with other countries.

Trump announces UFC fight at White House

Though much of his speech to the crowd gathered reflected what Iowans may have heard at campaign rallies during recent caucus cycles, Trumps first Iowa event since January 2024 was the start of a yearlong celebration leading up to Americas 250th anniversary. Organized by America250, which also planned the Washington, D.C. military parade in June, Trump said there will be a year of celebrations, including sporting events and fairs.

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Every one of our national park battlefields and historic sites are going to have special events in honor of America250 and I even think were going to have a UFC fight, he said.

Trump announced plans to host a Ultimate Fighting Championship fight with up to 25,000 spectators at the White House as part of his America250 celebration. Trump said UFC CEO Dana White would be organizing the fight. According to a White House Pool report, Trump is dead serious about plans for a fight on White House according to Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

He also said he plans to bring America250 programming to fairgrounds across the country with the first event taking place at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. He announced these would culminate in a giant patriotic festival with exhibits from all 50 states displayed at the National Mall during the festival.

We will be orchestrating what were calling The Great American State Fair and well start right here in Iowa, he said.

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Speaking to reporters, Iowa GOP chair Jeff Kaufmann said aside from politics, this is a big deal that hes starting in Iowa for the year of events, saying he was hopeful the event and others planned throughout the country will lead to people coming together for patriotic celebrations.

This is a really big deal for Iowa, Kaufmann said.  I know its very political, I know its going to be very combative, you know, today, in terms of when we talk policy  I get that. God bless America. But theres got to be moments during this next year when we can take a time out for just a bit.

Trump supporters emphasize trust

Lori Coltrain, a Des Moines resident who came with her granddaughter to the event, said she wanted to hear the truth from Trump about the bill and other policies advanced by his administration.

I just hate all the negativity about it, Coltrain said. People should just celebrate that hes actually gotten it through.

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Though many attendees spent several hours Thursday afternoon with temperatures above 90 degrees, spirits were high among many who were excited to hear from the president following the successful passage of one of Republicans major policy proposals.

Keith Reicks of Ridgeway said he was excited to hear from the president and Iowa Republican leaders about bringing the bill to the finish line. He said he was not concerned about the protests and public opposition from Democrats and others about the legislation  and said he trusts Trump to sort out any unexpected issues that could be caused by the measure.

I think if something turns up, Trump will straighten it out, Reicks said. It seems like he always does. And I believe in the man. When I was younger, I didnt think too much of Donald Trump, because I always thought he was a pusher, but now Im glad hes pushing.

He also said he does not believe the discontent with the bill and some Trump policies will result in major Democratic gains during the 2026 election, saying Democrats are more focused on complaining about Republicans and Trump than putting forward their own ideas.

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He said Iowans and most Americans still support Trump and believe he is doing a good job in the White House.

I think hes doing a good job, Reicks said. Id vote for him again if he was running, but I dont think hes going to.

Trump said he has delivered on many of his campaign promises through the budget reconciliation bill and other actions since taking office earlier in 2025.

The people gave us a historic mandate to cut taxes, raise take-home pay, bring back jobs, stop the invasion  the horrible invasion, Trump said.  Deport the illegals and slash hundreds of billions of dollars of waste and fraud, and thats what were doing. With this bill, every major promise I made to the people of Iowa in 2024 became a promise kept.

Tien Tran, a dentist from California, wears a custom made suit embellished with the visage of President Trump (Photo by Tom Foley/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

Tien Tran, a California dentist who flew to Iowa for the event, said he does not know all the details in the legislation but supports the measure.

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I dont even know all the details but I know and I trust this president because he promised. Whatever he promised, he kept, Tran said.  President Trump has saved a lot of money for this country. President Trump with his executive order has saved a lot of lives.

Kaufmann called for Republicans to stand strong in support for the measure despite widespread opposition.

Listen to this very carefully, folks: Do not cede an inch when youre talking to your neighbors and friends, Kaufmann said. And it says this  if you work and if youre legal, youre not going to get kicked off Medicaid, thats a lie. Its a lie for desperate people.

All four of Iowas U.S. House members  Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Ashley Hinson, Zach Nunn and Randy Feenstra  voted in support of the bill. They, alongside Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, flew with Trump to Iowa on Air Force One following the House vote.

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Though the four representatives did not speak at the event, Trump praised them as a good group, saying, boy, they were so happy at that victory today.

From left to right: U.S. Reps. Ashley Hinson, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Randy Feenstra and Zach Nunn stood as President Donald Trump thanked them for their support in the U.S. House while passing the big beautiful bill during his remarks at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines July 3, 2025. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

While acknowledging Iowa Republican leaders in the crowd, Trump referred to state Rep. Bobby Kaufmann as majority-leader elect. The current House majority leader, Rep. Matt Windschitl, has not stepped down from the post but is considered a likely candidate for Congress in Iowas 4th District now that Feenstra is exploring a run for governor. Kaufmann, R-Wilton, son of the state GOP chairman, has not publicly announced plans to run for the House leadership position and he did not immediately return messages seeking comment.

Trump says legislation planned to allow undocumented workers to stay in U.S.

In addition to speaking on the budget reconciliation bill, Trump also highlighted legislation and executive action taken on immigration policy, talking about mass deportations under his administration.

However, he shared that there could be a potential caveat to some deportations of undocumented immigrants coming under his administration for people working in the agriculture sector who are not in the country legally. He said he is working with Noem and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins on legislation that would allow undocumented workers to stay in the country if they can get the support and backing of their employers, he said.

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Brooke Rollins brought it up and she said, So we have a little problem, the farmers are losing a lot of people, he said. And we figured it out, and we have some great stuff being written. And let the farmers be responsible.

He joked, and if the farmers dont do a good job, well throw them the hell out of the country, while adding he believed the media would not acknowledge the comment as sarcasm.

U.S. Sens. Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley both spoke before Trumps appearance, speaking about their support for the budget reconciliation bill. Grassley highlighted what he called his biggest contribution to the legislation as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee  saying he was a major backer for the provisions to increase funding for immigration enforcement and border security and for detention centers. These are all steps to make America safe again, Grassley said.

Were going to finish the wall, Grassley said.  Were going to add tremendously to the number of people patrolling that border, but more importantly, the number of people that are going to enforce the immigration laws (on the) interior, not just at the border.

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Ernst also talked about Republicans immigration policy, pointing to Trump signing the immigration bill that included Sarahs Law, a provision requiring the detainment of undocumented immigrants who commit crimes resulting in death or serious bodily injury.

This measure was named after Sarah Root, a 21-year-old Iowan killed by a drunk driver who was an immigrant who lacked legal status. Ernst said this measure passing was one of many actions taken by Trump she supports on immigration.

Donald Trump is making Iowa great again, Ernst said. He has taken action to secure our border and keep our community safe, and under his leadership, border crossings have dropped to a historic low.

Trump highlights recent trade negotiations

Though Trump did not make major announcements about deals reached with any countries Thursday, he highlighted recent trade negotiations he said will benefit Iowa during his speech.

Earlier this year, Trump announced plans to set a baseline 10% tariffs on international imports, while he set a 90-day pause shortly after the announcement; they are set to go into effect on July 9.

Trump said he plans to begin sending letters to countries Friday dictating tariff rates.

Though the contents of these letters were not discussed in his remarks, Trump did highlight the trade deal reached with Vietnam Wednesday that was a part of the larger push to renegotiate tariffs.

In a social media post Wednesday, Trump wrote there will be a 20% tariff on goods imported to the U.S. and 40% on goods shipped through Vietnam, but that in return, Vietnam will give the United States of America TOTAL ACCESS to their Markets for Trade.

Details on the trade deal with Vietnam have not yet been released. But Trump said the deal will have substantial impacts on Iowa agriculture by allowing more American products to enter Vietnam, with zero tariffs.

Youre going to be giving them vast amounts of farm product, including beef, pork, poultry, dairy and pure Iowa ethanol, Trump said. Youre going to be giving all of those, all of those products.

He also said he got beef and ethanol into Europe, speaking on a trade deal reached with the United Kingdom in May.

In Iowa, many farmers, local businesses owners and agricultural producers have expressed concern that they will be unable to absorb the added costs of the tariffs leading to disruptions for their business and higher costs to consumers. A study by Farmers for Free Trade found tariff costs for Iowa importers increased by 304%, roughly $68 million, from April 2024 to April 2025 and are set to increase going forward.

Iowans gather to protest Trump visit to Des Moines

Around 100 people gathered outside of the fairgrounds Thursday evening with protest signs, upside down American flags and megaphones to protest the presidents visit to Des Moines.

One protester, Maureen Ogle of Ames, waved her flag rightside up and pumped a cane in the air as cars drove past, honking in support of the protesters.

Ogle said she flew a flag upside down during the entirety of Trumps first term, but now she wants to reclaim the national symbol.

Maureen Ogle holds up an American flag while protesting the presidents visit to the Iowa State Fairgrounds on July 3, 2025. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

I want to save the Republic, Ogle said. The constitution has been demolished.

Some cars drove past Ogle and other protesters along East University Ave and hurled expletives and flipped birds. Protesters yelled things like youre in a cult and Trumps coming after you too as cars turned into the gates of the fairgrounds at East 33rd Street.

Ogle said the sitting president is the only thing she has protested as passionately as she protested the Vietnam war in her 20s.

Stephanie Shearer, from Des Moines, said if it were a different president visiting, she probably would not have shown up  as an attendee or protester but, she said Trump needs to be held accountable.

Hes so controversial that I have to be here, she said.

Shearer said she wanted immigrants and other communities who feel attacked by the administration to know there are Iowans on the good side.

Plus, she said the passing of the mega budget bill earlier in the day means more people are targeted by the Trump agenda.

We all have to keep showing each other that were here for each other, Shearer said.

Cars honked consistently as they passed protesters outside of the Iowa State Fairgrounds on July 3, 2025. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

Marianne Satinsky drove down from the Iowa City region to protest. She said being able to protest was a way for her to express the feelings she had, especially after the passing of the big beautiful bill.

I felt like if I were at home right now  I would be so mad, Satinsky said. So this is something I can do.

Satinsky said she hoped the presidential motorcade came past the crowd on its way to the grandstands.

Hes got to see not everyone is happy with what hes doing, Satinsky said.

A handful of protesters also gathered on overpasses along Intestate 235 with large signs, hoping to picket the presidential motorcade on its route to the state fairgrounds.

The 50501 Iowa Coalition, which has organized a number of protests against the current administration, was one of the groups organizing protesters Thursday afternoon. Erienne Becker, an organizer with the coalition, said the Iowans she knows are not OK with what is happening right now.

Our goal for this is to let Trump, and his supporters in our state know, and by his supporters I mean (elected officials), but we want to make sure that he knows hate is not welcome in our state, Becker said.

Becker said she was so upset with Iowa congressional leaders for not listening to their constituents and voting in favor of the bill, and it weighs heavy on our hearts.

But its all the more reason for us to stand up, and stand against this, Becker said.

Iowa GOP leaders, Cabinet members head pre-show before Trumps remarks

After Ernst and Grassley spoke, Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird thanked Trump for kicking off his celebration in the heart of the heartland. She said she was busy during the Biden administration protecting constitutional rights from the non-stop assault of Environmental Protection Agency regulations, taking away second amendment rights and forcing boys to be allowed in girls bathrooms.

Iowa, we have always come through for President Trump havent we? And today is Americas state fair isnt it? Bird said. Bird, who announced plans to run for reelection as attorney general Wednesday instead of pursuing a run for governor, has said been a longtime supporter of the president in Iowa.

Alongside Iowa speakers, members of Trumps Cabinet also took the stage. Rollins, the U.S. agriculture secretary, thanked Iowans at the event for supporting Trump in the past three election cycles, and said the president is delivering on his promises from the campaign trail on issues like bringing down inflation and supporting Iowas farmers and ranchers.

While Trumps actions on economic issues  like proposed tariffs  have caused economic strife, Rollins said the president is focused on improving the countrys economy and making its agricultural sector stronger.

Everyone knows that he is explicit and unashamed in putting America first, in defending American jobs, in defending the American order, in defending the American heartland, in defending the American farmer, and in defending the American dream, Rollins said.

She also asked the crowd by the way, did yall hear that the cost of eggs is a little bit down? compared to surging prices earlier in the year caused by the spread of the highly pathogenic avian influenza.

Tom Foley and Cami Koons contributed to this story
WASHINGTON, July 3 (Reuters) - Even before the last vote on U.S. President Donald Trumps sweeping tax-cut and spending bill was counted, Republicans and Democrats in Congress began gaming out how to use it to gain an edge in the 2026 midterm elections.

Midterm elections traditionally punish the party of the president in office, giving Democrats hope of recapturing control of at least one chamber of Congress where Republicans now hold full control. They view the Trump bills cuts to Medicaid and food assistance as ready ammunition for their future campaign.

There are House Republicans now, this morning, who are about to sign their political obituary with this vote, Representative Brendan Boyle told Reuters hours before the legislation passed the House of Representatives 218-214.

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They are literally walking the plank for Donald Trump, the Pennsylvania Democrat said.

Republicans contend that the legislations permanent business tax breaks will goose the economy ahead of the November 2026 election, leading to job growth, higher wages and lower prices for groceries and energy.

The American people are going to see great benefits from this bill, and theyre going to know which party was fighting for them, said House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, the chambers No. 2 Republican.

The Democrat party still doesnt know why they lost in November. Theyre going to be reminded of that next year when they lose again, the Louisiana Republican predicted.

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But polling data, independent political analysts and the impending retirement of two of the few Republicans who have been willing to challenge Trump tell a more complicated story about what American voters might have in mind more than a year into the future.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., flanked by Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., left, and Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., right, holds the vote tally sheet as he celebrates with fellow Republicans after final passage of President Donald Trump's signature bill of tax breaks and spending cuts, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, July 3, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) via Associated Press

For one thing, Republicans appear to have their work cut out for them when it comes to selling voters on the legislation, which they say makes good on the campaign promises that brought them and Trump victory in 2024.

Forty-nine percent of Americans oppose the bill, while only 29% favor it, according to recent polling by the nonpartisan Pew Research Center. Pew said majorities expressed concern that the legislation would raise the budget deficit and hurt lower income people while benefiting the wealthy.

Nonpartisan forecasters say the legislation will add $3.4 trillion to the nations $36.2 trillion in debt, a prediction that many Republicans contend overlooks future economic growth from business tax cuts.

MEDICARE CONCERNS

Internal Republican polling has also shown that even in districts held by the party, voters strongly oppose cuts to the Medicaid healthcare program for lower-income Americans and federally subsidized private health insurance, which the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office predicts could leave nearly 12 million Americans without health insurance.

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Theyre certain to remember losing their healthcare or food assistance, if that happens, and most will blame the governing party, the Republicans, said Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics.

But Republicans shrugged off the dangers of voter blowback and predict that any ill-effects from the legislation, which includes work requirements for able-bodied Medicaid recipients, will not be felt until after the 2026 election.

None of this stuff with Medicaid even impacts anybody for two years, said Republican Representative Mike Flood, who has weathered stormy town hall meetings in his Nebraska district this year.

Paul Sracic, an adjunct fellow at the conservative-leaning Hudson Institute, also argued that Medicaid cuts would prove too complicated and come too late to have a big impact on voters.

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Politics is about simplifying things. The Medicaid cuts are somewhat complicated, whereas extending the current tax regime is easy for people, he said.

Scalise and other Republicans predicted voters would see early benefits from the legislations tax breaks for tipped income, overtime pay and car loan interest payments, which begin this year.

Control of the House is likely to depend on the election outcome in about three dozen of the 435 House districts that are viewed as competitive by the three main U.S. nonpartisan political ratings services. Republicans currently hold a narrow 220-212 House majority.

About half of those seats are held by Republicans, among which the most vulnerable is Representative Don Bacons Nebraska swing district. A five-term Republican centrist, Bacon announced his retirement last month after clashing with Trump over funding priorities and the tenure of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. His district, which was carried by Democrat Kamala Harris last year and by former President Joe Biden in 2020, is seen by some analysts as tipping in Democrats favor.

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Republicans face much better odds protecting their 53-47 seat Senate majority. Democrats have to defend three open seats in Michigan, Minnesota and New Hampshire next year, while fending off a determined Republican effort to unseat Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff in Georgia.

But Democrats have a new opportunity in North Carolina, where Senator Thom Tillis announced that he would retire as he prepared to oppose the Trump legislation in the Senate due to cuts in Medicaid funding. Trump has floated the name of his daughter-in-law and former Republican National Committee co-chair Lara Trump as a possible replacement.

Another vulnerable Republican is Senator Susan Collins, who joined Tillis and fellow Republican Senator Rand Paul in voting against the Trump legislation alongside Democrats.

Some lawmakers and analysts contended that Trumps legislation would make no difference to voters in 2026.

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Republican voters will parrot the talking points of their leaders and Democrats will do the same, Sabato said.

(Reporting by David Morgan, Richard Cowan and Andy Sullivan; Editing by Scott Malone and Alistair Bell)
Wisconsin Republican Derrick Van Orden voted for Donald Trumps budget bill despite the impact it could have on the more than 152,000 of his constituents on Medicaid. Rebecca Cooke is running to unseat Rep. Van Orden, who she says lacks a spine. Cooke joins MSNBCs Ali Velshi to discuss why her Republican representative is beholden to Trump and not his constituents.
Republicans have been slammed online for their exuberant celebrations over the passage of President Donald Trumps signature domestic policy bill which will strip health insurance from millions and cut meals for some of Americas poorest children.

The GOP budget package, dubbed the One Big, Beautiful Bill, provides tax cuts for the wealthy while slashing benefits through Medicaid and the food assistance program SNAP. It passed by a thin 218-214 margin Thursday in the House of Representatives and will be signed into law by the President in the Oval Office at 4pm Friday.

After the bill passed, Republicans danced in the House to Village Peoples Y.M.C.A, one of the Presidents preferred rally songs, hugged each other and posed for photographs with thumbs up. Others took their celebrations online.

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Republican Rep. Derrick Van Orden, of Wisconsin, replied YES! on X in response to a post which read: 17 million people just lost health care. 18 million kids just lost school meals. 3 million Americans just lost food assistance.

Republican Rep. Derrick Van Orden deleted a post that appeared to celebrate the fact that millions will likely lose their health insurance and many children will go hungry. (Getty Images)

According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, at least 17 million Americans are estimated to lose health coverage, or subsidies in their insurance that make it affordable. Fewer children will be automatically eligible for free school meals under the legislation and the bill creates a domino effect that will harm children across the U.S., the School Nutrition Association warned.

SNAP benefits will now be withheld from adults with children who do not return to work if their youngest child is 14 years or older.

Van Ordens post sparked outrage among Democrats, campaigners, political pundits and some members of the public.

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You need to understand these people know exactly how badly they are hurting people and they love it, Democratic Rep. Chris Murphy of Connecticut wrote, reposting Van Ordens message. Its sick.

Rep. Troy Nehls of Texas celebrated the passing of President Donald Trumps One Big, Beautiful Bill while smoking a cigar. (REUTERS)

Rep. Eric Swalwell of California added: This is a REAL TWEET. Republican Congressman CELEBRATING the theft of your health care to fund billionaires tax cuts.

This isnt leadership. Its cruelty, wrote Democratic National Committee secretary Jason Rae. It's time for him to go.

Van Orden later deleted the post, claiming that it was shared in error, and he meant to reply to White House press secretary Karole Leavitts post that said: VICTORY!

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Still, skeptics said the post showed his mask had slipped.

Congressman @derrickvanorden (PTSD-Wisconsin) has now deleted his celebration of kids going hungry and Americans getting sicker with the amazingly stupid excuse that he thought he was replying to a @PressSec tweet, said political commentator Keith Olbermann.

Elsewhere, Rep. Troy Nehls of Texas was called out for dismissing the fact that millions of Americans are projected to lose their health insurance as he puffed on a cigar on the steps of the Capitol.

After the bill passed, Republicans danced in the House to Village Peoples Y.M.C.A, one of the Presidents preferred rally songs, hugged each other and posed for photographs with thumbs up. (AP)

Nehls was asked by Scripps News correspondent Elizabeth Landers about the Congressional Budget Office analysis on how many would lose health coverage.

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Can I ask you about the CBO score and the idea that 11 million, 12 million Americans may lose health insurance? Landers asked.

I dont have any faith and confidence in the CBO, their scoring, theyre wrong half the damn time, Nehls replied. I dont give anynah. Im not worried about the CBO.

Landers pressed him again, asking: Youre not worried at all that Americans may lose their healthcare because of this bill?

Just some Americans that arent Americans. And that is, the illegals, the lawmaker replied. Why should illegals be on Medicare? We did a great job with it all!

Republicans celebrating the passage of Trumps bill in the House (Getty Images)

Responding to a clip of the video on social media, Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres of New York said: I have countless constituents who would beg to differ.

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There it is. Stripping people of healthcare based on who they are, not what they need, said Brian Allen, whose prominent X account regularly posts about politics. So much for a party of Christian values.

Faiz Shakir, an adviser to Bernie Sanders, also criticized Nehls for confusing Medicare and Medicaid.

The organization Vote Vets called it shameless, cruel and un-American in a post on X after the bill passed. They danced. They smiled. They gave a thumbs up, the group said. All after passing Trumps Big Beautiful Bill" that rips food, health care, and support away from Veterans  just to give Elon Musk and billionaires another tax break.

Vermont Independent Senator Bernie Sanders blasted the bill as a death sentence.

Republicans are celebrating the passage of the largest Medicaid cut in U.S. history to pay for the largest tax break for billionaires in American history, Sanders said. 51,000 Americans will die each year so that the top 1% can get a $1 trillion tax break.
The aptly named hidden dragon lizard from Australia is somewhat of a challenge to spot in photos shared by the Miami Herald, thanks to its coloring and texture.

It's no surprise that sightings of the Ctenophorus aurita  as it's called in biology books  are extremely rare in the wild. The Herald reported that only four were seen before 2011, when they started making more cameos in the Outback. Tissue samples from "suspected sightings" in remote northwestern Australia have recently confirmed its expanded presence, tripling its range.

It's a "significant insight into the distribution and ecology," researchers wrote in a study published in the Australian Journal of Taxonomy, per the Herald. The experts added that the lizard "easily eludes detection."

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Fortunately, the sporadic sightings are likely not an indication of demise. The lizards are simply hard to find. The 1.5-inch creatures recoil their limbs, resembling a pebble, to hide. They have a blunt head, a short tail, and a rough texture.

The hidden dragon was discovered in 1979, living in about 19,000 square miles of terrain. There were 60 spotted on the continent's Kimberley region from 2011 to 2023, the Herald reported.

Often, sightings of rarely seen animals are promising breakthroughs for endangered species, like the Spanish marbled duck in Europe and Darwin's frogs in Chile.

The World Wildlife Fund said that habitat loss is the biggest threat to species as housing developments, roads, pipelines, and water use continue to deplete resources. Wildfires, a risk NASA reported is increasing as Earth overheats, are also incinerating entire ecosystems.

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Technology such as trail cameras and bioacoustic listening devices is helping biologists gauge animal health. Footage of rare Asian black bears and other critters continues to give researchers hope about the effectiveness of conservation efforts.

You can help experts by counting birds for Audubon's Christmas Bird Count. A tally of the type of species you spot at your backyard feeder helps to determine population health.

Creating a natural-based yard and landscaping plan can help provide habitat for vital pollinators that are also suffering. About 35% of the world's food supply relies on them, as noted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Agriculture Department.

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.

Getting started is easy. Simply ditch the costly yard sprays and let natural flower and grass species grow. You can save hundreds of dollars a year on water and pesticide expenses with a more durable, planet-friendly yard.

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As for the hidden dragon, it seems to be doing OK in Australia's brutal, rocky landscapes. If you ever find yourself Down Under searching for the creature, expect a challenge, according to testimony from experts who have seen them before, per the Herald.

"Several individuals were observed running a short distance before crouching and pulling their limbs into their body to expertly mimic a pebble," researchers said in the study.

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.
SYDNEY, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Sydney police have issued a warning over spiritual blessing scams deliberately targeting the city's Asian community after making an arrest on Thursday.

The police force in the Australian state of New South Wales said on Friday that a strike force established in April to investigate spiritual blessing scams carried out across Sydney since July 2023 arrested a 63-year-old woman at the Sydney International Airport on Thursday.

The woman has been charged with dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage by deception, contributing to criminal activity and demanding property with intent to steal. It will be alleged in court that she was involved in defrauding a 77-year-old woman of a large sum of money and jewellery in June.

Police said that there have been over 80 reported incidents of such scams being carried out across Sydney since 2023, with over 3 million Australian dollars (1.9 million U.S. dollars) in cash and valuables stolen.

The scams generally target elderly Chinese women, who were convinced by offenders that their families are at risk from spirits and must have their wealth blessed to protect them from curses or illness.

Once perpetrators are in possession of a victim's money and valuables, the items are swapped with items of no value, which are then handed to the victims in a bag that they are encouraged not to open for an extended time.

Police advised the Sydney community to beware of strangers seeking access to money and valuables, not to bring strangers into their homes and not to put money or valuables into a bag for any blessing ritual. 
As Los Angeles residents begin to rebuild their homes after the region's devastating wildfires earlier this year, many are facing a decision: stick with a gas-powered home or switch to electric.

Despite a 2022 city ordinance requiring most new builds to be fully electric, wildfire-impacted homeowners have the option to rebuild with gas.

In January 2025, after the Eaton and Palisades fires destroyed more than 16,000 homes and other structures, Los Angeles officials issued an executive order to fast-track permits for residents rebuilding homes similar to those they lost  including reinstalling gas systems.

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Two months later, however, the order was revised to expedite approvals for homeowners opting to upgrade to all-electric systems. Now, California climate activists are working to raise awareness about the many health, safety, and financial perks of going electric.

According to EPA data cited by an NPR report, almost one-third of all pollution heating the planet comes from homes and buildings. Much of that is from burning dirty fuel in appliances, including stoves and heating systems. Switching to electric drastically cuts down on this type of pollution, which has benefits for the planet and home air quality. The switch can also save money.

"We estimate that you can save somewhere between $7,000 and $10,000 [in construction and appliance costs], by building an all-electric home as opposed to a dual-fuel home," Beckie Menten, California director for the Building Decarbonization Coalition, told NPR. The report noted that research by the Center for Law, Energy & the Environment at the University of California, Berkeley supports that figure.

Still, going all-in on electric is a big step  especially for those already stressed with the emotional, financial, and mental toll of rebuilding.

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To support those weighing their options, a coalition of local climate groups launched Rebuild LA S.A.F.E.  standing for Secure, Affordable, Fast, and Electric. However, the organization isn't looking to require homeowners to rebuild with electric. Instead, it's presenting electrification as an option that enhances home safety and environmental health.

"We understand that in a time of crisis, when people  all they're looking for is stability, it's really hard to sometimes present what may be a new idea," Savannah Bradley, cofounder of Altadena Recovery Team  which is part of the coalition  told NPR.

Instead of pushing mandates, the group is encouraging residents to make the switch on their own terms. For some, the idea was already taking root before the wildfires hit.

One such homeowner is Jaime Rodriguez, who lost his home in the Eaton fire. Even before the fire, Rodriguez had begun replacing gas appliances with electric ones  including upgrading his furnace to an efficient heat pump. Now, he's planning to install an electric induction stove in his rebuild.

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"I'm a big advocate of building back better  and building back better is without gas," Rodriguez told NPR. Still, he doesn't want to impose that vision on others.

"People have lost so much, and I wouldn't want to take anything more away," he added.

Not everyone is ready to make the change. Some residents are hesitant to abandon familiar systems, especially under the financial and emotional strain of disaster recovery. NPR reported that concerns over appliance performance, installation logistics, and timing are common  particularly when rebuilding needs to happen fast.

"I have questions, naturally, and it's too soon for me to be making decisions about this right now," Shawn Maestretti, a landscape architect whose Altadena home burned in the Eaton fire, told NPR.

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The road to wildfire recovery is undoubtedly complex. Still, many see it as an opportunity to choose electrification as a practical step toward rebuilding homes that are both resilient and climate-conscious.

As the Rebuild LA S.A.F.E. coalition writes on its website, it believes that "recovery must not only replace what was lost  but build toward a stronger, safer, and more sustainable future."

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.




Tens of thousands of passengers have been affected by a strike by French air traffic control staff, meaning cancelled flights in France have had a knock-on effect elsewhere in Europe, including the UK.

What are your rights if your journey has been disrupted and can you get your money back?

What do airlines have to offer passengers?

When flights are delayed or cancelled, airlines have a duty to look after you.

That includes providing meals and accommodation, if necessary, and getting you to your destination. The airline should organise putting you on an alternative flight, at no extra cost.

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Additional losses - such as unused accommodation - might require a claim to a credit card provider, if that was the payment option used.

After that, a claim may need to go to your travel insurance provider. But there is no standard definition of what is covered.

While 94% of policies cover travel abandonment as standard, only 30% include wider travel disruption as standard, according to analysts Defaqto.

If my flight is cancelled, can I get a refund or another flight?

If your flight is covered by UK law, your airline must let you choose between either getting a refund or being booked on to an alternative flight.

That's regardless of how far in advance the cancellation was made.

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You can get your money back for any part of the ticket you have not used.

So, if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.

If you still want to travel, your airline must find you an alternative flight.

If another airline is flying to your destination significantly sooner, or there are other suitable modes of transport, then you have a right to be booked on to that alternative transport instead.

If your flight was coming into the UK on a non-UK airline, then you should check the terms and conditions of your booking.

Can I claim extra compensation for disruption?

Disruption caused by things like a fire, bad weather, strikes by airport or air traffic control staff, or other "extraordinary circumstances" does not entitle you to extra compensation.

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However, in other circumstances - when it is considered to be the airline's fault - you have a number of rights under UK law.

These apply as long as you are flying from a UK airport on any airline, arriving at a UK airport on an EU or UK airline, or arriving at an airport in the EU on a UK airline.

What you are entitled to depends on what caused the cancellation and how much notice you are given.

If your flight is cancelled with less than two weeks' notice, you may be able to claim compensation based on the timings of the alternative flight you are offered.

The amount you are entitled to also depends on how far you were travelling:

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for flights under 1,500km, such as Glasgow to Amsterdam, you can claim up to 220 per person

for flights of 1,500km to 3,500km, such as East Midlands to Marrakesh, you can claim up to 350 per person

for flights over 3,500km, such as London to New York, you can claim up to 520 per person

Will the airline pay for food and accommodation?

If you are stuck abroad or at the airport because of a flight cancellation, airlines must also provide you with other assistance.

This includes:

a reasonable amount of food and drink (often in the form of vouchers)

a way for you to communicate (often by refunding the cost of calls)

free accommodation, if you have to stay overnight to fly the next day

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transport to and from the accommodation

If your airline is unable to arrange assistance, you have the right to organise this yourself and claim back the cost later.

The Civil Aviation Authority advises people to keep receipts and not spend more than necessary.

You are entitled to the same assistance as for a cancellation if your flight is delayed by more than two hours for a short-haul flight, three hours for a medium-haul, or four hours for a long-haul.

If you are delayed by more than five hours and no longer want to travel, you can get a full refund.

What are my rights if I have booked a package holiday?

If you booked a package holiday with a company that is an ABTA member and your flight is cancelled, you are entitled to a suitable alternative flight or a full refund.

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[BBC]

What if flight delays mean I am late for work?

Airlines will not refund you for loss of earnings.

Travel insurance policies will not usually cover loss of earnings either.

If you think you're going to be late back at work because of flight delays, you have a responsibility to let your employer know, legal experts say.

You should agree with your employer how to deal with the absence - for example, by using annual leave or taking unpaid leave.

Employers have no legal obligation to pay employees who are absent in this situation, experts say, unless it is stated in their contract.
K-9 Venom of the Rincon Police Department experienced a medical emergency during a routine training exercise on Wednesday, the police department said.

The dog was able to be helped immediately thanks to the quick recognition and response of his handler and other officers.

The nature of the medical emergency wasnt disclosed.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Police said K-9 Venom was swiftly taken to an emergency veterinary facility with the help of the Port Wentworth Police Department, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Rincon Police Department.

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The dog received life-saving care, is recovering well and is expected to make a full recovery.

The Rincon Police Department thanked to the other agencies for their assistance, and the care from Effingham Animal Hospital, all of which played a critical role in the working dogs successful treatment.

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CHICAGO (WGN)  The city has temporarily shut down a business tied to Wednesday nights mass shooting in River North, the second time a business at the address has been closed following violence.

Artis Restaurant and Lounge opened in April under new ownership, but one person was killed and three others were wounded in a 2022 shooting outside what was then known as Hush nightclub. Hush was shut down.

I have put in place a 4 a.m. liquor license moratorium and a moratorium on tavern licenses, meaning you cant get those in my ward, Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd Ward) said. We thought that when we revoked the licenses from Hush nightclub this would be the end of these types of incidents at this location.

WGN Full Coverage: River North Mass Shooting

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River North mass shooting: What we know about the victims

River North mass shooting: What weve learned about rapper Mello Buckzz

Shots were fired from a dark-colored vehicle passing by the business, on the 300 block of West Chicago Avenue, shortly after 11 p.m. Wednesday. Police said they found two different types of shell casings, indicating there may have been more than one shooter. Four people were killed and another 14 were injured.

Reilly said Artis Restaurant and Lounge had only a BYOB license since its April opening, with its liquor license pending with the city.

Ironically, some of the conditions of that liquor license that was pending were things like dont use promoters and dont offer hard liquor bottle service, and its our understanding both of those things happened last night at this venue, Reilly said.

WGN Investigates: River North shooting raises concerns over neighborhoods crime trends

Owner Chef Brandi Artis once competed on a Food Network show. She and the team released a statement, saying: Artis was created as a safe space. A space where Black, Brown, Queer, and allied communities could gather, be celebrated, and feel at home in River North. Weve always led with that mission. And what happened last night disrupted it in the most painful way.

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Reilly said the city has closed the restaurant temporarily, and hes working to make it permanent. Meanwhile, he said hes also pushing City Council to take a closer look at BYOB licenses.

That is a gaping loophole in our code that allows restaurants, nail salons, hair salons to literally transform themselves into nightclub venues without any proper liquor licensing, he said. We need to end that.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
CHICAGO (WGN)  Detectives on Friday continued to search for both the shooter or shooters and the motive behind Wednesday nights mass shooting in the River North neighborhood that claimed four lives and wounded more than a dozen others.

Police Supt. Larry Snelling said detectives were working with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to analyze shell casings recovered on the scene. The evidence suggests that at least two weapons were used in the spray of bullets. Snelling said it appears one of the weapons was a rifle.

Police have so far not offered a motive but said its clear the shooting after an album release party for Chicago rapper Mello Buckzz at Artis Restaurant and Lounge was a targeted attack, though its unknown for whom the shots were intended.

WGN Full Coverage: River North Mass Shooting

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River North mass shooting: What we know about the victims

River North mass shooting: What we know about rapper Mello Buckzz

Family identified one of the victims as Taylor Walker, 26, a South Side hair stylist and friend of the rapper. The Cook County Medical Examiners Office publicly identified the others as Leon Andrew Henry, 25, Aviance King, 27, and Devonte Terrell Williamson, 23.

Williamson was Mello Buckzzs boyfriend, his mother confirmed to WGN.

Fourteen others were injured in the gunfire.

Authorities have not said how many suspects theyre seeking in the case. Police and city leaders have made a public plea for information that may help with the investigation. Tips may be made anonymously at CPDTip.com.

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CHICAGO (WGN)  A mass shooting in River North Wednesday night ripped off a scab on Chicagos violence that was just beginning to form.

The shooting also draws attention to the River North neighborhood that has seen an increase in shootings and murders even as similar violence has declined state-wide.

Cell phone video obtained by WGN Investigates showed the chaos and carnage in the aftermath of a mass shooting that killed four people and injured 14 others. Bodies were seen on the street and those who were shot were observed being loaded into waiting ambulances.

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PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 4 dead, 14 wounded in River North mass drive-by shooting late Wednesday night

The shooting happened just hours after Mayor Brandon Johnson declared he was bringing down violent crime in Chicago and just days after he celebrated turning the tide.

Police data shows murders for the first half of the year are down 32% citywide from the same time last year. Murders are also at their lowest level in a decade, while shootings are also down significantly.

I believe things are trending in the right direction. Last night was terrible, terrible, terrible thing that occurred, but were going to continue to fight to keep these things down, Chicago Police Department Supt. Larry Snelling said.

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River North mass shooting: What we know about the victims

However, in the police district that includes the citys River North neighborhood, progress has been slower.

Data shows even before the mass shooting, there were more murders in the district than last year and shootings hadnt declined.

Snelling said theyre analyzing River North crime patterns, along with trends and motives.

We have to do a little more research. Were halfway through the year to determine what those factors are. We are working very hard to keep crime down throughout the city, Snelling said.

Nightclubs and bars have been a frequent epicenter of violence in River North. In 2022, the city shut down Hush bar after four people were shot.

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River North mass shooting: What weve learned about rapper Mello Buckzz

New owners opened Artis Restaurant and Lounge in the same building. Wednesday nights mass shooting happened right outside Artis.

This tragedy that we are working through today, this does not define us as a city, Johnson said.

WGN Investigates dug into the data and found there have been 39 reports filed of assaults, batteries and thefts on that single block in River North over the past year. Murder and attempted murder are now part of that list.

The scene of Thursdays mass shooting appeared to grow volatile at one point. A Cook County Sheriffs police officer used a taser on a combative man who then fell to the ground and was handcuffed.

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Amid an incredibly chaotic, crowded, and volatile scene, a Sheriffs Police Officer deployed his Taser to gain control of an individual who ignored repeated orders to step back from the scene of a mass shooting, sheriffs spokesperson Anthony Gomez told WGN.

A standard use of force investigation is being conducted.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
A spider colony hanging out above an exit door, live and dead roaches in dining-room areas, and more than 60 flies landing on seasonings and bags of flour, onions and rice  these were among the violations that led the state to temporarily shut three Broward County restaurants last week.

No restaurants were ordered to close in Palm Beach County.

The South Florida Sun Sentinel typically highlights restaurant inspections conducted by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation in Broward and Palm Beach counties. We cull through inspections that happen weekly and spotlight places ordered shut for high-priority violations, such as improper food temperatures or dead cockroaches.

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Any restaurant that fails a state inspection must stay closed until it passes a follow-up. If you spot a possible violation and wish to file a complaint, contact Florida DBPR. (But please dont contact us: The Sun Sentinel doesnt inspect restaurants.)

BROWARD COUNTY

Piccadilly

4500 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood

Ordered shut: June 25

Why: 11 violations (three high-priority), including:

Four live roaches on duct tape attached to wall in small private dining room area, on wall behind wait station in large private dining room and inside of door of wait station in large private dining room.

12 dead roaches on duct tape attached to wall in small private dining room area.

Raw tenderized beef stored above raw fish in cook line reach-in cooler.

Can opener blade soiled.

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Status: Reopened June 26 after a follow-up inspection found three basic violations.

China One

15711 Sheridan St., Fort Lauderdale

Ordered shut: June 24

Why: Five violations (three high-priority), including:

Eight roaches crawling in kitchen.

Approximately 40 dead roaches throughout establishment.

Observed spider colony above exit door at rear of establishment.

Raw shell eggs stored over containers of dumpling sauce in walk-in cooler.

Status: Closed June 25 after a follow-up visit found three violations (one high-priority). Reopened June 26 after a third inspection found one basic violation.

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ENE Tasty Bakery & Restaurant

61 S. State Road 7, Plantation

Ordered shut: June 24

Why: 18 violations (three high-priority), including:

About 66 flies landing on clean food containers and walls in dishwashing area, on seasonings, bag with rice and walls in dry storage area, on in-use food preparation table, bag with onions and container with uncooked potatoes and on bag with flour and in-use food mixer at bakers station.

Observed cutting board with accumulation of black mold-like substance buildup in the kitchen.

Observed in the dishwashing area an accumulation of a black mold-like substance built up on the walls.

Time/temperature issues involved raw chicken, cooked spinach, plantains and patties.

Various cooked dishes that were prepared the [previous] day were left uncovered in walk-in cooler.

Observed employees washing and rinsing dirty dishes without a sanitizing step. Three-compartment sink [not] properly set up.

Status: Reopened June 25 after a follow-up inspection found two basic violations.
As Serbia's anti-corruption protests enter their ninth month, they show no sign of abating  and are instead changing in their leadership, composition and tactics.

At the climax of last weekend's 140,000-strong protest in Belgrade's Slavija Square the students who led the protests since November declared that they would no longer spearhead the rallies.

They had set a deadline of Saturday for the government to call for fresh elections.

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When that was not met, they invited other groups to take on the protest mantle - and called for a campaign of "civil disobedience" from anyone opposed to the leadership of President Aleksandar Vucic and his long-governing Progressive Party (SNS).

Since then roadblocks have been popping up in cities across Serbia this week and people have been deploying dustbins, chairs and other improvised barriers to block junctions in major cities including Belgrade, Novi Sad and Nis. Local residents' associations - known as "citizens' assemblies" - have been heavily involved.

As soon as the police dismantle one blockade, another one pops up somewhere else.

Police crackdown triggers backlash

In recent days there have been dozens of arrests  along with complaints of excessive police force. A number of students were treated in hospital  one with a broken collarbone  after Gendarmerie members entered Belgrade University's Law Faculty on Wednesday.

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Officers also arrested high school students, triggering a protest by parents in front of a central Belgrade police station until their children were released.

A striking range of voices have condemned the police conduct. Complaints by the journalists' association and the opposition Centre Party were matched by statements from the Bar Association and even Serbian Orthodox Church Archbishop Grigorije Duric. The EU, for its part, decried the "acts of hatred and violence" and called for calm.

Meanwhile, in Belgrade, the pop-up roadblocks continue  and so does the ensuing travel chaos for commuters.

One resident, while ruefully noting that she had to walk 5km (3 miles) to and from work, described the mood as more like a series of street parties than a protest.

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But many observers doubt whether this approach will be any more effective than the months of rallies, faculty blockades and half-hearted general strikes.

The 2024 Novi Sad railway disaster

The protest movement started with a relatively simple purpose: to ensure accountability for last November's disaster at Novi Sad railway station, when a concrete canopy at the recently renovated facility in Serbia's second city collapsed, killing 16 people who were standing beneath it.

The outpouring of grief was instant  and the outrage swiftly followed.

Much of it has been directed at President Vucic.

A large section of Serbians have long been uneasy with his "strongman" style of leadership, since he came to power in 2012. But others have accepted his party's firm grip on state institutions and much of the media as a trade-off for strong economic growth and improvements in infrastructure.

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The station disaster shattered that tacit agreement.

"We are all under the canopy" was one slogan frequently seen on banners in the early days of the protests. Others included "blood on your hands" and "corruption kills".

University students took leadership of the movement, demanding full transparency about the railway station project and the prosecution of those responsible for the disaster.

Months of protests eventually forced the resignation of Milos Vucevic as prime minister. But he was simply replaced by another Vucic appointee, Djuro Macut  and the protest movement has otherwise achieved little in terms of concrete results.

A smashed window of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) office in Novi Sad during this week's protests [Getty Images]

No end in sight for protest movement

Still, the protests have now brought hundreds of thousands out into the streets and are galvanising large sections of society.

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One opposition leader, Srdjan Milivojevic of the centre-left Democratic Party, compared the moment to the early 2000s, when the student-led protests against the notorious President Slobodan Milosevic "became a people's movement".

Then, a coalition of interest groups stood firm against Milosevic's attempts to manipulate the result of the September 2000 presidential election. Mass protests forced the president's resignation the following month and ushered in democracy in Serbia for the first time.

But despite efforts to invoke the "spirit of 5 October", the current situation is different. President Vucic and his party remain in a relatively comfortable position, with polls indicating that the SNS remains the most popular party.

In the aftermath of the last, big student-led rally, Mr Vucic declared that "Serbia won" in the face of an attempt to "overthrow the state".

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The people blocking the roads in Serbia's cities view it differently. They are asking for change through the ballot box  even if it is far from clear who would run against the SNS. And the president insists there will be no elections before December next year.

So now it is perhaps a question of which side blinks first. And with temperatures already pushing towards 40C, it could be a simmering summer in more ways than one.
Jul. 3ROCHESTER  Although The U.S. Department of Education has withheld nearly $7 billion in funding from schools across the country, it's not yet clear what kind of impact that will have for Rochester Public Schools.

On June 30, the U.S. Department of Education sent a notification to state agencies, notifying them that the release of the funding was still under consideration. That update began sounding alarm bells for schools and education advocates alike.

"This is not just a budget cut  it's an assault on the rule of law and our commitment to every child's right to a quality education," said Monica Byron, president of Education Minnesota, which is the statewide teachers union. "By withholding funding that Congress has already approved, the Trump administration is playing politics with our children's futures."

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According to the publication EducationWeek, the federal funding that has been withheld from schools amounts to $6.8 billion.

RPS Communications Director Mamisoa Knutson said the district is monitoring the situation and "waiting to see what that means" for local programs.

Although federal funding doesn't provide the bulk of Rochester Public Schools' budget, it still represents millions of dollars for the district. In 2024-25, federal funding comprised 4% of the district's budget, which amounted to $17.08 million.

The Minnesota Department of Education provided a copy of the notification it received from the federal government to the Post Bulletin.

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According to MDE Communications Director Sam Snuggerud, the federal government issued an individual notice for the funding associated with each program. However, the notifications only differed in the name of the program. They read:

"Given the change in Administrations, the Department is reviewing the FY 2025 funding for the [Title I-C, II-A, III-A, IV-A, IV-B] grant program(s), and decisions have not yet been made concerning submissions and awards for this upcoming academic year. Accordingly, the Department will not be issuing Grant Award Notifications obligating funds for these programs on July 1 prior to completing that review. The Department remains committed to ensuring taxpayer resources are spent in accordance with the President's priorities and the Department's statutory responsibilities."

Even before the federal department issued the notice, state agencies were beginning to worry about the delay in the funding. On June 26, The Minnesota Department of Education sent a letter to its federal counterpart, asking when it could expect to receive information on the matter.

MDE Commissioner Willie Jett's letter listed a number of programs that rely on the funding. They include those that aid English-language proficiency, support teacher development and retention, and provide academic enrichment opportunities "outside of school hours for students who attend low-performing schools."

"At this writing, Minnesota has not received critical information for school districts to obligate federal funding in time for a July 1 deadline," Jet wrote in his June 26 letter. "While the most recent state tables posted on ED's website include updated figures, these programs are notably absent. Without this information, and with July 1 approaching, it is not possible for schools, districts, and the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) to complete the steps needed to begin obligating these funds as scheduled."
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO)  Rockfords Fourth of July celebration has been going strong since 1963. Thats when Joe Marino and a team of volunteers first turned the citys downtown into a daylong event, ending with one of the biggest fireworks displays in the state of Illinois.

Marino founded the Rockford 4th of July Civic Committee and became affectionately known as Mr. Fourth of July.

He ran the show until his passing in 2018, at the age of 92.

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Marino relied on his family, specifically his grandson and nephew, to take over the reins and continue the community celebration.

When grandpa decided to pass it on, he sat us down at breakfast, me and my cousin Ted, and said the only way that this is going to keep going is if you two officially take over, recalled Tom Luepkes, Co-Chair Rockford 4th of July Civic Committee.

And thats exactly what theyve done.

Now in its 61st year, the 4th of July Civic Committee faced some challenges this year.

Ongoing development at Davis Park meant venue changes, and the fireworks now launched from the Jefferson Street bridge.

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Co-chair Ted ODonnell said, We shot off that bridge for so many years and we havent been able to do it for 25 years and It just felt right this year to bring it back.

The committee co-chairs are hopeful the community accepts the changes.

Keeping the event going year after year is something Mr. 4th of July would be proud of.

To see us be able to carry that on, knowing that we cannot do it without community support, I think hed be very proud of us and the community both, said Luepkes.

I would hope hed be proud. And he would be excited that we didnt give up, ODonnell added.

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DHAKA, July 4 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh donated anti-dengue supplies to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) of Bangladesh here Thursday.

Charge d'Affaires a.i. of the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh Liu Yuyin attended the event alongside Md. Sayedur Rahman, special assistant of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and Md. Abu Jafor, director general of DGHS.

In his remarks, Liu stated that China and Bangladesh are good neighbors, good friends and good partners. The donation of anti-dengue supplies is a concrete step in implementing the important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries.

He said China will continue supporting Bangladesh's healthcare development, further enriching the bilateral relationship and contributing to a community of shared future for global health.

Md. Sayedur Rahman expressed that China has always been a trustworthy development partner for Bangladesh.

He extended gratitude to the Chinese government for its long-term assistance and support, noting that the anti-dengue supplies will effectively alleviate the country's epidemic pressure. It's hoped the two sides would deepen cooperation in health and other fields to benefit more people.

Bangladesh has witnessed a significant spike in dengue cases in June, with over 11,000 cases and 44 deaths registered so far this year. 
OMAHA, Neb. (AP)  Tyler Sherman, a nurse at a rural Nebraska hospital, is used to the area's aging farmers delaying care until they end up in his emergency room.

Now, with Congress planning around $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts over 10 years, he fears those farmers and the more than 3,000 residents of Webster County could lose not just the ER, but also the clinic and nursing home tied to the hospital.

Our budget is pretty heavily reliant on the Medicaid reimbursement, so if we do see a cut of that, itll be difficult to keep the doors open, said Sherman, who works at Webster County Community Hospital in the small Nebraska town of Red Cloud just north of the Kansas border.

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If those facilities close, many locals would see their five-minute trip to Webster County hospital turn into a nearly hour-long ride to the nearest hospital offering the same services.

That's a long way for an emergency, Sherman said. Some won't make it.

Already struggling hospitals would be hit particularly hard

States and rural health advocacy groups warn that cutting Medicaid  a program serving millions of low-income and disabled Americans  would hit already fragile rural hospitals hard and could force hundreds to close, stranding some people in remote areas without nearby emergency care.

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More than 300 hospitals could be at risk for closure under the Republican bill, according to an analysis by the Cecil G. Sheps Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which tracks rural hospital closures. Even as Congress haggled over the controversial bill, a health clinic in the southwest Nebraska town of Curtis announced Wednesday it will close in the coming months, in part blaming the anticipated Medicaid cuts.

Bruce Shay, of Pomfret, Connecticut, fears he and his wife could be among those left in the lurch. At 70, they're both in good health, he said. But that likely means that if either needs to go to a hospital, it's going to be an emergency.

Day Kimball Hospital is nearby in Putnam, but it has faced recent financial challenges. Day Kimball's CEO R. Kyle Kramer acknowledged that a Senate bill passed Tuesday  estimated to cut federal Medicaid spending in rural areas by $155 billion over 10 years  would further hurt his rural hospital's bottom line. Roughly 30% of Day Kimballs current patients receive Medicaid benefits, a figure thats even higher for specific, critical services like obstetrics and behavioral health.

An emergency means Im 45 minutes to an hour away from the nearest hospital, and thats a problem," Shay said. And he and his wife wouldn't be the only ones having to make that trip.

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Youve got, Im sure, thousands of people who rely on Day Kimball Hospital. If it closed, thousands of people would have to go to another hospital, he said. Thats a huge load to suddenly impose on a hospital system thats probably already stretched thin.

Experts say the bill's $50 billion fund for rural hospitals isn't enough

Rural hospitals have long operated on the financial edge, especially in recent years as Medicaid payments have continuously fallen below the actual cost to provide health care. More than 20% of Americans live in rural areas, where Medicaid covers 1 in 4 adults, according to the nonprofit KFF, which studies health care issues.

President Donald Trumps $4.5 trillion tax breaks and spending cuts bill, which passed Thursday, would worsen rural hospitals' struggles by cutting a key federal program that helps states fund Medicaid payments to health care providers. To help offset the lost tax revenue, the package includes $1.2 trillion in cuts to Medicaid and other social safety net programs  cuts they insist only root out fraud and waste in the system.

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But public outcry over Medicaid cuts led Republicans to include a provision that will provide $10 billion annually to buttress rural hospitals over the next five years, or $50 billion in total. Many rural hospital advocates are wary that it won't be enough to cover the shortfall.

Carrie Cochran-McClain, chief policy officer with the National Rural Health Association, said rural hospitals already struggle to break even, citing a recent American Hospital Association report that found that hospitals in 2023 got nearly $28 billion less from Medicaid than the actual cost of treating Medicaid patients.

We see rural hospitals throughout the country really operating on either negative or very small operating margins," Cochran-McClain said. "Meaning that any amount of cut to a payer  especially a payer like Medicaid that makes up a significant portion of rural provider funding  is going to be consequential to the rural hospitals' ability to provide certain services or maybe even keep their doors open at the end of the day.

Kentucky is expected to be hit especially hard

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A KFF report shows 36 states losing $1 billion or more over 10 years in Medicaid funding for rural areas under the Republican bill, even with the $50 billion rural fund. No state stands to lose more than Kentucky.

The report estimates the Bluegrass State would lose a whopping $12.3 billion  nearly $5 billion more than the next state on the list. That's because the bill ends Kentucky's unique Medicaid reimbursement system and reduces it to Medicare reimbursement levels.

Kentucky currently has one of the lowest Medicare reimbursement rates in the country. It also has one of the highest poverty rates, leading to a third of its population being covered by Medicaid.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a two-term Democrat widely seen as a potential candidate for president in 2028, said the bill would close 35 hospitals in his state and pull health care coverage for 200,000 residents.

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Half of Kentuckys kids are covered under Medicaid. They lose their coverage and you are scrambling over that next prescription, Beshear said during an appearance on MSNBC. This is going to impact the life of every single American negatively. It is going to hammer our economy."

___

Haigh reported from Hartford, Connecticut.
States and health advocacy groups are warning that Congress slashing of Medicaid in President Donald Trumps sweeping spending bill, which was passed in the House on Thursday, will devastate already financially vulnerable rural hospitals.

The Associated Press reported that Congress is planning roughly $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts over the next 10 years. Medicaid is a program that serves millions of low-income and disabled Americans.

Struggling hospitals would be impacted more by Medicaid cuts

Why you should care

States and advocacy groups contend that cutting Medicaid would hit rural hospitals substantially and may force hundreds to close, leaving some individuals in these communities without available emergency care.

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Citing analysis by the Cecil G. Sheps Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the Associated Press reported that over 300 hospitals may be in danger of closing under President Donald Trumps spending bill.

RELATED: 'Big beautiful bill' passes final vote in House; moves to Trump

The AP noted that a health clinic in Curtis, Nebraska announced on July 2 that it plans to close in the coming months, in part due to the looming Medicaid cuts.

Dozens of states will lose Medicaid funding

Big picture view

According to a KFF report 36 states will lose $1 billion or more over 10 years in Medicaid funding for rural areas under the Republican tax bill, even with the $50 billion rural fund.

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Moreover, Kentucky is likely to lose more with the KFF report projecting that the state would lose a staggering $12.3 billion, nearly $5 billion more than the next state on the list. This would happen because the GOP legislation will end Kentucky's Medicaid reimbursement system, minimizing it to Medicare reimbursement levels.

The Associated Press reported that Kentucky has one of the lowest Medicare reimbursement rates in the nation, and has one of the highest poverty rates, leading to a third of its population being covered by Medicaid.

During an appearance on MSNBC, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said the Republican bill would close 35 hospitals in his state and pull health care coverage for 200,000 residents.

Experts argue the spending bill's $50 billion fund for rural hospitals isn't enough

By the numbers

According to the KFF, a nonprofit that examines health care issues, over 20% of Americans reside in rural areas, where Medicaid covers 1 in 4 adults.

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President Donald Trumps $4.5 trillion spending bill would deepen rural hospitals financial challenges by cutting a top federal program that helps states fund Medicaid payments to health care providers.

To neutralize the lost tax revenue, Trumps legislation includes $1.2 trillion in cuts to Medicaid and other social safety net programs.

However, the Associated Press reported that public clamoring over Medicaid cuts led Republicans to include a stipulation that will provide $10 billion annually to support rural hospitals over the next five years, or $50 billion in total. But rural hospital advocates tell the AP they are concerned this funding wont be enough.

Carrie Cochran-McClain, chief policy officer with the National Rural Health Association, shared with the AP that rural hospitals already struggle to break even financially, citing a recent American Hospital Association report that found that hospitals in 2023 received roughly $28 billion less from Medicaid than the actual cost of treating Medicaid patients.

The Source

Information for this story was provided by the Associated Press, which cites data from the nonprofit KFF and analysis from the Cecil G. Sheps Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This story was reported from Washington, D.C.




Russia has become the first nation to formally recognise the Taliban government in Afghanistan since the group seized power in 2021, following Moscow's decision to remove the organisation from its list of outlawed entities.

The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed it had accepted credentials from Afghanistans newly appointed Ambassador, Gul Hassan Hassan. The ministry stated that this official recognition would foster "productive bilateral cooperation".

Afghanistans Foreign Ministry hailed the development as a "historic step". Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi was quoted welcoming the decision as "a good example for other countries."

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The Taliban assumed control of Afghanistan in August 2021 following the withdrawal of US and NATO forces. Since then, the group has sought international recognition while imposing its strict interpretation of Islamic law.

While no country had formally recognized the Taliban administration until now, the group had engaged in high-level talks with many nations and established some diplomatic ties with countries including China and the United Arab Emirates.

Russia's Supreme Court judge Oleg Nefyodov delivers a verdict lifting a ban on Afghanistan's Taliban, who were designated as a terrorist group more than two decades ago, in Moscow, Russia, April 17, 2025 (AP)

Still, the Taliban government has been relatively isolated on the world stage, largely over its restrictions on women.

Although the Taliban initially promised a more moderate rule than during their first stint in power from 1996 to 2001, it started to enforce restrictions on women and girls soon after the 2021 takeover. Women are barred from most jobs and public places, including parks, baths and gyms, while girls are banned from education beyond sixth grade.

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Russian officials have recently been emphasizing the need to engage with the Taliban to help stabilize Afghanistan, and lifted a ban on the Taliban in April.

Russias ambassador to Afghanistan, Dmitry Zhirnov, said in remarks broadcast by state Channel One television that the decision to officially recognize the Taliban government was made by President Vladimir Putin on advice from Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Zhirnov said the decision proves Russias sincere striving for the development of full-fledged relations with Afghanistan.
The Brief

Russia formally recognized the Taliban government after removing the group from its list of outlawed organizations.

The Russian Foreign Ministry received credentials from Afghanistans new ambassador, Gul Hassan Hassan.

The Taliban called the move historic and urged other countries to follow suit.

Russia has officially recognized the Taliban government in Afghanistan, becoming the first country to do so since the militant group took power nearly three years ago. The move follows Moscows decision earlier this year to remove the Taliban from its list of banned organizations and signals a significant diplomatic shift in the region.

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Russian officials said the decisionapproved by President Vladimir Putin on the recommendation of Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrovwas aimed at building full-fledged relations with Afghanistan and encouraging stability in the war-torn country.

Why is Russia recognizing the Taliban now?

The backstory

The Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021 after the U.S. and NATO completed their withdrawal. Since then, the group has ruled the country under a strict interpretation of Islamic law and has faced widespread international criticism for restricting womens rights and education.

Despite efforts by the Taliban to gain global legitimacy, no government had formally recognized their leadershipuntil now. While countries like China and the United Arab Emirates have maintained diplomatic contacts, Russias move marks the first official recognition of the Taliban as Afghanistans government.

What we know

The Russian Foreign Ministry said Thursday that it had received diplomatic credentials from Gul Hassan Hassan, the Taliban-appointed ambassador to Moscow. The ministry called the move a way to boost "productive bilateral cooperation."

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Russias ambassador to Afghanistan, Dmitry Zhirnov, told state broadcaster Channel One that the decision to recognize the Taliban government came directly from President Putin, calling it a sign of Russias "sincere striving" to develop relations.

Afghanistans Foreign Ministry praised the decision as historic, quoting Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, who said it was "a good example for other countries."

What we don't know

It remains unclear how other countries will respond to Russias recognition. No Western governments have formally accepted the Talibans leadership due to concerns over human rights, terrorism, and the treatment of women and minorities.

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There is also uncertainty about how this recognition will translate into tangible support or investment, given Afghanistans continued economic and humanitarian crises.

What's next

Russias recognition could open the door for additional diplomatic relationships, particularly with countries in Central Asia or others seeking regional influence. However, meaningful shifts in international recognition will likely depend on changes in Taliban governance, especially around womens rights and education.

The Source

This article is based on reporting from The Associated Press, which first reported Russias formal recognition of the Taliban government.
Russia has become the first nation to recognize the Taliban government of Afghanistan since it took power in 2021, announcing on Thursday it has accepted an ambassador from the Islamist group.

We believe that the act of official recognition of the government of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will give impetus to the development of productive bilateral cooperation between our countries in various fields, the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement.

We see significant prospects for cooperation in the trade and economic area with an emphasis on projects in the fields of energy, transport, agriculture, and infrastructure, the statement continues. We will continue to assist Kabul in strengthening regional security and combating the threats of terrorism and drug-related crime.

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The statement by the Russian ministry was accompanied by a photo of the new Afghan ambassador to Russia, Gul Hassan Hassan, handing his credentials to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko.

In a post on X, alongside pictures of Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi meeting with Russian Ambassador to Kabul Dmitry Zhirnov, the Talibans foreign ministry hailed the decision as positive and important.

Thawing ties with the outside world

Russias recognition is historically significant. The former Soviet Union fought a 9-year war in Afghanistan that ended with Moscow withdrawing its troops in 1989 following their defeat by the Afghan mujahideen, some of whom later founded the modern Taliban.

In the aftermath of the 2021 US withdrawal from Afghanistan, Russia was one of a few nations to maintain a diplomatic presence in the country. Russia removed its designation of the Taliban as a terrorist group in April 2025.

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While the Taliban has exchanged ambassadors with China and the United Arab Emirates, and has a long-standing political office in Qatar, those countries do not recognize it as the government of Afghanistan.

The lack of recognition has not prevented Afghanistans new rulers from doing business with the outside world. In 2023, a Chinese oil company signed an oil extraction deal with the Taliban.

Moreover, the Taliban has angled for the recognition of another former adversary: the United States. Efforts have reportedly ramped up since US President Donald Trump began his second term earlier this year. March 2025 saw the release of two Americans from Afghanistan, along with the US removing millions of dollars of bounties from three Taliban officials.

People familiar with American conversations with the Islamist group told CNN in April that the Taliban has proposed numerous steps toward US recognition, including the creation of an embassy-like office within the US to handle Afghan issues.

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You need to be forthcoming and take a risk, US officials told the Taliban during a March meeting to secure an American prisoners release, according to the person familiar with the proceedings. Do this, it will likely open up the door for a better relationship.

It wasnt the first time the US had diplomatically engaged with the Taliban. In the last year of his first term, Trump reached an agreement with the group for a full US withdrawal by 2021. The deal achieved a chaotic fulfillment as the Taliban swept to power during former US President Joe Bidens first summer in the White House.

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Russia has become the first country to formally recognise the Taliban government in Afghanistan, sparking outrage from opposition figures.

The decision marks a major milestone for the Taliban almost four years after they swept into Kabul and took power.

Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said he hoped it would serve as an example to other countries, which have been reluctant to recognise a regime which implements a version of Sharia law along with severe restrictions on women and girls.

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Others have decried the move, with former Afghan politician Fawzia Koofi saying "any move by any country to normalise relations with the Taliban will not bring peace it will legitimise impunity".

Koofi went on to warn "such steps risk endangering not just the people of Afghanistan, but global security".

Meanwhile, the Afghan Women's Political Participation Network said it legitimised "a regime that is authoritarian, anti-women, and actively dismantling basic civil rights".

The Taliban government has previously said it respects women's rights in accordance with their interpretation of Afghan culture and Islamic law.

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But since 2021, girls over the age of 12 have been prevented from getting an education, and women from many jobs. There have also been restrictions on how far a woman can travel without a male chaperone, and decrees on them raising their voices in public.

Foreign Minister Muttaqi said Moscow's recognition, which came on Thursday, was "a new phase of positive relations, mutual respect, and constructive engagement", describing the decision as "courageous".

Russia's foreign ministry said it saw the potential for "commercial and economic" co-operation in "energy, transportation, agriculture and infrastructure", and that it would continue to help Kabul to fight against the threats of terrorism and drug trafficking.

Members of the Taliban mark the third anniversary of the fall of Kabul in 2024 [Reuters]

Russia was one of very few countries that did not close down their embassy in Afghanistan in 2021 - as the Taliban swept across Afghanistan following the withdrawal of US troop.

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The country was also the first to sign an international economic deal with the Taliban in 2022, where they agreed to supply oil, gas and wheat to Afghanistan.

The Taliban was removed from Russia's list of terrorist organisations in April this year.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also referred to the Taliban as an "ally" in fighting terrorism in July last year. Taliban representatives had visited Moscow for talks as early as 2018.

However, the two countries have a complex history. The Soviet Union - which included Russia - invaded Afghanistan in 1979 and fought a nine-year war that cost them 15,000 personnel.

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Their decision to install a Soviet-backed government in Kabul turned the Soviets into an international pariah, and eventually led to their withdrawal in February 1989.

In its statement, the Afghan Women's Political Participation Network noted it had not forgotten "Russia's role in the destruction of Afghanistan during the Soviet invasion".

"Today, its political interference and direct support for the Taliban represent a continuation of those same destructive strategies, now under the banner of diplomacy," it said.

Dr Rangin Dadfar Spanta, a former Afghan national security adviser under the preceding Western-backed government, described Russia's decision as "regrettable", adding: "This is just the beginning; in the absence of widespread resistance, others will follow Russia."

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Strict sanctions were placed on Afghanistan in 2021 by the United Nations Security Council, most notably the freezing of approximately $9bn (6.6bn) in assets.

The UN has said the rules impacting women amount to "gender apartheid", while also reporting public floggings and brutal attacks on former government officials.

While the Taliban government is widely not recognised by other countries, Germany's interior minister wants to work with Afghanistan to resume deportations of convicted Afghan criminals.

Germany initially stopped deportations following the Taliban's return to power.

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Alexander Dobrindt on Thursday said he wants to make "agreements directly with Afghanistan to enable deportations".

On Friday, a UN Human Rights Office spokeswoman said it was "not appropriate" to return people to Afghanistan on the account of the Taliban "documenting continuing human rights violations".

Most countries closed their embassies after 2021. However, China, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Pakistan all have designated ambassadors to Kabul.
A Russian missile and drone strike on Odesa on July 3 damaged the building of the Chinese Consulate General, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on July 4.

"Following tonight's massive Russian air attack on Ukraine, we discovered in Kyiv a component of a Russian-Iranian Shahed-136/Geran-2 combat drone, which was made in China and supplied just recently," Sybiha wrote on X.

"And right on the eve, the Chinese Consulate General's building in Odesa suffered minor damage."

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The July 3 assault on Odesa killed two people and injured six others. China has not publicly acknowledged the incident or reported any damage to its diplomatic premises in the city.

The Shahed-136 drone, a loitering munition used by Russia in its attacks on Ukrainian cities, has been assembled in large numbers in Russia with components sourced globally.

Ukraine has previously documented that Chinese companies have contributed electronics and materials used in the production of these drones.

Beijing remains one of Russia's key wartime partners, helping Moscow evade Western sanctions and emerging as the leading supplier of dual-use goods used by the Russian defense industry.

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China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi reportedly told EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on July 3 that Beijing cannot afford for Russia to lose the war in Ukraine, according to the South China Morning Post, which cited unnamed sources familiar with the conversation.

The reported statement adds to growing concerns in Kyiv over China's expanding role in supporting Russia's war effort. President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly accused China of siding with Moscow.

As Russian-Chinese relations deepen, Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit China in September for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, where he is scheduled to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Read also: Zelensky, Trump discuss air defense, joint drone production amid Russian strikes

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Russia is escalating the use of chemical weapons against Ukrainian forces, the Netherlands Military Intelligence (MIVD) reported on July 4.

Russian troops use banned chemical agents as psychological warfare to panic Ukrainian forces, forcing soldiers from dugouts and trenches with gas grenades dropped by drones, making them easy targets for subsequent drone or artillery attacks.

According to MIVD report, it was previously known that Russia usesd tear gas, but now intelligence has confirmed the use of chloropicrin  a substance that can kill in high concentrations in enclosed spaces.

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Use of of chloropicrin, banned under international law, was discovered by the Netherlands Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD) and General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) together with the German foreign intelligence service BND.

The Kyiv Independent previously reported rising chemical attacks, but Ukraine could not accurately identify the chemical substances due to lack of equipment.

The U.S. State Department had already reported in May that Russian forces have used the chemical agent chloropicrin in Ukraine. The May 1 announcement was part of a larger statement about the introduction of new U.S. sanctions against more than 280 individuals and entities.

For now, the original statement has been removed from the U.S. State Department website.

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Russia is using this type of weapon more frequently and "with ease," says MIVD Director Vice Admiral Peter Reesink.

Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans, who announced the news to the Dutch parliament, called the situation "absolutely unacceptable," calling for "more sanctions, isolation of Russia and unwavering military support for Ukraine."

"We are making this public now because Russia's use of chemical weapons must not become normalized," Brekelmans said. "If the threshold for using this type of weapon is lowered, it is dangerous not only for Ukraine but also for the rest of Europe and the world."

Since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, Russia has conducted over 9,000 chemical attacks. At least three Ukrainian soldiers have died directly from exposure to toxic substances, according to Ukraine's Ministry of Defense.

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Dutch intelligence has established that Russian military leadership actively facilitates chemical attacks, and the use of banned substances has become standard practice for Russian forces.

Moscow is also increasing investments in chemical weapons programs, expanding research and recruiting new scientists, MIVD and AIVD observe.

The U.S. has accused Russia of deploying chloropicrin, often used in agriculture and widely weaponized as a vomiting agent during World War I.

Read also: Deliberately massive and cynical  Russian attack on Ukraine began as Trump and Putin spoke, Zelensky says

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Russia again attacked targets in Ukraine with dozens of combat drones on Friday, just a day after a similar, massive night-time drone attack.

Anti-aircraft fire could be heard in Kiev in the evening. Warnings were also issued in southern Ukraine of drone attacks from the Black Sea.

Air raid sirens were sounded in more than half of Ukraine's regions.

Earlier, after the previous night's massive drone attack, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the country had successfully deployed interceptor drones against the explosive-laden Russian drones hitting Kiev.

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"Dozens of shaheds [attack drones] have just been shot down with interceptors," said Zelensky in his daily address about the war on Friday.

He gave instructions to produce more of the unmanned counter-measures and to train the drone pilots required for their deployment.

On Thursday night, the Russian military flew more than 539 drones of various types at targets in Ukraine, mainly in Kiev, according to Ukrainian officials.

The Ukrainian air force managed to intercept almost 90% of them using different means, according to Kiev.

The information could not be independently verified.

Ukraine has been fighting to repel the Russian invasion for more than three years and is urging its Western allies to supply new air defence systems due to the intensity of air attacks.

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The latest attacks come amid fears in Kiev that the United States will stop supplying some of the weapons it badly needs.

Ahead of a partial freeze in US arms deliveries, Zelensky said he held a "very important and fruitful conversation" with US President Donald Trump on Friday against the backdrop of a partial freeze in US arms deliveries.

"We - in Ukraine - are grateful for all the support provided. It helps us protect lives, safeguard our freedom and independence," said Zelensky. "We have achieved a lot together with America and we support all efforts to stop the killings and restore just, lasting, and dignified peace."

The conversation came hours after Russia launched a massive bombardment of Kiev overnight, shortly after Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

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Ukraine has been heavily dependent on US support to withstand Russia's full-scale invasion since 2022, but the Pentagon on Tuesday said it had withheld previously agreed arms deliveries to Kiev on the grounds of an inventory review.

According to media reports, this also involved Patriot missiles, which are crucial for Ukraine's air defence against strikes by Russian missiles and drones.

Zelensky said he and Trump "discussed the current situation, including Russian airstrikes and the broader frontline developments."

"We spoke about opportunities in air defense and agreed that we will work together to strengthen protection of our skies," he added.

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Zelensky also said he "congratulated President Trump and the entire American on the US Independence Day," which is celebrated on July 4.

The Ukrainian leader's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, earlier said there had been a "very important and substantive conversation between the presidents."

Trump has been calling in vain for weeks for a quick end to the conflict and said he was "not happy" that no progress had been made after his call with Putin on Thursday.

Meanwhile power was restored to the nuclear power plant in Ukraine's south-eastern Zaporizhzhya region after an outage earlier in the day, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Friday.

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After the outage lasted three and a half hours, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said in a statement that nuclear safety remained extremely precarious in Ukraine.

The outage was the ninth during the war in Ukraine, but the first time since the end of 2023, according to the IAEA.

Earlier Grossi had said that the plant was relying on power from its emergency diesel generators, underlining how precarious the nuclear safety situation was.

"What was once virtually unimaginable  that a major nuclear power plant would repeatedly lose all of its external power connections  has unfortunately become a common occurrence at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant," Grossi said.

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"Almost three and a half years into this devastating war, nuclear safety in Ukraine remains very much in danger."

Located in the Russian-held city of Enerhodar on the southern shore of the Dnipro river, the nuclear power plant is the largest in Europe.

The cooling systems of its six shutdown reactors require a stable power supply to avoid a breach of safety norms.

The Ukrainian side attributed the latest safety alert to Russian shelling.

The IAEA has played a central role in protecting and monitoring the condition and safety of Ukraine's nuclear power plants since the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022.

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The agency regularly sends teams of experts to the active reactor sites in the western regions of Rivne and Khmelnytskyi and has been permanently present at the Zaporizhzhya plant since September 2022.

The site has been under Russian control since March of that year.
KYIV  Ripe cherries and apricots fill the stalls of fruit vendors, while people bustle about on a scorching July Friday.

Yet just a five-minute walk from the stand, the scene shifts dramatically: a gaping hole mars the five-story residential building where the stairwell once stood. Rescuers tirelessly sift through the rubble, and a fragment of a Russian drone lies abandoned in the middle of the road.

Overnight on July 4, hours after U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, in the hope of bringing the war to an end, Russia launched 270 Russian drones and ballistic missiles at the Ukrainian capital, injuring at least 24 people and killing one.

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The Russian strike damaged residential buildings, businesses, a school, a medical facility, railway lines, and other civilian infrastructure in multiple districts.

Kyiv, a refuge for countless Ukrainians escaping the war in the east and south, grows more perilous each day as Russia escalates its drone and missile attacks on the city. Russia has recently been unleashing nearly 500 drones each night, both decoys and explosive-laden.

"The explosions I heard here were unlike anything I heard in Pokrovsk. It's just beyond words," Lillia Kuzmenko, who left the embattled Donetsk Oblast with her husband and moved to the capital a month ago, told the Kyiv Independent.

Given the intensifying strikes, Kuzmenko, who is eight months pregnant, said she doesn't know what to expect next.

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"Everything is in God's hands," she said. "Fortunately, everything in our apartment is intact. But the windows were blown out nearby."

Across the street from Kuzmenko's house, a school has come under attack for the second time since the start of the full-scale invasion. Almost two years since the last hit, the blast wave again blew out windows in classrooms, and left shrapnel marks on the colorful mural on its wall.

Lars Fersters, a Dobrobat volunteer, stands near a school damaged during a mass Russian drone and missile attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, on July 4, 2025. (Elena Kalinichenko / The Kyiv Independent)

People clean up debris after a mass Russian drone and missile attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, on July 4, 2025. (Elena Kalinichenko / The Kyiv Independent)

Volunteers from Dobrobat, a non-governmental organization that helps restore buildings destroyed by Russian attacks, were already sweeping up glass and other remnants of the strike in the schoolyard.

Dozens of people gathered in the yard of one of the neighboring houses, uncertain of what to do next, as their own apartment building had suffered significant damage. Some of the residents have lost their homes in the recent attack.

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"There is no apartment  bare walls. Our kitchen, as well as our bathroom, is now destroyed. Everything was blown away," Temuri Nazgaidze, a Georgian national who moved to Ukraine with his wife two years ago, told the Kyiv Independent.

Temuri Nazgaidze, a resident of a damaged home, sits in his yard with his dog, Alpha, after a mass Russian drone and missile attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, on July 4, 2025. Nazgaidze shared that he takes Alpha to the shelter during air raid alarms. "Alpha is stressedshe jumps every time she hears an explosion. She wants to sleep, but she can't," he said. (Kateryna Hodunova / The Kyiv Independent)

As the Russian attacks intensified over the past months, Nazgaidze's family began heading to the shelter whenever the air raid alarm sounded. He said this time it saved their lives.

"The explosion was deafening. It was very scary that the building where the shelter was located would collapse. People were screaming loudly. I thought someone had died," Nazgaidze said.

The resident recalled this night when the drones relentlessly attacked the city like never before, and with every passing week, the fear and dread only deepened. Despite this, Nazgaidze does not want to leave Ukraine.

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"This is a war between good and evil. Yes, I am Georgian, but I am with you. And I will always be with you because I love this country, and I love these people," he said.

Note from the author:

Hello, this is Kateryna Hodunova, the author of this story. Like all the residents of Kyiv mentioned in the story, I spent the night sleepless, listening to the terrifying sounds of ballistic missiles being intercepted and drones swarming toward the capital. Each attack is more than just the number of the injured, the killed, or the damage done. It is a personal tragedy for every family affected, and I feel that pain.

If you'd like to support our work reporting on those attacks, please consider becoming our member.

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.
TOKYO, July 4 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in Japan on Friday issued a notice to remind Chinese citizens in the country to be vigilant against natural disasters as earthquakes have frequently jolted southwestern Japan.

The Tokara island chain region in the southwestern prefecture of Kagoshima has been hit by over 1,000 felt earthquakes since June 21, with a strong quake measuring in the lower 6 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale of 7 logged on Thursday, according to a local meteorological observatory.

Heightened seismic activities have prompted Japanese authorities to urge residents of Akusekijima, part of the Tokara island chain, to be prepared to evacuate at any time. On Friday, 13 residents evacuated the village of Toshima on Akusekijima and arrived at Kagoshima Port by ship, local media reported.

The embassy also warns of Typhoon Mun, which is expected to move northward over the sea east of Japan, as well as scorching temperatures, which are expected to persist across Japan until September.

The embassy reminds Chinese nationals residing in Japan and tourists visiting Japan to strengthen their awareness of natural disaster prevention, pay close attention to earthquake updates, weather warnings and disaster prevention information, and evacuate to safe areas as soon as possible when necessary. 
July 4 (UPI) -- One person died and 26 were injured in record Russian airstrikes throughout Ukraine's capital Kyiv on Friday, one day after U.S. President Donald Trump said he was "disappointed" that Russian President Vladimir Putin wasn't ready to end the three-year war.

Several thousand residents spent the night in shelters, including subway stations or underground parking lots during eight hours of drone and missiles strikes, CNN reported.

"Absolutely horrible and sleepless night in Kyiv," Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha said about the nonstop strikes.

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After the two presidents spoke on the phone, Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the "Special Military Operation," which started in February 2022, will continue until they've met their objective.

Trump said that "no progress" had been made to end fighting, which began after Russia invaded Ukraine.

Rescuers work at a site of an airstrike on Ukraine's capital Kyiv on Friday. Photo by State Emergency Service of Ukraine/UPI

Trump said he planned to speak with Zelensky on Friday.

Ukraine's air force said the the 550 drones, 72 of which penetrated air defenses, surpassed the previous record of 537 launched last Saturday night.

Firefighters working on a fire after an aistrike in Kviv. Photo by State Emergency Service of Ukraine/UPI

Air raid alerts sounded overnight in Kyiv, the "main target of the strikes," the Ukrainian Air Force said on Telegram.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said it was a "brutal, sleepless night" as he condemned one of the most "demonstratively significant and cynical" attacks of the war.

Rescuers working at a building struck by an airstrike from Russia in Kviv. Photo by State Emergency Service of Ukraine/UPI

"Notably, the first air raid alerts in our cities and regions yesterday began to blare almost simultaneously with media reports discussing a phone call between President Trump and Putin," Zelensky posted on X. "Yet again, Russia is showing it has no intention of ending the war and terror."

Again, he urged international allies, including the United States, to put more pressure on Russia to end the war and to impose harsher sanctions.

"All of this is clear evidence that without truly large-scale pressure, Russia will not change its dumb, destructive behavior," Zelensky said. "For every such strike against people and human life, they must feel appropriate sanctions and other blows to their economy, their revenues, and their infrastructure. This is the only thing that can be achieved quickly to change the situation for the better. And it depends on our partners, primarily the United States."

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Some shipments of critical weapons to Ukraine have been halted by the United States.

Trump blamed former President Joe Biden for "emptying out our whole country giving them weapons, and we have to make sure that we have enough for ourselves."

A German government spokesperson said his nation is in talks with the U.S. to buy Patriot air defense systems to give to Ukraine.

The commander of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces warned the number of long-range drones used by Russia could reach 1,000 or more daily.

The airstrikes damaged railway infrastructure, as well as schools, businesses and vehicles in the capital, including five ambulances that were summoned.

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The Polish consulate also was damaged, said Poland's Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski, who called on the U.S. to "restore supplies of anti-aircraft ammunition to Ukraine and impose tough new sanctions on the aggressor."

With air pollution levels in the city "high," according to the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources, residents were warned to stay indoors, not to ventilate rooms and use air purifiers at maximum if possible.

"This attack happened immediately after Putin's conversation with Trump, and it confirms that Trump is a scoundrel, just like the fact that the U.S. wants to stop aid deliveries and he is not helping in any way during his presidency," one Kyiv resident, Yuriy, told CNN.

One body was found in the rubble in the Svyatoshynsky district, the leader of the Kyiv city military administration, Tymur Tkachenko, said.

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Also hit were the Sumy, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk and Chernihiv regions.

Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov said the "massive" strikes were in response to the "terrorist acts of the Kyiv regime."

A woman was killed in a Ukrainian drone strike on a village not far from the border on Friday night, the acting governor of Russia's southern Rostov region said.
July 4 (UPI) -- Russia has become the first country to formally recognize the Taliban government in Afghanistan.

"We believe that the official recognition of the Government of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will give an impetus to the development of productive bilateral cooperation between our countries in various areas," the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a media release accompanied by a photo of Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko meeting Afghan ambassador Gul Hassan Hassan in Moscow this week.

"We see considerable prospects for interaction in trade and the economy with a focus on projects in energy, transport, agriculture, and infrastructure. We will continue to assist Kabul in strengthening regional security and fighting terrorist threats and drug crime."

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Afghanistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also confirmed the recognition on X, with photos.

             ...  .                      .         pic.twitter.com/CxiP9q0ops Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Afghanistan (@MoFA_Afg) July 3, 2025

"During this meeting, the Russian Ambassador officially conveyed the Russian government's decision to recognize the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan by the Russian Federation," the ministry said in the post.

"The Ambassador highlighted the importance of this decision."

The meeting between the two dignitaries took place at the new Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan embassy in Moscow.

Last October, Russia formally ended its designation of the Taliban as a terrorist organization but did not at the time officially recognize the Islamic regime.

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Moscow first added the Taliban to its list of designated terrorist groups in 2003 while the regime supported separatist groups in the Caucasus region governed by Russia.

After being chased from power following the U.S. military occupation of Afghanistan in 2001, the Taliban returned to governance in 2021 when President Joe Biden ordered the withdrawal of American troops on the ground.

The Taliban quickly regained its hold on the country and began rounding up dissidents and in some cases executing them.
Russia has become the first country to accept the Taliban government in Afghanistan since the group took power in 2021, building on years of quieter engagement and marking a dramatic about-turn from the deep hostilities that marked their ties during the groups first stint in power.

Since the Taliban stormed Kabul in August four years ago, taking over from the government of then-President Ashraf Ghani, several nations  including some that have historically viewed the group as enemies  have reached out to them. Yet until Thursday, no one has formally recognised the Taliban.

So what exactly did Russia do, and will Moscows move pave the way for others to also start full-fledged diplomatic relations with the Taliban?

What did Russia say?

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement saying that Moscows recognition of the Taliban government will pave the way for bilateral cooperation with Afghanistan.

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We believe that the act of official recognition of the government of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will give impetus to the development of productive bilateral cooperation between our countries in various fields, the statement said.

The Foreign Ministry said it would seek cooperation in energy, transport, agriculture and infrastructure.

How did the Taliban respond?

Afghanistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote in an X post on Thursday that Russian ambassador to Kabul Dmitry Zhirnov met Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and conveyed the Kremlins decision to recognise the Taliban government in Afghanistan.

The Ambassador of the Russian Federation, Mr. Dmitry Zhirnov, called on IEA-Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi. During the meeting, the Ambassador of Russian Federation officially conveyed his governments decision to recognize the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, pic.twitter.com/wCbJKpZYwm  Ministry of Foreign Affairs  Afghanistan (@MoFA_Afg) July 3, 2025

Muttaqi said in a video posted on X: We value this courageous step taken by Russia, and, God willing, it will serve as an example for others as well.

What is the history between Russia and Afghanistan?

In 1979, troops from the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan to establish a communist government. This triggered a 10-year war with the Afghan mujahideen fighters backed by US forces. About 15,000 Soviet soldiers died in this war.

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In 1992, after rockets launched by rebel groups hit the Russian embassy in Kabul, Moscow closed its diplomatic mission to Afghanistan.

The Russian-backed former president, Mohammad Najibullah, who had been seeking refuge in a United Nations compound in Kabul since 1992, was killed by the Taliban in 1996, when the group first came to power.

During the late 1990s, Russia backed anti-Taliban forces in Afghanistan, including the Northern Alliance led by former mujahideen commander Ahmad Shah Massoud.

Then, on September 11, 2001, suicide attackers, affiliated with the armed group al-Qaeda, seized United States passenger planes and crashed into two skyscrapers in New York City, killing nearly 3,000 people. This triggered the so-called war on terror by then-US President George W Bush.

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In the aftermath of the attack, Russian President Vladimir Putin was one of the first foreign leaders to call Bush and express his sympathy and pledge support. Putin provided the US with assistance to attack Afghanistan. Russia cooperated with the US by sharing intelligence, opening Russian airspace for US flights and collaborating with Russias Central Asian allies to establish bases and provide airspace access to flights from the US.

In 2003, after the Taliban had been ousted from power by the US-led coalition, Russia designated the group as a terrorist movement.

But in recent years, as Russia has increasingly grown concerned about the rise of the ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K) group  a regional branch of the ISIS/ISIL armed group  it has warmed to the Taliban. The Taliban view ISIS-K as a rival and enemy.

Since the Talibans return to power in 2021, accompanied by the withdrawal of US forces supporting the Ghani government, Russias relations with the group have become more open. A Taliban delegation attended Russias flagship economic forum in Saint Petersburg in 2022 and 2024.

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With the ISIS-Ks threat growing (the group claimed a March 2024 attack at a concert hall in Moscow in which gunmen killed 149 people), Russia has grown only closer to the Taliban.

In July 2024, Russian President Putin called the Taliban allies in the fight against terrorism. Muttaqi met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow in October 2024.

In April 2025, Russia lifted the terrorist designation from the Taliban. Lavrov said at the time that the new authorities in Kabul are a reality, adding Moscow should adopt a pragmatic, not ideologised policy towards the Taliban.

How has the rest of the world engaged with the Taliban?

The international community does not officially recognise the Taliban. The United Nations refers to the administration as the Taliban de facto authorities.

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Despite not officially recognising the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan, several countries have recently engaged diplomatically with the group.

China: Even before the US pulled out of Afghanistan, Beijing was building its relations with the Taliban, hosting its leaders in 2019 for peace negotiations.

But relations have picked up further since the group returned to power, including through major investments. In 2023, a subsidiary of the state-owned China National Petroleum Company (CNPC) signed a 25-year contract with the Taliban to extract oil from the basin of the Amu Darya river, which spans Central Asian countries and Afghanistan. This marked the first major foreign investment since the Talibans takeover.

In 2024, Beijing recognised former Taliban spokesperson Bilal Karim as an official envoy to China during an official ceremony, though it made clear that it was not recognising the Taliban government itself.

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And in May this year, China hosted the foreign ministers of Pakistan and the Taliban for a trilateral conclave.

Pakistan: Once the Talibans chief international supporter, Pakistans relations with the group have frayed significantly since 2021.

Islamabad now accuses the Taliban government of allowing armed groups sheltering on Afghan soil, in particular the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), to target Pakistan. TTP, also called the Pakistani Taliban, operates on the border of Afghanistan and Pakistan, and is responsible for many of the deadliest attacks in Pakistan in recent years. Afghanistan denies Pakistans allegation.

In December 2024, the Pakistani military launched air strikes in Afghanistans Paktia province, which borders Pakistans tribal district of South Waziristan. While Pakistan said it had targeted sites where TTP fighters had sought refuge, the Taliban government said that 46 civilians in Afghanistan were killed in the air strikes.

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This year, Pakistan also ramped up the deportation of Afghan refugees, further stressing ties. Early this year, Pakistan said it wants three million Afghans to leave the country.

Tensions over armed fighters from Afghanistan in Pakistan continue. On Friday, the Pakistani military said it killed 30 fighters who tried to cross the border from Afghanistan. The Pakistani military said all the fighters killed belonged to the TTP or its affiliates.

Still, Pakistan has tried to manage its complex relationship with Afghanistan. In April this year, Pakistans Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Muttaqi and other Afghan officials in Kabul. Dar and Muttaqi spoke again in May.

India: New Delhi had shut its Kabul embassy in 1996 after the Taliban took over. India refused to recognise the group, which it viewed as a proxy of Pakistans intelligence agencies.

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New Delhi reopened its embassy in Kabul after the Taliban was removed from power in 2001. But the embassy and Indias consulates came under repeated attacks in the subsequent years from the Taliban and its allies, including the Haqqani group.

Yet since the Talibans return to Kabul, and amid mounting tensions between Pakistan and the group, Indias approach has changed. It reopened its embassy, shut temporarily in 2021, and sent diplomats to meet Taliban officials. Then, in January 2025, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri flew to Dubai for a meeting with Muttaqi.

And in May, Indias Foreign Minister S Jaishankar spoke to Muttaqi over the phone, their first publicly acknowledged conversation.

Iran: As with Russia and India, Iran viewed the Taliban with antagonism during the groups rule in the late 1990s. In 1998, Taliban fighters killed Iranian diplomats in Mazar-i-Sharif, further damaging relations.

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But it views ISIS-K as a much bigger threat. Since the Talibans return to Kabul, and behind closed doors, even earlier, Tehran has been engaging with the group.

On May 17, Muttaqi visited Iran to attend the Tehran Dialogue Forum. He also met with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and President Massoud Pezeshkian.

After Russia, will others recognise the Taliban?

While each country will likely decide when and if to formally recognise the Taliban government, many already work with the group in a capacity that amounts, almost, to recognition.

Afghanistans neighbouring countries dont necessarily have much of an option but to engage with the Taliban for both strategic and security purposes, Kabir Taneja, a deputy director at the New Delhi-based Observer Research Foundation, told Al Jazeera.

Most would not be doing so out of choice, but enforced realities that the Taliban will be in Afghanistan for some time to come at least.

Taneja said that other countries which could follow suit after Russias recognition of the Taliban include some countries in Central Asia, as well as China.

Russias recognition of the Taliban is a geopolitical play, Taneja said.

It solidifies Moscows position in Kabul, but more importantly, gives the Taliban itself a big win. For the Taliban, international recognition has been a core aim for their outreach regionally and beyond.
The reactions to the Trump administrations decision to pause some weapons shipments to Ukraine couldnt be more illustrative of the conflict: welcomed by the Kremlin, branded inhumane by Kyiv.

The Pentagon said on Wednesday that it was pausing some aid because it needs to review whether the assistance that is provided to Ukraine is aligned with US President Donald Trumps America First agenda.

But the move could have deadly consequences for Ukraine as the halt on shipments includes missiles for Patriots, the US-made air defense systems that are currently protecting millions of Ukrainian civilians from Russias increasingly massive daily aerial attacks.

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Kyiv endured the biggest ever attack overnight into Friday, with 13 dreadful hours of explosions and buzzing overhead as Russia launched a record 539 drones towards the Ukrainian capital and 11 cruise and ballistic missiles, according to the countrys air force.

As the smoke began to clear over the city, Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the military for shooting down or jamming the majority of the Russian drones and missiles.

It is critically important that our partners continue to support us in defending against ballistic missiles. Patriots and the missiles for them are true protectors of life, he said  a remark clearly aimed at trying to persuade Trump to reconsider the pause.

Zelensky got a chance to make the case directly to Trump when the two spoke by phone on Friday. A readout of the call from Zelenskys office said the two leaders agreed that we will work together to strengthen protection of our skies.

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We are ready for direct projects with the United States and believe this is critically important for security, especially when it comes to drones and related technologies, the readout said.

No other air defense system can match the Patriots in its effectiveness  but their power comes at a huge cost, their production is limited and the demand for them is growing rapidly around the world, especially in areas deemed by the Trump administration to be more strategically important  such as the Middle East or, southwest Asia and South Korea.

A Patriot system received by Ukraine is seen on the Day of Ukrainian Air Force on August 4, 2024. - Vitalii Nosach/Global Images Ukraine/Getty Images

Inhumane decision

The announcement by the US sent shockwaves through Ukraine, with presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak saying it would be very strange and inhumane to stop supplying missiles that are used to protect civilians.

But despite the panicked reaction, the move was not entirely unexpected. Trump has threatened to withdraw Ukraines support in a bid to force Kyiv to the negotiating table, and he has previously briefly paused shipments of aid.

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While the US was for a long time Ukraines biggest supporter, singlehandedly covering about 40% of Ukraines military needs, it has not announced any new aid to Ukraine since early January, when Trump returned to power.

Meanwhile, European countries have stepped up their support of Ukraine.

According to the German Kiel Institute, which monitors aid to Ukraine, Europe has now surpassed the US as the biggest donor  having supported Ukraine to the tune of 72 billion euro ($85 billion) in total military aid since the start of the full-scale invasion to the end of April, compared to 65 billion euro ($76.6 billion) from the US.

But the numbers dont tell the whole story.

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Ukraine has a lot of different needs, and some of them can be filled by other suppliers, but some can only be filled by the United States, Daniel Byman, director of the Warfare, Irregular Threats, and Terrorism Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), told CNN.

For ballistic missiles in particular, only the US can provide this. A cut off in those leaves a huge gap in Ukraine and air defenses. And given the kind of daily and horrible Russian attacks, thats very consequential.

Russia has ramped up its airborne attacks against Ukraine in recent weeks.

Ballistic missiles pose the deadliest threat and, according to Ukrainian officials, Russia fired as many as 80 of these in June alone.

Rescuers work at the site of a Russian missile strike on a residential building during an attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, on June 23. - Maxym Marusenko/NurPhoto/Getty Images

While Ukraine managed to shoot some of them down, likely with the Patriot system, the ones that slipped through caused unimaginable suffering. One ballistic missile strike killed 21 people in Dnipro last week. The week before that, 21 people were killed when a ballistic missile hit an apartment building in Kyiv.

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Deadly attacks like this will become more frequent if Ukraine loses access to the Patriots, which are widely considered to be among the best air defense systems available.

They are capable of bringing down cruise and hypersonic missiles, short-range ballistic missiles and aircraft. According to analysts, the Ukrainian military has been using them in an extremely effective way, shooting down missiles that Moscow claimed were impossible to intercept, such as the Kinzhal ballistic missiles.

At an estimated cost of about $1.1 billion for each system, the Patriots are by far the most expensive piece of equipment sent by allies to Ukraine. According to the CSIS, missile rounds for the Patriot come in at roughly $4 million each  an incredibly high price tag.

But even if Ukraine had the cash to purchase these systems, which it doesnt, it would find it difficult to source them.

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The production pace of Patriot missiles is low. Not because the US doesnt want to produce more, but because its very sophisticated  you cant produce thousands a year, you can produce hundreds and you have allies all over the world who need them, Pavel Luzin, a senior fellow at the Centre for European Policy Analysis, said Thursday during a discussion at the NEST Center, a think tank.

Lockheed Martin, which manufactures the Patriot missiles for the US Army, has been ramping up production to record levels  but even so, it is only able to make just over 500 per year, with a plan to increase production to 650 a year by 2027.

A major $5.5 billion deal between US and German companies to begin manufacturing the Patriot missiles outside of the US for the first time was approved last year following a NATO order of up to 1,000 rounds  but the first deliveries are not expected until several years from now.

President Volodymyr Zelensky finds out about the training of Ukrainian soldiers on the Patriot anti-aircraft missile system at an undisclosed location in Germany, on June 11, 2024. - Jens Buttner/Reuters

Germany, which has donated several of its Patriot systems to Ukraine in the past, is looking into the option of purchasing some missiles for Ukraine from the US, the spokesperson for the German government said in a news conference on Friday.

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Sidharth Kaushal, a senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, a UK-based defense think tank, said that while global stockpiles of Patriot missiles are not critically low, there are some grounds for concern about shortages.

The requirement for Patriots, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, is growing significantly, he said.

He said that given that some of the missiles initially meant for Ukraine were diverted to other allies, including Israel, it was likely that the US wanted to  or even had contractual obligations to  deliver interceptors to countries who are, in some cases, located within range of Iranian missiles.

Still, Kaushal said the US itself is highly unlikely to face any kind of urgent shortage of missiles.

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While the US has sent a considerable number of Patriot interceptors to Ukraine it has replenished stocks through buy-back schemes from Japan and more recent shipments were diverted from export customers rather than the US own inventory, he said in a note emailed to CNN.

Boost for Ukraine

Zelensky said previously that Ukraine would need some 25 Patriot batteries to defend its airspace effectively. It has roughly half a dozen at the moment, although the exact numbers and their locations are closely guarded secrets.

What is known, though, is that the Ukrainians are very worried about running out of the munitions  especially because the latest US pause doesnt concern future aid but impacts deliveries that have been approved and funded and were on their way to Ukraine, where the military was counting on receiving them in the very near future.

One thing is not having future sales approved; another is stopping what is already in the pipeline. And so thats a very negative shift that is harmful for the future defense of Ukraine and the effect is going to be pretty quick. The Russian attacks are happening daily, and Ukraine relies on these systems to counter them, Byman said.

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The pause in shipments is likely to give yet another boost to Russia.

Its part of (the Russians) strategy. They believe that without the US support, Ukraine is more likely to collapse or at least make concessions so it certainly increases the incentives for Russia to keep military pressure on Ukraine, Byman said.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a US-based conflict monitor, said that previous delays in deliveries of aid to Ukraine have invariably accelerated Russian gains on the battlefield.

When the US dragged its feet on military aid in late 2023 and early 2024, Russia pushed forward in Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine. When the US paused intelligence sharing with Ukraine in March, Russian forces advanced in Kursk.

The suspension of US aid to Ukraine will reinforce Russian President Vladimir Putins theory of victory that posits that Russia can win the war of attrition by making slow, creeping advances and outlasting Western support for Ukraine, the ISW said.

The pause in shipments will likely reinforce Putins belief that time is on Russias side  and that if he can delay negotiations for long enough, his troops will eventually outlast Western assistance to Ukraine.

For Ukrainians, who have sacrificed so much trying to defend their country against a bigger, stronger aggressor, the absence of US military aid is not just yet another setback  its potentially a disaster.

CNNs Svitlana Vlasova, Kosta Gak and Victoria Butenko contributed reporting.

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Following the large-scale Russian attack on Kyiv on the night of 3-4 July, all fires have now been extinguished and search and rescue operations have been suspended. Work will resume on Saturday morning.

Source: State Emergency Service of Ukraine on Telegram

Quote: "As of 20:00, all fires have been extinguished and search and rescue operations have been suspended."

Emergency workers dealing with the aftermath of the Russian attack

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Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Details: The Emergency Service noted that rubble clearance has been paused at one of the locations. A total of 1,280 tonnes of debris and building materials have been removed.

Firefighters extinguishing a fire

Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Background:

On the night of 3-4 July, Russian forces launched yet another large-scale strike on Kyiv with attack UAVs and ballistic missiles, injuring 26 people, including one child. One person was killed.

Ukraine's Air Force reported that the Russians used 550 drones and missiles in the attack. Ukrainian air defence units downed 478 aerial assets, but eight hits were recorded and debris fell in 33 locations.

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Several branches and the sorting office of Nova Poshta (New Post), the largest private postal operator in Ukraine, were damaged during a large-scale Russian attack on the city of Kyiv on the night of 3-4 July.

Source: Nova Poshta

Details: Branch No. 114 was damaged but is still operating.

Branch No. 226 was damaged and is operating in limited mode (only deliveries), with no way for vehicles to enter the branch territory. All parcels that were on their way to this branch will be redirected to branch No. 359.

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The premises of a sorting office were hit. Two cars burned out. Employees and cargo were not affected. Work has been resumed.

Nova Poshta said that branch No. 223 was damaged by the nighttime attack the most. None of the employees or customers of Nova Poshta were harmed  the branch was closed at the time of the strike. Police and the State Emergency Service are currently working at the scene of the strike.

"All parcels have remained intact. In the near future, they and all shipments destined for the damaged branch No. 223 will be redirected to branch No. 122," the company said.

Nova Poshta is already contacting customers and providing all the necessary information.

Background:

On the night of 3-4 July, the Russians carried out a large-scale attack on Kyiv with strike drones and ballistic missiles. Fires and damage to residential buildings were reported in six districts of the city.

As a result of Russia's nighttime attack on Kyiv, the railway infrastructure was damaged. Passenger train traffic is partially restricted, and some trains are delayed by up to two hours.

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The smell of smoke and explosives saturated the air in Kyiv on Friday as residents emerged from shelters across the city following a record Russian drone attack that came just hours after US President Donald Trump said he had made no progress towards a ceasefire in a call with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

The massive aerial assault stuck multiple buildings and residential areas in the capital in what has been described by Ukrainian officials as one of the worst attacks of the three-year conflict.

At least one person died in the overnight attack, according to local Kyiv emergency services. Earlier Friday, city and military authorities said at least 23 people were wounded in the attack, which lasted 13 hours. Ukraine intercepted 476 out of a record 539 Russian drones, according to the countrys air force. It said Russia also launched 11 cruise and ballistic missiles. Sixty Russian drones were taken down by Ukraines new interceptor drones, regional officials said.

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Thousands of residents spent the night in shelters, including in subway stations or underground parking lots, as explosions and the sound of drones echoed through the city in the early hours of Friday morning.

Absolutely horrible and sleepless night in Kyiv. One of the worst so far, said Ukraines Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called it one of the most large-scale air attacks the country had seen.

Notably, the first air raid alerts in our cities and regions yesterday began to blare almost simultaneously with media reports discussing a phone call between President Trump and Putin, Zelensky said. Yet again, Russia is showing it has no intention of ending the war and terror.

Initially, the sound of the citys air defenses and its new drone-to-drone interceptors could be heard working to thwart the Russian attack. But as the hours passed by, the relentless buzz of drones in the air continued and, later, the sounds of impacts could be heard.

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The strikes sparked fires in buildings and structures across several city districts, and partially destroying multi-story buildings, according to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine. They also destroyed part of Kyivs railway, and damaged five ambulances that were responding to calls from those wounded.

The Polish consulate was also damaged during the attack, according to Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, who called on the US to restore supplies of anti-aircraft ammunition to Ukraine and impose tough new sanctions on the aggressor.

Firefighters work at the site of a Russian drone and missile strike in the Ukrainian capital on Friday. - State Emergency Service of Ukraine/Reuters

Residents in Kyiv have described growing accustomed to almost nightly aerial assaults from Moscow. - State Emergency Service of Ukraine/Anadolu/Getty Images

In recent weeks, Russia has launched near-nightly air attacks on Ukraine involving hundreds of missiles and drones. The last record-setting night of attacks came just five days ago  when Russia fired 537 drones and missiles at Ukraine.

On Thursday, Trump held a nearly hour-long call with Putin and voiced frustration afterward about the stalled ceasefire negotiations.

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We had a call. It was a pretty long call. We talked about a lot of things, including Iran and we also talked about, as you know, the war with Ukraine, Trump said. Im not happy about that.

Asked if he felt he made progress with Putin on a deal with Ukraine, Trump said firmly: No. He added that he was very disappointed with the conversation with the Russian president, whom he believes is not looking to stop the war.

In a phone call with reporters on Friday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia pays close attention to all statements from Trump. Peskov said that during the call, Putin had reiterated that we are interested in achieving our goals in the course of the special military operation and preferably doing so by political and diplomatic means.

Trump spoke to Zelensky on Friday morning. The Ukrainian leader said discussed air defense opportunities and agreed that we will work together to strengthen protection of our skies, before adding that their teams would hold a meeting in the future.

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He also said in a post on social media that Kyiv was ready for direct projects with the United States and believe this is critically important for security, especially when it comes to drones and related technologies.

Nights of Russian attacks pummeling Ukraine have become the new normal for Kyiv residents.

On Friday, air pollution levels in the city were high after the overnight attack, according to the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources. Civilians were warned to stay indoors, not to ventilate rooms and use air purifiers at maximum if possible, while people with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases were asked to take particular care until the situation had stabilized.

Once air raid warnings had ceased, residents expressed their frustration at what they described as Trumps tolerance of Russias aggression.

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This attack happened immediately after Putins conversation with Trump, and it confirms that Trump is a scoundrel, just like the fact that the US wants to stop aid deliveries and he is not helping in any way during his presidency, said one Kyiv resident, Yuriy, told CNN.

People gather near a building damaged following Russian drone and missile strikes in Kyiv. - Alina Smutko/Reuters

Another Kyiv resident, Yulia Ryzhkova, felt there was a connection between calls such as yesterdays between Putin and Trump and attacks like these.

She said, Everyone knows that Putin has the mentality of a thug. He only understands power, and unfortunately, Trump is not demonstrating that power. Russia feels it can act with impunity and knows that it will not suffer any consequences for its actions. This is terror, pure and simple.

The strikes come as the Trump administration pauses some weapons shipments to Ukraine, including air defense missiles, following a review of military spending and American support to foreign countries.

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Trump acknowledged said that the decision had been made to protect US stockpiles.

The move has caused concern for many in Ukraine. On Friday, the commander of Ukraines Unmanned Systems Forces warned that the number of long-range drones used by Russia to attack Ukraine could reach 1,000 or even more per day, citing intelligence data.

The US has been the biggest single donor of military aid to Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, supplying Ukraine with air defense systems, drones, rocket launchers, radars, tanks and anti-armor weapons, leading to concerns over dwindling US stockpiles.

But the balance of aid to Ukraine has changed significantly since Trump returned to power, casting doubt over the future of US support for Kyiv.

CNNs Kostya Gak, Kevin Liptak, Michael Rios and Kit Maher contributed to this story.

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Russian forces launched a large-scale strike on Kyiv with attack UAVs and ballistic missiles on the night of 3-4 July. Fires and damage to residential buildings have been reported in six of the citys districts. Early reports indicate that 19 people have been injured.

Source: Kyiv City Military Administration; Tymur Tkachenko, Head of Kyiv City Military Administration; Ukraine's Air Force

Details: An air-raid warning was issued in Kyiv and air defence was responding in the evening.

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Tkachenko confirmed that a Russian drone had been downed. Debris was found in an open area in the Solomianskyi district. Early reports indicate that there was no damage or casualties.

Kyiv City Military Administration reported that air defence continues to respond.

Updated: Later, Tkachenko reported that there were still Russian drones over Kyiv. There was information about a fire on the roof of a 16-storey residential building in the Obolonskyi district.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that medics had been called to the Obolonskyi district. Early reports indicate that drone debris fell on the roof of a residential building. Medics and emergency workers are heading to the scene.

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Later, Klitschko reported that there was no damage to the building and no injured people had been found at the scene in the Obolonskyi district where medics and emergency workers had been dispatched earlier.

At 22:41, Klitschko reported that drone debris had been found in the Dniprovskyi district near an educational institution and a few residential buildings. Emergency services are already operating at the scene.

Updated at 23:57. Tkachenko stated that a nonresidential building has caught fire in the Solomianskyi district as a result of the Russian attack. Information regarding those injured is being ascertained.

Updated at 01:55. Tkachenko wrote that strikes have been reported in the Solomianskyi, Sviatoshynskyi, Darnytskyi, Dniprovskyi and Shevchenkivskyi districts of the capital. In total, over 13 different locations suffered damage, with most of them being residential developments.

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Updated: At 02:30, the Ukrainian Air Force reported a threat of ballistic missiles targeting Kyiv. A series of powerful explosions could be heard in the city.

Updated: At 03:06, Tkachenko reported that a man had been injured in the Holosiivskyi district.

Ambulances were called to the Shevchenkivskyi, Solomianskyi and Darnytskyi districts.

Quote from Tkachenko: "In addition, parts of drones were reported falling near residential buildings at four locations in the Shevchenkivskyi, Solomianskyi and Holosiivskyi districts."

Updated at 03:26. Fires started by the Russian attack have been reported at multiple locations in Kyiv and the air currently has a very high concentration of combustion gases, reported Tkachenko.

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Updated: At 03:59, Tkachenko reported that eight people have been injured in Russias combined nighttime attack on Kyiv.

As of 04:10, fires and damage to buildings have been reported in six districts of the city.

Klitschko reported that fallen drone debris landed in the grounds of residential buildings and an educational institution in the Dniprovskyi district.

In the Solomianskyi district, drone debris landed on the roof of a nonresidential development, as well as on the premises of a garage cooperative, causing a fire to break out. Moreover, multiple warehouses and an administrative building were on fire.

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In the Sviatoshynskyi district, debris from a fallen Russian drone landed on warehouses, causing a fire. Drone debris also fell near a 16-storey residential building, setting multiple cars on fire. A fire also broke out in a residential area due to fallen drone debris.

In the Darnytskyi district, debris fell in a couple of places on open ground. No explosions or fires were reported.

In the Shevchenkivskyi district, debris damaged an eight-storey uninhabited residential building. A fire broke out on the ground floor. There was also a fire in a residential area.

In the Holosiivskyi district, a medical facility was damaged by fallen drone debris.

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Updated: The all-clear was given in Kyiv at 04:50.

Updated at 04:52. Klitschko reported that the number of those injured had risen to 14.

"Twelve of them were hospitalised by medics and two received medical treatment at the scene," Klitshko stated.

Updated at 06:42. "Nineteen residents of the capital have been injured in the enemys nighttime attack on Kyiv. Five people are receiving outpatient treatment, 14 have been hospitalised," Klitschko reported.

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Russian forces have attacked Dnipropetrovsk Oblast with UAVs, FPV drones and artillery, damaging infrastructure and residential buildings.

Source: Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote: "Air defenders downed 14 enemy UAVs over the oblast overnight and in the early morning. A house and two garages were damaged in the attack on the Mohyliv hromada in the Dnipro district." [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories  ed.]

Damage caused by the Russian attack.

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Photo: Serhii Lysak on Telegram

Details: The Russians used artillery and FPV drones to attack the Nikopol district. The city of Nikopol as well as the Pokrovske, Marhanets and Myrove hromadas came under Russian fire. Infrastructure and a house were damaged there.

Lysak said no casualties had been recorded.

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Russian forces conducted a large-scale drone attack on Kyiv Oblast on the night of 3-4 July. Damage to residential buildings has been recorded in the Bucha and Fastiv districts.

Source: Kyiv Oblast Military Administration

Quote: "Many enemy UAVs are attacking Kyiv Oblast. Air defence is responding in the oblast. Enemy targets have been shot down."

Details: Windows of a four-storey apartment building were damaged in the Russian attack on the Bucha district. A house was also damaged.

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Updated at 02:20. Mykola Kalashnyk, Head of Kyiv Oblast Military Administration, reported that 11 hits had been recorded in five districts.

"High-rise buildings in the Bucha and Fastiv districts were damaged," he added.

Background: On the evening of 3 July, Russian forces launched a large-scale drone attack on Ukraine.

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People attend the Fourth United Nations Conference on Financing for Development at the FIBES Sevilla Exhibition and Conference Center in Seville, Spain, July 3, 2025. The Fourth United Nations Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) was concluded here on Thursday. At the FFD4, global partners announced a new Action Plan to scale up private sector investment in developing countries through blended finance. (Xinhua/Li Jing)

This photo taken on July 3, 2025 shows the FIBES Sevilla Exhibition and Conference Center, venue of the Fourth United Nations Conference on Financing for Development, in Seville, Spain. The Fourth United Nations Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) was concluded here on Thursday. At the FFD4, global partners announced a new Action Plan to scale up private sector investment in developing countries through blended finance. (Xinhua/Li Jing)
Russian forces launched a large-scale drone attack on Ukraine on the evening of 3 July. After midnight, Russia targeted Kyiv with Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles. Damage has been reported in five districts of Kyiv Oblast and several areas of the capital. Early reports indicate that 21 people have been injured.

Source: Ukrainian Air Force; Volodymyr Kohut, Head of Poltava Oblast Military Administration

Quote from Air Force: "The enemys drone attack is ongoing! Dozens of groups of enemy UAVs are in Ukrainian airspace! Remain in safe locations."

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Details: Reports of air defence operations and falling debris have come in from Kyiv.

In the Poltava district, a piece of UAV debris fell on a house, damaging a car and injuring one person who is now receiving medical treatment. Later, another injured person was reported in the same district.

The Air Force then warned that the drones were heading towards the cities of Kyiv, Dnipro, Kremenchuk, Kryvyi Rih, Chuhuiv, Kharkiv and Zhytomyr.

At 00:24, the Ukrainian Air Force reported that a MiG-31K aircraft had launched a Kinzhal missile towards Kyiv. Explosions were heard in the capital just minutes after the warning.

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As of 03:59, damage had been recorded in the Solomianskyi, Sviatoshynskyi, Darnytskyi, Dniprovskyi, Holosiivskyi and Shevchenkivskyi districts of Kyiv. More than 13 sites were hit, most of them in residential areas.

Fires in several locations has led to high concentrations of combustion gases in the air, Kyiv Oblast Military Administration Head Tymur Tkachenko stated.

As of now, eight people have been reported injured in the nighttime combined attack on Kyiv.

In Kyiv Oblast, damage was recorded at 11 sites across five districts.

As of 04:52, the number of people injured in Kyiv had risen to 14. Mayor Vitalii Klitschko reported 12 of them had been taken to hospital and two received medical treatment on the spot.

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As of 05:40, Kyivs railway infrastructure was reported damaged. Passenger train services are partially restricted and some routes are delayed by up to two hours.

As of 06:42, the number of casualties in Kyiv had increased to 19. Five people are being treated on an outpatient basis and 14 have been taken to hospital, Klitschko said.

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Russian troops struck the centre of Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast on 4 July, killing a 55-year-old woman and injuring two others.

Source: Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration

Quote: "A Russian shell hit the central part of the city, near a shop. Unfortunately, a 55-year-old woman was killed."

Details: A 56-year-old man and a 61-year-old woman were wounded. They were taken to hospital, and their condition is being stabilised.

Background: On the night of 3-4 July, the DeepState analytical project reported that Russian troops had occupied two settlements in Kharkiv Oblast.

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Russian troops have attacked the city of Kryvyi Rih in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast for the second time since the beginning of 4 July, with casualties reported.

Source: Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram; Oleksandr Vilkul, Head of Kryvyi Rih Defence Council, on Telegram

Quote from Lysak: "This evening, Russian forces struck Kryvyi Rih yet again.

A fire has broken out and civilian infrastructure has been damaged. There are casualties."

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Update: Later, Vilkul reported that the number of people injured had risen to three: one is in a serious condition and two are in a moderate condition.

Emergency workers have released photos from the scene of the strike.

Firefighters extinguishing a fire caused by the Russian strike.

Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast

The aftermath of the Russian attack.

Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast

As of 20:27, seven people are known to have been injured: one in a serious condition, three in a moderate condition, and three with minor injuries who will be treated on an outpatient basis.

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Lysak later reported that the number of people injured had risen to eight.

Firefighters have extinguished the fires caused by the attack. Two apartment buildings, an educational institution, a hotel and several vehicles were damaged.

Background: On the morning of 4 July, six people, including two emergency workers, were injured in two Russian drone strikes on Kryvyi Rih.

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Rwandan President Paul Kagame has cautiously welcomed a United States-brokered peace deal with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), while suggesting Kigali will retaliate if provoked.

Speaking at a news conference in Kigali on Friday, Kagame said Rwanda remained committed to the agreement but questioned whether Kinshasa would uphold its part of the deal.

If the side that we are working with plays tricks and takes us back to the problem, then we deal with the problem like we have been dealing with it, Kagame said.

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The agreement, backed by the administration of US President Donald Trump, was signed last week and calls for Rwandan troops to withdraw from eastern DRC within 90 days.

The region has seen intense fighting this year, with M23 rebels seizing major towns. The United Nations has accused Rwanda of backing the group with thousands of troops  an allegation Kigali denies.

While the peace deal is seen as a turning point, analysts do not believe it will quickly end the fighting because M23  a major belligerent in the conflict  says the agreement does not apply to it.

M23 rebels in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, after seizing the city in January 2025 [Moses Sawasawa/AP]

US not to blame if deal fails

Rwanda insists its military presence in eastern DRC is a response to threats from the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an armed group made up of ethnic Hutu fighters linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

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Kagame said Kinshasa must act to dismantle the FDLR if the deal is to succeed.

We are grateful to the Trump administration for its efforts, he said. If it doesnt work, they arent the ones to blame.

There has been no official response from Kinshasa, which has consistently accused Rwanda of fuelling the conflict.

Rwanda-backed M23 is the most prominent armed group in the conflict in eastern DRC, and its major advance early this year left bodies on the streets. With 7 million people displaced in DRC, the UN has called it one of the most protracted, complex, serious humanitarian crises on Earth.

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M23 has not been involved in the US-mediated efforts, although it has been part of other peace talks. On Thursday, both the Congolese government and M23 representatives agreed that they would return to Qatar for further discussions aimed at ending the conflict.

Meanwhile, Washington has proposed a separate investment plan that could allow Western companies to tap into the regions rich deposits of tantalum, copper, and gold  resources that have long fuelled violence in eastern DRC.

Kagames appearance on Friday marked his first public remarks since June 6, prompting speculation during his absence about his health. Dissidents abroad, including former adviser David Himbara, claimed the president was seriously unwell.

Kagame dismissed the rumours with a joke. Some of my personal health problems might originate from managing you people, he said, sparking laughter.

What is the problem? What would people want me to account for? That I am not human? he added. The president appeared in good health throughout the briefing.




NAIROBI (Reuters) -Rwandan President Paul Kagame said on Friday he was unsure whether a U.S.-brokered peace deal would hold with Democratic Republic of Congo and warned he would respond to any "tricks" from his neighbour.

The agreement signed last week calls for Rwandan troops to withdraw within 90 days from eastern Congo, where the United Nations says they are supporting M23 rebels who seized the region's two largest cities earlier this year.

Rwanda denies helping M23 and says its forces are acting in self-defence against Congo's army and ethnic Hutu militiamen linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, including from the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).

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Kagame told reporters in Kigali that Rwanda was committed to implementing the deal, but that it could fail if Congo did not live up to its promises to neutralise the FDLR.

"If the side that we are working with plays tricks and takes us back to the problem, then we deal with the problem like we have been dealing with it," Kagame said.

He said he was grateful for the involvement of U.S. President Donald Trump's administration in mediation efforts.

"If it doesn't work, they aren't the ones to blame," Kagame said.

There was no immediate response from Congo which has regularly accused Rwanda of being the aggressor.

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Kagame's remarks were his first in public since June 6. He was not seen attending events from then until June 24 and there was no activity on the presidency's usually busy social media accounts during that time.

His absence led to speculation among Rwandan dissidents based outside the country about his health. David Himbara, a former Kagame adviser turned critic living in Canada, said repeatedly on social media that Kagame was ill.

Asked for a response, Kagame brushed off the reports. "Some of my personal health problems might originate from managing you people," he said, to laughter.

"What is the problem? What would people want me to account for? That I am not human?" added the president who showed no signs of being unwell during the press conference.

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Congo's government and M23 said on Thursday they would send delegations back to Qatar for parallel talks aimed at ending the conflict.

The Trump administration has dangled the possibility of a separate investment deal that could unlock Western investment in regional supply chains for minerals such as tantalum, gold and copper as an incentive for all sides to make peace.

(Reporting by George Obulutsa; Writing by Aaron Ross; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
(FOX40.COM)  The Sacramento Police Department is asking for help from the community in finding Lovett Moore, who is 33 years old and is considered at-risk due to being legally blind.

 Video above: How to report a missing person

According to SPD, Lovett is 5 feet 8 inches, 167 pounds, with black hair. He was last seen on June 28 in the 3200 block of Arena Boulevard wearing a green shirt and black shorts with a white stripe.

Oroville campground 2021 murder remains unsolved with $50,000 reward

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If you see Lovett or have any information regarding his whereabouts, contact the SPD at 916-808-5471.

Image: Sacramento Police Department

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News.
PERINTON, N.Y. (WROC)  On Thursday, residents of The Northfield Assisted Living community in Perinton shared their frustration and anger, but also the sadness they are feeling after being told just last week they have to find a new place to live.

Theyre our neighbors: Perinton assisted living facility to close, leaves families & residents distraught

Ruth has been living at the complex for about six months now. She said she just finally started to settle in and get into a routine around the complex.

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At first, I didnt think much about it, but as the days went on, I realized wow, were having the rug pulled out from under us, she said.



Ruth said this was her first solo apartment since 2008.

And to lose that suddenly, and to be forced to lose that suddenly is really traumatizing, she said.

She shared that her children dont live in New York, adding she doesnt have much local family, and to have to move like this out of nowhere is taking a toll on her mental health.



I cant handle the grief, Ruth said. The grief is stronger than what my mind can process.

She said a lot of places close by are really expensive, and she doesnt know what she is going to do.

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Ruth said they found out about the closure through a mandatory residents meeting last week. Residents thought they were announcing a new administration for the complex.



The woman got up and said, Im the head of the Board of Family Services and sorry to say people, but were closing down due to the lack of funds and services and salaries of the staff,' Ruth explained.



News 8 asked Ruth if she knew about the recent crises in Rochester with Family Services. She said she didnt know prior to the closure, but other residents did, and they were worried.

[Other residents} asked the administration, Are we safe here? And they said Yes, youre safe dont worry. And a week later were told we have to go. I said, Is there as a way it could be changed, and we could stay? Where do we go now?'



Perinton Town Supervisor Ciaran Hanna did speak on the matter on Wednesday, and expressed his frustration with this situation.

Theyre our residents, our neighbors, a lot of them have lived here their whole lives, Hanna said. And to have something like this come up where they have to be out without anywhere to go, its tough.

Family Service Communities provided a statement in response to the closure.

For several years, Family Service has explored multiple alternative and additional sources of funding, including applying for grants and actively seeking out management companies and non-profit organizations to partner with in an attempt bolster its income, without sufficient success. As a result of the limited income and rising costs of providing services, Family Service must close all of its residential programming. Family Service Communities





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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.
Jul. 3SALEM, S.D.  A 42-year-old Salem woman has pleaded guilty to a felony grand theft charge in connection with alleged fraudulent activity involving state and federal assistance programs. Monica Solesby entered the guilty plea on June 16 in McCook County Circuit Court.

Solesby was originally charged with four felony offenses: two counts of obtaining money or assistance by fraud, one count of grand theft, and one count of perjury. The fraud and perjury charges are Class 6 felonies, while the grand theft charge  to which she pleaded guilty  is a Class 4 felony.

According to court documents, prosecutors alleged that from Nov. 15, 2022, to April 3, 2024, Solesby knowingly misrepresented her household resources in order to receive financial aid from the South Dakota Department of Social Services. The aid came through Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid and was intended to support her disabled daughter.

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A second fraud charge stated that Solesby similarly misrepresented financial information from Jan. 1, 2022, to April 1, 2024, to obtain Medicaid benefits for her two non-disabled daughters.

The grand theft charge stems from allegations that she falsely reported financial details on mandatory SSI forms, allowing her to improperly receive benefits totaling between $5,000 and $100,000.

The perjury charge is related to those same forms, which are completed under oath. Authorities claim Solesby knowingly provided false information on them.

The court has ordered a pre-sentencing report to be completed. Solesby is scheduled to be sentenced next month.
Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This report includes discussion of sexual assault and/or rape. If you or someone you know needs help, call the Rape & Sexual Assault Crisis Line 1-888-421-1100.

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (ABC4)  On Thursday, the Salt Lake County District Attorneys Office announced felony charges against a Salt Lake City pedicab driver accused of drugging and assaulting victims.

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John Riley Harper, 45, is facing 11 felony charges, including four counts of rape, a first degree felony; two counts of forcible sodomy, a first degree felony; two counts of forcible sexual abuse, a second degree felony; two counts of surreptitious administering of certain controlled substance, a third degree felony; one count of aggravated assault, a third degree felony and possession of a controlled substance, a class A misdemeanor.

The allegations against Harper date back to 2019 and involve four alleged victim-survivors. The first victim reported to police that on June 18, 2025, she had made plans to hang out with Harper. She picked up in his pedicab where they first went to a park, then to Harpers residence afterwards.

Spanish Fork youth crisis center receives citation after resident had neck in noose

At the residence, Harper allegedly served the victim three glasses of wine, but she did not see him pour the glasses. The victim told police she had no memory of what happened and said they did not drink enough alcohol to black out. When the victim woke up the next morning, there was physical evidence of an assault that had occurred.

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After the incident, a lab test showed the victim had cocaine and ecstasy in her system. The first victim told police that she would never voluntarily take those drugs and had no memory of consuming them.

The second victim reported to police on March 26 that she had been out with friends and got into an argument with them and walked away. The victim then saw Harper, whom she had known for years, and began talking with him. Harper then offered the victim some water, which she drank. After that, she told police they had no memory of what happened other than waking up in Harpers residence.

The second victim stated she did not consume enough alcohol to black out, and when she woke up, she felt groggy and sore, stating she believed that Harper had drugged her.

The third victim reported to police that in July 2022, she got off work and saw Harper with his pedicab. The victim asked for a ride home, and during the ride, Harper gave the victim a bottle of water, which she consumed. The victim did not remember anything until she woke up the next day.

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Dump truck driver charged for road rage and reckless driving, documents say

When the third victim woke up, she saw that she had posted a video of herself and Harper on social media. Based on the video, Harper had taken her to another, unknown location that the victim did not remember visiting. She said she did not have enough alcohol in her system to explain her memory loss or soreness.

A toxicology report showed that the third victim had cocaine in her system, which the victim denied taking. The victim also told police that all she remembered was Harper trying to kiss her.

The fourth victim told police that in October 2020, she was friends with Harper and saw him on the street while they were exiting a bar. Harper then invited her to his apartment, where he poured her a shot, which she drank. The victim stated she didnt remember the next several hours. The victim told police she woke up the next morning to Harper.

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While she was trying to figure out what happened, Harper allegedly began to assault her. The victim became aware of what was happening and stopped the alleged sexual assault. The victim told police she never wanted to date Harper and recalled a time when he had tried to kiss her, but she told Harper no and made it clear she was not interested.

The Salt Lake County District Attorneys Office says in addition to the reports of the alleged victim-survivors, two other individuals reported additional sexual assault incidents by Harper as well.

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Scampi and Flounder, a pair of male Humboldt penguins, are stepping up to raise a chick at Chester Zoo in the United Kingdom.

The chick is one of 10 born during what zoo team manager Zoe Sweetman described in a Thursday news release as a "bumper year for the penguins here." Humboldt penguins are one of the most at-risk of the world's 17 species of penguins and are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. There are now 63 penguins in the colony at the zoo.

Penguin pair Wotsit and Peach laid two of the eggs that hatched this year, according to the zoo. Experts at the zoo shared the eggs between the nests of Wotsit and Peach and Scampi and Flounder.

Same-sex penguin couple Scampi and Flounder are raising a chick at the Chester Zoo. / Credit: Chester Zoo

"The zoo's bird experts carefully shared the eggs between the two nests to help give both chicks the best possible start and help improve chances of successful fledging," the zoo wrote in the news release.

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Penguin eggs are incubated for around 40 days and, once an egg is produced, it takes about three days before the chick hatches.

While a zoo spokesperson said Scampi and Flounder have never hatched and raised a chick before, same-sex penguin couples are not unheard of. In 2018, two male penguins at the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium in Australia hatched a chick, and then in 2020, a pair of female penguins at an aquarium in Spain welcomed a baby chick. In 2022, a male penguin couple at a zoo in New York state became parents.

/ Credit: Chester Zoo

Penguin parents share feeding and parenting duties. Chester Zoo keepers provide fish, which the parents swallow and blend into a "protein-rich soup," which they regurgitate to feed the chicks, according to the zoo.

Eight of the 10 penguins hatched at Chester Zoo this year have been named in the weeks since they hatched in April.

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"This year we've gone with a celestial theme for naming the chicks and we've had a lot of fun coming up with names inspired by stars, constellations and cosmic wonders," Sweetman said.

The zoo is taking suggestions on social media before deciding on the names of two of the chicks, but has named the others: Ursa, Alcyone, Quasar, Orion, Dorado, Cassiopeia, Altair and Xena. Scampi and Flounder's chick will have its name picked on social media. The zoo has not specified if the chick is male or female.

Scampi and Flounder's chick / Credit: Chester Zoo

Since their births, the fluffy penguin chicks have nearly quadrupled in size, according to the zoo.

"They're now days away from a really exciting milestone  their very first swimming lessons, which is always a thrill to witness as they dive into the pool for the very first time," Sweetman said.

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Humboldt penguins, native to South America, are vulnerable to climate change and habitat loss, according to the zoo. Population numbers have decreased by around 85% in the last 40 years.

"The penguin colony at Chester Zoo plays a vital role in the international breeding program for the species, helping to maintain a genetically healthy population in conservation zoos across Europe," according to the zoo.

New arrivals at the zoo are weighed. / Credit: Chester Zoo

Humboldt penguins are carnivores, eating small fish and crustaceans, according to the zoo. They spend up to 75% of their lives in water. They typically live 12 to 15 years, but can live up to 20 years in human care. Humboldt penguins typically weigh around 7 to 13 pounds, with their weight fluctuating based on food and whether or not they're molting. They grow to be about 2 feet tall. Penguin chicks at the zoo are weighed to monitor their development.

Many penguins are monogamous, according to the zoo.

Several people missing from Texas summer camp amid deadly flooding, officials say

What a new DOJ memo could mean for naturalized U.S. citizens

July 4 holiday week expected to set record for travelers
LONDON, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Former British Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn announced on Friday via social media platform X that he is joining forces with ex-Labour Member of Parliament (MP) Zarah Sultana to launch a new political party.

In a public statement, Corbyn congratulated Sultana on her decision to leave the Labour Party a day earlier and criticized the current Labour leadership for "refusing to deliver the change people expected and deserved."

"Our country needs to change direction, now," Corbyn said.

Sultana said on Thursday that she would found a new party with her former leader, adding that it would also include other independent MPs and political activists.

After being sidelined by the Labour Party under current leader Keir Starmer, Corbyn has served as an independent MP for Islington North. Last year, he joined four other independently elected MPs to form an alliance in the House of Commons. 
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Travelers are expected to hit the roads and skies in record numbers this Fourth of July weekend, and many are heading straight to San Diego, now crowned the friendliest city in the United States.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) projects that more than five million Californians will travel over the holiday, with many opting for car trips and others flying to destinations across the state. San Diego International Airport officials say theyre preparing for an average of 80,000 passengers per day during the nine-day holiday travel period.

The airports departure lanes remained relatively calm on Thursday afternoon, but arrivals told a different story with packed terminals and welcoming festivities, including live music from a local airport band.

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Adding to the holiday excitement is a new nationwide ranking from the dating app Yuzu, which named San Diego the friendliest city in America. The ranking is based on real-life user experiences, including how often locals engage in positive interactions, offer help to strangers and display general warmth.

The city earned a friendliness score of 8 out of 10 in Yuzus data, drawing even more attention during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year.

Annie Fitzgerald, chair of the board for the San Diego Tourism Authority, said the ranking doesnt come as a surprise.

I know that San Diego is incredibly friendly. Tourism is our primary business, but hospitality is in our nature, Fitzgerald said. We naturally connect with people and build relationships with our visitors and residents alike.

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AAA estimates that this Fourth of July holiday will see record-breaking travel numbers.

Officials at San Diego International Airport say theyre preparing for an average of 80,000 travelers per day during the nine-day holiday travel period.

Locals like Donald Nelson said the influx of visitors is just part of what makes the city so dynamic.

Everybody is very humble, very kind to you, and theyre always willing to make your day better, said one San Diego resident.

Others like Cody Nelson said this city has it all.

Born and raised here, Im only 15, but this is probably the greatest city to live in, in my opinion, he said.

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AAA officials recommend travelers plan ahead, leave early and drive safely to avoid major congestion.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
SAN SABA COUNTY, Texas (KXAN)  The San Saba County Sheriffs Office warned about heavy rains and flooding late Friday into Saturday morning. It had already canceled the citys annual Fourth of July fireworks show and other festivities that were planned for Friday.

San Saba County and the Hill Country region have experienced heavy rainfall, causing flooding across rivers, roads and low-water crossings. The San Saba River is rising quickly, and conditions will progressively deteriorate, a Facebook post said.

The city said Friday evening that it strongly recommends people take necessary precautions and evacuate if possible. It is asking people to evacuate before nightfall for safety reasons.

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The city added the Civic Center, 113 S. High St., is open and available as a shelter.

LIVE BLOG: Disaster declaration issued, fatalities confirmed in Kerr County flooding event

The sheriffs office reminded people to not drive through flooded roadways, to pay attention to rising water near crossings and creeks, and to have a way to get emergency alerts.

While were thankful for the rain, safety comes first, the post said.

Longtime residents say they are taking the threat of flooding seriously.

For July its really amazing how wet we have been and it took us forever to start getting rain, said Mike McKinnerney, who lives in nearby Richland Springs. We got rain all around us for months and months and months and then just all of a sudden in the last month and a half it has really turned it on here.

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He said a friend, who is building a home at a site not far from the river, said he and his family have evacuated. They are nervous, he added.

Flooding threat closes some campground sites

Colorado Bend State Park said Friday that it closed some of campgrounds after recent storms.

Out of an abundance of caution, we are closing and canceling reservations in the lower campground in the flood zone, it said in a Facebook post.

Affected sites are:

South Area 1-16

North Area 17-26

River Backcountry 1-8

The park said the State Parks Call Center will contact those with reservations to get them canceled.

Wet weather washes out Fourth of July plans

We are also closely monitoring Cherokee Creek outside of the park and will provide an update should the creek flood and close the park, the post also said.

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The park encouraged people who have reservations this holiday weekend to continue to follow its Facebook page for updates on more potential cancellations or closures.

State emergency response teams activated

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) announced Thursday that the agency had activated state emergency response resources in anticipation of increased threats of flooding in parts of West and Central Texas heading into the holiday weekend.

As rain and flooding threatens parts of Texas ahead of the Independence Day weekend, state emergency response resources have been activated to support local response efforts, said TDEM Chief Nim Kidd. Our priority remains protecting lives and property and Texans are urged to proactively prepare for potential hazards. Remember: Turn Around, Dont Drown.

TDEM said it was aware of the situation in San Saba and is closely monitoring it.

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SANDY, Utah (ABC4)  A sea of red, white, and blue for the 4th of Julyyou can take a stroll through Americas past with a patriotic showcase in Sandy. Hundreds of flags are on display, each showing off a piece of history.

26 Different flags that our nation has had as official flags, like a 20-star flag, a 24-star flag, 48 stars, and then the 50-star flag that we fly. Colonial Flag Owner Paul Swenson told ABC4.com. Now, some flags only flew for one year. some flags flew multiple years like the 50-star flag was for, you know, 60 plus years.

Colonial Flag Owner Paul Swenson (KTVX / Jonathan May)

The Colonial Flag team setting up the display (KTVX / Jonathan May)

Unwrapping the red, white, and blue flags to put up for display is the Colonial Flag team, a local flag making company.

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They are setting up 250 flags on seven foot flagpoles for Sandy City.

Firefighters urge safe celebrations as firework stands spring up across Utah

A this year in U.S. history flag tag is on all the stars and stripes, showing what it looked like back then. The 1896 flag is a big dealits the year Utah became the 45th state.

The tag on the 1986 flag (KTVX / Jonathan May)

This shows the unity of our country over 250 years, and so I think its good for the families that come through here, the youth who come through here, to know that weve had our challenges, Swenson said.

The 4th of July display will stay up until July 7th.

You could walk from the 1776 flag and sneak your way through the whole field, Swenson said.

The Declaration of Independence display (KTVX / Jonathan May)

Heres more information on the display from Colonial Flag.

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Colonial Flag is partnering with Sandy City to celebrate 250 years of American Independence with our 250 Years of Independence Flag Field displayed over the 4th of July Weekend south of Sandy City Hall.

Each year of Americas history will be represented by the official flag of the United States flown. Each flag will also have a tag explaining the most impactful events in American history that year, and in the center of it all will be a Declaration of Independence display, made with a carefully remastered version of the document that allows people to read Thomas Jeffersons famous words in his original handwriting.

You can check it out at South of Sandy City Hall at 10000 S. Centennial Parkway, Sandy, UT.

Flag on display (KTVX / Jonathan May)

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(KRON)  An alleged Santa Rosa bank robber was arrested Thursday morning following a year-long investigation, according to police.

Christopher McKusick, 54, of Santa Rosa, was identified by the Santa Rosa Police Department as the primary suspect in the March 21, 2024, robbery of a Chase Bank on Sonoma Avenue. Authorities said McKusick was identified through extensive video surveillance review and digital forensic analysis.

The Santa Rosa Police Department released a photo of the March 21, 2024, Chase Bank robbery suspect. (Santa Rosa Police Department)

McKusick was arrested Thursday around 10:40 a.m. by SRPD Violent Crimes Investigations detectives in the 600 block of Administration Drive. Authorities also searched his residence in the 200 block of Doyle Park Drive for additional evidence related to the bank robbery.

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On March 21, 2024, police said McKusick entered the Chase Bank at 2300 Sonoma Avenue and presented a note to the teller that demanded cash. He was able to flee the bank with an undisclosed amount of money before SRPD officers arrived. No weapon was brandished or threatened during the robbery, according to law enforcement.

McKusick was booked into the Sonoma County Jail for robbery and two counts of violation of probation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
The reputational cost of normalizing ties with Israel may be too high for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Israels attack on Iran last month  and the ensuing 12-day war  as well as its continued assault on Gaza has cast Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a destabilizing, militaristic force who is deeply unpopular among Saudi Arabias leadership, the Financial Times reported.

Saudi Arabia agreed to make billions of dollars of investments in the US during President Donald Trumps recent visit to the Gulf and has kept diplomatic channels open to maintain its detente with Iran. But while a deal with Israel would curry favor in Washington  Trump predicted more signatories to the Abraham Accords as recently as Sunday  the crown prince appears in no rush, analysts said.

I think they are in a sufficiently comfortable geopolitical position not to have to succumb to doing something that they wouldnt want to do, a senior fellow for Middle East policy at the International Institute for Strategic Studies told the FT.

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Meanwhile, on Thursday, Irans foreign minister said Tehran remained committed to a nuclear nonproliferation treaty, despite recently passing a law to suspend cooperation with the United Nations watchdog.
Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud seen in Tehran, Iran, June 17, 2023 (photo credit: MAJID ASGARIPOUR/WANA (WEST ASIA NEWS AGENCY) VIA REUTERS)

Saudi's Foreign Minister also highlighted the need to return to diplomatic negotiations when it comes to Iran's nuclear program.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud said on Friday, when asked about the possibility of normalizing ties with Israel, that the kingdom's current priority is reaching a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

He also highlighted the need to return to diplomatic negotiations when it comes to Iran's nuclear program, and Tehran's need to fully cooperate with the UN nuclear watchdog.

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He was speaking during a visit to Moscow.

Israeli citizens support Saudi normalization

A majority of Israelis support normalization with Saudi Arabia and the expansion of the Abraham Accords this year, a recent survey conducted by Ipanel on behalf of the Coalition for Regional Security in May revealed.

Results found that 61% of respondents supported normalization with Saudi Arabia and broader regional agreements under the Abraham Accords. Among current coalition voters, support stood at about 60%.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman (credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/REUTERS)

In addition, 67% of the public believed normalization with Saudi Arabia would strengthen Israeli security, boost the economy, improve Israels regional standing, and weaken Iran. Support for this view was also high among coalition voters, at 65%

Saudi wants Hamas out of Gaza

Bloomberg reported in May that Saudi Arabia is working with France on a proposal to disarm Hamas terrorists, paving the way for its demobilization.

According to Bloomberg's sources, allowing Hamas to "retain a degree of political power would make it more likely to accept disarming," and the objective of the talks is to transform Hamas into a "purely political entity that can still play some role in future Palestinian governance."
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman secretly met with President Donald Trump and other key officials in the White House on Thursday to discuss de-escalation efforts with Iran, multiple sources confirmed with Fox News.

Khalid, also known as KBS, is the younger brother of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Multiple sources told Fox News Channel's chief political anchor Bret Baier about the meeting.

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According to sources, the talks included discussions about de-escalation with Iran and getting to the negotiating table.

Trump Takes Well-earned Victory Lap For Middle East Peace Triumphs

The new Defense Minister of Saudi Arabia, Khalid bin Salman, swears in after the change in the cabinet with the Royal Decree of Saudi Arabia in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on September 27, 2022.

The talks were also reportedly about ending the war in Gaza and negotiating the release of the remaining hostages  whether dead or alive  and about working toward peace in the Middle East.

Read On The Fox News App

Although the talks were not exclusively about the possibility of normalization with Israel, sources said the conversation dealt with steps that needed to occur to get there.

Sources also said, "there was progress and optimism on all fronts."

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4Th Round Of Us-iran Talks Ends As Trump Set To Embark On Historic Middle East Tour

The White House and north lawn is seen on June 3, 2025 in Washington, DC.

The Saudis are in the process of finalizing a defense and trade deal with the U.S., and the message shared between the two allies, sources added, is that they see eye-to-eye on all issues.

The meeting comes days after Trump said other nations have suggested they would like to join the Abraham Accords amid recent Middle East shakeups that saw Israel and the U.S. inhibit Iran's nuclear ambitions during what has been dubbed the "12-Day War."

The Abraham Accords, which sought to normalize relations between Israel , Sunni Gulf States and North African countries, was signed at the White House during the first Trump administration in September 2020.

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US special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff said on June 25 that expanding the accords is one of the president's "key objectives" and predicted that the administration will have some "big announcements" on countries coming into the accords soon.

Trump Targets Massive Investments In First Middle East Trip

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 28: U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff delivers remarks alongside President Donald Trump during the swearing in ceremony for interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C. Jeanine Pirro in the Oval Office of the White House on May 28, 2025.

Last week, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt named Syria as one of the nations the president was keen to join, noting their historic meeting in Saudi Arabia earlier in the year.

One of the largest Hebrew-language outlets, Israel Hayom, reported Tuesday that Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi believes those countries are Syria and Lebanon as the top Middle East states who could join the Abraham Accords.

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In May, Trump asked Syrian President al-Sharaa to fully normalize relations with Israel in exchange for sanctions relief.

"The barriers of entry for expanding the Abraham Accords are incredibly low. It will not surprise me if President Trump expands the Accords within his second term," Robert Greenway, former senior director for the National Security Council and key architect of the Abraham Accords, told Maria Bartiromo, on "Mornings With Maria" on FOX Business.

After the completion of the Abraham Accords, which normalized diplomatic relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan in 2020, there was a growing expectation among U.S. officials and Middle East experts that Saudi Arabia would follow suit .

In February, Fox News Digital reported that Trump administration officials said the White House was seeking an expansion of the Abraham Accords.

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The Biden administration faced criticism for failing to expand the Abraham Accords and for picking fights with states who made peace with Israel as part of the landmark agreement.

Fox News Digital's Benjamin Weinthal, Morgan Phillips and Taylor Penley contributed to this report.





Original article source: Saudi defense minister secretly meets with Trump to discuss Iran de-escalation, Israel: sources
By Olivia Le Poidevin

GENEVA (Reuters) -Nasser hospital in Gaza is operating as "one massive trauma ward" due to an influx of patients wounded at non-United Nations food distribution sites run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, the World Health Organization said on Friday.

The U.S.- and Israeli-backed GHF began distributing food packages in Gaza at the end of May, overseeing a new model of deliveries that the United Nations says is neither impartial nor neutral. It has repeatedly denied that incidents involving people killed or wounded at its sites have occurred.

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The GHF told Reuters on Friday that "the most deadly attacks on aid sites have been linked to U.N. convoys," and said the U.N. and humanitarian groups should work "collaboratively" with the GHF to "maximise the amount of aid being securely delivered into Gaza". The U.N. in Geneva was immediately available for comment.

Referring to medical staff at the Nasser hospital, Rik Peeperkorn, WHO representative in the West Bank and Gaza, told reporters in Geneva: "They've seen already for weeks, daily injuries ... (the) majority coming from the so-called safe non-UN food distribution sites. The hospital is now operating as one massive trauma ward."

Israel lifted an 11-week aid blockade on Gaza on May 19.

The United Nations human rights office said on Friday that it had recorded at least 613 killings both at aid points run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation and near humanitarian convoys.

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"We have recorded 613 killings, both at GHF points and near humanitarian convoys - this is a figure as of June 27. Since then ... there have been further incidents," Ravina Shamdasani, the spokesperson for the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, told reporters in Geneva.

The OHCHR said 509 of the 613 were killed near GHF distribution points. The GHF dismissed these numbers as coming "directly from the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry" and were being used to "falsely smear" its effort.

The GHF has previously said it has delivered more than 60 million meals to hungry Palestinians in five weeks "safely and without interference", while other humanitarian groups had "nearly all of their aid looted."

The U.N. office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said that there have been some instances of violent looting and attacks on aid truck drivers, which it described as unacceptable.

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BULLET WOUNDS

Hundreds of patients, mainly young boys, were being treated for traumatic injuries, including bullet wounds to the head, chest and knees, according to the WHO.

Peeperkorn said health workers at Nasser hospital and testimonies from family members and friends of those wounded confirmed that the victims had been trying to access aid at sites run by the GHF.

Peeperkorn recounted the cases of a 13-year-old boy shot in the head, as well as a 21-year-old with a bullet lodged in his neck which rendered him paraplegic.

"There is no chance for any reversal or any proper treatment. Young lives are being destroyed forever," Peeperkorn said, urging for the fighting to stop and for more food aid to be allowed into Gaza.

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The war began when Hamas fighters stormed into Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages back to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies.

Israel's subsequent military assault has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza health ministry, while displacing most of the population of more than 2 million, triggering widespread hunger and leaving much of the territory in ruins.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday it would probably be known in 24 hours whether Hamas has agreed to accept what he has called a "final proposal" for a ceasefire in Gaza.

(Reporting by Olivia Le Poidevin, Editing by Miranda Murray and Alex Richardson)
A multi-day Bullets and Bandaids art show at Ringling College in Englewood, Florida, held in February 2024. (Photo provided by Bullets and Bandaids)

Since publishing its first volume more than a decade ago, Bullets and Bandaids has worked with more than 100 veterans, mostly from South Carolina, giving them a platform to share their experiences through written stories and art.

And in the last two years, the organization has reached some 60,000 people through traveling art shows and events around the state and country.

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Now, the veteran-founded nonprofit is preparing to launch its fifth edition. Supporters gathered in Columbia ahead of the July Fourth holiday to celebrate and raise the funds to make it happen.

The amount of healing that we have done is wild, founder Robert LeHeup told the SC Daily Gazette.

LeHeup was among the first groups of United States Marines to push into Afghanistan following 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon. His unit helped take control of the Kandahar airport in 2001 and then secured the U.S. Embassy in Kabul.

LeHeup left the Marine Corps in 2004 as a sergeant, returning to South Carolina and enrolling at the University of South Carolina, where he earned a writing degree and began working with different media forms.

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I was dealing with the same issues as so many other veterans when they first get back, which is violence and anger without a place to put it  substance abuse, depression, suicidal ideation  and I hadnt even really addressed it, he said.

Then, about 13 years ago, LeHeup gave a talk in Columbia. He spoke about a snowy night on patrol during his final weeks in Kabul. His unit was on high alert after they were told there could be members of the Islamic militant group Al-Qaeda in a nearby home. What LeHeup heard drifting over the embassy walls instead was music from a man playing a homemade flute. He stood listening to the mans song and icicles like wind chimes in the trees as snowflakes fell around him.

In the writing of it, I gained a sense of ownership over the story, LeHeup said. But that wasnt anything compared to after I had performed it, because thats when I knew that my story had been heard. This profound sense of isolation, which had caused all of these different problems, was being addressed through my telling of the story and knowing that people had heard it.

He started Bullets and Bandaids to give other veterans a similar experience.

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LeHeup records interviews with veterans, friends and family. Then, that recording is fact checked and shared with a volunteer writer, often someone who has not been in the military, who turns it into a written story. Finally, an artist will create a painting, music poetry or other work of art inspired by the story.

Weve had people say things like, I wouldnt have been able to tell my wife this story were it not for Bullets and Bandaids. Im still alive today because you guys are continuing to tour. I wouldnt be here were it not for the connections that I had made, LeHeup said.

By pairing veterans with civilian writers and artists, LeHeup said the group also works to bridge the divide that often exists between military members and those without a military connection.

I think veterans are forced to be in one of two boxes, either they are broken or they are heroes that need nothing, LeHeup said. I believe that our humanity, our lives, are in the gray area in between. And I hope that civilians will recognize that we live in that gray area, and that both civilians and veterans find the strength in acknowledging that shared human journey.

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Kristine Hartvigsen, of Columbia, was never in the military herself but her father spent his career in the U.S. Army as a physician. Her aunt was an Army nurse during the war in Vietnam. Her son enlisted, too, deploying twice  in 2017 to Afghanistan and last year to Syria  and currently stationed at Fort Benning in Georgia.

I do have just a real strong affinity for veterans and am trying to understand my sons experience better by learning from other vets, because he was definitely changed when he came home, Hartvigsen said.

About four years ago, she volunteered as a writer for Bullets and Bandaids after learning about it from a friend.

What I really hear is the stuff that I think about when my son is deployed. Im trying to picture where he is, what he sees, what hes doing. So its the little details that veterans share, Hartvigsen said.

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One story that particularly stuck with her came from Corey Norrell, a self-proclaimed Navy brat who enlisted when he turned 18. He told her about a rite of passage in the U.S. Navy, known as the crossing the line ceremony, held when a sailor crosses the equator for the first time and becomes a trusty shellback or a Son of Neptune.

The shellbacks crawl on their hands and knees across the non-skid deck with a surface so rough sandpaper doesnt hold a candle to it, he said.

Its not a combat story, but its part of the experience, because theres a brotherhood and sisterhood that forms among military service members, Hartvigsen said.

Hartvigsen said her son prefers not to speak about his deployments but she does remember talking to him on the phone and him telling her he could see enemy soldiers in the distance from the wall he was standing on.

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It was just shocking to me that he could see them across the way. But unless they fire, theyre all just watching each other and thats stressful in itself, just not knowing whats going to happen, Hartvigsen said.

Artwork exhibited at a May 29, 2002, Bullets and Bandaids event in Cayce. In the center is a painting titled Bombs and Books commissioned alongside Andrew Cookes story. (provided by Bullets and Bandaids)

Unlike Hartvigsen, Andrew Cooke was in the military  the U.S. Air Force  and also produces art for Bullets and Bandsaids.

Cooke retired from the Air Force as a staff sergeant in 2012 after developing a heart condition following an injury sustained during an attack on Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan, where he was deployed in 2010. Hed also done earlier tours in Kandahar and Al Dahfra, in the United Arab Emirates.

After leaving the Air Force, Cooke took up photography as part of therapy. He particularly liked photographing storms and landscapes near his home in Tucson, Arizona. Being in nature and away from crowded spaces calmed him.

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The Darlington native then moved back to South Carolina and currently lives in Spartanburg, working as a construction manager. He still does photography on the side.

Cooke, who is now on the board of directors for Bullets and Bandaids, finds value in how the organization connects civilians and veterans and the level of appreciation that develops between the soldiers and their story tellers.

Cooke said Bullets and Bandaids needs financial help from the community to keep going. The organization is supported both by private donations and government grants, including a $10,000 grant from the state Arts Commission for 2025 and $10,000 from the state Humanities Council in 2024.
The St. Johns County Sheriffs Office (SJSO) has issued a warning about scams circulating in the community, where scammers are impersonating deputies to obtain personal information from residents.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

According to SJSO, these scammers are using fear tactics, pretending to be law enforcement officers, to pressure individuals into providing sensitive information.

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SJSO emphasizes that they will never attempt to collect money over the phone, nor will they call about warrant status or request personal information through phone calls.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

To verify a phone call or document, contact SJSO AT 904-824-8304.
MOSCOW, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Cryptocurrencies, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven technologies, and data processing centers are reshaping the global energy landscape, said Igor Sechin, CEO of Russian oil giant Rosneft, warning that energy consumption from these digital innovations could soon rival that of an entire nation.

Within less than a decade, cryptocurrencies have evolved into an independent industry that consumes resources equivalent to those of national economies, he said, adding that by 2030, their electricity consumption is projected to more than double to 1,000 terawatt-hour, which is comparable to Japan's current electricity consumption.

Russia adopted a cryptocurrency mining law last year. Under its provisions, Russian legal entities, individual entrepreneurs and citizens are entitled to engage in mining.

Legal entities and individual entrepreneurs must be included in the Federal Tax Service register for this purpose. Meanwhile, citizens can engage in digital currency mining without being included in the register as long as they do not exceed the energy consumption limits set by the government.

Besides cryptocurrency, Sechin further elaborated that an AI-driven digital revolution and big data would boost labor productivity, yet they demand substantial energy input, as well as large-scale investment in infrastructure and human resources.

In his view, the global energy industry is facing a profound transformation and the energy consumption model is changing.

Citing data from the International Energy Agency (IEA), Sechin said AI-equipped data processing centers are extremely energy-intensive. For example, one 100-megawatt data center can use as much power as 100,000 households.

With these demands likely to increase dozens of times, he predicted that in the future, such data processing centers will have a more significant impact on global electricity demand than heavy industry or heating.

Over the past 15 years, electricity consumption has grown at a faster pace. According to IEA projections, global electricity generation is set to nearly double over the next 25 years.

At the same time, countries in the Asia-Pacific region are expected to drive the largest share of this growth, accounting for 60 percent of the increase in global electricity consumption.

The global energy industry is undergoing a major transformation, driven by the rapid surge in electricity consumption, which will increasingly be met by a mix of fossil fuels and renewable energy sources, said the head of Rosneft.

"Tech leaders are infiltrating the oil and gas industry. Moreover, these investments are being made at an unprecedented speed and on a global scale," Sechin added. 
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/FOX24)  In January of this year, Govenor Sarah Huckabee Sanders passed a Bell to Bell, No Cell act that will take effect at the start of the 2025-2026 school year.

The statewide law states that all cell phone use by students in public schools will be prohibited during school hours. Students will be required to put their phones and all other electronic devices in an isolated location from the first period bell up until dismissal.

Govenor Sanders cites improvements within academic and mental health were a driving force behind the new law. As the new school year approaches, faculty and parents both are working to adjust to the new policies.

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Superintendent of Rogers School District, Doctor Jeff Perry said, they are actively working with parents in the district to address any concerns surrounding the new act. Once the adjustment period is over, Perry said he believes real benefit could come from the policy.

Social media puts a great deal of stress, pressure, and anxiety on the students. Parents are saying that they are appreciative of the state taking the initiative to eliminate this, because all that were talking about is being in school for 6.5 hours a day, Perry said.

Many parents statewide are split between the pros and cons of the new act.

Victoria Salano is a mother with multiple children in the Bentonville School District and said she can see both sides of the issue.

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Mother who loses son to suicide responds to amendments of Social Media Safety Act

I think there are benefits to them, having them with them for those safety reasons, Salano said. But also, I see the side of for the educational purposes and for teachers. That would be really hard for them to have them and still teach.

Each school district is approaching the new requirements differently. Perry said at Rogers School District they have a cohesive app that sends out mass alerts to parents in cases of emergency.

We use one app across the entire district to communicate with parents and notify them if we are having a lockdown, Perry said. So, it allows us to get ahold of every parent in the district quicker, more effectively and more efficient.

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The act states that each school is required to post an updated cell phone policy before the start of the new school year.

For more information on a specific school, visit the respective school 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 KNWA FOX24.
A scientific review of two decades of information found a dramatic uptick in feline infections of the avian flu in recent years.

What's happening?

Scientists at the University of Maryland conducted a systematic review of scientific literature from 2004 to 2024 to assess the epidemiology and global distribution of avian flu in cats. They found what they described as a "drastic flux" in infections among domestic cats in 2023 and 2024 after the emergence of H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b  a specific genetic lineage of highly pathogenic avian influenza that emerged around 2020  in other mammals. They also discovered an uptick in the number of ways that cats were being infected with the illness, according to the University of Minnesota, which summarized the findings.

Around 63% of the cases involved domestic cats  they also studied other feline species, including tigers  and most infections were confirmed or suspected to be the result of bird-to-cat transmission, most often from eating dead pigeons, chickens, or other birds. Cats were most commonly infected at zoos, animal shelters, and farms or on private rural land.

Why is this research important?

Cats infected with the avian flu often develop a fever, lose their appetite, and suffer lethargy early on, according to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Symptoms can worsen rapidly and include nasal and ocular discharge, sneezing, coughing, respiratory difficulty, and neurologic signs such as incoordination, tremors, seizures, and blindness.

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But the scientists are also worried about the implications of an uptick in feline bird flu for people.

"Infections among mammalian species in frequent contact with humans should be closely monitored," the researchers stated, per the University of Minnesota. "Domestic cats are susceptible to [avian influenza virus] infection and provide a potential pathway for zoonotic spillover to humans."

Bird flu in humans is still relatively rare, although several cases related to contact with dairy cows have been reported in the U.S. An infection can lead to complications such as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress, bacterial infections, sepsis, brain swelling, and respiratory failure, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Free-roaming cats not only open the door for the spread of zoonotic diseases, but they are also a major threat to wild animals. According to the American Bird Conservancy, cats have contributed to the extinction of 63 species of birds, mammals, and reptiles. The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists domestic cats as one of the world's worst invasive species. For instance, one birder took to Reddit to vent about a neighborhood cat that was killing birds at their backyard birdhouse.

What can I do to protect my cat and myself from the bird flu?

The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends a variety of precautions to help owners protect themselves and their cats from the avian flu. These include thoroughly cooking meat before feeding; keeping cats away from livestock, poultry, and their environment; keeping cats indoors to prevent exposure; and thoroughly washing hands after encounters with poultry, livestock, or wild birds.

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Meanwhile, scientists, including a team at the Texas Biomedical Research Institute, continue to investigate how the avian flu mutates. Such research can help inform more effective preventive methods in the 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.




[Source]

Researchers at five British universities have launched the Synthetic Human Genome Project (SynHG) with an initial grant of approximately $12.6 million from Wellcome, the U.K.s largest biomedical research charity. Unveiled on Thursday, the five-year effort is led by molecular biologist Jason W. Chin at the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge and aims to assemble an entire human chromosome, base by base, inside the lab.

Writing a genome

Instead of tweaking existing DNA with tools such as CRISPR, SynHG will attempt to write long stretches of code before inserting them into cultured human skin cells to study how chromosome architecture drives health and disease. The project builds on Chins earlier success constructing a fully synthetic E. coli genome.

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The laboratory playbook blends generative-AI sequence design with high-throughput robotic assembly, allowing scientists to plan and assemble millions of DNA bases. Patrick Yizhi Cai of the University of Manchester, who oversees these methods, says the approach leverag[es] cutting-edge generative AI and advanced robotic assembly technologies to revolutionize synthetic mammalian chromosome engineering.

Trending on NextShark: Chinese police are arresting 'boys love' writers

Why experts are cautious

Geneticist Robin Lovell-Badge of Londons Francis Crick Institute emphasized the importance of understanding not only the scientific potential but also the societal values and risks involved. He warned that as research progresses, there is the possibility of creating synthetic cells that could, if used in humans, lead to tumors or produce novel infectious particles if not carefully designed. Lovell-Badge recommended that any engineered cells should include safeguards, such as inducible genetic kill switches, to ensure they can be eliminated from the body or targeted by the immune system if needed.

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Sarah Norcross, director of the Progress Educational Trust, echoed the need for transparency and public engagement, highlighting that synthesizing human genomes is controversial and requires researchers and the public to be in active communication. Norcross welcomed the projects built-in social science program, which surveys communities across Asia-Pacific, Africa, Europe and the Americas as the science unfolds and is led by social scientist Joy Yueyue Zhang, as a way to ensure that public interests and concerns are considered from the outset.

Trending on NextShark: Andrew Schulz cast as Hong Kong-born Dan Hibiki in live-action 'Street Fighter'

Road ahead

Over the next five years, the consortium will iterate designbuildtest cycles, aiming first for an error-free synthetic chromosome representing roughly 2% of human DNA. Alongside the laboratory milestones, the team plans to release an open-access toolkit covering both the technical and governance lessons learned.

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Trending on NextShark: Starbucks killer? Chinas largest coffee chain makes US debut

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.

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Trending on NextShark: American pride is at an all-time low, Gallup poll finds

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Scioto County Engineer Darren C. LeBrun announced the work schedule for the week of July 7 through July 10, 2025, for the engineers department. All dates shown are weather permitting.

LANE RESTRICTIONS

* Junior Furnace-Powellsville Rd (CR7) in Green Township  the bridge over US 52 is open. One lane will be maintained by traffic signals.

* Cook Rd. (CR12) in Jefferson Township has a lane restriction at the 1.86-mile marker due to a roadway slip.

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* Henley Comstock Rd. (CR44) in Union Township has a lane restriction at the 1.65-mile marker due to roadway slip.

ROAD CLOSURES

* Henley Comstock Rd. (CR44) will be closed at the 2.89-mile marker for approximately 90 days. Contractor will be repairing the slip.

* Clinton Furnace Road CR9 will be closed until further notice due to a slip. Road Closure is between Monroe Road TR310 and Knapp Road TR341.

* Feurt Hill Road CR160 will be closed until further notice due to a roadway slip. Road Closure is between Eagle Creek Drive TR1618 and Maple Benner Road CR64. This is the hill section of Feurt Hill Road.

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DRAG PATCHING

Traffic will be maintained with the use of flaggers.

* Nauvoo Pond Creek (CR181) in Union and Washington Township Monday, July 7 and Tuesday, July 8.

* Sedan Crabtree (CR34) in Morgan Township Wednesday, July 9 and Thursday, July 10.

MOWING

* Sedan Crabtree and Big Run Rd. in Morgan Township.

* Big Bear Creek in Morgan and Rarden Townships.

* Mt. Hope Rd. in Brush Creek and Rarden Townships.

Please call the Engineers office with any questions or concerns (740) 259-5541 or you can visit us on the web atSciotoCountyEngineer.org.
The Supreme Court is allowing the Trump administration to move forward with plans to deport eight convicted criminals to South Sudan.

The men, who were initially slated to arrive in South Sudan in May, were detoured instead to the East African nation of Djibouti, where they were detained at Camp Lemonnier, a U.S. military base.

Most of the men, who have all been convicted of serious crimes in the United States, have never stepped foot in South Sudan, per The New York Times. Moreover, just one is from South Sudan according to the outlet. The others hailed from Vietnam, South Korea, Mexico, Laos, Cuba, and Myanmar before coming to the U.S.

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What the government wants to do, concretely, is send the eight noncitizens it illegally removed from the United States from Djibouti to South Sudan, where they will be turned over to the local authorities without regard for the likelihood that they will face torture or death, liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who dissented the decision, wrote Thursday.

Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown (both center) were against the decision. / Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States via Getty Images

She was joined by another one of the courts liberal members, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, in her dissent as well.

The eight mens deportation to Sudan was initially blocked by a nationwide order from Massachusetts-based U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy, who was appointed by former President Joe Biden.

Murphy had ruled that the government must allow migrants to argue their case against being deported to a country that is not their home. He said that migrants should be allowed a meaningful opportunity to show if they are at threat of torture, persecution, or death if sent to a third country the administration made deals with to receive immigrants.

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SCOTUS conservative majority instead found that immigration officials can deport migrants to third countries, or a nation that is not their country of origin or that they have no connection to, quickly and applied it to the eight mens cases.

SCOTUS decision joins a long list of efforts the Trump administration has taken toward immigration and border control. / ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images

Both the U.S. and South Sudan have not indicated what will happen to the eight men upon their arrival. However, in recent filings at the Supreme Court, the Trump administration has said that it was assured by South Sudan, which is at risk of devolving into another civil war amidst escalating political tensions, that the men will not be subject to torture under the United Nations Convention Against Torture, per NBC News.

In a statement to the Daily Beast, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said: These sickos will be in South Sudan by Independence Day.

A win for the rule of law, safety and security of the American people. We thank our brave ICE law enforcement for their sacrifice to defend our freedoms.

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Attorneys for the eight men have maintained that they could face imprisonment, torture, and even death if sent to South Sudan, per the Associated Press.

We know theyll face perilous conditions, and potentially immediate detention, upon arrival, Trina Realmuto, executive director of the National Immigration Litigation Alliance, said Thursday, per AP.
Search continues for suspect in Merrimack Valley jewelry store armed robbery

One of the suspects who allegedly robbed a North Andover jewelry store at gunpoint remains at large a day after the manhunt for the robbers caused scores of heavily armed officers to descend onto the Merrimack Valley.

Four of the five masked armed men who took a massive amount of jewelry from the Milos Joyeria at 563 Chickering Road in North Andover just before 10:30 a.m. have already been arrested, North Andover Police Chief Charles Gray said Thursday.

Officers responding to numerous 911 calls reporting a robbery in progress at Milos Joyeria at 563 Chickering Road in North Andover just before 10:30 a.m. learned five masked males carrying guns had robbed the store, according to North Andover Police Chief Charles Gray.

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Moments later, an officer working a nearby detail spotted a vehicle matching the description of one seen fleeing the store and alerted another officer in a cruiser, who followed after the driver, Gray said.

Gray said the suspects proceeded to lead North Andover police on a pursuit along Route 125 and onto Sutton Street, where it merged onto Interstate 495.

The suspects later got off the highway and crashed on Marston Street, where they fled into the woods, prompting a massive search that involved local, state, and federal law enforcement officials.

Video showed heavily armed officers patrolling the area of Marston Street, and dozens of local, state, and federal law enforcement vehicles parked along the road.

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A perimeter was established in the area, state police helicopters took to the air, and K9 teams scoured the ground, eventually resulting in the capture of four suspects, according to Gray.

Police also said that a nearby school was evacuated. Lawrence Police also alerted residents of the investigation.

There were no immediate injuries reported.

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North Andover police Thursday night shared a photo of the massive amount of jewelry the alleged thieves took from the business.

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UPDATE:

A missing 12-year-old boy has been found safe, according to Ohio LandSAR.

INITIAL REPORT:

A search is underway for a missing 12-year-old boy from Butler County.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Cameron Jones, of Hamilton, has been missing since Tuesday, according to Ohio LandSAR Search & Rescue.

TRENDING STORIES:

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LandSAR chief John Adams told our news partners, WCPO in Cincinnati, that Jones was last seen heading to Crawford Woods park by himself.

Hes 59 tall and weighs around 130 lbs. He has blond hair, brown eyes, and a broken front tooth.

Jones was last seen in a black hoodie, dark blue jeans, and all black Nike Air Force shoes.

If you see Jones or know anything about his whereabouts, please contact either the Butler County Sheriffs Office at (513) 785-1300 or Ohio LandSAR Search & Rescue at (513) 633-1230.

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French air traffic controllers staged the second day of a two-day strike on Friday, prompting the cancellation of hundreds of flights not just to-and-from France but also overflying the country as summer holidays kick off.

Paris airports risk being even more severely affected than on the first day of the strike on Thursday, which was called by two minority unions calling for better working conditions and staffing.

The timing of the strike is particularly acute with Friday the final day of school in France before the summer holidays, with many families planning an early getaway.

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France's DGAC aviation authority said 933 flights departing from or arriving at French airports were cancelled on Thursday, some 10 percent of the total number of flights initially scheduled. The proportion of cancellations rose to 25 percent at the main airports in Paris.

But on Friday the situation risks being even more severe with the DGAC asking companies to cancel 40 percent of flights to deal with the strike.

French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou described the strike as "shocking".

"Choosing the day when everyone goes on holiday to go on strike at air traffic control is taking the French hostage," he told BFMTV.

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- 'Unacceptable' -

The effects of the strike are not limited to France and the stoppage has triggered hundreds of cancellations of flights that fly over the country.

The European Airlines for Europe (A4E) association said 1,500 flights would be cancelled on Thursday and Friday in Europe, affecting 300,000 passengers.

"French air traffic control already delivers some of Europe's worst delay figures and now the actions of a minority of French air traffic control workers will needlessly disrupt the holiday plans of thousands of people in France and across Europe," said A4E chief Ourania Georgoutsakou.

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The association said the strikes also caused "almost 500,000 minutes" in delays in Europe on Thursday on nearly 33,000 commercial flights.

Ryanair, Europe's largest airline by passenger numbers, said it had cancelled more than 400 flights.

"These strikes are unacceptable," said Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary, urging the EU Commission to protect such overflights by law in case of strikes.

"Of these 400 flight cancellations, 350 would not be cancelled if the EU protected overflights over France."

At Paris airports, passengers stared at departure boards loaded with cancellations to assess their options.

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"I came here on holiday to celebrate my wife's 40th birthday, but now I'm stuck at Charles de Gaulle Airport," said Julien Barthelemy, a passenger travelling to Marseille from New York, late Thursday.

"I'm currently on the waiting list for three flights and am waiting for a spot on the next one to become available."

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A strike by French air traffic controllers brought a second day of chaos to European skies Friday, with flights for hundreds of thousands of people cancelled as the summer holiday season gathered pace.

More than 1,100 flights arriving or leaving France and hundreds that were to fly over the country were cancelled Friday, according to official figures.

Paris airports were even more severely affected than on the first day of the strike on Thursday, which was called by two unions protesting against understaffing and "toxic management".

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The timing of the strike is particularly acute with Friday the final day of school in France before the summer holidays.

At Paris airports, passengers stared at departure boards loaded with cancellations to assess their options. Some travellers appeared distraught.

Sabrina Taristas, 42, was set to fly to the southern French city of Toulouse.

"We can't go against the strike but it's true that it's a real inconvenience for us travellers," she told AFP.

The strike was due to end Friday evening and no disruptions were expected on Saturday.

France's DGAC civil aviation authority said 1,125 flights had been cancelled on Friday, compared to 933 flights on Thursday.

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French flag-carrier Air France said its long-haul flights were not affected.

The travel disruption also affected hotels.

Many travellers cancelled hotel bookings, particularly in cities with large airports such as Nice and Paris, according to the UMIH hotel and restaurant union.

"There's a bit of panic among those arriving and those leaving, airlines are trying to rebook their customers, it's complicated to manage and it's going to cost them a lot," Veronique Siegel of the UMIH union told AFP.

In the Mediterranean city of Nice, the airport said 200 trips had been cancelled on Thursday, and 220 on Friday, affecting 50,000 passengers.

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The government condemned the strike.

"Choosing the day when everyone goes on holiday to go on strike at air traffic control is taking the French hostage," Prime Minister Francois Bayrou told broadcaster BFMTV.

- 'Unacceptable' -

Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot said the strike was "unacceptable".

"Yesterday and today, 272 people in our country will impact the well-being of more than 500,000 people," he told broadcaster CNews, referring to the number of the workers on strike.

UNSA-ICNA, the second biggest labour group in the sector, launched the action to protest against "chronic understaffing", the introduction of a clocking-in system, outdated equipment and "toxic management practices that are incompatible with the requirements of calm and safety".

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The third largest union, USAC-CGT, joined the strike but not the main SNCTA union.

The effects of the strike were not limited to France and the stoppage has triggered hundreds of cancellations of flights that fly over the country.

The European Airlines for Europe (A4E) association said 1,500 flights would be cancelled on Thursday and Friday in Europe, affecting 300,000 passengers.

A4E chief Ourania Georgoutsakou said Thursday that "the actions of a minority of French air traffic control workers" would "needlessly disrupt the holiday plans of thousands of people in France and across Europe".

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The association said the strikes caused "almost 500,000 minutes" in delays in Europe on Thursday on nearly 33,000 commercial flights.

Ryanair, Europe's largest airline by passenger numbers, said it had cancelled more than 400 flights.

Chief executive Michael O'Leary has urged the EU Commission to protect such overflights by law in case of strikes.

"Of these 400 flight cancellations, 350 would not be cancelled if the EU protected overflights over France," he said.

Around 30 flights at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam were cancelled while others were delayed on Friday due to the strikes, an airport spokesperson said.

"Around 30 flights have been cancelled today by airlines as a precaution," the spokesperson said.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Another suspect was arrested in connection with a Baton Rouge shooting that killed one.

The Baton Rouge Police Department arrested Eddie Monroe, 17, on a charge of second-degree murder. Police noted that Monroe has an extensive arrest history, including charges of murder and attempted murder. He was identified and arrested as a suspect in a Christmas parade shooting.

Victor LaPharaohs, 22, was shot and killed in a parking lot on Avenue J on June 30. Officers responded after being alerted by a ShotSpotter. Before Monroes arrest, a 16-year-old boy was arrested and booked into the juvenile detention center on a charge of second-degree murder.

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4 charged with attempted murder after Assumption Parish shooting, deputies say

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
PRAGUE, July 4 (Xinhua) -- A major power outage struck the Czech Republic on Friday, disrupting several regions, including parts of the capital Prague, shortly after noon, according to authorities.

The outage affected eight of the country's 44 high-voltage substations, resulting in power cuts in the Liberec, Central Bohemia and northeast regions and parts of Prague, the Czech Electricity Transmission System (CEPS) reported.

CEPS spokesman Lukas Hrabal said on the social media platform X that the blackout was triggered by a mechanical failure of a phase conductor on a high-voltage line. "The conductor simply fell. We are still investigating the cause," he noted.

The disruption severely impacted transport and public services. "We are currently dealing with a power outage, mainly in Prague and several regions. On several railway lines, trains have come to a halt, and public transportation dependent on electricity is affected," Transport Minister Martin Kupka wrote on X.

Mobile phone coverage and internet access were also disrupted in many areas, complicating emergency communication. The Fire and Rescue Service (HZS) said it was coordinating efforts with regional branches and monitoring potentially high-risk locations. Hospitals remained unaffected thanks to emergency generators, while Prague Airport and major motorway tunnels continued to operate normally.

Power was restored in Prague after 2 p.m., but according to Minister of Industry and Trade Lukas Vlcek, some substations in the north, particularly in the Liberec region, remained offline. Vlcek warned that further outages could not be ruled out, though he emphasized that the national grid remained "robust."

Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced that he had instructed Interior Minister Vit Rakusan to convene the National Crisis Staff at 4 p.m., stressing that restoring electricity and ensuring public safety were top priorities. 
Al-Husseini was a key figure in a weapons smuggling route from Iran through Syria to various locations in the northern front and to the West Bank.

The IDF and Shin Bet killed terrorist Qassem Salah Al-Husseini in the area of Kfarkela in southern Lebanon on Thursday, the two security agencies announced Friday.

He was killed in a car by Israel's Air Force, according to a report from Al-Hadath.

Al-Husseini was a Lebanese terrorist involved in advancing terrorist plots against Israeli civilians and IDF troops on the northern front on behalf of Iran's Quds Force.

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The Quds Force is an arm of the IRGC, conducting operations outside of Iran, including in the Middle East, where it supports Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and Iranian militias in Syria and Iraq, constituting Iran's axis.

The group has been responsible for terror attacks abroad, in particular targeting Israelis.

HEZBOLLAH OPERATIVES salute during the funeral of comrades killed in an Israeli strike, in Shehabiya, south Lebanon, April 17. (credit: AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES)

Terrorist led a weapons smuggling route transporting goods via Syria to the West Bank

Al-Husseini was a key figure in a weapons smuggling route from Iran through Syria to various locations in the northern front and to the West Bank.

He maintained connections with Syrian and Lebanese smugglers. Al-Husseini operated under the guidance of Iran's Quds Force and assisted in its efforts to smuggle weapons into Israel for terrorist operations.

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His death is "a significant blow to the ability of various terrorist organizations in the northern front and in Judea and Samaria to arm themselves and carry out attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF forces," the IDF said.

The IDF has shifted its focus back to southern Lebanon, where it continues to target Hezbollah infrastructure, after the conclusion of the Israel-Iran war.

Iran attempting to smuggle weapons to Hezbollah via sea

A Western intelligence source told The Jerusalem Post in April that Tehran had made several attempts to smuggle weapons from Iran to Hezbollah by sea via the Port of Beirut.

Following former Syrian president Bashar al-Assads downfall, Iran has found it difficult to smuggle arms to Hezbollah via its usual land routes. Its ability to do so has been significantly reduced.

Beiruts Rafic Hariri International Airport no longer receives frequent cargo flights from Iran either, making the oceanic route increasingly relevant for smuggling attempts.
Home surveillance footage captured the startling moment a single-engine Cessna 150 flipped over in a backyard in South Carolina.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed to Fox News Digital that the small aircraft overturned during a rough landing in a grassy yard in Pelzer, South Carolina, around 9 a.m. Sunday, June 29.

Footage, captured on Vicki Coker's Nest surveillance camera, showed the aircraft tumbling through a grassy yard.

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Delta Plane Wing Flap Lands In Homeowner's Driveway

Speaking to Wyff 4, the pilot said he was aiming to land on a grass strip along Williams Road when he came in too fast. As the plane hit a bump in the uneven ground, it suddenly lifted back into the air.

In a split-second decision, he chose to deliberately flip the aircraft, believing it was the only way to prevent further damage.

Read On The Fox News App

The pilot survived the flip, the FAA said.

Small Plane Hit Power Lines Before Deadly San Diego Crash, Ntsb Confirms

The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed to Fox News Digital that it is investigating the weekend accident.

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"There was an incident on Sunday in which a Cessna 150 airplane flipped over after landing on a grass strip," the agency said in a statement. "The extent of the damage to the airplane has not yet been determined. As damage is substantial, it will be classified as an accident, and the NTSB will open an investigation."





Original article source: SEE IT: Small plane flips over in South Carolina backyard after pilot's deliberate maneuver
Credit: LTV

He claims to be the successor of Jesus Christ and Mohammed, as well as the true and legitimate pope. He leads a millenarian religious movement, based in a building on a leafy residential road in the Cheshire town of Crewe. And his devoted followers declare they are trying to save the world.

For all his certainty, however, Abdullah Hashem is an almost completely unknown figure in modern day Britain.

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Or he was until this week, when he and his movement became the subject of an in-depth Guardian investigation that shone a light on the little-known Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL).

Abdullah Hashem on the cover of The Divine Just State magazine, May 2025

With roots in Shia Islam, AROPL traces its origins back to Iraq in 1999.

It wasnt officially founded, however, until 2015, when Hashem emerged to declare himself the Mahdi, a missing Imam referred to in Shia Islam and who adherents believe will one day reappear to rid the world of injustice and rule until Judgment Day.

A slim man in his early 40s, with a neat, greying beard, Hashem was born in the US to an Egyptian father and American mother. He is reported to have started out as an amateur film-maker, whose early output included a documentary expose about a UFO cult.

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In 2008, he moved to Egypt, where he claims to have risked his life to topple the countrys then-leader, Hosni Mubarak, during the Arab Spring.

I camped out in Tahrir Square, I was attacked by government agents and Egyptian police forces, I dodged bullets and engaged in deadly battles and I was arrested and tortured. In the end, we won, Hashem writes in his manifesto, published last year, of the 2011 uprising that unseated the Egyptian president.

Four years later, Hashem established his sect in post-revolutionary Egypt.

Credit: LTV

It was quickly forced to relocate to Europe amid alleged religious persecution. In April this year, Amnesty International called for the release of AROPL members who the human rights charity said had been arbitrarily arrested in Egypt solely for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of religion or belief.

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AROPL followers have been severely persecuted in Muslim-majority countries, the movement says, in part because their teaching diverges from mainstream Muslim views.

Hashem and his sect initially resettled in Germany  where there is an ongoing investigation into the disappearance of one of its members  before moving once again to Sweden.

By 2018, the movement was thought to have about 170 members in the country and had registered a farm property in the Savsjo region for training and education purposes, according to Dr Sarah Harvey, a senior research officer at education charity Inform, who has written a factsheet on AROPL.

A string of controversies relating to the sects financial dealings followed, according to the Guardian report, resulting in dozens of members having their residency permits revoked and several investigations into their activities.

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The AROPL experienced a series of raids and inspections on the property by Swedish police, Dr Harvey writes in her factsheet. No illegal activity was discovered.

By 2021, Hashem and AROPL had relocated once more, this time to north-west England. They continue to operate here from their base in Webb House, a former orphanage and hospital that sits on an almost five-acre plot of land. It seemingly provides the location from which they now flood the internet with promotional footage.

The sects decision to move to the UK was motivated by religious discrimination against them, it says. The choice of Crewe as a base is understood to have come about simply because an appropriate property happened to come on the market there when they were looking for a site.

Webb House on Victoria Avenue in Crewe, Cheshire - Alamy

The Grade II-listed building they occupy evidently fitted the bill, having been put up for sale in 2021 with an asking price of around 2 million. Later that year, AROPL Studios LTD, which appears to be behind the movements various video production activities, was incorporated and listed at the Webb House address.

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It is not clear how the sect afforded the purchase of the property, but Hashem has said followers have a duty to donate funds to it. Videos posted online by AROPLs various accounts show followers admitting to selling their houses upon joining the religion and ex-devotees have said they ended up sending Hashem all the money they had to support the cause.

Documents from the US, where the sect is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit organisation, show AROPL reported assets of $4.5 million in 2023.

A plaque affixed to the exterior of Webb House states that the movement is registered as a non-profit organisation in the United States - Christopher Thomond

Hashem inspires great adulation among his acolytes. Followers reportedly believe he can make the moon disappear, and his own claims extend to being able to cure epilepsy by placing birds of paradise on a patients genitals.

Footage seemingly taken from inside Webb House shows him addressing large groups of men during lengthy sermons. He delivers the speeches from a podium, set against a backdrop of apocalyptic artwork, in a room reportedly known as the basilica.

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The sects website describes him as the long awaited Saviour of Mankind, a claim backed up by supporters who point to miracles they allege he has performed. Some of these are the subject of videos online, such as one YouTube video in which a follower claims he healed her sick mother by placing his hands upon her.

Speaking in an interview broadcast on Lebanese television and posted in May on a YouTube channel called The Mahdi Has Appeared, Hashem said many witnesses proclaimed they had seen miracles at my hands. Numerous followers had also had dreams that confirmed his status, he added.

Im not here to start a new religion, but Im here to establish and announce a new covenant, he said.

Credit: LTV

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Within 48 hours of Pope Franciss death in April, he declared the vacancy of the papal throne is no accident, but a divine sign in an address posted on social media. The time has come for the rightful heir to assume his position as the true Pope and bearer of the Covenant, Hashem said, in apparent reference to himself.

He is a capable media performer, articulate and persuasive. A messianic figure for these extremely online times.

And his message is amplified by AROPLs slickly produced social media content, which is set to modern hip-hop beats and has received thousands of views.

On TikTok, videos show his followers dressed in trademark black beanie hats, proclaiming that they fight against war, darkness, abuse, starvation and injustice, and for freedom, humanity, peace, happiness, the weak, the elderly and children. They call themselves soldiers and say they live for Hashem and fight against anyone whos against him.

AROPL, which blends Islamic theology and reportedly also conspiracy theories, estimates its followers in Britain to number in the hundreds. Hashem declares them to be the true Muslims, the true Christians, the true Jews.

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Worldwide, the movement is thought to have thousands of adherents. They come from different faiths, according to Hashem, including Judaism, Christianity and Buddhism.

In common with all religious movements, the religion is open to and welcomes any converts to their religion, a lawyer for AROPL says.

About 100 believers now reportedly live at its base in Crewe, including parents who are said to be home-schooling their children at the address.

A colouring book from the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light

In a book called The Goal of the Wise, Hashem says they have a duty to donate their salary to the movement to help fund the mission to create a divine state. Former members told The Guardian they felt pressured to sever ties with outsiders.

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Videos posted online show a number of followers solemnly declaring their allegiance in videos shot outside the sects northern headquarters, explaining they have sold their houses not because we were pressured but because weve had enough of this world.

AROPLs lawyer says most of the sects members have regular jobs and do not live at Webb House. Of those who do, some have regular jobs, while others work or volunteer at the headquarters, the lawyer adds.

In common with other religious orders, those who choose to live at the AROPLs centre at Crewe are usually expected to contribute to the running of the centre; food accommodation etc, and this may involve selling property or goods, says the lawyer.

Those members who live outside the centre are not required to do so. If they wish to donate, that is welcomed. If they do not, they are still encouraged to remain members of the religion.... [And] all donations and expenditure are fully audited by independent auditors.

In common with other religious orders, those who choose to live at the AROPLs centre at Crewe are usually expected to contribute to the running of the centre; food accommodation etc, and this may involve selling property or goods. Other believers who do not live with the community (which is the majority of members) are not usually expected to do so, although of course the religion welcomes voluntary donations. AROPL does not comment on individual donations as these are private matters, but all donations and expenditure are fully audited by independent auditors.

Many seem to be generous. A YouTube channel linked to the religion appears to have raised more than $10,000 (more than 7,000) via the donate button to support the Madhi. On its website, AROPL invites visitors to pledge their allegiance to the imam of our time by uploading a testimony video.

Security pictured at the gates of Webb House, where the religious movement is now based - Christopher Thomond

The movement continues to seek charitable status via the Charity Commission, having had its initial bid rejected in 2021. It maintains it is a peaceful and progressive religion, which believes in equality between men and women and supports human rights for all.

But Hashems claims to be the new Mahdi, and the true pope, are naturally controversial.

When the presenter in the Lebanese television interview put to Hashem accusations that he suffered from delusions and megalomania, he responded that it was a great badge of honour to be accused of these things that the previous prophets and messengers were accused of, before adding that the accusations meant nothing to him.

Certainly, his reach appears to be expanding, regardless of the mounting scrutiny. Online, an array of accounts continue to push Hashem and the AROPLs message to followers and potential new recruits across the world.

Were making sure that people out there who have access to the internet can hear the message from [Hashem], one devotee declares in a promotional video clip. We are having a very strong and steady response from our viewers.

In another, published just last month, a fellow follower promises salvation to those who submit to Hashems leadership. All they need to do in order to make God happy with them and reach salvation is to accept the Mahdi and be guided by him.

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Fresh off a bruising fight over passage of President Donald Trump's massive tax and policy bill, Republicans and Democrats are now waging a battle over selling it to Americans.

Trump celebrated the passage of the bill during a rally in Iowa on Thursday.

"Every major promise I made to the people of Iowa in 2024 became a promise kept," he said of the bill's passage.

Republicans see a lot to celebrate after weeks of delicate negotiations to get both chambers on the same page, with little room for error.

Alex Brandon/AP - PHOTO: President Donald Trump talks to reporters before boarding Air Force One, July 3, 2025, at Joint Base Andrews, Md.

MORE: Trump admin live updates: House narrowly passes megabill, sending it to president's desk

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The package of $4.5 trillion in tax breaks would make permanent the tax code changes Trump signed into law during his first term, and include new campaign pledges, such as no taxes on tips for some workers, and a 'senior deduction' of $6,000 for older Americans making up to $75,000 annually.

It also includes billions in new defense spending and $350 billion for border security and immigration enforcement, to advance the administration's mass deportation efforts.

"Republicans should be proud of passing this bill, because it delivers on a lot of the things that they ran on, and that the president ran on," Mark Bednar, a Republican strategist who served as an aide to former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., told ABC News. "That's what Republicans would be very wise to lean in on, going into this recess, going into August and the following year."

Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images - PHOTO: Speaker of the House Mike Johnson holds up the vote total as he delivers remarks alongside fellow House Republicans during the enrollment ceremony for President Trump's spending and tax bill in the U.S. Capitol, July 3, 2025 in Washington.

MORE: 'Immoral': Democrat Hakeem Jeffries blasts Trump megabill in record-breaking, 8-plus-hour speech

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Democrats searching for a message after last November have seized on the package's gradual changes to safety net programs, such as Medicaid and food stamps -- through a combination of work requirements and tax changes.

Nearly 12 million Americans would lose health coverage, and 3 million would not receive SNAP benefits under the legislation, according to initial estimates from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

Overall, the CBO estimated the measure would add $3.4 trillion to the deficit over the next decade.

Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., who spoke against the bill on the House floor for nearly nine hours Thursday, told the stories of Americans who he said could be impacted by safety net cuts.

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"Shame on the people who've decided to launch that kind of all-out assault on the health and the well-being of everyday Americans," he said.

For their part, Republicans have challenged estimates of the overall impact of the package on the national debt. And they have argued that work requirements, if implemented properly, would weed out abuse in safety net programs.

Umit Bektas/Reuters - PHOTO: House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson signs the U.S. President Donald Trump's sweeping spending and tax bill, on Capitol Hill in Washington, July 3, 2025.

MORE: The 2 House Republicans who voted no on Trump's sweeping domestic policy bill

According to a June poll from Quinnipiac University, 29% of voters supported the bill, while 55% opposed it.

The same poll showed that registered voters were evenly split on the issue of work requirements on able-bodied Medicaid recipients without dependents: 47% in favor of the new requirements, and 46% opposed.

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A mid-June Fox News poll found similar results: 59% of registered voters said they oppose the bill, while 38% of them favored it.

About half of voters in that poll thought the bill would hurt them and their families, while 40% said they did not understand the bill very much, or at all.

Some Democratic leaders and officials believe the combination of tax cuts and potential changes to some Americans' health care coverage could allow the party to recapture the anger and anti-Trump backlash that helped the party reclaim the House in 2018, after Republicans passed their tax package and repeatedly failed to repeal Obamacare.

"It's going to be very important for the Democrats to define, for the electorate and for voters, exactly who's most impacted by these Medicaid cuts, and in particular, what the longer term impacts of all the debt are actually going to be," said Dan Sena, a Democratic strategist who oversaw the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee in 2018.

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But the midterms may not be exact parallels.

Heading into 2018, Republicans were defending 25 districts that voted for Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election.

House of Representatives - PHOTO: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries finished his his record breaking speech on the floor of the House of Representatives in Washington, July 3, 2025.

MORE: How Trump's megabill could affect Medicaid and who could lose coverage

Today, 13 Democrats represent districts carried by Trump last year, while just three Republicans represent districts won by former Vice President Kamala Harris.

Eight years ago, Democrats largely opposed Trump's legislative agenda. But this time around, some Democrats have offered support for some of his policies, including the new provision for no taxes on tips.

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Democrats also acknowledge they face a different Republican Party in 2025 -- one that is more in step with Trump, and one that, despite some sharp policy debates, ultimately backed his top legislative priority.

That's not to say there weren't exceptions: Democrats pointed to the dissent of Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., who slammed the bill's Medicaid provisions, and its potential impact on his home state.

His comments led to criticism -- and the threat of a primary challenge - from Trump.

When the dust settled, Tillis voted against the bill in the Senate, but also announced he would not run for re-election.

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Speaking at the Iowa rally on Thursday, Trump suggested Republicans can use the megabill to their advantage in the midterms.

With all of the things we did with the tax cuts and rebuilding our military, not one Democrat voted for us," Trump said. "And I think we use it in the campaign that's coming up -- the midterms, because we've got to beat them."
Two men appeared in Laurel Circuit Court June 18 for sentencing hearings related to sexual offenses with Judge Michael Caperton presiding.

Although 24-year-old Brandon Robert Johnson of London requested to have a change of attorney after pleading guilty in April, Judge Caperton ultimately moved forward with sentencing and told the defendant to contact Frankfort post-conviction.

One of Johnsons charges was amended to first-degree sodomy (dropping the age of the victim), with the remaining counts being dismissed. He received a 20-year sentence for the 2022 case and must register as a lifetime sex offender.

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In a separate case, Michael Rowland Hunter, 56, of Corbin, was similarly sentenced for the amended charge of first-degree sexual abuse involving a victim under the age of 12  down from first-degree rape.

Hunter sought to withdraw his guilty plea, stating he had attempted to contact his attorney and believed a conflict attorney should have been appointed. However, the court noted that no written motion had been filed and found no valid grounds to support withdrawal.

Following an objection from the Commonwealth, the court proceeded with sentencing. Hunter received a 10-year sentence and must register as a sex offender.

Laurel Circuit Court will next convene Thursday, July 3, at 9 a.m. for hearings, pretrial conferences, and sentencings.
By Alvise Armellini and Yara Nardi

ROME (Reuters) -A huge explosion at a petrol station in an eastern district of Rome on Friday injured at least 45 people, including 12 police officers and six firefighters, Italian authorities said.

The blast at the distributor of petrol, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in the working class Prenestino neighbourhood was heard across the capital just after 8 am (0600 GMT).

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The people hit by the explosion are being treated in local hospitals, Italian news agencies reported, with two in a critical condition due to extensive burns and needing ventilation support.

Website Roma Today published a photograph of a huge ball of flame and smoke rising high into the sky. Separate images released by the fire department showed the petrol station almost completely gutted.

"I pray for the people involved in the explosion of a gas station (...) in the heart of my Diocese. I continue to follow the developments of this tragic incident with concern," Pope Leo XIV wrote on X.

Firefighters and ambulance workers were caught up in the blast as they had been called to the scene earlier, after a truck hit a pipeline at the petrol station, Italian media said.

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Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri, speaking from the scene, told reporters an incident during fuel-tank refilling operations was suspected, causing a gas leak, followed by a fire and the explosion.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni thanked the police, firefighters and other emergency services for helping to ensure "that this tragic event didn't have even more serious consequences."

A sports centre that hosts a youth summer camp opposite the station was evacuated before the blast, a representative said in a Facebook video, adding that the five children in its care were safe and back with their families.

The station sported the brand of Eni but was not owned by the Italian energy group, the company said in a statement.

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Five people were killed in December last year by an explosion at an Eni fuel depot near Florence.

(Additional reporting by Paolo Chiriatti in Rome and Francesca Landini in Milan; Editing by Kim Coghill and Gavin Jones)
GUILFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  Multiple streets in Guilford which were closed Thursday evening have reopened after thunderstorms resulted in downed trees and wires throughout the town.

Roads closed in Branford due to downed trees and wires

The Guilford Fire Department said that the 200 block of Nortontown Road still has Eversource crews working on the scene.

Durham Road, Moose Hill Road, South Fair Street, North Fair Street, and Horseshoe Road at Cornfield Lane have re-opened.

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Thunderstorms rumbled across parts of Texas and the Upper Midwest early Friday, greeting some residents with a stormy start to the Fourth of July.

Heavy thunderstorms continue to deluge parts of central Texas with many places seeing well over 6 inches of rain in only a matter of a few hours. Flash flooding will continue to be a prominent risk through Sunday, especially in places north and west of Austin, Texas.

Holiday weekend to wrap on a stormy note

Showers and thunderstorms will linger across the Midwest and the Ohio Valley to close out the long weekend, any of these storms will be capable of producing damaging winds and flash flooding.

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While thunderstorms can spark early in the day, the most potent and widespread storms can be expected in the afternoon evening hours, including in cities such as Detroit and St. Louis.

AccuWeather.com

Farther west, the severe weather threat will be amplified as Saturday's storms in the Rockies pushes into the Plains. The system will move east slowly, keeping the severe weather threat alive for some of the same areas into Sunday. Hail and damaging winds will remain the main hazards, though there can also be localized flash flooding.

AccuWeather.com

Multiple days of severe weather into the early week

The severe weather will continue into Monday when people are returning to work after the long holiday weekend. The overall pattern will feature building heat in the West, and as energy in the atmosphere moves up and over the heat dome in the West, multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected in a zone from the Plains into the Ohio Valley and the Tennessee Valley.

AccuWeather.com

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"As we move beyond the holiday weekend into Monday through Wednesday, each day could bring the risk of clusters of strong to severe thunderstorms diving southward around the periphery of the heat dome," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dan Pydynowski.

While it is a little too early to pinpoint specific areas and hazards for Tuesday and Wednesday, Pydynowski added, "Damaging winds and localized flash flooding from repeated downpours could occur during this time."

AccuWeather.com

As the jet stream shifts later this week, thunderstorms may return to areas that started the week on a cooler note. Some of these storms could bring gusty winds and heavy downpours.

Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safe




NEED TO KNOW

James Kenneth Austin was sentenced to 13 years in prison for manslaughter in connection with his ex-partner Jacqui Purton's death

Purton died in March 2023 after Austin ran her over with his car in his parents' driveway

Purton's daughter said at Austin's sentencing hearing that she "will never forgive" him for her mother's death





An Australian man was sentenced to 13 years in prison for manslaughter in connection with the March 2023 death of his ex-partner, who he ran over with a car in his parents driveway.

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James Kenneth Austin was sentenced Thursday, July 3, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Australias 9News, and The Mercury.

Austin, 40, received his sentencing after several family members of his ex-partner Jacqui Lee Purton read victim statements describing how her death has impacted their lives  including Purtons mother and adult daughter.

A forensic pathologist testified that Purton, a mother of four, died rapidly from her injuries, according to ABC, after Austin had run her over with his car driving about 15 miles per hour.

Purton was trying to leave the house Austin shared with his parents in rural Tasmania after an argument between the couple.

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The mother of four was trying to call for a ride  including calling local police via a non-emergency number  but had struggled to receive cell service.

Then, according to ABC and 9News, Austin drove his car down the driveway and ran Purton over, dragging her underneath the entirety of the vehicle before driving the car back up to the house without calling emergency services.

Local police then returned Purtons call from the house, according to the outlets, and Austin told them not to come because Purton was no longer there. ABC reported that Austin lied several times to emergency services, who eventually did arrive at the house. Austin asked his father to drive Purtons body down to meet an ambulance at the end of the driveway while he instead went to bed, according to the outlet.

GoFundMe Jacqui Purton Jacqui Purton

9News reported that Austin had been violent towards Purton and had threatened to kill her in the past, including driving his car at her and causing her to jump out of the way. Purton also had a Family Violence Order against Austin because of his past abuse, according to the outlet.

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.

Austin had been charged with Purtons murder, according to ABC, but he pleaded not guilty and the charge was later withdrawn. He was then charged with manslaughter, which he was convicted of and sentenced for Thursday.

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"Your actions were cold-blooded, callous and selfish to an extent which is difficult to describe in words," Justice Michael Brett told Austin during Thursdays hearing, according to ABC, adding, The foreseeable potential for harm was extremely high, so is your personal culpability.

Purtons daughter Shakira Robertson told the court she was so afraid of not recognizing her mother after her death that she wore a blindfold while saying her final goodbyes to her body.

To sum up feels impossible, there are no right words, losing her in a horrific way has destroyed me," Purtons daughter said, adding that she will never forgive Austin for her mothers death.

Read the original article on People
SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. (DC News Now)  Celebrating the Fourth of July takes on special significance in the charming Mountain State community.

The occasion brings folks together, and the weather was picture-perfect for Fridays Independence Day celebration.

Hagerstown gears up for July 4th with 2 big fireworks events

Karen lives on the eastern shore and she said she loves it.

Small town, lots of local flavor, lots of patriotism, she said.

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For Lois, with the United Asbury Methodist Church, the parade is a time for fellowship.

Together, looking out for each other, having grown up together, and it makes it extra special that we all can come together, Lois said.

For community nonprofits, the parade is where they can say thank you for all the help they get from locals throughout the year.

Shepherdstown is always a community that comes together, said Jan Hafer with Shepherdstown Shares, a food assistance program. There are lots of opportunities for all of us to work together for the good of the community.

Michelle Suddeth with CASA of the Eastern Panhandle, an advocacy group for children removed by the courts from their homes because of abuse, said theyre at the parade to raise awareness.

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And really celebrating the Fourth of July. Were happy to be part of the Shepherdstown community. Its an awesome place, Suddeth said.

Escape to Harpers Ferry to beat July 4th heat

Katie is a graduate student from Hagerstown, enjoying the parade.

So many people in this community are coming together, supporting each other. Its just a really special community here, Katie said.

After the parade, the local Rotary Club hosted a community picnic at Morgans Grove Park just south of town.

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KIEV, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday that he had discussed Ukraine's air defense capabilities in a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump.

They agreed that they would work together to strengthen protecting the skies of Ukraine, Zelensky said in a post on social media.

According to Zelensky, they also discussed defense industry capabilities and the possibilities of joint production.

The conversation also covered mutual procurement and investment, diplomatic situation, and Ukraine's cooperation with the United States and other international partners, Zelensky said.

The Trump administration had halted part of military aid to Ukraine following a review of U.S. own stockpiles, the White House and Pentagon confirmed Tuesday.

On Thursday, Trump said he did not make any progress on Iran and the Ukraine conflict during a phone call with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 
The publicly-owned Ferguson Marine shipyard needs "urgent investment" to become more competitive and survive, according to a committee of MSPs.

The yard has no pipeline of work lined up beyond the ferry MV Glen Rosa, which is expected to be delivered by the middle of next year, raising concerns for its future.

Holyrood's public audit committee said leadership and governance failings along with the delays and cost overruns building two CalMac ferries had caused "reputational damage", despite the yard's long and proud history.

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The MSPs said there was no shortage of potential work, and recovery was possible but it would require investment and better oversight. The Scottish government said it was set to invest up to 14.2m in the yard over the next two years.

The Port Glasgow shipyard recently missed out on a government-funded order for seven small CalMac ferries, seen as well-suited to its capabilities.

During a visit to Ferguson's last month, committee members were told its bid was rated best on quality, but labour costs meant it lost out to a rival shipyard in Poland.

The committee said the yard's inability to compete effectively in the open market was, in part, "the result of decades of under investment".

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Committee convener Richard Leonard told BBC Scotland News: "When we visited the yard it was obvious that it needed more capital expenditure, but there was no shortage of work out there.

"If they were able to compete for the work that's coming on stream, whether it's more smaller vessels for CalMac, or to support the North Sea renewable wind developments, or to support the Border Patrol service, there is lots of work in the pipeline, it's just not going to Ferguson's at the minute."

A year ago Scottish ministers promised 14.2m of investment over two years to improve productivity, although it remains unclear how much has yet been delivered.

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The Labour MSP said he believed about 25m was required to modernise the shipyard effectively. "This is a yard with a distinguished past which could have a distinguished future as well," he said.

He added: "There is no doubt that the yard has suffered significant reputational damage and that the workers at Ferguson Marine deserve better, the communities waiting for a new ferry deserve better and the people of Scotland deserve better."

The Glen Sannox entered service in January after a near seven year delay [PA Media]

The report raised concerns about a number of recent issues, some of them previously highlighted by the Auditor General. They included:

A decision to award two redundancy packages to two senior managers, above the 95,000 public sector threshold, without government approval.

Top up salary payments made to an employee of ferries procurement body CMAL who was seconded to the yard's management. He was later redesignated as self-employed and submitted invoices totalling 144,600.

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In May, Ferguson Marine said the delivery date for Glen Rosa had been pushed back by another nine months and the cost of the ship had increased by up to 35m.

The committee expressed "serious concern" at this and urged ministers to give "urgent clarification" about where the additional funds were coming from.

MV Glen Rosa was launched from the Ferguson slipway in April 2024 but it still requires fitting out work at the quayside [BBC]

The Ferguson shipyard in Port Glasgow was nationalised in 2019 after contracts for the two dual-fuel ships, Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa, ran into difficulties and ferries procurement body CMAL rejected claims for extra costs.

The last commercial yard on the River Clyde, which employs about 300 workers and apprentices, is now run by a government-owned company, Ferguson Marine Port Glasgow (FMPG).

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Delays and design challenges continued under public ownership with the cost of the two ships now about 460m if written-off government loans and money paid out prior to nationalisation are included. The original contract price was 97m.

Glen Sannox was finally delivered to CMAL last November, nearly seven years late. The second ship is due by the end of June 2026.

While many competing explanations for the problems have been put forward, there has been broad political consensus that the workforce themselves are not to blame.

One of the committee's recommendations is that workforce representatives be given a greater role in board meetings.

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The MSPs noted that the yard remained hopeful of securing orders for three small CalMac ferries in the second phase of the small vessels replacement programme.

A report on their recent site visit also revealed that management had asked ministers to consider directly awarding a forthcoming contract for a replacement for MV Lord of the Isles, an 85m long ferry which was previously built by Ferguson.

The Scottish government said its decision to take Ferguson Marine into public ownership "saved the last commercial shipyard on the Clyde".

A spokesperson added: "We are ensuring the long-term future of the yard and the workforce, and will invest up to 14.2m in the yard over the next two years in order to help it modernise and secure future business."

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They said ministers had expressed their "disappointment and frustration" to the FMPG board over the further delay and increased costs of delivering the Glen Rosa.

The spokesperson added: "They also made it clear to the yard's leadership that it must take immediate and sustained action to restore trust, enforce delivery discipline, and bring the project under control.

"This will be delivered alongside the development of the business's future commercial strategy, which is being spearheaded by a new CEO to enable Ferguson Marine to win new business in its target markets."

More on the Ferguson shipyard
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux was at our station Thursday morning for his weekly visit during which he touched on a variety of topics including the Block by Block initiative, the downtown 4th of July celebration and a naturalization ceremony that took place at the Strand Theatre on July 2nd.

Community outraged, working mom jailed after kids survive house fire

On the Block by Block initiative, Mayor Arceneaux says his office, along with other city departments, has completed two sweeps so far, one in the Ingleside neighborhood and one in the Highland neighborhood.

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We are taking this week off because of the holiday weekend, but next weekend we will be in Queensborough. Everyone is going to meet at the Bilberry Park, says Mayor Arceneaux.

Mayor Tom Arceneaux also touched on the July 4th celebration happening downtown. He says he looks forward to a good turnout and meeting members of the community.

My wife and I will be out there distributing some fans and hopefully meet a lot of citizens and have a great time, says the mayor.

Big Beautiful Bill proposes more funding for Louisiana military

He also shared his experience being part of the Naturalization Ceremony that took place at the Strand Theatre on June 2nd. Fifty people from 23 different countries became United States citizens and recited their oath of allegiance.

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Its really an inspiration. We had good remarks from the magistrate judge and the judge. Terrific performance by the Victory Bells, says Mayor Arceneaux. We had a great time, it was a great time at the Strand.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
DISCLAIMER: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  A Shreveport woman was arrested for allegedly sharing a non-consensual explicit video of the victim on Instagram.

Shreveport Police Department reported that they arrested Mahogany Washington for an incident that occurred in May 2025.

Man arrested for child pornography also faces Louisianas new deepfake law

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SPDs Sex Crimes Unit investigation stated that Washington reportedly used Instagram to post an explicit video of the victim engaged in a private act, without the victims consent.

(Courtesy of the Shreveport Police Department)

The Shreveport Police Department posted via social media, reminds the public that sharing explicit content without consent is not only unethical but also a criminal offense. Such actions can have serious emotional and legal consequences for everyone involved. We urge all individuals to respect the privacy and dignity of others and to refrain from posting or distributing explicit content online.

For more information, contact the Shreveport Police Public Information Office at 318-540-7755.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
More than 60,000 people lined the streets Thursday for the towns 62nd annual Fourth of July parade  an event so large, its considered the second biggest parade in Pennsylvania, behind only Philadelphias.

This parade is such a point of pride here in Canonsburg, said Channel 11s Cara Sapida. So many people put out chairs 48 hours in advance just to get a spot along the route.

Under sunny skies, the streets filled with red, white, and blue as floats, firetrucks, marching bands and veterans made their way down Pike Street.

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I like seeing all the floats come, said young parade-goer Ruby Johnson.

I think today is going to be a good day, added Elle Fulmer. I like to see everyone on the floats. And its gonna be really fun.

The town has an ordinance allowing residents to place chairs and tents two days early, and nearly every curbside spot was spoken for in less than an hour.

For many, the day is just as much about community as it is celebration.

Its great  come down here, see everybody we grew up with, said longtime Canonsburg native John Svitek. You run into people you see once a year  you run into them down here. At the Fourth of July parade.

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Svitek has attended nearly 50 of the parades and has seen firsthand how much its grown.

When I was little, knee high, youd see a lot of open spaces, he said. Now you cant find a seat anywhere  its packed.

Mayor David Rhome said the turnout this year exceeded expectations.

Ive been up and down the streets a couple times and the crowds are even bigger than we anticipated, he said.

Parade Chairperson Carmina Vitullo says its a challenge to top this years turnout, but thats exactly what organizers are planning to do.

It would be tough to beat Philadelphia. Theyre a slightly larger town than we are, Vitullo said with a smile. But were going big next year.

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One of Americas two great political parties no longer thinks of itself as proudly American. As recently as 20 years ago, Democrats were almost as keen on their country as Republicans were, according to Gallup polling. In 2005, fully 81 per cent of Democrats said they were very or extremely proud of being American. Today that number is just 36 per cent.

Republicans have hardly changed in that time: 93 per cent were very or extremely proud 20 years ago, and 92 per cent feel that way now. Their national pride didnt decline much even during the Democratic administrations of Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Democrats have grown more disenchanted with America whenever Donald Trump has been president, but their alienation isnt only about him.

There was a time when even the Communist Party USA went out of its way to present itself as patriotic, insisting that Communism is 20th-century Americanism. The 21st-century Democratic Party is rather less eager to present itself as characteristically American.

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If the Gallup surveys provide one indication of a post-American mentality taking root among Democrats, recent events supply further evidence. When illegal immigrants clash with law-enforcement in cities like Los Angeles, many Democrats, including office holders, side with the foreign lawbreakers. There are some 212 Democrats currently serving in Congress, but only seven voted for a House of Representatives resolution condemning the recent violent protests in LA. The Democrats have come to see themselves as a party that represents populations other than just American citizens.

The charismatic 33-year-old who is the Democratic partys nominee for mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani, is himself an American citizen. But in 2013 his mother, the filmmaker Mira Nair, was quite emphatic in telling the Hindustan Times that Zohran is not an [American] at all. He was born in Uganda, raised between India and America.  He thinks of himself as a Ugandan and as an Indian.

That may have changed since he acquired US citizenship in 2018. Then again, his mother was already a US citizen when she made her boast to the Indian newspaper. Mamdanis father, for his part, is a professor at Columbia University renowned, the New York Times notes, as a major figure in the field of post-colonialism.

Mamdani might very well tell Gallup hes very or extremely proud to be an American, if he gets called during the next poll. But its still fair to suggest that a Democratic Party already drifting in an ideologically post-colonial and post-American direction is apt to accelerate down that path if the son of a top post-colonial academic becomes one of its future leaders.

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At the elite level with the Mamdanis and at the street level with the riots against Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Left side of Americas political spectrum is consistently committed to breaking down the connections between citizenship and the nation-state.

Instead of the American federal government serving as an instrument of its citizens, the Left envisions a government administered by an elite without strong national loyalties, which rules in the name of humanity. To their minds, citizenship and national pride are anachronisms, indeed barbarities, that prevent the realisation of a more just, redistributive, post-colonial society  the kind of thing that Mamdanis mayoral campaign might well have in mind with its call to shift the tax burden  to more expensive homes in richer and whiter neighbourhoods.

Republicans have a steady sense of pride in being American because their view of politics prioritises country over party: America doesnt stop being a source of pride simply because Barack Obama or Joe Biden is president. Democrats, however, clearly have a weaker attachment to the country in general, and that attachment is more party-dependent than it is for Republicans, according to the data.

This suggests that what is a source of pride for Democrats is how well Americas government approximates the Lefts post-national ideal. Trump moved steadily away from that ideal during his first term in office, causing Democrats degree of pride in America to slump, dropping every year to a low of 42 per cent of Democrats who said they were very or extremely proud of their country in 2020. (The number then shot up to 62 per cent  still 25 points below the Republican mark  in Bidens first year.)

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In his second term, Trump has asserted national distinctions against transnational ideals still more aggressively, triggering a corresponding collapse in Democrats sense of pride in America, to todays record lows. For Democrats, national pride means being proud of transcending the old nation.

This wasnt always the case. For all the bad publicity Democrats rightly received for the antics of their anti-American, radical Left-wing during the Vietnam War, the party had a patriotic mainstream. The high levels of pride in America recorded by Gallups polls of Democrats 20 years ago attest to how long that mainstream survived.

But since then the party has adopted a new outlook, fostered by a highly educated elite. This first cost the party much of its working-class white support and is now eroding its working-class Hispanic and black support, while Democrats have picked up new donors and publicists from the ranks of old guard Republicans with an internationalist outlook.

Yet this influx of a few libertarians and neoconservatives isnt nearly enough to offset the loss of working-class voters, and whats worse, it contributes nothing to restoring the partys feel for the nation  quite the opposite, in fact. One of Americas two parties is now a world party instead. Yet voters, especially Americans, prefer the nation to the world.

Daniel McCarthy is the editor in chief of Modern Age

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SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  The Fourth of July weekend is kicking off in Sioux City with a familiar parade, but at a different location.

For the first time in 17 years, the annual Mardi Gras parade is back on the Riverfront where it started more than 30 years ago. Most recently, the event has had a Downtown route.

Story continues below

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The parade, filled with floats, music, and thousands of beads, serves as the warm-up for Saturday in the Park. Revelers from sister city, St. Charles, Louisiana, are in town and joining Sioux Citys Krewe de Charlie Sioux in the parade.

The parade just started, and you can find KCAU 9s footage from it above.

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IA, NE, SD (KCAU)  Several Siouxland lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives released statements on the passing of the Presidents One Big Beautiful Bill.

Iowa Representative Randy Feenstra said in a post on X in part, This bill will grow our economy, fully fund the border wall, and support the U.S. energy independence.

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Nebraska Representative Adrian Smith also gave a statement. Smith said in part, Getting our work done on this legislation is a game changer for American workers, families, and our nations long-term fiscal outlook.

Dusty Johnson, South Dakota Representative, also gave a statement. His statement said in quote, This bill is pro-family, pro-small business, pro-energy, and pro-America. Im proud to send it to President Trumps desk.

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In 2023, 4.3 million people moved to the EU from non-EU countries. Another 1.5 million moved between EU countries. While the EU works to control illegal migration, some countries actively seek highly-skilled workers.

The EU Blue Card is one of the mechanisms for attracting highly qualified workers from outside the EU. In 2023, around 89,000 non-EU professionals were granted a Blue Card, with the vast majority issued by Germany. This number has been rising in recent years according to Eurostat.

The European Commission introduced several updates to make the Blue Card more attractive to third-country nationals and employers. However, experts and scholars remain cautious about whether the Blue Card alone is enough to attract top talent.

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So, which EU countries issue the most Blue Cards? Is it good enough to attract talent? And how do experts explain the large differences between them?

EU Blue Card numbers on the rise

The number of EU Blue Cards issued by Member States has risen sharply in recent yearsfrom 20,979 in 2016 to 89,037 in 2023marking more than a fourfold increase, or over 300% growth in seven years.

It was a relatively unknown residence permit for highly qualified workers from outside the EU with a high salary, Tesseltje de Lange, Professor of European Migration Law at Radboud University, told Euronews Business.

In 2016, the European Commission launched a recast of the Directive in hopes of abolishing national schemes and to offer workers more of the benefits of intra-EU mobility.

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Since then, the permit has become more known, which partly explains the steady increase. she added.

She also noted that many EU countries face significant labour market shortages, and in some cases, the Blue Card is used as a tool to attract international talenthelping explain the increase in its use.

Related

Germany leads EU Blue Card surge with 78% share

The main reason for the rise is the number of Blue Cards issued by Germany, Dr Almina Besic from Johannes Kepler University Linz, Associate Professor Dzeneta Karabegovic from University of Salzburg, and Prof Andreas Diedrich from University of Gothenburg, told Euronews Business.

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They explained that Germany is facing labour shortages across multiple sectors, with some sectors particularly affected, and the Blue Card plays a central role in the labour migration policy in Germany.

According to Eurostat, Germany issued the most EU Blue Cards in 202369,353, accounting for 78% of the total. It was followed by Poland with 7,402 (8%) and France with 3,912 (4%).

Lithuania ranked fourth with 1,710 cards, while Austria also exceeded 1,000, issuing 1,135 cards.

Most EU countries rely on national work permit schemes

Germany has positioned the Blue Card as the main instrument for skilled labour migration and does not have a parallel national scheme like other member states, Besic, Karabegovic and Diedrich said.

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They emphasized that other member states rely on national schemes, based on the discretion and right to set limits to admission volumes. This helps explain why Germany accounts for nearly four out of five EU Blue Cards issued.

Who receives the EU Blue Cards?

In 2023, Indian citizens received the highest number of Blue Cards (21,228 or 24%), followed by citizens of Russia (9,488 or 11%), Turkey (5,803 or 7%), and Belarus (5,294 or 6%).

Other notable recipients included nationals from Iraq (3,990), Egypt (2,529), Pakistan (2,408), Syria (1,810), and the UK (1,074).

Conditions to apply for the EU Blue Card

There are several conditions to apply for a Blue Card. The most important is having a valid work contract or a binding job offer for highly qualified employment for at least 6 months in the Member State.

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Why isnt the EU Blue Card more widely used?

The Blue Card Directive was implemented by Member States in 2011, though it does not apply in Denmark and Ireland. In 2016, the European Commission launched a recast of the Directive, aiming to implement a more unified system by phasing out national schemes.

A key reform is the reduction of the salary threshold to 1.0 times the average gross national salary (and no higher than 1.6 times), with member states allowed to lower it further to 0.8 for shortage occupationsa long-standing concern for both employers and migrants.

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Still, many countries continue to prefer national schemes. Besic, Karabegovic and Diedrich pointed out that member states are not required to abolish parallel national systems, making the Blue Card harder to access in many casesand therefore less appealing to both employers and third-country nationals.

No fast track in Blue Card

In the Netherlands for instance, the national scheme does not require higher qualifications and has a lower salary threshold, making it more attractive for businesses and their workers to use, Tesseltje de Lange said.

She added that the Dutch recognised sponsorship system allows decisions within two weeks, while in Spain, national permits are also reportedly issued in under two weeks. The Blue Card does not require Member States to offer such fast-track procedures, which may also explain why it remains unpopular.

She recommended that the European Commission list more shortage occupations in the Annex of the Directive and align the procedures for recognition of qualifications, which sometimes take 6 to 9 months, to increase the attractiveness of the Blue Card.
President Donald Trump is expected Friday to sign into law his sprawling domestic policy bill, which includes nearly $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid, the government health insurance program for low-income and disabled Americans.

Dubbed the big, beautiful bill, the new legislation will extend Trumps 2017 tax cuts and make up for them in part by slashing federal Medicaid funding, introducing copays for some services and  for the first time  implementing nationwide Medicaid work requirements. The final version of the bill didnt include an estimate of coverage losses; an earlier Congressional Budget Office report projected that about 11 million people could lose their health coverage and become uninsured by 2034 because of the program cuts.

Medicaid is jointly funded by the federal government and the states, which usually mandate that applicants meet certain criteria, such as low income, disability or caregiving status.

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Only two states have implemented Medicaid work requirements: Arkansas in 2018 and Georgia in 2023. Georgias program, called Pathways to Coverage, remains in effect.

Over the 10 months Arkansas work requirement was in place, more than 18,000 people in the state lost Medicaid coverage. Georgia hasnt done a good job keeping track of how many have lost coverage, but enrollment remains low, said Leighton Ku, director of the Center for Health Policy Research at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University.

When people lose Medicaid coverage, they view it as sort of a slap in the face, Ku said.

When your income is down, when youre unemployed, thats when you lose everything, he said. When youre most in need. Thats when you lose your food assistance, thats when you lose your health insurance coverage.

Trudy Rogers. (Courtesy Trudy Rogers)

Kendall Rogers, 40, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, is looking for a job after he lost his Medicaid coverage this year because of the states work requirements, according to his mom, Trudy Rogers, 59.

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The change means Trudy now has to take care of herself for long parts of the day. She has fibromyalgia and nerve problems in her back that make it difficult for her to get around.

Kendall was caring for her nearly full time, Trudy said, but Georgias work requirements dont offer exemptions for caregivers for older adults.

She called the new requirements an insult not only to him, but to me.

Because now hes forced to go out and look for work, and I need him to stay around the house, she said.

Covered in red tape

To justify the cuts, Republicans have argued that theyre not taking Medicaid from those who are rightfully entitled to it  such as, they say, single mothers or the disabled  but from young, able-bodied men who they say are abusing the system.

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If you clean that up and shore it up, you save a lot of money, and you return the dignity of work to young men who need to be out working instead of playing video games all day, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said in April.

But as seen in Georgia and Arkansas, thats not who is largely affected.

Cynthia Gibson, director of the Georgia Legal Services Programs Health Law Unit, which helps appeal Medicaid denials, said many people in the state lose coverage not because they arent working, but because they arent aware of the new rules or face administrative issues like missed paperwork or not having received notices. Others, like Kendall Rogers, are caring for family members but dont qualify for exemptions.

Likewise, in Arkansas, only 3% or 4% of the people on Medicaid in 2018 werent working and didnt qualify for the exemptions under the state program, said Dr. Benjamin Sommers, a physician and health economist at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Sommers published a study in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2019 looking at the impact of Arkansas work requirements.

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His research found that about 40% of the other roughly 96% of people on Medicaid in the state were working the required 80 hours a month under the state program. The rest either had medical conditions that prevented them from working or had other responsibilities, such as school or caring for family members.

Implementing work requirements also didnt result in a higher employment rate  one of the arguments Arkansas officials used in favor of the new work rules.

Most people, almost everybody, was already doing what [the state] wanted them to do, he said. Very few were the proverbial on the couch, video game story that were hearing from some of the supporters.

Most commonly, Gibson said, people arent actually aware that theyve lost coverage until they go see their doctors.

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And that creates kind of a panic, she said. Sometimes they may have something really important scheduled that the doctors wont do when they run their insurance and find out they no longer have coverage.

Gibson said the people most often affected by the work requirement are those in noncorporate jobs, including independent workers  like Uber drivers or delivery workers  who dont receive regular pay stubs and cant meet Georgias work verification requirements.

Others include people with certain disabilities that dont qualify for exemptions, as well as caregivers for children or elderly relatives.

The costs of not having coverage

People who lose coverage often avoid going to the doctor or getting medical care unless its an emergency, because they dont want to accumulate debt, she said.

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They just dont get treatment; they dont go to the doctor, she said.

Heather Payne, 53, of Dalton, Georgia, couldnt avoid medical care after she had a series of debilitating strokes in 2022.

Unable to work, she was told she didnt qualify for an Affordable Care Act plan and didnt qualify for Georgias Medicaid program because she was a childless adult.

Heather Payne. (Jason Kane / NBC News)

She later enrolled in classes to become a nurse practitioner  a career she could pursue despite her disability. By that point, the states work requirement had gone into effect. However, Payne was told she still didnt qualify for Medicaid because she wasnt taking enough credit hours. She couldnt afford to take more.

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To pay for her medical bills, she burned through her $40,000 in savings and is now in collections for tens of thousands of dollars.

When you have a problem, theres no help for you, she said. It makes you feel as though society doesnt care what happens to you.

Dimitris Terrell, 49, of Clarkston, also worries her 24-year-old son, Justin Anderson, could start to accumulate debt following changes to Georgias Medicaid program.

Anderson doesnt work, but he has Medicaid coverage because he has Crohns disease, a bowel disease that can cause chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

Terrell said her son started having to pay large copays last year, after the state began charging copays for prescription drugs and certain services.

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Anderson has paid over $400 out of pocket on doctors visits and hundreds of dollars for the dentist, neither of which he could afford, his mother said.

She also worries about his losing coverage  either because he would no longer qualify or because of missed paperwork.

Hes pretty sad and shocked, Terrell said. He said, Like, Mama, I dont understand why I have to pay.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Its Fourth of July weekend and, like clockwork, Arizonans are flocking to cooler spots to beat the blazing summer heat.

One popular destination? Slide Rock State Park in Sedona, where a natural rock waterslide offers a refreshing escape. But before you pack your towels and sunscreen, theres something you should know: Recent water tests show high levels of E. coli in Oak Creek, likely from rain runoff stirring up bacteria.

The park remains open, and swimming is always at your own risk.

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From water safety to parking tips to admission fees, heres everything you need to know before heading to Slide Rock State Park this weekend.

Is Slide Rock safe to swim in?

Swimming in Oak Creek at Slide Rock State Park is always at your own risk. That's even more true after a heavy rain.

In the past, we used to close the park when there were high levels of E. coli," said Sam Axford, park manager at Slide Rock. "Typically, when that happens, it's after a big rainstorm, because what happens is those sediments on the sides of the creek can hold on to that E. coli bacteria."

And there's also going to be animal waste and litter, and when there's a lot of rain, it washes that stuff into the creek. It kind of stirs up all of the dirt in there, and we start getting higher reading.

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The park's website includes a water quality page that displays weekly test results. The water is tested every Tuesday, and the results are posted on Wednesdays.

Axford said, according to Arizona Department of Environmental Quality guidelines, water is considered unsafe if a single sample exceeds 235 colony-forming units of E. coli per 100 milliliters of water or if the average of recent results exceeds 125 colony-forming units.

How hard is the hike to Slide Rock?

Hiking at Slide Rock State Park is fairly accessible and mostly family-friendly. With several short, easy-to-moderate trails under a mile, its perfect for a quick walk that doubles as access to the famous waterslide.

The hike (to the creek) is about a quarter mile from our parking lot, and it is flat and paved. However, at the end of that, there's a staircase that goes down to the creek area, so anyone who wants to access the water does need to be able to go down about 50 stairs, said Axford.

How deep is the water at Slide Rock State Park?

The water at Slide Rock State Park varies in depth depending on where you are in the creek.

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There's parts where it's ankle deep and parts where it's over your head, like eight to 10 feet, said Axford. Its pretty easy to tell when you're looking, but the main slide itself, when you're sitting in it, its up to your waist. At the end of that, there's a deeper section.

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How much does it cost to get into Slide Rock?

The cost to enter Slide Rock is $30 per vehicle. No reservations are taken.

It is first come, first served, and it is $30 per vehicle that covers up to four people age 7 and older. If they have extra people that are age 7 and older, it is an extra $5 per person, said Axford.

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Slide Rock State Park is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The last entry is at 5 p.m., and the swim area also closes at 5 p.m.

Here are some more tips for visitors:

Don't arrive before 8 a.m. to line up outside the park entrance before it opens. This causes unsafe backups and prevents park staff from getting to work. Cones block the turning lanes into the park overnight and aren't removed until 8 a.m., Axford said.

The park is under Stage 2 fire restrictions. Charcoal and wood fires are prohibited.

Pets are not allowed in the park between May 1 and Sept. 30. Pets cannot be left in vehicles.

Smoking is allowed in the parking lot only.

Do you need water shoes at Slide Rock?

You dont need to wear water shoes at Slide Rock State Park, but theyre highly recommended. The natural sandstone flume and creek beds are slick with algae and smooth rock, making it easy to slip. Many visitors recommend water shoes or sturdy sandals to improve grip and avoid injuries.

Are there bathrooms at Slide Rock?

Yes, Slide Rock State Park has bathrooms. There are two modern, ADA-accessible restroom buildings with flush toilets, sinks and a drinking fountain above the creek. Closer to the creek, you'll find a vault-style, waterless restroom that's not ADA-accessible.

Is alcohol allowed at Slide Rock?

No alcohol is allowed at Slide Rock State Park, according to Arizona State Parks. Additionally, and glass containers are prohibited in the swim area.

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Got a story you want to share? Reach out at Tiffany.Acosta@gannett.com. Follow @tiffsario on Instagram.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Is Slide Rock safe to swim in? What to know about E. coli
NEW YORK, July 3 (Xinhua) -- The first group of immigrant detainees has arrived at a new detention center in the Florida Everglades dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz," amid U.S. President Donald Trump's mass deportation efforts against illicit immigrants, local media reported Thursday.

"Detainees began arriving last night," Tricia McLaughlin, an assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, said in a statement, as cited by Columbia Broadcasting Corporation.

"We are working at turbo speed on cost-effective and innovative ways to deliver on the American people's mandate for mass deportations of criminal illegal aliens. We will expand facilities and bed space in just days, thanks to our partnership with Florida," added McLaughlin.

The facility was built in just eight days. Featuring more than 200 security cameras, 28,000-plus feet of barbed wire and 400 security personnel, it will have a capacity of about 3,000 detainees when fully operational, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said.

Environmental groups have filed a lawsuit to halt construction of the new immigrant detention facility, arguing that Florida officials and the federal government have trampled over environmental regulations in their rush to build the facility, the New York Times has reported.

Human rights advocates and Native American tribes have also protested against the center, arguing that the facility endangers the delicate Everglades ecosystem, subjects detainees to harsh conditions due to extreme heat and mosquito infestations, and occupies land that holds sacred significance for the tribes. 
The 18th EU sanctions package against Russia was discussed and ultimately not adopted during a meeting of the EU Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper) in Brussels on 4 July due to Slovakias opposition.

Source: two diplomats from influential EU member states familiar with the Coreper discussions, speaking anonymously to a European Pravda correspondent

Details: On 4 July, Slovakia effectively blocked the adoption of the 18th EU sanctions package against Russia once again.

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"During the discussion on the 18th sanctions package, the Slovak representative stated that they needed more time to make a decision," one of the sources said. "As a result, the package has not been approved today."

Another diplomat added that Slovakia had held positive talks with the European Commission regarding its concerns over potential losses from the planned halt of Russian gas supplies to the EU (starting 1 January 2028). The source also predicted that the 18th sanctions package will be approved soon.

Background:

Slovakia is blocking the sanctions to obtain guarantees from the European Commission on the consequences of a complete rejection of Russian gas from 2028.

Earlier, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty editor Rikard Jozwiak predicted that Slovakia would lift its block on the 18th sanctions package following successful negotiations with the European Commission in Bratislava on 3 July.

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Photographs which chart the lives of Bradford's Polish and Ukrainian communities feature in a new exhibition in the city.

Tu i Tam/Tyt i Tam translates respectively as "Here and There" in Polish and Ukrainian and the images are on display in the Loading Bay arts space from 3-27 July.

The exhibition documents Polish and Ukrainian migration over the decades with particular focus on those who settled in the Bradford district.

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Local photographer Tim Smith and Polish curator Marta Szymanska were commissioned to create the show by the Bradford 2025 City of Culture team.

Curator Marta Szymanska and photographer Tim Smith worked together to create the exhibition [BBC]

Mr Smith said: "There were big Ukrainian communities, big Polish communities that came over to Britain in the aftermath of World War Two.

"And a lot of them came to Bradford because Bradford needed people to work in the textile mills.

"I started photographing Poles and Ukrainians in Bradford some 40 years ago, so there's a lot of that black and white photography featured.

"But also there's an amazing collection of pictures here from about eight or nine different photographers; British photographers, Poles, Ukrainians.

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"I think our work spans about the last 40 or 50 years."

The exhibition ends with images of those who have fled the war in Ukraine during the past three years.

Marta Szymanska is curator of the odz Fotofestiwal in Poland, where the Polish part of the exhibition was previewed before coming to Bradford.

She said: "We have been working on the exhibition for two years.

"All of these stories are close to me.

"Even though my family doesn't have the migration history, we have the experience of the war, of course, of displacement and changing homes.

"This is something that I have to say is a very, very common experience for everyone living in central or eastern Europe."

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More than 150,000 Poles and 35,000 Ukrainians were resettled in the UK after 1945.

Many ended up working in West Yorkshire's woollen industry, which was short of labour.

These large communities were eventually joined by recent economic migrants after Poland joined the EU, and refugees from the war in Ukraine.

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.

More on this story
(Stock photo by Getty Images)

A Boone County social worker has been charged with negligence and unethical conduct by state licensing officials.

According to the Iowa Board of Mental Health Professionals, Abigail Doerder, 43, who practiced social work in Nevada and currently lives in Boone, is charged with negligence in the practice of the profession, unethical conduct, and violating the terms of an agreement or contract with the Impaired Practitioner Review Committee.

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As is usually the case when charges are filed by Iowas licensing boards, the Board of Mental Health Professionals has not publicly disclosed the nature of the alleged conduct, or when it may have occurred.

Its not clear what impact the charges might have on Doerders licensing status since, according to the board, her license expired in December 2024.

A hearing on the matter is scheduled for July 9, 2025. The Iowa Capital Dispatch was unable to reach Doerder for comment.

Court records show that in 2022, Doerder was arrested and charged with driving while barred as a habitual offender. Boone County prosecutors later amended the charge to the misdemeanor offense of improper taillights and Doerder was fined $30.

That case followed a 2018 incident in which Doerder was arrested in the parking lot of the Boone County Hospital and charged with third-offense drunken driving. The charge resulted in a guilty plea, a five-year suspended prison sentence and 18 months of probation.
Somerset County will recognize two historic anniversaries  one national, one local  in 2026.

The community, along with people across the United States, will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence that announced the Founding Fathers intentions to form a new country. Those events will center around the Fourth of July holiday, one year from Friday.

It will also be the 25th anniversary year of when United Airlines Flight 93 crashed in the county during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

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Plans are being developed to simultaneously commemorate both anniversaries during the first week of August 2026.

Were going to honor 9/11, but celebrate the 250th birthday, said Henry Cook, a retired businessman who is leading the project. Hopefully its a warm coming-together celebration. Were not particularly looking to have any politicians here. This isnt about politics. This is about American people and the people of southwest Pennsylvania.

The tentative schedule includes band music at Somerset Area High School; a concert with national, regional and potentially local performers at Jennerstown Speedway; a battle of the barrels; a fire truck procession to Flight 93 National Memorial; a candlelight vigil for all first responders who died on Sept. 11; a parade; and a drone/fireworks display.

There will also be courses for first responders.

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Events and activities are being outlined in Cambria County, too.

The ideas being discussed include holding a county-wide essay contest for students, getting a replica Liberty Bell through the Bells Across PA initiative, creating a historical quiz show, designing a torch that will be passed from school district to school district, and hosting an event on July 4, 2026.

Its really a unique opportunity to be alive in this point of history and then be able to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Deceleration of Independence, said Visit Johnstowns director of destination sales, Nicole Waligora, who is heading the countys 250th anniversary committee. Its not something that nationally, or statewide or even locally that anybody wants to just see kind of pass by.
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) -South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Friday that a national dialogue aimed at uniting the country after last year's election would continue without his party's main coalition partner.

The Democratic Alliance (DA), the second-biggest party in the coalition government after Ramaphosa's African National Congress (ANC), pulled out of the process last week after Ramaphosa fired a deputy minister from the party. The DA stopped short of leaving the governing coalition.

The parties have clashed repeatedly since the coalition was formed a year ago, with the DA accusing the ANC of acting without proper consultation.

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Financial markets have been on edge over signs of tension between the two partners in the broad multiparty government, though the consensus among political analysts is the fractious coalition will survive for now.

"We will probably have a very, very successful dialogue without diversionary inputs or interference from a party that does not have the interests of South Africans at heart," Ramaphosa told reporters when asked about the DA's decision to withdraw from the national dialogue.

DA leader John Steenhuisen told reporters moments later that the dialogue would be a waste of time and state resources.

The national dialogue is an initiative by Ramaphosa to try to come up with solutions to some of the country's most pressing challenges, like high levels of poverty, unemployment and crime.

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Ramaphosa sacked deputy trade minister Andrew Whitfield last week over an unauthorised trip to the U.S. and said the DA should nominate a replacement.

A DA spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment about whether the party had yet proposed an alternative to Whitfield.

(Reporting by Siyanda Mthethwa; Additional reporting by Sfundo Parakozov;Editing by Alexander Winning and Frances Kerry)
If you've ever sweated through a Midwestern summer without decent cooling, you know it's more than just uncomfortable  it can be downright dangerous.

For folks at Countryside Village trailer park in South Bend, Indiana, this summer's heat comes with an added challenge: remove your window A/C units or risk losing your home.

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"They won't tell you why they want us to take them out," one resident shared with WNDU. "Weve got elderly people that live in here, sick people that live in here, and they could die."

The situation has residents worried, with Indiana lawmakers scrambling to find legal remedies for those facing the potentially dangerous summer heat.

Cooling crackdown comes at the worst time

Since September, 2024, Countryside Villages management has been crystal clear. "If you have window A/C units, you must remove them, management stated in a letter sent to residents, according to WNDU. After three violations, evictions can and will be filed."

What makes this situation particularly tricky is that while many residents actually own their trailers, they pay lot rent fees to YES Communities, which owns Countryside Village as well as hundreds of other trailer parks throughout the country. YES Communitiess guidelines, which all residents must sign with their lease, explicitly state that window A/C units are not permitted.

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With South Bend summer highs historically averaging 83F in the month of July, residents could now face potentially hazardous indoor temperatures.

With my medical issues, no it is not safe, said another Countryside Village resident. I had a doctors appointment yesterday, and my doctor physically wrote me a doctors note that I have to have an A/C unit in my trailer.

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Residents bemoan unfair management rules

Stephen Dempsey, who lives in Countryside Village, is one of the fortunate residents with central air, but he worries about his neighbors who arent as lucky.

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"I think they're putting a lot of pressure on people unfairly, especially a lot of the longtime residents who are on fixed incomes, said Dempsey. They can't afford to just go buy a whole brand-new air conditioner unit."

And he's not wrong  portable air conditioners (which are the most likely alternative to window A/C units) typically cost between $300 and $700 at major retailers like Home Depot and Lowes, with additional costs for proper venting and installation. For those on Social Security or receiving disability benefits, that's no small expense.

Dempsey also knows the dangers that a lack of air conditioning can have on elderly and infirm residents. "Especially for an older resident, anybody with any kind of health issues. It can be dangerous," said Dempsey.

And he's not exaggerating. According to the Centers for Disease Control, heat-related illnesses cause more than 700 deaths annually in the United States, with elderly people and those with chronic health conditions at the highest risk.

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YES Communities has not issued a statement on the situation at Countryside Village, despite WNDU's multiple attempts to learn why it just started enforcing this long-standing ban. However, the situation at Countryside Village has stirred local politicians to step up for the trailer park residents.

State Senator David Niezgodski has formally requested Attorney General Todd Rokita to investigate, calling the situation "not just a housing issue; it's a public health emergency," according to the Indiana Senate Democrats website.

What to do if you're a renter in a similar situation

If you're facing something similar to the situation in Countryside Village, there are several steps you can take before removing A/C units that could be essential for your health and wellbeing:

Check your lease for the exact policy details on window A/C units. Get medical documentation if heat affects your health and window A/C units are not permitted. Request accommodation in writing with management for health conditions that require A/C in your home. Contact local legal aid for assistance if management isn't cooperative. Contact your local news outlet in the hopes of drawing attention to your situation, as the residents of Countryside Village had done. Report potential violations to your state attorney general.

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The Fair Housing Act protects individuals with disabilities, and extreme heat sensitivity related to certain medical conditions may qualify for reasonable accommodations.

What to read next

Money doesnt have to be complicated  sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
By Hyunjoo Jin and Ju-min Park

SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korea's Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo said on Friday that he might request an extension of the freeze on U.S. tariffs that is set to expire within days when he heads to Washington for talks with U.S. officials.

Yeo, who became South Korea's new trade envoy last month, is due to fly to the U.S. on Friday and plans to hold talks with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and other senior officials on Saturday, just ahead of the July 9 deadline when U.S. tariffs could rise sharply.

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U.S. President Donald Trump said his administration would start sending letters on Friday to countries specifying what tariff rates they will face on imports into the United States.

Yeo said the substance of negotiations mattered more than the deadline, noting he would ask the U.S. to take time and accelerate talks to reach a "win-win" deal.

South Korea has sought exemptions from Trump's punishing tariffs on imports of automobiles and steel products, as well as a 25% "reciprocal" levy on the Asian ally currently paused for negotiations.

The government of Asia's fourth-largest economy, which is currently subject to a blanket 10% tariff, agreed with the U.S. in their opening round of trade talks in late April to craft a trade deal reducing tariffs by the July deadline.

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However, negotiations appear to have made little progress and were hampered by political uncertainty over the last few months following South Korea's martial law crisis with President Lee Jae Myung elected as the new leader on June 3.

President Lee said on Thursday that the ongoing talks between Seoul and its ally Washington had "not been easy", adding the two sides were not clear on what they want.

Washington is demanding better access to the agriculture and car sectors, and improved market access and non-discriminatory treatment in the digital sector, Minister Yeo told a parliamentary hearing on Friday.

"The government will respond flexibly by taking into account the level of the U.S. demands and domestic political security sensitivities," Yeo said.

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Yeo also said that the United States was asking for larger investments by South Korean companies in the country and increased South Korean purchases of U.S. energy supplies.

Although South Korea has shown interest in a $44 billion LNG project in Alaska, Yeo said the feasibility of the project was still not clear and the U.S. would only provide more information later in the year.

At the hearing with Yeo, lawmakers from the ruling and opposition parties called for the government to make a careful assessment on whether to invest in the Alaska project or not.

"Once (we're) in the wrong place, it is hard to get out," said Lee Chul-gyu, a lawmaker from the opposition People Power Party.

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South Korea's efforts to reach a trade deal come as Trump said Vietnam and the United States had agreed on a 20% tariff rate on imports from Vietnam, down from an initial 46% rate he threatened.

Yeo said South Korean companies that use the Southeast Asian country as a manufacturing base would be affected by those tariffs.

South Korean companies such as Samsung Electronics have poured billions of dollars into expanding their operations in Vietnam.

(Reporting by Hyunjoo Jin and Ju-min ParkEditing by Ed Davies and Michael Perry)
A mother and her boyfriend were found guilty of torturing and murdering a 7-year-old girl in Hawthorne.

Ida Helen Brockman, 34, and Malachi Xavier Whalen, 33, were convicted of the death of AMiya Dawson, Brockmans daughter, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office.

On Sept. 9, 2021, the couple brought the girl, who was unresponsive, to Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital in Willowbrook.

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She was found with multiple severe injuries. Suspecting child abuse, hospital staff called Hawthorne Police. Officers spoke with the couple and determined the girls injuries were not consistent with their statements.

Homicide investigators with the L.A. County Sheriffs Department examined an apartment in the 3000 block of El Segundo Boulevard, where the couple and child lived together and discovered a crime scene. Brockman and Whalen were taken into custody.

During questioning, authorities said the couple attempted to frame the girls biological father for the murder. However, Brockman eventually admitted to the lies, prosecutors said.

According to the L.A. County Medical Examiner, the young girl endured physical torture and sustained over 58 individual injuries, including severe burns, blunt force trauma, multiple fractured ribs, a collapsed lung, and other significant internal injuries.

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On July 2, 2025, following a 10-week trial, jurors found Brockman and Whalen both guilty of one count of murder and one count of torture with the special circumstance of intentional torture-murder.

Additionally, Brockman was found guilty of child abuse causing death, and Whalen was found guilty of one count of assault on a child causing death.

I want to acknowledge the hard and tireless work of Deputy District Attorneys David Zygielbaum and Kelly Kraetsch, LASD Homicide Detectives Matthew Landreth and Frank Heredia, and the rest of the Family Violence Divisions prosecutorial team, as they sought justice for AMiya, said L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman. Our office will continue to fight for the most vulnerable among us and do everything within our power to prevent such senseless acts of violence.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 12 at the Airport Courthouse in L.A.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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A woman was arrested in connection with a hit-and-run crash that killed a grandfather in Orange County.

The suspect was identified as Francis Guadalupe Tercero-Benavides, 24, of Anaheim, according to the Irvine Police Department.

On May 9, 2024, the victim, Allen Yangkaou Lee, 67, was driving northbound on Culver Drive towards Trabuco Road in Irvine at around 4:30 p.m.

As he passed an intersection, dash cam video captured the suspects vehicle jutting out and making a right turn against a red light. The sudden movement forced Allen to swerve so he would avoid crashing into her.

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The swerve caused Allen to lose control of his car before it flipped over. His vehicle collided with a center median, a tree and a light pole before landing on its roof.

Tercero-Benavides, who was driving a beige Honda Civic, did not stop to help Lee and fled the scene. Paramedics rushed Lee to the hospital where he died from his injuries on May 13.

Francis Guadalupe Tercero-Benavides, 24, of Anaheim, is seen in a booking photo from the Irvine Police Department. Allen Lee, 67, seen with his daughter, Elaine in a family photo. The suspects Honda Civic seen moments before causing a deadly rollover crash in Irvine on May 9, 2024. (Irvine Police Department) Allen Lee, 67, seen with his grandchildren in a family photo. Allen Lee, 67, seen with his daughter, Elaine in a family photo. The suspects Honda Civic seen moments before causing a deadly rollover crash in Irvine on May 9, 2024. (Irvine Police Department) The checkered decals located on the lower portion of the suspects car. (Irvine Police Department) Allen Lee, 67, seen with his grandchild in a family photo. The suspects Honda Civic seen moments before causing a deadly rollover crash in Irvine on May 9, 2024. (Irvine Police Department)

As detectives continued searching for Tercero-Benavides, two days later, they received tips from the public that helped locate her Honda Civic parked on a residential street in Great Park.

Inside the car, identification documents belonging to Tercero-Benavides were found. Detectives worked to locate the woman, but the task proved difficult as she reportedly moved around frequently.

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On July 3, 2025, she was located and arrested in the 1600 block of Anaheim Boulevard in Anaheim. She was booked at the Orange County Jail for vehicular manslaughter and felony hit-and-run charges.

The Irvine Police Department thanks those who provided critical tips that helped lead to the arrest of Tercero-Benavides, department officials said.

Family members described Lee as a loving father and grandfather who always brought joy to those in his life.

He was such a generous and very caring man, said Elaine Lee, the victims daughter. He was everything. It was so sudden and it really does feel like there is a hole. He was ripped from our lives unfairly.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
The Brief

Southfield police arrested two Detroit men who were caught stealing tires off an F-150 early July 1.

A police chase ended with the suspects colliding head-on with a Southfield cruiser.

The men, a 31-year-old and 51-year-old, were taken into custody after the crash.

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (FOX 2) - Two Southfield police officers suffered minor injuries after a fleeing suspect collided with a marked cruiser after law enforcement initiated a chase earlier in July.

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Two Detroit men were arrested after they allegedly stole tires from a Ford F-150 parked at an apartment complex before attempting to escape police.

Big picture view

A 911 call came in during the early hours of July 1 about two men removing tires off of a pickup truck at the Willow Pond condominiums.

Officers responded, eventually identifying the suspect vehicle as a black-colored Chrysler Pacifica which sped away on Franklin Road. The chase went down Telegraph and eventually reached Nine Mile before turning eastbound.

It ended when the suspect collided head-on with a Southfield Police cruiser. The driver left the minivan and tried fleeing on foot, even jumping in a pond in an attempt to swim from police.

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The second suspect was found hiding in the rear of the vehicle.

Both were arrested without incident.

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While recent car part thefts have been tied to younger offenders, chief Elvin Barren said these suspects were different.

Identified as Trachawn Mccaa, 31, and Prince Madison, 51, both of Detroit, were apprehended and arraigned on larceny from a motor vehicle counts. Mccaa also faces a fleeing and eluding charge as he was the driver during the pursuit.

"The question I hoped you all asked - what is a 51-year-old man and a 31-year-old man doing at 3 o'clock in the morning stealing tires from cars?" Barren queried at a Thursday press conference. "And you wonder why this agency responds the way we respond to hold these people accountable."

What's next

Both suspects will be back in court as their cases proceed through the judicial system.

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The officers who were injured in the crash suffered minor injuries and are expected to be back patrolling the streets soon.

The Source

A Southfield police press conference was cited while reporting this story.
HOUSTON, July 4 (Xinhua) -- At least six people were killed and an unknown number of children from summer camps along the Guadalupe River went missing during the major flash flooding caused by heavy rain overnight in central Texas, authorities said Friday.

Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly confirmed the toll, but did not reveal the victims' identities. Further details would not be released until families were notified, according to the Kerr County Sheriff's Office.

"We can't say for sure that they're all accounted for. We know that there are some missing," Kelly said during a briefing Friday morning.

The area has multiple summer camps along the river, including Camp Mystic, a camp for girls, which issued a statement Friday morning saying the parents of the missing children had been notified.

If a parent has not been contacted, their child is accounted for, said the camp.

Several other camps along the river have issued statements saying all children had been accounted for, NBC News reported.

Kelly said the county did not have a related warning system to alert residents or campers.

At about 4 a.m. local time (0900 GMT), the National Weather Service upgraded its flash flood warning, which allows wireless emergency alerts to be sent to cell phones for residents and campers along the river, said the NBC News report.

The service also warned that a "large and deadly flood wave" was moving down the Guadalupe River.

The Guadalupe River in Kerr County rose from 7.5 feet (about 2.3 meters) to nearly 30 feet overnight and is expected to crest at 34 feet in Spring Branch on Friday afternoon, said the service.

Cars, campers and mobile homes were swept away as the section of the Guadalupe River surged in the county, online videos showed.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott said on X that the state is "surging all available resources" to respond to the flooding.

"The immediate priority is saving lives," the governor said.

Over half a million people in central Texas were still under flash flood warnings as of Friday afternoon. 




NEED TO KNOW

The Nyx capsule, which carried the ashes and DNA of 166 deceased participants courtesy of Texas-based company Celestis, crashed into the Pacific Ocean after its June 23 launch

The Exploration Company that launched the capsule said that it was investigating the root causes" of what happened

Celestis noted that as a result of the crash, they believe that they would not be able to recover or return the flight capsules aboard, which were supposed to return back to Earth to their loved ones





A capsule carrying more than 160 souls to the stars met an anticlimactic fate.

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The Nyx capsule was launched on June 23 as part of the program Mission Possible led by a German start-up called The Exploration Company (TEC), according to the companys website.

However, things did not go exactly to plan, with the company sharing in a letter that the payload encountered an issue after its launch. The company said the capsule was launched successfully, powered the payloads nominally in-orbit, stabilized itself after separation with the launcher, re-entered and re-established communication after black out," but then things went off script.

The company said it lost communication with the capsule a few minutes before splash down. TEC did not say what could have caused the issue, but is investigating the root causes.

We apologize to all our clients who entrusted us with their payloads, the company said in a statement in the letter.

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One of these clients was Celestis, a Texas-based company that offers to send loved ones ashes into space. The company noted on its website that its Perseverance Flight carrying the ashes and DNA of 166 deceased participants was launched aboard the TECs Nyx spacecraft.

The company noted that this was the first Celestis mission in which the ashes were designed to return from orbit.

The company said that the spacecraft completed two orbits around Earth  which they say met their criteria for a successful Earth Orbit service  but then when it initiated its return trajectory, an anomaly occurred and the vehicle was lost shortly after re-entry.

This issue caused the Nyx capsule to crash into the Pacific Ocean, dispersing its contents at sea, according to the company. As a result of this, they believe that they would not be able to recover or return the flight capsules aboard.

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Though we currently believe that we cannot return the flight capsules, we hope families will find some peace in knowing their loved ones were part of a historic journey, launched into space, orbited Earth, and are now resting in the vastness of the Pacific, akin to a traditional and honored sea scattering, the company said in a statement.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

According to Popular Mechanics, ashes werent the only thing on board the space capsule. Cannabis plant matter and seeds launched as part of a citizen science project called Martian Grow were also on board the capsule.

The Nyx capsule, dubbed Mission Possible, was TECs second spacecraft to reach orbit in under four years, according to the companys website. The launch was also the first for TECs Nyx capsule, which they designed in order to transport crew and cargo to and from LEO and beyond.

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We are continuing our journey, eager to implement these learnings in our next vehicle, said Helene Huby, Founder & CEO. We will learn from Mission Possible and improve, together as a team. I express my profound gratitude to The Exploration Company's team members who are demonstrating outstanding solidarity, resilience, and commitment to the success of our mission.

Read the original article on People
MADRID (Reuters) -Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialist Party (PSOE) lost ground in the latest opinion poll released on Friday, in the wake of a corruption scandal, and a sizeable share of poll respondents said they wanted him to call an election.

Pollsters Db40, who surveyed 2,000 people from June 26 to 30, said support for the PSOE fell to 27% - the party's lowest rating in two years - from 29.8% in its previous monthly survey. The main opposition People's Party was well ahead on 33.3% support.

The PSOE was rocked in early June when police released a report alleging graft by the party's No.3 official Santos Cerdan, who has since been removed from his posts and is now being held in custody.

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Sanchez, who leads a minority coalition government comprising far-left party Sumar, has resisted pressure from the opposition to resign and call a snap election.

On June 30, a judge ordered that Cerdan be held in pre-trial detention, a move that made the situation even more delicate for Sanchez.

Sanchez has apologised and promised to make changes at PSOE, which will be announced during a congress this weekend. But he has said he intends to stay on through the end of the term and to lead the party in the next election in 2027.

The poll showed 41.2% of those surveyed want Sanchez to call an early ballot, however, while 17.6% want him to step down and let someone else lead the party.

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The conservative People's Party appeared to benefit little from the Socialists' decline as the poll showed it gaining just 0.5 percentage points. But the far-right Vox, the third-largest party in parliament, climbed 1.3 percentage points to 15.2%.

A majority of respondents deemed Sanchez's reaction to the crisis, including the firing of Cerdan, as belated and insufficient, although most Socialist voters in the survey said he had acted in a timely and appropriate fashion.

(Reporting by Inti Landauro; Editing by Andrei Khalip and Hugh Lawson)
Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teach that July 4, the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776, has spiritual as well as historical and political significance.

From Joseph Smith to current church leadership, these religious authorities have affirmed the divine inspiration of Americas founding documents.

By outlining the heavenly origin of human rights, the Declaration of Independence broke with centuries of monarchy to establish a foundation for religious and civil freedoms that the existence of the church depends on.

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Here is a collection of statements from church leaders about the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the founding of the United States of America gathered from church historical documents and publications:

President Joseph Smith

March 1839: The Constitution of the United States is a glorious standard. It is founded in the wisdom of God. It is a heavenly banner.

July 1843: It is a love of liberty which inspires my soul. Civil and religious liberty were diffused into my soul by my grandfathers, while they dandled me on their knees.

October 1843: I am the greatest advocate of the Constitution of the United States there is on the earth. In my feelings I am always ready to die for the protection of the weak and oppressed in their just rights.

President Brigham Young

July 1854: The signers of the Declaration of Independence and the framers of the Constitution were inspired from on high to do that work.

President Wilford Woodruff

April 1898: Those men who laid the foundation of this American government and signed the Declaration of Independence were the best spirits the God of heaven could find on the face of the earth. They were choice spirits, not wicked men. General Washington and all the men that labored for the purpose were inspired of the Lord.

President David O. McKay

October 1939: Next to being one in worshiping God there is nothing in this world upon which this church should be more united than in upholding and defending the Constitution of the United States.

President J. Reuben Clark

April 1957: I declare that the divine sanction thus repeatedly given by the Lord himself to the Constitution of the United States as it came from the hands of the framers with its coterminous Bill of Rights, makes of the principles of that document an integral part of my religious faith. It is a revelation from the Lord. I believe and reverence its God-inspired provisions.

President N. Eldon Tanner

April 1976: No constitution on earth has endured longer than this one. ... It was and is a miracle. ... It is an inspired document written under the guidance of the Lord. ... We believe that the Constitution was brought about by God to ensure a nation where liberty could abound and where his gospel could flourish.

Elder L. Tom Perry

June 1976: The Lord himself said that he raised up wise men for the purpose of founding the United States constitutional government, a form of government that has been modeled and patterned after all over the world because it provides the kind of freedom, agency, and opportunity our Fathers children need in order for them to grow, mature and develop.

President Ezra Taft Benson

October 1976: The Declaration of Independence to which these great men affixed their signatures is much more than a political document. It constitutes a spiritual manifesto  revelation, if you will  declaring not for this nation only, but for all nations, the source of mans rights."

President Gordon B. Hinckley

August 1999: Both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States were brought forth under the inspiration of God to establish and maintain the freedom of the people of this nation. I said it, and I believe it to be true. There is a miracle in its establishment that cannot be explained in any other way.

President Russell M. Nelson

May 2004: Thomas Jefferson, the author of the American Declaration of Independence, wrote that men are entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The pursuit of happiness is not possible without the ability to pursue personal purpose in life and to seek knowledge of ones relationship to the divine.

President Dallin H. Oaks

April 2021: Our belief in divine inspiration gives Latter-day Saints a unique responsibility to uphold and defend the United States Constitution and principles of constitutionalism wherever we live.

Elder Quentin L. Cook

October 2021: In our doctrine we believe that in the host country for the Restoration, the United States, the U.S. Constitution and related documents, written by imperfect men, were inspired by God to bless all people.
Jul. 3A Springfield man was recently indicted on additional charges related to the rape and death of a family member.

Raymond Scott, 27, now faces additional charges of rape, gross sexual imposition and kidnapping after DNA results were returned to the Clark County Prosecutor's Office.

He was indicted in April on three counts of murder, as well as aggravated murder, felonious assault, aggravated burglary and strangulation.

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Scott is accused of raping and strangling a family member, causing her death Feb. 15.

Police responded to a call about an unresponsive woman in the 1000 block of Jasper Street, just off Lagonda Avenue in northeast Springfield, according to a probable cause affidavit. The woman had "no signs of life" and was transported to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

The victim had petechiae  pinpoint spots of bleeding under the skin  on her face and bruising to her eyes, consistent with strangulation, according to court records. A sexual assault kit and other DNA were collected. DNA from the sexual assault kit was later found to belong to Scott, according to court records.

Video footage showed Scott entering the home without permission through a rear window, according to court records. Scott allegedly told investigators he entered because his child's mother was inside. He said he watched TV for about two hours while everyone slept and later heard a child in the home crying.

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When he went to check on her, he noticed the woman and alleged victim in this case was not responding, so he dumped water on her, Scott told investigators. She didn't respond and Scott said he woke up his child's mother to call 911, then he said he returned and performed CPR.

Scott told investigators he performed CPR for five minutes before "just holding [the woman's] body 'like a baby,'" according to court records. He allegedly later said he did CPR for only a few seconds.

An autopsy found a non-lethal dose of delta-9 THC in the woman's system and that her cause of death was strangulation.

A few weeks after Scott was indicted for the woman's murder, lab results from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations found unknown DNA on samples from the woman's clothes and body. The DNA, some of which came from sperm, was confirmed as Scott's June 17.
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN)  Last fall, several juveniles escaped detention or youth development centers in central North Carolina.

CBS 17 learned about issues with staffing vacancies at the time. Recent data shows this is still an issue for juvenile and adult centers, which are filling vacancies, but slowly.

Las September, a teenage murder suspect escaped from a facility in Butner, prompting an investigation to determine how he escaped.

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We did a full analysis of our facility and made some physical improvements to the facility, Deputy Secretary of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention William Lassiter said on Wednesday. I cant go into the details about that for security purposes, but we have made physical improvements to that facility to make sure that the vulnerability that was found in that in that incident can no longer be used as an escape route for juveniles in the future.

According to the Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the vacancy rate for the division on Sept. 3, 2024, was 27%. The rate on June 30, 2025, was 23%, marking a slight decrease.

Two years ago, the General Assembly passed a step pay plan for our employees, which allows for experience-based pay to be put in place, Lassiter said. That increases the pay each year that they work with us. Thats helped a whole lot with us retaining staff and getting new staff into the door.

But the vacancy rate on June 30, 2025, for juvenile facilities operations jobs, such as behavioral specialists and counselors, was still at 32% from Sept. 3, 2024.

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Facilities is the toughest one to hire, but weve opened three new facilities, Lassiter said. Because weve increased the pool of staff we need now, I think thats why that vacancy rate has remained the same.

According to the division, key positions on the team are known as direct care staff. These include youth counselors, which had a 47% vacancy on June 30, 2025, youth counselor technicians, which had a 30% vacancy, and youth services behavior specialists, which had a 41% vacancy.

The division has advertised positions through social media, held hiring events, and offered signing and retention bonuses, according to Lassiter.

Asked if the division has spoke with Gov. Josh Stein about the vacancies, Lassiter said, We have. Hes very committed to trying to figure out if theres additional ways we can work on hiring people across the state.

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There was a bill he signed yesterday that changes the some of the requirements about getting jobs, Lassiter continued. The four-year degree requirement for a lot of our facility positions [was removed]. We think thats going to help by creating a trainee position. Those were all things going to be helped with that new legislation that he signed yesterday.

Hes also helping us look at other incentives that we can put in place. Hes reached out to a lot of the federal employees that were cut through the DOGE process. That has been done on the federal level. Were reaching out to those federal employees to try to recruit them to state government jobs here in North Carolina.

The division is seeking to maintain a ratio of one staff member per eight children in every facility.

Asked if that ratio is currently being maintained, Lassiter said, Its touch and go on a number of days. Weve also brough in temporary staff to try to help with that ratio.

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Anyone interested in a career in juvenile justice may visit the North Carolina Department of Public Safety website.

Vacancies arent an issue exclusive to juvenile facilities in North Carolina. According to the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, the vacancy rate for positions was about 23% as of May 2025, down by about 3% from the same point last year. The vacancy rate for correctional officer positions is just under 36% compared to the 40% rate last year.

As of March 2025, the starting pay for a correctional officer in North Carolina is the third-lowest in the country.

A NCDAC spokesperson said the department is working to fill the vacancies. Recruiters hold hiring events each month and each of the 55 facilities has a weekly interview and application day.

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The department has also hired a marketing firm and runs ads statewide, in addition to offering retention and sign-on bonuses for positions considered high-vacancy.

Anyone interested in a career in adult correction may visit the NCDAC website.

CBS 17s Mary Smith is an Investigative Reporter focused on Digging Deeper and Getting Answers. If you have a story that needs investigating, send an email to Investigates@cbs17.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 CBS17.com.
Assateague Island, Maryland  The shoreline of Maryland's Assateague Island is a familiar place for surfer Zack Tyndall.

A former firefighter paramedic, Tyndall often helped beachgoers there  but now, as the mayor of nearby Berlin, Maryland, he says safety isn't guaranteed.

"I don't want to see anybody drown," Tyndall told CBS News. "We had saves where we were able to bring people out, and we had some where we weren't able to, and that's my biggest fear here on the island."

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The 37-mile-long Assateague Island is shared by both Maryland and Virginia. Each year, millions of people visit the Assateague Island National Seashore in Maryland, which is managed by the National Park Service. However, this summer, visiting families are also seeing shuttered lifeguard towers and signs warning that no lifeguards are on duty.

CBS News asked the Park Service about the staffing situation on Assateague Island, but the agency did not directly respond to those questions  instead, saying in a statement that lifeguard shortages are a "nationwide concern even outside of our public lands. Many communities and cities across the country are experiencing a lifeguard shortage below ideal levels. Visitors have always had access to unguarded beaches and guarded beaches even after lifeguards leave for the day. We appreciate the public's understanding and cooperation as we work to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all."

The Trump administration laid off about 1,000 NPS employees in February as part of its push, led by the White House's Department of Government Efficiency, to enact large-scale personnel and budgetary cuts across the federal government. President Trump also enacted a hiring freeze on federal permanent civilian employees immediately after taking office, which has impacted the Park Service. That hiring freeze has since been extended to July 15.

"This was a policy put into place by DOGE and the current Trump administration that led to a complete hiring freeze on all hiring across the National Park Service," Ed Stierli, Mid-Atlantic region senior director of the National Parks Conservation Association, an independent Park Service advocacy group, told CBS News.

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According to analysis released this week by the Conservation Association, the Park Service has lost 24% of its permanent staff since Mr. Trump took office in January. The analysis also determined that about 4,500 seasonal positions have been filled, including lifeguards, well under the 7,700 seasonal positions NPS earlier this year said it was aiming to fill.

"The reason there are no lifeguards at Assateague is honestly a symptom of the chaos and dysfunction that has been impacting this agency since the beginning of this administration," Stierli said.

A Trump administration official told CBS News that all fire, law enforcement and public facing NPS personnel are prioritized to remain in place.

Tyndall, meanwhile, is just hoping for a safe summer in Maryland.

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"Every day that we don't have a lifeguard here on the beach is putting every one of these swimmers, every one of our local residents, everybody that comes to visit Assateague Island, in jeopardy," Tyndall said.

And the situation could get worse with the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026, which calls for the Interior Department to cut more than $1 billion to the National Park Service, the largest such cut in its history.

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Millions head home as Fourth of July weekend wraps up
Illinois doesnt have the best reputation when it comes to clean elections. The mere mention of the state conjures up memories of Chicagos notorious machine politics under the Daley family, and its sway over the 1960 presidential election.

But now the Supreme Court has decided to consider a more recent stain against the states name. In its next session, it has said that it will hear a case challenging Illinois practice of counting mail-in ballots (known in other countries as postal votes) that arrive up to 14 days after election day. At stake is the integrity of the democratic process and the reasonable expectation that elections, like any competition governed by rules, should not be open to abuse.

The case stems from a challenge by Representative Michael Bost (R-Ill), joined by two presidential electors, to an Illinois law that permits mail ballots to be counted even if they arrive up to two weeks after election day. A panel of the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed the challenge on the grounds of standing. But that was a procedural evasion of a question that demands substantive resolution: can we sustain trust in democratic outcomes while tolerating policies that might allow those outcomes to be perverted?

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Sixteen states plus the District of Columbia currently allow the counting of absentee ballots that arrive late, in most cases so long as they are postmarked by election day. And its not a typical red state, blue state problem.

Like Illinois, Utah also allows these votes to trickle in for up to 14 days. Maryland and Alaska allow 10. Maybe Alaska, given its geographical challenges, should get a pass. But not the other states. California and New York offer a full week for ballots to arrive after election day. Washington State, remarkably, doesnt even specify an arrival deadline  an open-ended invitation to confusion and loss of trust.

The defenders of such policies claim that they improve access to voting. When they are criticised, they tend to respond hysterically that stopping them will end up disenfranchising voters.

Thats absurd.

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In most western democracies, mail ballots must arrive on election day or before. Also, the United States is uncommon in the world for its no-excuse absentee voting, meaning that someone doesnt have to be out of their voting area or physically unable to vote in person in order to qualify.

Voting is a right. Voting by post is a convenience. The distinction is not semantic. Rights are God-given, immutable, and must be protected. Conveniences, even useful ones, are conditional.

The wholly reasonable suggestion here is that, if citizens choose to vote by mail, they should bear the responsibility of ensuring their ballot arrives by election day.

In Mississippi, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that counting ballots after election day is illegal under federal law. This is not radicalism; it is order. The sooner all states move in this direction, the better.

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Consider whats at risk.

Every late-counted vote has the potential to become, in the public mind, a vote that could be questioned. Certainly, a losing politician has every incentive to cast it as such. Every additional day of counting invites suspicion that the process is not being conducted fairly, especially in a country where almost one-third of voters already doubt the fairness of elections, according to a Pew Research Survey. Thus, timely vote-counting is not merely administrative housekeeping, its about legitimacy.

President Donald Trumps executive order on election integrity in March directed the Department of Justice to take appropriate legal action against states that count ballots arriving after election day for federal elections. It also proposes tying federal election funding to compliance with this standard.

An election is not a season  it is a day. Election day is known in advance. It does not sneak up on the electorate. The ability to mail a ballot on time is not an undue burden; it is a modest civic expectation. If a voter cant manage that deadline, then perhaps in-person early voting or election day voting is the more reliable option.

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The Supreme Court, when it takes this case in the term beginning this October, has the opportunity to restore a sorely needed sense of boundaries. Trust in democracy begins not when the last ballot arrives, but when the last valid ballot is counted  on time.

Fred Lucas is manager of the Investigative Reporting Project at The Daily Signal. He is the author of The Myth of Voter Suppression: The Lefts Assault on Clean Elections

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SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  The San Angelo Area Foundation has established a disaster relief fund to assist those affected by recent emergencies. Community members who wish to donate financially can contribute online.

WATCH: Dramatic rescues in San Angelo unfold as floodwaters swallow streets

At this time, organizers ask residents not to bring donated items such as clothing or food to PaulAnn Church. To coordinate drop-off locations for physical donations, please call the office at 325-949-3716. This is to prevent unnecessary handling and moving of items.

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Acting Texas governor addresses Concho Valley flooding

Several locations are assisting with relief efforts:

The Salvation Army San Angelo is accepting support and providing services. Visit their Facebook page for updates: facebook.com/SalArmySanAngelo.

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Center , located at 7887 N. U.S. Highway 87, is serving as a temporary relief site. More information is available through the Tom Green County Sheriffs Office: facebook.com/TomGreenCountySheriff.

PaulAnn Church . Visit their Facebook page for updates: https://www.facebook.com/paulannchurch

Concho Valley Community Action Agency (CVCAA) , located at PaulAnn Church, 2531 Smith Blvd. More information for updates facebook.com/unitedwayoftheconchovalley.

Concho Valley Turning Point (CVTP) is providing food assistance. To learn more, visit: facebook.com/CVTP.ORG.

GoFundMe flood relief fundraisers . Visit their website

American Red Cross  Residents can connect with Red Cross services by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Check the roads  Visit drivetexas.org to view closed roads.

Officials thank the San Angelo community for its overwhelming generosity and support during this time.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com.
ERWIN, Tenn. (WJHL)  Unicoi County leaders and businesses were equal parts relieved and jubilant Friday as word arrived that devastated county businesses would receive millions of dollars in grants from Tennessees Governors Response and Recovery Fund.

Ballad CEO: Unicoi County Hospital rebuild in question due to Senate spending bill

We were still answering the question, could we rebuild?' Unicoi County Economic Development Director Austin Finch said while standing in front of still-shuttered PlastiExports in the Unicoi County Industrial Park, more than nine months after Hurricane Helene. And today we had the answer, yes, we can rebuild.'

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Finch said the grants could be just that consequential for several of the six companies in the industrial park that were ravaged by floodwaters from the Nolichucky River.

We were impacted in a way that without the states help, we might not have ever recovered from, and now we have some certainty that were going to recover our industrial base.

State Rep. Renea Jones (R-Unicoi) was among those lobbying for Helene-related grant programs and said Friday offered a glimmer of hope and definitely time of celebration for the folks that have actually received money.

In our industrial park, some of our river industry, our farmers, they received some much-needed funds to help them bridge the gap to getting back into business.



A news release from the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), which is administering the grant program, said $41,353,959 had been awarded to 126 projects submitted by businesses, farmers, forest landowners, local governments and nonprofits.

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For businesses in Unicoi County, not just in the industrial park, its going to be definitely north of $10 million thatll be coming in, based off what Im hearing, Finch said.

The shop floor at Foam Products in Erwin, Tenn. is much cleaner than it was six months ago, but the company still hasnt started production more than nine months after Hurricane Helene. (Photo: WJHL)

PlastiExports managing partner J.P. Metcalf told News Channel 11 the funds will allow us to make repairs to the building, add needed infrastructure, and purchase some of the equipment needed to start up production again.

OCTOBER 2024: 250 employees: Six Erwin industries future in limbo amid wreckage

Perry Muse of Foam Products, just a few hundred yards up the temporarily rebuilt road in the park, had a similar response.

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We are thrilled to finally have received notification of approval for funds from the disaster relief program, Muse said.

While it will not be enough to return us to 100% pre-hurricane, it will give us an opportunity to restore the facility, electrical infrastructure and partial production capability, he added.

Muse said he hopes the process following Fridays announcement is expedient, given that after nine months out of production, we are hanging by a thread.

Whitewater rafting companies also were hard hit by the disaster, and even more so by its aftermath  prevention of access to the Nolichucky Gorge this year as CSX rebuilds its destroyed rail line through the gorge.

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Whitewater rafting, as a single product, its probably the biggest thing that we offer, Finch said.

We have an accurate calculation that spend is about $1,000,000 because we have the privilege tax. We know how many people are going down and what their spend is. Thats big for us in our commercial base as well, and many jobs.

A stones throw from PlastiExports, workers were renovating Blue Ridge Paddling, another grant recipient, where the retail and taphouse operation could open by the end of the year, even if rafting the Nolichucky is still close to a year away.

While the landscape around the industrial park is a far sight cleaner than it was six months ago, it looks far from normal. Finch said thats proof that Unicoi County has dealt with some particular problems, including the loss of more than 250 industrial jobs, that most counties in Northeast Tennessee dodged in Helenes wake.

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PREVIOUS: Nolichucky raft guides likely to lose 2025 season in Gorge

These funds were designed to solve the problems that existed, and we outlined these problems early on, Finch said. We identified the gaps and we said, hey, this commercial side of the equation is being entirely left off the table by their funders. This is where a solution needs to come, otherwise, our economy will not bounce back. And they did answer that.

Metcalf thanked Jones, Unicoi County Mayor Bubba Evely and Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger and others who pushed for the aid.

Many people have been telling our story every chance they had, and fortunately, the state listened, Metcalf said.

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With rafting activity shut down and the industries just getting back online in a limited fashion, recovery remains in early stages, Finch and Jones said.

Itll be much longer before theyre back to full production, back to full employment, but right now were beginning that process and stepping in the right direction, Finch said.

We know its not going to fix everything, Jones said, adding that some rejection messages have been mixed in with the award emails. We wish we could. But the fact that there was money allotted in the governors budget to do this and be able to help in some small way, I think its just its a good day in 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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
A $14.6 billion web of deceit that stretched across the country has prompted a massive federal crackdown in the U.S. health care system. More than 300 people are facing charges nationwide in what the Justice Department calls the largest health care fraud takedown in American history.

In North and South Carolina, prosecutors say scammers siphoned off over $20 million in taxpayer funds by filing fraudulent claims, targeting the most vulnerable, including severely disabled children.

Republican and Democrat, we're all here with one goal and that is to eradicate health care fraud, said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson, according to WCNC.

Don't miss

Fake clinics, stolen IDs and sham services

The Carolina cases are part of what officials are calling Operation Border War, named after the investigation into a network of fake companies near the border between North and South Carolina operated with the alleged goal of defrauding Medicaid.

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A multi-state probe uncovered two major schemes, both operating out of Charlotte and crossing state lines. In the first case, authorities say Donald Saunders and seven co-conspirators allegedly stole $21 million from South Carolinas Medicaid program by filing false claims using stolen patient information of severely disabled children.

But these kids never received care.

The majority, nearly all of these were severely disabled children, said South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson. Children who were quadriplegic or nonverbal or autistic, billing for services that these minor, severely disabled children never received.

Investigators say the suspects made up fake medical records, billed for nonexistent therapies and cashed in to the tune of $21 million.

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In a separate North Carolina scheme, Crystal Jackson from Charlotte allegedly raked in nearly $2 million by billing Medicaid for services to patients who were either deceased or in jail.

She held herself out as a licensed provider of health care. She was not, said North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson. She provided services to folks who were incarcerated or deceased, or at least claimed to.

The Carolinas cases are just a part of the nationwide sweep, with 324 defendants, nearly 100 licensed medical professionals and 25 doctors now facing federal and state charges.

While the Justice Department says $14.6 billion in fraudulent claims were submitted nationwide, only a fraction  about $2.9 billion  was actually paid out. In the Carolinas alone, scammers are accused of successfully stealing more than $20 million from Medicaid.

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Attorney General Alan Wilson says the crackdown in the Carolinas and nationwide sends a clear message: If you continue ... defrauding the Medicaid system, you are going down.

Authorities say the investigation is far from over, and more arrests could be coming. Both state attorneys general are urging whistleblowers and concerned citizens to step forward.

**Read more: No millions? No problem. With as little as $10, heres how you can access this $1B private real estate fund of diversified assets usually only available to major players

How to spot and fight health care fraud

Health care fraud isnt just a government problem; it drains taxpayer dollars, raises insurance costs and undermines care for those who truly need it. Heres what to look for and how to stop it.

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Review medical bills and statements: Always check Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statements carefully. Keep your eyes peeled for services you didnt receive or duplicate charges.

Protect your personal information: Dont share your Medicaid or Medicare numbers except with trusted medical providers. Fraudsters often steal patient IDs to file fake claims.

Ask questions: If a provider recommends expensive tests or treatments, ask why. Get second opinions if something feels off.

Report anything suspicious: If you suspect fraud, like billing for services never received or fake providers, contact your state Medicaid fraud control unit or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.

Document everything: Keep copies of all medical records, bills and communications with health care providers.

What to read next

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
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By Kurt Erickson | St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Tribune Content Agency via AP

JEFFERSON CITY  A top state budget writer's 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 state's southwest corner, inserted a total of $19 million into the state's spending plan to buy land for a new state park.

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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 governor's decision put the proposed park back on the radar screen after former Gov. Mike Parson vetoed it in its entirety last year that doesn't mean it's 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 property's value," Patterson said. "(We) won't know our options until we go through that process.

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The property in question is an 1,800-acre ranch between Elk River and Indian Creek south of Lanagan near the state's 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.

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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.

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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 Missouri's existing 93 state parks and historic sites, she said.

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With financial storm clouds brewing, Kehoe takes ax to Missouri budget

Spending cuts by the governor include $7 million to help the St. Louis Lambert International Airport jumpstart its new terminal project and $4 million for an O'Fallon police training facility.

Missouri governor takes ax to budget, vetoes $1 billion in spending

Among cuts: $4 million to demolish abandoned properties in Kinloch, $7 million to rehabilitate St. Louis Lambert International Airport and $10 million for sewer work in St. Louis County

Fate of state park proposal in Missouri governor's hands

The Legislature appropriated $12.6 million to buy 1,800 or more acres in McDonald County for the new park.

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How it works: The Missouri House and Senate

Missouri's Legislature reflects the federal structure in many ways. Video by Beth O'Malley

 2025 the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Visit www.stltoday.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The door to the Senate Chamber at the Montana Capitol. (Micah Drew/Daily Montanan)

Sen. Mary Ann Dunwell, D-Helena, is alleging political and sex discrimination by Sen. Barry Usher, R-Billings area, against members of the public and another Democratic legislator.

Dunwell is making the allegations with the Montana Human Rights Bureau, which enforces laws that prohibit discrimination as part of the Department of Labor and Industry.

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Usher, who served as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said he does not believe the bureau has jurisdiction.

However, if it does, Usher said he expects to prevail  as he did in a similar case Dunwell filed during the 2025 session with the Legislative Services Division.

In a summary of initial allegations Dunwell submitted to the Human Rights Bureau, Dunwell argues Ushers behavior constituted unlawful discrimination against members of the public who testified to the Senate Judiciary Committee, and against Sen. Andrea Olsen, D-Missoula, who served as vice chairwoman of the committee.

There were numerous instances of Sen. Usher shutting down, belittling and verbally and emotionally abusing (members of the public and committee members) or silencing and refusing them questions, especially Minority Party Vice Chair of Judiciary Committee Andrea Olsen, said the summary of allegations.

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Olsen could not be reached for comment through voicemails left Wednesday and Thursday. The allegations also state she was treated unfairly after raising concern about the lack of public notice for a hearing.

Dunwell said the Human Rights Bureau initially accepted the case, and she is submitting additional material and may name more respondents.

Montana Human Rights Bureau Chief Tim Little could not be reached late Wednesday or Thursday about the status of the case.

In a description of its process, the Human Rights Bureau website said it will draft a formal complaint if the facts indicate illegal discrimination may have occurred following an intake interview.

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The allegations Dunwell submitted to the agency and shared with the Daily Montanan cover incidents during the 2025 Montana Legislature when Usher led the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee.

The Senate Judiciary Committee reviews some of the most controversial bills of the session and often elicits emotional testimony.

The allegations include harassment, retaliation and discrimination based on political belief, sex, and gender identity by Usher against others with less power than him.

In an interview, Dunwell said members of the public have the right to share their opinions even if they run contrary to the political beliefs of the chairperson.

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She also said she wants to set a standard for more respectful behavior at the Capitol in the future, and she believes women and people who are LGBTQ+ were especially abused.

Im going to come and go. Hes going to come and go, Dunwell said of Usher. At some point, we just need to say, Stop, because we have devolved so much in our decorum and in our treatment of one another.

The summary of allegations said at least 20 other members of the public and legislators relayed experiences of bullying and harassment by Usher but would not consent to have their names used for fear of retaliation.

In an interview, Usher said he doesnt believe the Human Rights Bureau, part of the executive branch, has jurisdiction in the case because of the separation of powers. He also said he believes he has legislative immunity.

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However, Usher said he treats everyone the same  whether youre a Democrat or a Republican or a male or a female.

For example, Usher said in the past, he shut down Dunwell when he felt she got out of control at a hearing, but he also shut down Republican Rep. Braxton Mitchell when he went off the rails as a bill sponsor.

As committee chairman, Usher said he enforces decorum. Some people at the podium arent familiar with the rules, and in those cases, he said he provides instruction to them to keep meetings on track.

If we have decorum, then we can make it through our agenda, Usher said.

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Dunwell said an attorney advised her the case might butt up against a claim of legislative immunity. However, she said many people who were poorly treated by Usher during the session are quietly encouraging her to pursue the complaint.

An email from Dunwell to the Human Rights Bureau said political activist Evan Barrett will join her in alleging unfair treatment, and Barrett confirmed Thursday he believes Usher trampled on his right to participate and abused his power.

Barrett, a Butte Democrat, said when he tried to testify by video in a hearing against a bill to require judges to declare a political party, Usher cut off testimony. Barrett said he alerted Olsen that he  and later, he found out, a couple of others  still hadnt testified.

Olsen alerted Usher, but the chairman refused to recognize him, Barrett said. Barrett said he later emailed Usher and informed him he was violating the state Constitution by suppressing the right to participate.

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After rattling his cage, Usher finally relented and scheduled a time for Barrett and a couple of judges who had been left out to testify, Barrett said, but he said Usher then failed to allow Olsen to ask them questions, which is part of the process.

Barrett said hes a known commodity as a Democrat in Montana, and he wonders if his political affiliation influenced Ushers decision not to recognize him.

Usher said in general, people register in advance to testify, and if they arent on his list of registrants, he doesnt call on them. He said he isnt vetting lists for peoples political affiliations. He said in this case, a software glitch meant Barrett wasnt on the list, but he testified at a later date.

In a narrative of the allegations, Dunwell outlined more than a dozen instances she said are just some examples of when Usher bullied or shut out the public, Olsen, and other committee members.

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In one incident, Olsen tried to point out members of the public who had their hands raised to testify online. Usher said he did not see anyone, but Olsen said she saw at least two hands raised.

Usher said hed been watching the computer for the last hour, and one person who had their hand raised wasnt on the list of people who had signed up to testify, a prerequisite.

I didnt know if you wanted to do my job? Usher says to Olsen.

Id be happy to, Mr. Chair, Olsen replies.

Well, actions have consequences, Usher says.

In the allegations and phone interview, Dunwell said she had filed an earlier harassment and discrimination complaint against Usher during the 2025 session with the Legislative Services Division.

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A Legislative Conduct Panel convened, directed an investigation be conducted, and confirmed the complaint was found to be unsubstantiated, according to a copy of the determination notice Dunwell shared.

It said Sen. Laura Smith, D-Helena, also made informal complaints regarding the same allegations.

The determination was signed by two Republican leaders, Senate President Matt Regier and House Speaker Brandon Ler, and two Democrats, Senate Minority Leader Pat Flowers and House Minority Leader Katie Sullivan.

Asked if the outcome of the Legislative Conduct Panel could indicate Ushers behavior steps up to a line but doesnt cross into discrimination, Dunwell said she doesnt have enough information to know; Dunwell said she requested a copy of the investigation, but she was denied the file based on privacy even though Usher is a public figure.

She said she believes Usher retaliated against her as well by ensuring her bills didnt pass after she raised concerns with HR.

Usher said he wouldnt ever ask anyone to take votes they dont believe in.

He said HR interviewed the parties involved, and the matter, as he sees it, comes down to decorum. He said he and Olsen have a good relationship outside of the committee and talk frequently.

However, in committee, he said, he had to quiet Olsen at times because she would offer longwinded testimony when it was time for questions.

It appears that sometimes she cant help herself, Usher said.

During the session, Olsen had emailed Usher and other committee members in an attempt to ensure legislators were respectful and welcoming to the public and did not lecture them, argue with them, shame them.

Sent in late March, the email is part of the packet of materials Dunwell provided to the Human Rights Bureau and shared with the Daily Montanan.

In it, Olsen acknowledged she needed to do a better job of asking to-the-point questions, but she said all committee members owe the public respect and decorum.

I am writing to request that we all remember our obligation to the public, to welcome them to our committee, to allow them to participate, and to hear what they have to tell us about their concerns and perceived consequences of a bill, Olsen said in her letter.

Olsen forwarded the email to Senate Minority Leader Pat Flowers, D-Belgrade, and told him she wished shed had sent it in January when the session started. She said people were afraid to testify to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Without full public participation, we create bad law with blinders on, Olsen said in the email.
The Brief

A North Texas woman, Ward Sakeik, who is a "stateless Palestinian," was released after nearly five months in ICE detention.

Sakeik was detained in February on her honeymoon return flight from the U.S. Virgin Islands to North Texas, despite being up-to-date on immigration check-ins.

Her release came after she filed legal applications to remain in the U.S. through her marriage to a U.S. citizen, though her attorney disputes the timing of this as the sole reason for her release.

IRVING, Texas - A North Texas woman is finally back home with her husband, after spending months in an ICE detention center.

What we know

Ward Sakeik is Palestinian, but was born in Saudia Arabia, where there is no pathway to citizenship.

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So, she and her family came to the U.S. when she was 8-years old to seek asylum.

Sakeik is considered a "stateless Palestinian", meaning she has no home country of origin.

She thought she was safe flying to the U.S. Virgin Islands, since it's a U.S. territory, and she was up-to-date on her immigration check-ins. But she was detained by ICE on her way back home to North Texas, and spent nearly 5 months in an immigration facility before suddenly being released on Tuesday night.

Sakeik was applauded by supporters as she took the podium in Irving on Thursday to discuss her lengthy stay and sudden release from an ICE detention center.

"My greatest fear was not coming back into the life that I built for myself," she said.

Sakeik's detainment

The backstory

This ordeal began back in February.

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Sakeik and her husband Taahir, a U.S. citizen, had just gotten married, and they decided to take a trip to St. Thomas for their honeymoon, but when their commercial flight landed in Miami, for a connection back to Dallas, she was taken into custody by immigration officers.

"We were taken immediately into the van before we were placed in the van. That's when we were put in handcuffs."

Sakeik said she was initially told that she was being detained because she had flown over international waters.

During her 140 days in ICE detention, Sakeik was nearly deported twice despite a federal judge ordering that she remain in Texas.

Sakeik's attorney

What they're saying

Sakeiks attorney, Chris Godshall-Bennett, told FOX 4 of the confusion upon her arrest.

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"They have to give her an opportunity to say I can't go there, I'm stateless. I don't have rights in that place."

Then suddenly, on Tuesday night, she was released, and her husband picked her up from the Prairieland Detention Facility.

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.

Department of Homeland Security on Sakeik

The other side

When we asked DHS why Sakeik was released from custody, a spokesperson said:

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"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."

Her attorney disputes that narrative, claiming DHS tried to deport Sakeik for a second time after that form was already filed.

Sakeik has applied for a "change of status" now that she is married to a U.S. citizen.

Her attorney tells me he expects she will be granted a lawful permanent residence, then she is allowed to be in the U.S. and 5 years later she can become a U.S. citizen.

The Source

Information in this article was provided from an interview conducted by FOX 4's Alex Boyer.
The son-in-law of Steilacoom Mayor Dick Muri faces criminal charges in connection to a boating crash last summer in Puget Sound that severely injured Muris grandson.

Jarod Kelpman, 50, was charged Wednesday in Pierce County Superior Court with three counts: operating a vessel under the influence of intoxicants, operating a vessel in a reckless manner and watercraft assault, court records show.

In charging Kelpman with watercraft assault, a Class B felony, prosecutors allege he caused serious bodily injury to another by operating a vessel recklessly or under the influence, according to a filing of amended charges. The two other counts are a gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor, respectively, under state law.

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This is almost like giving a death sentence to Jarod, Muri said in an interview Thursday, adding that he had no inclination that charges would be coming against his son-in-law, especially a year after the incident. Thats a surprise, too.

On July 20 last year, Kelpman was with his 14-year-old son in a motor boat when it struck a piling in front of the railroad bridge that crosses the entrance into Chambers Bay, charging papers show.

The incident, reported shortly after 7 p.m. near 2709 Chambers Creek Road in Steilacoom, wrecked the boat and left Kelpman injured and his son near death.

Steilacoom police officer Robert Silivelio, who was among the authorities who responded to the scene, reported that Kelpman stood on a train track in only shorts and was covered in blood, with a severe laceration to his head and leg, according to charging papers.

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Kelpmans son, now 15, suffered a traumatic brain injury, Muri said. He needed surgery to remove pieces of his skull to relieve head pressure, broke at least two vertebrae in his back and had lacerations or contusions on various organs, court records show.

Kelpman is alleged to have been operating the boat at an estimated 30 to 40 mph, significantly faster than the 5 mph speed limit within 100 feet of the bridge, according to charging papers. Pierce County sheriffs deputy Adam Pawlak reported he overheard Kelpman tell a medic he had been going way too fast, court records show.

There were several alcoholic beverage cans strewn about inside the boat  at least two were open and empty  and Kelpman smelled of intoxicants and had slurred speech, according to charging papers. He separately acknowledged drinking two beers and denied being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the filing said.

Kelpman allegedly had a blood alcohol level (BAC) of 0.20, more than twice the legal limit for motorists, after a blood-draw test at a hospital, according to charging papers.

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It was clear that Jarod was very intoxicated when he arrived at the hospital one hour after the crash, Pierce County Sheriffs Office detective Montgomery Minion wrote in an incident report, court records show.

Two other results from BAC tests on the day of the crash, also cited in charging papers, showed Kelpman had BAC levels of 0.16 and 0.13  the latter from a blood draw performed under a warrant.

Following the crash, Kelpman purportedly told medical personnel that he struck a rocky shoreline while trying to dock the boat and was thrown onto the rocks, but he was able to get himself out of the water and onto the shore next to the train tracks, charging papers said.

Kelpman wasnt immediately available to comment on the charges, and it wasnt even clear if he knew about the case, Muri told The News Tribune.

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Kelpman was in a hospital Thursday with his son who had surgery the prior day due to an issue related to a shunt in his brain, according to Muri, who was hopeful his grandson would be returning home soon. He said the boy has made very slow progress in his recovery over the past year.

Muri said he showed up to the scene last summer after learning there had been an accident but didnt realize his family was involved  or even that his son-in-law owned a boat  until he witnessed his grandson being tended to by medical personnel.

I was shocked, Muri said.

In the aftermath, many in the town have asked about the boy  a gentle giant  and prayed for the family, according to Muri.

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Muri said Kelpman has been an around-the-clock caretaker for the boy since the crash and is mentally distraught. Muri worried for his son-in-laws ability to maintain his role and his mental health now that he is facing criminal charges.

Jarod has basically dedicated his whole life to hopefully bringing his son to some level of recovery, he said. This will be very tough on the family.

He said he couldnt agree or disagree with the criminal case but only hoped that it would be fair.

The system does what the system does, he said.

While Kelpman has been consistently by the boys side, Muris daughter has handled the familys financial responsibilities, according to Muri.

I worry about my daughter, I worry about my grandkids, he said. But I also worry about Jarod.
Jul. 4STERLING  In 2017, Starr Shamp noticed a lump in her breast but did not think much of it. One year later, she was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer.

But since that time, Shamp has not only balanced cancer treatments, her wedding, pregnancy and the premature birth of her son, but also has successfully finished graduate school and earned a degree that will allow her to help others who find themselves trying to cope in the throes of illness.

The inspirational journey that carried her to her dreams also included another major milestone  the opportunity to give a commencement speech and share her story of hope at her June graduation from Bellevue University in Bellevue, Nebraska.

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"Being up there and being able to tell my story and give people hope was fantastic," Shamp said. "Sometimes all people need is just a little bit of hope that they're doing something right. That's what I wanted my message to be. Just do the thing. No matter how you have to do it, just do it because it's your thing."

Shamp was in her early 20s at the time she discovered the lump, deciding not to pay any more attention to it.

"I didn't get it checked because of my age," Shamp said. "Being young, you just never think that it's going to be something serious and at that time, I had been working out a lot and thought that maybe it's just some muscle growth or something."

The next year she realized it had grown and her skin had started "dimpling," a change that makes it look pitted or uneven, similar to an orange peel. Dimpling can be a warning sign of breast cancer, particularly inflammatory breast cancer, and happens when lymph vessels become blocked.

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Although dimpling can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions, the change was alarming enough to prompt Shamp to have the lump checked. On May 9, 2018, she received a diagnosis that would forever change her life  stage 4 breast cancer.

"It was kind of surreal because you never think you're going to be that person," Shamp said. "We all know that cancer is everywhere and a lot of people get it, but being so young, I thought there's no way that's what it is. It's probably going to be a cyst or some sort of benign growth. But then we found out it was stage 4, and it had spread to my liver."

The news came at a point in Shamp's life where "a lot of really good things were happening." She had recently started a new job at HALO Branded Solutions in Sterling and was in the process of buying a home. Despite the shock of her diagnosis, Shamp did not let it completely derail her life.

"I was still able to work. Halo was an incredible support system," Shamp said, noting that although she was not yet eligible for job protections like the Family and Medical Leave Act, the company made accommodations so she could continue receiving regularly scheduled chemotherapy treatments without fear of losing her job.

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Shamp began chemotherapy June 14, 2018, just one day after her birthday, receiving treatments every three weeks through September. From there, she transitioned into six weeks of radiation, but treatment never fully stopped.

"I went on maintenance chemo after that," Shamp said. "They just removed one of the drugs from my initial regimen."

The ongoing maintenance therapy was designed to target the specific protein fueling her cancer, keeping the disease under control.

At the time, surgery was not part of the plan. Because Shamp's cancer was already stage 4 and had spread, current guidelines suggested that surgery would not significantly improve survival outcomes.

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"They just didn't do it for stage 4 patients," Shamp said. "The thinking was that it wouldn't make a difference since it was already in the body."

But everything changed in January 2019 when a scan showed something remarkable: There was no longer any visible cancer in the breast. With that unexpected news, Shamp's care team reconsidered surgery. She was referred back to the surgeon, who agreed to operate, leading to her initial mastectomy with reconstructive surgery.

Throughout her treatments, Shamp often reflected on her future. What she discovered was that while she remained focused on trying to survive, the world around her had moved on.

"After a while, especially with stage 4, it feels like people forget," Shamp said. "They get used to you having cancer, and the check-ins, the outreach, it just kind of stops."

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That sense of being overlooked, even while still navigating the emotional and physical toll of the disease, ultimately motivated Shamp to return to school in August 2021 to pursue a career in counseling.

"When I was in high school, I wanted to pursue a psychology-related field but I didn't have the confidence to do it," Shamp admitted. "I pivoted and went to school for event planning. But after the diagnosis and living through it, that's when I was like, 'You know what? This is what I really want to do, and I can do it."

In January 2021, Shamp got married. By the end of that same year, she became pregnant. But what should have been a joyful and hope-filled chapter brought new challenges.

"I had a recurrence during my pregnancy," Shamp said. "I was about six months pregnant when I found a little lump in my neck."

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Due to concerns about imaging that could affect the baby, Shamp's doctors waited before proceeding with diagnostics. Eventually, a biopsy confirmed the same type of cancer had returned.

Shamp's care team made the difficult decision to induce labor early so she could resume treatment.

"They wanted to go ahead and get me delivered so they could get me back on chemotherapy," Shamp said.

Her son, Harrison, was born about six weeks premature and spent several weeks in a Rockford neonatal intensive care unit.

"That was a really difficult time, trying to navigate all of that," Shamp said. "But we got through it with the help of our family and friends."

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Defying the odds  the American Cancer Society reports that only 32% of women diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer survive beyond five years  Shamp stood proudly on stage at Bellevue University on June 7, having earned her master's degree. She delivered the commencement speech to her graduating class.

Despite her success, Shamp admitted it took "a lot of therapy" to come to terms with her diagnosis and realize that cancer did not mean she had to stop chasing her dreams.

"At one point, it just felt like it wasn't worth it, like I should just do whatever because I don't know how long I'm going to live," Shamp said. "But I had to reframe that and try to understand that I could still live and I would regret looking back and knowing that I wasted a bunch of time, that I could have done something I really wanted to do and didn't just because I was scared."

She said the experience has transformed the way she thinks.

"This has opened my eyes and let me know that there's really nothing to be afraid of," Shamp said. "Everybody might not like you or appreciate what you have to say, but at the end of the day, you have to worry about what you're doing and what impact you're putting out there. If people don't like that, it's fine. You have to accept that and be able to continue moving forward with what your goals are."
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).

Crisp, fresh and satisfying, Caesar salad is a dish thats conquered dining outlets the world over, from your neighbourhood bistro and Pret A Manger to Michelin-starred marvels like Osteria Mozza in Los Angeles. While mayonnaise-heavy iterations haunt room-service menus in hotels far and wide, Caesar salad purists live and breathe its original recipe: whole romaine lettuce leaves, crunchy garlic croutons tossed in a tangy, raw-egg-based dressing of minced anchovies and garlic, dijon mustard, lemon, salt and pepper, topped with shaved parmesan.

This punchy salads basic, accessible ingredients mean its a fabulously flexible dish, easy to spruce up, adding extras to the core ingredients. Thats maybe why, in 1953, the Paris-based International Society of Epicures hailed the recipe as the greatest to originate in the Americas in 50 years and why it hasnt fallen off the restaurant radar in its 101 years of existence.

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Take LAs Bar Etoile, where the salad is transformed into a mighty beef tartare hybrid. Thick slices of toasted bread are layered with the dressing and raw beef mixed with speckles of anchovy plus freshly grated lemon zest and parmesan. But if youre a Caesar purist, you might want to instead sample the original at Quebecs Le Continental, complete with the spectacle of it being put together tableside.

The original recipe of Caesar salad consists of whole romaine lettuce leaves and garlic croutons tossed in a dressing of egg yolks, anchovies, garlic, dijon mustard, lemon, salt and pepper, topped with shaved parmesan. Photography by Lisovskaya Natalia, Getty Images

Origin

The Caesar salad was born in 1924 in the Mexican border city of Tijuana, where Italian immigrant Caesar Cardini had opened Restaurante Caesar's to attract US visitors craving an escape from the prohibition laws. The story goes that on a bustling Fourth of July, the restaurant was running short on menu items, so Caesar snatched up the leftover ingredients, rolled them out in a dining cart in the presence of drunk, hunger-stricken Americans, and prepared an improvised salad with a theatrical flourish, tableside, distracting them from the random ingredients. It was an unexpected success.

Word spread to the US, then across the world. Silver-screen celebrities including Clark Gable and Jean Harlow flocked to the border town to try it. When legendary 1960s US food broadcaster Julia Child made a pilgrimage, she called the dish a sensation of a salad from coast to coast.

While Caesar is credited with inventing the dish, some historians credit his brother, Alex Cardini, with creating the definitive version. They say it was he who added anchovies and dijon mustard to the dressing of the original recipe  ingredients still used in the salad to this day. Livio Santini, a cook at Caesars restaurant, also threw his name in the ring, claiming that the original recipe was his mothers.

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The world may never know the true inventor, but historians do agree its a Tijuana creation. Visit Caesars today, and youll find a portrait of Cardini hung on the wall opposite Santini's, commemorating the salads legacy.

Tijuana native, Frank Vizcarra, is owner of taco and cocktail joint, Lola 55, and serves up a Caesar salad thats seasoned with pasilla chilli salt for extra Mexican pizazz. Photograph by Sam Wells

How is it made?

Traditionally, Caesar salad would be made tableside, showcasing the freshness of the ingredients, and adding dramatics to the diners experience.

In a large wooden bowl, the ensalador, or salad maker, adds each ingredient one by one. First, the diced garlic, then Worcestershire sauce, raw egg yolk, lime juice, cracked pepper and a pinch of salt. Next, the olive oil is slowly incorporated into the bowl while whisking, followed by grated parmesan. Once its thickened into a creamy, tangy dressing, whole romaine leaves are added and tossed, then the croutons. The lettuce is then laid out on a plate, then croutons, before more of that precious parmesan is grated on top.

Nowadays, most restaurants use Alex Cardinis variation of the Caesar, swapping out the Worcestershire sauce for anchovies minced to a paste; dijon mustard and lemon instead of lime (which was probably a translation error by Americans who thought limon meant lemon). And salad prep mostly stays in the kitchen, although those who revel in its history still offer the tableside show.

At LAs Bar Etoile, the salad is transformed into a mighty beef tartare hybrid. Photograph by Kort Havens

Where to try it

Caesars, Tijuana

While the exact original recipe is no longer offered  today, the dressing uses Worcestershire, anchovies, Tabasco and lemon along with roasted and raw garlic  foodies still flock to Caesars Restaurants to get the original tableside show. Last year, Caesars celebrated the salads 100th anniversary, with chefs including Jose Andres and Dominique Crenn attending to honour the immortal dish.

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Paradise Point Resort & Spa, San Diego

Paradise Point Resort & Spa serves what it calls the Original Caesar. Romaine hearts and house-made croutons are tossed in a dressing that substitutes the minced garlic and lemon juice of the standard recipe for roasted garlic and lime. And it dares to test purists by offering additional protein: chicken, salmon or shrimp.

Lola 55 Tacos & Cocktails, San Diego

Tijuana native, Frank Vizcarra, is owner of this taco and cocktail joint that serves up a Caesar salad thats seasoned with pasilla chilli salt for extra Mexican pizazz and accompanied by a whole grilled lemon on the side.

Dan Tanas, LA

This stalwart Santa Monica Boulevard restaurant opened in 1964 and is one of few still offering the original tableside Caesar experience.

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The group won't surrender its entire arsenal, but would consider turning over some weapons on condition Israel withdraws from southern Lebanon and halts its attacks, sources told Reuters.

Hezbollah has begun a major strategic review in the wake of its war with Israel, including considering scaling back its role as an armed movement without disarming completely, three sources familiar with the deliberations say.

The official and two other sources familiar with the discussions indicated Hezbollah has concluded that the arsenal it had amassed to deter Israel from attacking Lebanon had become a liability.

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The internal discussions, which aren't yet finalized and haven't previously been reported, reflect the formidable pressuresthe Iran-backed Lebanese terror group has faced since a truce was reached with Israel in late November.

Another senior official, who is familiar with Hezbollah's internal deliberations, said the group had been holding clandestine discussions on its next steps.

Small committees have been meeting in person or remotely to discuss issues including their leadership structure, political role, social and development work, and weapons, the official said on condition of anonymity.

Pallbearers carry coffins, during the funeral of Haider al-Moussawi, head of the security unit in the Shi'ite armed group Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada, and senior Hezbollah figure Abu Ali Khalil, who were killed in an Israeli airstrike on Tehran, amid the Iran-Israel conflict, in Baghdad, June 22, 2025 (credit: REUTERS/THAIER AL-SUDANI)

Hezbollah "had an excess of power," the official said. "All that strength turned into a weak point."

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Hezbollah has since relinquished a number of weapons depots in southern Lebanon to the Lebanese armed forces as stipulated in last year's truce, though Israel saysit has struck military infrastructure there still linked to the group.

Hezbollah's new considerations to turn over weapons

Hezbollah is now considering turning over some weapons it has elsewhere in the country, notably missiles and drones seen as the biggest threat to Israel, on condition Israel withdraws from the south and halts its attacks, the sources said.

But the group won't surrender its entire arsenal, the sources said. For example, it intends to keep lighter arms and anti-tank missiles, they said, describing them as a means to resist any future attacks.

Hezbollah's media office did not respond to questions for this article.

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Israel's military said it would continue operating along its northern border in accordance with the understandings between Israel and Lebanon, in order to eliminate any threat and protect Israeli citizens.

The US State Department declined to comment on private diplomatic conversations, referring questions to Lebanon's government. Lebanon's presidency did not respond to questions.

US talks to scale back Hezbollah's arms

This comes after a Friday Al Akhbar report that a Lebanese source closely connected to the US administration has been engaged in discussions with Hezbollah regarding the terror group's arms.

According to the report, the discussion involved what could potentially be offered in exchange for Hezbollah handing over its weapons.

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The source from the Al Akhbar report explained that the goal of such communications is to convince Hezbollah that "their weapons have become a burden and to encourage the group to hand them over to the state, rather than by having to try and take them using threats, force, or populist rhetoric.

Hezbollah expects that it will receive in return military and security guarantees as reassurances from international and Arab parties, the source added.

The guarantees being discussed, the source clarified, are "international, American, Arab, and internal." They would also involve Israel's withdrawal from areas in southern Lebanon.

The source added that there is a sentiment within the US administration that Lebanon is procrastinating and moving at a snails pace regarding Hezbollahs weapons.
Strokes among young people are on the rise.

Classic risk factors, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, play a role, as does stress and a sedentary lifestyle. But doctors say taking fast action is critical at any age.

Aubrey Hasley is happy to focus on homework these days after what started as a typical migraine a little more than a year ago could have turned tragic.

More Coverage: WGNs Medical Watch

Aubrey Hasley

I have a history of having migraines with aura, Hasley said. So initially I thought, OK, this is going to be a migraine, let me go lay down and try to sleep and nap it off.'

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Thankfully, she didnt.

As I was laying there, my coordination started to feel a little bit off, she said.

Hasleys mother drove her to the emergency room, where an initial brain scan appeared normal.

I was still sitting in the room with my mom when she started to notice that my words started to sound like they were slurring, and at this point, I started to lose feeling in the right side of my body a little bit, Hasley said.

Unbeknownst to the 22-year-old, Hasley was having a stroke.

Dr. Mohammad Anadani works with Endeavor Health Neurologist.

We see the contrast is the black, and then it stops here, and that is where the blood stops also, so thats where the clot was, Anadani said. This is what we call the basilar artery. Its one of the most important; we cannot survive without this artery.

Dr. Mohammad Anadani

Dr. Mohammad Anadani said that he would treat about one young patient a year. Now, In the last year, I treated two, and just in the last month, I treated two in their 20s and 30s.

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The signs and symptoms are often the same in elderly and young patients. Doctors caution those who may be at risk to remember the acronym FAST to help spot a stroke. Look for asymmetry in the face; arm, or leg weakness; slurred speech; and call 911 immediately, as time is critical.

Every minute were waiting, its more brain damage, Anadani said.

In Hasleys case, Dr. Anadani used a catheter to pull the clot out and restore blood flow.

All these branches or arteries that were not getting blood are now getting blood, he said. What can cause stroke in the elderly can also cause stroke in younger people, but younger people do have some unique risk factors like migraine, oral contraceptives, or even pregnancy.

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Hasley had another risk factor unique to younger patients  an undiagnosed hole in her heart that allowed the clot to travel to her brain.

When she initially had the symptoms, she didnt think stroke first, but then eventually she thought of stroke, Anadani said.

But Hasley says her first instinct was hesitancy.

I didnt want to be dramatic or get there, and they tell me that I was just having a migraine and send me home, she said. But I think its important you know your body and have to listen to it.

If you have a family history of stroke, let your doctor know so you can undergo proper screening.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  Did you or your child take the Biology or Earth Science Regents Exam in June? How did they feel about it after?

New York State United Teachers President Melinda Person is speaking out after reported issues with this years Regents Biology and Earth Science exams, which educators say included material not aligned with the state-approved curriculum.

In a statement released Thursday, Person said the union received multiple reports that the June exams contained questions on topics that teachers and students were not prepared for based on existing standards.

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We heard many reports from our members that this years Biology and Earth Science exams contained topics and questions with unforeseen, off-curriculum material, Person said. Educators work tirelessly to prepare students for success in accordance with state-approved standards. When tests dont align with these standards, it creates confusion, undermines confidence, and is unfair to students and educators alike.

Person emphasized that NYSUT stands in full support of both students and educators, calling the situation disappointing and frustrating.

Watching students who have worked hard and prepared throughout the year struggle with off-topic materials is disappointing and frustrating for our educators, she said. We are actively working with [the State Education Department] to ensure this doesnt happen again and to create better alignment moving forward so every student has the opportunity to demonstrate what theyve learned.

The Regents exams were held in mid-June. Districts and students have recently begun receiving scores.

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NYSUT says it will continue to press for changes to ensure that future assessments accurately reflect the standards taught in classrooms statewide.

The New York State United Teachers President released a statement Thursday regarding reported issues with this years exams in those subjects  which contained topics and questions that were not properly aligned with approved curriculum materials.

As districts and students are now receiving scores from those tests, NYSUT said it is disappointing and frustrating to have heard about the off-topic materials in the exams.

Educators work tirelessly to prepare students for success in accordance with state-approved standards, the statement read. When tests dont align with these standards, it creates confusion, undermines confidence, and is unfair to students and educators alike.

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NYSUT stands firmly behind our educators and students. Watching students who have worked hard and prepared throughout the year struggle with off-topic materials is disappointing and frustrating for our educators. We are actively working with SED to ensure this doesnt happen again and to create better alignment moving forward so every student has the opportunity to demonstrate what theyve learned.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Sudan plunged into a civil war in April 2023 after a vicious struggle for power broke out between its army and a powerful paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

It has led to a famine and claims of a genocide in the western Darfur region.

More than 150,000 people have died in the conflict across the country, and about 12 million have fled their homes in what the United Nations has called the world's largest humanitarian crisis.

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Here is what you need to know.

Where is Sudan?

Sudan is in north-east Africa and is one of the largest countries on the continent, covering 1.9 million sq km (734,000 sq miles).

It borders seven countries and the Red Sea. The River Nile also flows through it, making it a strategically important for foreign powers.

The population of Sudan is predominantly Muslim and the country's official languages are Arabic and English.

Even before the war started, Sudan was one of the poorest countries in the world - despite the fact that it is a gold-producing nation.

Its 46 million people were living on an average annual income of $750 (600) a head in 2022.

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The conflict has made things much worse. Last year, Sudan's finance minister said state revenues had shrunk by 80%.

What triggered the conflict?

The civil war is the latest episode in bouts of tension that followed the 2019 ousting of long-serving President Omar al-Bashir, who came to power in a coup in 1989.

There were huge street protests calling for an end to his near-three decade rule and the army mounted a coup to get rid of him.

But civilians continued to campaign for the introduction of democracy.

A joint military-civilian government was then established but that was overthrown in another coup in October 2021.

The coup was staged by the two men at the centre of the current conflict:

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Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of the armed forces and in effect the country's president

And his deputy, RSF leader Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, better known as "Hemedti".

But then Gen Burhan and Gen Dagalo disagreed on the direction the country was going in and the proposed move towards civilian rule.

The main sticking points were plans to incorporate the 100,000-strong RSF into the army, and who would then lead the new force.

The suspicions were that both generals wanted to hang on to their positions of power, unwilling to lose wealth and influence.

Shooting between the two sides began on 15 April 2023 following days of tension as members of the RSF were redeployed around the country in a move that the army saw as a threat.

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It is disputed who fired the first shot but the fighting swiftly escalated, with the RSF seizing much of Khartoum until the army regained control of it almost two years later in March 2025.

Who are the Rapid Support Forces?

The RSF was allied with the military until they fell out [Reuters]

The RSF was formed in 2013 and has its origins in the notorious Janjaweed militia that brutally fought rebels in Darfur, where they were accused of genocide and ethnic cleansing against the region's non-Arab population.

Since then, Gen Dagalo has built a powerful force that has intervened in conflicts in Yemen and Libya.

He also controls some of Sudan's gold mines, and allegedly smuggles the metal to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

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The army accuses the UAE of backing the RSF, and carrying out drone strikes in Sudan. The oil-rich Gulf state denies the allegation.

The army also accuses eastern Libyan strongman Gen Khalifa Haftar of supporting the RSF by helping it to smuggle weapons into Sudan, and sending fighters to bolster the RSF.

In early June 2025, the RSF achieved a major victory when it took control of territory along Sudan's border with Libya and Egypt.

The RSF also controls almost all of Darfur and much of neighbouring Kordofan.

It has declared plans to form a rival government, raising fears that Sudan could split for a second time - South Sudan seceded in 2011, taking with it most of the country's oil fields.

What does the army control?

The military controls most of the north and the east. Its main backer is said to be Egypt, whose fortunes are intertwined with those of Sudan because they share a border and the waters of the River Nile.

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Gen Burhan has turned Port Sudan - which is on the Red Sea - into his headquarters, and that of his UN-recognised government.

However, the city is not safe - the RSF launched a devastating drone strike there in March.

This was retaliation after the RSF suffered one of its biggest setbacks, when it lost control of much of Khartoum - including the Republican Palace - to the army in March.

"Khartoum is free, it's done," Gen Burhan declared, as he triumphantly returned to the city, though not permanently.

Some analysts say the conflict is in a strategic stalemate and the army still does not have total control of Khartoum, despite deploying newly acquired weapons from Egypt, Turkey, Qatar and Iran.

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The city is a burnt-out shell: government ministries, banks and towering office blocks stand blackened and burned.

The tarmac at the international airport is a graveyard of smashed planes, its passport and check-in counters covered in ash.

Hospitals and clinics have also been destroyed, hit by air strikes and artillery fire, sometimes with patients still inside.

The army has also managed to win back near total control of the crucial state of Gezira. Losing it to the RSF in late 2023 had been a huge blow, forcing hundreds of thousands of civilians to flee its main city of Wad Madani, which had become a refuge for those who had escaped conflict in other parts of the country.

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El-Fasher is the last major urban centre in Darfur still held by the army and its allies. The RSF has laid siege to the city, causing hundreds of casualties, overwhelming hospitals and blocking food supplies.

Month after month of blockade, bombardment and ground attacks have created famine among the residents, with the people of the displaced camp of Zamzam worst-hit.

[BBC]

Is there a genocide?

Many Darfuris believe the RSF and allied militias have waged a war aimed at transforming the ethnically mixed region into an Arab-ruled domain.

In March 2024, the UN children's agency, Unicef, gave harrowing accounts of armed men raping and sexually assaulting children as young as one.

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Some children have tried to end their own lives as a result.

In the same month, campaign group Human Rights Watch (HRW) said it was possible that the RSF and allied militias were carrying out a genocide in Darfur against the Massalit people and other non-Arab communities.

Thousands had been killed in el-Geneina city in a campaign of ethnic cleansing with the "apparent objective of at least having them permanently leave the region", it said.

HRW added that the widespread killings raised the possibility that the RSF and their allies had "the intent to destroy in whole or in part" the Massalit people.

As this could constitute a genocide, it appealed to international bodies and governments to carry out an investigation.

A subsequent investigation by a UN team fell short of concluding that a genocide was taking place. Instead, it found that that both the RSF and army had committed war crimes.

However, the US determined in January this year that the RSF and allied militias have committed a genocide.

"The RSF and allied militias have systematically murdered men and boys - even infants - on an ethnic basis, and deliberately targeted women and girls from certain ethnic groups for rape and other forms of brutal sexual violence," then-Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said.

"Those same militias have targeted fleeing civilians, murdering innocent people escaping conflict, and prevented remaining civilians from accessing lifesaving supplies. Based on this information, I have now concluded that members of the RSF and allied militias have committed genocide in Sudan," he added.

This led to the US imposing sanctions on Gen Dagalo, followed by similar measures against Gen Burhan.

Sudan's government filed a case against the UAE in the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing it of being complicit in the genocide by funding and arming the RSF.

However, the ICJ refused to hear the case, saying that it had no jurisdiction over it.

The UAE welcomed its ruling, with an official saying that the Gulf state "bears no responsibility for the conflict".

The RSF also denies committing genocide, saying it was not involved in what it describes as a "tribal conflict" in Darfur.

But the UN investigators said they had received testimony that RSF fighters taunted non-Arab women during sex attacks with racist slurs and saying they will force them to have "Arab babies".

Have there been attempts to end the conflict?

There have been several rounds of peace talks in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain - but they have failed.

BBC deputy Africa editor Anne Soy says that both sides, especially the army, have shown an unwillingness to agree to a ceasefire.

UN health chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has also lamented that there is less global interest in the conflict in Sudan, and other recent conflicts in Africa, compared to crises elsewhere in the world.

"I think race is in the play here," he told the BBC in September 2024.

The International Crisis Group (ICG) think-tank has called diplomatic efforts to end the war "lacklustre", while Amnesty International has labelled the world's response "woefully inadequate".

Humanitarian work has also been badly affected by the decision of the Trump administration to cut aid.

Aid volunteers told the BBC that more than 1,100 - or almost 80% - of the emergency food kitchens have been forced to shut, fuelling the perception that Sudan's conflict is the "forgotten war" of the world.

More about Sudan's war from the BBC:

[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
Key Points

Warren Buffett is great at identifying companies with wide competitive moats trading at compelling valuations.

This company has built a moat with its brands and barriers to entry.

And its stock trades at a valuation as low as it's ever been in the last decade.

10 stocks we like better than Diageo Plc 

Warren Buffett has made himself and the investors in Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A) (NYSE: BRK.B) very wealthy by identifying companies trading at great value relative to their long-term outlook. Often times, political and economic environments will dull the near-term outlook for a business. Those are often opportunities for Buffett, particularly if he can identify impacted businesses that exhibit wide competitive moats.

You can see that in some of Buffett's most recent purchases. For example, he has invested heavily into Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ), which distributes some of the most popular Mexican beer brands in the U.S. Import tariffs threatened its core business, but it saw some relief as the tax on alcohol has been waived (but not the tax on the aluminum cans the drinks come in). Over the long run, however, it should be able to keep growing, making it a smart investment for those willing to buy and hold.

But another Buffett investment looks like even better value with a decade-low earnings multiple and an even stronger business and competitive moat. Here's the Buffett stock value investors should buy now and hold forever.

Image source: The Motley Fool.

The stock to buy in the face of growing uncertainty

President Donald Trump's tariffs are a threat to any company relying on importing products into the United States. With a rise in costs for distributors or retailers, imports are set to see a rise in price to help offset those tariffs. While most of them are currently paused, the Trump tariffs are set to go into effect on July 9.

That's bad news for companies that don't have much pricing power versus comparable low-cost replacements from domestic providers. But companies with unique products, brands, or limited domestic competition will fare much better in the face of Trump's tariffs. That's why Diageo (NYSE: DEO) looks like a great opportunity for investors right now.

Diageo is the company behind brands including Johnnie Walker, Tanqueray, Ketel One, Don Julio, and many other premium spirits. It's also the home of Guinness, the iconic Irish stout. Its portfolio includes over 200 brands, and its sales span 180 countries.

However, 39% of the company's sales were in North America last year. That means tariffs will take a big bite out of its business. Management estimates the 10% tariff will cost the company about $150 million per year.
New Jersey lawmakers have failed to act on legislation to protect workers from extreme heat. Advocates hope the heat-related death of a worker in Madison last year will spur them to action this fall. (Spencer Platt | Getty Images)

Days after a record-breaking heat wave in New Jersey, the Legislature recessed for the summer without moving legislation that would mandate protections for workers who spend hours outdoors in the blistering heat.

Sen. Joe Cryan (D-Union), who has sponsored a version of the measure since 2023, said hes aggravated at the uphill battle this controversial bill has faced when he believes its common sense.

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Everybody knows that we just had two of the hottest days in years. We look at people working outside while we drive and say, Wow, look at that, thats something I dont want to be doing. But yet, we dont care enough to provide the standards that they need and deserve, Cryan said.

His latest proposal would require employers to develop heat-related illness and injury prevention plans, and mandate the state labor commissioner to create heat stress levels that trigger those plans. Employers would be required to regularly monitor workers for exposure to heat, provide cool water, cool-down areas and paid rest breaks, limit the time employees are out in the heat during the workday, postpone non-essential tasks, and limit exposure to work in sources of heat.

Prevention plans also would have to include annual training for employees working in the heat, along with record-keeping requirements and emergency response procedures, according to the bill. The Labor Department could issue stop-work orders for employers who dont comply with the bills provisions, and fine businesses $2,000 for each day they violate the stop-work order.

The bill, introduced in November, has not been scheduled for a hearing in the Senate. The Assemblys companion bill also awaits a hearing in that chambers appropriations committee.

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After another year of the legislation languishing, Cryan is mulling introducing yet another version, in hopes of garnering more support from business groups who have vehemently opposed the legislation. Provisions in previous bills he considered straightforward have become an odyssey, he said, with critics targeting the temperature of water or shade requirements.

The New Jersey Business and Industry Association has testified against several iterations of the bill, saying the requirements would be onerous to businesses that already maintain effective work safety plans.

Our members have found that it would be extraordinarily difficult for them to comply with this legislation given its sheer impracticality, vagueness, costs, and industrial workplace-oriented standards that do not fit the needs of all businesses and clearly makes New Jersey an outlier regarding this new overly burdensome mandate, Elissa Frank, the associations vice president of government affairs, told the Assembly Labor Committee during a February hearing.

As lawmakers stall, Garrett OConnor of Make the Road New Jersey, an immigrant labor advocacy group, noted that a federal agency recently confirmed the heat-related death of a New Jersey worker last summer.

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Advocates for a workplace heat standard had said that over and over again, had made it clear, that a delay in getting workers protected would be deadly, and thats exactly what we saw, OConnor said.

According to an OSHA report, the 49-year-old worker was pouring concrete in Madison on July 8, 2024, when he began to experience symptoms of heat stress and exhaustion due to high environmental temperatures and collapsed. The National Weather Service had issued a heat advisory that day, with temperatures up to 97 degrees forecasted.

He was taken to a local hospital, where he died, according to the OSHA report.

Advocates for a workplace heat standard had said that over and over again, had made it clear, that a delay in getting workers protected would be deadly, and thats exactly what we saw.

 Garrett O'Connor of Make the Road New Jersey

The employer was fined $5,000 following an informal settlement. The citation states that employees were exposed to high ambient heat and aggravating factors including an estimated moderate workload level.

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In 2022, three Amazon employees died at warehouses across the state  with at least one death occurred during a heat wave. The company denied heat played a role in their deaths.

As many as 170,000 workers fall victim to heat-stress incidents nationwide annually, according to consumer advocacy group Public Citizen. Lower-wage workers are five times more likely to face heat-related injuries, and farmworkers face up to 35 times higher risk of dying from heat exposure than the rest of the U.S. workforce, the group said in a 2023 study.

OConnor hopes that OSHAs determination that heat contributed to last years death of the worker in Madison will move legislators to act on Cryans bill after they return to Trenton in the fall.

States like California, Oregon, Washington and Minnesota have passed laws to protect workers from extreme heat, OConnor pointed out.

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Theres been this big misunderstanding with legislators that the sky is falling, but those predictions from opponents have not proven to be true elsewhere, he said.

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SUMNER COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  A budget dispute in Sumner County.

The Sumner County Sheriffs Office is looking to maintain raises for its senior level staff, known as step raises. Currently, only the sheriffs office and Sumner County EMS benefit from step raises.

They know everything: Families of inmates at Sumner County Jail targeted in bail scam

But this year, the funding for step raises, which exceeds $200,000, has been removed from the countys proposed budget.

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During a special-called budget committee meeting on Wednesday, Sumner County Sheriff Eric Craddock said the long-running system has helped their recruitment and retention efforts.

Step raises in law enforcement are paramount when you talk about retaining your qualified employees, Craddock told the committee. Its the standard across the board if you look at places like Lebanon, Gallatin, Hendersonville, THP. All of your law enforcement agencies have step raises.

Craddock encouraged the committee to reconsider the budget to include step raises for his personnel, among other changes for his department.

We have people that are prior-certified that want to come work at the sheriffs office; step raises are one of their concerns, Craddock said. I would just implore you guys to add the step raises back; thats huge in the law enforcement community.

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Meanwhile, the budget committee wants step raises to include other county agencies to be more balanced. If approved, the sheriffs office would have to wait for the implementation to take effect before getting their raises.

We give a percentage-based COLA, then we give each department head a small amount that they can structure as a step raise or a bonus however they see fit. And then were done, Sumner County Commissioner and Budget Committee Chair Matthew Shoaf explained.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

In a statement to News 2, Shoaf elaborated on these budget discussions.

I expect that the (2026) budget will be passed during the next commission meeting. There may be a couple small things that some commissioners want to modify from the floor, but I dont see these as huge obstacles. Thats pretty normal. With respect to step raises, I understand both arguments. The commission is trying to solve a long standing problem to implement an opt-in step raise system county wide thats fair for everyone. On the other hand, some departments already have a step system in place and feel their ask to fund it shouldnt have to wait for a county wide system to be implemented. I could see this one going either direction on the floor, but no matter what happens  our intent is to solve it no later than the end of this year, and sooner if at all possible. Sumner County District 22 Commissioner Matthew Shoaf

News 2 contacted the Sumner County Sheriffs Office for a comment. They declined to give one on Friday.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
The Supreme Court in an apparent 7-2 decision Thursday cleared the way for the Trump administration to restart plans to deport a group of convicted criminals to the war-torn country of South Sudan who have no ties there.

Last month, the high court lifted U.S. District Judge Brian Murphys injunction that limited the administration from deporting migrants to third countries without giving them sufficient opportunity to raise torture claims.

Murphy continued to insist that his subsequent ruling, which found the May South Sudan flight violated the injunction, was still in full force. The administration contended it amounted to open defiance of the justices and asked them to again rebuke the judge.

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The May 21 remedial order cannot now be used to enforce an injunction that our stay rendered unenforceable, the Supreme Courts unsigned ruling reads, confirming all of Murphys rulings are void.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor, joined by Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, dissented. They rejected the notion that Murphy was at fault, instead pinning the blame on the administration and their colleagues.

The Courts continued refusal to justify its extraordinary decisions in this case, even as it faults lower courts for failing properly to divine their import, is indefensible, Sotomayor wrote.



She added that the ruling clarifies only one thing: Other litigants must follow the rules, but the administration has the Supreme Court on speed dial.

Justice Elena Kagan, the courts third Democratic-appointed justice, said she agreed with the administration this time despite continuing to believe it shouldve lost before.

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But a majority of this Court saw things differently, and I do not see how a district court can compel compliance with an order that this Court has stayed, Kagan wrote.

Federal authorities have kept custody over the group of eight migrants, who have serious criminal records, on a military base in Djibouti ever since Murphy intervened in May.

The Supreme Courts order rewards the government for violating the preliminary injunction in this case and for delaying provision of the due process protections that the district court ordered, which included a determination on whether they had a reasonable fear of being persecuted or tortured there. All eight have such a fear, the National Immigration Litigation Alliance, which represents the migrants, said in a statement.

Though the litigation will continue in the lower courts, Thursdays ruling means that no court injunction is currently blocking the administration from again trying to move the migrants to South Sudan.

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Updated 5:36 p.m. ET

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Jul. 3SANTA FE  The New Mexico Supreme Court has rejected the McKinley County district attorney's attempt to halt the defunding of her office, which took effect this week.

The decision by the state's highest court to deny a petition filed by Gallup-based District Attorney Bernadine Martin leaves criminal cases in McKinley County in legal limbo  at least for now.

That's because a $10.8 billion budget bill that took effect on Tuesday, the official start of the state's new fiscal year, does not provide base funding for Martin's office.

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Instead, it provides $1.9 million for the district attorney in neighboring San Juan County to prosecute cases in McKinley County. It also earmarks an additional $1.9 million for contract attorneys to be hired in the district.

San Juan County District Attorney Jack Fortner said Thursday he attempted to meet with staffers in Martin's office this week to go over training and other issues but was rebuffed.

"I told her, 'I'm available, I'll work with you,'" Fortner told the Journal.

He also said the current situation puts residents of McKinley County at risk, as Martin is still authorized to assign criminal cases in the county but does not have legal access to funding to pay her staff.

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The Supreme Court order was issued Wednesday without oral arguments being held and without a detailed explanation. It came after two Supreme Court justices  David Thomson and Shannon Bacon  recused themselves from the case.

Prior to the order, the New Mexico District Attorney Association filed a brief in the case siding with Martin, who argued the Legislature's vote to defund her office was an unconstitutional overstep that violated her rights as an elected official.

"While it is the prerogative of the Legislature to fashion the budget, our Constitution prohibits the use of that power as a cudgel to affect policy change or to relieve an elected official of his or her duties," Santa Fe attorney Scott Fuqua wrote on behalf of the district attorney group.

However, Sen. George Munoz, D-Gallup, the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, has insisted defunding Martin's office was the only way to ensure criminal cases move forward, citing high case loads and low prosecution rates in recent years.

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He also said he was approached by judges, other prosecutors and Chief Public Defender Ben Baur about the situation and Martin's management of the District Attorney's Office.

In addition, Attorney General Raul Torrez's office is investigating Martin's conduct at the request of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who asked the agency to consider taking steps to remove the district attorney from office.

New Mexico Department of Justice Chief of Staff Lauren Rodriguez said Thursday the office was specifically investigating whether Martin's conduct meets the standard of gross incompetence, which is necessary under state law to pursue such a removal.

"As with any investigation, she is entitled to due process, and we remain committed to upholding the rule of law," Rodriguez said.

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Martin, who is the state's first female Navajo district attorney, was reelected last year as the top prosecutor for the second division of the 11th Judicial District. She said last month the defunding holds her "hostage" and prevents her from performing her elected duties.

She also said her office has 24 full-time employees, including investigators, victim advocates and administrative staff. But the office does not have any staff attorneys, as it instead relies on two outside contract attorneys to handle most cases.

The district attorney's office had 2,822 assigned cases per attorney as of last year, according to the Legislative Finance Committee, which is easily the highest caseload on any prosecutor's office statewide.
What surviving a missile taught me about war, survival, and myself.

July 1, 2025

I heard the ballistic missile whip past the building. And then I heard it strike. It was the loudest sound I had ever heard. And I knew it was right outside. I waited, thinking and observing from my upstairs neighbors safe room, where I had been taking refuge. The window had blown open from the impact, and dust or smoke was entering the room.

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One of the four of us women was screaming. One was reciting Psalms. One eventually began singing songs. I was silent. And holding my breath. The building had swayed to the right, and then settled back to center. I thought to myself that it was either my building or the one next door  and that the rest of the building outside of the safe room was likely damaged.

On Thursday night June 12, Israel had launched a sweeping operation, decimating nuclear sites across Iran. On Friday, Iran began returning the favor. By Monday morning, my apartment was gone  destroyed by the 4 a.m. ballistic missile that came to us on June 16. My home, and my carefully built Israel Daily News studio, were reduced to rubble.

The city of Tel Aviv placed me in a hotel. A friend of mine actually put me on the list  bless her. At first, it was for a week. Then, after the appraiser came and took one look at my home, it was extended to a month. I recorded news episodes from friends homes, wrote and took Zoom interviews with TV channels from hotel desks, and then eventually from the apartment of a generous young woman named Flo, who was stuck abroad. Her home became my sanctuary: a quiet space to record, think, and heal.

I returned to my apartment on a daily basis, taking photos and hoping the looters wouldnt come back. They had already entered through the busted down front door and had stolen every piece of jewelry I owned. Whoever it was emptied the jewelry box and left it by the front door. It must have been easy to spot because the wall between my bedroom and the front door was vaporized, making everything very visible and open  including my valuables.

THE BUILDING, reduced to rubble. (credit: SHANNA FULD)

When I was being rescued, I was told not to enter my apartment on the way out due to safety concerns. It wasnt clear if the building was minutes away from collapse, so I was told to just get out. When I returned several hours later, the jewelry box had been emptied out.

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Through the layers of soot and busted sheetrock, I began recovering what I could: stinking clothes soaked from burst pipes, and books coated in dust. I later pulled out broken tripods, light stands, and camera gear from under rubble. I ran five loads of laundry in Flos apartment, salvaging some of my basics. I sent my professional wardrobe  soaked and smelly  to the dry cleaners, clinging to the hope that they might still be wearable. I havent gotten them back yet.

Beyond the physical loss, what this experience truly gave me was a huge reminder: Listen to your gut and follow your visions. Oh, and one more thing  self-leadership.

The power of intuition

I am grateful to myself and my mother. I assume I get it from her, and at this point, theres no point in my keeping this to myself. I have visions, premonitions, dreams, and gut feelings that repeatedly come true. This was perhaps the biggest and most recent example of it.

In the month leading up to the attack, my thoughts kept drifting to my jewelry. I wondered, what would I do if things got desperate? Should I sell broken pieces or half sets? What is jewelrys value during wartime? Would it help me if I were to need to evacuate or cross a border?

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I wondered if my jewelry would serve me. I looked at it, thought about it, and even called a friend to ask if she would go with me to get an assessment on how much my broken gold chains were worth. Never in my life had I considered the pieces in that jewelry box. On one of those days, I put on my grandmothers Star of David pendant, which I inherited after she passed away. I had loved it and identified it as one of her best pieces. I was very close with her, and everyone agreed I should have it. I put it around my neck and also put on a pair of gold post earrings.

I had made my selection at that point, both knowingly and unknowingly. I never imagined, however, that someone else would decide my jewelerys fate for me.

After all those thoughts, there was nothing left to check, nothing to appraise. Only remorse that I hadnt protected my precious items more. The loss of those stung deeper than I anticipated. Many pieces were gifts from loved ones who are no longer alive.

That looting  just hours after the blast  felt like the final violation.

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This wasnt the only premonition Ive reflected on. Every day since Oct. 7, 2023, I have been closing my laptop and securely placing it in a laptop bag and zippering it closed. Then I would place it behind my couch. I do this every time I leave the room, go to a neighbors, or leave the house  even if its just for five minutes.

I have had a repeated vision that I can see clearly in my mind. It was of my living room window blowing in from a massive Iranian attack. I thought it would be a nuclear one. I had been shoving that image away.

(Because of my preventative safe keeping, my laptop survived. The bag absorbed water from a burst pipe and the couch protected it from the impact.)

On Sunday night, I returned from reporting in Bat Yam, where I covered the aftermath of a ballistic missile strike. I understood the power of these warheads. I remember standing in my bedroom thinking, This could be me. This could be my home.

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I considered the possibility. I wondered, at the rate of the missiles coming in and even at the rate of them making hits: How long might it be before my apartment was hit? What would I work out with my landlord? Does the lease say anything about this kind of thing? The time was 10 p.m.

Shanna Fuld is seen in the wreckage of her home in Tel Aviv after it was destroyed by an Iranian missile. (credit: CHEN SCHIMMEL)

And then it was.

The siren blared at 4 a.m. I had just hit publish on my show, the Israel Daily News. I had just taken off my work clothes and I had just published an announcement from the Israel Police giving guidelines to the public on best practices for entering the safe room and exiting safely.

I thought about their message  to enter the safe room in closed-toed shoes. Recent victims have had troubles being rescued or exiting broken homes because their feet were exposed to the glass and rubble. I didnt have time to heed their warning, though I had just read the communique.

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I could feel in every fiber of my body that it was go-time. It was time to run. I grabbed my Velcro sandals  the best I could find in those seconds  and sprinted upstairs to my neighbor Marisas apartment. Her mamad (reinforced safe room) would be my refuge. The shoes on my feet would become my everyday shoes  because they were the only ones I had. I am still living in them.

Once inside the safe room, I felt strongly that I needed to record. The lights were off because it was late and everyone had been in bed for several hours, so I didnt record video  it was too dark. But something told me to record in some way. I captured the entire experience on audio.

We heard the missile strike. The safe rooms window knob shot across the room like a bullet. One of the women screamed.

My neighbor later said something about the building. If there is a rest of the building I stated. She laughed. But I was serious. It might just be us up here in the mamad, I said.

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I was right.

After this, I began fielding phone calls but mostly worked with my partner, Rafael. He had come immediately from his home because he, too, had an overwhelming feeling that I was in danger. When he arrived, he saw the scene: bloodied people on the ground, confused emergency service officers. Glass everywhere. Debris falling from above.

He instructed the first responders to go upstairs and get us out. Our front door had been dented in and had to be broken down. Rafael didnt give up until he got a team to enter the building. All this in spite of the fact that he was forcibly removed from the premises twice, only to return to the entrance of my building.

He said he refused to move until I was rescued. The whole time I spoke very clearly and calmly with him on the phone, working to keep my inner balance in hopes that others would be able to follow my lead and eventually get us out.

Shanna Fuld is seen in the wreckage of her home in Tel Aviv after it was destroyed by an Iranian missile. (credit: CHEN SCHIMMEL)

Leading through crisis

People asked me later how I kept it together. They expected tears, screaming, perhaps a full collapse. I didnt. I remained quiet, observant, focused. My therapist said that was the real me: clear-headed in a crisis. Not a trauma response  just my nature.

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Surviving a missile taught me that no matter how much help you receive, you have to lead your own recovery. I had friends, colleagues, even strangers (actually, a lot of strangers!) offering assistance, but I had to steer the ship. I had to decide what came next. Where to sleep. What to save. What to let go. And most importantly, what the plan of action would be for the foreseeable future.

Thats what no one tells you: In a disaster, the hardest part is not when youre on adrenaline surviving the moment  its directing the aftermath and directing it well. Because theres no guidebook for how to respond to a ballistic missile when it hits your home. Well, actually, I think Im writing it right now. Is this helping?

When I walked out of the building, I came down stairs full of glass and walked under a burst pipe. The public street was packed with locals behind police tape, flashing cameras, reporters, first responders, soldiers (?), and shop owners who were in actual shock. I walked directly into Rafaels arms. I saw him right away. I hesitantly gave an on-the-spot interview to CNN, knowing that telling the story matters, even when youre not ready to be seen.

Accepting to stay at the hotel that the municipality provided was the best decision I made. And friends had pushed me toward it. The hotel has meals and on-site staff to help me file paperwork and start the long process of recovery. I write to you currently from the little desk in my room.

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One of the hardest moments came 10 days later when I watched movers close the door to the storage unit I decided to get. Seeing my salvaged wooden table, washing machine, and scuffed-up couch locked away in a little metal tin triggered the realization: My life as I knew it had been packed up and stored away until an unknown date.

That hit me like a punch to the chest. I felt a sense of injustice. Thats when the mourning and the pain really began. Because until then, I had been checking things off the to-do list and still had my apartment. Unlivable, but still mine and still full of my things. Once everything was cleared out, it signaled the end of an era.

Living in survival mode

On Shabbat, when observant Jews traditionally refrain from carrying anything, I havent yet felt comfortable to be without my passport, wallet, and emergency supplies. I am still living in survival mode.

The looting reinforced that survival is not only about protecting yourself from bombs  but from the aftermath. I became fearful that what remained could be stolen, that the few things I had left would slip away.

I keep thinking about that jewelry. Is that where the desperation ends?

Trust the visions, trust your gut

I dont speak much about my premonitions. I know that my mother has them, and we discuss them when they come up. But I assume it sounds unrealistic, and I dont expect people who have never had one to relate to me. So I have kept it inside  until now. This experience has made me want everyone to give airtime to their private thoughts. They just might be protecting you.

I had seen the windows blow in before it happened. I had thought about the jewelry before it vanished. I had feared becoming the next Bat Yam story  and then I was.

As a child, I predicted that my next-door neighbor would take me to Disney World. I remember knowing what she was about to say, even though I had never asked, never overheard an adult conversation, and never displayed much interest in the place, despite many schoolmates who had visited. It is my first memory of predicting the future.

When I got to college, I predicted two family deaths and also felt the death of my grandmother from eight hours away. Ill never forget suddenly becoming depressed and thinking about going home from school  something I never longed for in that way. It wasnt for no reason; it was because my parents were working up the courage to call me and inform me. I felt the pain in my heart during their hesitation. They were in Queens, New York. I was in Oswego on the border of Canada, about 500 kilometers away.

In 2018, I had a major car accident. Before I left the house, my mother implored me to take the train, repeatedly asking me to leave my car at home. I refused. That event caused a five-year lawsuit that wreaked havoc on my life and the life of my family.

Intuition is a warning bell, not a passing thought.

Rebuilding and continuing

Im still piecing things back together. My studio  the one I built by hand with the help of friends  is gone. The sound panels, the carefully arranged broadcast equipment, the professional wardrobe  all damaged, all scattered in different locations.

Ive continued recording from wherever I can. Hotels. Friends homes. Temporary spaces. Israel Daily News lives on because it has to. Our listeners helped us raise funds to start again, and I will rebuild  bigger, better, stronger.

People keep asking if Ill return to New York to live. My answer is no. The Jewish people have waited 2,000 years to come home. Our enemies want us to leave. Thats the point of this terror. Im not going anywhere. Im here to build the state.

Living in Israel means living with risk, but it also means living with purpose. When Im here I feel creative, grounded, and Godly. Even in Tel Aviv, 62 kilometers away from the holy city of Jerusalem. My mission to report, to connect, and to build community is more important now than ever before.

Im not leaving Israel. Not now, not after a missile from Iran decimated my apartment. The entire purpose of terrorism against Jews is to push us out, to scare us into leaving this land. I refuse to fulfill that mission for them. I am deeply committed to fighting brain drain in this country and even in this Middle East region  and making sure that Jews not only stay here, but thrive here.

Historically, this region has always gone through moments of peace and moments of poison. Is it crazy to think we could get onto a healthy trajectory for coexistence and excellence? My goal is to see Israel grow and flourish beyond its 100th year, and I plan to be here to celebrate that centennial.

Through my work as a community engagement and program director with Tribe Tel Aviv, I am building a community of international Jews  new immigrant olim  who I aim to empower as leaders, politicians, and business owners in this country. My Sunset Series program is one of the ways I bring that vision to life, connecting olim with high-profile Israeli leaders across industries to give them access, inspiration, and a sense of belonging.

You cant be what you cant see, and I work every day to make the pathways visible and attainable. I am committed to building this country, and to do that  I need to be here. A ballistic missile wont send me packing: It only strengthens my resolve.

Though I hope we wont see more ballistic missile attacks, I hope my observations and suggestions can help other make theirs less damaging.
FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW)  A 26-year-old Florence man is in custody and facing multiple charges after a shooting Thursday night on Commander Street that left the suspect and two others wounded, police said.

Antwan Bradley was arrested after he was discharged from a hospital in Dillon, where he was treated for a minor gunshot wound, Florence police said.

Police said the shooting happened at about 7:45 p.m. while officers were in the area near Commander Street and heard what they believed were several gunshots.

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When they arrived on Commander Street, they found three possible victims, including a child, police said. They were all taken to a local hospital. Two of the victims were in stable condition. The child was not injured.

After the shooting, police said the citys Flock cameras showed a suspect vehicle heading out of Florence. About 45 minutes later, the vehicle was identified by Flock cameras in Dillon.

The vehicle was later found at a Dillon hospital, where police said Bradley had arrived with a gunshot wound. Investigators arrested him after he was treated and transported him to the Florence County Detention Center, where he was awaiting a bond hearing.

Police said there was an altercation between Bradley and one of the victims and that Bradley fired a weapon. The shooting remains under investigation.

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Bradley is charged with three counts of attempted murder, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, being a felon in possession of a weapon and breach of peace of a high and aggravated nature.

* * *

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.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  The Baton Rouge Police Department arrested a suspect on Friday in connection with a deadly New Years Day shooting.

On Jan. 1, BRPD detectives investigated a reported shooting in the 5400 block of Longfellow Drive. Upon arrival, they found Terry Wayne Jones, 35, with multiple gunshot wounds. Jones later died of his injuries on the scene, police say.

Devante Adams, 26, was arrested and booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on a charge of principal to second-degree murder. Adams was previously arrested on a charge of possession of a firearm in a firearm-free zone.

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Second suspect arrested in connection with deadly Baton Rouge shooting

Latest News

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
DENVER (KDVR)  A suspect in a small grass fire in unincorporated Boulder County on Thursday has been charged with felony arson.

The Boulder County Sheriff Office said Friday that deputies responded to a fire approximately .25 acre in size near the 45-mile marker of southside US Highway 36 at around 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

Boulder launches video live streams at some city trailheads

Fire personnel from Mountain View Fire Rescue were able to contain and extinguish the blaze, while deputies found a transient encampment nearby with a possible suspect in the ditch, the BCSO said.

A suspect in a small grass fire in unincorporated Boulder County on Thursday has been charged with felony arson. (Credit Mountain View Fire Rescue) A suspect in a small grass fire in unincorporated Boulder County on Thursday has been charged with felony arson. (Credit Mountain View Fire Rescue) A suspect in a small grass fire in unincorporated Boulder County on Thursday has been charged with felony arson. (Credit Mountain View Fire Rescue) A suspect in a small grass fire in unincorporated Boulder County on Thursday has been charged with felony arson. (Credit Mountain View Fire Rescue) A suspect in a small grass fire in unincorporated Boulder County on Thursday has been charged with felony arson. (Credit Mountain View Fire Rescue) A suspect in a small grass fire in unincorporated Boulder County on Thursday has been charged with felony arson. (Credit Mountain View Fire Rescue)

The BCSO said an investigation determined the fire originated at the encampment and that it was believed to be caused by a cigarette.

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Alexander Seidel, 37, has been arrested and booked into Boulder County Jail over the incident. Seidel is charged with one count of fourth degree arson, a Class 5 felony, according to the BCSO.

MVFR said in a post on Facebook that Louisville Fire, North Metro Fire Rescue, Lafayette Fire, and the BCSO assisted with the fire.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  Police in the District are looking for a suspect believed to be involved in a shooting that left a 50-year-old man dead on Tuesday.

At around 2:05 a.m. on July 1, officers responded to the report of gunshots in the 1800 block of E Street SE. There, they found Lawrence Meekins with bullet wounds.

Man accused of assaulting person with tire iron in DC

Despite lifesaving efforts, Meekins died at the scene.

In an update on Friday, police released surveillance footage of the suspect, who was seen fleeing the area on a scooter. The video shows an individual with long dreads wearing shorts, a t-shirt and a backwards hat.

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Anyone with information is encouraged to contact police.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
The Brief

A suspect fleeing police during a retail theft investigation was struck and killed by a vehicle on I-294 in Elmhurst Wednesday night.

Illinois State Police are investigating the incident, which occurred after the suspect ran into traffic while trying to escape on foot.

ELMHURST, Ill. - A suspect fleeing from police was struck and killed by a vehicle on Interstate 294 in Elmhurst on Wednesday night, according to Illinois State Police.

What we know

The incident occurred around 9:06 p.m. in the northbound lanes of the interstate near milepost 31.5. Authorities said officers from the Elmhurst Police Department had been pursuing a vehicle tied to a retail theft investigation when multiple suspects fled on foot into traffic.

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One of the suspects was hit by a passing vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. Their identity has not yet been released.

The Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Public Integrity Task Force is leading the investigation. No additional information has been released.

The Source

The information in this report came Illinois State Police.
Drone flying by Pexels via Pixabay

As global tensions rise and battlefields go unmanned, defense tech is the new arms race. Drones are now mission-critical  not just in warfare, but in industries chasing speed, precision, and efficiency. The commercial drone market spans logistics, agriculture, oil, gas, and infrastructure, and is expected to reach a value of $355.55 billion by 2032. Now, with new executive orders signed by President Donald Trump to boost U.S. drone production and airspace security, the stage is set for a domestic surge.

AeroVironment (AVAV) is riding the wave with precision. Known for its lethal-yet-lightweight drones like the Switchblade and Puma systems, the defense tech company has become an essential kit for modern militaries navigating volatile flashpoints. These battlefield-tested platforms have already proved their mettle in Ukraine, where low-cost drone warfare is reshaping military strategy.

More News from Barchart

That real-world validation has analysts bullish. Goldman Sachs analyst Anthony Valentini just initiated coverage on AVAV stock with a Street-high $301 price target. After a blazing rally amid stellar Q4 earnings and guidance, can AVAV soar even higher and hit Goldman Sachs' bullseye?

About AeroVironment Stock

Founded in 1971 with roots in human-powered and solar aircraft, AeroVironment has transformed into a powerhouse in unmanned aerial systems and next-gen defense tech. The company is now best-known for its battlefield-ready drones, which have become staples in modern military operations. As the world shifts toward automated warfare and drone-led intelligence, AeroVironment flies at the heart of it all.

Wall Street has taken notice. With a market capitalization nearing $7 billion, AVAV stock has surged 60% year-to-date (YTD). Its recent run is even more stunning, up more than 128% in the past three months and 32% in just the past month as investors race to price in its strategic relevance in a rapidly evolving global defense landscape.

www.barchart.com

AeroVironments Q4 Earnings Results Impressed Wall Street

AeroVironment delivered stellar fiscal Q4 results on June 24, reinforcing why the bulls are locked in. The company posted a 40% year-over-year (YOY) revenue surge to $275.1 million, crushing expectations. Earnings almost quadrupled to $1.61 per share from last years $0.43 per-share profit, far ahead of the $1.44 consensus. The rally was not carried by one wing, either. Loitering Munitions segment revenue soared 87% during the quarter, MacCready Works revenue rose 24%, and Uncrewed Systems revenue advanced 9%.
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11)  A Brooklyn man died after being shot in the chest outside of his East Flatbush home Thursday morning, according to police.

Police responded to a call for a person who had been shot at around 7:30 a.m. on Thursday. When officers arrived, they found 31-year-old Hakeim Hutchinson with a gunshot wound.

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Hutchinson was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

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The shooter had left the area by the time first responders arrived, and police believe he fled south on Ditmas Avenue.

Police are working to identify the suspect, and the investigation is ongoing.

Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

Spencer Gustafson is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered New York state and city news since 2023. See more of his work here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE)  The Santa Fe Police Department said an investigation into a suspicious package determined there was no danger. They were called to Bank of America on Saint Michaels Dr. around noon on Thursday.

Joint operation in Las Cruces results in nearly 200 arrests

They said a person left the package on the steps of the bank just before 11 a.m., and it was noticed by staff around 11:30 a.m.

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The package was secured, and it was determined that it was empty. There is no threat 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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
Authorities are investigating a suspicious death in Maine after a woman was found dead on Thursday as authorities searched for a missing paddleboarder.

The woman, who was found dead in a pond in Union, has not been identified.

At approximately 1:05 a.m. Thursday, Maine Game Wardens were called to assist the Union Fire Department and the Knox County Sheriffs Office in the search for a missing paddleboarder on Crawford Pond in Union.

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During the course of the search, crews found an adult female dead.

Wardens called in the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit Central to assist.

Detectives and Evidence Response Technicians have spent the day investigating the death, state police said Thursday.

The womans body was transported to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta, where an autopsy will be performed to determine the cause and manner of death.

An investigation into her death is active and ongoing, state police said.

Union is a small town southeast of Augusta. The towns population was 2,383 at the 2020 census.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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A political and moral row has broken out over whether France should install more air conditioning to cope with the type of blistering heatwave that has sent temperatures soaring this week.

Polls suggest the French feel guilty about using energy-guzzling air con, which critics say risks accelerating climate change.

However, as a heat dome punishes much of Europe and temperatures in Paris hit 40C, there have been calls for France to produce an air conditioning strategy.

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Heatwave warnings have been issued in 84 French departments, and thousands of schools have been shut down because of the extreme heat. The top floor of the Eiffel Tower was shut to avoid visitors fainting, while the peak of Mont Blanc, Europes highest mountain, registered a temperature above zero for the first time ever for the month of June.

In Paris, River Seine bathing areas will open for the first time in a century this weekend.

And Marine Le Pen, the figurehead of the Right-wing National Rally (RN) party, has called for a strategy to keep the French cool.

A customer leaves a Marseille shop with a new fan as the heat dome raises temperatures across Europe - Jeremy Suyker/Bloomberg

It is high time that France rolled out a major air conditioning equipment plan, she said. Hospitals, schools, retirement homes, public transport, etc are not equipped, even though these places are home to French people who are particularly sensitive to heat.

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She claimed the workers were suffocating in buildings without air conditioning because leaders have decided that the French people should suffer from the heat, while they themselves obviously enjoy air-conditioned vehicles and offices.

And she added: With the so-called French elites, austerity is always reserved for the middle and working classes.

The centre-Right government hit back, arguing that Ms Le Pen and her party were offering short-term, populist solutions that failed to tackle the root cause of climate change.

The French have been trying their best to keep cool during the blistering heatwave - Anita Pouchard Serra/Bloomberg

Those who talk to you about a major air conditioning plan have apparently just discovered the moon, said Agnes Pannier-Runacher, the ecological transition minister.

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The incompetent RN has just found out that nursing homes need air-conditioned rooms. Thank you, but its actually been mandatory since 2004.

The issue we have with air conditioning is global warming. We need to provide air conditioning for vulnerable people and give them some respite. However, we mustnt do it everywhere, otherwise we risk warming the planet, which is a bad solution.

A 2020 study on air conditioning use in Paris underlined that if AC systems release heat into the street, as is most often the case, the outside air is warmed and the heat wave worsens. According to one study, the systematic use of air conditioning during 10 days of heatwave would increase the air temperature in the city by up to 2.4C.

In Thionville in north-eastern France, a pharmacy sign recorded a temperature of 45C this week - Jean-Christophe Verhaegen/AFP via Getty Images

Globally, air con generates around one billion tons of CO2 per year out of a total of 37 billion tons emitted worldwide, according to the International Energy Agency, a figure comparable to the impact of air traffic.

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The goal must remain to have better insulated buildings, said Gabriel Attal, a former French PM and head of Emmanuel Macrons Renaissance group. However, he conceded that in the meantime, we must take all measures to adapt things while we wait.

The government has not only come under fire from the Right. When the education minister criticised the Green mayor of Tours for shutting schools because of the heat, he invited her to hold a cabinet meeting in one of its classrooms, saying efforts to bring down temperatures were woefully inadequate.

Despite the environmental downsides, the Left has also conceded that air con should be used in priority areas.

Boris Vallaud, the leader of the Socialist MPs, said he was in favour of air conditioning for establishments that welcome young people.

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But Marine Tondelier, the Greens leader, said air conditioning will not be enough while fellow Green MP Sandrine Rousseau called for a shutter plan and a fan plan to reduce heat.

Green politicians have called for apartment shutters and fans to be used to deal with the heat - Anita Pouchard Serra/Bloomberg

As politicians slug it out, their debate reflects wider hand-wringing in France over the use of air con in France.

In our country, we are touching on a kind of taboo, Pierre Marty, a senior lecturer in energy transition at the Ecole Centrale de Nantes, told Marianne magazine. Air conditioning is seen as a luxury and a new source of energy consumption. Here, we tend to think that the best energy is the energy we dont consume.

There has also been a growing awareness of global warming and, for some, adapting to it  by installing air conditioning, for example  is seen as a sacrifice. This proves that we have failed in our mission.

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According to a 2021 OpinionWay survey for France Energie, 75 per cent of French people said they did not plan to buy an air conditioner.

Nearly six out of 10 said they would rather suffer from the heat than install an air conditioner to protect the environment. Only 47 per cent believe that all public places should be air-conditioned, and 48 per cent believe air conditioners should be banned altogether because of their environmental impact.

Air cons use of electricity is of less concern in France, where around 95 per cent of electricity output is low-carbon. But not only do units raise temperatures outside, they also contain coolants that are thousands of times more detrimental to global warming than carbon emissions if leaked.

Overheating hits productivity

Battle lines have even been drawn in the office, according to financial daily Les Echos, which said employees were split between team air conditioning versus team open window.

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Arguing in favour of air con, Nicolas Bouzou, a French economist, said overheated offices and schools took a terrible toll on productivity.

We lose almost half a days work every week the office temperature exceeds 30C, he wrote in Le Figaro. Making our fellow citizens sweat limits learning, reduces working hours and clogs up hospitals.

Some 5,000 French people died from the heatwave in the summer of 2023 (15,000 in 2003). The climate gains nothing from this  on the contrary.

When air conditioning became widespread in the United States in the 1950s and 1960s, a study found that federal employees saw their productivity rise 24 per cent when they moved to an office with AC.

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All the same, French attitudes are changing. The number of homes with air con in France rose from 14 per cent in 2016 to 25 per cent in 2020, though installations are mainly in the south. That compares with 90 per cent in the US and around 5 per cent in the UK.

Meanwhile, French air con companies are being inundated with calls. Were getting between 100 and 150 a day, compared to around 30 normally, said Samuel Azoulay, the manager of EMDF climatisation. We cant answer everyone, but were doing our best.

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Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani said on Friday that Damascus is ready to work with the US to revive the 1974 disengagement agreement with Israel, amid growing concerns over repeated Israeli strikes in southern Syria.

In a statement following a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, al-Shaibani said Syria aspires to cooperate with the United States to return to the 1974 disengagement agreement, the Syrian News Agency (SANA) reported.

The accord, originally brokered after the 1973 war, established a buffer zone on the Golan Heights under UN supervision to separate Israeli and Syrian forces.

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Syria and Israel have technically been in a state of war since 1948.

SANA said that discussions during the phone call touched on a range of issues, including US sanctions, chemical weapons, Iranian influence in Syria, counterterrorism and diplomatic ties.

Al-Shaibani called for the lifting of US sanctions, particularly the Caesar Act, which both sides agreed hinders Syrias economic recovery.

Rubio said US President Donald Trump's administration is working with Congress to repeal the act in the coming months.

The two sides announced plans to establish a joint committee on chemical weapons and shared concern over Irans expanding presence in Syria.

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They also discussed the continued threat posed by Islamic State, referencing a recent attack on St Elias Church in Damascus.

According to SANA, the call concluded with Washington expressing interest in reopening its embassy in Damascus and inviting al-Shaibani to visit the US, signalling a potential step toward restoring diplomatic relations.
Local agencies in and around Tacoma could lose millions as the Trump administration withholds up to $7 billion in federal dollars for certain school programs, including teacher training initiatives, migrant education and after-school programs.

Tacoma Public Schools and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the South Puget Sound could lose about $2 million and $1.5 million respectively, spokespeople told The News Tribune following the announcement. POLITICO reported that the Department of Education on Monday failed to distribute the education grant funding, and the Trump administration has told state officials that it is reviewing the funding and will not distribute funds until completing the review.

Initial findings have shown that many of these grant programs have been grossly misused to subsidize a radical leftwing agenda, a spokesperson for the Office of Management and Budget told POLITICO.

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The grants at risk for Tacoma Public Schools include a grant that seeks to improve the quality and effectiveness of teachers, a second that is designed to help students for whom English is a second language and a third that bolsters access to a well-rounded education and the use of technology to advance academic achievement. If the grants were blocked or canceled, the district would lose $2.1 million for the 2025-2026 academic year, according to a statement from the district.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the South Puget Sound is in the second year of a five-year federal grant of $2.5 million for a 21st Century Community Learning Center, which provides academic enrichment for kids after school and over the summer. The announcement of the withheld federal funding means that the Boys & Girls Clubs of the South Puget Sound could face a $250,000 gap in the short term, as well as $1.5 million over the remaining three years of the grant.

While we are not facing immediate closures, the cumulative financial impact of this federal freeze, including ripple effects on school district partnerships and other aligned funding, threatens our ability to sustain services at current levels, spokesperson Natalie Ries told The News Tribune in a statement.

The news of the potential loss of funding comes as another blow to Tacoma Public Schools, which has in recent weeks made a slew of cuts to staff positions as it works to address a $30 million budget deficit in a general fund budget over $570 million. This is the districts third year in a row facing a deficit, and district officials have said it is dangerously close to having expenses exceed its revenues as it has depleted its reserves. The district is gearing up to approve its budget for the next academic year on July 10.

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More than 9% of Tacoma Public Schools budget in the 2023-2024 academic year came from the federal government. About 7% of Washington states budget for education comes from the federal government, The Olympian previously reported.

Chris Reykdal, the states superintendent of public instruction, said in a statement that the announcement on Tuesday is only one example of how our republic is being burnt to the ground by this administration.

The rule of law is on its final breath, and it has become clear that Congress is incapable of defending itself from the Executive Branch that is intent on destroying the separation of powers and the checks and balances inherent in having a Congress, Reykdals statement reads. It is mind boggling and disastrous to watch members of Congress, in the majority and in the minority, put up no legal fight as they get trampled by this negligent and careless administration.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Authorities dismantled a drug lab located inside a house in Taft this week and arrested five people, seizing 242 pounds of methamphetamine and more than 2,500 pounds of liquid meth, according to sheriffs officials.

Multiple law enforcement agencies participated in Wednesdays raid at a home in the 7000 block of North Street.

Abraham Casarez, 21, Jorge Castro-Medina, 43, Emanuel Carmen, 40, and Julio Valencia-Hurtado, 38, all of Mexico, were arrested at the lab, officials said. Lauriano Castro, 45, of Mexico was arrested in the 4900 block of South Union Avenue in Bakersfield, officials said.

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All five suspects were booked on suspicion of crimes including conspiracy and manufacturing meth. Theyre due in court next week.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News.
COLUMBUS, N.M. (AP)  The military is expanding its authority and reach along swaths of the southern U.S. border where troops have been empowered to detain people who enter the country illegally.

Designated militarized zones will soon cover nearly one-third of the U.S. border with Mexico under supervision of nearby military bases. Federal prosecutors have filed criminal trespassing charges in the militarized terrain against more than 1,400 people, adding to possible consequences for people who cross the border illegally.

Reaction to the military buffer has been mixed among residents of New Mexicos rural Luna County, where a strong culture of individual liberty is tempered by the desire to tame networks that ferry migrants and contraband across the border.

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Some farmers and ranchers have welcomed the military's expanded mission. But the changes also are being challenged in court and questioned by civil rights advocates and outdoor enthusiasts including hunters and hikers who fear they'll be locked out of public lands.

No-entry signs

The first two militarized zones, introduced in April and May, extend along 230 miles (370 kilometers) of border. The buffer runs from Fort Hancock, Texas, through El Paso and westward past factories and cattle yards to partially encircle the New Mexico border village of Columbus, where in 1916 Mexican revolutionary forces led by Pancho Villa crossed into the U.S. in a deadly predawn raid.

The Army has posted thousands of no-entry signs across the region, declaring a restricted area by authority of the commander.

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James Johnson, a fourth-generation local farmer, oversees the summer harvests on private farmland along 5 miles (8 kilometers) of the border.

He says the military deployments under prior presidents put eyes and ears on the border and that the new approach is trying to give some teeth to enforcement.

Luna County Commissioner Ray Trejo says he and other hunters are worried about their rights to carry firearms and harvest game from the newly designated militarized zones. He sees the new trespassing charges as inhumane in an economy built on immigrant farm labor.

People are coming into our country to work, stepping now all of a sudden into a military zone, and they have no idea, he said.

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Abbey Carpenter leads a search-and-rescue group for missing migrants and says public access is being denied across sweltering stretches of desert where migrant deaths have surged.

Maybe there are more deaths, but we dont know, she said.

Fewer border crossings

Border Patrol arrests along the southern border this year have dropped to the slowest pace since 1966, including a 30% drop in June.

On June 28, the Border Patrol made only 137 arrests, a stark contrast with late 2023 when arrests topped 10,000 on the busiest days.

Thwarted attempts to cross have plunged not only since Trump took office but also previously when President Joe Biden introduced severe asylum restrictions in June 2024, and when Mexican officials increased enforcement within their own borders in December 2023.

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At least 7,600 members of the armed forces have vastly expanded the U.S. government presence on the border.

The Defense Department last week added an additional 250-mile (400-kilometer) militarized area in Texas Rio Grande Valley and plans another near Yuma, Arizona. Combined, the four zones will cover nearly one-third of the U.S. border with Mexico.

Legal challenges

The new militarized zones are tied to President Donald Trump's declaration of a national emergency on the border on his first day in office this year.

The moves are being challenged in proceedings at a federal courthouse in Las Cruces on the banks of the Upper Rio Grande, with mixed outcomes.

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Migrants in drab county jail jumpsuits and chains filed before a magistrate judge on a recent weekday. They included a 29-year-old woman from Guatemala who sells pottery for a living. Military trespassing charges against her were dismissed for lack of evidence, but a conviction for illegal entry resulted in a two-week jail sentence before likely deportation.

In separate proceedings, a federal public defender's office has challenged the militarys new oversight of public land at the border in New Mexico  an area nearly twice the size of Washington, D.C.,  seizing on the arrest of one Mexican man for trespassing through remote terrain to test the legal waters.

It says the designation of a militarized zone in New Mexico without congressional authorization is a matter of staggering and unprecedented political significance. A judge has yet to rule on the arguments.




NEED TO KNOW

Christina Formella, a former Illinois high school special education teacher, was arrested in March and is accused of sexually assaulting a teenage student multiple times

Prosecutors alleged in court this week that Formella began grooming the boy when he was 14 and claimed she had sex with him 50 times

Formella pleaded not guilty and faces up to 60 years in prison if convicted





An Illinois judge has denied a request to decrease the buffer zone between a married teacher and the teenage student she is accused of sexually assaulting 50 times.

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Arrested during a traffic stop in March, the footage of which went viral on social media, Christina Formella, 30, a former special education teacher, is charged with 55 counts of criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual abuse, grooming and indecent solicitation of a child.

The judge allowed her to be released as she awaits trial on the condition that she refrain from contacting the teenage alleged victim or anyone under the age of 18, or enter Downers Grove South High School  where she'd been a teacher before resigning  DuPage County States Attorney Robert Berlin said in June.

Part of her pre-trial release includes wearing a GPS monitor that prohibits her from coming within 5,000 feet of the alleged victims home, school or workplace, the Chicago Tribune reports.

Formellas attorney had asked the judge to reduce the buffer zone to 2,500 feet because the alleged victim works a mile from her home, which is in the larger buffer zone, according to the Chicago Tribune.

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But during Wednesdays hearing, which Formella attended with her husband, the judge denied the request, citing the need to ensure the safety of the alleged victim, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Related: Married Teacher Cried When Cops Arrested Her  Then Came the Bombshell: Allegations She Assaulted Student 45 Times

The alleged crimes came to light when the teen's mother found a disturbing text thread between her son and the teacher detailing their alleged relationship, prosecutors said.

Formella was initially charged with one count of criminal sexual assault and two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

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In June, prosecutors unsealed dozens more counts, charging her with 55 total counts involving previously unknown sexual abuse and assault of the student, Berlin said in a June 17 press release.

Prosecutors allege that the sexual abuse began in January 2023, when the boy was 14, and continued through August/September 2024, Berlin said in the release.

It is alleged that during this time, Formella sent the victim multiple text messages that were grooming in nature and that she and the victim had engaged in sexual acts approximately fifty times, both at the school and at Formellas home, including at least forty-five times at the school."

Prosecutors allege that Formella kept a memoir on her phones notes app detailing her apparent anger at the teen, including writings that claimed the boy cheated on me.

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We will never ever be together again, Formella allegedly wrote. I'm not a second choice. I'm the best thing you'll ever have even with all of my mistakes.

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Formella has denied ever having sex with the teen.

Her attorney did not respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.

The allegations against Formella "are beyond disturbing, Berlin said in the June 17 release.

Formella is scheduled to return to court on August 4, 2025.

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In a statement to PEOPLE, a spokesperson for the family of Formella said, in part: "The public shaming of women accused of sexual misconduct reflects deeply embedded patterns of misogyny that have persisted across generations. Christina has become the latest target of this troubling phenomenon  subjected to relentless personal attacks and sexist scrutiny that ignore the legal process entirely."

The statement later added, "This isnt just a double standard. Its a spectacle  a public ritual that punishes women not for what theyve done, but for how theyre perceived. Instead of discussing facts or law, public discourse fixates on Christinas appearance, her private life, even her lipstick  as if those details bear on guilt or innocence. Thats not legal analysis. Its voyeurism, moral judgment, and cruelty  excused by a self-serving performance of concern for an alleged victim."



If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.



If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.

Read the original article on People
A teachers aide in Upstate New York had sex with a teenage student in her car, which was parked outside the school, according to bombshell court filings reviewed by The Independent.

Between 2024 and 2025, the aide, who is identified only by her first name in the filings, engaged in sexually charged physical interactions with the unidentified boy, beginning with sexually explicit communications and sexually explicit media, and progressing to sexually charged physical interactions in various places within the subject school, according to a complaint filed June 30 by the boys mother.

This included, the complaint alleges, kissing in and around Cohoes High School until the winter of 2025, when the aide engaged in oral sex with [the student], multiple times in [her] car within the subject school.

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Then, in February of 2025, [the aide] engaged in sexual intercourse with [the student] in [her] car within the school, the complaint states.

The filing sheds new light on a situation that roiled the city of Cohoes, which is located about 150 miles north of New York City.

Alexandra Morales is accused of having sex with the teen in her car, on school grounds (Google Maps)

On March 20, Cohoes City School District Superintendent Peggy OShea sent a letter to parents regarding allegations of inappropriate conduct by the aide.

Upon becoming aware of these allegations, administration immediately contacted the Cohoes Police Department, OShea wrote. Since that time the District has been fully cooperating with law enforcement.

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Due to the ongoing investigation, OShea said she was unable to share further details at the time.

The full name of the aide, 19-year-old Alexsandra Morales, was identified by News10. She is now facing a pair of criminal misdemeanor charges: sexual misconduct and endangering the welfare of a child.

According to the complaint, the situation was discovered on March 18 by the teens mom. Morales was arrested on March 20, News10 reported. The student involved was 15 at the time of the alleged abuse and was too young to legally consent, according to police.

Cohoes Police Chief Todd Waldin told News10 that his department pursued felony charges against Morales, but that they were precluded from doing so by the state penal code because the age difference between Morales and the student was less than four years.

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The lawsuit, which was brought under the New York Child Victims Act, accuses the school district of negligent hiring, training, and supervision, as well as failing to remove the employee from the school despite notice of reported misconduct. It further claims that the administration knew or should have known about the subject pattern of abuse and should have prevented or stopped it, and that it allowed for these violent and deviant incidents to occur on a regular and repeating basis, despite having notice of their occurrence.

Each instance of [Morales] sexual misconduct and inappropriate physical contact with [the teen] constitutes battery, the students mothers complaint says.

As a result, the complaint contends the student suffered severe injuries and damages including but not limited to, mental and emotional distress.

The lawsuit seeks damages to be determined in court.

Officials with the school district said they were unable to comment on pending litigation.

Morales is due back in Cohoes City Court on July 23.
Restaurant industry leaders are excited for artificial intelligence to make the business better.

Most Read from Fast Company



But many feel unprepared to handle its implementation.

Thats according to a new survey from consulting firm Deloitte that asked hundreds of restaurant industry executives about their current use and future plans for AI. Overwhelmingly, respondents cited AIs potential to enhance the guest experience; to make a customers time more enjoyable, comfortable, and memorable, as a top benefit of the tech. In fact, almost all98%operators in the survey said they expect a high impact on the customer experience in three years.

AI is already showing up to help restaurant guests. It answers the phones, works the back office, and helps with marketing efforts. Eventually, itll show up during table service. Plenty of restaurants are already using AI to their advantage; 8 in 10 industry leaders surveyed by Deloitte say theyll increase spending on the tech in the next year.

Most of the surveys respondents work in quick service restaurants; nearly half work as franchise operators for larger brands. But that doesnt mean AI and its benefits are reserved for corporate restaurants.

Big chains are usually first to test new technologies in the restaurant space, and AI is no different, says Emma Blecker, a New York-based operations consultant. It makes sense, the tools are often built for them, and theyve got the resources to spend on research and development, pilot programs, training, and rollouts. But that doesnt mean small operators are missing out.

For now, she advises, restaurants of all sizes can learn from industry early adopters, experimenting with new tech tools and ideas, like these:

AI can handle the conversation

According to Deloittes survey results, less than 1 in 5 surveyed leaders use conversational voice AItech that can talkin their restaurants daily operations now. But they plan to; roughly a third are testing or piloting the tech, with another third planning or developing a conversational AI strategy.

Voice AI can staff a drive-thru, taking orders and upselling to guests with smart add-onsthink: Do you want fries with that? except instead of blindly suggesting a side of fries to every customer, it uses factors like their order, time of day, or even the weather to suggest something else.




NEED TO KNOW

Seven people remain missing after an explosion at a fireworks facility in Esparto, Calif., on July 1

Mother Marisol Ramos said she wants to search the explosion scene for her three missing sons, despite authorities warnings of potential dangers

Let us do it, a tearful Ramos told Today







A mother who said her three children worked at the California fireworks facility that was the scene of an explosion is pleading with fire officials to let her help in the search for her loved ones.

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Marisol Ramos recently told Today on Friday, July 4, that she has not heard from her three sons since the Tuesday, July 1, explosion in Esparto. Seven people were unaccounted for, according to officials.

Authorities said at the time they could not move forward with the search until the scene was safe due to the potential dangers.

Ramos, who immediately went over to the facility on the evening of the disaster, told Today that she hasnt received any answers since the incident.

Let us do it, a tearful Ramos said. Im willing to go in  I want to search for my kids.

According to the family, the missing brothers are Jesus Ramos, 18, John Ramos, 22, and Joel "Junior" Melendez, 28, Fox affiliate KTVU reported.

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Syanna Ruiz, the girlfriend of Jesus Ramos, told local outlet KSBW that Tuesday was her boyfriend's first day on the job at the facility.

"We have a baby on the way," she said. "They were saying that there was a warning beforehand, but somebody is behind this. There's no way that this just happened."

Ruiz also told ABC affiliate KXTV that Jesus was "excited" for the "new chapter" in their lives. He was working alongside Johnny and Junior.

"They were all three incredible men who had so much coming for them," she said. "And I'm just praying to God someway, somehow, that they're okay."

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In a Wednesday, July 2, update, officials said emergency responders have been working to gain access to the facility to conduct recovery operations and bolster investigative efforts for the explosion investigation. They added that the scene remains active and hazardous with explosions continuing to occur throughout the afternoon and evening.

Kent Porter/The Press Democrat via AP Smoke and flames rise during a fireworks warehouse explosion near Esparto, Calif., July 1, 2025. Smoke and flames rise during a fireworks warehouse explosion near Esparto, Calif., July 1, 2025.

The County of Yolo, where Esparto sits, said in an update on Thursday, July 3, that progress has been made in stabilizing the site and evacuation orders have been reduced in certain areas due to improved ground conditions and real-time risk assessments. It also said that utility crews are working to restore power to the affected areas.

Field crews remain in the area to monitor evolving hazards and ensure public safety, the county said in its update.

"Due to the presence of known explosive materials on site, explosive ordinance disposal experts are working alongside fire personnel to ensure safety during suppression activities, the countys update further stated.

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Area residents recalled feeling and hearing Tuesdays massive blast.

Initially people thought it was a plane crash or something like that, Yolo County librarian Diana Lopez told The Sacramento Bee. Most of us didnt know there was a fireworks facility so close by.

It felt like an earthquake, Jairo Frausto, 14, told the newspaper.

The fireworks facility reportedly housed large pyrotechnics for aerial displays in Northern California, including for events scheduled for the July 4th holiday on Friday, per The New York Times.

Kent Porter/The Press Democrat via AP Smoke and flames rise during a fireworks warehouse explosion near Esparto, Calif., July 1, 2025 Smoke and flames rise during a fireworks warehouse explosion near Esparto, Calif., July 1, 2025

Devastating Pyrotechnics, the fireworks company, issued a statement on its website that read: "Our hearts and thoughts are with those we lost, their families, and everyone impacted in our community. We are grateful for the swift response of law enforcement and emergency personnel. Our focus will remain on those directly impacted by this tragedy, and we will cooperate fully with the proper authorities in their investigation."

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Local officials, however, have not confirmed whether there were any casualties from the incident, the Times reported.

CAL FIRE is leading the investigation into the incident, said officials.

PEOPLE contacted the County of Yolo on Friday, July 4, for additional updates.

Read the original article on People
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi sent letters to 10 U.S. tech companies, including Google and Apple, earlier this year, making clear that they wouldnt be prosecuted for ignoring a TikTok ban approved by Congress and upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.

The letters, released Thursday following a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit by Google shareholder Anthony Tan, show that Bondi told the companies integral to TikToks U.S. operations that Trump believed the abrupt shutdown of the app would interfere with the execution of [his] constitutional duties to take care of national security and foreign affairs.

Therefore, Bondi said, those companies may continue to provide services to TikTok as contemplated ... without violating the Act, and without incurring any legal liability.

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Bondi added that the department would shield the companies from anyone else trying to penalize them for violating the TikTok divest-or-ban law, including by filing amicus briefs, statements of interest or intervening in litigation.

The New York Times also obtained some of Bondis letters following its own FOIA lawsuit for the correspondence.

The other eight companies who received letters by Bondi include: Amazon, Microsoft, Akamai Technologies, Digital Realty Trust, Fastly, T-Mobile, Oracle and LG Electronics USA.

Last year, former President Joe Biden signed a package of foreign aid bills into law, including a provision to force ByteDance, TikToks Chinese parent company, to sell its stake in the platform or risk being banned from U.S. app stores over national security concerns, prompting the platform to go dark temporarily.

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Following his inauguration in January, Trump immediately signed an executive order directing the DOJ to not enforce the law, giving TikTok 75 days to find a U.S. buyer. The president has since extended that deadline three times.

Following the passage of the law, Google and Apple briefly removed TikTok from their app stores. Reports at the time attributed the platforms return to app stores to Bondi assuaging their concerns. But the letters had not been made public at the time.

Meanwhile, Trump, who last month gave TikTok another 90-day extension to comply with the law, told Fox Business Maria Bartiromo hes making progress on a potential sale, adding that he expects to announce a buyer soon as concerns about its long-term future in the U.S. remain.

The sale would still require Beijings approval, but Trump sounded confident China wouldnt block it.

I think President Xi [Jinping] will probably do it, Trump told Bartiromo.

Related...
CHEATHAM COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  A teenager was found dead Friday afternoon after reportedly drowning near the Cheatham Dam, officials said.

Emergency crews were called to a possible drowning at the Cheatham Dam on Friday, July 4.

 Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts 

Photo: WKRN Photo: WKRN Photo: WKRN

The Cheatham County Emergency Management Agency later confirmed that the victim is a 13-year-old boy.

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The teenager was outside the designated swimming area, and he did not know how to swim, according to authorities.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Officials have since recovered the teen from the water. Several agencies were sent to the dam Friday afternoon to search for the 13-year-old.

No additional details about the incident were immediately provided.

 Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go.

 Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox.

 Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee.

This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
The Brief

A teen has been arrested in connection with a February armed robbery in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood.

He was taken into custody Thursday morning in Bridgeview and charged with two felony counts of armed robbery with a firearm.

The suspect, a juvenile at the time of the crime, is accused of robbing two 21-year-olds at gunpoint and is set to appear in juvenile court.

CHICAGO - A teen was arrested this week in connection with robbing two people earlier this year in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood, police said.

What we know

The suspect, who was a juvenile at the time of the incident, was taken into custody Thursday morning by members of the Area One Vehicular Hijacking Team in Bridgeview, according to a Chicago Police Department news release. Authorities said he was arrested around 10:15 a.m. in Bridgeview.

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He has been charged with two felony counts of armed robbery with a firearm.

Police said the charges stem from a Feb. 6 incident in the 5200 block of South Greenwood Avenue, where the suspect and at least one other individual allegedly robbed a 21-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman at gunpoint.

The teen is scheduled to appear in juvenile court for a detention hearing on July 18.

No further information was immediately released.

The Source

The information in this report came from the Chicago Police Department.
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now)  One Woodbridge teen has a court date coming up after he was reportedly caught driving 85 miles per hour over the speed limit in Manassas.

(Photo Courtesy: Prince William County Police Department)

The Prince William County Police Department said that the 19-year-old driver was traveling on the Prince William Parkway, near Scenic Pointe Place, last week, when he was clocked going 115 mph in a 55 mph zone.

Virginia State Police activates Operation C.A.R.E. for Fourth of July holiday

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The teen was summoned to court for reckless driving.

This speed is both reckless & dangerous for the area. For your safety & the safety of others, PLEASE SLOW DOWN! said Prince William County police on social media.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
An 18-year-old has been found dead just days after she was reported missing in Morgan Hill, California, according to police.

A body was found amid the search for Marissa DiNapoli on Wednesday and it was positively identified as her on Thursday, according to police.

DiNapoli last communicated with her family on Saturday, sending them a text after 9 p.m. saying that she planned to stay the night with a friend and would return the next day, according to the Morgan Hill Police Department.

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She was reported missing on Monday after she did not return home or respond to calls from family, police said.

Investigators determined DiNapoli was last seen with Martin Mendoza on June 28 just before 10 a.m. when the two were seen leaving a residence just outside the city limits of Morgan Hill, police said.

Morgan Hill Police Department - PHOTO: In this photo released by the Morgan Hill Police Department, Marissa DiNapoli is shown.

DiNapoli's car was later found in the same area, police said.

MORE: 1 person killed in house fire in California after fireworks explode in garage: Police

"This is not the outcome any of us wanted and we are heartbroken by this news. Marissa was a vibrant member of our Morgan Hill community with a bright future ahead of her," police said in a statement.

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Mendoza was identified as a person of interest during the search for DiNapoli and remains so, according to police. Mendoza was not cooperative in the initial investigation, police said.

"Detectives are actively seeking information on his whereabouts and urge anyone with knowledge to contact their local law enforcement agency immediately. Mendoza is believed to be driving a white Toyota Camry bearing either license plate CW87W00 or 9PTM351," police said in a statement Wednesday.

Morgan Hill Police Department - PHOTO: In this photo released by the Morgan Hill Police Department, Martin Mendoza is shown.

But, police said they are actively seeking out other leads as well, asking anyone with any information to contact Detective Kyle Tolentino at (669)-253-4962.

DiNapoli's family asked for privacy as they grieve.

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MORE: 1 person killed in house fire in California after fireworks explode in garage: Police

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved Marissa, and at this time, our family kindly asks for privacy as we grieve and navigate this difficult journey," the family said in a statement released by police.

"We appreciate the love and support from those who have reached out. In honoring Marissas memory, we kindly ask that no GoFundMe accounts or donation pages be created. If you wish to show support, please do so through your prayers, kind words, and cherished memories," the family said.
Jul. 4Claudia Tenney has her first declared opponent in her run for reelection to represent New York's 24th Congressional District  Diana K. Kastenbaum, a former manufacturing CEO from Batavia, Genesee County who once sought the Democratic nod for the now-defunct 27th District nearly a decade ago.

In an announcement shared on Wednesday, Kastenbaum said she would seek to focus on "kitchen table" issues like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, rural healthcare, veterans services, education and workforce shortages in the district, which stretches from Jefferson County to Niagara Falls, largely following the southern shore of Lake Ontario.

"Our rural hospitals and nursing homes depend on Medicaid funding to serve our communities," Kastenbaum said. "Our farmers need workers who are willing to do the essential work of feeding America. Our veterans deserve the services they've earned through their honorable service. These aren't partisan issues  they're neighbor issues."

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Kastenbaum has retired from running her company, Pinnacle Manufacturing, and currently serves as a trustee on the SUNY Genesee Community College board.

Kastenbaum has been slowly rebuilding her political presence in the district, launching a series of town hall events across the district with the group "Concerned Citizens NY-24", a nonpartisan community group that aimed to host community forums across the district after the start of the Trump administration.

In an interview Wednesday, Kastenbaum said she started organizing that forum with other politically-minded people in western New York to provide a forum for local residents to discuss their thoughts on federal policies and actions, and to better understand the scope of what was going on. Kastenbaum had invited Tenney to attend the nonpartisan forums, but the Congresswoman did not take her up on the offer, and has not hosted a town hall of her own in the district in months.

Kastenbaum said it was her experience with the health care system that pushed her to run  she cared for her father and then her husband, former Seinfeld cast member Hiram Kasten, before they died, and said she found the health care system very difficult to successfully move through.

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"I thought, if I'm having these problems, other people must be too," she said.

Kastenbaum said she wants to pitch a stable rural health care system, and said that Republican actions in Washington are doing the opposite. She pointed to the "One Big Beautiful Bill," President Trump's keystone legislation package that includes major cuts to Medicare and Medicaid that are likely to push thousands of Americans off of the government-sponsored health insurance program. Kastenbaum said that bill is going to rip health coverage away from thousands of NY-24 residents, push regional hospitals into financial ruin and make quality of life worse.

"I don't know why Claudia Tenney supports this," she said. "She doesn't see what it's going to do to her constituents. She's never here to hear from them."

Kastenbaum said she has experience running in a heavily Republican district like NY-24, referencing her previous campaign in NY-27 back in 2016. In that race, she carried 32.8% of the vote to then-Congressman Chris Collins 67.2%.

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Kastenbaum said she has seen concerns among area Republicans just as much as from Democrats about the direction the country is taking and the priorities the GOP is pursuing in D.C., and she said she thinks there's bipartisan backlash to what's being done. She said the results of the "One Big Beautiful Bill," which House GOP members were debating throughout the day Wednesday, will give local voters a lot more to be mad about.

Kastenbaum has been touring the district to meet with local county Democratic committee chairs, and said she's met all of them. She said there are other candidates planning to announce their campaigns in the coming days, and there's likely to be a primary election for the Democratic party in NY-24 this year.

Her advantages, she said, are business acumen, a long history in the district as a native born and raised in Batavia, experience in local politics and a passion to fight.

"I decided I had to fight, and the best way to do that is to run," she said.

As of Wednesday, Kastenbaum and Tenney are the only two candidates to have filed with the Federal Election Commission to run for the seat  Kastenbaum has not recorded any financial information yet because her campaign is too new, but Tenney reported that she has raised $638,790 since January of this year, and has spent $312,046.
Texans are ringing in the Fourth of July this year under a brand-new banner: American Patriotism Month.

For the first time, the Lone Star State is formally celebrating Independence Day as part of a newly designated month-long tribute to national pride, republicanism and liberty, thanks to a law unanimously passed earlier this year.

House Bill 2703, authored by Rep. Richard Pena Raymond (D-Laredo), sailed through both chambers of the Texas Legislature with no recorded votes against it148 yeas in the House, 31 yeas in the Senate, and just two present but not voting in the House.

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Because the bill received over two-thirds support in both chambers, it took effect immediately, making July 2025 the inaugural American Patriotism Month.

July is American Patriotism Month tocelebrate the United States of America and honor the values and principles on which it was founded, the statute reads.

Texans are encouraged to recognize military veterans, the Founding Fathers, civil rights leaders, moon-landing astronauts, and the unity displayed by Americans following the September 11 attacks.

The law calls for appropriate ceremonies and activities that help citizens develop a sense of national pride and national identity, though participation is voluntary and no specific requirements are imposed.

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Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced the bills passage in May, writing on social media:

In a landmark move, HB 2703 passed out of the Texas Senate last week, making Texas the first state in the nation to formally designate the entire month of July as American Patriotism Month. With this legislation, Texans are encouraged to observe July not only in celebration of pic.twitter.com/BUIVISaJHh  Dan Patrick (@DanPatrick) May 23, 2025

Though July has long held special significance in Texasthe Fourth became a legal state holiday in 1879  this years observance carries new weight. Texas is now the only state in the nation to set aside the entire month for patriotic reflection.

Raymond, who previously led efforts to add In God We Trust to state license plates, introduced the bill with little media attention but received praise from Texas leaders and civic education advocates.

This also marks the first July 4 that Texans can take their boats down from docks in Galveston and sail into the newly renamed Gulf of America, another Texas-led patriotic initiative approved earlier this year.

As fireworks light up the Texas sky this week, it wont just be the nations independence being celebrated  its also the launch of a state-sanctioned season of American pride.
As Texas rapidly grows, moves to improve infrastructure could hurt small businesses. What started as a calculated business move in a fast-growing area turned into a major setback for Ricky Jordan, president of Fifth Gear Automotive.

Don't miss

It really sucks, he said recently to WFAA after his shop in Argyle, Texas was forced to close and the building was demolished due to a road expansion.

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"I've lived in this area for 35 years," he said. "This was really an up-and-coming place that needed car repair. There wasn't a lot here."

He opened Fifth Gears second location off U.S. 377 in 2020. We understood that there was going to be some road expansion that affected the parking lot, so we did a lot of due diligence in the beginning prior to building or buying it to get compliant said Jordan.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)s long-term infrastructure project plans include widening the highway to four lanes and adding medians, sidewalks, and left-turn lanes.

Jordan said he had no problem working with the county on the affected parking and fire lane issues, but then things took a sudden turn late last year. He said We had no issues up until we got notification we had to leave.

What is eminent domain and how can it affect your business?

That notification didnt come from TxDOT, but from Atmos Energy, a Dallas-based natural gas-only distributor. A spokesperson for the utility company confirmed to WFAA they are required to perform pipeline replacements in accordance with the states road expansion project.

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We really didnt understand we were going to lose the building until the very end. And we didnt really understand timelines to the very end, Jordan said. According to him, Atmos said it needed to run gas lines through the land where his shop stood.

To make matters worse, the building was demolished months after his business was told to leave.

Jordan said he was required to vacate the property by January 31, but the building wasnt demolished until mid-June. He said, We could have continued operations until they actually needed to tear the building down, that would have saved me months of, at the least, staying in business.

The upheaval faced by Fifth Gear Automotive is due to a legal mechanism known as eminent domain. It allows the government to take private property for public use, think highways, pipelines, railroads, schools, in exchange for just compensation.

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We always prefer to acquire property rights through negotiation, said Atmos in its statement. When that is not possible, the courts have a process for acquiring the easement and compensating the landowner.

That "just compensation" is usually based on fair market value. It may also include certain damages if your remaining propertys market value is diminished by the acquisition itself or by the way the condemning entity will use the property, says the Texas Landowners Bill of Rights.

**Read more: No millions? No problem. With as little as $10, heres how you can access this $1B private real estate fund of diversified assets usually only available to major players

It sounds fair, but isnt always in practice.

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For example, in Jordans case, the financial and emotional pain may be much deeper than the compensation. "It's basically cut our business in half and taken us to a point where it's an investment to stay in business, not a profitable venture," he said.

Negative effects of eminent domain

Heres how eminent domain works:

The government identifies the land needed for a project.

They offer the owner just compensation.

If the owner and the government cannot agree on the value of the property, the government can initiate a legal process called condemnation, filing a claim for the property in court.

Eminent domain is meant to allow the building of better public infrastructure, but for small business owners, it can bulldoze more than just property. When timelines shift or communication is poor, the financial fallout can hit like a wrecking ball.

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Fifth Gear Automotive has relocated to a temporary office about two miles away off Highway 407, with hopes of opening a new permanent site there in 2026.

"Im excited about the investments that were making in this area," Jordan said. "We need larger roads and better infrastructure to support a growing city and town, but you need to be very mindful of the businesses and how it impacts the people around."

By imposing tremendous costs (both social and economic) in the form of lost communities, uprooted families and destroyed small businesses, eminent domain often thwarts, rather than helps, economic growth, says the Institute for Justice. Instead of seizing private property, cities can streamline regulatory barriers, like permitting and zoning laws, and usher in development without eminent domain.

In 2006, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) produced a report on the use of eminent domain by state and local governments.

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Property rights groups and a national community organization described the negative effects like loss of small businesses and jobs, decreases in affordable housing, and the dispersal of communities.

They also said property owners may be hurt by lack of notice, blight designations that negatively impacted neighboring nonblighted properties, significantly undervalued appraisals, and inadequate compensation.

If your business is near a major public works project, talk to a lawyer early, even before the notices arrive.

What to read next

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Money doesnt have to be complicated  sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Over 100 people are dead after heavy rain led to devastating flooding in Texas.

Kerr County was hit the hardest, with at least 84 deaths, including 28 children. President Donald Trump signed a disaster declaration for the county and the Federal Emergency Management Agency is on the ground there.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing.

Latest Developments





Jul 7, 12:09 PM

Over 100 dead in Texas



Over 100 people have died from flooding in Texas.



Julio Cortez/AP - PHOTO: Officials are seen in the Guadalupe River as they assist in recovery efforts after a flash flood swept through the area, July 6, 2025, in Hunt, Texas.



The vast majority of the fatalities -- 84 -- were in Kerr County.

Deaths have also been confirmed in Travis, Williamson, Burnet, Tom Green and Kendall counties.

There have been over 850 high-water rescues, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz said.



Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: A search and rescue team looks for people along the Guadalupe River near Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, July 7, 2025.



"Texas will come through this," Cruz said at a news conference.

-ABC News' Vanessa Navarrete and Abigail Shalawylo

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Jul 7, 2:34 PM

Flash flood warnings issued night before, NWS had 'surge staffing'



Questions have swirled around if there was enough warning and enough staffing for the early Friday morning floods in the wake of the Trump administration's job cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

But NOAA confirmed that the National Weather Service's Austin/San Antonio office had five meteorologists working the severe weather event as part of its "surge staffing" protocol. It is normally staffed with two.

NOAA also said the NWS had forecast briefings Thursday morning, issued a flood watch Thursday afternoon and then issued flash flood warnings on Thursday night and early Friday. This gave "preliminary lead times of more than three hours before flash flooding conditions occurred," NOAA said in a statement.



Marco Bello/Reuters - PHOTO: People look at the Guadalupe river, following flash flooding, in Kerrville, Texas, July 6, 2025.



White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Monday, "Blaming President Trump for these floods is a depraved lie, and it serves no purpose during this time of national mourning."

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz said Monday, "Some people [are] engaging in partisan games and trying to blame their political opponents for a natural disaster."



ABC News - PHOTO: Sen. Ted Cruz speaks at a Kerr County, Texas press conference, July 7, 2025.



"I think most normal Americans know that's ridiculous and I think this is not a time for partisan finger pointing and attacks," he said.

I think it is reasonable, over time, to engage in a retrospective and say, at every level, what could have been done better, because all of us would want to prevent this horrific loss of life," he said.

Chuck Schumer, the Senate's top Democrat, is calling for an investigation into whether cuts made to NWS had any correlation to the level of devastation.

-ABC News Lalee Ibssa

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Jul 7, 2:04 PM

How you can help



The American Red Cross is one of several organizations assisting with victim support, shelter and supplies.

Click here for more information on ways you can help.



Marco Bello/Reuters - PHOTO: People look at the Guadalupe river, following flash flooding, as they gather after receiving a SMS alerting on potential floods in the area, in Kerrville, Texas, July 6, 2025.

Jul 7, 12:27 PM

Flood threat increasing in Texas



Parts of central Texas are now under a level 3 out of 4 threat for flash flooding.

Kerr County, which was hit hard by this weekends rain, is just to the east, outside the zone preparing for this new flash flooding.

More than 5 inches of rain is possible and rainfall rates could climb to 3 inches per hour, overwhelming the already very saturated soil.

The rain is situated over a region colloquially known as "Flash Flood Alley," which is prone to flash flood events that are exacerbated by the region's steep terrain and shallow soil.

-ABC News Kyle Reiman

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Jul 7, 11:22 AM

10 girls, 1 counselor still missing from Camp Mystic



Texas Sen. Ted Cruz said 10 girls and one counselor from Camp Mystic are still unaccounted for.

"The pain and agony of not knowing your child's whereabouts, it's the worst thing imaginable," he said.



Julio Cortez/AP - PHOTO: Military personnel carry a camp trunk salvaged down river from Camp Mystic along the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area, July 6, 2025, in Hunt, Texas.



Parents were dropping off their children at camp, knowing "your child is going to be swimming and canoes and horseback riding and doing archery and making lifetime friends," he said. "And then suddenly it turns to tragedy."

"Last week, we were picking up our daughter from camp here in Hunt. Our girls have gone to camp here for a decade," he said.

Jul 7, 11:17 AM

At least 82 dead in Texas

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The statewide death toll has climbed to at least 82, according to Texas Sen. Ted Cruz.

"Texas is grieving right now. The pain, the shock of what has transpired these last few days has broken the heart of our state," he said.



Brandon Bell/Getty Images - PHOTO: An America flag is stationed over caution tape on the banks of the Guadalupe River, July 6, 2025 in Kerrville, Texas.

Jul 7, 11:07 AM

75 dead including 27 kids in Kerr County



In hard-hit Kerr County, 75 people, including 27 children, have died in the flooding, officials said Monday.

Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, officials said.



Rodolfo Gonzalez/AP - PHOTO: Volunteers search for missing people along the banks of the Guadalupe River after recent flooding, July 6, 2025, in Hunt, Texas.





Brandon Bell/Getty Images - PHOTO: The remains of a neighborhood is seen on the banks of the Guadalupe River, July 6, 2025 in Center Point, Texas.

Jul 7, 9:05 AM

'Considerable' flash flood warning issued in Llano County, Texas



Life-threatening flooding is looming in Llano County, Texas, located about 60 miles north of the devastating Kerr County floods.

A "considerable" flash flood warning has been issued. The ground is fully saturated, so the falling rain is headed straight to runoff and into rivers and creeks, allowing for flash flooding to begin immediately.

-ABC News Kenton Gewecke

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Jul 7, 8:22 AM

At least 27 Camp Mystic campers, counselors have died



Camp Mystic said at least 27 of its campers and counselors died in the devastating flooding.

"Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy. We are praying for them constantly," the camp said in a statement.



Julio Cortez/AP - PHOTO: People react as they inspect an area outside sleeping quarters at Camp Mystic along the banks of the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area, July 6, 2025, in Hunt, Texas.



The camp said its in touch with the officials "who are tirelessly deploying extensive resources to search for our missing girls."

"We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from community, first responders, and officials at every level," the camp added.

Jul 7, 6:04 AM

Latest forecast: Flood watch in Hill Country areas until 7 p.m.

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A flood watch is in effect through 7 p.m. on Monday for areas in the Texas Hill Country, including Kerr County, Burnet, Austin and San Antonio.



ABC News - PHOTO: An ABC News graphic shows flood watches in Texas on Monday, July 7, 2025.



Storms are forecast to be isolated and some areas will likely see nothing, while others may see heavy rain in short periods.

Locally, 2 to 4 inches of rain are possible, with the National Weather Service saying up to 10 inches are possible in the most extreme cases. Near-term models are not indicating a repeat of rains that led to the July 4 or July 5 deadly floods.

More rain is possible on Wednesday, with the rest of the week remaining dry for Hill Country.

-ABC News' Kenton Gewecke

Click here to read the rest of the blog.
Key Points

Nvidia and Palantir have been two of the biggest AI winners over the past few years.

Nvidia has become the dominant player in AI infrastructure, with its GPUs the backbone of the data center buildout.

Palantir has taken a unique approach to AI, as it looks to become an AI operating system.

10 stocks we like better than Nvidia 

Two of the biggest artificial intelligence (AI) winners in recent years have been Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) and Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ: PLTR). Given how much growth both stocks have already registered, investors may be wondering which stock has the most additional upside from here. The quick answer to that question is Palantir, largely based on it being a much smaller company.

Both stocks have solid upside potential, so let's look at what they each bring to the table.

Image source: Getty Images.

Nvidia

Nvidia has become the best way to play AI infrastructure, and with good reason. The company's graphics processing units (GPUs) are the backbone of the data center AI build-out, and the numbers tell the story. Last quarter, Nvidia's data center revenue hit $39.1 billion, up more than ninefold from $4.3 billion in quarterly revenue just two years ago. That kind of growth at such a huge scale is unheard of, and it's a direct result of Nvidia's dominance in the space.

What sets Nvidia apart isn't just its chips; it's its CUDA software platform that creates the moat. GPUs were originally developed to help speed up graphics rendering in video games, and Nvidia created CUDA as a way to let developers program its chips for other tasks.

While it took a long time for GPUs to gain significant traction outside of video games, Nvidia made the smart decision of pushing CUDA into research labs and universities early on. This ensured that developers learned to program GPUs on its software, and it was also where early AI development began. In the years since, Nvidia has built out a full stack of tools and libraries on top of CUDA that can help speed up development and improve the performance of its chips. The result? A 92% market share in GPUs in Q1.

Nvidia isn't resting on that lead. It's sped up the development cycle of its chips from releases once every two years or so to new releases once a year to help ensure it keeps its market lead. The company is also pushing into other high-growth areas like autonomous driving. Last quarter, automotive revenue jumped 72% year over year to $567 million, and Nvidia expects that to hit $5 billion this year.

Nonetheless, the company is now closing in on a $4 trillion market cap, and the law of large numbers does come into play. As great as Nvidia is, percentage gains from here may not be as dramatic as they've been in the past. It's still a solid stock to own for the long haul, but the days of doubling or tripling its share price in a year may be over.
In a late-night ruling Thursday, the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals continued to block Texas from enforcing a 2023 immigration law that would allow local police to arrest people they suspect crossed the Texas-Mexico border illegally.

A three-judge panel of the New Orleans-based court handed down a 2-1 ruling that the law, known as Senate Bill 4, conflicts with federal law. The court also reinforced the federal governments primary role in immigration enforcement.

For nearly 150 years, the Supreme Court has recognized that the power to control immigration  the entry, admission, and removal of aliens  is exclusively a federal power, the ruling says.

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After the Texas Legislature passed SB 4 in 2023, the Biden administration filed a lawsuit to block it. A U.S. District judge sided with the administration, then Texas appealed that ruling.

Earlier this year, the Trump administration dropped the federal governments legal challenge to the law. The lawsuit continued, however, because El Paso County and two immigrant rights groups  the Austin-based American Gateways and the El Paso-based Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center  continued with their challenge. The groups are being represented by lawyers from the Texas Civil Rights Project.

The law would make it a state crime to cross the Texas-Mexico border between ports of entry. If a police officer believes they have evidence that a person illegally crossed the Rio Grande, that person could be charged with a Class B misdemeanor, which carries a punishment of up to six months in jail. For subsequent offenses, the person could be charged with a second-degree felony and face up to 20 years in prison.

The law says that if the migrant is convicted and has served their sentence, a judge must order police to transport them to a port of entry for removal from the country. A judge could drop the charges if a migrant voluntarily agrees to return to Mexico

 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.
The National Guard was deployed in Texas on Friday after a devastating river flood killed at least 25 people and swept away dozens of children at a local Christian camp.

Heavy rain on Friday morning caused the Guadalupe River to rise nearly 30 feet in 45 minutes.

State officials confirmed Friday night that at least 25 people are dead, including adults and children. Among the deaths, 24 were reported in Kerr County and one was in Kendall County.

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Between 23 and 25 people remain missing from Camp Mystic, an all-girls private Christian camp along the Guadalupe River, according to officials. The camp had more than 750 attendees.

Texas Department Of Public Safety Closes Capitol Grounds Following 'Credible Threat' To Lawmakers

Helicopters and military vehicles were used for evacuations. So far, 237 people have been evacuated, including 167 by helicopter, Major General Thomas Suelzer said when discussing Texas National Guard efforts.

Read On The Fox News App

"Day or night, whatever hour of the day, there will be local officials [and] state officials collaborating together," Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said at a news conference Friday night.

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The governor said Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum contacted him and offered federal assistance and resources.

"The federal government is leaning in and wants to assist the community here in the heart of Texas," Abbott said.

First responders survey rising flood waters of the Guadalupe River after flash flooding in Kerr County, Texas, U.S. July 4, 2025 in a still image from video.

Texas Driver Catches Dramatic Partial Overpass Collapse On Video

Ellen Toranzo told Fox News Digital that her daughter, Greta Toranzo, is one of the campers who went missing during the flood. Carrie Hanna also confirmed to Fox News Digital that her daughter, Hadley, is unaccounted for.

Other nearby camps reported all children were accounted for, according to Patrick.

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Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. issued a disaster declaration amid emergency evacuations.

Abbott wrote earlier on X that the state is directing all available resources to respond to the flood.

"That includes water rescue teams, sheltering centers, the National Guard, the Texas Department of Public Safety," Abbott wrote. "The immediate priority is saving lives."

Severe flooding was reported Friday in Kerr County, Texas.

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, posted on X asking for prayers.

"Please pray right now for everyone in the Hill Country, especially Camp Mystic," Cruz wrote on X. "Today, Ive spoken with Gov Abbott, Lt. Gov Patrick, the head of TDEM & President Trump. Multiple helicopters are performing search & rescue. President [Donald] Trump committed ANYTHING Texas needs."

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Texas Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, wrote: "Our prayers are with the families of those lost and those still unaccounted for in todays tragic flooding."

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick earlier urged parents of campers to avoid driving to the area, due to impassible roads.

"I know if it was one of my children, I would be tempted to want to drive there from Houston as well," Patrick said. "Once we're able to get some of those roads clear, when the rain stops, then we have 10 busses ready to go in and pick up the kids, and we'll find a point  where you can be reunited with your child and hug them. Hug them hard, because you know they're frightened."

Floods Kill At Least 111 As Northern Nigeria Battles Climate Change, Dry Spells And Heavy Rainfall

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The Kerrville Public Utility Board outage map showed nearly 3,000 people were without power, as of 11 p.m. eastern time.

Local funeral homes told Fox News Digital they are completely overwhelmed.

A flood gauge marks the height of water flowing over a farm-to-market road near Kerrville, Texas, on Friday, July 4, 2025.

A local Walmart is being used as a temporary reunification center and shelters have been activated, according to the City of Kerrville Police Department.

The Red Cross is assisting, according to the Kerr County Sheriff's Office.





Original article source: Texas river flood leaves at least 25 dead across two counties; children's camp evacuated by helicopter
Water rises from severe flooding along the Guadalupe River.in Kerr County, Texas on Friday, July 4, 2025. Credit - KSAT via AP

Parts of central Texas are in a state of emergency after an estimated 5-11 inches of rain prompted flash floods, forcing residents to evacuate on July 4.

Authorities in the city of Kerrville, about an hour northwest of San Antonio, confirmed at least six fatalities, according to the Kerr County Lead, and urged displaced people to gather at a local Walmart thats being used as a reunification center. Police ordered people who live close to the Guadalupe River to evacuate to higher ground as the river swelled to its second-highest height on record.

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Read More: Rescuers Search for Over 20 Girls From Texas Camp as Flooding Death Toll Rises

Roads and streets are flooded, and residents are encouraged to shelter in place and not attempt travel, according to a statement from the Kerr County Sheriffs Office. The National Weather Service in San Angelo also urged residents to stay off the roads.

More than an entire summers worth of rain fell in some spots in just a few hours, quickly overwhelmed dry soils and created significant flash flooding, CNN reported. Central Texas is currently home to some of the worst drought in the United States and bone-dry soils flood very quickly.

Flash floods are the most severe flood warning. In 2024, the National Weather Service recorded 91 flash flood emergencies, more than any other year since it started using that terminology in 2003.

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The July 4th flooding in Texas is just the latest example of storms becoming more severe in the era of climate change. Strong and wetter storms are increasing in frequency. The warmer the atmosphere gets, the more water its able to hold, and subsequently dump over land, according to the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC). As ocean temperatures rise, glaciers melt, and sea levels rise, increasing the risk of coastal flooding. As the NRDC puts it, While our warming world may not be the only or most direct cause of any given flood, it exacerbates many of the factors that increase flood risk.

Write to Olivia B. Waxman at olivia.waxman@time.com.
From a semi-truck loaded with hidden drugs to the takedown of a gang-affiliated smuggler and the capture of a convicted sex offender trying to sneak back into the U.S., agents claimed a week of major interdictions across South Texas.

1. COKE UNDER THE CUSHION: Feds Bust Semi-Truck with $3.5M Payload

Border Patrol officials claim they intercepted a major cocaine shipment hidden beneath the mattress of a semi-trucks sleeper cabin during an inspection at the Falfurrias checkpoint on June 28.

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U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks alleged in a July 2 post on X that agents discovered 109 pounds of cocaine, which he valued at NEARLY $3.5M, after an X-ray scan revealed irregularities in the truck. The driver, identified only as a U.S. citizen, was arrested and turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration, according to Banks.

Agent expertise combined with cutting-edge technology is a true force multiplier, Banks wrote.

NEARLY $3.5M WORTH OF COCAINE SEIZED! FALFURRIAS, TX- On June 28th, a U.S. citizen was arrested at the Falfurrias USBP Checkpoint after agents discovered 109 lbs. of cocaine inside his semi-truck. An X-ray inspection detected anomalies in the sleeper area, prompting agents to pic.twitter.com/8zUeU2y9hn  Chief Michael W. Banks (@USBPChief) July 2, 2025

Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez also addressed the seizure in a separate June 30 post, claiming that 40 bundles of cocaine weighing nearly 50 kilograms were uncovered. She included hashtags for cocaine, border security, and the Rio Grande Valley.

 Major Drug Bust 

On June 28, RGV Border Patrol arrested a U.S. citizen at the Falfurrias Checkpoint with 40 bundles of cocaine hidden in a semi-truck.

 ~49.5 kg |  ~$3.49M

Cutting-edge tech stops smugglers in their tracks.#RGV #USBP #Falfurrias #Cocaine #BorderSecurity pic.twitter.com/ujBjRx0i2D  Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez (@USBPChiefRGV) June 30, 2025

2. PAISAS BUST: Gang-Tied Smuggler Nabbed in Hidalgo County

On June 29, Chavez announced what she described as the arrest of a Mexican citizen and confirmed Paisas gang member in Hidalgo County. According to her, the suspect was involved in alien smuggling and had a prior felony conviction.

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She credited the arrest to a joint operation between RGV intelligence agents and Hidalgo County Constables Precinct 1, writing, Strong partnerships => safe communities.

 RGV Intel Agents & Hidalgo Co. Constables Pct 1 arrested a Mexican citizen confirmed Paisas gang member involved in an alien smuggling case. This convicted aggravated felon and now faces serious legal consequences.

Strong partnerships =>safe communities #HCCP1 pic.twitter.com/KXnNGChTgY  Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez (@USBPChiefRGV) June 29, 2025

The photos attached showed close-ups of the suspects tattoos, which would presumably confirm his membership in the Paisas gang.

No further details about the suspects identity or charges were immediately made available.

3. SEX OFFENDER STOPPED AT BORDER: Predator Flagged in RGV

Chief Banks also reported that on June 23, Border Patrol agents stopped Jesus Saavedra-Orozco, a Mexican national and registered sex offender, from re-entering the country illegally through Hidalgo, Texas.

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According to Banks July 1 post, Saavedra-Orozco had previously been sentenced to 18 years in prison for aggravated sexual assault of a child. He further alleged a criminal history that includes theft, burglary of habitation, and possession of a controlled substance.

He now faces prosecution for felony illegal re-entry (8USC1326), Banks posted, adding, This is why border security isnt an optionits a necessity.

6/23- HIDALGO, TX- Border Patrol agents stopped a dangerous predator from entering the U.S. illegally. Jesus Saavedra-Orozco, a Mexican national and registered sex offender, was sentenced to 18 years in prison for a conviction of aggravated sexual assault of a child. That's not pic.twitter.com/VUOIdmCymR  Chief Michael W. Banks (@USBPChief) July 2, 2025

Border authorities did not provide court records or further evidence supporting the full extent of Saavedra-Orozcos alleged criminal record.

Texas Takedown Weekly is a recurring series from The Dallas Express chronicling the most significant immigration-related arrests and interdictions across the state. You can read last weeks edition here: Texas Takedown Weekly: Borders Biggest Busts (June 27)
The Brief

"Catastrophic flooding event" in Kerr County

Kerr County Sheriff's Office says at least 24 people have died

KERRVILLE, Texas - The Kerr County Sheriff's Office is calling flooding in Kerr County "catastrophic."

According to officials in a Friday night press conference, several people are missing and there are at least 24 deaths.

The victims will not be identified at this time.

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Search and rescue efforts will continue until everyone is accounted for, officials said.

Gov. Abbott signed a state disaster declaration for several counties in the Hill Country. He also said officials from the federal government have called him to offer assistance.

The Texas National Guard said more than 200 people were rescued or evacuated, including over 150 by helicopter.

The head of the Texas Division of Emergency Management said crews were in place ahead of the flood, but the rainfall in that area was higher than forecasted.

Friday night, officials said they are still concerned about the impact of more rain that has been forecasted.

Kerr County flooding

What we know

Kerr County Sheriff's Office says it will not release any specific information about fatalities until next of kin are notified.

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County officials said several people are missing, including at least 20 campers from a girls-only camp, according to Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.

It says it is working with a wide variety of local and state agencies to respond to calls and rescues.

Local perspective

"I grew up here, and I have never seen anything like this in my life," said Kerrville resident Brooklyn Johnson. "I am very grateful and very glad that nothing of mine got damaged, or my family didn't get hurt. They are all safe."

Kerrville resident Amanda Vlasek says she grew up with one of the victims.

"I went to high school with him, and he lost his life this morning. He saved his family. He got them out, but he didn't make it. Kids are missing. It is scary. Im glad it is not my family. I feel for them," says Kerrville resident Amanda Vlasek.

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Destruction and damage from the downpour could be seen along the Guadalupe River. Cars and homes were destroyed.

"It is horrible. I haven't seen it this bad," says Vlasek.

The mayor of Kerrville has made a disaster declaration for the severe flooding.

"It is very sad, very tragic and obviously praying for the families," says Johnson.

Where are the emergency shelters?

Kerr County

Comfort High SchoolFunction: Primary shelter and reunification centerLocation: 201 Hwy 87, Comfort, TXStatus: Open  accepting evacuees from Hunt, Center Point, and Comfort

First United Methodist Church  KerrvilleFunction: Overnight shelter and distribution siteLocation: 321 Thompson Dr, Kerrville, TXStatus: Open  serving evacuees from the upper Guadalupe River valley

Walmart Parking Lot  Kerrville (Hwy 27)Function: Staging zone for EMS and public reunificationLocation: 1216 Junction Hwy, Kerrville, TXStatus: Open  functioning as a mobile command and rendezvous point

Llano County

First Baptist Church  KingslandFunction: Shelter and medical triage pointLocation: 3435 RR 1431, Kingsland, TXStatus: Open  supporting evacuees from Kingsland and Llano River region

Lakeshore Library Parking Lot (Kingsland)Function: Temporary staging for Coast Guard & TX Search and RescueLocation: 7346 RR 261, Kingsland, TXStatus: Restricted  EMS/military use only

San Angelo / Tom Green County

PaulAnn Church  San AngeloFunction: Full-service shelter, food/water station, and reunification pointLocation: 2531 Smith Blvd, San Angelo, TXStatus: Open  housing families displaced by Concho River flooding

Tom Green County 4-H / AgriLife CenterFunction: Large-animal staging and multi-agency logistics hubLocation: 113 W. Beauregard Ave, San Angelo, TXStatus: Open  not accepting public evacuees

Guadalupe / Comal Counties

Community Bible Church  SchertzFunction: Overflow shelter for I-35 corridor flood victimsLocation: 1735 N Loop 1604 E, San Antonio, TX (serving Schertz area)Status: Open  limited capacity as of last report

Gillespie / Blanco Counties (Support only)

Fredericksburg High School (PREP)Function: Standby support shelterLocation: 1107 Hwy 16 S, Fredericksburg, TXStatus: On standby  activated if Llano overflow spreads southeast

Special Populations Support

CelesteCare Llano and Autumn Winds Schertz report staff are sheltering in place with backup power. EMS contacts are established.

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The Red Cross is assisting with reunification efforts. Call 1-800-733-2767 if you are trying to locate someone.

Multiple roads and streets are flooding and are flooded in town including:

Arcadia Loop

Most of Thompson Drive

Guadalupe Street

Lowry Street

Herzog and Loop 13

Rio Robles

Riverside Drive

Portions of Broadway

The mayor of Kerrville has made a disaster declaration.

Kerrville Fire Department personnel are monitoring area nursing and assisted living homes as they are sheltering in place at this time.

Kerr County girls camp evacuated due to flooding

FOX 7 Austin reporting partner KSAT reports that Camp Mystic, a girls-only camp on the Guadalupe River, had to be evacuated due to the flooding.

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The camp is located west of Kerrville.

While the majority of campers have been accounted for, at a news conference, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says at least 20 campers are missing.

Governor Abbott releases statement on flooding

Governor Greg Abbott released a statement about the Hill Country flooding. It is as follows:

"Texas is providing all necessary resources to Kerrville, Ingram, Hunt and the entire Texas Hill Country dealing with these devastating floods."

"The State of Texas today has mobilized additional resources in addition to the resources sent in preparation for the storms. I urge Texans to heed guidance from state and local officials and monitor local forecasts to avoid driving into flooded areas."

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"Ahead of the storms, the State of Texas activated emergency response resources in Central Texas in preparation for continued heavy rainfall and flash flooding threats."

Dig deeper

The Kerrville Public Utility Board says there are widespread power outages.

Impacted areas include southeast Kerrville, Center Point and Hunt.

KPUB crews are currently restoring power to accessible areas, but some locations remain unreachable due to active flooding and hazardous road conditions.

The Hunt Substation is flooded though it remains inaccessible for a full damage assessment at this time.

KPUB also believes that power lines crossing the rivers near Riverhill and Center Point are down.

What you can do

Officials say the entire county is an "extremely active scene."

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Residents are asked to shelter in place and not to travel.

People who are near creeks, steams and the Guadalupe River are asked to immediately move to higher ground.

Stay out of flooded areas and do not drive through water.

Do not call 9-1-1 to ask for updates.

The Source

Information from Kerrville Public Utility Board, Kerr County Sheriff's Office and Kerrville Police Department.
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  The Tom Green County Sheriffs Office has announced that a temporary evacuation shelter has been set up as San Angelo residents reel from severe flooding caused by overnight rainfall.

According to the sheriffs office, a temporary evacuation shelter has been set up at the Texas A&M University Agricultural Research & Extension building located at 7887 N. U.S. Highway 87.

SEE IT: House floats on Pulliam Street amid severe San Angelo flooding

The shelters deployment comes as area first responders undergo rescue operations across San Angelo to assist citizens affected by the floodwaters.

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Concho Valley Homepage has received multiple reports of boats piloted by law enforcement that are being used to navigate the floods and transport residents to safety. The sheriffs office also stated via a Nixle alert issued at 7:36 a.m. that a large vehicle by the Pic-N-Pac store located at the intersection of North U.S. Highway 87 and FM 2105 is being used to transport residents to safety.

Local law enforcement takes action as severe flooding sweeps San Angelo

The National Weather Service of San Angelo and the San Angelo Police Department are urging residents to avoid driving on roads due to the floodwaters. In a Nixle alert issued at 7:51 a.m., the SAPD also advised citizens currently traveling to turn around and to shelter in place should they be in the downtown San Angelo area.

According to weather data gathered by West Texas Mesonet weather stations, rainfall totals for the last 24 hours as of 8:45 a.m. on July 4 are an estimated 3.33 inches on the Angelo State University campus and an estimated 14.46 inches 7 miles northwest of San Angelo on Highway 87.

This is a developing story. Stick with Concho Valley Homepage for updates as more information becomes available.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com.
WILBRAHAM  In 2017, Dr. Erkan Mutlukan, an ophthalmologist, faced possible discipline from the United Kingdoms General Medical Council. Patients and colleagues complained that he was threatening, rude and dismissive.

The doctor would later face similar complaints while practicing in Wilbraham  when the dark side of his relationships with patients in England caught up with him.

In 2014 in the U.K., Mutlukan was talking on the phone while a doctor nearby used a recorder. Mutlukan reportedly told him: Shut up, I am talking, the witness said in a statement. Mutlukan knocked the recorder from his hands, tried to stomp on it and said: I will f--- you front and back, the reporting doctor said.

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In another incident, he was accused of calling switchboard operators very primitive and worse than a third world country.

Amid the proceedings, Mutlukan asked the U.K. board for a voluntary erasure of his license. The tribunal denied his request, believing the doctor intended to practice abroad. While the boards focus is to oversee doctors in the U.K., it has a wider public interest in ensuring the protection of patients everywhere, it says in its documents.

Mutlukan lost his license to practice in the U.K. in 2018. A council spokesperson said it notified the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine of the action that same year.

But for years, that didnt protect patients in the U.S.

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Mutlukan went on to practice in Western Massachusetts, and multiple complaints similar to those made in the U.K. were lodged against him in recent years, records show.

He ran Neuro Ophthalmology Eye Care in Wilbraham until this spring, when the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine decided to revoke his license based on the proceedings and determination made by the U.K. body. That constitutes gross misconduct, it said.

While Mutlukan disagreed with the U.K.s proceedings against him and claims the allegations were not true, he told The Republican he is not upset with the Massachusetts board.

I cannot possibly be ungrateful and resentful, he said. I do not have a right to a license. Its a privilege and great honor.  They judge me this way and I respect it.

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The Board of Registration in Medicine declined an interview request. In a statement, a spokesperson said the case was investigated and referred in 2022 to the Division of Administrative Law Appeals, which holds independent hearings for state agencies.

The matter went through the administrative process, and DALA issued a recommended decision on 10/9/2024, the statement said. The Board issued its sanction on 4/10/2025.

Complaints mount over years

Mutlukan trained at Hacettepe University in Turkey and then worked in the U.K. He later came to the U.S. for a fellowship and moved to Massachusetts in 1999 to work at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester.

Complaints about Mutlukan in Massachusetts go back to 2001. He practiced in Central Massachusetts in the early 2000s. Patient complaints to the state board included claims of unprofessional conduct, rudeness and patient abandonment. He received no discipline other than a warning letter and a reminder to be professional, according to documents received in a public records request by The Republican.

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A patient in 2004 said that when Mutlukan insisted on needing her Social Security number, she asked how he would keep her information safe. He said there was no trust between us and I should leave, the patients handwritten complaint said. The patients primary care doctor told her to go to the emergency room, the complaint said.

Mutlukan said in his official response that he was professional and that it was true he asked for her Social Security number, which she was concerned about, and he didnt want to take a new patient who didnt trust him.

Another patient in 2004 reported that her husband disputed a co-pay with Mutlukan.

Dr. Mutlukan came flying out of his office with my chart, banging his finger on it in my husbands face yelling that he was very angry about this ... that we were questioning his integrity, the complaint said. The patient reported he yelled at them to leave his office and threatened to call the police for trespassing. I hope you will follow up and keep him (from) treating another patient this badly, the complaint says.

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Mutlukan responded to the complaint and said the man disputing the co-pay was yelling and threatened to sue, and he asked the man  not his wife who Mutlukan was treating  to leave and told his receptionist to call the police.

He registered to practice medicine again in the U.K. in 2007, records from the General Medical Council show. He moved to the U.K. for family reasons, he later told the Massachusetts board.

Complaints of rude and threatening behavior mounted against him in the U.K. The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service, which handles adjudication of complaints against doctors, held a weeks-long public hearing in 2017. The panel looked at complaints against Mutlukan between 2013 to 2015. It found a sustained and repeated pattern of appalling behaviour, said Alan Taylor, an attorney for the General Medical Council.

The tribunal found his behavior thoroughly reprehensible.

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A mother and her daughter who went to Mutlukan for a consultation in 2013 reported he became agitated and banged the table twice  and did it so forcefully it hit one of the women. The tribunal found the allegations proven.

In another incident, a chemist asked Mutlukan for justification for a requested prescription and he allegedly became angry.

I have had a lot of encounters with doctors and we have not always agreed but I have never felt physically threatened [Dr. Mutlukan] said that he was going to report me and get my license removed," the chemist wrote in her witness statement. He would not let me speak and he kept telling me not to interrupt him. I felt very nervous and kind of shaky after the incident. The tribunal found that Mutlukan acted aggressively and threatening.

While treating an 86-year-old woman with hearing issues, he became impatient and asked the womans daughter to leave the room, another complaint said. I will not serve your arrogant nation, he said.

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Mutlukan admitted to the comment in his official response, but said he was not aggressive or threatening.

The tribunal found he was confrontational and racially derogatory in calls and emails with a health care recruiter and he made comments including dishonest primates and apes and keep your third world jungle you guys brought.

Mutlukan said he didnt know the race of the person he was talking to. He told The Republican in an interview that he was upset because the recruiter mislead him and then would not stop contacting him.

After the proceedings, the tribunal decided to erase his license.

Dr. Mutlukan has demonstrated a total lack of insight and potential for remediation, and has shown no remorse, the tribunals 2018 decision says.

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The tribunal found that the misconduct was serious and fundamentally incompatible with continued registration, it writes.

This conduct included the improper use of physical force on one occasion, and racially derogatory language in another, its determination reads. The impact of his behaviour was to cause his victims (patients, doctors and others alike) to be upset, fearful and threatened.

He later called the process corrupt.

Mutlukan appealed the decision in the U.K. and then withdrew his appeal.

Massachusetts board takes action

While complaints were pending against him the U.K., Mutlukan came back to the U.S. in 2015.

Complaints followed. He received a reminder to be professional from the board in 2020 after a patient reported to the board that during a 2018 phone call over a billing dispute, Mutlukan said: Shut the f--- up and stop being an a--hole. The complaint contained fabrications, Mutlukan said in his formal reply, but he admitted to swearing at the patient.

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Other complaints include a woman who reported she was outside an exam room and could hear Mutlukan yelling at the patient inside. When the patients wife went to check, she reported Mutlukan yelled at them both and they left. On the way out, Dr. Mutlukan slammed the front door and kept yelling at us from his office while we were in the parking lot, her statement said.

The other patient in the waiting room who also complained to the board said she overheard Mutlukan yelling and asked if that was how he talks to patients. He responded by calling her just another abusive patient, her complaint said.

This was literally one of the worst experiences I have ever had with a doctor, and I never want others to have to go through it, her complaint said. She included links to articles published in the U.K. about how Mutlukan lost his license there, begging the board to read them.

Mutlukan disputes the three womens account of the events. He said in a response he never yelled at them and has a loud style and never called one of the women an abusive patient, he wrote in a formal response to the Division of Administrative Law Appeals (DALA). He did nothing but provide quality care, he said.

Those complaints were included in a statement of allegations against Mutlukan that the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine filed in 2022. It said there was reason to sanction him, and included a list of factual allegations, among them details of the U.K. tribunals against him and complaints from two incidents recent years in the U.S., like the allegations from the three women who walked out of his office in 2022.

Mutlukan couldnt obtain a lawyer for the proceedings, he wrote in a letter to the board. Attorneys laughed at him when he said he would simply tell the truth, he wrote. He represented himself, and called the findings from the U.K. tribunal false and fiction.

October finding, April decision

In October, an administrative magistrate in the Division of Administrative Law Appeals determined that the U.K. tribunals findings about Mutlukan would be considered gross misconduct in Massachusetts.

The board in April decided to revoke his license because of the U.K. misconduct. The rest of the allegations, like several complaints from recent years in Massachusetts, were not necessary to address and the board dismissed them.

There had to be an end to my career, Mutlukan told The Republican in an interview this week. Unfortunately it happened this sad way but I am very happy that I was given the privilege all these years to serve.

He said he got many good reviews and the occasional irate ones, he said. Every doctor now and then gets negative feedback, he said.

The state board came to a different conclusion: Mutlukans actions were, its final decision reads, a flagrant and extreme departure from professional norms.

Read the original article on MassLive.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  If youre celebrating Independence Day in the nations capital, expect fireworks, fun and a fair share of traffic headaches.

Where to watch Fourth of July fireworks across DC, Maryland and Virginia

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to visit the National Mall to celebrate Americas 249th birthday. From the annual parade to the grand fireworks finale, D.C. is packed with festivities, but tight on street access.

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This is the single biggest day of the year on the National Mall, said Mike Litterst, spokesperson for National Park Service.

The day kicks off with the National Independence Day Parade, followed by the Capitol Fourth concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. But the main attraction for many is the fireworks, which are scheduled to launch just before 9:10 p.m.

When the fireworks start to go off, thats, thats the best; I have seen the fireworks here since 1976, and it never gets old, said Litterst.

With the excitement comes enhanced safety precautions. According to the National Park Service, crews have set up seven miles of fencing and over 650 portable toilets. Lighting towers have also been installed to help people safely leave the area after the show.

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Weve got seven miles of fencing and bike rack to keep everybody safe. Its a big lift, and were ready, he said.

Expect significant road closures throughout the downtown area, especially near the National Mall. Areas impacted include Constitution Avenue, Independence Avenue, 14th Street and routes surrounding the Lincoln Memorial, Memorial Bridge and the Washington Monument.

You certainly want to plan to take metro, take public transportation, said Litterst. Dont even try to drive down to the mall.

Security will also be tight, a secure viewing area between 14th Street and the Lincoln Memorial will require a screening process. That section opens at 2 p.m. Meanwhile, areas east of 14th Street toward the Capitol will remain open to the public without screening.

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Although the heat wont be like weve seen earlier in the week, officials are urging people to take care of themselves.

We certainly want everybody to think safely, said Litterst. Hydrate  its still going to be warm today, wear appropriate clothing, big broad brimmed hat to keep the sun off, [and] bring some sunscreen.

To help ease the crowds, Metro trains and buses will be free after 5 p.m. Officials are encouraging everyone to plan ahead, pack your patience and stay safe.

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BINGHAMTON (WIVT/WBGH)  Residents of a downtown Binghamton high rise apartment building say theyre scared of what will happen if management makes good on its threat to confiscate their door bell cameras.

As News 34s Lindsay Arons shows us, tenants of the building intended for the elderly and disabled say its being invaded by criminals and drug dealers.

Woodburn Court 1 is an apartment building that aims to provide affordable housing options for low-income elderly, and disabled people. However, many residents say that Woodburn does not provide a safe environment.

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What are you doing? Help, get off me! Please let me get dressed!

These are not isolated incidents, as there was a homicide at the high rise back in January. The lack of safety was brought to our attention by resident Gena Hall who says quote Our building has become a magnet for unauthorized individuals, including drug addicts, homeless persons, and prostitutes who are entering the building at all hours.

They have been found sleeping in foyers and stairwells, urinating, defecating, spitting, and leaving trash in the elevators and common areas. The situation is both unsafe and unsanitary

With building management demanding residents take down their personal ring cameras, tenant Vincent Robertson says the lack of security in the building puts Woodburn residents at risk compared to other complexes.

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Everybody has security cameras in their elevators, in their hallways, you know etcetera. But we dont. And every time we ask for it, the police, I think if you go to the police and get the history of whats going on, how many times theyre called to the building you would see that its above normal, he said.

Because of the dangerous incidents in the building, many residents contacted the Crime Victims Assistance Center which encouraged them to install ring cameras. The CVAC recommends installing cameras when people are victims of a crime, domestic violence, or other ongoing disputes.

They support the use of doorbell cameras in order to help tenants feel safe and hold criminals accountable. With management insisting on residents removing the cameras by tomorrow, Robertson says its because of a lack of concern from the owners.

They dont care, they live in California. Theyre running things from there, we are here. Our security is in jeopardy. So were asking, were pleading, were begging. Im advocating for these people that I live with who wake me up out of my bed at 2, 3, 4 in the morning sometimes. And who am I? What am I really gonna do?, says Robertson.

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Mayor Jared Kraham says the Binghamton Police Department also supports the use of such cameras as they are an effective means of preventing and solving crimes. He says police are ready to work with residents and building ownership to improve safety in the building.

In Binghamton, Lindsay Arons, News 34.

In a letter to tenants, the management of Woodburn Court says the cameras constitute an invasion of privacy for the other tenants. It plans to begin confiscating the devices tomorrow.

News 34 has made multiple attempts to speak with management but has not heard back.

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KXAN (ROUND ROCK)  If youre looking for a place to celebrate the Fourth of July in Round Rock, you wont be short of options, as the city will have three major fireworks shows all less than a mile from each other.

Kalahari Resorts, Dell Diamond, and Old Settlers Park are the three different venues hosting major fireworks shows in the City of Round Rock. Rick Atkins, Round Rocks Director of Parks and Recreation, is helping plan the citys fireworks plans at Old Settlers Park.

READ MORE: Round Rock 4th of July festival canceled due to rain; Fireworks still scheduled

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Akins said the City of Round Rock has a traffic plan in place to make things flow smoothly, but he also warns it still might take a while to get in and out of the area.

We expect big crowds, Atkins said. Patience is always a virtue. [Citizens] need to know that there theyre going to be some lines.

The big crowds anticipated on the Fourth of July is something many of the local businesses in the area are excited about.

Theres a positive impact where more people are coming in, so maybe theyll recognize this restaurant and be like: Ive never been there, let me go ahead and see what its all about, said Victoria Chapa, a server at Misaki  Ramen, a business close by all the venues.

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Chapa, who has worked at the restaurant during past Fourth of July celebrations, said it gets busy.

Almost all the parking lots, like, just around this vicinity are like, taken over just by, like, people wanting to watch the fireworks, Chapa said.

That feeling was echoed by Maria Toland, a clerk at nearby Shipley Donuts.

Were going to bake more than usual to accommodate all of our customers, Toland said. I was here last year, and there was quite a bit of traffic. We pretty much sold out, and we expect the same tomorrow and the weekend.

Kenny Fort Pub, another local business in the area, will be closed on the Fourth of Julybut its owner, Timothy Jones, said they expect lots of customers after the Fourth of July.

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People like to come and get away from cooking for themselves and necessarily socializing at home and not have to clear up after themselves, Jones said. We tend to see that the day after is a better day for us.

The Round Rock Police Department on social media also posted they anticipate traffic delays. They said officers will be conducting enhanced DWI enforcement to ensure public safety.

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By Charlie Conchie and Emma-Victoria Farr

LONDON/FRANKFURT (Reuters) -Tariffs and Middle East turmoil are spooking European companies and the investors weighing their initial public offerings even as volatility subsides and money flows back into equity markets, advisers told Reuters.

President Donald Trump's announcement of sweeping tariffs targeting imports from nearly all U.S. trading partners in April and his subsequent U-turn pause on the levies sent shockwaves through the global economy.

But markets, including those in Europe, have since bounced back. The VIX, Wall Street's "fear gauge", has fallen around 67% from a peak touched following Trump's tariff announcement. And fund inflows into European stocks reached their second-highest level this century earlier this year.

Still, investors remain wary of new listings.

Topping their list of concerns, according to seven IPO advisers interviewed by Reuters, are the potential impact of conflicts like the Israel-Iran war and uncertainty regarding newly listed companies' aftermarket performance.

"There's still a bit of nervousness in the network and a hangover from issues around tariffs and the war in the Middle East," said Scott McCubbin, head of EY's UK and Ireland IPO practice.

Some companies, meanwhile, are unwilling to accept lower valuations than they had hoped for, the advisers said.

SHELVED LISTINGS

German medical technology firm Brainlab postponed its IPO this week, citing "geopolitical uncertainties".

Pharmaceutical company Stada delayed its debut in March, citing market volatility, while another German firm, car parts seller Autodoc did the same last month without giving a reason. Glencore-backed metals investor Cobalt Holdings, which was planning London's biggest IPO of 2025, meanwhile failed to secure enough investor interest, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters previously. Cobalt Holdings declined to comment.

The recent run of shelved listings is making things harder for firms attempting to reopen the IPO market, one person close to the Brainlab IPO process said.

Investors could not agree a price for the offering with Brainlab, the person and a second source said. Existing shareholders were dissatisfied with the makeup of the order book, said one of the sources, both of whom spoke on condition of anonymity because the process was private.

A spokesperson for Brainlab said interest from investors was "very strong" but the conditions were not optimal for an IPO.

While more funds have flowed into European equities this year from investors seeking to reduce their exposure to U.S. assets, that money is going into the stocks of large companies rather than IPOs, said one equity capital markets banker.
The ex-girlfriend of former Duval County jail inmate Charles Faggart is demanding justice and transparency.

April 1st, 2025, is a day that Savannah Storie will never forget. It was the day Charles Faggart was arrested after she called the police when they were involved in a domestic dispute.

Days later, he was rushed to a hospital where he died after an incident that involved 9 corrections officers who were all suspended.

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>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

Every single day that I wake up in this harsh reality, it feels like a nightmare, and I wish that it would end, said Storie.

Now, months later, there are still very few answers about what happened inside the jail.

Charles is being lost in the system. Day by day, every day goes by, and we dont get answers. Were losing time, were losing traction, were losing visibility, and they are just sweeping him under the rug, said Storie.

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JSO says it turned over its investigation to the state attorneys office, which is still reviewing it.

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At a rally outside the courthouse last month, Faggarts mother told me the autopsy done on her son was inconclusive on his cause of death.

The full autopsy hasnt been released.

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Savannah says the family deserves answers so it can find peace and closure.

Charles was very self-aware, said Storie. He was constantly taking accountability for his behavior, so why cant JSO?

Savannah is urging JSO and the State Attorneys Office to release the findings of Faggarts autopsy report.

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BROWNINGTON, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44)  Vermont State Police from the Derby Barracks said that several people suffered injuries after a two-car crash in Brownington in Orleans County Friday morning.

Police reportedly learned about the crash at about 11:13 a.m. on Friday. According to authorities, John Ritchie III, 35, of Milton, crossed into the other lane of the narrow two-way Hinman Settler Road in Brownington, and hit another vehicle head-on.

Three people were reportedly taken to North Country Hospital in Newport for severe but non-life threatening injuries. While both cars involved in the crash, both of which were pickup trucks, were reported to be totaled, the driver of the second car, from Brownington, was reported to have suffered only minor injuries.

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Vermont vehicle deaths through June lowest in five years

Police cited Ritchie III for negligent operation of a motor vehicle.

According to the National Safety Council, The July 4 holiday period is one of the most dangerous times of the year on U.S. roadways. Wearing a seatbelt, avoiding drugs and alcohol while driving, and driving at a reasonable speed are several ways to reduce the risk of being in a motor vehicle accident.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Three people who were wounded in a South Memphis shooting were taken to Regional One Hospital in non-critical condition on Thursday, according to Memphis Police.

At 3:25 p.m., officers said three wounded victims were at Regional One Hospital.

Police said they were given preliminary information to check the area of the 1100 block of Wilson Street for a crime scene.

According to MPD, two men and one woman were driven by a private vehicle to the hospital in non-critical condition.

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Police say this is an ongoing investigation.

If you have any information that could help police, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Once upon a time, a gas station was about the last place youd want to go for lunch. Well, thanks to businesses like Taco Bros, that has changed.

The upstart local chain is now inside two Sullys markets, those locally owned mega convenience stores that are attached to Chevron fueling stations. Thats a trend: A Sullys competitor, Countryside Market & Deli, operates on the same business model. Both specialize in local products like Dewars ice cream. Lets not call it gasoline cuisine, but in a sense it is.

Fresh-made tacos sure beat the heck out of rotating, four-hour-old, machine-skewered hot dogs.

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Pollo Campero opens near Valley Plaza Mall in Bakersfield

This is Taco Bros fourth location, three of which have opened in just the last year. And to think it all started with this humble, 12-foot-by 12-foot cracker box on 23rd Street downtown.

Six years ago my best friend  started it with four guys, so thats why its called Taco Bros, said manager/marketing director Baylee McCool. But then you know a female came in.

At peak hours the line could be eight or 10 cars long.

They were around the corner, said head chef David Carrillo. It was exciting because we knew that people wanted our tacos. Thats one of the reasons we were (willing to) keep going and going and going.

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We had 12 people working in (that 12- by 12-foot building) at once, said McCool. We had two grills outside. Literally we were cooking tacos outside because the demand for our tacos was just like  its insane.

McCool said their landlord, a local Wells Fargo branch, finally gave them the boot. That was 2022.

RELATED: Taco Bros. returning soon to downtown Bakersfield

Wells Fargo  they kicked us out downtown, she said. And ever since then, we just took off.

The secret of their success? Plain ol hard work.

If we werent down to work as hard as we do, it would not be possible, McCool said.

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Another secret: Quality food and original recipes. That is also the key, said David Carrillo, the star of Taco Bros social media content and its head chef.

Just make the food we love, he said. (Make sure) that you love the food.

Oh, and marketing. What does a Taco Bros restaurant manager do if its lease forbids it from offering Mexican food because another Mexican restaurant is already in the same retail center? Answer: Reinvent yourself. Taco Bros has two alter egos: Pasta Bowls and Brunch n Burger, each with its own menu.

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And now, coming hopefully by the end of the year  a return to downtown Bakersfield, a block northwest of that abandoned, original shack. A good-natured prankster has decorated the pile of dirt where construction will soon commence with a mini-makeshift Hollywood sign.

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I was like  ahhhh! That was funny, said McCool, thinking about that Hollywood sign.

The sudden rush of success has long since dampened the disappointment of losing that original flagship, absurdly tiny as it was.

The shack  we will always remember it, McCool said. You know? RIP, shack.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News.
Fourth of July thunderstorms could rain on your holiday parade, Boise.

Literally.

Friday will bring up to a 60% chance of thunderstorms, according to the National Weather Service. Meteorologist Jay Breidenbach told the Idaho Statesman that theres definitely a risk of lightning and thunderstorms affecting outdoor events, including the Idaho 4th of July Parade, which is scheduled to start at 10 a.m in downtown Boise.

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The citys Ann Morrison Park festivities begin at 6 p.m., with fireworks set for dusk, at around 10:15 p.m.

Isolated thunderstorms could begin Thursday evening and last through Friday, though chances of rain will peak mid-morning Friday, Breidenbach said. In the evening, scattered thunderstorms will continue to pop up around the Treasure Valley.

Breidenbach emphasized that safety should be a priority during outdoor events because of the risk of lightning.

If you hear thunder tomorrow when youre out, its time to seek some shelter, he told the Statesman.

A front associated with rainy weather will give the Boise area a break from really high temperatures, Breidenbach said. July 4 will have a high of about 85, and Saturday will have a similar high, with skies expected to clear for a sunny weekend.

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The storms packing lightning also could add to wildfire risk during a time when everyone should be on alert because of fireworks. Breidenbach told the Statesman that these combined factors are something to be concerned about, especially since the area has been really dry for a while.

A press release from Ada County Emergency Management & Community Resilience reminded residents not to set off fireworks near dry natural areas, always follow local laws and ordinances, and keep a source of water nearby.
By Krishna N. Das

DHARAMSHALA, India (Reuters) -The Tibetan government-in-exile could hold more back-channel talks with China this year on greater autonomy for Tibet, although they are unlikely to yield results given Beijing's unyielding stance, the head of the government said on Friday.

Central Tibetan Administration chief Penpa Tsering was speaking to Reuters ahead of the 90th birthday this weekend of Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.

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Tens of thousands of Tibetans, including the Dalai Lama, live in northern India after fleeing Tibet in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule.

The Dalai Lama and exiled Tibetans have dropped calls for independence from China, but are seeking genuine autonomy to protect and preserve their unique culture, religion and national identity.

Tsering said indirect talks with China have not resulted in anything concrete yet, and although more are expected he did not expect them to yield results.

"There seems to be no space for any negotiation whatsoever, no common sense, unfortunately," he said in an interview at a library dedicated to preserving traditional Tibetan texts.

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"So if there is no space, it doesn't make too much sense to put too much effort into it. But we still keep the back channels going to send messages here and there, but nothing of consequence."

The foreign ministry of China, which brands the Dalai Lama a separatist, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Dalai Lama said on Wednesday that upon his death, he would be reincarnated as the next spiritual head and that only his Gaden Phodrang Trust would be able to identify his successor. He previously said that person would be born outside China.

Beijing says it has the right to approve the successors of the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama, the second-highest figure of the faith, as a legacy from imperial times.

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INDIA'S BACKING

Tsering welcomed comments from Indian minister Kiren Rijiju this week, who backed the Dalai Lama's stance on his succession in a rare public contradiction of China by a senior New Delhi official. His remarks drew a strong response from Beijing.

Rijiju, a Buddhist and the minister of parliamentary and minority affairs, later said he was speaking as a devotee of the Dalai Lama. He will be among Indian officials who will attend the birthday celebrations on Sunday, in a show of solidarity.

"India will always be on the right side of history," Tsering said. "When it comes to His Holiness' reincarnation, what Kiren Rijiju said ... reflects the sentiment of the government and the Indian people."

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India's foreign ministry said the government "does not take any position or speak on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion".

Tsering said India was also among countries that were standing by the community financially. The government-in-exile needs $40 million annually for its work, $14 million of which used to come from the United States.

Following U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to review foreign funding, Tibetans are now getting only about $9 million. Nevertheless, the U.S. continues to support Tibetans and four State Department officials will attend the birthday.

"India is our biggest benefactor in all humanitarian support and all that. Then it's the United States," he said. "Then there are several countries like Canada and Denmark, who support us on education."

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He also said his government was closely monitoring the resettlement of Tibetans from India to other countries in search of better opportunities. The Tibetan population in India was nearly 100,000 years ago, but has now fallen to around 70,000, officials say.

"We monitor the developments, look at the statistics, look at possible future challenges, those possible future opportunities, and then lay the groundwork for everything."

(Reporting by Krishna N. Das in Dharamshala; Additional reporting by Sunil Kataria; Editing by Sharon Singleton)
(Photo Illustration from The 74)

The Union School Corporation in the tiny town of Modoc  population 157  fits many stereotypes of quaint rural Indiana, with its corn fields, dirt roads and Angus cattle farm right next door to its school campus.

But its a different type of cow  the cash cow of an online school  that makes Union anything but a typical rural school district.

State legislators say they have put Union on the chopping block because of poor performance. But district leaders believe the real reason is so the state can reap the benefits of the Indiana Digital Learning School, a virtual school Union has overseen since 2017  growing to 7,500 students and paying the district an estimated $3 million in oversight fees annually.

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That school is now the latest battleground in a years-long controversy in Indiana and nationally over who should oversee and earn money from online schools and the millions in tax dollars flowing through them.

Citing poor test scores, Indianas state legislature voted in April to close the Union schools by 2027 and send its 300 students who attend classes in-person to neighboring districts miles away.

The online school would then be on its own and either shut down or bring its millions to another partner, either another district, the state or as a charter school.

Tucked into a major state tax reform bill as a last minute amendment, the legislatures vote came as a surprise to the district, with no opportunity for debate.

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Union is challenging the vote in court, saying it was singled out and that the legislature violated state law. Angry residents are defending the district, with even the electronic sign outside the Modoc United Methodist Church switching between listing service times and stating: We Support Union School Strong!

This story first appeared at The 74, a nonprofit news site covering education. Sign up for free newsletters from The 74 to get more like this in your inbox.

I dont know what to do, said Danielle Baker, who has a son going into sixth grade in the fall. She called the vote alarming and is struggling to figure out where her son can finish school. I feel helpless. So Im just trying to put on a brave front, I guess, and just see what happens.

Republican state representative J.D. Prescott, who called for the closure, said the move was necessary because Union has some of the lowest reading scores in the state.

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But the district believes the real reason is the millions it receives from the INDLS, which is run by the publicly-traded virtual learning company Stride Learning, formerly known as K12 Inc.

It has nothing to do with the school performance, said Union Superintendent Galen Mast. It has nothing to do with school size. It has everything to do with a greater plan thats behind it.

Union attracted statewide and national notice when it partnered with K12 in 2017 to start the online school as a way to boost dwindling enrollment and avoid bankruptcy. Private companies cant just open a school and take in tax dollars for students who attend. So they need either the state or a school district to approve them to operate, or a designated agency known as an authorizer if they want to operate a charter school.

Unions arrangement allows Stride/K12 to run the for-profit digital school as part of the district. In return, it gives Union 5% of the virtual schools revenue, a huge bonus for a tiny district, especially now that the online school has grown dramatically.

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Union school board president Christina Ogden said a state senator told her INDLS must close because the state wants to create its own online school. She and Mast said Prescott also told them the district could avoid being closed if it gave up its money from the digital school.

I think they had to take out the one (online school) that had the most students first, and then itll be easier to go ahead and go around and close all of the others, Ogden said. The state wants to control those funds.

She said Prescott withdrew the offer as soon as he found support in the legislature to pass his amendment that will close Union schools.

Mast also believes the vote was about the virtual school money.Were not the smallest school. We dont have the worst results, but we are tied to NDLS, Mast added.

Rep. J.D. Prescott, R-Union City, answers Democrat questions about his immigration enforcement bill on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025. (Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

The future of the online school is unclear, since its not even mentioned in the law. Stride/K12 declined to directly answer multiple questions from The 74 about its options, with spokesperson Brooke Gabbert saying it was too early to speculate. Our priority is to ensure that Indiana Digital Learning School remains an option for families across the state, Gabbert wrote in an email.

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The Indiana Small and Rural Schools Association also objected to the legislatures decision, saying the state should let small districts decide their own fate, not order changes, especially without debate.

Were just trying to figure out what is the threshold, said Christopher Lagoni, the associations executive director. What is it that says This is the standard for closure? Or is it an individual, case by case basis?

Everybodys kind of in the dark on that, he added.

Prescott did not respond to written questions from The 74 about whether he asked Union to give up the online school. He repeated concerns about Unions test scores, though the state not giving districts grades each year since the pandemic makes comparing districts complicated.

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This amendment is about starting a conversation on how to better serve these students and ensure they have access to a quality education, he wrote.

Indiana Secretary of Education Katie Jenner said the state isnt planning an online school right now, but said the state education department will review Indianas entire online learning system next year. That review will look at all parts of online schools, including how many virtual schools Indiana should have, their funding and who can create or oversee them

Everything, is how Jenner described the review.

The question is, what guardrails or flexibilities do we need to have in place to make sure were getting the outcomes that we need for kids, Jenner said.

Secretary of Education Katie Jenner addresses lawmakers during a budget committee hearing on Dec. 16, 2024. (Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

That review wont be an easy one because multiple districts, including one involving an influential Indiana family, all have an interest in having online school money in their budgets.

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Union and the Clarksville school districts are the only districts with statewide e-schools. Many other Indiana school districts have created or are exploring online schools that serve local students to bring in more money or to keep them from departing to other online schools.

Theres also a much broader debate nationally within the school choice community about overseeing online schools as a way to earn money.

That has flared up mostly with online charter schools, whose relationship with their authorizers is similar to Unions with INLDS. The National Association of Charter School Authorizers has criticized what it called perverse incentives of organizations that are supposed to make sure online schools are doing a good job but are also making more and more money if schools grow, even with poor results.

Oversight fees for online schools have since been a major controversy in several states, including California where officials near San Diego have been criminally charged for lax oversight, even when receiving fees that far exceeded what it cost to oversee the schools.

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Though NACSA isnt using such strident language today, it recommends that authorizers be paid only what it costs to oversee the schools, not a percentage of revenue. It also recommends that school districts should not authorize statewide virtual schools  a parallel to what Union and Clarksville are doing. Instead school districts should only oversee virtual schools serving students in their area.

Indiana state officials also have little confidence in small districts overseeing large online schools after two virtual charter schools overseen by the 1,000-student Daleville school district were found in 2017 to be defrauding the state with inflated enrollment numbers. State and federal investigators have estimated the schools improperly received between $44 and $154 million and have pursued separate cases, both criminal and to recover money.

Most recently, the superintendent of the two schools pleaded guilty early this month to a federal charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud as part of the case. Efforts to recover money are still ongoing.

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Scott Bess, a state school board member and founder of the Indiana Charter Innovation Center, said he believes online schools can work well, but local school boards arent prepared to oversee giant virtual schools run by companies like Stride worth $3.5 billion.

I would never advocate for a local school district to partner with a virtual school operator to run a large virtual operation, because thats not what that school district does, said Bess. The school districts are set up to be local, community driven.

Applying that belief evenly, however, would put the state at odds with the Clarksville school district.

Clarksville also partners with Stride/K12 and the Indiana Gateway Digital School, is run by a family with political influence Union lacks. Clarksvilles superintendent Tina Bennett is the wife of Tony Bennett, the former state superintendent of Indiana and Florida. He was also an executive at Stride/K12 before retiring in March.

The Union School Corporation, which also includes a few other small towns, has long had a budget and enrollment problem. With few students and all separated by acres of crops, enrollment has always been low. And while its not quite a one-room schoolhouse it has one strip-mall style school building that houses district offices, its elementary school and combined junior/senior high school.

It has also almost shut down a few times.

The district has explored merging with other districts more than once, while the state has also debated ordering small districts to consolidate. Unions future has been so uncertain, district officials and residents say, that parents have sometimes sent their children to other schools to avoid having to change schools later.

The partnership with K12, now Stride, changed that. The district added the online school as a district program, offering a few rooms in its offices as a base, in return for 5% of the e-schools revenue.

The school isnt a charter school, but the arrangement is similar to how online charter schools pay their authorizers, the non-profits that allow them to open as schools and then oversee them.

As the online school grew, the districts budget improved and Mast, who just joined as superintendent a year ago, said the school uses the virtual school money to improve its facilities and special education classes.

Sarah McCord, the owner of the Modoc Diner down the street from the school campus, said she lives in a neighboring town but sends her two children to Union because it has small class sizes and helped her daughter with a learning disability improve rapidly.

A lot of parents are choosing Union because of the attention that their children are getting without having to pay private school costs, McCord said.

She believes Union is taking unfair criticism for test scores because parents are sending their children for personal attention and a chance to catch up. If they improve, but dont score at grade level, McCord said, the district looks bad and is unfairly targeted.

I think its an injustice, she said.

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The ruins of the pre-Incan civilization at Tiwanaku near Lake Titicaca in Bolivia. | Credit: diegograndi/Getty Images

Located near Lake Titicaca in Bolivia, the millennia-old city of Tiwanaku was built almost 13,000 feet (4,000 meters) above sea level, making it one of the highest urban centers ever constructed.

Surrounded by mountains and hills, the city reached its peak between roughly A.D. 500 and 1000, growing to encompass an area of more than 2 square miles (6 square kilometers), organized in a grid plan. Only a small portion of the city has been excavated. Population estimates vary, but at its peak Tiwanaku may have had at least 10,000 people living in it.

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Although its inhabitants didn't develop a writing system and its ancient name is unknown, archaeological remains indicate that the city's cultural and political influence was felt across the southern Andes, stretching into modern-day Peru, Chile and Argentina.

Today, with a modern-day town located nearby, Tiwanaku is a great ruin. "Massive, stone-faced earthen mounds rise from the plain; nearby are great rectangular platforms and sunken courts with beautiful cut-stone masonry," Denver Art Museum curator Margaret Young-Sanchez wrote in her book " Tiwanaku: Ancestors of the Inca " (University of Nebraska Press, 2004).

Tiwanaku origins

Researchers aren't sure when Tiwanaku was first settled, but Young-Sanchez noted in her book that people in the Lake Titicaca area started settling permanently around 4,000 years ago.

By this time, llamas (used as pack animals), alpacas (prized for their fur) and other camelids had been domesticated. In addition "farmers learned to cultivate hardy, frost-resistant crops like tubers and quinoa , watered by natural rainfall and water channeled from the mountain slopes," Young-Sanchez wrote. A millennium later, these adaptations had been enhanced by "raised-field agriculture "  a technique that "involves creating artificially raised planting mounds separated by canals of water," Young-Sanchez wrote.

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These adaptations helped usher in larger and more complex settlements, one of which, Tiwanaku, would come to dominate the region.

Tiwanaku temple

In 2025, researchers announced they had found the stone ruins of a temple constructed by the Tiwanaku civilization . This temple, which archaeologists named Palaspata, is in Bolivia, about 130 miles (210 km) south of Tiwanaku.

The terraced platform temple was large  about the size of a city block  and had interior rooms that surrounded an inner courtyard. It aligned with the solar equinox and was likely used for ceremonies, according to a study published in the journal Antiquity .

A digital reconstruction of the Palaspata temple complex, which was about the size of a city block. | Credit: Jose Capriles/Penn State

Activity at the Palaspata temple thrived from about A.D. 630 to 950, according to radiocarbon dating of charcoal found at the site. The temple's strategic location linked together three trade routes, indicating that it likely connected people in the highlands to the north, the arid plateau to the west and the valleys to the east, the researchers wrote.

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The temple likely had religious connections, too, said Jose Capriles , an anthropological archaeologist at Penn State and lead author of the study. "Most economic and political transactions had to be mediated through divinity, because that would be a common language that would facilitate various individuals cooperating," he said in a statement .

The Tiwanaku city

Archaeological excavations have revealed that the people of Tiwanaku "maintained a dense urban population residing in well-defined, spatially segregated neighborhoods, or barrios, bounded by massive adobe compound walls," Field Museum curator Patrick Ryan Williams and team noted in a 2006 journal article

These "residential neighborhoods were characterized by multiple clusters of domestic structures (e.g., kitchens, sleeping quarters, storage facilities), some of which were apparently organized around a small private patio," the researchers added. Inhabitants of these clusters may have used larger, shared outdoor plazas for communal ceremonial events.

Archaeologists have explored much of the city center, which contains a number of monumental structures. The area " was surrounded by an artificial moat," Young-Sanchez wrote.

Sunken Temple and Kalasasaya

The Kalasasaya platform stands today at Tiwanaku in Bolivia. | Credit: John Elk/Getty Images

The area surrounded by the moat contains a number of structures that may have held religious significance.

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The earliest structure is likely the "Sunken Temple," a small building that is accessed via a staircase on the south, Vanderbilt University professor John Wayne Janusek wrote in his book " Ancient Tiwanaku " (Cambridge University Press, 2008). After descending the stairs, stone monoliths can be seen in the center of the room. They depict "what were most likely the more ancient and powerful mythical ancestors of the collective communities," Janusek wrote.

The walls of the sunken temple are decorated with the images of god-like beings with expressionless faces and elaborate headdresses. Others look like "skulls with desiccated skin and sunken eye sockets, and still others appear to be wailing phantasms like the banshees of Irish lore," Janusek wrote.

One of the carved anthropomorphic monoliths at Tiwanaku. | Credit: Atlantide Phototravel/Getty Images

Adjacent to the Sunken Temple is a platform complex known as the "Kalasasaya," researchers Brian Bauer and Charles Stanish wrote in " Ritual and Pilgrimage in the Ancient Andes: The Islands of the Sun and the Moon ," (University of Texas Press, 2001).

Akapana: An artificial pyramid

An "artificial pyramid" known as the Akapana also resides in the area surrounded by the moat. This monument had six stone terraces, a massive 656 by 820 feet (200 by 250 m) base and was more than 54 feet (16.5 m) high, according to Bauer and Stanish's book. The Akapana dwarfed all other buildings at Tiwanaku and was likely a center of political and sacred power.

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When archaeologists excavated the northwest portion of the pyramid, they unearthed the skeletons of 21 people, who may have been from groups Tiwanaku conquered, according to Young-Sanchez's book. Several of the bones bear deep cut marks that suggest the bodies were hacked apart just before or soon after death, before being buried at the pyramid's base, according to the book.

Pumapunku: An unfinished platform

Credit: florentina georgescu photography/Getty Images

Outside of the moat area, and located to the southwest, is a massive, unfinished platform known as the Pumapunku (also spelled Puma Punku). The main platform was nearly 1,600 feet (488 m) wide and was covered with overlapping T-shaped terraces, according to Janusek's book.The main entranceway was on the west side. "One moved up the stairway through stone portals, some covered with lintels carved as totora reed bundles and into a narrow, walled, passage" Janusek wrote. This passage then led to an "inner courtyard" with a "sunken paved patio."

Janusek noted that water seems to have played a central role in the rites that took place on the platform. The Choquepacha spring, which is southwest of the structure, has stone conduits built around it.

Decline and rebirth

Around A.D. 1000, Tiwanaku fell into decline, and the city was eventually abandoned. It collapsed around the same time the Wari culture , based to the west in what is now Peru, also fell. The timing has led scientists to wonder whether environmental change in the Andes played a role in the collapse of both civilizations.

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But while Tiwanaku was abandoned, its memory lived on in the mythology of the people of the Andes.

"Even after its abandonment, Tiwanaku continued to be an important religious site for the local people," s archaeologist Alexei Vranich wrote in an "Archaeology" magazine article . It later became incorporated into Inca mythology as the birthplace of humankind, Vranich wrote, and the Inca built their own structures alongside the ruins.

Editor's note: this article was originally published on Feb. 1, 2013 and updated on July 3, 2025 to include information about the newfound Palaspata temple in Bolivia.
[Source]

Prominent New York Democrats have declined to endorse NYC mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani even as they now defend him after President Donald Trump threatened to arrest the 33-year-old candidate over his immigration status.

Uncertainties: Over a week after the Democratic primary, most party establishment figures remain reluctant to formally back Mamdani. Sources told the New York Post that Gov. Kathy Hochul cant endorse him because thatll be the election and shell lose Long Island. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who has represented Brooklyn since 2013, also declined an endorsement on Sunday, asking Mamdani to clarify his position on the phrase globalize the intifada, which many believe is antisemitic. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who has represented New York for more than 25 years, has similarly held back his endorsement, though he praised Mamdani for running an impressive campaign.

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A unified response: Interestingly, the lack of support shifted when Trump began attacking Mamdani the day after the June 24 primary, calling him a 100% Communist Lunatic and questioning his citizenship status. Mamdani  who was born to Indian parents in Uganda  was naturalized as an U.S. citizen in 2018. Hochul fired back on Tuesday, writing on X, I dont care if youre the President of the United States, if you threaten to unlawfully go after one of our neighbors, youre picking a fight with 20 million New Yorkers  starting with me. Jeffries also defended Mamdani on Wednesday, writing, Stop lying about Assemblyman Mamdani. He is neither a communist nor a lunatic, and criticizing the presidents One Big Beautiful Bill.

Possible benefit? Democratic Rep. George Latimer, whose District 16 includes parts of the Bronx, told CNN that Mamdanis candidacy will be tough for front-liners because theyre in districts that have a lot of Republicans who will try to tie Democrats to his progressive image. However, Democratic strategist Joel Payne told The Hill that establishment resistance might actually benefit Mamdani. It probably helps that members of the establishment of the Democratic Party are not completely, wholly signed on to what hes all about because I think it just emphasizes his broader critique of the establishment, Payne said.

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TORRANCE COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE)  A small community in Torrance County has been left with no water for days, and theres no end in sight. Help us, thats all. Help us, we need help, said Bruce Sanchez, a resident of Melody Ranch for 30 years.

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Thats the sentiment from many residents in the Melody Ranch community, just outside of Edgewood in Torrance County. Neighbors said they have gone four days without water. We cant do dishes, we cant do laundry, we cant bathe, we cant flush the toilets, said Roy Collin, another resident. As far as the household chores that need to get done, you cant.

Local business County Line and feed store has been providing free water, and now the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority has brought in a 6,000-gallon tanker to help. But how long theyll need it remains unclear. So, whos responsible? The community gets its water from a provider called Melody Ranch Water Company.

But residents said they have not gotten any texts, emails, or phone calls explaining what is going on. No one is getting any communication. We have to call them to get an update, said Amber Hernandez. Her husband, Matthew Hernandez, added, And their updates are slow sometimes.

Melody Ranch Water Company did not return KRQE News 13s calls to explain whats behind the water problems. When KRQE News 13 called their main number, there was a message saying, The water is still off, and they are working non-stop to get it restored.

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Relief that cant come soon enough, for sweltering residents. Were in the 90s as far as temperature goes, everybody here has swamp coolers, you cant run EM because there is no water, said Sanchez. As the community continues to wait for answers. Some transparency from the water company would be great, but ultimately it would be nice to have our water back and to know when or if its gonna happen, said Simon.

According to documents submitted to the states public regulation commission, the Melody Ranch Company serves roughly 78 residences. KRQE News 13 reached out to the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission and received the response below:

The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission is aware of the service disruption affecting the Melody Ranch Water Company. In response to customer complaints, the NMPRCs Consumer Relations Division has been in contact with Melody Ranch to receive updates and learn what steps are being taken to restore water service to normal levels. Additionally, the NMPRCs Utility Division has contacted Melody Ranch to discuss potential causes of the disruption and any needed repairs. Both the Consumer Relations Division and the Utility Division will continue to provide support in resolving this issue. Patrick Rodriguez, Public Information Officer, New Mexico Public Regulation Commission

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
By Karen Freifeld

(Reuters) -Alpha and Omega Semiconductor (AOS) has agreed to pay $4.25 million to settle with the U.S. Department of Commerce for shipping items to China's Huawei Technologies in violation of export regulations, according to a department order posted on Wednesday.

AOS engaged in prohibited conduct by forwarding 1,650 power controllers, smart power stages and related accessories to Huawei without authorization in 2019, the year Huawei was added to a restricted U.S. trade list, the order said.

Though the items were foreign-designed and produced, the order said, they were subject to export control regulations because AOS exported them from the United States. Suppliers to companies on the restricted trade list, known as the Entity List, are required to obtain licenses.

"This resolution does not impact AOS's ongoing business operations and brings to an end the U.S. government's five-year-plus investigation," the company said. "AOS is pleased to bring this matter to a close with only limited administrative export control charges."

U.S. authorities have been investigating AOS' transactions with Huawei since 2019, the company said in an SEC filing earlier this year. In January 2024 the Justice Department closed its investigation without charges, the filing said, but a civil investigation by the Commerce Department was ongoing.

On April 16, 2025, AOS said it received a letter from Commerce alleging violations of export control regulations, and the company met to discuss a possible resolution.

AOS, which is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, operates in both the United States and Asia. It has a wafer fabrication facility in Hillsboro, Oregon.

In 2020, the United States added to Huawei's Entity listing to expand its authority to stop shipments of foreign-produced items to Huawei.

(Reporting by Karen Freifeld; Editing by Mark Porter and Jamie Freed)
Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) said Thursday he is planning to introduce a resolution condemning Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) for using offensive language toward fellow lawmakers, including comments he made against New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani.

I have profound differences of opinion with Assembly member Mamdani, but we had a mutually respectful conversation last weekend, and were committed to building a relationship and continuing the dialogue, Torres said during a Thursday appearance on MSNBCs The Briefing Room with Jen Psaki.

But I have a deeply felt obligation to speak out against hate, whether its anti-Jewish bigotry or anti-Muslim bigotry, he added.

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Ogles previously accused Mamdani of supporting terrorism and urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to denaturalize and deport him.

A week later, the Tennessee lawmaker referred to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) as the Dollar sSore Obama in a social media post.

Dollar Store Obama has been hysterically rambling for over three and a half hours, whining about tax cuts for working Americans, bonuses for our brave law enforcement, and mass deportations of illegals, Ogles wrote Thursday.

Hes still droning on like a broken record Hakeem needs to get off the House floor, take a drug test, and start putting America first  not last.

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Torres said the comments are unacceptable and the behavior should not be condoned in the lower chamber.

That kind of bigotry has no place in the United States of America. America is and should be a multiracial, multiethnic, multireligious democracy whose creed is e pluribus unum, he told Psaki.

Thats what we should be celebrating on Independence Day.

The Hill has contacted Ogles 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 The Hill.
A council leader has been criticised after claiming the authority had removed transgender-related books from the children's sections of its libraries.

In a post on social media, Kent County Council's Reform UK leader Linden Kemkaran said the books were to be removed with immediate effect in a "victory for common sense in Kent".

However, the council said a single transgender-related book aimed at adults was relocated from a display at the entrance of a library to a section unlikely to be visited by children

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Labour MP for Chatham and Aylesford Tristian Osbourne has called the alleged removal of the books "unedifying gender baiting of the LGBT community".

The BBC earlier asked the Reform-led council and the Reform councillor who overseas libraries for a list of books which had been removed, but received no reply.

However, a council spokesperson said that one book had been moved.

The book in question was The Autistic Trans Guide to Life by Yenn Purkis and Wenn Lawson, the council said.

'Unsafe, unwelcome and silenced'

Steven Pullen, founder and director of Swale Pride, described the move as "deeply upsetting".

"It emboldens anti-trans rhetoric and contributes to a culture where marginalised people feel unsafe, unwelcome and silenced," he said.

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Erin Strawbridge, the manager of the Folkestone Bookshop, an LGBTQ+ bookstore, told BBC Radio Kent: "Censorship does not stop people from learning information, but it does send the message, and it's sending a message to the young people of Kent that they're not safe and they're not welcome if they're LGBT or trans.

"It just pushes kids into the closet, into worse mental health situations. It's just going to scare young people."

Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrat leader of the opposition at KCC, Antony Hook, said it was "bizarre" that the council leader made the announcement on social media rather than to the council.

Hook said he had written to the head of Kent library services to ask for clarification on the matter.

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"The announcement made by Ms Kemkaran is vague. She does not specify what books she is referring to. This needs to be properly explained," he said.

'Feedback from a resident'

Kent County Council said staff at all its libraries had been asked to ensure books were stocked in age-appropriate categories and that no adult literature was displayed in areas specifically aimed at children, or where children would be selecting books, such as the public welcome displays.

"It follows feedback from a resident who spotted a transgender book aimed at adults in a public display at the entrance of one library in Kent," a spokesperson said.

"The book has since been relocated to a section that is unlikely to be visited by children."

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The authority, which runs 99 community libraries and five mobile library vans, says its libraries use cataloguing systems, publisher information and content reviews to identify books about transgender topics or by transgender authors.

Paul Webb, Reform UK's communities portfolio holder who oversees libraries, said the alleged removal of transgender-related books from the children's sections of the authorities libraries came after a "concerned member of the public" contacted him.

Defending the decision, Webb said: "In our society, children are quite rightly and properly protected from items and actions that could cause them harm  for example alcohol, cigarettes and gambling.

"My fellow Reform members and I believe that our young people should be protected from exposure to potentially harmful ideologies and beliefs such as those held by the trans lobbyists."

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When the BBC asked if Reform UK had carried out an assessment to understand the impact of removing the books, Webb said: "As far as impact assessments are concerned, I would have thought that question should have been asked before these books were placed in the children's section to begin with."

Kemkaran added: "Telling children they're in the wrong body is wrong and simply unacceptable."

Update: This story has been updated to include additional detail and feedback about the policy.

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The following is the transcript of an interview with documentary filmmaker Ken Burns and "CBS Evening News" co-anchor John Dickerson that will air on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on July 6, 2025.

JOHN DICKERSON: So Ken, let's imagine it's July 3, 1776, what is happening in America?

KEN BURNS: Well, this house is empty. What's happening in America is that in Philadelphia, the Second Continental Congress are debating this Declaration of Independence that a committee of five has drawn up. They've handed it off to Thomas Jefferson, one of the youngest, but who has a great felicity, someone said, with language to draft because you've got a pretty large geopolitical situation going on that people don't necessarily appreciate that we've got the French who are kind of interested in maybe helping us because they're so anti-British. But first of all, you have to say that you're a part and then you have to win a battle which is even harder to come by. And so we are here in this, you know, the early, early summer of 1776 debating, and the next day we'll sign this thing, and we will become the United States of America. Someone had suggested earlier in June in a newspaper anonymously signed Republicus, that we ought to have a real name, and suggested it should be the United States of America just, just a few weeks before it's, it's a pretty wonderful moment.

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JOHN DICKERSON: Was America United though in 1776 when they were about to make this big step?

KEN BURNS: No, we'd been fighting for a year and a quarter. Lexington and Concord are as- is, is in April of '75 there- this is a civil war that's going on. More than likely you might be a loyalist. You've lived under the, you know, the British constitutional monarchy. You know, there's no better form of government on earth. Why would I risk anything for this, you know, upstart ideas that have zero chance of success? And what happens is that this document that Jefferson principally crafts is a document that is distilling a century of enlightenment thinking into one sentence, the second sentence of the Declaration, which is, you know, next to I love you, I can't think of a better sentence in the English language.

JOHN DICKERSON: America- you call the Revolutionary period a civil war.

KEN BURNS: It is.

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JOHN DICKERSON: Was that always your conception of the

KEN BURNS: No.

JOHN DICKERSON: How did you come to think of it that way?

KEN BURNS: I think because there are no photographs and there's no newsreels, and they're in, you know, stockings and breeches and powdered wigs. There's a sense of distance from them. I think we also are so proud, rightfully, of the power of the big ideas that we we just don't want to get into the fact that it was this bloody civil war, patriots against loyalists, disaffected people, Native people, enslaved and free people within it, foreign powers that are ultimately engaged in this. This is a big world war by the end. I think we perhaps, are fearful that those big ideas are diminished, and they're not, in any way. They're, in fact, become even more inspiring that they emerge from the turmoil. You could even look at our civil war and say, it's not really a civil war, not a lot of civilian deaths, and it's a sectional war, but the revolution, you definitely do not want to be in New Jersey or South Carolina, because people are in kind of open revolt. People, there are guerilla actions. There's little assassinations, taking things out on your neighbor who's a loyalist, when the Patriots are dominant, taking things out on your neighbor who's a patriot, when the British and the Loyalists are dominant in a particular area. It's really, really bad.

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JOHN DICKERSON: How should we think about the Declaration of Independence, this period in America, in our present day?

KEN BURNS: First of all, I think the American Revolution is the most important event since the birth of Christ in all of world history.

JOHN DICKERSON: Why?

KEN BURNS: I mean, it turned the world upside down, which is the cliche. Before this moment, everyone was a subject, essentially under the rule of somebody else. We had created, in this moment, a very brand new thing called a citizen and this has had powerful effects. It's going to set in motion revolutions for the next two plus centuries, all around the world, all attempting to sort of give a new expression to this idea that all men are created equal, that they're endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, and that's a big, big deal in world history. So what happens here is, I suppose you could, you know, miss the point, and say it's a quarrel between Englishmen, but it is the beginning of something absolutely new in the world, and that is something to celebrate and to understand too, that it comes out of so much division that's going on between the states. People in New Hampshire and Georgia are, they're from different countries. They believe different things. That you could have the divisions of loyalists and patriots. You could have this, all the things that are roiling in these colonies, and understand that out of that, we could still figure out a way to come together.

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JOHN DICKERSON: Americans think they're pretty divided right now. They weren't nearly as divided as they were during the Revolutionary period.

KEN BURNS: Here's the simple thing, we're always divided, so it ebbs and flows a little bit, but we're always have big differences. You know, Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal is not met with universal approval. The Civil War kills 750,000 Americans, we think, over the issue of slavery. We have our own revolution. There are lots of periods, the Vietnam period, when we're so particularly divided. So I think there's a little bit of chicken little, you know, oh, the sky is falling because it's now. Things are always worse now than they ever were. The only- the reason why historians, and God knows, I'm an amateur historian, feel a kind of optimism, is because there's something familiar. There's, you know, the Bible says there's nothing new under the sun, human nature essentially doesn't change, and that's true. What's great about the Revolution is, for a moment, things actually, there was something new in the world, and that's the thing that we need to use. That's the leverage we have to bring us back to the ability to speak to one another, to understand how you solve your differences, as opposed to the sort of soup of anger and distrust that seem to be, you know, everywhere now.

JOHN DICKERSON: John Dos Passos said that when men, in times of where men feel quick sand under their feet, history is a lifeline to the- from the past to the present. What lifeline do you see from the Revolutionary period, if we're always divided, what's the lifeline to the present from the Revolutionary period?

KEN BURNS: That's a wonderful phrase. I think it's manifest in so many different ways. Obviously, we're the only country, we know exactly when we were born, and we're the country that's held together, not by language, not by religion, not by even geography, we're held together by words. And so I think, to me, it always comes back to words, and why being here, you begin to realize the incredible power and import of those words that we hold these truths to be self evident. And you know, John, there was nothing self evident about those words. As someone said in an earlier film we made about, about Benjamin Franklin, this is the lawyers dodge, right? It's like there's nothing self-evident about this. But if you say it's self-evident, we just like we, of course, all agree this is true, and then say something that is so new in the world that it is still inspiring. I mean, I would normally be home on July 4 reading to my children the Declaration of Independence, because it has so much import and so much meaning, even today. And I think it doesn't take as much effort as we think it does to reinvest in those things that we share in common.

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JOHN DICKERSON: What's, what are, what is a citizen's obligation now?

KEN BURNS: A citizens obligation now is the same as it's ever been, and that's the most important thing. There's a wonderful phrase a little bit later from the famous words where Jefferson says, All experience has shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer while evils are sufferable, meaning we all kind of have gravitated to be under authoritarian rule. You know, the trains run on time, or we get at least this, but we're going to require of you to be a citizen something more. It's got to be active. The Pursuit of Happiness is is not the acquisition of things in a marketplace of objects, but lifelong learning in a marketplace of ideas. That's what the founders said, to be virtuous, to live a virtuous life, to continually educate yourself, is what was required to sustain this republic and I think that's what we've gotten away from. Everything is sort of all individualized. We're all free agents. We don't realize that freedom, the thing that we tout, is not just what I want, but also that's intention with what we need. And I think what happens is that when we study these words, we can go back to the sense of newness and freshness that they represented and rededicate ourselves, and that means me for me, and you for you, to this idea that the pursuit of happiness is about lifelong learning. It's about becoming ever more educated, to the responsibility of citizenship and that's a huge, huge responsibility, not just to take your feed, not just to go with this flow, not just to get your information that sort of ratifies what you already thought, but to actually explore what my neighbor thinks.

JOHN DICKERSON: Being an American, as Jefferson saw it, as the founders saw it, was a continuing obligation to engage with its history.

KEN BURNS: That's exactly right, and this is really important. In order to form the government, they had to reach back through the Middle Ages, through the Dark Ages, back to antiquity, to bring up these ideas like virtue and temperance and moderation and all of the things that all of them were looking for. I mean, the amazing thing is, we're here at Thomas Jefferson's house, but we don't have a country without his words. But also we don't have a country without George Washington. And yet, we know about all of these men. They're deeply flawed in many important ways. And I think today, in our binary culture, you know, where everything's a one or a zero or it's a red state or a blue state, it's my or the highway, we've forgotten that it's possible to tolerate, as we do among with the people we love, their strengths and their weaknesses. So heroism is not perfection, right? The Greeks told us that heroism was a negotiation within someone, sometimes a war between somebody's great strengths and their great flaws, like Achilles had his heel and his hubris to go along with his great strengths. And so I think that if we can take a historical view that permits us to see a Jefferson and a Washington in these very complicated understanding of them, then it's possible to then breathe, to have some room to understand who we are now, who we were then, and where we might be, which is, of course, the most important thing, all the anxiety about this present moment is really not so much about the present moment, but about will we survive, where will we be and and you can go back to this moment and be completely inspirited by possibility.

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JOHN DICKERSON: Is it necessary to understand the flaws of the founders so that they become more real and therefore their lessons are more accessible?

KEN BURNS: I think so. I think we know what a superficial story means; its half life is so insignificant when you put everything into sort of cartoon stuff, into the white hat and the black hat and what that means. Yes, when you understand, Keats said that Shakespeare possessed this thing called negative capability that you could hold in tension someone's strengths and someone's weaknesses for as long as you possibly could and then, even then, you didn't necessarily have to make a decision. So you can understand George Washington as flawed as rash. He rides out on the battlefield of making bad decisions as a general. And yet, without him, we do not have a country. You know, we're speaking English or we're speaking French or Spanish, whatever it is, but, but we're a different, we're a different place without his, the leadership that he exhibited, and of course, that leadership was exhibited most spectacularly when he resigned his military commission and then left the presidency because he was giving up power and setting in motion an American example, that it isn't the person, it's the law. It's the- it's the form of government and these sorts of things have held us in good stead for 249 years.

JOHN DICKERSON: You've named so many instances in which, basically America was thought into being, in other words, a set of ideas, just words, just the stuff that was going on in a bunch of heads of people ended up shaping an entire nation, and as you're saying, a course of history.

KEN BURNS: So it isn't just Jefferson's words, right? You've have before it, in January, this Englishman who comes ashore at Philadelphia, half dead. He's a failure in everything in life, and he writes this little, tiny pamphlet called Common Sense. His name is Thomas Paine, and he gives just spectacular, almost poetic voice to this impulse. Like heretofore, people are not sure they want to separate from Britain, not sure about independence. They certainly would like to believe it's really not the king's fault, it's really Parliament's fault. And all of a sudden, he reminds people what monarchical and authoritarian rule is all about, and that you know, this idea that you could install yourself by virtue of your family for generation after generation isn't right, and so lots of words earlier, Sam Adams is keeping everybody alive to their grievances, he said, that's his job, right? He's, he's a failure as a brewer and as a tax collector, but boy, he's really good at keeping people upset at what the British are doing, or maybe not even doing, but may do, right? And so words are hugely important, and we are the sum total of the words we've talked about, rather than just, necessarily always the actions or the money or the place or the position or the celebrity. It's, it's, you know, Washington is interesting in that he's also a great judger of character. He knows how to pick subordinate talent like you can't believe, like you can't believe. I mean, even this committee that essentially (INAUDIBLE) by his age, that- that Benjamin Franklin is the sort of the senior of all seniors. But Adam says, you know, to Jefferson, you write it because, like, I'm short and fat and ugly and people don't like me. I'm obnoxious, but you have this great felicity of, with words.

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JOHN DICKERSON: We're here in Jefferson's house. What if Tom walked in? What would you want to ask him?

KEN BURNS: Oh, my goodness, a lot of them are deeply personal questions about his own life and what he couldn't deal with. He knew, as everyone knew, that slavery was immoral. It's only later generations that are going to try to justify it as the abolition movement grows in the 19th century, we're going to have to make Black people inferior in all of this. But there is a- there's a sense that, you know- he- Jefferson himself said slavery was like holding a wolf by the ears. You didn't like it, but you didn't dare let go. I'd want to ask him, deeply question, why don't you let it go? Your neighbor freed his slaves, your cousin freed his slaves. They both urged you to do the same thing, and you couldn't do that. You temporized. You bought more statuary and more wine from Europe and- and what was that about? Because, of course, you could articulate these universal, self evident truths, and yet couldn't live that out in his own lifetime.

JOHN DICKERSON: Can you talk about the genius and brilliance of his words without sitting right in the middle of Jefferson's owning of slaves, enslaved people? You- can you talk about the two- I mean, can you talk about Jefferson's words without talking about--

KEN BURNS: No, I think this is the important thing. And- and somehow we've- we've gotten to the idea that you just don't want to mess with the good stuff. And let's just pretend- pay no attention to that man behind- like you can't do that. A good story is a good story is a good story. And this is a really good part of the story. It's complicated, it's dark. There are human beings in this house who are owned by a person who has articulated universal rights for everyone. And what's so great is that the vagueness of the words has allowed everybody to plow through and make it their own, not just here, but all around the stuff so- so when he says pursuit of happiness, that may be the key word. When we say a more perfect union in the Constitution later on, that may be the key word that this is process that we're engaged in. And so maybe the- the poetry, but also the vagueness of the words, have opened a door that have allowed women to come through, that have allowed enslaved people to have citizenship, that have expanded in so many different ways and all around the world, that that's- this is progress. This is, you know, this is- and also the course of human events, right? Where you don't flick the switch, and it's all perfect, all at once. And so I think going back and understanding them for the deep undertow that's present and sometimes really discomforting undertow about it is okay. Nothing is diminished. Nothing is diminished. In fact, I think it's made more familiar. You know what? When it is- when you're in a conversation with a friend and the friend says, you know, I should have said this before, but I really hate this. Or, you know what, I did this, there's something suddenly, there's dimension now to the possibilities of the connection, one to the other. And I think when we look back and don't try to sanitize it. Don't make a Madison Avenue version of- of- of our past, but celebrate the grittiness, and I think, in this case, the violence of the American Revolution, we do a service to those ideas that we think need to be protected. I mean- what- this is not ideas that are fixed in amber. You know, this is, this is- this is gritty, gritty stuff. People died. Lots of people died fighting for this in just horrific struggles when the main form of killing was a bayonet. That's not fun.

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JOHN DICKERSON: More authentic, more true, and therefore more real and accessible.

KEN BURNS: Yeah. And then I think more powerful. That's- what we're looking for is meaning. At the end of the day, it's all about meaning. And so the stories that we tell, the truer, the more complicated they get, actually, the meaning increases. It's not decreased. It's only an authoritarian that wishes to, you know, in the old Soviet thing, where all of a sudden that photograph no longer has so and so in it, he's no longer there watching the May Day parade. They've cut him out because he's out of favor. We don't need to do that in this country. We can actually be big enough to accept these contradictions within our founding and within ourselves. Jefferson is certainly the embodiment of deep and- and very complicated, you know, differences, internal psychology.

JOHN DICKERSON: President Trump has issued an executive action in which he says basically, history has gotten out of balance. Says that the American government either funds it through museums or national parks, and he said instead that this federal role in history should instead focus on the greatness of the achievements and the progress of the American people. So President Trump thinks there's an imbalance in the way we talk about history. How do you see that?

KEN BURNS: I don't see the imbalance. I think we need to celebrate the greatness of the American people. The greatness of the American people comes from telling these complicated stories, and that's a good story. A good story is a good story. That's what you're looking for. You don't want to just say it otherwise, it's just sort of slogans that are- that are put up on the wall. We want to feel that we know who Thomas Jefferson is. We need to understand the internal struggles that Abraham Lincoln had. We have to understand what was going through Rosa Parks' mind when she, you know, refused to give up her seat on the bus. This, in no way takes away from the glory, it just makes the story fuller and richer and and permits purchase for everyone you want a history to be complicated because it gives everybody a chance to own or have access to it. There is my door where I'm going through. There's a wonderful scholar, Maggie Blackhawk in our film, who says, after our scene on the Declaration of Independence, that it's deeply significant to people at the margins. That these words that do not include them. They do not include women, they do not include the poor, they do not include any enslaved or free African Americans. They do not include Native Americans. But the words themselves are so inspirational that they begin to suggest a much larger and more, what we would say, kind of American polity. That a bunch of us all together, of different varieties, doing lots of different things and pursuing happiness, this- this idea of virtue and lifelong learning.

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JOHN DICKERSON: Along those lines, that- the stories you tell in this documentary and the people who tell it are- there's a real diversity. Was that an important part of your storytelling?

KEN BURNS: Absolutely, I think that, you know, we tend to have the Revolution, we think of it as just the guys in Philadelphia, which is really important, thinking great thoughts and writing them down. The boldface names, if you will. What we wanted to do is take those boldface names and make them not just kind of inaccessible, but real. So you could understand dimension to them. But then also realize they're scores of other people that have voices and that are important, and they, you know, they're .01% of people had their portraits painted. That doesn't mean that everybody else didn't exist, or everybody else didn't do something, particularly if you gave your life on Bunkers Hill to start this new nation, or- or- or- at Yorktown, or at Brandywine or Long Island. You know, just because you don't have a portrait painted, it doesn't mean that you're not somebody. So we're trying to give everyone a voice, and so that what you have is a chorus. So it all goes back to music. Always goes back to music that, you know, Lincoln talks about, the mystic chords of memory. These are not ropes. These are celestial chords that- that the chorus of Americans has an emotional power to it, that the singularity of just making it about a great man theory. You- the problem has been in that, at times- and may have to do with Trump's initiatives, is that we've- in order to tell a bottom up story, we sometimes thrown out a top down story. There's no need. You can do a top down and a bottom up. And that's actually the most vigorous and active and most powerful form of history is when they meet. When- as you are in a tent a few 100 yards from Rochambeau's tent outside Yorktown, you being George Washington, that you also know that that group that's taking Redoubt Number 10 has, led by Lafayette, includes Alexander Hamilton, but also has Joseph Plumb Martin, who signed up a couple days after the declaration at age 15, and has just seen unbelievable action and violence and whatever, is rushing the abattis, the spiked logs that are going to protect them, along with Rhode Islanders who have been promised their freedom after the war is over, both runaway and enslaved Rhode Island- I mean, this is who takes Redoubt Number 10 that permits us, along with Redoubt Number 9 that the French take to roll the big guns in to make Cornwallis painfully aware, if he has not been aware of it at to the- up to that point that his cause is lost, and will precipitate the surrender that will come a few days later.

JOHN DICKERSON: Diversity of voice and storytelling was important to you, that also is under assault at the moment. The president basically is trying to remove all efforts to keep diversity in mind. Is there something that is lost in that?

KEN BURNS: Well, you know, there's a strength in a wagon wheel of all the different spokes into the hub. We're all looking for the hub, whatever the hub is. Meaning, you know, something that pulls us together, that chorus, that's what we're all about. And so that the strength of that wheel has to do with having the spokes and having a multitude of perspectives. The impulse for some is to say there's only one perspective, and that's true of many different things, and it isn't just from a top down, sort of a sense, so let's make this simpler. It's also- a lot of people mistake, and what we've tried to do is be liberated from any fashion of what's called historiography. Sorry, to you know, on a Sunday morning, make the words so big, but it's sort of the fashions of the way we study history. Sometimes say it's got to be only from this perspective. It's got to be Freudian, or it's got to be Marxist economic, or it's got to be symbolic, or it's got to be, you know, post-modern or whatever. The thing is, you don't need that. You- all you need to do is say, if a kid was involved, I want to understand what that kid felt. If a great, you know, person that George Washington, I want to know what he- what he did and what he felt. Did he really need to ride out into the battle at Kips Bay and risk his own life. I mean, at one time at Princeton, he does the same thing, and his own aides are covering their eyes, afraid they're going to see their commander in chief- if he's shot it's all over. There's no country, right? And then watch him make mistakes, and at the same time, see the way he held like the strongest of glues the country together as it's going.

JOHN DICKERSON: You say history is the best teacher we have. What did working on this documentary about the Revolution teach you?

KEN BURNS: You know, here's- here's the- the lead that has been buried. This is the most important experiment in human government that the world has seen. And we- we bury that light under a bushel all the time, either through our internal doubts, either through our struggles with one another, through this kind of binary sense of, you know, I'm wrong. You're- you know, you're right. I'm right, you're wrong. Whatever it might be, we- we've- we've missed the most important thing that the creation of the United States of America was one of the great things that have ever taken place in human history, and that's something to celebrate.

JOHN DICKERSON: So in looking in the past, you discovered something that should be and is, and you're seeing very much alive today.

KEN BURNS: This is what makes history the best teacher, because it permits you to understand that there- it wasn't always some beautiful, great time beforehand. It's always been complicated. There's always been enormous divisions, and we always have had an ability by using the force of the system we created. I mean, these guys at the Constitutional Convention, they are worrying constantly about, you know- how to- well, what if this happens? Well, what if that happened? How do we protect about this? How do we protect about that? And they're all trying to, I mean, with the exception of the Preamble, the Constitution is extraordinarily just boilerplate language. It's an operating system, right? But it's so good, and the fact that it's immediately amended, it wouldn't have even been able to go into effective use without the Bill of Rights that were sort of essentially codifying what everybody thought they had been fighting for over the last many, many, many years. And remember, this is a battle that's been, you know, with the British the struggle has been going on from well before Lexington and Concord, with the Boston Massacre or the Tea Party or other, you know, acts of collective disobedience. But in April 19, 1775, it begins. And it's not over until 71 when the surrender happens in the fall, so six and a half years. But it's not going to be till the last British troop leaves, another two years, and the Treaty of Paris is formalized. I see you're talking about a huge period of time that we're engaged in a revolution, and there's lots of stuff going on.

JOHN DICKERSON: Why did you originally want to make this?

KEN BURNS: I thought it was impossible to do. When we were finishing our film on the Vietnam War in 2015- we began this when Barack Obama had, you know, 13 months left in his pres- presidency. People often say, why the Revolution and why now? I said, this is a really long now. I- having done the Civil War and World War Two and Vietnam, I realized the last big remaining thing was to sort of peel away the layers of sentimentality and nostalgia that has smothered the revolution and to try to get at that. And I didn't think, because there are no photographs and newsreels, that we would be able to do that, but I remember seeing a map of the Ia Drang Valley in Vietnam, a kind of animated, almost 3-D map that we had made. And I went, wait this- this could easily be just following the British West in Long Island towards Brooklyn. And if you- we can do this, then we have a way- we can treat the paintings like they're photographs. We can take live cinematography and treat them like they're paintings. We can collect reenacting footage, not to replace, you know, telling this our traditional way of telling a battle, but as grist for the mill of how we could make it come alive. And all of those things, graphics and maps and live cinematography and paintings and drawings, all of them, I suddenly had this thing. I remember just turning to Sarah Botstein and saying, we're doing the revolution next. Now, next meant 10 years, or almost 10 years.

JOHN DICKERSON: What layer of sentimentality about the revolution to you is most dangerous to the true history or to the complexity of histories?

KEN BURNS: I think the most dangerous thing is to not understand how incredibly violent it was and how many different parties were involved. We'd like to believe that our revolution is our own wonderful thing that we did, but we can't do it without the French. This is a global war at the end, in which not only the- France is on our side, but so is Spain and the Netherlands, but they have ulterior motives. They really just want to see the British, who have the largest and most far flung empire, diminish. So you've got all these wonderful competing things that people go, "it's too complicated." It's not too complicated. Everybody gets it. If you can watch Shogun and figure it out, if you can watch The Bear, if you can watch Succession, you know, it's all- we know how to handle complicated stories. And I kind of resent the idea that we're told that we can't. That for the most important stories that Americans could ever have, that is the story of us, not just the upper case U.S., but of us intimately, that somehow we have to dumb it down. Sometimes- somehow we have to sort of sanitize it. Somehow we have to make it free of the "yes, buts." All of life is a "yes, but."

JOHN DICKERSON: What about attention? Do you also- What about attention? The idea that people just don't have the time for all this?

KEN BURNS: When I made the Civil War series, people said, oh, this is really good, but no one's going to watch it because there are these things called MTV videos, and they're like, two minutes, and they've eroded the attention span. People have always had their attention drawn to little, tiny, frivolous things. Always, forever. And they've also been able to realize that the greatest meaning accrues in duration, that the work you're proudest of, the relationships you care the most about, have benefited from your same attention- sustained attention. So what do we do now in this tsunami of content? We binge. What? You mean, you look at something for days on end, the whole thing over and over? We- the attention is there. It is true that there are lots of distractions to that attention. But the way we self, you know, medicate from the sheer amount of stuff there is, is by saying, I'm going to choose to watch this for a really long time. I see that in my kids who do TikTok stuff, but they'll sit there and watch four seasons of whatever it is in one sitting. So I'm not worried that there's not an audience anymore out there for 12 hours on- on sort of the Rosetta Stone, of what- of where we came from, what our birth was about.

JOHN DICKERSON: Going back to this idea of ongoing nourishment of history, part of- go back to the revolution to learn who we are, now. Do you ever think of this work as an intervention in- we've gotten- people don't- people don't reread the Declaration every fourth of July, as Thomas Jefferson wanted. People, in your telling, seem to have lost sight of some of the parts of our founding. Maybe we don't even know them because we've been told different kinds of stories. Is this an intervention?

KEN BURNS: No. Intervention imposes between the storyteller, that would be us, and the story we're trying to tell and our audience some sort of larger highfalutin purpose. A good story is a good story is a good story, and that's all we're interested in doing. I do still read the Declaration of Independence to my children now, grandchildren every single Fourth of July. I think there are lots of Americans who do that. Certainly, there are lots of people who go, great a day off and hot dogs and hamburgers, what could be better? And tell me, what could be better than that? It's okay. Everybody likes the fireworks display. There's- there's still it's- once again, it's back to this idea of chorus. The Fourth of July is my favorite holiday, because you sit there on a blanket on a field looking at these fireworks with all these other people in the dark, and you share with them in common that we agree to, basically, a sentence in a document written, you know, by a Virginian who lived here, you know, 249 years ago. That's really powerful stuff. And then John Adams, he said it, you know, this is so great, we should be celebrating this every year with bonfires and fireworks and demonstrations. And we do. We followed exactly what they told us to do. So, the fact that it can be misinterpreted by some, this is always going to be the case. Manipulated by others, this will always be the case. Sort of, you know, genuinely embraced, but for the wrong reasons, this will always be the case. But we still- we know, we understand that we hold these truths to be self-evident, even though they weren't, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Doesn't get any better than that.

JOHN DICKERSON: What is your- How do you receive the polling that shows people are having different views of what it means to be patriotic, and maybe even being patriotic at all is something, maybe, somebody doesn't want to be.

KEN BURNS: Well, I think- I notice that, particularly among a younger generation, that they have lost a kind of connection with the glories of the American experiment because of what they've seen. You know, if you're seven or eight years old and you see George Floyd murdered, you've got a different sense of how much we've delivered on these original promises or not. I think this is- these are ebbing and flowing figures that we can't spend too much of our time being caught up with. We have to spend more of our time working towards it, the pursuit of happiness. It may involve somebody or groups of somebodies telling our stories. It may be, for somebody else, it might be helping out at a food kitchen. It may be somebody else going to school and in their form of scholarship, in science or in the humanities, have figured out something new that we need. Maybe it's in business, where you've discovered some product. Or maybe it's in public service, which is an essential part of all of this. And that public service is not necessarily the president. George Washington understood that the best office was citizen. That's why he resigned. So maybe you begin and it's your school board, maybe it's you know, you're doing something local. But I think that we're- the polling sometimes reflects just a particular anxiety, and these are shifting all the time, all the time. And it- and I can tell you, just in the time it's taken us to work on this film, how much things have- have changed and gone back and changed again. And it doesn't matter, Democrat, Republican, red state, blue state. These are superficial, binary considerations. The more important thing is that is the- that's the tip of the iceberg, right? It's the- it's the massiveness of what's underneath it. And I think a lot of people still share it, and all you need is a story or an anthem or a chorus to sort of provide the opportunities to reconfigure. That's what it is.

JOHN DICKERSON: You've told a lot of- You've told a lot of your stories on PBS. PBS is under threat.

KEN BURNS: All of them, all of them.

JOHN DICKERSON: Are you worried about the future of PBS?

KEN BURNS: Of course, I am, and I've always been worried about it. In the 1990s I think I testified in the House or the Senate in Appropriations or Authorization about the endowments or about the Corporation for Public Broadcasting a half dozen times.

JOHN DICKERSON: Make the case for PBS.

KEN BURNS: It is the Declaration of Independence applied to the communications world. It's a bottom up. It's the largest network in the country. There's 330 stations. It mostly serves  and this is where the elimination of funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting is so short sighted  it mainly serves rural areas in which the PBS signal may be the only signal they get. They also have not only our good children's and prime time stuff, they have classroom on the air continuing education, homeland security, crop reports, weather emergency information. That we're going to take away? This seems foolhardy and seems misguided, mainly because there is a perception among a handful of people that this is somehow a blue or a left wing thing, when this is the place that, for 32 years, gave William F. Buckley a show, right? I mean, it's- and it's- that show is, by the way, is still going on and moderated by a conservative. So I just think that maybe we're throwing the baby out with the bath water. And I couldn't do- let me personalize it, and I didn't want to. John, I couldn't do any of the films I've done without them being on PBS. I could go into a streaming service or a premium cable tomorrow and get every one of the millions of dollars it took to do this in one pitch, but they wouldn't give me 10 years. They want it in a year or a year and a half, and that's the deal. I can't do that. Same with Vietnam, same with the Civil War, same with Jazz, same with the National Parks, same with, you know, the Roosevelts, all of those- Country Music, all of those have taken time to incubate, and that has been under the system that has one foot tentatively in the marketplace and the other proudly out, kind of like the National Parks or the Declaration of Independence applied to the landscape. These are really good American institutions that represent everybody from the bottom up, which is what it's always about. That's the essence of what Thomas Jefferson was talking about.

JOHN DICKERSON: As someone who worked so hard on telling the story of slavery and enslaved people in various different ways, what did you learn about slavery in America from working on this?

KEN BURNS: It's so complicated and so interesting. I- I think the thing that was most striking that's come to me is that it was really clear that our founders, even those founders who owned other human beings, knew that the institution of slavery was indefensible. It's only later in the 19th century that you'll sort of make- you'll try to make excuses for why it's okay and that they're really wrestling with ways, but there are human beings that are owned by other human beings. There are slaves from New Hampshire to- to Georgia. And one person, the scholar Annette Gordon-Reed, says it's important to understand that the South is a slave society and the North is a society with slaves, and there's a big difference. So even within the United States, I was learning constantly. Maybe 20,000 Black people fought in the Revolution, probably 15 for the British who had cynically offered them their freedom. Not freedom of loyalists, right? And how you're going to tell I don't know, but- but they are- and then 5,000 fought valiantly for the Patriot cause. It's very, very complicated, and you can never say a categorical them about anybody, and that's all we do. Look, I have- I have made films about the U.S. for all of my professional life, but I've also made films simultaneously about us, all of the intimacy of that, all the majesty and complexity and contradiction and controversy of the U.S. And the thing I've learned, if I've learned anything, is that there's only us, there's no them, and we're constantly being told: there's a them. There's no them and that's what this document produced by the man who- who sat in this room, you know, and looked at, you know, heard his troubled secretary Meriwether Lewis, say, you know what, 15 million got you? It got you this. And, by the way, there's no Northwest Passage, but look what you have here. And you've got, you know, the Lewis and- this is- this is- this is where you know he- he- he learns the whole thing.

JOHN DICKERSON: If there is only us and no them, it is also a strain in American history: look at them, go get them.

KEN BURNS: That's right. It's the simplest thing. It's the authoritarians' playbook. That's what you always do. You make- if you make an enemy and you say, you know, your problem is that there's that thing happening, but there's really not that. All of the religious traditions remind us that, or try to remind us that, and- and we want to forget it. There's something simplistic about allowing ourselves to be convinced that there is a them, you know, we- we've- we've- we've, in our own political documents, have enshrined the sanctity of the individual. The religious doctrines have been doing that for centuries. And so the idea of making distinctions, you know, I remember I gave a speech at Brandeis, a commencement speech, talking about the Middle East, and I said, these three great religions, all with claim to the same holy ground, have turned it into a shameful graveyard. God does not distinguish between the dead.

JOHN DICKERSON: There's a lot of talk about them these days. Are you hoping to pierce that with this telling of America's beginning?

KEN BURNS: I don't have a conscious desire to do this. There's- there's a kind of- that implies a kind of agenda, kind of a political agenda. I know that a good story is a benign Trojan horse. You take it in and it- it- it- at night, it goes into the city, and it doesn't slay anybody. It just reminds them: no them, no them, no them. This is- isn't this wonderful? Isn't this- isn't this important? Isn't this extraordinary? Isn't the complication worth learning about? And that- that's the only thing- that's- if- we have been- we have been really disciplined to say we just want to tell a story. I mean, Mark Twain said history doesn't repeat itself, but it rhymes. We consciously understand, as we're working on a film, how many- how much it's rhyming in the present and it changes a little bit, and changes that. But we don't ever try to put neon signs going, look how much this is so much like today. We just want to let that resonate. And you go, oh my goodness, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, they may have wigs and they may have breeches, they're very much like us.

JOHN DICKERSON: Because if you put too much of a thumb on the scale, you ruin the story, and then you kill the power of the story.

KEN BURNS: That's exactly right. You have to let it tell the story. Our job is to be a good storyteller. Period, full stop, end of sentence.

JOHN DICKERSON: Which means telling a story well enough that somebody might take a conclusion that's totally different than--

KEN BURNS: Oh, absolutely you- you know, I remember watching this and going, oh my god, there's- there's actually places for all different kinds of people to find purchase. You know, this is a big- a good story is a big house with lots of different doors, and we tend to go through the front door and think that's it. Somebody may be coming in the side door. Somebody may be coming- climbing up and- and breaking in from the second- however you get in, you're in, and that's all you want, is, you know, stories are invitations like, honey, how was your day, right? It doesn't begin: I backed slowly down the driveway, avoiding the garbage can at the curb, you- you just edit human experience. And that's what we spent the last 10 years doing. We're saying this story of the American founding, our- our creation myth, is as important a story to get right as anything, and we've spent 10 years trying to get it right.

JOHN DICKERSON: In Ken Burns' history, there are many mansions. Last question--

(CLOCK CHIMES)

JOHN DICKERSON: Oh, yay. Oh, my God, it's Thomas Jefferson saying, "Wrap it up."

(CROSSTALK)

JOHN DICKERSON: Okay, here's the- here's the question, what is the difference between the Revolutionary War and the American Revolution?

KEN BURNS: Benjamin Rush, who is the great physician of the time, one of the signers of the Declaration, said that- when it was over, that the- the American war is over, but the American Revolution is going on. I think if you accept the idea of pursuit of happiness, if you accept the idea of a more perfect union, you realize, as we do in our own lives, in our own work, in our own relationships, that it's about process, that we're engaged in an ongoing desire to achieve these things. This perfection is what you want to tilt for. It's unattainable, obviously, but if you're not engaged in the active pursuit of perfection, self, relationship, community, country, world, then you're stopped, you're static, and you're not going forward. And I think there's not an American that does not want to go forward.

JOHN DICKERSON: We're here in Jefferson's house. The only thing he was perhaps more proud of than Monticello was the University of Virginia. It's on his tombstone. The president of the University of Virginia just resigned under pressure from the president. What would Jefferson think?

KEN BURNS: Well, you know, it's the first university that was founded in the United States without a religious affiliation. It was really important to him that part of this thing that we not make the mistake of the other countries of having a set and recognized religion. And I think that he would be shocked at any kind of interference with the- with the goings on of a laboratory of- of experimentation, a laboratory of education and discovery.

JOHN DICKERSON: Can we learn about history if the government is telling us what we can and can't do as we try to arrange our- our system for learning?

KEN BURNS: Yeah, you sure can. Stories are kind of subversive in that way. They just tell you stuff, the, sort of, the inconvenient truths of- of stuff that's going on and good stories are- are very much that, I think, and that's what we hope always. I'm not sure that we succeed everywhere, but telling a good story has a kind of way of- of setting aside the mythologies or the certainties, right? There- there's really, you know, the enemy of good anything is certainty. It's always my way or the highway. That just doesn't work. And so stories, good stories, I think, are- are wonderfully- they have a wink to them. And you know, it's just like humor, it hits both the yes and no at the same time. A good story is always going to be collecting the- the complication, the tensions within and between individuals, and when they're represented, then people grow. You're stunted, and you're back to being a subject, you're back to being a superficial peasant, superstitious peasant, if you're- if- if- if you're subscribing to one set of things, you know. It just reminds me of those Soviets editing the photograph, right? Saying, oh, that person doesn't exist anymore. We- we've torn him out. He- he- he doesn't exist. He goes out of our history books. There- it's all there. We- and- and our liberation, you know, Harry Truman is supposed to have said, the only thing that's really new is the history you don't know. I love the idea. New.

Several people missing from Texas summer camp amid deadly flooding, officials say

What a new DOJ memo could mean for naturalized U.S. citizens

July 4 holiday week expected to set record for travelers
ISLAMABAD (AP)  Pakistani security forces killed 30 militants who attempted to enter the country from Afghanistan, the military said Friday.

It said the members of the Pakistani Taliban were spotted overnight in the North Waziristan district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and the troops seized weapons, ammunition and explosives from the militants. The military's statement did not mention if there was a gunfight or other details of the operation.

The military alleged the militants were backed by India and asked the Afghan government to prevent the use of its territory by foreign proxies to attack Pakistan.

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There was no immediate comment from New Delhi. Pakistani authorities often accuse India of backing outlawed groups like the Baloch Liberation Army and Pakistani Taliban who commit violence in Pakistan. Such accusations have increased since a shooting in Indian-controlled Kashmir in April heightened tensions between the nuclear-armed nations.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised security forces for the successful operation.

Pakistani troops killed 54 insurgents in the same area in April.

Militant violence has surged in Pakistan in recent months, much of it blamed on the Pakistani Taliban. The group is separate from the Afghan Taliban but closely allied with them. Many of its leaders and fighters have found sanctuary in Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover in 2021.
Donald Trump has been accused of blatant and vile antisemitism at a rally in Iowa.

The president delivered a campaign-style speech during the America250 event at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines on Thursday, just hours after the House passed his signature tax-and-spending bill on the eve of the countrys 250th birthday.

As Trump promised that his megabill would usher in a period of prosperity, the president railed against Shylocks and bad people, before taking a swipe at the Democrats who uniformly opposed the legislation.

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No death tax. No estate tax, Trump began. No going to the banks and borrowing from, in some cases, a fine banker, and in some cases, Shylocks and bad people.

They destroyed a lot of families, but we did the opposite, he added.

Trump has sparked fresh outrage for comparing bankers to Shylocks  which is widely condemned as an antisemitic slur (AFP/Getty)

In Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice, Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, agrees with another character to take a pound of flesh if he cant repay his loan. The term was later considered offensive because it played on harmful stereotypes of Jewish people and money.

Flying back to Washington DC on Air Force One, the president said he had never heard that the word could be considered antisemitic and opted to give his own definition of the phrase.

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Ive never heard it that way, he said. The meaning of Shylock is somebody thats a money lender at high rates. You view it differently. Ive never heard that.

The president made the remark as he delivered a campaign-style speech at the America250 in Des Moines on Thursday (AP)

Jewish leaders have condemned the presidents rhetoric and claimed his use of the slur was no accident.

This is blatant and vile antisemitism, and Trump knows exactly what hes doing, New York Representative Daniel Goldman wrote on X late Thursday. Anyone who truly opposes antisemitism calls it out wherever it occurs  on both extremes  as I do.

California Representative Eric Swalwell called on the Anti-Defamation League to take action, adding that if they cannot condemn this, they should pack it up.

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Shylock is among the most quintessential antisemitic stereotypes, Amy Spitalnick of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs tweeted. This is not an accident.

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk previously caused outrage with his gesture during the inaugural parade in Washington DC, on January 20 (Getty)

Halie Soifer of the Jewish Democratic Council of America said Trump referred to bankers using a centuries-old antisemitic slur.

Former President Joe Biden faced backlash after using the same word at a Legal Services Corporation event, describing shylocks taking advantage of servicemembers facing foreclosures while overseas.

Unlike Trump, Biden apologized for his poor choice of words after the ADLs Abraham Foxman urged caution about the use of the term.

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Its not the first time critics have accused Trump, who positions himself as a staunch ally of Israel, of perpetuating antisemitic stereotypes. His comment comes ahead of Trumps meeting with Israels prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu next week.

In 2015, Trump repeatedly told the Republican Jewish Coalition that he did not want their money and promoted memes with antisemitic symbols, according to the Washington Post.

The Independent has contacted the White House for more information.
US President Donald Trump has stated in another comment to journalists about his conversation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin that the latter has no intention of ending the war.

Source: Trump in a comment to journalists

Details: Trump repeatedly said he was "not happy" with the conversation and once again reiterated, as he has many times before, that "if he were president, this war would never have happened."

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Quote: "Im very disappointed by the conversation I had today with President Putin, because I dont think hes there. I don't think he's looking to stop. And thats too bad. This is Biden's war." [N.B. Ukrainska Pravda does not recognise Putin as president  ed.]

Background:

Putin had earlier said he would hold a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump on 3 July.

Trump later confirmed that the call was scheduled for 10:00 US time (17:00 Kyiv time).

After the call, the US president said he had not made any progress in efforts to end Russias war against Ukraine.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
[Source]

The Justice Department has issued new guidelines directing attorneys to aggressively pursue stripping citizenship from naturalized Americans who concealed crimes or posed national security threats during their naturalization process, a policy that could affect the nearly 25 million people.

What you need to know: A June 11 memo from Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate establishes multiple priority categories for citizenship revocation and instructs the Civil Division to prioritize and maximally pursue denaturalization proceedings in all cases permitted by law and supported by the evidence. The policy focuses on individuals who pose a potential danger to national security, including those with a nexus to terrorism and those who committed felonies that were not disclosed during the naturalization process. The memo permits attorneys to target those facing pending criminal charges that have not yet secured a conviction. Shumate outlined that the benefits include the governments ability to revoke the citizenship of individuals who engaged in the commission of war crimes, extrajudicial killings or other serious human rights abuses.

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Pros and cons: Hans von Spakovsky of conservative think tank the Heritage Foundation defended the initiative, telling NPR, I do not understand how anyone could possibly be opposed to the Justice Department taking such action to protect the nation from obvious predators, criminals and terrorists. Others, however, have expressed alarm over constitutional issues. Law professor and former U.S. attorney Joyce Vance cautioned that the provision is so vague that it would permit the Division to denaturalize for just about anything, potentially targeting troublesome journalists who are naturalized citizens or students. The administrations approach has drawn political attention, with President Donald Trump recently saying he will take a look at potentially deporting Elon Musk  who has been critical of his recent One Big Beautiful Bill  remarking that we might have to put DOGE on Elon.

Broader implications: The policy marks a substantial escalation from earlier initiatives, including Operation Janus launched under the Obama administration, which identified hundreds of immigrants who had been ordered deported but became U.S. citizens under another identity. The administration has already succeeded in one case against Elliott Duke, a British-born Army veteran convicted of distributing child sexual abuse material, who now lacks citizenship in any country.

Trending on NextShark: Trump admin expands efforts to strip naturalized Americans of citizenship

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This year, many Americans might be feeling less patriotic than usual on the Fourth of July. During a time usually marked by fireworks, parades, and barbecues, people across the country are grappling with increasing attacks on civil liberties, science, and essential government programs. A couple months ago, I received an email newsletter in my inbox with the subject line, The end of America as we know it?

But what is the America we know? In school, we are taught that America was founded with lofty visions of equality and has steadily worked to accomplish them, even if it hasnt always been perfect. But when you look at the broad arc of American history, its the moments of progress that feel like an anomaly, not individual leaders. In other words, the Trump administrations assaults are not a deviation, but essentially a more extreme version of the same old American story. Just ask Indigenous people.

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The dismay and anxiety that many white Americans are feeling this summer is nothing new for us. I am Aquinnah Wampanoag and grew up spending summers on our homelands, which happen to be on Marthas Vineyard, a popular (and pricey) vacation destination. Over the years, we have steadily lost our land to racist systems and tourism. As the island grows increasingly hard to afford, we have to fight harder to protect our community, land, and culture. Every summer, the extra influx of visitors on the Fourth of July is a reminder of how much we have lost.

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The Fourth of July is not just a symbolic insult for many Indigenous people. Our history with the day goes back to the very beginning. The Declaration of Independence itself cites King George IIIs support of merciless Indian Savages as one of the many grievances the colonies had against him. In other words, Indigenous existence was always seen as a threat to the United States.

And the country has never really deviated from that path. Look back through American history at some of the leaders known for pushing the United States toward equality and youll find Native rights are often ignored.

In 1862, 38 Dakota men were hanged in Minnesota on President Abraham Lincolns orders, in what remains the largest mass execution in United States history. Earlier that year, Lincoln had signed the Homestead Act, which opened up millions of acres of Indigenous land to settlers. After the Civil War, Lincoln didnt order the execution of any Confederate generals or leaders.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the liberal Supreme Court justice hero, was notorious in Indian Country for the rulings she authored against tribal sovereignty and Indigenous interests, although this trend shifted in her decisions towards the end of her career. Some believe her mixed record on Indigenous rights stemmed from the fact that she, like a number of other justices, simply wasnt familiar with the complexities of Indian law.

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And if we look more recently, in late 2016, during the last few months of the Obama administration, private security forces used attack dogs, tear gas, and water cannons on peaceful demonstrators at the Indigenous-led Dakota Access Pipeline protests. The National Guard was also called in to assist.

Much of this happened before many Americans thought Trump stood any chance of becoming president. These examples are symptoms of a system, not any one president. If this sounds like a dismal view of American history, it is because American history is dismal.

To understand and meet the moment we are in, we have to understand that history. A lot of people are calling for a return to normalcy, but that means returning to a country where the life expectancy for American Indians and Alaska Natives was more than 10 years less than that of non-Hispanic white people as of 2021. That is a legacy built by an entire country.

Indigenous Youth Are Devastated. But SurvivalAnd ResistanceIs a Legacy They Can Rely On.

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If you love someone  your people, your land  let that be your reason to fight and to never give up for a world we are all deserving of.

The solution is not returning to some mythical state of pre-Trump administration American equality, but actually understanding and fixing what is broken. Environmental degradation is not new. Civil rights violations are not new. Anti-immigrant hate is not new. Equality has never been baked into American identity, it is something that has been fought for, tooth and nail. Every ounce of progress has been the result of years of organizing, fighting, and commitment.

In his book No Country for Eight-Spot Butterflies, Chamorro human rights lawyer and organizer Julian Aguon writes that saving the world requires all of our handsIt would be a great folly to think that our ideas, no matter how good, would be enough to reverse the dangerous, downward trajectory of our planet. In other words, this is going to take real work.

So instead of inviting despair over a country that never was, the Fourth of July offers an opportunity to see the work more clearly. Thats what Indigenous people have been doing for centuries. These are not goals that can live and die by election cycles. They have to be picked up by generation after generation.

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That means finally abandoning the struggle to get America to live up to something it never promised to be. If we can free ourselves of that, we might see that theres a path forward, rooted in community and an unwavering commitment to a better future. Thats how decades of Indigenous advocacy led to the Klamath River dams finally coming down in Southern Oregon and Northern California, paving the way for salmon, cleaner water, and stronger communities. Thats how my tribe is bringing back the Wampanoag language, which had no speakers for generations, one class at a time. Progress has never happened overnight, but its worth it every time.

One Signal Publishers

Joseph Lee's forthcoming book Nothing More Of This Land: Community, Power, and the Search for Indigenous Identity is out July 15, 2025 from One Signal Publishers.

Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue

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The Benefit Street facade of the Old Rhode Island State House in Providence, which was built in 1760-62 and expanded twice in the 19th century. (Courtesy of Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission)

President Donald Trumps proposed fiscal year 2026 discretionary budget is called a skinny budget because its short on line-by-line details.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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But historic preservation efforts in the U.S. did get a mention  and they might as well be skinned to the bone.

Trump has proposed to slash funding for the federal Historic Preservation Fund to only $11 million, which is $158 million less than the funds previous reauthorization in 2024. The presidential discretionary budget, however, always heads to Congress for appropriation. And Congress always makes changes.

That said, the Trump administration hasnt even released the $188 million that Congress appropriated for the fund for the 2025 fiscal year, essentially impounding the funding stream that Congress created in 1976 for historic preservation activities across the nation.

Im a scholar of historic preservation whos worked to secure historic designations for buildings and entire neighborhoods. Ive worked on projects that range from making distressed neighborhoods in St. Louis eligible for historic tax credits to surveying Cold War-era hangars and buildings on seven U.S. Air Force bases.

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Ive seen the ways in which the Historic Preservation Fund helps local communities maintain and rehabilitate their rich architectural history, sparing it from deterioration, the wrecking ball or the pressures of the private market.

A rare, deficit-neutral funding model

Most Americans probably dont realize that the task of historic preservation largely falls to individual states and Native American tribes.

The National Historic Preservation Act that President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law in 1966 requires states and tribes to handle everything from identifying potential historic sites to reviewing the impact of interstate highway projects on archaeological sites and historic buildings. States and tribes are also responsible for reviewing nominations of sites in the National Register of Historic Places, the nations official list of properties deemed worthy of preservation.

However, many states and tribes didnt have the capacity to adequately tackle the mandates of the 1966 act. So the Historic Preservation Fund was formed a decade later to alleviate these costs by funneling federal resources into these efforts.

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The fund is actually the product of a conservative, limited-government approach.

Created during Gerald Fords administration, it has a revenue-neutral model, meaning that no tax dollars pay for the program. Instead, its funded by private lease royalties from the Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas reserves.

Most of these reserves are located in federal waters in the Gulf of Mexico and off the coast of Alaska. Private companies that receive a permit to extract from them must agree to a lease with the federal government. Royalties from their oil and gas sales accrue in federally controlled accounts under the terms of these leases. The Office of Natural Resources Revenue then directs 1.5% of the total royalties to the Historic Preservation Fund.

Congress must continually reauthorize the amount of funding reserved for the Historic Preservation Fund, or it goes unfunded.

Bostons Fenway Park was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2012, making it eligible for preservation grants and federal tax incentives. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

Despite bipartisan support, the fund has been threatened in the past. President Ronald Reagan attempted to do exactly what Trump is doing now by making no request for funding at all in his 1983 budget. Yet the fund has nonetheless been reauthorized six times since its inception, with terms ranging from five to 10 years.

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The program is a crucial source of funding, particularly in small towns and rural America, where privately raised cultural heritage funds are harder to come by. It provides grants for the preservation of buildings and geographical areas that hold historical, cultural or spiritual significance in underrepresented communities. And its even involved in projects tied to the nations 250th birthday in 2026, such as the rehabilitation of the home in New Jersey where George Washington was stationed during the winter of 1778-79 and the restoration of Rhode Islands Old State House.

Filling financial gaps

Ive witnessed the funds impact firsthand in small communities across the nation.

Edwardsville, Illinois, a suburb of St. Louis, is home to the Leclaire Historic District. In the 1970s, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The national designation recognized the historic significance of the district, protecting it against any adverse impacts from federal infrastructure funding. It also made tax credits available to the town. Edwardsville then designated LeClaire a local historic district so that it could legally protect the indelible architectural features of its homes, from original decorative details to the layouts of front porches.

Despite the designation, however, there was no clear inventory of the hundreds of houses in the district. A few paid staffers and a volunteer citizen commission not only had to review proposed renovations and demolitions, but they also had to figure out which buildings even contributed to LeClaires significance and which ones did not  and thus did not need to be tied up in red tape.

The Allen House is one of approximately 415 single-family homes in the Leclaire neighborhood in Edwardsville, Ill. Friends of Leclaire

Edwardsville was able to secure a grant through the Illinois State Historic Preservation Office thanks to a funding match enabled by money disbursed to Illinois via the Historic Preservation Fund.

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In 2013, my team created an updated inventory of the historic district, making it easier for the local commission to determine which houses should be reviewed carefully and which ones dont need to be reviewed at all.

Oil money better than no money

The historic preservation field, not surprisingly, has come out strongly against Trumps proposal to defund the Historic Preservation Fund.

Nonetheless, there have been debates within the field over the funds dependence on the fossil fuel industry, which was the trade-off that preservationists made decades ago when they crafted the funding model.

In the 1970s, amid the national energy crisis, conservation of existing buildings was seen as a worthy ecological goal, since demolition and new construction required fossil fuels. To preservationists, diverting federal carbon royalties seemed like a power play.

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But with the effects of climate change becoming impossible to ignore, some preservationists are starting to more openly critique both the ethics and the wisdom of tapping into a pool of money created through the profits of the oil and gas industry. Ive recently wondered myself if continued depletion of fossil fuels means that preservationists wont be able to count on the Historic Preservation Fund as a long-term source of funding.

That said, youd be hard-pressed to find a preservationist who thinks that destroying the Historic Preservation Fund would be a good first step in shaping a more visionary policy.

For now, Trumps administration has only sown chaos in the field of historic preservation. Already, Ohio has laid off one-third of the staffers in its State Historic Preservation Office due to the impoundment of federal funds. More state preservation offices may follow suit. The National Council of State Historic Preservation Officers predicts that states soon could be unable to perform their federally mandated duties.

Unfortunately, many people advocating for places important to their towns and neighborhoods may end up learning the hard way just what the Historic Preservation Fund does.

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The empty playground at Pearl Creek Elementary School is seen on June 3, 2025. The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District decided to close the school at the end of the academic year. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

President Donald Trumps administration has blocked the release of an estimated $6.2 billion in congressionally approved education funding through U.S. Department of Education grant programs, including what one group estimated to be $46.4 million appropriated for Alaska schools.

The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development confirmed Thursday that the federal department notified states that grants would not be dispersed July 1 as expected, including:

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Migrant Education  to improve educational opportunities for migratory children to help them succeed in the regular school program;

Supporting Effective Instruction  to increase student achievement, and improve the quality and effectiveness of instructors;

Language Instruction for English Learners  to help ensure that English learners, including immigrant children and youth, attain English proficiency and develop high levels of academic achievement in English;

Student Support and Academic Enrichment  to provide all students with access to a well-rounded education, improve school conditions for student learning, and improve use of technology; and

21st Century Community Learning Centers  to provide competitive grants to organizations that are working in partnership within their community and schools to provide expanded learning and enrichment opportunities for children and their families outside of regular school hours.

DEED did not respond to an interview request, or more details on how much was currently frozen from each program, by Thursday afternoon.

According to federal budget data compiled by the Learning Policy Institute, a nonpartisan education research nonprofit, Alaska is facing an estimated $46.4 million in grants withheld by the department, or 15% of total federal funds for K-12 education.

That includes $21.3 million for migrant education, $10.8 million for supporting effective instruction, $1.1 million for English language learning, $6.6 million for student support and academic enrichment, and $6.5 million for 21st Century community learning center programs, according to the LPI data analysis.

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The Trump administration has left states and territories to face severe budget shortfalls and potential disruptions to summer school and enrichment programs.

Bryan Zadalis, a public information officer with DEED, said by email on Thursday that the U.S. Department of Education has indicated the delay is part of a broader review process by the Trump administration.

While no timeline has been provided for when funds will be available, the Department has emphasized its intent to ensure decisions are aligned with federal priorities and statutory responsibilities, he said.

At this time, we are not able to provide specific guidance on how this delay may impact district-level planning or program operations, Zadalis said. However, DEED is actively monitoring the situation and will be prepared to take advantage of any flexibility or waiver opportunities that may be offered.

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Anchorage Democrat Sen. Loki Tobin, who chairs the Senate Education Committee, condemned the move by the Trump administration.

It is absolutely abhorrent and disgusting to me, the continued insidious, quiet and now very loud attack on the fundamental right for every child to be able to access a quality education, she said in a phone interview Thursday.

Tobin said that the move to block the dispersal of federal funding hits Alaska schools, including her district of Anchorage, especially hard. DEED is considering a rule change to limit local contributions to schools, saying that its necessary to comply with a federal disparity test. That issue could cost school districts millions of dollars.

Add on to that now this impoundment of federal dollars for migrant ed, and special education services, and English language learning programs, and 21st Century school learning programs. Anchorage is again looking at another $15 million loss, Tobin said.

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Officials with the Anchorage School District  which educates nearly 43,000 students  sent a letter to staff shared with the Beacon saying they are assessing the delay and impact to the district, and in the meantime a hiring freeze is in effect for positions funded (in part or in whole) by these programs until our financial outlook becomes clearer.

In addition, Tobin pointed to Alaska school districts grappling with severe budget deficits following Gov. Mike Dunleavys veto of a portion of per student funding earlier this month. This week he announced a special session in August pushing up a promised veto override vote by the Alaska State Legislature.

Tobin said the changes amounted to undermining a core, foundational pillar of the American economy and the American ethos. That every child has a right to learn to read. Every child has a right to become a thriving community member. Every child has a right to prosperity. This is denying opportunity to an entire generation, and they should be ashamed.

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Arch Insurance North America has appointed Jeff Kaufmann as executive vice president (EVP), head of marine, in a newly created role.

Based in New York, Kaufmann will begin his duties on 7 July 2025, reporting to Valerie Turpin, chief underwriting officer for property.

Kaufmann will lead the development of Archs US marine product offerings, focusing on forming a specialised underwriting team and expanding the marine insurance portfolio.

The new division will cover both ocean marine and inland marine products.

Arch Insurance North America CEO Matt Shulman said: We are very excited to welcome Jeff to Arch. Customers have been asking for more comprehensive Marine solutions and Jeffs reputation and strong relationships with specialty producers throughout the US make him an ideal person to build out our offerings.

We see significant opportunity in this area and Jeffs appointment is an important step in establishing Arch as a meaningful provider in this space.

Joining from MSIG USA, where he held the position of EVP and head of Marine, Kaufmann is claimed to be known for his leadership in the marine insurance sector and his expertise in crafting solutions for complex exposures, including both filed and non-filed form development.

Kaufmann added: Establishing a US Marine practice at a company with Archs growth trajectory and reputation for bringing innovative solutions to its customers is an attractive opportunity.

Im looking forward to working with Valerie and the rest of the Arch team to create a compelling Marine offering for Archs clients in North America.

In June 2025, Arch Insurance collaborated with insurtech company bolt to extend the reach of its Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance plan through bolts distribution network.

"Arch Insurance names new US marine head and EVP " was originally created and published by Life Insurance International, a GlobalData owned brand.




The Supreme Court on Thursday handed President Donald Trump a key immigration win, clearing the way for the deportation of eight migrants from Djibouti to South Sudan, a country not listed in their original removal orders.

In a short, unsigned opinion, the justices granted the administrations request to "clarify" a prior ruling, confirming that their June 23 stay of a lower court injunction also blocked a follow-up remedial order issued May 21.



That remedial order had required the government to give the migrants notice and a chance to raise claims under the Convention Against Torture before being sent to a third country.



Supreme Court Sides Against Migrant In Deportation Case

President Donald Trump takes part in a news conference on recent Supreme Court rulings in the briefing room at the White House June 27, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

"The motion for clarification is granted," the court wrote. "The May 21 remedial order cannot now be used to enforce an injunction that our stay rendered unenforceable".

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The decision gives the Trump administration a green light to move forward with third-country deportations under its executive order, even to destinations not previously clarified in court-approved removal documents.

Earlier, a district judge had found the government violated its April injunction by failing to provide a "meaningful opportunity" for six of the migrants to make their case against removal. The Supreme Court stayed that injunction in June, and Thursdays clarification makes clear the lower courts follow-up order cant stand either.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor, joined by Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, dissented sharply, accusing the court of enabling deportations that could lead to torture or death.

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Supreme Court Rules On Trump's Third-country Deportations, In Major Test For President

Facade of the Supreme Court

"Todays order clarifies only one thing: Other litigants must follow the rules, but the administration has the Supreme Court on speed dial. Respectfully, I dissent," Sotomayor wrote.



"The Government seeks to nullify [basic rights] by deporting noncitizens to potentially dangerous countries without notice or the opportunity to assert a fear of torture."

The ruling strengthens the Trump administrations hand as it enforces its third-country deportation policy.

The Department of Homeland Security celebrated the ruling, releasing a statement Thursday afternoon: "These sickos will be in South Sudan by Independence Day," said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. "A win for the rule of law, safety and security of the American people."

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The eight individuals include violent offenders with convictions for murder, robbery, armed assault, and sex crimes involving minors. Among them are Enrique Arias-Hierro, convicted of homicide and armed robbery, Jose Manuel Rodriguez-Quinones, convicted of attempted first-degree murder; and Kyaw Mya and Nyo Myint, both convicted of serious sex offenses involving minors or vulnerable victims.

DHS referred to them as "barbaric criminal illegal aliens" being removed by ICE under Trumps executive authority.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt posted on X regarding the ruling, writing, "This is another incredible victory for America. Thank you to the Supreme Court for ruling on the side of law and order, and affirming the executive authority of the President."

"Todays decision makes clear it is district court judges who are defying Supreme Court orders, not the Trump administration," David Warrington, White House Counsel wrote in an email to Fox News Digital. "This decision is a clear rebuke of such judicial overreach."





Original article source: Trump administration scores win as Supreme Court approves deportations to third countries
The farm and former residence of poet Robert Frost in Derry, New Hampshire, is on the National Register of Historic Places, making it eligible for federal grants. (Photo by Walter Bibikow/Getty Images)

President Donald Trumps proposed fiscal year 2026 discretionary budget is called a skinny budget because its short on line-by-line details.

But historic preservation efforts in the U.S. did get a mention  and they might as well be skinned to the bone.

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Trump has proposed to slash funding for the federal Historic Preservation Fund to only $11 million, which is $158 million less than the funds previous reauthorization in 2024. The presidential discretionary budget, however, always heads to Congress for appropriation. And Congress always makes changes.

That said, the Trump administration hasnt even released the $188 million that Congress appropriated for the fund for the 2025 fiscal year, essentially impounding the funding stream that Congress created in 1976 for historic preservation activities across the nation.

Im a scholar of historic preservation whos worked to secure historic designations for buildings and entire neighborhoods. Ive worked on projects that range from making distressed neighborhoods in St. Louis eligible for historic tax credits to surveying Cold War-era hangars and buildings on seven U.S. Air Force bases.

Ive seen the ways in which the Historic Preservation Fund helps local communities maintain and rehabilitate their rich architectural history, sparing it from deterioration, the wrecking ball or the pressures of the private market.

A rare, deficit-neutral funding model

Most Americans probably dont realize that the task of historic preservation largely falls to individual states and Native American tribes.

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The National Historic Preservation Act that President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law in 1966 requires states and tribes to handle everything from identifying potential historic sites to reviewing the impact of interstate highway projects on archaeological sites and historic buildings. States and tribes are also responsible for reviewing nominations of sites in the National Register of Historic Places, the nations official list of properties deemed worthy of preservation.

However, many states and tribes didnt have the capacity to adequately tackle the mandates of the 1966 act. So the Historic Preservation Fund was formed a decade later to alleviate these costs by funneling federal resources into these efforts.

The fund is actually the product of a conservative, limited-government approach.

Created during Gerald Fords administration, it has a revenue-neutral model, meaning that no tax dollars pay for the program. Instead, its funded by private lease royalties from the Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas reserves.

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Most of these reserves are located in federal waters in the Gulf of Mexico and off the coast of Alaska. Private companies that receive a permit to extract from them must agree to a lease with the federal government. Royalties from their oil and gas sales accrue in federally controlled accounts under the terms of these leases. The Office of Natural Resources Revenue then directs 1.5% of the total royalties to the Historic Preservation Fund.

Congress must continually reauthorize the amount of funding reserved for the Historic Preservation Fund, or it goes unfunded.

Bostons Fenway Park was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2012, making it eligible for preservation grants and federal tax incentives. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

Despite bipartisan support, the fund has been threatened in the past. President Ronald Reagan attempted to do exactly what Trump is doing now by making no request for funding at all in his 1983 budget. Yet the fund has nonetheless been reauthorized six times since its inception, with terms ranging from five to 10 years.

The program is a crucial source of funding, particularly in small towns and rural America, where privately raised cultural heritage funds are harder to come by. It provides grants for the preservation of buildings and geographical areas that hold historical, cultural or spiritual significance in underrepresented communities. And its even involved in projects tied to the nations 250th birthday in 2026, such as the rehabilitation of the home in New Jersey where George Washington was stationed during the winter of 1778-79 and the restoration of Rhode Islands Old State House.

Filling financial gaps

Ive witnessed the funds impact firsthand in small communities across the nation.

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Edwardsville, Illinois, a suburb of St. Louis, is home to the Leclaire Historic District. In the 1970s, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The national designation recognized the historic significance of the district, protecting it against any adverse impacts from federal infrastructure funding. It also made tax credits available to the town. Edwardsville then designated LeClaire a local historic district so that it could legally protect the indelible architectural features of its homes, from original decorative details to the layouts of front porches.

Despite the designation, however, there was no clear inventory of the hundreds of houses in the district. A few paid staffers and a volunteer citizen commission not only had to review proposed renovations and demolitions, but they also had to figure out which buildings even contributed to LeClaires significance and which ones did not  and thus did not need to be tied up in red tape.

The Allen House is one of approximately 415 single-family homes in the Leclaire neighborhood in Edwardsville, Ill. Friends of Leclaire

Edwardsville was able to secure a grant through the Illinois State Historic Preservation Office thanks to a funding match enabled by money disbursed to Illinois via the Historic Preservation Fund.

In 2013, my team created an updated inventory of the historic district, making it easier for the local commission to determine which houses should be reviewed carefully and which ones dont need to be reviewed at all.

Oil money better than no money

The historic preservation field, not surprisingly, has come out strongly against Trumps proposal to defund the Historic Preservation Fund.

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Nonetheless, there have been debates within the field over the funds dependence on the fossil fuel industry, which was the trade-off that preservationists made decades ago when they crafted the funding model.

In the 1970s, amid the national energy crisis, conservation of existing buildings was seen as a worthy ecological goal, since demolition and new construction required fossil fuels. To preservationists, diverting federal carbon royalties seemed like a power play.

But with the effects of climate change becoming impossible to ignore, some preservationists are starting to more openly critique both the ethics and the wisdom of tapping into a pool of money created through the profits of the oil and gas industry. Ive recently wondered myself if continued depletion of fossil fuels means that preservationists wont be able to count on the Historic Preservation Fund as a long-term source of funding.

That said, youd be hard-pressed to find a preservationist who thinks that destroying the Historic Preservation Fund would be a good first step in shaping a more visionary policy.

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For now, Trumps administration has only sown chaos in the field of historic preservation. Already, Ohio has laid off one-third of the staffers in its State Historic Preservation Office due to the impoundment of federal funds. More state preservation offices may follow suit. The National Council of State Historic Preservation Officers predicts that states soon could be unable to perform their federally mandated duties.

Unfortunately, many people advocating for places important to their towns and neighborhoods may end up learning the hard way just what the Historic Preservation Fund does.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT)  Alabamas farmers said a reconciliation bill passed by Congress today would be a major win for agriculture in the state. But still, others said the bill will have consequences if its signed into law.

Weve got to get out here and get our stuff sold on the world scene, said Shep Morris, farmer in Macon County.

With over 4,000 acres of farmland, Morris said his industry has weathered skyrocketing prices. But, when President Donald Trump signs his big, beautiful bill, Morris said that could change.

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The cost has exploded. At the same time, our stuff has not been sold on the world market. And so, the prices have been depressed. And, those lines have crossed and people are operating at a loss, Morris said. And, its really, really been horrific.

House sends GOPs big, beautiful bill to Trumps desk in major win for Republicans

Agriculture and Industries Commissioner, Rick Pate, said that loss might not be for long. Pate explained the reconciliation bill would raise reference prices for farmers. That means the federal government could help farmers sooner if they lose money when harvesting their crops.

Im convinced theres enough young people that want to go into it if its profitable, Pate said. But, I say theres no sustainability without profitability and so, nobody can continue to lose money year, after year, after year.

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Meanwhile, Alabama Arises executive director, Robyn Hyden, said SNAP could lose coverage if the bill is signed into law.

Weve looked at the savings that might result from, say, no taxes on tips or no taxes on overtime, which are short term policies in this bill, she said. People are still gonna be hit with higher healthcare costs and higher grocery prices as a result of this bill.

Hyden said a lot of parts of the legislation were rushed in the process of getting it passed.

So, we dont think this was the appropriate process, or avenue, to pass a lot of these policies, she remarked. People, I think, are gonna be surprised when they start finding out everything that was rolled into this bill.

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Pate said the bill will make changes that farmers care about, and its important for agriculture statewide.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The Trump administrations Big, Beautiful Bill domestic spending legislation, which passed Congress yesterday, will provide Immigration and Customs Enforcement about $45 billion over the next four years to spend on detaining undocumented immigrants, part of an unprecedented investment in enforcement set to turbo-charge the administrations already sweeping campaign of arrests and deportations.

The funding is more than the federal government spent on immigration detention during the previous three presidential administrations, combined, according to a Washington Post analysis.

Aaron Reichlin-Melnick of the American Immigration Council told Democracy Now! that the spending package, which contains about $170 billion in wider immigration and border funding, makes ICE the single largest federal law enforcement agency in the history of the nation.

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Were talking nearly 20 years worth of detention funding to be spent only in a four-year period, and an increase to ICEs enforcement budget beyond anything weve ever seen before, allowing the agency to expand mass deportations over the next four years to every community nationwide, he said.

The White House has described the immigration funding as the linchpin of the Big, Beautiful Bill, more consequential even than its tax and Medicaid cuts, which are forecasted to add $3.3 trillion to the deficit over the next decade and cause 11.8 million more people to go without health coverage.

Trump administrations Big, Beautiful Bill spending package devotes $45 billion to migrant detention, which federal officials say will fund an expansion of US detention centers to be able to hold up to 100,000 people (REUTERS)

Everything elsethe [Congressional Budget Office] score, the proper baseline, the minutiae of the Medicaid policyis immaterial compared to the ICE money and immigration enforcement provisions, Vice President JD Vance wrote on X of the bill earlier this week.

Federal officials plan to use the ICE windfall to roughly double the nations immigration detention capacity, bringing the total to between 80,000 and 100,000 detention beds.

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If the administrations current strategy holds, those beds will largely be filled by migrants who wouldve been considered low priorities in past administrations.

Among those arrested and deported under Trump so far, 61 percent had no previous criminal conviction, according to a Washington Post analysis.

Even without the historic expansion in funding, the nations detention system held a record number of migrants last month, over 56,000. The surge in detainees has prompted a worsening in conditions inside these facilities, according to critics.

At least 11 people have died in ICE custody since Trump took office, a rate that means 2025 could be one of the worst years for migrant deaths in federal custody in decades.

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In addition to funding more detention centers, the administration has taken other steps to expand its immigration and border apparatus, including transferring hundreds of miles of land on the US-Mexico border to federal control to create military exclusion zones, and fast-tracking construction of border barriers in the Rio Grande by waiving environmental laws.

The administration also plans to help Florida fund a migrant detention center in the Everglades dubbed Alligator Alcatraz. Though Florida has yet to ask for money to help run the facility, according to court records.

A further expansion in the footprint of immigration enforcement and detention could set off domestic unrest.

ICE enforcement prompted widespread, sometimes violent, protests in Los Angeles that saw the White House send in federal troops in response, and Democratic lawmakers have been involved in a number of chaotic confrontations with law enforcement while conducting oversight visits at ICE detention facilities and immigration courts.
President Donald Trumps border czar says more than 200 Iranian nationals have been arrested in the United States amid rising global concerns about Irans internal crackdowns and ties to terrorism.

If youre a national security threat, you should be [afraid of deportation]. Were looking for you  Over 200 Iranian nationals have been arrested by us and brought in, said ICE Director Tom Homan in a video published June 30 by The Economic Times.

Homans comments come as Iran faces international condemnation for a sweeping espionage crackdown. Iranian authorities have reportedly executed six individuals and arrested more than 700 others, including 300 ethnic Kurds, according to the Center for Human Rights in Iran.

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The regime claims the arrests targeted suspected collaborators with Israel or critics of Iranian military actions online.

As Iran ramps up internal repression, U.S. authorities have intensified operations targeting possible national security threats tied to the Islamic Republic.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently arrested two individuals during a raid at a Los Angeles residence described as a human smuggling hub allegedly tied to terrorism.

The home had previously been used to harbor illegal entrants with links to terror-related activity, according to a June 29 Fox News report.

CBP executed a federal search warrant today at a human smuggling hub in Los Angeles tied to national security threats, the agency posted on X. The operation involved CBPs Special Response Team along with Border Patrol and Air and Marine Operations tactical units.

BREAKING CBP executed a federal search warrant today at a human smuggling hub in Los Angeles tied to national security threats. Two individuals were arrested during the operation, which was led by CBPs Special Response Team with support from Border Patrol tactical units and pic.twitter.com/9bhtCw2iWs  CBP (@CBP) June 27, 2025

The raid followed the detention of seven Iranian nationals at the same location earlier in the week. All seven were reportedly listed on the FBI Terror Watchlist, according to CBP.

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Assistant Commissioner Hilton Beckham told Fox News Digital that intelligence linked the smuggling operation to hostile foreign regimes, including Iran, and called it a direct risk to U.S. national security.

President Trump is clear: the safety of the American people comes first, Beckham added. We are working to shut down smuggling networks and remove national security threats before they can do harm.

CBP has not released the names of those arrested, and it remains unclear what charges they may face.
Donald Trump is boasting that his settlement payout from Paramount Global could be worth more than double the agreed cash amount once advertising is factored in.

We did a deal for about $16 million plus $16 million, or maybe more than that, in advertising, Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. So its a combination of 16 plus 16 plus. So its like $32 [million] to maybe $35 million.

The New York Post reported on July 2 that Paramount Global agreed, as part of its settlement in the presidents lawsuit against CBS 60 Minutes over an interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris, to run between $15 million and $20 million worth of pro-Trump ads across its networks once it is acquired by David Ellisons Skydance Media.

Donald Trump had originally sued for sued $20 billion over the interview with Kamala Harris. / Andrew Cabello-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

Fox News also reported that the total payout from Paramount Global and CBS could top $30 million once advertisements, public service announcements, or other similar transmissions in support of conservative causes by the network are included.

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However, Paramount Global has denied that the settlementwhich has drawn fierce backlash from CBS News anchorsincluded any deal involving ad buys or PSAs.

Contrary to some news reports or media speculation, Paramounts settlement with President Trump does not include PSAs or anything related to PSAs, the company said in a statement. Paramount has no knowledge of any promises or commitments made to President Trump other than those set forth in the settlement proposed by the mediator and accepted by the parties.

Trumps legal team also made no mention of any advertising or PSA agreement in its statement saying the $16 million settlement shows the president managed to hold the fake news media accountable for their wrongdoing and deceit.

Kamala Harris was shown giving two different answers to a question about Israel on two different CBS shows. / Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Paramount did agree that 60 Minutes will now release transcripts of interviews with eligible U.S. presidential candidates after those interviews have aired, redacted only for legal or security reasons where appropriate. The company stressed that the settlement does not include a statement of apology or regret.

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Trump had accused 60 Minutes of deceptively editing clips of Harris answering questions about the Biden administrations relationship with Israel to make her appear more favorable and coherent. He claimed one clip aired on CBSs Face the Nation, while a more polished version of Harris response was shown on 60 Minutes.

CBS has maintained there was nothing improper about the editing, which it said was done for brevity as is standard in broadcasting.

Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews, Trump continued to slam the networks editorial choices.

One of the most important questionsmaybe the most important questionshe gave a horrible answer to it. So they took an answer from another part of the interview, and they inserted it, Trump said. Nobody has ever seen that before.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for further comment from The Daily Beast.
A woman is lured to a public building. As she waits with her military veteran husband for some politburo-like agent to give her a time to come back to get her papers in order, she decides to breastfeed their infant child. Just then, armed agents storm the couple, tear the baby from the mother, and place her under arrest. She is then put in a queue for deportation, exactly what the couple was trying to avoid when they voluntarily showed up at their local government office.

This is not some dystopian novel or narrative about times in the Soviet Republic or Nazi Germany? Nope  this was in Louisiana a few weeks back. This is Donald Trumps America.

President Trump and his administration are carrying out the cruelest and most sweeping mass deportation program in modern U.S. history. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, acting at Trumps direction, have detained and deported veterans, their children, their spouses  even those who served alongside us on the battlefield. This is being done under the guise of making America safe again, when statistically America has never been safer. In fact, the administration is destroying the families who actually do keep us safe.

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Trumps efforts to deport veterans and their families are not simply part of his broader immigration crackdown  they are a deliberate attack on service members and our veterans. In a February 2025 memo, the administration announced it will no longer exempt active duty military personnel, veterans, and their families from deportation while they pursue legal status  a complete reversal of prior U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) policy.

For active-duty families, this is especially devastating. Many service members meet their spouses overseas and are frequently relocated, making it extremely difficult to access a local USCIS office and begin the immigration process.

Take Sae Joon Park, a Purple Heart recipient and Army combat veteran who came to the U.S. as a child. He served honorably in Operation Just Cause and was wounded twice; one was a gunshot wound to his back, temporarily paralyzing him. Like too many veterans, Park returned home with PTSD. Struggling with addiction, he was convicted of a drug offense over 15 years ago. Park served his time. He stayed in compliance with immigration authorities. He built a life, raised a son, and tried to move forward. But, just days before Independence Day, Trumps ICE told him to leave or be jailed. He self-deported to South Korea  exiled from the nation he bled and nearly died for.

Park is at least the second Purple Heart recipient whom Trump has attempted to remove from this country in his second term.

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Veterans across the country are watching as their parents, spouses, and children are swept up in raids. A father of three U.S. Marines was tackled at a landscaping job and arrested. And Jermaine Thomas  a man born on a U.S. Army base in Germany to a citizen father who died  was deported to Jamaica, a country he had never set foot in. Had Sen. John McCain or Bruce Willis been held to the same standard, we wouldnt even know who they are.

Its not only veterans and their families getting the shaft for Independence Day. Theres Sayed Naser Noori, an Afghan interpreter who spent a decade supporting U.S. troops. His brother was murdered by the Taliban because of that loyalty. He fled to the U.S. legally, through a port of entry, under humanitarian parole. But this month, at a routine court appearance, ICE agents arrested him. Now, Trumps administration is fast-tracking his deportation  even as his asylum case remains unresolved. A fine reward for someone who lost his own brother to protect our brothers and sisters in arms.

What do these stories say about America as we prepare to honor those English citizens who betrayed their nation to become men, women, and children with no nation  just an idea about a better one. An idea about a place where any person, from any nation, could come to and make their home, make it better, make it stronger.

Our diversity is what makes us strong. But Trump knows that he is a master at a divide-and-conquer method of governing  so much so that he has much of the nation cheering the sick and reprehensible things he is doing to our veterans, allies, and their families this Fourth of July.

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John F. Kennedy once said, As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.

The silence of so many, in both words and actions, while our veterans and their families are being deported, is deafening.

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Paramount Global said it would pay $16 million under its deal with President Donald Trump to settle his 60 Minutes lawsuit, which legal experts widely said was baseless. But Trump is claiming the settlement is actually worth at least double that  and as much as $35 million, when factoring in advertising. Paramount has denied the settlement includes a provision to air public service announcements on CBS or any of its other networks.

Trump, speaking with reporters in a motorcade back the White House late Thursday night after his trip to speak at a rally in Iowa, was asked about the settlement with Paramount and CBS. He claimed, We did a deal for about $16 million plus 16 million, or maybe more than that in advertising, according to a White House pool report filed at 12:55 a.m. ET Friday by Washington Post reporter Cat Zakrzewski. So its a combination of 16 plus 16 plus. So its like $32 [million]. Maybe $35 million.

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The presidents claim that the settlement is worth anything more than the announced $16 million figure is false, according to a source familiar with the situation. Neither Paramount nor Skydance Media  which is poised to take control of Paramount if the FCC approves the $8 billion merger deal  has agreed to grant free advertising airtime to Trump, the source said. That contradicts a New York Post July 2 report that said Skydance CEO David Ellison had reached a side deal with Trump, under which CBS will air PSAs and other broadcast transmissions valued at between $15 million and $20 million that support conservative causes supported by President Trump. A rep for Skydance declined to comment.

In a July 2 statement, Paramount Global said: Contrary to some news reports or media speculation, Paramounts settlement with President Trump does not include PSAs or anything related to PSAs. Paramount has no knowledge of any promises or commitments made to President Trump other than those set forth in the settlement proposed by the mediator and accepted by the parties. The material terms of the settlement agreement in principle are those disclosed by us yesterday. Reached Friday, a Paramount rep had no comment beyond that statement.

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 David Ellison will do a great job as head of the merged Skydance-Paramount.

Meanwhile, the statement from Trumps legal team issued July 1 did not included any references to PSAs as part of the agreement. 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 rep for Trumps legal team said in the 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.

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Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) on Wednesday again raised the idea that Paramounts payment to Trump represents an illegal bribe and called for an investigation into whether or not any anti-bribery laws were broken.



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Someones playing fast and loose with the real numbers, and, for once, it may not be Donald Trump  at least when it comes to POTUS recent multi-million dollar lawsuit settlement with CBS.

Never one to let anyone else have the last word or reluctant to craft reality to his own connivence, Trump on Wednesday claimed that his arm twisting and threats with the outlet garnered a much bigger reward than the $16 million parent company Paramount Global wants to admit to.

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We did a deal for about $16 million plus $16 million, or maybe more than that in advertising, Trump told reporters upon Air Force One of the settlement with Paramount Global. So, its a combination of 16 plus 16 plus, Trump said, per the White House pool report. Trump was traveling back to Washington after giving a rally-like MAGA speech at Des Moines Iowa State Fairgrounds.

So, its like $32, maybe $35 million, Trump added of the long expected bow from CBS in response to his original $20 billion suit filed late last year over an interview with rival Kamala Harris that ran on 60 Minutes. Then in the heat of the 2024 election, Trump has long insisted the sit-down was intentionally edited to make the then-VP look better and give the Democrat an electoral leg-up.

Bill Whitaker and Kamala Harris on '60 Minutes' election special

The still Shari Redstone-run Paramount Global announced the settlement figure as $16 million, the same amount that Disney reached in December to resolve a Trump defamation lawsuit against ABC News and George Stephanopoulos. Just like the CBS matter, that money from Disney went to the future Trump library and attorneys fees.

Paramount Global and its executives, however, have denied that the settlement is anything more than the $16 million, after Fox Business Charles Gasparino reported on Wednesday that the sum was closer to Trumps figure and included an agreement to run public service announcements on topics like antisemitism.

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For what its worth, there is some debate behind the scenes whether or not it was the desperate Paramount who made the deal for the millions in ads with the Trump team. Was the additional $16 million a side deal handshake agreement with would-be owner and Trump UFC seat mate David Ellison to grease the regulatory wheels?

Contrary to some news reports or media speculation, Paramounts settlement with President Trump does not include PSAs or anything related to PSAs, a Paramount Global spokesperson said. Paramount has no knowledge of any promises or commitments made to President Trump other than those set forth in the settlement proposed by the mediator and accepted by the parties.

So, as at this point, is Redstones Paramount Global essentially calling Donald Trump a liar or simply pleading ignorance?

The company is hoping their publicly disclosed $16 million payout to the former Celebrity Apprentice host will unlock long stymied F.C.C. regulatory approval for its $8 billion merger with Ellisons Skydance, and a new dispute is not where Paramount Global wants to find itself in this holiday weekend.

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In a court filing on Wednesday, Trump and Paramount Global officially informed the judge in the case that they have agreed to a settlement, but said that they are working on a final agreement and the plaintiffs notice of dismissal.

There are two other outstanding issues before the Trump administration: The FCC approval of the Paramount-Skydance transaction, and a conservative groups complaint over the 60 Minutes broadcast.

With 60 Minutes and CBS News having lost the likes of producer Bill Owens and president Wendy McMahon, current co-CEO George Cheeks has tried to frame the settlement as just business as usual. 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 at the companys annual shareholder meeting on July 2, noting that in the settlement Trump didnt get the apology he had long sought.

As Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) talks of putting forth a bill ASAP to rein in corruption related to presidential library donations, she calling for a full investigation into whether or not any anti-bribery laws were broken. John Dickerson, co-anchor of the CBS Evening News, addressed the situation at the end of Wednesdays broadcast/

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The Paramount settlement poses a new obstacle, he said. 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.

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President Donald Trump said he was disappointed from his call with Vladimir Putin on Thursday, adding that he failed to make any progress on ending the war in Ukraine.

Trump, who campaigned on ending the conflict within 24 hours of assuming office, conceded their discussion failed to yield any meaningful progress on a ceasefire.

Im very disappointed with the conversation I had today with President Putin, because I dont think hes there, Trump said. I dont think hes looking to stop, and thats too bad.

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Trump added that he plans to speak to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday morning, days after the U.S. confirmed it paused the shipments of some critical weapons to Kyiv, handing a win to Putin.

Earlier, Trump said he was not happy about the state of the war, conceding that he failed to move his Russian counterpart on the issue despite previously touting their relationship.

I didnt make any progress with him today at all, he added.

President Trump on call with Putin: "I didn't make any progress with him today at all." pic.twitter.com/02rcktkB2p  CSPAN (@cspan) July 3, 2025

Following the two leaders call, Putins foreign affairs aide told reporters that Moscow still plans to tackle the root causes of the conflict, alluding to its demands for Ukraine to be neutral and give up on joining the NATO military alliance, among other things.

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Donald Trump again raised the question of the quick end to the military action, Yuri Ushakov said, according to The New York Times. Vladimir Putin, for his part, answered that we are continuing to try to search for a politically negotiated solution to the conflict.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon on Wednesday confirmed the suspension of some weapons shipments to Ukraine, citing low stockpiles, as Russia escalated its attacks on its neighbor.

Trump defended the move, saying the U.S. is still providing some support for Ukraine.

Were giving weapons, but weve given so many weapons. But we are giving weapons and were working with them and trying to help them, Trump said.

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He then went on to blame his predecessor former President Joe Biden for sending out too many weapons abroad.

We have to make sure that we have enough for ourselves, he added.

Zelenskyy said he plans to bring up the aid pause during his call with Trump as his country continues to be relentlessly attacked by Putin. Moscow early Friday launched its largest aerial assault on Kyiv since the start of the war, hitting Kyiv with drones and missiles, officials cited by The Associated Press said.

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US-based Astrana Health has closed its acquisition of Prospect Health, a care delivery network, for a total purchase price of $708m.

With a network of more than 11,000 providers, Prospet Health offers coordinated care to approximately 600,000 members.

The network covers various states in the US, including Arizona, Rhode Island, Southern California, and Texas, serving Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, and Commercial business lines.

Prospect Health's operations include a health plan, a management services organisation, a speciality pharmacy, and an acute care hospital.

The acquisition price reflects a decrease from the initially stated $745m in November 2024.

Astrana president and CEO Brandon Sim said: "We are excited to welcome Prospect Health's physicians, providers, and team members to Astrana Health.

"Together, we will further accelerate our mission to drive consistent, coordinated, high-quality patient outcomes at scale, ultimately driving greater value across the healthcare ecosystem."

Astrana projects that Prospect Health will contribute a total revenue of approximately $1.2bn and $81m in adjusted EBITDA annually.

In addition, Astrana anticipates achieving $12m to $15m of synergies within the next one to one-and-a-half years.

The company has updated its 2025 full-year guidance to a revenue range of $3.1bn to $3.3bn and adjusted EBITDA between $215m and $225m, considering Prospect Health's half-year contribution.

Following the transaction, Astrana's net debt is expected to be approximately $700m.

The company's management is focused on lessening the net leverage ratio to below 2.5 times within the next one to one-and-a-half years.

Truist Securities led a consortium of banks that offered the term loan for the purchase.

J P Morgan acted as the exclusive financial adviser to Astrana during the transaction.

The acquisition follows Astrana's previous acquisition of Collaborative Health Systems in October last year, which also aimed to broaden its care delivery capabilities.

"Astrana Health completes acquisition of Prospect Health for $708m" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand.




If the consequences were not so brutal, it might almost be possible to admire the brazen audacity of Vladimir Putin.

Having just put down the phone on Donald Trump, he launched the biggest air assault on Kyiv since the war began, pounding Ukraines capital with 550 killer drones and ballistic missiles.

Putin committed this outrage because he has every confidence that Mr Trump will fail to exact any price. True, the American president might compose an angry social media post, but Putin is clearly convinced that nothing more will happen.

Credit: Reuters

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Tragically, Mr Trump has given him every reason to believe as much. On Tuesday, America stopped supplying Ukraine with Patriot-3 interceptors, designed to shoot down incoming Russian missiles. Some of these vital defence systems had already been flown across the Atlantic to Poland for onward passage to Ukraine. It seems they will just be sent back again.

With this extraordinary decision, Mr Trump effectively informed Putin that America is content to leave Kyiv defenceless against Russian air attack. Putin responded entirely logically and ordered his biggest assault yet. By withholding the Patriots, Mr Trump gave Putin the greenest light imaginable.

The Kremlin will also have noticed that Mr Trump has not imposed any new US sanctions on Russia since his return to the White House. All sanctions regimes are vulnerable to circumvention: the only response is to update and extend the restrictions, blocking loopholes as they appear, just as Britain and the EU frequently do.

By not passing any new sanctions, Mr Trump is allowing the existing ones to wither on the vine and sending another signal for Putin to do his worst.

Credit: Reuters

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The great irony is that a Sanctions Bill that really would crush the Russian economy is ready to go in the Senate, with overwhelming bipartisan support. This measure, proposed by Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal, a Republican and Democrat respectively, would impose US tariffs of 500 per cent on any country foolish enough to buy Putins oil or gas. It can pass whenever the president gives the word.

But there is no sign that Mr Trump will give the word. He occasionally threatens and blusters. On May 28, the president claimed that he would know within two weeks whether Putin was tapping us along. Five weeks have passed and all that Mr Trump has done is deprive Ukraine of vital defences. Putin has obviously concluded that the Sanctions Bill will never pass no matter what he does.

Now there are only two possibilities. Mr Trump could be running the most cack-handed and incompetent peace process in history, based on asking Putin to lay off or else America will stop helping his enemy. What kind of a negotiating position is that? Or else Mr Trump thinks that the only route to peace is for Russia to achieve the total defeat and conquest of Ukraine as rapidly as possible.

Either explanation would justify Putins audacity.

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President Donald Trump gestures at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Heads of State and Government summit in The Hague on June 25, 2025. Credit - Brendan SmialowskiAFP/Getty Images

Donald Trump promised mass deportation, campaigning against undocumented immigrants as a scapegoat for Americans economic woes, crime concerns, and more. But since taking office, the President has expressed openness to deporting not just undocumented immigrants but U.S. citizens too.

When asked earlier this week whether hed deport his former advisor, tech billionaire Elon Musk, amid Musks criticisms of the Big Beautiful Bill, Trump said well have to take a look. Musk, who was born in South Africa, became a U.S. citizen in 2002.

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Later the same day, Trump called the citizenship status of New York Citys Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani into question, asserting: A lot of people are saying hes here illegally. Were going to look at everything. Mamdani, who was born in Uganda, became a U.S. citizen in 2018.

Trump also threatened to arrest Mamdani if he interfered with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions, to which Mamdani responded in a statement: 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.

The Trump Administration has already pursued policies that strip migrants, including international students and humanitarian parolees, of their visas and legal statuses to be in the country, and it has reportedly deported several U.S.-born children along with their foreign-born parents as it seeks to redefine birthright citizenship.

The President has also repeatedly suggested that U.S. citizens who are convicted of violent crimes should be deported to foreign prisons.

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Well have to find that out legally. Im just saying if we had the legal right to do it, I would do it in a heartbeat, Trump told reporters on Tuesday. I dont know if we do or not, were looking at that right now.

Legal experts have said that deporting U.S. citizens for any reason is unconstitutional, but the Trump Administration appears to be circumventing that restriction by pushing to strip citizenship from certain people, through a process known as denaturalization. While denaturalization can only apply to naturalized citizens, that group is estimated to number more than 25 million, or more than 7% of the U.S. population.

Heres what to know.

The history of denaturalization

Denaturalization has a long and complex history in the United States.

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Patrick Weil, a historian and director of research at the French National Centre for Scientific Research and visiting professor of law at Yale University, wrote a book on it in 2012 called The Sovereign Citizen: Denaturalization and the Origins of the American Republic.

In it, Weil argues that the institution and evolution of denaturalization made a quiet yet major contribution to the transformation of contemporary American citizenship.

Through changes in law and Supreme Court rulings, denaturalization went from a process that was broadly used to make the citizenship of foreign-born Americans conditional on their behavior to a rare practice that, because of its high threshold, Weil argues, reifies the near inviolability of U.S. citizenship, naturalized or otherwise.

While Weil outlines a number of laws, court cases, and executive-branch actions that shaped denaturalization over the years, the three main turning points came in 1906, 1940, and 1967.

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When the Naturalization Act of 1906 was passed to try to federalize naturalization processes, it included a provision on denaturalization that Weil writes was originally and primarily conceived as a means of redressing naturalization fraud and illegality committed prior to or during the naturalization process itselfbefore the moment an alien obtained American citizenship. In reality, however, in the following decades, most denaturalizations occurred out of a desire to expel from the body politic un-American citizens: most of them not for fraud or illegality committed before they were naturalized, but because of who they were or what they had done after they obtained American citizenship.

Denaturalization became a means for cleansing the American body politic of those naturalized citizens who behaved in ways considered un-American, due to their attachment to a foreign morality or to their race, land of origin, or political ideassometimes before their naturalization, but, most often, developed afterward, Weil writes. It became a tool for ridding the American citizenry of undesirables.

If a naturalized citizen was Asian, spoke out against war, was a Socialist, a Communist, or a fascist, or lived abroad, she risked the loss of her American citizenship, Weil writes, though he noted that: from 1906 until the end of the 1930s, denaturalizations for political or racial reasons numbered fewer than one hundred. The majority of cases continued to revolveat a pace of hundreds some yearsaround foreign-born Americans residing abroad.

During World War II, denaturalization became an integral part of a proactive program by the Justice Department to bolster national security against threats from Americas enemies.

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But foreign-born Americans were not the only ones at risk, Weil explained. When denaturalization became a central part of the governments national security policy during World War II, the 1940 Nationality Act also expanded the number of American-born citizens subject to automatic loss of citizenship. Before, only American-born citizens who acquired a foreign citizenship could be subject to denationalization, but the 1940 law extended the denationalization power to include those Americans who had evaded the draft, joined a foreign army, or participated in foreign elections.

Thats when the Supreme Court intervened and began to reduce the scope of the federal governments denaturalization authority. Weil writes: Before the outbreak of war, the Supreme Court had backed the authority of the executive to pursue the denaturalization of new Americans for failing to adhere to a myriad of legal minutiae, from the form of naturalization applications, to the duration of U.S. residence, to the age of their arrival in the United States. But over the next three decades, it would take up a number of cases relating to denaturalization and denationalization.

About half of the Court, depending on the particulars of a given case, continued to uphold the authority of Congress to deprive naturalized and native Americans alike of their citizenship. As the basis for its decisions, the Court asserted judicial restraint and the exclusive authority of the elected branches over foreign affairs. The other half of the Court, however, invoked a number of constitutional rights in support of striking down and restricting laws permitting denaturalization and expatriation. Denaturalization had provoked a fierce debate on the Supreme Court between these two factions, Weil summarizes. Although intensely divided, the Court progressively reduced the scope of the federal governments authority to revoke American citizenship. It did so, in part, by upholding free speech and procedural guarantees for foreign-born Americans.

The most significant ruling came in 1967 when Justice Hugo Black outlined in Afroyim v. Rusk, according to Weil, an interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment that secured for allnative-born and naturalizedthe full set of privileges entailed in American citizenship. American citizenship was no longer a contingent benefit conferred by a sovereign state in exchange for its citizens respect for the laws.

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In the ruling, Black wrote: The very nature of our free government makes it completely incongruous to have a rule of law under which a group of citizens temporarily in office can deprive another group of citizens of their citizenship.

Although denaturalization was sharply restricted from that point onward, Weil notes that a nearly unanimous Court permittedand still permits, in narrow circumstancesa naturalized citizen to lose her American citizenship.

The limited criteria for denaturalization

There were around 22,000 denaturalizations in the U.S. before 1967, according to Weil. By the time his book was published in 2012, he said there had been only 150 since, though the Department of Justice would later tell news outlets that there were 305 cases between 1990 and 2017.

Although its use has been substantially reduced, Weil wrote, since 1967 denaturalization is still available on two basic grounds. The first of these grounds applies to individuals who have committed gross violations of human rights. This primarily focused on naturalized Americans with undisclosed Nazi pasts. In contrast to judicial skepticism of expatriation in the 1960s and 1970s, courts have not challenged the authority of the government to denaturalize individuals responsible for committing human rights violations, he adds.

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The second modern ground for denaturalization is for fraud or misrepresentation committed during the naturalization process, Weil writes.

A 2020 advisory by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center explains that a naturalized U.S. citizen can have that status taken away if the federal government proves by clear, convincing, and unequivocal evidence in a civil federal court proceeding, or satisfies the beyond a reasonable doubt standard in a comparable criminal case, that the citizen was not qualified for naturalization at the time it was mistakenly granted.

A naturalized citizen can also be denaturalized, the ILRC says, for refusing under specified circumstances to testify before a congressional committee on alleged subversive activities, under a Cold War-era law that remains valid, or for failing to meet the requirements if they were naturalized under the wartime-military-service path to citizenship.

While a criminal revocation of naturalization on the basis of naturalization fraud requires, like in all criminal cases, the government to meet a beyond-a-reasonable-doubt burden-of-proof conviction, civil denaturalization proceedings require the government simply to convince a federal court, in which the defendant may not even be provided with an attorney, that a naturalization was illegally procured or procured by concealment of a material fact or by willful misrepresentation.

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Illegal procurement, according to the ILRC, refers to someone who was ineligible for naturalization but received it anyway and doesnt require proof of concealment or misrepresentation, though the organization notes that it is largely a distinction without a difference as procuring naturalization by concealment or willful misrepresentation is also procuring it illegally.

The eligibility conditions that one can be accused of violating include: a) lawful permanent resident status for five years (or three if married to a U.S. citizen); b) continuous residence in the U.S. for that five- or three-year period; c) physical presence in the U.S. for at least half of that five- or three-year period; d) good moral character; and e) that the person was  attached to the principles of the Constitution of the United States, and well-disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States during that five- or three-year period.

The last two conditions are the most broad and open to interpretation. Many of the cases for denaturalization based on lack of good moral character involve individuals who have committed crimes prior to naturalization, but were not arrested or charged until sometime after naturalization, and they did not disclose the existence of these crimes during the naturalization application process, the ILRC writes. Similarly, if within five years after naturalization, someone  joins or becomes affiliated with an organization that would have precluded naturalization, such as a terrorist group, they can be presumed to have been not attached to the principles of the Constitution and not well disposed to the good order and happiness of the U.S. at the time of naturalization, and thus denaturalized.

Denaturalization under Trump

Former President Barack Obama ramped up denaturalization efforts with a Department of Homeland Security program called Operation Janus, mined data, including fingerprint records, to identify people who obtained citizenship through false pretenses.

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But the first Operation Janus denaturalization didnt occur until January 2018, when Trump was in office. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services also announced plans around the same time to refer some 1,600 cases to the Justice Department to prosecute, and in its fiscal year 2019 budget, the Department of Homeland Security redirected funds from USCIS to ICE for investigations into naturalized citizens.

Trumps first-term administration took denaturalization efforts to new levels, Cassandra Burke Robertson, a law professor at Case Western Reserve University, wrote in 2019. A factsheet by the Open Justice Initiative said the number of denaturalization cases filed annually under Trump nearly doubled that of Obama.

In 2020, the Justice Department also established in its immigration office a Denaturalization Section dedicated to investigating and litigating revocation of naturalization, ostensibly focusing on terrorists, war criminals, sex offenders, and other fraudsters who illegally obtained naturalization.

Despite the significant resources this administration is expending on these cases, the ILRC noted in its 2020 advisory, in absolute terms the number of people who have had their citizenship stripped remains small so far. However, there are fears that the creation of the DOJs Denaturalization Section may result in many more people being denaturalized in the near future. In addition, these efforts will have a chilling effect on the number of legal permanent residents applying for U.S. citizenship and will further burden a system that is already delayed in adjudicating and granting immigration benefits.

In 2021, President Joe Biden issued an executive order directing agencies to review denaturalization and passport revocation practices, to ensure that these authorities are not used excessively or inappropriately.

But since taking office again, Trump has made denaturalization a priority again.

A June 11 Justice Department memo published online issued guidance to the Civil Division, the largest litigating body of the department, on its priority initiatives, which included the revocation of citizenships.

Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate, who leads the division, said in the guidance that the division shall prioritize and maximally pursue denaturalization proceedings in all cases permitted by law and supported by the evidence.

The benefits of civil denaturalization, said Shumate, include the governments ability to revoke the citizenship of individuals who engaged in the commission of war crimes, extrajudicial killings, or other serious human rights abuses; to remove naturalized criminals, gang members, or, indeed, any individuals convicted of crimes who pose an ongoing threat to the United States; and to prevent convicted terrorists from returning to U.S. soil or traveling internationally on a U.S. passport.

Among the cases Shumate ordered prioritizing are cases on those who pose a potential threat to national security, including those with links to terrorism, espionage, or unlawful export from the U.S. of sensitive goods, technology, or information; and those who commit certain kinds of fraud.

The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers criticized how the directive calls for denaturalization via civil proceedings, which the advocacy lamented carry a lower burden of proof and do not require the government to provide the accused with an attorney. It also criticized the memos broad scope and vague language.

The Trump Administrations push to revoke citizenship is alarming, and raises serious Fourteenth Amendment concerns, said NACDL President Christopher Wellborn. The use of civil litigation to evade Sixth Amendment obligations demonstrates contempt for the right to counsel. And although the memo purports to target concealment of earlier offenses, the language suggests that any offense, at any time, may be used to justify denaturalization.

When it comes to Musk and Mamdani, however, legal experts have said denaturalization proceedings are unlikely. Denaturalisation is limited to cases where the government can prove material fraud in their original applications, Michael Kagan, a law professor at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas, told Al Jazeera. Trumps talk of deporting the two, Kagan says, appears to be irresponsible rhetoric designed to intimidate political opponents.

Musk has previously denied accusations of working in the country illegally before he became a citizen.

Mamdani has been accused by members of Congress of sympathizing with terrorists. But while former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who was recently appointed to a Homeland Security advisory council, expressed support for calls to denaturalize and deport himI think that is very responsible request and something the government should do given the nature of the things that he says, Giuliani said last week, calling Mamdani a traitorhe caveated: I dont know that we can come to the conclusion and convict him of it, but he raises a real legitimate concern that he is not a loyal American.

As Weil noted in his history of denaturalization, the Supreme Court has affirmed that being a loyal American is no longer a condition for U.S. citizenship. But as the history of denaturalization has also shown, the Supreme Court can change its mind. And this Supreme Court has already been observed to show astounding deference to Trump.

Still, even if the Trump Administration were to denaturalize Mamdani, which would preclude him from taking office, that wouldnt necessarily mean it could kick him from the country. Denaturalized citizens do not automatically get deported; rather they are reverted to their last immigration status as a noncitizenwhich in Mamdanis case was a green card holder, or lawful permanent resident.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Plumes of smoke cover the Kyiv skyline after hundreds of Russian airstrikes hit the city overnight, July 4. Credit - Kostiantyn LiberovGetty Images

Russia has bombarded Kyiv with the largest aerial attack since the beginning of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Overnight on Thursday, Moscow launched 539 drone and 11 missile strikes that struck nearly every district of the Ukrainian capital, injuring at least 23 people. Air raid sirens rung out continuously for eight hours, coming to an end at around 5 a.m. local time.

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It was a brutal, sleepless night, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said on X.

Some 478 Russian airstrike devices were damaged or shot down during the attack, according to a statement from the Ukrainian Air Force released on Telegram.

A Ukrainian drone on Friday targeted a power substation near Moscow. Two people were injured in the attack, according to local governor Andrei Vorobyov.

The Russian strikes came hours after President Donald Trump held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday night. Im very disappointed with the conversation I had today with President Putin, because I don't think hes there I'm just saying I dont think hes looking to stop, and thats too bad, the President told reporters early Friday.

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The U.S. President is scheduled to hold a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky today.

Zelensky added in his Friday post on X that the regions of Dnipro, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Chernihiv were also targeted in the overnight attacks. All of this is clear evidence that without truly large-scale pressure, Russia will not change its dumb, destructive behavior, he said.

Russia has in recent weeks stepped up its attacks on Ukrainian cities. Less than a week ago, it launched another record aerial assault on Ukraine.

Zelenskys push for increased Western pressure on Russia was reiterated by his top aide, Andriy Yermak, who said that Putins goal is to keep killing Ukrainians for as long as hes allowed to.

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Polands Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski has also slammed the overnight Russian attacks, writing on X that Putin is mocking Trump with the continued offensive amid U.S.-led cease-fire efforts. Please restore supplies of anti-aircraft ammunition to Ukraine and impose tough new sanctions on the aggressor, Sikorski said.

Earlier this week, the Trump Administration said it would pause shipments of some military aid to Ukraine, including air defense missiles and precision-guided artillery. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the pause was needed to evaluate the state of U.S. stockpiles.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
U.S. President Donald Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is pushing to lift U.S. energy sanctions on Russia, Politico reported on July 4, citing two people familiar with the matter.

The move is part of a broader debate within Trump's administration over how to engage with Moscow amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

While Witkoff is reportedly advocating for the easing of energy sanctions, others in the administration disagree. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum favors reducing U.S. reliance on Russian imports rather than expanding trade, according to Politico.

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Despite pledging during his campaign to end the war in Ukraine in "24 hours," Trump has made little progress on securing a ceasefire. After nearly seven months of his presidency, and several peace talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States, no ceasefire agreement has been reached.

Moscow continues intensifying its attacks against Ukrainian cities. Russia launched one of the largest aerial attacks on Ukraine on July 4, hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin had a phone conversation with Trump.

When journalists asked if he had made any progress with Putin on the call, Trump responded: "No, I didn't make any progress with him today at all."

Europe's energy sector is a central issue in the debate. According to Politico, Moscow is in early talks with Washington about potentially restarting the Nord Stream pipeline project, with backing from U.S. investors. The development has sparked concern in Brussels.

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One senior EU official reportedly warned that Trump and Putin appear to be aiming to "divide the European energy market and create (separate) spheres of influence."

Witkoff, a real estate developer-turned-envoy, has raised eyebrows in Washington and abroad over his handling of high-level talks with Russia. As reported by NBC News in May, he has relied on Kremlin-provided translators during multiple meetings with Putin, including a visit to Moscow on April 26, just a day after a Russian missile attack killed 12 people in Kyiv.

Trump's administration has so far refrained from imposing new sanctions against Russia, even as Putin continues to reject calls for a ceasefire.

Read also: Nothing but terror and murder  Russia pounds Kyiv with ballistic missiles in massive overnight attack

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Donald Trump signed his package of tax breaks and spending cuts into law Friday in front of Fourth of July picnickers after his cajoling produced almost unanimous Republican support in Congress for the domestic priority that could cement his second-term legacy.

Flanked by Republican legislators and members of his Cabinet, Trump signed the multitrillion-dollar legislation at a desk on the White House driveway, then banged down a gavel gifted to him by House Speaker Mike Johnson that was used during the bill's final passage Thursday.

Against odds that at times seemed improbable, Trump achieved his goal of celebrating a historic  and divisive  legislative victory in time for the nation's birthday, which also was his self-imposed deadline for Congress to send the legislation to his desk. Fighter jets and stealth bombers streaked through the sky over the annual White House Fourth of July picnic.

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America's winning, winning, winning like never before, Trump said, noting last month's bombing campaign against Iran's nuclear program, which he said the flyover was meant to honor. Promises made, promises kept, and we've kept them.

The White House was hung with red, white and blue bunting for the Independence Day festivities. The U.S. Marine Band played patriotic marches  and, in a typical Trumpian touch, tunes by 1980s pop icons Chaka Khan and Huey Lewis. There were three separate flyovers.

Trump spoke for a relatively brief 22 minutes before signing the bill, but was clearly energized as the legislation's passage topped a recent winning streak for his administration. That included the Iran campaign and a series of U.S. Supreme Court rulingshe's fought for.

After dark, chants of USA, USA rose from the picnic crowd on the South Lawn when Trump and the first lady, Melania, appeared on the Truman Balcony to watch the fireworks. They danced to Y.M.C.A. and waved goodbye to the crowd before they left for their home in New Jersey.

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The budget legislation is the president's highest-profile win yet. It includes key campaign pledges like no tax on tips or Social Security income. Trump, who spent an unusual amount of time thanking individual Republican lawmakers who shepherded the measure through Congress, contended our country is going to be a rocket ship, economically, because of the legislation.

Big cuts to Medicaid and food stamps

Critics assailed the package as a giveaway to the rich that will rob millions more lower-income people of their health insurance, food assistance and financial stability.

Today, Donald Trump signed into law the worst job-killing bill in American history. It will rip health care from 17 million workers to pay for massive tax giveaways to the wealthy and big corporations, amounting to the countrys largest money grab from the working class to the ultra-rich, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said in a statement. Every member of Congress who voted for this devastating bill picked the pockets of working people to hand billionaires a $5 trillion gift.

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The legislation extends Trumps 2017 multitrillion-dollar tax cuts and cuts Medicaid and food stamps by $1.2 trillion. It provides for a massive increase in immigration enforcement. Congress nonpartisan scorekeeper projects that nearly 12 million more people will lose health insurance under the law.

The legislation passed the House on a largely party-line vote Thursday, culminating a monthslong push by the GOP to cram most of its legislative priorities into a single budget bill that could be enacted without Senate Democrats being able to block it indefinitely by filibustering.

It passed by a single vote in the Senate, where North Carolina Republican Thom Tillis announced he would not run for reelection after incurring Trumps wrath in opposing it. Vance had to cast the tie-breaking vote.

In the House, where two Republicans voted against it, one, conservative maverick Tom Massie of Kentucky, has also become a target of Trumps well-funded political operation. No Democrats voted for the bill.

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The legislation amounts to a repudiation of the agendas of the past two Democratic presidents, Barack Obama and Joe Biden, in rolling back Obamas Medicaid expansion under his signature health law and Bidens tax credits for renewable energy.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates the package will add $3.3 trillion to the deficit over the decade and 11.8 million more people will go without health coverage.

Democrats vow to make bill a midterm issue

Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin on Friday called the bill devastating and said in a statement that Trumps signature on the legislation sealed the fate of the Republican Party, cementing them as the party for billionaires and special interests  not working families.

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He predicted Republicans would lose their majority in Congress over it. This was a full betrayal of the American people, Martin said.

Trump complained Friday about Democrats opposing the bill, and we knew that because their hatred of either the country or me or both is so great they didn't vote at all and it's terrible.

He said their standard line is to say Republican legislation is dangerous or everybody's going to die and we can't let them get away with it. With his bill, Trump said, it's actually just the opposite, everybody's going to live.

And I just want you to know, if you see anything negative put out by Democrats, it's all a con job, Trump said, defending a package that now is law.

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Speaking in Iowa on Thursday night, Trump said Democrats hate Trump  but I hate them, too.

The package is certain to be a flashpoint in next year's midterm elections, and Democrats are making ambitious plans for rallies, voter registration drives, attack ads, bus tours and even a multiday vigil, all intended to highlight the most controversial elements.

Upon his return to Washington early Friday, Trump described the package as very popular, though polling suggests that public opinion is mixed at best.

For example, a Washington Post/Ipsos poll found that majorities of U.S. adults support increasing the annual child tax credit and eliminating taxes on earnings from tips, and about half support work requirements for some adults who receive Medicaid.

But the poll found majorities oppose reducing federal funding for food assistance to low-income families and spending about $45 billion to build and maintain migrant detention centers. About 60% said it was unacceptable that the bill is expected to increase the $36 trillion U.S. debt by more than $3 trillion over the next decade.
President Trump said late Thursday that he expected to know the Palestinian militant group Hamass decision on his final peace proposal for a ceasefire with Israel within the next 24 hours.

Trump announced late Tuesday that Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize a two-month ceasefire with Hamas, a U.S. government-designated terrorist group.

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 president wrote late Tuesday in a Truth Social post.

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Trump was asked by a reporter Thursday  after landing back in Washington, D.C., following his rally in Des Moines, Iowa  whether Hamas agreed to the latest proposal for a ceasefire, a framework that was delivered to the group by regional mediators Egypt and Qatar.

Well see what happens. We are going to know over the next 24 hours, the president replied.

Trump warned Hamas late Tuesday that the militant group should take the deal, because it will not get better  IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE.

Hamas said in a statement Friday morning that it was deliberating the proposal with other Palestinian groups and that it would issue a final decision once those discussions are wrapped up.

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Hamas has sought assurances that part of the framework would entail a pullback of the Israeli military from some areas of the Gaza Strip and that Israels military operation would not restart after the 60-day truce expires.

Trump is set to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday at the White House, where the two leaders will discuss a range of topics, including the conflict in Gaza.

The president and his administration have pushed to secure a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, emphasizing the need for the Palestinian militant group to release the remaining hostages taken after the Oct. 7 attack in which Hamas killed some 1,200 Israelis and took about 250 others hostage.

Israels military operation in response has killed more than 56,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry.

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The Trump administration tried to lock in a ceasefire in May after Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff sent a proposal, supported by Israel, but the effort failed. After receiving the framework, which included releasing Israeli living and dead hostages from the war-torn enclave, Hamas offered amendments. Shortly after, Witkoff slammed Hamass response as totally unacceptable.

The president also confirmed that he met with Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman at the White House on Thursday and that the Abraham Accords were one of the topics mentioned.

I think a lot of people are going to be joining the Abraham Accords, Trump told reporters.

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President Donald Trump tapped a conservative media personality and conspiracy theorist for a big job in his administration.

Dan Bongino, a former U.S. Secret Service agent who later hosted a Fox News show and pilots a popular right-wing podcast, is deputy director of the FBI despite having no leadership experience at the department. His appointment did not require a Senate confirmation.

Bongino, who unsuccessfully ran for Senate in 2012, is a major promoter of some of Trumps favorite conspiracy theories about the 2020 election and COVID-19. Hes also a significant shareholder in the right-wing video platform Rumble, the company said.

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Here are some of the biggest whoppers hes spread.

Hes a superspreader of 2020 election lies.

Researchers haveidentified Bongino as one of the most effective spreaders of misinformation around the 2020 election, noting he spent hours of his podcast and posted widely shared videos on social media promoting debunked claims about ballot harvesting and suspicious votes.

The FBI and the CIA, members of it, unquestionably tried to rig both the 2016 and 2020 election, he once told his listeners.

Bongino, who has nearly 6 million followers on Facebook, had over 7.7 million interactions on Facebook the week of the 2020 election, The New York Times found at the time.

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In May 2024, he warned his listeners that they should still be leery of Democrats stealing an election from Trump. Do not let them fleece this thing again, he said on an episode of his podcast.

Dan Bongino speaks onstage during Politicon 2018 at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Oct. 20, 2018. Rich Polk via Getty Images

He hinted that DEI policies and corruption were to blame for the assassination attempts against Trump.

Bongino, who claimed the FBI was irredeemably corrupt after its agents raided Mar-a-Lago, raised diversity, equity and inclusion policies as a possible culprit behind the Secret Services failure to prevent an assassination attempt on Trump last summer.

They put out a thousand tweets about all this DEI stuff, he said of the Secret Service. Do I know thats related here? I dont, Im just saying, like  you have one job and only one job.

After another person was apprehended for plotting an assassination attempt on Trump in September, Bongino asked whether there could be a mole among the agents assigned to protect Trump or that one of them could be mishandling information about his whereabouts.

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Is there a honeypot trap going on in the Secret Service? he asked on an episode of his podcast. Is there a guy or a woman in the Secret Service having a relationship with someone who is not who they say they are?

In an August episode of his podcast, Bongino questioned the integrity of the FBIs investigation into the assassination attempts. Folks, the FBI is at it again. I dont trust these people at all, he wrote on social media alongside a clip from his podcast.

Dan Bongino photographed in Stuart, Florida, in 2021. The Washington Post via Getty Images

His FBI conspiracy theories dont end there.

Bongino has also claimed that footage the FBI released of the Jan. 6, 2021, pipe bomb suspect may have been manipulated and that something sinister is afoot.

Something is going on here. Where is the video of him dropping the bomb? Why dont we have it? Why does it appear manipulated? he said in a January 2024 episode.

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Ladies and gentlemen, somebodys hiding something, and its not small. They are hiding something freaking huge, he continued.

Hes also pushed the theory that President Barack Obamas administration had at least one FBI agent tasked with spying on the 2016 Trump campaign. While discussing the idea on Tucker Carlsons Fox News show at the time, Bongino simply cited reporting.

He was kicked off YouTube for spreading COVID-19 misinformation.

In 2022, YouTube temporarily suspended Bonginos account, which had around 900,000 subscribers, for spreading misinformation about the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, he claimed masks were useless at preventing the virus spread despite research to the contrary  something YouTube said violated its misinformation policy.

When Bongino tried to circumnavigate the ban by posting from another account, the video platform banned him permanently.

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Shortly after, Google pulled all ads from Bonginos website. He said one of the pieces of content Google cited was about Anthony Fauci, then the chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden, and said that his use of masks despite being vaccinated had nothing to do with science.

Dan Bongino at his Senate campaign headquarters in 2012. via Associated Press

He propped up Russias baseless claims about a U.S. attack.

In 2022, Bongino suggested Bidens administration may have been responsible for the explosions that ruptured a set of natural gas pipelines  Nord Stream 1 and 2  running between Russia and Germany. The act of sabotage, the Wall Street Journal reports, was carried out by Ukraine, though Russia blamed the U.S.

Bongino backed up the Kremlins claims in an episode of his podcast.

Is the Biden administration crazy enough to do this to light a spark that might cause World War III? he asked. The answer is, I wouldnt be surprised, and I bet neither would you.

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The motivations of the Biden administration and the green agenda, I think, are far greater than the motivations of Russia, he continued.

Related...
President Trump used Thursday remarks in Iowa ahead of Independence Day to take aim at Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for mayor in New York City who has become a favorite target of criticism for Republicans.

This guy is a communist at the highest level, and he wants to destroy New York. I love New York, and were not going to let him do that, Trump said at an event in Des Moines.

Generations of Americans before us did not shed their blood only so that we could surrender our country to Marxist lunatics on the eve of our 250th year, Trump continued. As president of the United States, Im proclaiming here and now that America is never going to be communist in any way, shape or form, and that includes New York City.

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The comments marked the latest attack from Trump, a New York City native, against Mamdani, who earlier this week officially secured the Democratic nomination for Novembers mayoral race and instantly became a lightning rod for GOP attacks.

Trump earlier this week 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 being born 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.

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Donald Trump lavished praise on Trace Gallagher only minutes after the Fox News host was forced into apologizing for a segment in which a reporter on his show accused wrongfully deported dad Kilmar Abrego Garcia of being a killer.

Trump made a signature all-caps show of support for the beleaguered host, describing Gallagher as GREAT, adding he was a totally professional newsman who, at the same time, is highly entertaining, and very interesting.

Trump made the comments in a Truth Social post less than an hour after Gallagher issued an apology for remarks made by MAGA reporter Monica Paige, who falsely accused the wrongfully deported Maryland man of having killed Americans.

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Paige, White House correspondent for pro-MAGA outlet Frontlinesthe media arm of Charlie Kirks Turning Point USAmade the false allegation on a Fox News spot with Gallagher a day earlier, linking Abrego Garcia to failed efforts to block Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia was wrongly deported to El SalvadorPaige accused him of having killed Americans before backtracking on the remarks. / Abrego Garcia Family / Abrego Garcia Family/ REUTERS

If youre going to vote no on this, then youre voting along with Democrats, especially Democrats like [Oregon Representative] Maxine Dexter, who was on the Hill today dressed in a white robe, who also visited El Salvador to go see Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who killed Americans, Paige said Wednesday. If youre not siding with Republicans, then unfortunately, youre siding with Democrats, anti-American.

Gallagher didnt correct Paige during the segment, but Paige later issued an apology and a retraction.

What I meant to say was that he has been connected with gang activity that has devastated the lives of many people and killed an untold number of Americans, Paige wrote. He has not been personally linked to the death of anyone, even while being accused of gang activity, including human trafficking, drug trafficking, and spousal abuse. I misspoke, and I apologize for the mistake.

Trump with Salvadoran President Nayib BukeleAbrego Garcias deportation set off a lengthy saga involving the U.S. and El Salvador. / Win McNamee / Getty Images

Abrego Garcia became a magnet for Trumps fiercest critics after he was wrongfully deported to a high security prison in El Salvador, and was accused by Trump of being a member of the MS-13 gang.

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He was subsequently returned to the United States after multiple legal rulings. He was arrested on arrival back in the U.S. and is being held in detention on allegations of people smuggling.

In court filings, Abrego Garcia has said he suffered mental and physical torture while in the El Salvador prison, including severe beatings, starvation, and sleep deprivation.

This illegal alien is an MS-13 gang member, alleged human trafficker, and a domestic abuser. The medias sympathetic narrative about this criminal illegal gang member has completely fallen apart, yet they continue to peddle his sob story, Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement to CBS News in response to Abrego Garcias claims. We hear far too much about gang members and criminals false sob stories and not enough about their victims.
French President Emmanuel Macron had a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump late on 3 July. One of the topics was Ukraine.

Source: European Pravda with reference to The Guardian citing sources in the Elysee Palace

Details: A source at the Elysee Palace said the presidents discussed Iran, Ukraine and the ongoing EU-US tariff talks.

Macron also spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss the situation in Iran and Gaza on Thursday.

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Background: On the evening of 3 July, Trump spoke with the Kremlin leader. Following the conversation, the US president said that he had not made any progress on the ceasefire in Ukraine.

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Athora, a European savings and retirement services company, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Pension Insurance Corporation Group (PICG) for approximately 5.7bn ($7.8bn).

Upon completion, PICG will become Athora's UK insurance business, operating under the Pension Insurance Corporation and Penguin brands.

This acquisition marks the company's first UK insurance venture, expanding its presence in the UK market.

Athora reached the agreement with PICG shareholders, including Reinet Fund, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), and funds managed by CVC Capital Partners and HPS Investment Partners.

Athora, backed by permanent capital owners such as Apollo Global Management and Athene Holding, aims to enhance its growth through this acquisition.

PICG will become Athora's UK subsidiary, retaining its experienced team and commitment to customer service.

The acquisition will provide PICG with broader resources, long-term growth capital, and enhanced asset origination capabilities, particularly in private investment-grade credit, leveraging Athora's strategic relationship with Apollo.

Athora Group CEO Mike Wells said, "We are pleased for PICG to become Athoras first UK insurance business, maintaining its great team, brand and utmost commitment to serving its customers.

The acquisition by Athora will enhance access to long-term growth capital and asset origination capabilities, enabling PIC to serve more of the UK savings and retirement market, where it has already established itself as a top three provider in pension risk transfer."

The acquisition will create one of Europe's largest insured savings and retirement services businesses, building on Athora's existing subsidiaries in the Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, and Germany.

Athora's AuMA will increase to approximately 135bn, a 78% rise from year-end 2024 levels.

Wells also noted, Today, PIC is a significant investor in the UK economy and, as part of Athora, we believe it will play an even more meaningful role in providing long-duration financing for infrastructure and other long-term assets.

The acquisition will be funded primarily by equity and long-term bank debt, with Athora expecting to maintain a solvency ratio above its target levels. The transaction is anticipated to close in early 2026, contingent upon customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals from the PRA.

"Athora agrees to acquire PICG for 5.7bn" was originally created and published by Life Insurance International, a GlobalData owned brand.
President Donald Trump on Friday signed an executive order which will make entrance fees to national parks in the United States more expensive for foreign tourists.

For those with US citizenship, the fees would remain the same, Trump told supporters in Iowa, linking his policy to one of his well-known slogans: "America first."

The decree also gives US residents priority access in any permitting or reservation system operated by the National Park Service. Campsites and park access are often in high demand, especially in the summer months.

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The White House says increased revenue from foreign tourists will generate hundreds of millions of dollars for conservation projects and help address a backlog of maintenance work.

The White House said it's only fair that US citizens pay less than others because US taxpayers fund the national parks. Currently all visitors, regardless of nationality, pay the same fees, meaning US citizens effectively pay more overall due to their tax contributions, the president's office argued.

The announcement did not specify how much more non-US residents would have to pay or how the preferential system would work.

Fees to access US national parks vary, and some don't charge at all.

Yellowstone, Yosemite and the Grand Canyon, for example, currently charge $35 per vehicle or $70 for an annual pass, while North Carolina's Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited park in 2024, is free.
WASHINGTON (NewsNation)  President Donald Trump welcomed Edan Alexander, an American held hostage by Hamas militants for 584 days in Gaza, to the Oval Office on Thursday afternoon. Trump  who played an instrumental role in securing Alexanders release  has vowed to keep significant pressure on Hamas to release all the hostages.

The White House, in a post on X, said Trump kept his promise to bring Alexander home.

Were very proud to have helped you, Trump told Alexander during the 30-minute meeting, adding that, at one point, the U.S. feared he might have been killed.

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House passes Trumps big beautiful bill

Alexander, a 21-year-old dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, grew up in Tenafly, New Jersey, and was serving in the Israel Defense Forces near Gaza at the time of his capture Oct. 7. He was released by Hamas in May in a gesture of goodwill to the Trump administration.

I came to thank the person who is responsible for saving my life, Alexander said in a statement following his meeting with Trump. I was deeply moved to be in the White House  the same place where my parents had been many times during their fight for my release, but this time together with them.

Alexander added: I told the most powerful man in the world what I went through, what my friends there are going through, and asked him to continue doing everything in his power.  I hope he can achieve another historic breakthrough  a comprehensive deal to free them all, all 50 hostages.

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First lady Melania Trump, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff were among those who greeted Alexander alongside the president in the Oval Office.

Which Republicans voted against Trumps megabill?

Now, as the dust settles on a U.S.-brokered armistice between Israel and Iran, Trump is making a fresh push for peace in Gaza. Trump said on Truth Social Tuesday that Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza. The president, without providing details, said he hopes Hamas will also accept the deal for the good of the Middle East.

The militant group has so far given no definitive response to the purported deal.

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Its been 635 days since Hamas launched its Oct. 7 surprise attack, which left about 1,200 people dead. A further 250, mostly civilians, were taken hostage by the militant group. Since then, Israels 21 months of fierce retaliation have killed at least 57,000 people in the enclave, according to the Gazan Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilian and combatant deaths.

The entire population of Gaza is on the brink of famine, the United Nations warned in May.

Trump is expected to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday, in what will be the Israeli leaders third visit to Washington in less than six months.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
President Donald Trump has had it with Vladimir Putin. After a nearly one-hour phone call with his Russian counterpart, Trump expressed disappointment with Putins obstinate continuation of the Ukraine War and admitted: I didnt make any progress with him at all.

The Kremlin rushed to calm the waters and claimed that Russia was still interested in peace negotiations with Ukraine. Nonetheless, Putins aide Yury Ushakov still emphasised the contrast between Trumps push for a swift ceasefire in Ukraine and the Kremlins desire to eliminate the root causes of the Ukraine War.

Russias latest actions suggest that Trumps frustrations are warranted. During the early hours of Friday morning, Russian forces pummelled Ukraine with 550 Shahed drones and ballistic missiles. This attack was Russias largest aerial assault of the war, and broke the record set earlier this week of 537 drones and missiles.

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Even though Russia has not taken much-feared apocalyptic steps like using tactical nuclear weapons or triggering a meltdown in the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, it is steadily escalating its war against Ukrainian civilians.

There are also alarming indicators that Russias aggression is likely to worsen in the weeks and months ahead. Ukrainian electronic warfare specialist Sergey Beskrestnov warned that Russia has established component supply chains and personnel networks to rapidly increase production of Shahed drones. Beskrestnov warned that these measures could soon lead to Russia launching aerial attacks with 800 drones on Ukrainian cities.

Russia has combined these aerial assaults with the more intense use of prohibited military technologies and the steady expansion of Ukraines frontlines. Dutch and German intelligence assessments reveal that Russia is expanding its use of chemical weapons against Ukrainian soldiers. What is especially concerning is the use of drones with choking agents to drive Ukrainian soldiers out of trenches and shoot them.

While Russia remains primarily focused on securing offensive gains in Donetsk, it is trying to stretch Ukraines military capabilities wherever possible. Earlier this week, the Kremlin claimed that it established full control over the Donbas region of Luhansk. It has also reportedly amassed 50,000 troops to attack the northeastern Ukrainian region of Sumy and claimed control over its first village in the east-central Ukrainian industrial heartland of Dnipropetrovsk.

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Russias multi-pronged offensive reflects the resilience of its war economy and support from its external backers. Even though Russian minister of economic development Maxim Reshetnikov warned of an imminent recession at last months St. Petersburg Economic Forum, Russia can still afford its $144 billion military budget. Salary cuts have not led to insubordination within the ranks of Russias weapons manufacturers or to massive declines in military enlistment.

North Koreas impending deployment of tens of thousands of new forces to Ukraine and Chinese foreign minister Wang Yis warnings about the consequences of a Russian defeat suggest that Putins allies are staying put. The same cannot be said about Ukraines most important backer: the United States.

Due to growing concerns about munitions shortages in the US army, under secretary of defence for policy Elbridge Colby just halted some key precision missile and air defence shipments to Ukraine. Colbys decision stunned many senior US officials and reportedly occurred without the blessing of national security advisor and secretary of state Marco Rubio.

In a further blow to Kyiv, America is wavering on Germanys plan to purchase two Patriot systems and hundreds of missiles from the US for Ukraine. German journalist Julian Ropcke warned that American-German negotiations on Patriot deliveries might come to a complete halt.

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This means that Kyivs rapidly dwindling missile stocks might not be replenished and Russian attacks on Ukraines decision-making centres could inflict lethal harm. It also poses an existential threat to the port of Odesa and its critical economic infrastructure for Black Sea grain exports.

Trumps anger with Putins pursuit of war at all costs is welcome news for Ukrainians, but they need to be backed by actions. The Americans must now channel those frustrations into providing Ukraine with the weapons it needs to defend its cities and repel Russias offensive advances.

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July 3 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump, who campaigned on ending the Ukraine war within 24 hours of returning to the White House, said Thursday that he "didn't make any progress" toward securing a potential cease-fire in the conflict when he spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier in the day.

"We had a call. It was a pretty long call and we talked about a lot of things, including Iran and we also talked about, you know, the war with Ukraine," he told reporters from the tarmac of Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.

Asked if he made any advancement toward achieving the cease-fire he's been trying to secure, he replied: "No, I didn't make any progress."

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Trump earlier Thursday announced on his Truth Social platform that he was scheduled to speak with the Russian leader at 10 a.m.

A readout of the call from Putin aide Yuri Ushakov stated the conversation lasted almost an hour, and began with Trump announcing Congress had passed his mammoth tax and spending cut bill, followed by Putin wishing him success on implementing it.

On Ukraine, Putin told Trump that he is "willing to pursue negotiations" but that Russia would also "strive to achieve its goals, namely the elimination of the well-known root causes that led to the current state of affairs."

Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, with Putin claiming it was to de-Nazify its neighbor. The conflict that Putin said would be over in a matter of days continues.

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Trump campaigned heavily and repeatedly stated that if he were re-elected he would have the war ended within 24 hours. Now, 164 days after returning to the White House, Trump, known for praising the Russian leader, is still trying to secure an end to the war.

The last publicly known conversation between the two was on June 14 -- Trump's birthday.

In a post to his Truth Social account, Trump said Putin wished him happy birthday. They also discussed Iran. "Much less time was spent talking about Russia/Ukraine," he said, adding "that will be for next week."

The call was made days after the Pentagon halted shipments of some missiles and ammunition to Ukraine citing concerns about U.S. weapons stockpiles.

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Asked about the suspension of weapons in Maryland, Trump said the U.S is still shipping weapons to Ukraine.

"We're giving weapons but we've given so many weapons, but we are giving weapons and we're working with them and trying to help them -- but, you know, Biden emptied out our whole country, giving them weapons, and we have to make sure we have enough for ourselves," he said.
If your doctor recommended a test or treatment only for your insurance provider to demand more paperwork first, youre not alone. That obstacle, known as prior authorization, has become a notorious bottleneck in the U.S. health care system, delaying care and frustrating both patients and providers.

About 16% of insured adults say theyve run into issues with prior authorization, according to a survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation. And its more than just an inconvenience  its part of a larger problem. Americans pay more for health care than anyone else in the world, but still face worse outcomes and declining life expectancy, even as premiums, prescription prices and hospital costs continue to climb.

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Now, federal officials say help may be on the way. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that several of the countrys largest insurers have pledged to overhaul the system and reduce delays.

While that sounds promising, some experts are urging caution.

"I think the question is whether this is actually going to come to fruition," said Miranda Yaver, a health policy professor at the University of Pittsburgh, in an interview with National Public Radio (NPR). "We'll have to see to what extent they make good on their promise, because right now, it is a pledge."

Red tapes breaking point

Prior authorization has long been one of the most unpopular parts of the U.S. health care system.

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Despite years of promises from insurers to fix it, little has changed. At a press event on June 30, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz acknowledged that this isnt the first time insurers have promised to streamline the process.

So whats different now?

Theres violence in the streets over these issues, Oz said, referencing the 2024 killing of former UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson  a tragedy that shook the health care industry and sparked widespread outrage. The man charged with Thompsons murder, Luigi Mangione, had long posted his struggles with insurance denials and mounting medical debt. He frequently wrote about living with chronic back pain and expressed anger over being denied the treatments he believed he needed.

A survey by the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago found that about 7 in 10 adults believe insurance denials or the profits earned by health insurance companies bear at least a moderate amount of responsibility for Thompsons death.

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**Read more: No millions? No problem. With as little as $10, heres how you can access this $1B private real estate fund of diversified assets usually only available to major players

Whats changing

Federal health officials say the process should become faster, clearer and less frustrating by the end of the year. The Department of Health and Human Services, alongside AHIP, the main lobbying group for insurers, says the initiative includes six key changes:

Move prior authorization online, replacing outdated systems with streamlined digital platforms.

Cut red tape by reducing the number of services that require prior approval.

Make approvals portable so patients dont have to start over when they switch insurance mid-treatment.

Boost transparency so patients and providers get timely updates on decisions and know how to appeal.

Fast-track the routine care by granting instant approvals for common treatments.

Require that licensed medical professionals review all clinical denials.

Still, officials acknowledge this wont be a simple fix. Even as agencies work to reduce bureaucracy, theyre facing their own obstacles. The Trump administration and some Republican lawmakers are backing proposals that would require certain Medicaid recipients to regularly prove they are working to keep coverage.

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Whether these reforms lead to meaningful relief or just more promises remains to be seen.

What to read next

Money doesnt have to be complicated  sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
The Trump administration plans to implement a process whereby farmers in Iowa can vouch for hard-working, law-abiding migrant farmworkers who may be facing deportation, so that they can remain in the U.S.

The proposed process was shared by President Donald Trump during an event at the Iowa State Fairgrounds on Thursday night, kicking off a year of patriotic celebrations meant to honor the nation's 250th birthday. Trump said the new plan will take place in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security and that legislation for the measure is currently being drafted, while speaking Thursday evening from Iowa.

"You know, they've had people working for them for years. And we're going to do something  we're going to sort of put the farmers in charge," Trump told the crowd of people in attendance. "If a farmer has been with one of these people that worked so hard  they bend over all day, we don't have too many people that can do that, but they work very hard, and they know him very well, and some of the farmers are literally, you know, they cry when they see this happen  if a farmer is willing to vouch for these people, in some way, Kristie, I think we're going to have to just say that's going to be good, right?"

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Trump 'Working On' Deportation Exemptions For Illegal Farm And Hospitality Workers

"We don't want to do [border security] where we take all of the workers off the farms," Trump added. "We want the farms to do great."

According to the Office of the United States Trade Representative, Iowa is the nation's second-largest agricultural exporting state.

Read On The Fox News App

While announcing the new plan, Trump cited cases he had heard of when migrants who have worked on farms for 15 years "get thrown out pretty viciously."

David Marcus: Americans Get It. Trump's Moves To Clean Up Biden's Open Border Chaos Will Be Messy

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"We can't do that," Trump added. "We got to work with the farmers and people that have hotels and leisure properties."

Earlier this week, when Trump previously hinted at the new immigration exemption for farmers, he also suggested the move could be implemented for workers in the hospitality industry, as well.

While sharing the new immigration proposal with the crowd at the Iowa State Fairgrounds on Thursday night, Trump spoke to potential criticisms of the move by "serious radical-right people" within the GOP, asking the crowd rhetorically if they think these folks "will understand."

After the president first brought up the proposal earlier this week, critics have already started sounding off.

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"So, if Im to understand this correctly, we should look the other way regarding illegal immigration as long as its in the construction, hotel, or restaurant industries? This is far beyond disappointing, its infuriating," California Republican state Sen. Melissa Melendez wrote on X.

The president noted Thursday evening that the move will put farmers "in charge" and ultimately the responsibility for any problems that arise will fall to their feet.

"If the farmers don't do a good job, we'll throw them the hell out of the country. We'll let the guys  we'll let the illegals stay, and we'll throw the farmers the hell out," Trump said. "Okay, get ready, farmer, I'm telling you."





Original article source: Trump pitches plan allowing farmers to vouch for illegal immigrant workers facing deportation
I, like many of you, try to look beyond the news headlines of horror and try to find the good in whatever the situation. These days, thats kind of hard to do.

Take for instance, the news at the end of June that the Trump administration will try to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians, citing sufficient improvement in Haiti so that Haitians could allegedly return home safely.

What a blatant lie.

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It is no secret that Haiti has been a hellhole for many years. So, how did it recover without our knowing anything about it?

Haiti has been roiled by natural disasters  the 2010 earthquake that killed more than 200,000, followed by devastating hurricanes.

And the country has fallen victim to armed gangs, who think nothing of torching homes, schools and hospitals, killing and kidnapping the missionaries who risk their lives to bring hope and comfort to a people in dire need.

Some were able to escape the turmoil and find solace, and a new life on these shores. But now, it seems, the solace many Haitians found here for many years is coming to an end. What will they go back to in Haiti? Where will they live? Or work? Or be educated? Or get medical attention?

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When brutish and armed gangs took over a great portion of the country, the people who could leave were left with no other option but to flee. Over the years, Haiti, a land of majestic mountainsides and colorful creative people, gradually turned into a country in chaos.

In September, the State Department issued a Haiti Travel Advisory warning Americans not to travel to Haiti due to kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and limited health care.

Even U.S. citizens still living in Haiti have been asked to leave the country as soon as possible or be prepared to shelter in place for an extended period.

Does this sound like a place you would like to return to after having lived and worked and contributed to the economy of this country for many years? The Haitian people have become a part of our American landscape.

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More than 500,000 Haitian nationals are protected under TPS in the United States. If they were sent back to Haiti, we would be left with a great void, especially in South Florida, where their colorful culture has added flavor to the great Mixing Pot.

So, while Haitians have eked out a life for themselves in many other parts of the country, I can hardly imagine a Miami without the Haitian influence.

Lets face it, folks  this isnt about restoring integrity to the immigration system. Lets call it what it really is: A blatant act of racism. Its hating our sisters and brothers who happen to be from a Black nation.

Recently I heard an excerpt from a sermon by Pastor Loran Livingston, senior pastor at Central Church of God in Charlotte, N.C., who said:

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This is 2025 this is the worse generation, the most, evil generation since the flood of Noah, and its getting worse every day But, Livingston said, It is not only society that is rotten, but the so-called church religious people are more like the world every day and are bringing the world into its so-called worship. There is no longer a fear of God in this world and in most churches The Bible says,  the fear of the Lord is the beginning is wisdom but the fear of the God is gone. Many Christians no longer have a quaking, respectful fear of the God who saved them.

I thought about Livingstons sermon for a while, listening to his words over and over again. And I thought: This is so true. I grew up in church. I have always loved a good soul-searching sermon, one where I leave church wanting to be a better person, wanting to reach out to others with compassion.

This move to send Haitians, many of whom have become Americanized, back to a country that is foreign to them shows a dire lack of compassion on the part of the Trump administration. The move  along with the building of Alligator Alcatraz in the Everglades  makes this generation look very bad, indeed.

Where are the Evangelicals?

This is where I question the thousands of Evangelicals who support the presidents every move  even when it is the wrong move.

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I believe that if the true Bible-believing Evangelicals would stand up and get in a little good trouble as the late Congressman John Lewis once said, we would see some good changes happen in our country. People who love the Lord should also love the Lords people, including Haitians.

While I challenge the Evangelicals to try to persuade President Trump to rethink his order to end TPS for Haitians, I am not picking on them. I challenge them because of their staunch support of President Trump. If he listened to anyone, I believe it would be the Evangelicals. After all, many of them carry and promote his Trump Bible.

However, the burden of compassion is not solely left on the lap of the Evangelicals. As a believer, I know that God is love. He loves the just and the unjust. So, the message to love back is to us all.

I dont know what can be done to reverse President Trumps decision to send a half-million people to what could mean their certain destruction. I just believe that none of us can afford to sit silently by and watch it happen.

After all  love is what love does.
Donald Trump has defended using an antisemitic slur during a speech, claiming he had never heard it used as an attack on Jewish people before.

Trump was asked about his use of the term Shylocksa reference to the Jewish moneylender in William Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice, who famously demands a pound of flesh from another character who cannot repay a loanafter he spoke Thursday at a rally celebrating the 250th anniversary of Americas independence in Des Moines, Iowa.

No death tax, no estate tax, no going to the banks and borrowing from, in some cases, a fine banker and in some cases, Shylocks and bad people, Trump told the crowd while praising his Big Beautiful spending bill, which the House passed Thursday.

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Speaking to reporters after disembarking from Air Force One in Maryland, Trump claimed his use of the word differs from the meaning the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) describes as a centuries-old antisemitic trope that plays on negative stereotypes about Jewish people and money. The antisemitism watchdog called the trope extremely offensive and dangerous.

The meaning of Shylock is somebody thats a money lender at high rates, Trump said, according to The Washington Post. You view it differently. Ive never heard that.

Shylock is a villainous Jewish character from Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice, and using the phrase is widely considered offensive. / Andrew Cabello-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

Trump received widespread condemnation for his remarks, with the ADL calling the presidents casual use of the term troubling and irresponsible.

It underscores how lies and conspiracies about Jews remain deeply entrenched in our country, an ADL spokesperson told Newsweek. Words from our leaders matter, and we expect more from the president of the United States.

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Rep. Daniel Goldman of New York, who is Jewish, posted on X that the presidents comments were blatant and vile antisemitism, and Trump knows exactly what hes doing.

This is not the first time Trump has been accused of pushing anti-Jewish tropes. In September 2024, during a Fighting Anti-Semitism in America event in Washington, D.C., Trump suggested Jewish people would have a lot to do with him potentially losing the last election, a comment accused of scapegoating Jews.

Rep. Daniel Goldman lashed out at Trump's remarks, posting that

During his first term, Trump also said Jews who vote for Democrats are guilty of great disloyaltya phrase reminiscent of the antisemitic trope that Jewish people are more loyal to Israel than to their own country.

In 2014, then-Vice President Joe Biden also faced criticism for using the word Shylocks to describe exploitative moneylenders. Biden later apologized, calling it a poor choice of words.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Beast.
Its the celebration President Donald Trump has been waiting for.

After weeks of cajoling Republicans into backing his domestic mega-bill  despite lingering concerns about its Medicaid cuts, deficit expansion and political pitfalls  Trump signed the measure into law on the White House South Lawn on Friday afternoon.

Hes turned the traditional July 4 picnic into a celebration of the countrys independence and of his win in Congress, seizing upon the days fanfare to salute the most decisive legislative victory of his second term. The festivities included a bomber jet flyover  a nod to the militarys recent strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities  and will feature a fireworks show on the National Mall later.

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We made promises, and its really promises made, promises kept, and weve kept them. Theres a triumph of democracy on the birthday of democracy, and I have to say that the people are happy, Trump said on the balcony of the South Lawn alongside first lady Melania Trump.

Its all how Trump envisioned it when he first set the July 4 deadline to get the bill approved weeks ago. Even some of his own allies thought the timeline was overly ambitious. But Trumps iron grip on his own party, combined with what a White House official described as an omnipresent effort by the president to get Republicans on board, culminated in the bills passage in the House on Thursday with only two GOP defections in the chamber.

In many ways, the event marks the payoff for weeks of effort by the president and his team to get the bill across the finish line. Trump invited members of Congress to come to the event, which was also attended by military families who are the usual guests for the Independence Day picnic. He called the legislation the biggest bill of its type in history soon before he signed it.

In other ways, however, the moment is just the start of Trumps efforts to sell his bill to an American public that, according to polls, remains skeptical of its contents.

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We are going to have something where people are going to realize the level of success and popularity of this bill, he continued.

The bill extends tax cuts Trump first approved in 2017 during his first term, along with creating new ones, totaling in cost of $4.5 trillion. It also boosts funding for immigration enforcement and defense.

Republican members of Congress reach to shake hands with House Speaker Mike Johnson after Johnson signed President Donald Trump's agenda bill. - Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP

To pay for the new spending and declines in tax revenue, the measure cuts $1 trillion from Medicaid, along with cuts to food assistance. But it will still, according to an analysis from the Congressional Budget Office, add $3.3 trillion to the federal deficit, which does not include the cost of servicing the debt.

Many Republicans had feared the bills cuts to social safety net programs, like Medicaid and food stamps, could open them to political attacks ahead of next years midterm elections.

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According to the CBO, almost 12 million Americans could lose health coverage as a result of the bills changes to government programs. Other analyses put the number higher, taking into account new paperwork burdens on recipients to prove their eligibility.

Democrats have already begun pointing to the bills overwhelming tax rewards for wealthy Americans to accuse Trump of snatching away benefits from the poor to reward his rich backers.

Some of Trumps allies have conceded they have some catching up to do in messaging what they view as the benefits of the bill, including eliminating taxes on tips and bolstering money for Trumps immigration enforcement agenda. At the signing event on Friday, Trump called Democratic criticism of the measure a con job.

We just have to look forward, fellas, look forward and just say what it is, because its the most popular bill ever signed in the history of our country, whether youre military or anybody else, this is the most single most popular bill ever signed, the president said, despite polling that shows most voters disapprove of the legislation.

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Recent history is littered with presidents who, after using congressional majorities to push through major legislation meant to burnish their legacy, later lamented not doing enough to sell the bill to the American public  after their party members paid the price at the ballot box.

For Trump, however, the bill he signed into law Friday is less about helping Republicans win and more about his own legacy. He has framed the package as codifying the promises he made to voters on the campaign trail, and used it to punctuate what hes called the most successful start to any presidency in history.

A B-2 Spirit stealth bomber escorted by 2 F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters fly over the White House in Washington, DC on July 4. - Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images

Fridays flyover of the B-2 bombers  used to drop bunker-busters on Iranian nuclear facilities last month  underscores the consequential stretch of days punctuated by passage of Trumps bill.

Aside from the Iran strikes, Trump successfully convinced NATO allies to spend more on defense at a leaders summit last week; secured a major victory at the Supreme Court that expands his executive powers; and generated new momentum toward a ceasefire in Gaza that could materialize in a matter of days.

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A day ahead of his July 4 celebration, Trump basked in the string of victories.

This had to be the best two weeks, he said. Has anybody ever had a better two weeks?

Trump gave several personal shoutouts to his cabinet and members of Congress in attendance  and those not in attendance  for the signing, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Trump also thanked Vice President JD Vance, who was not at the signing as his family visited South Dakota, but CNN reported was deeply involved in getting senators and House Republicans on board with the legislation.

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At the end of Friday signing event, Johnson presented Trump with the gavel that was used to close out the House vote for the bill.

I want you to have that, the speaker said.

Are we ready? Trump asked, then slammed the gavel.

This story has been updated with additional details from the signing event.

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WASHINGTON (AP)  President Donald Trump says he didn't know the term shylock is considered antisemitic when he used it in a speech to describe unscrupulous moneylenders.

Trump told reporters early Friday after returning from an event in Iowa that he had never heard it that way and never heard that the term was considered an offensive stereotype about Jews.

Shylock refers to the villainous Jewish moneylender in Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice who demands a pound of flesh from a debtor.

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The Anti-Defamation League, which works to combat antisemitism, said in a statement that the term evokes a centuries-old antisemitic trope about Jews and greed that is extremely offensive and dangerous. President Trumps use of the term is very troubling and irresponsible.

Democrat Joe Biden, while vice president, said in 2014 that he had made a poor choice of words a day after he used the term in remarks to a legal aid group.

Trump's administration has made cracking down on antisemitism a priority. His administration said it is screening for antisemitic activity when granting immigration benefits and its fight with Harvard University has centered on allegations from the White House that the school has tolerated antisemitism.

But the Republican president has also had a history of playing on stereotypes about Jewish people.

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He told the Republican Jewish Coalition in 2015 that you want to control your politicians and suggested the audience used money to exert control.

Before he kicked off his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump drew widespread criticism for dining at his Florida club with a Holocaust-denying white nationalist.

Last year, Trump made repeated comments accusing Jewish Americans who identify as Democrats of disloyalty because of the Democratic leaders' criticisms of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Critics said it perpetuated an antisemitic trope about Jews having divided loyalties and there being only one right way to be Jewish.

On Thursday night in his speech in Iowa, Trump used the term while talking about his signature legislation that was passed by Congress earlier in the day.

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No death tax, no estate tax, no going to the banks and borrowing some from, in some cases, a fine banker and in some cases shylocks and bad people," he said.

When a reporter later asked about the word's antisemitic association and his intent, Trump said; No, Ive never heard it that way. To me, a shylock is somebody thats a money lender at high rates. Ive never heard it that way. You view it differently than me. Ive never heard that."

The Anti-Defamation League said Trump's use of the word underscores how lies and conspiracies about Jews remain deeply entrenched in our country. Words from our leaders matter and we expect more from the President of the United States.
(Bloomberg) -- AustralianSuper is increasing its allocation to unlisted assets as the countrys biggest pension fund works to finalize four private equity deals by the end of the year, according to the firms investment chief.

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We are looking to put on four new private equity managers over this calendar year period and it looks like that is well in train, Mark Delaney said in an interview on Thursday. The team know these managers from working previously with them and they have really good long-term track records in straight-down-the-line, conventional, private equity.

Delaney didnt specify details of the arrangements or names of the fund managers.

The deals follow a build-out of AustralianSupers New York office that now has around 60 people who are partly tasked with developing relationships with private markets fund managers. Delaney held meetings with private equity firms on two trips to New York this year, he said.

Capital raising is very low and generally investing in vintages when raising is low is the best strategy for private equity, so we think its a more attractive asset class, Delaney said.

AustralianSuper said in May the private equity allocation of its balanced investment option could grow to 8% from 5%.

The move comes after a challenging period for the pensions listed equity portfolio as returns were skewed to a handful of companies including the Magnificent Seven group of mega-cap tech firms. The dynamic has not suited our style of portfolio, but performance may improve over time given the funds long-term diversification, across asset classes, he said.

Australias giant pensions have weathered heightened volatility through the year as President Donald Trumps trade agenda and pockets of global conflict have rocked global markets. US stocks initially tumbled after Trumps Liberation Day tariff announcement but have since reversed declines and on Wednesday set a fresh all-time high.

Delaney, who oversees the funds more than A$365 billion ($240 billion) in assets, said while US tariffs would likely slow growth in the economy and corporate profits, that does not warrant a reduced exposure to equities.

There is a strong consensus that tariffs will cause a meaningful slowdown in the US economy but no recession, Delaney said. We dont think its enough for us to go underweight stocks.
By Kanishka Singh and Nandita Bose

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday it would probably be known in 24 hours whether the Palestinian militant group Hamas has agreed to accept what he has called a "final proposal" for an Israel-Hamas ceasefire in Gaza.

The president also said he had spoken to Saudi Arabia about expanding the Abraham Accords, the deal on normalization of ties that his administration negotiated between Israel and some Gulf countries during his first term.

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Trump said on Tuesday Israel had accepted the conditions needed to finalise a 60-day ceasefire with Hamas, during which the parties will work to end the war.

He was asked on Friday if Hamas had agreed to the latest ceasefire deal framework, and said: "We'll see what happens, we are going to know over the next 24 hours."

A source close to Hamas said on Thursday the Islamist group sought guarantees that the new U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal would lead to the end of Israel's war in Gaza.

Two Israeli officials said those details were still being worked out. Dozens of Palestinians were killed on Thursday in Israeli strikes, according to Gaza authorities.

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The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered in October 2023 when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 and taking about 250 hostages, Israeli tallies show.

Gaza's health ministry says Israel's subsequent military assault has killed over 56,000 Palestinians. It has also caused a hunger crisis, internally displaced Gaza's entire population and prompted accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice and of war crimes at the International Criminal Court. Israel denies the accusations.

A previous two month ceasefire ended when Israeli strikes killed more than 400 Palestinians on March 18. Trump earlier this year proposed a U.S. takeover of Gaza, which was condemned globally by rights experts, the U.N. and Palestinians as a proposal of "ethnic cleansing."

ABRAHAM ACCORDS

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Trump made the comments on the Abraham Accords when asked about U.S. media reporting late on Thursday that he had met Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman at the White House.

"It's one of the things we talked about," Trump said. "I think a lot of people are going to be joining the Abraham accords," he added, citing the predicted expansion to the damage faced by Iran from recent U.S. and Israeli strikes.

Axios reported that after the meeting with Trump, the Saudi official spoke on the phone with Abdolrahim Mousavi, chief of Iran's General Staff of the Armed Forces.

Trump's meeting with the Saudi official came ahead of a visit to Washington next week by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh and Nandita Bose in Washington; Editing by Clarence Fernandez and Stephen Coates)
Kyiv said it would protest Washingtons abrupt halt of weapons deliveries during a call between the two countries leaders today, as peace efforts faltered.

US President Donald Trump acknowledged he didnt make any progress in talks with his Russian counterpart Thursday, telephone diplomacy that comes with no end to the conflict in sight.

Moscow hammered several Ukrainian cities overnight in a drone and missile barrage, an attack Ukraines leader labeled massive and cynical for coming just as talks between the American and Russian presidents concluded.

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But while Washingtons tone toward the conflict has shifted  a prospective rapprochement with Moscow has given way to growing criticism  its withdrawal of military support has left Kyiv frustrated.
President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone Thursday, but neither side reported any breakthrough on efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

Trump, who promised on the campaign trail that he could end the war on his first day in office, has been repeatedly frustrated in his efforts to secure an agreement to halt the fighting.

It was a pretty long call. We talked about a lot of things, including Iran. We also talked about the war with Ukraine and Im not happy about that, the president said before boarding Air Force One for a trip to Iowa for an event celebrating the nations 250th anniversary.

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No, I didnt make any progress, he said in response to a follow-up question about discussions on a deal to end the war.

The White House did not provide a readout of the call. But Putin aide Yuri Ushakov said the two leaders did not discuss a recent pause in weapons shipments to Ukraine, which was first reported by POLITICO, in the nearly two-hour long conversation.

When asked about the pause, Trump delivered an ambiguous answer, saying: We havent. Were giving weapons. But weve given so many weapons. But we are giving weapons and were working with them and trying to help them. But we havent.

He added that former President Joe Biden emptied out our whole country giving them weapons, and that the U.S has to make sure we have enough for ourselves.

Trump plans to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday.
The US government is to start sending out letters to countries with details of higher US tariff rates that will begin on 1 August, President Donald Trump has said.

Between 10 to 12 letters will go out on Friday, with more over the coming days, the president told reporters.

The import duties will range from "60% or 70% tariffs to 10 to 20% tariffs," he said, the top end of which is higher than he had previously outlined.

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Trump has set a deadline of 9 July for negotiations over import tax rates as countries scramble to reach deals.

He has previously said there would be a baseline tariff of 10% on many economies up to a 50% maximum.

Trump did not say which countries' goods would face the US taxes, or whether the rates would only apply to certain goods.

"My inclination is to send a letter out and say what tariff they're going to be paying," he told reporters on Thursday. "It's just much easier."

He added: "We're going to be sending some letters out, starting probably tomorrow."

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Tariffs are taxes imposed on goods coming into a country, paid by the importer.

Those firms may choose to swallow the higher costs, but ultimately are likely to pass them on to US consumers.

The idea is to have more money flowing into the US government, and also to make foreign goods more expensive, so boosting demand for US-made goods.

Trump's comments come before a deadline next week that could see steeper duties imposed on goods from a number of countries.

These range from the European Union, which was previously threatened with 20% tariffs later raised to 50%, to Japan, which could face 35% tariffs on its goods.

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The UK and US have partly agreed a trade deal, covering UK cars and US beef and bioethanol, but not steel.

The world's largest economies, China and the US, initially engaged in a tit-for-tat trade war that imposed massive "reciprocal" tariff increases in April.

The US imposed 145% tariffs on Chinese imports, while China put 125% tariffs on some goods.

After negotiations the countries agreed to drop the taxes to 30% and 10% respectively while they negotiate. Last month, the two said they had agreed details over matters such as the export of rare earth materials and the easing of tech restrictions.
President Donald Trump is set to resume tariffs of up to 70 percent on dozens of countries as many trade deals have not materialized.

Trump said the White House would be sending out letters, starting Friday, to 10 countries at a time where trade deals are not yet in place, ahead of the July 9 deadline.

The president didnt specify which countries in his remarks to reporters Thursday, but acknowledged it was complicated to negotiate with over 170 countries.

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So were going to start sending letters out to various countries starting tomorrow, Trump told reporters at Andrews Air Force Base after returning from a rally in Iowa.

Theyll range in value from maybe 60 or 70 percent tariffs to 10 and 20 percent tariffs.

We have more than 170 countries, and how many deals can you make? Trump added. They're very much more complicated.

Trump said that 10 or 12 letters would be sent on Friday, with more going out over the next few days.

President Donald Trump told reporters that letters would be sent out to countries as soon as today after he put a 90-day pause on the reciprocal tariffs he announced in April. (AP)

The president also said by the ninth they will be fully covered, referring to the deadline the administration set for countries to reach a deal in order to swerve higher duties.

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The Independent has contacted the White House for further information.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that about 100 countries could see 10 percent reciprocal tariffs.

Were going to do what the president wants, Bessent told Bloomberg Television Thursday. And hell be the one to determine whether theyre negotiating in good faith.

In April, Trump put a 90-day pause on the reciprocal tariffs he had announced on so-called Liberation Day after the move spooked the stock market.

Trump and his team then promised 90 trade deals in 90 days, but so far only deals with the U.K. and Vietnam have been announced.

Trump and his team promised 90 trade deals in 90 days, but so far only deals with the U.K. and Vietnam have been announced. (PA Wire)

The U.S. and China called a truce after Trump initially slapped tariffs as high as 145 percent on the worlds second largest economy. Goods from China are currently subject to 30 percent tariffs.

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The president said he was not likely to extend the July 9 deadline, adding that a deal with Japan was unlikely.

We've dealt with Japan. I'm not sure we're going to make a deal. I doubt it, Trump said Tuesday.

Bessent said that a framework deal with the EU to avert 50 percent tariffs on all exports was close.

Skeptics say little progress has been made on making trade deals, leaving American businesses to grapple with economic uncertainty.

We were promised 90 deals in 90 days. What we have at this point are general frameworks for the U.K. and China, Marc Short, who served in Trumps first administration as legislative affairs director, told Politico last month.
US President Donald Trump signed his flagship tax and spending bill into law Friday, capping a grandiose White House Independence Day ceremony featuring a stealth bomber fly-by.

"America is winning, winning, winning like never before," Trump said before signing the so-called "One Big Beautiful Bill" while flanked by Republican lawmakers who helped push it through Congress.

Trump also played down criticism by Democrats that the unpopular legislation will slash social welfare programs, saying: "You won't even notice it."

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With First Lady Melania Trump at his side, Trump watched from the White House balcony as two B-2 bombers -- the same type that recently struck Iranian nuclear sites -- roared overhead, accompanied by F-35 and F-22 fighter jets.

The 79-year-old's victory lap came a day after Republicans fell into line and passed the sprawling mega-bill, allowing him to sign it as he had hoped on the Fourth of July holiday.

The bill honors many of Trump's campaign promises: extending tax cuts from his first term, boosting military spending and providing massive new funding for Trump's migrant deportation drive.

- 'Never been anything like it' -

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The legislation's signing caps two weeks of significant wins for Trump that have seen him tighten his grip on power and his party alike.

The successes include the recent Iran-Israel ceasefire that was sealed after what he called the "flawless" US air strikes on Iran.

Pilots who carried out the bombing on Iran were among those invited to the White House event, which included a picnic for military families on the South Lawn.

"The last two weeks, there has never been anything like it, as far as winning," said Trump.

Trump had however forced through the tax bill despite deep misgivings in the Republican Party that it would balloon the national debt.

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The legislation is expected to pile an extra $3.4 trillion over a decade onto the US deficit.

It squeezed past a final vote in the House of Representatives 218-214 after Republican Speaker Mike Johnson worked through the night to corral the final group of dissenters.

Trump thanked Johnson at the White House event, saying: "What a job."

- 'Horrible day' -

Trump's billionaire former ally Elon Musk was among the most vocal critics, and he has pledged to set up a new political party to oppose Republicans who backed the bill.

Democrats and many voters have meanwhile expressed concerns that the "big beatuiful bill" will gut health and welfare support.

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The bill will force through the largest cuts to the Medicaid health insurance program for low-income Americans since its 1960s launch, while also shrinking federal food assistance programs.

Up to 17 million people could lose their insurance coverage under the bill, according to some estimates. Scores of rural hospitals are expected to close as a result.

But Trump played down the concerns.

"They've developed a standard line, and we can't let them get away with it. 'Oh, it's dangerous. Oh, everybody's going to die.' It's actually just the opposite," said Trump.

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Democrats hope public opposition to the bill will help them flip the House in the 2026 midterm election, pointing to data showing that it represents a huge redistribution of wealth from the poorest Americans to the richest.

People attending the Fourth of July parade in Washington on Saturday had mixed feelings.

"Yesterday was a horrible day, today is the best part of America," said Elisabeth Hubir, 70.

dk/jgc
Donald Trump's influence over Congress is proven with the passage of his megabill. A military analysis contradicts Pete Hegseth's stated reason for halting a weapons shipment to Ukraine. And why some feel like the verdict in Sean Combs' trial is a setback for the #MeToo movement.

Heres what to know today.

Trump takes victory lap after Congress advances his agenda

President Donald Trump is expected today to sign the megabill containing many of his agenda priorities after the Republican-led House passed the legislation in a 218-214 vote, capping a tense 24 hours of negotiations and arm-twisting. The Fourth of July signing ceremony at the White House will include fireworks, sources said, and the possibility of a military plane flyover.

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Trump applauded Republicans after the bill passed, writing on social media that the effort signaled a unified Republican Party. He continued celebrating yesterday evening at a rally in Iowa organized to mark Independence Day, telling his audience there was no better birthday present for America than this bill.

This is Morning Rundown, a weekday newsletter to start your day. Sign up here to get it in your inbox.

The 887-page package, dubbed the one big, beautiful bill, includes a tax-cut and spending package that is projected to increase the national debt by $3.3 trillion over a decade. The bill also adds $5 trillion to the debt ceiling.

The House vote yesterday was mostly along party lines, with just two Republicans  Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania  joining all Democrats in voting against the bill. Before the House passed the bill, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries gave the longest House floor speech ever and stalled a vote for over eight hours.

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The bills passage through Congress, regardless of the hurdles along the way, displays Trumps influence over the Republican Party that many of his predecessors would have envied. In a procedural vote Wednesday night that stretched into Thursday morning, Republican critics folded one by one and accepted demands they insisted they wouldnt, thanks to efforts by Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson.

The presidents demands didnt always match reality. For example, the bill includes Medicaid cuts despite Trumps insistence that he wouldnt touch the program. And since Trumps takeover of the Republican Party, its core tenet of fiscal conservatism has been set aside.

So will the bill unleash the economic growth that Trump predicts? Or will the steep cuts in the social safety net alienate some of the same blue-collar voters that Trump wrested from the Democratic coalition? Next years midterm elections will serve as a huge test.

Read the full story here.

More coverage of Trumps megabill:

Bettors are worried about a provision in the bill that some fear could lead to the professional gambling industry folding.

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Two states with Medicaid work rules already in place offer a preview of whats to come.

Federal lands and waters will be opened up for oil and gas drilling, as well as coal mining, under the new law, while key support for solar and wind power will end.

More politics news:

Trump said he didnt make any progress toward a potential ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war when he spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday by phone.

Floridas Alligator Alcatraz immigration detention center has so far received no federal funds despite assurances otherwise from Donald Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis, court documents reveal.

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The judge presiding over Kilmar Abrego Garcia's criminal case directed both the government and Abrego's lawyers to stop making public statements about the case.

The Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to move forward with plans to send eight convicted criminals to South Sudan despite them having no ties to the war-torn country.

Beach closures in several states over fecal bacterial concerns

As millions set out to celebrate Fourth of July weekend, at least five states have issued advisories for certain beaches and lakes that have tested positive for above-safe levels of fecal bacteria. Almost two dozen beaches in Massachusetts are closed, as well as four beaches in New York and three beaches in Michigan. Meanwhile, Illinois has issued at least eight advisories in the past few weeks, and Los Angeles County has released eight ocean water quality advisories. And in North Carolina, officials urged people to keep children and pets away from water that appears bright green, blue or scummy over concerns about cyanobacteria algae blooms.

The bacteria being monitored include E.coli, which is more likely to be found in freshwater, and Enterococcus, which can form in both marine and freshwater. Heres what else to know.

Hegseths reason for halting weapons to Ukraine contrasts military analysis

The Defense Department halted a shipment of U.S. weapons to Ukraine this week over what officials said were concerns about low stockpiles. But an analysis by senior military officers found that the aid package would not jeopardize the American militarys own ammunition supplies, according to three U.S. officials.

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Suspending the shipment of military aid to Ukraine was a unilateral step by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, three congressional aides and a former U.S. official familiar with the matter said. This weeks move blindsided the State Department, members of Congress, officials in Kyiv and European allies, multiple sources said. In fact, some of the weapons had already been loaded onto trucks in Poland and other European countries, only for those handling the shipment to receive word that the delivery had been called off.

While the White House has defended the decision, bipartisan lawmakers have expressed disapproval. Read the full story here.

What the Sean Combs verdict says about the #MeToo movement

People react as verdicts are announced during Sean Combs' trial at Manhattan Federal Court on July 2. (Eduardo Munoz Alvarez / Getty Images)

Dozens of news crews, hundreds of curious bystanders and law enforcement were set up outside the Manhattan courthouse this week when the verdict in Sean Diddy Combs sex-trafficking trial was read. Among them were also influencers, content creators and provocateurs who hoped to boost their online followings. And then there were Combs supporters  some dressed in costumes, others wielding baby oil  who cheered Free Puff! when he was acquitted of racketeering and sex trafficking.

The celebratory mood among Combs supporters stood in contrast to the reactions from some sexual assault survivors and advocates who feel the trials outcome was a devastating step back for the #MeToo movement, which gained prominence in 2017 after producer Harvey Weinstein was accused of assault.

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In the years since the movement took hold, it has suddenly started to shift to Dont believe all women, or Women are liars, said Kaja Sokola, who was one of three women who testified in Weinsteins May retrial. Nicole Bedera, a sociologist who studies sexual violence, said she were in a new era where instead of people trying to convince us not to believe survivors, they tell us the survivors deserved it. Read the full story here.

Meanwhile, Combs team described the verdict as a great victory. But Combs did not come out of the trial scot-free, with the jury convicting him on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. His future in the music industry will depend heavily on how he owns up to the freak offs and other transgressions that his legal team didnt dispute.

Read All About It

Michael Madsen, a prolific character actor known for his frequent collaborations with filmmaker Quentin Tarantino, has died at the age of 67.

Men in the U.S. are spending a record-high amount of time on household activities, a new analysis found. These charts show which tasks theyre tackling most.

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ICE agents arrested renowned Mexican boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. outside his Los Angeles home on allegations that he is involved in organized crime and trafficking and is an affiliate of the Sinaloa Cartel.

Indie rock band Velvet Sundown is gaining traction on Spotify, but some critics are convinced the band and its music are 100% AI-generated.

The 2025 Tour de France kicks off this weekend, promising another showdown between two frontrunners and a more challenging finish to the race.

Staff Pick: ICE shut down this Latino market  without even showing up

Mikayla Whitmore for NBC News

Latinos across the Las Vegas Valley have flocked to the thriving Broadacres Market, a massive swap meet where items like semilla pipianera, micheladas and banana leaves are part of the standard fare. With little warning, the marketplace, which has been in operation for nearly 50 years, announced that it was closing indefinitely.

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The reason? To avoid an ICE raid, which recently happened at another swap meet in Southern California that the Broadacres owners also manage. The act of caution has further affected small business owners who run the stalls and the shoppers who rely on them for food and community.

As a family, were facing questions like: What are we going to do about the mortgage payment, with groceries? How are we going to recover from this? Rico Ocampo  whose family has run their business selling nuts, seeds, cheeses, and other goods at Broadacres for 20 years  told reporter Denise Chow, who spoke to Ocampo and other community members reeling from the markets sudden closure. Ocampos familys stock is slowly running out, and with it, the safety of their steady business, as they call on lawmakers and Broadacres management to do something to protect those whose lives might be disrupted by an ICE raid.  Michelle Garcia, BLK editorial director

NBC Select: Online Shopping, Simplified

July Fourth is here, and so are the sales. Here are 50 deals worth checking out, with discounts on brands like Apple, Yeti, Dyson and more. And get up to 80% off during Amazons Fourth of July sale, which has deals on TVs, mattresses, outdoor gear and more.

Sign up to The Selection newsletter for hands-on product reviews, expert shopping tips and a look at the best deals and sales each week.

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This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
By Trevor Hunnicutt

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump signed into law a massive package of tax and spending cuts at the White House on Friday, staging an outdoor ceremony on the Fourth of July holiday that took on the air of a Trump political rally.

With military jets flying overhead and hundreds of supporters in attendance, Trump signed the bill one day after the Republican-controlled House of Representatives narrowly approved the signature legislation of the president's second term.

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The bill, which will fund Trump's immigration crackdown, make his 2017 tax cuts permanent, and is expected to knock millions of Americans off health insurance, was passed with a 218-214 vote after an emotional debate on the House floor.

"I've never seen people so happy in our country because of that, because so many different groups of people are being taken care of: the military, civilians of all types, jobs of all types," Trump said at the ceremony, thanking House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune for leading the bill through the two houses of Congress.

"So you have the biggest tax cut, the biggest spending cut, the largest border security investment in American history," Trump said.

Trump scheduled the ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House for the July 4 Independence Day holiday, replete with a flyover by stealth bombers and fighter jets like those that took part in the recent U.S. strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran. Hundreds of Trump supporters attended, including White House aides, members of Congress, and military families.

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After a speech that included boastful claims about the ascendance of America on his watch, Trump signed the bill, posed for pictures with Republican congressional leaders and members of his cabinet, and waded through the crowd of happy supporters.

The bill's passage amounts to a big win for Trump and his Republican allies, who have argued it will boost economic growth, while largely dismissing a nonpartisan analysis predicting it will add more than $3 trillion to the nation's $36.2 trillion debt.

While some lawmakers in Trump's party expressed concerns over the bill's price tag and its hit to healthcare programs, in the end just two of the House's 220 Republicans voted against it, joining all 212 Democrats in opposition.

The tense standoff over the bill included a record-long floor speech by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who spoke for eight hours and 46 minutes, blasting the bill as a giveaway to the wealthy that would strip low-income Americans of federally-backed health insurance and food aid benefits.

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Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin predicted the law would cost Republicans votes in congressional elections in 2026.

"Today, Donald Trump sealed the fate of the Republican Party, cementing them as the party for billionaires and special interests - not working families," Martin said in a statement. "This legislation will hang around the necks of the GOP for years to come. This was a full betrayal of the American people. Today, we are putting Republicans on notice: you will lose your majority."

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt and Timothy Gardner in Washington and Andrea Shalal in Bridgewater, New Jersey; Writing by Daniel Trotta and Nathan Layne; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Rosalba O'Brien)
President Donald Trump has signed his Big, Beautiful Bill into law.

The bill passed 218-214 in the House of Representatives on Thursday, with every Democrat and two Republicans voting against it. The Senate passed it 51-50 earlier this week following a tie-breaking vote from Vice President JD Vance.

The bill signing was blurred with an Independence Day celebration  the Military Family Picnic  on the White Houses South Lawn. The 887-page bill provides sweeping tax cuts while curbing access to Medicaid and food access programs for millions of Americans. The legislation also provides billions more for defense and immigration enforcement.

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Trump signed the bill surrounded by allies. House Speaker Mike Johnson gifted him the gavel he used to announce the bills passage in the House.

With First Lady Melania Trump by his side, the president spoke to the crowd at the picnic, claiming the bill he was about to sign would put the country on a rocket ship economically.

President Donald Trump bangs a gavel gifted to him by Speaker Mike Johnson after he signed the 'Big, Beautiful Bill' on Friday (AP)

Were going to make official the greatest victory yet, when I sign the One Big, Beautiful Bill, Trump said.

What we've done is put everything into one bill. It's never happened before. It's the biggest bill of its type in history, he added.

Trump also claimed the bill implements no tax on Social Security for our great seniors. The bill does not eliminate taxes on Social Security. Instead, it introduces a temporary tax deduction that beneficiaries can claim to lower the amount of federal income tax they pay, according to CBS MoneyWatch. This temporary tax deduction applies to all income, not just Social Security.

President Donald Trump signs his 'Big, Beautiful Bill' on the White House's South Lawn (REUTERS)

The bill faced opposition from both sides of the aisle before it was narrowly passed. Despite initial holdouts by several GOP members, Representatives Thomas Massie and Brian Fitzpatrick were the only two Republicans who voted against it. Massie cited concerns about increasing the national debt, while Fitzpatrick said he was not in favor of cuts to Medicaid.

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Democrats also railed against the bill, citing the cuts to assistance programs that help low-income families. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries broke the chambers record for the longest floor speech as he sought to delay the bills passage.

President Donald Trump holds the 'Big, Beautiful Bill' after signing it on the White House's South Lawn (AP)

Trump appeared to hit out at Jeffries nearly nine-hour speech.

You saw that guy standing up for hours yesterday, didnt know what he was even doing there, Trump remarked. I say What, is he sitting down? He had a towel, he was wiping his face. That's not too elegant  I said, What is he doing for so long? And he couldn't criticize the bill. He was criticizing everyone else and everything else.

Trump also accused Democratic lawmakers of either hating him or the U.S.

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The Democrats, they should have voted for it. They didn't vote for tax cuts, they didn't vote for taking care of people, they didn't vote, not one vote, he said. And we knew that, because the hatred of either the country, or me, or both, is so great they didn't vote at all, and it's terrible.

President Donald Trump speaks at the White House with First Lady Melania Trump as he prepares to sign his 'Big, Beautiful Bill' (AP)

Trump thanked several allies as he spoke at the White House on Friday, including Vance, Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise. He went on to tell the crowd about meeting Scalises wife while the lawmaker had a medical scare.

I've seen a lot of wives, they don't seem to be so concerned in those situations, Trump said. That's the kind of wife you don't want. But you have a great, beautiful wife who was really there.

Trump also thanked his wife as his remarks came to an end.

First Lady, I want to thank you, he said. You have been unbelievable.
President Donald Trump signed his so-called big, beautiful bill into law on Friday, crystallizing a major legislative victory for his administration that will devastate millions of Americans nationwide.

This is a triumph of democracy on the birthday of democracy, and I have to say, the people are happy, Trump said Friday from the White House balcony during the annual White House Fourth of July picnic.

He called it the most popular bill ever signed in the history of the United States, adding that America is winning, winning, winning like never before.

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House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) managed to deliver the legislation to the presidents desk ahead of his self-imposed July 4 deadline as almost every GOP lawmaker who had expressed reservations about the giant bill fell in line.

The president celebrated its passage in the House Thursday, declaring that the people of the United States of America will be Richer, Safer, and Prouder than ever before, in a post on his Truth Social platform.

The controversial 900-page document, though, extends the tax cuts Trump passed during his first term in office for wealthier households which were due to expire this year, in part by making over $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid that are expected to result in about 12 millions of Americans losing their health insurance by 2034, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. The legislation will slash food assistance for low-income people and children by $285 billion and put both nursing homes and rural hospitals at serious risk. It will also make it harder for people to qualify for federal student loans.

Trump is set to get more money to execute his cruel immigration policy, with immigration authorities set to receive $150 billion, including $45 billion for new detention centers and $29 billion for new Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

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The presidents sweeping domestic policy bill is expected to increase the national debt by over $3.3 trillion in the next decade, the CBO said, exposing the GOPs hypocrisy on fiscal responsibility concerns.

Democrats believe some of the unpopular elements of the bill could help their performance in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, seizing the opportunity to create a contrast with the GOP, as a recent Quinnipiac University poll showed just 29% of Americans support the legislation. But Republicans appeared to realize the political risk at hand and made sure the Medicaid cuts wont take effect until late 2026.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), who broke the record for the longest speech on the lower chambers floor ahead of the vote, warned that people will die as a result of the bill, decrying it as an all-out Republican assault on health care.

Despite Jeffries calls on Republicans to join Democrats in opposing the legislation, only two GOP members, Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.) and Thomas Massie (Ky.), ended up opposing the bill in the final House vote on Thursday. Just three Senate Republicans, Thom Tillis (N.C.), Susan Collins (Maine) and Rand Paul (Ky.), voted no in the upper chambers vote earlier this week.

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Before he spoke about the bill, Trump rambled about how great Americas military is, claiming its at its highest enlistment numbers, and how his last six months in office have been the most successful six months for a president ever.

Our country is more proud right now than it has been in many, many years, Trump said. We have pride, we have dignity.

Paige Skinner contributed reporting.

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Donald Trump, who promised to end the Ukraine war on day one of his second presidency, is apparently still getting nowhere with Vladimir Putin five months in.

The U.S. president spoke with his Russian counterpart for about an hour on Thursday morning, according to The New York Times, and discussed, among other issues, ending the war in Ukraine.

We had a call, it was a pretty long call. We talked about a lot of things, including Iran, Trump told reporters. And we also talked about, as you know, the war with Ukraine.

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Im not happy about that, he added. I didnt make any progress with him today at all.

It was the sixth known time the leaders have spoken since Trump took office in January.

Donald Trump shakes hands with Vladimir Putin during a joint press conference in Helsinki, Finland, on July 16, 2018. / Xinhua News Agency / Xinhua News Agency via Getty Images

Trumps efforts to bring about a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire have largely stalled. On the campaign trail last year, he repeatedly pledged to end the conflict within 24 hours of returning to the White House, or before I even become president. After taking office, he claimed he was being sarcastic.

His long-held admiration for the Russian autocrat wavered in May after Moscow launched a major airstrike in Ukraine, marking a humiliation for Trumps ongoing attempts to broker peace between the long-warring nations.

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Ive always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY! Trump wrote on Truth Social at the time.

A Kremlin spokesperson on Thursday said Trump had broached bringing a quick end to the hostilities, but Moscow will not back down from its objectives in Ukraine.

The conversation was frank, businesslike, and specific, Putin aide Yuri Ushakov said, adding that the presidents, naturally, will continue their communication in the near future.
President Donald Trump basked in victory Thursday, celebrating the passage of his sweeping domestic policy agenda in a demonstration of his dominance over Republicans in Congress.

The president capped what was arguably the most successful week of his second term with a campaign-style speech in Iowa, where he said the megabill would usher in a period of prosperity.

There could be no better birthday present for America than the phenomenal victory we achieved just hours ago in Congress passing that one big, beautiful bill to make America great again, Trump said, donning a ruby-colored USA hat and tie that matched a sea of supporters dressed in red apparel.

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Just hours after House Republicans crossed the finish line on the megabill  which extends tax cuts and slashes funding for social safety programs  the president delivered a speech at the Salute To America event at the Iowa State Fairgrounds ahead of the 250th anniversary of Americas independence.

I have another hat here that says Donald Trump was right about everything, and I said, No, no, that sounds a little bit too conceited, he said when boasting about the bill. But it happens to be true.

The speech was the culmination of an intense week of lobbying by the president and his allies.

Trump reportedly worked the phones on and off for 20 hours on Wednesday, making calls to GOP holdouts who objected to elements of the bill, including cuts to Medicaid benefits and the trillions it will add to the national debt.

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A senior administration official said Thursday in a call with reporters after the bill passed that Trump did not make any threats to primary members of Congress  but the Republican caucus is more than aware of his clout.

The membership well understands the presidents political power and ultimately they want his political power to be used for their benefit, the official said. The president always preserves his political prerogative, but he has already endorsed a number of members for reelection, and I expect he will endorse many more in coming weeks and months.

Before departing for Iowa, Trump spoke with reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, where he was asked about his political power. I think I have more power now, he said, referring to his first term. I think I probably do because we have a great record of success. My first term was very, very successful. We had the greatest economy in the history of our country. I think we are going to blow it away this term.

Trump teased legislation that his administration is crafting to allow migrant workers without legal status to work on farms amid his mass deportation campaign. He gave no details but suggested they would not be subjected to enforcement actions under Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

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If a farmer is willing to vouch for these people, in some way Kristi [Noem], were going to have to just say, thats good, he said.

Serious radical right people, who I also happen to like a lot, they might not be quite as happy, but they will understand.

During the speech, Trump praised the Republican caucus for coming together on the megabill  while not mincing words on his feelings toward Democrats. They wouldnt vote, only because they hate Trump, he said. I hate them too. I really do. I hate them. I cannot stand them, because I really do believe they hate our country.

He later attacked the media for quoting him without noting that some of his remarks are intended as sarcasm. You cant be sarcastic as a politician, he said. Well, if youre me.
Donald Trump has threatened to impose a punitive 17pc tariff on French wines, Spanish olive oil and Italian cheese as he pressures the EU to strike a trade deal.

US officials have proposed the rate on EU agricultural products unless an agreement can be struck between the two sides by Wednesday, when a 90-day pause of Mr Trumps liberation day tariffs expires.

The EU was handed a 20pc tariff rate on April 2, which was cut to 10pc for the 90-day pause. Mr Trump threatened 50pc in late May.

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It was not immediately clear whether the 17pc rate would be in addition to whatever baseline tariff takes effect from next week. EU officials said it marked a worrying escalation ahead of the July 9 deadline.

The US is the EUs second largest buyer of agricultural exports, spending 31bn (26bn) with the bloc last year. Major EU exports include wines, spirits, beer, chocolate, cheese and olive oil.

A senior Trump administration official said there had been productive talks with the EU. Things were moving fast, he added. We feel optimistic that well strike a deal, he said.

The latest threat was made on Thursday to Maros Sefcovic, the EU trade commissioner, who was engaged in trade talks in Washington.

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An EU diplomat said: It was put on the table but Commission pushed back hard and US at that point did not seem to be too insistent. To be seen therefore how strong this US position is.

On Friday night, the European Commission said it would now re-engage with the US on substance over the weekend. However, it added: We are preparing for the possibility that no satisfactory agreement is reached.

Olof Gill, the European Commission spokesman, said: The EU position has been clear from the outset: we favour a negotiated solution with the US, and this remains our priority.

The bloc seems resigned to at least the baseline tariff of 10pc, even though Marc Ferracci, the French industry minister, on Friday described this as not a good deal.

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The EU is trying to get a UK-like quota for cars and car parts to avoid a 25pc tariff on some of those exports. Brussels is also worried about sectoral tariffs on pharmaceuticals, wine, computer chips and aircraft.

The idea is to get a deal in principle basically allowing for talks to continue without much change to the status quo, a second EU diplomat told The Telegraph.

Mr Trump has threatened to impose tariffs of up to 70pc on countries that fail to strike a deal in the clearest sign yet that the US president is willing to revive his global trade war.

Speaking before his 90-day pause on global tariffs ends on July 9, Mr Trump said he plans to start contacting countries about new levies as early as Friday.

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Were going to start sending letters out to various countries, starting tomorrow, he told reporters late on Thursday night, claiming that import taxes would range in value from maybe 60pc or 70pc tariffs to 10pc and 20pc tariffs.

This marks a significant increase in the tax hit that some countries could face, as his previous threats have seldom gone beyond 50pc.

It also suggests the president has given up on some of Americas dealmaking efforts even before the scheduled the end of the tariffs suspension.

Scott Bessent, the US treasury secretary, says talks with some key countries might stretch into early September - Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters

Trading partners including the European Union, Japan, South Korea, India and Indonesia are racing to get deals with the White House wrapped up before next Wednesday.

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Mr Trump would not be drawn on which countries were in the Friday firing line. Only Britain, China and Vietnam have landed deals with the White House so far.

However, markets appear to be shrugging off the prospect of a hefty tariff blow to global trade, taking Mr Trumps threats as either bluster or negotiating tactics.

Investors assume that if 70pc taxes are announced, Trump will retreat, said Paul Donovan, the chief economist at UBS Global Wealth Management.

There is also a widespread expectation that the tariff pause, which began shortly after Mr Trumps liberation day tariffs announcements on April 2, could be extended for countries negotiating in good faith.

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Scott Bessent, the US treasury secretary, last week said talks with some key countries might stretch into early September. But Mr Trump, asked on Thursday if there was any flexibility around the July 9 deadline, said: Not really.

Theyll start to pay [tariffs] on August 1, the money will start to come into the United States on August 1 in pretty much all cases, he said.

Some trading partners hope to emulate the deals with Britain, China and Vietnam, which each began as a vague statement of principles. This warded off the worst of the tariffs, with a commitment to thrash out the details later.

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, on Thursday said Brussels was aiming for an agreement in principle by next Wednesday, as a detailed deal was impossible in that time frame.

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Mr Trump has said he expects to land a deal with India, but has cast doubt on the prospects of an accord with Japan.

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President Donald Trump said, Our country has had so much to celebrate this Independence Day as we enter our 249th year. Americas winning, winning, winning like never before, before signing his big, beautiful bill into law Friday. Multiple Republican members of Congress showed up at the White House for the Fourth of July signing and applauded as Trump showed the camera his signature on what he has described as a declaration of independence from a national decline and then repeatedly banged a gavel handed to him by House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.

We have officially made the Trump tax cuts permanent. Thats the largest tax cut in the history of our country, the president said. Were setting all sorts of economic records right now, and thats before this kicks in. After this kicks in, our country is going to be a rocket ship, economically.

The bills passage and signing constitute a major policy win for a second-term president who displayed complete control over the Republican Party  not only by getting the bill passed but also by getting it passed by his self-imposed July 4 deadline.

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Senate Majority Leader John Thune was among the Republicans who originally wanted to carry out Trumps bill in two distinct legislative measures, but Trump wanted one big, beautiful bill. And he got it.

Every single swing seat Republican who voted to gut healthcare must be held accountable in the midterm election.  Hakeem Jeffries (@hakeemjeffries) July 4, 2025

The passage of the massive, nearly 900-page package followed the GOPs decision to ignore the Congressional Budget Offices finding that the bill will increase the national debt by $3.3 trillion over a decade and use a trick known as current policy baseline to obscure the true cost of the plan. The legislation passed over the objections of a few Republicans and every Democrat in the House and the Senate.

The Republicans in the House of Representatives have just passed the ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL ACT, Trump wrote on his social media platform after the bill passed the House of Representatives on a 218-214 vote Thursday. Our Party is UNITED like never before and, our Country is HOT.

With that phrasing, Trump unintentionally alluded to the number of Americans who are heated over the bill, with its extension of tax cuts for the wealthy, its slashing of Medicaid, food stamps and clean energy funding and its massive budget increases for ICE and the U.S. military. NBC News reported on five polls near the end of June, with none showing support for the bill or its major provisions rising above 38%.

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On Thursday, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., channeling the general sentiments of the Democratic Party, called it a big, ugly bill and a disgusting abomination.

Ignoring the policy disagreements that compelled Democrats to unanimously oppose his bill, Trump told a crowd in Des Moines, Iowa, that they opposed it only because they hate Trump. He added: But I hate them, too, you know? I really do. I hate them. I cannot stand them, because I really believe they hate our country.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
[Source]

President Donald Trump said he plans to send a letter to Mr Japan warning of renewed U.S. tariffs if no trade agreement is reached by July 9. Speaking to Fox News on July 1, Trump said: I could send one to Japan: Dear Mr Japan, heres the story, youre going to pay a 25 percent tariff on your cars.

Stalled negotiations

Negotiations between the two countries have stalled since April 2, when Trump imposed a 10% baseline tariff on Japanese goods along with higher reciprocal duties of 25% on autos and 24% on other products.

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The administration paused these tariffs for 90 days to allow talks to continue. U.S. officials have since pressed Japan to open its rice market and accept continued auto tariffs. Japanese leaders have resisted, citing political sensitivities in agriculture and manufacturing ahead of national elections on July 20.

Trending on NextShark: Trump admin expands efforts to strip naturalized Americans of citizenship

No extension planned

Ruling out any extension of the tariff pause, Trump said: Im not sure were going to make a deal. I doubt it, he said. He warned that duties could climb to 30% or 35% depending on the outcome of negotiations. Trump also criticized Japan on Truth Social for refusing to accept American rice despite a domestic shortage

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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that unless agreements are finalized by July 9, tariffs will revert to rates between 11% and 50%.

Trending on NextShark: Asian immigrants among Guantanamo Bays newest detainees

Japans response

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said Trumps comments could be based on misunderstanding or misinformation. We hear President Trump say no U.S. cars are running in Japan and that we are not importing [U.S.] rice. He pointed out that Japan has imported record volumes of American rice under tarifffree quotas.

Economy Minister Ryosei Akazawa, who also leads tariff talks, affirmed that Japan would not sacrifice farmers in trade negotiations, emphasizing that a 25% auto tariff is not something we can accept.

Trending on NextShark: Trump warns 'Mr Japan' of steep tariffs ahead of July 9 deadline

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.

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By Andrea Shalal and Max Hunder

WASHINGTON/KYIV (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump said Ukraine would need Patriot missiles for its defenses, after speaking with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday, and voiced frustration over Russian President Vladimir Putin's failure to end the fighting.

Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he had a good call with Zelenskiy, repeating that he was "very unhappy" about his call with Putin a day earlier, given what he called the Russian leader's refusal to work on a ceasefire.

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Asked whether the United States would agree to supply more Patriot missiles to Ukraine, as requested by Zelenskiy, Trump said: "They're going to need them for defense... They're going to need something because they're being hit pretty hard."

Trump touted the efficacy of the Patriot missiles, calling the weapon "pretty amazing."

Asked about the prospects for a ceasefire, Trump said, "Its a very tough situation... I was very unhappy with my call with President Putin. He wants to go all the way, just keep killing people - its no good."

Zelenskiy said he had agreed to work on increasing Kyiv's capability to "defend the sky" as Russian attacks escalate, adding in a message on Telegram that he discussed joint defense production, as well as joint purchases and investments with the U.S. leader.

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Ukraine has been asking Washington to sell it more Patriot missiles and systems that it sees as key to defending its cities from intensifying Russian air strikes.

A decision by Washington to halt some shipments of weapons to Ukraine prompted warnings by Kyiv that the move would weaken its ability to defend against Russia's airstrikes and battlefield advances. Germany said it is in talks on buying Patriot air defense systems to bridge the gap.

A source briefed on the Trump-Zelenskiy call told Reuters they were optimistic that supplies of Patriot missiles could resume after what they called a "very good" conversation between the presidents.

RUSSIA PUMMELS KYIV

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Trump said he also spoke with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz about Ukraine's request for Patriot missiles but that no decision had been made to supply the advanced missiles.

U.S. news outlet Axios reported, citing unnamed sources, that the call lasted around 40 minutes and that Trump told Zelenskiy he would check what U.S. weapons due to be sent to Ukraine, if any, had been put on hold.

Zelenskiy, in his nightly video address, said he and Trump had agreed to "arrange a meeting between our teams to strengthen air defenses.

"We had a very detailed discussion on joint production. We need it, America needs it."

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The conversation came a day after Trump said he had a disappointing call with Putin.

Russia pummeled Kyiv with the largest drone attack of the war across the capital hours after Trump's conversation with Putin on Thursday.

Zelenskiy called the attack "deliberately massive and cynical."

Kyiv in the past received Patriot batteries and ammunition from the U.S. in the form of aid under then-President Joe Biden.

Trump criticized him for sending weapons to Ukraine without getting anything in return, and since taking office has overseen a dramatic shake-up of relations with Kyiv.

(Reporting by Andrea Shalal, Max Hunder, Doina Chiacu, Tim Gardner and Frank Jack Daniel; Editing by Louise Heavens, Peter Graff, Sharon Singleton, Hugh Lawson, Ron Popeski and William Mallard)
The Brief

The "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" passed its second vote in the House and heads to President Trump to sign into law.

The bill cuts spending on Medicaid, food stamps and other programs as a way to help cover the cost of extending tax cuts.

According to the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, upwards of 750,000 Georgians could lose access to healthcare.

President Donald Trumps "big beautiful bill" passed its second vote in the House on Thursday after a rocky few days in Congress.

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President Trump is now expected to sign it into law, possibly on July 4.

Whats in the new big, beautiful bill?

Big picture view

The 940-page "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," as it is now formally titled, cuts spending on Medicaid, food stamps and other programs as a way to help cover the cost of extending tax cuts.

The spending bills priority is $4.5 trillion in tax breaks passed in President Donald Trump's first term, in 2017, that would expire if Congress failed to act, along with new ones. 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.

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There's also a $350-billion investment in national security and Trump's deportation agenda and to help develop the "Golden Dome" defensive system over the U.S.

To neutralize the costs of lost tax revenue, the spending bill includes $1.2 trillion in cutbacks to Medicaid healthcare and food stamps, largely by imposing new work requirements, including for some parents and older people, and a massive rollback of green energy investments.

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 03: U.S. Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-CA) sits on the steps outside the U.S. Capitol during the procedural vote on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on July 03, 2025 in Washington, DC. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA), President Donald Trump and other Republicans are scrambling to gather enough support to begin debate on Trump's sweeping tax and spending bill. (Photo by Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)

According to the Associated Press, the Congressional Budget Office estimates the spending package will add $3.3 trillion to the deficit over the next decade and 11.8 million more people will go without health coverage.

The president and Republican leaders say the massive reform bill is part of their plan to cut waste, fraud, and abuse. But critics argue millions of low-income Americans could lose vital healthcare coverage.

Big, beautiful bill impact on Georgians

Local perspective

In Georgia, that could mean hundreds of thousands of low-income individuals would lose health insurance.

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Cassandra Alexander-Green is 66-years-old, retired, and lives with autoimmune deficiencies. Her treatment costs a significant amount of money.

"I have to take all these different medications just to survive," she said. "I have a medication I take that costs $6,000 for two shots a month."

Alexander-Green takes home less than $900 a month. She says Medicaid is her life line.

"I totally depend on it when it comes to my healthcare," she said.

Cassandra Alexander-Green is 66-years-old, retired, and lives with autoimmune deficiencies. She says Medicaid is her life line and is worried about the cuts that would happen when the 'big, beautiful bill' is signed into law.

Leah Chan is with the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute. She says the impending cuts put hundreds of thousands of Georgians at risk.

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"Were looking at upwards of 750,000 Georgians losing access to healthcare, Chan said. "It means more Georgians saddled with crushing medical debt and the inability to see the doctor, fill prescriptions and stay healthy."

Alexander-Green worries the cuts will sever her life line.

"Without being able to pay for my medication, I can go ahead and die," she said.

The cuts will not kick in right away. Most are scheduled to begin in 2027, but the work requirements are slated to start in 2026.

The Source

Information in this article was taken from the results of a House vote on July 3, 2025. Background information was taken from The Associated Press and FOX News. Additional information was provided by the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute.
Three Democratic Senators have launched an investigation into U.S. President Donald Trump's refusal to impose new sanctions against Russia, the legislators announced in a joint statement on July 3.

Since taking office in January, Trump has passed no new sanctions against Moscow. In some cases, he has even eased restrictions, even as Russia intensifies its full-scale war against Ukraine.

Senate Democrats Jeanne Shaheen, Elizabeth Warren, and Chris Coons called on the administration to impose new penalties on the Kremlin and said they planned to investigate Trump's "five-month pause" on sanctions.

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"Americans should be asking why a president who says he wants to end a major war is instead letting the aggressor run rampant," the senators said in a joint statement issued July 3.

The statement followed an analysis by the New York Times (NYT), published July 2, which found that Washington's slowed momentum on sanctions created more opportunities for shell companies to funnel sanctioned goods into Russia.

Former U.S. President Joe Biden imposed an average of 170 new sanctions per month on entities tied to Moscow between 2022-2024, according to the NYT. Overall, the Biden administration slapped 6,200 penalties on individuals, businesses, ships, and aircraft connected to Russia.

Without new sanctions to maintain pressure on Moscow, the effects of the Biden sanctions regime have begun to erode, the NYT reported. An analysis of trade records and other data. showed that over 130 companies in China and Hong Kong are advertising sales of sanctioned computer chips to Russia. Despite this illegal activity, none of the companies have been sanctioned.

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Read also: Ukraine scrambles to clarify extent of US military aid pause and whether everything will continue

"On top of halting key assistance to Ukraine, President Trump has blocked regular updates to our sanctions and export controls for five months and countingenabling a growing wave of evaders in China and around the world to continue supplying Russia's war machine," Senators Shaheen, Warren, and Coons said in their statement.

The senators called on Trump to "actively enforce the existing sanctions against Russia" and urged the administration to partner with EU and G7 nations to mount pressure on Moscow.

"Instead of taking clearly available steps to pressure the aggressors, President Trump is doing nothing and we will be investigating this missed opportunity to push for an end to this war," they said.

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Along with letting U.S. sanctions on the Kremlin go stagnant, the Trump administration has removed sanctions on Karina Rotenberg, the wife of a key ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and notably exempted Russia from its sweeping "Liberation Day" tariffs.

reportedly obstructed bipartisan congressional efforts to target the Russian economy. Trump has asked Republican senators to weaken a proposed sanctions bill and has urged delays in a vote on the legislation.

The bipartisan sanctions bill, introduced by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Senate Democrat Richard Blumenthal, seeks to impose a 500% tariff on imports from countries that continue purchasing Russian oil and raw materials.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Putin tells Trump Russia wont back down from its war aims in Ukraine

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
NEW BERN, N.C. (WNCT)  The Glorious Fourth event was held at Tryon Palace Historic Site early Friday, July 4, 2025, to commemorate Independence Day.

The celebration opened to the public at 9:00 a.m., allowing everyone to walk around and enjoy the sights around Tryon Palace, as well as listen to the Fife and Drum Corps. Minges Bottling Group provided Pepsi products, as well as water, to help keep everyone hydrated.

Many families and friends gathered around to join in on the celebration, with some returning for another year or for the first time. Members of The Enforcers Motorcycle Group, Tony Powers, Don Josker, Mark Mercurio, and Mike Caplis, talked about their excitement to be enjoying the celebration for the first time this year.

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We were looking for something to do for the Fourth of July together, so we found this on the website and thought what a great thing to do, Mark Mercurio said. Enforcing Americas freedoms, what a better way to spend the Fourth of July listening to the Declaration of Independence being read off today.

Then at 10:00 a.m., the Fife and Drum Corps paraded from the Palace front gates to the Palaces south entry gates. This was followed by a surprise guest appearance by Governor Josh Stein, who gave a speech leading up to the live reading of the Declaration of Independence. To top off the event, the militia fired their muskets.

There were many other events to take part in following this celebration, including the Caswells Capitol tour and the stitching of a panel on North Carolinas 250th-anniversary tapestry by members of the Embroidery Guild of America.

For more events happening at Tryon Palace, visit their website here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has entered into a new partnership with Colorado Springs Airport (COS) to support the Citys military community.

According to the TSA, the new agreement will enhance the travel experience for members of the U.S. military community as part of a national campaign. Active-duty service members and their families will have expedited access at TSA PreCheck lanes at COS.

For military service members and their families, including those near Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base, and the U.S. Air Force Academy, COS will offer front-of-the-line privileges. Services will also be provided for military members and their families traveling through the state of Colorado. Additionally, on certain days when larger crowds are expected, COS may open a dedicated screening lane for members of the military community.

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We are proud to support our military members as they travel through COS, said TSA Federal Security Director for Colorado Douglas Cruz. TSA COS has a strong partnership with our local armed forces community, and expanding TSA PreCheck benefits will directly assist the approximately 40,000 active-duty service members and their families stationed in the Colorado Springs area. TSA is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of military families by ensuring their travel is convenient and stress-free.

TSA will also provide benefits for the military community:

Gold Star families can enroll in TSA PreCheck at no cost.

Spouses of active-duty personnel can receive a $25 discount on the TSA PreCheck enrollment fee.

TSA PreCheck remains free for uniformed service members.

More information can be found on TSAs website.

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Bath & Body Works, Inc. (NYSE:BBWI) is one of These 10 Stocks Went Bulletproof.

Bath & Body Works jumped by 7.31 percent on Tuesday to close at $32.15 apiece as investor sentiment was largely fueled by the improving trade relations between the US and its key trading partners.

On Tuesday, Bloomberg reported that the European Union was open to accepting President Donald Trumps trade arrangement as the two parties scramble to reach an agreement by the July 9 deadline, although it wants the US to lower tariffs on critical industries such as automotive, steel, and aluminum.

Bath & Body (BBWI) Works Jumps 7.3% on Improving Global Trade

A female customer browsing a variety of body care products in a retail store.

The trade negotiations followed the USs trade deals with the UK and China earlier last month, sparking hopes for broader global trade stability.

The development spilled over to companies with high exposure to international trade, such as Bath & Body Works, Inc. (NYSE:BBWI), as improving trade relations sparked confidence for their future growth.

It can be recalled that Bath & Body Works, Inc. (NYSE:BBWI) previously lowered its annual sales forecast below expectations amid uncertainties in consumer spending due to the global trade tensions. While the majority of its products are produced in the US, it sources components from other countries.

While we acknowledge the potential of BBWI as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires.
By Johan Ahlander and Ezgi Erkoyun

STOCKHOLM/ISTANBUL (Reuters) -One of Sweden's most-wanted suspected gang leaders was taken into custody in Turkey on Friday during a raid on suspected drug traffickers, in what Swedish police described as a major success in the battle against organised crime.

"The arrest is the result of targeted work over time between the Turkish and Swedish judicial systems," Swedish police said in a statement.

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The statement did not identify the suspect, but a Swedish police source and Turkey's TRT Haber state television broadcaster said he was Ismail Abdo, 35, a Swedish-Turkish dual citizen.

More than 12 people have been killed in Sweden since 2023, including Abdo's mother, in what police have described as a gang war between Abdo and a former ally.

TRT Haber reported that Abdo was among 19 suspects detained as part of a major investigation into organised criminal groups involved in international drug trafficking and money laundering.

Authorities also seized assets worth around 1.5 billion Turkish lira ($38 million). Arrest warrants were issued for a further 21 suspects, with four still at large, 14 believed to be abroad and three already in custody on other charges.

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In Sweden, the capture of Abdo will provide a major boost for the police and for the right-wing government, which won the 2022 election on a promise to stop a gang crime wave that has plagued the country for over a decade.

(Reporting by Johan Ahlander and Ezgi ErkoyunEditing by Peter Graff)
ANKARA, Turkey (AP)  A new wildfire in Greece prompted evacuations in coastal areas south of Athens of Friday, as firefighters in neighboring Turkey remained locked in a battle to contain flames tearing through forested hillsides in the west of the country.

Wildfires that broke out in at least five locations across Turkeys Aegean coastal province of Izmir -- fueled by soaring temperatures, strong winds, and low humidity -- have killed two people, forced the evacuation of tens of thousands and damaged some 200 homes.

Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said Friday that firefighters, supported by water-dropping aircraft, remained on the ground battling a deadly wildfire near the town of Odemis for a third day. Elsewhere, emergency crews worked to halt the spread of a new blaze that broke out late Thursday near the district of Buca.

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The fire near Odemis claimed two lives  a forestry worker who died Thursday trying to contain the flames, and an 81-year-old resident who succumbed to smoke inhalation, according to authorities.

Our intense air and land fight to control the fires in Odemis and Buca, continues, the minister said on X, without providing further details.

A wildfire that broke out Wednesday near the popular vacation destination of Cesme was contained Friday, Yumakli said. The fire prompted the evacuation of three neighborhoods and caused temporary road closures.

Fires flared on both sides of the Turkish-Syrian frontier on Friday, with a new blaze reported near the town of Dortyol in Turkeys border province of Hatay  as Syrian crews struggled to contain wildfires sweeping through Syrias coastal Latakia province.

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Turkeys state-run news agency reported that the Hatay blaze broke out near a residential area and rapidly intensified due to strong winds.

In Syria, the wildfires spread across large swaths of mountainous areas amid a surge in temperatures and high winds, according to Syrias Civil Defense. It added that conditions have hampered efforts to bring the fire under control, and expressed concerns over the presence of some unexploded ordnance from the countrys past conflicts in some of the areas.

Firefighting teams from other provinces were deployed to assist, but the blaze remained active. No casualties have been immediately reported.

In Greece, authorities on Friday deployed eight helicopters and eight water-dropping planes to contain the new fire that erupted in Koropi, some 35 kilometers (22 miles) south of the capital.

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The blaze follows a separate fire outside Athens and a coastal wildfire on the island of Crete, where more than 5,000 tourists, hotel workers and residents were evacuated from seaside areas on the south coast. Several hundred firefighters remained deployed there to prevent flare ups due to strong winds.

Several areas of the country remain on alert due to the adverse weather conditions.

Local authorities in Crete estimate that the wildfire has burned approximately 15 square kilometers (3,700 acres) of land.

Abdulkafi Kayal, spokesperson for the Syrian Civil Defense in Latakia, told The Associated Press that the fire has extended some 20 kilometers (12.4 miles), blocking access roads and making movement difficult for emergency crews.

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We urge residents living in these wooded areas to be cautious and temporarily leave these areas until the situation gets under control, Kayal said, expressing concern over the risk to civilians in towns and villages.

Turkish officials have not provided an estimate of the total land area consumed by the fires.

Authorities said most of the fires Izmir were caused by faults on power lines. Yumakli blamed the blaze in Buca on sparks caused by construction workers using a grinder to cut through metal.

Summer wildfires are common in both Greece and Turkey, where experts warn that climate change is intensifying conditions.

__

Gatopoulos reported from Athens. Omar Albam in Idlib, Syria, contributed.
According to Al-Arabiya, Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin met a senior Hamas leader on Sunday for talks on Gazas humanitarian tragedy and efforts to reach a ceasefire."

This week, Turkeys powerful intelligence chief, Ibrahim Kalin, met with a Hamas delegation. The meeting was not held in secret. It was conducted in such a way as to send a message that Hamas is not isolated and that Ankara continues to be willing to host members of the group and conduct a strategy that involves backing Hamas.

The current ruling party of Turkey, which has been in power for two decades in various forms, has backed Hamas for many years.

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Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan has met with Hamas leaders in the past, and these meetings did not stop after the October 7 massacre. Instead, Ankara has made its support clear.

Today, key Hamas leaders such as Ismail Haniyeh have been killed. Israels defeat of Iran in the 12-day war in early June also has led some to believe that Hamas might be more flexible now because Iran has been weakened. Ankaras outreach shows that Hamas is not isolated. Hamas leaders reside in Qatar as well, a key major non-NATO ally.

According to Al-Arabiya, Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin met a senior Hamas leader on Sunday for talks on Gazas humanitarian tragedy and efforts to reach a ceasefire, state news agency Anadolu reported. The report went on to note that Kalin held talks with Mohammed Darwish, head of the political council of Hamas that rules Gaza, and his delegation at an undisclosed location, Anadolu said, citing security sources.

Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) and Hamas' Gaza leader Ismail Haniyeh shake hands during a meeting at the Turkish parliament in Ankara January 3, 2012 (credit: REUTERS/Stringer)

According to the report, the Hamas delegation discussed the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza. The delegation also spoke about the need to reach a consensus among Palestinian groups during this critical period ... (and) the steps to be taken to achieve a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. The meeting took place in the context of ongoing discussions about a possible ceasefire. US President Donald Trump has said that he hopes a 60-day ceasefire might lead to a wider deal.

Hamas expected to respond to ceasefire proposal after it was greenlight by Israel earlier in the week

Hamas is supposed to reply to the US initiative on July 4, a Friday. July 4 is also Americas Independence Day and a holiday in the US.

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Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to fly to the US over the weekend. As such, this is an important time for Hamas and also for Hamas's hosts and backers, such as Qatar and Turkey.

Turkey and Qatar are both US allies. Trump has also said in the past he is close to Turkeys president. As such, Turkey has an influence on US policy. The US push for a deal could also prompt Qatar to pressure Hamas to agree. Many issues are in the air, and the Turkey meeting is a key part of this.

The meeting in Turkey was reported in several publications besides Turkeys Anadolu and Al-Arabiya. Middle East Monitor also covered the meeting. Kalin is a key figure in Erdogans circles. As the head of Turkeys intelligence apparatus today, he has served Erdogan as Presidential Press Secretary and later as a Senior Advisor over the last decade. He has thus been central to key decision-making by Ankara.

Turkeys leader met with the sons of the late Hamas leader Haniyeh in August 2024. Erdogan also met with Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas and Haniyeh in July 2023. Haniyeh and Erdogan also met in April 2024. They also met in February 2020. Kalin also met with Hamas officials in May 2024 in Qatar. In 2019, reports emerged that Hamas had plotted attacks from Turkey. Turkey and Israel have had tensions over the Gaza war and Syria in recent months.
ANKARA (Reuters) -Turkish prosecutors charged Istanbul's mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on Friday with falsifying his university diploma, a new case threatening more years in prison for President Tayyip Erdogan's main rival, already jailed pending corruption charges he denies.

Imamoglu, at the center of a sprawling legal crackdown on the main opposition party, has been jailed since March 23 pending trial. He denies the allegations against him, which his party says are orchestrated to protect Erdogan in power.

His indictment over his diploma was reported by Milliyet newspaper, which said prosecutors were seeking eight years and nine months of prison time for the new charges. Reuters could not immediately obtain the document.

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On March 18, Istanbul University said it had annulled Imamoglu's diploma. He was detained a day later on the corruption charges, triggering Turkey's largest protests in a decade, and later jailed pending trial.

His detention has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and some foreign leaders, who call the case politically motivated and anti-democratic. The government denies the case is political.

Imamoglu is the main opposition Republican People's Party's presidential candidate in any future election. He won re-election as mayor in March last year by a wide margin against a candidate from Erdogans ruling AK Party.

(Reporting by Ece ToksabayEditing by Jonathan Spicer and Peter Graff)
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT)  Tuscaloosa police are searching for a suspect who allegedly stole a dog from someones car.

TPD says the man stole the dog of its owner car at Target Saturday morning. The owner left the windows open when she briefly went into the store, TPD says.

The owner is offering a $1,000 reward for a safe return of the dog. The suspect was driving a maroon Dodge Ram with Mississippi tags. The dogs name is Hollie and it has a microchip, and can be identified and returned home if taken to a vets office or a law enforcement agency.

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Anyone with information can call TPD anonymously at 205-349-2121.

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The Philippines' justice secretary said Friday he has asked for Japan's technical assistance to help the search for dozens of cockfighting participants allegedly killed by rogue police and dumped in a lake south of Manila.

The case is tied to a spate of mysterious disappearances in 2022 in the Southeast Asian nation's huge cockfighting industry, known locally as "sabong."

Interest in the unsolved cases has surged since the televised appearance of a witness  since identified as Julie "Dondon" Patidongan, a recent mayoral candidate  who claimed to know where bodies had been submerged in Lake Taal.

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Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla said Friday he now had multiple witnesses who could "testify where (in the water) those missing persons were thrown."

He added that a group of 15 unnamed national police officers were under investigation and put on restricted duty.

"They carried out the executions," he said.

"I just signed a letter for the Japanese government asking for assistance to enable us to do a lakebed mapping and ... other technology that we need," Remulla added.

"We need a scientific approach here. We cannot leave it to chance."

Located about two hours south of the capital, Taal Lake is home to an active island volcano and spans more than 89 square miles with a depth of 564 feet in some places.

The Taal volcano not far from the Philippine capital Manila is seen on Oct. 16, 2024. It is considered one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines and has been active again since January 2020. It forms a large caldera with a lake in which the volcanic island Volcano Island is located. / Credit: Carola Frentzen/picture alliance via Getty Images

Patidongan initially appeared in silhouette in an interview on local television outlet GMA before later revealing himself, saying he feared for his life.

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He has identified Charlie Ang, a man involved in livestreamed cockfighting operations, as the mastermind behind the disappearances.

Ang has denied all charges and on Thursday filed a lawsuit accusing Patidongan, a former employee, of slander, threats and conspiracy to commit robbery.

The justice department made a series of arrests in late 2022 of police and security personnel allegedly involved with the disappearance of 34 cockfight industry participants that Remulla said were "probably dead."

Since his televised appearance, Patidongan has claimed the actual number could be as high as 100.

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Filipinos from all walks of life wager millions of dollars on matches every week between roosters who fight to the death with razor-sharp metal spurs tied to their legs.

The sport, banned in many other countries, survived coronavirus pandemic restrictions by going online, drawing many more gamblers who use their mobile phones to place wagers.

A 2022 Senate investigation revealed that daily bets on online cockfights tallied $52.4 million, the BBC reported. But after the men disappeared, the livestreamed fights came under scrutiny and former president Rodrigo Duterte eventually banned them, according to the BBC.

In 2020, a police officer in the Philippines was killed during a raid on an illegal cockfight after a rooster's blade sliced his femoral artery.

Philippine fighting cocks spar along a street in metropolitan Manila, Philippines, Thursday, June 28, 2018. / Credit: Aaron Favila / AP

Cockfighting operations have also made headline in the U.S. recently.

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Last month, more than 40 people were arrested after a cockfighting ring was broken up in South Florida.

Earlier this year, hundreds of birds were euthanized after a joint investigation led to their seizure from an alleged cockfighting operation in Kansas.

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Two alleged fraudsters accused of swindling an elderly woman out of tens of thousands of dollars in cash have been arrested by Australian police investigating a spate of Chinese blessing scams.

Chinese blessing scams have been reported worldwide for the last 25 years or so, including in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand.

Offenders typically target elderly Asian women and convince them that a member of their family is cursed or in danger. Victims are told the only way to ward off negative spirits is to have their wealth blessed.

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Its a robbery by stealth. These offenders swarm these vulnerable victims, usually Asian, older females. They swarm like a pack of hyenas, said New South Wales Police Detective Superintendent Guy Magee.

A 63-year-old woman was detained at Sydney International Airport Thursday after extensive inquiries by Strike Force Sentinel, a special task force formed in April to investigate 80 reports of the scams, involving the alleged theft of 3 million Australian dollars ($2 million). Shes been charged with a number of offenses.

Her alleged accomplice, a 63-year-old man, was detained Friday at Brisbane Airport as he attempted to leave Australia on a flight to China. Hes expected to be charged soon.

Detective Superintendent Magee said Friday the alleged perpetrators of Chinese blessing scams are targeting the entire east coast of Australia.

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Theyll fly in. Theyll prey on the vulnerable in their own community. Theyll capitalize on the vulnerabilities of that community around superstition, he said.

Typically, the elderly victim is taken to someone purporting to be a spiritual healer, who tells them to put their money and valuables in a bag.

They will convince them that its been blessed, and theyll tell them not to open that bag for a period of time, up to months. And if they do, they will come across bad fortune, said Magee.

Unfortunately, the victims are opening those bags to find their money and jewelry is simply not in there. Its disgraceful.

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The two suspects arrested this week are accused of defrauding a 77-year-old woman of cash and jewelry worth 130,000 Australian dollars ($85,000) in the western Sydney suburb of Parramatta in June.

NSW Police say they believe 50 people are involved in the scam, and theyve identified 25 suspects by name. Another 25 people have been seen on camera allegedly taking part. Eleven arrest warrants have been issued.

Its like a role play. Theres nothing by chance in what they do, they all have deliberate roles, said Magee.

He said police believe the crime is profoundly underreported due to the victims embarrassment and shame about being conned. The number of cases is probably double police estimates, he added.

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Last November, New Zealand Police arrested three Chinese nationals as they attempted to leave the country on flights to China after allegedly stealing thousands of dollars.

Police allege the trio arrived in the country that October and within days started targeting elderly members of the community.

The alleged scammers conned two victims out of about 30,000 New Zealand dollars ($18,000) in cash and jewelry, police said in a statement.

A substantial amount of money was retrieved, they added.

NSW Police issued advice to the community to beware of people asking directions to a Chinese herbal doctor or spiritual healer.

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Do not bring strangers home, the advice said. Do not hand any valuables to strangers and do not put money or jewellery in a bag for any blessing ritual, it added.

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Prince George's County State's Attorney Tara Jackson talks about the indictment of Zheng Hui Xie and Jianwei Wang, on screen, in connection with a scam that cost a county resident $86,000. Count Police Capt. Paul Gambardella, assistant commander in the strategic investigations, listens. (Photo by William J. Ford/Maryland Matters)

Prince Georges County States Attorney Tara Jackson announced indictments Thursday of two men charged with defrauding a 59-year-old county resident out of $86,000.

Jackson and county police said Zheng Hui Xie, 30, of Flushing, New York, and Jianwei Wang, 27, of Monterey Park, California, impersonated Federal Trade Commission officials in order to convince the resident, who was not named, that there had been fraudulent activity on her Apple ID and that several accounts were compromised.

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The resident received a text message on April 28 about a large purchase made on her account, and called a number provided. The person who answered claimed to be with a fraud department, and transferred the woman to an individual who claimed to be an FTC agent.

On two separate occasions, the resident was asked to withdraw money from her bank in order to secure her money. She handed the money over to the fake agents who came to her home.

When the resident received another phone call May 15 from an unknown number, and was told to withdraw $24,000, she contacted police. On May 23, investigators with the Prince Georges County Police Departments Financial Crimes Unit arrested Xie and Wang.

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Both men are charged with two counts of theft, one count of theft scheme and one count of conspiracy to commit theft. Police said the men could face additional charges, along with others who may have helped them defraud other residents in financial schemes that may have netted a combined $700,000.

Although senior citizens are mostly preyed upon in similar schemes, Jackson said scammers also target those who are very responsible.

If somebody texts you and says, If you dont pay this money immediately, then your license is going to be suspended, most of us that are responsible dont want our license suspended, she said. Our message to our residents and others is to make sure that you just dont respond.

If others believe they may be been defrauded, they are asked to call police at 301-352-1200.

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Last month, AARP Maryland kicked off a campaign to stop financial exploitation on older Americans.

Federal Trade Commission data showed that there were 44,195 fraud reports from Maryland residents in 2024, for a total loss of nearly $202 million, up from the 44,168 fraud reports and $168 million in the state in 2023.
By Laurie Chen and Krishna N. Das

BEIJING/DHARAMSHALA, India (Reuters) -Weeks before the Dalai Lama ruled out China's role in choosing his successor, President Xi Jinping met a Tibetan Buddhist monk installed three decades ago by Beijing as the faith's No. 2 leader, the Panchen Lama.

The monk was appointed after the six-year-old chosen by the Dalai Lama for the position disappeared.

The June 6 meeting, in which the Panchen Lama affirmed his support for the Communist Party, and the Dalai Lama's rejection this week of a role for China in his reincarnation underline the schism between Beijing and the Buddhist spiritual leader, who fled to India in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule in Tibet.

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China considers the Dalai Lama a separatist and wants to bring Tibetan Buddhism under its control but the Dalai Lama and his huge following have been obstacles to that ambition.

The declaration by the Dalai Lama that he will be reincarnated was welcomed by his followers as signifying the continuation of the 600-year-old institution central to Tibetan Buddhism. But many of them also fear Beijing will use his eventual death and succession to split the faith, with one new Dalai Lama named by followers of the Dalai Lama and one by the government.

The possibility is not lost on the Dalai Lama, who told Reuters in 2019 that "in case you see two Dalai Lamas come ... nobody will respect (the one chosen by China)".

The Dalai Lama turns 90 on Sunday and he said this week that upon his death only a non-profit organisation he has set up in India would be able to identify his successor. He previously said his reincarnation will be born outside China.

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Beijing though says it has the right to approve the Dalai Lama's successor as a legacy from imperial times. The Panchen Lama is one of the senior Buddhist clerics who are supposed to help identify the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama.

The child in Tibet who the Dalai Lama chose as the 11th Panchen Lama disappeared in May, 1995 and has not been seen since.

A few months later, the Chinese government appointed Gyaltsen Norbu as the Panchen Lama.

"The reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, Panchen and other great living Buddhas is carried out in accordance with strict religious rituals and historical customs... and approved by the central government," China's foreign ministry spokesperson said on Friday.

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At the meeting with Xi, Norbu vowed to "firmly support the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party", Chinese state media said. Tibetan officials living in exile in India, like the Dalai Lama, said it was exactly the kind of political interference that they wanted to avoid in the eventual succession of the Dalai Lama.

"Many people call him a fake Panchen, but officially, we call him the Chinese Panchen," Tenzin Lekshay, an official of the Tibetan government in exile in India, said about Norbu. "Once he was appointed by China, he had to show allegiance to them."

LIVES IN BEIJING

Norbu is a senior member of the Chinese Peoples Consultative Conference, a rubber-stamp political advisory body, and vice president of the state-controlled Buddhist Association of China.

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He does not live at the Panchen Lamas traditional seat, Tashi Lunpo monastery in Tibets Shigatse city, but in Beijing and visits Tibet for a few months each year to meet government officials and take part in religious ceremonies, according to Chinese state media.

Norbu's movements are heavily controlled by the Chinese government and he does not have unfettered access to the public, according to foreign scholars. He went to Buddhist-majority Thailand in 2019, his first visit outside greater China. Local media in Nepal said last year that the government there shot down a proposal by Norbu to visit Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha.

A spokesperson for Nepal's foreign ministry did not respond to a request for comment.

Tibetan activists living abroad and Tibetan officials in India say, based on their conversations with friends and family in Tibet, that Norbu is not held in high esteem among ethnic Tibetans in China.

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Photos of his predecessor, the 10th Panchen Lama Choekyi Gyaltsen, are widely displayed in monasteries and religious buildings across Tibet and Tibetan-majority areas of China, as seen during various visits across the region by Reuters journalists.

At last month's meeting in Zhongnanhai, the Communist Partys leadership compound in Beijing, Xi implored Norbu to "advance the systematic promotion of the Sinicisation of religion, according to state news agency Xinhua. The term refers to a years-long push to bring all organised religions in China under greater Communist Party ideological control.

It was part of a series of pronouncements taken by Chinas senior leadership in the weeks leading up to the Dalai Lamas 90th birthday on Sunday, according to state media reports.

These include security czar Chen Wenqings warning against separatism during a visit last month to Qinghai province, which has a large ethnic Tibetan population.

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For ordinary Tibetans living abroad, Norbu is just another monk from their community.

"I don't believe him as a Panchen Lama," said Tenzin Kunsel, an Indian-born Tibetan who is now an Australian citizen.

"I still strongly believe in the Panchen Lama who was selected by His Holiness."

(Reporting by Laurie Chen in Beijing and Krishna N. Das in Dharamshala; additional reporting by Gopal Sharma in Kathmandu and Joe Cash in Beijing; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is teaming up with local law enforcement to catch boaters driving under the influence over the Fourth of July weekend.

With warmer temperatures forecasted, TWRA agents believe they may see an uptick in operators driving impaired.

RELATED: State, local authorities target impaired boaters on Fourth of July weekend

Weve had a lot of these pop-up thunderstorms the past few weekends, you know, thats kept some people at home, but with this weather forecast this coming weekend and with it being a holiday weekend, were expecting a whole lot of folks to come to our waters all across the state, TWRA boating investigator Captain Josh Landrum said. Youll become impaired much quicker on the water than you will on land due to those stressors. Stressors such as sunshine, such as heat, the wind, the waves, you know those environmental stressors can make impairment set on much quicker than it would typically on the land.

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Landrum is one of many law enforcement agents who will be out this holiday weekend, working to crack down on boaters under the influence.

In 2024, Tennessees penalties for BUIs became the same as those found guilty of DUIs. The legal BAC limit for both is .08.

Between 2019 and 2023, Tennessee saw a 237% increase in alcohol-related boating fatalities, according to a report from the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission.

The worst part of this job is talking to the family of someone that was killed in one of these tragedies. And thats what we aim to prevent by arresting for boating under the influence, Landrum said.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

So far in 2025, the TWRA has seen 12 fatalities on Tennessee waterways. To spot BUIs, law enforcement will be looking for erratic driving and the speech of operators they interact with.

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TWRA agents also reminded passengers to have a sober driver not only on the lake but also to get home from Tennessee waterways.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
(Bloomberg) -- The biggest hedge funds added to their gains in June, sailing through the first half of the year amid global market chaos sparked by President Donald Trumps tariffs and the Israel-Iran war.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Schonfelds Fundamental Equity fund rose 2.5% last month, while the firms flagship multistrat hedge fund Strategic Partners advanced 1.1%, according to people with knowledge of the matter. Balyasny gained 2.4%, while Marshall Waces $26 billion Eureka hedge fund soared 6% in June through last Friday, erasing all prior losses in the year, the people said, asking not to be identified discussing private information.

Dymons multistrategy money pool gained 2%, while Citadels flagship Wellington fund added 1.7% in June.

The results burnish hedge funds image as volatility dampeners during violent movements in certain asset classes. The S&P 500 index, for example, fell almost 20% between mid-February and mid-April, before rebounding to reach an all-time high by the end of June. Oil prices spiked during the Israel-Iran conflict last month, but quickly fell back following a truce.

This years market volatility and tariff chaos led to generally better returns for the hedge fund industry, except for trend followers that suffered due to tough macro conditions, said Roger Hilty, a partner at LGT Capital Partners. Machine learning hedge funds were star performers, while stock-pickers and credit-focused managers benefited from market dispersion.

Marshall Waces Eureka fund enjoyed one of its best-ever monthly gains, aided by its early-stage bet on Circle Internet Group Inc. Shares in the stablecoin issuer have soared following a stellar initial public offering.

Multistrats generally rode out the market swings that followed various US tariff announcements and pauses, keeping their losses to a minimum. And as markets settled, returns have improved and many are on track to match long-term averages for multistrats.

They have generally navigated well through another difficult cycle, said Jon Caplis, head of hedge fund research firm PivotalPath.

Representatives for all the investment firms declined to comment. The results are preliminary and include multistrats and other types of hedge funds:

--With assistance from Bei Hu.

(Corrects June performance for Columbus Hill Capital in chart.)
July 4 (UPI) -- The United States and Colombia have recalled their top diplomats from their respective countries amid a deepening rift between Washington and Bogota seemingly centered on an alleged plot to oust Colombian President Gustavo Petro.

The alleged plot was first reported late last month by El Pais, and, according to recordings it reviewed and Republican sources, it involved former Colombian Foreign Minister Alvaro Leyva trying to contact U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to have him and the Trump administration exert pressure to force Petro to resign.

In the recordings, Leyva states he met with Republican lawmakers, including Florida Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart and Carlos Gimenez, as he sought support for his plot.

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On Wednesday, Petro commented on X that the previous Biden administration had helped him during "other times that they have wanted to kill."

"From now on, Bolivar's sword continues its path of liberation, and the energy of light and the vibrant people -- And the U.S. government?" he asked.

In the State Department's Thursday statement recalling John McNamara, the interim Charge d'Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Colombia, spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the move was "for urgent consultations following baseless and reprehensible statements from the highest levels of the government of Colombia."

"In addition to the recall of the charge, the United States is pursuing other measures to make clear our deep concern over the current state of our bilateral relationship," she said.

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Hours later, Petro released a statement recalling his ambassador, Daniel Garcia-Pena, from the United States.

"Daniel must come to brief us on the progress of the bilateral agenda to which I committed myself from the beginning of my government," he said.

Gimenez has hit back at the Petro government, accusing the Colombian president of creating a "media circus" to "distract the Colombian people from his terrible management, corruption and mishandling of public funds."

"Let these complicit puppets not complain later when they and their families are denied visas to enter the United States," he said on X.

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The alleged plot has shaken the Colombian politics.

Earlier this month, Colombia Attorney General's Office opened an investigation into Leyva and his alleged plot.

It is also the second public spat between the two allies.

In late January, shortly after President Donald Trump took office, Washington and Bogota threatened one another with tit-for-tat tariffs as the White House was barred from sending military planes loaded with migrants to the South American country.

The issue was resolved with Colombia receiving the migrants.
For the first time this July, the U.S. Department of State has issued its first "Do Not Travel" warning.

The U.S. Department of State is tasked with analyzing the risks and necessary precautions for Americans traveling to foreign destinations. If there are any concerns regarding a given country, the government will hand out an advisory ranging from Level 1-4.

If a country receives a Level 4 advisory, that means it's unsafe for Americans to travel there.

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Well, the U.S. Department of State placed a Level 4 travel advisory on Lebanon on July 3 due to "crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, unexploded landmines, and the risk of armed conflict."

"The Department of State considers the threat to U.S. government personnel in Beirut serious enough to require them to live and work under strict security. The internal security policies of the U.S. Embassy may be adjusted at any time and without advance notice," the advisory for Lebanon states.

"Since October 8, 2023, cross-border exchanges of fire have occurred between Hizballah and Israel. In some instances, targets have been well north of the border region. A cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon went into effect on November 27, and implementation is ongoing; however, there are continued instances of military activity in some areas of Lebanon. The Lebanese government cannot guarantee the safety of U.S. citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence and armed conflict. Family, neighborhood, or sectarian disputes can escalate quickly and can lead to gunfire or other violence with no warning."

If U.S. citizens travel to Lebanon, they're advised to appoint a family member to serve as their point of contact, keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible, avoid demonstrations and crowds, and monitor local media for breaking events.

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The full list of travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State can be seen here.

July 4 alert was issued, too

Heading into July 4, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security have also issued "lone wolf" warnings, telling people to be alert if they do decide to travel during the holiday weekend.

The FBI, DHS and other law enforcement agencies issued a joint statement stating that the most significant terrorism threat facing the Macys 4th of July Fireworks stems from lone offenders and small groups of individuals seeking to commit acts of violence.

These individuals are often motivated by a broad range of racial, ethnic, political, religious, anti-government, societal, or personal grievances, the assessment continued, according to CNN.

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The threat is not just limited to New York City, though.

Any special event with a large attendance could be targeted.

Special events with high attendance and media coverage  remain attractive targets for domestic and foreign terrorists and violent extremists who may want to cause mass casualties or draw attention to their causes, the alert said.

Several recent high-profile attacks have prompted the alert heading into July 4, 2025.

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 FTO (foreign terrorist organization) messaging calling for attacks against Western targets, the alert stated.

U.S. Issues 'Do Not Travel' Warning For New Country on July 3 first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 3, 2025
July 4 (UPI) -- U.N. nuclear inspectors on Friday departed from Iran two days after the Middle Eastern nation suspended cooperation with the program and weeks after the United States and Israel bombed nuclear sites.

Rafael Grossi, the inspector general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, had aimed to assess the uranium-enrichment facilities and see whether alleged nuclear bomb efforts had been set back.

IAEA hasn't reported the inspectors findings.

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They remained in the capital, Tehran, during the conflict between Israel and Iran.

"An IAEA team of inspectors today safely departed from Iran to return to the Agency headquarters in Vienna, after staying in Tehran throughout the recent military conflict," the U.N. agency posted Friday on X.

This is a view in 2010 of Iran's only nuclear power plant, is in Bushehr, southern Iran. The United States and Israel didn't bomb the power plant but hit three nuclear enrichment plants. File photo by Abedin Taherkenareh/EPA

"IAEA Director General rafaelmgrossi reiterated the crucial importance of the IAEA discussing with Iran modalities for resuming its indispensable monitoring and verification activities in Iran as soon as possible."

On Wednesday, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian signed legislation that halts cooperation with the agency, blocking oversight of Iran's nuclear program.

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Inspectors will not be allowed to visit nuclear sites without approval from Iran's Supreme National Security Council.

Iranian lawmakers gave two conditions for resuming cooperation, according to state media. The safety of its nuclear program and scientists is secured, and an acknowledgment about its right under international law to enrich uranium.

The spokesperson for U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the Iranian law was "obviously concerning."

"I think the secretary-general has been very consistent in his call for Iran to cooperate with the IAEA, and, frankly, for all countries to work closely with the IAEA on nuclear issues," Stephane Dujarric told reporters.

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Iran has been critical of a resolution on June 12 by the IAEA that accused Iran of non-compliance with its nuclear obligations.

This was one day before Israel attacked.

Iran and the United States had been engaged in talks for a nuclear deal. The U.S. used B-2 bombers to send missiles deep underground.

"We are for diplomacy," Iran's deputy foreign minister, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, told NBC News on Thursday, adding the U.S. government needs "to convince us that they are not going to use military force while we are negotiating. That is an essential element for our leadership to be in a position to decide about the future round of talks."

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President Donald Trump, who doesn't want Iran to be enriching uranium, said that the U.S. bombing of three Iranian nuclear sites "obliterated" the program.

Grossi earlier said that Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium remains unaccounted for, and the program may have been delayed only a few months, and not years.

"It can be, you know, described in different ways, but it's clear that what happened in particular in Fordo, Natanz, Isfahan, where Iran used to have and still has, to some degree, capabilities in terms of treatment, conversion and enrichment of uranium have been destroyed to an important degree," Grossi said in a CBS News interview on Saturday. "Some is still standing. So there is, of course, an important setback in terms of those of those capabilities."

Iran has contended its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes but the agency reported in May that Iran stockpiled about 900 pounds of uranium enriched to 60% purity, enough to build nine bomb. That's up 50% since February.

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In December, the IAEA said Iran was rapidly moving closer to the 90% threshold needed for weapons-grade material.

In 2018, Trump unilaterally exited the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and reimposed harsh sanctions during his first term in office.

In 2015, Iran reached a deal with the United States, Britain, Germany, France, Russia, China and the European Union.
Tennessee lawmakers have responded to the U.S. House's July 3 passing of President Donald Trump's proposed legislative package of tax reductions and Medicaid cuts, known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill."

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tennessee, 5th Congressional District, joined GOP legislators from East to West Tennessee in a solidary "yes" vote, praising the bill.

The narrow 218-214 House vote came following the U.S. Senate's 51-50 July 1 near-tie approval earlier this week. U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tennessee, who resides in Knox County in East Tennessee, played a key role in the bill's passage by changing his stance against the bill.

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More: Trump bill is 'devastating' for Tennessee children and families, advocates say

More: Congressman Tim Burchett votes for Trump's 'big, beautiful bill'

More: 'Big Beautiful Bill' clears House and Senate. How did those representing Memphis vote?

Burchett, who often votes against bills that add to the deficit, according to The Knoxville News Sentinel, reached a "yes" vote after talking to Trump and the Freedom Caucus this week.

The Congressional Budget Office says the bill will increase the national debt by $3.3 trillion over 10 years.

After numerous discussions with President Trump, Speaker Johnson, and my colleagues in the House, I decided that a YES vote is the best way to help the people of East Tennessee, he said in a news release.

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Explaining his rationale, Burchett cited his support of border security, a permanent extension of tax cuts, Trump's campaign promise for no taxes on tips, American car tax breaks and tax deductions for seniors on Social Security.

Ogles: 'He belongs on Mt. Rushmore,' 'Golden Age for America'

Ogles celebrated the landmark approval in a media statement on July 3, saying the bill "made history."

"I was at the White House with President Trump for several hours yesterday and spent countless hours whipping votes with Speaker Johnson for the One Big Beautiful Bill," he said. "This historic legislation will unleash our economy and usher in a new golden age for America."

Ogles's statement also included a list of what he believes the bill's passage will achieve, pending Trump's signature.

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Let me be clear: what Republicans accomplished today under President Trumps leadership will launch:

Historic tax cuts

Critical border security

No tax on tips and overtime pay

A war chest for ICE patriots to deport every last invader

American energy dominance

The Golden Dome

" ... Wins like this are exactly why he deserves serious consideration for a third termAND why so many believe he belongs on Mt. Rushmore."

Ogles has advocated this year for Trump to be allowed to run for a third term as president.

U.S. Rep. David Kustoff, R-Tennessee, who represents portions of West Tennessee, also explained his support of the bill in a July 3 statement.

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The One Big Beautiful Bill will secure our border, unleash domestic energy production, and help get able-bodied Americans back to work," Kustoff said. "It will also ensure a more efficient federal government and execute the largest spending reduction in history."

TN Dems oppose bill

The sprint to vote on the bill led to polarizing opinions on both political sides, with naysayers adamantly stating the bill could cause more harm than good.

Debates emerged over cuts to Medicaid and SNAP programs that would leave nearly 12 million Americans uninsured and affect 2 million people on SNAP, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Of the nearly 12 million affected, an estimated 1.4 million people without verified citizenship, nationality, or satisfactory immigration status would no longer be covered in state-only funded programs in 2034, according to the CBO.

Though a mandate in the bill would require states to provide supplemental costs, or matching funds, for lost federal funds on SNAP and Medicaid programs.

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Minority representative U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, a Democrat representing Memphis, joined other U.S. House Democrats in voting against the bill.

The GOPs One Big Ugly Bill fails every basic moral test, Cohen said in a statement. They are taking food and health care away from poor people so that the wealthiest individuals who have ever lived can become even wealthier. It is cruel, indefensible, and it is likely the worst bill that has ever been presented by Congress for the citizens of Memphis and Tennessees Ninth Congressional District. I was proud to vote NO.

All of Tennessee's Republican delegation, Reps. Diana Harshbarger; Chuck Fleischmann; Scott DesJarlis; Ogles; John Rose; Mark Green and Kustoff, voted with Burchett in support of the bill. Both of Tennessee's senators, Republicans Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty, voted in favor of the Senate version.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act prevents the largest tax hike in American history and secures the largest tax cut ever for individuals and families who endured four years of crushing inflation and reckless spending," Blackburn said in a July 1 statement.

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Allie Feinberg and Brooke Muckerman contributed to this story.

Jay Powell is a general reporter for The Daily Herald. Get up-to-date news in your inbox by subscribing to The Daily Herald newsletter at www.ColumbiaDailyHerald.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Ogles, TN Reps react to 'Big Beautiful Bill' passage in US House
Flash back to the late 1700s: The United States had recently won the Revolutionary War, horse-drawn carriages were a common mode of transportation, and gas lighting was just being invented. Electricity wouldnt be in homes for another century or so.

Now jump to 2025, to a world overrun with AI and crypto. Would you be surprised to find out that some of the companies that were getting started in the days of yore are still ranking on this years Fortune 500 list?

As the U.S. approaches its semiquincentennial, Fortune takes a look back at 10 Fortune 500 companies whose age rivals the nationswith photos to prove it.

Macys oldest subsidiary is John Shillito & Co., a Cincinnati-based department store founded in 1830, making Macys 195 years old. Before buying Shillitos, Macys was R.H. Macy & Co., a dry goods store in New York City. On the stores first day in 1858, founder Rowland H. Macy racked up a total of $11.06 in sales, which equates to over $400 today. Now, almost 200 years after Shillitos was founded, Macys is still pulling rank on the Fortune 500 at 193.

9. CSX Corporation

Potential buyers were skeptical of the steam engine when it first went into use in the mid-1800s. To convince people to buy into the novel concept, the steam engines capabilities were compared to that of horses, which pulled trains in B&Os early days. Thus, the term horsepower came to be.

One of the oldest companies still around today owns and operates railroads, and its ranked at 301 on the Fortune 500. CSX Corporation got its start in 1827 as the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, though it didnt take on the name CSX until 1980, when railroad companies Chessie System and Seaboard Coast Line united. The 198-year-old company was the first common carrier railroad in the U.S., and the original line covered 13 miles across one stateMaryland. The company now covers 21,000 miles over 23 states.

Pictured here in 1938, a few years after New York Gas Light Co. became The Consolidated Edison Co. of New York, is the nerve center of the Consolidated Edison system. The company supplies New Yorks metropolitan area, then counting almost 8 million people, with electric power.

Before Consolidated Edison was Consolidated Edison, it was New York Gas Light Co., and it got its start in 1823 illuminating the street lights in a section of Lower Manhattan. By the early 1900s, the company added steam and electric to its repertoire after purchasing both New York Steam Co. and Thomas Edisons Edison Illuminating Company. At 202 years old, the company still delivers these three utilities to customers and is ranked 286 on the Fortune 500.

American actor Clint Eastwood poses in Western gear next to a display of Philip Morris tobacco products, circa 1965. Another subsidiary of Altria, Philip Morris opened its doors in 1847, 25 years after George Weyman opened his shop.

In 1822, George Weyman opened a tobacco store in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The shop became the United States Tobacco Company in 1911, and it was purchased by Altria in 2009. Ranked 209 on the Fortune 500, Altria and the 203-year-old United States Tobacco Companynow renamed U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Companyare developing new, smoke-free alternatives to traditional tobacco and nicotine products.

Colgate opened its Jersey City starch factory in 1820, 14 years after William Colgate first opened shop. The factory is pictured here on the left in 1925. On the right, a 1909 advertisement for Colgates toothpaste. The ribbon opening was added to Colgates toothpaste tube a year earlier; the companys website says, We couldnt improve the product, so we improved the tube.

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Though Colgate sold its first jaryes, jarof toothpaste in 1873, the company was founded almost 70 years earlier in 1806. Back then, William Colgate sold starches, soaps, and candles in his New York City shop, and soon branched out to perfumes, shaving cream, and, of course, toothpaste. In its 219th year, Colgate was ranked 212 on the Fortune 500.

5. DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

A close-up view of three sticks of dynamite produced by DuPont, circa 1950. DuPont supplied a lot of the explosives used by Allied armies during World War I.

At 339 on the Fortune 500 is DuPont de Nemours, a chemical company that first got its start in gunpowder production 223 years ago. Founded by French chemist Eleuthere Irenee du Pont de Nemours, the company was incorporated in 1802, and construction on the gunpowder factorycalled Eleutherian Millsbegan soon after. DuPont, then E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, recorded its first sale two years later in 1804.

People walk past the J.P. Morgan & Co. office building, located at 23 Wall Street, circa 1905. It is the first office building in New York City to be powered by the Edison Electric Illuminating Companys newly built electric generating station. The building was torn down in 1913 and replaced with a shorter building which still stands and is known as the J.P. Morgan Building.

Would you believe that JPMorgan Chasethe 226-year-old company ranked 11 on the Fortune 500was originally founded as a water company? Back in 1799, Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, among others, founded The Manhattan Company to supply New York City with drinking water. Tensions between Hamilton and Burr heated up when Burr used a loophole in the companys charter that allowed extra capital to be used for banking operations, thus creating The Bank of The Manhattan Company, which was in direct competition with Hamiltons Bank of New York. The feud between the two co-founders led to the infamous duel that resulted in Hamiltons death.

3. State Street Corporation

An engraving of State Street in Boston, circa 1840, half a century after the opening of Union Bank and half a century before the opening of State Street Deposit & Trust Company.

In 1792, on the corner of State and Exchange Streets in Boston, a new bank opened its doors: Union Bank. State Street Corporation came later, in the 1920s, after the merger of Union Bank (at that point, National Union Bank) and the State Street Deposit & Trust Company, a competing bank that opened on State Street in 1891. If you hadnt figured this out already, the 233-year-old company gets its name from the street the banks started on, which was also known as the Great Street to the Sea, because of the areas economic prosperity tied to Bostons history as a port city. In 2025, the corporation ranked 198 on the Fortune 500.

2. The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation

Andrew William Mellon, pictured here in 1930, took over T. Mellon & Sons Bank alongside his brother Richard in 1882, 13 years after the banks establishment. He later became the longest-serving secretary of the U.S. Treasury, following in Alexander Hamiltons footsteps. In 2007, T. Mellon & Sons Bank, then Mellon Financial Corporation, merged with The Bank of New York to create BNY Mellon.

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Coming off the tail end of the Revolutionary War, The Bank of New York was created in 1784 by a group of people including Alexander Hamilton as a means of garnering foreign investment and fostering economic growth in the newly independent nation. The country was drowning in debt, and an emergency loan from a bank, Hamilton believed, was the only way to save it from bankruptcy. His plan worked, and the bankas well as the countryis still around 241 years later, with BNY Mellon ranked 113 on this years Fortune 500. The Bank of New York, in fact, was the first publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange, which itself was founded on Wall Street in 1792.

1. Molson Coors Beverage Company

Jeff and William Coors, the great-grandson and grandson, respectively, of founder Adolph Coors, pose in the brew house in the main plant in 1987 in Golden, Colorado. Adolph opened the Golden Brewery in the same town 114 years prior.

Older than the U.S. itself, Molson Coors Beverage Company got its start in 1774 when William Worthington began brewing beer in England. His business eventually merged with John Molsons brewery (founded in 1786 in Montreal); Frederick J. Millers Plank Road Brewery (founded in 1855 in Wisconsin); and Adolph Coorss Golden Brewery (founded in 1873 in Colorado). The four breweries, along with many others, merged over the course of the corporations 251-year history. Though the company today ranks 366 on the Fortune 500, it was not without its challenges: during the Prohibition era, Miller and Coors survived by brewing soda, near-beer and malt syrups.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Russian authorities have reported a drone attack on several settlements in Rostov Oblast and the Sergiyevo-Posadsky district near Moscow on the night of 3-4 July.

Source: Acting Rostov Oblast Governor Yury Slyusar; Oksana Yerokhanova, head of Sergiyevo-Posadsky city district; Russian Defence Ministry

Details: Slyusar said drones had attacked several cities in Rostov Oblast. Several cars were allegedly damaged and windows in residential buildings shattered in the city of Azov, while debris from one of the UAVs fell on a local stadium.

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The Russian authorities claimed that a drone destroyed a high-rise building in the village of Dolotinka: a floor slab collapsed, killing a pensioner. Twenty residents were reportedly evacuated from the damaged building.

      https://t.co/fO8DpqFrtv pic.twitter.com/M4e8uE6mtA     (@ukrpravda_news) July 4, 2025

Russian officials also reported a UAV attack in the Sergiyevo-Posadsky district near Moscow. Local residents reported four explosions in the Zvezdochka neighbourhood and the sound of drone engines at around 05:00. According to the head of the city district, an electric substation was damaged during the attack.

: Telegram/Astra

Column of smoke.

Photo: Astra

Photos posted on social media show a column of smoke rising above the city.

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Updated: Later, the Russian Defence Ministry claimed that air defence systems had intercepted and destroyed "48 Ukrainian drones" overnight.

In particular, 26 UAVs were allegedly downed over Rostov Oblast, 12 over Kursk Oblast, six over Belgorod Oblast, three over Oryol Oblast and one over Lipetsk Oblast.

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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX)  Safeway store employees here in the Grand Valley have been on strike for just over two weeks, with discussions continuing between Safeway and UFCW Local 7, an organization representing 23,000 members in Colorado and Wyoming supermarkets.

According to a statement from Safeways public affairs office, the company remains committed to engaging in good-faith discussions to reach a new agreement with UFCW Local 7.

WesternSlopeNow reached out to UFCW Local 7 for comment and has not heard back.

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A flyer handed out to Safeway customers earlier in the strike said Safeway/Albertsons spent upwards of $8.9 billion in dividends and stock buybacks instead of investing in the stores or workers, leading to chronic understaffing and consumers paying more for goods. Plus, there have been demands from the company to slash healthcare and pension funding.

WesternSlopeNow talked with a Safeway employee about the strike and what it was like to have a strike out front of the store.

Honestly, I dont mind it in all honesty, said Safeway employee Jessica. Theyre pretty chill. They have a lot of dedication.

In response to the strike, Safeway is hiring temporary workers for a variety of roles, including customer service, stocking, cleaning and checking. If you are interested and want to learn more, click here.

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This is a developing story; check back for updates.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com.
Pro-Palestinian campaign group Palestine Action has lost a bid to pause the British governments decision to ban the organisation under anti-terrorism laws pending their legal challenge.

Huda Ammori, who co-founded the group in 2020, had asked Londons High Court to stop the proscription of Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation, before a full hearing of her case that banning the group is unlawful later this month.

On Friday, the High Court refused to pause the ban and, following a late-night hearing, the Court of Appeal rejected an appeal against that decision at just after 2130 GMT.

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This means the proscription of Palestine Action is upheld and will come into force at midnight.

The proscription came after British lawmakers this week decided to ban Palestine Action after its activists broke into a military base last month and sprayed red paint on two planes in protest at the UKs support for Israels war on Gaza.

Proscription would make it a crime to be a member of Palestine Action that carries a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison. Proscribed groups under British law include ISIL (ISIS) and al-Qaeda.

Ammoris lawyer Raza Husain said the proscription marked the first time the UK had sought to ban a group carrying out such direct action, describing it as an ill-considered, discriminatory, authoritarian abuse of statutory power.

The police have swarmed protestors outside the Royal Court of Justice. We will not allow them to intimidate us. The protest will continue  decision expected at 5.30. pic.twitter.com/9C1R538WvJ  Palestine Action (@Pal_action) July 4, 2025

Protesters gathered outside the UKs Royal Court of Justice during Fridays ruling. Police swarmed the crowd, but Palestine Action said that its protests will not stop.

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After the parliamentary vote against the organisation on Wednesday, critics decried the chilling effect of the ban, which puts the non-violent campaigners on a par with armed groups like ISIL and al-Qaeda.

Let us be clear: to equate a spray can of paint with a suicide bomb isnt just absurd, it is grotesque. It is a deliberate distortion of the law to chill dissent, criminalise solidarity, and suppress the truth, said independent British lawmaker Zarah Sultana.

Draconian, silly move

Brendon Ciaran Browne, associate professor at Trinity College Dublin, told Al Jazeera the UK governments decision is absolutely absurd.

Essentially, what were witnessing here, is an attempt to enforce a chill effect on everyone who is absolutely abhorred by the UK governments complicity [in Israels war on Gaza] and their flagrant breaches of international law that we have seen now for the best part of 21 months, he said on Friday.

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Referring to Palestine Actions stunt at a British military base, Browne noted that the UK government has existing legislation to deal with this.

Those who are allegedly involved can be charged with criminal damage. There are other ways to do this. But what youre seeing here is the UK government again using the terrorism act to target those who are engaged in direct action  This is a draconian, silly move by the UK government, he added.

Palestine Action describes itself as a pro-Palestinian organisation which disrupts the arms industry in the United Kingdom with direct action. It says it is committed to ending global participation in Israels genocidal and apartheid regime.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, the UKs interior minister, has said that violence and criminal damage have no place in legitimate protest, and her lawyers say the case should be brought at the Proscribed Organisations Appeal Commission instead.

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Rights groups have accused Israel of repeatedly committing abuses in its war in Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023. Since then, at least 57,268 Palestinians have been killed and 135,625 wounded, according to Gazas Health Ministry.




As part of the Istanbul agreements, another group of Ukrainians was brought back to Ukraine from Russian captivity on 4 July. This group consists of defenders who had sustained serious injuries and seriously ill service members, as well as fighters under the age of 25.

Source: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Telegram; Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War

Quote from Zelenskyy: "Our people are home. Most of them had been in Russian captivity since 2022.

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Today, our defenders who have fought for Ukraine in various regions are coming back: Donetsk Oblast, the city of Mariupol in particular, and Luhansk, Kharkiv and Kherson oblasts. These are service members of the Armed Forces, the National Guard, the State Border Service, and the State Special Transport Service. There are also civilians."

The Coordination Headquarters noted that the youngest freed defender is only 20 years old, and the oldest is 59. In addition to soldiers and sergeants, officers were also freed.

Photo: Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War

Photo: Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War

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Among those freed today are again defenders of Mariupol who had been held captive since 2022.

The vast majority of those released had been in captivity for more than three years.

Ukrainians who defended the country in Donetsk, Kharkiv, Luhansk and Kherson oblasts are returning home.

Today, illegally convicted defenders and Ukrainian civilians deprived of their personal freedom were released from Russian captivity.

Quote: "The exchange process in accordance with the Istanbul Agreements continues. The exact number of people released will be announced after all stages of the exchange are completed."

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Kyiv and Copenhagen signed a landmark agreement on July 4 that allows Ukrainian defense companies to open production facilities in Denmark, Strategic Industries Minister Herman Smetanin announced.

"This is a unique case of international cooperation for the Ukrainian defense industry," Smetanin wrote on Facebook, following the signing ceremony in Copenhagen alongside Danish Industry Minister Morten Bodskov.

The deal marks the first time Ukrainian defense technologies will be exported abroad specifically for supply to Ukraine's own Armed Forces, he said.

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A year ago, Denmark became the first country to fund weapons production by Ukrainian manufacturers. Now, it has become the first to host Ukrainian arms production lines on its territory, Smetanin added.

"Today, it has become the first country to which Ukraine exports its own defense technologies for production, scaling, and supply to the Ukrainian army," he said.

The agreement is part of Ukraine's broader effort to internationalize its defense production. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on June 21 that Kyiv would soon begin exporting defense technologies and opening weapons production lines in partner countries.

To scale up domestic and international production, Zelensky has called on foreign partners to finance new projects and match Ukraine's rapidly growing manufacturing capacity.

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Denmark has been a key backer of Ukraine since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. In February 2024, Copenhagen signed a 10-year bilateral security agreement with Kyiv, pledging long-term defense cooperation until Ukraine secures NATO membership.

Read also: Nothing but terror and murder  Russia pounds Kyiv with record overnight drone, missile attack, 1 dead, 23 injured

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By Unnamalai L and Yadarisa Shabong

(Reuters) -Retailer Watches of Switzerland warned on Thursday that its profit margin could fall this financial year as the luxury watch industry adjusts to higher U.S. tariffs, sending its shares down as much as 10%.

The forecast came as the company reported a slightly better than expected profit for the year ended April, boosted by a pickup in demand in the U.S. and Britain and its acquisition of jewellery maker Roberto Coin's North America business.

That helped lift its revenue to a record 1.65 billion pounds ($2.26 billion).

The London-listed company said it was too early to comment on the potential sector impact of U.S. tariffs and that it was in regular talks with brand partners, which include Rolex, Cartier, and Patek Philippe.

However, it forecast that its adjusted operating profit margin would be flat to down 100 basis points this fiscal year, noting U.S. tariffs had led some brands to raise prices, "alongside reducing their authorised distribution network's margin percentage".

The company, which makes nearly half of its annual revenue in the United States, also forecast 6%-10% revenue growth for the year to the end of April 2026, adding that its guidance was based on the assumption that a 10% U.S. tariff rate on Switzerland was kept beyond the current pause in higher levies.

CEO Brian Duffy, on a media call, played down the possibility of the company's product range being impacted by the tariffs.

Adjusted operating profit was 150 million pounds for the year ended April 27, above analysts' estimate of 148.8 million pounds, according to a company-compiled consensus. The adjusted operating profit margin was 9.1%

($1 = 0.7331 pounds)

(Reporting by Unnamalai L and Yadarisa Shabong in Bengaluru. Editing by Sonia Cheema and Mark Potter)
Editor's note: This is a developing story and is being updated.

A new prisoner of war (POW) exchange with Russia has taken place, bringing home another group of Ukrainian defenders held in Russian captivity, many since 2022, President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on July 4.

"Our people are home. Most of them had been in Russian captivity since 2022," Zelensky said in a statement.

According to Ukraine's Land Forces, the group includes prisoners categorized as "wounded and seriously ill," those "under the age of 25," and civilians.

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The Coordination Headquarters for Prisoners of War confirmed that this latest exchange was carried out under President Zelensky's directive, and included defenders of Mariupol held since 2022, as well as civilians who had been illegally sentenced or deprived of liberty.

"Today, our defenders are returning, those who fought for Ukraine in various regions: Donetsk, Mariupol, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Kherson. These are soldiers of the Armed Forces, the National Guard, the State Border Guard Service, the State Special Transport Service, and also civilians," Zelesnky said.

"Ukraine's goal is to free all our people from Russian captivity."

The exchange follows five swaps that occurred in June under the Istanbul deal reached between Ukraine and Russia on June 2. The agreement provided for the regular release of severely ill and wounded POWs from both sides, as well as the repatriation of the bodies of fallen soldiers.

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Previous swaps have brought home service members from the Armed Forces, National Guard, and State Border Guard Service, many of whom were captured in 2022 during the Russian invasion.

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"Exchanges must continue, and I thank everyone who makes this possible," Zelensky said. "Ukraine's goal is to free all our people from Russian captivity. I thank everyone who helps make that happen."

Russia's Defense Ministry confirmed the exchange on July 4, without disclosing the number of soldiers returned.

Previous exchanges have focused on individuals with serious medical needs resulting from injuries and harsh conditions in captivity. Some previously released prisoners had defended Mariupol during the 2022 siege, while others fought in regions including Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Kyiv oblasts.

The Istanbul agreement followed months of stalled negotiations and was hailed as a humanitarian breakthrough despite the lack of broader political progress.

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As part of the deal, Moscow pledged to return the remains of up to 6,000 Ukrainian service members and civilians. Ukrainian authorities say Russia has already transferred over 6,000 bodies in recent weeks.

Ukraine continues to advocate for a full-scale "all-for-all" exchange, a proposal that Russia has so far rejected. Still, both sides have carried out smaller, phased swaps, sometimes multiple in a single week.

Read also: Explained: How Ukraine negotiates prisoner of war swaps with Russia

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The Ukrainian military said it carried out a drone attack on a Russian weapons-making facility.

The attack on Friday hit a site that produces warheads for Russia's notorious Shahed drones.

It marks Ukraine's latest deep-strike operation targeting Russia's war machine.

The Ukrainian military said on Friday that it carried out a long-range attack on a Russian factory producing warheads for Moscow's deadly Shahed drones, marking Kyiv's latest deep-strike operation targeting the Kremlin's war machine.

The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said it targeted the JSC FNPC Research Institute of Applied Chemistry in Sergiev Posad, a city just northeast of Moscow, more than 500 kilometers (310 miles) away from Ukraine's border.

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The attack was carried out by units of the Unmanned Systems Forces and other elements of the military. The USF, a first-of-its-kind branch of the armed forces that was established last year and focuses solely on drone combat, said soldiers of the 14th separate drone regiment were involved in the operation.

The USF said at least one drone struck the facility, causing a fire and heavy smoke, and that an electric substation that provided power to the site was damaged. It shared footage purporting to show the moment of the attack and the aftermath.

 USF struck a facility producing warheads for Shahed drones



Operators of the @14reg_army of the Unmanned Systems Forces carried out a strike on JSC "Federal Research and Production Center 'Research Institute of Applied Chemistry'" in the city of Sergiyev Posad, Moscow Oblast  pic.twitter.com/4CDMGN9fQj   Unmanned Systems Forces (@usf_army) July 4, 2025

Business Insider could not independently verify all the details of the operation. Russia's defense ministry did not acknowledge the attack, although it did report shooting down Ukrainian drones over Russian territory on Friday.

Ukraine said the JSC FNPC Research Institute of Applied Chemistry, part of Russia's state-owned defense conglomerate Rostec, is under international sanctions because of its involvement in the war. The facility develops and manufactures parts for missile and artillery systems, as well as thermobaric warheads for Shahed drones.

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The notorious Shahed-136 is an Iranian-designed drone that Russia now produces at home. Historically, these one-way attack munitions could fly at speeds of over 115 mph with a nearly 90-pound explosive warhead, although the team leader for a Ukrainian mobile air defense unit recently told BI that Moscow had modified the Shaheds to make them faster and deadlier.

Shahed drones are traditionally slower and less lethal than cruise or ballistic missiles, although they are much cheaper, allowing Russia to launch hundreds of them in large-scale attacks. On Thursday night, for instance, Moscow launched at least 330 of them into Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

Russia frequently uses Shahed drones in large-scale attacks against Ukraine. AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky

That attack marked one of the largest Russian bombardments of the war. Ukraine said that Moscow launched 550 munitions, including Shaheds, decoy drones, and cruise and ballistic missiles, mainly targeting the capital city, Kyiv. A majority of the threats were intercepted, although at least 23 people were injured.

The attack came as the Trump administration reportedly halted shipments of crucial weapons, including air defense ammunition, to Ukraine. The move could affect Kyiv's ability to protect itself from the Russian bombardments, which have intensified in recent weeks.

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Meanwhile, President Donald Trump remains entangled in efforts to secure a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, and discussed peace talks in a call with his counterpart, Vladimir Putin, shortly before the huge attack on Thursday.

"Notably, the first air raid alerts in our cities and regions yesterday began to blare almost simultaneously with media reports discussing a phone call between President Trump and Putin," Zelenskyy said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Key developments on July 4:

'Nothing but terror and murder'  Russia pounds Kyiv with record overnight drone, missile attack, 1 dead, 26 injured

Zelensky, Trump discuss air defense, joint drone production amid Russian strikes

'There is also good news'  Ukrainian drones hit key military optics plant in Russia, General Staff confirms

Russia intensifying use of chemical weapons in Ukraine, Dutch intelligence reports

Ukraine, Denmark sign deal to launch Ukrainian military production on Danish soil

Ukraine, Russia conduct new POW exchange

Explosions rocked the city of Kyiv for more than seven hours overnight on July 4, as Russia launched a record missile and drone attack targeting the capital and other cities across Ukraine.

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At least one person was killed, and 26 others were injured in Kyiv, the State Emergency Service reported.

Mayor Vitali Klitschko said 14 people had been hospitalized, while Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, in the afternoon confirmed a body had been found during rescue operations.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia launched a record 550 drones and missiles during the seven-hour barrage. Kyiv Independent journalists on the ground heard multiple rounds of explosions in the city beginning around 8 p.m. local time on July 3 and continuing into the early hours of July 4

The attack damaged apartment buildings, businesses, a school, a medical facility, railway lines, and other civilian infrastructure in multiple districts. Fires blazed across the city, making the air dangerous to breathe.

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"Russia, a terrorist country, has wreaked havoc," Tkachenko wrote on Telegram. "The Russians bring nothing but terror and murder. That is a fact."

Smoke rises from a fire after a mass Russian drone and missile attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, on July 4, 2025. (Kostiantyn Liberov / Libkos / Getty Images)

Ukraine's Air Force reported that Russia had launched a ballistic missile towards Kyiv at around 12:30 a.m., and then additional missiles around 2:30 a.m.

As officials reported real-time updates on damage and casualties amid the ongoing assault, Kyiv Independent reporters in the city said that smoke from explosions clogged the air even in neighborhoods far from the attack sites.

"The first air raids in our cities and regions began yesterday, almost simultaneously with the start of media discussions of President Trump's phone call with Putin," Zelensky said in a post on social media on July 4.

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"This was one of the largest-scale air attacks  deliberately massive and cynical... Russia is once again demonstrating that it is not going to end the war and terror."

Read also: Russia launches another horrific attack on Kyiv hours after Trump-Putin call

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said that the consular section of Poland's embassy in Kyiv was damaged during Russia's attack on Kyiv. "I just spoke with Ambassador (Piotr) Lukasiewicz; everyone is safe and unharmed," Sikorski said.

He added that Ukraine urgently needs air defense systems.

Russia also targeted other regions of Ukraine with overnight attacks. Downed drones struck property and a vehicle in the city of Poltava, regional Governor Volodymyr Kohut reported. The strike injured two people.

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Kyiv and other major Ukrainian cities have faced intensified drone and missile strikes in recent weeks, with Russia deploying Iranian-designed Shahed drones in record numbers.

Zelensky, Trump discuss air defense, joint drone production amid Russian strikes

President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone conversation on July 4, agreeing to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses, Zelensky announced on Telegram.

The call came as Russia escalated its aerial campaign across Ukraine.

"Today we discussed the situation: Russian air strikes and, more broadly, the situation on the front lines. President Trump is very well informed," Zelensky said.

"We discussed air defense options and agreed to work on increasing airspace protection. We agreed on a meeting between our teams."

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Zelensky said the two leaders also discussed Ukraine's defense industry potential and explored possibilities for direct cooperation with U.S. partners.

"We are ready for direct projects with America and believe that this is extremely necessary for security, especially with regard to drones and related technologies," he added.

Trump told Zelensky that the U.S. is willing to assist Ukraine with air defense amid intensified Russian strikes, Axios reported, citing unnamed sources. The call between the two presidents reportedly lasted about 40 minutes.

This conversation followed a phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on July 3, during which the Kremlin said Putin reaffirmed that "Russia will continue to pursue its goals" in its war against Ukraine despite U.S. calls for a ceasefire.

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Trump told reporters on July 3 that he was "very disappointed" by the conversation with Putin.

"I don't think he's there... I don't think he's looking to stop this fighting."

The call also followed the U.S. Defense Department's decision to pause shipments of key weapons systems to Ukraine, including Patriot missiles and precision-guided artillery rounds. Kyiv has warned that the delay threatens to weaken its air defenses and emboldens Moscow.

Despite repeated expressions of frustration about Russia's continued aggression, Trump's administration has yet to impose new sanctions or approve additional aid for Ukraine since taking office in January.

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While Russia and Ukraine resumed direct talks in Istanbul this year, the two rounds of negotiations  on May 16 and June 2  have yielded only prisoner exchanges and no progress toward a ceasefire.

'There is also good news'  Ukrainian drones hit key military optics plant in Russia, General Staff confirms

Drones struck multiple targets in Russia overnight on July 4, including a high-value defense facility in the southern Rostov Oblast, according to Andrii Kovalenko, head of the counter-disinformation center at Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council.

Kovalenko said a drone hit the Azov Optical and Mechanical Plant in the town of Azov, Rostov Oblast. The facility reportedly manufactures critical components for the Russian military, including sights, rangefinders, thermal imaging systems, and fire control equipment for tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, ships, and aircraft.

"Despite the difficult night, there is also good news. There were attacks on facilities in Russia, particularly in Moscow and Rostov oblasts," Kovalenko wrote. "This is where the 'eyes' for Russian armored vehicles are assembled."

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Overnight on July 4, Russia launched a massive drone and missile assault on multiple Ukrainian cities, with Kyiv as the primary target. At least 23 people were injured in the capital amid widespread destruction and high levels of air pollution.

Ukraine's General Staff later confirmed that its drone units struck the Scientific Research Institute of Applied Chemistry (FNTs NIIPKh) in Sergiyev Posad, Moscow Oblast.

The military said the facility is involved in the production of thermobaric warheads for Shahed-type drones and plays a critical role in Russia's airstrike capabilities.

Russia's Defense Ministry later claimed that air defense systems had intercepted or destroyed 48 Ukrainian drones overnight. According to the ministry, 26 were downed over Rostov Oblast, 12 over Kursk Oblast, six over Belgorod Oblast, three over Oryol Oblast, and one over Lipetsk Oblast.

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The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify these claims.

Read also: Chinas foreign minister tells EU that Beijing cannot afford Russia to lose in Ukraine, media reports

Russia intensifying use of chemical weapons in Ukraine, Dutch intelligence reports

Russia is escalating the use of chemical weapons against Ukrainian forces, the Netherlands Military Intelligence (MIVD) reported on July 4.

Russian troops use banned chemical agents as psychological warfare to panic Ukrainian forces, forcing soldiers from dugouts and trenches with gas grenades dropped by drones, making them easy targets for subsequent drone or artillery attacks.

According to MIVD report, it was previously known that Russia used tear gas, but now intelligence has confirmed the use of chloropicrin  a substance that can kill in high concentrations in enclosed spaces.

Use of of chloropicrin, banned under international law, was discovered by the Netherlands Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD) and General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) together with the German foreign intelligence service BND.

The Kyiv Independent previously reported rising chemical attacks, but Ukraine could not accurately identify the chemical substances due to lack of equipment.

The U.S. State Department had already reported in May that Russian forces have used the chemical agent chloropicrin in Ukraine. The May 1 announcement was part of a larger statement about the introduction of new U.S. sanctions against more than 280 individuals and entities.

For now, the original statement has been removed from the U.S. State Department website.

Russia is using this type of weapon more frequently and "with ease," says MIVD Director Vice Admiral Peter Reesink.

Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans, who announced the news to the Dutch parliament, called the situation "absolutely unacceptable," calling for "more sanctions, isolation of Russia and unwavering military support for Ukraine."

"We are making this public now because Russia's use of chemical weapons must not become normalized," Brekelmans said. "If the threshold for using this type of weapon is lowered, it is dangerous not only for Ukraine but also for the rest of Europe and the world."

Since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, Russia has conducted over 9,000 chemical attacks. At least three Ukrainian soldiers have died directly from exposure to toxic substances, according to Ukraine's Defense Ministry.

Dutch intelligence has established that Russian military leadership actively facilitates chemical attacks, and the use of banned substances has become standard practice for Russian forces.

Moscow is also increasing investments in chemical weapons programs, expanding research, and recruiting new scientists, MIVD and AIVD observe.

The U.S. has accused Russia of deploying chloropicrin, often used in agriculture and widely weaponized as a "vomiting agent" during World War I.

Read also: Number of Ukrainian children killed and injured amid Russian full-scale invasion jumps threefold in recent months

Ukraine, Denmark sign deal to launch Ukrainian military production on Danish soil

Kyiv and Copenhagen signed a landmark agreement on July 4 that allows Ukrainian defense companies to open production facilities in Denmark, Strategic Industries Minister Herman Smetanin announced.

"This is a unique case of international cooperation for the Ukrainian defense industry," Smetanin wrote on Facebook, following the signing ceremony in Copenhagen alongside Danish Industry Minister Morten Bodskov.

The deal marks the first time Ukrainian defense technologies will be exported abroad specifically for supply to Ukraine's own Armed Forces, he said.

A year ago, Denmark became the first country to fund weapons production by Ukrainian manufacturers. Now, it has become the first to host Ukrainian arms production lines on its territory, Smetanin added.

"Today, it has become the first country to which Ukraine exports its own defense technologies for production, scaling, and supply to the Ukrainian army," he said.

The agreement is part of Ukraine's broader effort to internationalize its defense production. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on June 21 that Kyiv would soon begin exporting defense technologies and opening weapons production lines in partner countries.

To scale up domestic and international production, Zelensky has called on foreign partners to finance new projects and match Ukraine's rapidly growing manufacturing capacity.

Denmark has been a key backer of Ukraine since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. In February 2024, Copenhagen signed a 10-year bilateral security agreement with Kyiv, pledging long-term defense cooperation until Ukraine secures NATO membership.

Read also: Trump envoy Steve Witkoff pushing to lift energy sanctions on Russia, Politico reports

Ukraine, Russia conduct new POW exchange

A new prisoner of war (POW) exchange with Russia has taken place, bringing home another group of Ukrainian soldiers held in Russian captivity, many since 2022, President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on July 4.

"Our people are home. Most of them had been in Russian captivity since 2022," Zelensky said in a statement.

According to Ukraine's Land Forces, the group includes prisoners categorized as "wounded and seriously ill," those "under the age of 25," and civilians.

The exchange follows five swaps that occurred in June under the Istanbul deal reached between Ukraine and Russia on June 2. The agreement provided for the regular release of severely ill and wounded POWs from both sides, as well as the repatriation of the bodies of fallen soldiers.

Previous swaps have brought home service members from the Armed Forces, National Guard, and State Border Guard Service, many of whom were captured in 2022 during the start of Russia's full-scale invasion.

Recently released Ukrainian prisoners of war returned home following a POW exchange with Russia on July 4, 2025. (The Coordination Headquarters for Prisoners of War / Telegram)

"Exchanges must continue, and I thank everyone who makes this possible," Zelensky said. "Ukraine's goal is to free all our people from Russian captivity. I thank everyone who helps make that happen."

Russia's Defense Ministry confirmed the exchange on July 4, without disclosing the number of soldiers returned.

Previous exchanges have focused on individuals with serious medical needs resulting from injuries and harsh conditions in captivity. Some previously released prisoners had defended Mariupol during the 2022 siege, while others fought in regions including Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Kyiv oblasts.

The Istanbul agreement followed months of stalled negotiations and was hailed as a humanitarian breakthrough despite the lack of broader political progress.

Ukraine continues to advocate for a full-scale "all-for-all" exchange, a proposal that Russia has so far rejected. Still, both sides have carried out smaller, phased swaps, sometimes multiple in a single week.

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.

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(Reuters) -Ukraine launched a drone attack on the Sergiyev Posad district near Moscow early on Friday, injuring one person and damaging power infrastructure, the head of the district said.

"I ask everyone to remain calm, not to approach the windows, not to photograph the work of the air defence," Oksana Yerokhanova wrote in a post on the Telegram messaging app.

She said that at least four explosions were recorded throughout the district - some 75 km (47 miles) from the Kremlin - and that a power substation was damaged, leaving parts of the district without electricity.

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The district's administrative centre, the town of Sergiyev Posad, is considered the religious centre of the Moscow Region and a spiritual heart of Russia's Orthodox Church. The city's monastery, the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius that was founded in the 14th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

In the southern Russian region of Rostov a woman was killed as a result of Ukraine's drone attack, which damaged several apartment buildings and forced the evacuation of scores of people from their homes, the acting governor of the region said on Friday.

The scale of the attack on Russia was not immediately known. There was no comment from Ukraine.

Kyiv says that its attacks inside Russia are aimed at destroying infrastructure key to Moscow's war efforts and are in response to continuous Russian strikes on Ukraine.

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Both sides deny targeting civilians in the war that Russia launched with a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. But thousands of civilians have died in the conflict, the vast majority of them Ukrainian.

(Reporting by Lidia Kelly in Warsaw; Editing by Jamie Freed and Kim Coghill)
As part of efforts to reduce the Russians ability to launch airstrikes, units of the Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces, in cooperation with other components of the defence forces, struck the Scientific Research Institute of Applied Chemistry in Russias Moscow Oblast on 4 July.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Details: It is noted that at present, the facility in Sergiev Posad, Russias Moscow Oblast, manufactures, in particular, thermobaric warheads for Shahed-type UAVs and is an important link in the Russian Federation's armed aggression against Ukraine.

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It has been confirmed that Ukrainian assets directly hit the target. A fire and heavy smoke were observed near the facility.

The results of the strike are being confirmed.

Background: Russian authorities have reported a drone attack on several settlements in Rostov Oblast and the Sergiyevo-Posadsky district near Moscow on the night of 3-4 July.

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Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has said that the large-scale combined Russian attack on Ukraine on the night of 3-4 July, which took place after a telephone conversation between Russian leader Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, is evidence of the Kremlin's disrespect towards the United States.

Source: a statement by Sybiha, as reported by the press service of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry

Details: Sybiha noted that the Russian attack on the night of 3-4 July was "one of the worst so far".

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Quote: "Hundreds of Russian drones and ballistic missiles rained down on the Ukrainian capital. Right after Putin spoke with President Trump. And he does it on purpose. Enough of waiting! Putin clearly shows his complete disregard for the United States and everyone who has called for an end to the war."

Details: The minister called for Russia to be punished with "the toughest sanctions" and for Ukraine to be provided with all the necessary defence assets.

Quote: "Wrong decisions can only encourage the aggressor to escalate terror. Every criminal regime in the world is now watching Putins actions closely and responding to them. If he gets away with all of this, everyone will get a very clear message," Sybiha said.

Background:

From 18:00 on 3 July, Russian forces attacked Ukraine with a record 550 aerial assets. Of them, 478 targets were destroyed, but there were strikes in eight locations and debris fell in 33 locations.

On the evening of 3 July, Trump held a phone conversation with Putin. He then said that there had been no progress on ceasing fire in Ukraine.

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Ukrainian intelligence has killed three Russian drone operators from the Bars-Sarmat unit, which is linked to Dmitry Rogozin, the former head of the Russian space agency Roscosmos, in the temporarily occupied territory of Kherson Oblast.

Source: Defence Intelligence of Ukraine on Telegram

Details: A Chevrolet Aveo car carrying three Russian soldiers is reported to have exploded on the outskirts of the settlement of Strilkove on 4 July.

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It is reported that all three were members of the Bars-1 group, stationed in temporarily occupied Henichesk. Among those killed was the groups senior officer, who, according to Defence Intelligence, posed a threat to Ukraines defence forces and terrorised the local population.

Ukraines intelligence notes that the Russians established the so-called Bars-Sarmat centre on the temporarily occupied territory of Zaporizhzhia Oblast in 2024. The centre specialises in the combat use of unmanned aerial vehicles, robotics, electronic warfare, reconnaissance and communication.

Former Roscosmos chief Dmitry Rogozin is believed to be commanding this unit.

Defence Intelligence of Ukraine emphasises that "there shall be fair retribution" for every war crime against Ukraine.

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Background:

On 21 December 2022, Dmitry Rogozin and Vitaliy Khotsenko, the so-called prime minister of the self-proclaimed "Donetsk Peoples Republic" (DPR) terror organisation, sustained injuries in a strike on Donetsk.

Ukrainian state border guards figured out the location of Rogozin and reminded him that violating Ukraines state borders entails criminal liability.

Later, Russian media reported that the doctors of the "DPR" will not be able to get a piece of shrapnel from Rogozin.

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By Sam Tobin

LONDON (Reuters) -Pro-Palestinian campaign group Palestine Action's co-founder on Friday lost a bid to pause the British government's decision to ban the group under anti-terrorism laws, with the group losing an urgent appeal meaning it will be banned from midnight.

Huda Ammori, who helped found Palestine Action in 2020, asked London's High Court to stop the proscription of Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation, before a full hearing of her case that banning the group is unlawful later this month.

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The High Court refused to pause the ban and, following a late-night hearing, the Court of Appeal rejected an appeal against that decision at just after 2130 GMT.

British lawmakers this week decided to ban Palestine Action after its activists broke into a Royal Air Force base and damaged two planes in protest against what the group says is Britain's support for Israel.

Proscription will make it a crime to be a member of Palestine Action that carries a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison.

Palestine Action has increasingly targeted Israel-linked companies in Britain, often spraying red paint, blocking entrances or damaging equipment. The group accuses the British government of complicity in what it says are Israeli war crimes in its ongoing bombardment of Gaza.

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Israel has repeatedly denied committing abuses in its war in Gaza, which began after Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023.

Ammori's lawyer Raza Husain said the proscription marked the first time Britain had sought to ban a group carrying out such direct action, describing it as "an ill-considered, discriminatory, authoritarian abuse of statutory power".

Critics of the government's decision, including some United Nations experts and civil liberties groups, have also argued that damaging property does not amount to terrorism.

DEFENCE FIRMS TARGETED

The group has particularly focused on Israeli defence firm Elbit Systems and Britain's government cited a raid at an Elbit site last year when it decided to proscribe the group.

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The decision to ban the group came as four members were charged over the incident at the RAF Brize Norton air base, in which military planes were sprayed with red paint.

Husain said that was the only example of action targeting a government or military facility and previous incidents were against private companies, to support his argument against proscribing Palestine Action.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, Britain's interior minister, has said violence and criminal damage have no place in legitimate protest and that Palestine Action's activities justify proscription.

Judge Martin Chamberlain earlier ruled against Ammori's bid to pause the ban, saying that any harm to Palestine Action members or supporters did not outweigh "the strong public interest in maintaining the order" to ban the group.

(Reporting by Sam Tobin, Editing by William James, Sachin Ravikumar, Philippa Fletcher)
At least 613 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the end of May at distribution centres for aid supplies and around aid convoys, UN data showed on Friday, as Palestinian media reported another 15 casualties in the territory.

Of the 613 killings, 509 were recorded at or near the controversial distribution stations run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), UN human rights spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said in Geneva.

The foundation began its work in the Gaza Strip at the end of May after an almost three-month Israeli blockade of aid deliveries.

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The GHF does not work with UN aid organizations, which criticize the foundation for operating far too few distribution centres and for exposing people in need of aid to extreme danger.

The Israeli military is responsible for the deadly incidents related to the distribution of humanitarian aid, according to Palestinian sources.

Rik Peeperkorn, the World Health Organisation (WHO) representative in the Palestinian territories, confirmed that most of the killings and injuries were linked to GHF centres.

The incidents were reported directly to the WHO by medical personnel and by relatives and friends of victims, he said.

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The victims were mainly boys who had gone to the distribution centres for their families and were then shot "in the head, neck, chest, stomach and knees," the WHO representative said in a video conference.

Palestinian media: 15 killed on Friday

Following the latest Israeli attacks in Gaza, Palestinian media on Friday reported at least 15 people killed.

Israel's military carried out air strikes in several areas of the territory on Friday, the Palestinian news agency WAFA said.

The casualties occurred in Al-Mawasi near the southern city of Khan Yunis, the news agency said, citing medical sources in the Gaza Strip.

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The report could not be independently verified. Israel's military later said it had attacked around 100 targets in the Gaza Strip in the past 24 hours, including rocket launch pads and weapons depots.

It also said ground troops continued their operations. The military did not comment on reports of deaths in the attacks.

Despite ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza war, fighting in the coastal area continues unabated.

The war was triggered by the unprecedented attack on Israel by Hamas and other militant groups on October 7, 2023, in which around 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 were abducted and taken to Gaza.

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Since then, according to the Hamas-controlled health authority in Gaza, more than 56,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks. The figure does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.

A proposal for a 60-day ceasefire is under discussion.

US President Donald Trump has said Israel has already agreed to the "necessary conditions" for the ceasefire.

Hamas said on Thursday night that it would discuss the proposal and give an official response in the near future.
DAKAR, Senegal (AP)  Rwanda provided critical support to the M23 rebels' recent offensive in eastern Congo, which helped secure Kigali's access to minerals and fertile ground, according to a confidential United Nations report seen by The Associated Press.

The Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group is the most prominent armed group in the conflict in Eastern Congo, which has been in and out of crises for decades. The rebels earlier this year advanced and seized the strategic city of Goma and Bukavu in a major escalation of the conflict.

Rwanda has denied any involvement. But U.N. experts say Kigali provided backing to the rebels with an aim to control the territory of the DRC and its natural resources," using advanced military equipment, including jamming systems, short-range air defense system and armed drones.

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Rwanda has been accused of exploiting eastern Congos minerals, used in smartphones, advanced fighter jets and much more, which Kigali denies. The report said that smuggling of coltan, considered a critical mineral, from M23-controlled territories in recent months reached unprecedented levels."

Evidence indicated increasing risk of cross-border fraud as minerals from North Kivu, particularly coltan from the AFC-controlled Rubaya mine, continued to be smuggled to Rwanda. the report said. These minerals were then mixed with production of Rwandan origin and exported downstream.

AFC, or Congo River Alliance, is an umbrella groups which includes M23.

The M23-controlled Rubaya mines produce coltan  short for columbite-tantalite  an ore from which the metals tantalum and niobium are extracted. Both are considered critical raw materials by the United States, the European Union, China and Japan.

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Tantalum is used in mobile phones, computers and automotive electronics, as well as in aircraft engines, missile components and GPS systems. Niobium is used in pipelines, rockets and jet engines.

Congo produced about 40% of the worlds coltan in 2023, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, with Australia, Canada and Brazil being other major suppliers.

Part of the minerals smuggled to Rwanda were purchased by Boss Mining Solution Limited, a Rwandan company. To justify the plausibility of domestic origins of tantalum, tin and tungsten, the Rwandan Development Board declared annual domestic production of 8,000 to 9,000 tons of these minerals, the report said. The figure was contradicted by the National Institute of Statistics, independent geological studies and ITSCI.

Late last month, Rwanda and Congo signed a peace deal facilitated by the U.S. while helping the U.S. government and American companies gain access to critical minerals in the region. But experts said they dont believe it will quickly end the fighting because the most prominent armed group says it does not apply to it.

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Rwanda denied the allegations from the U.N. report.

Alluding to the U.N. report, Rwanda's president Paul Kagame told reporters on Friday:The expertise they provide, the reports they write actually do not have anything to do with the situation itself. These reports were written long ago  long ago when they were given the mission.

A spokesperson for Rwandas government, Yolande Makolo, wrote on X that Following the signing of the US-brokered Peace Agreement last Friday, Rwanda is fully committed to its implementation.

The report, which was first reported by Reuters, was submitted to the U.N. Security Council sanctions committee for Congo earlier this week, and will be published shortly, said a U.N. official who was not authorized to speak on the matter publicly.

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Despite Congo's exceptional mineral wealth, over 70% of Congolese live on less than $2.15 a day. The conflict in the country's east has created one of the worlds largest humanitarian crises with more than 7 million people displaced, including 100,000 who fled homes this year.

The U.N. report also accused all sides in the conflict of human rights violations, including reprisal killings on suspicion of collaboration of the opposing sides.

Rwanda and M23 are responsible for systematic campaign of repression in occupied areas, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrest, torture, enforced disappearance and raids in hospitals," it said. Retreating Congolese soldiers and members of the pro-government militia committed looting, sexual violence and killings.

___

Associated Press writers Wilson McMakin in Dakar, Senegal and Rodney Muhumuza in Kampala, Uganda, contributed to this report.
Taiwan night market finds new home in Chinese mainland

Xinhua) 08:42, June 30, 2025

Tourists buy oyster omelet at the Taipei Street in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, June 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Gao Yongwei)

KUNMING, June 29 (Xinhua) -- In downtown Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, a vibrant night market blends the flavors of Taiwan with the charm of Yunnan.

Under a lantern-lit archway, Chen Chi-han busily prepares her famous Taiwan-style sticky rice sausages, while her son Yeh Yu-hsiang serves up braised pork rice nearby. The lively scene at Kunming's newly opened "Taipei Street" closely resembles their former stall at the Monga Night Market in Taipei.

"Back in Taipei, we lived on Kunming Street, while in Kunming here, we're on Taipei Street. It feels like coming home," Chen said.

Last year, Chen, director of the Monga Night Market, was invited to visit Kunming and was inspired to bring authentic Taiwan street food to the city. Within months, her vision came to life, with her, her son and more than 60 other vendors from Taiwan becoming the first to cross the Strait for this unique venture.

The 138-meter-long snack street has been jointly developed by Kunming's bureau of culture and tourism and other departments, as well as entrepreneurs from Taiwan.

Since its opening in April, the street with 29 stalls, all operated by people from Taiwan, has attracted an average of 10,000 visitors daily.

"People here love Taiwan snacks. They spend about 30 yuan (about 4.2 U.S. dollars) to 40 yuan per person every time," said Chen Chii-jaan, manager of the Kunming-based cultural tourism company called Yuntai that runs the street.

Chen Chi-han's stall often sells out, with 250 portions of her signature sausages with sticky rice flying off the grill.

"Locals queue up, chat with me and add my WeChat account. I've made over 100 new friends," she said with a smile.

Nearby, shaved ice vendor Peng Chun-chang and his wife Wang Yan, a mainlander from the city of Chengdu, work side by side. Their love story began at Monga Night Market, and now their business is thriving in Kunming.

"Using local ingredients with Taiwan-style techniques cuts costs and boosts sales," Peng said.

Beyond the flavors, the street exudes Taiwan's famed hospitality. Visitors can hear vendors cheerfully greeting, serving food and expecting customers to return in melodic Taiwan accents.

"It's like entering a night market straight out of a Taiwan TV drama," said Ye Qing, a tourist from Sichuan Province.

The bustling food street is a microcosm of the close people-to-people exchanges between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan.

In 2024, cross-Strait exchanges surged, reaching 4.4 million trips with a 53.8 percent increase. Among them, 4.02 million people from Taiwan visited the mainland, up 54.3 percent, while 382,000 mainlanders traveled to Taiwan, a 49.2 percent rise.

"Connection starts with food. When people stroll, eat and chat, understanding naturally blossoms," said Huang Feng-Hui, who works in investment services at Yuntai.

Wang Yan shows a serving of shaved ice at the Taipei Street in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, June 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Gao Yongwei)

People visit the Taipei Street in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, June 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Gao Yongwei)

People visit the Taipei Street in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, June 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Gao Yongwei)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Burford Capital Limited (NYSE:BUR) is one of 10 Stocks that Fell Off the Cliff.

Burford Capital dropped its share prices by 7.85 percent on Tuesday to close at $13.14 apiece as investors resorted to profit-taking following a 22-percent surge in the previous day, thanks to a US court ruling in relation to its litigation case against Argentina.

In the Court order, US District Judge Loretta Preska told Argentina to transfer its YPF shares to BNY Mellon within 14 days and within one business day to the plaintiffs.

Argentinian President Javier Milei, however, vowed to appeal to defend national interests.

The case stemmed from Argentinas 2012 seizure of the 51-percent stake in YPF held by Spain-based Repsol without tendering for shares held by minority investors Petersen Energia Inversora and Eton Park Capital Management.

Burford Capital (BUR) Falls 7.8% as Traders Take Profits

An accountant meticulously going over documents in her office, exemplifying the company's commitment to accuracy and detail.

The plaintiffs were represented by litigation funder Burford Capital Limited (NYSE:BUR), which had expected to receive 35 percent and 73 percent of Petersen and Eton Parks respective damages.

While we acknowledge the potential of BUR as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires.
(Reuters) -The United Nations atomic agency is pulling its inspectors out of Iran over safety concerns, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.

(Reporting by Shivani Tanna in Bengaluru; Editing by Aidan Lewis)
Grossi "reiterated the crucial importance of the IAEA discussing with Iran modalities for resuming its indispensable monitoring and verification activities in Iran as soon as possible."

The United Nations atomic agency is pulling its inspectors out of Iran over safety concerns, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.

International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi "reiterated the crucial importance of the IAEA discussing with Iran modalities for resuming its indispensable monitoring and verification activities in Iran as soon as possible," it said in a post on X.

The team will return to the UN nuclear watchdog's headquarters in Vienna after staying in Tehran during the conflict between Israel and Iran, the agency said on Friday.

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They depart the country by road, despite Iran's main airport resuming normal operations in the wake of the 12-day conflict, sources told the WSJ.

Reza Najafi, Permanent Representative of Iran to the United Nations (UN), seen at the IAEA headquarters in Vienna, Austria, June 9, 2025 (credit: REUTERS/LISA LEUTNER)

Iran moves to suspend IAEA cooperation

Earlier this week, Iran's parliament approved a bill on Wednesday to suspend cooperation with the international monitor.

The move needs the final approval of Iran's Supreme National Security Council to be enforced, according to Nournews.

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf was quoted by state media as also saying Iran would accelerate its civilian nuclear program and that the IAEA had refused even to appear to condemn the attack on Iran's nuclear facilities, which "has put its international credibility up for sale."

"For this reason, the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran will suspend its cooperation with the Agency until the security of the nuclear facilities is guaranteed and move at a faster pace with the country's peaceful nuclear program," Qalibaf said.
The United Nations Human Rights Council has rejected Eritreas attempt to shut down an independent investigation into alleged rights abuses, in a move hailed as vital to preventing impunity.

Eritreas rare bid to scrap the mandate of the UN special rapporteur on its human rights record was defeated on Friday, with only four votes in favour, 25 against, and 18 abstentions.

The move by Eritrea surprised some observers and marked one of the few times a state under active investigation tried to end such scrutiny through a formal vote.

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Human Rights Watch welcomed the outcome, calling it an important message that the international community is not fooled by Eritreas efforts to distract from, and discredit, independent human rights reporting on the countrys dire rights record.

Eritreas motion argued that alleged rights violations were not systemic and blamed capacity constraints common to other developing nations. But European states responded with a counter-resolution to extend the mandate for another year, which passed with ease.

In his latest report in June, Mohamed Abdelsalam Babiker, the UN-appointed special rapporteur and a Sudanese human rights lawyer, said Eritrea had shown no meaningful progress on accountability.

He referenced the 2016 UN inquiry that found systematic, widespread and gross human rights violations  committed in Eritrea under the authority of the Government  may constitute crimes against humanity.





In the 2016 report, the UNs Commission of Inquiry (COI) for Eritrea said the government of President Isaias Afwerki had committed heinous crimes since independence a quarter-century ago, including the enslavement of 400,000 people.

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Many of those abuses are allegedly linked to a harsh national service programme in the secretive Horn of Africa state, which for many is almost impossible to escape and which the COI compared to lifetime enslavement.

Ending investigation would enable impunity

DefendDefenders, a pan-African human rights organisation, said Babikers role remained vital for victims and the wider Eritrean diaspora.

The expert plays an indispensable role, not only for the victims and survivors of Eritreas abuses, but also for the Eritrean diaspora, the group said in a statement.

The EU warned that terminating the mandate would enable impunity and repression to deepen in silence.

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Eritreas representative, Habtom Zerai Ghirmai, lashed out at the decision, accusing the EU of displaying a neo-colonial saviour mentality complex.

He added, The continued extension of the Special Rapporteurs mandate is an affront to reason and justice.

Iran, Sudan and Russia  all under their own UN investigations  supported Eritreas motion. China also backed the move, arguing that such mandates were a misuse of international resources.
The United Nations human rights office has said it recorded at least 613 killings of Palestinians, both at controversial aid points run by the Israeli and United States-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) and near humanitarian convoys.

This is a figure as of June 27. Since then  there have been further incidents, Ravina Shamdasani, the spokesperson for the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), told reporters in Geneva on Friday.

The OHCHR said 509 of the 613 people were killed near GHF distribution points. The Gaza Health Ministry has put the number of deaths at more than 650 and those wounded as exceeding 4,000.

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The GHF began distributing limited food packages in Gaza at the end of May, overseeing a new model of deliveries which the UN says is neither impartial nor neutral, as killings continue around the organisations sites, which rights groups have slammed as human slaughterhouses.

Mahmoud Basal, a civil defence spokesperson in Gaza, said they recorded evidence of civilians being deliberately killed by the Israeli military.

More than 600 Palestinian civilians were killed at these centres, he said. Some were shot by Israeli snipers, others were killed by drone attacks, air strikes or shootings targeting families seeking aid.

Medical sources have told Al Jazeera that Israeli forces have killed 51 Palestinians in Gaza since dawn on Friday.

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In Khan Younis in southern Gaza, the Israeli military killed at least 15 Palestinians following a series of deadly attacks on makeshift tents in the al-Mawasi coastal area, which was once classified as a so-called humanitarian safe zone by Israel. Attacks there have been relentless.

The Israeli army also issued new forced displacement threats for several areas of Khan Younis. The warnings for parts in the citys east and centre include the area where the Nasser Hospital is located.





I lost everything

A mother, whose son was killed while trying to get food, told Al Jazeera that she lost everything after his death.

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My son was a provider, I depended totally on him, she said, adding: He was the pillar and foundation of our life.

The woman called the GHFs aid distribution centres death traps.

We are forced to go there out of desperation for food; we go there out of hunger, she said.

Instead of coming back carrying a bag of flour, people themselves are being carried back as bodies, she added.

The World Health Organization said on Friday that Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis is operating as one massive trauma ward due to an influx of patients injured around GHF sites.

Referring to medical staff at the hospital, Rik Peeperkorn, WHO representative in the occupied West Bank and Gaza, told reporters in Geneva: Theyve seen already for weeks, daily injuries  (the) majority coming from the so-called safe non-UN food distribution sites.

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Peeperkorn said health workers at Nasser Hospital and testimonies from family members and friends of those wounded confirmed that the victims had been trying to access aid at sites run by the GHF.

He recounted the harrowing cases of a 13-year-old boy shot in the head, as well as a 21-year-old with a bullet lodged in his neck, which rendered him a paraplegic.

According to the UN, only 16 of Gazas 36 hospitals remain partially operational, their collective capacity merely above 1,800 beds  entirely insufficient for the overwhelming medical needs.

The Israeli army has targeted the health institutions and medical workers in the besieged enclave since the beginning of its war on Gaza in October 2023.

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The health sector is being systematically dismantled, Peeperkorn said on Thursday in a separate statement, citing shortages of medical supplies, equipment and personnel.





GHF condemned

The UN, humanitarian organisations and other NGOs have repeatedly slammed the GHF for its handling of aid distribution and the attacks around its distribution sites.

More than 130 humanitarian organisations, including Oxfam, Save the Children and Amnesty International, on Tuesday demanded the immediate closure of the GHF, accusing it of facilitating attacks on starving Palestinians.

The NGOs said Israeli forces and armed groups routinely open fire on civilians attempting to access food.

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The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), which was carrying out aid distribution for decades before the GHF, has called for investigations into the killings and wounding of Palestinians trying to access food through the GHF.

UNRWA noted that while it operated about 400 sites across the territory, the GHF has set up only four mega-sites, three in the south and one in central Gaza  none in the north, where conditions are the most severe.

The GHF has denied that incidents surrounding people killed or wounded at its sites have occurred involving its contractors, without providing any evidence, rejecting an investigation by The Associated Press that said some of its United States staff fired indiscriminately at Palestinians.

A recent report from Israeli outlet Haaretz detailed Israeli soldiers, in their words, confirming that Israeli troops have deliberately shot at unarmed Palestinians seeking aid in Gaza after being ordered to do so by their commanders.

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Israels war in Gaza has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, according to the enclaves Health Ministry, while displacing most of the population of more than two million multiple times, triggering widespread hunger through a punishing blockade and leaving much of the territory in ruins.

The war began after Hamas-led fighters crossed into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 captives back to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies.








NEED TO KNOW

An oxygen leak on an EgyptAir flight heading from Paris, France, to Cairo in Egypt in May 2016 likely caused a fatal crash, killing all 66 people on board, a newly released report has found

Richard Osman, a Welsh geologist, was among the 59 passengers who died in the tragedy, and findings from an inquest that concluded in May found that the leak caused a fire on the flight deck, resulting in the aircraft becoming "uncontrollable," and the subsequent crash

Two flight crew members and five cabin attendants also died in the tragedy





An oxygen leak likely caused the fatal crash of an EgyptAir aircraft almost a decade ago, which killed all 66 people on board, an inquest has heard.

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On May 18, 2016, Richard Osman, 40, a geologist from Carmarthen in Wales, was among the 59 passengers traveling on EgyptAir flight MS804 heading from Paris, France, to Cairo in Egypt, the BBC reported. Two flight crew members and five cabin attendants had also been on the aircraft at the time, the outlet stated.

There were no survivors when the plane crashed into the Mediterranean Sea in the early hours of the morning on May 19, 2016, per a Prevention of Future Deaths report released by the U.K.'s Courts and Tribunals Judiciary on Thursday, July 3.

The report stated that an inquest, which ended on May 2, had found that a fire onboard, likely caused by an oxygen leak, had resulted in the fatal incident.

Dimitris Legakis/Shutterstock Richard Osman Richard Osman

"Richard Osman was a passenger onboard commercial flight MS804 [traveling] from Paris to Cairo which crashed into the Mediterranean Sea on 19 May 2016 following a fire onboard caused by an ignition source of unknown origin most likely associated with the first officers oxygen supply system, which either resulted from or was fed by an oxygen leak," the report noted.

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Osman had been on a business trip at the time, per the report, which was filed by coroner Mark Layton. His cause of death was listed as an "air incident."

"As the aircraft was flying over the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, a fire broke out on the flight deck rendering the flight deck environment uninhabitable and causing the aircraft to be uncontrollable resulting in a crash. There were no survivors," the report, which was dated June 5, stated.

The coroner voiced multiple concerns in the report, including urging officials to undertake a full review of cockpit fire and smoke procedures by carrying out procedures including immediately cutting off an oxygen supply when a fire is recognized, installing or carrying protective equipment to deal with cockpit fires, and a review of the effectiveness of Halon fire extinguishers to deal with onboard fires.

Joan Valls/Urbanandsport /NurPhoto via Getty A photo of an EgyptAir plane A photo of an EgyptAir plane

The coroner also said "a review of regulations to prevent the use of cigarettes in the cockpit and related flammable items and materials" was among the matters of concern, per the inquest findings.

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According to the BBC, Osman was working and living in Jersey  the largest of the Channel Islands, located between England and France  with his wife Aurelie Vandeputte and their two young daughters at the time of his death.

During the inquest in May, the coroner rejected a report by an Egyptian investigator that suggested that there may have been a deliberate explosion onboard, per Sky News. He agreed with a British expert at the time, stating that he believed the fire could have been started by a leak at an oxygen mask in the cockpit, the outlet noted.

He said the inquest had been delayed for so long because authorities were waiting for all the evidence in the case to be presented, Sky News reported.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Osman's widow, Vandeputte, said at the inquest that her late husband was "loved and appreciated" by his family, per the outlet.

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The coroner extended his "heartfelt condolences" to the victim's family during the inquest and thanked Vandeputte for "patience and understanding over the many, many years it has taken to reach this stage," Sky News noted.



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NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  The name Billy the Kid is something New Mexico is known for all throughout the world. But are all the stories true, or have the facts turned into tall tales over the years? On this weeks New Mexico Strange episode, News 13 Host and Anchor Chad Brummett sat down with New Mexico State Historian Rob Martinez to dive further into the legend of Billy the Kid.

According to Martinez, the truth behind Billy the Kid is messier than most think. What we dont know about Billy the Kid probably outweighs what we know, said the historian. In the episode, Martinez covered some of the myths sparked over time, and provided a brief known history of the infamous outlaw:

Matinez explained that Billy the Kid was supposedly born as Henry McCarty in 1859 in New York City. His father died when he was young, and the family  McCarty, his mom, and his brother  eventually moved westward. In 1873, his mom remarried in Santa Fe, but she passed away shortly after, leaving the boys orphaned. Early on, McCarty began living a life of crime, stealing and drinking at a young age. Known for his involvement in the Jesse Evans gang and the Regulators, McCarty escaped from numerous jails and killed approximately nine people  four directly and an estimated five during group shootouts.

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An arrest warrant was issued for McCartys role in the death of Sheriff William Brady, and he was sentenced to death by hanging, set for May 1881. McCarty escaped one last time but was shot and killed by Sheriff Pat Garrett just months later, on July 14. Throughout his time in the West, Henry went by the names of Kid, Henry, and Billy Antrim, as well as Billy Bonney.

This episode uncovers the truths and myths behind one of New Mexicos most famous names. To see the state records centers full background on Billy the Kid, click here.

About New Mexico Strange

New Mexico is perceived worldwide as a mecca for the extraordinary. Whether its the healing soil of Chimayo, the haunted trails of the Old West, or visitors from the final frontier, our state is home to countless myths and mysteries. New Mexico Strange is KRQE News 13s online exclusive web series, celebrating our unique history and shedding light on the shadows of the unexplained, unexplored, and unknown. Hosted by Chad Brummett, New Mexico Strange takes viewers through some of the Land of Enchantments most mysterious folklore and conspiracies.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BEIRUT (Reuters) -Hezbollah has begun a major strategic review in the wake of its devastating war with Israel, including considering scaling back its role as an armed movement without disarming completely, three sources familiar with the deliberations say.

The internal discussions, which aren't yet finalised and haven't previously been reported, reflect the formidable pressures the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group has faced since a truce was reached in late November.

Israeli forces continue to strike areas where the group holds sway, accusing Hezbollah of ceasefire violations, which it denies. It is also grappling with acute financial strains, U.S. demands for its disarmament and diminished political clout since a new cabinet took office in February with U.S. support.

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The group's difficulties have been compounded by seismic shifts in the regional power balance since Israel decimated its command, killed thousands of its fighters and destroyed much of its arsenal last year.

Hezbollah's Syrian ally, Bashar al-Assad, was toppled in December, severing a key arms supply line from Iran. Tehran is now emerging from its own bruising war with Israel, raising doubts over how much aid it can offer, a regional security source and a senior Lebanese official told Reuters.

Another senior official, who is familiar with Hezbollah's internal deliberations, said the group had been holding clandestine discussions on its next steps. Small committees have been meeting in person or remotely to discuss issues including its leadership structure, political role, social and development work, and weapons, the official said on condition of anonymity.

The official and two other sources familiar with the discussions indicated Hezbollah has concluded that the arsenal it had amassed to deter Israel from attacking Lebanon had become a liability.

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Hezollah "had an excess of power," the official said. "All that strength turned into a weak point."

Under the leadership of Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed last year, Hezbollah grew into a regional military player with tens of thousands of fighters, rockets and drones poised to strike Israel. It also provided support to allies in Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

Israel came to regard Hezbollah as a significant threat. When the group opened fire in solidarity with its Palestinian ally Hamas at the start of the Gaza war in 2023, Israel responded with airstrikes in Lebanon that escalated into a ground offensive.

Hezbollah has since relinquished a number of weapons depots in southern Lebanon to the Lebanese armed forces as stipulated in last year's truce, though Israel says it has struck military infrastructure there still linked to the group.

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Hezbollah is now considering turning over some weapons it has elsewhere in the country - notably missiles and drones seen as the biggest threat to Israel - on condition Israel withdraws from the south and halts its attacks, the sources said.

But the group won't surrender its entire arsenal, the sources said. For example, it intends to keep lighter arms and anti-tank missiles, they said, describing them as a means to resist any future attacks.

Hezbollah's media office did not respond to questions for this article.

Isreal's military said it would continue operating along its northern border in accordance with the understandings between Israel and Lebanon, in order eliminate any threat and protect Israeli citizens. The U.S. State Department declined to comment on private diplomatic conversations, referring questions to Lebanon's government. Lebanon's presidency did not respond to questions.

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For Hezbollah to preserve any military capabilities would fall short of Israeli and U.S. ambitions. Under the terms of the ceasefire brokered by the U.S. and France, Lebanon's armed forces were to confiscate "all unauthorized arms", beginning in the area south of the Litani River - the zone closest to Israel.

Lebanon's government also wants Hezbollah to surrender the rest of its weapons as it works to establish a state monopoly on arms. Failure to do so could stir tensions with the group's Lebanese rivals, which accuse Hezbollah of leveraging its military might to impose its will in state affairs and repeatedly dragging Lebanon into conflicts.

All sides have said they remain committed to the ceasefire, even as they traded accusations of violations.

PART OF HEZBOLLAH'S 'DNA'

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Arms have been central to Hezbollah's doctrine since it was founded by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to fight Israeli forces who invaded Lebanon in 1982, at the height of the 1975-1990 Lebanese civil war. Tensions over the Shi'ite Muslim group's arsenal sparked another, brief civil conflict in 2008.

The United States and Israel deem Hezbollah a terrorist group.

Nicholas Blanford, who wrote a history of Hezbollah, said that in order to reconstitute itself, the group would have to justify its retention of weapons in an increasingly hostile political landscape, while addressing damaging intelligence breaches and ensuring its long-term finances.

"They've faced challenges before, but not this number simultaneously," said Blanford, a fellow with the Atlantic Council, a U.S. think tank.

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A European official familiar with intelligence assessments said there was a lot of brainstorming underway within Hezbollah about its future but no clear outcomes. The official described Hezbollah's status as an armed group as part of its DNA, saying it would be difficult for it to become a purely political party.

Nearly a dozen sources familiar with Hezbollah's thinking said the group wants to keep some arms, not only in case of future threats from Israel, but also because it is worried that Sunni Muslim jihadists in neighbouring Syria might exploit lax security to attack eastern Lebanon, a Shi'ite-majority region.

Despite the catastrophic results of the latest war with Israel - tens of thousands of people were left homeless and swathes of the south and Beirut's southern suburbs were destroyed - many of Hezbollah's core supporters want it to remain armed.

Um Hussein, whose son died fighting for Hezbollah, cited the threat still posed by Israel and a history of conflict with Lebanese rivals as reasons to do so.

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"Hezbollah is the backbone of the Shi'ites, even if it is weak now," she said, asking to be identified by a traditional nickname because members of her family still belong to Hezbollah. "We were a weak, poor group. Nobody spoke up for us."

Hezbollah's immediate priority is tending to the needs of constituents who bore the brunt of the war, the sources familiar with its deliberations said.

In December, Secretary General Naim Qassem said Hezbollah had paid more than $50 million to affected families with more than $25 million still to hand out. But there are signs that its funds are running short.

One Beirut resident said he had paid for repairs to his apartment in the Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs after it was damaged in the war only to see the entire block destroyed by an Israeli airstrike in June.

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"Everyone is scattered and homeless. No one has promised to pay for our shelter," said the man, who declined to be identified for fear his complaints might jeopardise his chances of receiving compensation.

He said he had received cheques from Hezbollah but was told by the group's financial institution, Al-Qard Al-Hassan, that it did not have funds available to cash them. Reuters could not immediately reach the institution for comment.

Other indications of financial strain have included cutbacks to free medications offered by Hezbollah-run pharmacies, three people familiar with the operations said.

SQUEEZING HEZBOLLAH FINANCES

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Hezbollah has put the onus on Lebanon's government to secure reconstruction funding. But Foreign Minister Youssef Raji, a Hezbollah critic, has said there will be no aid from foreign donors until the state establishes a monopoly on arms.

A State Department spokesperson said in May that, while Washington was engaged in supporting sustainable reconstruction in Lebanon, "this cannot happen without Hezbollah laying down their arms".

Israel has also been squeezing Hezbollah's finances.

The Israeli military said on June 25 that it had killed an Iranian official who oversaw hundreds of millions of dollars in transfers annually to armed groups in the region, as well as a man in southern Lebanon who ran a currency exchange business that helped get some of these funds to Hezbollah.

Iran did not comment at the time, and its U.N. mission did not immediately respond to questions from Reuters.

Since February, Lebanon has barred commercial flights between Beirut and Tehran, after Israel's military accused Hezbollah of using civilian aircraft to bring in money from Iran and threatened to take action to stop this.

Lebanese authorities have also tightened security at Beirut airport, where Hezbollah had free rein for years, making it harder for the group to smuggle in funds that way, according to an official and a security source familiar with airport operations.

Such moves have fuelled anger among Hezbollah's supporters towards the administration led by President Joseph Aoun and Nawaf Salam, who was made prime minister against Hezbollah's wishes.

Alongside its Shi'ite ally, the Amal Movement, Hezbollah swept local elections in May, with many seats uncontested. The group will be seeking to preserve its dominance in legislative elections next year.

Nabil Boumonsef, deputy editor-in-chief of Lebanon's Annahar newspaper, said next year's poll was part of an "existential battle" for Hezbollah.

"It will use all the means it can, firstly to play for time so it doesn't have to disarm, and secondly to make political and popular gains," he said.

(Additional reporting by Timour Azhari in Beirut and Maayan Lubell in Jerusalem; Writing by Maya Gebeily; Editing by Tom Perry and Alexandra Zavis)
DENVER (KDVR)  King Soopers has reached a tentative agreement with the union that represents grocery workers in Colorado following months of back and forth.

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UFCW Local 7 stated, on Thursday, that they have reached a 3-year agreement with the company for a new contract, which includes:

Improvements to healthcare benefits for employees

Increases to wages for top rates, grandfathered employees and department managers

Allows for the protection of jobs and opportunities for employees from gig companies like Instacart

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FOX31 received a statement from King Soopers:

We are pleased that we have reached a fully recommended tentative agreement with UFCW Local 7. This offer allows us to put more money in our associates paychecks and maintain affordable health care; while also securing their pensions for retirement and we are eager for our associates to vote on it.

This comes after the unions 12-day strike in February, which led to a 100-day agreement with Kroger, the company that owns King Soopers.

UFCW Local 7 said that they are currently working to secure dates and locations for meetings for union workers to vote on the 3-year agreement.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  An event to learn about one of the deadliest natural events in Kansas history will take place at the Great Overland Station later this month.

Shawnee County Parks and Recreation will be holding an event to learn about the Northeast Kansas Flood of 1951, a day some call Black Friday. The flood killed 24 people and caused thousands of people to abandon their homes, schools and businesses. The damage costs were $760 million in 1951 dollars. The cost in 2024 dollars wouldve been over $5 billion.

According to the press release from Parks and Rec., the Great Overland Station was flooded with eight feet of water and North Topeka was changed forever.

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Last year 27 News spoke to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to see if Topeka could experience another flood at 1951 levels. The citys flood risk was addressed by constructing levees, floodwalls and channels.

Oakland celebrates 4th of July as a community for over a decade

You can read more on the 1951 flood and whether Topeka could have a 1951 flood repeat by clicking here. To Learn more about the upcoming event, click here.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
SPARTANBURG, S.C. (WSPA)  In early 2025, a pregnant brain-dead woman in Georgia was kept on life support to allow the fetus to grow.

Now, an Upstate doula care service is hosting an event to educate and support mothers to help them know their rights, and prevent higher maternal death rates in Black women.

BirthMatters in Spartanburg provides doula support services to mothers 24 years old and younger.

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A doula is an advocate for the mother, able to explain medical jargon, connect mothers with doctors and make a birth plan.

Safari Hackett was in high school looking at out-of-state colleges to attend when life took an unexpected turn and she learned she was pregnant.

Hackett said she feared childbirth and breasts, but doula services in Spartanburg came to her aid to help care for her physical, emotional and mental health needs.

I was scared, she recalled. I was putting the pressure of being a mom on me instead of listening to my emotional state and how I felt about becoming a mom.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women.

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The agency added that inconsistent quality of health care, underlying chronic conditions and social factors prevent racial and ethnic minority groups from having fair opportunities for economic, physical, and emotional health.

Executive Director of BirthMatters, Amber Pendergraph-Leak, said the intention behind their event is to help expectant mothers.

Women that look like me not knowing about their options right not being heard in those birthing spaces and once you have a doula, a doula is like your guide, she said.

BirthMatters also connects moms with local services like yoga, chiropractic sessions at Sherman College of Chiropractic, and therapy sessions for moms  tackling depression, anxiety, discovering undiagnosed mood disorders at no cost.

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Maybe you currently arent experiencing depression, but you have [had] depression in the past, well now youre at a higher risk of developing postpartum depression so lets start working through that early, said Asha McMillian, owner and therapist at Milk and Honey Milestones.

Hackett said the support she got as a first-time mom was so helpful, she decided to become a doula herself at BirthMatters.

The Healthy Beginnings Summit will be July 19 at Wofford; those interested in attending can register 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 WSPA 7NEWS.
Butterfly Network, Inc. (NYSE:BFLY) is among the best growth stocks to invest in for the next 5 years. Analysts at TD Cowen reaffirmed their Buy rating on Butterfly Network, Inc. (NYSE:BFLY), with an unchanged price target of $5.00, signaling an upside of around 150% from the current levels. This optimism stems from the European Commissions launch of a review period regarding the companys proposal to withdraw its EU market exemption. Currently, the exemption protects the continued use of lead piezoelectric crystals in portable ultrasound devices.

The initiation marks a crucial moment in the companys efforts to remove the market exemption for lead piezoelectric crystals, which are considered important for several handheld ultrasound devices. Having said that, public feedback will be accepted through August 1, with an expected recommendation to the European Commission by the second quarter of the upcoming fiscal year.

Is Butterfly Network, Inc. (BFLY) the Best Multibagger Penny Stock to Buy According to Billionaires?

A doctor looking at a ultrasound system with a Compass software interface, demonstrating the sophistication of the device.

From expanding the target market for the companys technologies to accelerating growth in the existing challenging market, the significance of this development cant be denied. While the final decision is anticipated in the years ahead, investors are closely monitoring the companys position as the decision in favor of Butterfly Network, Inc. (NYSE:BFLY) would set the stage for future growth.

Butterfly Network, Inc. (NYSE:BFLY) is a Massachusetts-based company that develops and markets ultrasound imaging solutions globally. The core offerings of the company include Butterfly iQ+ and iQ3 ultrasound devices, Butterfly iQ+ Bladder, and Butterfly iQ+ Vet. Incorporated in 2011, the giant is working to democratize medical imaging by making it accessible to everyone.

While we acknowledge the potential of BFLY 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: The Best and Worst Dow Stocks for the Next 12 Months and 10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money.

Disclosure: None.
The US Army is taking a hard look at what systems and platforms it doesn't need for future conflicts.

The Army secretary and a top general gave BI some insight into this process.

The service is undergoing a major transformation initiative after a directive earlier this year.

US Army leaders say Humvees and Robotic Combat Vehicles aren't useful for future fights, but the Infantry Squad Vehicle is.

Ongoing decisions about what stays and what goes are part of a larger transformation initiative that has the Army reviewing its force structure and cutting certain programs it deems no longer necessary for the kinds of wars the US military wants to be ready to fight should worse come to worst.

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Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll and Gen. James Rainey, the commanding general overseeing Army Futures Command, talked to Business Insider about some of what is getting axed and why.

Driscoll pointed to the Robotic Combat Vehicle, or RCV, program, which launched in 2019 with the goal of integrating autonomous and remotely operated capabilities into the Army's ground systems. Three versions were initially planned  an expendable light variant, a durable medium variant, and a lethal heavy variant designed for combat against an enemy armored vehicle.

But the development of the RCV hit snags. "We know we need autonomy, we know that we need the ability to move things in a way that is not controlled by human beings," Driscoll said.

But the requirements the Army put together for it ended up making it just this "incredibly large, incredibly heavy, incredibly expensive, relatively exquisite tool," he said. By the time the Army went to purchase them, the threats to the RCV, like small, hostile drones, had grown substantially. In Ukraine, slow, heavy, expensive vehicles have been prime targets for cheap exploding drones.

The Army's RCV program became too heavy and exquisite in its requirements. Savannah Baldwin/PEO Ground Combat Systems

"It might have been there in the beginning and we got it wrong from the very beginning," he said, "but at a minimum, by the time it came due for us to actually purchase a lot of these and get them into formations, it just no longer made sense anymore."

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He called the move to end the program "a hard decision."

The Humvee, or High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, is also being phased out. "It's 40 years old. It was useful in its time," Rainey said. "If you look at the ubiquitous sensing drones just in Ukraine and Russia, the survivability of a wheeled vehicle is very low."

The Army also recently ended the M10 Booker Mobile Protected Firepower program just before it was set to go into full-rate production and after spending well over a billion dollars on the project. The decision was made in response to ongoing global conflicts "and in support of the strategic objectives outlined in the Army Transformation Initiative," according to a memo issued by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth earlier this year.

The memo outlined the focal points, timelines, and priorities of the Army going forward, including reducing and restructuring attack helicopter formations and augmenting them with unmanned aircraft, putting thousands of drones into the hands of soldiers, and focusing on the Indo-Pacific theater and China.

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The efforts in the directive are estimated to cost around $36 billion over the next five years and represent one of the largest Army overhauls since the end of the Cold War. Army officials have said it's designed to increase lethality and readiness in the service and is focused on the needs of individual warfighters.

In the interview with BI, Driscoll and Rainey identified one platform that represents what it wants more of. "We have a requirements and acquisitions success story with the Infantry Squad Vehicles," Rainey said.

Humvees have been a cornerstone vehicle for the Army for decades. Cheryl Ravelo / Reuters

The relatively new M1301 Infantry Squad Vehicle entered service in 2020. Rainey said that the platform was designed well and requirements were useful and thoughtful. "We went fast, but we iterated with soldiers continually through the process. We ended up with a very useful vehicle," he said.

Driscoll said that in conversations with soldiers, the Army learned that they wanted a vehicle to prioritize speed and all-terrain driving over protection.

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It speaks to, the service secretary said, the Army "trying to build a menu of offensive and defensive solutions." For some missions, something like the Infantry Squad Vehicle will be more effective. And for others, a heavier, more armored platform could still be valuable and available.

Much of what Driscoll and others say they're focused on comes out of efforts to be smarter and more cost-effective in Army purchases.

"We feel a large enough existential threat, and it is important enough that we can no longer make decisions simply based off where jobs might exist or what private companies may benefit from our decisions," he said. "Instead, we have to optimize for soldier lethality in the fight ahead."

Lethality is a guiding principle for the US Department of Defense under Hegseth and the Trump administration. It was a core objective for the Biden administration and first Trump one, as well as past administrations, though the interpretations were different. Generally, it serves as a subjective measuring stick for DoD programs and projects, the aim being to be able to effectively defeat an enemy.

Right now, that long-standing Pentagon buzzword is the deciding factor for what the Army and other services prioritize.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The U.S. has "reviewed" the components it is supplying Ukraine, but did not halt assistance, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on July 4.

"The United States has not stopped supplying weapons and supporting Ukraine, it has reviewed the decision to supply specific components... (this is) significant but very different from the total American disengagement that has been reported," Meloni said, speaking at a forum.

U.S. President Donald Trump on July 3 denied that Washington has paused supplying weapons to Kyiv amid media reports of a halt in shipments.

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Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed on July 2 that some military assistance to Ukraine has been halted as the U.S. Defense Department conducts a review of foreign aid deliveries.

"I hope for positive developments on the issue," Meloni said, adding that she has spoken to Trump regarding Ukraine.

The weapons reportedly held back include 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 launched from F-16 fighter jets.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on July 2 that he understands the White House's need to safeguard its own defense capabilities, but underscored that Ukraine urgently requires sustained support.

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"I totally understand that the U.S. always has to make sure its interests are covered... When it comes to Ukraine, in the short term, Ukraine cannot do without all the support it can get," Rutte said.

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers voiced their opposition to the decision to halt military aid shipments to Ukraine on July 2.

"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 brutal invading dictators. To not do both is unacceptable," Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, the co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, said.

Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, described the military aid pause as "fallacious and maybe even disingenuous."

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Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia pounds Kyiv with record overnight drone, missile attack, 1 dead, 26 injured

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
By Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency placed 139 employees on administrative leave after they signed a letter critical of President Donald Trump's policies, with the EPA saying it has "zero-tolerance" for those sabotaging the government's agenda.

The letter was made public earlier this week and titled as a "Declaration of Dissent." It accused the federal government of engaging in "harmful deregulation," "ignoring scientific consensus to benefit polluters" and "promoting a culture of fear" within the agency.

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The letter came as another expected round of staff reductions looms and as the agency undergoes a major reorganization, including the dissolution of its office of research and the cancelling of billions of dollars in grants.

Hundreds of current and recently terminated EPA employees had signed the letter. The public version of the letter, as of late Thursday, had taken the names of the signatories off.

An earlier version of the letter was sent to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin internally before being made public.

"The Environmental Protection Agency has a zero-tolerance policy for career bureaucrats unlawfully undermining, sabotaging, and undercutting the administration's agenda," the EPA said in a statement on Thursday.

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The EPA added the letter misleads the public about its business and that the agency placed 139 employees on administrative leave, pending an investigation, for signing the letter using their official titles and EPA positions.

The EPA reorganization will consolidate several key offices, reflecting plans to cut regulatory red tape and promote more fossil fuel energy development, as laid out in Trump's executive orders.

A similar declaration was sent in June by employees of the National Institutes of Health to its director to protest politicization of research and disruption of scientific progress.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)
US General Alexus Grynkewich took over the second-highest role in NATO from his predecessor and compatriot Christopher Cavoli at a ceremony in Mons, Belgium on Friday.

A trained fighter pilot, Grynkewich most recently served as Director of Operations for the US Joint Staff, NATO said.

Grynkewich has "a deep understanding of the threats we face from the skies, and across other domains," said NATO Secretary Gerneral Mark Rutte.

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"I know NATO can count on you to serve with the same steadfast resolve as your predecessors, Rutte added.

The post of Supreme Allied Commander Europe (Saceur), based in the southern Belgian city of Mons, is considered the second most important in NATO after that of secretary general.

The incumbent has the decision-making power over military operations of the Western defence alliance.

The general is also responsible for military deployment planning and can deploy the forces required for operations within the framework of politically authorized orders.

Cavoli had held the top post for around three years.

Rutte thanked Cavoli for strengthening NATO's presence in the Baltic Sea, protecting underwater infrastructure and establishing a new command in Germany to bolster support for Ukraine.
(NewsNation)  White House envoy Steve Witkoff will meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Norways capital next week to restart nuclear talks, Axios reported, citing two sources familiar with the situation.

There is no official date set for the Oslo meeting, according to Axios.

Trump to sign big, beautiful bill at July 4 White House picnic

It would be the first direct talks since Trump embroiled the U.S. in the Israel-Iran conflict by ordering strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites. The Islamic Republic retaliated with an attack on Americas largest installation in the Middle East, Al Udeid Air Base.

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Days later, Trump helped broker a ceasefire between Iran and Israel  which has sparked hope for an end to violence in Gaza.

Hamas suggested Wednesday that it was open to a ceasefire agreement with Israel, but stopped short of accepting a U.S.-backed proposal for a 60-day pause in fighting. Israel said it has already accepted the deal.

Iran could restart uranium enrichment in months: UN nuclear watchdog

On Thursday, Trump met with Edan Alexander, a former American-Israeli hostage, at the White House.

I told the most powerful man in the world what I went through, what my friends there are going through, and asked him to continue doing everything in his power.  I hope he can achieve another historic breakthrough  a comprehensive deal to free them all, all 50 hostages, Alexander said in a statement following the meeting.

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Pressure is mounting as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares to travel to Washington on Monday for his own meeting with Trump.

Before his departure, 35 hostage families signed a letter to the Netanyahu instructing what they want from the conversation.

Prime minister, you must reach a comprehensive agreement that guarantees the return of every last hostage and brings an end to the fighting, they wrote.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
By Jody Godoy and Nate Raymond

(Reuters) - Eight migrants lost their last-ditch effort to halt their deportation to South Sudan by the Trump administration on Friday, clearing the way for their imminent transfer after a judge in Massachusetts denied their request.

Lawyers for the U.S. Justice Department said the men were scheduled to be flown to South Sudan on Friday at 7:00 pm Eastern Time after two courts considered the request on an emergency basis on July 4, when courts are otherwise closed for the Independence Day holiday.

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Lawyers for the migrants had filed new claims in Washington late Thursday after the U.S. Supreme Court clarified that a judge in Massachusetts could no longer require the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to hold them. U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss in Washington paused the deportation briefly on Friday afternoon, but sent the case back to U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy in Boston.

Murphy said the Supreme Court order required him to deny their bid, saying their claims that deportation was being used as a form of punishment were "substantially similar" to the ones he had ruled on previously.

The order was the latest round in the fight over the legality of the Trump administration's campaign to deter immigration through high-profile deportations to countries where migrants say they face safety concerns, and which has already gone from lower courts to the Supreme Court twice.

Jennie Pasquarella, a lawyer with the Seattle Clemency Project who represents the migrants, called the ruling disappointing. No court will hear their claim that the Trump administration is unconstitutionally using deportation to dangerous countries as a form of punishment, on top of criminal sentences the men have already served, she said.

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"Both courts' decisions today have denied them their opportunity to have these claims heard and to protect their own lives. That is what is so tragic about where we came out," she said.

Pasquarella said the men do not plan to file an appeal.

A spokesperson for Homeland Security did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Friday.

Department of Justice attorney Hashim Mooppan told Moss during Friday's hearing that court orders halting agreed-upon deportations pose a serious problem for U.S. diplomatic relations and would make foreign countries less likely to accept transfers of migrants in the future. The men have been convicted of various crimes, with four of them convicted of murder, the Department of Homeland Security has said.

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South Sudan has long been dangerous even for locals. The U.S. State Department advises citizens not to travel there due to violent crime and armed conflict. The United Nations has said the African country's political crisis could reignite a brutal civil war that ended in 2018.

The eight men, who their lawyers said are from Cuba, Laos, Mexico, Burma, Sudan and Vietnam, argue their deportations to South Sudan would violate the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment.

"It seems to me almost self-evident that the United States government cannot take human beings and send them to circumstances in which their physical well-being is at risk simply either to punish them or send a signal to others," Moss said during the hearing. But he ultimately found their new claims should be heard by the court in Massachusetts.

The Friday effort to prevent the deportations came after months of back and forth between Murphy, the Supreme Court, and the Trump administration.

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Murphy ruled in May to block the U.S. from immediately moving the men to South Sudan after he found that officials had violated his earlier ruling in a class action lawsuit concerning the due process rights of migrants.

That ruling, in April, had blocked the administration from sending migrants to countries where they have no ties without giving them the chance to raise safety concerns.

The Supreme Court on June 23 put Murphy's April injunction on hold. But Murphy that same day said the high court ruling did not apply to his May order.

Calling Murphy's decision a "lawless act of defiance," the Justice Department the next day urged the Supreme Court to clarify its decision.

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The nine-member Supreme Court on Thursday, over the dissent of two of its liberal justices, sided with the Trump administration and said its decision serves to reverse Murphy's May order blocking the deportations to South Sudan.

(Reporting by Jody Godoy in New York and Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Nick Zieminski and Alexia Garamfalvi)
(NewsNation)  As diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran continue, border security officials are on high alert amid intelligence suggesting that Iranian nationals are attempting to enter the country with help from Mexican drug cartels.

This is a major security alert, according to internal documents obtained by NewsNation. Border Patrol received intel warning that 35 Iranian nationals may be planning to cross into the U.S. illegally, and cartels such as Jalisco New Generation Cartel and Los Salazar may be involved in smuggling operations.

The alert, which runs through Saturday, warns this may be part of a broader effort by state-sponsored actors using cartel routes to reach U.S. borders.

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Agents patrolling the Calexico-to-San Luis corridor have been instructed to remain vigilant and prepare for potential encounters.

More than 70 arrested in South Carolina ICE operation

Memo warns sleeper cells threat inside US at all-time high

This latest threat comes just a week after a separate Border Patrol memo warned that the risk of Iranian sleeper cells operating in the U.S. is at an all-time high. Agents were urged to avoid traveling alone.

The alert follows a string of recent arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Agents detained 11 Iranian nationals illegally living in the U.S., at least three of whom had confirmed ties to foreign terrorist organizations. Among them were a former Iranian army sniper, a member of Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps, and an individual who claimed to have links to Hezbollah.

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The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that some of these individuals entered the U.S. through visa and parole loopholes, including one who came on a K-1 fiance visa and never updated their immigration status.

Despite having final deportation orders, several remained in the country for years. ICE also arrested a U.S. citizen who had been hiding one of the fugitives and allegedly threatened to shoot agents during the raid.

Arrests of Iranian nationals increase US security concerns

Iranian illegal border crossings grew in recent years

Federal officials say these incidents underscore what they describe as a new era of border threats.

Since January 2021, Border Patrol has encountered more than 2,500 Iranian nationals at the southern border. The Department of Homeland Security hasnt disclosed how many were released into the U.S.

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Hundreds have been classified as special interest aliens, flagged due to their home country of origin raising national security concerns.

The Texas Department of Public Safety has documented encounters with groups from Afghanistan, Iran, Egypt, and Pakistan, often smuggled in alongside migrants from Latin America.

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Donald Trumps policies risks alienating millions of international travelers and could cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars due to a sharp drop in tourism, a damning report says.

Amid the presidents immigration crackdown, travel bans and sweeping global tariffs, the U.S. is expected to be the only one out of 184 countries to see foreign visitor spending fall in 2025, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council.

The study suggests that the U.S. economy is on track to lose $12.5 billion in international spending this year alone  but the actual shortfall might be much greater.

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Tourism Economics, a division of Oxford Economics, had originally forecast a nine percent increase in foreign travel earlier this year before revising its estimate to reflect polarizing Trump Administration policies and rhetoric.

Based on the research firms original projections, the U.S. economy was expected to gain $16.3 billion in revenue, according to an analysis by Forbes. Instead, the total deficit may be as high as $28.8 billion.

The U.S. is expected to lose tens of billions of dollars in tourist revenue in 2025, according to the WTTC study (Getty Images)

This is a wake-up call for the U.S. government, Julia Simpson, president and CEO of WTTC, said in a statement in May. While other nations are rolling out the welcome mat, the U.S. government is putting up the closed sign.

The projected decline is driven by an estimated 20 percent drop in Canadian visitors through 2025, who spent $20.5 billion and made up almost a quarter of foreign tourists who came to the U.S. last year.

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Meanwhile, Mexicos tourism industry is expected to boom with WTTC projections for 2025 indicating a record $281 billion uptick to the countrys GDP.

The potential backward slide comes amid alarming reports of foreign tourists having their travel plans upended, with some even detained by U.S. authorities.

It included Charlotte Pohl, 19, and Maria Lepere, 18, from Rostock, Germany, who had their hopes of island-hopping Hawaii dashed and were denied entry into the U.S. despite allegedly holding the required Electronic System for Travel Authorization.

Droves of tourists may choose to vacation outside the U.S. amid Trump's inflammatory rhetoric and clampdown on the border (AFP via Getty Images)

Total foreign visitors were down 12 percent year-on-year in March, according to the National Travel and Tourism Office, a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce. That drop marked one of the steepest declines on record outside of the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Western European visitors experienced a 17 percent drop-off, spearheaded by fewer British and German visitors  14 and 28 percent, respectively.

Americans appetite for foreign travel also appears to have been impacted.

U.S. citizens appear more concerned about being detained or harassed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents when they re-enter the U.S.

The Trump administration has repeatedly warned that agents have searched the electronic devices of U.S. citizens at the border.

All travelers crossing the United States border are subject to CBP inspection, the CBPs website reads. On rare occasions, CBP officers may search a travelers mobile phone, computer, camera, or other electronic devices during the inspection process.

Last week, Los Angeles political consultant Rick Taylor was pulled aside by border agents, separated from his family and placed in a holding room with several Latino travelers for nearly an hour, according to the LA Times.
By Jan Wolfe

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Supreme Court's three liberal justices exerted waning influence during its recently concluded term, and their frustrations with the conservative majority spilled into public view in major cases involving President Donald Trump and issues such as transgender rights.

In five of the biggest cases of the term, which wrapped up with its final rulings on June 27, the court's six conservative justices were in the majority and liberal Justices Elena Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson were in dissent.

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Top among these was the ruling on the term's final day that curbed the ability of judges to impede Trump's policies through nationwide injunctions. The other four came in cases at the heart of the American "culture wars."

Those included rulings that upheld a Tennessee law banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors, backed a Texas law requiring pornographic websites to verify the age of users in an effort to protect minors, let parents opt children out of public school classes with LGBT themes and allowed South Carolina to strip abortion provider Planned Parenthood of Medicaid funding.

The ideological divide was abundantly clear in cases in which the justices acted on an emergency basis, sometimes called the "shadow docket," which produced a string of orders permitting Trump to enact policies impeded by lower courts.

Trump's appointment of three justices - Amy Coney Barrett in 2020, Brett Kavanaugh in 2018 and Neil Gorsuch in 2017 - during his first term in office gave the court its 6-3 conservative majority, and the nation's top judicial body has since moved American law decisively rightward, as it did again this term.

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"The three liberals are out of cards at the table," said George Mason University law professor Robert Luther III, using a card-game analogy. "They just don't have the numbers to make an impact."

Their lack of sway was particularly evident in "core culture war cases," added Luther, who has advised Trump on judicial nominations.

"These are the kinds of cases that brutal confirmation fights like Kavanaugh's are all about," Luther said, referring to the Republican-led Senate's narrow confirmation of Trump's nominee following allegations of sexual misconduct dating back decades that Kavanaugh denied. "These are the kind of cases that prove the right is winning the war for the courts."

THE ROBERTS COURT

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The court has been under the guidance of conservative Chief Justice John Roberts since 2005. But it was after Trump appointed Barrett to replace the late liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg five years ago that the liberal bloc's influence sank to a low point.

"I think it's a mistake to think the liberals ever had serious sway on the Roberts Court since they've been winnowed down to three members," said Georgia State University law professor Anthony Michael Kreis.

"The only question is this: can the liberals convince their colleagues, on occasion, that they're wildly out of step with the public and need to pull back on some decisions? And do two of their conservative colleagues even care?" Kreis asked.

If the liberal justices remain united, they need two conservatives to join them in a case in order to prevail.

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In the emergency docket cases, which reach the justices on a condensed timeline that leaves little time for consensus-building, the six justices appointed by Republican presidents gave a green light to several Trump policies. Endorsing his expansive view of presidential authority, they let him move forward with mass deportations, fire the heads of independent federal agencies and ban transgender people from the military.

In the June 27 ruling authored by Barrett in the birthright citizenship case, the Supreme Court did not address the legality of a Trump directive blocked by three federal judges. Trump had directed federal agencies to refuse to recognize the citizenship of children born in the United States who do not have at least one parent who is an American citizen or lawful permanent resident, also called a "green card" holder.

Instead, the court curbed the ability of federal judges to issue "universal" injunctions to block the Republican president's policies nationwide.

Sotomayor, the most senior of the liberal justices, read her entire dissent from the bench, signaling her strong disagreement with the conservative majority's ruling. Over the course of 20 minutes, Sotomayor denounced the decision, saying "no right is safe in the new legal regime the court creates."

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"Today, the threat is to birthright citizenship," Sotomayor wrote in her dissent. "Tomorrow, a different administration may try to seize firearms from law-abiding citizens or prevent people of certain faiths from gathering to worship."

'POLITICAL WHIMS'

Sotomayor similarly read a scathing dissent from the bench on June 18 after the court allowed Tennessee to restrict gender-transition medical care for people under age 18. Sotomayor said with the ruling the court "abandons transgender children and their families to political whims."

Jackson wrote in a dissent that the ruling authored by Barrett on nationwide injunctions posed an "existential threat to the rule of law."

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Barrett's ruling, Jackson asserted, is "profoundly dangerous since it gives the executive the go-ahead to sometimes wield the kind of unchecked, arbitrary power the (nation's) founders crafted our Constitution to eradicate."

Barrett countered that "Justice Jackson decries an imperial executive while embracing an imperial judiciary" and "would do well to heed her own admonition: 'Everyone, from the president on down, is bound by law.'"

Sotomayor, who told a Harvard University audience last year that she sometimes cries in her office after rulings, is writing her dissents to an audience of future generations of lawyers, according to George Washington University law professor Paul Schiff Berman.

"Dissenting opinions do have an impact on the law over time," Berman said.

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Sotomayor's approach resembles one employed by the late conservative Justice Antonin Scalia, according to Trinity College historian Kevin McMahon. Scalia often found himself in the minority in important rulings and sometimes was criticized by other conservatives for not making more of an effort to build consensus with his liberal colleagues, McMahon said.

But years later, Scalia's dissents are serving as the foundation for rulings now that the court has moved decidedly to the right, McMahon said. Scalia's death in 2016 left the court with four liberal justices and four conservative justices. Trump's three appointments in the next four years created a conservative super majority.

"Scalia often wasn't willing to compromise. He was more interested in writing that powerful, powerful dissent," McMahon said. "And, in the long run, those dissents have become law."

Kagan is regarded as the liberal justice most willing to moderate her positions to build consensus with the conservatives. McMahon said Kagan's approach resembles that of the late liberal Justice William Brennan, who would tell his clerks: "Five votes can do anything around here."

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Kagan's willingness to compromise has allowed her to author rulings in some major cases in recent years such as a 2024 decision that clarified how the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment protections against government abridgment of freedom of speech apply to social media companies.

"When you're a Supreme Court justice, you know you're going to be there for a long time, and you know things are going to change," McMahon said. "Sometimes, you take a little win. And then, maybe a couple years later you can expand your thinking."

(Reporting by Jan Wolfe; Editing by Will Dunham)
By Philip Blenkinsop and Julia Payne

BRUSSELS (Reuters) -European Union negotiators have failed so far to achieve a breakthrough in trade negotiations with the Trump administration and may now seek to extend the status quo to avoid tariff hikes, six EU diplomats briefed on the talks said on Friday.

The EU had already dropped hopes of locking in a comprehensive trade agreement ahead of Trumps July 9 deadline, but following talks in Washington it was not clear if it would even secure a lighter agreement in principle.

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The Commission told EU envoys on Friday afternoon that it believed the United States was willing to "pause" the current tariffs in place for partners with which it reached an initial agreement, with possible tariff relief later.

Without a preliminary agreement, broad U.S. tariffs on most imports would rise from their current 10% to the rate set out by President Donald Trump on April 2. In the EU's case that would be 20%.

The Commission said that at one point the United States had mooted a 17% tariff on EU agri-food imports, the sources said.

Two of the EU diplomats who spoke to Reuters said the Commission appeared to be pushing more for the first option, to extend the status quo, and then seek to negotiate further. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Thursday that negotiations were set to continue into the weekend.

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"Progress was made towards an agreement in principle during the latest round of negotiations which took place this week," a European Commission spokesperson said.

"Having discussed the state of play with our member states, the Commission will now re-engage with the U.S. on substance over the weekend."

The EU currently faces 50% tariffs on steel and aluminium exports to the United States, 25% tariffs on cars and car parts and a 10% levy on most other products.

The EU has agreed a package of 21 billion euros ($25 billion) of countermeasures, but it has not put them in place. The bloc is also looking into a second package, originally envisaged at 95 billion euros. That has now been whittled down to 72 billion euros after lobbying from various EU members, two of the diplomats said.

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The EU negotiators had left for Washington accepting they might not persuade the United States to lower its baseline tariff below 10%, but seeking immediate relief from tariffs in key sectors such as aircraft and aircraft parts, as well as reduced rates for cars and metals.

A third source described the situation after the talks as "still very much in flux and hard to predict". Another described the outlook as "gloomy".

($1 = 0.8490 euros)

(Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop and Julia Payne; Additional reporting by Andrew Gray, Editing by Sharon Singleton)
Chinas BYD Auto has begun production at its newly-built passenger vehicle assembly plant in Bahia State, Brazil, as the company continues its rapid global expansion. The opening of the plant comes just fifteen months after the company held the ground-breaking ceremony, in March 2024, and is a few months ahead of schedule.

BYD said it is investing BRL 5.5 billion (US$ 1 billion) in the facility, which has a designated production capacity of 150,000 battery-powered and plug-in hybrid vehicles per year. It is located near the coastal city of Camacari, with easy access to the Port of Aratu, and is expected to create around 20,000 jobs directly and indirectly across the local supply industry.

BYDs executive vice president, Stella Li, confirmed in a statement: From breaking ground to the first car rolling off the production line, it has only taken us 15 months. This achievement heralds a new chapter for BYD and sustainable transportation in Latin America."

The first model to go into production was the Seagull, renamed the Dolphin Mini for the local market, which the company claims is the countrys best-selling all-electric vehicle model with 34,000 sales to date. Production of the Song Pro and Chaser 05 (King) is scheduled to go into production in the next few weeks.

BYD first entered the Brazilian market in 2021 and has sold a total of more than 130,000 vehicles here so far. In the first quarter of 2025, the company sold a total of 20,000 new energy vehicles in the country.

Alexandre Baldy, head of Sales and Marketing at BYD Auto Brasil, said in a statement: We are transforming Camacari into a powerhouse for the future. This manufacturing complex represents a victory for innovation, sustainability, and trust in Brazil. BYD has brought with it technology, investment and a purpose: to be part of the next chapter of the national automotive industry. What we are seeing today in Bahia is a milestone in the reindustrialization of the country and a major technological leap. BYD is now a company made by Brazilians for Brazilians.

BYD said the Camacari plant is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including intelligent automation which controls all phases of production. The company claims the facility is one of the most advanced in the world, with intelligent sequencing systems which prioritise production of models for which demand is highest. Each vehicle can be tracked in real time as it moves along the line.

BYDs global sales increased by 33% to 2.146 million vehicles in the first half of 2025, including 464,000 in over 110 overseas markets.
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  USNS Arctic, a fast combat support ship, has returned to Naval Station Norfolk just in time for the Fourth of July.

The ship returned after a nearly nine-month deployment, which saw its crew work closely with the Truman Carrier Strike Group in the Red Sea.

The Arctic is a supply class AOE, so its designed to be a single ship, kind of one-stop shop for the entire carrier strike group, said Capt. Jamie Murdock, commodore of Military Sealift command Atlantic. Harry S. Truman happens to be moored right here across the pier. They [USNS Arctic crew] deployed in the Red Sea in the middle of hostilities in that region.

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During deployment, USNS Arctic supplied fuel, food, ammunitions, and cargo to various combat ships in the region.

It goes back and forth from port back out to sea, bringing stores, food, ordnance, and mostly fuel to keep the jets flying and keep the ships operating at sea, Murdock said.

Thursday, 145 civilian Merchant Marines stepped off the ship just in time to celebrate Americas independence.

Theyre very excited, we pushed really hard to get her [USNS Arctic] back no later than today, Murdock said. We wanted the crew to be here to celebrate the 4th of July here in Norfolk. Many of their families live here. Civilian mariners tend to live across the country, but many here on this particular ship are local. So we pushed hard to get them here so they can celebrate Independence Day tomorrow  a fitting welcome home, holiday, or adventure for them, given what theyve done and how hard theyve worked over the last nine months.

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The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday cleared President Donald Trumps massive tax package, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Multiple members of Utahs Republican congressional delegation reacted on social media after the passage of the bill. Heres a look at what Utahs representatives and other political leaders have said about the legislation.

What Utahs congressional delegation said about the passage of the big, beautiful bill

Rep. Celeste Maloy posted about the bill on X, where she wrote that the bill puts hardworking American families and our most vulnerable first.

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While no bill is perfect, the One Big, Beautiful Bill reflects the promises made and kept by President Trump and House Republicans, she wrote.

My statement on H.R. 1 - the One Big, Beautiful Bill  pic.twitter.com/DxdRtzO8Id  Rep. Celeste Maloy (@RepMaloyUtah) July 3, 2025

Another one of Utahs representatives, Rep. Mike Kennedy, made his own post about the passage of the bill. His post focused on the preservation of Medicaid.

Im grateful that key provisions from my Ensuring Medicaid Eligibility Act of 2025 were secured in this landmark legislation helping ensure support reaches those who qualify and rely on it. The One Big Beautiful Bill proves we dont have to choose. We can protect those in need and stop the waste, he wrote on X.

Yesterday I took the House floor to make one thing clear:

Medicaid must be preserved for those who truly need it by protecting the vulnerable and rooting out fraud, waste, and abuse.



Im grateful that key provisions from my Ensuring Medicaid Eligibility Act of 2025 were secured pic.twitter.com/teshrDOLEF  Rep. Mike Kennedy, M.D. (@RepMikeKennedy) July 3, 2025

Rep. Burgess Owens also posted on X about the bill, writing, Proud to vote YES on the One Big Beautiful Bill.

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He attached a statement that said by cutting rampant waste, fraud and abuse, unleashing the full might of U.S. energy, and securing the border once and for all, the One Big Beautiful Bill delivers on President Trumps America First agenda and puts our nation back on the path to prosperity.

Proud to vote YES on the One Big Beautiful Bill.



Next stop: President @realDonaldTrump's desk. pic.twitter.com/z3hiDn83Q3  Rep. Burgess Owens (@RepBurgessOwens) July 3, 2025

Rep. Blake Moore also released a statement about the bill, saying that preparing for it has dominated the past 18 months of his life.

While I wish the Senate had been able to keep more of the spending cuts proposed in the House version, I couldnt be more excited to make permanent the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, his statement said. This is what the vast majority of this bill is about, and it will have significant positive impacts on individuals, families, and small businesses.

What other leaders said about the bill

On Thursday, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox posted on X about the tax package.

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Todays passage of the budget bill is a win for Utah families: it delivers meaningful tax relief, invests in energy abundance, and, thanks to bipartisan teamwork, preserves every states freedom to craft commonsense AI safeguards. Thanks to our delegation for getting it across the finish line, the governor wrote.

Todays passage of the budget bill is a win for Utah families: it delivers meaningful tax relief, invests in energy abundance, and, thanks to bipartisan teamwork, preserves every states freedom to craft commonsense AI safeguards.



Thanks to our delegation for getting it across  Governor Cox (@GovCox) July 3, 2025

On Tuesday, after the Senate passed the bill, the Utah House Democratic Caucus posted a statement on X.

The Utah House Democratic Caucus is deeply disappointed by the U.S. Senates vote to pass the so-called Big Beautiful Bill, the statement said. Let us be clear: there is nothing beautiful about this legislation.

The statement says that the bill has devastating consequences for Utah, such as Medicaid funding being cut and changes to SNAP eligibility.

The Utah House Democratic Caucus on the U.S Senate voting to pass the Big Beautiful Bill. pic.twitter.com/GOVccdmmLD  Utah House Democrats (@utahhousedems) July 1, 2025

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., posted on X, saying that by passing the bill, Republicans are betraying America.

BIG: Rep. Jeffries has broken the record for the longest speech on the House floor fighting this betrayal by Republicans.



Democrats in the Senate and House have now held the floor in each chamber showing just how much Republicans are betraying America.



In July and August, we  Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) July 3, 2025

What the White House said about the passage of the bill

After the House passed the bill, the White House released a statement: The House of Representatives just officially PASSED the One Big Beautiful Bill, giving final approval to President Donald J. Trumps landmark legislation in what is being called the biggest legislative win of President Trumps two terms.

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Again and again, Democrats tried to block historic tax relief, increased border security, higher wages, an expanded Child Tax Credit, No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime, No Tax on Social Security, savings accounts for newborns, and so much more  but again and again, President Trump and Republicans fought and won for the American people," the statement continued.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  As President Trumps Big-Beautiful Bill heads to his desk for a final signature, were continuing to track how it could impact Kansans.

One local expert tells us; utility bills will look a bit different in the coming years.

We spoke with a member of the Citizens Utility Rate Payer Board. He tells us that the bill will remove tax credits for renewable energy.

This means utility companies will opt to use more expensive options such as gas and coal plants, resulting in higher energy costs for everyday Kansans.

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Joseph Astrab from CURB told us that conserving energy usage is the best way to keep bills down.

Any sort of weatherization or energy efficiency upgrades that are within a persons budget to make, those would be things to consider, Astrab said. As far as being able to prepare for such things its just a matter of watching how your budget looks after these increases take effect and adjusting accordingly.

Kansas Education Task Force debate over how to manage at risk funding

Additionally, the tax credit removal will impact energy projects in Kansas.

Projects such as the Big Sky Energy Center in Lawrence, as well as the West Gardner Farm in Johnson County, may not be able to go through with construction plans.

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CEO of Good Energy Solutions Malcolm Proudfit says the projects may stop before theyve even started.

They havent broken ground on either project yet, theyre still in the development and early planning phase, but I dont necessarily see a roadmap for those projects to happen at this point.

Commercial and residential solar installation may soon become more expensive as well.

For more Capitol Bureau news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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An Illinois family's first big vacation was interrupted when they came across human remains in Rocky Mountain National Park. Kristin Chavez and her husband were travelling with their 12-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter, driving 15 hours to see Colorado. The family was near Trail Ridge Road, hiking toward the Alpine Visitor Center, when their son wandered off toward a pile of rocks.

My son states, I think I found a dead body, Chavez said. We kind of laughed it off  theres no way.

Park rangers said the snow had melted only two weeks prior to the discovery on June 18, which Chavez originally thought was a prop.

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I look at it, I instantly knew it was real. Once I started looking at it, there were articles of clothing with it," she said.

Rangers shut down the mountain and cleared the area.

The confusion is, like, why was it out in the open? And do they do any foot patrol? Chavez said. "Its difficult as a parent to know that your child has seen something that they can never unsee."

Officials with Rocky Mountain National Park said no missing person reports were filed over the winter. The process of confirming the person's identity and contacting relatives could take weeks, or even months. Law enforcement officers and the Larimer County Coroners Office are leading the investigation.

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The Chavez family said they try to focus on bringing answers to another family, but the discovery had lasting effects.

What are the chances four people from Illinois find something like that? she said. We feel that theres a reason for it.

Vacationing Family Makes Grim Discovery in Famed National Park first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 4, 2025
MONTPELIER, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44)  The Vermont Climate Council met its Tuesday deadline for an updated plan to address future climate challenges.

Vermont initially adopted a Climate Action Plan in 2021 following the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2020, which requires an updated plan every four years. This years report is the first such update.

The plans recommendations include funding to weatherize houses, support for people starting their own businesses as plumbers, electricians, and other tradespeople, and building water infrastructure to support more compact housing development.

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Welch: lets fix FEMA, not scrap it

The full plan is more than 300 pages long, so for a shorter read the council also made a list of its top ten highest-priority recommendations as well as a more detailed list of 52 actions state agencies can work on. That shorter report is included below.

Priority_RecommendationsDownload

The Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC), a non-profit environmental organization, released a statement praising the updated plan. Executive director Lauren Hierl said that the plans recommendations, if implemented, would lower energy bills for cash-strapped Vermonters, move people off the roller coaster of fossil fuel price spikes, generate more local, good-paying jobs, and create healthier, safer communities.

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Renewable energy plant in St. Albans celebrates grand opening

With the recent passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act through the U.S. Congress, VNRC and other supporters of climate action said they feared losing funding that could be used to work against climate change. We also recognize that this work will not get easier in the years ahead, reads a letter from the Climate Council. Important federal programs and resources that Vermont relied on are now ending or, at best, facing an uncertain future.

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NEW YORK (PIX11)  For the first time since the Sean Diddy Combs verdict, one of the jurors is speaking out.

In an exclusive interview with PIX11 News, alternate juror George is sharing his insight into the panels decision and offering a behind-the-scenes look at the highs and lows of the sensational eight-week trial.

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Overall, to prove it was a criminal enterprise was a very high bar, George said.

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George served as an alternate during the trial. After sitting through nearly two months of testimony, he was sent home just before deliberations began.

Asked what he thought of the final verdict, George said, I understood the verdict.

When asked what he would say to those who believe the jury got it wrong, he responded, The charges on sex trafficking were difficult, and the standard of proof was really high.

George said he would have voted to convict on the two transportation in prostitution charges, too.

The prosecution presented receipts, flight records  that was easy, he said.

Only the 12 jurors and six alternates were shown videos of the so-called freak offs in court, which George said supported the prosecutions case.

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Some were just rubbing oil, and some were more graphic, he recalled.

When asked if he believed the women involved were willing participants, George pointed to certain messages.

There were text messages that said there was love  the highs were high and the lows were low, he said.

One of the most impactful moments in the courtroom, he said, came when prosecutors played the video of Cassie Ventura being beaten inside the InterContinental Hotel.

It was a very shocking video to see  overall beating, he said.

When asked about the most compelling testimony, George named two witnesses.

The testimony of Jane and Cassie was very emotional, he said.

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As for the least effective, George said the defense created doubts around some.

The defense put some holes in Dawn Richard. I think Bana [Bongolan] was another oneCapricorn [Clark], he said.

Despite Combs presence in the courtroom and his occasional rebukes from the judge for his body language toward the jury, George said he never felt intimidated.

You could tell he was fighting for himself, he said.

More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State

George said he feels good about fulfilling his civic duty in such a high-profile case and offered praise for everyone involved.

It was exhausting. Its good to be finished with it and move on, he said.

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What began as an extremely rare discovery of two Roman swords by a metal detectorist has led to an enormous Early-Middle Iron Age find in the Cotswolds in south-west England.

Archaeological excavations at the site in Gloucestershire have revealed an extensive Roman era settlement from the first and second centuries.

The site near Willersey, funded by Historic England and directed jointly with Cotswold Archaeology, suggests possible evidence of a Roman villa, which may also have a pair of flanking wings, one at either end of a central range.

Archaeologist holding two pieces of Roman painted plaster from the Willersey dig. -  Cotswold Archaeology

Once Historic England has the final report on the archaeological work, it will be able to consider whether to recommend to the UK government that the site be protected as a scheduled monument.

Fragments of a copper bowl found with the Roman cavalry swords. -  Corinium Museum

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Iron Roman cavalry swords

The dig follows the discovery of two iron Roman cavalry swords, possibly displaying traces of their scabbards, during a metal detecting rally in the north of the Cotswolds in March 2023.

The swords were originally reported to and identified by the Portable Antiquities Scheme, who arranged with the finder, metal detectorist Glenn Manning, and the landowner for them to be donated to the Corinium Museum in Cirencester.

Roman cavalry sword with its protective fitting known as a chape. -  Corinium Museum

The swords were X-rayed at Historic Englands science facility at Fort Cumberland in Portsmouth.

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Analysis of the weapons reveals they were constructed differently: one has evidence of decorative pattern welding running down the centre, whereas the other sword is plain. The pattern-welded sword would have been more expensive to produce and therefore higher status.

Peter (Buzz) Busby from Cotswold Archaeology looking at the swords. -  James Haris

The swords will be available for the public to see at the Corinium Museum from 2 August.

Although historically important, at the time of discovery they were not protected by laws such as the 1996 Treasure Act as no gold or silver were discovered within the assemblage that contained the two iron swords, several copper alloy scabbard fittings and strap fittings and a fragmentary copper alloy bowl.

It is believed these long swords or spatha were used by the Romans on horseback from early in the second century AD through to the third century AD. They are contemporary with the villa. How they came to be there though, is currently unknown.
Built by veterans, Horse Soldier Bourbon is more than just a drink; its a tribute to service and camaraderie, with a powerful story behind every bottle. Co-founder Scott Neil, one of the original Horse Soldiers, part of a Special Forces team that rode into Afghanistan on horseback after 9/11, shares how he went from combat to crafting spirits on Morning in America.

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A Victorville mother is facing a possible criminal charge after she let her 12-year-old drive her vehicle, which then hit the mother, causing her to drop her infant.

The mother, whose identity was not released, was holding her child in the parking lot of the Rancho Seneca apartment complex just before 3:45 p.m. Wednesday, the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Office said in a news release.

The mother gave permission to her 12-year-old child to move the vehicle in the parking lot of the apartment complex, and as she stood near the drivers door, the moving vehicle hit her, authorities said.

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She then fell to the ground and dropped her infant, who sustained head injuries and was flown to Loma Linda University Medical Center.

That babys condition is unknown.

The release listed the criminal charge as child endangerment, which can be a misdemeanor or a felony.

Anyone with information is asked to call 760-241-2911 or 760-956-5001.

To report information anonymously, call WeTip at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or visit wetip.com.

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[Source]

Vietnams 2025 national high school English exam has drawn criticism for its difficulty after even native speakers and educators struggled with it. Part of the countrys reformed curriculum, the optional graduation test emphasized real-world language use but featured complex phrasing and obscure vocabulary that many said exceeded international standards.

Overwhelmed: Van Lam, an IELTS 7.5 scorer at a gifted high school, told Thanh Nien he was overwhelmed just reading the first few lines. The reading passages were so long and full of difficult words, complained student Nguyen Thanh Thuy. Finishing this in 50 minutes felt harder than an IELTS exam.

Native speakers weigh in: I couldnt finish the exam, said British teacher Nathan Brooks who tried the test after hearing student complaints. For a high school student in a country where English is a foreign language, the test is too difficult and stressful. Debra Mann, founder of TEFL Freedom, described the questions as dense and difficult to interpret. One Reddit user wrote: Im a native English speaker, and this hurt my head!

Questionable questions: Critics pointed to complex questions, including one asking students to interpret the term greenwashing, a word common in environmental discourse but rarely taught in standard classrooms. U.S. educator Joshua Ryan said most students wouldnt know the term and that Vietnams reliance on memorization leaves them unprepared. He said the test demands reasoning and should focus more on communication, not just reading and grammar drills.

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work means in this context. For example, he mentioned using AI to co-author Salesforces corporate plan, but did not detail what that plan was or how much AI contributed. Did it suggest the outline for the plan or did it contribute parts of the text? Were its suggestions retained in the final document?

Benioff was even more vague. In the interview, he described AIs ability to do up to half the work at his company as a digital labor revolution,, but he didnt clarify what

The metric that AI tools are responsible for generating 30% of all new software code at Google is equally fuzzy. Does the number refer to raw lines of code that programmers suggest, committed code, or code accepted into production?

For example, on the Lex Fridman Podcast, Pichai explained that AI coding tools like Goose increase the productivity of Googles engineers by approximately 10%, calculated by tracking hours saved weekly. However, that number assumes that engineers use those extra hours to work more rather than slack off.

The truth is, we dont yet have a common framework for measuring what percent of work really means in the age of AI, said Malvika Jethmalani, founder of human capital advisory firm Atvis Group, in a message to Fortune. Are we counting lines of code, tasks completed, hours saved, or business outcomes influenced?

But how significant these CEO flexes from Salesforce, Google, and Microsoft ultimately are is difficult to know. The metrics cited seem precise, yet when asked, their spokespeople declined to provide any details about how the numbers were calculated or how they defined the work that they claim AI has done.

Investors hear the magic words that the business is on track to save money, presumably accomplished, but rarely explicitly stated, through future job cuts. It also signals to the clients of the Big Tech companies making the pronouncements that they should open their wallets, pronto, to incorporate more AI into their operations, or risk falling behind.

Its the latest CEO flex: Citing numbers showing that AI is doing heavy lifting internally. The move presents the company as being ahead of the AI curveand invariably grabs the attention of people who matter.

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff said in a recent interview that AI now does up to 50% of all work at the company, in key functions like engineering, coding, and customer support. In May, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said 20% to 30% of the tech giants code is now written by AI coding assistants. And in April, Google CEO Sundar Pichai said over 30% of code at Google is now generated by AI.

Story Continues

Other experts, however, say comments like those by Benioff are not a flex at all, but simply the reality of AI changing the world of work. Holger Mueller, vice president and principal analyst at Constellation Research, told Fortune that generative AI will massively change the work of the knowledge workerthough, in his view, without generating mass layoffs. With developed countries facing a labor and talent shortage, more automation is the biggest promise to deliver long-term competitiveness, he said.

But while there may be some truth in CEO statements about how much work is already being done by AI, the numbers are very vague and abstract, said Netherlands-based occupational psychologist Marais Bester. We often see that CEOs use this type of language, he said. I think its also sort of an indicator to employees, saying, you better watch your back, you better perform. From a business psychology standpoint, thats not good leadership, he added.

I was actually a bit disappointed by that comment, he said, referring to Benioffs statement,because I dont think that well ever move towards a space where it will only be AI technologies being utilized as employees within an organization. There will be complementary relationships between human employees and technology.

The flex can even cause anxiety among employees who hear it as were automating you out, Jethmalani said. That kind of message can erode trust and undermine adoption at a moment when we need employees to show up highly engaged and willing to experiment and innovate with AI.

Shonna Waters, an organizational psychologist and CEO of advisory firm Fractional Insights, also pointed out that while Benioff touts how much Salesforce is using AIand how much its clients are adopting that companys AgentForce platform for managing AI agentsresearch from firms like Gartner suggests that many of these AI-driven projects are likely to fail by 2027 because their value is unclear.

I do think that really sets the stage for companies to be really thoughtful about how they integrate AI into their organizational design, she said, adding that companies also must deal with the disconnect between what C-suite executives say about AI and whats actually happening on the ground.

These leaders are making these bold claims, and employees are experiencing something pretty different, she said. CEOs, she explained, often have more optimism about AI than employees, while employees have more angst.

The companies that will succeed, she said, will be those with structural empathythat is, building systems that bring in frontline worker voices. At the end of the day, you need the humans to still be the ones actually adopting the AI you need to bring them along with you journey and figure out how to do it in concert with them, as opposed to something youre doing to them.

Bester said CEOs may be using this flex as little more than a boast to competitors. They are saying just look at us, we are ahead of the curve on this, he said. A better message from Benioff, he said, would have been about how by utilizing AI and with the human capital strength that we already have, we are able to do so much more than we are already doing in terms of creating efficiencies and better value for our customers.

For now, CEOs obviously want to show their stakeholders that they are on board with AI and focusing on efficiency, margins, and building value for shareholders, Bester added. But it could potentially backfire if organizations dont keep in mind how they are communicating with employees.

Or perhaps, if they have to rehire humans down the line if AI proves unable to do so much work. In May, just months after touting AIs ability to replace human workers, Klarna CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski reversed an AI-driven hiring freeze and announced the company is adding more human staff. He told Bloomberg that Klarna is now hiring to ensure customers always have the option to speak with a real person. From a brand perspective, a company perspective, I just think its so critical that you are clear to your customer that there will always be a human if you want, he said.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Wild new video shows the moment a crew of vigilantes delivered street justice to a brute who grabbed and bear-hugged a young woman at a Brooklyn subway station  only for the menace to be cut loose in court a day later.

Fredrick Marshall, 42, a complete stranger, allegedly followed the 20-year-old woman onto the Manhattan-bound J train platform at Norwood Avenue in Cypress Hills around 9 a.m. Sunday, when he started arguing with her.

Now-viral video posted by TikTok user @nicabori5 shows the hulking brute, wearing all white, grabbing the woman as she tried to walk away.

A video posted on TikTok showed a stranger following a 20-year-old woman onto a Manhattan-bound J train platform. nicabori5//TikTok

The victim began to scream for help, prompting several men to gather on the elevated platform.

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Let her go! one yelled.

But that didnt deter Marshall, who allegedly shoved the woman to the ground and bear-hugged her as she attempted to run away a second time, according to cops and prosecutors.

Thats when the bystanders jumped in and pulled the victim away from the violent menace, police said.

They appeared to pummel him on the platform as one of the vigilantes yelled, Im gonna fk you up!

Fredrick Marshall, 42, followed the victim on the Manhattan-bound J-train platform, where he started arguing with her, leading the woman to scream, spurring several men to come to the platform. nicabori5//TikTok

Their intervention allowed the shaken victim to escape, and she could be seen crying on the phone with her mom as she ran to the other end of the platform.

Get that, na! one of the Samaritans yelled as he backed off, according to the video.

Every morning, the NY POSTcast offers a deep dive into the headlines with the Posts signature mix of politics, business, pop culture, true crime and everything in between. Subscribe here!

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Somebody try to tell you something, chill the fk out? Now you got it!

The woman was treated on scene by EMS for shoulder pain and minor injuries to her stomach and arms, police said.

The bystanders attacked Marshall after he shoved the woman to the ground. nicabori5//TikTok

Meanwhile, Marshall, of Queens, was arrested at the scene and found to be carrying a knife and a blackjack, cops said.

He was charged with third-degree assault, fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, third-degree attempted assault and second-degree harassment, according to a criminal complaint.

Marshall  who cops say has no prior arrests  was granted supervised release during his arraignment the next day, as the charges are not bail-eligible, according to the Brooklyn District Attorneys Office.
OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEHT)  A few luxury cruisers unexpectedly docked in Owensboro for the morning. High water levels on the Mississippi River forced a last minute detour for Viking Mississippi passengers. The Viking Mississippi was originally headed to Saint Paul, Minnesota, but will dock in Louisville, Ky.

Officials say the cruise ship is the second largest boat to ever sail the Ohio River.

Over 380 passengers had the opportunity to tour the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.

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Suspect in custody after standoff in Evansville

At first, we were like what the Ohio River we were supposed to be going to Saint Paul, but we adapted quickly and turns out the Ohio River is beautiful. We have enjoyed the trip increasingly every day, says John Meddaugh, a Viking Mississippi passenger.

very interesting, the musical history is the best part, says Valerie Meddaugh, a Viking Mississippi passenger.

Officials say the Viking Mississippi will return July 7th at noon with all new guests. Theyll get to explore the Owensboro riverfront.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
All products featured on Conde Nast Traveler are independently selected by Conde Nast Traveler editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, Conde Nast may earn an affiliate commission.

f11photo/Getty

It's an unusual time for our national parks. I've seen it first hand. On a sunny spring day in Colorado, I walked down Rocky Mountains Park Entrance Road with a protest sign as a barrage of car horns honked and drivers cheered in solidarity. Along with roughly 700 other concerned citizens, I spent the afternoon marching and chanting catchphrases like hands off our parks and parks not profits. The mood was energizing. And though the national parks had been all over the news for budget cuts and staffing shortages, if you could look past the commotion of the protest, the parks trails and visitor center seemed normal.

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While its true that the countrys beloved parks are currently operating with about half of their expected seasonal staff and are bracing for massive budget cuts under the current administration, its also true that Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has gone to great lengths to maintain the facade that National Park Service (NPS) sites are doing just fine, even going so far as ordering them to stay open without enough staff to properly do so. As a result, important scientific research and services are being neglected behind the scenes so that visitors during the busy summer season dont notice the fallout from the dismantling of the current organization of the NPS. We may not see the negative effects of NPS cuts for months.

We sometimes forget (that) managing a place like Yellowstone or Rocky Mountain or Yosemite is like running a city, says Michelle Uberuaga, a Senior Program Manager for the National Parks Conservation Association. In addition to service and public-facing roles, these skilled Americans perform roles like wastewater management, IT, wildfire prevention, species and ecosystem recovery, and beyond.

All products featured on Conde Nast Traveler are independently selected by Conde Nast Traveler editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, Conde Nast may earn an affiliate commission.

How Your National Park Trip Could Change Under Trump

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Park advocates say recent staff layoffs and building lease terminations could have far-reaching implications for both the visitor experience and the protection of natural resources.

Still, if you look closely, its possible to see the strain already facing top national parks. Carlsbad Caverns has temporarily suspended many of its ranger-guided cave tours. Denali has announced that its forgoing its popular youth camps for the entirety of 2025. Since May 2, the Park Services Alaska Regional Office has lost about one-third of its staff, the most of any support facility so far, just as an estimated 2.6 million visitors stream in during the summer high season.

They're going to have no choice but to reduce services, says Sheridan Steele, former superintendent of Acadia National Park and Black Canyon of the Gunnison. That could mean anything from dirty restrooms to emergency calls that are not answered swiftly That could actually mean health and safety issues for visitors. It could mean fatalities.

1168194209 Sean Pavone/Getty

These effects might be even more glaring when thousands of seasonal park workers leave the NPS in September and October. Weather and avalanche forecasting are a big concern for winter, and we should expect far less grooming of snow parks and winter recreation areas, says Tania Lown-Hecht, Vice President of Communications & Strategy at Outdoor Alliance, a conservation nonprofit dedicated to human-powered pursuits, like paddling and mountain biking. There is also concern about wildfires, particularly in the late summer and early fall, given that a lot of staff that remove invasive species and help minimize wildfire risk have been laid off, she says.

How can travelers prepare for a national park visit in 2025?

With all this in mind, we asked parks experts how visitors can prepare to responsiblyand safelyvisit this season.

Always start at the visitor's center, and think safety first

Knowing your limits is going to be a key element of staying safe in the national parks this year, says Steele, especially with short-staffed rescue teams and visitor centers. We talk a lot about preventive search and rescue in the national parks. If you can prevent a search and rescue, you've saved somebody from serious injury or maybe saved their life.

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Traditionally, visitor centers are the first line of defense when it comes to alerting visitors about park alerts and safety messages. Steele worries that if there are long vehicle lines to enter a popular park or short-staffed information desks, travelers might skip these important hubs.

All products featured on Conde Nast Traveler are independently selected by Conde Nast Traveler editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, Conde Nast may earn an affiliate commission.

Yosemite Valley, California, USA. Half Dome and El Capitan from Tunnel View

Planning a National Park Trip This Summer? You Might Need a Reservation

Yosemite is bringing back its reservation system this summer. Here's what to know.

Pack it in and pack it out

One sentiment thats been echoed in ongoing news coverage of the NPS staffing cuts is the likelihood that national park restrooms will be cleaned and stocked less frequently than in past years. As such, visitors are being encouraged to pack extra hand sanitizer and toilet paper with them when they enter a park.

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I was at Canyon de Chelly National Monument a couple of months ago," says Steele. "And there was literally a sign in the restroom that said, We are only cleaning restrooms every other day due to staff shortages.'"

Once all the bathrooms and all [of] the campgrounds are open, it's nonstop running back and forth, says Olek Chmura, a fired custodian from Yosemite. Without me there or other custodians to fill that void, it's gonna be pretty disgusting. Reports have already started circulating that scientists are being diverted to restroom clean up duty at some of the countrys most popular parks, like Yosemite.

My hot take? Its always a good idea to bring extra TP and sanitizer on a national park visit. Popular areas (like Yosemite Valley) are often understocked, especially on weekends, and this year, smaller parks might lack important resources.

Learn the history of a parkand don't snitch

Alarmingly, parks have also been forced to hang guest feedback signs in restrooms and other visitor-facing areas that encourage travelers to report any signs or other information that are negative about either past or living Americans or that fail to emphasize the beauty, grandeur, and abundance of landscapes and other natural features. The National Parks Conservation Association issued a statement detailing their worry that such signs will encourage visitors to contradict crucial scientific and historical facts.

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So far, it is unclear how these signs will affect National Historic Sites, like Manzanar and Brown vs. Board of Education, which are specifically designated to educate the public about our countrys long and complicated history of racial tension. Similarly, interpretive signs detailing the forced removal of Native Americans from many of these breathtaking lands could be removed as part of this troubling initiative, even though the NPS has made a concerted effort to tell Native stories in recent decades.

All products featured on Conde Nast Traveler are independently selected by Conde Nast Traveler editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, Conde Nast may earn an affiliate commission.

How Indigenous Tour Operators Are Reclaiming Their Ancestral Ties to National Parks Around the World

From Uganda to Montana, the creation of national parks has led to the displacement of Indigenous communities who, today, invite travelers to learn their stories.

Other ways to enjoy public lands in 2025

For years, parks have been operating with fewer staff and inadequate budgets, even as visitation soars. Park staffing has eroded by 20% since 2010, while at the same time parks have experienced a 16% increase in visitation, says a spokesperson for the National Parks Conservation Association.

1993575217 PK Visual Journeys/Getty

This means that well all need to tread lightly for years to come if we want to minimize negative impacts to the parks that we love so dearly. Before traveling to your favorite national park, brush up on the Leave No Trace Principles and pack the 10 Essentials into your car or backpack, to make sure you and your crew stay safe and protect delicate natural ecosystems.

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Its also a great idea to spread out and explore a less-touristed park this year. Head to the high-altitude Indian Peaks Wilderness instead of Rocky Mountain or the red rock haven of Goblin Valley State Park instead of Bryce Canyon. With top national parks hosting millions of road-tripping travelers every summer, you might actually find a more enjoyable and serene wilderness experience elsewhere. Thats the beauty of Americas public landsthey dont have to be Instagram-famous to be utterly spellbinding.

Originally Appeared on Conde Nast Traveler
A weekly selection of opinions and analyses from the Arab media around the world.

When the ceasefire prolongs the war

Asharq Al-Awsat, London, June 27

According to an old saying, the history of any war is written by the victor. This is because the loser is either dead, too wounded to write, or, in some cases, eager to turn the victor into a friend. But for that saying to hold true, the war must conclude with a recognized victor. That presents another problem: no one can crown themselves triumphant and place a laurel on their head unless their opponent formally admits defeat.

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This is the dilemma Israel has faced ever since it fought to secure its small place on the map. Each time it won a war, it was forced to accept ceasefires imposed by its friends. This time, too, it was the US  yet again  that robbed it of the spoils of victory. The do-gooders who forced a conflicting final outcome forgot that the purpose of war is to disrupt an unstable status quo and replace it with a new one acceptable to the warring parties, by defining clearly who prevailed and who was defeated.

War, as the saying goes, is politics by other means. But here, world powers have turned war into a deceitful form of diplomacy, resembling a game of snakes and ladders. Some foreign leaders profited from meddling, winning elections, or even receiving the faintly absurd Nobel Peace Prize.

Since 1947, dozens of new states have emerged on the map, and dozens of wars have erupted, with winners and losers alike, establishing a new reality that has secured long periods of peace and stability. In all those cases, war, which Aristotle considered among humanitys noblest endeavors, served as the means to determine who won and who lost. The purpose of war is to slice through the Gordian knot with a single stroke and then let things return to their natural course. As for the advocates of ceasefires, they turn war into a knife left inside the wound, to be twisted again and again.

In some cases, a ceasefire can be the enemy of peace. That could be the case with the ceasefire ordered by US President Donald Trump between Israel and Iran, which temporarily froze a conflict that had simmered for nearly half a century since Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic, made it his mission to eliminate the Zionist entity.

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump speaks to the media in the Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington, June 27, 2025. (credit: KEN CEDENO/REUTERS)

By any military measure, Israel achieved a sweeping victory in the 12-day war that Trump halted. It seized control of Iranian airspace within 48 hours, paving the way for US B-2 bombers to wipe out Irans core nuclear facilities within hours, meeting no resistance. Israel also decapitated the Iranian military leadership dominated by the Revolutionary Guards, destroying the Quds Forces headquarters that had long coordinated Irans operations in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, and Yemen.

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ACCORDING TO Iranian estimates, Israel damaged or destroyed the Islamic Republics military and nuclear infrastructure by hitting over 600 targets, inflicting more than $1.8 trillion in damage. In a classic display of military precision, Israel struck targets in 20 of Irans 31 provinces without losing a single warplane.

Fatemeh Mohajerani, spokesperson for President Masoud Pezeshkian, claimed the Israeli attacks killed over 600 people, including 54 women and children. Among the dead were 23 generals with one or two stars, along with 300 other military personnel, including noncommissioned officers. Forty-six Iranian nuclear scientists were also killed, while 4,746 Iranians were wounded. On the Israeli side, Iranian retaliatory strikes killed more than 30 people, among them an 18-year-old conscript, and left 3,238 wounded.

Ordinarily, this would have made Israel the clear victor in the 12-day war. However, as before, it is labeled the loser by Iran and, even more disturbingly, by certain self-proclaimed experts in the US and Europe. To further complicate matters, President Trump cast himself as the victor who ended the war by eliminating Irans nuclear program forever and securing a ceasefire within 24 hours.

Iran tried to outbid Trump in claiming victory. We broke the American bulls horns and rubbed its nose in the dirt, said Mohammad Reza Aref, the first vice president of Iran. Tehrans propaganda machinery seized on the fact that the war lasted 12 days. An editorial on Tasnim News, tied to the Revolutionary Guards, bragged: The Arabs, led by Egypt, collapsed after six days against the Zionists in 1967. But the Islamic Republic withstood the Zionists and their American backers for 12 days, forcing them to beg for a ceasefire.

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Irans official media quoted The New York Times, CNN, and other Western networks questioning Trumps and Israels declarations of victory. Iranian outlets showcased prominent Western voices backing Irans narrative, among them John Mearsheimer, David Attenborough, Noam Chomsky, and Jeffrey Sachs.

Irans claims of triumph have emboldened Khomeinist hardliners to prepare for another round of fighting. We have defeated the Great Satan and his Zionist agent, proclaimed Gen. Ebrahim Jabbari, a one-star general. But we must not stop there. We must keep our boot on Netanyahus neck until he chokes.

Once again in Middle Eastern history, a ceasefire dictated by short-term political calculations is set to prolong a conflict that has raged for decades, with each new phase bloodier than the one before.  Amir Taheri

Iran without an expansionist project

Al Rai, Kuwait, June 28

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All that truly happened was that President Donald Trump emerged, at least on the surface, as the victor from the Iranian-Israeli confrontation, having capitalized on Irans urgent need for a ceasefire in a war during which he had initially floated the idea of regime change before pulling back. Will Iran accept Trumps statements that he does not seek regime change  along with its own missile strike on the Al Udeid base in Qatar  as enough to claim that it overcame its war with Israel and emerged victorious?

Iran is positioning itself as triumphant despite the heavy losses it suffered, and despite having been compelled to abandon its nuclear ambitions, its ballistic missile program, and its network of regional proxies such as Hezbollah. Preserving the regime itself became Irans overriding priority after Israel succeeded in taking the war directly into Iranian territory, assassinating a significant number of military leaders and nuclear scientists, and exposing the deep vulnerabilities of the Iranian regime.

One telling sign of the weakness of the Islamic Republic was the language its officials used throughout the conflict, appealing to international law and highlighting their supposed commitment to legal principles. Suddenly, the Islamic Republic remembered international law, conveniently forgetting its long record of promoting its regional ambitions through assassinations, violence, coercion, and sectarian incitement.

One need only look at its domination of Lebanon, a project that began more than 43 years ago with the Revolutionary Guards first deployment to a Lebanese army barracks, the Sheikh Abdullah barracks in Baalbek. The Lebanese experience illustrates the broader collapse of Irans expansionist strategy, which effectively unraveled with Bashar al-Assads flight from Damascus on December 8, 2024.

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For decades, Iran had pursued its goals in Lebanon, often under Syrian cover, with tireless determination and the tacit acceptance of Israel, which itself is hardly a model of respect for international law. Iranian influence in Lebanon culminated in the 2023 war in support of Gaza, through which Tehran demonstrated that it ultimately controlled the Lebanese states decision-making power via Hezbollah.

IRANS SUDDEN rhetorical embrace of international law and the UN Charter is deeply ironic, given that since the 1979 overthrow of the shah, the Islamic Republic has repeatedly shown contempt for these very norms, most memorably during the 444-day hostage crisis at the US Embassy in Tehran beginning in November 1979. It is hardly necessary to look far to see that Iran has never truly respected international law but instead followed its own rules, exploiting Americas periodic willingness to treat Iran as a useful boogeyman for pressuring Gulf states into viewing the US as their only protector.

This dynamic, marketed under the slogan of exporting the revolution, has played out for decades. It is useful, even today, to remember Irans activities in Lebanon from the very first days, including the kidnapping of David Dodge, the president of the American University of Beirut, who was eventually released from Tehran after being routed through Syria.

Successive American administrations have too often remained silent about Irans outrages. In the 1980s, they stayed silent about the kidnappings of Americans such as CIA station chief William Buckley and Col. William Higgins, who was working with the UNs international observer mission in southern Lebanon.

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US administrations likewise ignored Hezbollahs violence, which ultimately prompted the withdrawal of US forces from Lebanon after the bombing of the US Embassy in Beirut and the suicide attack on the Marine barracks near Beirut airport on October 23, 1983.

Nowhere in Irans regional record does respect for international law appear  unless one truly believes that the assassination of Rafic Hariri and his companions on February 14, 2005, was carried out in accordance with the UN Charter on Human Rights. That killing was designed to crush the only serious attempt to revive Beirut and Lebanon after decades of civil war, which began with the conflicts of April 13, 1975. This is precisely what President Joseph Aoun should have noted, instead of ignoring it, during the celebration of lighting up Martyrs Square and Nejmeh Square.

Theoretically, the Israeli-Iranian war has stopped. The direct American intervention on Israels behalf during this conflict will stand as one of its most consequential chapters since hostilities erupted on June 13, 2025.

However, the cessation of open warfare does not mean the challenges facing the Iranian regime have vanished. Those challenges persist, despite the collapse of its regional expansionist project, the uncertainty now surrounding the regimes own survival, and the demonstrated ability of Israel to penetrate both Irans security services and its society at large.

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Ultimately, the Iranian regime, in its current shape, is viable without the engine of regional expansionism, no matter how many victory celebrations are staged to suggest otherwise.  Kheirallah Kheirallah

Israel: What happens following the Iran War?

Al-Ittihad, UAE, June 28

It is too early to confirm that Israeli society has fully accepted the results of the recent confrontation with Iran, or that what was achieved represents a historic victory, as Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu is currently promoting.

The fragile national consensus that emerged may persist for several reasons, chief among them the continued presence of the Iranian threat regardless of the confrontation that took place. This issue will provoke intense disagreement within the government and across the political and military establishment in the coming period, especially as the war on Gaza resumes.

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What occurred with Iran could well repeat itself in Gaza, while the current situation might be exploited politically and strategically to pursue a long-term truce. All parties involved in managing the Gaza conflict know that the matter is in the hands of President Trump, who, if he chooses, could replicate what he did between Iran and Israel rather than allowing the process to slip back into a vicious cycle of pointless negotiations.

Within this context, the stability of the government itself may need to be reassessed, based on the fact that  contrary to some perceptions  Netanyahus government is not in a political deadlock, neither domestically, thanks to a relatively solid majority in the Knesset, nor internationally, especially given support from the US and major European powers, which reached its peak when the US joined the war effort and then pressed for a ceasefire under Trumps influence.

Although the Netanyahu government continues to hold a clear parliamentary majority  officially resting on 65 out of 120 seats  in practice, its backing is closer to 69 members of parliament. These dynamics were reflected in two recent polls, by Channel 13 and Maariv, which showed the Likud party gaining around four seats compared to surveys conducted before the conflict.

The point is that despite the appearance of broad political consensus and a near-popular alignment, certain reservations have arisen about the timing of the war, its results, and Israels ability to achieve its stated objectives of completely dismantling Irans nuclear program or toppling the Iranian regime. The military establishment will continue to play a decisive role on these matters, especially given recent shifts within the armys leadership and intelligence circles, and considering the scale of the recent confrontation with Iran.

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It is expected that the current governing coalition will continue a policy of preserving unnecessary ministries, advancing the tax evasion law, alienating the ultra-Orthodox from military service and broader Israeli society, supporting education budgets for the ultra-Orthodox who do not participate in the liberal state education system, ignoring the high cost of living, and avoiding structural reforms that do not support sustained economic growth  trends that could once again deepen societal divides and return Israel to the state it was in before the Iran clash.

This concern has already driven the Knesset to raise the defense budget by NIS 3.6 billion [$1.1b.] for 2025, an increase that includes NIS 699 million [$208m.] to fund food shipments to Gaza residents and NIS 2.953 billion [$877.4 million] to cover expanded military costs from the resumption of the war on Gaza.

One can stress that Israels political future will depend on the degree to which the public accepts the outcome of the present circumstances and on whether the Hezbollah-Israel agreement and the Iran-Israel agreement can hold up over the medium term.

Added to this are the massive losses the government will be forced to absorb, which public opinion will bear and the opposition will spotlight among voters, constantly repeating warnings about the persistent Iranian threat in the region, particularly with its ongoing missile and nuclear program. This is likely to become a central argument for the opposition and fuel continued tensions over Israels national priorities, which in turn could lead to more fragmentation.

Herein lies the danger to the broader political stability that Netanyahu claims, even as he seeks to highlight Israels successive victories and the supposed total neutralization of the Iranian threat, despite the severe costs to the Israeli home front. Overall, disagreements will inevitably surface between political and military leaders about the post-conflict phase with Iran and the renewed war with Hamas, which may expose the realities of many details previously kept under wraps.

Netanyahu will remain a dominant figure in politics and party circles, maneuvering skillfully and emphasizing the strategic options he still has to counter for those calling for early elections, in light of Israels ongoing existential threats and the reality that the confrontation with Iran has not truly ended  an argument his supporters may well accept as the opposition struggles to present a coherent, workable alternative.  Tarek Fahmy

Who is the victor, who is the loser?

Al-Masry Al-Youm, Egypt, June 28

Now that the war between Iran and Israel has ended, a common question echoes among Israelis and Iranians alike: who emerged as the victor, and who the loser? The acceptance of a ceasefire after 12 days of fierce fighting between Iran on one side and Israel and the US on the other followed a series of public and back-channel negotiations, culminating in US President Donald Trump announcing a ceasefire, claiming the US had achieved its objective of destroying Irans nuclear capacity.

This was soon followed by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu declaring that Israel had removed what he described as an existential nuclear threat, celebrating what he framed as a historic victory over Iran.

Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian proclaimed the wars end after what he hailed as a heroic resistance, affirming Irans victory thanks to the steadfastness and sacrifice of its people. Thus, all three parties emerged to declare victory. But who, in reality, won, and who lost?

Early assessments suggest that Israel initiated the conflict and successfully dismantled Irans air defense network, completely disabling the Iranian air force and leaving its skies open to Israeli aircraft, which launched what were described as painful and effective strikes on military targets, nuclear facilities, oil infrastructure, and Iranian leaders and scientists. Afterward, the US intervened with devastating airstrikes on the three most important nuclear facilities at Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan, with President Trump exchanging words of victory with Prime Minister Netanyahu.

On the Iranian side, Tehran managed to demonstrate its resilience, exposing vulnerabilities in Israels multilayered air defenses by striking military installations, research centers, and key economic targets in Haifa, Tel Aviv, Ashdod, and other cities.

Perhaps most symbolically, Iran was able to replicate, even on a smaller scale, the images of destruction long familiar in Gaza, projecting those scenes onto Israeli cities in a way never before seen in Israels history. Iran did not allow the US airstrikes to go unanswered, responding with a coordinated attack on the American Al Udeid air base in Qatar, an operation that effectively marked the transition toward a ceasefire.

In my view, what has happened amounts to a fragile pause, with the question of victory or defeat deferred until further notice, pending fresh negotiations between the Iranian and American sides on several critical files, foremost among them Irans nuclear program. The second issue will be Irans ballistic and multi-warhead missile capabilities, and the third concerns Iranian-backed armed factions, the Palestinian resistance, and Irans evolving regional role.

The manner of the ceasefire declaration provided a convenient face-saving exit for all sides, allowing them to proclaim victory before their domestic audiences. Yet the coming negotiations on these thorny matters will ultimately determine where this conflict heads. There is no doubt Irans nuclear program has been heavily damaged, and it will require years to recover.

However, the real test lies in the days ahead: will the US, along with its protege Israel, be content with what has already been accomplished, or will they remain determined to continue reshaping the region to meet Israeli interests, at the center of which is the ambition to change or even overthrow the Iranian regime?

Sadly, all the lessons of history point to Israels deep-rooted belief in aggression and territorial expansion as fundamental to its doctrine, meaning peace, quiet, and any cessation of war are merely temporary way points, with Israel poised to resume its limitless expansionist aims. Herein lies the true danger.  Abdel-Mohsen Salama

Translated by Asaf Zilberfarb. All assertions, opinions, facts, and information presented in these articles are the sole responsibility of their respective authors and are not necessarily those of The Media Line, which assumes no responsibility for their content.
UPDATE: In an update just after 6 p.m. on July 3, Virginia State Police said Michelle Walton was found safe.

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. (DC News Now)  Police are asking for the communitys help in locating a 57-year-old woman who was last seen in Fredericksburg Thursday morning.

Virginia State Police issued a critically missing adult alert for Michelle Walton, who was last spotted walking at 100 Caroline St. at around 6:30 a.m. on July 3.

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Final preparations underway in DC ahead of Fourth of July celebrations

Police described Walton as 5 feet 5 inches tall at around 210 pounds. She was possibly wearing a long-sleeved green shirt with yellow flowers and long maroon scrub pants when she disappeared, according to VSP.

This disappearance poses a credible threat to their health and safety as determined by the investigating agency, VSP said, in the alert.

In an update just after 6 p.m. Thursday, VSP said Walton was found safe.

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Washingtons elected officials reacted to Thursdays passage of President Trumps enormous tax and spending bill. The big beautiful bill will legislate trillions in tax breaks and corporate tax cuts while directing funding to the military, border security and the presidents mass deportation plans.

State officials raised concerns about the bills impact on local economies and Washingtonians access to SNAP food assistance, Medicaid and insurance.

The House passed the over-900-page act in a 218 to 214 vote on Thursday. Just two days ago, it narrowly passed the Senate in a 51-50 vote with Vice President J.D. Vance breaking a tie, but the bill is now on its way to the Presidents desk where it will be signed into law on Independence Day.

What the governor had to say

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson issued a statement saying, This bill takes food from our most vulnerable Washingtonians to give tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy.  This bill is only beautiful to billionaires.

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The legislation makes the Presidents 2017 corporate tax cuts permanent, but Fergusons office focused criticism on new requirements which will bar SNAP access for thousands across the state.

Approximately 1 million Washingtonians use SNAP benefits every month to purchase food. The reconciliation bill reduces SNAP benefits to the average household under the Thrifty Food Plan by about $56 per month, the Governors office wrote. It also decreases the maximum allotment per household. For example, the maximum allotment for a family of four would drop from $975 to $848.

Fergusons office also noted that updated work requirements will make thousands of Washingtonians ineligible to receive food assistance, especially families and seniors.

The bill also means more than 130,000 Washingtonians will need to meet new work requirements to keep their SNAP benefits, the governors office wrote.

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The act raises the age requirement to receive benefits without working to 64 while limiting some parents access to SNAP, depending on the age of their children. In addition to these changes, the bill requires youth exiting foster care to find work upon turning 18.

The governors office said these regulations will stunt economic activity in the state.

The cuts will also likely ripple through the Washington economy, Fergusons office wrote. According to United States Department of Agriculture estimates, each dollar from the SNAP program produces more than $1.50 in economic activity at grocery stores, farmers markets and more.

Another Ferguson statement railed against the devastating impacts on Washingtons clean economy, environment and energy future.

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His office contends the bill passed out of Congress today puts at least $8.7 billion in Washingtons clean energy investments at risk. It phases out federal incentives for wind, solar and other clean technologies by 2028, but maintains and expands subsidies for fossil fuel industries.

Its a fossil fuel wish list that penalizes clean energy and favors pollution, Governor Ferguson said. Donald Trump and the MAGA Congress are dismantling the very incentives that have powered innovation, created jobs, lowered electricity costs and protected the environment. ... These rollbacks are a disastrous step in the wrong direction.

The U.S. Climate Alliance estimates 21,800 Washingtonians will lose their jobs by 2030 due to the reconciliation bills reduction in clean energy and manufacturing tax credits.

What WA Congress members said

Calling the bill the greatest scam in history, U.S. Rep. Marilyn Strickland released a statement to her constituents in the 10th Congressional District, which represents most of Thurston County and north to Tacoma.

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President Trump and House Republicans continue to lie to the American people, she said in the statement. They promised to lower costs on day one. Instead, they have championed the greatest scam in American history.

Trump and House Republicans have stripped healthcare from 17 million Americans. They will have closed 1 in 4 nursing homes, shut down over 300 rural hospitals, and ripped food from the mouths of five million SNAP recipients  including children.

It is clear now, more than ever before, that Trump and these spineless House Republicans do not care for the American people. They only care about themselves.

U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, who represents most of southwest Washington as the 3rd District congresswoman, voiced her concerns about the bills impacts on health care and the struggling middle class in a Thursday statement.

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If youre not very well off, this bill wont give you a leg up  and if youre not struggling to get by, your finances most likely wont be turned upside down, Gluesenkamp Perez wrote. I think its a serious problem that Congress keeps focusing on policy that ignores the large middle of the country  who are the ones that will really foot the bill for our ballooning national debt.

Gluesenkamp Perez also highlighted the bills impact on health care, as it cuts Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act coverage and access to insurance.

This bill will strip healthcare from 17 million Americans, according to a nonpartisan analysis, she wrote. Thats more than twice the population of our state  and thats 31,000 people in Southwest Washington who stand to lose healthcare, according to the Joint Economic Committee Minority.

The Joint Economic Committee Minority publication estimates that 10,000 residents of Washingtons 3rd District will lose coverage under the Affordable Care Act while 21,654 residents will lose Medicaid coverage.

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Gluesenkamp Perez also highlighted the effects of rural healthcare cuts, which will make healthcare less accessible for low-income Americans and rural populations.

Rural hospitals across our district are expected to lose tens of millions of dollars, which could put these lifelines at risk of collapse. This doesnt only affect those on Medicaid  when rural hospitals suffer, the health of rural communities like mine suffer, she wrote.

The big beautiful bill includes over $50 billion dollars in Medicaid cuts, meaning significant funding will go away for many of Washingtons rural hospitals.

U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell focused her wrath on the health care cuts.

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With the House green lighting President Trumps goal of taking away health care access and food security for millions, many Americans are going to suffer, and every working family will see their costs go up, she said in a statement issued on Thursday.

This law is the largest cut to Medicaid in history, which will raise costs for everyones health insurance. Hospitals, local elected officials from both parties, and everyday Americans all begged Republicans to make changes, but they refused. They stuck to their cruel plan to kick 17 million Americans off of their health insurance and take SNAP benefits away from millions of families  all so that billionaires and corporations could get another tax cut.

Gluesenkamp Perez criticized how a bill with this much impact was passed only by Republicans. Two Republicans  Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania  joined all Democrats in opposing the bill.

Its a shame this bill passed by the slimmest of margins, on a purely partisan vote, she said. Ill be working to provide support as we face the impacts of this reckless legislation, as well as to build long-term economic power for small businesses and your family.
Friday, July 4th, 2025

Summary:

Well if you have travel plans to get to CENTRAL Texas, you may find it difficult. Flash flood warning emergencies is issued for San Angelo, Kerr and Bandera county. Rainfall accumulations continue to increase as storms remain almost stationary and are expected to continue through the morning. Some folks in the heartland recording over 15+ of rain as more continues to fall, shelters in place, water rescues are ongoing. For us, we lucked out as a bulk of those showers remained out in the Concho Valley but not before we got our fair share here in Taylor county (between 1-3). We are praying for the Concho Valley and Kerr County

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In good news temperatures today will stay below average with spotty hit and miss showers clearing by late this tonight, just in time for the 4th of July celebrations.

Today: Mostly cloud with showers and skies clearing by late with abundant humidity and a light breeze. High Temperature: 85 Winds: S 10-15 G 20 MPH

Tonight: Skies clearing with a seasonal temperature and a light breeze. Low Temperature: 73 Winds: S 10 G 20 MPH

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Families are demanding answers after authorities in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, discovered that 383 bodies had been stored in a crematorium for months and years after the people had died.

Norma Guardado Meraz was one of many locals who visited the Chihuahua Prosecutors Office this week to get more information about its investigation into the discovery, fearing that among the bodies are those of their relatives.

The discovery was made on June 26 after several municipal police officers found a hearse containing two bodies and other corpses piled up in a room in the buildings courtyard.

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Prosecutor Cesar Jauregui said the pile of bodies had accumulated since 2020, suggesting that the Plenitud crematorium had failed to perform services it had been subcontracted for by six funeral homes.

We want an answer so we can be satisfied and for the authorities to help us see whats going on, so we can be sure we have the right person in our urn, Guardado Meraz told CNN.

She and her family want clarity about the fate of the remains of her mother, Maria Nieves Meraz, who died three years ago and was mourned at one of the funeral homes that had subcontracted the crematorium.

Another resident, Javier Ramirez, went to the prosecutors office Wednesday to determine if the remains he had received actually belong to his father, who died two months ago and whose wake was held at one of the other funeral homes.

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CNN is trying to contact the managers of the funeral homes for comment.

They just tell us theyll let us know when they have information, but they dont know how long it will take. In other words, we just have to wait and see what they tell us, Ramirez told CNN.

CNN has asked the prosecutors office how many complaints it has received in this case and is awaiting a response.

The office said Tuesday that of the 383 bodies found, 218 were men, 149 were women and the gender of 16 could not been identified.

Authorities have detained the owner of the company that operated the crematorium and his assistant in connection with the discovery. They were scheduled to appear in court on Friday. CNN is trying to contact their legal defense team to find out how they will respond to the charges against them.

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As the case moves forward, the prosecutors office is promising a thorough investigation and says it encourages more people to come forward and demand answers.

CNNs Michael Rios contributed to this story.

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NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)  Calm northerly winds expected throughout the afternoon with highs in the low 90s. Slight chance for showers and thunderstorms by around 5-7 p.m. this evening. Chances for showers dissipate beyond that time. Temperatures in the 80s for outdoor plans this evening for the 4th.

Tropics still showing signs of further development this weekend. Hurricane hunters will fly into storm later on today to collect more data. 60% chance that this develops over the next few days. No threat to Louisiana.

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Mostly sunny tomorrow with highs in the lower 90s. Small chance for pop up showers/storms. Sunday seems more favorable for thunderstorms development in the late afternoon and evening.

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.

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Seasonably warm, less humid conditions will provide ideal conditions for Red, White & Boom! and Fourth of July community parades and fireworks.

Isolated showers developed over northern Ohio that will dissipate by midnight, as diffuse cold front slips south. The same boundary could spark a late day storm across the north on Friday, as it heads north again.

High pressure will control the weather for several days, keeping things dry and warm. A light southerly flow will develop over the holiday weekend, bringing back typical July heat and humidity, with temperatures in the low 90s.

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Showers and storms will push into northwest Ohio Sunday ahead of a weak cold front, and a few could reach central Ohio before Ohio. Another chance for showers and storms will follow the front on Monday.

The front will push south of the Ohio River Tuesday, with drier conditions, before lifting north as a warm midweek, triggering scattered showers and storms.

Forecast

Tonight: Stray shower north, partly cloudy. Low 68

Independence Day: Mostly sunny, warm. High 91

Saturday: Mostly sunny, hot, humid. High 93 (69)

Sunday: Partly cloudy, isolated storm late, hot, humid. High 93 (70)

Monday: More clouds, showers, storms, muggy. High 86 (72)

Tuesday: Partly sunny, few showers, storms. High 87 (70)

Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, scattered storms. High 86 (68)

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By Arsheeya Bajwa and Medha Singh

(Reuters) -Shares of Synopsys and Cadence Design Systems jumped on Thursday after the U.S. lifted export curbs on chip design software to China, easing uncertainty around access to the crucial market.

The restrictions, announced in late May, had essentially cut off the market that brings over 10% of revenue for the industry's major players, hitting forecasts and knocking down shares.

The export resumption means both the companies will only lose one month of revenue in the current quarter, Mizuho analysts said. The easing trade tensions may also clear the path for long-awaited Chinese approval of Synopsys's $35 billion buyout of engineering software firm Ansys, the analysts added.

Synopsys, which had pulled its forecast in May due to the curbs, rose 5.5%. The company said on Wednesday it is still assessing the impact of export restrictions on China on its financials.

Cadence gained 6.1% and hit a record high of $330.09, while Ansys rose about 3.5%. Germany's Siemens, the third major player in the electronic design automation tools sector, was up 1.5% in Frankfurt.

"This marks a distinct warming of relations and a small ceasefire in the chips war," said Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets at Hargreaves Lansdown.

Still, she cautioned that the move did not signal a broader shift on high-end chip exports from companies such as Nvidia. "The US will remain concerned about the technological prowess China has developed, and its use of US intellectual property."

Successive U.S. administrations have sought to restrict China's access to advanced American chip technology, citing concerns that it could be used to strengthen Beijing's military.

But the export curbs have also fueled a surge in domestic chip design activity in China, aided by generous state subsidies. They have also stoked fears of retaliation, with analysts warning that Beijing could delay or block approval of the Synopsys-Ansys deal in response.

The deal, which has received merger clearance in every jurisdiction other than China according to the companies, carries a deadline of July 15 for its closure with an option to extend until January next year.

(Reporting by Medha Singh in Bengaluru and Arsheeya Bajwa; Editing by Nivedita Bhattacharjee and Shailesh Kuber)
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  It is believed that fireworks caused a house and garage in Warner to go up in flames Thursday morning.

How could thunderstorms disrupt the Fourth of July?

The Warner Fire Department responded to a call around 12:12 a.m. for a house in flames, according to a news release from the department.

The family was able to evacuate unharmed and no emergency personnel were injured, the news release said.

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The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but it is believed fireworks played a role in starting it.

Brown County Emergency Management, Brown County Sheriffs Office, Aberdeen Rural Fire Department, Brown County Communications Center, American Red Cross and Northern Electric also assisted with the fire.

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Washington's chief historian, John C. Hughes, on the set of TVW's "Inside Olympia." (Photo courtesy of TVW)

This article was first published by TVW.

John C. Hughes is, at root, a storyteller. As he marks the end of a nearly six-decade career that spanned hot-type newspapering on the coast to crafting the biographical record of Washingtons political and civic leaders, he recognizes a shift in his own disposition. Once sanguine about civic life, even with all its faults, he finds himself in a funk at this time of transition  morose, melancholy, and discouraged.

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As he prepares to retire, Hughes leaves behind a shelf full of books, countless oral histories, and a warning: The decline of journalism and civic memory threatens democracy itself.

His body of work began in his hometown, where he still lives. Grays Harbor is one of those places that has terroir, a sense of place, Hughes said, explaining his lifelong connection to the timber town of Aberdeen, where he spent 42 years at The Daily World, eventually rising to editor and publisher. He turned down jobs at larger newspapers, including offers from The Seattle Times, out of a commitment to community journalism. There was something in my blood, he said. Its where I think I belong.

In a wide-ranging and often poignant conversation with Austin Jenkins on TVWs Inside Olympia, Hughes said his career began as a reporter in the mid-1960s. Washington had dozens of small daily newspapers with vibrant newsrooms. The Daily World boasted a staff of 21 reporters at its peak. Today, Hughes noted, the paper employs just three journalists and its circulation has plummeted below 5,000. We had three great photographers on staff, we did investigative work, we went toe to toe with the big-city papers, he recalled.

The loss, he said, is not just in jobs or prestige. Its civic. Theres a direct line between the decline of newspapers and the decline of civic engagement, Hughes said. When people dont know their own stories, they dont know how to defend their communities.

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As chief historian for Legacy Washington, a project of the secretary of states office, Hughes transitioned from reporting the present to preserving the past. In that role, he conducted hundreds of interviews and authored or co-authored 17 books over 17 years, telling the stories of governors, judges, lawmakers, civil rights pioneers, and cultural figures, all of whom left an indelible mark on the state. His subjects include Gov. John Spellman, Sen. Slade Gorton, columnist Adele Ferguson, and former first lady Nancy Evans.

When asked which of his books he considers most consequential, Hughes pointed to John Spellman: Politics Never Broke His Heart, praising Spellman as a one-term Republican governor who vetoed a massive pipeline project out of environmental concern. The Inimitable Adele Ferguson stands out for its portrait of the legendary Bremerton political columnist who held Olympias feet to the fire. And Slade Gorton: A Half Century in Politics documents the arc of a brilliant, if polarizing, legal and political career.

His most recent book, New Land, co-authored with historian Ed Echtle, tells the story of Washingtons resettlement of Southeast Asian refugees after the Vietnam War. Hughes credits former Gov. Dan Evans, former Secretary of State Bruce Chapman and then special emissary to the governor Ralph Munro as exemplars of what he calls latter-day profiles in courage.

These are stories that animate us toward citizenship, he said. Theyre about people who did the right thing when it wasnt easy.

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Despite working for a statewide elected official, Hughes has maintained a fierce sense of professional independence. I am in no way a spokesman for the Office of the Secretary of State, he said. There hasnt been a partisan litmus test, not once.

His ability to write 17 books in 17 years? That, he said, comes from the rigors of daily journalism. When you become an accomplished journeyman deadline reporter, then you can write quickly, he said. I just love storytelling.

That storytelling instinct was reinforced early by Murray Morgan, the renowned historian and author of Skid Road, who once advised Hughes to be a newspaperman first to sharpen his writing and his instincts.

But along with the pride in his work comes melancholy. Hughes has written about many people who are now gone  including Gorton, Spellman and Ferguson. My mom always said the best thing about people who were so alive when they were alive is that when theyre gone, its like theyre really still here, he said. But you still miss them.

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That sense of loss extends to institutions. Hughes mourned the states decision to shutter the Washington State Library and the Talking Book & Braille Library due to budget cuts. I cant think of anything more gratuitously stupid than to close a great cultural institution like the Washington State Library, he said.

Looking back on his hometown, Hughes has also witnessed political realignment. Grays Harbor, once a Democratic stronghold, has voted for Donald Trump in three consecutive elections. Hughes was not surprised. The grievance on Grays Harbor is that the Democratic Party has, in essence, said, Let them eat cake.

He spoke of the disappearance of lunch-bucket Democrats  moderate, labor-aligned lawmakers like Sid Snyder, Jim Hargrove and Brian Blake. A breed of Democrat thats pretty much extinct at this point. Maybe [theyve] gone the way of the spotted owl.

Ultimately, Hughes worries about the future of democracy. I believe these are perilous times for American democracy, he said. If we dont understand our history  if we dont teach civics and truththen we lose the shared values that hold us together.

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After a career that spanned both headlines and history books, Hughes summed it up simply: I count every day as a real blessing. And I get to tell these stories. Affirming Morgans famous formulation, Hughes says, Journalism is the sport of kings.

This article was first published by TVW, Washingtons Public Affairs Network, providing unedited coverage of the state legislature and state government, on statewide cable TV and online at tvw.org. It also produces original interview shows, including Inside Olympia and The Impact. A media nonprofit, it exists to give Washingtonians access to their state government, increase civic access and engagement, and foster an informed citizenry.
The Washington Post rejected an unfounded claim by Tulsi Gabbard that one of the papers reporters was harassing the Director of National Intelligences staffers.

Gabbard had posted earlier Thursday on X that national security reporter Ellen Nakashima appears to be actively harassing ODNI staff. Gabbard added: Instead of reaching out to my press office, she is calling high-level Intelligence Officers from a burner phone, refusing to identify herself, lying about the fact that she works for the Washington Post, and then demanding they share sensitive information."

Gabbard insisted that what was happening was a clear political op by the same outlet and the same reporter who harassed and stalked my family in Hawaii.

Statement from Executive Editor Matt Murray:



For three decades, Ellen Nakashima has been one of the most careful, fair-minded, and highly regarded reporters covering national security. Reaching out to potential sources rather than relying solely on official government press https://t.co/qNi1FBFJgc  Washington Post Communications (@WashPostComms) July 3, 2025

The Posts executive editor, Matt Murray, dismissed Gabbards allegations.

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Reaching out to potential sources rather than relying solely on official government press statements regarding matters of public interest is neither nefarious nor is it harassment. It is basic journalism, Murray explained.

Gabbard didn't understand that what

DNI Gabbards unfounded personal attack reflects a fundamental misunderstanding about the role of journalists to report on government officials and hold power to account, without fear or favor and regardless of party, he continued. The Post remains committed to that vital and constitutionally protected work.

Gabbards post hinted at the potential nature of Nakashimas inquiries.

Apparently, publishing leaked classified material wasnt enough for the Washington Post, so now theyve decided to go after the Intelligence professionals charged to protect it, Gabbard wrote, an apparent reference to the papers coverage of an early Pentagon assessment of damage to Iranian nuclear sites.

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Reporting on that subject by other outlets like CNN and The New York Times drew furious complaints from many in the Trump administration, with the president baselessly threatening prosecution. Each outlet firmly supported its reporting and defended its legality.

Attacks on the press through lawsuits and the threat of them since Trump returned to The White House have been rampant.

Even the conservative-leaning Wall Street Journal editorial board condemned Trump for them, writing Wednesdayafter Paramount agreed to a $16 million settlement with Trump over what many experts dubbed a meritless lawsuitthat using the government to intimidate news outlets that publish stories he doesnt like was a low move.
A speeding driver who swerved through traffic and damaged vehicles during a five-minute police pursuit has been jailed for 14 months.

Callum Hickman hit speeds of up to 90mph (145km/h) as he drove the wrong way on roads and roundabouts between Whippingham and Newport in August 2024, Isle of Wight Crown Court heard.

The 26-year-old from Southampton, who already had 41 previous convictions for 125 offences, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving.

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Judge James Newton-Price KC said Hickman was a "persistent offender and a dreadful driver".

Callum Hickman was sentenced to 14 months imprisonment for dangerous driving [Hampshire Police]

The judge told the defendant: "You could easily have killed someone driving like that.

"Your driving near schools and leisure centres was so dangerous, the police had to stop the pursuit."

Hickman, who was already disqualified from driving, went to the island to buy the red Citroen C3 for his partner, the court heard.

Afraid of a return to prison, he "panicked" when the vehicle triggered an ANPR camera and police tried to stop him, the judge was told.

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Hickman was "extremely remorseful", had a pregnant partner and had just started his first-ever job, his defence barrister said.

His brother died in a car accident at the age of nine, causing personal difficulties, the barrister added.

However, the judge said a custodial sentence was inevitable, adding a three-year driving ban after Hickman's release from prison.

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The Brief

A safari in Jim Corbett National Park turned dangerous when a wild elephant charged at tourist jeeps.

Video shows the elephant trumpeting and pursuing the vehicles, causing panic and a quick getaway.

Experts warn elephant aggression is rising due to habitat pressure; fatal encounters are increasingly common in India and beyond.

What began as a routine jungle safari quickly turned into a high-stakes adventure at Indias Jim Corbett National Park, when a wild elephant suddenly charged at a group of tourists in their safari vehicles.

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Video captured by Parveen Shekhawat shows the massive elephant trumpeting as it storms toward the groups jeeps, prompting drivers to accelerate their vehicles to steer clear of the unexpected danger.

Elephant chases tour group during safari

What they're saying

"Just a few minutes into our safari, and boom  one of the wildest moments of my life!" an Instagram post read. "A massive tusker charged straight at our gypsy out of nowhere. Heart racing, adrenaline pumping  this was raw, untamed nature at its peak."

Elephant chases after safari trucks (Credit: Parveen Shekhawat via Storyful)

The post added: "Grateful for the skills of our drivers who handled it like pros. Respect for these wild giants just went to another level."

Elephant attacks becoming more common

Dig deeper

According to The Washington Post, wildlife experts say elephants have been exhibiting more aggressive behavior toward people because of growing pressure on their habitats and herds.

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The World Wildlife Fund said elephants have killed more than 200 people in Kenya over the last seven years.

(Credit: Parveen Shekhawat via Storyful)

In India, several hundred people perish each year because of ill-fated elephant encounters, Joshua Plotnik, an elephant behavior and cognition researcher at Hunter College in New York City, told The Washington Post.

Giraffe tosses toddler at wildlife park

Big picture view

Last year, a toddler trying to feed a giraffe at a Texas safari park was momentarily tossed in the air by the animal. The incident happened at the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose, about 75 miles southwest of Dallas .

RELATED: VIDEO: Giraffe tosses toddler at Texas wildlife park

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In 2023, a family on a safari in Africa also had the encounter of a lifetime when a lion came within feet of them at their campsite. Stunning video showed the lion wandering through the campsite before approaching the familys table.

The Source

Storyful, The Washington Post, previous FOX Local reporting contributed. This story was written from Los Angeles.
The Brief

Arnold Schwarzenegger spoke at a July 4 naturalization ceremony at Mount Vernon, where over 100 new U.S. citizens will be sworn in.

Schwarzenegger, a naturalized citizen himself, said hes honored to welcome others to "the land of opportunity."

Mount Vernons Independence Day events also include fireworks, military drills, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, and a concert.

MOUNT VERNON, Va. - Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger spoke to new American citizens on July 4 at Mount Vernon.

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Schwarzenegger spoke during a naturalization ceremony where more than 100 people will be sworn in as U.S. citizens. The event begins at 10:00 a.m.

What they're saying

"The day I raised my right hand and became an American citizen was, without a doubt, one of the greatest days of my life," said Schwarzenegger, who became a U.S. citizen in 1983. "If you told me on that day that 43 years later I would be standing at Mount Vernon, the home of one of my heroes and a historic symbol of freedom and democracy, to welcome more new citizens, I would have been shocked. But thats the beauty of the United States of America: nothing is impossible. I owe everything to this country, and I cant wait to share this moment with these new citizens to remind them of the limitless opportunity afforded by their new home. I hope they will feel the same debt of gratitude that Ive tried to repay throughout my whole life by giving back, being committed to our Constitution, and united by our shared values."

Big picture view

On July 4 at Mount Vernon, there will be a number of additional events for visitors:

Daytime fireworks

A reading of the Declaration of Independence

Military drills

A performance from the National Concert Band

Mount Vernon's July Fourth schedule is available here.
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  Severe flooding hit San Angelo early Friday, submerging neighborhoods, stranding vehicles, and prompting a wave of emergency rescues across the city.

From the northeast side to the heart of downtown, floodwaters overwhelmed roads and homes. One dramatic scene on Pulliam Street captured the intensity of the storm. A house was seen floating away with the current.

Severe flooding that occurred on July 4, 2025, in San Angelo apparently swept a residence into a road.

SEE IT: House floats on Pulliam Street amid severe San Angelo flooding

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In the PaulAnn neighborhood, streets were underwater, with several homes surrounded by rising floodwaters. A nearby underpass off the Houston Harte Freeway, near Bell Street, was completely flooded, with more than 10 feet of water pooling in the roadway.

Near downtown, the Irving Street Bridge resembled a river as heavy rain surged through the area.

First responders worked quickly to reach those in need. On the 1500 block of Koberlin Street, San Angelo police and Texas Department of Public Safety troopers assisted in evacuating residents, including a woman who was caught in the rising waters. Street signs were nearly submerged as crews carried out rescues.

Local law enforcement takes action as severe flooding sweeps San Angelo

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At Brewer and Bell, another man had to be rescued after clinging to a pole in high water. Officials say the area was almost unrecognizable due to the extent of the flooding.

A DPS helicopter was also seen flying over San Angelo, assisting in the search for any missing individuals who may have been swept away or trapped.

TGSO: Temporary evacuation shelter set up as San Angelo faces deluge

Authorities are urging residents to stay indoors and avoid travel. San Angelo police issued a clear warning: Turn around, dont drown.

The extent of the damage remains under investigation as emergency crews continue to respond to flooded areas throughout the city.

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President Trump kicked off his July Fourth weekend at the Iowa State Fairgrounds Thursday evening, hours after the House passed the final big, beautiful bill full of Trumps domestic priorities.

The reconciliation package  which includes sweeping tax cuts, a crackdown on immigration, a boost in energy production and huge cuts to Medicaid  passed through both chambers of Congress this week, overcoming months of bitter infighting on Capitol Hill and a day ahead of the self-imposed deadline. The bill, which could be the defining legislation of Trumps second term, is now headed to the Oval Office for signature.

The president is expected to sign the legislation during a ceremony Friday.

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Watch video replay of his remarks from Des Moines, Iowa, above.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- The Midland Police Department has asked for help from the community to identify two women accused of theft.

According to Crime Stoppers, on May 18, two unknown women entered Kohls, located at 3200 N Loop 250 W, selected some merchandise, and entered the fitting rooms. Investigators said that while in the fitting rooms, they concealed about $281 worth of merchandise and left the store without paying. Youll find video of the suspects above.

Anyone with information has been asked to call Crime Stoppers at 432-694-TIPS and reference case number 250519301. You may also submit your anonymous tip online or by using the P3 TIPS mobile app. If your tip leads to an arrest, it could be worth a cash reward.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin.
CHESTERLAND, Ohio (WJW)  Communities across Northeast Ohio celebrated Americas independence with parades Thursday morning, including the annual West Geauga Fourth of July Parade in Chesterland.

Hundreds of people dressed in red, white, and blue lined Route 306 to celebrate Americas birthday.

The patriotic parade featured police cars, firetrucks, a marching band and more.

Is your dog terrified of fireworks? Expert explains why, how you can help your pets

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Parents in attendance said its a great way to kick off the holiday.

Were going to be going home and cooking some brisket and eating with the family later, Brad and Cameron Moshier said. So, itll be fun.

Kids also had plenty of reasons to be excited.

Overall, it was a great day to be patriotic and have fun  and for the kids, it was all about the candy.

I literally got tons of candy today and it was, like, so fun, said Fitz, a 6-year-old boy. I want to get more.

Active eagle nest reported in all but one Ohio county

For young Nathan Riebe, it was a double celebration, with his birthday falling on Independence Day. He said he was looking forward to celebrating all day long.

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Going to my cousins house and going to see fireworks, he said.

Parents were overjoyed to see their kids having fun.

Just looking forward to seeing how the kids react to the parade, Nancy Riebe 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.
(Bloomberg) -- Constellation Brands Inc. expects aluminum tariffs to cost the company roughly $20 million over the remainder of its fiscal year, which runs through February.

Most Read from Bloomberg

President Donald Trumps current 50% duty on imported aluminum, part of his US trade overhaul, directly impacts companies such as Constellation that rely on aluminum cans for packaging. While many alcohol imports from Mexico remain exempt, beer packaged in aluminum is subject to the new levy.

The tariff didnt affect results in the fiscal first quarter that ended May 31, but will weigh on margins going forward, Chief Financial Officer Garth Hankinson said on a call with investors Wednesday. The company doesnt expect to fully offset the added cost, which will shave about 20 basis points from margins, he said.

Related: Alcoa Reports $20 Million Tariff Hit on Imports From Canada

The beer division remains Constellations biggest moneymaker, but margins have come under pressure amid rising costs and softening demand.

Consumers are not going out to eat as much as they had, theyre having less social occasions at home, CEO Bill Newlands said on the call. It doesnt change their interest in consumption of beer  it simply has been that those occasions have decreased.

Constellation shares rose 4.3% at 12:29 p.m. in New York trading on Wednesday, paring the stocks year-to-date decline to about 31%.

(Updates share trading and adds quote from CEO. An earlier version of this story corrected the percentage of the aluminum tariff.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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About 500 properties in an area of Kent are still facing water supply issues for a third day in a row.

On Wednesday, South East Water said up to 3,000 customers in Whitstable, Seasalter and surrounding areas had no water or low pressure due to the recent heatwave.

The company says there are still hundreds of homes in the area facing "intermittent supply".

Nick Bell, incident manager at South East Water, said: "We're unable to confirm at this stage when supplies will be fully restored to all customers, but we're working hard to address this as soon as possible."

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The company has been using four tankers to inject water directly into its network and this has helped restore supplies to some customers in the area.

However, South East Water is still trying to remove trapped air from its pipes, which is preventing water from reaching all its users.

"This takes time to remove airlocks and get water flowing through the pipes again," Mr Bell said.

A bottled water station is reopening at Sainsbury's in Reeves Way in Chestfield and the company is delivering bottled water to customers in the impacted areas, including those on its priority services register.

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Earlier in the week the company issued an urgent appeal to residents in the South East to reduce their water usage.

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.

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They spent weeks loudly blasting President Donald Trumps Big Beautiful Billthen quietly raised their hands to pass it anyway.

A batch of Republicans saw their bluster melt into fearful compliance Thursday as they voted for the GOPs massive reconciliation bill, after last-minute cajoling and intimidation from the president.

Only two House Republicans joined all Democrats in opposition.

Lets be honest: the spending provisions in this thing are massive and will blow up the deficit, Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) wrote just two days before voting for the bill. / Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

For months, various factions of the party tore into the bill. Fiscal hawks barked warnings over the projected $3.3 trillion increase in the national debt over the next decade. Lawmakers from regions with large Medicaid-dependent populations rebelled against the bill, which could cause 12 million Americans to lose health insurance. Others were irked by the fast-approaching, Trump-imposed 4th of July deadline.

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On Tuesday, Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina said the bill was mortgaging our future and Rep. Andy Harris of Maryland called it not ready for prime time in an interview on Fox News.

If Congress cuts funding for Medicaid benefits, Missouri workers and their children will lose their health care. And hospitals will close. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) wrote in an op-ed in May. He still voted for the bill. / Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images

On Wednesday, Rep. Keith Self of Texas raged that House leadership was forcing a broken bill down our throats.

They all voted for it Thursday, delivering the biggest legislative win for Trumps agenda so far.

In the upper chamber, Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley penned an op-ed in May blasting the bills health insurance cuts for the poor as morally wrong.

He voted for it anyway on Tuesday, as did Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who declared the bill not good enough for the rest of our nation after casting her yes vote.

Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski declared the bill not good enough for the rest of our nation after casting her yes vote. / Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images

Murkowski got on board after GOP leaders tweaked the bill to blunt the impact of its cuts on her state. Had she joined the three Republican senators who voted noRand Paul of Kentucky, Thom Tillis of North Carolina, and Susan Collins of Mainethe bill would have failed, instead of squeaking by with a tie-breaking vote from Vice President J.D. Vance.

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When the Senates version of the package arrived at the House, Rep. Chip Roy of Texas called the changes made to appease moderate Republicans like Murkowski a travesty.

But he was reportedly swayed after Trump showered him with MAGA memorabilia during a visit to the White House Wednesday.

Leaving the White House after a very productive 2 hour meeting with @realDonaldTrump and @JDVance pic.twitter.com/5QuqGA1fQ3  Tim Burchett (@timburchett) July 2, 2025

In the end, only two House Republicans followed through on their criticism with a no vote. Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky opposed the bill over concerns about its impact on the national debt, while Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania voted no due to its deep Medicaid cuts.
WASHINGTON  Republicans pushed their giant bill cutting taxes and Medicaid through the House on Thursday, sending the legislation to President Donald Trump to sign into law.

Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

Millions of Americans will lose health insurance as a result of the bill, while tax cuts favoring the wealthy will further swell the national debt. The bill will also supercharge Trumps efforts to round up, detain, and deport millions of immigrants lacking legal authorization to remain in the country.

Alex Wong / Getty Images

Related: Here Are The Funniest Reactions To Zohran Mamdani's Win In New York Last Night

The bill passed by a vote of 218-214, with all Democrats and two Republicans, Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), opposed.

Kayla Bartkowski / Getty Images

Republicans in Congress have succeeded in our mission to enact President Trumps America First agenda, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said in a statement after the bill passed. And importantly, we did it in record time, so that the effects of this nation-shaping legislation can be felt by the American people as soon as possible.

Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

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With its advantageous tax treatment for rich households, its fiscal irresponsibility, and a remarkably slapdash legislative process, the so-called Big Beautiful Bill bears the hallmarks of Republican governance in the Trump era. And, of course, several Republicans said theyd vote no but caved amid threats from Trump.

Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

The big bill rolls back expansions of the federal safety net recently enacted by Democratic presidents and entrenches the temporary tax cuts Trump signed into law during his first term. The $4.5 trillion cost of the tax cuts is only partially offset by more than $1 trillion in cuts to federal food and health programs, with reductions in Medicaid spending potentially imperiling hospitals around the country, especially in rural areas.

Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

Related: 5 Absolutely Horrifying Ways Republicans Are Explaining Why They're Fine With People Losing Healthcare

This is about taking from the most vulnerable to pay off the already powerful, Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) said on the House floor before the vote on Wednesday. It is about pleasing one man who is holding this Congress hostage with primary threats and social media tantrums. This bill is cruel, it is cowardly, it is a betrayal of everything this country is supposed to stand for.

Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

After warning for years that widening federal budget deficits and the growing national debt could destroy America, Republicans have just given their blessing to an extra $3.4 trillion in debt, at least. Citing fantastical economic growth forecasts, theyve said the budget experts are all wrong and the tax cuts will pay for themselves. They claimed that failing to extend Trumps 2017 tax cuts before they expire at the end of the year posed a major threat to the economy.

ALEX WROBLEWSKI / AFP via Getty Images

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If we do nothing, the Trump tax cuts, the most pro-growth tax reforms in generations, will expire. That means higher taxes on nearly every American, Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-N.Y.) said Wednesday.

Tom Williams / CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Related: Donald Trump Just Commented On Potentially Pardoning Diddy And Said The Most Donald Trump Thing Ever

Though the tax cuts wouldnt expire for another six months, Republicans gave themselves an arbitrary July 4 deadline for finishing the bill, and the House stayed in session all night to get the bill done. It wasnt pretty.

For about six hours, five Republicans ground all business to a halt by voting against a procedural step to begin debate on the bill. Another eight Republicans refused to cast votes at all. They were protesting changes made to the bill by the Senate, which added about a trillion dollars to the original House bills cost. All but one of them, Fitzpatrick, relented just before 3:30 a.m., having won no changes to the bill.

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Dont ever lecture us about fiscal responsibility, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.) said in a record-setting, nearly nine-hour floor speech before the final vote.

Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images

Jeffries said the bill amounted to an assault on health care and would effectively end Medicaid as we know it.

Several moderate Republicans said they had qualms about the bills Medicaid cuts, but Fitzpatrick was the only one who followed through. For one, Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.), who said Saturday, I will vote no, voted yes.

Johnson and other top Republicans insisted the bill does not cut Medicaid, that it merely reduces waste, fraud and abuse, in patently untrue statements.

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The biggest Medicaid cut comes in the form of new work requirements targeting nondisabled adults, who will have to prove to state Medicaid administrators theyre either working, volunteering, or in training at least 20 hours per week. Despite the idea that the requirement would prod people into jobs, the Congressional Budget Office said its unlikely theyll land the kind of employment that comes with health insurance.

Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

Related: Hillary Clinton Just Hit On One Of Donald Trump's Biggest Insecurities With Three Words

Few of those disenrolled from Medicaid because of the policy would have access to and enroll in employment-based coverage, the CBO told lawmakers earlier this month.

The bill would roll back future spending on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, including by requiring states that make high rates of erroneous SNAP payments to share a portion of the cost of the food benefits, creating a strong incentive for states to trim SNAP enrollment. But as Senate Republicans rushed to lock down votes, they changed the provision to exempt states with high error rates, such as Alaska, to win over Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). The resulting provision creates a perverse incentive for states to make even more improper SNAP payments.

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The Medicaid changes will mostly take effect starting in fiscal year 2027, but immigration authorities will immediately get $150 billion for Trumps mass deportation agenda, including $45 billion for new detention centers and $29 billion for new Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. The money for detention centers alone is more than five times the annual budget of the US Bureau of Prisons. The cash infusion comes as Trump openly muses about deporting native-born US citizens.

ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP via Getty Images

We are talking about ICE being turned into a full-scale paramilitary force, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) told HuffPost. This is absolutely something that we should be taking as a profound threat to our society and to American citizens.

KENA BETANCUR / AFP via Getty Images

In a remarkable social media post on Tuesday, Vice President JD Vance stated that the vast majority of the 900-page bills various policy changes, which affect vast resources and the nations fiscal future, are meaningless in comparison to mass deportation. Vance wrote, Everything else  the CBO score, the proper baseline, the minutiae of the Medicaid policy  is immaterial compared to the ICE money and immigration enforcement provisions.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.

Also in In the News: Zohran Mamdani Just Delivered The Most Epic Response After Trump Called Him A "100% Communist Lunatic"

Also in In the News: Uhhh, People Zoomed Into This Picture Of Donald Trump And Found A Scary Surprise

Also in In the News: "This Is A Sad Day For America"  MAGA Supporters Have A LOT To Say About Trump's "Big, Beautiful" Tax Bill, And It's Not What I Was Expecting

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Former Holmes High School students are working to preserve and honor the legacy of an educator who greatly impacted their lives.

Tradition runs deep within the Holmes High School Marching Bands Program.

If you were to rewind the music back to the 1960s, you would find Robert Crowder controlling the tempo of the Bulldogs' band.

Decades after walking the halls of Holmes High School, many alumni from the 60s, 70s and 80s carry with them the memory of Crowder.

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Tom Storer is a 1985 graduate of Holmes High School, where he marched in the band led by Crowder.

He was a father figure ... He meant a lot to the kids, Storer said.

It is those amazing memories that made this next part strike such a chord.

Crowder died in 2010.

He is buried in Spring Grove Cemetery, but aside from his wife Mamies gravestone displaying the Crowder name, you would never know where the beloved band instructor rests.

This man was a legend before his time, we just didnt realize it at the time, said Holmes High School class of 1982 graduate Charline Rom-Alfaro. All we knew was he was the wonderful Mr. Crowder

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Now, Storer and several other alumni are striking up the band once more in a fundraising effort to erect a gravestone to remember their late band director.

He had no children of his own, Rom-Alfaro said. We were his kids. There was a genuine love and respect that was a two-way street.

The former band students are working with Northern Kentucky Monuments and will be fundraising at a band reunion event on Sept. 13 at the American Legion in Latonia.

Enquirer media partner Fox19 provided this report

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: 'We were his kids': Band alumni raise money to honor educator
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Friday is Independence Day, and West Michigan is celebrating in style.

List: Fourth of July fireworks, parades in West Michigan 2025

SAVING SPOTS FOR THE GRANDVILLE PARADE

Grandvilles Fourth of July parade stepped off at 10 a.m., but for some, the day started much earlier. Community members were allowed to start reserving spots at 6 a.m. A News 8 crew saw several people setting out chairs and blankets.

The festivities in Grandville also include food trucks, a craft show and live music. Fireworks began at dark.

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GRFD: Fireworks sparked tree fire that nearly spread to garage

A DECADES-OLD TRADITION IN GRAND RAPIDS

The Hollyhock Lane Parade in Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills neighborhood has been a tradition for more than 80 years. Organizers say its the longest-running continuous Independence Day parade in the state.

It started as a bike parade in 1934. Today, it still features bikes, but there are also kids floats, antique cars, local groups and fire and police vehicles.

The parade stepped off at 8:30 a.m. at Calvin and Alexander and was followed by a ceremony.

The Fourth of July parade in Cascade Township on July 4, 2025.

CELEBRATION IN CASCADE

In Cascade Township, a bike parade Friday morning was immediately followed by a community parade. It featured classic cars, local Scouts, a fire truck and more.

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There was also a street fair and festival, which ran from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

PANCAKES, A PARADE AND MORE IN ADA

Ada Township hosted a full day of events to mark the Fourth of July. It started with a pancake breakfast at the fire station. The kids parade stepped off at 9:45 a.m., followed by the main parade at 10 a.m. After that, attendees could check out a classic car show.

The evening, closed with live music at Legacy Park. The fireworks, which were cohosted by Cascade Township, began around 9:45 p.m.

You can find WOOD TV8s full list of Fourth of July festivities in West Michigan 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 WOODTV.com.
WEST SPRINGFIELD  Incumbent Mayor William C. Reichelt is running for a third term, arguing that his willingness to take risks and embrace change is essential for town progress.

Town Councilor Daniel M. OBrien hopes to unseat Reichelt. OBrien criticizes the current administration for what he sees as uncontrolled spending and misplaced priorities.

Reichelt says West Springfield has achieved a comparatively low single-family tax rate and is addressing affordability and prioritizing infrastructure repairs.

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He believes OBriens proposals to cut spending, refurbish schools and repeal the mayoral four-year term would cause the town to regress.

Affordability at issue

Reichelt speaks of the importance of affordable and quality services, while OBrien expresses concern over increasing taxes affecting residents on fixed incomes.

Reichelt, a town lawyer, said people value what they spend money on. When we create a budget, we spend money on what they want, making the community better, he said.

A mayor must ensure good services, safety, strong schools and a place where people want to live and raise a family, he said. Over the 10 years, we have made that not just a talking point, Reichelt said. West Springfield is a true beacon in Western Mass.

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Reichelt says a lot has been done, like building three new schools, a new library, repaving over 40% of city roads and adding roundabouts and other traffic improvements.

There are still big projects to tackle, he said.

Reichelt said he often heard complaints about taxes being higher than in Agawam when he started volunteering with the Planning Board in his early 20s.

When he became mayor in 2015, he noted cities on the western side of the Connecticut River had the highest taxes. Now, the towns average single-family tax bill is the lowest in the area, he said.

During his first six years in office, he did not raise taxes. This was achieved, he said, by reducing staff, consolidating departments and becoming a green community, which cut energy use by 20%.

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After COVID-19, the town couldnt hold taxes steady due to rising costs, he said. We are at a 2% increase this year; hopefully, it will be a bit lower with new growth, he said.

Reichelt said over the past 10 years, the zoning board has worked to accommodate new businesses and modernize old facilities, he said.

OBrien said although taxes are the lowest in the area, his quarterly tax bill has gone up about $500.

He is concerned about residents on fixed incomes, like Social Security and small pensions, and believes Reichelt could have managed the budget better.

The budget is what drives taxes. We spend money in the spring, and we set the tax rate in the fall. We drop the ball during the budget because our emphasis is not on looking for ways to lower the budget, OBrien said.

Marijuana taxes as revenue

Reichelt advocates for retail marijuana sales as a revenue source, whereas OBrien opposes it.

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Reichelt said changes like the cannabis industry often create controversy, which is understandable. After researching other communities and states that approved recreational cannabis sales, he found the fears were unfounded.

I wanted to do it back in 2018. We would have been a first mover and could have seen some real money, he said.

Even this year, the town is on track to take in over $300,000 from taxes on cannabis sales, and Reichelt said every bit helps. However, OBrien said $300,000 does not move the needle in a $125 million budget.

He said the main reason he is opposed is because the constituents voted against having retail operations in town.

Competing projects

Reichelt said there is no need to choose between modernizing the towns schools and building a new police department headquarters. OBrien says one project should be tackled at a time.

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One thing at a time just leaves you behind other communities, Reichelt said. We can do both.

Most town schools were built in the 1950s and 1960s, and things are different now, he said.

Students cant compete in a 21st-century economy using 20th-century tools and keeping old buildings open wouldnt benefit residents or taxpayers, he said. Having many small schools with the same overhead isnt affordable compared to a hybrid model with larger capacities, he said.

Six months ago, Reichelt appointed an enrollment advisory committee to gather community feedback.

Reichelt said it is important to note that the town has been accepted into the Massachusetts School Building Authority program to combine the Fausey and John Ashley schools with a significant reimbursement.

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Weve completed three school buildings, including the library, and still have a lower single-family tax rate than surrounding communities, he said.

OBrien said with over 700 voters signing a petition to keep neighborhood schools open, he believes Reichelt is not listening to residents.

Families move to West Springfield to send their children to neighborhood schools. It is the symbolic heart of the neighborhood, he said. That is what the battle is over. People want their kids to go to that school and not be bused to some warehouse.

OBrien said the state has money available to refurbish schools. His plan, opposite of Reichelts proposal to bond $70 million for a new police headquarters, is to invest $20 million each in the Mittineague, Tatham and Memorial schools to bring them up to code.

Length of mayoral term

Reichelt argues that four-year terms are essential for effective long-term planning, whereas OBrien advocates for two-year terms to ensure greater accountability.

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A four-year term is better because it allows the mayor to make long-term decisions, Reichelt said. In a two-year term youre just pandering to popular opinion, he said.

Reichelts first term was two years before it changed to four years. Conversations with department heads are different now because they can plan for five years, he said.

For example, the roundabout at Amostown and Piper roads took three years of planning. If a new mayor didnt like the project, the planning would have been wasted. Even the downtown roundabout took six years of planning to coordinate funding, he said.

Reichelt believes OBriens proposal to return to two-year terms would set the community back. But OBrien believes a mayor isnt in tune with residents unless there is something on the line.

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OBrien said his focus for the last 10 years has been on representing constituents and giving them a voice in government.

OBrien raised concerns about Reichelts campaign contributions, but Reichelt defends his fundraising methods as transparent and necessary.

OBrien points out that Reichelt has over $225,000 in his campaign fund with several donors giving up to $1,000.

These are companies that are outside of West Springfield, he said. People dont give you $1,000 without an expectation that they are going to have some kind of leverage.

Reichelts campaign contributions show three $1,000 donations from businesses in West Springfield and Chicopee in November and December last year. Reichelt says he holds a fundraiser every year which is a part of campaigning.

OBrien has certified with the state he does not intend on taking campaign contributions. I have never taken a nickel from anybody, he said.

Read the original article on MassLive.
A Pittsfield man was found guilty of murder on Thursday in connection with fatally shooting his girlfriends ex-boyfriend in September 2022, the Berkshire County District Attorneys Office announced.

After six hours of deliberations, a Superior Court jury convicted 45-year-old Desmond Phillip on a first-degree murder charge and three gun charges in the death of 43-year-old Teddy Cepeda, the district attorneys office said in a press release.

What happened the night Cepeda was killed

Pittsfield police began investigating Cepedas killing in the early evening hours of Sept. 30, 2022, after responding to the home Phillip shared with his girlfriend, Courtney Haner, at 7 Goodrich St., the district attorneys office said. At the scene, officers found Cepeda unresponsive on the ground with a gunshot wound to his chest. He was rushed to Berkshire Medical Center, where he was declared dead.

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The investigation revealed that he had gone to the home to pick up Haner, who was his ex-girlfriend, the district attorneys office said. Phillip had a history of jealous behavior, and when Cepeda arrived, the two men got into an argument.

Eventually, Phillip shot Cepeda once in the chest, the district attorneys office said. During the trial, prosecutors used crime scene photos, security video footage, communications via Facebook and eyewitness testimony to make the case that Phillip knew Cepeda was coming to the home and armed himself with a loaded, illegal gun in preparation.

The defense argued that Phillip shot Cepeda in self-defense, but Massachusetts law holds that a person who feels threatened by another must attempt to retreat from the situation prior to killing someone out of self-preservation, the district attorneys office said. Prosecutors successfully showed that Phillip made no attempt to back away from Cepeda before killing him.

Phillip is set to be sentenced on July 10, the district attorneys office said. In Massachusetts, a charge of first-degree murder carries a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

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My thoughts are with Mr. Cepedas family and friends today. While the guilty verdict will not bring back their loved one, I do hope it provides an opportunity to feel some sense of justice, Berkshire County District Attorney Timothy Shugrue said in the release. I thank the jury for their dedication to this case and thoughtful deliberation.

Phillips account of what happened

On Monday and Tuesday this week, Phillip took the stand to give the jury his account of what happened, The Berkshire Eagle reported. On the day Cepeda was killed, he parked his car near the top of the driveway outside Phillips and Haners home, Phillip testified.

Haner joined him inside the car, and the two argued as Phillip, whod also exited the home, watched from a distance, Phillip told the jury, according to the Eagle. Eventually, according to Phillip, Cepeda turned to him and said, Im going to f--- you up, before grabbing something from the car and walking towards Phillip.

Phillip testified that he assumed Cepeda had grabbed a firearm, and that this was why he then took a gun out of his pocket and shot Cepeda, the Eagle reported. Phillip told the jury he was trying to protect himself from a man who had previously threatened to clap, or kill him, twice.

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But Cepeda had actually reached for a cellphone and was unarmed when he was killed, the Eagle reported. During cross-examination, Phillip said he was so afraid of Cepeda that he didnt wait to see if Cepeda had grabbed a gun and that he didnt think to take any alternative actions, such as running away.

How prosecutors countered

The two men previously got into a fight about six months ago during which Cepeda hit Phillip in the face with a pole, the Eagle reported. But a witness in the trial testified that this happened after Phillip chased Cepeda with a knife.

Prosecutors argued that Phillip was motivated by jealousy, despite his testimony that he never felt any animosity towards Cepeda, the Eagle reported. They characterized the situation as a love triangle that arose because Cepeda remained in Haners life after their breakup.

Prosecutors also rebutted the idea that Phillip acted in self-defense based on the fact that he denied shooting Cepeda in his initial police interview, the Eagle reported. They argued that he hid the clothing he was wearing when he shot Cepeda, as well as the gun he used, and lied to police because he knew hed committed a crime.

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Legal experts say that only about 50% of defendants testify during their trials, but that it is crucial that they do when using a self-defense argument, TIME magazine reported in 2021. This is because no witness can speak to the fear a defendant claiming self-defense felt in the situation better than they can.

However, legal experts also told TIME that putting a defendant on the stand carries many risks, such as opening defendants up to tough questions from prosecutors. It can also cause the jury to feel the defendant must prove their innocence, even though, legally, the burden of proof is on the prosecution to prove a defendant is guilty.

More local crime stories

Read the original article on MassLive.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  Round Rock was among the first to cancel its Fourth of July celebrations Thursday as heavy rain moved in. Other Central Texas events are expected to follow.

Austin Symphony Orchestra

The city of Austin said a fireworks show and Austin Symphony Orchestra concert has been canceled because of inclement weather. Multiple roads will be closed to allow for the safe load out of equipment already staged for the Star-Spangled Fest.

Round Rock Frontier Days

Round Rocks Frontier Days was canceled on Wednesday, July 3. The City said they would cancel all daytime events, but the evening fireworks show will still kick off at dark.

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The Sertoma Independence Day Parade is the only daytime festivity taking place rain or shine, with kick-off happening at 8:30 a.m.

Round Rock Fireworks Show

The City of Round Rock posted on Facebook that they have canceled the citys fireworks show for this evening. Due to weather conditions, tonights fireworks show at Old Settlers Park has been postponed. Well announce the new date soon, the city said.

Buda Bike Parade

The City of Buda announced on Facebook that the Buda Bike Parade, set to happen this morning, July 4, at 8:30 a.m., has been canceled. Due to the ongoing rain, we have made the tough decision to cancel this mornings Bike Parade. We are working hard to preserve this evenings events, and will provide updates on social media if anything changes, the City said.

The city also shared, all daytime events planned for the Red, White, and Buda celebrations have also been canceled due to wet weather. The fireworks show is still tentatively scheduled for 9:15 p.m. if weather permits.

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RELATED: Round Rock 4th of July festival canceled due to rain; Fireworks still scheduled

Lakeway Fourth of July Parade

The Lakeway Fourth of July Parade has been canceled, the city said in a Facebook post. The post said, If you had a 4th of July Parade entry, please consider submitting images and details of your submission to INFO@LAKEWAY-TX.GOV by this Sunday. Judges will review the entries early next week, and well feature those images on our website and social media channels!

The city said it will continue with its hot dog contest from 10 a.m. to noon.

Liberty Hill Independence Day Spectacular

The City of Liberty Hill shared it canceled its Independence Day Spectacular on Thursday due to muddy field conditions, but still plans to hold the 9:30 p.m. fireworks show at Liberty Hill Middle School.

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This decision was not made lightly. The safety of our community, vendors, and staff always comes first, and unfortunately, the festival site is too wet to safely host the event, the city said on its website.

Past parades and rain delays: Fourth of July weather rewind

For now, these are the only two events canceled due to rain. We will update this article as new information becomes available.

Star-Spangled Fest

Representatives from The Morning Spin said the Austin Star-Spangled Fest has been canceled. The Morning Spin portion of the Star-Spangled Fest is canceled due to ground conditions and safety concerns as the storm moves through, the representative said. The event was scheduled for today, July 4, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Leander Liberty Fest

The City of Leander shared on its Facebook, that the Leander Liberty Fest fireworks show, music, food truck, vendors, and kids zone activities have been canceled due to deteriorating weather.

Fredericksburg Main Street Parade

The Fredericksburg Main Street Parade cancellation announcement was made in a Facebook post at 6:25 a.m. The City said in the post, Due to inclement weather, the 2025 Fourth of July Parade in Fredericksburg has been canceled. Unfortunately, it will not be rescheduled. The fireworks will still go on as planned in the evening, as weather permits.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
The high street chain previously known as WH Smith is embroiled in a legal row over unsold vapes after a government ban on single use e-cigarettes.

TG Jones is facing a court battle over its contract with NPB Brands after it sent back boxes of unsold disposable vapes following the countrywide ban.

NPB Brands and TG Jones are in dispute over the terms of their contract. A court hearing is expected to take place next week.

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TG Jones is the new name of WH Smiths high street stores after WH Smith sold off its estate to focus on airport and rail shops, which are still called WH Smith.

WH Smiths high street stores have been renamed TG Jones - Belinda Jiao

The legal tussle comes after the Government last month banned shops from being able to sell single-use vapes both online and in stores.

Traders that continue to sell them risk a fine of 200, followed by an unlimited fine or jail time for repeat offending.

The ban is part of a push to stop children buying disposable vapes, which have become popular thanks to their various fruit flavours.

Around 7pc of 11 to 17-year-olds vape regularly or occasionally, up from 4.1pc in 2020. Almost one in five of children in that age bracket admit to having tried vaping.

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Figures from the World Health Organisation have suggested that the proportion of 11-year-olds who vape is significantly higher in England compared to countries including Italy, Sweden, Germany and Spain.

Announcing the ban last year, Andrew Gwynne, a former junior health minister, said the step would reduce the appeal of vapes to children and keep them out of the hands of vulnerable young people.

From June, retailers have only been able to sell reusable vapes.

Ministers have said the ban will also stop the avalanche of rubbish generated from disposable vapes  which are not refillable and are unable to be recharged.

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Typically people have thrown them away with their general waste in black bins or littered. Even when they are recycled they need to be taken apart by hand.

The legal tussle over its supplier contract comes as the TG Jones brand starts to appear above high street stores, with the new name replacing WH Smith.

It follows the purchase of WH Smiths high street stores by Modella Capital earlier this year.

Modella said the TG Jones name feels like a worthy successor to WH Smith.

A spokesman for the company said earlier this year: Jones carries the same sense of family and reflects these stores being at the heart of everyones high street.

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NPB Brands declined to comment. A spokesman for TG Jones said: As a matter of policy we would never comment on a commercial dispute between ourselves and a supplier.

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Color-emitting sparkling fireworks are on display June 28, 2001 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Michael Smith/Getty Images)

Almost every year, a wildfire is started somewhere in Utah because of fireworks. Just this week, the Draper Fire Department said a small fire was started in the foothills above the city, likely from someone shooting fireworks from the window of a passing car.

Crews were able to extinguish the fire by early Thursday morning, but it serves as a reminder of how quickly Fourth of July celebrations can spiral out of control.

When are fireworks allowed in Utah?

The Fourth of July is one of four holidays where setting off fireworks is allowed in Utah for a period of time. The other three are Pioneer Day on July 24, New Years Eve and Chinese New Years Eve.

Typically theres a two-day buffer around the holiday itself. For instance, this month fireworks are permitted between July 2-5, and July 22-25, according to the State Fire Marshal.

Where can you set off fireworks?

Even with that window, fireworks are still prohibited in much of the state. Utah is currently under State 1 fire restrictions, which bans fireworks on all state and federally managed land, and all unincorporated land (land that is not within a citys jurisdiction).

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That means no fireworks are allowed in state parks, national parks, Bureau of Land Management land, national forest or other public land.

Most of the states main population centers also have some kind of restriction in place. But that doesnt mean you cant set off fireworks, and Utah code actually prevents cities from enacting a citywide ban of state-approved explosives in most cases.

Instead, cites can only restrict fireworks in certain areas with hazardous environmental conditions, which includes mountainous areas covered in brush, forest or dry grass, areas near a river, ravine or wash, undeveloped wildland or agricultural land and more.

Thats still a pretty broad definition, so most municipalities are able to ban fireworks in the majority of land within their borders.

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Salt Lake City, for instance, bans fireworks everywhere except for two stretches between Glendale Park and Interstate 80, and between 900 West and 900 East, south of South Temple.

Draper bans fireworks everywhere except for a small section between State Street and 1300 East. And St. George bans fireworks in most of the city, except for the more densely populated neighborhoods away from open space and major roadways.

State law requires municipalities make their firework restrictions easily accessible, and provide residents with an interactive map.

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Curious where fireworks are permitted in your city? See the State Fire Marshals list of restrictions.

For Salt Lake County-specific information, see Unified Fire Authoritys interactive map.

Fire danger in Utah

This years holiday comes as most of the state is either in severe or moderate drought, which means fire danger is high. Thats the reasoning behind the fire restrictions, and officials from cities, counties and the state are urging Utahns to celebrate responsibly.

Despite some recent monsoonal moisture giving relief to parts of the state, northern Utah is still abnormally dry. Plus, monsoons can sometimes bring dry lightning and high winds, a near-perfect storm for fire danger.

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Most fires this year  336 of 448  have been human caused, resulting in more than 1,000 acres burned.

The cause of the states two largest fires have been natural. The France Canyon Fire is currently burning at about 33,300 acres and is 66% contained, while the Forsyth Fire, which destroyed homes in the Pine Valley community north of St. George, is at 13,500 acres and 43% contained.

On Wednesday, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox declared July 2 Wildland Firefighter Day in an effort to recognize the work firefighters do to protect homes and forests in the state.

Our wildland firefighters are heroes. They face incredible risks to keep us safe and protect the places we love, Cox said in a statement. 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.

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How the Boomer wealth transfer could reshape global finance.

Most Read from Fast Company



Born too late to ride the wave of postwar prosperity, but just early enough to watch the 2008 financial crisis decimate some of their first paychecks. Old enough to remember dial-up. Young enough to buy Bitcoin on their phones. Theyve lived through tech booms, housing busts, meme stocks, student debt, and five different definitions of retirement planning.

Now, as trillions in wealth begin to change hands, this generation stands to serve as a bridge between old capital and new code, traditional finance and the blockchain future. If handled wisely, this moment wont just shape the portfolios of younger investorsit could reshape the architecture of global finance itself.

The $46 Trillion Handoff

Roughly $124 trillion in wealth is expected to pass from baby boomers to younger generations by 2048, with millennials set to inherit the largest share: approximately $46 trillion over the next two decades. While Gen X is expected to inherit slightly more than millennials in the next 10 years, by the 2040s, millennials will take over as the dominant inheritorsand primary stewards of global capital.

This isnt just a generational milestone. Its a once-in-history opportunity to redefine how capital is allocated, what assets are prioritized, and what financial frameworks endure.

Millennials arent inheriting a set playbooktheyre writing a new one.

Digital Assets Have Grown Up

The timing couldnt be more significant. After years of growing pains, the digital asset space is undergoing a profound transformation. Following the collapse of FTX in 2022, the ecosystem began maturing rapidly. By 2024, a major inflection point arrived: The Securities and Exchange Commission approved the first spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), marking a formal bridge between traditional finance and crypto.

The ETFs shattered recordsunderscoring just how much pent-up demand existed among retail investors, registered investment advisers (RIAs), and institutions that had previously been locked out of the asset class. So far, nearly $41 billion has flowed into these products, a staggering figure for any ETF, let alone one tied to an asset recently dismissed as fringe. Additionally, North Americas crypto market is now dominated by large transfers over $1 millionabout 70% of transaction volumereflecting deep institutional involvement.
As a Wednesday deadline approaches for steeper US tariffs to hit dozens of economies ranging from the EU to India, trade negotiations with President Donald Trump's administration are coming down to the wire.

The levies taking effect July 9 were announced in April, with the White House citing a lack of "reciprocity" in trade relations. But they were swiftly halted, allowing room for talks.

Days before their reimposition, where do things stand?

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- EU: 'Ready' for deal -

The European Union said it is "ready for a deal" with Washington, with the bloc's trade chief meeting his US counterparts Thursday.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said the EU was targeting an "agreement in principle" when it came to the July 9 cutoff.

With no deal, the US tariff on EU goods doubles from the "baseline" of 10 percent to 20 percent -- with Trump previously threatening a 50 percent level.

- Vietnam: A pact with uncertainties -

Washington and Hanoi unveiled a trade pact Wednesday with much fanfare and few details, but it allowed Vietnam to avoid Trump's initial 46 percent tariff.

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Under the agreement, Vietnamese goods face a minimum 20 percent tariff while products made elsewhere face a 40 percent levy -- a clause to restrict "transshipping" by Chinese groups.

But there remain questions on how the higher levy would apply to products using foreign parts.

There is also a risk that Beijing will adopt retaliatory measures, analysts warned.

- Japan: Rice, autos at stake -

Despite being a close US ally and major source of foreign investment, Japan might not escape Trump's tariff hike.

Tokyo's trade envoy Ryosei Akazawa has made numerous trips to Washington through the end of June.

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But Trump recently criticized what he described as Japan's reluctance to open up further to US rice and auto exports.

"I'm not sure we're going to make a deal," Trump said, adding that the country could pay a tariff of "30 percent, 35 percent, or whatever the number is that we determine."

- India: A good position -

Indian manufacturers and exporters want to believe they can avoid a 26 percent tariff.

Negotiations between both countries have been going well for weeks, and Trump himself suggested at the end of June that a "very big" agreement was imminent.

Ajay Sahai, director general of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations, said the feedback he received "suggests positive developments." But he maintained that the situation was fluid.

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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has stressed that agriculture and dairy products remain "very big red lines."

- South Korea: Muted optimism -

Seoul, which is already reeling from US tariffs on steel and autos, wants to avert a sweeping 25 percent levy on its other exports.

Cooperation in shipbuilding could be a bargaining chip, but "at this stage, both sides still haven't clearly defined what exactly they want," said new President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday.

"I can't say with confidence that we'll be able to wrap everything up by July 8," he added.

- Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan in the wings -

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Other Asian economies including Indonesia, Thailand and Cambodia, which faces a 49 percent tariff, wait with bated breath.

Indonesia has indicated willingness to boost energy, agriculture and merchandise imports from the United States. Bangladesh meanwhile is proposing to buy Boeing planes and step up imports of US agriculture products.

Taiwan, for whom Washington is a vital security partner, faces a 32 percent duty without a pact.

Although both sides have faced bumps along the way, Taiwanese Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim said "negotiators from both sides are working diligently" to find a path forward.

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- Switzerland: Hope for delay -

Switzerland's government said Washington has acknowledged it was acting in good faith, and assumes its tariff level will remain at 10 percent on July 9 while negotiations continue.

But without a decision by the president as of the end of June, Switzerland did not rule out that levies could still rise to a promised 31 percent.

burs-jug-bys/jgc
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Take a look up at the skies this Fourth of July when F-15 Eagle fighter jets will fly Oregon and southwest Washington, honoring Americas Independence Day.

The Oregon Military Department says pilots from the Portland Air National Guard Bases 142nd Wing are planning 15 different flyovers on Friday, beginning at 10:05 a.m. in Lake Oswego.

Storms and sun: What weather to expect Fourth of July weekend in PNW

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Its really a unique honor to represent the Oregon Air National Guard and U.S. Air Force by flying over our local communities on our nations Independence Day, said 142nd Wing fighter pilot, Col. Daniel McAllister. If nothing else, I hope we remind people at those parades and celebrations that it takes tremendous sacrifice and dedication by our military service members to ensure the freedom we all enjoy every day.

These jets will be flying at close to 1,000 feet up in the air at speeds of 400 miles per hour.

Full schedule below:

10:05 a.m. Lake Oswego, Ore.

10:08 a.m. Hollywood Neighborhood, Portland, Ore.

10:14 a.m. Yacolt, Wash.

11:00 a.m. Ridgefield, Wash.

11:06 a.m. Clatskanie, Ore.

11:13 a.m. Camp Rilea, Warrenton, Ore.

11:18 a.m. Manzanita, Ore.

11:21 a.m. Rockaway Beach, Ore.

11:27 a.m. Neskowin, Ore.

11:36 a.m. Mt. Angel, Ore.

11:42 a.m. Mill City, Ore.

11:46 a.m. Stayton, Ore.

11:50 a.m. Turner, Ore.

11:52 a.m. Monmouth, Ore.

12:03 p.m. Happy Valley, Ore.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
A German council has been criticised for a sexual harassment poster that depicts a white woman groping a black boy with a prosthetic leg.

The poster was put up in an outdoor swimming pool in the western town of Buren with the caption: Stop! Grabbing is forbidden.

At the foot of the poster, a turtle wearing goggles and rubber armbands informs the reader: If something doesnt feel right, you have the right to call for help by calling out my name: Tiki!

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The campaign comes after a furore in Germany over a recent incident where a group of Syrian men were arrested for groping girls at a swimming pool in the nearby region of Hessen.

But critics said the poster was a baffling attempt to make a politically correct statement about sexual harassment, by making the perpetrator a white woman and giving the victim a physical disability.

Official German statistics show that men are responsible for the overwhelming majority of sexual assaults in outdoor swimming pools. In 2024, 237 out of 367 recorded incidents were also committed by foreigners.

Rainer Wendt, the head of the German police union, warned the poster would likely embolden the far-Right Alternative for Germany [AfD] party, which is a vocal campaigner against woke values.

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This campaign has only one winner, the AfD. But there are many losers: women and girls. Their dire situation is being ridiculed, he told the German tabloid Bild.

Many have criticised the campaign for putting political correctness above the data

Manfred Pentz, the European affairs minister for the state of Hessen, said: After the incidents weve recently experienced here, this must be a bad joke, which makes a mockery of those who have been affected. If it doesnt fit into their world view, it isnt allowed. Simply unbelievable.

The city of Buren apologised for any offence caused by the poster and said it had not intended to upset victims of sexual harassment, or to trivialise the issue.

The city takes seriously the public criticism of design elements of the campaign, Summer Sun Security. a spokesman said. The occasion is an opportunity for reflection by the city administration. We are re-evaluating our communication methods and they will be more sensitive, and different, in the future.

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The row has caught the attention of the American Right, with Charlie Kirk, the Donald Trump ally and activist, posting on social media: Germany has a problem with Third World migrant men groping German women.

So the German government has put up a PSA warning about white women groping vulnerable immigrant men who also have prosthetic legs for some reason.

The Trump Administration has repeatedly clashed with Berlin over what it considers to be the erosion of democracy in Germany, where the AfD is now the second largest in parliament, but treated as a pariah by the government.

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In the early 1840s, Queen Victoria became the first British monarch to travel by train in her own dedicated royal saloons, but more than 180 years later, King Charles III looks set to oversee an end to this noble tradition.

The current British royal train, decked out in its rich claret livery, will be decommissioned by March 2027 to secure best value for public money, according to the Royal Households latest financial report. Instead, senior royals will make greater use of helicopters and scheduled trains for official visits around the country and to travel between their residences in England and Scotland.

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James Chalmers, Keeper of the Privy Purse  the ancient title of the individual responsible for royal finances  said the decision to stop the royal train would mean the fondest of farewells, but added, In moving forwards we must not be bound by the past.

He noted: The royal train, of course, has been part of national life for many decades, loved and cared for by all those involved.

Nowhere will that loss be felt more keenly than in the worlds first railway town, Wolverton in Buckinghamshire, where royal trains have been lovingly housed and maintained since the very first vehicle in 1842.

A sense of occasion

Back in Queen Victoria's day, the royal train was equipped with luxurious saloons. - Science & Society Picture Library/Getty Images

Everybody in Wolverton knows someone who has worked on the royal train and theyre bloody proud of it, says Philip Marsh, senior railway manager, historian and author of The Full Works, a book about the town and its royal train connections.

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This is incredibly sad news, said Andrea Rossi, chief executive of DB Cargo UK, which has managed the train on behalf of the British government for 30 years. Not just for DB Cargo UK but for the broader railway family too.

There is always a great sense of occasion when the royal train is out on the network. Our drivers take great pride in being asked to take the controls of what is arguably the most prestigious train in the UK and a piece of our national heritage.

Unlike the sumptuous velvet and gold-lined royal carriages of the 19th century, the current British royal train is surprisingly spartan and practical on the inside  more 1970s business hotel than palace-on-wheels. Its fixtures and fittings have grown outdated and while it still offers secure accommodation for official trips, its use has dwindled notably in recent years.

Retirement was considered once before in 1997, but it was extensively used during Queen Elizabeth IIs Golden and Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2002 and 2012, touring the country and witnessed by large crowds of wellwishers. It saw action in December 2020, when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge  Prince William and his wife Kate, now the Prince and Princess of Wales  took a 1,2500-mile tour of Britain by train to thank key workers for their efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Steam and ceremony

In its later years, the royal train more closely resembled a business hotel than a palace on wheels. - Fiona Hanson/PA Images/Getty Images

Over the last two decades it has even been paired with beautifully restored steam locomotives such as the world-famous Flying Scotsman and Duchess of Sutherland, adding an extra layer of pomp and circumstance to the occasion.

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Following the Queens death in September 2022, it was expected to transport her coffin from Scotland to London but was sidelined due to concerns about security along the route.

Built in the 1970s, the current royal train is approaching the end of its life. Refurbishing the collection of heavily modified and tailor-made vehicles to modern standards would likely cost tens of millions of dollars. Procuring replacement vehicles to bespoke designs would be even more expensive  particularly as state funding for the Royal Family has increased to cover the $500-million refurbishment of Buckingham Palace.

The royal train has been housed at Wolverton, an historic railway town in the county of Buckinghamshire, north of London. - Matthew Fearn/PA Images/Getty Images

Some have expressed surprise and sadness that King Charles, known for his environmental advocacy, has chosen to scrap the train in favour of less sustainable options like helicopters. The announcements timing, just weeks before Britain celebrates the 200th anniversary of public rail travel, has also drawn criticism.

But the numbers dont look good.

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In 2024-25, the royal train made just two trips, costing over $105,000, according to the Royal Households annual financial summary. That compares with 55 private charter flights costing almost $819,000, 141 helicopter trips averaging $4,600 each, and scheduled flights totaling $172,000. Royal travel overall cost $6.4 million last year, up $682,000 from the year before.

End of an era

In recent outings, the royal train has been pulled by famous steam locomotives, including the Flying Scotsman. - Owen Humphreys/PA Images/Getty Images

Britains royals arent alone in letting their trains go. Over the last 25 years, monarchies in Japan, Sweden and the Netherlands have retired theirs too. Only Denmark and Norway retain dedicated royal saloons, although they are seldom used.

The first carriage built exclusively for use by a British royal was constructed at Wolverton Works by the London & Birmingham Railway for Queen Adelaide, the widow of King William IV, in 1842. For 25 years, Queen Victoria travelled in converted carriages until a bespoke vehicle was commissioned in 1869. British rail companies soon competed to provide ever more luxurious carriages for Victoria and her family, who regarded touring the country as part of their duties.

By 1897, for Victorias Diamond Jubilee, the Great Western Railway had built a complete train of six vehicles. Over the years, royal trains pioneered innovations such as onboard toilets, electric lighting, radios, telephones, bathtubs, bedrooms, air conditioning and luxury furnishings.

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Innovations on royal trains have filtered through to ordinary passenger trains in the same way that Formula 1 technology has cascaded down to our cars, says Marsh, the rail historian. Its the safest form of travel and it allows the principals to relax, attend briefings on the move and arrive rested at engagements after travelling overnight.

After World War II, the nationalized British Railways inherited a large collection of royal vehicles, including armor-plated saloons. These were used until Queen Elizabeth IIs Silver Jubilee in 1977, when the current train was assembled.

The royal train is expected to make a final farewell tour of Britain before its 2027 retirement, offering rail fans and royal watchers a last chance to see it pass. Its future remains uncertain, but the survival rate of royal train vehicles is, with many residing in museums such as Britains National Railway Museum in York.

I would not like to see them scrapped, concludes Marsh. Id like to see them displayed in a registered museum, whether that be the NRM or a new museum at their home in Wolverton.

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NEED TO KNOW

The American flag got its nickname "Old Glory" from 19th-century sea captain William Driver

After his sailing career ended, Driver flew a massive U.S. flag over his family's store in Nashville, where it became a target during the Civil War

When northern forces took back the Tennessee capital in 1862, Driver gave them his Old Glory flag to fly as a symbol of Union victory







Every Fourth of July, American flags can be seen everywhere, all across the United States. Symbolic of freedom and unity, the stars and stripes are a ubiquitous representation for all Americans.

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We know that the 13 stripes represent the original colonies, and that each of the 50 stars represents one U.S. state. We've heard tales that Betsy Ross sewed the first flag, and can clearly picture George Washington crossing the Delaware River with the banner right behind him.

But one detail about the flag that most Americans might not know is how it got its nickname "Old Glory." That phrase is credited to a 19th-century sea captain, William Driver, whose story was told by a Smithsonian special report in 2013.

Born in Salem, Mass., in 1803, Driver ran away from home at 13 to become a cabin boy on a ship. By 21, he was a master mariner in command of his own ship, the Charles Doggett. To commemorate the achievement, Driver's mother and a group of local Salem women sewed him a massive flag to be flown from the mast of the Charles Doggett. He named his ship's flag "Old Glory."

At the time, the American flag boasted 24 stars, and Driver flew it proudly as he sailed to China, India, Gibraltar and throughout the South Pacific. One specific mission, ferrying survivors from the mutiny aboard the HMS Bounty, is said to have helped spread Driver's "Old Glory" nickname for the flag among the British soldiers.

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The flag embodied America as he knew it at that point, going across the world, Jennifer Locke Jones, curator at the National Museum of American History, told Smithsonian. He carried it with him and it was the pride of this independent free spirit. He was taking a bit of America to uncharted territories and he felt very proud that this was the symbol he flew under. He took a piece of his home with him wherever he went.

Kevin Carter/Getty The Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. The Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.

Still, reports vary on when exactly Driver coined the phrase "Old Glory." One legend says it came to him spontaneously as he first raised the flag up the main mast of the Charles Doggett: My ship, my country, and my flag, Old Glory."

Some historians question the veracity of this account, however, with little to no recorded proof. Years later, Driver did put it in writing as he reflected on his career proudly sailing under the American flag.

It has ever been my staunch companion and protection, he wrote. Savages and heathens, lowly and oppressed, hailed and welcomed it at the far end of the wide world. Then, why should it not be called Old Glory?

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The flag became even more legendary after Driver gave up his sailing career. He settled near his brothers in Nashville to raise his three young children after his first wife, Martha Silsbee Babbage, died of throat cancer.

The four brothers operated a store together, and Driver proudly rigged "Old Glory" to fly above it, rain or shine. In 1860, he and his daughter repaired the flag, adding 10 new stars and a small white anchor to signify his sailing career.

After Tennessee seceded at the start of the Civil War, local Confederates attempted multiple times to seize the flag, but Driver, a staunch Union supporter, told at least one group, If you want my flag youll have to take it over my dead body."

To protect Old Glory, he and another supportive group of local women sewed it inside a coverlet to disguise it until the end of the war.

SSPL/Getty The Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville, pictured in 1864 The Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville, pictured in 1864

Nashville was the first Confederate capital to fall to the Union in February 1862. When Driver saw the flag of the Sixth Ohio regiment flying above the Capitol building, he took his coverlet and presented himself to Union commander Gen. William Bull Nelson.

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Nelsons aide Horace Fisher later recalled how Driver pulled out a pocket knife and ripped at the seams of the blanket to reveal the hidden flag.

"'This is the flag I hope to see hoisted on that flagstaff in place of the [damned] Confederate flag set there by that [damned] rebel governor, Isham G. Harris. I have had hard work to save it; my house has been searched for it more than once,' " Fisher recalled Driver telling the general. "He spoke triumphantly, with tears in his eyes."

Nelson accepted the flag and ran it up the flagpole, to cheers from the Sixth Ohio, who would later take "Old Glory" as their regimental motto. Due to weather conditions that night, however, it was reportedly replaced by a newer, stronger version, with Driver returning the original to his home. It would be this switch that, years later, would cause a familial rift over who owned the real "Old Glory."



According to Driver's daughter, Mary Jane Roland, he gave her the flag on July 10, 1873, several years before his death.

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This is my old ship flag Old Glory, he reportedly told her. I love it as a mother loves her child; take it and cherish it as I have always cherished it; for it has been my steadfast friend and protector in all parts of the worldsavage, heathen and civilized.

In 1922, Roland presented her Old Glory as a gift to President Warren G. Harding, who gave it to the Smithsonian Institute for examination and display.

Following Driver's death on March 3, 1886, his niece, Harriet Ruth Waters Cooke, also produced a flag, claiming that Driver had given it to her. She presented her flag to the Essex Institute in Salem, now the Peabody Essex Museum, who also passed it along to the Smithsonian.

Ultimately, it was determined that the Roland flag was more likely to be the original Old Glory. The flag had wear and tear consistent with being flown on a ship, while the Peabody flag did not. Moreover, the Roland flag was larger, and common sense indicates that Driver would have presented his largest flag to be flown over the Capitol building in Nashville on that historic day in 1862.

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In any case, the tale of Old Glory became a classic example of United States patriotism and a nickname for all American flags that followed  generations later, and especially on July Fourth, families everywhere hang their own Old Glorys as a reminder of the Union's perseverance.

Read the original article on People
Not to freak anyone out, but objects from space are crashing into the Earth's atmosphere all the time. They just dont always happen with the perfect timing of the June 26 meteor that blasted across the Atlanta area and was seen across the Southeast during the middle of the day.

"It's very hard for us to see daytime meteors," Georgia Tech planetary scientist Masatoshi Hirabayashi told FOX Weather. "The reason is the sun is the first objection  Location is critical. Many are actually occurring, not only on the continent, but also in the ocean."

With more than 70% of the Earth covered in water, many meteors fall over the ocean.

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"This time it happened in Georgia, so people you know found that event, so could you record it," Hirabayashi said. "The timing is very important."

Hirabayashi is currently part of three ongoing spaceflight missions to study asteroids, including NASAs Lucy mission to the Trojan asteroids.

The fireball was spotted from Virginia to Georgia around noon with more than 200 reports submitted to the American Meteor Society (AMS) website. The AMS said the daytime meteor was a bolide.

A fireball streaking across the sky in South Carolina is highlighted in this image taken from video recorded on June 26, 2025.

A fireball is a very bright meteor  brighter than magnitude 4  roughly equivalent to the brilliance of Venus in the morning or evening sky. A bolide is a specific type of fireball that culminates in a spectacular explosion of light, often accompanied by visible fragments.

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Hirabayashi said the videos captured across the Southeast show this two-part explosion typical of a bolide.

"It exploded and it fragmented into multiple pieces or numerous pieces and eventually falling onto the ground as meteorites," he said.

Could Nasas Dart Mission Result In The First Human-created Meteor Shower?

Pieces of the suspected meteor damaged a home in Henry County, Georgia, southeast of Atlanta, putting a hole in the roof and ceiling.

While tiny objects crash into our planet all the time, understanding these smaller asteroids is important for planetary defense. If a sample of the meteor in Georgia is collected, it provides more information about the millions of objects in our solar system.

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"By looking at meteorites, we can understand where they come from," he said.

First Celestial Images From 10-Year Project Photographing The Universe Released

In 2013, a larger fireball event in Chelyabinsk, Russia propagated shockwaves shattering thousands of windows and injuring people. That meteor was also small, believed to be about 20 meters. According to Hirabayashi, these smaller asteroids, under 100 meters, are hard to track.

"The issue is what's going to happen in terms of impact events. We pretty much know (about) those larger than 100 meters. But when it comes to smaller than that, we do not have enough data," Hirabayashi said. "We have to assess how we would be able to mitigate if that would happen or if it is about to happen."

An excerpt of some of the more than 2,000 asteroids discovered by the Vera C. Rubin Observatory.

The scientific community just got a leg-up from the new National Science Foundation's Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile, which found more than 2,000 previously unknown asteroids in our solar system over 10 hours of observations.





Original article source: Why the daytime fireball meteor that blasted over Atlanta was a rare sight
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Nearly 15,000 people went to the ER last year for fireworks injuries.

Thats a sharp increase over 2023, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

A Harrisburg business and a local family are hoping a safety tool can help prevent future fireworks-related injuries.

Call to Freedom says Diddy verdict isnt a win

When you think of a dental clinic, you probably think of teeth.

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But Harrisburg Family Dental is also promoting eye safety ahead of Independence Day.

Being a part of the Harrisburg community is just so much more than taking care of peoples teeth. We really care about the people here, Harrisburg Family Dental owner and dentist Dr. Lauren Schroeder said.

The family practice has been offering free safety glasses for kids and adults for about two weeks.

The idea came about after a Harrisburg boys eye was injured last year by a malfunctioning firework that exploded.

Beckett Alex was simply watching fireworks during a get-together with family and friends when a spark hit his eye.

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What ended up happening is his cornea is completely burnt off, and so he does have a prosthetic eye in. He does have an eyeball behind that, but the pink part of your eye has completely grown over and scarred over his eye, so he has no vision, Becketts Mom, Erryn Alex said.

Erryn thinks the free safety glasses are a great idea.

I really hope it helps with accidents, Alex said.

I just hope everyone can take this incident thats really close to home for us and realize these things might feel so far away, but they do happen kind of in our backyard or to our neighbors, so just be extra careful this 4th of July. Its a fun holiday to celebrate, but things can get scary in a hurry, Schroeder said.

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Harrisburg Family Dental wrapped up the giveaway Thursday at 5:00 PM, but the clinic plans on giving away safety glasses next year too.

The story hits extra close to home for Schroeder because her grandfather suffered a fire-related eye injury during childhood.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Ever since witnessing 11,502 people take the oath of U.S. citizenship at Fresno States Bulldog Stadium (now Valley Childrens Stadium) in September 1996, Ive chatted with many of our newest U.S. citizens about their journeys, their hopes and dreams.

Our countrys 249th birthday should be a day for celebrations including fireworks, picnics, outdoor outings and gratitude that we live in the worlds strongest and freest nations. The American dream is what has lured people from all over the globe. The vast majority of these new Americans have contributed to our greatness.

Through the years, new U.S. citizens have hailed new opportunities afforded them, including the right to vote, to seek greater employment opportunities in the federal government, or the ability to sponsor relatives overseas for a green card.

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Many escaped war, a tyrannical government or poverty.

In 2012, Naval reservist Gilbert Rivera became a U.S. citizen on Flag Day. It was a duty of mine that I had to do as a citizen, said Rivera, who joined the military after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He was the last of 10 children born to immigrants from Zacatecas, Mexico to gain U.S. citizenship.

At that naturalization ceremony, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services district director Mari-Carmen Jordan, herself a naturalized citizen from Mexico, told Rivera and more than 800 new citizens they are a unique thread in the fabric of our rich tapestry.

In 2019, 28-year-old Miguel Angel Soto of Modesto was overjoyed that he would be able to vote in the following years presidential election.

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In 1991, Phors Sok told The Fresno Bee of how she fled her native Cambodia on foot and sedated her 4-year-old son so his cries wouldnt alert police. She trudged more than 50 miles for three days through mud with only water for nourishment. Robbers stole all her jewelry while she waited at a refugee camp on the Thai border.

The same day that Sok was among about 100 who became citizens at a ceremony at Yosemite National Park, Selmas Saleh Admed watched his 4-year-old son take the oath of naturalization and explained why his childrens lives will be different from life in Yemen. As an American, youre No. 1 and you have the freedom to go anywhere. I want the same for my kids, said Ahmed, who was naturalized in 1983.

In 2005, Miriam Garcia of Merced said she became naturalized so that she could vote because Im not satisfied with some of the results.

We want to be part of this country, 100-year-old Ignacio Villegas Arellano, a retired farmworker, told me in 2016 when he became a U.S. citizen. His 94-year-old wife became a citizen a week later. The couple had eight children, 44 grandchildren, 80 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

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All are U.S. citizens by choice. Many of the 11,502 who became citizens at the special ceremony that created traffic congestion around Fresno State benefited from the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act signed by President Ronald Reagan.

Dont expect another monumental presidential effort to fix a broken immigration system anytime soon. Not when President Donald Trump is intent on making history with a massive deportation campaign while asking for funds to finish a border wall and asking for $170 billion in his Big Beautiful Bill for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement efforts.

Is there a reason to celebrate the Fourth?

Not all Americans support Trumps immigration policy. More than half  55%  of voters oppose the Big Beautiful Bill, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released last month. Overall support was 29%.

I bring this up because of an interview this week with Samuel Paco Mireles, a home solar sales representative who became a U.S. citizen in 2012.

Former KFTV Channel 21 Univision news anchor Francisco J. Lopez Mireles was among 883 who became citizens at a June 2012 ceremony. Next to him is his wife Ireri Meza de Lopez.

While the 58-year-old father of two is grateful to have the opportunity to make a living in this country, he does not embrace the current anti-immigrant atmosphere that Trump has unleashed.

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Celebrating the Fourth of July is not the same this year for Mireles and his family, who have traveled to New York or Pismo Beach to enjoy the fireworks in the past.

There isnt much to celebrate due to the political situation the country is going through, said Mireles, whose powerful voice is a reminder of the 15 years he spent as a news anchor with the Univision affiliate in Fresno. Our Latino community is being persecuted and attacked due to immigration raids.

Mireles came to the U.S. as a working journalist from the Mexican city of Morelia, Michoacan in 2004 and earned his legal residency status five years later. When he left for the U.S., he didnt sell his house, thinking it could be a safety net should things not work out. Mireles has never thought of moving back to the place he grew up.

I dont earn much here but what I earn Ill never earn in Mexico. Thats why were here, said Mireles, whose relatives all remain in his homeland.

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Mireles loves his home countrys culture, its customs, and its food.

When he spoke at a naturalization ceremony in Fresno Mireles told the new citizens to take advantage of new opportunities. Come and lift up this country, he said.

Thats a message I wish Trump and his supporters of the Big Beautiful Bill would embrace. Lift up this country!
House Republicans, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, on Thursday muscled through President Donald Trumps signature domestic policy bill, voting to slash health and nutrition programs that millions of Americans, including large numbers of LGBTQ+ people, rely on, to extend tax cuts for the wealthy. The bill passed on a party-line vote of 218 to 214, with Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and Thomas Massie of Kentucky joining all Democrats in opposition

The measure, which Trump demanded be named the One Big Beautiful Bill before Democratic New York Sen. Chuck Schumer, the minority leader, had the name stripped, cleared the House of Representatives after more than eight hours of delaying tactics by Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. The bill cut funding for Medicaid, SNAP (the food stamp program), and other social safety net programs, and bars federal funds for Planned Parenthood. The vote capped weeks of bitter partisan fighting and set the stage for a political reckoning in the 2026 midterms.

This disaster of a bill has always been about one thing: funneling more wealth to the ultra rich while hardworking Americans  including LGBTQ+ people  suffer, Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, said in a statement after the vote. MAGA members of Congress voted to kick millions of people off their health care, jeopardize access to essential HIV prevention and treatments, and erode the ability of Planned Parenthood to continue to serve all who rely on it.

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The final bill dropped one of its most controversial provisions: a nationwide ban on federal funding for gender-affirming care under Medicaid and CHIP. That language was cut after Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough ruled that it violated the Byrd Rule, which bars unrelated policy changes in budget bills. Behind-the-scenes lobbying from lesbian U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and U.S. Rep. Sarah McBride of Delaware, the first out transgender member of Congress, helped ensure its removal.

LGBTQ+ advocates caution that the bill still threatens queer communities. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office projects nearly 14 million people will lose Medicaid coverage under the measure, a program that disproportionately serves LGBTQ+ Americans. According to the HRC, Medicaid covers 21 percent of transgender people and 40 percent of individuals living with HIV. It is also the largest single funder of HIV care in the nation.

Jeffries, who spoke for eight hours and 45 minutes in an impassioned speech that broke the record for the longest continuous House floor address, condemned the legislation as an extraordinary assault on the health care of the American people. His remarks, delivered in the cadences of a Sunday sermon, framed the bill as both a moral and political crisis, warning that leadership requires courage, conviction, compassion  and yet what we have seen from this administration and co-conspirators on the Republican side of the aisle is cruelty, chaos and corruption.

The reductions extend to community health centers that serve LGBTQ+ communities, threatening services ranging from mental health care to STI testing and gender-affirming treatment. The legislations tightened rules around SNAP eligibility and benefits, advocates say, will also hit LGBTQ+ people particularly hard, given persistent disparities in poverty and food insecurity. Research cited by the HRC shows that over 27 percent of LGBTQ+ adults have struggled to afford food in the past year, with LGBTQ+ people of color and transgender people especially vulnerable.

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The bill also funnels $150 billion toward immigration enforcement, and adds $100 asylum fee for those seeking safety, a $550 fee for work permits, and expand ICE detention that would harm queer immigrants and those living with HIV, according to Immigration Equality.

This bill is a roadmap to suffering. It turns asylum into a luxury, punishing LGBTQ and HIV-positive people fleeing persecution. LGBTQ people cannot wait out violence and discrimination in their home countriesand now they are being told safety in the U.S. comes with a price tag," said Immigration Equality's director of law and policy Bridget Crawford. "Asylum is a legal right, not a privilege. Rushing this bill through Congress today, before July 4, in the name of so-called patriotism, is a betrayal of this countrys core values. Instead of offering protection, America will be locking the door to asylum seekers behind a paywall.

For Republicans, the legislation is a pillar of Trumps domestic agenda and a means to cement tax cuts enacted during his first term. The bill also funnels billions of dollars to fund immigration detention and deportation efforts. For Democrats, it is a potent symbol of what they describe as Republican extremism and a rallying point they hope to wield against vulnerable incumbents in the 2026 midterms.

The American people are not without power, Robinson said. In every district across the country, members of Congress need to hear from their constituents  and be reminded that we will not forget this betrayal when it comes time to be heard at the ballot box.

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Trump is expected to sign the bill into law at a White House ceremony on Friday, the Fourth of July.

This article originally appeared on Advocate: Why LGBTQ+ advocates hope Trump's 'One Big Beautiful Bill' costs the Republicans in the midterms

RELATED
Bridger Aerospace Group had its earliest deployment ever for an aerial firefighting and wildfire management company when they took to the skies in January to help battle devastating wildfires in Malibu and the Los Angeles area.

Wildfires in southern California ignited barely a week into 2025. The Palisades fire scorched over 23,000 acres while the Eaton Fire charred another nearly 14,000. It was a scorching start to the year for Los Angeles County.

Sam Davis' Bridger Aerospace Group deployed crews to help battle the blazes that impacted the Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and the Los Angeles area. Davis is the CEO of the aerial firefighting company that was founded in 2014.

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"It's the earliest start we've seen," said Davis, according to the Bozeman Daily Chronicle. His company operates specialized aircraft that include CL-415EAF "Super Scoopers," Pilatus PC12s, Twin Otters, Kodiaks, and UAVs, or unmanned aerial vehicles.

Through the third week of June, California has already experienced nearly 3,000 wildfires that have burned over 92,000 acres across the state and destroyed more than 16,000 structures. Most of the wildfire season is still to come. The peak season is typically June through October, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to identify since wildfires are now frequently sparked year-round.

Nationally, there have been 33,000 wildfire incidents that have burned over 1.7 million acres across the country.

An analysis of 21 years of data from NASA's Terra and Aqua satellites, which detect active wildfires twice each day, found "that extreme wildfires have become more frequent, more intense, and larger."

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A 2024 study revealed that extreme wildfires have more than doubled in both frequency and intensity over the past 20 years. Meanwhile, Climate Central reports a sharp rise in "fire weather days" across much of the U.S. over the last half-century. There is a growing number of days with weather conditions conducive to the ignition and spread of wildfires.

"This year we've had fires from New Jersey to L.A. already," added Davis. "It is making people more aware of something that is literally all over the country."

New technology is helping firefighters battle blazes this year. A new NASA sensor was put to use in March to help firefighters who battled a wildfire in Alabama. What makes the technology special in the Airborne Visible Infrared Imaging Spectrometer 3 (AVIRIS-3) allows scientists aboard the aircraft to instantly process and interpret the data, then transmit the results directly to firefighters' phones on the ground.

Davis' company is also developing new tools, including mobile applications, to improve coordination between ground crews, command centers, and aerial teams.

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"We can aggregate real-time information so incident commanders can have access to real-time information," Davis explained.

Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
German parcel and logistics giant DHL has revamped its Americas region leadership team overseeing the Global Forwarding, Supply Chain and eCommerce divisions.

On Wednesday, DHL Global Forwarding notified customers that Michael Young will assume the role of CEO for the United States, effective Aug. 1. He will replace Robert Reiter, who is preparing to leave the company to move abroad and explore other professional opportunities.

Young currently serves as CEO of Global Forwarding for the United Kingdom and Ireland, and president of Global Motorsports. He has more than 30 years of experience within DHL Global Forwarding, having held senior commercial and leadership roles across the organization at the country, regional, and global levels.

During his tenure as CEO for the UK and Ireland he guided the organization through major macroeconomic challenges, including the Brexit transition. In his concurrent role as head of Global Motorsports, he has been instrumental in strengthening DHLs long-standing partnership with Formula 1, according to the company.

The company separately announced this week that Scott Ashbaugh has been promoted from chief commercial officer to CEO for DHL eCommerce Americas, in response to the scheduled retirement of Lee Spratt at the end of the year. He will be based at Americas headquarters in Weston, Florida.

Ashbaugh has held various leadership roles during his 16 years at DHL. Before transitioning to the revenue side as chief commercial officer, he spent more than decade overseeing operations across both the domestic and international networks. He has extensive knowledge of DHLs delivery systems and the e-commerce environment, DHL said.

Im very pleased to have Scott at the helm of our Americas operations, a market of strategic importance for our customers and the growing e-commerce sector, said Pablo Ciano, CEO of DHL eCommerce, in a news release. Scott has been a vital contributor to our success, and I am confident he will effectively lead our divisions growth strategy while empowering our talented leaders and employees to deliver reliable, affordable and sustainable services to our customers.

On June 20, DHL Group announced the immediate promotion of Mark Kunar to CEO of DHL Supply Chain North America to replace Patrick Kelleher, who resigned. Keller only held the job for one year. Kunar previously was CFO and chief strategy officer for the regional business unit.

Marks broad supply chain and management expertise, paired with his proven commercial acumen and his balanced leadership style makes him the ideal candidate to take our business into the future in this key market. His leadership will be instrumental in guiding DHL Supply Chain North America as we continue to focus on excellence and innovation in our operations, said Oscar de Bok, CEO of DHL Supply Chain.
A new fire broke out on Friday near the Greek capital, Athens, as the country was put on high alert for wildfires due to increased temperatures and strong winds.

Thousands of tourists and locals were meanwhile forced to flee hotels and guesthouses in a resort on the popular island of Crete.

Hot, dry weather -- not unusual for this time of year -- has heightened the risk of summer fires and scientists say human-driven climate change is making them more frequent and more intense.

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The latest fire broke out in the municipality of Koropi, some 30 kilometres (20 miles) east of Athens, fanned by strong gusts.

It quickly spread through the area, which includes homes surrounded by dense vegetation and extends to the shores of the Aegean Sea, and residents were ordered by text message to evacuate.

Fire service spokesman Vassilis Vathrakoyannis said some 800 people had left their homes, as the flames "quickly grew to dangerous proportions" because of the wind, with several outbreaks.

Roads on the outskirts of Athens were closed to traffic.

Public television channel ERT broadcast images of fire damage to houses, olive groves and undergrowth.

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By late afternoon, a fire department official told AFP that the situation appeared "improved" but added "there remain some scattered clusters".

"Operations are ongoing, mainly to control small outbreaks," he told reporters.

In all, 120 firefighters were deployed, with 30 engines, eight planes and the same number of helicopters, fire service spokesman Vathrakoyannis said.

A coastguard vessel was patrolling nearby.

Concerns remain for the coming days, particularly Saturday, when temperatures are due to rise to above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).

Greece had until now been generally spared the heatwave roasting parts of Europe, particularly Spain, Portugal and France over recent days.

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- High risk -

Among the most threatened regions were Attica, in the Athens region, which is home to more than four million people, as well as the northern part of the second-largest Greek island Euboea.

In the past 24 hours, 47 agricultural and forest fires have broken out, most of which have been contained.

Firefighters earlier managed to bring under control a separate fire which had on Thursday threatened the port of Rafina, around 20 kilometres northeast of Koropi, after some 300 local people were evacuated from their homes.

Fire crews remained on alert, as the Rafina wildfire was not far from Athens International Airport and winds still posed a threat.

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The blaze destroyed a several houses and vehicles, local mayor Dimitris Markou told ERT.

It also disrupted ferries to and from tourist islands in the western Aegean, including Mykonos.

On the island of Crete, around 230 firefighters, 48 fire engines and six helicopters remained at the scene near the resort town of Ierapetra, even though the blaze was receding.

Some 3,000 visitors had been forced to leave their hotels and guest houses on Wednesday evening and 2,000 local residents were also evacuated, authorities said.

"The fire is retreating," Vathrakoyannis told AFP.

"There are still fears of flare-ups but there is no longer a major front," he added.

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Scattered hot spots still remained and firefighters were dealing with several smoke-filled areas from which flare-ups had restarted, the fire department told the ANA press agency.

Weakening winds in the hard-to-reach area had improved the situation, firefighters said, although a fire brigade spokesperson had warned overnight of some "difficult" days ahead.

Last month, fires on Greece's fifth-biggest island Chios, in the northern Aegean, destroyed 4,700 hectares (11,600 acres) of land, according to the WWF and the National Observatory of Athens research institute.

The most destructive year for wildfires was 2023, when nearly 175,000 hectares were lost and there were 20 deaths.

yap-mr-hec/phz/giv
Emergency crews continued battling multiple forest fires across Turkeys western Izmir province on Friday as strong winds and scorching heat fueled the flames, local officials said.

The situation is terrible, Izmir Mayor Cemil Tugay warned, with the Odemis district among the hardest hit. Fires remain difficult to access, three villages have already been destroyed, and several more neighborhoods have been evacuated.

Its very bad and it hurts us deeply, local resident Engin Bek, 48, told the DHA news agency. The flames reached our houses. Everyone tried their best, but it wasnt enough.

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Turkish Defence Ministry said soldiers rescued a four-member family trapped by the fire with a military helicopter. At least four firefighting planes and ten helicopters were deployed across the region, while tens of thousands have been evacuated in recent days.

Two people died on Thursday, identified as an 81-year-old man and a forestry worker helping fight the flames. Another worker remains hospitalized.

There was some relief on Friday in the holiday district of Cesme, where the Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said a large blaze that broke out Wednesday  reportedly caused by a faulty power line  was finally under control.

Firefighting efforts continued in the districts of Odemis and Buca.

Turkey faces an acute fire risk due to extreme heat, low humidity and high winds. According to official figures, 624 fires have broken out nationwide in just one week, although most are now under control.
Officials in Oklahoma have confirmed sightings of two sets of mountain lion kittens, an excellent sign for the biodiversity in the area.

According to KOKH, the authorities confirmed this is the first time kittens have been seen in Osage County. The first sighting was last October, and the second was in December. The October sighting was of an adult mountain lion with two half-grown kittens, and the December one was of an adult with three young kittens.

These sightings wouldn't have been possible without the trail cameras. They're powerful tools for gauging population health and documenting rehabilitation efforts. Mountain lions are classified as near threatened, so they're not endangered but must be protected.

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Mountain lions are a keystone species, meaning any change in their population health has ripple effects. Without them, prey populations could grow out of control, disrupting the ecosystem. They're also an indicator species, so researchers use their population health to assess ecosystem health.

Their existence also benefits humans. For example, one of their primary food sources is deer, so they help manage deer populations. If they weren't around, deer populations would explode. Excess deer often eat human crops, endangering the food supply and weakening the agricultural industry.

Conservation is important, as every species is crucial to its ecosystem. Protecting the delicate balance of ecosystems helps create a cooler, cleaner planet, reducing disease spread and climate instability.

They're not endangered, but mountain lion conservation efforts should still be a priority. Trail cameras are one of the best ways to monitor the species' success.

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Jerrod Davis, furbearer biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, told Fox 25: "While exciting and interesting, these sightings are just one small piece of the puzzle needed to better understand this species."

The department posted the news on Instagram. People were eager to point out that mountain lions have always been in Oklahoma.

Photo Credit: Instagram

One commenter tried to explain the significance of these sightings, saying: "Now with the evidence of kittens it's confirmed that they're not just passing through and are in fact breeding within the state."

Another pointed out that this is a positive sign, writing: "Mountain lions are native to OK so this is a good thing!"

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Someone else celebrated, saying: "Hell yeah! This is awesome to confirm."

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.
Wisconsin Republican Derrick Van Orden shared, and then deleted, a social media post appearing to celebrate how millions of people will lose health insurance and food aid as a result of President Donald Trumps massive tax bill.

YES! he wrote simply on X in response to a post that listed the harms of the legislation, including that 17 million people just lost health care and that 3 million Americans just lost food assistance.

Congressman Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsins Third Congressional District has deleted this tweet. pic.twitter.com/yRxb0vrDSx  Yashar Ali  (@yashar) July 3, 2025

Van Orden later deleted his post, claiming that it was published in error and that he meant to respond to a different statement from the White House.

It has because it was an error. https://t.co/OUZoPTl7gG  Derrick Van Orden (@derrickvanorden) July 3, 2025

That is correct. https://t.co/fPb5YkZN3Q  Derrick Van Orden (@derrickvanorden) July 3, 2025

Social media observers were skeptical of his claims, however, suggesting that he may have deleted the post due to the backlash he received for how openly cruel it appeared to be.

It wasn't in error. You couldn't take the heat. You want to spout off be man enough to take it  Tracey Gallagher (@asmartbrunette1) July 3, 2025

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While Republicans have touted the cost savings theyll get from slashing social programs via the legislation, theyve tried to obscure the pain it will cause millions of Americans.

According to an estimate from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, roughly 17 million people will be pushed off Medicaid or Affordable Care Act insurance plans as a result of the tax bill.

Additionally, millions of people could lose their SNAP benefits, which could lead to kids losing access to free school lunches.

In general, the One Big Beautiful Bill hasnt polled well, with a Quinnipiac survey conducted from June 22 to June 24 finding that 55% of voters opposed the legislation overall. However, Republicans have claimed that some provisions in the bill are more popular than others.
A 72-year-old woman was killed in a fatal Fourth of July crash in Middleborough.

The crash happened Friday, July 4 at 8:27 a.m. in the area of 446 Wareham St. (Route 28), Middleborough police said.

Upon arrival, officers found a car that had left the road and crashed into a wooded area. The woman driving the car, identified as Susan Sumner, of Middleborough, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The crash prompted State troopers to close the ramps from I-495 to Route 28 (Exit 8) just after 9 a.m., Massachusetts State Police previously told MassLive. The interstate was said to have been completely reopened as of 12:50 p.m.

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The crash remains under investigation by the Middleborough Police Department alongside State Police detectives attached to the Plymouth County District Attorneys Office and CRASH Investigative Team.

More public safety stories

Read the original article on MassLive.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The New Mexico State University Police Department said it has arrested a woman in connection with a shoplifting incident at the universitys bookstore this week.

NMSU Police said it responded on Wednesday, July 2 to the area of the NMSU bookstore in reference to a shoplifting report.

Kaylee Scoughton. Photo courtesy of NMSU Police

The suspect, identified as Kaylee Scoughton, was immediately located in a nearby neighborhood and had allegedly taken over $500 worth of merchandise from the bookstore, university police said.

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She was arrested and charged with felony shoplifting and tampering with evidence, university police said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56)  A woman passenger reportedly drowned after a side-by-side flipped over into the water in Laurel County on Friday.

It happened just before 1:45 p.m. near Callahan Falls, according to the Laurel County Sheriffs Office.

Indiana woman killed in Perry County ATV accident

Investigators said an ATV driven by a man had overturned in some water and that a woman passenger was unable to get out.

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Laurel County Coroner Doug Dowling pronounced the female passenger dead at the scene, deputies wrote in a news release around 5 p.m. on Friday.

Flipping fear: Kentucky group teaching kayakers to stay calm underwater

After her next of kin was notified, authorities identified the woman as Penny Marie Nelk, 63, of Danville, Illinois.

The apparent drowning remains under investigation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
DES MOINES, Iowa  Crowds arrived early for the decades long tradition Yankee Doodle Pop at the Iowa State Capitol.

The music kicked off at 6:30 p.m. with the Turner Center Jazz Orchestra and Des Moines Symphony Academy Youth Jazz Orchestra playing for about an hour.

Things amped up at 8:30 p.m. when the Des Moines Symphony took the stage. They were joined by Matthew Johnson, this years winner of Oh Say, Can You Sing?,, as they played a variety of patriotic songs from throughout the years.

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Hundreds showed up early to the Capitol to claim their spots, many say the performance is an important part of their 4th of July celebrations.

Ive been coming out since I was a little kid. My grandma used to take us to this right when Yankee Doodle Pops began and really started. So we carried on the tradition after we graduated high school and the whole family and friends and we bring our whole family and all of our friends back out here every single year, said Robert, who arrived at 1 p.m. to claim his spot.

Its just a fun way to celebrate the 4th of July, said Kyle, who made it a tradition a few years ago. I like to see the band play like patriotic music and that and they shoot off the fireworks like right, so while the musics going on, like, right when the sun goes down, thats, thats perfect.

Those who missed Thursday nights music and fireworks can still enjoy several events happening around the metro. Click here to view local fireworks displays. You can also follow the Urbandale Parade and Festival Friday morning at 10 a.m.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
More than a dozen community organizers and LGBTQ+ advocates attended a news conference in Phoenix demanding the release of Arbella Yari Rodriguez Marquez, a legal permanent resident detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for nearly five months at the Eloy Detention Center despite a diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Rodriguez Marquez was detained on Feb. 10 while attempting to cross back into the United States via the vehicle crossing at a Nogales port of entry with her partner, Sonia Almaraz.

"Yari and I were on our way home, crossing the border," Almaraz told a crowd of reporters July 3 outside the headquarters of the LGBTQ+ migrant-rights organization, Trans Queer Pueblo. They isolated me in a cage for four hours without telling me what was going on  me being a citizen."

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After being detained, Rodriguez Marquez was taken to Eloy's civil detention facility, where her residency was subsequently revoked by a federal immigration judge, according to Almaraz.

"She has been locked up ever since," she said. Almaraz said her partners health is deteriorating rapidly.

Yari suffers from chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and this past five months, she has lost 55 pounds, Almaraz said. Her body is beginning to collapse. Shes experiencing swelling, blotches, bruises, fatigue, and extreme dehydration due to the lack of medical care and proper treatment.

Despite this, Almaraz said Rodriguez Marquez was denied parole on June 24 by her deportation officer.

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I am worried that if she is not released, Yari will be the next death in Eloy Detention Center, Almaraz said.

It was not immediately clear why Rodriguez Marquez was detained or why her parole was denied. Spokespeople for ICE did not respond on July 3 to a question on the matter.

The Eloy Detention Center has a reputation as one of the deadliest civil detention facilities in the country, according to Detention Watch Network.

The most recent death happened in January. ICE reported that a 45-year-old Ethiopian man died while in detention in Eloy. The Maricopa County Examiner's Office ruled the death a result of complications of human immunodeficiency virus, according to a report obtained by The Arizona Republic.

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At least 16 deaths have been reported of people in custody at the Eloy facility, including five suicides, since the civil detention center opened in 1994, according to the Detention Watch Network.

Sonix Flores, media director for Trans Queer Pueblo, said Rodriguez Marquezs experience in detention is not "isolated."

Its something our LGBTQ community has experienced time and time again," Flores said. "We believe ICE must release Yari before these immigration cages take her life.

Miros Mejia, the political defense coordinator for Poder In Action, echoed the sentiments shared by other speakers and urged the Eloy Detention Facility to release Rodriguez Marquez before it was too late.

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"Nationally, stats show that we have lost 11 individuals in detention centers this year," Meijia said. "Yari should not be the 12th person. She belongs with her loved ones."

Trans Queer Pueblo also called on Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego help advocate for Rodriguez Marquez.

"You say you're an advocate for LGBTQ rights. Today, we need your support to protect a lesbian woman who is being held without charge by ICE and Eloy Detention Center," Flores said before closing out the news conference. "We need you to intervene to save our sister's life."

Rodriguez Marquezs case comes amid renewed scrutiny of ICE detention practices after two recent deaths in federal custody.

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Last week, a 49-year-old Canadian citizen and lawful permanent resident of the U.S. who had been charged with drug trafficking died at an ICE detention facility in Florida. Days later, a 75-year-old Cuban man also died in ICE custody. Both deaths were being investigated by ICE, the agency said.

When questioned by reporters about the recent deaths in detention on June 30, Border Czar Tom Homan told reporters he was "unaware."

"People die in ICE custody. People die in jails and state prisons," Homan said before pivoting. "The question should be how many lives does ICE save because when they go into detention, we find many with diseases and stuff we deal with right away to prevent that."

In a statement released before the news conference, Rodriguez Marquez said from the Eloy Detention Center, Im not giving up. That has never been one of my qualities.

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Have any news tips or story ideas about the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona? Reach the reporter at rromeroruiz@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @raphaeldelag.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Advocates call to release Phoenix woman with cancer from ICE custody
YORK, Va. (WAVY)  A new publication is allowing residents to see the status and health of the York Watershed System.

The publication, released from the York River and Small Coastal Basin Roundtable, is noted as the first of its kind since a CCRM-authored 2000 release, and provided comprehensive assessments of environmental trends, threats and opportunities in the York River and surrounding watersheds.

The State of the York Watershed System stems directly from needs expressed by residents and practitioners throughout the region, Cirse Gonzalez, training and engagement coordinator at CBNERR-VA and lead author of the report said. Our goal was to crate an accessible and scientifically rigorous report that can inform the people who work, live and play within the York Watershed System, and that was only possible through a process that prioritized local voices every step of the way.

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A release states the report was through a collaborative effort between the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Virginia, the Center for Coastal Resources Management, William & Marys Batten School and VIMS, as well as over 160 regional stakeholders. The report is said to have taken three years to complete.

Roundtable members are excited to have such a comprehensive document publicly available for education and awareness surrounding the success and issues within the York Watershed System, Roundtable Coordinator and York River Steward Leslie Anne Hammond said.

The report found that, although the watershed system is still largely natural  with 75% of the land being forests, wetlands and other natural areas  several factors, such as land use and development, flooding, water quality and algal blooms are putting the watershed system at risk.

Weve been fortunate that the System has largely held the line, maintaining relatively stable water quality due to its innate natural features, Gonzalez said. But that balance is shifting. We can no longer rely solely on the landscape to protect us. Our natural assets are under pressure from rising populations, development and global change  that means we all have a role to play in stewardship.

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While factors continue to impact the York Watershed System, officials said they hope the extensive report  which also highlights what can be done to repair the health of the system  encourages people to help.

Positive change is within everyones sphere of influence, Gonzales said. Our report includes clear actions from backyard fixes to big-picture policy recommendations, so people feel empowered to contribute meaningfully to the future of our region.

To read the full report, click here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
(Bloomberg) -- Merit Street Media, the startup founded by celebrity psychologist Phil McGraw, filed for bankruptcy Wednesday in Texas, according to a court filing.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The company reported assets and liabilities in the range of $100 million to $500 million. The company is also suing its broadcast partner Trinity Broadcasting Network, according to a statement from a Merit Street spokesperson.

Trinity Broadcasting Network is being sued by Merit Street Media for failing to provide clearly agreed-upon national distribution and other significant foundational commitments critical to the networks continuing success and viability, the spokesperson said. The suit is part of a restructuring proceeding also initiated by Merit Street.

Under a joint venture agreement, Trinity Broadcasting was obligated to provide Merit Street at no cost with all of the distribution and production services to launch and operate the new television network. Trinity allegedly failed to provide such services, causing Merit Street to incur considerable obligations of about $96 million related to broadcasting agreements, the company said in court documents.

A spokesperson for Trinity Broadcasting didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

Peteski Productions has provided significant debt infusions  amounting $25 million  from February through May to the company while Merit Street sought out potential equity investors. To support the Chapter 11 process, Peteski has also committed to provide Merit Street with as much as $21.4 million of debtor-in-possession financing, court documents show. Of that amount, $13.4 million is new money, and the rest are rolled-up bridge loans.

McGraw, who parlayed appearances on Oprah Winfreys talk show into his own long-running syndicated program, Dr. Phil, founded Merit Street in 2023 after his daytime show ended.

Merit Street runs a television network that includes a talk show hosted by McGraw and a morning news program. The company laid off about 40 employees last month. It had about 66 full-time salaried employees at the time it filed for bankruptcy, including show hosts. McGraws programming in recent months has included him embedding with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in immigration raids.
Ukraine has successfully deployed interceptor drones against the explosive-laden Russian drones currently attacking the capital Kiev, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky.

"Dozens of shaheds [attack drones] have just been shot down with interceptors," said Ukrainian President Volodymyr in his daily address about the war on Friday.

He gave instructions to produce more of the unmanned counter-measures and to train the drone pilots required for their deployment.

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Overnight, the Russian military flew more than 539 drones of various types at targets in Ukraine, mainly in Kiev, according to Ukrainian officials.

The Ukrainian air force managed to intercept almost 90% of them using different means. The information could not be independently verified.

Ukraine has been fighting to repel the Russian invasion for more than three years and is urging its Western allies to supply new air defence systems due to the intensity of air attacks.
Vladimir Putin ordered the largest-ever bombardment of Ukraine hours after coming off the phone to Donald Trump.

More than 550 drones and missiles were launched at Ukraine overnight, with Kyiv bearing the brunt of the seven-hour barrage. It left one dead, 23 injured and the capital choked by explosions, smoke and fires.

Absolutely horrible and sleepless night in Kyiv. One of the worst so far. Hundreds of Russian drones and ballistic missiles rained down on the Ukrainian capital, right after Putin spoke with President Trump, Andrii Sybiha, Ukraines foreign minister, said.

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Mr Trump described his phone call with the Russian leader as disappointing and said he was not happy about the war in Ukraine. However, he stopped short of calling for Putin to end to the conflict.

Im very disappointed with the conversation I had today with president Putin, because I dont think hes there, the US president told reporters on Thursday night. Im just saying I dont think hes looking to stop, and thats too bad.

Hours after the barrage, the Kremlin said it saw no immediate diplomatic way out of the war, and brushed off future peace talks.

Yuri Ushakov, a Kremlin aide, claimed Putin and Mr Trump were on the same page after the sixth known call between the two leaders. But Mr Trump disagreed, saying: I didnt make any progress with him at all.

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Kyiv and other major cities across Ukraine have come under intensified bombardment in recent weeks. Russia is producing drones in record numbers and launching them in ever-larger volleys, in what analysts say is a strategy intended to overwhelm Ukraines air defence network through relentless attacks and break the populations morale.

In total, 539 drones and 11 missiles were fired overnight on Friday, according to Ukraines air force.

Reacting to the onslaught, Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraines president, called on the US to increase pressure on Russia, warning that Moscow would not change its dumb, destructive behaviour.

In a later phone call, Mr Trump agreed to help Ukraine protect its skies, despite pausing some vital shipments of Patriot air defence missiles earlier this week.

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Like those before it, Fridays attack included a combination of Iranian-designed Shahed drones and ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as decoys sent to confuse Ukraines defences.

Todays attack was like the worst nightmare come to life, Olha Vershynina, a Kyiv resident, told the Kyiv Independent. Because when the strike happened, the lights went out and glass came crashing down on my head. It was terrifying. Our entire building was shaking.

President Trump, Putin is mocking your peace efforts, Radoslaw Sikorski, Polands foreign minister, wrote on social media, after the Polish embassy in Kyiv was damaged in the strikes.

Dmitry Peskov, Putins press secretary, said Russia would prefer to achieve its goals through political and diplomatic avenues, but that as long as this remains unattainable, the special military operation will continue.

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Fridays attack damaged apartment buildings, businesses, a school, a medical facility and other civilian infrastructure in districts across Kyiv.

This time was truly terrifying, Maria Maznichenko, a pensioner who lives in Kyivs Solomianskyi district, added. The explosions kept coming. Shahed drones were flying in every minute, like a swarm of bees  one after another.

Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyivs military administration, warned residents to close their windows because of the dangerous levels of combustion products in the air. The Russians bring nothing but terror and murder. That is a fact, he wrote on Telegram during the bombardment.

Firefighters arrive at a blaze after the Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv - Yan Dobronosov/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images

After the hours-long barrage, Mr Trump spoke to his Ukrainian counterpart and the pair agreed to work together to strengthen Ukraines air defences, Mr Zelensky said. Details are not yet clear, but the Ukrainian president suggested they discussed joint production of key air defence systems.

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The Trump administration said earlier this week that it would pause shipments of certain critical weapons to Ukraine, including 30 promised Patriot air defence missiles, due to low stockpiles. The vital supplies had been expected in the coming weeks or months.

Kyiv warned that the decision would weaken its ability to defend its cities against Russias intensifying air strikes and battlefield advances.

One source briefed on the call said they were optimistic that Patriot supplies could resume after what they called a very good conversation between the presidents.

Ukraine is reliant on the US-made Patriot missiles as its only line of defence against certain types of Russian ballistic missile  including the hypersonic Kinzhal, which was used in Fridays barrage.

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Germany said on Friday it would try to fill the air defence gap, and that it was in intensive talks to buy Patriots from the US for Ukraine. Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor, discussed the offer with Mr Trump on the phone on Friday, a government spokesman said.

07:04 PM BST

Thats all for today

Thank you for following our live coverage. Heres a round-up of todays events:

Russia launched its largest-ever bombardment of Ukraine

It came hours after Trump lamented a disappointing phone call with Putin

The Kremlin vowed to continue the war and brushed off peace talks

Russia and Ukraine exchanged more POWs

Downing Street said Putin is not serious about peace

Germany offered to buy Ukraine Patriot missiles after US paused shipments

Zelensky and Trump agreed to strengthen Kyivs air defences

It was revealed that child casualties in Ukraine have increased threefold

06:35 PM BST

Listen to todays episode of Ukraine: The Latest

06:20 PM BST

Pictured: Firefighters putting out blazes in Kyiv

Firefighters battling blazes in Kyiv following a mass Russian drone and missile attack on the capital on Friday - UPI / Alamy Live News

06:18 PM BST

Russian strike damages Chinese consulate in Odesa

A Russian missile and drone strike on the Ukrainian port city of Odesa on Thursday damaged the Chinese consulate, according to reports.

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Hours later, Ukraine said it found a Chinese component inside a Russian drone that hit Kyiv.

Following tonights massive Russian air attack on Ukraine, we discovered in Kyiv a component of a Russian-Iranian Shahed-136/Geran-2 combat drone, which was made in China and supplied just recently, Andrii Sybiha, Ukraines foreign minister, wrote on X.

And right on the eve, the Chinese Consulate Generals building in Odesa suffered minor damage, he added.

Beijing has always dismissed claims that it helps supply lethal weapons to its ally, however Western intelligence agencies say China supplies components of weapons, including electronics needed for drones.

05:43 PM BST

Watch: Russian POWs celebrate their release

Credit: Reuters

05:10 PM BST

Russia strikes Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, causing blackout

Russia destroyed the power line that connects the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant to the power grid, Ukraines energy minister German Galushchenko has said.

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The enemy struck the power line connecting the temporarily occupied (Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant) with the integrated power system of Ukraine, he said on Friday.

Just before, the UN nuclear watchdog confirmed that all external power lines supplying electricity to the Russian-occupied plant in Ukraine were down.

Ukraines ZNPP lost all off-site power at 17:36 today, 9th time during military conflict and first since late 2023, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on X.

Europes biggest nuclear power plant, which is not operating but still requires power to keep its nuclear fuel cool, has switched to running on diesel generators, the IAEA said.

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The IAEA has repeatedly warned of the risk of a catastrophic accident at Zaporizhzhia, which is located near the front line in the war in Ukraine.

04:48 PM BST

Merz called Trump about supplying Patriots to Ukraine

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz discussed his countrys offer to buy Patriot air defence systems for Ukraine with Donald Trump by phone on Thursday.

Mr Merz initiated the call with Trump to promote arms deliveries to Ukraine, particularly Patriots, after the Pentagon paused some shipments, a government spokesperson told Reuters.

Germany was in intensive talks to buy Patriots for Ukraine to help it counter some of the heaviest Russian attacks since the war began in 2022, a spokesman said earlier today.

There are various ways to fill this Patriot gap, they said, adding that one option being considered was buying the Patriot missile batteries in the US and then sending them on to Kyiv.

Washington has paused shipments of certain critical weapons to Ukraine including 30 Patriot air defence missiles due to low stockpiles, prompting warnings by Kyiv this would weaken its ability to defend itself.

04:17 PM BST

Pictured: Ukrainian POW returns from Russian captivity

A Ukrainian soldier reacts after returning from captivity during a POWs exchange between Russia and Ukraine, Chernyhiv region, Ukraine, July 4 - Efrem Lukatsky/AP

04:05 PM BST

Putin launches record attack on Kyiv after Trump phone call

Vladimir Putin fired 550 drones and missiles at Ukraine in a new record attack hours after Donald Trump lamented their disappointing phone call.

Kyiv was the main focus of Russias overnight bombardment, which left one dead and 23 injured in the capital, according to Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyivs military administration.

Absolutely horrible and sleepless night in Kyiv. One of the worst so far. Hundreds of Russian drones and ballistic missiles rained down on the Ukrainian capital. Right after Putin spoke with President Trump, Andrii Sybiha, Ukraines foreign minister, said.

Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, said Russia would not change its dumb, destructive behaviour without increasing pressure, particularly from the US.

The attack, which broke a record set only last weekend, came hours after Mr Trump spoke with Putin, a phone call the US president described as disappointing.

Im very disappointed with the conversation I had today with President Putin, because I dont think hes there, he told reporters. Im just saying I dont think hes looking to stop, and thats too bad.

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov claimed Putin and Mr Trump were on the same page. The US president disagreed: I didnt make any progress with him at all.

03:59 PM BST

Nato chief calls for balance between US stockpiles and Ukraine aid

Mark Rutte, head of Nato, said on Friday that he understands Washingtons need to maintain its own weapons stockpiles, but added he hopes for flexibility to ensure Ukraine continues receiving necessary military support.

I totally understand for the US to make sure that the stockpiles are at a level that we have the collective defense we need, Mr Rutte told reporters after a change-of-command ceremony that saw US Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich take over as Natos Supreme Allied Commander Europe.

But we all hope for a level of flexibility to make sure that also Ukraine has what it needs, he added.

03:54 PM BST

Pictured: Ukrainians hold up pictures of their missing relatives

People hold photos of their missing relatives as Ukrainian soldiers return from captivity during a POWs exchange between Russia and Ukraine

03:15 PM BST

Watch: Ukrainian POWs return home

Ukrainian POWs are seen crying and kissing the floor in footage taken after they were released from captivity as part of the latest prisoner swap with Russia.

At home  pic.twitter.com/Pn8iuaCSVU  Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) July 4, 2025

03:00 PM BST

Pictured: The aftermath of a Russian strike on a school in Kyiv

Municipal service workers clean up the rubble of a schools utility building and wrecked cars destroyed by a Russian airstrike on July 4 in Kyiv - Global Images Ukraine

02:58 PM BST

Zelensky and Trump agree to strengthen Kyivs defences

Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump have agreed to work together to strengthen Ukraines air defences after Kyiv came under a record bombardment.

Vladimir Putin ordered his forces to pummel Ukraines capital after a phone call with Mr Trump on Thursday night that the US president described as disappointing.

Mr Zelensky said he spoke with Mr Trump on Friday and the two agreed to strengthen protection of our skies. Details of the agreement are not yet clear, but the Ukrainian president suggested they discussed joint production of key air defence systems.

Mr Trumps administration paused some shipments of weapons to Ukraine earlier this week, sparking warnings by Kyiv that the move would weaken its ability to defend against Russias intensifying airstrikes and battlefield advances.

Germanys chancellor also spoke with Mr Trump on Thursday. Friedrich Merz said he discussed buying US-made Patriot air defence systems to bridge the gap.

02:40 PM BST

Trump spoken with Zelensky, says source

Donald Trump has spoken with Volodymyr Zelensky, according to reports.

It was a good conversation, said a source familiar with the details, cited by an Axios reporter.

Their phone call follows Mr Trump complaining he was disappointed with the conversation he had with Vladimir Putin last night, which the president said didnt make any progress towards peace.

02:33 PM BST

US not facing weapons shortage, official claims

The US is not facing a shortage of weapons despite that being used as a reason to pause aid shipments to Ukraine, an American official has said.

Adam Smith, a leading Democrat who sits on the House Armed Services Committee, said the Pentagons justification for pausing weapons deliveries was disingenuous.

We are not at any lower point, stockpile-wise, than weve been in the 3 years of the Ukraine conflict, he told NBC News.

The news outlet also reported that Pete Hegseth, the secretary of defence, took the decision alone, the third such time he had stopped shipments of aid to Ukraine without consulting other departments.

In the other cases, which took place in February and May, the weapons shipments were resumed.

02:01 PM BST

Germany could buy US weapons before sending them to Kyiv

Germany is in talks on buying Patriot air defence systems for Ukraine to help it counter some of the heaviest Russian attacks since the war began, Berlin has said.

Washington has paused shipments of certain critical weapons to Ukraine, including 30 Patriot air defence missiles, prompting warnings by Kyiv this would weaken its ability to defend itself.

There are various ways to fill this Patriot gap, a government spokesperson told a news conference in Berlin, adding that one option being considered is buying Patriot missile batteries from the US and then sending them on to Kyiv.

I can confirm that intensive discussions are indeed being held on this matter, he said.

01:36 PM BST

Trump envoy pushing to lift Russia sanctions

Steve Witkoff, a senior negotiator in the Trump administration, is pushing for energy sanctions to be lifted on Russia, according to reports.

Politico reported that Moscow was in early talks with Washington about restarting the Nord Stream pipeline project, which has worried some officials in Brussels.

Other Trump officials disagree, however, including Doug Burgum - the interior secretary - who has pushed to reduce reliance on Russian imports.

01:22 PM BST

Macron and Starmer to chair joint Ukraine summit next week

Emmanuel Macron and Sir Keir Starmer will co-chair a summit to discuss boosting Ukraines defences on July 10 in the United Kingdom, the Elysee Palace has said.

There will certainly be a discussion on how to seriously maintain Ukraines combat capability, the Elysee Palace said, adding that the two leaders will co-chair the meeting of Kyivs allies by video link.

01:16 PM BST

Pictured: Russian POWs cheer after exchange

Russian POWs reacting in a bus following an exchange of prisoners with Ukraine at an undisclosed location in Belarus - AFP

12:53 PM BST

Moscow says its forces hit military targets in Kyiv

Russias defence ministry said its forces successfully carried out strikes against military targets in Kyiv overnight.

It said high-precision long-range weapons along with hypersonic missiles and drones were used in the onslaught which injured over a dozen in the capital.

Ukraine said Russia launched at least 550 drones and missiles, making it the largest aerial attack of the war so far. In recent weeks, Moscow has repeatedly set new records in the size of its bombardments.

12:37 PM BST

How much more can Kyiv take?

A few weeks ago, I met with Kyivs mayor Vitali Klitschko in his office in the capital. Just 24 hours earlier, Russia had launched one of its biggest bombardments on the capital of the entire war.

That superlative - be it biggest, largest, or longest - recurs with chilling regularity in the Ukrainian capital these days, with Moscows vastly stepped up production lines now able to send hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles every few nights.

A year ago, around 300 drones were fired at Ukraine per month. The figure is now above 5,000. And the consequences can be in the palls of smoke and burning buildings that Kyivs residents wake-up to, often after long nights in bomb shelters.

Mr Klitschko was insistent on a single point. Ukraine needed the US to provide more defensive weapons to protect the city, including Patriot munitions for the air defence batteries that guard against ballistic missiles.

The answer has been a resounding disappointment. While Donald Trump mused about providing more Patriot ammunition during the Nato summit at the Hague, the Pentagon has instead halted supplies of weaponry destined for Ukraine.

So Kyiv burns, increasingly unaided. European nations are trying to step into the breach, but the question hangs in the air: what will the Ukrainian capital look like, if nights like last one continue at this punishing rate for a month - for a year - or for longer?

Flames and smoke billow from buildings during mass Russian drones and missile strikes on Kyiv - AFP

12:17 PM BST

Putin not serious about peace, says Downing Street

Russias record strikes on Kyiv shows Vladimir Putin is not serious about securing a peace deal, Downing Street has said.

The Prime Ministers official spokesman said: Continued Russian strikes are clear evidence that Putin is not serious about peace.

Since Ukraine agreed to an unconditional ceasefire over four months ago 700 civilians have been killed, more than 3,000 injured.

We are, alongside our allies, absolutely united in support of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. We are clear that must start with a full immediate and unconditional ceasefire.

But Putin has shown he is not serious about peace.

Smoke from the fire rises above residential apartment buildings after a Russian missile and drone attack - Global Images Ukraine

12:02 PM BST

This dramatic escalation must push Trump to action

President Donald Trump has had it with Vladimir Putin. After a nearly one-hour phone call with his Russian counterpart, Trump expressed disappointment with Putins obstinate continuation of the Ukraine War and admitted: I didnt make any progress with him at all.

The Kremlin rushed to calm the waters and claimed that Russia was still interested in peace negotiations with Ukraine. Nonetheless, Putins aide Yury Ushakov still emphasised the contrast between Trumps push for a swift ceasefire in Ukraine and the Kremlins desire to eliminate the root causes of the Ukraine War.

Russias latest actions suggest that Trumps frustrations are warranted. During the early hours of Friday morning, Russian forces pummelled Ukraine with 550 Shahed drones and ballistic missiles. This attack was Russias largest aerial assault of the war, and broke the record set earlier this week of 537 drones and missiles.

Even though Russia has not taken much-feared apocalyptic steps like using tactical nuclear weapons or triggering a meltdown in the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, it is steadily escalating its war against Ukrainian civilians.

11:47 AM BST

Kremlin vows to continue war against Ukraine

The Kremlin has vowed to continue its war against Ukraine, saying it is not possible to achieve its aims through diplomatic means.

We are interested in achieving our goals in the course of the special military operation and it is preferable to do it by political and diplomatic means, a Kremlin spokesman told reporters after being asked about US efforts to push for peace.

But until that is not possible, we are continuing the special operation.

11:39 AM BST

Child casualties in Ukraine increase threefold

The number of children killed or injured in Ukraine has surged by 200 per cent in the past three months, the latest UN-verified data has found, writes Lilia Sebouai.

At least 222 children were killed or injured between March and May, compared to 73 from December to February, according to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission to Ukraine.

The situation for children is at a critical juncture,  said Regina De Dominicis, Unicefs regional director for Europe and Central Asia, adding that there is no respite from the war for children across Ukraine.

The UN said use of explosive weapons in densely populated areas has been particularly deadly and destructive.

It comes as Russia has stepped up its long-range attacks on Ukrainian cities. Kyiv was on Friday struck by a wave of overnight drones and missile attacks in the largest aerial assault since Russia invaded Ukraine more than three years ago.

11:27 AM BST

Russia and Ukraine exchange more prisoners of war

Russia and Ukraine exchanged another batch of prisoners of war on Friday.

The warring sides have exchanged prisoners several times - the latest on June 26 - as part of an agreement struck in Istanbul last month.

Our people are home. Most of them had been held in Russian captivity since 2022.



Today, our defenders who fought for Ukraine in various regions  the Donetsk region and Mariupol, the Luhansk, Kharkiv, and Kherson regions  are coming back. These are warriors of the Armed Forces, pic.twitter.com/HR6PCPyXGO  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) July 4, 2025

11:16 AM BST

Russias record attacks in numbers

Russia is frequently firing a record number of missiles and drones at Ukraine, targeting major cities such as Kyiv and Dnipro.

Moscow fired 550 drones and missiles overnight, breaking a record set only last weekend when 537 aerial weapons were fired across the country.

11:10 AM BST

Putin told Trump he wanted more peace talks, says Kremlin

Vladimir Putin told Donald Trump he expected Russia to agree to a date for a third round of peace talks with Ukraine, the Kremlin has said.

The two sides met for direct talks in May and June, though they came no close to any substantial agreement beyond exchanging prisoners and repatriating the dead.

The Kremlin said it followed all statements by Mr Trump, who expressed his disappointment with Putin after their phone call on Thursday.

11:05 AM BST

Republicans urge Trump to increase pressure on Putin

Republicans are urging Donald Trump to ramp up pressure on Vladimir Putin to come to the negotiating table and end the war in Ukraine.

Don Bacon, the Congressman for Nebraskas 2nd District, said Putin had mocked the US president and America by launching another record attack on Ukraine overnight - hours after the two leaders spoke on the phone.

Mr President, your policy towards Russia is not working. While we negotiate, Putin bombs Ukrainian cities, Mr Bacon said.

It is time to change strategy. We and our allies must arm Ukraine to the teeth & we need the toughest sanctions. Putin is mocking you and America.

Joe Wilson, a Congressman in South Carolina, said Putin had resorted to scorched earth tactics across Ukraine just as Americans begin to enjoy the sounds of fireworks in celebration of our Nations Independence.

Mr President, your policy towards Russia is not working. While we negotiate, Putin bombs Ukrainian cities. Here is Kyiv today. It is time to change strategy. We and our allies must arm Ukraine to the teeth & we need the toughest sanctions. Putin is mocking you and America. pic.twitter.com/Jc7ShlrWIN  Rep. Don Bacon  (@RepDonBacon) July 4, 2025

10:50 AM BST

Ukrainians pack into bomb shelter

People take shelter inside a metro station during a Russian drone and missile strike - REUTERS

Kyiv was the main target of Russias latest record attack - REUTERS

10:26 AM BST

Zelensky and Trump to speak this afternoon

Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump will speak later this afternoon, a Ukrainian official has confirmed to AFP.

The call follows a conversation between the US president and Vladimir Putin on Thursday.

09:58 AM BST

Russia expands chemical weapons use in Ukraine, says German spy agency

Russia has increased its use of chemical weapons in Ukraine, Germanys BND foreign intelligence agency said on Friday, citing evidence it obtained alongside its Dutch counterparts.

Russia uses not only tear gas, but also the more dangerous chemical chloropicrin, which can be lethal in high concentrations in enclosed spaces in Ukraine, the BND said in a statement.

This represents a more serious violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, which prohibits the use of this lung warfare agent under all circumstances, it said.

The defence minister and chief of military intelligence in the Netherlands told Reuters.

09:24 AM BST

Polish embassy damaged in attack on Kyiv

The Polish embassy was damaged during a Russian attack on Kyiv, Polands foreign minister has said.

In a massive (Russian) attack on Kyiv, the building of our embassys consular section was damaged, Radoslaw Sikorski wrote on X.

I just spoke with Ambassador Lukasiewicz; everyone is safe and sound. Ukraine urgently needs air defence resources.

09:00 AM BST

Pictured: Aftermath of Russias record attack

Kyiv was the main target of Russias overnight strikes

A woman looks at destroyed vehicles at the site of a damaged school - REUTERS

08:53 AM BST

Has the US paused weapons shipments to Ukraine?

The extent to which the US has suspended weapons deliveries to Ukraine remains unclear.

Tammy Bruce, a State Department spokesperson, said the US hasnt paused sending weapons to Ukraine but that the recent suspension is one aspect, one situation, one event that has been changed.

But Sean Parnell, a senior Pentagon spokesperson, said the defence department had paused weapons to Ukraine in order to conduct a capability review.

Mr Trump, meanwhile, said last night not all weapons shipments had been paused.

Were giving weapons, but weve given so many weapons. But we are giving weapons. And were working with them and trying to help them, but we havent, he said.

You know, Biden emptied out our whole country giving them weapons, and we have to make sure that we have enough for ourselves.

08:46 AM BST

We need Russia to win the war, China admits

China cannot afford for Russia to lose the war in Ukraine, its foreign minister has said, in unguarded comments to European officials.

Wang Yi, Chinas foreign minister, said Beijing does not want to see a Russian loss because of fears the United States would then shift its focus on to China.

The comments were made during a four-hour meeting between Mr Wang and Kaja Kallas, the vice-president of the European Commission, according to several sources who spoke to the South China Morning Post.

The remarks took many by surprise as Chinese officials do not often speak this candidly, even in closed-door meetings.

According to those familiar with the conversation, Mr Wang also gave Ms Kallas several history lessons and lectures about realpolitik and concerns in Beijing that Washington will gradually turn its attention east.

08:17 AM BST

Watch: Trump says hes disappointed with Putin

Donald Trump said he was disappointed by a phone call with Vladimir Putin after the pair spoke for less than an hour on Thursday.

Im very disappointed with the conversation I had today with President Putin, because I dont think hes there, he told reporters. Im just saying I dont think hes looking to stop, and thats too bad.

Credit: Reuters

08:07 AM BST

Pictured: Russian drone intercepted above Kyiv

A Russian drone is shot down by Ukrainian air defences during a night mass strike on Kyiv - AFP

07:55 AM BST

Russia will not change its dumb behaviour, says Zelensky

Volodymyr Zelensky has said last nights record attack on Ukraine shows Russia has no intention to change its dumb, destructive behaviour.

The Ukrainian president said Kyiv had suffered a brutal, sleepless night after hundreds of Iranian-made Shahed drones were fired at the country.

All of this is clear evidence that without truly large-scale pressure, Russia will not change its dumb, destructive behaviour, he wrote on X.

Mr Zelensky also called on Ukraines partners - including the US - to increase pressure on Russia to end the war.

Firefighting efforts and debris removal are still ongoing after another Russian strike. This was one of the most large-scale air attacks  deliberately massive and cynical. In total, 550 targets were launched, including at least 330 Russian-Iranian "shaheds", along with missiles, pic.twitter.com/vnn31oST0z  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) July 4, 2025

07:48 AM BST

Watch: Kyiv hit in record Russian attack

Credit: Reuters

07:37 AM BST

One of the worst nights so far

Ukraines foreign minister said Kyiv had suffered one of the worst nights of the war so far after Russia fired hundreds of drones and ballistic missiles at the capital overnight.

Right after Putin spoke with President Trump. And he does it on purpose. Enough of waiting! Andrii Sybiha said.

Putin clearly shows his complete disregard for the United States and everyone who has called for an end to the war.

Absolutely horrible and sleepless night in Kyiv. One of the worst so far.



Hundreds of Russian drones and ballistic missiles rained down on the Ukrainian capital.



Right after Putin spoke with President Trump. And he does it on purpose.



Enough of waiting! Putin clearly shows pic.twitter.com/R0mlfUgJRx  Andrii Sybiha  (@andrii_sybiha) July 4, 2025

07:29 AM BST

Russia launches another record attack on Ukraine

Russia launched yet another record attack on Ukraine overnight, firing 539 drones and 11 ballistic and cruise missiles, the Ukrainian air force has said.

Russia hit Kyiv with drones in an all-night attack, injuring at least 23 people, damaging railway infrastructure and setting buildings and cars on fire throughout the city, Ukrainian authorities said this morning.

The main target of the strikes was the capital of Ukraine, the city of Kyiv! the Air Force said in a post on the Telegram messaging app.

It breaks a record set by Russia on Saturday, when 537 drones and missiles were launched at Ukraine.

A building burns after a Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv - Global Images Ukraine

07:27 AM BST

Welcome to our live coverage

Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the war in Ukraine.

Well bring you the the latest news and analysis throughout the day.

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.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had a very important and fruitful conversation with President Trump on Friday during which the two leaders discussed the developments on the front lines in Eastern Europe, air defense systems and mutual investments.

Zelensky said in a post on the social platform X that he wished Trump a happy Fourth of July, expressed gratefulness for the military aid the United States has provided so far and reiterated Ukraines desire to stop the three-year war with Russia and broker a just, lasting and dignified peace agreement.

Today we discussed the current situation, including Russian airstrikes and the broader frontline developments. President Trump is very well informed, and I thank him for his attention to Ukraine. We spoke about opportunities in air defense and agreed that we will work together to strengthen protection of our skies, Zelensky wrote on X. We have also agreed to a meeting between our teams.

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Zelensky also said he had a detailed conversation with Trump about defense industry capabilities and joint production.

We are ready for direct projects with the United States and believe this is critically important for security, especially when it comes to drones and related technologies, Ukraines leader said.

Trump spoke with Zelensky just hours after Russia launched one of its biggest air assaults on Ukraine, pounding Kyiv and other cities with 550 drones and missiles. One person was killed and at least 24 people in Kyiv were injured in the attack, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko.

We also touched on mutual procurement and investment. Finally, we exchanged views on the diplomatic situation and joint work with the U.S. and other partners, Zelensky said of his call with Trump.

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The presidents call with Zelensky came just a day after Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump said Thursday that he was very disappointed with the conversation he had with the Russian leader and added that he made no progress on securing a ceasefire in the three-year war.

Im very disappointed with the conversation I had today with President Putin, because I dont think hes there. Im just saying, I dont think hes looking to stop. And thats too bad, Trump told reporters.

Putin told Trump that Russia will not back down from its military goals in Ukraine, the Kremlin said. Trump pushed Putin to end the war in Ukraine, but the Russian president dismissed the effort, according to Moscows readout of the call.

Trumps call with Zelensky came days after the Defense Department halted some air defense and munition transfers to Ukraine.

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Were giving weapons  and were working with them and trying to help them. But we have  you know, [former President] Biden emptied out our whole country giving them weapons. And we have to make sure we have enough for ourselves, Trump told reporters Thursday evening.

Trump and his administration have pushed to end the war in Eastern Europe but have had little success, as Russia has seemingly not moved away from its demands.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he held a "very important and fruitful conversation" with US President Donald Trump on Friday against the backdrop of a partial freeze in US arms deliveries.

"We - in Ukraine - are grateful for all the support provided. It helps us protect lives, safeguard our freedom and independence," said Zelensky. "We have achieved a lot together with America and we support all efforts to stop the killings and restore just, lasting, and dignified peace."

The conversation came hours after Russia launched a massive bombardment of Kiev overnight, shortly after Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

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Ukraine has been heavily dependent on US support to withstand Russia's full-scale invasion since 2022, but the Pentagon on Tuesday said it had withheld previously agreed arms deliveries to Kiev on the grounds of an inventory review.

According to media reports, this also involved Patriot missiles, which are crucial for Ukraine's air defence against strikes by Russian missiles and drones.

Zelensky said he and Trump "discussed the current situation, including Russian airstrikes and the broader frontline developments."

"We spoke about opportunities in air defense and agreed that we will work together to strengthen protection of our skies," he added.

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Zelensky also said he "congratulated President Trump and the entire American on the US Independence Day."

The Ukrainian leader's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, earlier said there had been a "very important and substantive conversation between the presidents."

Trump has been calling in vain for weeks for a quick end to the conflict and said he was "not happy" that no progress had been made after his call with Putin on Thursday.

According to Ukrainian sources, their conversation was followed by more than 500 Russian attacks with drones, missiles and cruise missiles.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated in his evening address that Ukrainian interceptor drones shot down dozens of Shahed loitering munitions launched by Russia on Ukraine on the night of 3-4 July.

Source: Zelenskyy in his evening address

Quote: "It was a rocky start to the day, with more than 500 Russian attack drones and missiles. Difficult, but a significant number were shot down. Regrettably, some struck their targets. Interceptor drones demonstrated important performance today. Dozens of Shaheds were taken down specifically by interceptors."

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Details: Zelenskyy said Ukraine is scaling up the production of interceptor drones as much as possible. "Increasing production of such types of drones  the interceptor ones  and expanding training and preparation for our drone operators. The mission is clear," he stated.

Background:

On the night of 3-4 July, Russian forces launched a large-scale strike on Kyiv with attack UAVs and ballistic missiles. Fires and damage to residential buildings were recorded in six of the citys districts. Casualties were reported. Emergency workers dealing with the aftermath of the attack found a body.

Ukraine's Air Force reported that Russian forces used 550 drones and missiles in the attack. Ukrainian air defence units downed 478 aerial assets, but eight hits were recorded and debris fell in 33 locations.

Colonel Yurii Ihnat, Head of Communications of Air Force Command, told Ukrainska Pravda in June that the Ukrainian Air Force is rapidly developing its drone air defence capabilities and recruiting operators for interceptor UAVs to counter Russian drones.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has shared details of his telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump which took place on the afternoon of 4 July.

Source: Zelenskyy on X, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Zelenskyy described the conversation as "very important and fruitful", noting that he began by congratulating Trump and the American people on US Independence Day and expressing gratitude for the assistance already provided.

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Quote from Zelenskyy: "Today we discussed the current situation, including Russian airstrikes and the broader frontline developments. President Trump is very well informed, and I thank him for his attention to Ukraine. We spoke about opportunities in air defence and agreed that we will work together to strengthen protection of our skies. We have also agreed to a meeting between our teams."

More details: He added that they also discussed in detail the prospects for joint defence production.

"We are ready for direct projects with the United States and believe this is critically important for security, especially when it comes to drones and related technologies," Zelenskyy said.

The Ukrainian leader noted that they also tackled mutual purchases and investments and exchanged views on the diplomatic situation and cooperation with the United States and other partners.

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The White House and Trump have not yet reported on the conversation.

Background:

On 3 July, Zelenskyy said that he planned to discuss with Trump the resumption of Patriot air defence missile supplies. That same day, he also announced the signing of an agreement with several American companies on the joint production of UAVs, particularly interceptors.

On the same day, Trump spoke with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. After the conversation, Trump admitted he had made no progress on ending the war in Ukraine and expressed his disappointment.

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Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has had a conversation with US President Donald Trump.

Source: Andrii Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, on Telegram

Quote from Yermak: "A very important and meaningful conversation between the presidents [Zelenskyy and Trump  ed.]. All details very soon."

Details: Prior to that, Zelenskyy said he planned to raise the issue of continued US supplies of weapons and ammunition to Ukraine, particularly PAC-3 missiles for Patriot systems, during an upcoming conversation with Trump.

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A source told Axios correspondent Barak Ravid that the presidents' conversation lasted roughly 40 minutes. They discussed the escalation of Russian strikes on Ukraine and the provision of air defence to Kyiv.

Background:

Russian leader Vladimir Putin had earlier said he would hold a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump on 3 July.

Trump later confirmed that the call was scheduled for 10:00 US time.

After the call, the US president said he had made no progress in efforts to end Russias war against Ukraine

In a separate comment to journalists, Trump added that Putin has no intention of ending the war.

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Democratic socialist New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani, a Muslim immigrant, identified as both Asian and African American on his Columbia University application, a report claims.

The 33-year-old checked both Asian and Black or African American on his application to the Ivy League university  which was ultimately rejected  when he was a high school senior in 2009, the New York Times reported Thursday.

Mamdani, born in Uganda, told the outlet he doesnt identify as either race but rather an American who was born in Africa.

Zohran Mamdani (center) checked both Asian and Black or African American on his application for Columbia University. LP Media

Most college applications dont have a box for Indian-Ugandans, so I checked multiple boxes trying to capture the fullness of my background, the Queens lawmaker said, adding that he specified Ugandan in a section of the application that allowed for more detailed personal information.

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Even though these boxes are constraining, I wanted my college application to reflect who I was.

Mamdani, who clinched the Democratic mayoral nomination last week, told the outlet he selected the two races because of the limited options available on the college application  not to gain an edge in the admissions process.

Mamdani reportedly said he made the selections due to limited options on the Columbia application. GHI/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Columbia, like many top schools, factored race into admissions back then  a practice the Supreme Court has since struck down.

The outlet obtained the controversial application after a seasoned hacktivist reportedly stole sensitive data from more than two million Columbia University students, applicants and employees in a targeted cyberattack last week.

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The lone hacker behind the massive breach later claimed responsibility in an anonymous message to Bloomberg News, admitting to stealing 2.5 million applications spanning decades to investigate whether the Manhattan university was still using affirmative action in admissions.

A university official told The Post Wednesday that Columbias admissions processes are compliant with the high courts ruling.

Community members came out in force to slam Mamdani, who highlighted his Muslim and South Asian ancestry throughout his campaign, as a fraud.

Its disgraceful to exploit this countrys legacy of slavery that oppressed African slaves, Matthew Schweber, a Columbia University Jewish Alumni Association member, told The Post.

Zohran Mamdanis parents Mahmood Mamdani and Mira Nair attend a watch party for Mamdanis primary election in New York City, June 24, 2025. REUTERS

Zohran Mamdanis exploitation of this category further exemplifies the fraudulence of his candidacy and the canard and pretense to speak on behalf of the oppressed. He is a child of privilege and two extraordinarily wealthy parents.

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Gerard Kassar, chairman of the state Conservative Party, accused Mamdani of exploiting affirmative action to try to gain college admission.

Mamdani has got a lot of explaining to do. This is part of the fraud he has perpetrated on New Yorkers throughout the primary campaign, the Brooklyn resident fumed.

His focus was to get admitted to Columbia on affirmative action. It just didnt work out. He was trying to get into a school by lying about his racial background. Race is a scientific specification, not the country youre from, Kassar said, adding that Mamdani, whose father was a Columbia professor, knew exactly what he was doing.

His father, Mahmood Mamdani, is a professor of anthropology, political science and African Studies at the Ivy League, while his mother, Mira Nair, is an Oscar-nominated filmmaker.

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Being from Uganda doesnt make you black. You cant assume it makes you black, Kassar charged.

The Post has reached out to Mamdanis campaign.

The avowed socialist, a virtually unknown Queens assemblyman when he launched his campaign last year, skyrocketed to political stardom running on a platform including free buses and child care and taxing the ultra-wealthy and businesses to pay for it.

Despite his shocking win over disgraced former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo  the early frontrunner in the crowded race  Mamdani has drawn criticism and sparked outrage over comments about Israel, including repeatedly refusing to condemn the phrase globalize the intifada as the conflict in Gaza drags on.

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His stunning victory garnered national attention, sparking talk of a new left-wing political movement in the Big Apple and beyond  and prompting President Trump to call for his arrest and deportation if he interferes with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations if elected mayor.

Mamdani will face off against incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who is seeking reelection as an Independent on the EndAntiSemitism and Safe&Affordable ballot lines.

Hizzoner demanded that Columbia release and investigate Mamdanis application records for identifying himself as African American, when he did not become a US citizen until 2018, despite living in US since he was a boy.

Its now clear that Zohran Mamdani misrepresented his racial identity to gain admission to Columbia University, and at the time, he wasnt even a U.S. citizen, Adams campaign spokesperson Todd Shapiro said in a statement, adding that, We need answers. Because the people of New York deserve to know whether the man asking for their vote built his career on a possibly fraudulent foundation.

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The Brooklyn native incumbent called the leading mayoral candidates actions an insult to every student who got into college the right way.

The African American identity is not a checkbox of convenience, Adams said in the statement. Its a history, a struggle, and a lived experience. For someone to exploit that for personal gain is deeply offensive.

Cuomo will also appear on the ballot, though hes still considering whether to run a full campaign.

A new poll released Thursday showed Mamdani is the frontrunner to win the general election in November.

The American Pulse survey showed Mamdani leading with 35% support for the general election, followed by Cuomo at 29%, Republican Curtis Silwa at 16%, Adams at 14%, and Independent candidate Jim Walden at 1%.

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Mamdani has an early lead and a clear message, but deeper scrutiny may erode enthusiasm among general election voters, said American Pulse pollster Dustin Olson.

Its possible some voters already have buyers remorse. When they hear about government-run grocery stores or Mamdanis continued refusals to denounce Globalize the Intifada, which many folks  including me  consider to be an antisemitic slogan, support softens.
The Current highlights business news throughout Yakima County. Send your information to business reporter Joel Donofrio at jdonofrio@yakimaherald.com or call 509-759-7851.
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Dr. Laura Chang holds a session with students in her math classroom at McClure Middle School in Seattle. She is teaching the new digital curriculum to students. After 16 years, SPS adopted a new math curriculum using funds from the tech levy. (Ellen M. Banner / The Seattle Times, 2024)
William Craven, the first black mayor in Washington state, speaks from his home in Roslyn, Kittitas County, on Feb. 14, 2023. Craven was a janitor in a school, caretaker and gravedigger in one of Roslyns cemeteries. He died June 25. (Karen Ducey / The Seattle Times)
Ford Motor Co_ logo by- Vera Tikhonova via iStock

With a market cap of $45.1 billion, Ford Motor Company (F) is a global automotive leader that designs, manufactures, markets, and services a wide range of vehicles, including Ford trucks, SUVs, commercial vans, cars, and Lincoln luxury vehicles. The company operates through segments such as Ford Blue, Ford Model e, Ford Pro, and Ford Credit, offering not only vehicles but also mobility solutions, digital services, and comprehensive financial products.

The Dearborn, Michigan-based company is expected to announce its fiscal Q2 2025 earnings results after the market closes on Wednesday, Jul. 30. Ahead of this event, analysts expect Ford Motor to report an adjusted EPS of $0.30, down 36.2% from $0.47 in the year-ago quarter. It has surpassed or met Wall Street's earnings estimates in two of the last quarters while missing on another occasion.

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For fiscal 2025, analysts expect the automaker to report an adjusted EPS of $1.11, down 39.7% from $1.84 in fiscal 2024. However, adjusted EPS is anticipated to rebound and grow 13.5% year-over-year to $1.26 in fiscal 2026.

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Shares of Ford Motor have declined 8.6% over the past 52 weeks, underperforming both the S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) over 13% gain and the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund's (XLY) 17.9% return over the period.

www.barchart.com

Shares of Ford rose 2.7% following its Q1 2025 earnings release on May 5. The company reported adjusted EPS of $0.14 and automotive revenue of $37.4 billion, beating analysts expectations. Investors were also encouraged by Fords effective cost-mitigation strategies, including offsetting $1 billion of the projected $2.5 billion tariff impact and reducing Q1 tariff costs by 35% through supply chain adjustments. Additionally, the Model e segment showed progress by narrowing losses to $849 million from $1.3 billion a year earlier, signaling improvement in the EV business.

Analysts' consensus view on Ford Motors stock is cautious, with a "Hold" rating overall. Among 24 analysts covering the stock, three recommend "Strong Buy," 16 indicate Hold, one advises "Moderate Sell," and four give "Strong Sell." As of writing, F is trading above the average analyst price target of $9.74.

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
Police have ordered an investigation into the organisers of the Pride rally held in Budapest on Saturday, the deputy leader of opposition Mi Hazank said.

Elod Novak said on Facebook on Thursday that "an investigation has been ordered following a complaint submitted against [Budapest mayor] Gergely Karacsony and his accomplices," and he posted a copy of the police announcement. "The situation is clear, given that it was a banned assembly," he added.



According to the criminal code, anyone "who organises a banned assembly, or invites people to attend one within the application of the law on the right of assembly, can be punished by up to one year in prison if no other crime is committed," Mi Hazank's statement said.



"It is a shame that Karacsony will probably get away without being called to account, the same way as [former Socialist prime minister] Ferenc Gyurcsany got away with everything," he added.



He said it was "absurd" that the national investigation bureau's anti-fraud department had been assigned to investigate a case "that is not at all a financial matter".



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.



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New Delhi: Filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari's epic saga - Ramayana is high on the bizz word and rightly so after the first introductory video was released a day back. The global unveiling continues as the epic heads to North America  with a landmark reveal at New Yorks iconic Times Square. Marking its presence across two continents, Ramayana has set a new benchmark for Indian cinema with its unprecedented scale and ambition.

Ramayana Making

Backed by Namit Malhotra  8 times Oscar winner and the visionary force behind global blockbusters like Dune, Oppenheimer, and Interstellar. Ramayana is not just a film. Its a global event rooted in Indian storytelling and powered by world-class collaborators.

From Oscar-winner Hans Zimmer (making his Bollywood debut) to A.R. Rahman, from stunt director Guy Norris (Mad Max: Fury Road) to an international crew of creatives across continents  Ramayana brings together a dream team to reimagine Indias greatest epic for the world stage.

Ramayana At Times Square

Yesterday July 3, India witnessed an unprecedented rollout in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Pune, Ahmedabad, and Kochi  simultaneously unveiling Ramayana: The Introduction. Today, the world will witness its next chapter: Ramayana lights up Times Square, New York  with the films first visuals set to take over one of the most iconic digital billboards in the world.

Starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman, Ramayana is the biggest Indian cinematic event of all time.

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Produced by Namit Malhotras Prime Focus Studios and 8- time winning VFX studio DNEG in association with Yashs Monster Mind Creations; Ramayana is being filmed for IMAX and will release worldwide: Part 1 in Diwali 2026 and Part 2 in Diwali 2027.
Chennai,: Actress Sai Pallavi, who plays the role of Sita in director Nitish Tiwari's eagerly awaited magnum opus 'Ramayana', on Thursday shared the introduction video put out by the makers of the film, saying that with the blessings of Maa Sita, she would get to experience Sita's journey along with pioneers picked by the divine to recreate the epic!

Taking to her X timeline to share the link to the first glimpse of the upcoming epic Ramayana, featuring Ranbir Kapoor and Yash along with her, she said, "With the blessings of Maa Sita, I get to experience her journey along with pioneers picked by the divine to recreate the Epic! With a cast and crew like this, I pray that you all experience the wonder that were working towards achieving! Heres the announcement video. #Ramayana #Sita" The first look promises a magnum opus of epic proportions.

With the blessings of Maa Sita, I get to experience her journey, along with pioneers picked by the divine to recreate the Epic! With a cast and crew like this,

I pray that you all experience the wonder that were working towards achieving!

Heres the announcement video  pic.twitter.com/NqiR1RlB11  Sai Pallavi (@Sai_Pallavi92) July 3, 2025

The run-time of the asset is heavily dominated by CGI, done extremely tastefully by Prime Focus and Academy Award-winning DNEG, the latter scoring the Oscar for Best VFX for Dune. The film features a galaxy of stars with Ranbir in the role of Lord Ram, and Yash essaying Lankesh, Raavan, and actress Sai Pallavi playing Goddess Sita. Sunny Deol portrays Lord Hanuman, and Ravie Dubey essays Laxman.

It gets bigger as for the first time in history, two music titans, Hans Zimmer and A. R. Rahman, both boasting Academy Awards, are joining forces for the film. The launch of the asset spanned the globe  with fan screenings across nine Indian cities and a spectacular billboard takeover at Times Square, New York. The story is set 5,000 years ago and is revered by 2.5 billion people around the world.

Helmed by the National Award-winning filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra and co-produced by Yash, Ramayana brings together a formidable army of Oscar-winning technicians, Hollywoods finest creators, and Indias biggest names in acting and storytelling  reimagining one of civilizations most powerful epics as a cutting-edge cinematic universe, rooted in Indian culture and created for the world.

Ramayana will be a two-part live-action cinematic universe being reimagined on the scale of the biggest tentpoles produced to date. The film unites some of Hollywood and Indias celebrated talent in a partnership like never seen before. The film also features Hollywoods top stunt directors with Terry Notary (Avengers, Planet of the Apes) and Guy Norris (Mad Max: Fury Road, Furiosa), choreographing the epic battles between gods and demons.

The visual grandeur of ancient India is being reimagined by renowned production designers Ravi Bansal (Dune 2, Aladdin, etc) and Ramsey Avery (Captain America, Tomorrowland). Ramayana is being filmed for IMAX and will be released worldwide with Part 1 releasing in Diwali 2026 and Part 2 in Diwali 2027.
Reigning world champion D Gukesh continued his sensational run, defeating world number one Magnus Carlsen once again at the SuperUnited Rapid and Blitz 2025 tournament in Zagreb, Croatia. The 18-year-old Indian grandmaster now boasts a five-game winning streak, firmly placing himself at the top of the leaderboard with 10 points at the end of Day 2. Carlsen, struggling to find his rhythm, trails with just six points.

The highly anticipated clash saw Carlsen playing with the white pieces, while Gukesh responded with black. Despite a strong start from the Norwegian, who seemed to be in control early on, a critical misstep turned the tide. Carlsens decision to push his b-pawn to b4 opened the door for Gukesh to seize the initiative in the rapid format encounter.

From that point, the young Indian didnt look back. As Carlsens position rapidly deteriorated and his clock ticked down to under 30 seconds, he offered a handshake and resigned, without much visible frustration or even eye contact.

The victory further extends Gukeshs recent dominance over Carlsen, following a memorable win last month during Round 6 of the Norway Chess tournament. Chess legend Garry Kasparov, providing commentary, criticized Carlsens b4 move and questioned whether his longstanding supremacy is now under threat. This wasnt just a loss, it was a convincing one, Kasparov remarked.

Speaking after the match, Gukesh acknowledged the rocky start but was pleased with how things turned around. Yes, beating Magnus is always special, for sure. I think this also gives a bit more confidence in the sense that, like, I just had a horrible position from the opening. I just mixed up something really bad. It's nice that, like, two losing positions in a row, I could win against Magnus.

Heading into the final rounds, Gukesh holds a two-point lead over Jan-Krzysztof Duda, his nearest challenger, as he aims to finish strong in Zagreb.
(Bloomberg) -- Foreign investors bought Japanese stocks for 13 straight weeks to June 27, their longest buying spree since 2013, data from Japan Exchange Group showed.

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The persistent buying  despite lingering concerns over US tariffs and still sluggish domestic consumption  likely points to diversification away from US equities, as investors pare positions after Wall Streets strong showing.

Its my guess that this reflects investors trying to diversify their US-concentrated portfolio, said Shuji Hosoi, senior strategist at Daiwa Securities, noting that such shifts could last about a year.

Foreign investors bought 339.8 billion ($2.36 billion) of Japanese equities in the week of June 23-27, extending their net buying which began in the first week of April, when the market had plunged following the shock of US President Donald Trumps extensive tariff plan, some of which has subsequently been amended.

It is the longest stretch of net purchases since their 18 straight weeks of buying from November 2012 to March 2013, when investors snagged 5.7 trillion of Japanese stocks following radical economic stimulus by then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, or so-called Abenomics.

The latest buying by foreign investors helped lift the Topix index to lofty heights. The Topix rose to a peak of 2869.07 on Monday, just off its record high of 2946.60 struck in July last year. The benchmark has lost steam since then on renewed worries about US tariffs.

But some analysts think their buying may wane. Theres no sense of euphoria we saw during Abenomics. I think foreign buying will slow in July, said Kohei Onishi, senior investment strategist at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Co.

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New Delhi: Softbank-backed e-commerce company Meesho has filed draft documents for an IPO with the market regulator SEBI, using a confidential process, Moneycontrol reported.

Size of the IPO is still not very clear as the route is confidential, but many reputed websites claim that Size of IPO can be around Rs 4,250 crore , with listing probably around September- October.



By choosing the confidential pre-filing route, Meesho does not have to share details about its IPO with the public right away. These details will only be made public at a later stage.

Confidential route gives companies more time and less pressure to go public quickly. Normally, companies must launch their IPO within 12 months after getting approval from SEBI. But with the confidential route, they have up to 18 months after receiving final comments to launch the IPO.

Founded in December 2015 by IIT Delhi graduates Vidit Aatrey and Sanjeev Barnwal, headquartered in Bengaluru. It was created to empower small businesses and individuals, especially those without physical stores or capital, to start their own online shops and sell products via social media channels like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram.

Initially, Meesho began as a hyperlocal fashion marketplace but pivoted to social commerce, enabling resellersmany of whom are womento earn income by selling products within their communities without upfront investment.
Air India has denied allegations from British law firm Stewarts Law that it forced families of the AI 171 crash victims to disclose financial dependency on the deceased to get compensation. Over 40 families represented by Stewarts Law have accused the airline of coercion and intimidation as they pursue claims related to the crash of the London-bound Boeing plane crash at Ahmedabad in which over 241 passengers and crew were killed.

"Air India categorically rejects these allegations and refutes them as both unsubstantiated and inaccurate," the Tata Group airline said in a statement.

The airline clarified that a questionnaire circulated among certain passengers was intended solely to verify familial relationships, ensuring the rightful distribution of interim payments.

Understandably, there are some formal processes that must be followed, but we are giving families all the time and flexibility they need. We want to support however we can, Air India said in a statement.

"In order to facilitate payments, Air India has sought basic information to establish family relationships to ensure that the advance payments are received by those entitled to them. Family members have been issued with a questionnaire to allow Air India to gather the information required to process compensation payments. This can be submitted in person at our Facilitation Centre at the Taj Skyline hotel in Ahmedabad, or by e-mail, and families have been given time and flexibility to complete these. Air India has certainly not made any unsolicited visits to families homes," Air India said.

Air India executives said that an interim compensation of Rs 25 lakh has been paid to 47 families, while interim compensation for another 55 families is in process and will be disbursed soon.

UK-based law firm Stewarts, which is representing over 40 bereaved families, has alleged that Air India has been coercing families into submitting legally significant financial disclosures before receiving advance compensation.

"This tactic has deeply distressed families already dealing with an immense loss," the firm said.

The allegations come weeks after the June 12 disaster, in which 241 people on board and many on the ground died when the plane crashed into a medical college hostel seconds after take-off from the Ahmedabad airport.

Peter Neenan, an aviation lawyer and partner at UK law firm Stewarts, has represented families in a number of large airline disasters around the world, including the high-profile MH17 and MH370 crashes.

He claimed the airlines treatment of grief-stricken families could save it at least 100m by under-compensating families. This is the real horror of what theyre potentially looking to do, he said, calling for an investigation into the airlines behaviour.

Neenan said the families were not given any warning, legal advice or a copy of the documents. Some families have told him that Air India officials went round to their homes and asked why they had not yet completed the forms, he added.

Neenan claimed families were falsely told they would not receive any payments unless they completed the forms, even though airlines are required under international law to make immediate advance payments to families entitled to compensation. Families are not required to do anything more than provide proof of identity and sign a receipt.
President Donald Trump has praised the broad tax and spending bill, which Congress passed in the early hours of Friday, as one of the most successful bills in the history of America. The wide-ranging bill will now be signed into law by the President later today, although its actual real-world impact is expected to differ considerably between various industries, income levels, and regions.

The historic bill makes permanent the 2017 Trump tax cuts, restores some business deductions, reverses incentives for green energy, and institutes deep cuts in federal safety net programs. The bill is generally believed to bring significant benefits to corporations, top earners, and certain categories of workers, but other groups  low-income Americans, hospitals, and clean energy companies  are likely to suffer disadvantages.

'Implications For Indians In The US'

One major concession in the bill's final reading is a relief to the Indian diaspora. The initial plan had envisaged a 5 percent tax on remittances made to countries abroad such as India. This has been drastically lowered to only 1 percent in the bill's final reading, bringing immense relief to an estimated 4.5 million Indians who are settled in the US, out of whom 3.2 million are of Indian origin.

The remittance tax, according to the bill, levies "a tax equal to 1 percent of the amount of such transfer" that shall "be paid by the sender." This provision will cover US residents who are not citizens, including Green Card holders, H-1B and H-2A visa holders, and foreign students.

But, while the tax will target transfers made in cash, money orders, or cashier's checks, the transfers made through financial institutions or by way of US-issued debit/credit cards and using a 'qualified remittance transfer service' are exempt. This provision for a 1 percent tax, a cut from an initial House draft of 3.5 percent and the initial 5 percent, will target transfers initiated after December 31, 2025.

'Remittances: India's Lifeline'

Remittances are an important source of foreign earnings for India, sustaining millions of families and strengthening the overall economy of the country. According to data as of 2023, about 2.9 million Indians were living in the United States, which was the second-largest immigrant community there, reported the Migration Policy Institute. India got a record $129 billion in remittances in 2023-24, the highest in the world, of which 28 percent came from the U.S. alone, according to World Bank statistics. The share of India accounted for 14.3 percent of world remittance flows in the same year, the highest by a nation in the 21st century.

For Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, these remittances are not only beneficial but are viewed as vital to day-to-day survival and financial well-being by many families.

The passing of this bill represents a signature legislative achievement of President Trump's presidency, striking a balance between deep tax cuts and steep cuts in government expenditure, aligning with his long-term economic and fiscal policy goals.
The bodies of a young couple were found hanging from a tree in a forested area of Pirtand block in Jharkhands Giridih district on Friday, police officials said.

The discovery has sparked tension and speculation in the area.

The deceased have been identified as Imamul Hansda, a resident of Panchrukhi village under Mufassil police station limits, and Rani Kumari, a resident of Kulkhi village.

It remains unclear whether the two died by suicide or were murdered and later hung from the tree to mislead the investigation. Police are actively probing both angles.

The bodies were found in the forest near Kulkhi village, under the jurisdiction of Kudko Panchayat and Harladih Outpost (OP). Villagers reportedly discovered the couple hanging when they ventured into the forest early Friday, after which panic and speculation spread rapidly in the area.

On receiving information, Harladih OP police and Dumri Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Sumit Kumar reached the scene and began an investigation. The bodies were sent to Giridih Sadar Hospital for post-mortem examination.

Preliminary inquiries with area residents revealed that the two had been in a relationship for a long time and had expressed a desire to marry. However, societal and family pressures reportedly stood in the way of their union.

Police found a box of vermilion (sindoor) in the pocket of the deceased youth, leading to speculation that he may have filled the womans hair parting with it, symbolising marriage, before their deaths.

Dumri SDPO Sumit Kumar said the case appears to be related to a love affair, but the exact cause of death will be confirmed after the post-mortem report is received.

"All possibilities are being examined," said the SDPO, adding: "We are questioning the families of both the deceased to determine when they left home. If they were missing for some time, we also want to know why the police werent informed earlier."
India's Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Capability Development and Sustenance) Lieutenant General Rahul R Singh, on Friday, announced that China had given "all possible support," including live operational feedback, to Pakistan during India's recent military operation, "Operation Sindoor." He also pointed out a big role played by Turkey in supporting Pakistan.

Addressing the 'New Age Military Technologies' seminar organized by FICCI in New Delhi, Lt Gen Singh emphasized the daunting challenges that India was confronted with, pointing out the existence of "one border and two enemies, actually three," with Pakistan leading the pack, and China and Turkey supporting them.

"81% of the military equipment with Pakistan is Chinese. China can test weapons with other weapons, so it's like a live laboratory open to them," Lt Gen Singh said, explaining the strategic benefit Beijing derives from its military partnership with Islamabad.

In a particularly eye-opening statement, the Deputy COAS remarked, "While the DGMO-level discussions were happening, Pakistan was receiving live updates on our key vectors from China." This hinted at a real-time intelligence-sharing setup between Beijing and Islamabad during the conflict. He also acknowledged Turkey's role, noting the supply of "Bayraktar and several other drones" to Pakistan.

Operation Sindoor, which kicked off on May 7, 2025, was a carefully coordinated response from India's tri-services to the horrific Pahalgam terror attack that took the lives of 26 civilians on April 22, 2025.

Lt Gen Singh stressed the urgent need for India to enhance its air defense capabilities. "Air Defense and how it unfolded throughout the operation was crucial... This time, we didn't quite address our population centers, but next time, we must be ready for that. We need a strong air defense system," he cautioned, signaling possible future threats.

He praised the Indian Armed Forces for their precise strikes on terror infrastructure and elaborated on the strategic planning that guided Operation Sindoor. "The strategic messaging from our leadership was clear... We cant afford to absorb the pain like we did a few years back," he asserted, highlighting a significant shift in Indias approach to cross-border terrorism.

He explained that the planning and target selection were grounded in thorough data gathered through a mix of cutting-edge technology and human intelligence. "We identified a total of 21 targets, and we decided it was wise to engage with nine of them... It was only on the final day, in the last hour, that we made the call to engage these nine targets," Lt Gen Singh revealed.

Emphasising the cohesive nature of India's military response, he added, "We made a deliberate choice to adopt a tri-services approach to send a clear message that we are indeed an integrated force." He wrapped up by underscoring the strategic importance of managing escalation: "An important aspect of our strategy is to control escalation."
Deputy Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Rahul R Singh on Friday said that China is using Pakistan as a proxy to test its military hardware.

Lieutenant General Singh was speaking at the 'New Age Military Technologies' seminar organized by FICCI in New Delhi.

He pointed out that China is using real-world conflicts as a living laboratory to evaluate its weapon systems.

"China is able to test its weapons against various other weapons, so its like a live lab available to them," he said.

This must be taken very seriously, he cautioned.

Referring to the recent Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians, Lt Gen Singh said, Its no surprise that 81% of the military equipment Pakistan has acquired in the past five years is Chinese. China would rather inflict pain through its neighbours than directly engage.

Lieutenant General Singh said that Turkey and China had supported Pakistan during Operation Sindoor.

We had one border and two adversaries, actually three. Pakistan was in the front. China was providing all possible support. Turkey also played an important role in providing the type of support it did. When DGMO-level talks were on, Pakistan was actually mentioning that your such and such important vectors are ready for action and requested us to pull it back. They were getting real time updates from China, said the Lieutenant General.

On the need of a robust air defence system, he acknowledged that some indigenous air defence systems performed well during Operation Sindoor, while others revealed critical gaps.

We don't have the luxury of systems like Israels Iron Dome because of our vast geography and limited resources. Still, our population centres must be protected with layered air defence, he said.

Lt Gen Singh underlined the growing role of drones, counter-drone systems, and long-range artillery in modern warfare.

We need to move very fast. Its a cat-and-mouse game, he remarked.

He also emphasized the importance of enhancing C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) capabilities to maintain strategic dominance and civil-military fusion.

India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 innocent civilians were gunned down by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists. As part of Operation Sindoor, Indian armed forces launched precise strikes targeting nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK), killing more than 100 dreaded terrorists.



(With IANS Inputs)
NEW DELHI: The ED arrested a foreign currency businessman and one of the masterminds in a Chinese App investment fraud case involving over Rs 903 crore and seized incriminating documents during searches at his five premises in Delhi, an official said on Friday. Rohit Vij, the mastermind in the conversion of proceeds of crime into forex, was arrested on June 30 for his links to a fake investment app named LOXAM, claiming to be related to a reputed French MNC Group of the same name.

The business entities and associates of Vij were searched under the provisions of PMLA, 2002, said an official. After arresting Vij, the ED produced him in a Special PMLA Court, which sent him to the probe agencys custody for five days. The federal agency had initiated an investigation against Vij and his associates on the basis of the FIR registered by Cyber Crime, Hyderabad.

It was alleged that some Chinese individuals, in association with Indians, have defrauded various investors by luring and offering unrealistically high returns on investments through their fake investment app.

ED investigation revealed that the tainted money was collected in the bank account of a shell entity, M/s Xindai Technologies Pvt Ltd, which was formed in the name of an Indian person, on the instructions of a Chinese national, namely Jack.

The probe agency said Jack took the Internet Banking credentials and routed the funds collected through 38 mule accounts, which were subsequently converted into foreign currencies with the help of Vij and his associates through shell money changer entities like Ranjan Money Corp Pvt Ltd and KDS Forex Pvt Ltd, controlled by them, based in Delhi.

Vij and his associates converted the tainted amount into foreign currencies, mostly in US dollars and UAE Dirham, through multiple Authorised Money Changers (AMCs)/Full Fledged Money Changers (FFMCs), and gave them to a Chinese fraudster through various middlemen through hawala channels.

An amount totalling Rs 171.47 crore was laundered through M/s Xindai Technologies Pvt Ltd and subsequently converted into forex through M/s Ranjan Moneycorp Pvt Ltd and M/s KDS Forex Pvt Ltd.

However, from the analysis of bank accounts of M/s Ranjan Money Corp and M/s KDS Forex Pvt Ltd, it was found that within a period of seven months, these entities, under the control and operation of Rohit Vij, converted Rs 903 crore of similar tainted money generated by Chinese perpetrators of fraud and other accused persons.
During the 8th Muharram procession in Srinagar, flags of Palestine and Iran, along with pictures of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, were displayed to show solidarity with Iran and Palestine.

The police had instructed Shia participants not to hoist the flags of Iran, Palestine, or Hezbollah, nor to display images of Iran's Supreme Leader or any other political or religious leaders. However, despite these restrictions, participants displayed Iran and Hezbollah flags, as well as banners supporting Iran, Palestine, and Hezbollah, as an act of solidarity amid rising tensions in West Asiaeven though police had warned against such actions.

Pictures of Ayatollah Aga Syed Ali Khamenei, Ayatollah Khamenei, and Hassan Nasrallah were also prominently displayed during the procession.

Members of the Shia community stated that these demonstrations reflect a historical and emotional connection between the Shia community of Kashmir and the geopolitical struggles of Iran and Palestine, which they often view as a form of resistance against oppression.

On 4th July 2025, the Shia community in Srinagar held the Muharram procession along its traditional route from Guru Bazar to Dalgate amid tight security. The procession passed through Lal Chowk and M.A. Road before reaching its destination at Dalgate.

Security forces remained highly vigilant throughout the event, and the entire route was kept free of traffic to ensure the smooth passage of the procession. Unlike some other states, there is no restriction on the size of Tazias in Kashmir, though the authorities have issued several guidelines regarding dos and donts.

It is worth noting that this 8th-day Muharram procession was banned from 1991 to 2023 due to terrorism concerns. However, in 2023, the Lieutenant Governors administration declared that the situation had improved and lifted the ban, allowing the procession to resume after a 32-year hiatus.
Additional Director General of the Army Design Bureau Major General CS Mann on Friday said that the Indian Army has finalised a comprehensive framework to address concerns about the use of Chinese components in drones.

He added that once the framework is approved, it will introduce rigorous testing protocols to ensure all equipment is free from security vulnerabilities.

Responding to a question regarding the use of Chinese components in Indian drones, Major General Mann said, "I said last year that we are making a framework - and now that framework has been completed and is under approval. Once approved, thorough testing will be conducted to ensure our equipment is free from any security vulnerabilities."

His remarks came after Deputy Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Rahul R Singh emphasised the need for a robust air defence system, stating that our population centres must be protected with layered air defence.

We don't have the luxury of systems like Israels Iron Dome because of our vast geography and limited resources. Still, our population centres must be protected with layered air defence, IANS quoted Lieutenant General Singh as saying.

Lt Gen Singh underlined the growing role of drones, counter-drone systems, and long-range artillery in modern warfare.

We need to move very fast. Its a cat-and-mouse game, he remarked.

He also emphasized the importance of enhancing C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) capabilities to maintain strategic dominance and civil-military fusion.

"China is able to test its weapons against various other weapons, so its like a live lab available to them," he said.

This must be taken very seriously, he cautioned.

Referring to the recent Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians, Lt Gen Singh said, Its no surprise that 81% of the military equipment Pakistan has acquired in the past five years is Chinese. China would rather inflict pain through its neighbours than directly engage.

India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 to retaliate against the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where Pakistan-sponsored terrorists gunned down 26 innocent civilians. As part of Operation Sindoor, Indian armed forces targeted and struck nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK), killing more than 100 terrorists.

(With IANS Inputs)
New Delhi: Himachal Pradesh has suffered cumulative losses exceeding Rs 495 crore and recorded at least 69 deaths since the monsoon season began on June 20, according to a status report issued by the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) on Friday. Among the fatalities, 26 occurred due to road accidents during this period, while the remaining 43 were attributed to various monsoon-related disasters.

The extensive damage includes the destruction of 55 houses and 198 cow sheds, along with significant loss to public infrastructure and departmental assets. Roads, water supply schemes, power systems, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities have all been affected. The loss to public infrastructure alone is estimated at Rs 287.80 crore, with the Public Works Department (PWD) bearing the highest financial impact. Other affected departments include the Jal Shakti Vibhag (JSV), Power, Health, Education, Fisheries, Rural Development, Urban Development, and Animal Husbandry.

In terms of private property, the estimated damage stands at Rs 134.32 crore. Additionally, the agriculture and horticulture sectors have suffered losses of Rs 20.38 crore and Rs 13.48 crore, respectively.

Mandi district has emerged as the worst-hit region, reporting 20 deaths, 80 fully damaged houses, and severe infrastructural damage across various departments. The estimated loss in the district stands at Rs 86.78 crore. Kangra district has recorded 13 deaths, 52 houses fully damaged, and total losses amounting to Rs 84.93 crore. Significant damage has also been reported from Kullu, Shimla, Solan, and Chamba districts, affecting both public infrastructure and private property.

From January to July 3 this year, Himachal Pradesh has recorded 548 deaths due to various disasters, including 132 fatalities in June alone. The SEOC report highlights that 958 people have been injured so far in 2024 due to incidents such as landslides, cloudbursts, road accidents, and other calamities.

Of the 69 monsoon-related fatalities, 14 were caused by cloudbursts, 8 by flash floods, 7 due to drowning, and the rest from electrocution, landslides, accidental falls, and snake bites. The 26 road accident deaths recorded during the same period are also included in the monsoon toll. On July 3 alone, six fatalities were reported, with one each in Chamba (landslide), Una (electrocution), and Kinnaur (slippage).

Additionally, the monsoon has led to the deaths of 110 animals and birds, causing financial losses estimated at Rs 3.31 lakh in livestock and poultry. A total of 497 cow sheds have also been damaged.

Authorities are actively assessing the extent of the damage and continuing relief efforts. The SEOC has urged residents, especially those in vulnerable and disaster-prone areas, to remain cautious as the monsoon season continues.

(With inputs from ANI)
Apples biggest assembly partner, Foxconn, has ordered more than 300 of its Chinese employees to return home from its iPhone factories in India, Bloomberg reported, citing anonymous sources.

The employees told to return account for the bulk of Foxconns staff in its iPhone facilities in India, and only Taiwanese support staff remain in the country, the report said.

The motivation behind the order was not immediately clear, Bloomberg reported, though the outlet noted that Chinese officials have been asking regulators to curb knowledge and tech resources from being exported to India in a bid to preserve the countrys manufacturing heft.

The move comes as Foxconn and other Apple suppliers have been ramping up manufacturing in India as the iPhone maker seeks to reduce its reliance on Chinese manufacturing for its hardware. In May, Foxconn received Indian government approval to build a $435 million semiconductor plant in the country.

Apples CEO Tim Cook has said the company is importing more iPhones from India as one way to handle the uncertainties around U.S. tariffs and trade risks.
India on Friday reacted to the Dalai Lama's succession plan, saying that it doesn't comment on religious matters and supports freedom of religion for all. The Ministry of External Affairs said that India will continue to uphold freedom of religion for all. The remark comes days after Dalai Lama's declaration that the Gaden Phodrang Trust, a non-profit institution he established, has the sole authority to recognise his future reincarnation.

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "We have seen reports relating to the statement made by His Holiness the Dalai Lama about the continuation of the Dalai Lama institution." Jaishwal further said, "The government of India does not take any position or speak on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion. The government has always upheld freedom of religion for all in India and will continue to do so."

China's Reaction

Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong on Friday reiterated China's official stance on the reincarnation process of Tibetan Buddhist leaders, emphasising that it is governed by time-honoured rituals and cannot be determined by any one individual. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the envoy said, "The reincarnation of Living Buddhas follows a fully developed set of established rituals, and has never been decided by a single individual including the 14th Dalai Lama himself."

Indian Minister's Remark

Union Minister of Minority Affairs of India Kiren Rijiju recently asserted that the choice of the Dalai Lama's successor should rest solely with the spiritual leader himself, reflecting the belief of his followers worldwide amid China's recent statement on the matter. "I am a devotee of the Dalai Lama. Anybody in the world who follows the Dalai Lama wants his successor to be chosen by the Dalai Lama himself," Rijiju said.

China vs Tibet

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. (With ANI inputs)
Nipah Virus: Kerala health authorities on Friday issued an alert across three northern districts after two individuals displayed symptoms of Nipah virus. The cases have raised concerns of an outbreak of the disease.

The health alerts have been issued in the districts of Malappuram, Palakkad, and Kozhikode. Meanwhile, according to ANI, Kerala Health Minister Veena George has informed that the suspected cases of Nipah virus are from Malappuram and Palakkad districts.

An alert has been issued in three districts of Kerala, namely Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Palakkad, in connection with two new Nipah virus cases, the Minister stated.

The Health Minister said that 26 committees have been formed across districts to coordinate the response, and added that police support will be sought to prepare a contact list. District Collectors have been instructed to prepare for declaring containment zones if required. In addition, state and district-level helplines will also be activated.

Nipah Virus Test

The tests conducted at medical college hospitals in Malappuram and Kozhikode have confirmed the infections and the samples have been sent to Punes National Institute of Virology (NIV) for confirmation. It is the only lab in the country that cultures the Nipah virus.

As final confirmation from the Institute in Pune is awaited, the government has directed officials to strengthen preventive measures to contain the spread of the virus.

Nipah Virus: Symptoms

As per ANI, the Nipah virus is zoonotic, meaning transmitted from animals to humans, and can also spread through contaminated food or directly between people.

The symptoms of the virus are fever, headaches, muscle pain, vomiting, sore throat, dizziness, altered consciousness, and atypical pneumonia. However, in individuals who have been infected, it causes a range of illnesses from asymptomatic (subclinical) infection to acute respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis.

Nipah Virus Disease (NiVD) has a mortality rate of 50 percent, making it one of the most dangerous viral diseases.

ICMRs Mobile Laboratory

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) developed RAMBAAN, a Mobile BSL-3 [MBSL-3] laboratory, an initiative for providing the diagnostic surge capacity for enhancing the onsite laboratory services during the outbreaks of known and unknown high-risk pathogens.

(with ANI inputs)
The Indian Army has been ramping up its operational readiness post Operation Sindoor, where it saw adversaries like China and Turkey collaborating with Pakistan to corner India. Since Operation Sindoor, India has been analysing the four-day military conflict with Pakistan to see where the focus needs to be shifted and where the shortcomings are. During Operation Sindoor, India tested its weapons and defence capabilities in a real-life conflict and thus noticed how the world would react in case of a full-blown war with Pakistan.

Indian Army On Operational Readiness

At an event 'New Age Military Technologies' organised by FICCI, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Capability Development & Sustenance), Lt Gen Rahul R Singh highlighted that India needs to ramp up its preparations on several counts, including C4 ISR and air defence grid.

"An important lesson is the importance of C4 ISR and civil-military functions. There is a lot to be done as far as this is concerned. When DGMO-level talks were on, Pakistan actually was mentioning that we know that such and such vector is primed and ready for action. We would request you to perhaps pull it back. They were getting live inputs from China. That is one place we really need to move fast," said Lt Gen Singh.

What Is C4 ISR?

C4ISR stands for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance. This military term refers to a suite of systems and technologies designed to enhance situational awareness, streamline communication, and ensure seamless coordination among various units, ultimately enabling informed and effective decision-making during combat operations. Here, Lt General Singh was referring to the help Pakistan was getting from Chinese satellites. Notably, China has deployed several reconnaissance/ surveillance satellites in the past few years compared to India. On the other hand, ISRO has witnessed multiple failures when it comes to launching intelligence satellites.

Air Defence Layers

Notably, while Israel boasts of a robust air defence system that includes Irone dome, Arrow and America's THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defence). The United States is also preparing for a multi-layered air defence system named Golden Dome. At the same time, India has a vast population to secure during wars and thus, it needs an air defence system capable of protecting the whole nation during long-drawn wars.

The Deputy COAS emphasised the need for a robust air defence system to combat the China-Pak tango. "There is a need for a robust air defence system. Our population centres need to be protected. We don't have the luxury of Israel's Iron Dome and a number of other air defence systems. We don't have such a system as our country is vast and such things cost a lot of money...This time, our population centres were not quite addressed, but next time, we need to be prepared for that," said the Deputy Chief of the Army Staff.

Multiple Front War

Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Capability Development and Sustenance), Lieutenant General Rahul R Singh, on Friday, highlighted the role played by China and Turkey in assisting Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. "We had one border and two adversaries, actually three. Pakistan was in the front. China was providing all possible support. 81% of the military hardware with Pakistan is Chinese...Turkey also played an important role in providing the type of support it did."
A British Royal Navy F-35B Lightning II fighter jet has been grounded since June 14, 2025, at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala. It had to make an emergency landing due to low fuel and adverse weather conditions.

The British fighter jet is valued at over $110 million and was operating from the UK's HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group in the Indo-Pacific region when it had to be grounded.

F-35 To Be Dismantled?

Several media reports have suggested that the F-35B might have to be dismantled for it to make it home. For the UK Navy's fighter jet to in into the C-17 Globemaster, the dismantling would have to take place.

According to a report by NDTV, the process of dismantling can only be carried out by engineers who have been trained by Lockheed Martin. Furthermore, every step will have to be logged and verified since it is a classified technology.

F-35's Parking Fees

The stranded F-35B Lightning II has been at the Thiruvanthapuram International Airport for over 20 days, and the parking fee for the jet will have to be calculated. As per a report by The Times of India, the charge is generally calculated based on the aircraft's weight.

Kerala Tourism's Spot On Post

As the British fighter jet remains grounded in India, Kerala Tourism's official handle on X shared a hearty post saying, "Kerala, the destination you'll never want to leave."

Sharing an animated picture of the jet at the Airport, Kerala Tourism's post added a five-star review from the jet and added, "Kerala is such an amazing place, I don't want to leave. Definitely recommend."

Netizens quickly took the opportunity to add on and shared quirky comments on the post. One X user wrote, "Now it refuses to start without coconut oil."

Fighter Jet Stranded In Kerala

As per ANI, the aircraft is being guarded round the clock by India's Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and British personnel. Inclement weather conditions prevented the aircraft from safely landing on the carrier, making the emergency landing at the airport necessary.

The British High Commission has expressed gratitude for India's assistance.

"We are working to repair the UK F-35B at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport as quickly as possible. We thank the Indian Authorities for their continued support," said a spokesperson.
A student of the South Calcutta Law College was allegedly gang-raped on the evening of June 25, and Monojit Mishra, one of the three accused in the case, made around 16 calls in three hours after the crime took place.

The victim was allegedly raped by the two senior students and an alumnus of the institute in the guard's room. Monojit Mishra, who is reportedly the mastermind behind the crime and is also known as Mango, was arrested by the police earlier. Apart from the three accused, the college guard has been arrested in the case so far.

Monojit Mishra's 16 Calls

According to the news agency IANS, the call details are currently being examined by the investigating officials. Additionally, the process of interrogation of those with whom Monojit Mishra talked during that period has started.

The news agency reported, citing sources, that one of the calls that the alleged mastermind made from his mobile phone during that period was to a member of the governing body of the same college.

However, the governing body member concerned has already been questioned by the investigating officials.



The tower locations of the mobile phones of the three accused- Monojit Mishra, Jaib Ahmed, and Pramit Mukhopadhyay, during that time frame, are being tracked by the investigating officials to have an idea of the places they went to immediately after the crime took place.

Law College Rape Case

The investigation was handed over to the Detective Department of the city police this week, and they have started the probe process by adding new sections against the three prime accused persons.

Before the Department took over the investigation, the accused were charged under sections on rape. However, with the takeover, the investigation sections relating to abduction and causing injuries with weapons were also levied on the three.

On Friday morning, around 3 am, the Detective Department reached the law college campus along with the three accused for the reenactment of the incident. IANS further reported, citing the sources, that the findings of the reenactment process will be cross-checked with the statement given by the victim soon after the event of sexual harassment took place last week. Earlier, a member of the special investigation team, which was initially investigating the matter, had gone to the college campus with the victim for reenactment purposes.

Court On Law College Rape Case

A division bench of the Calcutta High Court, on Thursday, directed Kolkata Police to submit the progress report on the investigation and the case diary in the matter of the law college student gangrape to the court within the next seven days.

The bench of Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Smita Das gave this direction to the police during the first hearing on a public interest litigation (PIL) filed in the matter seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe.

The next hearing will be on July 10, and the city police will have to submit the progress report of the investigation and the case diary to the division bench by then. The division bench also directed the state government and the college authorities concerned to file their respective affidavits in the matter by that period.

(with IANS inputs)
Amid the intensifying language row in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said that it is not wrong to be proud of the Marathi language. However, he added that the state government will not tolerate hooliganism in the name of language.

"It is not wrong to be proud of the Marathi language in Maharashtra. But if someone indulges in hooliganism due to language, we will not tolerate it. If someone beats up people on the basis of language, this will not be tolerated," ANI quoted CM Fadnavis as saying.

Chief Minister Fadnavis warned that legal action would be taken against anyone creating hooliganism in the name of language in the future.

"The police have filed an FIR and taken action on the incident, and if anyone creates such a language dispute in future, legal action will be taken. We are proud of our Marathi, but injustice cannot be done to any language of India in this manner; we will have to keep this in mind. And sometimes I am surprised that these people embrace English and create disputes over Hindi. What kind of thinking is this and what kind of action is this? Therefore, strict action will be taken against those who take the law into their own hands," ANI quoted CM Fadnavis as saying.

Chief Minister Fadnavis's statement came days after a food stall owner was allegedly beaten up by a group of men wearing Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) scarves for not speaking in Marathi.

Earlier on Thursday, Maharashtra Minister Yogesh Kadam said that you have to speak Marathi in Maharashtra.

"In Maharashtra, you have to speak Marathi. If you don't know Marathi, your attitude shouldn't be that you won't speak Marathi. If anyone disrespects Marathi in Maharashtra, we will enforce our laws, ANI quoted Kadam as saying.

Minister Kadam also criticised the people involved in the assault of the food stall owner, saying that they should not have taken the law into their own hands.

Those who beat up (the shop owner) should not take the law into their own hands. They should have filed a complaint against the concerned person; action would have been taken," he said.

Police have registered an FIR in connection with the assault of the food stall owner.

Thane Food Stall Incident

The incident took place on Tuesday when a man asked the food stall owner to speak in Marathi while shopping. When the shop owner refused, the man got angry and started shouting at him. Meanwhile, his friends also joined in and they beat up the shop owner.
New Delhi: The Air India 171 flight lifted off the Ahmedabad runway on a clear morning. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner showed no signs of trouble. No warnings. No delays. Nothing to raise eyebrows.

Seconds later, it lost altitude. Fast. The descent rate crossed 475 feet per minute. Then came the crash.

Now, an investigative report by The New York Times has revealed what many had feared. Both engines of the aircraft failed at the same time.

This is the first confirmation backed by real data. A Wall Street Journal report earlier hinted at a dual-engine failure. But it left room for doubt. The NYT investigation has narrowed that gap.

Experts analysed crash footage and found no signs of asymmetrical thrust. When one engine fails, planes typically swerve. This flight did not. That detail changed everything.

The emergency call made by the pilot seconds before impact adds more weight. He reported losing thrust. Said he could not lift the aircraft. Aviation safety veteran Jeff Guzzetti reviewed the video. He saw no yawing, no smoke, no flame. That pointed to a full and simultaneous power loss.

But how can both engines fail together?

Two main theories have emerged. One  contaminated fuel entered both engines. Two  someone fed incorrect flight data into the system before takeoff. Investigators have not ruled out a software-induced glitch either.

Aviation attorney Mary Schiavo said modern aircraft software, if wrongly configured, can create a cascading failure. Some pilots have experienced similar glitches before. But never in this way.

There is more.

The plane might have used a full runway backtrack for takeoff. CCTV footage supports that theory. Experts think the pilots wanted extra distance, possibly due to weight or engine concerns. But that is still under review.

The Dreamliners landing gear never fully retracted. Wreckage shows the wheels tilted, half inside. That could mean a power failure midway through retraction.

Wing slats were deployed. That is another critical detail. These slats increase lift and are often used during emergency descents. Burn marks on the right wing suggest the slats were extended before the crash, not on impact.

Flight tracking data has troubling gaps. Black box recordings are under analysis at the AAIB lab. So far, the data suggests the aircraft took off clean, but failed to climb after a short time airborne.

Indias Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau recreated the flight in a simulator. They used the same settings  gears down and slats extended. The simulated plane stayed airborne. It did not crash. That means something else went wrong.

And that something is likely the engines.

The experts say modern aircraft engines are extremely reliable. Dual failures are almost unheard of. Which is why this crash has stunned global aviation circles.

There were 241 people on board. Only one survived. The final report is still weeks away. But the early findings point toward a rare and catastrophic systems failure.

And investigators still do not know if it began on the ground or in the sky.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday issued notices to the Union government, the office of the Tamil Nadu Governor, and the University Grants Commission (UGC) on a plea filed by the Tamil Nadu government challenging a Madras High Court order that stayed new state laws curtailing the Governors role in appointing vice-chancellors (VCs) to state universities.

According to a Hindustan Times report, the state government approached the top court after a vacation bench of the high court, on May 21, granted an interim stay on the operation of nine state laws. These laws, passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly earlier this year, transferred powers related to the appointment, eligibility, and removal of university VCs from the Governor, who traditionally acts as Chancellor, to the state government.

A Supreme Court bench of Justices PS Narasimha and R Mahadevan sought responses from all three parties while hearing the state's special leave petition. The court, however, refrained from commenting on the merits of the dispute and limited itself to issuing formal notices.

Representing Tamil Nadu, senior advocates Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Rakesh Dwivedi, and P Wilson submitted that the high court acted in "undue haste" by staying the operation of the state legislation without giving the government an adequate opportunity to file a counter-affidavit or present its arguments.

The high court granted interim relief that amounts to granting final relief, and it did so without hearing the state or seeking a formal response, argued Singhvi, as per the Hindustan Times report.

The state also requested the Supreme Court to allow the Madras High Court to proceed with hearing its application to vacate the interim stay, which is listed for July 14.

However, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the UGC, opposed this request. He pointed out that Tamil Nadu has also filed a transfer petition seeking to move all related matters to the Supreme Court. You cannot seek transfer of the case to the top court and simultaneously push for orders from the high court, Mehta argued, adding that the state laws are absolutely repugnant to the UGC regulations.

Mehta emphasized that the UGCs guidelines, which are central in nature, mandate that VCs must be appointed by the Chancellor, a role constitutionally assigned to the Governor in most states. He maintained that any deviation from this would be in direct violation of central norms.

The high courts May 21 stay came during its summer vacation, in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by advocate K. Venkatachalapathy. The petitioner challenged the constitutional validity of the state amendments, arguing that they violated UGC norms and were, therefore, ultra vires. The PIL contended that in a conflict between central and state laws within the Concurrent List, the central law must prevail.

In its ruling, the high court temporarily halted the implementation of the amendments, which removed the Governors authority to appoint VCs, allowed the state to set up search committees, determine eligibility, and even remove VCs from office.

The Tamil Nadu government, in its appeal before the apex court, argued that the high courts vacation bench heard the PIL without any demonstrated urgency and listed the matter in violation of its own notification, which limits vacation hearings to very urgent matters. According to the state, the petitioner was affiliated with a political party and lacked legal standing.

The state further cited the Supreme Courts April 8 ruling in State of Tamil Nadu vs Governor of Tamil Nadu, which held that several bills, re-enacted by the Assembly and previously withheld by the Governor, were deemed to have received assent. Many of these laws were related to the very issue of vice-chancellor appointments.

The Supreme Court, in that earlier ruling, had criticized Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi for reserving as many as 10 re-enacted bills for Presidential assent, instead of granting or withholding assent as required. The matter has since been referred to the President under Article 143 and remains pending before the apex court.

In its special leave petition, Tamil Nadu underscored the constitutional principle that laws passed by a legislature enjoy a strong presumption of constitutionality. Citing the 2014 Constitution Bench decision in State of West Bengal vs Committee for Protection of Democratic Rights, the state argued that courts must exercise restraint while issuing interim reliefs that effectively render duly enacted laws inoperative.

The Supreme Court is expected to take up the matter in the coming weeks after receiving responses from the Centre, the Governors office, and the UGC.
The police, along with the Indian Army (42 RR) and CRPF (180 Bn) at a checkpoint established at Wagad village crossing, arrested two terrorist associates identified as Umer Mohi-ud-Din Bhat's son of Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din resident of Nader Tral, and Shakeel Ahmad Sheikh, son of Gh. Hassan Sheikh, resident of Kuchmulla Tral.

During the search, explosive substances, ammunition including two hand grenades, 59 live rounds of AK-47, 01 AK-47 magazine, and incriminating material were recovered from their possession.

It is pertinent to mention here that both the arrested terrorist associates were involved in providing logistics support and transportation of arms and ammunition to the active terrorists of the proscribed terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) in Tral and Awantipora areas of district Pulwama, officials added.

Accordingly, a case vide FIR NO. 86/2025 under relevant sections of the law have been registered in Police Station Tral, and further investigation has been initiated, the official added.

OGW Arrested By Anantnag Police

In view of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025, the Anantnag Police enhanced security measures to ensure a safe and peaceful pilgrimage. As part of these initiatives, high-resolution Facial Recognition System (FRS) cameras were installed at multiple locations along the Pahalgam-to-cave route, including Langanbal Naka  a key checkpoint on the Yatra path.

During routine surveillance using the newly installed FRS, the system successfully flagged a suspicious individual whose facial data matched entries in the security database. Upon immediate verification and investigation, the individual was identified as an Over Ground Worker (OGW) affiliated with a terrorist outfit, according to a statement by Anantnag Police on X.

The suspect was taken into custody, and a detailed investigation is currently underway to ascertain his links and any potential threats. This successful identification and detention underscore the effectiveness of the Facial Recognition System in preemptive threat detection and maintaining public safety.
Pakistan celebrities' social media accounts were briefly unblocked in India due to a technical glitch, but the digital ban remains amid rising post-Pahalgam tensions and AICWA's call for a permanent blackout.
Is Qonto a real bank? is one of the top suggested questions in Google searches about the French fintech startup. The answer is no, but it could change: Qonto has filed for a banking license in France, CEO Alexandre Prot revealed.

Qonto, which targets European freelancers and SMBs, currently operates with a payment institution license it obtained in 2018 and that already enabled it to introduce a form of buy now, pay later (BNPL). But a credit institution license would let it offer broader lending, savings, and investment options to its target customers.

Since its current license is valid across the EU, Qonto has already been able to expand into several European markets, and recently reached the milestone of 600,000 customers. But lacking a credit license is a hindrance for its goal to reach 2 million customers by 2030.

While offering a more comprehensive solution seems like a natural move to compete with incumbent banks, obtaining a license and rolling out credit is not easy. That explains why Qontos SMB fintech competitors have approached this issue in different ways and why Qonto isnt exactly playing catch-up.

Memo Bank was founded as a bank from the outset and offers lending to SMBs, but that makes it an outlier. Finom operates with an electronic money institution (EMI) license, but it only just started testing the kind of lending that this regulatory middle ground allows. Revolut has a full Lithuanian license, but other than BNPL, it has yet to roll out credit options to businesses  although it plans to do so this year.

Still, the marketing power of well-funded competitors that operate both in B2C and B2B may have been a sign that Qonto needed to accelerate, especially as Revolut recently loudly announced plans to seek a French license and turn Paris into its Western Europe HQ.

Not mentioning competitors, Prot said that Qontos timing was driven by having achieved profitability ahead of schedule in 2023.

The son of former BNP Paribas president Baudouin Prot, Qontos CEO had obviously already thought about pursuing a credit license  and thats not just a guess. During a press briefing, Prot confirmed that he and co-founder Steve Anavi seriously considered the idea at one point, but ultimately dismissed it because it would have required too much time and additional fundraising.

Having been profitable since 2023 means that this hurdle now wont require Qonto to raise more funding than the $552 million it secured in 2022 at a $5 billion valuation. Prot recently said that the main, or the only reason, why we could raise additional capital is if we do a large or very large M&A deal, paid mostly in cash.
Port of Spain exploded with sound, colour and emotion as Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Trinidad and Tobago on July 3 for a historic two-day visit. The welcome was more than ceremonial. It was a full-blown celebration. Traditional drums echoed, dancers swayed to Indian-Caribbean beats and the air pulsed with chants and cheers.
Bigg Boss 19 Tentative List, Shocking Names Who Rejected The Offer: As every year ritual, this time too ahead of the new season, several names are doing the rounds on social media as tentative contestants. From Mamta Kulkarni, Apoorva Mukhija To Ram Kapoor - some biggies are expected to join this season.
Mumbai: Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan, who was recently seen in the Tamil film Vettaiyan, is celebrating 25 years of his iconic television show Kaun Banega Crorepati. On Thursday, the veteran megastar took to his Instagram, and shared a post for the show.

However, his choice of picture was something that didnt sit well with the post. The AI-generated picture was far from the show or its theme. The actor nevertheless wrote in the caption, Today 3rd July , 2025 , as I work on this years season KBC prep, I am told by the KBC team - 3rd July 2000, the first broadcast of KBC happened .. 25 years , the life of KBC (sic). Kaun Banega Crorepati is one of Indias most iconic television shows.

It is also responsible for reviving the career of Big B, who back in time was facing a severe financial crunch. During the late 1990s, Big Bs production house, Amitabh Bachchan Corporation (AB Corp) had gone belly up, given its overly corporate approach in times when the industry followed a very traditional way of making movies. In a bid to pay off the creditors, Big B took to the medium of television with KBC in 2000.

Suddenly, a megastar, who earlier was only accessible on the silver screen, reached millions of Indian households through television. With the strength of a new medium by his side, Big B not just booked the primetime of India for himself but also made a place in the heart of every Indian family.

The Indian audience gave an overwhelming response to Big B in Kaun Banega Crorepati which is based on the UK show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? The show was also hosted by Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan for one of its seasons but it didnt get as much a good response from the audience compared to Big Bs stint.
New Delhi: Every year on July 4, Americans gather for barbecues, fireworks, parades, and flag-waving ceremonies to celebrate Independence Day. But beyond the festive atmosphere lies a defining moment in the history of the United States, the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

What exactly makes this day so significant? Why is July 4, and not any other date, marked as the birth of the United States as an independent nation? The answer lies in a pivotal decision made nearly 250 years ago, when the 13 American colonies formally declared their break from British rule, setting the foundation for a new nation built on freedom and self-governance.

Heres a closer look at the history behind Americas Independence Day and why it continues to resonate across generations.

The Road To Independence

In the mid-18th century, Britain's 13 American colonies grew increasingly frustrated under British control. Colonists objected to harsh taxes like the Stamp Act and Townshend Acts, and resented the lack of representation in the British Parliament, summarized by the popular slogan: No taxation without representation.

This growing discontent led to a series of confrontations, including the Boston Tea Party (1773) and the Battles of Lexington and Concord (1775), which marked the start of the American Revolutionary War. As the war escalated, the call for full independence became impossible to ignore.

Why July 4 And Not July 2?

On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress, a convention of representatives from the colonies, voted in favor of declaring independence from Great Britain. However, the final text of the Declaration of Independence, primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson, was formally adopted on July 4, making it the symbolic birthdate of the United States.

Interestingly, Founding Father John Adams believed July 2 would be remembered as the true day of independence. In a letter to his wife Abigail, he wrote: The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America.

Despite his prediction, it was July 4, the date printed on the Declaration, that captured the national imagination.

Was It Signed On July 4?

Although July 4 is the date the Declaration was adopted, most delegates did not sign it that day. The formal signing began on August 2, 1776, and continued over the following weeks as representatives from various colonies added their names.

In total, 56 men signed the Declaration, including famous names such as John Hancock, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson.

From Protest To National Holiday

The first celebrations of July 4 took place in 1777, while the war was still ongoing. Cities like Philadelphia marked the day with bells, bonfires, and fireworks. In the years that followed, July 4 became an increasingly patriotic occasion.

It wasnt until 1870 that Congress made Independence Day a federal holiday, and in 1941, it became a paid holiday for federal employees. Since then, the Fourth of July has grown into a grand national celebration, blending history, tradition, and summer festivities.

A Symbol Beyond Borders

While Independence Day is rooted in American history, it is also a global symbol of democratic ideals and the fight for self-rule. Many democratic movements around the world have drawn inspiration from the American Revolution and the principles outlined in the Declaration of Independence, particularly its famous line: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal"

What The Day Means Today

For many Americans, July 4 is more than fireworks and hot dogs. Its a day to reflect on the values of freedom, democracy, and equality, and to remember the sacrifices made in the struggle for independence. It also serves as a reminder that the promise of liberty is still a work in progress.

As debates continue in the U.S. over civil rights, immigration, and national identity, Independence Day invites both celebration and reflection, a chance to honor the past while striving for a more inclusive and just future.
Port of Spain (Trinidad and Tobago): Port of Spain exploded with sound, colour and emotion as Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Trinidad and Tobago on July 3 for a historic two-day visit. The welcome was more than ceremonial. It was a full-blown celebration. Traditional drums echoed, dancers swayed to Indian-Caribbean beats and the air pulsed with chants and cheers.

The prime minister stepped out into a wave of admiration, welcomed not only by the official delegation but by hundreds from the Indian diaspora, many waiting for hours at Piarco International Airport.

He was greeted with a Guard of Honour and a rare personal reception from Trinidad and Tobagos Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who was joined by 38 cabinet ministers and four Members of Parliament.

Landed in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago. I thank Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, distinguished members of the Cabinet and MPs for the gesture of welcoming me at the airport. This visit will further cement bilateral ties between our nations. Looking forward to addressing pic.twitter.com/lyxxnKKfsR  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 3, 2025

Sharing some glimpses from the welcome at Port of Spain. May the friendship between India and Trinidad & Tobago continue to scale new heights in the times to come! pic.twitter.com/RkAW4pQBKw  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 3, 2025

This marked Modis first visit to the Caribbean nation as Indias prime minister and the first by any Indian PM since 1999.

The ceremonial welcome unfolded like a vivid display of cultural diplomacy. From traditional Trinidadian rhythms to the vibrant sounds of Bhojpuri Chautaal, the atmosphere celebrated shared history and roots.

Splendid atmosphere at the community programme in Trinidad & Tobago. https://t.co/qlW5JqaCCl  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 3, 2025

PM Modi stood watching, visibly moved, as the performance echoed connections stretching back generations from the sugarcane plantations to todays cultural festivals. He later shared a video of the performance, calling it a cultural connect like no other.

A cultural connect like no other!



Very happy to have witnessed a Bhojpuri Chautaal performance in Port of Spain. The connect between Trinidad & Tobago and India, especially parts of eastern UP and Bihar is noteworthy. pic.twitter.com/O751WpAJc5  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 3, 2025

In a heartfelt gesture, Trinidad and Tobago conferred upon Modi its highest civilian honour  The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT).

Former Agriculture Secretary Dev Duggal, speaking on the sidelines, described the award as long overdue. He recalled Modis earlier visit in 2003 for the World Hindu Conference, before he became the prime minister. This time, Duggal said, the visit carried a new weight  one that recognised the stature of Indias leader on the world stage.

The airport welcome was only the beginning. Over the next two days, PM Modi will meet President Christine Carla Kangaloo and hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar to deepen cooperation in areas such as digital finance, IT, renewable energy and healthcare. The broader aim is a long-term strategic bridge between India and the Caribbean.

Modi also took time to connect with the Indian diaspora, which makes up nearly 50% of Trinidad and Tobagos population. Many in the crowd at the airport held placards and waved flags. Some broke into spontaneous Bhojpuri songs.

Many people from India made their way to Trinidad & Tobago years ago. Over the years, they distinguished themselves in several fields and are enriching Trinidad & Tobagos development journey. At the same time, they have retained a connection with India and are also passionate pic.twitter.com/qlKVIEjUwh  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 3, 2025

The prime minister spoke to them warmly, praising their achievements in education, business, governance and cultural preservation. He highlighted how generations of Indian-origin families had shaped the countrys growth while staying rooted in Indian traditions.

Among those he met were three young winners of the Bharat Ko Janiye (Know India) Quiz  Shankar Ramjattan, Nicholas Maraj and Vince Mahato. Aimed at strengthening diaspora ties, the quiz had seen wide participation in Trinidad and Tobago. Modi congratulated the winners personally, calling the initiative a bridge between hearts and homelands.

Posting about the encounter, Modi called the diasporas welcome unforgettable and their contribution to Trinidad and Tobagos development deep and inspiring.

He hoped the India-Trinidad bond would scale new heights in the times to come.

Met youngsters Shankar Ramjattan, Nicholas Maraj and Vince Mahato, who are winners of the Bharat Ko Janiye (Know India) Quiz in Trinidad & Tobago.



This Quiz has generated widespread participation across the world and deepened the connect of our diaspora with India. pic.twitter.com/QbRSsYF6VY  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 3, 2025

For Port of Spain, the two days turned into a festival. For the Indian diaspora, it felt like a homecoming. And for India, the visit added another chapter to a growing story of global engagement built not only through treaties, but through tradition, people and presence.

(With ANI inputs)
Pakistan, often called a safe haven for terrorists, has once again shown its true colours by trying to provide a safe harbour to wanted terrorists like Masood Azhar and Hafiz Saeed. Pakistan has now claimed that Azhar doesn't live in the country, while Saeed is not a free man. Pakistani politician Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who was criticised for his 'blood will flow in the Indus river' remark, has now made bizarre claims in an interview with Al Jazeera.

Bilawal Bhutto's Claim

Bhutto has claimed that Pakistan does not know the location of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar. He said that Islamabad would be happy to arrest Azhar if India provides Pakistan with information about him. Notably, Bhutto is a part of the ruling coalition in Pakistan.

Reacting to a question about a New York Times report claiming Saeed is free, Bhutto not only termed the report inaccurate, but also said, "That's factually not correct that Hafiz Saeed is a free man. He is in the custody of the Pakistani state. As far as Masood Azhar is concerned, we have been unable to arrest him or identify him. Given his past within the Afghan jihad context, it is our belief that he is in Afghanistan."

Who Is Masood Azhar?

Masood Azhar remains one of the most notorious figures on Indias list of wanted terrorists. His name is linked to some of the most devastating terror attacks the country has facedincluding the 2001 Parliament attack, the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the 2016 Pathankot airbase assault, and the deadly Pulwama attack in 2019. In 2019, the United Nations officially designated him as a global terrorist.

Azhars release in 1999, following the hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC-814 to Kandahar, was a moment of deep national trauma. India agreed to release him in exchange for the safe return of the hostages onboard the plane. For years, India has urged Pakistan to take action and hand over Azhar, along with Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed. Despite concrete evidence of their presence and activities within its borders, Pakistan has consistently denied their involvement, often claiming ignorance.
New Delhi: Port-au-Prince silence. Lhasa anticipation. Beijing fury. One question set off a storm: Who will be the next Dalai Lama?

The spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism has spoken. His words stirred a hornets nest in China. During a recent address, the Dalai Lama made his intentions clear. No government would decide who succeeds him. No political hand would direct the future of his lineage. His successor would be chosen by monks. By the Gaden Phodrang Trust. By ancient rituals passed down over centuries. Not by state diktats or foreign interference.

This message silenced speculation within the Tibetan community. For years, they had lived with uncertainty. Would the 600-year-old Dalai Lama institution continue? Would the chain of reincarnation end with him? The spiritual leader ended the doubt. The line will continue. The next Dalai Lama will be chosen. Tradition will guide the search. Faith will shape the future.

Chinas reply came quickly and sharply. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters in Beijing that the successor must be approved by China.

She cited policies from the Qing dynasty era. Back then, top religious appointments needed imperial consent. That precedent, Beijing says, still stands. Without Chinese approval, there can be no legitimate spiritual authority, especially in Tibet.

Mao Ning added that China respects religious freedom but only within the boundaries of the state. She emphasised the need for regulation. She said religious matters must stay under state control. This position clashed directly with the Dalai Lamas. He had firmly ruled out any government interference. No regime, no politician, no party. Only the Buddhist way.

Back in Dharamshala, the Gaden Phodrang Trust confirmed the Dalai Lama had not yet given written instructions. Samdhong Rinpoche, a senior person in the trust, provided clarity. The successor could be male or female. Nationality would hold no weight. Tibetan roots would not be mandatory. Only spiritual merit would guide the choice.

This week, the Dalai Lama turns 90. As the world celebrates his legacy, a new chapter looms. A chapter filled with questions. Who finds the next Lama? Who accepts him? Will there be one or two claimants? The clash is no longer spiritual alone. It is political and global.

China wants control. Tibet wants continuity. And the world watches as the shadow of the future stretches across the mountains of Lhasa and the corridors of Beijing.
How can a century(plus)-old brand fall into the position where Chapter 11 appears the best option to help the business?

Thats the question hanging over Del Monte Foods, the nearly 140-year-old company that this week announced it was entering Chapter 11 proceedings and is looking for a new owner.

This is a strategic step forward for Del Monte Foods, president and CEO Greg Longstreet said on Tuesday. A court-supervised sale process is the most effective way to accelerate our turnaround and create a stronger and enduring Del Monte Foods.

The company, best known for its namesake brand of canned fruit and vegetables, has been owned since 2014 by Singapore and Philippines-listed Del Monte Pacific.

Based in California, Del Monte Foods is also home to brands including College Inn broths and stocks and Joyba teas. With sales having recently come under pressure, laden with excess inventory and carrying debt from the Del Monte Pacific deal, the company has struck a restructuring support agreement with creditors to pursue a going-concern sale process for all or substantially all of its assets.

Del Monte Foods says it 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.

The group has four factories  two in the US and two in Mexico. In May, the company shut a plant in Washington state. The closure followed three others last year.

With an improved capital structure, enhanced financial position and new ownership, we will be better positioned for long-term success, Longstreet added.

Its important to note that Del Monte Foods is distinct from the publicly listed  and fresh-foods-focused  Fresh Del Monte Produce. That company felt compelled to issue its own statement yesterday to underline its not affiliated to Del Monte Foods.

Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc.s financial or operational performance is not impacted by that separate, unaffiliated companys announced legal or financial proceedings, it said. The company remains financially strong, strategically aligned, and committed to delivering long-term value.

Fresh Del Monte Produce does own the Del Monte brand for prepared food products in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East  but Del Monte Foods holds the rights to the Del Monte brand for prepared food products in the US.

And therein lies part of the reason for Del Monte Foods woes. The companys range of shelf-stable products appeal less to the rising number of consumers in the US who are looking instead for minimally-processed, fresh-cut options.
The 650MW Gulf of Suez Wind Farm II in Egypt has commenced commercial operations and will provide enough clean electricity for 1.1 million households.

The wind farm is operated by Red Sea Wind Energy, which is owned by Eurus Energy (20%), Toyota Tsusho (20%), Engie (35%) and Orascom Construction (25%).

Construction began in March 2023 and was completed in June 2025. It is situated in the Gulf of El Zayt near the 262.5MW Gulf of Suez Wind Farm I, which commenced commercial operation in October 2019.

The Gulf of Suez Wind Farm II has 84 wind turbines with a capacity of 6MW each and the 20 largest-class onshore wind turbines with a capacity of 7.5MW each.

The Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company will buy the electricity generated under a 25-year power purchase agreement.

The Gulf of Suez Wind Farm II was funded via a financial package led by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, in partnership with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, the Norinchukin Bank, Societe Generale (France) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, with insurance provided by Nippon Export and Investment Insurance.

Both wind farms support the Egyptian governments policy to increase the portion of renewable energy generation to 42% of total power sources by 2030.

Egypt has built energy interconnectors as part of its plan to become an energy hub. The government of Egypt invested $1.5bn in the distribution grid between 2017 and 2020.

Egypt had an electricity capacity of more than 59GW by the end of 2024, of which renewables accounted for 11%.

"Gulf of Suez Wind Farm II in Egypt begins operations" was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




We recently published Jim Cramer Reveals His Trading Strategy For H2 2025 & Discusses These 16 Stockse. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (NYSE:HPE) is one of the stocks Jim Cramer recently discussed.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (NYSE:HPE) is an iconic American enterprise computing company. Its shares have lost 4.6% year-to-date primarily on the back of sluggishness in the non-AI computing market. However, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (NYSE:HPE)s shares jumped by 11% in June after the firm secured highly-awaited approval from the Justice Department for its bid to acquire Juniper Networks. Cramer discussed the deal in detail:

I mean HPE had been a, also ran, to, to Dell. What I think is very interesting is that I happen to love these sites I go to. This time I go to Perplexity, okay, which I regard as an even-handed chat. And what do we see? It says the major competitors are Cisco and Arista. I like those companies very much. And HPE, theres of course the deal, right, the deal on Juniper, pending because of the acquisition of Aruba. So Aruba has to go and the Justice Department is kind of smart about this. But I would tell you David, that HPE is one of the biggest customers of NVIDIA. . . Remember, NVIDIA is regarded as somewhat of a gating point for all of the hyperscalers cause theyre so expensive. But Ciscos in the mix now, maybe Hewlett Packard is going to be more than just a company that puts together NVIDIA for you. Thats why HPE is trading up. Its very significant.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (HPE) Is Going To Be More Than An NVIDIA Assembler, Says Jim Cramer

A woman programmer in a modern office working with multiple computer servers.

Cramer also discussed Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (NYSE:HPE) after the firms latest quarter. Heres what he said:
Banca Sella, an Italian banking group known for tech experiments, has begun an internal trial that lets a handful of employees hold crypto, including stablecoins, through custody software from Fireblocks.

The trial runs until the end of the summer, after which executives will decide whether to open the vault to the groups 1.4 million customers who keep more than 66 billion ($77.5 billion) under custody, Bloomberg reports.

Sellas test covers custody only. Trading in bitcoin or other volatile tokens is not on its roadmap, according to the story.

Europes clearer rules are nudging banks on the continent into the crypto space. Intesa Sanpaolo, Italys largest bank, opened a spot bitcoin desk in January alongside a 1 million investment in the cryptocurrency.

UniCredit, another Italian bank, is planning a capital-protected note linked to BlackRocks spot bitcoin ETF IBIT, while French banking giant Societe Generale is launching a dollar-backed stablecoin two years after introducing a euro-backed stablecoin.
Kinross Gold Corporation (NYSE:KGC) is one of the 10 Best Gold Stocks To Buy Right Now. On June 26, Jefferies upgraded Kinross Gold Corporation (NYSE:KGC) from a Hold rating to a Buy rating and also raised the price target from $14 to $18.

The main reason for this upgrade is the companys strong projected free cash flow yield for 2025 and 2026. Jefferies pointed out that this distinguishes Kinross Gold Corporation (NYSE:KGC) from other major gold producers and also allows for increased share buybacks.

Jefferies Upgrades Kinross Gold (KGC) to Buy, Raises PT

Aerial shot of a mine entrance, the bedrock of the company's gold and silver extraction.

Jefferies believes the company can repurchase around 11% of its market value during 2025 and 2026. This shows that Kinross Gold Corporation (NYSE:KGC) has a strong financial position and is focused on returning value to shareholders.

The research firm also highlighted Kinross Gold Corporations (NYSE:KGC) strong production outlook. The company aims to produce about 2 million ounces of gold in 2026. Jefferies believes this is a clear and achievable target.

Additionally, the firm mentioned the potential for resource growth at Kinross Gold Corporations (NYSE:KGC) Great Bear project. This further supports the bullish stance.

Kinross Gold Corporation (NYSE:KGC) is a senior gold mining company with operations and projects in the US, Brazil, Mauritania, Chile and Canada.

While we acknowledge the potential of KGC 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: 11 Stocks That Will Bounce Back According To Analysts and 11 Best Stocks Under $15 to Buy According to Hedge Funds.

Disclosure: None.
We recently published Jim Cramer Reveals His Trading Strategy For H2 2025 & Discusses These 16 Stockse. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) is one of the stocks Jim Cramer recently discussed.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) is the largest private bank in the world. Its shares have gained 21% year-to-date to make them one of the top performers among bank stocks. The strong share price performance is despite the fact that JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM)s shares dipped by 14.5% in April after the Liberation Day tariff announcements. The bank has benefited from several tailwinds in the second quarter. These include greater stock trading activity helping the banks earnings and stock buybacks. In his previous comments about JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM), Cramer has painted the banks CEO Jamie Dimon as gloomy and discussed whether to buy or sell the stock in a recession. His recent comments were brief:

JPMorgan, doing terrifically.

Cramers earlier comments discussed JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM)s stock. Heres what he said:

I think in a recession you pull your forecast. And when people here pulled forecast, you just sell the stock. Now is that right? I dont think so. I think that I joke I wish actually this was the quarter where people said you know what were not going to give guidance anymore. Were gonna be like Warren Buffett. []

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM) Is "Doing Terrifically," Says Jim Cramer

A group of business people discussing plans around a boardroom table adorned with a financial services company logo.

Well, look, these companies are great. And if were going to say there could be a deal and the deals going to be tough and- With China, you mean? Yes. Then youre going to be saying, why didnt I pay $224 because now Im paying $290.

While we acknowledge the potential of JPM as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires.
Krispy Kreme has been struggling as of late. Krispy Kreme

You can find original article here Nrn. Subscribe to our free daily Nrn newsletter.

Krispy Kreme has promoted Raphael Duvivier from president, international to chief financial officer of the struggling JAB Holding-owned doughnut chain. Duvivier succeeds Jeremiah Ashukian, who served as CFO of Krispy Kreme since 2022 and left the brand to join a private company.

This marks Krispy Kreme's third chief financial officer appointment in the past three years, following Ashukian and Josh Charlesworth  the latter having served as CFO before his promotions to COO and eventually CEO.

Duvivier has held multiple leadership roles at Krispy Kreme, including chief development officer and CFO of the brands international division. Before joining Krispy Kreme in 2019, he held several positions within the global division of Restaurant Brands International Inc.

Raphael has been a respected leader at Krispy Kreme for over six years, and his deep understanding of the company coupled with his strong finance background will enable a smooth transition as we focus on achieving sustainable, profitable growth, Charlesworth said in a statement. I am excited to partner even more closely with Raphael and believe his experience, expertise, and leadership style will be a huge benefit.

Krispy Kremes chief growth officer David Skena has also exited the company after almost seven years with the brand. He is succeeded by current chief product officer, Alison Holder, who was promoted to chief brand and product officer.

We thank Jeremiah and Dave for their contributions over the last several years and wish them both well in their new endeavors, Charlesworth said in a statement. I have the utmost confidence in Raphael, Alison, and the rest of our strong team to help drive Krispy Kreme forward as we pursue U.S. expansion through high-volume retail points of distribution and capital-light international franchise growth.

The leadership reshuffle was announced on the heels of Krispy Kreme ending its partnership with McDonalds on July 2 after a three-year experiment that was paused in May before it ended due to slower-than-expected doughnut sales at 2,400 McDonalds locations.

Following the pause of its McDonalds rollout, investors filed a class action lawsuit, alleging the company committed fraudulent business practices.

Krispy Kremes revenues have declined by 15.2%, per the companys Q1 earnings report. At the time, the company said it will be closing underperforming locations, and Charlesworth reiterated to investors that he believes in the long-term potential of the Krispy Kreme partnership.

Contact Joanna at joanna.fantozzi@informa.com
China warned President Trump on Tuesday that it might bring back tariffs on US goods next month, risking fresh trade tensions. Beijing also threatened to hit back at countries that make deals with the US to exclude China from supply chains.

Last month, the US and China agreed on a trade framework to ease tensions, but many details remain vague. Investors are now waiting to see if this agreement will hold or collapse.

"One conclusion is abundantly clear: dialogue and cooperation are the only correct path," the official People's Daily said in a commentary, referring to the exchanges in the current round of China-U.S. trade tension.

China's latest warning comes after Trump posted a flurry of letters warning world leaders, threatening to impose tariffs similar to those he announced in April. The most significant were letters to the leaders of Japan and South Korea that informed them of 25% tariffs on imports from their respective countries.

In all, Trump posted 14 letters on Monday, from countries including South Africa, Malaysia, Thailand, outlining tariffs ranging from 25% to 40%.

The White House said Trump on Monday signed an executive order delaying the implementation of those tariffs, as well as the sweeping "reciprocal" tariffs on most trade partners, to Aug. 1.

Stocks fell on Monday, beginning a steeper descent after Trump began posting the letters, as markets braced for a return to potential tariff turmoil over the coming days and weeks.

The moves highlighted the topsy-turvy nature of the president's trade policy, as they suggest a looming return to the steep levels announced in April but also theoretically allow more time for negotiation.

Thus far, however, since Trump's April pause, the US has only clinched trade deals with the UK and Vietnam, as well as a framework with China.

Here is where things stand with various other partners:
Five years ago, the bank accidentally wired more than $900 million to creditors of cosmetics company Revlon Inc., setting off a two-year legal fight to recoup the money. This year, other errors emerged in the media. Citigroup credited one account with $81 trillion after an employee failed to remove the line of zeros that automatically filled an electronic form. A separate copy-paste error almost missent $6 billion. Both mistakes were undone, and no money left the bank.

The alternative, putting off upgrades, has proved costly in other ways.

He commands one of Citigroups biggest armies of staff and oversees a budget that reflects the banks more urgent focus on tech. It spent just over $9 billion, or almost a fifth of total operating expenses last year, on technology and communications  a larger proportion than its main competitors  according to regulatory filings.

I came in with my eyes wide open, in terms of where we were and what needed to be done, Ryan later said in an interview.

It was a striking performance for a company once known for underinvesting in software and data management, resulting in a patchwork of legacy systems that prompted bank examiners to demand an overhaul and impose penalties.

Now, his division has made enough progress that it recently invited the banks global workforce to a first-of-its-kind update on whats done and whats to come. The town hall  with the energy of a Silicon Valley product launch  opened to thumping music and a montage video with a cybernetic take on Michelangelos The Creation of Adam, before Ryan walked on stage in jeans and white sneakers. Chief Executive Officer Jane Fraser soon followed, urging tech staffers to keep going  crushing the competition.

For the past year, Tim Ryan  an earnest, soft-spoken Bostonian who was once told in high school hed never amount to much  has been untangling legacy software and data systems that have irked the banks moneymakers and regulators, and have at times made it an industry punchline. The most notorious moments: fat-finger errors that accidentally credited fortunes to recipients.

That hasnt always been a given at Citigroup.

(Bloomberg) -- Just before Citigroup Inc.s tech chief faced his first global town hall meeting, he got some pointed advice from his teenager: Make sure the technology works.

Story Continues

In another incident that hasnt previously been reported, an error let a pair of people on the same account withdraw a roughly $100,000 certificate of deposit twice, according to people with knowledge of the matter who asked not to be identified describing the behind-the-scenes problem.

Some of the processes at issue in those cases now barely need humans. Where the risk is high, weve taken the right steps to automate both detective and preventative controls, Ryan said.

Not a Consultant

Before Ryan arrived, Citigroup insiders jokingly dubbed the team overseeing its technology the Verizon Mafia because it has long included a group of managers who had jumped from Verizon Communications Inc. to Barclays Plc to JPMorgan Chase & Co. before landing at the firm.

When his appointment was announced, some employees rolled their eyes again. Under Fraser, a former McKinsey & Co. partner, the bank has faced criticism for running up consulting bills  once spending more on advisers than tech as part of the companys so-called transformation plan in 2021.

Then with Ryans hiring, it seemed the bank had put another consultant in charge: His last job before joining Citigroup was running PwCs US workforce of 75,000 people. He said thats the wrong way to see him.

The reality is I was a CEO for eight years, he said. Ive sweat over the balance sheet, delivered sustainable earnings, driven growth, dealt with our own regulatory challenges, had a board. People perceive me as a consultant. But it is what it is.

Even more, he aims to reduce the banks reliance on third parties. I want us to own more, Ryan said. Its not an expense thing  its a confidence thing. I need our people to know that I trust them.

The banks back-office technology empire includes 50,000 full-time staff, comprising more than a fifth of the firms 229,000 employees. Adding to that are 45,000 contractors. Together, they span outposts in India, China, the UK and Canada, though much of the senior power is in Irving, Texas.

Since arriving, Ryan has reshaped that workforce, cutting 3,500 positions at certain locations in China as he consolidates staff into key hubs. He also has shifted managers, with some departing.

Accountability doesnt have to be a public hanging, he said. You mentor people, and if it doesnt work, you work them out of the system.

Teachers Warning

One Citigroup habit Ryan is trying to break is the impulse to keep modifying old technology. The bank customized a key enterprise software platform, ServiceNow, so much that it struggled to receive updates from the softwares maker.

Simpler is better, he said. So is moving quickly.

The mission is well-suited to the executive, who grew up with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD.

My high school biology teacher told me Id never amount to anything in life. My second grade teacher tied me to the chair and taped my mouth on the first day, he said. But he found strategies for dealing with his challenges and later peace in a demanding industry. When everythings moving so fast, that actually is conducive to someone like me.

In the past year, the bank has distilled 12 screening systems for international sanctions into one, retired 20 cash equities platforms and launched a new one, and consolidated software for banking teams so they can manage deals in one place.

It also developed a relationship with Google Clouds Vertex AI platform and rolled out a generative AI tool to 150,000 employees. And the technology team helped the rest of the bank complete the separation of Banamex, Citigroups retail unit in Mexico, ahead of a planned public listing.

Personal Memos

In an unusual move for a Wall Street executive, Ryan sends near-weekly emails to his global staff, detailing intimate moments in his personal and professional life.

Last month, he sent them an email titled Lifelong principles rediscovered, in which he described his three-day vacation to Rome with his wife, including reflections on a tiff with her and their sighting of the new pope.

He signed off: Mondays will be okay  they always are!

--With assistance from Matthew Boyle.

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The layoffs at Microsoft amount to less than 4% of its roughly 228,000-person workforce. Other major tech companies in the Bay Area such as Meta, Google and Workday also announced staff reductions this year. (Bloomberg via Getty Images)

There was more bad news for the tech sector Wednesday as Microsoft announced reductions to staff, preparing for thousands of layoffs worldwide, including in its gaming division.

The cuts add to what has become a wave of job reductions across Californias technology industry. Tech companies in the state announced 17,874 cuts during the first quarter as businesses continue to prioritize efficiency and redirect resources toward artificial-intelligence investments.

Microsoft announced it will lay off thousands of employees globally, including staff in its gaming and Xbox divisions. The cuts affect less than 4% of the company's roughly 228,000-person workforce .

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 a memo to employees Wednesday morning, Microsoft gaming chief Phil Spencer acknowledged the difficult timing of the layoffs.

To position Gaming for enduring success and allow us to focus on strategic growth areas, we will end or decrease work in certain areas, Spencer wrote in the memo.

The latest layoffs reflect broader industry shifts beyond the pandemic-era over-hiring that initially drove workforce reductions. Companies are now scrutinizing employee productivity more intensively while reallocating capital toward AI development. Economic uncertainty stemming from regulatory changes and immigration policy shifts is also prompting businesses to reduce expenses.

Read more: Bay Area tech workers thought their jobs were safe. Then the 'golden handcuffs' came off

Major San Francisco Bay Area technology companies including Meta, Google and Workday have reduced staff this year.

These workforce reductions represent a significant blow to California, as the technology sector underpins the states economy. The industry supports high-paying positions and generates substantial tax revenue through stock options and capital gains when employees sell their shares.

Spencer emphasized that the decision came from shifting strategic priorities, stating that the layoffs are not a reflection of the talent, creativity, and dedication of the people involved.

Microsoft is providing severance benefits aligned with local laws, including pay, healthcare coverage and job placement resources. Affected employees will receive priority consideration for open positions within Microsoft Gaming, the company said.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Mishkeegogamang First Nation and First Mining Gold have entered a long-term relationship agreement (LTRA) for the Springpole gold project in northwestern Ontario, Canada.

The agreement outlines a cooperative framework for the development, operation and closure of the project, ensuring environmental respect and benefits for the First Nation.

The agreement, signed following a process agreement in 2021, was crafted through community-based consultations to incorporate the First Nation's interests and address their concerns comprehensively.

Mishkeegogamang First Nation chief Merle Loon stated: This agreement is the result of a five-year process of technical review, traditional knowledge study and relationship building with First Mining.

The agreement ensures that Mishkeegogamang's interests will be represented in the development and operation of the Springpole Project and will deliver long-term value by creating concrete opportunities for our community and our members. Together with First Mining, we are shaping the direction of a modern and long-term collaboration that is in keeping with our values.

The LTRA encompasses aspects of the Springpole project's lifecycle, ensuring Mishkeegogamang's involvement in environmental management and monitoring, the application of adaptive management strategies, and measures to enhance training and employment opportunities for the community.

The agreement provides for the First Nation's equity stake and participation in the economic success of the project, and promotes business opportunities throughout the construction and operational phases of the mine.

Crucially, the LTRA recognises Anishnaabe culture, incorporating cultural safety measures. It also details the financial benefits sharing arrangement from the Springpole project, ensuring that the First Nation receives direct economic advantages from the project's progression.

First Mining CEO Dan Wilton stated: I would like to thank the Mishkeegogamang community and their leadership for the many years of hard work that they have put into information sharing, understanding and helping us shape and improve the plans for Springpole.

This modern agreement provides clear avenues for Mishkeegogamang's participation in the development and operation of the project from an environmental, cultural, economic and business opportunities perspective. We thank the leadership of Mishkeegogmang for their openness, collaboration and trust and look forward to continuing to advance the project as long-term partners.

"Mishkeegogamang First Nation and First Mining Gold sign Springpole agreement" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.
(Corrects date of payrolls release and column dateline)

By Amanda Cooper

LONDON (Reuters) -What matters in U.S. and global markets today by EMEA markets breaking news editor Amanda Cooper.

Intro

Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill" is heading towards a final yes-or-no vote this morning, after House Republicans advanced the U.S. president's landmark tax but and spending legislation. Markets are in something of a holding pattern ahead of monthly jobs data, while UK bondholders are recovering after a nasty reminder of what concern about the long-term fiscal picture can do to government borrowing costs.

Mike Dolan is enjoying some well-deserved time off over the next two weeks, but the Reuters markets team is here to provide you with all the information you need to start your day.

Today's Market Minute

* Republicans in the House of Representatives advanced U.S. President Donald Trump's massive tax-cut and spending bill toward a final yes-or-no vote early Thursday morning, appearing to overcome internal party divisions over its cost.

* Big investors are mobilising to trade through weeks packed with wild-card events that may shatter the calm in stock markets and drive big swings for assets they see as exposed to both positive or negative surprises, from gold to corporate credit.

* The U.S. has lifted restrictions on exports to China for chip design software developers and ethane producers, a further sign of de-escalating U.S.-Sino trade tensions including concessions from Beijing over rare earths.

* The tariff deal between the United States and Vietnam will impact the energy generation mix that powers the fast-growing Vietnamese economy, says ROI columnist Gavin Maguire.

*Is gold the next metal to be added to the list of "critical minerals"? ROI columnist Clyde Russell argues that gold may not be a vital component of advanced manufacturing, but the precious metal appears to be undergoing a subtle shift in how it is viewed by governments and investors.

The bond vigilantes are resting, for now

As the OBBB heads towards approval, it might be time for investors to think about what the fiscal implications are. The bill, which guts a number of key social benefits for some of the poorest Americans to pay for tax cuts, cleared a final procedural hurdle needed to begin debate on its content, with a final vote expected today.

Non-partisan analysts say the bill will add $3.4 trillion to the nation's $36.2 trillion debt pile over the next decade. When Trump started floating the basics of the bill on the campaign trail last year, bond yields began to grind higher, reaching a peak of 4.8% around the time he took office in January, as investors began to price in the impact of the legislation on the country's already-strained finances.
Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM) is one of the 10 Best Gold Stocks To Buy Right Now. On April 16, Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM) reported that it has completed its non-core divestiture program after finalizing the previously disclosed sales of its Akyem operation in Ghana and its Porcupine operation in Canada.

The company had announced its divestiture program in February 2024. Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM) has now divested all six of its non-core operations. Tom Palmer, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM) pointed out that the cash proceeds from these sales will help strengthen the companys balance sheet and return capital to shareholders through ongoing share buybacks.

Newmont (NEM) Completes Divestment Plan

A gold mine entry with a conveyor belt transporting minerals from the depths of a shaft.

Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM) expects to see total gross proceeds of up to $4.3 billion from the divestitures. This includes $3.8 billion from selling the non-core operations and $527 million from the sale of other investments.

Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM) is an American gold mining company and a producer of copper, zinc, lead, and silver. It is one of the worlds largest gold mining companies.

While we acknowledge the potential of NEM 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: 11 Stocks That Will Bounce Back According To Analysts and 11 Best Stocks Under $15 to Buy According to Hedge Funds.

Disclosure: None.
Newmont Corp phone with data -by Piotr Swat via Shutterstock

Valued at a market cap of $65.5 billion, Newmont Corporation (NEM) is one of the world's largest producers of gold, with major mining operations in regions including Nevada, Peru, Australia, and Ghana. The Denver, Colorado-based company also explores and produces other metals such as copper, silver, zinc, and lead, making it a key player in the global mining industry. It is expected to announce its fiscal Q2 earnings for 2025 after the market closes on Thursday, Jul. 24.

Ahead of this event, analysts expect this gold producer to report a profit of $1.01 per share, up 40.3% from $0.72 per share in the year-ago quarter. The company has surpassed Wall Streets bottom-line estimates in three of the last four quarters, while missing on another occasion. In Q1, NEMs EPS of $1.25 outpaced the forecasted figure by a notable margin of 48.8%.

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For fiscal 2025, analysts expect NEM to report a profit of $4.32 per share, up 24.1% from $3.48 per share in fiscal 2024. Its EPS is expected to further grow 12% year-over-year to $4.84 in fiscal 2026.

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NEM has rallied 44% over the past 52 weeks, considerably outpacing both the S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 13% rise and the Materials Select Sector SPDR Funds (XLB) 5% return over the same time frame.

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Newmont released strong Q1 results on Apr. 23, and its shares surged 4.8% in the following trading session. The companys revenue improved 24.5% year-over-year to $5 billion, while its adjusted EPS of $1.25 advanced 127.3% from the year-ago quarter, exceeding the consensus estimates by an impressive 48.8%. Moreover, it also reported a record Q1 free cash flow of $1.2 billion, reflecting the strength of its unrivaled Tier 1 Portfolio. A robust 40.9% year-over-year increase in average realized gold prices acted as a tailwind for the company. Additionally, Newmont remains on track to achieve its 2025 guidance and has reduced its debt by approximately $1 billion since the beginning of the year, further bolstering investor confidence.

Wall Street analysts are moderately optimistic about NEMs stock, with a "Moderate Buy" rating overall. Among 20 analysts covering the stock, 12 recommend "Strong Buy," one suggests a "Moderate Buy, six advise Hold, and one indicates a "Moderate Sell rating. The mean price target for NEM is $65.26, which indicates an 8.7% potential upside from the current 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
NRW Holdings has announced that its subsidiary, NRW Civil & Mining, has secured an A$167m ($109.75m) contract from Rio Tinto for work at the Brockman Syncline 1 mine development, situated within the Brockman mine hub in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

NRW will undertake the construction of earthworks, roadworks and drainage related to the primary crusher, overland conveyor and non-process infrastructure.

The scope of work includes the construction of haul roads, access roads and concrete structures.

The project will also involve drill and blast operations, alongside the supply and construction of a mechanically stabilised earth ROM wall, two precast concrete overpass tunnels and in-situ concrete foundations for the primary crusher.

The contract is set to commence in July 2025 with a peak workforce of more than 300.

The Brockman Syncline 1 project is strategically located near other NRW construction sites, including the Brockman 4 to Brockman 2 Haul Road contract and the recently completed Western Turner Northern Access Road.

NRW stated: NRW is pleased to be awarded this project with one of the worlds leading mining companies. This is another significant project that NRW will undertake for Rio Tinto and continues to build on the longstanding relationship of delivering successful projects together.

In March 2025, Rio Tinto announced plans to invest $1.8bn in the Brockman Syncline 1 mine development encompassing Brockman 4 and Greater Nammuldi.

The project aims to prolong the Brockman regions lifespan and maintaining production at Rio Tintos top-tier iron ore operations.

It will have the capacity to process up to 34 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of iron ore using existing plants. First ore from the project is anticipated in 2027.

"NRW signs $109m contract with Rio Tinto for Brockman mine development" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




Eli Hartman / Bloomberg / Getty Images Google parent Alphabet's Waymo, Amazon's Zoox, and Tesla are some of the companies with robotaxis in the U.S., and they are all buyers of Nvidia chips.

Key Takeaways

Nvidia, Qualcomm, and Caterpillar are some of the stocks Bank of America analysts said could gain from a growing autonomous vehicle market, along with robotaxi makers.

Google parent Alphabet's Waymo, Amazon's Zoox, and Tesla are companies that make robotaxis in the U.S., and they are all buyers of Nvidia chips.

Bank of America analysts said they expect the autonomous vehicle market could be worth $1.2 trillion by 2040.





Nvidia (NVDA), Qualcomm (QCOM), and Caterpillar (CAT) are some of the stocks Bank of America analysts said could be set to benefit from a growing autonomous vehicle market, along with robotaxi makers.

The analysts identified over two dozen stocks in a note to clients Tuesday for exposure to an expanding AV market they believe could be worth $1.2 trillion by 2040, including makers of sensors and chips, as well as insurance providers like Progressive (PGR).

Hardware giants Nvidia and Qualcomm could be set for growth as the makers of the "brain" behind the vehicles, Bank of America said, along with sensor and chipmakers like Aptiv (APTV) and Mobileye (MBLY).

Google parent Alphabet's (GOOGL) Waymo, Amazon's (AMZN) Zoox, and Tesla (TSLA) are some of the companies with robotaxis in the U.S., and they are all buyers of Nvidia chips.

With Waymo partnerships, Uber (UBER) and Japan's Toyota (TM) also made Bank of America's list, as well as several Chinese firms including XPeng (XPEV), Pony AI (PONY), and Baidu (BIDU).

The analysts added that AV opportunities could extend to makers of agricultural equipment like Caterpillar, Deere & Co. (DE), and companies in freight, logistics, and public transport.

"Much of the attention and deployment of this technology have so far focused on the car. But other types of on- and o-road autonomous vehicles are beginning to emerge, indicating that anything that moves could be set for automation, vastly increasing the addressable market and potential of this disruptive technology," they said.

Read the original article on Investopedia
(Bloomberg) -- Oil fell for a second day in the lead up to an OPEC+ meeting thats expected to deliver another substantial production hike, while President Donald Trumps latest tariff threats dented wider risk appetite.

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West Texas Intermediate slid below $67 a barrel, extending its 0.7% drop on Thursday. The cartel is considering speeding up its oil production revival even further, and will discuss a hike of more than 411,000 barrels a day for August at a meeting on Saturday, delegates said.

Global trade policy has also been in focus, pushing equities in Asia and elsewhere lower. Trump said his administration will begin sending out letters to trading partners to set unilateral tariff rates ahead of a July 9 deadline, and that the new levies will come into force in August.

Crude has been volatile in recent weeks, roiled by fears that the Israel-Iran war would hamper supply. While markets have since calmed, apprehension lingers over negotiations with Iran, the US-led trade talks and evolving policy by OPEC+.

The absolute fundamentals of the market are taking over, said Susan Bell, senior vice president of downstream research at Rystad Energy in Calgary. The risk premiums have gone out of the market, and the fundamentals are quite weak.

On Iran, Washington plans to restart nuclear talks, and US Middle East envoy Steven Witkoff is set to meet Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Oslo next week, Axios reported. Meanwhile, the US took fresh steps to restrict the trade of the Islamic Republics oil, keeping up pressure on Tehran.

In Canada, a wildfire emerged in the Fort McMurray area, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from a major oil-sands production site. Production from Alberta fell to the lowest in two years in May, combining with falling output from Mexico and a ban on Venezuelan flows to strengthen heavy crude prices.

--With assistance from Yongchang Chin, Rob Verdonck and Nicholas Lua.

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BEIJING (Reuters) -Only 15 out of the 129 brands that currently sell electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids in China will be financially viable by 2030, as intense competition forces consolidation and some to exit the market, consultancy AlixPartners said on Thursday.

These 15 brands are projected to account for approximately 75% of China's EV and plug-in hybrid market by the end of the decade, each averaging annual sales of 1.02 million vehicles, AlixPartners said, without specifying brand names.

However, consolidation in China is expected to proceed more slowly than in other markets, said Stephen Dyer, head of AlixPartners' automotive practice in Asia, because local governments may support non-viable brands due to their importance to regional economies, employment and supply chains.

"China is one of the most competitive NEV (new energy vehicle) markets in the world, with intense price wars, rapid innovation, and new entrants constantly raising the bar," Dyer said.

"This environment has driven remarkable advances in technology and cost efficiency, but it has also left many companies struggling to achieve sustainable profitability."

China's automotive market, the world's largest, is currently facing a price war and significant overcapacity, both of which are straining profitability. Aside from BYD and Li Auto, no other publicly listed Chinese EV maker has achieved full-year profitability.

Chinese regulators have called for automakers to halt the price war. However, Dyer said it would likely continue, but through "hidden" factors such as insurance subsidies and zero-interest financing rather than direct price cuts.

The capacity utilisation ratio at Chinese car plants fell to an average of 50% in China last year, the lowest in a decade, pressuring profits, Dyer said.

(Reporting by Qiaoyi Li, Zhang Yan and Brenda Goh. Editing by Louise Heavens and Mark Potter)
French uranium mining company Orano has announced that its joint venture with Niger, SOMAIR, is facing bankruptcy due to export restrictions imposed by the countrys military government, according to a Reuters report.

The development follows the seizure of control of the mine in December 2024 by the government, which also revealed plans to nationalise the mine.

The mining sector in West Africa is undergoing significant changes as governments seek to assert greater control over their natural resources.

Orano, which holds a majority stake in SOMAIR, has been in a year-long dispute with Niger, leading to the suspension of uranium production.

The company has communicated SOMAIR's deteriorating financial situation to the authorities since October 2024.

Niger accounted for 15% of Orano's uranium supply when the local unit was fully operational.

The company states that the insistence of the Nigerien authorities on maintaining production costs has brought SOMAIR to the brink of financial collapse.

Despite current challenges, the main mineworkers union in Niger has stated that production at the mine will continue. The union has accused Orano of sabotage - a charge it denies.

Orano has pointed out that its state-owned partner, SOPAMIN, has avoided sharing production costs during periods of low uranium prices.

This forced Orano to bear an unfair share of the financial burden by having to purchase additional uranium above its shareholding to maintain the financial stability of the mine.

Amidst rising uranium spot prices, which have seen a 7% increase in the first sixth months of 2025 and reached a seven-month high of $79 per pound in late June, Orano emphasised its right to legal action without further specifying its next steps.

It has expressed a desire for the remaining financial resources of the venture to be allocated towards paying employee salaries and maintaining industrial facilities.

The situation in Niger reflects a broader trend in the region, with Mali placing Barrick's Loulo-Gounkoto gold complex under state control, and Burkina Faso and Guinea seeking more significant mining shares from Western companies while showing interest in Russian partnerships.

"Oranos uranium joint venture in Niger on brink of bankruptcy" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




Polish refiner ORLEN may face a financial impact of nearly $300m following an arbitration tribunal's decision that supports Russia-based Gazprom's right to charge higher retroactive prices for gas supplies, reported Reuters.

This development comes amid a series of legal disputes concerning the prices Poland paid for Russian gas from 2017 to 2022.

The tribunal's ruling on 1 July adjusted the gas prices under the contract between PGNiG, now part of Orlen, and Gazprom for the years 2018 and onwards, potentially leading to a cost of $290m for Orlen.

However, the terms of settlement have not been specified, and no compensation has yet been awarded to Gazprom.

Orlen has stated that it operates within legal boundaries and adheres to sanctions that currently prohibit any payments under the judgment.

The tribunal is expected to make further rulings on disputes over prices for the years 2021 and 2022.

Additionally, it will address claims related to Gazprom's cessation of gas supplies to Poland in 2022.

These ongoing legal battles are part of Gazprom's wider confrontations, with claims from European companies totalling at least 17bn ($20.05bn), as per Reuters' calculations.

In a separate development, Orlen has signed its fourth contract with Ukraine's Naftogaz this year to supply 140 million cubic metres (mcm) of natural gas, sourced from the US.

The gas will be regasified at the LNG terminal in Swinoujscie, Poland, before being transported to Ukraine.

The previous three contracts included a combined volume of approximately 300mcm of natural gas.

The latest contract is a continuation of the commercial cooperation framework signed by Naftogaz and Orlen in March 2025, which focuses on the supply of natural gas LNG.

Orlen management board vice-president Robert Soszynski said: "Thanks to our continually developed trading expertise, proprietary fleet of LNG transport vessels and reserved regasification capacities, we are well positioned to support Ukraine in diversifying both the sources and supply routes for natural gas.

The summer period, which is crucial for replenishing storage facilities, adds to the importance of these deliveries. Our activities align with the European Unions REPowerEU objectives and even surpass them. Orlen not only ceased all Russian gas imports over three years ago, but today we are also in a position to assist neighbouring countries such as Slovakia and Ukraine on their path toward energy independence from Russia.

Earlier this week, Orlen announced the cessation of Russian oil purchases for its refineries, effectively ending its reliance on Russian energy resources.
Buy Button by Formatoriginal via Shutterstock

In a market flooded with headlines about soaring tech giants, its easy to overlook solid businesses that quietly deliver value. However, the best investment opportunities are not always the flashiest. In reality, theyre the ones hiding in plain sight. With strong fundamentals, consistent performance, and long-term potential, this small-cap stock could provide significant value to patient investors.

Asure Software: Building a Scalable Growth Platform

Asure Software (ASUR), valued at $274.5 million, is a small-cap company that offers cloud-based human capital management (HCM) solutions to help small and medium-sized businesses manage their payroll, human resources, tax compliance, and employee benefits. ASUR stock has risen 13.2% year to date, outperforming the broader market.

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Impressed with its first-quarter earnings, Wall Street analysts project the stock could soar as high as 85% from current levels.

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Asure reported first-quarter revenue of $34.9 million, a 10% increase year-over-year. Core business revenue increased 13%. Management attributed the companys strong performance to continued momentum in its Payroll Tax Management product, as well as growing traction in its Payroll, Benefits, and Marketplace offerings. Recurring revenue totaled $33.2 million, up 10% from the prior year, accounting for 95% of overall revenue. This substantial amount of recurring revenue is a strong indicator of business stability and client retention.

While the company reported a $2.4 million net loss, adjusted EBITDA increased to $7.3 million, compared to $6.8 million a year ago. Importantly, CFO John Pence stated that most of the heavy lifting on cost infrastructure is now complete, implying that Asure anticipates a flatter cost structure in the coming quarters, allowing incremental revenue to contribute efficiently to the bottom line.

The company has been working to create a more unified client experience and expand its solution set. It has grown organically by cross-selling, upselling, expanding its product offerings, and converting resellers into direct customers. Meanwhile, strategic M&A activity helped drive inorganic growth. To support this strategy, Asure signed a new $60 million credit facility, drawing down $20 million in April to fund customer acquisition and product suite expansion.
Key Points

Shares of Pfizer offer a yield above 7% at recent prices.

Pfizer is a pharmaceutical giant that has raised its dividend every year since 2009.

Loss of patent-protected exclusivity for several blockbuster drugs is expected to reduce Pfizer's sales a great deal over the next few years.

10 stocks we like better than Pfizer 

When it comes to your hard-earned money, you have a lot of choices about where to spend it. If your physician prescribes a new branded drug, though, you and your insurance company have few options.

Patent-protected exclusivity is the reason pharmaceutical stocks are known for delivering reliably growing dividend payments. Unfortunately, some of Pfizer's (NYSE: PFE) most important patents are expiring soon.

Shares of Pfizer have been beaten down about 60% from their previous peak in 2021. The price is way down, but the company has raised its dividend payout every year since 2009. At its beaten-down price, the stock offers an enormous 7.1% yield.

Image source: Getty Images.

At recent prices, the yield you receive from Pfizer is more than four times the amount you'd receive from the average dividend payer in the S&P 500. If it can't maintain its payout-raising streak, though, it won't help you retire any faster than buying a simple index fund that tracks the benchmark index.

Pfizer's built from many pieces that are moving in opposite directions. To make sure this stock isn't a yield trap destined to slash its dividend payout in the near term, let's weigh the good news against the bad.

Why Pfizer stock is way down

Patent-protected market exclusivity is a lot shorter for drugs than for most other forms of intellectual property. Typically, generic competition begins hammering sales of branded drugs a little over a decade after they earn their first marketing approvals from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

This January, Pfizer's CEO, Albert Bourla, warned investors that a loss of exclusivity (LOE) wave will reduce annual revenue by $17 billion to $18 billion over the next several years. The losses are expected to mostly begin in 2026 and end in 2028.

The biggest LOE to hit Pfizer will be Eliquis, an oral blood thinner that it markets in partnership with Bristol Myers Squibb. Eliquis sales fell slightly in the first quarter, but it's still responsible for 14% of Pfizer's total revenue. Generic competition is expected to begin next year in the EU, and in 2028 for the U.S. market.

Sales of some of the products expected to lose ground to generics over the next few years are already getting hammered by similar drugs from competitors. For example, first-quarter sales of Ibrance, a breast cancer treatment, fell by 7% year over year. Kisqali, a similar drug from Novartis recently approved to treat early stage breast cancer patients, grew sales by 52% over the same period.
A shift in sentiment, much of that due to geopolitical issues like Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the recent U.S. attack on Irans nuclear sites, is benefiting defense companies and their investors. Much bigger PE firms like Veritas Capital, which targets aerospace and defense and national security as one of its sectors, have been very successful. Veritas collected over $13 billion for its ninth fund earlier this year. More investors are interested in defense today than have been in my memory, Palmer said.

Capitol Meridian is part of a breed of PE firms that focus on specific sectors , developing deep expertise and networks to understand the unique challenges and opportunities these industries face. Sector specialists often have an edge over generalist firms. Capitol targets defense and government services. The firm invests in companies that provide hardware, software and services for national security, as well as the aerospace market. The timing couldnt be better. Public aerospace and defense companies have outperformed the broad market over the past three years and into the first quarter, according to data from investment bank Greenwich Capital Group. Aerospace suppliers posted a three-year performance return of 108.7% as of March 31, while defense suppliers were up 32.8%. This compares to the S&P 500 which gained 23.9% for the same period and the Nasdaq which increased 22.4%.

It took about a year but the firm that would eventually call itself Capitol Meridian Partners did get an office. In March 2022, the PE firm opened its doors on K Street in downtown Washington D.C. Capitol Meridian now has 14 employees. About 10 of them, including Palmer and Coburn, previously worked at Carlyle Group during some point in their careers.

Sitting around Palmers dining room table, he and Coburn would talk to possible investors, employees and advisors about their plans to build a private equity firm. They didnt have a name yet, but the firm would invest in companies and products that protect the U.S. and its military personnel, both men and women. Luckily, it was mild outside, so they kept the windows open.

No one was in the office. The world was shut down, Palmer said.

Adam Palmer remembers the days in March 2021 when he and Brooke Coburn would interview potential investors from his home just outside Washington D.C. They had just done the unthinkable. Palmer and Coburn had left the security and success of Carlyle Group to launch their own private equity firm right in the middle of Covid-19, when employees for most companies were still working from home.

Story continues

Capitol Meridian, however, doesnt invest in products, such as handguns, that could wind up in a high school. Thats not where we focus, Palmer said.

Instead, Capitol Meridian bets on businesses that support the nation and the warfighters, or U.S. servicemen and women, said Palmer. Though he has never been in the military, his father was a reservist in Vietnam while his grandfather served in World War II.

In 2024, Capitol Meridian shrugged off a difficult fundraising market to raise $900 million for its first pool plus $300 million in co-investments. Palmer and Coburn are the third largest investors of the pool. Capitol Meridian has so far taken stakes in six portfolio companies along with 20 add-on deals. It has yet to clinch an exit, Palmer said. The firm is still early in its life cycle with its oldest investment turning three, he said.

Defense is typically not a sector that is favorable to new entrants or generalist investors, due to shifting priorities in government spending, said Matt Autrey, a partner at Adams Street Partners, an investor of Capitol Meridians first fund. Adam and the Capitol Meridian team have been able to succeed investing in the defense sector due to the specialized expertise and networks they possess in the space, Autrey said in an email.

Hired over breakfast

Palmer has a long history, more than 25 years, in defense and aerospace investing. In the mid-1990s, he was a Lehman Brothers financial analyst working on some deals for Carlyle, which was then a Washington D.C. private equity firm known for its political connections. (George W. Bush sat on the board of one of its portfolio companies).

Bill Conway, one of the Carlyle cofounders, recruited Palmer to join the firm over a breakfast meeting. He received a one-paragraph offer letter days later. Palmer was just 22. It was a different world back then, he said.

Palmers first PE deal at Carlyle was the firms $750 million acquisition of United Defense Industries, maker of combat vehicles, naval guns and missile launchers, in 1997. Carlyle took United Defense public in 2001 and fully exited in 2004, making more than $1 billion in profit. United Defense is widely regarded as one of Carlyles best and most notable early investments. The deal also crystallized Palmers ambitions. He found that investing in businesses that support the nation and U.S. servicemen and women was very rewarding.

Other triumphs include Carlyles acquisition of naval ship repair firm Titan Acquisition in 2019, which it sold four years later, for a near four-fold return on invested capital. In 2000, Carlyle scooped up Vought Aircraft, and sold it a decade later, earning a five-fold return. Palmers dealmaking was so noteworthy that in 2010 he was featured in Fortunes 40 under 40, where insiders predicted he might one day lead Carlyle. The next year, Palmer was named co-head of Carlyles global aerospace and defense sector team.

PE or alternative asset manager?

Despite Palmers accomplishments, things at Carlyle were changing. In the 1990s, Carlyle was a middle-market firm recognized for its defense deals. Carlyle, like many pioneering PE firms, grew with each success. It went public in 2012, raised its largest fund ever ($18.5 billion) in 2018, and began investing in sectors outside of private equity. It also started calling itself an alternative asset manager.

Carlyle, in the 2000s, began focusing on more than defense, investing in consumer, healthcare, industrial and technology. Palmer and Coburn, who was named deputy CIO for real assets in 2018, didnt care for Carlyles elephant hunting style of investing where it sought fewer, larger deals.

In early 2021, Palmer and Coburn learned Carlyle wouldnt be raising another middle-market fund and opted to leave. They decided to launch a new, smaller firmnot a Carlyle clonethat would return them to their middle-market roots. Palmer defines the middle market as deals below $1 billion. The opportunity for the best returns in this sector, defense and national security, is in the middle market, Palmer said.

While geopolitical tensions remain high, Capitol Meridian is expected to return soon to the fundraising market for its second pool. Roughly 60% of its first fund is invested. (PE firms generally start marketing when a fund is about 70% invested.)

Fundraising is still difficult. Several large PE firms have struggled to raise funds. Carlyle closed its eighth flagship at $14.8 billion in 2023, significantly below its $22 billion target, according to Buyouts. TPG is seeking $13 billion for its latest flagship, below what it sought for its prior fund, the Wall Street Journal reported in May. Blackstone was expected to wrap up its latest flagship in mid-2023 but didnt close the pool until earlier this year at a little over $21 billion, far below its initial $30 billion target.

Capitol Meridian is anticipated to seek over $1 billion for its next pool, a person familiar with the situation said. Palmer declined to comment.

Palmer still has the dining room table, where Capitol Meridian started several years ago, stowed away in the firms office. His goals for Capitol remain simple. We want to be the best small PE partnership that helps U.S. servicepeople, he said.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Exchange-traded fund closures accelerated during the second quarter, with 61 funds shutting down compared to 40 closures during the first quarter, according to FactSet data.

Asset managers pulled the plug on underperforming and niche ETFs at a faster pace as they trimmed their lineups in a crowded market. June alone saw 27 closures, the busiest month for ETF shutdowns in 2025.

The closures hit funds across sectors, from commodities to clean energy, as companies axed products that couldn't gather enough assets or keep up with rivals, according to FactSet.

Hartford Leads June Liquidations

Hartford Funds shut down four ETFs on June 23, including the Hartford Multifactor Developed International ETF (RODE) and the Hartford Schroders Commodity Strategy ETF (HCOM), according to FactSet. The Hartford funds posted positive returns for the year, ranging from 3% to 16.3%.

Recent ETF Closures

Recent ETF ClosuresSource: etf.com Closures Tool & FactSet data

iPath also closed several commodity exchange-traded notes during June, including the iPath Bloomberg Platinum Subindex Total Return ETN (PGMFF) and the iPath Bloomberg Grains Subindex Total Return ETN (JJGTF), according to the data. The platinum ETN gained 44.2% year to date before closing June 25.

Clean energy and tech funds took a hit during the quarter, with several closures in both areas. The VanEck Green Infrastructure ETF (RNEW) closed June 23, down 0.2% for the year, while the WisdomTree Battery Value Chain and Innovation Fund (WBAT) shut down June 20 with a 5.4% gain.

Closures picked up steam through the quarter, with 19 funds closing during April and 15 during May, according to the data.

Fund Performance Varies Before Closure

Some funds performed well before closing, including the Hartford Multi-Cap International Small Company ETF (ROIS), with a 16.3% gain, and the Simplify Macro Strategy ETF (FIG), up 16.2%, according to FactSet.

Others struggled before closing, such as the Defiance Next Generation H2 ETF (HDRO), down 25.4%, and the Defiance Daily Target 2X Long Uranium ETF (URAX), which dropped over 35%, according to the data.





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Qantas said on Wednesday it is contacting customers after a cyberattack targeted a third-party customer service platform that stored the personal data of 6 million customers.

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Heres what you need to know.

What happened?

On Monday June 30, Australias largest airline detected unusual activity on a third-party platform. It took immediate steps and contained the system, according to a statement.

We are continuing to investigate the proportion of the data that has been stolen, though we expect it will be significant, Qantas said in that statement. An initial review has confirmed the data includes some customers names, email addresses, phone numbers, birth dates, and frequent-flier numbers.

The database did not contain credit card, personal financial information, or passport details. In addition, Qantas said that no frequent-flier accounts, passwords, personal identification numbers, or login details were accessed.

The Australian airline giant said it is putting additional security measures in place to further restrict access and strengthen monitoring and detection as it investigates whether the cybercriminal group Scattered Spider is responsible for the attack, according to the Financial Times. The attack comes days after the FBI warned that the group had started to target global airlines.

The warning followed recent cyberattacks on Hawaiian Airlines and Canadas WestJet, the Financial Times reported. Scattered Spider is thought to have conducted a number of high-profile data breaches, including an attack on U.K. retailer Marks and Spencer.

Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said the airline was working closely with the federal governments national cybersecurity coordinator, the Australian Cyber Security Centre, and independent specialized cybersecurity experts.

What should I do if I am a Qantas customer?

The airline said it was contacting all customers affected by the data breach. Customers can contact Qantass dedicated support line at +61 2 8028 0534 with any questions.

Qantas by the numbers

Shares of Qantas (ASX: QAN) fell 2.2% on Wednesday after the Australian airline confirmed the cyberattack. The airline, which trades on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), has a market capitalization of AU$15.91 billion (US$10.47 billion). In February, it reported its half-year earnings results for the period ending December 31, 2024, with an increase in underlying pretax profits, up 11% to AU$1.39 billion (US$914 million), and earnings per share (EPS) of AU$0.63 (US$0.41), up 21%.

This post originally appeared at fastcompany.com

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This story was originally published on HR Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily HR Dive newsletter.

SAN DIEGO  Despite all the hype, artificial intelligence likely wont take recruiters jobs, Jeremy Eskenazi, managing principal at Riviera Advisors, Inc., told a SHRM 2025 audience Tuesday.

Whys that? Nothing will ever replace the power of relationships, he said. And at some point somebody has got to pick up the damn phone.

But to keep themselves crucial to an organizations strategic function, recruiters need to move beyond thinking of themselves as administrators and servers, Eskenazi said, and evolve into consultants that partner with hiring managers.

Traditional recruiters work reactively, he noted, waiting for requisitions to come in, scheduling interviews and focusing on filling positions. Too often, they feel they work for hiring managers instead of alongside them.

On the other hand, recruiters that prove themselves invaluable are trusted advisors, focusing more of their time on high-value, strategic work like developing proactive sourcing methods, building diverse talent pipelines, becoming industry experts and partnering with leadership on long-term talent needs.

To develop their potential and shift away from low-value, administrative work, recruiters should automate whenever possible tasks like writing job descriptions, scheduling interviews and responding to generic emails, Eskenazi said.

They should learn to say no when necessary and establish boundaries with hiring managers who demand 24/7 access; If you say yes to everything youre asked for, youre just like the Chilis server, he said.

The strategic role also involves learning to manage expectations. If a hiring manager wants to secure a Harvard-educated professional with 10 years of experience for a position in California and only pay them $60,000, for example, that person may need a reality check, Eskenazi said  and a strategic recruiter should not be afraid to provide that.

Partnering with a hiring manager includes knowing when to say no, although the approach can be more diplomatic. We never say no directly, we say Hm, thats interesting  let me get back to you, he said; further research can help provide convincing evidence that a request is unreasonable.

Approaching requests with curiosity and thoughtful questions can help hiring managers reframe their expectations as well. For example, Eskenazi said, if a hiring manager asks for someone exactly like the last hire, a recruiter might say, What made that person successful? Could another skill set work just as well? If they ask for 15 years of experience and 10 credentials, a recruiter might counter by asking them to prioritize just three must-have skills.
Royal Caribbean Group sign by- JHVEPhoto via iStock

With a market cap hovering around $90.8 billion, Florida-based Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) sails at the forefront of the global vacation industry, operating a fleet of 67 ships across five brands that span all seven continents. Known for delivering memorable travel experiences, the company reaches millions of guests annually through its core cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea, while also expanding its presence on land with destinations such as Perfect Day at CocoCay and the Royal Beach Club Collection.

The company is expected to release its fiscal 2025 second-quarter earnings report on Thursday, July 24. Royal Caribbean Cruises is sailing into earnings season with high expectations. Analysts forecast a profit of $4.04 per share, marking a strong 25.9% jump from the $3.21 reported in the same quarter last year. The company has also built a solid track record, having outperformed Wall Streets bottom-line estimates for four consecutive quarters.

More News from Barchart

Over the longer term, analysts forecast the company to report an EPS of $15.42 in fiscal 2025, representing a notable 30.7% increase from the $11.80 reported in fiscal 2024. The upward trend is expected to continue into fiscal 2026, with EPS projected to climb another 14.5% to $17.66.

www.barchart.com

Royal Caribbeans stock has been riding a wave of remarkable momentum. Over the past year, shares have skyrocketed 115.3%, leaving the broader market in the dust. For comparison, the S&P 500 Index ($SPX) gained just 13.4%, while the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLY) rose 17.8% during the same period.

www.barchart.com

Royal Caribbeans strong execution, innovative ship rollouts, and sharp revenue strategies continue to fuel robust demand and keep investors engaged. Yet, its fiscal Q1 2025 earnings, released on April 29, offered a mixed read. Revenue rose 7.3% year-over-year to $4 billion but came in just below Wall Streets forecast. On the brighter side, profitability stole the show. Adjusted EPS soared a remarkable 53.1% to $2.71, beating expectations by 7.1% and reinforcing the companys ability to deliver solid earnings even in the face of top-line pressure.
UK-based Secure Trust Bank is set to exit new lending in the vehicle finance market, impacting 284 roles by 2030.

The move comes as the motor finance industry faces scrutiny over commission disclosure practices in the UK.

Secure Trust Bank said its decision is expected to impact its financial results positively.

The bank plans to place its existing vehicle finance book, valued at 558.3m ($761.6m) as of December 2024, into run-off.

The vehicle finance segment generated a company loss before tax of 21.8m in FY24.

On an unaudited pro forma basis, the group anticipates an increase in adjusted profit before tax to 56.6m from 39.1m.

Additionally, the group expects an estimated 800 basis points increase in return on average equity (ROAE) before reinvesting the released capital from the motor finance business.

Secure Trust Bank said it will continue to support its existing customers and loan portfolio in vehicle finance.

As of 30 June 2025, the average consumer loan length outstanding was 37 months, with the longest contractual loan agreement being 60 months.

The unit accounted for approximately 30% of the group's adjusted operating costs in FY24, and the bank plans to save more than 25m of operating costs by 2030.

Secure Trust Bank stated it would consult with impacted colleagues, with 284 roles at risk by 2030, including 78 roles at risk in FY25.

Restructuring costs of approximately 5m are anticipated.

Vehicle finance will be reported as a non-core activity in the FY25 results and beyond.

A further update will be provided in the group's interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2025, due to release on 14 August 2025.

Secure Trust Bank CEO David McCreadie said: We have made the difficult decision to stop new lending in vehicle finance, our lowest-return business line, and to redeploy capital to our three higher-returning businesses of retail finance, real estate finance and commercial finance.

"This pivot will allow the group to prioritise these established specialist businesses and achieve further simplification of the group, combined with the removal of a significant level of costs. These measures will have a material positive impact on ROAE for the group and will position the group to be capital accretive."

According to the Finance and Leasing Association, the consumer new car finance market fell 7% in terms of new business value and 8% in volumes in April 2025 compared to April 2024.

However, new business volumes in the new consumer car finance market were up by 11% in the first four months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
PARIS  SMCP will get its shares back.

The Singapore High Court has ruled that Dynamic Treasure Group must return the 15.5 percent stake it holds to European TopSoho, the parent company of SMCP, which had been transferred illegally.

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The court ordered that Dynamic Treasure Group has one week to return the shares, or appeal the decision. In a statement, the company said it will keep the market informed about the effective completion of the return of this stake.

This is the latest twist and turn in a case stemming from 2021, when 15.5 percent of the share capital of Sandro, Maje and Claudie Pierlot parent company SMCP disappeared from France and reappeared in the British Virgin Islands two-and-a-half months later.

This follows a similar decision by the English High Court in July 2024, which canceled the sale of the shares to Dynamic Treasure Group.

Its also the second ruling in the case within a month as it winds through courts and regulators in multiple jurisdictions.

In June, French regulatory body Autoriete des Marches Financiers fined the company and its shareholders for a series of irregularities.

First, the regulatory body sanctioned former majority shareholder European TopSoho, director of European TopSoho Chenran Qiu and Dynamic Treasure Group, which received the shares, for disclosure violations and market manipulation.

The shares were moved from Luxembourg to the British Virgin Islands without notifying the authorities. They effectively went missing until they reappeared in the accounts of Dynamic Treasure Group, also controlled by Qiu, weeks later. European TopSoho had sold them to DTG for a symbolic one-euro price.

In the interim, European TopSoho also issued a press release denying Qiu was involved in Dynamic Treasure Group, misleading the market.

As a result, the AMF issued a series of fines. Qiu was sanctioned with 1 million euros, European TopSoho 400,000 euros, and Dynamic Treasure Group 300,000 for a total of 1.7 million euros.

Separately, the AMF fined SMCP 20,000 euros for an unrelated leak of their financial information in 2021, when it accidentally published quarterly results on its website before market close.

The London-based GLAS is the trustee for European TopSoho creditors including BlackRock, Carlyle, Anchorage, Boussard and Gavaudan that united to save the group with the issuance of bonds, and effectively SMCPs largest shareholder. They announced last year their intention to offload 37 percent of the groups shares.
Semiconductor chip by Mykola Pokhodzhay via iStock

Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM) is off to a strong start in 2025, with TSM stock climbing around 18% year-to-date (YTD). Surging demand for artificial intelligence (AI) chips and a solid first-quarter performance have helped fuel the rally, reinforcing the companys position at the center of the semiconductor world.

With roughly 67% of the global foundry market and about 90% of advanced chip production under its belt, Taiwan Semiconductor remains a go-to manufacturer for cutting-edge chips. The companys deep ties with tech heavyweights  such as Nvidia (NVDA), Apple (AAPL), Broadcom (AVGO), and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), who count on it for manufacturing custom AI accelerators and graphics processing units (GPUs)  continue to be a major growth driver.

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In fact, the stock received a fresh vote of confidence on July 1, when Needham raised its price target to a Street-high $270, citing strong AI-driven growth prospects in the upcoming years. That being said, can the stock continue to rise and reach that ambitious target by 2025?

About Taiwan Semiconductor Stock

Founded in 1987, Taiwan Semiconductor was the first to establish the pure-play foundry model and has remained the worlds top dedicated semiconductor foundry ever since. The company operates globally across Asia, Europe, and North America. In 2024 alone, Taiwan Semiconductor delivered nearly 12,000 products to over 500 customers, highlighting its broad capabilities in advanced, specialty, and packaging services.

Commanding a hefty market capitalization of almost $1.2 trillion, shares of the chip giant have performed well this year, outperforming the broader S&P 500 Indexs ($SPX) 5.9% return in 2025. Even more impressive, TSM is up 37% over the past three months, easily beating the broader markets 10% return.

www.barchart.com

Taiwan Semiconductors Q1 Earnings Snapshot

Taiwan Semiconductor kicked off fiscal 2025 on a high note, delivering standout first-quarter results on April 17. Revenue soared 35% year-over-year (YOY) to $25.5 billion, edging past Wall Street expectations. Even more impressive, net income jumped 60% to nearly $11 billion. This growth was powered by the booming demand for its advanced 3-nanometer and 5-nanometer nodes.
TotalEnergies has completed the acquisition of a 50% interest in the solar, wind and battery energy storage systems (BESS) portfolio of AES Dominicana Renewables Energy.

This deal adds more than 1GW of contracted renewable projects to TotalEnergies portfolio.

With more than 410MW already operational or underway, the projects will supply electricity through long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs).

More than 500MW of future solar and wind projects are being developed alongside BESS initiatives aimed at improving grid stability.

The transaction will enable TotalEnergies to enhance its renewable business within the Dominican Republic, where it already operates 184 service stations, manages natural gas distribution and is developing a 103MW solar plant.

AES Energy Infrastructure executive vice-president and president Juan Ignacio Rubiolo stated: We are excited to join forces with TotalEnergies as we diversify the islands energy mix. The proceeds from this transaction will be reinvested in AES Dominicana, to grow our renewables footprint.

The transaction follows TotalEnergiess previous acquisition of a 30% stake in AES's under-construction solar and battery assets in Puerto Rico in 2024.

The companys combined renewable energy and BESS portfolio now surpasses 1.5GW across the Caribbean.

TotalEnergies gas, renewables and power president Stephane Michel stated: We are pleased to expand our multi-energy strategy through this partnership with AES, focusing on renewables and battery storage in a region where TotalEnergies is already a leading supplier of LNG, notably for power generation.

Since 2018, we have been supplying LNG to AESs subsidiaries in Panama and the Dominican Republic. These new transactions will contribute to our targets of 35GW of gross renewable capacity by 2025 and over 100 terawatt hours of electricity production by 2030.

In a related development, TotalEnergies has sold a 50% stake in its Portuguese renewable energy assets to a consortium for 178.5m ($210.48m), reflecting an enterprise value of 550m.

The consortium comprises MM Capital Partners 2, Daiwa Energy & Infrastructure and Mizuho Leasing.

The divested assets include 604MW of wind, solar and hydro portfolio. Post-completion, TotalEnergies will retain the remaining 50% stake and continue operating the assets.

The company has also committed to purchasing the output from the projects following the expiration of regulated tariffs. These facilities have an average operational lifespan of 16 years.

TotalEnergies renewables senior vice-president Olivier Jouny stated: We are pleased with this partnership in Portugal, a country where TotalEnergies intends to continue its development in renewables.
The Direxion Daily TSLA Bull 2X Shares (TSLL) surged nearly 10% on Tuesday after Tesla Inc. (TSLA) reported a steep year-over-year decline in second-quarter vehicle deliveriesthough the numbers werent as bad as some feared.

Tesla delivered approximately 384,000 vehicles during the second quarter, down 13.5% from a year earlier and similar to the 13% drop seen during the first quarter. While the result came in just below the 387,000 vehicle figure analysts were expecting, it was a relief to investors who had braced for an even steeper decline of 20% or more.

Tesla has been under pressure in 2025 due to rising competition in the electric-vehicle space and reputational issues stemming from CEO Elon Musks political activity and controversial presence on X. But bulls are betting that the worst may be over.

Musk has dialed back his political involvement and continues to push hard to achieve Teslas ambitions in autonomous driving and robotics. The company began small-scale robotaxi services in Austin, Texas, in June, raising hopes that Tesla can evolve into more than just a carmaker and become a broader tech platform powering autonomous vehicles and robotics.

Traders Bet on Rebound with TSLL

For aggressive traders, TSLL has been one of the most popular tools to bet on a Tesla rebound. The fund has attracted $4.2 billion in inflows this year and now manages $5.5 billion in assets.

But performance has been painful. Despite Tuesdays rally, TSLL is down 57% year to date, compared to a 22% drop in Tesla shares.

And while the latest delivery numbers werent a disaster, theyre unlikely to be a long-term catalyst on their own. Tesla still faces big questions around demand for its EVs and the capabilities of its autonomous vehicle technology.

For now, the stock remains in a holding pattern, which isnt ideal for a leveraged ETF. Choppy price action can be punishing for funds like TSLL, which aim to amplify short-term moves but often lose ground in sideways markets due to the effects of daily compounding.

TSLL bulls are hoping for a sharp rebound in Tesla shares, perhaps sparked by meaningful progress in the companys robotaxi rollout or a more dramatic shift in investor sentiment.





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Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM) ranks among the best FAANG stocks to buy according to hedge funds. BofA analyst Brad Lin maintained his Buy rating on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM) at $220 on June 5. The semiconductor company has reaffirmed its 2025 revenue guidance with strong growth in the mid-20% range expected due to rising demand for AI-related technology.

TSMC Stock Rated Buy as AI Demand Drives 2025 Revenue Growth Forecast

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM) now has a stronger competitive edge in the semiconductor sector thanks to its strategic partnerships with major industry leaders like Hon Hai and NVIDIA. The company is also in a solid position to benefit from the growing AI sector, with applications ranging from data centers to edge devices like PCs, smartphones, and IoT.

The company is expected to maintain its growth trajectory due to its proactive global expansion and R&D spending, even in the face of possible macroeconomic concerns and currency fluctuations.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM) is a leading Taiwanese company that offers semiconductor manufacturing services.

While we acknowledge the potential of TSM 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 More: 10 Best Magic Formula Stocks for 2025 and 10 Best Retirement Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds

Disclosure: None.
Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER) ranks among the best FAANG stocks to buy according to hedge funds. Bernstein maintained its $95 price target and Outperform rating on Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER) following reports that the company would be considering purchasing Pony.ais US operations.

Uber Eyes Pony.ais U.S. Unit in Potential Deal Backing Founder Travis Kalanick

Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER) is reportedly in talks to support Travis Kalanick, its founder and former CEO, in his attempt to acquire the Chinese automakers US operations, according to the New York Times. The discussions are still in their early stages, with little financial information provided and no clear definition of Ubers precise role.

According to Nikhil Devnani, an analyst at Bernstein, the deal seems to be a possible equity investment from Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER) and other investors, with Kalanick positioned to manage the company and collaborate with Ubers network. The analyst stated that this creative deal might be spurred by regulatory issues that make Chinese autonomous vehicles untenable in the US.

Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER) is a prominent global supplier of ride-hailing, food delivery, and freight services. Since its inception, the company has revolutionized urban transportation by bringing drivers and passengers together via its mobile app.

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 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 More: 10 Best Magic Formula Stocks for 2025 and 10 Best Retirement Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds

Disclosure: None.
By Shubham Kalia and Marianna Parraga

(Reuters) -A $7.38 billion bid by a unit of Toronto-listed miner Gold Reserve was named preliminary winner of an auction of shares in the parent of Venezuela-owned refiner Citgo Petroleum, organized by a U.S. court to pay creditors for debt defaults and expropriations in the South American country.

If the offer is approved, proceeds from the auction of PDV Holding would be enough to compensate 11 of the 15 creditors fighting in U.S. courts since 2017 to recover billions of dollars after Venezuela's wave of nationalizations, an officer overseeing the auction said in one of the filings.

Bermuda-based Gold Reserve expects to have its own $1.18 billion claim compensated from the proceeds, following the expropriation of its mining assets in Venezuela. The bid made by its subsidiary Dalinar Energy Corporation will now be evaluated by Delaware Judge Leonard Stark before a final decision.

Dalinar was created by Gold Reserve to participate in the bidding round and take control of Citgo, the crown jewel of Venezuela's overseas assets and the seventh largest U.S. refiner with an 807,000 barrels-per-day network.

Even though the cash component of the Gold Reserve-led group's bid seems lower than rival offers, it covers a substantial number of creditors including oil producer ConocoPhillips, miners Rusoro and Crystallex and conglomerates Koch, OI Glass and Siemens Energy.

"This is a victory for the claimants," Gold Reserve CEO Paul Rivett told Reuters in a phone interview.

Dalinar's bid exceeded a $3.7 billion offer by Contrarian Funds' Red Tree Investments, selected in March as starting bid.

"Dalinar's proposed sale transaction is approximately $3.576 billion higher than the stalking horse transaction and is the highest bid that meets the bid requirements," court officer Robert Pincus, who oversees the auction, said in the filing.

The bid relies on a combination of equity and debt financing, and is supported by Rusoro, Koch and Siemens. It includes financing from JP Morgan Chase Bank, the Toronto-Dominion Bank and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp, according to the filings.

A final hearing on the sale process' results has been scheduled for August 18 once creditors complete research and file any objections. With Venezuela under U.S. sanctions, the U.S. Treasury Department must also green-light the winner.

Dalinar is expected to soon submit an application requiring guidance from the Treasury, according to court procedures. However, the department in April declined to disclose its next moves after extending its protection over Citgo until December, Pincus told the court in a briefing call last month.
By Chris Prentice and AJ Vicens

NEW YORK (Reuters) -The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has reached a deal in principle with SolarWinds Corp and its top security officer to end litigation tied to a Russia-linked cyberattack involving the software firm, they said in a court filing on Wednesday.

The SEC, SolarWinds and its chief information security officer, Timothy Brown, asked a federal judge on Wednesday to stay court proceedings while they finalize paperwork for a settlement. The judge granted their motion, filings showed.

In what was seen as a landmark case, the SEC sued the software company and its top security executive in connection with a two-year cyberattack known as Sunburst that targeted Austin, Texas-based SolarWinds. A judge dismissed much of the regulator's case last year.

The SEC had said that the defendants defrauded investors by concealing security weaknesses, but U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer, who approved the stay, had said that the claims were based on "hindsight and speculation."

An SEC spokesperson declined to comment on the matter beyond the public filings. A SolarWinds spokesperson declined to comment on the settlement terms but said the company is "pleased with the potential resolution and happy to focus on driving our business forward without distraction."

The parties said they planned to file settlement paperwork or a joint status report by September 12.

(Reporting by Chris Prentice; Additional reporting by AJ Vicens in Detroit; Editing by Mark Porter)
Press Release

July 4, 2025 Anti-Endo Bill Among Villanueva's Top Legislative Priorities Living up to his commitment, Senator Joel Villanueva re-filed his bill that seeks to end contractualization in the country, stressing the measure is long overdue. The proposed Security of Tenure and End of Endo (end of contract) bill is the senator's top priority bill filed at the opening of the 20th Congress on June 30. "Stop endo or stop contractualization has been the longstanding and resounding call of our workers. Endo or the repeated short-term employment without the possibility of regularization is oppressive and directly undermines the constitutional rights of workers," said Villanueva, who headed the Senate committee in labor, employment and human resources development in the last Congress. The bill, which seeks to amend certain provisions of the Labor Code of the Philippines, clearly states that "labor-only contracting (LOC) is prohibited." Specifically, it provides that LOC exists when the contractor merely supplies workers to the principal; the workers supplied are performing tasks directly related to the principal business of the contractee; and, the contractor does not exercise direct control over the deployed workers. Villanueva pointed out that the business of mere supply of labor for the performance of directly related tasks is an indicator of LOC and the practice of wholesale outsourcing of core functions, which undermines the constitutional guarantee of security of tenure. "This provision has been favorably endorsed by the Department of Labor and Employment based on its practical experience with enforcement and litigation," the senator said. He added that the Labor department believes the amendment will simplify the interpretation and implementation of the law and reduce legal ambiguity. Villanueva also emphasized that the bill empowers the industry tripartite councils to determine which jobs are directly related to the main business of a contractee or the principal. "Through the tripartite process, workers can voice their concerns about job outsourcing, while employers can present the operational realities and evolving demands of their business," he said. "This framework ensures that labor policy remains relevant, flexible, and balanced," he added. Villanueva expressed optimism the bill will receive support from lawmakers and Malacanang for its speedy passage. "It's high time for Congress to find a way to grant security of tenure to thousands of contractual workers in the private sector," Villanueva said. "The grant of regular status will make our workers more productive, innovative and driven. Investing in our human resources will be very well worth it," Villanueva added. Anti-Endo Bill kabilang sa top priority bills ni Villanueva Tulad ng kanyang ipinangako, muling inihain ni Senador Joel Villanueva ang panukalang naglalayong wakasan na ang kontraktuwalisasyon sa bansa, kasabay ng pagbibigay-diing matagal nang hinihintay ng milyon-milyong manggagawa ang naturang panukala. Ang Security of Tenure and End of Endo (end of contract) bill ang pangunahing prayoridad ng senador sa pagbubukas ng 20th Congress noong Hunyo 30. "Stop endo or stop contractualization has been the longstanding and resounding call of our workers. Endo or the repeated short-term employment without the possibility of regularization is oppressive and directly undermines the constitutional rights of workers," sabi ni Villanueva, na pinamunuan ang Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development sa nagdaang Kongreso. Layunin ng panukala na amyendahan ang ilang probisyon ng Labor Code upang mas maging klaro at malinaw na ipinagbabawal ang "labor-only contracting (LOC)." Punto ni Villanueva, ang pawang pagsusuplay ng labor para sa paggawa ng mga trabahong may direktang kinalaman sa principal business ng contractee ay palatandaan ng LOC at ang praktis ng 'wholesale outsourcing of core functions' ay nagpapahina sa karapatan sa security of tenure na ginagarantiya ng Saligang Batas. "This provision has been favorably endorsed by the Department of Labor and Employment based on its practical experience with enforcement and litigation," ayon sa senador. Dagdag pa niya, naniniwala ang labor department na ang pag-amyenda sa batas ay magpapasimple sa interpretasyon at pagpapatupad nito, at makakabawas sa legal ambiguity. Sinabi pa ni Villanueva na sa ilalim ng panukala, binibigyan din ng kapangyarihan ang industry tripartite councils upang tukuyin kung anong mga trabaho ang direktang may kinalaman sa pangunahing negosyo ng isang contractee o principal. "Through the tripartite process, workers can voice their concerns about job outsourcing, while employers can present the operational realities and evolving demands of their business," ani Villaneuva. "This framework ensures that labor policy remains relevant, flexible, and balanced," dagdag pa niya. Umaasa si Villanueva na susuportahan ng mga kapwa niya mambabatas at ng Malacanang ang kanyang panukala para sa agarang pagpasa nito. "It's high time for Congress to find a way to grant security of tenure to thousands of contractual workers in the private sector," saad pa niya.
A date for the sheriffs sale for Vidalia Mills is set.

The sale will take place on Aug. 6 at 10 a.m. CT at the Concordia Parish Courthouse in Vidalia, La. All property will be sold together. No bids will be accepted on individual lots or items.

More from Sourcing Journal

SJ Denim obtained the final inventory of equipment. In addition to the 81.87 acres of land the mill sits on, the list includes 12 Draper X3 shuttle looms, an unspecified number of Draper X3 looms in the front office and 79 half stripped Draper and Picanol shuttle looms.

In 2019, Vidalia Mills acquired 40 American Draper X3 selvedge looms from the shuttered White Oak facility in Greensboro, N.C. The mill went on to produce U.S.-made selvedge for brands like Imogene & Willie, Devil-Dog Dungarees and Trinidad3 before quality issues and financial troubles arose.

The auction of the historic looms has stirred considerable attention across the U.S. denim industry, particularly among brands and manufacturers that value domestic production and authenticity. Several brands have expressed interest in keeping the looms on U.S. soil by making significant upfront investments to mitigate some of the financial risk associated with acquiring the equipment.

Mount Vernon in Trion, Ga. is widely viewed as the only obvious U.S. plug-and-play choice for the looms.

Other items on the inventory list include a partially installed warp dyeing slasher system, sewing equipment, testing equipment and several Zinser ring spinning frames.

The sale of the now-shuttered denim mill was originally planned for April but was postponed due to inventory and other logistical issues.

According to 7th Judicial District Court documents, the mill owes approximately $32.5 million in principal, interest, and late charges as of Nov. 14, 2024 to the Jefferson Financial Federal Credit Union and Greater Nevada Credit Union.

In 2018, Vidalia Mills (also known as Vidalia Industrial Facilities, LLC) received a $25 million loan from Jefferson Financial Federal Credit Union and a $5 million loan from Greater Nevada Credit Union for equipment and working capital, the Concordia Sentinel reported. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture provided loan support through its Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program.
This story was originally published on Banking Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Banking Dive newsletter.

Palo Alto, California-based robo-adviser Wealthfront filed paperwork for its initial public offering last week, nearly three years after mutually abandoning a merger into Swiss bank UBS.

The number of shares Wealthfront will offer, and the price range for the proposed offering, have not yet been determined.

The firm follows several other fintechs on the quest to go public this year, including investment fintech eToro, neobank Chime and stablecoin issuer Circle, which all began trading in recent weeks.

Its a leap that only a handful have taken since the downturn of the fintech market in 2021, and one that has thus far been successful for 2025s market entrants: eToro, Chime and Circle all debuted above their IPO price, and remain above it as of Wednesday.

Circle, in particular, was trading Wednesday afternoon around $177 after debuting on the New York Stock Exchange at $69 on June 5.

From zero to here, it's amazing, said Chuckie Reddy, head of growth at fintech investment firm QED, on mid-2025s steady stream of fintech IPO announcements. QED is not a Wealthfront investor.

If you go back to 2018-2019, when things are a little bit more normalized, we're probably actually seeing elevated activity from a fintech perspective. The reason for that is, number one, there were less fintech companies around that were of size, and two, there's been a little bit of pent-up demand.

The activity, Reddy said, is something we've been hoping for and predicting for quite some time.

It's really beneficial to the overall ecosystem, and it comes in a number of different ways. One is demonstrating liquidity for the fintech sector, particularly the venture capital universe of venture funded companies, he said.

In February, QED founder Nigel Morris  who also co-founded Capital One  predicted the first half of 2025 would see a whole generation of fintech IPOs, or at least IPO-readiness.

Despite the years uptick from the previous three years  between 2022 and the first part of this year, just 13 fintechs filed to go public, compared to 61 in 2021 alone  Reddy doesnt feel like were at some peak moment or in IPO mania.

I would actually say that this is kind of a healthy release  issuances that may have hit the market in past years, but the market conditions and the company conditions and the timing [wasnt] right. Its less of a trend, per se, [and instead] a return to normal, Reddy said.

Wealthfront declined to comment beyond its press release, and none of the investors that had led Wealthfronts funding rounds responded to requests for comment on the firms IPO.
A well-known grocery store brand, which has long sold canned fruits and vegetables, has filed for bankruptcy.

Most Read from Fast Company



Del Monte Foods, a 138-year old company, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Thursday. The company is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, and operates six production facilities across the U.S., and two in Mexico. The company is now looking for a buyer with plans to sell off all of its assets.

This is a strategic step forward for Del Monte Foods, said Greg Longstreet, president and CEO of Del Monte Foods, in a press release. 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.

From canned fruit king to bankruptcy

In addition to its flagship Del Monte brand, which includes canned fruits, vegetables, fruit cups, juices, and more, the company is also known for selling College Inn and Contadina products. The company began in 1886 before building a cannery in 1907 in San Francisco in 1907. Just two years later, in 1909, it had become the largest canned fruit and vegetable company in the world, according to the companys website.

Del Monte says it has secured $912.5 million in new funding, which includes $165 million from some of its current lenders. The funds will allow the company to continue operations leading up to its sale. The company listed liabilities estimated between $1 billion and $10 billion, per court documents.

Mr. Longstreet continued, 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.

Overseas operations remain unaffected

Del Monte also operates outside of the U.S. and Mexico, with other main locations in the Philippines, Singapore, and India. The company says it doesnt expect interruptions to non-U.S. units, including its operations in Mexico.
Key Points

MP Materials is a rare earths producer headquartered in California.

Investors responded to trade tensions with China and favorable opinions on the company's stock from Wall Street last month.

The company plans on expanding into the production of rare earth magnets.

10 stocks we like better than MP Materials 

Bouncing back from a disappointing performance in May, shares of rare earths producer MP Materials (NYSE: MP) raced considerably higher last month. According to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence, MP Materials stock rose 52.7% in June.

In addition to the ongoing trade dispute with China -- of which rare earths are a focus -- positive commentary from analysts contributed to the stock's rise.

Image source: Getty Images.

News from both Washington and Wall Street wound up investors' excitement last month

Early in the month, the lack of an agreement between President Trump and President Xi with respect to rare earths exports from China (as well as tariffs) suggested to investors that MP Materials, a California-based producer of rare earths, would benefit. This complemented President Trump's executive order from March that sought to shore up the nation's supply of critical minerals, such as rare earths.

Later in the month, analysts' auspicious takes on the rare earths producer's stock provided another source of motivation to click the buy button. On June 11, Thefly.com reported that Morgan Stanley maintained a $34 price target on MP Materials stock predicated on the news that officials from the U.S. and China seemed closer to reaching a truce on the trade war. The following day, shares of MP Materials closed 13.9% higher.

About a week later, Baird upwardly revised its price target on MP Materials stock to $38 from $30, maintaining an overweight rating. Baird's price target implied upside of almost 10% based on the stock's closing price the day before the price target was reported.

Should rare earths investors now watch from the sidelines after the stock's lofty rise?

Looking at the stock's recent rise, potential investors may look to its valuation to gain a better handle on whether now's a good time to pick up shares. Since the company is unprofitable, however, traditional valuation metrics are not useful. Despite this, patient investors with a stomach for volatility would be wise to dig deeper into this rare earths producer.

In addition to producing rare earths, MP Materials is working on expanding into rare earth magnets production at its facility in Texas, where it projects commercial magnet production will commence before the end of 2025. Should MP Materials achieve this feat, it will serve as an inflection point in its growth and help the company considerably on its path to profitability.
Renewable energy company Zelestra has secured an additional 235m ($277m) for its sustainability-linked loan, bringing the total to 770m ($907m).

Initially signed in 2023 and extended in 2024, the upsized credit facility is backed by 11 international banks, demonstrating their continued confidence in the companys business model and long-term vision.

The loan facility has been extended by one year and is set to mature in 2029.

The facility includes enhanced terms, bolsters Zelestra's financial standing, improves its credit profile and secures the resources needed to tackle future challenges and growing global demand.

Zelestra plans to use the funds to develop new wind farms, solar installations and battery storage systems across its six key markets: Germany, India, Italy, Latin America, Spain and the US.

As of late 2023, Zelestra had achieved a 1GW worldwide contracted portfolio.

This figure has grown fivefold to reach 5.4GW in less than two years, and the company aims to secure contracts for 9GW worth of projects by 2026.

Zelestras CFO Xavier Puig stated: Zelestras customer-centric strategy is accelerating our growth in all our key markets.

Our customers trust us to deliver the clean energy solutions they need, and we are pleased that these major lenders also continue to trust in our strategy and our outlook. This increased financial capacity will enhance our ability to deliver the wind, solar and battery storage solutions that our clients need.

Zelestra currently manages a portfolio of 29GW of carbon-free projects across 13 countries, with 5.4GW contracted and in operation, construction or pre-construction phases.

The company is supported by EQT, a global fund managing more than 273bn in assets. In May 2025, Zelestra partnered with Sungrow to develop a 1 gigawatt hour battery energy storage system in Tarapaca, Chile.

"Zelestra increases sustainability-linked loan to 770m" was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




Colorado Democrats warned Tuesday that President Donald Trump's budget bill will leave struggling Americans poorer while rewarding the wealthy with big tax breaks as the Senate narrowly passed the legislation following a tense, around-the-clock session. At the same time, the state's top Republicans praised Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act as a blueprint for prosperity and a safer America.
Press Release

July 4, 2025 ZUBIRI SEEKS TOTAL BAN ON ONLINE GAMBLING TO FIGHT 'SILENT EPIDEMIC' HURTING FILIPINOS, TARGETING YOUTH Senator Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri has filed a bill seeking an outright ban on online gambling in the Philippines, calling it a "silent epidemic" that is quietly harming Filipinos, especially minors and the most vulnerable. In the bill aptly called the "Anti-Online Gambling Act of 2025" that Zubiri intends to file, he drew a parallel between the threat once posed by Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and the growing danger of local online gambling platforms. "We already shut the doors on POGOs for the damage they caused. But an even more dangerous problem has crept into our homes: online gambling that targets our own people," he said. "Let's not kid ourselves. Iba na ang itsura ng gambling addiction ngayon. Hindi na ito yung lulong ang isang tao sa casino o sa sabungan. It now looks like a kid with a phone under the covers at 2 a.m., losing the family's grocery money on an online casino site," Zubiri said. The proposed measure prohibits all forms of online gambling in the country, not just simple regulation. This includes digital betting platforms, mobile applications and websites that allow users to place wagers through phones, tablets and computers. The bill covers both locally and offshore-operated gambling sites that cater to Filipino users. Under the bill, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), mobile network operators and digital platforms are mandated to block access to gambling websites and remove related apps within 72 hours upon notice from the Department of Justice or PAGCOR. Failure to act promptly may result in fines, license suspension or even revocation of their authority to operate. Digital wallets and payment service providers such as credit cards, GCash, Paymaya and others are also barred from facilitating transactions related to online gambling. Any entity that aids in placing bets, promoting gambling content or advertising betting sites - whether through traditional media, social media or influencer marketing - will be held liable. "Ang dami nating nakikitang ads ng online casino sa ating mga payment wallets. Ineendorso pa ng mga sikat na artista. Yung mga memes ng tinatawag nilang 'scatter,' makikita mo sa social media. These memes make a parody of people losing a lot of money in online gambling," Zubiri noted. "Ang kawawa dito ay hindi lamang yung mga adults na nalululong sa bisyo. Kasama pati ang ating mga kabataan. Children are learning to lie, to steal, to cheat just to fund their next bet," the former Senate President stressed. Violators face steep penalties as the first offense carries a fine of at least P20 million and a six-month license suspension. A second violation could cost P50 million or a full-year suspension. A third offense carries a fine of at least P100 million, permanent license revocation and criminal prosecution of top executives with up to six years of imprisonment. "Ang masakit dito, mga bata na ang nahuhumaling. Madali para sa kanila na magpanggap ng edad, gumawa ng fake account at makapasok sa mga site na ito. There is something inherently wrong with the system, that is why I filed this measure to put an end to this once and for all," Zubiri stated.
One juvenile was arrested on Tuesday in connection with a stolen vehicle used to ram into a southeast Colorado Springs business in an attempted burglary, according to police.

An unknown number of suspects broke through the front door of a business in the 2400 block of South Academy Boulevard, near Hancock Expressway, by backing into it with an unreported stolen vehicle around 12:45 a.m., according to Colorado Springs police. The incident was the fourth reported smash-and-grab since the middle of June.

A department spokesperson said the suspects did not gain entry to the store, and the stolen vehicle was a Hyundai.

The arrestee is a suspect of several residential burglaries and a 2024 smash-and-grab spree. They are currently on probation for at least one felony offense, according to police.

A search warrant was conducted at the suspect's residence, during which police found a stolen handgun modified with a "switch," a device that enables a gun to be capable of fully-automatic fire. Police believe the offender had this handgun during "numerous" break-ins, motor vehicle thefts and burglaries.

At least three other smash-and-grabs have been reported since June 21. The other three were a string of burglaries that targeted marijuana and vape shops across town and led to the arrest of two juvenile offenders.
By Stefanno Sulaiman and Ananda Teresia

JAKARTA (Reuters) -Indonesia has offered to cut duties on key imports from the United States to "near zero" and to buy $500 million worth of U.S. wheat as part of its tariff talks with Washington, its lead negotiator and a wheat industry association said on Friday.

Chief economics minister Airlangga Hartarto, who is Indonesia's lead negotiator, also confirmed that state carrier Garuda Indonesia would buy more Boeing planes as part of a $34 billion pact with U.S. partners due to be signed next week.

Indonesia, which ran a goods trade surplus of $17.9 billion with the United States in 2024 according to the U.S. Trade Representative, is facing a 32% tariff in U.S. markets and has proposed increasing U.S. imports to facilitate trade talks between the two sides.

Airlangga said the Indonesian government has offered to cut tariffs on key American exports, including agricultural products, to near-zero from between 0% and 5% at present.

"It will be near zero (tariffs for U.S. main exports), but it will depend as well on how much the tariffs we get from the U.S.," Airlangga said.

Garuda's CEO has said it is in discussions with U.S. Boeing to buy up to 75 units of aircraft. Garuda group did not respond to requests for comment on Friday.

The wheat purchases are also part of next week's pact with U.S. partners.

The chairman of Indonesia's wheat flour mills association, Franciscus Welirang, said its "members will purchase two million tons in total through tenders with a competitive price."

"The point is all of the members will buy U.S. wheat," Welirang, who is also a director at Indofood, told Reuters.

The U.S. counterparts in the wheat deal include Cargill, Bunge Global SA, Pacificor, Archer-Daniels-Midland, Columbia Grain International, and United Grain Corporation, Welirang added.

U.S. exports to Indonesia include soybeans, petroleum gases and aircraft, Indonesian government data showed.

When asked whether the trade talks include military deals, Airlangga said they were "not part of the negotiation".

Susiwijono Moegiarso, a senior official with Indonesia's Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, told Reuters that in return, Jakarta has asked the United States for preferential tariffs on its main exports, including electronics, textiles and footwear.

"We want them to lower the tariffs (for those goods) as low as possible," he said.

Indonesia has also offered the United States opportunities to invest in critical minerals projects, including in the country's abundant resources of copper, nickel and bauxite.

(Reporting by Stefanno Sulaiman and Ananda Teresia; Editing by Clarence Fernandez, David Stanway and Susan Fenton)
By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Alexander Cornwell

CAIRO/TEL AVIV (Reuters) -Hamas said it had responded on Friday in "a positive spirit" to a U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire proposal and was prepared to enter into talks on implementing the deal, which envisages a release of hostages and negotiations on ending the conflict.

U.S. President Donald Trump had announced a "final proposal" for a 60-day ceasefire in the nearly 21-month-old war between Israel and Hamas, saying he anticipated a reply from the parties in coming hours.

Hamas wrote on its official website: "The Hamas movement has completed its internal consultations as well as discussions with Palestinian factions and forces regarding the latest proposal by the mediators to halt the aggression against our people in Gaza.

"The movement has delivered its response to the brotherly mediators, which was characterized by a positive spirit. Hamas is fully prepared, with all seriousness, to immediately enter a new round of negotiations on the mechanism for implementing this framework," the statement said.

In a sign of potential challenges still facing the sides, a Palestinian official of a militant group allied with Hamas said concerns remained over humanitarian aid, passage through the Rafah crossing to Egypt and clarity over a timetable of Israeli troop withdrawals.

Trump said on Tuesday that Israel had agreed "to the necessary conditions to finalise" a 60-day ceasefire, during which efforts would be made to end the U.S. ally's war in the Palestinian enclave.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is due to meet Trump in Washington on Monday, has yet to comment on Trump's announcement, and in their public statements the two sides remain far apart. Netanyahu has repeatedly said Hamas must be disarmed, a position the militant group, which is thought to be holding 20 living hostages, has so far refused to discuss.

Israeli media cited an Israeli official as saying that Israel had received and was looking into Hamas' response to the ceasefire proposal.

Trump expressed optimism late on Friday to reporters aboard Air Force One, who asked about Hamas' response.

"They said they gave me a positive response? Well, that's good," Trump said, adding that he had not yet been briefed. "There could be a Gaza deal next week."

An Egyptian security official told Reuters that Egypt, which along with Qatar is mediating ceasefire efforts, had seen Hamas' response and said: "It includes positive signs that an agreement is near, but there are some demands from Hamas that need to be worked on."

Trump has said he would be "very firm" with Netanyahu on the need for a speedy Gaza ceasefire, adding that the Israeli leader wants one as well.

ATTACKS OVERNIGHT

Israeli attacks have killed at least 138 Palestinians in Gaza over the past 24 hours, local health officials said.

Health officials at the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, said the Israeli military had carried out an airstrike on a tent encampment west of the city around 2 a.m., killing 15 Palestinians displaced by nearly two years of war.

The Israeli military said troops operating in the Khan Younis area had eliminated militants, confiscated weapons and dismantled Hamas outposts in the previous 24 hours while striking 100 targets across Gaza, including military structures, weapons storage facilities and launchers.

Later on Friday, Palestinians gathered to perform funeral prayers before burying those killed overnight.

"There should have been a ceasefire long ago before I lost my brother," said 13-year-old Mayar Al Farr as she wept. Her brother, Mahmoud, was shot dead in another incident, she said.

"He went to get aid, so he can get a bag of flour for us to eat. He got a bullet in his neck," she said.

'MAKE THE DEAL'

In Tel Aviv, families and friends of hostages held in Gaza were among demonstrators who gathered outside a U.S. embassy building on U.S. Independence Day, calling on Trump to secure a deal for all of the captives.

Demonstrators set up a symbolic Sabbath dinner table, placing 50 empty chairs to represent those who are still held in Gaza. Banners hung nearby displaying a post by Trump from his Truth Social platform that read, "MAKE THE DEAL IN GAZA. GET THE HOSTAGES BACK!!!"

"Only you can make the deal. We want one beautiful deal. One beautiful hostage deal," said Gideon Rosenberg, 48, from Tel Aviv.

Rosenberg was wearing a shirt with the image of hostage Avinatan Or, one of his employees who was abducted by Palestinian militants from the Nova musical festival on October 7, 2023. He is among the 20 hostages who are believed to be alive after more than 600 days of captivity.

An official familiar with the negotiations said on Thursday that the proposal envisages the return of 10 of the hostages during the 60 days, along with the bodies of 18 others who had died since being taken hostage.

Ruby Chen, 55, the father of 19-year-old American-Israeli Itay, who is believed to have been killed after being taken captive, urged Netanyahu to return from meeting Trump with a deal that brings back all hostages.

Itay Chen, also a German national, was serving as an Israeli soldier when Hamas carried out its surprise attack, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 hostage.

Israels retaliatory war against Hamas has devastated Gaza, which the militant group has ruled for almost two decades but now only controls in parts, displacing most of the population of more than 2 million and triggering widespread hunger.

More than 57,000 Palestinians have been killed in nearly two years of fighting, most of them civilians, according to local health officials.

(Reporting by Alexander Cornwell in Tel Aviv, Nidal al-Mughrabi and Menna Alaa El Din in Cairo, Hatem Khaled in Gaza, Howard Goller in New York and David Brunnstrom and Trevor Hunnicutt in Washington; Editing by Alex Richardson, Philippa Fletcher and Rosalba O'Brien)
Media stories erupted recently about Rep. Nancy Pelosis (D-CA) financial dealings.

Stock market watchdog claims Nancy Pelosi raked in $4.7M in a single day of trading, reads one headline about the 38-year House member from San Francisco, who was speaker from 2007 to 2011 and 2019 to 2023.

Nancy Pelosi outperforms major hedge funds with jaw-dropping gains in 2024, leaves Wall Street pros in the dust, another report exclaimed.

This was not the first such press scrutiny. The California Democrats high-performing portfolio has long been the subject of critical media stories. Last year, for example, financial disclosures revealed the California Democrat had sold at least $500,000 in Visa stock a few months before the Justice Department announced an antitrust investigation of the firm. Three years ago, tech entrepreneur Chris Josephs built the Pelosi Stock Tracker, which displays her assets and their impressive performance.

As in the past, a spokesperson told the press that Pelosi does not own any stocks, and she has no prior knowledge or subsequent involvement in any transactions. The assets are in an account held by her husband, Paul Pelosi, who is a very experienced investor and financier.

To be sure, the former speaker is not the only public official whose financial dealings have raised eyebrows. Nor are Democrats the only ones who are suspected of wheeling and dealing on Capitol Hill.

Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) sold Apple stock shortly before President Donald Trump announced tariffs that drove down the share prices. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) purchased a bevy of technology stocks shortly before Trump paused some tariffs  she told the press there was no problem as her investments are managed by an outside adviser.

These are among many people in Congress who often see gains in their stock portfolio that outpace the growth of the Standard & Poor 500.

Charges of legislative graft are as old as the republic itself. Thomas Jefferson and his co-partisans accused Alexander Hamilton and his supporters of colluding with stock-jobbers to line their pockets. In the 1870s, legislators were gifted artificially low-priced railroad stock options to encourage them to vote for legislation favorable to the building of a transcontinental rail system.

Nobody would know about the stock transactions of Pelosi, Greene, and Tuberville if it were not for the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act, enacted in 2012. It declared that legislators and top executive branch officials were covered by existing laws forbidding insider trading, or the purchasing or selling of an asset based upon nonpublic knowledge. The STOCK Act also required the timely disclosure of legislators stock purchases and sales.

The frequent media stories about legislators well-timed stock trades over the past several years have fomented a slew of bills to toughen up the STOCK Act and other rules forbidding the co-mingling of officials powers and personal wealth.

Featured Local Savings

For example, Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-RI) reintroduced the Transparent Representation Upholding Service and Trust in Congress Act, which would force legislators to put their investments in blind trusts and have no visibility into any trades. Across the Capitol, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) introduced the Preventing Elected Leaders from Owning Securities Act, which would forbid legislators and their spouses from holding, purchasing, or selling individual stocks. They could continue to invest in mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, and U.S. Treasury bonds. Supporters for these bills range from self-professed socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) to the very conservative Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) and the House Freedom Caucus.

Groups outside Congress are also clamoring for additional curbs. Richard Eidlin, the policy director of Business for America, a group that educates and advocates on a variety of civic matters, told the Washington Examiner, This type of financial activity by members of Congress  making financial decisions while also acting as regulators and policymakers presents tremendous conflicts of interest. When public officials profit on inside information gleaned from their positions, Eidlin added, it depreciates the publics trust in the political system and challenges the notion of free and fair markets. BFA is one of nearly a dozen groups that recently signed a letter asking Congress to tighten the laws on stock trading.

Whether legislators will have the chance to vote for any of these bills is unclear. Neither chamber so far has agreed to vote on any particular bill. Similar legislation introduced in the two previous Congresses died from inaction.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), perhaps seeing limited support within his caucus, has not taken a position. We'll see how this conversation evolves, he said. I mean, we get some members up here on both sides, out both sides of the Capitol, as you know, who would like more strict limitations on that. But there are some pretty good, I would say, protections in place already."

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), for his part, says he supports a ban on stock trading.

Im in favor of that because I dont think we should have any appearance of impropriety here, Johnson told reporters on May 14.

SUPREME COURT MAKES TRUMP WAIT ON KEY DECISIONS

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) has also voiced support, and President Donald Trump has said he would sign such a bill. Absolutely, he told the press.

I watched Nancy Pelosi get rich through insider information, and I would be OK with it," Trump said in late April. "If they send that to me, I would do it.

Kevin R. Kosar (@kevinrkosar) is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and edits UnderstandingCongress.org.
A federal judge in Washington, D.C., temporarily blocked the Trump administration on Friday from deporting eight foreign nationals to South Sudan, just days after the Supreme Court sided with the administration in a related deportation case.

U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss issued an administrative stay on the morning of July 4, barring the Department of Homeland Security from moving, transferring, or removing the eight men while the court considers a new constitutional challenge to their removal. This marks the third time the removal efforts have been delayed by lower court intervention after the Supreme Court has twice said the removals can take place.

The decision came in response to an emergency habeas petition filed Thursday evening in Phan v. DHS, which argues that sending the men to the war-torn African nation would amount to unlawful punishment in violation of the Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth amendments.

A hearing began at 12:30 p.m. on Friday despite the federal holiday, underscoring the urgency of the legal dispute. The case represents a new front in the broader legal fight over so-called third-country deportations, which allow the United States to remove people to nations other than their home country or one in which they have lawful status.

Moss expressed concerns about allowing the criminals to be sent to a third country due to vagueness surrounding the Supreme Court's past two orders, yet he was also concerned that the case should be handled in Massachusetts rather than his court.

Following the afternoon hearing, he granted a one-hour stay to give counsel for the criminal defendants time to file their emergency petition in Massachusetts.

The Justice Department argued the latest filing was an abuse of process, referencing a recent Supreme Court order that allowed deportations to South Sudan to proceed without additional due process hearings. But Moss appeared skeptical, noting that the new habeas action raises distinct constitutional claims from those previously addressed by the high court.

The precise basis of the legal claim differs from the third-country removals litigation pending in Massachusetts, the DOJ attorney conceded during the hearing. The DOJ also said a flight is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday to take the men to South Sudan and that the government is willing to appeal to the Supreme Court again if need be.

Moss is weighing whether to transfer the case to Massachusetts, where the class-action lawsuit over third-country removals originated, or allow the D.C. court to decide the merits of the new constitutional challenge.

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The petitioners argue the Trump administrations deportation plan is not merely an immigration enforcement matter but a form of punishment that should be subject to heightened constitutional scrutiny.

The case comes just over a week after the Supreme Court lifted an injunction issued by Massachusetts-based U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy, an appointee of former President Joe Biden who previously blocked the administration from conducting swift deportations to South Sudan. Murphy subsequently issued an order saying his halt on deportations for the eight migrants still stands even after the high court lifted his broader decision.

Then, on Thursday, the Supreme Court issued a clarifying order that once again told Murphy that the administration could begin its plans to send the criminal migrants to South Sudan.

The Biden administration had paused such removals, citing instability in South Sudan, but the Trump administration reversed course this year as part of its broader immigration and national security priorities.

SUPREME COURT BACKS TRUMP BID TO DEPORT CRIMINALS TO SOUTH SUDAN

The men, all convicted of serious crimes in the U.S., have been held at Camp Lemonnier, a U.S. military base, where they are confined to an air-conditioned modular unit typically used as a conference room, according to court records. A legal team member said they remain under constant guard and are shackled at the ankles except during showers, bathroom use, or remote meetings with attorneys.

Of the group, only one is originally from South Sudan. The others are from Vietnam, Mexico, Laos, Cuba, and Myanmar.

This is a developing story and will be updated.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday to increase entry fees at national parks for foreign visitors.

"To fund improvements and enhanced experiences across the park system, I've just signed an executive order to raise entrance fees for foreign tourists while keeping prices low for Americans," Trump said at a Thursday evening rally in Iowa. "The national parks will be about America first."

The order called on Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to "develop a strategy" to raise revenue and improve the recreational experience at national parks by "appropriately" raising entry fees for nonresidents in areas of the National Park System. The order said the increased entry fee should be used to improve the infrastructure at national parks.

It also called on the department to ensure American residents are granted "preferential treatment" with other access rules, permitting or lottery rules.

"From the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon to the tranquility of the Great Smoky Mountains, America's national parks have provided generations of American families with unforgettable memories," the order reads.

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"It is the policy of my Administration to preserve these opportunities for American families in future generations by increasing entry fees for foreign tourists, improving affordability for United States residents, and expanding opportunities to enjoy America's splendid national treasures," it reads.

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION AXES LOGGING PROTECTIONS FOR NATIONAL FORESTS TO PREVENT WILDFIRES

The move comes as Trump has taken action to reduce staffing in the National Park Service. As of July 3, since Trump took office, the National Park Service has lost 24% of its permanent staff, according to the National Parks Conservation Association.

The president is also proposing to pull back 30% of the National Park Service's operation and staffing budget in the administration rescission bill. The bill has passed through the House and is awaiting in the Senate.
President Donald Trump traveled to Iowa on Thursday evening for early Fourth of July festivities.

Trump's visit commenced a yearlong run of the Iowa State Fair that will continue through next summer to commemorate the nation's 250th birthday. The president jubilantly opened his remarks by touting the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, his gargantuan tax cuts and spending reconciliation bill that passed in the House earlier in the day.

The president had launched a heavy pressure campaign, both publicly and in private, to pressure Republican holdouts to flip in favor of the legislation over the past two weeks as GOP opposition threatened to undercut Trump's July 4 deadline. But Thursday's afternoon passage in the House allowed Trump to schedule an Independence Day signing ceremony at the White House on Friday evening.

"There could be no better birthday present for America than the phenomenal victory we achieved just hours ago when Congress passed the one big, beautiful bill to make America great again," he told the crowd in Iowa. "I must say this bill includes the largest tax cut in American history, the largest spending cut in American history, the largest border security investment in American history."

Trump specifically pointed out to the crowd that the bill will eliminate the "so-called estate tax, or the death tax," a major concern for family farmers in Iowa and other central agriculture-producing states.

The president has stated for weeks that the reconciliation bill includes critical funding to advance his deportation agenda, even as his supporters in agricultural states are concerned about the effect Trump's deportations will have on their workforce.

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Trump and other top administration officials have hinted at possible exemptions for deportations for the agriculture industry, and he told the Iowa crowd Thursday that his team is working on a solution.

"Let the farmers be responsible, and then if the farmers don't do a good job, we'll throw them the hell out of the country. We'll let the illegals stay, and we'll throw the farmer the hell out. OK, get ready, farmer, I'm telling you," the president joked, before catching himself midsentence.

"OK, so the fake news will write that 'Donald Trump will throw farmers out of our country,' they will write it. Because whenever I'm sarcastic, you know, you can't be sarcastic," he continued, earning laughs from the crowd. "Well, if you're me, you can't be sarcastic. So I want to say I was only kidding."

BEHIND THE SCENES OF TRUMP'S FULL-COURT PRESS BEFORE FINAL 'BIG, BEAUTIFUL' VOTE

You can watch Trump's remarks in full below.
Joe Barrera, Ph.D., is the former director of the Ethnic Studies Program at UCCS. He teaches Mexico/U.S. Border Studies and U.S. Military History. He is a combat veteran of the Vietnam War.
Founders put all on the line  for all of us | Jimmy Sengenberger
Assyrian MPs Express Grave Concern Over Condition of Christians in Syria

Isa Kahraman and a delegation of the Bethnahrin National Council in the Tweede Kamer, the Hague. The Hague/Stockholm -- Syriac [Assyrian] parliamentarians Isa Kahraman and Yusuf Aydin, each in their own political arena, have expressed their deep concern about the situation of Christians in Syria following the suicide church bombing on Sunday 22 June in Daramsuq (Damascus).

Christian Democrat Yusuf Aydin is deeply concerned about how the dominant Islamic forces currently ruling Syria are dealing with the smaller population groups. He sees a pattern of antagonism and violence, first against Alawites, then the Druze, and, with the recent bombing of the St. Elias church, against Christians. Speaking at the Swedish Riskdag European Affairs Committee, Aydin, originally from Tur Abdin, argued that after European economic sanctions have been lifted, which he favors, this must be accompanied by real demands for progress on all fronts. It cannot be that smaller indigenous communities continue to be targets of brute violence.

If Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa truly sees himself as the country's leader, he must ensure that all Syrians, regardless of their faith, are protected, both in law and in practice. Without political, religious and cultural inclusivity, the Christian Democrat fears a new wave of migration, especially among the smaller and more vulnerable population groups, where everyone in Europe currently encourages the return of Syrians to their country.

Isa Kahraman (New Social Contract) has grown much more skeptical about the future of Christians in Syria. In a session of the Committee for Foreign Affairs Kahraman, who, like Yusuf Aydin, comes from Tur Abdin, gave an emotional speech specifically aimed at Ahmad al-Sharaa. "We cheered too early," he said, pointing to al-Sharaa's past within al-Qaeda in Syria.

With the massacre against the Alawites three months ago, the conflict between the Druze and Daramsuq, and the recent suicide attack on the St. Elias church, "the dream of freedom for Christians, Druze and Alawites has gone up in smoke." Where he and his party initially gave the new Syrian government the benefit of the doubt after taking over, Kahraman now calls the lifting of European economic sanctions against the country a "foolish move," stating that Europe no longer holds leverage over the new regime in Daramsuq to get its act together.

How the situation in Syria will develop for the smaller population groups after the bloody conflicts and attacks of the past months is uncertain. What is certain is that Aydin and Kahraman have not made the case for self-determination for e.g. Alawites and Christians in the areas where they form a majority. The two Syriac parliamentarians continue to hold on to a central system of government with rights and protection for all--something they themselves have expressed serious doubts about.
Debate is underway in the Senate on President Donald Trumps big tax breaks and spending cuts package. It is expected to go all night. Democrats warning against cuts to Medicaid and food stamps are trying to stall the process. There's much more debate and voting ahead. But Republicans postponed a planned overnight session until Monday. They are determined to march forward to meet Trump's July Fourth deadline. Meantime, a new analysis shows the package will add nearly $3.3 trillion to deficits. And North Carolina Republican Thom Tillis, who said he can't vote for the bill because of its health care cuts, says he won't run again in 2026, after Trump lashed out.
As the Air Force works to cut 5,000 positions before October, the Air Force Academy expects to eliminate 140 jobs. Acting Dean Col. Steven Hasstedt outlined the cuts and the $10 million budget shortfall for civilian employee pay in a Tuesday email that was shared with The Gazette and later on social media. The email stated that most of the positions have already been vacated through voluntary resignations earlier in the year and only 36 positions are filled.
The Danville campus of The Hughes Educational Center celebrated the renovation of a building Wednesday that will become home for its private special education day school.

The educational branch is under the umbrella of The Hughes Center.

We actually offer two different programs and services, Alison Blair, a spokesperson for The Hughes Center, told the Register & Bee following a ribbon-cutting event and tour of the building.

Last year, a new building next door opened for the residential part for children and adolescents with autism and intellectual disabilities.

Our kids live with us there, she explained.

The other program is called a private day school with a facility in Danville, South Boston and Christiansburg.

These are all kids in the public school system that need additional support, Blair said. Sometimes its behavioral issues in the classroom, autism or Down syndrome.

The kids bus in and out like a regular school day, she said of students from six localities in Southside Virginia.

The idea is for the program to be a temporary home and eventually get the students back to their base schools.

Which works for some kids, and for some kids this is where they finish out their educational experience, Michelle Cahill, assistant director of education for he residential side, said. The school system can only offer to a certain point before it taxes resources, availability of staff, that sort of thing.

Thats why theres a need for the private day school.

To give the kids the most typical educational experience without them having to be in a more restrictive residential setting, Cahill said.

Previously, it was in another building on the campus, which was too small.

We expanded, and there wasnt adequate space, Blair said.

There wasnt good classroom size, she said. It didnt allow us to spread the kids out as much as we could.

The renovation, which has been in the works for about a year, entailed more than just a facelift for the building thats more than a century old.

Originally it was an orphanage back when it first opened, she said of the new home for the day school. Children lived there on a farm-like setting with animals.

Some things had to go down to the wall, Blair said of the six months of heavy construction. Anything that we could get to that was exposed, we fixed that, updated it.

With a current license from the Virginia Department of Health to serve up to 30 students, the new space will allow it to grow to a licensing of up to 50.

There are five classrooms with a cap of 10 students in each.

With the five teachers, they are also in the room with the support staff, meaning there are at least two adults in each class, Cahill said.

Some students will come with a need for one-on-one support, which the facility can also provide.

Although the buildings renovation was celebrated on Wednesday, the teachers still havent moved into the new space, Tamera Poindexter, director of education for the day school, explained just before cutting the ceremonial ribbon.

This will give you a snapshot of what we have going on, she said before leading groups on a tour.

The first stop was a classroom that will be used for elementary or middle school students. At one point, those students were combined in a room, but with an eye to expansion, there are two classrooms.

They do a lot of hands-on projects in here, Poindexter said. This gives them the space now that they need to be able to spread out.

Next door is a high school classroom that was much the same.

Some are working on an alternative SOL curriculum, we have some working on a standard diploma, she noted of Virginias Standards of Learning assessments.

Some classrooms have desks and others have tables with tops that are basically dry-erase marker boards, allowing students to draw or doodle.

A new space thats not offered now is a cafe with meals coming from the residential program.

Which is different from what we have had, Poindexter said. We have been in a small space, so students have been eating in their classrooms.

Tucked in another hallway are sensory rooms. One had soothing music playing outside of the dark space, and the other had natural light shining in.

The rooms can be helpful for students on the autism spectrum.

Other sensory rooms can be double-use, like becoming a testing area.

Theres also a small room for a library and music space.

Along the main hallway are hand-painted plants that have textures and raised portions. Its also designed to create a calming impact for students to run their hands on the wall when they need a break.
Editor's note: The footage discussed in this story can be viewed by clicking here. Please note the video contains graphic imagery.

MACON  Dramatic cop body cam video shows gunman Oscar M. McCurry II refusing to drop a stolen police shotgun before being shot and wounded by officers forced to defend themselves.

And yet the video, released by the State Police late Thursday afternoon, also shows that the wounded McCurry still wouldnt give up.

He had dropped the shotgun but was still armed with a knife as he confronted police on U.S. 51 outside of Macon and kept screaming Kill me, kill me, Ive got to die while surrounding officers shouted back at him over and over to get on the ground, get on the ground.

The 38-year-old Macon man was finally taken into custody without further bloodshed to end the confrontation which happened on the morning of May 3 near the P&V Quickstop gas station.

McCurry appeared Thursday in Macon County Circuit Court for a pretrial hearing and is denying charges of the aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon and aggravated battery of a peace officer among several other felony counts.

A sworn affidavit said McCurry had commandeered a squad car during the confrontation and used it ram another squad car driven by an officer who is heard yelling out in pain on his body cam video after he was hit. The shotgun wielded by McCurry had been broken out of its secure case in the commandeered vehicle.

Presiding Judge Thomas Griffith has now ordered a psychiatric evaluation of McCurry as his defense lawyer, Susan Moorehead, plans to seek grounds for an insanity defense. The judge ruled there was good cause for the appointment of an expert and McCurry remains held in the Macon County Jail.

Commenting on the just released videos, Macon County Sheriff Jim Root said they show the public the kind of scenarios police officers have to deal with. Im not saying that they are all this extreme, but we handle these types of events, with mental health issues, on a regular basis, he told the Herald & Review.

Unfortunately, this one got a little bit far out of the scope of what we wanted. We wanted it to be contained, so we could deal with it, but some circumstances didn't go the way we wanted them to and it went down another path that we still had to deal with.

A sworn affidavit about the incident said it had started with McCurry using his vehicle to ram a semi-truck outside the gas station. He was armed with a large knife and, as police worked to divert busy passing traffic to keep the public safe, the affidavit said McCurry jumped into an empty squad car and sped away.

He then went north in the southbound lane of U.S. 51, forcing an approaching squad car into a ditch before ramming the other squad car. He then got out armed with the shotgun and was shot and wounded; all of the drama is captured from various perspectives on the released body and squad car videos.

Macon County State Attorney Diane Couri announced May 30 that there will no charges filed against any of the officers involved in the wake of the incident.

Root said his deputies try to have compassion for disturbed people who are having the worst day of their life and he says the videos show officers desperately trying to get McCurry to surrender peacefully.

They showed a lot of restraint to try to have a non-violent resolution, he added. But sometimes we cant control the actions of people that were dealing with.

One aspect to come out of all this that the sheriff said will be helpful in the future is analyzing what happened and using it as lessons learned for training purposes.

We say Hey, what can we do better? Root said. Im not saying that we did anything wrong, and hindsight is always 20-20. But whenever we are faced with these types of events, we look to see if maybe we would have done this or that, then maybe it would have come out differently.

Police incident videos are often released much earlier than this, and the sheriff said that was not his decision but had been in the hands of the State Police.
ARCOLA  It is Independence Day and there is no independence. Arcolas famous through street stop sign has been knocked into the discard by the new state highway amendments. In order to promote safety of life, limb and property, the city council had ordered that all vehicles entering the city at Main street on Route 25 should come to a full stop. Now, according to the new law, motorists can drive through the city at the highway rate of speed without stopping, but Arcola citizens themselves who motor must come to a stop before entering or crossing the state highway route of No. 25.  NEW YORK  The Fourth of July and Defense day were observed on a greater scale than ever today, with soldiers, sailors and civilians taking part in maneuvers as a demonstration of New Yorks preparedness for an emergency. Other nearby cities in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, held exercises fittingly making the dual holiday. There were parades of troops, civilians and school children in New York City, culminating in a big demonstration on the mall in Central park.  ARTHUR  Another of Arthurs old landmarks, the residence of the late Dr. J. B. Rigney, Arthurs pioneer physician, was totally destroyed by fire Friday morning at 4:15. The house was erected in 1873 and was one of the first to be built in Arthur.  ST. LOUIS  Declaring that her preacher-husband would not kiss her because he was living in the Kingdom of God and not of the flesh, pretty nineteen-year-old Alba Buglo has asked for a divorce from Rev. Frank Buglo. Rev. Buglo conducts services nightly in his home. He call himself Paulus, after the Apostle Paul, she said. He thinks its wrong to kiss. I want a divorce.  NUEVO LAREDO, Mexico  Border dens haunted by Mexican and American desperadoes are soon to be cleansed, according to Capt. W.H. Hansen, district director of the United States Immigration Service, with headquarters in Laredo, Texas. Bandits, rum runners, dope smugglers, footpads and other members of crookdom will come in for a scrubbing, but undesirable aliens will be given the hardest rubbing on the Immigration Department washboard.
SPRINGFIELD  President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill" could have massive effects in Illinois, with the state's taxpayers in line to benefit from the $4.5 trillion in tax cuts contained in the package. The state's poorest residents, however, could bear the brunt of $1.2 trillion in cutbacks to spending on Medicaid and food assistance programs.

Support for the measure fell along partisan lines, with the state's three congressional Republicans supporting it and all Democrats voting against.

U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, R-Hindsboro, hailed it as "a once-in-a-generation victory for the American people, while U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Peoria, said it would "give rocket-fuel to the United States economy, provide predictability and certainty for small businesses and deliver historic tax relief for the American people."

On the other hand, Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Springfield, said the bill's cuts would be "devastating" and hurt "everyone except the ultra-wealthy."

"House Republicans officially pledged their loyalty to the billionaire class, delivering a profound betrayal to hardworking American families," Budzinski said in a statement.

Gov. JB Pritzker called the bill "shameful."

"People will die because this bill is going to be signed into law by the president," Pritzker said. "We all should take a moment to contemplate that."

Trump had said he hoped to sign the bill on the Fourth of July, and was expected to do so on Friday.

Here are some of the major impacts that could be seen in Illinois:

Tax cuts

Trump's 2017 tax cuts would become permanent under the bill. And it would temporarily add new tax breaks that Trump campaigned on: no taxes on tips or 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 wealthiest Americans will benefit the most, with the top 20% of earners expected to receive a tax cut of about $12,500, according to an analysis by the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center. Middle-income households would see their taxes reduced by about $1,800.

The lowest-earning households would pay about $150 less, though that does not factor in significant cuts to the nation's safety net programs.

In a provision important to high-tax states like Illinois, it quadruples the state and local tax (SALT) deduction to $40,000 for five years. This deduction allows those who itemize to reduce federally taxable income based on taxes already paid, such as state income tax and local property tax.

The child tax credit would increase from $2,000 to $2,200.

Workers would be able to deduct up to $25,000 in tipped wages from their federal income taxes and up to $12,500 in overtime pay.

Medicaid and food stamp cuts

The package includes new 80-hour-a-month work requirements for many adults receiving Medicaid and food stamps, including older people up to age 65. Parents of children 14 and older would have to meet the programs work requirements.

More than 71 million people rely on Medicaid, the nation's health care program for low-income and disabled people, and 40 million receive SNAP benefits.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that 11.8 million more Americans would become uninsured by 2034 under the law and 3 million more would not qualify for food stamps, also known as SNAP benefits.

In Illinois, where 3.4 million people receive health care through Medicaid, more than 330,000 people will lose this coverage due to the legislation, according to the Illinois Department of Human Services. An estimate from the bipartisan Joint Economic Committee, which analyzes the economy, pegs the number of Illinoisans who could lose coverage even higher at 535,849.

The legislation also targets provider taxes, which Illinois and nearly every other state in the country have used to increase federal funding for their Medicaid programs. The bill would slowly reduce the federal cap on such taxes from its current 6% to 3.5% by 2032.

Illinois' current provider tax on hospitals is between 5.01% and 5.5%, according to the non-partisan Kaiser Family Foundation. The $4.1 billion raised by the tax then generates more than $6 billion in federal matching funds for the state's Medicaid program, according to the Civic Federation, a Chicago-based research organization.

A reduction in the tax will result in less state funding for Medicaid and a smaller federal match, something that could imperil rural hospitals.

"The state of Illinois can't cover the cost  no state in the country can cover the cost of reinstating that health insurance that is today paid for mostly by the federal government, partially by state government," Pritzker said of the changes to Medicaid.

According to research conducted by the Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research at the University of North Carolina, nine Illinois hospitals  most of them in Southern Illinois  would be placed at greater risk of closing due to the cutbacks.

In addition to work requirements, the bill also places new costs on states for SNAP benefits. Currently, the federal government funds all benefit costs. Under the bill, states beginning in 2028 will be required to contribute a set percentage of those costs if their payment error rate exceeds 6%.

The changes could result in 427,000 Illinois residents losing their SNAP benefits and an additional $1.2 billion in costs to the state, according to Pritzker's office. More than 1.9 million Illinoisans currently receive SNAP benefits. Most are at or below the poverty line.

Climate agenda

The legislation would derail the state's ambitious climate goals by rolling back by phasing out tax credits for wind and solar energy projects.

It also eliminates, effective at the end of September, a $7,500 federal tax credit for people who buy electric vehicles.

Illinois lawmakers in 2021 passed landmark climate legislation aiming to put the state on a path to 100% carbon free energy generation by 2045. However, wind and solar projects have been slow to come online, which has led to concerns about reliability during peak times and affordability.

State policymakers also set a goal of having 1 million EVs on state roads by 2030. As of last month, just over 142,000 were registered in the state.

Pritzker said the bill was "bad" for energy production overall while harming the planet and resulting in higher electric bills.

"I'm concerned about our ability to meet the goals that I think many of us have for the country, let alone for the state of Illinois, but I am also hopeful that there will be change that comes about sooner rather than later," Pritzker said, suggesting that voters in the 2026 and 2028 need to "restore sanity to our energy policies."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Caregivers offered the chance to tour Reynolda House

Are you a family caregiver living in Forsyth County and need a break? If so, please join us on: Thursday, June 26th at 11:30 a.m. at the Reynolda House for a tour with lunch to follow at the Village Tavern.

The Reynolda House is located at 2250 Reynolda Road. Please plan to meet in the front lobby.

RSPV is required by Tuesday, June 24th at Meredith Brown Robbins at 336-748-0217 or mbrobbins@shepherdscenter.org

Its ALL About You is sponsored by The Shepherds Center of Greater Winston-Salem, Trinity Presbyterian Church, and The Family Caregiver Support Program.

Military Officers Association of America to hold summer social

The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) will hold their summer social on Tuesday, July 8th at Salem Glen Country Club, 1000 Glen Day Drive, Clemmons.

The event begins at 5 p.m. with a social hour/cash bar and is followed by a dinner of grilled chicken, burgers, potato salad, watermelon, dessert and all the fixings.

Dress is casual and cost is $25 per person.

Reservations may be made by calling George Lawson at 803-439-4818. All active duty military officers, reserve, NG, retired, and veteran officers and their spouses or guests are invited.

Soul of Aging mini-retreats will be held

The Acorn Center for Wholeness will be offering a new four-session Soul of Aging series this fall and is currently registering participants.

Participants will sign up for all four sessions held Saturdays Oct. 18, Nov. 1, Nov. 15, Dec. 6, 9 amnoon at 1465 Irving St., Winston-Salem.

This program offers space to uncover personal wisdom and resources in the process of growing older, spiritually, emotionally, relationally.

It is based on a way of building a trustworthy community developed by the Center for Courage and Renewal.

Participants will reflect on short essays, video clips, art, and poetry to tend their own inner teacher.

Themes will include adapting to change, seeking truth and forgiveness, and finding enlightenment in slow motion.

For more information contact crgschaub@gmail.com. Register at https://www.vancoevents.com/us/DDSS

AgingWell online series returns for July

The AgingWell online series is sponsored by Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Sticht Center for Healthy Aging and Alzheimers Prevention and is presented from 5:30-6:30 pm on the second Tuesday of each month via Zoom.

Do you know what the largest organ of the body is? Its the skin! Its our skin that is responsible for making vitamin D when the sun shines on it, so how can we benefit from the sun while protecting ourselves from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can lead to sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer?

Attendees of Julys AgingWell will hear again from Christine Ahn, MD, FAAD, Assistant Professor, Departments of Dermatology and Pathology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, who will share what we can do to stay safe while enjoying the sun.

With Summer in full swing, its a great time to discover a new mediterranean style dish that is delicious, healthy, easy enough for a weeknight while fancy enough to serve for special occasions.

The attendees of Julys AgingWell will hear from Terrie Gura, a renowned food blogger and home chef, on how to prepare one of her signature dishesMahi Florentine. Terries philosophy on cooking is to design innovative recipes that are tasty, simple to make and that utilize locally sourced ingredients as well as those easily found in community grocery stores.

Join Emily Baker, manager of community and academic learning at Reynolda House Museum of American Art, to learn about an upcoming program that features work from the Hudson River School on July 23rd at 10 a.m. at the Mary Alice Warren Community Center in Lewisville. The Hudson River School was a 19th-century art movement that emphasized the beauty of nature and landscapes and features prominently in Reynoldas permanent collection. This brief art historical lesson and evaluation of the work will be followed by an art activity inspired by the Hudson River School artists that fosters creative thinking and exploration. No art experience is required!

The next AgingWell Series is on Tuesday, July 8th from 5:30-6:30 p.m. EDT

While it is free to attend these sessions, It is especially important for first-time attendees to register at: AgingWellSeries@wakehealth.edu.

Welcome to Medicare workshop offered

The Shepherds Center of Greater Winston-Salem is offering a workshop for individuals turning 65 (as well as those who already have Medicare) to learn about the different insurance options available, including Original Medicare, Medicare prescription drug programs, Medicare supplements and Medicare Advantage plans.

The session will be held on Monday, July 21 from 5:307:30 p.m. at the Rural Hall/Stanleyville Branch Library, 7125 Broad St., Rural Hall, NC 27045.

The session is designed to explain and clarify the Medicare sign-up process and educate attendees on how to make smart choices. Trained Seniors Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) counselors will be available to answer general questions.

The session is provided at no cost. Because space is limited, reservations are required. Contact the Shepherds Center at 336-748-0217 or Info@shepherdscenter.org for more information or to reserve a seat.

Learn about volunteer opportunities at Shepherds Center

The Shepherds Center of Greater Winston-Salem is looking for volunteers to drive older adults to medical appointments and grocery shopping, to provide minor home repairs, and/or to visit someone who is isolated or who needs a break from caregiving.

Learn more about these opportunities at our upcoming volunteer orientation taking place on Tuesday, July 15th from 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m., 1700 Ebert St.

To register, please contact Martina Bowen, volunteer coordinator, at 336-748-0217 or mbowen@shepherdscenter.org

Become a sub for the summer

Changing schedules means that many Meals-on-Wheels volunteers are unavailable for their normal routes. Grab your car keys and become a Sub for the Summer! Subs fill an important role in making sure that older adults can count on a hot meal and warm smile throughout the week.

Submit a volunteer application at seniorservicesinc.org or reach out to Tyler Smith at tsmith@seniorservicesinc.org or 336-721-6961.

Volunteer needed at the Williams Adult Day Center

Sing, dance, act, play an instrument, or perform? Senior Services would love to invite you and or your group to perform for the participants at the Williams Adult Day Center. Morning and afternoon options are available Monday through Friday.

For more information, visit seniorservicesinc.org or contact Tyler Smith at 336-721-6961 or tsmith@seniorservicesinc.org.

AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP seeks help

The AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) is looking for volunteers aged 55 and older, in-person and online.

Volunteer opportunities:

(1) In-person reading buddies:

(In-school setting) Petree Elementary

School, second grade

(In-school setting) Clemmons Elementary School

(2) Food Pantry Assistants:

Assist with packing food boxes: Mondays and/or Fridays9:30 to 11:45 a.m.

Assist with food distribution to clients: Noon  3 p.m.

(3) Food Pantry Clerical Assistants:

Must have strong computer skills to input client data. Mondays and/or Fridaysnoon to 2:30 p.m.

(4) Drivers:

Needed to transport senior clients to medical appointments, pharmacy and/or grocery store for partner agencies in Winston-Salem and Kernersville

For more information or to volunteer, email Jeremy Sumpter at jaysumpter@lovecdcrsvp.org or call 336-757-6288.

Ms. Senior Forsyth County Pageant looking for contestants

The Ms. Senior Forsyth County Pageant is looking for contestants for its second annual pageant this August.

The pageant will be on Saturday Aug. 9 at 2 p.m. at Main Street United Methodist Church.

Ms. Senior Forsyth County is a part of Ms. Senior America, Inc. The winner from the Forsyth County pageant will compete in the Ms. Senior North Carolina and winners from that pageant will take part in a weeklong program in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

For more information, contact Linda Anthony at LDA@triad.rr.com or (336) 764-1861.

Volunteer Meals-on-Wheels site liaison needed in Kernersville

Senior Services needs a volunteer who is available Monday to Friday from about 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. to help ensure all meals are picked up from Robinwood who will also deliver meals inside Robinwood Senior Apartments.

For more information, visit seniorservicesinc.org or contact Tyler Smith at 336-721-6961 or tsmith@seniorservicesinc.org.

Volunteer needed at the Generations Center

Senior Services is seeking a volunteer receptionist for the Generations Center on Mondays and Fridays. Both morning and afternoon shifts are available. Volunteers will answer incoming calls, direct calls to appropriate staff members, greet and direct visitors, answer inquiries, receive and sort mail, and maintain the appearance of the lobby.

For more information, contact Tyler Smith at 336-721-6961 or tsmith@seniorservicesinc.org.

Meals-on-Wheels volunteers needed

Senior Services needs Meals-on-Wheels volunteers to deliver hot, nutritious meals to older adults on Fridays between 9:45 a.m. and noon. Volunteer opportunities are flexible and can be scheduled once per week, once, per month, or anything in between. Delivery routes can take 60  90 minutes.

For more information, visit seniorservicesinc.org or contact Tyler Smith at 336-721-6961 or tsmith@seniorservicesinc.org.

Samaritan Ministries needs help with meal preparation

The Samaritan Ministries Soup Kitchen has an urgent need for volunteers willing to help with meal preparation and serving. If you are willing and available during these times, your commitment would be much appreciated. Our Soup Kitchen cant serve without you.

Lunchtime: We need 12 volunteers to help serve lunch every day. Shifts are available Monday  Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Dinnertime: We need 6-8 volunteers to help serve dinner every day. Shifts are available Monday  Sunday from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Grocery Store Pickup: We need individual volunteers to help pick up donations from our partnered grocery stores in Winston-Salem. This opportunity is available Monday  Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Volunteers must be 18 and older to sign up.

Add your name to the volunteer on-call list. We are also in need of people to call for help when we have volunteer cancelations or a shortage in numbers. This opportunity is great for those with flexible schedules and a giving spirit. Please let us know if youd be willing to be on-call as a Soup Kitchen help when needed.

Volunteer as part of the Samaritan Family. Visit samaritanforsyth.org or call 336-448-2677 to sign up.

Samaritan Ministries is located at 414 E. Northwest Blvd., Winston-Salem.

VFW honor guard needs volunteers

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Honor Guard needs volunteers to help render military honors for deceased veterans from all branches of the military.

The honor guard is also active with color guard missions at schools, churches, retirement centers and other civic events. Uniforms and transportation are provided.

Members must be honorably discharged from military service.

For more information or to volunteer, call Cliff Harris, quartermaster, at 336-403-8756, or email clifhar@windstream.net.

Respite volunteers needed for visits

The Shepherds Center needs respite volunteers to visit with an older adult to provide a break for their caregiver.

To learn more about these flexible opportunities, email volunteer@shepherdscenter.org or call 336-748-0217.

Drivers needed to help older adults

The Shepherds Center needs volunteer drivers to help older adults get to and from doctor appointments or grocery trips.

Volunteer on a schedule that works for you. Email volunteer@shepherdscenter.org or call 336-748-0217.

Hospice agency needs volunteers

Mountain Valley Hospice & Palliative Care needs volunteers to help deliver compassionate care to patients at the end of life. Mountain Valley serves 18 counties in North Carolina and Virginia.

Volunteers are needed for such activities as reading or singing to patients, caregiver respite care, running errands, being a good listener and emotional support.

There also is a need for licensed or certified volunteers to provide such specialized services as art, massage, music and pet therapies. Hairdressers and notaries also are needed.

Most volunteers must complete a training program, pass a background check and meet other requirements, depending on their volunteer role.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Heidi College at hcollege@mtnvalleyhospice.org or call 336-355-0419.

Shepherds Center seeks visitation volunteers

The Shepherds Center is looking for visitation volunteers to visit an older adult on a flexible schedule.

For more information or to volunteer, email Meredith Brown Robbins at mbrobbins@shepherdscenter.org or call 336-748-0217.

Caregiver support group meetings set

The Alzheimers Association offers a Caregiver Support Group at 10 a.m. on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at The Shepherds Center of Greater Winston-Salem (upper level), 1700 Ebert St., Winston-Salem.

A trained facilitator provides a safe place for caregivers of people living with dementia to develop a support system, explore ways of coping, and learn about resources.

For more information or to register, go to act.alz.org/NCmonthlyprograms, or call 800-272-3900.

SECU Family House needs volunteers

The SECU Family House needs groups and volunteers to provide meals for Family House guests.

These dinners provide much-needed support to adult patients and their caregivers who are away from home for medical care. Food may be prepared in the Family House kitchen or prepared off-site and dropped off. Having the meals at the Family House allows the families to avoid going to restaurants or grocery stores.

To see details and a list of available dinner dates and to learn more about a variety of off-site and on-site volunteer opportunities, visit www.familyhousews.org/volunteer or contact volunteer@familyhousews.org or 336-793-2822.
China to hold extensive cultural events marking 80th anniversary of victory against Japanese aggression, fascism

Xinhua) 08:01, July 04, 2025

China's State Council Information Office holds a press conference on an array of cultural events marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, in Beijing, capital of China, July 3, 2025. Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism Lu Yingchuan, Vice Minister of the National Radio and Television Administration Liu Jianguo, Vice President of the China Media Group Wang Xiaozhen, and President of the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression Luo Cunkang briefed the media on a themed exhibition, the release of outstanding literary and artistic works, and other related events, and took questions from reporters. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

BEIJING, July 3 (Xinhua) -- China will organize an array of cultural events to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

A press conference was held on Thursday by the State Council Information Office to unveil details of these cultural activities, which include an evening gala, a themed exhibition, and the release of outstanding literary and artistic works, among others.

Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism Lu Yingchuan said that to mark this important anniversary year, the ministry is working with relevant departments to organize a gala and curate a selection of outstanding cultural works for performances and exhibitions.

The events are centered on the themes of bearing history in mind, honoring martyrs, cherishing peace, and striving for a better future, Lu said.

Sept. 3 is celebrated in China as the Victory Day marking the signing of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender on Sept. 2, 1945.

Fought from 1931 to 1945, the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was the first war to break out and the longest-running campaign in the World Anti-Fascist War. This war resulted in over 35 million Chinese military and civilian casualties.

EVENING GALA

An evening gala will be held on Sept. 3 at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to mark the occasion, and it will be broadcast by China Media Group (CMG).

A large number of outstanding artists from across the country have been invited, and a younger generation of cultural professionals will play a leading role and actively engage in the creative process, said Lu.

The event will be jointly organized by the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, CMG, the Political Work Department of the China Military Commission and the Beijing municipal government.

Preparations for the gala are well underway via joint efforts of the relevant departments, Lu said, adding that follow-up information will be released in accordance with overall arrangements for these commemorative events.

THEMED EXHIBITION

A themed exhibition will be launched on July 7 at the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing. It will feature 1,525 photographs and 3,237 relics.

Divided into eight sections, the exhibition will employ a range of modern display techniques to bring history to life, combining rare relics, archival documents, historical footage, artworks and immersive recreations of key moments, said Luo Cunkang, curator of the museum, at Thursday's press conference.

The exhibition comprehensively showcases the 14-year war of resistance against Japanese aggression, highlighting how the Chinese people, gathered around the banner of the CPC-advocated national united front against Japanese aggression, fought for the survival of the country, for the revival of the nation, and in a broader sense, for human justice, Luo said.

As the main Eastern battlefield in the global fight against fascism, China's resistance was decisive in defeating Japanese fascism and supporting other fronts in Europe and Asia, profoundly contributing to the final victory and world peace.

ARTWORKS, TV AND FILM PRODUCTIONS

From August to September, an art exhibition to commemorate the anniversary will be open to the public at the National Art Museum of China. More than 300 artworks, including traditional Chinese paintings, oil paintings, prints, sculptures and watercolors, will be on show.

The exhibition is set to feature classic pieces from museums and cultural institutions across the country, as well as new works recently created by young artists -- inspiring people to cherish peace.

Meanwhile, a series of new TV dramas, documentaries and short dramas will soon be released, said Liu Jianguo, deputy director of China's National Radio and Television Administration.

He added that from July to September, classic Chinese audio and visual works related to the war on Japanese aggression will be re-broadcast on nationwide TV channels and online platforms.

To remember history and pay tribute to martyrs, nearly 100 films about the war will also be broadcast on TV until the end of 2025, Wang Xiaozhen, vice president of the CMG, said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
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Psychiatrist, internist, and addiction medicine specialist Muhamad Aly Rifai discusses his article, Physician patriots: the forgotten founders who lit the torch of liberty. Muhamad calls for a remembrance of the five physician-patriotsDr. Benjamin Rush, Dr. Josiah Bartlett, Dr. Lyman Hall, Dr. Matthew Thornton, and Dr. Oliver Wolcottwho signed the Declaration of Independence, risking everything for the principles of equality and unalienable rights. He contrasts their revered role with the current plight of physicians who face persecution, silencing, and legal battles within a politicized health care system, citing violations of First, Fourth, and Sixth Amendment rights. Muhamad emphasizes Dr. Benjamin Rushs profound influence beyond medicine, in shaping the nations moral and educational fabric. The conversation serves as a rallying cry for contemporary physicians to reclaim their heritage as defenders of liberty, to organize, speak out against injustice, and fight for the ability to practice medicine ethically and without political interference, much like their predecessors did. Muhamad asserts that this new revolution is just beginning, with doctors ready to defend life, liberty, and patient dignity on new battlefields like clinics, courtrooms, and the internet.

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Transcript

Kevin Pho: Hi, and welcome to the show. Subscribe at KevinMD.com/podcast. Today we welcome back Muhamad Aly Rifai, a psychiatrist and internal medicine physician. Todays KevinMD article is Physician patriots: The forgotten founders who lit the torch of liberty. Muhamad, welcome back to the show.

Muhamad Aly Rifai: Thank you very much for having me today to talk about this timely topic about our forefathers, the physicians who lit the torch of liberty.

Kevin Pho: All right, whats your article about?

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Muhamad Aly Rifai: So, in a few weeks, this is 2025, were going to be celebrating the 249th Independence Day. Next year, it is going to be 250 years. Our country is going through a lot of turmoil. The Constitution at times is being ignored. We are finding that liberties are being encroached on, and people are just trying to figure out what is going to happen. Is the Constitution just a museum piece, or is it going to be something that is going to be continued to be honored? But people forget that we as physicians have a sacred role in being able to act on this.

Of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, five were physicians: Dr. Benjamin Rush, Dr. Josiah Bartlett, Dr. Lyman Hall, Dr. Matthew Thornton, and Dr. Oliver Wolcott. So out of 56, there are five, almost 10 percent. And we know now that we as physicians are activists. We know that there are 21 members of Congress who are physicians also.

So this is our role for us as physicians, as practicing physicians, as men of science, as men of healing, men of vision: that we are going to help our nation in this turmoil that it is going through. And these physicians that signed the Declaration of Independence, it was not just the signature; it was not just signing this document.

They risked everything. They risked their name, their livelihood, because the British Monarch could have hung those who signed the Declaration of Independence for asking to secede from England. So this was a great risk for them. And we as physicians right now, we are risking everything in the practice of medicine.

Prosecution, persecution, insurance companies are curtailing the roles of physicians. Health systems have most physicians employed. Eighty percent of physicians are employed by health systems. So our independence is going, and I think it is our time to remind ourselves of our role and to continue to speak up.

Kevin Pho: Take us on a little history lesson. You mentioned that there were five physician signers of the Declaration of Independence. What are some of the significant ways these particular individuals shaped the republic? What were some of their contributions beyond signing the document?

Muhamad Aly Rifai: Sure. Dr. Benjamin RushI am a psychiatrist, so I speak specifically about Dr. Benjamin Rush. He is the father of American psychiatry. He established the American Journal of Psychiatry. He wrote the first book about the treatment of psychiatric illness, though a lot of the things that he proposed are not used anymore. They did not have a lot of things that they could use for treatment, but one of the things that he proposed is that psychiatric illness is related to diseases of the brain. So he was able to identify that the brain was the source of psychiatric illness. He was also a humanitarian.

Now, sometimes people argue that even though he was a physician, some of the things he proposed were worse than the disease. In his time, there was the yellow fever epidemic that happened in the Philadelphia area, and he proposed a treatment that was called bloodletting. Basically, they would cut the vein and let the person bleed out, which turned out to be worse than the illness itself. There are some parallels because we have had a pandemic. We had the COVID pandemic, and some people argue that the COVID vaccine may have been worse than the pandemic itself. But we propose treatments or talk about things or offer treatments that are the best that we can offer in our times. Dr. Benjamin Rush is known as the founder of American Psychiatry. He is actually buried in Philadelphia next to Benjamin Franklin.

Dr. Josiah Bartlett was a physician, and he was the governor of New Hampshire and practiced in New Hampshire. Dr. Lyman Hall was from Georgia. He established the University of Georgia. He practiced and was a healer in Georgia, and he signed the Declaration of Independence. Matthew Thornton was a surgeon in the Continental Army, and he was in Connecticut. And Oliver Wolcott was also a surgeon and a soldier in the Continental Army, and he was also a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

So these were practicing physicians that utilized their ability to work with patients. We call on physicians who are in active political roles because we may need some constitutional crisis counselors. This is how we can act. As our nation is facing this crisis, we as physicians can act and intervene and talk on behalf of our patients, on our behalf, and on behalf of the American population.

Kevin Pho: You make that connection between the risk that these physician signers took in the past and the fact that physicians today are being disempowered. Some are being silenced, and some are being indicted. I think that you have told your story in the past. What are some ways today that the physician members in Congress can keep physicians free to continue to practice medicine?

Muhamad Aly Rifai: We have to speak up. You are lauded. You have this blog where you talk about physician issues. You bring that up to the public, but we need to continue to speak about it. I give an example: this surgeon resident, Dr. Eithan Haim, we have talked about him. He was actually prosecuted and indicted by the Department of Justice for speaking up about gender-affirming care and his wanting to ensure that it was medically appropriate and being applied appropriately. His charges were later dismissed, but he was ordered by his judge not to speak about his case, even though he took his case to Twitter, wanted to talk about his case, wanted to advocate for his patients, and wanted to protect those young patients who had unnecessary gender-affirming care.

We also know that, for example, there is a surgeon, Dr. Potter, who spoke about her interactions with insurance companies. She recorded on Twitter and Instagram where she talked about being called from a surgery by an insurance company to be told that the surgery was denied. The patient was a survivor of breast cancer, and she was going to be having reconstructive surgery. Before she was put to sleep, the surgeon was called by an insurance company and was told that the insurance company was denying the surgery.

So speaking up for our patients is very important. We also have the responsibility to continue to point to areas where the justice system or other institutions are not being fair with physicians. For example, another physician, Dr. Christopher Russo, goes on Twitter and pinpoints the injustices that are being applied to other physicians. He puts up memes of the justice department and different U.S. attorneys offices about the injustice and about some of their actions that are unjust with physicians. That has been effective because I have just learned that they have cited his memes and his tweets in a briefing to one of the courts.

So it is being effective. We are being heard, and continuing to talk about it is very important because that is how we affect change.

Kevin Pho: You write in your article that today the metaphorical battlefield is not Lexington or Concord; it is the clinic, the hospital, and, of course, out on the internet addressing the public and in the courtroom. Physicians normally are not trained in terms of this communication battlefield, so to speak. So what are some ways that they can speak out when that is not something that they are likely to do or something that comes naturally to them?

Muhamad Aly Rifai: We have to seek training. We have to seek training in public speaking, and we have to start somewhere. People could start with blogs or with recording small, short videos on YouTube, for example. LinkedIn, as a platform, now sees that 30 to 50 percent of the messages being conveyed by participants are through video. So we can record video, we can practice, we can refine our message.

Media training. For example, 15 years ago, I went to the Discovery Channel and took some media training, two days of intense media training about how to talk to the public, how to talk to patients, and how to talk to politicians. So that is very important.

And so we as physicians should be seeking media training, understanding how do we speak to the public, how do we speak on behalf of ourselves as a community of physicians? And practice, practice, practice. We are seeing that there are some changes. We are seeing a lot of physicians that are talking on behalf of themselves and on behalf of their patients. There are multiple communities. Your blog is wonderful. Physicians on Social Media (SoMe) Docs is speaking. So there are multiple avenues for physicians to speak up, to advocate for their patients, to advocate for themselves, for their independence, and for their ability to continue to be a source of information.

Because of the significant amount of misinformation that is out there, the public is looking for us to be able to provide that role. Unless we are on social media and talking to the public, we are not going to be effective.

Kevin Pho: I think the last point really resonates because if physicians are not the ones on the internet or on social media, there are going to be others who may not be physicians or others who do not have physicians best interests at heart taking up that space. Now, there are some doctors who say that they may not feel like one person makes a difference. So tell us some success stories where physicians got online and really made a difference in preserving our rights.

Muhamad Aly Rifai: Sure. For example, we talk about Dr. Eithan Haim. If he had not brought his case up to the media and talked about it continuously on Twitter, it would not have gotten the attention of the Department of Justice, and he would have actually been prosecuted. He would have ended up not being exonerated from the fact that they accused him of having a criminal HIPAA violation, which was not the case. But he was exonerated; his case was dismissed. So actually, his speaking uphe is a younger physician.

He is a resident, so he actually proved that you can make a difference. I go on the airwaves on Twitter and YouTube, and I talk about the unjust prosecution of physicians on a regular basis. In fact, by me speaking about it, the Department of Justice recently quoted some of my YouTube talks. In fact, they specifically quoted your YouTube podcast in a legal brief. So we are making a difference. They are noticing, and they know that we are making a difference.

And sometimes this is very positive because the justice system is hearing that we are talking about these issues, pointing out the injustices that are happening to physicians, and we are hoping that the public is going to notice that. The private physicians are disappearing. It is only physicians who are employed by venture capitalists or physicians who are employed by health systems. The private physician is nowhere to be found anymore.

And unless we speak about that phenomenon and draw attention to it, the hospital conglomerates, rightfully so, and the venture capitalists, rightfully so, are just going to eat all of our rights and they are going to speak on our behalf. Unless we speak, nobody is going to hear about us.

Kevin Pho: Well, you are the one physician who has actually stood up to the Justice Department. But can we expect physicians in general to have that same gumption to do what you did?

Muhamad Aly Rifai: This is why I am bringing you the stories of these patriot founder physicians. They stood up to the British king at the risk of being hung. For signing that parchment that was read around the United States, they were risking everything: their family being arrested or being hung.

So sometimes people have to risk grave things just to speak up and be able to portray the truth. I hope to speak about my case in front of Congress, hopefully in the next few months, to talk about how the rules are being flexed in a way to prosecute physicians unjustly and how the laws and regulations have become so ensnaring that it is very difficult to practice. Sometimes even normal things that you do in regular practice may put you at legal risk of being prosecuted.

By speaking about it, we are going to get the message to Congress, to the legislators, and hopefully to the American public to draw their attention and to get sympathy for our plight as physicians trying to serve the community.

Kevin Pho: We are talking to Muhamad Aly Rifai, a psychiatrist and internal medicine physician. Todays KevinMD article is Physician patriots: The forgotten founders who lit the torch of liberty. Muhamad, as always, lets end with some take-home messages for the KevinMD audience.

Muhamad Aly Rifai: Absolutely. We physicians, we are still here. The Constitution is not dead. The Declaration of Independence is not obsolete. They live in us, in our hands, in our clinics, and in our hearts. To those who want to silence us, know that we are descendants of physician patriots. We are not afraid.

To our patients: We will not abandon you. We will stand by you. To our fellow doctors: We call on you to stand up, reclaim your voice, and remember your power.

And Dr. Benjamin Rush: the fire that you lit still burns in us. Thank you.

Kevin Pho: Thank you so much for sharing your perspective and insight. Thanks again for coming back on the show.

Muhamad Aly Rifai: My pleasure.
Modern Big Clothes (Photo by Hyemin Lee)



My husband isnt much of a fashion guy. When he came to Korea, he brought just a few shirts, some pants and three pairs of shoes, while I had an entire room packed floor-to-ceiling with clothes. I tried ordering clothes and shoes for him on my favorite shopping app Coupang, but most had to be returned. The pants didnt even cover his ankles, and the shirts were too tight. He really wanted to keep the nice shoes I picked out, but after squeezing his feet into them more times than we could count, he had to give up.

Part of the military community, hes not alone in this struggle. Finding clothes that fit in Korea can feel like a mini battle, especially for American newcomers because Korean fashion usually runs on the smaller side. But dont worry, Itaewon, a multicultural neighborhood in Seoul, remains one of the best places in Korea to find larger sizes that are not only comfortable but also stylish!

Modern Big Clothes (Photo by Hyemin Lee)

Modern Big Clothes (Photo by Hyemin Lee)



Just a short walk between Itaewon Station and the Yongsan Garrison area, youll find several blocks filled with clothing and shoe shops offering everything from casual wear to button-up shirts, winter coats and even footwear in larger sizes for both men and women.

My husband found a nice black shirt for 30,000 won, perfect for a fancy dinner date and a stylish jacket for 75,000 won that hes worn almost every day since. With its quality and design, it doesnt feel expensive at all. Please keep in mind that some shops may prefer cash.

If youve been struggling to find jeans that wont suffocate your legs or jackets that actually zip up, take a walk through Itaewon. You might leave with a full outfit that fits like a dream!

Kukje Bigsize (Photo by Hyemin Lee)

Kukje Bigsize (Photo by Hyemin Lee)

Kukje Bigsize (Photo by Hyemin Lee)

Kukje Bigsize (Photo by Hyemin Lee)

Kukje Bigsize (Photo by Hyemin Lee)



CHECK OUT THESE SHOPS WORTH VISITING!

For a more accurate direction to the fashion street, please refer to the address of the shops below. Youll discover all the big-size shops nearby.

Kukje Bigsize ()

In the International Underground Market, Kukje Bigsize is one of the largest big-size shops in Itaewon. Whatever style youre looking for, youll find a variety of options! You can check out their items on Instagram.

Address: 148 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul or near Itaewon Station Exit 4 https://naver.me/FRLnTiXz

Hours: 9 a.m.  8 p.m. (Closed on Thursday)

Instagram

Modern Big Clothes ()

This store offers trendy, stylish clothing for men, from comfortable summer shorts to cool winter jackets.

Address: 156 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul or near Itaewon Station Exit 4, Naver Map

Hours: 10:30 a.m.  8 p.m. daily

SPEAKING KOREAN: USEFUL PHRASES FOR SHOPPING IN ITAEWON

When shopping for clothing

Do you have a bigger size?: Deo keun-size isseoyo? (   ?)

Do you have a smaller size?: Deo jak-eun size isseoyo? (   ?)

Do you have this in large?: Igeo large isseoyo? (  ?)

Can I try this on?: Igeo ibeo bwa-do dwaeyo? (   ?)

Where is the fitting room?: Piting-room eodi isseoyo? (  ?)

It fits well!: Jal majayo! ( !)

It doesnt fit.: An majayo. ( .)

When paying
Instigated by online reports, an investigation by the Times has found that not all of the MOP680 million reportedly generated through the campaign has benefited local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

As the Times concluded from online reports and firsthand experience, nearly all electronic payments above the minimum threshold for participating in the lucky draw led to entries and the issuance of discount vouchers  including payments to government services, traffic fines, and other non-commercial expenses.

Several users have reported receiving vouchers while making payments unrelated to spending at local SMEs.

Additionally, local residents have expressed dissatisfaction with the methods used to collect the discount vouchers.

These methods require users to go in person to one of the Macau Pass Customer Service Centers to load the voucher value into Macau Pass cards.

As the discount vouchers are usually valued at MOP5 or MOP10, people often choose not to redeem them, as the process is lengthy and transportation costs almost equal or surpass the value of the voucher.

According to the information on the discount vouchers, these can only be redeemed at the three Macau Pass Customer Service Centers located in the Dynasty District, North District, and Taipa, as well as at the mPass Galaxy Service Counter.

The terms and conditions of the voucher also state: 1. Present this voucher at any of the three Macau Pass Customer Service Centers or the mPass Galaxy Service Counter to purchase designated mCard products, and enjoy a MOP5 discount upon spending MOP5 or more. (This voucher is only applicable to special edition mCard; not applicable to standard edition mCard).

Recently, lawmaker Ron Lam has urged the government  through a written inquiry  to disclose the costs and actual impacts of the IP-themed punch-card economy or Daka initiatives.

These initiatives have drawn criticism for their cost-effectiveness and questionable benefits to local businesses. RM
The local insurance industry experienced a sharp decline in profits in 2024, with total earnings falling by 36.1% compared to the previous year, according to the Monetary Authority of Macaos (AMCM) latest annual report.

Despite growth in premiums and improved underwriting results, the sector reported a combined loss of MOP4.4 billion in 2024. The primary cause was a significant decrease in financial income, which led to net financial and other losses totaling MOP4.6 billion.

At the end of 2024, Macau had 27 licensed insurance companies, including 13 specializing in life insurance and the rest in general insurance.

According to AMCM, the sector employed 818 people, a slight increase of 0.6% year-on-year. The number of licensed insurance intermediaries declined by 5% to 7,558, while the total number of valid intermediary licenses stood at 18,471.

The report shows that gross premiums rose 5.1% to MOP38.9 billion, driven largely by a 5.2% increase in life insurance premiums.

Sector employment edged up slightly, while licensed intermediaries decreased. Whole life insurance contributed notably with a MOP 20 billion rise. Life insurance accounted for 92.5% of total premiums in 2024.

Underwriting profits rose to MOP2 billion, up from MOP600 million in 2023, reflecting stronger core insurance operations.

Claims paid fell 15.3% to MOP18.9 billion, with life insurance claims dropping 15.5%, mainly due to lower maturity benefit payouts.

Overall claim ratios fell from 60.2% in 2023 to 48.5% in 2024.

Total assets in the insurance sector grew 3% year-on-year, reaching MOP267.5 billion by the end of 2024. NS
In a bid to prioritize local employment, the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ) has partnered with the Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) to host a three-day employment matching fair at the Macao Forum, featuring over 1,100 job vacancies across more than 400 categories.

The event has elicited a mix of optimism and concern among job seekers regarding the market.

The poster indicates that the first joint event organized by the two bureaus began at 10:30 a.m., with the Times arriving at the venue around 10 a.m.

At that time, participants were seen lining up outside, many dressed in formal attire and carrying resumes.

They waited for staff instructions before starting registration at 10:30 a.m.

Inside the venue, some job seekers were filling out application forms for their desired companies, while others continued to arrive and register.

Speaking to the Times yesterday morning before their job interviews at the fair, some of the five participants expressed optimism about their prospects, while others candidly shared concerns about the job market, highlighting the uncertainty and challenges they foresee in a competitive environment.

I feel quite concerned

Grace, aged 35, holds a bachelors degree and has been unemployed for over a year.

During this time, she has relied on odd part-time jobs, such as working as an usher at concerts, to make ends meet. Having graduated from university approximately 10 years ago, she hopes to find a job related to community organizations or administrative work, preferably Monday through Friday.

However, over the past year, she has attended around eight to 10 job fairs organized by the government and submitted nearly 10 to 20 job applications through the Macao One Account platform, all of which have gone unanswered.

Facing the employment landscape in Macau, Grace admitted, I really feel quite worried.

She attributes her concerns to the current social atmosphere, particularly the lackluster hiring climate, which she connects to the economic downturn and the sluggish real estate market, leading to the closure of many small and medium-sized enterprises.

In the current job market, where finding work is quite challenging, especially due to the presence of non-local employees, Grace stated that her salary expectations are not high, aiming for approximately MOP12,000 to MOP15,000 to cover her basic living expenses.

She even considered moving to mainland cities within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area or Hengqin, as encouraged by the current government, but ultimately abandoned the idea due to her age.

All the government-sponsored career development programs have excluded people of my age, so even if I wanted to go, I wouldnt know how to proceed.

She added, I applied for the governments internship program, but they replied that it was only available for those who have recently graduated or for those under 35 years old. Even at 35, I couldnt apply.

In her view, Grace agrees with external claims that non-local employees are making it difficult for teenagers or local residents in Macau to find jobs.

She hopes the government will take steps to monitor certain labor markets to determine whether there is truly a need for so many workers. If some of the tens of thousands of workers could be released, could the labor quota be reduced by a few thousand?

This would provide more employment opportunities for Macaus younger generation, including in large corporations or financial institutions, rather than having them all pursue careers in the civil service, she added.

Strong resume and skills key to securing employment

From an external perspective, the continuous increase in non-local workers has been identified as a factor contributing to the difficulty young local people face in finding employment.

This view is shared by recent university graduates, with one pointing out that while many young people are eager to work, this does not mean that all Macau residents share the same situation.

Benny, a recent graduate in marketing, is currently seeking jobs related to his field, such as graphic design, sticker design, or data analysis.

He believes that employment opportunities in the marketing industry in Macau are limited, primarily concentrated in casinos, with few positions available. As a newcomer to the workforce, he emphasizes that salary is not his top priority; instead, he focuses on gaining experience through work to better secure a more desirable position in the future.

Benny admitted that he was not particularly clear about the current employment situation in Macau, but he remains confident about finding work.

If you have a good resume and the ability to do the job, you should be able to find employment. However, the salary is still uncertain.

However, commenting on the governments measures to support the job market, Benny hopes the government will strengthen its efforts. He has noticed that many job positions require an unspecified number of years of work experience.

For a recent graduate, he states, I think this is a bit challenging to achieve. For example, managerial-level positions typically require at least two to three years of relevant experience, but new graduates cannot possibly have that right away.

Therefore, he suggests increasing the number of entry-level or junior-level positions to better support recent graduates.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said that it remained unclear whether Seoul and Washington could conclude their tariff negotiations by the deadline set by President Donald Trump for next week, noting yesterday that both nations were still working to clarify their positions and identify areas of agreement.

Speaking at his first news conference since taking office last month, Lee also reiterated his intentions to improve badly frayed ties with North Korea, though he acknowledged that mutual distrust between the Koreas is too deep to heal anytime soon.

Trumps tariff hikes and other America First policies are major challenges for Lees month-old government, as are North Koreas advancing nuclear program and domestic economic woes. Lee, a liberal, came to power after winning a snap presidential election caused by the ouster of conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol over his ill-fated imposition of martial law in December.

Tariff talks with US clearly not easy

Lee said the tariff negotiations with the U.S. have been clearly not easy and stressed that the countries must reach mutually beneficial outcomes.

Its difficult to say with certainty whether we will be able to reach a conclusion by July 8. We are now doing our best, Lee said. What we need is a truly reciprocal outcome that benefits both sides and works for everyone, but so far, both sides are still trying to define exactly what they want.

Trumps 90-day pause in global reciprocal tariffs is set to expire on July 9, potentially exposing South Korean products to 25% tax rates.

Washington has separately been seeking higher duties on specific products such as automobiles and semiconductors, which are key exports for South Koreas trade-dependent economy. There are growing concerns in Seoul that Trump may also demand a broader deal requiring South Korea to pay significantly more for the 28,000 U.S. troops stationed in the country to deter North Korean threats.

Lee has consistently urged patience on tariffs, arguing that rushing to secure an early deal would not serve the national interest. His trade minister, Yeo Han-koo, was reportedly arranging a visit to Washington for possible meetings with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

Lee pushes to revive talks with North

On North Korea, Lee said he would seek to restore long-dormant talks with Pyongyang, whose expanding military cooperation with Russia pose major security concerns to their neighbors.

I think we should improve relations with North Korea based on a reliable coordination and consultation between South Korea and the U.S., Lee said. But I expect that wont be easy as mutual antagonism and distrust are too serious.

Lee previously faced criticism that he was tilting toward North Korea and China and away from the U.S. and Japan. But during his campaign, Lee promised to pursue pragmatic diplomacy, saying he would bolster the alliance with the U.S. while also seeking to repair ties with North Korea, China and Russia. Some critics say its too difficult to satisfy all parties.

Lee added that he had proposed resuming more frequent summits with Japan.

Lees government has made proactive efforts to build trust with North Korea, halting frontline anti-Pyongyang propaganda broadcasts and taking steps to ban activists from flying balloons carrying propaganda leaflets across the border.

Trump has also expressed intent to resume diplomacy with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Lee has said he would support Trumps push.

North Korea hasnt publicly responded to the conciliatory gestures by Trump and Lee. But officials said North Korean propaganda broadcasts are no longer being heard in South Korean border towns. KIM TONG-HYUNG & HYUNG-JIN KIM, SEOUL, MDT/AP
More than 230 couples have already received professional diagnoses and treatments for infertility at the Macao Union Hospitals Assisted Reproduction Center.

The center is also set to introduce artificial insemination services this month to provide additional support to families seeking to conceive.

Since opening its Assisted Reproduction Center on February 26, 2025, the Islands Healthcare Complex  Macao Medical Center of Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) has seen an increasing demand for fertility services.

According to Dr. Ku Sio Kuan, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Macao Union Hospital, over 230 couples experiencing infertility have received comprehensive professional diagnoses and evaluations, including ovarian reserve testing, hysterosalpingography, and semen analysis.

The center has also provided ovulation induction medications and ultrasound monitoring to optimize conception timing.

We have seen preliminary success, with a small number of patients already achieving pregnancy, Dr. Ku said, as cited in TDMs Macau Forum.

According to reports, the average age of couples seeking treatment is approximately 37 years, with 30% being over 40. Many patients report suffering from endometriosis, a condition that affects fertility and egg quality, which can impact the success rates of in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Phased Expansion

Building on initial progress, Macao Union Hospital announced that it will introduce artificial insemination services starting this month.

This launch is the first phase of a broader expansion plan that will include IVF and egg freezing services in the near future.

Currently, our priority is to encourage fertility. Egg freezing will be one of our future development directions, Dr. Ku explained.

To improve treatment outcomes, the center has upgraded its facilities by acquiring individual culture incubators and optimizing culture media. The hospital aims to offer first-generation IVF and second-generation assisted reproductive technologies by September 2025.

In addition to fertility care, the hospital is expanding its oncology capabilities. Deputy Director Lei Wai Seng announced preparations to introduce nuclear medicine diagnostic services, including PET-CT scans, which are expected to be operational by the third quarter of 2025.

This service will help reduce long wait times currently experienced by residents, as Kiang Wu Hospital is the only provider at present.

The hospital has also added four advanced radiation therapy machines and plans to establish a comprehensive cancer center  offering integrated services such as radiation therapy, preliminary diagnosis, surgery, and other specialized treatments.

Responding to community interest, Lei noted that the hospital is considering introducing traditional Chinese medicine services, primarily for complex cases and as complementary therapy for cancer patients to reduce side effects.

Expanded services and support programs, including the Health Bureaus Medically Assisted Reproduction Subsidy Program, which began accepting applications on Dec. 1, 2024, offer hope and assistance to more couples on their journey toward parenthood.

The SSM program offers up to two cycles of assisted reproductive services, including IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), with waived fees for related evaluations and treatments at Macao Union Hospital.

Applicants must be Macau residents or in common-law marital relationships and undergo clinical assessment before receiving services.

Lei emphasized that the subsidy is a fee waiver within a welfare policy, not free treatment, and that care for underlying conditions causing infertility, such as diabetes, is not covered.
Since its launch in May, the Oxfam Rice Event 2025 in Macau has united over 800 volunteers to support smallholder farmers facing climate challenges.

Under the theme Fight Climate Change, Empower Smallholder Farmers, the campaign held 37 rice booths and community roadshows, raising more than MOP635,000.

Now in its 14th year, the event saw participation from local banks, schools, government departments, and community groups, demonstrating Macaus strong commitment to climate justice.

Oxfam continues to assist farmers in Asia and East Africa by promoting sustainable farming practices to increase resilience. This years campaign featured limited-edition rice packs adorned with beloved Mr. Men Little Miss characters.
The business outlook for the second half of 2025 is showing signs of recovery, according to Sunny Ip, of the Macau Small and Medium Enterprises Development Alliance.

Speaking yesterday to the press on the sidelines of an event, Ip said that the implementation of mainland Chinas visa policies to Macau and other tourism-boosting measures has led to a steady rise in visitor numbers, creating a more favorable business environment.

He forecasted that business conditions will gradually stabilize and may even improve in the coming months.

However, he urged small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adapt to shifting consumer behavior by identifying new products and cultivating a more attractive business environment to drive sector growth.

Now the problem is that consumers consumption habits have changed. Its not easy to get money out of their purse to buy things or consume, but the most important thing is to do business in a way that attracts their eyes, attracts their attention, so that they are willing to spend, said Ip.

He emphasized the need for local retailers to rethink their strategies, suggesting they take cues from mainland Chinese brands and e-commerce platforms, focusing more on product presentation, marketing, and promotional campaigns to capture consumer interest.

A recent report highlights a divided post-pandemic recovery for SMEs, with businesses in tourist hotspots rebounding strongly while those in residential areas suffer revenue declines exceeding 50%.

The findings have spurred proposals to redevelop Taipa Old Village into a commercial zone to support struggling local shops.

A report from the Collective Wisdom Policy Centre (CWPC) recently revealed that SMEs are facing multiple challenges, including rising operating costs, changing tourist spending habits, and increased online marketing expenses.

Through field visits to 700 SMEs in the first quarter of 2025 and analysis of official data, the think tank identified soaring raw material costs, especially in the food and catering sector, as a key pressure point.
Interview

Times Reporter

During an in-depth interview with the Portuguese news magazine Visao earlier this year, historian Helena F. S. Lopes offered an arresting new portrait of wartime Macau  a chapter largely ignored on both sides of the Eurasian map.

Having studied Chinese, spent two years in Taiwan, and mined archives in Beijing, Lisbon, and London, Lopes reframes the Portuguese enclave as a volatile crossroads where neutrality was anything but passive. Her book Neutrality and Collaboration in South China  Macau During the Second World War (Cambridge University Press, 2023) makes the case that the city functioned as a critical hinge in East Asian strategy, not a sleepy colonial backwater.

Macaus population exploded from roughly 120,000 to 400,000 between 1936 and 1940, as refugees from mainland China and British-ruled Hong Kong fled the Japanese advance. Diplomats rubbed shoulders with penniless farmers; gambling fortunes coexisted with famine.

Popular culture has long polished this chaos into the image of the Casablanca of the East, yet Lopes insists that the veneer masks much darker truths. Macau, during the war, was a real film, she says, but not the romantic kind  there was hunger, persecution, censorship, and death. Archive telegrams report corpses collected at dawn and even episodes of cannibalism  details the Portuguese administration tried to suppress. The governor himself referred to cases of cannibalism in his telegrams to Lisbon, Lopes notes, though he tried to limit their disclosure.

Portugals Estado Novo dictatorship kept its own citizens in the dark. Domestic newspapers revealed little about the enclave, and Lisbon made the key decisions. By contrast, Nationalist-controlled Chinese media debated Macau openly, with writers urging its return to Chinese sovereignty. In Portugal, the public had no say in how the empire was managed, Lopes says. Meanwhile, in China, people were debating Macau in provincial assemblies.

In the Visao interview, Lopes stresses that Portuguese authorities were merely one actor among many. Japanese intelligence officers, British agents, Chinese guerrillas, and American diplomats all exploited Macaus neutrality. That very weakness  Portugals limited military reach  created space for ad hoc humanitarian corridors, smuggling rings, and informal diplomacy that kept the city functional. Macau was many things, Lopes says. It wasnt just shaped by colonial ambitions  it was the product of local understandings, improvisation, and survival.

Lisbons ambitions occasionally outstripped its capacities. The Estado Novo considered occupying the nearby islands of Lapa, Dom Joao, and Montanha (Hengqin), assuming Japan might support such moves. But Japan wasnt interested  they went wherever they wanted, without asking Portugals permission, she says. The idea that Portugal could expand its holdings was more fantasy than plan.

Neutrality itself proved contradictory. Hospitals in the enclave treated wounded Chinese resistance fighters, while Japanese agents monitored those same facilities. Commercial smugglers served all sides. There were arrangements at the border to allow even guerrillas to receive treatment in Macau, Lopes reveals. But make no mistake  the Japanese could have occupied Macau in three days if they wanted to.

Still, wartime cosmopolitanism planted seeds for the post-war era. Thousands of refugees from Shanghai and Canton opened businesses, launched newspapers, and revived Cantonese opera. Some of these people would go on to shape Cold War Macau, Lopes explains, including a young Stanley Ho, who fled from Hong Kong.

Today, official slogans still celebrate Macau as a bridge between cultures. Lopes acknowledges the narrative but urges nuance. The idea of Macau as a peaceful meeting point is recycled across both the colonial and post-colonial periods, she says. That doesnt make it false  but it wasnt always peaceful, and it wasnt always coexistence.

While civil liberties fluctuate  especially under Beijings tightening grip over Hong Kong  Macau remains a place where opportunity and refuge can still be found. The historians counsel is clear: resist tidy myths, examine the messy record, and recognize that the enclaves fate has always hinged on the delicate art of navigating larger powers.

*The original interview, conducted by Silvia Souto Cunha, was published in Visao, on February 10, 2025.
Compared with 100 years, 15 minutes is no time at all. But for two Madison-area World War II veterans, 15 minutes on Tuesday meant the world.

Preflight, U.S. Marine veteran Henry Hank Long and U.S. Army veteran Lew Harned shook hands, exchanging brief biographies lives and memories from the war they have in common.

This was Longs second Dream Flight and Harneds third, so when the two aged warriors were wheeled into the hangar Tuesday, their expectations were cut and dried  a short safety discussion with the Dream Flights crew and their families, followed by two 15-minute flights over Dane County.

Dream Flights is a nonprofit that takes U.S. veterans on brief excursions in Boeing Stearman biplanes, which were used for training in World War II. Eligible veterans can only take one flight until they turn 100, at which point they can have one flight per year.

But on Tuesday, there was an added surprise: Prior to their flight, the two veterans were greeted by the Middleton Cross Plains American Legion, flags raised and guns shouldered, along with an American flag display from the Middleton Fire Department.

Longs daughter Star Pfiffer was one of the main hands orchestrating the surprise.

Longs flight Tuesday had been on the books since his first Dream Flight, when he met and befriended pilot Scooter DeLong about four years ago. So, when Long hit triple digits in May, he was ready for takeoff.

But given how close the flight was to her fathers birthday, Pfiffer said, she wanted to make it special.

My dad has kept in touch with Scott all these years. They telephone back and forth. Scott checks on my dad, she said. Hes been waiting for this, he keeps saying, Did you hear from Scott? Have you heard anything?

Fewer than 1% of the 16.4 million Americans who served in the second world war are still alive, about 66,000 of them, according to the National World War II Museum. Some, like Long, live in assisted living facilities. And employees with these facilities try to do their part to honor the legacies of these residents as well, which is how Tuesdays ceremony came together.

For weeks, Agrace Hospice patient wish coordinator Lisa Dahlgren has been in touch with Pfiffner about Long, his Dream Flight and his birthday. Dahlgren led the charge to coordinate, contacting numerous local veterans communities and organizations. The response, as witnessed Tuesday, was exactly what shed hoped for.

Its such a strong community of veterans that want to honor our World War II veterans, Dahlgren said.

Long served in the Pacific Theater

Long was a sergeant in the Marine Corps, serving in the Pacific from October 1943 to July 1947. After an enemy bayonet put him in the hospital, he became a pilot.

Overcome with emotion on Tuesday, words did not come easily for him, but his daughter shared pride and gratitude on his behalf.

(Dad) is pretty emotional. Hes an emotional guy to begin with, Pfiffer said. A lot of these veterans dont expect this honor because the people that they fought with who arent here anymore, they believe theyre the ones who deserve the honors.

Long was first to take flight Tuesday, carefully hoisted into his seat in the open cockpit of the Spirit of Wisconsin, a World War II-era biplane, the likes of which would have been used for training purposes back when Long and Harned first donned their uniforms.

And as the little yellow plane took wing, Long waved happily to the crowd, smiling with his thumbs up. Among those on solid ground, Harned cheered on his fellow member of the Greatest Generation, gazing into the clear blue day, marred only by occasional light refractions in the 90-degree heat.

100-year-old is still ready to go

Harned will be 101 in August, eligible for his fourth ride with Dream Flights.

Harneds military journey was more complex. His initial enlistment attempt was denied due to his poor eyesight, so he found a workaround with the British forces, driving ambulances in Africa and Italy. Thats how he spent much of his time during the war before returning home with his sights set on a career in orthopedic surgery.

When the Korean War came, though, he returned to the armed forces, this time serving stateside with the U.S. Air Force. Once hed done what was needed, he returned to his civilian career in relative comfort until his last conflict involvement, Desert Storm. At 65, Harned was the oldest commander in that conflict. He retired from military service in 1992 as a brigadier general.

With that experience under his belt, little can phase him.

Ive got a little arthritis in my right knee but Im ready to go, he said, moments before he took off. Im thrilled.

Still, beneath the calm joy on his face, Harned harbored a longstanding concern, one that was eased Tuesday, according to his daughter, Linda Harned.

Hes so afraid that people are going to forget about his generation, so to come to an event like this, no matter how big, no matter how small, is just heart-warming, she said. It does give Dad hope, because hes got four great-grandkids and he worries about them, he worries about this country. And that weighs heavy on him.

But as Harned strapped on the helmet and waved from the cockpit Tuesday, even if just for a moment, those worries drifted away.
Madison resident Dave Travis was more than willing to sign Elon Musk's petition to stop "activist judges" during the height of the state's Supreme Court race this spring.

Though Travis and Musk likely wouldn't agree on who qualifies as an activist judge, Musk had been recruiting people to sign on with the promise of a $100 check. For every person they referred, signers could redeem another $100.

Travis, however, says he never got his check.

"He said he's against activist judges. Well, boy, I want to get rid of (Supreme Court Justices Samuel) Alito and (Clarence Thomas) and the rest of the crew, Brett Cavanaugh," Travis said. "So if he wants to get rid of activist judges, I'll go right along with him. And if he wants to give me $100 bucks to do it, I'll happily take it."

Travis isn't alone. Multiple petition signers who spoke with the Wisconsin State Journal are still waiting for their checks, months after the election was called between liberal winner Susan Crawford and conservative challenger Brad Schimel.

In March, America PAC, a group funded by billionaire Elon Musk, offered Wisconsin voters $100 to sign the petition in the weeks before the election. Musks political action committee promised $100 for each voter who signed the petition and another $100 for each signer they referred.

Musk also offered $1 million to three voters who signed the petition in the days leading up to the election in a bid to increase turnout for Schimel. Attorney General Josh Kaul sued to stop the payments but courts declined to stop them.

In May, a government watchdog group, the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, filed a lawsuit to bar Musk from offering cash payments to Wisconsin voters in future elections. That case names both the payments to people who signed the petition and the $1 million checks.

Since then, the state Department of Alcohol, Trade and Consumer Protection received a handful of complaints from people who said they signed the petition but had yet to see their checks.

DATCP does not enforce election laws and cannot act on the complaints, spokesperson Caleb Kulich said.

America PAC did not respond to multiple requests for comment or questions about how many people signed the petition or what their plans were to ensure people are paid.

One Waukesha man, who asked that his name or those of his family members not be published, filed a complaint saying he'd received an initial $100 check for signing the petition but had yet to see additional money from referring his wife and daughter to also sign. Those checks finally came in May.

Another Wisconsin resident, a woman from Racine who asked her name not be shared, said she's an ardent supporter of Trump and would have signed the petition regardless of any financial incentive. She also signed one in support of Musk's Department of Government Efficiency.

The woman was initially confident she'd get the money America PAC promised; the group seemed reputable, she said. She signed the petition on March 28.

The money never came. Instead, the woman said she felt she had been lied to when contacting America PAC turned into a dead-end. The group told her on April 4 the money had been sent, but she said she'd received nothing. She later filed a complaint with DATCP.

Just as frustrating was when the woman heard from others who'd signed the petition and gotten their electronic checks. She said another person she knows of didn't sign the petition but still had money show up in their inbox.

"I just don't like to be scammed," she said. "I think there should be something, some legal action against them. Because they lied, and I don't take kindly to being lied to."

Oshkosh resident Alec Lefeber signed the petition  despite voting for Crawford  and never received the money, either. It was free money, Lefeber reasoned, and he had no reason to believe the check wouldn't come through.

He assumed he'd receive a check in the next month or two. It's only been in recent weeks Lefeber has started to wonder if it'll ever show up.

Lefeber isn't convinced it the money qualifies as election bribery, though, because the petition website didn't require proof of having voted to sign and wasn't portrayed as a trade for a vote. But he said he also believes the state should investigate the petition and whether all of the promised payments had been made.

"To me, it felt more like I was selling my data to a corporation in exchange for $100, rather than being bribed to vote or support a candidate," Lefeber said. "If I had actually received the money, maybe it could feel more like bribery, but since I didnt, it just feels like a shady data grab."

Most complaints wanted petition stopped

Most of the complaints DATCP received were from people who wanted to see the payments stopped or Musk's $1 million lottery giveaway blocked.

DATCP received at least 12 complaints, with a third of them coming from an out-of-state resident who said the legality of the payments were of national concern.

Complaints came from residents in Ashland, Eau Claire, Madison, New Glarus, Oshkosh and Ripon.

Many of them expressed concern the state Supreme Court election was being purchased in Schimel's favor and urged state leaders to take action, either by barring Musk from continuing the payments or future involvement in Wisconsin elections, investigating America PAC or arresting Musk.

"It should be illegal to solicit votes for money. Apparently that is exactly what Elon Musk is doing on behalf of Brad Schimel," a New Glarus woman wrote in her complaint. "He should be fined an extraordinary amount of money that should be used to support a program he hates such as veteran benefits!"

UW-Madison student and now graduate Hannah Farkas didn't sign the petition, but still ended up with a confirmation email and a check in her university email.

When Farkas received the first confirmation email on March 28, she thought it was spam, but realized it wasn't when the emailed check showed up two weeks later. Farkas reported it as campaign fraud.

"I don't want my name attached to this petition in any way. I don't believe what it stands for," Farkas said. "It's just not what I ever would want my name attached to."

UW-Madison spokesperson John Lucas said there didn't appear to be any complaints filed with the university over unauthorized use of email addresses to sign petitions.

Farkas said she hasn't heard of anyone else whose UW-Madison email was used for the petition but felt sure she wasn't the only one in a student body of 52,000.

"The whole thing is really suspicious, and if it happened to me, I'm sure it happened to a bunch of other people," Farkas said.
Michael Madsen has been remembered as "mischief wrapped in tenderness" by his actress sister Virginia Madsen following his shock death.

Michael Madsen has been remembered by his family and former co-stars

The 67-year-old actor was pronounced dead on Thursday (03.07.25) after being found unresponsive at his home in Malibu, California with his manager Ron Smith telling Dailymail.com that cardiac arrest appeared to be the cause of death - and he has now been honoured by Candyman star Virginia, who paid tribute in a message posted on Instagram.

She shared a picture of the siblings alongside their mother and wrote: "My brother Michael has left the stage. He was thunder and velvet. Mischief wrapped in tenderness. A poet disguised as an outlaw.

"A father, a son, a brother - etched in contradiction, tempered by love that left its mark. Were not mourning a public figure. Were not mourning a myth -

but flesh and blood and ferocious heart.

"Who stormed through life loud, brilliant, and half on fire. Who leaves us echoes - gruff, brilliant, unrepeatable - half legend, half lullaby.

"Ill miss our inside jokes, the sudden laughter, the sound of him. Ill miss the boy he was before the legend. I miss my big brother."

Virginia went on to thank fans for their well wishes and explained a plan to "celebrate" Michael's life will be revealed in due course.

She added: "Thank you to everyone reaching out with love and memory. In time, well share how we plan to celebrate his life.

"But for now - we stay close, and let the silence say what words cant - Virginia Madsen on behalf of the Madsen family."

Fellow screen star Sharon Stone shared her sorrow in the comments section, writing: "My sincere condolences to you and your family."

Actor Billy Baldwin paid tribute in a message posted on X, writing: "Fitting that Michael Madsen would pass away on 4th of July weekend. He was no firecracker  a total stick of dynamite on screen and in life. Rest easy my friend."

Walton Goggins, who appeared opposite Michael in Quentin Tarantino's 2015 movie The Hateful Eight, shared his thoughts on Instagram, writing: "Michael Madsen  this man  this artist  this poet  this rascal F****** ICON .

"Aura like no one else. Aint enough words so Ill just say this . I love you buddy. A H8TER forever."

In a post on X, Jennifer Tilly - who starred alongside the actor in 1994 movie The Getaway - wrote: "Michael was one of my favorite actors I ever worked with.

"The Getaway was very early in my career and he made me feel safe and supported. He was wildly audacious and rambunctious with his character choices, and had a wicked sense of humor.

"I dont recall ever laughing so much on a film set in my life. A huge talent. Gone too soon. Rip Michael Madsen."
Anger... like he wanted to kill: Singapore man on trial for driving off with lovers husband on bonnet in nude carpark drama

SINGAPORE, July 4  A man accused of driving off with his lovers husband clinging to his car bonnet told a Singapore court today that he acted out of fear during the late-night confrontation in a Sengkang carpark.

Channel News Asia reported that Chia Hiok Seah, 50, is on trial for a rash act endangering human life after allegedly driving with Goh Yong Sern on his cars bonnet, causing the latter to fall and suffer facial injuries.

He also faces a charge of public nudity, which he intends to plead guilty to.

The incident took place around 2am on June 29, 2023, after Chia and a married woman, known as Shunyi, were found naked in his car at Block 278, Compassvale Bow.

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Chia told the court they in the car having some intimacy acts when Goh suddenly appeared and began banging on the vehicle.

He was red in the face... that kind of anger is trying to kill someone, Chia reportedly said, adding that he feared for both their safety.

He said Goh jumped onto the bonnet and tried to break the windscreen.

We are not protected at all, not even our clothing, Chia added.

The windscreen is the only barrier between him and us.

Chia said he drove off to escape but eventually stopped at the gantry when he realised Goh wasnt getting off the car.

Calling the incident very unfortunate, Chia said, I never thought I would be landed in this.

Chia faces up to a year in jail or a S$5,000 (RM16,567) fine if convicted of the rash act. For public nudity, the maximum penalty is three months jail or a S$2,000 fine.
Making waves on the global stage once again, Banda Kawayan Pilipinas brought pride and prestige to the Philippines as they emerged victorious at the 14th International Youth Music Festival held in Bratislava, Slovakia from July 1 to 4, 2025.

The ensemble was honored with two major accolades: the Gold Band Award and the festivals highest recognition, the Grand Prix, triumphing over other international contenders in the category of Adult Orchestras and Ensembles with Free Instrumentation.

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Performing with their signature bamboo instrumentsa cultural symbol deeply rooted in Filipino heritageBanda Kawayan Pilipinas delivered a dynamic performance that captivated the festival jury and audience alike. The groups fusion of traditional sound and modern flair stood out among ensembles from across Europe and Asia.

The Bratislava Music Agency, organizers of the festival, commended the group for their unique artistry and contribution to world music. The Grand Prix title affirms Banda Kawayan Pilipinass growing international acclaim, cementing their role as ambassadors of Filipino music and innovation.

Held annually, the International Youth Music Festival gathers exceptional young musicians from around the globe to perform, compete, and foster cross-cultural appreciation through music. The 2025 edition drew ensembles from over 15 countries, making this years competition one of the most diverse and competitive in its history.

This latest triumph marks another milestone for Banda Kawayan Pilipinas, a group long celebrated for championing indigenous Filipino instruments and training new generations of musical talent.

At the heart of this extraordinary achievement is Mr. Siegfredo B. Calabig, the visionary founder and conductor of Banda Kawayan Pilipinas. Through decades of dedication, Calabig has led the group in transforming indigenous bamboo instruments into powerful tools for cultural expression, youth development, and international diplomacy.

As the group returns home, they bring with them not only awards, but the echoes of bamboo music that resonated far beyond the concert halls of Slovakiaonce again proving that the heart of Filipino culture can be heard, loud and proud, on the world stage
On 25 June, the youth erupted once more onto Kenyas streets. One year to the day after the struggle to stop Rutos Finance Bill 2024 culminated in spectacular scenes of the youth overrunning the parliament building, Gen Z is on the move again. The movement has picked up where it left off. But this time, the mood is darker and angrier.

Last year, the question that raised the youth to their feet in the maandamano (protest) was Finance Bill 2024, then passing through parliament. That brutal bill, introduced by Ruto at the behest of the IMF, would have wrung Kenyas poorest dry in order to pay for the enormous and growing state debt. The aim of the protests was to occupy parliament and to stop the passage of that legislation.

In that, the movement achieved its aim.

The sight of hundreds of thousands of youth, defying death, taking the speakers mace from parliament, fearless, tribeless, partyless, struck terror into the hearts of the whole ruling class. The Finance Bill was withdrawn. But by the end of the movement, it was no longer just about the Finance Bill; it was about removing Ruto and the whole rotten clique that runs the country.

In that, the movement did not achieve its aim.

The masses could not remain mobilised indefinitely. They withdrew from the streets, but for a year, anger has continued to bubble away. The revolution lives on. It had to draw breath and wait for a chance to reemerge, which it did on the anniversary, 25 June, picking up exactly where it left off. This time, the aim wasnt to #OccupyParliament to stop a piece of legislation. It was to #OccupyStateHouse, the presidents residence, and to cut the head off the regime.

Bungoma yesterday 



Uzuri wanasema wantam hamtasema ni last year. #RutoMustGo pic.twitter.com/3UxtJuZV6P  Shakira Wafula (@fit_ermined) June 26, 2025

Down with the regime!

As the youth have returned to the streets, the main slogans being raised are no longer about Finance Bill 2024, nor even Finance Bill 2025. There is one slogan on everyones lips: Ruto must go.

The same class anger against the brutal austerity and regressive taxes that brought the people to their feet last year still infuses the movement, however. The last year has, if anything, deepend it. We predicted last summer that the government would return to the unresolved question of the budget deficit after the scrapping of the Finance Bill, and that they would find other, more underhanded ways to plug it.

This is exactly what they have done, with cuts to all ministries.

Cuts to the Ministry of Health have seen 8,000 nurses, lab technicians and clinical officers sacked, wages withheld, and services closed. In March, before the youth maandamano erupted once more, thousands of healthcare workers were on the streets. It was their turn to inhale the tear gas of the regime.

Healthcare workers under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme are currently protesting in Nairobi, demanding permanent and pensionable employment.



They are calling for equal pay, arguing that they handle the same workload as their permanently employed colleagues.



The pic.twitter.com/CP3LahDhdo  Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) March 4, 2025

In education, food programmes for 4.5 million of the poorest learners have been withdrawn. Tens of thousands of teaching places remain unfilled. University funding has been slashed by a third. The future of the young generation is being erased one school place at a time.

Even the army has been affected, with food subsidies for soldiers scrapped in order to save a meagre US$23 million. We will have more to say on the consequences of that budget cut later

But, no, the main goal of these protests has moved on from simply stopping a piece of legislation. It has moved on to the removal of a regime, which is dripping from head to foot with the blood of martyred youth.

Dripping with blood

For readers who are not familiar with the brutality of this regime, we will retell some of the horror stories.

Dozens were murdered last year. Many of the bodies of the movements martyrs were never recovered by their families. What happened to their bodies?

Coinciding with last years maandamano, dozens of corpses, dismembered and in sacks, were discovered at the Kware dumpsite, 100 metres from a police station. The media talked about a serial murderer, the Vampire Killer. But the authorities werent overly eager to uncover the truth. They impeded any investigation at the dumpsite. Then, quite miraculously, they arrested a suspected serial killer in just three days. The man confessed, only to recant, claiming his confession was extracted under torture. Then, as quickly as he was apprehended, the suspect suddenly escaped from police custody.

Whose bodies were these? Which serial killer killed them? The Vampire Killer, or the better-known serial-killers-at-large: William Ruto and his police thugs?

More recently, just a few weeks before the wave of protests on 25 June this year, a young man named Albert Ojwang was arrested for words expressed online that were not to the liking of the regime. He died in police custody with clear signs of torture on his body. The CCTV footage was erased, and a technician confessed that he had been paid KSh 3,000 to erase it.

At the protest demanding justice for Albert Ojwang, another man, Boniface Kariuki, a 31-year-old street vendor, was shot in the head at point-blank range. He is now brain dead.

This is a regime of killers, and the first goal of the youth is to bring it down. The experience of the last year has taught the young people of Kenya to expect nothing but tear gas and bullets from this regime. And yet they went out regardless, fully prepared to face death. In their social media videos, recorded before they hit the streets, young people asked for only a dignified burial should they fail to return home.

16 more of these brave young men and women never returned home on Wednesday 25 June.

There is no longer any concession from the top that can conceivably satisfy the millions of youth who have participated in the maandamano. Only the downfall of the regime will do.

But this poses two vital questions before the youth: firstly, how can Ruto be brought down? And secondly, what will replace him?

BREAKING: At least 16 people were killed in protests across the country yesterday, Amnesty Kenya says.



We saw police violently crack down on largely peaceful protesters. This dramatic report highlights some of the questionable actions we filmed pic.twitter.com/qJhrRHYea2  Larry Madowo (@LarryMadowo) June 26, 2025

How can Ruto be overthrown?

The youth are searching for the answer to these very questions. The main hashtag accompanying last Wednesdays protest, which became one of the worlds most retweeted, reflects this searching: #SiriNiNumbers  The Secret is Numbers.

Today's numbers have clearly overshadowed last year's, truly #SiriNiNumbers.  pic.twitter.com/cLq4IKBHS0  Sir Adam  (@AdamMaina_) June 25, 2025

Numbers are certainly important. But how can still greater numbers be mobilised? And did the maandamano fall short of bringing down Ruto last year simply because of a lack of numbers?

Let us look at what happened last week. On 25 June, Ruto fled the capital for the day, using the excuse that he had to attend a funeral in Kilifi County. Meanwhile, all the roads to Nairobis Central Business District (CBD) were locked down to prevent any approach to State House. In the evening, Ruto returned to the city unimpeded.

The regime can prepare for and weather even very massive one-day protests.

The problem the movement faces, however, is that from the start, the only tactic it has advanced has been the one-day protest. So long as the movement is organised exclusively over social media, it will be very difficult to go beyond one-day mobilisations. To formulate a way forward, what is needed is organisation, leadership and a programme.

To give the youth their due, the use of social media has allowed them to intelligently avoid co-option. Pompous opportunists like Kasmuel, who tried to claim they were leaders of the movement, have been laughed off stage. Meanwhile, the main opposition party, Raila Odingas ODM, has found itself impotent to alter the course of events. It has been unmasked and forced to huddle in fear behind Rutos boot.

Last summer, when mass opposition to the Finance Bill erupted, Odinga tried to pose as its voice in parliament. He denounced the Finance Bill. But when he saw that the masses were not to be fooled by his faux opposition, he quickly realised he had as much to lose as Ruto if the revolution proved victorious. It would surely sweep away the whole establishment, himself included.

Since then, he has entered into an ever-closer alliance with Ruto in an attempt to stabilise the situation. And on Wednesday 25 June, where was he to be found? Sitting solemnly next to Ruto at the same funeral in Kilifi, while the nations youth were being shot dead in the streets. Since last year, the last drop of legitimacy has drained not just from Ruto, but from Odinga and his gang too.

This was the strong side of social media. But now, something else is needed. The movement, partyless and fearless, has discarded all the rotten leaderships on offer from the official opposition. But the answer to bad leadership is not no leadership but good leadership, loyal to and responsive to the needs of the movement.

How can this be formed? Only by organising the movement.

Last year, we advanced the idea of forming committees of action in every workplace, school and community. Doing so would unlock enormous, as yet untapped revolutionary potential.

Peaceful protests are regularly being met by unbridled state violence. The violence of the state must be met with the organised self-defence of the masses. Self-defence committees could root out agent provocateurs and deal swiftly with government goons.

But most important of all, such organisation would also allow the movement to expand, drawing in those vital numbers. Between each maandamano, Kenya has experienced sporadic mass movements by different layers, such as workers in the healthcare and education sectors. By forming a national leadership organically drawn from the committees, an appeal could be addressed to these layers, inscribing their demands on the revolutions banner, and calling on them to send their own delegates to the committees.

The working class must be drawn in as an organised force, with its own formidable weapon: the general strike. Not a wheel turns, not a phone rings, not a lightbulb shines without the kind permission of the working class. If the workers struck, Kenyan society and the state machine would seize up. The regime would be paralysed, only able to await its denouement.

But for that, a force capable of striking the regime dead must be organised. At a certain stage, the movement must face up to the fact that force can only be overthrown by force.

The question of the army

The question of the attitude of the army must become a decisive one at a certain stage. Whose side are they on?

The ruling class are aware of the importance of this question. Back in March, Raila Odinga made the sensational claim that he had personally intervened last summer during the maandamano to prevent the military from stepping in and removing Ruto.

If the mass movement exhausts the police, the last line of defence for the regime will be the army / Image: public domain

Though it was rubbished as an unpatriotic claim, there was nothing implausible about it. The movement took on threatening proportions. But it had no leadership that could replace the regime. It could storm parliament, but then what? It had no government-in-waiting. It had no arms with which to secure its victory. The next step was merely to vacate parliament.

Nevertheless, its menacing figure struck fright into the hearts of the rulers. There must have been many nervous generals, both then and now. The movement threatens to sweep away not just Ruto but the whole regime.

Of course, the attempts since last week by regime loyalists to smear the maandamano as an attempted coup are filthy lies. But as long as it is unclear what the masses want to replace Ruto with, and by what means they might do so, then the main danger from Rutos perspective comes not from the movement as such but from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).

If the mass movement exhausts the police, the last line of defence for the regime will be the army. But throwing the army into the fray would mean asking ordinary soldiers to shoot on their brothers and sisters. Many would refuse to comply, and this would threaten to split the army down the middle. At that point, to save their authority, the senior officers might sacrifice Ruto to save the regime as a whole, as they did in Sudan in 2019.

Is it merely a coincidence that, in the week since the youth hit the streets again, Ruto has made a raft of new appointments in the army, navy and airforce? Has he something to fear from the loyalty of his own lieutenants?

If the army does step in, nothing positive can be hoped for from that direction. We only need to point to the revolutionary movement in Bangladesh, which took place last summer, immediately following the maandamano in Kenya. There, the military stepped in to remove Hasina only to save themselves. They appointed a provisional government of bankers and token student representatives, which has attacked the working class and the poor and has ploughed ahead with a programme dictated by the IMF and the imperialists, the only programme possible under capitalism.

Force must overthrow force

The revolutionary youth must know how to approach the army.

Again, we return to this question of organisation, leadership and programme, for which the masses need committees of action.

The senior officers are cut from the same cloth as Ruto, Odinga and the rest of the parasitical ruling class / Image: public domain

Besides organising their own self-defence, committees of action would be the most effective tool for bringing the rank-and-file of the armed forces over to the revolution. The revolution must drive a wedge into the army and seek to divide it along class lines.

The senior officers are cut from the same cloth as Ruto, Odinga and the rest of the parasitical ruling class. They fear and hate revolution like sin. But the rank-and-file soldiers suffer from the same hardships as the rest of the masses. The cuts and attacks are affecting them too, as we noted earlier.

There can be no doubt that there are huge reserves of sympathy to be found in the armys lower ranks. They must be watching with frustration in the barracks as the heroic youth fight empty-handed, wishing only that they could put their own gun between the revolution and the cowardly killer cops. The latter know how to shoot unarmed men and women but would run in fear from a real armed resistance.

By appealing to the class anger of the ordinary soldier, raising demands for the betterment of their conditions and wages, these honest ranks can be separated from their reactionary officers and brought into the revolution on the side of the masses. Revolutionary committees would call on the ordinary soldiers to form their own committees, and to link up with the committees of the people at large. In this way, the revolution would gain its own armed detachments, and the conspiracies of the senior officers would be checked in advance.

It would be Game Over for Ruto and the whole ruling class.

By bringing together the delegates of youth, workers, peasants and soldiers, drawn from every corner of the country, the revolution could advance its own government in waiting, a government of the poor, oppressed, working masses. The rule of Ruto would be over, not to be replaced with the rule of an opposition figure or a general, but by the rule of the workers and poor.

Kenya would become a beacon for the revolutionary masses of the whole of Africa and the world.
The United States Supreme Court has allowed the deportation of eight migrants to proceed to South Sudan, a country they have no personal or familial ties to, following a split decision by the courts conservative majority.

The migrants, who had previously been convicted of serious crimes, were detained on a naval base in Djibouti after a lower court halted the deportation flight in May 2025. The Supreme Court ruled that immigration officials have the authority to carry out removals to third countries, effectively overriding federal Judge Brian Murphys ruling that had blocked the transfer on humanitarian grounds.

The decision has sparked sharp criticism, particularly from liberal justices and immigration advocates, who argue that the migrants could face extreme danger, including torture or death, upon arrival in the politically unstable South Sudan. Justice Sonia Sotomayor, dissenting, accused the administration of bypassing judicial norms, while Justice Elena Kagan noted that the Supreme Courts intervention directly countered Murphys findings. Advocacy groups warned that the men fear persecution in a country currently grappling with rising political tensions and the threat of renewed civil conflict.

The ruling aligns with the Trump administrations broader immigration agenda, which aims to intensify deportations and reduce legal pathways for migrants. The administration has lauded the Supreme Courts intervention as a victory for law enforcement and national security, while critics see it as a troubling precedent that disregards basic human rights protections. Legal experts say the decision could embolden future deportations to volatile third countries, raising new concerns over the treatment of vulnerable individuals in the U.S. immigration system.
Angola has recorded the creation of over 102,000 net formal jobs in the first half of 2025, according to figures released by the Government on July 3. The positive employment performance reflects efforts to stimulate the labour market and boost formal job opportunities across various sectors. The new positions were largely generated within real estate, trade, construction, hospitality, and the extractive industriessectors showing notable resilience and expansion amid broader economic challenges.

The employment boost comes as part of Angolas strategy to reduce reliance on informal work and address high levels of unemployment, especially among the youth. Authorities have emphasised the importance of maintaining the momentum by strengthening vocational training, encouraging private sector participation, and enhancing job quality. The government also reiterated its commitment to aligning job creation efforts with national development goals to foster inclusive growth and long-term economic stability.
At least 28 people have been killed in two separate jihadist attacks in northern Nigeria, officials and residents have confirmed on July 3.

In Sokoto State, militants from the jihadist group Lakurawa stormed a village on Wednesday, July 2, killing 17 civilians in what is believed to be a reprisal attack following the death of three militants during a failed raid by local vigilantes.

Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants opened fire indiscriminately, causing widespread panic and devastation. On Thursday, July 3, fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) attacked the border town of Malam Fatori, targeting a camp for internally displaced persons. According to Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba of the Multinational Joint Task Force, 11 people were killed and at least 20 others injured, with the wounded evacuated to a hospital in neighbouring Niger. These attacks underscore the ongoing security crisis in northern Nigeria, where jihadist violence has claimed over 40,000 lives and displaced approximately two million people since 2009, according to United Nations figures.
A new round of negotiations between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Government and the M23 rebel group is expected to take place in Doha, Qatar, as diplomatic efforts intensify to resolve the protracted conflict in the eastern DRC.

The announcement was made on July 3 by Freddy Kaniki, Deputy Coordinator of the Congo River Alliance (AFC)a politico-military coalition allied with the M23during a press conference in Goma, the capital of North Kivu Province. Although no date was specified, this will mark the fifth round of talks facilitated by Qatari mediation.

The dialogue process, which began in March 2025, has yielded cautious optimism, particularly following a joint ceasefire commitment between Kinshasa and the M23 in April. AFC Permanent Secretary Benjamin Mbonimpa confirmed that some progress was made during a June meeting with the UN mission head in the DRC, Bintou Keita. However, the situation on the ground remains fragile, with M23 rebels still present in parts of eastern DRC despite diplomatic overtures and a recent peace accord signed between the DRC and Rwanda in the United States.

While the peace agreement has been welcomed as a potential turning point in the Great Lakes region, critics note that it does not explicitly address the M23s continued presence, leaving key questions unresolved. The United Nations reports that more than 27.8 million people in the DRC face food insecurity, with over 7 million internally displaced due to ongoing violence. As talks resume in Doha, regional and international stakeholders are watching closely to see whether this round of negotiations can deliver a sustainable roadmap to peace.
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A group of resident doctors talks with a senior doctor inside Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. Credit: AP Photo/Andres Kudacki

Some hospitals in the U.S. are without essential staff because international doctors who were set to start their medical training this week were delayed by the Trump administration's travel and visa restrictions.

It's unclear exactly how many foreign medical residents were unable to start their assignments, but six medical residents interviewed by The Associated Press say they've undergone years of training and work only to be stopped at the finish line by what is usually a procedural step.

"I don't want to give up," said a permanent Canadian resident who matched to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Harrisburg but had her visa denied because she is a citizen of Afghanistan. She requested to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal. "But the situation also seems so helpless."

Initially, the medical community was worried that hundreds of positionsmany in hospitals in low-income or rural areas of the U.S.could be affected. The pause on interviews for J-1 visas for approved work or study-related programs was lifted in mid-June.

The national nonprofit that facilitates the residency match process said the visa situation is resolving, but it will take weeks to know with confidence how many medical residents have had the start of their careers derailed because they got their visa too late or were blocked by President Donald Trump's travel ban on 12 countries, according to people who coordinate the residents' training.

Four foreign medical residents told the AP that U.S. embassies have been slow to open up interview slotsand some have not opened any.

"You lose out on the time you could have used to treat patients," said one resident from Pakistan, who matched to an internal medicine program in Massachusetts and requested to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal.

Thousands of foreign medical residents fill gaps in U.S. hospitals

The U.S. is projected to face a physician shortage in the next 11 years, per the Association of American Medical Colleges, and foreign medical residents fill critical gaps in the health care system. More than 6,600 foreign-born international medical residents matched into U.S. programs in 2025the highest on recordand another 300 filled positions that were vacant after the match process was complete.

Not all of those residents were affected by visa issues or the travel ban on foreign nationals from countries including Afghanistan, Haiti and Sudan.

International medical graduates often take jobs in places where U.S. medical trainees tend not to go, said Donna Lamb, president of the National Resident Matching Program.

"It's not just that they're coming in and they want to work in big, flashy centers on the coast," Lamb said. "They're truly providing health care for all of America."

Foreign medical residents work in specialties that U.S. applicants aren't as eager to apply to. For example, international candidates make up almost 40% of residents in internal medicine, which specializes in the prevention and treatment of chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

Medical staff walk through a hallway at Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. Credit: AP Photo/Andres Kudacki

"The residents are the backbone of the entire hospital," said Dr. Zaid Alrashid from Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center in New York, which has medical residents from almost every continent. Most received their visas prior to the pause but a few were caught up in delays.

Two residents from India who spoke on condition of anonymity have not been able to get an appointment at any U.S. embassies there despite the J-1 visa pause being lifted.

Another resident from Egypt just secured a visa appointment for mid-August but is worried her program may not be willing to wait for her. She's already paid her security deposit for an apartment in Texas to live during her residency.

"I don't know when this situation will be resolved," said the resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, adding she hasn't been eating or sleeping well.

Hospitals waiting for residents to arrive

In California, leaders at two graduate medical education programs said they have a small number of residents caught up in J-1 visa delays. Both spoke on condition of anonymity due to concerns for the doctors who are still trying to get visas.

A residency leader at one large health care system said two doctors in its 150-resident program are delayed, adding they could start late or defer to next year. A 135-person program at a California public health system told the AP that one resident has yet to arrive, though he was finally scheduled for a visa interview.

"We are not going to breathe easy until he's here in our hospital," the second leader said.

As of Wednesday, Lamb's matching program had received fewer than 20 requests to defer or cancel residency contracts.

Worried about losing their spots if they defer, many foreign medical residents may keep trying to get to the U.S. and start their residencies late, said Dr. Sabesan Karuppiah, a past member of the American Medical Association's International Medical Graduates Governing Council and former director of a large residency program.

Some hospitals may struggle at this point to replace the residents who don't make it, leaving fewer people to care for the same number of patients, said Kimberly Pierce Burke, executive director of the Alliance of Independent Academic Medical Centers.

Foreign medical trainees who've made it into the U.S. remain on edge about their situations, Karuppiah said.

"I can tell you the word on the street is: 'Do not leave the country,'" he said, adding that people are missing out on important events, seeing sick parents or even getting married. "Everybody's scared to just leave, not knowing what's going to happen."

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Sarah Jessica Parker is not "overly eager" to become a so-called empty nester.

Sarah Jessica Parker has three kids with Matthew Broderick

The 60-year-old actress has James, 22, and 16-year-old twins Tabitha and Marion with husband Matthew Broderick, and Sarah acknowledges that her life will change in dramatic fashion once all of her kids leave home.

During an upcoming appearance on The Best People with Nicolle Wallace - a clip of which has been shared with E! News - the actress explains: "The idea of leisure is pretty amazing to think about.

"But I'm not overly eager for it, because I don't want it until I know that my children are pursuing their next stage of life in their academic careers. When they go to college, I can think about travelling in September."

Sarah already has a number of projects in the works, and she doesn't have any intention of slowing down in her professional life.

She said: "You don't imagine days where you're like, Hmm, what should I do today? Because that's just not been - no fault but my own - the way I've functioned."

Despite this, Sarah is planning to travel more when her twins do leave home.

Asked how she might spend her free time, Sarah replied: "Probably travel more. There are times that other countries are at their best, and right now with my children in school, I can't go where I would wanna go."

Meanwhile, Sarah previously revealed that she wants her children to be able to "take care of themselves" financially.

The Hollywood star told The E! News Sitdown: "I really want my children to be educated in the ways that are fulfilling to them.

"I dont think that there is one way to be an educated person or to be equipped to be an adult and try to fashion a life for yourself after what would be considered finishing college - lets say 22 years old.

"You want for them to be pursuing things that are exciting and challenging and hard and gratifying and to be able to ultimately take care of themselves, support themselves - emotionally, financially, and that they can be in the world and be a reliable person to themselves and to other people. And so we talk about work like that."
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The intelligent wound dressing consists of a granular hydrogel. The small gel particles can be designed to specifically capture inflammatory signals or release healing molecules. Credit: Apoorv Singh / ETH Zurich

Chronic wounds are a major medical challenge, burdening health care systems with billions of dollars in costs every year. Pioneer Fellow Borte Emiroglu is developing a new product: a selective, sponge-like hydrogel that reduces inflammatory signals and actively promotes healing.

The work is published in the journal Advanced Healthcare Materials.

Emiroglu's academic career has taken her from Turkey to Zurich, after a master's degree, and straight into the interdisciplinary world of biomedical engineering at ETH Zurich. "Back then, I didn't even know what a hydrogel was," she recalls, thinking back to the early days of her doctoral research at the Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory under the supervision of Professor Mark Tibbitt.

But the unknown was precisely what fascinated her, and it was this that became the launchpad for a new technology. Emiroglu's goal was to develop an intelligent wound dressing that could actively influence the healing process in chronic wounds. Her solution is based on granular hydrogels that capture pro-inflammatory signals from the tissue while simultaneously supporting regenerative processes.

Chronic woundssuch as those associated with diabetes or circulatory disordersare a widespread medical problem. Many sufferers have open skin lesions that barely heal for months or even years. This is often due to an exaggerated immune response: instead of progressing to regeneration, the body remains trapped in a continuous loop of overactive inflammatory activity.

This is where start-up Immunosponge found its unique value, founded by Emiroglu and Apoorv Singh, a fellow researcher in Tibbitt's laboratory. Their wound dressing targets the molecular signals that perpetuate the loop.

"We want to guide a wound out of the inflammatory state and give it the right instructions for healing," says Emiroglu. "We want to aid the tissue to signal that now is the time for regeneration."

How exactly does the wound dressing work? "Imagine a sponge," says Emiroglu, "a material with a high absorption capacity." Technically speaking, the sponge consists of tiny gel particlesknown as microgelsthat are invisible to the naked eye. When combined in large numbers, they create a soft, sponge-like structure.

"In the laboratory, the material looks like jelly," explains Emiroglu.

This structure can be equipped with so-called ligandssurface molecules that target and bind specific signaling molecules. This enables the sponge to distinguish between useful and harmful signals.

"We don't want to just absorb anything and everything, like a kitchen sponge does; we need to selectively remove the pro-inflammatory molecules that wreak havoc in the local tissue, while at the same time initiating processes that promote healing," says Emiroglu.

The concept is heavily inspired by nature. "Mass transport is efficient at short distances in nature, especially in unicellular organisms," explains the researcher.

"But as soon as more complex organisms arise, there is a need for structures that organize the exchange of matter more efficientlythis is how cells within a tissue function and communicate with each other." It is precisely these principles that inspired Emiroglu and served as a model for the intelligent wound dressing.

The technology relies on lots of small building blocks to create an adaptable, functional structure.

"We are able to expand this library of building blocks which in the future will allow us to customize our technology for various patient groups and underlying diseases," says Emiroglu.

That means they can equip the gel beads with various other surface ligands so that different inflammatory messengers can be captured depending on the type of tissue defect.

Immunomodulatory granular hydrogels for the healing of chronic wounds. A) Granular hydrogels consist of microgel building blocks that are jammed into a macroscopic scaffold. B) Injectable granular hydrogels can be applied to a wound as a dressing, where diffusion and capture of inflammatory cytokines combined with the release of pro-angiogenic factors could improve wound healing outcomes. Credit: Advanced Healthcare Materials (2024). DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202400800

While the researchers are currently focusing on chronic skin wounds, the technology could also help with internal tissue damage, such as in the healing of bones, cartilage or tendons. "These tissues can have limited blood supply and thus often require efficient mass exchange during regeneration," explains Emiroglu.

In contrast to current methods, such as mechanical suction devices or non-specific wound dressings, which dry out a wound completely, Emiroglu's wound dressing targets a root cause and is intended to be used at an early stage.

The young researcher did not set out to enter the world of business. It was only towards the end of her dissertation that she and co-founder Singh began to think about taking the project one step further. Emiroglu officially began her Pioneer Fellowship at ETH Zurich at the start of April 2025.

Unofficially, she has been working on the translation of the technology for over a year. A job that involves much more than conducting research in the lab: "We're learning how the market works, what clinicians need and how we can turn our research into an effective product," explains Emiroglu.

This is also changing her perspective. "We come from a pure research background, where we rarely come into contact with users," she says. "Now, we're talking to doctors, nurses, market leaders and other professionals and getting to know their point of view."

Emiroglu states, "We are deliberately taking our time with the development. It's not about getting something onto the market as quickly as possible; it's about creating something with long-term value."

And in five or 10 years? "Maybe by then we'll have a market-ready solution with our start-up Immunosponge," she says. "Maybe we'll still be working on development. The important thing is to stay open, keep learning and not give up."

More information: Dilara Borte Emiroglu et al, Granular Biomaterials as Bioactive Sponges for the Sequestration and Release of Signaling Molecules, Advanced Healthcare Materials (2024). DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202400800 Journal information: Advanced Healthcare Materials
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

Patients in a structured exercise program experienced a 37% lower risk of death and a 28% reduction in recurrence or development of new cancers compared to those who received only health education materials, a recent study found.

The study, called CO.21 (Challenge), was led by the Canadian Cancer Trials Group and the Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN) in partnership with the University of Waterloo's Center for Community, Clinical and Applied Research Excellence (CCCARE) and other clinical sites.

This unique collaboration with the UW WELL-FIT program at CCCARE enabled patients to access supervised, evidence-based exercise interventions tailored specifically to individuals recovering from cancer treatment.

"This is a model of how regional hospitals can shape international research and how local partnerships, like ours with CCCARE, can deliver global impact. We are proud to be part of the solution," says Carla Girolametto, director of Research Operations at WRHN.

WRHN's Cancer Center has assisted 33 cancer patients from Waterloo Region since 2009 to contribute to the research findings. A total of 889 patients across 55 clinical sites comprised the study's findings that determined that integrating exercise into survivorship care positively transforms outcomes for patients.

"This is a transformative moment in oncology and we're proud to have played a key role in this global research," says Dr. Stacey Hubay, medical oncologist and principal investigator at WRHN, who led WRHN's contribution to the global study.

"We've long known anecdotally that exercise benefits cancer patients, but to see such clear improvements in disease-free and overall survival, confirmed by rigorous data, is extraordinary. These results suggest that exercise should be incorporated into cancer care, not just as a recommendation, but as an integral part of the treatment plan from diagnosis through survivorship."

What began as an initiative to support individuals undergoing cancer treatment more than two decades ago, UW WELL-FIT has expanded to serve a broader patient population and offer ongoing exercise options, with clear evidence that exercise supports physical and mental well-being across the cancer experience.

Following the study's results, additional work is being done at CCCARE, in partnership with EXE-COPP, led by principal investigator Dr. Anupam Batra, who is currently examining how exercise can offset physical and cognitive decline in men with metastatic prostate cancer.

"It's the natural evolution of what CO.21 helped to prove: exercise is medicine," says Julia Fraser, Ph.D. candidate, co-investigator and research and operations manager with CCCARE.

For patients, the impact is deeply personal and transformative.

"I was diagnosed with cancer in 2016, and Dr. Hubay introduced me to the CO.21 study while I was undergoing chemotherapy. At the time, I was still quite active, running and exercising, but I waited to formally join the study until I had completed treatment," said Russel Espiritu, one of WRHN's CO.21 study participants.

"The exercise program at the University of Waterloo gave me the motivation and energy I needed to recover from the harsh effects of chemotherapy. It also connected me with other cancer patients who truly understood the journey.

"After the study, I was able to return to practicing karate. Staying active during and after treatment helped me manage the side effects, physically and mentally. I truly hope these study results will encourage physicians to prescribe exercise as part of standard cancer care."

Dr. Nicole Thomson, vice-president of quality, research and patient experience at WRHN, reflects on the broader impact. "The CO.21 study is a powerful example of how community hospitals can meaningfully contribute to high-impact research.

"Our participation demonstrates that with the right partnerships and infrastructure, community-based cancer programs can drive innovation, improve outcomes, and help shape the future of care, not just locally, but nationally and beyond."
Updated at 6.43pm on 5 July 2025 to include response from Jane Street.

In a bold regulatory action, market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued an interim order against four entities under the Jane Street group for allegedly manipulating Indias index derivatives market, particularly the Bank Nifty index options segment. The regulator has restrained these entities from accessing or dealing in Indian securities markets until further notice and directed that illegal gains of Rs4,843 crore be escrowed with SEBI. Jane Street has disputed the findings of SEBI's interim order, saying that it will further engage with the regulator.

The interim order, issued on 3 July 2025 , names JSI Investments Pvt Ltd, JSI2 Investments Pvt Ltd, Jane Street Singapore Pte Ltd, and Jane Street Asia Trading Ltd. SEBI's investigation into the Jane Street group (JS group) revealed that, between January 2023 and March 2025, the group made total net gains of Rs36,671 crore in Indian marketsprimarily driven by Rs44,358 crore profits in index options. These were offset by losses of Rs7,208 crore in stock futures, Rs191 crore in index futures and Rs288 crore in cash equities. The massive profit concentration in index options raised red flags, prompting a deeper probe.

To illustrate how Jane Street manipulated the thinly-traded cash market to make disproportionate gains from the options market, SEBI highlighted data from 17 January 2024, a weekly Bank Nifty expiry day. The total traded turnover in the cash market for the 12 Bank Nifty constituent stocks was Rs29,225 crore. In comparison, their futures saw Rs43,589 crore in turnover, and Bank Nifty index futures added another Rs32,607 crore. However, the Bank Nifty options market posted a staggering Rs1,03,17,127 crore in cash-equivalent turnover353 times the cash market and 98 times the combined cash and futures markets. That same day, 752 unique entities traded in the cash market, 26,593 in Bank Nifty futures, but an astronomical 16.15 lakh entities traded Bank Nifty options.

SEBI says that such an imbalance in volumes creates fertile ground for manipulation. Entities with substantial capital and coordinated strategies can move the underlying index via trades in constituent stocks and futures, misleading retail investors who are largely active in the index options segment. SEBI termed this as prima facie benchmark manipulation and a violation of its Prohibition of Fraudulent and Unfair Trade Practices (PFUTP) Regulations.

SEBI's forensic analysis of trading patterns on 21 days identified two broad strategies used by JS group. On 17 January 2024 and 14 other Bank Nifty expiry days, the group deployed what SEBI termed as 'Strategy A'. This involved an aggressive purchase of Rs4,370 crore worth of Bank Nifty constituent stocks and futures in the morning which artificially lifted the index. Simultaneously, the group offloaded Rs32,115 crore of bearish Bank Nifty index optionsbuying puts and selling calls. In the second half of the trading session, they aggressively sold Rs5,372 crore worth of the same underlying stocks and futures, pushing the index downward. At its peak, JS group held Rs46,620 crore in short Bank Nifty option positions. This strategy yielded a one-day profit of Rs735 crore in index options, while incurring a minor intra-day loss of Rs61.6 crore in cash and futures.

'Strategy B' or 'Extended marking the close' was seen on 10 July 2024 and two other expiry days. It describes a market manipulation tactic where an entity places sizable buy or sell orders near the end of a trading session to deliberately influence the closing price of a stock or index. This is especially problematic on derivative expiry days, as the final price directly impacts the settlement values of index-linked contracts, thereby affecting payouts for various participants. The strategy often involves aggressive trading shortly before market close to skew the closing value in a direction that benefits larger derivative exposures tied to that asset, says the SEBI order.

Given that Bank Nifty options expire based on the index's closing value, any last-minute price distortion, including a push-down in the Index value, can yield a significant economic advantage to entities holding enormous short Call or long Put positions. On 10th July, the group waited until the final two hours of trade before aggressively selling stocks, futures and Bank Nifty futuresworth Rs2,800 crorepushing the index lower. They carried a Rs44,154 crore short position in Bank Nifty options into the close, booking gains of Rs225 crore due to the soft closing.

On three separate occasions in May 2025, coinciding with Nifty expiry days, SEBI noted a reversed pattern. In those instances, Jane Street entities aggressively bought Rs4,911 crore worth of Nifty constituent futures in the last two hours, while holding a long Nifty index option position valued at Rs38,297 crore. These trades reportedly benefited from a higher close, again raising concerns of price influence.

On 15 May 2025 the trading pattern observed on this day reflected a bullish variation of the 'extended marking the close' strategy. Jane Street group engaged in significant purchases of Nifty and constituent futures during the final 116 minutes of trading, aiming to push Nifty index higher into the close. This coincided with a notable shift in the Groups options positionsprimarily through buying Nifty calls and selling Nifty puts, resulting in a net build-up of bullish delta exposure.

At the session's start, Jane Streets delta stood at Rs17,125.75 crore negative, which flipped to Rs38,297.01 crore positive by the close, marking an intra-day swing of over Rs55,422.76 crore. Within this, the delta attributable to contracts expiring the same day increased by Rs49,568.52 crore, with the most aggressive build-up occurring in the final hour.

The day unfolded in two distinct phases:

Phase-1 (09:1513:26): Activity remained passive and largely non-directional, with minimal delta fluctuations.

Phase-2 (13:2615:25): Trading intensity surged, particularly in index and constituent futures, as Jane Street ramped up long exposure.

SEBIs findings are rooted in the fundamental interlinkages between equity spot, futures and options markets. Prices in the derivatives market are directly influenced by movements in the underlying cash market stocks. In turn, index benchmarks such as Nifty or Bank Nifty are weighted averages of their constituent stocks, making them susceptible to short-term price shifts in heavily traded scrips. The kicker is disproportionate gains and losses that arise from changes in option values linked to the cash market.

The order explains that aggressive trading in relatively illiquid cash or futures marketsespecially on expiry dayscan be used to influence index levels and thereby mislead traders in the vastly more liquid index options segment.

Jane Street Ignored SEBI Warning

Having suspected market manipulation, SEBI had first warned Jane Street. But JS group apparently chose to ignore it. In the strongly worded order Ananth Narayan C, whole-time member (WTM) of SEBI says, "As recently as May 2025, as has been clearly demonstrated in this order, JS group again resorted to undertaking prima facie manipulative extended marking the close trading patterns of large and aggressive intervention in index and constituent markets towards the expiry day closing, so as to influence and manipulate the index to their illegal advantage. The impugned trades in May 2025 are a cynical violation of the caution letter issued to the JS Group on 6 February 2025, and of their own declarations made to National Stock Exchange (NSE) in the same month."

"Such egregious behaviour, in clear disregard and defiance of the explicit advisory issued to them by NSE in February 2025, amply demonstrates that unlike the vast majority of foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) and other market participants, JS Group is not a good faith actor that can be, or deserves to be, trusted. The integrity of the market, and the faith of millions of small investors and traders, can no longer be held hostage to the machinations of such an untrustworthy actor. Investor protection forms the core of SEBIs regulatory mandate. In the face of such a strong prima facie case that allowing the JS Group to continue as before may severely compromise investor protection on an extraordinary scale, SEBI has a duty to directly intervene," the order says.

SEBI's findings assert that the Jane Street groups activities misled lakhs of retail options traders by artificially affecting index movements through large cash and futures market trades. The regulator has stressed that, while options trading is legitimate, using underlying market trades to distort index levels and profit from misled market expectations violates securities laws.

Despite SEBI issuing a caution letter via NSE in February 2025warning Jane Street entities to refrain from large cash-equivalent index option positions and avoid manipulative trading patternsthe group continued to engage in similar activities. Notably, on 15 May 2025, JS group, once again, executed substantial index-related trades, ignoring previous assurances given to the Exchange.

Given the gravity of the situation, SEBI has directed all four Jane Street entities to deposit their alleged illegal profits of Rs4,843 crore in an escrow account and barred them from trading in Indian securities markets, pending further investigation. The order notes that, while a final determination may take time, interim restraints are necessary to safeguard market integrity. SEBI has also acknowledged that the balance of convenience lies in restricting the groups market access temporarily rather than imposing an indefinite ban at this stage.

The entities have been granted 21 days to respond and request a personal hearing. SEBIs final ruling will depend on the strength of their defence and further analysis. For now, the interim order marks one of the most assertive actions taken by the market regulator against a globally renowned high-frequency trading firm and signals heightened scrutiny over index expiry-day distortions in Indias booming derivatives market.

Earlier this month, Reuters reported that the US-based proprietary trading firm is under SEBI investigation over its derivatives trading activity spanning the past three years. The investigation, reportedly one of SEBIs most far-reaching into an international trading entity, focuses on Jane Street and its subsidiaries, Jane Street Singapore Pte and JSI Investments, the Indian unit of the quant trading powerhouse.

Read: SEBI Scrutinises Jane Streets Algorithmic Trades in Indias NIFTY Indices: Reuters) According to Reuters, SEBI was assessing whether Jane Street followed a pattern of taking outsized positions in derivatives of index constituents, particularly bank stocks, and then trading those same stocks in the physical market to potentially sway index prices in its favour. (

UPDATE

In an email response, a spokesperson of Jane Street stated, "Jane Street disputes the findings of the SEBI interim order and will further engage with the regulator. Jane Street is committed to operating in compliance with all regulations in the regions we operate around the world."
In a significant move to enhance transparency and accessibility in the judicial system, the Bombay High Court will begin live streaming its proceedings from 7 July 2025. As per a gazette notification issued by the Maharashtra government, where proceedings are not live-streamed, transcripts of the recordings must be made available to the counsels of litigants.

The High Court notification states, In exercise of the powers conferred under the Rules for Live Streaming and Recording of Court Proceedings, the High Court of Bombay appoints 7 July 2025 as the date from which these rules shall come into force in the State of Maharashtra, applicable to the principal seat in Mumbai and the benches at Nagpur, Aurangabad, and the High Court of Bombay at Goa.

The decision to live stream proceedings has been a longstanding demand from legal professionals and civil society groups advocating for greater openness in the judicial process. Advocate Jamshed Mistry, a prominent voice for judicial reform, who, along with senior advocate Indira Jaising, has championed this cause for several years, welcomed the move.

Speaking specifically on the inclusion of transcripts, advocate Mistry said, After observing the detailed transcripts maintained at the Supreme Court of British Columbia in Vancouver in 2013, and at the International Court of Justice in The Hague in 2017, we recognised how vital they are to any judicial system. In the intervention filed by senior advocate Indira Jaising before the Supreme Court, we had argued that, in addition to live streaming, transcripts were absolutely essential. Even when hearings are not streamed, transcripts ensure an accurate record of court proceedings.

He added, We discovered a Bombay High Court judgment from 1908 that included transcript-like records, showing that such practices existed even in the pre-digital era. Interestingly, stenographers were rotated to ensure accurate recording, similar to methods used in legislative assemblies. The Supreme Court approved the principles of live streaming and transcripts in September 2018. Several High Courts, including Karnataka, have since notified rules. Maharashtras rules, now formally promulgated, will come into effect on 7 July 2025.

Last month, the chief justice of the Bombay High Court, Alok Aradhe, announced that live streaming would initially begin from five designated benches, following a resolution passed by the full court. We have made substantial progress. The full court has passed a resolution for the live streaming of certain courts. Technical arrangements are being finalised. The first five courts will go live, he says.

The five benches selected for the initial phase of live-streaming are: chief justice Alok Aradhe and justice Sandeep V Marne, justice RP Mohite-Dere and justice Dr Neela Kedar Gokhale, justice MS Sonak and justice Jitendra Shantilal Jain, justice Ravindra V Ghuge and justice MM Sathaye and justice AS Gadkari and justice Rajesh S Patil.

The implementation of live streaming is expected to have a far-reaching impact. For litigants, it allows real-time access to their cases. For journalists and legal correspondents, it provides first-hand access to courtroom developments. For law students, it offers a vital learning resource, opening a window into the workings of the courts and legal argumentation.

In 2018, advocate Mistry and Amrish Kilachand intervened in a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by senior counsel Indira Jaising and Swapnil Tripathi, calling for legal transcription in Indian courts. Their appeal was based on international best practices followed in jurisdictions such as Canada, US, UK and Australia.

At the time, advocate Mistry also underscored the importance of transcription in ensuring access to justice for people with disabilities. Section 12 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act refers to equal access to justice. This includes access to courtroom proceedings. How can someone with hearing impairment follow a case? Transcription is essential, he said.

The Supreme Court has already experimented with live transcription using artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing (NLP). In February 2023, the apex court introduced real-time transcription during constitution bench hearings presided over by the then chief justice of India DY Chandrachud.

These initiatives are now being mirrored across the judiciary. With the Bombay High Courts decision to begin live streaming from five courtrooms, Maharashtra becomes part of a growing list of states implementing the Supreme Courts directive on transparency and public access in judicial proceedings.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a penalty of Rs5 lakh on two cooperative banks, one from Gujarat and the other from Chhattisgarh, for non-compliance with the directions issued by the banking regulator. The highest penalty of Rs5 lakh has been imposed on Gujarat-based Shree Chhani Nagrik Sahakari Bank Ltd.

Chhattisgarh-based District Central Cooperative Bank Ltd has been penalised Rs1 lakh.

Shree Chhani Nagrik Sahakari Bank has been penalised for not complying with several RBI directives. These include guidelines on know your customer (KYC) norms, protecting customers by limiting their liability in unauthorised electronic banking transactions and implementing both the basic and comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks for primary urban cooperative banks (UCBs), following a graded approach.

A recent statutory inspection by RBI found that Shree Chhani Nagrik Sahakari Bank failed to conduct periodic reviews of the risk categorisation of certain accounts at least once every six months. The lender also did not provide customers with 24x7 access to report unauthorised electronic banking transactions through multiple channels. Additionally, it failed to implement certain cybersecurity controls mandated by the RBI under its cybersecurity framework.

District Central Cooperative Bank has been fined for failing to comply with certain RBI guidelines related to KYC norms. RBI observed that the lender did not upload the KYC records of some customers to the central KYC records registry (CKYCR) within the prescribed timeline. It also failed to carry out periodic updates of KYC information for certain customers as required.

Additionally, District Central Cooperative Bank allotted multiple customer identification codes to some individuals instead of assigning a single unique customer identification code (UCIC) to each customer, as mandated.

"After considering the reply and oral submissions of both the banks during the personal hearing, RBI concluded that the charges of non-compliance with directions were substantiated and warranted imposition of monetary penalty," RBI says.

In both cases, RBI says the penalties are based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and are not intended to be pronounced on the validity of any transaction or agreement they entered into with their customer.
Gem Member of Parliament Elisha Odhiambo is readying a suit against former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiangi for extrajudicial killings during his time in the Jubilee government..

Odhiambo confirmed that he was drafting a petition to bar Dr. Matiangi from vying for the presidency, claiming that he oversaw what he called governmentsponsored atrocities  particularly the dumping of bodies of mutilated individuals in River Yala.

As MP for Gem, I had a meeting with lawyers last night having listened to the statement of Matiangi confirming that a number of Kenyans who were butchered were thrown in River Yala, we are going to petition court so that we can hold him culpable as an individual for having thrown bodies in River Yala so that he can be accountable as a former holder of Interior office, Odhiambo said.

Odhiambo accused Matiangi of presiding over a reign of terror that, he says, left deep environmental and humanitarian scars in parts of Gem constituency.

The lawmaker claimed that during Matiangis tenure, several bodies were discovered dumped in River Yala  an atrocity he described as environmental terrorism. He said the mass dumping not only traumatized the community but also posed serious risks to public health and the environment.

Matiangi Denies Responsibility for River Yala Bodies

Matiangi had defended himself against growing calls for accountability for the corpses along River Yala during his tenure, affirming that he had done what he was supposed to do when the matter came into his attention.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Citizen TV on Tuesday, Matiangi said he escalated the issue to the then Inspector General of Police, Hillary Mutyambai.

Matiangi dismissed claims linked to him and the River Yala killings as politically driven. He argued that blaming him for the crimes committed by rogue police officers was no less ridiculous than blaming him for road accidents or for deadly robberies.

If I were responsible for a crime that was committed by a police officer when I was Minister for Interior, then Im responsible for all road accidents, all robbery with violence cases Its just not possible, Matiangi said.

His comments come amid growing public scrutiny following reports by the International Justice Mission (IJM), which revealed that at least 36 bodies were recovered from River Yala. Many of the bodies showed signs of torture and were found in disturbing conditions  some decomposed, some stuffed in sacks, others with plastic bags over their heads  strongly suggesting foul play.

Matiangi maintained that when the bodies were reported to him, he took the matter seriously. Along with other senior security leaders, he ordered an emergency inquest and asked then Inspector General of Police Hilary Mutyambai and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to launch a serious investigation.

The gravity of the situation was such that the DCI himself should go to that place and find out whats happening. When they came back, we asked for an inquest at the National Security Council, he explained.

The investigative process involved identifying the victims, contacting families to claim the bodies, collecting witness statements, and compiling a case file. He said the file remained open and under investigation when he left office.

Fred Matiangi: Im Ready to Testify

Matiangi pushed back against accusations of personal responsibility, insisting the police acted independently during his tenure. He accused his critics of invoking his name only when it suited their political agenda.

Our detractors they choose when it is convenient to say the police service is dependent on the minister. You wouldnt even influence the investigation for any particular purposes, he said.

He emphasized that the appropriate path to justice was through a transparent public inquest and said he was ready to testify.

Im ready to go before a magistrate or judge and say what I know about it, Matiangi said. Throwing stones for political convenience wont help. We need accountability.
Scarlett Johansson had to contend with some "extraordinary circumstances" on the set of Jurassic World Rebirth.

Scarlett Johansson shot the new movie in Thailand and Malta

The 40-year-old actress - who stars in the new movie alongside the likes of Jonathan Bailey, Luna Blaise and Mahershala Ali - filmed Jurassic World Rebirth in places like Malta and Thailand, and Scarlett admits that she found it to be an "insane" yet rewarding experience.

Speaking to People, she shared: "We all laughed a lot, and we were thrown into such extraordinary circumstances physically.

"Half our set would wash away, and then ten minutes later it would grow too large, and there's no continuity to anything because the sun was moving in. It was just insane."

Scarlett actually recalled one particularly scary experience when they were filming in Thailand.

She said: "When we first got to Thailand, we had to do a camera test of the full costume and all that stuff, and just putting all the pieces of the costume together and then standing in a mosquito-infested bush, I was like, 'This is really happening.'"

In another scene, Scarlett wore a harness to navigate her way down a cliff. And the Hollywood star now admits that it was a painful experience.

She said: "We wore harnesses under our actual harness.

"You have a movie harness that looks like a harness, then you have an actual harness that's hooked up to a line, because you're not actually abseiling, you're on a stunt rig.

"I was happy to say goodbye to the harness!"

Meanwhile, Scarlett recently made her directorial debut with Eleanor the Great, the drama movie that starred June Squibb.

The actress subsequently revealed that she found directing to be a "really rewarding" experience.

She told Extra: "I have a different perspective on just the process of, you know, pre-production and then what goes on after we all leave. I think, as an actor, youre hoping that the director sees kind of what you were doing and follows, you know, pulls the right thread and all of that stuff, but you dont know.

"You have no, kind of, control over it and now, you know, having experienced the other side of it, it just gives you, I think, an interesting insight into how people, other directors make their choices and the process that they go through to, you know, make it all happen.

"Its a lot of work, but it can be really rewarding."

Scarlett premiered the movie at the Cannes Film Festival, and she relished walking the red carpet with the film's stars.

The actress-turned-director said: "Just being able to stand alongside Erin Kellyman and June Squibb after the film premiered and feel the warmth of the audience and the love from the audience for the film and for the incredible performances in it, it was such a moving moment."
Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) acting chairman Cleophas Malala has accused President William Ruto of betraying the people of Kakamega and the larger Western region for failing to deliver some of the key promises he made while campaigning in the 2022 general election.

Speaking to the residents on Thursday, July 3, 2025, as part of an opposition tour of Kakamega Town, Malala said Rutos failed promises were the pillars of his campaign in the region.

I am the one who brought William Ruto to Kakamega; we agreed that he would give a 1000-kilometre road in the western region, Malala told the citizens.

We also agreed that he will revive the Nzoia and Mumias sugar factories. We also agreed he will give employment to the teachers and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).

The former Secretary General of the former United Democratic Alliance (UDA) accused the President of willful deception.

He is a liar, Malala stated. I am here to announce that I have left him. I am with DCP.

Accompanied by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Wiper Party boss Kalonzo Musyoka, DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua, and dozens of other opposition leaders, Cleophas Malala declared that Western Kenya leaders had come together with one agenda to press for development within the region.

Malalas claim came after Rigathi Gachagua revealed a dramatic encounter he had with President William Ruto regarding the purported deliberate neglect of Western Kenya.

Speaking during the opposition tour on Thursday, July 3, 2025, Gachagua said that he had confronted the president over the stalled development projects in infrastructure and the contentious privatisation of public properties in the region.

So I asked Ruto about this Western Kenya issue about the 100-kilometre stretch of road, Gachagua said. You have already sold Nzoia Sugar; you have sold everything, so what do you intend to do with the Luhya community?

According to Gachagua, the president brushed off his concerns, claiming development in Western Kenya was no longer necessary as long as Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula were content.

He responded by saying, If Musalia and Wetangula are full, then the Luhya are full. But are you truly full? No., Gachagua declared. Ruto should go now.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwah has defended the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) over the disappearance of blogger Ndiangui Kinyagia, who has since resurfaced.

Ichungwah said a majority of Kenyans had questioned DCI Director Mohammed Amins claim that the agency was not holding Ndiangui.

Last week, reports circulated all over that a young man had been abducted. The family even went to court, and DCI was directed to produce him. , Ichungwah said. DCI was clear that they had not arrested the man, but many people did not believe.

He explained that Ndiangui later appeared in court on his own accord and confirmed he had not been kidnapped.

DCI were clear that they were also looking for the young man. Now he has resurfaced and said he had not been abducted, Ichungwah went on.

Speaking at the Womens Economic Empowerment Forum in Taita Taveta County, Ichungwah lamented that the majority of Kenyans were quick to think that DCI was holding Ndiangui, contrary to repeated denials by the agency.

Ndiangui, who went missing on June 21, resurfaced on Thursday morning when he voluntarily presented himself to court. The court then issued an order barring police from arresting him.

His disappearance had sparked widespread concern, with his family filing a lawsuit against the state and DCI, claiming he had been abducted. On Tuesday, Justice Chacha Mwita ordered DCI Director Mohamed Amin to appear in court and explain Ndianguis whereabouts.

But later that evening of the same day, Ndiangui reportedly phoned the family and said he was alive and in good health. The lawyer, Kibe Mungai, informed the court about the unexpected call, easing fears over the bloggers safety.

Ndiangui Kinyagia Reappears in Court Looking Traumatized

Kinyagia appeared in court on Thursday, and his lawyers indicated he appeared visibly sick and traumatized and was in no position to take meaningful participation in the hearing.

Lawyer Mungai told the court that Kinyagia had spoken to his mother, Lilian Wanjiku, the night before, assuring her he was alive. But Kibe explained that the family members and the legal team had not been able to communicate with him properly about what had happened during the time he was missing.

Your Honour, we have him. We were looking for him, and he is finally here. But hes not in good condition, Kibe told the court.

Due to his clients fragile mental and physical state, Kibe asked the judge to allow the family to have some private time with Kinyagia before proceeding. He asked the court to adjourn the matter until they had a chance to debrief him.

I regret that I cant be of any assistance until we have had a session with him to know what happened to him, said the lawyer.

The lawyer also asked the court to release his client on bond and have him appear for subsequent court hearings when needed.

We can reconvene once he has been briefed and is ready to participate.

Court Grants Family Time with Ndiangui Kinyagia

Justice Chacha Mwita acknowledged the concerns raised and agreed that the request by the family was reasonable. He observed that Kinyagias appearance in court had achieved the courts main objective  to confirm his whereabouts and safety.

My intentions was to have him and present him to Kenyans, Justice Mwita explained. He is here we have him. Also its good to allow the family and the lawyers time to speak to him.

Meanwhile, the Attorney Generals office, through lawyer Emmanuel Bitta, lamented that the State had not been treated fairly in the matter and requested an opportunity to respond.

The court permitted the family to take Kinyagia for medical treatment, since he was reportedly in bad health. The case will resume on July 18 to allow Kinyagia time to recover and be prepared for the next stage of the proceedings.
Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, Hassan Joho, has taken aim at opposition leaders who continue to criticize President William Rutos administration, accusing them of hypocrisy and failed leadership.

Speaking during an economic empowerment event in Taita Taveta County on Thursday, Joho questioned the credibility of the critics, noting that many of them once held powerful government positions but did little to improve the lives of Kenyans.

Every one of them whether deputy president, cabinet secretary, or attorney general has been in government before, Joho said. If they didnt deliver then, what new solutions can they possibly offer now?

He praised President Rutos record in development by pointing to tangible projects already implemented within his time in office. Joho urged Kenyans to rally behind the president, stating that Ruto deserved a free mandate to deliver his development agenda.

CS Joho reaffirmed his unwavering support for President William Ruto and called on coastal communities to flock behind the Head of State as he readies to vie for a second term in office.

As Coast leaders, we are fully behind President Ruto, Joho declared. Lets support him all the way to 2027 and help him secure his second term. We from the Coast also aspire to lead this country one daybut that opportunity will only come if we allow Ruto to complete his 10 years first.

Joho also restated his full commitment to the Broad-Based Government, emphasizing that he is actively involved in national governance and working closely with fellow Coast leaders to push forward the regions development agenda.

We have no issue with the President. Im fully part of the government, right at the center, he said. Alongside leaders like CS Salim Mvurya and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, we are collaborating to deliver progress for the Coastal people.

Joho criticized the opposition for stirring unnecessary tension and urged them to give the government space to fulfill its mandate.
Kenya will continue with purpose, resolve and confidence in presenting its investment opportunities to the world.

President William Ruto added that the country will also be leading the global shift that has witnessed the rise of new and more trade patterns.

The shift, according to him, will broaden economic prospects, build inclusive development and unlock Kenyas prosperity.

President Ruto spoke on Tuesday during the Kenya Investment Forum at The Law Society in London.

Hosted on the sidelines of the Africa Debate, the Forum discussed investment opportunities in Kenya. They include infrastructure, digital services, clean energy and agro-industrial value chains.

Ruto said the investment forum is a chance to expand trade by attracting investments which will be targeting exports.

The President said although Kenya is facing global headwinds such as increasing tariffs, geo-political conflicts and supply chain disruptions, its economy still has yet to be resilient.

We are committed to routinely improving our investment climate and business environment through digitisation, process re-engineering and legislative reforms.

President Ruto also toured the Kings Cross Railway Station, a leading travel hub in the United Kingdom, which is situated in central London.

We are drawing lessons from the UKs successful system to delivering a modern railway fit for Kenya, he stated.

The President added that the new railway system would transform the countrys public transport.

It will accelerate access to resources, economic opportunities and crucial services such as healthcare and education, the President explained.

Earlier with United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, President Ruto announced that the financing of the Nairobi Railway City Project being finalised.
Mt Kenya elders have called out former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for repeated public attacks on Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.

Led by Meru region chairman Adriano Aruyaru, the elders observed that Kindiki deserved the highest respect, not only by virtue of his national office but also by his ranking as a senior elder in their traditional councils.

More than 3,000 elders from across Meru, Tharaka Nithi, and Isiolo counties are represented in the Meru region council.

Speaking in Runyenjes during a joint meeting termed The Runyenjes Declaration, elders who were representing the Njuri Ncheke (Meru and Tharaka Nithi), Nyangi Ndiriri (Embu), and Ngome (Mbeere) councils reaffirmed their earlier stand on September 15, 2024.

At the time, the elders went public and withdrew their support for Gachagua and supported Prof. Kindiki, who was the CS for Interior at the time, as their preferred leader..

Prof Kithure Kindiki is the deputy president of Kenya and a Njuri Ncheke elder; he must be respected, Aruyaru stated.

Stop Insulting Kindiki! Mt Kenya Elders Warn

The elders asked Gachagua to respect President William Ruto and DP Kindiki, whom they indicated were the legitimate leaders of the nation.

Meru region chairman Aruyaru reminded Gachagua that leadership comes with responsibility and dignity.

Rigathi Gachagua, stop insulting Kindiki. You say he has no bass, but people listen when he speaks and respect him, Aruyaru said. Respect the leaders of the country..

The elders said in no uncertain terms that they are in total support of the government of the day. They explained that anyone who wishes to win their support ought to wait for the general election of 2027 and request it via the ballot.

Njuri Ncheke works with the government of the day. We cannot work with the Opposition, wait for elections in 2027, and whoever wins will be the president of Njuri Ncheke, Aruyaru said.

Elders Laud Parliament for Impeaching Gachagua

The elders at the same time praised Parliament for what they termed a lawful and just impeachment of Gachagua and applauded the unanimous appointment of Prof. Kindiki as Deputy President.

They also lauded Kindikis leadership in his first eight months in office, commending his commitment to discipline, development, and national unity.

Anyone attacking Prof. Kindiki is attacking all of us, they declared. We stand with our Deputy President and will not allow political chaos to return to our region.

In a unified call, they urged Prof. Kindiki to stay focused on his mandate, work closely with President Ruto, and deliver development across the country.

They also encouraged him to continue uniting the traditionally fragmented Mt. Kenya East and West politically.
As our immediate neighbour Myanmar (also known as Burma and Brahmadesh) plans for a nationwide election in the next few months, the anti-junta and pro-democracy groups have come out with strong voices that the military junta has no legal or political legitimacy to hold an election and it does not have the effective territorial or administrative control over southeast Asian Buddhist majority nation to conduct an inclusive poll.

Progressive Voice, a participatory, rights-based policy research and advocacy organization, asserted that with relentless junta attacks causing widespread instability and mass displacement, its planned election would be neither free & fair nor credible.

Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!

Reacting to the proposed election by Myanmar military rulers, a UN official also termed it a mirage (of establishing a legitimate civilian government).

Tom Andrews, the UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, also added that the country cannot have an election in a real sense when the military dictators continue imprisoning and even torturing & executing opponents.

He also asserted that the world community needs to do more to support the people of Myanmar by denying the juntas so-called election.

Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!

Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing on a number of occasions stated that the next general election will be conducted by the end of this year or early days of 2026.

Without mentioning a date for the polls, the acting President of Myanmar said, We are currently making the necessary preparations to hold the elections as widely and extensively as possible, adding that the elections must be free and fair.

He also justified the 2021 military coup to save the country from any misdirection to be orchestrated by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi-led National League for Democracy (NLD) government after winning the polls in fraudulent ways.

In a recent announcement, published by the state-sponsored newspaper Global New Light of Myanmar, the election authority reaffirmed its plan to hold the election soon. Union Election Commission (UEC) also disclosed that any individual or group may apply for permission to form a political party in Myanmar.

UEC chairman U Ko Ko also added that the commission will use electronic voting machines in the nationwide polls to get a quick, accurate, and transparent outcome.

The current batch of dictators, who grabbed power in Naypyitaw on 01 February 2021 after toppling the democratically elected government of Suu Kyi, continue declaring that they would go to the polls and hand over the power to nearly 55 million Burmese nationals.

It is, however, assumed that the octogenarian pro-democracy icon, who has been behind bars for years, and her party, NLD, will be excluded from participation in the forthcoming election. By now, the military rulers have extended the state of emergency many times.

Since the latest military coup, over 6,500 Myanmar locals have been killed by the security forces, and more than 3.5 million individuals were displaced, many of whom left for neighbouring countries like Thailand, Bangladesh, and India.

No less than 22,000 people were detained by the armed forces, where the ousted Myanmar President Win Myint and over 25 journalists are still inside different jails without trials.

Realizing the ground situation, a United Nations official recently made a serious comment on the Myanmar rulers that there cannot be an election when they imprison and torture, and execute opponents.

More precisely, the Min Aung Hlaing-led junta today fully controls only half of the townships in Myanmar.

According to the National Unity Government (NUG), around 144 out of 330 Myanmar townships are currently under the control of ethnic armed organizations and other people-led resistance forces.

Over 75 townships continue to face armed challenges from the people with guns in other hands. Technically over 75% of Myanmar territory is now controlled by the civilian administrations after being snatched away from the military government by anti-junta armed forces.

In western Myanmar, Rakhine State (Arakan) province has virtually gone out of the military, where they effectively control only three townships (namely Rakhine capital Sittwe, Manaung, and parts of Kyaukphyu) out of 17.

Fighters belonging to the Arakan Army had captured all those townships with their offensive against the Tatmadaw.

Progressive Voice, while terming the junta-planned polls as a sham election, asserted that amid escalating attacks on civilians, the junta has continued its relentless efforts to whitewash its atrocities through the promise of the election, which is nothing but a facade.

The juntas recent arbitrary dissolution of 40 political parties (including the NLD, which overwhelmingly won in 2015 and 2020 elections) makes its real intention crystal clear. In addition, the illegitimate election authority said that voting would take place in 267 townships, a figure based on the juntas illegal reconfiguration of the 330 officially recognized townships to artificially increase the number of townships under its control and create a false impression of broad electoral coverage, said a statement of Progressive Voice adding that the planned election is its strategy to seek and entrench false legitimacy so it can reinforce its tyranny.

Speaking to this writer from Yangon (formerly Rangoon), Khin Ohmar, chairperson of Progressive Voice stated that the international support for the juntas sham election (whether direct or indirect) poses an imminent threat to Myanmar peoples fight for freedom and democracy by entrenching military tyranny and reinforcing the very structure of violence.

The international community must unequivocally denounce the juntas planned election and support the Myanmar peoples efforts to build federal democracy from the ground up, said the Burmese democracy activist adding that any international support of the juntas sham election planwhether through direct engagement or in ways that lend false legitimacyonly serves to embolden its brutality and continue the vicious cycle of military violence.
On-again, off-again Donald Trump supporter Joe Rogan criticized the current administration's mass deportation raids during Tuesday's episode of "The Joe Rogan Experience," labeling them "insane."

In a conversation with Jordanian-American entrepreneur Amjad Masad, Rogan discussed the Trump administration's response to the conflict in Gaza, which Masad described as "disappointing."

Masad added that he now feels more free to speak openly about the issue, crediting Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter, now X, for shifting the tech industry's willingness to engage in political discourse.

Rogan then asked Masad to imagine what would have happened if former Vice President Kamala Harris had won the presidency in 2024, prompting Masad to ask Rogan what he thinks about the Trump administration regarding "what's happening now."

"It's insane," Rogan said in the episode, referring to the Trump administration targeting migrant workers. "Not cartel members. Not gang members. Not drug dealers. Just construction workers, showing up in construction sites, raiding them."

Its insane. Joe Rogan blasts Trumps ICE raids. pic.twitter.com/6H44myAJTW  Mike Sington (@MikeSington) July 3, 2025

"Or Palestinian students on college campuses," Masad added, referencing Rumeysa Ozturk, a Tufts student who was detained after she wrote an op-ed criticizing Israel.

With the passage of Trump's "big, beautiful bill" on Thursday, deportation efforts are expected to ramp up once again. The legislation allocates an additional $150 billion to ICE and border enforcement, which exceeds the entire military budgets of most countries, including Italy, Brazil and Switzerland, Newsweek reported.

Originally published on Latin Times
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. has been arrested by American immigration officials and is now at risk of deportation. The arrest took place in Studio City, Los Angeles, just days after his much-publicized loss to Jake Paul in Anaheim.

ICE Arrested Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

On Thursday, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) picked up Chavez Jr. on an active arrest warrant in Mexico, U.S. officials said.

According to TMZ Sports, the former middleweight world champion is suspected of being involved in organized crime and weapons trafficking and is believed to have ties to the infamous Sinaloa drug cartel.

Under President Trump, no one is above the law, including globally known athletes, a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson said. The agency confirmed Chavez is under processing for expedited removal because he is undocumented and the severity of the charges in Mexico.

Alleged Affiliation with the Sinaloa Cartel

The DHS claims Julio Chavez Jr. has ties to the Sinaloa Cartel, which President Trump recently classified as a terrorist organization.

Officials state that Chavez sought U.S. permanent resident status through marriage to a U.S. citizen who is supposedly connected to the cartel through a previous relationship with one of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman's late sons.

In the DHS release, Chavez Jr. is characterized as a "criminal illegal alien" who is believed to have been involved in arms trafficking activities with guns, ammo, and explosives. The claims are said to have resulted in Mexican officials issuing an arrest warrant against him.

Previous Legal Problems and Criminal Charges

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.'s arrest record in America also makes his case more complicated. In January 2024, he was found guilty of illegal possession of an assault weapon, according to the BBC.

In 2023, a judge ordered an arrest warrant for him, connecting him to weapons trafficking to criminal organizations. Previous incidents include a 2012 arrest on charges of driving without a license while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Additionally, immigration authorities claim Chavez overstayed a tourist visa that expired in February and made fraudulent statements in his residency application.

Legal Team Pushes Back

Chavez Jr.'s attorney, Michael Goldstein, strongly refuted the claims, calling the arrest "nothing more than another headline to terrorize the Latin community."

Regarding the alleged cartel ties, Goldstein told NBC that this was the first time they had heard of these outrageous allegations.

Originally published on sportsworldnews.com
In June 2025, the report stated that the overall domestic two-wheeler (2W) industry recorded a marginal 2 per cent uptick in wholesale volumes.

This was largely driven by a robust 35 per cent year-on-year (YoY) growth in exports. However, domestic 2W volumes declined 3 per cent YoY, indicating a divergence between export and domestic market performance.

It stated, "Continue to See Exports Growth in 2W/CV/PV; Domestic a Mixed Bag Jun''25 Wholesale Volumes: The overall domestic 2W industry witnessed 2 per cent marginal uptick in volumes, led by outperformance in exports."

The passenger vehicle (PV) segment saw domestic sales decline by 7-8 per cent YoY in June 2025. This was due to lower volumes reported by major OEMs such as Hyundai, Tata Motors (TaMo), and Maruti Suzuki.

However, the decline was partly offset by strong performance from Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), JSW MG, and Toyota. In Q1FY26, domestic PV wholesales were down by 0-1 per cent YoY.

Exports were notably strong, rising 37 per cent, 68 per cent, 13 per cent, and 36 per cent for Maruti, Tata Motors, Hyundai, and M&M, respectively.

The report expects overall PV volumes to grow in low-to-mid single digits in FY26.In the CV segment, the report proxy for domestic dispatches showed a slight 2 per cent YoY decline on a year-to-date (YTD) basis in Q1FY26.

Among OEMs, VECV, M&M, and Maruti posted domestic volume growth of 9 per cent, 4 per cent, and 7 per cent YoY, respectively. Tata Motors reported a 9 per cent YoY decline, while Ashok Leyland''s volumes remained flat.

The report forecasts flat to low single-digit growth for CV players in FY26, led by strong demand in the bus segment.

Two-wheeler exports remained strong in Q1FY26, growing 22 per cent YoY, even as the domestic industry declined by 6 per cent YoY.

The report identified potential upside triggers for domestic 2W demand, including a rural demand pickup, new product launches, government support for consumption (such as tax relief for the middle class), and inventory filling by OEMs.

Overall, the report indicates positive momentum in exports, while domestic demand varies across segments and manufacturers. (ANI)
BusinessWire India New Delhi [India], July 4: Unicorn Incubator, the only Korea-India cross-border accelerator, successfully concluded "Sangam," an Indo-Korean Startup Knowledge Exchange Program at the DS Center for Entrepreneurship, IIT Delhi FITT. The two-day event (June 26-27) marked a significant milestone as part of Unicorn Incubator's flagship "India Launchpad" program, now in its 7th year of facilitating Korean startup expansion into the Indian market. Unicorn Incubator is dedicated to promoting open innovation between Korea and India through strategic partnerships with premier educational institutions such as IIT Delhi and IIT Kanpur, as well as Korean organizations including the Seoul Business Agency (SBA) and Korea Venture Business Association (KOVA). Through its dual programs-India Launchpad and Korea Launchpad-the organization facilitates startups from both countries to enter each other's markets. In addition to these accelerator programs, Unicorn Incubator operates "Tech Marwari," a technology exchange initiative. Just as Marwari merchants created mutual benefits through long-distance trade, Tech Marwari aims to open unprecedented opportunities for growth and development in both countries through technology exchange. Distinguished Leadership Sets Vision for Collaboration The program opened with a welcome address by Dr. Arabinda Mitra, Hon. Distinguished Fellow and former Scientific Secretary to the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India. Dr. Mitra emphasized the significance of the collaboration, stating: "Like rivers converging at a Sangam to create something greater than themselves, may this event mark an important step of a lasting collaboration--where Korean innovation and Indian ingenuity flow together to shape a shared future of growth and opportunity." Seven Korean Startups Complete 7th India Launchpad Cohort with Market-Ready Solutions The centerpiece of Sangam featured pitch sessions by seven cohort startups from Unicorn Incubator's 7th India Launchpad program, representing cutting-edge solutions across multiple industries and demonstrating their readiness for Indian market entry: Be-Presence - A high-functional luxury vegan beauty brand revolutionizing the Korean beauty sector with sustainable, premium cosmetic solutions. Dodlab - A biotech innovator offering NewTn-SAFETY, a cloud-based pharmacovigilance platform designed to enhance drug safety monitoring and regulatory compliance. ELMCAD - An AI and mobility solution provider specializing in AI-based 3D CAD and PMI (Product Manufacturing Information) automation solutions for advanced manufacturing processes. SaeFarm - An agritech company leveraging satellite AI models to enhance agricultural efficiency through daily farm monitoring and data-driven insights. Supercoder - An AI-powered HR technology company automating interviewing and recruiting processes through advanced CODI (Conversational Digital Interview) solutions. Tidy-B - A branding technology startup offering AI-powered branding solutions to help companies optimize their brand strategy and market positioning. Wi.plat - A smart infrastructure company providing intelligent water loss management systems to address critical water conservation challenges. Proven Track Record of Cross-Border Success Through the India Launchpad program, four Korean startups have established subsidiaries in India, generating revenue and creating employment. Notably, ART Lab, a 6th cohort company, was recently acquired by Cosmax, one of Korea's largest cosmetics ODM companies. Additionally, two companies have received LOI, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in facilitating meaningful business outcomes. Building on this success and leveraging extensive networks and government partnerships in Korea, Unicorn Incubator anticipates similar achievements through its Korea Launchpad program, which will support Indian startups entering the Korean market. "Our goal is to leverage the exceptional sales capabilities and outstanding technological prowess found across both Indian and Korean startup ecosystems to create synergies between companies from both countries, ultimately facilitating their expansion into global markets," said CEO Mahima Jinah Kim of Unicorn Incubator. The Sangam program's success reflects Unicorn Incubator's unique position as the only Korea-India cross-border accelerator and its proven ability to translate vision into tangible business outcomes. Through seven years of the India Launchpad program and the launch of complementary initiatives like Korea Launchpad and Tech Marwari, the organization has established itself as a vital catalyst for bilateral startup growth. As Korean and Indian entrepreneurs continue to seek global opportunities, Unicorn Incubator's comprehensive approach to cross-border acceleration positions as an indispensable partner in their journey toward international success. contact@unicornincubator.net To stay informed about the programs and cross-border startup initiatives, follow Unicorn Incubator on LinkedIn. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
South Korea's leading semiconductor companies are increasing their investments in production facilities, driven by strong forecasts for rapid growth in the artificial intelligence (AI) chip market, reported the Korea Herald. Samsung Electronics is reviewing plans to restart construction of chip manufacturing plants in Korea, while SK hynix has recently begun building a new back-end processing facility. Citing industry sources, the Korean English daily said that tech giant Samsung is preparing to resume work on its Pyeongtaek Campus Line 4 (P4), where construction was halted last year. P4, the company's fourth major chip facility at the site, is divided into four phases. While Phases 1 and 3 are nearing completion, sources have reported that work orders have recently been issued for Phases 2 and 4, with full-scale construction expected within two to three months, the news platform added. Initially planned for foundry production, two areas of the P4 facility are now expected to be converted into DRAM production lines. These will manufacture sixth-generation 1c DRAM using a 10-nanometer process, a technology Samsung confirmed it has successfully developed for next-generation high bandwidth memory (HBM4) chips. Vice Chair Jun Young-hyun, who oversees Samsung's semiconductor division, visited the U.S. last week and met with Nvidia, signalling the company's commitment to closing the gap with competitors and securing new HBM chip orders. Phase 4 is projected to have a monthly capacity of 80,000 wafers, accounting for 40 per cent of P4's total capacity of 200,000 12-inch wafers. Although not officially confirmed, reports suggest Samsung is also considering restarting construction of its fifth plant at the Pyeongtaek Campus, known as P5. Groundwork for P5 began in 2023 but was halted early last year, the news platform added. The P5 facility, requiring an estimated investment of over 30 trillion won (USD 22 billion), is designed to be a complex fab for DRAM, NAND flash, and foundry production. "We are continuously reviewing various scenarios for resuming construction of our facilities," a Samsung official said, quoted by Korea Herald. The report added that SK hynix is also scaling up production capacity. The chipmaker is expected to complete construction of its new M15X plant in Cheongju later this year. This facility will begin producing fifth-generation 10nm-class DRAM chips for next-generation HBM4 products, with a planned monthly capacity of approximately 90,000 wafers. Additionally, SK hynix is investing in a new back-end production facility, dubbed "P&T 7," also located in Cheongju. The site will enhance packaging capabilities to boost the performance and energy efficiency of advanced chips. The DRAM market is expected to remain strong in the second half of the year, driven by demand for HBM chips, which play a key role in powering AI processors. According to the Export-Import Bank of Korea, the global AI semiconductor market is projected to grow from USD 41.1 billion in 2022 to USD 133 billion by 2028, the Korea Herald added. (ANI)
Deputy Minister for Taiwan's Economic Affairs Cynthia Kiang has reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting overseas Taiwanese and foreign companies investing in Taiwan, following Cabinet approval of a new round of incentives, including loans and subsidies, the Taipei Times reported. "Any companies [that wish to invest in Taiwan] and contribute to Taiwan's economy will receive government support," Kiang said at a press briefing in Taipei, quoted by the Taipei Times on Thursday. She emphasised that while key sectors such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and military technology remain priorities, the government also welcomes investment from the health and service industries. The incentives form part of an expanded version of the "Invest Taiwan" initiative, which was first launched in 2017 in response to the US-China trade war to encourage Taiwanese businesses to shift operations from China back to Taiwan. According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), the new measures--effective from 2025 to 2027--will extend support not only to Taiwan-based companies returning from China but also to globally operating Taiwanese firms and foreign businesses. Senior MOEA official Chang Ming-pin announced that the incentives include up to NT$720 billion (USD 24.96 billion) in loans over the next three years. Loan service fee subsidies will also be increased to between 0.3 and 1 per cent, up from the previous 0.1 to 0.7 per cent. The government aims to draw NT$1.2 trillion in new investment and create approximately 80,000 jobs in Taiwan under the new plan, Chang said. Since its launch in 2017, the "Invest Taiwan" initiative has attracted 1,678 approved investments, with over 1,100 coming from small and medium-sized enterprises. Together, these companies have invested NT$2.53 trillion in Taiwan, as per MOEA data. (ANI)
Dubai has officially claimed the title of the world's branded residence capital, redefining the global luxury real estate landscape where brand prestige, curated lifestyle, and long-term value increasingly outweigh traditional metrics like size and skyline views, the Gulf News reported. Citing a new report by Betterhomes, Branded Residences: Dubai vs The World, The Gulf News added that the emirate's explosive growth in the branded residence segment, with more than 140 branded projects expected to be delivered by 2031, surpasses that of any other city globally. This marks a 160 per cent increase in such developments over the past decade, the report added. In 2024 alone, over 13,000 branded homes were sold in Dubai, generating Dh60 billion in transaction value--a 43 per cent year-on-year jump. Buyers are paying premiums of 40 per cent to 60 per cent over standard luxury properties, lured by offerings such as concierge services, capital appreciation, and the prestige of globally recognised brands. "High-net-worth buyers are no longer just looking for property. They're investing in lifestyle, brand value, and long-term growth," said Christopher Cina, Director of Sales at Betterhomes, quoted the Gulf News. "Dubai offers all three, and that's why it's outperforming legacy markets like London and Miami," he added. Dubai's dominance goes beyond sheer volume. Its rise is anchored in strategic positioning, offering brand-driven luxury at competitive prices compared to other global hubs. For example, while Miami's ultra-luxury properties, such as the Aston Martin Residences, reach up to Dh25,000 per square foot, Dubai offers similar brand cachet at more accessible rates. Bvlgari Residences are priced around Dh10,500 per square foot, and Bugatti-branded homes--despite commanding a 237% premium--remain within reach for global investors. The report notes that factors such as tax advantages, competitive pricing, and higher growth potential compared to other markets give Dubai an edge. In contrast, London's OWO Residences command up to Dh20,000 per square foot but are weighed down by high taxes and regulatory hurdles. Markets like Thailand and Spain, though appealing, lack Dubai's liquidity and investor-friendly environment. Once dominated by hospitality giants like Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton, the branded residence space has evolved into a showcase for fashion houses, automotive brands, and wellness icons. Dubai is leading this trend with projects such as Bugatti Residences by Binghatti, Armani Beach Residences by Arada, and Six Senses Residences by Select Group. Top developers, such as Emaar, Meraas, and Nakheel, are also focusing on brand-centric communities that offer not just homes, but immersive lifestyle destinations. With the MENA region projected to account for 25 per cent of the global branded residence market by 2030, Dubai is positioned at the forefront of this shift. Dubai's real estate boom is about more than architecture and amenities--it's about identity. Buying a home in a branded development now means buying into a lifestyle. Whether it's the sleek sophistication of Armani, the exclusivity of Bugatti, or the elegance of Bvlgari, residents are aligning themselves with global icons. That emotional and aspirational value is translating into financial strength. Branded residences now represent 8.5 per cent of Dubai's total real estate transaction value, with no signs of slowing down. Dubai's branded residence market is no longer an emerging trend--it's the global gold standard. With a powerful combination of brand integration, investor-friendly policies, and lifestyle innovation, the city is shaping the future of luxury living. Developers, investors, and global brands are now looking to Dubai not just as a market, but as a model. (ANI)
SMPL Pune (Maharashtra) [India], July 4: For over two decades, A.K. Educational Consultants (AKEC) has been empowering aspiring Indian students by facilitating access to top and best government medical universities in Russia. Among the reputed institutions AKEC is affiliated with are Kazan State Medical University, Volgograd State Medical University, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University (IKBFU), and universities in Moscow, St. Petersburg and others. 2025 marks a significant milestone for AKEC as its third MBBS batch successfully graduates from IKBFU. All students cleared their Final State Examination (GOS Exam) with flying colors, achieving a 100% pass rate. In 2025, some AKECeans (students of AKEC) also have managed to get an "Honors" or the prestigious "Red Degree" (known as Krasny Diplom) in this batch from IKBFU. It is awarded to graduates who have achieved exceptional academic results throughout their medical course in Russia. It signifies that a student has demonstrated outstanding performance, with at least 75% of their grades being "Excellent". Previous batches graduated in 2023 and 2024, and the majority of these graduates have cleared the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) in their first attempt, now practicing successfully across India. In contrast to the challenges often faced by foreign medical graduates (FMGs), AKEC alumni have demonstrated consistently strong academic outcomes--highlighting the quality of education and training at IKBFU. Russia continues to be a favored destination for Indian MBBS aspirants due to its world-class education at an affordable cost--a rare combination among developed countries. Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, located in the safe and serene city of Kaliningrad, is among the top and best prestigious federal medical universities in Russia. Recognized in the QS World University Rankings and listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), IKBFU offers high-quality medical education, expert faculty, extensive clinical exposure, and robust practical training. These factors contribute to the university's superior FMGE first-attempt pass rate compared to its counterparts in Russia. Commending AKEC's longstanding partnership, IKBFU's Vice Chancellor, Mr. Lisogor M., stated: "Dr. Amit Kamle has been our trusted partner for the past 9 years. AKEC's rigorous selection process ensures that we welcome well-motivated, qualified Indian students. Their consistent performance reflects the strength of our academic environment." To safeguard students from misleading claims by unauthorized individuals, the University has issued a strong advisory. Prospective students and parents are encouraged to consult only official representatives like AKEC, who provide comprehensive support--from counseling and admissions to student settlement in Russia. "AKEC is like a parent to our Indian students here," remarked university authorities, emphasizing their role in preventing exploitation by unverified agents and self-proclaimed influencers. Dr. Amit Kamle, Director of AKEC India, congratulated the newly minted doctors and their families: "This batch has shown remarkable discipline and dedication. I'm confident they will excel in the FMGE. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the parents for their faith in us and to the IKBFU administration for their unwavering support." The success stories of AKEC alumni further underline the organization's commitment to nurturing talent: * AKECean Dr. Asavari More, a 2025 graduate of Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University from Pune shared, "I thank Dr. Amit Kamle sir and the entire AKEC team for their support. They even provided Indian books, which greatly aided my learning." * AKECean Dr.Gautami More, a 2025 graduate of Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University from Pune shared, "I am very happy to complete my MBBS in Russia. IKBFU is one of Russia's best federal Universities. I thank Dr.Amit Kamle sir for helping me throughout my career and during challenging times he stood with me and our batch." * Harer, father of Aditi from Pune, said, "Initially, we were hesitant to send our daughter to Russia. But Dr. Kamle gave us the confidence, and today Aditi is a doctor." * AKECean Dr. Vinanti Banage, a 2013 graduate of Kazan State Medical University, added, "Dr. Kamle mentored me from admission through my medical journey in Kazan." * AKECean Dr. Taufiq Dhage, a 2012 graduate of Volgograd State Medical University , son of a truck driver and now a practicing orthopedic doctor in Miraj, said, "Dr. Kamle's encouragement helped me through financial and personal challenges." * AKECean Dr. Arjun Joshi, a 2017 graduate of Privolzskiy Research Medical University, called AKEC "a trustworthy and reliable consultant." * AKECean Dr. Shamika Murudkar, a 2023 graduate from IKBFU's first Indian batch, remarked, "Studying at IKBFU was the best decision of my life. With AKEC's guidance, I passed the FMGE in my first attempt. Thank you Dr.Amit Kamle sir" AKEC's distinctive approach includes a merit-based selection process, admitting only NEET-qualified candidates and rejecting a first-come, first-served approach. Their FMGE preparation strategy is comprehensive, incorporating early planning, custom timetables, mock tests, MCQs, FMGE recalls, and expert guidance. AKEC urges students to evaluate universities based on important criteria--location, global ranking, graduation ratio of University, first attempt FMGE passing ratio, and overall educational quality--before making a decision, rather than being swayed by affordability alone. For more testimonials and success stories, visit: http://www.youtube.com/akecindia. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by SMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
This places the UAE behind only the United States, which tops the list with USD 12.12 trillion, and China, with USD 3.36 trillion, making it the largest holder of sovereign-owned investor (SOI) assets in the Middle East.

SOI assets encompass both sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) and public pension funds. The UAE's high ranking reflects the strong performance of a broad network of government-backed investment institutions.

Among the leading entities are the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), Mubadala Investment Company, ADQ, and the Investment Corporation of Dubai.

As per the news report, other contributors include the Emirates Investment Authority, Sharjah Asset Management, RAK Investment Authority, and Dubai World.

These organisations manage globally diversified portfolios across a wide range of sectors, including energy, infrastructure, technology, logistics, and an increasing focus on clean energy, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and sustainable industries.

The UAE's ascent in the rankings underscores its long-term economic vision and proactive fiscal planning. Sovereign wealth funds have played a key role in the country's strategy to build a diversified, post-oil economy by strengthening global investment presence and establishing strategic partnerships worldwide.

Other countries among the top global holders of SOI assets include Japan (USD 2.22 trillion), Norway (USD 1.9 trillion), Canada (USD 1.86 trillion), Singapore (USD 1.59 trillion), Australia (USD 1.53 trillion), Saudi Arabia (USD 1.53 trillion), and South Korea ( USD 1.17 trillion).

The Gulf News added that the UAE's sovereign wealth institutions are poised to remain influential players in shaping international capital flows, with their expanding global investment footprint. (ANI)
VMPL New Delhi [India], July 4: Each year, millions of engineering students begin college full of ambition. But as the semesters pass, many find themselves uncertain about their direction. They struggle not because they lack talent, but because they lack clarity and feel unprepared for real-world career expectations. Students are introduced to heavy syllabi and fixed routines. They are told what to study, but not how it fits into their career. The disconnect between academic content and industry relevance grows wider with time. It's not that students don't want to work; they are unsure of where to focus their efforts. At Unlox, we recognized this widespread gap and built a system designed to guide students from day one. A Structured Career Mandate: What Every Engineering Student Can Follow This year-by-year guide helps students turn college into a career-launching journey. It focuses on real growth; building skills, gaining exposure, and staying visible. Year 1: Start Small, Think Big The first year is the best time to explore. Take short courses in different fields like web development, AI, or product design. Use various AI tools to track your learning and to break down tough topics. Start posting about what you learn. Join communities. Follow professionals online. The goal isn't to decide your future yet; but to stay curious and build awareness. Year 2: Build Projects, Not Just Skills This is the year to act on your interests and build proof. Pick one or two domains that excite you. Start applying what you learn through small projects. Create a portfolio site, design an app, or analyze real-world data. Track your learning, showcase your progress, and post your work. Platforms like GitHub and LinkedIn help you present your journey. Join hackathons, bootcamps, or open-source groups. Build connections and grow faster by working with peers beyond your college. This is the shift from passive learning to active doing. Year 3: Apply What You've Learned Now it's time to test your skills in real-world settings. Look for internships at startups or research labs where you can make real contributions. Use your portfolio as your pitch. Master tools like Slack, Trello, Figma, and Loom because these tools are standard in any workplace. Share your project learnings and challenges online. Reflecting publicly builds trust and visibility. Let recruiters and peers see you as a problem-solver. Year 4: Launch with Confidence If you've prepared in the first three years, now is the time to consolidate. Refine your LinkedIn, polish your GitHub, and organize your portfolio. Add impact metrics to everything. But what if you're starting now? If you're in your final year and still unsure, don't panic. Focus on one domain. Build one project. Share your learning journey publicly. Even a short challenge or case study can show initiative. Start preparing for placements by practicing interviews and building a resume that reflects real work. If jobs don't come to you, pitch yourself. Offer solutions to companies, volunteer, or apply for short internships. Final year isn't too late but every day counts. Why Most Students Miss Out Most students wait. They wait for the final year. They wait to build. They wait to be told what to do. But careers today are built in public. The best opportunities go to those who start early and show their growth. At Unlox, we recently posted a job opening for a 'Gen AI Intern' on LinkedIn. In just two days, we received over 9,000 applications. After screening, only 60 profiles matched our requirements. Just 9 made it to the interview round, and not a single one was selected. Students weren't aligned with what companies actually needed. Today, degrees alone aren't enough. Companies want skills, problem-solving ability, and proof of initiative. If you're not learning what the market demands, even thousands of applications won't help. Unlox: For Students Who Want to Move Forward Unlox exists to help students take control of their careers. Through guided learning, side project support, and real-world mentoring via our E-learning Program, we help students overcome the skills gap and become industry-ready professionals. No matter your background, it's never too early or too late to build with purpose. Start now. Don't wait. (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)
HT Syndication New Delhi [India], July 4: Teleflex Incorporated (NYSE: TFX), a leading global provider of medical technologies, today announced it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Fortis Hospitals Bengaluru to create the UroLift Center of Education in India. Teleflex announced that 500 patients have been treated with its UroLift System in India and Fortis Hospitals is the first hospital to treat about 100 BPH patients with the UroLift System. The UroLift System uses a minimally invasive approach to treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is a common condition marked by bothersome urinary symptoms that can cause loss of productivity, depression, interrupted sleep, and decreased quality of life1. The UroLift System is the only leading BPH procedure that does not require heating, cutting, removal, or destruction of prostate tissue 2,3. The UroLift System provides rapid symptom relief 2 and preserves sexual function 5*. Typically, no catheter is required after the treatment 2,4. "At Teleflex, we believe that education is the foundation of progress in healthcare. Our collaboration with Fortis Hospitals will empower medical professionals with advanced knowledge and hands-on training, ultimately improving patient care," said Arun Kaushik, Managing Director, South Asia, Teleflex. Dr. Ashutosh Raghuvanshi, MD & CEO, Fortis Healthcare Limited stated, "The healthcare landscape continues to evolve, and more minimally invasive therapies continue to emerge. At Fortis, we always strive to offer superior technologies to our patients. This educational initiative in association with Teleflex is another testament to our commitment to quality patient care." Dr. Mohan Keshavamurthy, Principal Director - Renal Sciences, Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru, said, "Through this collaboration, we are committed to helping Urologists acquire requisite skill to optimise individualised treatment solutions such as UROLIFT for patients requiring Endoscopic surgical solutions for BPH and enhancing outcomes thereof. The programme is designed to provide a comprehensive training program to Urologists to ensure careful selection and safe delivery of the UroLift System to patients in their practice." These training programs for the UroLift System will be conducted at Fortis Hospitals, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru. About the UroLift System The UroLift System is a minimally invasive treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is indicated for the treatment of symptoms of an enlarged prostate up to 100 cc in men 50 years and above in India. In India, prostatic urethral lift like UroLift is an optional therapy and shall be offered as an alternative to patients presenting with moderate-to-severe LUTS who failed to respond to medical management and who are not tolerant or compliant to medical management (GR optional). The UroLift permanent implants, delivered during the procedure, relieve prostate obstruction without heating, cutting, destruction of, or removing prostate tissue. 2,3 The UroLift System can be used to treat a broad spectrum of anatomies, including obstructive median lobe. 7 It is the only leading BPH procedure shown to not cause new onset, sustained erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction.*3,5,6 Most common adverse events are temporary and can include hematuria, dysuria, micturition urgency, pelvic pain, and urge incontinence 2. Rare side effects, including bleeding and infection, may lead to a serious outcome and may require intervention. Individual results may vary. The prostatic urethral lift procedure is recommended for the treatment of BPH in both the American Urological Association and European Association of Urology clinical guidelines as well as an optional procedure for BPH management in Urological Society of India guidelines 9. More than 500,000 men have been treated with the UroLift System in select markets worldwide.8 Learn more at UroLift.com. Rx only. About Teleflex Incorporated As a global provider of medical technologies, Teleflex is driven by our purpose to improve the health and quality of people's lives. Through our vision to become the most trusted partner in the world of healthcare, we offer a diverse portfolio with solutions in the therapy areas of anesthesia, emergency medicine, interventional cardiology and radiology, surgical, vascular access, and urology. We believe that the potential of great people, purpose driven innovation, and world-class products can shape the future direction of healthcare. Teleflex is the home of Arrow, Barrigel, Deknatel, LMA, Pilling, QuikClot, Rusch, UroLift and Weck - trusted brands united by a common sense of purpose. At Teleflex, we are empowering the future of healthcare. For more information, please visit teleflex.com. References: 1. Speakman et al. 2014 BJUI International 2. Roehrborn, J Urology 2013 3. AUA BPH Guidelines 2003, 2020 4. Shore, Can J Urol 2014 5. Roehrborn, Can J Urol 2017 6. McVary, J Sex Med 2016 7. Rukstalis, Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Dis 2018 8. Management estimate based on product sales and average units per procedure 9. Urological Society of India BPH Guidelines, 2019 *No instances of new, sustained erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction in the L.I.F.T. pivotal study. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by HT Syndication. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
YouTube is experimenting with a new AI-powered search feature that swaps out its traditional thumbnail grid for a scrollable carousel of video clips and summaries, offering Premium mobile users a faster, more streamlined way to browse results without clicking through full videos.

The new feature was launched for a small group of U.S.-based iOS and Android users last week. When users search for topics like "things to do in Sri Lanka" or "best phone camera 2025," the new format displays a horizontal reel of video previews and a short AI-generated text blurb. The trial runs through July 30 and only applies to searches in English.

This isn't just a fresh coat of paint on YouTube searchit's part of a broader shift we're seeing across the tech industry. Search results are getting stripped down, sped up, and rewritten by AI. Google's already doing it with AI summaries in regular search, and now YouTube is testing its own version that feels more like flipping through Instagram Stories than browsing a video platform. It's built for mobile users who want quick answers and don't have time to tap through a bunch of videos. However, if this trend catches on, it could significantly alter how people discover contentand how creators are perceived. Thumbnails, titles, and even the first few seconds of a video might start to matter a lot less than whatever the AI decides to show.

The experience feels less like a traditional search engine and more like a highlight reel, designed for speed. Users get a taste of relevant videos at a glance, without needing to tap into each one. It's geared toward searches where users want quick information, such as travel planning, product research, or finding something to eat, rather than watching long-form content.

Reddit users have had varied reactions, with some appreciating the streamlined browsing experience, while others share their worries that AI summaries might oversimplify deeper, nuanced content.

YouTube has been rolling out other AI experiments lately, like chat-based search prompts, auto-dubbing for different languages, and tools to help create Shorts. The company says it's trying to make the platform easier to use and more helpful for viewers. This search preview is still in testing, but it could signal where things are headed if users respond well.

Originally published on Tech Times
The Indian Army is embarking on a comprehensive modernisation drive to transform its capabilities across multiple domains, from hypersonic weapons to soldier systems, as it prepares for future warfare challenges, a senior military official announced at a defence industry conference. Lt Gen Amardeep Singh Aujla, Master General Sustenance of the Indian Army, outlined the service's ambitious vision during the New Age Military Technologies Industry Capabilities & Way Forward event, organised by FICCI, calling for unprecedented collaboration between the military, industry, and policymakers. The Army's first priority involves developing "ultra-fast and highly manoeuvrable weapon systems", including hypersonic glide vehicles, hypersonic air-breathing engines (HEBs), and advanced fourth, fifth, and sixth-generation missiles to alter the deterrence equation. "We want to change the deterrence equation by ultra-fast and highly manoeuvrable weapon systems," Lt Gen Aujla stated, emphasising the need to transition from conventional "dump category" ammunition to smart, precision-guided munitions. According to Aujla, the modernisation plan focuses on loitering ammunition and precision-guided munitions that will reduce collateral damage while enhancing the Army's surgical strike capabilities. The service is also investing heavily in directed energy weapons, including high-energy lasers and microwave systems for drone defence, anti-missile systems, and anti-satellite capabilities, he added. Recognising the evolving nature of modern warfare, the Army is prioritising robust electronic warfare and cyber capabilities. Lt Gen Aujla emphasised the urgent need for "spectrum dominance capability" and cyber systems that are both offensive and defensive in nature. The military is seeking next-generation cyber defence tools, autonomous electronic warfare solutions, and resilient satellite systems to maintain absolute control over space assets from external and internal threats. The fourth pillar of modernisation focuses on individual soldier enhancement through cutting-edge technology. Plans include developing exoskeletons, human augmentation systems, smart body armour, and augmented reality battlefield management systems. "The individual has to be an empowered individual, in terms of agility, in terms of resilience, in terms of endurance," Lt Gen Aujla explained, highlighting the integration of artificial intelligence in helmets, apparel, and real-time health monitoring systems. The Army envisions providing every soldier with enhanced situational awareness through digital overlays and advanced technologies, ensuring near-perfect knowledge of their surroundings. The service is also transforming its logistics infrastructure by adopting artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, Internet of Things, and integrated platforms. The modernisation includes green and sustainable logistics, enhanced cybersecurity mechanisms, resilient supply chains, and advanced manufacturing techniques. Lt Gen Aujla indicated the Army's intention to focus on core military functions while outsourcing specialised aspects to industry experts and visionaries. The senior officer emphasised that successful modernisation requires convergence between three critical pillars: military users providing clear problem statements, policymakers enabling supportive frameworks, and industry delivering innovative solutions. "You are the people who have to give shape to our desires, our requirements, our needs, which are absolutely operational in nature," Lt Gen Aujla told industry representatives. The Army is seeking support from policymakers for defence technology acceleration funds, fast-tracked regulatory approvals, and simplified procurement cycles. Lt Gen Aujla called for establishing technological hubs, innovation centres, and incubation facilities to create an enabling environment for military-industry collaboration. "Unless you prepare the environment to support the user and the industry, things won't work out. It will be just lip service, or it will be a mere slogan that we may keep saying that atmanirbharta is coming, or the self-reliance is," he warned. (ANI)
VMPL New Delhi [India], July 4: In a world where cross-border education often blurs lines of ownership, identity, and authenticity, Dr. P.K. Pandey stands out as a name of clarity and commitment. An Indian national and educationist, Dr. Pandey is the proud founder and legal owner of Avicenna University, a globally recognized medical institution based at 74 Shabdan Baatyr Street, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, which has become a beacon for aspiring doctors from around the world. A Clear Legacy, A Transparent Foundation Recently, Avicenna University issued a formal confirmation supported by an official letter from the Ministry affirming Dr. Pandey's ownership and Indian nationality. The institution is legally registered under his name with the relevant regulatory authorities--a declaration aimed at dispelling misinformation and reasserting transparency in a sector often plagued by ambiguity. This public reaffirmation comes amid attempts by certain competitors to spread baseless claims regarding Avicenna University's ownership and student demographics. "All such statements are unfounded and contrary to the records maintained by the Ministry and the university," the official communication states. A University with Global Credentials Under Dr. Pandey's leadership, Avicenna University has steadily carved a space in the international medical education ecosystem. The institution holds accreditations and recognitions from some of the world's most prestigious bodies--including: World Health Organization (WHO) Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG - USA) Australian Medical Council (AMC) National Medical Commission (NMC - India) FAIMER These affiliations are not just ceremonial; they reflect the university's commitment to producing medical graduates who are globally competent and ethically grounded. Every year, over 500 international students graduate from Avicenna University with medical degrees, many of whom go on to clear the Foreign Medical Graduate Exam (FMGE) conducted by India's National Board of Examinations (NBE). The institution boasts an FMGE pass rate of 25% to 30%, a figure that underscores the academic rigor and practical training imparted to its students. Commitment to Indian and Global Standards Avicenna University aligns its curriculum and operational framework with the stringent standards of India's National Medical Commission (NMC). This compliance ensures that Indian students not only receive a global education but also meet national benchmarks that enable them to practice medicine in India. To support this vision, the university has invested in developing state-of-the-art infrastructure, including its own hospitals and residential hostels. "We own and operate our hospitals, which allows us to offer unmatched clinical exposure and real-world experience to our students," Dr. Pandey states. Indeed, the institution takes pride in having the largest infrastructure among its peers, all wholly owned and maintained by Avicenna University itself--a unique feature in an era where many international universities rely on rented or third-party facilities. Alumni in Action The true measure of a university lies in the success of its graduates. Hundreds of Avicenna University alumni are now serving in esteemed hospitals across various countries, including India. Many have already completed their internships and are contributing to the global healthcare workforce--an ongoing testament to the quality of education Avicenna University provides. A Call for Integrity in Education Dr. Pandey's journey with Avicenna University is not just about ownership--it's about responsibility. In a field where education shapes lives and careers, he emphasizes the importance of verified, official information. "We urge all stakeholders to seek information only through authorized Ministry channels. Unofficial claims often mislead and damage reputations built on years of hard work," he cautions. As the founder, Dr. Pandey continues to guide Avicenna University with a steady hand and a clear vision--one rooted in academic excellence, ethical practice, and global relevance. In an educational landscape often marred by opacity, Dr. P.K. Pandey and Avicenna University exemplify what it means to lead with integrity. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
VMPL Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 4: Muzz, the world's largest Muslim marriage app, brought together young Muslim singles from across the city for a relaxed, swipe-free evening at its debut singles mixer 'Swipe-Free: A Muslim Singles Evening', hosted at Nomi, Andheri West. The event was born out of a simple yet powerful idea: that genuine, in-person conversations can spark deeper connections than endless swiping or awkward family setups. In a world where matchmaking apps and rishta aunties can often feel overwhelming, this three-hour event offered a refreshing alternative with fun ice breakers, games and even a rapid fire one-on-one. A highlight of the night was the rose exchange, where each guest gave away their rose and received one in return - adding a meaningful, light-hearted ritual to the matchmaking process. "This was such a warm, judgment-free space - There was no awkwardness or pressure, just real, good conversations. I walked away with genuine conversations and maybe even a promising connection" shared Fatima, one of the attendees. To keep things pressure-free the guests could simply scan each other's Muzz QR codes instead of exchanging contact details directly. And if a connection clicked a little later, the attendee list stayed live in the app's Events section -- making it easy to reconnect or match with someone they may have missed. "We know how exhausting matchmaking can feel, especially within a cultural context," said Ayesha Kazmi from Muzz. "With Swipe-Free, we wanted to create a space where Muslims could meet organically - no algorithms, just actual human chemistry. It's about real connection while still being modern and intentional." Over laughter and shared stories, the atmosphere at Nomi turned into one of ease, comfort, and potential. From those hoping to meet someone special to others simply looking to expand their social circle, the mixer embraced all intentions - rooted in openness and community. (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)
Reaffirming its commitment to positioning Bengaluru as a global aerospace hub, BEML Limited inaugurated its newly built state-of-the-art warehousing facility, spread over 0.12 acres, at the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) Aerospace Special Economic Zone (SEZ), Bengaluru. The facility was inaugurated by Shri Shantanu Roy, Chairman and Managing Director, BEML, in the presence of Functional Directors, senior officials from BEML, and dignitaries from KIADB, an official release added. In a strategic move to bolster its Aerospace ambitions, the foundation stone for Phase II of the project, which will see the development of a 1.15 acres of land facility in the same SEZ, was also laid. BEML currently holds a total of 25 acres of land in the Aerospace SEZ, which it plans to develop into a vibrant industrial hub catering to the fast-growing defence and aviation sectors. This initiative marks a significant milestone in BEML's long-term vision of supporting India's aerospace growth and creating a robust supply chain ecosystem for global and domestic Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). Speaking at the occasion, Shantanu Roy, CMD, BEML said, "The inauguration of this warehousing facility marks a significant step in BEML's journey to becoming a key enabler in India's aerospace and defence ecosystem. This is more than just infrastructure--it's a strategic foundation for future capabilities in advanced manufacturing, MRO services, and global exports aligned with international OEM standards." The Aerospace SEZ facility, located near Kempegowda International Airport, is part of a larger plan that includes setting up a dedicated manufacturing unit over 20 acres to produce next-generation aerostructures, drones, aggregates, and components for the Air Defence and allied sectors. This unit will be developed through collaborations with global aerospace OEMs, establishing BEML as a key player in the international aerospace manufacturing landscape. To support its warehousing operations, BEML has entered into a strategic service agreement with M/s LOM SUPPLY CHAIN INDIA, a reputed logistics service provider with extensive experience in SEZ and Domestic Tariff Area operations. The facility is designed not only to support BEML's internal logistics, but also to offer warehousing and allied services to other OEMs, Tier-1, and Tier-2 players. With Bangalore's rapidly expanding warehousing and logistics sector, BEML's SEZ facility is ideally located to capitalize on connectivity via NH7, the Outer Ring Road, and proximity to the airport, making it an attractive hub for both domestic and global trade. This initiative is expected to generate over 500 employment opportunities in the region, further supporting local economic development. BEML envisions to create a Centre of Excellence for Aerospace Technologies within this SEZ, empowering India's self-reliance journey in defence and aerospace while creating a vibrant ecosystem for innovation, collaboration, and growth. BEML Limited, a leading multi-technology 'Schedule A' company under the Ministry of Defence. BEML operates in three verticals: Defence & Aerospace, Mining & Construction, and Rail & Metro. It has state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities located in Bengaluru, Kolar Gold Fields (KGF), Mysore, and Palakkad, with a strong R&D infrastructure and a nationwide sales and service network. (ANI)
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) has decided to phase out its GaN (Gallium nitride) semiconductor business in two years, a move analysts said was due to competition from China, which has eroded the product's profit margin, Focus Taiwan reported. In a statement Thursday, TSMC, the world's largest contract chipmaker, said the decision was made after a comprehensive evaluation that took into account its long-term development strategies and market conditions, the news report said. TSMC's announcement came after US-based Navitas Semiconductor said earlier this week it has set up a strategic partnership with Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp. (PSMC) and will shift its GaN orders from TSMC to PSMC over the next 12 to 24 months. The GaN (gallium nitride) compound semiconductor, composed of gallium (Ga) and nitrogen (N), is part of a so-called third-generation of semiconductors used largely in 5G communications and electric vehicle production. As per the Focus Taiwan report, TSMC said it is working closely with its clients to ensure the transition period will proceed smoothly and try its best to satisfy demand from its clients over the next two years. The gradual withdrawal from the GaN market is unlikely to affect its sales guidance for this year, the company said, as per the news report. TSMC has forecast its sales will grow 24-26 percent in 2025 in US dollar terms despite the impact of American tariff policies and a stronger Taiwan dollar. According to local news media reports, TSMC first used its six-inch fab and then an eight-inch fab for its GaN product line, but China's massive injection of funds into the product line in recent years has caused a plunge in global product prices. The reports said TSMC Chairman CC Wei finalised the decision last week at the suggestion of Kevin Zhang, the company's senior vice president for business development and global sales, and TSMC informed its clients of the decision. Navitas said PSMC is expected to manufacture its GaN portfolio with voltage ratings from 100V to 650V in a facility located in Zhunan, starting with production of the 100V family first in the first half of 2026, according to the Focus Taiwan report. (ANI)
PNN Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], July 4: In a historic and momentous gathering held at the GIFT City Club in Ahmedabad, Save Earth Mission, the world's fastest-growing environmental movement, officially launched its Global Vision campaign. At the heart of this vision lies an unprecedented initiative -- the world's largest synchronized plantation drive across 60+ countries, commencing August 2025. The announcement was made during the organization's flagship Global Vision Unveiling event, where global climate leaders, government delegates, students, innovators, and environmentalists came together. This multi-nation campaign aims to unite millions under the banner of urgent climate action -- to plant trees, revive ecosystems, and build a net-zero future. The Global Movement Begins Save Earth Mission has already earned international acclaim after creating a Guinness World Record by planting over 500,000 trees in just 1 hour. Now, the movement prepares to scale its mission exponentially by activating its volunteer force across continents. The organization's goal is to plant 30 billion trees by 2040. This mega drive will include: - Over 60 countries in Phase 1 - Region-specific indigenous plantation - Real-time geo-tagged tracking - Strategic support from governments, NGOs, corporations, and local communities - Global countdown campaigns and educational engagement worldwide Quote from Leadership "This is no longer just a campaign; this is a planetary revolution," said Sandeep Choudhary, President of Save Earth Mission - India. "We are not just planting trees; we are planting hope. August will witness a global movement in action -- from schools in Tokyo to deserts in Dubai, from Himalayan villages to parks in New York." Global Hashtags and Outreach The movement will be driven by its global call to action, amplified by hashtags: #OneTreeOneWorld | #EkPedGlobalMission | #EarthUnited | #EkPedMaaKeNaam What's Next? Starting August 2025, the world will witness a synchronized plantation movement like never before. Governments, corporations, students, and citizens can register and participate in the campaign by visiting: ? www.saveearthmission.org Quote from Leadership"This is no longer just a campaign; this is a planetary revolution," said Sandeep Choudhary, President of Save Earth Mission - India. "We are not just planting trees; we are planting hope. August will witness a global movement in action -- from schools in Tokyo to deserts in Dubai, from Himalayan villages to parks in New York." "Environmental conservation is not a choice anymore -- it's a responsibility every global citizen must carry. When we heal the planet, we heal ourselves," added Dr. Ajay DesaiInternational Advisor- Corporate Affairs Media Contact * Media Relations Department * media@saveearthmission.org * www.saveearthmission.org (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
PNN New Delhi [India], July 4: Vietnam's natural beauty, vibrant culture, and reasonable prices have made it a more and more popular travel destination for Indians. The Vietnam eVisa, a fully digital visa application process that does not require an embassy visit, was introduced by the Vietnamese government in an attempt to simplify travel. With quicker approvals and a less stressful experience, this is a welcome change for Indian passport holders. Through trusted travel platforms like Akbar Travels, applying for a Vietnam visa online has become simpler, safer, and fully transparent. What is a Vietnam eVisa? Indian nationals may enter Vietnam for a maximum 30-day stay with the Vietnam eVisa, an official single-entry travel document. It is ideal for private visits, short business trips, and leisure travel. There is no longer a need for in-person appointments or embassy visits thanks to the straightforward and effective online Vietnam visa online process. This makes applying for a Vietnam visa application from anywhere in India--at home or at work--easier than before. How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa Online via Akbar Travels Akbar Travels' application procedure is made to be both effective and user-friendly. Applicants begin by visiting the Vietnam eVisa online where they can fill out a simple form. Once the form is filled and payment is made, the visa request is submitted to the Vietnamese immigration authorities. Travellers typically receive their authorised eVisa in their email inbox in three to five working days. The process is 100% digital, and Akbar Travels offers personalized support at each stage--from reviewing documents to guiding applicants on photo size and format. Eligibility and Requirements for Indian Citizens To apply for the Vietnam visa India route, Indian nationals must fulfil a few prerequisites. * A valid Indian passport with at least 6 months' validity beyond the intended date of entry into Vietnam. * A recent passport-sized photo is required. * An active email address is needed for communication and visa confirmation. These are the standard Vietnam visa requirements that Indian applicants must fulfill for their application to be processed. Vietnam Visa Cost and Processing Time Visa fees are explicitly stated during the application process and are contingent upon the type of visa chosen--tourist, business, or visit, generally starting from Rs.2,999/-. The Vietnam visa cost covers all required fees; applicants won't be surprised by any additional costs. One of the main factors influencing travellers' preference for Akbar Travels is its clear pricing. Although it is always advised to apply a little early, the Vietnam visa application is normally processed in three to five working days. Why Apply Through Akbar Travels? Akbar Travels was founded in 1978 and has more than 45 years of expertise managing travel visas with precision and professionalism. They are a well-known brand for Indian tourists looking for a dependable Vietnam visa service because of their extensive experience and continuously high visa approval rate of 99.8%. Since the application process is entirely digital, travellers can easily complete all visa requirements online. From document preparation to final submission, Akbar Travels provides personalized assistance that ensures a seamless and error-free experience. This is what really makes the company stand out. Their platform's Vietnam visa information is updated frequently to keep applicants up to date on the most recent travel regulations. Understanding the Visa Policy of Vietnam Before applying, it's crucial to understand the visa policy of Vietnam. A single-entry eVisa that permits a stay of up to 30 days is available to holders of Indian passports. Numerous international airports and border crossings throughout the nation accept the visa. Even though single-entry travel is currently permitted, it is still a good idea to check for any updates before departing. Travellers can make appropriate plans because Akbar Travels makes sure they are always informed of the most recent developments. Before traveling, make sure to complete your Vietnam visa check by reviewing the latest entry requirements and visa status with the official authorities or travel agent. Plan Your Vietnam Trip with a Complete Travel Partner In addition to facilitating the Vietnam eVisa, Akbar Travels makes it simple for tourists to arrange every aspect of their trip. The platform streamlines all travel-related decisions from booking cheap flights to Vietnam from India to securing cheap hotels in Vietnam, the platform simplifies all travel-related decisions. Travelers can also explore a range of carefully curated Vietnam tour packages tailored to different budgets and interests, ensuring a well-rounded experience. In addition to trip planning, Akbar Travels offers visa services for over 180 countries, competitive forex rates, and travel insurance with extensive coverage, giving travelers access to essential services in one place. With this integrated approach, Indian travellers can confidently get ready for their trip to Vietnam, knowing that all the details, from lodging to paperwork, are being managed by qualified experts. Start Your Vietnam Journey Today Vietnam has something to offer for every type of tourist, from the Mekong Delta's floating markets to Ha Long Bay's limestone cliffs and the energetic city of Ho Chi Minh City. The simplest part of the trip is now applying for your Vietnam eVisa online with Akbar Travels. Get your Vietnam visa for Indians approved fast and begin exploring a nation rich in history, culture, and scenic beauty to avoid embassy lines, paperwork, and guesswork. Put in your application now, and Akbar Travels will handle the rest. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
India's toy industry, once heavily dependent on imports, is now manufacturing domestically and exporting to 153 countries, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal addressing the 16th Toy Biz International B2B Expo 2025 on Friday said as he highlighted this remarkable transformation. He said that this shift has been made possible through consistent policy support, the enforcement of quality standards, and the strengthening of local manufacturing clusters. The implementation of the Quality Control Order (QCO), he added, has helped make India a quality-conscious country and enabled domestic toy manufacturers to meet global benchmarks. The Minister stated that India's population of 1.4 billion offers a vast captive market, which creates a natural advantage for scaling up manufacturing. With this scale, the industry can achieve cost efficiency and become globally competitive. The large domestic market, he said, not only supports expansion but also acts as a foundation for international growth. To capture the global market, Goyal stressed the need for the industry to focus on good branding, attractive packaging, and strong product design. He said that if these three aspects are prioritised, Indian toys can gain stronger appeal across international markets. The growth of the toy industry, Goyal noted, reflects the broader journey of development in the country. He recalled that when Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Vocal for Local initiative, it was met with skepticism by many, as foreign products dominated consumer preference. However, under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the belief that Local can go Global, awareness and support for home-grown industries have steadily increased. Goyal stated that startups developing innovative toy concepts have received significant support through the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, which has now been extended to 20 years. This, he said, has provided access to collateral-free loans for small businesses. He further informed that to promote domestic production, 18 toy clusters across the country have been supported by the Ministry of MSME. To build on this progress, the Minister said that the government is planning to introduce a new promotional scheme for the toy sector. The scheme, he explained, will aim to help Indian toy manufacturers become world-class by enhancing design capabilities, ensuring quality manufacturing, strengthening packaging, and supporting brand building. With sustained focus on innovation, quality, and market development, Goyal expressed confidence that India's toy industry is poised to become a key player in the global market. (ANI)
Northern Region Ministers' Conference on Civil Aviation 2025, organised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, was held on Friday in Dehradun, Uttarakhand with the broad vision of 'unlocking the vast potential of aviation sector in the country', as put by the Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarappu Rammohan Naidu. The session witnessed the participation of Ministers and senior officials from States/UTs of Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Ladakh and Chandigarh, along with senior officials from Ministry of Civil aviation including Samir Kumar Sinha, Secretary, Civil Aviation; Fiaz Ahmed Kidwai, DG DGCA; Vipin Kumar, Chairman, Airports Authority of India and Rajesh Nirwan, DG BCAS. Participation of over 100 aviation industry players exemplified the significance of having closer collaboration with the State Governments. The deliberations were focussed on actionable strategies for strengthening connectivity, infrastructure, and investment across Northern India's aviation landscape. FICCI and Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority provided the vital industry interface for organising the first Regional Conference. The Conference is the start of a series of Regional Conferences, conceptualised for deepening Centre-State-Industry collaboration in the Aviation sector. Speaking at the inaugural session, Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarappu Rammohan Naidu said, "Through this strategic initiative we aim to identify the regional opportunities and unlock the vast potential of Tier II and Tier III cities. If we look at the sector through numbers, then we can clearly see the scale of the opportunity that exists. In just 10 years, we have added 88 new airports, that is nearly one new airport every 40 days. In the last 10 years, we have added 60 additional flights every hour. Flying in India today is more accessible, more available and more affordable. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, Indian skies are more connected, competitive and collaborative." He reiterated the Ministry's commitment to collaborative, state-specific strategies for achieving inclusive aviation growth. Chief Minister, Uttarakhand Pushkar Singh Dhami graced the inaugural function as the Chief Guest. He underlined the pivotal role of aviation in enhancing regional connectivity, enabling tourism, and supporting socio-economic development in the State of Uttarkhand. He appreciated the phenomenal growth in the Aviation sector. He also highlighted the prime importance of ensuring safety in the aviation operations including helicopter operations in the hilly terrain of the State for which the State Govt and the Ministry are deeply committed. After a series of presentations by the Ministry on opportunities for the States in the sector, there were one on one interactions by the State Govt teams with the Ministry team led by the Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarappu Rammohan Naidu. This provided a unique opportunity for the state Govts of Northern Region to have close interaction with Ministry highlighting their requirements and suggestions. Concurrently, States also had interaction with the Industry players spanning airlines, OEMs, FTOs, MROs and PSUs such as AAI and PHL. The Conference concluded with a plenary session which provided an overall outlook emerging from the one day Conference. Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Union Minister of Civil Aviation, outlined the Ministry's strategic priorities for the region, including the development of heliport infrastructure, expansion of UDAN routes, strengthening of Flying Training Organizations and MRO hubs, and creating synergies between the Centre, States, and industry stakeholders. The Minister also reflected on key outcomes from the one-on-one meetings held between the Ministry and State delegations, and parallel sessions between State Governments and aviation industry leaders, and assured all support from the Central Government in taking the aviation sector forward. The Plenary Session reaffirmed the Government's commitment to building a robust, inclusive, and future-ready civil aviation ecosystem across the Northern Region--driving the broader vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 through enhanced connectivity, regional empowerment, and sustainable growth. The Conference marks a significant milestone in India's aviation journey--ushering in a new era of regional collaboration, innovation, and growth with clear action points, strong Centre-State alignment and active industry participation. (ANI)
On Friday evening, Salman took to social media and announced the project by unveiling a powerful motion poster.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DLr-lvloDvP/?hl=en

The announcement video showcases Salman with bloodstains on his face, and sheer patriotism in his eyes. It further elaborates on the film's theme, which is based on Galwan valley clashes at the India-China border in 2020.

20 Indian soldiers had died during the Galwan valley clash on June 16, 2020, five years ago, while the Chinese side also faced heavy casualties.

Following the clashes, tensions between India and China rose with the army deploying formations near the Galwan Valley, along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh and undertook a range of activities such as surveying border areas to stop a "possible" Chinese aggression.

Since the clashes, India and China have disengaged from various border areas steadily, and have also created a buffer zone in various areas.

Sharing the film's poster, Salman on Instagram wrote, "#GalwanValley."

Last night, he shared an intense picture of himself on social media. However, it wasn't just his look but a poster on the table behind Salman that caught everyone's attention. It's a poster from his film 'Battle of Galwan'.

"Mehnat karo sahi disha mein. Unhi par woh meherbaan, aur banayega unhi ko unke hunar ka pehelwan. In English...you translate. (Work hard in the right direction. He will be kind to them and will make them a wrestler of their skill)," He captioned.

More details regarding the film have not been disclosed yet. (ANI)
Actor Park Seo-joon has won a partial legal victory against a restaurant that used his image without permission in promotional materials referencing a hit 2018 drama.

The Seoul Eastern District Court ruled in favor of Park, ordering the restaurant owner to pay 5 million KRW (approximately $3,700 USD) for unauthorized commercial use of the actor's likeness.

The dispute arose after the restaurant posted banners advertising itself as the place where Park's character from What's Wrong with Secretary Kim "devoured ganjang gejang (soy-marinated crab), based on a scene from the drama filmed at the location.

While Park's legal team initially claimed damages of 6 billion KRWbased on advertising market rates over a six-year spanthe court determined that the figure was excessive, given the restaurant's small business scale.

"The agency had repeatedly requested since 2019 that the restaurant stop using his image," Park's agency, Awesome ENT, said in a statement to Newsen.

"However, the owner would temporarily take down the banners and ads, only to repost them later. Eventually, they stopped responding altogether, continuing these malicious actions, which led us to pursue legal measures."

Park had also filed for an injunction to prevent further use of his image, but the court dismissed that request, noting that the materials had already been removed.

In its ruling, the court acknowledged that using a celebrity's name or face for commercial promotion without consent constitutes a violation of portrait rights, despite the restaurant owner's claim that it was a common industry practice.

Awesome ENT clarified that the official damages claim had been adjusted to 60 million KRW, taking the restaurant's size into account.

"We're also aware of ongoing malicious ridicule and secondary attacks following the court's reasonable ruling," the agency added. "There will be no leniency or settlement regarding further violations of our artist's portrait and personality rights. We will respond firmly."

Neither party has filed an appeal, making the ruling final.

Park Seo-joon, known for roles in Itaewon Class, Fight for My Way, and Dream, continues to enjoy both domestic and international popularity.

His portrayal in What's Wrong with Secretary Kim remains one of his most iconic roles to date.
Actor and TV producer Glenn Howerton talked about the success of the sitcom, 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' during a recent PaleyLive panel with Charlie Day, Danny DeVito, Rob Mac and Kaitlin Olson, in celebration of its 20th anniversary, reported People. When discussing his role as an actor, writer, co-creator and executive producer on the sitcom, Howerton revealed he didn't always know if he'd still be part of it all these years later. "It was actually before we started working on season 12, I was like, 'Look, I just don't want to wear out our welcome,'" he shared. "I was worried that maybe we had sort of peaked or something, and I just was like, you know, we've been doing this for a long time. And I think I was also anxious," reported People. "I had not figured out yet how to stretch myself and be able to do other things that I wanted to do with my career outside of the show," he continued. "I just hadn't figured out how to do that yet. I was aching to do other things, and so I was starting to feel a little boxed in, frankly." While he noted that he "never lost any appreciation for the show," he said, adding, "They were like, 'We don't want to end it,' and I was like, 'Oh, well I can't stop you,'" he recalled of the It's Always Sunny team. "And then seasons 13 and 14, I came back as an actor but I wasn't in the writers room, " reported People. Howerton previously discussed his decision to step back from the show. "We're currently discussing what we want to do next season, but we haven't started the writers' room yet," he shared. "So I haven't left It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. The conversation really should be about what's going to happen with Dennis, not what's going to happen with me, and that's something we don't have an answer to yet." "After 12 years, we're trying to mix things up, we're trying to do interesting things with the characters, and trying not to tread on the same territory over and over again," he continued. "We're trying to find new and interesting ways to challenge ourselves and challenge our writing," reported People. 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' season 17 premieres on July 9, on FXX, with episodes streaming on Hulu the next day.(ANI)
As per Deadline, he will be recognized for a 50-year career "that has helped shape the landscape of British television and culture," the fest said.

Henry has appeared in the likes of The Rings of Power, Broadchurch, The Syndicate, Chef! and The Witcher: The Blood Origin, as well as stage performances including The Comedy of Errors at The National, Fences at the Duchess Theatre and The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui at the Donmar Warehouse.

On this honour, Henry said, "I'd like to thank the Edinburgh TV Festival and all who sail in her for this magnificent honour. I'm very humbled to receive it and will wear a kilt and go commando to celebrate. Excelsior. Big love."

Henry is also the co-founder of Comic Relief, which has raised more than 1B (USD 1.37B) for global causes since 1985, and he has established a centre for Media Diversity at Birmingham City University. (ANI)
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Wednesday said that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in Bihar is progressing smoothly and on schedule, despite concerns raised by opposition parties about possible voter exclusion. Speaking at a training session for Booth Level Officers (BLOs), Gyanesh Kumar said, "The implementation of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar is running as per schedule with the active participation of all election staff and all political parties in a transparent manner. Despite apprehensions of some persons, SIR will ensure that all eligible persons will be included." The Special Intensive Revision is a focused voter list update exercise conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure electoral rolls are accurate ahead of upcoming elections. Opposition parties, including the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), have expressed concern that the SIR process may be misused to disenfranchise voters, particularly the poor and marginalised communities. In response, the ECI stated that the exercise is being conducted strictly in line with the provisions of Article 326 of the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act, 1950. It said the aim is to remove ineligible entries while ensuring that 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 ECI said in an official post. The Commission also clarified that while some party representatives had prior appointments, others were allowed to join the meeting without one. "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," the statement said. 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. (ANI)
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday said that frequent disruptions--once a recurring feature--have now significantly reduced in Parliament of India, resulting in enhanced productivity and meaningful debate, said Lok Sabha Secretariat in a statement. Inaugurating the first-ever National Conference of Chairpersons of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) of States and Union Territories in Manesar, Gurugram, he mentioned that the Lok Sabha has increasingly witnessed late-night sessions and long-duration debates, reflecting a mature and responsible democratic culture. He called upon urban local bodies to incorporate structured procedures, including regular sittings, robust committee systems, and citizen engagement, to further strengthen grassroots democracy. Held at the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT), IMT Manesar, Gurugram, the two-day national conference, on July 3-4, 2025, marks a historic initiative to discuss the role of urban local bodies in strengthening constitutional democracy and nation-building through participatory governance structures in cities across India. In his address, Birla emphasised the importance of incorporating proven democratic practices, such as Question Hour and Zero Hour, in ULBs. He noted that such provisions in Parliament have played a vital role in holding the executive accountable and systematically raising public concerns. He pointed out that short, irregular, or ad-hoc municipal meetings weaken local governance, and advocated for regular, structured sessions, standing committees, and open civic consultations. As in Parliament, ULBs too must shun disruptive behaviour and focus on constructive and inclusive discussions. He cited the example of the Lok Sabha, where reduction in protests and placard-waving has led to significantly higher productivity, improving public perception and enabling better lawmaking. Birla emphasised that disruptions do not reflect the strength of democracy but rather weaken it. He asserted that it is through dialogue, patience, and depth of discussion that democracy truly thrives, and he urged municipal representatives to lead by example in their respective cities and towns. Birla described Urban Local Bodies as the closest tier of governance to the people, deeply aware of the challenges and needs of citizens. He noted that India's urban transformation, symbolised by cities like Gurugram, reflects both economic vitality and democratic participation. From being associated with India's civilizational legacy to becoming a hub of innovation and enterprise, Gurugram, he said, illustrates what coordinated efforts of governments and empowered local institutions can achieve. Birla stressed that with over 600 million people expected to live in urban areas by 2030, the scale and scope of urban governance must evolve accordingly. He stated that ULBs must not remain confined to traditional roles of service delivery but should rise as true institutions of self-governance and catalysts of nation-building. He reiterated that the theme of the conference - "Role of Urban Local Bodies in Strengthening Constitutional Democracy and Nation Building" - was timely and forward-looking. He urged delegates to approach the conference as more than a policy dialogue--as an exercise in democratic deepening and institutional learning. With five key sub-themes--including transparent functioning of municipal councils, inclusive urban development, innovation in governance, women's leadership, and the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047--the conference provides a platform to share experiences, assess challenges, and build consensus on reforms. Birla highlighted the critical, day-to-day impact that ULBs have on the lives of citizens through their work in essential civic areas such as infrastructure development, sewage and sanitation systems, waste management, road construction, and pollution control. He noted that these are not peripheral duties, but core responsibilities that directly influence the health, safety, and quality of life of urban residents. The effectiveness of ULBs in fulfilling these functions not only builds public trust but also sets the foundation for long-term, sustainable urban growth. The footprints of local bodies, he said, are imprinted in the memory of the people through their visible and tangible service delivery. Regarding increased participation of women in governance, Birla expressed pride that in many ULBs across the country, women's representation has reached nearly 50%. He lauded this as a transformational shift, stating that women leaders bring unique sensitivity and insight to governance and public welfare. He called for more investment in training, leadership development, and policy exposure for women municipal leaders so they can take on key roles in administration and public life. Birla reminded delegates that India is the mother of democracy, where local self-governance--from Gram Sabhas to urban municipalities--has always been an intrinsic part of its cultural fabric. He said that empowering ULBs will automatically empower State Assemblies, the Lok Sabha, and other democratic institutions. When local institutions are vibrant, representative, and competent, national governance becomes more responsive and representative. He exhorted all participants to ensure effective interaction with citizens, long-term policy planning, and continuous improvement of municipal functioning. He encouraged ULBs to forecast urban demands, invest in capacity-building, and institutionalise knowledge sharing so that India's cities remain resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive. The conference, he said, is also a forum for discovering shared solutions and building a cadre of democratic leaders who are grounded in people's aspirations and equipped to shape the laws and institutions of the future. On July 4, 2025, the second day of the conference, delegates will present group reports and actionable recommendations. The valedictory session will be addressed by Hon'ble Governor of Haryana Bandaru Dattatraya, in the presence of Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh and other dignitaries. Om Birla concluded by urging ULBs to strive for excellence, integrity, and innovation. He said that with local leaders at the forefront, India's urban landscape will evolve into a network of empowered, inclusive, and future-ready cities. Through such collective efforts, India is well on its way to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. (ANI)
SpiceJet on Thursday acknowledged that some passengers are currently facing difficulties in reaching the airline's customer care helpline due to intermittent technical issues. The airline said efforts are underway to restore normal functioning as soon as possible. In an official message on X, SpiceJet stated, "We are currently experiencing intermittent issues with our SpiceJet Customer Care helpline numbers. We assure you that our relevant teams are working to resolve this as soon as possible. In the meantime, please connect with us through our official social media channels. We will be glad to assist you. Stay tuned for further updates. The inconvenience caused is regretted." Meanwhile, a minor incident occurred on board SpiceJet flight SG 1080 from Goa to Pune on Tuesday, when a cosmetic window frame became loose during the flight. The airline confirmed that the component in question was a non-structural trim piece, used primarily for shading, and did not affect the aircraft's integrity or safety. A spokesperson for SpiceJet said the incident involved a superficial frame on one of the windows of the Q400 aircraft, which became dislodged during the flight. "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," a SpiceJet spokesperson stated. 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, the airline added in its statement. (ANI)
The Election Commission of India (ECI) met representatives of various political parties at Nirvachan Sadan on Wednesday, said the Election Commission. The Commission, under the Chairmanship of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar along with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, heard the concerns, issues and queries raised by the party representatives and decoded for them, the entire Special Intensive Revision (SIR) which is well underway in Bihar and is progressing smoothly, added Election Commission statement. The political parties were - Indian National Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Samajwadi Party, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Nationalist Congress Party - Sharadchandra Pawar, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation, Communist Party of India, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackrey). ECI informed the political parties that the SIR exercise is being conducted in a planned, structured and a phased manner to facilitate the inclusion of all eligible citizens. Active participation by 1,54,977 Booth Level Agents (BLAs) appointed by the recognised political parties across the state of Bihar is also ensuring that the process is happening in a transparent manner. CEC Gyanesh Kumar exhorted all political parties to come forward and appoint even more BLAs to assist the voters in enrolment and make the process fully transparent and participative. In the first phase, from 25th June to 3rd July 2025, Enumeration Forms (EFs) are being printed and distributed to the approximately 7.90 crore electors in Bihar. Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) are making available partially pre-filled forms, based on existing records as on 23rd June 2025, through the 77,895 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) pressed into action for the exercise, and further 20,603 BLOs are being appointed. These BLOs are delivering the EFs door-to-door to all the 7.90 crore electors whose names are on the Electoral Roll as on 24.06.2025 (date of issue of SIR order). In addition, the forms are available for download on the ECI portal and the BLAs appointed by political parties may also submit up to 50 certified forms per day. In the second phase, the Enumeration Forms will be filled and are to be submitted before 25th July 2025. To support this process, volunteers are available to assist the voters alongside the BLOs. Nearly 4 lakh volunteers which include government officials, NCC cadets, NSS etc. have been deployed to make the process seamless for the voters and help the old, sick, Persons with Disabilities (PwD), poor and other vulnerable groups. Electors whose names exist in the Electoral Roll as on 1st January 2003 are only required to submit the Enumeration Form along with an extract of the roll, without the need for submitting any other documents. Those not listed in the 2003 Roll will need to submit a document (from the indicative list of 11 documents) for their date of birth/place of birth as per their birthdate as follows, individuals born before 1st July 1987, to provide a document for themselves, those born between 1st July 1987 and 2nd December 2004, to include documents for themselves and one parent, Individuals born after 2nd December 2004, to submit documents for themselves and both parents. Electors whose parents' names were on the Electoral Roll as of 01.01.2003, need not submit any additional documents relating to their parents. In the third phase of the exercise, running parallel from June 25 to 26th July 2025, the completed Enumeration Forms will be collected by the BLOs along with the self-attested documents and will also upload the data through the BLO App/ECINET on a daily basis. While collecting the forms, the BLOs will issue acknowledgement receipts to the electors. These physical forms will be submitted to the respective EROs or Assistant EROs (AEROs). (ANI) A facility for online submission of Enumeration Forms has been developed to further ease the process for electors and will be available by today evening. In the fourth phase, the Draft Electoral Roll will be published on the 1st of August 2025. The list will include all electors whose forms have been received by the deadline. Names for which no Enumeration Form has been submitted before 25th July will not appear in the Draft Roll. EROs and AEROs will scrutinize the forms against the eligibility criteria laid down in Article 326 of the Constitution, which requires electors to be Indian citizens, aged 18 or above, and ordinarily resident in the constituency. Copies of the Draft Roll will be provided to recognised political parties free of cost and uploaded on the ECI website. Electors who miss the initial deadline can still apply during the claims and objections period using Form 6, along with a declaration form. BLAs can continue to submit up to 10 forms per day even after the Draft Roll is published. The fifth phase, from 1st August to 1st September 2025, any member of the public can file claims and objections. During this time, the EROs/AEROs will scrutinise applications and objections in line with Article 326 and Sections 16 and 19 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950. The public can file claims for inclusion or raise objections to existing entries in the Draft Roll. No deletion will be made without due inquiry and providing the concerned person a fair hearing. Daily lists of claims and objections will be displayed at the ERO offices and published on the Chief Electoral Officer's website. Weekly updates will also be shared with political parties. The final ER will be prepared after disposing of claims and objections. The Final Electoral Roll will be published on the 30th September 2025. Hard and soft copies will be given free of cost to all recognised political parties and published on the ECI website. Any elector aggrieved by the decision of the ERO may appeal to the District Magistrate under Section 24(a) of the RP Act, 1950 within fifteen days of the order. A further appeal may be preferred to the Chief Electoral Officer under Section 24(b) if the elector remains dissatisfied within 30 days of the order The Election Commission urges all eligible citizens in Bihar to participate actively in this special drive to ensure that no voter is left out. (ANI)
As Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami completed four years in office, he thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that the people broke the myth of changing the government every five years. Speaking to ANI on Thursday, CM Dhami said, "There was a myth in the state that whenever elections are held in five years, the government changes and this time the people of Uttarakhand broke that myth and created a new history and formed the government of Bharatiya Janata Party under the leadership of our Prime Minister Modi and we have constantly tried in these years to take the state forward." Thanking PM Modi and the public for choosing him as the Chief Minister, he said, "I thank the Prime Minister and our leadership that a common worker like me was chosen for this responsibility about four years ago." He remembered taking over the office during the COVID-19 pandemic and said that the state government distributed aid worth Rs 1000 crore. "At that time, the effect of COVID was not completely over, and it was a very challenging time. With the inspiration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we tried to ensure that our businesses run well in the state. We gave packages to everyone at different levels, a total amount of about Rs 1000 crore was given," CM Dhami told ANI. CM Pushkar Singh Dhami has been serving as the 10th Chief Minister of Uttarakhand since 2021. He has represented the Champawat Assembly constituency in the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly since 2022 and previously from Khatima from 2012 to 2022. After he lost his seat in the 2022 elections, he was re-elected as Chief Minister by the BJP MLAs. He is the only Chief Minister of the state to have assumed a second consecutive term since its creation. (ANI)
The second batch of devotees departed from Pahalgam for the Amarnath Yatra on Friday morning. Amid the backdrop of the Pahalgam terror attack, devotees lauded the arrangements and said there is nothing to be afraid of. "I am from Noida, and we are a group of 13 people. This is my first time. I am very excited. The arrangements are very good. There is nothing to be afraid of," pilgrim Manoj Singh told ANI. Devotee Disha Chavda said that she will pray for peace in the country. Speaking to ANI, she said, "We will pray for everyone's peace and prosperity. The arrangements are excellent. I will pray for my country that there is peace everywhere. I am very excited for Baba's darshan." Meanwhile, the first batch of pilgrims chanted bhajans and performed the Aarti of Lord Shiva as they reached the Holy Amarnath Cave. The first batch had begun their trek towards the Holy Cave of Amarnath from the Baltal base camp on Thursday morning. Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje was also a part of this batch of pilgrims. Security in the whole Jammu region has been massively heightened for the 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. The Amarnath Yatra, which began on Thursday, 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 Holy Cave of Amarnath. (ANI)
The Jammu and Kashmir Police has intensified security arrangements in the Doda region as the Shri Amarnath Yatra commenced, while also reaffirming their commitment to eliminating terrorism from the area. Speaking to ANI about the security measures in place, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sandeep Mehta said that the Kishtwar district had made solid preparations for the Kishtwar-Batote route. "Kishtwar district has made solid preparations on the Kishtwar-Batote route. Four checkpoints are set up on the NH244, with the main checkpoint at Baggar. When the Amarnath Yatra crosses this point, our police party ensures that no unscrupulous elements pass through," he told ANI. SSP Mehta also visited the far-flung area of Gandoh, where he reviewed the ground-level situation and interacted with local officials and residents. "We have fully strengthened security along NH244 from Assar to Thathri and established four checkpoints as the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra has now commenced. This route is also being actively used for the Yatra movement, and all necessary measures have been put in place to ensure safety and smooth passage," said the SSP. Further, addressing the broader issue of militancy in the region, SSP Mehta emphasised the department's firm resolve to restore complete peace in Doda. "We have witnessed militancy in the past here in Doda, and we are fully committed to neutralising all terrorists present in the region. However, before achieving this, I appeal to the public to extend their full cooperation to the police and security forces. The people are our strength," he stated. Meanwhile, as part of efforts to combat drug-related crime, the Doda Police also continued their anti-narcotics campaign. "So far, we have registered 15 FIRs against individuals involved in drug peddling and related illegal activities as part of our ongoing efforts to combat the drug menace," SSP Mehta added. (ANI)
The Badrinath National Highway is blocked due to debris falling from the hillside near Nandprayag and Bhanerpani. The state is experiencing heavy rainfall, triggering debris to fall from the hill and disrupting life. The Chamoli Police informed about the incident. The National Highway near Nandprayag is a critical route for pilgrims travelling to Kedarnath, making the clearance of the road a priority. The neighbouring state of Himachal Pradesh is also facing severe conditions due to heavy rainfall and cloudbursts. Several houses have been damaged and vehicles washed away due to cloudburst and continuous heavy rainfall. A local whose house has been damaged following a cloudburst said, "Everything got washed away after a cloudburst. We are staying at our relatives' house." Earlier, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a warning of heavy rainfall across most parts of the country, citing favourable conditions for the monsoon. According to IMD scientist Naresh Kumar, two circulations have formed in Madhya Pradesh and northern Odisha, which are conducive to heavy rainfall. Alerts have been issued for central India and the western coast, indicating a high likelihood of heavy rainfall in these regions. Eastern Rajasthan is expected to experience heavy rainfall, with the IMD predicting significant downpours in the region. "A circulation has formed in Madhya Pradesh, and another circulation has formed in northern Odisha and surrounding areas. All these conditions are very favourable for the monsoon. An orange or red alert is in place for almost the entire central India and the western coast, due to which we estimate that heavy rainfall may occur in eastern Rajasthan today... Overall, we can say that the monsoon is in an active phase. Heavy rainfall will continue in most parts of India for almost the entire week," said Naresh Kumar. The IMD's warning serves as a reminder for residents in affected areas to take necessary precautions and remain vigilant. The heavy rainfall is expected to have a significant impact on various parts of the country, and the IMD's timely warning will help in minimising the risks associated with the monsoon. For Delhi, the IMD has predicted overcast skies and rain for the next couple of days, with the monsoon potentially reaching the region within the next few days. Notably, on June 29, India welcomed the monsoon, arriving eight days ahead of its expected onset date of July 8. The Southwest Monsoon has further advanced into the remaining parts of Rajasthan, western Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana, covering the entire Delhi region, according to the IMD. (ANI)
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As Amarnath Yatra began after the recent Pahalgam terror attack, Kishtwar MLA Shagun Parihar said that the administration and people have given a befitting reply to terrorists conspiring to disrupt the Yatra. Speaking to ANI on Thursday, the BJP MLA said, "Today, lakhs of devotees are going for Amarnath Yatra. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are not afraid of anyone now, and all the conspiracies of Pakistan will fail." "Our forces, Jammu and Kashmir administration and all the people of Jammu and Kashmir have given a befitting reply to the Pakistani terrorists who were conspiring to disrupt the Yatra," she added. Shagun Parihar thanked Jammu and Kashmir's Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for flagging off the Amarnath Yatra. "We thank our Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, for flagging off the Amarnath Yatra, the centre of our faith. More and more people are participating in the Yatra," she told ANI. Meanwhile, the second batch of devotees departed from Pahalgam for the Amarnath Yatra on Friday morning. Devotees lauded the arrangements and said that there is nothing to be afraid of. "I am from Noida, and we are a group of 13 people. This is my first time. I am very excited. The arrangements are very good. There is nothing to be afraid of," pilgrim Manoj Singh told ANI. Devotee Disha Chavda said that she will pray for peace in the country. Speaking to ANI, she said, "We will pray for everyone's peace and prosperity. The arrangements are excellent. I will pray for my country that there is peace everywhere. I am very excited for Baba's darshan." Security in the entire Jammu region has been massively heightened for the Amarnath Yatra, following the Pahalgam terror attack in April. 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. The Amarnath Yatra, which began on Thursday, 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 holy cave of Amarnath. (ANI)
Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Friday questioned some people in his party who had been speaking of a possible tie-up with Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder S Ramadoss in Tamil Nadu, who has been expelled from his party by his son. There has been speculation about the PMK founder seeking a tie-up with the DMK-led alliance in Tamil Nadu, of which the Congress is a part. Sharing an X post, Tagore said, "How can you want a party that stood with Modi from 2014, the beginning and still shares his ideology to be your ally? Why hurt those who stood with you through thick and thin, and continue to stand by People's Leader @RahulGandhi in every battle?" Manickam Tagore wrote. "This can't be a party decision -- it seems purely personal," the X post read. Meanwhile, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VMK) leader D. Ravikumar wrote an open letter to Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal on X, expressing concern over the speculation of the inclusion of the PMK into the alliance. Reiterating VCK's support to Congress, Ravikumar said that PMK's inclusion shows that the DMK-Congress alliance is not strong enough. "Respected @kcvenugopalmp Sir, VCK has consistently demonstrated its loyalty to the INDIA bloc at both the state and national levels. We organised a massive rally in Trichy to highlight the slogan "Save Secularism, Save Constitution." We have stood firmly with @RahulGandhi on all occasions," he wrote on X. "In this context, we are concerned about the unusual interest shown by the Tamil Nadu State Congress in attempting to woo an NDA ally into the INDIA bloc. Specifically, the move to bring PMK into the alliance in Tamil Nadu creates the impression that the DMK-led alliance is not strong enough to counter the BJP alliance. May I know if this has your approval?" the X post read. There had been no official confirmation of the Congress seeking to join hands with Ramdoss senior. However, the speculation comes at a time when the Tamil Nadu Assembly polls are scheduled in 2026. (ANI)
In a post on X, Singh wrote that the freedom fighter's life of sacrifice and resistance continued to inspire generations in pursuit of justice and self-respect.

"Tributes to the valiant freedom fighter Shri Alluri Sitaram Raju on his 128th birth anniversary. He led the Rampa Rebellion against British rule and stood fearlessly for the rights and dignity of tribal communities. His life of sacrifice and resistance continues to inspire generations in our pursuit of justice and self-respect," the post read.

The Defence Minister will also pay a visit to Hyderabad on Friday to attend the anniversary celebrations of the freedom fighter.

Alluri Sitaram Raju, a prominent leader from the south, in India's struggle for freedom, is known for his role in the rebellion against British rule.

Influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's ideas, Raju strongly believed that the British could only be overthrown through force and resistance.

The fighter's primary focus resisted the imposed Forest Acts, which curtailed the access of the tribals to lands and forests.

Raju was the leader of the popular Rampa Rebellion against the British. The Rampa Rebellion was a revolt of tribal communities against the enforcement of Madras Forest Act, 1882. The Act restricted rights of tribal people on the use of forest resources and the practice of shifting cultivation.

A leader of the tribal people against the British, the freedom fighter was also hailed as the country's Robin Hood for engaging in guerrilla warfare against the forces.

Raju was, however, subjected to brutal torture by the British at the age of 27 on May 7, 1924.

Remembered as 'Manyam Veerudu' -- Hero of the Jungle, the fighter today is known for his courage, resistance and patriotism.

His leadership in the Tribal uprising against the British inspired several leaders and movements. (ANI)
West Bengal Police on Friday brought the arrested accused in the Kolkata gangrape case to South Calcutta Law College for the reconstruction of the crime scene. Earlier, the Kolkata High Court sought a response from the West Bengal Government on three Public Interest Litigations (PILs) regarding the alleged gangrape at the South Calcutta Law College in the Kasba area. The Court also questioned why the governing body of the college was not included in the case. On July 2, Kolkata Police stated that the Detective Department of the police force would take over the investigation in the alleged gang rape case. This comes after a student was allegedly gangraped 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, Kolkata Police said that the three main accused in the case were arrested in less than 12 hours. Earlier, BJP''s 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. He further alleged that there was an attempt to "tamper" with the First Information Report (FIR) 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. 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 said. The Alipore court had 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)
Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Mayor Sulochana Das on Friday stated that workers on protest would resume work tomorrow, further stating that new CCTV cameras would be installed and internal security would be strengthened. The BMC staff has been on a protest against the assault of BMC Additional Commissioner Ratnakar Sahoo. "The workers had gone on strike, but they will work normally from tomorrow...CP has assured us of proper security. We will also have our internal security in place...New CCTVs are being installed...internal security is being strengthened," Das told ANI. She further thanked the Odisha Police for arresting the culprit. "I would like to thank the people of Odisha for their support to Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC)...I am grateful to Odisha Police, especially the Commissionerate Police, that despite immense pressure they arrested the culprit. People are feeling unsafe today, but that should not happen. People should feel safe and their trust in the Constitution should remain intact...Police are doing their work, and we believe they will arrest all those who are involved. They will set an example for everyone so that nobody would dare to enter a public office and assault someone," she further added. Earlier, Odisha Congress-in-charge Ajay Kumar Lallu criticised the assault and stated that Odisha was turning into "Jungle Raj." He blamed the BJP, which is also the ruling party in Odisha, for the protest by the IAS fraternity, which has brought everything to a standstill. He said, "Officers are not safe in Odisha. A municipal officer was dragged, kicked, and hit with shoes. It is clear who is responsible for this. All the IAS officers are protesting, and everything is at a standstill. In the state, where a conflict exists between the party and the government, where public interest and sentiments are not respected, such a place has turned into Jungle Raj." Earlier, BJP leader Jagannath Pradhan surrendered at the DCP office in Bhubaneswar and was subsequently arrested by the police. The Bharatiya Janata Party's Odisha unit has suspended five of its members over their alleged involvement in the violence at the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) office, where Additional Commissioner Ratnakar Sahoo was assaulted on Monday. Odisha BJP's media cell said that the party's state unit chief Manmohan Samal has suspended five leaders - Corporator Aparup Narayan Raut, Rashmi Ranjan Mohapatra, Debashish Pradhan, Sachikanth Swain and Sanjeev Mishra, from the primary membership of the BJP based on allegations related to the violence at the BMC office. Apart from this, BMC has strongly condemned the assault on its Additional Commissioner Ratnakar Sahoo by a group of individuals. (ANI)
Minister for Ports and Cooperation and Minister for Devaswoms from the Left Democratic Front (LDF), V.N. Vasavan called the Kottayam Medical College building collapse an 'unfortunate' incident and informed that an amount of fifty thousand will be given to the affected family immediately by the Kerala government. He said, "CM visited the spot yesterday itself. Rs 50,000 will be given as immediate help to the family. The State Cabinet will discuss and decide on financial help to the family. Kottayam Medical College is one of the best-performing hospitals in India. The incident is unfortunate." He further clarified that there was no lapse from the government side and added, "Did not ask to stop rescue operation, it was for making way to let the Hitachi excavator enter. Rescue was only possible with the help of a machine." "The health minister said yesterday that nobody was stuck there because the hospital superintendent told the minister that the building was not in use," he further said. Shifting the blame on the previous government of the United Democratic Front (UDF), he said, "In 2013, the PWD (Public Works Department) submitted a report about the condition of the building. Then the UDF government did not act on it." Vasvan praised his party and also stated that if the UDF government had acted promptly, this incident would have been avoided. He also informed that the LDF government was using funds from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) for the new building construction. "After the LDF government came into power in 2016, a new building was completed using funds from KIIFB. If the then UDF government had acted on time, the building construction could have been completed earlier", he added. A building block of the Government Medical College Hospital in Kerala's Kottayam collapsed on Thursday. In the collapse, one person died and several were injured. (ANI)
Delhi minister Kapil Mishra on Friday hailed the inauguration of the Chief Minister's 'Jan Sewa Sadan' and stated that its cost is less than "the cost of curtains in Arvind Kejriwal's Sheesh Mahal." Kapil Mishra mentioned that the 'Jan Sewa Sadan' is opened for the cameras and media persons to see the arrangements made for the common people. The Delhi Minister informed that the tender for the 'Jan Sewa Sadan' is "public", unlike the "Sheesh Mahal's tender document". "The Chief Minister's 'Jan Sewa Sadan' has been inaugurated today. Today is the first day. It is open for the media and cameras to see all the arrangements made for the common people. After 11 years, the CM's residence or office has been opened for the people... The whole 'Jan Sewa Sadan' has been built at a cost which is less than the cost of curtains in Arvind Kejriwal's Sheesh Mahal... Its tender document is also public, unlike the Sheesh Mahal's tender document... All the grievances of the people of Delhi will be heard and recorded here", Kapil Mishra told ANI. Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday inaugurated the CM's 'Jan Seva Sadan' in New Delhi. On the occasion, havan was performed at the CM camp office during which her husband Manish Gupta and son Nikunj were present. On July 2, the Public Works Department (PWD) issued a tender worth Rs 60 lakh for the renovation of Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's official residence. The renovation work is focused on Bungalow Number 1, where the Chief Minister will be residing. A second bungalow, Bungalow Number 2, has also been allotted to her, which will be used as a camp office. According to the tender, the renovation is mainly related to electrical and interior fittings. The bungalow will be equipped with five televisions at a cost of Rs 9.3 lakh and fourteen air conditioners worth Rs 7.7 lakh. The plan also includes installing fourteen CCTV cameras for Rs 5.74 lakh and a UPS system for Rs 2 lakh to ensure a continuous power supply. (ANI)
Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Rohit Pawar on Friday expressed concern over the prevailing law and order situation in Maharashtra in the aftermath of Pune rape case. The NCP-SCP leader also took aim at the police officials for failing to nab the accused. "... Look at the guy's guts, he took a selfie with the girl's phone with a message that 'I'll be back'. The police have his photo, yet they are not able to nab him..." Pawar told ANI. He further urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who is in Pune for a two-day State visit, to pay attention to the law and order of the State. "I request the Home Minister, who is coming to Pune, to give attention to the law and order of the State," Pawar said. A 22-year-old woman was allegedly raped inside her flat by a man posing as a courier agent in the Kondhwa area of Pune city, said an official on Thursday. According to a senior police official, the incident took place around 7.30 pm on Wednesday evening, under the jurisdiction of the Kondhwa Police Station. Speaking to ANI, Zone 5 Pune City DCP Rajkumar Shinde said, "Under the jurisdiction of Kondhwa Police Station of Pune City, an offence under the BNS sections 64, 77, and 351(2) has been registered. Yesterday, around 7:30 pm, a delivery boy with a bank envelope entered the flat of a 22-year-old woman. "When she went inside her home to get the pin for the courier, he closed the door (and raped her)... A total of 10 teams, five of the crime branch and five zonal teams, are working on the case... The woman had been unconscious since 7:30 pm. Forensic experts were called on the spot to check (if something had been sprayed on her). A selfie was found in the woman's phone. We are analysing it," he further said. An offence has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 64, 77and 351(2) at Kondhwa Police station. As per preliminary investigations, the accused entered the woman's flat under the pretext of delivering a bank envelope. The woman lost consciousness during the assault and remained unconscious for several hours. Authorities are examining whether the attacker sprayed any chemical on her. After this incident, the accused allegedly took a selfie on the woman's phone and wrote that he will come back again. Soon after the incident, forensic experts arrived at the scene and began investigating the crime. The Pune Police have formed 10 teams, five from the Crime Branch and five from the local zone, to trace and apprehend the accused. Police are analysing the CCTV footage and digital footprint of the accused and making a sketch to nab the accused. Further investigation is still ongoing. (ANI)
Following the completion of four years as the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami said that in the past four years, he has faced many challenges, but with the "grace of god", every time it became an "opportunity" for him. Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the 'Northern Region Ministers Conference on Civil Aviation' in Dehradun. He was accompanied by Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu. "Today is a special day for me too because exactly four years ago, my party entrusted me with the responsibility of the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand. In these four years, with the inspiration and guidance of the Prime Minister, we faced many challenges and every time, with the grace of God, those challenges became opportunities for us", CM Dhami said. Meanwhile, he stated that his government imbibed the "basic mantra" of 'sabka saath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwas and sabka prayaas' and has constantly tried to take the "self-respect" of Uttarakhand to new heights. "As Ram Mohan ji used to say, 'sabka saath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwas and sabka prayaas', by imbibing this basic mantra, we have constantly tried to take the self-respect of Uttarakhand to new heights", Pushkar Singh Dhami said. The Uttarakhand CM also hailed Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu's "visionary leadership" under whom the Indian civil aviation sector has touched "new heights". CM Dhami thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu for allowing hosting Northern Region Ministers Conference on Civil Aviation in Uttarakhand and stated that it was like a "celebration" for his government. "It is a matter of great joy for us that we have got the opportunity to host the conference of Civil Aviation Ministers of North India. It is like a celebration for us because so many service providers are here and Minister of Government of India Ram Mohan Naidu ji is presiding over it today. I express my gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister Ram Mohan Naidu ji. Under their visionary leadership, today this sector is not only touching unprecedented heights but is also becoming easy and accessible for the common citizens", CM Dhami said. The Uttarakhand CM stressed on the recent helicopter accidents in the state during the Char Dham Yatra and mentioned that the helicopter services will resume in the month of September. He asserted that the government is working on a "more secure" Standard Operating Procedures model. CM Dhami mentioned that his government has ensured the safety of the passengers and every helicopter service should be operated by following the guidelines. "Recently, some unfortunate incidents came to light during the Chardham Yatra... When helicopter services are restarted in September, we will work with more secure Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)... We have also ensured that there is no compromise with the safety of the passengers. All helicopter services should operate within the prescribed guidelines... I request the helicopter operators in Uttarakhand to provide special training to their pilots for flying in Uttarakhand", CM Dhami said. (ANI)
The Chhattisgarh Government is celebrating Water Conservation Week under the 'More Village More Water Campaign' from 30 June to 7 July. Nayantara Singh Tomar, Chief Executive Officer of District Panchayat Balrampur, shared information about the water conservation campaign with ANI. Ministry of Jal Shakti had launched the Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA) in the year 2019 in 1,592 blocks out of 2,836 blocks in 256 water-stressed districts of the country. In 2021, "Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain" (JSA: CTR) with the theme "Catch the Rain - Where it Falls When it Falls" was launched by Hon'ble Prime Minister subsuming Catch the Rain (CTR) campaign to cover all the blocks of all districts (rural as well as urban areas) across the country. JSA: CTR has become an annual feature since 2021. C R Paatil, Minister, Jal Shakti, launched Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain - 2025 with the theme "Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari - Jan Jagrukta Ki Or" on 22nd March 2025, World Water Day. It has been implemented from 22.03.2025 to 30.11.2025, emphasising deeper grassroots engagement, inter-sectoral convergence and innovative financing mechanisms with special focus on 148 districts identified by CGWB. Five focused interventions, like in the previous years, include (i) water conservation and rainwater harvesting; (ii) enumerating, geo-tagging & making inventory of all water bodies; preparation of scientific plans for water conservation based on it; (iii) setting up of Jal Shakti Kendras in all districts; (iv) Intensive afforestation; and (v) awareness generation. "Khandwa is the district that has done the best work in water conservation across the entire country. The Ministry of Jal Shakti of the Government of India has recognised it... Awareness about water has also increased throughout the state..." Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav had said on the Jal Ganga Conservation Campaign on June 30. (ANI)
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Manipur Police have strengthened security measures ahead of the farming season. This measure aims to prevent any untoward incidents and ensure the safety of farmers, Manipur Police said in a statement. On June 28, a Combined Headquarters (CHQ) meeting was held at Phubala, Bishnupur District of the State. "A Combined Headquarters (CHQ) meeting chaired by the Security Advisor, along with the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Manipur, was held on 28th June 2025 with the participation of all security forces," a statement released by the Manipur Police on Thursday said. The meeting was held to review the security arrangements related to farming and enhance co-ordination, and to prevent similar incidents which happened at Bishnupur District, the release said Manipur Police personnel are deployed in vulnerable farming areas on both the hill and valley sides, assisting the Central Security Forces in providing security to the farming areas and activities. "Redeployment of Central Security Forces has been done in the vicinity of Phubala area to strengthen the security arrangements," the Manipur Police said. Following this, "enhanced security protocols" have been issued to all District Superintendents of Police (SSP) for immediate implementation. Joint combing operations are being conducted regularly on fringe areas, including deep areas inside the hills, to flush out any miscreants. Additionally, according to the recent update from the Manipur Police, security forces continue to conduct search operations and area domination in the fringe and vulnerable areas across districts. During these operations, a pistol and ammunition from Wangoo Naodakhong area under Kumbi-PS, Bishnupur district were recovered, as stated on the official X handle of Manipur Police. In another recent operation, the police arrested one individual from the Bamon Kampu Makha Leikai area under Irilbung-PS, Imphal East district, namely, Thokchom Rajesh Meitei (41) of Bamon Kampu Mayai Leikai, Imphal East. His possessions include -- AK rifle, live ammunition, 32 pistol, along with 01 (one) magazine. (ANI).
The Water Resources Department of the Odisha government has said that the flood situation in the state is currently under control, with water levels of several rivers receding. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Sagar Mohanty, the Engineer In Chief, Procurement in Water Resources Department of the Odisha government, said, "Currently, the flood situation in Odisha is under control. Almost all the rivers are receding, including Subarnarekha, Budhabalanga, and Jalaka. The flood levels are currently below the danger level... The water that has entered the locality is also receding, and the river is falling..." For today, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall in the districts of Sundergarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, and Baragarh. A yellow alert, or "watch," has been issued for the districts of Nuaparha, Balangir, Subarnapur, Baula, Kandhamal, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, and Nabarangpur. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Thursday that the state has already received 29 per cent of the excess rainfall. "In the last 24 hours, there was widespread rainfall activity over the state, with five places recording very heavy rainfall, and seven places recorded heavy rainfall activity. Till today, 305.8 mm rainfall has occurred across the state... There is 29% excess rainfall already," said Manorama Mohanty, Director, IMD Bhubaneswar. She added, "An upward cyclone circulation lies over North Odisha and the adjoining area of West Bengal... Odisha is likely to experience good rainfall activity, with heavy to very heavy rainfall expected over the state. Over the next 24 hours, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to occur at isolated places in the districts of Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh and Sambalpur... Widespread rainfall activity is very likely over the next 24 hours..." On June 30, Odisha Minister of Rural Development Rabi Narayan Naik had said, "... Districts like Balasore & Mayurbhanj have been affected more, and the Odisha government has announced the closure of all the schools in these areas because of the amount of rain these areas are receiving..." (ANI)
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Friday took a jibe at the Bihar government for appointing principals to five colleges in Patna University via a draw of lots. She alleged that the principals have not been appointed based on their expertise in a subject. Sharing an X post, Mayawati wrote, "The issue of appointing principals through a new 'lottery' system in five prestigious colleges of the renowned Patna University in Bihar has become quite interesting, garnering significant attention across the country, especially in the media and education sectors. Breaking away from established traditions, the peculiar system of appointments through a 'lottery' has led to Professor Anil Kumar, a chemistry professor, being appointed as the principal of Patna College, established in 1863 and dedicated to arts subjects." Citing cases, she alleged that Dr Suheli Mehta, from the arts faculty, was appointed principal of a commerce college, while a male principal has been appointed for Magadh Mahila College. "Meanwhile, Professor Alka Yadav, the principal of home science at Bihar University, has been appointed as the new principal of the prestigious Patna Science College, known for advanced science education. Not only that, but a similar appointment has also taken place at the Commerce College," she wrote in the X post. "For the first time, Dr. Suheli Mehta, a female professor from the arts faculty, has been appointed as principal, even though her subject is not taught at this college. Additionally, in the realm of women's education, the renowned Magadh Mahila College has received a male principal for only the second time in its long history. Professor N.P. Verma will be the new principal here, while Professor Yogendra Kumar Verma's lottery resulted in his appointment as the principal of Patna Law College," the X post further read. Hitting out at the Bihar government, Mayawati asked if the lottery system would be adopted in other BJP-ruled states as well. She wrote, "This has sparked curiosity among people about whether the Bihar government and its chancellor, in the name of 'transparency and neutrality,' will justify such lottery-based principal appointments and whether this system will be implemented in other BJP-ruled states as well." She called it an attempt to hide the failure to appoint principals with transparency and neutrality. "In reality, resorting to such a risky experiment to hide the failure to appoint principals for such important college positions with complete transparency, neutrality, and honesty seems, in the eyes of the public, more like an attempt to undermine rather than improve the higher education system. Similarly, if this tradition is adopted and non-experts are appointed in advanced and specialised institutions like medical colleges, IITs, and space science in the future, it would not be surprising," she added. She further asked the Centre to take action against the move. "However, our party believes that such arbitrary and distorted experiments should not be conducted in any specialised field. Before this disease becomes severe and spreads further, it is hoped that the central government will take appropriate and prompt action in the interest of the public and the nation," the X post read. (ANI)
The water level of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers rose rapidly in Prayagraj, increasing the risk of floods in low-lying areas. The administration has declared an alert and has completed all the necessary preparations. The Prayagraj district administration declared an alert, warning that areas near the ghats and riverbanks were at risk of submergence. The rising water level posed a potential flood threat to nearby communities. While speaking to ANI, District Magistrate Ravindra Mandar confirmed that detailed preparations were completed to manage any emergency. "A detailed review has been done. 88 flood chowkis have been built, and 47 villages have been identified as sensitive," he said. The administration deployed National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams, and conducted training for ground personnel. "Traditionally, we have deployed our teams where there are inundated areas. We have also deployed teams from NDRF and SDRF, and detailed training has been conducted; mock drills have been completed for all our revenue and other stakeholder departments," the DM told ANI. "We are fully prepared so that there will be no loss of lives. Also, the refugee shelters that will be activated. Directions were given to all SDMs... We are cautious that there should be no disturbance during the flood," Mandar further added. Authorities have begun monitoring vulnerable locations around the clock and have asked residents in flood-prone areas to remain alert and be prepared to evacuate if necessary. The situation was closely monitored by the administration. Meanwhile, the monsoon has arrived in India eight days ahead of schedule, and moderate to heavy rainfall is being experienced in many parts. Due to the increase in water levels in rivers, waterlogging is being observed in several low-lying areas, prompting authorities to take notice. In Uttarakhand's Rishikesh, the water level of the Ganga River is rising, and teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local police have issued appeals to the public to stay in safe areas, as continuous rainfall has led to an increase in the river's water levels. In Rishikesh, the Ganga river is currently flowing just below the warning mark of 1.38 cm, following heavy rainfall. Following this situation, rescue teams have been placed on alert. The administration is continuously patrolling the sensitive areas in Rishikesh, including Muni Ki Reti and Laxman Jhula. Officials are regularly monitoring the situation and advising people to remain cautious. (ANI)
The Punjab and Haryana High Court will hear the bail application of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia on July 8, in connection with an alleged drug case. According to the Prosecutor, the bail application that was submitted on Thursday contained certain errors, following which the court directed that the application be filed again. On Wednesday, tensions escalated in Punjab after 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. 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. (ANI)
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday participated in the Havan performed at the inauguration of the camp office. The CM's husband Manish Gupta, son Nikunj Gupta, Ministers Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Manoj Tiwari and Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena were also present. LG Saxena extended his best wishes to CM Gupta, and further stated that the problems of the people would be solved from the CM's residence. "I want to extend my best wishes to the Delhi CM... This shows her seriousness towards the people and their problems... In the coming times, the problems and sufferings of the people of Delhi will be solved from the CM's residence..." Saxena said speaking to the media. Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated that the Janseva Kendra had been built for the common people. "The previous Chief Ministers used to build 'Sheeshmahals' and did not allow people to enter their residence, but our Chief Minister has inaugurated the 'Janseva Kendra'. This Chief Minister's Janseva Kendra has been built to enable common people to visit the Chief Minister's residence..." Sirsa told ANI. BJP MP Manoj Tiwari also thanked the CM for establishing the Janseva Sadan. "I would like to thank Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta again and again that the Chief Minister's residence will now be known as 'Janseva Sadan'... There was a 'Sheeshmahal' where any camera was forbidden (during the AAP government in Delhi), and here we have turned the residence into a 'Janseva Sadan'," Tiwari told ANI. Earlier on July 3, CM Rekha Gupta alleged that the previous government had showed no interest in plantation drives or the national capital's environment and tree plantation was never a priority as she launched the Van Mahotsav 2025, a city-wide tree plantation drive under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Delhi CM also criticised the previous Aam Aadmi Party-led government for not showing sufficient concern for the city's environment. (ANI)
The Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain the plea of HDFC Bank CEO and MD Sashidhar Jagdishan seeking quashing of FIR lodged against him for cheating and fraud by Lilavati Kirtilal Mehta Medical Trust, as it noted that the Bombay High Court is scheduled to hear his plea on July 14. A bench of Justices PS Narasimha and R Mahadevan said that it hopes and trusts that the matter will be taken up on July 14 for hearing. It further observed that it was improper on the part of the Supreme Court to intervene when Jagdishan''s petition was listed before the Bombay High Court on July 14. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, for Jagdishan, pressed for interim protection at least until July 14, saying the FIR was frivolous and that the bank had been roped into a private dispute between the trustees. "We sympathise, the case was initially listed for hearing on June 18, June 20... We hope and trust that the matter will be taken up on July 14," said the bench. HDFC Bank CEO and MD Sashidhar Jagdishan on Thursday approached the apex court against the FIR lodged against him According to the complaint filed by the Trust, which owns and manages the famous Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai, Jagdishan allegedly accepted a bribe of Rs 2.05 crore in exchange for providing financial advice to help the Chetan Mehta Group retain illegal and undue control over the Trust''s governance. It further accused Jagdishan of misusing his position as the head of a leading private bank to interfere in the internal affairs of a charitable organisation. Based on an application moved by the Trust, the FIR against Jagdishan was registered at the Bandra police station following an order by a Bandra Magistrate Court under Section 175(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Jagdishan was booked under charges of cheating, criminal breach of trust, and criminal breach of trust by a public servant. (ANI)
Samajwadi Party leaders hit back at Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak on Friday, amid the row over the government's directive to display the names of the shops along the Kanwar yatra routes. Dy CM Pathak had alleged that SP MLA Ravidas Mehrotra compared Kanwar pilgrims to terrorists, to which Mehrotra replied that the Dy CM was lying. "UP Deputy Chief Minister lies. Nowhere did we say anything about Kanwar Yatris but about the BJP government," he told ANI. He added, "He (Brajesh Pathak) is also the Health Minister, but he never speaks about medicines, treatment and check-ups in hospitals. Today, people are dying due to a lack of medicines, treatment and check-ups." Launching an attack against the BJP government, Mehrotra reiterated his remark 'no difference between the BJP government and terrorists' and said how terrorists in Pahalgam asked people about their religion before shooting them; similarly, the BJP government is also asking about the shopkeepers' religion and caste. "There's no difference between the BJP government and terrorists. Like how in Pahalgam, terrorists asked about religion and killed 26 people, similarly, by asking about caste and religion, the BJP is attacking, committing atrocities and injustice," Mehrotra said. MLA Mehrotra added, "I want to ask BJP members, what is terrorism? If someone is checked after removing their pants, this is also terrorism. If a Dalit is urinated in their mouth, this is also terrorism. Atrocities against Dalits, women, and if the backwards class is not allowed to put up a shop and asked about their religion, this is also terrorism." He alleged that BJP workers are conducting checks on the Kanwar Yatra route, and they forced a shopkeeper to remove his pants. "If Kanwar Yatris ask a shopkeeper, I don't object. But the BJP govt issued a Tughlaqi order to put up a name plate, the shopkeeper's caste and then, if the administration and police check, it's still fine, but their party members are conducting checks, and police arrested five people in Muzaffarnagar who were committing acts of terror," he said. Samajwadi Party leader Awadhesh Prasad called Pathak's statement baseless. Prasad said, "Dy CM's statement is baseless and shows his narrow mindset. CM Yogi has issued an order to display nameplates. This will divide the society. Such a decision was never issued when we were in power. This is everyone's nation. Everyone fought for the nation's independence together." Earlier, defending the move, Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak, told ANI, "The Samajwadi Party leaders are constantly making rubbish statements on Kanwar Yatra. They are comparing Kanwar Yatra devotees with the terrorists. It is highly condemnable. Samajwadi Party wants to implement Sharia law and do appeasement politics in UP. We are determined to organise a systematic and safe Kanwar Yatra in UP. It is the right of every buyer to know from whom they are buying things. Every seller must display their name." (ANI)
BioDlink convenes a peer advisory event bringing together biotech CEOs, MNC leaders and researchers to discuss innovation and collaboration strategies

Integrated one-stop technology platform helps innovative biotech companies launch life-saving therapies with greater speed, scale, and efficiency

SUZHOU, China, July 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BioDlink, a leading global CDMO, hosted its 2025 Peer Advisory Board on June 26, 2025, spotlighting China's dynamic clinical trial and CDMO landscape as a global springboard for biotech innovation. This event, themed "Advancing Innovative Drugs Together Worldwide," BioDlink, alongside partners BioPlus, Cobetter, NanoMicro Technology, and Hengyu Biotech, convened top biotech CEOs, MNC executives, research leaders and investment management to discuss how innovative biotech companies could leverage China's rapidly evolving clinical trial and CDMO ecosystem.

Dr. Jun Liu, CEO and Executive Director of BioDlink, noted that China's biopharmaceutical industry is accelerating its transition to contribute globally and called on innovative biotech, CDMOs and international partners to strengthen innovation and cross-border collaboration. "Going global doesn't mean going it alone," he said. "Biotech innovators are strong in taking ideas from zero to one, while we're excels at scaling from one to ten. By leveraging our one-base, end-to-end antibody drugs and bioconjugates CDMO platform, we aim to combine strengths  enabling new therapies to reach patients faster, more efficiently, and at scale."

Backed by 15 years of operational excellence, BioDlink combines advanced biologics development and manufacturing capabilities with a synergistic industrial ecosystem. Dr. Jun Liu notes that competitive edge stems from its one-base, end-to-end streamlined platform for antibody drugs and bioconjugates focused on three core customer needs: quality, speed, and cost efficiency. "Going global is a race against time," said Dr. Jun Liu. "Our clients don't just need high quality and fast delivery  they need a partner who can achieve quality, speed, and cost-efficiency all at once. That's where A truly makes a difference  by solving the real-world complexities of globalization." He added, "The foundation of our global journey lies in building international talent and forging strong global partnerships."

Building on a strong foundation of strict quality systems and CMC compliance, while leveraging China's efficient R&D environment and favorable regulatory dynamics, BioDlink enables biotech companies to fast-track clinical programs, optimize development budgets, and undertake global regulatory filings while complying with global quality standards.

Professor Jifang Gong, Deputy Director of Phase I Clinical Ward at Peking University Cancer Hospital, provided a recap of ASCO clinical advances for gastrointestinal tumors and the potential impact on global solid tumor treatment. As China's clinical capabilities, policy support, and R&D efficiency advance, the resolution of unmet global clinical needs is accelerated, with wider international attention for local research achievements.

To facilitate better understanding to advance global biotech ecosystems, Dr. Zhi Yi Xie, Vice President of Global Clinical Research and Development for Asia-Pacific at BioNTech, shared insights on the state of play and clinical development strategies for bispecific antibodies and ADCs.

Debating the future: Antibodies vs. ADCs and the billion-dollar question

Two teams of industry leaders representing antibodies and ADCs engaged in a debate around two major topics: "How to attract global principal investigators to undertake clinical trials?" and "How to win billion-dollar cooperations with MNCs?"

What emerged was not a winner, but a consensus: the next wave lies in convergence. Looking at the latest industry developments, the convergence of traditional antibody therapies and ADCs is emerging as a key direction for addressing unmet clinical needs. Through precise delivery mechanisms, such convergence offers patients more effective treatment options.

A globalization playbook

In a strategy roundtable, participants exchanged insights on ADC, TCE, and dual/multi-antibody project initiation strategies, innovative drug development target selection best practices, U.S. clinical trial navigation tips, how to evaluate overseas clinical CROs as well as the latest CMC and quality management client requirements.

This discussion eventually coalesced around four key pillars for biotech globalization:

Design globally from day one: Align development with international unmet needs.

Clinical development: Differentiated clinical designs offer a global competitive edge.

Secure quality through CMC: Build an independent and globally compliant supply chain.

Ecosystem collaboration: Build alliances with CDMOs and other ecosystem partners.

In addition, BioDlink partners indicated that ongoing collaboration is built upon a shared emphasis on quality, speed, and innovation to meet client needs amid constant technology advances and regulatory updates.

This event also marked the official launch of BioDlink's English-language brand with Bio-representing biopharma excellence in large molecules, empowering global health, D-representing drug-driven and innovation-focused, specializing in ADC/XDC development and manufacturing; and honoring its legacy with capitalized first letter of "Dongyao" , and link representing precise biconjugation and linker technology to connect the world to a BioDlink-centric ecosystem.

This new identity underscores the company's core specializations in large molecules, including monoclonals, bispecifics, ADCs, and XDCs, as well as its commitment to innovation, adherence to compliance and quality standards, industry connectivity, and ecosystem co-creation.

Looking forward, BioDlink aims to be a strategic partner of choice for biotech startups and pharmaceutical innovators worldwide  a conduit for translating innovative research into global therapeutic impact.

About BioDlink Biopharm Co., Ltd.

BioDlink was established in 2010, and has a large-scale commercial GMP production base for biological drugs, a total manufacturing capacity exceeding 20,000 liters. Guided by its "Empowering Innovation with Quality to Grow Together" mission, BioDlink is dedicated to advancing global healthcare through excellence in biosimilars.

The company has built integrated platforms for biosimilars and bioconjugates, offering process development, scale-up, and quality analytics solutions. Its scalable manufacturing lines include top-tier OEB-5 facilities for high-potency ADCs, with commercial antibody production already underway.

BioDlink's quality management system complies with regulatory requirements in China, the U.S., the EU, and Japan. In addition, the company has already passed nearly 100 GMP audits, including a zero-defect EU QP audit, with its quality systems earning worldwide recognition.

Contact information

PR name: Fiona Wu

E-mail: [email protected]

SOURCE BioDlink Biopharm Co., Ltd.
Air India on Friday denied allegations of coercing families of victims of the AI-171 accident into signing documents about their financial dependency on the deceased to reduce compensation payouts. In a detailed statement, the airline called the claims "unsubstantiated and inaccurate." The controversy surfaced following reports that some of the bereaved families were being compelled to disclose financial ties to their deceased loved ones--allegedly as a prerequisite for receiving compensation. However, the airlines clarified that the request for such information was a part of a standard process to ensure that interim compensation reached the rightful beneficiaries promptly. In an official statement, the airlines stated, "It has come to our notice that allegations have been made against the company claiming that families of the deceased in the AI-171 accident are being forced to sign papers disclosing their financial dependency on the deceased, in an attempt to slash compensation payments." "Efforts are being made by the airlines to process the payment of the interim compensation (also referred to as advance compensation) as soon as possible, to meet the immediate financial needs of affected family members, with the first payments having been made within days of the accident. However, Air India cannot process these payments in an information vacuum," it added. "To facilitate payments, the airlines have sought basic information to establish family relationships to ensure that the advance payments are received by those entitled to them. Whilst the questionnaire does ask family members to indicate with a "yes" or "no" as to whether they are "financially dependent" on the deceased, the airline believes that the process is entirely fair and necessary in order to process the payments to those most in need of assistance. Starting June 15, a Facilitation Centre was established by the airline at the Taj Skyline hotel in Ahmedabad, where the questionnaire relating to interim compensation was made available," it said. "In addition, families were sent communications informing them that the questionnaire was also available over e-mail, if families did not wish to visit the Centre. Air India staff present at the Centre explained the elements of the questionnaire to family members. There is no requirement for family members to complete the questionnaire at the Centre, and several families have chosen to complete the questionnaire at their convenience and submit it over e-mail. Families who chose to complete the questionnaire at the Centre were provided with copies of their submissions at their request, " the airline further said. The airlines further stated that families of the victims, in addition to raising questions to the staff of the airlines, were also free to seek any legal advice if needed. Furthermore, the airlines had mentioned that the forms being filled by the bereaved families at the hospitals or morgues were completely unconnected with the compensation. However, some forms have also been filled out for official records. "No visits have been made by the airlines to the residences of the families solely to fill up the questionnaires connected to the interim compensation or for any other purposes. Additionally, an interim compensation has been disbursed to the 47 families so far, and the airline also remains in active dialogue to expedite the release of funds to the rest of the bereaved families. The documents relating to the rest 55 individuals have also been verified, and interim compensation is being released progressively to their families. We continue to be in dialogue with other families of the passengers and those deceased at the accident site, or their authorised representatives, to release the compensation at the earliest. As a part of the Tata Group, the airline upholds core values of integrity and responsibility and remains committed to serving the community, especially during challenging times," Air India said. "In addition to any compensation that will be provided by Air India, the Tata Group has announced a voluntary ex-gratia payment of Rs 1 crore or approximately GBP 85,000 to the families of each of the deceased. A trust with a corpus of around Rs 500 crore or approximately GBP 43 million is being set up to manage and disburse this ex-gratia amount and provide long-term assistance to the families. These families will forever be part of the Tata family. All these efforts are voluntary and in addition to any compensation payable by Air India under law," the airline said. Additionally, Air India has also urged the public to be cautious of any misinformation and avoid the misinterpretation of facts. (ANI)
AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal, and Telangana Congress in-charge Meenakshi Natarajan arrived at Telangana Congress headquarters at Gandhi Bhavan in Hyderabad to pay floral tributes to former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K. Rosiah and participate in a PAC meeting. Police personnel were deployed at the Telangana Congress office at Gandhi Bhavan in Hyderabad. Former CM of unified Andhra Pradesh and former governor of Tamil Nadu, Konijeti Rosiah (K Rosiah), had passed away on December 4, 2021. He was the 15th Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh from 2009 to 2010, and he had served as the Governor of Tamil Nadu from 2011 to 2016, during which K. Rosiah had also served as the Governor of Karnataka (additional charge) for a few months. He was elected as an MLC, MLA and MP from the Indian National Congress numerous times and handled numerous ministerial posts over his political career spanning over half a century. He retired from active politics after completing his five-year term as Governor of Tamil Nadu. In his tribute to the former CM, CM Revanth Reddy said in a post on X, "Former Chief Minister of united Andhra Pradesh... A Gandhian, who lived with Congress ideology as his way of life, the late Konijeti Rosaiah's statue was unveiled by me in Lakdikapool... along with AICC President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge. In this program... Deputy CM Shri Bhatti Vikramarka, other fellow ministers, and party leaders participated." Speaking about the PAC meeting, Congress leader Madhu Goud Yaskhi said on June 24, "New Public Affairs Advisory Committee has been appointed and a new Vice President, General Secretary of Telangana Congress has been appointed... Looking ahead to local body elections, we must focus on strengthening the party organisation to take on these challenges. The party is currently in a strong position, and this is the right time to consolidate that strength... It has been 18 months since we came to power, but unfortunately, we haven't been able to return to power in some places. Now it is time for the state in charge to focus on key issues such as the caste census, party organisation and strategic planning, to ensure a comeback in the next elections." (ANI)
Delhi Police have filed a charge sheet against the husband, in-laws, sister in law and two other relatives of a woman who was killed in London in November 2024. The Chargesheet has been filed under sections related to cruelty, dowry death and criminal breach of trust. A cruelty case was registered at the Palam Village police station. London police are investigating the murder case. The deceased was allegedly murdered by her husband in London on 14 November, 2024. Her body was found in the boot of the car parked in a parking space. Thereafter, the husband fled from the UK. He is absconding and has been declared a proclaimed offender on May 1. Earlier, a Look Out Circular (LOC) was issued against the husband. The Dwarka court took the charge sheet on record on July 1. The copies have been supplied, and the matter has been listed for scrutiny of documents on July 19. While dealing with the husband's plea against the ( Proclaimed Offender) PO order, Justice Pratibha M Singh refused to stay the order and said, " This matter will require consideration. This is not a case for the vacation bench." "Deceased stated to have died under mysterious circumstances in the UK. This would require considerations. If the petitioner is arrested, his legal remedies can be availed," Justice Singh said. While opposing the plea, the Public Prosecutor (PP) submitted a report from the UK Interpol. He said that the report is very confidential. It gives details on what happened. The victim was allegedly murdered by her husband in the UK. Thereafter, he fled the UK and went into hiding. Last, he was spotted in Gurugram. It is stated that one of the parents is on bail, while the other is in custody. Delhi Police had arrested the parents on March 14. An FIR was lodged at Police Station Palam Village on 03.12.2024 under Section 498A, 406, 34 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and Sections 85, 316, 3(5) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2025. Later on, a section related to Dowry death was added by the Delhi Police. (ANI)
Nationalist Congress Party (SP) MP Supriya Sule on Friday slammed the Maharashtra Government over the Pune rape case stating it to be "alarming and concerning" incident. Sule mentioned that the crime in Maharashtra and Pune is on the constant rise and stated that she will write to the concerned authorities regarding the incident. "It's a sad thing that has happened. Crime in Pune and Maharashtra is really on the rise. It's very alarming and concerning. I will write to the concerned authorities to look into this. We must have zero tolerance against any crime against any citizen", Supriya Sule told ANI. A 22-year-old woman was allegedly raped inside her flat by a man posing as a courier agent in the Kondhwa area of Pune city, according to an official on Thursday. According to a senior police official, the incident took place around 7:30 pm on Wednesday, under the jurisdiction of the Kondhwa Police Station. Speaking to ANI, Zone 5 Pune City DCP Rajkumar Shinde said, "Under the jurisdiction of Kondhwa Police Station of Pune City, an offence under the BNS sections 64, 77, and 351(2) has been registered. Yesterday, around 7:30 pm, a delivery boy with a bank envelope entered the flat of a 22-year-old woman. "When she went inside her home to get the pin for the courier, he closed the door (and raped her)...A total of 10 teams, five of the crime branch and five zonal teams, are working on the case...The woman had been unconscious since 7:30 pm. Forensic experts were called on the spot to check if something had been sprayed on her. A selfie was found in the woman's phone. We are analysing it," he further added. An offence has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 64, 77and 351(2) at Kondhwa Police station. (ANI)
Kerala Police used water cannons to disperse BJP workers who staged a protest march on Friday against State Health Minister Veena George following the building collapse at Kottayam Medical College, in which one person was killed and several others sustained injuries. The protest began in response to an incident where a building block at the Government Medical College Hospital in Kottayam district collapsed. Tensions escalated when BJP workers breached barricades set up by the police. In response, police used water cannons to control the crowd and prevent them from reaching the minister's residence. Earlier in the day, workers from the Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist) also staged a protest in front of Kottayam Medical College. They are demanding the resignation of Kerala Health Minister Veena George. Meanwhile, Minister for Ports, Cooperation, and Devaswoms, VN Vasavan, described the Kottayam Medical College building collapse as an 'unfortunate' incident and announced that the Kerala government will provide immediate financial assistance of Rs 50,000 to the affected family. He said, "CM visited the spot yesterday itself. Rs 50,000 will be given as immediate help to the family. The State Cabinet will discuss and decide on financial help to the family. Kottayam Medical College is one of the best-performing hospitals in India. The incident is unfortunate."He further clarified that there was no lapse from the government side and added, "Did not ask to stop rescue operation, it was for making way to let the Hitachi excavator enter. Rescue was only possible with the help of a machine." "The health minister said yesterday that nobody was stuck there because the hospital superintendent told the minister that the building was not in use," he further said. Shifting the blame on the previous government of the United Democratic Front (UDF), he said, "In 2013, the PWD (Public Works Department) submitted a report about the condition of the building. Then the UDF government did not act on it." (ANI)
Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Capability Development and Sustenance), Lieutenant General Rahul R Singh, on Friday, highlighted the role played by China and Turkey in assisting Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. Speaking at the 'New Age Military Technologies' organised by FICCI, the Deputy COAS said that the Chinese were giving live updates to Pakistan while the conflict was on. "We had one border and two adversaries, actually three. Pakistan was in the front. China was providing all possible support. 81% of the military hardware with Pakistan is Chinese... China is able to test its weapons against other weapons, so it's like a live lab available to them. Turkey also played an important role in providing the type of support it did... When DGMO-level talks were on, Pakistan had the live updates of our important vectors, from China," he said The Deputy COAS emphasised the need for a robust air defence system to combat the China-Pak tango. "Air Defence and how it panned out during the entire operation was important... This time, our population centres were not quite addressed, but next time, we need to be prepared for that. We need a robust air defence system, " he said. Lt Gen Rahul R Singh also lauded the Indian Armed Forces for carrying out precision strikes on terror infrastructure. He further emphasised the strategic messaging and integration of technology and human intelligence in target selection and planning. "... There are a few lessons from Operation Sindoor. The strategic messaging by leadership was unambiguous... There is no scope of absorbing the pain the way we did a few years ago... The planning and selection of targets was based on a lot of data that was collected using technology and human intelligence. So a total of 21 targets were identified, out of which nine targets we thought would be prudent to engage... It was only the final day or the final hour that the decision was taken that these nine targets would be engaged," he said. He added, "A considered decision was taken that it will be a tri-services approach to send the right message that we indeed are an integrated force... An important consideration was that we should always be at the top of the escalation ladder. When we reach a military objective, we should try and put a stop to it... War is easy to initiate, but it's very difficult to control. So I would say that was a very masterly stroke that was played to stop the war at an appropriate time." (ANI)
Shiv Sena MLC Neelam Gorhe on Friday condemned the Pune rape case, calling it a "disgusting act" and said that action will be taken at the earliest in the matter. Addressing reporters, the Shiv Sena MLC said, "...This is a disgusting act. Action should be taken at the earliest...As far as security is concerned, it is essential to have security guards in big residential societies so that those who come for such deliveries are accompanied to see where they are going and when they are coming back. I have also submitted a memorandum for this. A proper SOP should be put in place so that those who come in like this are monitored and a photo of their ID is taken. Action will be taken at the earliest..." Earlier today, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Rohit Pawar expressed concern over the prevailing law and order situation in Maharashtra in the aftermath of Pune rape case. The NCP-SCP leader also took aim at the police officials for failing to nab the accused. "... Look at the guy's guts, he took a selfie with the girl's phone with a message that 'I'll be back'. The police have his photo, yet they are not able to nab him..." Pawar told ANI. He further urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who is in Pune for a two-day State visit, to pay attention to the law and order of the State. "I request the Home Minister, who is coming to Pune, to give attention to the law and order of the State," Pawar said. A 22-year-old woman was allegedly raped inside her flat by a man posing as a courier agent in the Kondhwa area of Pune city, said an official on Thursday. According to a senior police official, the incident took place around 7.30 pm on Wednesday evening, under the jurisdiction of the Kondhwa Police Station. Speaking to ANI, Zone 5 Pune City DCP Rajkumar Shinde said, "Under the jurisdiction of Kondhwa Police Station of Pune City, an offence under the BNS sections 64, 77, and 351(2) has been registered. Yesterday, around 7:30 pm, a delivery boy with a bank envelope entered the flat of a 22-year-old woman. "When she went inside her home to get the pin for the courier, he closed the door (and raped her)... A total of 10 teams, five of the crime branch and five zonal teams, are working on the case... The woman had been unconscious since 7:30 pm. Forensic experts were called on the spot to check (if something had been sprayed on her). A selfie was found in the woman's phone. We are analysing it," he further said. An offence has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 64, 77and 351(2) at Kondhwa Police station. As per preliminary investigations, the accused entered the woman's flat under the pretext of delivering a bank envelope. The woman lost consciousness during the assault and remained unconscious for several hours. Authorities are examining whether the attacker sprayed any chemical on her. After this incident, the accused allegedly took a selfie on the woman's phone and wrote that he will come back again. Soon after the incident, forensic experts arrived at the scene and began investigating the crime. The Pune Police have formed 10 teams, five from the Crime Branch and five from the local zone, to trace and apprehend the accused. Police are analysing the CCTV footage and digital footprint of the accused and making a sketch to nab the accused. Further investigation is still ongoing. (ANI)
The Chhattisgarh Forest Department has put the implementation of Community Forest Resource (CFR) management on temporary hold, given the lack of clear guidelines from the central government. In a letter dated July 3, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) B Srinivas Rao instructed all regional and divisional forest officers to pause further action on CFR governance. "Until the Government of Chhattisgarh receives guidance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the currently issued directions are being suspended," the letter stated. The Forest Department has written to both the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) requesting the issuance of model CFR management plans aligned with the National Working Plan Code, 2023, along with detailed implementation guidelines and a training manual for Gram Sabha representatives and officials. So far, Chhattisgarh has issued 4,349 CFR titles covering 23 lakh hectares, in addition to over 4.7 lakh individual forest rights, making it one of India's leading states in CFR recognition. A senior Chhattisgarh Forest Department official told ANI, "We have not stopped issuing titles under CFR. We've only asked the field officials not to take further action regarding the management side of things because we are still awaiting letters and model guidelines from MoTA and MoEFCC." The pause comes in the wake of communications from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) that encourage states to adopt the model CFR management framework. However, without corresponding guidelines from MoEFCC--particularly those harmonised with the National Working Plan Code, 2023--state authorities say field-level implementation has become inconsistent and legally vulnerable. CFR rights, recognised under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, grant forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers the legal right to access, manage, and conserve their traditional forest areas. Specifically, Sections 3(1)(c) and 3(1)(d) of the Act entitle communities to own and manage minor forest produce, access grazing areas, and safeguard seasonal resources. The law aims to rectify historical injustices and empower forest communities with legal control over the resources they have traditionally relied on. Earlier, the Forest Department had issued an advisory on May 15, directing that only approved CFR management plans be implemented until model guidelines are issued. However, that advisory has now been formally withdrawn following confusion over the department's role and mounting criticism from civil society groups. Chhattisgarh's Forest Minister, Kedar Kashyap, ordered the withdrawal, which has been effected through Office Letter No. 536 dated July 3. In a detailed press statement, the department clarified that its previous instructions were purely advisory, intended to prevent procedural missteps. "The Forest Department had only issued an advisory to its field officers in light of the absence of model Community Forest Resource (CFR) management plans and corresponding guidelines," the statement said. It added that "field-level implementation of CFRR was becoming inconsistent due to the lack of clarity on how to develop and integrate CFR management plans with the National Working Plan Code, 2023." Cautioning against proceeding without national alignment, the department said: "In the absence of this advisory, there was a strong possibility that ad hoc management plans would be implemented without taking cognisance of the working plan prescriptions." Such uncoordinated steps, it warned, could "jeopardise the ecological integrity of forests" and trigger inter-departmental or community-level conflicts. The advisory had triggered opposition from some Gram Sabhas and NGOs, who viewed it as a curb on community rights. Responding to that, the department stated that the protest stemmed from a "misunderstanding," and clarified that the advisory was never meant to restrict rights, but to ensure that future CFR management is "scientifically robust, law-compliant, and nationally harmonised." (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday stated that the best place to establish a memorial for Maratha warrior Peshwa Bajirao was the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasia. Speaking at the unveiling of the warrior's statue in Pune, Shah stated that Bajira had the traits of a good soldier. "He has done incredible work for the country and for our independence... The best example of an individual who had the qualities of a good soldier was Peshwa Bajirao... In 21 years, he fought 41 wars, and no one can break that record..." Shah said while addressing the people at the unveiling ceremony. He further stated that if the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj had not been taken forward by Peshwa Bajirao, the country's original character would have been lost. "If the legacy continued by Shivaji Maharaj wasn't taken forward by Peshwa Bajirao, the country's original character would have been lost. He fought not just for our country but also for our 'Swaraj', Shah further stated. He further stated that it was the responsibility of 140 crore Indians to take forward a vision of the country that Bajirao had. "It is the responsibility of the 140 crore Indians to take forward a vision that Peshwa Bajirao had for the country, and we are doing it. One of the best examples is our Operation Sindoor..." he further added. Shah was welcomed by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the airport for his two-day visit in Pune. The visit is expected to include several high-level meetings, public addresses, and organisational reviews across the state. "Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri @AmitShah ji arrived in Pune for a two-day visit to Maharashtra. At the airport, Chief Minister Shri @Dev_Fadnavis ji and senior workers welcomed him," read a post from the Office of Amit Shah on X. (ANI)
AI-driven rapid profit impact analysis supports optimal decision-making

KAWASAKI, Japan, July 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Fujitsu Limited today announced the launch of a new solution that utilizes AI agents to facilitate rapid impact analysis and optimal decision-making in global supply chains. The solution, which is positioned to enhance resilience in global supply chains, will be available to customers worldwide from today as a new feature of Fujitsu's all-in-one operation platform Fujitsu Data Intelligence PaaS (DI PaaS), offered as part of Fujitsu Uvance, Fujitsu's cross-industry business model to address societal issues.

Fujitsu will continue to contribute to a sustainable world by enhancing resilience through the integration of data, AI technologies, and industry expertise, minimizing the impact on customers' businesses even in unforeseen circumstances.

Navigating uncertainty: supporting customer resilience amid industry supply chain challenges

In recent years, geopolitical risks, natural disasters, and market fluctuations have heightened uncertainty for businesses around the world. The manufacturing industry, with its complex global supply chains, faces particularly significant risks. Unforeseen events can lead to changes in transportation routes, production stoppages, and increased costs, which can exert downward pressure on profits and reduce competitiveness. Traditional supply chain management struggles to respond swiftly, making the review of business continuity plans (BCP) and strengthening supply chain resilience urgent priorities.

Solution features

The solution consolidates data from internal and external sources, swiftly pinpointing products heavily impacted by market fluctuations and calculating profit impacts. Utilizing DI PaaS's robust data integration capabilities, analyses that once took weeks can now be completed in days. AI agents offer countermeasure proposals, facilitating optimal decision-making through on-screen simulations.

The solution enhances supply chain resilience through three key steps:

1. Profit and Cost Structure Analysis Provides detailed visibility into global supply chain risks and profitability by: Mapping supplier and factory exposure to market fluctuations Displaying import costs by product and route Helping customers understand cost structures and identify potential risks

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For full release click here: https://global.fujitsu/en-global/newsroom/gl/2025/07/02-01

SOURCE Fujitsu Limited
Operation Sindoor was a carefully orchestrated military action that demonstrated India's resolve to stay ahead in the escalation ladder while preventing full-scale war, Deputy Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Rahul R Singh said on Friday. Speaking at the 'New Age Military Technologies' event organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Lt Gen Singh described the operation as a "masterly stroke that was played to stop the war at an appropriate time." "War is easy to initiate, but it's very difficult to control," the senior military officer explained, emphasising the strategic thinking behind the operation's execution and conclusion. Lt Gen Singh revealed that extensive intelligence gathering preceded the operation, with both technological and human intelligence being deployed to identify potential targets. "A total of 21 targets were identified, out of which nine targets we thought would be prudent to engage," he disclosed. The final selection of targets remained fluid until the last moment. "It was only the final day or the final hour that the decision was taken that these nine targets would be engaged," Lt Gen Singh said, highlighting the dynamic nature of military planning. The operation was deliberately designed as a tri-services approach involving the Army, Navy, and Air Force to "send the right message that we indeed are an integrated force," he added. The Deputy Army Chief outlined several critical lessons from the operation. "The strategic messaging by leadership was unambiguous. There is no scope of absorbing the pain the way we did a few years ago," Lt Gen Singh stated, indicating a shift in India's military doctrine toward more assertive responses. "An important consideration was that we should always be at the top of the escalation ladder. When we reach a military objective, we should try and put a stop to it," he explained. The operation relied heavily on intelligence gathering and real-time monitoring of targets, with decisions being made based on comprehensive data analysis. Lt Gen Singh emphasised the need for India to prepare for fifth-generation warfare, warning that future conflicts could involve "a computer nerd, maybe perhaps sitting in one part of the country and controlling the entire thing." The senior officer highlighted the growing importance of drone technology in modern warfare, announcing that a drone framework would be released by September-October. "The requirement of drones in the military is massive," he noted. Addressing the drone industry, Lt Gen Singh called for increased investment in research and development, particularly in critical technologies where India still depends on imports. "There are so many components that we still bank upon getting from outside. Secret technology, engines we are grappling with... we need to invest in these things," he said. The officer linked national security to economic growth, stating that a "$30 trillion economy is possible, in case industries play up, it is possible in case our Armed Forces provide the secure environment that is required for the nation to progress." Lt Gen Singh expressed concerns about China's growing technological dominance and control over rare earth materials. "The US was a leader, now China is the lead. They are taking massive steps there," he observed. He particularly highlighted China's strategic use of rare earth resources, calling them "the new gold" and warning about China's near-monopoly in this critical sector. The Deputy Army Chief also referenced reports about China attempting to restrict expertise transfer to India in sectors like iPhone manufacturing, indicating broader economic-security linkages. Looking ahead, Lt Gen Singh emphasised the urgent need for enhanced air defence capabilities. "We have to be prepared for more and more air defence, more and more counter rocket artillery, a drone sort of system has to be prepared for, which we have to move very, very fast," he concluded. (ANI)
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Friday transferred Laptop grants worth Rs 235.58 crore to bank accounts of 94,234 students who scored 75 per cent or more marks in the class 12th board examination of the Madhya Pradesh Board of Secondary Education in academic session 2024-25. The laptop aid was given to the students at the rate of Rs 25,000 each under 'Pratibhashali Vidyarthi Protsahan Yojana' of the School Education Department during a programme held at Kushabhau Thakre Convention Centre in Bhopal. After the programme, CM Yadav told reporters, "Today, a programme of providing laptop aid to 94234 students of private as well as government schools across state who scored 75 per cent or more marks in the class 12th board examination of MPBSE was concluded. I am happy to share that the way we have encouraged our students within the last two years is a big achievement. Additionally, with the previous tenure of Shivraj Singh Chouhan and till date over 4 lakh (4, 32,016) students have benefited from the scheme in the last 15 years." "On the one hand, the state government is providing laptops to students who scored 75 per cent or above marks and scooty to school toppers. Along with the scooty, students who are getting enrolled in class 6th or 9th are provided bicycles. The government is providing funds for uniforms and books are given to students through the government arrangement," the CM said. Based on Sandipani School, the state government earned international fame. It indicates that the state government is committed to quality school education in schools and, similarly, in all sectors of education. The government is also ready to pay the fees of students for higher education. "Our children should become educated, successful and take the state forward. Keeping these things in view, the state should grow ahead in the academic field within the country, therefore, medical colleges are also being set up at a fast pace in Madhya Pradesh. Various campuses of all types of universities are opening in Madhya Pradesh. Four days ago, we opened a campus of Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) in RGPV, Bhopal. With this, I would like to make a note that there will be a revolution in the education field in the future and Madhya Pradesh will progress progressively under the leadership of the Prime Minister," he added. Under 'Pratibhashali Vidyarthi Protsahan Yojana', students who have secured 75 per cent or more marks in the Class 12 board exams conducted by the Madhya Pradesh Board of Secondary Education will receive Rs 25,000 each in their bank accounts for purchasing a laptop. This year, 94,234 meritorious students will receive a total of Rs 235.58 crore under the scheme. During the Year 2023-24, Rs 224.27 crore was transferred to the bank accounts of 89,710 meritorious students under this scheme. The scheme launched in Year 2009-10 has so far benefited 4,32,016 students, with a total disbursement of Rs 1,080.04 crore for laptops in the past 15 years. (ANI)
Congress leader Pawan Khera on Friday aimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his recent visit to Trinidad and Tobago, claiming that he went out to "implement" a list of countries that have remained unvisited by the former Prime Ministers. As Prime Minister Modi is set to receive Trinidad and Tobago's highest honours, reacting to this, Khera said that these honours are the result of India's sustained diplomatic efforts over the past several decades. Speaking to ANI, the Congress leader said, "He created a list of which prime ministers visited which countries and which countries they did not visit, and then he went out to implement that list. For the past 11 years, news has emerged about 'Master Stroke.' PM Modi has visited a country where no other prime minister has gone in 50 years." "After visiting there, more news came: he received a great honour... In actuality, the country gains respect and that too because, in the last 70-75 years, our country has improved its relations with everyone... PM Modi is receiving honours today because of this progress. Therefore, everyone should understand that PM Modi is not the country; every award that the Prime Minister gets, it's the country that is here." Earlier today, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his visit to Trinidad and Tobago, calling him a "super premium frequent flier PM." In a social media post on X, Ramesh wrote, "The Super Premium Frequent Flier PM will be in Trinidad & Tobago today." Ramesh also recalled a meeting between Eric Williams, Trinidad and Tobago's first Prime Minister and then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during her visit to Port of Spain in October 1968, which had been commemorated with a film by the hosts. This is PM Modi's first visit to Trinidad and Tobago as Prime Minister and the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Caribbean nation since 1999. The visit is taking place at the invitation of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. (ANI)
Following the autopsy report in the Sivaganga custodial death case, AIADMK National Spokesperson Kovai Sathyan on Friday targeted DMK and called it a "custodial murder". Sathyan told ANI, "The autopsy report confirms our allegation that it is a custodial murder, not custodial death. There were cigarette burns on his body. There is not even one organ of his body that was left untouched by this brutality, such an inhuman and barbaric act. Who permitted the police force to use this kind of excessive torture and power?" He questioned the credibility of the complaint against victim Ajith Kumar and linked Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin's PA to the case. He said, "We live in a nation where a terrorist is fed biryani in jail while the Tamil Nadu police take the law into their own hands on a common man, against whom the complaint is still not proven. The credibility of the complaint is in big question right now. The complainant has a history of swindling money, referring to the names of the Deputy CM's PA some time ago, which has surfaced now. She doesn't have a clean chit on her records." "Ajit Kumar was not a serial offender and was the only breadwinner of his family... We need to see whether CM Stalin will have the courage to deliver justice to him and the earlier 24 victims of custodial torture and death," Sathyan told ANI. Meanwhile, hitting back at AIADMK, DMK Spokesperson TKS Elangovan said that Jayalalitha's estate watchman was killed when Edappadi Palaniswami was the Chief Minister. "Jayalalitha's estate watchman was killed when Edappadi Palaniswami was the CM of the state. If Jayalalitha's people are killed, then law and order is good, but if something happens elsewhere, they raise the issue. All Jayalalitha's fans and followers were watching; that is why Edappadi was defeated," Elangovan told ANI. The post-mortem report in the case revealed about 44 injuries on various parts of the victim's body. As per the post-mortem report, Ajith Kumar sustained injuries to the forehead, right eyebrow, leg and wrist. Injuries on the left forearm, wrist and ankle were also reported in the Sivaganga custodial death case victim. Ajith Kumar, who used to work as a temple guard in Tamil Nadu's Sivaganga, allegedly died in police custody. He was initially detained for questioning regarding a theft at the Madapuram Kaliamman temple in Tirupuvanam. (ANI)
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma paid tribute to Swami Vivekananda on his 123rd death anniversary by offering a floral tribute to his picture. Swami Vivekananda passed away on July 4, 1902, at the age of 39, and today marks his 123rd death anniversary. Earlier, CM Sharma on Friday applauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that his work, proficient diplomacy and governance have elevated India to the ranks of the world's most powerful and respected nations. Addressing the 12th Bharat Gaurav Award ceremony held in London through video conferencing, Sharma mentioned that India's invaluable talent has showcased the country's strength and potential through their actions around the world. He further stated that the event was not only a celebration of honouring Indian talents but also a symbol of the strong and cordial relations between India and the United Kingdom. The Chief Minister, addressing the ceremony, stated that Rajasthan had gained worldwide popularity for its rich culture, hospitality, and glorious history and was writing a new chapter of development through the "Rising Rajasthan" initiative. "Proposals for investments worth Rs 35 lakh crore have created immense potential for employment and prosperity in the state. Over the last one and a half years, Rajasthan has made unprecedented progress in the fields of investment, innovation, and inclusive development," the CM said. CM Sharma further mentioned that Rajasthan holds immense potential for development in various sectors, including mining, tourism, and industry, with significant strides also being made in education and healthcare. "The mining, tourism, and industrial sectors are progressing in the state. Significant advancements are being made in the fields of education and healthcare as well. Tourists from around the world visit the state to experience the grandeur of its palaces, forts, and havelis, as well as its rich and glorious history. Similarly, tourism is rapidly expanding in religious sites, sanctuaries, and desert areas," he further added. The Chief Minister called upon the expatriates to visit Rajasthan, invest in the state, and be a part of its development journey. Their contribution will elevate Rajasthan to new heights and further strengthen India's global leadership. Congratulating the honoured talents at the ceremony, Sharma said that the 'Bharat Gaurav Award' was a symbol of the country's infinite potential, our unity, and our growing strength on the global stage. It is noteworthy that during this ceremony, organised by the Culture Youth Organisation, individuals from various fields were awarded the Bharat Gaurav Award with certificates of appreciation, mementoes, and shawls. Representatives from 18 countries worldwide participated in the event. Prominent dignitaries at the ceremony included London MP Navendu Mishra, former UK Minister and member of the House of Lords, Baroness Sandeep Verma, member of the House of Lords, Rami Ranger, former Mayor of London Sunil Chopra, former MP Virendra Sharma, Prayag Mahakumbh advisor Rakesh K. Shukla, President of Culture Youth Organization Pandit Suresh Mishra, and other distinguished guests. (ANI)
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to define boundaries between Assam and Meghalaya. In a post on social media X, the CM wrote that the signed MoU would help people and administration have clarity on the jurisdiction and would also allow governance to shine in the "once grey areas." "In 1972, when Meghalaya was carved out, a significant portion of its boundary with Assam was left ambiguous, often leading to chaos and tension between our states. 50 years later, in 2022, under the leadership of Adarniya @narendramodi Ji and in the presence of Adarniya @AmitShah Ji, our two states signed a historic MoU to begin defining our boundaries. 6/12 disputed areas have been resolved and earmarked for boundary works, and fruits of that agreement are now flowing in as the first pillars get erected. So, how do these pillars improve harmony between the sister states? People and administration on both sides now have clarity on jurisdiction. Governance can finally shine in these "once grey areas", the post read. Meanwhile, on July 3, CM Sarma challenged the Congress to say that cow slaughter in the name of sacrifice was a "heinous crime", stating that it would take seven lifetimes for the Opposition party to say it. "I challenge Congress to muster the courage to tell the Muslim community in Assam that cow slaughter in the name of sacrifice is a heinous crime. They will never be able to say it. When it comes to the rights of Gau mata (cow), the BJP does not care about any vote bank," Sarma posted on X. He said that the BJP has the courage to say that Islam doesn't mandate cow sacrifice and allows for the sacrifices of other animals. "They will never speak against Qurbani. However, the BJP has the courage to say it clearly: Islam doesn't mandate cow sacrifice specifically. Qurbani can be of other animals, too. BJP dares to urge people that on the next Eid, please offer a goat, not a cow. Can Congress do the same? It will take them seven lifetimes to say this. Tell me, who is the true well-wisher of the cow?" Sarma said in a video posted on his X account. (ANI)
Amid widespread destruction caused by incessant rains and cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday announced a series of relief measures, including Rs 5,000 per month as rental assistance for families displaced by the natural calamity. Addressing the media in Shimla after a high-level review meeting with the deputy speaker and other ministers, the Himachal CM stated that the state is facing "disaster like a war". "We reviewed the entire situation in the state caused by the current natural disaster. After evaluating the situation, we have decided that families who are staying in relief shelters and find rental accommodation in their villages will be given Rs 5,000 per month by the Himachal Pradesh government." Said Sukhu. He added that the government would also ensure food and ration supply to all such affected families. Sharing the toll from the disaster so far, Sukhu said that in a very short frame there has been huge losses. "Till now, approximately 69 (43 deaths due to rain fury and 26 due to road accident since June 20) people have lost their lives, 37 are missing, and 110 have been injured. The total damage has been estimated at around Rs 700 crore", CM Sukhu told reporters. He added that the most extensive damage has occurred to roads, drinking water supply schemes, and power infrastructure. Power lines and poles have been uprooted extensively," he said. "This level of devastation at the beginning of monsoon is unprecedented." He added. CM Sukhu said that the cloudburst incidents are being studied and expressed concern over the increasing number of cloudburst incidents. "In the last 14 to 15 days, we have seen around 14 cloudbursts. We are currently studying why such frequent cloudbursts are happening. I have brought this to the attention of the Hon'ble Union Home Minister", the Himachal Pradesh CM told reporters. CM said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had assured full support from the Centre. "Today I spoke to the Home Minister of the country. He has assured us of all possible help," the Chief Minister said. "A central team is also arriving to assess the damage", CM Sukhu said. The Himachal CM spoke about the Relief and Rescue Operations and stated that 92 students stranded at the Forestry and Horticulture College in Thunag had been safely rescued. "The SDRF and NDRF teams have reached several severely affected villages, especially in the Siraj constituency. Around 300 roads are blocked, 790 water supply schemes have been damaged, and 332 power transformers have been affected", CM told reporters. He added that more than 400 people had been rescued in Mandi district alone. The Chief Minister came down heavily on contractors hired by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), blaming them for unscientific road-cutting practices. "These contractors bring huge machines to the hills. For 60 to 70 years, we've been building roads in Himachal using traditional knowledge. I request NHAI not to award such contracts to those who don't know the terrain. Give contracts to locals who understand how to stabilize the slopes after cutting. This unscientific cutting is causing large-scale damage", CM said. He said an engineers' committee would be constituted to assess the quality of work done and hold consultations. "Our government will access and evaluate the damages caused due to unscientific construction work," he said. Reacting to criticism from former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur, Sukhu Said that this is not time to play politics rather to serve the people. "This is not the time to bake political bread. This is the time to serve people. I spoke with Jairam ji and also with the Deputy CM. If he needed helicopter services, we are ready to provide it. I walked and traveled by road for three hours in the rain to reach affected villages in Dharampur and returned to Sarkaghat by vehicle. When I heard there was a food shortage in Jinjahli, I immediately sent food supplies. If they can't reach in five days, I'll go myself, even without eating", CM Sukhu said. On Jairam Thakur's criticism during his press conference in Mandi, the CM said that instead of address media better to help the affect people. "Instead of addressing the press in Mandi, he should have gone to Siraj, to the people. That's the duty of a public representative. We are not doing politics. I can show you the call record of my conversation with Jairam ji. Our job is to deliver relief to the people. It is sad that the former CM is making misleading statements", said Sukhu. Commenting on actor and Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut's social media post that tagged BJP leader Jairam Thakur, Sukhu said that she should immediately speak to Jai Ram Thakur ji. "I would suggest she speak with Jairam ji directly. Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri has already spoken to the DC concerned." He said. Thanking Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Chief Minister said that in telephonic talk he assured support. "He assured us that the Centre is with us. We will receive financial aid and relief. I have already announced a special relief package. The cabinet will soon take a decision on compensation for fully or partially damaged homes, livestock losses, and other property damage." Sukhu added. "We are fighting this disaster like a war. Relief material is being sent via porters where possible, and as soon as the weather clears, helicopters will be used to deliver aid", he said. Sukhu assured that the government would continue visiting affected areas and ensuring rehabilitation. "People staying in rehabilitation centres, like those in Karsog, will also receive Rs 5,000 per month. Our ministers are already visiting various affected regions. I myself will go tomorrow," he said. "This is not the time for politics, but for unity and service", CM said. (ANI)
Following the meeting of representatives of political party with the Election Commission of India, Congress leader Pawan Khera on Friday claimed that the Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has stated to the delegation that a "20 per cent exclusion" is likely to happen after the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar. Speaking to ANI, Khera said, "Gyanesh Kumar clearly stated to the delegation that we believe a 20% exclusion is likely to happen. When they intend to exclude, what can we do? Their intentions are clear, not his but those of those above him... It took one year, from 2003 to 2004, when the same exercise was conducted in Bihar. Now, you'll do it in 25 days, implying you want to remove your name without checking papers. You know which class names to deduct... We have many options--from roads to parliament and others--that are available to us. No institution can be bullied in this country." On Wednesday, the Election Commission of India (ECI) had met representatives of various political parties at Nirvachan Sadan, said the Election Commission. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Wednesday said that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in Bihar is progressing smoothly and on schedule, despite concerns raised by opposition parties about possible voter exclusion. Speaking at a training session for Booth Level Officers (BLOs), Gyanesh Kumar said, "The implementation of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar is running as per schedule with the active participation of all election staff and all political parties in a transparent manner. Despite apprehensions of some persons, SIR will ensure that all eligible persons will be included." The Special Intensive Revision is a focused voter list update exercise conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure electoral rolls are accurate ahead of upcoming elections. Opposition parties, including the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), have expressed concern that the SIR process may be misused to disenfranchise voters, particularly the poor and marginalised communities. In response, the ECI stated that the exercise is being conducted strictly in line with the provisions of Article 326 of the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act, 1950. It said the aim is to remove ineligible entries while ensuring that no eligible voter is left out. "Commission stated that SIR is being conducted per 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 ECI said in an official post. The Commission also clarified that while some party representatives had prior appointments, others were allowed to join the meeting without one. "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 to listen to all views," the statement said. 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. (ANI)
During the meeting, both leaders held detailed and meaningful discussions on various organisational issues concerning the party's structure and strategy.

According to officials, the meeting was part of a routine exchange of ideas between senior party members and aimed at strengthening the party's coordination at both the state and national levels.

"Today, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini paid a courtesy visit to State Co-incharge and Rajya Sabha MP Surendra Singh Nagar at his residence in Delhi. During this, detailed and meaningful discussions were held on various organisational issues," a party statement said.

A day earlier, in a significant initiative to transform Haryana into a global tourism hotspot, the Nayab Singh Saini government said it is gearing up for a series of ambitious projects that promise to boost the economy, create jobs, and firmly place Haryana on the international map.

From building a world-class Disneyland in the heart of the Delhi-NCR region to expanding the scale of the International Gita Mahotsav, the Haryana government is set to become a hub of cultural celebration and spiritual heritage.

Additionally, to establish the state as a global destination for pilgrimage, a proposal has been made to organise three Melas every year at Surajkund and to celebrate the International Gita Mahotsav on a larger scale, with a request for financial assistance from the Central Government.

Leading this vision, the Chief Minister paid a courtesy visit to Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Wednesday to discuss these ambitious projects. During the meeting, Saini discussed ways to promote tourism in Haryana and preserve the state's rich cultural heritage, to establish the state as a prominent tourist destination on the global map. (ANI)
The number of women-led dairy cooperative societies in Gujarat, between 2020 and 2025, grew by 21 per cent from 3,764 to 4,562, crossing Rs 9000 crore annual revenue, a press release said. According to the press release, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently emphasised that empowering women economically and socially is vital for achieving a truly self-reliant India. As part of this vision, he has prioritized the cooperative model to strengthen women's leadership in the rural economy. Advancing this vision under the guidance of Union Home & Cooperation Minister Amit Shah and under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat has turned this vision into reality through its thriving cooperative sector. On the occasion of International Cooperative Day, the Government of Gujarat released inspiring statistics showcasing the rising participation of women in cooperatives across the state. Between 2020 and 2025, the number of women-led dairy cooperative societies grew by 21 per cent from 3,764 to 4,562. According to the Gujarat Cooperation Department, women's leadership in the dairy sector is increasing significantly. In the year 2025, the board of milk unions has 25 per cent of women, 82 directors, which reflects their active participation in the policy-making of milk unions. Furthermore, out of 36 lakh dairy producer members in Gujarat, approximately 12 lakh are women, accounting for nearly 32 per cent of the total. Not only that, during the same period, women's participation in the management committees of village-level cooperative societies increased by 14 per cent. The number of women in these committees has risen from 70,200 to 80,000. These women are now actively taking on key responsibilities such as policymaking, operations, and monitoring at the grassroots cooperative level. Data shared by the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Limited (GCMMF) reveals that milk procurement by women-led dairy cooperative societies in Gujarat has increased by 39 per cent, from 41 lakh litres per day in 2020 to 57 lakh litres per day in 2025. This now accounts for approximately 26 per cent of the state's total milk procurement. As per the release, women-led dairy cooperatives in Gujarat have not only become a symbol of social transformation but also a significant contributor to the rural economy. In 2020, these cooperatives had an estimated daily revenue of Rs 17 crore, amounting to approximately Rs 6,310 crore annually. Over the past five years, this figure has risen to Rs 25 crore per day by 2025, surpassing the estimated annual revenue of Rs 9,000 crore. This reflects a remarkable increase of Rs 2,700 crore in revenue, a 43 per cent growth during this period. This success stands as a strong testament to the empowerment of women through the cooperative model. (ANI)
SAN DIEGO, July 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that purchasers or acquirers of Hims & Hers Health, Inc. (NYSE: HIMS) securities between April 29, 2025 and June 23, 2025, all dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), have until August 25, 2025 to seek appointment as lead plaintiff of the Hims & Hers class action lawsuit. Captioned Sookdeo v. Hims & Hers Health, Inc., No. 25-cv-05315 (N.D. Cal.), the Hims & Hers class action lawsuit charges Hims & Hers as well as certain of Hims & Hers' top executives with violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. A subsequently filed complaint is captioned Yaghsizian v. Hims & Hers Health, Inc., No. 25-cv-05321 (N.D. Cal.).

If you suffered substantial losses and wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the Hims & Hers class action lawsuit, please provide your information here:

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You can also contact attorneys J.C. Sanchez or Jennifer N. Caringal of Robbins Geller by calling 800/449-4900 or via e-mail at [email protected].

CASE ALLEGATIONS: Hims & Hers is a telehealth company that provides prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and personal care products. According to the complaint, on April 29, 2025, Hims & Hers announced a long-term collaboration with Novo Nordisk A/S, starting with the immediate sale of "a bundled offering of Novo Nordisk's FDA-approved Wegovy on the Hims & Hers platform."

The Hims & Hers class action lawsuit alleges that defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Hims & Hers was engaged in the "deceptive promotion and selling of illegitimate, knockoff versions of Wegovy that put patient safety at risk"; and (ii) as a result, there was a substantial risk that Hims & Hers' collaboration with Novo Nordisk would be terminated.

The Hims & Hers class action lawsuit further alleges that on June 23, 2025, Novo Nordisk issued a press release announcing that it was terminating its partnership with Hims & Hers "based on Hims & Hers deceptive promotion and selling of illegitimate, knockoff versions of Wegovy that put patient safety at risk." On this news, the price of Hims & Hers stock fell more than 34%, according to the complaint.

THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS: The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 permits any investor who purchased or acquired Hims & Hers securities during the Class Period to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the Hims & Hers class action lawsuit. A lead plaintiff is generally the movant with the greatest financial interest in the relief sought by the putative class who is also typical and adequate of the putative class. A lead plaintiff acts on behalf of all other class members in directing the Hims & Hers class action lawsuit. The lead plaintiff can select a law firm of its choice to litigate the Hims & Hers class action lawsuit. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff of the Hims & Hers class action lawsuit.

ABOUT ROBBINS GELLER: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP is one of the world's leading law firms representing investors in securities fraud and shareholder litigation. Our Firm has been ranked #1 in the ISS Securities Class Action Services rankings for four out of the last five years for securing the most monetary relief for investors. In 2024, we recovered over $2.5 billion for investors in securities-related class action cases  more than the next five law firms combined, according to ISS. With 200 lawyers in 10 offices, Robbins Geller is one of the largest plaintiffs' firms in the world, and the Firm's attorneys have obtained many of the largest securities class action recoveries in history, including the largest ever  $7.2 billion  in In re Enron Corp. Sec. Litig. Please visit the following page for more information:

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Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.

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Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP

J.C. Sanchez, Jennifer N. Caringal

655 W. Broadway, Suite 1900, San Diego, CA 92101

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SOURCE Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP
Four fishermen from Dhanushkodi in Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram district, who were rescued by the Sri Lankan Navy after their boat capsized mid-sea, returned safely to their hometown on Thursday. According to officials, the incident took place on June 25, when the four fishermen -- N Nambu Prakash (23), N Nambu Gunalan (25), K Nambu (24), and S Sathyaraj (24), all residents of Puthuroda in the Rameswaram island area -- ventured out to fish in the Gulf of Mannar in a traditional country boat. Around 4 am, strong winds and rough sea conditions caused their boat to overturn and sink between Dhanushkodi and Thalaimannar, leaving them stranded in open waters. The Sri Lankan Navy responded promptly to the emergency and rescued the stranded fishermen, later handing them over to the Thalaimannar police. Though no charges were filed, the fishermen were held in custody for several days before being transported to Colombo. On Wednesday, they were flown from Colombo to Chennai. Fisheries Department officials received the fishermen in Chennai and arranged their return to Rameswaram by private vehicle. Upon arrival, they were reunited with their families on Thursday. The survivors expressed gratitude to the Sri Lankan Navy for saving their lives and enabling their safe return. Earlier on Tuesday, India and Pakistan exchanged the lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in each other's custody through diplomatic channels simultaneously in New Delhi and Islamabad. Under the provisions of the 2008 Bilateral Agreement on Consular Access, such lists are exchanged annually on January 1 and July 1. Pakistan has been requested to ensure the "safety, security and welfare" of all civilian prisoners and fishermen, pending their release and repatriation to India, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement." India has shared the names of 382 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen in its custody, who are Pakistani or are believed to be Pakistani. Similarly, Pakistan has shared the names of 53 civilian prisoners and 193 fishermen in its custody, who are Indian or are believed to be Indian," it said. The Government of India has called for the "early release and repatriation" of civilian prisoners and fishermen currently in Pakistani custody, especially those who have already completed their prison sentences."Pakistan has been asked to expedite the release and repatriation of 159 Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners, who have completed their sentence," the MEA said. In addition, Pakistan has been asked to provide immediate consular access to the 26 civilian prisoners and fishermen in Pakistan's custody, it said. "The Government of India has called for the 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," the statement read. India also requested Pakistan to confirm the nationality of 80 believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners and fishermen currently in India's custody, as their repatriation was pending due to a lack of nationality verification from Pakistani authorities. (ANI)
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party founder Vijay convened a State Executive Committee meeting at the party headquarters in Chennai, where several key resolutions were passed ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. At the meeting, actor and party chief Vijay declared, "TVK-headed alliance would always be against DMK and BJP. There is no room for compromise in this. This State Executive Committee Meeting strongly registers this...We are Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam which is not DMK or AIADMK to encourage alliance with BJP for some selfish political gains." Vijay further emphasised, "No direct or indirect alliance with the ideological enemy and separatists. BJP divides people based on religion and encourages division among people to enjoy political gain. Their such poisonous attempts could work anywhere but never in Tamil Nadu." Among the resolutions adopted, one strongly criticized the Election Commission of India's (ECI) electoral revision process, stating, "Electoral revision in poll-bound states is an effort to reduce the votes of minorities and this should be stopped. ECI has decided to conduct intensive electoral revision in assembly election-bound states and it is highly suspicious that BJP is trying to reduce the minority voters and to increase their voters which is against democracy. This State Executive Committee meeting strongly condemns this." Amit Shah's recent comments on the English language were deemed "malicious" by the TVK state executive committee, describing them as a direct assault on Tamil Nadu's two-language policy. The Tamil Vettri Kazhagham mentioned that the party will never accept the imposition of Hindi and the Sanskrit language on Tamil Nadu. The party also condemned the Election Commission of India's decision to conduct electoral revision and stated that the main purpose of it is to reduce minority votes in the state. The Committee noted that the electoral revision is being conducted to increase the pro-BJP votes, which is against democracy. (ANI)
Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has recommended the suspension of four forest officials, including DCF Chakrapani, for alleged negligence and dereliction of duty in connection with the deaths of a tigress and her four cubs in the Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary. The minister's decision follows a preliminary investigation report that revealed the tigers died after consuming a poisoned cow carcass. The minister, who received and reviewed the preliminary report of the high-level inquiry committee, made this recommendation to the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms. The forest officials were found negligent in their duty, particularly in not paying salaries to outsourced staff on time, which led to setbacks in patrol work. The minister said that although the money was released by the end of April to pay the salaries of the outsourced staff, not paying salaries till June is a dereliction of duty on the part of DCF Chakrapani, which has caused setbacks in the patrol work. The outsourced staff had protested on June 23 that they had not been paid salaries for 3 months since March. It is apparent that the frontline staff were evading duty due to non-payment of salaries on time, said the minister. The tigers died due to a chemical compound sprayed inside the carcass of a cow that was attacked and killed by the tiger, according to the preliminary investigation report. Three staff members have been suspended, and a departmental inquiry has been initiated. The minister has also directed the final report to be submitted by the 10th of this month. The high-level committee headed by Additional Chief Principal Conservator of Forests Kumar Pushkar, which has submitted the preliminary investigation report, includes APCCF Srinivasulu of the Wildlife Department, Chamarajanagar CCF Hiralal, AIG Harini Venugopal of the National Tiger Conservation Authority, wildlife expert Dr Sanjay Gubbi and Assistant Director of Mysore Zoo Dr Shashidhar. Karnataka has the second-largest tiger population in India, with an estimated 563 big cats. (ANI)
In a significant development in its ongoing probe into the targeted murder of BJP Yuva Morcha member Praveen Nettaru, allegedly carried out by members of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI), the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday arrested a prime accused who had been on the run for two years. The accused, Abdul Rahaman, who carried a bounty of Rs 4 lakh, was arrested by an NIA team upon his arrival from Qatar at Kannur International Airport. A total of four accused, including Rahaman and two other absconders, were chargesheeted by NIA in this case in April this year, taking the total chargesheeted in the case to 28. NIA had also declared rewards for information relating to six absconders. Rahaman was carrying a reward of Rs 4 lakh for this arrest. NIA investigations had revealed that "Rahaman had, on directions of PFI leadership, voluntarily harboured the main assailants and others involved in the case." "Rahaman had fled to Qatar after the attackers were arrested," said the NIA in a statement. Nettaru was brutally killed with sharp weapons by PFI cadres and members on July 26, 2022 in Bellare village of Sullia Taluk in Karnataka's Dakshina Kannada district. The killing was part of a larger conspiracy aimed at striking terror among the people and unleashing communal hatred and unrest in the society. NIA, which had re-registered the case as of August 4, 2022, is trying to track down the remaining absconders. (ANI)
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah will perform 'Bhoomi Pujan' and lay the foundation stone of the country's first national level cooperative university "Tribhuvan" Sahkari University (TSU) at Anand in Gujarat on July 5. Amit Shah will also participate in tree plantation under the campaign "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" which has become a mass movement on the call of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, instilling a sense of responsibility for environmental protection and cultural values. Apart from this, Amit Shah will also unveil an educational module prepared by the National Center for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to familiarize school students with the principles of cooperation and the impact of the cooperative movement in India. The aim of establishing the "Tribhuvan" Cooperative University is to prepare professional and trained manpower to meet the growing needs of the cooperative sector. This university will provide specialized education, training and research opportunities in areas such as cooperative management, finance, law and rural development. It will empower cooperative institutions at the grassroots level by promoting innovation, capacity building and best practices, improve governance and accelerate inclusive and sustainable rural economic development, an official release said. Based on the National Education Policy 2020, the academic structure of the University will offer a range of flexible and multidisciplinary programmes, including PhD, degrees at the managerial level, diplomas at the supervisory level and certificates at the operational level. It will set up subject-specific schools at its campus and in other states and create a national network to standardise the quality of cooperative education and training. To create a national network, the University will try to connect more than 200 existing cooperative institutions in the next four years. To meet the skill development and capacity building needs of India's estimated number of about 40 lakh cooperative personnel and 80 lakh board members, the University will train around 20 lakh personnel of cooperative societies like Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), dairy, fisheries in the next five years. To address the shortage of qualified teachers, the University will develop a strong teacher base through PhD programmes based on cooperative studies. At present, cooperative education is limited to a few states and scattered across various institutions, which is inadequate to meet the growing demand in this sector, the release said. It added that there is currently no institutional mechanism in India to support research and development focused on innovation and affordable technologies in cooperatives, especially for rural areas. "Keeping this in mind, a dedicated research and development council will be set up in the university which will undertake research and development in the cooperative sector and also promote it in affiliated institutions. Apart from this, it will coordinate with national and international reputed institutions to establish the world's best practices in India," the release said. Amit Shah is also scheduled to take part in a series of key events aimed at strengthening India's cooperative movement. It is also learnt that the Home Minister likely to attend the 'Sahkar Samvad' (Dialogue on Cooperation) at Science City, in Ahmedabad, where he will engage with stakeholders, officials, and representatives of cooperative societies. The visit underscores the government's ongoing efforts to empower the cooperative sector and promote education and dialogue in this vital area of the Indian economy. On Sunday, Shah will address a special programme in Anand to mark the completion of four years of the Ministry of Cooperation. The event will be held at Amul Dairy where the Minister is expected to highlight the achievements, reforms, and future roadmap of the ministry since its formation in 2021. Established to strengthen the cooperative movement in India, the Ministry of Cooperation has played a pivotal role in policy formulation and implementation aimed at empowering cooperative institutions and enhancing grassroots participation. Amit Shah's address is likely to focus on the ministry's journey, including its initiatives in dairy, agriculture, credit societies, and rural development, with Amul -- one of India's most successful cooperative models -- serving as an appropriate venue for the occasion. (ANI)
Amid the ongoing row over the alleged Hindi imposition, the Maharashtra government on Friday declared October 3 as "Abhijaat (Classical)" Marathi language day and said that the entire week till October 9 would be celebrated as Classical Marathi Language Week. "Accordingly, in accordance with the above-mentioned government decision dated October 14, 2024, detailed guidelines and instructions are being issued from the government level regarding the organisation of programs in connection with the celebration of Classical Marathi Language Day and Classical Marathi Language Week," the order read. The celebrations will be held with the aim of maximising research and public awareness regarding Marathi while focusing on preserving and promoting the language. "Lectures, seminars, conferences, workshops, and camps by experts on Classical Marathi language should be organised during Classical Marathi Language Week. Exhibitions of classical Marathi texts should be organised. Also, by organising exhibitions of copperplate inscriptions/inscriptions, students and the general public should be introduced to the classical literary tradition in the Marathi language," the order read. The government has directed the District Collectors (head of the Marathi Language District Committee) to plan the events during the Classical Marathi Language Week celebrations. The order also conveyed the need to digitise the collection of classical Marathi texts in schools and colleges to make students aware. These directions from the Maharashtra government come amid the political sparring between the ruling Mahayuti government and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in Maharashtra over the Hindi imposition charge. Recently, the Maharashtra government withdrew its April 16 orders on the implementation of the three-language policy that made Hindi a "mandatory" third language for school students in Classes 1 to 5 studying in English and Marathi medium schools. This development followed a heavy backlash from various groups and political parties. Informing about the cancellation of the resolutions that were passed on April 16 and June 17, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that a committee will be formed to discuss the implementation of the three-language formula in the state. (ANI)
The first batch of Shri Amarnath Yatra pilgrims returned to Jammu and Kashmir's (J-K) Udhampur on Friday after visiting the holy cave. Meanwhile, security arrangements have been strengthened across J-K, including Udhampur, as the annual pilgrimage progresses through the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. The annual pilgrimage, which started on Thursday, is being conducted via the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. The Jammu-Srinagar Highway is a key route for the thousands of pilgrims heading to the holy site. In Doda, security arrangements have been intensified, with the Jammu and Kashmir Police reiterating their commitment to ensuring the safety of pilgrims and eliminating any terror threats. During a review meeting with Swami Vishwanand Saraswati and locals in Mandi (Poonch), DIG Rajouri-Poonch Range Tejinder Singh said, "Like last year, this year also, safety and security will be well taken care of. Most importantly, last year, the people of Poonch's Mandi greatly cooperated with us, and they have promised us the same this time too. We will make sure the yatra goes on smoothly this time as well." In Kishtwar, Senior Superintendent of Police Sandeep Mehta told ANI that robust security measures have been put in place along the Kishtwar-Batote route, with four checkpoints established on NH244, including the main checkpoint at Baggar. "Kishtwar district has made solid preparations on the Kishtwar-Batote route. Four checkpoints are set up on the NH244, with the main checkpoint at Baggar. When the Amarnath Yatra crosses this point, our police party ensures that no unscrupulous elements pass through," Mehta said. BJP MLA from Kishtwar, Shagun Parihar, said, "Today, lakhs of devotees are going for Amarnath Yatra. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are not afraid of anyone now, and all the conspiracies of Pakistan will fail. Our forces, Jammu and Kashmir administration and all the people of Jammu and Kashmir have given a befitting reply to the Pakistani terrorists who were conspiring to disrupt the Yatra." Meanwhile, the second batch of pilgrims departed from the Nunwan Base Camp on Friday morning. Devotees praised the arrangements and expressed confidence in the safety measures. "I am from Noida, and we are a group of 13 people. This is my first time. I am very excited. The arrangements are very good. There is nothing to be afraid of," Singh said. (ANI)
New Delhi [India], July 4 (ANI) In a major crackdown on cyber-enabled financial fraud, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested one Rohit Vij, identified as one of the masterminds behind a Chinese app-based investment scam involving the fake mobile application 'LOXAM. As per a statement from the ED, the accused lured unsuspecting investors with promises of unrealistically high returns, defrauding them through the fraudulent app. Vij, the mastermind in the conversion of proceeds of crime into forex (foreign exchange), was arrested on June 30 and has been accorded five-day ED custody by a Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in New Delhi. Following the arrest, the ED carried out search operations at five locations in Delhi linked to Vij, his business entities, and associates under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The searches led to the identification of Proceeds of Crime (PoC) and the recovery and seizure of incriminating documents. ED initiated an investigation on the basis of the First Information Report (FIR) registered by the Hyderabad Cyber Crime division in 2022, wherein it was alleged that certain Chinese individuals, in association with certain Indian persons, have defrauded various investors by luring and offering unrealistically high returns on investments through their fake investment app named as 'LOXAM', claiming to be related to a reputed French MNC Group of the same name. ED said its investigation revealed that the "tainted money was collected in the bank account of a shell entity Xindai Technologies Pvt Ltd, which was formed in the name of an Indian person, on the instructions of a Chinese national, namely Jack, who took the internet banking credentials and routed the funds so collected through 38 mule accounts, which were subsequently converted into Foreign currencies with the help of Vij and his associates through shell money changer entities--Ranjan Money Corp Pvt Ltd and KDS Forex Pvt Ltd controlled by them based in Delhi." Vij and his associates "converted the tainted amount into foreign currencies, mostly in US Dollars and UAE Dirham, through multiple Authorised Money Changers (AMCs), Full Fledged Money Changers (FFMCs), and provided the same to the Chinese perpetrators of fraud through various middlemen through hawala channels." Amounts totalling Rs 171.47 crore were laundered through Xindai Technologies Pvt Ltd and subsequently converted into forex through Ranjan Moneycorp Pvt Ltd and KDS Forex Pvt Ltd, said the ED in a statement. However, the agency said, from the analysis of bank accounts of Ranjan Money Corp and KDS Forex Pvt Ltd, it was found that within a period of seven months, these entities, under the control and operation of Vij, has converted Rs 903 crore of similar tainted money generated by Chinese perpetrators of fraud and other accused persons. (ANI)
Traffic movement on the Karnaprayag-Badrinath National Highway in Chamoli district was temporarily halted following a landslide in the early hours of Thursday. Speaking to ANI, Sub-Inspector DS Uniyal said, "We stopped traffic on both sides after the landslide and opened it after some debris was cleared. Restoration efforts are currently underway, and vehicular flow has resumed partially." NHIDCL project manager Ankit Singh Rana also spoke to ANI and said, "On the night of July 3rd, around 3-4 AM, a landslide occurred here. Water comes from above, resulting in a seepage situation here. It happened last year as well, and we fully restored it, which allowed for smooth traffic flow. But this sudden landslide has occurred, after which we deployed our machines here. By clearing the debris, we have reopened it smoothly, traffic is moving, and at the same time, we are removing the debris... we will fully clear it soon." Earlier in the day, the Badrinath National Highway also remained blocked due to debris falling from the hillside near Nandprayag and Bhanerpani. The state is experiencing heavy rainfall, triggering debris to fall from the hill and disrupting life. The Chamoli Police informed about the incident. The National Highway near Nandprayag is a critical route for pilgrims travelling to Kedarnath, making the clearance of the road a priority. The neighbouring state of Himachal Pradesh is also facing severe conditions due to heavy rainfall and cloudbursts. Several houses have been damaged and vehicles washed away due to cloudburst and continuous heavy rainfall. Earlier, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a warning of heavy rainfall across most parts of the country, citing favourable conditions for the monsoon. According to IMD scientist Naresh Kumar, two circulations have formed in Madhya Pradesh and northern Odisha, which are conducive to heavy rainfall. Alerts have been issued for central India and the western coast, indicating a high likelihood of heavy rainfall in these regions. Eastern Rajasthan is expected to experience heavy rainfall, with the IMD predicting significant downpours in the region. The IMD's warning serves as a reminder for residents in affected areas to take necessary precautions and remain vigilant. The heavy rainfall is expected to have a significant impact on various parts of the country, and the IMD's timely warning will help in minimising the risks associated with the monsoon. For Delhi, the IMD has predicted overcast skies and rain for the next couple of days, with the monsoon potentially reaching the region within the next few days. Notably, on June 29, India welcomed the monsoon, arriving eight days ahead of its expected onset date of July 8. The Southwest Monsoon has further advanced into the remaining parts of Rajasthan, western Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana, covering the entire Delhi region, according to the IMD. (ANI)
On the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the exploitation of tribals during British rule and praised the current government's efforts to implement Raju's vision for tribal development through initiatives in education, tourism, and health. "Tribals were exploited largely in the British rule. Their lands were seized illegally, restrictions were put on their traditional podu agriculture farming, and their livelihood was snatched... The thoughts that Alluri Sitarama Raju had for the tribal development are the same thoughts our PM has, who is trying to implement them on the ground level. We are working on various aspects, including education, tourism, health, and many more, in the tribal areas. Our government has improved the standard of education in these areas..," he said. Alluri Sitarama Raju was hailed as the country's Robin Hood for engaging in guerrilla warfare against the Britishers. Raju was, however, subjected to brutal torture by the British at the age of 27 on May 7, 1924. In the event, he also noted the significant reduction in Naxal influence, stating that they are now confined to only 5-6 districts, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserting that India will be free from Naxalism by March 2026. Defence Minister said, "There was a time when Naxals had surrounded the tribal areas. Today, the condition of Naxals is such that they are limited to only 5-6 districts across the country... Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said that by March 2026, the entire country will be free from Naxalism..." Born on July 4, 1897, Alluri Sitarama Raju is remembered for his fight against the British, in order to safeguard the interests of the tribal communities in the Eastern Ghats region. He had led the Rampa rebellion, which was launched in 1922. He is referred to as "Manyam Veerudu" (Hero of the Jungles) by the local people. Raju was, however, subjected to brutal torture by the British at the age of 27 on May 7, 1924. A leader of the tribal people against the British, the freedom fighter was also hailed as the country's Robin Hood for engaging in guerrilla warfare against the forces. (ANI)
Medsien's Advanced Primary Care Management (APCM) program transforms chronic care with fast deployment, smart automation and seamless billing support, aligned with CMS's newest monthly bundled care model

SAN FRANCISCO, July 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Medsien, the leading provider of full-service Remote Care Management solutions, today announced the launch of its Advanced Primary Care Management (APCM) program, a first-of-its-kind solution designed to help healthcare organizations adopt CMS's new care model, transform chronic care delivery and unlock sustainable growth.

Medsien

Launched by CMS in 2025, APCM introduces a bold new direction for Medicare reimbursement, replacing rigid, time-based requirements with a streamlined, monthly per-patient payment model. With billing codes G0556, G0557 and G0558, providers can now stratify patients by risk and receive bundled payments for a broad range of services, including Chronic Care Management (CCM), Transitional Care Management (TCM), Primary Care Management (PCM), virtual visits, telehealth check-ins and remote evaluations. This shift rewards readiness and continuity of care over administrative time tracking, empowering practices to focus on what truly matters: their patients.

Medsien's APCM program brings this vision to life with a fast, scalable and future-ready solution that helps practices go live in just five days. Key features include:

Turnkey implementation with no need for additional staff or complex onboarding

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AI-driven workflows that streamline program operations and ensure compliance

Full-service delivery model from patient identification to ongoing, personalized outreach

Care delivery managed by Medsien's experienced team of dedicated care partners

"This program is more than a billing opportunity, it's a transformation in how care is delivered," said Hamed Ahmadi, Co-Founder and CEO of Medsien. "We've built APCM to help practices embrace relationship-based, proactive care with confidence and scalability."

Medsien's APCM solution reduces operational burden, ensures compliance and empowers healthcare organizations to thrive in today's value-based care landscape.

The launch marks another bold step in Medsien's mission to reshape care through intelligent systems and patient-centered design.

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Medsien is the leading provider of Remote Care Management solutions and services across the United States. The company offers a full suite of turnkey programs, including Chronic Care Management (CCM), Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM), Transitional and Principal Care Management, Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM), Annual Wellness Visits (AWV) and now Advanced Primary Care Management (APCM). Powered by intelligent technology and AI-driven workflows, Medsien helps practices deliver high-quality care beyond office walls, improving outcomes, ensuring compliance and increasing revenue while minimizing operational complexity.

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Media Contact:

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(855)-Medsien(633-7436)

This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com.

SOURCE Medsien
After assuming office as the President of the BJP in Andhra Pradesh, PVN Madhav paid his first visit to the Sri Nookambika Ammavari Temple in Gavarapalem, Anakapalli on Friday. The temple EO (Executive Officer) and Chairman welcomed Madhav with temple honours and facilitated special pujas to the goddess. He was also offered teertha prasadam (sacred offerings). As the new BJP state president, Madhav offered silk garments (pattu vastralu) to the deity and prayed for the well-being of the state. Speaking on the occasion, Madhav said he would strive to make Andhra Pradesh the number one state in the country in partnership with the coalition government at the Centre. He also assured that efforts would be made to secure central government funds under the PRASAD scheme for the development of the temple. Highlighting the historical significance of the region, he noted that Andhra Pradesh is home to a 100-year-old Agricultural Institute, one of the oldest in the country, and pledged to work for its development. Expressing concern, he noted that it is unfortunate that, despite having the country's largest agricultural institute, the state still lags behind in agricultural progress. He pledged to restore the past glory of agriculture in the district. Madhav also pointed out that the district is home to five cooperative sugar factories, which are not found in any other district. He assured full support for their development in all possible ways. (ANI)
Two accused have been arrested in connection with an eve-teasing incident reported on June 30 at PS Nand Nagri. The accused, identified as Afnan (19) and Sameer (22), according to the police. The complaint, filed by a 15-year-old girl, alleged that on March 4, while walking near SK Garg Clothing Shop on Shani Bazaar Road, she and her friend were followed by four individuals--two on a motorcycle and two on a scooty. When confronted, the accused abused her, and one of them spat on her face before fleeing the spot. Accordingly, a case under Section 79 of the BNS and Section 12 of the POCSO Act was registered at PS Nand Nagri, and an investigation was initiated. The team conducted extensive investigations and gathered crucial leads and clues from various sources. Based on the collected evidence, one of the accused was identified and arrested. He was identified as Afnan, aged 19 years. Initially, the accused attempted to mislead the police but, during sustained interrogation, admitted to his involvement and disclosed details about his accomplices. Following his disclosure, another accused, identified as Sameer, aged 22 years, was also arrested. A scooty, used in the commission of the crime, was seized from their possession. Efforts are ongoing to trace and apprehend the remaining accused. Further investigation into the case is underway. Earlier in another operation, the West District Police team of Delhi cracked a staged robbery case within 10 hours. Accused persons, namely Subhash Chand (aged 22) and Vijaypal (aged 26), have been arrested. The complainant, Subhash Chand, himself was the mastermind behind the staged robbery case.On July 3, 2025, a call was received at PS Moti Nagar reporting a robbery of 13 lakhs. The complainant, Subhash Chand, alleged that after withdrawing 13 lakhs from the Bank, he was robbed by six unknown persons on a flyover. He further alleged that the robbers had arrived on three bikes and fled with the cash after stabbing him with a knife.During the investigation, CCTV cameras were analysed, but no suspicious bikes were seen chasing the complainant. Further inquiry revealed that the complainant's injuries appeared superficial and inconsistent with his claims of being stabbed by a knife. Upon sustained interrogation, Subhash Chand broke down and confessed to the crime. (ANI)
Bihar Minister Ashok Choudhary on Friday came out in strong support of the Election Commission of India (ECI), amid rising opposition allegations that the ongoing voter list update process is biased. Choudhary said that the opposition is merely seeking excuses for its anticipated electoral defeat while the Commission is working towards enhancing transparency in the electoral process. Defending the move, Minister Choudhary told ANI, " It is the job of the opposition to find faults in everything. They are just looking for issues to blame their defeat on. The Election Commission is bringing transparency in the voter process, stage-wise..." Responding to AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi's letter to RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, Choudhary remarked, "They are fighting hard for the 30%. We have 70% with us." The remarks come as the opposition, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader, has intensified its criticism of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise currently underway in Bihar. "We have been continuously requesting time from the Election Commission that our delegation wants to meet you. It is unfortunate that in the state where elections are to be held, if the opposition wants to meet, the Election Commission is not providing time for the meeting. These people are bent on destroying democracy, the Election Commission is determined to shred the Constitution," Yadav told ANI. RJD leader added, "The party's national president Lalu Yadav himself has written a letter to the Election Commission, but no reply has come... It seems that the Election Commission has become the BJP's commission. The BJP and Nitish Kumar are silent because they are losing; therefore, the Election Commission is helping them from behind... It has never happened before that the Election Commission is not giving time... They talk about one nation, one election, but elections are not being conducted properly in one place, dishonesty is happening..." On Wednesday, the Election Commission of India (ECI) had met representatives of various political parties at Nirvachan Sadan, said the Election Commission. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Wednesday said that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in Bihar is progressing smoothly and on schedule, despite concerns raised by opposition parties about possible voter exclusion. Speaking at a training session for Booth Level Officers (BLOs), Gyanesh Kumar said, "The implementation of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar is running as per schedule with the active participation of all election staff and all political parties in a transparent manner. Despite apprehensions of some persons, SIR will ensure that all eligible persons will be included." The Special Intensive Revision is a focused voter list update exercise conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure electoral rolls are accurate ahead of upcoming elections. Opposition parties, including the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), have expressed concern that the SIR process may be misused to disenfranchise voters, particularly the poor and marginalised communities. In response, the ECI stated that the exercise is being conducted strictly in line with the provisions of Article 326 of the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act, 1950. It said the aim is to remove ineligible entries while ensuring that no eligible voter is left out. "Commission stated that SIR is being conducted per 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 ECI said in an official post.The Commission also clarified that while some party representatives had prior appointments, others were allowed to join the meeting without one."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 to listen to all views," the statement said. The ECI assured that the SIR would be conducted transparently and fairly, with measures in place to support vulnerable groups, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and economically vulnerable individuals. 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. (ANI)
The Indian Army conducted a Curtain Raiser event on Friday for the upcoming Tri-Services Academia Technology Symposium at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, the Ministry of Defence said in a release on Friday. The event was conducted in coordination with the Integrated Defence Staff, the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force. The event formally launched preparations for the main symposium scheduled to be held on 22-23 September 2025. Themed 'Vivek va Anusandhan se Vijay', the initiative aims to deepen collaboration between the Armed Forces and academia for the development of cutting-edge indigenous technologies. The primary objective of the symposium is to develop an integrated perspective for creating a synergised Services - Academia R&D ecosystem. It seeks to identify and harness the scientific potential within academic institutions to meet the niche technological needs of the Indian Armed Forces, thereby contributing to long-term self-reliance in defence capabilities. As part of the Curtain Raiser, a dedicated portal was inaugurated to facilitate participation from academic institutions across the country. The portal allows institutions to register their representatives, who can either attend the symposium as 'Attendees' or submit project proposals and exhibits. Attendees will be able to take part in the various seminars and panel discussions planned for the final event, offering a valuable opportunity for knowledge exchange and collaboration. Submitted proposals and exhibits will be reviewed by subject matter experts from the respective Defence Services. Shortlisted entries will be invited for one-on-one discussions with services representatives and will be showcased during the exhibition segment of the symposium. The most promising innovations and proposals will be recognised and felicitated during the valedictory session. The Tri-Services Academia Technology Symposium represents a key initiative towards narrowing down the gap between academic research and defence application. It reaffirms the Armed Forces' commitment to nurturing indigenous technological innovation in alignment with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the relase added. (ANI)
Independent MP from Bihar's Purnia, Pappu Yadav, on Friday accused the Election Commission (EC) of trying to disenfranchise poor, Dalit, and migrant workers through its ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state. Speaking to ANI, Yadav alleged that the EC is demanding proof of citizenship dating back to before 1987, documents he claims most Dalits, Adivasis and migrant labourers do not possess. "Are we not Indians? Are we from Nepal or Bangladesh? You released all the lists six months ago--what's the point now, after 22 years? What does Article 326 say? What rights does it give? You tell us! You won't accept Article 326, or Aadhaar card, or ration card, or even the voter list," he said. Calling the exercise a conspiracy to deprive people of their voting rights and identity, Yadav said, "First, Notebandi, now Votebandi. You emptied poor people's pockets, took money from youth and women, and now you're taking away our voting rights. You are cutting off our very identity, so what are we supposed to live for?" The MP claimed that the EC's decision is an attack on the rights of the people. "You are trying to snatch away our rights and end the breed... This is an attack...a war... We will fight a head-to-head battle on July 9. The Congress in charge ordered that the entire state of Bihar would be closed on July 9," Yadav added. Earlier on Wednesday, a delegation of INDIA bloc leaders from 11 political parties met with the Election Commission in Delhi to register their opposition to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls currently underway in Bihar, calling it the "worst attack on the basic structure of the Constitution." Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi, part of the delegation that met Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, questioned the timing of the SIR exercise, noting that it is being carried out only months before the upcoming Assembly elections. In a post on X following the meeting, the Election Commission stated that all concerns raised by party representatives were addressed, and the SIR was being conducted in accordance with legal provisions. "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 EC's post read. The Bihar Legislative Assembly elections are expected to be held later this year, however, no official date has been announced by the ECI as of yet. (ANI)
Noting that a senior Army officer has revealed some details of the "extraordinary ways" by which China helped the Pakistan Air Force during Operation Sindoor, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said on Friday that the party would press for a discussion on full gamut of India-China relations during the monsoon session of Parliament beginning July 21. In a post on X, Jairam Ramesh said the Modi government must agree to such a discussion so that a consensus can be built for a collective response to the geopolitical and economic challenges that China poses to India. "The Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Capability Development and Sustenance) Lt. Gen Rahul R. Singh has just publicly confirmed what has been talked about ever since Operation Sindoor was halted abruptly at the intervention of President Trump. Lt. Gen Singh has revealed some details of the extraordinary ways by which China helped the Pakistan Air Force. This is the same China which completely destroyed the status quo in Ladakh five years ago but to which Prime Minister Modi gave a public clean chit on June 19, 2020," Jairam Ramesh said. "For five years, the INC has been demanding a discussion on the full gamut of India-China relations in the Parliament. The Modi Government has consistently refused to have such a debate. The INC will continue to make this demand in the forthcoming monsoon session of Parliament, scheduled to commence on July 21, 2025. The Modi Government must agree at least now so that a consensus can be built for a collective response to the geopolitical and economic challenges that China poses to India - directly and through Pakistan," he added. India has ruled out any mediation in its issues with Pakistan and said that cessation of hostilities, following Op Sindoor, ended after the neighbouring country's DGMO called up his Indian counterpart. Jairam Ramesh said that recently, China organised a trilateral meeting with Pakistan and Bangladesh in Kunming. "India's trade deficit with China is at record highs. The border agreement arrived at is not a restoration of the status quo," he said. Speaking at the 'New Age Military Technologies' organised by FICCI, Lieutenant General Rahul R Singh, on Friday, outlined several key lessons learnt from Operation Sindoor launched by India in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The Deputy COAS highlighted the importance of air defence and technological advancement during military operations. Referring to Pakistan-China alliance, the Deputy Chief pointed out that India has "two adversaries on one border," where Pakistan was on the front and China was providing all possible support. The Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Capability Development and Sustenance) said that Pakistan has 81 per cent Chinese hardware in their military fleet. "Air Defence and how it panned out during the entire operation was important... This time, our population centres were not quite addressed, but next time, we need to be prepared for that... So few lessons I must flag as far as Operation Sindoor is concerned. Firstly, we had one border and two adversaries, actually three. Pakistan was in the front. China was providing all possible support. In the last five years, 81% of the military hardware with Pakistan is Chinese..." he said. Emphasising the need for a robust air defence system, the Deputy COAS revealed that Pakistan had "live updates" on India's important vectors that too, with China's help. "China can test its weapons against other weapons, so it's like a live lab available to them. Turkey also played an important role in providing the type of support it did; they gave Bayraktar and numerous other drones... When DGMO-level talks were on, Pakistan had the live updates of our important vectors, from China... We need a robust air defence system," he said. Lt Gen Rahul R Singh lauded the Indian Armed Forces for carrying out precision strikes on terror infrastructure. He emphasised the strategic messaging and integration of technology and human intelligence in target selection and planning. "There are a few lessons from Operation Sindoor. The strategic messaging by leadership was unambiguous... There is no scope of absorbing the pain the way we did a few years ago... The planning and selection of targets was based on a lot of data that was collected using technology and human intelligence. So a total of 21 targets were identified, out of which nine targets we thought would be prudent to engage... It was only the final day or the final hour that the decision was taken that these nine targets would be engaged," he said. "A considered decision was taken that it will be a tri-services approach to send the right message that we indeed are an integrated force... An important consideration was that we should always be at the top of the escalation ladder. When we reach a military objective, we should try and put a stop to it... War is easy to initiate, but it's very difficult to control. So I would say that was a very masterly stroke that was played to stop the war at an appropriate time," he added. (ANI)
Amid growing public outrage over landslides, house collapses, and severe environmental damage allegedly caused by unscientific construction practices on four-lane highway projects in Himachal Pradesh, hundreds of protestors gathered outside the Deputy Commissioner's office in Shimla on Friday. The protest was jointly organised by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and the Himachal Kisan Sabha, demanding immediate relief, compensation, and legal action against construction companies such as Gawar, Bharat, and Singla, operating under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Villagers from affected areas, workers' unions, and civil society organisations alleged massive irregularities and violations of labour and environmental laws by these companies. Protesters demanded the blacklisting of Gawar Company and the registration of FIRs against its officials. A delegation led by Dr. Kuldeep Singh Tanwar (President, Himachal Kisan Sabha), Vijender Mehra (President, CITU Himachal), Sanjay Chauhan (Co-convenor, Samyukt Kisan Morcha), Jai Shiv Thakur affected Ranjana Verma and other affected people met the Deputy Commissioner and submitted a memorandum seeking urgent interim relief and rehabilitation for the affected. Roshni, a resident of Pujarli village near Shimla, speaking to ANI, said her family was living under constant fear of disaster. He said,"The four-lane work going on near our house has made it unsafe. Our house could collapse anytime. We've filed complaints before, and though the company built a retaining wall, it has already fallen due to the rains. Our water sources are damaged, and our lives have been turned upside down. We just want our children to be safe." Speaking to the media, Kuldeep Singh Tanwar said,"A powerful nexus between politicians, construction companies, and the bureaucracy is plundering Himachal's resources and endangering its people. This collusion is starkly visible in the ongoing four-lane highway construction by Gawar, Bharat, and Singla companies, which are operating with impunity in areas like Shimla and Dharampur in Mandi district." He cited recent incidents, including the collapse of an under-construction bridge and damage to houses and schools, attributing them to unscientific hill-cutting, illegal dumping, and mining practices by these contractors. Speakers at the protest accused the companies of gross labour violations."Hundreds of such cases exist, and when workers demand their rights, they are intimidated by bouncers and local goons hired by the companies. Several assault complaints have been filed with the police, but no action has been taken," he added. The protestors claimed that this silence from the Labour Department, police, and the state government pointed to a systemic failure to hold the companies accountable. They also alleged that money saved by denying workers their lawful wages was being used to pay off contractors, middlemen, and even officials. CITU and Kisan Sabha demanded that every house either collapsed or was endangered due to highway construction be compensated with Rs 5 crore, and that a public audit of agreements between NHAI and these companies be conducted. They also demanded that Legal action against Gawar, Bharat, and Singla companies and NHAI as the primary employer, Strict implementation of labor laws in all ongoing highway projects. Local residents be given 80 percent employment as per Himachal's industrial policy. And an immediate halt to illegal mining, dumping, and unscientific construction practices. Criminal proceedings against bouncers and goons hired by the companies and accountability of NHAI and the administration for collusion. Tanwar alleged that despite the perception that the government is responsible,"It's the companies working under NHAI and other central projects like railways and hydroelectric projects that are the biggest profiteers. They earn millions, fund both ruling and opposition parties, and then carry out projects without any ground-level oversight." "Most of the land being affected isn't officially acquired - it's being damaged due to faulty construction practices. People whose homes, fields, and water sources are affected aren't being compensated. The most recent example is the house of Ranjana Verma, which collapsed on June 29. The administration had promised her a rented space or government accommodation. Even now, she hasn't been given shelter," he said. He added that in Sanan Van, 30+ families are living in fear, and several have taken refuge in neighbors' homes. "We demand a complete publication of all contracts, the immediate provision of compensation and alternative housing, and a stop to sloppy slope protection and faulty rock-bolting methods, which are damaging private property," he said. The protestors have announced a series of upcoming agitations, including a mass convention at Kali Bari Hall in Shimla on July 7 to mobilize public opinion against NHAI and contractor companies. The issue will also be raised during the nationwide strike on July 9. If their demands remain unaddressed, the movement is set to intensify from July 15 onward. (ANI)
The Karnataka High Court has issued a notice in response to a petition filed by BJP MLC N Ravikumar, seeking to quash an FIR registered against him for allegedly making derogatory and vulgar remarks against State Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh. The court has directed that no precipitous action be taken against Ravikumar until the next hearing on Tuesday, July 8, and instructed him to cooperate with the investigation. During the hearing, the High Court made a sharp observation, remarking that "politicians are going to a new low." "Notice issued to respondent, returnable on Tuesday. Till then, no precipitous action be taken against the petitioner. Petitioner to cooperate with investigation," the HC's order read. Earlier on Thursday, the IAS Officers' Association in Karnataka strongly condemned BJP MLC N Ravikumar's "derogatory and offensive remarks" against State Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh and urged the State government to uphold institutional dignity and take prompt and exemplary action in the matter." The Chief Secretary holds the highest civil office in Karnataka and is a widely respected officer known for her integrity, commitment, and distinguished public service," the association said in a letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. "The remarks made in public are vulgar, defamatory, and a direct affront to the dignity of her office and the larger civil service. It further leads to denigrating public institutions and the trust they hold," it said. The Association also noted that this was not an isolated instance, pointing out that Ravikumar had previously made "baseless and communal remarks" against the Deputy Commissioner of Kalaburagi. "Despite our prior appeal for corrective action, the recurrence of such behavior reflects a disturbing pattern of targeting and vilifying officers in public service. The Association expresses its strong solidarity with both officers and reiterates its concern over repeated attempts to undermine the credibility of dedicated officers serving Karnataka with distinction," the letter read. "We respectfully urge the following: A public and unconditional apology from Shri Ravi Kumar; Immediate legal action under applicable provisions of law; and a formal resolution of censure in the Legislative Council. Civil servants must be allowed to discharge their duties without fear, insult, or political intimidation. We urge the Government to uphold institutional dignity and take prompt and exemplary action in this regard," it added. The alleged remarks were reportedly made by Ravikumar during a protest in front of Vidhana Soudha on Monday. A police complaint was filed on Wednesday.(ANI)
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed serious dissatisfaction over the police investigation in Bhopal's alleged rape and blackmailing case with college girls and decided to reinvestigate the matter. The Commission's team will visit the city to thoroughly investigate the matter again and submit its report before the commission within a month, said NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo on Friday. Speaking to ANI, Kanoongo said, "We sent a team to investigate the matter in which college girls in Bhopal were ragged, raped, videographed and forced to convert into Islam. All the victim girls were Hindu. We took the matter as religious discriminatory crime and sent our team to probe. Our team investigated the matter for three days in Bhopal and recommended that they need to visit the city for one more time to probe the matter as evidence submitted by police is insufficient." The team sought permission from the Commission to visit again. Following which the commission granted permission to investigate the matter again under the supervision of an Superintendent of Police (SP) rank and submit its report within a month, he added. "We have requested the DGP and Chief Secretary that compensation should be given to the children based on their age (under victim compensation scheme). Secondly, the crime pattern is communal gender crime in which Hindu girls are targeted, so its investigation as an organised crime is necessary. Organised crimes are operated and have protection. The accused in this case might have some protection and the police missed to expose. Additionally, it seems that there is something in the investigation that is being hidden. So, we have sought information on some aspects and asked our team to submit a report within a month," Kanoongo said. He further raised a series of questions on the investigation of the local police claiming that the police failed to properly probe the matter. "Our question is that, did the police try to find out more victims or accused or try to bust the racket? There was a place called 'Club 90', a den of vice which was provided by Municipal Corporation to run a restaurant. We don't know whether they had a license of food department or license of labour department, nothing has come to fore in police investigation till date. It was demolished without collecting forensic evidence from the site which brings the action under suspicion." "Additionally, a person came to light in the investigation of the commission, who has a criminal history but the police failed to probe the relation between the person and the prime accused Farhan, which shows the incompetence of the police. So, we are getting the matter investigated again," he added. He further highlighted that they received information via email and whistleblowers in relation to the incident based on which he claimed that police failed to perform the proper investigation into the matter. (ANI)
Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh addressed the valedictory session of the National Level Conference of Chairpersons of Urban Local Bodies in Manesar, Haryana on Friday. In his remarks, Deputy Chairman RS Harivansh touched upon the importance of civic governance in improving the quality of life and highlighted the broader objective of 'Ease of Living' set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Harivansh also lauded the innovative efforts of various Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in addressing several local challenges through the use of technology and the efficient utilisation of available resources. "Since 2014, alongside the emphasis on Ease of Doing Business, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also worked towards Ease of Living. In this regard, the role of Urban Local bodies is even more important," he added. Addressing various demands for civic amenities, providing easy access to essential services through digitisation, and building capacity in solid waste management are some steps where urban local bodies have a key role to play. He urged the heads of various urban bodies to make their governance more participatory by maintaining transparency in budget allocations and measuring their outcomes. In the past, there have been recommendations to improve the accounting and auditing standards of ULBs. In his remarks, Dy Chairman Rajya Sabha Harivansh spoke about the need for state governments to decentralise and empower local bodies to ensure the 73rd and 74th amendments to the constitution are implemented in letter and spirit. He said, "Many states have not fully taken the recommendations of the State Finance Commissions to empower local bodies financially and administratively. It is the urban schemes planned by the Union Government and the efforts of the Union Finance Commission that have supported the implementation of key projects at the city level." As cities increase their contribution to GDP, he urged the elected representatives of various cities to focus on preparing for future challenges. "With the increase in economic activities in urban areas, our emissions will rise too. Therefore, addressing the concerns arising out of climate change and implementing sustainable practices in our urban areas are also important," he said. In his concluding remarks, Harivansh stated that the governance of urban areas will be crucial in achieving the nation's goal of becoming a developed country by 2047. In this regard, governance should be more inclusive and participatory to make it a people's movement. The two-day programme held in Manesar was also addressed by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Chief Minister of Haryana, Nayab Singh Saini. The conference included presentations from various cities displaying best practices in different segments of civic governance. (ANI)
First of its kind institutional-grade fund opens access to a new and growing class of traditional and digital asset-native allocators

HAMILTON, Bermuda, July 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Members Capital Management ("MembersCap"), a Bermuda-regulated investment manager, today completed the successful investment of its initial portfolio through its fund, MCM Fund I, the first tokenised institutional-grade reinsurance fund designed for both sophisticated digital asset investors and traditional allocators. All portfolio trades were executed with global reinsurance companies and top-tier Lloyd's of London syndicates, and were sourced through the top three global reinsurance brokers.

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MembersCap has been selected as the first fund in the real-world assets category on the Archax platform, sitting alongside tokenized offerings from other institutions like BlackRock, State Street, and Aberdeen.

The reinsurance opportunity

Being fundamentally uncorrelated with the financial markets, reinsurance has consistently outperformed most traditional alternatives over the past two decades. Despite being highly yield-generative, the sector has historically been reserved for pension plans, sovereign wealth funds, and other institutional giants.

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Positioned as an alternative to private equity, venture capital, and fixed income strategies, MCM Fund I provides qualified investors with regulated and collateralised access to reinsurance via direct exposure to natural catastrophe and cyber reinsurance contracts sourced through blue-chip global partners.

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MembersCap was founded in 2024 and is backed by a strong coalition of both institutional and blockchain-native partners. This blend of traditional underwriting expertise and on-chain architecture ensures institutional-grade standards while embracing next-generation accessibility.

About Members Capital Management

Founded in 2024, Members Capital Management ("MembersCap") is a licensed investment manager regulated by the Bermuda Monetary Authority, bridging institutional finance and blockchain infrastructure. Backed by leading blockchain protocols including Cardano, Aptos, and Solana, and supported by institutional infrastructure from Archax, Coinbase, Apex Group and Envelop Risk, MembersCap delivers a new institutional blueprint: tokenised participation to the global reinsurance market, an asset class traditionally closed to most investors.

SOURCE MembersCap
Chhattisgarh Finance Minister OP Choudhary on Friday presented a robust vision for Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms, emphasising the need for strict action against bogus registrations and fake invoices. He participated in a crucial meeting of the Group of Ministers (GoM) in New Delhi, which aimed to enhance transparency, technological integration, and efficiency in GST revenue collection. Choudhary participated as a member of the GoM and presented a series of key recommendations aimed at curbing tax evasion, modernising registration systems, and preventing fraudulent input tax credit claims. The group is chaired by Goa Chief Minister Pramod P Sawant. Choudhary shared Chhattisgarh's experiences and policy interventions, underscoring the urgent need to adopt technology-led solutions to address persistent challenges in GST administration. The discussions focused on analysing revenue trends, assessing economic factors influencing collections, and identifying coordinated strategies for sustainable growth. During the deliberations, finance ministers from various states presented detailed insights into factors impacting GST revenues within their jurisdictions. Choudhary highlighted the proactive steps undertaken by Chhattisgarh to strengthen anti-evasion frameworks and improve compliance. He emphasised that Chhattisgarh has leveraged advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence tools extensively to detect irregularities, facilitate compliance, and protect genuine taxpayers. Such measures, he said, have contributed significantly to enhancing the state's GST collections. Presentations were also made on cutting-edge platforms, including BIFA, GST Prime, and the e-Way Bill portal. Choudhary advocated for the uniform adoption of these innovations nationwide to enable faster detection and action against fraudulent operators. Highlighting specific issues, the Finance Minister called for the development of a centralised digital framework to enforce transparency in registrations, control fake invoices, and prevent bogus input tax credits. He noted that such initiatives not only boost revenue but also reinforce taxpayer confidence. Choudhary underscored that under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Chhattisgarh has instituted regular reviews and data-driven decision-making processes, delivering consistently positive outcomes. He observed that the state's model could serve as a benchmark for other regions aiming to strengthen GST administration. He further called for collaborative efforts among all states to ensure stability and sustained growth in GST revenues. Expressing optimism, Choudhary said he was confident that the recommendations put forward by the GoM would soon be adopted by the GST Council. The meeting is expected to play a pivotal role in formulating comprehensive reform proposals and creating a new course for tax administration and revenue mobilisation across India. (ANI)
DMK Minister EV Velu on Friday criticised the Union Government for allocating Rs 2,500 crore towards the development of Sanskrit while allotting just Rs 167 crore for Tamil. At a public meeting in Vellore, the senior DMK leader mocked the Sanskrit, claiming it was a language that was not understandable to the general public. "Why spend Rs 2,500 crore on Sanskrit, a language no one even understands? In marriage ceremonies, chants are in Sanskrit -- but who understands them?" Velu asked. Velu said, "Tamil is a living, breathing language spoken and understood by millions across classes and communities. Can two lovers express their love in Sanskrit? They can do so in Tamil." The Minister also accused the Centre of diverting Tamil Nadu's tax contributions for promoting a language that has little practical use in contemporary society. "Tamil Nadu is the second-highest contributor to GST in the country. Yet, our money is being used for Sanskrit development, while Tamil -- which holds classical language status and is deeply rooted in our culture -- is being sidelined," he said. Earlier, a political row erupted after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin alleged biased allocation of central funds favouring Sanskrit over other Indian classical languages, including Tamil. Citing a media report and voicing strong criticism on social media platform X, the Chief Minister wrote, "Sanskrit gets the crores; Tamil and other South Indian languages get nothing but crocodile tears. "The criticism follows a media report that quoted the reply to an RTI query, which said that the Union Government allocated Rs 2,532.59 crore between 2014-15 and 2024-25 for the promotion of Sanskrit. In contrast, a total of only Rs 147.56 crore was spent on all five other classical Indian languages combined--Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia--over the same period, claimed the report. MH Jawahirullah, the president of Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK), alleged that the funding disparity revealed a discriminatory and biased approach by the BJP-led Union Government and called for urgent corrective measures. He said, "This amount is 17 times higher than the total funding of Rs 147.56 crore allocated for all five other classical languages combined, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia, according to data obtained through an RTI query, as reported by an English daily. On average, Sanskrit has received Rs 230.24 crore per year, whereas the other five classical languages have received only Rs 13.41 crore per year on average, revealing the Union BJP government's discriminatory and biased approach." He urged the Centre to provide equitable funding and fair recognition for Tamil and other classical languages." Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated in Madurai that Tamil is the "best language in India". But these statistics expose that such remarks are mere lip service without substance. I urge the Union Government to immediately provide due recognition, equitable funding, and developmental programs for Tamil and all other classical languages," he said. (ANI)
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said that over 20,000 devotees coming from different parts of the country have already finished their pilgrimage to Amarnath in the Ganderbal district. He said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are welcoming the devotees with "open hearts". LG Sinha apprised the reporters about the efforts of the Jammu and Kashmir administration and the Shrine Board in expanding their services for devotees. "More than 20,000 devotees had 'darshan' of Baba Amarnath so far. They are coming from different parts of the country. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are welcoming them with an open heart. J-K administration, the government and the Shrine board have expanded their services to the people, and ONGC, under their CSR initiative, has built Yatri Niwas to help the devotees," Sinha told reporters here. LG Manoj Sinha inaugurated the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board Yatri Niwas in Baltal, Ganderbal district, and flagged off around 6,000 devotees for the Amarnath Yatra, marking the beginning of the pilgrimage. "For the past two days, an unprecedented spiritual celebration has begun in Jammu and Kashmir. With the start of the Baba Amarnath Yatra, Jammu and Kashmir is experiencing a new energy...A huge crowd of devotees from across the country and abroad has thronged for this pilgrimage. On the morning of July 2, I had the privilege of flagging off around 6,000 devotees... I feel blessed to dedicate this pilgrim accommodation to the devotees of Baba," Sinha said while addressing the gathering here. He also inaugurated the Disaster Management Complex at Baltal. On Wednesday, Sinha paid obeisance at Daati Maa Dev Sthan in the border village of Changiya, in the Arnia area of the Jammu region. Upon his visit, LG Sinha reiterated the Government of India's commitment to the inclusive development of the border area. "The sacred Daati Maa Dev Sthan will be brought to the religious tourism map," the LG said, adding, "I also pray to Mata Daati for a safe and smooth pilgrimage for all the devotees of Shri Amarnath Ji." This came after he flagged off the first batch of pilgrims for the Shri Amarnath Yatra from Jammu, amidst multi-tier security. J-K LG Manoj Sinha lauded the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board for making 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," he said. (ANI)
Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor on Friday dismissed All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM )'s push to join the opposition alliance in Bihar, saying Asaduddin Owaisi's party holds no importance in the state. His remarks came after AIMIM's Bihar unit wrote to RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, requesting to be included in the Mahagathbandhan, which is part of the larger INDIA bloc. Kishor said it was up to the INDIA alliance to decide on Owaisi's entry, but made it clear that AIMIM has no political impact in Bihar. "The kind of politics Owaisi has been doing for many years, the places where he contests elections, the entire country knows where and how he contests elections. Now, if he wants to join the INDIA alliance, that is for him and the people of the INDIA alliance to decide. For us, Asaduddin Owaisi is not a factor in Bihar," he told ANI. The statement comes amid renewed efforts by AIMIM to forge ties with the opposition ahead of the upcoming Bihar assembly elections scheduled later this year. Earlier this week, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi said that AIMIM is in touch with some leaders in the Mahagathbandhan regarding alliance discussions for the upcoming Bihar assembly polls, due later this year, and also asserted that his party wants to keep the NDA out of power in Bihar. Owaisi said that AIMIM's Bihar state President, Akhtarul Iman, has spoken to the leaders of Mahagathbandhan about a future alliance in the Bihar assembly polls. "Our State President, Akhtarul Iman, has spoken to some leaders in the Mahagathbandhan, and he has categorically stated that we do not want the BJP or NDA to come back in power in Bihar. Now it is up to these political parties that want to prevent the NDA from returning to power in Bihar. Five years ago, I had also tried it personally. Nothing came out of it," Owaisi told ANI. "This time also our state president is trying. But it is up to them. We will be contesting elections in Seemanchal and outside Seemanchal also. If they are not ready, I am ready to contest everywhere. Wait for the time to come. It is too early to announce the exact number," he added. (ANI)
A 69-year-old retired school teacher gave the ultimate lesson in compassion after her family donated her organs, saving five lives following her tragic demise. The incident occurred on June 29, when Stella Suchindran collapsed in her washroom while preparing for a yoga session. Rushed to a private hospital in Delhi, a CT scan revealed a massive intracerebral bleed. Despite emergency care and ventilator support, her condition deteriorated, and she was declared brain dead on July 2. Amid their grief, her family, led by her son, made the courageous decision to donate her liver, both kidneys, and corneas. Her liver was transplanted into a 33-year-old woman at HCMCT Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, while one kidney went to a 51-year-old man at the same hospital. The second kidney was allocated to another Delhi hospital, where it saved a 34-year-old man. Her corneas were sent to Nirmaya Eye Bank, where they will restore vision for two more individuals. Anurag Saxena, Cluster Head (Neurosurgery) at HCMCT Manipal Hospital, praised the family's strength. "The family's courage and strength during such a difficult time are truly inspiring. The patient came with a massive brain haemorrhage due to a ruptured brain aneurysm, and knowing the inevitable outcome, her family decided to continue with non-surgical management. Despite our best efforts, the patient couldn't regain her life and was declared brain dead on 2nd July 2025. In her final moments, this teacher taught us the ultimate lesson of compassion and generosity," Saxena said. Dr. Shrikanth Srinivasan, Chairman, Manipal Institute of Critical Care Medicine, HCMCT Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, said, "Organ donation is a vital part of end-of-life care, offering new hope to people and providing an opportunity to save multiple lives. Each act of organ donation is a reminder that even in our final moments, we can give others the gift of tomorrow. In a moment of deep personal loss, the family showed immense courage by choosing to donate her organs, which helped save the lives of five others." India continues to face a wide gap between the number of patients awaiting transplants and the available organs. As per national data, approximately 1.8 lakh people suffer from kidney failure each year, yet only 13,426 kidney transplants were performed in 2023. Similarly, out of the 25,000-30,000 liver transplants needed annually, only 4,491 were conducted last year. In the case of corneas, about 25,000 transplants are performed annually against a requirement of 1 lakh. The urgent need for organ donation highlights India's growing transplant gap and the importance of this noble gesture. With thousands of people waiting for life-saving organs, increasing public awareness and participation is important. Every donor has the power to change lives, making organ donation a vital step toward a more hopeful, healthier future for many. (ANI)
Union Minister Rajnath Singh participated in the 128th birth anniversary celebration of Alluri Sitarama Raju. The Defence Minister arrived in Hyderabad for the celebrations this afternoon, accompanied by Union Ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and G. Kishan Reddy. Singh addressed a gathering and paid tribute to the great freedom fighter. "I bow in deep reverence to the great warrior who dedicated every moment of his life to the nation. I truly believe that every human carries a flame of self-respect within, and Alluri Sitarama Raju was a living symbol of that fire," he said. He further added, "Just as Chandrashekhar Azad used his last bullet on himself rather than surrendering, Alluri Ji too sacrificed his life to establish an ideal. He wasn't just a fighter, he was a thought, a movement, a blazing spark that shook the very foundation of the British Empire." The Defence Minister praised Alluri Sitarama Raju for his love for the nation and the guerrilla warfare tactics that he used against the British during the freedom struggle. He said, "Today, when we remember him, we don't just see the image of a revolutionary, we see a cultural guardian, a son of the soil, a sacrificial hero whose life continues to inspire generations. His guerrilla warfare tactics in the forests left the British rattled. His mission was never violence for violence's sake, but a deeper fight for honour and justice. Initially, he believed in leading people through non-violent means, but when doors closed and injustice continued, he was forced to take up arms, not out of hatred, but out of necessity." Alluri Sitarama Raju fought for the tribal population in the country and always wanted them to be a part of the mainstream population. Addressing this, Singh said, "his struggle against the exploitation of tribals wasn't limited to Andhra Pradesh or Telangana, it became the voice of tribals across India. Even today, when we speak his name, the nation swells with pride. He taught us that life should be lived with dignity. Today, our government is carrying forward his vision." He further added, "You may have seen how recently, over 20,000 tribal students came together to perform 108 Surya Namaskars, setting a new record. It was more than just yoga, it was a demonstration of cultural unity and inner strength. And this is the very essence of our cultural identity, it binds us all together." "Earlier, many tribal areas lacked even basic mobile network connectivity. Today, we are rapidly working to connect these regions to Digital India. Our government launched an ambitious plan to install 10,000 mobile towers, out of which 8,000 are already functional, and the rest will be operational before 1st December 2025," he said. Naxalism in India aims to affect remote, tribal-dominated regions. It aims to overthrow the state through armed rebellion and parallel governance, targeting security forces, public infrastructure, and democratic institutions. Addressing the problem of naxalism in the country and the government's consistent efforts to end it, Singh said, "Naxalism, which once spread fear across tribal regions, has now been reduced to just 5-6 districts. Also, the home minister spoke about it and we have taken a solemn pledge that by 31st March 2026, Naxalism will be completely eliminated. In areas where once there was an atmosphere of fear, today there are schools, hospitals, roads, and public services. Where once the sound of guns echoed, today we hear the bells of classrooms and the rhythm of development." On May 7, this year India carried out Operation Sindoor against Pakistan, where it targeted its terror camps after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, where tourists whole killed after asking about their religion. Making a strong statement on India's stand against terrorism and how India followed the foot-steps of freedom fighter Sitarama Raju, the Defence Minister said, "Alluri Sitarama Raju was not just a revolutionary; he was a leader who understood when to be patient, when to stand by principle, and when to act . That very wisdom continues to guide us today. When India launched Operation Sindoor in response to terrorism, we followed the same sacred balance. When our citizens were targeted based on their faith, we did not retaliate based on religion, we responded to the crime. We showed restraint, striking only at terror bases, not at civilian locations. If such acts are repeated in the future, we will respond with firm and decisive strength. Our guiding principle is clear, justice to all, appeasement of none." On carrying forward the vision of Alluri Sitarama Raju, and connecting the Tribal population to the mainstream population, Singh said, "In New India, Tribal Pride is Our True Identity." "Today, as we speak of building a New India, it is not merely a vision, it is our duty to bring our tribal communities into the mainstream. This is not an act of charity, it is a mark of respect for their rights and dignity." "India now has its first tribal President, a moment that is not just historic, but a reflection of the strength of our democracy, that a daughter from a small tribal village in Odisha can rise to the highest constitutional office is the triumph of inclusive India," he added. On empowering the tribal communities in the nation, he said, "Through the "Vocal for Local" initiative, our government has worked to take tribal handicrafts, forest products, and traditional arts from remote regions to global markets. Today, tribal communities are not just known for their traditions, but for their prestige and growing identity." "All this has been made possible under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who declared the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda as 'Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas'," he added. "Our mission is not just to build roads, water systems, or electricity, but to build dignity, opportunity, and identity. And that is the real spirit of inclusive India," said Singh. (ANI)
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has set aside a 25-year-old trial court's order in relation to Bhopal Nawab's properties dispute and remanded back to the trial Court for deciding it afresh. The descendants of Bhopal's Nawab Hamidullah Khan, who passed away in 1960, along with the heirs of his elder brother, Obaidullah Khan, initiated legal proceedings in 1999 to seek division and inheritance of the Nawab's private properties according to Muslim Personal Law. Speaking to ANI, an advocate for the respondent Harshit Bari, said, "The matter is related to a property dispute of the Bhopal Nawab's family, which has been overdue since 1960 after the death of Nawab Hamidullah Khan. When the property was handed over to Sajida Sultan, daughter of Hamidullah Khan, in the civil suit due to principle of primogeniture and the Royal Bhopal Act, it was said that because she is the only heir and ruler so being the successor, all the private properties should be given to her." "It was wrong because after the implementation of the Constitution, the property division of 'riyasat' should be according to the Muslim Personal Law. With reference to the judgment of Rampur state case which was upheld by the Supreme Court, where the partition was equally distributed among all relatives, the MP High Court mentioned it in its order that as the position of law has been changed, so now the partition should be made according to the Muslim Personal Law and remand back the matter to trial court, setting aside the decree of principle of primogeniture," Bari said. In the order stated by the trial court 25 years ago, a decree was made according to the principle of primogeniture in which the successor of the ruler was entrusted with all private properties. As Sajida Sultan was the successor and was the new ruler, all the private properties were allocated to her with the said decree. Now that decree has been set aside, he added. "The order of June 30 stated that the matter has been remanded back to trial court and the trial court has been asked that the property should be partitioned according to Muslim Personal Law among all relatives and given a time of one year for the purpose," the advocate said. He added that the matter is related to the family of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, his paternal grandmother Sajida Sultan's sisters and Obedullah Khan, elder brother of Nawab Hamidullah Khan. According to the High Court order copy, it observed, "The trial Court without considering the other aspects of the matter had dismissed the suits, that too relying upon the judgment which has already been overruled by the Supreme Court, the matters need to be remanded back to the trial Court for deciding it afresh because these are the suits for partition and if ultimately, the trial Court comes to the conclusion that suits have to be allowed then share of the parties can be determined only by the trial Court while passing the preliminary decree and that can be further finalised by the trial Court itself after carrying out the necessary formalities of partition." "The impugned judgment and decree deserve to be and are hereby set aside. The matters are remanded back to the trial Court for deciding it afresh and if so required, the trial Court can allow the parties to lead further evidence in view of the subsequent development and changed legal position. It is made clear that since the suits were initially filed in the year 1999, therefore, the trial Court shall make all possible efforts to conclude and decide it expeditiously, preferably within a period of one year," it added. (ANI)
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel urged newly elected sarpanchs and gram panchayat members to ensure visible cleanliness in villages. He announced that under PM Narendra Modi's vision of "Swachhta Tya Prabhuta (Cleanliness is next to Godliness)," a mass movement for cleanliness has been launched across villages, towns, and cities. In this context, the Chief Minister made a significant announcement, stating that, guided by the principle of "Cleanliness is next to Godliness," Prime Minister Narendra Modi has initiated a nationwide people's movement aimed at maintaining cleanliness and hygiene across villages, towns, and cities. The state government currently allocates 4 per person per month for cleanliness in every village. Now, this amount will be doubled to 8 per person per month. As a result, the momentum for cleanliness in villages will increase significantly. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, while encouraging the newly elected sarpanchs regarding village cleanliness, added that an inspiring environment should be created where every village competes in cleanliness and hygiene. At the felicitation ceremony organised by the Panchayat and Rural Development Department at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel honoured the newly elected Sarpanchs and members. Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil, Rural Development Minister Raghavji Patel, Minister of State Kunwarji Halpati, along with other cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, and MLAs, were present on the occasion. While highlighting the role of the newly elected Sarpanchs and Panchayat members, the Chief Minister affirmed that they have earned the trust and confidence of the people. Emphasising the guiding mantra of 'Aapnu Gaam, Aapnu Gaurav' (Our Village, Our Pride), he urged them to serve as foundational pillars in driving the holistic development of their villages. He added that to achieve Gram Swaraj, the Prime Minister has handed over the power of collective village development to the Sarpanchs by offering a new direction of self-reliance through the politics of development. Not only that, he also introduced the novel concept of "Samaras " (consensus) in Gujarat. He expressed that, following this idea, a record-breaking 761 Gram Panchayats have become Samaras in this Gram Panchayat election. A total of 35 crore has been allocated through DBT as an incentive grant to such Samaras Gram Panchayats and an overall amount of 1,236 crore has been allocated for various developmental works. The Chief Minister stated that under the 11 years of good governance by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, rural development, economy, and infrastructure facilities have gained new momentum. He also mentioned that approximately 4 crore rural poor in the country have received housing, more than 2 lakh Gram Panchayats have been connected to the internet in a decade, and around 5.5 lakh Common Service Centers have become operational to provide government services to rural citizens. The Chief Minister emphasised the collaborative efforts of the double-engine governments and villages in planning development and expressed confidence in the vital role of sarpanchs in building Viksit Gujarat through Viksit Villages, aligning with the Prime Minister's vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. Congratulating the newly appointed sarpanchs and members, Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil stated that the villagers have placed complete trust in them by entrusting the responsibility of their village's development. He emphasised that ensuring the holistic progress of the village, upholding democratic values, and contributing meaningfully to the vision of Viksit Gujarat are the moral responsibilities of every Sarpanch. Referring to the sarpanch as the Chief Minister of the village, the Union Jal Shakti Minister said that just as the Chief Minister bears full responsibility for the state, similarly, the Sarpanch holds complete responsibility for making the village prosperous. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has further empowered Panchayati Raj by providing more authority and grants to Gram Panchayats. The Union Minister laid special emphasis on boosting cleanliness, the Jal Jeevan Mission, and Jal Sanchay Abhiyan in villages. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 60 crore citizens of the country have begun using toilets. Additionally, under the Jal Jeevan Mission, more than 15.65 crore households in the country have received tap water supply, and by 2028, water is planned to be delivered to another 4 crore households. Emphasising the importance of the "Catch the Rain" campaign, the Union Minister urged that it be given top priority. He noted that the Prime Minister has called for transforming the Jal Sanchay Abhiyan into a mass movement. As a remarkable outcome, over 32 lakh water conservation structures were created within just 8 hours. The Minister encouraged the newly appointed Sarpanchs to actively initiate water conservation efforts in every village, thereby accelerating the Jal Sanchay Abhiyan through collective public participation. On this occasion, Rural Development Minister Raghavji Patel stated that the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, is committed to realising the Prime Minister's vision of "Suvidha Sheherni, Aatma Gamdano" (Urban amenities with the soul of villages). Under the leadership of the Chief Minister, efforts are ongoing to keep Gujarat at the forefront in every field. The successful implementation of various public welfare schemes, including the Gram Vikas Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Swachhata Abhiyan, MGNREGA, and E-Gram Vishwagram, has significantly enhanced the infrastructure and amenities in the state's rural areas. Sarpanchs of Samaras Gram Panchayats, as well as those from Gram Panchayats who performed excellently in various fields, were honoured with certificates of appreciation from dignitaries. The program was attended by various office bearers, Chief Secretary Pankaj Joshi, Principal Secretary of the Panchayat Department Milind Torwane, Development Commissioner Hitesh Koya, and a large number of newly elected Sarpanchs and members. (ANI)
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday came down heavily on the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) over its pitch to reconsider the words "secular and socialist" from the Preamble of the Indian Constitution while saying that it was "all talk". He dared and challenged RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale and top leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the centre to remove the words "secular and socialist" from the Preamble. "Days before, I heard that some RSS person said that we should remove Secular and Socialist words from the Constitution. I challenge them - be it him, their BJP, PM Modi, or Amit Shah - no one can remove those words. This is my challenge to them. Can you dare to remove it? This is all talk," Kharge said while addressing the gathering at the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) meeting. The veteran leader went on to recite Article 2 (Objective) in the BJP's Constitution and rules that talk about the party's "allegiance to the Indian Constitution and the principles of socialism, secularism and democracy". He questioned the inclusion of the words "socialism and secularism" in the BJP's Constitution. "If you hate the words secularism and socialism so much, why are they mentioned in your Constitution? These people are like this only...na idhar mard hai na udhar aurat hai," Kharge said. Earlier on June 27, Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi attacked the RSS, saying that it doesn't want the Constitution but the Manusmriti. Intensifying his attack, Gandhi said that RSS intended to violate the rights of the marginalised and the poor while enslaving them. "The mask of RSS has come off again," he added. "RSS-BJP doesn't want the Constitution. They want Manusmriti. They aim to strip the marginalised and the poor of their rights and enslave them again. Snatching a powerful weapon like the Constitution from them is their real agenda," the Congress leader posed on X. This development comes after Hosabale questioned the legitimacy of including the terms "socialist" and "secular" in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution on Thursday while addressing a program on the 50th anniversary of the Emergency held at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, jointly organised by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (under the Ministry of Culture), Ambedkar International Centre. He remarked that during the Emergency, terms like "socialism" and "secular" were forcibly inserted into the Constitution -- a move that needs to be reconsidered today. He emphasised that the Emergency wasn't just a misuse of power but an attempt to crush civil liberties. Millions were imprisoned, and freedom of the press was suppressed. (ANI)
The accused identified as Rafikul Islam aka Bhelu sentenced to life imprisonment with a fine of Rs. 50,000/- for committing rape on a minor girl below 12 years of age.

The case pertaining to the rape of a minor girl aged around 9 years was registered by CBI, by taking over the investigation of FIR dated June 5, 2021 of PS Manickchak, Dist Mandela in compliance to the orders dated August 19, 2021, of the Calcutta High Court entrusting the investigation of Post-Poll Violence (PPV) Cases to the CBI.

Investigation conducted had revealed that the victim minor girl aged around 9 years was raped by accused Rafikul Islam aka Bhelu (Retired School teacher of a Govt. School in Malda) in the evening of June 4, 202,1 while she was playing in the mango orchard of the accused by alluring her with money.

The incident of rape was witnessed by the cousin of the victim who is also a minor girl aged around 10 years.

Both the victim and the eye witness deposed strongly about the incident of rape before the trial Court.

On July 2, 2025, the Court had pronounced the judgment convicting the accused, Rafikul Islam.

The Court has further directed that the State of West Bengal shall provide Rs 3 lakhs to the victim from the 'Victim Compensation Fund'. (ANI)
CINCINNATI, July 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- During the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists learned that the critical path to infection started with the SARS-CoV-2 virus invading the nasal tissues of its victims, then causing millions of deaths by spreading through the body and robbing the sickest people of their ability to breathe.

While the traditional way to administer protection has been to inject vaccines into the bloodstream, many experts called for developing a nasally delivered vaccine as a potentially more-effective approach. Now, encouraging results are in from the first human clinical trial to be conducted in the United States of a nasal COVID vaccine. Findings from the study led by an expert at Cincinnati Children's were published July 4, 2025, in Science Advances.

"A single dose of this vaccine (CVXGA) was well tolerated. It generated a wide spectrum of specific immune responses including mucosal and systemic immune responses. Those who received the highest dose of the vaccine showed significantly lower rates of symptomatic COVID-19 infection," says the study's lead author, Paul Spearman, MD, a long-time leader in vaccine research and vice chair for clinical and translational research and education at Cincinnati Children's.

The vaccine is made by the Georgia-based company CyanVac LLC, which also funded the clinical trial. Based on the promising data generated from this phase 1 trial, two larger clinical studies involving more people are underway (NCT05736835 and NCT06742281).

If these trials also prove successful, the CVXGA vaccine could join four other nasal COVID vaccines approved in other countries: two in China, one in Russia, and another in India.

Why is a nasal vaccine needed?

While the total number of deaths from COVID has declined far from the peak pandemic years, the virus has not disappeared. In fact, 663 Americans died of COVID in the 28 days ended June 15, 2025. Those deaths (which in one month exceeded the combined deaths of the three deadliest plane crashes since 2022) accounted for 67% of the 987 total deaths worldwide reported to the World Health Organization.

India (101 deaths) was the only other nation reporting more than 100 COVID deaths in this timeframe, and its population is more than four times larger than the US. The wealthy Western nation Sweden reported 22 deaths.

Since the pandemic began, the virus has mutated several times. This has required adjusting the vaccine and suggests that annual re-vaccination may be needed to prevent another pandemic. A nasal vaccine could prove both more effective medically and more tolerable for young children and adults who may fear needles.

"There is a need for improved COVID vaccines that offer more complete and durable protection," Spearman says. "A nasal vaccine has the potential to block SARS-CoV-2 at its mucosal entry site and to reduce transmission of the virus to others."

How effective was the nasal vaccine?

The clinical trial included 72 people who received vaccinations, with ages ranging from 12 to 53. A total of 61 participants completed the entire trial. During the period of the trial from September 2021 to May 2023, various waves of SARS-CoV-2 variant infections emerged in the US.

Participants were divided among four groups. One group received a low dose of the vaccine, which served as a control group. The other three higher dose groups included one group of adults that had never been infected or had not been vaccinated recently; a group of adults that had been recently vaccinated with a previous mRNA vaccine; and a group of teens that also had been vaccinated.

Overall, about 25% of recipients reported having a runny nose after the vaccine; 8% reported nausea. None had a fever.

The researchers found evidence that the vaccine was absorbed in the nasal tissues, and that it generated statistically significant antibody responses, as intended.

CVXGA1 produced a combined 51.9% mucosal antibody response rate across the three higher dose groups, compared to just 21.4% in the lower dose group.

The low-dose group (Group 1, enrolled from September 2021 to February 2022) had the highest overall COVID-19 infection rate: 73.3%. The other three groups had infection rates ranging from 11.1% to 22.2%. None of those found to be infected required hospital care.

The results suggest that the vaccine reduced the risk of infection by at least 67% compared to never being vaccinated before. However, definitive proof of efficacy will require larger trials designed specifically for this purpose.

What's next?

By design, a phase 1 clinical trial involves low numbers of participants. However, the results were encouraging enough to recommend moving ahead with larger clinical trials.

The largest of the two ongoing trials (NCT06742281) seeks to enroll up to 10,016 participants by mid-2026 with the study completed by mid-2027.

SOURCE Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has chargesheeted one more accused in a case relating to the anti-national activities of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) in Bihar, the NIA said in a statement on Friday. Md. Sajjad Alam of East Champaran district, Bihar, is the 18th accused to be arrested and charged in the case RC-31/2022/NIA/DLI. In its supplementary chargesheet filed on Friday before the NIA Special Court, Patna, the anti-terror agency has charged the accused, who was arrested from IGI Airport at New Delhi on his arrival from Dubai (UAE) in January this year, under various sections of the IPC and UA(P) Act. Earlier, the NIA Special Court had issued an arrest warrant against Sajjad, an active PFI cadre. NIA Investigations had revealed that the accused was involved in channelising illegal funds from Dubai to PFI cadres in Bihar through a syndicate based in Karnataka and Kerala. The funds were used for furthering criminal/unlawful activities of PFI even after its ban by the Government of India. The PFI conspiracy, aimed at establishing Islamic rule in India by 2047, involved unlawful activities by the outfit's cadres in order to terrorise people and disrupt the country's peace and harmony by spreading religious enmity between different groups. The case was originally registered on 12th July 2022 at PS Phulwarisharif in Patna district against 26 persons under the IPC. NIA took up the investigation a few days later and invoked the UA (P) Act in the case and had earlier chargesheeted 17 accused persons, the NIA said. Further investigations in the case are continuing, it added. Earlier, in a significant development in its ongoing probe into the targeted murder of BJP Yuva Morcha member Praveen Nettaru, allegedly carried out by members of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI), the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday arrested a prime accused who had been on the run for two years. The accused, Abdul Rahaman, who carried a bounty of Rs 4 lakh, was arrested by an NIA team upon his arrival from Qatar at Kannur International Airport. A total of four accused, including Rahaman and two other absconders, were chargesheeted by NIA in this case in April this year, taking the total chargesheeted in the case to 28.NIA had also declared rewards for information relating to six absconders. Rahaman was carrying a reward of Rs 4 lakh for this arrest.NIA investigations had revealed that "Rahaman had, on directions of PFI leadership, voluntarily harboured the main assailants and others involved in the case.""Rahaman had fled to Qatar after the attackers were arrested," said the NIA in a statement. Nettaru was brutally killed with sharp weapons by PFI cadres and members on July 26, 2022 in Bellare village of Sullia Taluk in Karnataka's Dakshina Kannada district. The killing was part of a larger conspiracy aimed at striking terror among the people and unleashing communal hatred and unrest in the society.NIA, which had re-registered the case as of August 4, 2022, is trying to track down the remaining absconders. (ANI)
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Joshi condemned Congress leaders for "baselessly doubting the vaccines that saved crores of lives."

"They oppose Modi politically but are now undermining the very scientists who protected India and the world during the pandemic," Joshi said. "This is an insult to our nation's achievements," he added.

Joshi challenged Siddaramaiah to clarify whether the state government links COVID-19 vaccines to recent heart attack cases.

"The CM must apologise to scientists and the public for this irresponsible narrative," he said.

Highlighting India's vaccine milestones, he noted: "Congress ruled for 60 years but didn't develop a single indigenous vaccine. Under Modi, we produced 240 crore doses, vaccinated 120 crore Indians, and supplied vaccines to 150 countries."

Joshi also targeted the Siddaramaiah-led government over infighting, citing MLAs who allegedly exposed "corruption and zero development."

"An anti-Congress wave is brewing within their party," he said, referencing MLAs B.R. Patil and Basavaraj Rayareddy's corruption allegations.

Responding to Karnataka's demand for central aid, Joshi stated: "We'll fund development, not corruption. Let them submit a proper plan." (ANI)
Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has taken a dig at government "for not acting" on the demands of opposition parties at the customary all-party meetings, saying that union ministers note suggestions but not implemented as Prime Minister Narendra Modi does not come for the meeting. He demanded a discussion on the full gamut of India-China relations for its actions concerning India and support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. The monsoon session of Parliament will begin on July 21 and government convenes an all-party meeting ahead of it. "We go to the all-party meeting, it lasts for one and a half hours. JP Nadda comes, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh comes, Kiren Rijiju comes. Everybody speaks their mind, they note it down but nothing happens because the people who are supposed to get it done, the Home Minister and the Prime Minister, they don't come... It's just a formality, we will go to the meeting. From our side, we will demand a discussion on these issues, there is no dearth of time... When there are so many serious challenges, strategic challenges - China, Pakistan, America, Bangladesh, economic issues, unemployment, we put forth our views on these issues but nothing happens," Jairam Ramesh told ANI. He said Congress has consistently been asking for a discussion on the strategic challenges, economic challenges, diplomatic challenges being posed by China. "Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Capability Development & Sustenance), Lt Gen Rahul R Singh has publicly expressed what had been generally believed since the end of Operation Sindoor, the abrupt end of Operation Sindoor which President Trump intervened and operation was aborted on the 10th May. What Lt Gen Singh has said today gives public expression to what had been feared, which is that we were actually fighting China, we were not fighting Pakistan," he said. "China was micromanaging the Pakistan Air Force to an extraordinary degree. This is as important as the revelation that was made by the Chief of Defence Staff in Singapore... This is why the Congress Party has consistently been asking for a discussion on the strategic challenges, economic challenges, diplomatic challenges being posed by China. China has not only taken over the Pakistan Air Forces but now they are having a trilateral meeting of Pakistan and Bangladesh. We are running a record trade deficit," he added. He hoped that opposition parties would get a chance to raise their issues. "Now that Parliament is meeting on July 21 and the session has been extended by four days, we hope that we will have an opportunity to discuss the political, strategic, economic, and geopolitical challenges that we face from China. Congress party will continue to make this demand that we have a full discussion on China, and we build a consensus on what is a collective resolve to deal with these challenges," he said. "Pakistan is a challenge that is being propped up by the Chinese. America is also a challenge, but that's in a separate category in itself, so we will continue to make this demand, and we will insist that there be a discussion in Parliament on the revelations of CDS General Chauhan, the defence attache in Indonesia and today what Lt Gen Rahul Singh has said in New Delhi," he added. (ANI)
A group of Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) youth wing workers staged a protest march outside the official residence of Kerala Health Minister Veena George in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday, demanding her resignation over the collapse of a building block at the Government Medical College Hospital in Kottayam. The incident claimed the life of one person, while two others were injured. Visuals from the scene showed IUML workers trying to breach police barricades, prompting the police to use water cannons to disperse them. Earlier in the day, BJP workers also held a protest demanding Minister George's resignation over the issue. Minister for Ports, Cooperation, and Devaswoms, VN Vasavan, described the Kottayam Medical College building collapse as an 'unfortunate' incident and announced that the Kerala government would provide immediate financial assistance of Rs 50,000 to the affected family. He said, "CM visited the spot yesterday itself. Rs 50,000 will be given as immediate help to the family. The State Cabinet will discuss and decide on financial help to the family. Kottayam Medical College is one of the best-performing hospitals in India. The incident is unfortunate."He further clarified that there was no lapse from the government side and added, "Did not ask to stop rescue operation, it was for making way to let the Hitachi excavator enter. Rescue was only possible with the help of a machine." "The health minister said yesterday that nobody was stuck there because the hospital superintendent told the minister that the building was not in use," he further said. Shifting the blame on the previous government of the United Democratic Front (UDF), he said, "In 2013, the PWD (Public Works Department) submitted a report about the condition of the building. Then the UDF government did not act on it." (ANI)
Union Minister and BJP president JP Nadda visited senior party leader and former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal at his residence in Samirpur on Friday. It was a courtesy visit. "During my stay in Himachal Pradesh today, I paid a courtesy visit to senior BJP leader and former Chief Minister Shri Prem Kumar Dhumal ji at his residence in Samirpur and enquired about his well-being," Nadda said in a post on X. BJP's newly appointed state chief Rajeev Bindal was also present. Nadda took a dig at the Congress-led state government on Wednesday over its handling of disaster relief funds. "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." "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 expressed BJP's solidarity with the affected families. "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," he said. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (local time) thanked Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for the warm reception at the airport, stating that his visit would further "cement" ties between the two countries, and expressed hope that the friendship between India and Trinidad and Tobago would continue to "scale new heights" in the times to come. PM Modi was welcomed with a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Piarco International Airport, where he was received by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar along with 38 ministers and four Members of Parliament of the Caribbean nation. "I thank Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, distinguished members of the Cabinet and MPs for the gesture of welcoming me at the airport. This visit will further cement bilateral ties between our nations. Looking forward to addressing a community programme in a few hours from now," PM Modi said. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1940883070615175368 Upon his arrival, PM Modi was also given a ceremonial welcome with people enthusiastically dancing to the beat of drums and showcasing traditional music and performances that reflected a blend of local and Indian culture. PM Modi also interacted with members of the Indian diaspora gathered at the airport. Many had been eagerly waiting to see and greet the Prime Minister. PM shared some glimpses from the welcome at Port of Spain, wishing that friendship between India and Trinidad & Tobago continues to "scale new heights" in the times to come. Sharing pictures of the welcome ceremony, Modi wrote on X, "Sharing some glimpses from the welcome at Port of Spain. May the friendship between India and Trinidad & Tobago continue to scale new heights in the times to come!" https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1940885432197324901 PM Modi also met members of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago and highlighted their contribution to the development of the Caribbean nation "Many people from India made their way to Trinidad & Tobago years ago. Over the years, they distinguished themselves in several fields and are enriching Trinidad & Tobago's development journey. At the same time, they have retained a connection with India and are also passionate about Indian culture. Grateful to the local Indian community for an unforgettable welcome in Port of Spain." PM wrote on X. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1940893660939223312 PM also shared about his meeting with Shankar Ramjattan, Nicholas Maraj and Vince Mahato, who won the Bharat Ko Janiye (Know India) Quiz in Trinidad & Tobago. "Met youngsters Shankar Ramjattan, Nicholas Maraj and Vince Mahato, who are winners of the Bharat Ko Janiye (Know India) Quiz in Trinidad & Tobago. This Quiz has generated widespread participation across the world and deepened the connect of our diaspora with India," PM Modi said. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1940894657518637069 In a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote, "PM Narendra Modi has arrived in the capital city of Port of Spain in Trinidad & Tobago, to a warm ceremonial welcome & Guard of Honour. In a special gesture, PM was received by PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar and members of her Cabinet & several other dignitaries, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and CARICOM Affairs at the airport." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1940886157421957412 This is PM Modi's first visit to the country as Prime Minister and the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Caribbean nation since 1999. The visit comes at the invitation of Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was given a ceremonial welcome upon his arrival in Port of Spain, as he began his first official visit to Trinidad and Tobago. The people of Trinidad and Tobago greeted PM Modi with enthusiasm, dancing to the beat of drums and showcasing traditional music and performances that reflected a blend of local and Indian culture. Modi also interacted with members of the Indian diaspora who had gathered at Piarco International Airport to welcome him. Many had been eagerly waiting to catch a glimpse of the Indian Prime Minister. This is Modi's first visit to Trinidad and Tobago as Prime Minister. He was received at the airport by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, along with 38 ministers and four Members of Parliament. The visit is taking place at the invitation of Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar. During his two-day stay from July 3 to 4, PM Modi is scheduled to hold talks with President Christine Carla Kangaloo and Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. The High Commission in Port of Spain welcomed him with a post on X: "Welcome to Trinidad & Tobago, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji!!" Earlier, Former Permanent Secretary at Trinidad and Tobago's Ministry of Agriculture, Dev Duggal expressed enthusiasm on PM Modi's visit, saying he's "proud" that the Indian PM is visiting Trinidad and Tobago. "We are very proud that PM Modi is visiting Trinidad and Tobago. This visit has been anticipated for a long time... I was in the Ministry of Agriculture in the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, and then I served as the advisor to the minister... PM Modi's previous visit was 22 years ago when he came to attend the World Hindu Conference, not as the PM of India. This visit carries a different stature," Dev Duggal told ANI. Duggal also expressed happiness over the Trinidad and Tobago government's decision to honour PM Modi withthe Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT), their highest honour. "I am very happy that Trinidad and Tobago has decided to award PM Modi with the highest award. It is done after a lot of consideration... This award will bring both countries together. Both countries respect each other. 50% of the population of Trinidad and Tobago is of Indian origin... This visit is beneficial for both countries," he said. PM Modi's visit to Trinidad and Tobago is part of a broader five-nation tour taking place from July 2 to July 9. His stop in Trinidad and Tobago is expected to boost bilateral relations, with a focus on areas such as digital finance, renewable energy, health, and IT. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was welcomed with a traditional performance of Bhojpuri Chautaal upon his arrival in Trinidad and Tobago, where he also met members of the Indian community and praised their contributions to the country's development during his first official visit to the Caribbean nation. Sharing a video of the cultural performance on his official X account, PM Modi wrote: "Bhojpuri Chautaal echoes in Trinidad & Tobago!" https://x.com/narendramodi_in/status/1940888326426579271 During his visit, PM Modi also met members of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago and praised their contributions to the country's development. He noted that the diaspora had not only achieved success in various fields but also remained deeply connected to Indian culture. "Many people from India made their way to Trinidad & Tobago years ago. Over the years, they distinguished themselves in several fields and are enriching Trinidad & Tobago's development journey. At the same time, they have retained a connection with India and are also passionate about Indian culture. Grateful to the local Indian community for an unforgettable welcome in Port of Spain." PM wrote on X. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1940893660939223312 PM also shared about his meeting with Shankar Ramjattan, Nicholas Maraj and Vince Mahato, who won the Bharat Ko Janiye (Know India) Quiz in Trinidad & Tobago. "Met youngsters Shankar Ramjattan, Nicholas Maraj and Vince Mahato, who are winners of the Bharat Ko Janiye (Know India) Quiz in Trinidad & Tobago. This Quiz has generated widespread participation across the world and deepened the connect of our diaspora with India," PM Modi said. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1940894657518637069 This is PM Modi's first visit to the country as Prime Minister and the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Caribbean nation since 1999. The visit comes at the invitation of Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. PM Modi was received by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar along with 38 ministers and four Members of Parliament of the Caribbean nation. He was given a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Piarco International Airport. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was welcomed with a traditional performance of Bhojpuri Chautaal upon his arrival in Trinidad and Tobago, where he also met members of the Indian community and praised their contributions to the country's development during his first official visit to the Caribbean nation. In A post on X PM modi wrote,"A cultural connect like no other! Very happy to have witnessed a Bhojpuri Chautaal performance in Port of Spain. The connect between Trinidad & Tobago and India, especially parts of eastern UP and Bihar is noteworthy." Sharing a video of the cultural performance on his official X account, PM Modi wrote: "Bhojpuri Chautaal echoes in Trinidad & Tobago!" https://x.com/narendramodi_in/status/1940888326426579271 During his visit, PM Modi also met members of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago and praised their contributions to the country's development. He noted that the diaspora had not only achieved success in various fields but also remained deeply connected to Indian culture. "Many people from India made their way to Trinidad & Tobago years ago. Over the years, they distinguished themselves in several fields and are enriching Trinidad & Tobago's development journey. At the same time, they have retained a connection with India and are also passionate about Indian culture. Grateful to the local Indian community for an unforgettable welcome in Port of Spain." PM wrote on X. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1940893660939223312 PM also shared about his meeting with Shankar Ramjattan, Nicholas Maraj and Vince Mahato, who won the Bharat Ko Janiye (Know India) Quiz in Trinidad & Tobago. "Met youngsters Shankar Ramjattan, Nicholas Maraj and Vince Mahato, who are winners of the Bharat Ko Janiye (Know India) Quiz in Trinidad & Tobago. This Quiz has generated widespread participation across the world and deepened the connect of our diaspora with India," PM Modi said. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1940894657518637069 This is PM Modi's first visit to the country as Prime Minister and the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Caribbean nation since 1999. The visit comes at the invitation of Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. PM Modi was received by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar along with 38 ministers and four Members of Parliament of the Caribbean nation. He was given a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Piarco International Airport. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his first official visit to Trinidad and Tobago, addressed the Indian community in Port of Spain where he spoke about their ancestral links to India, praised their cultural contributions, and said it was an honour to bring with him a replica of the Ram Mandir and holy water from the river Sarayu in Ayodhya, recalling the community's earlier gesture of sending 'shilas' and sacred water for the temple's construction. Addressing the event, PM Modi said, "I am aware of your deep faith in Prabhu Shri Ram... Ram Leelas here are truly unique... Ramcharitmanas says that the Holy City of Prabhu Shri Ram is so beautiful that its glory is praised across the world. I am sure that all of you welcomed the return of Ram Lalla to Ayodhya after 500 years... You had sent Holy water and 'Shila' for building the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. I have also brought something here with a similar sense of devotion. It is my honour to bring a replica of Ram Mandir and some water from the Holy Sarayu..." He also reflected on his previous visit to Trinidad and Tobago more than two decades ago. "When I last visited 25 years... between then and now, our friendship has grown even stronger. Banaras, Patna, Kolkata, and Delhi may be cities in India, but there are also names of streets here. Navaratra, Mahashivratri, and Janmashtami are celebrated here with joy, spirit and pride. Chautal and Bhaitak gana continue to thrive here. I can see the warmth of many familiar faces here. I see curiosity in the bright eyes of the younger generation, keen to know and grow together. Our bonds go well beyond geography and generations..." Praising the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago, he said, "They left Ganga and Yamuna behind but carried Ramayana in their heart. They left their soil but not their soul. They were not just migrants, they were messengers of a timeless civilisation. Their contribution has benefited this country culturally, economically and spiritually." He added, "The journey of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is about courage. The circumstances your ancestors faced could have broken even the strongest of spirits. But they faced hardships with hope. They met problems with persistence." Calling the Indian diaspora "our pride," PM Modi said, "As I have often said, each one of you is a Rashtradoot, an Ambassador of India's values, culture and heritage." Referring to Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar's ancestral ties, PM Modi said, "Prime Minister Kamala ji's ancestors lived in Buxar, Bihar. Kamala ji herself has visited there. People consider her a 'Bihar ki Beti' (daughter of Bihar). Many people present here have ancestors who came from Bihar itself. Bihar's heritage is a matter of pride not only for India but for the entire world. Be it democracy, politics, diplomacy, or higher education, centuries ago, Bihar showed the world new directions in many such fields. I am confident that even for the 21st-century world, new inspirations and opportunities will emerge from the land of Bihar." Welcoming PM Modi, Persad-Bissessar said, "We are graced by a leader whose visit is not just a matter of protocol but a profound honour for us and so I'm deeply privileged to welcome one of the world's most respected, most admired visionary leader, the honourable Shri Narendra Modi ji, Prime Minister of Republic of India." She praised his leadership and described him as a major force in global politics. "Your presence is a great inspiration for all of us, particularly to Indo-Trinidadian community whose roots are planted in the same blessed Indian soil from which you emerge. We honour the revered cultural bonds between our people. These bonds transcend time and distance, uniting us in a shared history and shared future. PM Modi you are a transformational force who has refined governance of India and positioned your country as a prominent and dominant global power," she added. This is PM Modi's first visit to Trinidad and Tobago as Prime Minister and the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Caribbean nation since 1999. The visit is taking place at the invitation of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. (ANI)
Sold-out Atlanta experience centers "Freedom" as women across the globe gather for faith, business, and generational change

ATLANTA, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sarah Jakes Roberts is healing the nation one woman at a time. The powerhouse preacher, author, businesswoman, fashion influencer and everyone's favorite bestie is bringing Woman Evolve, presented by Wells Fargo, to State Farm Arena in Atlanta from July 31  August 2.

Media credentialing is now open and can be requested online. Pre-registration is required.

Jakes Roberts' influence is redefining what it means to gather, grow, and galvanize women of faith. Her Woman Evolve movement has become a powerful force for spiritual renewal, economic empowerment, and generational change. As the number of women-owned businesses in America grows, contributing over $2.7 trillion annually, partners like Wells Fargo see Woman Evolve as a cultural driver of talent and thought leadership.

This year's conference is already sold out at the State Farm Arena and will extend into the Georgia World Congress Center. Centered around the theme of "Freedom," the gathering will draw thousands from across the globe for three days of inspiration, elevation, and transformation. This moment also signals a larger brand evolution.

After seven years of sold-out conferences, bestselling books, and a chart-topping podcast, Woman Evolve is scaling its proven platform into a creator-led media and consumer brand enterprise. With $70M+ in documented economic impact and a global audience of 11M+ across podcasting, publishing, YouTube, and mobile streaming, the brand is expanding with intention. From the Woman Evolve Podcast (2M+ downloads) and Jakes Roberts' YouTube channel (2.3M+ subscribers) to national bestsellers and signature events like the "Mind Your Business" Luncheon, the next era will introduce new multi-channel verticals across fashion, parenting, wellness, food, and faith-centered storytelling spanning both scripted and unscripted formats.

The conference is the capstone of a year-long journey, from weekly devotionals that reach thousands online, including a multi-city Woman Evolve in-person tour, a podcast, to a book club, and the recently announced Woman Evolve School, all paving the way for the celebration in Atlanta.

In the city integral to the Civil Rights movement and known for its legacy of freedom, Jakes Roberts is leading an initiative in women's empowerment. She is organizing the Woman Evolve conference, presented by Wells Fargo, in a city connected to her family history. Following Bishop T.D. Jakes' conclusion of his Woman, Thou Art Loosed! conferences in 2023, Jakes Roberts is continuing the women's ministry. Jakes Roberts is involved in an intergenerational effort to support women from various socioeconomic backgrounds.

"I believe that freedom is the foundation of every woman's potential," says Jakes Roberts. "When we are spiritually, emotionally, and financially free, we stop surviving and start buildingfamilies, businesses, and legacies. That's what this moment is about."

The 2025 Woman Evolve conference will bring together globally recognized voices to speak across a variety of disciplines, including faith, business, finance, psychology and the performing arts to equip women through spiritual and practical development with the tools necessary to evolve into the highest version of themselves. Impactful speakers joining Jakes Roberts to help attendees break free, include:

Christine Caine, speaker, author, and activist

Dr. Anita Phillips , psychologist and bestselling author

, psychologist and bestselling author Toure Roberts, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and faith leader; founder of ONE and The Called

Dr. Joy Bradford , clinical psychologist and founder of Therapy for Black Girls

, clinical psychologist and founder of Therapy for Black Girls And more

"Wells Fargo is excited to support Woman Evolve and its mission to champion and empower communities," says Gigi Dixon, head of External Engagement at Well Fargo. "Opportunities like these are vital for learning, connection, and innovation, and we're excited to offer pathways for growth along their business journeys."

Jakes Roberts and her husband Toure Roberts were recently appointed co-senior pastors of The Potter's House in Dallas, Texas. The two have taken an active role in leading the transformative journey to serve communities across generations by building a multi-generational church through community, innovation and local and global outreach. Their vision is to create opportunities for connection, foster unity and meet societal needs with innovation and compassion. Woman Evolve highlights one of the ways they are executing this vision.

Toure Roberts is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, investor, and faith leader. He is the founder of ONE, a dynamic faith community in Los Angeles, and The Calleda global platform empowering purpose-driven leaders and innovators. He also serves as co-senior pastor of The Potter's House of Dallas.

As a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, prominent faith leader, author and philanthropist, Jakes Roberts focuses on spiritual growth, personal development and leadership. She encourages women to embrace freedom as an active and joyful journey toward purpose and authenticity, noting that true freedom is found in surrendering.

Media Credentials:

All members of the mediareporters, photographers, videographers, and creware required to have and display credentials to cover events within the conference. Media may request media credentials for Woman Evolve by filling out this form. Applicants will be notified via email whether they are approved or declined for credentials. Information regarding where to pick up credentials, parking, facility access, interviews and other details will be sent once credentials have been approved.

About Woman Evolve

Founded by Sarah Jakes RobertsNew York Times bestselling author, businesswoman, appointed co-senior pastor of The Potter's House of DallasWoman Evolve equips women through spiritual and practical development with the tools necessary to evolve into the highest version of themselves. The organization helps women dream, grow and change the world. Woman Evolve is committed to creating community that empowers, supports and lifts one another up as they climb toward collective evolution. The progression of one, is progression for all.

Media Contacts:

Jordan A. Hora, 214.608.2006

Christine Cape, 404.545.0085

SOURCE Woman Evolve
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (Local Time) announced that citizens of Indian origin in Trinidad and Tobago, up to the sixth generation, will now be eligible for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards, allowing them to live and work in India without restrictions. Addressing the Indian community in Port of Spain during his first visit to the Caribbean country as Prime Minister, PM Modi underlined the deep emotional and cultural ties that bind India with its diaspora. "Today, I'm happy to announce that the OCI cards will be given to the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago. We aren't just connected by blood or surname. You are connected by belonging. India welcomes, and India embraces you!" PM Modi said. He encouraged the Indian-origin community to visit their ancestral land and deepen their connection with India. "I encourage all of you to visit India more in person, and not just virtually via social media. Visit the villages of your ancestors. Walk the soil they walked on. Bring your children and neighbours. Bring anyone who enjoys 'Chai' and a good story. We will welcome all of you with open arms, warm hearts and Jalebi," he said. PM Modi also congratulated Trinidad and Tobago for becoming the first country in the region to adopt India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system. "I congratulate Trinidad and Tobago for being the first country in the region to adopt UPI. Now, sending money will be as easy as sending a Good Morning text message. I promise it will be faster than the bowling of the West Indies," he said. Highlighting India's rapid growth, PM Modi said the country has emerged as the fastest-growing major economy and has successfully lifted millions out of poverty. "India is the fastest-growing major economy in the world. Soon, we will be among the top three economies of the world. The fruits of India's growth and progress are reaching the most needy. India has proved that we can defeat poverty by empowering the poor... The World Bank has noted that India has lifted over 250 million people above extreme poverty in the last decade. India's growth is being powered by our innovative and energetic youth," he said. The Prime Minister also spoke about India's recent strides in space exploration, including the Chandrayaan-3 Moon mission, the Axiom-4 mission, and the upcoming Gaganyaan mission. "I am sure everyone amongst you feels proud when India grows. For the New India, even the sky is not the limit. All of you must have cheered when India's Chandrayaan-3 landed on the Moon. We named the place where it landed as 'Shiv Shakti point'. An Indian astronaut is onboard the International Space Station as we speak. We are now working on a manned space mission, 'Gaganyaan'. Soon, an Indian will walk on the moon, and India will have its own space station... We don't just count the stars, we try to reach them by mission like the 'Aaditya' mission... The moon is not far from us... India's achievements in space are not just ours, we are sharing its fruits with the rest of the world," PM Modi said. This is PM Modi's first bilateral visit to Trinidad and Tobago as Prime Minister and the first such visit by an Indian Prime Minister since 1999. The visit is taking place at the invitation of Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago has drawn heartfelt reactions from members of the Indian diaspora, who expressed elation on his visit and described the event as historic. Reacting after the community event, a member of the Indian diaspora said, "...His speech was immaculate, amazing, heartwarming, beautiful, and it touched every soul in Trinidad and Tobago. We love PM Modi...We are so happy to have him here with us." Another member of Indian origin, Kamala Badri, said, "... I am a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago. Today, I am very happy to be here at the welcome and cultural event for PM Modi." Adrian, part of the Indian diaspora, remarked, "We are very excited to welcome PM Modi to our island... We are very happy to be a part of this historic occasion..." After PM Modi's community event, Brahma Vidya Peetham, International general secretary, Sadhvi Anandamaiyee Giri praised PM Modi's speech and said that there was great applause and excitement among the people present at the event. She said that Prime Minister Modi will receive their country's highest honour, "The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago" (ORTT). "...PM touched everyone's hearts with his words. He didn't leave out any subject - culture, economics, India's agriculture, he touched every sector...There was great applause and great excitement here. This was a historic day not just for this country but also for India. We are delighted and proud. Tomorrow, the President will bestow our country's highest honour, ORTT (The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago) on PM Narendra Modi..." she said. Radio personality Kristie-Marie Taj also shared her thoughts after the event, saying, "...It was such an honour and privilege for us to witness this momentous occasion, seeing the PM of India, Narendra Modi, for the second time here in Trinidad and Tobago, my first time seeing him. What an experience it was, listening to him speak in person..." Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his address to the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago underlined Bihar's historic and cultural importance, praised the courage of the Indian diaspora, and called Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar "daughter of Bihar", as he recalled her ancestral ties to the state and requested her to offer water from the Sarayu and the Mahakumbh to the Ganga Dhara in the Caribbean nation. "Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar's ancestors lived in Buxar, Bihar. Kamala ji herself has visited there. People consider her a daughter of Bihar," PM Modi said. "You all know that earlier this year, the world's largest spiritual gathering, the Mahakumbh, took place. I have the honour to carry water from the Mahakumbh with me. I request Kamala ji to offer the holy waters of the Sarayu river and Mahakumbh to the Ganga dhara here," he added. This is PM Modi's first visit to Trinidad and Tobago as Prime Minister and the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Caribbean nation since 1999. The visit is taking place at the invitation of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted holy water of Sangam and Saryu River from Mahakumbh and a replica of Ram Mandir to the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, on Thursday (local time). During his address to the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday, PM Modi underlined Bihar's historic and cultural importance, praised the courage of the Indian diaspora, and called Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar "daughter of Bihar", as he recalled her ancestral ties to the state and requested her to offer water from the Sarayu and the Mahakumbh to the Ganga Dhara in the Caribbean nation. "Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar's ancestors lived in Buxar, Bihar. Kamala ji herself has visited there. People consider her a daughter of Bihar," PM Modi said. "You all know that earlier this year, the world's largest spiritual gathering, the Mahakumbh, took place. I have the honour to carry water from the Mahakumbh with me. I request Kamala ji to offer the holy waters of the Sarayu river and Mahakumbh to the Ganga dhara here," he added. Kamla Persad-Bissessar addressed the Indian community event in Trinidad and Tobago. She had earlier visited her ancestral village, Bhelupur, under Itarhi block in Buxar district, in 2012. PM Modi began his first official visit to Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday (local time) with a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Piarco International Airport, where he was received by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar along with 38 ministers and four Members of Parliament of the Caribbean nation. This is PM Modi's first visit to the country as Prime Minister and the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Caribbean nation since 1999. The visit comes at the invitation of Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted India's close ties with Trinidad and Tobago, noting that 45 per cent of their population is of Indian origin. "India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached the capital of this country, Trinidad and Tobago, on a historic visit. Today, he was welcomed at the airport by the Prime Minister Kamala Prasad Bissessar and her other Cabinet ministers. This visit is historic from India's side because after 26 years, a PM-level visit is taking place. A total of 13 lakh people live in this country, out of which 45 per cent are of Indian origin," Jaiswal said. Jaiswal noted that among the 45 per cent people of Indian origin, most have come from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. "The relationship between India and T&T is very strong and special. Among the 45 per cent of people who live here, most are those who have come from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Most of these people are those who have come from Bhojpuri-speaking districts like Chhapra, Ara, Ballia, Siwan, Gopalganj, Banaras, Azamgarh, etc," Jaiswal added. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the dinner hosted by his Trinidad and Tobago counterpart, Kamla Persad-Bissessar on Thursday (local time). PM Modi noted that the food served on Sohari leaf during the dinner is of great cultural significance to the people of Trinidad and Tobago. In the post on X, PM Modi stated, "The dinner hosted by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar had food served on a Sohari leaf, which is of great cultural significance to the people of Trinidad & Tobago, especially those with Indian roots. Here, food is often served on this leaf during festivals and other special programmes." https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1940979595940958552 During the dinner, PM Modi presented a replica of Ram Mandir and holy water from the Saryu River as well as from Mahakumbh held in Prayagraj, to Kamla Persad-Bissessar. "At the dinner hosted by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, I presented a replica of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and holy water from the Saryu river as well as from the Mahakumbh held in Prayagraj. They symbolise the deep cultural and spiritual bonds between India and Trinidad & Tobago," PM Modi posted on X. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1940968697985655166 Earlier, PM Modi and Kamla Persad-Bissessar addressed the Indian community members in Port of Spain. PM Modi said that the Indian community event in Port of Spain was made even more special by the presence of Kamla Persad-Bissessar. He thanked Bissessar for her kind words and emphasis on strong friendship between two nations. In a post on X, PM Modi stated, "Today's community programme in Port of Spain was made even more special by the distinguished presence of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. I thank her for the kind words and the emphasis on strong India-Trinidad & Tobago friendship." https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1940939237802889436 During the Indian community event, Kamla Persad-Bissessar praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, calling him a "transformational force who has refined governance of India." She stated that PM Modi has modernised India's economy through his visionary and futuristic initiatives. She said, "This evening we are graced by the presence of someone near and dear to us. We are graced by a leader whose visit is not just a matter of protocol, but a profound honour for us and so I am deeply privileged to join everyone here to welcome one of the world's most respected, most admired visionary leaders, the honourable Shri Narendra Modiji, Prime Minister of the Republic of India and his delegation on this very historic state visit to Trinidad and Tobago. Prime Minister Modi, your presence is a great inspiration to all of us, particularly to the Indo-Trinidadian community, whose roots are planted and the same blessed Indian soil from which you emerged." "This special community diaspora event is part of a packed schedule of official engagements, including an address to a joint assembly of our parliament and that will take place tomorrow, as well as the signing of several memoranda of understanding between our two nations. So, tonight we honour revered cultural and familial bonds between our people. These bonds that transcend time and distance, uniting us in a shared history and a shared future. Prime Minister Modi, you are a transformational force who has refined governance of India and positioned your country as a prominent and dominant global power. Through your visionary and futuristic initiatives, you have modernised the Indian economy. You have empowered over a billion citizens, and above all, you have instilled pride in the hearts of all Indians all over the world and yet it's not only your governance, sir, but it is your reverence for heritage that has brought us together tonight," she added. PM Modi began his first official visit to Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday (local time) with a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Piarco International Airport, where he was received by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar along with 38 ministers and four Members of Parliament of the Caribbean nation. PM Modi has shared highlights from the special welcome in Port of Spain on social media platform X. The video shows PM Modi being welcomed by his Trinidad and Tobago counterpart Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Upon his arrival in Port of Spain, PM Modi was given a ceremonial welcome. The people of Trinidad and Tobago greeted PM Modi with enthusiasm, dancing to the beat of drums and showcasing traditional music and performances that reflected a blend of local and Indian culture. PM Modi also interacted with members of the Indian diaspora who had gathered at Piarco International Airport to welcome him. While sharing the video on X, PM Modi wrote, "May the friendship between India-Trinidad & Tobago flourish in the times to come! Highlights from a special welcome in Port of Spain." https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1940941088350519504 PM Modi's visit to Trinidad and Tobago is part of a broader five-nation tour taking place from July 2 to July 9. His stop in Trinidad and Tobago is expected to boost bilateral relations, with a focus on areas such as digital finance, renewable energy, health, and information technology. (ANI)
US President Donald Trump on Thursday (local time) said that in his recent phone call with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, he had made "no progress at all" on efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine. Speaking to reporters on Thursday (US local time), Trump stated that over their phone call he and Putin discussed a lot of things, including Iran and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. "We had a call. It was a pretty long call. We talked about a lot of things including Iran and we also talked about, as you know, the war with Ukraine. I'm not happy about that," Trump said. Asked whether any progress was made on potential deal to end the conflict in Ukraine , Trump responded, "No. I didn't make any progress with him today at all." During their telephonic conversation, Putin made it clear that Russia will "not back down" on its goal of "eliminating" the root cause of the war in Ukraine, Al Jazeera reported "Russia will not back down," Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters after Putin's call with Trump. However, he added that Putin expressed "readiness" to "seek a political and negotiated solution to the conflict. "Putin emphasised that Russia seeks to achieve its goals in Ukraine and remove the "root causes" of the conflict, Ushakov said. The "root cause" here refers to Ukraine's push to join NATO, following which Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 to prevent Kyiv from joining the US-centric alliance. The Trump-Putin phone call between two leaders came a day after the US paused promised weapon deliveries to Kyiv, including air defence missiles and precision-guided artillery, Al Jazeera reported. On June 27, Putin said Russia will no longer engage in "one-sided" games with the West, RT reported. He made these remarks while addressing a press conference on the sidelines of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) summit in Minsk. According to RT, Putin said that Western nations have repeatedly betrayed Russia by not honouring their promises regarding NATO expansion and resolving the Ukraine conflict. He emphasised that NATO is using alleged Russian "aggressiveness" to justify plans to increase defence spending to 5 per cent of member states' GDP and bolster military presence in Europe. "They [the West] are turning everything upside down," Putin said. "No one is saying a word about how we've come up to the Russian special military operation," he continued, asserting that the Ukraine conflict's origins date back decades, when Moscow was "blatantly lied to" about NATO's intentions. "What followed was one expansion wave after another," he added. Putin said Russia's repeated security concerns regarding NATO's activities were ignored by the West. He said, "Isn't it aggressive behaviour? That is precisely aggressive behaviour, which the West does not want to pay attention to." The Russian President also accused Western nations of supporting separatist and terrorist movements as long as they targeted Russia. (ANI)
Iran on Friday announced that it has reopened its airspace that it had shut down on June 13 due to the war with Israel, state media reported. "The Mehrabad and Imam Khomeini airports, along with airports in the north, east, west, and south of the country, have been put back into operation and are ready to provide flight services," the official IRNA news agency said. Domestic and international flights will be operated from all airports in the country, except for Isfahan and Tabriz airports, during the day from 5 am to 6 pm, authorities said. Also, immediately after the infrastructure of Isfahan and Tabriz airports is ready, these two airports will also join the country's air transport network, IRNA report stated. Meanwhile, the United States on Thursday issued a new wave of sanctions against Iranian oil exports, since a ceasefire between Israel and Iran came into effect last month, AlJazeera reported. Among those targeted by the sanctions are Iraqi businessman Salim Ahmed Said and his United Arab Emirates-based company, which the US accused of smuggling Iranian oil by blending it with Iraqi oil, the report stated.US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement that "Treasury will continue to target Tehran's revenue sources and intensify economic pressure to disrupt the regime's access to the financial resources that fuel its destabilizing activities." In June this year, Iran shut its airspace entirely last month after Israel and the US launched a wave of air strikes, prompting Iranian retaliatory missile fire. On June 13, Israel had attacked Iran, killing top Iranian military and security officials in targeted strikes. Iran retaliated on the same day, targeting sites in Israeli-occupied territories with missiles and drones. On June 22 US joined the Israeli campaign and struck three Iranian nuclear facilities -- Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow. Iran responded a day later by launching missiles at the United States' largest military base in West Asia, the headquarters of the United States Air Forces Central Command in Qatar. A day after that, on June 24 a ceasefire between the two countries was reached. Meanwhile, the Pentagon in a recent assessment has said that Iran's ability to build a nuclear weapon following the US strike on its nuclear facilities is "closer to two years" away. When asked what the latest intelligence might show, Sean Parnell, the Pentagon's chief spokesperson, told reporters at a Pentagon briefing that the administration's stance is unchanged that Iran's nuclear sites were "completely obliterated," ABC News reported. Iran had been involved in "indirect negotiations" with the United States over its nuclear program and US and international sanctions on Tehran when Israel attacked. New talks were due to take place shortly but were effectively canceled when the Israeli attacks began war began.Italy and Oman had hosted earlier rounds of the indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States. International Atomic Energy Agency.(IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi said last week that he believed Iran could begin enriching uranium in a matter of months. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said that Iran has rejected the European Union's latest effort to start negotiations aimed at halting Iran's nuclear program. (ANI)
A report on Bangladesh's media landscape has revealed that the restrictive laws and political press continue to limit media freedom and trust in the country. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), with support from the Embassy of Switzerland, on Thursday launched 'An Assessment of Bangladesh's Media Landscape: Free, Independent and Pluralistic Media', a comprehensive study examining both the challenges and opportunities facing Bangladesh's media sector during this critical period of transition, UNDP said in a statement. In response to Bangladesh's recent political and social shifts, this joint assessment, undertaken between July and December 2024, offers a timely roadmap for meaningful reform to build a freer, more independent, and truly pluralistic media environment. Developed through extensive nationwide consultations with journalists, policymakers, civil society, academics, and development partners, the report highlights entrenched barriers while pointing to practical pathways for positive, lasting change. "The report highlights that restrictive laws and political pressures continue to limit media freedom and trust in Bangladesh", the statement said. "To address this, it recommends urgent legal and policy reforms to align with international standards, fair licensing and transparent state advertising, stronger protections and fair pay for journalists, credible self-regulation, gender equality in newsrooms, and greater support for community and indigenous media. It also calls for investment in professional standards and nationwide media literacy to rebuild public trust", the statement said. Speaking as the chief guest, Mahfuz Alam, Adviser, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of Bangladesh, said, "Media must uphold ethics and accountability, so that people's trust is not broken again and generations are not wronged." Attending the dialogue, Sonali Dayaratne, Resident Representative UNDP Bangladesh said, "A free, independent, and pluralistic media is the foundation of any vibrant democracy. This joint assessment by UNESCO and UNDP, with the Government of Switzerland's support, reinforces what must be done to safeguard media freedom and strengthen public trust." "We are committed to working with partners like UNESCO to advance structural reforms, support media professionals, and raise public awareness about the media's vital role as a pillar of democracy," she further said. Alberto Giovanetti, Counsellor and Head of Political, Economic and Cultural Affairs, Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh, stated, "This assessment is a timely reminder that a free, independent, and pluralistic media is the bedrock of a vibrant democracy. We thank UNDP and UNESCO for supporting this important initiative and urge all partners to advance the critical reforms needed to protect media freedom and strengthen public trust." UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh, Susan Vize, moderating the event said, "Freedom of expression is a fundamental pillar of democratic institutions. If we want to build a society in which we work together towards the principles which realize basic human rights, and to guarantee quality of life, we must ensure that freedom of expression and the media is an essential part of this process" Earlier, Professor Joan Barata, Senior Legal Fellow, Future of Speech, Vanderbilt University, USA and Shameem Reza, Professor, Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, University of Dhaka, presented the keynote paper on the Assessment. Presentation was followed by reflections from media experts and development partners. As Bangladesh moves forward, implementing these recommendations will be crucial to ensuring a free, trusted, and inclusive media that strengthens democracy and supports sustainable development, the statement said. (ANI)
The All Party Parliamentary Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief (APPG FoRB) organised a session at the UK Parliament's Committee Room 7, to expose the ongoing religious persecution of minorities in Pakistan. The gathering brought to light the systematic and state-sponsored nature of these abuses, painting a grim picture of life for religious minorities under the shadow of Pakistan's military and political machinery. Parliamentarians, human rights advocates, and community representatives provided testimony and presented documented evidence revealing that atrocities against Hindus, Christians, Shias, and Ahmadis are not isolated incidents. Instead, they are part of a deliberate strategy executed with the backing of the Pakistani state and military establishment. UK MP Jim Shannon, who is a vocal advocate for global religious freedoms, opened the session with strong condemnation of Pakistan's role, stating that these crimes represent an orchestrated campaign of oppression rather than rogue acts of extremism. One of the most harrowing issues raised was the large-scale abduction and forced religious conversion of minor girls from Hindu and Christian communities, particularly in the Sindh province. It is estimated that between 500 and 1,000 girls are abducted each year, often trafficked through religious shrines run by politically connected clerics operating with the protection of the state and army. The discussion also highlighted a disturbing pattern of attacks on religious sites, including Hindu temples and dharamshalas, that are frequently burned down in coordinated assaults. These attacks, such as the 2023 rocket attack on a temple in Kashmir, are carried out with impunity and have contributed to a growing climate of fear among minority populations. The panel emphasised that these acts are not random but appear to be part of a broader effort to erase the cultural and religious heritage of non-Muslim communities. The targeting of Shia Muslims and Ahmadis was also addressed, with testimonies pointing to enforced disappearances, sectarian violence, and the systematic denial of religious rights. In many cases, law enforcement agencies are either inactive or complicit, emboldening extremist groups to operate without consequence. The resulting fear and insecurity have driven thousands of minority families, particularly in Sindh, to flee their ancestral homes. Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement (JSFM) Chairman Sohail Abro, along with representatives from the Christian and Ahmadiyya communities, called on the international community to hold Pakistan accountable. The session was also attended by UK MPs Fleur Anderson and David Smith, the latter of whom presented detailed statistics and firsthand accounts documenting Pakistan's human rights violations. Representatives of the Jammu and Kashmir Global British League (JKGBL), including Ayub Iqbal and Hasam Rafique, lent their support and expressed solidarity with persecuted communities. The session concluded with an urgent call to action for the international community to no longer turn a blind eye to the religious persecution unfolding in Pakistan under the protection of its state and military apparatus. Delegates and experts emphasised the need for immediate international condemnation and accountability, urging independent investigations into forced conversions, child abductions, and attacks on religious institutions. The panel also called for targeted sanctions against those in the Pakistani military and political establishment found responsible for these grave abuses, in line with the UK's Magnitsky framework. Furthermore, they stressed the importance of including Pakistan's religious persecution in both the UN Human Rights Council's agenda and the UK's annual report on Freedom of Religion or Belief. (ANI)
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for two high-profile attacks in Balochistan: a coordinated takeover of Mastung city and a deadly ambush on Pakistani military forces in the Amach region. The group described both operations as retaliation against what it termed the continued occupation and repression of the Baloch nation. According to BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch, the Mastung operation saw BLA fighters seize key government installations, including the Tehsil Office and three banks, for nearly two hours. During the operation, they reportedly confiscated official documents, disarmed personnel, and engaged with Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) forces, who responded with armoured vehicles. The BLA stated that the operation was a success and labelled the CTD a "Baloch National Enemy Institution," accusing it of playing an active role in what the group calls the Baloch genocide. The group warned that CTD would henceforth be treated as a direct military target. It also urged Baloch personnel within the CTD to resign immediately or face the consequences of collaboration. In a separate attack in the mountainous Amach region, BLA fighters launched a remote-controlled IED blast followed by automatic gunfire on a Pakistani military convoy, killing at least seven soldiers, according to the statement. Two BLA fighters, Sangat Tahir Shahwani (alias Sarbuland) from Mastung and Sangat Naeem Satakzai (alias Shahid) from Quetta, lost their lives during the encounter. They were posthumously honoured by the group for their bravery and commitment to the Baloch national cause. The BLA asserted that both operations concluded with the safe withdrawal of its fighters. The group reiterated its warning to Baloch members of Pakistan's security forces, urging them to abandon their posts or be considered enemies of the Baloch nation. These attacks are part of a long-running insurgency in Balochistan, where separatist groups seek independence and protest against exploitation and human rights violations. (ANI)
NW China's UNESCO-listed grotto site temporarily closed amid heavy rain

Xinhua) 09:15, July 04, 2025

LANZHOU, July 3 (Xinhua) -- The Maijishan scenic area, home to the UNESCO-listed heritage site Maijishan Grottoes, in northwest China's Gansu Province, has been temporarily closed to visitors since Thursday morning due to heavy rain in the region.

Zhang Hui, deputy director of the Maijishan scenic area management committee, said the closure was prompted by concerns over cultural heritage protection and visitor safety.

The scenic area will remain closed until further notice and visitors who purchased tickets will receive refunds, Zhang added.

The scenic area in the city of Tianshui has recently entered its peak tourist season, receiving around 10,000 visitors per day.

Hu Junjian, a researcher with the Maijishan grottoes art research institute, said that the Maijishan Mountain is composed of red glutenite with a relatively loose structure and prolonged heavy rainfall increases the risk of falling rocks.

Staff have been dispatched to closely monitor high-risk areas and implement preventive measures, Hu added.

Torrential rains lashed parts of Tianshui from Wednesday to Thursday morning and are forecast to continue in the next 24 hours, according to the Gansu Meteorological Service.

Following heavy rains in Tianshui and three other cities, the provincial water resources department has raised the flood emergency response to the third-highest level.

In Wudu district in Tianshui's neighboring city of Longnan, precipitation reached 220 mm in the 24 hours leading up to 7 a.m. Thursday, the Gansu Meteorological Service said.

Local authorities have issued orange alerts, the second-highest level in a four-tier weather warning system, for flash floods and geological disasters in Tianshui and several other regions.

The Maijishan Grottoes, dating back over 1,600 years, were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014. The site features 221 caves carved into a cliff, linked by 1.5 km of aerial walkways, with the highest pathway reaching over 70 meters above ground.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
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United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is "appalled" by the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and strongly condemned the loss of civilian lives. He reiterated his call for an immediate permanent ceasefire and the "unconditional and immediate" release of all hostages. A statement issued by UN Secretary-General's spokesperson issued on Thursday stated, "The Secretary-General is appalled by the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Multiple attacks in recent days hitting sites hosting displaced people and people trying to access food have killed and injured scores of Palestinians. The Secretary-General strongly condemns the loss of civilian life." "In just one day this week, orders to relocate forced nearly 30,000 people to flee, yet again, with no safe place to go and clearly inadequate supplies of shelter, food, medicine or water. International humanitarian law is unambiguous: civilians must be respected and protected, and the needs of the population must be met," the statement added. Antonio Guterres has called for a "full, safe and sustained humanitarian access" so that aid can reach people who have been deprived of the basics of life for far too long. He reiterated that all parties must uphold their obligations under international law. "The Secretary-General reiterates that all parties must uphold their obligations under international law. He renews his call for an immediate permanent ceasefire and for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages," the statement said. He expressed concern that the last lifelines for survival are being cut off as no fuel has entered Gaza in over 17 weeks. He emphasised that incubators will shut down, ambulances will not be able to reach the injured and sick and water cannot be purified if the fuel is not allowed to enter Gaza immediately. The statement said, "The delivery by the United Nations and partners of what little of our life-saving humanitarian aid is left in Gaza will also grind to a halt." On July 1, US President Donald Trump 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." 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," Trump wrote in a post 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. 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," he added. The announcement came less than a week before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's scheduled visit to the US on July 7. The conflict in Gaza started after Hamas launched an attack on Israel in 2023, in which some 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage. In response to the Hamas attack, Israel vowed to destroy the group. Hamas is still holding 50 hostages, including 49 of the 251 abducted on October 7, and the body of a soldier killed in 2014, The Times of Israel reported. They include the bodies of at least 28 confirmed dead by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). 20 are believed to be alive, while concerns have been raised regarding the well-being of two others. (ANI)
Police in Karachi detained at least four protesters, including prominent Baloch woman activist Amna Baloch, during a peaceful demonstration organised by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) in Lyari on Thursday, The Balochistan Post reported. The BYC has called on human rights organisations to intervene and hold Pakistan accountable for its ongoing campaign of intimidation and enforced disappearances targeting Baloch activists. According to The Balochistan Post, the protest was held in response to the alleged extrajudicial killing of Zeeshan Zaheer, a Baloch youth activist and member of BYC's Panjgur Organising Committee, whose body was discovered in Panjgur on June 30 after he was abducted a day earlier by an alleged state-backed militia. Zeeshan, who had been at the forefront of the campaign for the recovery of his forcibly disappeared father, Zaheer Ahmed Baloch (abducted in 2015), was found shot multiple times near Ghareeb Nawaz Hotel. His killing has sparked widespread outrage across Balochistan and beyond, with BYC condemning the act as a continuation of state repression against Baloch activists. The protest held in Karachi on Thursday was scheduled to begin from Lyari's 8 Chowk, The Balochistan Post reported. However, police forces intervened before the rally could begin, launching a violent crackdown on the demonstrators and disrupting the peaceful gathering. In a statement shared on X, BYC stated that Amna Baloch, along with three other activists, Suhail, Irfan, and an unnamed individual, were arrested and taken to Risala Police Station. The group denounced the arrests and demanded the immediate release of the detainees. "This is not the first time that our peaceful protests have faced state repression in Karachi," the BYC said in its statement. "The state must be held accountable for its crimes. Silencing dissent will not bury the truth." https://x.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1940786727062589681 As per The Balochistan Post report, such crackdowns reflect a broader trend of suppressing peaceful resistance and shielding extrajudicial actions in Balochistan. (ANI)
Two people, including a teenage student, were killed in separate shooting incidents this week in Balochistan, with local sources alleging involvement of armed groups commonly described as local militias supported by Pakistan's intelligence agencies, The Balochistan Post reported. The first incident took place in the Sordo region of Panjgur, where a 13-year-old madrassa student named Pazeer was gunned down while reportedly out fetching bread for his family, The Balochistan Post reported. The attackers, described as armed men in civilian clothing, opened fire from a vehicle, resulting in the boy's instant death. The body was transferred to the teaching hospital in Panjgur. However, as of now, no suspects have been apprehended, and no investigative leads have been made public. In a separate attack, a young man identified as Daulat was shot dead outside a shop in Hoshab, Kech district, on Wednesday morning. In this case, the assailants were said to have arrived on a motorcycle, fired at the victim, and fled the scene, The Balochistan Post reported. The report further raises growing concerns regarding so-called "death squads", armed factions believed to operate with unofficial sanction or support from Pakistan's security establishment. These groups are frequently seen in sensitive areas in civilian attire and are reportedly involved in acts such as targeted killings, enforced disappearances, and intimidation of Baloch nationalists and civilians. These occurrences unfold amid ongoing worries from both local and international human rights organisations regarding the presence and purported activities of armed actors, both non-state and semi-state, in Balochistan. This region has experienced similar incidents over the years, fostering an atmosphere of fear and mistrust between the populace and the authorities. There has been no official confirmation about the identity of the attackers in either incident, and no public statements have been made by provincial or federal security agencies in response to the specific allegations. (ANI)
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) has said that it detected 41 Chinese military aircraft, eight naval vessels operating around Taiwan until 6 am (local time) on Friday. According to Taiwan's MND, 27 out of 41 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central and southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). In response to China's action, Taiwan's armed forces deployed aircraft, naval ships, and coastal missile systems to monitor the situation. In a post on X, Taiwan's MND stated, "41 sorties of PLA aircraft and 8 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 27 out of 41 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1940938611723063732 On June 28, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te highlighted China's use of influence warfare and military intimidation aimed at annexing Taiwan as part of its broader "great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation" policy and expanding hegemony in the western Pacific, Taipei Times reported. He warned that this threat would persist regardless of changes in Taiwan's government leadership. While addressing DPP's national congress in his role as party chairman, Lai identified the greatest challenge in domestic politics as the opposition-controlled legislature has bypassed proper procedures, passed bills contradicting the Constitution, and undermined government operations by drastically cutting central government budgets At the congress, held under the theme "Better democracy, better Taiwan," he emphasised that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) must stand united with the public in their mass recall movement to protect Taiwan's sovereignty and democracy, Taipei Times reported. Emphasising the vital role of civil society, Lai credited Taiwan's vibrant democracy to the enduring strength of its citizens, recalling movements like the Wild Lily protests in 1990 and the Sunflower movement in 2014, where Taiwanese rallied against policies perceived as pro-China and harmful to Taiwan's sovereignty. (ANI)
According to Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND), as of 6 am on Thursday, 41 Chinese military aircraft and eight naval vessels were detected operating near Taiwan within the past 24 hours.

Of the aircraft, 27 crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered the island's northern, central, and southwestern air defence identification zones (ADIZ), Taipei Times reported.

Taiwan's armed forces responded by deploying patrol aircraft, naval vessels, and coastal missile systems to monitor and track the incursion, the MND added.

A spokesperson for the US Department of State told Taiwan's Central News Agency, as cited by Taipei Times, that China's growing military pressure around Taiwan is "irresponsible" and risks increasing tensions in the region.

The spokesperson stressed that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are vital to international security and prosperity.

The US official urged Beijing to cease its coercive tactics and avoid provocative moves that could further undermine peace. The US also reaffirmed its commitment to support Taiwan against China's pressure, including in the military, economic, and diplomatic spheres.

Meanwhile, the Taipei Times reported that a Chinese carrier rocket launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in Sichuan Province flew through the southwestern section of Taiwan's ADIZ on Wednesday evening. Though the rocket remained outside Earth's atmosphere and posed no direct threat, Taiwan's MND tracked the launch closely using its intelligence and surveillance systems.

The MND had preemptively announced the rocket's path a day earlier, warning it would pass through Taiwan's ADIZ en route to the western Pacific.

According to Taipei Times, the surge in Chinese activity, both military and aerospace, underscores Beijing's growing pressure campaign against Taiwan ahead of major national defence drills. (ANI)
As Israel awaits Hamas's response on Friday to the latest proposal for a hostage release and ceasefire deal in Gaza, The Times of Israel reported that US President Donald Trump would offer the Palestinian terror group a direct guarantee of his commitment to ending the ongoing war, which began in October 2023. Israel is believed to be under heavy US pressure to clinch a ceasefire deal ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington for talks with Trump next week. Sources have indicated in recent days that the sides had shown flexibility on all issues but remained stuck on the question of ending the war, with Israel insisting that it be able to resume its offensive against Hamas and the terror group demanding that any deal permanently end the fighting, which began with its onslaught in Israel on October 7, 2023. To bridge the remaining gaps between Israel and Hamas on ending the war, Channel 12 news presented a Hebrew translation of what it described as Trump's likely formulation: Trump will "commit that negotiations over the terms for ending the war will continue even after a temporary ceasefire, and that I will do everything in my power to help the parties reach an agreement on the terms of a permanent ceasefire." According to the unsourced Thursday report, Trump's message to Hamas is that if it agrees to the so-called Witkoff framework -- which includes the release of 10 living hostages in two phases and 18 bodies in three phases over the course of a 60-day ceasefire -- the US will ensure efforts continue to reach a lasting end to the conflict. The Times of Israel reported that the proposal contains assurances from the mediators that both sides will not resume fighting as long as negotiations to end the war are ongoing, although Israeli sources have insisted it doesn't include an Israeli commitment to not renew the fighting if the talks fall through. Ahead of Netanyahu's White House visit on Monday, Israel is optimistic about Hamas's formal response and believes proximity talks could begin within days, the report added. Hamas said early Friday morning that it was discussing the US-backed ceasefire proposal with other Palestinian groups, and that it would submit its response to mediators once the talks concluded. The statement came after unverified reports by Hamas-linked outlets claimed the terror group had given a "positive answer" to the proposal. Channel 13 news reported earlier Thursday evening, citing a senior Israeli official, that Jerusalem believes Hamas will give an answer to the offer by Friday evening. "If it comes back with a positive answer, [the deal] could take place by next week," said the senior official. The Kan public broadcaster and Channel 12 have both reported that if Hamas gives a positive response, an Israeli negotiation team will be ready to head at short notice to Doha, Qatar, for mediated talks aimed at wrapping up the final points of contention. Among those is the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza during the halt in fighting. Netanyahu held a meeting with a small group of ministers Thursday night on the terms of a potential deal. The 60-day deal is expected to see five separate releases of dead and living hostages, with Channel 13 saying that on day one, eight living hostages will be released; on day seven, five bodies; on day 30, another five bodies; on day 50, two living hostages; and on the last day, eight more bodies. Were this process completed, this would leave 22 hostages still held in Gaza, at least 10 of them believed to be alive. Various outlets have reported similar terms for the deal, with Hamas said to agree to forgo public hostage release ceremonies and Israel said to agree to hold off on resuming military operations so long as talks on ending the war were ongoing. Hamas staged celebratory events for handovers during a previous truce in January and February, angering Israel and the US and drawing condemnation from the UN human rights chief. The Times of Israel noted that reports have indicated the hostages will be released in return for Israel setting free Palestinian security prisoners it is holding, and a boost in humanitarian aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip. The full security cabinet was set to meet on Saturday night to vote on the proposal before Netanyahu takes off for Washington. The ceasefire could start while Netanyahu is in the United States, according to Channel 13. Meanwhile, several reports indicated that the government and the negotiating team were gearing up for the complex and sensitive task of determining which hostages would be released first if the deal is implemented. Political leaders were set to decide after being presented by the negotiating team with information about the medical conditions of the captives, Channel 12 news reported, citing a senior member of the negotiations team. However, the report added that due to the sensitivity of the matter, the cabinet could decide not to decide by itself. Similarly, Kan news reported, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter, that the government was planning to task the negotiation team to make recommendations as to the order of hostages' release. The report noted that Israel has defined all the remaining hostages as "humanitarian" in lists handed to mediators, and cited an Israeli source as saying the details of the hostages' release will become clearer if and when there are proximity talks between Israel and Hamas. Meanwhile Thursday, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said he hoped the ceasefire and hostage release agreement being negotiated was "a done deal," but whether it will get across the finish line is ultimately up to Hamas. "Let's hope they understand it's time for this to end... the reason it hasn't [ended] before is because Hamas has been unwilling to let go of their grip on these hostages," Huckabee said in an interview with Channel 12. He also insisted that "Hamas has no future in Gaza." Palestinian terror groups are holding 50 hostages who were abducted from southern Israel on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led terrorists burst into the country. The attack also killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, triggering the war. The hostages include the bodies of at least 28 confirmed dead by the IDF. Twenty are believed to be alive and there are grave concerns for the well-being of two others, Israeli officials have said. (ANI)
Sikyong Penpa Tsering, President of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile on Friday strongly criticized China's interference in Tibetan religious matters, particularly regarding the selection of the Dalai Lama's successor. He expressed concern over China's attempts to dictate the spiritual leadership of Tibet, questioning the government's motives and disregard for religious freedom amid preparations for the upcoming birthday celebrations of the Dalai Lama. "That's for the Chinese government to decide--whether a government that does not believe in any religion wants to interfere in the religious freedom of the Tibetan people, not just occupy our country, but also force a lot of things on us, including religious freedom to choose our own spiritual leader. So that's very unfortunate," said Tsering. He clarified the historical context behind the Golden Urn, a tradition introduced in 1793, which China claims is essential for recognizing the Dalai Lama and pointed out that there were eight Dalai Lamas before the Golden Urn's introduction, and it was rarely used in the selection process. "The Chinese government always keeps saying something. What you're saying is they're saying that we broke from tradition. What tradition is the Chinese government talking about? The Golden Urn. This was introduced only in 1793, late 18th century. There have been eight Dalai Lamas before that. Are those Dalai Lamas not Dalai Lamas because there was no Golden Urn? And the Golden Urn was hardly used in the 9th and 11th Dalai Lama. Even those cases were done much after the candidates were already selected through traditional means," he added. This comes after 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. 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. Tsering also addressed key concerns ranging from youth leadership to religious freedom and international participation in the celebrations. "I always try to spend as much time with the Tibetan youth as possible because we have to build future leadership, and wherever I travel around the world, I make time to speak with the youth. The main purpose of speaking to the youth is to build future leadership and also encourage them to be part of the larger movement. But their attendance and attention inspire us in return, so it's two-way traffic when it comes to inspiring each other, working together," Tsering said. Highlighting the scale of participation and the diplomatic presence at the upcoming birthday celebrations of the Dalai Lama, Tsering said, "We have four members from the State Department coming and three staffers from the US Embassy in Delhi. And of course, a lot of other guests, and this time the focus is more on Indian guests. Two central ministers, one chief minister, another one said he's coming, but last minute he had to withdraw because of some other engagement. And then we have the Ladakh Hill Council chairman and all the committee members coming this time." Addressing speculation about the absence of the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Tsering explained the ongoing nature of the celebrations and efforts to ensure continued participation of dignitaries. "This is being celebrated in Himachal. His Holiness lives here. CTA is here, so there are a lot of questions about why the Himachal Chief Minister is not here. So, as I said, we are going to celebrate this through the year as a year of compassion. We have a lot more events coming up. We need more chief guests for events to come also, so I personally approached the Himachal Chief Minister to be present, and he decided to come on 10th December when we celebrate again--90th birthday as part of the 90th birthday celebration, the day His Holiness received the Nobel Peace Prize--anniversary of that," said Tsering. As the celebrations continue, Tsering also addressed the deeply sensitive issue of the Dalai Lama's reincarnation, asserting that the decision rests solely with the Gaden Phodrang and not with the Chinese authorities. He reiterated that the Tibetan people will never accept China's use of reincarnation for political purposes. "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..." Tsering also accused the Chinese government of systematically attempting to erase Tibetan identity by targeting its language and religion. "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. He further confirmed that the Dalai Lama had agreed to continue the institution of the Dalai Lama following repeated requests from communities across the world. "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 the 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, stating 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. He reaffirmed that no entity other than the Gaden Phodrang Trust has any authority in the matter of selecting the next Dalai Lama. "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. (ANI)
Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has strongly condemned recent remarks made by Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Hua Chunying on UN Resolution 2758, calling them "blatant and egregious bullying," Taipei Times reported on Thursday. Hua's comments were delivered last week during the Third Forum on Developing Countries and International Law in Beijing, where she claimed that any attempt to reinterpret UN Resolution 2758 constitutes a "flagrant provocation" against China's sovereignty and the post-war international order. According to Taipei Times, the DPP's Department of China Affairs firmly rejected Hua's remarks, asserting that China is misusing and distorting the resolution to isolate Taiwan diplomatically. The resolution, passed in 1971, recognizes the People's Republic of China (PRC) as the legitimate representative of China in the United Nations. However, the DPP emphasised that it does not address Taiwan's sovereignty, nor does it deny Taiwan the right to participate in the UN or international affairs. The DPP warned that Beijing is manipulating global discourse to advance its "one China" narrative and suppress Taiwan's international space. "Resolution 2758 only settled the issue of China's seat at the UN. It says nothing about Taiwan's sovereign status," Taipei Times quoted the DPP as saying. The statement stressed that Taiwan retains the right to self-identification, international participation, and upholding democratic values. "Taiwan will not bow to authoritarian pressure. We will continue to contribute to global democracy, human rights, and sustainable development," the DPP said, as reported by Taipei Times. Meanwhile, Taipei Times reported that Germany's Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Johann Wadephul directly addressed the Taiwan issue during a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Berlin. At the China-Germany Strategic Dialogue, Wadephul invoked the UN Charter, stating that "the use of force to resolve disputes is prohibited and applies to the Taiwan Strait." Taiwan's Representative to Germany, Shieh Jhy-wey, welcomed Germany's stance, calling it a long-overdue rejection of China's distorted interpretation of UN Resolution 2758. (ANI)
Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju asserted that the choice of the Dalai Lama's successor should rest solely with the spiritual leader himself, reflecting the belief of his followers worldwide amid China's recent statement on the matter. "I am a devotee of the Dalai Lama. Anybody in the world who follows the Dalai Lama wants his successor to be chosen by the Dalai Lama himself," Rijiju said. Emphasising that there should be no ambiguity on the matter, he added, "There is no need for us to be in confusion regarding the Dalai Lama issue. All the people who follow Buddhism as their religion and his followers think that the Dalai Lama should choose his successor on his own. There is no need for us or the Government of India to speak on this." Refusing to directly address Beijing's remarks, Rijiju said, "I don't want to react on China's statement. The people who follow the Dalai Lama think that he will choose his successor. I am not saying anything on behalf of the Chinese government or Government of India." Notably, Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Rajiv Ranjan will be visiting Dharamshala as representatives of the Government of India to attend the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday on July 6. Dalai Lama is the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism. The current Dalai Lama is the 14th in the lineage. Meanwhile, Hollywood actor Richard Gere has also joined in celebrations in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh ahead of the 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama. Speaking to reporters, he said, "...Once I went to the Dalai Lama when I was feeling very tired. I asked His Holiness, Can I stop now? He said yes, you can stop when I stop, which is never. This is not a commitment for one lifetime. This is many lifetimes of commitment, not just for Tibet but for the people of Tibet who have been highly abused for many decades by the Chinese Communist party..." Earlier on July 2, 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, 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. However, China's Foreign Ministry 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. 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)
Ambassador of Japan to India, ONO Keiichi, met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow on Friday. The meeting came a day after the Japanese Embassy in New Delhi hosted the "Conference of Battery and Critical Minerals Ecosystem" on July 3. Sharing details of the event on social media platform X, Ambassador ONO Keiichi wrote, "Yesterday we hosted 'Conference of Battery and Critical Minerals Ecosystem' in the embassy. With more than 200 participants from more than 70 companies, we united for future collaboration in the sector between India and Japan." The conference aligns with the broader push to strengthen India-Japan economic ties--a theme that was also highlighted earlier this year during the 48th Joint Meeting of the Japan-India Business Cooperation Committee (JIBCC) and its Indian counterpart, the India-Japan Business Cooperation Committee (IJBCC), held in New Delhi on March 6. Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the meeting, Ambassador ONO Keiichi said, "Japan and India have been natural partners, and for more than 10 years, we have been special, strategic and global partners." "On the business side, we have a lot of investment and trade relations here. I believe it will grow in new economic areas like renewable energy, AI, IT, and others. Japanese businesses are keen on building relationships and making investments with Indian businesses," he said. He also underscored Japan's interest in strengthening people-to-people ties. "Japan will support India in achieving its goals for 2047," the ambassador added. A day prior to the joint meeting, on March 5, a 17-member JIBCC delegation led by its chairman Tatsuo Yasunaga called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The delegation included senior leaders from major Japanese corporations in sectors such as manufacturing, banking, airlines, pharmaceuticals, plant engineering, and logistics. Yasunaga briefed the Prime Minister on the agenda of the joint meeting, which focused on areas including high-quality, low-cost manufacturing in India, scaling up production for global markets with a special focus on Africa, and deepening cooperation in human resource development and exchanges. The Prime Minister welcomed the expansion plans of Japanese businesses in India and reaffirmed their commitment to the 'Make in India, Make for the World' vision. He also highlighted skill development as a key pillar of India-Japan bilateral cooperation. (ANI)
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS) as part of Axiom Mission 4, interacted with students at the UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Karnataka on Friday via ham radio. During the conversation, he shared insights into life aboard the ISS, highlighted the importance of international collaboration in making such space missions possible, described the views of Earth, and recounted moments of cultural exchange--including sharing Indian delicacies like aam ras with his fellow crew members. Speaking from the ISS, Group Captain Shukla highlighted the multifaceted experience of his mission, emphasising the global teamwork that underpins space exploration. He reflected on the intricate network of global space agencies and their partnerships, noting that these collaborations had enabled such space ventures. "International collaboration is key for the success of missions like the ISS and space. Even for our mission Axiom 4, agencies like ISRO, NASA, SpaceX, Axiom... everyone is coming together to make this mission happen. And I realised the power of global collaboration for making the mission happen," he said. The Group Captain also shared his experience in bringing Indian delicacies like the 'aam ras', 'gajar ka halwa' and 'moong daal ka halwa' to the ISS, highlighting the appreciation from his international crewmates for those dishes. "I was able to bring three different types of food... That was aam ras, gajar ka halwa, and moong daal ka halwa. I must tell you everybody here loved it, and we sat together and shared the food, and they appreciated how good these were," he recounted. The astronaut also described the space environment and revealed that it was both challenging and exhilarating. He shared his awe-inspiring view of the earth from space, noting that it reminded him of how "fortunate" he was. "It is hard, as your body needs to adapt to these conditions. The most exciting part of being in space is looking back at Earth from such an advantageous point. It makes you realise how fortunate you are to be on this planet," he added. Working alongside crew members from the US, Poland and Hungary, Group Captain Shukla described the multinational environment as "very, very exciting". "Working with people from many different countries and nationalities, the entire experience is very, very exciting," he said, pointing to the diversity and camaraderie aboard the ISS. However, he also acknowledged the physical demands, particularly the difficulty in resting due to the mission's intensity and the environment they are currently in. "The most difficult task is to go to sleep because of the excitement all around. As you are here for a short time and you want to do more and more... But you need to take rest," he noted. This interaction marks a significant moment in India's space journey, as Group Captain Shukla, the second Indian to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma, continues to represent the nation aboard the ISS as the first Indian at the space station. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, part of Axiom Mission 4, launched on June 25 from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida at 3:21 am ET on Wednesday, aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. Group Captain Shukla is serving as Mission Pilot on the four-member Axiom Mission 4 and piloted the Dragon spacecraft, which successfully docked with the ISS on June 26, ahead of schedule, autonomously docking at 4:05 pm (IST) to the space-facing port of the space station's Harmony module. The Ax-4 crew was welcomed by the seven-member Expedition 73 team at the ISS and took part in a safety briefing. Former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, and ESA (European Space Agency) astronauts Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary are part of the crew for the Axiom 4 mission. The Ax-4 crew is expected to stay aboard the space station for up to 14 days. Earlier on Saturday, Group Captain Shukla, during his interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said that India looks "very big and grand" from space. "Jab pehli baar Bharat ko dekha, Bharat sach mein bohat bhavya dikta hain, jitna ham map pe dekhte hain, usse kahin jyada bada (When we saw India for the first time, we saw that India looks very grand, very big, much bigger than what we see on the map)," Group Captain Shukla said. (ANI)
Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong on Friday reiterated China's official stance on the reincarnation process of Tibetan Buddhist leaders, emphasising that it is governed by time-honoured rituals and cannot be determined by any one individual. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the envoy said, "The reincarnation of Living Buddhas follows a fully developed set of established rituals, and has never been decided by a single individual including the 14th Dalai Lama himself." Expanding on the historical practice surrounding the identification of reincarnated Tibetan spiritual figures, Xu stated, "Over centuries of practice in the reincarnation and succession of Living Buddhas, particularly in the search for and identification of reincarnated soul boys, a rigorous and strictly regulated system of rituals and procedures has been established." Detailing the specific traditional methods followed in the process, he added, "These include divination, sacred lake observation, discreet visits, identification of the late Living Buddha's personal belongings, Golden Urn lottery, enthronement, and formal approval through conferment by the central government." The remarks come amid ongoing global attention on the future reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, an issue that remains a point of contention between the Chinese government and the Tibetan leadership in exile. Reinforcing this stance, 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 Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju asserted that the choice of the Dalai Lama's successor should rest solely with the spiritual leader himself, reflecting the belief of his followers worldwide amid China's recent statement on the matter. "I am a devotee of the Dalai Lama. Anybody in the world who follows the Dalai Lama wants his successor to be chosen by the Dalai Lama himself," Rijiju said. Dalai Lama earlier 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 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)
Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Friday announced that the Union Government will begin accepting applications for the Haj pilgrimage in 2026 within a week, urging pilgrims to ensure timely submissions of documents to avoid future complications ahead of the pilgrimage. Speaking to reporters, Rijiju outlined the preparations and new measures to facilitate a smooth pilgrimage process, emphasising digitalisation and adherence to deadlines set by the Saudi Arabian government. "Within a week, we will start accepting Haj applications for 2026... I request people to fill out their applications on time so they do not face any problems in the future. The Saudi Arabian government has set many strict deadlines," Rijiju stated. He directed tour operators to strictly adhere to the timelines and instructed the Haj Committee of India to deposit payments to the Saudi government before the deadline, ensuring compliance with international requirements. Rijiju also addressed several logistical and policy considerations for the upcoming Haj, noting separate accommodations for men and women during the pilgrimage and that a companion was mandatory for pilgrims above the age of 65 years. "I strictly instruct the tour operators to adhere to the set timelines. I have directed the Haj Committee of India to deposit the payment to the Saudi Arabian government before the deadline... I have been given suggestions regarding the accommodations. We are considering the request for separate accommodations for men and women... A companion is mandatory to look after pilgrims above 65 years of age. We will also offer an option for a short Haj," he added. He also stated that the entire process will be digital and that food choices will also be tailored to regional preferences. "The entire process will be digital... We will provide food choices state-wise so that pilgrims can eat food to their taste," the Union Minister added. Earlier today, during the Haj review meeting, Rijiju said, "Haj 2025 was one of the most successful ever." "We will build on this success to ensure an even more seamless experience in 2026," he affirmed. In a post on X, the Ministry of Minority Affairs stated that the meeting reviewed the smooth conduct of Haj 2025 and initiated early preparations for Haj 2026. "A record low number of deaths during this Haj was noted as a major achievement," the post added. Deliberations focused on improving inter-ministerial coordination, enhancing logistics and pilgrim support, learning from Haj 2025 to innovate for Haj 2026 and strengthening digital, health and on-ground infrastructure for Indian Haj pilgrims for the next year. (ANI)
The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday reiterated India's stance on uphelding the freedom of religion for all after Dalai Lama declared that the Gaden Phodrang Trust, a non-profit institution he established, has the sole authority to recognise his future reincarnation. "We have seen reports relating to the statement made by the Dalai Lama about the continuation of the Dalai Lama institution. Government of India does not take any position or speak on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion. Government has always upheld freedom of religion for all in India and will continue to do so," MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. Echoing the principle of religious autonomy, Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju asserted that the choice of the Dalai Lama's successor should rest solely with the spiritual leader himself. His remarks reflect the belief of the Dalai Lama's followers worldwide, amid China's recent statement on the matter. "I am a devotee of the Dalai Lama. Anybody in the world who follows the Dalai Lama wants his successor to be chosen by the Dalai Lama himself," Rijiju said. Emphasising that there should be no ambiguity on the matter, he added, "There is no need for us to be in confusion regarding the Dalai Lama issue. All the people who follow Buddhism as their religion and his followers think that the Dalai Lama should choose his successor on his own. There is no need for us or the Government of India to speak on this." Refusing to directly address Beijing's remarks, Rijiju said, "I don't want to react on China's statement. The people who follow the Dalai Lama think that he will choose his successor. I am not saying anything on behalf of the Chinese government or Government of India." Notably, Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Rajiv Ranjan will be visiting Dharamshala as representatives of the Government of India to attend the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday on July 6. Dalai Lama is the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism. The current Dalai Lama is the 14th in the lineage. Earlier on July 2, 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, 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. (ANI)
At least five people were killed and seven others injured after a five-storey building collapsed on Friday in the Lyari area of Karachi, Dawn reported, citing hospital sources. As per Dawn, citing police surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed, the five bodies were brought to Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK); meanwhile, a list released by CHK's Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Institute of Trauma (SMBBIT) identified the injured as four men, two women, and a teenage girl. However, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, citing "credible reports", stated that seven people had died and eight were rescued from the rubble, as reported by Dawn. Rescue operations were ongoing at the site on Fida Hussain Shaikha Road in Lyari's Baghdadi area, with police and Pakistan Rangers assisting in the efforts. The incident follows another partial building collapse earlier this week in the Kharadar area, which fortunately caused no casualties. Authorities had previously raised alarms about structural risks. In December, the Public Accounts Committee of the Sindh Assembly urged urgent action to evacuate over 570 buildings across Karachi deemed "dangerous", the Dawn reported. Wahab said 434 of those are located in the Old City area and reiterated the government's options: either persuade or forcibly evacuate residents from unsafe buildings. "This loss of lives today shows that when the state or the government tells you anything, you should follow it," he said, as quoted by Dawn. He encouraged residents in similar structures to vacate immediately to prevent further tragedies. The deceased, according to SMBBIT records, included three men and two women: Fatima Babu, Hoor Bai, Prantic Arsi, Prem, and Waseem Babu. The injured were identified as Kishna Jumna Das, Rashid Aziz, Mujeeb Ali, Santia Chaitan, Chanda Jumma Lal, Ghulam Hussain, and Yousaf Subhan, most of whom sustained minor injuries, the Dawn reported. Sindh Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani expressed regret that the building's residents had ignored several evacuation notices, though he acknowledged the difficulty of leaving one's home. "Not one but many notices were given to them (residents) to evacuate the building. But I can also understand the citizens' struggle... On the one hand is your home in which you are residing; [but] on the other hand is your life," Ghani stated, as quoted by Dawn. Ghani also directed senior officials, including those from the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), to reach the scene and oversee rescue operations. (ANI)
The US has imposed a fresh round of sanctions targeting Iranian oil exports, marking the first sanctions on Tehran's energy sector since a Washington-backed ceasefire between Israel and Iran took effect last month, as reported by Al Jazeera. According to Al Jazeera, the new sanctions, announced on Thursday, also targeted Iraqi businessman Salim Ahmed Said and his UAE-based company, accused by the US of smuggling Iranian oil by mixing it with Iraqi crude. "Iran's behaviour has left it decimated. While it has had every opportunity to choose peace, its leaders have chosen extremism... Treasury will continue to target Tehran's revenue sources and intensify economic pressure to disrupt the regime's access to the financial resources that fuel its destabilising activities," US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement, as quoted by Al Jazeera. Following the ceasefire on June 24, US President Donald Trump initially suggested that China might be allowed to purchase Iranian oil, hinting at a potential easing of sanctions on Tehran's energy exports. However, this was quickly reversed after Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei made claims of victory over Israel, prompting Trump to halt all sanction relief efforts, as reported by Al Jazeera. Trump also revealed that he prevented Israel from assassinating Khamenei, saving him from a "VERY UGLY AND IGNOMINIOUS DEATH". Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz had previously said that Israel sought to kill Khamenei but lacked an operational opportunity, Al Jazeera reported. The conflict began on June 13 when Israel launched "Operation Rising Lion", conducting widespread airstrikes on Iranian soil targeting nuclear sites at Natanz and Fordow, missile production centres, and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) command bases. Several top IRGC commanders and nuclear scientists were reportedly assassinated during the operation. This was followed by US strikes on June 21-22 under "Operation Midnight Hammer", which also targeted Iranian nuclear infrastructure. Iran then retaliated with missile attacks against Israel and an assault on a US military airbase in Qatar. Tehran strongly condemned both operations, calling them a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter. Last month, Iran passed a law suspending cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, criticising the agency for not condemning US and Israeli attacks. Before the conflict began, Trump had reaffirmed the US commitment to diplomacy, and just days before the US airstrikes, he stated he would decide within two weeks on whether to join the war, allowing time for talks between Iran and European powers. (ANI)
Four years after the controversial withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan, the Pentagon has launched a new review of the two-decade-long war in the country. The aim of this review is to extract key lessons from the wars in Afghanistan and Vietnam to avoid repeating past mistakes, TOLO News reported. Sean Parnell, spokesperson for the US Department of Defense, confirmed that a special investigative team will officially begin work in July to examine the consequences of America's 20-year military presence in Afghanistan. The Pentagon spokesperson stated, "So, the question that I have here and that the department has, is what happened? Like, how do we as a department make sure that something like in Vietnam, and something there again that happened in Afghanistan, never happens again? Helicopters and embassies in Vietnam, helicopters and embassies and in Afghanistan, it's just not the desired end state that we were looking for in those conflicts." He added that the assessment will be conducted on three levels: tactical, strategic, and even presidential. Experts believe this process could influence the future direction of US policy regarding military interventions, TOLO News reported. Fazl-ur-Rahman Oria, a political analyst, said: "Now that the US is reviewing its two-decade military presence and failure in Afghanistan, this is a positive step. It serves as a valuable lesson for the US to avoid using force and violence against Afghans in the future, and instead engage in political and economic interactions with Afghanistan." Sadiq Shinwari, a military analyst, commented, "The United States and NATO made mistakes in Afghanistan over the past two decades. To rectify those errors, they can now choose the path of dialogue." So far, the interim government in Afghanistan has not issued an official response to the investigation. However, as the review begins, global discussions continue regarding the US role in the 2021 developments from the Doha Agreement with the Islamic Emirate to the swift collapse of the previous Afghan government, TOLO News added. The US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021 was marked by chaos at Kabul airport, the collapse of the previous government, and the takeover by the Islamic Emirate, a process that sparked widespread backlash and intense criticism both inside and outside the United States, TOLO News reported. (ANI)
US President Trump said late Thursday that he is "very disappointed" with the conversation he had with Russian President Vladimir Putin and reiterated that he made "no progress" in ending the three-year war in Ukraine, The Hill reported. "I'm very disappointed with the conversation I had today with President Putin because I don't think he's there. I'm just saying, I don't think he's looking to stop, and that's too bad," Trump told reporters late Thursday night after landing back in Washington after his rally in Des Moines, Iowa. Trump also told reporters he plans to speak to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday. Earlier on Thursday, Trump said that he made "no progress" during his call with Putin in brokering a potential ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. "We had a call. It was a pretty long call. Talked about a lot of things, including Iran. And we also talked about, as you know, the war with Ukraine, and I'm not happy about that," Trump said in the gaggle with journalists. "I didn't make any progress with him today at all," the president stated. Trump's call with Putin on Thursday morning was their first conversation since the Defense Department (DOD) paused the delivery of some air defense missiles and munitions to Ukraine after concerns that military stockpiles are running low. When asked about the halt, the president downplayed the impact of the halt. "We're giving weapons ... and we're working with them and trying to help them. But we have -- you know Biden emptied out our whole country giving them weapons. And we have to make sure we have enough for ourselves," Trump said. Trump pushed the Russian president to end Moscow's war in Ukraine, but Putin dismissed the effort, according to the Kremlin's readout of the call. Putin told Trump that Russia would not divert from its military goals in Ukraine, according to Yuri Ushakov, Putin's close aide. Ushakov said the two leaders did not talk about the Pentagon's pause of weapons shipments to Ukraine and that Putin expressed willingness to continue negotiations with Kyiv. Trump has long said that he wants to broker a peace deal in Eastern Europe and help end the largest land war in Europe since World War 2, but the president has had a hard time getting there. Russia late Thursday ramped up its attack on Ukraine, launching an overnight assault with over 540 drones on Kyiv and other cities, according to Ukraine's Air Force. "Notably, the first air raid alerts in our cities and regions yesterday began to blare almost simultaneously with media reports discussing a phone call between President Trump and Putin. Yet again, Russia is showing it has no intention of ending the war and terror," Zelensky said in a Friday morning post on the social media platform X. Russia's defense ministry said it had intercepted 48 of Ukraine's drones, The Hill reported. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with 'The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago' (ORTT) on Friday, the highest honour of the nation, during a ceremonial event at the President's House in Port of Spain. President of Trinidad and Tobago, Christine Kangaloo, presented PM Modi with the award as he becomes the first foreign leader to be honoured with the award. This is the 25th international honour bestowed upon PM Modi by any country. PM Modi stated he accepted the award on behalf of the 140 crore Indians. "I accept it on behalf of 140 crore Indians," he stated in a post on X. PM Modi began his first official visit to Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday (local time) with a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Piarco International Airport, where he was received by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar along with 38 ministers and four Members of Parliament of the Caribbean nation. PM Modi has shared highlights from the special welcome in Port of Spain on the social media platform X. The video shows PM Modi being welcomed by his Trinidad and Tobago counterpart, Kamla Persad-Bissessar. The people of Trinidad and Tobago greeted PM Modi with enthusiasm, dancing to the beat of drums and showcasing traditional music and performances that reflected a blend of local and Indian culture. PM Modi also interacted with members of the Indian diaspora who had gathered at Piarco International Airport to welcome him. While sharing the video on X, PM Modi wrote, "May the friendship between India-Trinidad & Tobago flourish in the times to come! Highlights from a special welcome in Port of Spain." PM Modi's visit to Trinidad and Tobago is part of a broader five-nation tour taking place from July 2 to July 9. His stop in Trinidad and Tobago, which is the second leg of his tour, is expected to boost bilateral relations, with a focus on areas such as digital finance, renewable energy, health, and information technology. Earlier on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with 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, the Ministry of External Affairs said in an official statement. The Prime Minister's visit to Trinidad and Tobago will be his first visit to the country as Prime Minister and the first bilateral visit at the Prime Ministerial level since 1999. The Prime Minister will also be visiting Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia as part of his tour. He will be travelling to Brazil during the fourth leg of his visit, from July 5 to July 8, to attend the 17th BRICS Summit 2025, followed by a state visit to the South American country. (ANI)
Any resolution to the Ukraine conflict must comprehensively address Russia's security concerns, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said at a joint press conference with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, RT reported. Russia's core demands include a guarantee that Ukraine will not join NATO, demilitarization of the country, international recognition of territorial changes, and the protection of Russian-speaking population. "We cannot be satisfied with a resolution that fails to fully address Russia's legitimate security interests or to eliminate and prevent future violations of the rights of Russian and Russian-speaking populations," Lavrov told journalists in Moscow on Friday. Saudi Arabia has acted as a mediator in the Ukraine conflict, having hosted high-profile talks between US and Russian delegations in February. Moscow has long viewed NATO's eastward expansion as a major threat to national security and has cited Ukraine's ambition to join the US-led military bloc as a key trigger of the current conflict. President Vladimir Putin said last week that Moscow's concerns about NATO activities have been consistently ignored and met with silence, RT reported. Lavrov's comments also reflect longstanding concerns about the treatment of Russian-speaking community in Ukraine. Although Russian is the mother tongue of an estimated 33% of the population, the authorities have introduced a series of measures that restrict their rights. Recent legislation has significantly reduced Russian-language instruction in public schools, mandated the use of Ukrainian across all public sector services, and banned the import of books and other publishing materials from Russia, RT reported. Amid these concerns, Lavrov reiterated Russia's broader position on the conflict, stating during talks with his Kyrgyz counterpart Jeenbek Kulubaev on Sunday that Western nations will not succeed in inflicting a "strategic defeat" on Russia, RT reported. "We are witnessing an unprecedented confrontation between our country and the collective West, which has decided to once again go to war against us and inflict a strategic defeat on Russia, essentially using the Nazi regime in Kiev as a battering ram," Lavrov stated. "The West has never succeeded in this, and it will not succeed this time either," RT quoted. Lavrov further noted that many Western policymakers "are beginning to guess" that their hawkish approach toward Russia is futile. His comments echo earlier warnings from Moscow against Western support for the Kiev regime and the increasing militarization efforts by NATO and the European Union, RT reported. At a recent EU summit in Brussels, most member states supported more sanctions and aid for Ukraine. However, Hungary vetoed the final statement and blocked the beginning of Kiev's EU accession talks. While Moscow initially adopted a neutral stance on Ukraine's EU membership bid, labeling it a "sovereign right" so long as the bloc remained an economic entity, Russian officials have expressed increasing criticism as Brussels escalates its military spending. Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman and former President Dmitry Medvedev stated that the EU now poses "no less of a threat" to Russia than NATO. RT reported that Russian officials have strongly condemned the EU's recent decision for member states to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP. The increase was presented as a deterrent against the "long-term threat posed by Russia to Euro-Atlantic security." Moscow has consistently denied any intention of attacking Western nations, dismissing such claims as "nonsense" used to justify increased military budgets. Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused NATO of fabricating threats as a means to extract funds from the citizens of its member countries. (ANI)
The United States has issued a new wave of sanctions against Iranian oil exports, the first penalties against Tehran's energy sector since a Washington-backed ceasefire between Israel and Iran came into effect last month, Al Jazeera reported. Among those targeted by the sanctions announced on Thursday are Iraqi businessman Salim Ahmed Said and his United Arab Emirates-based company, which the US accused of smuggling Iranian oil by blending it with Iraqi oil. "Iran's behavior has left it decimated. While it has had every opportunity to choose peace, its leaders have chosen extremism," US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement. "Treasury will continue to target Tehran's revenue sources and intensify economic pressure to disrupt the regime's access to the financial resources that fuel its destabilizing activities." After the ceasefire was reached on June 24, US President Donald Trump said China could buy Iranian oil, suggesting the US might lift its sanctions on Tehran's energy exports. But the promise was short-lived. Trump wrote in a social media post last week that he "immediately dropped all work on sanction relief" in response to statements by Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei claiming victory over Israel. The US president also said he stopped Israel from assassinating Khamenei, saving him from a "VERY UGLY AND IGNOMINIOUS DEATH". Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz had said Israel sought to kill Khamenei but there was "no operational opportunity" for the assassination. Israel launched air strikes against Iran without direct provocation on June 13, killing hundreds of Iranians, including civilians and top military officials. The US joined the Israeli campaign and attacked three Iranian nuclear sites. Iran responded with missile strikes against Israel and an attack on an airbase housing US soldiers in Qatar. Trump claimed the US air raids "obliterated" Iran's nuclear facilities. On Wednesday, the Pentagon said the US bombing operation set back Iran's nuclear programme by one to two years. But it is not clear where Iran's stockpiles of highly enriched uranium are. The country passed a law last month to suspend cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), over the agency's failure to condemn the US and Israeli attacks. The move has sparked rebukes by the US and several European countries. On Thursday, Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei suggested Iran is in indirect contact with the US - through Oman and Qatar - to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis, Al Jazeera reported. "Diplomacy must not be abused or used as a tool for deception or for simply a sort of psychological warfare against their adversaries," Baghaei told Sky News. He added that Tehran feels its diplomatic efforts have been "betrayed". Hours before Israel started the war last month, Trump reiterated a US commitment to diplomacy. And days before the US attacks, he said he would make a decision on joining the war within two weeks to allow talks between Iran and European powers, Al Jazeera reported. (ANI)
Trinidad and Tobago President Christine Kangaloo on Friday showered praised to Prime Minister Narendra Modi while conferring the nation's highest honour to him. She hailed PM Modi for his longstanding contributions, kindness, and unwavering support to the country and the wider Caribbean region. "Your kindness and generosity to the people of Trinidad and Tobago are legendary. They have been shown time and time again," she noted, recalling several acts of bilateral goodwill. "Trinidad and Tobago is immensely glad to have been able to bestow upon you our nation's highest honour in recognition of the tremendous work that you have done with our nation over the years and for the kindness and the generosity which you have always shown to our country and indeed our region," President Kangaloo said during the ceremony at the President's House in Port of Spain. Prime Minister Modi was conferred with The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT) on Friday, the highest civilian award of the nation, becoming the first foreign leader ever to receive the honour. This marks the 25th international award conferred on PM Modi by a foreign country. Praising the Indian Prime Minister's continued support and goodwill, President Kangaloo emphasized that his efforts have become "legendary" among the people of Trinidad and Tobago. She particularly highlighted India's assistance during the COVID-19 crisis, underscoring a key example of personal intervention by PM Modi. "As we have heard during the crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic, when 40 thousand doses of COVID-19 vaccines arrived in Trinidad as a result of your personal intervention and action. That act of kindness only further strengthened the longstanding relationship between the two countries," she added. PM Modi began his first official visit to Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday (local time) with a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Piarco International Airport, where he was received by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, along with 38 ministers and four Members of Parliament of the Caribbean nation. The Prime Minister shared a video of the warm welcome on the social media platform X, writing: "May the friendship between India-Trinidad & Tobago flourish in the times to come! Highlights from a special welcome in Port of Spain." The footage showed cultural performances, traditional music, and a vibrant welcome from the local Indian diaspora. PM Modi also interacted with members of the Indian community who had gathered at the airport, expressing his gratitude for their heartfelt reception. His visit to Trinidad and Tobago is the second leg of a five-nation tour from July 2 to July 9, aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas such as digital finance, renewable energy, healthcare, and information technology. This visit marks the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Trinidad and Tobago since 1999 and PM Modi's first visit to the country in his current role. Following his engagements in Trinidad and Tobago, PM Modi is scheduled to travel to Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. He will attend the 17th BRICS Summit 2025 in Brazil from July 5 to July 8 before concluding his tour with a state visit to Namibia. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the joint session of Trinidad and Tobago's Parliament on Friday, unequivocally stated that "terrorism is the enemy of humanity," acknowledging the support of the Trinidad and Tobago government in India's ongoing battle against this global threat. Speaking at the iconic Red House, which saw an attempted coup in 1990, PM Modi emphasised the need for a united front against terrorism, thanking the host nation for its solidarity. "Terrorism is the enemy of humanity. This very Red House has itself witnessed the wounds of terror and the loss of innocent blood. We must stand united to deny terrorism any shelter or space. We thank the people and the government of this country for standing with us in our fight against terrorism," he stated. PM Modi also placed the bilateral relationship between the two nations within a broader global context, highlighting the unprecedented changes and challenges facing the world, pointing to issues like climate change, food, health, and energy security as pressing concerns. "I also see our partnership in a larger global framework. The scale and speed of change in the world is unprecedented. There are fundamental shifts in the nature of politics and power. Free trade is under pressure. There are growing global divisions, disputes, and disparities," he noted. The Prime Minister again reiterated that terrorism remains a significant threat, alongside new challenges in space and cybersecurity and the dual-edged impact of artificial intelligence. "The world is faced with challenges of climate change, food, health, and energy security. Terrorism remains a pressing threat. Colonial rules of the past may have ended, but their shadows linger in new forms. There are new challenges in space and cybersecurity. Artificial Intelligence is unlocking new opportunities as well as risks. The old institutions are struggling to deliver peace and progress," he said, calling for a reevaluation of global governance structures. Despite these challenges, PM Modi emphasised the alignment of values between India and Trinidad and Tobago, advocating for a continued commitment to democratic principles and international cooperation. "Our two countries may differ in size and geography, but we are deeply aligned in our values. We are proud democracies. We believe in dialogue, sovereignty, multilateralism, and human dignity. In these times of conflicts, we must remain true to these values," he affirmed. In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs stated that the address is a celebration of democracy, connecting the shared values and ethos of both nations. "Celebrating Democracy- Connecting shared values and ethos. PM Narendra Modi addressed a Joint Assembly of the Parliament of Trinidad & Tobago. He is the first Indian Prime Minister to address the T&T Parliament," the MEA stated. "In the address, PM touched upon various aspects of the age-old ties and multifaceted partnership between India and Trinidad & Tobago. He thanked the people and government of Trinidad & Tobago for bestowing upon him the special honour. As two democracies, India and Trinidad & Tobago stand together shoulder to shoulder, ever committed to building on their historical ties. PM underlined India's continued support to strengthen India-CARICOM ties and to giving voice to the Global South," the MEA added. Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with 'The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago' (ORTT), the highest national honour of the country. President of Trinidad and Tobago, Christine Kangaloo, presented PM Modi with the award as he becomes the first foreign leader to be honoured with the award. This is the 25th international honour bestowed upon PM Modi by any country. PM Modi's visit to Trinidad and Tobago is part of a broader five-nation tour taking place from July 2 to July 9. The Prime Minister's visit to Trinidad and Tobago is his first visit to the country as Prime Minister and the first bilateral visit at the Prime Ministerial level since 1999. The Prime Minister will also be visiting Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia as part of his tour. He will be travelling to Brazil during the fourth leg of his visit, from July 5 to July 8, to attend the 17th BRICS Summit 2025, followed by a state visit to the South American country. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on his visit to Argentina, for the 3rd leg of his five-nation tour after concluding his visit to Trinidad and Tobago on Friday. PM Modi is headed for Buenos Aires at the official invitation of the President of the Republic of Argentina, Javier Milei. He will hold bilateral talks with President Milei to review ongoing cooperation and discuss ways to further enhance the India-Argentina partnership in key areas, including defence, agriculture, mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, trade, investment, and people-to-people ties. During his two-day visit to the Caribbean nation, Prime Minister Modi participated in several key events, including an address to the Trinidad and Tobago Parliament and a bilateral meeting with his counterpart, Kamla Persad-Bissessar. PM Modi held wide-ranging talks with PM Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad & Tobago, discussing ways to deepen economic ties and enhance cooperation in areas such as disaster management, climate change, defence, technology, healthcare and agricultural research. "PM Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad & Tobago, covering the full spectrum of bilateral relations. Both leaders agreed to deepen economic ties and enhance cooperation in areas such as disaster management, climate change, defence, technology, healthcare and agricultural research. They also discussed boosting people-to-people ties," PMO wrote on X. PM Modi was also conferred with 'The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago,' the nation's highest honour, during a ceremonial event at the President's House in Port of Spain. PM Modi expressed his gratitude to President Christine Carla Kangaloo, PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar for honouring him with the 'The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.' "I express my heartfelt gratitude to President Christine Carla Kangaloo, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the Government and wonderful people of Trinidad & Tobago for honouring me with 'The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.' This honour symbolises the eternal friendship between our two countries. At every step, one can witness the cultural connect between our nations," PM Modi wrote on X. PM Modi and his Trinidad and Tobago counterpart Kamala Persad-Bissessar also planted a neem tree in the premises of the Red House (Seat of the Parliament of T&T) as part of the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign. After completing his visit to Argentina, PM Modi will head to Brazil from July 5 to July 8 to attend the 17th BRICS Summit 2025. In the final leg of his five-nation tour, the PM will visit Namibia and also address the parliament. Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a historic five-nation tour scheduled from July 2 to 9, with visits to Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. (ANI)
India and Trinidad and Tobago have signed six agreements during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Caribbean nation to strengthen bilateral cooperation in key areas, including infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, development projects, sports, education, cultural exchange programs and diplomatic training. The six Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed following delegation-level talks between PM Modi and his Trinidad and Tobago counterpart Kamla Persad-Bissessar in Port of Spain on Friday. The MoUs include an agreement on the Indian Pharmacopoeia, which aims to provide improved access to Indian pharmaceutical products in the Trinidad and Tobago market, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated in a statement. To strengthen the development corporation partnership between the two countries, an agreement was signed for an Indian grant to implement Quick Impact Projects (QIP). Agreements were also signed to strengthen cooperation in sports, diplomatic training and the re-establishment of two ICCR Chairs of Hindi and Indian Studies at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Trinidad and Tobago. An MoU on the Programme of Cultural Exchanges for the period 2025-2028 was also signed. Along with the MoUs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced the extension of the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards facility up to 6th generation of Indian Diaspora members in Trinidad and Tobago, allowing them to live and work in India without restrictions. Earlier, this facility was available up to the 4th generation of Indian Diaspora members in the Caribbean nation. PM Modi also gifted 2000 laptops to school students in Trinidad and Tobago and announced formal handing over of agro-processing machinery (USD 1 million) to the National Agricultural Marketing and Development Corporation (NAMDEVCO) and the holding of Artificial Limb Fitment Camp (poster-launch) in Trinidad and Tobago for 50 days for 800 people. The Indian Prime Minister further announced that under the 'Heal in India' program, specialised medical treatment will be offered to Trinidad and Tobago citizens. He also gifted twenty Hemodialysis Units and two Sea ambulances to the Caribbean nation to assist in the provision of healthcare. PM Modi announced the solarisation of the headquarters of T&T's Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs by providing rooftop photovoltaic solar panels. Enhancing the cultural ties between both nations, PM Modi announced the celebration of Geeta Mahotsav at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Cooperation in Port of Spain, coinciding with the Geeta Mahotsav celebrations in India. Earlier, Trinidad and Tobago PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar said that the nation is honoured to adopt the Indian UPI system and collaborate on India stack tools such as Aadhaar and DigiLocker to modernise public services. "Trinidad and Tobago is honoured to adopt the Indian UPI system and collaborate on India stack tools such as Aadhaar and DigiLocker to modernise public services. On behalf of the children of Trinidad and Tobago, I thank you for your gift of 2000 laptops." "We are in discussions with Indian companies to participate in various energy-related projects here in Trinidad and Tobago. We are proud to join India-led initiatives such as the Global Biofuels Alliance," she added. After concluding his visit to Trinidad and Tobago, PM Modi embarked on his visit to Argentina for the 3rd leg of his five-nation tour. PM Modi is headed for Buenos Aires at the official invitation of the President of the Republic of Argentina, Javier Milei. He will hold bilateral talks with President Milei to review ongoing cooperation and discuss ways to enhance further the India-Argentina partnership in key areas, including defence, agriculture, mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, trade, investment, and people-to-people ties. (ANI)
KAGOSHIMA, Jul 04 (News On Japan) - A seismic swarm continues to rattle the Tokara Islands off Kagoshima Prefecture, where more than 1,000 earthquakes have been recorded since June 21st. A magnitude 5.5 quake reaching a seismic intensity of 6-lower struck the region at around 4:13 p.m. on July 3rd.

Located about 200 kilometers south of Kagoshima City, the Tokara Islands comprise seven inhabited and five uninhabited islands. Between June 21st and noon on July 3rd, over 1,000 tremors with a seismic intensity of 1 or higher were observed. On July 2nd, earthquakes with a seismic intensity of 5-lower were recorded on Akusekijima and Kodakarajima. The following days magnitude 5.5 quake was the strongest so far.

Nakamura Katsutoshi, head of the Kodakarajima branch office of the Toshima Village government, described the evolving nature of the tremors: "At first, the shaking was mostly vertical and not particularly frightening, but as it changed to horizontal movements, there were moments of fear."

Damage has already been reported, including a 10-meter-long crack in the schoolyard of the island's elementary school.

Regarding the ongoing activity, Ayaki Ebita, Director of the Earthquake and Volcano Division at the Japan Meteorological Agency, said, "While many are concerned about when this will end, unfortunately we cannot say. These quakes are caused by a complex mechanism, and although various theories exist, we do not yet fully understand the underlying cause." When asked about any connection to the Shinmoedake volcano or the Nankai Trough, he added, "There is likely no impact."

The agency also denied speculation spreading on social media, including predictions of a major earthquake in July or suggestions that seismic activity in the Tokara region could trigger large quakes elsewhere. It emphasized that no such evidence exists at this time.

While careful assessment of information is essential, preparation remains critical.

In Osaka, disaster-related goods are seeing a surge in demand.

"Some of the disaster prevention items here are already sold out," reported journalist Chisato Ishikawa from a home improvement store in the city. Sales of emergency supplies have jumped by about 30% over the past week, with compact toilets that include solidifying agents particularly in demand.

"So far, some products are no longer available from manufacturers. We're managing with substitutes, but only as long as our stock lasts," said Soichi Tanaka from Royal Home Center Morinomiya.

Shoppers shared their readiness efforts: "Weve got a little bit of water and food stocked up," said one. Another added, "We have a generator, a battery-powered cooler box, and a water tankthough whether theyll work when needed is another question."

With earthquakes unpredictable even in Kansai, raising disaster preparedness in daily life remains essential.

Source: YOMIURI
OSAKA, Jul 04 (News On Japan) - At the Turkmenistan Pavilion near the East Gate, one of the most striking displays isnt just the golden horses or traditional costumesbut a set of Japanese-language textbooks used in Turkmen schools.

These textbooks, placed prominently on the second floor of the exhibit, are actual learning materials from classrooms across Turkmenistan. Visitors were surprised to find pages written entirely in Japanese, covering basic vocabulary and daily life topics such as family, greetings, and chores.

Japanese is currently taught as the third foreign languageafter English and Russianin 12 schools across the country. In some schools, children begin studying Japanese from the equivalent of first grade in Japan.

The textbooks are carefully designed to introduce Japanese through familiar themes. One page features phrases like father and mother, accompanied by simple illustrations, helping students grasp long vowels and sounds that are unique to Japanese.

Long vowel pronunciation is especially difficult for non-native speakers, said Esen, one of the contributors to the textbook project. So we included relatable situationslike helping with household choresto make learning fun and practical.

In a section on family roles, some children are shown helping with chores, while others say they dont help at all. This playful realism is intended to keep students engaged while learning sentence structures and expressions.

Interest in Japanese has grown rapidly in Turkmenistan. While only 49 students were studying Japanese in 2015, that number had soared to 8,865 by 2021an increase of nearly 180 times.

The turning point came in 2015, when then-Prime Minister Abe visited Turkmenistan. Following the visit, Japanese language education was promoted as part of cultural exchange initiatives, expanding from one school to a dozen nationwide.

Today, Japan and Turkmenistan maintain close ties, particularly in energy cooperation centered around natural gas. Several Japanese companies now operate in the country, and more Turkmen students are aiming to study in Japan or pursue careers where Japanese skills are in demand.

Alongside the textbooks, the pavilion also displays school uniforms worn by students, including green dresses and traditional tahya caps, as well as household items and cultural artifacts that give visitors a glimpse into daily life in Turkmenistan.

The Japanese-language textbooks serve not just as study tools, but as symbols of a growing educational and cultural bridge between the two nations.

Source: ABCTVnews
TOKYO, Jul 05 (News On Japan) - A rumor predicting a major disaster in Japan this July has spread widely in Hong Kong, prompting a sharp drop in inbound tourism from the region and even flight suspensions.

On July 4th, many foreign tourists could still be seen around central Osaka. May saw a record number of international visitors to Japan for that month, reflecting a continued boom in inbound tourism. However, data show that travelers from Hong Kong are bucking the trend.

According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, the number of visitors from Hong Kong in May fell by around 24,000 compared to the same month last yearan 11% drop. Some Hong Kong tourists said they had been warned against visiting Japan this year.

"The prophecy in that book is well known in Hong Kong, and people think it's dangerous," said one tourist.

At the center of the rumor is the manga Watashi ga Mita Mirai: Kanzenban (The Future I Saw: Complete Edition) by Tatsuki Ryo, originally published in 1999. The manga, which recounts her alleged prophetic dreams, gained notoriety after one of its predictionsa major disaster in March 2011was seen as foreshadowing the Great East Japan Earthquake.

The current rumor stems from another passage in the same book: The water in the Pacific south of the Japanese archipelago will rise. This disaster will happen in July 2025.

Although the work is entirely based on the authors dreams and lacks scientific evidence, the passage has spread rapidly on social media platforms in Hong Kong since the beginning of the year.

There are many people who believe in it, one Hong Kong visitor said. Everyone told me not to go to Japan in July, so I came in May instead.

The effects of the rumor are now being seen on the ground. At a hotel in Osakas Shinsaibashi district, sales manager staff reported that guests from Hong Kongwho previously made up about 10% of their clientelehave dropped to nearly zero this month.

When the rumor began circulating, we started getting questions like, Is Japan safe right now? said the general manager of the hotel.

The impact has extended to airlines as well. Greater Bay Airlines, which operates five routes between Hong Kong and Japan, announced on July 2nd that it will suspend two of its international routesfrom Hong Kong to Yonago Airport in Tottori Prefecture and Tokushima Airportstarting August 31st.

"We initially thought the rumors stemming from that prophetic book would fade, but starting from late May into June, it became clear that wasnt the case, said Hiroki Ito, head of the airlines Japan office.

Tottori Governor Shinji Hirai expressed his shock at the suspension announcement. We were stunned, frankly, he said. But we recognize that it may have been unavoidable, and we must accept the reality of the situation.

Despite the lack of evidence, the rumor has gained such traction that even the Japan Meteorological Agency issued an unusual public comment.

At present, there is no scientific basis for predicting the time, place, or magnitude of an earthquake, said Ryuichi Nomura, the agencys director. Such information should be considered misinformation, and there is absolutely no need to be alarmed by it.

Source: YOMIURI
Weather Alert

The National Weather Service in Omaha/Valley has extended the * Flash Flood Warning for... Central Boone County in northeastern Nebraska... Southwestern Madison County in northeastern Nebraska... Northwestern Platte County in northeastern Nebraska... * Until 400 AM CDT. * At 1242 AM CDT, local law enforcement reported water over several roads in the area, including Highway 91 west of Lindsay and Highway 32 in southwest Madison county. Between 3 and 4 inches of rain have fallen. The expected rainfall rate is 0.5 to 1.5 inches in 1 hour. Additional rainfall amounts up to 1 inch are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is already occurring. HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by heavy rain. SOURCE...Law enforcement reported. IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas. * Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Albion, Newman Grove, Lindsay, Primrose, Cornlea and Loretto. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding. && FLASH FLOOD...OBSERVED; EXPECTED RAINFALL RATE...0.5-1.5 INCHES IN 1 HOUR
King Mohammed VI has authorized the immediate operation of 13 new social centers across Morocco, representing a significant expansion of services for the countrys most vulnerable populations through a $30 million investment.

The Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity constructed these facilities across eight provinces as part of three major programs addressing healthcare access, disability support, and youth employment training. The initiative marks Moroccos largest single expansion of social services infrastructure in recent years.

Healthcare access received substantial enhancement through new medical facilities, including a proximity medical center in Sale with an $8.55 million budget. This brings the foundations operational medical units to six, with plans for twelve centers nationwide. Al Aroui residents gained access to a new $1.11 million dialysis center, complementing the nearby Mohammed VI Hospital.

Disability support services expanded with a new regional branch of the National Mohammed VI Center for the Disabled in Beni Mellal, funded with $3 million. This facility increases the network to nine centers serving people with disabilities throughout Morocco.

Three new addiction treatment centers opened in Chefchaouen, Al Hoceima, and Beni Mellal, costing MAD 6.5 million, MAD 6.5 million, and MAD 4.5 million respectively. These additions raise Moroccos addiction treatment centers to 18 across 15 cities.

Six vocational training centers launched to prepare disadvantaged youth for employment, emphasizing market-driven skills across various sectors. Major investments include a metal welding center in Tit Mellil (MAD 94 million), agricultural trades in Souk Larbaa (MAD 34 million), and electrical training in Casablancas Sidi Othman (MAD 32.5 million).

Rural education support expanded with a socio-educational center in Izemmouren, Al Hoceima province, providing schooling and career guidance, The center is worth MAD 3.5 million.
Moroccos Ministry of Foreign Affairs has appointed 22 new Consuls General across strategic international posts, marking one of the most significant diplomatic reshuffles in recent years aimed at strengthening ties with Moroccan expatriate communities worldwide.

The appointments affect over one-third of Moroccos consular network and represent a fundamental shift toward modern, citizen-focused diplomacy. The strategic redeployment targets regions where Moroccans abroad most frequently require assistance, guidance, and institutional support.

France receives the largest allocation with 13 new Consuls General, reflecting the countrys status as home to the worlds largest Moroccan diaspora community. Italy accounts for three additional appointments, while Spain and Belgium each see new leadership in selected consulates. North Americas presence strengthens with a new Consul General assigned to New York and the recent opening of a consulate in Miami, Florida.

A groundbreaking aspect of these appointments is gender representation, with women comprising nearly half of the newly appointed Consuls. Ten of the 22 positions went to women, raising female leadership in Moroccan consulates to 38% and demonstrating the ministrys commitment to equal opportunity and talent recognition.

The appointees represent experienced diplomatic professionals rather than token selections.

This consular transformation confirms Moroccos deeper strategy of maintaining diplomacy grounded in citizens daily lives rather than detached bureaucratic processes.
King Mohammed VI has sent a message of congratulations to President Donald Trump on the occasion of the U.S. Independence Day celebrated by the Americans on July 4. The Monarch hailed the joint commitment to strengthening further bilateral relations and the momentum gained by the Moroccan-U.S. strategic partnership.

In his message, the king expressed, on his own behalf and on behalf of the Moroccan people, his warmest congratulations and best wishes for good health and happiness to President Trump, and to the American friendly people for further progress and prosperity.

The Sovereign praised the long-standing Moroccan-American historical relations which are based on strong friendship, constructive cooperation, and mutual esteem.

Our shared commitment to developing our relations has enabled us to give fresh momentum to our strategic partnership, said the King, noting that this is paving the way for closer cooperation in various areas of common interest and for stability and development at the regional and the international levels.

The Moroccan Monarch reiterated his steadfast determination to continue working with the American President to further deepen and expand the special relationship existing between the two countries.

On July 4, Americans celebrate their countrys Independence Day in various ways from attending fireworks displays to colorful parades full of patriotic spirits. Some festivities date back decades. Others take on a regional flavor, capturing the diversity and richness of the American heritage.
The European Union has announced a new 13.5 million initiative in Mauritania aimed at strengthening food and nutrition security through sustainable and inclusive food systems.

Known as SYSALIM (Systemes Alimentaires Durables et Inclusifs), the five-year program will be implemented by the Belgian development agency Enabel across seven interior regions (wilayas) of the country.

SYSALIM seeks to bolster local value chainsparticularly in dairy, cereals, and horticulturewhile promoting rural entrepreneurship with a special focus on women and youth. The program also aims to increase the consumption of healthy, climate-adapted local foods and support nutrition-sensitive public policies. By targeting producers, agro-food SMEs, local authorities, and consumers, SYSALIM offers a concrete and sustainable response to the persistent challenges of food insecurity and malnutrition in Mauritania.
Liberia, as a new non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council starting 2026, reaffirmed its support for Moroccos territorial integrity and its sovereignty over all its territory, including the Sahara region.

This stance was expressed by Liberias Minister of Foreign Affairs Sara Beysolow Nyanti during a press briefing following a meeting in Rabat Friday, with her Moroccan peer Nasser Bourita.

Nyanti also reiterated her countrys full support to Moroccos autonomy plan as the only credible, serious and realistic solution to the dispute.

The Liberian Foreign Minister pointed out that her country, as a new non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, starting 2026, will continue to support this position.

Liberia, she added, also welcomes the growing international consensus and dynamic driven by King Mohammed VI, in support of the autonomy plan and the sovereignty of Morocco over its Sahara.
Ecuador reaffirmed that the Morocco-proposed Autonomy Initiative represents the basis to resolve the regional dispute over the Sahara.

This position was voiced by Ecuadorian Foreign Minister, Gabriela Sommerfeld, during a joint press briefing with her Moroccan peer Nasser Bourita, following talks in Rabat on Friday.

Ecuador, aligning with the majority of UN member states, also expressed its support for Moroccos efforts to achieve a realistic, pragmatic, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution to this regional dispute within the framework of the United Nations.

It is worth recalling that Ecuador withdrew its recognition of the so-called SADR on October 22, 2024, and severed all ties with this fictitious entity.

This renewed endorsement by Ecuador comes amid a broader shift in Latin America. The Central American Parliament (Parlacen) recently adopted a unanimous resolution in San Salvador supporting Moroccos Autonomy Plan. The resolution praised the initiative as the only serious, pragmatic, and credible solution and called on the international community to rally behind Moroccos efforts.

Moroccos strategic engagement with Latin America has yielded significant diplomatic dividends. Countries, like Ecuador, that once supported the Algeria-backed polisario militias have reversed their positions, aligning with Moroccos vision for regional peace and stability.

Beyond Latin America, Moroccos autonomy plan continues to gain traction among global powers. The United States, France, Spain, and most recently the United Kingdom have all endorsed the plan.

During the joint press briefing, both sides voiced their shared willingness to further strengthen their outstanding ties of friendship and solidarity, and agreed on the need to strengthen their cooperation further.

They also stressed that International Law is fundamentally based on mutual respect for the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of States, as well as on fulfilling obligations under treaties and other sources of international law.

Bourita and Sommerfeld expressed satisfaction at the convergence of their views on regional and international issues and reiterated their commitment to working for global peace and security.

They agreed to pool efforts to address global challenges within various international and multilateral bodies, such as climate change, gender issues, human rights, the blue and green agendas, food security, health, pandemic prevention and response, and combating insecurity and corruption.

The two sides also tackled the significance of implementing the SDGs in an integrated and holistic manner to eradicate poverty and fight climate change while promoting sustainable land use and water management.

During their meeting, the two ministers also exchanged views on regional and international issues, including the situations in Africa and Latin America, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

They reaffirmed the importance of people-to-people exchanges in strengthening mutual understanding, friendship, and cooperation in communication, culture, education, sports, arts, youth, civil society, and the economy.

They also expressed their strong commitment to boosting investments through fluid commercial information exchange, promoting strategic alliances with the private sector, and actively supporting initiatives that facilitate and expand bilateral trade, in order to multiply business opportunities and explore the potential for diversified trade and investment between the two countries.

The two parties explored collaborative prospects within various Atlantic cooperation initiatives. They also voiced their aspiration to make this space a geostrategic framework for dialogue, aimed at promoting development and ensuring security and solidarity, as well as bringing together the peoples of the Global South and North.

Regarding migration, Morocco and Ecuador commended the efforts made in the area, especially within the framework of the Marrakesh Pact, the Rabat Process, and the Los Angeles Declaration, and reaffirmed their shared commitment to dynamic mobility that enables a safe, smooth, and orderly movement of people.

The two officials also expressed their shared will to further strengthen the bilateral legal framework to address common areas of interest in cooperation.
The article concludes that while clean energy is expanding, it is not yet replacing fossil fuels at the scale needed to reduce total emissions, indicating that global demand growth or significant displacement of fossil fuels is necessary for emissions to decline.

China, the U.S., and India are the three largest carbon emitters, collectively accounting for over half of global emissions, with the U.S. showing significant reductions since 2000 while China and India have seen substantial increases tied to economic development and continued fossil fuel reliance.

Global carbon emissions reached a new all-time high in 2024, hitting 40.8 billion metric tons of CO2-equivalent emissions, despite significant growth in renewable energy and numerous international climate pledges.

In late June the Energy Institute (EI) released the 2025 Statistical Review of World Energy, which was published previously for more than 70 years by BP.

Here is the link to the full 2025 Statistical Review of World Energy.

The Review confirmed that a troubling trend continues. Despite historic investments in renewables and net-zero pledges from nearly every major economy, global carbon emissions hit a record high in 2024. This article is the first in a series breaking down the key findingsand what they mean for the global energy sector.

Defining Carbon Emissions: Whats Included and Why It Matters

The Review breaks down carbon emissions into several categories, but the most comprehensive metric is total carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2-equivalent emissions). This includes emissions from energy use, flaring, industrial processes, and methane associated with fossil fuel production, transportation, and distribution. As defined in the Review, CO2-equivalent emissions represent the sum of carbon dioxide from fossil fuels, flaring, and industrial processesplus methane emissions converted into their carbon dioxide equivalent.

This approach provides a fuller picture of each countrys contribution to atmospheric carbon levels. While land use changes like deforestation are not included, the inclusion of methanea far more potent greenhouse gas than CO2makes this a more accurate measure of atmospheric impact.

Global Emissions Rise Again Despite Renewable Growth

Global carbon emissions hit a new all-time high in 2024, reaching 40.8 billion metric tons of CO2-equivalent emissions. Thats up from 40.3 billion metric tons in 2023an increase of 0.5 billion tons from the previous year, despite record investments in renewables and aggressive net-zero pledges from countries and corporations alike. The growth trend has continued at a relatively consistent rate since 2021.

Over the past decade, global emissions have increased by nearly 1% per year on average, despite a growing list of international climate pledges. Although 2024 saw numerous headlines highlighting record growth in wind and solartopics Ill explore in upcoming articlesthe emissions data tells a clear story: clean energy is expanding, but not fast enough to keep up with rising global energy demand.

Breaking Down the Big Three

The three largest carbon emitters in the world are China, the U.S., and India. Together, they account for over half of all global emissions. However, they have taken very different paths over the past few decades.

Despite a 37% increase in population over the period, U.S. carbon emissions in 2024 were lower than they were in 1990. Over the past decade, theyve declined at an average annual rate of 1.0%. No country has reduced its carbon output more this century. Since 2000, U.S. emissions have fallen by 913 million metric tonsfar surpassing second-place Germany, which saw a 292 million metric ton decline. While its true that the U.S. started from a higher emissions baseline, the scale of the reduction remains a significant achievement.

The most significant reduction in U.S. carbon emissions began around 2007, driven by two key shifts: the shale gas boom, which made natural gas cheaper and led utilities to switch away from coal; and the rapid growth of renewable energy, which chipped away further at coals dominance in the power sector.

In contrast, Chinas carbon emissions have quintupled since 1990, rising by a staggering 8.8 billion metric tons since 2000 alone. In 2024, China emitted approximately 12.5 billion metric tons of CO2nearly 31% of the global totalmore than the combined emissions of North America and Europe.

Despite being the global leader in solar and wind deployment, China is also the worlds largest consumer of coal. That contradictionleading the clean energy buildout while still relying heavily on fossil fuelshelps explain why global carbon emissions continue to rise, even as renewables grow at record rates.

Indias emissions have also quintupled since 1990, with an increase of 2.2 billion metric tons since 2000second only to China in absolute growth. In 2024, India emitted 3.3 billion metric tons, up 24% over the past decade.

Indias rising emissions are closely tied to economic development. As millions move out of poverty and into the middle class, energy demand increases. Much of that demand is still met by fossil fuels. Indias situation reflects the biggest challenge of the global energy transition: how to decarbonize while still expanding access to affordable energy.

Global Disparities

A regional view of the data reveals deeper structural imbalances. Over the past decade:

Africa saw emissions jump by 25%.

The Middle Easts emissions rose by 15%.

The Asia-Pacific region, which includes China and India, added over 9%.

Even South and Central America, often overlooked in these discussions, recorded a 9.3% increase.

In addition to North America, Europe showed a clear decline in emissions, which fell an average of 1.4% per year over the decade. The European Unions emissions fell to 3.7 billion metric tons in 2024, down 15% from a decade earlier. Countries like Germany and the UK continue to make strong progress through a combination of policy, electrification, and energy efficiency.

But that success is uneven. In Eastern and Southern Europe, emissions are flat or even rising, and economic pressures have delayed some planned coal phase-outs. While Europe is often heralded as a climate leader, its internal divisions show how difficult it is to maintain momentum across a diverse bloc of nations.

These trends reflect varying levels of policy ambition, but also where population and economic growth are occurring. Much of the worlds energy demand growth is from countries that are still building basic infrastructure, expanding transportation networks, increasing industrial output, and expanding the middle class.

Final Thoughts: More Clean Energy, But Not Enough Subtraction

The data suggest that the much-hyped energy transition is still happening too slowly to halt emissions growth. Wind and solar are scaling, but theyre not yet replacing fossil fuels at the level needed to reduce total emissions.

Were adding clean energy to the mix, but were not yet subtracting fossil energy. Thats why global emissions continue to rise, even as headlines trumpet climate breakthroughs. Until global demand growth levels offor renewables begin displacing fossil fuels at scaleemissions are likely to keep climbing.

By Robert Rapier

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
That doesnt mean the theater has gone completely dark. Israeli jets struck targets in southern Syria this week, hitting Iranian-aligned groups in and around Daraa and Quneitra. Israeli sources framed it as a preemptive move, aimed at disrupting militia activity before it could reach the northern border. No Iranian response followed. Israel is reverting to a pattern of localized, high-frequency pressure against proxies, designed to bleed capacity without drawing fire from Tehran itself. Iran is choosing to absorb the hits, likely calculating that escalation now

The temperature has dropped noticeably on the Iran-Israel-U.S. front. What dominated headlines with shock and awe just two weeks ago is now receding into the background, replaced not by resolution, but by a quieter, more calculated equilibrium. Irans missile strike on Al Udeid was the loudest part of this cycle, but it was a fleeting burst of noise. Whats followed has been strategic restraint. No follow-up barrage, no mass mobilizations, no new sanctions of major consequence. On the U.S. side, the administration seems content to leave the exchange where it landed. Tehran, for its part, is back to working the oil lanes with China and maintaining calm on the Iraqi front. Most tellingly, crude oil prices fell in Asian trading on Friday, partly in response to Tehran reaffirming its commitment to nuclear non-proliferation (oil, in general, is back to trading on existing fundamentals for now).

The temperature has dropped noticeably on the Iran-Israel-U.S. front. What dominated headlines with shock and awe just two weeks ago is now receding into the background, replaced not by resolution, but by a quieter, more calculated equilibrium. Irans missile strike on Al Udeid was the loudest part of this cycle, but it was a fleeting burst of noise. Whats followed has been strategic restraint. No follow-up barrage, no mass mobilizations, no new sanctions of major consequence. On the U.S. side, the administration seems content to leave the exchange where it landed. Tehran, for its part, is back to working the oil lanes with China and maintaining calm on the Iraqi front. Most tellingly, crude oil prices fell in Asian trading on Friday, partly in response to Tehran reaffirming its commitment to nuclear non-proliferation (oil, in general, is back to trading on existing fundamentals for now).

That doesnt mean the theater has gone completely dark. Israeli jets struck targets in southern Syria this week, hitting Iranian-aligned groups in and around Daraa and Quneitra. Israeli sources framed it as a preemptive move, aimed at disrupting militia activity before it could reach the northern border. No Iranian response followed. Israel is reverting to a pattern of localized, high-frequency pressure against proxies, designed to bleed capacity without drawing fire from Tehran itself. Iran is choosing to absorb the hits, likely calculating that escalation now would give up the diplomatic ground its regained since the nuclear facility strikes.

Washington isnt pressing the Israelis to stop. Nor is it offering cover. This is the familiar operating rhythm of the past decade: Israel plays the grey zone, Iran absorbs, and the U.S. manages the boundaries. The recent volatility shook that framework, but it didnt break it. Now its snapping back into place, with one clear shift: everyone involved is more sensitive to maritime risk, and that focus is migrating southward.

The Red Sea and Horn of Africa have become the new center of gravity. The paramilitary RSFs expanding footprint in Sudan is no longer just a contained civil war story. Now, its a regional pressure point. The RSF has turned the Zam Zam displacement camp into a massacre site as the RSF brutally clears territory and asserts control over populations. The tricky part here is that the UAE has been backing them against the Sudanese military in this civil war.

That alignment matters. The RSFs ability to strike Port Sudan in May, damaging fuel depots, and power infrastructure, and temporarily grounding flights, was a signal that it has the capability now to disrupt core logistics on the Red Sea coast. It also showed what drone and indirect fire assets, supplied by foreign patrons, can do in the hands of a militia with no real red lines. Abu Dhabi isnt directing these operations, but its certainly enabling them, and that support gives the RSF a longer reach than Khartoums fractured regular forces can match. Saudi Arabia has positioned itself firmly alongside the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), pitting the two Gulf allies against each other in Sudan. Riyadh sees stability in Khartoum and control of the Red Sea coast by the SAF as vital to its strategic and economic goals, especially its Vision 2030 Red Sea corridor and the Neom infrastructure project.

The Saudis have provided both logistics and financial aid to the SAF while hosting General Burhan in Riyadh this spring, where he publicly thanked the kingdom for its support. So, here we have (and we saw a bit of this in Yemen, too, earlier) allies Riyadh and Abu Dhabi in a proxy rivalry. The UAE bolsters the RSF to secure influence and access across Sudans Red Sea coast and gold corridors, while the Saudis back the SAF to ensure that the Horn remains anchored by a central state capable of safeguarding key maritime access. The Saudis have also joined Egypt in calling for ceasefire initiatives, including co-sponsoring Jeddah talks in 2023, even as they continue discreet logistical and financial support for the SAF on the ground. They cant both be winners here, and right now, the RSF is gaining momentum.

A bit further south, Yemens Houthis remain a threat, though their tempo has slowed. Since May, theres been no large-scale strike on container vessels or tankers. U.S. and European naval forces are still around, escorting high-risk traffic. Bab el-Mandeb and the Strait of Hormuz are two bookends to the same geopolitical corridor. For the past six months, the focus has been on the northeast end, watching Iran. Now, attention should be shifting southwest.

The U.S. sanctions on RSF leadership (citing chemical weapons use) are less about actual enforcement and more about setting the narrative. Washington is preparing to lean harder on Gulf partners whove treated the Red Sea as a strategic sandbox. The lull in Iran activity frees up political space to make a play in the Horn.
Key areas of China's overseas investment include oil and gas, particularly in the Middle East and Africa, and general energy and construction projects for supply chain diversification.

China's rapid international expansion is driven by a need for fresh growth potential outside its domestic market, with support from government financial incentives.

When Chinese Xiaomi launched its first EV models last month, it sold more than 300,000 cars in a matter of three days. The electronics giant is eyeing international shipments in two years. Sinopec, meanwhile, is drilling for oil in Kazakhstan. The two are part of a growing trend: China is going global. Theres just not enough growth potential at home.

This is what credit ratings major Moodys said in a new report this week, noting that it expected the Chinese government to add fuel to the international expansion through financial support in the form of subsidies and tax cuts.

A successful expansion in overseas income could boost Chinas GNI [gross national income] and help offset the negative economic impact of weaker export demand, driven by trade tensions, or subdued domestic demand stemming from weak consumer sentiment, the team that produced the report wrote.

The latest export data from Beijing showed a slowdown for May, but it was attributed to the effect of U.S. tariffs on normal trade flows, suggesting a deal between the two would see a return to that normal. Indeed, overall exports from China rose in May, by 4.8%, affected by a 34.5% slump in exports to the United States. That compared with an increase of 8.1% in April.

Related: Iraq Claims Top Spot Among OPEC Crude Suppliers to the U.S.

So, the tariff war is affecting China negatively, which was to be expected, but according to Moodys, there are deeper problems in the Asian powerhouses economy, which is prompting a reorientation to the global scene. The goal: secure long-term growth. While doing that, Moodys said, China would improve its economic diversification and its global investment footprint, and it would also boost the availability of foreign assets for local use.

Oil is clearly an area where this international expansion is evident and accelerating. Although China has been actively seeking to increase its domestic production of both crude and gas in order to reduce its dependence on imports, it still imports a solid chunk of its demand. So, to secure supply, China is actively expanding its participation in oil and gas projects abroad.

A report released earlier this year showed that in 2024, Chinas foreign oil and gas investments hit an all-time high of $24.3 billion, mostly focused in the Middle East. Total Chinese investments in the region hit $39 billion last year, Chinese think tank Green Finance & Development Center, which produced the report, said.

Meanwhile, the country has become the top trading partner of African countries, where it has been expanding its energy investments steadily, just like its mining industry presence. In the period between 2010 and 2024, China invested some $66 billion in energy and construction projects on the continent, data reported by an UK think tank earlier this year showed. These investments accounted for a fifth of Chinas total spend on energy and construction globally in the period. And there was a very good reason for this.

A clear motivation for [Chinese firms], apart from new consumer markets and income streams, has been supply chain diversification, which has emerged as a strategy to mitigate risks from trade barriers that have intensified since 2018, the analyst team at Moodys said in its report. In other words, China has for years been doing what the EU and the U.S. are just now realizing they need to do: build secure, diversified supply chains.

It would take Chinas competitors years to do what it did with supply chains and foreign investment. Indeed, what some from the political sphere have called reshoring might be a better idea. So, while China is expanding internationally because it needs fresh economic blood, so to speak, the West is learning to appreciate its own resources, which it can develop with a view to achieving its own strategic goals.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
On a relatively quiet trading day for oil markets, as the U.S. celebrates Independence Day, oil prices have been dragged lower on expectations of further output hikes from OPEC+.

Friday, July 4th, 2025

Trading activity was thin towards the end of this week as the United States celebrates Independence Day  with a record-breaking 72 million people traveling  but both ICE Brent and WTI edged slightly lower on expectations of OPEC+ hiking production targets again in August. Whilst OPEC+s Saturday meeting seems to be a rather predictable affair, next weeks big price moves will be dictated by the July 9 tariff deadline as Asian countries try their luck with last-minute negotiations with President Trump.

OPEC+ Moves Its July Meeting a Day Ahead. Sticking to its policy of trying to surprise market watchers, the group of eight OPEC+ producers unwinding production cuts decided to move their meeting initially planned for July 6 to Saturday, in anticipation of yet another 411,000 b/d monthly output hike.

Trading Giant Tries Its Luck with Last-Minute Bid. A consortium led by privately-held trading giant Vitol submitted an eleventh-hour bid for Venezuela-owned US refiner Citgo Petroleum, offering more than 10 billion for Citgos 807,000 b/d capacity for three refineries, the highest known offer in the ongoing auction.

India Wants to Expand Strategic Reserves. The government of India has started feasibility studies on the construction of three new strategic petroleum storage sites, more than doubling the current 40-million-barrel SPR stock, placing a special emphasis on salt caverns in the northern state of Rajasthan.

Exxon Returns Unused Guyana Acreage to State. US oil major ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) has returned 2,534 km2 (equivalent to 978 sq miles) of the Stabroek block offshore Guyana to the South American countrys government, relinquishing it after it didnt manage to explore or develop those territories.

BlackRock Comes to the Rescue. With Saudi Arabia expected to take on more debt this year after a $15.6 billion deficit in Q1, US investment firm BlackRock (NYSE:BLK) has reportedly expressed interest in selling its stake in Saudi Aramcos (TADAWUL:2222) natural gas pipeline network back to the NOC.

China Eases Taxation on Embattled Teapots. The regional government of Shandong hiked fuel oil import tax rebates for independent refiners in the region, returning between 75% and 95% of payable consumption tax for gasoline and diesel as most teapots barely survive at 50-55% utilization rates.

Brazil Eyes More Exploration Money. Following a bumper revenue stream of 180 million from Brazils 5th Concession Offer bidding last month, the Latin American country now wants to hold an additional E&P auction to be organized in 2025 still for uncontracted pre-salt areas, eyeing higher budget revenue.

Glencore Mulls Its Options with UK Refinery. Swiss-based global trading house Glencore (LON:GLEN) has been in talks with the UK government over the fate of the 113,000 b/d Lindsey refinery, caught in great turmoil after the insolvency of its operator Prax, as Glencore has been its exclusive crude supplier.

Sanctions-Hit Venezuela Revisits China Dependence. Despite the Trump administrations sanctions snapback on Venezuela, PDVSAs exports of oil and refined products edged slightly higher in June to 844,000 b/d, however almost 90% of all flows are now moving towards China, a longtime ally.

US Oil Drilling Wanes on Uncertain Outlook. According to the latest survey by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, oil and gas business activity in the US turned negative in Q2 2025 as the uncertainty index soared to 47.1, with almost half of companies expecting to drill fewer wells this year than initially expected.

Japan Wants Fully-Fledged Carbon Trading by 2027. Japan launched discussions with domestic industry participants to kick-start its full-scale emissions trading system by 2027, mandating that all companies emitting more than 100,000 metric tonnes of CO 2 participate in ETS trading, a step up from the current voluntary market.

Ecuador Declares Force Majeure on Oil Production. Ecuadors state oil company Petroecuador declared force majeure on all its operations after the 360,000 b/d SOTE and 450,000 b/d OCP pipelines carrying crude from the countrys inner regions to the coast were damaged by landslides and erosion.

Trump Admin Lifts Restrictions on China-Bound Ethane. The US Commerce Department rescinded its mandate for US ethane exporters to seek export licenses for deliveries to China, with both Enterprise and Energy Transfer confirming flows from the Morgans Point and Nederland terminals have fully resumed.

By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Contact Energy (Contact) has reached a seven-year gas supply agreement with Greymouth Gas New Zealand Limited (GGNZ Ltd).

The agreement to supply up to 7PJ of gas per annum will take effect from 1 October 2025, with an option to extend for a further three years from October 2032.

The gas provides an opportunity for Contact to support New Zealand businesses and critical gas consumers as they transition from gas to renewable electricity. It also provides Contact with some diversification of gas supply and reduces single field reliance for meeting the needs of retail gas customers and electricity generation.

In a normal hydrology year, Contact expects to generate 200GWh to 300GWh of electricity from its gas peaking units at Stratford, supporting its Clutha run of river hydro scheme, meaning that Contacts generation will be around 98% renewable.1

Contact continues to grow its portfolio of renewable generation assets. In the past four years it has committed to invest over $2 billion in the critical energy infrastructure needed, including projects either completed or underway.

Contact is investing heavily in the renewable future for New Zealand while playing our part to support the countrys security of supply. We remain committed to being net zero in our generation operations by 2035, said CEO Mike Fuge.

With the Greymouth agreement we can look to increase supply to New Zealand businesses that remain reliant on gas to operate. Aligned with our strategy to be a leader in the decarbonisation of the country, we will help these customers over time as they move to renewable energy.

- ends -

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In a move that surprised many, OPEC+ (a group of major oil-producing countries) decided to increase production sooner than planned, adding more oil to a market that already had ample supply.

However, the peace was fragile. By the end of June, new accusations of ceasefire violations and Irans decision to stop cooperating with UN nuclear inspectors reintroduced uncertainty, reminding investors that Middle East tensions can flare up again and impact supply at any time.

This conflict pushed oil prices up earlier in June, but things changed quickly after a ceasefire was announced on June 24. Prices fell sharply, dropping about 6% in a single day, as investors hoped that oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuza key route for global oil flowswould remain safe.

One of the main reasons for the recent swings in oil prices was the tension between Israel and Iran. In June, Israel launched air strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, a rare move that raised concerns about oil supply disruptions, given that Iran exports around 2.6 million barrels of oil per day.

Oil prices made a modest recovery as June closed and July began, giving investors something to watch after weeks of sharp ups and downs. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose by $1.68, or about 2.5%, to end at $67.20 per barrel, reflecting a market that shifted from bearish to cautiously optimistic.

Oil prices made a modest recovery as June closed and July began, giving investors something to watch after weeks of sharp ups and downs. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose by $1.68, or about 2.5%, to end at $67.20 per barrel, reflecting a market that shifted from bearish to cautiously optimistic.

Middle East Tensions Ease, but Risks Remain

One of the main reasons for the recent swings in oil prices was the tension between Israel and Iran. In June, Israel launched air strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, a rare move that raised concerns about oil supply disruptions, given that Iran exports around 2.6 million barrels of oil per day.

This conflict pushed oil prices up earlier in June, but things changed quickly after a ceasefire was announced on June 24. Prices fell sharply, dropping about 6% in a single day, as investors hoped that oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuza key route for global oil flowswould remain safe.

However, the peace was fragile. By the end of June, new accusations of ceasefire violations and Irans decision to stop cooperating with UN nuclear inspectors reintroduced uncertainty, reminding investors that Middle East tensions can flare up again and impact supply at any time.

OPEC+ Pumps More Oil, While U.S. Producers Pull Back

In a move that surprised many, OPEC+ (a group of major oil-producing countries) decided to increase production sooner than planned, adding more oil to a market that already had ample supply. This extra oil put some downward pressure on prices.

Meanwhile, American oil producers moved in the opposite direction. Lower oil prices made drilling less attractive, leading many U.S. shale companies to cut spending by up to 9% and reduce the number of active drilling rigs. This was the second consecutive month where forecasts for U.S. oil output were lowered.

These two opposing movesmore oil from OPEC+ and less drilling in the U.S.largely balanced each other out, leaving investors to focus on demand trends and geopolitical developments for clearer signals.

Unexpected Inventory Build Surprises Investors

Investors expecting summer demand to lower U.S. oil inventories were caught off guard when the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported a surprise build of 3.85 million barrels for the week ending June 27. This increase was unexpected, especially since inventories had been falling in previous weeks.

More oil in storage often signals that either demand is weaker than expected or supply is stronger than the market can absorb, raising concerns about potential price weakness if this trend continues.

Summer Travel Demand Offers a Silver Lining

The summer driving season, however, provided some much-needed good news. As Americans hit the road for vacations and the July 4 holiday, gasoline demand surged, reaching its highest level since late 2021. This rise in gasoline consumption meant refineries needed to process more crude oil, supporting oil prices during a period when other factors were weighing them down.

The summer months typically bring increased travel, and with gas prices still lower than in recent years, consumers did not hesitate to take advantage, helping to provide a floor for crude demand.

Trade Tensions and Chinas Role Add Complexity

Global trade issues also played a role in shaping oil market sentiment. Ongoing uncertainty about U.S. tariffs and trade disputes, including the decision to block American ethane exports to China, added a layer of complexity for investors trying to gauge the strength of future oil demand.

China remains a critical player in the oil market as the worlds largest importer. Although there were earlier concerns about slower Chinese oil consumption, China continued buying oil, including from Iran, despite international sanctions. President Trumps comments allowing China to continue these purchases helped ease concerns about potential disruptions in supply.

Still, the outlook for Chinese oil demand growth remains more subdued, reflecting broader economic caution that could impact how much oil China and the world will need in the months ahead.

Weekly Light Crude Oil Futures

Trend Indicator Analysis

The main trend is up according to the weekly swing chart. Despite the steep sell-off and the potentially bearish closing price reversal top the previous week, this weeks price action suggests the presence of buyers.

The close above the 52-week moving average at $65.88 indicates buyers are defending against another steep sell-off. However, the inability to overcome the long-term pivot at $67.44 indicates there is not enough bullish pressure at this time to drive the market higher. Essentially, traders are awaiting a fresh catalyst to drive the volatility.

Weekly Technical Forecast

The direction of the Weekly Light Crude Oil Futures market the week ending July 11 is likely to be determined by trader reaction to $67.44 and $64.00. The pivotal indicator will be the 52-week moving average, currently at $65.88.

Bullish Scenario

A sustained move over $67.44 will signal the presence of buyers. If this creates enough upside momentum, we could see a near-term rally into a minor pivot at $71.20. The major upside target is the resistance zone at $78.40 to $82.31.

Bearish Scenario

A sustained move under $64.00 will indicate the return of sellers. If it generates enough downside momentum, we could witness the start of a prolonged down move into the support zone at $53.31 to $51.98.

Looking Ahead: Oil Market Faces a Balancing Act

The modest gain in oil prices over the past week reflects a market trying to balance competing forces: the ongoing risks in the Middle East, higher summer gasoline demand, and shifts in supply from OPEC+ and U.S. shale producers.

For investors, the current environment suggests that while there is potential for upward price moves if geopolitical tensions worsen or if demand continues to outpace supply, there are also risks from high inventory levels and uncertain global economic growth.

As we move deeper into summer, much will depend on whether the ceasefire between Israel and Iran holds, how strong gasoline demand remains, and whether U.S. production continues to slow. These factors will shape the next moves in oil prices, making this a market that remains sensitive to news headlines and demand signals.

Technically, reaction to the 52-week moving average at $65.88 and the long-term pivot at $67.44 should set the tone for the week.
Bemoaning the Trump administrations focus to get oil prices to $50 per barrel, even though breakeven prices for new wells stand at $62-64 per barrel, oil companies are currently seeing 4-6% cost hikes due to recently announced steel

The Q2 2025 drilling activity survey conducted by the Dallas Federal Reserve Bank indicates drilling activity across the country is on the decline, with oil executives expressing their disappointment with Donald Trumps oil policy.

Saudi Arabian oil exports last month increased by more than all of OPEC+s returning production, adding 441,000 b/d month-on-month, whilst outflows from Kuwait were the highest since late 2023.

According to a Bloomberg survey of analysts, OPEC boosted crude production in June by 360,000 b/d to an average of 28 million b/d, with most of the increase coming from Saudi Arabia.

OPEC+s market share has been above 30% throughout the 2010s, dipping below that threshold only from Q4 2019 onwards (currently 27%), but Riyadh and other oil-dependent economies are now willing to risk a period of lower prices.

The upcoming OPEC+ meeting, initially planned for July 6 but subsequently moved a day earlier citing the Muslim holy day of Ashura, is set to see another expedited 411,000 b/d output increase as the oil group seeks to regain market share.

Leaving Price Targets in the Past, OPEC+ Is Hunting for Market Share

Leaving Price Targets in the Past, OPEC+ Is Hunting for Market Share

The upcoming OPEC+ meeting, initially planned for July 6 but subsequently moved a day earlier citing the Muslim holy day of Ashura, is set to see another expedited 411,000 b/d output increase as the oil group seeks to regain market share.

OPEC+s market share has been above 30% throughout the 2010s, dipping below that threshold only from Q4 2019 onwards (currently 27%), but Riyadh and other oil-dependent economies are now willing to risk a period of lower prices.

According to a Bloomberg survey of analysts, OPEC boosted crude production in June by 360,000 b/d to an average of 28 million b/d, with most of the increase coming from Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabian oil exports last month increased by more than all of OPEC+s returning production, adding 441,000 b/d month-on-month, whilst outflows from Kuwait were the highest since late 2023.

Pessimistic and Disappointed  The US Shale Executives Today

The Q2 2025 drilling activity survey conducted by the Dallas Federal Reserve Bank indicates drilling activity across the country is on the decline, with oil executives expressing their disappointment with Donald Trumps oil policy.

Bemoaning the Trump administrations focus to get oil prices to $50 per barrel, even though breakeven prices for new wells stand at $62-64 per barrel, oil companies are currently seeing 4-6% cost hikes due to recently announced steel tariffs.

The DFRBs oil business activity index turned negative from +3.8 in Q1 to -8.1 in Q2 2025, with half of the souths drilling executives planning to drill less than planned in 2025, whilst 26% reported significant cuts to upstream operations.

The US Energy Information Administration now expects the countrys oil output to average 13.415 million b/d in 2025 before declining to 13.372 million b/d next year, whilst S&P Global predicts an even steeper fall to 12.96 million b/d in 2026.

Wildfires Loom Large for Canadas Oil Sands Producers

Canadian wildfires are rearing their ugly head again after a blaze emerged in the Fort McMurray area, the largest oil sands production hub in Alberta, threatening oil supply.

Official statistics show that May oil production in Alberta was the lowest since May 2023, averaging 3.61 million b/d as several producers in the Cold Lake area were prompted to cut 350,000 b/d of output in late May-early June.

Seaborne flows from the TMX pipeline have been posted three consecutive month-on-month declines as available volumes falter, with only 380,000 b/d exported last month

As Canadas upstream firms struggle to ramp up output, prices of Canadian heavy grades continue to rise  the discount of WCS to US benchmark West Texas Intermediate in Houston is the smallest since early 2022.

US Dry Gas Production Hits New Record on Summer Heat

The all-American heatwave in late June prompted US natural gas producers to churn out as much dry gas as possible, with June 29 marking the highest ever recorded output of 107 BCf/d.

With LNG feedgas demand recovering after a month-long maintenance at Sabine Pass LNG and almost all the United States seeing hotter-than-average temperatures (except the Midwest and Alaska), heightened production rates are set to continue.

US gas-to-power consumption is set to soar to 46 BCf/d by mid-month after a relatively cool start to July, potentially charting an upwards move compared to the June average of 38.8 BCf/d and restricting summer inventory builds.

Consistently robust gas production has been depressing prompt Henry Hub gas futures, currently trading around $3.4 per mmBtu, below the $3.66 per mmBtu average of H1 2025.

Copper Markets Roil on Trump Speculation Again

For the umpteenth time this year, the specter of US import tariffs has been sending copper prices into disarray, with the benchmark three-month LME contract hitting a three-month high of $10,020 per metric tonne earlier this week.

Whilst a weaker dollar should support industrial metals going forward, the markets are still undecided whether US copper imports would see any substantial impact from upcoming tariff warfare.

US copper inventories have been increasing since March, with COMEX stocks reaching 220,950 short tonnes - the highest in seven years  after continuous inflows of the metal.

In contrast to the US, inventories in LME-registered warehouses are a third of what they were in January 2025, with a high probability of a short squeeze happening soon as reportedly one buyer held the right to purchase 50-60% of all available copper in the LME network.

Egypt Struggles to Cut Its Dependence on Israeli Gas

Perhaps no other country had seen as much collateral damage from the Israel-Iran conflict as Egypt, as halted Israeli pipeline flows forced Cairo to go on an LNG- and fuel oil-buying spree to cover its energy needs.

Egypt imported 230,000 b/d of fuel oil in June, the second-highest monthly reading in history, whilst its 160-cargo monster LNG deal with several suppliers provided a rare bullish moment to gas markets in the Atlantic Basin last month.

With domestic gas production falling as the giant Zohr field gets depleted, the Israel-Iran conflict only highlighted Egypts dependence on Israel to keep the lights on  aggravated by the fact that gas from the Leviathan field costs EGAS half the global market price.

Most Egyptian fertilizer producers have restarted their production after Israeli gas flows to the country normalized on June 26-27, with at least 5 mtpa urea production capacity halted during the 12-Day War.

Platinum Becomes Top Commodity of June

Platinum has become the star performer of June, rising 28% in just one month amidst increasing interest from hedge funds and speculators, capitalizing on exceptionally weak South African production.

China has also played its role in the platinum price rally after Beijings imports remained above 10 metric tonnes per month throughout Q2, the first such occasion in years.

Platinums success, with prices rising to an 11-year high of $1,432 per ounce, will soon trigger the metals demise as its interchangeable peer palladium is now 22% cheaper, prompting many to look for the cheaper alternative.

Similarly, US President Trumps tariff warfare is a downside for platinum  the usual catalyst in automotive converters  as car producers projections indicate global automotive output could drop by 10 million units in 2025-2028 compared to previous forecasts.
The OPEC+ producers unwinding their oil production cuts may bring forward their meeting to Saturday instead of on Sunday, with another accelerated output hike likely to be agreed, delegates and sources from the group tell various news outlets ahead of the weekend.

The eight OPEC+ members, which have been cutting production and are now returning supply to the market in monthly increments, may bring forward the meeting to July 5 from July 6, as it was originally planned, delegates from the group told Argus Media.

The potential change in plans follows a request by the Iraqi delegation to move up the meeting to avoid clashing with an Islamic holiday, according to the delegates.

The OPEC+ 8 countries  Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman  are likely to decide to hike output by another 411,000 bpd for August, anonymous sources from the producer group told Reuters on Friday.

With this hike, the cumulative increase this year would rise to 1.78 million bpd.

However, actual production increases from OPEC+ have been much lower than the headline figure as some producers appear to have genuinely started to compensate for previous overproduction.

Such is the case of Iraq, OPECs second-biggest producer after Saudi Arabia.

But non-OPEC Kazakhstan has been openly defying the groups targets as it continues to raise production from projects involving international majors such as Chevron.

Kazakhstans Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov confirmed in May that the republic has no right to enforce production cuts on foreign operators.

Despite Kazakhstans production growth, the OPEC+ producers are adding fewer barrels to the market than the headline figure of 411,000 bpd.

Compliance and compensation levels have been and will be key for traders and investors to guesstimate how much additional crude OPEC+ is really adding each month.

OPEC+ will make its August oil production decision on the fly during the upcoming meeting, Russia said last week, suggesting there would be no pre-negotiating behind closed doors.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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SpaceX, particularly through its reusable rockets and Starlink satellites, has drastically reduced launch costs and is crucial for US dominance in space and future endeavors like Mars missions.

Donald Trump has launched a fresh attack on Elon Musk, declaring that Doge, Musks cost-cutting body, is the monster that that might have to go back and eat Elon. On Truth Social on Monday, he continued: 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. [sic]

Trump acts like an autocratic dictator, responding to critics with threats of punishment. Musk was quite right to criticize Trumps plans to continue the colossal debt orgy  as were some other Republican politicians, such as Rand Paul.

Trump may not know  or simply not care  that carrying out his threats, not least deporting Elon Musk, would set US space exploration back by two decades. November 14, 2011 marked a low point in US-manned space exploration when the American astronaut Daniel Burbank had to be transported to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket. The United States was no longer able to send its own astronauts into orbit having discontinued the Space Shuttle program. In the years that followed, American astronauts made 30 such flights to the ISS using Russian Soyuz rockets  until a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket took Americans astronauts to the ISS on May 30, 2020, and at much lower cost.

Where did US space travel go wrong?

What went wrong? Despite the triumph of landing on the Moon, the US-manned space flight program failed. In the three decades from 1981 to 2011, the US Space Shuttle programme cost almost $200bn, but failed to live up to expectations. In his study, Dark Star: A New History of the Space Shuttle, Matthew Hersch comes to a sobering conclusion: By every measure, the shuttle had fallen short of even the modest hopes that had surrounded it. And the shuttle remained flying only because every effort to replace it with a better-winged, reusable craft also failed.

Following two tragic accidents that resulted in the loss of 14 lives, the Space Shuttle program was discontinued, leaving the United States without any rockets of its own to transport its astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS). Things only changed with the emergence of Musks SpaceX. Awarding contracts to the private company SpaceX was the only way NASA could move forward.

Musk succeeded in massively reducing launch costs. As Harry W Jones from the NASA Ames Research Center noted in his essay The Recent Large Reduction in Space Launch Cost back in 2018: The average launch cost did not change much from 1970 to 2010 From 1970 to 2000 the average launch cost was $18,500/kg. A major drop in cost occurred in 2010 with the Falcon 9 at $2,700/kg. The Falcon Heavy reduced the cost to $1,400/kg. The Shuttles launch cost was about 20 times that of the Falcon 9 and about 40 times that of the Falcon Heavy.

If Trump deports Elon Musk

And today?

Without SpaceX, the United States would be in second place, way behind its chief rival, China. In 2024, SpaceX launched almost twice as many rockets as China, the number two in space travel. Of 261 space missions worldwide in 2024, 134 were launched by SpaceX. If SpaceX were a country, it would by far surpass the second-largest country in the world, China, which registered 68 launches. Without SpaceX, the US would not even have managed two dozen rocket launches last year!

Of 12,952 active satellites in space, 8,530 have been deployed by the USA. However, 7,855 of these belong to Starlink, another of Musks companies. If Starlink is excluded from the count, the USwould be left with fewer than 700 satellites in space, relegating it to fourth place behind Russia (1,559), China (906) and the UK (763).

Starship is a marvel of engineering, surpassing everything that has come before it. Starships most distinctive feature is its reusability. Imagine if every airplane had to be discarded after a single flight  air travel would be out of reach for the vast majority of people. This is why Elon Musk has spent so long making sure his rockets are reusable. He has already achieved partial success with his standard carrier, Falcon 9.

Starships first-stage booster and second-stage orbital spacecraft are both reusable. The booster returns to Earth shortly after launch, allowing for its reuse in future missions. Similarly, the second stage can return to Earth once its mission is complete, whether that be hours, days, weeks or months after launch. Some versions will never return to Earth again. They will remain  suitably equipped  at their final destinations as space station modules, refuelling stations in Earths orbit, lunar shuttle vehicles, or as permanent bases on the Moon, Mars, asteroids or beyond. Whether the USA will succeed in getting to Mars without SpaceX is more than debatable.

What Trump refers to as subsidies  with his usual degree of hyperbole as the allegedly largest subsidies ever received by a human being in history  are in fact mainly NASA contracts for which SpaceX provides services that NASA could either not provide itself or only at a much higher cost. Cancelling or reducing these contracts would please China in particular  the very country that Trump has singled out as his main rival.

By City AM

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Experts believe Putin is unwilling to compromise as he perceives Russia is winning the war, while Ukrainian President Zelenskyy continues to call for more Western support.

The US confirmed it had halted some weapons supplies to Ukraine, citing low stock, a move that drew bipartisan concern in the Senate.

Russian President Vladimir Putin told Donald Trump that Russia will not give up its objectives in Ukraine, undermining White House hopes for a ceasefire.

Russian President Vladimir Putin told his US counterpart, Donald Trump, that Moscow would not give up its objectives in Ukraine, dimming White House hopes for a cease-fire in a war now in its fourth year.

During a July 3 phone call, Putin told Trump that Russia will achieve its goals in Ukraine and will not abandon them, according to Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov. Russia is seeking to conquer Ukraine and bring the independent country back into Moscow's orbit.

Trump told reporters before leaving for an event in Iowa that he and Putin discussed both Iran and Ukraine but made no progress.

The call, which lasted about an hour, was the sixth between the two leaders since Trump took office on January 20.

Trump has made ending the war in Ukraine a top foreign policy objective, launching an intense track of diplomacy with Kyiv and Moscow just weeks into his presidency.

However, the effort, which included dispatching his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, to Moscow on at least three occasions to meet with Putin, has failed so far in the face of Kremlin intransigency. Trump's proposed 30-day cease-fire, accepted by Ukraine, has been repeatedly rejected by the Russian leader.

Putin believes he is winning the war and therefore has little incentive to negotiate now, experts say. Russias troops continue to advance on the battlefield in eastern Ukraine, albeit at extraordinary human and material costs.

In their most significant advance of the year, Russian forces last month coupled territorial gains with the fiercest aerial assaults since the war began on February 24, 2022.

Aid Halt

Trump's call with Putin came a day after the White House confirmed that it had halted some weapons supplies to Ukraine, saying it was running low on stock. Russia had been demanding that Ukraine's Western partners end military aid to Ukraine as part of any cease-fire agreement.

In his comments before departing Washington for Iowa, Trump denied that the United States has stopped sending arms to Ukraine.

"We havent," he said. "We are giving weapons, but weve given so many weapons.... We are giving weapons and we are working with them to try to help them. We have to make sure that we have enough for ourselves."

The pause in deliveries affects air defense missiles, precision-guided artillery, and other equipment, according to US media reports.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat-New Hampshire), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in a July 3 statement that the Senate, on a bipartisan basis, "was shocked" by the halt in aid and is seeking to reverse the administration's decision. Ukraine has traditionally enjoyed widespread bipartisan support in Congress.

Shaheen said the contents of the call showed that Putin continued to "play" Trump.

Mikhail Alexseev, a political science professor at San Diego State University, told RFE/RL that the July 3 call confirmed that Putin is not willing to compromise on the issue of Ukraine.

"Moscow's position just remains entrenched, and in some ways, indeed tougher," he said, pointing to Putin's recent comments at a conference in St. Petersburg dismissing Ukrainians as a people distinct from Russians.

"In their thinking, they see Trump abandoning Ukraine. And if he does, they don't have any incentive to stop the fighting, and they can become just more insistent on achieving their initial objectives," Alexseev said.

"The only way to actually bring Russia seriously to negotiating table is to provide Ukraine with more support so that Russia doesn't see a way to win this conflict militarily," he said.

It is a view shared by many experts as well as US, European, and Ukrainian officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly called on the United States to send more weapons and impose greater sanctions on Russia to force Moscow to the negotiating table.

Since taking the office, Trump has not approved any new weapons deliveries for Ukraine nor imposed any new sanctions on Russia. His administration has also relaxed enforcement, experts say. Trump countered that imposing sanctions on Russia would hurt peace negotiations.

Trump will hold a call with Zelenskyy on July 4 with the halt in military aid to be a top talking point.

Ushakov claimed the issue of US aid to Ukraine was not raised during Trump's call with Putin. He added that Putin told Trump during the call that Russia was still interested in a "negotiated solution" to the war.

Russian and Ukrainian officials held peace talks this year for the first time since the beginning of the war but made little progress as both sides are still far apart.

The Kremlin wants Ukraine to surrender territory, demilitarize, and reject NATO membership aspirations -- demands that cross its red lines.

Experts say that Putin is continuing to claim support to the idea of peace talks to appease Trump who has staked a lot on reaching a deal.

By RFE/RL

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The arbitrators for a dispute between Exxon and Hess Corp. have reached a decision, according to two unnamed sources who spoke to Reuters but did not divulge details about that decision. It remains unclear when the decision will be made public.

The dispute between the two concerns the latters stake in the Stabroek Block in Guyana, which has yielded a string of oil discoveries since the start of exploration, giving Exxon and Hessalong with their partner CNOOCaccess to over 11 billion barrels in recoverable crude. Exxon holds a 45% stake in the consortium, while Hess Corp. has 30%. Currently, the South American nation pumps some 660,000 bpd all from the Exxon-Hess operated Stabroek Block. Output is projected to hit 1.3 million barrels daily by 2030.

Relations soured, however, after Chevron approached Hess with an acquisition offer worth $53 billion and Hess said yes. Soon after the agreement was made public, Exxon said its partnership terms with Hess Corp. give itand CNOOCthe right of first refusal to the acquisition of Hess Corp.'s stake in the Stabroek Block. Per Chevron and Hess itself, the right of first refusal does not apply because the deal with Chevron is for the whole company and not only for its Guyanese assets.

The dispute was taken to the International Chamber of Commerce, based in Paris, which is currently reviewing its decision before making it public, Reuters reported. The decision would determine whether Chevron would go ahead with its acquisition of Hess Corp. or change its mind, given that the Guyanese assets are the crown jewel in the target companys assets.

Meanwhile, as the arbitrators deliberated, Chevron has been buying stock in Hess Corp, signaling the takeover is going as planned. Since the start of the year, the supermajor has acquired close to 5% in Hess, worth around $3.2 billion. Perhaps even if the merger falls through, Chevron could gain some access to the Guyana operations, albeit indirectly.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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The president-designate of this years climate summit in Brazil played down accusations from campaigners that the South American countrys plans to boost oil and gas production is in conflict with the drive to reach net zero.

We are thinking of a net zero that incorporates some years continuing to use oil, Andre Correa do Lago, president-designate for the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in November told the Financial Times in an interview published on Friday.

The pledge for transitioning away from fossil fuels allows considerable flexibility, Correa do Lago told FT.

The pledge was made at the COP28 summit in Dubai at the end of 2023, whose final communique included a compromise text referencing for the first time a call to all parties to transition away from fossil fuels.

But the final agreement was watered down compared to any references to phasing out or phasing down of fossil fuels, as objections from many oil exporting countries  led by Saudi Arabia  held back talks.

COP30, which will be held in the Amazonian city of Belem in Brazil, will aim to assess progress on climate goals and transitioning from fossil fuels.

The upcoming summits president-designate told FT, I believe that all countries are analysing how they can reach net zero in a way that is economically viable, technologically viable, and that logically should go in the direction of the transition away [from fossil fuels].

Correa do Lago noted that the United States and Norway are also boosting oil production, just like Brazil and its state-held energy giant Petrobras.

The company plans to raise its oil and gas exploration and production and has earmarked billions of U.S. dollars of capex over the next few years. Petrobrass investment plan for the five years to 2029 stands at $111 billion. Of this, $77 billion is earmarked for oil and gas exploration and production activities.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Crude oil prices were on course for a modest weekly gain today, buffeted by both headwind and tailwinds, including OPEC+ policy, U.S. job numbers, and anticipation of President Trumps next move on tariffs.

At the time of writing, Brent crude was trading at $68.58 per barrel, with West Texas Intermediate at $66.87 per barrel, both slightly down from Thursdays close but on course to make a small weekly gain.

Earlier in the week, the U.S. Labor Department reported a nonfarm payroll increase of 147,000 for June, which was more than what analysts expected, with the rate of unemployment falling from 4.2% in May to 4.1%. These signs of a stronger-than-expected economy were bullish for oil but they were countered by expectations that OPEC+ will add another 411,000 barrels daily at its next meeting, scheduled for this Sunday.

These expectations have been weighing on oil prices since the start of the week, with analysts citing oversupply concerns for their bearish mood on oil. Yet the sentiment is not universal. Standard Chartered said earlier this week that the global market could easily absorb any additional oil supply from OPEC+ as demand remained robust while global inventories remain at the lowest in five years.

At the same time, OPEC itself reported that last year global oil production was notably lower than demanddespite all the warnings of oversupply. Production averaged 72.58 million barrels daily in 2024, the group said, while demand rose to 103.84 million barrels daily.

Among the other factors that pushed oil prices one way or another this week were the trade deal that the U.S. sealed with Vietnam, and that will see tariffs of 20% on Vietnamese imports into the U.S., along with the news that Iran has suspended its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Earlier on Friday, however, Reuters cited a statement by Irans foreign minister saying the country had not suspended cooperation with the IAEA and that it remained committed to nuclear non-proliferation.

Inventory reports from the U.S. as well as estimates of gasoline demand during peak driving season also affected pricesnegatively because inventory reports featured unexpected builds while gasoline demand was lower than expected.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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OPEC oil production ticked up by 270,000 barrels per day (bpd) in June, led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, according to the latest Reuters survey. The groups total output hit 27.02 million bpd last month as members began unwinding voluntary cuts. But the real story isnt whats on paperits whats actually flowing.

Saudi Arabia accounted for 200,000 bpd of the increase, while the UAE added 100,000 bpdboth still technically pumping below their formal quotas. Iraq, under pressure for previous overproduction, actually dialed back output, helping partially offset the gains.

The rise comes ahead of a newly scheduled OPEC+ meeting on Saturday, July 5, where the groups eight voluntary cutters are expected to approve another 411,000 bpd hike for August. If approved, that would bring the total scheduled increase for 2025 to 1.78 million bpd. But "scheduled" is doing a lot of work herecompliance has been patchy, and actual additions continue to underwhelm.

Kazakhstan, still refusingor unableto rein in foreign-led output, is the outlier, openly defying production targets while citing its lack of legal authority over international operators like Chevron. Iraq, by contrast, seems to be trying to play ball.

Meanwhile, investors remain skeptical. Between compensation cuts, under-compliance, and the political need to appear unified, the 411,000 bpd headline number rarely translates into reality. Traders are watching flows, not pledges.

Its all happening against the backdrop of a 1% global production decline in 2024the first since 2020despite a demand climb to 103.84 million bpd. OPECs own stats show its exports slipped by 70,000 bpd last year, and most of its barrelsover 13 million bpdstill go to Asia.

In other words, while the production optics are bullish, the real volumesand enforcementremain the wildcard.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

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The price gap that once made Russian Urals crude a go-to for Indian refiners is rapidly shrinking. Traders say the discount on Urals oil for August delivery to India has narrowed to just $1.70$2 per barrel below dated Brentthe tightest spread since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.

That discount is down from $2$2.50 in July, and well below the steep markdowns India enjoyed throughout 2023 and early 2024. The reason? High demand from India and Turkey, reduced spot market availability, and falling Russian supply due to domestic refinery runs and upcoming maintenance at the Sakhalin-1 project.

For Indian refiners, the math is shifting. Spot Urals is still cheaper than other grades, but the advantage is eroding. Some refiners are already eyeing alternatives like UAEs Murban or U.S. WTI, traders saygrades that previously lost out to the heavily discounted Russian barrels.

The narrowing spread also shows how Russia is keeping volumes moving despite sanctions, by keeping Urals prices just under the Wests $60-per-barrel price cap. That threshold allows access to Western insurance and shipping, which cuts logistics costs. In April, for example, shipping rates for Urals from Russias Baltic ports to India fell to $6 million per voyage, down from $7 million the month prior, thanks to increased availability of compliant tankers.

But the supply squeeze is real. Several Indian refiners have reportedly been unable to secure Urals cargoes for August. Part of that is due to term dealsRosnefts agreement with Reliance Industries means large volumes are tied up, leaving less crude on the spot market.

India, now Russias biggest seaborne oil customer, is even considering building three new strategic reserves to bolster energy securityan acknowledgment that Russian barrels may not stay cheap or plentiful forever.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

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A year ago, South Korea commissioned the first of its new class of destroyers, Jeongjo the Great. This ship displaces 10,000 tons when fully loaded. The 165-meter-long vessel has a top speed of nearly 60 kilometers per hour and an endurance of 30 days. Its crew of 300 operates a comprehensive array of surface search and fire control radars, as well as hull-mounted and towed sonars for submarine detection. The ship is equipped with electronic and flare-based countermeasures to defend against incoming anti-ship missiles. Its weapons include a 127mm main gun capable of firing up to 20 31.7-kg shells per minute, with a range of 24 kilometers using standard shells or 37 kilometers with lighter shells. The destroyer has 88 Vertical Launch System (VLS) cells containing a mix of anti-aircraft, anti-submarine, anti-ship, and land-attack missiles. Additionally, it carries one Phalanx 20mm autocannon for point defense against anti-ship missiles and two 21-ton multipurpose helicopters for personnel transport, search and rescue, or anti-submarine warfare.

Six of these destroyers are planned, with four completed and two under construction, scheduled for delivery in 2026 and 2027.

The South Korean Navy currently operates 160 ships with a total displacement of 233,000 tons, including 21 submarines, 13 destroyers, 18 frigates, three corvettes, and 34 patrol boats, as well as 21 amphibious warfare ships. Frigates and submarines serve as the first line of defense along South Koreas coasts, while patrol boats monitor and report encounters. Larger warships handle any threats. Frigates are the most prominent ships defending the coasts, while destroyers and larger submarines operate farther from shore.

Since 2017, all South Korean Navy ships have been built domestically. In 2016, South Korea retired its last U.S.-built warship, a 3,000-ton salvage and rescue ship, USS Beaufort, which entered U.S. service in 1972. Transferred to South Korea in 1996, it served as Pyeongtaek (ATS-27) for 20 years. South Korea commissioned two locally designed and built ATS ships in 2014 and 2016.

South Korea began designing and building its own warships in the late 1970s, starting with patrol boats, progressing to corvettes and frigates in the 1980s, and expanding to amphibious ships, submarines, and destroyers in the 1990s. After 2000, South Korea developed larger destroyers similar to U.S. Aegis-class ships. By the 1990s, South Korea started exporting warships to other Asian nations, a trend that continues to grow. The latest South Korean warship is the 4,200-ton frigate Chungnam, the first of six FFX-III-class ships.

In 2013, South Korea commissioned its first FFX frigate. These 3,200-ton ships are armed with a 127mm gun, eight anti-ship or cruise missiles, three torpedo tubes, a RAM anti-missile launcher, and a Phalanx anti-missile gun system. They have space aft for two helicopters and are designed for coastal defense, replacing older Ulsan-class frigates and Pohang-class corvettes. In 1986, a Pohang-class corvette sank a North Korean gunboat that entered South Korean waters and refused to withdraw. In a similar 1996 incident, two North Korean warships complied with orders to retreat.

The 24 Pohang-class corvettes come in two variants: an anti-ship version with two Exocet anti-ship missiles, a 76mm gun, and a twin 30mm anti-aircraft gun, and an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) version with two 76mm guns, two triple 12.75-inch torpedo tubes, and two twin 40mm anti-aircraft guns.

FFX frigates are highly automated, requiring a crew of only 140. They have a top speed of 61 kilometers per hour and a range of 8,000 kilometers. Most equipment, including electronics and weapons, is locally built. South Korea plans to build at least 15 FFX ships, with the first six in service by 2015. The lead ship, Ulsan, cost over $110 million. South Korea aims to export the FFX to navies seeking high-quality, cost-effective warships. Additionally, South Korea is expanding its production of larger warships and submarines.

South Korea has prioritized amphibious operations, critical for potential conflicts with North Korea. In 2018, the navy commissioned the last four of eight LST II-class amphibious assault ships. These 7,100-ton vessels can carry 300 troops and 1020 vehicles, with a landing pad for two helicopters and two smaller landing craft for beach operations. The ships are 126 meters long, 19 meters wide, and have a crew of 120. Their top speed is 42 kilometers per hour, with a cruising speed of 32 kilometers per hour, allowing them to remain at sea for 18 days. Armament includes anti-missile systems and a 76mm gun. The first LST II entered service in 2015. The navy also operates four 1990s-era LST I-class ships and two 18,000-ton Dokdo-class LPH helicopter landing ships, which carry 720 marines, ten helicopters, and 200 vehicles delivered ashore via landing craft or hovercraft.

The LST II-class ships support an expansion of South Koreas amphibious forces. The South Korean Marine Corps grew from 25,000 to 29,000 personnel, organized into two divisions and a brigade. As part of this expansion, a new brigade and helicopter squadron were established to guard the North Korean border on the west coast. The aviation battalion operates 30 Korean Utility Helicopters (KUHs), nicknamed Surion. These 8.7-ton helicopters carry two pilots and 11 passengers, can hover up to 3,000 meters, and have a top speed of 240 kilometers per hour. They can be armed with 7.62mm machine guns, and 60% of their components are made in South Korea.

The South Korean Marine Corps is equipped with 60 LVTP-7 amphibious vehicles, 42 AAV-7A1s, and 60 K-1 tanks. Officially under navy control, the marines typically operate under army command. Approximately 5,000 marines are stationed on the west coast, including nearby islands, with the new brigade expanding this presence.

In 2016, the marines formed a rapid-deployment brigade called Spartan 3000, with 3,000 personnel trained to deploy anywhere on the Korean Peninsula within 24 hours. Marines rotate through Spartan 3000 due to its demanding nature. The brigade is designed to counter North Korean special operations forces and target key objectives in North Korea, supported by about 1,000 additional South Korean special operations troops.

The South Korean Marine Corps is considered an elite force, despite many troops being draftees. Even draftees view marine service as an honor. Mentored by the U.S. Marine Corps, South Korean marines have earned recognition for their proficiency.


By Taxpayers Association of Oregon

OregonWatchdog.com

When anarchists protesting violence by police officers took over Seattles Capitol Hill in June 2020, Molly Moon Neitzel, founder of Molly Moons Homemade Ice Cream nearby, posted a sign declaring itself a gun-free zone and telling police officers not to enter if theyre armed, according to political commentator Brandi Kruse, who decried the hypocrisy, and thepostmillenial.com. Neitzel issued public declarations supporting the Black Lives Matter movement and defunding of police, but three years later, filed a federal lawsuit in U.S. District Court against the City of Seattle for damages and losses during the occupation, contending police didnt do enough to prevent it while at the same time saying the company doesnt seek to undermine the Capitol Hill Organized Protest. Then, in May 2025, Neitzel complained about a proposed Seattle crisis center designed to serve people suffering from mental health and substance abuse issues moving into the Capitol Hill neighborhood, saying businesses already are struggling and residents feel unsafe.

There are anti-cop stores in Portland as well. As reported by independent journalist, Kevin Dahlgren, a local Stumptown coffee shop in Portland uses the advertised code for their bathroom as 1312 which is the much broadcasted symbol of All Cops are Bastards (# corresponds to alphabet). Read more here.

These anti-cop stores in Portland were first spotted way back in 2010.
Today is the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Its worth putting those words in print once again:

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Natures God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States.

Those are fighting words. Indeed, if youre ever in DC, check out the Jefferson Memorial, where the authors words are selectively presented with the more radical sentences edited out without ellipses.

While I dont share the same fear in displaying such radical thought as the Roosevelt administration did when building the Jefferson Memorial in 1939, I do think we need to rise up. It just doesnt need to be an armed revolt like in 1776. We need independence of thought.

The best way to affect that is to support the Taxpayer Association of Oregon here and the Cascade Policy Institute here. Thats better than throwing your proverbial tea into the Port of Portland.

The defeat of HB 2025 in the past legislative session feels like a miracle, but its a sign of the times. It couldnt get enough Democrats to pass because, at least a handful of them appear to believe that taxing even more in the name of maintaining our roads while delivering an anti-mobility policy may lead to a popular revolt against their rule. So dont throw away your shot. If they pursue this with a special session, let them feel it at the ballot box next year.

Eric Shierman lives in Salem and is the author of We were winning when I was there.
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The three South American countries have all recorded sharply below-zero temperatures as the polar air originated from Antarctica and swept across the region.

A polar air mass has brought record low temperatures to Argentina, Chile and Uruguay, causing at least 15 deaths and forcing governments to restrict gas supplies and activate emergency shelters.

The three South American countries have all recorded sharply below-zero temperatures as the polar air originated from Antarctica and swept across the region.

In Argentina, at least nine homeless people have died from the cold this winter, according to NGO Proyecto 7.

The capital Buenos Aires recorded its lowest temperature since 1991 at -1.9 degrees Celsius (28.6 Fahrenheit) on Wednesday, while the coastal city of Miramar saw snow for the first time in 34 years. Further south, the town of Maquinchao recorded -18C on Tuesday.

Electricity demand caused cuts across Buenos Aires, leaving thousands without power for over 24 hours in some areas.

The government suspended gas supplies to industries and petrol stations Wednesday to ensure household supplies, and removed price controls on gas cylinders Thursday.

Desert snow

Uruguay declared a nationwide "red alert" after six people died, allowing President Yamandu Orsi's government to forcibly move homeless people to shelters.

Montevideo recorded its lowest maximum temperature since 1967 at 5.8C on June 30, according to meteorologist Mario Bidegain.

Chile also activated homeless shelter plans during the coldest days. The city of Chillan, 400 kilometers (250 miles) south of Santiago, hit -9.3C, according to the Chilean Meteorological Directorate.

"What happened this week in Chile and the Southern Cone in general is a cold wave caused by an escape of a polar air mass from Antarctica," climatologist Raul Cordero from the University of Santiago told AFP.

Snow even fell in parts of the Atacama Desert, the world's driest, for the first time in a decade.

"It is not so common for these cold air masses to extend so far north, so we cannot rule out that this is also caused by climate change," meteorologist Arnaldo Zuniga told AFP.

The region expects relief in the coming days, with Buenos Aires reaching 12C on Thursday, Montevideo 14C and Santiago 24.7C.

"I was quite surprised by the change from cold to hotthe change was very drastic," student Dafne Naranjo, 18, said in Santiago.

Climatologist Cordero said heat waves have become more frequent than cold spells in recent years.

"The frequency of heat waves has tripled, whether in summer or winter, not only in the Southern Cone but throughout the world," he said.

 2025 AFP
Ministry of Equality Marks Successful End of the Sixth Cycle of the Womens Mentorship Programme

The Ministry of Equality marked the end of the sixth cycle of the Womens Mentorship Programme with a networking event at the Mayors Parlour.

The evening began with a short address by the Minister for Equality, the Hon Christian Santos GMD MP, who congratulated the mentees for taking ownership of their professional journeys and committing themselves to learning, development and self-improvement.

Minister Santos also thanked the mentors for their invaluable support of the Programme and for sharing their knowledge and expertise with their respective mentees. A total of thirty-seven mentees who took part in this cycle of the Programme were presented with certificates of participation.

After the Ministers address, Womens Mentorship Programme Lead, Marlene Dalli, opened the floor and invited both mentees and mentors to share their personal experiences of the Progamme. Feedback shared by the mentees demonstrated that the Programme had a powerful impact on their professional journeys, providing them with the opportunity to reflect and take concrete steps towards their goals. Mentees were also extremely grateful to their mentors for their guidance, advice and support.

Mentors also conveyed their enjoyment of the Programme and expressed how the mentoring experience had been a significant and shared learning experience from which they had derived great personal satisfaction.

The Womens Mentorship Programme has been running since 2018 and has garnered eager support from a broad range of sectors from the business community. The aim of the Progamme is to address the under-representation of women in certain sectors or fields and in positions of leadership and management. The Womens Mentorship Programme is open to all women over the age of 18 who are resident in Gibraltar and caters for women working in the private and public sector. It is also open to women who may not currently be in employment.

The Minister for Equality, the Hon Christian Santos, said:I am very pleased that we have been able to mark the successful end of the sixth cycle of the Womens Mentorship Programme with this event today. It is really uplifting to see a room full of mentees and mentors committed to personal and professional growth and to see the wonderful relationships that have emerged from the mentee-mentor relationship. I am extremely grateful to all mentors for sharing their experiences, expertise and professional acumen with their mentees. The longevity of the Womens Mentorship Programme is in no small part thanks to the support of mentors from across Gibraltars business community. The Programme is also a success due to the thorough and sensitive matching of each mentee and mentor by the team at the Ministry of Equality. I would like to encourage anyone interested in taking part in the next cycle of the Womens Mentorship Programme, whether as a mentor or mentee, to reach out to the team at the Ministry of Equality.
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'Frogging', or the hunt for the exotic amphibians that call the rainforest home, is taking off in Malaysia's Sarawak state in Borneo.

Dodging fire-ants, snakes and millions of nighttime creepy-crawlies, a group of trekkers advances through the humid Bornean rainforest, scanning with flashlights for some of the jungle's most unlikely stars: frogs.

"There's another one! And it's massive," British tourist Lauren Heywood exclaimed as she spotted the telltale reflective glint off a pair of blinking eyes, seemingly waiting to be photographed by admirers.

"Frogging", or the hunt for the exotic amphibians that call the rainforest home, is taking off in Malaysia's Sarawak state in Borneo.

And herpetologists say few places rival Kubah National Park, around half an hour's drive from state capital Kuching.

It is home to some of the world's smallest and most unusual frog species.

While many visitors flock to Borneo's jungle to see charismatic large species like orangutans or elephants, some of its tiniest residents are increasingly getting their turn in the spotlight, according to Kubah park ranger Muhammed Tajuddin.

"More and more people are coming to see our frogs," he told AFP.

Frog central

The tour begins at dusk, with Indigenous Dayak guide Dominic Jikie leading a 45-minute hike up Mount Serapi, the highest peak in the area, to frog central.

Here, surrounded by ancient jungle trees is a shallow pond around the size of two swimming pools.

While many visitors flock to Borneo's jungle to see large species like orangutans or elephants, some of its tiniest residents are increasingly getting their turn in the spotlight.

Scientists say it serves as the primary breeding ground for many of the 180 frog and toad species found on Borneothe world's third-largest island, divided between Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei.

Dozens of species dot almost every surface, submerged in the flashlight-lit water, or perched on leaves, branches or tree trunks, placid and unbothered by their human fans.

"There is something special here," said Jikie, 64, a retired park ranger who now specializes as a frogging guide.

"People come to the park because they don't have the species that we have here back at home."

Among the stars of the show on this visit are pinkish harlequin flying frogs with mottled underbellies, file-eared tree frogs with distinctive sharp noses and white-lipped frogs whose lurid green backs give way to a stripe of white along their bottom jaw.

Among the stars of the jungle in Kubah National Park are pinkish harlequin flying frogs with mottled underbellies.

One of Borneo's most famous species, the giant river toad nicknamed "frogzilla" for its dinner-plate size, is not seen in Kubah.

But there are other more delicate types, according to Jikie.

"We have one of the world's smallest frog species, that breed inside pitcher plants," he said, training his sharp spotlight on a pair of amphibian eyes just up the steep mountain road.

The Matang narrow-mouthed frog was officially described by Malaysian and German herpetologists in 2010 after its discovery in Kubah.

It grows to a maximum of just 11 millimeters (less than half an inch) as an adult.

British tourist Thom Harris and his fellow visitors spotted 11 species on their nighttime trek.

"This was an amazing experience," he told AFP. "They are just stunning creatures."

"There are a few fire ants and a few other things to be careful ofand a lot of bugs," he laughed.

"But it's definitely worth it. And it's a lot of fun!"

A giant river frog photographed in Kubah National Park on the island of Borneo.

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'I love nature'

The rising popularity of the forest frogs is a chance for environmentalists to highlight the serious threats they face.

Deforestation, climate change and overhunting are all putting pressure on the tropical island's frog population, scientists say.

"Even slight changes in the temperature and climate may affect the survival of the frog species in a particular habitat," University of Malaysia, Sarawak researchers Nur Hidayah Zulkefli and Ramlah Zainudin wrote in 2022.

Deforestation in Sarawak remains significant and ongoing, statistics by environmental group Global Forest Watch showed, including for timber and to make way for palm oil plantations.

Sarawak's government said it backed community conservation movements to preserve the amphibians and it ran well-protected game and nature reserves like Kubah National Park.

Infographic on two amphibians living on the island of Borneo, a giant river toad and a giant river frog.

A brown marsh frog photographed in Kubah National Park on the island of Borneo.

A copper-cheeked frog in Kubah National Park on the island of Borneo.

A four-lined tree frog photographed in Kubah National Park on the island of Borneo.

A slender litter frog in Kubah National Park on the island of Borneo.

Awareness events include the annual International Bornean Frog Race, which sees scientists and the public compete to spot and photograph as many frog species as possible within a set timeframe and area.

For park ranger Tajuddin, the more people are able to engage with the unique creatures, the more they will understand the need to protect them and their habitats.

"I love nature," he said. "Frogging is a unique way for me to share that love with all our visitors."

 2025 AFP
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Firefighters have been battling a wildfire in Koropi, some 30 kilometers (20 miles) from Athens.

A new fire broke out on Friday near the Greek capital, Athens, as the country was put on high alert for wildfires due to increased temperatures and strong winds.

Thousands of tourists and locals were meanwhile forced to flee hotels and guesthouses in a resort on the popular island of Crete.

Hot, dry weathernot unusual for this time of yearhas heightened the risk of summer fires and scientists say human-driven climate change is making them more frequent and more intense.

The latest fire broke out in the municipality of Koropi, some 30 kilometers (20 miles) east of Athens, fanned by strong gusts.

It quickly spread through the area, which includes homes surrounded by dense vegetation and extends to the shores of the Aegean Sea, and residents were ordered by text message to evacuate.

Fire service spokesman Vassilis Vathrakoyannis said some 800 people had left their homes, as the flames "quickly grew to dangerous proportions" because of the wind, with several outbreaks.

Roads on the outskirts of Athens were closed to traffic.

Public television channel ERT broadcast images of fire damage to houses, olive groves and undergrowth.

By late afternoon, a fire department official told AFP that the situation appeared "improved" but added "there remain some scattered clusters".

"Operations are ongoing, mainly to control small outbreaks," he told reporters.

The latest fire broke out in the municipality of Koropi, some 30 kilometers (20 miles) east of Athens, fanned by strong gusts.

In all, 120 firefighters were deployed, with 30 engines, eight planes and the same number of helicopters, fire service spokesman Vathrakoyannis said.

A coast guard vessel was patrolling nearby.

Concerns remain for the coming days, particularly Saturday, when temperatures are due to rise to above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).

Greece had until now been generally spared the heatwave roasting parts of Europe, particularly Spain, Portugal and France over recent days.

High risk

Among the most threatened regions were Attica, in the Athens region, which is home to more than four million people, as well as the northern part of the second-largest Greek island Euboea.

In the past 24 hours, 47 agricultural and forest fires have broken out, most of which have been contained.

Firefighters earlier managed to bring under control a separate fire which had on Thursday threatened the port of Rafina, around 20 kilometers northeast of Koropi, after some 300 local people were evacuated from their homes.

Fire crews remained on alert, as the Rafina wildfire was not far from Athens International Airport and winds still posed a threat.

The blaze destroyed a several houses and vehicles, local mayor Dimitris Markou told ERT.

5,000 people, including 3,000 tourists, had to be evacuated from the resort town of Ierapetra on Crete.

It also disrupted ferries to and from tourist islands in the western Aegean, including Mykonos.

On the island of Crete, around 230 firefighters, 48 fire engines and six helicopters remained at the scene near the resort town of Ierapetra, even though the blaze was receding.

Some 3,000 visitors had been forced to leave their hotels and guest houses on Wednesday evening and 2,000 local residents were also evacuated, authorities said.

"The fire is retreating," Vathrakoyannis told AFP.

"There are still fears of flare-ups but there is no longer a major front," he added.

Scattered hot spots still remained and firefighters were dealing with several smoke-filled areas from which flare-ups had restarted, the fire department told the ANA press agency.

Weakening winds in the hard-to-reach area had improved the situation, firefighters said, although a fire brigade spokesperson had warned overnight of some "difficult" days ahead.

Last month, fires on Greece's fifth-biggest island Chios, in the northern Aegean, destroyed 4,700 hectares (11,600 acres) of land, according to the WWF and the National Observatory of Athens research institute.

The most destructive year for wildfires was 2023, when nearly 175,000 hectares were lost and there were 20 deaths.

 2025 AFP
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Just 15 minutes after its closest approach to Pluto on July 14, 2015, NASA's New Horizons spacecraft looked back toward the sun and captured this near-sunset view of the rugged, icy mountains and flat ice plains extending to Pluto's horizon. The smooth expanse of the informally named icy plain Sputnik Planum (right) is flanked to the west (left) by rugged mountains up to 11,000 feet (3,500 meters) high, including the informally named Norgay Montes in the foreground and Hillary Montes on the skyline. To the right, east of Sputnik, rougher terrain is cut by apparent glaciers. The backlighting highlights more than a dozen layers of haze in Pluto's tenuous but distended atmosphere. The image was taken from a distance of 11,000 miles (18,000 kilometers) to Pluto; the scene is 780 miles (1,250 kilometers) wide. Credit: NASA/Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory/Southwest Research Institute

As NASA's New Horizons spacecraft traveled through the Kuiper Belt at a distance of more than 5.5 billion miles from Earth, an international team of astronomers used the far-flung probe to conduct an unprecedented experiment: the first-ever successful demonstration of deep space stellar navigation.

A paper describing the results was accepted for publication in The Astronomical Journal. The pre-print is available on the server arXiv.

As a proof-of-concept test, the researchers took advantage of the spacecraft's unique vantage point as it traveled toward interstellar space to image two of our nearest stellar neighbors, Proxima Centauri, which is 4.2 light-years from Earth, and Wolf 359, which is 7.86 light-years away.

From New Horizons' perspective, the two nearby stars shifted their apparent positions in the sky as they appear to astronomers here on Earth, an effect known as stellar parallax.

Using the positions of the two stars and referencing a three-dimensional model of the solar neighborhood, the team calculated the spacecraft's position relative to nearby stars with an accuracy of about 4.1 million miles. (This is comparable to an accuracy of about 26 inches as measured from New York to Los Angeles.)

Although this demonstration did not yield research-grade results, the researchers note that directly observing large stellar parallaxes from widely separated simultaneous observers is vividly educational.

Viewed from the top of the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center, NASA's New Horizons spacecraft roars off the launch pad aboard an Atlas V rocket spewing flames and smoke. Liftoff was on time at 2 p.m. EST from Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This was the third launch attempt in as many days after scrubs due to weather concerns. The compact, 1,050-pound piano-sized probe will get a boost from a kick-stage solid propellant motor for its journey to Pluto. New Horizons will be the fastest spacecraft ever launched, reaching lunar orbit distance in just nine hours and passing Jupiter 13 months later. The New Horizons science payload, developed under direction of Southwest Research Institute, includes imaging infrared and ultraviolet spectrometers, a multi-color camera, a long-range telescopic camera, two particle spectrometers, a space-dust detector and a radio science experiment. The dust counter was designed and built by students at the University of Colorado, Boulder. The launch at this time allows New Horizons to fly past Jupiter in early 2007 and use the planet's gravity as a slingshot toward Pluto. The Jupiter flyby trims the trip to Pluto by as many as five years and provides opportunities to test the spacecraft's instruments and flyby capabilities on the Jupiter system. New Horizons could reach the Pluto system as early as mid-2015, conducting a five-month-long study possible only from the close-up vantage of a spacecraft. Credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

According to Tod Lauer, an astronomer with NSF's NOIRLab in Tucson, Ariz., and lead author on the paper, "Taking simultaneous Earth/Spacecraft images we hoped would make the concept of stellar parallaxes instantly and vividly clear."

"It's one thing to know something, but another to say "Hey, look! This really works!'"

New Horizons is the fifth robotic spacecraft to leave Earth that will eventually reach interstellar space. Its primary mission was to study the dwarf planet Pluto and its largest moon, Charon.

After a journey of nine and a half years and over 3 billion miles, it captured amazing first images of these icy worlds and expanded our understanding of their geology, composition, and tenuous atmospheres.

Now in its extended mission, New Horizons will continue studying the heliosphere and is expected to cross the "termination shock," the point that marks the boundary of interstellar space, in the next few years.

Correction Note (June 28, 2024): An earlier version of this article misstated the distance between New Horizons and Earth. The figure has been corrected.

Written for you by our author Charles Blue, edited by Sadie Harley, and fact-checked and reviewed by Andrew Zininthis 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: Tod R. Lauer et al, A Demonstration of Interstellar Navigation Using New Horizons, arXiv (2025). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2506.21666 Journal information: arXiv , Astronomical Journal

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Tharsis with belemnites in their mouths and gill apparatus from the Solnhofen Archipelago. a) J. Geppert specimen from the Eichstatt or Solnhofen Basin. Credit: J. Geppert and procured with permission by J. Geppert). b) S. Schafer specimen from the Eichstatt Basin. S. Schafer and procured with permission by S. Schafer. a) Gebbert and b) Schafer in Ebert and Kolbl-Ebert 2025

A study by Dr. Martin Ebert and Dr. Martina Kolbl-Ebert examined the remains of some 4,200 Tharsis fossil specimens. They found that some of these fish, all of which were subadults, would occasionally attempt to or accidentally swallow belemnites (squid-like cephalopods), leading to the Tharsis choking to death.

The work is published in the journal Scientific Reports.

The Tharsis fish is an extinct genus of late Jurassic fish which is commonly found in the marine fossil deposits of the Solenhofen Plattenkalk (Solenhofen Limestone).

The Eichstatt-Solnhofen basins are known for their exceptionally well-preserved fossil remains, including crabs, ammonites, sea lilies, jellyfish, and famously, Archaeopteryx.

During the Late Jurassic, the Eichstatt-Solnhofen basins formed part of the Solnhofen archipelago, which was characterized by high salinity and low oxygen levels, providing unfavorable conditions for life.

The lagoon floors were especially hostile environments, resulting in the complete absence of any living organisms.

Yet it is in these fine sediments that fossil remains of Tharsis are commonly found, and provided the basis of Dr. Ebert and Dr. Kolbl-Ebert's study.

"Tharsis is the second most common genus in the Solnhofen Archipelago with some 4,200 specimens that Martin Ebert, the first author of the paper, has actually seen in various collections," explains Dr. Kolbl-Ebert.

A far less common, but occasionally found fossil is that of belemnites. In the Plattenkalk basin, only around 120 belemnites have been found, making them rather rare compared to fish finds, which number in the 15,000s.

Belemnites were Jurassic and Cretaceous cephalopods that typically favored life in the open sea and were among the first to disappear in low-oxygen environments.

Many of the fossil belemnites found in the Plattenkalk basins are overgrown with bivalves, indicating they had been dead for some time, likely floating on the water's surface before being washed into the Solnhofen Archipelago, where they sank to the bottom.

The only known large fish to prey on belemnites are sharks. However, during their examination of the Tharsis fossils, the researchers noted that some Tharsis had attempted to swallow belemnites.

Despite these fossils being well known, this phenomenon had previously been left undocumented. According to Dr. Kolbl-Ebert, this may in part be due to the sheer number of Tharsis fossils, of which only a rare few are of interest to most researchers.

"Since Tharsis is so very common, taxonomists usually look only at a very few, exceptionally well-preserved specimens. Martin looks at so many specimens, because he is also doing statistics and is interested in ecology as well," Dr. Kolbl-Ebert explained.

These Tharsis specimens were found to have belemnites lodged in their throats. It is known that Tharsis were micro-carnivores or visual zooplanktivores. It is assumed that they were in the habit of sucking remnants of decaying dead tissue, algae, or bacterial growth from floating objects.

Tharsis fossil with belemnite stuck in mouth and gills (MBH20252251) from Eichstatt Basin, Germany. a) complete specimen b) belemnite with attached oyster (arrow) c) oyster close-up. Credit: M. Ebert in Ebert and Kolbl-Ebert 2025.

Since the belemnites were likely already dead for a while by the time the Tharsis got to them, it is possible they had some algae growth on their bodies.

This could have allowed them to be mistakenly identified as food by the Tharsis, explains Dr. Kolbl-Ebert. "We assume from present-day experience that such floating objects are quickly overgrown with algae and bacteria, thus for the fish they smell and taste like food."

While the tip of the belemnite's rostrum would fit in a Tharsis' mouth, the bullet-shaped belemnite would increase in diameter, leading to the fish eventually being unable to swallow it any further.

As the Tharsis was unable to spit out or bite off the belemnite, all specimens instead attempted to expel the belemnites through the gills.

Death would have followed quickly. From modern observations of fish with large prey stuck in their throats, it is known that, within a few hours, insufficient oxygen would have led to suffocation.

Written for you by our author Sandee Oster, edited by Sadie Harley, 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: Ebert, M., Kolbl-Ebert, M. Jurassic fish choking on floating belemnites. Scientific Reports (2025). doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-00163-7 Journal information: Scientific Reports

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Cryorhodopsins are a group of proteins found in cold-loving microorganisms. They have the remarkable ability to turn cellular electrical activity on and off. Credit: Daniela Velasco/EMBL

Imagine the magnificent glaciers of Greenland, the eternal snow of the Tibetan high mountains, and the permanently ice-cold groundwater in Finland. As cold and beautiful as these are, for the structural biologist Kirill Kovalev, they are more importantly home to unusual molecules that could control brain cells' activity.

Kovalev, EIPOD Postdoctoral Fellow at EMBL Hamburg's Schneider Group and EMBL-EBI's Bateman Group, is a physicist passionate about solving biological problems. He is particularly hooked by rhodopsins, a group of colorful proteins that enable aquatic microorganisms to harness sunlight for energy.

"In my work, I search for unusual rhodopsins and try to understand what they do," said Kovalev. "Such molecules could have undiscovered functions that we could benefit from."

Some rhodopsins have already been modified to serve as light-operated switches for electrical activity in cells. This technique, called optogenetics, is used by neuroscientists to selectively control neuronal activity during experiments. Rhodopsins with other abilities, such as enzymatic activity, could be used to control chemical reactions with light, for example.

Having studied rhodopsins for years, Kovalev thought he knew them inside outuntil he discovered a new, obscure group of rhodopsins that were unlike anything he had seen before.

As it often happens in science, it started serendipitously. While browsing online protein databases, Kovalev spotted an unusual feature common to microbial rhodopsins found exclusively in very cold environments, such as glaciers and high mountains.

"That's weird," he thought. After all, rhodopsins are something you typically find in seas and lakes.

These cold-climate rhodopsins were almost identical to each other, even though they evolved thousands of kilometers apart. This couldn't be a coincidence. They must be essential for surviving in the cold, concluded Kovalev, and to acknowledge this, he named them "cryorhodopsins."

Rhodopsins out of the blue

Kovalev wanted to know more: what these rhodopsins look like, how they work, and, in particular, what color they are.

Color is the key feature of each rhodopsin. Most are pink-orangethey reflect pink and orange light, and absorb green and blue light, which activates them. Scientists strive to create a palette of different colored rhodopsins, so they could control neuronal activity with more precision. Blue rhodopsins have been especially sought-after because they are activated by red light, which penetrates tissues more deeply and non-invasively.

To Kovalev's amazement, the cryorhodopsins he examined in the lab revealed an unexpected diversity of colors, and, most importantly, some were blue. The work is published in the journal Science Advances.

The color of each rhodopsin is determined by its molecular structure, which dictates the wavelengths of light it absorbs and reflects. Any changes in this structure can alter the color.

"I can actually tell what's going on with cryorhodopsin simply by looking at its color," said Kovalev.

Applying advanced structural biology techniques, he figured out that the secret to the blue color is the same rare structural feature that he originally spotted in the protein databases.

"Now that we understand what makes them blue, we can design synthetic blue rhodopsins tailored to different applications," said Kovalev.

Next, Kovalev's collaborators examined cryorhodopsins in cultured brain cells. When cells expressing cryorhodopsins were exposed to UV light, it induced electric currents inside them. Interestingly, if the researchers illuminated the cells right afterwards with green light, the cells became more excitable, whereas if they used UV/red light instead, it reduced the cells' excitability.

"New optogenetic tools to efficiently switch the cell's electric activity both 'on' and 'off' would be incredibly useful in research, biotechnology and medicine," said Tobias Moser, Group Leader at the University Medical Center Gottingen, who participated in the study.

"For example, in my group, we develop new optical cochlear implants for patients that can optogenetically restore hearing in patients. Developing the utility of such a multi-purpose rhodopsin for future applications is an important task for the next studies."

"Our cryorhodopsins aren't ready to be used as tools yet, but they're an excellent prototype. They have all the key features that, based on our findings, could be engineered to become more effective for optogenetics," said Kovalev.

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Evolution's UV light protector

When exposed to sunlight even on a rainy winter day in Hamburg, cryorhodopsins can sense UV light, as shown using advanced spectroscopy by Kovalev's collaborators from Goethe University Frankfurt, led by Josef Wachtveitl.

Wachtveitl's team showed that cryorhodopsins are in fact the slowest among all rhodopsins in their response to light. This made the scientists suspect that those cryorhodopsins might act like photosensors, letting the microbes "see" UV lighta property unheard of among other cryorhodopsins.

"Can they really do that?" Kovalev kept asking himself. A typical sensor protein teams up with a messenger molecule that passes information from the cell membrane to the cell's inside.

Kovalev grew more convinced, when together with his collaborators from Alicante, Spain, and his EIPOD co-supervisor, Alex Bateman from EMBL-EBI, they noticed that the cryorhodopsin gene is always accompanied by a gene encoding a tiny protein of unknown functionlikely inherited together, and possibly functionally linked.

Kovalev wondered if this might be the missing messenger. Using the AI tool AlphaFold, the team were able to show that five copies of the small protein would form a ring and interact with the cryorhodopsin.

According to their predictions, the small protein sits poised against the cryorhodopsin inside the cell. They believe that when cryorhodopsin detects UV light, the small protein could depart to carry this information into the cell.

"It was fascinating to uncover a new mechanism via which the light-sensitive signal from cryorhodopsins could be passed on to other parts of the cell. It is always a thrill to learn what the functions are for uncharacterized proteins. In fact, we find these proteins also in organisms that do not contain cryorhodopsin, perhaps hinting at a much wider range of jobs for these proteins."

Why cryorhodopsins evolved their astonishing dual functionand why only in cold environmentsremains a mystery.

"We suspect that cryorhodopsins evolved their unique features not because of the cold, but rather to let microbes sense UV light, which can be harmful to them," said Kovalev.

"In cold environments, such as the top of a mountain, bacteria face intense UV radiation. Cryorhodopsins might help them sense it, so they could protect themselves. This hypothesis aligns well with our findings."

"Discovering extraordinary molecules like these wouldn't be possible without scientific expeditions to often remote locations, to study the adaptations of the organisms living there," added Kovalev. "We can learn so much from that!"

Unique approach to unique molecules

To reveal the fascinating biology of cryorhodopsins, Kovalev and his collaborators had to overcome several technical challenges.

One was that cryorhodopsins are nearly identical in structure, and even a slight change in the position of a single atom can result in different properties. Studying molecules at this level of detail requires going beyond standard experimental methods.

Kovalev applied a 4D structural biology approach, combining X-ray crystallography at EMBL Hamburg beamline P14 and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) in the group of Albert Guskov in Groningen, Netherlands, with protein activation by light.

"I actually chose to do my postdoc at EMBL Hamburg, because of the unique beamline setup that made my project possible," said Kovalev.

"The whole P14 beamline team worked together to tailor the setup to my experimentsI'm very grateful for their help."

Another challenge was that cryorhodopsins are extremely sensitive to light. For this reason, Kovalev's collaborators had to learn to work with the samples in almost complete darkness.

More information: Gerrit Lamm et al, CryoRhodopsins: a comprehensive characterization of a group of microbial rhodopsins from cold environments, Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adv1015. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adv1015 Journal information: Science Advances
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Officials in Crete ordered evacuations when water bomber planes were unable to reach fire-affected areas.

A wildfire on the island of Crete that forced the evacuation of 5,000 tourists and locals is "retreating," Greek firefighters told AFP on Friday, but a new blaze fanned by strong winds is spreading east of the capital, Athens.

Hot dry weather in Greecenot unusual for this time of yearhas heightened the risk of summer wildfires, and scientists say human-driven climate change is making them more frequent and more intense.

The new wildfire broke out at Koropi, a town some 30 kilometers (20 miles) east of Athens, where residents received text messages from civil protection units urging them to evacuate the vicinity.

That fire "has reached the courtyards of the houses," Koropi mayor Dimitris Kiousis told public television channel ERT.

"The fire is ongoing. All residents (in threatened areas) have been evacuated," Thodoris Grivas, deputy mayor of Koropi, told ERT.

"We do not yet know the extent of the disaster," Grivas added.

Early on Friday afternoon, at least two water bombers and two helicopters were battling flames fanned by strong winds blowing across Attica, the Athens region, and the capital itself.

The fire was destroying olive trees and brushwood, ERT images showed.

Firefighters earlier managed to bring under control a separate fire which had on Thursday threatened the port of Rafina, around 20 kilometers northeast of Koropi, after some 300 local people were evacuated from their homes.

Fire crews remained on alert, as the Rafina wildfire was not far from Athens International Airport and winds still posed a threat.

A house on fire in Pikermi, 30 kms east of Athens.

The blaze destroyed a several houses and vehicles, local mayor Dimitris Markou told ERT.

It also disrupted ferries to and from tourist islands in the western Aegean, including Mykonos.

Winds abating

On the island of Crete, around 230 firefighters, 48 fire engines and six helicopters remained at the scene near the resort town of Ierapetra, even though the blaze was receding.

Some 3,000 visitors had been forced to leave their hotels and guest houses on Wednesday evening and 2,000 local residents were also evacuated, authorities said.

"The fire is retreating," fire department spokesman Vassilios Vathrakoyannis told AFP.

"There are still fears of flare-ups but there is no longer a major front," he added.

Scattered hot spots still remained and firefighters were dealing with several smoke-filled areas from which flare-ups had restarted, the fire department told the ANA press agency.

Weakening winds in the hard-to-reach area had improved the situation, firefighters said, although a fire brigade spokesperson had warned overnight of some "difficult" days ahead.

Greece had until now been generally spared the heat wave roasting parts of Europe, particularly Spain, Portugal and France over recent days.

But starting this weekend, temperatures are forecast to rise, reaching up to 43 degrees Celsius (109 Fahrenheit) in some areas of the country.

 2025 AFP
South Jersey Republican U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew stuck with President Trump, and most of his GOP colleagues in the House of Representatives, voting in favor of a sweeping tax and policy bill officially called the One Big Beautiful Bill act.

The lengthy process had lawmakers in the House and the Senate each pulling all-nighters as the Republican leaders wrangled votes to squeak the bill through. In the Senate, Vice President J.D. Vance cast a tie-breaking vote, and in the House, the final vote came in 2018 to 214 on Thursday, with two Republican defections.

The bill, which Trump was expected to sign Friday afternoon during the Independence Day holiday, extends tax cuts, increases funding for defense and border security, and cuts social service programs, including food aid and roughly $1 trillion from Medicaid, tying together much of Trumps second term agenda into a single act.

Trump celebrated the vote, describing it as a fulfillment of campaign promises, even as polling indicates most Americans remain wary of the bill.

The vote also increases the debt limit by $5 trillion, a move opposed by some conservatives.

In a statement after the vote, Van Drew focused on the South Jersey impact, painting a rosy picture of whats to come.

With the passage of this bill, we are delivering real tax relief to the working families of America while protecting and strengthening the programs that truly matter, like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, Van Drew said Thursday.

Opponents of the bill, including New Jersey 11th District Democrat Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic nominee for governor, have been far more critical, and seem certain most voters will agree. In a statement after the vote, Sherrill sought to tie her Republican opponent for governor, Jack Ciattarelli, to the bill.

Today, House Republicans passed a piece of legislation that will leave families without health care, cause children to go hungry, drive up utility and mortgage prices for middle-class families, and pay more in taxes, she said after the vote. Jack Ciattarelli proudly supports all of it.

Almost as soon as the vote took place in the Senate, New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, a Democrat, said the bill will strip health insurance from nearly 17 million Americans, hurt working families and increase the national debt. He said the bill would leave hundreds of hospitals at risk of closure.

In this moment where I have heard the stories of so many families who are struggling to afford their basic needs, like groceries, housing, health care, and monthly bills, the Republican Party has failed them, Booker said on Tuesday. Donald Trump promised to lower costs and help Americans make ends meet. Instead, this bill has something to hurt almost everyone  and Americans who are already struggling will pay the harshest price.

The only winners are the wealthiest few, and the biggest corporations, Booker continued.

All Democrats and three Republican Senators voted no. That was the maximum number of votes the GOP could lose without skuttling the bill.

In addition to including $46.5 billion for a border wall, $45 billion for additional detention space for immigrants in federal custody and other funding for the federal focus on immigration, the bill slashes spending on green energy and creates new tax deductions for tipped workers.

National media have reported concern from Republican lawmakers on the impact of cuts to Medicaid on rural hospitals, with senators pushing of billions of dollars to protect hospitals.

Van Drew described this as a priority, stating after the vote that he secured language in the final reconciliation vote that protects New Jersey hospitals and patients.

Because of our states unique county-based hospital provider tax model, New Jersey hospitals were at risk of being left behind. As the bill was originally written by the Senate, it would have had a serious negative impact on our hospital system. I made it clear to Congressional leadership that I would not accept any legislation that did not correct this issue, Van Drew said. After working closely with President Trump and the White House, we made sure this important fix was included in the final text of the bill to ensure New Jersey remains fully covered.

Van Drew sought to counter some of the sharpest critics of the bill, including the assertion that it is primarily a tax break for the wealthy, pointing to increases in the child tax credit, to removing federal taxes on tips and offering tax relief for seniors.

Van Drew has maintained that there will be no loss of Medicaid for legal, eligible recipients and has defended new work requirements as easily met through volunteer work, education or jobs, with multiple exceptions.

The former Democrat, who changed parties in his first term and has since been closely aligned with Trump, described it as an America first bill that will mean significant funding for his Congressional district.

This bill delivers historic investments directly to South Jersey, Van Drew said. We are bringing in $425 million to upgrade U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, transforming it into a world-class facility that will make both South Jersey and the entire country proud.

It also sets aside $12.5 billion to modernize our aging air traffic control systems, with the William J. Hughes Technical Center in Atlantic County leading the way, ready to test this new technology to make sure it is safe, effective, and ready to go, Van Drew continued. I was proud to help secure these investments in the final version of the bill.
HM Customs Gibraltar Launches ASYCUDA Version 4.4 to Modernise Border Management

HM Customs Gibraltar announces the official launch of the updated ASYCUDA Version 4.4, effective 1 July 2025.

ASYCUDA, which stands for Automated System for Customs Data, is a globally recognised customs management system developed by the United Nations Trade and Development.

This latest version marks a significant step forward in Gibraltars customs operations, integrating elements of artificial intelligence to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of cross-border trade management. The upgrade underscores HM Customs commitment to modernisation and trade facilitation.

While the user interface sees only minor changes, the real transformation lies in the systems intelligent backend. ASYCUDA 4.4 will improve data collection and apply it to a robust risk management framework, directly influencing the selectivity criteria used to assess imported goods.

These criteria determine the level of customs control at the Commercial Gate:

 GREEN  Automatic release  YELLOW  Documentary checks

 RED  Physical inspections

 BLUE  Post-audit controls

This intelligent selectivity aims to streamline the interaction between importers and HM Customs, facilitating legitimate trade while tightening controls on non-compliant activities. Declarants with a strong compliance history will benefit from expedited clearance, while those with poor records will be subject to increased scrutiny. In line with international best practices, and to enhance both trader compliance with import and export legislation, as well as the quality of submitted data, a knowledge assessment process for ASYCUDA users has been implemented. To ensure that the examination accurately and fairly evaluates the required competencies, only individuals who have completed World Customs Organization (WCO)-certified training will be authorised to submit customs declarations. Those without such certification must utilise the services of a Customs Clearing Agent, who will be required to have undergone comprehensive, role-specific training.

A key feature of ASYCUDA 4.4 is the introduction of pre-arrival notifications, allowing traders to pre-lodge declarations before the goods arrive in Gibraltar. This, along with other enhancements, is expected to significantly reduce the time-release for consignments, improving overall trade flow and border efficiency.

The Collector of Customs  John Payas commented on the launch:

The implementation of ASYCUDA Version 4.4 represents a major leap forward in our digital transformation journey and was planned independently of any Treaty negotiations. Notwithstanding, the harmonisation of our processes with those of the EU, will facilitate any transition brought about by the agreement. Our aim is to automate customs processes by using up to date technology, integrating cost effective digital solutions to maximise trade facilitation; but always balanced against public protection, customs enforcement and revenue collection.

Our helpdesk has been busy resolving transitional problems. Since launching, 1600 emails have been responded to, 70% of which have been answered within 15 minutes. Whilst flow through the Commercial Gate was slow on the first day, the number of declarations on the system have increased, demonstrating that the number of imports has quickly recovered. This upgrade has encompassed a significant task for the technical teams and the officers of the Commercial Sections, and I am very grateful for their efforts. We also thank the trade for their continued patience and cooperation.
A chilling reality underscores the lives of young Americans: a staggering one in five girls and one in 20 boys is a victim of child sexual abuse.

Even more disturbing, a 2003 National Institute of Justice report revealed that for three out of four adolescents who had been sexually assaulted, the perpetrator was someone they knew well  a trusted figure, a friend or a family member.

This grim national trend hits close to home in the Black Hills. The Pennington County States Attorneys Office handled 93 sexual offenses against children in 2023 and 92 in 2024.

However, these numbers represent only a fraction of the true scope of the problem. Many children, often fearing repercussions, shame, or simply not understanding what is happening to them, suffer in silence, never reporting the abuse, Pennington County States Attorney Lara Roetzel said.

Many children suffer in silence, their cries for help never voiced. Even for those who bravely speak up, justice remains elusive in some cases.

Alysha Soulek's quest for a resolution has spanned over a decade, serving as a stark example. Since 2008, 33-year-old Soulek has been seeking justice after her alleged abuser, David Bonness, 57, disappeared.

Its pretty special that the case is still prosecutable after all these years, Roetzel said. She (Soulek) should have her opportunity for justice.

Now, Soulek is committed to sharing her story to raise awareness for other victims and to provide information that could finally lead to Bonness capture.

The journey to seek justice

Soulek's story begins with an abrupt relocation to Rapid City, a world unfamiliar to her. Having lived with her grandparents her entire life, she was suddenly placed under the care of her mother at the age of 12.

Souleks mother was married to Bonness, who tried to act as a father-figure to her; however, she already saw her grandfather in that role.

David attempted to be more involved bit by bit, Soulek said when recounting her first two months in the house with him. He was trying to become a father-figure to me and my siblings.

Bonness involvement slowly grew into gift giving, with gifts to Soulek always being more exaggerated than the ones he gave to the rest of her siblings. After Bonness gifted her a phone, the abuse began, Soulek said.

Though bits and pieces are still locked away from Souleks memory, the fear of being trapped in Bonness clutches her entire childhood has sent waves throughout her life.

Soulek said she tried to push back against Bonness control, however, his obsession with her only grew. He would prevent her from traveling with her mother on family trips so she would stay at home with him, Soulek said.

I was 12 when all this started and all I wanted was to be a kid, Soulek said.

Soulek endured five years of abuse, feeling unable to confide in anyone because of Bonness' deep integration into her life as her stepfather and what she felt was a lack of support from her family.

Soulek said the breaking point was when her mother went on a family trip and Bonness had given Soulek a note detailing how he wanted her to take some pills and drink some beers so she could feel good as he assaulted her.

After all that, I just kind of thought to myself that I didnt want this to be my life Soulek said.

At the age of 17 Soulek found the courage to speak up about her abuse after encouragement from her then-boyfriend. Soulek detailed the abuse to her mother, who reported to law enforcement the same day.

Bonness was brought in for questioning the following day. When asked to give a DNA sample, he stopped the interview and was allowed to leave. The following day, police obtained a search warrant to collect Bonness DNA, but they were too late.

Bonness then disappeared and has been missing for 15 years.

Now 33 years old, Soulek makes sure her story never dies by speaking to the media and ensuring information about Bonness stays out there.

Despite her bravery to open up, there are days that are harder than others and talking about the trauma can take a toll, Soulek said.

Not letting her past define her, Soulek dedicates her life helping those in need as a medical professional. Soulek said she wants to show her 12-year-old son what it means to be strong and to never be afraid to speak the truth.

To give myself the ability to come out with my story, show my son that his mom has been through some stuff, but no matter what Ill always be strong about everything, Soulek said.

Though Soulek is healing and making her life her own, she said she believes Bonness is still out there and will one day answer for his actions.

I want him to receive the punishment that he deserves for taking away what he took away from me, Soulek said. I think it is a must on my part to take him into court, just so that I can have closure for myself and know that he is going to be locked up for a very long time to where he cant do this to anybody else.

The man whos been missing for 15 years

Bonness has been sought by Pennington County authorities for more than 15 years on 17 counts of criminal pedophilia, rape and sexual contact with a child.

Anyone with a felony warrant, we usually find pretty quickly, Roetzel said. Its just not common for us For someone whos allegedly raped someone to not have any contact and completely go missing is just not that common.

With Bonness possibly still out there, the case has reemerged in the public eye after airing on Americas Most Wanted TV series for their third season finale in May.

The U.S. Marshals Service, which has been involved in the search for Bonness since February 2009, in July 2016 promoted him to their most wanted list of fugitives because of an open spot, Deputy Marshal Brent Johnson, a member of the Black Hills Fugitive Task Force, said in a Journal article at the time.

Bonness is the first South Dakota resident to be placed on the U.S. Marshals Services 15 Most Wanted list.

The agencys headquarters in Washington, D.C., decides who to include on the list after considering various factors. Those include the violent nature of a fugitive's crime and the time they have been on the run, Johnson said in a phone interview with the Journal.

As far as we know, this is the first top 15 that weve had out here in South Dakota, Johnson continued.

There are currently 11 other men and one woman on the Most Wanted list shown on the U.S. Marshals Service website.

Eight are currently charged with first-degree murder. Two are charged with sex crimes. The others involve firearms, escape from prison and fraud.

A warrant for Bonness arrest was issued on Jan. 22, 2009. Now the U.S. Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to his arrest.

Bonness, who also goes by David Allen Nuse, is white, 5-foot-9 and 180 lbs. He has brown hair and green eyes.

Authorities say he has ties in Wyoming and Nebraska, but could be anywhere in the country. He also could be using another name.

"Based on the nature of his crimes, Bonness poses a significant threat to the public, especially children," according to the U.S. Marshals Service.

Bonness is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with any information on his whereabouts can call the Pennington County Sheriffs Office at 605-394-6117, the Rapid City Police Department at 605-394-4131 or your nearest law enforcement agency.

Law enforcement believes he may be in the Dix, Nebraska area or in the Laramie and Torrington, Wyoming areas.
Nava J Thakuria

Finally the natural gas leakage from Bhatiapar crude oil well was contained on 27 Jun 2025 by an experienced team of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) with support from three foreign well-control experts. The capping operation at Rudrasagar oilfield well (RDS-147A) in Sivasagar was performed with no casualty or injury to the response team while avoiding any incident of ignition. Lauding the state-sponsored Maharatna company, federal petroleum and natural gas minister Hardeep Singh Puri commented that full dousing of the well was made possible through careful planning, international collaboration, and the exemplary competence of the engaged team members. The blowout from the well, which was under operation of a private firm named SK Petro Services, began on 12 June and the uncontrolled leakage compelled over 330 families to leave their places for safety reasons. Besides the local villagers living near the old well, the high pressure gas flow impacted the surrounding environment heavily. But troubles for the ONGC did not end here, as the State pollution authority issued a show-cause notice to the energy major for its activities without securing necessary environmental clearances. Pollution Control Board, Assam (PCBA) on 21 June accused the ONGC of operating at well number 147 (BhatiaparBarichuk area) without securing the mandatory consent to establish (CTE) and consent to operate (CTO) under a number of environmental legislations. The PCBA gave the largest crude oil & natural gas exploration and drilling company in India two weeks to explain why action should not be taken against it under various rules. If failed to respond within the stipulated period, the PCBA (under the guidelines of National Green Tribunal) may impose environmental compensation fines (ECF) and other penalties against the ONGC.

Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, after visiting the site, announced an aid of Rs 25,000 per affected family. Expressing concern over the incident, Sarma urged the ONGC authority to act with a mission mode to control the unabated gas flow. He also drew the attention of Union petroleum & natural gas minister Hardeep Singh Puri urging for prompt actions considering the safety of local villagers. Meanwhile, a series of protests erupted in the locality against the negligence shown by the ONGC and SK Petro Services. The agitators belonging to Asomiya Yuba Manch, All Assam Tai Ahom Students' Union, Anusuchita Jati Chatra Santha, Sangrami Sena etc also demanded adequate compensation to local residents for the loss in agriculture and long-term general health. Many residents were worried about the incident after recollecting the worrisome memory of Baghjan catastrophic gas & oil leak after catching fire subsequently. Well number 5 of the Oil India Limited (OIL) experienced the gas discharge on 27 May 2020 and it caught fire on 9 June to make the accident one of the worst industrial disasters in India. The gas flow and fire was completely doused on 15 November with the help of an expert team from Canada. The disaster claimed three human lives, sudden evacuation of over 9000 families (and subsequent loss of properties and livelihoods) as well as damaged thousands of hectares of areas belonging to Maguri-Motapung wetland and Dibru-Saikhowa National Park etc.

ONGC's New Delhi-based corporate communications department issued a statement acknowledging the exemplary contributions of its team along with foreign experts and the dedicated local people who supported its effort in bringing the well under control. It also asserted that the company 'maintained full transparency throughout the operation' issuing daily press releases to keep all stakeholders informed. The management also extended its heartfelt thanks to the district and State administration, Union petroleum and natural gas ministry and the local community for their unwavering support and cooperation, which were instrumental in the safe and timely execution of the complex operation. It also reiterated the commitment in upholding the highest standards of safety, environmental responsibility, and operational excellence in every phase of the mission. However, even after days of successful culmination of the operation, the ONGC authority is yet to announce any compensation to the affected villagers. Moreover, it remains a vital question, why India continues to depend on foreign experts to deal with hydrocarbon disasters even today!
The UK and much of the US are experiencing unusual heat. As are many other areas of the world. This puts stress on many things, including water supplies. As Nobel recipients and others have pointed out, this impacts food production. And the world needs more of that. These same experts stress that without agricultural innovation, much of the world could face hunger. In their view, farmers need "planet-friendly" approaches to increase food production by 50-70% by 2050.

There is a farming method used by female farmers in India, Nepal and nearly 30 other countries that raises rice output by 30% or more. It does it while reducing water usage by up to 40%.

French Jesuit priest Henri de Laulanies System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is just the kind of planet friendly innovation needed to deal with heat and water shortages caused by extreme weather.

One fourth of the population in Nepal lives below the poverty line and is food insecure. Irrigated rice production is the largest consumer of water in the agricultural sector, and its sustainability is threatened by increasing water shortages.

In Nepal, SRI was pioneered in the Morang district. Today SRI is practiced in dozens of districts across the country. In 2024 alone, more than 55 farmers have switched to SRI from traditional methods. Small hold farmers using SRI are experiencing an average yield 30% higher than farmers using standard practices. Yield increases have been as high as 62%.

In addition, rice is maturing 2-4 weeks sooner than when the same variety is grown with traditional methods. This saves water, reduces the risks of crop loss, and makes land available for other crop production. SRI methods can be applied to these new crops as well, resulting in significant increases in family farmer output, revenue and profit. The use of organic fertilizers and pesticides further reduces input costs and raises profit margins.

SRI farmers in Nepal receive technical and other support from World Neighbors, an international development organization that specializes in helping communities raise family farm agricultural returns and engage in other activities to catalyze sustainable development All its projects in Nepal and other countries are designed to enhance climate resilience.
In 2018, a U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer was named for Rear Adm. Jeremiah Denton Jr., one of many honors he earned for his heroism as a Vietnam prisoner of war.

Last weekend, the USS Jeremiah Denton (DDG-129) was christened, taking the warship one step closer toward being commissioned.

Dentons family members, many from the Richmond area, attended the ceremony in Pascagoula, Mississippi.

Hes just a great example of the goodness of America and also the American dream, his son Michael Denton of Manakin-Sabot said. Were thrilled not only that his name is on there, but that the family is going to remain involved.

After being named in 2018, the USS Jeremiah Denton had its keel laying in 2022, representing the start of construction.

The ship had its first launch this March before the recent christening. Eventually, the ship will be commissioned into active service.

An American war hero

A native of Mobile, Alabama, Jeremiah graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1946 and earned his masters degree from George Washington University in 1964. He embarked on a long naval career, primarily piloting carrier-based aircraft.

On July 18, 1965, Jeremiahs A-6 Intruder was shot down while leading a bombing raid over North Vietnam. He was held captive for more than 7 1/2 years, including four in solitary confinement.

During a televised interview in 1966, Jeremiahs captors tried to force him to take part in a propaganda campaign.

When asked about his thoughts on the Vietnam War, he said, Whatever the position of my government is, I support it fully.

While making his statement, Jeremiah was blinking his eyes to spell out the word T-O-R-T-U-R-E in Morse code. That message was the first signal to U.S. Naval Intelligence that American POWs were being tortured, Jeremiah included.

Jeremiah was among the nearly 600 POWs released from captivity in 1973 after the U.S. ended its involvement in the Vietnam War.

His faith was vital to his service and survival, Michael said. It was critical to his style of leadership.

Jeremiah was the first one off the plane at Clark Air Base in the Philippines. On the tarmac, he delivered the following words: We are honored to have had the opportunity to serve our country under difficult circumstances. We are profoundly grateful to our Commander-in-Chief and to our nation for this day. God bless America.

It was incredible, and the whole world saw it that night, said Michael, who was 13 at the time. The whole country was desperate for some good to come out of the Vietnam experience at the time, and he just said exactly what people needed to hear.

Jeremiah retired from the Navy in 1977 and was awarded the Navy Cross among other accolades.

Afterward, he represented Alabama in the U.S. Senate from 1981 to 1987. Toward the end of his tenure, he created the Denton Program, which permits the Department of Defense to send humanitarian cargo to developing nations.

Jeremiah died in 2014 at the age of 89. He and his late wife Jane Denton had seven children, many of whom served their country.

That included their son Jeremiah Denton III, who was an Army pilot in Vietnam while his father was a POW.

Michael was a Naval ROTC graduate of Virginia Military Institute, a Navy Surface Warfare Officer and a Navy shipyard manager.

A time-honored tradition

The christening ceremony on June 28 was a family affair, with Jeremiahs daughters Madeleine Denton Doak and Mary Denton Lewis serving as sponsors.

Per tradition, they smashed a bottle of champagne across the bow.

Granddaughters Micah Doak and Allison Denton Shumate were the Matrons of Honor. For Allison, a Virginia Tech graduate who lives in Richmond, this was the first time she saw the ship named after her grandfather in person.

I knew him as the fisherman and the poker player, but hes also just this larger-than-life figure for all of the United States of America, she said. I was just very proud and honored growing up to know that story and legacy.

Grandson Maury Denton of Henrico was among the other family attendees, along with his wife and three children.

The extended Denton family also attended the mast stepping ceremony the day before the christening. In that longstanding maritime tradition, a sealed box filled with memorabilia was welded into the ship for good luck.

Its symbolic of welding the spirits of the ships namesake into the destroyer, and those will live on in the crewmen thatll take the seas with it, Maury said. Its very special.

Maury, an Army ROTC VMI graduate and graduate of the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia, said hes been teaching his children about Jeremiah just as he learned as a child.

We teach them about the bravery, the leadership and the perseverance and what he had to do to stay alive and get back home, he said. They look at him as a hero and as they get older, more of those nuggets start to make sense in terms of what that means for your character, what it means for the country and beyond.
STATE HONOURS AND AWARDS  CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

The Gibraltar Honours Board (GHB), chaired by His Excellency the Governor, will meet in October 2025 to consider nominations for State Awards in His Majesty The Kings Birthday Honours List 2026 and for The Gibraltar Award.

Nominations are invited to recognise those people, from any section of the Gibraltarian Community, who have made an exceptional contribution or given exceptional service in the progression of either the well-being, achievement or reputation of Gibraltar.

Nominations should be submitted no later than Friday 26th September 2025 on a Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Nomination Form for the attention of the GHB Secretary, Office of the Governor, The Convent, Main Street, Gibraltar GX11 1AA.

A copy of the FCDO Nomination Form, along with detailed guidance for its completion, can be obtained from The Convent Reception on Main Street, or from the GHB Secretary at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Up to two letters of endorsement from those with a personal knowledge of the nominees contribution or service should be enclosed as accompanying support for a nomination.

Nominations can be submitted by anyone for anyone. Without a nomination, no award can be made. It is therefore essential that Gibraltar generates a sufficient number of nominations so that the good work that is done in the community is recognised formally with an award.

Nominations will be considered by the GHB for the following Honours -

 Gibraltar Award (GA). Awarded to residents of Gibraltar who have served and contributed to the interests of Gibraltar and its people in an exceptional manner that is particularly worthy of special recognition.

 Companion of St Michael and St George (CMG) / Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). Awarded for having a prominent national role, a conspicuous leading role in regional affairs through achievement or service to the community, or a distinguished and innovative contribution to his/her area of activity.

 Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). Awarded for a distinguished regional or national role in any field, through achievement or service to the community including notable practitioners known locally.

 Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). Awarded for achievement or service in and to the community which is outstanding in its field and has delivered sustained and real impact which stands out as an example to others.

 British Empire Medal (BEM). Awarded for achievement or contribution of a practical service to the local community. For example, sustained commitment in support of a local charitable and / or voluntary activity, or innovative work that has delivered real impact but is relatively short (three to four years) in duration.
American arrested in Puerto Aventuras hotel for assaulting another guest

Puerto Aventuras, Q.R.  An American man was arrested inside a Puerto Aventuras hotel Thursday for assault. Police say the man, identified as 43 year old Yah N, was taken into custody for assaulting another hotel guest.

The arrest was made by SSC (Secretaria de Seguridad Ciudadana) officers of Playa del Carmen responding to a report of an aggressive guest inside the Riviera Maya hotel. When they arrived, they were told by the victim that the man was intoxicated and punched him in the face for no reason. The victim was left with an injury to his left eye.

After being punched, the injured hotel guest requested the presence of police who arrived and arrested American Yam N who was being held by hotel security.

In a statement, the Secretariat of Citizen Security (SSC) said the Playa del Carmen Citizen Security Secretariat arrested an individual for his probable involvement in the crime of assaulting a guest inside a hotel located on the Puerto Aventuras-Akumal federal highway.

Municipal Police officers responded to a report of an aggressive guest inside a hotel, where security personnel had detained an individual accused of physically assaulting another person.

The victim stated that the detainee was intoxicated and, for no apparent reason, punched him in the face, causing an injury to his left eye.

The detainee, Yah N, 43, originally from the United States, was arrested and taken to the State Attorney Generals Office for legal proceedings.
Mexico powers forward with 10.4 billion in pharmaceutical industry investment

Mexico City, Mexico  President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced a 10.4 billion peso investment to strengthen the Mexican pharmaceutical industry. The objective, she said, is to strengthen the countrys economy and national production in the face of risk situations.

For us it is essential that more production takes place in Mexico, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry, due to a sovereignty issue, she reported Thursday.

As part of Plan Mexico, the Mexican government, through the Ministries of Economy and Health, announced the investments that will see companies Kener Laboratories invest 5.18 billion pesos, Genbio invest 4 billion pesos, Alpharma BioGenTec with an initial investment of 800 million pesos and a Neolsym investment 500 million pesos.

President Sheinbaum emphasized that the goal is to achieve pharmaceutical sovereignty so that Mexico can address vulnerable situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and that boosting this sector will also strengthen the national economy.

For us, its essential that more production be done in Mexico, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry, also for reasons of sovereignty. So, what do we want?

Well, in a situation of vulnerability in the face of a pandemic, in the face of any other situation, we dont want to be dependent on a single manufacturer in the world that faces competition from around the world to ship its exports.

We want to strengthen domestic production in the face of risky situations, but also to strengthen our economy, she explained Thursday.

She said one of the goals is to foster innovation in Mexico and for this, innovation to be used in medicines for Mexicans. She also noted that Plan Mexico is a strategy to increase production in the country for the domestic market as well as for export.

Plan Mexico means producing more in Mexico, it means Made in Mexico. Thats what Plan Mexico is, and it has a strategy to strengthen different sectors in the country that will allow us to produce more in Mexico, for the domestic market and also for export, she added.

Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard Casaubon noted that the pharmaceutical sector is very important for Mexico, as it needs to increase self-sufficiency in medicines. Furthermore, he emphasized that this investment adds to the countrys portfolio of more than $200 billion.

Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard Casaubon

I would like to point out and inform you that today we are announcing investments from companies in the pharmaceutical field. This field is very important for two reasons, and it is of great importance to the President of Mexico in the Plan Mexico strategy.

The first reason is that Mexico needs to increase its technological self-sufficiency in everything related to pharmaceuticals. Do you remember the experience with COVID-19? We had to bring in vaccines, many medications. So, weve continued working to ensure we achieve self-sufficiency.

The companies Kenner, Genbio, Alpharma Biogentec and NeolSyM have been developing various important solutions for the country in recent years, he said adding that the Secretary of Health has been a key promoter.

Health Secretary David Kershenobich Stalnikowitz

Health Secretary David Kershenobich Stalnikowitz stated that these investments promote well-being and health and foster the development of biotechnology and research and the development of original products in Mexico.

Federico Prince Laris, CEO and general manager of Laboratorios Kener explained that the 5.18 billion peso investment will be used to expand its injectable plant and triple its installed capacity, which is scheduled to open in February 2027.

It also includes the creation of a mixing center, comprehensive anesthesia services for the production of Car-T Cells and new health registrations, which will generate 800 direct jobs and 2,000 indirect jobs.

Genbio CEO Jose Miguel Ramos Rodriguez explained that the 4 billion pesos will be invested in the installation and operation of the first plasma fractionation plant in Latin America, which will generate 100 specialized jobs.

The CEO of Grupo Neolpharma, Luz Astrea Ocampo Gutierrez de Velasco, stated that Alpharma BioGenTec will allocate an initial investment of 800 million pesos for the construction of infrastructure and the development of biopharmaceuticals, biotechnological medicines, and vaccines, as well as for coordination with universities for technological development; 110 direct jobs and 310 indirect jobs will be created.

Neolpharma Groups vice president of innovation, Diego Antonio Ocampo Gutierrez de Velasco, announced that Neolsym will invest 500 million pesos in the manufacturing of raw materials and supplies used in medicines, creating 120 direct jobs and 500 indirect jobs.

In May, Sheinbaum announced a new decree to position Mexico as a leader in the pharmaceutical industry. The new decree is meant to encourage international pharmaceutical companies to invest in projects for the production of medicines and medical supplies in Mexico.

Investors in Mexicos pharmaceutical industry July 3, 2025.

We want this purchasing power, necessary to serve the people of Mexico, to help us attract companies from India, the United States, various parts of Europe, Latin America, Brazil, and elsewhere to come and invest in Mexico to produce medicines here.

This will make them even more affordable, she said in May.
The words are engrained in our national consciousness: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are  endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. These inspirational and linguistically beautiful words of the Declaration of Independence justified the American colonies break from England. But they did more than that. They explained to the world and to history that natural rights formed the basis of civil law and government. This was the truly revolutionary aspect of that document signed on July 4, 1776.

After the Declaration, the world was never the same. The legacy of natural rights meant that law and government would no longer legitimately flow from the whims of a monarch. Tyrants would no longer carry any moral authority. Human dignity would transcend the interests of the empire. The Declaration and its natural law foundations vaulted the human world into a new orbit of political philosophy, where deprivations of individual dignity could not be convincingly justified by the self-interests of a ruling elite.

The Declaration led to a political and legal system that in turn gave birth to a flourishing of freedom and individual dignity that history had never before witnessed. And as respect for individual dignity grew, social prosperity grew, thereby lighting a beacon of inspiration that would eventually reach the entire world.

The historical legacy of the Declaration hardly needs elaboration. Today, the Declaration of Independence ranks among the most precious of our national treasures. But that document would not have been possible without its signers. In an act of courage and sacrifice, those individuals put their name to a document that, in revolutionizing the world, put their own lives and fortunes in jeopardy.

At the Second Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia in the Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall), 56 men signed the Declaration of Independence, announcing the reasons America was breaking away from England and establishing its own nation. The Declaration contained an oath whereby the signers mutually pledge[d] our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor. This oath was not just a nice-sounding phrase. It was a commitment to sacrifice, because by publicly declaring their opposition to British rule, the signers knew they would be the first and primary targets of British retribution.

Those who signed the Declaration were people of stature in their communities. They had families, businesses, professions, homes. So they had a lot to lose. And they knew it. And as it turned out, many of them lost everything.

Nine of the signers died of wounds or hardships during the Revolutionary War. Five were captured or imprisoned and endured harsh treatment. Twelve saw their homes burned to the ground. Seventeen lost their entire fortunes. The families of the signers were killed, jailed, mistreated, persecuted, or robbed of their wealth.

Every signer was branded by England as a traitor. Everyone was hunted, and many were at one time or another barred from their families or their homes. Most of the signers were offered immunity, freedom, financial rewards or the release of loved ones to break the pledged word and repudiate the Declaration. But not one did so.

America became a great nation, but its triumphs and successes did not come without a great deal of sacrifice. And the story of the signers of the Declaration reflects the kind of sacrifices that have always been required to achieve our highest goals. Yet, despite their sacrifices and foresight, the signers have come under attack by the progressive left. Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration, for instance, has come under attack for being a slaveholder. Protestors have demanded that statues of Jefferson, such as those at Hofstra University and the University of Virginia, be removed.

This attack is both unnecessary and diversionary. It is unnecessary because America has already issued its judgment on slavery, through a brutal war that lasted four years and left 620,000 dead, and through a constitutional amendment. And it is diversionary because the attacks on Jefferson are not aimed simply at making the unquestioned point that slavery is an abhorrent wrong; instead, the attacks are really aimed at discrediting the natural rights ideas set forth by Jefferson in the Declaration.

Progressives oppose natural rights because they wish to wipe away that very historic and traditional check on the kind of unlimited federal government they seek to implement. But the irony behind the attack on Jeffersons natural rights doctrine is that it inspired and fueled the abolitionist movement of the 19th century that succeeded in wiping out slavery.

The progressive attack on Americas historical figures is broader than just a targeted attack on individuals. It is one stage in a much larger war against Americas heritage and culture. The progressive left seeks to radically transform America through the tool of an ever-larger central government. And just as the French Revolution did in France, the modern progressive left seeks to wipe away the old so as to import the new of their own design. Progressives view the institutions of civil society as obstacles to a secularized state dominated by a central government.

Religion is the primary social institution in the crosshairs of the progressive attack. But if progressives valued religion more, they might be better able to distinguish between a persons individual flaws and the worth of that persons ideas. Under the religious view, men and women are flawed, sinful creatures. They possess the dignity of divinely created human beings, but also the sinfulness of the fallen. Because of their connection to their Creator, human beings are capable of divinely inspired insights. But because of their fallen human nature, they are also destined to sinful lives, albeit lives in hope of redemption.

With that realization of nature and reality, the signers of the Declaration need to be admired for their divinely inspired accomplishments even as their human sinfulness is recognized. The kinds of personal attacks now waged by the progressive left deny both human reality and divine redemption, as well as the basic foundations of American government and society.

These attacks on Thomas Jefferson must obviously presume that to denigrate the signer is to denigrate the ideas underlying the Declaration. But those ideas have endured and flourished over two and a half centuries, and they have done so because they are true.

(This essay was originally published on July 3, 2019, as an Acton Commentary.)
Accused Lim Yuen Li (in red polo shirt) being escorted by police officers on July 4, 2025, back to the Fernvale Road flat where the incident took place.

SINGAPORE  Police on July 4 escorted the man accused of murdering his 79-year-old mother back to the crime scene in Sengkang.

When Lim Yuen Li arrived at Block 465B Fernvale Road at 9.30am, his arms and legs were shackled.

The 44-year-old was charged on June 3 with causing the death of Ms Wang How Khiew.

Lim had asked the court during the hearing if he could be present at the funeral of the deceased, without referring to the victim as his mother.

The Straits Times understands that he did not attend the funeral.

Lim allegedly killed the victim inside a unit on the 11th floor, between 2am and 10.30am on June 1.

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He was back at the unit on July 4, dressed in a red polo shirt, black shorts and slippers, with the police setting up a cordon at the 11th-floor lift lobby.

Lim spoke to the police officers outside the flat, before he stepped in for the first time since the incident. Two police officers were stationed along the corridor leading to the unit as forensic experts conducted their investigation.

At 12.50pm, Lim left the flat and was led back into a police van.

A police officer was seen carrying a plastic bag with his personal items.

Lims case is the second in 2025 that saw a family member charged over the killing of a close relative.

On March 13, 58-year-old Abdul Rani Md Ariffin was charged with murdering his younger brother, Mr Abdul Rahman Mohamad Ariffin, 57, at about 4am on March 11 at Block 187 Boon Lay Avenue.

There were 10 reported cases of murder in 2024  the highest number in five years. Figures from the Singapore Department of Statistics showed that there were four murders in 2023, seven each in 2022 and 2021, and eight in 2020.

Those convicted of murder face the death penalty.

Source: The Straits Times  SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction

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SIOUX CITY  With over 25 different vendors from multiple states at Saturday in the Park this year, one merchandise provider is always here to stay: Saturday in the Park itself.

Saturday in the Park sells shirts, tote bags, stickers, water bottles and cup cozies from two tents inside Grandview Park -- one by the info booth facing the Main Stage and the other by the Abe Stage. There is also an online store, which runs year-round, selling SITP apparel to be worn well after the eventful Saturday every July.

Saturday in the Park officials estimate around 25,000 people attend its festivities each summer. Deciding what merchandise and how much of each item to order is all dependent on demand and trends from previous years.

Organizing the merchandise

This year, about 600 shirts have been ordered to be sold at the merchandise tents. This includes four different T-shirt designs, a crop top and a tank top -- all SITP-themed. The cycle of preparing merchandise for one of Sioux City's largest annual events takes several months, with the committee beginning meetings every February.

"I'd like to do all these pictures of people that have their Saturday in the Park garb out in different parts of the country or the world," Breezy Struthers-Drake, committee chair for merchandise at Saturday in the Park, said. "I think that if I could put that together, it would be fabulous."

Struthers-Drake noted that she gets to pick the colors and designs for the merchandise, though local artists such as Jason Reinert and Jessica Hammond help with creating the SITP logo and other elements.

All the effort doesn't go unrewarded, as Saturday in the Park sells out of merchandise almost every year. A recently trending item has been the crop top, but even the color choices for each shirt, bag or other item make a difference in sales from year to year.

"I think our core with merchandise has somewhat stayed the same which kind of holds for most festivals and concerts," Saturday in the Park founder Dave Bernstein said. He described the festival's poster shirts with the SITP logo and a list of the performing artists as one of the consistently popular pieces of merchandise.

Doing it for the community

Convenience is key for Struthers-Drake as she considers people's interest in the merchandise. For example, she noted that people often purchase a tote bag to help carry any other items they bought. The SITP-themed water bottles also help reduce single-use plastic bottle waste as attendees can refill their bottles at stations around Grandview Park. Even the online store helps customers have more options, as it continues to sell merchandise after the tents sell out and the festival is over.

"You preferably buy [merchandise] at the festival because, you know, it's kind of a commemorative thing," Struthers-Drake said. "But say you want to ship it or send it to somebody else, or something like that, it's kind of a nice little convenient thing."

If performing artists have their own merchandise, they can also work with Saturday in the Park to get it sold through the tents. Headliners Teddy Swims and Mavis Staples will have merchandise out for sale this year, and there is always the potential for more musicians to bring their own on the day of the festival.

"Generally, if an artist playing Saturday in the Park, regardless of the stage, has merch, we'll sell it," Bernstein said.

Saturday in the Park, celebrating its 35th year this summer, continues to be a free music festival largely thanks to money reeled in from aspects like the merchandise.

"Everything costs money, more and more money, and it is definitely a great way to support Saturday in the Park," Struthers-Drake said.
by Bill Murray

Todays modest topic is the future of the West. Will it end in a bang, whimper or maybe just sort of muddle through in some zombie stagger? Whatever happens, a quarter of the way through the American Century, the standard of liberal democracy we hoisted as global inevitability twenty years ago hangs by the scruff of the neck and its enemies are eager to boot it straight into irrelevance.

Lets consider each side of the transatlantic alliance. The NATO summit, the yearly expression of North Atlantic muscle held last week in the Hague, illuminates the Europeans.

And to set the table, when you have five minutes, listen to John Cages 433. Not many musical compositions can capture the spirit of an allied summit, but this one does.

THE EUROPEANS: Shortly before ten oclock on a Tuesday morning in June, Mark Rutte entered the World Forum Convention Centre auditorium in The Hague to open the NATO summit. He might have chewed his nails in the limo; he surely dreaded this meeting of the most powerful leaders on his continent, with the North American they depend on.

The Americans created the alliance he leads. The Secretary Generals mission was to keep the founders of NATO from taking their troops, weapons and military capabilities and going home.

Rutte labored since he took the job to make this meeting a success. In June alone he visited Lithuania, the United Kingdom, Italy, Sweden and attended the G7 in Canada, trying to pull together and hold tight to NATO cohesion. Now, on a mild summer day with a gentle wind off de Nordsee, the longest-serving prime minister in Dutch history welcomed the allies to his hometown.

Rutte has lived in the Hague all his life, earning a masters degree up the road in Leiden, then finding work at Unilever. Originally the product of a merger between a British soap-maker and a Dutch margarine producer, Unilever today is such a huge, faceless, generic corporation that its hard to characterize. Its just a conglomerate.

Unilever and Rutte were made for each other. Rutte spent nearly a decade wearing out the corporate white boards, mastering two briefs at the beating heart of managerialism: human resources and brand management.

He carried out all the big managerial tasks: streamlining operations, training staff, reorganizing departments, aligning goals and maximizing institutional dynamics for the home office. Rutte then went on to run the Netherlands for almost fourteen years.

Rutte exemplifies the twenty-first century technocratic manager-as-leader. His perfect CVs and polished, affable, consensus-driven style made him the consensus choice among NATOs big fourFrance, Germany, the UK, and US.

In the Netherlands, hed honed his instincts in a parliament with fifteen partiesthe most in Europewhere pragmatism, crisis avoidance and coalition-building are the only way to survive. European media called him Teflon Mark.

When he was picked to lead NATO a year ago, some voices from the east objected. Many were close to the front lines in Ukraine. Some had living memory of Russian rule. All wanted more urgency, less process and decisive leadership.

Their candidate was former Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, judged liable to move fast and break thingstraits that didnt suit the more risk-averse countries farther back from the front lines.

Managing 32 fractious sovereign governments to consensus is a laudable talent. But there is a view in the east that a volatile geopolitical moment demands more than managerialism. It demands real leadership.

NATOs most immediate mission is to keep Russias assault on Ukraine outside NATO countries borders. Its unspoken and much more frantic mission is to keep Donald Trump from blowing up the alliance.

The Europeans chosen method this year has been to arm-twist (hog-tie if necessary) the allies into a pledge to raise defense spending to five percent of GDPTrumps demand. Three point five percent would go to hard defense and another one point five percent to loosely defined defense-adjacent spending like repairing bridges, or dodgier proposals like funding state broadcasters.

A reality check: nine of the 32 countries dont meet the current two percent target. Still, through Ruttes Euro-winks and Euro-nods, loose definitions and vague deadlines, the allies claimed agreement and presented their five percent fudge to Donald Trump as a triumph, in hopes the Americans would not pull out of NATO, or Europe, or stop sending aid to Ukraine. And Trump was pleased.

Hoping to placate the Americans, with the biggest European land war in progress since NATOs creation, the alliance shortened its summit and relegated Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the leader of a democratic country on the alliances border that is under attack, to a social dinner with spousesalong with other guests from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea.

This way the American president could fly in for dinner with a king and a three hour meeting and fly away. Yes, these are all adults. And yes, this is sad.

It was a tiny summit. A foothill. Oana Lungescu, a former NATO spokesperson, told the FTs Gideon Rachman she expected this years summit to issue no more than a five paragraph joint communique. Last years communique, in comparison, was 40 paragraphs.

Such documents are aspirational, meant to be mostly worked out in advance to avoid unseemly wrangling among such an august assemblage. But that podcast was recorded nearly a month ago, and Lungescu turned out to be exactly right. The communique was five paragraphs.



Summer 2025 would be a very good time for Europeans to stand for principles, to counterbalance the Americans, who are wavering. Everyone hopes this is just a wayward American moment, but Mark Rutte is the leader of a coalition of democracies that could be a powerful defender of democracy.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said in March, The paradox is that 500 million Europeans are asking 300 million Americans to defend them against 140 million Russians. Maybe Ruttes managerial instincts kick in when a board meeting is imminent, who knows, but why not agree with his Polish colleague, on the theory that it takes longer to get anywhere on tiptoe?

Its remarkable that after 76 years, NATO even remains standing, and relevant. The allies have demonstrated they can overcome division: in 1962 the Cuban missile crisis challenged NATOs solidarity head on. Two of its members, Greece and Turkiye, just about fought a war over Cyprus in 1974.

While it didnt disband, NATO let itself become more impressive on paper than on the ground, and there are precious few shortcuts on the way back. The end of the Cold War made NATO look dissolute, obsolete.

In the unipolar years, NATO ceded its relevance to just going through the motions, to running on managerialism. But wait. After all, the Americans elected Donald Trump. He may be Mark Ruttes problem, but hes not his fault. Right?

THE AMERICANS: As the US political system quit working, what filled the void? Managers papered over rising incoherence. The Academy proposed jargon to explain it all, offering dubious theories of functional authoritarianism, liberal autocracy, participatory autarky and so on. But mostly, the void was seized by clowns and their courtiers.

The clown is the personification of institutional decay, a figure who doesnt merely emerge from disfunction but thrives in it, weaponizing spectacle and performative rule-breaking. Clowns wear their buffoonery as proof that they are authentic, and superior to the institutions they discredit.

When the Congress, the courts and political parties become supporting actors in the larger performances of Kristi Noem, Pam Bondi, Pete Hegseth and Tom Homan (White House Executive Associate Director of Enforcement and Removal Operations), its safe to say those institutions have ceded their function. Theyve given way to the clowns.

The few Republican politicians holding town hall meetings back in their districts this summer do so not to engage constituents, but in performative defiance of constituents who disagree with them. Participatory democracy in the summer of 2025 means watching the circus online, then offering summary judgement on X. America has entered the Age of the Clown.

The United States is not breaking new ground here. Just this century, consider Berlusconi. Bolsonaro. Bukele. Our American leader has known the role all his life. He mocks decorum, and thereby the system.

His supporters are animated by dissatisfaction and devoid of direction. He connects to them not despite his crudeness but in its furtherance. He scoffs at the future. He proposes to auction off the Post Offices new electric vehicles.

Donald Trumps special talent is being craven enough to openly indulge his venality at the first moment Americans would entertain such a thing. He is what our addled times have spit up. He is a culmination.

He is not making America anything again. He isat bestan empty vessel used as a vehicle by ideologues. His very blueprint for governance came ghost written (like his books), along with an insert leaders name here plug-and-play implementation plan from the Heritage Foundation.

For a long time the United States held on to one huge advantage: since World War II it presented a template for how the worlds most successful prevailing models of both politics and economics could work in tandem. Now eighty years on, American Democracy just delivers volatility and gridlock, and American Capitalism has come to represent rent-seeking inequality.



Institutions once held weight and countries addressed each other through them. Now no country has a particular reason to aspire to former goals like transparency; the US doesnt itself. So countries follow their own self interest and the world fumbles about.

What is NATO but a series of nerve-wracking meetings managed to assuage the erratic Americans? What is the G7 but a string of photo-ops with resort backdrops? What is Davos but grating opulence?

Nobody has confidence in any of it.

As we live ever more immersed in media, so our leadership becomes more performative than productive. This is still taking some getting used to. In pursuit of the show, last weeks NATO summit prioritized rhetoric over results. But press releases cant replace performance.

The Europeans came to the NATO dance with the Americans in the 1940s. Eighty years on, the Americans have gotten drunk on powerand Europe has to find its own way home.

The NATO alliance is in more trouble than European leaders are keen to acknowledge, so they dont, publicly. Last week in the Hague their success was avoiding catastrophethe American president didnt blow up the alliance. In the process they demonstrated precious little confidence in the road ahead.

NATO chose Mark Rutte, a capable consensus builder, at a time when the fragility of the West isnt down to a lack of bonhomie; its down to comprehensive institutional fatigue. The North Atlantic alliance doesnt need to praise daddy (Susan Glasser called this strategic self-abasement); it needs to throw open the windows and administer a great big slosh of bleach. It needs wholesale reinvigoration.

Like a performance of John Cages 433, Mark Ruttes silent NATO symphony was well attended by A-list guestsand substantively empty. America answers with the chaos of clowns. Both sides of the transatlantic alliance have chosen their models; leadership is nowhere in sight.

Having let slip Americas insistence on rule of law, why should the United States be counted on for steadfast defense of the Western democracies? Meanwhile, can Europe take care of itself?

The Europeans will scramble to rearm. They will throw money and waste some. In America, Donald Trump will serve out his term, selling his branded sneakers, watches, guitars and Bibles while his childrens more egregious engorgement carries on just offstage. Will we make it through MAGA Two? Probably. But what kind of country will remain?

When you most want to throw up your hands, maybe there is this modest solace: Donald Trump isnt clever enough to have crafted a new way of politics. Hes the culmination of fifty years of wealth over welfare, of Mount Pelerin over the shining city on the hill.

The coin of Donald Trumps realm is outrage, monetized by algorithm. Its money over meaning, spectacle over substance and cynicism as governing strategy.

A time will surely come when the common good will again replace the greed and elitism and inequality of the last fifty years. Look hard enough and if youre determined enough, you may find some early stirrings of it out there today. Squint hard.



I write more like this every week at Common Sense and Whiskey.



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Each week, Prudence asks readers for their thoughts on the letters shes received. Her reply will be available every Friday only for Slate Plus members. Dear Prudence is Slates advice column. Submit questions here.

Hey Prudence,

Re Sardine King: My husband and I have spent 40-plus years avoiding each others food deal breakers. He only cooks bacon outdoors on the grill or when Im not home, and I cook Brussels sprouts when hes not home. Its a compromise that works!

Susan W.

You dont like the smell of bacon?? It truly takes all kinds.

But yes, he should head out to the patio with the sardines, and I hope hes inspired by your story.

Get advice from Prudiesubmit a question! Please keep questions short (<150 words), and dont submit the same question to multiple columns. We are unable to edit or remove questions after publication. Use pseudonyms to maintain anonymity. Your submission may be used in other Slate advice columns and may be edited for publication. Thanks! Your question has been submitted. Dear Prudence, * Your letter signoff Your pronouns Your email (optional and confidentialplease include if you're open to Dear Prudence following up) Submit

Hey Prudence,

Re Married to a Doomscroller: I am in the exact same situation, in that my wife does not appreciate the anger I feel about whats happening in the U.S. these days. I appreciate what you said to the letter writer; it was very unexpected. But I think you were a bit hard on her.

In my case, my wife is absolutely committed to keeping the peace  no matter what. It has served us well for over 40 years, and I have relied on it to keep me grounded. I wish I could get her to see the seriousness of our situation before its too late, but Ill never fault her for wanting to make sure the day-to-day still runs smoothly, and that we both do everything in OUR power to treat each other with kindness. Thats her motivation. Shes not just sticking her head in the sand, as you implied the letter writer was doing.

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This is all hard to figure out, but I think trying to be a peaceful, happy person in the day-to-day is not a bad place to start.

Christopher D.

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I just dont think any of the worlds major issues have ever improved as a result of people prioritizing being in a good mood. Its totally fine to choose that, but it really irritates me when people act as if being happy and nice is a deeply important contribution to societal problems that actually require political action. Also, it is actually possible to be kind and take action to make things better. Ill admit that my frustration with that came through in the lettermaybe too much. After all, its not as if the letter-writers husband feeling angry and depressed and yelling at random people was helping anyone either.

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Hey Prudence,

So, Im the doomscroller in my relationship. My husband needed time to cope with the reality of Trump 2.0 before he could engage with the landscape. I think its because Donald Trumps second election was the first time he had truly been let down by society, given the fact that hes a white man in his late 30s. He could write off Trump 1.0 as a fluke, but the second time aroundthats not possible. I wonder if this is whats happening with the letter-writers husband.

As a doomscroller, heres what helps me:

Selecting my news sources to be not mainstream media, as those outlets have to care about shareholder value, and I just end up yelling at the TV. Reading booksespecially On Tyranny. Its a nice how-to for surviving this moment in time. Engaging in real life. How are your schools funded? If youre in a state with local control, show up at those school board meetings. Show up at budget meetings and speak on behalf of their funding. Show up at town council meetings or city Select Board meetings, or what have you. Reminding myself that losing joy and losing hope means theyve won. And in the words of more than one Star Wars character: Rebellions are built on hope.

Hi, Im the Doomscroller

These are good tips, especially the one about engaging in real life. And I think the lane youve carved out for yourself is proof of what I mentioned above: Its possible to be tuned in and really care about whats going on in the world without giving up on being joyful.

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Hey Prudence,

Re Mother of a Modern-Day Navin Johnson: Why not just ask the friend and his family these questions? After all, its their church, and they should have a good sense of what is appropriate there. Just say: Am I welcome to attend other services? If so, what should I wear? And how do you personally feel about me attending?

Hools

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Wait a minute. Why didnt I think of this? I feel stupid. I was going to use During the time I was writing this column, one of my cars was stolen, the other one broke down, my air conditioner broke down, and my laptop screen cracked as an excuse for being impatient with the doomscrollers wife. But instead, Im going to use it here as an excuse for overlooking the obvious.

Hey Prudence,

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Regarding the letter writer whos upset that her BFF backed out of her birthday party invitation to attend her brother-in-laws party on the same day: This just illustrates that just because shes LWs BFF, that doesnt mean LW is her BFF.

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It is perfectly OK to rank your friends (ride-or-die, shoulder-to-cry-on-but-not-always-available, only-good-for-fun-times-not-hard-times), but as an adult, you have to be realistic. This person has disappointed LW at least once before, and is now disappointing her again. It seems like its time to demote her to the second rank. The benefit for LW is that the inevitable future moments when this friend doesnt come through wont hurt as muchbecause LW wont be expecting more.

Lisa R.

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Oof. Tough but important insight. And Ill soften it by adding that there are other people out there who would be happy to fill the BFF position.

Classic Prudie

My 24-year-old son was arrested this weekend to be extradited out of state and, best-case scenario, wont be out for eight months to a year. He gave me his phone and said to shut everything down. After that interaction, I wont be able to see or talk to him for 10 to 14 days. In getting his apps ready to close, I found hes been lying about his
Our advice columnists have heard it all over the yearsso were diving into the How to Do It archives to share classic letters with our readers. Have a question? Send it to Jessica and Rich here. Its anonymous!

Dear How to Do It,

I hooked up with an ex-boyfriend after five years, and we started to get to it until we realized neither he nor I had condoms. After he left, I was kind of stumped, as his dick seemed much smaller than it had when we were dating. He had lost about 30 pounds and everything I could find said most penises seem larger because of the loss of fat at the base of the pubis, not the opposite. And it didnt just seem shorter, but less thick. Does aging do anything to shrink it, or was it just a psychological trick, me remembering it as bigger? Since we never did anything more, I could never judge if it might have felt the same, and the opportunity has never arisen to try to get together again. Since then, he met someone else, so I probably wont have the opportunity to ever find out either. Do you know if this is possible, or am I cray-cray?

Missing Inches

Dear Missing,

Shrinkage is, indeed, a thingand it can be way longer lasting than the situational kind described on Seinfeld. Usually the change isnt too drastic, but it may be observable to the eagle-eyed connoisseur. There are a few known causes for this, which include Peyronies disease, weight gain, and prostate surgery. Another culprit: erectile dysfunction. In these cases, the thought is that the shrinkage occurs due to the loss of spontaneous and nocturnal erections, explained Dr. Charles Welliver, director of mens health at Albany Medical College. This more frequent nourishing blood keeps the penis healthy. The every-so-often erections guys get for intercourse (on average most people have sex once a week) wouldnt be enough to support good penile health and would lead to the shrinkage. The length maintenance is more about the erections and semi-elections (chubs if you will) that happen when not having sex. Welliver actually discussed this topic in more detail, including ways of treating such shrinkage, on an upcoming episode of the How to Do It podcast on the specific topic of COVID dick. So be on the lookout for that one.

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So, its possible that your ex has lost some girth. Its also possible that youre misremembering. Ive done thatevery once in a while Ill catch a FWB on the long lap and Ill be slapped in the face with the realization that my memory was extremely generous with the inches. Again, it could be that your ex experienced one of the aforementioned conditions in the intervening time, but it could also be the rose-colored funhouse mirror of nostalgia coming from inside of you.

Rich Juzwiak

From: Im Afraid My Boyfriend Is Showing Me Who He Really Is While Hes Asleep. (Dec. 26, 2021).

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 partner of nearly two years gave me gonorrhea through oral sex. Once I had tested positive I got him to test and it was found in his throat. He told me he had suffered on and off with sore throats for some time. We have had plenty of oral sex previously and Ive always been ok. Is it possible he cheated or could this have been lying dormant for well over a year?

Am I With a Cheater?

Dear Am I With a Cheater,

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Once again I am roped into a game that I would generally not elect to play, but am compelled to as a result of this job: Spot the Cheater. I wouldnt be comfortable even taking a stab here without some hard data, so I come bearing it: Researchers in a 2021 study published in the Clinical Infectious Diseases journal found by analyzing 21 pharyngeal gonorrhea infections, that the estimated median duration of untreated infections was 16.3 weeks. Quite short of the well over a year that youre inquiring about. Many infections cleared spontaneously in much shorter time periods, or so suggest the numbers.

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Keep in mind that data on this are scant, primarily because of the ethical barriers in monitoring untreated infections. This study overcame those hurdles by having the men who participated (who all had sex with men) swab themselves on a weekly basis, and then those results were frozen and not tested until the participants had completed the 48-week study. They were told to be screened for STDs as usual, and many were treated with antibiotics over the course of the experiment, as the study notes.

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For another layer of certaintythe condom unrolled over our proverbial PrEP bottle if you willI consulted with some experts. Dr. Lindley Barbee, the lead author on that study, as well as a professor at the University of Washington and the medical director of public health at the Seattle and King County Sexual Health Clinic, pointed out in an email that, pharyngeal GC usually doesnt produce many symptoms, so if you equate dormancy with symptom status, it is pretty much a dormant infection by definition. Definitely will only be found if tested. Barbee also emphasized that her study should be taken for what it isa series of observations. There could certainly be longer infections, but that has not been observed, she wrote. Finally, Barbee reminds us to keep in mind that gonorrhea may be spread via kissing. If extracurricular make-out sessions are allowed in your arrangement, that could potentially be one pathway.

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I also spoke with Dr. H. Hunter Handsfield, professor emeritus, University of Washington, and a nationally recognized STD expert. Two years is an awfully long time, he told me by phone. I would be skeptical if someone said they had pharyngeal gonorrhea for two years, and only now transmitted it to his or her partner. OK, to cover our bases, lets be conservative, I said. How about one year? One year is also unlikely, he said.

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Handsfield also pointed out that the majority of pharyngeal cases of gonorrhea present no symptoms. Most people have no clue anything is wrong. My guess is this has nothing to do with [the partners] sore throats, said Handsfield. (Though, sore throats can certainly be symptoms of oral gonorrhea.)

So, there you have it. Its not looking good for your partners veracity. Only he knows what hes been up to, but at least now you have your own information to check his against.

R.J.

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From: Every Time a Girlfriend Learns My Secret From My College Years  Things Get Awkward (Aug. 17, 2022).

Dear How to Do it,

My husband and I have been married for 28 years. We have always had a good sex life and companionship. We went through a bit of a hard time when we had stage three cancer, but we got through and now he always says if we can get through that we can get through anything. We have always had kids in our lives, as I brought a child from a previous relationship with me and had one of our own shortly after.

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Recently, I found instant messages from another woman. Needless to say, I was stunned and hurt. My husband says it was just chatting and nothing happened nor did he want anything to happen. I was just recently diagnosed with endometriosis and the timing of this couldnt be worse. I felt like I wasnt good enough, pretty enough, that my disease (despite the fact I stood by him when he had his) was getting in the way. He said that wasnt the case, and it was just a mistake and since it upset me so much he would stop and not do it again.

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But since that happened, I feel a disconnect with him. I still enjoy being with him, but cant look or feel the same way about him. I know he didnt physically cheat on me, but it still feels like a betrayal. Hes hot and coldI never know what hes thinking now. It just seems like we cant get on the same page since this happened. What do I do? I really dont want a divorce or open marriage.

Chatty Husband

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Related From Slate My Husband Refused to Throw Out His Old Collectibles. Now Our Son Is Paying the Price. Read More

Dear Chatty,

He did betray you, and I hope that he adequately apologizedhis vowing to stop the behavior is a good sign, but your letter describes him as downplaying his transgression. Hopefully, he acknowledges the pain hes caused you. But even then, you still wont be out of the woods. Time is often necessary to rebuild trustit is one thing for a (roughly) unfaithful partner to apologize, it is another thing to atone. That means living the apology. I suspect this is too new for the trust to have been rebuilt (and certainly his hot and cold attitude is no help in that matter). If you want to see this through, trusting him may look like a suspension of disbelief for a while. You have to go out on a limb and actively engage in the process of trusting him as you once didprovided that he warrants such mental heavy lifting. Reminding yourself of the fact that you trust him and why youre with him at all may be useful. The disconnect is not great. I suspect hes dealing with a good amount of shame and perhaps cannot quite embrace the full extent of his offense. He should, though, and you might want to look into counseling. An impartial third party could help you both see the other persons perspective and get you that much closer to being on the same page again.

R.J.

From: Crashing the Night With My Cousin Turned Into Something  More. (Sept. 14, 2022).

More Sex Advice From Slate

I do not fit inside my girlfriend. Its giving her dysphoria and frustrating both of us. Ive been fortunate to have larger than average parts, but its never been a problem before with other partners. Despite our best efforts at communication and adaptation
This article contains spoilers for Episode 3 of Smoke.

Smoke, Apple TV+s new crime drama miniseries starring Taron Egerton and Jurnee Smollett, begins like so many other procedurals, with a generically handsome young hero and his new tough-girl partner hunting for a pair of elusive perps. The voiceover narration that opens the first episodewhile scenes from arson investigator Dave Gudsens (Egerton) nightmares about a particularly dangerous house fire boil on the screendescribes how fearsome and chaotic fire is, but it doesnt quite make the impression it should. Theres a reason why relatively little crime fiction is about arson, a sneaky, cowardly act usually driven by petty financial concerns. Fire is magnificent, but arsonists are not. Even the clues sought by Dave and Michelle (Smollett), the police detective assigned to help him find the two arsonists plaguing the fictional Pacific Northwest city of Umberland, are boringly technical: burn patterns, sooty coins, and scraps of cigarettes. But Smoke is really a volatile character drama fronting as an anodyne procedural. Its creator, the crime novelist Dennis Lehane, has no intention of cranking out the arson version of CSI. That first episode, which premiered on June 27, gives few hints of the madness to come, so viewers looking for something less basic should stick around until the end of Episode 2.

All-American Dave has a lovely librarian wife (Hannah Emily Anderson) who worries about him (Hey, they bring me in after the fire now, he assures her), and a teenage stepson (Luke Roessler) with whom he struggles to connect. Michelle, a former Marine played with impeccable swagger by Smollett, has a troubled past and has been sleeping with her boss (Rafe Spall), who just left his wife for her, a development she doesnt particularly welcome. When she breaks up with him, he sends her off to work with the fire department on the serial arsonists, a backwater assignment. She has to pull off a big solve to get back in the major leagues. Dave bristles at the suggestion that his investigation needs help, but eventually they strike up a bro-ish rapport, swapping war stories and jokey insults while he shows her the ropes.

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Only in Episode 2 do we start to see that all may not be quite right with Dave. Hes writing a book, a novel about a preposterous idealized arson investigator based on his own experiences in the field. Maybe a few women characters? his wife gently suggests. When he looks away, she turns back to the manuscript with a grim sigh. As the series progresses, the passages from the bookDave dictates them into his phoneget hilariously worse, especially after he introduces the requested female character, based on Michelle, as a love interest. Somehow, Daves reactions are always a bit off. When his wife and stepson learn that the boys father plans to move 2,000 miles away, Dave cant even grasp why theyre so upset. So hell be living with us full time? is the first thing he asks. Wife of cop is a thankless character in crime fiction. Such women are always pushing the protagonist to be more domesticthat is, to do less of what the reader or viewer wants to see him do. But Daves wife, Ashley, doesnt seem sure she likes having him around, and her son is pretty clear in his mistrust. Whats wrong with them? Dave is a cheerful presence, a committed public servant with a winning smile, doing the best he can. Or is he?Nobody knows Dave, the kid advises Michelle.

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For her part, Michelle cuts legal corners and fakes evidence to justify searching the property of one of the pairs prime suspects, a guy who turns out not be their guythough, conveniently, guilty of plenty of other crimes. Besides her disastrous love life, the detective stresses out about her mother, a former drug addict who is currently imprisoned for setting a fire that nearly killed 12-year-old Michelle, but is soon coming up for parole. Im never going to be a well-rounded person, Michelle says in the obligatory therapists-office scene. Im the job. Dave is a shrewd investigator, but Michelle is superhumanly dogged. While he brilliantly follows a trail of clues to one of the arsonistsa lonely, damaged, middle-aged chicken-shack cook named Freddy, played with almost unbearable poignancy by Ntare Guma Mbaho MwineMichelle comes to suspect, correctly, that the other arsonist, the one who specializes in setting fire to supermarket racks of potato chips, could very well be Dave himself.

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Smoke isnt a mystery. Its clear from very close to the start who the culprits are. The series is based on the podcast Firebug, the story of John Leonard Orr, a California arson investigator who is also considered to be the most prolific arsonist in the nations history, fond of potato chips as an accelerant, and author of a dreadful novel. Instead of a whodunit, Smoke becomes a portrait of poisonously thwarted longing. It all pivots around Egertons Dave, a raconteur who stages flashy presentations at arson-investigator conferences and passionately sings along with power ballads in the car, but whose performance of normal human interaction rings just false enough to make the people in his life increasingly uneasy. That smile, so boyishly appealing in the series first episode, will ultimately become terrifying, the crack in a mask about to drop from a not entirely human face.

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Related From Slate The Bears Fourth Season Is One Long Apology Read More

Supporting charactersof which Smoke has an embarrassment of richesinclude a deliciously seedy John Leguizamo as Daves former partner, a man who suspected him early on and whose career Dave sabotaged, and Greg Kinnear as the fire chief, a warm, rumpled, genuinely good man not quite smart enough to cotton on to Daves true self. Perhaps it takes a maniac to sniff out a maniac. As Leguizamos Esposito tells Michelle, Id trade all the hot women in the world just to wear a badge again. The people obsessed with catching Dave are almost all as warped as he is. The most destructive force in Smoke isnt arson but the desire to be a hero, whether its Daves flat, narcissistic craving for admiration, or Michelles willingness to break the law in pursuit of her quarry. These are people willing to burn down the world in order to save it, and that makes them more dangerous than any fire.
Donald Trump won the presidency in part on promises to deport immigrants who have criminal records and lack permanent legal status. But his earliest executive orderstrying to undo birthright citizenship, suspending critical refugee programsmade clear he wants to attack immigrants with permanent legal status too. In our series Who Gets to Be American This Week?, well track the Trump administrations attempts to exclude an ever-growing number of people from the American experiment.

For over 100 years, the United States has been a hub for immigrants looking for a better life. Millions were welcomed in and went on to become naturalized citizens, contributing immensely to our communities, economy, and culture. Yet, President Donald Trump has placed a target on these Americans backs, instructing his administration to go after naturalized citizens over ill-defined national security threats and strip them of their U.S. citizenship. Though this is not the first time an American president has focused on denaturalizing folks, Trump is authorizing the process in a much more sweeping way, evidenced in a newly published memo instructing Department of Justice employees to prioritize denaturalization cases.

Meanwhile, some positive news: An immigrant child battling a leukemia diagnosis who was arrested last month after showing up with his family to a court hearing filed the first lawsuit against the Trump administrations policy directing immigration agents to target courthouses, and it worked to secure his release.

Heres the immigration news were keeping an eye on this week:

Department of Justice Focuses on Denaturalizing Americans

A new memo dropped this week, and in it Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate directs all Civilian Division employees to prioritize denaturalization, the process of revoking someones U.S. citizenship. The mechanism has historically been used under relatively rare circumstances, but it is being revived by the White House under the pretense of protecting national security. To Elora Mukherjee, clinical law professor at Columbia University and director of the schools Immigrants Rights Clinic, its an effort to redefine who gets to be American.

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The memo from June 11 lays out the agencys new priorities, emphasizing denaturalization cases alongside ending antisemitism and attacking sanctuary jurisdictions. Under federal code, denaturalization is only possible if the government has evidence that a person illegally procured their American citizenship, meaning they intentionally misrepresented themselves when applying. But the Department of Justice memo instructs the agency to also target naturalized Americans who engaged in financial fraud, furthered criminal gangs or drug cartels, face pending criminal charges, or threaten national security. Plus, DOJ can decide to pursue denaturalization for reasons outside of these new categories, as it sees fit.

The categories set forth in this memo are almost limitless, Mukherjee said, and noted that the addition of the caveat that the DOJ can pursue denaturalization cases at its own discretion suggests that in essence, there are no limiting principles guiding who the Civil Division should not denaturalize.

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Denaturalization was a tactic used during the first half of the 20th century against former Nazi officials and other war criminals who used forged and fraudulent credentials to obtain U.S. citizenship in order to avoid accountability, according to a Case Western Reserve University report. The Obama administration revived it, focusing on denaturalizing citizens who were deemed potential terrorist threats, and Trump continued the effort in his first term. By 2018, there had been a 200 percent increase in denaturalization cases. But it still remained a relatively rare occurrence, with only 300 denaturalization cases pursued between 1990 and 2017, according to the American Immigration Council. Plus, a 2017 Supreme Court decision made it harder for the federal government to revoke a naturalized Americans citizenship.

Mukherjee believes this latest memo seems to authorize more and broader denaturalizations than during Trumps first administration. Often, immigrants must give up their home countrys citizenship in order to obtain U.S. citizenship, but if they lose both, that person effectively becomes stateless. Its also not clear what this would mean for children and family members who derived their U.S. citizenship through a naturalized person targeted by the Trump administration.

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Related From Slate The United States Is About to Embark on a Terrifying Experiment in Mass Statelessness Read More

This is part of the effort to terrorize those who were not born in the United States and instill fear in immigrant communities and mixed-status families, Mukherjee said. People assume that they would be safe because they are U.S. citizens.

Children Arrested by ICE Are Suing the Federal Government

Back in May, a 6-year-old boy, along with his 9-year-old sister and mother, sat in a Los Angeles immigrant processing center for 11 hours. While in custody, an officer lifted his shirt, revealing a gun. Terrified, the young boy urinated on himself and remained in his soiled clothes until he and his family were transferred to a Texas detention center. On Thursday, after more than a month, the family was released.

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The family of three filed the first lawsuit challenging the arrest of children at courthouses, a policy the Trump administration has been using to target immigrants. They were initially arrested after attending an immigration court hearing, where they discovered the federal government was dismissing their case. The family is from Honduras and applied for asylum in the U.S. last year under the Biden administrations CBP One appTrump immediately ended the program upon entering his second termand was lawfully admitted.

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The president has long accused immigrants of being criminals for entering the country illegally, but Mukherjee, who is representing the 6-year-old boy and his family, told me that this family did everything right.

They waited to enter the United States until they had lawful authorization to do so through a CBP One appointment. Then at the point that the family was paroled into the United States, Homeland Security made the determination that the family was not a flight risk and did not pose a danger to the community.

While the family was put in a Texas detention center, the government placed them under expedited removal, when immigration officers can summarily deport certain noncitizens without a court hearing. The 6-year-old boy has leukemia and missed medical appointments while being held in detention, where Mukherjee said his mother watched her sons health deteriorate.

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Mukherjee filed a habeas petition for the family, arguing the government violated their due process rights and the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable seizure. This familys release shows that ICE responds to public pressure, Mukherjee said. When people across the nation expressed concern about this family being snatched out of their community, subject to arrest at a courthouse and detention for weeks, ICE released them.

Judge Rules Trump Cannot Block Asylum Claims

One of the first actions Trump took upon beginning his second term was signing an executive order cutting off legal pathways for migrants hoping to seek refuge in the U.S. through the southern border. He directed his Cabinet to reject migrants asylum claims with no exceptions. A group of immigrant rights groups along with 13 migrants filed for a restraining order back in February, and finally, after it worked its way through the courts, on Wednesday U.S. District Court Judge Randolph Moss ruled the president does not have the unilateral authority to take away the opportunity to apply for asylum.

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The president cannot adopt an alternative immigration system, which supplants the statutes that Congress enacted, Moss wrote in a lengthy decision, explaining how the presidents order misconstrues federal immigration law. Since 1980, asylum has been grounded in U.S. immigration law, where any migrant who comes to a U.S. border and expresses credible fear of persecution in their home country can be lawfully admitted. According to a Department of Homeland Security report, in 2023 over 50,000 migrants were granted asylum out of over 400,000 applications.

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This is a hugely important decision, Lee Gelernt, an attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union who argued on behalf of the plaintiffs, said in a statement. 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.

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All of the individual plaintiffs in this case applied for asylum but had their claims dismissed and were either detained by U.S. immigration agents or sent back to their home countries, which included Afghanistan, Ecuador, Egypt, Peru, and Turkey. While Moss agreed that Trumps order was unlawful, he postponed his order from taking effect for two weeks to allow the government to file an appeal. He also agreed to certify the asylum-seekers into a class-action lawsuit, enabling this case to cover immigrants currently present in the U.S. This will be a test case of expanded class-action status in the wake of the Supreme Courts recent decision limiting nationwide injunctions.

Haitian Immigrants Are Protected From DeportationFor Now

Since 2010, when Haiti was struck by a devastating earthquake, nationals of Haiti have been allowed legal entry into the U.S. under Temporary Protected Status. That has allowed Haitians to live and work here without threat of deportationuntil Trump returned to office. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem tried to revoke TPS for Haitian nationals, but on Tuesday U.S. District Court Judge Brian Cogan blocked Noem, ruling she doesnt have the statutory or inherent authority to do so.

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The Trump administration has been furiously trying to undo TPS designations the Biden administration extended in the waning months of that presidency, but have faced legal challenges nearly every time. Haiti is the latest country to be targeted, with DHS announcing last week that Haitian immigrants will lose their TPS on Sept. 2, after the Biden administration had extended it until 2026. A group of Haitians quickly filed suit, claiming Noems actions violate federal law.

Judge Cogan agreed, noting that by shortening the length of these Haitians TPS designation, Noem has given them less than three months to sort out their lives until they face potential deportation. Thats a situation also facing hundreds of thousands of immigrants currently in the U.S. under TPS from Afghanistan, Syria, Venezuela, El Salvador, and Honduras who have limited time left until they will no longer be allowed to remain in the U.S. lawfully.

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According to the State Department, since March 2024, Haiti has been in a state of emergency. Its the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, facing political instability thats given way to widespread robbery, carjackings, sexual assault, and kidnappings. For years Trump has spewed vitriol against Haiti, accusing Haitian immigrants of spreading AIDS in the U.S. and referring to it as a shithole country. Last year, he baselessly claimed Haitian immigrants in Ohio were eating cats and dogs.

Rallying from a recent win at the Supreme Court in the separate birthright citizenship case, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said the government would be appealing Cogans decision. This unlawful order will meet the same fate similar injunctions have met in the Supreme Court, she said.
BRICS countries 'central player' in global energy transition: report

09:20, July 04, 2025 By Chu Daye ( Global Times

A new report from energy think tank Ember finds that 10 BRICS countries accounted for more than half - 51 percent - of global solar electricity generation in 2024, up from just 15 percent a decade earlier.

These findings, ahead of the BRICS summit, underscored a major shift in the global energy transition, positioning the bloc as a central player, according to the report dated July 3, which used analysis to highlight how China, India, and Brazil have emerged as the primary drivers of this shift.

In 2024, China remained the world's largest solar generator with 834 terawatt hours (TWh) of output  nearly three times more than the second-ranked US. India reached 133 TWh, a fourfold increase since 2019, while Brazil joined the global top five by surpassing Germany with 75 TWh of solar generation, per the report.

The rise was not just in total generation but also in the share of new electricity demand met by clean power, the report said. In 2024, solar alone met 36 percent of the increase in electricity generation across all BRICS countries, a major jump from 14 percent in the previous decade and just 0.25 percent a decade before that.

The report noted that China is leading the shift, with recent Ember data showing that during the first five months of 2025, China met all its additional electricity demand with clean power.

India and Brazil also registered strong solar growth from January to April, with year-on-year increases of 32 percent and 35 percent.

Lin Boqiang, director of the China Center for Energy Economics Research at Xiamen University, told the Global Times on Thursday that Chinese solar companies' technologies and especially low-cost advantages have fueled the rapid growth of solar energy in many of the BRICS countries.

It should be noted that most of these countries did not implement protectionist policies for green products so there has been a perfect cooperation partnership going on, between the capacity advantage from China and strong local demand for solar and other green technologies, Lin said.

With solar and other clean technologies becoming increasingly cost-competitive, the BRICS countries have a timely opportunity at this summit to deepen their commitment to clean energy  enhancing energy security and reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels, the Ember report said.

The 17th BRICS Summit will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on July 6 and 7.

Member economies of BRICS, which cover major emerging market and developing countries in the world, hold great potential for cooperation, China's Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yongqian told a routine press conference on Thursday in Beijing.

In recent years, thanks to the concerted efforts of all parties, mechanisms for BRICS economic and trade cooperation have been continuously improved, and the bond of their economic and trade cooperation has been steadily strengthened, the spokesperson said.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Driver Luke Plano orchestrated a perfect trip in the $20,205 featured Mares Open Pace at Running Aces on Thursday, July 3 to pull off a 12-1 upset win with Premier Desirey.

Plano sent the eight-year-old daughter of Real Desire away quickly from the inside draw and let Overthemoonforyou (Aaron Lehman) take the top spot and set the fractions of :27.3, :56.2 and 1:24 while Crazy Cute (Mooney Svendsen) tracked from third and Majors Miracle (Rick Magee) came first-up.

Majors Miracle provided pressure to the leader through the middle stages and was still a threat at the top of the lane while Overthemoonforyou kept going strong, but Premier Desirey was loaded in the pocket and shook free inside and charged to the wire.

Premier Desirey got home first in 1:52.1 and was three-quarters of a length ahead of Overthemoonforyou. Majors Miracle was able to hold third over an oncoming Crazy Cute.

The winner, who returned $27.80, is owned by Harold Herrera and is trained by Bob Johnson along with assistant Jose Herrera. She now shows four wins this season and 11 career wins, with total earnings of $93,703.

Swinging On By made it two in a row in the $23,288 Minnesota-sired sophomore colt pace with a 3-3/4 length victory over Blazin For Life (Brady Jenson) and The Minnesota Kid (Luke Plano) in 1:55. Dean Magee was the winning pilot for owner/trainer Brett Ballinger and additional owner Darren Taylor. The win mutuel was $2.20.

Miss May Bell (Brady Jenson) posted a career best mile to capture the $23,288 sophomore filly pace by a neck in 1:55 over stablemate Mele Kalikimaka (Rick Magee) with Skoochs Valentine (Scott Cisco) third. The daughter of Karpathian Kid, who paid $9.40 to win, is now two-for-three in her career. The top two finishers are owned by Merlin Van Oterloo and trained by Brett Ballinger.

Watch Over Us Mimi (Nick Roland) achieved her first career win in the $11,644 sophomore 'B' pace in 2:00.3 for owners Van Oterloo Stables and trainer Bob Lems while Seventy One Forty (Magee) and DM Magic Player (Lehman) rounded out the top three. She returned $8.80 on a $2 win ticket.

Thursday's leaders were Rick Magee with a driving triple, while Brett Ballinger and Bob Lems bagged training doubles.

Live harness acing action returns to Running Aces on Sunday, July 6 with a 12-race program that will feature a carryover of $6,060.23 for the 50-cent Hi-5 wager in race four. First post time on Sunday is 6 p.m. (CDT).

(Running Aces)
Six sophomores are undefeated through two legs of the 2025 Ohio Sires Stakes. Three of them  Odds On Chesapeake, Odds On Hialeah, and Aunt Laura  are trained by Virgil Morgan Jr.

Morgans trio is among 58 horses across eight divisions who will hit the track at Eldorado Scioto Downs on Saturday, July 5 for the third leg of the OHSS. There will be two divisions of colt trotters and filly pacers with each featuring 13 total starters. The two divisions of filly trotters will have 14 total starters, and there will be 18 starters across two divisions of colt pacers. Each division carries a purse of $65,000 USD.

Odds On Chesapeake is the even-money morning line favourite ahead of 9-2 second choice The Word Is Out in the first division of filly pacers. She will leave from the far outside with Dan Noble in the sulky. The Downbytheseaside filly won her second-leg race at MGM Northfield Park in a lifetime-best 1:50, coming just two-fifths shy of both world and track records for three-year-old filly pacers. She has won all four seasonal starts and eight of 14 lifetime starts. She has $342,122 in lifetime earnings and is owned by Odds On Racing and Operation Horsepower.

Stablemate Odds On Hialeah is the narrow morning line favourite at 3-2 over 8-5 second choice Rose Run Aimee in the second division of filly pacers. Odds On Hialeah has been lightly raced this season, as her two OHSS wins are her lone starts of 2025. Brett Miller will drive the Lather Up filly, who has finished no worse than second in 10 career starts and boasts nine wins and $533,205 in earnings. Her lifetime best of 1:50.3 came in the opening leg of the OHSS at Scioto Downs. She is owned by Let It Ride Stables, Odds On Racing, and Operation Horsepower.

Miller will also drive Aunt Laura, the 2-1 morning line favourite in the first division of filly trotters, as she looks for her third OHSS win. Mega Money is the 5-2 second choice in this division, which also includes first-leg winner Jailhouse Pearl. Aunt Laura has four wins in six starts this season and posted her lifetime best of 1:53.1 at The Meadows on June 26. The Uncle Peter filly has seven wins and $432,422 in earnings in 15 lifetime starts and is owned by Joyce McClelland Stable.

Ron Burke trainees Fear The Hate and Rick Wink are also looking to go three-for-three in the OHSS for three-year-old colt pacers.

Fear The Hate is the even-money morning line co-favourite with Harrisburg Heist and Swingtown in a competitive first division. Dan Noble is pegged to drive Fear The Hate, who has won all six starts this season. Harrisburg Heist has five wins in seven seasonal starts and will be driven by Ronnie Wrenn Jr. Chris Page will drive Swingtown, who has one win in four starts in 2025.

Rick Wink enters as the 6-5 morning line favourite in the second division of colt pacers ahead of 7-2 second choice Sippinonsearoc. Page has driven Rick Wink to a win in all three starts this season and will be back in the sulky on Saturday.

The sixth horse looking to maintain a perfect OHSS record, Battle Hill, enters as the 5-2 second choice in the first division of colt trotters. Scrappys Love is the 9-5 morning line favourite in the division, which also includes first-leg winner Vekna and second-leg winner Lt Loverboy. Chris Lems will drive Battle Hill for trainer Matthew Burkholder. The Marseille gelding has hit the board in all 14 lifetime starts with eight wins.

First-leg winner Dream Something is the 7-2 second choice behind 2-1 morning line favourite In The End in the second division of filly trotters.

There are no prior winners in the second division of colt trotters where Jet Wings is the 3-2 morning line favourite with 3-1 second choice Long Highway.

Saturdays Ohio Sires Stakes races at Eldorado Scioto Downs are part of a 16-race card on what will be a big night for Ohio-sired horses with a total purses exceeding $1 million USD. In addition to the eight OHSS divisions going for a combined $520,000 USD, there will be three divisions of The Next Generation totaling $450,000 USD and two overnights full of Ohio-sired two-year-olds going for $49,000 USD. First race post time is 5:45 p.m.

The Ohio Harness Horsemens Association (OHHA) will live stream Saturday Night at the Races presented by Ohio State University Veterinary Hospital that night from Eldorado Scioto Downs. OHHA Executive Director Frank Fraas and Doug Ballinger will host coverage of the first 14 races. The live stream can be seen on the OHHAs Facebook page and YouTube channel as well as at HarnessRacingOhio.com. Saturday Night at the Races is sponsored by Dublin Valley Farms, Hickory Lane Farm, Little Brown Jug, Midland Acres, and North American Standardbred Sale.

(Ohio Harness Horsemens Association)
For many, public transportation is more than just transportation  its a lifeline. Especially in the Panhandle, if that lifeline gets reduced or goes away completely, it could be life or death.

Recent Nebraska Department of Transportation budget cuts have forced local public transportation programs to trim their programs by 30% across the board. In Scotts Bluff, Kimball and Box Butte counties, leaders say the majority of public transit riders use the services in their respective counties for health care appointments or because they cant drive for a variety of reasons.

Scotts Bluff County Public Transit Director Curt Richter said many people dont realize how vital public transit is, especially in rural Nebraska.

Its dialysis patients, he said of the types of people riding Scotts Bluff Countys transit system, call the Tri-City Roadrunner. Its so many people going to medical appointments, work and critical health care.

The money crunch stems from a reduction of funding at the federal level, according to public transit directors in the aforementioned counties.

According to NDOT transit program manager Sarah Soula, Nebraskas rural transit providers traveled over 5 million miles with over 620,000 passenger boardings in 2024, connecting people across the state to essential medical care, education, employment opportunities and freedom of mobility in their day-to-day lives.

Soula said that budget cuts affected the entire state, not just a handful of transit programs.

For fiscal year 2025, Nebraskas apportionment was roughly $11.5 million; the applications for fiscal year 2026-27 assistance ($18.8 million in federal funds) far exceeded what the state received, Soula said.

NDOT had to adjust subrecipient awards given the vast difference in the federal transit administration apportionment and funds requested.

The Nebraska Section 5311 Rural Formula Program is a reimbursement program rural areas, defined as communities with fewer than 50,000 people. The 5311 helps cover costs like fuel, driver wages and vehicle maintenance.

We understand that the reduction is difficult, Soula said. However, NDOT is committed to the 5311 rural formula program as we know that many Nebraskans depend on it.

Jonnie Kusek, public transit director of Open Plains Transit in Alliance, said the Nebraska public transit programs were supplemented by CARES Act funds, given out due to the pandemic, which eventually ran out.

That isnt to say that public transit has only been around for about five years, however, Richter said that need doesnt go away just because that boost of funds from programs like the the CARES Act goes away.

Its a tremendous impact to more than half the state, Kusek said.

Richter said that NDOT usually has carryover funds from the previous fiscal year to give out. Its hoped that will be the case for this year to lessen some of the impact.

They just paid the last invoice for fiscal year 2024 a few weeks ago, so they can close out that and maybe have some carryover funds to come to 2025, and then when they get all 2025 closed out, anything thats left will carry over to 2026 and on down the road.

The problem is that public transit departments in counties across the state have to close out their fiscal years, and the state hasnt been able to get to each county individually yet. Richter said the state wants to give everybody the opportunity to go through all 52 transit budgets line-by-line, but the deadline is here.

So they just said, Weve got to get agreements in place, he said, because we have to have agreements in place by July 1 to be able to get us reimbursed.

If Richter only gets $200,000, as projected right now, then we got to scramble, he said. Thats when we have to make those tough decisions as to what were gonna do.

Hes not sure what his department will do if NDOT comes back.

A 30% cut is about $620,000 for Richters department out of a total budget of just over $2 million. Its an amount that he may get back  or not  after the state gets to his fiscal year 2024 paperwork.

Were trying to offset as much of our portion as we can with additional revenue, he said. Weve got more Medicaid trips, were working with the schools more and DOVES (a non-profit organization that provides services to victims of domestic violence.)

All that money is called sponsored fare, which can be used as local match. And local match is that amount that comes off the countys portion each month and reduces tax asking.

Richter hasnt had to pause services completely yet, but Kusek had to shut services in Alliance for a brief time late last year.

We had to shut down for five weeks in December due to costs, she said. I was able to keep one staff person on with me, and I finally had to tell her we needed to quit answering the phone, because we had people calling, crying, wondering how they were going to get to their cancer treatments, how they were going to get to dialysis.

Kusek stressed that transit services arent about shopping for fun or even making shuttle trips to other transportation services like buses that go from North Platte to Lincoln and Omaha.

We were talking about life-support services, she said. Its very heartbreaking. Its important when you talk about quality of life, and we want to keep our people in our region.

Cuts also hit Kimball County Transit Services, which runs 5311 programs with local services as well as intercity programs that take riders to and from cities such as Denver.

We took a $1.2 million cut, Kimball County Transit Service Administrator Christy Warner said.

To save on costs, KCTS changed its intercity program to a flex route by reservation.

(We) were going to lose way more funding under the intercity bus route, she said. So all of our routes have been moved over to the straight 5311.

This simply means that the services wont run unless someone makes a reservation.

We definitely arent closing our doors, Warner said. I think sometimes people, when they hear $1.2 million budget cut, they assume were just closing up shop and calling it a day.

KCTSs normal annual budget is $4.2 million, now down to about $3 million.

Its still quite a bit of money to run our service, Warner said.

KCTS has inner-city services, but also has shuttle services to the Denver airport as well as north to Scottsbluff, making stops at smaller towns along the way. When KCTS customers arrive in Scottsbluff, Warner said she encourages use of the Tri-City Roadrunner when her customers need to travel within Scottsbluff city limits, such as going from the hospital to Walmart.

We just want to continue our services, Warner said. I feel like it is a pretty key service, because we connect all of the other services.
In Washington on Thursday, Nebraska Congressman Adrian Smith was among 218 House Republicans who voted to send to President Donald Trumps desk a sweeping bill that will extend tax cuts enacted in 2017 and slash $1 trillion from Medicaid over the next decade to help pay for them.

In Smiths district on Wednesday, a medical center in the small town of Curtis announced it would soon close its doors, blaming the decision on the steep cuts to the government insurance program that covers more than 350,000 low-income and aging Nebraskans.

This clinic has been a vital part of our mission to deliver quality health care close to home, Troy Bruntz, the CEO of Community Hospital in McCook that operates the health center in Curtis, said in a news release Wednesday.

Unfortunately, the current financial environment, driven by anticipated federal budget cuts to Medicaid, has made it impossible for us to continue operating all of our services, many of which have faced significant financial challenges for years.

Community Hospital hasnt determined when the clinic, which appears to be one of two health clinics left in western Nebraskas Frontier County, will close its doors. Bruntz did not return a phone call seeking comment Thursday. A call to the clinic in Curtis  a town of about 800 people more than 200 miles west of Lincoln  went unanswered.

But rural health care advocates and those in Curtis lamented the clinics looming closure, raising concerns about what it could mean particularly for the elderly and disabled in the seat of Frontier County who will now have to drive up to or more than an hour one way for health care in cities like North Platte, Cozad, Lexington or McCook.

The countys only other primary health clinic, in Eustis, is open Mondays and for three hours Friday mornings.

Medicaid isnt just an insurance plan for the poorest among us, said Jed Hansen, the director of the Nebraska Rural Health Association. Medicaid is a rural health system payment stability program. And when you create instability within the system, youre going to end up with closures. And everyone loses.

In Curtis, its not just people that were on Medicaid that now dont have a clinic. Its everyone in town.

Hansen and other health care advocates had warned Nebraskas federal delegates about the harm Medicaid cuts could have in the state, where more than 100,000 residents could eventually lose health care coverage under the cuts the House passed Thursday.

Advocates said earlier this week Trumps policy bill, if enacted, could impact inpatient mental health care providers in Nebraskas Panhandle, place strain on more than 20 maternal care wards in the state and likely force the outright closure of six rural hospitals within 24 months of the phased-in cuts taking full effect.

A day later, Republican U.S. Sens. Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts of Nebraska both voted to advance the bill back to the House, where all three of the states U.S. representatives  including Smith  voted to pass it Thursday.

In a statement, a spokesman for Smith, a Republican in his 10th term in the House, said it was disappointing a decision was made to close this rural health clinic prior to completion of the reconciliation package, which will provide an additional $50 billion to boost rural health providers.

Congressman Smith has been a leader on legislation to modernize payments, reduce regulatory burdens and update telehealth rules to strengthen rural health clinics to better serve their communities, the spokesman said.

Hansen, though, said the $50 billion rural health fund within Trumps policy bill would provide only short-term stability for a state hospital system that, he said, needs about $200 million per year in federal dollars to remain solvent.

Nebraskas hospitals seemed to get good news late last week when the federal government approved a state plan that would allow state hospitals to pay about $500 million in what are known as provider taxes to the state in order to leverage $1.4 billion in federal funds in return, a net of about $900 million.

But Hansen said Trumps bill will significantly reduce that reimbursement to about $150 million annually.

It sounds just like a lot of money, but were projecting that we need between $200 million and $220 million a year to keep our hospitals in a healthy, solvent state, Hansen said, adding that Trumps bill leads to a destabilization of our rural services.

And like what youre seeing in Curtis ... when you into communities or if you have service lines that are especially reliant on Medicaid, those services are just going to go away, he said. When clinics, when service lines, when hospitals close down ... they just dont come back in rural communities.

In Curtis on Thursday, residents were still digesting the news of their health clinics looming closure.

The Rev. James Peterson, pastor at St. Johns Lutheran Church there, hadnt heard of the closure until a reporter called the church Thursday morning, though he said the news didnt surprise him.

I know its the only facility we have in the county, but most everyone I know goes to McCook or North Platte, anyway, he said, adding that the people of Curtis drive an hour to go anywhere.

I dont hear anybody complaining in town about the status quo, he said.

April Littell-Roberts, who runs the towns senior center, said the closure would affect more than just Curtis, pointing to smaller villages nearby like Moorefield, Maywood and Stockville, where residents might drive into Curtis for their health care.

She worried, too, about the senior centers patrons  most of whom still drive, she said, but may not be inclined to drive 45 minutes to McCook for care.

Instead of being able to (drive) 5-10 minutes to get to the clinic to get a cold taken care of, now theyre going to have to go an hours drive to get looked at, she said. So quite a few of them are probably not going to be going to the doctor.
Bob Benzel had quite a few people on his mind in 2019.

The students who the former Ralston High School art teacher watched drop out after becoming pregnant.

His mother, who, in her late 30s, earned her GED and associates degree while raising four kids by herself.

And Benzel himself, having grown up gay on a farm outside the village of Potter.

Those people led Benzel and his husband, Gerry Sullivan, to create a fund for five scholarships at Metropolitan Community College  money they earmarked to go to single mothers, first-generation students and LGBTQ learners.

Thats who quietly benefited over the past five years. And thats who Benzel believes will be harmed by MCCs recent decision to eliminate scholarships with any kind of preference based on a students background.

Since March, MCC and other Nebraska colleges and universities have revised their guidelines for awarding scholarships in an attempt, they say, to comply with new guidance from the Trump administration. The directive instructed schools and higher-ed institutions to eliminate long-accepted practices now deemed discriminatory or risk losing federal funding.

MCCs explanation didnt fly with Benzel after the foundation director at the time told him they could no longer offer scholarships like the one for LGBTQ students.

Given the option to open the scholarships to all students, Benzel and Sullivan instead took their money back. They plan to donate the remaining $45,000 to a fund supporting LGBTQ students in California, where they now live.

When do these kids get a chance to get their life together and escape poverty?  If a place like Metropolitan Community College is not actively looking out for these kids, who is?

Protect the greater good

MCCs decision to eliminate all preferential scholarships came after Valentines Day, when the U.S. Department of Education sent out a Dear Colleague letter condemning pervasive and repugnant race-based preferences and other forms of racial discrimination.

The letter threatened to pull federal funding from any schools or colleges that failed to end policies and actions deemed discriminatory.

MCC officials did not want to jeopardize federal funding or grants, which benefit a much larger number of students, said Chris Swanson, MCCs associate vice president of pathway support systems.

It just made sense to make these changes to protect the greater good and to serve more students as a whole, Swanson said.

The decision impacted a minuscule number of scholarships and students, Swanson said. Through its foundation, the college offered fewer than 10 preferential scholarships. Most offered smaller dollar amounts that only partially funded a students education, and a few were out of funding.

MCC overall offers 200 scholarship types totaling $7 million, some $3.8 million of which comes from taxpayers. Roughly half of the colleges student body receives scholarships, Swanson said.

On balance, Swanson said, we were talking about those small handfuls of things versus Title IV funding for all of our students receiving federal financial aid.

Those students who previously received scholarships still received funding  it just came from a different source, Swanson said.

An active debate

Multiple four-year institutions across the state have similarly adjusted their guidelines, including the University of Nebraska system, Chadron State College and Peru State.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha, in particular, is currently facing backlash from multiple entities, including the Equal Protection Project, a campaign led by a nonprofit that opposes race-based policies.

The group filed a complaint with the Department of Education last month alleging two of the universitys scholarships violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits intentional discrimination on the basis of race, color and/or national origin.

Regardless of UNOs reasons for offering, promoting, and administering such discriminatory scholarships, UNO is violating Title VI by doing so, the complaint states.

On June 25, the Flatwater Free Press found that the university had removed preferential language from two scholarships.

UNOs Dreamers Pathway scholarship was for Deferred Action of Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or DACA-eligible Nebraska residents. The scholarship is no longer listed on UNOs scholarship website and the link now leads to the Forward Together scholarship for Nebraska residents.

Its HDR scholarship had a preference for underrepresented minority students at the time the complaint was filed, but UNO has since eliminated that preference from the scholarships language.

UNO is one of about 100 institutions across the country that have faced complaints from the group.

In an initial statement, university officials said they continually evaluate the universitys scholarships and are committed to complying with all federal and state laws.

They did not immediately respond to a request for additional comment after Flatwater discovered the changes made to the two scholarships.

Dorothy Endacott, the vice president of marketing communications for the University of Nebraska Foundation, said 65, or 1%, of the foundations 5,697 different funds for scholarships are in the process of being modified to be as close as possible to the original intent while complying with the law.

The recent moves come in the wake of a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling outlawing the use of race as a factor in a colleges admissions process.

Paul Weitzel, an assistant professor of law at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, said the Department of Educations current interpretation of federal statutes is unprecedented.

Its not really clear whats permissible or impermissible discrimination anymore, Weitzel said. Its an active debate in the country right now whether you should be able to discriminate on the basis of race in a way that helps minorities.

The debates at MCC are happening across the country, said Wil Del Pilar, the senior vice president of EdTrust, a left-leaning organization that researches and advocates for racial and economic equity in education.

Most institutions are conceding to the new administration, often more than they necessarily need to, for fear of paying for issues to go through the courts, Pilar said. Many had the same reaction to the Supreme Courts ruling on affirmative action, he added.

There is incredible political pressure that may even be greater than the legal ramifications that institutions may face, Pilar said, referring to college and university leadership.

Swanson said the stakes at MCC go well beyond any single group of students. If MCC lost federal funding, it would be forced to close.

The economic engine of our four-county area would crawl to (a) halt, Swanson said. And so I think, yes, tens of millions (of dollars) for us, but potentially hundreds of millions for our workforce area.

While acknowledging the reasons behind MCCs decision, Benzel said that the students his scholarships supported still need it.

He and Sullivan have since shifted their donations toward the National Rainbow College Fund, administered by a foundation in San Diego.

Benzel predicts the decisions made by MCC and others will have lasting negative impacts.

I think its going to ultimately get other people to be looking at exit ramps out of Nebraska, just like we did, he said.
I. Introduction  Rising Phoenix Companies in India

When a new company rises from the ashes of an unsuccessful predecessor with the same controllers and operations, this activity is called phoenixing of companies[1]. The same directors and shareholders who were involved in the failed version of the company participate in the phoenix process, and they are permitted to continue operating under the same name as long as they adhere to the rules[2]. While this is well known in Australia and the United Kingdom, but relatively this is novice in India. While this may seem like a legitimate rescue strategy but it also raises concern in evading liability, unpaid tax authorities, leaving creditors etc[3]. In many countries like the United Kingdom, phoenixing is an acute crime with harsh consequences when found guilty[4]. In India there is no such comprehensive legislation that talks about the validity of Phoenix companies, nevertheless, Section 74 of the Companies Act 2013[5], and Section 29A of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016 make Phoenix companies illegal under fraudulent intention or abuse of law[6].

II. UK Laws on Phoenix Companies

A director, or a shadow director is prohibited under section 216 of the Insolvency Act, 1986 to re-use the same name previously used by the company that has gone into liquidation[7]. Breaching this law is a criminal offence under section 217 where the penalties can be fine or imprisonment[8]. The purpose of this legislation is to stop phoenixism where directors will be able to liquidate the company as well as avoid paying to creditors, before starting a new company with same or similar name or line of business[9]. Apart from this, section 6 of Companies Director Disqualification Act, 1986[10] states that a Director can be disqualified for a period of two to fifteen years if they are engaged in unfit conduct in managing insolvent company, and this also involves phoenixing of companies[11]. The Fraud Act of 2006[12] is also a picemeal legislation which in certain cases also cover phoenixing of companies by Directors that involve fraud, misrepresentation, abuse of position and concealment of information[13].

III. Australian Laws on Phoenix Companies

Australia has one of the most developed and comprehensive commercial laws in regulating illegal phoenix activities[14]. The primary legislation governing is Corporations Act 2001[15]. Section 596AB of the act, imposes criminal liability on a person who enters into a transaction with an intention to avoid recovery of entitlements of employees as well as of the company, or significantly reduce the entitlements of employees and the company[16]. In addition to criminal penalties, under section 596AC the person may also be liable to civil pecuniary liability[17]. This legislation comprehensively deals with illegal phoenixing of companies[18]. Treasury Laws Amendment (Combating Illegal Phoenixing) Bill, 2019[19] that amends Corporation Act 2001 to introduce civil and criminal penalties under section 588FDB[20]. This provision combats illegal phoenixing and under these laws, directors and facilitators who engage in creditor defeating disposition can face civil and criminal penalties[21]. This collectively enhance director accountability and protect creditors from fraudulent practices[22]. Apart from this section 203AA and 203AB puts restriction on resignation of director unless company is being wound up as well as imposes personal liability on directors for unpaid creditors amount[23]. The Director Identification Number (DIN) prevents use of fictious identities of the director and aids in detecting illegal phoenixing of companies[24]. Australian securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) conducts surveillance and monitor individuals suspected of engaging in illegal phoenix activities[25]. It collaborates with government agencies like, Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to detect and deter illegal phoenixing activities[26].

IV. Indian Approach to Phoenix Companies: Legal Framework and Challenges

1. Essar Group  Controversy

The Essar Group controversy is part of a bigger problem, that has hamstrung the corporate world[27]. Loan defaults and Non-Performing Assets (NPA) is a daunting issue in India. In 2017, Essar Steel went into Insolvency proceedings, and during its insolvency proceedings, it tried to buy-back its assets by forming another Phoenix company[28]. This incident smouldered a huge debate  Should buying  back your companys assets be allowed to evade insolvency? Essar Steels management put itself into resolution or liquidation, solely to buy the same company and form a phoenix company, shorn of the debts of their original company[29]. In backdrop of this controversy, in 2018 section 29A was inserted in the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016[30].

2. Legal Framework

Section 29A bars a company from submitting a resolution plan for liquidation, whose company has been legally classified as an NPA and further has failed to repay within one year of that classification[31]. The company shall be entitled to submit a resolution plan when all the overdue accounts have been cleared before the submission[32]. In cases where the companys Promoters give a personal guarantee to the creditors for the companys debts, Section 29A will ex-ante exclude such promoters from phoenixing[33]. Apart from this, section 35(1)(f) of the IBC, 2016 prohibits the liquidator from selling the assets of corporate debtor to any person liable under section 29A[34]. This ensures that defaulting promoters cannot repurchase assets at discounted rates during liquidation[35]. In a reportable case, ArcelorMittal India Private Limited v. Satish Kumar Gupta[36] the supreme court gave interpretation of section 29A. The court emphasised on the importance of in preventing defaulting promoters from regaining control of their companies, thereby upholding the integrity of insolvency process[37]. In this case, the court adopted a purposive approach in interpretating controller and promoter to include both de jure and de facto control[38]. This purposes to prevent individuals who have significant influence over a company, who doesnt have any formal titles to circumvent disqualification provision[39]. This provision also ensures that in cases where individuals hide behind complex corporate mechanisms, the corporate veil can be lifted[40].

3. Conclusion

The entire concept of phoenixing of companies embodies a practice of resuscitating failed enterprises, its misuse will not only jeopardize the financial and legal system but also put the creditors in significant risk. Section 29A of the IBC 2016 was a prominent regulatory framework that is crucial to curb fraudulent and malicious phoenixing, yet it is not comprehensive enough to tackle it. Several loopholes still exist and they must be addressed on a priority basis with a robust and transparent mechanism such as a tailor-made pre-pack pool. This mechanism must incorporate enhanced scrutiny of transactions, strict enclosure norms to ensure accountability, and extended oversight of post-insolvency operations. The UK and the Australian legislations can be used as a model for drafting this pre-emptive mechanism. Developing a comprehensive regulatory framework that addresses this daunting issue, will balance entrepreneurial revival with creditor protection. With this, India can pave the way for an equitable and efficient insolvency regime, that safeguards the economic and legal welfare.

Refrences

[1] Patrik Dutta and Suharsh Sinha, Promoter buy-back in insolvency: Phoenixing in India, (2017), Oxford Business Law Blogs, https://blogs.law.ox.ac.uk/business-law-blog/blog/2017/12/promoter-buy-back-insolvency-phoenixing-india#:~:text=Essars%20strategy%20was%20akin%20to,government%20to%20effectively%20restrict%20phoenixing., last accessed 03/06/25

[2] Ibid

[3] The Hindu, Bussine Line, (2018), https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/promoters-well-positioned-to-get-back-control-of-entities-under-insolvency-experts/article64286010.ece, last accessed 03/06/25

[4] GoCardless, How Does Phoenix Companies Work?, (2021), https://gocardless.com/guides/posts/how-does-a-phoenix-company-work/, last accessed 03/06/25

[5] Companies Act 2013, s 74

[6] Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016, s 29A

[7] Insolvency Act 1986, s. 216

[8] Insolvency Act 1986, s. 217

[9] Hugh Jessaman, Section 216  Did you know The Reuse of a Company Name After Liquidation is Prohibited?, (2025), Anthony Batty & Co., https://www.antonybatty.com/section-216-did-you-know-the-reuse-of-a-company-name-after-liquidation-is-prohibited/, last accessed 03/06/25

[10] Companies Director Disqualification Act 1986, s 06

[11] LexisNexis, What constitutes unfitness under section 6 of the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986?, (2022),LexisNexis Restructuring & Insolvency expert, last accessed 03/06/25

[12] The Fraud Act, 2006, (c35) the United Kingdom

[13] Trustpair, The Fraud Act of 2006, and What it Means for Companies?, (2024), https://trustpair.com/blog/the-fraud-act-2006-and-what-it-means-for-companies/, last accessed 03/06/25

[14] Marino Law, New Corporations Act Penalties Strengthening Protections for Employee Entitlements, (2019), https://www.marinolaw.com.au/new-corporations-act-penalties-strengthening-protections-for-employee-entitlements/, last accessed 03/06/25

[15] Corporations Act 2001

[16] Corporations Act 2001, s. 596AB

[17] Corporations Act 2001, s. 596AC

[18] Ibid 12

[19] Treasury Laws Amendment (Combating Illegal Phoenixing) Bill 2019, Act 46 of Australia

[20] Treasury Laws Amendment (Combating Illegal Phoenixing) Bill 2019, s 588FDB

[21] ibid

[22] Mustafa-AY and David Grant, Phoenix rising: Update on illegal phoenixing legislation,(2023), Law Society Journal, https://lsj.com.au/articles/phoenix-rising-update-on-illegal-phoenixing-legislation/, last accessed 03/06/25

[23] Treasury Laws Amendment (Combating Illegal Phoenixing) Bill 2019, s 203AA and 203AB

[24] Matthew King, New Director Identification Numbers to tackle illegal phoenixing, (2021), William Buck, https://williambuck.com/news/business/general/new-director-identification-numbers-to-tackle-illegal-phoenixing/, last accessed 03/06/25

[25] ASCI, Illegal Phoenix Activity, (2023) https://asic.gov.au/for-business/small-business/closing-a-small-business/illegal-phoenix-activity/, last accessed 03/06/25

[26] ibid

[27] Knowledge at Wharton, Insolvency in India: Why Essar Group Is Digging Deep for Funds,(2017), https://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/insolvency-india-essar-group-others-digging-deep-funds/, last accessed 03/06/25

[28] Ibid 03

[29] Ibid 25

[30] Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016, s 29A

[31] Ibid 28

[32] India Financial Consultancy, What is ineligibility criteria U/s 29A of IBC Code, (2025), https://www.caindelhiindia.com/blog/ineligibility-criteria-u-s-29a/, last accessed 03/06/25

[33] IBC Law Reporter, https://ibclawreporter.in/ibc-sections/section-29/, last accessed 03/06/25

[34] Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016, s 35(1)(f)

[35] IBC Laws, https://ibclaw.in/section-35-powers-and-duties-of-liquidator/, last accessed 03/06/25

[36] ArcelorMittal India Private Limited v. Satish Kumar Gupta, Appeal no. 9420/2018

[37] Argus Partners, ArcelorMittal India Private Limited v. Satish Kumar Gupta, Appeal no. 9420/2018, (2018) https://www.argus-p.com/updates/updates/arcelormittal-india-private-limited-v-satish-kumar-gupta-civil-appeal-nos9402-9405-2018/ last accessed 03/06/25

[38] Ibid

[39] Vaish Associates Advocates, Between the Lines, (2018), Manupatra, https://www.manupatrafast.com/NewsletterArchives/listing/Tax%20Alert%20Vaish/2018/November%202018/Between%20the%20Lines%20November%202018.pdf, last accessed 03/06/25

[40] Ibid

****

Author: Ridhi Shree Nair and Arjun Pandey are fourth year students of Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur
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:

Computational design framework. Credit: arXiv (2025). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2505.00222

Marine scientists have long marveled at how animals like fish and seals swim so efficiently despite having different shapes. Their bodies are optimized for efficient aquatic navigation (or hydrodynamics), so they can exert minimal energy when traveling long distances.

Autonomous vehicles can drift through the ocean in a similar way, collecting data about vast underwater environments. However, the shapes of these gliding machines are less diverse than what we find in marine lifethe go-to designs often resemble tubes or torpedoes, since they're fairly hydrodynamic. Plus, testing new builds requires lots of real-world trial-and-error.

Researchers from MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) and the University of Wisconsin-Madison propose that AI could help us explore uncharted glider designs more conveniently. The research is published on the arXiv preprint server.

Their method uses machine learning to test different 3D designs in a physics simulator, then molds them into more hydrodynamic shapes. The resulting model can be fabricated via a 3D printer using significantly less energy than man-made ones.

The MIT scientists say that this design pipeline could create new, more efficient machines that help oceanographers measure water temperature and salt levels, gather more detailed insights about currents, and monitor the impacts of climate change.

The team demonstrated this potential by producing two gliders roughly the size of a boogie board: a two-winged machine resembling an airplane, and a unique, four-winged object resembling a flat fish with four fins.

Peter Yichen Chen, MIT postdoc, CSAIL affiliate, and co-lead researcher on the project, notes that these designs are just a few of the novel shapes his team's approach can generate.

"We've developed a semi-automated process that can help us test unconventional designs that would be very taxing for humans to design," he says. "This level of shape diversity hasn't been explored previously, so most of these designs haven't been tested in the real world."

But how did AI come up with these ideas in the first place? First, the researchers found 3D models of over twenty conventional sea exploration shapes, such as submarines, whales, manta rays, and sharks. Then, they enclosed these models in "deformation cages" that map out different articulation points that the researchers pulled around to create new shapes.

The CSAIL-led team built a dataset of conventional and deformed shapes before simulating how they would perform at different "angles-of-attack"the direction a vessel will tilt as it glides through the water. For example, a swimmer may want to dive at a -30 angle to retrieve an item from a pool.

These diverse shapes and angles of attack were then used as inputs for a neural network that essentially anticipates how efficiently a glider shape will perform at particular angles and optimizes it as needed.

Giving gliding robots a lift

The team's neural network simulates how a particular glider would react to underwater physics, aiming to capture how it moves forward and the force that drags against it. The goal: Find the best lift-to-drag ratio, representing how much the glider is being held up compared to how much it's being held back. The higher the ratio, the more efficiently the vehicle travels; the lower it is, the more the glider will slow down during its voyage.

Lift-to-drag ratios are key for flying planes: at takeoff, you want to maximize lift to ensure it can glide well against wind currents, and when landing, you need sufficient force to drag it to a full stop.

MIT graduate student and CSAIL affiliate Niklas Hagemann notes that this ratio is just as useful if you want a similar gliding motion in the ocean.

"Our pipeline modifies glider shapes to find the best lift-to-drag ratio, optimizing its performance underwater," says Hagemann, another co-lead author on the paper that will be presented at the International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA). "You can then export the top-performing designs so they can be 3D printed."

Going for a quick glide

While their AI pipeline seemed realistic, the researchers needed to ensure its predictions about glider performance were accurate by experimenting in more lifelike environments.

They first fabricated their two-wing design as a scaled-down vehicle resembling a paper airplane. This glider was taken to MIT's Wright Brothers Wind Tunnel, an indoor space with fans that simulate wind flow.

Placed at different angles, the glider's predicted lift-to-drag ratio was only about 5% higher on average than the ones recorded in the wind experimentsa small difference between simulation and reality.

A digital evaluation involving a visual, more complex physics simulator also supported the notion that the AI pipeline made fairly accurate predictions about how the gliders would move. It visualized how these machines would descend downward in 3D.

To truly evaluate these gliders in the real world, though, the team needed to see how their devices would fare underwater. They printed two designs that performed the best at specific points-of-attack for this test: a jet-like device at 9 and the four-wing vehicle at 30.

Both shapes were fabricated in a 3D printer as hollow shells with small holes that flood when fully submerged. This lightweight design makes the vehicle easier to handle outside of the water and requires less material to be fabricated.

The researchers placed a tube-like device inside these shell coverings, which housed a range of hardware, including a pump to change the glider's buoyancy, a mass shifter (a device that controls the machine's angle-of-attack), and electronic components.

Each design outperformed a man-made torpedo-shaped glider by moving more efficiently across a pool. With higher lift-to-drag ratios than their counterpart, both AI-driven machines exerted less energy, similar to the effortless ways marine animals navigate the oceans.

As much as the project is an encouraging step forward for glider design, the researchers are looking to narrow the gap between simulation and real-world performance. They are also hoping to develop machines that can react to sudden changes in currents, making the gliders more adaptable to seas and oceans.

Chen adds that the team is looking to explore new types of shapes, particularly thinner glider designs. They intend to make their framework faster, perhaps bolstering it with new features that enable more customization, maneuverability, or even the creation of miniature vehicles.

Chen and Hagemann co-led research on this project with OpenAI researcher Pingchuan Ma SM Ph.D.

More information: Peter Yichen Chen et al, AI-Enhanced Automatic Design of Efficient Underwater Gliders, arXiv (2025). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2505.00222 Journal information: arXiv
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:

Windowing strategy for (a) tokenizing and (b) decoding long-form speech to enable extrapolation in decoding lengths. Credit: arXiv (2024). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2412.18603

Recently, spoken language models (SLMs) have been highlighted as next-generation technology that surpasses the limitations of text-based language models by learning human speech without text to understand and generate linguistic and non-linguistic information.

However, existing models show significant limitations in generating long-duration content required for podcasts, audiobooks, and voice assistants.

Ph.D. candidate, Sejin Park, from Professor Yong Man Ro's research team at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology's (KAIST) School of Electrical Engineering, has succeeded in overcoming these limitations by developing "SpeechSSM," which enables consistent and natural speech generation without time constraints.

The work has been published on the arXiv preprint server and is set to be presented as at ICML (International Conference on Machine Learning) 2025.

A major advantage of SLMs is their ability to directly process speech without intermediate text conversion, leveraging the unique acoustic characteristics of human speakers, allowing for the rapid generation of high-quality speech even in large-scale models.

However, existing models faced difficulties in maintaining semantic and speaker consistency for long-duration speech due to increased "speech token resolution" and memory consumption when capturing very detailed information by breaking down speech into fine fragments.

SpeechSSM employs a "hybrid structure" that alternately places "attention layers" focusing on recent information and "recurrent layers" that remember the overall narrative flow (long-term context). This allows the story to flow smoothly without losing coherence even when generating speech for a long time.

Furthermore, memory usage and computational load do not increase sharply with input length, enabling stable and efficient learning and the generation of long-duration speech.

SpeechSSM effectively processes unbounded speech sequences by dividing speech data into short, fixed units (windows), processing each unit independently, and then combining them to create long speech.

Additionally, in the speech generation phase, it uses a "Non-Autoregressive" audio synthesis model (SoundStorm), which rapidly generates multiple parts at once instead of slowly creating one character or one word at a time, enabling the fast generation of high-quality speech.

While existing models typically evaluated short speech models of about 10 seconds, Se Jin Park created new evaluation tasks for speech generation based on their self-built benchmark dataset, "LibriSpeech-Long," capable of generating up to 16 minutes of speech.

Compared to PPL (Perplexity), an existing speech model evaluation metric that only indicates grammatical correctness, she proposed new evaluation metrics such as "SC-L (semantic coherence over time)" to assess content coherence over time, and "N-MOS-T (naturalness mean opinion score over time)" to evaluate naturalness over time, enabling more effective and precise evaluation.

Through these new evaluations, it was confirmed that speech generated by the SpeechSSM spoken language model consistently featured specific individuals mentioned in the initial prompt, and new characters and events unfolded naturally and contextually consistently, despite long-duration generation.

This contrasts sharply with existing models, which tended to easily lose their topic and exhibit repetition during long-duration generation.

Sejin Park explained, "Existing spoken language models had limitations in long-duration generation, so our goal was to develop a spoken language model capable of generating long-duration speech for actual human use."

She added, "This research achievement is expected to greatly contribute to various types of voice content creation and voice AI fields like voice assistants, by maintaining consistent content in long contexts and responding more efficiently and quickly in real time than existing methods."

This research, with Se Jin Park as the first author, was conducted in collaboration with Google DeepMind.

More information: Se Jin Park et al, Long-Form Speech Generation with Spoken Language Models, arXiv (2024). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2412.18603 Accompanying demo: SpeechSSM Publications. Journal information: arXiv
A crowd of supportive family members waved American flags and applauded as their relatives took the oath of citizenship inside the theater at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum on Thursday morning.

Forty people from 18 countries took the oath when it was administered by 85th District Court Judge Kyle Hawthorne. Among those 40 were Matthias Maier who first came to the United States from Germany in 2015 and has been working on becoming a citizen ever since.

Maier, who works as an assistant professor of math at Texas A&M University, was excited to have completed the citizenship process and enjoyed getting to take part in the ceremony.

It was very important to me to become an American citizen, Maier told The Eagle after the ceremony. My wife is an American and she helped a lot during this process. I came to the country 10 years ago, first in Minnesota and then I came down here to A&M in 2018. It was a very lovely ceremony. I found it very well done.

Maier was one of three candidates for citizenship who had come to the U.S. from Germany. Mexico had the most candidates (10) followed by India and Bangladesh with four each.

Tahosin Tanisha was one of those who immigrated from Bangladesh. She and her family had been working on becoming citizens for several years.

It was great [to take the citizenship oath]. We waited about like 10 years and finally we got [citizenship], Tanisha said. We got our interview in March and then we had to wait like two months [to take the test]. We were supposed to take it in San Antonio but then they switched us over here. Now its all finished.

Canada, China, Iran, Pakistan and the Philippines all had two candidates for citizenship. The remaining candidates came from Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cameroon, Egypt, Honduras, Italy, Nigeria, Thailand and Taiwan.

Regardless of where they had come from, all 40 recited the same oath by repeating after Judge Hawthorne, who estimated hes presided over 40-plus citizenship ceremonies.

Its just refreshing; its like a renewal for me, Hawthorne told The Eagle after the ceremony. Its always a great day for the people that become citizens. Im always in awe of them because they are learning citizenship whereas for me having been born here, we just kind of lived in it. We learned history and civics in school and all that but if anybody was a teenager like me, I just wanted it to get to 3:30 [and be dismissed]. These new citizens probably have the best grasp on civics of anyone.

The citizenship oath calls on the candidate to renounce all allegiance to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty that they have been subject or citizen of before. The new citizens also take an oath to support and defend the U.S. constitution and bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by law.

Afterward, the families gathered in the theater cheered and Texas representatives Paul Dyson and Trey Wharton gave speeches as did College Station Mayor John Nichols and Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez. The common theme among all of the speeches was offering congratulations to all the new citizens and the importance of using their voice by voting and getting involved by reaching out to their elected officials.

I was very happy to have received the invite from Judge Hawthorne to do this, Dyson told The Eagle after the ceremony. Its something that Ive come to several times before but never actually participated in. Citizenship isnt a destination, its a journey and theyve come to the next stop on their journey, but they keep going on [the journey]. They want to be part of this great experiment [in democracy] and it shows that America is still the best country to become a part of.

Tai Lee, better known as Chef Tai, was the final speaker at the ceremony. Chef Tai operates the cafe in the 4141 Pavilion as well as food trucks around town. He became a U.S. citizen in 2008 and was sworn in by Judge Hawthorne. He spoke to the newest citizens as someone who has shared their experiences.

I wasnt born in America, but I chose America just like you did. I came to this country from South Korea in 1993 and today I stand here a proud U.S. citizen, Lee told the naturalized citizens. I know what it takes to sit in those seats. I was there. The sacrifice, the patience, the moments of uncertainty at the examination room and the dream of being a U.S. citizen and belonging here in great America. Today that dream is real. You did it. You said yes to our new land. You committed your heart and future to this country and in return you gain a new home, new family and new flag to stand under. A flag that stands for our togetherness, for the belief that we are stronger when we stand as one.

The ceremony had an added sense of celebration as there was a detachment from the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) and the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in attendance. The SAR members were decked out in full Revolutionary War era uniforms as they presented the colors prior to the ceremony and then paraded the colors into the 4141 Pavilion after the ceremony where the new citizens could have their photos taken with Judge Hawthorne or SAR members.

Color Guard Commander David Hamaker spoke of the excitement of getting to take part in the ceremony during the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.

We come over here every quarter or so when they have these events and its just a great privilege to recognize not only the citizens and the military and the different people that live in the United States, Hamaker said. The country is made up of immigrants. All of us come from somewhere and to see somebody that comes into this country the correct way, that goes in and studies and then can be sworn in right close to Independence Day is just a great thing.

For the 40 newest citizens, the hard part is behind them. Now they are Americans. Ready to do what all Americans will do this weekend: celebrate Independence Day.
Malaysias data center operators struggle due to power cost hike

By Vietnam News Agency Fri, July 4, 2025 | 3:23 pm GMT+7

Malaysias data center sector is projected to grow at a 22% CAGR from 2023 to 2029 due to cost competitiveness, skilled workforce, and a robust digital ecosystem, according to a report by global investment bank ARC Group.

Equinix, with two data centres in Malaysia, was looking at various providers of alternative energy in anticipation of higher tariffs. Photo courtesy of Equinix.

Data centers in Malaysia are reassessing their operation costs after a spike in power tariffs. The new tariff introduced last December took effect on July 1, increasing operational costs for data centers and charges on network capacity.

Samuel Tan, founder and CEO of Olive Tree Property Consultants, revealed that Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme policies aim to prevent such effects. However, the overall effect would still increase data center operational costs.

From July 1, 2025 to December 31, 2026, the new tariff aims to boost electricity costs by 10-14% before surcharges for major consumers such as data centers.

Gary Goh, founder and director of data center advisory firm Sprint DC Consulting, revealed that unprepared investors have been left to wait and see in the meantime, adding that a 100-megawatt facility could expect an additional cost of $15 million to $20 million per year without the fuel surcharge.

Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB)  Malaysias national power corporation, revealed that the government will announce a monthly fuel surcharge based on changes in fuel prices and foreign exchange rates. This could trigger more fluctuations in electricity prices, which is expected to affect SMEs within the sector.

Samuel Tan, CEO of Olive Tree Property Consultants, said several data centers rushed to sign Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with TNB before the effective date.

Malaysia has kept energy and land prices low compared to competitors like Singapore to lure investors. However, the new tariffs risk driving away investors to neighboring countries such as Vietnam and Thailand, according to Mahadhir Aziz, president of the Data Center Association of Malaysia. He appealed for the government to re-evaluate the issue from a regional perspective.

Malaysias Energy Commission argued that the approved new tariff structure will provide a more equitable and progressive electricity tariff for 23.6 million users in Malaysia.
A number of crafts persons were apparently already mobilised and were making preparations to participate in the Exhibition.

Merle Gellizeau, president of the local organization Arts in Action, has described as a disappointment, the cancellation of the proposed Cultural Village, including a craft exhibition and other cultural activities, scheduled to be held in the yard of the High Court building, as part of the Carnival celebrations.





Gelllizeau told THE VINCENTIAN yesterday (Thursday) that she was unaware as to why the activities would no longer be held, but she indicated that Arts in Action submitted, on behalf of the groups involved, a written request for the use of the area, and she understands that it was approved by the High Court registrar and the Attorney General (AG), but she had no knowledge as to what happened after.





Gellizeau said that the activities were supposed to have included displays by Arts in Action, the Fashion Association, and other cultural organizations, in collaboration with the National Cultural Foundation, and would have allowed the local creative industry to showcase and sell their produce. She was disappointed that it could no longer be held.





At press time Thursday, efforts to reach the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC), Rodney Small, and Minister of Tourism and Culture, Carlos James, were unsuccessful, and Attorney General Grenville Williams declined to comment when asked whether his office had approved the request to use the yard of the High Court building for the activities.





However, a reliable source confirmed to THE VINCENTIAN that a letter was sent to the High Court Registrar and the Attorney General (AG) requesting the use of the facility, and it was approved at that level, but subsequently turned down at a cabinet meeting. THE VINCENTIAN understands that Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves was not at that meeting because he was unwell.





CDCs CEO, Rodney Small, had spoken about the cultural showcase and Arts Exhibition during a local radio programme about two weeks ago.




Police in the South Central Division (SCD) are currently investigating a shooting incident in Belair that resulted in serious injuries to an adult male.





The incident occurred around 8:00 p.m. on June 30, 2025. Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim was sitting outside a liquor and provision shop when he heard gunshots ring out, which prompted him to flee for safety. During his escape, he sustained gunshot wounds to his leg and finger before managing to reach a nearby residence.





Police officers from the district were alerted and responded swiftly, secured the scene, and ensured that the victim was transported to Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) for medical treatment.





The Police are actively seeking to identify and apprehend the perpetrator.





The RSVGPF urges anyone with information related to this incident to come forward and assist with the investigation. Members of the public may contact.





- Police Emergency: 999/911

- Police Control: (784) 457-1211

- Calliaqua Police Station: (784) 458-4200

- Criminal Investigations Department / Major Crimes Unit: (784) 456-1810

All information received would be held in strict confidence.
Police in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are investigating the death of two fathers who were allegedly killed by their sons.





In the latest killing, a Gibson Corner man has turned himself into the police after allegedly claiming that he had killed his father.





Police said the 22-year-old resident of Gibson Corner, West Kingstown, reportedly walked into the Central Police Station in Kingstown on Wednesday evening (2 July) and informed officers of his actions.





Police apprehended him and conducted a search of the area, where they discovered the body of a male inside a dwelling in Gibson Corner.





The body bore what appeared to be chop wounds, according to police.





Police have not yet revealed the identity of the deceased. Investigations are ongoing.





This incident follows a separate police inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of an elderly man in Yambou.





Alanzo Corridon, 28, a man of the same address is slated to return to court on August 4th, for a preliminary inquiry into a charge that he murdered his father in the Marriaqua community on June 27.





He appeared before the Serious Offences Court on Thursday, where he was charged that on June 27, at Yambou, he murdered his father, Don Jackson.





Corridon did not have a lawyer and was not required to plead to the indictable charge.





THE VINCENTIAN understands that a dispute ensued between two brothers when a father intervened to "part the fight. In so doing he was hit in the temple by an object.





He was taken to the Mesopotamia Health Centre where he later died.
Despite the progressiveness of these bands, the next decade saw a sort of reversal. From Global Voices.

As Yugoslavias mainstream society grew increasingly patriarchal during the 1980s, some of the countrys rock bands would routinely perform songs that spoke about same-sex love. Bosnian rock star Sejo Sexon, leader of the legendary Sarajevo band Zabranjeno pusenje, recently reminded music lovers of this, explaining that the groups 1989 hit song Javi mi (Let me know) was about love between two men.

In an interview with music journalist Boro Kontic, published in the book Pamtim to kao da je bilo danas (I remember it as if it were today), Sexon explained:

This is a cover. The original is Turn on me, from the 1984 album New Sensations by Lou Reed. Its a love song about two men. Something that was normal in New York at the time. Or in Paris, London, Berlin But here, being LGBT still bears that element of conspiracy, secrecy, fear of being found out. Our gay people are not allowed to show themselves. Unlike Lou Reed, who describes it openly. His song is just like a male-female love song, only its between two men. Over there, both are normal, bro. Thats why such love songs are just as beautiful as those about women. However, our song has the element of conspiracy. Of hiding

The text of the Bosnian version is similar to Lou Reeds lyrics, in the form of a message between two estranged men; however, it includes the notion that the second man is living in a mock marriage, camouflaging his sexuality under suspicion by the neighbors:

And when your wife asks you, Well, whats wrong with me?

Why arent we ever making love?

When she goes away to cry her eyes out alone, when she slams the door

Know that I still love you, you can always call me

Let me know, let me know, Ill be waiting

Proof of the Power of Love

Sexon noted that  for over 30 years  nobody seems to have noticed that the song is about two men, which he calls proof of the power of love. Since the emotional element is universal, such nuances have been missed by many in their audiences.

Although the Yugoslav Communist Partys authoritarian system was less repressive than the totalitarianism of the Soviet Bloc on the other side of the Iron Curtain, for most of its existence the state formally criminalized homosexual relations. During the 1970s and 80s, however, there was a growing movement toward greater freedoms  including LGBTQ rights  most prominently in Slovenia.

While still shunned in the mainstream, homosexuality was not a taboo topic in the music sphere. LGBTQ+-themed foreign music videos like Smalltown Boy by Bronski Beat regularly featured in music shows on public TV. Mentions of the alleged homosexuality or bisexuality of foreign celebrities like Freddie Mercury or David Bowie were also common in the music press. Sometimes, such articles had a dose of irony. On 1 December 1982, for instance, the No. 80 edition of the weekly music magazine Rock 82, published in Belgrade, reported:

Elton John has big problems regarding the distribution of his new music video Eltons song because its about a schoolboy who is  hmm  showing sympathies for an elder male friend.

Free Male Love

In their book, Sexon and Kontic explained that while Javi mi may have been the first Bosnian ode to homosexual love, it was not the first Yugoslav rock song about it. That honor appears to go to the 1979 song Neki djecaci (Some boys) by the Croatian band Prljavo Kazaliste. A feature of the bands punk phase, the song describes the relationship between two young men, one of them being an occasionally spurned lover. It was famous for the chorus, Ja sam za slobodnu musku ljubav (Im all for free male love):

I know youre trying to make me jealous

cause how many times have

you told me on the benches in the park

(Chorus)

Im all for free male love 

Soon after that, in 1980, the Serbian band Idoli produced what is possibly the most famous Yugoslav song alluding to homosexuality, Retko te vidam sa devojkama (I rarely see you with girls). The lyrics take the form of dialogue between two friends, alluding to the need to hide ones sexual orientation:

I rarely see you with girls

But I see you every day

I rarely see you with girls

Still, you are never alone

Boys are always around you

Theyre nice; however, you should know

Rumors spread very quickly

And once they break, its the end

Women Not Forgotten

Some songs also addressed the love between women. The song Ana, released in 1984 by the Slovenian band Videosex, mentions the social restraints and legal provisions that once criminalized homosexual relations in Yugoslavia, legislation that was gradually lifted from the 1970s onward:

Ana, youre well aware

What you do to me is forbidden here

Youre well aware that

What you do to me is forbidden for us

The first time, in the ladies restroom

I really didnt want that

A secret made of stone was set free

Another song about lesbian love, released in 1983, is Moja prijateljica (My female friend) by the Croatian band Xenia:

She is so pretty, my friend 

I am so proud, she is so pretty 

Men would like to touch her

Men would like to hide her from me, from me

Men would like to dream with her

Men would like to sleep with her, without me, without me

The Pendulum Swings

Despite progressive bands in 1980s Yugoslavia singing songs about homosexual love, the next decade saw a sort of reversal. As the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia broke up, the music industries of newly independent ex-Yugoslav countries turned to turbo-folk and other genres of commercial production that were compatible with rising nationalism and populism, promoting social conservatism through the 1990s.

Songs of that period often promoted homophobia under the guise of humor. The chorus of the 1994 regional hit Mala, mala (Small, small) by the Serbian band Familija, includes the line Small group of faggots was bothering us for too long.

The 1994 song Pedro by Risto Bombata i Kuceska Tenija, a Macedonian band, ridiculed homosexuals with lyrics that bordered on vulgarity, complete with a video clip featuring one of the most popular comedy actors of the time. The Spanish name in the title alludes to a derogatory term for faggot  peder  with the chorus concluding that Pedro should run away from us.

Various internet sources have since opined that many other well-known songs from Yugoslavia had LGBTQ+ themes  making song lists based on inferences, individual perceptions, and interpretations. Many of these include songs about friends of the same gender that do not explicitly refer to sexuality, and do not have the benefit of their writers later revealing what they were really about, like Sejo Sexon did.

This article originally appeared in Global Voices. Reprinted by permission.
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.
MINISTER of Foreign and Caricom Affairs Sean Sobers has arrived in Jamaica for the start of 
AND to think of it. The last time Hans Hanoomansingh and I had a good laughter and healthy c
The Cochise Sheriffs Department is adding a cutting edge drone pilot program to their robust set of border enforcement tools.

The high-tech drone, which will launch in September, has been given to the county at no cost in hopes of curbing illegal border crossing, drug and people smugglers and help those in peril as they cross into Arizona from Mexico.

The drone will also help out surrounding counties, which can bolster their cases with this new technology. Whether its a missing persons case or a suspect on the run, the drone will be able to search places a helicopter cant.

Its another tool in our arsenal that we need to keep us knowing whats going on in the criminal world, said Carol Capas, a spokeswoman for the Cochise Sheriffs Department. Were looking forward to things we can do to make citizen life better and were committed to having the best technology.

Capas said the technology will help the department be more efficient.

After investigating several companies to bring on board, the department chose a company called Draganfly that promises to help with mission-critical operations in harsh and remote terrain.

Under this new pilot program, the department will deploy several types of drones, including fixed-wing models for extended border surveillance, AI-enhanced quadcopters and thermal imaging units to assist in search-and-rescue efforts as well as night operations, the department has previously said.

Draganfly CEO Cameron Chelle said he is honored to be working with Cochise County and helping them find the technology that works best for the department. Since Cochise will be part of a pilot program, Draganfly has covered the cost of the drone.

Chelle said Cochise already has some of the best of American law enforcement. (They are) innovation-focused, community-minded, and mission ready  (They) set a gold standard for how drone technology should be used to secure national borders.

The move to participate in the Draganfly beta program aligns with President Donald Trumps executive order, Unleashing American Drone Dominance, aimed at reasserting Americas leadership in unmanned aerial systems for security and defense.

Last month, Sheriff Mark Dannels was appointed to President Trumps Homeland Security Advisory Council.
PHOENIX  Two Republican lawmakers are blasting Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs for agreeing to some independent oversight of the prison system but only after refusing to fund it.

One of them, Sen. Shawnna Bolick, compared that to buying a car and not putting anyone in the drivers seat.

Hobbs signed legislation this week written by Republicans Bolick and Rep. Walt Blackman to establish the states first Independent Correctional Oversight Office.

That agency would monitor the conditions of confinement as well as assess whether the Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry is complying with federal and state rules and the best practices that relate to inmate health, safety, welfare and rehabilitation.

Only thing is, the bill Hobbs signed contains no funds to hire a director or anyone at all to do that research.

The original version of Senate Bill 1507 included $1.5 million to get the agency started, with the intent of providing similar future funding. But Bolick said the Governors Office told her it would meet with a veto unless the state funding was withdrawn.

What that left was a new corrections oversight fund with no state dollars  but permission to accept any federal cash available and private grants, gifts, contributions to assist in carrying out the agencys purpose.

Blackman, who has sought prison oversight for years, said what they got was a hollow victory.

A law without funding is just a press release, said the Snowflake Republican.

If the governor truly supports oversight and reform, then she should have backed the resources needed to make this office work, he continued. Transparency cant wait, and neither should the funding.

Hobbs spokesman fires back

Hobbs insisted to Capitol Media Services that she had no idea why the bill that reached her desk had no money to start or operate the office.

Bolick, however, told Capitol Media Services the message to strip out the money was conveyed to her by Ben Henderson, the governors chief budget officer.

The governor is selling the illusion of progress while withholding the tools the office needs to function, Bolick, a Phoenix Republican, said in a written statement. Hobbs cant claim credit for reform while actively preventing it from happening.

But gubernatorial press aide Christian Slater said Bolick is the only person engaging in political grandstanding. He accused the senator of shameless partisan politics, saying she didnt lift a finger on prison oversight when Republican Gov. Doug Ducey was in office, until she could use it as a cudgel to attack a governor of a different political party.

Bolick countered she has been active on prison issues for years.

And Blackman has a clear record on the issue. He broached the idea in 2021 of an ombudsman to have some oversight of the prison system.

Health-care problems

The system has dealt with deaths and escapes and has been under federal court orders for years, dating back to before Hobbs became the states chief executive.

A judge found during the Ducey administration that medical care in the prison system was plainly grossly inadequate and that state officials were acting with deliberate indifference to the substantial risk of harm to inmates.

That came after Judge Roslyn Silver fined the state  twice  for failing to live up to promises to do better.

There is a hearing set for next month to see whether the judge is willing to grant a bid by the American Civil Liberties Union to have a federal receiver put in place to run the systems health care.

Hobbs, in her first year as governor, formed a special panel to look at the state prison system, with its $1.1 billion budget to house more than 35,000 inmates.

We cannot deny there is an urgent need to provide transparency and accountability in Arizonas corrections system, she said in forming the panel.

The panel produced a report for her that found a variety of issues, ranging from meal quality and access to basic hygiene items to inmates being able to call family and lawyers.

A key takeaway was a recommendation from the temporary commission that there needs to be an independent agency  and one that is not part of the Governors Office.

Whether she read those findings or not, I dont know, Blackman said Thursday. But he said it was clear the commission wanted a permanent oversight agency, and one with teeth including money to do the job.

The legislation crafted this year by Bolick was designed to do that, with the oversight agency part of the Auditor Generals Office. And while the governor would get to appoint the director, that person would serve a five-year term  longer than any gubernatorial term  and could be removed by the governor only for neglect of duty, misconduct or the inability to perform duties.

It also originally included the $1.5 million to get started.

Thats the way the bill was approved by the full Senate on a 23-5 bipartisan margin. It also unanimously cleared the House Government Committee that Blackman chairs.

But both Blackman and Bolick said the message from the governor was that the measure was DOA with the funding. So when the measure came to the House floor, Blackman agreed to strip out the funding, which is how the bill cleared the chamber 46-10.

Hobbs: Full confidence in director

Hobbs, in an interview with Capitol Media Services, professed ignorance of why there was no money in the measure.

Thats a very good question that I asked myself when I was getting briefed on the bill, she said. I dont know why it got left out of this years budget.

The governor said she is supportive of as much transparency and oversight as possible. And she noted that the problems date back years.

Hobbs also said she has full confidence in Ryan Thornell, whom she picked more than two years ago as director of the prison system, saying hes done really incredible, incredible work in the short time hes been there to bring about really necessary reform, even with the pending federal court hearing.

Slater, the governors press aide, said the comments by Bolick and Blackman are deeply, deeply misleading.

He pointed out that Blackman mentioned during the House vote that the state funding in the original bill had been stripped and that the oversight was to be funded from federal grants.

Thats true, Blackman said. But he said thats telling only half the story, leaving out the part that he and Bolick were told that was the only way to get Hobbs signature.

And while the bill now mentions the use of federal dollars, Blackman called that unrealistic, given there is no money to hire someone to get the agency operating.

Who competes for those grants if theres not a body to do that? he asked.

Still, Blackman said the legal formation of an oversight panel, hollow as that may now be, could serve some purpose. He said it could convince Silver when she hears legal arguments next month that an outside receiver is unnecessary because the state is making some moves in the right direction.
The following is the opinion

and analysis of the writer:

ANTIBES, France  A Tucson friend sent me a note not long ago. When Trump was running the first time and you were warning about him, it read, I told you I thought you were being too strident. I was wrong.

She is a thoughtful editor and a voracious reader whose view back then made more sense than my hair-on-fire stridency. But I had covered enough creeping coups detat on four continents to know one when I saw one.

Now we are all watching the most damaging of them of all. A craven Congress capitulated to a power-obsessed president bent on rule by the rich, heretical theocracy, muzzled speech and a cowed supine press.

Republicans rammed through legislation they had no time to read despite strong sentiment against it. It targets struggling families yet adds $5 trillion to a deficit projected to top 130% of GDP, higher than during World War II.

It codified Donald Trumps worldview. The nation best equipped to help others turn down the heat on a planet that is boiling over, figuratively and literally, now thinks only of itself.

House Speaker Mike Johnson hailed the most beneficent country in history. It was once that. Today, the first of what will be many millions are dying in regions cut off from U.S. aid.

As reality bites, enough people may unite against Trump and his toadies. But conditions that enabled his coup date back decades, and scant time remains to reverse it.

Sixty years ago, I drove my two-seat Triumph convertible to New Jersey for a job with the Associated Press. Heading from laidback Tucson into Newarks mean streets, I joked that it was my first AP foreign assignment.

Real culture shock came two years later. I reported on vicious serial conflicts in the eastern Congo that still rage today. Now, hungry for a Nobel Prize, Trump hails his ludicrous peace accord between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda.

Warring Congolese factions slaughter, plunder and rape innocents beyond control of either government. Trumps billionaire backers expect access to vast mineral wealth. That is iffy. Meantime, conflict helps surge a global tide of desperate refugees.

Border posts need magistrates and temporary housing so new arrivals can be processed quickly and humanely. Dumping them in an Alligator Alcatraz, or worse, into an African nightmare like South Sudan, is beyond despicable.

Last year, a bipartisan bill to ease border conditions was ready for a vote. Trump killed it so he could campaign on a bogus invasion. The new law includes more than $300 billion to pay for lawless raids on blameless people awaiting legal due process.

My Trump watch began in the 1980s. On home leave from Paris, I went to the Jersey Shore to check out a shark attack. A New York real estate hustler was bulldozing poor families homes for parking space at his gaudy new Atlantic City casino.

Soon, I saw traits Trump shared with the worst ultra-narcissists I encountered abroad: utter amorality and fealty only to what they saw in a mirror.

I kept a magazine cover that captured his signature wolfish smile as a reminder of how human nature can shape-shift to extremes. Ear-to-ear teeth suggested a nice guy, but his eyes reflected underlying duplicity.

He showed his dark side  a set-jawed, cocked-chin Il Duce glare  at that White House Correspondents dinner when Barack Obama roasted him. A chill ran down my spine. His predictable vengeance might be a run for the presidency.

When he announced his candidacy with blood-libel generalities against Mexicans and Muslims, I thought voters would see beyond his snake oil. Not enough did.

David Cay Johnstons 2016 book, The Making of Donald Trump, laid bare how he how he lied, cheated, stiffed creditors, preyed on vulnerability and cultivated journalists who ignored facts.

I asked Johnston why he gave short shrift to Don Jr. and Eric. He replied, They arent running for president. But both smacked of Saddam Husseins sons, Uday and Qusay. One lusted for power; his dopey brother grasped at anything in reach.

A Mort Report before 2016 elections warned of the threat. Another in early 2019 began:

Donald Trumps Wall is illusory, but the writing on it seems clear enough. He is plotting a coup detat, gambling that divided Democrats, media sycophants, big money and people who dont vote will enable his cult to make him a modern-day Mussolini.

Military takeovers end with a bang. Democracies subverted over time go out with a whimper. A would-be despot needs time to whip up fear of external threat, reward a ruling class that undercuts institutions and bury truth in an avalanche of bullshit.

Trump, after doping the stock market boom Obama left behind, seemed headed for a second term. But he let a pandemic run wild, and the economy plunged to Great Depression levels.

In 2024, Trump blamed Biden for calamities he had triggered  COVID, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Israel-Palestine, Iran. He took credit for his predecessors success in restoring America to what the Economist called the envy of the world.

By then, the recent past was already history. He was impeached in 2019 for his extortion attempt on Volodymyr Zelensky, but the Republican Senate acquitted him, as it did a second time over the Jan. 6 insurrection.

A District Court judge he nominated in Florida stalled prosecution for his cache of top-secret documents at Mar-a-Lago. Just recently, the packed Supreme Court curbed federal judges ability to hold a dictator to account.

That bill was artfully crafted to con heedless voters. A few sops to workers, such as no tax on tips, go away in four years. But many of the provisions that hit families wont be felt before 2026 elections.

On July 4, a triumphant Trump told the nation he crippled that it now stands tall, respected and admired across the world. Not even close.

Cardinal Robert McElroy, the archbishop in Washington, got to the heart of it.

Its right to be able to control our borders, he said on CNN, however, whats going on now is something far beyond that. It is a mass, indiscriminate deportation of men and women and children and families, which literally rips families apart and is intended to do so.

Trumps inhumane and morally repugnant immigration policies contradict Catholic teachings, he said, and he extended his condemnation to stripping away health care and basic programs for Americans in need.

In one form or another, McElroys conclusion echoes reaction I hear from every direction beyond Americas insulating oceans:

Theres something radically wrong with a society that takes from the poorest to give to the wealthiest. Its just wrong.
Theres a new twist in the mystery of Tucson Families Fed Up, a political action committee that entered the Congressional District 7 race in June.

The one thing for sure at that time was that this mystery PAC, with no known ties to Tucson outside of its name, opposed Adelita Grijalva.

The PAC put $94,085 toward texts, mailers and online ads opposing Grijalvas candidacy.

Now we know who they are pushing for, and its not Daniel Hernandez Jr. as many initially suspected.

A new mailer came out this week from the PAC supporting Deja Foxx, the 25-year-old newcomer.

Deja Foxx is the clear choice for Progressive Arizonans, the mailer says on the front side, while on the back side laying out the case for her versus Adelita Grijalva.

Grijalva addressed the mailer's claims about her in a social media post, saying the attacks against her are "slanderous, misleading and desperate."

Its unclear whether the people behind the PAC really support Foxx or are just chaos merchants whose main goal is to hurt Grijalvas chances.

A new poll, promoted by Foxxs team, could bolster the latter hypothesis. It suggests Foxx has surged into second place, now that she has TV ads and mailers to go along with her social-media presence.

A polling memo from Change Research, the firm hired for the poll, says that in a mid-May survey, Grijalva was in first place with 41%, Hernandez in second place with 16% and Foxx in third at 10%.

The new poll of 540 likely voters, using the same methodology, has Grijalva in first place with 43%, Foxx in second with 35% and Hernandez in third at 9%.

The memo also emphasizes Foxxs case for the nomination  being against the establishment.

With momentum on her side, Deja Foxx poses a significant threat to establishment favorite Adelita Grijalva, the memo says.

The poll was compiled through targeted advertisements on Facebook and Instagram, by using Facebooks ad platform, and through text messages sent to cell phone numbers of registered voters considered likely to cast a ballot.

More outside spending

Foxx also received her first support from outside spending. A committee called L PAC reported spending $25,003 on advertising in support of her.

Grijalva, who had previously received $388,277 in supportive spending from outside groups, has received more, too. The Working Families Party PAC, which had already spent $127,000 supporting her, has put in another $39,500 on TV and digital ads.

Its unclear whether the spending by Tucson Families Fed Up on the mailer supporting Foxx is from a new round or the previously reported spending.

Park could be named for Grijalva

A Tucson park could be named after the late Rep. Raul Grijalva, who died March 13.

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero said during a groundbreaking ceremony at Mission Manor Park, 6100 S. 12th Ave., that she will seek to rename the park after Grijalva.

Vice Mayor and Ward 1 council member Lane Santa Cruz reported the proposal in her June 27 newsletter.

His vision and passion for the Southside helped bring in critical federal funds to make the Aquatic Center a reality, Santa Cruz said. This center is a tribute to his legacy and all the hard work he did for us.

Members of Arizonas congressional delegation are already pursuing naming the federal building in downtown Tucson, 300 W. Congress, after Grijalva as well.
Monsoon season returns to Tucson

Here in Tucson, the sky does not just rain, it performs. One moment the desert is dry and still and then just like that the wind shifts. You smell creosote before the clouds even gather. Locals know that scent. It is the deserts way of saying here it comes.

When the first raindrops hit the ground, it is like the whole city exhales. Kids run out barefoot. Dogs bark at the thunder. You might even catch someone just standing there smiling up at the sky.

Of course, the streets flood. They always do. Traffic slows, washes fill and you learn quickly which roads to avoid. But nobody really minds. This is what the desert waits for. Plants perk up overnight. Frogs croak from nowhere. Even the cacti seem to breathe a little easier.

Monsoon season is not just weather. It is a feeling a rhythm something older than the city itself. And every summer it finds its way back just like clockwork.

Drakovi Bloodrose

Midtown

No on Project Blue

A simple cost/benefit analysis of the proposed Project Blue data center(s?) would make it an obvious no-go. Some 75 jobs does not come close to balancing out the untold amount of water and electricity that will be consumed. For comparison, the University of Arizona employs a good 15,000 people, with minor environmental impact. At the very least, if this data center goes through, the city and the county need to demand an open process (read: no NDAs), and a tough contract with clear, binding penalties for noncompliance. The key here is binding, as in ironclad. How many corporations have created extreme environmental damage and walked away leaving we taxpayers to foot the bill? But really, there is little that can be done if and when Tucson runs out of water. As with the several proposed mining projects in southern Arizona, the water issue alone should stop this project.

And thank you, Star, and journalist Tony Davis, for staying on top of this.

Margaret Zanger

Midtown

AHCCCS cuts

Dear Arizona Daily Star, please cover some of the effects that the Big Beautiful Bill would have on access to health care and services for some of our most vulnerable. Many Tucsonans suffer from mental health, substance abuse, homelessness, and food insecurity, and cutting the services available to them would only hurt our neighbors in need and hurt the systems trying to help them.

Daniel Lee

Foothills

CBP fiscal year reports

CBP reports 5,597 criminal alien arrests beginning FY Oct. 1, 2024. FY ending Sept. 30, 2024, lists 17,048 criminal alien arrests. At the current rate, this FY will end at just 10,877. That is a significant difference. Average daily arrests: FY2024: 46.7; FY2025: 24.0. If all arrests are attributed to Trumps second term, average daily arrests are 42.4. That is still 10% less than the FY2024 average.

The CBP website does not provide monthly totals. Implicitly, Trumps administration is arresting fewer criminal aliens per CBP-reported statistics.

That is my critical thinking conclusion based CBP reported statistics.

James Abels

Midtown

Sell out

This is a hard LTE to write, as someone who served over 22 years. Who was proud of the government our Constitution created. But I am overwhelmed: We have a President selling cellphones and Teslas from the Oval Office. We have a Supreme Court granting that President firing authority over independent commissions, which Congress created to specifically exempt them from such politics. And we have a Congress manipulating data to justify an appropriations bill, which by all independent review is regarded as terrible  terrible for the costs to healthcare, assistance to the less capable, etc. When a Senator votes for the bill yet trusts the House to fix its problems  well anyone can be bought. That is the true problem: Neither our politicians nor our appointed judiciary care beyond their own well-being. I never thought that those with whom I served with would be so disrespected, never mind all Americans! But dont be shocked. The bill passes. Everyone apparently can be bought.

Norman Patten

Midtown

Ciscomani and Mo

Democrats will try to defeat U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani no matter how he votes on the Cruel, Callous and Conniving Bill, but should he decide to vote no, then moderate Republicans and Independents might think  maybe  he is putting his constituents and country before his loyalty to the mythomaniac Trump. If not, he surely will lose to the Democrat who truly cares about those in CD6 who depend on Medicaid and those veterans who depend on a financially healthy U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

As an aside, I think that the Democrat who will fight to strengthen our democracy, fight for a better deal for the working class, fight for human rights, and fight to defend our Constitution is Mo Goldman.

Mitchell Anderson

Catalina

PUA! goes the classroom funding

A student in my French classroom as Tucson High Magnet School exclaimed, thats the first field trip Ive been on! After our class took a walking trip to the UAs Center for Creative Photography. This trip cost the district nothing, because of the generosity of the CCP in not charging admission, my students in wearing their walking shoes, and their parents in signing off on it.

Arizona public schools cannot stand to lose a single cent of funding more than what they have already had withheld by local lawmakers. On Tuesday, July 1, another Presidential Unilateral Action (PUA!) suddenly and inexplicably withheld $6.8 billion from schools across America. In the time it takes this to be proven illegal in court, children will hit their milestones and keep growing, missing out daily on valuable instruction and after-school support that was cut on Tuesday.

Galen Retterath

Downtown

Defend our freedoms

President Trump opened an American concentration camp in Florida called Alligator Alcatraz. Alcatraz was a federal institution where inmates had either pled guilty or been found guilty in jury trials. There are no jury trials at this American concentration camp. Rather, we have masked secret police with the leeway to snatch anyone at any time, including naturalized citizens.

The accusation of being a terrorist does not make you a terrorist in the U.S. even when it comes from a man terrorizing people from his lofty position of privilege. In America, we have laws not concentration camps.

On display in Florida was a grotesque sight: an American president fetishizing in cruelty filled with rage and fomenting division. We now have an evil concentration camp, and it wont be the last.

We must understand as we celebrate this July 4 that the cause of America was about more than independence, the cause became about freedom and that is what must be defended.

Teresa Jenkins

SaddleBrooke

Our better angels

What kind of society do we aspire to be? One that rewards the rich or one that cares for the less fortunate  that being a society that feeds the hungry, that provides universal health care and cares for our most vulnerable, our children.

Do we desire a nation that supports preventive health care, that supports the research to find cures for Alzheimers and cancer, or do we deny science and resign to suffer the scourges of disease?

Do we continue to deport innocent folks who harvest our food and build and serve our community?

Are we so inured of the suffering and starvation outside our country that we shut down USAID at the expense of millions dying from malnutrition and preventable or treatable diseases?

Have our better angels vanished? Ronald Reagan spoke of the shining city on a hill, the United States of America. Let us not allow the light to fade.

Jonathan Insel

Foothills

Homeless encampments

Last week, the City of Tucson reported that it spent over a million dollars to clean up homeless sites. This got me to thinking, and some readers will probably call this simplistic and naive, but here goes. I don't know the answer to this, but possibly would it be cheaper to place a couple of Porta Potties and a dumpster at these sites. It would hopefully improve the sanitary conditions for the homeless, while also benefiting surrounding neighborhoods.

Unfortunately, there will always be homelessness until we find solutions for affordable housing, drug and alcohol addiction, along with mental health issues. These are issues that every level of government should be addressing on a coordinated level. Would the annual cost of such a program be more than the million spent? Even if the cost was the same, the human benefit would be worth it. No one chooses to be homeless.

Fred DiNoto

Northwest side

It is a choice

There are two ways of viewing the government's duty in matters affecting economic and social life. The first sees to it that a favored few are helped and hopes that some of their prosperity will leak through, sift through, to labor, to the farmer, to the small business man. The other is based upon the simple moral principle: the welfare and the soundness of a Nation depend first upon what the great mass of the people wish and need; and second, whether or not they are getting it. (FDR, 1932)

Some parts of the Republican BBB come directly from the first view. Once again, the hope of trickle-down economics is being used to rationalize tax cuts, even though this hope has never been realized for past cuts. Active repudiation of the second view is embodied in the spending cuts. Trumps BBB is not populist, but in these elements is a traditional GOP bill: tax cuts for the rich, deregulation for business, and reduced spending on support programs.

Barbara Hall

Midtown

The economy of genocide

Regarding the destruction of Gaza, the United Nations has just published a report by Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese naming more than 60 companies  including arms manufacturers and technology firms  that profit from what she calls "the economy of genocide." Here's an excerpt:

"While life in Gaza is being obliterated and the West Bank is under escalating assault, this report shows why Israel's genocide continues: because it is lucrative for many."

Notably, prominent Israeli genocide scholars Amos Goldberg, Omer Bartov, Daniel Blatman, Raz Segal and Shmuel Lederman have all concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.

When institutions and corporations ignore these clear and authoritative assessments, they abandon both moral responsibility and international law. The cost is measured in human lives.

Terry Hansen
BRISTOW  Two Mannford police officers misled colleagues by falsely alleging a driver had tried to run over them when she fled a traffic stop for a paper tag issue, a Tulsa World investigation shows.

An Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper ended the 36-minute pursuit with a maneuver that crashed the womans car into a tree the night of Nov. 25 in rural Creek County. Crystal Marie Price  a 36-year-old Bristow mother of three boys  and her passenger, Dario Hendrix, 43, were both killed.

Mannford police had Prices information from the get-go and could have opted to seek an arrest warrant to pick her up. Instead, police pursued her for an extended time at high speeds.

After that night, the officers false claims about Price grew when put to paper.

Tristan Stacks and Connor Harrison each wrote in their reports that Price swerved at officers and struck Stacks with the side of her car. However, on the night of the chase, neither officer voiced that Stacks supposedly had been hit.

Their allegations are disproven by body-cam video reviewed by the Tulsa World and Lee Enterprises Public Service Journalism team. Both officers were off to the left side of Prices car when she drove off  neither officer in her path  and her wheels stayed straight.

The footage also indicates that Highway Patrol Trooper Robert Darnell didnt seem to know there was a passenger in the car when Darnell intentionally hit it on Oklahoma 16 just east of Bristow.

Prices family members say they are devastated and without answers as they struggle to come to terms with her death.

KayCee Ragland, one of Prices two younger sisters, said neither the Highway Patrol nor Mannford police were forthcoming with information. And Ragland recalled how awful social media comments were from the public.

They think they know the story, but people who know her know shes not some criminal, Ragland said of Price. We promise you, this is a normal mom, and we dont understand how it even got to that point.

Mannford Deputy Chief Brett Gipson said there were no disciplinary findings or actions taken with Stacks and Harrison. Gipson and Police Chief Jerry Ridley didnt respond to specific questions about the chase.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol wouldnt respond to questions for the article.

Unlike Mannford police, OHP hasnt provided any records in response to the open records request from the World and Lee for documents and video.

Department of Public Safety Commissioner Tim Tipton  who was appointed nearly four years ago by Gov. Kevin Stitt  has refused to engage with the World and Lee or answer questions about the Highway Patrols trend of deadly car chases.

The Worlds yearslong investigation has uncovered reckless OHP trooper actions and false or misleading statements, shoddy record-keeping, failure to address alarming concerns expressed by commanders, and unwillingness to formally review several fatal pursuits despite red flags.

Families remember the two who died

Meshica Johnson said her biological brother, the passenger who died in Prices car, struggled in life with alcohol addiction and mental health as he tried to find where he belonged in this world.

Hendrix had been unhoused for some time in Oklahoma after he left California for an attempt at a fresh start.

Johnson said her family wanted to get him into treatment. She said Hendrix aimed to become a better person for himself and his kids  but law enforcement took away that chance.

Here in California, you get pulled over for an expired tag, they give you a fix-it ticket, Johnson said. You go and you take care of it. You dont kill them.

A fix-it ticket in California allows the person to correct the violation and show proof of the correction to a court of law.

The World and Lee spoke with Prices two sisters, her father, mother and stepmother, in a tearful interview recently at BDIW Law near downtown Tulsa. Attorneys Derek Ingle and Mike Jones are representing them.

Price was described as the familys glue who lived to take care of her three boys, ages 9, 11 and 15.

Family say Julian, David, and Kayden are bright, respectful and good kids  a credit to Price.

It stopped too early, Amber VanOrsdol, Prices stepmom, said while fighting back tears. They still need their mom to teach them. They need their mom.

Price also nurtured broken animals she found on the street and always named her plants.

Julie Byrne said she and Price were more than a mother and daughter. They talked all the time about everything and nothing at all.

Her dad, David VanOrsdol, said Prices laugh would fill a room. So could her voice while singing boy band music, such as NSYNC.

He still feels like he sees her once or twice a day when in public.

Are you doing that? Bryne asked. I see her everywhere, (too).

Leigha VanOrsdol said grief from her older sisters death caused her to pause her fall semester studying computer science at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in Chickasha.

I didnt go to classes the rest of the week, and I just, I couldnt study. I couldnt sleep, Leigha said. I did go back to campus, but it was just every night  the (panic) attacks, the waves. And I couldnt study. I couldnt sit in a room quiet. I couldnt be quiet. I couldnt be around quiet.

As for Hendrix, he had two families, one biological and one adopted.

Angela Miller (Zittenfield), who lives in Sand Springs, became Hendrixs cousin when he was 2 years old. She recalled how much he enjoyed making street tacos, sitting under trees and playing board games.

Hendrix had a good heart, Miller said, adding neither he nor Price deserved to be killed.

Because of his struggles he might have made some bad choices, but he wasnt a bad person, Miller said.

His 25-year-old daughter, Tirsia Hendrix, put her fathers ashes in an urn of his die-hard favorite team: the Dallas Cowboys.

She knows he is at peace now. But Tirsia said she cant find closure until she knows more about what happened and why.

I just want the truth to come out, Tirsia said. These officers, they lied about (Crystal) trying to hit them.

Fake paper tag had been colored on

At the outset of the 10-minute traffic stop at dusk on Oklahoma 51, Mannford Police Officer Tristan Stacks accused Crystal Price of having a fake paper tag.

It had been colored on, Stacks told her, with a date of Sept. 31  not a real date.

Price replied that her tag was real. She suggested her ex-husband might be to blame for the date discrepancy but acknowledged that, regardless, it was expired.

Price already had handed over her license and paperwork. Stacks went to his patrol car to run her information. Officer Conner Harrison later arrived to talk with Stacks.

Eventually, after Stacks returned to her car, Price wouldnt voluntarily step outside. So he threatened to physically remove her to take her to jail for a suspended drivers license and unregistered car.

Price rolled up her window and drove straight ahead to try to get away  both officers to the left of her car, not in front.

Her front wheels stayed straight when she pressed the gas pedal. Stacks then turned to hurry back to his patrol car.

During the high-speed chase, Stacks falsely claimed to someone on his cellphone that she almost ran me over. About a minute later he told a dispatcher over the radio that Price had tried to run over officers.

He repeated the falsehood twice more at the fatality scene.

Stacks never once alleged that Price hit him with her car in the four instances in which he is heard on video telling his story.

Nevertheless, Stacks and Harrison each later wrote falsely in their reports that Price had physically hit Stacks with the rear quarter panel of the vehicle.

There were two in there?

The mangled 2024 Hyundai Elantra was on its side, wrapped around a tree in a tangle of brush near a creek.

The two Mannford officers, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper and a Creek County sheriffs deputy searched the scene with lights.

Its unclear how much OHP Trooper Robert Darnell knew when choosing to engage in the pursuit and then ending it with an intentional vehicle hit to the car.

But Darnell didnt appear to know there was a passenger at stake, too, according to a verbal exchange on the body-cam video.

Officer Stacks: I only seen two in the vehicle, initially.

Darnell: There were two in there?

Stacks: Yeah. There was a female and an unknown passenger.

A few minutes later, Stacks told his original false claim to Darnell after Darnell had asked what happened.

I tell her, Get out, or I will get you out, Stacks said. At that point she throws it into drive, she cuts the wheel all the way right at him (Harrison) and takes off. And thats when we initiate a pursuit.

Harrison then repeated the false claim, too.

Darnell: So she took off and it was right at you?

Harrison: Yes.

Stacks was hired Nov. 10, 2021, and Harrison was hired Nov. 19, 2023, according to information provided by Mannford police.

High-speed chase unnecessary; maneuver dangerous

The pursuit of Price wasnt necessary, according to Mannfords policies and best practices touted by the U.S. Department of Justice and Police Executive Research Forum, a nonprofit organization of policing experts whose guiding principle is the sanctity of human life.

Mannfords policy generally discourages extended pursuits of violators for misdemeanors that dont involve violence or weapons independent of the pursuit. And in deciding whether to discontinue, officers should consider if the suspects identity is known, as well as whether the chase risks outweigh the need for immediate capture.

The 2023 report from DOJ and PERF encourages agencies to direct officers not to chase if the suspects identity is known, the suspect can be apprehended later and if delayed apprehension doesnt significantly increase the risk to the community.

More broadly, the report recommends law enforcement only engage in car pursuits if an officer knows a violent crime has been committed and if there is an imminent threat to the public based solely on that crime  not the suspects driving behavior.

Additionally, the report says the controversial maneuver to spin out a fleeing vehicle should be prohibited under all but very narrowly defined circumstances because of how risky it is, the extensive training necessary to use it and a lack of empirical evidence to show under what conditions it can be performed safely.

However, Oklahoma Highway Patrol extensively uses the maneuver, often called a tactical vehicle intervention (TVI) or pursuit intervention technique (PIT), as Trooper Darnell did to Price and Hendrix.

OHP troopers have intentionally hit or spun out at least six fleeing vehicles and killed nine people since 2016, according to a World database of deadly Oklahoma police car chases.

Four of those nine deaths were passengers in eluding vehicles. None of the chases was prompted by a violent crime.

Service Oklahoma  the repository for all car crash reports filed in the state  doesnt have a collision report from the Highway Patrol to document Darnells intentional hit of Price and Hendrix.

The World in its series reported that the Department of Public Safety has shut down its uniform collection of legal intervention data through standard collision reports across Oklahoma.
60 Minutes: July 6

Current and former Australian servicewomen say theyve had enough of abuse and are refusing to suffer in silence any longer.

Nick McKenzie fronts a special investigation into the military on Sundays 60 Minutes.

Truth Bomb

For far too long senior leaders in the Australian military have been derelict in their duty to adequately combat a massive problem, the existence of enemies within. Specifically, theyre the men in uniform, who for years, have perpetrated, and in many cases gotten away with sexual crimes against their female colleagues. On 60 Minutes, current and former servicewomen say theyve had enough of the abuse and are refusing to suffer in silence any longer. They want Australia to know the full extent of the mistreatment and misogyny theyve been forced to endure to serve their country. This joint 60 Minutes, The Age and Sydney Morning Herald investigation, reported by Nick McKenzie, is a truth bomb for the Australian Defence Forces top brass, and one that must prompt immediate action.

Reporter: Nick McKenzie

Producers: Garry McNab, Serge Negus

8:10pm Sunday on Nine.
Imparja Television appoints new CEO

Acting CEO Amy Graham is formally appointed to top job at Alice Springs-based First Nations broadcaster.

Alice Springs-based First Nations broadcaster Imparja Television has a new CEO, Amy Graham, who succeeds Alistair Feehan who departed last September.

Amy Graham joined Imparja began 18 years ago in the Production Department, rising to Production Manager, overseeing Imparja News, Yambas Playtime, and various documentaries, including the theTatts Finke Desert Race documentary. In September 2023, she promoted to General Manager and has been serving as Acting CEO since September 2024, providing instrumental guidance and leadership during this period.

Christopher Neade, Chair of the Board, said, I thank Amy for her dedication to Imparja over the past 18 years and particularly her stewardship of the organisation since taking on the Acting CEO role in September 2024. Amys collaborative and inclusive leadership style, strategic insight, and passion for Aboriginal media make her the ideal choice to guide Imparja into its next chapter. The Board is confident that under Amys guidance, Imparja will continue to grow and strengthen as a leading Aboriginal broadcaster across the country.

Amy Graham said, I am honoured to accept this role at an organisation with such a rich history and strong commitment to its communities. I look forward to working alongside the talented team at Imparja to embrace new opportunities, support First Nations storytelling, and ensure a sustainable and exciting future for our organisation.

Imparja Television is a free-to-air broadcaster serving over one million residents and millions of tourists across a 3.6 million square kilometre area spanning six Australian states and territories. The network delivers its signal via 28 transmission towers, low-watt retransmitters in over 20 remote towns, and satellite to 200 remote Indigenous communities through the VAST platform. Additionally, Imparja provides free satellite services to 14 Indigenous radio stations.

Amy Graham also holds a Directorship with Free TV Australia.
If you run an image search for the word ARPANET, you will find lots of maps showing how the government research network expanded steadily across the country throughout the late 60s and early 70s. Im guessing that most people reading or hearing about the ARPANET for the first time encounter one of these maps.

Obviously, the maps are interestingits hard to believe that there were once so few networked computers that their locations could all be conveyed with what is really pretty lo-fi cartography. (Were talking 1960s overhead projector diagrams here. You know the vibe.) But the problem with the maps, drawn as they are with bold lines stretching across the continent, is that they reinforce the idea that the ARPANETs paramount achievement was connecting computers across the vast distances of the United States for the first time.

Today, the internet is a lifeline that keeps us tethered to each other even as an airborne virus has us all locked up indoors. So its easy to imagine that, if the ARPANET was the first draft of the internet, then surely the world that existed before it was entirely disconnected, since thats where wed be without the internet today, right? The ARPANET must have been a big deal because it connected people via computers when that hadnt before been possible.

That view doesnt get the history quite right. It also undersells what made the ARPANET such a breakthrough.

The Debut

The Washington Hilton stands near the top of a small rise about a mile and a half northeast of the National Mall. Its two white-painted modern facades sweep out in broad semicircles like the wings of a bird. The New York Times, reporting on the hotels completion in 1965, remarked that the building looks like a sea gull perched on a hilltop nest.

The hotel hides its most famous feature below ground. Underneath the driveway roundabout is an enormous ovoid event space known as the International Ballroom, which was for many years the largest pillar-less ballroom in DC. In 1967, the Doors played a concert there. In 1968, Jimi Hendrix also played a concert there. In 1972, a somewhat more sedate act took over the ballroom to put on the inaugural International Conference on Computing Communication, where a promising research project known as the ARPANET was demonstrated publicly for the first time.

The 1972 ICCC, which took place from October 24th to 26th, was attended by about 800 people. It brought together all of the leading researchers in the nascent field of computer networking. According to internet pioneer Bob Kahn, if somebody had dropped a bomb on the Washington Hilton, it would have destroyed almost all of the networking community in the US at that point.

Not all of the attendees were computer scientists, however. An advertisement for the conference claimed it would be user-focused and geared toward lawyers, medical men, economists, and government men as well as engineers and communicators. Some of the conferences sessions were highly technical, such as the session titled Data Network Design Problems I and its sequel session, Data Network Design Problems II. But most of the sessions were, as promised, focused on the potential social and economic impacts of computer networking. One session, eerily prescient today, sought to foster a discussion about how the legal system could act proactively to safeguard the right of privacy in the computer data bank.

The ARPANET demonstration was intended as a side attraction of sorts for the attendees. Between sessions, which were held either in the International Ballroom or elsewhere on the lower level of the hotel, attendees were free to wander into the Georgetown Ballroom (a smaller ballroom/conference room down the hall from the big one), where there were 40 terminals from a variety of manufacturers set up to access the ARPANET. These terminals were dumb terminalsthey only handled input and output and could do no computation on their own. (In fact, in 1972, its likely that all of these terminals were hardcopy terminals, i.e. teletype machines.) The terminals were all hooked up to a computer known as a Terminal Interface Message Processor or TIP, which sat on a raised platform in the middle of the room. The TIP was a kind of archaic router specially designed to connect dumb terminals to the ARPANET. Using the terminals and the TIP, the ICCC attendees could experiment with logging on and accessing some of the computers at the 29 host sites then comprising the ARPANET.

To exhibit the networks capabilities, researchers at the host sites across the country had collaborated to prepare 19 simple scenarios for users to experiment with. These scenarios were compiled into a booklet that was handed to conference attendees as they tentatively approached the maze of wiring and terminals. The scenarios were meant to prove that the new technology worked but also that it was useful, because so far the ARPANET was a highway system without cars, and its Pentagon funders hoped that a public demonstration would excite more interest in the network.

The scenarios thus showed off a diverse selection of the software that could be accessed over the ARPANET: There were programming language interpreters, one for a Lisp-based language at MIT and another for a numerical computing environment called Speakeasy hosted at UCLA; there were games, including a chess program and an implementation of Conways Game of Life; andperhaps most popular among the conference attendeesthere were several AI chat programs, including the famous ELIZA chat program developed at MIT by Joseph Weizenbaum.

The researchers who had prepared the scenarios were careful to list each command that users were expected to enter at their terminals. This was especially important because the sequence of commands used to connect to any given ARPANET host could vary depending on the host in question. To experiment with the AI chess program hosted on the MIT Artificial Intelligence Laboratorys PDP-10 minicomputer, for instance, conference attendees were instructed to enter the following:

[LF] , [SP] , and [CR] below stand for the line feed, space, and carriage return keys respectively. Ive explained each command after // , but this syntax was not used for the annotations in the original.

@r [LF] // Reset the TIP @e [SP] r [LF] // "Echo remote" setting, host echoes characters rather than TIP @L [SP] 134 [LF] // Connect to host number 134 :login [SP] iccXXX [CR] // Login to the MIT AI Lab's system, where "XXX" should be user's initials :chess [CR] // Start chess program

If conference attendees were successfully able to enter those commands, their reward was the opportunity to play around with some of the most cutting-edge chess software available at the time, where the layout of the board was represented like this:

BR BN BB BQ BK BB BN BR BP BP BP BP ** BP BP BP -- ** -- ** -- ** -- ** ** -- ** -- BP -- ** -- -- ** -- ** WP ** -- ** ** -- ** -- ** -- ** -- WP WP WP WP -- WP WP WP WR WN WB WQ WK WB WN WR

In contrast, to connect to UCLAs IBM System/360 and run the Speakeasy numerical computing environment, conference attendees had to enter the following:

@r [LF] // Reset the TIP @t [SP] o [SP] L [LF] // "Transmit on line feed" setting @i [SP] L [LF] // "Insert line feed" setting, i.e. send line feed with each carriage return @L [SP] 65 [LF] // Connect to host number 65 tso // Connect to IBM Time-Sharing Option system logon [SP] icX [CR] // Log in with username, where "X" should be a freely chosen digit iccc [CR] // This is the password (so secure!) speakez [CR] // Start Speakeasy

Successfully running that gauntlet gave attendees the power to multiply and transpose and do other operations on matrices as quickly as they could input them at their terminal:

:+! a=m*transpose(m);a [CR] :+! eigenvals(a) [CR]

Many of the attendees were impressed by the demonstration, but not for the reasons that we, from our present-day vantage point, might assume. The key piece of context hard to keep in mind today is that, in 1972, being able to use a computer remotely, even from a different city, was not new. Teletype devices had been used to talk to distant computers for decades already. Almost a full five years before the ICCC, Bill Gates was in a Seattle high school using a teletype to run his first BASIC programs on a General Electric computer housed elsewhere in the city. Merely logging in to a host computer and running a few commands or playing a text-based game was routine. The software on display here was pretty neat, but the two scenarios Ive told you about so far could ostensibly have been experienced without going over the ARPANET.

Of course, something new was happening under the hood. The lawyers, policy-makers, and economists at the ICCC might have been enamored with the clever chess program and the chat bots, but the networking experts would have been more interested in two other scenarios that did a better job of demonstrating what the ARPANET project had achieved.

The first of these scenarios involved a program called NETWRK running on MITs ITS operating system. The NETWRK command was the entrypoint for several subcommands that could report various aspects of the ARPANETs operating status. The SURVEY subcommand reported which hosts on the network were functioning and available (they all fit on a single list), while the SUMMARY.OF.SURVEY subcommand aggregated the results of past SURVEY runs to report an up percentage for each host as well as how long, on average, it took for each host to respond to messages. The output of the SUMMARY.OF.SURVEY subcommand was a table that looked like this:

--HOST-- -#- -%-UP- -RESP- UCLA-NMC 001 097% 00.80 SRI-ARC 002 068% 01.23 UCSB-75 003 059% 00.63 ...

The host number field, as you can see, has room for no more than three digits (ha!). Other NETWRK subcommands allowed users to look at summary of survey results over a longer historical period or to examine the log of survey results for a single host.

The second of these scenarios featured a piece of software called the SRI-ARC Online System being developed at Stanford. This was a fancy piece of software with lots of functionality (it was the software system that Douglas Engelbart demoed in the Mother of All Demos), but one of the many things it could do was make use of what was essentially a file hosting service run on the host at UC Santa Barbara. From a terminal at the Washington Hilton, conference attendees could copy a file created at Stanford onto the host at UCSB simply by running a copy command and answering a few of the computers questions:

[ESC] , [SP] , and [CR] below stand for the escape, space, and carriage return keys respectively. The words in parentheses are prompts printed by the computer. The escape key is used to autocomplete the filename on the third line. The file being copied here is called <system>sample.txt;1 , where the trailing one indicates the files version number and <system> indicates the directory. This was a convention for filenames used by the TENEX operating system.

@copy (TO/FROM UCSB) to (FILE) <system>sample [ESC] .TXT;1 [CR] (CREATE/REPLACE) create

These two scenarios might not look all that different from the first two, but they were remarkable. They were remarkable because they made it clear that, on the ARPANET, humans could talk to computers but computers could also talk to each other. The SURVEY results collected at MIT werent collected by a human regularly logging in to each machine to check if it was upthey were collected by a program that knew how to talk to the other machines on the network. Likewise, the file transfer from Stanford to UCSB didnt involve any humans sitting at terminals at either Stanford or UCSBthe user at a terminal in Washington DC was able to get the two computers to talk each other merely by invoking a piece of software. Even more, it didnt matter which of the 40 terminals in the Ballroom you were sitting at, because you could view the MIT network monitoring statistics or store files at UCSB using any of the terminals with almost the same sequence of commands.

This is what was totally new about the ARPANET. The ICCC demonstration didnt just involve a human communicating with a distant computer. It wasnt just a demonstration of remote I/O. It was a demonstration of software remotely communicating with other software, something nobody had seen before.

To really appreciate why it was this aspect of the ARPANET project that was important and not the wires-across-the-country, physical connection thing that the host maps suggest (the wires were leased phone lines anyhow and were already there!), consider that, before the ARPANET project began in 1966, the ARPA offices in the Pentagon had a terminal room. Inside it were three terminals. Each connected to a different computer; one computer was at MIT, one was at UC Berkeley, and another was in Santa Monica. It was convenient for the ARPA staff that they could use these three computers even from Washington DC. But what was inconvenient for them was that they had to buy and maintain terminals from three different manufacturers, remember three different login procedures, and familiarize themselves with three different computing environments in order to use the computers. The terminals might have been right next to each other, but they were merely extensions of the host computing systems on the other end of the wire and operated as differently as the computers did. Communicating with a distant computer was possible before the ARPANET; the problem was that the heterogeneity of computing systems limited how sophisticated the communication could be.

Come Together, Right Now

So what Im trying to drive home here is that there is an important distinction between statement A, the ARPANET connected people in different locations via computers for the first time, and statement B, the ARPANET connected computer systems to each other for the first time. That might seem like splitting hairs, but statement A elides some illuminating history in a way that statement B does not.

To begin with, the historian Joy Lisi Rankin has shown that people were socializing in cyberspace well before the ARPANET came along. In A Peoples History of Computing in the United States, she describes several different digital communities that existed across the country on time-sharing networks prior to or apart from the ARPANET. These time-sharing networks were not, technically speaking, computer networks, since they consisted of a single mainframe computer running computations in a basement somewhere for many dumb terminals, like some portly chthonic creature with tentacles sprawling across the country. But they nevertheless enabled most of the social behavior now connoted by the word network in a post-Facebook world. For example, on the Kiewit Network, which was an extension of the Dartmouth Time-Sharing System to colleges and high schools across the Northeast, high school students collaboratively maintained a gossip file that allowed them to keep track of the exciting goings-on at other schools, creating social connections from Connecticut to Maine. Meanwhile, women at Mount Holyoke College corresponded with men at Dartmouth over the network, perhaps to arrange dates or keep in touch with boyfriends. This was all happening in the 1960s. Rankin argues that by ignoring these early time-sharing networks we impoverish our understanding of how American digital culture developed over the last 50 years, leaving room for a Silicon Valley mythology that credits everything to the individual genius of a select few founding fathers.

As for the ARPANET itself, if we recognize that the key challenge was connecting the computer systems and not just the physical computers, then that might change what we choose to emphasize when we tell the story of the innovations that made the ARPANET possible. The ARPANET was the first ever packet-switched network, and lots of impressive engineering went into making that happen. I think its a mistake, though, to say that the ARPANET was a breakthrough because it was the first packet-switched network and then leave it at that. The ARPANET was meant to make it easier for computer scientists across the country to collaborate; that project was as much about figuring out how different operating systems and programs written in different languages would interface with each other than it was about figuring out how to efficiently ferry data back and forth between Massachusetts and California. So the ARPANET was the first packet-switched network, but it was also an amazing standards success storysomething I find especially interesting given how many times Ive written about failed standards on this blog.

Inventing the protocols for the ARPANET was an afterthought even at the time, so naturally the job fell to a group made up largely of graduate students. This group, later known as the Network Working Group, met for the first time at UC Santa Barbara in August of 1968. There were 12 people present at that first meeting, most of whom were representatives from the four universities that were to be the first host sites on the ARPANET when the equipment was ready. Steve Crocker, then a graduate student at UCLA, attended; he told me over a Zoom call that it was all young guys at that first meeting, and that Elmer Shapiro, who chaired the meeting, was probably the oldest one there at around 38. ARPA had not put anyone in charge of figuring out how the computers would communicate once they were connected, but it was obvious that some coordination was necessary. As the group continued to meet, Crocker kept expecting some legitimate adult with more experience and authority to fly out from the East Coast to take over, but that never happened. The Network Working Group had ARPAs tacit approvalall those meetings involved lots of long road trips, and ARPA money covered the travel expensesso they were it.

The Network Working Group faced a huge challenge. Nobody had ever sat down to connect computer systems together in a general-purpose way; that flew against all of the assumptions that prevailed in computing in the late 1960s:

The typical mainframe of the period behaved as if it were the only computer in the universe. There was no obvious or easy way to engage two diverse machines in even the minimal communication needed to move bits back and forth. You could connect machines, but once connected, what would they say to each other? In those days a computer interacted with devices that were attached to it, like a monarch communicating with his subjects. Everything connected to the main computer performed a specific task, and each peripheral device was presumed to be ready at all times for a fetch-my-slippers type command. Computers were strictly designed for this kind of interaction; they send instructions to subordinate card readers, terminals, and tape units, and they initiate all dialogues. But if another device in effect tapped the computer on the shoulder with a signal and said, Hi, Im a computer too, the receiving machine would be stumped.

As a result, the Network Working Groups progress was initially slow. The group did not settle on an official specification for any protocol until June, 1970, nearly two years after the groups first meeting.

But by the time the ARPANET was to be shown off at the 1972 ICCC, all the key protocols were in place. A scenario like the chess scenario exercised many of them. When a user ran the command @e r , short for @echo remote , that instructed the TIP to make use of a facility in the new TELNET virtual teletype protocol to inform the remote host that it should echo the users input. When a user then ran the command @L 134 , short for @login 134 , that caused the TIP to invoke the Initial Connection Protocol with host 134, which in turn would cause the remote host to allocate all the necessary resources for the connection and drop the user into a TELNET session. (The file transfer scenario I described may well have made use of the File Transfer Protocol, though that protocol was only ready shortly before the conference.) All of these protocols were known as level three protocols, and below them were the host-to-host protocol at level two (which defined the basic format for the messages the hosts should expect from each other), and the host-to-IMP protocol at level one (which defined how hosts communicated with the routing equipment they were linked to). Incredibly, the protocols all worked.

In my view, the Network Working Group was able to get everything together in time and just generally excel at its task because it adopted an open and informal approach to standardization, as exemplified by the famous Request for Comments (RFC) series of documents. These documents, originally circulated among the members of the Network Working Group by snail mail, were a way of keeping in touch between meetings and soliciting feedback to ideas. The Request for Comments framing was suggested by Steve Crocker, who authored the first RFC and supervised the RFC mailing list in the early years, in an attempt to emphasize the open-ended and collaborative nature of what the group was trying to do. That framing, and the availability of the documents themselves, made the protocol design process into a melting pot of contributions and riffs on other peoples contributions where the best ideas could emerge without anyone losing face. The RFC process was a smashing success and is still used to specify internet standards today, half a century later.

Its this legacy of the Network Working Group that I think we should highlight when we talk about ARPANETs impact. Though today one of the most magical things about the internet is that it can connect us with people on the other side of the planet, its only slightly facetious to say that that technology has been with us since the 19th century. Physical distance was conquered well before the ARPANET by the telegraph. The kind of distance conquered by the ARPANET was instead the logical distance between the operating systems, character codes, programming languages, and organizational policies employed at each host site. Implementing the first packet-switched network was of course a major feat of engineering that should also be mentioned, but the problem of agreeing on standards to connect computers that had never been designed to play nice with each other was the harder of the two big problems involved in building the ARPANETand its solution was the most miraculous part of the ARPANET story.

In 1981, ARPA issued a Completion Report reviewing the first decade of the ARPANETs history. In a section with the belabored title, Technical Aspects of the Effort Which Were Successful and Aspects of the Effort Which Did Not Materialize as Originally Envisaged, the authors wrote:

Possibly the most difficult task undertaken in the development of the ARPANET was the attemptwhich proved successfulto make a number of independent host computer systems of varying manufacture, and varying operating systems within a single manufactured type, communicate with each other despite their diverse characteristics.

There you have it from no less a source than the federal government of the United States.

If you enjoyed this post, more like it come out every four weeks! Follow @TwoBitHistory on Twitter or subscribe to the RSS feed to make sure you know when a new post is out.

Previously on TwoBitHistory
As a federally owned enterprise, the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH supports the German Government in achieving its objectives in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development. On behalf of the German Government, GIZ provides advisory services to the Vietnamese Government in four priority areas: (1) Vocational training, (2) Environmental, (3) Energy, and (4) Sustainable Economic Development. For further information, please visit www.giz.de/viet-nam

GIZ Hanoi Office is conducting a public tender with a package to seek eligible and experienced service providers (10 years) to offer the best value for money services in Package Travel management to GIZ Vietnam for 01 year from 01.01.2026  31.12.2026 with a possibility of one year extension. This requires handling around 3000 international and domestic flights and other services with a ticketing volume of around 25 billion VND per year.

Therefore, GIZ Hanoi Office is conducting a local public tender and seeking for professional and qualified local companies for the package  one company in the travel management in Vietnam (hereafter called as bidders) for the assignment as below:

a. Tentative timeframe of the assignment:

Package (83488169)  Travel management: from 01.01.2026  31.12.2026 with a possibility of one year extension.

Place of assignment: Vietnam

b. Submission requirements: Interested bidders shall submit the following documents in English:

Eligibility documents:

A. Exclusion Criteria:

1. Letter of interest (with directors signature and company stamp).

2. business license incl. business area about travel management

3. tax code registration

4. Available annual audited financial report (balance sheet, income statement, cashflow statement, tax liquidation) of the last 4 years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

5. Letter of good standing from the bank.

6. Evidence of Vietnamese Nationality required for Human Resource (1. Travel Consultant & Backup Position, 2. Account Manager -General Director/Deputy Director) such as copy of ID cards, Passports

B. Assessment Criteria:

1. Company profile:

 organizational chart, staff profile, list of services and the concrete number of experiences in the provision of these services,

 list of representative offices in Vietnam and in the region).

 Proof of experience/reliability in the relevant service area (at least 3 reference letters; similar evidence from selected clients/projects of international companies/organizations).

 Financial key data: net profit, the current Ratio = Shortterm asset / short-term liability, Return on Equity (RoE) = Net profit / equity

2. Evidence of Accreditation:

 Notarization copy of IATA accreditation certificate

 Authorization as Tier 1 agent of Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Singapore Airlines and Air France

 Other membership / award certificates in travel agency associations

c. Method of bid submission

The performance of the contract involves the processing of personal data by the contractor. Therefore, the bidder is required to ensure full compliance with applicable legal provisions before summiting Eligibility dossier, in particular: Decree No. 13/2023/ND-CP dated 17 April 2023 on the Protection of Personal Data ("Decree 13"), and the forthcoming Law on Personal Data Protection in Vietnam, once enacted.

Bidders send Eligibility dossiers to VN_PoS_Quotation@giz.de before 5 PM (Hanoi time) on 20.08.2025 with email subject: Tender 83488169 Eligibility dossier-Company name.

For data protection and information security reasons: In case the total volume of your bids is below 10 MB, you can attach them directly in the email sent to us. In case the total volume of your bids is above 10 MB, the files must be sent via GIZ file transfer system. We will provide guidance for using our file transfer. Links stated in documents and files sent via other applications/systems are not accepted.

Bids sent after the submission deadline and bids sent to the wrong email address will be disqualified.

Notes

1. Interested bidders send email of interest and request for tender documents to Question-from-bidder-PoS-VN@giz.de before 31.07.2025

2. Interested bidders send related questions if any to Question-from-bidder-PoS-VN@giz.de before 07.08.2025

3. Only selected bidders will be invited to submit technical and financial offers.

4. For the exchange rate at the corresponding time, please go to https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/procedures-guidelines-tenders/information-contractors-and-beneficiaries/exchange-rate-inforeuro_en

GIZ is obliged to ensure the confidentiality of all submitted documents by bidders.
HA NOI  Viet Nam is stepping up efforts to develop high-quality human resources for its semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) sectors, with new policies and strategic initiatives aimed at closing persistent talent gaps.

The 2024 Law on Science, Technology and Innovation outlines a range of incentives to promote workforce development in these high-tech industries. These include support for training, housing and income tax relief, as well as streamlined administrative procedures. Notably, the law introduces the concept of a chief engineer  a project leader with decision-making authority over personnel, funding and procurement, including direct purchases of foreign technology.

Speaking at an international seminar held early this week, Nguyen Thi Kim Anh, a member of the National Assemblys Committee on Science, Technology and Environment, said the legal framework reflects the Partys strategic priorities on innovation and national competitiveness. It is expected to accelerate the implementation of Viet Nams Semiconductor Industry Development Strategy to 2030, with a vision to 2050, and the Human Resource Development Programme for the Semiconductor Industry to 2030, approved in September 2024.

Solutions proposed at the seminar focused on enhancing interdisciplinary education, building global partnerships, and attracting overseas Vietnamese talent.

o Tien Thinh, deputy director of the National Innovation Centre (NIC), called for training programmes that combine engineering with strategy, finance and intellectual property. He also recommended offering tax waivers, research funding and leadership roles in national projects to skilled Vietnamese professionals abroad.

Firms like Viettel and FPT have developed capable tech leaders internally, he said.

But scaling this up requires a more systematic approach and exposure to global markets and standards.

Experts agreed that stronger collaboration between universities, the government and businesses is essential to meet the growing demand for skilled workers. They stressed that current training programmes in Viet Nam remain fragmented  often overly focused on technical skills or business knowledge  and fail to produce professionals capable of operating across both domains.

Associate Professor Nguyen Anh Thu, vice rector of UEBVNU, said Viet Nam must invest more in building human capital to compete in high-value areas such as chip design and research.

Human resources remain a bottleneck, she said. We need people who not only understand technology but also have knowledge of management, law and international business.

Viet Nam has set a target to train at least 50,000 high-quality workers for the semiconductor and AI industries by 2030. This includes 42,000 engineers, 7,500 master's degree holders, 500 doctoral researchers and 5,000 AI specialists.

However, the goal is widely considered ambitious due to the current shortage of experienced professionals and the intense global competition for talent. Despite these challenges, officials and experts remain optimistic that with coordinated planning, sufficient funding and consistent implementation, Viet Nam can steadily build a competitive workforce to support its high-tech ambitions.  VNS
A NANG  The national carrier, Vietnam Airlines has resumed the direct Osaka-a Nang flight after a hiatus , operating seven flights per week on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.

The airlines said the re-opening the route is seen as an effort to expand air services from a Nang City to the other cities in Japan, and key market for the national carrier with 20 per cent annual growth.

Vice director of a Nang Citys tourism department Nguyen Thi Hoai An said the flights will offer favourable conditions for visitors travelling to and from Japan and a Nang.

She said a Nang has organised different tourism promotion programmes in Tokyo and Osaka as well as press and farm trips from Japan.

a Nang alone has welcomed 108,000 tourists from Japan in the first half of this year.

The city will host the annual JapanViet Nam Cultural Festival on July 4-6.

a Nang City has inked memorandums of understanding on investment and cooperation with Yokohama, Kawasaki and Sakai, and built relationships with 15 other cities in Japan.

Many deals and exchange programmes in tourism, culture, education and environment protection have been promoted between a Nang and Japanese partners.

The first Japanese language studies and culture research faculty in the central and Central Highlands region was established at the a Nang-ong A University from 2020.

At least nine cities in Japan and more than 100 businesses have signed agreements to recruit students from the university and the region to work or study in Japan.

More than 162,000 Vietnamese students currently study the Japanese language, while 40,000 students have joined training courses in Japan.  VNS
HA NOI  The OCOP (One Commune, One Product) Export Products Fair, or Vietnam OCOPEX 2025, will take place from August 1 to 3 this year at the Imperial Citadel of Thang LongThang Long Imperial Citadel Relic Site on Ha Nois Hoang Dieu Street.

The fair has 300 booths from over 150 enterprises displaying OCOP-certified products such as tea, coffee, souvenirs, medicinal products, agarwood, essential oils, turmeric powder, processed foods, dried foods, bird's nests and beauty products like shampoo, conditioner and serum.

According to the Trade Promotion Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, with its diverse advantages and potential in natural resources, climate and culture, Viet Nam is successful in exporting its popular agricultural products as well as its many specialty products and products with local cultural value.

Vietnamese OCOP products have a good reputation both at home and abroad.

In recent years, the Vietnamese business community has increasingly aimed to build products according to OCOP standards. Many OCOP products have been innovated to improve quality and access export markets with high value.

Statistics show that by the end of 2024, the country had 14,642 OCOP products, an increase of 3,586 products compared to 2023.

The OCOP programme has seen positive and significant impacts on rural economic development, contributing to changes in production in rural areas towards linking value chains, unleashing the potential of land and comparative advantages of localities.

Within the framework of the fair, there are also events including a seminar on applying the digital transformation in developing OCOP exports, a forum on global consumption trends and opportunities for OCOP exports and a trade exchange event between Vietnamese enterprises and international importers.  BIZHUB/VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam and Brazil, boasting robust friendship and cooperation for years, are now leveraging the complementary strengths of their economies to elevate the bilateral relations to a new high.

As a founding member of BRICS, Brazil is Latin America's largest economy and ranked 10th globally as of 2023. The South American giant, rich in natural resources, is the world's second-largest agricultural producer, and stands as the third-largest mineral exporter worldwide.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Brazil has long been Viet Nams leading trade partner in Latin America. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1989, two-way trade has shown impressive growth. Last year, trade revenue soared to a record of US$7.87 billion, a year-on-year increase of 12.2 per cent.

Viet Nam shipped $2.6 billion worth of products to Brazil, and imported $5.37 billion from the country, up 15 per cent.

In the first five months of this year, the bilateral trade reached $3.33 billion, down 5 per cent compared to the same period in 2024. Viet Nam's exports to Brazil totaled $1.11 billion, while imports from Brazil stood at $2.2 billion, dropping 2.2 per cent and 6.3 per cent, respectively.

Viet Nam's primary exports to Brazil include seafood, rubber, textiles, footwear, and iron and steel products. Meanwhile, it imports soybeans, wheat, corn, livestock feed and raw materials, and various types of cotton from the Latin American country.

On investment, Brazil ran seven projects worth $3.85 million in Viet Nam as of October 2024, focused on manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, and professional scientific and technological activities.

The Vietnamese trade office in Brazil held that Brazil, a member of the Southern Common Market (Mercosur), is a highly promising market for Vietnamese exports such as garments, leather goods, handicrafts, and processed foods.

Besides, Brazil could become a bridge to facilitate Vietnamese goods access to Latin American markets as well as Mercosur, while Viet Nam would help Brazil break into the expansive ASEAN market with over 650 million people and an even larger market of 800 million people under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Bruno Romano, commercial director of GreenLife Solution, shared that Viet Nam represents a potential market for Brazilian exports such as beef, poultry, and grains, and serves as a market that can supply raw materials for some Brazilian manufacturing sectors including frozen fruits, plastic pellets, and iron, and steel, and aluminum raw materials.

He said his company will attend the International Sourcing Expo 2025 in Viet Nam in September to seek trading opportunities with Vietnamese partners.

Representatives from Viet Nam's Vifon Group and Tan Nhat Huong Company underlined their interest and strategies in seeking new opportunities in the South American market, with Brazil standing out as the most promising due to its strong consumption, reasonable standard requirements, and significant room for development.

At a working session with several Brazilian officials, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien affirmed reaffirmed the substantial untapped potential in the Viet NamBrazil cooperation.

Viet Nam welcomes Brazils recognition of its market economy status, he stressed, suggesting technical teams from both sides continue working to complete necessary recognition procedures in the second quarter of this year.

Viet Nam will initially open its market to Brazilian beef products and continue opening markets for products where Brazil has advantages and Viet Nam has demand. In return, Viet Nam requested Brazil to reciprocally open markets for its shrimp and tra and basa fish.

Besides, the two countries should enhance collaboration in the area of ethanol production where Brazil has considerable experience. Moreover, as Viet Nam undergoes a strong energy transition, cooperation opportunities in this field are substantial in the coming period.

The Brazilian officials, for their parts, underscored that energy cooperation and economic  trade ties are among the areas both countries need to focus on, stating Brazilian enterprises are ready to explore opportunities and cooperate with Vietnamese partners in this fields.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva lifted the ban on tilapia imports and opened market to certain types of Vietnamese shrimp, aligning with international standards, an official said, adding Brazil will carry out technical assessments for Vietnamese tra and basa fish.  VNS
HA NOI  From July 1, 2025, under Viet Nams non-territorial administration policy, household businesses can apply for and receive business registration at any commune-level office across the country, thanks to the new two-tier local administration model.

It was under the Ministry of Finances Official Dispatch No. 9241/BTC-DNTN sent to the People's Committees of provinces and centrally run cities to implement the business registration works according to the new administration model.

In the dispatch, the ministry regulates that the management boards of high-tech parks will grant the business registration for enterprises, branches, representative offices and business locations located in high-tech parks as well as ensuring conditions for carrying out business registration at the commune-level business registration agencies.

The Ministry of Finance has issued three documents  Official Dispatches 9241/BTC-DNTN, 4370/BTC-DNTN and 7984/BTC-DNTN  to guide business registration in cases of administrative boundary changes and when applying the two-tier local administration model.

The guide is aimed to ensure that the implementation of procedures for registering enterprises, household businesses and cooperatives smoothly and without interruption in localities after the apparatus reorganisation.

Since July 1, 2025, when district-level administrative units stopped operating, the national business registration system for enterprises, household businesses and cooperatives has been running under the rules of the two-tier local administration model.

This means many administrative procedures are now simpler, as household business registration can be done without being limited by local boundaries within a province or city. All business registration procedures for enterprises and household businesses are also done online at level 4.

Under the Business Registration Decree, several procedures have been reduced or simplified  for example, joint stock companies and limited liability companies no longer need to submit full meeting minutes when registering or reporting changes to their business details.

The decree also remove all procedures for business locations of household businesses. Tax collection for business locations is done through the business household owner.

In particular, according to the decree, the time for handling many procedures will be reduced to only two working days, instead of three.

Experts said efforts to reform administrative procedures through promoting the application of information technology and sharing data among State management agencies will continue to create maximum favourable conditions for businesses when entering, operating and withdrawing from the market.  BIZHUB/VNS
HA NOI The Embassy of Peru in Viet Nam and the Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake Hotel are hosting the gastronomic festival 'Flavors of Peru - II Edition Asia' from July 11 to 13.

After the successful first edition in Bangkok, Thailand, this second festival will showcase the richness and diversity of Peruvian cuisine through the talent of four distinguished Peruvian chefs leading acclaimed restaurants from across Asia: Chef Abel Ortiz (Chullschick Restaurant, Hong Kong); Chef Franco Aldana (Feliz Restaurant, Malaysia); Chef R. Rodrigo Serrano (DIP Nikkei, the Philippines); and Chef Pier Lopez (Yunka Nikkei Restaurant, Viet Nam).

This event will be a unique opportunity to enjoy Peru's globally renowned cuisine, a fusion of indigenous Incan and colonial Spanish influences, with additions from African, Chinese, Japanese, and Italian immigrants. Key ingredients include fresh fish, chicken, beef, corn, potatoes, quinoa, and various legumes, with Peruvian chili peppers adding a distinctive spicy kick.

Peruvian Restaurant Maido was named the Worlds Best Restaurant of 2025, along with three other Peruvian restaurants that made the list of "The World's 50 best Restaurants".

Attendees will be delighted with classic Peruvian specialties like ceviche (fish marinated in lemon juice), pollo a la brasa (Peruvian-style roasted chicken), causa limena (chicken-filled layered potato), lomo saltado (Peruvian stir-fried beef), aji de gallina (Peruvian chicken stew) and various desserts and beverages including pisco sours and chicha morada (purple corn drink).

The Peruvian chefs participating in the gastronomic festival are:

Abel Ortiz, a chef and entrepreneur who has significantly contributed to the introduction of Peruvian cuisine to Hong Kong since 2014. In 2018, with his wife Zoe, he founded Chullschick Restaurant in a warm and welcoming environment where diners can experience the authentic flavours of Peru's gastronomy.

Franco Aldana, a culinary expert trained at prestigious institutions such as D'Gallia and Le Cordon Bleu. He is the Executive Chef at Feliz in Kuala Lumpur. During his career he has gained experience at Maido and Astrid & Gaston in Lima, Peru, as well as restaurants in the Dominican Republic and the Marriott Group in Dubai.

Ruben Rodrigo Serrano, a Peruvian chef with extensive international experience on several continents. Trained in Peru, his cuisine blends traditional techniques with contemporary innovation. He currently leads DIP Nikkei in the Philippines, a personal take on Japanese-Peruvian fusion, and CHIFA! in Singapore, an interpretation of Chinese-Peruvian cuisine.

Pier Lopez, a Peruvian culinary expert with over 15 years of experience in Nikkei (a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian food) and traditional Peruvian cuisine. He is currently head chef at Yunka Nikkei in HCM City, where he presents creative dishes using seasonal ingredients with a refined menu design.

Event Programme:

Friday, July 11 (610.30pm): A night of Prestige and Palate. Peruvian-style shared set menu dining. Saigon Restaurant, Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake Hotel.

Saturday, July 12 (610pm): Buffet Dinner. Cafe Du Lac, Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake Hotel.

Sunday, July 13 (11am2pm): Brunch Buffet. Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake Hotel.

For reservations, contact Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake Hotel at Tel: 02462708888 or e-mail: fb.office@icwestlake.com

For more information visit the Embassy of Peru in Viet Nam's social media platforms: www.facebook.com/EmbajadaPeruEnVietnam or @peruinvietnam
HA NOI  As part of efforts to promote cultural diplomacy and the image of Vietnam abroad, the Vietnamese Embassy in Brunei, in collaboration with the International School Brunei (ISB), hosted a cultural exchange event featuring Vietnamese literature and traditional hand embroidery.

Speaking at the event held on Wednesday evening, Vietnamese Ambassador to Brunei Tran Anh Vu expressed his hope that ISB students and international friends will have a deeper appreciation for Vietnamese literature and culture, including works that have inspired acclaimed film adaptations.

On this occasion, the embassy presented a collection of Vietnamese literary and cultural books to the ISB library.

The event also offered a hands-on cultural experience for 30 ISB students from grades 7 to 12, representing diverse nationalities. Under the guidance of Le Thi Hong Ngoan, spouse of the ambassador; Maisarah Nguyen, founder of the handicraft brand Rattan House; and Pham Thu Phuong, a representative of the Vietnamese community in Brunei, the students learned about traditional Vietnamese hand embroidery techniques. They decorated their works with distinctive HMong ethnic patterns.

Aiming to convey a message of preserving traditional crafts while promoting environmental sustainability, all materials used during the event were eco-friendly, including recycled newspapers, repurposed plastic bottles, and dried plants. Ngoan and the instructors noted that they plan to explore Bruneis natural resources for use in Vietnamese handicrafts.

ISB is a prestigious educational institution in Brunei with a 60-year history. The school currently enrols around 1,400 students and faculty members from various countries and offers internationally accredited programmes. ISBs leaders expressed hope that more Vietnamese students will join its academic programmes and that partnerships and exchanges between ISB and Vietnamese educational institutions will continue to grow. VNA/VNS
Compiled by Le Viet Dung

In a sweeping and unprecedented legal reform, Viet Nam has slashed the number of offences subject to capital punishment to just 10, marking the country's sharpest move in a decades-long retreat from the death penalty.

The revised Penal Code, passed by the National Assembly on June 25 and effective from July 1, 2025 abolishes capital punishment for eight more crimes, including corruption-related offences and certain national security violations, continuing what legal experts describe as a deliberate and long-term strategy of gradual narrowing of the scope of the death penalty.

Officials say the reform reflects shifting legislative thinking in Viet Nam and brings its criminal justice policy closer to international norms.

"Slightly over 50 countries out of 193 UN member states still retain the death penalty in law or practice," Minister of Justice Nguyen Hai Ninh told legislators during the NA June session, calling the reform a historic legal milestone in line with both national development goals and international obligations.

Capital punishment in Viet Nam has never been treated lightly. Article 40 of the 2015 Penal Code classifies it as a 'special punishment', applied only in cases of 'especially serious crimes'.

Since 2019, the only legal method of execution has been lethal injection, replacing firing squads as part of an effort to reduce suffering for the condemned and alleviate the psychological burden on execution personnel.

The procedure involves three chemicals: one to induce unconsciousness, one to paralyse the nervous system, and one to stop the heart.

But the deeper transformation lies in the steadily shrinking scope of crimes for which the death penalty can still be applied.

In 1985, Viet Nam's first Penal Code listed 29 death-eligible offences. Following economic reforms and social restructuring, the number rose to 44 in the 1990s amid concerns over national security and social order.

The 1999 Penal Code reversed course, cutting that number back to 29. In 2009, it dropped to 22; by 2015, just 18 crimes remained punishable by death.

The latest reform, taking effect on July 1, was the boldest yet - eliminating capital punishment for eight more offences, leaving only 10 crimes where it can be imposed.

What was removed, and why

The eight offences no longer liable to the death penalty are: acts to overthrow the people's administration, espionage, sabotaging national security infrastructure, manufacturing/trading counterfeit medicine, illegal drugs transporting, embezzlement, bribery and waging a war of aggression.

The reasons behind the reform are strategic, political, humanitarian and diplomatic. According to lawmakers, the move reflects the Communist Party of Viet Nam's policy to institutionalise judicial reform and a more humane criminal justice system, in tandem with the country's rising international profile.

"It helps build legal compatibility with key international partners and facilitates extradition and legal cooperation," Justice Minister Ninh added.

As of July 1, the following 10 crimes remain eligible for the death penalty: treason, insurrection, terrorism against the state, murder, rape of a minor under 16, illegal production of narcotics, drug trafficking, acts of terrorism, crimes against humanity and war crimes.

Observers say the list reflects the government's 'red line' policy, signalling an uncompromising stance on threats to national security, serious violence, and major narcotics crimes.

Perhaps the most debated aspect of the reform is the removal of the death penalty for corruption-related crimes, specifically embezzlement and bribery.

Under the previous law, a provision had already allowed for death penalty waivers in such cases if the convicted voluntarily returned at least three-quarters of the stolen assets and actively cooperated with authorities in the investigation.

The 2025 amendments take this principle further: although capital punishment is abolished for those crimes, life-sentenced offenders are now only eligible for reduced sentences if they meet the same restitution and cooperation thresholds.

This formalises a strategic trade-off: leniency in exchange for asset recovery, which officials say is essential for ensuring effective enforcement and discouraging asset concealment.

The law also introduces a retroactive clause that reflects the humanitarian rationale behind the reform. Those already sentenced to death for any of the eight abolished offences, but whose sentences have not yet been carried out, will not be executed.

Instead, their sentences will be commuted to life imprisonment by decision of the Chief Justice of the Supreme People's Court.

Legal analysts view this as an important signal that new criminal code amendments should apply immediately, even to those already judged, reaffirming the system's consistency and humane orientation.

Supporters and sceptics

The reform has provoked hot debate, both in parliament and society. Proponents argued that it affirms Viet Nam's commitment to human rights, aligns with global trends, and mitigates irreversible judicial errors.

NA Deputy Nguyen Thi Viet Nga of Hai Duong emphasised that abolishing the death penalty should be seen not as softness, but as "a more appropriate legal choice that respects human dignity".

Lawyer Nguyen Thanh Cong of HCM City's Bar Association, writing in a June commentary, echoed this concern, noting that no legal system is immune to error. "When a wrongful conviction ends in execution, the damage is permanent," Cong said.

But the case for reform goes beyond moral and legal principles -- it also touches on Viet Nam's place in the global system.

Maintaining the death penalty, some experts argue, can create barriers to international cooperation, especially with key partners such as the European Union, which regards abolition as a precondition for full legal and diplomatic engagement.

Judicial cooperation, particularly in extradition, is another concern. Many countries refuse to extradite suspects to jurisdictions where they could face execution -- a stance grounded in the international principle of non-refoulement.

By removing the death penalty from more offences, Viet Nam has made its legal framework more compatible with that of its partners, thereby facilitating smoother collaboration on transnational crime.

Some lawmakers, however, fear the reform could weaken deterrence, especially for crimes like drug trafficking or producing fake medicine.

"Counterfeit medicine can kill in silence - it's mass murder," argued NA Deputy Pham Khanh Phong Lan of HCM City, who believes some offences still warrant the death penalty to send a clear and powerful signal to criminals.

Within ASEAN, only Cambodia (1989) and the Philippines (2006) have fully abolished the death penalty. Other nations, including Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar, still apply it to various crimes. Singapore, in particular, retains mandatory death sentences for certain drug offences.

By contrast, Viet Nams reform puts it closer to the global majority. As of 2024, 113 out of 193 UN member states -- nearly two-thirds -- had abolished the death penalty either in law or in practice.

While not an outright abolition, Viet Nams 2025 reform represents a calculated realignment of criminal policy. It sends a message that the state can uphold justice, security and accountability without relying on the most extreme punishment.

For now, the death penalty remains, but for fewer crimes, under stricter conditions, and with clearer paths to clemency. In a region where capital punishment remains entrenched, Viet Nams cautious but determined steps may signal something deeper: the quiet transformation of a legal philosophy, one reform at a time. VNS
HA NOI  The upcoming trip to Brazil by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, his spouse, and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation to attend the expanded BRICS summit and engage in bilateral activities from July 4-8 holds significant importance as it takes place amid a complex and unpredictable global context, said Pedro da Oliveira, General Secretary of the BrazilViet Nam Friendship Association.

Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s correspondent in South America, Oliveira emphasised that the trip not only deepens the bilateral ties between Viet Nam and Brazil but also fosters unity among developing countries, commonly referred to as the Global South, in tackling common global challenges.

According to Oliveira, PM Chinh's previous visit to Brazil in 2024 marked a milestone in the bilateral relations, during which the two countries upgrading their ties to a Strategic Partnership, 35 years after establishing diplomatic relations and 17 years after setting up a Comprehensive Partnership.

Bilateral cooperation has since grown substantially, not only in politics but also in trade and economic fields. Bilateral trade turnover surged from US$534 million in 2001 to nearly $7.7 billion in 2024.

Oliveira expressed his hope that the PM's attendance at the expanded BRICS summit this year will unlock further cooperation opportunities, particularly in the spheres of science, technology, and innovation. He noted that the two countries have already made encouraging progress in these areas and expressed his confidence that upcoming high-level meetings will result in new, practical cooperation agreements, deepening the Viet Nam-Brazil Strategic Partnership.

Commenting on Viet Nam's recent recognition as a BRICS partner country, Oliveira called it a strategically meaningful step. He said it demonstrates a commitment to equal and respectful cooperation, and to building a fairer international order.

He highlighted BRICS as a mechanism where member countries pursue common interests while respecting each nation's sovereignty, independence, and development orientations. The BRICS framework enables members to launch self-developed projects, thus reducing dependency on external forces and contributing to global stability and prosperity.

Oliveira praised Viet Nam's role and position, describing it as a model of independence, resilience, and proactive and responsible international integration.

Reflecting on the activities of the BrazilViet Nam Friendship Association, Oliveira said the association has implemented various initiatives to enhance people-to-people exchanges and promote cooperation between institutions in both countries. A key outcome was the establishment of the BrazilViet Nam Friendship Parliamentarians' Group, comprising lawmakers from diverse political parties.

Looking ahead, Oliveira shared plans to strengthen collaboration between the legislative bodies of Brazil and Viet Nam, helping to deepen the bilateral relations. Brazil also hopes to expand cooperation in education, including initiatives to connect Brazilian universities with Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment and other Vietnamese higher education institutions. These efforts aim to develop joint research and exchange programmes in Viet Nam's central region, especially in a Nang.

Oliveira expressed his strong confidence that, with the support of friendship organisations, the business communities, and legislative bodies of both countries, the Brazil-Viet Nam Strategic Partnership will continue to grow comprehensively across multiple fields.  VNS
HA NOI  The Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defence held an art programme in Ha Noi on July 3 evening, marking the 10-year review of the armys implementation of the 12th-tenure Politburos Directive No.05 on promoting the study and following of President Ho Chi Minhs thought, morality, and lifestyle.

Party General Secretary To Lam, who is also Secretary of the Central Military Commission, attended and chaired the exchange programme.

The event aimed to highlight key achievements over the past decade and offered a platform for exemplary individuals and collectives to share experiences, spread positive examples, and encourage officers, Party members, and soldiers to continue studying and following the late leaders thought, morality, and lifestyle.

Blending documentary segments, live on-stage exchanges, and artistic performances featuring a symphony orchestra and prominent Vietnamese artists, the programme vividly depicted the outstanding results of Directive 05s implementation across the entire army. It showcased the militarys efforts in moral training, exemplary conduct, and innovation, successfully fulfilling its role as a fighting, working, and production force.

The event also affirmed its commitment to building an elite, streamlined, strong and ready combat force, assisting and protecting the people and upholding the proud title of "Uncle Hos Soldiers" in the new era.  VNA/VNS
BERLIN  State Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan underscored Viet Nam's notable progress in promoting gender equality and womens empowerment in recent years, affirming the country's consistent commitment to these priorities.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Global Summit of Women in Berlin, Germany, on July 3, Xuan shared that between 2022 and 2024, Viet Nam climbed 11 places in the global gender equality rankings, currently standing at 72nd out of 146 countries.

The Vice President praised the summit for its contributions to promoting dialogue and international cooperation on gender equality over the past 35 years since its inception. Highlighting the significance of this years theme "Women: Restoring Values in the Digital Age", she noted that in a world marked by growing uncertainties, the robust digital transformation presents both opportunities and challenges. While the digital transformation opens up new chances for sustainable development, innovation, effective governance, and improved quality of life, it also risks exacerbating both traditional and non-traditional security challenges, especially for vulnerable groups in society, Xuan elaborated.

She spotlighted Viet Nams national digital transformation strategy, emphasising grassroots initiatives like the Digital Literacy for All and AI for All movements. She commended the pioneering role of the Vietnam Womens Union in bringing these programmes to women at the local level, helping to build an inclusive digital society. To ensure the active and safe participation of women and children, Viet Nam is striving to create a secure and friendly digital space, with several concrete actions already underway.

To promote inclusive and humane digital development, she called on the international community and nations to place gender equality at the centre of all discussions and legal frameworks concerning technology, share best practices, and honour the contributions of female scientists, innovators, and entrepreneurs, thereby breaking invisible barriers and inspiring aspirations among women to reach new heights.

Reaffirming Viet Nams readiness to share its experience, Xuan reiterated the countrys commitment to being a reliable partner and responsible member of the global community, working together to build an inclusive digital world where all women and girls can fully participate, be protected, and be empowered to achieve comprehensive development.

Speakers at the event underlined the urgency of advancing gender equality and empowerment for women and girls in the face of todays complex global challenges. They emphasised that while the digital era and technological breakthroughs like artificial intelligence offer unprecedented opportunities to elevate the role and value of women, they also pose risks of discrimination and inequality, especially in economic and social spheres. It is crucial to enable women and girls to fully participate in science and technology fields, to be equipped with relevant skills, and supported to adapt to emerging trends in the job market, particularly within technology enterprises. Gender equality and womens advancement are key to achieving sustainable human development.

Meeting with German Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil on the sidelines of the summit, Vice President Xuan suggested the two countries enhance high-level exchanges on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties (19752025), elaborating that this is an opportunity to review and advance bilateral cooperation across all fields and channels.

Also on July 3, Xuan met with representatives of the Vietnamese community in Germany, where she briefed them on Viet Nams current socio-economic situation and acknowledged their meaningful contributions to both the homeland and host country.

On this occasion, the Vice President also attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the VietnamGermany Bear statue at the Vietnamese Embassy in Berlin. Initiated by Ambassador Vu Quang Minh, the statue features iconic landmarks of both countries. The bear, a symbol of Berlin, also represents hospitality, strength, unity, and friendship - embodying the enduring and vibrant relationship between Viet Nam and Germany. VNA/VNS
NEW YORK  Ambassador o Hung Viet, Permanent Representative of Viet Nam to the UN, paid a courtesy visit to President of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly Philemon Yang on Thursday, during which the latter commended Viet Nams development achievements as well as its steadfast stance and commitment to multilateralism, international law, and the UN Charter.

At the event, the Vietnamese diplomat congratulated President Yang on the achievements of the 79th General Assembly session amidst mounting challenges confronting multilateralism and the UN itself.

Viet stressed that dialogue and mutual respect form the cornerstone to maintain international peace and security while promoting cooperation for sustainable development.

Drawing from Viet Nam's historical experience, he expressed the country's willingness to make substantive contributions to post-conflict reconciliation and healing efforts.

He affirmed Viet Nam's readiness to share its expertise and further strengthen its role in building sustainable peace across the globe.

Yang wished that Viet would have a successful tenure, contributing to improving the countrys image and international standing as well as promoting cooperation and dialogues between UN member states.

Earlier, Viet had meetings with UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix, UN Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support Atul Khare, UN Under-Secretary-General for Policy Guy Ryder, and UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu.

During the events, he thanked the UNs support for Viet Nam over the recent past while reaffirming the countrys strong commitment to the UN agenda, particularly processes and initiatives aimed at addressing global challenges.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nams participation in the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro highlights the country's growing global role and sets the stage for deeper future cooperation, said Vietnamese ambassador to Brazil Bui Van Nghi.

The diplomat was speaking to the press ahead of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinhs trip to Brazil for the summit and bilateral activities from July 4-8, at the invitation of Brazilian President Lula da Silva.

Ambassador Nghi noted that on June 14, Brazil, which is holding the rotating chair of BRICS for 2025, officially announced Viet Nam as a BRICS partner country, joining nine others: Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.

BRICS includes 11 major emerging economies representing nearly half the worlds population, land area, and a substantial share of global GDP and trade. The partnership promotes peace, security, and development.

As a partner, Viet Nam gains opportunities to engage in BRICS initiatives, shaping a more equitable and inclusive international order.

The ambassador emphasised key benefits for Viet Nam, such as enhanced international standing, expanded economic cooperation with BRICS members in trade, investment, infrastructure, and technology, plus opportunities to both contribute to and learn from BRICS in healthcare, climate change, and technology.

This aligns with Viet Nams foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and international integration, balancing global relationships, he said.

The diplomat stressed that Viet Nam becoming a BRICS country partner underscores its commitment to elevating developing countries voices, fostering international solidarity and multilateralisation based on respect for international law.

Hosted by Brazil under the theme Strengthening Global South Cooperation for more Inclusive and Sustainable Governance the summit prioritises global health cooperation, trade, climate change response, AI governance, architecture of multilateral peace, and institutional strengthening, closely aligned with Viet Nams sustainable development goals, including high-income status by 2045, coastal climate adaptation, and digital transformation.

BRICS health cooperation aids Viet Nams access to advanced medical technologies; climate initiatives offer funding and technology vital for adaptation.

Viet Nams participation in the Rio Summit provides a platform to share pandemic management and economic development experiences, while learning from BRICS members on technology and governance. The partnership also bolsters bilateral ties with Brazil.

Discussions on trade, investment, technology, AI, and semiconductors may yield agreements supporting Viet Nams development objectives, he said.

The ambassador stressed the BRICS partnership demonstrates Viet Nams foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification of relations.

It strengthens Viet Nams role in a multipolar world where developing countries have stronger voices and highlights Viet Nams success in building major economic partnerships while maintaining independence, self-reliance and confidence in its external policy.

Regarding the impacts of PMs trip on the Viet Nam-Brazil relations, Ambassador Nghi said that recent high-level exchanges, including Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinhs visits in 2023 and 2024, and President Lula da Silvas visit to Viet Nam in March, have propelled Viet NamBrazil relations to new heights.

The 2023 official visit by PM Chinh marked a historic milestone, ushering in a new era of cooperation with foundational agreements and ambitious trade targets.

In 2024, the relationship was elevated to a strategic partnership, expanding into technology and energy sectors. President Lula da Silvas state visit in March further deepened and consolidated bilateral collaboration.

The Vietnamese PMs 2023 visit was the first by a Vietnamese head of government in 16 years and the first high-level visit since 2007.

It solidified the comprehensive partnership through four cooperation agreements in education, defence, agriculture (2024-2026), and diplomacy training (2024-2025).

The two countries set ambitious trade goals  US$10 billion by 2025 and $15 billion by 2030.

Viet Nam also proposed that Brazil recognise its market economy status and engage in free trade negotiations with Mercosur. This visit fuelled momentum for economic and cultural cooperation, affirming mutual commitment.

At the G20 Summit in Rio in November 2024, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties, Viet Nam and Brazil upgraded their relationship to a strategic partnership, issuing a joint declaration.

This expanded cooperation in technology, renewable energy, defence, and enhanced political trust aims to benefit both bilateral interests and global peace, stability, and sustainable development.

Brazilian President Lula da Silvas visit in March launched the 2025-2030 Action Plan for the strategic partnership. Key achievements included Brazil recognising Viet Nams market economy status, trade commitments, market openings, and Viet Nams invitation as a partner country to the 17th BRICS Summit.

These outcomes reinforced bilateral cooperation and boosted Viet Nams global profile, he said.

The ambassador described these visits as tangible evidence of Viet Nams foreign policy of peaceful, independent, confident diplomacy, rooted in President Ho Chi Minhs Thought and the resilient Vietnamese bamboo diplomacy, opening broader cooperation prospects with Brazil and other emerging economies.

High-level visits provided platforms to discuss not only bilateral issues but also regional and global challenges amid BRICS expanding influence.

Viet Nams participation in BRICS reflects its growing multilateral importance, contributing fresh perspectives and global solutions.

Ambassador Nghi also highlighted the embassys efforts to promote diplomatic, economic, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges amid rapid bilateral growth, especially following the 2024 strategic partnership and 2025 BRICS partnership.

Diplomatically, the embassy organised key high-level visits and supported Viet Nams participation in international forums such as the G20 Summit.

Economically, it promoted trade and investment through business networking, collaborating with the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce in Sao Paulo on workshops and forums across several Brazilian states in April.

These efforts contributed to bilateral trade growing from $7.11 billion in 2023 to $7.98 billion in 2024.

Culturally, the embassy has hosted events introducing Vietnamese culture, including a 2024 Friendship Meeting for 35 years of diplomatic relations, the first-ever Viet Nam Day in Brazil (November 2024), featuring a monument honouring President Ho Chi Minh in Rio, and celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of national reunification and the 135th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minhs birth in 2025.

The embassy also participated in the 2025 International Food and Culture Festival in Brasilia, showcasing Vietnamese cuisine and supporting social charities, he said.

The embassy prioritises consular services and community activities that preserve national identity and promote Viet Nams image abroad, added the diplomat.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man has officially endorsed Resolution No 205/2025/QH15 on piloting the Peoples Procuracy's initiation of civil lawsuits to protect the civil rights of vulnerable groups or public interests.

The resolution, which was adopted by the NA on June 24, will take effect on January 1, 2026 and will be piloted for three years in Ha Noi, HCM City, a Nang, Can Tho, Quang Ninh and ak Lak.

It specifies that the initiation and settlement of public civil cases shall be conducted in accordance with this Resolution.

In cases where it does not provide specific guidance, provisions of the Civil Procedure Code and other relevant laws shall apply.

The procuracy may only initiate lawsuits after notifying and recommending relevant agencies, organisations, or individuals to exercise their rights and responsibilities to initiate lawsuits under the law, but no one has done so.

Civil lawsuits initiated by the procuracy to protect public interests shall not be subject to mediation, nor can the defendant file a counterclaim.

Related agencies, organisations, and individuals are obliged to cooperate with the procuracy and the court when they carry out their duties and powers as prescribed by this resolution and other relevant laws.

Regarding jurisdiction over civil lawsuits for public interests, the resolution stipulates that the district procuracy corresponding to the district court with jurisdiction over the first-instance hearing of the civil case shall have the right to initiate the lawsuit.

In complex cases involving significant damages, occurring across multiple districts, involving foreign factors, or when deemed necessary, the provincial procuracy may initiate lawsuits or conduct inspections, verifications, and evidence collection before assigning the district procuracy to initiate the lawsuit.

For cases that are highly complex, involve very huge damage, span multiple provinces or cities, affect national security or foreign affairs, or when considered necessary, the Supreme Peoples Procuracy may initiate lawsuits or conduct inspections, verifications, and evidence gathering before assigning the lower-level procuracy to initiate the lawsuits.

The resolution also defines the procuracys responsibilities and powers, including receiving and handling information about violations of civil rights of vulnerable groups or public interests; inspecting, verifying, collecting information, documents, and evidence; requesting the court to apply urgent interim measures to protect civil rights and property, ensure evidence collection and protection, and secure case settlement or enforcement.

Additionally, the procuracy may request agencies, organisations, or individuals to cease violations and take measures to prevent or remedy consequences; suspend or resume inspections and verifications; notify and recommend competent agencies, organisations, or individuals with the right and responsibility to initiate lawsuits; and support litigation.

The resolution also stipulates other responsibilities and powers, such as initiating civil lawsuits for public interests, exercising the rights and obligations of plaintiffs during litigation, supervising compliance with the law in case resolution, and exercising rights to request, recommend, and appeal in accordance with the Civil Procedure Code.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  A total of 141 people, including former high-ranking Vietnamese officials and several South Korean nationals, have been prosecuted in a sweeping illegal gambling case uncovered at King Club located inside Ha Noi's Pullman Hotel.

The case, one of the largest of its kind in recent years, involves an estimated VN2.6 trillion (nearly US$107 million) in gambling transactions, according to a statement released on Friday by the Supreme Peoples Procuracy.

Among those prosecuted are Ho ai Dung, former Vice Chairman of the Phu Tho Provincial Peoples Committee, and Ngo Ngoc uc, former Secretary of the Party Committee of Hoa Binh City (of former Hoa Binh Province, now Phu Tho Province).

Prosecutors allege both men were regular players at the club, wagering millions of US dollars over several months.

King Club, operating under a license to run electronic gaming for foreigners, was managed by Viet Hai ang Company and operated by HS Development Vietnam (HS Company) under a business contract.

Authorities say Kim In Sung, director and legal representative of HS Company, hired three fellow South Koreans - Cho Choon Keun, Choi Jin Bok, and Shim Hawn Hee - to help manage the club. In January 2020, Kim reportedly received internal approval to open the clubs doors to Vietnamese citizens.

On June 22, 2024, police raided the club and caught 14 people gambling on electronic machines. Nearly US$1.6 million in cash and various foreign currencies were seized on-site.

Over five months, investigators say, the club allowed 145 Vietnamese gamblers to place illegal bets. Prosecutors allege that Kim In Sung was the ringleader, directing daily operations and pocketing 100 per cent of the profits.

The three South Korean managers, along with two Vietnamese executives, were accused of helping run the scheme.

Ho ai Dung was charged with gambling on 95 separate occasions, wagering over $7 million in total. His largest single bet exceeded $331,000, while his smallest was nearly $5,000. He reportedly lost over $759,000.

Ngo Ngoc uc used the alias 'Mr Lucky one' and allegedly gambled 74 times on slot machines, roulette, and baccarat. His total wagers surpassed $4.2 million, with losses of around $284,000.

Prosecutors say 136 of the defendants were Vietnamese citizens who knowingly violated the law, which prohibits them from gambling on electronic machines. Despite this, they continued betting with the King Club staff.

Investigators estimate the total money amount involved in the case at over $106 million. Kim In Sung is believed to have made more than $9.2 million in illegal profits from player losses.  VNS
HA NOI  Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam Peoples Army and Deputy Minister of National Defence Gen. Nguyen Tan Cuong and Chief of Defence Forces of Thailand Gen. Songwit Noonpackdee agreed to deepen their defence cooperation during talks in Ha Noi on July 4.

The talks took place right after the welcome ceremony for the Thai guest, who is on Viet Nam visit from July 4-5.

Cuong, who is also a standing member of the Central Military Commission, described defence cooperation as a key pillar of the Viet Nam-Thailand comprehensive strategic partnership and underscored ASEAN's critical role in shaping and maintaining regional security architecture, while also promoting substantive cooperation among member states, and between ASEAN and partners.

Viet Nam values cooperative ties with ASEAN member states, including Thailand, for the sake of peace, stability, and development in the region and the world, he said.

He expressed satisfaction with the deep, practical and effective development of bilateral defence ties, notably the exchange of all-level delegations. He also noted the effective operation of cooperation mechanisms, including the defence policy dialogue, personnel training, officer exchanges, collaboration between military branches, as well as mutual support and consultation at multilateral forums and regional frameworks.

Looking forward, Cuong proposed increasing delegation exchanges, leveraging existing cooperation mechanisms, and fostering more practical and effective collaboration, particularly in maritime law enforcement. He also called for enhanced defence training and exploration of other potential areas, alongside closer consultation and mutual support at multilateral forums and international events hosted by each side.

As for global and regional issues of mutual concern, he affirmed Viet Nams consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation, and development, along with diversification and multilateralisation of external relations. He also reaffirmed the country's adherence to the "Four Nos" defence policy (no military alliances, no siding with one country against another, no foreign military bases, and no using Viet Nam's territory to counter other countries).

Regarding the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea) issue, Cuong repeated Viet Nams position that all disputes must be settled through peaceful means in line with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), along with regional agreements such as the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC). He also expressed the countrys support for early conclusion of a practical and effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

Noonpackdee, for his part, spoke highly of Viet Nams "Four Nos" defence policy and reaffirmed Thailands support for resolving disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law.

He expressed his hope that bilateral defence ties would continue to deepen in a practical and effective manner in the coming time.  VNS
HA NOI  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on July 4 sent a message of congratulations to Kim Min Seok on his appointment as Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea (RoK).

Diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and the RoK were established on December 22, 1992, and elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022.  VNS
BERLIN  Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hoang Long and Parliamentary State Secretary at the German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy Stefan Rouenhoff signed a Joint Declaration establishing the Viet Nam-Germany Energy Partnership in Berlin on July 3 (local time) in the presence of Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan.

The declaration lays a comprehensive framework to accelerate Viet Nams energy transition, targeting carbon neutrality, enhanced energy security, and expanded business ties.

Key priorities include refining energy policies; scaling up renewable energy such as offshore wind, solar power, and green hydrogen; digitalising the power sector, improving energy efficiency, modernising power grids and supporting decarbonisation in industries resistant to emissions cuts.

The partnership will operate through annual high-level steering committee meetings, technical working groups, and expanded efforts in training, research, and business networking, deepening energy collaboration between the two nations, thus contributing to achievement of sustainable development goals.

In a working session following the signing, Long and Rouenhoff expressed optimism about the growing momentum in bilateral trade, industry, and energy relations, particularly as both nations are pursuing green transition. Germany, Viet Nams second largest trade partner in Europe, serves as a vital entry point for Vietnamese goods into the European Union, aligning with Germanys strategy to diversify supply chains.

Long outlined Viet Nams energy goals under its National Power Development Plan VIII, which aims for renewable sources to constitute 47-53 per cent of total energy capacity by 2030.

This includes 46-73 gigawatts of solar power and 32-55 gigawatts of wind power, with 6 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030 and an additional 17 gigawatts by 2035.

Viet Nam wishes for deeper cooperation with Germany in green hydrogen, workforce training, and building a robust energy ecosystem involving their small- and medium-sized enterprises, Long said.

For his part, Rouenhoff praised the impact of the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement on bilateral trade and reaffirmed Germanys commitment to effective implementation. He also voiced support for expediting the EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement. Both sides agreed to strengthen energy-related workforce training and to convene the third meeting of the Viet Nam-Germany Joint Committee for Economic Cooperation in Viet Nam later this year.

Later that day, Deputy Minister Long attended a seminar on German support for developing renewable energy hubs in Viet Nam, co-hosted by the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade and the German Agency for Development Cooperation.

The event drew representatives from German energy firms operating in Viet Nam, including Enertrag, Enercon, RENAC, Neuman & Esser, GEO, and WPD. Participants discussed ongoing projects, future collaboration, and challenges needing solutions.

Franz-Josef Claes, Chairman and CEO of German energy group GEO, announced plans for a training centre in Viet Nam to develop technical workers and engineers specialising in renewable energy, coupled with technology transfer initiatives to bolster Viet Nams energy independence and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.

ao Quang Vinh, senior advisor at GEO, added that the company aims for the facility to become a pioneering wind power training hub not only for Viet Nam but also for broader Southeast Asia.  VNS
GENEVA  As a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the 20232025 term and a country heavily affected by climate change, Viet Nam has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with other nations, international organisations, and global stakeholders to build sustainable and people-centred solutions for a future free from hunger and in harmony with nature.

Le Minh Tuan, a representative from the Department of International Cooperation under the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, made the remark at an event on transforming food systems to adapt to climate change and ensure the right to food on July 3.

Co-hosted by the Permanent Mission of Viet Nam in Geneva, in collaboration with the missions of Bangladesh, Mexico, and the Netherlands, the event took place on the sidelines of the 59th session of the UNHRC and attracted the participation of over 50 international delegates from diplomatic corps, international organisations, and academia.

The topic of food system transformation in response to climate change and the protection of the right to food holds increasing significance in light of todays multidimensional global crises, including climate change, environmental degradation, conflicts, and growing food insecurity.

Sharing Viet Nam's experiences in promoting a sustainable food system, Tuan highlighted the Mekong Delta's low-emission and high-quality rice development programme, which aims to cultivate one million hectares of such grain by 2030.

The programme not only seeks to improve farmers' incomes and reduce emissions but also contributes to ensuring the right to food, especially for vulnerable groups such as women and the poor. Models such as "1P5G", straw management, farming mechanisation, and the increase of women's engagement have been effectively implemented in Viet Nam, he noted.

Benjamin Schachter, Coordinator of the Environment and Climate Change Team at the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), encouraged countries to adopt a human rights-based approach in transforming food systems, stressing the need for genuine community participation, transparency, accountability, and non-discrimination.

He also acknowledged efforts by countries such as Viet Nam in mainstreaming human rights in climate and agricultural agendas, affirming OHCHRs readiness to provide support and technical cooperation throughout this process.

Ambassadors and heads of delegations from the co-hosting countries also shared diverse national experiences and perspectives, contributing to a fruitful discussion.

The event underscored Viet Nams proactive role in advancing human rights in the context of climate change, helped strengthen its network of partners, and shared practical lessons with the international community.  VNS
HA NOI  Party General Secretary To Lam, President Luong Cuong, and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Friday sent congratulatory messages to US President Donald Trump on the occasion of the 249th Independence Day of the country (July 4, 1776  July 4, 2025) and the 30th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties (July 12, 1995  July 12, 2025).

On this occasion, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man also extended congratulations to the President of the US Senate James David Vance and the Speaker of the US House of Representatives Mike Johnson.

In their messages, the Vietnamese Party and State leaders reaffirmed that Viet Nam consistently regards the US as one of its strategically important partners, and welcomed the US support for a "strong, independent, self-reliant, and prosperous Viet Nam."

Reflecting on the 30-year journey since the official establishment of diplomatic relations, and especially following the upgrading of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the Vietnamese leaders expressed satisfaction with the positive developments in bilateral cooperation across all fields on global, regional and bilateral fronts.

Viet Nam stays ready to work closely with the US to further deepen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in a more effective and substantive manner, delivering tangible benefits to their people while contributing to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and beyond, they wrote.

On the occasion, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son also sent a congratulatory message to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.  VNS
HA NOI  Once regarded as a low-cost destination offering basic healthcare services mainly for overseas Vietnamese and foreign patients, Viet Nams medical sector has undergone a rapid and impressive transformation.

With growing mastery of advanced technologies and specialised procedures, Vietnamese doctors are elevating the countrys status as an emerging hub for high-tech, complex treatments in Southeast Asia.

A series of extraordinary medical cases in Viet Nam has demonstrated far more than clinical expertise. These include a successful intervention that reignited hope for a Singaporean foetus diagnosed with a life-threatening heart defect, the remarkable recovery of a South Korean businessman from a deep coma, and the life-changing surgery that ended 15 years of suffering for an American patient.

Each story reflects not only the technical skill but also the compassion, resilience and steadily advancing capabilities of Viet Nams healthcare professionals. Together, they offer renewed hope to international patients in search of effective and affordable treatment.

A second chance at life

K.W.S., a 41-year-old woman from Singapore, became pregnant for the first time after more than a decade of infertility, thanks to in vitro fertilisation. But the joy of impending motherhood was shattered when doctors in Singapore diagnosed her unborn baby with a severe congenital heart defect, warning of a high risk of death and advising termination of the pregnancy.

In search of alternatives, the medical team in Singapore consulted international resources on foetal cardiac interventions and referred her to Viet Nam, the only country in Southeast Asia capable of performing such a procedure.

On May 22 and May 28, two complex foetal cardiac catheterisations were successfully carried out by a joint team from Childrens Hospital No 1 and Tu Du Hospital in HCM City.

Nearly two weeks after the successful procedures, Vietnamese doctors accompanied K.W.S. on her safe return flight to Singapore, where her care was transferred to the KK Womens and Childrens Hospital.

In a heartfelt letter, K.W.S. and her husband expressed their deep gratitude to the Vietnamese medical team:

"We are truly thankful for your teams dedication, effort and unwavering support throughout this journey. Despite our babys severe condition and unfavourable position, your team never gave up on us. This experience will forever remain in our hearts. Words cannot fully express our gratitude toward the incredible Vietnamese medical team."

Another powerful case is that of D.F., a 47-year-old American businessman, who described his experience as being "born again" after receiving treatment in Viet Nam.

For 15 years, I suffered and travelled across countries in search of a solution. I visited top hospitals in the US, Thailand and Singapore. I had six failed surgeries and endured countless painful procedures. I was losing hope, he said, visibly emotional.

His life had been upended by a urethral stricture caused by a traumatic accident. The condition led to increasingly severe urinary issues: difficulty urinating, incomplete bladder emptying, frequent urination and recurrent infections.

Every bathroom trip was torture, he recalled. Over time, even his bladder and kidney function were affected, despite his healthy lifestyle and regular exercise.

It used to take me 20 minutes to urinate, and even then, I never felt relief, D.F. said.

In April, on a friends recommendation, he came to Binh Dan Hospital in HCM City for treatment. Just three weeks after surgery, he returned for a check-up and his symptoms had completely resolved.

Now, it takes me just ten seconds to go to the bathroom. Its unbelievable. For the first time in 15 years, I can drink water freely without fear. I hope my story inspires others around the world who suffer in silence, to know that effective, affordable treatment can be found even at a public hospital in Viet Nam, he said.

Dr o Lenh Hung, head of the Urethral Reconstructive Surgery Department at Binh Dan Hospital, explained that urethral reconstruction typically has a low global success rate, ranging between 5673 per cent even in leading Western surgical centres.

At Binh Dan, however, the success rate is an impressive 98 per cent. The hospital has successfully treated numerous cases far more complex than D.F.s.

Rising destination for medical tourism

Vietnamese hospitals are not only treating patients who actively seek care in the country, but also going above and beyond to save international visitors who fall seriously ill while travelling or working in Viet Nam.

One such case is that of Y.S., a 42-year-old South Korean national, who was miraculously saved by doctors at FV Hospital in HCM City and safely repatriated after a long and challenging recovery.

Y.S. was admitted in critical condition, in a deep coma after a stroke, with no relatives present to give consent for surgery. Despite this, Medical Director of FV Hospital Dr Vu Truong Son said the team made the urgent decision to operate immediately.

Though his family in South Korea had lost hope upon hearing of his condition, Vietnamese doctors refused to give up. After 80 days in a vegetative state, Y.S. gradually regained consciousness and began to communicate through eye movements and gestures.

Over the course of a year-long treatment, he received round-the-clock, comprehensive care from a multidisciplinary team, including intensive care, neurosurgery, physiotherapy and nutrition.

We treated him like family, said head nurse Chu Thi Nguyet Anh. Every small sign of progress felt like a reward for the entire teams efforts.

In addition to medical care, FV Hospital coordinated closely with the South Korean Consulate General in HCM City to find a solution for Y.S.s return home. Despite the fact that he no longer had valid health insurance in Korea, one hospital eventually agreed to accept him.

On May 12, Y.S. boarded a flight back to Korea, accompanied by a nurse from FV Hospital to ensure his safety throughout the journey.

Deputy Consul General of South Korea Kwon Tae Han expressed heartfelt gratitude. He said despite the patients critical condition and the many difficulties encountered during treatment, the medical team at FV Hospital never gave up and ultimately saved his life.

Their actions reflect not only the noble values of the medical profession but also the deepening friendship and cooperation between South Korea and Viet Nam, he said.

Similar stories continue to emerge. In early June, Thu uc City Hospital successfully saved O.P., a French tourist who suffered an acute heart attack while travelling in Viet Nam.

Before returning home, O.P. said he was genuinely moved by the doctors professionalism, dedication and sense of responsibility throughout his treatment.

Most recently, Nhan Dan 115 Hospital in HCM City admitted a 63-year-old Russian man working in Nha Trang who suffered a severe stroke that threatened his life. Thanks to prompt intervention, doctors were able to restore nearly all of his neurological function within just a few days.

According to Dr Nguyen Anh Dung, deputy director of HCM Citys Department of Health, the citys hospitals have successfully treated many foreign patients in critical condition across various specialties. These successes reflect the citys growing capacity to support the development of high-quality medical tourism, in alignment with both municipal and national development strategies.

Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan confirmed that these achievements mark an important step toward realising Viet Nams ambition to become a destination for high-quality medical tourism.

He noted that the country is increasingly attracting patients from across the region and beyond. Its not only about the affordable cost, but also because the quality of care in Viet Nam is now approaching international standards.  VNS
HA NOI  The Government is stepping up efforts to draw more students into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, with a wide-ranging package of incentives to strengthen the country's future workforce.

Officials say the policy push is critical to meeting Viet Nam's growing demand for skilled personnel in fast-evolving sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and emerging technologies.

Over the past several years, STEM education has steadily gained traction across Viet Nam's higher education system.

By 2024, 90 per cent of universities and colleges nationwide had incorporated STEM programmes into their academic offerings. That year, full-time STEM enrolment reached approximately 60,000 students, while total new admissions in the field rose to 218,000, making up 36 per cent of all university entrants.

Postgraduate training has followed suit. In 2024, nearly 20,000 students pursued master's degrees in STEM, while doctoral programmes enrolled close to 4,000 candidates, an increase of roughly 600 over the previous year.

"This is a very positive trend, showing encouraging signs in the training of high-quality human resources," Deputy Minister of Education and Training Pham Ngoc Thuong said at a press conference on July 3.

The Government has also identified semiconductor education as a strategic focus, given its critical role in national competitiveness.

Under a dedicated programme approved by the Prime Minister, Viet Nam aims to train at least 50,000 engineers for the semiconductor industry by 2030, and to develop a workforce capable of participating in global high-value supply chains by 2050.

In the 20242025 academic year, around 19,000 students - roughly 10 per cent of all STEM enrolments - chose majors related to the semiconductor sector. Currently, 166 institutions nationwide offer semiconductor-related training, including 97 that provide direct instruction.

Despite these developments, Viet Nam's STEM enrolment rate remains modest by international standards.

According to Deputy Minister Thuong, the proportion of students enrolled in STEM fields currently ranges from 27 to 31 per cent, well below countries such as Malaysia (50 per cent), Singapore (46 per cent), Germany (39 per cent), and South Korea (33 per cent).

"This shows that we need to increase the scale of STEM enrolment," Thuong said.

To address this gap, the Government is pursuing a comprehensive strategy to expand and support STEM education.

On April 25, the Prime Minister approved a ten-year national plan for developing technological human resources. The plan outlines two overarching objectives and four core task groups, laying the foundation for long-term implementation.

As part of this strategy, the Ministry of Education and Training is finalising a draft decree on scholarship policies for STEM students.

The proposal, developed in consultation with other ministries, is expected to be submitted to the Prime Minister this month. It includes financial support through scholarships and tuition waivers for undergraduate students and postgraduate researchers.

The Ministry is also working with the Ministry of Finance on a separate plan to improve access to student credit. Thuong said the goal is not only to attract more students into STEM disciplines but also to support their transition into the workforce.

"We are creating the conditions for future talent to fully realise the professional qualifications and skills they have been trained in," he said.  VNS
HCM CITY  HCM City is assessing the potential impact of new US tariffs on exports as Viet Nams economic powerhouse works to maintain its ambitious growth target of 88.5 per cent this year.

Speaking at a meeting on Friday to review the citys socio-economic performance in the first half of 2025, Nguyen Van uoc, chairman of the Peoples Committee, warned that recent US trade measures could pose challenges to sustaining economic momentum in the second half.

He urged relevant agencies to evaluate the impact of the tariffs and whether current growth targets remain achievable.

Under a new deal announced on July 2, the US will impose a 20 per cent tariff on most Vietnamese exports, significantly lower than the 46 per cent initially proposed.

However, a 40 per cent tariff will apply to goods deemed to be transshipped from countries like China through Viet Nam.

In exchange, Viet Nam will cut all tariffs for US imports into the country, potentially opening opportunities in sectors like automotive, agriculture, and finance.

While the agreement offers short-term relief, it also brings new regulatory and compliance pressures, especially for HCM Citys export-driven economy.

The city must improve supply chain transparency, enforce customs rules, and streamline administrative processes to remain competitive.

The new tariffs have introduced uncertainty to HCM Citys economic outlook.

A slowdown in exports could affect industrial output, employment, and budget revenue, especially in major manufacturing hubs such as Tan Thuan, Linh Trung, and VSIP.

To mitigate these risks, city leaders are looking to boost domestic consumption, accelerate public investment, and expand service sectors like tourism and digital technology.

If effectively implemented, HCM City could emerge as a key export base for global companies looking to diversify beyond China, experts said.

The meeting was the first since HCM City merged with former Binh Duong and Ba Ria  Vung Tau provinces, creating a mega city covering nearly 6,800 square kilometres and home to 14 million people.

At the meeting, officials reviewed early outcomes of the new two-tier governance model, identifying early challenges in public services and administration.

uoc called for faster adoption of digital governance tools and a unified strategic plan that replaces the three former jurisdictions individual development blueprints.

City officials have recently unveiled a long-term vision to 2060, aiming to make HCM City a top Southeast Asian mega city, integrating finance, high-tech industry, and the marine economy.

The ultimate goal, uoc said, is to make HCM City one of the worlds top 100 most liveable cities.

In the first half of 2025, the city recorded GRDP growth of 7.82 per cent.

The former Binh Duong grew by 8.3 per cent, while Ba Ria  Vung Tau saw 2.61 per cent growth. Overall, the new HCM City posted a combined growth of 6.56 per cent.

Retail and service revenue rose 16.2 per cent, while foreign direct investment across the three regions reached more than US$5.2 billion.

Budget revenue stood at VN415 trillion (60 per cent of the years target), and public investment disbursement reached VN46.8 trillion (32.1 per cent of the plan).

Exports totalled $31.6 billion, up 13.3 per cent, and imports rose to $24.9 billion, up 13.2 per cent.

FDI into HCM City alone surged 123.1 per cent to nearly $2.7 billion.

Tourism also rebounded, with revenue hitting VN117.9 trillion, up 27.3 per cent.

The city welcomed more than 3.8 million international tourists and 18.3 million domestic visitors in the first six months.  VNS.
HA NOI  All public school students, from preschool to high school, will be exempt from tuition fees starting in the 20252026 academic year, under a resolution signed by National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man on Thursday.

Resolution No 217/2025/QH15 also stipulates tuition exemption and support for Vietnamese citizens and people of Vietnamese origin residing in the country who have yet to determine their nationality.

Those attending private or non-public schools will receive state-backed tuition support, with specific amounts to be set by each provincial and municipal Peoples Council.

These must remain within the fee limits established by the government. The central budget will support provinces that lack the capacity to fully fund the programme, ensuring equal access to education across regions.

On the same day, the NA Chairman also signed Resolution No 218/2025/QH15 on universal preschool education for children aged 3 to 5 by 2030.

The resolution's objectives include building more schools and classrooms, upgrading facilities, and ensuring an adequate number of qualified teachers.

The initiative will combine state investment with private funding, aiming to close educational gaps among different regions.

The resolution took effect on June 26 when it was passed by the National Assembly.  VNA/VNS
TAY NINH  A total of 38 Vietnamese nationals were handed over to the Moc Bai International Border Guard Station (Tay Ninh Province) by Cambodian police and the Vietnamese Embassy in Cambodia between July 3 and 4.

Initial reports indicate that the group includes 27 men and 11 women from 22 cities and provinces across Viet Nam. They were detained by Cambodian authorities in Svay Rieng Province for violations related to immigration and illegal labour.

Upon repatriation, the individuals underwent screening and verification procedures conducted by the border guard unit in coordination with the criminal police division of the Tay Ninh Police.

Investigations revealed that 29 of them had worked at companies in Cambodia engaged in online gambling and scam operations.

Authorities also identified three individuals with prior criminal convictions, including theft, public disorder, and illegal drug possession.

An additional five individuals were found to have previous administrative violations, including gambling, drug use, and unlawful border crossings without proper immigration procedures.  VNS
HAI PHONG  A police investigation into an illegal sex trafficking ring has led to the discovery of a brutal murder, in which a young woman was beaten to death and her body dumped in a remote forest in northern Viet Nam.

The police on Friday announced that they had completed their case file and handed it over to prosecutors, recommending charges against four suspects.

The charges include murder, procuring prostitution, harbouring a criminal, and purchasing sex with a minor.

The main suspect, Nguyen Thi Thuy, 43, is accused of both murder and running a prostitution operation. Her husband, Ta inh Phuc, 38, faces charges for procuring prostitution.

Two others - H Ko Nie, also known as My, 30, and Ngo Xuan Canh, 48 - are accused of harbouring a criminal and purchasing sex with a person under 18, respectively.

The case came to light during a broader investigation into a prostitution network allegedly run by Thuy and Phuc. But the investigation took a darker turn when Thuys 12-year-old son and a 14-year-old girl named Linh came forward, revealing that Thuy had been involved in a murder committed in mid-2024.

Under the direction of Bui Quang Binh, the thenHai Duong's Police Chief (now Hai Phong's Police Chief), a special task force was assembled to investigate.

The team faced major obstacles: witnesses had used fake names, many had left the area, and there was no clear information about the victims identity.

It wasnt until investigators interviewed Linh, My, and another witness - a 15-year-old girl from Thanh Hoa - that they located the site where the body had been dumped: a remote forest area in Ban Ngo Commune, Xin Man District, now part of Tuyen Quang Province.

However, the victims identity was still unknown.

The only clues were that her name might be Ngoc and that she was from Phu Tho Province. Working with local authorities and comparing old photographs with residency records, police eventually identified her as N.T.K.K., a 30-year-old woman from Phu Tho.

According to the investigation, Thuy was awaiting the enforcement of several previous criminal sentences when she opened an eatery called Minh Ngoc in Hai Duong (now part of Hai Phong City).

Through online platforms, she recruited young women and girls, forced them into sex work, and housed them in a rented property on Kim Son Street.

In April 2024, two girls - K. (the victim) and another teen - were brought in. Because K. was small and thin, Thuy assigned her to work at the restaurant instead of serving clients.

Later, two other girls, including Linh and My, joined the operation. K. and another one were responsible for housekeeping duties at the restaurant and dormitory.

Over time, K. became a frequent target of Thuys violence. On the night of July 16, 2024, Thuy accused K. of stealing VN11.5 million (about US$450) from her and My. She allegedly forced K. to undress, beat her with a metal pipe, then wrapped her in a towel and brought her to the restaurant to continue the assault.

K. was left naked in the kitchen overnight. The next morning, Thuy reportedly ordered Linh to slap her and pour cleaning fluid over her body. Later, in a final act of brutality, Thuy cut off part of K.s pinky finger with a knife in an attempt to force a confession.

That night, K. died from her injuries. Around midnight, Thuy allegedly forced My, Linh, and another girl named L. to help dispose of the body, threatening to expose their involvement in prostitution if they refused.

She packed the body and blood-stained clothes into a car and initially drove toward Quang Ninh. But upon seeing surveillance cameras along the route, she turned back. Early the next morning, the group took the Ha NoiHai Phong expressway, searching for a more secluded location.

Linh searched online and suggested Bac Ha District in Lao Cai Province, but they couldnt find a suitable spot. Eventually, they reached Xin Man District.

Near the Peoples Committee office of Ban Ngo Commune, they dumped the body in a deep pit and began driving home. On the way back, their car broke down in Nam Dan Commune.

Based on the investigation, authorities determined that Linh and L., who were both only 14 years old at the time, are not criminally liable under Vietnam's law for helping conceal the crime.

The case is now with the Peoples Procuracy, pending prosecution.  VNS
KHANH HOA  Khanh Hoa Province is urging residents to help curb the rising number of dengue fever cases, which has more than doubled year-on-year.

The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) of Khanh Hoa Province has reported over 3,300 cases of dengue fever since early 2025, up 2.6 times year-on-year. There are currently 41 active outbreak zones.

Mountainous communes of the former district of Khanh Son, which reported no cases in 2024, now have 65 cases. The number of cases in June has exceeded the epidemic warning threshold.

One dengue-related death was confirmed in Suoi Dau Commune in May. The patient had pre-existing health conditions and delayed medical treatment. After being admitted to hospital in critical condition, the patient deteriorated rapidly and passed away.

In response, health workers have sprayed chemicals to kill mosquitoes and instructed people on how to prevent the spread of the disease.

The provincial CDC has also directed local authorities to carry out mosquito and larvae eradication campaigns.

Communities in Khanh Hoa Province also launched mosquito larva clean-up campaigns in response to the 15th ASEAN Dengue Day on June 15.

Ton That Toan, Deputy Director of the provincial CDC, said that the province has faced challenges such as public complacency and problems with the national disease reporting system, making it harder to track cases and respond to new cases.

He added that recent rain showers in the province have created ideal conditions for mosquito breeding.

The provincial health sector is urging the public to remove mosquito breeding sites, join clean-up campaigns and report suspected cases promptly.

The CDC has also proposed the provincial Health Department set up inspection teams to monitor the disease at ward and commune levels after the recent rearrangement of administrative units.  VNS
BANGKOK - Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced on Tuesday that she accepted the decision of the Constitutional Court of Thailand to suspend her from duties as Prime Minister while the court reviews a petition seeking her removal.

With the suspension in effect, Deputy PM and Minister of Transport Suriya Jungrungreangkit, 70, has been appointed Acting PM of Thailand. He is set to lead the newly reshuffled cabinet in a swearing-in ceremony scheduled for July 3.

Speaking to the press, Paetongtarn said she would step aside indefinitely from her prime ministerial duties, although she has 15 days to present her case and explain the true intention behind her phone call to Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Reuters reported.

She clarified that her call was solely intended to protect Thailands sovereignty, ensure the safety of Thai soldiers, and prevent any escalation of conflict.

Paetongtarn also expressed her gratitude to her supporters and apologised to the Thai public for any distress or displeasure her actions may have caused. VNS
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, AFFP exports were valued at $33.5 billion, up 14.3 per cent, and imports at $23.5 billion, up 12.8 per cent, for the period.

Tran Gia Long, deputy director of the Planning and Finance Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, said, "The global economy in the first half of this year has experienced many fluctuations. However, our countrys agricultural production has remained stable and achieved decent growth."

The export turnover of AFFP in June alone is estimated at $5.9 billion, a 5.3 per cent increase compared to last year, bringing the total export turnover for the first six months of the year to $33.8 billion.

Several key agricultural products have shown strong growth, including tea, coffee, cassava, pepper, cashew nuts, livestock products, seafood, and wood and wood products.

Meanwhile, two products that have seen a decline in export value are rice, which hit $2.6 billion, a decrease of 9.8 per cent on-year, and fruits and vegetables, which brought in $2.7 billion, a decrease of 17.1 per cent.

By region, Asia remains the largest export market for Vietnam's AFFP. Compared to the same period last year, export value to the Asian market increased by 2.3 per cent, and to the Americas by 18.7 per cent.

Among individual markets, the United States, China and Japan are the top three export destinations for Vietnams AFFP. In the first half of 2025, exports to the US rose by 16 per cent, exports to China declined by 0.7 per cent, and exports to Japan surged by 25 per cent compared to the same period in the previous year.

Phung Duc Tien, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment, said, "There has been a clear shift in the structure of export markets. In 2025, the US market has grown significantly compared to previous years, surpassing China and creating a balance between the US and Chinese markets."

Alongside the increase in exports, imports have also risen. The import value of AFFP in June is estimated at $4.21 billion, up 11 per cent on-year, bringing the total import value for the first six months to $24 billion, a 15 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024.

By region, Vietnam imports the majority of its AFFP from Asia and the Americas, accounting for 31 per cent and 24.7 per cent of the market share respectively. Compared to the same period last year, imports from Asia rose by 21.8 per cent and from the Americas by 11 per cent.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has stated that it will continue to maintain exports, preserve and stabilise traditional markets, and explore potential markets to achieve the 2025 export target of $65 billion.
MELBOURNE, Australia, July 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bizcap, a leading provider of fast and flexible business loans, has announced its launch into Luxembourg, establishing its first operational footprint in continental Europe. The move signals Bizcap's commitment to empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the globe with fast, flexible, and transparent financing.

Founded in Australia, Bizcap has established itself across Australia and New Zealand, and after gaining traction in the UK and Singapore, Bizcap EU is bringing its cash flow-friendly funding model to Luxembourg. The company will offer loans ranging from 5,000 to 500,000, with approval decisions made within 2 days and funding available within 3 days. Repayment options are designed to suit business needs, offering daily or weekly repayment flexibility and early repayment discounts of up to 35%.

"Our entry into Luxembourg is just the beginning of Bizcap's European expansion," said Albert Gahfi, Co-CEO of Bizcap Europe. "We've experienced tremendous success in markets like the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore, where our fast, flexible financing solutions have helped thousands of SMEs thrive. With this proven track record, we are confident that Luxembourg will be no different. We're committed to bringing the same level of support to businesses here, and with a strong local team in place, we're excited to build on our global success as we scale our operations across Europe."

Bizcap's approach is distinguished by its open-minded underwriting model, which focuses on the overall financial health and performance of a business. The company also specialises in tailored funding, offering support to businesses in a range of sectorsincluding those navigating tax debts or financial pressure.

The expansion is led by Laura Schlag, Managing Partner for Europe, who is based in Luxembourg.

"We're thrilled to launch Bizcap in Luxembourg and begin our European journey. As a local, I have a deep understanding of the market and the needs of SMEs here" said Laura. "We're committed to supporting SMEs across the region, and we know there's a real need for faster, more accessible funding options. We're focused on building a high-performing local team and attracting top talent to support our European launch and ensure the same scalable growth we've seen in our other locations.''

Zalman Blachman, Co-CEO of Bizcap EU, added:

"Laura's appointment reflects our commitment to building the right foundations in every market we enter. Her legal background and deep understanding of Luxembourg's business landscape position her exceptionally well to lead our expansion into Europe. She's strongly aligned with Bizcap's mission to unlock capital for SMEs who are often overlooked by traditional lendersand that alignment will be key as we grow across the region."

Partnership Enquiries

Bizcap is currently accepting partnership enquiries and direct enquiries from SMEs. To learn more or apply, visit www.bizcap.eu or email partners@bizcap.eu
On July 3 in Hanoi, an awards ceremony for the trainees was held through the collaboration of ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), the Centre of Science Research and Training of the State Audit Office of Vietnam (SAV), and Agribanks Training School.

The ceremony, attended by experts and trainees from all three institutions, was also witnessed by representatives from the British Embassy in Vietnam and BritCham Vietnam.

The successful collaboration between ACCA, the SAV, and Agribank on the 2025 training courses highlighted the importance of enhancing professional competence tied to global integration, and demonstrates all parties determination to promote transparency, sustainability, and digital transformation in Vietnams financial and banking sector.

Ren Varma, ACCAs head of mainland Southeast Asia, shared, In a global professional environment that is evolving rapidly, ACCA members worldwide constantly enhance their core skill sets. Vietnam is undergoing a powerful transformation with notable achievements, and the demand for new skills is reshaping the future of work, especially in banking and finance. Professionals must demonstrate advanced digital capabilities, a deep understanding of international standards, and strong sustainability competencies. Through pioneering training programmes, ACCA equips finance teams with the abilities to grow, adapt, and excel in a competitive, dynamic environment.

He emphasised that the ceremony did more than honour academic excellence, it symbolised a shared vision of investing in people, raising professional standards, and cultivating future leaders for Vietnams banking and finance sector.

It also attests to ACCAs long-term commitment to supporting Agribank in building a high-quality, internationally-aligned workforce. We hope this event showcases our collective ambition to deepen UK-Vietnam collaboration, particularly in education, finance, and professional development, Varma added. At ACCA, we believe partnerships like this will help us overcome challenges, open new opportunities, and deliver positive, synergistic impact.

Ren Varma, ACCAs head of Southeast Asia, gave a speech at the ceremony. Photo: ACCA Vietnam

During the event, Nguyen Huy Hoang, deputy director of the Centre of Science Research and Training under SAV, stated that the courses represented individual achievements and the result of rigorous, responsible cooperation among the three partners.

The modules were designed with practical insights from SAVs years of banking fieldwork, ensuring alignment with international standards and high applicability. They also identified common issues or errors in Vietnams financial and banking operations, he said. These contributions have long-term value in circulating professional experience and improving internal controls in financial institutions.

Hoang added that, with the excellent results and dedication of participants, this ACCA programme reaffirmed the centres direction in expanding high-quality training cooperation, not only for auditors, but across finance and accounting personnel in key economic institutions.

The three flagship courses in 2025 reflect Agribanks long-term vision and comprehensive human capital strategy. Each course provided foundational knowledge and addresses current financial trends, closely tied to banking realities and global integration requirements.

The first course, IFRS Banking Complete Pack, held in April, featured Agribank financial experts and focused on IFRS, emphasising both global knowledge and practical insights from the SAV in the banking sector. Mastery of IFRS enhances Agribank staffs expertise and builds a strong basis for financial transparency and trust with investors and partners.

In May, the Certificate in Sustainability for Finance focused on environmental, social, and governance goals, now essential for risk management and modern banking strategies. Participants learned both theory and real-world sustainable finance and auditing practices at Agribank, enhancing their ability to integrate sustainability into financial decision-making.

Held in June, the third course, Digital Finance Essentials, provided a comprehensive look at technologys role in modern finance and accounting, covering automation robots, AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity. Graduates left equipped with digital mindsets and skills to adapt to fintech transformations, improve efficiency, and reduce risk.

Ren Varma presented certificates to Agribank participants of the three training courses. Photo: ACCA Vietnam

The ceremony recognised individual learning achievements and embodied Agribanks robust, long-range talent strategy, building a professional finance team aligned with global standards and digital trends.

At the ceremony, Doan Ngoc Luu, deputy CEO of Agribank, emphasised, In a banking landscape rapidly evolving under technology, modern governance, and global standards, Agribank recognises that human capital is not only critical, it is the driving force behind every reform and innovation. Developing a high-quality workforce is central to our 2025-2030 strategy.

Based on this philosophy, Agribank has proactively partnered with reputable domestic and international training bodies like ACCA and the Centre of Science Research and Training to launch in-depth, modern courses aligned with the latest financial and accounting trends, added Luu. These are not merely theoretical courses, they are transformative experiences that bring new management approaches, preparing our staff to integrate professionally and meet international benchmarks.

He expressed the hope that each participant becomes a beacon of knowledge, applying new skills in daily work and fostering a culture of proactive learning and professionalism throughout Agribank.

This is more than a theory-based programme, its an opportunity to reset mindsets, adopt leading management methods, and help banking staff integrate step by step into a professional, internationally aligned environment, he said.

Doan Ngoc Luu, deputy CEO of Agribank. Photo: ACCA Vietnam

Participant Le Thi Thu Ha, deputy head of Agribanks Financial Institution Department, shared, After rigorous, practical, and valuable training, we are honoured to receive an internationally recognised certificate from ACCA. It marks a significant milestone in our careers and motivates us to continue developing our professional capabilities.

This programme is exceptionally practical and well-suited to Agribanks direction in the digital era, as the banking sector is accelerating digital transformation, adapting to global trends, and pursuing sustainable development. We have gained invaluable, applicable knowledge that enhances our daily work in both technical and financial governance, she added.

SAV and ACCA join forces to elevate banking workforce As Vietnam integrates further with the global financial system, an internationally qualified workforce has become a pivotal need for the banking sector to maintain competitiveness and long-term sustainability.

Global trade uncertainties take centre stage at ACCA forum As global trade volatility persists, experts at a Hanoi seminar stressed how critical strategic foresight, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration are for nations and businesses to adapt, capitalise on emerging opportunities, and achieve sustainable growth.

Effective AI in banking and finance factor a prerequisite Despite the numerous advantages of using AI in auditing and consulting, such systems remain prone to errors and must be used properly, according to experts at a Ho Chi Minh City seminar on May 23.

Digital age truly here for public audits The role of public auditing is undergoing a fundamental shift in Vietnam thanks to the digital revolution.

Appropriate trade approach critical Vietnam is accelerating efforts to strengthen economic resilience through targeted reforms, digital transformation, and the diversification of export markets.
Schwarz Group, parent company of Lidl, established its own container shipping company, Tailwind Shipping Lines, in 2022 to strengthen control over its supply chain and ensure reliable delivery of goods from China, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka to stores across Europe. Currently, Tailwind is the second-largest shipping company in Germany, with a fleet of nine container ships.

Tailwind added Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and Port Klang in Malaysia to its shipping route in June, which previously only connected Chattogram in Bangladesh and Colombo in Sri Lanka.

Port Klang has replaced Colombo as Tailwinds main transshipment hub in Asia, connecting to the main shipping route between China and Europe.

"With this intra-Asia service, we provide a reliable transportation solution for industries such as raw materials and finished goods in the textile sector, as well as many other fields," said Nico Peters, vice president for commercial management at Tailwind. "This will further enhance the international supply chain.".

Lidl currently owns 12,350 stores, mostly located in Europe, accounting for about 8 per cent of the total market share in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and the Central and Eastern European region.

Despite primarily focusing on food products, Lidl still imports a large portion of non-food products from China. The addition of Ho Chi Minh City and Port Klang to the shipping route signals Lidls move to import more nonfoods from Vietnam and Malaysia in the future.

In April, Malaysia and Vietnam faced retaliatory tariffs of 24 per cent and 46 per cent respectively from the United States, but these tariffs have been temporarily suspended until the beginning of July. Meanwhile, goods from China are subject to even higher tariffs, reaching up to 55 per cent, prompting many companies to encourage Chinese suppliers to relocate production bases to other Asian countries.
According to the Ministry of Health (MoH), in the first five months of 2025, the country recorded 22,974 dengue cases and five deaths. This indicates that risks remain, especially in the context of overlapping outbreaks such as dengue, hand-foot-and-mouth disease, and COVID-19 increasing in some localities.

At the end of May, the MoH issued an urgent directive calling for strengthened leadership, surveillance, and communication to reduce dengue-related fatalities.

Dengue was previously known for having an outbreak cycle of about once every five years, with a clear "quiet period". But now, epidemiological patterns have changed alarmingly. It is no longer seasonal and has spread geographically.

Information about the unpredictable developments, burdens, and risks posed by dengue was shared by experts at a recent online talk show organised by Suc khoe & Doi song, the official media voice of the MoH, in collaboration with Takeda Vietnam Pharmaceuticals Limited. Takeda has made significant efforts to support the health sector by raising community awareness about dengue. The talk show was held under the theme: Towards zero dengue deaths: Collective disease prevention with integrated solutions.

Guest speakers at the talk show

Dr. Vo Hai Son, deputy director of the Vietnam Administration of Disease Prevention, said, Previously, high case numbers followed a cycle of about five years, but now it has changed, and high case numbers appear roughly every two years. He further explained that urbanisation, migration, and easier travel between regions have facilitated the wider and harder-to-control spread of dengue fever.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Thai, vice head of the Infectious Diseases Control Department at the National institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, stated from an epidemiological perspective that dengue has now spread across provinces, including mountainous areas that previously recorded very few cases. This development means that everyone needs to be more proactive in responding to the disease.

Negligence and improper handling

Although general awareness about dengue has improved, according to experts, a significant portion of the population remains negligent and mismanages the illness, leading to cases of late hospitalisation, severe disease progression, and even death.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Do Duy Cuong, director of Bach Mai Institute of Tropical Medicine, said, People with a fever may assume it is due to other illnesses like the flu, but in reality some cases show no clear symptoms, and patients arrive at the hospital late, already in shock or with multiple organ failure.

Misinterpretation of symptoms causes many people to self-treat at home, missing the "golden period" for intervention and facing unpredictable risks

A typical case shared by Cuong involved a male student from the countryside living in rented accommodation in Hanoi. Due to poor living conditions, when he had a fever, he just stayed in his room and ate sparsely. He was only admitted to hospital on the fifth day, when his condition had worsened, and he was showing signs of shock and haemoconcentration.

Additionally, dengue is caused by a virus and has no specific cure. The unauthorised use of antibiotics, corticosteroids, or IV fluids without a doctors prescription is a serious mistake that can worsen the illness.

Comprehensive collaboration towards zero dengue deaths

To cope with the increasingly complex dengue epidemiology, reduce fatalities, and effectively control outbreaks, experts emphasise the need for a comprehensive strategy including vector control, epidemiological surveillance, early warning systems, behavioural communication, and strengthening of the health system. Among these, vaccination, a new solution endorsed by the World Health Organisation (WHO), is a part of the overall strategy, enabling proactive prevention and reducing the risk of severe disease progression.

Sharing at the talk show, MSc. Dr. Vo Hai Son emphasised the importance of controlling disease vectors, along with proactive actions from everyone: Social measures, together with the proactiveness in each locality, neighbourhood, and household, will make people aware of the risks of infection and death due to dengue. From there, we will coordinate with the health sector to eliminate mosquito larvae and mosquitoes. This will help enhance disease and vector control.

Adding to the vector control solution, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Thai also pointed out the unpredictable challenges in urban environments. Some people say their apartment is on the 30th floor and they dont see mosquitoes, so they believe theyre safe. But dont assume that. Mosquitoes are very smart. They dont fly directly from the first to the 30th floor, but instead ascend step by step, breeding on each floor. As a result, even the highest floors of apartment buildings will have mosquitoes.

High-rise apartment buildings are not safe zones for dengue. Mosquitoes will still breed and transmit dengue if not properly controlled

From the perspective of an enterprise accompanying Vietnams health system, Benjamin Ping, general manager of Takeda, said, We believe that multi-sectoral collaboration plays a key role because no single unit or organisation can effectively control dengue alone.

Ping also emphasised the necessity for cooperation between the government, the health sector, businesses, and the community. He stated that Takeda is committed to contributing to collective efforts by strengthening healthcare system capacity, supporting community communication, and ensuring sustainable access to vaccinations as an integral part of the disease control strategy.

Additionally, the role of health education is indispensable. It is necessary to implement diverse, official, and continuous campaigns to raise community awareness, help people understand the disease correctly, recognise early symptoms, avoid negligence, and seek medical care in time. In addition, vaccination is also considered one of the proactive preventive solutions, helping to reduce severe cases and fatalities caused by dengue.

The WHO is currently recommending the use of Takedas dengue vaccine for certain populations in countries with high transmission rates and significant dengue burden. This vaccine has been approved in 40 countries, with over 15 million doses distributed globally.

Disclosure

This content was jointly developed by the Suc khoe & oi song Newspaper, and has been professionally reviewed and approved by the Vietnam Association of Preventive Medicine with the aim of raising public awareness. It is intended solely for public informational purposes and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of any health condition. This material is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician for further guidance. C-ANPROM/VN/NON/0034

Experts discuss dengue fever prevention in Vietnam Takeda, a global biopharmaceutical company, hosted a series of meetings in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi on September 26-27 to discuss the essential role of vaccines in an integrated dengue prevention strategy in Vietnam and globally.

Integrated solutions for dengue fever prevention in Vietnam Dengue vaccines being available in Vietnam contributes to strengthening the prevention and control strategy for this infectious disease, but synchronised implementation of multiple solutions is needed to ensure vaccine sustainability.
Shrimp and basa fish, Vietnams two leading seafood export products, saw slower growth in June. Photo: Le Toan

Shipments to the US dropped by 26 per cent compared to June last year, undermining overall growth. The cumulative value of seafood exports in the first half of 2025, however, reached $5.2 billion, marking a nearly 19 per cent increase against the same period in 2024.

Despite the subdued performance in the US, other key markets maintained robust growth in June. Exports to China, Japan, South Korea, and ASEAN countries rose by 15-28 per cent on-year. In contrast, exports to the EU plateaued, edging down 1 per cent, while shipments to the Middle East declined by 16 per cent, primarily due to ongoing regional conflicts. Particularly noteworthy was the steep fall of over 50 per cent in exports to Israel  a major destination for canned tuna.

By product group, tuna suffered the sharpest decline in June, plunging more than 31 per cent on-year. This drop was mainly attributed to US trade measures, as the US remains the top market for Vietnams tuna exports. For the six-month period, tuna exports stood nearly 2 per cent lower than the same time last year.

Shrimp and basa fish, Vietnams two leading seafood export products, saw slower growth in June due to similar trade policy pressures from the US. By the end of June, shrimp exports had brought in $2.07 billion, up 26 per cent on-year, while basa fish reached $1 billion, rising 10 per cent.

The outlook for the second half of 2025 hinges heavily on upcoming decisions from the US on countervailing duties. Shrimp exports face mounting risks of overlapping tariffs, including countervailing duties, anti-dumping tariffs, and anti-subsidy measures. Meanwhile, prospects for basa fish appear somewhat brighter.

In late June, the US Department of Commerce (DOC) announced the final results of the 20th administrative review (POR20) of anti-dumping measures on Vietnamese basa fish, with seven exporters eligible for a zero per cent anti-dumping duty. If countervailing duties are managed effectively in the months ahead, the result could pave the way for Vietnamese basa fish to regain competitiveness in the US market and accelerate in the latter half of the year.

At a regular press conference held by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment on July 3, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien emphasised that the long-term development strategy places science, technology, and innovation at the core of the transition from extensive to intensive growth, aiming towards sustainable development. The agricultural sector remains steadfast in its principle of not trading off the environment for growth, while ensuring social equity and economic efficiency.

In addition, efforts to improve institutional frameworks are being accelerated. The government has issued decrees on decentralised management and administrative reform, empowering localities to be more proactive and innovative in implementation. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is currently reviewing and evaluating existing legislation to propose amendments to specialised laws, with a view to institutionalising new policy directions and creating a more transparent and effective legal framework.
Defendant Nguyen Van Hau, former Chairman of Phuc Son Group (Photo: dantri.com.vn)

Hanoi  Phuc Son Group on July 3 made an additional payment of 768 billion VND (approximately 29.3 million USD) to remedy damages in the criminal case involving its Chairman Nguyen Van Hau.

With this latest payment, added to previously seized funds in Haus bank accounts (over 247 billion VND) and amounts submitted earlier in the pre-trial phase (over 84 billion VND), the total compensation has reached 1.164 trillion VND, effectively covering the entire financial damage caused in the case.

Hau was accused by the Supreme Peoples Procuracy of committing bribery by taking advantage of personal and professional relationships to give over 132 billion VND to officials at the Provincial Party Committees, Peoples Committees, and various departments in former Vinh Phuc and Quang Ngai provinces (now Phu Tho and Kon Tum provinces, respectively).

Through bribery and personal lobbying, Phuc Son Group won multiple tenders in Vinh Phuc, Phu Tho, and Quang Ngai. After winning the contracts, Hau illegally directed the transfer of those projects to other entities, causing losses of more than 459 billion VND to the State, a violation classified as violating bidding regulations causing serious consequences.

Hau also instructed his subordinates to operate two separate accounting systems, resulting in 504 billion VND in tax losses to the State. This conduct was charged as violating accounting regulations causing serious consequences.

For the three criminal acts, the prosecution has recommended a combined sentence of 30 years in prison for Hau. According to the case file, Hau caused a total loss of 963 billion VND through bidding and accounting violations, along with an additional 204 billion VND due to illegal land price adjustments, bringing the overall damage to 1.164 trillion VND.

The Hanoi Peoples Court is scheduled to deliver its verdict on July 4 for Hau and the 40 other defendants involved in the Phuc Son Group case.
Searee Mechanical and Refrigeration JSC, a key member of the Searefico Group, announced the move on June 27, following the government's Decision No.1142/QD-TTg from June 13, which approved the establishment of Danang Free Trade Zone (FTZ).

Following the decision, Searee has recommissioned its mechanical factory and launched a new production line for ducting and accessories under the Thanh Xuan brand. On the same day, Searee signed a Share Subscription Agreement (SSA) with Taisei Oncho Vietnam (TOVH) and a Shareholders Agreement (SHA) with Searefico E&C, and TOVH.

Shinji Mizayaki (left), general director, Taisei Oncho Vietnam and Phan Dinh Vinh, general director, Searee

Through the SSA, TOVH becomes a direct equity investor in the Searee Industrial Building (SIB) in Danang while the SHA sets a framework for transparent corporate governance, aligned decision-making, and sustainable cooperation among all stakeholders.

Phan Dinh Vinh, general director of Searee and deputy CEO of Searefico E&C, said, "These agreements lay the foundation for professional corporate governance and responsible capital allocation, ensuring maximum benefits for all stakeholders while contributing to broader economic development."

Meanwhile, Nguyen Khoa Dang, CEO of Searefico Corp and chairman of Searee, revealed that as part of its strategy until 2028, the company is targeting an additional 50,000 square metres of leasable floor area and a future initial public offering.

"We believe TOVH will remain a long-term strategic partner, not just a financial investor," said Dang.

The SHA between Searee, Searefico E&C, and TOVH was signed on June 27

Searee also secured a mid-term credit facility from Techcombank, bringing the total value of newly mobilised capital to approximately VND120 billion ($4.7 million), combining both foreign direct investment and domestic financing.

The capital injection enables Searee to accelerate the construction of the Searee Industrial Building (SIB) in Hoa Khanh Industrial Zone.

The facility, expected to launch in January 2026, features a five-story layout with a semi-basement and a total height of 28m.

It is one of the first industrial projects in Hoa Khanh Industrial Zone to utilise a high-rise model for optimised land use. It is designed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and FM Approvals, a globally recognised certification body that provides independent testing and certification of products and services, primarily for loss prevention and property protection, targeting international Foreign Direct Investment clients with stringent requirements on sustainability.

Alongside Searees developments, other Searefico ecosystem companies are ramping up project execution and backlog resolution.

In the first half of the year, Searefico successfully unlocked nearly VND1.4 trillion ($56 million) in backlogs, a notable achievement amid a volatile construction and materials market.

With Searees new momentum and system-wide operational synergy, Searefico Group is poised for sustainable growth in the latter half of the year and beyond. These strategic steps reflect Seareficos long-term ambition to become a top industrial platform in Vietnam, driven by innovation, integration, and international partnerships.

Searefico ventures into logistics to welcome wave of FDI In anticipation of rising foreign direct investment inflows into Vietnam, Searefico has ventured into the logistics industry to capitalise on new opportunities.
A high-profile delegation attended the event

In a ceremony attended by ambassadors, government officials, and industry leaders on July 4, the developer signalled its deepening commitment to the region's rapidly expanding manufacturing and logistics sector.

With nearly 50 years of experience in Singapore's real estate sector, Soilbuild Group is now expanding its industrial expertise globally through Soilbuild International. The launch of Spectrum Hung Yen marks a key milestone in bringing this vision to Vietnam.

Designed with a focus on sustainability, functionality, and adaptability, Spectrum Hung Yen will be a next-generation industrial estate. Its strategic location near major highways offers streamlined supply chains and efficient regional distribution, meeting the evolving needs of both local and international manufacturers.

Spectrum Hung Yen will deliver ready-built factories spanning 74,225 square metres, with a gross floor area (GFA) of 52,000 sq.m in its first phase. Legal clearances and initial groundwork began in June 2024 and the handover is targeted in the first quarter of 2026. This project represents a substantial boost to Hung Yen's foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, with a total capital commitment of $60 million, of which $34 million has been allocated to the first phase.

A 3D perspective of Spectrum Hung Yen by Soilbuild International

Ben Ding Khoon Yew, general director of Soilbuild International Vietnam, shared, "After the success of Spectrum Nghe An, we're excited to launch our next chapter in Vietnam. Hung Yen was chosen for its strong leadership, excellent infrastructure, and investor-friendly policies."

He emphasised Soilbuild's confidence in Vietnam as a strategic growth market, backed by a solid track record and growing tenant interest.

Spectrum Hung Yen is located just 36km from Hanoi, located in Clean Industrial Park. With recent road and bridge upgrades, travel time to the capital has been reduced to under an hour.

Singapore Ambassador to Vietnam Jaya Ratnam

Blending environmental sustainability with strategic logistics, Spectrum Hung Yen has already drawn strong interest from electronics, textile, and automotive-component firms, sectors that contributed over $2 billion in FDI to the province in the past year.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, Singapore Ambassador to Vietnam Jaya Ratnam emphasised, "Spectrum Hung Yen reflects the strong and growing economic partnership between Singapore and Vietnam, a clear testament to investor confidence in Vietnam's long-term potential."

Developed by Soilbuild International, the project will integrate green building principles, modern architecture, and meticulous project management, aiming to serve both current manufacturers and future-oriented global supply chains.

Reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development, Soilbuild was recently awarded 'Excellence in Green Strategy' at the Vietnam Industrial Property Forum 2024.

Soilbuild honoured for green transformation strategy at VIPF 2024 At the Vietnam Industrial Property Forum on July 30, Soilbuild International (Vietnam) was honoured as an industrial property developer with a sound green transformation strategy.

Soilbuild launches ready-built facility in Nghe An Singaporean real estate firm Soilbuild International held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Spectrum Nghe An ready-built facility in WHA Industrial Zone 1 in Nghe An province on August 1.
181 prominent dining establishments in Hanoi, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh City were honoured at the third Michelin Guide ceremony, held in Danang a month ago, further affirming the solid position of Vietnamese cuisine on the international culinary map.

Since its first presence in Vietnam in 2023, the number of award-winning restaurants announced by the Michelin Guide has been growing each year. From 77 restaurants recommended in 2023, the number has more than doubled after two years.

According to Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guides, the continuous presence and evaluation of reputable culinary rankings such as Michelin not only provide motivation for restaurants and chefs to strive for excellence but also serve as a clear testament to the special allure of Vietnams rich and delicious cuisine.

We are proud to witness a rise in the number of Starred restaurants, driven by a new generation of talented chefs. Many are returning to their roots, using modern techniques to tell stories of their hometowns and to revive childhood flavours. Street food stalls, family-run eateries, and long-standing local shops continue to preserve culinary traditions with authenticity and passion, Poullennec said.

Vietnamese cuisine is increasingly making a strong mark on the regional and global culinary map, alongside famous cuisines such as Thai, Japanese, South Korean, and Chinese.

The largest local traditional cuisine map website in the world, TasteAtlas, ranked Vietnam 19th out of the 100 most delicious cuisines in the world in 2024. The Foodellers magazine in Portugal also published an article Vietnam: A culinary journey from north to south in July 2024 to praise the diversity and delicacy of the cuisine from each region of the country.

In 2023, US travel magazine Travel and Leisure named Vietnam as the top culinary destination in Asia. Previously, in 2022, Vietnam ranked fifth among the top 10 countries in the world with the most appealing culinary cultures by readers of the famous Canadian magazine The Travel.

The high appreciation from prestigious culinary websites has opened the door for Vietnamese cuisine to be more widely promoted to international tourists and become a significant motivation to attract travellers.

Two-thirds of visitors to a new destination will seek out Michelin-starred restaurants. The benefit of having many Michelin-starred restaurants is that guests will stay longer and spend more, which will be beneficial for the tourism industry, the international director of the Michelin Guides said.

Nguyen Xuan Quynh, secretary general of the Vietnam Chefs Association, assessed that cuisine is a competitive advantage for many countries as it is associated with daily life and is a part of the culture of that country. However, to turn cuisine into a valuable tourism product, it is necessary to create a clear imprint from construction to the promotion of tours and dishes.

Vietnam is only beginning to effectively exploit the strengths of landscapes and heritage, while still underestimating cuisine. Culinary tourism products are mainly concentrated in large cities, while in many other areas, they remain spontaneous, fragmented, lacking systematics, making it difficult for tourists to access and experience, Quynh commented.

He emphasised that Vietnam needs to develop a national strategy for Vietnamese cuisine to provide a basis for promoting culinary tourism products internationally to attract more visitors. Only when there is a close connection between cuisine and culture will culinary tourism products truly have depth and appeal, he added.

In reality, many localities have become more aware of the role of cuisine in tourism development. The city of Hue implemented a strategic step by building the brand Hue  Capital of Cuisine in June with activities to promote tourism and its unique culinary culture, attracting the attention of domestic and international tourists.

Hue is not only famous for its ancient architectural structures and natural landscapes but also possesses a unique culinary culture. According to the city's Department of Tourism, Hue has a rich culinary treasure with over 1,300 dishes, and approximately 700 of them have been preserved to this day.

The uniqueness of Hue cuisine lies in the fusion of Vietnamese-Cham cultures with influences from the north and south, creating a distinct flavour.

Ho Chi Minh Citys Department of Tourism also has plans to enhance the development of the Find your flavour food tour series along with outstanding tourism products following the Journey of taste running from July to August.

The initiative is one of the key highlights of the citys summer tourism stimulus plan, aiming to affirm Ho Chi Minh Citys position as the most vibrant, creative, and distinctive culinary capital in Vietnam.

Following this trend, Haiphong has developed a food tour map with its own categories, such as breakfast spots, lunch venues, dinner locations, food addresses, and has been distributing it free of charge to tourists since 2022.

According to a survey conducted by the online travel platform Booking.com in May, 59 per cent of tourists are interested in exploring new dishes and local specialities, indicating that cuisine is becoming an increasingly important factor in the travel experience.

According to La Quoc Khanh, vice president of the Vietnam Cuisine Culture Association, the cultural value and local elements are highlights that help food leave a deep impression. Therefore, culinary tourism needs to be invested in researching and developing food tours so that tourists can enjoy the food and understand the ingredients, cooking processes, and directly participate in the kitchen.

Cuisine needs to focus on clear origins, ingredients, food safety, and environmental friendliness. When these factors are ensured, cuisine will become the main driving force on the travellers exploration journey, Khanh said.
WAHOO- The community of Wahoo has always been known for its great artwork. Whether it be the beautiful mural that outlines the walls of Sam Crawford Field or the breathtaking Veterans Memorial outside the courthouse, art is alive and well in the county seat of Saunders.

Since the beginning of the year, there has been an effort to bring the local artists in Wahoo together, which resulted in the creation of the Wahoo Area Art Council.

The Wahoo Area Art Council is a group of community members, that just want to lift up the arts in our community, WAAC President Kathryn Nygren said. There have been a lot of good things happening in the arts independently, and we just want to form a bigger support behind everything arts related.

The main goal for WAAC is to shine a light on the local art talent in Wahoo and the surrounding Saunders County communities.

Whether that be music in the park with local musicians or an art show showcasing local work done by artists. WAAC wants to put on display what makes creators artistic, whatever that may be.

If you stop and think about it, there are actually a lot of things that are happening in our town, but just having one big cheerleader for all of it is super important, Nygren said. It will also be nice for these artists to have that backer with some type of operating budget so that we will be able to monetarily support bringing different people, and different things in the town to introduce them to more types of arts.

The idea for the Art Council started when Wahoo City Clerk Christian Fasel attended a conference for municipal city clerks. At that conference, they talked about the creation of an art district with the bigger goal of becoming a creative art district.

Back in 2020, the Nebraska Art Council created the creative art district designation. Once communities can establish a barrier and get the designation, they are open to some funding from the state for the enhancement of the arts in their community.

Its kind of a lengthy application process. You have to do things like identify a physical boundary for your arts district, you have to inventory existing assets in your district, and you have to show community support, Nygren said. Once you get that designation from the state, you are open to some grant funding, with the first being like a $10,000 match.

Another stipulation to get the creative art district designation is the art council must have an operating budget of at least $10,000. Currently, WAAC is in the stage of growing its funds to get to that $10,000 mark.

How WAAC is looking to get to that goal is through patron membership and also benefactor membership. They are also offering a Founders Membership that will only be available through Dec. 31, 2025.

Founders Membership includes Exclusive WAAC Founder Swag, the members name listed as a founder on the 2025-2026 Newsletters, the members name listed as a founder on the website, and an 18-month membership through 2026.

There are multiple different tiers of membership that go from a student membership which is just $25 to a WAAC Benefactor Founder which is $1,500. The goal is to make joining WAAC affordable to whatever your budget is.

To find out more about joining WAAC and when different art events will be happening in Wahoo, visit wahooarts.org.
CEDAR FALLS  Although known to pass out at the sight of blood, Beverly Michael has dedicated her life in retirement to volunteering in the health care field.

At 91, Michael has contributed more than 6,000 volunteer hours to Cedar Falls MercyOne Hospital. That is 250 days. But the former Sartori Hospital is not the only place into which shes poured her heart and soul. Shes donated her time to at least 16 separate organizations in the Cedar Valley.

When reviewing the qualifications for Eight Over 80 recognition, no one comes to mind faster than Beverly Michael, Rosemary Beach wrote in a nomination letter. Bev has been and continues to be an outstanding example of service-minded citizenship. She has made a difference in the lives of thousands of Cedar Valley residents through her service to many organizations.

Michael was thrown into the world of health care by happenstance. After graduating from Knoxville High School in Knoxville, southwest of Pella, her shorthand and typing skills impressed the Veterans Affairs clinic in town.

She ended up at the Iowa City VA Clinic, using her paycheck to put her husband through school while continuing her typing and human resources skills. Eventually, she started working for the purchasing department at John Deere in Ottumwa. She then transferred to the Waterloo plant, working in the computer center and benefits department until her retirement in 1993.

The rest and relaxation of retired life did not last long. She saw an ad in the newspaper asking for volunteers at Sartori.

A lot of small towns had to go so far for health care.  Ive met so many people who had to go so far, you know, for pregnancies, for just any kind of health care, she said. And here we are sitting in Cedar Falls with a great hospital and two good ones in Waterloo, so I felt very fortunate there. So thats where I devoted a lot of my time.

Ironically, her best friend from high school asked her to go into nursing school with her after graduation. Michael said she knew nurses did rotations in many departments, and she could not bear to see someone cut open.

That fear was solidified when her daughter came home from roller skating with a wound and a blood clot.

I fainted and I fell flat on the floor. I would not have made a good nurse, she said with a laugh. But Im very passionate about health care.  I guess I was always interested in health, how to live a healthy life. And I guess Ive done pretty well at 91.

At Sartori she was on the volunteer board for 25 years  three of those as president and two as vice president. She also was the editor of the hospitals newsletter.

She has co-chaired the Festival of Trees, a fundraiser that puts on a display of Christmas trees to celebrate the holiday season. She also ran annual breakfasts and hosted themed blood drives.

Outside of the hospital, she has served on the Cedar Falls Health Trust Board, the Hospital Community Advisory Board and the Iowa Hospital Association Volunteer Board.

But many of her favorite volunteer memories involve children. She helped showcase the hospital and future careers for children at Hansen Elementary School, set up a trick-or-treat event in the hospitals basement, led carolers throughout the building and organized picnics for sixth grade graduates.

She regularly meets with her second grade pen pal from St. Patrick Catholic School.

After moving to the Western Home Communities about a decade ago, she has sat on the volunteer council and development council and is currently an ambassador at Jorgensen Plaza  the communitys recreation center.

She joked that she volunteers so shell miss the robocalls from people hounding her about insurance and car warranties, but the real reason is much more empathetic.

Were put on this earth to help each other, she said. So I felt like, you know, volunteering is helping other people in one way or another.

Volunteering opportunities have diminished since the COVID-19 pandemic, she said, but she hopes to start up again soon. Now, her time is spent with her husband, Dick, three daughters, six grandchildren and one newborn great-great-granddaughter.
WASHINGTON  The Justice Department is ramping up its plans to revoke the citizenship of immigrants who have committed crimes or pose a national security risk, according to a recent memo underscoring the Trump administration's hard-line immigration agenda.

The public push is raising concerns from advocates, who accused the administration of trying to use immigration enforcement for political purposes. It's receiving increased scrutiny after a Republican member of Congress suggested that Zohran Mamdani, the New York City Democratic mayoral candidate, should be subject to denaturalization proceedings.

The U.S. government can strip a naturalized immigrant of their citizenship if they are criminally convicted of naturalization fraud or if the government proves through civil proceedings that they illegally obtained their citizenship through fraud or misrepresented or concealed facts on their application.

For years, the government's denaturalization efforts focused largely on suspected war criminals who lied on their immigration paperwork, most notably former Nazis. The Justice Department filed just more than 300 total cases between 1990 and 2017.

An initiative that began under the Obama administration called Operation Janus expanded those efforts by seeking to identify people who used different identities to get green cards and citizenship after they previously were issued deportation orders.

In 2016, an internal watchdog reported that 315,000 old fingerprint records for immigrants who were deported or had criminal convictions were been uploaded to a Department of Homeland Security database that is used to check immigrants' identities. The same report found more than 800 immigrants were ordered deported under one identity but became U.S. citizens under another.

The first Trump administration made such investigations a bigger priority, creating a Justice Department section focused on denaturalization cases.

Even then, the number of denaturalization cases remained small, as the administration didn't have the resources to bring many amid an onslaught of legal challenges to immigration policies it had to defend against, said Matthew Hoppock, an attorney in Kansas who represents people in denaturalization cases.

The push was announced in a memo from the recently confirmed head of the Justice Department's Civil Division, Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate. He said the cases the department will prioritize include people who "pose a potential danger to national security," people who commit violent crimes, members of gangs and drug cartels and people who commit Medicaid fraud and other types of fraud.

The benefits of the denaturalization process, Shumate wrote, "include the government's ability to revoke the citizenship of individuals who engaged in the commission of war crimes, extrajudicial killings, or other serious human rights abuses; to remove naturalized criminals, gang members, or, indeed, any individuals convicted of crimes who pose an ongoing threat to the United States; and to prevent convicted terrorists from returning to U.S. soil or traveling internationally on a U.S. passport."

Hoppock said the memo sort of "blows the doors open" for the administration to file as many as many denaturalization cases as it has the resources to file.

The broad language in the memo raises the prospect "that any offense, at any time, may be used to justify denaturalization," said Christopher Wellborn, president of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

"It is not difficult to imagine a scenario where the government invokes unsubstantiated claims of gang affiliation or uses an individual's criminal record to claim that citizenship was illegally procured," Wellborn said.

Others worry the administration's public push will stoke fear among naturalized immigrants.

"The more you talk about it, the more you frame it as 'we're coming after your naturalization, we're coming after you,' the more of a chilling effect we see on people applying for naturalization," said Elizabeth Taufa, senior policy attorney and strategist at the Immigrant Legal Resource Center. "Even those folks that really are eligible for naturalization."

Critics accuse the Trump administration using immigration enforcement to go after people because of their speech  most notably in the case of Columbia University activist Mahmoud Khalil, whom it sought to deport over his role in pro-Palestinian protests.

"One of our ongoing concerns is will they target these politically, will they start combing through people's immigration files if they don't like you or if they think you don't agree with the government," Hoppock said.

"I think most Americans would support the idea of stripping someone of citizenship if they got it through fraud and they are also a dangerous person," he said, but the concern is if they start going through "regular folks' immigration files to find a T that is not crossed or an I that is not dotted so they can use it as a weapon."
Iowas U.S. House members  all Republicans  voted Thursday to pass President Donald Trumps $4.5 trillion tax breaks and spending cuts bill, sending it to him to sign before the Fourth of July holiday weekend and just a few hours before Trump was set to speak in Des Moines at an event at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

Democrats unified against the bill as a tax giveaway to the ultra wealthy paid for by slashing social safety net programs that provide health coverage and food assistance to vulnerable Americans. The legislation also rolls back green energy tax credits signed into law by Democratic former President Joe Biden that could derail solar, wind and other renewable projects in Iowa and elsewhere.

Various national polls show muted support for Trumps sweeping domestic policy bill, including ones from Fox News (38% favored vs. 59% opposed), KFF (64% viewed unfavorably, 35% viewed favorably) and Pew Research Center (49% opposed and 29% in favor).

Rep. Ashley Hinson and Iowas other members of Congress said the bill will prevent a tax hike on households and grow the economy.

In a statement, Hinson, of Marion, lauded the bill for providing historic investments in border security and immigration enforcement, and tax relief for working Iowans. That includes no tax on tips, no tax on overtime; an expanded Child Tax Credit of $2,200 per child; and additional relief for seniors. Additionally, the bill makes permanent a provision in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that allows eligible small businesses to deduct up to 20% of their qualified business income.

This transformative legislation enacts tax cuts for working Iowans, permanently secures the border, and strengthens Medicaid for vulnerable populations while rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse, Hinson said,  Nearly 80 million Americans voted for this common sense, conservative agenda, and Im proud to work with President Trump to deliver a stronger, safer and more prosperous America and Iowa.

Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart, in a statement, criticized Hinson and the rest of Iowas all-Republican congressional delegation for breaking promises made to Iowans to protect Medicaid and rural hospitals and reduce the federal deficit in order to give tax breaks to wealthy donors.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates the proposal will add $3.3 trillion to the nations debt over the next decade, and 11.8 million more people will go without health coverage.

Democratic members of the Joint Economic Committee, based on the CBOs analysis and other research, estimate 113,979 Iowans would lose health insurance coverage.

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  or one-fifth  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 they would face if the 2017 tax cuts expired.

Impacts to rural hospitals

Hinson and House Republicans maintain they are trying to rightsize federal 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.

They contend the bill does not cut Medicaid, but rather prevents ineligible people and individuals with unverified or certain legal statuses from getting Medicaid benefits, protecting those who genuinely rely on the program.

This is a huge win for Iowans and the American people, U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, who represents southeast Iowa, said in brief video posted to X (formerly Twitter).

Miller-Meeks, a Republican from Ottumwa who also resides in Davenport, said in a statement the bill provides a $6,000 tax break for seniors, brings manufacturing jobs back to America, secures the border, and strengthens and preserves Medicaid for those it was intended to serve: children, pregnant women, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities.

Additionally, the bill sets up a $50 billion fund to support rural health care providers and enhance care quality. It also introduces work requirements for able-bodied adults under the age of 65, allowing exemptions for certain groups, and prioritizes Medicaid for U.S. citizens and legal residents, eliminating federal support for those without verified legal status.

Both Miller-Meeks and U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn of Bondurant, however, signed onto a letter along with 14 other vulnerable House Republicans opposing deeper Medicaid cuts contained in the final version of the bill that target Medicaid provider taxes and state-directed payments to hospitals, nursing facilities and other providers.

Throughout the budget process, we have consistently affirmed our commitment to ensuring that reductions in federal spending do not come at the expense of our most vulnerable constituents, the members wrote.

Miller-Meeks, Nunn and the other lawmakers said the Senates changes, which the House ultimately agreed to, go beyond the pragmatic and compassionate Medicaid changes they supported in the House bill.

They said penalties for Medicaid expansion states, including Iowa, and cuts to emergency Medicaid funding would place additional burdens on hospitals already stretched thin by legal and moral obligations to provide care.

Protecting Medicaid is essential for the vulnerable constituents we were elected to represent, the letter states. Therefore, we cannot support a final bill that threatens access to coverage or jeopardizes the stability of our hospitals and providers.

Democrats criticized the Republicans letter as meaningless, highlighting their initial support for the House bill containing significant Medicaid rollbacks.

Nunn, in a statement, said the bill fuels growth on Main Street, and puts more money back in the pockets of Iowa families, and positions Iowa farmers and producers to lead the charge in delivering affordable, American-made energy.

The bill raises reference prices for corn and soybeans, expands market access and extends and modifies a biofuels production tax credit.

U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, who represents western Iowa, in a statement said the legislation will dramatically grow our economy, cut deficits, spur U.S. manufacturing, fully fund the border wall, and support American energy independence.

Medicaid changes impact

The bill would impose work and reporting requirements on Iowans covered through the Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act, and require states to impose cost-sharing for Medicaid expansion adults with incomes above 100% of the federal poverty level, which could lead to decreased enrollment and increased out-of-pocket expenses for some beneficiaries.

Adults would be required to demonstrate they are working, volunteering or participating in a work program for at least 80 hours per month or attending school at least half-time to qualify for coverage under the Affordable Care Acts Medicaid expansion.

The bill also would increase the frequency of eligibility redeterminations for the Medicaid expansion group; limit state-directed payments to hospitals, nursing facilities and other providers, potentially affecting the financial stability of these institutions; and limit the ability of states like Iowa to raise Medicaid funding through provider taxes.

Iowa hospitals and health care providers have said the Medicaid provisions would lead to significant cuts in federal Medicaid spending and increased financial burdens on states. Such changes would result in reduced access to care for millions of Americans, including those in both the Medicaid expansion and traditional Medicaid populations.

Chris Mitchell, president and CEO of the Iowa Hospital Association, said rural hospitals already operate on thin margins. Cuts to Medicaid will exacerbate their already strained financial situations, forcing hospitals to make tough decisions about reducing services or closing altogether, Mitchell previously said.

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, he said.

Iowa is already facing significant challenges in its health care sector, including workforce shortages and challenges in recruiting and retaining staff, and financial pressures resulting from low reimbursement rates from Medicare and Medicaid that are not keeping up with rising costs.

Rural Iowa has been losing nursing home facilities, and according to the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform, 20 rural Iowa hospitals are at risk of closure, with five facing immediate risk of shutting down.

Additionally, a new report from the Urban Institute estimates 26,000 Iowa families would lose at least $25 in monthly benefits from the proposed policy changes.

Among families who would lose at least $25 in monthly Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, the Urban Institute estimates 22,000 are families with children and would lose $53 on average per month (or $636 per year).
Under the leadership of Russian Minister of Defence Andrei Belousov, a meeting was held on the implementation of advanced medical technologies in the military sphere as part of the implementation of the targets set at the expanded meeting of the Russian Ministry of Defence Boarding Session with the participation of the President of the Russian Federation.

 The meeting was attended by Russian Minister of Health Mikhail Murashko, Deputy Ministers of Defence Anna Tsivileva and Colonel General Andrei Bulyga, Head of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency Veronika Skvortsova, Head of the Department for Improving the Efficiency of the Russian Ministry of Defence Victoria Semerikova, heads of central military administration bodies, and heads of medical services of the groups of forces of the Russian Armed Forces in the special military operation zone via video link.

The Ministry of Defence is currently working on improving military medicine on a systematic basis. The goal is to develop new approaches to creating modern methods of medical support in the military, Andrei Belousov said.

 The chiefs of medical services of the Russian groups of forces reported to the head of the Russian military department on the organisation of medical care on the front line and voiced specific proposals on the evacuation and transportation of the wounded, the improvement of individual first-aid kits and standard medical equipment as well as the introduction of new medical technologies and equipment at all stages of medical care.

The results of this work and the opportunities for further development are quite obvious. We need to take advantage of the proposals that were discussed today, Andrei Belousov said.

The Russian Minister of Defence has set a task to develop proposals for improving the medical support system for frontline military personnel within a month, based on the recommendations of the heads of medical services in the Russian groups of forces. The goal is to prepare a list of new technologies in the shortest possible time, based on the proposals and developments of the Ministry of Health and the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia, which can be implemented in the medical care system for military personnel.

We will then launch this list of proposals on a short track. What is possible should be implemented this year, emphasised the Russian Minister of Defence.

 During the meeting, the issues of modernising means of evacuating and transporting the wounded from the battlefield were discussed. State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation Anna Tsivileva noted that the experience of conducting the special military operation has allowed for the development of new approaches to organising evacuation measures at the military level.

To date, high-speed small-sized evacuation vehicles, such as buggies and robotic systems equipped with electronic warfare equipment, have proven to be effective in carrying out their intended tasks, Anna Tsivileva said.

In modern combat conditions, sanitary mesh stretchers with reinforced handles are widely used for evacuating wounded soldiers in difficult terrain. Additionally, a remotely controlled unmanned aerial vehicle-based drop system has been developed to deliver medical supplies to the front lines. This system allows for the direct delivery of medical supplies to wounded soldiers and facilitates their search.

 Russian Defence Ministry (https://t.me/mod_russia_en)

 Head of the Main Military Medical Directorate of the Russian Ministry of Defence Dmitriy Trishkin reported that since the beginning of the special military operation, advanced medical groups from medical battalions and medical detachments with highly qualified specialists have been widely used, which has allowed for the provision of specialised medical care at the front lines and the performance of life-saving surgeries in a short period of time.

This tactic has not been used in previous military conflicts, emphasized Dmitry Trishkin.

He also noted that modern medical devices are currently being used to provide medical care to personnel. At the same time, work is ongoing to find new promising technologies, tools, and methods of treatment in the military unit.

For example, the military groups have implemented measures to provide lyophilised (dry) blood plasma at the advanced stages of medical evacuation in the tactical unit. The use of dry plasma is much simpler than the use of fresh frozen plasma, and it allows many military personnel to survive at the advanced stages of medical evacuation.

 The Minister of Defence thanked the Russian Federal Medical and Biological Agency for developing and introducing the dry plasma product. This year, the Federal Medical and Biological Agency will supply 10,000 packages of dry plasma to the military.

In addition, military medical air ambulances equipped with all necessary medical devices and instruments, medical products, and medicines have been launched to evacuate the wounded. Medical teams of doctors and nurses work around the clock.

 Russian Minister of Health Mikhail Murashko presented new developments that are already being used in the provision of medical care.

We have now established a coordination information center for the Russian Ministry of Health. Our main task is to cooperate with the General Medical Directorate, medical organisations in the regions, military medical organisations, and the Defenders of the Fatherland Foundation, he added.

 Head of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia Veronika Skvortsova noted that the agency is currently working with the military department to solve many problems.

We have developed a 13-layer material that has already been tested and can withstand up to 125-130 grams of TNT, which is a very effective anti-fragment protection. We have also developed protective panels for non-armored ambulances, as well as anti-fragment stretchers for wounded personnel and protective equipment for medical staff, she said.

Veronika Skvortsova added that the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia has always developed mobile facilities for diagnostic methods such as CT and MRI as well as operating rooms, intensive care units, and dressing rooms. She also emphasised that the agency is ready to share its experience, including in terms of equipment, protection against biological, chemical, and radiation factors, as well as medicines for military personnel, blood products, including dry plasma.

 The Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation thanked the Ministry of Health and the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia for their cooperation and assistance to the Ministry of Defence, and instructed them to promptly implement the proposed innovations that can be used to preserve the lives and health of our military personnel.

 Russian Defence Ministry (https://t.me/mod_russia_en)

WtR
Improvements in odour issues at Hafod Landfill Site, say Wrexham councillors

Odour issues around Hafod landfill site are improving and there are signs that the situation is improving, according to Wrexham councillors.

The site  which has been subject to odour complaints by residents in Johnstown, Ruabon, Ponciau and Rhostyllen for 18 years  has been under increased scrutiny after the number of complaints skyrocketed in January.

Common complaints from residents are that they cannot open their windows on warm days or that they fear what the site is releasing into the air could be harmful to people.

But a new strategy saw the formation of a new stakeholder group of residents and representatives from Wrexham County Borough Council, Natural Resources Wales  who are responsible for enforcing the sites environmental permit  and landfill site operator Enovert.

Its purpose was to monitor the site and ensure improvement work was carried out.

After six months there has already been a positive impact, according to Johnstown councillor Dave Bithell.

What weve done over the last six months is put a lot of pressure on NRW and Enovert in particular to address the issues, he said.

Why it went wrong at the turn of the year I dont know because its never been run poorly, but the last few months have been good.

Complaints have fallen from 240 in January to seven last month so whatever has been done is working. The residents deserve that because some properties are only 100m away from the landfill site.

Some days you go past and it smells terrible, but I went past there yesterday and couldnt smell a thing. Credit to NRW and credit to Enovert for the work theyve done.

That work includes increasing capping  where mounds of waste are covered to contain odours  installing sensors in the community to measure odour releases and sharing that data in a clear, simple way with the stakeholder group.

Some campaigners remain vocal in their desire to close the site, but Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Strategic Planning and Public Protection warned that simply shutting it down would likely make the problems worse.

Some campaigners want it closed but if you close it, what happens to it, he said. 

All of a sudden all the processes that deal with the leachate and the other things that can cause smells and problems for residents stop.

Effectively youre left with an uncontrolled, unmanaged landfill site. Thats not good for the environment or the neighbours.

I understand people want to see things happening but if you visit the site youll see there is an awful lot happening.

Theres a lot of additional capping of waste being put in place than was happening 12 months ago. Theres additional monitoring stations in place, weve improved the availability and access of the data so from our point of view our public protection team are working as hard as they can to deliver on it and make the necessary information available.

The number of complaints have dropped and dropped and bearing in mind the heat we have had recently that is a really good sign that we are getting control of the situation.

Despite the improvements last month campaigner Steve Gittins submitted a petition to the Welsh Government asking for an inquiry into Hafod landfill.

The petitions committee agreed  a date for the inquiry is yet to be set.

The move was welcomed by Cllr Bithell.

The Senedd committee will have their inquiry and listen and hopefully they will come up with some positive actions to support what weve done, he said.

In an ideal world wed want it shut down because who wants to live near a landfill site? But closing a landfill site is not easy.

You have to go through the environmental permit and youd have a half-filled site youd have to restore at some stage.

By Alec Doyle  BBC Local Democracy Reporter